Hong Kong: Bill to widen ban on feeding animals The Government today published a bill in the Gazette proposing to expand the scope of the ban on feeding wild animals to cover feral pigeons and to increase the maximum penalty for illegal feeding. Stressing that feeding of wild animals and feral pigeons affects their ability to forage and survive in the wild, and poses public hygiene and other issues, the Government said the amendment bill seeks to enhance deterrence in combating such activities. The bill also proposes to raise the maximum penalty for illegal feeding from a fine of $10,000 to one of $100,000 and imprisonment for one year, and to introduce a fixed penalty system with the amount set at $5,000. There are also proposals to broaden the scope of Government enforcement officers powers to enforce the law. The Wild Animals Protection (Amendment) Bill 2023 will be given a first reading in the Legislative Council on November 29. Subject to the bills passage, the legislative amendments will take effect on August 1, 2024. This story has been published on: 2023-11-17. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. To jointly build Asia-Pacific community with shared future 09:42, November 17, 2023 By He Yin ( 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. (People's Daily/Chen Yiming/) 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. At the same time, the world enters a new period of turbulence and transformation, with geopolitical tensions and an evolving economic landscape impacting the development environment and cooperation framework in the Asia-Pacific region. 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. (Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun) Dozens of Asian American organizations sent a letter to Congress this week to protest the reauthorization of Section 702, a controversial surveillance statute that critics say could be used to racially profile communities of color. A coalition of 63 organizations, led by several Asian American groups including the Asian American Scholar Forum and Stop AAPI Hate, urged lawmakers to reject a short-term extension of the statute, which gives U.S. intelligence agencies the authority, without a warrant, to acquire communications of non-Americans who use American communications platforms. With the program slated to expire by the end of the year, lawmakers will have to decide on its future. But the organizations argue that the surveillance has previously been used against Asian Americans, including Chinese American professor Xiaoxing Xi, who was arrested in May 2015 and falsely accused of spying for China before his case was dropped months later. Part of the reason why his case inspires so much concern is the fear that the methods that were used on Dr. Xiaoxing Xi are being used against the Asian American scholar community as a whole, Gisela Perez Kusakawa, executive director of the Asian American Scholar Forum, told NBC News. The existing surveillance authority that the government has needs appropriate checks and balances so that racial profiling does not take place. The groups instead called for Section 702 and its renewal to be examined through separate legislation so it is subject to open debate and amendment. They also advocated for a floor vote on the Government Surveillance Reform Act of 2023, a bipartisan bill introduced earlier this month that would require warrants for the government purchase of private data, among other major changes. The coalition argued that the statute has been misused to spy on Americans in the past. A court order showed that the FBI improperly searched for information in Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act databases, including ones containing Section 702 information more than 278,000 times in 2020 and early 2021 to look into Americans who participated in protests following the murder of George Floyd, among others. In the case of Xi, the FBI relied on the statute to surveil his communications with colleagues in China without a warrant, a 2017 complaint shows. These communications were cited by the government in court papers when Xi was arrested. And the professor was subsequently threatened with up to 80 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million before the case collapsed. While data on the use of Section 702 on Asian American scientists like Xi is scarce, the professor is one of several Asian American scientists who have been falsely accused of espionage. The consequences of such misuse have had a profound impact on our Asian American community, resulting in wrongful targeting, unjust surveillance, and devastating tolls on careers, livelihoods, and reputations, the letter read. This disproportionate targeting has fostered a climate of fear among Asian Americans and their families, causing anxiety about being stopped, monitored, or investigated while engaging in everyday activities. The coalition previously wrote to Congress in September, opposing Section 702 without reforms and underscoring the impact that historical discrimination and unrestrained national security programs have had on the Asian American community. During World War II, over 120,000 U.S. residents of Japanese ancestry were incarcerated in remote detention camps in the name of national security in what was one of the darkest stains in our nations history, the coalition wrote. Yet history continues to repeat itself from the treatment of Arab, Middle Eastern, Muslim, and South Asian (AMEMSA) communities post 9/11 to the current hate, violence, and bigotry against Asian Americans. Kusakawa said her organization recognizes legitimate threats to U.S. national security, but that a stronger system of checks and balances is necessary to ensure civil rights protections. When we lack the sufficient protections, when we lack these guardrails, it results in a chilling effect that leads to a loss of talent and trust in our country, Kusakawa said. When we lose talent, we lose all of those significant innovations and rich contributions of the Asian American scholar community. CORRECTION (Nov. 17, 2023, 11:30 a.m. ET): A subhead on a previous version of this article misstated the name of the statute. It is Section 702, not Section 703. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com The bulk of a $1 million settlement involving Dollar General will be distributed among Ohio food banks. Attorney General Dave Yost filed a lawsuit against the retail giant last year, accusing the Tennessee based chain of deceptive pricing practices. Dollar General admitted no wrongdoing as part of the settlement. The bulk of a $1 million payment earlier this year from Dollar General to settle allegations of deceptive pricing practices at its Ohio stores will be split among food banks and hunger relief organizations, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced on Thursday. Since identifying all consumers affected by incidents of higher prices being charged at the register than posted on shelves, Yost announced during the County Auditors Association of Ohios Winter Conference in Columbus that $750,000 of the settlement would be split among food banks and hunger relief organizations within the state's 88 counties. The goal, he said, was to bring some monetary restitution for the deceptive pricing practices that Yost alleged in a lawsuit that the Tennessee-based discount retail giant engaged in. Under the settlement, however, Dollar General denied any wrongdoing. Yost told auditors that every county will receive at least $1,000, and county auditors will decide what organizations will receive money and notify Yost's office by Nov. 30. The remainder of the $750,000 will be distributed depending on how many Dollar General stores are within a specific county, Yost said. Wyandot County Auditor George Kitzler, the incoming president of the County Auditors Association, thanked Yost for "earmarking food banks as the beneficiaries and for empowering my colleagues and me to decide where best to direct the money within our counties." "The food bank assistance is well-timed, as the holiday season is quickly approaching, Kitzler noted. The remaining $250,000 is being retained by Yost to cover the costs of the investigation and litigation against Dollar General. In addition to the monetary relief, the settlement requires that Dollar General: Ensure that items are rung up at the correct price at the register Make sure that district managers conduct random price checks every 45 days Make stores that receive 3 failed auditor reports within 6 months complete a full-store assessment and check the price of every item in the store Educate all employees about the policy and post signs in its Ohio stores informing customers of the same. Yost filed the lawsuit against Dollar General last year after reports and tests out of Butler County revealed that 20 Dollar General stores within the county had overcharge error rates ranging from 16.7% to 88.2%. The attorney general also reported receiving a dozen complaints about similar bait advertising and deceptive practices by Dollar General between March 2021 and August 2022 from consumers in Franklin, Cuyahoga, Highland, Lucas, Madison, Richland, Summit and Trumbull counties. In 2019, Dollar General settled a similar consumer protection act case in Vermont for $1.75 million for overcharging customers. Inspectors in that state warned the chain more than 50 times about price inaccuracies at the 36 stores in that state. smeighan@dispatch.com This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio food banks to get $750k of $1 million Dollar General settlement [Source] Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) sent a letter to President Joe Biden urging immediate action to address the growing visa backlog, which particularly affects the Asian American community. The backlog: With over one-third of the 4 million people in the family-based immigration backlog hailing from Asia, lawmakers stressed the need for immigration system reform. The members of the CAPAC, led by Rep. Judy Chu (D-Calif.) and Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), called on Biden to reallocate unused visa spots from the past two decades to family and employment-based categories as well as expand family-reunification parole to help families during the approval process. This backlog shows the inability of our immigration system to meet the needs of Americans as well as prospective immigrants, the lawmakers wrote in the letter. While we continue to work toward an immigration system that truly centers the needs of families, we ask your administration to act and help alleviate the pressures of a system that has long needed reform. Low issuance: The letter highlighted the low issuance of family-preference visas in fiscal year 2022, noting that only 165,642 of the 226,000 available family-preference visas were issued, emphasizing the structural issues in the immigration system. As immigration backlogs contribute to labor shortages, the lawmakers urged common-sense reforms to reunite families and alleviate pressures on the economy. Trending on NextShark: Watch: Woman breaks down in tears after missing flight due to online shopping sale These common-sense reforms will reunite families that have been separated for far too long and will also help alleviate the pressures of continuing labor shortages and increased push factors causing individuals to seek a better life here in the United States, they concluded. As Members of CAPAC, we are committed to working with you to help reform our broken immigration system. However, as Congress is unlikely to act as quickly as the moment demands, we ask that you act to help reunite families and contribute to the economic and societal well-being of our country. More on NextShark: Ikea trolls Balenciaga over $925 towel skirt Takeshi Kitano directs, stars in samurai period drama featuring gay relationships Video of APEC protester attempting to light Chinese flag on fire goes viral Higher Brothers' PSY.P to make solo debut in New York with return of MetaMoon EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) Green Bay Packers Running Back Aaron Jones, his brother Alvin and their A&A All The Way Foundation are hosting a turkey drive on Tuesday, Nov. 21 in El Paso. According to the foundation, 225 turkeys will be provided to families from 10 a.m. through 12 p.m. on Tuesday at Hawkins Elementary School located at 5816 Stepherson Ave. Representatives from the A&A All The Way Foundation will be handing out the turkeys. The turkey giveaway is part of Jones A&A All The Way Foundation, which he and his brother, Alvin Jones Jr., started in 2020, the foundation said. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. Abilene ISD announced the hiring of a new Executive Director of Fine Arts and principal of Austin Elementary School Thursday, Nov. 16. Superintendent Dr. David Young announced Lacy Bruce as the new principal at Austin Elementary. She will begin in January 2024 succeeding outgoing principal Clay Johnson. Young also announced that Johnson will serve as the districts new Executive Director of Fine Arts starting in January 2024. Johnson will be succeeding current executive director Jay Lester who will be retiring from AISD and becoming the Director of Bands for Hardin-Simmons University. As Lester moves into his new position, he is confident that Johnson will serve the district well in his new position. As I reflect on my career in public education as a music teacher and later an arts administrator, I have nothing but positive feelings, said Lester. As I transition into college teaching at Hardin-Simmons, my goal is to stay involved in the greater arts community of Abilene, AISD and Texas. Without hesitation, I welcome Clay Johnson as the new Executive Director of Fine Arts for AISD. His background has prepared him very well for the job and I have no doubt that he will continue the tradition of excellence that AISD fine arts has established over the years. Johnson has completed 20 years of service with AISD. He previously served as associate director and director for the Cooper High School band for 16 years before moving into campus administration with Bowie Elementary and Abilene High School. Abilene ISD Superintendent Dr. David Young announced Clay Johnson as the new Executive Director of Fine Arts starting January 2024. During Johnsons tenure at CHS, the band won 12 UIL Sweepstakes Awards and 14 CHS students were selected for the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) All-State Honor Band. Outside of Abilene ISD, Johnson served as an adjunct professor of low brass at McMurray University and as a judge and clinician for UIL marching and concert bands and Region 6 middle school honor bands. His fine arts leadership experience includes chairing the fine arts department at CHS and acting as a fine arts liaison at AHS. Clay is the right person to lead Abilene ISDs outstanding fine arts programs into the future, said Young. He brings a wealth of experience and excellence in education and the arts to this position. I am confident that our fine arts students and staff will continue to have every opportunity to succeed under his leadership. Clay Johnson has completed 20 years of service with Abilene ISD. Johnson is seen interacting with students on the first day of school at Bowie Elementary in 2019. Johnson is thankful for the opportunity to continue to serve Abilene ISD in his new position. I look forward to promoting our outstanding programs and providing the best opportunities for fine arts students in AISD, Johnson said. Fine arts has been a bright spot in AISD for many years and I am excited to lead this department through its next chapter. As Johnson takes a seat in the fine arts department, Bruce will be upgrading her title from assistant principal of Austin Elementary to principal. Before moving into campus administration in 2021, Bruce taught second, third and fourth grade students at Johnston Elementary (later renamed Purcell Elementary). Abilene ISD Superintendent Dr. David Young announced Lacy Bruce as the new principal of Austin Elementary School starting January 2024. Her experience includes special education instruction, grade level leadership and working on several committees (District of Innovation, Safe and Civil Schools, Campus Foundations, Gifted and Talented and emergency management). The superintendent expressed his faith in Bruce and her history of excellent instruction and leadership of faculty and campus administration. Lacy is well-prepared to step into the principalship at Austin Elementary School, Young said. She has a passion for building positive relationships with students, families and staff, as well as a track record of helping our kids grow academically, socially and emotionally. I know the Austin community will benefit tremendously from her continued leadership. The 13-year veteran of AISD schools shared she is eager to continue serving Austin Elementary in her new position come January 2024. Austin is a special place full of rich traditions and I am extremely excited for this opportunity, Bruce said. This article originally appeared on Abilene Reporter-News: AISD announces new director of fine arts and elementary principal Pet-nats have been popping up on wine lists across the city. Simple, fizzy, fresh, these crown-capped sparkling wines are alive. Though pet-nat wine originated in southwestern France, winemakers in other parts of the world, including one in Peru, Illinois, are giving this versatile, sparkling style a go as consumer interest trends toward more natural, minimally manipulated wines. Advertisement Pet-nats (aka petillant naturel wines, meaning naturally bubbly in English) are sparkling wines made in a manner that predates even the traditional method used in Champagne, France, since the late 17th century. Unlike the traditional Champagne method, which calls for a second fermentation with additional sugar and yeast, pet-nat winemakers implement the methode ancestrale, allowing the initial fermentation to finish in the bottle without any additives. Rather than induce a second fermentation in the bottle, pet-nat winemakers bottle the wine before the initial fermentation has ended. Advertisement The result: an easygoing, softly sparkling wine thats sometimes lightly sweet from residual grape sugars, sometimes hazy with unfiltered yeast particles and always easy to drink. Illinois Sparkling Co. has been producing pet-nats since 2018, when they rolled out their extra-brut Pet Nat Rose made from the Chambourcin grapes, a French American hybrid grape variety that has found a fit in the Midwest climate despite both temperature and precipitation extremes. Mark Wenzel was working as a mechanical engineer when he and his wife, Teri, decided to take over the family farm and make the leap into grape growing and winemaking in 2002. The couple founded August Hill Winery, and later, sister brand Illinois Sparkling Co., on the same 4 acres once farmed by Marks grandfather, August Engelhaupt, in the riverside town of Peru. August Hill Winery in Peru, Illinois. (Amy Bizzarri/HANDOUT) The winerys vineyard is situated on a hillside, on land that has been in the Wenzel family for over 100 years. During the harvest season, the wooded valley stretching beyond the hill, toward the banks of the Illinois River, takes on autumns red and orange hues. At the top of the hill, a tall oak tree, likely as old as the farm itself, surveys the rows upon rows of grapevines that line the hills slope. My grandfather grew corn, soybeans and a small amount of hay here, never grapes, Wenzel said. When we realized that the soil, climate and airflow make this land ... ideal for a vineyard, we did a deep tillage the year before planting. Then our family and friends stepped up to help us plant the vineyard. Initially, Wenzel and his team planted 36 grape varieties. Brianna, Frontenac, Frontenac Gris, Geneva Red, La Crescent, Marquette, Noiret, Prairie Star and St. Pepin are just a few of the varieties we successfully grew. Ultimately, we discovered that French-hybrid grapes La Crescent, Frontenac Gris, Frontenac, Marquette and Frontenac Blanc thrive here in northern Illinois. Wenzel already had pet-nats on his radar when his friend and colleague Eduard Seitan of Chicagos One Off Hospitality challenged him to create a natural, sparkling wine. The Illnatic, a pale, white gold pet-nat with notes of pear, apple cider and grapefruit, made with Illinois Chardonel grapes. (August Hill Winery/HANDOUT) Today, Illinois Sparkling Co. offers three pet-nats: creamy, light ruby-tinged Pet-Nat Rose, made with Illinois Chambourcin grapes; Back to Back, an extra-brut pet-nat made with Frontenac Gris and La Crescent grapes; and Illnatic, a pale, white gold pet-nat with notes of pear, apple cider and grapefruit, made with Illinois Chardonel grapes. Advertisement The pet-nat process at Illinois Sparkling Co. begins with a light pressing of the grapes. Juice is extracted with a bladder press and fermented for seven to 10 days. When the juice is 75% fermented, winemakers Mark Wenzel and Sarah Hall halt the fermentation process by chilling the wine down to 30 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the wine is cold stable, they let it warm up again, thus reigniting fermentation. When the wine has 12 grams per liter of sugar left, its time to bottle. Fermentation continues in the bottle, creating the gentle bubbles and ever-evolving nature that pet-nat drinkers adore. Pet-nats are unfiltered, minimal intervention wines, so their styles vary more than other sparkling wines of the world, said Colin Hofer, 2022 Michelin Sommelier of the Year and general manager of Adorn, the Four Seasons Chicagos in-hotel restaurant and bar. They can be pithy and very textural, which goes great with food, and are lower in alcohol than other sparklers, which means you can enjoy more without the notorious Champagne headache. I like to think of them as fun, uncomplicated bubbles. With a wine list featuring the best wines in the world, Hofer is focusing more on similarly high-caliber wines, albeit produced with minimal intervention. Living in a cold climate makes me appreciate farmers and winemakers in similar regions producing sparkling wine and pet-nats, Hofer said. I think its a great opportunity and fun juxtaposition between having rare luxury Champagne like Salon and Selosse offered alongside these smaller producers who are operating out of regions no one has heard of; theyre pushing the boundaries of wine just as Selosse and Salon have done in the past. At Daisies, a Logan Square farm-to-table eatery that reimagines classic Italian cuisine with Midwest-grown ingredients, pet-nats were a natural addition to the sparkling menu. [ Review: Daisies feels brand-new, but its biggest change isnt on the plate ] At Daisies, we highlight wines from small, independent, sustainably minded makers, said Leah Matthews, the restaurants wine program manager. We love Illinois Sparkling Co.; weve been pouring their Champagne method rose by the glass for years. Advertisement Matthews first tried Illinois Sparkling Co.s pet-nats when she celebrated her birthday with a visit to the August Hill Tasting Room in downtown Utica, Illinois. I love that each bottle of pet-nat sets off on its very own fermentation journey, creating a unique drinking experience. A pet nat rose in the fermentation process. (August Hill Winery/HANDOUT) We pair the Illnatic with our porchetta di testa; the busy bubbles texturally go hand in hand with the marbled cut of pork, Matthews said. The ISC Pet-Nat Rose, with its red fruit notes, bright acidity, touch of salinity and savory undertones, pairs beautifully with our fall pork collar with butternut squash puree, charred apple mostarda and fried sage leaves. Since theyre sealed with crown caps instead of corks, pet-nats are easy to spot in stores, including at BottlesUp! wine shop in East Lakeview. Eat. Watch. Do. Weekly What to eat. What to watch. What you need to live your best life ... now. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy > I appreciate anything that helps make the wine world more approachable for people, and I think pet-nats do that, said BottlesUp! owner Melissa Zeman. Theyre fun and fresh, which is initially inviting, but they also often lead to conversations about how the wine is made, stories about the producer, etc. Getting the world to think and care a bit more about what its drinking is always a plus. Zeman suggests beer lovers give pet-nats a go, too. I recommend pet-nats to sour beer lovers. And absolutely cider drinkers. Im seeing more and more pet-nats being made by co-fermenting wine grapes with apples, pears and other fruits. Pet-nats vary from bottle to bottle, said Owen Huzar, Adorns head sommelier at the Four Seasons. Advertisement Pet-nats are the Russian roulette of wine, he said. I recommend pet-nats to the adventuresome wine lover, the wine lover inherently curious about the world of wine. If you like to explore and like sparkling wine, you are going to like pet-nats, Hofer agreed. And because of their raw, minimal intervention nature, you can find some of the most expressive terroir-driven pet-nats from regions youve never heard of, which appeals to my inner explorer. Amy Bizzarri is a freelance writer. Gov. Roy Cooper and leaders of the N.C. Department of Transportation took a train trip on Friday to highlight the states growing passenger rail system and their ambitions to expand it further. NCDOTs passenger trains, operated by Amtrak, are on pace to set another record for ridership this year. Nearly 66,000 people rode the Piedmont and Carolinian trains in October, surpassing the previous monthly record set in July. Meanwhile, Amtrak said that in the year that ended Sept. 30, more than 1,178,000 people boarded passenger trains in North Carolina, including the Carolinian, Piedmont and four long-distance trains that pass through the state each day. Thats up 34% from the previous year. To draw attention to the states rail program, called NCByTrain, Cooper boarded the mid-morning Piedmont at Raleigh Union Station on his way to Greensboro. He said a growing number of people are discovering how comfortable and convenient riding the train can be. N.C. Gov. Roy Cooper, left, talks with Montravias King of Charlotte before both of them boarded the Piedmont train at Raleigh Union Station on Friday, Nov. 17. When you think about being on our interstates, as hard as we work to keep them going the driving and the tension of driving and the wanting to get some work done and the wanting to talk on the phone, he said. On the train, you dont have to worry about it. More than 522,500 people rode the Piedmont and Carolinian last year, the most since NCDOT began subsidizing Amtrak service in the state. Through the first three quarters of 2023, ridership is up 23% over last year. Every time you turn around, it seems like we are breaking records from the previous month, Joey Hopkins, the secretary of Transportation, said before boarding the train with Cooper. The increase was helped by the addition of a fourth daily round trip of the Piedmont between Raleigh and Charlotte, starting July 10, and a new schedule that shaves a few minutes off some of those trips. Including the Carolinian, which runs daily between Charlotte and New York City, people can choose from five daily round trips between the states two largest metro areas. The new schedule for the Piedmont and Carolinian passenger trains is set to begin July 10, 2023. Hopkins and Cooper highlighted some of the ways NCDOT hopes to expand passenger rail in the state. They include: Working with the state of Virginia to rebuild the so-called S-line between Raleigh and Richmond for trains capable of going more than 110 mph. Virginia has purchased its portion of the rail corridor from freight railroad CSX, and NCDOT is in the final stages of negotiations to buy its part. Seeking $1.2 billion in federal money to help begin building the S-line, starting with the segment between downtown Raleigh and Wake Forest. The state would use that section to extend the Piedmont while the rest of the corridor north of Wake Forest is developed. Seeking grants from the Federal Railroad Administration to plan for new rail connections to cities such as Wilmington and Asheville. States nationwide expect to learn by the end of the year which rail corridors the federal government considers promising for future passenger service. Building a new train station near the heart of uptown Charlotte, the busiest city for Amtrak trains in the state. It would replace a station built in 1962 on the edge of a freight rail yard about two miles from the center of the city. Charlotte resident Montravias King is looking forward to the new station. King, who rides the states trains about three times a month, loves the convenience and not having to deal with traffic. Hes also impressed with Raleigh Union Station, a cavernous space created in an old steel warehouse on the edge of downtown. This what we should be looking like, he said of Charlotte, before heading down the walkway toward to the platform. For schedules and ticketing information, go to www.ncbytrain.org/. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) The woman accused of shooting a gun inside Portland International Airport Tuesday evening claimed she fired the gun so she would not kill her family in Texas, according to newly released court documents. Around 11:11 p.m. Nov. 14, Port of Portland Police were dispatched to a reported shooting at the D/E checkpoint after a woman later identified as 47-year-old Laura Patterson fired a pistol in the air, authorities claim. Officials said no one was injured by the gunfire. Woman accused of trying to kidnap 7-year-old girl from Portland playground arrested An airport employee pointed out Patterson to arriving police and said the gun was around the corner, court documents say. The employee reported hearing two gunshots and saw TSA personnel running, court documents allege noting the employee said another witness pointed out a gun on the ground and after the employee asked Patterson if the gun was hers, she replied, yup, I did it.' Authorities claim Patterson was incongruously calm, wearing a purse, and did not have any weapons in her hands. Another witness reported that he took cover behind a pillar after seeing a woman with a handgun and heard two bangs about three feet ahead of him at the checkpoint, court documents say. The witness claims he saw the woman put the gun on the floor and made statements to the effect of, is anyone going to do anything? The witness goes on to claim he heard someone else ask the woman why she shot the gun, to which she replied, she was crazy. Court documents say an officer found a black handgun on the carpet about 20 feet behind Patterson, along with two black bags. While taking her into custody, authorities said they found two BMW key fobs and one loose bullet. Suspected Portland drug trafficker caught with 117 pounds of fentanyl in southern Oregon Officers said they also recovered a .380 caliber handgun with one round in the chamber, one round in the magazine, and two spent shell casings. Inside her bags, authorities found clothes, two boxes of 50-round .380 caliber pistol cartridges with price tags attached, and a folder with multiple expired drivers licenses belonging to her, court documents say. Court documents allege Patterson told authorities she took out the gun and pulled the trigger, [because] I wanted to, and claimed the gun was hers and that she aimed at the ceiling. In police custody, Patterson told authorities she drove from her Kennewick, Washington home to PDX to shoot her gun, but not to hurt anyone and that she purposely loaded the firearm to bring it to the airport. An open wound: FBI offers $25K reward in search for suspects in March 2023 triple-homicide Patterson advised she came to the airport because she needed to do something because she wanted to kill her family members who live in the area of Houston, Texas, court documents claim. Patterson advised she did not intend to fly out of the state but thought about killing her second cousin who was local to the area. Authorities claim she wanted to kill the family members because they are pedophiles and were aware of the sexual abuse but covered it up, and thought about killing her family also including her mother, sister, aunt, and uncle for two years. Court documents say she fired the gun to avoid killing her family but did not think anyone would stop her. Officials said the gunshot caused $10,000 in damage to a window on the airport roof. Patterson made her first court appearance on Thursday and faces several charges, including attempted murder, reckless endangerment, criminal mischief and the unlawful use of a weapon. Pattersons next court date is set for Nov. 27. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. Animal rights group on Friday decried conditions at 31 fur farms in Europe, following the emergence of videos showing dead mutilated foxes lying in cages and minks with severe eye infections. The videos, released by animal rights group Humane Society International (HSI), were filmed clandestinely at 20 fur farms in Lithuania, five in Finland, two each in Poland and Spain, and one each in Denmark and Latvia. They were shot between April and November this year by several animal rights associations, including Oikeutta elaimille in Finland, Otwarte Klatki in Poland and Tu Abrigo Su Vida in Spain, an activist at Oikeutta elaimille, Kristo Muurimaa, told AFP. The groups made around 100 visits in total to the fur farms, the HSI said. The photos and videos, seen by AFP, show caged minks, foxes and raccoon dogs sick and in convulsions, as well as a number of animal cadavres with open wounds lying in the cages. The Humane Society International, speaking on behalf of the associations, said the images illustrate the need for a ban on fur farming. "We need a Europe-wide ban on fur farming because it is quite evident that animal suffering is part of the fabric of the fur farming industry," spokeswoman Wendy Higgins told AFP. A petition calling for an end to the fur industry has garnered more than 1.5 million signatures from EU citizens and has been submitted to the European Commission, surpassing the one million required to trigger a response from the Commission. Its answer is expected by December 14, HSI said. The fur industry dismissed the criticism. "I am not going to react to (the conclusions drawn by) people who break into farms and frighten the animals and create videos which are misleading," said Mark Oaten, the head of the International Fur Federation representing the industry. "We welcome a scientific review of fur farming at the EU level, we have nothing to hide," he told AFP. Oaten said an outright ban would lead to thousands of job losses in an industry he said was valued at $18 billion worldwide. Twenty European countries have banned fur farms, including 15 EU member states. Europe's leading fur farming nation Finland has around 400 farms and some 1.3 million animals, primarily minks and foxes. Denmark, the previous holder of the title, reauthorised mink farming as of January 2023, after a two-year ban during the Covid pandemic to combat mutated strains of the virus. nzg/ef/po/lth A liberal activist group appealed a Michigan courts decision on Thursday to throw out their case attempting to bar former President Trump from the presidential ballot, taking the case to the state Supreme Court. Free Speech for People sued the state of Michigan in September, arguing that Trumps involvement with the Jan. 6 Capitol riots violates the 14th Amendment, which should bar him from being eligible for office. A lower court threw out the suit last month, arguing that a 14th Amendment challenge is not valid in the primary stage of an election. The appeal requests emergency application to bypass the usual state Appeals Court and go straight to the Supreme Court, given the short time until state primary ballots are finalized. Best Black Friday Deals The plaintiffs argued that the Appeals Courts decision is unnecessary because of the inevitability of appeal to the highest court. It is a virtual certainty that any decision by the Court of Appeals will be appealed to this Court by the losing party, the filing reads. But with the pressing need to finalize and print the ballots, there is not time for considered decisions from both the Court of Appeals and this Court. The Michigan suit is one of three significant cases nationally hoping to use the 14th Amendment insurrection clause to ban Trump from state presidential ballots. In all the cases, plaintiffs argue that Trumps involvement with the Jan. 6 Capitol riots qualifies as falling under that clause, which was originally written to prevent those who supported the Confederacy from being elected president. If state judges agree to remove Trump from any ballot, the case would likely rise to the U.S. Supreme Court. The Minnesota Supreme Court dismissed attempts to bar Trump early this month, and a state judge in Colorado is currently overseeing a trial over a similar attempt in that state. The Colorado case is expected to be decided in the coming days. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A healthcare system that planned to take over operations of the shuttered, bankrupt Madera Community Hospital has backed out of negotiations calling into question whether the hospital can find a viable partner to reopen before creditors push for liquidation of its assets. Riley C. Walter, an attorney representing the Madera hospital in its bankruptcy proceedings, told The Bee on Thursday that Adventist Health informed the hospital it was unable to find a fiscally viable solution for the costly process of reopening, especially given the limited financial resources available and current economic pressures facing rural and safety net providers. Hospital creditors also announced in a bankruptcy hearing Thursday they are taking steps to liquidate, or sell off, the hospitals assets to pay back creditors. Madera hospital closed in December and then sought partners to help it reopen. Adventist, a faith-based nonprofit health system operating in California, Oregon and Hawaii, was announced in July as the chosen partner. Adventist Health confirmed in a press release shared with The Bee on Thursday afternoon that it will no longer pursue the management of hospital. Adventist Health intended to create a management model that would not just reopen the hospital but ensure Madera Community Hospital could be sustainable for years, the statement said. But after analyzing the data, operational costs and developing a business plan with industry experts, Adventist couldnt find a fiscally viable solution for the costly process of reopening and operating a closed facility. The broken deal marks the second time a major hospital system has backed out of a deal with Madera, which was the only general acute care hospital for adults in Madera County. In December, Trinity Health, owners of Fresnos St. Agnes Medical Center, pulled out of a deal to purchase the hospital. The latest announcement is another twist in the bankruptcy process that has included allegations of a bribe for the hospitals chief executive, revelations of multiple immediate jeopardy situations prior to the closure that put patients at risk and months of financial assistance from Madera County to keep the hospital running. The development also raises questions about the future of the $50 million state loan set aside for Madera hospital, which was designated for reopening with Adventist Health. Adventist Health had already started recruiting for medical staff such as primary care physicians, emergency and general surgeons, pediatricians and other specialty care doctors, according to multiple online job postings. One job posting shows that Adventist Health was offering $50,000 sign-on bonuses for qualifying applicants. A source familiar with the bankruptcy process said that the hospitals creditors opposed the deal with Adventist because it didnt include a clear plan to repay creditors. He asked to remain anonymous because hes not authorized to speak on behalf of creditors. Walter, Madera hospitals lawyer, denied the allegation that the creditors had a role in Adventists decision to back out. While it is true that the AH (Adventist Health) proposal was unclear as to the treatment of creditors, he said, I dont think this was a factor in the decision to withdraw. Faded signs are visible on the wall outside Madera Community Hospital on Monday, July 24, 2023. The hospital closed early this year. Fate of $50 million hospital loan is unclear Assemblymember Esmeralda Soria, D-Merced, said the news of Adventist dropping out as a reopening partner is disappointing but that reopening the hospital continues to be her number one priority. Despite the set-back, I remain determined to work hard every single day to find a path forward to reopen the hospital and restore healthcare access to our community, Soria said in a statement Thursday night. Soria co-authored a bill that created the Distressed Hospital Loan Program, which has awarded over $300 million in loans for 17 community hospitals across California, like the Madera hospital. At least one community activist questioned what this means for the hospitals future as well as the future of the state funds set aside to reopen the hospital. Saying Im disappointed is an understatement, Baldwin Moy, an attorney for California Rural Legal Assistance, said in an email statement to The Bee. The organization is a community advocacy group that works in Madera as well and as a party-of-interest group in the bankruptcy proceedings. Its hard to know what will happen, said Moy, referencing the state loan for the hospital. The fate of that $50 million loan to help reopen Madera Community isnt clear since a new reopening partner would have to be approved for the funds. If Madera Community Hospital amends its application due to its bankruptcy case, or other developments, any revisions to the application would be re-evaluated by the program, a spokesperson for the Department of Healthcare Access and Information, the agency overseeing the states distressed hospital loan program, told The Bee. A sign with a handwritten Closed sign stands outside Madera Community Hospitals ER on Monday, July 24, 2023. The hospital closed early this year. Madera hospital creditors taking steps to liquidate Lawyers for the hospitals unsecured creditors say their decision to file a liquidation plan is meant to establish a deadline for the hospitals search for a potential suitor. We just cant sit by and wait any longer, said Boris I. Mankovetskiy, a lawyer with Sills Cummis & Gross P.C., a firm representing the hospitals unsecured creditors, via Zoom court. Bankruptcy cases are more akin to fish than fine wine: They dont age well, Mankovetskiy said, and I think this case has been pending for quite some time now. He stressed that the creditors continue to hope that the hospital can find a viable value maximizing transaction that benefits the community, creditors and stakeholders. The plan is expected to include an option for the hospital to propose a deal with a suitor that can be brought before the court before the liquidation process starts. An empty parking lot with cracked pavement, faded stripes and weeds popping up are evident at the closed Madera Community Hospital, with blue tarps covering where the facilitys name was formerly displayed, on Tuesday, May 16, 2023. The hospital closed in January. Madera hospital has other suitors, but is running out of time The hospital still has two interested suitors, Walter said. One is a Modesto-based hospital management company. American Advanced Management is continuing to pursue the opportunity to reopen Madera Community Hospital, Chief Strategy Officer Matthew Beehler said in an email statement to The Bee on Thursday. Last month, AAMI was invited by the hospital to present their proposal to the board of trustees, Walter said during an Oct. 24 hearing. Until that point, communication had broken down between the two. In August, the hospitals lawyers said AAMI had acted like a jilted lover who wants to get back together and accused the firm of trying to improperly influence the hospitals chief executive with a $150,000 check. Its not immediately clear who the second suitor is. Doctors in Madera are concerned with the process to secure a hospital reopening partner. Wed like to see the hospital reopen, Dr. Kanwal Singh, a cardiologist in Madera, told The Bee, and we appreciate any and all help we can get. Dr. Ranjit Rajpal, a Madera cardiologist for over 40 years who used to see his patients at Madera Community Hospital, said he wants to see new management in charge of the hospital. Dr. Ranjit Rajpal, a Madera-based cardiologist, poses for a photo at the 43rd Annual Central Valley Cardiology Symposium held at the Madera County Office of Education on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023. Whoever takes over hospital operations, Rajpal said, its very important that they dont use the same outfit running the hospital because that is what caused the failure. Rajpal said the hospital didnt have a contingency plan in late 2022 when negotiations to sell the hospital to St. Agnes owner, Trinity Health, fell through. They have no vision, he said. Walter, the hospital lawyer, declined to respond to that on Thursday. He added that all proposals from potential suitors indicate that acquirers decide on management decisions, not the hospital. The Madera hospital board of trustees is expected to meet Monday to select a new suitor. Any suitor the hospital selects is subject to approval by the bankruptcy judge and the California attorney general. Disney, Apple, and IBM are among a slew of companies who are pulling their ads from X, after owner Elon Musk appeared to endorse an antisemitic post earlier this week. IBM said it pulled its ads after a report found its content appearing next to hate speech on the platform. The entertainment giant Lionsgate which released the new film on Friday will also will suspend ads. The watchdog Media Matters found that ads from top companies, including IBM, Apple, Oracle, and Xfinity appeared next to posts promoting Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party. IBM has zero tolerance for hate speech and discrimination and we have immediately suspended all advertising on X while we investigate this entirely unacceptable situation, IBM said. The European Union has also suspended its ads on the site, citing reputational damage and disinformation, Politico reports. While Musks apparent endorsement of the antisemitic post did not directly cause advertisers to jump ship from the platform, the billionaires erratic behavior on his social media site is having a knock-on effect for his other businesses. One Tesla investor told Bloomberg this week that Musks behavior was appalling, and had the potential to damage the brand long-term. Kristin Hull, founder and chief executive officer of Nia Impact Capital, which invests in Tesla, said she was concerned by the lack of punitive action against Musk by the car manufacturers board. Hate speech has skyrocketed on X since Musk purchased the site last year. Hateful content jumped shortly after the billionaire took ownership, and antisemitic content shot up by 61% just two weeks after the purchase, The New York Times reported at the time. The issue has not subsided: Earlier this week, The Center for Countering Digital Hate found that since the onset of the Israel-Hamas war, site moderators have failed to remove antisemitic, anti-Palestinian, and anti-Muslim content from X. X has faced declining revenue and user counts since Musk took the reins. Site users have dropped by 15% year-over-year as people flee the platform, in many cases to rival sites like Metas Threads and Bluesky. Revenue from ad sales has dropped by 54%, The Wall Street Journal found, after many advertisers fled last year. Some advertisers have returned to the site, but theyre spending less than they did before: In September, Musk said Xs U.S. advertising revenue had dropped 60%. SAN DIEGO (Border Report) Migrant advocates are asking the Mexican government to add patrols in the mountains east of Tijuana to protect migrants from smugglers and to prevent them from crossing the border illegally. Soraya Vazquez, assistant director of Al Otro Lado, said hundreds of migrants are entering the U.S. daily via several mountain passes south of the town of Jacumba, California, about 70 miles east of the Tijuna-San Diego region. Theres an average of 300 to 400 people every day of all nationalities who manage to cross the border and turn themselves into U.S. Customs and Border Protection, she said. CBP lets them stay in fields out in the open out in the elements, but theyre also exposed to organized crime and human traffickers. Hundreds of migrants crossing border daily, gathering in mountains east of San Diego Vazquez stated she worries even more about the children and seniors who are left out in the open for days at a time. They cross the border, then the United States says it doesnt have space to process them and leaves them there, its getting cold out at night. California property owner says migrants are destroying his land as they cross the border She is also concerned many of the migrants who are illegally crossing may not qualify for humanitarian parole and could be returned to Mexico almost immediately after being processed. When they try to begin the asylum process, theyre not going to qualify because they entered unlawfully, she said. This is something many migrants dont understand or refuse to consider. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego. AUSTIN, Texas - Whether you're roasting it or frying it, a turkey is a Thanksgiving Day classic. If you plan on frying your turkey this year, you may be at a higher risk of starting a fire. The Austin Fire Department showed just how easily deep-frying a turkey can accidentally start a fire. "There will be a lot more call volume for the Austin Fire Department on Thanksgiving," said Lt. Kevin Glover, with the Austin Fire Department. NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - NOVEMBER 24: Participants are seen deep frying turkey on November 24, 2020 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images) For fire departments all over the country, Thanksgiving Day is busier than normal. "Every year, Thanksgiving has three times as many fires in the U.S. than any other day," said Glover. The Austin Fire Department recommends following a few guidelines if you're deep-frying a turkey, including thawing the turkey out for up to three days. Also, check that the oil level in the pot is not overfilled. You can do that with a dry run using water. And keep the fryer out in the open and away from structures. "With our demonstration today you'll see the flames are going to go up three stories high," said Glover. Fire crews said it's also important to have eyes on the turkey at all times. "With children around, you want to have a barrier around where you're frying and with the turkey also, anytime you have it, it needs to be attended to for the entire time," said Glover. MORE STORIES: A grease fire can happen just as easily in the kitchen, too. "If you have the lid, and you can place it on safely, that's the quickest, easiest way to stop that pan," said Glover. A fire extinguisher should remain nearby, and if you don't have one, baking soda can also help put out a grease fire. "When you put water into that oil, it just displaces the hot oil," said Glover. Maybe one of the most important things fire officials said you can do is to plan out your deep-frying turkey steps before the big day. You might just be thankful you did. "Just with a little planning, you can have a great holiday, but if you skip some steps along the way and don't thaw out the turkey or try to cool down the grease too fast with ice, you can cause a number of problems that will ruin thanksgiving for you and your family," said Glover. Once the turkey is done deep-frying, let the grease cool. It could take about 24 hours. Ed Newton Rex has worked in AI and music for 13 years A senior executive at the tech firm Stability AI has resigned over the company's view that it is acceptable to use copyrighted work without permission to train its products. Ed Newton-Rex was head of audio at the firm, which is based in the UK and US. He told the BBC he thought it was "exploitative" for any AI developer to use creative work without consent. But many of large AI firms, including Stability AI, argue that taking copyright content is "fair use". The "fair use" exemption to copyright rules means the permission of the owners of the original content is not required. The US copyright office is currently conducting a study about generative AI and policy issues. Mr Newton-Rex stressed that he was talking about all AI firms which share this view - and the majority of them do. Replying to his former member of staff in a post on X (Twitter), Stability AI founder Emad Mostaque said the firm believed fair use "supports creative development". AI tools are trained using vast amounts of data, much of which is often taken, or "scraped", from the internet without consent. Generative AI - products which are used to create content like images, audio, video and music - can then produce similar material or even directly replicate the style of an individual artist if requested. Mr Newton-Rex, who is also a choral composer, said that he "wouldn't jump" at the chance to offer his own music to AI developers for free. "I wouldn't think 'yes, I'll definitely give my compositions to a system like this'. I don't think I'd consent," he said. He added that plenty of people create content "often for literally no money, in the hope that one day that copyright will be worth something". But, ultimately, without consent their work was instead being used to create their own competitors and even potentially replace them entirely, he said. He built an AI audio creator for his former employer called Stability Audio but said he had chosen to licence the data it was used to train on and share revenue from it with rights holders. He acknowledged that this model would not work for everybody. "I don't think there's a silver bullet," he said. "I know many people on the rightsholder side who are who are excited about the potential agenda today and want to work with it, but they want to do it under the right circumstances." He said he remained optimistic about the benefits of AI and was not planning to leave the industry. "I think that ethically, morally, globally, I hope we'll all adopt this approach of saying, 'you need to get permission to do this from the people who wrote it, otherwise, that's not okay'," he said. The use of copyright material to train AI tools is controversial. Some creatives, including the US comedian Sarah Silverman and Game of Thrones writer George RR Martin, have initiated legal action against AI firms, arguing that they have taken their work without permission and then used it to train products which can recreate content in their style. A track featuring AI-generated voices of music artists Drake and The Weeknd was removed from Spotify earlier this year after it was discovered that it had been created without their consent. But the boss of Spotify later said he would not ban AI from the platform completely, Earlier this year, Stability AI faced legal action from the Getty image archive, which claimed it had scraped 12 million of its pictures and used them in the training of its AI image generator, Stable Diffusion. Some news organisations, including the BBC and The Guardian, have blocked AI firms from lifting their material from the internet. Susan Schneider of the Center for the Future Mind and AI entrepreneur Jobst Landgrebe debate the resolution, "Artificial intelligence poses a threat to the survival of humanity that must be actively addressed by government." For the affirmative is Schneider, the director of the Center for the Future Mind at Florida Atlantic University. She previously held the NASA chair and the distinguished scholar chair at the Library of Congress. In her recent book, Artificial You: AI and the Future of Your Mind, she discusses the philosophical implications of AI and, in particular, the enterprise of "mind design." She also works with Congress on AI policy, appears on PBS and the History channel, and writes opinion pieces for The New York Times, Scientific American, and the Financial Times. Taking the negative is Landgrebe, an entrepreneur and researcher in the field of artificial intelligence working on the mathematical foundations and the philosophical implications of AI-based technology. In 2013, he founded the company Cognotekt, where he serves as managing director. Together with philosopher Barry Smith, he co-authored Why Machines Will Never Rule the World: Artificial Intelligence without Fear. He is also a research associate in the philosophy department at the University at Buffalo. The post Will AI Destroy Humanity? appeared first on Reason.com. Many of the desks at Chicago Academy High School sat empty during the last period of classes Thursday, as about 250 students half of the student body walked out to demand a cease-fire in solidarity with the children of Gaza. Palestinian American pupils organized the Chicago Public Schools-sanctioned walkout, leading chants as students marched around the predominantly Latinx school in Dunning on the Northwest Side before returning for the last 30 minutes of classes. Advertisement My school hasnt really talked about it much, so I wanted to bring attention to it, said Jenna, a junior whose mother requested her last name not be used for safety reasons. Im proud of all the students that came out because they actually were chanting with us, they helped, they understood what were protesting for, she said. Im standing up and using my voice for Palestinian kids who are just like me, Jenna said, citing the killing of thousands of children since Israel intensified its airstrikes in the Gaza Strip on Oct. 7. Advertisement More than 4,600 children have been killed in Gaza and nearly 9,000 injured since, Catherine Russell, executive director of UNICEF, a United Nations program that provides humanitarian aid to children worldwide, said in a statement Wednesday. Gaza is becoming a graveyard for children, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said last week. Schools have been attacked and transformed into shelters, and classes have been suspended, according to UNICEF. Thinking about how different life is for students in Gaza, where she has family, motivated Chicago Academy senior Jenan to speak out, she said. She also requested her last name not be used because of safety concerns. Chicago Academy High School students stage a walkout in support of Palestinian children on Nov. 16, 2023. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune) For some students to go to sleep, (with) no guarantee of the next day ... its mind blowing, Jenan said. Instead of worrying about the next test thats coming, or some homework they have to finish up, they worry about if they had their prayers all done, she said. I dont think thats OK. And I feel like more voices need to be heard. Even though some people may say that a voice cant do anything, it can do a lot, actually, Jenan said. It can spread awareness. It can change almost everything. Junior Alexza Guerrero, among the students who walked out in solidarity, said learning about the casualties of children in Gaza was shocking. The issue reminds her of her little brother and the recent loss of her great grandmother, she said. Showing support for these students and their families that they might lose ... is really important, Guerrero said of her Palestinian American classmates. I know how it feels to have a death in the family. And its not something to ignore, especially now that a lot of people are dying. Freshman Melissa Casillas said she didnt think twice about walking out and not only because the teachers were OK with students leaving classes. Students in Gaza do not deserve this at all, Casillas said. No one deserves to go through this. All of us, our heart goes out and I pray and I hope that this will end. Advertisement Chicago Academy parent Jillian Forbes said she hopes the school and CPS continue to support student activism. Our children should not be silenced. I know that theres kids in other schools that are being suspended ... for saying things like Free Palestine, she said. Im extremely proud. ... I think it was beautiful, Forbes said of the walkout. Jenna, who led the organizing effort, said she was inspired by an October walkout at Reavis High School in Burbank and hopes the Chicago Academy demonstration will inspire others. Holding an informational session beforehand prompted the large turnout, she said. I wanted everyone to be walking out with the purpose to understand whats actually going on, Jenna said. It shows were all family, she said of the diversity of students involved. It shows whats happening in Palestine affects people in Chicago and people of other cultures. Casillas said she was inspired and expects the spirit of solidarity among Chicago Academy students to grow. I hope in the future that if anything like this happens again, we will all stand up and support each other. Jenan said shell be navigating the rest of her school year with Palestinian students and family in mind. Hearing them say Im OK when you know deep down they actually arent OK, and you can hear it in their voice, truly affects me as a student, she said. But, Jenan added, I want to give it my all; I want to push through it. I want to finish the school year, not for me for all those students who didnt get the opportunity to finish the school year, for all the students who have died. Advertisement smacaraeg@chicagotribune.com Palestinians wounded in the ongoing Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip arrive to a hospital in Khan Younis on Friday, Nov. 17, 2023. (AP Photo/Fatima Shbair) DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) The United Nations was forced Friday to stop deliveries of food and other necessities to Gaza and warned of the growing risk of widespread starvation after internet and telephone services collapsed in the besieged enclave because of lack of fuel. Israel announced that it will allow two tanker trucks of fuel into Gaza each day for the U.N. and communication systems. That amount is half of what the U.N. said it needs for lifesaving functions for hundreds of thousands of people in Gaza, including powering water systems, hospitals, bakeries and the trucks delivering aid. Israel has barred entry of fuel since the start of the war, saying it would be diverted by Hamas for military means. It has also blocked food, water and other supplies except for a trickle of aid from Egypt that aid workers say falls far short of whats needed. The communications blackout largely cut off Gazas 2.3 million people from one another and the outside world. The U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, known as UNRWA, couldn't bring in its aid convoy Friday because of the communications cutoff, spokesperson Juliette Touma said. An extended blackout means an extended suspension of our humanitarian operations in the Gaza Strip, Touma told The Associated Press. Phone and internet services in parts of the Gaza Strip were partially restored Friday night after a limited quantity of fuel for generators was provided, according to NetBlocks, a group that tracks internet outages. Israeli forces have signaled they could expand their offensive toward Gazas south while continuing operations in the north. Troops have been searching the territorys biggest hospital, Shifa, for traces of a Hamas command center Israel alleges was located under the building a claim Hamas and the hospital staff deny. On Friday, the military said it found the body of another hostage, Cpl. Noa Marciano, in a building adjacent to Shifa, like that of another hostage found Thursday, Yehudit Weiss. Hundreds of mourners, many carrying Israeli flags, attended Marcianos funeral Friday in her hometown of Modiin. The war, now in its sixth week, was triggered by Hamas Oct. 7 attack in southern Israel, in which the militants killed more than 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted some 240 men, women and children. More than 11,400 Palestinians have been killed in the war, two-thirds of them women and minors, according to Palestinian health authorities. Another 2,700 have been reported missing, believed buried under rubble. The count does not differentiate between civilians and militants, and Israel says it has killed thousands of militants. AID DRIES UP After an American request, Israel agreed to let a very minimal amount of fuel into Gaza each day, national security adviser Tzachi Hanegbi said. COGAT, the Israeli military body responsible for Palestinian affairs, said it would amount to 60,000 liters (15,850 gallons) a day for the U.N. For the communications network, Israel also agreed on another 10,000 liters a day (2,640 gallons), a U.S. State Department official said. UNRWA and other humanitarian groups need at least 120,000 liters (31,700 gallons) a day to run lifesaving functions, Touma said. Gaza has received only 10% of its required food supplies each day in shipments from Egypt, according to the U.N., and the water system shutdown has left most of the population drinking contaminated water, causing an outbreak of disease. Dehydration and malnutrition are growing, with nearly all residents in need of food, said Abeer Etefa, a Mideast regional spokeswoman for the U.N.s World Food Program. People are facing the immediate possibility of starvation, she said Thursday from Cairo. MARCH FOR HOSTAGES Israeli officials previously vowed fuel would not be let in until Gaza militants release the hostages. The government has been under heavy public pressure to show it is doing all it can to bring back people abducted in Hamas attack. Thousands of marchers including families of over 50 hostages embarked Friday on the fourth leg of a five-day walk from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, chanting, Bring them home! They are marching to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office, calling on his war Cabinet to do more to rescue their loved ones. They have urged the cabinet to consider a cease-fire or prisoner swap in return for the hostages. Hamas has offered to exchange all hostages for some 6,000 Palestinians in Israeli jails, which the Cabinet has rejected. CONDITIONS AT SHIFA With Israeli troops fanned out around the Shifa hospital complex, doctors spoke of horrifying conditions inside. Electricity has been out for nearly a week, leaving incubators for infants and ventilators for ICU patients defunct. Nearly 7,000 people are trapped there with little food, including patients, staff and civilian families. Hospital Director Mohammed Abu Selmia told Al Jazeera television that 52 patients have died since fuel ran out up from 40 reported before Israeli troops stormed in on Wednesday. He said staff were amputating limbs of some patients to avoid infection spreading because of shortages in medicines. More were on the verge of death as their wounds are open with maggots coming out of them, another doctor, Faisal Siyam, told Al Jazeera. Dr. Ahmad Mukhalalti said most of the 36 premature infants suffer from severe diarrhea because there is no clean water. He said Israeli troops had taken away all the bodies from the morgue and from a mass grave that staff dug days earlier in the courtyard. The Israeli military had no comment on the report. The doctors' accounts could not be independently verified. Abu Selmia said Israeli troops should either bring them fuel to power equipment or allow an evacuation. The hospital has become a giant prison, he said. We are surrounded by death. Israels military said it delivered 4,000 liters of water and 1,500 ready-made meals to Shifa, but staff said it was too little for the numbers of people there. Israeli military spokesman Col. Richard Hecht acknowledged that the troops' search for traces of Hamas was going slowly. Its going to take time, he said. Israel faces pressure to prove its claim that Hamas set up its main command center in and under the hospital. So far, Israel has shown photos and video of weapons caches that it says were found inside as well as what it said was a tunnel entrance. The AP could not independently verify the Israeli claims. The allegations are part of Israels broader accusation that Hamas uses Palestinians as human shields across the Gaza Strip, contending that is the reason for the large numbers of civilian casualties during weeks of bombardment. STRIKES IN THE SOUTH Airstrikes continued to hammer the southern sector of Gaza, where most of the territorys population is now sheltering. Among them are hundreds of thousands of people who heeded Israels calls to evacuate Gaza City and the north to get out of the way of its ground offensive. In the Nusseirat refugee camp, a strike crushed a building to rubble killing at least 41 people, staff at the nearby hospital said. Residents said dozens more were buried in the wreckage. Early morning strikes outside the city of Khan Younis killed 11 members of a family that evacuated from Gaza City. Dozens of wounded, including babies and young children, streamed into the nearby hospital. At the morgue, Alaa Abu Hasira wept over the bodies from the strike that were lined up side by side on the floor, including her son, daughter and several sisters. All my loved ones are gone, she sobbed. So far, Israels ground assault has focused on northern Gaza as it vows to remove Hamas from power and crush its military capabilities. If the assault moves into the south, it is not clear where Palestinians can go. Egypt has refused to allow a mass transfer onto its soil. As the war continues to inflame tensions elsewhere, Israeli troops clashed with Palestinian gunmen in Jenin in the occupied West Bank, killing at least three Palestinians. The fighting broke out late Thursday during an Israeli raid. Israels military said five militants were killed. The Palestinian Health Ministry said three people died. The militant Islamic Jihad group claimed the three dead as members and identified one as a local commander. ___ Keath and Jeffrey reported from Cairo. Associated Press writers Najib Jobain in Rafah, Gaza Strip; Bassem Mroue in Beirut; Edith M. Lederer in New York; and Julia Frankel in Jerusalem contributed to this story. ___ Full AP coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war. The Russians attacked Ukraine with 10 Shahed attack drones on the night of 16-17 November, and Ukrainian defenders managed to shoot down nine UAVs. Source: Ukraine's Air Force on Telegram Quote from the Air Force: "The enemy attacked with 10 Shahed attack UAVs from the direction of Primorsko-Akhtarsk (Russia) on the night of 16-17 November. As a result of combat operations, nine enemy attack UAVs were destroyed within Mykolaiv, Odesa, Zhytomyr and Khmelnytskyi oblasts." Details: It is reported that fighters, anti-aircraft missile units and mobile fire groups were involved in responding to the air attack. The Russians also fired several S-300 anti-aircraft guided missiles on the Donetsk front. There were no reported casualties. Support UP or become our patron! Ukrainian forces shot down nine of the 10 Shahed drones launched by Russia overnight, the Air Force reported on Nov. 17. The drones were launched from around Russia's port city of Primorsko-Akhtarsk in Krasnodarsk Krai. Fighter aircraft, anti-aircraft missile units, and units of mobile fire groups were used to down the weapons, according to the post. The UAVs have been downed over Ukraine's Mykolaiv, Odesa, Zhytomyr, and Khmelnytskyi oblasts. Meanwhile, several S-300 missiles were targeted at Donetsk Oblast, according to the Air Force. No casualties have been reported following the attack. Earlier in the day, Russian forces attacked the city of Kherson, killing a 75-year-old woman while she was in her apartment and injured at least eight others, according to local authorities. Read also: Russia shells 5 communities in Sumy Oblast Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The red Kia Forte that authorities believe was stolen suffered severe damage in a fatal crash on Aug. 29. An 18-year-old Akron man faces charges in the fiery two-vehicle crash in August that left one teen dead and two others injured, including himself, according to Akron Municipal Court documents. Miguel Gipson is charged with aggravated vehicular homicide, aggravated vehicular assault, willful fleeing and receiving stolen property. Crash, shooting: Police body cam footage sheds light on night of Eller Avenue shooting, fatal crash in Akron The crash occurred Aug. 29 at about 11:35 p.m. just minutes after Akron police spotted a red Kia Forte driving at a high speed north on Kelly Avenue, the Akron Beacon Journal reported at the time. A high-speed chase ensued between law enforcement and the vehicle but ended because of "excessive speeds," police said. The vehicle, driven by Gipson, continued at a high rate of speed until it rear-ended another vehicle, struck a pole and caught on fire at Kelly Avenue and Third Avenue. Two other 18-year-olds were in the Kia that police later discovered to be stolen from a Canton resident. Stephonne Jackson of Akron was pronounced dead at the hospital. The driver who was rear-ended was not injured, according to the official crash report. Investigators initially were open to the possibility that the crash was related to a shooting that left a 28-year-old man with a gunshot wound to the face, but that is no longer the case. "We don't believe the incidents were related, nor has there been any evidence connecting the incidents," APD Capt. Michael Miller said. This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Akron man charged in August crash that left 1 dead, another injured ATMORE Casey A. McWhorter spent most of his adult life on Alabamas death row. Thursday night he died there. The state of Alabama executed McWhorter, 49, by lethal injection in the death chamber of the William C. Holman Correctional Facility in Atmore. He was convicted of capital murder in 1994 in connection with a 1993 Marshall County robbery and homicide. He went to death row when he was 19. He had been 18 three months earlier, when the murder was committed. The drapes of the media witness room opened at 6:30 p.m. McWhorter was lying in a bed partially covered by a tightly drawn white sheet. His head and torso were slightly elevated. He was lying cruciform, with both arms facing palm up. Restraints for his body were on top of the sheet. Two IV lines came from a small window in the back wall of the death chamber. One appeared to enter his right arm near the inside of his elbow, and the other appeared to enter his left arm at the inside of his left elbow. Warden Terry Raybon read the death warrant and governors order of execution. McWhorter was given the opportunity to say last words. I would like to say to my mother and family that I love them, he said. To the victims family, Im sorry and I hope they find peace. I am aware that a habitual abuser of women is carrying out this procedure. At 6:33 p.m. McWhorter closed his eyes. A minute later he shifted his legs, clenched his fists and moved his fingers. He was approached by his spiritual advisor. At 6:35 p.m. he was moving his fingers. And at 6:37 p.m. he raised his head, made a yawning motion, appeared to gasp and his eyes rolled into the back of his head. At 6:39 p.m. he appeared to stop breathing. His spiritual advisor made the sign of the cross. A few minutes after a corrections officer inside the death chamber bent to McWhorters ear and loudly called his name, the officer then touched his face and pinched the inside of his right arm. At 6:47 p.m. the drapes to the media witness room were drawn. McWhorters official time of death was given as 6:56 p.m. Alabama executed Casey McWhorter on Thursday for a 1993 murder. After the execution, a news conference was held inside the media center. It took two sticks to access McWhorters veins, one to his right arm and one to his left arm, said John Hamm, commissioner of the Alabama Department of Corrections. He read a lengthy letter from April Williams, the daughter of Edward Lee Williams, the victim of the homicide. She was 16 when her father was murdered. My Dad was only 33 years old. He should still be here, the letter read, in part. He should be ready to retire. Gilbert Bert Williams, Edward Lee Williams brother, addressed the media. It took 30 years for this to occur. Its a kind of unfortunate that we had to wait this long, but justice has been served, he said. Gilbert Williams compared McWhorters execution to the peaceful death to a murderous dog. There are three witness rooms in the death chamber, which is attached to the building that houses death row. One witness room is for the victims family, one is for the media and the inmates witnesses, and one is for state officials. McWhorter had no witnesses. The media witness room is about 10-feet-by-20 feet and smelled of antiseptic. There are 13 chairs in the media witness room. Five members of the media witnessed the execution. More: Alabama executions: Tight-lipped state seems to settle on new team, new process Edward Lee Williams life was taken away from him at the hands of Casey A. McWhorter, and tonight, Mr. McWhorter answered for his actions," Gov. Kay Ivey said in a statement after the execution. "In February 1993 in Marshall County, Mr. McWhorter joined two others in ambushing and shooting to death Mr. Williams. After Mr. Williams was struck at least 11 times with .22 caliber rifles, each with makeshift silencers, Mr. McWhorter fired at least one round into Mr. Williams head to assure his death. Despite the fact that Mr. McWhorter managed to delay his date with justice for over three decades, his guilt of Mr. Williams premeditated robbery and murder was never in question. In Alabama, we uphold the rule of law and hold accountable those who take the lives of others. Casey McWhorter has finally paid for his heinous crime. Earlier Thursday, McWhorter received visits from his spiritual advisor Jeffery Hood, his stepfather Marshall Bearden and his mother Carolyn Rowland. He took phone calls from attorney Ben Rosenburg and friends Esther Brown and Lisa Clark. He was seen drinking peach Sunkist and refused his breakfast and lunch tray. His final meal was Turtles candy. There were no witnesses to his execution. In an interview with the Associated Press days before his execution, McWhorter said that he is concerned about family and friends and loved ones, how theyre dealing with things. He also said he would encourage young people who are going through difficult times to take a moment before making a life-altering mistake like he did. Anything that comes across them that just doesnt sit well at first, take a few seconds to think that through, he said. Because one bad choice, one stupid mistake, one dumb decision can alter your life and those that you care about forever. The murder McWhorter, 49, was convicted of capital murder in the 1993 robbery and slaying of Edward Lee Williams in Marshall County. McWhorter had turned 18 three months before the crime. He and two juvenile co-defendants, a 16-year-old and the 15-year-old son of the victim, had planned to rob and murder Williams in his home. Court records and testimony shows that McWhorter and the 16-year-old went to Williams home armed with rifles and two home-made silencers, one made fashioned from a pillow and the other a milk jug filled with napkins. The teens shot Williams 11 times. McWhorter was convicted and the jury recommended the death penalty by a 10-2 vote, records show. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Contact Montgomery Advertiser reporter Marty Roney at mroney@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Alabama executes Casey McWhorter for 1993 slaying HOUSTON - Houston police are investigating a possible shooting in south central Houston. Details are limited at this time, but authorities responded to a 3100 Alabama after reports of a shooting. FOX 26 Houston is now on the FOX LOCAL app available through Apple TV, Amazon FireTV, Roku, Google Android TV, and Vizio! Two men were taken to the hospital with unknown injuries, police say. South Central officers are at a shooting scene 3100 Alabama. Two males transported to the hospital. Suspect fled on foot. 202 pic.twitter.com/CvszDVxWe6 Houston Police (@houstonpolice) November 16, 2023 According to officials, the suspect left the scene on foot before authorities arrived. We will continue to update this story as it develops. File: Two Malayan tigers fight at the National Zoo in Kuala Lumpur (AFP via Getty Images) Authorities in Malaysia have captured two critically endangered Malayan tigers after they were blamed for an unprecedented spree of deaths among villagers. Tiger traps have been set up in the remote jungles of northeast Kelantan state following a spate of apparent attacks that have resulted in at least four deaths. The latest victim of a suspected tiger attack was a man who is believed to have been mauled in a rubber plantation in Gua Musang, Kelantan, on Saturday, just days after a Myanmar national was found dead in the same area. Body parts believed to be of Lalu Sukarya Yahya, 42, an Indonesian migrant worker, were found with marks suggesting an animal attack. Kelantans deputy chief minister Mohamed Fadzli said efforts to trap the animals running wild in rubber plantations have been ramped up, as he blamed mating season for the attacks on humans. Since it is mating season, the tigers are roaming around looking for a mate and food. Some tiger packs are also teaching their cubs to hunt, these are the reasons that these animals are attacking humans, Mr Fadzli said, according to South China Morning Post. There were two earlier deaths in October, the first involving a man named Pisie Amud, 25, who had gone fishing near the forests of Pos Pasik in Kelantan. Another man from an indigenous community, Halim Asin, 27, was found dead two days later. Authorities have called the spate of deadly incidents unprecedented, saying that only four tiger attacks in total, two of which were fatal, were recorded in five years between 2017 and 2022. The Department of Wildlife and Nature Parks (Perhilitan) in Kelantan on Monday said that they have snared a tiger in the area and are investigating if the animal was behind the two fatalities. They said another was trapped in September and the two have been sent to a wildlife sanctuary. State Perhilitan director Mohamad Hafid Rohani said traps and camera traps were being set up in Kelantan in the wake of the attacks. He called on plantation workers to avoid working alone and provoking wildlife in the area. At least one of the victims, however, was not working alone. The Myanmar national who died this month, identified as Ahka Soe Ya, 22, was found in the same village as Lalu in Kampung Meranto in Gua Musang. The rubber plantation worker was working with his wife when he was fatally injured in the attack and died at the hospital after fatal injuries to his neck. The hospital confirmed the victims death following emergency treatment. The autopsy results indicated that the cause of death was severe head injuries due to a tiger attack, district police chief Sik Choon Foo said. Malayan tigers are a critically endangered subspecies of the big cat family that inhabit the lush rainforests of Malaysia. Known for its striking appearance, the Malayan tiger boasts a vibrant orange coat adorned with characteristic dark stripes, and has been designated the national animal of Malaysia. Only 200 individuals remain in the wild due to habitat loss and poaching, with intensive conservation efforts underway to protect and preserve this unique subspecies. JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska Santa Claus sleigh took on new responsibilities in rural Alaska this week when delivering gifts to an Alaska Native village. Santas ride, an Alaska Army National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter, was shuttling Santa, Mrs. Claus, volunteer elves and gifts in shifts Wednesday to provide the children of Tuluksak some Christmas cheer. The flights originated about 35 miles (56 kilometers) southwest, from the hub community of Bethel, the guard said in a release. However, after the first trip to Tuluksak, the helicopter crew got an urgent call seeking help for a medical evacuation in the nearby village of Napaskiak, located about 5 miles (8 kilometers) south of Bethel on the other side of the Kuskokwim River. This photo provided by the Alaska National Guard shows, from the left, Holly Demmert and Clifton Dalton, both flight paramedics with LifeMed, and Chief Warrant Officer 3 Bryan Kruse, Bethel Army Aviation Operating Facility commander, move a critically ill patient from an AKARNG UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter to an ambulance during a medical evacuation from Napaskiak to Bethel, Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023 in Bethel, Alaska. (Balina O'Neal/Alaska National Guard via AP) The river in the winter serves as an ice road, but there was only enough ice at this time of the year to prevent boats from operating. The ice wasnt thick enough to support vehicles, and bad weather prevented small planes from landing at the village air strip. Helicopter pilots Colton Bell and David Berg, both chief warrant officers, shifted focus, adding two paramedics and medical equipment to the flight and the remaining gifts for children. They flew the five minutes to Napaskiak and dropped off the paramedics, who said they would need about 40 minutes to stabilize the patient. That gave the pilots time to take the 15-minute flight to Tuluksak to drop off the gifts and volunteers. They then returned to the other village to pick up the patient and paramedics and flew them to an awaiting ambulance in Bethel. The patient was in stable condition Thursday and awaiting transport to an Anchorage hospital. This mission specifically showcases our abilities to adapt to multiple, rapidly changing missions while operating in adverse weather while still completing them efficiently and safely, Bell said in a statement. The Alaska National Guard for decades has delivered gifts, supplies and sometimes Christmas itself to tiny rural communities dotting the nations largest and largely roadless state. The program began in 1956 when residents of St. Marys village had to choose between buying gifts for children or food to make it through winter after flooding, followed by drought, wiped out hunting and fishing opportunities that year. The guard stepped up, taking donated gifts and supplies to the village. Now they attempt every year to visit two or three villages that have experienced hardships. Long-distance and extreme rescues by guard personnel are common in Alaska because most communities dont have the infrastructure that exists in the Lower 48. The judge who sentenced Alex Murdaugh to life in prison for the murders of his wife and son has stepped down from all future proceedings in the case as the convicted killer fights for a new trial. In a court filing on Thursday, Circuit Court Judge Clifton Newman requested that a new judge be assigned to handle the post-trial motions involving the murder charges. The order, signed by all five South Carolina high court justices, outlined that while Judge Newman wishes to recuse himself from the murder case he will continue to preside over the disgraced legal scions trial on a slew of financial fraud charges. The decision comes as Murdaugh is fighting to be granted a new trial for the June 2021 murders of his wife Maggie and son Paul based on bombshell accusations of jury tampering involving the court clerk. In September, Murdaughs attorneys Dick Harpootlian and Jim Griffin filed a motion accusing court clerk Becky Hill of breaking her oath by tampering with the jury and pressuring them into returning a guilty verdict against him. They claim that she advised the panel not to be fooled by Murdaughs testimony on the stand or misled by the defences evidence, pushed them to reach a quick guilty verdict, and misrepresented critical and material information to the trial judge in her campaign to remove a juror she believed to be favorable to the defense. Ms Hill has denied the allegations. In a sworn statement filed last week, the state branded the allegations as a sweeping conspiratorial theory and said that not every inappropriate comment made by a member of court staff to a juror rises to the level of constitutional error. Based on the claims, Murdaughs legal team has demanded that the disbarred attorney be granted a new murder trial and called for the removal of Judge Newman from the case. They argued that the judge would potentially be called as a witness in hearings involving the jury tampering allegations and also questioned his impartiality based on comments he has made about the case. Alex Murdaugh in court on financial fraud charges (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) Handing down Murdaughs two life sentences back in March, Judge Newman told the killer that he will have to deal with what he did every night when he closes his eyes. You have to see Paul and Maggie during the nighttime when youre attempting to go to sleep. Im sure they come and visit you. Im sure, he said at his sentencing hearing on 3 March in Colleton County Courthouse. In the aftermath of the trial, the judge also made comments publicly including in an appearance on NBCs Today show. I cannot imagine him having a peaceful night knowing what he did, he said. Im sure if he had an opportunity to do it over again, hed never do it. The judge and Murdaugh will now come face to face in court in Beaufort County once again on Friday morning for a hearing in the financial fraud case. Murdaughs financial crimes trial is currently slated to begin on 27 November though his legal team is calling for a delay as well as a change in venue due to the high-profile nature of the case. As part of Thursdays order, the South Carolina justices also denied the motion to delay the trial, ruling that it shall go forward as planned. In total, Murdaugh faced more than 100 state and federal charges over his vast multi-million-dollar fraud scheme where he stole millions of dollars from law firm clients for more than a decade. According to prosecutors, Murdaugh worked with co-conspirators and friends ex-attorney Cory Fleming and ex-Palmetto State Bank CEO Russell Laffitte to swindle clients out of millions of dollars. Clifton Newman at Murdaughs sentencing at murder trial (AP) Among the victims was the family of Murdaughs dead housekeeper Gloria Satterfield who died in a mystery trip and fall at the family estate in 2018. Murdaugh allegedly stole more than $4m in a wrongful death suit payout from the family. Fleming and Laffitte have already been convicted in federal court for their part in the convicted killers white-collar fraud scheme, with the former sentenced to four years and the latter to seven years. In September, Murdaugh pleaded guilty to the trove of 22 federal financial charges including wire fraud, bank fraud, money laundering and conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud. While Murdaugh admitted to stealing millions from clients during bombshell courtroom testimony at his murder trial, his guilty plea marked the first time that he had ever pleaded guilty to committing a crime. Now, he faces up to 30 years in federal prison on some of the charges. Under the agreement, federal prosecutors have agreed that the sentence would be served concurrently with any state conviction on the same charges in his November trial. The financial crimes mark just the latest twist in the saga of the Murdaugh dynasty who shot to national attention following the brutal murders. Maggie and Paul were found shot dead on the familys 1,700-acre Moselle estate back on 7 June 2021. Alex Murdaugh had called 911 claiming to have found their bodies. During his high-profile murder trial, jurors heard how Paul was shot twice with a 12-gauge shotgun while he stood in the feed room of the dog kennels on the affluent familys 1,700-acre Moselle estate. The second shot to his head blew his brain almost entirely out of his skull. After killing Paul, prosecutors said Murdaugh then grabbed a .300 Blackout semiautomatic rifle and opened fire on Maggie as she tried to flee from her husband. During the dramatic six-week trial, Murdaugh confessed to lying about his alibi on the night of the murders but continued to claim his innocence of the killings. The jury didnt agree and the disgraced legal scion was convicted in March of the brutal murders. Convicted murderer Alex Murdaugh struck a plea deal Friday in a financial crimes case, just days before a trial was set to begin in South Carolina. Murdaugh, 55, has agreed to plead guilty in Beaufort County Court to more than a dozen counts including money laundering, breach of trust and financial fraud in exchange for a 27-year sentence, The Associated Press reported. The deal will add more prison time to Murdaughs life sentence after he was convicted earlier this year of killing his wife and son in 2021. Murdaugh pleaded guilty in September in federal court to 22 counts of financial fraud and money laundering. Best Black Friday Deals Judge Clifton Newman said he intends to accept the plea deal and set a sentencing hearing on Nov. 28. The deal means Murdaugh will avoid a state trial that was set to begin on Nov. 27. Murdaugh, a longtime lawyer, was accused of stealing millions in legal settlements from injured clients or families of those killed on the job. He has also been accused of stealing millions from his law firm and getting out of hundreds of thousands in state income taxes. He was convicted of the fatal shootings of his wife and son in March and is serving life in prison without parole. His lawyers are seeking a new trial in his murder case, claiming the court clerk tampered with the jury, which the clerk denied. The disbarred lawyer has denied guilt in the fatal shootings since his indictment. Prosecutors have alleged that he killed his wife and son to gain pity because he knew he would be exposed for various financial crimes. The Hill has reached out to Murdaughs defense attorney and Judge Newman for comment on the deal. The Associated Press contributed For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip Internet and telephone services collapsed across the Gaza Strip on Thursday for lack of fuel, the main Palestinian provider said, bringing a potentially long-term communications blackout even as Israel signaled its offensive could next target the south of the territory, where most of the population has taken refuge. Meanwhile, Israeli troops for a second day searched Shifa Hospital in the north for traces of Hamas. They displayed guns they say were found hidden in one building, but have yet to release any evidence of the central Hamas command center that Israel has said is concealed beneath the complex. Hamas and staff at the hospital, Gazas largest, deny the allegations. Advertisement The communications breakdown threatens to worsen the severe humanitarian crisis in southern Gaza, where Israeli airstrikes continue. Food, water and electricity are increasingly scarce, and the U.N. is struggling with fuel shortages of its own to deliver aid and help hospitals keep operating. Most of Gazas population of 2.3 million is crowded into southern Gaza, including hundreds of thousands who heeded Israels calls to evacuate the north to get out of the way of its ground offensive. If the assault moves into the south, it is not clear where they would go, as Egypt refuses to allow a mass transfer onto its soil. Advertisement The latest internet and telephone blackout threatens to last long-term. The main provider, Palnet, said it had run out of fuel to run the network, and Israel has barred entry of new supplies. Gazas fragile communication network has broken down multiple times during the conflict because of bombardment or shutdowns by Israel, but each time, Gaza authorities were able to quickly get it back working. Previous blackouts have traumatized Palestinians, leaving them unable to call ambulances or reach dispersed family members to ensure they are alive amid the bombardment. Aid workers say it hampers humanitarian operations and hospitals. The blackout also largely cuts Gaza off from the outside world, making it even harder for international media to cover events on the ground. Some manage to keep up communications using satellite phones or SIM cards that reach the Israeli or Egyptian networks. The war, now in its sixth week, was triggered by a wide-ranging Hamas attack into southern Israel on Oct. 7 in which the fighters killed over 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and captured some 240 men, women and children. Israel responded with a weekslong air campaign and a ground invasion of northern Gaza, vowing to remove Hamas from power and crush its military capabilities. More than 11,200 Palestinians have been killed, two-thirds of them women and minors, according to Palestinian health authorities. Another 2,700 have been reported missing, with most believed to be buried under the rubble. The official count does not differentiate between civilian and fighter deaths, and Israel says it has killed thousands of fighters. The war has inflamed tensions elsewhere. On Thursday, gunmen shot and wounded four people at a checkpoint on the main road linking Jerusalem to Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. The three attackers were killed, according to police, who said the assailants had assault rifles, handguns and hatchets, and were preparing a large-scale attack in Jerusalem. Some guns, but so far no tunnels Israeli troops stormed into Gazas largest hospital Wednesday, where newborns and hundreds of other patients have suffered for days without electricity and other basic necessities. Troops searched the underground levels of the hospital on Thursday and detained technicians responsible for running its equipment, Gazas Health Ministry said in a statement. Advertisement After encircling Shifa for days, Israel faces pressure to prove its claim that Hamas used the patients, staff and civilians sheltering there to provide cover for its fighters. The allegation which the U.S. has said it has intelligence to support is part of Israels broader accusation that Hamas uses Palestinians as human shields. The military released video from inside Shifa showing 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. The Associated Press could not independently verify the Israeli claims that the weapons were found inside the hospital. Hamas and Gaza health officials deny fighters operate in Shifa a hospital that employs some 1,500 people and has more than 500 beds. Palestinians and rights groups accuse Israel of recklessly endangering civilians. Munir al-Boursh, a senior official with Gazas Health Ministry inside the hospital, said troops ransacked the basement and other buildings, and questioned and scanned the faces of patients, staff and people sheltering in the facility. Israeli forces battled fighters outside the hospital for days, but there were no reports of fighters firing from inside Shifa, or of any fighting within the hospital after Israeli troops entered. The Health Ministry said 40 patients, including three babies, have died since Shifas emergency generator ran out of fuel Saturday. There was no word on the condition of another 36 babies, who the ministry said earlier were at risk of dying. The military said its soldiers were accompanied by medical teams bringing in incubators and other supplies, though staff said incubators were useless without fuel. Advertisement Looking south Israeli forces dropped leaflets telling Palestinians in areas east of the southern town of Khan Younis to evacuate and said anyone in the vicinity of fighters or their positions is putting his life in danger. Similar leaflets were dropped over northern Gaza for weeks ahead of the ground invasion. Two reporters who live east of Khan Younis confirmed seeing the leaflets. Others shared images of the leaflets on social media. The military declined to comment. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said Wednesday the ground operation will eventually include both the north and south. We will strike Hamas wherever it is. Even as Israel signals a wider offensive, it has yet to put forth a long-term plan, aside from saying it will maintain security control over Gaza indefinitely. The U.S. has urged Israel not to reoccupy the territory, from which it withdrew soldiers and settlers in 2005. The Biden administration supports the eventual creation of a Palestinian state including Gaza and the occupied West Bank also the long-held aspiration of the Palestinians. Israels government was staunchly opposed to Palestinian statehood even before the war. The military says it has largely consolidated its control of the north, including seizing and demolishing government buildings. Video released by the army Thursday showed soldiers moving between heavily damaged buildings through holes blown in their walls. Advertisement The military said it had blown up a residence belonging to Ismail Haniyeh, a senior Hamas leader based abroad. It was unclear if anyone was inside the building. With most of Gazas 2.3 million people crowded into the territorys south, 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. The worsening fuel shortage threatens to paralyze the delivery of humanitarian services, and Palestinian telecoms provider Paltel said Thursday it caused landline connections, the mobile network and internet connections to shut down. Gaza has experienced three previous mass communication outages since the ground invasion. Israel allowed a small amount of fuel to enter Gaza on Wednesday, for the first time since the war began, so that the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees could continue bringing limited supplies of aid. The fuel cannot be used for hospitals or to desalinate water, and covers less than 10% of what the agency needs to sustain lifesaving activities, said Thomas White, the agencys Gaza director. BEAUFORT, S.C. Convicted killer Alex Murdaugh struck a plea deal Friday, days before the start of his trial in South Carolina's sprawling case against him in dozens of financial crimes. Murdaugh, 55, appeared in Beaufort County Court before Circuit Court Judge Clifton Newman and agreed to plead guilty to various counts, including in a case in which he was accused of siphoning off insurance settlement funds in the death of the Murdaughs' longtime housekeeper, Gloria Satterfield. The former personal injury lawyer, shackled and wearing an orange jumpsuit, told the court: "I am happy to be pleading guilty to these charges for a number of reasons." Chief prosecutor Creighton Waters of the state attorney general's office recommended a 27-year prison sentence, although Newman said he would make a final determination during a Nov. 28 sentencing in which he "fully intends" to accept Murdaugh's guilty plea after hearing from victims. Waters gave an overview of the various cases, accusing Murdaugh of having an "insatiable need for money," while Murdaugh sat stone-faced in a near-empty courtroom a far cry from the packed proceedings during his double murder trial in February. Murdaugh told Newman that he "disagreed with some of the narrative" provided by Waters, but "not the essential elements of the facts of the crimes." The state's case, which played a pivotal role in Murdaugh's murder trial, included 101 financial-related charges and an alleged loss of $8.8 million to those affected by the schemes he committed against his clients as well as his family's law firm. Murdaugh is serving two consecutive life terms for the fatal shootings of his wife, Margaret, 52, and their younger son, Paul, 22, in 2021. The deal between the state attorney general's office and Murdaugh's defense team means he will avoid the trial that was set to begin Nov. 27, in what would have again brought a spotlight onto the disbarred attorney. A timeline of Murdaughs legal troubles Murdaugh's murder trial drew intense coverage, given his lineage as the scion of a powerful legal family in South Carolina's Lowcountry, and his actions in the wake of the shooting deaths of his wife and son at their rural estate. The case, first classified as an unsolved double homicide, quickly unraveled into wider allegations of financial fraud, a hired hitman plot and drug addiction, and it revived inquiries into other curious deaths linked to the Murdaugh family. Convicted murderer Alex Murdaugh speaks with his defense attorney in Beaufort, S.C. on Friday, Nov. 17, 2023. (James Pollard / AP) Murdaugh has proclaimed his innocence in the fatal shootings of his wife and son since a grand jury indicted him in the murders last year. Prosecutors alleged he killed them to gain pity before he would be exposed for a slew of financial crimes. He pleaded guilty in federal court in September to almost two dozen counts of financial fraud and money laundering. As part of a plea deal, Murdaugh must pay restitution to "each and every identifiable victim," according to the agreement with federal prosecutors, who accused him of stealing about $9 million from clients in a "pattern of criminal activity" going back more than a decade. In addition, he may be subject to a polygraph test and could be called to "testify fully and truthfully before any grand juries and at any other trials or other proceedings," prosecutors said. In return, his federal sentence must run at the same time as any sentence imposed in his state case. Murdaugh was linked with two co-conspirators Cory Fleming, a former lawyer and college roommate, and Russell Laffitte, an ex-banking CEO who prosecutors say aided him in schemes to defraud clients out of money from at least 2005 to 2021. Both men were previously convicted or pleaded guilty to related crimes. In the case of Satterfield, who died in 2018 after what had been described as a "trip and fall accident" at the Murdaugh's home, prosecutors say Murdaugh directed Fleming to draft checks totaling almost $3.5 million to a bank account that he used for his own personal enrichment while Satterfield's two adult sons received none of the money. "We have no doubt that Alex Murdaugh will never get a fresh breath of air outside of prison," Eric Bland, a lawyer for the Satterfields, said in a statement. "Irrespective of the murder convictions, this monster deserves to spend the rest of his life behind bars." Murdaugh's attorneys said after the hearing that their client has never denied committing financial crimes, which he generally admitted to when he took the stand at his murder trial. "He feels very comfortable doing prison time for crimes he committed," Jim Griffin, one of Murdaugh's lawyers, told reporters. "He does not feel comfortable doing prison time for the murders of his wife and son, which he did not do." Murdaugh is attempting to win a new trial for the murder charges after his lawyers accused the clerk of court of jury tampering. She has denied the allegations. Newman, who oversaw that trial as well, agreed to step down in any further proceedings related to the case, as he could potentially be called as a witness, according to a court order Thursday. Juliette Arcodia reported from Beaufort, and Erik Ortiz from New York. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com The South Carolina Attorney General's Office and attorneys for convicted murderer and accused fraudster Alex Murdaugh have reached a guilty plea agreement for many of Murdaugh's more than 100 financial crimes. A hearing was scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday in Beaufort County Court of General Sessions. Judge Clifton Newman opened the hearing and immediately went into recess with attorneys from the state and Murdaugh's team to discuss several matters, including a possible agreement, in the judge's chambers. Murdaugh, wearing an orange prison jumpsuit and white New Balance sneakers, appeared in person in the Beaufort County courtroom for the second time before Judge Newman. He grinned with his attorneys and at times appeared to smirk or sneer in the direction of lead state prosecutor Creighton Waters. Attorneys emerged roughly 30 minutes later, and the S.C. Attorney General's Office began working on documents that included sentencing sheets as well as plea agreements. Around 12:30 p.m., as attorneys reviewed page after page of freshly printed documents, Murdaugh attorney Richard Harpootlian told members of the media that they were "close" to a possible agreement, pending approval by both sides of the court, and that any agreement reached would be "all or nothing," meaning that Murdaugh was preparing to plead guilty to all of the presented S.C. Grand Jury indictments, or if terms weren't agreed upon, none at all. Waters said this would "bring some finality" to these cases and financial victims, and Murdaugh would be in state prison for a very long time on "negotiated sentences." The agreement, signed by the Attorney General's Office, as well as Murdaugh and his counsel, and accepted by Judge Newman, includes guilty pleas for Murdaugh's theft from the Gloria Satterfield and Hakeem Pinckney estates, several other former clients, and his former family law firm. Most of Murdaugh's crimes will earn him recommended negotiated sentences of 10 years or 20 years each, to be served concurrently, and he would have to serve at least 85 percent of the 20-year sentences. In exchange for Murdaugh pleading guilty to the indictments presented, which represented his most serious charges but not all of the financial crimes, the remaining financial indictments will be noll prossed, or not prosecuted. He must also pay restitution. Sentencing has been deferred, but the Attorney General's Office is recommending that Murdaugh serve a net of 27 years, with 85 percent served for roughly 22-plus years in state prison. Murdaugh's sentencing will be held at 10 a.m. on Nov. 28 in Beaufort County before Judge Newman. This sentencing hearing will allow time for his victims to speak. During Friday's session there was no mention of Murdaugh's narcotics distribution charges, or the local indictments filed against Murdaugh from the September 2021 roadside shooting incident in which he was later charged with insurance fraud. In signing the plea agreement, Murdaugh also waived all rights to an appeal of those convictions or sentencing. Newman presided over the hearing despite the previous legal efforts of Murdaugh's team. On Nov. 1, Murdaugh's attorneys filed a motion with the South Carolina Supreme Court seeking a writ of prohibition barring Judge Newman from presiding over any of Murdaugh's financial crimes trials. Alex Murdaugh, in an orange prison jumpsuit, stands in the Beaufort County courtroom Friday while state prosecutor Creighton Waters, center, and Murdaugh attorney Richard Harpootlian chat in the foreground. Murdaugh's attorneys had also requested a continuance of all financial crimes trials until after post-murder trial matters are settled, as well as a change of venue. On Thursday, Nov. 16, the S.C. Supreme Court denied those motions, and Murdaugh's first financial crimes jury trial, centered on the theft from the Gloria Satterfield Estate, was initially set to begin in Beaufort County on Nov. 27. That trial will not be needed now. Murdaugh has already pleaded guilty to the same crimes in federal court and awaits sentencing there, and even confessed to many of his financial crimes and drug addiction in open court while on the witness stand during his six-week murder trial in Walterboro, S.C. Convicted murderer and accused, confessed fraudster Alex Murdaugh stands before Judge Clifton Newman yet again in the 14th Judicial Circuit. AG, victims' attorneys react to Alex Murdaugh guilty plea Later Friday afternoon, S.C. Attorney General Alan Wilson issued a statement in response to Murdaugh's guilty plea: Today Alex Murdaugh pleaded guilty to his financial crimes. This is a win for the victims and for justice in South Carolina. We hope the families he betrayed and stole from feel a little peace that he is going to serve time for those crimes. It doesnt matter your last name, your position, or your connections--no one is above the law in South Carolina. Justin Bamberg, attorney for the Pinckney Estate, issued the following statement on X (formerly Twitter): "This has been a grueling process, particularly for my clients who have had to relive the darkest moments of their life. We are appreciative of the hard-nose pursuit of true accountability by Creighton Waters, his team, and the Attorney Generals Office. Alex will never see freedom again, and while I never celebrate the downfall of anyone, I do celebrate him being held accountable for the horrible choices he made." Eric Bland and Ronnie Richter, attorneys at Bland Richter LLP who represent the Satterfield Estate, also issued a statement: "On behalf of the financial victims of Alex Murdaugh, whom we represent, we are sincerely appreciative of the dogged determination of Alan Wilson and Creighton waters in their pursuit of justice. Alex Murdaughs guilty plea will finally allow his financial victims to begin the process of healing and it will free the state up to refocus its time, attention and resources toward the preservation of the murder convictions, the Labor Day shooting charges, and any other drug conspiracy charges that may come down the pike. Justice is rarely pretty or perfect, but there should be no confusion that justice was served in this case. "Sentencing for this play of guilt will be in the near future. Alexs victims will get a chance to look Alex Murdaugh in the eye and his lawyers and tell them how they feel about him, how he manipulated them, and the damage that they have done to them in their lives. I have no doubt that at Alex Murdaugh will never get a fresh breath of air outside of state prison, and if he lives long enough in federal prison before he dies. Irrespective of the murder convictions, this monster deserves to spend the rest of his life behind bars." What is going on with the Alex Murdaugh murder case? Even as he faced more than 100 financial fraud and drug-related charges, Murdaugh continues to wage legal battles over his March 2 double murder conviction in the June 2021 killings of his wife and younger child. After filing an appeal, Murdaugh has filed motion after motion in the murder case, including a motion to have Newman prohibited from overseeing further court proceedings in his murder case. Judge Newman has agreed to step aside in hearing allegations involving jury tampering in the murder case, the South Carolina Supreme Court said Thursday in ruling on the Murdaugh motions. After making shocking jury tampering allegations against a court official, Colleton County Clerk of Court Rebecca Hill, Murdaugh's team made the motion for the recusal of the veteran circuit court judge. According to the Supreme Court ruling, Newman voluntarily recused himself from the Murdaugh murders case. Murdaugh is currently serving two life sentences for the killings. This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Alex Murdaugh pleads guilty to multiple financial crimes in SC court Shares in Chinese ecommerce titan Alibaba tanked 10 percent in Hong Kong on Friday after the firm's surprise decision to call off part of its high-profile restructuring because of the US-China chip war. In a move that shocked investors, the Hangzhou-based tech giant said Thursday that US curbs on exports of advanced chips had forced it to call off the spinoff of its cloud computing arm. The firm's stock dived 9.96 percent, tracking a collapse in its New York-listed shares. Washington has moved to bar the shipment to China of powerful chips, including those from California-based Nvidia, which are crucial to the development of artificial intelligence, on national security grounds. In one of its most wide-ranging restructurings, Alibaba said in March it planned to split the vast group into six distinct entities that would be able to separately pursue funding through public listings. But on Thursday, it called off the creation of its Cloud Intelligence arm in light of "the recent expansion of US restrictions on export of advanced computing chips". "We believe that a full spin-off of Cloud Intelligence Group may not achieve the intended effect of shareholder value enhancement," the company said in its earnings release. "Accordingly, we have decided to not proceed with a full spin-off, and instead we will focus on developing a sustainable growth model for Cloud Intelligence Group under the fluid circumstances," Alibaba said. Alibaba is a key player in China's expansive digital economy and the operator of a major online shopping platform. The group's performance is considered a barometer of domestic consumption, which has flagged in recent months. And the firm has faced new headwinds in recent years, with Beijing imposing tighter restrictions on the domestic tech sector and weak consumer spending leading it to record its third consecutive quarter of single-digit revenue growth earlier this year. Alibaba has said it aims to achieve a "more nimble" structure in order to maintain competitiveness in the face of new regulatory challenges and mounting pressures on the global economy. But it has now become one of the most high-profile Chinese firms to admit that trade tensions with Washington are affecting business. The announcement took investors by surprise, with Kevin Net, head of Asian equities at Tocqueville Finance, telling Bloomberg News: "My initial thoughts are that the whole corporate restructuring... could be at risk." Loop Capital Markets' Rob Sanderson said "Alibaba Cloud was the crown jewel within the restructuring plan". And Stephen Innes at SPI Asset Management warned it could throw the restructruing into doubt. "The potential upside from the breakup appears to be diminishing, as none of the subsidiaries have robust financial health," he said in a note. "There is a caveat -- if consumer confidence rebounds in China, it could potentially change the outlook for the subsidiaries, creating an opportunity for improved valuations. But broader economic factors, particularly consumer sentiment and confidence levels in the Chinese market, are not good." bur-oho/je/dan WILMER, Texas - An AMBER alert is still active for a 10-year-old boy who was abducted from the Dallas County city of Wilmer. Investigators believe Ian Aguilar was abducted by his father, 38-year-old Juan Aguilar-Cano, Tuesday. The Dallas County Sheriff's Department said Aguilar-Cano is accused of killing the boy's mother in the family's home off of Interstate 45. The family identified the woman as Zuleika Lopez, who worked for the City of Dallas in the Development Services department for 19 years. Lopez's adult daughter, Zuri Lopez, said she was the one to call police after her mother didn't show up to work. She was also the one to make the tragic discovery Tuesday night. Zuleika Lopez Police said Aguilar-Cano's car was found near a Tornado Bus Company in Houston, but he and the boy were not there. Tornado charters rides to Mexico. "This man was born in Mexico, so I am worried hes getting there. He has family in Houston. Its a big area. Its urgent you share my brothers face and spread the message on every platform, every agency, every news station," Zuri Lopez said. "This is a very fluid, very active investigation. It's still fresh. So we are continuing to do our due diligence in terms of the investigation," said Dallas County Sheriff Marian Brown on Thursday. Police said, before this week, they had never been called out to the home. CPS also confirmed it had not been to the home in the past. Zuleika Lopez and Ian Aguilar A vigil was held Thursday night for the safe return of Aguilar. Candles were lit in prayer for the 10-year-old and his mother. The memorial outside the Wilmer mobile home is growing with candles, photos, and balloons. Lopez, a mother of four, didnt show up to work Tuesday, and Aguilar didnt go to school. These red flags caused Lopezs daughter to call police because she knew something was wrong. Zuri attended the vigil, going back to the same spot where she found her mother dead earlier this week. "The last thing she told me was she loved me. The last thing I said to her was I love her too, and that was that," she recalled. Family, friends, and community members are left mourning Lopezs death with still many questions. Zuri said Aguilar is autistic and needs his medication. She worries her little brother is in danger. "He shouldnt be with that man. I need my brother back as soon as possible," she said. Doug Wilks, executive editor of Deseret News, left, moderates a discussion on geopolitical risk with Eric Levesque, co-founder and COO of Strider Technologies, and Miles Hansen, president and board director of The Stirling Foundation, during Utah Business Forward at The Grand America Hotel in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023. | Spenser Heaps, Deseret News Despite the geopolitical turmoil around the world, experts in international trade say Utah companies should take precautions but not shy away from doing business abroad. While there is friction, there are also opportunities. Lean all the way in. Do not put your head in a cave, go in a foxhole and cower, said Miles Hansen, president of The Stirling Foundation, a Utah-based humanitarian organization with projects in more than 35 countries. Because of the momentum Utah businesses had going into the pandemic, they were far more aggressive sooner than companies in other places, and they benefited significantly, he said. Eric Levesque, COO and co-founder of the strategic intelligence firm Strider, agreed. That was tough, he said of the past three years. The next three should be, I think, a little bit better. Levesque and Hansen were among the presenters at the daylong Utah Business Forward conference at The Grand America Hotel. Utah Business magazine put on the event, featuring sessions on entrepreneurship, international business, marketing, people and culture and strategy to help executives address global challenges. Hansen previously worked as the president and CEO of World Trade Center Utah, an organization that accelerates global growth for Utah businesses. Levesques company uses open-source data and AI to enable Fortune 1000 companies and governments to manage risk and secure their innovation in a new era of strategic competition. The two of them talked about the risk of doing business internationally amid the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas wars and the fraught U.S.-China relationship. Hansen said the most important thing for any business to realize is that the world is fundamentally a different place since the end of World War II and will continue to be. This free market that has created so much wealth and prosperity for decades is really in some ways coming to an end, he said, adding it was very, very comfortable for business to take place. But geopolitical competition is returning in a significant way, Hansen said. That means businesses need to think about how global affairs are going to impact them, he added. Its affecting more companies of every size in more industries than what weve seen for a generation, he said. You have to pay attention. You have to invest the time and energy to think through how say competition between the United States and China is going to affect your supply chain in one way or another, whether youre making components for military hardware or youre making components for a kids toy. Eric Levesque, left, co-founder and COO of Strider Technologies, and Miles Hansen, president and board director of The Stirling Foundation, have a discussion on geopolitical risk during Utah Business Forward at The Grand America Hotel in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023. | Spenser Heaps, Deseret News Related Levesque noted the meeting between President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping this week included a dinner with business leaders. Xi is in an interesting spot. The way I read it is their economy is on the edge of a cliff, he said, adding there was negative foreign investment last year in China for the first time in 25 years. Business leaders, he said, want stability. Some companies are building capabilities in-house to understand the intelligence landscape, trade routes and cyber issues rather than depending on government or other partners, Levesque said. Dow Chemical, for example, used open-source data, geospatial data and social media to learn Russian troop movements and develop a corporate plan to protect their employees and assets weeks before the invasion of Ukraine. They were actually ahead of most governments in predicting that invasion, he said. Although that has been expensive, Levesque said he expects those costs to come down so small and medium-sized companies can build those capabilities. Levesque said critical emerging technologies are the most targeted aspect of industries by foreign governments. Companies can take legal measures and use cyber tools to protect their intellectual property but the part that doesnt get talked about is how state actors might offer their employees millions of dollars for trade secrets. Businesses, he said, should educate their workers about the geopolitical landscape and how they could be targets. This actually is where we see the biggest risk right now to IP (intellectual property) across every company that we work with, Levesque said. Most of these folks are legitimate engineers, scientists and experts in their field. Theyre not experts on intelligence operations or how state actors would approach them. With 2024 a presidential election year in the United States, Hansen and Levesque talked about what businesses might want to look for in the candidates. First off, someone with an IQ greater than a fifth grader. Someone who has an accurate understanding of the substance and cares about the substance, Hansen said. Someone whos got real-world experience, out doing things in the world of meaning that create value. Those characteristics should be a given but are not among the current crop of candidates, he said. Find somebody who is not an idiot and that would be a significant step forward and that would give me confidence, he said. Related Levesque said he agrees with Hansen but the counterargument is that five or six years ago the economy was great. Two things would bring great momentum to industry, he said. First is Congress passing a budget, which would create a lot of predictability. Somebody that could bring folks together would be great, Levesque said. Second, he said there needs to be long-term strategies to engage China, Russia and the Middle East. We dont have those yet, Levesque said. I think those would go a long way. Related When most Americans consider the current list of presidential candidates, theyre not satisfied with their choices. Like a sparingly short restaurant menu, theyre scanning it, flipping it over, searching for fresher, more palatable options. With less than one year until the 2024 election, 52% of voters including 72% of independents want new candidates to enter the race, according to a Nov. 15 Quinnipiac University poll, which sampled 1,743 U.S. adults. Its just the latest in a string of surveys that indicate the majority of Americans are loath to see a rematch between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump. While some degree of voter dissatisfaction is normal complaining about presidential candidates is as American as apple pie the current level of disaffection appears abnormally high, and it could set the stage for strong performances from third party hopefuls, according to experts. Unusually high level of dissatisfaction The electorate is showing an unusually high level of dissatisfaction with the major party candidates, Barry Burden, a professor of political science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, told McClatchy News. They have reservations about both candidates. I do not recall seeing levels of concern like we are seeing today, Michael Hanmer, a politics professor at the University of Maryland, told McClatchy News. While former President Trump boasts a seemingly unshakable base of support a majority of Republicans favor him for re-election in multiple polls large swaths of the population see him as a threat to democracy and unfit to return to the Oval Office, Hanmer said. Trump is facing 91 felony counts in four different courts, Alan Lichtman, a history professor at American University, told McClatchy News. Neither indictments or convictions disqualify candidates for president, but clearly they represent a heavy, unprecedented burden, especially if Trump is convicted in any court and sentenced to prison prior to the general election. Biden comes with his own baggage, including a lack of charismatic appeal, and poor messaging on his accomplishments, Lichtman said. He is now bleeding support among his own party, including young liberals and minorities who are particularly disenchanted with the president, Burden said, adding many Democrats also have concerns about Bidens age. While its not unusual to see an electorate resist presidential candidates, it is unique to see this level of dissatisfaction within the incumbent presidents party, Spencer Goidel, a political science professor at Auburn University, told McClatchy News. One would have to go back three decades in order to see this degree of disenchantment among the presidents party, Goidel, who researches public opinion, said. In the lead-up to the 1992 election, less than half of Republicans, 44%, were pleased with President George H.W. Bush, Goidel said. At the time, Bush was facing an economic downturn and an electorate ready for a break from the status quo after over a decade of GOP leadership. Ross Perot, an independent candidate, ended up eclipsing not only Bush, but his challenger, Bill Clinton, in polls taken several months before the election, Lichtman said. Did it matter? Well, we saw... Perot receive a substantial share of the vote in both of those elections, Goidel said. Some have argued that Perot, who received 19% of the vote, may have cost Bush the election, though its difficult to parse out the numerous factors at play, according to research from the American Enterprise Institute, a center-right think tank. With similar levels of voter disaffection leading up to the 2024 election, its possible that third-party candidates of whom a handful have stepped forward will also play an outsize role, Goidel said. Robert Kennedy Jr., an environmental lawyer, who has polled as high as 20% in three-way match-ups with Biden and Trump, declared his intent to run for the Democratic nomination. So has author Marriane Williamson and Rep. Dean Philips. Activist Cornel West is also running as an independent, and Jill Stein, a physician and activist, is running for the Green Party. Others, including West Virginia Democrat Sen. Joe Manchin and former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, are considering running as centrist candidates, according to Axios. Voters may come home to candidates However, third party candidates will face an uphill battle as voter opinions are bound to change as the election draws nearer. Despite signaling their discontent now, many voters will likely hold their noses and cast their ballot for one of the major party nominees, experts said. Polls are a snapshot in time and so the question becomes whether those same weaknesses among parts of Bidens base will still exist by the time we get to next November, Matthew McDermott, a Democratic strategist, told McClatchy News. Right now, it is pretty clear in the polls that respondents are just not yet fully grappling with the reality this election presents, which is a repeat of the exact same presidential election all over again something that hasnt happened since the 1950s between Dwight Eisenhower and Adlai Stevenson, McDermott said. Ultimately, opinions held today are not necessarily predictive of the mindsets of voters come election day, Stephen Ansolabehere, a professor of government at Harvard University, told McClatchy News. In November 2003, we would have had President Kerry, Ansolabehere said. In November 2007, Hillary Clinton would have been the nominee. In November 2011 we could have elected President Romney. Any polls with a forecast should be taken (with) a grain of salt. Only 24% of Democrats say they are better off financially under Biden, poll says Most people in US support cease-fire in Gaza as Biden remains opposed, poll finds Supreme Court unveils ethics code but its vague and unenforceable, experts say FILE PHOTO: The Iranian flag flutters in front of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) organisation's headquarters in Vienna By John Irish, Arshad Mohammed and Francois Murphy PARIS/WASHINGTON/VIENNA (Reuters) - The United States and its allies have few routes left to rein in Iran's nuclear work with prospects for talks long buried and tougher actions against Tehran running the risk of stoking tensions in a region already enflamed by the Gaza war. With a U.S. election next year limiting Washington's room for manoeuvre, four serving and three former diplomats painted a bleak picture of efforts to curb Iran's nuclear programme, which according to U.N. nuclear watchdog reports continues to advance. The diplomats spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity. According to one of the two confidential reports by the International Atomic Energy Agency and seen by Reuters, Iran now has enough uranium enriched up to 60% purity - close to weapons-grade and a level Western powers say has no civilian use - to make three bombs. The stockpile continues to grow, the reports say, even though Iran has consistently denied wanting nuclear arms. Having failed to revive a nuclear deal between Iran and world powers that was abandoned by former U.S. President Donald Trump in 2018, President Joe Biden has no room for now even to consider a more informal "understanding" to curb Iran's nuclear work with a regional conflict raging and tension spiralling. "There is a sort of paralysis, especially among the Americans ... because they don't want to add fuel to the fire," said a senior European diplomat. Any negotiations to reach an "understanding" with Iran would have entailed Washington offering concessions - such as easing its tough sanctions regime on Tehran - in return for Iranian constraint. Such a move now looks inconceivable after Iran-backed Palestinian group Hamas launched its devastating attack on Oct. 7 on U.S. ally Israel. Since then, Iran's regional proxy militias have launched dozens of attacks on U.S. and coalition troops in Iraq and Syria, according to the Pentagon. At home, the Biden administration is constrained by U.S. presidential elections now just a year away. Trump, who at the moment looks most likely to be Biden's opponent, could seize on any engagement with Tehran and portray it as weakness. "In the current environment, it is simply not politically feasible to seek an accommodation with Iran on the nuclear issue," said Robert Einhorn, a former U.S. State Department official. "The political debate is really not going to be about negotiating with Iran, it's going to be about confronting Iran," he said. IRAN STONEWALLING IAEA Washington has deployed two aircraft carriers to the region and warplanes to the eastern Mediterranean, partly as a warning to Tehran. But U.S. officials have also made clear they do not want an escalation, urging Iran-backed militias to stand down. Washington and its French, British and German allies - which were among the parties to the 2015 nuclear deal - will now focus on next week's IAEA Board of Governors meeting. This week's IAEA reports showed Iran was making steady nuclear progress and indicated that Tehran continued to stonewall the agency in monitoring its work. A deal in March to re-install monitoring equipment including surveillance cameras, which were removed last year at Iran's behest, has only partially been honoured. Tehran's "de-designation" in September of some of the agency's most experienced inspectors - a move that effectively bars them from working in Iran - has also exasperated the IAEA. Western powers in September had threatened to pass a binding resolution ordering Iran to reverse course - one of the strongest sanctions in the IAEA board's armoury. Four diplomats said a resolution was now unlikely because it was imperative to avoid a diplomatic and nuclear escalation with Iran while attention is focused on Israel's conflict with Hamas. They said a less inflammatory move, such as a firm non-binding statement, that would threaten tougher action at the next board meeting in March was more likely for now. "We can't have a resolution," said the senior European diplomat. "If we were to pass a resolution ... it risks pushing them (the Iranians) over the edge ... to 90% enrichment." Weapons-grade uranium is around 90% purity. Two diplomats said all that could be done in coming months was to support IAEA chief Rafael Grossi's efforts to strengthen oversight of Iran's nuclear programme. He has been seeking to re-designate his inspectors before the end of the year. "It's way too early to say whether Iran will become a nuclear state or whether it will stay a threshold state like now," one diplomat said. "But for now it will keep enriching." (Reporting by John Irish in Paris, Francois Murphy in Vienna and Arshad Mohammed in Washington; Editing by Edmund Blair) FILE PHOTO: Palestinians protest in support of the people of Gaza, in Hebron FILE PHOTO: Palestinians protest in support of the people of Gaza, in Hebron By Andrew Osborn LONDON (Reuters) - Russian President Vladimir Putin waited three days before commenting on Hamas' massacre of Israelis, which happened to take place on his 71st birthday. When he did, he blamed the United States, not Hamas. "I think that many will agree with me that this is a clear example of the failed policy in the Middle East of the United States, which tried to monopolise the settlement process," Putin told Iraq's prime minister. It was a further six days before Putin spoke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to offer his condolences over the killing of around 1,200 Israelis. Ten days after that, Russia said a Hamas delegation was in Moscow for talks. Putin, say Russian and Western policy experts, is trying to use Israel's war against Hamas to escalate what he has cast as an existential battle with the West for a new world order that would end U.S. dominance in favour of a multilateral system he believes is already taking shape. "Russia understands that the U.S. and the EU have fully supported Israel, but the U.S. and the EU are now the embodiment of evil and cannot be right in any way," Sergei Markov, a former Kremlin adviser, wrote in his blog, explaining Putin's need to differentiate himself. "Therefore, Russia will not be in the same camp with the U.S. and the EU. Israel's main ally is the United States, Russia's main enemy right now. And Hamas' ally is Iran, an ally of Russia." Moscow enjoys an increasingly close relationship with Tehran - which backs Hamas and whom Washington has accused of supplying Moscow with drones for Ukraine which is locked in a grinding war of attrition with Russia. Hanna Notte, a Berlin-based Russian foreign policy expert, told the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center she thought Moscow had dropped its earlier, more balanced position on the Middle East and adopted "quite an overt pro-Palestinian position". "In doing all of this, Russia understands very well that it aligns itself with constituencies across the Middle East and even beyond - in the Global South, in their views on the Palestinian issue where the Palestinian cause continues to resonate," she said. It is precisely those constituencies which Putin is seeking to win over in his drive for a new world order that would dilute U.S. influence. "The most important way in which Russia stands to benefit from this crisis in Gaza is by scoring points in the court of global public opinion," said Notte. Putin has said that "when you look at the suffering and bloodied children (in Gaza), you clench your fists and tears come to your eyes." 'DOUBLE STANDARDS' Russian politicians have pointedly contrasted what they say is the carte blanche that Washington has given Israel to bomb Gaza to Washington's punitive response to Russia's own war in Ukraine, where Moscow says it does not deliberately target civilians even though thousands of civilians have been killed. Israel's U.N. ambassador has said Russia is in no position to lecture others given what it has been doing itself in Ukraine. But Senator Alexei Pushkov said the West had fallen into a trap of its own making by exposing its own double standards over how it treated different countries depending on its self-interested political preferences. "The unequivocal support of the United States and the West for Israel's actions has dealt a powerful blow to Western foreign policy in the eyes of the Arab world and the entire Global South," Pushkov wrote on Telegram. Russia also sees the crisis as a chance for Moscow to try to grow its clout in the Middle East by casting itself as a potential peacemaker with links to all sides, said former Kremlin adviser Markov. Moscow has offered to host a regional meeting of foreign ministers and Putin has said that Russia is well placed to help. "We have very stable, businesslike relations with Israel, we have had friendly relations with Palestine for decades, our friends know this. And Russia, in my opinion, could also make its own contribution to the settlement process," Putin told an Arab TV channel in October. There are potential economic benefits too, said Markov, and the added bonus of drawing Western financial and military resources away from Ukraine. "Russia benefits from an increase in the price of oil which will result from this war," said Markov. "(And) Russia benefits from any conflict that the U.S. and EU have to devote resources to because it reduces resources for the anti-Russian regime in Ukraine." Alex Gabuev, director of the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center, said he believed Moscow had tilted its Middle East policy because of the war in Ukraine. "My explanation is it's because the war is becoming the organising principle of Russian foreign policy and (because of) ties with Iran, which brings military materiel to the table. The central Russian war effort is more important than, for example, the relationship with Israel." WORSENING TIES Russia's ties with Israel, traditionally close and pragmatic, have suffered. Moscow's reception of a Hamas delegation less than two weeks after the Oct. 7 massacre angered Israel, prompting it to summon Russia's ambassador, Anatoly Viktorov, for sending "a message legitimising terrorism". The discontent was mutual; Alexander Ben Zvi, Israel's ambassador, has been summoned for talks with the Russian foreign ministry at least twice and the two countries' U.N. envoys have traded harsh words after Moscow's representative questioned the scope of Israel's right to defend itself. Mikhail Bogdanov, one of Russia's deputy foreign ministers, has said that Israel has stopped routinely warning Moscow of air strikes against Russian ally Syria in advance. When a since-suspended Israeli junior minister appeared to express openness to the idea of Israel carrying out a nuclear strike on Gaza, Russia said the remarks raised "a huge number of questions" and queried whether it amounted to an official admission from Israel that it had nuclear weapons. Amir Weitmann, chairman of the libertarian caucus in Netanyahu's Likud party, has said Israel will one day punish Moscow for its position. "We're going to finish this war (with Hamas) ... After this, Russia will pay the price," Weitmann said in a stormy October interview with Russian state broadcaster RT. "Russia is supporting the enemies of Israel. Afterwards we're not forgetting what you are doing. We will come, we will make sure that Ukraine wins," he said. (Reporting by Andrew Osborn; Editing by Mike Collett-White and Nick Macfie) Ancient Sumerians invented a civilisation-saving water channel 4,000 years ago, a British Museum dig has revealed. Archaeologists working at the ruined city of Girsu in Iraq have discovered the true function of a mysterious structure created by the civilisation. The inhabitants of the ancient city created a device known as a flume to propel water to distant locations where it was needed, thousands of years before this technology was thought to have been discovered. The Sumerians, who were the first people to tell early versions of the biblical story of the flood, appeared to have devised this anti-drought machine in an effort to preserve a way of life threatened by vital canals drying up. Ebru Torun, an architect and conservationist working with the British Museum team in Iraq, said: This is absolutely one of a kind. There is no other example of it in history, really, until the present day. Dr Sebastien Rey, an archaeologist and the projects leader in Iraq, explained: They are struggling for one thing and that is water. All of the texts tell us about the crisis. He added: It is not just a bridge, its an anti-drought machine, anti-collapse. The canals are drying up, silting up, one by one. This is one last desperate attempt to save themselves. The monumental scale of the structure shows how important this project was to them. It is a civilisation-saving effort. Dr Rey spoke between bounds across the spoil heaps of past excavations in the pre-dawn twilight, before the merciless sun of the Iraqi autumn makes work unbearable for the British Museum team and the 40-strong cohort of villagers digging through 4,000 years of dust. The team is based in the region once known as Sumer, which gave rise to the worlds first civilization. In the great Sumerian poem the Epic of Gilgamesh, in which a king seeks immortality from a man who spared mankind from a deadly deluge with a giant boat, the Sumerians also first told the flood story that became the Biblical story of Noah. Their civilisation revolved around water and depended on advanced irrigation that directed water from the Tigris and Euphrates rivers into canals that watered fields providing the food necessary to support urban life. Members of the dig at work in Iraq, including Dr Sebastien Rey (centre), an archaeologist and the projects leader - Ellie Atkins/British Museum According to ancient writings, it was part of an order maintained by gods who in turn were maintained by sacrifice and libations, but when the gods abandoned Girsu, the Sumerians were forced to effect their own salvation. The device deployed to preserve their way of life is formed of two symmetrical mud-brick structures about 130 feet long, 33 feet wide and with 11-foot-high walls arranged in two opposing curves bending outwards. It dwarfs the workmen in keffiyeh who straddle the structure, working to shore it up with soft river clay now used as a cheap material by local farmers as it once was by the Sumerians. The twin buildings appeared so purposeless to archaeologists in the 1920s that the site was simply named the enigmatic structure, with more daring theories suggesting that it might have been a bizarrely arranged temple. Quartered in the concrete compound in the village of Nasr, experts working on the British Museums ongoing Girsu Project, which is funded by Getty, have flown drone flights and tested the soil to establish that the mysterious construction once straddled a 12-mile canal, proving it to be the worlds oldest known bridge. The civilisation revolved around water and depended on advanced irrigation that directed water from the Tigris and Euphrates rivers - British Museum/Dr Sebastien Rey The latest research conducted in this remote corner of Iraq, its least populated province, have now revealed that the structure that channelled a 100-foot-wide canal into a 13-foot-wide passage would have created a feature known as the Venturi effect, something that would not be theorised by scientists until the late 18th century. It refers to the increase in velocity of liquids as they pass through a constricted throat, and can be put into practice with structures known as Venturi flumes. The Girsu structure is one such flume, which would have accelerated water flow and forced the water to more distant locations downstream where it was needed, including the neighbouring administrative capital of Lagash. In modern-day Girsu, the only signs of water are the scars of desiccated wadis cut into the yellow dust, the remains of homes, temples and palace walls reduced by time and the desert rains first to slurry, then powder. It is believed the structure was built by the final generations living in Girsu in a last attempt to save their home from becoming unlivable. Their desperation is revealed by archaeological evidence, which shows that they redirected all water courses into a single canal and through the device to maximise flow. The great temple to the warrior god Ningirsu, whose outline still sits high above the Mesopotamian floodplain, and the palace gradually unearthed with each journey of workmans wheelbarrow would have been familiar to the ancients. A digital reconstruction of the flume, which once straddled a 12-mile canal - The Girsu Project/British Museum But, according to Ms Torun, the flume bridge is something entirely and excitingly new. When you do this to water its going to go further, its going to accelerate. They knew all the key factors, they knew what they were doing. We have not seen any other example of this in ancient Mesopotamia. If you look at the walls of the bridge, they are inclined outwards. This further increases flow, but no one knew this, as far as we know, until the 20th century. The Girsu flume even has a sharp drop at its centre, a feature present in modern flumes that would have better facilitated the Venturi effect and which the Sumerians appear to have been aware of. There is evidence that the structure was built on a previous construction that followed the same design, suggesting that water-accelerating technology was known to the Sumerians millennia before it was thought to have been created. The shifting climate and changing river courses in Mesopotamia in the second millennium BC were too powerful to be held back by Sumerian ingenuity, however. In the temple complex, a band of white can be seen in the soil layers made up of deconsecrating ash that Sumerians scattered in the holy places that they believed had been abandoned by the gods, marking the point in 1750 BC when the inhabitants of Girsu abandoned the city. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. Jeff Pettiford, of the Beverly neighborhood, talks with reporters after two men were charged with armed carjacking involving his family at the Leighton Criminal Court Building on Nov. 16, 2023. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune) Michele Pettiford needed to park her car on the street this week. Two weeks ago, she was carjacked in her own driveway and she couldnt go back to the spot where robbers forced her to the ground behind her Beverly home and racked a gun pointed straight at her husband, Jeff, who ran out of the house to her screams. Advertisement The thieves made off with the familys 2012 Audi sedan, Jeffs money clip and Micheles purse containing keys to their other car, a 2019 Range Rover SUV, according to authorities. The familys next days were spent grappling with the violent attack, captured in disturbing, widely-shared surveillance footage. Jeff Pettiford reassured his frightened 12-year-old daughter, who was getting out of the car returning from volleyball practice when the robbers struck, that the thieves were unlikely to return. Advertisement But early Tuesday, Michele Pettiford looked outside. The Range Rover was no longer in front of the house. The car is gone. They came back, her husband recalled her saying. It was panic. [ Thieves return to Beverly home where carjacking was captured on video ] Police arrested two men, Damarri Conner, 20, and Kenneth Merritt, 26, later Tuesday for allegedly committing the first carjacking attack. Both face felony charges for aggravated vehicular hijacking and armed robbery with a firearm. The duo appeared at the Leighton Criminal Court Building Thursday, where Circuit Judge Charles Beach ordered them detained before trial. But after the detention decision, Jeff Pettiford had only mixed feelings. Im not happy to be here, Pettiford told reporters in the courthouse lobby. Its been a lot. The 46-year-old had put on his green sweater to go to the detention hearing. It was the same sweater he wore when he and his family were held up at gunpoint. He wore it, he told the Tribune, to send a message. I was hoping theyd look over. I wanted to look them in the eye and make sure they understood that I was there and they recognize me, he said, so they understand that someone is standing up to them. Advertisement Ald. Matt OShea, 19th, talks with reporters after two men were charged with armed carjacking involving the Pettiford family at the Leighton Criminal Court Building on Nov. 16, 2023. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune) Pettiford, who sat in the courtrooms first row, was joined by over a dozen friends on the wooden benches, including Ald. Matt OShea, 19th. During the hearing, he stared ahead, taking notes and sitting at attention as prosecutors and defense attorneys argued. Prosecutors asserted surveillance footage captured Conner and Merritt traveling by bus near the familys Far Southwest Side home, committing the crime and using Pettifords credit card to put gas in a stolen Porsche an hour later. Merritt was taken into custody while meeting with his parole officer Tuesday morning. He admitted to police he was at the scene of the crime, which he said was supposed to be a smash-and-grab and was initiated because Conner was thirsty for a car, prosecutors said. Two hours after Merritt was taken into custody, officers arrested Conner, who they found in a homes upstairs closet after tracking down a trail vehicle that followed close behind the Pettifords Range Rover after it was stolen, according to prosecutors. No one has yet been charged in the theft of the Range Rover. Conner also faces three misdemeanor counts for resisting arrest. While only Merritts face was clearly visible in surveillance footage because the other attacker wore a mask, police found the second attackers outfit in Conners room: a black Nike sweatshirt, a Columbia jacket and Timberland boots, the prosecutor said. The public defender assigned to the men argued Merritt should receive leniency for cooperating, while Conner should receive leniency because surveillance footage and Merritts admission couldnt sufficiently tie him to the crime. The public defender called for electronic monitoring. Advertisement However, Beach ruled the men should be detained, in part citing their extensive criminal histories. Both alleged attackers have felony convictions. Merritt has been convicted of five felonies, including for possession of a stolen car, armed robbery and burglary, prosecutors said. In 2016, he was sentenced to 10 years in prison for three separate felonies he had committed while on probation, prosecutors said, adding that he was released in 2021. A parole sentence related to the 2016 convictions is set to end in 2024, prosecutors said. Conner was awaiting trial on an aggravated unlawful use of a weapon charge when he allegedly robbed the Pettiford family, prosecutors said. The charges stem from a May arrest in which police say he had a pistol he didnt legally own as they responded to calls of shots fired. He has also been convicted of misdemeanor theft, battery and assault, prosecutors said. Ahead of the hearing, Pettiford said he was troubled by a real possibility that the men could have been released before trial. The fact that were coming here today thinking, Hey are they going to be back out in our community? Its just a sad statement, he said later. Advertisement The husband and father isnt sure what the solutions are, he said. But clearly theres a problem when you could have prevented all of this at multiple points and its not happening, Pettiford said. This didnt have to happen. And this isnt a one-off. Robberies are up 25% across Chicago this year. Meanwhile, motor vehicle thefts have jumped 52% and are up 232% since 2019, according to Chicago Police Department data. After the hearing, OShea said Chicagos strict gun laws need to be more strictly enforced. When we see individuals with track records of violence like these two in court today, they need to be taken off the street. They need to be held accountable. They need to be in jail, he said. We dont need to talk about rehabilitation. We need to take this senseless violence off the streets. Afternoon Briefing Weekdays Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox each afternoon. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy > OShea added that he expects to get justice in the Pettifords case because of the alleged attackers missteps, but hes less hopeful for other carjacking victims. Advertisement Similarly, Pettiford expects that his alleged attackers will be convicted, but he also doesnt think most victims get the community support that his family has received, he said. He said hes shared his experience in part to feel like he has control, but also to shed light on those other cases. The initial attack and subsequent car theft brought Pettiford new problems and challenges: talking with police, sorting out insurance, answering reporters. He had to borrow his mothers car and will likely need to get his own vehicles rekeyed when they are returned, he said. And hes trying to figure out what to say to his kids after their home was targeted for a second time, he added. I just hope they cant come back next month, next year, Pettiford said. jsheridan@chicagotribune.com Stars light up the night sky over Lkhaebum's ger, a portable, round tent insulated with sheepskin, in the remote Munkh-Khaan region of the Sukhbaatar district, in southeast Mongolia, Tuesday, May 16, 2023. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup) NOVEMBER 10 - 16, 2023 Caimans crowd the banks of the Bento Gomes River amid droughts in Brazil. People protest against the approval of a mining contract in Panama. President Joe Biden gives a speech on Veterans Day in Arlington, Virginia. And climate activist Greta Thunberg dances after a protest march through Amsterdam. This photo gallery highlights some of the most compelling images from around the world made or published by The Associated Press in the past week. The selection was curated by AP photo editor Eloy Martin in Spain. Follow AP visual journalism: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/apnews AP Images on Twitter: http://twitter.com/AP_Images AP Images blog: http://apimagesblog.com/ AUSTIN (KXAN) Austin Police said Thursday the department had launched its latest DWI No Refusal Initiative, this one coinciding with the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. Officers will be patrolling each night from 9:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. from Thursday until Nov. 26, which is the Sunday after Thanksgiving. During No Refusal periods, APD said officers will apply for blood search warrants on suspects who refuse to provide a breath or blood specimen as required by law. According to APD, No Refusal will focus on highways and high-speed roadways. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. AUSTIN (KXAN) An Austin Police Department officer was injured Friday morning after they were hit by a stolen vehicle. According to APD, officers were patrolling the 7200 block of Hart Lane just before 7 a.m. when they came across the stolen vehicle. As officers approached, the driver accelerated and hit one of the officers, police said. The officer was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The incident happened off MoPac, close to the area where first responders gathered to begin the funeral procession for fallen APD officer Jorge Pastore, who was killed in the line of duty last weekend. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. The Scene SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. President Joe Biden twice stressed to a CEO gathering on Thursday that the U.S. was not decoupling from China, even if the relationship between the two countries was not all kumbaya. Days earlier, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said untying the worlds two largest economies would be damaging and destabilizing. Chinese leader Xi Jinping, facing his own domestic economic pressures, told business executives that China is a partner and friend of the U.S. During a Thursday discussion at the APEC CEO Summit, Ren Hongbin, chairman of the state-backed China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, insisted an upcoming Chinese supply chain exposition would be about resilience and not decoupling. Across this weeks Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit and related events, business leaders and officials alike seem united in at least one belief: that the U.S. and China should not separate their economies, and that doing so would be dangerous for the globe. I think a stable relationship between the U.S. and China is a win-win situation for everyone, Carlos Kuriyama, director of APECs policy support unit, told reporters during a briefing Sunday. It makes a lot of sense for them to work together. Morgans view I was struck by the level of encouraging talk about the U.S.-China economic relationship at APEC. As a reporter based in Washington, Im used to hearing lawmakers in both parties criticize Chinas trade practices, call for cutting ties with Chinese businesses, and endorse steps that would bolster U.S. industries over those in China. Take the rhetoric on the 2024 campaign trail, where Republican Nikki Haley has called for revoking normal trade relations with China over the fentanyl crisis and urged U.S. businesses to leave China as completely as possible. For candidates, China is a reliable boogeyman in attack ads. In Congress, Rep. Mike Gallagher, R-Wis., chairman of the House select committee on China, has called for selective economic decoupling from China and suggested the administrations new investment controls targeting China do not go far enough. Lawmakers who favor untying the U.S. economy from China, especially Republicans, tend to view Beijing as a risky actor and an enemy, a country with whom the U.S. could eventually be at war. Kuriyama argued that the political rhetoric was out of step with the high level of trade between the U.S. and China. Its not coinciding with what is happening in reality, he said. The true picture is much more complicated. Yes, a complete U.S.-China breakup seems unimaginable. But while U.S. trade with China is still high, it is falling. The Biden administration is implementing a multibillion-dollar semiconductor law, export controls on advanced chips, and investment restrictions that officials say are all part of an effort to de-risk the U.S. economy. Biden administration officials insist that those moves should not be mistaken for efforts to decouple from China, which has started to retaliate. On Thursday, White House deputy national security adviser Mike Pyle said he welcomed U.S. businesses investing in China, outside of the very specific areas where the U.S. has national security concerns. Bidens emphasis at APEC seemed to be more about how the U.S. and China can work together. Yellen insisted last week the U.S. wants a healthy economic relationship between both nations. Their comments may encourage business leaders many of whom are here at APEC who see value in continuing to do business in China, as well as other countries in the region who would suffer hard choices if Washington and Beijing severed economic ties. Concerns still simmer. One attendee I spoke with said some business leaders are privately as worried about the criticism they get in the U.S. from doing business in China as they are about actually doing business in China, where some have faced raids and arrests. Some executives were disappointed at the lack of assurances in Xis speech, the Wall Street Journal reported. On an August trip to China, Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo warned that businesses increasingly saw China as uninvestable. The Eurasia Groups Ian Bremmer warned Thursday that the U.S. and China need to talk more about technology restrictions to ensure the derisking doesnt become a greater decoupling, which he opposes. In that area, the United States and China for now appear to be heading towards a technology Cold War, he told an audience at the APEC CEO summit. Room for Disagreement The U.S. and China are already engaged in conscious and structural decoupling, Reuters writes, citing figures showing reduced U.S. investment in China and the continuing impact of the Trump-era China tariffs, which Biden has kept in place. Apple has joined Meta and TikTok owner ByteDance in contesting their platforms definitions as part of the EUs Digital Markets Act (DMA). The legislation allows regulators to designate dominant companies services or platforms as gatekeepers, or big and powerful enough to act as a bottleneck between businesses and customers, which it can then fine for prohibited behavior. It currently targets 22 gatekeeper services run by six Big Tech companies (Apple, Microsoft, Alphabets Google, Meta, Amazon and ByteDances TikTok). The law encourages consumer-friendly competition, preventing businesses from imposing unfair conditions on customers. The EU Court of Justice (via Reuters) posted on X Friday about Apples formal objection, announcing that the iPhone maker had joined Meta and ByteDance in contesting its decisions. Although the complaint details arent public, Bloomberg News reported last week that Apple would challenge the gatekeeper designations of both the App Store and iMessage. The company said this week it would soon support RCS on iPhone, potentially removing one of the EUs bones to pick with iMessage consumer lock-in. Microsoft and Google have reportedly accepted their DMA designations, while Meta and ByteDance contested theirs. Meta specifically questioned Messenger and Marketplaces gatekeeper labels, seeking to clarify why they were included. (Meta didnt challenge Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApps inclusion.) The company argued Marketplace is a consumer-to-consumer service and Messenger is a chat feature on Facebook, not an online intermediary. Meanwhile, ByteDance argues that TikTok is a challenger in the social market rather than an established gatekeeper. It claimed designating its platform as such would only serve to protect more established companies. Like the Digital Services Act (DSA), the DMA has significant teeth. Companies failing to comply can face fines of up to 10 percent of their global turnover, up to 20 percent for repeat offenders and periodic fines of up to five percent of their average daily turnover. Other penalties, including the divestiture of parts of a business, could also be included following market investigations. After X owner Elon Musk amplified antisemitic conspiracy theories on the platform, numerous high-profile advertisers have paused their spending on the platform formerly known as Twitter. Since Friday, per various news reports, the following advertisers have paused their spending on X advertisements: Apple Comcast/NBCUniversal Disney Warner Bros. Discovery IBM Paramount Global Lionsgate European Commission Per research from the Center for Countering Digital Hate, X has failed to moderate hate speech on its platform that promotes antisemitic conspiracies, praises Hitler and dehumanizes Muslims and Palestinians. But X isn't just keeping these posts up; its owner, Elon Musk, is fanning the flames of such hatred. In a particularly egregious incident last week, Musk replied, "You have said the actual truth" to a post that echoed the same violent antisemitic conspiracy theory that was espoused by the killer from the 2018 Tree of Life synagogue attack. Media Matters for America, a left-leaning media watchdog, published a separate report last week, showing how ads from companies like Apple, IBM, Bravo, Oracle and Xfinity have appeared next to posts that praise Nazi ideology. In a statement, X said that the report "completely misrepresented the real user experience on X, in another attempt to undermine freedom of speech and mislead advertisers." Throughout his tenure as X's owner, Musk has sued or threatened to sue nonprofit organizations like the Center for Countering Digital Hate and the Anti-Defamation League, alleging that their reports are responsible for the increasingly tenuous relationship between X and advertisers. "The split second court opens on Monday, X Corp will be filing a thermonuclear lawsuit against Media Matters and ALL those who colluded in this fraudulent attack on our company," Musk wrote in a post on X. In a statement that Musk posted, X claims that Media Matters deceived advertisers and engineered a contrived experience on the platform in order to view ads alongside antisemitic content. Media Matters highlighted nine posts that the organization believes should violate X's content policies, but X said only one post was found to be in violation and taken down. X seems to have suspended an account that denied the historical legitimacy of the Holocaust, but did not take action against a post that refers to Nazism as a "spiritual awakening," or posts that praise white supremacist Nazi ideals. The split second court opens on Monday, X Corp will be filing a thermonuclear lawsuit against Media Matters and ALL those who colluded in this fraudulent attack on our company pic.twitter.com/55vl7PspaQ Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 18, 2023 Linda Yaccarino, X's new CEO and former advertising executive at NBCUniversal, has attempted to calm advertisers, though her efforts don't seem to be working, as advertisers continue to pause spending. "Xs point of view has always been very clear that discrimination by everyone should STOP across the board -- I think that's something we can and should all agree on," she wrote on Thursday afternoon. "When it comes to this platform -- X has also been extremely clear about our efforts to combat antisemitism and discrimination. There's no place for it anywhere in the world -- it's ugly and wrong. Full stop." Xs point of view has always been very clear that discrimination by everyone should STOP across the board -- I think that's something we can and should all agree on. When it comes to this platform -- X has also been extremely clear about our efforts to combat antisemitism and Linda Yaccarino (@lindayaX) November 16, 2023 X's advertising business has been volatile since last year, when Elon Musk officially became the owner of the platform formerly known as Twitter. About a month after he took over, Musk tweeted that Apple had "mostly stopped advertising on Twitter." But after meeting with Apple CEO Tim Cook at the company's Cupertino headquarters, the two seemed to settle some disagreements. Then, in January, the company inked deals with adtech companies DoubleVerify and Integral Ad Science (IAS) to help advertisers make sure their ad is not placed around inappropriate content, and the appointment of Yaccarino in May was supposed to assuage advertiser's concerns about the increasingly hostile platform. But Musk continues to dig the platform's own grave by alienating key revenue drivers. The Biden White House releases a statement on Elon Musk pic.twitter.com/QZJnJuRT2K Aaron Blake (@AaronBlake) November 17, 2023 As Musk continues to entertain antisemitic conspiracies, the White House weighed in with a statement condemning the promotion of antisemitic and racist hate. "It is unacceptable to repeat the hideous lie behind the most fatal act of Antisemitism in American history at any time, let alone one month after the deadliest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust," wrote White House spokesperson Andrew Bates. "We condemn this abhorrent promotion of Antisemitic and racist hate in the strongest terms, which runs against our core values as Americans." Update, 11/20/23 at 11:00 AM ET, with information about additional advertisers pausing spending. Mia Wright, who was pulled from a car by Chicago police at Brickyard Mall, talks with family and supporters after speaking to media in the parking lot of Brickyard Mall in Chicago, June 4, 2020. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune) The Chicago Police Board on Thursday voted unanimously to fire an officer who they found pulled a young woman from a car by her hair and knelt on her neck in the parking lot of the Brickyard Mall on the Northwest Side during the unrest of summer 2020. The board found that Officer David Laskus violated several CPD rules most notably using excessive force and lying to investigators during and after the tense situation that unfolded on May 26, 2020 at the shopping center near Diversey and Narragansett. Advertisement Mia Wright, now 29, and members of her family previously said they arrived at the Brickyard Mall in late May 2020 to discover it closed because of civil unrest that occurred across the city in the aftermath of George Floyds murder by a Minnesota police officer. Mia Wright, who was pulled from a car by Chicago police at Brickyard Mall on May 26, 2020, is comforted by family following a news conference in the parking lot of the mall June 4, 2020. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune) After they arrived, CPD officers suddenly surrounded the car, broke the windows and pulled Wright out of the vehicle by her hair, she said. Advertisement While Wright was prone on the ground, an officer placed his knee on her neck, she said. She was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct, though the charge was later dropped. Despite video evidence to the contrary, the board noted that Laskus denied he pulled Wright by her hair when he spoke to investigators with the Civilian Office of Police Accountability. He did not face criminal charges. Afternoon Briefing Weekdays Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox each afternoon. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy > Respondents actions toward Ms. Wright and the other occupants of the vehicle demonstrated a lack of the judgment that is required of officers and were serious violations of the Fourth Amendment and of CPD policy, the board wrote in its decision. Respondent compounded his misconduct by intentionally making material false statements to COPA during its investigation of this incident, the decision continued. Respondents dishonesty relates directly to his public duties as a police officer and render him unfit to hold that office. Laskus joined the CPD in 2006. Since then hes received 95 departmental awards, including seven commendations, one Unit Meritorious Performance Award and one Superintendents Honorable Mention. He was one of at least eight officers to face discipline in connection with the Brickyard Mall arrest. Laskus may now appeal his firing in Cook County Circuit Court. In 2022, the City Council voted 34-13 in favor of a $1.7 million settlement divided between Wright and other occupants of the car. Among those to vote against the settlement were Aldermen Raymond Lopez, Nick Sposato, Silvana Tabares, Brian Hopkins, Anthony Napolitano, Brendan Reilly, Anthony Beale, Marty Quinn and James Gardiner. In August, the Fraternal Order of Police filed a motion with the Police Board to transfer 22 pending disciplinary cases from the boards docket and have them decided instead by a third-party arbitrator. Laskus case was among those that the union hoped to transfer. The board later denied the FOPs motion. Advertisement The unions effort stemmed from an arbitration award issued over the summer that would allow CPD officers accused of serious misconduct to have their disciplinary cases handled by a third-party instead of the police board. Mayor Brandon Johnson has said the City Council will take two votes on the proposed FOP contract one for the economic package, which includes a nearly 20% raise over four years, and another for the disciplinary elements. Arizona State University (ASU) has canceled a Friday afternoon event that would have featured Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), according to a university spokesperson. Tlaib, who has been at the center of controversy in Congress for her criticism of U.S. involvement with Israel in its war against Hamas, was scheduled to give a speech at the event hosted by the Arizona Palestine Network, a pro-Palestine advocacy group. The university spokesperson said the cancelation was due to procedural issues. The cancelation was first reported by The Arizona Republic. Organizers of events using ASU facilities must be properly registered with ASU and must meet all university requirement for crowd management, parking, security, and insurance, the university said in an emailed statement. In addition, the events must be produced in a way which minimizes disruption to academic and other activities on campus. The school said the event was planned and produced by groups that are not affiliated with ASU and was organized outside of the schools policies and procedures and means the event will not take place today on the ASU Tempe campus. Tlaib is the only Palestinian-American member of Congress. The House voted to censure the Michigan Democrat in early November over her comments criticizing Israel amid its war with Hamas. The chamber approved the reprimand in a 234-188-4 vote, with 22 Democrats joining Republicans to support the resolution. Tlaib has been outspoken against Israels retaliatory strikes, after Hamass initial surprise attack took the lives of at least 1,200 Israelis. She has also been the center of a recent controversy when she posted a video on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, that said President Biden supported the genocide of Palestinian people. The video she posted included the saying from the river to the sea, which the Anti-Defamation League characterizes as antisemitic language. In another post online she defended her use of the controversial phrase. The Arizona Palestine Network urged its supporters to demand ASU to not cancel Rashida Tlaib on their website and listed the contact information of the schools senior vice president and general counsel. The Hill has reached out to both ASU and Tlaibs office for comment on the event cancelation. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. LITTLE ROCK, Ark. An Arkansas state park is closing its visitor center in preparation for a new center opening. Pinnacle Mountain State Park will close its visitor center on Nov. 18 to prepare for the grand opening of its new center on Nov. 28. During the downtime, park staff will transfer workspaces, retail merchandise, and visitor services to the new building. Pinnacle Persistence: Man climbs Pinnacle Mountain more than 3200 times A passport rubbing station will be installed at the current visitor center to accommodate those looking to fill their Club 52 passports while the visitor center is closed. The day-use park, just west of Little Rock, has 40 miles of trails, including a mountain biking trail, and access to the Big and Little Maumelle rivers. It is one of 52 Arkansas state parks. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK. SALINE COUNTY, Ark. Arkansas State Police are investigating after they say a Saline County deputy shot and killed a man Thursday evening. According to ASP officials, Saline County deputies were called to a home on Wasson Lane in Shannon Hills by a resident who reported that 39-year-old Jeremy Dale Adams was intoxicated and making terroristic threats. Fugitive shot by Fort Smith police during arrest now facing attempted murder charge State troopers said that a dispute happened after Adams was combative and didnt comply with the deputies orders. That is when police officials said that deputies attempted to gain control of Adams by deploying a taser. During the incident, special agents said that a deputy fired his service weapon at Adams, striking him more than once. White County deputies say suspect dead after drawing weapon following chase, standoff Adams was flown to a hospital in Little Rock, where he was pronounced dead. His body was taken to the Arkansas State Crime Lab to determine the manner and cause of death. State troopers said that an investigative case file will be presented to the prosecuting attorney, who will determine whether the use of deadly force by deputies was consistent with Arkansas law. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK. MEMPHIS, Tenn. A 19-year-old has been arrested in the death of Ava Christopher, a student at the University of Memphis who was killed in a hit-and-run in July. Justice for Ava march marks 3-month anniversary of deadly hit-and-run Julio Hernandez is charged with disregarding a red light, failure to exercise due care, violation of financial law, leaving a scene of an accident involving death, no drivers license, reckless driving, and vehicular homicide. Memphis Police say on July 25, Hernandez was driving a Dodge Challenger in Midtown going 88 MPH in a 40 MPH zone. He ran a red light and collided with Christopher; she died from her injuries. Hernandez allegedly fled the scene on foot with another person. Police did not release any information regarding the other person involved. The vehicle was reported stolen out of Southaven, MS. The rims from the vehicle were missing at the time of the crash. On November 16, Hernandez was found driving his vehicle with the stolen rims from the Dodge Challenger. Officers initiated a stop, and he was taken into custody. Reports state that Hernandez admitted to driving the stolen car at the time of the fatal crash. He did not have a valid license and could not provide proof of insurance. He is set to appear in court on November 20. MJ Learned got the news about her best friend from her dorm in Murfreesboro. For Learned, its bittersweet. I can almost feel her presence, Learned said. It was like, We did it. You got justice, and its what you deserve. It cannot bring her back. There is always gonna be an empty spot in my heart she cant fill, memories I cant relive with her, but it is nice to know there will be justice for her. Learned says at 18, she struggles to know Hernandez is 19 years old and charged with vehicular homicide. Even though they killed one of my best friends, I hope they find some sort of peace, Learned said. They dont deserve it, but I hope they do. The University of Memphis Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music said in a post that Christopher was a cherished member of the universitys school of music. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. Ashling Murphy was running along a canal when she was murdered in Jan 2022 - Facebook/Facebook The monster who murdered a primary school teacher was sentenced to life by an Irish court on Friday, after her boyfriend told the killer he was the epitome of pure evil. Jozef Puska stabbed 23-year-old Ashling Murphy 11 times in the neck in a random attack, as she exercised by a canal in the town of Tullamore, on the afternoon of Jan 12. The 33-year-old Slovakian, who moved to the County Offaly town in 2015, was given a life sentence seven days after being found guilty of murdering a woman he had never met before following a three week trial. Jozef Puska was described as 'the epitome of pure evil' Ryan Casey, Ms Murphys partner of six years, said it sickens me to the core that Puska was able to come and enjoy all the benefits of living in Ireland before destroying someone who represented everything good in Irish society. He said: I feel this country is no longer the country Ashling and I grew up in. This country needs to wake up. The safety of not only Irish people, but all people in this country who work hard needed to be put first, he said during a tearful victim impact statement. He told the court the horrific and completely evil taking of her life is our life sentence and added that for Murphys family there was no chance of parole. She was only 23. She had so much more life and love to give and was taken from us far too soon, he said after describing how they met at a disco when they were both 15 and planned to marry. Ms Murphy's student in a guard of honour for the 23-year-old last year - CLODAGH KILCOYNE/REUTERS Turning to Puska, Mr Casey told him: I will say to you, you have no idea the love and connection we shared, you have no idea the love we had for each other. Because of you I lost my Ashling, I have lost everything I have ever wanted in life, I will never get to marry my soulmate or see her smile again. I will have to carry on without her and remember her longer than I have known her. He added: You smirked, you smiled, and showed zero remorse throughout this trial, that sums you up as the epitome of pure evil. You will never ever harm a woman again and when your day of reckoning comes may you be in hell a whole half hour before God even knows you are dead. Mr Justice Hunt said the sentence was wholly deserved and that, if he had the power, he would have considered a whole life tariff for Puska. He said he did not believe the father of five did not remember confessing to the murder to police, which he did to officers who visited him in hospital. The murder prompted calls for more to be done about femicide in a country where 18 women have been violently killed since Ms Murphys death. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. Ashling Murphy's boyfriend and sister confronted her murderer Josef Puska in court on the day he was sentenced to life. They told him about their loss and suffering. These are excerpts from their victim impact statements, and that of Ashling's mother, Kathleen, which was read by a garda officer (Irish police) in court. The following accounts contain details which readers may find distressing. 'My heart broke when I heard Ashling was murdered' - Kathleen, Ashling's mother Kathleen Murphy's mother begged her not to go for a jog along the Grand Canal on the day she was murdered. She told the court how she had asked her to stay near their home. Ashling refused, said she was 23 years old, hugged her mother and told her she loved her. The female officer herself became emotional at times as she read out the words. In the statement, Kathleen Murphy described her daughter as "one in a million," as well as loving, caring and gentle. A talented musician, she said Ashling brought the family home alive with music when she played her fiddle. "My heart broke when I heard Ashing was murdered," she wrote. "My memory, motivation and drive for life is gone forever. "I can't bear it. I am no longer able for big crowds or small talk. "There is such a void in our home. I'm barely existing from day to day. She said it was not her daughter's time to die. "People say she is in a better place. This I know - but it was not her time, she would want to be on this earth." She said she was glad that Ashling's grandparents were not alive to live through this. "As a parent you want your child to go out into this world and live a full and meaningful life yet being acutely aware of how fragile their safety is, wanting to protect them," the statement read. "I couldn't protect my darling Ashling and now she is gone forever." Ms Murphy said when Ashling's uncle found her untouched dinner in the bottom of the oven, "the sudden realisation dawned on us that she would never walk through the door again". "I would give our house, car and every penny I have to have our beautiful Ashling with us." "Why someone would go out and brutally murder a young woman is totally incomprehensible," she added. "He [Puska] should never see the light of day again." "Ashling would be alive today if that evil monster did not come upon her," Ms Murphy's statement read. "This was a random, unprovoked attack. I believe this coward came from behind and didn't face her. "His actions must have consequences, he must never see the light of day again." 'You stole her life, took her voice' - Amy Murphy, Ashling's older sister Ashling's older sister, Amy Murphy, said the family still set the table for five people. The house is "eerily quiet" without their youngest sister, she said. Amy told the court that when gardai brought Ashling's car home, a half-eaten piece of toast and partially full mug of tea was in still the car's passenger side - which demonstrated that Ashling was preparing to come back, she said. "I see so much of Ashling in our mother," she told the court. "I have no doubt Ashling would have been an exceptional mother too. She had so much love to give." She told the court how her sister's murder had been described as "a watershed moment demanding an end to violence against women in Ireland". She was described as a "catalyst for change in society as we knew it". But these she said were "titles she did not ask for - titles we wish on no daughter, sister or partner." She criticised the way in which her sister's death had been "used". "For us she is Ashling. For many her story will haunt the internet through clickbait articles, trending twitter threads and invasive podcast episodes, using the contents of her story for popularity." She went on to say how their table was also a gathering place where she and Ashling would play music together. She said: "Music is not and will never be the same without Ashling. Our love for Irish music was intertwined with a special bond, we could read each other's mind when we played together. "Each wink and smile she sent my way as her fingers created something beautiful beyond sound, was her connection. Our connection together." Ashling Murphy "Ashling's pink fiddle case now lies covered in dust. For me, this serves as the hardest and cruelest reminder we will never play together again and how fragile this life truly is," she said. Speaking directly to Puska, Ms Murphy said: "Ashling's last 10 minutes on this earth must have felt like the longest ten minutes of her life. "You stole her life, took her voice and robbed us of our family of five." Amy Murphy said she had "never felt hatred like this; we were not raised to be like this". Until 12 January 2022 they had seen the best in humanity, she said, but now are cautious and nervous, look over their shoulders and are suspicious of strangers. She said this "inhumane act of depravity highlights to us how naive we were to the dangers lingering in our society, right under our noses in our community, practically on our doorstep". Speaking to Puska she said: "You were given an Irish welcome and supported by the state to allow you to reside here." 'I have lost everything I have ever wanted in life' - Ryan Casey, Ashling's boyfriend Ryan Casey took long pauses to compose himself as he read a victim impact statement in court. He told the court that he and Ashling met in 2013 aged 15 at an underage disco. Even then, he said, he knew "there was something special about her beautiful and distinctive personality". Ashling Murphy's brother Cathal Murphy (left) and boyfriend Ryan Casey (right) outside court last week Mr Casey took long pauses to compose himself as he described how he and Ashling planned to marry and build a home together. They were due to meet an architect in February, weeks after she was murdered - and move to Dubai where Ms Murphy would teach before returning home and starting a family. "I'd smile to myself thinking, I cant wait to marry that girl," he told the court. "I would've married her a long time ago, and I wish I did, but we didn't get a chance to reach that part. "Every single plan I had for life is gone and cannot be brought back," he added. "I've lost everything; the pain of losing someone so important is indescribable." He said that Puska was "insignificant, the lowest of the low, waste of life" who had no idea what he had done to the Murphy family. Mr Casey said he had nightmares, he has become short tempered, and does not like looking at or eating with knives. "I find myself hating myself for small moments of happiness, feeling guilty for feeling happy," he said. "Feeling lost in life with no direction and with no light at the end of the tunnel." He said the last time he saw Ashling they could not touch as he had been infected with Covid 19. He regrets that every day, he told the court. "Ireland has officially lost its innocence that a crime of this magnitude can be done in daylight," he said. "Our country is heading down a very dangerous path and we will not be the last family." Facing Puska, Mr Casey said: "May you be in hell a whole half-hour before God even knows you're dead." "You smirked, you smiled, and showed zero remorse throughout this trial; that sums you up as the epitome of pure evil. You will never ever harm a woman again. "Because of you I lost my Ashling, I have lost everything I have ever wanted in life, I will never get to marry my soulmate or see her smile again." The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) announced Friday that they are offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person who shot and killed a boy in the West End. On Nov. 3, police responded to Laurel Playground at about 9:30 p.m. where they found six people shot, ATF wrote in a press release. One of the victims was 11-year-old Dominic Davis who was pronounced dead at the scene. Four juveniles and one adult were taken to Cincinnati Childrens Hospital and the University of Cincinnati Medical Center with gunshot wounds. Cincinnati police have not made any arrests yet in the West End shooting. Gun violence in Cincinnati: After 11-year-old was killed in mass shooting, many are asking 'When will this stop?' What we know: Mass shooting in West End leaves boy, 11, dead If I have information about the West End mass shooting, who should I call? ATF is asking anyone with information about this incident to contact them at 1-888-283-8477 or email them at ATFTips@atf.gov. People can also submit tips through ATFs website here. Tips can be reported to Cincinnati CrimeStoppers as well by calling 513-352-3040. This report was provided by Enquirer media partner FOX19. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: ATF offers $5K reward for West End mass shooting information ATLANTA - Travelers to the world's busiest airport in Atlanta should be ready for heavy crowds as millions of people get ready to head out for the Thanksgiving holiday. Friday kicks off the peak days when people are traveling for Thanksgiving, and the Transportation Security Administration says this year's will be the "busiest ever." Thanksgiving travelers already began filling Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport on Friday morning. Cortney Coile was heading to New York for the holiday. "Were just going to have some family time, a little girls trip, and just going to check out some sightseeing places and have some fun," Coile said. Coile is one of the 30 million passengers the TSA is expected to screen from Friday through the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. A sign leads travelers to a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) check-point at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Atlanta. (Elijah Nouvelage/Bloomberg via Getty Images "We expect this holiday season to be our busiest ever," TSA Administrator David Pekoske said in a statement. "We are ready for the anticipated volumes and are working closely with our airline and airport partners to make sure we are prepared for this busy holiday travel season." The agency says it will do its best to limit wait times to under 30 minutes for standard screenings. Where weather could cause problems for Thanksgiving travel this year A lot of passengers like Tiffany Lawless were prepared to see the Atlanta airport packed with people. "We were pleasantly surprised that its not as busy as we expected because were coming a little bit earlier, so were happy to beat the rush," Lawless said. In 2023, the TSA recorded its highest volume travel day in history at over 2.8 million people. Historically, the three busiest travel days during the holiday period are the Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Sunday afterward. Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines told FOX 5 it expects over half a million more customers compared to 2022. If you're heading out for the holidays, airport officials say you should get here early and take public transportation if possible. The TSA is also warning travelers to make sure that any gravy, cranberry sauce, or mashed potatoes stay in checked luggage because they're all technically liquids. Crews have extinguished a train fire in Atlanta that happened after two trains collided, authorities said Friday morning. Authorities did not immediately release any information about if anyone was hurt in the derailment. Railroad officials from CSX said an unknown amount of diesel fuel was spilled as a result of the crash. Video footage Friday morning showed multiple train cars derailed in northwest Atlanta, and one train's engine car lit up in flames, sending black smoke up through the air. The fire happened after a Norfolk Southern train crashed into a CSX train at around 6:30 a.m., causing eight CSX train cars to go off the rails, CSX said in a statement. By around 9 a.m., crews had put out the fire, Atlanta Fire Rescue Department's Angela Perry told USA TODAY Friday. She said she could not provide any additional information. "There is and was no danger to the public," Norfolk Southern communications manager Connor Spielmaker said. Norfolk Southern said it is working with CSX Transportation to investigate the incident. CONTEXT: Trains keep derailing all over the country. What's going on? Amtrak derails outside Chicago Friday's incident in Atlanta comes one day after an Amtrak train derailed near New Buffalo, Michigan, after hitting a vehicle that was on the tracks. The train was carrying about 200 passengers to Chicago. The rail engineer and about 10 passengers suffered non-life-threatening injuries, according to the county sheriff's office. An unoccupied vehicle was stuck on the tracks and was in the process of being removed when the train hit it, the sheriff's office said. New Buffalo is located about 70 miles east of Chicago. Contributing: Associated Press This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Atlanta train derailment involves 2 trains, fire and fuel spill This article was originally published in Arkansas Advocate. WASHINGTON U.S. Senate Republicans on Wednesday night failed to garner enough votes to block a new Biden administration rule on an income-driven repayment plan for federal student loans. The resolution did not pass, 49-50. Sen. Joe Manchin III of West Virginia was the sole Democrat who joined Republicans in backing the resolution. Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina did not vote. Following the vote, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said he was glad the resolution failed. There are millions of students, poor, working class who would have benefit from what the president has done, Schumer said. Support The 74's year-end campaign. Make a tax-exempt donation now. The Congressional Review Act resolution was introduced by the top Republican on the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions committee, Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana. There is no companion resolution in the House, where Republicans have a slim majority. The White House has already vowed to veto the measure should it make its way to the presidents desk. This legislation would mean higher payments for student loan borrowers and would dramatically raise costs for graduates, the White House said in a statement. It is exactly the wrong direction. A Congressional Review Act, or CRA, allows Congress to overturn any regulatory rules made by the White House. A CRA needs just 51 votes to pass, unlike the usual 60 votes required to defeat a filibuster. On the Senate floor Wednesday, Cassidy argued that the new income-driven repayment plan does not forgive debt. It transfers the burden of $559 billion in federal student loans to the 87% of Americans who dont have student loans, who chose not to go to college, or already responsibly paid off their debts, he said. This is not the first time congressional Republicans have moved to block the Biden administrations student debt relief policy. In May, Republicans introduced and sent a CRA to the White House that would prevent a one-time cancellation of up to $20,000 in federal student loan debt for some borrowers who qualify. The White House vetoed that, and a month later the Supreme Court struck down the policy. On the Senate floor Wednesday before the vote, Schumer said the current CRA is a punch to the gut for millions and millions of borrowers, the overwhelming majority of whom are working class, poor, or middle class. Republicans dont think twice about giving huge tax breaks to ultra-wealthy billionaires and large corporations, but when it comes to helping out working families with student debt relief, suddenly its too much money, it will raise the deficit, we cant afford it, Schumer said. Give me a break. The Department of Education unveiled the Saving on a Valuable Education, or SAVE, plan hours after the Supreme Court in June struck down the Biden administrations one-time student debt cancellation that would have forgiven up to $10,000 in federal student loan debt for single adults making under $125,000 a year, or under $250,000 for married couples. Borrowers who received Pell Grants would have been eligible for an additional $10,000 in forgiveness of federal student loans. The new income-driven repayment plan calculates payments based on a borrowers income and family size and forgives balances after a set number of years. More than 5.5 million student loan borrowers have already enrolled in the SAVE plan, according to data released by the Department of Education. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky called the new IDR rule a socialist fever dream on the Senate floor Wednesday. Whichever way you slice it, the Presidents policy is a raw deal for working Americans who have made the sacrifices to pay off their student loans, or avoided debt altogether, he said. But with taxpayers footing the bill, its also a powerful incentive for schools to raise the cost of college even higher. Repayments on federal student loans restarted last month after a nearly three-year pause due to the coronavirus pandemic. With the SAVE plan, borrowers with undergraduate loans will pay 5% of their discretionary income, rather than the 10% required under previous income repayment plans. And borrowers with undergraduate and graduate loans will pay a weighted average between 5% and 10% of their incomes. Arkansas Advocate is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Arkansas Advocate maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Sonny Albarado for questions: info@arkansasadvocate.com. Follow Arkansas Advocate on Facebook and Twitter. A Catholic religious order has agreed to pay $2.9 million to settle claims of child sexual assault by a Catholic brother and former teacher that allegedly continued occurring after the student brought the claims to the attention of upper administration at Mount Carmel High School. The settlement with the Order of the Carmelites, filed in September, alleges that Brother Robert Murphy, a former teacher at Mount Carmel High School, sexually assaulted a boy more than a dozen times while he was a student at the school from 1982 to 1986. The settlement claims the student made a school disciplinarian aware of the abuse but that no action was taken against Murphy. Advertisement The student met Murphy in the summer of 1982 prior to the start of the school year when Murphy supervised activities sponsored by the school, the settlement says. The suit alleges Murphy paid an inappropriate amount of attention to the student and in one instance locked the student in a classroom to sexually assault him. Attorney Mark Brown said his client came to him after 30 years of suppressing the memories of the abuse he experienced at Mount Carmel. Advertisement He was basically trapped living his life, said Brown, managing partner at Lane Brown LLC. He was the only one who knew what he was going through. The Carmelites, based out of Darien, run and operate the all-boys high school on the South Side of Chicago. The religious order removed Murphy from public ministry in 2002 after reexamining old allegations he had engaged in sexual misconduct with children in Georgia and at Mount Carmel during the 1970s and 1980s. [ Catholic brother out of a job ] The Carmelites told the Tribune in 2002 that the review was done at the request of Murphy himself in light of the current national and international focus on the issue of sexual misconduct. Before teaching in Chicago, Murphy was assigned by the Carmelites to the Catholic Diocese of Savannah in Georgia where he was accused of sexual misconduct with minors in 1973. The Diocese of Savannah reported the allegations to the Carmelite Province. Murphy taught at Mount Carmel until 1985, when he was removed as a teacher for claims of sexual abuse of minors, the order previously told the Tribune. He was restricted from all unsupervised contact with minors and underwent treatment from 1985 through 1999, but continued to serve in public ministry. Afternoon Briefing Weekdays Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox each afternoon. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy > After the orders ruling, Murphy lost his job at Lewis University, a Catholic university in Romeoville where he had worked since 1987 as a history teacher and director of ministry. Brothers are members of religious orders who are not ordained but take vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. Advertisement Brown and his partner Kellie Snyder first found mental health care for their client before moving forward with the lawsuit. Our client was not in a position to move forward in the case when he came to us, Brown said. So we focused immediately on getting him help for his mental treatment, and we had to find him an appropriately qualified therapist that has experience treating victims of child sex abuse. Mediation began in June and when a settlement was not reached, Brown drafted a lawsuit against the Carmelites. The parties then returned to the table and reached a settlement before the suit could be filed. Murphy remains a Carmelite Brother, Brown said. The Carmelites could not be reached for comment. The court documents remain private as it was settled before being filed in court. Dexter Wades familys attorneys have released the initial results of an independent autopsy on his body and revealed the extent of his injuries and decay of his body. Wade was killed in March on a Mississippi interstate after being run over by an off-duty corporal in a Jackson police car. Authorities never notified Wades family or the public about his death. Instead, they secretly buried him behind a penal farm in a grave marked by a number, leaving his mother to search for him for months, according to NBC News. Dexter Wade, 37, was killed after being run over by an off-duty cop in Mississippi. Authorities secretly buried his body without notifying his family. (Photo: YouTube/Roland S. Martin) Even when Wades mother, Bettersen Wade, contacted police and filed a missing persons report more than a week after her son disappeared, police told her no one had been able to find him. However, autopsy results revealed that Wade had several forms of identification on him in a wallet in his front pocket, including a state ID with his home address, his credit card, and a health insurance card, which calls authorities claims into question. Its unclear whether Wade was buried in his clothes or if his clothes were returned to the family. Reports did reveal that three days after Wades death, the Hinds County coroners office attempted to call his mother once, but Bettersten said she never received a call. There was a lack of communication with the missing persons division, the coroners office, and accident investigation. Because of that, they were unable to find (Dexter Wades) family within an expeditious period of time and he was later buried once the coroner went to the Hinds County Board of Supervisors in order to get permission to do so, Jackson Mayor Chokwe A. Lumumba said in his 2023 State of the City address last month. Wades case has drawn national attention due to the total lack of transparency authorities displayed when and since the 37-year-old died. He was killed in March, but his mother wasnt notified about his death and subsequent burial until August. Not only did authorities secretly bury Wade, but they also covertly exhumed his body without allowing his family members to be present. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who is representing the family, released the initial findings from an autopsy conducted by Pathologist Dr. Frank Peretti, which discovered that: Dexters body was not embalmed. His body was in an advanced state of decomposition. His body sustained multiple force injuries to his skull, ribs, and pelvis. His left leg was amputated. His body was completely run over by the police vehicle. His wallet with multiple forms of identification was in the front pocket of his jeans. The fact that Dexter had a state identification card and several other identifying items shows us that there was a concerted effort to keep the truth and manner of death from his family. There is no excuse, not even incompetence, for not notifying a next of kin of an identified mans death, Crump said in a statement. This case has shown us time and time again that the local officials cannot be trusted in this matter and there are clear conflicts of interest. Now, louder than ever, we renew our calls to the Department of Justice to investigate all of the local entities involved in Dexters death and what his mother suspects is a coverup. Crump hasnt released any news about whether the family plans to take legal action yet. Funeral plans for Wade are still being made. The case was based on Trumps part in inciting the January 6 insurrection (Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) Former President Donald Trump said he thinks he wouldve been very well received by crowds at the Jan 6 insurrection, according to newly revealed audio. The revelation was brought to light in ABC News Chief Washington Correspondent Jonathan Karls new book, Tired of Winning: Donald Trump and the End of the Grand Old Party. The recording was from a conversation Mr Karl and Mr Trump had in 2021, which mainly focused on the former presidents reaction to the days events. Mr Trump continued to claim that the number of protestors at his rally, which occurred before hundreds of insurrectionists stormed the Capitol, was inaccurately reported. If you look at the real size of that crowd, they were the biggest crowd Ive ever spoken for by far that went down to the Washington Monument, he said. Mr Trump delivered his remarks that day from The Ellipse, a 52-acre park south of the White House that stretches toward the monument. The Associated Press has previously reported that about 10,000 people were in the crowd. Mr Trump continued by saying that he had told his Secret Service detail that he wanted to go to the Capitol after the speech, but his protective officers told him that wouldnt be possible. I was thinking about going back during the problem to stop the problem, doing it myself, he said. Secret Service didnt like that idea too much. If he had gone, he said, I wouldve been very well received. CNN reported that the audio could likely be used by the prosecutors in legal action regarding the Jan 6 events. While providing testimony on what happened that day, Cassidy Hutchinson, a former top aide to White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, said Mr Trump tried to grab the steering wheel of his presidential vehicle in an effort to go to the Capitol. He also apparently lunged at his head of security, she said. Five people died in events associated with the riot. One was shot by Capitol Police, another died from a drug overdose and three died due to stress-related causes, including a police officer. At least 138 police officers were injured. The driver of a Toyota Camry struck four Westlake High School students, killing one, near the Thousand Oaks campus in April. The man arrested, Austin Allen Eis, was ordered to stand trial Thursday for a host of charges related to the crash. A man charged with murdering a 15-year-old Westlake High School student and trying to murder 19 other youths in April was ordered to stand trial Thursday. Defendant Austin Allen Eis should stand trial on those charges even though he may not have targeted anyone when he drove into a group of students outside the high school in Thousand Oaks, Ventura County Superior Court Judge Paul Feldman said. "Whether he intended to kill specific individuals, that doesn't matter," Feldman said at the end of a preliminary hearing lasting more than three days in Ventura. "He clearly intended to kill individuals." Eis did not know the victim, Wesley Welling, testimony showed. The judge set Eis' arraignment on the trial charges for Nov. 27 in courtroom 11 at the Ventura County courthouse in Ventura. The 25-year-old man could enter a plea at that time, prosecutor Amber Lee said. The judge also ordered Eis to stand trial for nine counts of lesser charges and scores of special allegations in connection with his purported crime spree on April 18. Wesley Welling, 15, right, was killed in a car crash at a bus stop outside Westlake High School on April 18. According to police testimony, the spree started when a suspect dressed in black pepper-sprayed and repeatedly stabbed an employee at a Simi Valley Walmart before fleeing to his parents' home in Camarillo and pointing a gun and knife at them. Then he allegedly drove to an area outside Westlake High and hit Welling and three other students while driving a sedan at a high rate of speed. Several other students were narrowly missed by the car that drove onto the sidewalk, the District Attorney's Office said when the agency filed its latest criminal complaint against Eis in July. Eis pleaded not guilty to a lower number of charges in May before the DA's Office announced a stiffer set of charges, including first-degree murder and the alleged attempted murders. He later amended his plea to not guilty for the expanded number of charges. Ventura County Sheriff's Detective Robert DeLaCerda testified at length during the hearing about an interview he and another officer conducted with Eis after he was apprehended. In his testimony, DeLaCerda recounted what Eis had reportedly told them. Eis had attended Westlake High but said he hated his time there and "was viewed as a beast," the detective said. After the attack at the Walmart, he decided to leave Simi Valley because he realized the stabbing was not enough to merit a life sentence, the detective said. Eis said he wanted to die in a "suicide by cop" confrontation with police or to commit a crime that would bring a life sentence in prison, according to DeLaCerda. He allegedly went to his father and stepmother's home in Camarillo in an unsuccessful effort to retrieve a handgun his father possessed and on to Westlake High. He drove to the school intending to use his vehicle "as a weapon," because the campus is "where his torment began," the detective said. Eis reportedly was looking for the largest number of people he could find and took action when he found a group of 30 or 40 on a sidewalk outside the school. "He said he drove onto the sidewalk because that's where people were," the detective testified. "He accelerated because otherwise the vehicle would stop." Eis said he drove the car into the group of students because he didn't want them to grow up to be like the people that looked down on him when he attended Westlake High, the detective said. Although the attack at Walmart "felt good to him," he said the attack at the high school "felt like a chore that had to be done," the detective testified. Under questioning from defense counsel Melanie Miles, the detective acknowledged that Eis never said in those words that he intended to kill people. "I believe he said I didn't go into it with the intent to kill someone but if they die they die," the officer said. Her client had given "brutally honest" answers to the officers' questions, including those on where he lived and his sex life, she said, so why wouldn't they believe him when he said he didn't intend to kill anyone. Eis has a history of mental illness, including anxiety and depression, but may not have taken medications for two years, according to early testimony at the hearing. Kelly Welling, the mother of Wesley, declined to comment on the judge's decision after the hearing concluded. Kathleen Wilson covers crime, courts and local government issues for the Ventura County Star. Reach her at kathleen.wilson@vcstar.com or 805-437-0271. This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Austin Eis to stand trial in Westlake High student's death Editors note: Austin ISD officials clarified data from their newsletter, stating it has completed 98 percent of individualized education plans from the 2022-23 school year, not all of them. AUSTIN (KXAN) Austin Independent School District said on Thursday it met a major milestone in its agreement with the Texas Education Agency to fix the districts special education system. The school district has been under the watch of a state-appointed monitor since September. The board of trustees voted 8-1 to accept the deal from TEA after state investigators found the district repeatedly failed to evaluate students suspected of needing special education services on time. In a letter to parents, the district said that as of Oct. 31, it evaluated over 98 percent of students whose parents consented during the 2022-23 school year. The district also says over 98 percent of students who needed an individualized education plan, or IEP, last school year now have one. Its unclear how many students make up the nearly 2 percent still waiting. KXAN has requested that figure from district officials. At 15, she needs special education and homebound services to learn. For weeks, she got neither The district reported to KXAN that as of Oct. 19, 239 students from the previous school year were still waiting on individualized education plans. District officials also said it was already past the states 30-day timeline to produce plans for at least 35% of those students. The district has been laser-focused on eliminating the backlog of evaluations and providing compensatory services to help students make up for progress or skills they may have lost when their special education services were not provided, AISD officials said in a statement. TEA appoints consultant, school leader to monitor Austin ISD special ed program Earlier this year, at the end of August, TEA data showed the district had yet to produce individualized education plans for 433 students who got parental consent to be evaluated last school year. The same report showed 30 students who got parental consent two school years ago who, as of Aug. 31, were also still waiting on an individualized education plan and for help with their learning disabilities to start. Texas State of Education: Its not about us District officials said it is recruiting members for a new special education family advisory committee and is working towards the next state deadline on Dec. 31. The board plans to receive an update on the districts progress during the Jan. 25, 2024, regular voting meeting. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. Two women were taken into custody after a nearly hour-long stolen vehicle pursuit with L.A. police and the California Highway Patrol on Thursday night. Officers with the Los Angeles Police Department initiated the pursuit sometime around 6 p.m. near the intersection of E 16th and Esperanza streets in Boyle Heights, authorities confirmed to KTLA. LAPD pulled out of the chase while the suspects, who were also being tracked from the air, were seen blacking out the vehicles headlights, traveling at a high rate of speed in moderate-to-heavy traffic and using the shoulder of the road to pass vehicles on several different SoCal freeways. CHP ground units caught up to the vehicle in the area of El Monte, though the driver refused to pull over and eventually wound their way downtown. When the highway patrol pulled back onto surface streets, the two suspects, along with a dog, got out of the truck near Olympic and Central and attempted to flee on foot. The driver was quickly tackled and taken into custody as a female suspect walked away with the dog. She was arrested a short time later in the parking lot of a nearby McDonalds. The dog is reportedly safe and in good condition in the care of animal control, authorities said. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. Authorities examined 600 pieces of evidence and spoke to 60 witnesses before charging a college professor with two felonies for allegedly causing fatal injuries to a Jewish protester during a dueling pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian rally this month in California. Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko said Friday at a news conference that the investigation into the death of Jewish protester Paul Kessler, 69, was complicated and ultimately led to felony charges of involuntary manslaughter and battery causing serious bodily injury against Loay Abdelfattah Alnaji, a 50-year-old Moorpark College computer science professor. Our task was to search for the truth and to achieve clarity in this case, and that is what we have done," Nasarenko said. "This was not an easy undertaking, given the disparate, often-conflicting interpretations and statements, and also the fragmentary nature of the evidence." vigil makeshift memorial (David Swanson / AFP via Getty Images file) Both felony charges include special allegations, a type of enhancement, that he personally inflicted great bodily injury that makes Alnaji eligible for prison under California's Three Strikes Law, Nasarenko said. He said that investigators had gathered video and digital footage to "establish a clear sequence of events leading up to the confrontation" between the two men, Nasarenko said. He added that investigators also determined there was no intent to commit a slaying by the suspect, and investigators have not met the legal threshold to determine whether a hate crime had been committed but that was still being investigated. "Simply put, looking at the statements, as well as the words that accompany the act, we can not at this time meet the elements of a hate crime," Nasarenko said. He said investigators were looking for whether the suspect's acts were accompanied by hate speech, words that demonstrate an "antipathy" or a "hatred towards a specific group." A man waves an Israeli flag in a park space along a city street (JLTV via AP) Alnaji, of Moorpark, was taken into custody Thursday morning and is expected to be arraigned Friday afternoon. The charges stem from a confrontation that allegedly took place Nov. 5 at dueling pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian rallies in Thousand Oaks, California. Kessler got into a physical altercation with a pro-Palestinian protester, the Ventura County Sheriffs Office said at the time. He fell backward and hit his head on the ground and died the next day. Investigators said after Kesslers death that piecing together what happened proved difficult because of conflicting statements from witnesses. The sheriffs office previously said the suspect had remained at the scene and called 911 for medical help. Bystanders tend to Paul Kessler, lying on the pavement, after he fell and struck his head during a confrontation with protesters supporting Palestinians. (RMG) An autopsy determined Kesslers cause of death to be blunt force head injury and the manner of death to be homicide. The lethal injury was the impact to the back of the head from Mr. Kessler falling and striking his head on the ground, the Ventura County Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Christopher Young previously said. Nasarenko and Ventura County Sheriff Jim Fryhoff, who also attended Friday's media briefing, met virtually with Kessler's family on Thursday, Nasarenko said. The Kesslers are mourning, Nasarenko said, and asking for privacy. Nasarenko said Kessler worked in medical sales for decades, taught sales and marketing at satellite colleges, was a pilot and married for 43 years. Kessler also had a son, Nasarenko said. "We want to continue to remember and honor Paul Kessler and the tragic loss of life that has occurred," Nasarenko said. Kessler's death came amid a backdrop of heightened tensions in the United States due to the Israel-Hamas war and a rise in antisemitic and Islamophobic incidents. The war erupted after Hamas incursion on Oct. 7. Israel estimates 1,200 people were killed in the attack, with 239 people still being held hostage in Gaza. Meanwhile, Gaza health officials say 11,500 Palestinians, including thousands of children, have been killed in the weekslong Israeli bombardment of the besieged and impoverished enclave, and more than 1.6 million people have been displaced there. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Members of the United Auto Workers (UAW) union have ratified a contract with Stellantis and appear to be on track to approve a similar deal with Ford, the unions vote tracker showed Friday. With workers narrowly approving an agreement with General Motors (GM) on Thursday, the months-long battle between the union and the three major automakers appears to be drawing to a close. Unionized workers at Stellantis facilities voted resoundingly in favor of a 54-month contract with the Jeep maker, with about 68 percent of some 26,000 workers voting to ratify the deal as of Friday morning. While the votes for several small facilities have yet to appear on UAWs tracker, the remaining ballots would not be able to overcome the current 9,650-vote margin in favor of the contract, according to CNBC. Best Black Friday Deals The unions contract with Ford also appears to be heading toward ratification, with 61.7 percent of workers voting in favor of the agreement thus far. The ease with which the Stellantiss and Fords ratification votes have occurred stands in contrast to that of GM, where autoworkers at several major facilities in Michigan, Indiana, Missouri and Tennessee voted down the agreement in recent days. However, after one of the automakers largest facilities in Texas voted in favor of the deal, it passed Thursday with 54.7 percent support. The agreements reached with each of the three major U.S. automakers after six weeks of strikes feature a 25 percent general wage increase, including an 11 percent immediate pay raise after ratification. The union also won back several concessions made by autoworkers during the 2007-2008 financial crisis, such as cost-of-living adjustments and a more rapid progression to the top wage rate. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The water tank is fed by a stream populated by tadpoles A report is to be compiled about the plight of residents whose water supply from a stream is "disgusting" and contaminated by animals. Former mining cottages at Aysdalegate, near Guisborough, do not have mains water but a tank fed by a stream. Residents have been told it would cost up to 200,000 for the row of houses to be connected to the mains. Sir Simon Clarke MP said it was an issue associated "more with the 1850s than the 2020s" and action was needed. Chris Johnson said the residents rely on bottled water for most things Resident Chris Johnson said he would never drink water from the taps and had been relying on bottled water for a long time. "We get animals in there from time to time. So we have fished out rabbits and hares in the past. There are occasions when there have been tadpoles," he said. Anne Clayton, the vice-chairwoman of Lockwood Parish Council, said: "At the best of times - which is after heavy rain - it's brown, sludgy, gritty, dirty water. "In the summer when it's dry, it's thick and horrible. It's disgusting: you wouldn't want to look at it never mind wash in it. "They have pulled out dead rats and all sorts [from] the stream as it goes into the tanks." Anne Clayton said dead animals had been pulled out of the stream that feeds the tank Sir Simon, who is the Conservative MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, said: "I think today's mission is to make sure that there is awareness of this. "We are going to go and get a report filed with central government as well as with the Drinking Water Inspectorate and the council to make sure that action follows." Redcar and Cleveland Council said it was continuing to support the residents to access water that is not a risk to their health. Follow BBC Tees on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram. Send your story ideas to northeastandcumbria@bbc.co.uk. Azerbaijan's offensive gave it complete control of the mountainous breakaway region for the first time in three decades (Emmanuel Dunand) The UN's top court Friday ordered Azerbaijan to allow the safe return of people to the contested territory of Nagorno-Karabakh, which Baku seized in a lightning September offensive. The International Court of Justice ruled Azerbaijan must enable anyone who wanted to return to Nagorno-Karabakh to do so in a "safe, unimpeded and expeditious manner". Azerbaijan's one-day offensive, which gave it complete control of the mountainous breakaway region for the first time in three decades, sparked a mass exodus of ethnic Armenians. The majority of the 120,000-strong population fled into Armenia in a matter of days along the narrow Lachin Corridor road amid chaotic scenes on the border between the two bitter rivals. The court also ruled that Azerbaijan must allow anyone wishing to leave the territory to do so and ensure people remaining there would be "free from the use of force or intimidation". Armenia had petitioned the ICJ for so-called "provisional measures" to force Azerbaijan to stop any action "aimed at... displacing the remaining ethnic Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh". The ICJ rules on disputes between states, but while its decisions are legally binding, it has no power to enforce them. Last week, Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev oversaw a military parade in the region's main city of Khankendi, which Armenians refer to as Stepanakert, during which blue-red-green Azerbaijani flags were hoisted. When AFP visited Nagorno-Karabakh in the immediate aftermath of the attack, the region was already completely deserted, with the vast majority of ethnic Armenians having already fled. During the October 12 hearings at the court in The Hague, the two sides traded barbs over what Armenia described as the "ethnic cleansing" of Nagorno-Karabakh. "Despite comprising for millennia the great majority of the population of Nagorno-Karabakh, almost no ethnic Armenians remain in Nagorno-Karabakh today," said Armenia's ICJ representative Yeghishe Kirakosyan at the time. "If this is not ethnic cleansing, I do not know what is." Kirakosyan said the ICJ "still had time to prevent the forced displacement of ethnic Armenians from becoming irreversible" and to "protect the very few ethnic Armenians who remain in Nagorno-Karabakh". - Diplomatic impasse - Responding for Azerbaijan, representative Elnur Mammadov said Armenia had repeated accusations of ethnic cleansing so often that the claims "have taken on a life of their own". Dismissing the ethnic cleansing accusations as "unfounded" and "completely without merit", Mammadov said they "do not reflect the reality of what has actually been going on in Karabakh". "Azerbaijan has not engaged and will not engage in ethnic cleansing or any form of attack on the civilian population of Karabakh," he said. Baku has repeatedly stressed it was encouraging ethnic Armenians to return and would afford them safe passage. With this in mind, the ICJ ordered Azerbaijan to submit a report within eight weeks on the progress of the promises they have made to allow Armenians to return. Internationally mediated talks to achieve a comprehensive peace agreement between the arch-foe Caucasus neighbours have so far failed to produce a breakthrough. ric/bp The artistic director of the Royal Court Theatre has said she reads reviews with her glasses off at a distance, so I cant quite see them, as she disclosed the distress that bad reviews can cause. Vicky Featherstone said that a bad review of a play could take a devastating toll on its producers and performers because of the shame and embarrassment that it brings. She said that a toxic critique can change the physiology connected to how you feel about a work, and that is very, very destructive. She added: A really bad review can make an artist feel shame, because so many people have read it and youre embarrassed by that. As we know, shame is such a destructive emotion and once you feel shame, its so hard to let that feeling go. It can wane, but it never completely disappears and you never really feel the same thing about the work again. So the relationship with reviews, for an artist, is very complicated. And then one review can potentially slam the door on everything that everybody felt. Its a lot of power that critics have. Her comments will appear in a forthcoming book titled Running the Room: Conversations with Women Theatre Directors, which is published this month by Nick Hern Books. Ms Featherstone is among 24 directors with whom Rosemary Waugh conducted in-depth discussions about their craft. National theatre of new writing Ms Featherstone has been an artistic director and chief executive since 1997, first at Paines Plough and then the National Theatre of Scotland, and now the Royal Court for a full decade. She steps down in December. The Royal Court has been described as the national theatre of new writing and, under her stewardship, it has supported hundreds of writers through development programmes and groups. Her productions have travelled from the Royal Courts two home stages to the West End and Broadway, and elsewhere. The triumphs include Jez Butterworths drama The Ferryman, described by the Telegraph as unmissable. But productions that attracted less favourable responses include The Glow, a confusing time-travelling drama, the Telegraph wrote in January 2022, adding that Alistair McDowall reaffirms his burgeoning reputation for pushing the theatrical envelope and tests the limits of the possible, the plausible and the audiences patience. Another reviewer wrote: January hasnt even ended yet, and we already have a contender for the title of worst play of the year. In the forthcoming book, Ms Featherstone says: Years of care and artistry go into creating a piece of theatre, and when your relationship with that work is broken, its a very, very painful thing. Noting that an artists relationship with a work is very fragile, she always advises playwrights that we do not judge the success of a play on the reviews. Do not sway our opinion of the work You can never really take away the difficulty of a bad review for a writer, but we can hold fast to the view that they do not sway our opinion of the work that we put on. Evidentially, it will be easier to sell out a debut show if it gets a whole bunch of five-star reviews. Thats a practical fact. But it doesnt mean that play is any better or any less good than any other. She finds herself reading reviews with her glasses off, at a distance, so I cant quite see them. Other directors featured in the book include Nadia Fall, artistic director of Theatre Royal Stratford East, who says: In truth, youre worried about reviews and sales, and sometimes youre so petrified of something going wrong you dont dare veer away from the traditional process. Yet, ironically, the best work comes out of risk. Ms Waugh, the books author and a critic, said: Its essential that people can write negative reviews because otherwise theres no point in the positive ones. But whats underpinning something that tips over into what Vicky calls toxic is maybe a lack of awareness on the part of the critic. Its about having basic respect for the person whos created the work. In the same way that you dont need to be gratuitously mean to somebodys face, you dont need to be in a review. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. Former Art Institute employee Michael Maurello leaves his sentencing hearing at the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse on Nov. 16, 2023. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune) A former payroll manager at the Art Institute of Chicago was sentenced to three years in prison Thursday after he pleaded guilty for misappropriating more than $2 million in museum funds over a 12-year period. Michael Maurello, 56, of Beach Park, was visibly distressed in federal court Thursday as he spoke of his remorse for embezzling money and affecting his former colleagues and employer who were good to him. Advertisement I truly apologize for what I did, Maurello said. The Art Institute was good to me, and I took advantage of that. U.S. District Judge Manish Shah ordered that Maurellos prison time be followed by three years of supervised release and he would be held responsible for roughly $2.3 million in restitution to the museum. Advertisement In sentencing, Shah said Maurello stole money in a way that required effort and skill and broke the basic trust that keeps society from falling into anarchy. Maurello falsified payments to employees and funneled museum payroll into his personal bank accounts from 2007 to 2020, according to a plea agreement filed in April. He admitted to keeping spreadsheets and notes to track the embezzled funds so later he could make reversals in the museum payroll system. [ Former Art Institute employee pleads guilty in $2 million payroll embezzlement scheme ] The recommended minimum sentence for the fraud charge is more than four years. However, Maurellos attorney, Frank Cece Jr., argued for a shorter sentencing due to Maurellos health issues, spanning back to his late teens when he broke his neck. Since the investigation began, Maurello was forced to have his leg amputated and was fitted with a prosthetic below the knee after contracting gangrene Maurello appeared in court Thursday without his prosthetic leg, with his brother pushing his wheelchair into the courtroom. Since the charges were filed against him, Maurello has been living in an assisted living facility after his husband of 20 years left him and his family will not care for him in their homes, court documents say. In recommending substantial prison time and restitution, Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Rubenstein said Maurellos criminal actions harmed the Art Institute, a not-for-profit public institution, beyond theft and insurance since the museum relies on reputation and public trust for donations to fund its mission. Maurello did not need the money and used much of it for extravagant purchases, such as trips to Hawaii and Las Vegas and buying jewelry, prosecutors argued in court documents. He did it simply because he could, Rubenstein said. While Rubenstein acknowledged the museum would most likely not suffer substantially due to its long-standing national reputation, he said the crimes harm public trust and that Maurello did not take previous chances to admit wrongdoing. Advertisement When the museums assistant controller asked Maurello in January 2020 about one of the payments, Maurello falsely stated that the transaction had been a test of the payroll system, according to charges. Prosecutors also argued Maurello has had the chance to pay back some of the money he embezzled since the investigation began. Cece previously said Maurello was hesitant to pay restitution before sentencing. His brother, William, spoke highly of Maurello in court to Shah, stating that he was a supportive figure in their familys lives, especially after his wife died. While I cant speak to his decisions, I can speak to his character, William Maurello said of his brother. He is the kindest person Ive ever known and he was around for my two kids after my wife died. Cece said that since the investigation began, Maurello lost everything in his life, including his job and his husband. He has disintegrated into the shell of a former man, Cece said. Advertisement Afternoon Briefing Weekdays Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox each afternoon. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy > Shah recommended a medical center for Maurellos time in prison to address his attorneys concerns about the difficulty he could face in jail due to his physical health. Maurello was ordered to surrender on Feb. 8 and to not dissipate funds in his retirement savings account besides daily living expenses, which Cece said was roughly $2,500 each month. Bank statements submitted to the court showed more than $400,000 in Maurellos retirement savings, prosecutors said. A native of the south suburbs, Maurello started working at the Art Institute in 2001 after graduating college with an accounting degree, according to court documents. With its famous 1894 bronze lions decorating the exterior, the Art Institute at 111 S. Michigan Ave. holds nearly 300,000 artworks from all over the world. [ Former Art Institute employee charged in $2 million embezzlement scheme ] Following Maurellos indictment last January, the Art Institute said in a written statement that the fraud was first revealed in 2019 after a review of financial control procedures found unusual account activity. The museum terminated Maurello for cause, and the matter was immediately referred to law enforcement, according to the statement. Since then, the Art Institute has implemented additional controls and procedures to help detect and prevent any future malfeasance, according to the statement, and losses are being recovered through insurance. Maurello isnt the first employee of one of Chicagos famed museums to recently be accused of stealing. Advertisement In 2017, Caryn Benson, a former data specialist at the Field Museum, was sentenced to three years in federal prison for stealing nearly $1 million from museum coffers and using it to fund a lavish lifestyle, including luxury cars and jewelry and even to pay rent for a friends South Side apartment. A city mayor says residents who were evacuated from their homes will not get an update for two weeks. Around 400 people were asked to leave Barton House in Bristol on Tuesday because the council had concerns about the structure of the building, When asked whether they would ever return to their homes, mayor Marvin Rees said it would be "a challenge". Earlier today, around 80 tower block residents staged a protest at City Hall in Bristol, demanding an investigation. They said Bristol City Council had not offered enough support since Barton House was evacuated earlier this week. Mayor Marvin Rees told the BBC: "We are beginning to make plans for the possibility that people won't be able to return to Barton House. "It is going to be a challenge, but nothing about this situation is easy." More than 400 people are living with friends or in hotels until a decision on the building's future is made. One of the protesters, Ann Fisher, has been sleeping at friend's house for the last three nights. Ann Fisher (left) has lived at Barton House since 1994, and says the council should be acting more quickly She told BBC West: "I've lived 30 years in that flat and all my belongings, all my memories, everything my (late) husband bought me is in that flat. "What am I supposed to do? Let it go? I'm not going to let it go. All I've got of my husband at the moment is his wedding ring. "It'll be two years in December since he died and I had to fight to get myself back to where I am, and now this - I have to fight again. "If (the council) thinks we're just going to just roll over and say 'Ok, we'll do this, that and the other' without an explanation, they've got another thing coming." Protesters called out the city's mayor, Marvin Rees, who is at a conference in Rwanda, for not being there to support them Supported by the renters' union ACORN, protesters held placards, and called on individual council members to act. Shaban Ali, a resident of Barton House and member of Acorn, said: "We have all been through hell in the last few days. "We have brought everyone here today to make sure that our voices are heard. "We are calling for an independent investigation into what happened at Barton House and the safety of tower blocks across the city." Several carried placards asking why the Mayor of Bristol, who is at a conference in Rwanda, had not returned home to offer his support on the ground. Protesters called on local politicians to offer more support and information Marvin Rees apologised for being absent on his website earlier this week, reassuring residents: "I will be back in Bristol as soon as I can, but in the meantime I know housing officers, cabinet members, my office, senior council staff have all been on hand." Two miles away - there was more anger at Barton House. Three residents had agreed to put their belongings into storage so surveyors could inspect the flats, which led to fears the council was starting to clear peoples homes. Labour councillor Yassin Mohamud told the BBC there was a lack of communication and warning from the council, but nobody's possessions were removed without permission. It is not known how long residents will have to remain in temporary accommodation, but people staying in hotels have been told the council was ensuring rooms would be available until at least Monday. Bristol City Council has also said it was trying to arrange more suitable accommodation where people could cook their own food. It added urgent surveys are taking place at the moment to determine if Barton House would need to be condemned. Follow BBC West on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to: bristol@bbc.co.uk SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) Thursday mornings commute may go down in some Bay Area commuters personal record books as the worst drive to work ever. United States President Joe Biden was in San Francisco for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, and protesters took over the citys most heavily traveled bridge to get his attention. They made for a very hectic day in the Bay Area, one California Highway Patrol officer said. I would not call this a peaceful protest, when you stop tens of thousands of people. Demonstrators shut down the San Francisco Oakland Bay Bridge in conjunction with the APEC Summit taking place Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Noah Berger) Hundreds of protesters brought traffic to a complete halt within seconds, the CHP said. Ruben Pineda and his roofing crew wait for police to clear protesters blocking the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge on Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023. Pineda, who was stuck for several hours, said the crew would most likely lose a day of pay. (AP Photo /Noah Berger) They unfurled a banner calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. There is a genocide happening in Gaza, and President Biden is hosting cocktail parties in San Francisco, said Aisha Nizar with the Palestinian Youth Movement. We refuse to stand by as our elected officials pay for and cheer on the genocide of Palestinians. Demonstrators shout slogans after shuttting down the San Francisco Oakland Bay Bridge on Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023. (AP Photo/Noah Berger) The Bay Bridge shutdown began just before 8 a.m., and dragged on for more than four hours. A 5-mile backup caused a gridlock ripple effect. Commuters and families who were stuck on the bridge waited while sitting on top of their vehicles. Elsa Santos and her children wait for police officers to clear protesters off the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge on Nov. 16, 2023. Santos was stuck for several hours while trying to take her kids to school. (AP Photo/Noah Berger) Motorists who were stuck on the San Francisco Oakland Bay Bridge waited for hours on Nov. 16, 2023. (AP Photo/Noah Berger) CHP officers directed motorists near the Toll Plaza to turn around and find a different route across the bay. Dr. George Tanaka walks through the Bay Bridge blockade. (AP Photo/Noah Berger) Protesters used a sleeping dragon tactic to keep I-80 closed, the CHP said. Some abandoned their vehicles in the middle of traffic lanes, threw their car keys into the bay, and chained themselves to the bridge. Demonstrators staged a die-in representing Palestinians killed by the Israeli military in Gaza. (AP Photo/Noah Berger) Tow truck drivers hauled away dozens of abandoned vehicles. Police stand on empty westbound lanes while the bridge remained closed. (Photo by JASON HENRY/AFP via Getty Images) Empty westbound lanes on the western span of the Bay Bridge are seen as police respond to protestors. (Photo by JASON HENRY/AFP via Getty Images) Hundreds of law enforcement officers handled the scene. (Photo by JASON HENRY/AFP via Getty Images) The saga ended after 80 protesters were detained, cited, loaded onto sheriff busses, and released from custody, according to the San Francisco Sheriffs Office. The citations were issued for unlawful assembly and failure to disperse. Police officers detain a protester blocking the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge. (AP Photo/Noah Berger) Police officers detain a protester demonstrating against the Israel-Hamas war on Nov. 16, 2023. (AP Photo/Noah Berger) The CHP said law enforcement agencies across the Bay Area were on high alert for protests popping up during APEC this week. Officers were stationed along all major bridges Thursday. But the Gaza ceasefire demonstrators pulled off their heavily coordinated plan before it could be stopped, the CHP said. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. Around 20,000 Ukrainian men have violated martial law and illegally crossed the border, BBC claimed on Nov. 17, citing information received from neighboring countries. Authorities in Ukraine's neighbors, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, Poland, and Moldova, said that 19,740 men had illegally crossed their borders between February 2022 and Aug. 31, 2023, according to the BBC. In addition, the BBC said Ukrainian authorities revealed that more than 21,000 had been apprehended by border guards while trying to cross. The majority of those caught were attempting to walk or swim across the border, but almost 7,000 tried to use falsified documents. The methods used by those who were successful are unknown, the BBC said. Ukrainian men aged 18-60 have been forbidden to leave the country due to the martial law that has been imposed since the beginning of the full-scale invasion on Feb. 24, 2022. There are some exceptions allowed. A nationwide inspection of Ukraine's recruitment offices in August 2023 revealed multiple violations, including corruption, abuse of power, and fraud, prompting President Volodymyr Zelensky to fire the heads of all regional military enlistment offices. Zelensky said that a total of 112 criminal cases have been opened against Ukrainian enlistment officials, and 33 people have been charged. Read also: Officials accused of using war as pretext for hiding ill-gotten wealth This spotlight on problems within the military enlistment system in August did not mean the end of abuses there, however. Ukraine's State Bureau of Investigation (SBR) revealed an "unprecedented" scheme on Nov. 1 in which regional military enlistment offices received bribes in exchange for helping people evade mobilization using forged documents. The cost of arranging the creation of doctored medical forms or other falsified documents, as well as potentially assisting in actually leaving Ukraine, ranged from $6,000-10,000. In addition, there have been instances of Ukrainian elites purportedly abusing their positions of power to illegally leave the country. Lawmaker Oleksandr Dubinskyi has been investigated for allegedly falsifying documents to travel to Spain, as well as possibly helping an extended family member illegally cross the border. Dubinskyi is currently being held by Ukrainian authorities for high treason in an unrelated case. Fedir Venislavskyi, Zelensky's parliamentary representative, told the BBC that the problem of corruption in enlistment offices was serious but that the Ukrainian government was cracking down on violations. He also said that those who had left or tried to leave would not have any impact on Ukraine's war effort. "Those who try to avoid mobilization are about 1-5%. They are definitely not critical to the defense of Ukraine." Read also: Opinion: Are Ukraines anti-corruption efforts at a standstill? Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The BBC has found that nearly 20,000 men have fled Ukraine since the start of the full-scale war to avoid being drafted into the country's army. Ukraine's State Border Guard Service (SBGS) is unaware of such figures, adding that attempted illegal border crossings fell in 2023. Source: BBC; Colonel Andrii Demchenko, spokesperson for SBGS, in a comment to Ukrainska Pravda Details: The BBC says it established this number by requesting data on illegal border crossings from Ukraine's neighbours Romania, Moldova, Poland, Hungary and Slovakia. The data indicate that 19,740 men illegally crossed these countries' borders between February 2022 and 31 August 2023. The BBC said another 21,113 men sought to escape but were detained by the Ukrainian authorities (Ukraine's SBGS noted that this figure is smaller: 16,700 people during martial law; see below for a comment ed.) The bulk of them 14,313 attempted to cross the border on foot or via water, with the remaining 6,800 relying on fraudulently obtained official documents that claimed false exemptions from the draft, such as fabricated illnesses. Fedir Venislavskyi, the Ukrainian president's representative in the parliament, told the BBC that the problem was acute. "The government realises that this phenomenon is not isolated and that it is widespread. But unfortunately, I would emphasise that corruption is very resilient," the official stated, adding that Ukraine was doing "everything possible to keep the number of corruption cases to a minimum". A Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's representative said the number of men who left or attempted to leave has no bearing on the military effort. "I am convinced that the resilience and readiness of Ukrainians to defend their independence, sovereignty and freedom is 95-99%," Venislavskyi noted in a comment to BBC. When asked to comment on the figures presented in the BBC story, Andrii Demchenko, a spokesman for Ukraine's SBGS, said he had no records from neighbouring countries and was unaware of the circumstances under which certain people could have been detained for violating border or migration laws. Demchenko stated that it bears mentioning that the data from the European Border and Coast Guard Agency Frontex indicates that the figures for the detention of Ukrainian citizens on the EU's eastern borders are much lower (even if they do not include data from Moldovan border guards). Therefore, Frontex data reveals that 8,512 Ukrainian citizens were detained for illegally crossing the EU's eastern borders between March 2022 and August 2023. These included: 5,035 individuals in March-December 2022; 3,477 individuals were detained in January-August 2023. At the same time, the colonel stressed that the Ukrainian authorities are taking all possible measures to prevent illegal border crossings and, moreover, are making joint efforts with border guards of neighbouring countries to ensure reliable protection of the state border, such as joint patrols, the exchange of information on attempted violations, etc. Ukrainian border guards have detained 16,700 male Ukrainian citizens who have attempted to illegally cross the border through the green line (forests, mountains, rivers, etc.) or by other illegal means (hiding in vehicles or trying to avoid border control) since the beginning of martial law. Over 7,000 more people were caught trying to illegally cross the border at checkpoints, including by using forged documents. At the same time, Demchenko stressed that there were fewer attempts to violate the state border compared to 2022. Furthermore, Ukrainian border guards refused to allow almost 43,000 Ukrainian citizens to leave the country at checkpoints in the first 10 months of 2023, most of whom were men who did not fall under the conditions for leaving the country during martial law. This is 17% more than in the same period last year. The SBGS spokesperson said border guards most often record attempts to illegally cross the green line on the border with Romania and Moldova, with the largest number of forgeries observed on the border with Poland. Nearly 300 criminal groups engaged in the illegal trafficking of persons across the border have been exposed during martial law. In addition, individuals attempted to bribe SBGS inspectors over 800 times in order to obtain a decision to allow them to cross the border. The total amount of bribes in question amounted to UAH 8 million [roughly US$221,500]. The persons involved were handed over to the relevant law enforcement agencies. Support UP or become our patron! The Beatles in 1965 (L-R): Ringo Starr, Paul McCartney, John Lennon and George Harrison The Beatles' hopes of correcting an historic blip in their chart record have been scuppered by pop superstar Taylor Swift. The Fab Four released new versions of their Red and Blue greatest hits albums last week, hoping that one of them would top the UK album chart. But Swift wasn't ready to let go, with her pop opus 1989 (Taylor's Version) claiming the crown for a third week. The Beatles faced the same situation when the Red and Blue albums first came out in 1973. Back then, David Bowie's Aladdin Sane denied them the number one. This week, the two records end up in exactly the same chart positions as they did 50 years ago. The Red Album (technically called The Beatles 19621966) is at number three and the Blue Album (The Beatles 19671970) is at two. Swift also has a Red album, which topped the chart in both 2012 and 2021 But The Beatles are still the act with the most UK number one albums of all time, with 15. Rolling Stone called the original Red and Blue compilations "eight of the most-perfect album sides ever devised". The re-released versions feature all-new mixes of their biggest hits, alongside the "new" track Now And Then, based on a 1970s John Lennon demo. The albums have also been boosted with 20 additional tracks, including Twist And Shout, Taxman, Dear Prudence and Blackbird. But the band were unable to depose Taylor Swift, whose re-recorded version of 1989 has become one of the year's biggest-selling albums in the space of just three weeks. Jack Harlow scores his first UK number one single this week Elsewhere, dance kingpins Chase & Status score their fifth top 10 album with 2 Ruff, Vol. 1. Assisted by the massive hit singles Disconnect (with Becky Hill) and Baddadan (with Bou, Flowdan, IRAH, Trigga and Takura), the album makes its debut at number four. And South African pop star Babyqueen earns a new entry at number five with her debut album, Quarter Life Crisis. In the singles chart, Jack Harlow's viral smash Lovin On Me races straight to number one, giving the rapper his first chart-topper in the UK. Based on a sample of the obscure 1995 R&B song Whatever by Cadillac Dale, it is also the week's most-streamed track, with 5.1 million plays. The American star teased snippets of the song for weeks on social media, creating a pent-up demand when it finally landed on streaming services last week. His success leaves Dua Lipa in runner's-up position with Houdini, the first track from her forthcoming album. A club-friendly sliver of psychedelic pop, Lipa says the song kicks off an album-length narrative about the joys of being single, and acts as a bridge between the disco vibes of her last record, Future Nostalgia, and her new material. "It really felt like it encapsulated everything thats to come, even though everything thats to come is so different. It just felt like a fun way to start. Dua Lipa launched her new single with fan events in London and New York (pictured) Elsewhere in the singles chart, Noah Kahan's Stick Season completes a four-month journey to the top five. The pensive ballad initially found success on TikTok over the summer, but it didn't catch fire until pop star Olivia Rodrigo covered it in BBC Radio 1's Live Lounge last month. The song made its chart debut at 69 shortly afterwards, and reaches number five this week. Meanwhile, Christmas songs are starting to make their annual climb up the countdown. After entering the Top 40 last week, Wham's Last Christmas jumps 11 places to number 26, while Mariah Carey's All I Want for Christmas Is You rises 12 places to number 28. Dua didnt have the magic touch - but who was Houdini? Harry Houdini prepares for a prison escape illusion Dua Lipa told Radio 1's Greg James that her new single is about "ghosting", so it makes sense that it's named after Hungarian-American escape artist Harry Houdini, who had a habit of vanishing when people least expected. Fans noticed that some of the promo artwork for the single showed her with a small key in her mouth - referencing the (presumed) secret behind some of his daring stunts. Adding another layer, the photo had similarities to Kate Bush's album The Dreaming, which also featured a song called Houdini. They aren't the only ones whove mentioned the illusionist in their music - you might remember the track Houdini by KSI in 2020, which also failed to reach top spot. But who was Houdini? We asked Harry Nardi, a 24-year-old escapologist who was named after the performer. "He was a magician, escape artist and he did endurance stunts, so he kind of did every sort of genre of magic as well," Harry told BBC Newsbeat. According to Harry - Houdini, who was born in 1872 - did some "crazy, crazy things", and inspired modern-day magicians like David Blaine and Dynamo. "He did a lot of chain escapes, and things like that. And the endurance things, I mean, you won't catch me doing it, but getting hit in the stomach repeatedly." Although Dua hasnt topped the charts this week, Harry says Houdini is long overdue some recognition in popular culture. He's played such a big part in magic and magic is a growing industry. "Its good that he still gets the recognition he deserves because magic wouldn't be what it is without him." That text message about your package could be a scam. That text message about your package could be a scam. One of the biggest scams you need to watch out for is coming from your phone. In smishing a term that combines SMS and phishing bad actors try to get your personal and banking information through unsolicited text messages on mobile devices. They do it by pretending to be government agencies, companies that you might have done business with, or a package delivery service. Theyll say something to get your urgent attention like a text about a free gift that you have to pay a small shipping fee to receive or they will send a warning about suspicious activity on your account. We see a lot of it with people posturing banks, saying This is Chase Bank, there is a hold on your account due to a security breach, click here to verify your information, said Amy Nofziger, the director of fraud victim support with AARP. The Federal Trade Commission reports that Americans lost $330 million from smishing scams in 2022, with a median loss of $1,000. These kind of texting scams have an easier time at fooling us because our phones train us to pay attention to them. We have our devices with us, 24/7. And when we hear that little Ding! we automatically look at it. Whereas we dont do that as much with our email anymore, Nofziger said. In package smishing scams, the suspicious message can seem innocuous and read: USPS: Since your package address does not have a house number, we are unable to arrange home delivery for you. Please update online, the FTC shared as an example. But once you click, youll be asked to pay a redelivery fee to trick you into giving up your credit card information. Especially around the holidays and this time of the year, we are, on a more frequent basis, ordering packages. So it might not be out of the norm to get an email from a shipping company saying that theres a delay, Nofziger said. Thats why she advises consumers to get into the habit of writing down what you ordered, where you ordered it from, and what company will be the package delivery service. When in doubt, call the source instead of relying on a text message. If you do think that theres a problem with your shipping, your package, your item, your bank account just call the company at the number you have for them. And just check that way, Nofziger said. It is better to contact the company from their original website or phone number than to provide account information and login and password information from a bogus link, said Stephanie Benoit-Kurtz, lead cybersecurity faculty at University of Phoenix College of Business and Information Technology. How To Spot A Smishing Message A smishing message can seem like any other text message, but there are a few telltale signs that will warn you that somethings off. Heres what to keep an eye on: Look to see how many people also received your text. If your text about a free gift or suspicious activity was also sent to multiple people, be suspicious. Thats an immediate red flag, and you should absolutely delete it and block that number right away, Nofziger said. Be wary of unsolicited messages that ask for your information. A regular solicitation will tell you information that you signed up to receive, while a spam message is more likely to ask for it, Nofziger said. When they are then asking you to go off of that platform or asking you for personal information, that should be your No. 1 red flag. Nothing is as important as your personal and financial information, she said. Be suspicious of any action you have to do right away. Bad actors want you to not have time to think, so make sure to take a breath and really think about what you are being asked to do. The sense of urgency is right now, and they are looking for you to wire a check, purchase and provide information from gift cards, or log in to an account from this link, Benoit-Kurtz said. What You Can Do To Block Smishing Messages Once you spot a smishing message, dont just leave it in your messages folder. Take these actions to prevent future issues: Block or filter unsolicited messages. You can filter messages from unknown senders on Apple phones by going to Settings, then Messages. Scroll down until you see Filter Unknown Senders and select it. On Android phones, go to Settings, then Blocked numbers. Turn on the Unknown option to block private or unidentified numbers from contacting you. Nofziger said that filtering out these messages is a great tool that people can use to give yourself a little red flag ... Well this person is not my contacts list, because it didnt come in my regular folder. So let me take a moment, calm down, pay attention to what this message is asking. Report smishing. USPS advises attaching a screenshot of the text message showing the phone number of the sender and the date sent, and sending that to spam@uspis.gov. For unsolicited messages on iPhones that are not in your contacts, tap the Report Junk option that will appear, then tap Delete and Report Junk. On Android phones, click the person you want to block, then click More options, From there select Block & report spam. In general, you can forward the suspicious message to 7726 (SPAM). That way, your wireless provider can learn to block similar spam messages for you. You can also report it to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov. What If Ive Already Been Smished? If you fell for the smishing scam, dont panic. There are still steps you can take to mitigate losses. If you click a link you think is suspicious, get your computer immediately checked for malware, Nofziger said. And ignore any follow-up texts the person may be sending you, even if they seem friendly. Stop the communication, because at some point, theyre going to ask you to go to a link or to help you with your device, Nofziger said. And make sure to call your bank about fraudulent transactions or security breaches, so they can investigate. If you think you are a victim of a scam, make sure to report it to the financial institution or the organization right away. You can also contact the state attorney generals office to report the issue, Benoit-Kurtz said. Related... Subscribe to the Newsletter Belarus Weekly Join us Poland deploys a tank battalion near its border with Belarus citing an eastern threat. Belarus develops a new system that would allow it to inspect all mail coming from the European Union. The European Parliament urges the EU to restrict Russian and Belarusian fertilizer imports amid Russias war and Lukashenkos crackdown on Belarusian civil society. Belarusian potash company Belaruskali intends to sue Lithuania for halting the transit of its products. Read also: New Belarusian poetry collection explores revolution, exile, war Poland deploys tank battalion at Belarusian border The Polish Defense Ministry announced the deployment of a new tank battalion near Polands border with Belarus on Nov. 13. According to Polish Defense Minister Mariusz Blaszczak, the tank battalions task is to deter the aggressor and ensure security, given the directions of attack from the east. EU and NATO members Poland, Latvia, and Lithuania, which all share borders with Belarus, have expressed growing concern over what they call escalating provocations by Belarus, citing the Minsk-engineered migrant crisis, the Wagner Groups presence in the country, and Belarusian military drills near their borders. The battalion will reportedly be stationed in the Polish village of Czartajew, which is around 50 kilometers from the border with Belarus. We are aware of the threats, Blaszczak continued. We are perfectly aware that the Kremlin rulers started the war (against Ukraine) because they want to rebuild the Russian Empire. This has always been dangerous for the nations in the neighborhood. Therefore, in order to prevent our homeland from being attacked, we are strengthening the Polish army, we are establishing new military units. This tank battalion here in Czartajew will be equipped with K2 tanks. These are modern tanks that were designed in the 21st century. Czartajew is reportedly already equipped with a camp to accommodate the battalion, and permanent infrastructure will be set up in the next few years. According to Blaszczak, there are currently over a hundred stationed in the village, with the prospect of expanding to several hundred. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov called Wasaws decision another step toward escalating tensions, adding that Belarus knows what to do in such a situation. They (Belarusians) are doing everything that needs to be done in this situation in order to ensure security, Peskov claimed. Minsk has yet to comment on the developments. Read also: In Lukashenkos Belarus, Belarusian culture is not welcome Belarusian IT specialist arrested over airfield drone attack Belarusian authorities sentenced IT specialist Dzmitryi Mastavy to 10 years in prison on charges of treason and collaboration with extremists over a drone attack at the Machulishchy airfield near Minsk in February that damaged a Russian military plane. According to Belarusian state media, Mastavy is accused of having organized an online broadcast from the airfield, which is located near his home, for Belarusian monitoring group Belarusian Hajun. Belarusian Hajun denied the claim. The Belarusian Interior Ministry conducted mass arrests back in March in the aftermath of the attack on the military airfield. BYPOL, an initiative of exiled Belarusian law enforcement, claimed to have conducted the attack with drones, adding that everyone involved managed to escape the country. Lukashenko claimed that Belarusian authorities arrested several people responsible for the attack, saying they had acted under the command of Ukraines Security Service and the CIA. He provided no evidence to support his allegation. Ukraines Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oleh Nikolenko dismissed Lukashenkos accusation. He said it is another attempt to create an artificial threat from Ukraine to justify its (Belarusian) support of Russias aggression. Belarus to inspect mail coming from EU countries A new government document is underway to expand the authority to inspect all mail coming from the European Union, the Belarusian State Customs Committee announced on Nov. 11. Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko declared in September that he had authorized a decree enabling inspections to restrict the import of aerial drones to prevent their use by individuals. No mention was made of when the practice will be implemented. The move comes amid the Belarusian governments yearslong clampdown on the opposition, media, and civil society since the fraudulent 2020 presidential elections, which tightened Lukashenkos grip on the country. European Parliament urges EU to restrict Russian, Belarusian fertilizer imports The European Parliament issued a joint motion on Nov. 8 urging the European Union to introduce price and volume caps on Russian and Belarusian fertilizer imports. Extensive sanctions have already been placed on Belarusian potash, a key ingredient in fertilizers and one of Minsks main sources of income. The European Parliament has called to bring fertilizer-related restrictions on Belarus in line with those on Russia. The EU imposed restrictions targeting 20% of Belarusian potash exports back in 2021 in response to escalating human rights violations in Belarus, and the violent repression of civil society, democratic opposition, and journalists. The measures were also due in part to the forced landing of a Ryanair flight in Minsk in May 2021, and the related detention of Belarusian journalist Raman Pratasevich and his then-girlfriend Sofia Sapega. A new EU-imposed sanctions package in March 2022 led to a total ban on Belarusian potash imports in response to Belarus role in Russias full-scale war against Ukraine. At its peak, Belarus exported 10-12 million metric tons of potash annually. Belarusian potash exports dropped to 4.5 million metric tons in 2022 due to sanctions. Belarusian potash company to sue Lithuania for halting transport The Belarusian Foreign Ministry and the Belarusian potash company Belaruskali are preparing to take legal action against Lithuania for banning the transport of potash through Lithuania, Lithuanian media reported. Lithuania halted the transit of Belaruskalis fertilizer exports via Lithuania in February 2022 after the government ordered the state-owned railway company Lietuvos Gelezinkeliai to terminate its long-term contract with the Belarusian manufacturer. In so doing, Belaruskali claims Lithuania violated a bilateral investment protection agreement, demanding around 1 billion euros ($1.1 billion) in compensation. The Lithuanian Transport Ministry confirmed to local media that the process has begun, although it did not provide further comments. Yes, we confirm, the Lithuanian Transport Ministry said. In order not to harm the process course and Lithuanias position, we cannot make any further comments at this stage. Lithuanias move to halt the transit of the Belarusian companys exports followed the expansion of sanctions against Belarus by the U.S. Treasury to include Belaruskali and its subsidiary, the Belarusian Potash Company. Bandarenka's murder The Spotlight segment provides readers with the historical context of contemporary events in Belarus. Raman Bandarenka, 31, was abducted and murdered on Nov. 12, 2020, while trying to protect white-red-white flags from riot police. On Nov. 11, a group of plain-clothed men, known to be riot police officers, were cutting down pro-opposition flags near Bandarenka's apartment complex. Bandarenka intervened, and after a brief verbal confrontation, he was physically assaulted by three men, believed to be police officers undercover. Bandarenka was delivered to the Central Police Station, severely beaten and unconscious. He died the next day. Thousands of Belarusians took to the streets to demand a fair trial, to no avail. Journalists of Polish-backed Belsat TV channel Katsiaryna Andreyeva (Bakhvalava) and Daria Chultsova, who were live-streaming the protest on Nov. 15, 2020, dedicated to Bandarenka. Both were detained and accused of inciting actions that "grossly violated public order." They were subsequently sentenced to two years in prison. The Kyiv Independent spoke to Daria Chultsova about the rally commemorating Raman Bandarenka and the punishment she received for doing her job. How did the events on Nov. 15 unfold? What was memorable about that day? How did it differ from all the other rallies? It was different because we were streaming from an apartment. I typically worked with people on-site. Watching it all from above was strange, seeing the crowd being dispersed and people detained, stun grenades going off. I was an observer. Otherwise, it was a standard day of streaming (from the protests) nothing to portend trouble. I've been detained before. For journalists working in Belarus at that moment, it was no news that we could be detained and locked in for days on administrative arrest. We went to work fully aware of how it could end. But that day, we ended up being the first prosecuted journalists. When did you realize that something was off this time, that this will result in the first criminal case for journalistic activity? I guess the idea that this could lead to serious problems first came when they started threatening us in the police department that we "would be sewing shirts in a penal colony." This is a direct quote. There was no administrative or criminal case against us yet. We sat in the office with the investigator. And he told us with a smile on his face that we would go to the colony. But at that time, we still thought it was just a threat. The second time, it occurred to me after we had already received an administrative punishment. We were transported to the infamous Okrestina detention center. After some time, I don't remember, the next day or the day after, Katsiaryna was removed from our cell. We got separated. In Belarus, there is a rule that "accomplices" are not kept together. And when Katsiaryna was taken away, it became clear that something bad was about to happen. In the end, we were taken to the Frunzenskiy police department and told that a criminal case had been opened against us. How did you and Katsiaryna take the news that it would be a criminal case? And how did you then take the court's verdict? I don't know how Katsiaryna took it. Of course, it shocked me because I couldn't believe Lukashenko's regime would do such a thing. Criminal convictions of journalists are usually followed by big sanctions and condemnation from other countries. Up until the last moment, I thought that he would not go for it. I think many people have seen these pictures from (the courtroom, during the announcement of) our verdict, where we look very happy, smiling. We probably knew to some extent how the case would end. The whole absurdity of the situation was making us laugh. But at that point, (we were each given) two years. It didn't seem so terrible. But the sentence (Katsiaryna) received afterward eight years was more shocking to me than our previous two years. onvicting a journalist for treason against the state is blatant. It must be an odd reality, saying it's good to receive two years instead of 10. Looking back, what does this mean to you? It is impossible to look back for the simple reason that not much time has passed yet. And because I always talk about it, it's not over for me. This was the first criminal case against journalists in 2020. But others followed; now, 33 media workers in Belarus are behind bars. What do they have to face in detention? Now, as far as I know, the regime has toned down its repressive machine. There isn't strong pressure as there was originally. On journalists, on Katsiaryna in particular. When we were imprisoned, we were required to admit guilt to write a plea for pardon. Back then, some people were literally blackmailed into signing a guilty plea. I was regularly taken for talks they tried to brainwash me throughout the first few months. Some of them pretended to be good cops, and some acted as "bad ones." After a 15-20 minute conversation with (bad cops), I felt as if I was raped and couldn't recover for hours. People (in custody) live in unbearable conditions, under constant humiliation. (Observers) prevent them from receiving letters. They limit calls and restrict visits. What do you know about Katsiaryna? How is she holding up in detention? How is she coping with her long sentence? As far as I know, Katsiaryna's moral condition is stable. She is focused on herself and writes poetry. But physically, her health is deteriorating. Her allergies have gotten worse; her eyesight and hearing are deteriorating. All these problems haunt everyone who's been in prison. Did you decide whether to return to journalism after your release? It was what it was. That's it. I didn't decide to get back to journalism because I didn't ever leave it. I was taken away from journalism. So I just came back from a temporary leave, returned to my work, to the profession I was studying for and wanted to pursue. Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Bentley embedded two sensors in the seats, each constantly measuring humidity and temperature levels of the bottoms and backs of the seats. With that data, the car can automatically activate its seat climate system for heating or ventilation to maintain the passengers individual comfort level. Car seats, like the vehicles themselves, are available in a variety of materials with a wide range of manual and electronic controls. My old 1977 Dodge Aspen, for instance, had a front row bench seat that moved as one, like a faux-brocade couch on rails. It had no ventilation, no heat, and definitely no massaging functions. Automobile seating has come a long way since then. The first production car with optional heated seats was the 1966 Cadillac DeVille, and massaging seats came along decades later in 2000 Mercedes-Benz and Cadillac models. Bentley, however, has taken the spa-like cabin to the next level with its available airline seat specification setup; the British brand says its super-deluxe airline seat specification is a world first. This $11,000 option in the extended wheelbase version (EWB) of the Bentayga includes not just heat, but cooling, massage, recline, and small trays that fold out like those on a commercial airline. This SUVs seats even have sensors that predict that youre about to start sweating even before you know it yourself and preemptively adjusts the temperature. Heres how they work. Credit: Kristin Shaw First class seats When travelers on an airplane upgrade to business or first class, they gain a significant amount of legroom and space around their seat. Bentley chose to call this Bentayga EWB setup airline seat specification to drive home the message that this is a roomy, first-class experience. As soon as you sit down, the sheer number of positioning options is dizzying: The rear seats can be adjusted 22 ways, not including the rear footrest behind the front passenger seat. Steve James, the head of interior design for Bentley, has been developing seating for the luxury brand since 2006. His first task when he joined Bentley was to come up with the initial concept for the seats in Bentleys then-new flagship model, the Mulsanne. While the uber-luxurious Mulsanne model included heated, cooled, and massaging seats, the Bentayga EWB says hold my Dom Perignon and ratchets it up even more to prevent fatigue, not just treat it. High-end cars focus quite a lot on fatigue recovery; if youre getting tired in the car, the massage function is designed to help after the fact, James says. But we thought the real luxury experience is to do something to stop the fatigue in the first place. We saw an opportunity with the Bentayga EWB because we have more room to work with. Science, research, and perfect posture James explains that Bentley focused on two key metrics during the development of the first-class seats: posture and thermal response. Bentley collaborated with an American chiropractor and Comfort Motion Global (CMG), a company that partners with research universities to test its proprietary technologies. Through its research, it discovered that making small adjustments in the leg and back angles of a vehicle seatas little as one to two degreesresults in a positive increase of blood flow, increasing alertness and reducing fatigue. Bentleys seats are fitted with 12 electric motors and three pneumatic valve engine control units. Unique algorithms developed in conjunction with CMG apply 177 individual pressure changes, shifting stress points from one area to another to stop the onset of fatigue. And the leg rest feature in the Bentayga is situated at a particular angle to create what James calls perfect posture that bends the legs slightly for maximum comfort and blood flow. As you may have experienced if youre in a plane or sitting statically for a long period of time, fatigue sets in, James says. The postural system is a system of pneumatic bladders inside the seat and they make small micro-adjustments that fine-tune the angles of your pelvis, your thighs, they are helping motion constantly happen. Small motions that give the customer the option to regulate them. They really make a difference. Credit: Kristin Shaw Temperature Another important element of Bentleys high-end seats is what it calls thermal comfort. (There is a default calibration, but it can be adjusted depending on the average temperature preference of the passenger.) Bentley embedded two sensors in the seats, each constantly measuring humidity and temperature levels of the bottoms and backs of the seats. With that data, the car can automatically activate its seat climate system for heating or ventilation to maintain the passengers individual comfort level. James says that the system detects temperature variations of 0.1 degrees and registers upward and downward trends and the human brain doesnt notice before the delta is 0.5. So the seats constant monitoring heads off perspiration before it even happens. While the concept started to take shape in 2015, the brand didnt create a working prototype until 2019 after years of data collection and validation. The team had to do quite a bit of calibration on the thermal comfort side, as different passengers feel comfort at vastly different temperatures depending on a number of factors. And as it turned out, one of the engineers became a real-time case study; he became ill during the development and started feeling hot and sweaty. As designed, the system measured that and calculated the delta in his calibration preferences. The real clever bit of the system is it can sense even to one-tenth of a degree Celsius at all times, James says. It can measure how youre feeling and how your temperature is trending. So if you start feeling a little bit warm or perspire a bitwe can actually see it before you feel it. In a mainstream car with heated seats, you might find that activating them to full power feels wonderful in cold temperatures until you start overheating. At that point, the seats hold residual warmth that feels uncomfortable until it cools off. Bentleys seats are designed for an ideal balance of hot and cool so that you feel consistently content. Israeli security forces surround the area of a Palestinian home, believed to belong to one of the gunmen that attacked an Israel checkpoint on the edge of Jerusalem earlier in the day, during a military operation in the occupied West Bank city of Hebron on Nov. 16, 2023. (Hazem Bader/Getty-AFP) We cannot ignore the mounting civilian death toll in Gaza. The victims are not abstractions, nor are they the inevitable collateral damage of a just war. They are the result of choices Israeli leadership has made on how to pursue this just war. To be sure, Hamas holds primary responsibility for this war and its casualties, having committed the horrific atrocities on Oct. 7 that provoked Israels response. Hamas also puts civilians in harms way by placing operations and facilities amid critical civilian infrastructure which is a war crime. Advertisement But as an American citizen and U.S. foreign policy professional, my question is: What can the United States do to mitigate civilian harm and help secure peace? The U.S. government has and must continue to condemn the acts of Hamas. But Americas leverage is over Israel, so that is where it can make a difference in this war. Advertisement The United States has no relationship with Hamas, having designated it a terrorist organization since 1997 and sanctioned anyone who associates or cooperates with it. In stark contrast, Israel has been a uniquely close U.S. partner for decades. Israel has been in the top three recipients of American aid for half a century. The United States has been Israels principal weapons supplier since Israel was founded in 1948, providing $124 billion in military aid since then. In the 1970s, the United States adopted a policy committed to ensuring that Israel maintains a qualitative military edge over its neighbors. Since 2019, it has provided Israel nearly $4 billion in military aid annually. The Biden administrations proposed $14 billion emergency aid request suggests that Israel continues to rely heavily on U.S. support. This is Americas leverage, and the U.S. government has a responsibility to its own citizens to use it to ensure that Israel doesnt conduct this war in a way that undermines Americas own interests including peace and security in the region such as facilitating unnecessary civilian harm. [ Elizabeth Shackelford: The fate of the Palestinian people will affect Israels future security ] The uncomfortable truth is that unconditional U.S. military assistance for decades has likely undermined rather than enhanced prospects for peace by insulating the Israeli government from the need to resolve the Palestinian question. For most of the last 15 years, Benjamin Netanyahus leadership has put Israel on a dangerous and provocative path. From undermining the Iran nuclear deal, to expanding settlements in the West Bank, to complicity with rampant settler violence and illegal seizure of Palestinian land that continues today, Netanyahu has only stoked conflict. He abandoned any pretense of pursuing a two-state solution and instead launched a containment strategy that kept Hamas strong enough to subvert the Palestinian Authority and to keep talks of a peace agreement at bay. The U.S. government watched these developments with alarm but continued to rely on quiet diplomacy, which clearly failed, dismissing calls for harsher action such as making U.S. military support conditional on Netanyahus government changing course. This has served neither Israelis nor Americans well. The time has come for the United States to take a harder stand and use its military support to help put Israel on a better path to peace. Advertisement This means convincing the Israeli government to heed U.S. advice to mitigate civilian harm in its fight against Hamas. As Secretary of State Antony Blinken has made clear, the United States supports Israels right to defend itself, but how Israel does this matters. U.S. policy prohibits the transfer of weapons when they are likely to be used in ways that cause excessive civilian harm. 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 > Some civilian harm is inevitable in an urban space as dense as Gaza, and Israel must take the fight to Hamas there. But U.S. civilian and military officials have made clear that they believe Israel can and must do more to minimize the damage. The U.S. military has experience with urban warfare and has provided specific guidance to Israel on how to approach it. This includes using much smaller bombs, gathering more intelligence prior to strikes and employing ground forces to separate civilians from militant areas. It would also require far more humanitarian support and a pause in fighting to facilitate it. Israel has so far rejected these calls, laying blame on Hamas for any civilian harm. This approach is dangerous, not only for moral reasons Gazan civilians should not have to pay for Hamas crimes but also because more civilian harm will lead only to more extremism. The trauma Gazas children live through today, for those who survive, will make ripe recruiting for future terrorist groups. The U.S. government must condition transfer of additional military assistance on Israel demonstrating to U.S. authorities that it is taking every reasonable step to minimize civilian harm and lay a path forward for peace. This is in the interest of America, Israel and the broader region. In fact, a Chicago Council on Global Affairs survey conducted in September found that more than half of Americans supported placing restrictions on U.S. military aid to Israel so that Israel could not use that aid toward military operations against Palestinians. Netanyahu would be wise to heed such a warning, and he will if the United States really means it. It is politically difficult for the United States to put any strings on aid to Israel, but if the U.S. government cannot bring itself to do so, then we hold some responsibility for these deaths too. Advertisement Elizabeth Shackelford is a senior fellow on U.S. foreign policy with the Chicago Council on Global Affairs. She was previously a U.S. diplomat and is the author of The Dissent Channel: American Diplomacy in a Dishonest Age. Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com. US President Joe Biden speaks during a bilateral meeting with Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on the last day of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) (Brendan SMIALOWSKI) US President Joe Biden and Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador pledged Friday to work together to tackle the fentanyl and migration crises as an Asia-Pacific summit wrapped up in San Francisco. "I couldnt have a better partner than you," Biden told Lopez Obrador on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, which groups 21 economies from around the region. Biden said that "I know it's not easy" to deal with migration along the US-Mexican border, a crucial issue for the Democrat as he seeks a second term in the 2024 US presidential election. The Mexican leader vowed to tackle trafficking and production of the synthetic opioid fentanyl, which has caused tens of thousands of deaths in the United States, as an "act of solidarity". He told Biden he was "fully aware of the damage it poses to the youth of the United States." Lopez Obrador added that the US president is "a man with convictions, a good man." The broader APEC summit wrapped up Friday with a joint communique full of pledges to work towards boosting renewable energy and improve trade, but without agreement on the two major issues roiling global politics -- Israel's war in Gaza and Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Instead, an accompanying chair's statement noted the bloc -- which includes Russia -- had merely "exchanged views on the ongoing crisis in Gaza" and said "most members" condemned Moscow's attack on its neighbor. "Some Leaders objected to the inclusion of this language in the accompanying 2023 APEC Leaders Golden Gate Declaration on the basis that they do not believe that APEC is a forum to discuss geopolitical issues," the chair's statement said. - China-US - The highlight of the APEC summit week was Biden's historic meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping to ease tensions, where they agreed to restore military-to-military communications and tackle the fentanyl trade. Despite that, the leaders of the rival superpowers competed to win allies in the region, where Washington and Beijing have been offering economic and diplomatic sweeteners to get countries onside. Biden said in a final speech to the summit that US was "unwavering" in its commitment to the region, before handing over the APEC chairmanship to Peru. The Chinese and US leaders both courted Mexico's Lopez Obrador, who was making a rare international visit, in a sign of the country's key strategic importance. - 'Close cooperation' - Biden and Lopez Obrador agreed during the summit to "sustain and expand the close cooperation that we have achieved in managing migration in the Western Hemisphere", according to a White House readout. Illegal immigration has become a major political headache for Democrat Biden, whose likely Republican opponent next year, the hard-right populist Donald Trump, bases much of his campaign around tightening border policies. The United States has documented record numbers of crossings along the countries' shared 1,900-mile (3,100-kilometer) border, thanks partly to a high number of Venezuelans fleeing the situation under President Nicolas Maduro. Biden has been taking a tougher stance recently, requesting $14 billion in border funds from Congress in October as part of a huge national security package that also includes military aid for Israel and Ukraine. His administration has also announced plans to extend the border wall with Mexico, a policy that was introduced by Trump and which Biden had previously said he would never follow. The Chinese president's bid to boost ties with Mexico during the two leaders' first meeting revolved meanwhile around the economy. Chinese state media said during his meeting with Lopez Obrador on Thursday, Xi had called for Mexico and China to expand cooperation on sectors including electric vehicles -- which are themselves a key focus for Biden. The Mexican president also addressed the fentanyl issue when he met Xi. Lopez Obrador "emphasized the importance of reaching an agreement to exchange information on shipments leaving Asia," his foreign ministry said in a statement. Washington has alleged that the precursor chemicals are also made by Mexican drug cartels, but Lopez Obrador's administration has previously said the ingredients come from Asia. dk/hg/jh SAN FRANCISCO (AP) President Joe Biden and Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador pledged Friday to work side-by-side to confront illicit fentanyl trafficking into the U.S. and to manage the growing number of migrants traveling north to the border between their nation. "Nothing is beyond our reach in my view if Mexico and the United States stand together and work together, Biden said. Biden's relationship with Lopez Obrador has at times been tense, in part because of Biden's willingness to criticize Mexico on topics such as fentanyl production and the killing of journalists. And Lopez Obrador isn't afraid to snub the U.S. leader. He skipped a Los Angeles summit last year where leaders tackled the issue of migration because the U.S. didn't invite Cuba, Nicaragua or Venezuela. He also initially said he would skip this year's APEC conference, but changed his mind. The two men were all smiles and compliments before the press on Friday, with Biden telling Lopez Obrador: I couldnt have a better partner than you," and the Mexican leader calling Biden a good man and an extraordinary president. They were in San Francisco for the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation conference, where Biden has held a series of face-to-face meetings with other leaders, including Chinas President Xi Jinping and the leaders of Japan and South Korea, as he seeks to reassure the region that the U.S. and China are competitors, not zero-sum rivals. Biden and Lopez Obrador set to work talking migration as the U.S. strains to manage a rising number of southern border crossings. They also discussed deadly fentanyl trafficking, particularly after Biden secured an agreement with Xi to curb the illicit opioid. Mexico and China are the primary sources for synthetic fentanyl trafficked into the U.S. Nearly all the chemicals needed to make it come from China, and the drugs are then mass-produced in Mexico and trafficked via cartels into the U.S. I want to tell you about my great conversation with Xi Jinping on that issue, Biden told Lopez Obrador. The issues of fentanyl and immigration are related. Human smuggling over the border is a part of cartel operations that also include drug trafficking into the U.S. Were working side-by-side to combat organized crime," Biden said. The powerful opioid is the deadliest drug in the U.S. today. More than 100,000 deaths a year have been linked to drug overdoses since 2020 and about two-thirds of those are related to fentanyl. The annual death toll is more than 10 times the level in 1988, at the height of the crack epidemic. Were aware of the damage it poses to the United states youth, Lopez Obrador said through an interpreter. And migration challenges facing the U.S. are growing increasingly intractable. Democratic leaders at the state and local level are begging for federal assistance to help care for migrant families living in squalid shelters and sleeping in police stations. Republicans are loudly critical of Bidens border policies as too lax. And Congress has not passed an immigration overhaul in decades. Biden asked for $14 billion from Congress for border security but the temporary spending bill he just signed did not have funding for the border, Ukraine aid or Israel. There are rising numbers of migrants at the border. Arrests for illegal crossings along the U.S.-Mexico line were up 21% to 218,763 in September, and Biden has repeatedly said Congress should act to fix outdated immigration laws. But in the meantime, his administration has developed policies that aim to deter migrants from making a dangerous and often deadly journey while also opening up new legal immigration pathways. Mexicos support is critical to any push by the U.S. to clamp down at the southern border, particularly as migrants from nations as far away as Haiti are making the trek on foot up through Mexico and are not easily sent back to their home countries. Lopez Obrador said the administration's policies of cracking down on illegal crossings while opening up other legal pathways for others to come to the U.S. lawfully was a humane way to address the migration phenomenon. Earlier this year, Mexico agreed to continue to accept migrants from Venezuela, Haiti, Cuba and Nicaragua who are turned away at the border, and up to 100,000 people from Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador who have family in the U.S. will be eligible to live and work there. According to data on asylum-seekers in Mexico, people from Haiti remained at the top with 18,860 so far this year, higher than the total for the whole of 2022. Meanwhile, the U.S. is accepting 30,000 people per month from the four countries for two years and offering them the ability to work, as long as they come legally, have eligible sponsors and pass vetting and background checks. Guatemala and Colombia will open regional hubs where people can go to make asylum claims in the hope of stopping them from traveling on foot. But Mexico has so far refused to allow the U.S. to set one up. Lopez Obrador also used Fridays meeting with Biden to take up the case for Cuba and urged the U.S. president to resume a dialogue with the island nation and end U.S. sanctions. __ Associated Press writer Christopher Sherman in Mexico City contributed to this report. US President Joe Biden has said that "real progress" was made during his meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Source: Biden on (Twitter); White House Quote from Biden: "I value the conversation I had today with President Xi because I think it's paramount that we understand each other clearly, leader to leader. There are critical global challenges that demand our joint leadership. And today, we made real progress." Details: The White House statement noted that "the two leaders held a candid and constructive discussion on a range of bilateral and global issues". In addition, the White House added that Biden and Xi "exchanged views on areas of difference". Background: On Wednesday, 15 November, US President Joe Biden met Chinese leader Xi Jinping in San Francisco on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, their first face-to-face meeting in a year and Xi's first visit to the US in four years. During the meeting, Xi Jinping called the partnership between the two countries "the most important bilateral relationship in the world", saying that "planet Earth is big enough for the two countries to succeed". Support UP or become our patron! President Joe Biden walks from the podium after a news conference after his meeting 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) SAN FRANCISCO (AP) Sometimes it can be easy to forget that President Joe Biden's original foreign policy priority was reasserting American influence in Asia. After all, that was before Russian tanks tried to blitz Ukraine, and before Israel and Hamas descended into a fresh round of bloody fighting. With each new crisis, it appeared that Asia was slipping further down the presidential to-do list. But this week was a rare opportunity for Biden to demonstrate otherwise. While playing host for an annual summit of Asian leaders in San Francisco, he could finally refocus on the continent that he views as key to the future. "The United States remains vital to the future of the region, and the region is more vital than ever to the United States of America," he told a gathering of business executives during one of the summit's many receptions. Thats been my administrations outlook from day one." Turning that vision into a reality has never been more challenging. Biden's tenure as president is being constantly reshaped by two very different and unpredictable wars in Europe and the Middle East. He's also struggling to ease doubts about his reelection chances as Donald Trump, the former Republican president, pursues a comeback bid for the White House that would upend American foreign policy. However, those concerns faded into the background for at least a few days during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. Biden outlined a vision of collaboration and friendship for the region during a gala for visiting dignitaries on Wednesday evening. From here in San Francisco, America reaches out all across the Pacific, building bridges mightier than the Golden Gate, he said. He added that everyone should take full advantage of this summit to make new connections and spark new partnerships. On Thursday, Biden attended a working lunch with regional leaders and posed for pictures with his counterparts. He carved out time for a separate photo with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio, a reflection of closer relations between the two U.S. allies. And Friday, in his closing remarks as he handed over conference ownership to Peru for next year, he told leaders: "Americas commitment to the Asian Pacific is unwavering and in our view - from Americas perspective - essential. Biden has always described recalibrating U.S. foreign policy toward Asia as the true test of his administration. The region is the most important crossroads for global trade, a source of critical minerals for fighting climate change and a hub of technological innovation. It also remains a potential flashpoint for conflict as Biden tries to counter the rise of authoritarian China, which is emerging as a counterweight to the liberal world order. Biden's most important meeting of the week was unquestionably his hours-long encounter with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday, which overshadowed the summit itself. The conversation ended with new commitments for Beijing to crack down on the flow of fentanyl and reengage in communications between the two countries' militaries. The fentanyl agreement prompted the U.S. to lift trade sanctions against the Chinese Ministry of Public Securitys Institute of Forensic Science, a move that was announced the day after Biden met with Xi. The institute had been sanctioned three years ago when the U.S. Commerce Department said it was "complicit in human rights violations and abuses" against ethnic and religious minorities in China. A senior administration official said Biden and Xi were more candid with each other than the last time they met, almost exactly one year ago on the sidelines of the Group of 20 summit in Bali, Indonesia. It helped, the official said, that concerns about the coronavirus have eased, and the leaders and their advisers were able to sit more closely together. The intimacy did not preclude disagreements. The official, who insisted on anonymity to describe private conversations, said Biden expressed concerns about Chinese rules on intellectual property, while Xi complained about how the Chinese Communist Party has been negatively portrayed in the U.S. Biden also pressed China to use its influence to persuade Iran to avoid provocations in the Middle East, which could cause the war between Israel and Hamas to engulf more of the region. The entreaty doubled as a sign of respect from Biden to Xi, acknowledging China's desire to play a larger role on the global stage. Indeed, Beijing appeared pleased by Xi's reception in San Francisco. Chinese state media described how Biden greeted Xi at the picturesque estate where they met outside the city and then personally saw him off afterward. The official Xinhua news agency ran a photo in which Biden showed a picture of Xi posing in front of the Golden Gate Bridge when he visited in 1985 as a county party chief. Do you recognize this young man? Biden asked Xi, as reported by Xinhua. You havent changed a bit, Biden said, triggering laughter in the room. Relations between Washington and Beijing threatened to unravel earlier this year when a Chinese spy balloon floated over the United States, sparking a political uproar. But since then, diplomats have worked toward a rapprochement, culminating in Wednesday's meeting. Yun Sun, director of the China Program at the Stimson Center, a Washington think tank, said Xi and Biden both had their own reasons for wanting to ease tensions. One could argue that as Xi seeks stability with U.S. so that he can focus on domestic challenges, Biden is seeking stability partially with China because the U.S. attention is also distracted elsewhere, she said, referring to the wars in Ukraine and Gaza. Reminders of conflict in the Middle East were kept on the periphery of this week's summit. Protesters calling for a cease-fire in Gaza shut down all vehicular traffic heading into San Francisco over the Bay Bridge. Some lay on the ground covered in white sheets to represent slain Palestinians. Aisha Nizar with the Palestinian Youth Movement said in a statement that Biden was hosting cocktail parties in San Francisco while thousands of people were being killed. Biden wasn't the only world leader looking to bolster his position with a few rounds of international speed dating. Xi used the summit as an opportunity to meet individually with leaders from Bahrain, Fiji, Japan, Mexico and Peru. He also outlined his own vision for relations between the U.S. and China in a written speech for an audience of hundreds of business leaders. The more difficulties there are, the greater the need for us to forge a closer bond between our peoples and to open our hearts to each other, and more people need to speak up for the relationship," he said. However, Xi indicated that he did not want limits on China's ambitions. We will be glad to see a confident, open, ever-growing and prosperous United States, he said. Likewise, the United States should not bet against China, or interfere with Chinas internal affairs." ___ Megerian reported from Washington. Associated Press writer Colleen Long contributed to this report. President Biden signed a funding bill late Thursday to avert a shutdown and keep the government open into early 2024. The president signed the measure while in San Francisco, where he is meeting with world leaders at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit. The government would have shut down at the end of the day Friday without Bidens signature. Last night I signed a bill preventing a government shutdown. Its an important step but we have more to do. I urge Congress to address our national security and domestic needs and House Republicans to stop wasting time on extreme bills and honor our bipartisan budget agreement, Biden wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. The House passed a stopgap bill Tuesday to prevent a government shutdown in a 336-95 vote. Two Democrats Reps. Jake Auchincloss (Mass.) and Mike Quigley (Ill.) and 93 Republicans opposed the bill. The Senate passed the measure a day later in a bipartisan vote of 87-11, with Sen. Michael Bennet (Colo.) the lone Democrat voting in opposition. The bifurcated bill would extend funding at current levels for some agencies and programs until Jan. 19, and all others through Feb. 2. It marked the first legislative hurdle Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) cleared since winning the gavel, even as he relied largely on Democratic votes to do so. The bill funds military construction, the departments of Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and energy and water programs until Jan. 19. It funds all other programs, including the Department of Defense and many nondefense social programs, until Feb. 2. The bill does not contain key national security spending priorities for the Biden White House, however, as aid for both Israel and Ukraine were left out of the measure. The White House in late October requested nearly $106 billion in supplemental funding that included money for Ukraine in its war against Russia, funding for Israel in its fight against Hamas, money for humanitarian aid in the Middle East and funding for increased U.S. border security. House Republicans initially presented a bill that only included funding for Israel, tied to spending cuts to the IRS. The White House said it would have vetoed the measure. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. President Joe Biden on Thursday signed a stopgap spending bill the day before a potential government shutdown. Biden put his signature on the document on the sidelines of a dinner at the Legion of Honor museum in San Francisco, where world leaders have been taking part in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. The Senate passed the bill in a 87-11 vote Wednesday, allowing the government to remain open until after the holiday season. The spending bill doesnt include the White Houses requested wartime aid for Ukraine and Israel, nor does it provide humanitarian funding for Palestinians. New House Speaker Mike Johnson has said he wont support any more stopgap funding measures but heralded the bills passage as putting House Republicans in the best position to fight for conservative policy victories. Read it at Reuters Read more at The Daily Beast. US President Joe Biden signed on Thursday a short-term government funding bill to avoid a government shutdown. This bill does not include funding to support either Ukraine or Israel. Source: White House, reported by European Pravda Details: The US Senate finally approved the package on the evening of Wednesday, about 48 hours before the deadline for a possible government shutdown at midnight on Friday. The bill would keep the government funded until mid-January or early February. The bill extends funding until 19 January for priority sectors such as military construction, veterans' support, transport, housing and energy. Other government functions will be funded until 2 February. Biden thus moved the fight with Republicans in the US Congress over the federal budget into the new year. The spending bill does not include the White House's request for nearly US$106 billion in aid to Israel and Ukraine. Background: It was reported that the combined package of bills, which includes aid to Israel, Ukraine, Taiwan and border security, is planned to be considered in the Senate after Thanksgiving, which will be celebrated in the US on 23 November. Republican Congressman Don Bacon said that the House of Representatives already knows what to do with the bill on aid to Ukraine, as well as how much money they want to allocate to Kyiv. In his opinion, the consideration could take place in December. The Biden administration is calling on Congress to approve the White House's request for assistance to Ukraine as soon as possible to prevent serious consequences for its defence capabilities. Support UP or become our patron! Flying Tigers veterans relive friendship between Chinese and American people during China tour 09:49, November 17, 2023 By Bai Ziwei, Liu Ge, Liu Lingling ( 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. 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. 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. (People's Daily/Liu Lingling) 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. 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. (People's Daily/Liu Lingling) 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. (Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun) Jens Ludwig, a University of Chicago economist and criminal justice expert, was explaining to a Hyde Park audience recently how he deployed artificial intelligence to help the New York City Police Department assess patterns of domestic violence. Its a small example of how AI helps society in this case because domestic violence often results in homicides. But Ludwig knows AIs perils, too, even more after he was later presented with recent work by our organization NewsGuard, an anti-misinformation company. The work involves what at first blush appear to be totally benign news sites. Advertisement For example, there is ClickItOrNot.com, which seems like many apparently helpful, if pedestrian, news sites. Typical stories include A Guide to Choosing the Perfect Harry Potter Candle for Your Reading Nook and Unmasking the Importance of Managing Your Cold Symptoms. But theres also Introduction to AA Meetings in N.J. You should do a double take at the odd juxtaposition the site is generated solely by artificial intelligence with no apparent human oversight. In many cases, AI-generated sites are heavy on inoffensive content, such as celebrity news. But some sites are deceptive and troubling. And good luck finding a human being to call, email or text. Advertisement Indeed, NewsGuard analysts have identified 557 unreliable AI-generated news sites, which we have labeled UAINs, spanning 15 languages: Arabic, Chinese, Czech, Dutch, English, French, German, Indonesian, Italian, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, Tagalog, Thai and Turkish. And weve probably just skimmed the surface. [ Jim Warren: AI chatbots have been used to create hundreds of news websites ] CountyLocalNews.com masquerades as a typical local news site, calling itself your trusted source for our vibrant communitys latest happenings and insightful stories and a news organization deeply rooted in our countys history. But the first curiosity is that you cant figure out what county this is about since stories are from everywhere; California, Texas, Pakistan, you name it. In fact, the site is anonymously run and almost entirely AI-generated, and it has used AI to publish blatantly false claims. Earlier this year, the site CelebritiesDeaths.com published an article titled Biden dead. Harris acting President, address 9am ET. It then added this line, which gave away its provenance: Im sorry, I cannot complete this prompt as it goes against OpenAIs use case policy on generating misleading content. It is not ethical to fabricate news about the death of someone, especially someone as prominent as a President. Medicaloutline.com has the air of a bona fide health and medical site. The About page says, We consider it our responsibility to provide accurate and appropriate inputs to our well-wishers. However, the site has published dozens of AI-generated articles containing misleading and potentially harmful health advice about natural health remedies. And if youre seeking counsel on college admissions, stay away from Justschooling.com.ng. It seems to provide trustworthy information about schools, admission requirements and university courses, for example. Look closer, and youll find an AI-generated soup of misinformation with lots of outdated or simply unreliable data. Justschooling.com.ng appears to provide trustworthy information about schools, admission requirements and university courses, but look closer, and youll find an AI-generated collection of misinformation. (Justschooling.com.ng) All these sites, inoffensive or onerous, produce content because they reap the rewards of so-called programmatic advertisements. Those are ads placed algorithmically on sites that may have very legitimate sounding names, such as internationalnewsandviews.com and newstodaycalifornia.com. Last weeks state elections were a reminder that the 2024 presidential and congressional elections beckon. Partisans will surely easily use AI to generate low-quality, conspiracy-filled sites to influence voters. Here are a few suggestions, especially for teachers concerned about students in a world where media literacy is seldom taught: Check whether the site provides any information about who has written the content or developed the website. Lack of transparency can be a good litmus test for determining that a site is generated by AI. Advertisement See if there are chatbot error messages such as Im sorry, I cannot complete this prompt, My cutoff date of September 2021 and As an AI language model. Be mindful of bland language or repeated phrases, such as in conclusion and it is important to remember these are hallmarks of AI. 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 > A tech revolution, exemplified by the astonishing global success of the chatbot ChatGPT, surrounds us. That was underscored by Northwestern University computer scientist Kristian Hammond as he extolled AI to an investment conference in Chicago this month. There is no element of human cognition we wont bring to a machine, he said. But there were significant AI challenges conceded by Hammond, a co-founder of an AI software-maker that was sold to Salesforce in 2021. He is a consultant to the Geneva-based United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research. There, he works on autonomous lethal devices, which he told the crowd are better known as killer robots. Bias, fairness, accountability, transparency were the first items listed on a closing slide about AI problems. Advertisement The apostle of AI concluded with this cautionary note: There is not a system out there based on machine learning that is not biased. Jim Warren, a former managing editor of the Chicago Tribune, is executive editor of NewsGuard. McKenzie Sadeghi is a NewsGuard senior analyst. Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com. U.S. President Joe Biden signed a temporary spending bill into law on Nov. 16, averting the impending government shutdown but leaving the issue of continued aid for Ukraine unaddressed. The bill, passed by bipartisan majorities in the House and Senate, will fund the government through the end of the year in two staggered segments until Feb. 2 at the latest. It earmarks money for the highest priority government expenditures but does not include funding for Ukraine, Israel, humanitarian aid for Palestinians, or increased border security. 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. As a result, the temporary funding bill will likely only forestall the larger spending fight in the U.S. Congress, which has yet to be resolved since the ouster of former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D) said at a press conference on Nov. 14 that Congress would reconvene after Thanksgiving on Nov. 23 in order to try and pass a joint funding bill that contains aid for Ukraine and Israel, as well as for the Indo-Pacific region, and humanitarian support. Such a proposal has bipartisan support, Schumer claimed. "It will be a very high priority," Schumer said. Nonetheless, it is unclear if the dynamics of the spending debate have truly changed since it proved to be impossible for McCarthy to navigate successfully. Current House Speaker Mike Johnson (R) previously suggested a standalone funding package for Israel only, but it was rejected by Biden and Democrats out of hand. Schumer said it was not a "serious" proposal. Despite saying that he would support Ukraine, Johnson had an inconsistent history of public statements and votes on the issue before he became speaker. U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said on Nov. 13 that "the window is closing" for the U.S. to provide aid for Ukraine before there are serious consequences for Ukraine's ability to defend itself. Read also: We cant allow Putin to prevail, says Speaker Johnson after being elected, but his track record says opposite Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. President Joe Biden speaks at a welcome reception for Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperative leaders at the Exploratorium, in San Francisco on Wednesday, Nov, 15, 2023. | Doug Mills, The New York Times via Associated Press 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. To submit a question to next weeks Friday Mailbag, email onthetrail@deseretnews.com. Good morning and welcome to On the Trail 2024, the Deseret News campaign newsletter. Im Samuel Benson, Deserets national political correspondent. Im writing from Des Moines today, ahead of a big week for Republican presidential candidates. All of the front-runners are in Iowa: Trump, DeSantis, Haley, Ramaswamy. Those latter three are sitting down for a Thanksgiving Family Forum today essentially a political debate, but all are seated around a table. Or, like most Americans call it, Thanksgiving dinner. If you missed it, Ron DeSantis unloaded on Mitt Romney this week, calling him a member of the surrender caucus and lamenting his noninvite to Romneys E2 Summit. The problem? He was 100% invited and opted not to come, E2 organizer Spencer Zwick told me. More on that here. Heres more of the Deseret News 2024 election coverage: The Big Idea Bidens toughest challenger? His own party President Joe Biden has faced pressure from the Democratic Partys far-left flank for weeks over his position on Israel. After he condemned the Oct. 7 Hamas attack, some progressives called on him to cut U.S. support for Israel. After he visited Tel Aviv, some of his staunchest Arab American donors began backing off. And now, as he continues to support Israels ground operation in Gaza, protesters took to the Democratic National Committee headquarters in Washington on Wednesday night, where calls for a cease-fire turned violent. Its the latest sign of Bidens complicated relationship with certain factions of his own party, a year removed from an election that looks increasingly unfavorable for the incumbent. This week alone, several polls projecting a hypothetical Biden-Trump rematch show the former president with a slight edge: in a Reuters/Ipsos poll, Trump +2; YouGov/The Economist, Trump +2; Beacon/Fox News, Trump +5; YouGov/Yahoo, Trump +2; Quinnipiac, Trump +3. But its not only voters who have concerns. Some prominent members of Bidens own party have become increasingly outspoken about Bidens ability to win next November. David Axelrod, the chief strategist for both of the Obama-Biden presidential campaigns, stirred the pot last week when he tweeted a New York Times/Siena College poll that shows Biden trailing in a number of key swing states. Its very late to change horses, Axelrod acknowledged. But the polls and the threat of a second Trump term, if Biden is unable to win handily should bring legitimate concern. If (Biden) continues to run, he will be the nominee of the Democratic Party, Axelrod continued. What he needs to decide is whether that is wise; whether its in HIS best interest or the countrys? It's very late to change horses; a lot will happen in the next year that no one can predict & Biden's team says his resolve to run is firm. He's defied CW before but this will send tremors of doubt thru the party--not "bed-wetting," but legitimate concern. https://t.co/g6zeWF0T87 David Axelrod (@davidaxelrod) November 5, 2023 Within days, Axelrod had softened his comments, at least in part. Its overreacting to say I told him to drop out, he told Politico. I didnt do that. What he did do, though, is rip open the curtain shielding the Democratic strategy machinery, where Biden clearly has the partys backing, though he may not have its full confidence. And with the Republican Party inching closer to selecting its own nominee and that choice looking increasingly like Trump the pressure within the party to ensure that Democrats choose well increases. It should be noted that Biden and Axelrod have a history. Axelrod backed Hillary Clinton in 2016, much to Bidens chagrin, splintering Axelrods relationship with Bidens son. After Axelrods tweets, Biden reportedly called him a pejorative term. And Axelrods off-the-cuff, uninvited insights are no surprise to Bidens inner circle; when Axelrod sends out one of his head-scratching tweets, as one ex-Biden aide put it, the Biden staff rolls its eyes. But Axelrod isnt backing down. His concern is shared by many, many Democrats, he claims, who recognize that the person on the other side isnt Mitt Romney, who Axelrod came to respect. This is Donald Trump, Axelrod said. Its a fundamental question as to what American democracy is going to look like the day after the next election. So the stakes are very high. Axelrod, like a growing clip of Americans, are worried about Bidens age. His economic record, too, is failing to garner much enthusiasm. And intra-party dissension over his handling of the Israel-Hamas war is only getting louder. Do Democrats think Biden needs to step aside? If he does, whos on deck? Is it already too late? Weekend reads Now you know Biden has a problem. One unorthodox solution? Win over support from moderates, like Mitt Romney. Democrats are sufficiently alarmed by the possibility a No Labels candidate could hand the election to Trump, Jonathan Martin writes. But the way to preemptively undermine No Labels is to dispatch Democrats such as Joe Manchin or Republicans like Romney and Dick Cheney to articulate the risk they pose. These individuals may be reluctant to do so, but they can be prodded, charmed and shown the data detailing the danger of inaction. Heres How Biden Can Turn It Around (Jonathan Martin, Politico) Nevada is projected to be a swing state next fall, potentially deciding the election. Early polls show the bluish-purple state slowly turning more red. Here, Jon Ralston the resident expert on everything Nevada gets a byline in a national publication, and notes that for all the quirks of polling the state, two things are true: Biden seems to be struggling with nonwhite voters, and he is losing his grip on young voters. Why a Blue-Leaning Swing State Is Getting Redder (Jon Ralston, The Atlantic) If youve never heard of the 1873 Comstock Act, youre not alone. It prevents mailing obscene materials like pornography and abortion drugs, and according to a new Axios post, a president could effectively outlaw abortion single-handedly by enforcing the Act, cutting off access to abortion medication for both individuals and medical providers. This could shift the GOP field, as some candidates like Nikki Haley have avoided calling for a nationwide ban on the pretext that such would never get through Congress. Maybe it wouldnt need to go through Congress: How the next Republican president could stop most abortions without Congress (Caitlin Owens, Axios) Ad of the week DeSantis new TV ad focuses on his endorsement from Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds. The ad, titled Endorsement, highlights Reynolds surprising decision to back DeSantis, the first time a sitting Iowa governor has endorsed in a contested GOP primary since 1996. DeSantis has gone all in to win Iowa voters, trimming his campaign operations in other states to focus on the first-in-the-nation caucus. Will it work? Well find out in less than two months(!). 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. By Jarrett Renshaw NEW YORK (Reuters) -Facing a likely choice between Republican Donald Trump or Democrat Joe Biden in the 2024 presidential race, many Americans are desperate for younger, less divisive options. A large and potentially consequential market for third-party candidates - one not seen since the 1990s - is a stark reminder that in Trump and Biden, the two major parties are likely to nominate unusually unpopular candidates. Their potential rematch of the 2020 election comes as the nation grapples with economic anxiety, a sharp political divide, a controversial U.S.- backed Israeli assault on Gaza and widespread calls for a new generation of U.S. leadership. Some 63% of U.S. adults currently agree with the statement that the Republican and Democratic parties do such a poor job of representing the American people that a third major party is needed," according to a recent poll by Gallup. That is up 7 percentage points from a year ago and the highest since Gallup first asked the question in 2003. Biden and Trump both face primary challengers but are expected to emerge as their party's candidates in 2024, despite deep concerns over Biden's age and Trump's string of federal and state criminal indictments. No third-party candidate has won a modern U.S. presidential election, although they have at times played outsized roles as spoilers by taking votes from major party candidates. In 1992, billionaire businessman Ross Perot captured 19% of the vote, arguably swinging the White House to Democrat Bill Clinton over incumbent George H.W. Bush. Political activist Ralph Nader won less than 3% support in 2000 but took enough votes away from Democratic candidate Al Gore in Florida to give George W. Bush victory in the state, and with it the White House. Now a Reuters/Ipsos poll shows Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an anti-vaccine conspiracy theorist and scion of the Democratic dynasty who launched an independent presidential bid in October, could capture 20% in a three-way contest with Biden and Trump. Kennedy is backed by the "American Values 2024" SuperPac, which has raised more than $17 million for his bid from several deep-pocketed donors, including a former Trump backer. American Values 2024 on Tuesday hosted an event aimed at Black and Latino voters in downtown Manhattan that drew about 40 people, including several who could not identify Kennedy's core policies, but said they valued his disruptive potential. "We've been looking for a rebel since Barack Obama. We thought he was a rebel, then we thought Bernie Sanders was a rebel. Then we thought Trump was a rebel. Now, we know, of course, RFK is a rebel," said Larry Sharpe, a former Libertarian candidate for New York governor, who attended the event. Both parties have expressed concerns about a Kennedy bid. Democrats fear his famous last name and pro-environment, anti-corporate policies will resonate with some of their voters. Republicans fear his anti-vaccine talk and popularity on conservative platforms could draw some of their support. The Reuters/Ipsos poll and others have showed Kennedy drawing fairly equally from Republicans and Democrats in a three-way race. However, Democrats are not taking anything for granted. "Our overall take is anything that divides the anti-Trump coalition is bad. And so any option that you offer voters who simply can't vote for Trump, other than Joe Biden, is problematic," said Matt Bennett, a co-founder of the center-left Democratic group Third Way. Tony Lyons, cofounder of American Values 2024 told Reuters Kennedy shouldn't be considered a danger to just Biden or just Trump. "He's a danger to a corrupt two party system that isn't doing things to help the people in this room," Lyons said at the Manhattan event. Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung said: "Polls show President Trump absolutely crushing Joe Biden even with other candidates present, both nationally and in battleground states." The Biden campaign declined to comment, leaving third-party criticisms to outside groups like Third Way worried an outsider bid could hand the election to Trump. 'PEOPLE WANT BETTER CHOICES' While cash is flowing to third party options, Biden and Trump are raising even more. The president and his allies pulled in $71 million in the last quarter and Trump raised $45.5 million. No Labels, a third-party political group, has already raised $60 million for 2024 and has qualified for the ballot in 12 states, including the battleground states of Arizona, Nevada and North Carolina - without a candidate in place. "We've been trying to get the pulse of the electorate for the last two years and it keeps telling the same story, which is people want better choices," said Ryan Clancy, chief strategist with No Labels, a bipartisan group mounting its first presidential bid after a few years of lending support to moderates in Congress. The group has been courting former Republican Gov. Larry Hogan of Maryland and U.S. Senator Joe Manchin, a conservative Democrat from West Virginia who recently announced he will not seek re-election to the Senate. Asked if he is considering a White House bid, Manchin on Wednesday told NBC News: "I will do anything I can to help my country." Clancy said No Labels plans a nominating convention in April and will select a presidential ticket if a Biden-Trump rematch appears inevitable and if it believes its candidates can win. Other third-party candidates are seen as less of a threat. Cornel West, a philosopher and Black social leader, is also running as an independent and hopes his brand of in-your-face progressive politics will influence the 2024 debate. Jill Stein recently announced that she will once again run for the White House as a Green candidate. Both West and Stein are expected to receive a negligible share of the vote and struggle to get on state ballots. In a recent interview with ProPublica, Biden was asked about his former Democratic colleague Joe Lieberman's work with No Labels to identify and support a moderate, third-party candidate. Biden noted that Lieberman has the democratic right to do it, but added: "Now, it's going to help the other guy, and he knows (that)." (Reporting By Jarrett Renshaw; Editing by Heather Timmons and Deepa Babington) President Joe Bidens failed first attempt at student loan forgiveness had a fraud problem, according to an independent watchdog. Last year, the federal Education Department approved 16 million borrowers, of more than 26 million who applied, for up to $20,000 in student debt relief without applying standard fraud prevention measures, the nonpartisan Government Accountability Office concluded in a report published Thursday. The debt relief plan would have forgiven as much as $400 billion in student loans, addressing a burden that continues to weigh down many American families. Repayments resumed on those loans last month after a more than three-year freeze triggered by the pandemic. Had the plan not been stalled by lower courts and ultimately struck down in dramatic fashion over the summer by the Supreme Courts conservative majority the department would have left the door open to the possibility of some ineligible borrowers getting forgiveness based on fraudulent data, the auditors said. It is crucial that the department commit to fraud risk management in any future program it pursues, they wrote. The report provides fodder to Bidens political enemies as his administration doubles down on the need for relief from the nearly $2 trillion that Americans owe in student debt, which in recent years has ballooned into the U.S. governments single largest financial asset. Though Americans are split along party lines about whether widespread student debt relief is fair, Biden has centered it as an issue in his reelection campaign, enlisting a group of negotiators to help with crafting more targeted forms of loan forgiveness. Against backdrop of frustrated borrowers student loan debt forgiveness committee meets A primary concern laid out in Thursdays GAO report was over some borrowers with self-reported incomes. When the Education Department rolled out Bidens massive student debt relief plan last October, the federal government didnt verify some borrowers self-reported incomes before approving them for relief, according to the auditors. Education Department: GAO audit 'mischaracterizes' fraud prevention efforts The Education Department minimized the findings. In an Oct. 16 letter signed by Richard Cordray, the chief operating officer for the Federal Student Aid program, the department said the potential rate of fraud among applications would have been less than 1% even in the unlikeliest worst-case scenario. Faulting the Departments implementation of its fraud risk management strategy as incomplete, when federal court orders prevented the Department from continuing to work on any aspect of the program, mischaracterizes those efforts, Cordray wrote in the letter responding to GAO's findings. President Joe Biden is joined by Education Secretary Miguel Cardona as he announces new actions to protect borrowers after the Supreme Court struck down his student loan forgiveness plan in June. Among other recommendations, the auditors suggested that the federal government avoid relying on self-reported data in future loan relief efforts. They also told the Education Department to fully implement all stages of its risk management plan before embarking on any other relief. New SAVE student loan repayment plan: Republicans tried to squash it. They failed. The department mostly agreed with those suggestions but dissented on some of the technicalities. Cordray noted that the program "inherently had an extremely low risk of fraud," "targeted a population of borrowers well known to the Department" and offered debt relief, not cash payments. The federal watchdog began its inquiry into the program before the Supreme Court ruling in June, GAO spokesperson Chuck Young told USA TODAY in an email. It was launched by GAO in the interest of program integrity, Young said. Unlike some other audits, it was not conducted at the request of Congress. Zachary Schermele is a breaking news and education reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach him by email at zschermele@usatoday.com. Follow him on X at @ZachSchermele. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Biden's original student loan forgiveness had fraud concerns: watchdog A graduation cap with the tassel in the shape of a question mark This article was originally published in Maryland Matters. At a Wednesday meeting of Maryland Higher Education Commission, officials discussed how the implementation of Blueprint for Marylands Future, an education overhaul passed by the 2021 Maryland General Assembly, may drastically change how students are assessed for college and career readiness, among other topics. Emily Dow, assistant secretary of Academic Affairs provided updates on where MHEC stands in the implementation of the Blueprint, which includes goals of increasing access to higher education and career training as well as supporting the education of future public school teachers. The Blueprint requires that education-focused state agencies to submit a plan for implementation, which MHEC submitted in March. The plan includes providing a teaching fellows scholarship and loan assistance programs for public school teachers. The Blueprint also prompts MHEC to work alongside other state and local education agencies to create alternative teacher certification pathways and college readiness standards. Part of Wednesdays discussion focused on how to adequately determine if high school students are ready for colleges or career opportunities after graduation. The Blueprints Accountability & Implementation Board proposed new standards that would measure a students college and career readiness. If students have a grade point average of at least 3.0 and a passing grade in algebra 1 by the end of 10th grade, they would meet the standard. If a student did not reach those criteria, they could still demonstrate proficiency and readiness through standardized testing like the MCAP assessments. If a student struggles to pass those exams, they would receive additional services to reach those metrics by the end of high school. But Commissioner Chike Aguh raised a concern that the current proposed metrics mostly focus on whether a child is college ready but may not adequately determine if a student is career ready. Usually when we talk about CCR, college and career standards, we end up talking about college readiness. We generally hear very little about career readiness, Aguh said. Dow responded that she was not quite sure. At least in the meetings with AIB (Accountability and Implementation Board), it is on their radar. I do not know how that is getting addressed with specificityBut just know that there have been opportunities, when it is appropriate, to speak up and say lets recognize that these are academic metrics that are designed for academic outcomes. And you are absolutely right that we are missing a piece to this definition, to this this concept of college and career readiness. The committee also discussed some challenges for students transferring from a community college to a four-year institution. A student starts off at a community college, and they transfer to a four-year institution, with or without an associates degree and the four-year institution may say yes, some of your courses can transfer, but some of your courses cant. And youre going to have to retake something slightly different because its not exactly what we want. And then the sending institution would never be the wiser that they have designed a course that is not transferring or is not well aligned for a student to be successful at a four-year institution, Dow said. In 2021, the General Assembly passed the Transfer with Success Act attempting to resolve that issue, and MHEC is still working on implementation of an overhaul on the credit transfer process. Marylands institutions of higher education submitted implementation plans in January describing how they were going to improve credit transfers among institutions. Dow noted that the plans varied. Some institutions said they were going to focus on improving credit transfers between their immediate partnering institutions, while other indicated that they were going to focus on credit transfers for their most popular majors that receive transfer students. Maryland Matters is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Maryland Matters maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Danielle Gaines for questions: dgaines@marylandmatters.org. Follow Maryland Matters on Facebook and Twitter. Nguyen would move the Vietnamese nationals to safe houses operated by the groups, the court heard A member of a people smuggling gang who moved migrants through a network of "safe houses" has been jailed. Mai Van Nguyen, 34, was the third Birmingham gang member to be convicted. Nguyen worked with Hai Xuan Le and Habib Behsodi to arrange at least six crossings for Vietnamese nationals to the UK to in 2020, Birmingham Crown Court heard. The National Crime Agency (NCA) said many migrants are believed to have ended up working in cannabis factories. Nguyen's role was to meet the migrants on their arrival in the UK, and collect payments from the "safe houses" in Birmingham and Wolverhampton, the court heard. Hai Xuan Le was jailed for seven-and-a-half-years After a trial that lasted three weeks Nguyen, who is Vietnamese himself, had denied conspiring to facilitate illegal immigration, but the jury convicted him of the charge. "Mai Van Nguyen was part of a criminal network who treated people as nothing more than a commodity, happily risking their lives by putting them in the back of lorries for long journeys," the NCA's Mick Pope said. Previously, the court heard how the group referred to the migrants as "pork" and "chicken" in phone messages. "Stopping people smugglers is a priority for the NCA and we are determined to do all we can to disrupt and dismantle the criminal networks involved, wherever they operate," Mr Pope added. Vietnamese migrants were transported in lorries from Europe into the UK The court was told Le was jailed for seven-and-a-half years in prison during a hearing in February. His co-accused Behsodi, a taxi driver from Kent, was given a two-year suspended jail term and 200 hours and community service, during the same hearing. Behsodi had been involved in transporting the migrants in lorries, the court heard. Nguyen is due to be sent back to the court on 30 November to be issued with a crime prevention order. Follow BBC West Midlands on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to: newsonline.westmidlands@bbc.co.uk Is the pope Catholic? That used to be a punchline, a variation of traditional inquiries about where ursine egestion happens. But it is a real question now for some conservative Catholics, particularly in the United States. The issue has come to a head with the Vaticans dismissal of Bishop Joseph Strickland, who retains his episcopal title but will no longer govern his Texas diocese after pointed social media criticism of Pope Francis. The dispute raises cultural, ecclesiastical, and technological questions. To what extent are conservative Catholics in the United States first conservative or first Catholic? How does their cultural situation complicate these rivalrous allegiances? Why the heck is His Excellency blasting off on Twitter? Traditionally, the Catholic Church has gone through agonies when radical advances in communication technology emerge. The most important figure of the schism that split Christendom in the 16th century wasnt Martin Luther or John Calvinit was Johannes Gutenberg, who did his most important work in the middle of the prior century. No printing press, no Reformation. The printing press sped up the tempo of communication and reduced its cost. Getting the word out required a smaller investment in both time and capital than it once had. This was, of course, a wonderful thing, but there are no unalloyed goods in this fallen world. Only a few years passed between Gutenbergs first Bible printings and the first use of the press for the mass production of pornography. The press itself is, like a rifle, in itself a morally neutral piece of technology: You can print Coriolanus or you can print Mein Kampf. Improvements in printing technology led the economic transformation of the literary and journalistic worlds. Books, once expensive treasures, became generally affordable, and the press went from pamphlets that took weeks or months to work their way to readers to the ubiquitous penny press and broadsheet newspapers that, at their apex, printed a half a dozen or more editions throughout the day. Non-print technologiesthe telegraph, radio, and satellitesupercharged the power of the press: USA Today long published the boast VIA SATELLITE on its front page. As with Gutenbergs revolutionary invention, later technological developments generally had the same effect on communication. They were faster, cheaper, and a great boon for many institutions. The Catholic Church is not one of them. The institutional church is, by design, a slow-moving organization. When those Protestant reformers fired up their printing presses and started making trouble, the Catholic Church responded with a committee meeting that lasted nearly 20 years. And not to go all doctrinaire Marxist on you, but it is true that the material and economic conditions that influence the means of production of communication have a profound effect upon the political and social character of that communication. The higher the tempo of communication, generally speaking, the lower the level of such qualities as thoughtful reflection, cordiality, and careful editorial attentionqualities that are at least as important in most situations as speed. Almost nothing that has been written on Facebook or Twitter needed to be written at all, much less written urgently, in a moment, without consideration. Bishops should probably write books and letters rather than tweets and Facebook posts. That would be more in keeping with the character and purpose of the officeand not only the bishops. Congressmen, professors, prominent figures in scientific and medical establishments, would all be better served communicating to a smaller, more refined audience at a slower, more reflective tempo. But the allure of instant feedback from a large readership is very seductive. It works on prelates the same way it works on senators, which perhaps is one reason Bishop Strickland has so often sounded like Ted Cruz in a cassock, sharing the usual obsessionsvaccines, the purportedly stolen election, etc.as that one uncle every progressive with a byline apparently has to endure at Thanksgiving dinner. There are prominent figures in conservative Catholic circles, including bitter critics of the current pope, who privately dismiss Bishop Strickland as a publicity hound and a clown. One of the problems with our political discourse is that while there are 535 members of Congress, nine justices of the Supreme Court, 861 other Article III judges, etc., there is only one president at a time. It is much easier to pay attention to the deeds or one big narrative hero than a whole sprawling unruly gang of them. The Catholic Church has a similar problem. Popes can be very big men, especially genuinely heroic ones such as the sainted Pope John Paul II. But the president isnt the countryhe isnt even the governmentand the pope isnt the church. Each is only a temporary chief executive charged with fundamentally administrative duties, with a real but limited power of policymaking. While many people know who the pope is, relatively few can tell you who, for example, Armando Matteo is or why he matters. There are lots of Americans who know the presidents name but not that of their own representative, while practically none in the opposite state. And because tribalism is the real religion of every tribe, the tribes of the Catholic Church fight it out in the papacy the way political partisans fight it out in the presidency. It is an unedifying situation. If they cannot find a way to peace in the Body of Christ, what hope for the body politic? 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. A Black-owned and family-operated brewery will open its first location in Chicagos Bronzeville neighborhood in late November. According to NBC Chicago, the owners of Turner Haus Brewery shared their excitement about opening a much-needed establishment in their community. Were very excited to be an option for people to gather, socialize and drink in our neighborhood, co-founder Steven Turner told the outlet. The brewery will open on Nov. 30 in the exact location as Sip and Savor Coffeehouse. The two establishments will share a space. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Turner Haus Brewery (@turnerhausbrewery) Turner and his family spent 10 years planning to open the brewery, and they craft all their products offsite. Co-founder Blair Aikens said their beers are named after family members to honor the women who paved the way for them. We named all of our beers after a matriarch in our families, and we really think about who they were as a person as were coming up with a recipe to honor them, so we really put that into the ingredients, she told NBC Chicago. According to Turner, one of the beers on the menu is named after their grandmother Helen. One of the things we have in our slogan is that these are people that poured into us and now we pour pints of them, he said. Turner hopes to encourage more aspiring Black business owners to launch breweries in their communities. I look at it as an opportunity because at that point its an opportunity for us to get into this community, educate them not only who were are, but beer and craft beer in itself, he said. Turner Haus Brewery will be open four days a week, from Thursday through Sunday. Those who plan to visit can choose various beers from its menu, including a grapefruit lager, per NBC Chicago. We hope that inspires other people to come into this area as well and do what were doing, to give people more options in Bronzeville to hang out and entertain, Turner said. HARTFORD CITY, Ind. A Hartford City man facing felony charges over his online dealings with two juveniles has entered guilty pleas after striking a deal with Blackford County prosecutors. Michael Vaughn Winters, 28, on Nov. 13 pleaded guilty to two counts of child solicitation, a Level 5 felony carrying up to six years in prison, in Blackford Circuit Court. Judge Brian Bade took a plea agreement in the case under advisement, and tentatively set sentencing for Jan. 22. The deal calls for dismissal of six other charges pending against Winters promotion of sexual trafficking of a younger child, conspiracy to commit kidnapping, vicarious sexual gratification, inappropriate communication with a child and two additional counts of child solicitation. In an affidavit filed in November 2022, Derek Bogenschutz a sergeant with the Jay County Sheriff's Department active with the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force recounted Winters' online dealings with two girls, one from Huntington County and the other from New England. In a July 2022 message to the Indiana girl, Winters reportedly described himself as "a creep looking for young girls that want to be groomed." The online discussions reportedly included graphic descriptions of proposed sexual activity with the juvenile, and accounts of Winter's desire to "kidnap" her, apparently with the teen's cooperation. The Blackford County man also allegedly expressed a desire to sexually assault a young child, the court document said, The investigation leading to Winters' arrest was prompted by information provided by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. 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: Hartford City man strikes deal, pleads guilty to child solicitation The Florida Board of Governors has unanimously reelected Brian Lamb as chairman for another two-year term while Alan Levine was elected as vice chair. The reelection means Lamb will be serving in his second term as chair of the board a rare instance, given that members usually serve for one term in the position at a time. I think youve been inclusive not just of the board members but the presidents and the chairs of the boards of trustees, Levine told Lamb during the Nov. 9 meeting at the University of Central Florida in Orlando, ahead of his own nomination. Youve been a heck of a representative for us, so Im grateful for your last two years, he added. Alan Levine of the BOG speaks at FAMU during the Florida Board of Governors' meeting on Tuesday, March 28, 2023 in the University Grand Ball Room. Board of Governors in the headlines: Board of Governors approves FAMUs cookie-cutter 700-bed housing request Lamb, managing director and Northeast segment head for JPMorgan Chase, has been on the board since March 2019 after being appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis. He was later named vice chair under Syd Kitson and officially succeeded Kitson as chair in January 2022 after being elected in 2021. During Lambs time of leading the state university system, Florida has continued to hold the national recognition of being ranked No. 1 in the country for higher education, according to the U.S. News & World Report. Lamb also oversees the university system under a cloud of controversy related to the new diversity, equity and inclusion law that dismantles DEI-related programs from public colleges and universities as well as regulations that have affected the faculty tenure review process. Related news: Florida universities were told to prioritize diversity plans. Now, DeSantis aims to gut them More: 'Frustrating': Judge rejects request to block Florida's new university anti-DEI law Following Levines recommendation, board member Eric Silagy recommended board member Charlie Lydecker for the chair position, saying that he knows the stress and strain Lamb endures as chairman. I think its important to consider having folks come in who have an opportunity to bring their own style and their own fingerprint and imprint on the board, Silagy said. Charles Lydecker, member, Florida Board of Governors But Lydecker declined the nomination and instead acknowledged Lambs positive impact while serving as chair. With Lamb as the only nominee, the unanimous vote was followed by a standing ovation. Traditionally, the role is passed on to someone else most of the time, to the vice chair, said Tallahassee Community College Board of Trustees member Eugene Lamb, who is also Brians father. But they didnt want him to leave. My wife and I are so proud of him. Florida Board of Governors Chair Brian Lamb takes a photo with his father, Tallahassee Community College's Board of Trustees chairman. In addition, Levines election as vice chair after being nominated by board member Jose Oliva, a former Florida House speaker, means he replaces Silagy, who served in the role for two years and has been on the board since 2019. Levine, chairman and CEO of the integrated health system Ballad Health, has served on the board since 2017. I dont think theres a more passionate person on the Board of Governors, and it shines through in all that he does and says, board member Aubrey Edge said, referring to Levine. Aubrey L. Edge, president and CEO of First Coast Energy, L.L.P., is a member of Florida's Board of Governors. Although Silagy will no longer serve in the vice chair position, Lamb told him that his service, friendship and leadership has not gone unnoticed. You've done an outstanding job as my colleague and my right hand," Lamb told Silagy during the meeting. "Thank you for everything that you've done to challenge us and push me." Both Lamb and Levine will serve in their positions for a term beginning this Jan. 1 and ending Dec. 31, 2025. Contact Tarah Jean at tjean@tallahassee.com or follow her on twitter @tarahjean_. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Florida higher education board again picks Brian Lamb for chair In 2021, more than 68,000 individuals were grappling with homelessness in Chicago. In the past year, an even more complex dynamic has unfolded the arrival of more than 30,000 refugees from Ukraine and more than 20,000 asylum-seekers, largely from Venezuela, who have fled from political and economic turmoil in their home countries. Chicagos housing crisis has been magnified, dividing communities and raising an urgent question about where our priorities lie in a city known for its welcoming spirit. Advertisement The division has manifested itself in violent community protests, harsh statements from groups that have traditionally fought for civil rights and chaotic City Council meetings, which are looking more and more like the Council Wars of the 1980s. The signs of division are alarming, and its threatening our citys identity and culture. We need to find a way to overcome the division and restore harmony by embracing the values of compassion and solidarity. To rise to the occasion, this moment demands that we recognize two urgent realities: We are facing a housing crisis that has reached a breaking point after decades of neglect, and were at the forefront of a humanitarian crisis that we cannot turn our backs on. Advertisement [ Gil Kerlikowske: I oversaw border protection. Chicago and NYC are doing what they can to ease the migrant crisis. ] Our housing crisis predates the new arrivals who have been seeking refuge in our city over the past year. Decades of systemic disinvestment in Black and brown communities, coupled with the impact of the recent pandemic have led to a lack of affordable housing, population loss, underenrollment in our schools, violence and a dwindling workforce. La Casa Norte, an organization I lead, has been serving youths and families confronting homelessness, in primarily Black and brown communities in Chicago, for more than 21 years. In 2020 alone, we grew from serving 5,000 people to more than 18,000 to meet the needs of communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic exposed the harsh realities of homelessness and housing insecurity that many people faced long before the virus outbreak. That need hasnt subsided. At the height of the pandemic, we saw the government, business, civic and philanthropic sectors come together, in an unprecedented way, to respond to the public health crisis and to do their best to ensure no one was left behind. It wasnt a perfect response by any means, but it led to the expansion of rental assistance programs, expedited housing initiatives, a focused effort on creating more affordable housing and campaigns such as Bring Chicago Home, which will create a dedicated revenue stream to end homelessness. We need to maintain the same momentum of the last three years, even as we try to take a comprehensive approach to Chicagos migrant crisis because there are still tens of thousands of Chicagoans who are experiencing homelessness. The migrant crisis we are facing transcends ethnicity and national origin. Its not a Ukrainian community or Latino community issue; it is a human rights issue that requires our collective attention and empathy. Its understandable to be concerned about resource allocation in a moment of crisis, but we cant let that change the values of our city we have to seize this moment and recognize its also an opportunity. The purchasing and repurposing of vacant lots and empty buildings as short-term investments to support migrants with shelter, for example, could create opportunities for long-term use of those same buildings to support our citys unhoused population with additional shelters, affordable housing and resource centers. But we must be intentional about how we use our limited resources, and we must uphold Chicagos welcoming spirit. Chicagos sanctuary city status has brought benefits to our whole region, and it would be counterproductive to revoke it if we aspire to remain a prosperous global city. The influx of newcomers brings energy, diversity and skills to revitalize our communities, our schools, our workforce and our economy. Advertisement La Casa Norte is one of the many Illinois Latino Agenda organizations that are welcoming migrants, providing them with services and connecting them to housing and legal assistance so that they can create a life here in Chicago. We see their hope, determination and desire to contribute to our great city. 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 > Many of us are also the children of immigrants who inherited their courage, resilience and ambition and who have become civic leaders across different sectors. Like us, many of our newest neighbors will contribute their talent and strengthen to our city by creating jobs, supporting education, promoting culture, advocating for justice and serving our communities. This isnt a matter of prioritizing one over the other; its about finding a balance that allows us to support the vulnerable on all fronts. This means redirecting our focus, spreading resources equitably and holding all responsible parties accountable. Our city has proved that it can overcome challenges and seize opportunities, with the collective will and action of its residents, leaders and partners. We have the potential to turn this housing crisis into a housing solution, for both newcomers and our long-term neighbors. Our commitment to human rights, compassion and unity should guide our decisions as we navigate this critical juncture. A balanced approach that invests in the migrant issue and our existing communities is not only possible but also necessary to ensure a brighter future for all Chicagoans. Together, we can make Chicago a home for all. Advertisement Jose Munoz is co-chair of the Illinois Latino Agenda and CEO of La Casa Norte, a nonprofit that helps unhoused youths and families. Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com. About 250 Rohingya refugees crammed onto a wooden boat have been turned away from western Indonesia and sent back to sea, residents said Friday. The group from the persecuted Myanmar minority arrived off the coast of Aceh province on Thursday but locals told them not to land. Some refugees swam ashore and collapsed on the beach before being pushed back onto their overcrowded boat. About 250 Rohingya refugees reached western Indonesia on an overcrowded wooden boat on November 16, 2023, but were turned away by locals. / Credit: AMANDA JUFRIAN/AFP via Getty Images After being turned away, the decrepit boat traveled dozens of miles farther east to North Aceh. But locals again sent them back to sea late Thursday. By Friday, the vessel, which some on board said had sailed from Bangladesh about three weeks ago, was no longer visible from where it had landed in North Aceh, residents said. Thousands from the mostly Muslim Rohingya minority risk their lives each year on long and treacherous sea journeys, often in flimsy boats, to try to reach Malaysia or Indonesia. "We're fed up with their presence because when they arrived on land, sometimes many of them ran away. There are some kinds of agents that picked them up. It's human trafficking," Saiful Afwadi, a community leader in North Aceh, told AFP on Friday. Newly arrived Rohingya refugees return to a boat after the local community decided to temporarily allow them to land for water and food in Ulee Madon, Aceh province, Indonesia. / Credit: AMANDA JUFRIAN/AFP via Getty Images Chris Lewa, director of the Rohingya rights organization the Arakan Project, said the villagers' rejection seemed to be related to a lack of local government resources to accommodate the refugees and a feeling that smugglers were using Indonesia as a transit point to Malaysia. "It is sad and disappointing that the villagers' anger is against the Rohingya boat people, who are themselves victims of those smugglers and traffickers," Lewa told AFP on Friday. She said she was trying to find out where the boat went after being turned away but "no one seems to know." The United Nations refugee agency said in a statement Friday that the boat was "off the coast of Aceh," and gave a lower passenger count of around 200 people. It called on Indonesia to facilitate the landing and provide life-saving assistance to the refugees. Newly arrived Rohingya refugees rest on the beach after the local community decided to temporarily allow them to land for water and food in Ulee Madon, Aceh province, Indonesia. / Credit: AMANDA JUFRIAN/AFP via Getty Images The statement cited a report that said at least one other boat was still at sea, adding that more vessels could soon depart from Myanmar or Bangladesh. "The Rohingya refugees are once again risking their lives in search for a solution," said Ann Maymann, the U.N. refugee agency's representative in Indonesia. A Rohingya refugee girl waiting in Indonesia. / Credit: AMANDA JUFRIAN/AFP via Getty Images A 2020 investigation by AFP revealed a multimillion-dollar, constantly evolving people-smuggling operation stretching from a massive refugee camp in Bangladesh to Indonesia and Malaysia, in which members of the stateless Rohingya community play a key role in trafficking their own people. Murder suspect asks question that raises eyebrows Evidence from accused killer Patrick Nicholas house shown at trial Disappeared | Sunday on 60 Minutes FILE - Jockey Bob Ussery sits atop Proud Clarion as they entered the winners circle after winning the Kentucky Derby horse race, May 6, 1967 in Louisville. Ussery, a Hall of Fame jockey who won the 1967 Kentucky Derby and then crossed the finish line first in the 1968 edition only to be disqualified days later, died Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023, of congestive heart failure at an assisted living facility in Hollywood, Fla., his son Robert told The Associated Press on Friday. He was 88. (AP Photo/File) Bobby Ussery, a Hall of Fame jockey who won the 1967 Kentucky Derby and then crossed the finish line first in the 1968 edition only to be disqualified days later, has died. He was 88. Ussery died Thursday of congestive heart failure at an assisted living facility in Hollywood, Florida, his son Robert told The Associated Press on Friday. The elder Ussery won his first race at the Fair Grounds in New Orleans on Nov. 22, 1951, and went on to major wins in the Travers, Whitney and Alabama at Saratoga by the end of the decade. He retired in 1974 with 3,611 career victories and he was inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 1980. Ussery won the 1967 Derby aboard 30-1 longshot Proud Clarion. He picked up the mount after his original Derby horse, Reflected Glory, couldnt make the race because of sore shins. Ussery and Dancers Image crossed the finish line first in the 1968 Derby only to become the first horse ever disqualified days later as the result of a positive drug test. They rallied from last to win by 1 1/2 lengths over Forward Pass even though Ussery lost his whip. It was the start of a four-year legal odyssey by owner Peter Fuller, who spent $250,000 unsuccessfully fighting the disqualification. Traces of the anti-inflammatory phenylbutazone, known as bute, were found in Dancers Images post-race urinalysis. It was legal at some tracks at the time, but not at Churchill Downs. Veterinarian Alex Harthill had given the colt a dose of bute six days before the race, seemingly enough time for it to clear his system. Dancers Image was disqualified by the stewards and placed 14th and last; Forward Pass was declared the winner. The trainer of Dancers Image and his assistant each received 30-day suspensions. Fuller sent the winners gold trophy back to Churchill Downs to be engraved, but the track never returned it. Ussery kept the trophy awarded to the winning jockey. As far as Im concerned, I won the Derby in 1968 because they made the race official, he told The Associated Press in 2019. What they did with Dancers Image was another thing. It had no reflection on me. The Derby media guide includes the official chart showing Dancers Image as the winner, with a two-sentence explanation about the DQ, but in other sections Forward Pass gets the credit. Usserys best finish in the Belmont Stakes was in 1959 aboard Bagdad. That same year he won Canada's most prestigious race, the Queen's Plate, with New Providence, one of his record 215 winners in 1959. In 1960, he won the Hopeful Stakes on that years 2-year-old champion, Hail To Reason. He won the Flamingo, Florida Derby and Preakness on Bally Ache that year after they finished second in the Kentucky Derby. He was born Robert Nelson Ussery on Sept. 3, 1935, in Vian, Oklahoma. At Aqueduct in New York, Ussery was known for guiding horses to the outside of the track, near the crown where the dirt was packed hard, then diving toward the rail and opening them up on the far turn. That path was dubbed Usserys Alley. He was running on the hard surface and all the other horses were running in the sand like at the beach, his son Robert recalled. He would be so many lengths in front and he was the only one who could do that successfully. In 2011, Ussery was inducted into the Oklahoma Horse Racing Hall of Fame. Besides his son, Ussery is survived by four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. His daughter, Debra Paramanis, died in 2010. ___ AP sports: https://apnews.com/sports A 65-year-old Israeli woman who was kidnapped by Hamas militants on October 7 has been found dead near Gazas Al-Shifa hospital, the Israeli military said Thursday. The body of Yehudit Waiss, a resident of kibbutz Beeri, was found by Israeli soldiers in Gaza City and brought back to Israel, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement. The statement did not detail how or when she had been killed, but said military, medical and rabbinate personnel had identified the body and informed her family. IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari said in a televised news briefing that Hamas had killed Weiss. He did not offer further details of the precise cause of her death. Unfortunately, Yehudit was murdered by the terrorists in the Gaza Strip, and we didnt reach her on time, he said. The IDF sends its heartfelt condolences to the family, the earlier IDF statement said. The national task before our eyes is to locate the missing and return the abducted persons home. Waiss was among more than 200 people taken hostage by Hamas during its terror attack on October 7, when its fighters poured into southern Israel and killed more than 1,200 people. Weisss husband, Shmuel, was among those killed. The IDF said her body had been recovered from what it called a structure near to the Al-Shifa hospital, where the IDF on Wednesday launched what it called a precise and targeted operation against Hamas, which it says has been using the hospital for military purposes. Hamas and hospital officials have consistently rejected Israels claims that Hamas has built a command center under the hospital. The IDF also claimed in its statement that in the structure in which Yehudit was located, military equipment including Kalashnikov rifles and RPGs were also found. The Israeli military also said Thursday that it had found an operational tunnel shaft inside the Shifa hospital complex and published a statement that included a photo and video purporting to show it. CNN is unable to verify the claim. 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. Kibbutz Beeri lies just a few kilometers from the Gaza Strip and its liberal community has been a frequent target of Hamas rockets fired from the enclave usually intercepted by Israeli defenses. But the kibbutz became the site of a massacre on October 7, as Hamas militants breached the compound and murdered more than 120 of its residents, including children, and kidnapped others. The Hostages and Missing Persons Families Forum, a group established by the families of those abducted by Hamas, said Waiss was a 65-year-old grandmother. This is a developing story and will be updated. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The body of a Warren man missing since June and presumed to be a homicide victim is believed to have been found in northern lower Michigan. Warren police said Thursday they believe they located the body of James Wilkins, 27, a father and football coach, Monday in a remote area in Oscoda Township near an access road, an area desolate and covered with thick brush and trees. Investigators found the area where the body was buried with help from a Michigan State Police cadaver dog. Oscoda Township is about a three hour drive north of Warren. Wilkins has been missing since June 9 under suspicious circumstances. In August, two men, including his roommate, were charged in the case, an unusual move because Wilkins' body had not been found. Warren police, state police, Oscoda Township public safety and the U.S. Park Service located the body and evidence. An autopsy was being conducted Thursday, Warren police said, to make a positive identification and provide investigators with additional information. A freshly patched bullet hole Family and friends reported Wilkins missing after he didn't show up for work. Police searched Wilkins' apartment and a vehicle associated with his roommate, Donald Renfroe. They found a recently patched bullet hole in the wall of the apartment and what they suspected was blood. Detectives obtained additional evidence showing that on the day Wilkins disappeared, Renfroe rented cleaning equipment and purchased additional cleaning supplies from a local hardware store. He also contacted and worked together with a friend, Darius Glenn, to clean out Wilkins' apartment and likely dispose of Wilkins' body, Warren police said. Renfroe, 25, was charged with first-degree murder, tampering with evidence, concealing the death of an individual and a felony firearm offense. Glenn, 28, was charged with tampering with evidence, accessory after the fact to a felony and concealing the death of an individual. Renfroe is scheduled for a preliminary exam Jan. 19 in 37th District Court in Warren, while Glenn was bound over to Macomb County Circuit Court, according to district court records. Warren Police Commissioner Bill Dwyer said in Thursday's news release that investigators gained "credible and reliable information" that led them to the location where the body was found. Warren Police Commissioner Bill Dwyer at a news conference in January 2020. "Our investigators never stopped working this case from the beginning as our goal was to locate Wilkins' body so that his family could have some closure," he said. Dwyer previously said the evidence at the time the men were charged was "very compelling." He had said police believed Wilkins and Renfroe, a longtime friend of Wilkins, argued and the shooting occurred in the apartment, though no one reported hearing anything. Renfroe fled to Ohio, where he was arrested on unrelated charges and extradited to Michigan. Detectives seized several handguns belonging to Renfroe. Dwyer previously said they believed one of the handguns was used in the homicide. Contact Christina Hall: chall@freepress.com. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter: @challreporter. Support local journalism. Subscribe to the Free Press. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Body of Warren man missing since June found in northern lower Michigan A recount of votes in a City Council district in Southwest Boise yielded the same exact results, putting Kathy Corless behind the dais at City Hall for the next four years. Corless ran against three others in District 3 and defeated her closest opponent, the more conservative Josh Johnston, by 15 votes, 2,566 to 2,551. Two other candidates, Theresa Vawter and Chris Blanchard, received 1,630 and 1,059 votes, respectively. Johnston asked for a recount Tuesday, after the county certified the results, and paid $1,600 to have the votes reassessed in 16 precincts. District 3 runs from Ann Morrison Park out to West Victory Road and South Five Mile Road. After the full recount of all 16 precincts, the results remain unchanged, according to a Thursday news release from the Ada County Clerks Office. The recount took place Thursday. The Idaho Attorney Generals Office oversaw the recount process and signed a letter confirming the results of the recount, the release said. Corless told the Idaho Statesman by text that the unchanged result exhibits the integrity in our election process. Mr. Johnson shook my hand and congratulated me, Corless said. He was very gracious. The residents voted, the votes have been confirmed twice, and Im eager to be on council. Corless campaigned for Mayor Lauren McLeans policies for denser housing in the city, while Johnston said he wanted more focus on single-family housing and criticized McLeans management of the Boise Police Department. McLean was elected to a second term on Election Day, defeating Mike Masterson. Johnston told the Statesman by text that he looks forward to Corless representing him on the council. The several contested races in Boise show divisions in how our residents feel about the direction of the city, he said. I encourage our mayor and City Council to consider the concerns expressed by the significant number of residents who voted a different way, even as we pull together to all work for the future of our wonderful city. A 31-year-old Boise man was found guilty of felony stalking Friday for sending a woman harassing text messages, emails and phone calls after she rejected his romantic advances, according to the Ada County Sheriffs Office. Two other women testified in the Ada County jury trial, saying that the man, Devon Anderson, exhibited similar behavior when they broke off relationships with him, according to a Sheriffs Office blog post. Detectives suspect that there may be more victims yet to step forward. Detectives began investigating Anderson in April 2022 when the victim involved in the case first contacted police. The victim told investigators that she had received harassing messages and sexually explicit images from an unknown person shortly after meeting Anderson in late 2021, the Sheriffs Office said. After telling Anderson she was not romantically interested in him in April 2022, the harassing messages increased dramatically. Within less than a week, the victim received over 100 messages from multiple numbers and fake identities the Sheriffs Office said linked to Anderson. She also told law enforcement that Anderson continued to call and text her numerous times after she asked him to stop and that he was also seen driving past the womans home. A testimony also showed that Anderson hacked the victims online cloud account, began sending her images that came from her own phone and threatened to share them publicly. Prosecutors issued an arrest warrant for Anderson a few days after the woman contacted police. Anderson was also charged with parole violation charges for previous felony convictions for burglary and malicious injury to property. During the three-day trial, Anderson was also determined to be a persistent violator and is set to be sentenced in January 2024. Investigators would like to talk to anyone who may have been a victim of Anderson and should call (208) 577-3790 or email dwilkins@adacounty.id.gov. A child inspects the damage at the Nuseirat refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip (MAHMUD HAMS) Airstrikes, destroyed houses and loved ones annihilated by bombs: Palestinians who fled the north of the Gaza Strip on Israeli orders have found no trace of the safety promised to them. Nada Abu Hiya is eight years old and suffered her third bombing of the war at the Nuseirat refugee camp on Friday. "First they bombed my grandfather's house where we lived" in Gaza City, she told AFP. "Then we went to Deir el-Balah, where we were bombed again. "So we came here and they bombed us again." At dawn on Friday an Israeli plane bombed the Nuseirat camp, in the central Gaza Strip, killing 18 people according to health officials in the Hamas-run government. "There are bombings everywhere," said Nada. "My grandmother is dead, my mother is dead, my grandfather is dead, my uncle is dead, they destroyed our house. Our neighbours' house is also destroyed and they are all dead." The child is among hundreds of thousands of Palestinians who fled Gaza City and other parts of the north in recent weeks after Israeli forces ordered residents to move south as they wage a military offensive to oust the territory's Hamas rulers. In all, more than 1.5 million people have been displaced in Gaza, nearly two-thirds of the territory's population, according to the United Nations. Israel has vowed to "crush" Hamas in response to the group's October 7 attack, when it broke through Gaza's militarised border to kill about 1,200 people, most of them civilians, and take around 240 hostage, according to Israeli officials. The army's air and ground campaign has killed 12,000 people, including 5,000 children, according to Hamas, which has ruled Gaza since 2007. - 'I'm your mother' - The victims of Friday's bombing at Nuseirat included seven of Azhar al-Rifi's relatives, three of them children. It was the second time that her family had been bombed. Rifi, 36, first fled the north to stay with relatives in Deir el-Balah, only for their house to be destroyed. She then sought refuge at the Nuseirat camp. Rifi was admitted to hospital in Deir al-Balah with leg injuries, while her two-year-old son Mohammed survived with a head injury. "They said the south was safer, so we moved," she said. But her five-year-old nephew Joud was killed. "Two weeks ago, his mother died, so my husband decided that he would live with us," she said. "He arrived last night and said to me: 'Now that my mother is dead, I can no longer call anyone mom'. "I replied: 'I'm your mother'." The boy went to sleep in a room with 12 other children, she said. "At four in the morning he was taken away from us." az-sbh-dla/ac/slb/jsa A Boston teen previously accused of unarmed robbery is charged with a violent attack on an 84-year-old man at a Jamaica Plain MBTA Station on Tuesday, according to authorities. A 15-year-old girl appeared in West Roxbury Juvenile Court on Thursday and was charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon (shod foot) on a person over 65. She has been ordered held for 60 days. Officers responding to the upper busway at Forest Hills station just before 9 p.m. on Tuesday for a report of an elderly male assaulted found the 84-year-old victim on the ground bleeding from his forehead, according to the Suffolk County District Attorneys Office. Three patrons, two doctors, and a medical student, were tending to the victim. The victim was alert and conscious and was transported to Brigham and Womens Hospital for treatment. Video surveillance allegedly showed the victim had been beaten by a group of male and female assailants. The group had exited a bus and congregated at the front entrance to the station. As the victim was walking by, some of the teens began following him, and the 15-year-old suspect allegedly kicked his legs, causing him to fall forward on his face. Using that video, officers were able to identify the suspect. Police observed her walking toward the JFK/UMass MBTA Station on Wednesday around 2:45 p.m. wearing the same jeans and jacket as in the attack video. She was subsequently arrested. The judge ordered $500 bail on the new charge and an additional $500 bail on an existing unarmed robbery charge for the juvenile. The judge also ordered the girl to stay away from the victim, stay away from Forest Hills station, and submit to GPS monitoring. The quick work by MBTA police in identifying and apprehending the juvenile responsible for this entirely unprovoked attack sends a direct message to anyone contemplating such intolerable crimesyou will be identified, you will be arrested, and you will be prosecuted, Suffolk County DA Kevin Hayden said. 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 Both former President Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) have lost some luster among Floridians, according to a recent poll. The Mainstreet Research and Florida Atlantic University poll found Trumps unfavorability rating at 55 percent among Florida voters, up from 47 percent in the early summer. His favorability was down to 43 percent from 50 percent in early summer. The Sunshine States own governor, DeSantis, also lost some goodwill from his constituents. Half of respondents said they approved of his job as governor in the recent poll, down from 54 percent in early summer. The disapproval of his job as governor rose from 43 percent to 49 percent. President Biden is even less popular; 62 percent of voters said they disapproved of how he is handling his job as president, while only 36 percent said they approved of his job performance. In a hypothetical presidential match-up with Biden, both DeSantis and Trump came out ahead of the current president in the new poll. Trump polled ahead of Biden by 10 percentage points, while DeSantis was ahead of the president by 8 points. The governor was polling 13 percentage points ahead of Biden head-to-head in the early summer poll. Trump continues to enjoy a large lead in the GOP polls, despite mounting legal troubles and a series of criminal trials on the horizon. And recently, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley has surpassed DeSantis for second place in some crucial early state polls. The Mainstreet Research and Florida Atlantic University poll was conducted Oct. 27 to Nov. 11, featuring responses from 946 Florida adults and has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.2 percentage points at the 95 percent confidence level. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Devonport residents left flowers, soft toys and other tributes in front of Hillcrest Primary School in December 2021 A bouncy castle firm has been charged for breaching health and safety regulations in Australia, almost two years after six children were killed in an accident. The children fell about 10m (33ft) after strong winds blew the castle skywards at a school fair. Prosecutors allege that Taz-Zorb "exposed the children to a risk of death or serious injury". Parents of the children who died welcomed the charges. The six Tasmanian children killed in the accident - Addison Stewart, Zane Mellor, Jye Sheehan, Jalailah Jayne-Maree Jones, Peter Dodt and Chace Harrison - were aged between 11 and 12. Three other children were seriously injured. "This was a terrible tragedy that claimed the lives of our beautiful children," read a joint statement on behalf of Zane, Peter, Addison and Jalailah's families, quoted by ABC News. The children were all at the Hillcrest Primary School fair when the accident took place on the last day of term before the holidays in December 2021. At the time, police said that about 40 children, as well as their teachers and other adults, were at the school fair. In a note at Chace's funeral, his parents said their hearts were broken, "our world has changed forever". The tragic accident shook Devonport, a city in Tasmania with less than 30,000 residents. The local community gathered last year to mark one year since the bouncy castle accident. Tasmania's work health and safety regulator, Robyn Pearce, said she spent the last year meeting with families of children who either died or were injured on 16 December 2021. On Friday, the region's workplace safety regulator said the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had filed a complaint to the Devonport Magistrates Court. Quoted by ABC News, Robyn Pearce said: "The DPP has charged Taz-Zorb, the operator of the jumping castle, with a Category 2 offence under the Work Health and Safety Act 2012." The charge carries a penalty of up to 1.5m Australian dollars (785,000; $970,000). The BBC has called Taz-Zorb for comment. Ms Pearce, who works for WorkSafe, said the charges allege that the bouncy castle operator "failed to comply with a health and safety duty in a way that exposed the children to a risk of death or serious injury". Quoted by the Guardian, one of the victims' parents said she still wanted answers about the school's involvement. Zane's mother, Georgina Gardam, said she was glad that the firm had been charged, but added: "I still want answers about the school's involvement in the tragedy." Ms Gardam also said she looked forward to "hearing the outcome of the criminal proceedings and subsequent coronial inquest". A wider inquest into the accident had been put on hold until the WorkSafe investigation concluded. The Pinney Street deck behind buildings fronting on West New York Street in downtown Aurora will be torn down sometime in 2024. (Steve Lord/The Beacon-News) The Aurora City Council has approved an agreement to prepare for removing a wooden deck that runs along Pinney Street behind buildings fronting on West New York Street downtown. The $399,388 agreement with Elburn-based Electric Conduit Construction, approved by the City Council on Tuesday, would be for removing electrical conduit inter-woven in the deck. The electric will be relocated underground, with the city planning to remove the wooden deck during 2024. Advertisement The deck is shared by six of the seven properties facing New York Street, with the backs of the building, and the deck, running along Pinney Street. Ken Schroth, Auroras Public Works director, said the city plans to remove the aging wooden deck, and replace it with individual accesses for the buildings. Advertisement Schroth said the owners of six of the seven buildings that currently have access to the deck want either an individual access along the back, or nothing at all. The consensus was they dont want to be part of a block-wide, communal deck, he said. Some of the buildings dont want a back access at all so they can have better access to their basement spaces. The deck partially blocks some of those basement entrances. One of the buildings, containing the newly-opened Amore Mio restaurant, does want some kind of back deck to use as outdoor seating. The deck in downtown Aurora which runs along Pinney Street in back of buildings fronting on West New York Street is planned to be torn down sometime next year. (Steve Lord/The Beacon-News) Whatever is built back after the deck is removed - possibly individual stairways for each building - would be built by the city and maintained by the building owners. All that will be done through an agreement with the building owners and the city, Schroth said. Demolition of the deck will take place late in the winter, or early next spring. Electric Conduit submitted the lowest of four bids for the work. Advertisement slord@tribpub.com A 19-year-old Kansas City man whos facing violent felony charges related to the death of his suburban teenage girlfriend was accused of abuse in a past relationship, according to Jackson County court records. Prosecutors on Wednesday night announced charges of first-degree assault, armed criminal action and second-degree kidnapping against Tyheem V. Anderson. The charges stem from an investigation into the killing of a 17-year-old whose body was found on Sunday after she had been reported missing by family the day before. In a separate protection order case, filed in March 2022, a Jackson County judge ordered a temporary and later a full order of protection requested on behalf of Andersons child and the childs mother. The judge found sufficient evidence that Anderson posed a significant risk to their safety, ordering him not to be in contact or visit for any reason. The order was due to expire in July and appears to have lapsed since then. Anderson was arrested Tuesday and questioned by Kansas City homicide detectives in connection with the death of his most recent romantic partner, Amauri Hughes, of Grandview, who Anderson described as a long-term girlfriend. Detectives were led to Anderson as a suspect based in part on statements from witnesses that put Hughes and Anderson together when she was reported missing Saturday. They also found evidence suggesting she was seriously injured in his residence, according to court documents. On Saturday afternoon, Kansas City police visited Andersons home when a 911 caller told police Hughes was believed to be there. She had been sneaking away from home to meet Anderson, the caller told police. Officers knocked on Andersons door for several minutes, and walked around the property, but were unable to contact anyone inside. A missing persons report was filed. Hughes was found dead the next day, roughly eight miles away, outside a carport in a Grandview apartment complex. Police officers were called there on a report of an unresponsive person on the ground. Hughes had apparent stab wounds, a gunshot injury, bruises and was missing teeth, according to a probable cause affidavit prepared by a Kansas City police detective. Her death was determined to be a homicide. The person who filed the initial report told Kansas City detectives she spoke with Hughes on Sunday by phone, though Hughes sounded lethargic or possibly under the influence. She received a text and phone calls instructing her to pick Hughes up at two locations that day including a vacant residence but she did not find her at either one. She returned home to find crime scene tape set up and Grandview police investigating the area where Hughes body was found, according to court documents. A search warrant was executed Monday where Anderson resides in the 3300 block of East 75th Street. Inside the house, crime scene investigators performed a chemical test that showed the presumptive presence of blood in parts of the house, including the kitchen, a hallway and the laundry room. Investigators also found a spent shell casing from a .45 caliber firearm and a human tooth. During an interview with police Wednesday, Anderson described an argument with Hughes in which he broke her cellphone. But he said he never became violent with her and denied killing her, according to the police affidavit. He said he last saw her on Sunday evening, after learning she had been reported as a missing person, and ordered an Uber to bring her home. Anderson said he learned Hughes was dead the next day when he got a call from a family member. According to a criminal complaint filed Wednesday, prosecutors allege Anderson held Hughes for a substantial period without her consent or under the threat of force on the day she was found dead. He is also accused of shooting and stabbing her. In announcing charges against Anderson, prosecutors said Wednesday that the case was actively being investigated and other criminal charges were being explored. Anderson, who is currently held in jail without bond, made his initial appearance Thursday in Jackson County Circuit Court. A judge ordered that Anderson be screened for legal representation by the Missouri Public Defenders Office. Records showed no defense attorney assigned to the case Thursday. Anderson is due to appear in court for a bond review hearing Nov. 27. BRICK - A 69-year-old township man was charged Thursday with possessing images of child sexual abuse, said Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer. Cesar Ortega-Zevallos was taken into custody after a search warrant was executed at his home. The High Tech Crime Unit of the Prosecutors Office identified the IP address at the Brick residence as from where the suspect had been uploading the images to the internet, the statement said. A forensic examination of a computer that belongs to Ortega-Zevallos resulted in more than 1,000 images of child pornography being found on the device, according to the Prosecutors Office. Recent Headlines: Ocean County sheriff makes wartime visit to Israel on homeland security mission Ortega-Zevallos was arrested without incident and taken to the Ocean County Jail in Toms River, where he remained Thursday pending the outcome of a detention hearing. Investigators with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in Newark and officers from the Brick Township Police Department participated in the search of the suspects home, the statement said. The investigation was the result of a referral from the New Jersey State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The ICAC Task Force had been tipped off by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that a local individual was uploading images of child pornography to the internet, according to the Prosecutors Office. This was the second arrest in Brick announced in as many days for a similar crime. On Wednesday, township police said that Brett Gerundo, 45, of Brick, had been charged with second degree endangering the welfare of children. In that case, Gerundo too was in possession of more than 1,000 images and videos of child sexual abuse images, according to a statement from the police. A search warrant executed at Gerundos home resulted in the seizure of 21 electronic devices, police said. Contact Asbury Park Press reporter Erik Larsen at elarsen@gannettnj.com. This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Brick man charged with possession of child porn: Prosecutor Britain's Royal Navy says it did what only the US has until now: flown a large drone off the deck of an aircraft carrier Royal Navy sailors watch as the Mojave unmanned aircraft lands on HMS Prince of Wales for the first time in history. UK Royal Navy Britain's Royal Navy announced it hit a milestone that only the US has managed to achieve so far. It flew a large drone from the deck of the HMS Prince of Wales, the UK's newest aircraft carrier. The specially modified aircraft took off from and landed back on the deck during a trial this week. A large, specially modified drone successfully flew from Britain's newest aircraft carrier, the Royal Navy announced, in a major milestone that only the US had until now managed to achieve. In a trial off the coast of Virginia, the remotely piloted drone a Mojave unmanned aircraft took off from and landed back on the deck of the Queen Elizabeth-class HMS Prince of Wales while the vessel was undergoing training with US forces, the Royal Navy said in a Friday statement. Mojave drones were developed from the MQ-1C Gray Eagle and MQ-9 Reaper and are adapted for short take-offs and landings. They are nearly 30 feet long and have a 56-foot-long wingspan. Britain said that no uncrewed system of this size "has ever flown from an aircraft carrier outside the US Navy before," and the trial also showed how drones can operate alongside crewed aircraft like the fifth-generation F-35 stealth fighter jets stationed aboard the British carrier. "The success of this trial heralds a new dawn in how we conduct maritime aviation and is another exciting step in the evolution of the Royal Navy's carrier strike group into a mixed crewed and uncrewed fighting force," Rear Adm. James Parkin, who helped plan the trial, said in the statement. A video shared by the official HMS Prince of Wales account to social media shows the Mojave, which is capable of long-endurance missions and can be heavily armed with as many as 16 Hellfire missiles, operating from the deck of the carrier. HMS Prince of Wales (@HMSPWLS) November 17, 2023 General Atomics, which developed the Mojave, Gray Eagle, and Reaper, said the demonstration took place on Wednesday and included takeoffs, circuits, approaches, and the landing. "Seeing our Mojave operate successfully in this environment opens myriad new ways our aircraft can be used to support multi-domain naval operations," the company wrote in a statement. By giving unmanned systems the capacity to make short takeoffs and landings, it added, these aircraft can operate in areas that might otherwise not be possible. The Royal Navy's Second Sea Lord Vice Adm. Martin Connell said unmanned systems represent "the next logical step" to making sure that the maritime force is capable of fighting in an "increasingly-complex operating environment." It's not the first time that the Royal Navy has flown a drone from one of its ships it has done so for years but the Mojave is significantly larger and more complex than the other systems. The Mojave trial is also one of several groundbreaking firsts involving drones and aircraft that have taken place aboard the HMS Prince of Wales in recent weeks during its ongoing deployment. In September, a drone delivered cargo to the aircraft carrier and then returned back to the British mainland. The following month, a F-35B a variant of the fighter jet that has a short takeoff capability and can make a vertical landings launched from the deck of the ship fully loaded in what is called "beast mode." A US Marine Corps test pilot lands an F-35B aboard HMS Prince of Wales in the Western Atlantic on October 11, 2023. US Navy/Dane Wiedmann "During a deployment centered around experimentation and expanding the envelope of the Queen Elizabeth class, this is one of the highlights," Cmdr. Martin Russell, who oversees air operations aboard HMS Prince of Wales, said in a statement after this week's Mojave test. He said the capability felt like "a glimpse into the future of these ships." The HMS Prince of Wales was commissioned in 2019, two years after the HMS Queen Elizabeth, which is the flagship of Britain's fleet. The two conventionally powered ships the largest ever built by the UK can carry two dozen F-35B jets and multiple Merlin submarine-hunting helicopters. With the successful Mojave test, the HMS Prince of Wales is following in the footsteps of the US Navy, which has long operated large unmanned aircraft from its warships. These include reconnaissance and surveillance drones and also remotely piloted helicopters and aerial refueling systems. Read the original article on Business Insider The Bucks County District Attorneys office is investigating allegations of animal cruelty against a Pipersville slaughterhouse after a federal inspector observed "inhumane" treatment of a steer that an animal rights group said prolonged its death. DA Matt Weintraub confirmed he has pre-assigned a prosecutor to the case after receiving a complaint Monday about Kingdom Provisions LLC from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, better known as PETA. PETA cited a U.S. Department of Agriculture report documenting the Oct. 19 incident at the Durham Road meat processing plant and it is pushing for criminal charges against the employees involved. This steer spent his last moments in terror and agony as slaughterhouse workers repeatedly shot him, dangled him upside down, and slit his throat, PETA Vice President of Evidence Analysis Daniel Paden said. Kingdom Provisions is a USDA custom meat processing slaughterhouse in Pipersville What a federal inspector witnessed at Kingdom Provisions Around 2 p.m. a federal consumer safety inspector was at the plant and observed a slaughter on the floor. The floor supervisor told the inspector he was going to use a firearm on the animal to kill it, according to the report. It is unclear from the report if the employee used a bolt gun, a firearm typically used to drive a steel bolt through the brain of livestock to incapacitate them before their throat is slit and they are bled out. The inspector heard two shots, then looked around the wall to observe, according to the report. The inspector saw a steer released from the knock box, the pens where livestock are incapacitated, and as the steer was rolling out, he was conscious and actively vocalizing, the report said. As an employee shackled the steers right leg, the animal attempted to right itself, and charged at the employee on the floor responsible for cutting the animal, the report said. The employee was shoved backward, but continued to hoist the live animal. Another employee then slit the steers throat and the animal bled out. The steer was actively vocalizing throughout the incident prior to being cut, the report said. When the inspector checked the animal, he found two bullet holes in the head, one above the other. Did the FSIS take action against Kingdom Provisions for the alleged violations? The Food Safety and Inspection Service inspector immediately tagged the knock box and contacted his supervisor. Kingdom Provisions was issued a notice dated Oct. 19 that the FSIS was withholding the federal marks of inspection and suspending the assignment of inspection program personnel to the business. The note stated that evidence demonstrates the company failed to comply with the Federal Meat Inspection Act, the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act and regulatory requirements, according to the letter. Your establishment did not handle or slaughter animals humanely, the letter said. The agency directed the company to provide a written response of the corrective actions and preventive measures it planned to take in the future. Kingdom Provisions is a USDA custom meat processing slaughterhouse in Pipersville What is the companys response to the allegations? Kingdom Provisions, which describes itself as a USDA custom meat processing slaughterhouse, did not immediately respond Friday to an email seeking comment on the cruelty allegations and federal report. Do Pennsylvania animal cruelty laws cover the treatment of livestock? Livestock, including steer and cows, are considered farm animals and covered under the states animal cruelty laws, according to Nikki Thompson, chief human officer for the Bucks County SPCA. The law has an exception for normal agricultural practices, which the law defines as practices and procedures that farmers adopt, use or engage in year after year in the production and preparation for market of poultry, livestock and their products. What charges could be filed against Kingdom Provisions Federal officials could file charges, but no prosecutions have been filed against any U.S. slaughterhouses for acts of abuse since at least 2007, according to PETA The employees conduct appears to violate Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 18 5533, according to PETA. The provision states that a person commits cruelty to animals when (s)he intentionally, knowingly or recklessly illtreats or abuses an animal. Since the acts in question clearly caused bodily injury to the steer, the proposed charges would be second-degree misdemeanors, PETA said. Importantly, FSIS action carries no criminal or civil penalties and doesnt preempt criminal liability under state law for slaughterhouse workers who perpetrate acts of cruelty to animals, Colin Henstock, investigations project manager for PETA wrote in a Nov. 13 letter to Weintraub requesting an investigation. More Bucks County news The stench burned officers' eyes. Here's what SPCA said they found in Trevose motel room Love cats? Then you'll love this story Everything you need to know about the annual Feline Frenzy Cat Expo in Oaks More on cruelty charges against couple Sellersville couple charged with neglecting 7 children also facing animal cruelty charges This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Did a Pipersville slaughterhouse violate animal cruelty laws? What we know. In this photo released by Russian Emergency Ministry Press Service on Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023, Russian Emergency Ministry work at the side of a five-storey building partially collapsed in Astrakhan, Russia. Part of a residential building has collapsed in southern Russia, killing one woman and sparking a search and rescue operation, Russian state news agency Tass said. Before part of the building in the southern city of Astrakhan collapsed, the Ministry of Emergency Situations said it had received information about cracks appearing. (Russian Emergency Ministry Press Service via AP) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) Part of a residential building collapsed Thursday in southern Russia, killing one woman and sparking a search for any residents who might be trapped in the rubble, Russian state news agency Tass said. Most residents in the southern city of Astrakhan already had evacuated because of what was described as a grinding sound in building, Tass said. The emergency ministry said it had received information about cracks appearing just before the structure collapsed. More than 200 people, including more than 35 children, were evacuated, the news agency said. The Astrakhan region deputy governor, Oleg Knyazev, said authorities had ruled out a gas explosion, and said the building's structure was to blame. The residential block was built in 1962, Tass said. Photos and video shared online by Russian state news agencies showed the partially collapsed building and rescuers searching through rubble. In one video. rescuers called for silence as they tried to hear whether any trapped person was making sounds. Veterans and their families were treated to breakfast Nov. 13 at Evergreen Park Community High School. Students interviewed and presented the veterans at the event, now in its 15th year. (EPCHS) Evergreen Park students take veterans to breakfast Veterans who attended a breakfast event at Evergreen Park Community High School gather for a group photo. School officials said the Nov. 13 event was one of the largest in its 15-year history. (EPCHS) Members of the National Honor Society at Evergreen Park Community High School hosted 32 veterans and their families for breakfast last week cooked by the schools kitchen staff. The 15th year for the annual Veterans Breakfast on Nov. 13 had the largest turnout in recent memory, according to a news release from the school, including some veterans who have attended all 15 breakfasts. Advertisement At the event, students interview the veterans during the meal, and then introduce them at the end of the program after an address by Evergreen Park Mayor Kelly Burke. There were also place settings for those missing in action and a rendition of taps by students Ilaan Wheeler and William Rodriguez. The schools National Honor Society members now are preparing for its annual Toys for Tots drive. New toys can be dropped off at the schools front desk. Advertisement Divine Nine members visit Park Forest school Volunteers representing the Divine Nine sororities and fraternities at historically Black colleges and universities spent a recent day reading and interacting with students at Illinois School in Park Forest as part of an initiative launched by principal Shernita Mays. (School District 162) Wearing colors representing their Greek-letter organizations, nearly 200 members of the Divine Nine fraternities and sororities read to students at the Illinois Elementary School in Park Forest last week. Readers were from all walks of life and included Robbins police Chief Carl Scott Jr., Matteson Mayor Sheila Chalmers-Currin and Rich Township Supervisor Calvin Jordan. Illinois School principal Shernita Mays, a member of the Delta Sigma Theta Inc. sorority, noticed that when she would wear her Greek letters to school, some students would inquire about how to become a member. It became an opportunity to combine learning, literacy, service and community by inviting members of the historically Black fraternities and sororities to her predominantly African American school so that students could learn about the organizations as well as the history of the Divine Nine organizations, historically Black colleges and universities, and the personal journeys of the volunteer readers. Mays said she hopes that the event will inspire students by seeing successful people who will share their stories as well as reading a book. She also wants the event to spark an interest for students in service, which is a core value of the fraternities and sororities. Volunteers representing the Divine Nine gather at Illinois School in Park Forest Nov. 9th to participate in a Real Greeks Read program in which they interacted with students and read to them. (School District 162) Richards food drive benefits Oak Lawn church pantry Members of the Leo Club, Tri-M music honors, National Honor Society and class officers at Richards High School in Oak Lawn spent an afternoon after school last week sorting food. The items were donated as part of a food drive the students organized in which items were dropped off for the last few weeks at their first period classes. The food was donated to the pantry at Pilgrim Faith United Church of Christ in Oak Lawn. Leo Club, National Honor Society, Tri-M and Class Officers from Richards High School organized a food drive to benefit the food pantry at Pilgrim Faith United Church of Christ in Oak Lawn. (School District 218/HANDOUT) Chicago Heights students get financial literacy lesson Students at Washington-McKinley School in Chicago Heights participated recently in a reading event hosted by First Book and Citibank as part of a Teach Children to Save program. Volunteers from the bank, including bilingual employees, read titles including Bunny Money, A Chair for Mother, Un Sillon Parar Mi Mama, Una Bicicleta Commo la de Sergio and Sled Dog School. Advertisement The guest readers from Citibank also discussed their banking jobs, along with ideas about financial responsibility and saving money. Daily Southtown Twice-weekly News updates from the south suburbs delivered every Monday and Wednesday By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy > Washington-McKinley principal Joseph Silvestri said the program also provided teachers with gift cards to purchase books for classroom libraries. Jennifer Gorton, School District 170s parent academy director, called the event a true community partnership. Several Citibank readers were from the south suburbs, and they were thrilled to have the opportunity to read to and share their talents with our students, she said in a news release from the district. They loved that our students had many questions about the stories and their jobs. Visioning meeting set for Homer Glen Town Center The second community workshop for the Homer Glen town center visioning process is planned from 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 28 in the Community Room at Homer Glen Village Hall, 14240 W. 151st St. The meeting will present the first draft of concepts for Homer Glens New Town Center followed by breakout conversations where participants can share thoughts and ideas for the proposed town center on a site across 151st Street from Village Hall. Advertisement More information is at the project website, www.HomerGlenTownCenterVisioning.org. Send news to communitynews@southtownstar.com. Tribal members of South Carolinas Catawba Indian Nation near Rock Hill are called, The people of the river. On Thursday, they were joined by U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland to unveil plans to conserve and re-establish land and plants near the river that are unique to the heritage of the Catawbas. Haaland and the federal government will give the tribe $4.8 million to do it. The goal is to respect nature, and restore, balance, Haaland told a gathering tribal leaders and members, along with other state and civic leaders at the reservation in York County. Haaland, from New Mexico, is the first indigenous person to serve as a cabinet secretary in American history. Catawbas welcomed her with a song in their native language Thursday. Haaland said the Biden-Harris administration is committed to conserving natural places. The grant is a commitment to honoring tribal sovereignty, Haaland said. Land, water, and conservation Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland speaks to members of the Catawba Indian Nation about a $4 million grant to help with the nations conservation efforts. Catawba Chief Brian Harris, left, and Catawba member Quinlan Canty stand nearby. The money will be used for two culvert replacements that benefit water and land life along the river; to re-establish Rocky Shoals Spider Lillies in the river at the reservation; convert some land back to native prairie with indigenous plants, grasses and flowers; and re-establish cane breaks of indigenous river cane that are vital to Catawba crafts and customs. The $4.8 million is part of $140 million across the country in a program called America the Beautiful the Biden administration is granting for collaborative conservation efforts. The shared goal in the projects is to protect the natural resources unique to the area, said Keith Bradley, lead botanist for the S.C. Department of Natural Resources Catawbas unique identity and culture The indigenous Catawbas are the only federally recognized tribe in South Carolina. The 144,000 acre reservation in eastern York County is the tribal headquarters. Catawba pottery and weaving using native grasses is known worldwide for its quality and unique craftsmanship. The tribes people have a relationship with the land and river that is an integral part of the identity of the Catawbas, said Aaron Baumgardner, director of natural resources for the Catawba Indian Nation. Baumgardner said ecosystems in the area under ecological threat will be protected by the project. The idea is to heal our land and river, Baumgardner said Thursday. Baumgardner said cane breaks, or groups of river cane, that will be re-established are a native type of bamboo crucial for Catawba basket making and other cultural practices. The Rocky Shoal Spider Lily is a flowering river plant that is found only in a few places in the world, including the Catawba River currently further south of the reservation. Plans are to re-establish the flowering plant at the reservation, Baumgardner said. Harris, the tribes chief, said the public will be able to enjoy the efforts because the Carolina Thread Trial system goes through the reservation. Our commitment is to safeguard the river and its nearby natural resources, Harris said Thursday. To learn more about the Catawba Indian Nation, visit the tribes Webs site, catawba.com. Mychelle Blandin's parents and sister were victims of a triple homicide in Riverside that authorities say began with a "catfishing" case involving Blandin's niece. (Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times) Relatives of the Riverside family killed by "catfish" cop Austin Lee Edwards nearly a year ago filed a lawsuit Thursday against the Virginia sheriff's office that hired him. Edwards, a former Virginia state trooper then employed by the Washington County, Va., sheriff's office, killed Mark Winek, 69; Sharie Winek, 65; and Brooke Winek 38, in their Riverside home on the morning of Nov. 25, according to authorities. He set fire to their home and kidnapped Brooke's then-15-year-old daughter. Police said Edwards, 28, "catfished" the girl by telling her during previous online conversations that he was 17. In a lawsuit filed Thursday in U.S. District Court in Central California, the teen's aunt, Mychelle Blandin, sued the Washington County Sheriff's Office and Edwards' estate for damages, citing violation of 4th Amendment rights, battery and negligent hiring, supervision and retention, among other allegations. Blandin, who is the guardian of the 15-year-old's younger sister, has also sued on behalf of the younger child, and is seeking unspecified financial compensation. After kidnapping the teen, Edwards drove into the Mojave Desert with the girl, where he died in a confrontation with law enforcement. Police initially said he was killed in a shootout but later said he died of a self-inflicted gunshot with his service weapon. The girl wasn't physically injured. Our law enforcement agencies and their process for screening new hires must be held to the highest standards, Alison Saros, an attorney for Blandin, said in a news release. These individuals are meant to protect us, but the Sheriffs Office failed to follow the proper processes. Sadly, the Winek family has suffered irreparable tragedy." A memorial stands out in the darkness at the home where three family members were murdered Nov. 25, 2022, in Riverside. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times) The Washington County Sheriff's Office didn't immediately respond to a request for comment. The Times previously reported that Edwards told the Virginia State Police during his application process that he was detained for psychiatric evaluation and went to a mental health facility in 2016, showing that the agency knew about his mental health issues. This visit led to two custody orders, which typically allow law enforcement to take someone into custody and transport them for mental health evaluation, and a judge revoking his gun ownership rights. Read more: Virginia governor asks for inquiry into hiring of 'catfishing' cop who killed 3 in California Col. Gary Settle, the state police superintendent, wrote in a letter to the states inspector general after the slayings that Edwards' admission wouldn't have automatically disqualified him from being hired, but should have prompted Virginia State Police to investigate further. Unfortunately, the error allowed him to be employed, as there were no other disqualifiers, Settle wrote. After resigning from Virginia State Police after nine months, Edwards applied to work at the Washington County Sheriff's Office. He used his father and a close friend as references in his application. He was hired as a patrol deputy nine days before he killed the Wineks. In a statement after the slayings, Washington County Sheriff Blake Andis said that Edwards had started orientation at his agency and that none of Edwards prior employers had disclosed any red flags. Mychelle Blandin (center) is comforted by her friend Tammy Porter (left) and her husband, Ben Blandin, as she holds a photo of her mom and dad. Mychelle Blandin's parents and sister were victims of a triple homicide in Riverside that authorities say began with a "catfishing" case involving Blandin's niece. (Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times) It is shocking and sad to the entire law enforcement community that such an evil and wicked person could infiltrate law enforcement while concealing his true identity as a computer predator and murderer, Andis said. During the killings, police believe Edwards presented his badge to Sharie and Mark Winek and told them he was there for an investigation in order to lure Brooke Winek and her 15-year-old daughter back to the Riverside home, The Times previously reported. He put bags over the heads of Sharie and Mari Winek, who both died from asphyxiation, according to their coroner's reports also included with the lawsuit. Edwards then stabbed Brooke Winek, who died from a wound to her spinal cord, according to her coroner's report. Edwards never should have been hired by the Sheriffs Department. He was barred by the courts from owning or possessing a gun because of his mental illness and because he was a clear danger to the community, said David Ring, Blandin's attorney. He used his position as a sheriffs deputy and the gun they gave him to kill these innocent victims. 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. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Officials may take weeks to determine the cause of Wednesdays crash between a MAX train and a Portland Streetcar, TriMet spokesperson Tyler Graf told KOIN 6 News. Both drivers remain on leave following the crash as the investigation is ongoing. The Oregon Department of Rail Safety is aiding in the investigation to help TriMet and Portland Streetcar determine a cause, offer possible solutions and prevent future crashes. This was a significant crash, and we are thankful no one was seriously injured, Graf said. A MAX train and a Street Car collided in NE Portland on Nov. 15, 2023 (PF&R) MAX and Streetcar crash in NE Portland, derailing cars, pinning driver The Portland Streetcar driver was temporarily pinned in the rail car by the crash and was one of two people taken to the hospital with minor injuries. Portland Streetcar spokesperson Andrew Plambeck said that the driver was later released from the hospital. TriMet said there is no official estimate for when the investigation will conclude. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. AUSTIN (KXAN) The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a report Thursday showing that measles cases increased by nearly 20% globally in 2022, following a steady decline in measles vaccination coverage in recent years. Compared to 2021, deaths globally have increased by 43%, according to the CDC. The increase in measles outbreaks and deaths is staggering, but unfortunately, not unexpected given the declining vaccination rates weve seen in the past few years, said John Vertefeuille, director of CDCs Global Immunization Division, in a press release. Measles cases anywhere pose a risk to all countries and communities where people are under-vaccinated. Urgent, targeted efforts are critical to prevent measles disease and deaths. Measles is a highly contagious virus that can be spread when a person sneezes or coughs. The virus is so contagious that if one person becomes infected, around 90% of not immune people around them will also become infected. The virus is preventable through two doses of the measles vaccine. In 2022, there were 33 million children from around the world not completely vaccinated. Dr. Varun Shetty, Chief State Epidemiologist for the Texas Department of State Health Services, said because of the COVID-19 pandemic, people were out of their routines, and vaccination rates dipped. Weve since started to rebound from that, but weve still got a way to go, Shetty said. Weve got a lot of room now to improve, and reports like [CDCs] with messaging are going to play a big role in moving the needle. While measles is highly contagious and, in some cases, deadly, because of vaccination rates in the U.S. and Texas, it tends to be fairly rare. Shetty said there were no reported measles cases in Texas from 2020 to 2022 and only three cases in 2023. Measles is a very rare disease to be reported [and] we want to keep it that way, he said. We want to make sure that people are aware that its possible to get this disease it can lead to really severe outcomes and there are ways to prevent it, Shetty continued. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. OLIVE TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) Kyle Terpstra has resigned from the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners. Chair Joe Moss posted on Facebook that Terpstra had submitted his resignation Thursday, which Moss accepted. I am thankful for Commissioner Terpstras years of service to the people of Ottawa County and wish him and his family the best, Moss wrote. Terpstra said his resignation was the result of careful consideration and due to significant changes in my personal and professional life. It is with a mix of gratitude and reflection that I announce my resignation from the position of Ottawa County Commissioner for District 6, a statement from Terpstra read. While this decision was not made lightly, I believe it is the best course of action given the current circumstances. He thanked his constituents for their support and said being their commissioner had been an honor and privilege. Terpstra represented parts of Georgetown Township. He is a Republican unaffiliated with Moss Ottawa Impact political action committee and could not be counted on to vote with the more conservative group. He had largely been absent from the hearing for Administrative Health Officer Adeline Hambleys removal, which has been dragging on over the course of five days since Oct. 24 and remains in limbo while settlement options are negotiated. Moss said the commission would appoint Terpstras replacement within 30 days. That person would serve out the remainder of Terpstras term, which was set to end Dec. 31, 2024. Commissioner Roger Bergman, who represents the Grand Haven area, will not seek re-election next year, MLive reported Wednesday. Bergman is also a Republican unaffiliated with Ottawa Impact he was the only incumbent to beat one of the PACs candidates last year, MLive said. The paper said Bergman would endorse former Grand Haven City Councilman Josh Brugger as his replacement. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. Tens of thousands of airline passengers are caught up in travel chaos at Doha airport after a severe thunderstorm stopped operations from 10.25pm to midnight on Thursday night. At least 18 inbound flights were diverted overnight to seven different airports including the Saudi capital, Riyadh over 300 miles away. Dozens of outbound departures were severely delayed. From 9.45pm local time on Thursday evening to 5.15am on Friday morning, not a single plane departed punctually: around 120 outbound flights were held up. Qatar Airways links to Edinburgh, Manchester and two flights to London Heathrow were all over two hours late. Doha is second only to Dubai among Gulf airports in terms of passenger numbers. More than 100,000 travellers pass through every day. Most passengers are in transit, with connections as short as 45 minutes. It appears that Qatar Airways may have prioritised earlier delayed passengers, denying boarding to later travellers even if they had a valid boarding pass. Hugh Davison, a passenger travelling inbound from Tokyo via Doha to London Heathrow told The Independent: When we arrived there was chaos at the airport. The backlog is immense. We had boarding passes for the onward flight, but nobody on the incoming flight warned us that we would have to rebook for it. We went to board our flight back to the UK but were turned away at the gate. He then began queuing at the Qatar Airways desk for a later flight, and reported: We have stood in a queue for three hours, and so far four people have received tickets. Mr Davison was initially re-routed via Bahrain to London Heathrow, but it now appears he may be able to get a direct flight. He said: I have lost flights at other airports but never seen anything as bad as this. The Independent has asked Qatar Airways for a response. Thursdays British Airways flight from London Gatwick to Doha operated normally and entered Qatar airspace on schedule at 11.30pm. But the Boeing 777 then circled over Qatar for half-an-hour before diverting to Bahrain. Flight BA2033 later flew on to Qatar, where it touched down over three hours late. By this time many of the passengers had missed connections, adding to the crowds waiting to be reassigned on later flights. Going places? Flightpath of British Airways BA2033 from London Gatwick to Doha, which diverted to Bahrain after a storm prevented it from landing at the Qatar hub (Flightradar24) The inbound BA flight to Gatwick was in turn three hours and 20 minutes late arriving at the Sussex airport. Disruption is likely to continue into the weekend. The storm triggered long delays on departures from UK airports to Doha on Friday, which could result in further missed connections at the Qatar Airways hub. Because Doha is outside the European Union and Qatar Airways is a non-EU carrier, the familiar air passengers rights rules do not apply: there is no automatic right to care, nor compensation if a traveller is turned away from a flight they are booked on. A gun possession charge against a New York City council member will be dropped because there is no proof the gun could fire, Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalezs office said Friday. Peaceful protest is the right of every American, but bringing a gun to a protest is illegal and creates an unacceptable risk of harm that has no place in our city, a spokesperson for Gonzalezs office said in an emailed statement. Inna Vernikov, a Republican, was arrested in October after carrying a gun while counter-protesting at a pro-Palestine peace rally in Brooklyn. Police charged her with criminal possession of a firearm because newly passed state gun laws specify that it is illegal to carry a gun at a protest, according to reporting by Politico. Best Black Friday Deals Vernikov was contacted by police after she was filmed with the firearm and she turned herself in. According to the New York Police Department, the council member was arrested and charged, and both her firearm and her permit license were surrendered. Gonzalezs office said he wouldnt be able to prove the charge in the case and thus it would be null. The firearm recovered by the NYPD in this case was unloaded and missing the recoil spring assembly, rendering it inoperable, according to the NYPDs lab report, the spokesperson said. In order to sustain this charge, it must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt that the weapon in question was capable of firing bullets. Absent such proof, we have no choice but to dismiss these charges, he said. Vernikov, a conservative Republican who is Jewish, livestreamed her experience counter-protesting the pro-Palestine protest at Brooklyn College on Oct. 12, just days after the Palestinian militant group entered Israel in a surprise attack and Israel began its retaliatory strikes. The Hill has reached out to Vernikov for comment. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A 17-year-old boy has pleaded not guilty to the murder of a teenager in a West Sussex village. Charlie Cosser, 17, died in hospital after being stabbed at an address in Warnham near Horsham, West Sussex, in the early hours of 23 July. The 17-year-old, who cannot be named, also pleaded not guilty to a charge of possessing a bladed article when he appeared at Lewes Crown Court earlier. He is due to stand trial at the same court on 13 May 2024. Charlie, from Milford in Surrey, was previously described by his family as "the most caring, cheeky, loving son and brother we could have ever wished for". Follow BBC South East on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk. Syrall Thomas, wife or Norman Thomas, speaks Friday at a news conference about the arrest of two men charged with murder in connection with her husband's death. Norman Thomas was working as security when he was shot during a robbery of a jewelry store at River Oaks Center Nov. 16, 2022. (Vincent D. Johnson/Chicago Tribune) The wife of the U.S. Army veteran slain a year ago while he worked as a security guard at a River Oaks Center in Calumet City said Friday the arrest and charges against two men are a step in the right direction, a ray of hope for her shattered family. Frank Adkins and Maxx Walker, both 38, were arrested Monday in connection with the Nov. 16, 2022, shooting death of Norman Thomas, Calumet City police said. Both are being held in the Cook County Jail on first-degree murder charges. Advertisement We just want justice to be served, Syrall Thomas said Friday outside the Calumet City police station. That is what our family deserves. Her husband served nine years in the Army, following the military service path of his father and grandfather, and had served in Operation Desert Storm. Advertisement Thursday was the anniversary of her husbands death, and Thomas said she went to his graveside at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in far southwest suburban Elwood. I told him justice will prevail, she said. Norman Thomas (Family photo) Police and prosecutors say three men entered the mall, at the southeast corner of 159th Street and Torrence Avenue, wearing masks and brandishing firearms, as the 57-year-old Blue Island man was working security at Flawless Diamonds. Thomas attempted to stop the trio from entering the store by raising his firearm, but was shot multiple times, according to a prosecution filing presented at the initial court appearance for Adkins and Walker. Calumet City police Chief Kevin Kolosh called Thomas killing a senseless and vicious act of violence, and said the arrests dont end the investigation. Were not done here, Kolosh said. Theres more work that needs to be done. Walker and a woman with whom he has a child were taken into custody the day after the shooting by police, according to the prosecutions filing. They were both later released, police said Friday. Calumet City police Chief Kevin Kolosh, left, speaks at a news conference Nov. 17, 2023, about the arrest and charges of two men in the shooting death of security guard Norman Thomas. (Vincent D. Johnson/Chicago Tribune) Syrall Thomas said the family has been buoyed by its faith. Advertisement We know that theres a higher power and this is all going to work out in the end for the better, she said. She said the last 12 months have been very difficult. Daily Southtown Twice-weekly News updates from the south suburbs delivered every Monday and Wednesday By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy > Its a very hurtful feeling that you dont have your spouse with you anymore, she said. Thomas said both she and her husband each worked two jobs, and her husband loved his family to death. Erykah Thomas, the youngest of Thomas two daughters, said her fathers death has been a mind-numbing experience, and that her father not only loved his family but was very loved by anybody that encountered him. She said her father often remarked about how he was impressed by her resiliency, but Thomas said that this is a hard one to bounce back from. Advertisement She said she did not want her fathers death to define who he was. He is more than just a news story, she told reporters. He was a person, he was my father. mnolan@tribpub.com A local charter school employee is off the job and under arrest, accused of having an inappropriate relationship with a student. Channel 2s Audrey Washington went to Drew Charter School in Southeast Atlanta on Friday where the principal confirmed the arrest. The news has sent shockwaves throughout the school community. Many parents Washington spoke with said they are disgusted to hear about a staff member allegedly having an inappropriate relationship with a student. I just think its disgusting, said father Mario Mosely. Its not appropriate and they need to do something about that. TRENDING STORIES: Friday the head of the school, Peter McKnight, sent Washington a lengthy statement about the incident, which read, in part: We are deeply disturbed by the recent allegations of an inappropriate relationship involving a former staff member at Drew Charter School. Upon learning of the allegations, we notified the appropriate authorities and fully cooperated with their investigation. We want to reassure our community that we hold our staff to the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, and the duty of care for our students. We are committed to providing all students with a safe and supportive learning environment. McKnight said he was unable to go into any further details about the staff member as to not compromise the investigation. But Mosely said as a father, he wants to know more. Have more female counselors to walk around and ask these kids, Is everything OK? Moseley said. McKnight is asking for anyone with more information in this case to come forward and help with the investigation. IN OTHER NEWS: File - Sam Altman participates in a discussion during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit, Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023, in San Francisco. The board of ChatGPT-maker Open AI says it has pushed out Altman, its co-founder and CEO, and replaced him with an interim CEO(AP Photo/Eric Risberg, File) ChatGPT-maker Open AI said Friday it has pushed out its co-founder and CEO Sam Altman after a review found he was not consistently candid in his communications with the board of directors. The board no longer has confidence in his ability to continue leading OpenAI, the artificial intelligence company said in a statement. In the year since Altman catapulted ChatGPT to global fame, he has become Silicon Valleys sought-after voice on the promise and potential dangers of artificial intelligence and his sudden and mostly unexplained exit brought uncertainty to the industrys future. Mira Murati, OpenAIs chief technology officer, will take over as interim CEO effective immediately, the company said, while it searches for a permanent replacement. The announcement also said another OpenAI co-founder and top executive, Greg Brockman, the boards chairman, would step down from that role but remain at the company, where he serves as president. But later on X, formerly Twitter, Brockman posted a message he sent to OpenAI employees in which he wrote, based on todays news, i quit. In another X post on Friday night, Brockman said Altman was asked to join a video meeting at noon Friday with the companys board members, minus Brockman, during which OpenAI co-founder and Chief Scientist Ilya Sutskever informed Altman he was being fired. Sam and I are shocked and saddened by what the board did today, Brockman wrote, adding that he was informed of his removal from the board in a separate call with Sutskever a short time later. OpenAI declined to answer questions on what Altman's alleged lack of candor was about. The statement said his behavior was hindering the board's ability to exercise its responsibilities. Altman posted Friday on X: i loved my time at openai. it was transformative for me personally, and hopefully the world a little bit. most of all i loved working with such talented people. will have more to say about whats next later. In another post on X early Saturday morning, he called what happened a "weird experience" and thanked his followers for the outpouring of love. it has been sorta like reading your own eulogy while youre still alive, Altman wrote. The Associated Press and OpenAI have a licensing and technology agreement allowing OpenAI access to part of the APs text archives. Altman helped start OpenAI as a nonprofit research laboratory in 2015. But it was ChatGPTs explosion into public consciousness that thrust Altman into the spotlight as a face of generative AI technology that can produce novel imagery, passages of text and other media. On a world tour this year, he was mobbed by a crowd of adoring fans at an event in London. He's sat with multiple heads of state to discuss AI's potential and perils. Just Thursday, he took part in a CEO summit at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation conference in San Francisco, where OpenAI is based. He predicted AI will prove to be the greatest leap forward of any of the big technological revolutions weve had so far. He also acknowledged the need for guardrails, calling attention to the existential dangers future AI could pose. Some computer scientists have criticized that focus on far-off risks as distracting from the real-world limitations and harms of current AI products. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission has launched an investigation into whether OpenAI violated consumer protection laws by scraping public data and publishing false information through its chatbot. The company said its board consists of OpenAI's chief scientist, Ilya Sutskever, and three nonemployees: Quora CEO Adam DAngelo, tech entrepreneur Tasha McCauley and Helen Toner of the Georgetown Center for Security and Emerging Technology. OpenAIs key business partner, Microsoft, which has invested billions of dollars into the startup and helped provide the computing power to run its AI systems, said that the transition wont affect its relationship. We have a long-term partnership with OpenAI and Microsoft remains committed to Mira and their team as we bring this next era of AI to our customers, said an emailed Microsoft statement. While not trained as an AI engineer, Altman, now 38, has been seen as a Silicon Valley wunderkind since his early 20s. He was recruited in 2014 to take lead of the startup incubator YCombinator. OpenAI started out as a nonprofit when it launched with financial backing from Tesla CEO Elon Musk and others. Its stated aims were to advance digital intelligence in the way that is most likely to benefit humanity as a whole, unconstrained by a need to generate financial return. That changed in 2018 when it incorporated a for-profit business Open AI LP, and shifted nearly all its staff into the business, not long after releasing its first generation of the GPT large language model for mimicking human writing. Around the same time, Musk, who had co-chaired its board with Altman, resigned from the board in a move that OpenAI said would eliminate a potential future conflict for Elon due to Teslas work on building self-driving systems. While OpenAI's board has preserved its nonprofit governance structure, the startup it oversees has increasingly sought to capitalize on its technology by tailoring its popular chatbot to business customers. At its first developer conference last week, Altman was the main speaker showcasing a vision for a future of AI agents that could help people with a variety of tasks. Days later, he announced the company would have to pause new subscriptions to its premium version of ChatGPT because it had exceeded capacity. Altmans exit is indeed shocking as he has been the face of generative AI technology, said Gartner analyst Arun Chandrasekaran. He said OpenAI still has a deep bench of technical leaders but its next executives will have to steer it through the challenges of scaling the business and meeting the expectations of regulators and society. Wedbush analyst Dan Ives said he sees Altmans firing as a black eye for OpenAI and one thats likely to have ripple effects across Silicon Valley and Wall Street. He also speculated Altmans exit might complicate things for Microsoft. Altman goes from a friend to potentially a foe, Ives said. Altman has a number of possible next steps. Even while running OpenAI, he placed large bets on several other ambitious projects. Among them are Helion Energy, for developing fusion reactors that could produce prodigious amounts of energy from the hydrogen in seawater, and Retro Biosciences, which aims to add 10 years to the human lifespan using biotechnology. Altman also co-founded Worldcoin, a biometric and cryptocurrency project that's been scanning people's eyeballs with the goal of creating a vast digital identity and financial network. ___ Associated Press business writers Haleluya Hadero in New York, Kelvin Chan in London and Michael Liedtke and David Hamilton in San Francisco contributed to this report. A Chicago commuter train collided with rail equipment Thursday morning, injuring at least 38 people, three of them critically, fire officials said. The Chicago Fire Department said a Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) train crashed into snow-removal equipment at approximately 10:35 a.m. near the Howard CTA station. The Yellow Line train was carrying 31 commuters, including four children, when it collided with the rail equipment. "We get on the scene we had 31 civilians and seven CTA personnel involved in the incident. We changed out all the tracks, made sure the power was off, evacuated all the civilians to EMS," Robert Jurewicz, the Chicago Fire Department's second district chief said. 100TH FATALITY REPORTED IN MAUI WILDFIRE A CTA Yellow Line Train struck rail equipment leaving at least 23 people injured. Authorities said 23 people were taken to area hospitals and three of those injured were in critical condition, although no one suffered life-threatening injuries, said Keith Gray, assistant deputy chief paramedic. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP The victim's ages ranged between 2-years-old and 75-years-old. The trains operator was among the most seriously hurt, the Chicago Sun-Times reported. Alderwoman Maria Hadden said the conductor may have experienced a medical emergency just prior to the crash, but police and fire officials have not confirmed that. Images from the aftermath of the collision showed emergency responders hard at work assessing passengers and beginning to bandage those who were injured. Keith Gray, assistant deputy chief paramedic, said that EMS had trouble assessing the injured passengers due to the steep terrain. $24.5B NEEDED FOR BOSTON TRANSIT REPAIRS, MBTA SAYS "Had a little trouble getting down to the train due to the terrain and the downhill. When I arrived on the scene, we had the fire companies and the EMS companies in the train engines triaging and beginning to move the patients from the train," Gray said. At least 15 ambulances were dispatched to the scene. Gray said 15 people refused medical attention at the scene. Shayla Smith, who was headed to work in Wilmette, had just boarded a Purple Line train at Howard when she heard the collision. She said passengers on her train began screaming, and she saw an elderly woman nearly fall out of her seat. US SEES SURGE IN 'CLOSE CALLS' WITH PLANES AT AIRPORTS, RAISING AVIATION SAFETY CONCERNS "I just heard like a horrible boom sound," Smith told the Sun-Times. "It was like a weird boom sound. It felt like were gonna tip over, and I was wondering what is going on? My body shivered." Gov. J.B. Pritzker posted on X following the collision, thanking first responders. "My administration is closely monitoring the train derailment on the North Side and will direct any available resources needed. Thank you to the CFD firefighters and first responders on the scene," Pritzker said. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson released a statement, saying that they are closing monitoring the situation. "Just before 10:45 a.m., a two-car Skokie Swift train traveling southbound encountered a CTA snow removal vehicle traveling in the same direction. They subsequently collided, resulting in 38 injuries, 23 of which were transported to the hospital. Three patients were transported in serious condition with non-life-threatening injuries. Our thoughts are with all affected, and we are grateful for our brave first responders on the scene. We are working closely with emergency services as we continue to monitor this incident." CTA officials said the cause of the crash remains under investigation. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Original article source: Chicago commuter train collides into snow removal equipment, 38 injured, 3 critically The Chicago Police Board on Thursday voted unanimously to fire an officer who they found pulled a young woman from a car by her hair and knelt on her neck in the parking lot of the Brickyard Mall on the Northwest Side during the unrest of summer 2020. The board found that Officer David Laskus violated several CPD rules most notably using excessive force and lying to investigators during and after the tense situation that unfolded on May 26, 2020 at the shopping center near Diversey and Narragansett. Mia Wright, now 29, and members of her family previously said they arrived at the Brickyard Mall in late May 2020 to discover it closed because of civil unrest that occurred across the city in the aftermath of George Floyds murder by a Minnesota police officer. After they arrived, CPD officers suddenly surrounded the car, broke the windows and pulled Wright out of the vehicle by her hair, she said. While Wright was prone on the ground, an officer placed his knee on her neck, she said. She was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct, though the charge was later dropped. Despite video evidence to the contrary, the board noted that Laskus denied he pulled Wright by her hair when he spoke to investigators with the Civilian Office of Police Accountability. He did not face criminal charges. Respondents actions toward Ms. Wright and the other occupants of the vehicle demonstrated a lack of the judgment that is required of officers and were serious violations of the Fourth Amendment and of CPD policy, the board wrote in its decision. Respondent compounded his misconduct by intentionally making material false statements to COPA during its investigation of this incident, the decision continued. Respondents dishonesty relates directly to his public duties as a police officer and render him unfit to hold that office. Laskus joined the CPD in 2006. Since then hes received 95 departmental awards, including seven commendations, one Unit Meritorious Performance Award and one Superintendents Honorable Mention. He was one of at least eight officers to face discipline in connection with the Brickyard Mall arrest. Laskus may now appeal his firing in Cook County Circuit Court. In 2022, the City Council voted 34-13 in favor of a $1.7 million settlement divided between Wright and other occupants of the car. Among those to vote against the settlement were Aldermen Raymond Lopez, Nick Sposato, Silvana Tabares, Brian Hopkins, Anthony Napolitano, Brendan Reilly, Anthony Beale, Marty Quinn and James Gardiner. In August, the Fraternal Order of Police filed a motion with the Police Board to transfer 22 pending disciplinary cases from the boards docket and have them decided instead by a third-party arbitrator. Laskus case was among those that the union hoped to transfer. The board later denied the FOPs motion. The unions effort stemmed from an arbitration award issued over the summer that would allow CPD officers accused of serious misconduct to have their disciplinary cases handled by a third-party instead of the police board. Mayor Brandon Johnson has said the City Council will take two votes on the proposed FOP contract one for the economic package, which includes a nearly 20% raise over four years, and another for the disciplinary elements. MEMPHIS, Tenn. Memphis Police are investigating after a child arrived at a North Memphis fire station with a gunshot wound. Memphis Police say a 9-year-old girl who had been shot arrived at Fire Station #19 on Chelsea Avenue at around 7 p.m. Thursday. Police say the child was taken to Le Bonheur in critical condition. Shots fired in Topgolf parking lot According to Memphis Police, the shooting happened on Hollywood Street just south of I-40. The victims mother was driving a red Infiniti when a white Infiniti with multiple suspects inside pulled up beside them. A male in a ski mask stood up out of the sunroof and fired several shots at them. Memphis Police say the suspects fled the scene in the white Infiniti heading northbound on Hollywood Street. They have not been caught. Veronica Cleaves, a mother of three who lives near where the shooting happened, said the sutuation breaks her heart. I look at it like, theres a whole generation being lost out here, she said. And its sad because you cant go anywhere in Memphis, now, to really have a good time, you cant take your kids anywhere and just feel like okay your safe. Le Bonheur told us back in October that 147 children had been treated for gunshot wounds so far this year. Last year, the entire years total was 150 children shot. Cleaves believes the only way to lower that number is for everyone to pitch in. I think its time for the community to actually come together and for the parents to start stepping up and doing more because the police cant do it on their own and thats just the bottom line, she said. If you have any information about this incident, call CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. Jasmine Johnson thought she was planning ahead when she rang her local nursery at 20 weeks pregnant to arrange a place for her baby - only to be told it was full until September 2025. Her baby will be almost two years old before a place becomes available - and Jasmine will miss out on the first year's worth of funded childcare for which she is eligible. Experts are warning nurseries and childminder places are becoming even harder to find for parents because of the plan to expand government-funded childcare hours for working parents in England over the next two years. BBC News analysis estimates demand is likely to rise by about 15% - equivalent to more than 100,000 additional children in full-time care. Jasmine, a primary-school teacher from a village with just one nursery, hoped to return to work in September 2024 but says she now has "no other choice" but to ask her parents for help and apply for reduced hours at work. If her application for flexible working is refused, she will have to resign from her job. "When the announcement [of the increase in funded hours] happened, I thought, 'This is brilliant timing for me and will help me get back to work,'" Jasmine says. But the situation now is making her "anxious even thinking about it". Parents of three- and four-year-olds are currently entitled to 30 hours per week of funded childcare for 38 weeks of the year (during school term time). By September 2025, that offer, sometimes known as "free" hours, will be extended to all pre-school children aged nine months to two years. The Department for Education (DfE) says childminders and nurseries have "time to prepare", because the increase in funded hours is being rolled out in stages. Thousands of parents are anxiously awaiting the expansion of funded hours, so they can increase the hours they work, according to Pregnant Then Screwed founder Joeli Brearley. But she now fears what had seemed like a positive development for parents will result in "incredibly long waiting lists and even more uncertainty". How much will demand increase? A 15% increase in childcare usage in England works out at more than four million hours a week, BBC News analysis estimates, the equivalent of more than 100,000 extra children in childcare for 40 hours a week. And this is before any parents not currently working find a job - one of the main reasons the government is taking on the cost of funding childcare. Gillian Paull, from Frontier Economics, says the increase is likely to be "challenging", as providers face financial strains and difficulty recruiting staff, "but not infeasible". "Even if there is unmet demand for places, many working parents will see substantial financial benefits from lower childcare costs," she says. "And if the expansion encourages more mothers with young children to work, it would be another small step towards greater gender equality." Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland also offer some government-funded hours to working parents but different schemes are available in each nation. At Eagley School House Nurseries, in Bolton, many parents who will be eligible for the additional funded hours are already putting requests in for extra days. But with a waiting list until March 2025, the nursery is having to say no to anyone asking for additional hours - even its own staff. Sophie Eckersley, 31, who works at the nursery part-time and is taking her final university exams this year, was hoping to increase her two-year-old daughter's hours in April. Having some government-funded childcare will help a lot "especially moneywise", Sophie says, but her boss, nursery owner Julie Robinson, is finding it challenging trying to fulfil parents' requests for extra hours. "We just don't have the places," Julie says. Neil Leitch, from the Early Years Alliance, says the BBC News analysis shows the expansion is set to be "wholly undeliverable in practice". Some providers will have to limit the funded places they are able to offer and others will "opt out" completely, unless there is "adequate support, and crucially, increased funding". For the sector to expand, it also needs to overcome its biggest challenge - staffing. There were 9,800 fewer people working in childcare in 2022 than in 2019, with the number of childminders down by more than a fifth. Nursery provider Busy Bees, which looks after 40,000 children, is already training 1,300 apprentices but will need more. "We need to recruit an additional 1,500 people to meet that demand in two years' time," European Chief Executive Chris McCandless says. He welcomes the investment the government is putting forward to help parents but says it "needs to cover the cost of childcare". And parents should put their names down fast, as places "will be hard to come by in the future". Earlier this year, the charity Coram found a drop in childcare availability across England, with only half of local areas having enough available spaces for children under the age of two. Councils are in charge of monitoring whether there is enough childcare provision across their borough, as well as distributing the funding to nurseries and childminders on behalf of the government. Louise Gittins, who chairs the Local Government Association's (LGA) Children and Young People Board, says provision is already insufficient , particularly "in deprived areas and in rural areas", and is concerned "there is a relatively short amount of time" to get everything ready before the rollout. "We can't control new providers coming into areas that already have sufficient provision," she says. "And then other areas not having enough provision will create a system of inequality - and parents will be disappointed." Some fear it could also put extra pressure on parents of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) finding suitable places, which is already difficult. "Historically, each time such a change has been made, it has led to a decrease in provision for children with SEND," Dingley's Promise chief executive Catherine McLeod says. A DfE official said the department was delivering "the single biggest investment in childcare in England's history... backed by 8bn a year once fully rolled out". The government said it was "already investing hundreds of millions of pounds to increase hourly funding rates" and would allocate 100m in capital funding for more early-years and wraparound places and spaces, with a nationwide recruitment campaign "in the new year". About the data BBC News used data from the government's Family Resources Survey to work out eligibility based on the age of the children and whether their parents were already working and earning the equivalent of at least 16 hours a week at the national minimum wage. Then, we used the government's own estimates of take-up to estimate how many more hours a week parents were likely to use once funded childcare expanded. By using the survey data, we were able to estimate usage on a child-by-child basis. We calculated the increase based on hours used, rather than the number of places, because different families will use a different amount of childcare. FILE PHOTO: "Senior Chinese Leader Event" on the sidelines of the APEC summit, in San Francisco By Joe Cash BEIJING (Reuters) -China's commerce minister expressed concern over U.S. curbs on semiconductor exports to China, as well as sanctions on Chinese firms and tariffs on Chinese imports, when he met U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo on Thursday, his ministry said Friday. Wang Wentao told Raimondo in San Francisco: "it is very important the two sides discuss the boundary between national security concerns and trade and economic cooperation," a statement read. The world's two biggest economies used to be each other's largest trading partners, and while both governments publicly oppose decoupling, China is now trading more with Southeast Asia and the U.S. with neighbouring Canada and Mexico. "Wang Wentao expressed concern about the final rules of the U.S. semiconductor export controls against China, sanctions against Chinese companies, two-way investment restrictions, and Section 301 tariffs," according to China's commerce ministry. U.S. President Joe Biden has retained additional tariffs placed on a plethora of Chinese exports under the previous Trump administration and added new restrictions prohibiting the export of advanced semiconductors and the equipment to make them, citing security concerns. Two-way trade hit a record $690 billion last year, as U.S. demand for Chinese consumer goods rose and Beijing's demand for U.S. farm products and energy grew. This year is off to a significantly slower pace, however, with two-way trade flows through September down $104 billion, or 19%, from the first nine months of 2022, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Wang and Raimondo also agreed to hold the first meeting of a commerce working group at the vice minister level in the first quarter of 2024, China's commerce ministry said. (Reporting by Joe Cash; Editing by Christopher Cushing and Mark Potter) Correction: A previous version of this story misidentified the ship type of Chinas Linyi, which is a frigate. ISLAMABAD China and Pakistan on Friday wrapped up their largest bilateral naval exercise to date, marking the first time Pakistan hosted such an advanced Chinese destroyer for training. The Sea Guardians event is the latest in series of joint maritime exercises that began in 2014, but this is the third time it took on that title. The drills take place annually, and the two countries alternate as hosts. The sea phase this month off Pakistans port city of Karachi. The exercise, which ran Nov. 11-17, aimed to demonstrate China and Pakistans common aim to safeguard their shared economic corridor a key part of Beijings Belt and Road Initiative according to Senior Capt. Qi Jian of the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army Navy, who spoke during a media briefing before the drills. Officials at the briefing also noted the exercise would help strengthen Sino-Pakistan relations and explore new avenues for naval cooperation. Drill participants The Chinese contingent included the Type 052DL destroyer Zibo, the latest version of the design that reportedly features anti-stealth capabilities, and a Song-class submarine. This is the first time Pakistan hosted such an advanced Chinese destroyer for an exercise. Other Chinese submarines have visited Pakistan. In 2015, a Type 039A/Type 041 Yuan diesel-electric sub docked in Karachi, followed by a Type 093 Shang nuclear-powered attack boat in 2017. The rest of the Chinese fleet attending this months exercise included the two Type 054A frigates Jingzhou and Linyi, the submarine support ship and replenishment vessel Qiandaohua, helicopters, and a marine detachment. One element of the exercise began Nov. 14 with Chinese vessels and the Pakistani Type 054A/P frigate Shahjahan sailing out of Karachi. The Chinese frigate Linyi and the Pakistani F-22P frigate Saif appear to have undertaken separate joint maritime drills. Other elements of the Pakistan Navy participating in the exercise included Azmat-class missile boats and aircraft. The head of the Pakistan Navys media branch, Commodore Syed Rizwan Khalid, said no Pakistani submarine attended, noting that for the safety of participating units, normally only one submarine participates in an exercise. Command of the flotilla rotated to each ship, with onboard observers monitoring the organization and implementation of the drills. Khalid told Defense News the drills simulated [a] multi-threat environment. The training for visit, board, search and seizure missions; air defense; anti-surface warfare; joint anti-submarine warfare; countermine operations; and special operations helped further enhance maritime cooperation and defense relations through mutual exchange of maritime experience and interoperability between the two navies. Both navies have been regularly participating in this series of exercises, and interoperability between both the navies has significantly matured to undertake full-spectrum maritime operations together in the Arabian Sea, he added. The India factor Frank ODonnell, a South Asia expert with the Stimson Center think tank, said this months Sea Guardians event reemphasized Chinese commitment to modernizing Pakistans Navy and expanding its presence in the Indian Ocean. Indias Navy, he told Defense News, was reportedly tracking all the Chinese ships involved in the exercise, but it will be especially concerned by the Chinese selection of a Type 052 guided-missile destroyer and Type 039 diesel-electric attack submarine to participate. While India and Pakistan are rivals, they both have friendly relations with China. However, India and China have clashed in recent years over a border dispute. These ship classes are often key elements of [anti-access/area denial] strategies, which has long been Pakistans naval approach towards India. China-Pakistan operations involving these vessels will strengthen Pakistans capabilities toward expanding its A2/AD envelope against India, ODonnell said. While the Song-class boat may not be Chinas most advanced submarine, ODonnell said its presence likely concerned India, as did the value it provided to Pakistan. In particular the Type 039 as a predecessor class to the eight Type 041s, which Pakistan is acquiring from China, and which will likely be tasked with dual nuclear and conventional strike missions will give Pakistan additional experience of effectively operating with a submarine very similar to the ones it is inducting, he said. (Bloomberg) -- Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is set to make a fresh attempt to shore up fraught ties with China, a day after ally Joe Biden struck a warmer note at his own summit with President Xi Jinping. Most Read from Bloomberg Kishida and Xi will hold their first one-on-one summit in a year Thursday on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in San Francisco, the Yomiuri newspaper reported. The meeting would follow months of bickering between the neighbors over everything from semiconductors to nuclear waste and the fate of Japanese citizens detained in China. No official announcement of a summit has been made yet. We will maintain constructive and stable ties through efforts from both sides, Kishida told reporters in Tokyo before departing for the US, without confirming the meeting would go ahead. While China is Japans largest trading partner, Tokyo last year dubbed its neighbor an unprecedented security challenge and is planning its biggest military buildup since World War II which has riled Beijing. READ: Biden, Xi Strike Deals on Fentanyl, Military Communications Kishida and Xi asserted their desire to improve relations at their first summit, held in Nov. 2022 in Bangkok at last years APEC meeting. Since then, Japan has faced Chinese recriminations for following the lead of its ally the US in strengthening the regulation of chip-related exports to China. Japan and China agreed Wednesday to set up a dialog on export controls, in a bid to avert an escalation of sanctions, the Yomiuri said. The Asian neighbors later clashed over Japans ocean discharge of wastewater from the wrecked Fukushima nuclear plant. Beijing responded to the disposal which the International Atomic Energy Agency has said is safe by slapping a ban on imports of Japanese seafood, hurting local fishing communities. Kishidas schedule in the US is set to include an appearance at an event promoting Japanese seafood. The friction has hurt sales in China for Japanese companies including cosmetics-maker Shiseido Co., which slashed its profit forecast last week. It has also been a factor in turning the Japanese public their most negative on China since 2014, according to a poll published last month. For its part, Tokyo has protested Beijings treatment of Japanese citizens arrested on allegations of espionage, calling for the individuals to be returned and legal processes made transparent. China has defended its moves as part of the protection of its national security. One man in his 50s had a 12-year sentence confirmed this month, while an employee of drugmaker Astellas Pharma Inc, also in his 50s, was indicted in October after being detained earlier in the year. Details of the allegations havent been made public. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Chinese President Xi Jinping and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida reaffirmed a strategic relationship between Beijing and Tokyo on Thursday, marking the first time in a year the two leaders have met face-to-face. Asias two largest economies should focus on common interests and reaffirm a strategic relationship of mutual benefit and give it new meaning, Xi told Kishida. They discussed initiatives aimed at fixing increasingly sour relations between the two countries that have developed in recent months, particularly after Chinese missiles appeared to land in Japans exclusive economic zone in the East China Sea and the jailing of a Japanese businessman arrested for alleged spying in China. The meeting between Xi and Kishida is a half-step forward, but it will not resolve all tensions, Japanese financial newspaper The Nikkeis editorial team writes. The team opines that the most consequential issue is Chinas expansion across the East China Sea, which compromises Japans national security, particularly as cross-strait tensions with Taiwan worsen. Japan must therefore focus on confidence-building at the leadership level so that Chinese leaders can trust Japan to promote greater economic ties, which in turn could incentivize China to respect maritime borders. Failing to do so will mean that any future dialogue between Beijing and Tokyo will be nothing more than wishful thinking. The leaders only agreed on vague promises over Japanese seafood imports to China, a key issue for Kishida who says that Chinas ban on Japanese seafood is considerably disrupting fishing markets. Beijing imposed the ban shortly after Japan said it would begin slowly releasing treated radioactive water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant disaster. Kishida wanted Xi to immediately lift the ban, but the two instead agreed to further meetings and dialogue that would include establishing a scientific panel. Despite neutral third-party experts emphasizing that the water would not negatively impact human health, Chinese state media has been pushing misinformation negating these claims, while also refusing Japans offer to monitor the area for radioactivity levels. Japan vigorously attempts to portray itself as a victim rather than a perpetrator, read one August article in Chinese state tabloid Global Times, as Japanese fishermen protested Chinas ban. Unlike U.S-China relations, there is less dialogue between politicians when it comes to China-Japan relations, one Japanese academic told the Diplomat. Thats largely because of Kishidas pro-China reputation in Japan, which ironically has restricted his administration from being proactive with China because of the intense public backlash Kishida faces when he attempts to be friendlier with Beijing, the academic argues. As such, Kishida now appears to be taking cues from U.S. President Joe Bidens cautious approach to improving ties with Xi. With Biden having made the first move with Xi at APEC, Kishida can seek to match it by improving dialogue and communication mechanisms with China, the professor said. Gary Marquette Park United Methodist Church: 215 N. Grand Blvd. All are welcome to worship at 11:15 a.m. on Sundays at Marquette Park United Methodist Church. There will be refreshments to follow in the Fellowship Hall. New Mount Moriah Baptist Church: 1917 Carolina Street The New Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Churchs celebration of the 50th Pastoral Anniversary of the Rev. Dr. W. N. Reed will conclude at 4 p.m. Nov. 19 with special guest Pastor Herman A. Polk from New Hope Baptist Church of Hammond. For more information call 219-886-2555. Advertisement St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church: 6060 Miller Ave. A Miller community interfaith Thanksgiving worship service will be held on Tuesday, beginning with a brief organ recital at 6:45 p.m., followed by the 7 p.m. service at St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church. The worship service is an annual gathering of congregations including St. Mary of the Lake, Bethel Lutheran Church, Temple Israel, St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, Marquette Methodist Church, and the Unitarian Church of Northwest Indiana. Highland Faith Church: 8910 Grace St. The second annual Family Feud Potluck with Faith Church Highland will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Nov. 19. The event is for students from 6th to 12th grade and their parents. Attendees should bring a main dish, side dish, dessert or drink and arrive ready to play Family Feud. To register, visit https://wearefaith.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/2184/responses/new. Advertisement Lowell Faith Bible Church: 15327 Cline Ave. There will be a Thanksgiving concert at Faith Bible Church in Lowell from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 19. The concert will focus on music to uplift the soul and hymns with a message of thanks. General admission is $20 and tickets can be purchased online: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/lakesideartistsguild/1038011. Schererville Round the Clock: 909 W. Lincoln Hwy. Men of all ages and backgrounds are invited to a mens breakfast and bible study from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Nov. 20 at Round the Clock Schererville with Immanuel Presbyterian Church. All questions and discussions are welcome. For more information call 219-865-2686. To submit an item for church briefs, email cnance@post-trib.com. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the APEC summit in San Francisco on November 16, 2023 (JOSH EDELSON) Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Friday he had invited China's Premier Li Qiang to visit, as a long-stormy relationship improves. Albanese, who visited Beijing in early November, saw Chinese leader Xi Jinping for the second time this month at a Pacific Rim summit in San Francisco. "It was positive. We spoke (about) Premier Li coming to Australia next year now that the latest meetings have been resumed," Albanese told reporters at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum. Albanese said he also asked Xi to remove remaining trade restrictions on Australian products. China is Australia's biggest trading partner but relations plummeted in 2020 when Beijing exerted major economic pressure -- in what was seen as the rising Asian power sending a warning to other Western nations. Australia's then conservative government, in line with US stances, had barred Chinese tech giant Huawei from 5G contracts and called for an inquiry into the origins of Covid-19, which was first detected in China. China responded by imposing punitive tariffs on a variety of Australian commodities including coal, barley and wine. China has reversed course and removed most restrictions since Albanese, of the Labor Party, took office in May last year. Xi, welcoming Albanese in Beijing, said the two countries could become "trusting partners" on a range of issues. Xi also met on the sidelines of APEC with other leaders with whom he has deep differences, including US President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. Some observers see Xi as trying to show a softer side as he seeks to focus on the strong economic headwinds in China. sct/hg/tjj Republican presidential candidate Chris Christie clashed with Newsmax host Eric Bolling on Thursday over former President Trump and the 2024 presidential race. Christie, the former New Jersey governor, has been one of Trumps most vocal critics in the GOP race. Bolling pressed him on this strategy, and whether Christies low polling might make him reconsider attacking Trump. No, its not time to change the strategy. The guy whos 20 points ahead is the guy you have to beat to be the nominee, Eric, Christie told Bolling. And thats why I think the Haley and DeSantis strategy is so ineffective, and why Ron DeSantis is now in single digits in New Hampshire, because hes not making the case against the one person you need to beat if you want to be the Republican nominee for president, Christie said. Best Black Friday Deals The former governor proceeded to attack Trump for the dozens of charges he is facing in multiple states, arguing Trump cant beat President Biden from, you know, a courtroom in Washington, D.C., when hes being tried for crimes. Christie and Bolling began to clash after Christie stated that its not some woke prosecutor or a crazy Democrat that is going against Trump in court, pointing to the cooperation of Trumps former chief of staff Mark Meadows. Mark Meadows, you would call him a hero weeks ago, Christie said. Come on. Dont interrupt me when I start to say things that make people uncomfortable, Christie said as the host tried to interject. Im not a numbers guy, by the way, Eric. Im a character guy, Christie continued. And I think we deserve better as the Republican Party and as the United States than a guy who is going to be convicted of felonies this April to be our nominee. Bolling pushed back on Christies assertion that Trump will be convicted, claiming if it happened it would be by a bunch of liberal Democrats who fear him. No, Im not gonna put up with you saying that, Christie hit back. Hes going to be convicted by Mark Meadows. Christie has repeatedly said that he believes Trump will be a convicted felon and has attacked other GOP candidates for their continued willingness to support the former president, who has been indicted in four separate criminal cases, comprising a total of 91 felony counts. When Mark Meadows gets on that stand, everything Ive been saying about Donald Trump that youve been making fun of me about for months, is gonna wind up being true, Christie said. The truth is coming, baby. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Ciara has partnered with Black Girls Code, a non-profit organization that teaches computer science to Black girls and nonconforming youth, for the Build a Beat Challenge with Ciara contest to create opportunities for STEAM education in underrepresented communities. According to a news release, Infosys Foundation USA will sponsor the nationwide contest, allowing students ages 13-18 to create songs with a chance to meet Ciara via video call and win $10,000 worth of tech prizes. The 38-year-old talked about her partnership with Black Girls Code and hopes the initiative will inspire young Black students to develop interests in music and technology. I am proud to be supporting this initiative and empowering young people to take their passion for music and use it to develop technology skills that can give them a leg up in life, Ciara said in a news release statement. Im excited to team up with Black Girls Code because their mission aligns so perfectly with the charitable work Russell and I do at our foundation, Why Not You, which lifts students out of poverty through education and inspires them to lead with a Why Not You attitude. I look forward to seeing the incredible submissions and meeting with the winner in February! The Build a Beat Challenge with Ciara runs from Nov. 14 through Dec. 31, encouraging young coders to join Infosys Foundation USAs Pathfinders Online Institute and access helpful video tutorials provided by Black Girls Code to guide the students coding journeys, per the news release. Celebrity judges will critique contest participants, including hip-hop legend MC Lyte, music producer and entrepreneur Craig King, TikTok sensation The BoykinZ, Grammy Award-winning artist and producer Bosko Kante and more. Black Girls Code is for those who dare to build the world they imagine. The Build a Beat Challenge with Ciara is a chance for Black girls and gender nonconforming youth of color to meet relatable role models and code something that is original and dope. This experience is about increasing learning and a sense of belonging. Solving for both will bring about more opportunities in tech for the girls we serve, Black Girls Code CEO Cristina Jones said in a news release statement. The sight of wild swans flying in for the winter is becoming less common in the face of climate change. Scientists say Bewick's swans are changing their behaviour in a warming world, with fewer making it back to the UK and those that do arriving late. A bonded pair of swans named Maisie and Maifield touched down on Thursday at Slimbridge, in Gloucestershire. They are the latest arrivals since 1965, when naturalists started monitoring the returning flocks. And their numbers have dwindled, from an annual flock of 700 to little more than 100. Every year, the majestic waterbirds leave their frozen Arctic breeding grounds for warmer climes. They arrive in late autumn, returning north again in the spring. Kane Brides, senior research officer at the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust reserve, said the "saddest fact" was one day the swans may never return to Britain. "This is happening right in front of our eyes," he said. "Climate change is playing its part here." The smallest of the UK's wild swans, Bewick's have more black on their yellow bills than Britain's other long-distance migrant, the whooper. Individual Bewick's can be identified by these unique markings. And monitoring studies using global-positioning-system (GPS) trackers showed they were changing their behaviour, Hans Linssen of the Netherlands Institute of Ecology, said. "Winters used to be colder, so when they came down from Russia they travelled all the way to Britain to be at a comfortable temperature," Mr Linssen told BBC News. "But these days, winters are warmer, so when they come down, they arrive in Germany and the Netherlands and they think, 'It's good here. I'll stay. I'll not bother to travel all the way to England.' "And northern Germany now seems to be the main area for them to stop and spend the winter." But the global population is also declining fast, with threats from: deliberate killing lead poisoning the loss of wetland habitat This year has broken many temperature records, with the unseasonably hot weather making its mark on the natural world, from jellyfish to birds. The fate of swans returning to Slimbridge is one of the longest-running studies of a single species in the world. Since Sir Peter Scott's first observations 60 years ago, more than 10,000 swans have been recorded. Follow Helen @hbriggs. The Scene Jimmy Samartzis picked a hell of a time to launch an experimental alternative jet-fuel company: May 2020, in the heat of the pandemic, when the global aviation industry was shutting down. The CEO of LanzaJet grew the firm out of LanzaTech, which in the 2010s developed a process to capture industrial emissions and turn them into ethanol. Scientists there later took the ethanol a step further, turning it into low-carbon jet fuel. After years of R&D, they were confident in the technology, and its cost. But only if they could manufacture it at large scale and that was too risky a bet for most infrastructure investors. That problem is a familiar one. Many climate-tech startups have flourished in recent years, tapping venture capital investors eager to spot the next climate unicorn. But as these firms mature, they struggle to raise enough money to go from lab to factory. Its a major bottleneck in scaling up climate solutions, and a big reason why global climate tech investment is about a third of where it needs to be to reach net zero by 2050. Theres a lot of companies that have raised $20-50 million in their whole life, now having to do a single project thats worth at least that same amount, said Mario Fernandez, a senior investor at the Bill Gates-backed firm Breakthrough Energy. Fernandez, who leads Catalyst, a special unit focused on bringing innovative climate tech to commercial scale, started with LanzaJet, which has come farther than most climate tech ventures in crossing that perilous funding gap. A $50 million grant from Breakthrough allowed the company to begin building its new factory, which is due to start production in Georgia next year. LanzaJets experience, in turn, informed Breakthroughs strategy for bridging the valley of death between pilot- and commercial-stage facilities, which it laid out in a report this week. Tims view The money that climate tech needs to scale isnt just bigger, its of a different character. Venture capital is good for startups because it has a high risk tolerance, willing to strike out most of the time for the chance to hit a rare home run. But that makes it expensive: VCs want to own a juicy chunk of the companies they back, and tend to write smaller individual checks. The types of private equity, banks, or infrastructure investment firms that would typically back a big factory offer more money at better terms, but with a far lower risk tolerance. Theyre horrified by the move fast, break things startup mentality. Their questions are less about a companys technology itself, but about supply chains, construction permits, and long-term contracts with buyers. Developers of renewable-energy projects, like utility-scale wind and solar farms, have by now been around long enough to have passable answers. But for the most part, investors say, execs of more innovative climate tech firms dont. The biggest obstacle to scaling climate tech, in other words, isnt money per se, but a lack of project-development skills. Commercialization of new technologies is the single riskiest dollar for an investor to put in, said Scott Jacobs, CEO of the sustainable infrastructure investment firm Generate Capital. Theres almost nobody willing to do that, because its a terrible investment most of the time. The exceptions are firms like Breakthrough that are able to give philanthropically alongside their traditional investing, and government agencies like the U.S. Energy Departments Loan Programs Office that offer grants and below-market loans. But even Breakthrough expects its grants to be a prelude to future equity investments with normal return expectations, and the LPO, although sitting on an unprecedented pile of billions thanks to Biden-era legislation, is slow and cumbersome. Theres no way to reach the trillions that are needed without much greater private investment and no way to get those investors interested unless climate tech execs can learn to talk their language. LanzaJet figured that out, and has buttressed its Breakthrough grant with investments from large corporations with an interest in low-carbon jet fuel, including the Japanese industrial giant Mitsui, British Airways, and Shell. The most important thing, Samartzis said, was to keep the company narrowly focused on bringing down the cost of transforming ethanol to jet fuel. That meant not attempting to get involved in the upstream ethanol production process, or attempting to reinvent factory hardware thats the same as what youd find in any other jet fuel refinery. Youre doing a lot of things that are new, Samartzis said. So you need to create some limits on what is new. Breakthrough wont touch projects that dont have a clear plan to eliminate the green premium on their product, Fernandez said. He also urges companies to lock in long-term purchasing agreements with customers, to put investors at ease about the market. In the case of aviation fuel, that was a challenge, because airlines typically buy fuel months, not years, at a time. It took some prodding to change that mentality, he said: Were having to teach other industries how to buy these products in a different way. The Breakthrough report recommends companies drive a tough bargain on construction contracts, including clauses that shift much of the liability for delays and cost overruns onto contractors. They also need to lock in reliable contracts to supply raw materials and clean electricity (Its not worth investing in a climate project that negatively impacts the environment, the report warns). Finally, the report recommends that companies build flexibility into the prices they offer for long-term customers and not lock themselves into an offering that may turn out to be unprofitable if underlying costs change. Thats the situation that recently doomed rsteds offshore wind farms in New Jersey and NuScales advanced nuclear power plant in Utah. The View From Boston Boston-based private equity firm Spring Lane Capital is working to narrow the valley of death with a two-day boot camp called Developer U that trains climate tech execs on the fundamentals of how to finance a project, get regulatory approval for it, and manage the hard-hat crowd that will actually build it. When you go and informally talk to all the climate tech accelerators, incubators, and nonprofits, there is virtually zero focus on project development, said Sean Sandbach, the firms head of capital formation and ESG. Theres a huge gap in what they understand. Room for Disagreement LanzaJet isnt out of the woods yet, having not yet reached profitability. That means locking in more customers. According to Jacobs, governments arent doing enough on that front, and are too focused on giving grants and loans to individual projects. Really, they should be stoking demand, he said, by channeling public money into more generous tax breaks for clean tech buyers. Notable Commercial-scale climate tech isnt a surefire win even after the first of a kind project gets built. Climate tech companies need help from traditional engineering firms to solve new problems on a project-by-project basis, investors explained to CTVC. CNN senior legal analyst Elie Honig suggested it doesnt bode well for Hunter Biden that a California grand jury is being used in a special counsels investigation into the presidents son. Its bad news for Hunter Biden any way you slice this, Honig said during an interview on Anderson Cooper 360 on Thursday evening. Lets remember, he already has a pending indictment in the federal district court in Delaware for the firearms-related charges. Honig was responding to a CNN report published Thursday that said special counsel David Weiss will be using a California grand jury to obtain documents and testimony from possible witnesses in the ongoing federal investigation into Bidens business. Best Black Friday Deals The Department of Justice (DOJ) investigation appears to be focused on Bidens alleged failure to pay taxes by IRS deadlines. Its not clear if any witnesses have appeared in person or if investigators are looking at anything beyond tax matters at this time, CNN reported. CNN said the move by Weiss indicates he may be seeking new charges against Biden after previously bringing gun charges against him in Delaware. Honig said Biden may be looking at a second indictment out of California. If we think about the potential tax charges here, its important to keep in mind, when Hunter Biden went into court a few months ago with DOJ, they had a deal that he was going to plead guilty to misdemeanor tax offenses, and they agreed DOJ and Hunter Biden agreed that he was going, that he had failed to pay over $1 million in income taxes that he owed, Honig said. So, assuming, which I think is a fair assumption, that DOJ has evidence of that, that feels like the minimum charges he may face, Honig continued. Biden was set to take a plea deal to tax charges and settle a gun charge during a July 26 hearing in Delaware, but the judge in the case questioned the parameters of the deal and whether he fully understood what he was agreeing to. The deal unraveled. The presidents son pleaded not guilty in early October to charges relating to concealing drug use when buying a weapon. The plea kicked off a battle to beat an indictment from the DOJ, as House Republicans have zeroed in on Hunter Biden and his father. Weiss has previously used a federal grand jury in the Delaware investigation. Prosecutors brought forward multiple witnesses to testify in Wilmington last year before the deal fell apart. According to the CNN report, the special counsel may use previously collected evidence by the grand jury in Delaware in a different federal court. Republican members of Congress, particularly those on the House Judiciary and Oversight and Accountability committees, are also attempting to gather information into the Biden familys business dealings and impeachment inquiries into the president. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. NEW YORK At George Washington University, a pro-Palestinian student group was suspended for projecting messages on a campus library that read divestment from Zionist genocide now and glory to our martyrs. Farther north, Columbia University last week suspended two similar groups for repeatedly flouting college policies, such as holding unauthorized events. And Brandeis University banned its local Students for Justice in Palestine chapter because it openly supports Hamas. The suspensions didnt have their intended effect. New organizations quickly formed. The emergence of new groups to supplant suspended ones is confounding colleges as they try to find a line between allowing protests that support a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war with those devolving into hate speech. At Columbia, the suspension of those two groups is nothing more than a suppression of speech, said one Palestinian student who is a member of a new coalition, Columbia University Apartheid Divest, and declined to give his full name for fear of retribution. Brown University and MIT have also disciplined students for breaking rules around where Pro-Palestinian protests can be held and refusing to leave when asked, including 20 Brown students being arrested for trespassing. The Biden administration, meanwhile, this week unveiled new actions and resources to address the rise in antisemitic and Islamophobic incidents at schools and on college campuses. For many years, we saw increasingly toxic environments on campus poisoned by anti-Israel and antisemitic rhetoric, said Kenneth Marcus, founder and chair of the Brandeis Center, a nonprofit that advances Jewish civil and human rights. But now, over the last month, we have seen student groups who are going so far as to provide support for a designated terrorist organization in the wake of atrocities that they have committed. Students, activists and free speech advocates are sounding the alarm on efforts to silence pro-Palestinian groups. And institutions are becoming more cognizant of that: Two of Floridas biggest universities have declined to deactivate Students for Justice in Palestine groups as requested by Gov. Ron DeSantis due to legal concerns. The Students for Justice in Palestine chapter at one of those schools, the University of Florida, also sued the institution Thursday as well as the state, alleging that its First Amendment rights were being violated. But Republican lawmakers are also looking to take away scholarships and grants from Florida college students who promote Hamas and other designated terrorist organizations. The American Civil Liberties Union wrote an open letter to roughly 650 college leaders to reject baseless calls to investigate or punish pro-Palestinian groups protesting on campuses. That came in response to a letter the American Defamation League and the Brandeis Center sent to nearly 200 college leaders urging them to probe Students for Justice in Palestine chapters. Afaf Nasher, executive director of the New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, the nations largest Muslim civil rights group, called Columbias decision the suppression and silencing of pro-Palestinian voices on campus. There was more pushback this week. Thirteen bar associations representing more than 1,000 attorneys including the American Muslim Bar Association on Monday sent a letter to 100 of the countrys top law firms urging them to address Islamophobia and hate speech. The letter was a response to a missive law firms sent to law school deans requesting they address antisemitism. The pro-Israel law firms letter unfortunately missed the opportunity to equally express concern for members of the Palestinian and Muslim communities who have been experiencing significant discrimination, harassment, silencing, hate, violence, and fear in the current social climate, the Muslim groups wrote. And the protests persist. Law Students for a Free Palestine a coalition of students from over 30 law schools, including Harvard, Columbia, New York University and the City University of New York was holding a day of action Thursday to urge law schools to advocate for an end to violence in Gaza and support a ceasefire. Student organizations at George Washington also established a new group, Student Coalition for Palestine. Colleges' ability to crack down on protests, however, gets into a gray area of the law. Lyrissa Lidsky, the chair of the constitutional law program at the University of Florida, said the Supreme Court has held that free speech is protected unless it falls in an unprotected category like material support of a foreign terrorist organization or incitement to imminent violent actions. Some of the suspensions or banning of pro-Palestinian organizations are problematic because theyre being prohibited solely for advocacy, she argued. But she cautioned private universities are not required to uphold the First Amendment in the same way as public schools. Brandeis can do what it wants, Columbia can do what it wants, Lidsky said in an interview. They may take a reputational hit from engaging in censorship and they may violate their expressed ideals, but they dont violate the First Amendment. But a state university like mine has to adhere to the First Amendment, and they cant suppress those groups just because they find their speech offensive. Institutions have targeted Students for Justice in Palestine long before the current conflict in the Middle East. Earlier this year, Lafayette College in Pennsylvania refused to recognize a local chapter over concerns the groups events could flout college policy by targeting other clubs on campus. Fordham University previously banned the group, too. Amid an increase in threats, harassment and assaults including a 21-year-old Cornell University student arrested for making online threats to Jewish students schools have been facing pressure to take action. Fareed, a student at Columbias School of International and Public Affairs who asked to be identified by his first name for safety reasons said the tension in the school community is still polarizing, but accused outside actors of labeling the internal tension as more than what it is. If Students for Justice in Palestine and Jewish Voice for [Peace] are shut down, then whatever perspective that they have correct or incorrect, depending on whos listening to it you lose that opportunity to have a real conversation, he said. Brandeis' President Ron Liebowitz said last week it is committed to ensuring free speech, but the university may restrict expression that constitutes a genuine threat or harassment. And in a recent Boston Globe op-ed, he contended that student organizations that call for violence against Jews or the annihilation of Israel should lose all privileges associated with affiliation at their schools. In a statement, George Washington said Students for Justice in Palestines actions violated university policies, including building use guidelines and non-compliance when it wouldnt stop projecting images on the library building. In a joint statement last week, the Columbia chapters of Students for Justice in Palestine and Jewish Voice for Peace called the announcement an attack on free speech to distract from and enable Israels genocidal campaign against the Palestinian people. Colleges are also under threat of losing state aid if they dont clamp down on hate speech, like what is being pursued in Florida. New York state Sen. Bill Weber, a Republican, introduced legislation that would prohibit New York college students who knowingly engage in antisemitic behavior from receiving tuition assistance aid. There is no room for hate in New York, and it is our duty to put an end to this divisive behavior," he said. Clarification: The article has been updated to reflect the reasons why students at Brown and MIT were disciplined. CLARIFICATION: The article has been updated to better reflect the reasons why students at Brown and MIT were disciplined. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) A new $52 million bridge over the Colorado River will make life a little easier for the communities of Laughlin, Bullhead City and Fort Mohave. Access to the river will be very limited next week for four hours during work related to the bridge, which is expected to open to traffic in March or April. The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation announced it will reduce the rivers flow below Davis Dam about 10 river miles above the construction site temporarily on the morning of Tuesday, Nov. 21, in support of construction activities on the Laughlin/Bullhead City Bridge. An artists rendering of the bridge. The river will be at about a third of its normal volume during the planned four-hour operation, which could reveal debris or hazards along the banks. All river users should be aware that lower than normal river flows may expose or create natural hazards such as sandbars, gravel bars, unstable riverbanks, floating or submerged debris, or other unfamiliar obstacles. Access to the Colorado River below Davis Dam will be very limited and extra caution should be exercised if use of the river is planned during these times, according to a Friday Reclamation news release. Plans for the bridge released in 2021 show the location. The water release change is scheduled at 7-11 a.m. PST (8 a.m. to noon MST on the Arizona side of the river), but that could change depending on construction delays or other factors. Normal releases from Davis Dam are around 6,300 cubic feet per second (cfs). On Tuesday, the volume will be 2,200 cfs. The new bridge could open possibilities for more development in the area, officials say. The bridge will have two lanes in each direction, along with a pedestrian/bicycle bridge separated by a barrier. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. Othman A. Abdu, 20, of the Blacklick area on Columbus' East Side, was sentenced Thursday to life in prison with the opportunity for parole after 39 years for his conviction for the fatal Halloween 2021 shooting of Hazeer Winton, 21, on the Southeast Side, and for wounding another individual in an unrelated shooting earlier that day. Othman Abdu shot two different people in unrelated incidents on opposite sides of Columbus on Halloween 2021. One of them died. On Thursday, Abdu, 20, of the Blacklick area on Columbus' Far East Side, was sentenced by Franklin County Common Pleas Court Judge Sheryl Munson to life in prison with the chance for parole after 39 years for his gun violence. A jury had convicted Abdu last month of two counts of murder and aggravated murder and felonious assault in the two unrelated shootings on Oct. 31, 2021. Abdu was found guilty of shooting 21-year-old Nazeer Winton about 6:35 p.m. outside of Wintons apartment in an apartment complex on Rabbit Hill Lane off Chatterton Road on Columbus' Southeast Side. Winton was found lying in the street by responding officers. Medics transported Winton to an area hospital, where the father of a then-1-year-old girl and 2-month-old boy was pronounced dead. Hours earlier, Columbus police said Abdu shot another person in the 700 block of Wedgewood Drive on the city's West Side. That individual sustained minor injuries and survived. Abdu was eventually arrested on Nov. 19, 2021. Munson sentenced Abdu to the minimum sentence for the charges for which he was convicted. Abdu could have faced a maximum possible sentence of life in prison without parole. Messages seeking comment were left Thursday night with Abdu's defense attorney, Dennis Belli, and one of the Franklin County assistant prosecutors, Steven Schott. Abdu's codefendant, 22-year-old David R. Penton Jr., also of the Blacklick area of Columbus' Far East Side, turned himself in to police on Dec. 29, 2021. He pleaded guilty on July 11 to involuntary manslaughter with firearm and drive-by specifications in connection with Winton's death. Munson sentenced Penton that day to an indefinite prison sentence of 15 years to 18.5 years, which was the joint recommendation of Franklin County prosecutors and Penton's defense attorney. jwilhelm@dispatch.com This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Franklin County judge sentences Columbus gunman to life in prison Days after Harvey County moved to ban commercial solar farms, Sedgwick County residents got a chance to weigh in on how such projects should be regulated. Sedgwick County has had a temporary moratorium on solar applications since September at the direction of the County Commission. Scott Wadle, director of the Wichita-Sedgwick County Metropolitan Area Planning Department, emphasized at the outset of Thursdays town hall meeting that any additional restrictions imposed would not apply to people who use solar panels to generate electricity for their own homes or businesses. Were really talking about utility and commercial, he said. The county has no large-scale solar farms now, but one company Chicago-based Invenergy has approached some rural Sedgwick County property owners about using their land as part of a project its calling the Chisholm Trail Solar Energy Center. Ivenergy did not submit an application to the planning department before the county enacted its moratorium, which will stay in effect until March, when staff are expected to offer any proposed regulation changes for a commission vote. Scott Wadle, director of the Wichita-Sedgwick County Metropolitan Area Planning Department, speaks to residents at a solar power town hall on Nov. 16, 2023. I believe that solar can be a valuable part of our familys farming operation, said Megan Albert, who was approached by Invenergy and plans to participate in the project. I would encourage the county to refrain from over-regulation. Thats something that trumps private property rights in the name of appeasing those who say Not in my backyard. Kent Rowe, an Air Force veteran and member of the Kansas Sierra Club, noted that Kansas is ranked 46th in the country for solar panel installations by the Solar Energy Industries Association. I saw the transition of the U.S. Army and Air Force bases to renewable energies, Rowe said. These are secure energies a lot more secure than centralized systems. Not everybody who spoke up was in favor of embracing solar power. Leroy Bosch, who lives in the rural Maize-Colwitch area, said commercial solar projects should be banned outright until the county can conduct an independent study on the risks they could pose to the water supply. Hes worried about shallow groundwater being contaminated by zinc-coated pylons. Much is unknown about long-term toxicity of solar panels and supportive structures. They have lead, cadmium, zinc, Bosch said. Douglas County is currently reviewing [their solar zoning requirements] because of potential zinc contamination. Land use, population and water were the reasons Harvey County has rejected it. All of that would hold to Sedgwick County but in a greater proportion. Marianne Harmon said she wants to make sure solar panels used in large-scale projects are responsibly sourced. Not only the panels themselves but the materials that are used to build these panels, she said. They need to be not using slave labor, not hurting the environment irresponsibly. Stan Bergkamp, who has taught physics at Maize High for the last 30 years, led the drive to install 720 solar panels in a field next to the school to help power the Maize Career Academy. Is any source of electricity perfect? No, Bergkamp said. But he believes communities that invest in alternatives to fossil fuels are the ones that will be the most appealing to future generations. In my experience, kids are very willing and want to embrace this idea of renewable energy. Existing requirements Sedgwick County last tightened restrictions on commercial solar developments in 2019, when the commission also banned wind farms over concerns that they could interfere with airport and flight operations. As it stands, solar panel configurations may not exceed 35 feet in height and structures must be set back from the project boundary and rights-of-way by at least 40 feet. An 8-foot perimeter fence must also be erected. Under existing rules, when a commercial solar application is submitted to the planning department, they must provide detailed information on the technology they plan to use, as well as a glare-hazard analysis. Filing an application triggers a mandatory notification process for nearby property owners. If the proposed development is located within the urban growth area of any city, that citys planning commission would also be given a chance to review the conditional use application and make a recommendation. Before the governing body either County Commission or city council rules on whether to allow it, there is a 14-day window for nearby property owners to file a protest with the clerk. The planning department recorded feedback from the town hall that will be reviewed by the advanced plans committee and shared with officials before any changes in solar regulation are finalized next year. The county also has an online survey for residents to provide additional comments. Gary Community School Corp. district manager Mike Raisor, second from right, listens during a meeting at Gary West Side Leadership Academy on Tuesday, May 30, 2023. (Kyle Telechan for the Post-Tribune) (Kyle Telechan/Post-Tribune) The state Distressed Unit Appeal Board gave conditional approval to a two-year contract between the Gary Community School Corp. and the Gary Teachers Union Thursday. DUAB members wanted to make sure its legal for the district to fund the salaries with COVID-19 relief money and what the recovery process will be if a teacher leaves the district after receiving a one lump stipend in January. Advertisement District manager Mike Raisor said the district planned to give teachers a $7,000 stipend in January in lieu of a cost of living increase. Theyll receive $5,000 in the contracts second year in 2025 with a 2% COLA increase. The new agreement also gives the districts 64 paraprofessionals, who were left out of last years agreement, a $2,500 stipend for last year and a $2,500 stipend in January. Advertisement In 2025, theyll get a $2,000 stipend and a 2% COLA increase. With 315 teachers, the first-year stipend for teachers would cost about $2.2 million and $320,000 for paraprofessionals who also would receive back pay from last year. We feel it is vitally important to be competitive and make the Gary Community School Corp. an attractive place to work, said Raisor. DUAB members wanted clarity on the recovery process if a teacher leaves early after getting the stipend. Raisor said the two-year deal will spare Garys new school board and superintendent from facing negotiating sessions with teachers next year. A new superintendent and school board are expected to gain governing authority in July. The newly appointed school board has begun the process of vetting search teams to identify candidates. Carole Carlson is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune. A commuter train crashed into snow-removal equipment in Chicago on Thursday, injuring at least 23 people, three of them critically. The Chicago Transit Authority Yellow Line train collided with the equipment near the Howard Station on the north side of the city, according to the Chicago Fire Department. Of the 38 people on board the train, 23 were taken to local hospitals and 15 refused treatment. Three of those hospitalized were in critical condition. This handout photo provided by the Chicago Fire Department on Nov. 16, 2023, shows workers examining the damage to a CTA train in Chicago. I just heard like a horrible boom sound, passenger Shayla Smith told the Chicago Sun-Times. It felt like were gonna tip over and I was wondering whats going on? My body shivered. Smith, who had been on her way to work, said she had just boarded a Purple Line train when she heard the collision at the Howard station. Passengers on her train began screaming, and she saw an elderly woman nearly fall out of her seat, she told the newspaper. National Highway Safety Board, governor's office involved The train was heading southbound from Skokie and was traveling at "normal speed," Robert Jurewicz, Chicago fire's second district chief, said at a news conference. Yellow line operations have been suspended. The National Highway Safety Board announced that it would be sending investigators to the incident. "Terrible news out of Chicago this afternoon," Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker posted on X, adding that his office would be monitoring the situation. Terrible news out of Chicago this afternoon. My administration is closely monitoring the train derailment on the North Side and will direct any available resources needed. Thank you to the CFD firefighters and first responders on the scene. https://t.co/mbB1fYW251 Governor JB Pritzker (@GovPritzker) November 16, 2023 This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Chicago Yellow Line train crash: At least 23 injured, 3 critically MEMPHIS, Tenn. While Memphis Police are working on adding more boots on the ground to fight crime in our city, another initiative is just taking off. A new initiative by a film company called SMS Novel aims to deter criminals from above. Thats always been a passion of mine, basically to alleviate suffering, said Jomo Johnson, social justice advocate and founder of SMS Novel. And I believe that drone and AI coverage and footage is a great way to be able to do that in neighborhoods that are really being hit hard with violence, carjackings, and open-air shootings. If a drone can capture the perfect shots for his films, why couldnt it capture video of criminals in action? Thats why Johnson decided Memphis would be the perfect place to launch the project. Memphis needs help: Senator asks TN governor for aid amid citys crime wave Starting December 31, people in the Shelby Forest/Frayser area may notice a camera flying up above either catching criminals in the act or deterring them from committing a crime in the first place. A lot of citizens recognize that the police are doing all they can, they appreciate the police, but they want to think about new creative, maybe alternative methods, Johnson said. According to the Memphis Crime Commission, overall crime is up more than 17 percent from last year. Chief Davis says shes open to all the help they can get when it comes to curbing the violence. New stats show disturbing rise in crime across the board this year Technology is a way for us to help monitor different events whether it is a high school game or whatever activity our children are involved in, she said. School systems or community members might utilize drones whether it is parades or whatever event. This is a trial run for the program, and if its successful, Johnson hopes to expand it to other areas and other cities in need. It costs $10,000 a month to run the program, and thats why they are still raising money. But Johnson says you cant put a price on a life. I just think about the lives of those that have been lost in Memphis, to say what if we could prevent one, is it worth it, he said. The program will run for one month in Memphis and they will evaluate from there. To learn more about the program or donate, click here. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. WASHINGTON - Half a dozen U.S. Capitol Police officers are recovering after being injured in a demonstration by pro-Palestinian activists outside the headquarters of the Democratic Party Wednesday night in D.C. But with violent clashes by protesters against police escalating, theres a bigger concern that terrorists could exploit the out-of-control scene to launch attacks in the national capital region. The goal is to make these 1st amendment demonstrations safe, but what happened Wednesday night was not safe. The Capitol Police Department said its officers were beaten and an out-of-control scene broke out. Its exactly the kind of incident that law enforcement experts say could be exploited by someone to launch wide-scale violence. WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 15: Members of U.S. Capitol Police and protesters stand off outside the headquarters of the Democratic National Committee during a demonstration against the war between Israel and Hamas on November 15, 2023 on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. Jewish Voice for Peace and If Not Now held a candlelight vigil to call for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images) U.S. Capitol Police say six officers were injured Wednesday night when 200 pro-Palestinian protesters tried to block the entrance to the Democratic National Committee headquarters. Jeff James, a retired U.S. Secret Service agent, says theres increasing concern foreign terrorists will try to infiltrate protest groups, and hes concerned some have crossed the U.S. southern border. "These transnational terrorist groups are not above paying cartels to sneak sleeper cells across the border for them," James told FOX 5. "The cartels are not above taking their money, so it could be a bad mix." Weeks ago, pro-Palestinian protesters occupied the Canon House Office Building rotunda, clashing with police. But when hundreds of thousands of pro-Israel protesters gathered on the National Mall this week, D.C.s Police Chief Pamela Smith praised the gathering for being peaceful. Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Mark Warner told FOX 5 hes also concerned about homegrown individuals who may seek to spread violence. "The focus, in terms of threats to the homeland, would come from a homegrown terrorist or someone that may be inspired by the activities or has sympathy for Hamas," Sen.Warner said (D-Virginia). With the holiday travel season about to start, both Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Myorkas and FBI Director Cristopher Wray are urging Congress to re-authorize the Federal Intelligence Surveillance Act, which allows them to track terrorist organization communications. Both said that ability is a vital tool in stopping attacks. The Scoop A powerful right-wing media figure who described himself as all in for DeSantis has a family connection to the campaign. Mark Levin, a radio host and Fox News personality, has never disclosed that his stepson worked on Jewish and pro-Israel outreach for Ron DeSantiss gubernatorial reelection campaign and presidential campaign. Know More Earlier this week, Levin sat down for a friendly telephone interview with the Florida governor. Over the course of 15 minutes, Levin praised DeSantis gubernatorial record, contrasting it with former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haleys, and reminded DeSantis that he should direct people to his 2024 presidential campaign website for signups and donations. But at no point in the conversation did he mention that his stepson David Milstein works for DeSantis. DeSantis campaign had paid at least $22,000 over the last several months to Magen Strategies, a Florida LLC operated by Milstein who lists the DeSantis gubernatorial role on his LinkedIn page. During separate interviews with DeSantis on television and on the radio in October and August, Levin did not mention his stepsons work on behalf of the Florida governors campaign. Levin hasnt made his fandom of DeSantis or his antipathy for other non-Trump candidates a secret. Earlier this year, the conservative radio host said in an interview with Megyn Kelly that while he is supporting Trump, he appreciated DeSantis stewardship of Florida, and was all in with DeSantis if the former president is not the Republican nominee next year (he also did not mention his stepsons role in the campaign). In recent weeks, Levin has gone after New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, Vivek Ramaswamy, and former Vice President Mike Pence before he decided to drop out of the race. He got even more blunt, ruminating about why all of the fat GOP guys, like Christie, Hogan, and Barr, Trump and DeSantis haters? Trump aides were furious in May when Levin seemed to put his finger on the scale for the Florida governor, tweeting out a link to DeSantis fundraising page. It isnt the first time Levin and his stepson have aligned politically. During the 2016 primary, Levin backed Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, for whom his stepson worked as a senate aide at the time. While Levins support for DeSantis hasnt seemed to help DeSantis in the polls, he remains a kingmaker among a certain set in conservative media. A slot on his Sunday night show on Fox News is one of the strongest drivers of book sales, and his radio show remains widely syndicated and listened to. Levin and Milstein did not return requests for comment. A federal jury deadlocked Thursday in the trial of Brett Hankison, a former officer with the Louisville Metro Police Department who was charged with violating the civil rights of Breonna Taylor and her neighbors when he fired 10 shots during a March 2020 raid gone horribly wrong. It's a trial that never should have happened. That's not because Hankison's behavior was beyond reproach. Government employees are, unfortunately, rarely accountable to the communities they servea queasy sort of irony when considering they're employed by the taxpayer. But Hankison, who was terminated from the police department, was accountable to his community in March of last year when he was prosecuted in state court on three counts of wanton endangerment. A jury acquitted him. Several months later, in August 2022, the Department of Justice charged him with two counts of deprivation of rights under color of law. While technically distinct, that indictment gave the DOJ the chance to have another go at Hankison, despite the fact that he'd already gone before a jury for his actions taken the night of the raid. That federal prosecutors find Hankison to be an unsympathetic defendant should not give them license to essentially reprosecute him for alleged misconduct of which he was already deemed not guilty, no matter how much the DOJ disdains that verdict. Early in the morning on March 13, 2020, Louisville cops broke into Taylor's apartment to execute a search warrant tied to a narcotics investigation concerning Taylor's ex-boyfriend, Jamarcus Glover, as the government alleged he had been receiving packages at her address. Police claim they first knocked and announced themselves. But Kenneth Walker, Taylor's then-boyfriend, says the two were asleep in bed prior to the raid, that he never heard the officers identify themselves, and that he thought they were intruders. After police broke down the door, Walker fired one shot, hitting Sgt. Jonathan Mattingly in the thigh. In response, officers returned a cascade of gunfire. Five of those shots struck Taylor, who died. For his part, Hankison fired off 10 shots through a window and glass door, both of which were obscured by blinds, into Taylor's apartment. Though he didn't hit anyone, bullets traveled through Taylor's residence into the home next door, terrifying the familymade up of a pregnant woman, her boyfriend, and her 5-year-old childwho lived there. At his state trial, Hankison testified his response was prompted by the sustained gunfire he heard, leaving him with the mistaken impression that someone was shooting repeatedly at police. However unsavory that explanation might be to onlookers and prosecutors alike, a Kentucky jury accepted it, concluding that Hankison had not acted with "extreme indifference to the value of human life," as the law requires. Had he been convicted across the board, he would have faced up to 15 years, with a minimum of three years, in prison. Taylor's death, both tragic and unnecessary, understandably incensed people across the country. It served as a reminder of the high stakes tied to such drug raids, where the stratospheric risk sometimes does not justify the potential public safety reward. Perhaps most infuriating is that several other officers allegedly falsified information on the search warrant giving police access to Taylor's apartment. One of those former cops, Kelly Goodlett, pleaded guilty in federal court; the other two, Joshua Jaynes and Kyle Meany, are awaiting trial. But Hankison has already had his day in court. He was the only officer charged at the state level. And he is now facing not his second but his third trial for his conduct that night, as the DOJ has reportedly indicated it will move forward with another prosecution attempt in federal court. The results of the raid on Taylor's apartment were hideous, and people are certainly entitled to their views on who should pay a price. Police officers, after all, are often protected from consequences for their misdeeds. That's wrong. Yet that wasn't the case here: Hankison had to account for his actions, in public, and to people he worked for as a police officer, in the form of a criminal trial in state court. As a former cop, Hankison should not be above the law. But contra federal prosecutors, the law also shouldn't be above him. The post This Cop Was Acquitted for His Role in the Breonna Taylor Raid. The Feds Are Prosecuting HimAgain. appeared first on Reason.com. John Pisowicz, Porter County Health Department emergency preparedness coordinator, quizzes a staff member on different scenarios.during a radiation mitigation drill on Wednesday, November 15, 2023 at the Porter County Administration Building. (Michael Gard/Post-Tribune) (Michael Gard/Post-Tribune) Wednesday afternoon in the first drill of its kind in Northern Indiana, Porter County practiced what to do to protect residents in the event of a possible massive radiation exposure. A radiological emergency preparedness coordinator and health physicist with the Indiana Department of Homeland Security were present to observe and offer feedback. Run by Porter County Emergency Preparedness Coordinator John Pisowicz with the assistance of the entire Porter County Department of Health, the drill put staff through the paces of how to handle a hypothetical chemical explosion at the Donald D. Cook Nuclear Plant in Berrien, Michigan, which is within a 50-mile radius of Porter County, referred to as the ingestion pathway. Such a catastrophe would activate a B-WARN alert for the potential release of radioactive material. Advertisement Porter County Emergency Preparedness Public Information Officer Demetrious Lewis said Porter County is considered within range of three other nuclear sites: Braidwood Nuclear Generating Station in Braceville, Illinois; Dresden Nuclear Generating Station in Morris, Illinois; and Palisades Nuclear Plant in Covert, Michigan. Sarah Pisowicz, right, and Lori Moore describe how to fill out a form during a radiation mitigation drill on Wednesday, November 15, 2023 at the Porter County Administration Building. (Michael Gard/Post-Tribune) (Michael Gard/Post-Tribune) With radiation we can issue potassium iodide that blocks the uptake of the radiation, Pisowicz said. Staff from various departments housed within the Porter County Administration Building volunteered to act as the public while health department employees staffed tables to sign people in and collect medical information that would allow for appropriate triaging in such a scenario. Advertisement If theyre already symptomatic we send them to get treatment at a hospital, Pisowicz said. Those not showing symptoms were divided into two categories: basic and those with more complicated medical histories, who may require more attention and information gathering to receive the proper treatment. Staff were given mock scenarios to work through such as a minor showing up alone because his mother is housebound, an elderly woman who needs help filling out the required paperwork because she forgot her glasses at home, and a man who doesnt speak English. Pisowicz explained that in the event of a real possible exposure, crates of supplies would arrive from the Strategic National Stockpile within four hours of the accident. These supplies are pre-positioned near key metro areas throughout the country. Pisowicz said Porter County would initially receive seven days worth of supplies and from there the Department of Homeland Security and Indiana Department of Health would decide if additional countermeasures were needed. Public health nurse Hayley Gerstler distributes simulated iodine tablets during a radiation mitigation drill on Wednesday, November 15, 2023 at the Porter County Administration Building. (Michael Gard/Post-Tribune) (Michael Gard/Post-Tribune) Only the head of each household would need to report to a distribution center to receive the pills for the whole household, Pisowicz said. Recent health emergencies that have activated an emergency preparedness response from Porter County include the H1N1 and COVID-19 outbreaks. A radiation exposure has never happened here to anyones knowledge. If it did, the Health Departments Food Division would also be called in for farm visits to determine the safety of produce and livestock for human consumption. Shelley Jones is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) Crime Stoppers of El Paso and the El Paso Police Department are asking for the publics help in locating two suspects who allegedly burglarized a home last month in Northeast El Paso. Crime Stoppers says the home, located on the 3200 block of Pagosa Court, was burglarized by two men at around 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 14. Crime Stoppers says the two suspects arrived at the home in a red Dodge Ram pickup truck and were captured on surveillance footage. The suspects managed to enter the home and stole a Samsung washer, a Samsung dryer, a tankless water heater and a Dallas Cowboys jersey, according to Crime Stoppers. The vehicle used by the alleged suspects is a red 2007 to 2008 single-cab Dodge Ram 1500 pickup truck. Anyone with any information on this incident should call Crime Stoppers of El Paso at (915) 566-8477 (TIPS) or go online: www.crimestoppersofelpaso.org. You will remain anonymous, and if your tip leads to an arrest, you may qualify for a cash reward. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. Several EU countries have reintroduced temporary border checks amid a surge in illegal migration across the region (Damir SENCAR) It took Croatia years to finally enter into Europe's passport-free travel zone that promised to ease access for other European nationals travelling to the country and boost its tourism-driven economy. But less than a year since its border crossings with European Union peers were dismantled, temporary checks have been reintroduced amid a surge in illegal migration across the region. Neighbouring Slovenia re-introduced checks along its borders last month, following similar moves by Italy and other EU countries. "People ask themselves what kind of fence could stop these people who passed so many frontiers and countries," said Perica Matijevic, the head of the Krnjak municipality near Croatia's border with Bosnia that has been a hot-spot for crossings. Matijevic, who referred to a registration camp for incoming migrants that is being prepared in the area, is not alone in his weariness. Locals in the scarcely populated area complain that groups of migrants -- almost all of whom are young men -- moving through the area have only increased anxieties. "One should feel safe in his own house but migrants pass through our yards ... there were thefts, it's not pleasant," said economics student Sara Matijevic from the village of Dugi Dol, close to where the camp will open. - 'Like animals' - Croatia, which guards one of EU's longest external land borders, has long been a magnet for illegal migrants hoping to enter the bloc. Over the years, the country gained an infamous reputation for fiercely patrolling its borders, leading to accusations that its authorities used violence to push back EU-bound refugees. In 2021, Zagreb was forced to admit as much following the publication of an investigation by major European media outlets that uncovered alleged systematic targeting of refugees by special units in Croatia, Greece and Romania. Migrants said little has changed. Atefa, a 29-year-old Afghan refugee who did not provide her surname for security reasons, said Croatian police treated her and eight fellow migrants "like animals". Along with forcing them to collect garbage and pouring water in their shoes, officers groped women and made obscene noises, she told AFP. "My breasts are still hurting me ... and they did all that with a smile," Atefa said from a camp in Bosnia's Bihac. Like many Afghans, Atefa left the war-torn country two years ago as the Taliban seized control following years of conflict. The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan along with a massive earthquake in Turkey and Syria in February and renewed unrest in the Middle East has left many fearing that the surge in illegal migration will continue. At the Bregana-Obrezje crossing, one of Croatia's 73 former land border posts with other EU countries, travellers and residents said that the temporary checks were necessary. "I don't mind border controls ... it all goes smoothly," said Visnja Krajnovic, a retired economist from Bregana, who said she sees migrants on a daily basis in her hometown along the Slovenian border. - Stripped and beaten - Last year, nearly half of the more than 300,000 EU-bound migrants used the so-called Balkans route, the highest number since the 2015-2016 refugee crisis, according to the bloc's border surveillance agency Frontex. During the first 10 months this year nearly 100,000 migrants relied on the route with almost 63,000 -- notably Afghans, followed by Turks, Moroccans and Pakistanis -- crossing illegally into Croatia, official figures show. The number represents a 73 percent jump compared with the same period last year. This year a total of 2,559 persons reported violent pushbacks to Bosnia from Croatia, mirroring figures from 2022, according to the Danish Refugee Council. But rights groups warn that violence against refugees will likely increase as security is beefed up across Croatia's borders. For Raz Mohammad Saifi, 21, the years-long sojourn from his native Afghanistan to the Croatian border has been an arduous and sometimes violent journey that has seen him travel overland from Turkey to Bosnia. After entering Croatia, Saifi said he was assaulted by police. "When the police caught us, they stripped and searched us, took our mobile phones, money, shoes," Saifi told AFP, saying police also sicced dogs on him and others before forcing the group to cross a river back into Bosnia. Residents from the border village of Trzac gave Saifi and four others clothes and shoes before an aid group organised the men's transport to a nearby camp. Despite the beatings, Saifi has refused to give up on his dream of living in France, while stressing that he and others meant no harm to locals who remained fearful of migrants. "If I wanted to be a criminal, if I was willing to kill, I would have stayed in Afghanistan," he said. ljv-ds/yad South Florida airports are expecting record or near-record number of passengers during the Thanksgiving holiday stretch. With the large crowds, what can you expect at the two main airports? If youre flying in or out to be with family or friends, the details below can help you minimize hassles before boarding your flight. We have compiled the information from our own reporting as well as information or statements provided by Miami International Airport and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. Heres what to know: MIAMI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Miami, Florida, November 16, 2023 - Miami-Dade County Police officers ride their bicycles through the terminal at Miami International Airport, preparing for the coming holiday rush. MIA is expecting an all-time record 1.77 million passengers during the Thanksgiving Day travel period, from Friday, Nov. 17, to Tuesday, Nov. 28. Thats up 4.6% from last year and a daily average of 147,000 travelers. The airport expects the busiest days to be the Friday and Sunday before Thanksgiving and the Sunday after when passenger traffic is projected to approach or exceed 160,000 travelers. Departures Miami, Florida, November 16, 2023 - Travelers make their way along the terminal at Miami International Airport. They opted to get ahead of the crowds expected in the next few days. When to get to the airport: MIA recommends arriving three hours before your flight to give yourself enough time for parking, airline check-in, and the security screening process. It also suggests checking in online before arriving. It asks that if your flight gets delayed to be patient with airline employees as they work to reschedule, and remain in contact with your airline for flight updates. Checking your flights: MIA has multiple ways online to check flights, including a list of airlines, their door number, departure concourse, check-in counter location and baggage claim area. The airport also has a mobile app. Flight tracker: The MIA flight tracker shows expected arrivals and departures with options to use a drop-down menu to narrow results. It shows the carrier, flight number and where the plane is going to or coming from. It also gives real-time updates on the flights arrival or departure status, which concourse the terminal is in, and the location of baggage claim. Another online tool lets you track by flight or route. If you know the carrier, the date and the flight number, this tool might be easier to use because it will only pull the information for your flight. Parking Remote lot: Half-price parking is available at MIAs remote Economy Park and Ride lot. The 460-space lot provides monitored parking and a free shuttle service to the terminal every 15 minutes for $12 per day, just under half the $25 maximum daily rate at MIAs Dolphin and Flamingo garages. Located at 1350 NW 45th Ave., the Economy Park-and-Ride lot is accessible from either LeJeune Road or Perimeter Road. Credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PaybyPhone are accepted. Parking shuttles: Shuttle service pick-up and drop-off locations are on the departures level across from doors 3, 11, and 26. For more information, visit the MIA Parking web page. Valet parking: The valet lot is across from the check-in area at doors 4 and 20 in the Dolphin and Flamingo garages. Valet parking attendants take a drivers vehicle and park it in one of 225 dedicated spaces on the departures or arrivals level. Rates are $18 for under three hours, $30 for the first three to 24 hours and $30 each day after. Maximum stay is 20 days. Nearby parking: A site called Cheap Airport Parking lists nearby hotels and parking lots that offer parking for travelers. You make a reservation, just like you would for a rental car. Most hotel parking lots youll find on this site are generally open around the clock, have security and offer a free shuttle to the airport, plus cancellations, according to the websites FAQ guide. Parking prices and shuttle times vary. Picking up a passenger: MIAs Cell Phone Waiting Lot has 60 free parking spaces for non-commercial users waiting to pick up travelers. Its just off LeJeune Road and Northwest 31st Street, accessible from LeJeune Road heading north or south. Airport garages: MIAs two biggest garages are expected to fill up early. Dolphin Garage serves Concourse D and E. Flamingo Garage serves Concourses E-J. If you park in one of the garages, expect to pay $2 every 20 minutes. If your car is parked for more than four hours, youll be charged the maximum daily rate of $25, according to the airport. Your car can stay in the garage up to 45 days, except where no overnight is listed. After 45 days, your car will be towed. Accepted payments: cash, credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover), Apple Pay and Samsung Pay. The airport no longer uses SunPass. TSA screening A TSA worker wears a mask while helping travelers get through security checkpoint at Concourse D at the Miami International Airport on Monday, December 28, 2020 in Miami, Florida. The following advice comes from MIA. Pack essential items such as medicine, travel documents, a phone charger and a change of clothes in your carry-on instead of your checked bag in case your flight gets delayed and you cant quickly retrieve your checked bag. To expedite TSA checkpoint screening, wear easily removable shoes, follow the 3-1-1 rule for liquids or gels in your carry-on. Avoid accessories that resemble weapons and other prohibited items. The TSA also offers more tips on its website. Find the fastest TSA checkpoint for your flight with MIAs real-time updates on checkpoint wait times online. Concourse D Skytrain Alternatives: The Concourse D Skytrain remains out of service. A courtesy trolley service runs 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. For assistance, look for one of the 10 courtesy shuttle pick-up stations throughout Concourse D. Additionally, starting this Friday, American Airlines subsidiary Envoy Air is scheduled to begin a shuttle bus service with stops at gates D10 and D55 during peak travel periods. Passengers who require wheelchair assistance should contact their airline in advance before their flight. Restrooms As part of an overall restroom upgrade at MIA, 35 restrooms currently have renovations in progress, said Greg Chin, director of communications.. They include 14 in Concourse D, 14 in Concourse E, F, and G, and 7 in Concourses H and J. Thirty-one restrooms have been renovated. They include 12 bathrooms in Concourse D and 19 in Concourses H and J. The remaining 141 will get upgrades between 2025 and 2030 and are open. New food and shopping Miami, Florida, November 16, 2023 - Passengers walk under Holiday decorations at Miami International Airport. There arent many new shops at MIA since last Thanksgiving, but there are a few: Theres a Burger King in South Terminal, Concourse J-H-J Connector Food Court. You will find a Peets Coffee at North Terminal, Concourse D Second Level Departures by Gate D-52. Did you forget to pack lingerie? Theres a new Victorias Secret at North Terminal, Concourse D, Second Level Departures by Gate D-11. Vegan bakery Bunnie Cakes sells cakes and cupcakes through vending machines at gates D21 and G15. International travel Eligible travelers can use the free, secure Mobile Passport Control app to submit their passport and customs declaration information on their smartphone or tablet and avoid completing a paper form or using an automated passport control kiosk. Special accessibility lanes are available for passengers with disabilities or limited mobility arriving from foreign destinations. By completing an accessibility lane request form at MIAs website 48 hours in advance of their arrival, those passengers can request special queueing assistance in the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) area. AI/Facial Recognition at Departure Gates What to expect: Travelers boarding flights for international destinations may encounter a new way of boarding, using biometric facial recognition. You will line up in your airline boarding area where you see a small touchless camera that will take a picture of each person and match it with their passports on file. This step should take seconds and eliminate the need to show your boarding pass and passport. That camera is connected to U.S. Customs and Border Protections cloud-based facial-matching service and matches live images of you arriving at the gate with photos and documents from the database it will already have of you. The connection is secure and encrypted to block hackers. This is entirely separate from the Transportation Security Administrations passenger security screening and has nothing to do with the popular passenger programs TSA Precheck or Global Clear that enable people to get through that security check process much faster. Once the camera takes a photo and matches it with one of you in the government database, you can board the plane assuming there are no issues that surface. Locations: The technology is being rolled out at departure gates throughout the airport and is currently at 11 gates in Concourse J, 10 gates in Concourse H, and 9 gates in Concourse E. Concourses F and G are next on the schedule for deployment. If you are flying on Lufthansa, Virgin Atlantic, or LATAM, you will likely encounter it. Opting out: If you have privacy concerns, U.S. citizens can opt out of the facial screening and show a passport and boarding pass before boarding a flight. Non-U.S. citizens, however, are required to go through the new screening at international gates equipped with it, according to the Customs and Border Protection agency. Information: Customs and border protection officials urge air passengers with questions or concerns to read the following information at: www.dhs.gov/privacy See Traveler Verification Service under Privacy Compliance. www.cbp.gov or call the CBP Information Center at 877-227-5511. Travelers who experience delays in airline boarding can seek redress through the U.S. Department of Homeland Securitys traveler redress inquiry program (TRIP) at trip@dhs.gov Special needs and accommodations Requests: To request materials in accessible format, Sign Language Interpreters, CART services and accommodation to participate in any Miami-Dade Aviation Department (MDAD) public meetings and events, email the ADA Office at ADAcoordinator@miami-airport.com or call the office in 305-876-7747 five days in advance to initiate your request. People who are deaf or hard of hearing may also call 711 (Florida Relay Service). Sensory rooms: The Miami airport also has multi-sensory rooms, dedicated spaces where passengers with cognitive and developmental disabilities such as autism. The room includes sensory aids that reduce agitation and anxiety sometimes caused by the hustle and bustle of airport travel. The rooms are located in post-security in Concourse D, next to checkpoint 4 and post-security in the H-J connector. Visually impaired travelers: MIA uses Aira, a service and app that connect the visually impaired to a real-time remote, digital assistant. With a smartphone camera, the passenger provides a live feed of his or her location. Voice talk capabilities allow the assistant to guide the passenger through the airport, describing what is in his field of vison. Lost and Found Miami International Airports Lost and Found center is in North Terminal D - Level 4 and is open 7 days a week from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. All items found in the airport terminal, parking garages, drive areas or employee shuttle are stored securely for 30 days. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport Passengers begin the check-in process in long lines at the Southwest Airlines check-in counter at Fort Lauderdale International Airport Friday Morning, April 14, 2023. Broward Countys Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport officials anticipate that 760,494 travelers fly in and out over a seven-day Thanksgiving Day holiday travel period from Tuesday, Nov. 21 through Monday, Nov. 27, 2023. Thats 10% higher than over the same period last year and nearly the 800,000 holiday passenger forecast the airport had back in 2019. The busiest travel days should be Tuesday before Thanksgiving followed by the Monday after the holiday. Overall, FLL expects an average of 108,642 daily passengers during the seven-day 2023 holiday travel period. So, what can one do? The airport has offered the following tips: Arriving Passengers line up for boarding passes for flights on Southwest Airlines at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport on Friday, April 14, 2023. Get there early: Typically, travelers are advised to arrive at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours if flying internationally. However, during peak holiday periods, its best to follow any updated guidance from your airline, as more time may be required for check-in/bag processing. Security processing may also take longer due to increased passenger activity. You can track your flight online. Parking Onsite: With the ongoing high demand for curbside valet service and self-parking options at FLL this year, especially during the holidays, airport leaders recommend getting dropped off by family, friends, or a ride-share service (Uber, Lyft, etc.) because the airports onsite garages are likely to be filled. Special needs and accommodations Visual help: FLL provides access to Aira, the app that helps guide the visually impaired through the airport by connecting through their smartphones and providing a digital assistant. Hidden disabilities: The airport participates in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program, which provides a discreet way for adults and children with hidden disabilities to show they need additional support or more time with the airport process. Traveling with guns Packing: If you plan to travel with a licensed firearm, follow the Transportation Security Administration protocols to safely pack and transport your weapon as checked luggage. If caught with a gun at a TSA passenger screening checkpoint, this wont only disrupt your travel plans, but could land you in handcuffs. Terminals Construction update: All terminals area operating fully and there is no major construction that will impact normal airport operations, according to airport officials. The restrooms are operating normally. Transport within airport Trams: FLL has inter-garage trams that operate from stops in the Hibiscus and Palm garages to transport passengers between terminals 1 and 4. New restaurants and shops One of the new shops at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. FLL said it has had 12 new concessions open since Nov. 2022: Burger King, Terminal 1, Concourse B Sergios, T1B Tropical Exchange, Terminal 3, Concourse F Hip & Humble, T3, Concourse E 3Sixty Duty Free, Terminal 2, Concourse D MAC Cosmetics & Jo Malone London, T3, Concourse F Tropical News, T3 pre-security Distinctively Florida and ink by Hudson, T2D: Half Moon Empanadas, T2D The Market on Las Olas, T3 E/F Connector walkway Topo Chico Hard Seltzer Cantina, T3, Concourse E Bonefish Grill, T3, Concourse E AI/Facial Recognition What to expect: FLLuses facial recognition at departure gates throughout all four terminals. Its a similar system and process used at MIA except uses a different technology vendor, Amadeus. Locations: FLL says 30 gates are equipped with biometric cameras for departing international passengers. The 13 airlines participating in the biometric solution include: Spirit, Air Canada, Southwest, Azul, JetBlue, Avianca, Air Transat, Caribbean, Flair, Copa, Silver, WestJet and Bahamasair. It is for international flights only and U.S. citizens can opt-out and use the traditional boarding system. Miami Herald staff writer Michelle Marchante contributed to this report. The government of the Czech Republic has asked the EU countries not to include the Russian Novolipetsk Metallurgical Plant (NLMK) in the list of EU sanctions, as the country depends on the import of its products for its automotive industry. Source: Politico media outlet with reference to three European diplomats, writes European Pravda Details: The Czech Republic is one of the leading European centres of automotive production, including Volkswagen Group and South Korean Hyundai Motor. Manufacturers need steel to make a large part of the car body and many other components. The plant in Novolipetsk, one of the largest in the Russian Federation, is a key supplier of steel to the Czech Republic. It produces almost all of its flat and long-rolled products in Russia, but nearly a quarter of its rolling operations are located in Europe, including Belgium, France and Italy. The Czech Republic is asking to postpone the end of the transition period of the ban on the import of NLMK products in order to be able to continue using Russian steel from the end of 2024 until 2028. Among the reasons, according to Politico, is the rise in energy prices, which has made it difficult for European companies to find alternatives to Russian steel products. It is currently unclear whether other EU countries will support Prague's request, but in Wallonia, Belgium, whose investment fund owns 49% of NLMK's subsidiary in the country, has made such a demand. It should be noted that the automotive sector is the backbone of the Czech economy, accounting for about 10% of the national GDP, which is one of the highest indicators in the world. Background: On 15 November, Josep Borrell, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, along with the European Commission, presented the member states with a proposal for the 12th package of sanctions against Russia. The proposal provides for the introduction of sanctions against more than 120 individuals and legal entities for their role in undermining the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. These are representatives of the military, defence and IT sectors of the Russian Federation, as well as "other important economic operators". The European Commission also proposes to introduce new import and export bans, as well as measures aimed at strengthening the oil price ceiling and countering the evasion of European Union sanctions. Support UP or become our patron! An Illinois man shot his 14-week-pregnant wife during a heated verbal argument, killing the couples expected child, according to a Wednesday news release from Des Plaines police. Amal Reji, 30, was arrested on charges of attempted murder and intentional homicide of an unborn child after he allegedly confessed to the shooting. On Monday at around 7:30 p.m., Des Plaines police responded to a call about a shooting in a church parking lot. Officers then came upon Reji and his wife, 30-year-old Meera Abraham, who was in the back of their car with several gunshot wounds. Reji told officers that he and Abraham had earlier begun arguing about finances at home, with further investigation showing that the couple left the residence to continue their quarrel on a drive, according to the news release. The two continued to argue until their car approached an intersection and Reji allegedly pulled out a Glock handgun to fire multiple shots at his wife. Police said Reji immediately pulled into the church parking lot and asked a stranger to call 911. Officers at the scene gave Abraham medical care until the Des Plaines Fire Department transported her to a local hospital. Abraham survived the shooting and remains in intensive care, though she lost her pregnancy, the news release said. According to research cited by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, approximately 324,000 pregnant women are abused each year in the United States, with risk factors for intimate partner homicide including a partner having have access to a gun. Need help? In the U.S., call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) for the National Domestic Violence Hotline. Related... An Amur leopard - "the world's rarest big cat" - is slinking around his new enclosure after arriving at Dartmoor Zoo. Freddo is adept at climbing walls and springing between trees so his new home has been made secure, bosses said. The zoo said they had also registered the nine-year-old on an "animal dating site" to find him a mate. Benjamin Mee, chief executive officer at Dartmoor Zoological Society, described Freddo as "beautiful". He said: "I first clapped eyes on him seven years ago at Highland Wildlife Park when he was still a youngster and that's how long it's been in planning to get him here." There are thought to be just 140 Amur leopards left in the wild and 300 in European zoos, the society said. Freddo was raised in the wild before his time in captivity but he is now part of a breeding programme aimed at reintroducing the endangered species into its native Siberia, Mr Mee said. "This is the world's rarest big cat which is why the re-introduction is so important," he added. Freddo has been placed on the Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS), dubbed an "animal dating site" by Mr Mee. The system helps match up endangered animals for breeding. Freddo is part of a conservation programme "You have to go through the stud book for animals as rare and endangered," Mr Mee added. "All my efforts in the next few years will be finding a female and seeing if the offspring can be put back into the wild." Dartmoor Zoo is now fundraising to create a separate and "monumentally-expensive" enclosure for a female leopard. Freddo will be fed meat including rabbits and Dartmoor ponies as part of a landowners' "management programme". 'A real milestone' Although Freddo, who was born in Estonia, bears some resemblance to an African leopard, Mr Mee said he is a "little taller with longer legs and a shaggier face". He added: "Leopards are very strong and very adaptable cats because they are not top of the food chain. "In every ecosystem where there are leopards there is always a tiger or a bear or something else above them which means they have got to be on their toes the whole time. "They can run straight up a sheer wall or climb trees so we've had to put plastic sheaths on them." Freddo has joined the zoo's big cat collection, which includes lions, tigers, a jaguar and a lynx. His new home features cherry trees and Siberian larches, provided by sister charity Growth 4 Good. Mr Mee said the big cat, which has lived at four zoos previously, had settled into his new home relatively quickly, with an expert on hand looking out for signs of stress." "He came out of his crate cautiously with his ears back, wandered around, had a sniff and then his ears came forward and he jumped on to the platform," he added. "It's a real milestone for us, now we have every kind of big cat. "He's genuinely at the forefront of one of the world's best conservation programmes and we are part of that." Freddo's enclosure will be open for public viewing on 26 November. Follow BBC News South West on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@bbc.co.uk. In an exclusive interview with Dateline NBC's Craig Melvin, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division Special Agent Britt Dove recalls the moment he first heard Alex Murdaugh's voice on the tell-tale video found on murder victim Paul Murdaugh's cell phone a crucial piece of evidence that clinched Alex's murder conviction. "I listened to it three to four times to make sure I was hearing because I was in disbelief at the time," Dove tells Melvin. "I immediately got on the phone to David Owen." "I was really excited," added SLED Special Agent Owen. "Why?" Melvin asked. "Because I can prove that Alex was lying to me." "Did you know in that moment that the case had been blown wide open?" Melvin pressed. "Oh, yes," responded Owen, one of the SLED agents who investigated the gruesome June 7, 2021 murders of Maggie and Paul Murdaugh, killings for which disgraced S.C. attorney Alex Murdaugh is now serving two life sentences while facing more than a hundred other criminal charges. SLED Special Agent David Owen. In a Dateline NBC exclusive, lead detectives speak out about the investigation into once-prominent South Carolina attorney Richard "Alex" Murdaugh, convicted last March of murdering his wife and son. The interviews are part of a new two-hour Dateline special, The Murdaugh Murders: Inside the Investigation, that aired this Friday at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT and can now be streamed or watched online. According to an NBC release, for the first time, SLED investigators Britt Dove and David Owen speak out about the moment they discovered video evidence proving Alex was at the scene of the murders when they occurred. Dove explained to NBC News Craig Melvin that after listening to the video three to four times, he was in disbelief. SLED Chief Mark Keel. Owen also revealed that after an interrogation, Alex thanked him for doing his job, and then shook his hand. Asked if he was surprised by Alexs comments, Owen responded, After I just accused him of killing his wife and son? Hell yeah. The Murdaugh Murders: Inside the Investigation also features interviews with SLED Chief Mark Keel, other SLED Special Agents central to the investigation, the former Murdaugh family housekeeper Blanca Turrubiate Simpson, who opens up about her unique history with the Murdaughs, as well as Judge Clifton Newman, who presided over the murder trial. For those viewers who miss Friday night's airing, you can stream the show beginning Saturday, Nov. 18, on Peacock or online at https://www.nbc.com/dateline. Murdaugh has since appealed his conviction and demanded a new trial based on allegations of jury tampering against a court official. This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Dateline NBC: Investigators share insights into Alex Murdaugh murders Carine Kanimba (left) and her sister Anaise have warned about Rwandas human rights record - Eddie Mulholland The daughters of Paul Rusesabagina, the real-life hero who inspired the film Hotel Rwanda, have condemned the Prime Ministers plans to send asylum seekers to the country. Anaise, 31, and Carine Kanimba, 30, said it was shocking that the British Government was pushing ahead with plans to send refugees to Rwanda, given its human rights record. Their comments come after Rishi Sunak vowed to pass emergency legislation and strike a new treaty with the country following a Supreme Court ruling that found the governments Rwanda asylum policy unlawful. Carine said the Prime Ministers decision showed complete disregard for warnings about human rights breaches. Its not only unfair to the refugees who are going to be sent there, but its so unfair to the Rwandans who are suffering every day under that regime, she said. Its essentially contributing to the continuation of their suffering. In 2020, their father Mr Rusesabagina, a prominent critic of Rwandan president Paul Kagame, disappeared after setting off on what he thought was a trip to Burundi for a speaking engagement. Instead, he was tricked into boarding a plane that was bound for Kigali, where he was charged with terror offences and sentenced to 25 years imprisonment in what Human Rights Watch called a flawed trial. Paul Rusesabaginas detention sparked criticism in the West and highlighted Rwandas record of crushing political dissent - Nicolas Maeterlinck/Getty In March 2023, he was released after 939 days of wrongful detention and flown to a military facility in San Antonio, Texas. Mr Rusesabaginas detention sparked criticism in the West and highlighted Rwandas record of crushing political dissent and free speech under Mr Kagames rule. The UK Government has itself condemned Rwanda for its abuses of human rights, said Carine. Countries all around the world are constantly saying, stop violating these principles. On Thursday, his daughters, who quit their jobs to campaign for his release, were awarded a Magnitsky Human Rights Award. Every single day we were working, said Carine. We never rested; we wouldnt even allow ourselves to have fun with our friends, because we [didnt] feel like we were justified to even have fun or laugh. Describing the moment their father returned, Anaise said: Dad walked in and we all crumpled. We couldnt believe what was happening. He held each one of us and was saying, Im here, its ok. Mr Rusesabagina, now 69, was the manager of the Hotel des Mille Collines in the Rwandan capital of Kigali, where he sheltered more than 1,200 people during the Rwandan genocide of 1994. That includes his two nieces, whom he rescued from a refugee camp in Kabuga. He was awarded the US Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2005. Shes unsafe there Carine said she receives hundreds of messages on a daily basis from Rwandans across the world, and across Rwanda, asking for help in shedding light [on] the abuse. Two days ago, before the ruling was published, I received this message from two women in Rwanda, who told me that they had made it safely out of the country shes unsafe there, while here theyre considering sending people to that same place. Our father was kidnapped, jailed, tortured and hidden away from the public eye, she continued. They attacked us, they spied on us, they made us feel so unsafe [we] urge people here in the UK not to send people to Rwanda, knowing everything we do about the country and our experience. They have pledged to continue to fight for the freedom of others in the same situation. We want to carry this legacy forward and continue to call for justice and accountability for everyone out there, said Carine. There are so many political prisoners in Rwanda, there are so many people who are being mistreated across the world, and I think if this worked for us, it can work for so many other people. In response to the Supreme Court ruling, Mr Sunak said the Government was working on a new treaty that would protect those relocated to Rwanda against removal and allow Parliament to confirm that Rwanda is safe. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. A whistleblower who helped expose allegations of Australian war crimes in Afghanistan has pleaded guilty to leaking classified information. David McBride was due to face trial next week, but changed his plea after a legal ruling scuppered his defence. McBride - an ex-military lawyer - said he felt a moral duty to speak up after his internal complaints were ignored. A landmark inquiry later found evidence that Australian forces had unlawfully killed 39 Afghans during the war. McBride admits he gave troves of documents to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), because he was concerned about what he then thought was the "over-investigation" of troops, the court heard. He pleaded guilty on Friday to three charges of stealing and unlawfully sharing secret military information. The information he provided underpinned a series of reports in 2017 called The Afghan Files, which gave unprecedented insight into the operations of Australia's elite special forces in Afghanistan, and contained allegations of war crimes. Months after McBride's arrest in 2019, the ABC was raided by federal police, who were also building a case against the journalist, Dan Oakes, who wrote the reports. Prosecutors declined to charge Mr Oakes however, saying it was not in the public interest. McBride - who initially faced five charges - had intended to argue his disclosure was protected by whistleblower safeguards in Australia. But his legal team say they were forced to withdraw that defence after much of their arguments were ruled to endanger national security. After failed attempts to convince Attorney General Mark Dreyfus to intervene and drop the prosecution - as Mr Dreyfus did in the case of fellow whistleblower Bernard Collaery last year - McBride then tried to argue that he had a duty to leak the documents, because doing so was in the public interest. After several days of pre-trial argument, a judge rejected the argument and ruled that they could not be put to a jury. His defence lawyer Mark Davis said this would have dealt his defence a "fatal blow", with McBride eventually entering a guilty plea. Advocates say his case showed that Australia's whistleblower protections were not strong enough. "This is a dark day for democracy in Australia," said Rex Patrick, a former Senator and founder of the Whistleblower Justice Fund. "There is no public interest in prosecuting whistleblowers, and certainly no public interest in sending them to jail," added Kieran Pender, from the Human Rights Law Centre, who called for McBride to be pardoned. A spokesperson for the Attorney General said it would be inappropriate to comment while the proceedings are still before the court. McBride will be sentenced early next year. The Second Municipal District of the Circuit Court of Cook County, also called the Skokie courthouse. (Richard Requena) A Skokie man who attended a Solidarity with Israel rally in Skokie on Oct. 22 is facing four counts of felony charges for allegedly discharging pepper spray at pro-Palestinian counter-protestors. His lawyer said his client will plead not guilty to the charges. Zevulen Ebert, 33, of the 5000 block of Oakton Street, Skokie, was back in Cook County court on Nov. 16 to schedule his arraignment, where he will enter a guilty or not guilty plea. A grand jury voted to formally indict Ebert on two felony charges of aggravated battery and two charges of hate crimes. Advertisement Eberts lawyer, Hal Garfinkel, said that prosecutors will not be able to prove Ebert had any criminal intent for the alleged crime. At a pretrial hearing on Oct. 25, Garfinkel said the charges were sought out by the Cook County States Attorneys Office to satisfy political pressures arising from the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. Advertisement Skokie police arrested Ebert on Oct. 22 near the Ateres Ayala kosher event hall on Touhy Avenue, where the Midwest Regional Office of the Simon Wiesenthal Center was holding a solidarity with Israel event. Ebert was released from custody three days later at his first pre-trial in late October and was not given a requirement for electronic surveillance. A document from the Cook County States Attorneys Office said Ebert was waving an Israeli flag in front of pro-Palestinian supporters when a person tried to come up behind Ebert and take his flag. A verbal exchange followed and Ebert discharged pepper spray, which the document says injured multiple people and more than one Chicago police officer. Ebert accused Palestinians of war crimes and gave obscene middle finger gestures, according to the court document. Ebert will be back in court for his arraignment to enter his plea on Nov. 27. An arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt. David Cameron headed from his first Cabinet meeting as Foreign Secretary in 10 Downing Street to lunch at the Carlton Club the Mayfair spiritual home of the Conservative Party where I bumped into him in the hall, near a prominent portrait of him. The newly ennobled Lord Cameron had posed for Fleet Street photographers as he left his first Cabinet since his appointment that morning. It was very funny someone shouted to me do you miss being shouted at in Downing Street?, he told me, with a grin. With that, Cameron bounded upstairs, to the first floor, where an over-sized bust of his head sits on the landing, and straight into a packed dining room for a new Thatcher portrait unveiling, to a loud cheer from members. His next step: being clothed in ermine on Monday when he is introduced to the Lords. DC is back! Bremners laughing Voters might have shrugged their shoulders at the re-emergence of David Cameron at the top of British politics, but impressionist Rory Bremner is thrilled: On behalf of the nations impressionists, delighted to see David Cameron back. We just need Michael Howard, John Major and Frank Spencer and were cooking on gas. Nigels in the dark One politician who apparently has no idea that David Cameron is back helping to run the country is his old Ukip nemesis Nigel Farage, one of the stars of ITVs Im A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here! which starts Sunday night on ITV. Farages pals tell me his mobile phone was taken from him the day before Cameron was appointed Foreign Secretary. Former winner of the series panto dame Christopher Biggins told GB News this week: Hell come over very well. [But] I dont think hell win and will be voted in to do all the terrible things that they want him to do. Another kangaroos testicle, Nigel? Starmers no charmer Mild-mannered Tory MP Simon Jupp is not happy. On several occasions, I have held the door open on the Parliamentary estate for Sir Keir Starmer and did so moments ago, as I try to do for everyone, he said this week. Most people signal their thanks, but never Sir Keir. I just get a glare, stare, or blank expression. Good manners cost nothing. Jupp says this has happened four times and is not expecting an apology. Perhaps Starmers blank expression is him being friendly? Pennys light sabre Leader of the House of Commons Penny Mordaunt emerged unscathed from Rishi Sunaks Cabinet reshuffle. Perhaps the PM was put off sacking his old leadership rival by the memory of Mordaunt brandishing the Sword of State at last years Coronation as Lord President of the Privy Council? Mordaunt (pictured, with wooden sword) has been busy since, signing replicas to raise cash for local Tory associations and charities. One friend tells me: She has been inundated by requests to sign swords including, in a couple of cases, light sabres. The force is with you, Penny. Minted Dant Good news for Adam Dant, the official general election artist in 2015. He has just been painting an expansive historic fresco in the loos of the Merchant Taylors livery company in the City of London and has been now signed up as artistic adviser to the Royal Mint. Despite being surrounded by all that cash, Dants time will not be paid. Art should be in everyones pocket, he tells me from his humble artists garret. Dant will have a say over what subjects appear on the UKs circulating and commemorative currency though. Its the most fun committee of them all too, every penny of it, he tells me. Going, going Godiva Catholic Herald editor William Cash has some sad news about his Jaguar, nicknamed the Purple Godiva, which he decorated in Ukip livery when he was standing to be an MP in 2015. My wife wants me to sell it, he tells me, forlornly. Cash, son of Brexiteer Sir Bill Cash, bought the car a 1992 Sovereign from a dealer in Blackpool for 2,000 and once told me that its long wheel base is good to go for Anglesey for the weekend. Surely someone can take it off his hands? Fly the Commonwealth flag! When Tory MP Andrew Rosindell asked in the Commons if the Foreign Office will fly the Commonwealth flag all year round, the response was icy. It is not our practice to fly, on a permanent basis, the flags of organisations of which the UK is a member, Foreign Office minister David Rutley replied. Given the name of the building is the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, isnt this rather churlish? Peterborough, published every Friday at 7pm, is edited by Christopher Hope. You can reach him at peterborough@telegraph.co.uk Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. Former Fitchburg state Sen. Dean Tran was arrested Friday on COVID-19 fraud charges, with authorities alleging he hid legitimate income in order to qualify for $30,120 in pandemic unemployment benefits. Dean A. Tran Tran was indicted on 25 counts of wire fraud and three counts of filing false tax returns, according to the office of Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. He pleaded "absolutely not guilty" Friday afternoon during a brief appearance in U.S. District Court, Boston, before Magistrate Judge Page Kelley. Tran, who was accompanied by his wife and four children, was released and allowed to keep his passport, which will allow him and his family to travel for a vacation in Aruba starting Saturday. His next court hearing is Jan. 11. In a separate case, dating to his time on Beacon Hill, Tran faces charges of violating state ethics laws. He is accused of having his Senate staff campaign for him on state time. Tran, 48, a Republican, served in the state Senate through 2020, when he lost a reelection bid. In 2022, he ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. House of Representatives seat held by Rep. Lori Trahan. In the COVID-19 fraud case, authorities allege that Tran made $50,000 as a consultant for an automotive parts company, in addition to "thousands of dollars" in income from his Fitchburg rental properties. Prosecutors say he concealed the consulting and rental income on his 2021 federal income taxes. Dean Tran was once elected to serve taxpayers, but today we arrested him for allegedly cheating them out of tens of thousands of dollars in fraudulent unemployment benefits that were meant to be a lifeline for those struggling for survival as a result of the pandemic, Jodi Cohen, special agent in charge of the FBI Boston Division, said in a statement. This former state senator allegedly made the conscious decision to repeatedly lie about his employment status and underreport his rental property income so he could get a tax break. The FBI and our partners are working hard every day to shut down such fraud schemes and protect the public from being fleeced. In June, a team of FBI agents executed a search warrant at Tran's Fitchburg house. At the time, his lawyer indicated the search was unrelated to the ongoing state case against Tran. In another case, Tran is accused of intimidating an elderly constituent in June 2019 into selling him her late husbands firearms. Tran pleaded not guilty and announced a lawsuit against the attorney general at the time, Maura Healey, alleging that the charges were brought for political purposes and that Healey was trying to suppress Asian American voices. The lawsuit was dismissed. Federal prosecutors allege in the indictment that Tran submitted an online application for state unemployment insurance benefits on Jan. 6, 2021, the day after his Senate tenure ended, but that his application was denied by the state because legislators are not eligible for the benefits under state law.He accepted a consulting position with the automotive parts company on March 14, 2021, and the very next day applied for unemployment benefits through the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program retroactive to Jan. 9, 2021, allegedly checking a box "stating that he was unemployed, partially unemployed or unable or unavailable to work." His application was accepted March 16, 2021. In April, the Massachusetts Division of Unemployment Assistance denied Tran's pandemic unemployment claim due to an issue related to "employment substantiation" and stopped payments to him. Tran appealed the decision and submitted what the feds called a "sham employment offer letter" backdated to Dec. 29, 2020, purporting to be from the CEO of a New Hampshire-based company that produces and distributes Asian foods. The letter allegedly offered Tran a job and a $120,000 annual salary.During an appeal hearing in May 2021, Tran allegedly made misleading statements and concealed the fact that he had been working for the auto parts company. In June 2021, the state reversed its decision and declared Tran eligible for pandemic unemployment benefits "beginning the week ending January 2, 2021, and indefinitely thereafter, if otherwise eligible."His benefits were terminated after the week ending Sept. 4, 2021, and Tran became a W-2 employee of the auto parts company on Sept. 20, 2021, according to the indictment."If TRAN had become a W-2 employee of the Automotive Parts Company prior to September 2021, however, TRAN's wages would have been reported to the state and, thus, the DUA would have disqualified TRAN from receiving PUA benefits. By remaining as a consultant for the Automotive Parts Company until early September 2021, TRAN was able to conceal his employment from the DUA while he simultaneously collected both pay from the Automotive Parts Company and PUA benefits," the indictment says.From March through December 2021, the feds allege, Tran collected $43,925 in pandemic unemployment benefits while also being paid $82,602 by the auto parts company. With reports from Colin A. Young and Chris Lisinski of State House News Service. This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Dean Tran, former state Senator from Fitchburg, accused of COVID-19 fraud CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS) A death investigation is underway Friday morning in the Steele Creek area, according to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police. Officers said a man has been pronounced dead in the 8900 block of South Tryon Street. Details are limited at this time. Queen City News has reached out to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police for further information. MORE FROM QCN Crime & Public Safety This is a developing story ; check back for updates. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) The December 2023 City of El Paso Special Election is just a few weeks away. The ballot for this election will include an unexpired term for City of El Paso, District 2. A total of four candidates are on the ballot. Important Dates: Monday, November 27th (First day of Early Voting by personal appearance) Tuesday, November 28th (Last day to apply for ballot by mail; received not postmarked) Tuesday, December 5th (Last day of Early Voting by personal appearance) Saturday, December 9th (Election Day) Saturday, December 9th (Last day to receive ballot by mail at 7 p.m. if carrier envelope is not postmarked or Monday, December 11th at 5 p.m. if carrier envelope is postmarked by 7 p.m. at the Early Voting Clerks office on Election Day, unless overseas or military voter deadlines apply). Voting office encourages voters to be prepared before heading to the polls: Current election information https://epcountyvotes.com/quick_links/current_election Voter registration status/eligibility https://epcountyvotes.com/quick_links/am_i_registered Personalized sample ballot https://sites.omniballot.us/48141/app/home Early Voting Locations https://epcountyvotes.com/quick_links/early_voting Election Day Vote Centers https://epcountyvotes.com/quick_links/where_do_i_vote Voters may vote a regular ballot by providing one of the seven forms of acceptable photo identification or by completing a Reasonable Impediment Declaration at the voting place and providing one of the supporting documents. For a list of acceptable photo identifications or supporting documents, visit https://epcountyvotes.com/voter_information/identification_required_for_voting. If a voter requested a ballot by mail and later decides to vote at the voting place, a voter must surrender their ballot by mail to vote in person. If a voter does not surrender their ballot, a provisional ballot will be offered to the voter. Voters with questions can call our office at (915) 546-2154 or email at epelections@epcounty.com For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. Your slice of the headlines in Ukraine. Daily. Friday, November 17, 2023. Delays in Western weapon deliveries could leave defenders outgunned in early 2024, military analyst says The first half of 2024 will be the most difficult for the Ukrainian Armed Forces due to shortfalls in promised supplies of weapons and ammunition from the West, says Serhiy Zgurets, director of Defense Express, an information and consulting company. Moscow and Pyongyang hold talks, strengthen ties and expand cooperation in various fields North Korea and Russia have signed a protocol on expanding cooperation in various fields after holding talks on trade, science and technology in Pyongyang, South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported on Nov. 16, citing North Korean state media. New UK foreign minister makes first visit to Ukraine, promises military support for however long it takes London remains steadfast in providing Ukraine with weapons, increasing their co-production, and ridding the Black Sea of Russian threats, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said after talks with David Cameron, who arrived in Kyiv for the first time as head of the UK Foreign Office. Hungary calls for strategic debate on EUs policy towards Ukraine Hungary's Minister for EU Affairs, Janos Boka, stated that European Union policy towards Ukraine should be shaped through considering options and holding a strategic debate, Daily News Hungary reported on Nov. 15. Cluster munitions proving exceptionally effective in battle Ukrainian officer Cluster munitions used by Ukrainian forces are remarkably effective against enemy troops, Deputy Commander of the 3rd Assault Brigade, Maksym Zhorin, said in an interview with NV Radio on Nov. 15. Ukraine to tax 2023 banking profits at 50% Exorbitant profits Ukrainian commercial banks booked in 2023 will be taxed at 50%, while the tax rate for subsequent years will be set at 25%, Ukraine's Parliamentary Finance Committee chairman Danylo Hetmantsev said in a Telegram post on Nov. 16. SBU charges Russian energy minister on suspicion of supplying electricity from seized Ukrainian power plants Russian Energy Minister Nikolay Shulginov has been served a notice of suspicion for assisting the Kremlins top military and political leadership in illegally connecting its military bases and administrations to electricity from seized Ukrainian power plants, the SBU reported on Telegram on Nov. 16. UNESCO removes Russia from its executive board Russia was ousted from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Executive Board on Nov. 15, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported via Twitter. Hodges gives vision of goal of Ukraine's counter-offensive, praises impact on Russian fleet The ultimate aim of Ukraines counter-offensive should be to force Russian invasion forces out of Crimea, former U.S. Army Europe Commander Ben Hodges told Radio NV in an interview on Nov. 15. Russia could be planning major offensive for mid-December Russian dictator Vladimir Putin has a habit of claiming propaganda victories before announcing his presidential bids. 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 Rep. Dan Goldman (D-N.Y.) said his New York City district office was vandalized and defaced with pro-Palestinian slogans. Free Palestine and Let Gaza live along with the phrase, Blood on ur hands were spray-painted on the exterior of the Jewish congressmans office. Goldman spokesperson Simone Kanter released a statement Friday, according to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency. Harassing, intimidating, and outright attacking the staff of a Jewish elected official at a time of rising violence and rampant antisemitism is dangerous and unacceptable, the statement said. The Hill has reached out to Goldmans office for further comment. The Jewish Telegraphic Agency said the New York City Police Department is investigating the incident and that officers were responding to graffiti elsewhere when they found the vandalism. A Goldman staff member arrived at the office around 8:50 a.m. Friday and found police already on the scene. Security footage showed at least two people defacing the building, but they put a plastic bag over the camera, so the images are unclear, his office said. Goldman was visiting Israel with his family when the Palestinian militant group Hamas attacked Israel and began the weeks-long growing conflict. Our experience, of course, was traumatic, but it is nothing compared to so many Israelis down in the south with barbarianism that we have not seen, Goldman said last month on the Today show. The vandalism is not an isolated incident. Local offices and Washington, D.C., offices for several other members of congress have been vandalized amid the heightened tensions stemming from the conflict in the Middle East. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Democratic lawmaker says protest outside DNC rattled me more than January 6th Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.), one of the lawmakers inside the Democratic National Committee (DNC) headquarters when protesters clashed with police outside the building this week, said the experience rattled her more than the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol. This rattled me more than January 6th did, Dingell told The Detroit News. I was scared. Someone is going to get hurt at one of these things. They can get out of control. The Detroit News reported Dingell tried to exit the building through multiple doors, but protesters had blocked the area. She told the outlet an officer stopped her at the front and pointed to a medic treating another officer who had been pepper-sprayed outside. U.S. Capitol Police said they tried to hold back about 150 protestors outside the DNC building in Washington on Wednesday night. Protestors were demanding a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war. In a post online, Capitol Police said six officers were treated for injuries stemming from the protests, ranging from minor cuts to being pepper sprayed to being punched. Organizers of the protest said 90 of its demonstrators were injured after skirmishes broke out with police. About 10 members of Congress reportedly attended the event Wednesday evening. Dingell told the Detroit News that those inside could hear protesters chanting outside. She said members were trapped in the building for about an hour before police evacuated them. Several other members of Congress shared their experiences being evacuated from the event. Rep. Sean Casten (D-Ill.) praised police for their efforts to evacuate lawmakers amid the clashes with those outside, saying, Im keenly aware that it could have been much worse. We have handled hundreds of peaceful protests, but last nights group was not peaceful, Capitol Police said in a statement Thursday. The crowd failed to obey our lawful orders to move back from the DNC, where Members of Congress were in the building. Police identified 24-year-old Ruben Arthur Camacho of Woodbridge, N.Y., as the sole protestor arrested for allegedly assaulting a police officer. Capitol Police said an officer witnessed Camacho slam another officer into a garage door and then punch the female officer in the face. When demonstrations cross the line into illegal activity it is our responsibility to maintain order and ensure peoples safety, police added in their statement. The Hill has reached out to Dingells office for further comment. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Democratic leaders in Washington are facing increasing pressure to prod Israel to scale back military operations in Gaza, where rising civilian casualties have triggered human rights protests around the U.S. and sparked heightened calls for a cease-fire from Democratic lawmakers, administration officials and the partys liberal base. Behind President Biden, Democratic leaders have pressed for billions of dollars in humanitarian assistance for civilian victims of the conflict Israeli and Palestinian alike. But theyve rebuffed the entreaties of their left flank to back a cease-fire, citing Israels right to defend itself in the wake of Hamass brutal terrorist attacks on Oct. 7, which left roughly 1,200 people dead. Hamas has already said publicly that they plan on attacking Israel again, Biden said Wednesday during a rare press conference in California. And so the idea that theyre going to just stop and not do anything is not realistic. That position is growing more contentious as the civilian casualties continue to grow in Gaza, where more than 11,000 Palestinians many of the children have been killed since the war began, according to Gazas health ministry. The rising toll has eroded public support for Israels handling of the conflict, according to recent polls, which is manifesting itself on a number of domestic fronts, all of which are creating political headaches for Democratic leaders. In Boston, protestors this week blocked a well-trafficked bridge, in part to urge Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) to back a cease-fire. On Capitol Hill, Rep. Becca Balint (D-Vt.) on Thursday became the first Jewish lawmaker to support an immediate end to hostilities, reversing her initial position to join roughly two dozen of her House colleagues supporting a cease-fire. And hundreds of administration officials have reportedly written to Biden to protest his position on the conflict. Some liberal activists, meanwhile, are warning Democrats of an electoral backlash in 2024 if they dont endorse a cease-fire, saying the partys continued support for Israels military operations will deflate the base to the advantage of former President Trump and Republicans. As someone who has personally worked to mobilize voters particularly young voters to vote for the Democratic Party in these elections, I know how crucial motivation and faith in the party is to being able to turn out people to vote, Eva Borgwardt, the national spokesperson for IfNotNow, said Thursday. And right now I know so many young voters, including Jewish voters, who are looking at the actions of our Democratic leadership and being completely, completely horrified and disillusioned by the response of our party to refuse to call for a cease-fire and end this horrific war. Borgwardt, who is Jewish, was among the activists who rallied Wednesday night at the Democratic National Committees (DNC) headquarters near the Capitol, where protestors challenged Democratic lawmakers to support a cease-fire a demonstration that devolved into a violent altercation with U.S. Capitol Police, who evacuated lawmakers from the building. The details of that clash are highly contested. The Capitol Police maintain that the protestors were violent, ignoring commands and pepper-spraying officers in an aggressive display that left six officers injured. We have handled hundreds of peaceful protests, but last nights group was not peaceful, the agency said. The protestors deny those allegations, saying they were staging a peaceful candlelight vigil for victims of the conflict when the officers attacked them unprompted. That act of peace and moral act of civil disobedience was violently shut down by police who escalated against us and injured 90 of our community members, said Jessica Rosenberg, a rabbi representing Jewish Voice for Peace. The police officers gave no dispersal warning. A number of Democratic lawmakers who were at the DNC on Wednesday sided squarely with the Capitol Police, praising the officers on hand and denouncing the protestors for instigating the violence. The clash also forced House Democratic leaders to issue a statement Thursday, which condemned the protestors for [escalating] their activity in a manner that exceeded a peaceful demonstration. We strongly support the First Amendment right to freedom of expression and encourage anyone exercising that right to do so peacefully, said the statement from Reps. Hakeem Jeffries (N.Y.), Katherine Clark (Mass.) and Pete Aguilar (Calif.). The altercation was representative of the broader divisions within the Democratic Party when it comes to U.S. policy on Israel differences only exacerbated by the Hamas attacks and Israels response and emotions are getting more and more raw as the violence has entered its second month. Those divisions cropped up in the recent vote to censure Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), Congresss only Palestinian American member, for her sharp criticisms of Israel a measure supported by 22 pro-Israel Democrats. Theyre surfacing in recent polls, which reveal that sympathy for Israel is waning as the conflict drags on, particularly among younger voters. Theyve been evinced by the efforts of pro-Israel Democrats, who have been scrambling to prevent any further erosion of support by highlighting the atrocities committed by Hamas against civilians, including children, on Oct. 7. And theyre revealing themselves among liberal activists who are increasingly willing to confront their Democratic allies on the topic. Eighty percent of their base support a cease-fire and an end to the loss of life, [but] Democratic leadership and the Democratic Party is not aligned and is not listening to us, said Dani Noble, an organizer with Jewish Voice for Peace Action. The fiery debate is expected to continue in the weeks and months to come, as the number of casualties in the conflict rises each day, and as Congress is forced to revisit the thorny issue when lawmakers take up an emergency aid package upon their return to Washington after the long Thanksgiving break. Biden has proposed a $105 billion supplemental funding package that earmarks $14.3 billion in aid to Israel, largely in the form of missile defense systems, and more than $9 billion for humanitarian assistance for civilians across several global hotspots, including Ukraine, Israel and Gaza. Foreshadowing the coming conflict over that aid, Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.), one of three Muslims in Congress, introduced a resolution Thursday to block the sale of certain U.S. weapons to Israel. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. On November 9, The New Republic published an open letter signed by two dozen DSA members announcing their resignation from the organization. DSAs Ashik Siddique asked us for space for a reply, which weve published below. What would you have done during the Civil Rights Movement? As a growing left movement comes to see history as something we must shape here and now, questions comparing historical moments to today have become a common refrain. When future generations look back to today, one of theirs will doubtless be: What did you do to stop what is, as one prominent Holocaust scholar put it, the textbook case of genocide in Palestine? For members of Democratic Socialists of America, the answer is clear: anything and everything we can. We feel deeply that there is only one viable future. We either all live together, or we all die together, as activist and attorney Noura Erakat said recently. But for a handful of now-former members who have spent the last month announcing their resignations from the largest socialist organization in the country with pieces like Out of Loyalty to Democratic Socialism: Why We Are Leaving DSA, which ran in The New Republic last week, the question does not appear to be worth asking. Instead, each article focuses mainly on the wording of select tweets and statements, frequently parroting misleading claims that have already been comprehensively addressed. At a time when so many are taking serious risks to stand on the right side of history, its disappointing to see a few outliers take the bait. But for the rest of our 80,000 members, whats more important is that we use this opportunity to push public focus back on what matters above all else: our organizing to stop a genocide. It started quickly. As chapters immediately sprung into action organizing and supporting rallies across the country, members also worked nationally to make the most of our mass base and connections to Congress through our No Money for Massacre phone banks, which have already made nearly 250,000 calls. These phone banks, often attended by 100 people at a time, have turned mass support into mass action by bringing an unprecedented level of constituent calls pushing reps to sign on to the cease-fire resolution. And equally important, theyve provided a foundation of constituent calls in support of members like Representative Rashida Tlaib, which enables our already leading electeds to take even further political risksmost notably Tlaib openly calling out President Biden for supporting a genocide, resulting in a rare and reprehensible censure vote. Physically, DSA chapters everywhere are anchoring every type of action imaginable. Metro DC DSA collaborated with a large coalition of Palestine solidarity groups led by American Muslims for Palestine to organize a massive protest in D.C. last month with tens of thousands of people, and DSA members across the country were proud to participate in the largest Palestine mobilization ever in D.C. on November 4. NYC-DSA co-led its own largest-ever rally with Adalah Justice Project, Jewish Voice for Peace, and other organizations where over 150 people were arrested (including socialist elected officials), successfully forcing the media there to finally talk about what is actually happening: a fight to stop a genocide. All across the country, DSA members have organized rallies and sit-ins, tabled in our communities, organized students, bird-dogged elected officials into supporting a cease-fire, blocked military cargo ships from port, protested at the Democratic National Committee headquarters, and moreoften at substantial personal risk. This is the unique power DSA can bring. Union leaders DSA members helped elect, like Brandon Mancilla in UAW, are making history demanding a cease-fire, and more members are organizing their own labor unions in the same direction. From state legislation like Not On Our Dime! to Cori Bushs Ceasefire Now Resolution, our elected members are opening up a whole new front in the fight to free Palestine within the state itself. We dont know where all this will go, but were in uncharted territory that we must keep forging forward in. And we have made dent after dent at a level long thought politically impossible. In 2001, I remember when every member of my family bought American flags to display outside our homes in hopes of heading off Islamophobic hate crimes, while fewer than 10 percent of U.S. voters opposed the march to war and a single member of Congress voted against it. In 2023, the U.S. political establishment is working to revive the 9/11 playbook in support of an equally destructive response to attacks in Israel: unlimited military funding for the mass death of Muslims and brown people abroad, and mass vilification and repression of those at home who stand against the escalation of atrocities. But the results look vastly different today. In just weeks, a bloc in Congress including DSA Representatives Cori Bush, Rashida Tlaib, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has grown to nearly 20 times Representative Barbara Lees lone vote against war in 2001, bravely standing against a war from within its very source: the halls of the federal government. Even more starkly, the fiercest propaganda effort in decades has fallen flat on its face, with a supermajority 66 percent of voters supporting a cease-fire. You dont need a poll to see this: Just look to the streets, where day after day, people from all walks of life are joining protests in a growing mass movement for Palestine. This didnt just happen: The difference is a resurgent organized left. Thanks to herculean organizing for decades by the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions, or BDS, movement globally and across the United States, growing visibility of Palestinians speaking for themselves about conditions on the ground, increasing normalization by DSA elected officials, and too much more organizing to count, the ruling-class strategy of manufacturing consent for war is nearing the end of its rope. From the streets to the halls of power is not just a slogan but a description of what makes DSA such a unique threat to the status quo. Even our own enemies agree: Pro-war propaganda is hitting a wall in part because organizations like DSA are so effective at bringing together diverse people across differences, and fighting across issues in a way that makes us stronger in each, for a shared vision of universal liberation of all people. While the online attention economy is designed to elevate the most incendiary outlier opinions, the vast majority of DSA members believe that ultimately, the cycle of extreme violence in the region will continue until we defuse its root in the everyday violence of occupation and apartheid, which, as Brazilian socialist educator Paulo Freire wrote, dehumanizes both the oppressor and oppressed. We are united too in knowing that, as famed democratic socialist Martin Luther King Jr. said in his essential Beyond Vietnam speech, which would alienate even his own allies: The great initiative in this war is ours. The initiative to stop it must be ours. Ultimately, those leaving DSA or focusing more on the wording of tweets than on building the largest anti-war movement in decades are a slim minority in DSA. They fail to see that, rather than losing our way, DSA is continuing to carve the path socialists always have: the risky one leading the way forward, regardless of whether it is comfortable to do so, until weve dragged the rest of the world along with us. So wherever you are, stop doomscrolling, and start organizing. We have a genocide to stop today, and a world to win tomorrow. Denmark has handed over unique drones to the Ukrainian Navy. Those are autonomous hydrographic systems, which operate as part of the SeaBat T51 system, which, in particular, allow for the detection of underwater targets. Source: ArmyInform with reference to Captain 1st Class Roman Honcharenko, the head of the hydrographic service of the Ukrainian Navy Details: Honcharenko said that these drones are equipped with a multibeam echo sounder designed to survey the bottom topography for situational awareness of the underwater space. Quote from Honcharenko: "The main task of a multibeam echo sounder is to collect accurate data about the seabed and marine environment. This data can then be processed and used to create and update nautical charts and tablets to support safe navigation in the area." Details: He explained that this allows you to explore the existing underwater obstacles, choose the right mooring places for boats, as well as passage options and routes for vessels. Quote from Honcharenko: "It will significantly enhance seabed exploration capabilities, which are sometimes crucial for maritime safety and environmental protection. Autonomous sonar control with artificial intelligence is specially designed for SeaBat T51 this unique SeaBat innovation provides reliable data and hands-free sonar operation, allowing for increased survey efficiency with less operator workload." Background: It was reported earlier that Denmark would transfer 7 million to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund, which will be used to purchase equipment to restore the energy infrastructure affected by Russian attacks. Before that, it was reported that Denmark would provide Ukraine with a 40.2 million package for reconstruction needs, including heating in Mykolaiv. At the end of October, Denmark announced a new military aid package for Ukraine worth DKK 3.7 billion (about US$520 million), including tanks, infantry fighting vehicles and ammunition. Support UP or become our patron! A Buddhist temple dating back more than 1,600 years in northwest China's Gansu Province will reopen to the public on Monday after it had been closed for two years for restoration. Originally built in 363, Dayun Temple is located in the city of Wuwei on the ancient Silk Road route. The latest restoration project started in November 2021 as the building complex had developed broken floors, cracked tiles and other damage, said Ren Yun, deputy curator of the Xixia Museum of Wuwei, which administers the temple. With a total cost of nearly 16 million yuan (2.23 million U.S. dollars), the project included damage repair and maintenance of six individual buildings, including the bell tower and the Chunqiu Pavilion. Water drainage, power and gas facilities were also renovated. After the reopening, visitors will be able to enjoy exhibitions on the temple's history, as well as wooden screens and wooden carriages. "Dayun Temple is an important cultural heritage that witnessed Buddhism spreading eastward along the ancient Silk Road, as well as cultural exchange between China and the West," Ren said. Visitors not only have a chance to glimpse into ancient Buddhist culture and watch the bronze bell and bell tower from the Tang Dynasty (618-907) but also feel the profound culture of Wuwei through the 23 stone inscriptions and more than 10 plaques preserved in the temple, he added. The Ukrainian state-owned Ukrgasvydobuvannya gas production company has opened a new gas deposit at a gas field in the Carpathian mountains, which was considered exhausted. Source: website of Ukrgasvydobuvannya Details: The company explained that during the testing, an appraisal well flowered at more than 200 KCM/D, providing the highest Ukrgasvydobuvannya rate for fields in the western region in the last 20 years. The record-breaking gas production was achieved due to the application of modern technologies, in particular the Ivan Bogun drilling rig. "The western region has a great potential for discovering new [hydrocarbon] fields, which is confirmed by the results of neighbouring countries. Now we are strengthening our activities in this region, in particular, to introduce new technologies and attract investment," Oleh Tolmachev, acting CEO of Ukrgasvydobuvannya, said. The well location was chosen according to the results of interpretation of new information from 3D seismic surveys conducted earlier. Now the specialists of the company are working to extend technological possibilities of ground infrastructure in order to increase the productivity of the well. "Based on the results of geophysical activities, our specialists have identified a bunch of pay horizons that expand the field's prospects for drilling new wells. And the test results will allow [us] to assess reserves of the new deposit," Maksym Vityk, Director for Exploration and Development of Ukrgasvydobuvannya, stated. Support UP or become our patron! Days after a Virginia sheriffs office hired a new deputy, he traveled across the country to a 15-year-olds California home and killed her mother and grandparents, then kidnapped her, according to a new federal lawsuit. Nearly a year later, the girls aunt and minor sister are suing the sheriffs office. Austin Lee Edwards, 28, died by suicide on Nov. 25, 2022, after he was accused of kidnapping the girl, killing her relatives and setting her familys home on fire, authorities said, The Associated Press reported. He died as a shootout with San Bernardino sheriffs deputies unfolded, according to authorities. The Washington County Sheriffs Office in Virginia hired Edwards on Nov. 16, 2022, after he previously worked as a Virginia State Police trooper, according to a Nov. 28, 2022, news release from the office. Edwards had messaged the teen online while posing as a 17-year-old boy and used a fake profile to catfish her, a complaint filed Nov. 16 in federal court in California says. On Nov. 25, 2022, Edwards arrived at the Riverside home, where the girl lived with her grandparents Mark and Sharon Winek and her mother, Brooke Winek, and the deadly violence ensued, the complaint says. The Washington County Sheriffs Office is accused of failing to properly investigate Edwards, who was unfit to be a sheriffs deputy, given his mental health background when he was hired, according to the lawsuit filed by Mychelle Blandin, the girls aunt, and the girls sister. In 2016, Edwards was accused of threatening to kill his father during a mental health crisis, leading to his detention for a psychiatric evaluation and admittance into a treatment facility, the complaint says. The incident was detailed in a police report obtained by The Los Angeles Times, which reported in December 2022 that Edwards never informed Virginia State Police about the event, spokesperson Corinne Geller told the newspaper at the time. This shouldve barred him from buying or possessing a firearm under Virginia law, the lawsuit says. The lawsuit, which also names Edwards estate as a defendant, accuses the sheriffs office of negligence. Defendant WCSOs negligence in hiring, supervising, and/or retaining Edwards was a substantial factor in Edwards carrying out the murders of Decedents Mark Winek, Sharon Winek, and Brooke Winek, the complaint says. McClatchy News contacted the sheriffs office for comment on Nov. 17 and didnt receive an immediate response. The sheriffs office in its Nov. 28, 2022, news release wrote Edwards past employers and the Virginia State Police were contacted during the hiring processing. However, no employers disclosed any troubles, reprimands, or internal investigations pertaining to Edwards, the office said. McClatchy News contacted Geller, the state police spokesperson, for comment on Nov. 17 and didnt receive an immediate response. How the killings unfolded According to authorities in California, Edwards asked the 15-year-old to send him nude images while pretending to be a 17-year-old boy leading to the girl ending communications with him sometime before he traveled to her home about 55 miles east of Los Angeles, The Associated Press reported. On Nov. 25, 2022, Mark and Sharon Winek were the only ones home when Edwards appeared, showed his badge and law enforcement weapon, and entered the house, according to the complaint, which says he lied to them about being involved in a law enforcement investigation. Edwards then had Sharon Winek call Brooke Winek and tell her that she and her daughter needed to come to the home immediately, the complaint says. Ultimately, Brooke arrived with her daughter, left her inside the vehicle as part of additional instructions from Edwards and went into the home alone, according to the complaint. The girl, identified only as R.W. in court documents, went inside the home after a period of waiting and found Edwards had fatally slit her mothers throat, the complaint says. Sharon and Mark Winek were hogtied with bags over their heads when Edwards set the home ablaze with them inside and kidnapped the girl at gunpoint, according to the complaint, which says at least one of them was still moving when R.W. entered the home. Edwards fled with the girl in his car and later died by suicide while surrounded by San Bernardino County deputies, the complaint says. I am bringing this lawsuit because my family wants to know how Edwards was hired as a sheriffs deputy and given a gun when the courts expressly ordered he could not possess a firearm, Blandin said in a statement, according to The Associated Press. He used his position as a sheriff to gain access to my parents home, where he killed them and my sister, Blandin added. I want the Washington County Sheriffs Office held accountable for giving a mentally unfit person a badge and a gun. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling or texting 988. Man tased and starved in SC jail before death was supposed to be in hospital, suit says Dangerous pistols fire without pulling the trigger if guns are dropped, suit says Cops downplayed familys fears about missing daughter, suit says. She was found dead Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who is serving a 21-year sentence for violating George Floyds civil rights during a fatal arrest more than three years ago, filed a motion this week in federal court to overturn his conviction, citing an alternative theory on the cause of death. In the appeal filed on Monday, Chauvin cites the opinion of Kansas pathologist Dr. William Schaetzel, who suggests Floyd died not due to asphyxia from Chauvin kneeling on his neck for more than 9 minutes but rather from complications related to a rare tumor known as paraganglioma, which has potential to trigger a sudden and deadly surge of adrenaline. Derek Chauvin faces second-degree murder and manslaughter charges. Photo KARE 11 YouTube Screenshot Chauvin claims that Schaetzel contacted his defense attorney, Eric Nelson, about the theory in April 2021, when Chauvin was on trial for state murder charges in Floyds death, saying Nelson didnt take the claim seriously and never reached out to the pathologist for his sworn testimony. After nearly two years, Schaetzel said he reached out to Chauvin in February to speak with him personally about his conclusions after he reviewed Floyds autopsy report but admitted that he never examined the body. Asked Monday to explain why he contacted Chauvin at the federal lockup in Arizona, Schaetzel told The Associated Press: I cant go to my grave with what I know I just want the truth. Based on Schaetzels conclusions, Chauvin has asked the judge overseeing the federal case to throw out his conviction and order a new trial more than 16 months into his sentence for killing Floyd. In the court filing, Chauvin further claims that the jury in his state criminal case would have found him not guilty in 2021 if they had heard the evidence from Schaetzel. The Hennepin County Medical Examiner ruled Floyds death a homicide that was likely caused by the knee restraint. The fatal incident occurred on May 25, 2020, when then-officer Chauvin, who is white, subdued the 46-year-old Black man by pinning his neck to the ground with his knee after Floyd tried to pass a counterfeit $20 bill at a convenience store moments earlier. The episode was filmed by several witnesses who shared the viral videos on social media, sparking months of violent protests around the world while strengthening the Black Lives Matter movement in the United States. When Chauvin pleaded guilty to federal charges in December 2021, he forfeited his right to an appeal except under the condition of asserting that his defense attorney was inadequate or incompetent to represent him. The agreement is notable as Chauvin, in his newest appeal, claims Nelson failed to inform him about Schaetzels theory during the state trial and never challenged the constitutionality of the federal civil case against him based on the evidence. Previously, a federal appeals court twice rejected Chauvins request for a new evidentiary hearing on other legal grounds. Kristina OConnor, pictured two years before the incident, said she wanted 'to keep fighting for justice for women' - Graham Stone/Retna The daughter of the late entertainer Des OConnor has lost a High Court battle with the Metropolitan Police after a detective called her amazingly hot. Kristina OConnor, 36, challenged the forces disciplinary process after James Mason, 44, made inappropriate remarks when responding to an attempted robbery call in October 2011. Ms OConnor was interviewed by Mr Mason after she was attacked by a gang who tried to steal her phone in London. She claimed he asked invasive questions with sexual overtones and that he then sent several inappropriate messages, the court was told. In one message, he said: If you ever fancy having a drink with a very discreet police officer, just let me know, it would be my pleasure. If you have any visible injuries that you would like me to record then I am happy to take a picture for you and save it in case we manage to get any further in the investigation. I hope it doesnt hurt too much and I am sure you still look amazingly hot. Kristina O'Connor, right, with her family at her father's CBE investiture at Buckingham Palace in 2008 - Shutterstock Ms OConnor complained about Mr Masons conduct. Mr Mason received a final written warning in 2021 after an independent misconduct panel found that he had breached the standards of professional behaviour on eight counts. The punishment meant that Mr Mason was able to keep his rank. He resigned from the force in November last year. Ms OConnor alleged that the panel had failed to address Mr Masons predatory and abusive actions and said the Met Police had failed to properly investigate the complaint. She took legal action against the misconduct panel and the Met Police. Police chiefs and the misconduct panel disputed her claims. Mr Justice Swift, who considered arguments at High Court hearings in London earlier this year, ruled against Ms OConnor and dismissed her application for a judicial review. Giving his ruling on Friday, Mr Justice Swift said: I reject the claimants challenges to the decisions of the commissioner and the panel. The application for judicial review is dismissed. Frustrating process The judge added that sufficient steps were taken during the disciplinary process that were both reasonable and appropriate. The judge added in a written ruling: While this was a case of sexual harassment, the panel was entitled to have in mind precisely what the harassment had comprised. He said that the disciplinary panel was entitled to attach weight to the fact the complaint was made many years after the misconduct had occurred and to Mr Masons previous record of good service. Lawyers representing Ms OConnor said they were planning to appeal. Ms OConnor said: This has been a frustrating process, and it is not the outcome I was hoping for but I want to keep fighting for justice for women.. Nancy Collins, a lawyer who represents Ms OConnor and is based at Hodge Jones & Allen Solicitors, said: It is very disappointing that the High Court has dismissed Kristina OConnors challenge to the police disciplinary process. Stuart Cundy, the deputy assistant commissioner of the Met Police, said: The Met took the allegations against Det Ch Insp James Mason very seriously. An independent hearing panel found his conduct amounted to gross misconduct and issued him a final written warning. His behaviour was wholly unacceptable and the Met Police does not seek to justify the panels decision. The commissioner has made it clear that officers who behave in this way have no place in the Met. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-Fla.) went after tech executives on Friday, saying they were empowering an adversary by attending a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping during his San Francisco visit this week. You have this meeting where American CEOs are just basically groveling in front of this dictator, DeSantis said at a campaign event Friday. Those guys make money on Wall Street and stuff, but they are empowering an adversary at the expense of the wellbeing of the American people. Xi also met with President Biden and Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-Calif.) during the visit. The meeting with tech leaders Thursday featured a standing ovation from the San Francisco crowd, with Xis speech appearing to open the door to more economic cooperation with the U.S. China has no intention to challenge the United States or unseat it, he said, according to The Associated Press translation. Likewise, the United States should not bet against China, or interfere in Chinas internal affairs. Attending executives included Apple CEO Tim Cook, Blackstone CEO Stephen Schwarzman and leaders from Pfizer, FedEx, Boeing and KKR, according to The Wall Street Journal. Tesla owner Elon Musk was at the VIP reception but did not stay for the dinner, according to CNBC, citing event organizers. The event also brought Silicon Valley under fire from Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.) as well as The Wall Street Journals editorial board on Friday. The Journal said the business leaders were kowtowing to Xi at a meeting which delivered China a propaganda coup and the CEOs an embarrassment. Its a safe bet Mr. Xi hoped to create an appearance that American business is on his side lobbying against a firmer line on China policy in Washington, the board said. All of this will hurt their image in the U.S., especially among those on the political right who are increasingly skeptical of big business but whom business needs to fend off regulatory and tax assaults from the political left, they continued. Shareholders might ask whether cozying up to Mr. Xi really serves their interests. Gallagher, chair of the House Select Committee on China, railed against the events organizers on Thursday and demanded they release a list of attendees. It is unconscionable that American companies might pay thousands of dollars to join a welcome dinner hosted by the very same [Chinese Communist Party] officials who have facilitated a genocide against millions of innocent men, women, and children in Xinjiang, Gallagher wrote in a statement earlier this week. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. To recruit and train members of a civilian military force under his control, Gov. Ron DeSantis administration has hired a company that specializes in combat training and lists as one of its instructors a former U.S. Navy SEAL accused of war crimes. Previously unreported records reviewed by the Herald/Times Tallahassee Bureau show the state has agreed to pay Stronghold SOF Solutions up to $1.2 million to recruit, vet and train volunteer members of the Florida State Guard, the World War II-era force that DeSantis revived last year to respond to emergencies. The Florida company trains police and military members on tactical shooting, explosives and urban combat and is owned by a former Army green beret who supports the Republican governors presidential campaign. The governor, the State Guard and the Florida Department of Military Affairs, which oversees the agreement, didnt respond to questions about the training services. The states civilian force was initially sold as a unit that would help Floridas overworked National Guard respond to emergencies within the state. Since then, its scope has been expanded to allow the state guard to respond to emergencies anywhere in the country, and some members have been granted the ability to make arrests and carry weapons. The mission statement of Stronghold SOF Solutions evokes a wide-ranging militaristic purpose. We preserve the warrior culture by honoring its traditions, we prepare the future warfighter by delivering innovative training solutions, so we protect those who cannot do it themselves, the mission statement reads. In promotional videos, Stronghold SOF Solutions highlights training that teaches individuals how to use drones, explosives and precision shooting. The company, based in Destin with a training facility in Defuniak Springs, touts having trained various special forces units, including Army Rangers, and police officers. Its facilities include a shoot house, various firing ranges, an airfield and a targetry. A state database shows the agreement with Stronghold was approved this year during a state of emergency issued by DeSantis, a move that could have allowed the state to waive procurement and vetting requirements for vendors. The company has also done work with the U.S. Department of Defense this year, records show. It is unclear how many State Guard members have been recruited, vetted and trained by the company, if any, but a state database shows a payment of $300,000 last month for work related to the State Guard. Records show the state has also authorized spending more than $217,000 on ammunition for the State Guard. Who are the trainers? After announcing the revival of the State Guard two years ago, DeSantis dismissed critics who warned hed use the group as his own secret police. Members of the State Guard were activated for the first time after Hurricane Idalia this year, distributing supplies and cleaning debris from the storm. But during its first training at Florida National Guard headquarters in June, military veterans quit over its militia-like focus. While that training did not include how to handle weapons, Stronghold SOF Solutions specializes in training for the warfighter and law enforcement officer. The company says all of its staff have served in special operations. One of Strongholds trainers is Eddie Gallagher, the former Navy SEAL who was charged with war crimes including murder and was embraced by former President Donald Trump. Fellow SEALs reported that Gallagher, their platoon leader, shot civilians and killed a captive Islamic State fighter with a knife during a 2017 deployment to Iraq. (Gallagher was also charged with contempt of court for allegedly threatening those who reported him.) In 2019, he was found not guilty in a military court of all charges but one: posing for a photo with the dead Islamic State fighter. Trump relished Gallaghers notoriety and overturned his demotion by the Navy. Its not clear whether Gallagher has a role in training State Guard members. Neither a company representative nor DeSantis office would answer questions about his involvement. But Strongholds website advertises, train with Eddie. Last year, he attended a training of several Tallahassee police officers at Strongholds Defuniak Springs training facility, a decision the citys police chief defended amid criticism from members of the city commission. The CEO of Stronghold SOF Solutions Calvin B. Graves, also known as Brandon Graves is a supporter of the governors presidential campaign. On social media, Graves repeatedly shows support for DeSantis stances on social issues, like banning female transgender athletes from competing in womens sports. He has also praised DeSantis for how he says he would treat potential looters: You loot, we shoot. Leadership: reminding would-be criminals that we do not play the looting game in Florida, Graves posted on X. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis stands with the Florida State Guard after speaking to reporters about the impact of Hurricane Idalia on Floridas West Coast during a press conference in Perry, Florida on Wednesday, August 30, 2023. A specialized unit in the making The partnership with Stronghold marks a shift in how Florida is finding and training volunteers for the State Guard, which has struggled to get off the ground since its launch. Last month, DeSantis announced the organizations third director in the last year, U.S. Marine Corps veteran Mark Thieme. The previous director quit halfway through its first training class, in June. Several military veterans who went through the training told the Herald/Times that their Florida National Guard instructors were incompetent and the training slapdash. One volunteer, a Marine Corps. veteran, called the local sheriffs office and reported he was battered by the instructors when they forcibly shoved him into a van after he questioned the program and its leadership. Originally pitched as a 400-member organization, its been expanded to 1,500, but the organization has failed to find and train volunteers to meet its goals. Its training class graduated 120 recruits, who are now referred to as soldiers. Its next training class isnt expected until next year. The June training class consisted of people who applied through an online portal or who were asked to apply by other volunteers. Members who attended the training have told the Herald/Times that the State Guard did little vetting. Stronghold is required to recruit and vet the candidates, records show. DeSantis Department of Military Affairs, which oversees the agreement, would not clarify whether the training Stronghold is offering State Guard members is geared toward a specialized unit that under Florida law has the ability to make arrests and carry weapons. Those who are in that unit added a year after DeSantis revived the State Guard must be certified law enforcement officers and meet certain employment requirements that include being a U.S. citizen without felony convictions. Not much is known about how DeSantis intends to use the unit, a component that few if any state guards in the country have. But the governors office has indicated it could help law enforcement with riots and illegal immigration, among other emergencies. The State Guards training in June was overseen by the states adjutant general, James Haas, who was appointed by DeSantis. When asked about the agreement with Stronghold, Haas referred the Herald/Times to Thieme, the new director. I really am not involved with that, Haas said this week. We provide services, but he actually reports directly to the governors office. Florida State Guard recruits receive aquatic skills instruction from Florida National Guard soldiers and civilian contractors to execute a water survival training exercise at Camp Blanding, Florida, June 14, 2023. Soldiers with the 53rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 83rd Troop Command, and 50th Regional Support Group supplemented the multi-day training that included rescue swimming, entering and exiting water vehicles, water survival techniques and water vehicle maneuvering. A pro-Palestinian student group on Thursday sued the state of Florida with help from the American Civil Liberties Union after Gov. Ron DeSantis administration moved to bar the group from state college campuses. The federal suit, filed by the ACLU on behalf of the University of Floridas chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine (UF SJP), names the Republican governor along with the chancellor of the Florida State University System, Ray Rodrigues, and a number of other university officials. Rodrigues issued a memo on Oct. 24 accusing the SJP of providing material support to terrorism meaning support in the form of money or resources without evidence. He ordered all SJP chapters operating within the state university system to be deactivated, stating that he had consulted with DeSantis on the matter. In their lawsuit, the University of Florida SJP and ACLU argue that the ban violates the students First Amendment rights. They are asking a court to intervene on their behalf, citing precedent from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit, which stated last year: Nowhere is free speech more important than in our leading institutions of higher learning. BREAKING: Our client, the University of Florida Students for Justice in Palestine, is suing university leaders and Governor DeSantis for violating its First Amendment rights by ordering the deactivation of the group as punishment for a statement from the independent national SJP. ACLU (@ACLU) November 16, 2023 Their move comes nearly six weeks into Israels bombardment of the Gaza Strip, prompted by Hamas militants Oct. 7 attack on Israel that claimed the lives of around 1,200 people, including Israeli civilians and foreigners. Israels aggressive response has thus far claimed the lives of an estimated 11,000 people in Gaza, the toll exacerbated by Israels reported targeting of buildings used by civilians, the BBC reports. The war effort has inspired waves of demonstrators to turn out in cities around the world in support of the Palestinian civilians struggling to survive in the war-torn Gaza Strip. The lawsuit claims that the DeSantis administrations material supportallegation stems from a document created by the national SJP that, according to the student group, doesnt dictate the beliefs or messaging of the local student chapter. The Order bases this serious and stigmatizing allegation solely on statements published by National Students for Justice in Palestine group (NSJP), an independent organization, in a document called the Day of Resistance Toolkit, the suit said. The toolkit in question has sparked controversy for the way it seemed to describe the Hamas attack as an act of legitimate resistance against Israels treatment of Palestinians, and it has been used by Israels supporters in America to smear anyone who speaks out in support of the Palestinian civilians. According to the Deactivation Order, UF SJPs only alleged offense is its affiliation with NSJP which is constitutionally protected, the lawsuit claimed, arguing that the students rights to free speech would be protected even if they had a stronger affiliation with the national group. Since the Israel-Hamas conflict began to escalate last month, Americanauthorities have noted an uptick in crimes apparently motivated by antisemitism or Islamophobia across the country. The U.S. Department of Education said this week it had launched investigations into seven schools in relation to alleged hate crimes. Related... MEMPHIS, Tenn. Memphis has its share of troubles when it comes to crime. From citizens to businesses, many are growing weary of living in fear. Memphis needs help: Senator asks TN governor for aid amid crime wave Some people are saying theyve had enough and are packing their bags and moving away but not everyone is ready to give up on the city. We have some great food in Downtown and Midtown. Its a shame people cant experience that because they dont feel safe, said Tony Westmoreland, who owns 10 restaurants in the Memphis area. Hes seen business change in the last few months. Weve heard from our customers talking about, they dont feel comfortable getting out at night they dont feel comfortable leaving their cars parked in the parking lot and restaurants, said Westmoreland. Now, its not even at night. You got cars getting broken into in the middle of the day. Restaurant manager Christopher Anderson noticed something else. People are hesitant to stay longer. Theyre kind of getting more to-go foods and stuff. Theyre coming in and theyre leaving, he said. Crowds are dying down when the sun goes down. Stolen Lamborghini found; no charges filed Westmoreland said last weekend, one of his restaurants that is under construction got broken into. He had more stories about the unsolved killing of Shea Grauer outside Zinnies in Midtown, and the shooting of a gas station employee across the street from the Overton Park entrance on Poplar. Its changed the way he does business. He said his restaurants now use an armored truck service so employees dont have access to money. Its an added expense for him. The restaurant owner and manager say they know that if things dont change, some businesses may pick up and leave. You want nice restaurants, you want nice places to go. If people dont feel that they can make money here, theyre gonna take you someplace else. And were not gonna have any of those things, Anderson said. Thieves steal car in Westwood, return it to owner the next day But despite the crime taking its toll, many business owners arent ready to call it quits yet. Were not giving up on Memphis, said Westmoreland. Were trying to build out, but those are additional expenses that we incur and its difficult to do that, especially now with sales being declining. That sticking with Memphis mentality is what Pastor Rufus Smith likes to hear. He moved to Memphis from Houston 13 years ago to take over as lead pastor at Hope Church. He says what the city has to offer is worth fighting for. It led him to write an op-ed in the newspaper to those who are considering leaving because of crime. 17-year-old high school student shot, killed in Frayser I recognize that those fears are real, said Smith. I do not criticize people for being afraid or saying Im relocating for my familys sake to improve your life. Thats not my issue. But to relocate for the sole sake of fear as opposed to fighting. Thats what Im challenging. He says Memphis, with affordable housing and its rich history of entrepreneurship and cultural movements, is worth fighting for. Members of the clergy are working together to look at how they fit in to find solutions. We have said, not only are we going to broaden our trust with each other, but were going to choose something that we can all work on, and what we chose was closing the economic gap. That is workforce development. They want to make Memphis the place people come and want to stay. Pastor Smith predicts in five years, Memphis will become the blueprint of how you turn a city around. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. A shell casing found inside a murder suspects SUV helped police link him to a deadly shooting at a fast-food restaurant, a Lexington Police Department detective confirmed in court Friday. Police managed to use the shell casing and other evidence to charge 22-year-old Jacolby Williams with shooting and killing 18-year-old Dametrius Hampton outside the Cook Out restaurant on South Broadway in September, according to police. Hampton was declared dead on scene. Williams has also been charged with possessing a gun as a felon. Testifying in a preliminary hearing Friday, Detective John Davis said Hampton stumbled into Williams, and the two got into a verbal altercation before Williams shot Hampton in the chest. Within just a couple of seconds, Mr. Williams reaches into his right pocket, pulls out his handgun and shoots Mr. Hampton before getting into an older model Ford Escape, Davis said, describing in court how the incident unfolded. Williams vehicle was found in a parking lot on E. Sixth Street with the help of Flock license plate readers and traffic cameras, according to Davis. A 9 mm shell casing was found inside the car, which matched the shell casing found on scene. Several witnesses were on scene during the shooting and gave statements to police, identifying Williams as the shooter, Davis said. Surveillance footage also corroborated the witnesses statements. Williams fired two shots, according to Davis. Hampton was also armed with a Glock 23 handgun, but Davis said his weapon wasnt clearly visible. Seven shots were fired at Williams vehicle as it was fleeing the scene, according to Davis. Davis said he knows who fired the additional shots, but no further information was provided about the additional gunfire. Williams fled the state and was arrested in Phoenix on Oct. 19 as a result of an anonymous tip to Bluegrass Crime Stoppers, police previously said. He was extradited back to Lexington and booked into the Fayette County Detention Center on Nov. 7. He is being held on a $500,000 bond, according to jail records. Judge John Tackett ultimately found probable cause in Williams case, sending it forward to a grand jury. Williams attorney made no arguments against Davis testimony or against the current amount of Williams bond. With Thanksgiving just a week away, Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport is ramping up for what it believes will be the busiest winter holiday travel season in the airports history. Between the Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years travel seasons DFW expects to see more than 7.4 million customers this winter a 6.4% increase compared to the same time last year. DFW expects to see 2.9 million customers from Nov. 16 and Nov. 28 for Thanksgiving. The Sundays before and after Thanksgiving are expected to be the busiest days during the travel period. On Sunday, Nov. 19, the airport predicts it will see more than 241,000 customers. On Sunday, Nov. 26, it expects to see 249,000 customers. And while Thanksgiving is expected to be crowded at the airport, the winter holiday period surrounding Christmas and New Years should be even busier. DFW expects 4.5 million travelers from Dec. 14 to Jan. 2. With a projected 245,000 customers, the airport expects Friday, Dec. 22 to be its busiest travel day. More than 243,000 guests are expected on Friday, Dec. 15, and more than 241,000 travelers are expected on Thursday. Dec. 21. DFW Airport is eager and ready to greet our Thanksgiving and winter holiday customers, Ken Buchanan, DFWs Executive Vice President of Customer Experience and Revenue Management, said in a release. As we demonstrated over the summer which was the busiest on record we have an efficient and helpful staff that will focus on providing an exceptional experience for our guests. Buchanan recommended travelers prepare for the holiday rush by visiting DFWs website or mobile app before heading to the airport, planning their parking ahead of time and checking security wait times before leaving home. During Fridays in December dubbed Festive Fridays the airport will feature live local music inside the terminals for customers to listen to while waiting for their flights. The airport recommends customers arrive at least two hours before flight departure given the increase in holiday traffic this year. DFW is also encouraging travelers to consider pre-booking parking spots, which are expected to sell out quickly. Parking lot occupancy levels can be viewed from the airports website. Parking in garages at Terminals C and D tends to fill up faster than other garages, the airport said. If travelers cant find parking, DFW recommends park and going through security at Terminals A and B be before taking the Skylink train to their terminal and gate. Fort Worth-based American Airlines launched its largest winter flight schedule out of DFW ever earlier this month. The carrier has about 20% more seats available this winter, with nonstop flights from DFW to more than 225 international destinations. Jim Moses, Americans senior vice president of hub operations at DFW, said the airline believes there is a tremendous amount of pent up demand for travel. We think there is going to be robust demand for travel that will continue through the holiday period, Moses told the Star-Telegram. This winter, American is also servicing more than 50 departures each day from DFW to Mexico, more flights to the country than any other airline hub in the U.S. Moses said American has been planning strategies for the winter season since last year in anticipation of high demand and the potential for severe weather. We know there are going to be situations and times with weather that are really outside of the airlines control, but weve spent a lot of time on the recovery piece, Moses said. Moses said the airline has been hiring more people and developing technology to better navigate severe weather. American has also been working to recover from disruptions the next day rather than several days later. Hiring really hasnt let up in quite some time at American, Moses said. We are staffed and ready to take care of our customers, many of which will be traveling winter around the upcoming holidays. DFW Airport is the second busiest airport in the world and expects to see 80 million travelers by the end of the year, an all-time record for the facility. By the end of the decade, the airport projects it will serve 100 million passengers per year. The airport has plans for a $4.8 billion expansion to add a sixth terminal. With the construction of Terminal F, as well as a significant overhaul of Terminal C and upgrades to Terminal A, the airport will gain a total of 24 additional gates over the three terminals. Dallas-based Southwest Airlines is also in talks with the DFW Airport about leasing gates as early as 2025. China's Xinjiang fastens steps of opening up 10:00, November 17, 2023 By Jiang Yunlong, Wen Suwei ( People's Daily Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, located at the heart of the Eurasian continent, sees the most land ports as a provincial-level region in China. It plays an irreplaceable role in the development of the Silk Road Economic Belt. In Xinjiang, it takes only 0.08 hours for cargos to complete customs clearance through the Alashankou railway port; the number of China-Europe freight trains departing from and arriving in Horgos has increased with an annual growth of 81 percent; foreign trade volume of the autonomous region exceeded 250 billion yuan ($34.44 billion) in the first three quarters this year, reaching a historical high. Photo shows China-Europe freight trains and other cross-border trains at the Alashankou railway port in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. (Photo from the media center of Bortala Mongolian autonomous prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region) In recent years, with China's efforts to expand opening up, develop its western region, and promote the Belt and Road Initiative, Xinjiang has transformed from a relatively closed inland area to a frontier of opening up. Not long ago, China's State Council issued a general plan for establishing the Xinjiang Pilot Free Trade Zone (FTZ), further promoting Xinjiang's high-level opening up and writing a new chapter in the autonomous region's engagement with the outside world. Recently, a China-Europe freight train departed from Xinjiang's Alashankou, also known as Alataw Pass, for Kazakhstan. "We send polyvinyl chloride materials and solar cells out and take wheat, edible oil, and minerals back to China," said Guan Xizhi, driver of the train. Thanks to the continuous improvement in transport efficiency, the frequency of the China-Europe freight service has also increased in recent years, Guan added. It is learned that the Alashankou railway port has introduced a "24/7" appointment-based customs clearance mechanism to ensure quick inspection, verification and release. This helps minimize the time for customs clearance and significantly reduces transportation costs. A border police officer inspects vehicles to be exported in Horgos, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. (People's Daily Online/Zhou Hangsheng) Since the freight service was launched in 2011, the number of China-Europe freight trains leaving and entering China via the Alashankou Port has surpassed 30,000. Nearly 6,000 trips are made a year now, up from 17 in the beginning, connecting 25 Chinese provincial-level regions to some 20 countries to the west. At present, a network covering over 110 routes has been formulated. More than 200 categories of goods are currently being transported along these routes, including automobiles, auto parts, cotton yarn, and timber. "Reaching Europe via Alashankou is the international trade channel with the shortest distance, the least time and the lowest freight cost on the Silk Road Economic Belt," said Li Jianglin, executive deputy mayor of the city. At the Horgos highway port, trucks are often seen lining up. As of Nov. 3 this year, the number of vehicles exported through this port reached 101,100, a year-on-year increase of 177.3 percent. The highest daily export of vehicles reached 1,301 units, showing exponential growth. "Chinese vehicles, especially new energy vehicles, have become a new highlight of Xinjiang's foreign trade," said Hu Laijie, director of the port management bureau of the Horgos economic development zone. Currently, 35 Chinese carmakers export vehicles through the Horgos highway port, and there are over 80 vehicle export agencies, according to Hu. He said Chinese vehicles are exported via the port to Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Russia, and other Belt and Road countries. "I believe I can find 'gold' in the 'desert,'" said He Haiyan, who came to Alashankou from her hometown Shaanxi province to start a business. Today, her three small counters have blossomed into a 275-square-meter cross-border e-commerce store. Stepping into the store, visitors are greeted by a dazzling array of imported goods that entice them to fill their shopping carts and spend hours exploring the vast selection. To support the development of cross-border e-commerce and leverage the advantages of the Alashankou port and the Alashankou Comprehensive Bonded Zone, the city has established a 28,000-square-meter sorting and customs clearance center. Renowned e-commerce platforms such as Alibaba, Amazon, and eBay have settled in the city, providing services to 508,000 e-commerce enterprises. "We have pioneered an innovative 'slow air transportation' model, enabling exported goods to reach Europe within 12 to 18 days, at a cost of only 1/5 of regular air transportation and 1/6 of the time taken by sea freight," said Zhou Chong, deputy director of the management committee of the Alashankou Comprehensive Bonded Zone. Photo shows the sorting and customs clearance center for cross-border e-commerce in the Alashankou Comprehensive Bonded Zone, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. (Photo from the media center of Bortala Mongolian autonomous prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region) The local authorities have implemented an efficient and fast customs clearance process, prioritizing the declaration, sealing, and inspection of cross-border e-commerce goods, Zhou added. In addition to numerous cross-border e-commerce enterprises, there is also a fantastic destination for shopaholics in Horgosthe China-Kazakhstan Horgos International Border Cooperation Center. Spanning an area of 3.43 square kilometers on the Chinese side and 2.17 square kilometers on the Kazakh side, this center offers visitors 30 days of visa-free cross-border facilitation. Entering into the Chinese side of the center, each visitor is allowed to carry 8,000 yuan worth of duty-free goods per day. The center received an average of 24,000 visitors per day from January to September this year. "The demand for shops is so high that as soon as one becomes available, it is immediately snatched up by eager tenants," said Ji Gang with the cooperation center. As the autonomous region becomes more open, ports in Xinjiang are thriving, said Hao Weiming, head of Urumqi Customs. He believes that by taking the establishment of Xinjiang Pilot FTZ as an opportunity, the high-quality development of Xinjiang's open economy will surely reach a new level. (Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun) China's Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao will hold talks with U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting, Ministry of Commerce spokesperson He Yadong said Thursday. The two sides will discuss the implementation of the consensus reached by the two heads of state at their summit in San Francisco and resolve important issues in bilateral economic and trade relations, the spokesperson said at a regular press briefing. He said the ministry will strive to facilitate the sound and steady development of China-U.S. economic and trade relations to inject more stability and positive energy into the world economy. A classroom is pictured at Hawthorne Elementary School in Salt Lake City on Aug. 22, 2023. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News Enrollment in Utah public schools dropped by nearly 2,000 students statewide from the previous year, dipping to 672,662 or a 0.3% decrease, according to the new data from the Utah State Board of Education. Fall 2023 enrollment figures reflect the most significant declines in enrollment year to year among elementary school-age students. Meanwhile, enrollment in public charter schools continued to climb, increasing by 513 students over the previous year. All told, just under 1 in 5 Utahns is a public school student. Heres a closer look at the data and trends: Utah school districts large and small The states largest school district is Utah Countys Alpine School District, serving 84,710 students. It is followed by Davis School District at 70,703 students; Granite with an enrollment of 58,312; Jordan at 57,436; and Nebo at 43,672 students. Combined, the five largest school districts serve 314,833 students, nearly 47% of all public school attendees across the state. Alpine School District alone serves more than 12% of the states students. On the other end of the spectrum, five Utah school districts serve fewer than 1,000 students each. Daggett is the smallest at 177 students. Others include Piute School District at 262 students; Tintic at 267; Wayne at 402 and Rich at 522. Granger High School in the Granite School District is the largest school in Utah with an enrollment of 3,447. The smallest is Grouse Creek Elementary School in Box Elder County with five students. West Desert High School in Snake Valley has eight students in grades 7-12. Kindergarten enrollments mixed tale The state experienced a 3% decline in kindergarten enrollment and 4.4% drop in first graders from last year, an indication of Utahs declining fertility rate. Fertility in Utah and the United States has steadily declined almost every year since the Great Recession in 2008, according to the Gardner Policy Institute at the University of Utah. But the Utah Legislatures passage of HB477, which made full-day kindergarten available for all public elementary schools, reserving a half-day option, changed the landscape of grade K. Seventy-seven percent of enrolled Utah kindergartners opted for full-day kindergarten with only 23% of students enrolled half day. We have seen a great demand for full-day kindergarten in Utah and we are glad that the state has invested in providing this option for Utah families, said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Sydnee Dickson in a statement. In several districts such as Grand, Emery, and Daggett, 100% of kindergarten students participate in the full-day option. According to the Utah State Board of Education, several studies show students in full-day kindergarten are less likely to need academic intervention in later grades. They also tend to progress in mathematics and reading at higher rates than their half-day kindergarten peers. Related Continued growth among charter schools While overall school enrollment slightly dropped overall this fall, enrollment in the states public charter schools grew to 79,245 students. Charter school students comprise nearly 12% of the statewide student enrollment. The collective enrollment of all Utah charter schools is inching up on the numbers of students served by the states largest school district, Alpine, which has an enrollment of 84,710. In Utah, charter schools are public schools. They have appointed boards of directors and in most cases, operate independently of school districts. Depending on how they are counted some schools have multiple campuses or satellite campuses there are currently 142 to 145 charter school campuses statewide, according to the Utah Association of Public Charter Schools. Other notable demographics The number of students with disabilities enrolled in Utah public schools climbed nearly 13% by 3,784 students over the previous year, according to the Oct. 1 headcount. Students considered economically disadvantaged also increased by 2,361 students year to year, a 1.2% upsurge. This subset of students makes up 30% of the entire public school population. Students requiring English language learning services remained approximately the same at 9% of the student population numbering 59,147 students. TOHONO OODHAM NATION, Ariz. It was a dark and chaotic scene in the Arizona desert the night 58-year-old Raymond Mattia died from nine bullet wounds after three Border Patrol agents fired dozens of rounds at him. Brandishing flashlights and handguns, 10 Border Patrol agents were responding to a call that shots had been fired about a mile from the U.S.-Mexico border. As they walked through patches of cacti, Mattia stood shrouded in darkness steps from his home holding something in his hands. Put it down for me. Put it down, one of the agents shouted, according to shaky bodycam footage of the incident. The Untouchables: NBC News investigates how federal law enforcement officials are able to harm people with little to no accountability. Mattia complied, tossing a sheathed machete to the ground. Put your hands out of your f------ pocket. Mattia fumbled with the pocket of his green jacket. He appeared to toss an object aside. Almost simultaneously, three agents opened fire. Less than 30 seconds after the agents first spoke to him, Mattia slumped to the ground. A cellphone, not a firearm, lay on the ground. An image from Border Patrol agent bodycam footage showing Raymond Mattia fumbling in his pocket just moments before his death. (UCBP) His sister Annette Mattia, 61, was just yards away in her own house the night of May 18. Five months later, she choked down tears while standing near the spot where he lay. This is where he lived, and it just is sadness and anger because it didnt have to happen at all, she said. If they would have talked to him it would have turned out a lot different because you know he wasnt a threat. He didnt deserve to die like this, her daughter Yvonne Nevarez, 43, added. Now, the family wants justice. To me it feels like there are still murderers walking around. Who knows they might be back out here again? Who knows what they might do to anyone else? Annette Mattia said in an interview outside her home. The family, several of whom live on a compound in Menagers Dam Village within the Tohono Oodham Nation, believe that the agents ruthlessly gunned a man down with scant regard for his constitutional rights. But federal prosecutors have already said there will be no criminal charges. A recent Supreme Court ruling means any effort to sue the agents individually for alleged constitutional violations is doomed to fail. The 2022 ruling is one in a line of cases that has decimated the ability of victims to file lawsuits, known as Bivens claims, accusing Border Patrol agents of using excessive force or other constitutional violations. The court's dismantling of Bivens has reverberated throughout the federal government and touched nearly every agency, but Border Patrol represents a large fraction of armed federal law enforcement. NBC News found that the ruling has also made it more difficult to sue agents in other federal law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The geography of the Border Patrols jurisdiction presents a uniquely thorny set of legal questions. The court, in a case called Egbert v. Boule that involved a claim against a Border Patrol agent, introduced a new legal test that makes it virtually impossible to bring a wide range of claims against federal officials. And so the Mattia family is far from alone. In the aftermath of the ruling, lawsuits alleging a wide range of constitutional violations are now routinely tossed out. People mistreated by federal officials arent getting their day in court, instead being denied the chance to find out if a jury would agree that their constitutional rights were violated. The court has also made it harder to sue government officials by continually strengthening the legal defense known as qualified immunity a point that drew the direct ire of protesters during the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement in 2020 in the wake of the police killing of George Floyd. In the 12 months after Egbert, lower courts cited it 228 times in a range of cases against all kinds of federal officials, according to an NBC News search using the LexisNexis legal database. In 195 of those cases, constitutional claims were dismissed. Also in the year after the Egbert ruling, judges tossed more than a dozen lawsuits in which Customs and Border Protection (CBP), which Border Patrol is part of, or Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers were defendants accused of violating constitutional rights. Among the 15 out of 16 claims dismissed: Migrants affected by the Trump administrations policy of separating children from parents when detaining people at the border. A protester in Texas who claimed that Border Patrol agents had unlawfully arrested him and used excessive force by pushing him to the ground and punching him. A Mexican national on vacation in New York who was shot in the hand and face by an ICE agent during an incident in which someone else was being sought. A Mexican immigrant who initially ran from ICE agents but stopped and, he says, held up his hands before being shot in the arm. Even when a federal employee at the Department of Homeland Security sued officials in the department for malicious prosecution after being accused of falsifying documents, a judge dismissed the claim partly on the grounds that, in line with Egbert, regulating the conduct of immigration agents similarly risks judicial intrusion into national security. Some plaintiffs gave up in light of the Egbert decision. Abdulkadir Nur, a Somali American Muslim, who said he was harassed by border protection agents at the airport every time he entered the country, withdrew his Bivens claim after the ruling was issued. Its been predictably a nightmare. We have had to voluntarily dismiss Bivens claims in most of our cases, said Justin Sadowsky, a lawyer with the legal arm of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, which represents Nur. The message to federal officers accused of misdeeds is clear: You wont face lawsuits for your actions. Without individual accountability, wrongdoers are protected and unconstitutional practices can quickly become normalized among sprawling federal agencies like the Border Patrol, civil rights advocates say. A placard stating Justice for Raymond Mattia propped up in the living room of his sister Annette Mattias house (Cassidy Araiza for NBC News) The plight facing Mattias family puts the spotlight on how the Supreme Court ruling affects the U.S.-Mexico border, an area many already view as a lawless hinterland where constitutional rights are not respected. The courts opinion in Egbert is unequivocal that there is no damages action available against any Border Patrol agent for any reason, including over what happened to Mattia, said Patrick Jaicomo, a lawyer with the libertarian-leaning Institute for Justice. Lawyers for the Mattia family plan to pursue a wrongful death claim against the federal government, with an announcement scheduled for Friday, the details of which were exclusively shared with NBC News. And while the lawyers say they are not yet completely ruling out bringing a lawsuit alleging constitutional violations against the officers themselves, they concede that they would be facing extremely long odds. It makes it very, very difficult to hold the individual officers accountable in front of a jury, lawyer Timothy Scott said of the Egbert ruling. Absolutely immunized Mattia groaned motionless on the ground. Hey, do not f------ move, one agent said. The agents handcuffed him, blood soaking through his jacket. Wheres the firearm? an agent asked. Another tended to his wounds: Keep breathing, bro, he said. The agents encountered Mattia at 9:39 p.m. He was pronounced dead at 10:06 p.m. Whether the officers were looking for Mattia that night, or knew him before, remains unclear. His story is complicated. A toxicology report indicated he had alcohol, methamphetamine and oxycodone in his system at the time of death. He had a criminal record that included a conviction for a sex offense decades ago. For Annette Mattia, learning about the recent Supreme Court ruling feels like insult added to injury after what happened to her brother. They know theyre going to get away with it, she said. Were not going to get justice. Annette Mattia at her house in Menagers Dam Village; A memorial for her brother, Raymond Mattia, at his house where the killing took place. (Cassidy Araiza for NBC News) The idea of suing government officials for constitutional violations is not a new one. In fact, the 1871 Civil Rights Act passed after the Civil War specifically allowed such claims against state and local officials. But there was a glaring omission. The law said nothing about federal officials. A hundred years later, in Bivens v. Six Unknown Named Agents, the Supreme Court ruled that federal officials could also be sued on similar lines. These became known as Bivens claims after Webster Bivens, who filed the original lawsuit seeking damages when federal agents raided his Brooklyn apartment, without a warrant, looking for drugs. But over the following decades the court then slowly unraveled that decision. In the recent Egbert case, the court ruled 6-3 that individual Border Patrol agents generally cannot be sued for constitutional violations. Conservative Justice Clarence Thomas, writing for the majority, cited national security risks as a reason not to allow suits against Border Patrol agents. The court ruled that a bed-and-breakfast owner near the U.S.-Canada border in Washington state could not sue an agent for excessive force following an altercation on his property. Thomas said that the court is comparatively ill-suited to decide whether a damages remedy against any Border Patrol agent is appropriate. The ruling prompted a fierce dissenting opinion from liberal Justice Sonia Sotomayor. Absent intervention by Congress, CBP agents are now absolutely immunized from liability in any Bivens action for damages, no matter how egregious the misconduct or resultant injury, she wrote. Although the ruling did not purport to overturn Bivens outright, many legal experts think that it did so in all but name, a view shared by conservative Justice Neil Gorsuch. I would only take the next step and acknowledge explicitly what the court leaves barely implicit, he wrote in a concurring opinion. It would only be fair to future litigants to not hold out that kind of false hope, he added. In theory, claims addressing a small subsection of constitutional violations previously approved by the Supreme Court, such as excessive force claims against federal agents who conduct warrantless raids similar to the one in the original Bivens case, could still go forward. But even those cases are now in question. Cactus near Raymond Mattias house. (Cassidy Araiza for NBC News) The decision was the second in two years in favor of Border Patrol agents, the first being Hernandez v. Mesa in 2020, which concluded that Bivens claims could not be made for incidents in which agents shoot someone on the other side of the border. The Supreme Courts stance on Bivens has infuriated a cross-ideological alliance of lawyers, with both liberal and libertarians critical of its willingness to shield federal officials. What the Supreme Court has been doing with Bivens is essentially giving federal agents absolute immunity for constitutional violations. Thats the endpoint to which they are marching, said Portland-based civil rights lawyer Athul Acharya. Some members of Congress have backed legislation that would allow for constitutional claims to be brought against federal officials. Rep. Hank Johnson, D-Ga., who has co-sponsored legislation to codify Bivens, said in an interview that he plans to re-introduce a bill soon. It stands to reason that federal officials should not be exempt from being held accountable by the very people that they serve. If its good enough for state and local officials, it should be good enough for federal officials, he said. A nightmare For those living in the desert reservation community of Menagers Dam Village, a cluster of one-story dwellings a two-and-a-half hour drive from Tucson, the normal rhythm of life is regularly disrupted by the unique circumstances of living a 15-minute walk from the border. The Tohono Oodham Nation, which has about 28,000 members, straddles the border, with some historic lands sitting on the Mexican side. The name of the tribe translates from the Oodham language as people of the desert. Border Patrol agents, often the focus of complaints from immigration rights advocates for heavy-handed tactics, regularly motor around in trucks and SUVs, stopping locals to ask questions. From their living room windows, residents can watch the end of the 2,500-mile journey migrants make to illegally cross the border, sometimes late at night as they walk through the village. Yvonne Nevarez at her mother Annette Mattias house. (Cassidy Araiza for NBC News) Members of the tribe, including the Mattia family, have a mixed relationship with the agents, grateful for their efforts combating the trafficking of people and drugs, but sometimes irked by the constant presence of federal law enforcement officers on their land. Its people on both sides of the border who are dealing with Border Patrol and their lack of respect for people, their lack of respect for life, said Yvonne Nevarez, Annette Mattias daughter. It was the tribes police department that called in the Border Patrol to assist on the night of the shooting, a decision that Mattias family has also questioned. The dispatcher relayed a report of shots fired near Mattias house. The police officer and agents encountered an individual outside of a residence who threw an object toward the officers and abruptly extended his right arm away from his body. Three agents fired their service weapons, striking the individual several times, a Border Patrol statement on the shooting said. A spokesman declined to comment further. The Supreme Courts retrenchment on Bivens has occurred at the same time that the number of federal law enforcement agents has dramatically increased, especially within DHS, a sprawling department created in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and which includes both CBP and ICE. In 2019, the Justice Department said there were about 132,000 federal law enforcement officers in total. Memorial for Raymond Mattia at his house. (Cassidy Araiza for NBC News) In 1992, there were just over 4,000 Border Patrol agents, about a fifth of the current number, according to the agency. Despite being one of the largest law enforcement agencies in the nation, Border Patrol has been given a hall pass for constitutional violations, said Mitra Ebadolahi, a former American Civil Liberties Union lawyer who has worked on border issues. 'Pale substitute' Annette Mattia saw the border patrol agents moving toward her brothers house by the side of her property. She called him on the phone and told him they were heading in his direction, where he stood outside. He told her he would talk to them, she said. And then I hung up with Raymond and like two seconds later, thats when I heard all the gunfire go off, she said in the interview at her home, wearing a red T-shirt bearing an image of her brother. Clearly frustrated by the inability to bring constitutional claims against the agents, she and other family members are looking for other ways to seek justice. The options are limited. A law called the Westfall Act prevents similar claims from being brought in state court. Another law, the Federal Tort Claims Act, allows certain claims against the federal government for the conduct of officials but includes major exceptions. Claims can be brought for actions taken by federal law enforcement under the act for things like assault, false imprisonment and malicious prosecution, but limits include no punitive damages and no jury trial. Plaintiffs sue the federal government, not the individual official. Each row of the above images is captured from different cameras worn by Border Patrol Agents before and after the killing. The video was provided by Border Patrol, which they blurred in places. (UCBP) It is damages under the Federal Tort Claims Act that the Mattia familys lawyers will pursue. Its a pale substitute, said American Civil Liberties Union lawyer Scott Michelman, referring to the act. He represents protesters in Washington, D.C., who sued federal officers who aggressively broke up a 2020 protest opposite the White House in Lafayette Square. The Bivens claims were dismissed. Even before the recent rulings it was difficult for plaintiffs to get a case in front of a jury, but claims could help provide leverage for a settlement. In 2017, for example, the family of Anastasio Hernandez-Rojas, a Mexican man who died after a violent struggle involving Border Patrol agents, received $1 million in a settlement. The lawsuit included both tort act and Bivens claims. Lawyers who represent officers counter that there already is accountability individuals can be disciplined and lose their jobs as a result of internal investigations. Officers can also face criminal charges, although such incidents are exceedingly rare. I see these as individuals. Whether they are innocent or guilty, they are human beings, said Christopher Keeven, a Washington-based lawyer who represents federal officers in Bivens cases. Maybe they just had a bad day. Maybe they did nothing wrong. Should you punish the individual or punish the government? 'Sadness and anger' On a recent sunny morning on the Tohono Oodham reservation, there was not a Border Patrol agent in sight as Annette Mattia and her daughter Nevarez pointed to bullet holes visible in the wooden walls of her brothers house. No trespassing, a sign posted on the building said. The border, marked only by metal stakes pounded into the desert, is about a mile away, barely visible amid the cactus plants and scrub. His family has built a memorial on the spot where Mattia died, featuring a simple wooden cross, a small statute of the Virgin Mary and a sigh saying Justice for Raymond Mattia. Mattia had at times worked as an electrician and enjoyed various artistic pursuits, including drawing and making pottery. He served on the local tribal council and had two grown children. Bullet holes visible in the wooden walls of Raymond Mattias house; The border, marked only by metal stakes pounded into the desert. (Cassidy Araiza for NBC News) Visiting the site brings back painful memories for his loved ones, who still find it hard to process what happened. He wasnt acting erratic. He wasnt trying to run. He was complying and they shot him. And as he lay dying, they continued to threaten to shoot him, Nevarez said. The family has placed a bottle of water in front of the memorial to provide nourishment on his journey. We leave the water, you know, for him, Annette Mattia said. In a sense, I feel hes still around. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Chinese Premier Li Qiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, observes the development of Shenzhen (Harbin) Industrial Park in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Nov. 14, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua] Chinese Premier Li Qiang has highlighted the significance of sticking to reform and innovation and stimulating endogenous strength to push for breakthroughs in the full revitalization of northeast China. Li, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during an inspection tour in northeast China's Heilongjiang and Jilin provinces from Tuesday to Thursday. He came to a thermal power plant in Heilongjiang, learning about the local heating situation. He called for all-out efforts to keep people warm in the winter while lowering energy consumption. At Harbin Institute of Technology in Harbin, the capital of Heilongjiang, Li encouraged people to continue to work hard in education, scientific research, and other aspects. While inspecting an agriculture machinery company in Heilongjiang, Li learned in detail about the development of intelligent agriculture equipment. He urged all parties to pool their resources to accelerate mechanized and intelligent development of agriculture production. The premier also observed the development of Shenzhen (Harbin) Industrial Park, stressing efforts to draw on the experience of advanced regions, energize development mechanisms, and nurture new driving forces for economic development. At the AVIC Harbin Aircraft Industry Group Co., Ltd., the premier expressed hope that the company would break through key core technologies to manufacture world-class helicopters. During his inspection of the Jilin Province, Li visited a pharmaceutical company and a satellite company. He encouraged the enterprises to continue to increase research and development investment, strengthen the construction of talent teams, and develop through benefitting the people and meeting the market demand. Chinese Premier Li Qiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, visits a research institute at the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Changchun, northeast China's Jilin Province, Nov. 15, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua] While visiting a research institute at the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Changchun, he urged efforts to accelerate the research and development of photoelectric technology and the transformation of academic achievements. At the China FAW Group, he heard reports on new-energy vehicle project developments. He encouraged the company to equally emphasize independent research and development and joint research to make breakthroughs. On his tour of a beef processing enterprise, he learned about their beef production and product development and hoped the company would strengthen efforts to improve the whole industrial chain. During the inspection tour, Li also presided over a symposium, where he called on state-owned enterprises to recognize their responsibility in the new era and thrive amid reform and innovation efforts. He also urged state-owned enterprises to optimize the layout and promote the development of private businesses and small and micro enterprises. Li fully recognized Heilongjiang and Jilin's achievements in economic and social development and called on the provinces to leverage their advantages and stimulate endogenous strength to contribute more to the full revitalization of northeast China. Former President Donald Trump went on a tirade against the judge overseeing his civil fraud trial on Thursday, just hours after an appeals court paused a gag order against him that limited what he could say about court staff. A New York Appellate Division judge issued a stay on the gag order after finding it was unconstitutional, adding the pause would extend until at least Nov. 27 when a full panel of judges will consider the matter. The gag order was first imposed by Judge Arthur Engoron on the second day of the trial into Trumps business practices after the former president fired off attacks against the judges law clerk. Trump had violated the order twice, resulting in $15,000 in fines and warnings from Engoron that any further violations would result in harsh penalties. The judge had defended his ruling, noting he was attempting to protect court staff amid hundreds of threatening and antisemitic calls and letters. Still, the former president celebrated the temporary pause on Thursday. 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 on his Truth Social platform. They are defending the Worst and Least Respected Attorney General in the United States, Letitia James, who is a Worldwide disgrace, as is her illegal Witch Hunt against me. The attacks extended throughout Trumps orbit, with aides posting their own hits. Jason Miller, a senior adviser to Trump, called Engorons clerk, Allison Greenfield, a Democratic Operative. The post echoed Trumps initial attack that resulted in the gag order. Trump added Thursday the wicked attack on Democracy must be ended, NOW. The Radical and Unprecedented actions of Judge Engoron will keep BUSINESSES and JOBS forever out of New York State, he said. I have done NOTHING WRONG. Related... More than two dozen people in Bourbon County have been arrested and charged with drug trafficking offenses after a months-long investigation by the Bluegrass Narcotic Task Force and the Kentucky State Police, according to the Paris Police Department. The investigation began after concerned citizens came forward with information about the illegal activity, police said. Paris police said detectives were involved in multiple drug transactions with the suspects at various locations throughout Bourbon County and the city of Paris. The investigation resulted in 28 people being arrested Paris police said. Several of the suspects allegedly sold carfentanil, a drug used in veterinary medicine which is 100 times more potent than fentanyl, according to Paris police. Carfentanil is considered an analog of fentanyl and is typically used as a tranquilizer for large animals. The suspects would also mix fentanyl with heroin, pills, cocaine, methamphetamine and ecstasy, according to Paris police. The drug epidemic has taken a heavy toll on many families, who have suffered the tragic consequences of overdoses and fatalities, Paris police said in a Facebook post. Our communities are facing the challenges of the epidemic, and law enforcement agencies are working hard to limit its effects. Paris police is one of the agencies associated with the Bluegrass Narcotic Task Force. Others include the Harrison County Sheriffs Office, the Cynthiana Police Department and the Bourbon County Sheriffs Office. Paris police said the investigation remains on going as authorities work to apprehend more individuals involved in the trafficking ring. We have zero tolerance for illegal drug trafficking, Paris police said in a Facebook post. Law enforcement agents are dedicated to tracking down and arresting anyone who engages in this criminal activity. However, we also recognize that addiction is a serious health issue that requires support and treatment. If you are struggling with substance abuse and want to get help, you can reach out to our office anonymously at (859) 234-2617 and we will help you find the resources you need. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) A motorcyclist was killed in a crash Thursday evening in Antioch and the driver responsible for the crash received numerous citations. Metro police said the motorcyclist, identified as 41-year-old Shannon McComb of Murfreesboro, was traveling westbound on Lavergne Couchville Pike near Murfreesboro Pike at around 7 p.m. when he crashed into the rear right side of a Chevrolet pickup truck as it was turning left at the intersection. Man indicted for vehicular homicide following May crash in Clarksville The preliminary investigation indicates the truck did not have the right of way at the time of the crash, according to investigators. Police said McComb died at Vanderbilt University Medical Center while the driver of the truck, identified as 25-year-old Fernando Orduna-Pichardo of Antioch, was cited for not having a drivers license or insurance and for failure to yield the right of way resulting in death. CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime news from Middle Tennessee McComb and Orduna-Pichardo showed no signs of impairment at the scene. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. The Netherlands will make 2 billion euros ($2.2 billion) available for military support to Ukraine next year, Dutch Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren said on Nov. 17. "With this substantial amount, we send a clear signal that we are determined to continue our support to Ukraine, now and in the future," Ollongren said on X. Speaking to Reuters earlier in the day, Ollongren said that the $2.2 billion pledge in additional military aid is critical as it would "safeguard our support for Ukraine and ensure continuity" ahead of November elections in the Netherlands. The details of the new military aid are based on Kyiv's needs and advanced drone technology could be included in the package, Reuters reported, citing Ollongren. The Netherlands has so far provided 4 billion euros in military, financial, and humanitarian support to Ukraine since the start of the full-scale invasion, according to the German-based Kiel Institute. The Netherlands is also one of the countries training Ukrainian pilots on F-16s. Read also: Ukraine war latest: Zelensky meets new UK Foreign Secretary; death toll of Selydove attack rises to 4 Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. You might not have realized it in Idaho, but the planet just lived through the hottest recorded 12-month period in Earths history. From November 2022 to October 2023, global temperatures were 2.3 degrees Fahrenheit above pre-industrial levels, considered from 1850 to 1900. That includes temperatures from the hot deserts around the equator to the frozen tundras of the poles. Based on research from Climate Central, a nonprofit that analyzes climate science, at least 90% of people on Earth experienced at least 10 days in the past year that were heavily impacted by climate change. Additionally, about three in four people experienced more than a months worth of extreme heat because of climate change, the organization said. The yearlong stretch is the latest milestone in a series of climate-related records. Earlier this year, Earth recorded its hottest-ever month, and Boise didnt escape. In July, a heat dome caused temperatures in the City of Trees to soar above 100 degrees regularly, resulting in Boise having an average high of 97.2 degrees 4.5 degrees hotter than usual. But over the course of the year, how did Boise fit in the grander scheme of Earths ever-increasing temperatures? Was Boise historically hot? Over a typical year, the average temperature in Boise is 53.2 degrees. Boises average temperature between November 2022 and October 2023? Exactly 53.2 degrees. A cold winter and fall, followed by an extremely hot summer, balanced out Boises yearly temperature to around normal. That would indicate that Boise was not affected too much by the worldwide warming trend. But a closer look shows hotter summer temperatures followed a cooler-than-average winter and spring. From November to April, Boise experienced warmer-than-average temperatures just once, in January, when it was 1.3 degrees warmer than usual. There is some idea that as the worldwide jet stream weakens, unusual things happen, National Weather Service meteorologist Les Colin told the Idaho Statesman. In the sense that some of the cold air masses that would be locked up near the poles are able to break through to lower latitudes temporarily. The weakening jet stream provided a cold block for the northern reaches of North America. The effect of the weakened jet stream in Boise was felt. In March, the City of Trees broke a 74-year-old cold-weather record and had a late-in-the-season snowfall not seen since 1905. But once the jet stream strengthened again due to numerous meteorological factors, such as the location of pressure systems and seasonal changes Boise was exposed to the heat billions of other people worldwide were already experiencing. Every month since May has been warmer than average in Boise no stranger to hot summers primarily because of a developing El Nino thats now in full strength. El Nino occurs when trade winds the permanent east-to-west winds that blow near the equator weaken, allowing the Pacific Oceans warmer waters to push back east toward the United States West Coast. This typically means warmer temperatures and drier conditions for the Pacific Northwest. What were getting this fall is unusual for this area, Colin said. Normally, our fall is short, and most years, it goes directly into winter by this time of year. According to Colin, the average first snowfall of the year in Boise is Nov. 18. The forecast this year? A high of 58 degrees and a chance of rain. What does the future hold for Boise? In the near future, its looking as if it will be a warmer-than-average winter for Boise. El Nino is expected to persist through the winter, and the three-month temperature outlook from the Climate Prediction Center gives Idaho a 40%-50% chance of above-average temperatures. Weather Service meteorologist Joel Tannenholz told the Statesman that he doesnt know whether Earth will continue to set heat records, but the odds are good that Boise and this are of the U.S. will see warm temperatures this winter. In the long term, Boise could be feeling like the Nevada desert in less than 80 years, according to an analysis by Climate Central, which said temperatures will be 8.7 degrees hotter than today on average. That would put the City of Trees on par with Spring Valley, a suburb 2 miles outside Las Vegas. The 8.7 degree shift by 2100 will result in Boise seeing summers that are currently experienced in the desert southwest. The Las Vegas area currently experiences an average summer high of 100.8 degrees. I dont have any reason to think this is a wildly outrageous sort of expectation and is probably a pretty good estimate, Alejandro Flores, a professor at Boise State Universitys Department of Geosciences, previously told the Statesman. Even by 2060, Boise will have summer temperatures similar to Chico, California. Chico, about 90 miles north of Sacramento, experiences an average summer high of 95.9 degrees. From a church table to Vine Street Market, and now a brick-and-mortar shop, Harrietts Sweet Treats has built a loyal clientele with made-from-scratch Southern desserts and soft chewy cookies. Lachelle Stevenson is the baker, and her sister Rochelle Garrett handles the business side of their fledgling OFallon company named for their maternal grandmother, Harriett Stevenson, affectionately known as Big Mama. The grand opening at 622 E. State St., took place on Nov. 2, but Harrietts Sweet Treats held a soft opening during October. The cozy shop is open Thursdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 4 to 6 p.m. The location is the former Juice Heal Thrive location and is adjacent to Maxson Plumbing. Stevenson followed in her grandmothers footsteps by making her specialty desserts for family holidays and special occasions peach cobbler, German chocolate cake, and banana pudding among them. She worked in the dietary department at Francis Touchette (Regional) Hospital she was used to cooking a lot of food, Stevenson said. Thats one of the reasons she settled on the tagline: Love makes the perfect cookie. Big Mamas recipes were the starting point, and Lachelle has added modern twists on classic cookies and made popular Southern desserts her own. Everything is house-made and without preservatives. Every Thursday is Banana Pudding Day at Harrietts Sweet Treats. She crafts banana pudding portions, with vanilla wafers, fresh banana slices, vanilla pudding, and whipped cream, that are offered every Thursday. She likes to do something extra she bakes white cake and tops it with either homemade caramel frosting or fresh lemon glaze, and crumbles Oreo cookies into her brownies. She will try different cookies to offer as a special, adding to her over the top gourmet line like Smores with a marshmallow baked inside, or last summers Strawberry Pop Tarts. Seasonal flavors like pumpkin spice and apple crisp are now available. Her most popular is the Pecan Chocolate Chip, and she offers a gluten-free snickerdoodle and chocolate chip cookies, and a vegan chocolate chip. Cookie trays are a popular item that must be ordered in advance at Harrietts Sweet Treats. Baking started as therapy, Stevenson said. I needed something to do, and baking is what I know how to do. For holiday boxes, over the course of five days, she scooped 1,520 cookies. I cant scoop like a machine, making them perfect. So I call them perfectly imperfect, she said. Stevenson grew up in East St. Louis, moved to Tacoma, Washington in high school, then joined the U.S. Air Force after attending community college, serving five years as a maintenance scheduler. She now lives in OFallon and feels welcome, she said. Everybodys so friendly, she said. Stevenson said they will continue to set up shop at the Vine Street Market and is participating in the Thanksgiving Market on Saturday, Nov. 18, from 9 a.m. to noon at the OFallon Station. The Harrietts Sweet Treats stand at Vine Street Market While holiday cookie boxes, with up to four different kinds of cookies, had to be ordered earlier, she said she will have some boxes ready to go Saturday at the market. Coincidentally, thats the last day to order pies and cakes for your Thanksgiving family tables, she said. Her specialty pie that started it all sweet potato, will be available, as are pecan pie, German chocolate cake, and banana pudding and caramel cake in 9 by 13 in. pans. This year lets leave those store-bought pies and cakes at the store. Wed love to bring a slice of happiness to your family table, she said. As a military veteran, it is important to her to support charity efforts. She is partnering with the American Legion Auxiliary Post 2007 Auxiliary to gather items for local veterans. Feel free to bring in any of the following items: Puzzles, books, playing cards, personal care items, socks, coloring books, and more. She accepts special orders with advance notice and can provide catering. For more information or to place an order, email: hstbakery@yahoo.com, call 618-206-8167, or message her on the Harrietts Facebook page. Lachelle Stevenson standing by Big Mama portrait Of the many allegations leveled against Chicago Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin in recent months, none strikes us as more serious than the controversy surrounding her dealings with BMO, Chicagos second largest bank by deposits. A recent Tribune story, following on the original Tribune-reported revelations of two former staffers who alleged Conyears-Ervin forced them to do personal errands for her on taxpayer-funded time, offered more information on her separate push to get BMO to make a loan to the pastor of the church she and her husband, Ald. Jason Ervin, 28th, attend. In the months after her 2019 election as treasurer, Conyears-Ervin sought and got a meeting with Dave Casper, then U.S. CEO of BMO, and Mary Kenney, then the banks head of U.S. public affairs. The subject: the Rev. Johnny Miller, pastor of Mount Vernon Baptist Church on the West Side, wanted to refinance a loan for the property housing the church and a community center. Could BMO take a look? These sorts of ethically challenged requests from local pols werent the usual meetings in which Casper, who retired earlier this year as U.S. chief executive for Canadian banking giant BMO Financial Group, was involved. He was running a multistate bank with more than $100 billion in assets. That didnt stop Conyears-Ervin. At the end of the day, to its credit, BMO didnt make the loan despite the less-than-subtle pressure exerted by the city official whose office deals more with banks than any other unit of Chicago government. BMO, formerly BMO Harris and before that the storied Harris Trust & Savings Bank, has held city deposits for decades. Conyears-Ervin, didnt answer the Tribunes questions about the BMO meeting herself. A spokesperson offered a statement defending the action as merely making an introduction for the pastor. That was the sole intent and extent of the treasurers involvement. Theres no evidence that Conyears-Ervin threatened to pull those deposits from BMO if the bank didnt help out her longtime pastor. But thats hardly necessary for this to be wildly inappropriate. The city treasurer has no business asking banks of any kind especially those to which the city already has business ties to lend money to friends or other associates. Asking for a meeting with the CEO underscored how serious her request was, regardless of how gently the information was relayed. In the Tribunes story, Miller, the pastor, says he didnt ask Conyears-Ervin for the help. But in the next breath, he emphasized how much a cheaper loan from BMO would have meant to his operation, which had seen its existing property loan sold to a company that has no stake in the relationship and charges accordingly. If BMO had done us a favor or anything like that, we wouldnt be paying $34,000 a month now, Miller told the Tribune. A favor or anything like that. Says it all, really. Conyears-Ervin was making the introduction on behalf of the pastor, who was looking for a favor. And a bank that had held deposits for the city for decades, working with many treasurers before this one, was put in a highly uncomfortable spot. Needless to say, thats not how banks are supposed to operate. Their job is to assess the creditworthiness of a would-be borrower and decide whether to lend money and at what rate. Were not naive enough to think personal relationships never enter into the equation. Of course they do; all banks want to engender community goodwill. But the last person in Chicago to be knocking on the doors of a big bank and vouching for a pal is the citys treasurer. Oh, and did we forget to mention? The Rev. Miller is landlord to Jason Ervins aldermanic office. Its not clear that information even was provided to BMO when Conyears-Ervin met with Casper and Kenney. The citys Board of Ethics just days ago concluded there was probable cause to find that Conyears-Ervin violated Chicagos ethics code when she fired two staffers after they raised internal concerns about her actions. That followed an investigation by the citys inspector general, which isnt yet public. This is all bad enough to raise questions about whether Conyears-Ervin ought to continue as city treasurer, a post shes held since 2019. She won a new four-year term earlier this year. But theres more. Just months after she cruised to reelection, Conyears-Ervin announced she would challenge longtime U.S. Rep. Danny Davis in the 7th Congressional District primary in March. We wrote nearly a month ago that shed failed a fundamental prerequisite for running for higher office provide substantive answers about these allegations. To date, what shes done mainly is to proffer general assertions of her integrity. The city, under former Mayor Lori Lightfoot, struck an unusual settlement with the two initial whistleblowers that forbade the two from talking about their experiences in her office. At this point, the drip-drip-drip of details and new allegations makes Conyears-Ervins fading ambitions for higher office the least of her problems. The Tribune just reported charges from a third former employee that Conyears-Ervin and her husband offered senior citizens free hams for which they had to sign their names. The former employee claimed that the seniors didnt know they were signing petitions to put two candidates for state representative posts on the ballot. That, allegedly, was the price of those free hams. Were now past whether Conyears-Ervin is fit to serve in Congress. Its time to talk about whether shes fit to remain in her present post. Join the discussion on Twitter @chitribopinions and on Facebook. Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com. In the name of national security, former South Carolina governor and current Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley wants to use government authority to ban anonymous speech on social media platforms. Every person on social media should be verified by their name, she told Fox News. No matter how many nefarious images of Russian or Chinese disinformation agents one conjures up, this is a no-good, very bad idea. Anonymous speech is a hallowed American tradition. Its hardly an exaggeration to say that if it had never been permitted, the United States as we know it may never have existed. Letters from a Farmer in Pennsylvania, secretly penned by John Dickinson, were instrumental in uniting colonists against British misrule. Alexander Hamilton, John Jay and James Madison published their stirring Federalist essays defending the proposed U.S. Constitution under the pseudonym Publius. Thomas Paine, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson regularly penned missives without their real names attached. For good reason, the tradition has remained alive through the 21st century. In 2018, the New York Times published an op-ed from a then-anonymous official who proclaimed that the president continues to act in a manner that is detrimental to the health of our republic. Donald Trump, of course, said it was treason. One can question the wisdom of a newspaper choosing to shield the identity of an administration insider seeking to influence public policy without challenging the legal right to self-publish under a false name or no name at all. Anonymous and pseudonymous accounts proliferate on Reddit and on the platform once known as Twitter, often providing essential protection to whistleblowers and others worried about being fired, excoriated or even physically harmed. With respect to Haley, theres an extra ironic twist here. Back in August 2022, someone in the office of New York Attorney General Tish James broke the law and leaked the tax returns of an advocacy group Haley founded called Stand for America. Politico published a story revealing donors identities, and hell hath no fury like the candidate whose big-money allies were exposed. We are not going to throw cotton balls at them, said Haley of the AGs office. Were going to throw a grenade, and were going to make sure that they know enough is enough. Her counterattack on liberal harassment is consistent with a long line of conservative legal thought that says the right to give anonymously to a political cause, even one closely aligned with a specific candidate, is sacred because forcing people to reveal their personal political commitments is to open them to harassment. Its a fair point. Take, for instance, the successful 2008 campaign to bar same-sex marriage in California. Most donors were made public under law, and victory has been soured by the ugly specter of intimidation, reported the Times. Some of those who gave to groups backing the proposition have received death threats and envelopes containing a powdery white substance, and their businesses have been boycotted. In the irreconcilably inconsistent mind of Nikki Haley, it is unconscionable intimidation for government to out the names and contributions of multimillionaire contributors trying to influence the political process. But its a-OK for the same government to force everyday people who post on TikTok, Twitter/X, Instagram or other platforms to reveal their identities. Really? ___ A supporter of Israel carries a flag through a crowd of students rallying at UCLA in support of Palestinians in Gaza on Oct. 12. (Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times) At moments like this, when violence in the Middle East has reached a fever pitch that has left the world horrified, universities have an important role to play in convening open debate. Or at least they used to. The past weeks could have been the perfect time for relevant learning on the Israel-Hamas conflict, an antidote to the extraordinary campus strife we are seeing at the University of California and elsewhere across the nation. Instead of painting others as the enemy, people might have searched for common ground, or at least deeper understanding. Institutions of higher education could have called on their experts, such as those in history, geography, international relations and religion to hold seminars and teach-ins for students and community members. They could have organized talks and speaker panels in which people listened to each other instead of belittling and insulting those with different backgrounds and views. How many people, after all, truly know the history and understand the current politics of the Middle East? Read more: Israel-Hamas war roils UC over the line between free speech and unacceptable behavior This is a big part of what students should be getting out of college: deep learning, shaped by debate and discussion, leading to informed opinion. Unfortunately, as the roiling accusations and fears on U.S. colleges campuses show, that has become hard to achieve. When did universities become places where people started conversing less and expressing open hostility more? There are no easy answers, of course. During the 1960s and 1970s, there were plenty of campus demonstrations and even violence. Each era has its own form of protest and passions. Society changes and so does conduct in many institutions. Read more: Editorial: Cease-fire now. The killing in Gaza must stop The American Assn. of University Professors believes that free discussion became more easily chilled about a decade ago, when some students began calling for trigger warnings before classroom discussions of topics they might find upsetting; that led to demands that faculty members provide trigger warnings on assigned literature. The flood of social media, often created to fuel outrage, and political polarization during the Trump era certainly haven't nurtured civility. No wonder that when faced with gut-wrenching news like the Israel-Hamas war, many students react in hostile ways that chill the speech of others and make their fellow students feel threatened. Unfortunately, in some cases, their professors do the same or worse. Vehement student protest has a time-honored place on campus. Students should be angry about injustice; how else will they fight it? But protest should be based on verified information, and should lead to discussion devoid of vituperative insults, harassment or threatening language. The opposing factions might not end up agreeing; in fact, they probably wont. But they may end up with a deeper understanding of each other's views and becoming better informed. Instead of helping students reach that point, many universities and even departments within them have been staking out positions on one side or another of the Mideast debate. Its unhelpful at best. If a university or academic department says it stands behind Israel, Palestinian students feel unwelcome at their own school; if the department berates Israel or casts doubts on its right to exist, Jewish students feel hated by their professors and threatened on campus. Earlier this week, University of California President Michael Drake rightly put it this way: The war in Israel and Gaza presents a complex set of intersecting issues that require multiple solutions on multiple fronts. 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 will spend $2 million on education programs to foster better understanding of antisemitism and Islamophobia and to teach students about the history of the Middle East. An equal amount will go to teach UC leaders and staff on how to be true educators and helpers. Drake has shown the way. With luck, his example will lead universities back to their critical mission of convening informed, intelligent and inclusive discussion about the most difficult issues facing the world. 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. The Department of Education launched an investigation on Thursday into seven U.S. schools and universities that have reported incidents of antisemitism and Islamophobia, CNN first reported. The U.S. has seen a recent uptick in antisemitic and Islamophobic incidents since the Israel-Hamas war broke out on Oct. 7, including at schools and on college campuses across the nation. On Thursday, the department released a list of schools and universities that will be under investigation, including a K-12 school in Kansas and colleges in New York, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts. The investigations, which involve five antisemitism cases and two Islamophobia cases, were launched under a section of the Civil Rights Act requiring schools and universities to create discrimination-free environments for students. Hate has no place in our schools, period. When students are targeted because they are or are perceived to be Jewish, Muslim, Arab, Sikh, or any other ethnicity or shared ancestry, schools must act to ensure safe and inclusive educational environments where everyone is free to learn, U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona said in a statement. This is the first probe of its kind from the department since the start of the Israel-Hamas war on Oct. 7, CNN reported. Students have reported experiencing threats of violence and discrimination in the wake of the ongoing war. According to the Anti-Defamation League, a total of 312 antisemitic incidents linked to the Israel-Hamas war were reported in the first two weeks since the Oct. 7 attack more than four times the number of incidents reported at the same time last year. Last month, a student at Cornell University was arrested for threatening violence against Jewish students, and at Drexel University, a Jewish students dorm was set on fire, NPR reported. Students at Columbia University also came forward about antisemitic threats of violence they experienced, CBS News reported. At American University, the police and FBI investigated a death threat sent to a Palestinian employee last month. Members of a student organization at Harvard University were also doxxed after signing a pro-Palestine letter. Columbia and Cornell are on the Department of Educations list of schools to investigate. 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, Cardona said in a statement last week. Antisemitism, Islamophobia and all other forms of hatred go against everything we stand for as a nation. President Joe Biden warned U.S. schools and colleges to take immediate action to address the alarming rise in antisemitism and Islamophobia. On Tuesday, the administration announced actions and resources to combat the incidents, including webinars and listening sessions for school and university leaders. The Department of Education said that it will provide recommendations for schools at the end of its investigation into the schools and colleges. The schools could risk losing their funding from the government if they dont comply with the recommendations, an official told CNN. Related... The AI-Chemist system performs a chemical experiment at a laboratory in the University of Science and Technology of China in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province, Oct. 21, 2022. [Photo/Xinhua] Chinese experts shed light on concerns, challenges and international collaborative opportunities stemming from the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) technology in a series of interviews with China.org.cn on Thursday. Li Qiang, associate professor of law and director of the Military Law Institute at China University of Political Science and Law, emphasized that China and the United States are not only traditional major powers but also major players in the development of AI technology. "To a certain extent, the attitudes of China and the U.S. toward AI development determine the effectiveness of global governance on AI security," he said. "Cooperation between China and the U.S. in the development and security governance of AI is not only possible but also necessary. In fact, despite existing differences between the two countries, there is a greater amount of consensus, providing a beneficial foundation for collaboration." Li also cited the Global AI Governance Initiative, launched by China during the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in October. The initiative conveys three key principles from China to the international community: opposing a Cold War mindset, opposing technological hegemony and opposing technological uncontrollability. It has identified numerous collaboration areas that are both feasible and urgently needed, especially in military AI applications, the regulation of AI-generated content, technology cooperation, individual privacy protection and data security. Cooperation among major powers is therefore essential, and the establishment of best practices is crucial for guidance in these areas. Zeng Yi, professor and director of the International Research Center for AI Ethics and Governance at the Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and a member of the National Governance Committee of New Generation AI, praised China's Global AI Governance Initiative as a timely response to the opportunities and challenges of AI. "The initiative outlines China's approach to AI governance, addressing development, security and governance, offering constructive solutions to global concerns and serving as a blueprint for international discussions and rule-making." Zeng underscored the principle of "sharing achievements" in AI governance. He views it as a demonstration of China's dedication to global sustainable development and the building of a global community with a shared future. He acknowledged the uncertainties in the development path, forms of social application, potential risks and various aspects of AI development. "Countries with advantages in technological development, while enjoying opportunities, should share the results and experiences of development from a global perspective," Zeng noted. "China, being a leading country in technological development and application, has the responsibility and obligation to promote and practice the sharing of achievements." He believes that AI, as an empowering technology and tool, has a mission beyond advancing the progress of a particular country or industry. It should empower global sustainable development and play a greater role in tackling global challenges like climate change and biodiversity protection. AI provides opportunities for human development, serves the well-being of the people and drives socio-economic growth. "In the near term, assessing and preventing security risks arising from technical flaws in AI and sharing experiences, practices, platforms and tools globally all require international collaboration." Li Qiang echoed the sentiment: "In today's world, it is no longer a simple coexistence of nations, but a closely interconnected world where countries collaborate closely for mutual development. If we want artificial intelligence to truly benefit all of humanity, countries must work together to address the risks posed by AI technology." He added, "Personally, I hope that countries can engage in cooperation based on a spirit of mutual benefit rather than confrontation and competition, setting aside ideological biases and addressing the development challenges of AI objectively and pragmatically." The Education Department on Thursday announced a new list of K-12 schools and colleges theyre investigating because of reported incidents of antisemitism and Islamophobia. Seven schools are under investigation as of Nov. 16: Lafayette College, Cornell University, Columbia University, Wellesley College, University of Pennsylvania, The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art and Kansas' Maize Unified School District. Five of the complaints allege antisemitic harassment and two allege anti-Muslim harassment. The investigations come as leaders of prominent Jewish organizations urged Biden administration officials to take an aggressive, proactive approach to addressing the incidents that have roiled college campuses since the Hamas attacks on Israel in October. Students have expressed being afraid to go to class for fear of harassment, and some schools have had incidents of physical violence. When students are targeted because they are or are perceived to be Jewish, Muslim, Arab, Sikh or any other ethnicity or shared ancestry, schools must act to ensure safe and inclusive educational environments where everyone is free to learn, Education Secretary Miguel Cardona said in a statement Thursday evening. These investigations underscore how seriously the Biden-Harris Administration, including the U.S. Department of Education, takes our responsibility to protect students from hatred and discrimination. Biden administration officials have spent weeks meeting with Jewish and Muslim, Arab and Sikh leaders who say their communities have been feeling an unprecedented level of anxiety since the attacks. The Education Department this week said Muslim, Arab and Sikh leaders described an extremely disturbing pattern of hate and threats of violence in schools and college campuses. The Education Department said it would continue updating its list of investigations weekly on the website for its Office for Civil Rights. However, Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Catherine Lhamon cautioned that just because a school is under investigation does not reflect a conclusion that the law has been violated. All schools that receive federal funds must comply with Title VI, a federal law that bars discrimination based on shared ancestry, ethnic characteristics or national origin. Schools who violate the law could be at risk of losing their federal funding if they do not comply. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona shared a list of dozens of higher education and K-12 institutions under investigation for discrimination. Photo by Ting Shen/UPI Nov. 17 (UPI) -- The Education Department shared a list of institutions it said are under investigation for possible discrimination based on shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics. A total of 51 higher education and K-12 schools were placed on the list as of Wednesday, indicating that the Office of Civil Rights has initiated an investigation into the institution. "Hate has no place in our schools, period," Education Secretary Miguel Cardona said in a statement. "When students are targeted because they are -- or are perceived to be -- Jewish, Muslim, Arab Sikh, or any other ethnicity or shared ancestry, schools must act to ensure safe and inclusive educational environments where everyone is free to learn." The department also shared a shorter list of seven institutions that are under investigation in Fiscal Year 2024, which began on Oct. 1 -- six days before the Hamas attack against Israel that killed more than 1,200 people. Among those named were Ivy League institutions Columbia University, Cornell University and the University of Pennsylvania. The other institutions include Maize Unified School District in Kansas, Lafayette College, Wellesley College and the Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art. The department said five of the complaints alleged anti-Semitic harassment and two alleged anti-Muslim harassment. The department said the Biden administration sought to take aggressive action against the rise in antisemitism, anti-Muslim, anti-Arab, and other forms of discrimination and harassment since the Oct. 7 Israel-Hamas conflict. On Nov. 1, authorities arrested a Cornell University student and charged him with posting anti-Semitic threats against the university's Jewish community, according to federal officials. Patrick Dai, who allegedly threatened to "stab and rape" Jewish students, faces five years in prison along with a fine of up to $250,000 if convicted. "We at the Department of Education, like the nation, see the fear students and school communities experience as hate proliferates in schools," said Assistant Secretary of Education for Civil Rights Catherine E. Lhamon. "As we continue our active enforcement, the Office for Civil Rights is increasing transparency into our investigations for public awareness. As always, I emphasize that the Office for Civil Rights reaches conclusions at the end of investigations and that a school's appearance on this list does not reflect a conclusion that the law has been violated." A University of Pennsylvania spokesperson told the student newspaper, the Daily Pennsylvanian, said the institution will cooperate fully with the investigation and believes it has been proactive in rooting out such discrimination. "The university is taking clear and comprehensive action to prevent, address, and respond to anti-Semitism, with an action plan anchored in the National Strategy to Counter anti-Semitism," the spokesperson wrote. "President Magill has made clear anti-Semitism is vile and pernicious and has no place at Penn; the university will continue to vigilantly combat antisemitism and all forms of hate." An Effingham man was sentenced to four years in federal prison Tuesday for robbing on Springfield's west side. Dillon Rensner, 22, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Colleen Lawless for his role in the April 12 robbery of Regions Bank at 111 South Durkin Drive. The four-year prison term is to be followed by three years of supervised release and $1,476 of restitution was ordered with a $200 special assessment. According to Springfield Police, Rensner went into the bank at 9:07 a.m. with a handgun and demanded money. The initial complaint to the U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois says that Rensner took $7,906 along with four bait bills used to help investigators track down robbery suspects. More: Here's what IDOT wants you to know about preparing for winter road conditions Rensner soon left eastward on foot, with SPD able to obtain surveillance footage showing a maroon Ford Escape in the vicinity of the bank at the time of the robbery and leaving within minutes of when he was witnessed leaving the bank. With the help of SPD's Flock license plate readers, investigators were able to track the car and identify Cassie Robson of Effingham as the owner, according to the court documents. Through social media, investigators determined that Rensner was Robson's boyfriend. By the late afternoon, the vehicle was located in Terre Haute, Ind. On April 14, Indiana State Police troopers pulled the vehicle over and found drug paraphernalia, a backpack with a large amount of cash, and a handgun. One of the bait bills was discovered and Rensner was then arrested on robbery charges. Robson was not charged with any crime. Rensner was indicted on two federal bank robbery counts and pled guilty later that same month. During sentencing, the judge said Rensner had put real fear into bank employees by brandishing the gun, even though it was a blank gun and could not fire lethal rounds. More: Public gets a look at $123 million reconstruction project for Springfield High School Rensner had been facing up to 25 years in prison and up to a $250,000 fine. The court recommended that he serve his sentence as close to his home in Effingham where Robson and their child reside. He will also receive credit for time served and will participate in drug abuse prevention and mental health programs while incarcerated. SPD was assisted in the investigation of the case by Indiana State Police, Illinois State Police, the FBI's Springfield field office and the Terre Haute Police Department. Matthew Weir prosecuted the case for the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District, with federal public defender Robert Scherschligt representing Rensner. This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Regions Bank robbery lands Effingham man four years in prison EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) The City of El Pasos Municipal Court program, Teen Court, has received a $18,807 grant from the Texas Bar Foundation. We are incredibly happy to share this news because it offers us a wonderful opportunity to continue fostering our youth and providing a strong mentorship program for our teenagers, said El Paso Municipal Court Director Lily Worrell. The funding will make a tremendous impact on the program allowing case managers to hire a part-time intern, funding for a mock trial, and additional supplies for the program. But more importantly, this grant supports a program that amplifies our commitment to nurturing the next generation of legal minds and reinforcing the pillars of a vibrant, engaged community. The funds will be used to advance and expand the program, including the purchase of educational and promotional items, and fund a part-time graduate-paid intern to assist in community events and outreach. I couldnt be prouder of this program and all that it has accomplished over the last 5 years, said Municipal Court Judge Michelle Morales. This grant will allow us to expand the program and spread the word all over the community about the Teen Court Program and instill in our youth the idea of how important it is to serve your community in the best way you can. The program is a real justice program run by teenagers for teenagers and serves as a peer court for misdemeanor and traffic offenses. Teen volunteers perform the roles of a juror, court clerk bailiff, attorney, or prosecutor. The program provides juveniles who have been charged with a misdemeanor offense, an alternative means by which to have their case heard. Upon successful completion of the court-ordered punishment, the juvenile defendant will have their case dismissed. The program also provides alternative sentences if the juvenile is found guilty. For more information about the Teen Court program, visit ElPasoTexas.gov/Municipal-Courts. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. HUNTSVILLE, Texas El Paso killer David Santiago Renteria spoke his last words Thursday night, strapped to a gurney at the Huntsville Unit, minutes before being executed in the 2001 abduction and killing of 5-year-old Alexandra Flores. Renteria, 53, was injected with a lethal dose of pentobarbital Thursday, Nov. 16, on a dark, cold and rainy evening at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice's prison. His time of death was 7:11 p.m. CST, prison officials said. With his family and Alexandra's family present, Renteria gave his final statements. Renteria sang a religious song. And he told the victims family, there isnt a day he doesnt think about what he did and said, no words can describe what you are going through. Im sorry for all the wrongs I have done. And for those who have called for my death, who are about to murder me, I forgive you, he said in a final statement. The Renteria family watched the execution from a different room from Alexandra's family. Glass windows separated the witnesses from Renteria. This photo released by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice shows death row inmate David Renteria. Renteria, a Texas inmate convicted of strangling a 5-year-old girl taken from an El Paso store and then burning her body nearly 22 years ago is facing execution. Renteria is scheduled to receive a lethal injection Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023, evening at the state penitentiary in Huntsville. (Texas Department of Criminal Justice via AP) Alexandra's sister, Sandra Frausto, and brother, Ignacio Frausto, attended the execution. Renteria's sister Cecilia Esparza and a friend also were present. Esparza collapsed when she walked into the viewing room, and prison officials brought her a chair and she cried. Renteria told his sister through the glass, I love you. A victim of Renteria's from a different criminal incident and her mother also attended the execution. Renteria was previously convicted and sentenced to 20 years in prison for indecency with a child in El Paso. The execution was also attended by 14 state law enforcement and governmental officials. Renteria grew up in the Lower Valley and was a tribal member of the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo, according to the Texas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty. While in prison, he rededicated himself to his Roman Catholic faith, the coalition reported. More: Texas prepares for lethal injection execution of convicted El Paso child killer Renteria's execution ends a nearly 22-year legal battle waged in what has been described as one of the most heinous crimes committed in El Paso. "Ive always been a supporter of the death penalty and from a law enforcement perspective, I just think some people are too dangerous to be in our society and that is certainly one individual who I think that that the death penalty is absolutely appropriate," El Paso County Sheriff Richard Wiles said. Its a long time coming. I think its been what? Twenty-one years. I was actually the assistant (El Paso police) chief, (Carlos) Leon was the chief when that horrific crime occurred. It was really tough on everybody. I cant even imagine what that family went through and what theyre still going through today. "Hopefully, this will give them a little bit of relief to help them in their recovery that is going to take the rest of their lives, Wiles said. "I cant even imagine losing my 5-year-old daughter to such a horrific crime." Convicted El Paso child murderer, David Santiago Renteria, was executed Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023, at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice's Huntsville Unit in Huntsville, Texas. Last days on Texas death row for one of El Paso's most notorious killers Renteria spent his final days meeting with visitors, laying in bed, watching TV through a cell door and sleeping, a Death Watch report states. The times listed below are in Central time zone. On his execution day, starting at 12:15 a.m., he sat on his bed and began writing. The report does not state what he wrote. He began packing up his property about 2:30 a.m., before sitting on the floor and reading a book around 4 a.m., the report states. He then continued packing up his property and cleaning the floor between 5 to 7:30 a.m. Renteria was allowed to talk to fellow inmates at 7:30 a.m., before meeting with visitors from 8 to 11:30 a.m., the death watch states. He was then transferred from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice's Polunsky Unit in Livingston, Texas, to the Huntsville Unit to await his execution. EL Paso Crimes Against Persons Detective Jesus Montoya leads suspected murderer David Reneteria to an awaiting car for transport to the El Paso County Detention Facility after being arrested in connection with the murder of 5-year-old Alejandra Flores. Justice served for Alexandra Flores in 2001 abduction nearly 22 years later Renteria's execution came two days before the 22nd anniversary of the day he kidnapped 5-year-old Alexandra Flores from an El Paso Walmart, strangled her to death and then burned her body. It also comes six days before his 54th birthday. Renteria abducted Alexandra Nov. 18, 2001, as she was Christmas shopping with her parents at an El Paso Lower Valley Walmart. Andrea Flores held a star in memory of her younger sister Alexandra Flores at the rally point on Oct. 28, 2007 in front of the El Paso County Courthouse for the Help Hope Healing Victims Walk that covered 22 miles of El Paso from the West Side to the Lower Valley. Her parents realized she was missing and searched the store but could not find her. Alexandra was seen on store surveillance video exiting the store about 5:15 p.m. with Renteria. Alexandra's body was found about 7:10 a.m. the next day. She was naked and partially burned in a carport near Downtown El Paso. An autopsy revealed Alexandra was strangled to death and then set ablaze, court documents state. Investigators later revealed there were no signs of sexual assault. A palm print on a plastic bag found over Alexandra's head was determined to be from Renteria, court documents state. More: Convicted El Paso killer David Renteria's execution date to remain, appeals court rules El Paso Police Department investigators discovered that a vehicle registered to Renteria was at 9441 Alameda Ave. at the time and date of Alexandra's disappearance. Renteria also told police he was at the location at the time and date of her disappearance, court documents state. Renteria went to trial for the death of Alexandra in September 2003. He claimed in his trial that Barrio Azteca gang members forced him to kidnap the girl and someone else was the person who killed her, court records show. A jury convicted him of capital murder and he was sentenced to death. Appeals court justices heard the case in 2006 and upheld the conviction. However, the justices ordered a new sentencing phase of the trial. The resentencing was ordered because of "exclusion of evidence showing the defendant's remorse violated due process by preventing defendant from rebutting the State's case when the State left jury with false impression and emphasized it," the justices wrote in their opinion. A May 15, 2008, El Paso Times article reporting David Santiago Renteria was given the death penalty during his resentencing hearing. A new sentencing trial was held in 2008. A new jury was selected for the trial and the jurors reached the same verdict as the 2003 jury a sentence of death. Failed appeal efforts end in pentobarbital injection Dozens of appeals have been filed by Renteria and his attorneys since the 2008 sentencing. Less than three hours before Renteria was set to receive a lethal injection at the state penitentiary, his attorneys asked the U.S. Supreme Court to stop his execution over claims the states supply of pentobarbital, the execution drug he would be injected with, has degraded. They argued that it now contains contaminants that would cause him terror and severe pain, a violation of the Eighth Amendments ban on cruel and unusual punishment. The claim, made by other Texas inmates facing execution, was rejected. David Renteria sat in 41st District Court for the re-sentencing portion of his capital murder trial in April 2008. Attorney Tivon Schardl, who is currently representing Renteria, declined to comment. The appeals have ranged from Renteria claiming he was wrongfully convicted to allegations he had constitutional rights violated. All appeals efforts including some filed in days and hours before his execution to stop or even postpone the execution failed. The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles voted 7-0 Tuesday, Nov. 14, against commuting Renteria's death sentence to a lesser penalty. Renteria is the fifth person convicted in El Paso to be executed since 1980. Aaron Martinez may be reached at amartinez1@elpasotimes.com or on Twitter @AMartinezEPT. Times reporter Daniel Borunda and the Associated Press contributed to this story. This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Child killer David Renteria executed by lethal injection in Huntsville A deep sea creature that looks like something out of a dream or maybe more like a nightmare was spotted lurking off Californias coast, researchers say. Which is fitting when you consider its name: dreamer anglerfish. Researchers with the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute happened upon the rarely seen fish during a recent deep-sea expedition, according to a Nov. 7 news release. Researchers at the institute, known as MBARI, have encountered the dreamer anglerfish only nine times in 36 years of deep-sea exploration, officials said. The last time the team spotted one was in 2016. Theyre the blackest of black fishes known in the ocean, mostly because their ultra-black skin acts like an invisibility cloak, absorbing any light that touches it, including the light from its luminescent lure which helps them hunt unsuspecting prey, officials said. Dreamers are stealthy ambush predators who lie secretly in wait for their prey. Instead of actively hunting for food, they let it come to them, which is one reason we see them so rarely, senior scientist Bruce Robinson said in the release. Coming upon a lurking anglerfish is an exciting experience for anyone exploring the deep water column. The fishs inky black color also helps them blend in with the midnight deep ocean where even a single photon can give you away to your ever-hungry predators and would-be prey, officials said. In fact, the fish was fishing for food with its lamp-like lure extended when the team spotted it, but when the remotely operated vehicle got closer, it stowed the lure away. Wondering why theyre called dreamer anglerfish? When specimens were first collected by scientists in the late (19th) century, the fish seemed too fantastical to be real and resembled something out of a dream, officials said. The unusual appearance of Oneirodes ultra-black skin, a luminous lure, and sharp teeth ensures survival in one of the most challenging environments on Earth. Rare deep sea creature with bioluminescent tips turns up on California shore. See it Stuff of nightmares. Rare, terrifying deep-sea fish washes up on a California beach Rare find. A second terrifying deep-sea fish washes up on California beach GERMANTOWN, Tenn. A driver was critically injured after crashing into a building in Germantown Thursday morning. Germantown Police say a vehicle struck a business at 1900 Exeter Road. Officers responded to the scene at around 10 a.m. Suspect breaks into cars in Germantown, still on the run According to police, the driver was an employee at a business in the building. The driver was taken to the hospital in critical condition. Germantown Police say a pedestrian was also injured while trying to avoid the crash. That person was reportedly taken to a nearby hospital in stable condition. Police say both the driver and the pedestrian have since been released from the hospital. Germantown Police are still investigating the cause of the crash. Police say charges against the driver are pending. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. KANSAS CITY, Mo. The Missouri State Highway Patrol has issued an Endangered Silver Advisory for a missing 66-year-old. Winfred Anderson was last seen around 2 p.m. Thursday near the VA Medical Center in Kansas City. Kansas City police later said he was last seen walking east on Linwood Boulevard. Download the FOX4 News app on iPhone and Android Anderson is described as 5-foot-6, weighing 140 pounds with black and gray hair, brown eyes, wearing a dark blue shirt, black pants, and black Adidas shoes with white stripes. Officials said Anderson has schizophrenia with episodes of psychosis. His medical conditions lead to him sometimes wandering and being easily manipulated, police said. Andersons caregivers are concerned for his wellbeing. Anyone who sees Anderson or has any information is asked to call 911 immediately or call Kansas City police at 816-234-5043. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. Ukraine needs more powerful air defense systems, such as Patriot and IRIS-T air defense systems, to better protect its critical infrastructure from Russian attacks, Maksym Timchenko, CEO of Ukraine's largest private energy company DTEK, said on Nov. 17. In an interview with Reuters in Warsaw, Timchenko said his country needs more of these Western-made systems for the safer operation of power plants as Russia continues to target energy sites in Ukraine. Timchenko said that DTEK is ready for what is expected to be yet another brutal winter of Russian attacks on critical infrastructure, but "we cannot protect ourselves against ballistic missiles if we don't have air defense systems." All 13 of DTEK's power stations, which supply power to more than seven million Ukrainian families, have been hit by Russian attacks, Reuters reported. Since April, eight of the 13 have been repaired and are operational, which another two are still being repaired. Citing Timchenko, Reuters said that roughly half of DTEK's 2.4-gigawatt capacity has been destroyed, suffered damage, or is under Russian occupation. DTEK's urgent call for more Western air defense systems comes as Kyiv braces itself for winter of power cuts and lack of other essential utilities such as heating. From fall 2022 to Winter 2023, Russia launched a series of mass strikes across the country, targeting critical infrastructure sites and causing widespread power outages. Local authorities were forced to install power cut schedules to preserve electricity. Top Kyiv officials, including President Volodymyr Zelensky, have urged Western allies to provide more air defense systems as winter approaches. Speaking with journalists on Nov. 16, Zelensky said that he "does not believe that Russia will use fewer weapons" this winter, but that Ukraine is better prepared now than last year. So far, the power situation across the country has been rather stable, even as Russia continues to target critical infrastructure. In places like Kherson, a city in the south that is regularly shelled, electricians work swiftly to restore electricity to civilians as fast as possible, despite the danger. Russia appears intent on raging on its energy campaign, however. On Nov. 16, DTEK reported that Russian shelling severely damaged one of its power plants in a front-line region for the fourth time. DTEK did not disclose the location of the power plant. Read also: With winter approaching, is Ukraines energy system ready for renewed Russian attacks? Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. At least 17. Thats how many times the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department says Officer Vincent Pistone hit Christina Pierre, who had just finished her shift at work. Seven knee strikes and 10 closed-fist strikes. A video that circulated online this week showed part of the Monday arrest. Pierre was on the ground with several officers around her. But Pistone kept punching. Police say Pierre had punched an officer in the face before the camera rolled, that she was told to stop resisting and that Pistone was intentional about where he hit her. He landed compliance strikes, targeting a nerve in her thigh, the department has said. A photo provided by Team Trublue founder Will Adams shows marks on one side of Christina Pierres face. An officer struck her in the face, police confirmed Thursday. And an unnamed officer returned a strike to Ms. Pierres face before the tussle, CMPD said late Thursday afternoon. Community leaders want to know when enough is enough. Seventeen is more than enough, several told The Charlotte Observer. How CMPD describes it Pierre and her partner and coworker Anthony Lee had clocked out from work at a Bojangles near South Tryon Street and West Arrowood Road. Police say they were smoking marijuana at a bus stop. The officers stopped, engaged the two individuals, and stated that they were under arrest, CMPD said in a news release Wednesday. (Pierre) became combative and struck an officer in the face. Both individuals refused arrest and a struggle with officers ensued. At some point an unnamed officer struck Pierre in the face once, police said. Backup arrived. Police arrested Lee and found a concealed gun in his bag, they said. Cue the video captured by a bystander, with Pierre on the ground and police on top of her. A number of people nearby shouted for them to stop as Pistone punched her repeatedly. Youre gonna kill her right on the ground, one bystander said. Officers carried her to a police car. Police charged Pierre with assault on a government official, resisting arrest and simple possession of marijuana. They charged Lee with carrying a concealed firearm, resisting arrest and simple possession of marijuana. Pistone is now on temporary assignment with the investigative division, according to CMPD. Community has questions CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings addresses a video showing a use of force incident at Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department in Charlotte, N.C., on Wednesday, November 15, 2023. Some have cast doubt on the departments version of events. At least one witness told Observer news partner WSOC-TV that she never saw Pierre hit an officer. Not one time did I ever see her slap him, hit him or anything of that nature, said the witness, whom WSOC-TV identified only as Donna. He balled his fist up and he hit her square in the face. Will Adams, the founder of community group Team Trublue, told The Charlotte Observer he took Pierre to the hospital. Pictures he provided show marks on her cheeks. Our ongoing investigation shows Ms. Pierre assaulting an officer by striking him multiple times in the face as she is resisting arrest, CMPD said in a news release late Thursday afternoon. We can now confirm based on interviews and witness accounts that an officer, in response to being physically assaulted, returned a strike to Ms. Pierres face one time. This strike occurred during the initial encounter at the bus stop with the responding officers prior to the struggle on the ground involving several other officers. It will likely take months for a more complete story to come out. CMPD has filed a petition for body camera footage to be released. In North Carolina, that requires a court order. Police Chief Johnny Jennings told reporters Wednesday that he thinks there needs to be a way to expedite the release of footage when its in the public interest. The bodycam footage he viewed tells more than social media, he said. Policy, training and the law Even when it comes to CMPDs narrative, community members have concerns. Im just trying to figure out the justification for so many strikes, Meko McCarthy with Safe Coalition NC said. North Carolina law lets officers use force to effect an arrest, stop someone from escaping arrest or to defend themselves and others. Control strikes hits to pressure points in the leg, forearm or side of the neck are one way to get compliance, according to CMPDs directives. But hitting someone to make them compliant might not be the best idea, one expert said. Strikes are not generally considered acceptable as a compliance tool, Dennis Kenney, a professor at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice and a former police officer, said. It becomes more problematic when there are multiple police officers on one person, he said. The officers could still have been justified, but it would depend on Pierres own level of force, Kenney said. Without the bodycam footage, its unclear what that force looked like. There are other tools in the departments directives. Some are simple, like trying to deescalate with a conversation. Others are intense, like leg sweeps and armbar takedowns. If one technique isnt working in an arrest, it might be time to switch to a new one, Jennings said Wednesday. We have to really take a close look at that, he said. When is enough enough? Community trust Incidents like Mondays destroy bridges between the community and police, Adams, the founder of Team Trublue, said. Adams hosts an annual Stop the Violence softball game, and he has invited CMPD officers to join. Its a chance to build rapport, he said. We have worked so hard to bridge that gap, to start the process, he said. I just feel like what happened Monday takes us all the f------ way back. Now weve gotta do this all over again. The video of Pierres arrest stirred memories of George Floyd, Charlotte-Mecklenburg NAACP President Corine Mack said. My fear was that she was going to die there, she said. Another concern for Mack: That the violence on Monday stemmed from alleged marijuana use. Mecklenburg County District Attorney Spencer Merriweather has said that his office will not prosecute most nonviolent, low-level drug charges. It all goes back to an implicit bias against Black people, Mack said. Pierre is Black. What was the need for these officers to even interact with these two people in the way in which they did? she asked. You are here: China Aerial photo taken on Oct. 3, 2022 shows a view of Xiangbi Mountain on Lijiang River in Guilin City, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. [Photo/Xinhua] China expanded its visa-free transit policy on Friday to include citizens from Norway for a 72/144-hour stay, bringing the total number of applicable countries to 54. Citizens from the 54 countries are exempted from visa requirements during transit for 72 or 144 hours when heading for a third nation, said the National Immigration Administration (NIA). They are allowed to engage in short-term activities such as travel and business visits during the visa-free stay, it added. Currently, a 72-hour visa-free transit policy is applied in the cities of Changsha, Guilin and Harbin, while international travelers are allowed to transit in 20 cities, including Beijing, Tianjin and Shijiazhuang, up to 144 hours visa-free. The move aims to serve high-standard opening up, facilitate the mobility of Chinese and foreign nationals and promote international exchanges, according to the NIA. Since its inception in January 2013, more than 500,000 foreigners traveled through China under the visa-free policy. PENSACOLA, Fla. (WKRG) The Escambia County school board is discussing changes to how the members of the public can address them at meetings. Board members discussed a possible pilot program during a special workshop Thursday afternoon based on a policy in Orange County, Florida. One proposal would move speakers addressing non-agenda items to the end of the meeting. People speaking on agenda items would address the board at the beginning of the meeting. The board also discussed limiting the time people can speak during public forums. The more people signed up to address the board means less time each person would have to speak. READ NEXT: Latest Florida headlines from WKRG.com They also discussed the idea of not allowing anyone to donate their time to others. Right now, people can speak for three minutes and give their time away. The maximum one person can speak is nine minutes. There is nothing in this policy that prevents someone from speaking, Board Member Patty Hightower said. I mean what it does is curtails the amount of minutes, and thats a discussion if we want to continue to let everybody have three minutes. Nothing is final. The discussions will continue at future meetings. Before the changes are voted on, the board will have to hold a workshop and receive public input. ALSO ON WKRG.com: What took down a man who felt he was the peak of health For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5. A business leader has spoken out about the importance of having "women that look like me in the boardroom". Bolaji Sofoluwe, from Essex, is a managing director, board chairwoman and mentor with the UK Innovation Agency. She made the Powerlist 2024 which celebrates "remarkable and inspirational black people in Britain". She said chairing a women's forum was "one of my favourite things" as it tried to "get [women] to see that they can". Ms Sofoluwe also worked to encourage more women into science, engineering, technology and maths (STEM) roles. "Engineering is something that women don't tend to pick as their first choice of career... it's just traditionally male-dominated," she said. "But there's lots of women who are suddenly becoming more interested in mechanical and electrical engineering which is why we're trying to catch them when they're young." The women's forum is part of Ms Sofoluwe's role as chairwoman of BGEN International. She added: "Being able to have their say, being able to contribute to company policy woman are coming out of their shells and having a voice." Ms Sofoluwe, who is also managing director of ETK Group, which works with African markets, was recently named in the Powerlist 2024 - a list put together by Powerful Media. The list, which was created in 2007, this year named Edward Enninful OBE, the editor-in-chief of British Vogue, as the UK's most influential black person. Ms Sofoluwe described being included on the list as initially "a little bit of an uncomfortable thing for me when I realised it was called the 'Powerlist' because I don't feel that powerful day-to-day". But she said being recognised for her work to influence others "really meant something to me". "The fact that someone was watching somewhere and decided to recognise the work we've been doing was just brilliant." Follow East of England news on Facebook, Instagram and X. Got a story? Email eastofenglandnews@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp 0800 169 1830 FILE - Rep. George Santos, R-N.Y., watches as Republicans try to elect Rep. Mike Johnson, R-La., to be the new House speaker, at the Capitol in Washington, Oct. 25, 2023. The House Ethics panel says it has found substantial evidence of lawbreaking by Republican Rep. George Santos of New York and has referred its findings to the Justice Department. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) WASHINGTON (AP) The chairman of the House Ethics Committee announced Friday he has filed a resolution to force a vote on expelling Rep. George Santos, R-N.Y., from Congress, one day after the committee issued a withering report detailing substantial evidence that Santos converted campaign donations for his own personal use. Santos easily survived an expulsion vote earlier this month as lawmakers in both parties stressed the need to allow due process, as Santos is also facing nearly two dozen charges in federal court. But the release of the committee's findings has generated new momentum for ousting the scandal-plagued freshman. Shortly after the report was released, Santos announced he would not seek reelection. "The evidence uncovered in the Ethics Committees Investigative Subcommittee investigation is more than sufficient to warrant punishment and the most appropriate punishment, is expulsion," said Rep. Michael Guest, R-Miss. The Ethics Committee referred its findings to the Justice Department, serving up new evidence that could potentially play into the federal charges against Santos. Lawmakers opted to do their work without going through a lengthy formal process that would be used to make a recommendation to the House on the appropriate form of punishment. Guest emphasized in his statement that he was filing the expulsion resolution separate from the committee process and was doing so in his personal capacity as a member of the House. Several other members of the Ethics panel have also come out in favor of expulsion now that the investigation is complete. Expulsion from the House requires a two-thirds vote, a high bar. It's the sternest form of punishment available to the House and has occurred just five times in the history of the chamber three times during the Civil War for disloyalty to the union and twice after convictions on federal charges, most recently in 2002. Santos assailed the committee's report in a tweet on X as a disgusting politicized smear. He said he will have a press conference on the Capitol steps on Nov. 30. The vote on whether to expel him is likely to take place before then. The Ethics panel appointed to investigate Santos met nine times over the course of its investigation, interviewed more than 40 witnesses and authorized 37 subpoenas. Among the most damaging of the allegations was that he used campaign donations to pay for stays in Atlantic City and the Hamptons and to pay for a Botox treatment at a local spa. The panel also described Santos as uncooperative with their investigation, declining to voluntarily testify or provide a statement under oath. The findings by the investigative panel may be the least of Santos worries. The congressman faces 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, who has pleaded not guilty, 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 Election 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. (Bloomberg) -- The European Unions failure to deliver on a promise to bring Western Balkan nations closer to the bloc has abetted Russias growing influence in the region, according to Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics. Most Read from Bloomberg Weve said very clearly to countries that want to join the EU, that if they do their part the work then the EU will respond, Rinkevics said in an interview this week in Brussels, where he visited EU and NATO leaders. There is a sense that the EU is not delivering. The nations on the EUs southwest periphery have bristled at the slow pace of EU accession talks as they clamor to join the 27-member bloc. Disagreement among EU allies, as well as simmering tensions between Serbia and Kosovo, have made the region vulnerable to Kremlin influence. Ethnic division and secessionist threats in Bosnia-Herzegovina are another challenge. Russias invasion of Ukraine, now in talks to join the EU, has been a wake up call for the bloc, spurring it to move forward with its long-stagnant enlargement policy. The EU has accelerated the process to prevent its neighbors from coming under the influence of nations hostile to its liberal values. We should not be surprised if we see more pro-Russian demonstrations, moves, votes in international organizations or support in the region, the Latvian head of state said. Its a bit our own problem, its not just to blame someone else. Read More: EU Backs Opening Ukraine Membership Talks With Conditions The European Commission, the EUs executive arm, formally recommended opening membership talks with Ukraine and Moldova this month, which will move forward once they complete a series of reforms. The recommendations will be discussed by EU leaders in December. The commission also recommended opening accession talks with Bosnia-Herzegovina once it makes further progress on key priorities set out by the EU. The blocs executive will report back on that progress by March 2024. As the accession process grinds ahead, the EU announced a new growth plan for the Western Balkans that runs in parallel, consisting of areas such as integration with the blocs single market, building a common regional market and better directing investments toward key reforms. Rinkevics said he hoped the council in December, in addition to backing accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova, would also give a very good signal to the Western Balkans that there is a balanced approach and that they are as important. --With assistance from Jasmina Kuzmanovic. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. PARIS (Reuters) - European Union lawmakers and member states have reached a deal to revise the bloc's waste shipment regulation and end exports of certain types of waste to third countries unable to process it properly, the EU Parliament said on Friday. "Exports of certain non-hazardous wastes and mixtures of non-hazardous wastes (...) will be allowed only to those non-OECD countries that consent and fulfil the criteria to treat such waste in an environmentally sound manner", the Parliament said. It added that compliance with international workers' rights would also be taken into account. The European Commission in 2021 proposed a revamp of EU rules on waste shipments to make it harder for member states to offload their trash into poorer countries. "The EU will finally assume responsibility for its plastic waste by banning its export to non-OECD countries", Danish lawmaker Pernille Weiss said in a statement. EU countries must stop shipping plastic waste to poorer nations within two and a half years of the legislation coming into force, the Parliament said, adding that rules for plastic waste exports to countries inside the OECD - the group of the world's main rich countries - will also be tightened. In previous years, around half of the EU's waste exports went to non-OECD countries with weaker waste management rules than in the EU - effectively shipping EU pollution abroad. (Reporting by Tassilo Hummel; Editing by Mark Potter) On Tuesday, approximately 300,000 people gathered in Washington, D.C., to show their support for Israel in an ongoing war that has claimed the lives of thousands of people. The lineup of speakers at the March for Israel included Israeli President Isaac Herzog, Sen. Chuck Schumer, Jewish-American celebrities like Debra Messing and Tovah Feldshuh, as well as rabbis and cantors. It also included an evangelical Christian pastor from Texas, infamous for his fire-and-brimstone prophecies about the end of the world. Israel, you are not alone, John Hagee proclaimed in his San Antonio twang. If a line has to be drawn, we draw it together Christians and Jews, we are one. Numerous progressive Jewish groups were aghast that Hagee was on the lineup. Hes an open bigot on any number of levels, having condemned gay people and Muslims to hell, and even getting rebuked publicly by then-Republican presidential nominee John McCain for his hatred of Catholics. What made Hagees presence at a primarily Jewish event particularly odd, however, is his history of bizarre and offensive comments about Jews themselves such as claiming that Rothschild bankers control the U.S. economy not to mention his embrace of a theology that views Jews as chess pieces for a massive, apocalyptic battle, in which the conversion of Jews to Christianity will set the stage for Jesus triumphant return to earth. Based on his many books and sermons, when Hagee says Christians and Jews are one, what he really means is that when Jews convert en masse, the world will end in bliss for the saved and misery for everyone else. Hagees theology is at the core of an evangelical movement that has seen its influence rise meteorically in recent years: a doctrine called Christian Zionism. Hagee is perhaps its most famous, and certainly among its most influential, practitioner, and his presence at the March for Israel on Tuesday was in many ways a pinnacle for the ideology which welcomes the bloodshed in Gaza. In 2006, Hagee founded the enormously influential lobby Christians United for Israel an organization that currently claims 10 million members (significantly more than the approximately 8 million Jews that live in the United States). CUFI is a passionately Christian Zionist organization (God is the original Zionist, claimed pastor Scott Thomas, CUFIs Florida state director, in a sermon). CUFI routinely runs missions, fundraisers, campus initiatives, summits, marches, and Stand With Israel prayer meetings. Its calendar for just one week in November 2023 showed events in Washington, South Carolina, Utah, Maine, Illinois, Louisiana, and California. During the current war, CUFI has raised $2.65 million for Israeli charities through its large and responsive flock. Hagee also personally despises Jews, a fact he has revealed in numerous sermons over the years. His interest in Israel and its population is purely utilitarian: Christian Zionists love Jews like a hungry man loves a chicken wing its an interest borne out of need and whose end is total consumption. Despite his fiscal and propagandistic support of Israel, Hagee himself has rationalized the history of persecution of the Jews as divine punishment for their disobedience of Christ. He has stated that Adolf Hitler was a half-breed Jew and that the Antichrist will be a homosexual, deceiving Jew. In a 1999 sermon, he famously remarked that God sent Adolf Hitler to help Jews reach the promised land. The same year he founded CUFI, Hagee wrote a book laying out his specific geopolitical thesis of the End Times titled The Jerusalem Countdown: A Warning to the World (later adapted to a Christian thriller film in 2011). In it, he predicts a vast and bloody war preceding Christs return and the Rapture, in which Islamic nations descend on Israel and are slaughtered. How many dead will there be? According to [Ezekiel 39] verses 11 and 12, the physical death is going to be so massive it will take every able-bodied man in Israel seven months to bury the dead, Hagee writes. The message is that God is in total control of what appears to be a hopeless situation for Israel. He has dragged these anti-Semitic nations to the nations of Israel to crush them so that the Jews of Israel as a whole will confess that He is the Lord. Despite or perhaps because of his blood-drenched rhetoric, Hagee is a prominent figure in the American evangelical landscape, and in the Republican Party. He has appeared repeatedly with Donald Trump, while courting other prominent right-wing political figures. Mike Pence, Nikki Haley, and Ron DeSantis have all prayed beside Hagee at his Cornerstone Church, a megachurch in San Antonio, during the 2023 Republican primary. (Haley, a former governor of South Carolina and Trumps ambassador to the U.N., actually launched her campaign at Hagees church.) Not incidentally, their opinions on the Israel-Hamas war have been bullish, and several GOP presidential candidates have vowed to militarily attack Iran. We need to go and take out their infrastructure, Haley said during a recent GOP primary debate. Hagees views, though extreme, are not entirely isolated from the evangelical community at large. In a poll conducted in 2018 by Christian research organization LifeWay Research, a staggering 80 percent of evangelicals agreed with the statement that the creation of the modern state of Israel was a fulfillment of Bible prophecy that shows we are getting closer to the return of Jesus Christ. Some may see this as imminent, others as eventual, though a 2010 Pew poll showed nearly 60 percent of white evangelical Christians in the U.S. expect Jesus Christ to return by 2050. This was borne out in a number of evangelical responses to the current Israel-Hamas war, which began on Oct. 7 with the slaughter of over a thousand Israelis by Hamas, and which has continued in a welter of bloodshed caused by the Israeli militarys bombings and incursions into Gaza. It is a humanitarian crisis that has drawn the worlds attention, but for evangelicals like Hagee of which there are millions across the U.S. its an occasion for celebration. Does the ongoing bloodshed in Israel point to a potential fulfillment of Bible prophecy? asked the evangelical Christian Post on Oct. 10, three days after the initial massacre. The evangelical pastor Greg Laurie, author of more than 70 Christian books and a former spiritual adviser to the Trump administration, had a ready answer. Fasten your seat belt because youre seeing Bible prophecy fulfilled in your lifetime before your very eyes, he said in a YouTube video that week that racked up 1.4 million views. Wayne J. Edwards, a pastor of the Heritage Baptist Church in Perry, Georgia, also responded with palpable glee. It is obvious that Israels enemies do not recognize that God has given that land to the Jews, and that the Jews must be in the land for the final end-time prophecies to be fulfilled, he wrote as the death toll continued to rise. Just think! God has allowed us to see the day when His prophetic clock started running again. We are the generation to see the final biblical prophecies come to pass. Rejoice! The King is coming! This cheering-on of the apocalypse from the cheap seats, this heady sense that Christs return and the end of the world has started in the field of corpses, epitomizes evangelical reliance on the literal and exhaustive interpretation of Biblical prophecy. The Christians who see the contemporary conflict and the generations of signs and omens that preceded it as the beginning of the end of the world generally adhere to a doctrine called premillenarian dispensationalism, which was developed in the late nineteenth century and holds that the world is divided into eras, or dispensations, which will culminate in Christs triumphant return. At that point, as the Institute for Christian History puts it, the divine script can be played out to the end. The Antichrist will rise, Christ and his saints will break through the clouds and destroy him and his followers in battle (the Second Coming), the nations of the world will be judged, and Satan will be thrown into a bottomless pit. The victorious Messiah will restore the throne of David, and the millennial kingdom will begin, followed by the Last Judgment and a new heaven and earth. The seven dispensations then over, time shall be no more. Anticipation of the End Times does not mean believers are content to passively await the coming of the Messiah. They seek to hasten the coming, as 2 Peter puts it, treating the world as an apocalyptic chessboard whose pawns they may manipulate to set up the triumph of their King. And the chief square on the chessboard the place where the end of the world kicks off is Israel. Its why volunteer Christian farmhands have devoted their labor to further shoring up Jewish presence in the biblical heartland, with the faithful soliciting their hearts, minds, and dollars to make imminent the end of the world. Christian Zionists have spent some $65 million in support of ongoing Israeli settlement within the disputed territory of the West Bank. The most striking and specific example of the endeavor to hasten the coming may be the decadeslong effort by eschatologically-minded evangelical Christians in the United States and a fringe sect of Jewish zealots in Israel to breed a red heifer or young, female cow without blemish. As dictated in the purity rituals outlined in Numbers 19, the sacred cows ashes are a precondition for the return of Jewish sacrifice in a rebuilt Holy Temple. These prophecies require the Temple, the center of worship and sacrifice in the ancient Jewish world, which was last destroyed by the Romans in 70 A.D., [to be] rebuilt, the author Lawrence Wright wrote in a 1998 New Yorker article about the red heifer initiative. In order for the Jews to rebuild the Temple and prepare the way for the return of the Messiah they must be purified with the ashes of a red heifer. For a generation, a collection of Mississippi cattle breeders, led by a Pentecostal preacher named Clyde Lott, have tried to breed the perfect heifer to bring to Israel so its ashes may be scattered over the beginning of a new world. As recently as September 2022, five red calves were shipped by Texan rancher and minister Byron Stinson to Ben Gurion Airport. The red heifer is a very literal prophecy, but it also works double time as a symbol of the way Christian Zionism fundamentally works. Its a prophecy of a new world born out of the ashes of living beings, a fantasy of consumption and destruction that will lead to a new and holy world. The remains of living beings other than cattle are necessary, as well which is part of why Christian Zionists have also been working so hard to shape American foreign policy. The more military aid funneled to Israel and the more death and destruction erupt in the Middle East, the closer believers come to witnessing global-scale conflict or the Battle of Gog and Magog as prophesied by Ezekiel, a precursor to the Second Coming and the ultimate vindication of Christian faith. Israels military firepower has brought plenty of death and destruction to Gaza since the latest conflict broke out, and while Christian Zionists view Jews as intensely utilitarian (they must own the land of Israel, then die en masse as a trigger condition for Jesus return), their views on Palestinians are even more grotesque. Palestinians, being extraneous to the apocalypse, are considered an obstacle to its arrival. Evangelicals have accordingly made alliances with the most extremist elements of Israeli society, joining together in a mutual desire to expel or annihilate Palestinians from Gods kingdom of Zion. The necessity of such an annihilation is a major part of why Christians are so militant about standing with Israel: By eliminating Palestinians, Jews edge closer to the eschatological preconditions that presage Christs return. Some 2,000 evangelical leaders affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention signed a letter last month lending unconditional support to Israeli military action, granting the power to bear the sword. This has borne out over decades, with evangelical advisers to George W. Bush persuading his administration to slow-walk any support for a nascent Palestinian state, and the Trump administration openly supporting ever-more-aggressive Jewish settlement within Palestinian territory. President Donald Trump made no secret of his desire to keep Hagee and Christian Zionist voters happy as a key part of his base by abandoning even the pretense that the U.S. was a neutral player in resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, wrote former Guardian Jerusalem correspondent Chris McGreal in March 2023. At the present moment, the American public is divided, with many people distressed by the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and calling for a cease-fire. However, the large, muscular and well-connected Christian right, particularly the millions of an apocalyptically oriented bent, are opposing it. Demonstrators at the March for Israel on Tuesday even chanted No cease-fire! The crowds motivations for opposing a cease-fire surely vary, but for Christian Zionists like Hagee, who spoke from the same stage as Jones, more war means more deaths and Gods timepiece ticking closer to the blissful Rapture when true believers will be snatched up into the clouds, evading the stench of the deaths theyve funded, to sit beside Christ among His elect host. More from Rolling Stone Best of Rolling Stone Rep. George Santos speaks with reporters on Capitol Hill on Nov. 15, 2023, in Washington, DC. Credit - Jabin BotsfordThe Washington Post via Getty Images This article is part of The D.C. Brief, TIMEs politics newsletter. Sign up here to get stories like this sent to your inbox. Theres been this nagging sense in the last few yearslets say eight of themthat the reality beyond the tips of our noses isnt actually real. A persistent feeling that the scenes we are witnessing are completely disconnected from the narrative thats been planted in our minds. Its like our collective subconscious is channeling a Marx Brothers film and demanding of us: Well, who you gonna believe? Me or your own eyes? It truly has been a Golden Age of Gaslighting, one when nuh-uh passes for a sophisticated argument worthy of actual debate. Just ask former President Donald Trump, who gas-lit the world as an incredibly effective and very dangerous spin doctor. It may yet return him to the White House for a second term. Nowhere has this occipital-lobe-versus-ocular-nerve conflict been more evident than a damning House Committee on Ethics report released Thursday on Rep. George Santos, the first-term Republican from Long Island, N.Y. Reading through all 56 pages of it is like looking through a mirror where everything on the other side of the glass is exactly as absurdist as possible. And, for much of the unanimous, bipartisan unofficial indictment, its Santos himself who is a Mad Hatter hijacking Alices tea parties. The report is so damning that the long simmering effort to expel George Santos looks likely to boil over. Rep. Michael Guest, a Mississippi Republican and the chairman of the House Ethics Committee, filed the motion himself Friday morning. The vote could come soon after Thanksgiving. More From TIME The evidence uncovered in the Ethics Committees Investigative Subcommittee investigation is more than sufficient to warrant punishment and the most appropriate punishment is expulsion, Guest said in a statement. So, separate from the Committee process and my role as Chairman, I have filed an expulsion resolution. Since winning his seat in one of the richest congressional districts in Americathe real-life version of Jay Gatsbys West Egg is in Santos districtSantos has been revealed to be a new patron saint of gaslighting. (So ripe are his misrepresentations that Friend of TIME Mark Chiusano is publishing a book about this figure rightly titled The Fabulist: The Lying, Hustling, Grifting, Stealing, and Very American Legend of George Santos immediately after the Thanksgiving holiday.) The problems are so manifest that one scene from the taxpayer-funded government report encapsulates just how far down the rabbit hole Santos misrepresentations had become. On December 1, 2021, his campaign team cornered Santos and presented to him an internal 141-page report detailing all that they had discovered about inconsistencies, overblown claims in his biography, and holes in his story. It carried only a sliver of what was to become known about Santos. All decent campaigns do these self-oppo efforts to see where they are vulnerable. The staffers told Santos he needed to clean up his sloppiness and start representing himself more honestly if he wanted to stand a chance at winning his second attempt at getting to Congress. Several urged him to drop out right then before things got out of hand. According to two witnesses who cooperated with the Ethics investigators, Santos own campaign staff viewed him as a fabulist, whose penchant for telling lies was so concerning that he was encouraged to seek treatment. Santos, who misrepresented his familys ties to the Holocaust and 9/11 alike and sometimes went by the name George Devolder when trying to get rich acquaintances to open their wallets, did not bend. Three staffers departed. Those who remained were told not to believe the very specific questions raised in the internal report. The Ethics panel makes this observation: This was a key moment wherein Representative Santos could have put an end to all the lies he told, or at a minimum, taken steps to correct the record about his background and personal and campaign finances. Instead, he downplayed the significance of the report, telling new staff who were brought on to replace those who had left, and those who stayed, that the report was inaccurate. Put simply: this was where things went off the rails. And how. Santos tried to throw his campaign treasurer under the bus; she got back up in October and pleaded guilty while facing up to five years in prison. Another former Santos insider this week pleaded guilty to impersonating then-House Speaker Kevin McCarthys top aide in calls meant to defraud donors and snag a 15% commission for himself. The aide, Sam Miele, faces up to two years in prison. Santos, meanwhile, faces 23 criminal indictments. He has entered a plea of not guilty and posted a $500,000 bond to remain free while awaiting trial. An effort to boot him from the House failed earlier this month as his defenders urged fellow Republicans to wait until they could review the Ethics report. The report reveals a litany of other misdeeds. His first campaign closed 2019 with $150, but reported having more than $4,000 in the bank. And rather than having $73,000 at the end of June 2020 as reported, the campaign had a little less than $14,000. And to keep the party going, Santos fabricated campaign-backed loans that he repaid to himself; during the 2020 campaign, that sum reached $31,000. Staffers at the time were under the impression that number could end up as high as $100,000. It got worse when he ran a second time. On paper, he loaned his 2022 campaign more than $700,000. But he actually had nowhere close to that amount of cash available, let alone free for his campaign. And, in the personally embarrassing realm, there are signs that Santos used campaign donations for about $6,000 worth of purchases at the luxury store Ferragamo, and what was listed on campaign spreadsheets as Botox. Elsewhere, campaign dollars paid for subscriptions on OnlyFans, a website best known for porn. If all of this seems rather parochial, it is. But even in the truth-shading profession of politics, you dont mislead the FEC. You dont lie to donors or cash checks from them even remotely predicated on identity theft. And you dont falsify loans and use a campaign like a slush fund. That is a pretty clear malfeasance of a political if not criminal nature. (If true, of course.) Most importantly: you dont get to stay in Congress under these circumstances. But Santos vote has, until now, remained useful to his party, which is why so many Republicans were privately seething for months about Santos drag on the GOP brand while simultaneously protecting him. With a zero-margin-of-error majority in the House, the GOP has needed him in the seat. And if elections were held today in the district as its drawn right now, Democrats would have a baked-in two-point advantage. Santos is going about his business as though none of this is tangible. In an unhinged series of tweets on X, formerly known as Twitter, he teased a tell-all press conference on Nov. 30. After the reports release, Santos acknowledged there was really no viable path to a second term and would abandon his re-election bid. But Santos is not exactly a figure who is known for poise or rationality. Which is why Washington cant seem to shake this tension between what they know to be truethat Santos is a second-rate huckster who needs shown the doorand his utility for Republican exploitation on tough votes. None other than former Czech President Vaclav Havelwhose bust graces a vestibule at the Capitol where Santos still serveshad this encouragement for those with aggressive imaginations: We must not be afraid of dreaming the seemingly impossible if we want the seemingly impossible to become a reality. That might have been a fitting campaign slogan for one George Santos. Certainly one that is provably true in a campaign where even the candidates very name was in question. Make sense of what matters in Washington. Sign up for the D.C. Brief newsletter. Write to Philip Elliott at philip.elliott@time.com. Another prominent Democrat is telling Joe Biden and his supporters: listen to the voters. Former Congressman Tim Ryan, a Democrat who ran for Senate in 2022 against author JD Vance, said on Thursday that his party needs to heed the will of a majority of voters who say they are turned off by the idea of a Biden-Trump rematch in 2024. Mr Ryan spoke to The Independent on Thursday as he reflected on a victory for the left on the issue of abortion rights in his state last Tuesday, when voters overwhelmingly supported a constitutional amendment in the state that would enshrine abortion rights into law. His party, he warned, has a brand problem in states like Ohio and across the Midwest. That brand issue was being done no favours by Mr Biden, he said, explaining plainly that Mr Bidens age was typically the top issue that voters cited to him in conversations about whether theyd support his re-election in 2024. The incumbent president is 80 years old, and has been buffeted by such concerns for months. On that front, Mr Ryan urged his fellow Democrats: stop trying to shut down Rep Dean Phillips, a Minnesota congressman who abandoned his House Democratic leadership position to throw his hat in the race and run against the incumbent president in a long-shot bid for the nomination. Mr Phillips has argued that voters are strongly discouraged by the idea of Mr Biden running again, and that the Democrats chances of defeating Donald Trump in 2024 are suffering as a result. Right now, if this election was held today, President Biden would lose, and it is an existential threat to the future of the United States of America. That will not happen under my watch, Mr Phillips told NBCs Meet the Press. Mr Ryan urged his party to listen to that message, warning that voter enthusiasm would be a casualty of the president running for office again. Were Democrats, the pro-democracy party. We should not be afraid of democracy, and look: the voters are trying to tell us something, he said. In all the polling, in all the data, they dont want a Biden-Trump rematch. I mean, we preach that were the pro-democracy party, you know, and then somebody gets in [the race] to have a conversation and gets torched, he lamented. As of now, his party has no plans to host debates between Mr Biden and any of his potential challengers for the nomination, including Mr Phillips. Mr Bidens chances of re-election faced new questions recently after a New York Times/Siena College poll indicated that he trails former President Donald Trump in key swing states. The Republican ex-president himself is 76, and faces his own calls to step aside from Republicans concerned about his age and the more than 90 felony charges he is currently facing in four separate criminal trials. Mr Trump has shown no sign of halting his campaign for the presidency, however, and despite not attending any of the three GOP primary debates that have taken place thus far in 2023 remains comfortably in the lead by a massive margin according to all available polling of the Republican field. The Independents full interview with Mr Ryan will be published this weekend. Former Marine Lee Stutts lives at the tip of a peaceful Lake Norman peninsula, but on Jan. 6, 2021, he readied for battle, prosecutors say. The 46-year-old Terrell man wore a black helmet with a Marine Corps logo sticker on the back as he assaulted at least seven officers during the Capitol riots, according to an FBI affidavit released by federal prosecutors after his arrest in North Carolina Thursday. In a criminal complaint filed in the District of Columbia, Stutts was charged with assaulting, resisting or impeding officers with a deadly or dangerous weapon and obstruction of law enforcement during a civil disorder, both felonies. He becomes at least the 31st North Carolinian to be charged in the Jan. 6 attack. He also was charged with the misdemeanor offenses of entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds, and engaging in physical violence in a restricted building or grounds. Stutts is accused of pushing and shoving officers with his hands, a barricade, a battering ram and a bike rack as he helped lead the Capitol breach, according to the arrest warrant affidavit. Lee Stutts shoves a U.S. Capitol Police officer in this image from closed-circuit police video included in a criminal indictment against Stutts. The riots disrupted the joint session of Congress where electoral votes were counted in the 2020 presidential election. The count certified Joe Biden as the winner over Donald Trump. Waving other rioters on Stutts lives in a split-level home built in 1975 on Clement Circle, Catawba County property tax records show. The home and its half-acre, about 33 miles northwest of Charlotte, are valued at $866,600, the public records show. Thats modest on a lake where mansions worth millions of dollars line the shore. Stutts didnt return a phone message from The Charlotte Observer on Friday. On Jan. 6, 2021, Stutts sported a 2020 Trump Keep America Great shirt over a long-sleeved black and gray camouflage print hoodie, according to the affidavit filed by an unnamed FBI special agent. He also wore an American flag and eagle print neck gaiter and had a backpack on. Lee Stutts is shown during the Capitol riots on Jan. 6, 2021. After joining a Stop the Steal rally on the Ellipse in Washington, Stutts darted through broken fencing and over a wall to join fellow rioters on the west plaza of the Capitol, according to the affidavit. He can be seen waiving [sic] other rioters on as he made a beeline for the line of U.S. Capitol Police officers blocking the way to the southwest steps of the Capitol, the agent says in the affidavit. Stutts wrapped his arms around an officer from behind and shoved an officer from behind with his hands, according to the indictment. Body-cam and closed-circuit police video also show Stutts assaulting four other officers after more police arrived to try to hold their line with metal bike racks, the FBI agent said. Pumping his fists Stutts and other rioters later moved a large sign on wheels with a metal frame toward the police line and barricade. The rioters used the sign as a battering ram against officers attempting to hold the line, the agent said. Stutts then grabbed the bike rack barricade beneath the sign and pushed it toward the officers, according to the affidavit. After police took the sign from the rioters, video shows Stutts throwing a water bottle at the police line, the FBI agent said. Later that afternoon, Stutts was one of the rioters leading the way in a final breaking of the police line, the agent said. After the Plaza was overrun, Stutts could be observed raising his arms and pumping his fists in a celebratory manner as police officers retreated from the oncoming swarm of rioters. Stutts made his initial appearance in federal court in Charlotte on Friday and was released on a $25,000 bond pending a Nov. 28 hearing, court records show. U.S. Magistrate Judge David Keesler appointed federal public defender John Davis of Charlotte to represent Stutts. In an email Friday night, Davis told the Observer that he was just the duty attorney in court Friday, so I really dont know anything about the specific case. Another lawyer, possibly from his office, will represent Stutts as the case progresses, Davis said. Stutts joins at least 1,200 others from all 50 states whove been charged in connection with the Capitol breach, which caused $2.7 million in damage. His case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorneys office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Divisions Counterterrorism Section. U.S. Attorney Dena Kings Charlotte-based office is providing assistance. This embedded content is not available in your region. A former Massachusetts state senator was arrested Friday on 28 federal charges for allegedly scheming to defraud the Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance and collecting income that he failed to report to the IRS, prosecutors said. Dean Tran, 48, of Fitchburg, is slated to appear in federal court in Boston at 1:30 p.m. to face charges including 25 counts of wire fraud and three counts of filing false tax returns, according to Acting United States Attorney for Massachusetts Joshua S. Levy. Tran served as an elected member of the Massachusetts State Senate, representing Worcester and Middlesex counties from 2017 to 2021. During that time, he fraudulently applied for pandemic unemployment benefits after he had already accepted employment as a paid consultant for a New Hampshire-based automotive parts company, according to an indictment. While working as a paid consultant, its alleged that Tran fraudulently collected $30,120 in pandemic unemployment benefits and that he concealed over $50,000 in consulting income that he received from the automotive parts company on his 2021 federal income tax return. Prosecutors said that money was in addition to thousands of dollars in rental income that Tran allegedly concealed from the IRS while collecting rent from tenants of a Fitchburg rental property from 2020 to 2022. The indictment returned by the grand jury alleges that Former State Senator Tran exploited pandemic unemployment benefits diverting critical resources intended for deserving individuals genuinely in need, Levy said in a statement. Our office and our law enforcement partners are committed to safeguarding the integrity of public assistance programs and holding accountable those who exploit them no matter who they are particularly during times of widespread hardship. The charge of wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. The charge of filing false tax returns provides for a sentence of up to three years in prison, one year of supervised release, and a fine of $100,000. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW A judge declared a mistrial on Thursday in the federal case against a former Louisville police officer who fired shots in the raid that took Breonna Taylors life. Brett Hankison was charged with using excessive force that violated the civil rights of Taylor, her boyfriend, and her next-door neighbors when he shot 10 times through a window and a glass door during a drug warrant search of an incorrect apartment. Federal prosecutors argued earlier this week that Hankison was at fault because he was shooting blindly into Taylors residence, while the defense team claimed the officer was pushed into action because he heard a gun fire from inside the building. Taylors boyfriend, Kenneth Walker, had fired a single shot at police because he believed they were being robbed. After discussing the case for four days, the 12-member jury told U.S. District Court Judge Rebecca Grady Jennings that they could not come to a unanimous decision on either charge. WDRB reported that court security officers had even been sent to the jury room due to elevated voices. According to the Associated Press, the mistrial could lead to a retrial at a later date if determined appropriate by prosecutors. Read it at WDRB Read more at The Daily Beast. A few years ago, Tustin Police Department officers Kyle and Kendal Hurd encountered the same problem only months apart. After years of wearing their policing gear and duty belt, as well as getting into and out of patrol vehicles, the married couple said they were each left with chronic back pain. Kendal, 40, claimed she couldnt pick up more than 3 pounds unless she was under supervision at physical therapy, adding that standing for longer than five minutes caused severe pain. The Hurds received workers compensation for their injuries, which they told their doctors caused pain that increased with activity and improved with rest. However, according to a release from the Orange County District Attorneys Office, they never disclosed to their doctors that they in fact were capable of doing much more than what they represented. In fact, they were able to mountain bike, scuba dive and perform home improvement projects while they raked in more than $188,000 in disability payments, the release said. The Tustin Police Department fired them in 2021, and now, the Hurds now face numerous felony counts related to alleged workers compensation fraud. The alleged deception was captured on video by the city, which started surveilling them after the couple failed to improve after receiving medical care for numerous months, prosecutors said. Kendal and Kyle, 38, have been charged with multiple felony counts of insurance fraud, perjury and attempted perjury. This is such an egregious breach of the publics trust by two people who were sworn to uphold our laws, not break them, said District Attorney Todd Spitzer. We will not allow those who commit workers compensation fraud to go unpunished, and we will do everything we can to return the fraudulently paid money back to the taxpayers of Tustin. If convicted, Kendal could be sentenced to 11 years in state prison, while Kyle faces up to nine years and six months. In addition, if convicted of any of the charged felonies, they will lose any pension benefits that accrued from the date of the commission of the crime and they will be prohibited from working as peace officers in the future, the OCDA said. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. FUELING THE CCP Experts sound the alarm on Biden's deal with China to shut down oil and gas. Continue reading OVERRULED Appeals court shoots down order imposed by judge in Trump fraud trial, citing free speech concerns. Continue reading HERITAGE IN DISPUTE One of the world's most prominent Indigenous icons may not be Indigenous after all. Continue reading REVOKED Homeowner who defended family in driveway shoot-out stripped of gun permit. Continue reading GLOBALIZE THE INTIFADA Pro-Palestinian group posts NYC map of locations 'tied' to 'Genocide' in Gaza. Continue reading READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP RED LIGHT House breaks for Thanksgiving with Johnson notching wins and losses. 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Continue reading LAURA INGRAHAM The hypocrisy from our elites is stunning. Continue reading JESSE WATTER Local election systems across America are weak and vulnerable. Continue reading SEAN HANNITY Biden is facing no punishment for this. Continue reading GREG GUTFELD The 'stupid fad' of people enforcing pronouns is 'dying.' Continue reading NEVER AGAIN Ex-Special Forces operator says Biden needs to stay strong to help Israel crush Hamas. Continue reading BLAME GAME Tori Spelling's ex reveals who's to blame for money troubles. Continue reading BIRTHDAY IN DARKNESS Hostage of Hamas, 9 years old today, is trapped in terror. Continue reading TROUBLE IN PARADISE? Angel Reese may have been suspended after benching and social media drama. Continue reading IN THE SWING In a funny scene from a New York animal sanctuary, a rescue bear named Jenny enjoys a lazy moment of leisure. Continue reading GUY BENSON Biden's numbers are 'hideous. See video CARLEY SHIMKUS Thanksgiving is still on! See video Whats it looking like in your neighborhood? Continue reading Facebook Instagram YouTube Twitter LinkedIn Fox News First Fox News Opinion Fox News Lifestyle Fox News Entertainment (FOX411) Fox News Fox Business Fox Weather Fox Sports Tubi Fox News Go Thank you for making us your first choice in the morning! Have a great weekend, stay safe and well see you in your inbox first thing Monday. Original article source: Experts alarmed by China energy plan, appeals court judge squashes Trump NY gag order and more top headlines A newly released recording of Donald Trump discussing his interactions with his Secret Service detail as his supporters stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, could be entered into evidence in special counsel Jack Smith's federal election interference case, a former federal prosecutor says. In the audio, which comes from a March 2021 interview with ABC News' Jonathan Karl for his new book, Trump brags that he would have been "very well-received" by the crowd of rioters that showed up on the day the results of the 2020 presidential election were to be certified. "Dont forget, the people that went to Washington that day, in my opinion, they went because they thought the election was rigged," Trump told Karl per HuffPost. "Thats why they went. Speaking with CNN's John Berman, former federal prosecutor Jennifer Rogers predicted the new audio would lend support to special counsel Smith's federal criminal case against the ex-president in Washington, D.C. "They have charged him, of course, with this vast conspiracy to effectively steal the election," Rogers told Berman. "They didn't charge him with the insurrection itself per se, but this is all evidence of that conspiracy, right, because the insurrection of course was the last ditch effort to stop Congress from certifying the vote. "So the fact that he's recorded saying, basically, I knew that these were my supporters they were there to do what I wanted them to do to stop the certification, is good evidence of his participation," she continued. Berman agreed, explaining that Trump seemed to have a solid grasp of the violence occurring at the Capitol on Jan. 6 considering that he suggested he could have quelled the insurrection. Berman also underscored the political impact of Trump's apparent understanding and prompted Rogers to dive into its legal value. "Yeah, I mean, the notion that he sat on his hands while watching TV and did absolutely nothing, knowing that they were there to do what he wanted them to do, and didn't do anything to stop the violence going on at the time is a pretty persuasive point about his bad actions," Rodgers responded. The former president ultimately ended up in the White House at the time of the Capitol attack and did nothing to stop or intervene in the riot for 187 minutes, instead opting to view the insurrection via TV coverage. In the recording, Trump also lamented how the Secret Service did not allow him to go to the Capitol while falsely claiming that his Jan. 6 rally ahead of the insurrection was the largest crowd he had spoken to "by far." "I was going to, and then Secret Service said you cant, and then by the time... I would have, and then when I get back, I saw... I wanted to go back. I was thinking about going back during the problem to stop the problem, doing it myself, said Trump, who told his supporters to go to the Capitol. Secret Service didnt like that idea too much, he added of his attempt to attend. His newly released comments come after accounts that claim he tried to go to the Capitol personally in an effort that included an alleged physical altercation between him and Secret Services where he attempted to grab the wheel of his presidential limousine following the rally. Im the f***ing president. Take me up to the Capitol now, Trump said, according to ex-White House aide Cassidy Hutchinson's testimony before the House Jan. 6 committee. Hutchinson also told the committee that Trump was angry about Secret Service magnetometers arranged at the rally site to keep armed supporters away. MSNBC legal analyst Lisa Rubin on Friday noted that the recording "is not evidence in the case yet, nor has it been brought to any court's attention" and it's unclear if special counsel Jack Smith would seek to use it as evidence. "This not only corroborates Cassidy Hutchinson but, if you listen to what he said at the end of that, when he says 'When I got back to the White House, I wanted to go back,' we know, thanks to timelines and thanks to evidence that the January 6th committee brought out, that at 1:24 that afternoon, when he arrived back at the White House, he was informed that the Capitol had been breached," she said. Want a daily wrap-up of all the news and commentary Salon has to offer? Subscribe to our morning newsletter, Crash Course. "For him to say now that he wanted to go back, and yet there's 187 minutes of inaction, is somewhat at odds with itself," Rubin added. "If Donald Trump were to take the stand in this case, I would expect prosecutors to use that tape to impeach the credibility of his testimony." Karl's book, Tired of Winning: Donald Trump and the End of the Grand Old Party, was released earlier this week and came with new revelations about the Trump administration, including that an ex-senior Trump official criticized the former president, deeming him a "traitor" and a "clear and present danger." The ABC News Chief Washington correspondent also described in the book that Trump believed a conspiracy theory claiming he'd be reinstated as president in the months after his first term in office, a theory that his former attorney Jenna Ellis shut down in 2021. The election was lawless, six states allowed their delegates to vote by false certifications, but the EC process happened. The Constitution has only one process for removal of a sitting president: impeachment and conviction. No, President Trump is not going to be reinstated. Jenna Ellis (@JennaEllisEsq) May 30, 2021 FALL RIVER Battleship Cove may boast the worlds largest collection of U.S. naval vessels, but that collection has gotten a little smaller in recent weeks. Visitors to the fleet museum or people who have walked by along Fall River's waterfront may have noticed there's one less ship anchored alongside the Battleship Massachusetts: the German corvette Hiddensee. Last month, the nonprofits board members decided to remove the Hiddensee from the cove. Photos later surfaced on Reddit of a ship resembling the Hiddensee in the process of being scrapped at a shipyard in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Battleship Coves Chief Operating Officer Chris Nardi confirmed that this was the case, and that the decision to scrap the Hiddensee was difficult but necessary to maintain the rest of the exhibits. This photo, shared to Reddit's r/boating subreddit, shows the German corvette Hiddensee being scrapped at a shipyard in Bridgeport, Connecticut, on Oct. 11. These ships are very, very, very expensive I cant even say very enough times to maintain," Nardi said. Disposing of Hiddensee put us in a good position to take care of the ships that have been here for decades at this point. SouthCoast Wonders: The Battleship joined the Navy over 80 years ago. How did it end up in Fall River? Why Battleship Cove scrapped one of its ships The small warship was built in 1984 in Leningrad, in the former Soviet Union, for the East German Navy. After the unification of Germany, she was part of the German Navy until she was transferred to the U.S. Navy in 1991. The Hiddensee was used for training exercises until she was decommissioned in 1996. Battleship Cove acquired the ship and placed her in its exhibit in 1997. Ships like the Hiddensee were meant for battle and never meant to survive this long. And in recent years, the ship has deteriorated. But Nardi said considering the ships hull has been immersed in saltwater for two and a half decades, its pretty amazing the museum kept it as long as it did. This photo, shared to Reddit's r/boating subreddit, shows the German corvette Hiddensee being scrapped at a shipyard in Bridgeport, Connecticut, on Oct. 11. The Hiddensee, as designed by the Russian shipyard ... they were designed to be definitely disposable in terms of the way they were constructed, Nardi said. He said repairing the Hiddensee might have required the ship to be put in drydock, which would have been terribly expensive, he said. The question of scrapping Hiddensee was considered for a while, he said. You have to weigh that versus repairs in place, which are quite problematic. The best decision was to dispose of her." Nardi said the group is focusing its limited funding on its remaining craft: the USS Lionfish submarine, the Destroyer Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. and the Battleship Massachusetts, along with two PT boats and several helicopters. The Lionfish and Kennedy are currently undergoing maintenance and preservation work. Most of this work is performed by unpaid volunteers. The history of Charles Braga: You know the bridge. But how much do you know about the sailor who died at Pearl Harbor? The submarine Lionfish sits alongside the Battleship Massachusetts at Battleship Cove in Fall River. Until recently, the German corvette Hiddensee was anchored between them. That ship has been scrapped. Changes are happening at Battleship Cove, and how to help Its not the only recent change at Battleship Cove. Nardi confirmed that Executive Director Meghan Rathbun, who took the helm in 2021, stepped down from the position two weeks ago. She had an opportunity that she thought might be suited better to where she wants to go. Its as simple as that, Nardi said. "Shes still very much interested in this organization. Her family volunteers here. We still have a good relationship with her in terms of her future involvement, if you will. He said the search for a new executive director would begin in the spring. In the meantime, the conservation and education work at Battleship Cove goes on. Theres a lot of positive work going on down here. The state generously funded the complete repainting of the Battleships freeboard, Nardi said, adding that state grants are also helping with work on the Lionfish. We have a new hangar down on the pier thats protecting our two helicopters. I dont want that to get lost in the shuffle here. A fall fundraiser is currently ongoing to help pay for repairs and preservation work on the Destroyer Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. So far, just under $3,500 has been raised, short of its $10,000 goal. "Were here to serve our mission, which is to recognize veterans and their acts of sacrifices and to stay alive here, Nardi said. Dan Medeiros can be reached at dmedeiros@heraldnews.com. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Herald News today. This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Battleship Cove scraps Hiddensee ship; executive director steps down Thousands of police officers from across the state and the country poured into the Circuit of the Americas amphitheater to honor the life of the fallen Austin police SWAT officer Jorge Pastore, who was killed in the line of duty last Saturday. Pastores casket, draped in the U.S. flag, was carried by members of the Austin Police Department honor guard. His casket was opened so those in attendance could pay their respects; many took off their caps and saluted him. Pastore was killed by a gunman who police said barricaded himself in a South Austin house after killing his mother and brother and stabbing a woman who managed to escape and call 911. The overcast, chilly morning seemed to reflect the mood of a city and the Police Department mourning the first Austin police officer to die by a shooting in the line of duty in more than a decade. Members of the Austin Police Department honor guard carry police officer Jorge Pastore's flag-draped casket to the armored SWAT vehicle that led his funeral procession Friday morning. Pastore, 38, was fatally shot in the line of duty on Nov. 11. But as the last of the officers made their way across the stage near the end of the visitation, the sun began to peek out from the clouds fitting for the day, as multiple people have said Pastore was known to light up a room with his vibrant attitude. More than 6,000 people attended the funeral service, according to city of Austin spokesperson Memi Cardenas. Speakers at Pastores funeral included Austin Mayor Kirk Watson, interim Austin Police Chief Robin Henderson, fellow officers and family members. All touched on similar themes of Pastores love, service and heroism. He was our guardian, our protector, a defender of our community, Watson said. This man was a shield against fear and harm, wrongdoing and danger. He was a police officer, and we ask so much of (them). Henderson spoke about the first time she met Pastore, who, before joining the Austin Police Department in 2019, was a firefighter and EMT with the Seminole Tribe Fire Department in Florida. She said that Pastore was loaded down in first aid equipment, and when she asked what it was all for, he gave her detailed instructions on all 47 medical techniques. Even in the midst of the unique challenges of our department and the state we find ourselves in, Pastore never wavered. His jovial intensity to serve, educate and protect was resolute, said Henderson, sniffing and teary-eyed. The monumental sacrifice Pastore made for his brothers and sisters and his partner agencies and his community is without question. Pastore was awarded the Medal of Valor for displaying exceptional bravery and courageous action, along with a Purple Heart, Henderson said. Mike Castillo, an Austin police officer and member of the SWAT team, recalled working on a patrol alongside Pastore in which the two pursued a fleeing suspect right before Castillo was due to finish an overtime shift. Castillo lamented that hed been ready to go home, but Pastore was committed to the duty. After it was over, Castillo asked Pastore, What was that? Pastore responded, Police work. Family member Raphael Rodriguez hugs an officer during Jorge Pastore's funeral service Friday at Circuit of the Americas. Jorge gave his life so that others could succeed, and were going to continue to hold the line and do what we need to do for each other because thats what he would have done. Jorge was a police officer, and he did his duty up until the last breath he took: Protect my brothers, everyone goes home, Castillo said, quoting a motto that Pastore had tattooed on his body. The funeral closed with the folding of the American flag draped over Pastores casket, which came as Amazing Grace was played by bagpipes, police honors were given with a three-volley gun salute, and police did a flyover with their helicopters. Henderson was given the flag after it was folded. She walked across the stage, knelt and gave it to Pastores widow, who was weeping. The two shared a long hug before Henderson left to retire Pastores badge number, 9097. We will never forget you. Keep smiling, officer Pastore, Henderson said. Rest easy and well take it from here. Procession for Jorge Pastore begins in West Austin Hours before the funeral, pallbearers placed Pastores flag-draped casket inside an armored SWAT vehicle, paying homage to the officers service on the departments elite team. The vehicle was near the head of a procession of first responder vehicles departing from Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Homes in West Austin. As honor guard members hoisted the casket into the vehicle, dozens of Austin officers, remaining at attention, stood silently as members of Pastores family wept at the sight. Many officers wore a black band over their badges, some stitched with Pastores badge number. Other bands bore the Latin phase "Nemo me impune lacessit": No one injures me with impunity. As the procession began to move, onlookers dotted the sidewalks and grassy medians lining the streets from the funeral home to the highway, some capturing photos and video as the convoy of patrol vehicles snaked through. Most watched solemnly. One woman, standing at the corner of Northland Drive and MoPac Boulevard's north frontage road, prayed aloud. Behind Pastores vehicle, patrol vehicles from law enforcement agencies across the Central Texas region made up the cavalcade, many flashing their emergency lights. Police officers salute outside the Austin Police Department's headquarters as Jorge Pastore's funeral procession passes on its way to Circuit of the Americas. Officers, schoolchildren watch procession near Texas Capitol More than 100 Austin police cadets and training officers lined the block in front of Austin's police headquarters in downtown Austin, waiting for the funeral procession. Among them was Lt. Elijah Myrick, who said he knew Pastore very well. He remembered the 38-year-old as a passionate, service-driven volunteer. Doing that extra 10%, thats what he was about, Myrick said. Thats what he instilled in his life at the department and off the department, and I think thats an important thing to remember. Around 8 a.m., the first to line 11th Street and Congress Street near the Capitol were dozens of first, second and third grade students from the Cathedral School of Saint Mary. They held large signs, one of which read, Thank you Officer Pastore for keeping us safe and protecting our city. David La Londe, a third grade teacher at the school, said that first grade teacher Roxanne Rodriguez lost her brother in the line of duty in 1989. She told us that what really meant a lot to her was to have the support of people lining the streets, La Londe said. When the first group of motorcycles in the procession drove by, the small crowd of people fell nearly silent. A parent hugged their child, some shed tears, and others watched in silence. The group of children from the Cathedral School of Saint Mary began quietly singing The Star-Spangled Banner and America the Beautiful. By the time the last car turned the corner from Congress Avenue east onto 11th Street around 9:15, the group near that intersection had grown to more than 100 people. Konor Swedberg of New Braunfels watches the funeral procession for Jorge Pastore roll past on East 11th Street. Procession draws Austin residents, law enforcement from around Texas Deputy John Rodriguez from the Travis County Constable Precinct 1 arrived at the 12th Street bridge over Interstate 35 around 7 a.m. Though he did not know Pastore, he said the loss of an officer killed on duty was emotional for any officer and that showing respect is important. Were people, too; were family, too, Rodriguez said. Remember that. Lynn Tozser, a retired city of Austin employee, stood across from the police headquarters, awaiting Pastore's funeral procession. Tozser's eyes filled with tears as she spoke of the officer who was shot and died. Ive had enough of this, Tozser said. I think about his family and his wife. Im a widow, so that hits home, losing somebody before you have to. Officials from Fleet Mobility Services which works with Austin police officers and their vehicles and the city's Building Services Department also stood outside to show their respect. We see a different side when they come in here, said Jacob Rodriguez, a service tech at Fleet Mobility Services who works with police officers daily. Theyre just normal humans trying to do their job. The night Jorge Pastore was killed When police arrived at 9308 Bernoulli Drive around 3 a.m. Nov. 11, they located the injured woman, who said the suspect still had the knife. As officers entered the home, they were shot at, which prompted the call for SWAT to come to the scene. Austin's SWAT team made a forced entry into the home around 4 a.m. With Pastore leading the charge, a firefight ensued as officers approached a back bedroom where the suspect had barricaded himself. Grumet: Austin officer Pastore's sacrifice, seeking to save others, is a debt we can never repay A call went out just minutes later that two officers had been shot, and both were taken to the hospital. Pastore succumbed to his injuries and died at the hospital. The officer who was injured, whose name has not been released by the Austin Police Department, went home earlier this week to continue recovering. Both of the victims, Eyman Elnemr-Nassar and Riad Nassar, were found dead inside the home. The assailant, Ahmed Nassar, also died after being shot by police. Exclusive: Austin police got 2015 report on officer shooting suspect but didn't surveil him This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: 'He was our guardian': Fallen Austin police officer honored a funeral The claim: The moon landing was staged because it is too bright to land there A Nov. 8 Facebook post (direct link, archived link) shows two photos: one of the moon illuminating a body of water and another of an astronaut standing on the moon next to the American flag. If the moon is bright enough to give light to 'half the earth' at night," reads the post's caption, "wouldnt the astronauts be absolutely blinded that landed on it, like to the point of not even being able to see." The caption includes the hashtag #MOONlandingHOAX. The post was shared more than 500 times in six days. More from the USA TODAY Fact Check Team: Our rating: False The moon does not emit light; it reflects it similar to Earth. An expert said the moon would not be too bright to prevent a landing. There is ample evidence astronauts have landed and walked on the moon. The moon's phases dictate how bright it appears for us on Earth There is abundant evidence showing the moon landing did indeed happen, including photographs, artifacts and videos. Some photos taken on the moon and published by NASA show the dark gray, crater-filled surface the astronauts landed on. While the moon sometimes appears bright from Earth, that does not mean it would be too bright to land on. Yan Fernandez, a professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Central Florida, told USA TODAY that the light reflected off the moons surface works much like other objects. Everything reflects visible light to some extent," he said. "You turn on a lamp in a room in your house, and you see things in the room because they are reflecting the light being emitted by the lamps bulb or LED. You go outside on a dark night and shine a flashlight on some rocks, they will reflect the light, and that's why you can see them. The moon is no different. It's just that the source of the light is the sun. NASA breaks it down further. It explains that half of the moon is always lit by the sun (the day side) while the other half is dark (the night side). As the moon rotates, we can see fractions of the moon's lit sides, called phases. The moon appears brighter depending on what phase it's in. Fact check: Viral video shows fabricated pro-Israel billboard in NYC But the moon's brightness as it appears on Earth does not affect its appearance up close. Features of the moon are easily visible from orbit, according to Fernandez. "If you were in a spaceship orbiting the Moon, then you'd see a lot of the geographic features: mountains, craters, valleys, dried-up lava beds, all kinds of things," he said. Each of the six Apollo missions that landed on the moon between 1969 and 1972 occurred on the day side of the moon. USA TODAY has previously debunked other claims that tried to prove the moon landings were fake, including claims involving a photo in President Richard Nixon's office, video footage and Wikileaks. USA TODAY reached out to the user who shared the post for comment but did not immediately receive a response. Our fact-check sources: Thank you for supporting our journalism. You can subscribe to our print edition, ad-free app or e-newspaper here. USA TODAY is a verified signatory of the International Fact-Checking Network, which requires a demonstrated commitment to nonpartisanship, fairness and transparency. Our fact-check work is supported in part by a grant from Meta. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Moonlight doesn't prove astronaut landings were a hoax | Fact check Families of five Minnesota men fatally shot by law enforcement allege in a lawsuit filed this week that the state Bureau of Criminal Apprehension has not given them full investigation data, despite the cases being closed. Dolal Idd, Zachary Shogren, Okwan Sims, Tekle Sundberg and Brent Alslebens families held a news conference Thursday at the Ramsey County Courthouse to announce the lawsuit against the Department of Public Safety, which oversees the BCA. The lawsuit claims the BCA violated the states public records law, known as the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act. When a deadly force investigation is done and if a prosecutor decides not to charge the officers, the case file must be made available to families within 10 days of their request, the lawsuit says. According to the lawsuit, in each of the five cases, requests were made by the parents of the deceased men after no charges were filed against officers. However, the BCA has failed to comply with the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act in each of these cases, and has unreasonably delayed the release of data to the plaintiffs, the lawsuit states. Families have waited several months to more than two years for the BCA to fulfill their data requests, said Michelle Gross, Communities United Against Police Brutality president. The families are represented by the litigation unit of the CUAPB, an all-volunteer organization that was formed in December 2000 in the aftermath of the shooting death of Charles Abuka Sanders by Minneapolis police. Withholding of data threatens the ability of families to seek wrongful death lawsuits because the statute of limitations for such suits is three years, the lawsuit says. In the case of Bayle Gelle, whose son, Dolal Idd, was killed by Minneapolis police, the statute of limitations expires Dec. 30. Its outlandish to me, personally, that these families have waited so long, Gross said, adding she is not aware of a similar lawsuit ever filed in the state on behalf of families. The BCA has made a litany of excuses for not releasing data to the families, Gross said. One of the big ones is we dont have enough people to do this work, even though they were given a very significant amount of money, not in this last legislative session, but in 2022, in which to hire additional people to do this work, Gross said. BCA says they must review full file before release The BCA understands that families who have experienced these tragic losses would want all of the information that they can have as soon as possible, said BCA spokeswoman Jill Oliveira said in an emailed statement Thursday. Once a case is closed, the BCA must review every report, image, audio and video in the file to ensure that information that isnt public is removed as required under state law, Oliveira said. This requires review of dash camera, body-worn camera, and surveillance video; all other images and audio of the incident; and voluminous reports, she said. The BCA is committed to providing information to families and the public as quickly as possible, while ensuring the protection of information that we cannot release under Minnesota law, Oliveira said. Dad of man killed in Stillwater waiting for answers Several family members wore shirts of those killed or held photos of them as they spoke about how they have been affected by their loss and not getting full information from the BCA. Ovid Sims, father of Okwan Sims, drove from his home in Dallas to be at the courthouse on Thursday. I just want justice and answers for my son, he said. Sims, 21, was fatally shot March 4 in the parking lot of a Stillwater apartment complex by two Stillwater police officers responding to an active-shooter call, authorities said. The BCA said Sims first shot a woman in the knee in his apartment and then fired dozens of shots at officers in the parking lot before being shot three times. Washington County Attorney Kevin Magnuson announced Aug. 10 in a news release that he was declining to press charges against the involved officers because the use of force was justified. Magnuson said in the release that his decision came after prosecutors reviewed an extensive investigative file from the BCA consisting of more than 2,000 pages of reports, dozens of photographs, and hours of video and audio evidence. According to this weeks lawsuit, Ovid Sims and his attorney, Paul Bosman, CUAPB chief counsel, submitted a data request to the BCA through an Aug. 10 email for all records related to your investigation into the use of deadly force against Okwan Sims. Five days later, the BCA told Sims in an email that the case was still an active criminal investigation. Sims met with members of the BCA at their office on Aug 28 to review body-camera footage and other documents from the case file and was told by agents that he could not bring any of the data home with him, the lawsuit says. The BCA agents told Mr. Bosman that Mr. Sims case file was voluminous and required redaction before it could be released, the lawsuit states. It has been over two months since the prosecuting authority declined to press charges and since the date of Mr. Sims request for data from the BCA. Lawsuit asks judge to order files release Hutchinson police shot and killed 34-year-old Alsleben at his apartment in New Auburn on Dec. 15, 2022, while he was in the midst of a mental health crisis, according to the lawsuit. The BCA said Alsleben displayed a knife and swung it at the first responders. A standoff ensued, with McLeod County deputies and Hutchinson police officers also arriving at the scene. When they tried to take him into custody, he struggled and cut one of the officers. Two McLeod County deputies attempted without success to use their Tasers. Alsleben then stood up, still holding the knife, and three Hutchinson officers fired, fatally striking him. Last March, after the Sibley County Attorney declined to press charges against the three involved officers, Alslebens mother, Tara Sykes, emailed a data request to the BCA for the entire investigatory file into the death of her son, the lawsuit says. The BCA responded on March 20 that they received the email, adding please know the case is now closed and your request is in the queue, the lawsuit states. Due to the large number of data requests the BCA receives, we cannot give you a timeframe for completion. However, the BCA will be in contact with you once your request is complete. The BCA has not released any of the public information related to Alslebens case nor given the family a timeline of when the data will be released, the lawsuit says. To make matters worse, Sykes said Thursday, the BCA has not released her sons personal belongings, including a class ring. He had things that are very personal to us, and I still havent received those, she said. The lawsuit seeks a judge to order DPS to fulfill the familys data requests and award them attorney fees, other losses and punitive damages. Related Articles PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Two men, who are family members, pleaded guilty to a racially motivated assault that took place in October of last year, officials said. Raymond Hanners pleaded guilty to first-degree bias crime and third-degree assault while Damion Sherk pleaded guilty to third-degree assault. Both were sentenced to three years of supervised probation and ordered to anger evaluations, according to the Washington County Sheriffs Office. Sherk also received a 10-day jail sentence. Accused PDX shooter wanted to kill family in Texas: Court docs Officials say the two men, who live together in a Tigard apartment complex, assaulted their neighbor on Oct. 10, 2022. The victim, who is African-American, parked his car at the complex and began walking into his apartment. Mr. Hanners stood on his front porch and attempted to provoke the victim by directing racial slurs towards him. The victim approached Mr. Hanners to ask why he was speaking to him in this manner. At that point, Mr. Sherk ran out from inside the apartment and began assaulting the victim. Mr. Hanners joined in the attack which continued throughout the parking lot. Bystanders eventually intervened and called law enforcement, WCSO said. Hanners confessed that he used racial slurs leading up to the assault, which left the victim with multiple injuries. The incident was also recorded by security cameras. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. A Seattle dairy cooperative with more than 40 Idaho farms and nearly 400 Idaho employees says it will open a Boise office to serve them better. Darigold doesnt have a location nailed down yet, but hopes to secure office space by early next year. The farmer-owned cooperative said in a news release that the office will bring key functions closer to its farms and its milk-processing plants. Darigold has three plants in Idaho, in Boise, Caldwell and Jerome. Most of those farms are concentrated in or around the Treasure and Magic valleys. Dairy cows eat feed at Beranna Dairy in Caldwell. This new office location gives us greater access to a larger workforce focused on agriculture, creates a better opportunity to establish Darigold as an employer of choice and valued community partner, and establishes a presence closer to farming and production operations in much of our region, Darigold CEO Joe Coote said in the release. Darigold is the brand of milk products for the Northwest Dairy Association, which is owned by nearly 300 family-owned farms in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana. It handles about 10 billion pounds of milk a year. Its products are available at most major retailers, including Albertsons, WinCo, Costco, Fred Meyer, Walmart and Whole Foods. The cooperative has been processing milk in Idaho since 1930, about 12 years after it formed, the Idaho Statesman previously reported. The Darigold plant at 618 N. Allumbaugh St. in Boise. Its Boise plant at 618 N. Allumbaugh St. makes extended shelf-life milk and cultured products like sour cream and cottage cheese, according to Chris Arnold, a spokesperson for the company. The Caldwell plant at 122 N. 5th Ave. makes butter. The Jerome plant makes powdered milk products used in infant formulas and other packaged goods. Nearly a quarter of the cooperatives milk supply, about 5.3 million pounds a day, comes from farms in the Gem State. Idaho Gov. Brad Little welcomed Darigolds planned office, saying in the news release that the states red-hot economy and robust agricultural sector are attracting more companies. Darigold produces extended shelf-life milk at its Boise plant. In 2020, Darigold pledged to spend $67 million to expand its Boise plant, adding a packaging line to produce a lactose-free milk called Darigold Fit with more protein and less sugar than conventional milk. Sure, you know about Idahos potatoes. But do you know about these 5 other farm products? Central District Health in Boise says illnesses could be linked to Idaho dairy farm Investigators from The Florida Department of Law Enforcement, The Escambia County Sheriff's Office, and the Pensacola Police Department investigating the scene of an officer-involved shooting in the Cantonment area on Wednesday, June 28, 2023. The shooting was deemed justified. The Office of the State Attorney will not pursue criminal charges against the Pensacola police officer who shot and killed a Cantonment man in June. Office of the State Attorney spokesperson Greg Marcille told the News Journal that their investigation "is closed out," and they ruled the shooting was justified. The PPD officer who fired the fatal shot was investigating a hit-and-run crash that occurred at Ninth Avenue and Wright Street on June 28, and his investigation led him to a Cantonment home. Cantonment shooting: FDLE investigating fatal Pensacola police officer-involved shooting in Cantonment "He arrived at that address and was met outside by a male individual," PPD spokesperson Mike Wood told the News Journal in June. "Words were exchanged and a scuffle began. During that scuffle, shots were fired by the officer at the suspect, striking the suspect." The suspect was pronounced dead on scene. With all officer-involved shootings in the state, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigates the incident and gives their findings to the local state attorney's office. Although FDLE and the OSA's investigation is finished, PPD said they could not release the officer's name as an Internal Affairs investigation is still ongoing. The PPD told the News Journal the officer remains employed with the department. This is a developing story. This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Pensacola Police Department shooting in Cantonment ruled justified SAN DIEGO A SigAlert was issued for State Route 78 Thursday evening after a car rolled over an embankment near Ramona, leaving at least one person dead. The crash was reported to law enforcement just after 6:30 p.m. According to California Highway Patrol logs, a silver Dodge Challenger flipped and rolled down about 200 feet into an embankment near 19000 San Pasqual Valley Road. Help sought to identify person killed on I-5 The San Diego Police Department said the driver of the Dodge was traveling at a high rate of speed when he crossed into the eastbound lane to pass multiple vehicles. The driver was reported to have lost control of his vehicle, veering off the roadway to the left. The vehicle struck a boulder, which authorities say caused the Dodge to flip, cross both lanes of traffic, and go down an embankment on the north side of the roadway. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene while still inside his vehicle. SDPDs Traffic Division is investigating the crash. Road closures were temporarily in place between San Pasqual Academy and Ramona for several hours, CHP said. The area has since reopened. Anyone with information related to the incident is encouraged to call Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego. Gary Schildhorn was on his way to work in 2020 when he got a phone call from someone who sounded just like his adult son Brett. He was crying and talking and said that he had been in an accident, Schildhorn said as he described the call to our Washington News Bureau. He had broken his nose. He had hurt a pregnant woman. He was arrested. He was in jail. Schildhorn is an attorney in Philadelphia and instinctively wanted to do whatever he could to help his son. WATCH CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS He said he was told his son had a public defender named Barry Goldstein. The supposed man named Goldstein told Schildhorn he had to wire $9,000 through a bitcoin kiosk, which uses cryptocurrency, in order to bond his son out of jail. Im a father. Im a lawyer. My son is in trouble, said Schildhorn. Im in action mode I had to act to help my son. Read: Potential Tropical Cyclone 22 forms in the Caribbean On Thursday, he told members of the Senate Special Committee on Aging about the moment he realized the caller never really was Brett. A few minutes later, a FaceTime call from my son, said Schildhorn during his testimony. Hes pointing to his nose. My nose is fine. Im fine. Youre being scammed. Luckily, Schildhorn learned the truth before ever sending any money. But thats not the case for everyone. Read: Winter Springs commissioners propose water rate increase for infrastructure improvements According to lawmakers, scams cost Americans $9 billion last year and older Americans are especially vulnerable. Last year, seniors reported losing more than $1.6 billion to fraud, though the actual losses could be as high as $48 billion, according to the office of the Committee Chairman, Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pennsylvania). When it comes to artificial intelligence, we need guardrails, Casey told our Washington News Bureau. Even someone like Gary who is a lawyer, who is trained to be skeptical, trained to ask tough questions, in the moment, the emotion of having a loved one call you and you think its their voice and really isnt. So, we have to pass legislation to put those guardrails up. Read: It is so ordered: Florida Supreme Court affirms Markeith Loyds convictions, death sentence Its going to get worse because were at the leading edge of this technology, said Ranking Member Sen. Mike Braun (R-Indiana). Schildhorn said there needs to be ways to better trace cryptocurrency and the criminals behind the scam accounts. Find out who owns the accounts, said Schildhorn. You need to be able to find who is making these phone calls, to be able to find their identity. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. EYEWITNESS NEWS (WBRE/WYOU) The FBI Miami Field Office has announced the newest fugitive added to the top ten most wanted. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, 37-year-old, VitelHomme Innocent has been added to the FBIs Ten Most Wanted Fugitive list. Officials say Innocent is between 57 and 510, weighing approximately 150 pounds with brown eyes and black hair. Innocent is wanted for conspiracy to commit hostage taking, hostage taking, conspiracy to commit hostage taking resulting in death, and attempted hostage-taking resulting in death, as noted by the FBI. Man allegedly creates tunnel to break into apartment The U.S. State Department`s Transnational Organized Crime Rewards Program is offering up to $2 million for information leading to the arrest or/and conviction of Innocent. Officials make note that Innocent is a leader of a gang and allegedly worked to kidnap 17 Christian Missionaries for at least 61 days in Haiti including 5 children and one 8 month child. Allegedly in October 2022, under the direction of Innocent the gang kidnapped two United States citizens, killing one, officials say. Innocent is considered to be armed and dangerous. VitelHomme is believed to be in Haiti and has ties to other countries throughout the Caribbean. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov. You can remain anonymous; however, tipsters could receive a reward of up to $2,000,000 for information leading to his arrest and/or conviction. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PAhomepage.com. A man charged in Tennessee with child rape among other crimes and who escaped a prison transport van nearly a month ago, was spotted Nov. 17 in Jackson County, according to the FBI. The FBI said Sean Christopher Williams, 51, who has ties to Western North Carolina, was spotted in Sylva Nov. 17 around 11:30 a.m., the FBI said in a release Nov. 17. According to the FBI, eyewitness saw Williams in the Jackson Plaza shopping area in Sylva. Williams was scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court in Greeneville, Tennessee, on Oct. 18, for a hearing and was placed in a transport vehicle by a detention officer in Laurel County, Kentucky, as reported by the Knoxville News Sentinel. More: Former WNC man charged with child rape escaped prison transport van, still on the run FBI When the transport van arrived at the Greeneville courthouse around 8:30 a.m. Oct. 18, the detention deputy discovered the back window of the van had been kicked out, court records say. The Jackson County Sheriff's Office is assisting the FBI and other law enforcement agencies in searching for Williams. "He is familiar with the area and should be considered dangerous," the FBI said in the release. "Law enforcement is asking the community of Sylva to be vigilant and aware of your surroundings. If possible and you can do so in a safe manner, homeowners should secure their outbuildings and other property." Property records also indicate that Williams who is currently on the Tennessee Bureau of Investigations Most Wanted list has ties to North Carolina with previous residences in Cullowhee and Burlington. Sean Williams TBI photo The list says Williams is wanted for two counts of rape of a child, sixteen counts of esp. aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor and three counts of aggravated sexual battery (under 13). Williams was federally indicted on Sept. 12 for producing visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorneys Office of the Eastern District of Tennessee. Prior to his escape, a trial was set for Jan. 23, 2024, according to the release. Hes also been at the center of two lawsuits that allege the Johnson City police knowingly failed to investigate multiple complaints from alleged sexual assault victims. Williams is accused of drugging and sexually assaulting more than 50 women, according to reporting from The Tennessean. The FBI said to call 1-828-631-HELP if Williams is spotted. This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: FBI: Man with WNC ties who escaped prison spotted in Jackson County Flash Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador in San Francisco, the United States, Nov. 16, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua] Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday called for expanding China-Mexico cooperation in finance, electric vehicles and other emerging industries. Xi made the remarks when meeting his Mexican counterpart, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting. He also said that the two sides should make good use of the inter-governmental cooperation mechanism and deepen cooperation in traditional areas such as infrastructure construction. The friendship between China and Mexico has grown stronger over time, Xi said, noting that last year the two countries celebrated the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties, and this year marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Mexico comprehensive strategic partnership. Xi said that at present, the strategic, complementary and mutually beneficial nature of China-Mexico relations has become increasingly prominent, and mutual understanding and support on issues concerning each other's core interests and major concerns have become firmer. China attaches great importance to China-Mexico relations and is willing to work with Mexico to enhance strategic alignment, tap cooperation potential and leverage complementary advantages to push bilateral relations to a new level, he added. The Chinese president stressed that China supports Mexico's independent development path in line with its national conditions and is willing to strengthen exchanges with Mexico in country governance. Bilateral trade volume between China and Mexico has increased by more than 7,000 times since the establishment of diplomatic relations, and highlights of cooperation in fields including railways, automobiles and new energy are abundant, he said. Xi said the two sides should deepen counternarcotics law enforcement cooperation, and actively support each other in organizing events for people-to-people exchanges such as cultural performances and exhibitions. The two sides should strengthen multilateral coordination, firmly uphold multilateralism and democracy in international relations, and safeguard international fairness and justice as well as the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries, Xi said. Noting that next year marks the 10th anniversary of the China-CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) Forum, Xi said that China is ready to work with Mexico to promote the steady and long-term development of China-Latin America relations in the new era. Xi once again expressed condolences to Lopez over the recent hurricane disaster that hit Mexico's Pacific coast. He said that China will provide assistance to Mexico in the procurement of disaster relief supplies. Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador in San Francisco, the United States, Nov. 16, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua] For his part, Lopez said both Mexico and China have splendid civilizations and the two peoples know each other well and treat each other like brothers. At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, China was the first to offer assistance, providing a large amount of precious anti-pandemic supplies to Mexico and helping the country tide over the difficulties, Lopez said. He added that after Mexico was hit by a recent severe hurricane in the Pacific Ocean, China immediately expressed sympathy and support, for which Mexico is grateful. Both Mexico and China safeguard their own independence and firmly oppose interference in other countries' internal affairs, he noted, adding that Mexico will, as always, adhere to its friendly policy towards China, firmly support each other, facilitate Chinese enterprises' investment in Mexico, and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields as well as cooperation in combating drugs production and trafficking. Lopez said that Mexico is willing to closely coordinate with China in multilateral affairs, and actively promote Latin America-China relations. On the same day that an FBI team searched the Brooklyn home of Eric Adams key fundraiser, other agents were raiding two other homes belonging to people with ties to the embattled New York City mayor, according to The New York Times. The coordinated raids, not previously reported before the Times Thursday dispatch, were executed on Rana Abbasova, an Adams staffer, and Cenk Ocal, a former Turkish Airlines executive who served on Adams transition team. It was previously reported that Abbasova, the director of protocol for international affairs, had been placed on leave earlier this week amid allegations of improper behavior. Sources told the New York Daily News at the time that Abbasova, who was Adams liaison to the Turkish community early in his political career, had also had her cell phone seized by federal agents. The mayor, like Abbasova and Ocal, has not been accused of any wrongdoing. Federal authorities are currently investigating whether his campaign conspired with members of the Turkish government in an illegal donation scheme. A spokesperson for the campaign told the Times that Abbasova was not employed by or paid by the campaign, while a mayoral spokesperson said Adams was cooperating with investigators. Read it at The New York Times Read more at The Daily Beast. The national flag of Saudi Arabia, which executed more people in 2022 than any country except China and Iran, Amnesty International said (FAYEZ NURELDINE) Abdullah al-Derazi's family describes him as a sensitive bird-lover who once cared for dozens of canaries, but the Saudi courts see him differently: as a terrorist who must be executed. The 28-year-old is one of at least nine Saudis on death row for alleged offences committed while they were minors, according to human rights activists who routinely condemn the Gulf kingdom's prolific use of capital punishment. His case and that of another man, Jalal Labbad, are in the spotlight after Amnesty International reported last month that their sentences had been "secretly upheld" by the Supreme Court, meaning their deaths could be announced any day. At Derazi's home in the eastern Saudi city of Qatif, where the canaries and lovebirds he used to feed no longer appear, his family lives in constant fear of news that would stamp out their hopes of ever seeing him again. Because Saudi Arabia does not typically notify lawyers and relatives before carrying out executions, "we will receive news of his (death) at any moment", said one relative who spoke to AFP on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal. Saudi authorities did not respond to AFP's request for comment. - An 'exaggerated' sentence - Saudi Arabia executed more people last year than any other country besides China and Iran, Amnesty has said. A total of 147 people were put to death in 2022, according to an AFP database compiled from state media reports, including 81 people on a single day in March, all convicted of crimes related to "terrorism". The kingdom is notorious for beheadings, though state media does not specify the mode of execution. So far this year, 123 people have been executed, 33 for terrorism-related crimes, according to the AFP database. Human rights groups have slammed a counterterrorism law adopted in 2017 as overly broad, saying it prohibits any civil disobedience or criticism of the government. The Berlin-based European-Saudi Organisation for Human Rights (ESOHR) said that of the nine known Saudis on death row for offences allegedly committed when they were minors, six were charged with involvement in demonstrations. Derazi and Labbad, members of Saudi Arabia's Shiite minority, were arrested in connection with anti-government protests that took place more than a decade ago in the east of the country, where Shiites are concentrated. Derazi was 17 at the time, Morris Tidball-Binz, the UN special rapporteur on arbitrary executions, said last month. Labbad was 16 or 17 during the protests, according to the MENA Rights Group. Amnesty has said their convictions resulted from "torture-tainted" confessions. The charge sheet for Derazi, seen by AFP, includes not just "participating in demonstrations" but also "participating in forming a terrorist cell" and "targeting security personnel" -- allegations his family dismissed as implausible. "Abdullah has nothing to do with these accusations. They are accusations that are bigger than his thinking and interests," said the relative who spoke to AFP. A relative of Labbad, who also spoke on condition of anonymity for safety reasons, said his alleged crimes included providing "assistance" to a wanted person in his Shiite-majority hometown of Awamiyah, which the relative said was a reference to bandages and sanitiser. "The sentence is very unfair and exaggerated," the relative said. "Does providing aid deserve a death sentence?" - 'No tolerance' - Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is seeking to transform the world's biggest crude oil exporter into a business and tourism hub. Yet activists say the kingdom's continued embrace of capital punishment undermines the image of a more open, tolerant society that is central to Prince Mohammed's Vision 2030 reform agenda. The UK group Reprieve says executions "have risen drastically" since Prince Mohammed's father, King Salman, ascended the throne in 2015. That includes 11 people killed for offences occurring when they were minors, the group said in a report this year. Riyadh announced a royal decree in 2020 to abolish the death penalty for child defendants, but the text was never published and it is unclear if it is being applied. "The number of minors sentenced to death in Saudi Arabia may be much higher because families are afraid to communicate and express their concerns" to human rights groups and the media, said ESOHR researcher Duaa Dhainy. Authorities should disclose details of the decree and "enforce it for all defendants below the age of 18, regardless of their crime," Tidball-Binz, the UN special rapporteur, said. Targeting young people is meant to chill any kind of dissent, said ESOHR's legal director Taha al-Hajji. It "sends a clear message to everyone that there is no tolerance and there are no red lines", he said. "Everyone, without exception, is punished, whether they are a child, an old man or a woman." bur/th/kir/dhw The so-called air defense shield is a deeply echeloned multifunctional system of air defense assets. On November 7-8th in Tokyo, at a meeting of G7 foreign ministers, they discussed, among other things, a project to create an air defense shield to protect Ukraine from massive Russian missile and drone attacks. The so-called air defense shield is a deeply echeloned multifunctional system of air defense assets. It consists of fire units echeloned by height and range of the areas to be covered. It also includes a command and control system, where all these air defense assets are centrally linked to target detection equipment, and an electronic intelligence and countermeasures system. All this is necessary to detect, identify, capture, and destroy an air target. In the case of Ukraine, in such a multifunctional system, to create a layered air defense system throughout the territory, we still lack enough firepower or do not cover all the needs for radar intelligence, which requires not only radar stations but also long-range radar detection and control aircraft, which we do not have. In addition, General Valeriy Zaluzhnyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, wrote in an essay for The Economist that electronic warfare systems are needed. They can significantly increase the ability to fight drones, which, despite their low power, can do a lot of damage and, therefore, cause a lot of trouble, diverting the primary air defense forces and means to fight them. A shield is a combination of everything. It should be understood that object-based air defense includes the means to protect strategically important objects, infrastructure, cities, social facilities, power plants, nuclear power plants, and the military. Highly mobile means it covers moving troops, i.e., it operates in soldiers' combat order. Air defense systems are one of the primary targets for the enemy At the same time, air defense assets must also be mobile because the enemy can also detect them. Therefore, such assets must be able to assemble quickly, move to new positions, deploy, and be ready to repel another attack. Tactical air defense systems can usually operate while moving or with a short stop. These are, for example, the S-300 B, Buk, Cube, Wasp, Tunguska, Shilka, Gepard, Stormer, Skynex, etc. Moreover, the weakness of Soviet systems is their low reliability and, as a rule, lack of spare parts, which means that they are inoperable most of the time. However, their declared firepower is on par with Western models and sometimes even surpasses them. Can an air defense shield be created over Ukraine's entire territory? Theoretically, with a certain degree of conventionality, it is possible, but practically impossible. First, because of the exhaustiveness of our own air defense capabilities, and second, because of the limited capabilities of our partners. It is not enough to simply supply us with air defense systems; they must also be linked into a single control system. And they are not always compatible, especially with the former Soviet ones. I would not say it is impossible to link such a "zoo" into a single system, but it is an additional difficulty that will take time. In addition, we should remember that air defense systems are one of the primary targets for the enemy. Air defense systems also suffer losses, require repairs that must be done somewhere, and require spare parts and production capacity. Moreover, they do not work independently, but interact with other systems, requiring crew training, availability, and a supply of missiles and ammunition. In this regard, the Pentagon, at Ukraine's request, launched a special program called FrankenSAM, which aims to combine American surface-to-air and air-to-air missiles with old Soviet launchers and radar stations. Several projects have already been successfully tested. I don't know if there have been any deliveries yet, but both American and Ukrainian companies have carried out such developments. This is one way to close the gaps in the air defense system today and a desirable prospect for the future. South Korea and Israel have the most robust air defense systems. Israel's example shows that even the best system does not provide 100% protection. However, this country has a reasonably strong echeloned air defense system regarding altitude and range. The famous Iron Dome is the lowest link in the system, which also includes medium-range and high-altitude systems. We need to consider both sides in a struggle between two adversaries. These two sides are looking for each other's weaknesses; if they find them, they strike at them. Any existing air defense system is weak against massive, combined enemy attacks. If we calculate the number of targets in a strike, the intervals between them, and the number of targets that can be simultaneously detected, tracked, and fired upon, we can calculate the required number of air defense systems. Moreover, not every target can be detected and hit with one hundred percent probability. That is why no one expects one hundred percent coverage of the territory, but they try to at least achieve 70-80% efficiency in covering specific objects. Western countries relied on everything in the complex. Aviation is also an element of air defense. After all, striking enemy aircraft firing at ground targets is also an air defense element. That is, we are working not only on the missiles the enemy is firing, but also on the aircraft that launch them. This is a combined system. Whether air defense systems are placed closer to the borders or dispersed throughout the country depends on their range. If these are targeted air defense systems, they are usually located close to cover objects so that firing units' firing zones overlap. If these are military air defense systems, they should be located at a certain distance from the troops they cover but no closer than the distance that enemy artillery can reach. Since drones are now the most massive, cheapest, and most effective means of striking the enemy, more attention should be paid to fighting them. It is only partially effective to take stronger missiles typically used against aircraft, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles and instead use them against Shahed and Lancer drones. Therefore, looking for more adequate ways to combat drones is necessary. For this purpose, for example, not only long- and medium-range anti-aircraft missile systems are deployed around the covered objects, but also anti-aircraft artillery systems, such as Gepard and Skynex self-propelled anti-aircraft systems, as well as Tunguska and Shilka, left over from the Soviet era. Even old, decommissioned equipment (for example, twin 23-mm anti-aircraft guns) are used, and mobile groups are being created to fight drones that can be moved to the most dangerous areas. In addition, the Lviv administration, for example, has taken the initiative to create such mobile groups not only in the army but also in local communities. With the help of such flying units, we could cover a considerable territory in addition to what we are already protecting. The main problem is the equipment of such mobile groups. Now, the communities themselves are creating improvised anti-aircraft installations, such as twin machine guns combined in four or six pieces and mounted on jeeps, and this is how they try to fight unmanned aerial vehicles. What is the most dangerous for Ukraine now: drones, cruise missiles, ballistics, or guided bombs? Here, we need to consider the targets of attack. Regarding the frontline regions, the most difficult to hit with air defense systems are bombs. Drones are the most massive, invisible, and, therefore, more challenging to combat. Cruise and ballistic missiles are the next best regarding warhead power and damage. Now imagine that the enemy uses all this "nastiness" in a combined strike simultaneously. That's why detection, recognition, and assignment of targets to firearms is one of the most critical and complex tasks for an air defense control system. Read also: Ukraines attritive counteroffensive and the looming winter For each type of attack, looking for ways to counter it is necessary. There is no single way for everything. This is the difficulty, and this is the advantage of the enemy when he combines drone and missile strikes. The enemy takes a mass of drones and launches cruise or ballistic missiles under their cover. Ukraine will have a hard time if such a massive, combined strike is carried out. This is exactly what I fear: that the Russian army is now accumulating forces for such attacks. Hamas has inspired them. The information is that with the onset of cold weather, the Russian Federation may change the tactics of massive shelling and direct a large number of missiles at one target. In this case, it will be tough to fight. Even the current air defense specialists cannot name at least one single result. Of course, they can say that we are preparing to repel such attacks with all our might, but we are still determining how well we can repel them. The fact is that no one knows how massive such a strike will be or how many missiles and drones it will involve. The effectiveness of the fight depends on this. Therefore, we must prepare for any outcome, even the most terrible. Both the air defense forces and the facilities themselves must be ready. The latter must be protected by engineering. Many experts have already said that it is necessary to bury the facilities underground, build some concrete structures around them, and so on. And this, in turn, should not be a one-time campaign but a well-thought-out, comprehensively justified system of measures. Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine This is a photo of a building at the University of Alabama. This article was originally published in Alabama Reflector. The Alabama State Reciprocity Committee Wednesday discussed the potential impact of changes to federal regulations on distance learning. The committee, which focuses on higher education issues, works to address State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA) in Alabama. SARA was established in 2013 to streamline regulations from the U.S. Department of Education around distance learning opportunities. The committee has representatives from two-year colleges, four-year colleges and Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The focus of Wednesdays discussions were changes made to increase federal oversight over higher education institutions. Support The 74's year-end campaign. Make a tax-exempt donation now. The changes were made under the negotiated rulemaking process, where representatives of parties significantly impacted by changes to higher education work with the Department of Education to reach consensus with the Department. Regulations will go into effect on July 1. Heather Hall, dean of the college of nursing at University of South Alabama, said that placements for clinical work now need to be made within 45 days and within a reasonable distance. She said that these requirements may be more complicated for more specialized fields. So if theres not a NICU located within that reasonable located geographical area, then that would be okay, because its so specialized, she said. However, that can only be used a certain length of time, Hall said. You run out of reasons why youre sending students so far from one state to the next or across the state to clinical placement. The Department of Education says these requirements will not apply to post-graduation requirements, such as medical residences. Hall said that increased reporting requirements that keep track of placements means that they will need more staff. She also said that a student turning down a placement does not mean that a school is freed from the 45-day requirement. Related Alabama Department of Education Wants to Give Stipends for Special Ed Teachers Everything has to be documented, she said. Everything has to be in compliance, and we have to start moving quickly to make sure that our students are placed. Tonjanita Johnson, senior vice chancellor for academic and student affairs for the University of Alabama System, said shes heard from staff that they would like a centralized system to maintain the required information. Understanding the resources that may be needed would be helpful for Im sure for just more than those of us sitting around the table, she said. Ron Leonard, director of special operations at the Alabama Commission on Higher Education, said that if they join the State Authorization Network, he thinks the organization will help the colleges keep up with changes to federal regulations. Theyre at the forefront of keeping up with federal and state regulations, he said. As was mentioned earlier, there is so much coming down the pike, that its hard for people to keep up. The State Authorization Network provides training, support and opportunities to help institutions to work together to navigate regulatory requirements for out-of-state activities, according to their website. Leonard said they have applied for a grant for membership. If only a small number of institutions want to join, they can likely cover the cost. If all institutions want to join, there would be a cost but it would be discounted. He said that some institutions in the state have already joined. Alabama Reflector is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Alabama Reflector maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Brian Lyman for questions: info@alabamareflector.com. Follow Alabama Reflector on Facebook and Twitter. FedEx mistakenly delivered $20,000 worth of scratch cards to a woman in Massachusetts. They were meant to go to a liquor store that sells lottery tickets. The woman ultimately returned them. Scratch cards actually hold no value unless they are delivered to an authorized lottery seller. FedEx mistakenly delivered $20,000 worth of lottery scratch cards to an unsuspecting woman in Massachusetts, though she wouldn't have been able to cash in on any potential winnings. Danielle Alexandrov was opening packages at her office in East Falmouth when she came across a "very heavy" box, she told local news outlet WCVB. "I open it up and it's a box of scratch tickets," she said. "And I'm thinking, 'Is this a joke?' until I look at the receipt and its value is $20,000 worth of scratch tickets." According to WCVB, the scratch cards were meant to be sent to the nearby Kenyon's Market, a liquor store that sells lottery tickets, but somehow ended up at Alexandrov's workplace. She decided to return the box, calling it the "right" thing to do, but she said she was troubled by the possibilities of how the scratch tickets could have changed her life. She told WCVB: "I played the tape out through my mind. What would happen if I kept these? Would I be able to sleep at night? Those kinds of things and I was like, 'No, the right thing to do is to go return it.'" It turns out that even if Alexandrov had kept the scratch cards, they would have been worthless unless they had been delivered and authorized by a licensed lottery retailer. "If someone tried to take one of these tickets, if it was a winning ticket, brought it to a retail location, there would be a message that would flag it and they'd be unable to cash the ticket," Christian Teja, who works for the Massachusetts Lottery, told WCVB. FedEx did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment. Read the original article on Insider This story was produced by the State College regional bureau of Spotlight PA, an independent, nonpartisan newsroom dedicated to investigative and public-service journalism for Pennsylvania. Sign up for our regional newsletter, Talk of the Town. HARRISBURG Federal prosecutors on Thursday arrested and charged suspended DuBois City Manager Herm Suplizio with theft and conspiracy, alleging that he diverted hundreds of thousands in public dollars into secret bank accounts he then used to pay for personal vacations, utility bills, jewelry, and more. The citys former administrative secretary Roberta Shaffer was also charged, according to a statement by federal authorities. The new federal charges from the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania further complicate Suplizios already mounting legal troubles. The politically connected city manager was charged earlier this year by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General in a sweeping political corruption case. Thursdays federal charges closely mirror many of the allegations contained in Pennsylvanias case and will supplant the states criminal allegations, Brett Hambright, a spokesperson for the state attorney generals office, told Spotlight PA in an email. Hambright said the state will drop the 23 criminal counts including 13 felonies it has brought against Suplizio. Like state prosecutors, federal authorities allege Suplizio diverted money that belonged to the city into secret bank accounts that only he and Shaffer controlled and over which the city had no oversight. City Council did not approve the accounts, according to the federal indictment. The money they allegedly diverted included about $60,000 in annual fees that DuBois was supposed to receive under its waste management contract with a private company. Those accounts, according to the indictment, were associated with DuBois annual summer festival called Community Days, which celebrates the citys storied volunteer fire department. Neither Suplizio nor Shaffer could be reached for comment on Thursday. Suplizios lawyer also did not respond to requests for comment. Suplizio was instrumental in the fundraising efforts for Community Days, Spotlight PA previously reported. In addition to serving as the citys chief administrator, he was also the longtime executive director of the DuBois Area United Way. The newsroom found he leveraged these positions and was often in a decision-making position on both ends of deals, despite potential conflicts of interest. State investigators allege that when they reviewed several years worth of budgets for Community Days, they found that administrative fees from the citys waste disposal contractor, then called Advanced Disposal Systems which is not named in the federal indictment were deposited into bank accounts for the event instead of DuBois general fund and penciled in as being in much lower amounts. Federal prosecutors allege Suplizio and Shaffer made large cash withdrawals from these accounts, wrote checks to themselves and others, and obtained cashiers checks with themselves listed as payees. The pair also allegedly spent more than $450,000 from the accounts toward payments on Suplizios personal credit card. Federal prosecutors also noted in the indictment four withdrawals Suplizio made to make political contributions to three local elected officials, but did not disclose their identities. The states criminal complaint noted the involvement of Suplizios secretary but did not name her. Shaffer resigned in September after working as the citys administrative secretary for about 14 years, according to the Courier Express. She also served as an assistant director for the DuBois Area United Way in 2015. Our communities entrust public officials like Suplizio with tremendous authority, and when that trust is violated as is alleged here this office and our federal and state law enforcement partners will hold them accountable to the fullest extent of the law, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan wrote in a statement. His office declined to comment for this story. Suplizio and Shaffer each face five counts total of felony conspiracy and federal program fraud charges. They could face up to 45 years in prison, up to $1.25 million in fines, or both. SUPPORT THIS JOURNALISM and help us reinvigorate local news in north-central Pennsylvania at spotlightpa.org/donate/statecollege. Spotlight PA is funded by foundations and readers like you who are committed to accountability and public-service journalism that gets results. Doris Mager, who became a Tri-Cities celebrity as The Eagle Lady in her 90s, has died. She was 98. She suffered a heart attack and died Nov. 16. The Connecticut native moved to the Tri-Cities in 2015 from Florida by way of North Carolina to be closer to her son and daughter-in-law, Bill and Peggy Mager. She was already an East Coast sensation for her work to educate the public about birds of prey, often accompanied by one or more of the birds in her collection. So when she moved, she didnt move alone. The Eagle Lady Her crew included E.T., a rescued great horned owl who featured prominently in hundreds of appearances to encourage respect for raptors eagles, hawks, owls, falcons and other birds of prey. Doris Mager, 90, shows a screech owl named Impy to the crowd of about 65 people recently attending her presentation at the West Richland branch of Mid-Columbia Libraries. Mager was a stalwart of the Florida Audubon Society and founder of her own nonprofit, Save Our American Raptors (SOAR) long before she landed in the Tri-Cities. She was dubbed The Eagle Lady by former Florida Gov. Bob Graham. Shed celebrated her 60th birthday with a 2,800-mile cross country bike ride to raise money and awareness for raptor causes. Graham referred to her as Floridas Eagle Lady in public remarks honoring her in Tallahassee. The name stuck, even after she moved to Asheville, N.C., and eventually, in her 10th decade, to the Tri-Cities. Fertile ground She and E.T. along with her other rescued raptors enthralled young and old alike in their new community. The Mid-Columbia Libraries booked her and E.T. for presentations at all its branches. Local schools opened their doors and she was a regular guest at Wild Birds Unlimited, the Richland store dedicated to supporting avian wildlife. Mager, E.T. and her screech owl were always popular, said owner David Goss. She was so full of energy. Its hard to describe someone that has that much positivity and that much joy. She was indomitable, Goss said. Im going to miss her. Her store visits halted during COVID but Goss hoped Mager would come back someday. In a 2016, Mager told the Tri-City Herald she loved teaching children about the powerful creatures shed vowed to protect. Doris Mager and her great horned owl, E.T., visit the West Richland branch of the Mid-Columbia Libraries. She asked the newspaper to stress that it is illegal to collect raptors and illegal to shoot them. It repeated the message in a feature tied to her appearance at the West Richland library. Three years later, Mager and E.T. hit the road for one last cross-country trek, from Washington state to her native Connecticut. E.T.: Extra Terrific The mission was bittersweet. Mager, then 93, was moving E.T., then 36, to the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center at Mystic to live out his days. The Westerly Sun newspaper covered the hand off, noting that Mager wore an eagle pendant around her neck, sandals on her feet and a purple T-shirt from the Badlands of South Dakota. E.T. has since died, said Marge Woods, a close family friend who described Mager as a mother figure. E.T.s story was as remarkable as Magers. A 33-year-old great horned owl named E.T., which stands for Extra Terrific, looks around the room at the West Richland branch of Mid-Columbia Libraries. He came to her as small ball of gray fuzz. Wildlife officials had rescued him from a collector thought to have plucked him from a nest in the Florida Everglades. The tiny creature had imprinted on humans and couldnt be released back into the wild. Mager agreed to take him on. Biologists named him E.T. for Extra Terrestrial. Mager preferred Extra Terrific. Her first rescue Her raptor career dated to 1963, when she was managing a store for the Audubon Society when someone brought in an injured red-tailed hawk, which she nursed back to health and then set free. Doris Mager watches her beloved great horned owl E.T. land on the covered arm of Ian Pettyjohn, then 9, in this 2016 file photo in West Richland, Wash., when she was 90. Later, she took on a bald eagle that had been shot through the wing. Hallie would never fly again and like E.T., spent decades with Mager, thrilling audiences. In 1979, she spent a week in an inactive eagles nest near Maitland, Fla., to draw attention to the then-declining bald eagle population and the plight of injured raptors that couldnt be released back to the wild. The Audubon Center for Birds of Prey, according to a 2019 retrospective by Audubon Magazine. Memorial services are pending. A video of a young girl having makeup and fake blood applied, accompanied by scenes of people waving Palestinian flags, is being shared on social media alongside claims it shows Gazans are staging injuries during the war between Israel and Hamas. This is false, and the latest in a series of similar allegations; the clip is a behind-the-scenes shot from the set of a short film produced in Lebanon, which the director said was meant to artistically represent the reality of war. "The Palestinians are fooling the international media and public opinion. DON'T FALL FOR IT," says the caption of a since-deleted November 9, 2023 post on X, formerly known as Twitter, from Ofir Gendelman, the Arabic language spokesperson for the Israeli prime minister's office. Despite Gendelman's deletion, the same clip was shared on X, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, including in French, Spanish and Thai, often accompanied by the claim that it was part of a supposed phenomenon dubbed "Pallywood" -- a portmanteau of "Palestine" and "Hollywood" used to describe videos and images of purportedly staged hardships shared to garner public sympathy. The video shows a girl on a hospital stretcher whose injuries are being attended to by medical staff. As the clip continues with what appears to be staged protests and wartime situations, the same girl is seen receiving makeup touchups and smiling -- seemingly unharmed -- a scene which Gendelman went on to claim proves that Palestinians are faking injuries and evacuations from Gaza during the recent violence in the territory. Screenshot of a post taken by an X user On October 7, militants with the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas executed a cross-border raid in southern Israel, where about 1,200 people -- mostly civilians -- were killed and at least 240 more were taken back to Gaza as hostages, according to Israeli officials. Israel vowed to "crush" Hamas and its army's air and ground campaign has killed 12,000 people, including 5,000 children, as of November 17, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. Social media has been inundated with posts related to the ongoing bloody conflict in Israel and Gaza. Authentic images are being shared, but AFP has found that others are falsly accompanied by claims of staged scenarios. Screenshot of a TikTok, taken November 17, 2023 While the clip does depict fictional scenarios, it was not recorded by Palestinians in Gaza -- the footage comes from the set of a short film shot in Lebanon, the director of the movie told AFP. Short film set A reverse-image search using scenes from the clip circulating on social media leads to an October 29 post with the same footage from an account with the handle @rami.jardali, accompanied by a caption in Arabic that says: "Backstage of 'The Reality'" (archived here). Screenshot of a Facebook post and an Instagram video, both taken November 17, 2023 This post also tagged the page of filmmaker Mahmoud Ramzi, who describes himself as a Palestinian director living in Lebanon. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rami&Razan (@rami.jardali) On October 28, Ramzi shared "The Reality," the completed short film on Instagram (archived here). The movie glides between scenes including protesters with Palestinian flags, Red Crescent first responders attending to the little girl's wounds and a violinist playing next to the hospital stretcher, all in a single shot without cuts. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mahmoud Ramzi - (@mahmoudramzi.official) Ramzi told AFP that the movie was meant to illustrate the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and was filmed in the southern Lebanese town of Sidon, not Gaza. He expressed "his anger" that footage from the flim set was misappropriated and has shared multiple fact-checks refuting the "Pallywood" narrative. Crisis actor claims False accusations of staging scenes of suffering with so-called "crisis actors" was a trend seen before with mass shootings in the US and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, but experts have seen these types of claims skyrocket during the Israel-Hamas war. Gendelman is not the first Israeli government account to share claims of faked wartime hardships in Gaza, as the trend continues to spread. Claims that Israeli survivors of the October 7 attacks seen in interviews were crisis actors have also been debunked. AFP has previously refuted posts claiming news anchors were staging footage in Israel when they responded to bomb sirens by taking cover. Read more of AFP's reporting on misinformation related to the Israel-Hamas war here. Edinburgh Zoo is offering visitors a final chance to see its giant pandas before they return to China. Tian Tian and Yang Guang will go back in December under the terms of a 10-year loan, which was extended by two years due to the Covid pandemic. The exact date of the pandas' return is not being disclosed. But the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), which runs the zoo, has said it will be restricting access to them from Thursday 30 November. The pair arrived in Scotland in 2011 - with the zoo paying 750,000 a year to China - but have failed to produce offspring. The zoo and veterinarians from China made eight unsuccessful attempts at artificial insemination between the pair. The last attempt was in 2021, after which the giant panda breeding programme was stopped. David Field, RZSS chief executive, said, "With more than a million species at risk of extinction and our natural world in crisis, Yang Guang and Tian Tian have had an incredible impact by inspiring millions of people to care about nature." "That added interest in the panda's departure this year has allowed us to connect many more people with the conservation causes that RZSS is actively involved with, and with nature more generally." He added: "Through scientific research by our expert veterinary and keeper teams, working alongside the University of Edinburgh, we have made a significant contribution to our understanding around giant panda fertility, husbandry, and veterinary care - which has been of real benefit to efforts to protect this amazing species in China. "It is encouraging that in recent years the outlook for giant pandas in the wild has improved, which gives real hope for the future." You might also like: Finland has handed over a new military aid package worth 100 million euros ($109 million) to Ukraine, the country's Defense Ministry announced on Nov. 17. Read also: Finland backs use of frozen Russian assets to aid Ukraine Its the 20th aid package Finland has given to Ukraine, worth a total of 1.5 billion euros ($1.6 billion). Finnish President Sauli Niinisto made this decision on Nov. 17, at the request of the government. "What is at stake in Ukraine's defensive struggle is the security environment for Europe and Finland over the next decade," said Defense Minister Antti Hakkanen, adding that the country, along with its allies, remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting Ukrainians. No information about the contents of the package, the method of its delivery, or the time of arrival is disclosed for security reasons. The decision considered both the needs of Ukraine and the resources of the Finnish Defense Forces. On Oct. 11, following a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (Ramstein format), Finland announced the allocation of the 19th aid package to Ukraine, totalling almost 95 million euros ($103 million). The Finnish authorities did not disclose the contents of the package or the terms of delivery. 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 Flash Chinese Vice Premier Liu Guozhong, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Malaysia's Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 16, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua] Chinese Vice Premier Liu Guozhong met with Malaysia's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Plantation and Commodities Fadillah Yusof in Beijing on Thursday. Liu, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said this year, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim reached an important consensus on jointly building a China-Malaysia community with a shared future, drawing a blueprint for the development of bilateral relations in the new era. Noting that China and Malaysia are rich in agricultural and fishery resources and have strong complementarities in agriculture and fisheries, Liu said the two sides should strengthen policy communication, continue to expand trade in agricultural products, strengthen exchanges and cooperation in food security, deepen cooperation on poverty reduction and jointly enhance people's well-being. Fadillah said that Malaysia is willing to work with China to deepen practical cooperation in various fields and push bilateral relations to a new level. By Anne Kauranen HELSINKI (Reuters) - Dozens of migrants stood behind barriers at two crossings on Finland's border with Russia on Saturday, the Finnish Border Guard said, after Helsinki erected barricades to halt a flow of asylum seekers it says was instigated by Moscow. The Finnish government has accused Russia of funnelling migrants to the crossings in retaliation for its decision to increase defence cooperation with the United States, an assertion dismissed by the Kremlin. The Finnish Border Guard erected barriers from midnight on Friday at the Vaalimaa, Nuijamaa, Imatra and Niirala border posts in southeast Finland, which account for most of the traffic between the two countries. Despite the closure, dozens of migrants arrived on Saturday afternoon at the Nuijamaa and Vaalimaa crossings, and lit a campfire in sub-zero temperatures behind razor-wire barriers mounted by border guards, Finnish Border Guard told reporters. In Nuijamaa, two people managed to breach the barriers and enter Finland, it added. "We are currently improving the barriers so that something similar will no longer be possible," Colonel Mika Rytkonen said, according to Finland's public broadcaster YLE. Finland shares a 1,340-km (830-mile) border with Russia that also serves as the EU's external border. Some 300 asylum seekers, mostly from Iraq, Yemen, Somalia and Syria, have arrived in Finland this week, according to the Border Guard. Four regular border crossings remain open for the time being, but asylum can now only be sought at two of those, in Salla and Vartius, further north, the Border Guard said. On Saturday, 67 people arrived to seek asylum at the Vartius post, the local border guard unit said on X, formerly known as Twitter. A group of migrants arrived half an hour past the station's closing time, local media reported. "In this situation we had to let these people into Finland because Russia would not take them back," head of the Vartius station, Captain Jouko Kinnunen, told Finnish channel MTV. The Kremlin on Friday said Finland was making a "big mistake" by closing down border crossings and that Helsinki's move was destroying bilateral relations. In 2021, Poland, Lithuania and Latvia accused Moscow's close ally Belarus of artificially creating a migrant crisis on their borders by flying in people from the Middle East and Africa and attempting to push them across the frontier - an accusation Belarus repeatedly denied. European Union border agency Frontex on Friday told Reuters it would send officers to Finland to help safeguard the frontier. Finance Minister Riikka Purra of the anti-immigration Finns Party on Thursday said Finland was ready to close all crossing points on the Russian border if necessary. Finland's ombudsman for non-discrimination this week said Helsinki still had a duty under international treaties and EU law to allow asylum seekers to seek protection. (Reporting by Anne Kauranen in Helsinki and Attila Cser in Nuijamaa; additional reporting by Kevin Liffey in London, editing by Terje Solsvik and Ros Russell) Finnish President Sauli Niinisto has approved the government's proposal to provide Ukraine with a new military aid package. Source: a statement by the Ministry of Defence of Finland, reported by European Pravda Details: This is the 20th aid package that Finland has provided to Ukraine since the beginning of Russias full-scale invasion. Its value is approximately 100 million. Finnish Defence Minister Antti Hakkanen said that the total amount of aid provided to Ukraine is 1.5 billion. Traditionally, the Finnish government does not disclose the contents of the packages, as well as the schedule and method of their delivery. Background: Finland provided the previous aid package to Ukraine on 11 October. It was worth about 95 million. In addition, in October, the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced an additional 92 million to support Ukraine and countries affected by Russian aggression through the World Bank. Support UP or become our patron! One of the final asylum seekers at the Nuijamaa border crossing between Finland and Russia waits before the crossing is closed -- one of four that Finland will shut at midnight over a surge in undocumented migrants (Alessandro RAMPAZZO) Dozens of asylum seekers arrived at four Finnish border crossings with Russia on Friday, just hours before they were to close, a border guard captain told AFP. Finland is to shut half of its eight crossings along its eastern land border with Russia from midnight (2200 GMT). Authorities have accused Russia of seeking to destabilise Finland by letting undocumented migrants -- mainly from the Middle East and Africa -- cross into the Nordic country. The surge has grown in recent weeks. "Most of them have come with bicycles. Today we have had about 60," said Jussi Vainkka, a border guard captain at the Nuijamaa checkpoint. Russia had previously stopped irregular migrants getting to the border. "Maybe thats the biggest change we have seen," Vainkka said. Finland, which shares a 1,340-kilometre (830-mile) border with Russia, has seen increased numbers of asylum seekers since August, particularly nationals of Iraq, Somalia and Yemen. "We have made preparations for many scenarios. Lets see what will happen and we will react if its needed," Vainkka added. On Thursday, Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said Russia was deliberately seeking to destabilise Finland in retaliation for it joining NATO this year. He said there were "signs that entering Finland is being aided and encouraged" and the government was prepared for acts of "malice" by Russia. European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen spoke to Orpo on Thursday and said that "Russia's instrumentalisation of migrants is shameful". Moscow warned in April it would take "countermeasures... in tactical and strategic terms" after branding Finland's decision to join the Western military alliance an "assault" on its security. Yasser Alu, an asylum seeker from Syria, told AFP he travelled to the Nuijamaa crossing point from Russia by bike, with others. "I arrived in Moscow. After that I go to Saint Petersburg. After Saint Petersburg I go to the border here." He said "someone from Russia helped us" and he had not had to pay to make the journey. When the travellers arrived at the border, they had been met by a Finnish official. "He asked us where youre from and our names and took the passport." Far from home, they are now waiting to see what the future holds. The four southernmost crossing points with Russia - Imatra, Niirala, Nuijamaa and Vaalimaa -- are to remain shut until February 18, 2024. They are located in the most populated regions along the border. Other asylum applications will be concentrated on two of the four remaining checkpoints, in rural areas further north. Helsinki's ties with Moscow have deteriorated since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Finland abandoned decades of military non-alignment and join NATO amid concerns for its own security. str-ef/gil/tw Four children from Kherson and one boy from Donetsk have returned to Ukrainian-controlled territory, Kherson Oblast Military Administration head, Oleksandr Prokudin reported. The children have been returned to their parents. The families are currently receiving medical and psychological treatment in Kyiv. The childrens return is the result of the systematic efforts of the charitable organization Save Ukraine in collaboration with the Ministry for Reintegration of Temporarily Occupied Territories of Ukraine, the Office of the Commissioner for Human Rights of the Verkhovna Rada (Ukrainian parliament ed.) of Ukraine, guardianship authorities, and child protection services. 156 children from Kherson have been successfully brought back to Ukrainian-controlled territories in 2023. Two Ukrainian children were successfully repatriated as part of the implementation of the president's approved plan, "Bring Kids Back UA" on Nov. 10. At least 19,546 children have been deported or forcibly displaced by Russia, the Ukrainian state platform Children of War reports. That number could be as high as 300,000, the European Parliament believes. Russia began removing Ukrainian children in 2014, when it occupied Crimea and parts of Donetsk and Luhansks regions. 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 International Criminal Courts prosecutor Karim Khan says his office has received a referral from five countries to investigate whether crimes have been committed in the Palestinian territories as part of Israels response to the October 7 Hamas terror attacks. South Africa, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Comoros and Djibouti submitted the referral, Khan said. In accordance with the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, a State Party may refer to the Prosecutor a situation in which one or more crimes within the jurisdiction of the Court appear to have been committed requesting the Prosecutor to investigate the situation for the purpose of determining whether one or more specific persons should be charged with the commission of such crimes, Khan said in a statement. He noted that his office was already conducting an investigation on the situation in the Palestinian territories over possible crimes committed since June 2014 in Gaza and the West Bank. The investigation began in March 2021. It is ongoing and extends to the escalation of hostilities and violence since the attacks that took place on 7 October 2023, Khan said. In accordance with the Rome Statute, my Office has jurisdiction over crimes committed on the territory of a State Party and with respect to the nationals of States Parties. Both Hamas and Israel have been accused of war crimes as the death toll from the conflict mounts. Israeli attacks on Gaza have killed nearly 11,500 Palestinians since October 7, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Ramallah, which draws on medical sources in the Hamas-controlled enclave. Israel says its airstrikes intend to target Hamas commanders and infrastructure, following the militant groups October 7 terror attacks which left 1,200 people dead in Israel and saw 240 taken hostage. Israels siege of Gaza has included a near-total blockade of food, water and electricity, with exceptions for what the United Nations has called a trickle of humanitarian aid. On Friday however, Israels war cabinet agreed to allow two fuel tankers to enter Gaza each day to support water and sewage systems. The conflict is covered by a complex system of international law developed after World War II, which attempts to balance humanitarian concerns and the military requirements of states. A UN report said last month said it was collecting evidence of war crimes in the wake of the Hamas attack. The report said Israel may be committing the war crime of collective punishment, after the government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the complete siege of Gaza. A number of prominent human rights groups concur with the UNs assessment. Earlier this month, Volker Turk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, called the October 7 attacks atrocities, saying they and the holding of hostages were war crimes. But he added the collective punishment by Israel of Palestinian civilians amounts also to a war crime, as does the unlawful forcible evacuation of civilians. The South African government has called for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. In a statement last month, South Africas Department of International Relations and Cooperation accused Israel of war crimes and said the continual bombardment of civilian targets, the denial of the civilian population of Gaza of water, food, fuel, and electricity is prohibited under International Humanitarian Law and by Geneva Conventions. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called accusations that Israel is committing war crimes in Gaza hogwash. Were deliberately doing everything in our power to target the terrorists, and the civilians as happens in every legitimate war are sometimes what are called collateral damage, he told NBC News on Sunday. Israel is not a member of the ICC and rejects the courts jurisdiction. That has not stopped the court from investigating its actions in the occupied Palestinian territories. Fatou Bensouda, then the ICCs prosecutor, spent five years conducting a painstaking preliminary examination and concluded she was satisfied that war crimes have been or are being committed in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip. But no arrests were made, and Bensouda left office in 2021. Khan has said previously that the acts committed by Hamas on October 7 are serious violations, if proven, of international humanitarian law. He also stressed that Israel has clear obligations in relation to its war with Hamas: Not just moral obligations, but legal obligations Its there in the Geneva Conventions. Its there in black and white. CNNs Christian Edwards contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Sea grasses in San Carlos Bay and near the mouth of the Caloosahatchee River appear to be on the rebound after getting plowed by massive waves during Hurricane Ian last year. Scientists with the South Florida Water Management District surveyed several areas in the bay with the aim of documenting the coverage and size of sea grasses as part of the overall Everglades restoration, or the Central Everglades Restoration Plan, or CERP. "We randomly mapped out these sites and I'm going to throw one of the quadrants randomly around the boat and do that eight times and I'll get the percent coverage and height of the sea grass, and I'll do that for the whole quadrant and for every site," said Elizabeth Salewski, a senior scientist at the South Florida Water Management District, the state agency in charge of Everglades restoration projects. Elizabeth Salewsi, a benthic ecologist with the South Florida Water Management District documents sea grasses near the mouth of the Caloosahatchee River as part of a sea grass monitoring program for the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan on Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023. The program looks at the health and presence of grasses in the system from the Franklin Locks to the estuary at the mouth of Caloosahatchee. Despite the area getting chewed up by Hurricane Ian, Salewsi was encouraged by the amount of healthy sea grasses in the area. Salewski and a crew surveyed sea grasses in San Carlos Bay, near the mouth of the Caloosahatchee River, last week to see how grasses were recovering after Ian. "A lot of cool little critters use this habitat," she explained while on a recent snorkeling expedition. "We're doing this as part of sea grass monitoring for Everglades restoration." So what did she find? The health of sea grasses in the bay and river are an indicator of the overall condition of the Caloosahatchee River, which was connected to Lake Okeechobee more than a century ago to drain the historic Everglades for farming and development. "With Ian, the seagrass took a heavy hit," Salewski said. "We lost more than 50% of the coverage we were seeing. Pre-Ian our sea grass was on average 55 to 60% coverage, and that's really good coverage. But we got down to about 20 to 30% and that's OK, but there was a significant loss." Elizabeth Salewsi, a benthic ecologist with the South Florida Water Management District displays turtle grass near the mouth of the Caloosahatchee River as part of a sea grass monitoring program for the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan on Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023. The program looks at the health and presence of grasses in the system from the Franklin Locks to the estuary at the mouth of Caloosahatchee. Despite the area getting chewed up by Hurricane Ian, Salewsi was encouraged by the amount of healthy sea grasses in the area. More: Florida's real flamingos: Pink treasures still being reported on state's west coast Salweski said wave energy from Ian physically removed much of the area's seagrasses, and some plants likely died when raging freshwater washed off the Southwest Florida landscape after the storm passed. "It can make it tricky for sea grass to recover when freshwater is coming from the system," she said. "The grass that's dominate today has a high salinity preference, and when freshwater comes this far down, we won't see this type of sea grass." What do advocates say? Keeping the grass that's left in San Carlos Bay is important because it helps stabilize sediment and provides habitat for fish and other wildlife. Calusa Waterkeeper Codty Pierce said he saw sea grass impacts immediately after the storm. Elizabeth Salewsi, a benthic ecologist with the South Florida Water Management District documents sea grasses near the mouth of the Caloosahatchee River as part of a sea grass monitoring program for the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan on Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023. The program looks at the health and presence of grasses in the system from the Franklin Locks to the estuary at the mouth of Caloosahatchee. Despite the area getting chewed up by Hurricane Ian, Salewsi was encouraged by the amount of healthy sea grasses in the area. "The biggest thing is that with the storm surge from Hurricane Ian washed most of the sediment off the (Sanibel) causeway islands, and that smothered an area of flats, " Pierce said. "There are some areas that the sea grass blades that were very well established and the older ones with roots well into the sediment did well, but some of those grass beds before Ian was super thick grass. After Ian we saw grass that was sparse in some areas because the wave force blasted them out." Salewski and her crew will continue to monitor the grasses in the bay, visiting random sites twice a year. "It is slowly starting to improve," she said. "It doesn't' take much to remove or damage sea grass and it takes a lot of time to grow back. They need a seed set that's there, or new structure. But we're seeing a little bit of recovery." Connect with this reporter: Chad Gillis on Facebook. This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Sea grass starting to recover in Florida after being blasted by Ian Who couldve thought, when the launch of the Miami Book Fair made history 40 years ago, that South Floridians would be rallying to defend the freedom to read in 2023? But, here we are, celebrating a cultural milestone in Miami and pushing back on the normalization of censorship in Florida, from kindergarten through higher education, when students are legally adults. Whats in a book that so offends the politicians now charged with deciding whats read and taught? Apparently, the tremendous power of literature to shape human thought. If not, red states like Florida wouldnt be fiercely engaged in banning books that dont fit their hard-right, ultra-conservative Christian view of life to the point of normalizing the practice of censorship as an educational tool. In Florida, any parent of a student or resident of a county can fill out a form and challenge the presence of a book in a school. As we saw in Miami-Dade County with Amanda Gormans inaugural poem, The Hill We Climb, its that frighteningly simple to declare war on a book. No wonder we are the nations leader in school-banned books, according to the new Pen America report Banned in the USA: The Mounting Pressure to Censor. The state of the state under Gov. Ron DeSantis, however, only makes this years Miami Book Fair at the Miami Dade College downtown campus which runs through Sunday evening and is the nations largest, longest-running literary festival all the more necessary and relevant. For thousands of readers, the fair is an oasis of free thought in turbulent times Books feed the soul and exercise the brain in English, Spanish and Haitian Creole. For the more than 400 authors participating in panels, readings and book signings, landing a spot in the limelight represents an opportunity to share the backstory to their work and engage with fans, up close and personal. Authors run the gamut of literary genres and points of view. We try to create the biggest tent under which we can all find community, founder Mitchell Kaplan told me Thursday. READ MORE: For its 40th edition, the Miami Book Fair is a homecoming for authors and book lovers Reading difference Perhaps in Florida and the country the division among us isnt solely along party lines, the wedge between Democrats and Republicans that seems too often insurmountable. The deepest gap among Americans lies between those who read critically meaning with an open mind and enthusiasm for learning instead of seeking whats familiar to confirm prejudices and those who havent even ever picked up a serious book, yet are highly opinionated and vote. Failure to read, and to do so widely, leads to political poverty, which is the place where autocratic politicians want their voters to dwell. A gullible population is a precious asset, a necessary condition for spreading propaganda and misinformation. Navigating a modern world saturated with social media channels and partisan television networks requires an agile, curious mind willing to investigate and probe the credibility of sources. READ MORE: No amount of censorship is ever enough for Gov. DeSantis. Look what hes up to now | Opinion Fre e speech tested As inclusive as the book fair has become, I do remember when freedom of speech was tested in 1997. For the first time, an author still living in Cuba and unknown to the Cuban exile, Antonio Jose Ponte, was invited to present his book in the Spanish-language program. The usual critics on Cuban radio insinuated impropriety and worse, questioning why he was allowed to even come here, much less publish and say that he planned to return to Havana. I interviewed Ponte (exiled in Madrid after not being allowed to return), spent time with him, read him, quickly realizing he was one of the most daring young intellectuals on the island. His stories, I wrote in the Miami Herald, open a window into those hermetic spaces where suffering and joy often come hand-in-hand. I still get chills remembering his revelatory presentation and the quiet as people intently listening to every word. I remember the applause at the end. It was magical, the breaking of taboos, the opening of spaces on this shore, too. The book fair and MDCs commitment to the free flow of ideas helped Miami grow up and mature politically, intellectually. A testament to the power of unfettered free expression and how it works to bring people together, Kaplan said. A testament to the community. People understand the nature of the book fair and that it is a pluralistic thing. Like freedom of speech, a good book is a treasure to keep forever. Its power is only a threat to authoritarians imposing their will on others for personal gain. For the rest of us, reading a book equates to armchair travel to unknown worlds without borders. And, as Mark Twain famously said, traveling is the antidote to ignorance. Our book fair is and, hopefully, will be for generations to come who we are at our best in Miami. MARTIN COUNTY, Fla. - A Florida drug dealer who bragged about her "endless supply" of fentanyl fainted during her arrest after learning she would potentially be going to prison for at least 25 years, according to the Martin County Sheriff's Office. Skyya Lanasha Charles was arrested and charged with trafficking in fentanyl and possession of a controlled substance, according to the Martin County Sheriff's Office. Photo: Martin County Sheriff's Office The 42-year-old woman from Riviera Beach was arrested amid an operation that tracked mid-level drug dealers in Martin County, deputies said. Charles "took over sales from a lower level dealer," and bragged that she could get "endless amounts" of fentanyl at any time, according to the Martin County Sheriff's Office. During the operation, deputies said she made a delivery of 140 capsules of fentanyl, which equates to 21 grams. She also allegedly offered to sell a sample of meth she had available. RELATED : Florida man's registration mishap uncovers enough fentanyl to kill nearly 15,000 people, deputies say Photo: Martin County Sheriff's Office Deputies said that when she was busted for delivering trafficking amounts of fentanyl, Charles fainted. When she "awakened from her fainting spell," she was taken to the Marion County Jail on $370,000 bond. Photo: Martin County Sheriff's Office According to the Marion County Sheriff's Office, her charges carry a minimum mandatory prison sentence of 25 years. WILLIAMSBURG, Va. (WAVY) A 40-year-old tradition continues this next week as Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown host a special culinary cultural experience. Foods and Feasts of Colonial Virginia is scheduled to be held Friday, Nov. 24 and Saturday, Nov. 25. The weekend event is followed by a shopping opportunities on Museum Store on Sunday, Nov. 26. In Jamestown Settlements re-created fort, a historical interpreter mixes ingredients for period recipes prepared over an open hearth. Image courtesy of Visit Williamsburg. Broadband Equity, Access and Diversity Funding At Jamestown Settlement, see the variety of dried and curated goods that fed sailors during their 1607 journey to Jamestown. Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation photo. The event began in 1983 as a fall festival at both museums. Now, the tradition continues with hand-on demonstrations of traditional cooking techniques. Visitors can experience period recipes throughout the event and access recipes online. Keep checking WAVY.com for the latest developments. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com. Forecast clear for SpaceXs Starship test flight from Texas with hopeful splashdown off Hawaii BOCA CHICA, Texas The forecast looks favorable in South Texas as SpaceX prepares for its second launch attempt of the reusable Starship spaceship. SpaceX said the 20-minute launch opens Saturday at 7 a.m. CT. Fans who have traveled to the area near South Padre Island will have comfortable temperatures in the mid-60s with some cloud cover to contend with, but not enough to block the view of the gleaming Starship during liftoff. SPACEX DELAYS SECOND STARSHIP LAUNCH TO SATURDAY Winds during the short launch window are forecast to remain calm at around 5 mph with partial cloud cover. If the launch scrubs, SpaceX also has an additional launch opportunity Sunday morning, according to a road closure notice for Highway 4 in Cameron County, Texas. Winds are forecast to pick up at the launch site Sunday. SPACEX'S STARSHIP EXPLODES MID-FLIGHT AFTER LAUNCH 'SUCCESS' OF MOST POWERFUL ROCKET EVER BUILT A person looks on as SpaceX's huge Super Heavy-Starship is unstacked from the booster as it sits on the launchpad at Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas, on November 16, 2023, ahead of its second test flight posponed to November 18. The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on November 15, 2023 authorized SpaceX to carry out its second launch of Starship, the most powerful rocket ever built, after a first attempt in April ended in a spectacular explosion. (Photo by TIMOTHY A. CLARY / AFP) (Photo by TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP via Getty Images) If SpaceX hits all the milestones the company has laid out for this test flight, Starship will launch from Texas, fly around the Earth and land in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Hawaii about 1.5 hours after liftoff. After Starship separates from the Super Heavy booster, the booster will land in the Gulf of Mexico about 7 minutes post-launch. Meanwhile, Starship will take an eastern trajectory from Texas before coming down for a splashdown in the southeast Pacific Ocean off the coast of Hawaii. Forecast wave height off the coast of Hawaii on Saturday. SpaceX promises "an exciting landing." If Starship survives the splashdown, SpaceX will collect it in the Pacific Ocean. For recovery crews, seas are forecast to be relatively calm during the expected splashdown around 9:30 a.m. ET or 4:30 a.m. local time in Hawaii. Wind forecast off the coast of Hawaii on Saturday. Original article source: Forecast clear for SpaceXs Starship test flight from Texas with hopeful splashdown off Hawaii Flash The Jordan Hashemite Charity Organization on Thursday sent another plane carrying about 45 tons of medical supplies to Egypt in support of the Gaza Strip's hospitals. Hussein Al-Shibli, the charity's secretary-general, said it is the sixth such plane sent by Jordan that is bound to be delivered to hospitals in Gaza, the state-run Petra news agency reported. The aid items were prepared in cooperation with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, and would be sent through Rafah crossing into the enclave by the Egyptian Red Crescent, according to Al-Shibli. He added that authorities and various stakeholders in Jordan are exerting their utmost efforts to continue their support to the Gazans. Also on Thursday, the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army said it was sending a medical team and relevant supplies to set up a field hospital in the West Bank city of Nablus, Petra reported. The hospital consists of seven trailers, including two operating rooms, two intensive care rooms, 15 surgical beds and an array of auxiliary departments to serve the transferred and evacuated Palestinians, it added. COLLEGE STATION A month into this years fall semester, Texas A&M University senior Ben Fisher got an email that took him by surprise. It was an invitation to the College Station home of interim President Mark Welsh III for a barbecue dinner with other student leaders. When Fisher arrived, Welsh and his wife, Betty, ushered the students into their massive, white stone home, where they had set tables around the house for students to sit and eat. The couple gave tours of their home and invited other administrators from across campus to come and mingle with the students. Over brisket and sausage, Welsh, who had served in the interim role for less than two months at that point, reiterated that he wanted to better understand students perspectives and priorities. It was incredibly personable, Fisher said. On Friday, the Texas A&M Board of Regents gave the first OK to make Welshs interim title as president a permanent one, voting unanimously to name him the sole finalist for the position. The vote kicks off a 21-day mandatory waiting period before they can officially appoint him the next president of Texas A&M. Welsh, who was dean of the Bush School of Government and Public Service, has served in an interim role since July, when Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp called him to help him clean up a major mess at the flagship university, which found itself embroiled in two employment scandals, one of which led the former president, M. Katherine Banks, to resign. In July, The Texas Tribune reported that under Banks, the school watered down its job offer to journalism professor Kathleen McElroy after some board members raised concerns about her perceived liberal credentials. She ultimately turned down the job and settled with the system for $1 million after the hiring fiasco. Soon after, the Tribune reported that the school placed a pharmacology professor on paid leave hours after she was accused by a politically connected student of criticizing Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick during a lecture, sparking concerns of political interference in university operations and threaten academic freedom. Faculty were distraught, with professors going as far as to open a faculty meeting this summer with a moment of silence to recognize that a part of the university had died. Angry alumni were clamoring for answers. Welsh, who was one of four finalists for the presidents role when Banks was hired in 2021, was tapped to lead the university as it conducted a national search for a new president. After nearly four months on the job, Sharp recommended earlier this week that the regents name Welsh as the permanent president, forging a national search as originally intended. The board met in executive session for a little under two hours Friday morning and voted to approve Welsh without discussion. The Board is confident in General Welshs abilities to take Texas A&M to even greater heights, Board Chair Bill Mahomes said in a press release. Everything points to him being the perfect person for this pivotal moment in the history of our beloved flagship. Welsh said in the release that he was honored to be named finalist. While Im excited by the possibility of leading this remarkable institution in a more permanent capacity, I value the comprehensive decision-making process that will occur over the next few weeks, he said. Ever since the university systems Board of Regents appointed him interim president, the former combat pilot has largely navigated the 77,000-student university out of turbulent airspace and into clearer skies. Since July, Welsh has been on a nonstop tour to try to rebuild the trust that slowly eroded over the past few years and reinstill the sense within students, faculty and staff that their voice is necessary to move A&M forward. The short-term goals were to make sure that I did everything I could to kind of get the university reconnected with itself, Welsh told the Tribune in an interview Wednesday. Open up lines of communication that I think were a little bit frayed, and try and help relieve some of the frustration that was in place because of that less than ideal communication. Once approved, Welsh would come to the permanent position having built up a tremendous amount of goodwill among many faculty and students, who say he has provided a much-needed steady hand during a time of uncertainty. Faculty say they appreciate that he seeks out their input. When he makes a decision they disagree with, he explains his rationale, they say. Students say theyve appreciated his regular email updates an average of at least one per week since he started and they notice the increased level of transparency about university operations. Its amazing to see how much he actually cares about the students and how much hes trying to make a change for A&M, senior Katie Hornick said. While some faculty feel the system should commit to conducting a national search the next time it needs a president and guarantee more room for faculty feedback in the hiring process many professors and students agree with the decision to appoint Welsh as permanent president now. General Welsh has almost uniform positive evaluations from those who know him, who worked with him, who agree with him, who disagree with him, medical professor Mark Sicilio said at a Faculty Senate meeting this week. This is the best of a situation, and I wouldnt even call it a bad situation because he is truly based on my exposure and interaction with him a remarkable individual. Fisher, the senior, said hes unsurprised the school would tap Welsh to lead the school after a turbulent summer. At one point during the student barbecue in September, he watched the four-star general and former leader of the U.S. Air Force quickly get down on his hands and knees to clean up a smaller mess when a student accidentally knocked a bunch of utensils and toothpicks onto the floor. Hes helping scrub some mess up to take care of it so that someone else didnt have to, Fisher recalled. For the president of your institution to kneel down to help clean something up is a pretty strong statement that he really values selfless service. A military background Welsh, a San Antonio native, is quick to say he is not an Aggie a clarification meant as a show of respect toward those who did go to the university though he was raised by an Aggie father, watched five of his siblings graduate from A&M and raised four children to bleed maroon and white. Instead, he attended the U.S. Air Force Academy. The only reason he didnt come to Texas A&M was because he wanted to fly jets, said Frank Ashley III, acting dean of the Bush School, who worked closely under Welsh for the past seven years. After graduating in 1976, Welsh built a more than four-decade career in the Air Force before retiring from military service in 2016. Welsh started out as a command pilot, then served in various roles like training commander and adviser to the director of the Central Intelligence Agency on military issues. He served as commander of NATOs Air Command and was the 34th Commander of the U.S. Air Forces in Europe before heading to Washington, D.C., where President Barack Obama appointed him Chief of Staff of the Air Force and a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in 2012. He moved to College Station to serve as the dean of the Bush School the same year he retired. Welsh had zero experience working in academia when he arrived. But he understood Aggieland, a place steeped in military customs that values its traditions and where there is a deep commitment to upholding the universitys core values loyalty, integrity, excellence, leadership, selfless service and respect which resonate with the armed forces mentality. University leaders dont have to be an academic, but they have to have an appreciation of what the academics do, Ashley said. I think thats very, very important. And I think if theres one thing that Mark learned very fast, it was that appreciation. Welsh said he saw similarities between how to work with those in the military and faculty. Walk into a room full of Navy SEALs, or Army Rangers, or Air Force fighter pilots and tell them how theyre going to risk death tomorrow, and see how that goes for you, Welsh said. They need a voice, they need to be part of the discussion leading up to what we plan to do. Their expertise needs to be considered in planning. They are the pros. As dean, Welsh increased the Bush School endowment by 20% and added a teaching site in Washington, D.C. He would often walk the halls of the Bush School proactively seeking out faculty and students, Ashley said. It became customary for him to pop his head in the open door of a faculty office to check in, or he would plop down next to a group of students to ask what they were working on. Reed Russell, a graduate student in the Bush School, said he appreciated how often Welsh made himself available to students during public forums, where he took questions directly. At a recent event with alumni, Welsh repeated the comment that he is not an Aggie, but this time someone interrupted him to say he was just as much an Aggie as anyone else there. For an Aggie to say that of another person whos serving this institution is very high praise, said Fisher, the senior class president. That is not lip service. Read the full story in the Texas Tribune here. Texas Tribune Reporting Fellow Caroline Wilburn contributed to this article. In his run for Miami Beach mayor, Steven Meiner has pitched himself to voters as a family man who has put a premium on ethics and respect for his political opponents. That image, along with a tough-on-crime platform, helped the city commissioner earn the most votes among four mayoral candidates last week and set up a Nov. 21 runoff between Meiner and former commissioner Michael Gongora. But at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, where Meiner has been an enforcement attorney in the Miami office since 2007, three former female colleagues told the Miami Herald that Meiner made unwanted advances toward them, including one who reported his alleged conduct to her supervisors and triggered an internal review in 2016. For each of the three women, the Herald spoke with someone they confided in at the time to corroborate their accounts, including fellow SEC employees. In the 2016 incident, an SEC attorney reported to her superiors that Meiner told her while in her office that he wanted to get a second apartment to carry on an affair with her, according to the attorney and documents reviewed by the Herald. The attorney immediately told her supervisor, who referred the matter to the SECs Office of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), according to a memo from the supervisor. A few years earlier, Meiner allegedly tried to kiss a college-age SEC intern when they went out for dinner after work, according to Herald interviews with the former intern and a colleague she told about the incident the next day. Another former intern told the Herald that, while she was at the SEC during law school about a decade ago, Meiner frequently texted her and made comments she saw as inappropriate. The messages became more frequent and suggestive after her internship concluded, she said, prompting both her and her boyfriend to text Meiner to tell him to stop. READ MORE: Its Gongora vs. Meiner in a runoff for Miami Beach mayor. What you need to know The women who accused Meiner of inappropriate behavior each requested anonymity to speak about their experiences, citing a fear of retribution. The Herald was first made aware of the allegations through an anonymous tip. Asked about the alleged incidents, Meiner told the Herald earlier this week he was not familiar with them. He said he is loyal to his wife and was shocked to hear about the claims of inappropriate workplace behavior. On Friday, Meiner said in a statement that the allegations are absolutely untrue and offensive. In 16 years with the United States government, Ive only received exemplary reviews and never received a single admonishment or reprimand of any kind, Meiner said. I have never been the object of a formal complaint. The Herald has requested Meiners personnel file from the SEC. Meiner, who is Jewish, said the claims about his conduct were likely motivated by anti-Israel and antisemitic views. He said that, about 12 years ago, an SEC colleague confronted me about Israel and made inflammatory statements referring to Israelis as colonizers and expressing support for Hamas. After the confrontation, this individual and a few others continued to be antagonistic, spreading untrue [and] sometimes insulting or unflattering rumors about me in the office, Meiner said. He said he reported this to upper management. Meiner on Friday also shared a statement of support from his wife, Shanyn. He is my loving and supportive husband, the best dad to our children, and a remarkable son and son-in-law, she said. After the alleged 2016 incident, records show the woman an attorney who was junior to Meiner but not supervised by him reported what happened to her supervisors. It wasnt clear how the matter was resolved, but the woman said she wasnt aware of Meiner facing discipline. The Herald shared with Meiner a copy of an email the woman sent to her bosses and an EEO attorney charged with looking into the incident. In the email, the woman said the EEO attorney had relayed details to her about Meiners side of the story and planned to speak with him again. As I think you all know, this has been a very upsetting experience for me, the woman wrote. I love my job and I look forward to returning to it when I am comfortable and can focus on work. Right now, because of what Steve did, I am unable to do that. Meiner did not respond to a request for comment on that email. An SEC spokesperson declined to comment on Meiners alleged conduct, saying the agency does not comment on personnel matters. Alleged incidents with interns In 2012, a college intern at the SEC told at least one colleague that Meiner had tried to kiss her. The former intern told the Herald last week that Meiner invited her to go to dinner at a bar one night after work in Brickell. Meiner, who was married at the time, made comments during the dinner that were blunt about his attraction to her, the former intern said. At one point, she said, Meiner asked to kiss her and leaned toward her but she moved away. Meiner then asked to kiss her again as they were leaving, she said, and she again made it clear she wasnt interested. It caught me off guard. I was immediately stopping it, she said. I remember saying, Youre married. A colleague at the time told the Herald in an interview this week that the intern shared what had happened the next day. The colleague recalled the intern saying she was repulsed and kind of pushed [Meiner] back when he tried to kiss her. The colleague said the intern chose not to formally report the incident. The second former SEC intern told the Herald that while she was in law school and after she left the SEC, Meiner regularly asked her out for drinks and dinner and told her in text messages that she was beautiful and smart. I had to send him several very direct texts reminding him he had a wife and kids and reminding him I was in a very serious relationship, she said. The womans then-boyfriend told the Herald he became so frustrated with Meiners advances that he texted Meiner himself to tell him to stop. It was the sheer persistence that was really inappropriate for me, the woman said. It was me politely declining way too many times. The woman said Meiner helped oversee the legal intern program at the time and had been involved in hiring her. Report of sexual harassment The attorney who made the 2016 complaint, who was 30 years old at the time, memorialized what she said happened in her office between her and Meiner, then 44, in an email to herself later that same afternoon that was reviewed by the Herald. In the memo dated Feb. 24, 2016, the woman wrote that, after saying he wanted to speak with her about a case they were working on, Meiner shifted the conversation. He told her he wanted to get a second apartment near the SEC office in Miami, but that he is waiting until he has someone to take there, she wrote. Meiner then said he probably shouldnt say what he was about to say, but that he wants me to be the reason he pulls the trigger and gets the apartment, says the womans memo. I immediately told him no and he said he thought I would say that. I told him he needed to leave my office and I was getting back to work, the woman wrote. He lingered in my office and said that he wanted me to know that I am one of his closest friends. I ignored him. No one else witnessed the incident, the woman said. After Meiner left, the woman wrote that she was shaking and texted a friend to share what happened. Steve just told me that he was hoping I would give him a reason to pull the trigger on getting the second apartment. That I would be the reason he needs it, the woman wrote in a message reviewed by the Herald. I kicked him out of my office and Im trying not to walk out of work. The woman said that, leading up to the interaction, Meiner would frequently talk to her in the office and ask her to go for walks. The interactions were platonic, she said, as she knew Meiner was married and Meiner knew she had a boyfriend. But she said Meiner was persistent and she got the sense that he was hitting on her. A former colleague told the Herald the woman talked to her at the time about her interactions with Meiner leading up to the February 2016 incident. She confided in me that he was bothering her and coming by her office very often, said the former colleague, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. Two months after the incident, the woman requested to move to a part-time schedule, saying in an email to her bosses that she was not entirely comfortable in the workplace and [needed] additional time for myself. The Herald reviewed a copy of the email. In an April 2016 SEC memo reviewed by the Herald, her supervisor acknowledged she had made the request in part because, due to your reported incident of sexual harassment, you continue to not be entirely comfortable in the workplace. The womans request for a part-time schedule was granted, but for three months instead of the full year she had sought. Two days later, she resigned from the SEC. She told the Herald she has not practiced law since. It changed the course of my life, she said. Former first lady Rosalynn Carter has entered hospice care at home, the Carter Center said in a statement Friday. She and President Carter are spending time with each other and their family, her son, former state Sen. Jason Carter, said in a statement released by the Carter Center. Rosalynn Carter, 96, was diagnosed with dementia in May and joins her husband, former President Jimmy Carter, in hospice care. The former president, 99 years old, is the longest-lived president in American history and entered hospice care at home in February after a series of short hospital stays. They have been married for over 75 years. Carter, who was first lady during her husband's presidency from 1977 to 1981, was a close confidant to her husband throughout his political career. She also helped build out the role of first lady, becoming the first with the title to have an official office in the East Wing and to hire policy staff. As first lady, she was a regular presence at Cabinet meetings and served as an envoy to Latin American countries during her husbands presidency. She also was a key leader in the push to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment, joining forces with former first ladies Lady Bird Johnson and Betty Ford. After her husband left the White House, Carter continued her advocacy for mental health. The former first couple were also longtime supporters of the housing nonprofit Habitat for Humanity. They both received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1999. A French senator was arrested for questioning on suspicion of drugging an MP with a view to sexually assaulting her. Joel Guerriau, 66, a centrist senator from western France, was being held for administering to a person without their knowledge a substance likely to diminish their judgment or self-control to commit a rape or sexual assault, prosecutors said on Thursday. The charge carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a 75,000 (65,500) fine. The MP in question is Sandrine Josso, 48, a centrist with the Modem party, which is part of President Emmanuel Macrons parliamentary alliance. She said she felt ill after accepting a drink on Tuesday night at the senators Paris home. Prosecutors said the two were not in an intimate relationship. Tests revealed clear traces of the drug ecstasy in her system, investigators added, prompting her to file a criminal complaint. Mr Guerriau, who is vice-president of the Senates foreign affairs and defence committee, was arrested and held in custody under caught-in-the-act rules allowing police to override his parliamentary immunity, prosecutors said. State of shock Both the accused senator and alleged victim faced each other on Friday during two hours of joint questioning by investigators. Ms Josso is still in a state of shock, said Julia Minkowski, her lawyer. She said she felt unwell after drinking a glass of champagne and had seen the senator grabbing a small plastic bag containing something white, in a drawer in his kitchen. Ms Josso said that 20 minutes after consuming the liquid, she went into a cold sweat and felt her heartbeat increase. Scared but trying hard not to show it, she managed to order a taxi at 10pm. She was convinced that his hope was to have her sleep at his place. She had to deploy monumental physical and intellectual forces to overcome her terror and extricate herself at the last minute from this ambush, Ms Minkowski said. Added to this is a feeling of betrayal and total incomprehension. Joel Guerriau had been a friend for 10 years, in whom she had complete confidence, she added. The taxi dropped her at the National Assembly. An ambulance then took her to a Paris hospital. Broadcaster RMC, which first reported the story, said that police had searched his office and home, where prosecutors confirmed they found a mixture including ecstasy. According to BFMTV, traces of amphetamines, opiates, cannabis, cocaine, methadone and MDMA were found in the senators blood Originally a banker, Mr Guerriau has been a member of the senate since 2011. He is currently vice-president of the senates foreign affairs and defence committee. He is a member of the Horizons party of Edouard Philippe, Emmanuel Macrons popular former prime minister, who has made it clear he intends to run for presidential election in 2027. Mr Philippe appeared with him during his senatorial campaign earlier this year. Lawyers response Christophe Bechu, Mr Macrons green transition minister and Horizon secretary-general, said that Mr Guerriau could obviously not remain in the party if there is the slightest doubt that he drugged Ms Josso. Party chiefs would hold a meeting early Saturday where well have the opportunity to discuss this situation, he added. Mr Guerriau will have to face the consequences if the least of this is true, said Mr Bechu. Remi-Pierre Drai, Mr Guerriaus lawyer, said said the truth of the case was very far from the indecent interpretation that could be deduced from reading the initial press reports. The confrontation allowed my client to vehemently confirm his version of the facts, which do not indicate any offence at this stage of the investigation. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. A French senator was charged Friday on suspicion of drugging a lower-house MP with a view to assaulting her, his lawyer said, in a case that has rocked France's parliament. Joel Guerriau was arrested on Thursday after the alleged assault attempt against Sandrine Josso, a source familiar with the case told AFP. Josso felt ill after accepting a drink on Tuesday night at the Paris home of the 66-year-old senator, with whom she was not in an intimate relationship, prosecutors said. A Paris investigator charged Guerriau with "administering without Sandrine Josso's knowledge a substance likely to alter her judgement or self-control, to commit a rape or sexual assault", his lawyer Remi-Pierre Drai said. He was also indicted for "possession and use of substances classed as drugs" and placed under judicial supervision, the lawyer added. The Paris prosecutor's office confirmed the charges and told AFP the senator was banned from visiting the home of the alleged victim and from contacting her or witnesses. Tests revealed that Josso had ecstasy in her system, investigators said, prompting her to file the criminal complaint. Guerriau was arrested and held in custody under caught-in-the-act rules allowing police to override parliamentary immunity, prosecutors said. Broadcaster RMC, which first reported the story, said police had searched his office and home, where prosecutors confirmed they found ecstasy. - 'Feeling of betrayal' - The senator and his alleged victim faced each other on Friday during two hours of joint questioning by investigators, a common practice in France known as a confrontation. Josso, an MP for the centrist MoDem party, was "in a state of shock," her lawyer Julia Minkowski told AFP. She said Josso felt unwell after drinking a glass of champagne and had seen the senator "grabbing a small plastic bag containing something white, in a drawer in his kitchen". "She had to deploy monumental physical and intellectual forces to overcome her terror and extricate herself at the last minute from this ambush," Minkowski said. "Added to this is a feeling of betrayal and total incomprehension -- Joel Guerriau had been a friend for around 10 years in whom she had complete confidence." Guerriau "will fight to prove he never intended to administer a substance on his colleague and longstanding friend to abuse her", Drai said. "Guerriau is not a predator... He is an honest man, respected and respectable, who will restore his and his family's honour." Originally a banker, Guerriau has been a member of the Senate, the French parliament's upper house, since 2011 and is deputy head of its foreign and military affairs committee. gd-clw/tgb/imm/js Flash Delegates attend the APEC Ministerial Meeting Closing Session in San Francisco, the United States, on Nov. 15, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua] The 2023 APEC Ministerial Meeting (AMM) concluded on Wednesday with members continuing to work for a consensus statement. APEC members have reached a consensus on nearly all paragraphs while continuous efforts are underway to finalize the statement, said U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai, who chaired the two-day meeting with Secretary of State Antony Blinken. "Consistent with the approach taken last year in Bangkok, I have instructed my team to continue working with your officials toward reaching consensus on the AMM text, with the aim of releasing the AMM statement once our leaders reach consensus on the outstanding language," said Tai in the closing session of the meeting on Wednesday afternoon. The consensus paragraphs reflect APEC's common commitment to a robust agenda across the common goals of building an interconnected, inclusive, sustainable, and resilient Asia-Pacific future, Tai added. The leaders of APEC members are scheduled to participate in various dialogues and activities in San Francisco from Wednesday to Friday. Meanwhile, the United States also started to hand over the APEC host year responsibilities to Peru. Peruvian Foreign Affairs Minister Javier Gonzalez-Olaechea said Peru would move forward with all the achievements of this year in order to empower more vulnerable populations with a special note for women, young people, and small and medium-sized enterprises. "We're going to look to foster proposals in order to be able to incorporate them in our global economy in a sustainable and inclusive way," said Gonzalez-Olaechea. WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Prosecutors in former President Donald Trump's election interference case in Georgia on Friday proposed starting the trial on Aug. 5, 2024, just months before the November U.S. presidential election. If that date is accepted by Judge Scott McAfee, Trump could potentially be on trial for allegedly trying to overturn the last presidential election when Americans vote in the next one. Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, who is overseeing the prosecution, said earlier this week that the trial will likely last "many months" and may not conclude until the winter of 2025, well after the Nov. 5, 2024 election. Trump said he opposed that date in a filing posted shortly after prosecutors made their request. His lawyers have repeatedly pushed to delay all four criminal cases against him. "Fani Willis has again proven that her case is purely political, designed to interfere with President Trump's re-election by demanding a trial date in the most vital time in President Trump's winning campaign," campaign spokesman Steven Cheung said in a statement. Trump is currently leading his rivals for the Republican presidential nomination by a wide margin. The party will formally pick its candidate at a convention in July following several months of nominating contests. He has said he would "root out" his political opponents if re-elected. But he would have little power as president to interfere with the Georgia case, or another state case in New York in which he is charged with trying to cover up hush-money payments to a porn star. Trump and 14 co-defendants have pleaded not guilty to racketeering and other charges for allegedly working to overturn his narrow defeat in Georgia following the 2020 election. "This proposed trial date balances potential delays from Defendant Trump's other criminal trials in sister sovereigns and the other defendants' constitutional speedy trial rights," Willis said. The district attorney said earlier this week that she would not consider the campaign schedule in her handling of the case. Prosecutors also requested a June 2024 deadline for defendants in the case to reach plea deals. Four people initially charged have so far pleaded guilty. Willis said in Friday's filing that prosecutors would be able to try Trump and all remaining defendants in the case together in one trial. The Georgia trial will have to compete with three other criminal cases against Trump, which are all scheduled to go to trial next year. Trump has pleaded not guilty to all charges and accused prosecutors of attempting to interfere with his campaign. The Georgia proposal assumes that by August 2024 Trump will have already wrapped up his two federal criminal trials. The first is scheduled for March in Washington, where he will face charges stemming from his efforts to overturn the 2020 election. The second is scheduled for May in Florida where he will face charges that accuse him of mishandling classified documents. The judge in that case has indicated she may push that trial back. The New York hush-money trial is scheduled for March, though that date could change as well. (Reporting by Andrew Goudsward and Jasper Ward; editing by Jonathan Oatis and Rosalba O'Brien) A total of 734m has been allocated to resurface roads across the South East A total of 734m has been allocated to repair roads in south-east England. The funding forms part of a nationwide plan to resurface more than 5,000 roads over the next 11 years, Transport Secretary Mark Harper said. Local highway authorities in Kent, Surrey, East Sussex, West Sussex and Hampshire will identify roads most need of repair. A garage owner in Mayfield, East Sussex, said car damage due to potholes was at its worst in 50 years. Each local highway authority will receive 23.4m this financial year, followed by a further 23.4m in 2024/25. The rest of the funding, which forms part of a 8.3bn boost by the government to repair roads across the UK, will be allocated through to 2034. 'Smoother, faster, safer' Mr Harper said the money had been redirected from the HS2 funding. "Most people travel by road and potholes can cause misery for motorists, from expensive vehicle repairs to bumpy, slow, and dangerous journeys," he said. "Today's biggest ever funding uplift for local road improvements is a victory for all road users, who will enjoy smoother, faster and safer trips." Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the investment would "pave the road for better and safer journeys for millions of people across the country, and put an end to the blight of nuisance potholes". Matt Furniss, cabinet member for highways, transport and economic growth at Surrey County Council, said there had been an "unprecedented increase" in the number of potholes last winter. Wayne Brockhurst, who owns GW Car and Commercials Ltd garage in Mayfield, said potholes can cause "nasty cuts" to tyres. "I've been in the trade for 50 years, and certainly the last five years, we've seen the most damage," he said. "And most of it down to the potholes." 'Drivers' biggest bugbear' Simon Leney, vice chairman of Heathfield and Waldron Parish Council in East Sussex, said he was concerned about a number of large potholes on the junction of the A265 and A267. "This road carries something like 20,000 plus vehicle movements a day, a combination of cars and lorries," he said. "This road wasn't designed for vehicles of that size and that volume." According to the RAC, well-maintained road surfaces could save motorists up to 440 each in vehicle repairs from pothole damage. RAC head of policy, Simon Williams, said: "Drivers' biggest bugbear of all is the poor condition of local roads, so the fact the government has found a significant additional pot of revenue should give councils the certainty of funding they need to plan proper long-term road maintenance, something we have been calling for many years." Follow BBC South East on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk. AUSTIN (KXAN) Austin Police Officer Jorge George Pastore, who died in the line of duty Nov. 11, was honored in Austin Friday morning. Law enforcement began setting up for the funeral procession at 7 a.m., and all vehicles equipped with emergency lights and sirens were invited to join. The procession for Pastores final patrol began at 8 a.m. MAP: Funeral procession route for fallen Austin Police officer People were encouraged to line the route of the procession to show support. The Austin Police Department said public visitation would be from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. and the funeral service was from 11 a.m. to noon at the Germania Insurance Amphitheater, located at 9201 Circuit of the Americas Boulevard. Austin Police officer salutes as Officer Jorge Pastores procession moves past Interstate 35 and St. Johns (KXAN photo/Frank Martinez) All vehicles equipped with emergency lights and sirens were invited to join the funeral procession for Officer Jorge Pastores final patrol. (KXAN Photo/Todd Bailey) Crowds gather to show support during Officer Jorge Pastores procession (KXAN photo/Todd Bailey) Officer Jorge Pastores procession continues down Interstate 35 (KXAN photo/Frank Martinez) Crowds gather near the Texas Capitol to show support during Officer Jorge Pastores procession (KXAN photo/Todd Bailey) The procession for Austin Police Officer Jorge George Pastore arrives at Circuit of the Americas the morning of Nov. 17, 2023. (KXAN Photo/Todd Bailey) Law enforcement line up at the funeral home preparing for Officer Jorge Pastores procession (KXAN photo/Todd Bailey) People begin showing up at the funeral home before Officer Jorge Pastores procession (KXAN photo/Todd Bailey) The funeral service for fallen Austin Police Officer Jorge George Pastore was held at the Germania Insurance Amphitheater at Circuit of the Americas. (KXAN Photo/Blake DeVine) The funeral service for fallen Austin Police Officer Jorge George Pastore was held at the Germania Insurance Amphitheater at Circuit of the Americas. (KXAN Photo/Blake DeVine) The funeral service for fallen Austin Police Officer Jorge George Pastore was held at the Germania Insurance Amphitheater at Circuit of the Americas. (KXAN Photo/Blake DeVine) The funeral service for fallen Austin Police Officer Jorge George Pastore was held at the Germania Insurance Amphitheater at Circuit of the Americas. (KXAN Photo/Blake DeVine) Funeral services were held on Nov. 17, 2023, to honor fallen Austin Police Officer Jorge Pastore. (KXAN Photo) The funeral service for fallen Austin Police Officer Jorge George Pastore was held at the Germania Insurance Amphitheater at Circuit of the Americas. (KXAN Photo/Blake DeVine) The funeral service for fallen Austin Police Officer Jorge George Pastore was held at the Germania Insurance Amphitheater at Circuit of the Americas. (KXAN Photo/Blake DeVine) PHOTOS: Austin community honors fallen APD Officer Jorge Pastore On Nov. 11, Pastore and another officer were shot while responding to a SWAT call in south Austin. Pastore and the second officer were both taken to the hospital, but Pastores injuries were fatal. The second officer was later released from the hospital. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. Parents could be fined or prosecuted if they allow their children to skip school to take part in pro-Palestinian rallies, Gillian Keegan has warned. The Education Secretary told children that missing school for activism is unacceptable after thousands of children skipped class to take part in the protests. The Education Secretary said she was deeply concerned after the organiser of the demonstrations, campaign group Stop the War Coalition, told parents their children would not be punished. School Strike for Palestine rallies have taken place across the UK, including in London, Bristol and Glasgow. In a post on Twitter, Ms Keegan expressed concern about the protest and warned it should be treated with the utmost seriousness. A video showed children marching through Bristol behind a boy wearing a keffiyeh around his neck and chanting through a megaphone: One, two, three, four, occupation no more. Five, six, seven, eight, Israel is a terrorist state. Ms Keegan said: I'm deeply concerned that some children are attending political protests during the school day. Even more so if they're taking part in, or being exposed to, antisemitic chants. This should be treated with the utmost seriousness - missing school for activism is unacceptable. Gillian Keegan MP (@GillianKeegan) November 17, 2023 A government source warned that parents could be fined or prosecuted for allowing their children to skip school for political rallies. Our guidance is clear: children should only miss school for exceptional circumstances and political protests are absolutely not one of them, she said. Children should be in school. We have been clear that school leaders and local authorities should be enforcing attendance policies and they should take immediate action where these policies have been breached. In the most egregious cases, this can mean fines or prosecution. The Stop the War Coalitions school strikes will also run next week. Guidance issued to activists by the group instructs them to gather a group of dedicated parents/teachers in your area and use WhatsApp group chats to pick a central location in your area to have a rally, The Times reported. Graphics, posters and a template letter to head teachers informing them of a childs absence are being provided. The group told parents: Weve been assured by those working in schools that whilst this would count as an unauthorised absence, a child can have up to four days in a row unauthorised and would need 10 in a short amount of time to be fined. Please do check your own school policy. Hundreds of students at protests Schoolchildren handed in a petition calling for a ceasefire to representatives at Bristols City Hall. The signatures, many written in felt tip pen, were collected by youngsters who have attended the school strike for Palestine outside over the past three weeks. Carla Denyer, co-leader of the Green Party and councillor for Clifton Down ward in the city, collected the petition during the event on Friday morning. Speaking in Bristol, Ms Denyer told pupils and protesters: Thank you for taking a stand for Palestine and for calling for a ceasefire. The abhorrent situation in Palestine and Israel must end. I know we are all horrified by the Hamas attacks and we all want the immediate release of the hostages. Those atrocities do not in any way justify the level of bombardment of civilians, including many Gazan children, that has shocked the world. Hundreds of students and parents from Ilford, east London, gathered outside Redbridge Town Hall to make their voices heard, with young children seen jumping excitedly as they joined chants of free, free Palestine! in a call and response led by an adult. In Glasgow, thousands of young people shouted ceasefire now as others held up a large banner that read: Students say: end Israeli apartheid. On Thursday, hundreds of young students took similar action in east London and gathered with placards and loudspeakers outside the office of a local MP. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. The education secretary has said she is "deeply concerned" about children skipping lessons to attend protests calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. Pupils were among hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters at events around the UK on Friday, amid a row over whether they should miss class. The number of youngsters on strike is unclear but turnout appears fairly low. Demonstrations took place in various cities,with some signs reading "stop killing children". Education Secretary Gillian Keegan posted on X, previously Twitter, on Friday afternoon: "I'm deeply concerned that some children are attending political protests during the school day." She added that "missing school for activism is unacceptable." Protests listed by the Stop the War coalition included events on Friday in Harrow and Redbridge in London, Manchester, Glasgow, Bristol and Burton, Staffordshire. Many children, ranging in ages from the very young through to sixth formers, attended with their parents. A protest in Redbridge earlier Schoolchildren in Bristol handed in a petition calling for a ceasefire in Gaza to Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer (centre, in green scarf) Bristolian school pupils handed in a petition calling for a ceasefire to representatives at the city council on Friday morning. The Green Party's co-leader, Carla Denyer, who is also a local councillor, collected the petition during the event and told the crowd: "[Hamas'] atrocities do not in any way justify the level of bombardment of civilians, including many Gazan children, that has shocked the world." Hamas gunmen launched an unprecedented assault on Israel from the Gaza Strip on 7 October, killing about 1,200 people and taking more than 200 hostages. Israel responded with air strikes on Gaza and has launched a ground offensive. More than 12,000 people have been killed, including more than 4,500 children, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. A pro-Israel demonstration last month in central London called for the safe return of hostages from Gaza, with protesters in Trafalgar Square holding up photographs of those missing. Among the pro-Palestiniandemonstrators in Burton Upon Trent on Friday were Zubia and her son Yahya. The 10-year-old said: "I'm here because innocent people are dying. Most of them are children and we need to support them to raise awareness." Stop the War said it was "providing support" to school students and parents, who it said were "self-organising" the strikes with help from the School Strike For Palestine organisation. Videos have shown demonstrators in Luton, while students gathered in Tower Hamlets, London, on Thursday in an event Stop the War claims attracted around 400 school children and another 100 adults. A DfE spokesperson told the BBC: "Children should be in school. "While we recognise these young people should be able to peacefully express their views, we do not condone them missing out on their education." The Metropolitan Police was unable to say how many people attended demonstrations in London on Friday. But a spokeswoman told the BBC: "Strikes and protests by pupils are primarily a matter for school staff, but where they take place it is likely that local officers will be sent to ensure the safety and security of those involved. "Their priority in these situations is safety but in the event that any offences occur they will respond appropriately." School strikes are rare - but four years ago, they regularlytook place around the UK and the globe to highlight concerns about global warming. Those protests, partly inspired by Greta Thunberg, have continued but often in lower numbers, after millions of children took part in one event in September 2019. Additional reporting by David Lumb and Aileen Clarke The Georgia Bureau of Investigation told Channel 2 Action News they have arrested a former Woodstock Police officer after an investigation revealed criminal misconduct. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Robert William Brown, 27, was arrested and charged with three counts of computer invasion of privacy, making false statements to law enforcement and violation of oath by a public officer. According to the GBI, on Oct. 3 the Woodstock Police Department requested them to investigate allegations of criminal misconduct by Brown. The investigation revealed that while an officer, Brown illegally obtained personal information about two people between Dec. 2022 and Sept. 2023. TRENDING STORIES: The GBI said Brown also made false statements to its investigators. When the investigation is complete, it will be given to to the Cherokee County District Attorneys Office. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: RICHMOND, Va. (WAVY) Antisemitic attacks have seen an increase of about 388% compared to last year, according to the Anti-Defamation League. Attorney general Jason Miyares sent a letter to all public Virginia College and University Presidents to encourage leaders to support their Jewish students. First, groups like Students for Justice in Palestine have repeatedly held demonstrations in Virginia where protestors chant from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,' Miyares said, in a release. This statement is a call for the complete destruction of Israel and denial of its right to exist. Conveniently, these protestors never explain what would happen to the eight million Jews who live between the river and the sea, leading to the inescapable conclusion that the protestors are calling for a second Holocaust against innocent men, women and children. In the letter, Miyares writes that the First Amendment does not protect speech that incites violence, or those who commit crimes from prosecution. He said he also condemns the universities silence on the issue and lack of condemnation of such acts. To read the full letter click here. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com. The federal EPA is reviewing its previous authorization of imports of GenX wastewater from the Netherlands to Chemours Fayetteville Works plant in North Carolina, according to an EPA official. That authorization was first reported by NC Newsline. In response to recent concerns expressed by stakeholders including the state of North Carolina and Brunswick County, EPA reached out to Chemours requesting a pause on the import of non-hazardous waste from the Netherlands to its Fayetteville, North Carolina facility. Chemours has agreed to a temporary pause of imports and exports to North Carolina until December 1. More: Protest planned at Fayetteville Chemours plant in spite of pause to GenX imports The company did not respond to a request for comment. The Cape Fear River, as seen from the Person Street bridge in Fayetteville, NC on Nov. 1, 2023. EPA had authorized the importation of four million pounds of GenX from Chemours Dordrecht plant to the Fayetteville Works facility over the next year. The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality said it was unaware of the EPAs approval. NC Gov. Roy Cooper pens letter to EPA chief On Nov. 3, Gov. Roy Cooper sent a letter to EPA Administrator Michael Regan about the import authorization. Regan was formerly the N.C. DEQ Secretary, and was appointed by Cooper. It was with dismay that we learned that EPA recently approved the importation of GenX From the Netherlands, the governor wrote. This approval should be reconsidered and reversed. In this file photo from August 2021, Mike Watters stands by one of his contaminated wells on his Cumberland County property. Watters is a community activist, helping to organize information sessions for residents and demonstrations to pressure Chemours and government officials to act on GenX contamination. According to the EPA official, the agency is taking these concerns seriously and will review the notices that the company has provided to ensure the public remains safe. DEQ officials could not be reach for immediate comment. Environmental advocates: Cautious optimism Environmental advocates greeted the news with expressions of cautious optimism. Dana Sargent, executive director of Cape Fear River Watch issued the following statement: We are pleased to hear that EPA is taking a second look at their massive misstep in approving 4.4 million pounds of PFAS waste to enter our port, be trucked through our contaminated community and managed by a proven bad actor Chemours Fayetteville Works. We hope the NC DEQ who clearly wasnt paying attention, as they were alerted to this issue by a journalist and the EPA take a hard look at the failures that cultivated this colossal blunder and ensure other polluting industries arent given similar carte blanche that threatens human health and the environment. Tim Whitehouse, executive director of Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility, expressed similar concerns: We welcome EPAs decision to pause the import of PFAS waste for reclamation and disposal from the Netherlands. However, a long-term solution to the problem of PFAS waste imports is needed. EPAs failure to set stringent standards for controlling PFAS pollution means the U.S. will increasingly become an attractive dumping ground for companies in other countries wanting to offload their PFAS waste. EPA needs to begin immediately setting standards for PFAS waste management. Emily Donovan of Clean Cape Fear said battles over GenX will continue: Thank you, Biden EPA, for listening to the concerns expressed by the clear bipartisan opposition to these shipments. While the world may seem deeply divided, our communities stand united in our demands to hold Chemours completely accountable for its operations and abuses. We will not stop fighting until these shipments have permanently ended. This story originally published in NC Newsline, a nonpartisan nonprofit news organization dedicated to fearless reporting and hard-hitting commentary that shines a light on injustice, holds public officials accountable, and helps improve the quality of life for all North Carolinians. It is republished under a Creative Commons license. This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Massive misstep: EPA takes 2nd look at Fayetteville GenX decision The House Ethics Committees report on George Santos included several revelations about the New York congressmans allegedly illegal activity including that he spent campaign cash on OnlyFans. Santos is certainly one of the most prolific liars to walk the halls of Congress, and it appears he lied on camera about his usage on the platform earlier this year. After the Houses investigation found that Santos had used the money from his campaign committee to pay down personal credit card bills and other debt; make a $4,127.80 purchase at Hermes; and for smaller purchases at OnlyFans; Sephora; and for meals and for parking, it was quickly discovered that the congressman had also publicly lied about his knowledge of the popular porn site. In March, during an interview with Fox Business, Santos claimed that he had just discovered what Only Fans was about three weeks ago when it was brought in a discussion in my office I was oblivious to the whole concept. Host Lisa Kennedy Montgomery responded with disbelief. You just cant tell the truth, she said, referring to Santos history of lying about even the most insignificant details of his life. According to the findings of the Ethics Committee, Santos had purchased subscriptions on the adult content site in the fall of 2022, months before the interview took place. Omg. Heres George Santos in an interview in March laughing that he just discovered what Only Fans is three weeks ago. His bank records show he used campaign funds on OnlyFans four months earlier. pic.twitter.com/TDjAYz922c Sawyer Hackett (@SawyerHackett) November 16, 2023 At least one Only Fans model, claims that Santos was a subscriber to their content. One such model, Leila Lewis, claimed on X, formerly Twitter, that Santos had been a subscriber, and that she had rated his dick. Rolling Stone has not been able to independently confirm Lewis claim. Shortly after the report went public, Santos announced that he would be withdrawing his bid for re-election in 2024. If there was a single ounce of ETHICS in the Ethics committee, they would have not released this biased report, Santos wrote in a lengthy statement on X. It is a disgusting politicized smear that shows the depths of how low our federal government has sunk. Everyone who participated in this grave miscarriage of Justice should all be ashamed of themselves, he added. More from Rolling Stone Best of Rolling Stone Its going to cost at least $1.4 billion - and probably a lot more - in highway improvements in the Savannah region to keep pace with economic growth, an official with the Georgia Department of Transportation said Wednesday. Its a good problem to have, Matt Markham, the agencys deputy planning director, told members of the State Transportation Boards Strategic Planning Committee. Its a sign of an economy thats growing. Markham outlined the findings of a study of current conditions and future needs of major highway corridors in four of the regions counties: Chatham, Bryan, Effingham, and Bulloch. To no ones surprise who lives and/or works in the area, the study found that Georgia 21 is a major bottleneck, more connections are needed between Georgia 21 and Interstate 16, and U.S. 80 doesnt have enough capacity. Traffic flow in the Savannah area is particularly critical to the Port of Savannah, a major economic driver for the region. With the projected growth in its containerized cargo business, the ports capacity is expected to increase 60% by 2025. Already, 75% of commercial truck trips in the four counties are into and out of the Port of Savannah, Markham said. Without major improvements, travel times will only continue to worsen, he said. The study recommends spending about $1.4 billion on improvements to 12 major highway corridors, including Georgia 21, U.S. 80, interstates 16 and 95, and Effingham Parkway. Together, building those projects would bring 36% more of the regions industrial space within one hour of the port and reduce traffic delays in the four counties by 58%, Markham said. The problem is the $1.4 billion planning estimate is in 2022 dollars, and the projects the study contemplates are aimed at addressing traffic congestion through 2050. Several board members wondered where the funding is going to come from to pay for the work. Markham conceded funding sources for such a list of projects have yet to be identified. But he said having the study available will make the Georgia Department of Transportation more prepared when funding opportunities including federal grants come along. In related business Wednesday, Andrew Hoenig, the DOTs construction program manager, told board members construction is expected to begin in the spring of 2025 on a project to replace the cables on the Talmadge Bridge in Savannah and potentially raise the structure to more easily accommodate cargo ships calling at the Port of Savannah. The work will be done without closing the bridge to traffic, at an estimated cost of $150 million to $175 million. This is a much more efficient cost than replacing the whole bridge, Hoenig said. The project will be the first the state has built using the Construction Management/General Contractor (CM/GC) model of contracting. Unlike contracts the DOT normally undertakes, the CM/GC model gets the contractor involved as the project is being designed. While some bridge projects across the nation have involved replacing cables, combining the cable work with raising the bridge would be a first, Hoenig said. The project, which will be federally funded, is expected to take two-and-a-half to three years to complete. Village projectionists show more than 20,000 movies over 38 years People's Daily Online) 10:07, November 17, 2023 Out of a keen interest in movies and enduring fascination with the excitement of a group of people watching a movie together, Cao Yi and his wife Ye Xirong, a couple of rural projectionists in central China's Henan Province, have traveled through different villages every day, lighting up the night sky and bringing the magic of movies to villagers for 38 years . In Yanhe township in Henan Province, where the couple has been operating a "mobile open-air cinema" for nearly four decades, people can still see an old movie projector used for a warm-up at dusk before the official screening. As a digital projector kicks in at 6:30 p.m., the outdoor movie screening officially begins. Cao stays seated beside the projector throughout the movie - just as his mentor taught him decades ago. Cao has developed a fervent interest in movies since childhood. Back in the day when local households used kerosene lamps for lighting, watching movies was a rare and novel experience for Cao and his fellow villagers. Cao idolized movie projectionists and would eagerly watch the same movies over and over whenever they were played in local villages. In 1979, Cao became a movie projectionist as he had always dreamed of becoming. Carrying a projector and a screen on a shoulder pole, Cao toured between villages with his mentor, relishing bringing joy to rural audiences. Movie screenings were always eagerly anticipated at that time. After a long day working in the fields, villagers would flock to open-air movies with wooden stools, filling the site with excitement as the white screen lit up the night. In 1983, Cao became head projectionist of Yanhe township's movie projection team. He was trained in projection technology, electrotechnology and other skills, and became a professional movie projectionist. "Whenever a new movie was shown, the venue would be a sea of people. There were more than 10,000 people watching the same movie together at most. I had to remind people to be careful around the projector," Cao recalled. At that time, movies were often screened at threshing floors, for other sites were not large enough to accommodate a big audience, Cao explained. He can still remember how the comforting smell of rice wafted through the air as people sat cross-legged on the ground to watch movies. Cao met his wife Ye as he showed the movie "Xiao Hua, which is the first movie Ye had watched in her life, and the start to their romance. Under Cao's influence, Ye became one of the few female projectionists of the locality. In the couple's home, seven projectors Cao has used over 38 years are displayed neatly - each a treasure to Cao. The 16mm projector cost the couple 3,200 yuan ($441). It was the most expensive thing they bought after their wedding. And they had to get a loan from a rural credit cooperative to buy it. To repay the loan, Cao became a migrant worker, and Ye continued operating their "mobile open-air cinema" while taking care of their two children. "I had shown movies at three villages in one night," Ye recalled, saying that life at that time was busy and exhausting, but she was always full of energy as she screened films. As time went by, open-air movie screening gradually faded from people's lives. Following the tide of the times, the couple opened their first cinema in Yanhe township. But it soon went out of business as more and more people went to big cities for higher salaries. In 1997, Guangshan county initiated a public-benefit movie screening project, which provided a chance for the couple to return to their passion. They bought a digital projector and reopened their "mobile open-air cinema. Since many people have left their hometowns to work in big cities, the audience today consists mostly of the elderly and children, and seeing people watch open-air movies is less spectacular as it was decades ago. But that doesn't affect the couple's enthusiasm for their job. Having traveled tens of thousands of kilometers to show over 20,000 movies in 50 villages, the couple is deeply attached to their "mobile open-air cinema" and derives great pleasure from the heart-touching scene of a large crowd watching the same movie under the moonlight. They believe that as long as there are new movies, there will be an audience for their "mobile open-air cinema. (Web editor: Xian Jiangnan, Liang Jun) You are here: World Flash Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) leader Pedro Sanchez gives a speech during the investiture debate in Madrid, Spain, on Nov. 15, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua] The Spanish congress re-elected Pedro Sanchez as prime minister on Thursday, with 179 votes in favor, 171 against and no abstention. President of the Congress of Deputies Francina Armengol will communicate the decision to Spanish King Felipe VI and Sanchez will be sworn in at the Zarzuela Palace on Friday. Sanchez will name his new cabinet between Friday and Saturday, and the first Council of Ministers with the new formation will take place next Tuesday. Leader of the People's Party Alberto Nunez Feijoo got up from his seat to congratulate Sanchez after the vote was completed. A Georgia prosecutor asked a judge on Friday to set August 2024 as the start date for Donald Trump's trial for allegedly conspiring to overturn the 2020 election results in the southern US state. Fulton County district attorney Fani Willis asked for the trial of the former president and his 14 codefendants to begin on August 5, 2024, three months before the US presidential election. Willis told Judge Scott McAfee, who will preside over the trial, that she had chosen the August date so as not to interfere with "Defendant Trump's other criminal trials." Willis, in an interview this week with The Washington Post, said she expected the trial would last "many months" and would not conclude "until the winter or the very early part of 2025." Trump, the frontrunner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, and the others are charged with racketeering and other offenses related to their alleged efforts to upend the 2020 election in Georgia. Four codefendants, including three former Trump campaign lawyers, have pleaded guilty already to lesser charges in deals that spared them any prison time. Trump has pleaded not guilty to charges of involvement in a criminal conspiracy to change the result in Georgia, where Democrat Joe Biden won by some 12,000 votes. Others indicted in Georgia include former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani, Trump's former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows, John Eastman, a constitutional lawyer, and Jeffrey Clark, a mid-level Justice Department official. Trump also faces federal charges for his efforts to subvert the 2020 election and the January 6, 2021 storming of the US Capitol by his supporters. That trial is to begin in Washington in March 2024. Trump and his two eldest sons, Don Jr and Eric, are currently on trial in New York for business fraud and the former president is to go on trial in Florida in May for alleged mishandling of top secret documents after he left the White House. cl/jh Fulton County prosecutors asked a Georgia judge to set former President Trumps criminal trial to begin Aug. 5, 2024, a timeline that could put Trump on trial through Election Day. Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis (D) had previously proposed a March trial start, but her new request acknowledges Trumps other trials that are already scheduled to take place throughout the spring. Willis in the new filing also reiterated her desire to try Trump alongside his more than dozen co-defendants. Best Black Friday Deals This proposed trial date balances potential delays from Defendant Trumps other criminal trials in sister sovereigns and the other Defendants constitutional speedy trial rights, prosecutors wrote. If accepted by Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee, Williss proposal would have Trumps trial begin weeks after the Republican National Convention and raise the possibility it would extend through Election Day. Earlier this week, Willis said that Trumps trial would take many months and could extend into early 2025. Trump is already scheduled to spend much of the first half of next year in various trials. After two civil trials scheduled for January, the former presidents first criminal trial is slated for March 5. In that case, Trump is charged with four federal felonies over his attempts to overturn the 2020 election. Weeks later, his New York hush money trial is scheduled to start March 25. On May 20, Trump is set to go on trial over his handling of classified documents in federal court in Florida. Williss office on Friday also requested the judge set a final plea hearing date of June 5, which would be the deadline for defendants to avoid trial by instead striking a plea agreement with prosecutors. Prosecutors noted that four defendants ex-Trump lawyers Sidney Powell, Kenneth Chesebro and Jenna Ellis as well as bail bondsman Scott Hall have already reached deals and that more still could. The State will entertain negotiated guilty plea deals up until the Final Plea date, prosecutors wrote. After the Final Plea Date, the Defendants will only have the option of non-negotiated pleas, and the State intends to recommend maximum sentences at any remaining sentencing hearings. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Ukraine and Germany on Nov. 17 began bilateral negotiations on potential security guarantees as presented during the NATO summit in Vilnius in July, the President's Office reported. "Without Germany, it is impossible to imagine the effectiveness of security guarantees, as well as the future membership of Ukraine in the Euro-Atlantic community," Ihor Zhovkva, the President's Office deputy head leading the Ukrainian negotiation team, said. The teams exchanged approaches to future bilateral security guarantees and agreed on a plan for further actions, according to the President's Office. Germany is the latest to join other Group of Seven (G7) members in the bilateral security guarantees discussion, including the U.K., the U.S., Japan, France and Canada. The Group of Seven (G7) members presented their long-term security commitments for Ukraine at the NATO summit in Vilnius in early July. Under this plan, individual countries would provide bilateral support to help Kyiv repel the ongoing Russian invasion and deter any future aggression. The security guarantees would entail explicit and long-lasting obligations, as well as bolster Ukraine's ability to resist Russian aggression. The guarantees would also cover sanctions, financial aid, and post-war reconstruction. Ukraine has said that the best security guarantee for it would be to become a full-fledged NATO member after Russia's war ends. The French Foreign Ministry released a statement in late May that NATO allies were contemplating an Israeli-style security agreement for Ukraine. However, allies reportedly remain divided on Ukraine's NATO accession. Politico reported on June 8 that Western officials remain divided on providing security guarantees for Ukraine, questioning whether it is worthwhile when Ukraine is not yet a member of the military alliance. Other NATO members, like Poland and Lithuania, favor offering a clear membership pathway to Ukraine. Read also: Does Ukraine need NATO or does NATO need Ukraine? Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. On Nov. 19, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln traveled to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, to dedicate a cemetery at the site of the bloodiest battle of the Civil War. Four months before, about 50,000 soldiers had been killed, wounded or captured at the Battle of Gettysburg, later seen as a turning point in the war. In his now-famous address, Lincoln described the site as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that (their) nation might live, and called on us the living to finish their work. In the 160 years since, 1,328 monuments and memorials have been erected at Gettysburg National Military Park including one for each of the 11 Confederate states. Abraham Lincoln, seated at center, before delivering the Gettysburg Address. Library of Congress/Getty Images Confederate memorials in the American South have attracted scrutiny for years. In October 2023, a statue of Gen. Robert E. Lee was melted down in Charlottesville, Virginia, six years after plans to remove it spurred the violent Unite the Right rally. Gettysburg has received relatively little attention, yet it occupies a unique space in these debates. The battlefield is one of the most hallowed historic sites in the country, and, unlike other areas with memorials to Confederate soldiers, is located in the North. The military parks history offers a window into the United States attitude toward postwar reconciliation one often willing to overlook racial equality in the name of national and political unity. The Mecca of Reconciliation Today, Gettysburg draws nearly a million visitors each year. In addition to visiting the museum, visitors can drive or walk among the monuments and plaques that cover the landscape, dedicated to both Union and Confederate troops. There are markers that explain the events of the battle, as well as monuments dedicated to individual people, military units and states. As with any war memorial, particularly for a civil war, Gettysburg commemorates an event whose survivors held dramatically different views of its meaning. In his book Race and Reunion, historian David Blight identifies three main narratives of the Civil War. One emphasizes the nobility of the Confederate soldier and cause, while another focuses on the emancipation of slaves. The third is the reconciliationist view, with the notion that all in the war were brave and true, regardless of which side they fought for. We are cultural geographers who study commemorative landscapes, with a focus on issues of race and memory. In our view, Gettysburg is a prime example of that reconciliation narrative: a site that aims to reconcile the North and the South more than it addresses the racial motivations of the conflict. The parks own administrative history refers to Gettysburg as an American Mecca of Reconciliation. No praise, no blame From 1864 until 1895, the battlefield was under the administration of the Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association, which placed markers along military units battle lines. Starting in 1890, the U.S. War Department began actively preserving Civil War battlefields. Congress approved the creation of a commission of Union and Confederate veterans to mark the armies positions at Gettysburg with tablets that each bore a brief historical legend, compiled without praise and without censure. These policies were also included in the Regulations for the National Military Parks, published in 1915. This guiding idea without praise and without censure was also evident at ceremonies for the battles 50th anniversary in 1913. Reconciliation was central in speeches and formal photographs, many featuring elderly veterans from both sides shaking hands. Union and Confederate veterans pictured at 50th anniversary events in Gettysburg, Pa. Liljenquist Family Collection of Civil War Photographs/Library of Congress At the time, there were no monuments to Confederate states; most markers, both for Union and Confederate troops, were for individual battle units. State memorials In 1912, the Virginia Gettysburg Commission had submitted plans for an equestrian statue of General Lee and other figures, with an inscription saying the states sons fought for the faith of their fathers. The chairman of the Gettysburg National Park Commission, however, had warned that such a statue would likely not be approved by the War Department because inscriptions should be without censure, praise or blame. The chairman said that while they fought for the faith of their fathers might be true for Virginians, it certainly opens the inscription to not a little adverse criticism. Eventually, the state commission agreed to inscribe simply, Virginia to her sons at Gettysburg creating the first Confederate state monument. But enforcement of the no praise, no blame policy was uneven. Efforts to erect a monument for Mississippi, for example, began in the early 1960s. The state commissions intended inscription read: On this ground our brave sires fought for their righteous cause Here, in glory, sleep those who gave to it their lives To valor they gave new dimensions of courage To duty, its noblest fulfillment To posterity, the sacred heritage of honor. The park superintendent pointed to two objections, however: first to the use of righteous and second to here, since Southern soldiers bodies were mostly relocated after the battle. Mississippi Supreme Court Judge Thomas Brady, who collaborated on the inscription, wrote to the monument commission expressing his frustration over the objection to the righteous cause language. Even the Souths most bitter critics never questioned that the South felt that its cause was righteous, he noted. The South has had the most to forgive in this matter and the South has forgiven, Brady wrote. Let us hope that the North has done likewise. In late 1970, a new superintendent was put in place at Gettysburg. Mississippis commission asked him to revisit the righteous cause wording and expressed genuine pleasure that the new superintendent was a fellow Mississippian. The monument was dedicated in 1973, with the righteous cause language included in its inscription. The Mississippi state monument at Gettysburg today. Katrina Stack Finkelstein, CC BY-ND Unfinished work From the start, the policies for monuments at Gettysburg called for a commemorative landscape that would recall the actions of those who fought and died on the battlefield. In reality, several monuments scattered over the landscape perpetuate the Lost Cause myth, which argues that the Confederate states chief goal was simply to protect the sanctity of state rights whitewashing the atrocities of slavery and romanticizing the antebellum South. In recent decades, however, the park has begun to do more to emphasize slavery in its historical exhibits and descriptions. National Park management policy treats commemorative works as historic features reflecting the knowledge, attitudes, and tastes of the persons who designed and placed them. As a result, the monuments cannot be altered, relocated, obscured, or removed, even when they are deemed inaccurate or incompatible with prevailing present-day values. The Gettysburg website notes that legislation and compliance with federal laws would be required to move many monuments. When Lincoln traveled to Gettysburg, he called for Americans to dedicate themselves to the unfinished work of the Union dead, and to dedicate a portion of the battlefield to their memory. A century and a half later, however, the site also illustrates a messy postwar debate: the U.S.s struggle to reconcile sharply opposed understandings of the Civil War. This article has been updated to correct information about casualties at the Battle of Gettysburg. 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: Katrina Stack, University of Tennessee and Rebecca Sheehan, Oklahoma State University. Read more: Still from the movie Girl Away From Home "Girl Away from Home," a film directed by Denmarks Simon Lereng Wilmont and Ukraines Alisa Kovalenko, premiered at the International Documentary Film Festival (IDFA) in Amsterdam. Read also: Mavka: The Forest Song is Ukraine's most successful domestic and international release The film tells the story of a 13-year-old girl named Nastya who flees the war. A talented rhythmic gymnast from Kyiv, Nastya and her team won a competition just weeks before Russia launched its full-scale war against Ukraine. After the invasion, Nastya is forced to flee with her grandmother to Germany, where she must rebuild her life. This is Danish director Simon Lereng Wilmont's third documentary focusing on Ukrainian children, following "The Distant Barking of Dogs" (2017) and "A House Made of Splinters," which was nominated for the 2022 Academy Award for Best Documentary. Still from the movie Girl Away From Home Alisa Kovalenko is a Ukrainian documentary film director and member of the European Film Academy. She joined the Ukrainian Volunteer Army to defend her country in the face of Russian armed aggression. Her film "We Will Not Fade Away" premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival Berlinale in Feb. 2023. The film follows the incredible journey of five teenagers from the Donbas to the Himalayas. The IDFA program also premiered "In the Rearview " by Polish director Maciek Hamela, that focuses on the evacuation of Ukrainians from war-torn regions in 2022 Hanna Badzak and Oleksandr Makhalkovich's "Motherland," which captures the 2020 protests in Minsk; and Ukraine's Oscar nominee 20 Days in Mariupol by Mstyslav Chernov. 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 Dozens of drivers have had their Low Emission Zone (LEZ) penalty charges cancelled after a tribunal ruled Glasgow City Council made a "procedural error". The decision by the Transport Appeal Tribunal for Scotland said the LEZ fines could not be enforced as the council did not serve the fines using recorded or registered post. More than 20,000 LEZ fines were issued from the start of June to the end of September and 38 have so far been overturned as a result of the ruling. A spokesman for Glasgow City Council said: "These decisions do not create an obligation to refund penalties which have been paid. In a "key decision" on an appeal against an LEZ fine, the tribunal ruled that it was mandatory for any fixed penalty notice sent by post to be tracked. The first appeal decision was issued on 11 October and a further 37 appeals to the tribunal have been accepted so far on this basis. The city council said all LEZ penalty charge notices would now be sent by tracked delivery. A spokesman: "Our view is that those involved in these cases remain liable to pay their fines and we are appealing the decision in these cases to the Upper-Tier Tribunal." Glasgow City Council said its view is that all outstanding fines must still be paid So far, the council has made 478,560 from LEZ fines and the council said it is owed an outstanding 830,070. The number of fines currently unpaid for penalties issued from June to September is at 7,213. Since the LEZ's introduction on 1 June, more than 20,000 fines have been issued. This includes 27 fines on vehicles owned by the council itself, which the council said have to be paid for by the drivers. BBC Scotland News previously reported that in September, 89 vehicles received the maximum 960 fine, imposed when the same vehicle is penalised for the fifth time. Additionally, there were 83 drivers on their fourth offence in September, costing 480. Similar schemes are due to be introduced in Edinburgh, Dundee and Aberdeen next year. How do appeals work? Motorists who are fined must first appeal their penalty to the council. If the council denies their appeal, they can take their case to the Transport Appeal Tribunal for Scotland. If the transport tribunal denies their appeal, it can be appealed once more to the Scotland first-tier tribunal, and again to the Upper-tier tribunal. How do fines work? The owner of any non-compliant vehicle detected within the low emission zone will initially face a fine of 60. The penalty charge will then double with each subsequent breach, rising to a maximum of 480 for cars and light goods vehicles and 960 for buses and HGVs. Once that figure is reached, the maximum fine will be imposed for each day that the vehicle enters the zone. The rate is reset to 60 if there are no breaches for 90 days. The council said the size of the fine will only start to increase after the vehicle's registered keeper can be expected to have received the first penalty charge notice. Former President Donald Trump is gradually shaking off attempts to bar him from individual states' 2024 ballots under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, a constitutional clause which disqualifies people from running for office if they previously held office, swore an oath to the Constitution and then engaged in "insurrection or rebellion" against the U.S. Judges in Michigan and Minnesota over the past two weeks have ruled that Trump, the 2024 Republican primary front-runner, can be on the ballot in both states, dismissing lawsuits filed by citizens and watchdog organizations that claimed the former president should be barred because of his actions around the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol and efforts to reverse his 2020 election loss. Trump's team has rejected that argument, claiming it is undemocratic and a fringe theory. He has denied all wrongdoing related to Jan. 6. The remaining major lawsuit seeking to disqualify Trump under Section 3, in Colorado, could be decided by the end of the week. MORE: Historic hearings begin on whether 14th Amendment disqualifies Trump from running for president PHOTO: Former President Donald Trump attends the Trump Organization civil fraud trial, in New York State Supreme Court in New York City, October 25, 2023. (Dave Sanders/Reuters) Trump's challenge from six Republican and unaffiliated voters in Colorado, represented by the watchdog group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), will wrap up on Wednesday evening with closing arguments in Denver. No ruling is expected directly afterwards, but District Judge Sarah B. Wallace has said she would likely make a decision on the suit within 48 hours and definitely before Thanksgiving. Wallace uniformly ruled against a number of Trump and the Colorado Republican Party's motions to dismiss the lawsuit ahead of a historic five-day evidentiary hearing at the beginning of November. She also denied their motion for a directed verdict to dismiss the case on day two of the hearing, when they argued after the petitioners' slate of witnesses that Trump's speech on Jan. 6 before the attack did not disqualify him from candidacy due to the First Amendment. The Trump campaign on Wednesday issued a statement again calling for the case to be dismissed. MORE: Does Jan. 6 disqualify Trump from office? Historic 14th Amendment hearing continues PHOTO: Judge Sarah B. Wallace presides over a hearing for a lawsuit to keep former President Donald Trump off the state ballot in court, Nov. 1, 2023, in Denver. (Jack Dempsey, Pool/AP) At the evidentiary hearing, CREW brought in expert witnesses to discuss political extremism and testify about the phrase "insurrection" and the history and meaning of Section 3 of the 14th Amendment. CREW also called two police officers who were at the Capitol on Jan. 6 and California Rep. Eric Swalwell, a Democrat who was inside. Among the witnesses that Trump's attorneys called were former Trump administration official Kash Patel, former Trump campaign spokeswoman Katrina Pierson and another organizer of the event near the White House on the morning of Jan. 6 where Trump spoke to supporters before some of them marched to the Capitol. His attorneys also called retiring Rep. Ken Buck, a Colorado Republican who has spoken out against 2020 election denialism but also criticized the work of a House committee that investigated Jan. 6 -- efforts that were largely similar to CREW's new case. On Tuesday the Michigan Court of Claims dismissed two 14th Amendment lawsuits against Trump which challenged his eligibility to appear on the state's primary election ballot in 2024. A third lawsuit, which Trump's team filed, asked Judge James Robert Redford to declare that Michigan's Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, a Democrat, does not have the authority to determine whether a candidate can be disqualified from the state's primary ballot. Redford granted that request on Tuesday, finding that it was Congress' role, not the judicial branch, to decide on the matters of Trump's eligibility. MORE: Enter headline of content here The judge also ruled that under state law, he did not have the power to order election officials to examine Trump's eligibility based on the 14th Amendment. Free Speech For People (FSFP), one of the groups behind the 14th Amendment challenges, argued one of the cases against Trump in Michigan. The group told ABC News in a statement that they will file an immediate appeal to the Michigan Court of Appeals and will ask the Michigan Supreme Court to take up their case directly. Activist Robert Davis, who filed the second lawsuit in Michigan, has also said he plans to file an emergency stay to pause the lower court ruling. Experts have said that an appeal for any of these disqualification cases could make its way up to the U.S. Supreme Court. PHOTO: Jocelyn Benson, Michigan secretary of state, testifies as the Senate Judiciary Committee hears from Justice Department officials about the rise in threats toward elected leaders and election workers, Aug. 3, 2022, at the Capitol in Washington. (J. Scott Applewhite/AP) The orders in Michigan follow a ruling from the Minnesota Supreme Court on another FSFP lawsuit last week that found Trump is allowed to remain on the state's primary ballot but did not rule on the petitioners' constitutional argument that Trump's actions ahead of Jan. 6 amounted to him "engaging in insurrection." The Minnesota order also did not stop the challengers from "bringing a petition raising their claims" as it relates to the general election rather than just the Republican primary. FSFP has not made clear if they will file an appeal in Minnesota. The former president's campaign responded to the dismissals out of Michigan and Minnesota, claiming the courts' rulings validated their arguments that Section 3 of the 14th Amendment is being used to interfere with the election. "Each and every one of these ridiculous cases have LOST because they are all un-Constitutional left-wing fantasies seeking to turn the election over to the courts and deny the American people the right to choose their next president," Trump spokesman Steven Cheung said. "While the Trump Campaign welcomes these dismissals in Michigan and anticipates the future dismissals of the other 14th Amendment cases, we are most focused on once again winning the great state of Michigan and the re-election of President Trump next year," he continued. While Trump won Michigan in 2016, over Hillary Clinton, he narrowly lost it to Joe Biden in 2020. ABC News' Hannah Demissie contributed to this report. 14th Amendment challenges to Trump's campaign fail in 2 states with Colorado case pending originally appeared on abcnews.go.com From the The Morning Dispatch on The Dispatch Happy Friday! Were not saying were to thank for Chinas announcement that more pandas may be sent to the U.S. as envoys of friendship, but were not not saying it, either. Quick Hits: Todays Top Stories Legally Biden Hunter Biden, son of U.S. President Joe Biden, departs the J. Caleb Boggs Federal Building and United States Courthouse on July 26, 2023 in Wilmington, Delaware. (Photo by Mark Makela/Getty Images) Over the summer, things were looking up for Hunter Biden. The presidents son seemed set to finally iron out a federal investigation that had dogged him for yearsreaching a plea deal with prosecutors that included no jail time and appeared to preclude any future federal charges related to the Justice Department probe. The younger Biden had even begun to take on a more public role alongside his father in the months leading up to the deal. For the White House, this represented a tidy resolution to a saga that Republicans had continually used to criticize the president. Then it all fell apart. The plea deal exploded in dramatic fashion, and prosecutors have since indicted Biden again on federal gun charges while the Justice Department probe into his conduct remains ongoing. Hunters case is heating up again as his legal team goes on the offensive, setting the stage for a high-profile court battle in the middle of his fathers 2024 reelection campaign. How did things go south so quickly? As we wrote this summer, Bidens plea deal collapsed in Delaware federal court under questions from the judge: U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreikanominated by former President Donald Trump in late 2017questioned the diversion agreements constitutionality and discovered the two parties didnt actually see eye to eye on a key provision of the proposed agreement: how much immunity it would grant Biden from further charges. In response to questions from Noreika, prosecutors acknowledged that their investigation into the younger Biden remains ongoing and he could theoretically still face charges under the Foreign Agents Registration Act. This was news to the defense, which apparently believed the agreement foreclosed most further charges. Plea agreement documents obtained by Politico last night appear to support the Biden teams interpretation of the deal. When the prosecution disputed this understanding of the deal, Biden attorney Chris Clark declared the bargain null and void. The prosecutorsled by David Weiss, a U.S. attorney appointed during the Trump administrationand Bidens lawyers tried to salvage the deal with a new bargain that limited Bidens immunity to tax, drug use, and gun possession offenses from 2014 to 2019, and left open the possibility of foreign agent charges. But Noreika still had lingering questions about the constitutionality of resolving the gun charge through a pretrial diversion program. Within two weeks, prosecutors filed a motion signaling the death knell for the deal: The parties are at an impasse and are not in agreement on either a plea agreement or a diversion agreement, the motion read. Prosecutors charged Biden again in September with three felonies related to his purchase of a firearm while abusing drugs, to which he pleaded not guilty last month. With cooperation with the government off the table, at least for now, Bidens lawyers have started hitting back. His legal team, led by Abbe Lowell, requested on Wednesday the judge approve subpoenas for former President Donald Trump and former Attorney General Bill Barr, and two high-ranking Justice Department officials who served under Barr, Jeffrey Rosen and Richard Donoghue. Lowell argued the public comments made by Trump and some of these officials suggested the original investigation into Biden, which began in 2018, was politically motivated. If approved, the subpoenas would seek documents and correspondence about how the investigation began and the decision-making process regarding the charges eventually brought against Biden. The case, Lowell argued, is possibly a vindictive or selective prosecution arising from an unrelenting pressure campaign beginning in the last administration. The motion cited public evidence, including posts from Trump during and after his presidency calling for law enforcement to go after Biden and a passage in Barrs 2022 memoir that described a conversation with the former president in which Trump asked Barr about Hunter Bidenand ended with Barr saying, Dammit, Mr. President, I am not going to talk to you about Hunter Biden. Period. Lowell also referred to Donoghues notes from a phone call with Trump and Rosen, when Rosen was acting attorney general in December 2020. You figure out what to do [with] H. Bidenpeople will criticize the DOJ if hes not investigated for real, the notes recounted Trump saying. The partisan influence didnt stop there, according to Lowells telling. He argued a pressure campaign led by Republican lawmakers and Trump against the original plea agreement, once public, was what really sunk the deal. That outside pressure culminated in special counsel Weisss then changing course and bringing this indictment, Lowell wrote in the filing. Some legal analysts are skeptical that such arguments will succeed as a defense against the gun charges Hunter faces. I dont think frankly the motion has the right focus, Ken White, a criminal defense attorney and former federal prosecutor, told TMD. Hes really talking about doing selective prosecution discovery, and theres a specific body of law for when youre allowed to do that. He doesnt really engage it. The defense, White continued, would have to show some evidence that similarly situated people are not prosecuted and that theres proof that an impermissible reason is motivating the prosecution. But winning the narrow claim in court might not be Bidens ultimate legal strategy, and since September his team has filed a flurry of civil suits. He brought a civil suit against Rudy Giuliani and Guilanis former attorney, Robert Costello, for allegedly accessing and tampering with data stolen from Bidens devicespresumably a reference to the infamous laptop discovered in a Delaware repair shop in 2020. He filed a similar suit against former Trump White House aide Garrett Ziegler. He also sued the two Internal Revenue Service whistleblowersGary Shapley and Joe Zieglerwho in July alleged political misconduct in the handling of the Justice Department probe, amounting to what Biden alleges was an illegal dissemination of his tax information. And just last week, Biden sued former Overstock CEO Patrick Byrne (a Trump ally who was involved in efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election) for defamation related to his claims that Hunter asked his father to unfreeze Iranian funds in exchange for a bribe. The suits and requested subpoenas amount to a full-court press. Its pretty clear that hes suing all these people for defamation and other stuff, not so much to get money, but really for vehicles for discovery, White said. He can build up information about who was saying what, who was doing what within the Trump administration with an ultimate goal of having that ready to use in his defense if Trump gets reelected and goes after them the way hes been threatening too. Bidens lawyers also argued that part of the original plea agreementthe pre-trial diversion program for the gun chargeis still binding. You can expect Hunters team to drop a lot of motions here premised on the idea that there was a deal and the government improperly backed out of it, White told TMD. All the law in this area is always biased wildly for the government, but the circumstances of the deal falling apart are a mess. So I think theyre going to be able to make plausible arguments that are going to get them a hearing. Hearings on additional motions could complicate the case and prolong the trial process for months. Meanwhile, Republican lawmakers are still scrutinizing special counsel Weiss handling of the case and hunting for evidence of political pressure influencing charging decisions. As part of the House impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden, Weiss sat down earlier this month for a voluntary interview with investigators from the House Judiciary Committee, including Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio. He declined to answer many of the interviewers questions, citing Justice Department policy of not commenting on specifics in an ongoing case, but promised that some of them would be addressed in his final report after the close of the case. He did, however, directly deny some of the claims from IRS whistleblowers, including Shapleys allegation that, during an October 2022 meeting, Weiss said he wasnt the ultimate decision maker on whether to indict Hunter. Its not what I said, Weiss told lawmakers, nor is it what I believed. He also pushed back against whistleblower claims that the Justice Department (aka Main Justice) rejected his request for special counsel status. Weiss said that he raised the idea of special attorney status, a different designation than special counsel, with the department in early 2022. I had a conversation with Main Justice about following the process, he said. No one ever saidno one ever deniedmy authority. And I didnt request special counsel authority. Weiss asserted he was never denied any integral authority in the case, while the whistleblowers and Republican critics like Jordan believe the fact that Weiss wasnt granted special attorney status earlier proves there was undue interference. In August, Attorney General Merrick Garland granted Weiss special counsel status after he requested it following the collapse of the plea deal. At least so far, the House GOP impeachment inquiry has come up short in producing a smoking gun showing President Biden engaged in criminal conduct related to his sons overseas business. But Republicans have uncovered evidence of plenty of sleazy activityincluding Hunter Biden trading off the cachet of the family namethat contradicts many of the blanket denials of wrongdoing the elder Biden made during and after his 2020 campaign. Republican investigators issued subpoenas earlier this month for both Hunter Biden and Joe Bidens brother James, as well as several of Hunters business associates, to appear for depositions. (The committee also requested transcribed interviews from additional Biden family members and associates.) The Oversight Committee is entering the deposition phase of this investigation and looks forward to hearing from key witnesses who played important roles in the Biden familys influence peddling schemes, House Oversight Chair James Comer said in a statement shared with TMD. Jordan said Sunday he believes the House will decide on whether to pursue articles of impeachment early next year after hearing the depositions and interviews. It remains to be seen whether House investigators will uncover evidence of criminal wrongdoingbut what is certain is that both Hunter Bidens legal strategy and Republicans will keep the Biden family in the news as the president campaigns against an opponent facing his own legal woes. Worth Your Time Following a spate of high-profile derailments, a team of ProPublica reportersTopher Sanders, Jessica Lussenhop, Dan Schwartz, Danelle Morton, and Gabriel Sandovalexamined the questionable safety record of the railroad transportation industry. If the public thinks of Americas sprawling freight rail network at all, it typically does so when a train derails, unleashing flaming cars and noxious smoke on a community as it did this year in East Palestine, Ohio, they wrote. The rail industry usually responds by vowing fixes and defending its overall record, which includes a steady decrease in major accidents. But a ProPublica investigation has found that those statistics present a knowingly incomplete picture of rail safety. They dont count the often-harrowing near misses, the trains that break apart, slip off the tracks or roll away from their crews with no one aboardthe accumulation of incidents that portend deeper safety risks. The government trusts the rail companies to fix the underlying problems on their own, to heed the warnings of workers like Bradley Haynes of loose hoses that could impair brakes or rotting tracks that could cause derailments. Unless those mishaps result in major injuries or costly damage, the companies dont have to report them to anyone. But as railroads strive to move their cargo faster, that honor system, ProPublica found, is being exploited. To squeeze the most money out of every minute, the companies are going to dangerous lengths to avoid disruptionseven those for safety repairs. They use performance-pay systems that effectively penalize supervisors for taking the time to fix hazards and that pressure them to quash dissent, threatening and firing the very workers they hired to keep their operations safe. As a result, trains with known problems are rolling from yard to yard like ticking time bombs, getting passed down the line for the next crew to defuseor defer. Presented Without Comment NBC News: TikTok Removes Hashtag for Osama bin Ladens Letter to America After Viral Videos Circulate Also Presented Without Comment Axios: IBM Suspends Advertising on Elon Musks X After Their Ads Appear Next to Nazi Content Also Also Presented Without Comment Business Insider: George Santos Spent Campaign Funds on OnlyFans, Botox, and Hermes, Ethics Report Finds Toeing the Company Line Alex fact checked Vivek Ramaswamys many accusations against Ukraine during the most recent GOP debate. In the newsletters: Sarah and Mike explored what would happen if Trump is on trial in Georgia in January 2025 while Nick lamented () the growing levels of antisemitism on both sides of the political aisle. On the podcasts: Sarah was joined by Jonah and Mike on The Dispatch Podcast to discuss Osama bin Ladens 9/11 manifesto going viral, the Biden-Xi meeting, and the relative benefits of power tools. On the site: Kevin weighs in on the feud between Pope Francis and a bishop in Texas, while Frederick Hess and Matthew Levey argue that lackluster K-12 civics education contributed to the Hamasification of campuses. Let Us Know If you were a lawyer (or if you are a lawyer), would you rather be representing Hunter Biden or Donald Trump? 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. An employee of a Rome, Ga. Goodwill was arrested Tuesday for threatening his boss and a coworker, smashing objects in the store and fighting with police officers. A Rome police affidavit did not say why officers were initially called, or what led up to the moments when Roshawn Taquan Baird became aggressive. When officers arrived, Baird knowingly and willfully refused to speak with them until he was questioned. Thats when he became violent and pushed one of the officers, then proceeded to pull away, pushing the other officer. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] TRENDING STORIES: Officers said in their report that Baird also broke a television and other objects at the Goodwill by throwing them on the floor and threatened his manager and another employee, saying he would [expletive] them up. Baird then allegedly tried to grab an officers vest as if he was trying to remove their equipment, police said. He was charged with felony obstruction of law enforcement, criminal trespass and making terroristic threats. Bond has not been set, jail records show. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: A GOP New York City council member was cleared on Friday of a criminal gun possession charge after a weapon she was carrying at a pro-Palestine rally in Brooklyn College was deemed inoperable, a spokesperson for the Brooklyn District Attorneys office said. Councilwoman Inna Vernikov was captured on social media with the handgun while she was counterprotesting to help Jewish students feel safe. According to New York law, licensed gun owners are banned from carrying firearms to sensitive locations like schools and protests. But the NYPD didnt arrest Vernikov, instead taking the gun when she voluntarily turned herself in the next day. During an inspection weeks later, officers discovered that the weapons recoil spring assembly was missing. The same state law says that for prosecutors to prove charges, the firearm must be operable. It led to an outcry from critics with fellow council member Chi Osse arguing that because police didnt take Vernikov into custody at the protest, she could tamper with the evidence by removing the spring from the gun. The NYPD did not respond to a request for comment by The City on Friday. My statement on the Brooklyn DAs decision to drop the charges against Council Member @InnaVernikov. Full below (1/7) pic.twitter.com/EjnZRbvBI8 Chi Osse (@OsseChi) November 17, 2023 Read it at The City Read more at The Daily Beast. Flash Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka in San Francisco, the United States, Nov. 16, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua] Chinese President Xi Jinping said in San Francisco on Thursday that China has developed relations with Pacific island countries in a candid manner, without selfish motives or targeting any third party. Xi made the remarks during his meeting with Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, stressing that China's policy on Pacific island countries fully respects their sovereignty and independence, and does not attach political conditions or make empty promises. As developing countries, China and Pacific island countries should strengthen mutual assistance within the framework of South-South cooperation, he noted. Xi pointed out that Fiji is the first Pacific island country to establish diplomatic relations with China, adding that a few days ago, the two countries celebrated the 48th anniversary of their diplomatic ties. Calling Fiji China's good friend and good partner, Xi said China supports Fiji in choosing its own development path and realizing national development and revitalization. China is ready to work with Fiji to consolidate political mutual trust, expand practical cooperation, and deepen people-to-people exchanges, so as to push for the continuous development of China-Fiji comprehensive strategic partnership, he added. Noting that the one-China principle is the political foundation for the sound and stable development of bilateral ties, Xi said he hopes Fiji will continue to firmly support China on issues concerning its core interests and major concerns. China will, as always, support Fiji in safeguarding national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, he said. China stands ready to join hands with Fiji to strengthen Belt and Road cooperation, implement the Global Development Initiative and promote cooperation in such fields as infrastructure, agriculture, forestry and fishery and new energy, so as to help promote Fiji's economic and social development, Xi said, adding that China is willing to import more Fijian specialty products, support Chinese enterprises to invest in Fiji and encourage more tourists to visit Fiji. For his part, Rabuka said bilateral relations have maintained strong development since the establishment of diplomatic ties, and expressed Fiji's deep gratitude for China's abundant assistance to Fiji and other Pacific island countries. Noting that Fiji holds fast to the one-China principle, he said the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative proposed by Xi are conducive to safeguarding and facilitating the development and interests of countries in the Global South. Fiji looks forward to deepening cooperation with China and helping Fiji choose and follow the path to modernization, he added. Rabuka also said China is a great country that always upholds the equality of all countries, big or small, and Fiji admires Xi's global leadership. The prime minister said he believes that in the future, China will play an increasingly important role in international affairs, and Fiji-China relations will get better and better. Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka in San Francisco, the United States, Nov. 16, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua] A Houston man who said he "has been to jail a million times" became a hero when he helped pull a wounded police officer to safety during a highway shootout with a carjacking suspect. John Lally found himself caught in the crossfire of a shootout after police chased a carjacking suspect on U.S. 59 in Houston's West Loop on Saturday. He began shooting a video on his phone and sprang into action when Officer John Gibson was wounded. Lally's video, which he shared with USA TODAY on Thursday, captured how he pulled Gibson to safety even as the bullets flew. "I got you! Come on!" Lally yelled as he helped Gibson. "You're OK, bro!" 'I did what I had to do': Man rescues stranger after stabbing incident Good Samaritan and former convict thought he was being pulled over John Lally of Houston is pictured. In an interview with USA TODAY on Thursday, Lally said he didn't know there was a chase happening and thought he was being pulled over when he saw the sirens. Then he witnessed a car crash, which he later found out was the carjacking suspect hitting other vehicles. "When I saw the car crash happen, I thought I was going to take somebody out of one of the cars," Lally said. "It was like an explosion because there was so much noise and vehicles involved. I thought that was going to be the extent of it." Lally said that he started recording the incident so that he could show his boss why he was running late. The video shows how Lally pulled Gibson out of the chaos after the officer was shot. Gibson yells in pain as Lally repeatedly tells him he's going to be OK. "I'm still here with you buddy, you hear me?" "I've been to jail a million times, man, and I love cops, too, bro." Police: 'Good Samaritan' hospitalized after intervening on attack against 64-year-old woman John Lally is recognized for his heroism Houston police Chief Troy Finner speaks at a press conference on Nov. 6, 2021 in Houston. During a press conference the day of the shooting, Houston police Chief Troy Finner said he wanted to celebrate Lally's heroism and that of other citizens who helped. People make mistakes," he said of Lally's past brushes with the law. "But a truly reformed individual is a person that we can use. He stepped up and other citizens stepped up, and I dont want that to get lost." Lally told USA TODAY what he was thinking when he decided to help Gibson. "As soon as I saw him get shot, I could immediately feel his pain," he said, adding that he knew he needed to keep the wounded officer alert, having been shot in the leg himself. Lally pointed to time spent behind bars and working in the service industry for his ability to remain calm in the situation. "I've been through too many things to let (the moment) affect me," he said. Houston police Officer John Gibson is pictured shortly after being dragged to safety by a citizen named John Lally following a shootout with a carjacking suspect on Nov. 11, 2023. Lally said he has since spoken with Gibson's family but not Gibson himself, though he is open to that when the time is right. "He's going through a healing moment," Lally said. "He needs to worry about that. There's going to be plenty of time to worry about interacting at some point." During the press conference the night of the shooting Finner said that the department would formally recognize Lally's heroism. The suspect was was shot multiple times and died. Gibson is expected to make a full recovery. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Watch: Former inmate pulls Houston officer to safety during shootout Convicted criminals in New York will now have their records sealed after Gov. Kathy Hochul signed into law the "Clean State Act" on Thursday. The controversial proposal would seal old criminal records as long as the perpetrators remain out of trouble for a certain number of years. Under the new law in New York, a person's felony records would be sealed eight years after conviction or release from prison; three years for a misdemeanor. Sex crimes and most Class A felonies, such as kidnapping or terrorism, will not be eligible for the program. The bill excludes class A felonies for drug possession. FORMER NY GOVERNOR KNOCKS STATE'S CLEAN SLATE BILL THAT SEALS CRIMINAL RECORDS: ONLY WORKS IN THEORY New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed the Clean Slate Act (S.7551A/A.1029C), which allows certain criminal records to be sealed years after an individual is sentenced or released from incarceration if that individual is not subsequently convicted of an additional criminal act. During the signing of the controversial law, Gov. Hochul hailed the program for its potential to fight rising crime. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP "The best crime-fighting tool is a good-paying job," Hochul said at the Brooklyn Museum on Thursday morning. "Thats why I support giving New Yorkers a clean slate after theyve paid their debt to society and gone years without an additional offense." Melinda Agnew with the Center for Community Alternative said that the legislation will change lives. "Twenty-six years after successfully completing my sentence, despite all that I have accomplished, I continue to have doors closed in my face," said Agnew. Under the legislation, a person's felony records will be sealed eight years after conviction or release from prison, and three years for a misdemeanor. The law, which will go into effect in one year, will still allow law enforcement, prosecutors, the Education Department, the courts and others to have access to perpetrators' records. HOCHUL SAYS NEW YORK TO INVEST IN 3 OFFSHORE WIND PROJECTS "I negotiated a compromise that protects public safety and boosts economic opportunity, and the final Clean Slate Law will help New Yorkers access jobs and housing while allowing police, prosecutors and school officials to protect their communities," Hochul said. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed the Clean Slate Act (S.7551A/A.1029C), which allows certain criminal records to be sealed years after an individual is sentenced or released from incarceration if that individual is not subsequently convicted of an additional criminal act. The governor said that the law hopes to address the worker shortage plaguing New York. "And as our state faces a worker shortage, with more than 450,000 job openings right now, this new law will help businesses find more workers who will help them grow, expand and thrive," Hochul said. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed the Clean Slate Act (S.7551A/A.1029C), which allows certain criminal records to be sealed years after an individual is sentenced or released from incarceration if that individual is not subsequently convicted of an additional criminal act. The bill was passed by state lawmakers last June on a party-line vote. Former New York Democratic Gov. David Paterson has denounced the law, saying that that while he thinks the "intent" was positive, he believes the measure is misguided. "In theory, it works. But one of the problems we have in the state right now is you have people getting arrested 40, 50, 60 times. When that kind of thing happens, there can never be a clean slate because they were never more than six months away from their previous conviction," he said on the WABC 770 AM radio show "Cats Roundtable" in June. Gov. Hochul's office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment. Yael Halon contributed to this report. Original article source: Gov Kathy Hochul signs 'Clean Slate' law, sealing criminal records of previously convicted New Yorkers OAKLAND, Calif. - California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced on Thursday he has appointed Cephus "Uncle Bobby" Johnson, the uncle of Oscar Grant, to a police accountability board. Newsom's announcement came in a press release. In it, he said Johnson, a San Jose Democrat, was appointed to the Peace Officer Standards Accountability Advisory Board. The nine-member board was created by the state Senate and signed into law by the governor in 2021. Johnson makes up one of two of the board's members from the public. The other members are comprised of police or former police officers of various rankings and levels of experience. One of the criteria for a member of the public to be appointed is that they have substantial experience working with community-based organizations on issues related to police accountability. Newsom notes that Johnson has been a co-founder of the Love Not Blood Campaign since 2014. He is also a member of the affiliated group, Families United 4 Justice Fathers Network. In addition, Johnson has served in the military. Grant, Johnson's nephew, was shot and killed on the Fruitvale BART station platform in Oakland by a BART police officer in a high-profile incident that was caught on camera New Year's Day 2009. Cephus "Uncle Bobby" Johnson from a 2019 KTVU interview. The police officer who shot and killed Grant, Johannes Mehserle, said he mistakenly grabbed his gun instead of his Taser. He shot Grant while he was handcuffed and in a prone position face down on the platform. It was another officer who had restrained Grant before Mehserle fatally shot him. In 2010, Mehserle was charged with murder. However, a jury convicted him of involuntary manslaughter. He served half of his two-year prison sentence after receiving credit for good conduct in jail. Cephus "Uncle Bobby" Johnson, Oscar Grants uncle. Oct. 5, 2020 An internal investigation by BART, later found that Mehserle had an unusually high number of excessive force complaints prior to shooting Grant, who was unarmed and 22-years-old at the time of his death. SEE ALSO: 20 California police officers facing possible decertification In 2020, the Alameda County District Attorney's Office, then led by Nancy O'Malley, reopened the case of Grant's shooting death after the family urged her to do so. At the time, legal experts doubted much would come from reopening the case. BART had previously reached a $1.3 million settlement with Grant's mother, Wanda Johnson over this case. Last year, Oakland City Councilmembers dedicated Feb. 27, Grant's birthday, as Oscar Grant Day in his honor. A mural honoring Grant was unveiled at Fruitvale BART station in 2019. A popular 2013 film depicting these events, Fruitvale Station, was directed by Oakland native Ryan Coogler. LITTLE ROCK, Ark. Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders along with members of the state legislature is calling on the Arkansas Board of Corrections to expand prison space. Sanders held a press conference Friday morning calling on the board to convene an emergency meeting without delay to approve 500 additional prison beds. This announcement comes after the governor said the board denied Sec. Joe Profiris request to open the prison beds last week. Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders signs Safer Stronger Arkansas prison, funding and sentencing acts The governor said that Arkansas had weak penalties for violent criminals and overcapacity issues with the state prisons. She claims that there are currently 16,000 available prison beds compared to 18,000 criminals that need to be incarcerated. Earlier this year, Sanders signed legislation to build a new 3,000-bed prison. Sanders said that Profiri has worked to open 1,000 new prison beds, but the board of corrections is now declining to approve additional beds. Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders announces $400M+ Arkansas criminal justice legislative package Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin also backed Sanders saying that the actions of the board make Arkansans all around the state less safe. A spokesperson with the Department of Corrections said that the board only approved 130 of the requested prison beds. The DOC also noted that the vacancy rate for correctional officers has fallen 17.2%, but theres still a need for more than 900 prison staff. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) Demonstrators gathered in downtown Grand Rapids Thursday night to show their support for the people kidnapped by militant group Hamas in the wake of its attack on Israel. Multiple people who support Israel spoke out at Thursdays demonstration at Rosa Parks Circle. Yellow balloons and photos of children, teenagers and adults were put on display. Organizers said the people on the posters are those who have been kidnapped and held hostage by Hamas. You have 3-year-olds, babies, you have young men, grandmas and so, its all the people Hamas took as hostages into Gaza, and that theyre still holding, as the war continues, said Jennifer Franson, a protester at the rally. At a rally in downtown Grand Rapids, photos of hostages being held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip are posted on chairs. (Nov. 16, 2023) People gather in downtown Grand Rapids for a rally in support of the hostages being held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip. (Nov. 16, 2023) People gather in downtown Grand Rapids for a rally in support of the hostages being held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip. (Nov. 16, 2023) People gather in downtown Grand Rapids for a rally in support of the hostages being held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip. (Nov. 16, 2023) In early October, Hamas attacked Israel, which responded in force. Around 240 people are being held hostage by Hamas in the Gaza Strip, the Associated Press reports. The violence has sparked marches by pro-Israel and pro-Palestine groups all over the world. On Tuesday, tens of thousands of demonstrators marched on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. to show their support for Israelis. According to people at Thursday nights Grand Rapids rally, the main message wasnt whether someone was pro-Palestine or pro-Israel, but rather about the unrest thats taking place in both countries. If this makes me look pro-Israel, that doesnt mean I am anti-Palestinian. Im pro-people. If we dont stand up to terrible things thats happened, that started this, if we think thats OK, for any reason, if that is ever justified, then its only a matter of time before somebody uses that on us, Franson said. I dont think this is just a one-people issue, Franson added. To talk about the hostages, really focuses on the humanitarian effort of any group, that we value life, and that doesnt matter what side. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) An Oregon man was arrested on Oct. 31 for allegedly poaching a deer in the Lincoln City area two days earlier. Lt. Jeffrey Winn with the Lincoln City Police Department said that an officer found the dead deer on Oct. 28 while responding to a shots being fired 911 call near the intersection of Kirtsis Park and 22nd Street at approximately 10:45 p.m. Arriving at the scene, the officer allegedly found a freshly deceased deer lying outside a vehicle driven by 21-year-old Randall Brooks III of Grand Ronde. Ronde allegedly denied killing the deer and was allowed to leave the scene. However, police say that a more thorough investigation revealed that Brooks shot the deer to death. After Brooks departed, a more thorough inspection of the deceased deer was completed and during that inspection, some small caliber bullet wounds were located on the animal, Winn said. Officers then canvassed the park and located evidence that directly implicated Brooks to the killing of the deer. Cause of MAX, Streetcar significant crash remains under investigation, drivers placed on leave Grand Ronde Tribal Police served a search warrant on Brooks vehicle during the investigation where they allegedly found a 9-mm handgun and other evidence linking Brooks to the crime. Brooks was arrested and booked into the Lincoln County Jail for poaching and the unlawful use of a weapon. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. Interview with Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis following his visit to Ramallah By Renee Maltezou ATHENS (Reuters) - Talks on opening a humanitarian aid corridor into north Gaza could yield results soon, Greece's foreign minister George Gerapetritis said on Friday, a day after meeting his Israeli and Palestinian counterparts. Greece has repeatedly condemned the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas militants against Israel and believes its historical ties with the Arab world give it credibility as an honest broker. "I am in constant communication with both parties and I am relatively optimistic that we could have some positive results soon," said the minister, who met Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki in Ramallah and Israeli counterpart Eli Cohen in Jerusalem on Thursday. With world powers anxious to coordinate help for Palestinians in Gaza during Israel's bombardment and siege, Gerapetritis said he believed Israel was considering allowing increased aid and was keen to hear all possible options. Cyprus has made a proposal, which Greece endorses, to open a maritime corridor to expand capacity for relief into the Palestinian enclave beyond the Rafah crossing from Egypt. Another alternative is via a port in Israel then a northern entry point into Gaza, Gerapetritis said. "The fastest way is the best way," he added, stressing that a humanitarian pause in fighting was essential. Israel's right to self-defence was respected but must conform to international law and humanitarian values, Gerapetritis added, while the Palestinian people should be clearly differentiated from Hamas. "We cannot put up with the situation in Gaza," he said. "It's the humanitarian moral values that we have to embrace, all of us, and we have to do it immediately." After the war, he said, governance of Gaza must be "highly legitimized" and opposed to terrorism. Asked about a possible influx of refugees, he said Greece was prepared, referring to a recent asylum pact agreed between European Union states, and would be willing to receive injured people. Handling migration flows has been a tough task for Greece, an EU border, which received more than a million migrants and refugees in 2015-2016 who reached its shores from Turkey. Greece and Turkey, historic rivals while also NATO allies, will discuss the issue in a summit in Athens next month, which is expected to yield some agreements. With Turkey labelling Israel a terror state, the Gaza conflict is another issue differentiating the two neighbours, but this should not hinder dialogue, Gerapetritis said. "This should not prohibit us from discussing our problems and to setting forth in the agenda some win-win projects," he said. (Reporting by Renee Maltezou; Editing by Andrew Cawthorne) ATHENS (Reuters) - Thousands of Greeks marched peacefully through the streets of Athens on Friday to mark the 50th anniversary of a violently quashed student uprising in 1973 that helped topple the then- military junta. More than 25,000 people participated in the demonstration, which often becomes a focal point for protests against government policies and over ongoing conflicts. It was one of the biggest turnouts in recent years. Hundreds of police guarded the march to the Embassy of the United States, which provided tacit support to a seven-year military dictatorship that collapsed in 1974. Demonstrators held banners reading "Resistance for ever!", others waved Palestinian flags. Groups of them later marched to the Israeli embassy. There was tension between police and protesters in a similar march in the northern city of Thessaloniki. The junta unravelled in 1974, amid a public outcry over a coup they instigated in Cyprus, triggering Turkey's invasion of the island just days later. (Reporting by Renee Maltezou; Editing by Toby Chopra) GREEN SPRINGS - Three seniors on the American Legion Post 295 Marksmanship Team in Green Springs have signed with Division I colleges. Claudia Muzik will join the team at the University of Mississippi, Blaine Simpson will head to the Ohio State University, and Braden Michalak will announce his choice soon. The team is coached by Claudias father, Matthew Muzik. Claudia Muzik signed for Ole Miss on Nov. 11. Signing day for Muzik draws crowd in Green Springs Dozens of people descended on the American Legion on Nov. 11 for Claudias signing party, where she announced her decision to shoot for Ole Miss. She had narrowed her decision down to four choices: Ole Miss, Air Force, West Point and OSU. The crowd tore open packets of colored powder and showered her in Ole Miss red and blue, publicly revealing her decision. Claudia officially signed for Ole Miss at the party. Claudia won multiple marksmanship awards, including Jr. Olympic medals, during her 11 years of shooting. Before signing, she expressed gratitude to the many people who supported her air rifle career and helped her achieve her dream of shooting for an NCAA rifle team as a D1 athlete. Her first words of thankfulness were directed to her parents, Matthew and Alana Muzik. Claudia Muzik prepares to be doused with red and blue powder at American Legion Post 295 in Green Springs on Nov. 11 as she announces her decision to join the Ole Miss rifle team as a D1 athlete. 'I wouldn't be here' without father's help I want to thank my dad for getting me into the sport and pushing me to be myself, as I wouldnt be here if it wasnt for him. I also want to thank my mom for always helping me balance my shooting life with school and social aspects, Claudia said. Thank you to my family for being my number one supporters and always believing in me. Claudia said multiple Clyde-Green Springs School District teachers and principals supported her throughout her childhood. Thank you to the Clyde-Green Springs community and schools for helping me throughout the past 11 years, she said. Claudia Muziks dozens of marksmanship medals were displayed at her signing party. Shooting team used barn to practice in early on Claudia said she shot air rifle in her parents garage for a time before Seneca County Commissioner Bill Frankart opened his barn to the team. She thanked Frankart for generously allowing the team to use the space for practice until they made American Legion Post 295 their official training site. I want to thank the Legion for giving us this amazing place to shoot and for allowing us to grow the shooting community. I know that a lot of the members didnt know about the sport beforehand, but I thank you for taking the time to learn and to love the sport, she said. Thank you to the American Legion Post 295 team for giving me a family and being some of the closest people in my life who are always there to uplift each other. Claudia said she struggled to decide where to spend the next four years, and her decision was made in the last five minutes before she called Ole Miss. Claudia Muzik thanked the many people in the Clyde-Green Springs community who supported her dreams, including her parents, Matthew and Alana Muzik. Shown here are, from left, Matthew, Claudia, her sister Delilah, and Alana Muzik. All of my visits were amazing, and thats why it made my decision hard, she said. Claudia said her decision circled back to her longtime dreams of being a D1 athlete and winning a spot on the Olympic team. Ole Miss fulfills one dream and creates her best shot for the other. Ole Miss gives me the best opportunity to do that, she said. Contact correspondent Sheri Trusty at sheritrusty4@gmail.com. This article originally appeared on Fremont News-Messenger: Claudia Muzik's marksmanship earns D1, NCAA scholarship to Ole Miss Do you think the local dogcatcher should have the power to detain and deport people? Thats exactly what Texas wants to allow under legislation passed Tuesday. At Gov. Greg Abbotts direction, lawmakers introduced new legislation giving peace officers from the chief of the state police all the way down to the local fire marshal the unbridled power to apprehend and arrest people on the mere assumption of their immigration status. The bills then allow for magistrate judges to decide whether to deport immigrants. Lets just say it out loud: Once Abbott signs this into law, it will be open season on Black and brown people in Texas because most immigrants coming to the United States through the southern border are from Central and South America and the Caribbean islands. Any Black or brown person in Texas could be stopped, questioned and arrested, just because of the color of their skin. Operation Lone Star wasteful and dangerous This is Abbotts fourth attempt at passing the legislation and a $1.5 billion border wall funding bill. It now joins on the governors desk a carelessly crafted legislation that could saddle citizens with 10-year prison sentences for "smuggling" merely for driving their cousins or neighbors to the store or to the doctor. Dont listen to those who say these measures are only intended to keep migrants from entering Texas. We need to call these new laws what they are: craven attempts to expand the unwieldy, wasteful and dangerous Operation Lone Star. Since 2021, Abbotts border regime has terrorized migrants, property owners and communities alike up and down the southern border. Venezuelans cross the Rio Grande from Mexico on Sept. 27, 2023, into Eagle Pass, Texas. In the past year alone, at least two people have died crossing the Rio Grande near the governors razor wire and water buoys, and a whistleblower from Abbotts own state police force came forward about vile directives to push migrants back into the river and withhold drinking water. The states cruelty knows no bounds: After Border Patrol agents cut through concertina wire to aid migrants, Texas sued the federal government for tampering with state property. Hold Abbott accountable: Buoy barrier, razor wire border wall doesn't just risk lives. It may be illegal. Abbott turns my Texas into his personal kingdom of terror These measures return Texas back to its Wild West days to the peril of Black and brown Texans regardless of immigration status. Abbott has turned my beloved Texas into his personal kingdom of terror, where people who look like me are subject to a different class of justice. Meanwhile, white supremacist and racist views are allowed to run rampant and, in some factions of the Republican Party, are welcomed with open arms. These legislations are plainly unconstitutional and attempt to transfer federal immigration enforcement authority to state police forces. More than that, theyre terrifying to people like me, like my family, like my neighbors. Im afraid that I could be stopped at any point during my day by a law enforcement officer who thinks I dont belong here. Im afraid for my elderly Latina neighbor who has to drive to weekly doctors appointments across town. Opinion alerts: Get columns from your favorite columnists + expert analysis on top issues, delivered straight to your device through the USA TODAY app. Don't have the app? Download it for free from your app store. Its time for everyone in our state those who live here, those who own businesses here, those who vote here to seriously reflect about the kind of state we want Texas to be. We must come together to fight for the Texas we love, one that is made only stronger, more vibrant and more interesting for its diversity. The time to act is now. We have to stop this hateful legislation before it becomes the law of the land. Call your lawmakers, both state and federal, and make your voice heard. Texas must stop propping up the failed, wasteful and cruel Operation Lone Star and reinvest the billions upon billions of dollars into our communities our schools, our roads, our utilities and the grid. Ending this bloated regime will also require renewed partnership from our allies in Congress and in the White House. The federal government must leverage every tool and tactic at its disposal to stop the havoc Texas is wreaking on our border communities and must investigate every instance of Texas diverting federal funds to support Operation Lone Star. What migrant surge? America is not seeing an unprecedented surge in immigration. New Census data prove it. We ask our fellow Texans this: Do we want to live in a state where our leaders continue to embrace racist, hateful and white supremacist policies? Or do we want to be unified and stand up to make sure the heart and soul of Texas lives up to our state motto of friendship. I know which version of this state I want to live in, and I know that a better way forward is possible. The Immigrant Legal Resource Center and our partners will continue to fight this fight, whether in the courtroom, at the Capitol or in our flourishing border communities. Join us and demand better for the state we all love. Jennefer Canales-Pelaez is a policy attorney and strategist for the Immigrant Legal Resource Center based in Houston. Jennefer Canales-Pelaez is a policy attorney and strategist for the ILRC based in Houston. You can read diverse opinions from our Board of Contributors and other writers on the Opinion front page, on Twitter @usatodayopinion and in our daily Opinion newsletter. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Abbott wants dogcatchers to detain migrants, and racism to run Texas Flash About thirty years ago, following the trend toward peace and development, Asia-Pacific leaders decided to rise above the outdated mentality of bloc confrontation and zero-sum games, strengthen economic cooperation and integration in the region, and build a dynamic, harmonious and prosperous Asia-Pacific community. The Asia-Pacific has since embarked on a fast track of development, becoming a powerhouse for world economic growth, an anchor of stability for global development, and a pacesetter for international cooperation. "The story of Asia-Pacific prosperity and development shows that development is only possible with cooperation, absence of cooperation is the biggest risk, and that decoupling and supply-chain disruption are not in anyone's interests," said Chinese President Xi Jinping in a written speech delivered Thursday at the APEC CEO Summit. "We should stay committed to APEC's founding mission, never forget our mission bestowed by history, and move to relaunch Asia-Pacific cooperation," Xi said. This aerial photo taken on Sept. 30, 2023 shows a high-speed electrical multiple unit (EMU) train of the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway running in Purwakarta, Indonesia. (Xinhua/Xu Qin) HISTORICAL INSPIRATION "There is so much we can draw from this remarkable journey of Asia-Pacific cooperation," Xi said in the written speech, noting that "openness and inclusiveness are the defining feature of Asia-Pacific cooperation," "development for all is the overarching goal of Asia-Pacific cooperation" and "seeking common ground while shelving differences is the best practice of Asia-Pacific cooperation." Over the past three decades, the Asia-Pacific has cut its average tariff rate from 17 percent to 5 percent, and contributed 70 percent of global economic growth. The region has developed "the APEC Approach" based on the principles of voluntarism, consensus-building and incremental progress, and the right to development of all members is respected. Over the past thirty years, per capita income in the Asia-Pacific has more than quadrupled, and one billion people have been lifted out of poverty, an important contribution to human progress and global sustainable development. Kiyoyuki Seguchi, research director at Japan's Canon Institute for Global Studies, believed that the Asia-Pacific, as an important engine driving world economic growth, will continue to lead world economic development. The achievements of APEC cooperation have not been made through forcing uniformity, but by seeking common ground while shelving differences. As Xi has pointed out, "Our success was possible because we have followed the underlying trend, kept the larger picture in mind, and capitalized on the spirit of partnership featuring harmony without uniformity, and solidarity and mutual assistance." "This has enabled us to turn diversity in membership into momentum for cooperation and make collective progress through tapping into complementarity," he said. Staff members label durians to be exported to China at a durian processing plant in Dak Lak province, Vietnam, Sept. 15, 2023. (Xinhua/Hu Jiali) OPEN REGIONALISM The world has entered a new period of turbulence and change and the momentum of world economic growth is sluggish. Where Asia-Pacific cooperation should be headed has become the newest question facing the region. "We should remain committed to open regionalism, and steadfastly advance the building of a Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific. We should respect laws governing economic development, bring out the best in each and every one of us, make our economies more interconnected, strengthen synergy between relevant regional trade agreements and development strategies, and build an open Asia-Pacific economy featuring win-win cooperation," Xi said. As the world is facing a new scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation, the Chinese president urged looking beyond the horizon, seizing the opportunities, and moving along with the trend to promote transition to digital, smart and green development. Asia's development requires the concerted efforts of all parties, Seguchi said, hoping that APEC will become a platform that promotes close cooperation and smooth exchanges among various economies. Many countries in the region are trying to push back against the decoupling and de-risking, said Peter Drysdale, head of the East Asian Bureau of Economic Research and the East Asia Forum at the Crawford School of Public Policy at the Australian National University. "So I think we need to press forward in Asia with an agenda that is truly multilateral in its purpose. It's a matter of actually doing things and acting in the multilateral spirit and addressing the issue that we confront in the fragmentation of the world economy," said Drysdale. Peruvian craftsman Oswaldo Mamani makes alpaca-fur stuffed toys at the booth of Warmpaca during the 6th China International Import Expo in east China's Shanghai, Nov. 7, 2023. (Xinhua/Gao Wei) CHINA'S COMMITMENT China, an important economy in the region, has been actively participating in the APEC agenda and sharing its development opportunities with all in the Asia-Pacific. This year, China's economy has been steadily recovering. Its growth rate is among the highest among major economies. China's gross domestic product grew 5.2 percent year on year in the first three quarters of 2023, data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed. Leaders and business communities in the region have deemed China as an excellent investment destination, expressing their belief that "the next China" is still China. China is a key anchor for stability in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond and an important driver of global economic recovery, said Koh King Kee, president of the Center for New Inclusive Asia, a Malaysian think tank. "You can't live without China's market these days for any multinational or any company that claims itself to be a global player," said the expert. Inviting friends from business communities across the world to invest and deepen their footprint in China, Xi reaffirmed China's commitment to pursuing development with its doors open. "We will unswervingly advance high-standard opening up and further expand market access," Xi said. "No matter how the international situation evolves, China's resolve to foster a market-oriented, law-based and world-class business environment will not change," he added. It was indeed encouraging to hear Xi reiterating China's determination to continue improving the business environment, said Sourabh Gupta, a senior fellow at the Washington-based Institute for China-America Studies. Meanwhile, China has contributed its wisdom to solving pressing problems facing humanity, which has been widely recognized by APEC members. Ten years ago, Xi called for building a community with a shared future for mankind. In recent years, in response to the pressing needs around the world, Xi has proposed the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative. China will work with all in the Asia-Pacific to advance and implement these initiatives, and build an open, inclusive, clean and beautiful world of lasting peace, universal security and shared prosperity, said Xi. Teuku Rezasyah, associate professor of International Relations at Padjadjaran University, Indonesia, said the mutually beneficial projects China has promoted in the Asia-Pacific region are a potent testimony to China's pursuit of common prosperity. Pistol-packing City Councilwoman Inna Vernikov wont face a criminal charge for bringing a gun to a pro-Palestine protest last month because the firearm was later determined to be inoperable, a spokesman for Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said Friday. Vernikov, a Republican who represents Brighton Beach and nearby neighborhoods, was spotted at the Oct. 12 protest at Brooklyn College with a handgun clipped to her waistband. Standing in front of a group of protesters, her weapon visible, Vernikov lamented in a video that they were chanting free Palestine and said that anyone attending the demonstration was nothing short of a terrorist without the bombs. Vernikov has a gun license, but due to a state law enacted last year, its illegal to carry firearms, regardless of permits, at sensitive locations, including protests. After video and photos swirled on social media of Vernikov packing heat at the Brooklyn College protest, NYPD officers showed up at her house early Oct. 13 and asked her to surrender her permit and weapon before she was charged with illegal possession of a gun. But Oren Yaniv, a Gonzalez spokesman, said Friday that the DAs office is dropping the charge against Vernikov because NYPD lab technicians later determined that the weapon she surrendered was unloaded and missing the recoil spring assembly, rendering it inoperable. In order to sustain this charge, it must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt that the weapon in question was capable of firing bullets. Absent such proof, we have no choice but to dismiss these charges, Yaniv said. Still, Yaniv chided Vernikov for showing up to the protest with a gun. Peaceful protest is the right of every American, but bringing a gun to a protest is illegal and creates an unacceptable risk of harm that has no place in our city, he said. Two sources familiar with the way Vernikovs arrest went down said she initially wouldnt let officers inside her home when they came to seize her permit and weapon, telling them she wanted her lawyer present. Her lawyer then arrived and spoke with her privately before they gave the officers the weapon and went to the local precinct for her to be booked, the sources said. Brooklyn Councilman Chi Osse, a progressive Democrat, voiced concern about the fact that Vernikov was not arrested while strapped at the protest. Shame on the NYPD, and shame on Inna Vernikov for bringing a firearm to a non-violent college protest to threaten students, Osse said. The charge against Vernikov will be formally thrown out during her next court hearing in the case, set for Jan. 24. Vernikov did not return phone calls after word of the expected dismissal. Her attorney, Arthur Aidala, confirmed his clients gun doesnt work, and said she is pleased to have this all behind her and looks forward to continuing her fight on behalf of all New Yorkers. In the wake of Vernikovs arrest, City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams ordered the Councils Ethics Committee to launch a probe into her decision to carry a gun at the protest. A Council source said it was not immediately clear how the dismissal of Vernikovs gun charge will impact the ethics inquiry. Linus Karp plays Gwyneth Paltrow while his partner Joseph Martin plays Terry Sanderson in Gwyneth Goes Skiing What do you do when a pop culture moment is taking over your feed? If you're Linus Karp, Joseph Martin and Drag Race songwriter Leland, you turn it into a memesical. That's what the trio have done with Gwyneth Paltrow's ski trial - the actress's "silly and ridiculous" legal battle that took over social media earlier this year. And they lost half an hour of rehearsals to talk to BBC Newsbeat about it. First, a recap. The court case, like the play, had two main cast members - retired optometrist Terry Sanderson and the "Goop-founding, door-sliding, Shakespeare-in-loving, consciously-uncoupling Hollywood superstar" Gwyneth. She was accused of crashing into him, causing life-changing injuries, at a ski resort in Utah in the United States - leading to him suing her for $300,000. The Hollywood wellness guru denied being at fault, and sued him back for $1. She eventually won the case, but the real winner was the internet, which feasted on the trial's mixture of high drama and bizarre moments. Which sounds like the perfect recipe for a camp stage show. Terry Sanderson took on Gwyneth Paltrow in court, but lost his case "When the court case was happening, it was a weird and exciting thing," says Linus. "And we love silly and ridiculous pop culture. "As it was going on, I was saying 'don't you think that there could be a really fun theatre show in here?'" Meanwhile, Leland, who's written for artists including Selena Gomez and Troye Sivan, was also glued to the trial. He tells Newsbeat he was thinking about turning it into a Rusical - one of the show-stopping numbers on RuPaul's Drag Race. But Leland says there "weren't quite enough roles to give the queens enough to go off". Things fell into place when Leland went to see Linus and Joseph's previous show, Diana: The Untold and Untrue Story, in Edinburgh. As you might expect from the topic, not everyone loved it, and the couple proudly boast that the Daily Mail called it "repellent trash". But Leland was a huge fan and went for lunch with the couple afterwards, where the topic of the ski trial came up. "When we sat down and and talked about this, we realised we were very much on the same page," says Leland. "So we said why don't we band together and do this?" Singer-songwriter Leland says he's had a blast working on the show Since then, Linus and Joseph have been working on the show, writing lyrics for Leland to put to music. "We screamed when we first heard the songs," says Linus. "It was so ridiculous and hearing our stupid words put together into this incredible musical number by Leland was just so wild." After the announcement of the show was picked up by US magazine Variety, Linus and Joseph say the reaction has been huge, with the story reaching countries including Mexico and Brazil. Shows have been selling out fast, and the pair are keen to stress it's a two-person performance. Joseph says "dance routines, all that kind of stuff" isn't quite what the show's going for, "not yet anyway", but it will be heavy on audience participation. "This is ultimately a silly, stupid queer comedy play that has some numbers in it," he says. "And I think that's a better way to set expectations for the audience, rather than saying you're coming to see a musical." But, in showbusiness, your work is never finished, as Leland points out. "I have a feeling up until opening night, we'll be tweaking and trying things and just continuing to chisel away to make it as funny and catchy as possible," he says. And Leland says it'll all be worth it for the chance to turn one iconic moment into a musical number. It is, of course, the end of the trial, where Gwyneth leaned in towards Terry Sanderson and, according to him, said: "I wish you well." "When I saw that I knew 'oh, that's our closing number, that's our ballad'," says Leland. "I immediately start to map it out. And I'm so glad that I have been able to write that song." Gwyneth Goes Skiing is on at the Pleasance Theatre, London, for 10 days from 13 December. Newsbeat logo Listen to Newsbeat live at 12:45 and 17:45 weekdays - or listen back here. From left, Chiraayu Gosrani, Nicholas Espiritu and Gavin Rose, who represent five plaintiffs, speak to reporters outside the Bayh Federal Building U.S. Courthouse in Indianapolis on Friday, Nov. 17, 2023. A federal judge heard arguments Friday on behalf of five Indiana residents from Haiti who say a recently passed state law discriminates based on national origin. (AP Photo/Isabella Volmert) INDIANAPOLIS (AP) A federal judge heard arguments Friday from lawyers for a group of Indiana residents from Haiti who are suing the state over a law that allows immigrants in the U.S. on humanitarian parole to get driver's licenses, but only if they are from Ukraine. The five plaintiffs say the law passed this year is discriminatory and unconstitutional, and they asked the court to strike down the law's provision that limits its scope to people from Ukraine. U.S. District Court Judge Tanya Walton Pratt said she will issue a ruling at an unspecified date. The lawsuit was filed in August against the Commissioner of the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles. The plaintiffs are represented by attorneys with the American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana and the National Immigration Law Center. The law provides an avenue for immigrants on humanitarian parole from Ukraine to obtain drivers licenses and identification cards. The class-action lawsuit seeks to force the Bureau of Motor Vehicles to offer the same opportunities to immigrants on humanitarian parole from other countries. Attorneys argue in court documents that the law violates the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the equal protection clause of the U.S. Constitution. It also creates its own immigration classifications, which is an authority reserved by the federal government, they contend. ACLU lawyer Gavin Rose described the law in court as a textbook example of national origin discrimination. Four of the five Haitian immigrants who are all on humanitarian parole live in rural areas without public transportation, according to court documents. They rely on others for rides to work and other everyday activities such as grocery shopping. The final plaintiff is a minor who wishes to receive an identification card, the documents state. The lead plaintiff, Jeffson Saint-Hilaire, 25, said he came to the U.S. to provide for his mother and two sisters who live in Haiti. I just want to be self-sufficient, self reliable, he told reporters. But how can I do that without a drivers license? According to the complaint, Saint-Hilaire was admitted to the U.S. in March and is employed as an electrician's assistant. He has a second job as an interpreter, but he often has to turn down assignments due to his travel restrictions. Its very important for me. And not just me, but all these people here on humanitarian parole to get access to these drivers licenses," he said. The state argues that the law was adopted to mirror provisions in Congress's Additional Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act, and therefore does not conflict with federal law or federal immigration classifications. Indianas mode to be welcomed should be approved, not penalized, attorney William Bock said on behalf of the state. Attorneys with the state also argue that restrictions in the law limit its scope to a certain time frame, which means it isn't available to all people from Ukraine. However, the Haitians' attorneys say the time restrictions were specifically designed to aid people from Ukraine. According to the state, 136 people whose last residence was Ukraine and who were put on humanitarian parole between February 2022 and this September have received drivers licenses under the new law. Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley (R) cited a decades-old letter from Osama bin Laden that recently went viral in a call for social media reform. [W]hen you look at social media, I have long said that we have to ban TikTok, Haley, a 2024 GOP presidential primary candidate, said on Fox News Radios The Guy Benson Show. And if you didnt know why, theres another example today. They are posting letters of Osama bin Ladens letter, the week after the 9/11 attack, and it is the justification for why he did it, Haley continued. And so you have a lot of our kids sitting there siding with that, that Oh, America deserved it at that time. Bin Ladens 2002 Letter to America, which was published nearly a year after the 9/11 attacks, has recently made the rounds online. The letter attempted to justify the killing and targeting of American civilians. Bin Laden was killed in 2011 by U.S. Special Forces. Many videos showed support for the Al Qaeda leaders argument and suggested to others that they read the letter in light of the U.S.s backing of Israel in its current war against Palestinian militant group Hamas. Content promoting this letter clearly violates our rules on supporting any form of terrorism, TikTok Policy posted on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. We are proactively and aggressively removing this content and investigating how it got onto our platform. The number of videos praising bin Ladens argument is not large, TikTok said, despite some reportedly garnering hundreds of thousands of views and likes. This is not unique to TikTok and has appeared across multiple platforms and the media, the post said. Haley and fellow 2024 GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy got into an argument during last weeks Republican presidential debate, in which Ramaswamy said Haleys daughter was using the platform for a long time. Leave my daughter out of your voice, Haley said. Youre just scum. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. With less than two months to go until the first votes in the Republican presidential nomination race, former President Donald Trump remains the dominant front-runner. But a new public opinion survey in New Hampshire, the state that holds the first primary and second overall contest in the GOP's nominating calendar, is the latest to indicate a surge by former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, who served as ambassador to the United Nations in the Trump administration. Trump enjoys the backing of 42% of likely Republican presidential primary voters in a poll from the University of New Hampshire (UNH) Survey Center and CNN that was released Thursday, relatively unchanged from the previous UNH survey in September. WHERE TRUMP STANDS IN THE LATEST FOX NEWS NATIONAL POLL IN THE GOP PRESIDENTIAL RACE Former ambassador and former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, a 2024 Republican presidential candidate, files to place her name on New Hampshire's first-in-the-nation GOP presidential primary ballot, at the Statehouse in Concord, Oct. 13, 2023. Haley stands at 20% support, up eight points from the September poll. "While Trump continues to lead as the GOP field narrows, Nikki Haley seems to be consolidating her position as the alternative to Trump among New Hampshire Republicans," UNH Survey Center Director Andrew Smith told Fox News. "Importantly, Haley does not have the negative drag on her campaign compared with other Republican candidates." READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who's concentrating most of his time and resources in New Hampshire as he runs a second time for the White House, captures 14% support, with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis at 9%, and biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy at 8%. North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum registers at 2%, with former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson at zero. THIS KEY STATE DEFIES THE DEMOCRATS - WILL BIDEN PAY A PRICE COME NEXT NOVEMBER? As he makes his third straight White House run, Trump saw his lead in the GOP nomination race expand over the spring and summer as he made history as the first former or current president in American history to be indicted for a crime. Trump's four indictments including in federal court in Washington D.C. and in Fulton County court in Georgia on charges he tried to overturn his 2020 presidential election loss have only fueled his support among Republican voters. Trump enjoys a massive lead in national polling including 62% support in a Fox News survey released on Wednesday. But his margins while extremely formidable are smaller in the crucial early voting states. Haley, thanks to well regarded performances in the first three GOP presidential primary debates this summer and autumn, has seen her support among primary voters rise. Haley has tied DeSantis for second place in some of the latest polls in Iowa whose caucuses kick off the Republican nominating calendar on Jan. 15. WITH 9 WEEKS TO GO UNTIL THE FIRST VOTES, TRUMP REMAINS COMMANDING FRONT-RUNNER AS GOP FIELD KEEPS SHRINKING The UNH/CNN poll is the latest to indicate Haley in second place in New Hampshire, which will hold its presidential primary Jan. 23. She's also moved ahead of DeSantis for second place in her home state, which votes Feb. 24 and holds the first southern contest. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a 2024 Republican White House candidate, files to place his name on New Hampshire's GOP presidential primary ballot, at the Statehouse in Concord, N.H., Oct. 12, 2023 The new survey indicates that Trump enjoys the backing of 55% of registered Republicans in New Hampshire. Support among independents who say they'll cast a ballot in the GOP primary is evenly split among Trump, Haley and Christie. Independents, known in New Hampshire as undeclared voters, make up slightly more than 40% of the state's electorate. The poll also indicates that more than half of those questioned said they've made up their minds in the primary race, with self-described Trump voters more likely than those backing the former president's rivals to say their choice for the GOP nomination is definite. Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, a 2024 Republican presidential candidate, headlines a town hall on August 9, 2023 in Salem, New Hampshire The survey was conducted Nov. 10-14, entirely after the third Republican debate, which was held Nov. 8 in Miami. "Few likely Republican primary voters paid close attention to the November Republican debate and only about half are interested in further debates taking place," the release from the UNH Survey Center spotlighted. And UNH also noted that when it comes to the issues, the survey indicates that "foreign policy has become far more important since September, while support for a 15-week abortion ban has declined." Get the latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews and more at our Fox News Digital election hub. Original article source: Haley keeps rising in lead-off 2024 primary state, but Trump remains commanding GOP presidential front-runner Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley on Friday said she doesnt agree with former President Trumps recent and controversial remarks calling his political opponents vermin. The reality is I dont agree with that statement any more than I agree when he said Hezbollah was smart, or any more than I agree when he hit Netanyahu when his country was on its knees after all that brutality, Haley said at a town hall in Iowa, according to footage shared by Forbes. Her comments come nearly a week after Trump said during a Veterans Day speech that he would root out the radical-left thugs that live like vermin within the confines of our country. In October, Trump called the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah very smart and criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu just after the Palestinian militant group Hamas attacked Israel. Its the chaos of it all, right? And so I think he means well. But the chaos has got to stop, Haley said in Iowa. And over and over again we feel it. Trumps vermin remark prompted swift backlash as many likened the rhetoric to that of dictators during World War II. Haley said she had a good working relationship with the former president during her tenure as ambassador to the United Nations under his administration, adding he knows I saved him on some things. She pointed to Republicans losses over the last few election cycles, saying you dont fix Democrat chaos with Republican chaos. Of Trump, she quipped that yes, his personalitys not my personality, and yes, he says things he shouldnt say. Haley, also the former governor of South Carolina, has been rising in recent polling, closing in on Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis who has long been considered Trumps closest 2024 primary challenger for second-place among the GOP field. Trump holds a significant double-digit lead over his GOP competitors, as Haley and DeSantis look to best each other in the upcoming Iowa caucuses. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. We join Delaware Common Cause and the Delaware Coalition for Open Government in calling on Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long to release an audit of her campaign finances even though she is not required to do so by Delaware Law. Hall-Long, who seeks the governors seat in 2024, has called the audit an act of transparency, but she has continued to decline to release the document itself. The audit, undertaken shortly after Hall-Long announced her campaign, was prompted by what Hall-Long has said were reporting issues requiring attention. Instead, she has said that amended campaign finance reports filed Nov. 10 fully convey the audits results. Hall-Long campaign audit found reporting irregularities What did those reports reveal? As staff writer Amanda Fries reported earlier this week, the recent campaign finance disclosures showed that Hall-Long had loaned more than $300,000 to her campaigns coffers over six years hundreds of thousands of dollars more than the Committee to Elect Bethany Hall-Long had reported in earlier filings. As Fries wrote, Hall-Long paid for campaign expenses with personal credit cards and those expenditures were not properly reported in earlier findings, according to the campaign. Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long speaks at a Delaware drug overdose community briefing and response meeting at Delaware State Police Troop 2 in Glasgow on Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2023. Gaps in information surrounding Hall-Longs campaign finances along with the reality that Delaware campaign finance law can allow for such gaps has sparked conversations across the First State. John Flaherty, a former president of the Coalition for Open Government and a current board member, told Fries that while Hall-Long was not legally obligated to disclose the audit, conducted by Dover-based Summit CPA, she should. They announced that they were going to do an audit, and I would hope theyd release the results of that audit, Flaherty said. There is no harm in releasing what should be an effort to convey to the public that they have checks and balances in their campaign. They should release it in the spirit of openness and transparency. We agree. What has Hall-Long's campaign said? For her part, Hall-Long and her campaign have contended that Summit found no wrongdoings or violations. The campaign did concede that reporting errors were made Summit found that Hall-Long and her husband and campaign treasurer, Dana Long, had used personal credit cards and made loans and expenses that werent accurately reflected. As Flaherty said, you would assume they would want to release (the audit) to allay any concerns. We would assume, too. Calls for campaign finance reform: How Hall-Long's refusal to release audit findings sparked elections reform talks Claire Snyder-Hall, Common Cause Delawares executive Director, joined Flaherty in asking Hall-Longs campaign to disclose the audit. Lt. Gov. Bethany A. Hall-Long and her husband, Dana, walk out into the rain for an inauguration ceremony at Legislative Hall in Dover in 2017. The audit confirms the campaigns claim there is no wrongdoing, so sharing that would go a long way to rebuilding public trust, Snyder-Hall said. Snyder-Hall also pointed to a need for Delaware to amplify its regulation of campaign finance, calling for harsher penalties and more frequent reporting priorities we continue to share. The state Department of Elections, too, which reports to the administration that Hall-Long serves in, should move to press her campaign to release the audit. Lieutenant Governor, do the right thing and release the audit of your campaigns finances. This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Delaware campaign finance: Hall-Long audit shows need for transparency Hamas has demanded that Israel stop flying surveillance drones over Gaza as part of its request that Israel pause its military operations in exchange for freeing hostages held by the terrorist group, according to two Israeli officials and a third source familiar with the ongoing negotiations. While Israel could pause its military operations for as long as several days to allow for scores of hostages to be released, the sources suggested it is unlikely to accept the drone request since it would mean losing track of the movements of Hamas operatives, including any efforts to move the hostages within the Gaza strip. The demand by Hamas about drone overflights has not been previously reported and with the intense discussions continuing, its unclear whether it remains on the table or has already been formally rejected by Israel and tabled as a part of the negotiations. A spokesperson for the Israeli embassy in Washington declined to comment on Friday. The Israeli military has been flying drones in the skies over Gaza for hours on end virtually every day during their military operation, using them as a primary means of surveillance to monitor the battlefield. Throughout the negotiations Israel has been balancing its urgent desire to get hostages freed with concerns Hamas would only exploit any pause to stifle Israels military advantage and regroup. A pause in the fighting that also requires Israel to keep its drones out of Gazas airspace would deny the IDF one of its most important ways to observe Hamas movements from above. It could allow Hamas to reposition its fighters before the ceasefire expires with Israeli troops exposed on the ground, and it would offer Hamas a window to reshuffle the hiding locations for hostages. The Pentagon has also been flying American surveillance drones over Gaza in its support of Israels efforts to find the hostages, which includes an estimated 10 Americans. US officials said the American intelligence being gathered is not being used to conduct lethal strikes. The negotiating parties Israel, Hamas and the US, with Qatar mediating between them continue to grind away, as they try to reach an agreement on a number of sticking points. These include how many days a potential pause in fighting would last and the number of hostages that would be released, according to sources familiar with the talks. On Friday, President Joe Biden spoke with Qatars leader, Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, according to a person familiar with the call. Qatar has hosted hostage talks that have included the heads of Israeli and US intelligence. It was the second call between the two men this week. The hostages expected to be released first are women and children. Hamas has also asked for women and children in Israeli prisons to be freed at the same time. Other demands made by Hamas during the negotiations are more aid and fuel into Gaza, sources say, as well as allowing Palestinians who have fled south for safety to return to northern Gaza, where Israel now has control. Its closer, but not completed, the source said. They cautioned that there was no guarantee of a breakthrough, and that a deal if it were to come to fruition was still likely days away. Israels National Security Council chairman Tzachi Hanegbi said Friday that Israel has been facing heavy international pressure to declare a ceasefire and humanitarian pauses in Gaza independent of ANY hostage release, calling those demands impossible. When we know that the hostages can be freed, and not in a manipulative way or for Hamass PR purposes, but rather a massive release of our hostages only then will we agree to a ceasefire. And even then, it will be very short, Hanegbi said. Senior Biden administration officials including National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, NSC Middle East coordinator Brett McGurk, and CIA Director Bill Burns have been engaged almost hourly on the efforts to get the hostages out of Gaza, sources said. McGurk is currently in the Middle East for a multi-country trip aimed in part at making progress on releasing the hostages. The process of struggling to get the hostages out of Gaza was described to CNN as deeply emotional, intense and challenging and even more so in recent days as a deal appeared increasingly within reach. Five to six times a day, Im working on how I can be helpful in getting the hostages released and have a period of time where theres a pause long enough to let that happen, Biden said on Wednesday night. CNNs Tamar Michaelis contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com In the wake of Hamas brutal assault on Israel, campuses across the United States have been home to rallies and demonstrations that are nominally pro-Palestinian but effectively celebrations of the terrorist group. Students at George Washington projected slogans such as Glory to the Martyrs on a campus building, a Cornell student was arrested for threatening to rape and kill Jewish students, and numerous campuses have been home to antisemitic assaults and vandalism. The reaction has highlighted the degree to which weve left a generation of youth vulnerable to ludicrous doctrines, social media manipulation, and genuinely bad actors. The shocking support among young adults for Hamas assault draws on historic ignorance and crude postmodern notions of justice and victimhood, in which torture and kidnapping were rebranded a justifiable response to colonial privilege. The problem starts well before students arrive at college. The average high school student knows little about American history, and even less about the world. A 2018 survey found that 41 percent of adult Americans couldnt identify Auschwitz as a Nazi concentration camp. Among millennials specifically, two-thirds couldnt identify Auschwitz and 22 percent had never heard of the Holocaust. So much for Never forget. Such findings are of a piece with the abysmal performance of younger students in history and geography on the National Assessment of Educational Progress. In the most recent assessment, of a nationally representative sample of eighth-graders, just 13 percent of students were judged proficient in U.S. history and just 22 percent in civics. These results continue a decade-long decline. As Natalie Wexler, author of The Knowledge Gap, has aptly put it, You cant think critically about what you dont know. This problem isnt new. But its taken on added urgency in a time of intense polarization, declining academic achievement, ubiquitous social media, and rapidly advancing deepfake technology. In 1978, alarmed by test results from poor, minority students at a Richmond community college who were ignorant of foundational historic figures and events, scholar E.D. Hirsch began researching the role of background knowledge in reading comprehension. His 1987 book Cultural Literacy became a surprise bestseller and sparked a push for a more rigorous curriculum. But teacher training and schools of education largely rejected Hirsch and clung fast to a progressive consensus that children should learn self-confidence and skills, not dates and names. Those engaged in preparing a new generation of teachers rejected Hirschs belief in the importance of knowledge as elitist, Eurocentric and focused too heavily on rote memorization, as a Virginia magazine profile of the famed UVA professor described. Indeed, a decade later, one of us taught alongside the genial, soft-spoken Hirsch, only to see fellow UVA education school faculty quietly steer their students away from this dangerous figure. The internet supposedly made learning all those mere facts unnecessary, anyway. As scholar Mark Bauerlein recounted in his 2009 book The Dumbest Generation, education professors and advocates enamored of 21st century skills insisted that we needed to move beyond facts, skills, and right answers and that students could always just look up all that other stuff. The skills-over-facts trend paralleled a push to jettison traditional historical narratives and moral certainties in favor of critical theories. Beginning in the 1980s, Howard Zinns enormously influential (if oft-inaccurate) Peoples History of the United States recast Americas story as one of unbroken villainy and oppression. It was a finalist for the National Book Award in 1980 and was added to high school curricula across the land. The unapologetic aim of Zinns workand that of its latter-day, award-winning imitator the 1619 Projectwas not to explore our simultaneously wonderful and woeful history but to impress on young people that America and its allies are oppressive colonial powers (that the U.S. is, according to the architect of the 1619 Project, a slavocracy). As a teacher said to one of us recently regarding developments in Israel and Gaza: Many kids have little to no understanding of the historical context. I feel overwhelmed trying to explain things to them in a side comment here or there. This teacher lives 10 miles from the state capital, in a town where the average household earns $130,000. This community, filled with educated parents and well-regarded schools, sends the vast majority of its high school graduates on to four-year colleges. This teacher knows that geography, history, religion, economics, and philosophy are essential to understanding the context of these attacks. But these are subjects that too few schools teach coherently or consistently. Last year K-12 teachers told RAND that its more important for civics education to promote environmental activism than knowledge of social, political, and civic institutions. Teachers who hold these beliefs are unlikely to give students the knowledge or grounding they need to make sense of the world around them. Indeed, the same teachers told RAND their top two priorities for civics education are promoting critical and independent thinking and developing skills in conflict resolution. Whats striking is that these responses are strikingly content-free. In 2020, RAND surveyed high school civics teachers about what they thought graduates needed to know. Just 43 percent thought it essential that they know about periods such as the Civil War and the Cold War. Less than two-thirds thought it essential for graduates to know the protections guaranteed by the Bill of Rights. Critical thinking doesnt happen in a vacuum. Theres no way for anyone to form meaningful independent judgments on whats unfolding in Israel and Gaza if they havent learned much about history, geography, economics, or political systems. This is pretty instructive when it comes to understanding, for instance, how Osama bin Ladens Letter to America has recently gone viral on TikTok. Its not obvious that Gen Z is eagerly searching for wisdom from mass murderers. But as they spend hours casting about social media, youth who know little about the events or aftermath of 9/11 are encountering a long-dead figure who promises to provide the history and moral clarity theyre not getting elsewhere. Were sending ill-equipped, confused youth out into the wilds of social media, and were reaping the unsurprising result. As academic rigor and traditional norms have retreated, the space has increasingly been filled by moral relativism and contempt for Western civilization. The result is progressive students who hail Hamas as an allyan odd way to regard theocratic ideologues who are cavalier about rape, murdering homosexuals, and treating women as chattel. Writing from a Jerusalem university emptied of students by the present conflict, economist Russ Roberts recently observed, Open societies are going to have to come to terms with the reality that some citizens want to live in a very different kind of society and are willing to use violence and the threat of violence to intimidate and harm people they disagree with. The challenges here are profound. They can seem overwhelming. But there are places to start. Instead of calling on their students to listen with care and humility, university presidents should insist that their education schools develop curricula that teach history, geography, and ethics consistently and coherently. They should promote these aggressively and train teachers to use them. Lawmakers and school boards should demand that schools take far more seriously the substance of history and civics, rather than settling for lip service about cultivating content-free skills. Our success at renewing our commitment to truths we once held to be self-evident will have much to say about the future of the American experiment. 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. One of the men who paraded Shani Louks partially naked body through Gaza is dead, her mother says. German-Israeli tattoo artist Louk, 22, was at the music festival in southern Israel attacked by Hamas gunmen on Oct. 7. Disturbing video footage appeared online soon after appearing to show Louk unconscious in the back of a pickup truck surrounded by armed men. Her family believed she was alive for weeks, but Israeli officials later said Louk was dead after a piece of her skull was located. One of the men seen in the truck video is not alive anymore, Louks mother, Ricarda Louk, told Rabbi Shmuley Boteach in an interview broadcast on Facebook. She said she had learned by chance that the man believed to be her daughters captor had been killed, according to The Times, but did not elaborate on how she found out. It didnt mean too much to methere are so many bad people that did those horrible things, and its just one less, Ricarda said. We are devastated to share that the death of 23 year old German-Israeli Shani Luk was confirmed. Shani who was kidnapped from a music festival and tortured and paraded around Gaza by Hamas terrorists, experienced unfathomable horrors. Our hearts are broken . May her memory pic.twitter.com/cs0ii4XH7e Israel (@Israel) October 30, 2023 Read it at The Times Read more at The Daily Beast. By Nidal al-Mughrabi and James Mackenzie KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza/JERUSALEM (Reuters) -Israel, the United States and Hamas have reached a tentative agreement to free dozens of women and children held hostage in Gaza in exchange for a five-day pause in fighting, the Washington Post reported, citing people familiar with the deal. However, both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. officials said no deal had been reached yet. The hostage release could begin within the next several days, barring last-minute hitches, according to people familiar with the detailed, six-page agreement, the paper said on Saturday. The report comes as Israel appears to be preparing to expand its offensive against Hamas militants to southern Gaza after air strikes killed dozens of Palestinians, including civilians reported to be sheltering at two schools. Under the agreement, all parties would freeze combat operations for at least five days while 50 or more hostages are released in groups every 24 hours, the Post reported. Hamas took about 240 hostages during its Oct. 7 rampage inside Israel that killed 1,200 people. The pause also is intended to allow a significant amount of humanitarian aid in, the newspaper said, adding the outline for the deal was put together during weeks of talks in Qatar. But Netanyahu told a press conference on Saturday evening: "Concerning the hostages, there are many unsubstantiated rumours, many incorrect reports. I would like to make it clear: As of now, there has been no deal. But I want to promise: When there is something to say we will report to you about it." A White House spokesperson also said Israel and Hamas have not yet reached a deal on a temporary ceasefire, adding the U.S. is continuing to work to get a deal. A second U.S. official also said no deal had been reached. HOSPITAL "A DEATH ZONE" Israel vowed to destroy Hamas after the Oct. 7 attack. As the conflict entered its seventh week, authorities in Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip raised their death toll to 12,300, including 5,000 children. After dropping leaflets earlier in the week, Israel on Saturday again warned civilians in parts of southern Gaza to relocate as it girds for an onslaught after subduing the north. Raising international alarm, Israel made Al Shifa Hospital in Gaza City a primary focus of its ground advance in northern Gaza. A team led by the World Health Organization (WHO) which visited Al Shifa on Saturday described it as a "death zone" with signs of gunfire and shelling. WHO said it was developing plans for immediate evacuation of the remaining patients and staff. Elsewhere in the north, Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini of UNRWA, the U.N. aid organization for Palestinian refugees, said on social media platform X that Israel bombarded two agency schools. More than 4,000 civilians were sheltered at one of them, he said. "Dozens reported killed including children," he said. "Second time in less than 24 hours schools are not spared. ENOUGH, these horrors must stop." A spokesperson for Gaza's Hamas authorities said 200 people had been killed or injured at the school. Israel's military did not comment. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, whose government controls parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank, on Saturday said "hundreds of forcibly displaced people were killed" at the two schools in Gaza. Abbas on Saturday appealed to U.S. President Joe Biden to intervene to stop the Israeli operation in Gaza. AIR STRIKES Biden, who opposes a ceasefire, was looking to the end of the conflict, saying in a Washington Post opinion article that the Palestinian Authority should ultimately govern both Gaza and the West Bank. Asked about Biden's proposal, Netanyahu told reporters in Tel Aviv the Palestinian Authority in its current form was not capable of being responsible for Gaza. Israel has not disclosed a strategy for Gaza after the war. An Israeli offensive in the south could compel hundreds of thousands of Palestinians who fled Gaza City in the north to uproot again, along with residents of Khan Younis, a city of more than 400,000, compounding a dire humanitarian crisis. The conflict has already displaced around two-thirds of Gaza's population of 2.3 million. An advance into southern Gaza may prove more complicated and deadlier than in the north, however, with Hamas militants dug into the Khan Younis region, a senior Israeli source and two top ex-officials said. Early Saturday, an air strike in a busy residential district of Khan Younis killed 26 Palestinians and wounded 23, health officials said. Eyad Al-Zaeem told Reuters he lost his aunt, her children and her grandchildren in the attack. They all had evacuated from northern Gaza on Israeli army orders only to die where the army told them they could be safe, he said. "All of them were martyred. They had nothing to do with the (Hamas) resistance," said Zaeem, standing outside the morgue at Nasser Hospital, where the 26 bodies were laid out before they were to be carried by loved ones to burials. (Reporting by Nidal al-Mughrabi, James Mackenzie Henriette Chacar and Reuters bureaux; Writing by Doina Chiacu and Kim Coghill; Editing by Cynthia Osterman and William Mallard) Harvard Kennedy School, the graduate school of public policy and government at Harvard University, released its annual diversity report on Tuesday. It found a drop in the enrollment of Black students by over 50% since 2021. There are currently 31 enrolled students who identify as Black or African American. In 2021, there were 68. This years number is the lowest since HKS published annual diversity and inclusion reports in 2018. Fostering a diverse and welcoming Harvard Kennedy School community where everyone can thrive is essential for us to fulfill our values and to achieve excellence in our mission of improving public policy and leadership, Dean Douglas W. Elmendorf said in a release. He noted the importance of these reports in gaining a better understanding of the demographics at HKS and renewed efforts to diversify the student population. The reports are crucial in our efforts to understand demographic diversity at the Kennedy School and to see where we need to improve, Elmendorf told The Harvard Crimson. The dean announced the formation of a new diversity task force of faculty, staff and students, which will be run by criminal justice professor Sandra Susan Smith and Assistant Dean for Enrollment Services Meredith C. Siegel. The task forces goal is to diversify the student body while complying with the recent Supreme Court ruling against affirmative action. Last Junes ruling means colleges and universities can no longer consider race a factor in admissions decisions. Justices ruled that affirmative action policies at Harvard University and the University of North Carolina violated the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment, which ensures equality between all U.S. citizens. HKS is also mandating implicit bias training for degree program admissions readers. In a 2019 federal admissions lawsuit, a judge suggested Harvard provide admissions officers with such activity, The Harvard Crimson reported. Khalil Gibran Muhammad, a professor of history, race, and public policy, said he has noticed a significant drop in the number of Black students in the master in public policy program from his own classes, according to the student news outlet. He also noted that the new dean should make diversity a priority when they will be sworn in after Elmendorf steps down at the end of the academic year. I think the new dean should be as aggressive as possible to ensure that the population of the school at all levels, from administration to faculty, staff, and students, reflects the lived and professional experiences of people from every group in society, Muhammad said. HAYS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) The Hays County Sheriffs Office is asking the public to be on the lookout for a 17-year-old girl who went missing on Wednesday, Nov. 8. According to HCSO, Kristiana Grant, 17, was dropped off at school by her grandmother on Nov. 8 and did not return home from school that evening. Grant is believed to be in the San Marcos area at an apartment complex off LBJ Drive, HCSO said. Hays County officials are searching for Kristiana Grant, 17, who went missing from Hays County on Nov. 17. (Hays County Sheriffs Office photo) HCSO asks anyone with information to contact Detective David Maddocks at David.Maddocks@co.hays.tx.us or dispatch at (512) 393-7896 and refer to case number HCSO 2023-65965. You can also contact Crime Stoppers anonymously by calling 1 (800) 324-8477 from anywhere in the U.S., or you can submit your information online to the tip line: P3tips.com or the Hays County Sheriffs Office app. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. GLASGOW, Va. Smoke may obscure some of the scenic views if you plan on driving Interstate 81 between the Northeast and the Southeast during the Thanksgiving travel weekend. Southwesterly winds are carrying wildfire smoke from Virginia's Matts Creek Fire into the Northeast, creating hazy skies and some reports of a smoky smell. On Saturday, the winds will shift to northwest winds with gusts up to 25 mph. According to the U.S. Forest Service, the fire is on national forest lands and no structures are threatened. WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A 'CONTROLLED' FIRE AND A 'CONTAINED' FIRE? Current Air Quality Index. The FOX Forecast Center said these fires are part of the same wildfire that shut down parts of Shenandoah National Park. However, it is unlikely that there will be any significant impact on air quality. "While theres not a lot we can do to make the smoke go away as long as the fire is burning, we do try to give you the best information we can about the smoke conditions," the Forest Service said. "Daily, we monitor smoke levels across the fire area using both air monitors and low-cost sensors." THE AIR QUALITY INDEX EXPLAINED A look at air quality alerts in the Northeast. The Matts Creek Fire was reported last Sunday. It is located about 5 miles southeast of Glasgow, Virginia, and 4 miles northwest of Big Island, Virginia, according to officials at George Washington and Jefferson national forests. The fire is on national forest and Blue Ridge Parkway lands in Bedford and Rockbridge counties. HOW TO BEST PREPARE YOUR HOMES FOR WILDFIRES More than 100 firefighters and support personnel are working to suppress the blaze, which has burned over 5,000 acres with only 2% containment as of Friday. The cause is undetermined. Original article source: Smoky smell invades Northeast as Virginia's Matts Creek Fire smoke blows north FILE - Adeline Hambley, Ottawa County, Mich., health officer, poses for a portrait outside of the county administration building, Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023, in West Olive, Mich. The top health official in one of Michigans largest counties is asking a judge to uphold a $4 million settlement in exchange for Hambley's resignation, coming after months of conflict with local conservative leaders who were elected in response to COVID-19 restrictions.(AP Photo/Kristen Norman, File) LANSING, Mich. (AP) The top health official in one of Michigans largest counties is asking a judge to uphold a $4 million settlement in exchange for her resignation, coming after months of conflict with local conservative leaders who were elected in response to COVID-19 restrictions. Ottawa County leaders had attempted to fire Adeline Hambley in January after they took majority control of the countys board of commissioners. Finding themselves unable to, the board opted to offer her $4 million equivalent to a quarter of the health departments 2024 budget in return for her resignation. She also would have had to drop her lawsuit against the county. The board backed off the offer, saying it was only a tentative settlement agreement. David Kallman, the county's legal counsel, told The Associated Press that there has never been an agreement by the board to accept the $4 million. There were discussions. But Hambley's lawyer filed a motion Thursday to enforce the settlement, and it's scheduled to go in front of a judge on Nov. 27. The parties agreed to settle this matter on Nov. 6, 2023. Now, defendants have remorse and want out of the deal, Hambleys lawyer, Sarah Riley-Howard, wrote in the filing. Public health officials and local health departments across the country became political targets during the pandemic due to lockdowns and restrictions. Ottawa County's health department serves 300,000 residents in the western part of the state. Earlier this year, county commissioners voted to cut the departments upcoming budget by nearly $4 million. The board had threatened deeper cuts, and Hambley took to social media to protest. The county's 11-member board of commissioners was transformed last year when eight incumbents were defeated by a slate of challengers tied closely to a group known as Ottawa Impact, which was formed in 2021 partly in response to mask mandates in the county. Kyle Terpstra, a Republican commissioner, resigned from his position on the board Thursday, just hours after the Hambley lawsuit was filed. He said significant changes in my personal and professional life led to the resignation. Hambley sued the commissioners earlier this year for termination in violation of public policy. In October, the states appeals court ruled Hambley could be fired only for just cause. But following a nearly eight-hour closed session at a Nov. 6 meeting, commissioners voted to accept counsels recommendation regarding litigation and settlement activities regarding Hambley. The settlement was later revealed to be $4 million, in return for Hambleys resignation. Hambley would work until at least Nov. 30 but no later than Dec. 15 under the agreement. Nathaniel Kelly, a safety manager at an HVAC company and who has no public health experience, is in line to take over the county health department. The county requested approval from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services for Kelly to serve as acting health officer, but the state told the county it couldnt appoint a health officer until a vacancy exists, according to a spokesperson with the department. EAST SPENCER, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) A small Rowan County town is pushing forward with plans to apply for a federal loan to build a new fire station. East Spencer Fire Chief Shawn McBride says their lone station is 33 years old, with only one bathroom and no place for their firefighters to sleep. Instead, firefighters sleep in an annex building about 100 feet away. Blindsided. Former deputy chief at Stanley Fire Dept. speaks after job eliminated Whenever they get a call, they have to run from that building to this building to get in their fire gear and get the trucks out the door, said McBride. The current station floods when we have heavy rain. The roof leaks as well. Theres no space inside of the station for the guys to actually put their turn-out gear on to actually get on the truck. Town officials previously asked the state for $14 million to fund a new municipal building that would house the town hall, police department and fire department. The state only granted $2 million. Fire Chief Shawn McBride says the current station floods when there is heavy rain. Plan B is to ask the U.S. Department of Agriculture for a $5 million loan that could go towards a fire station. We need help, said McBride. The main thing that were looking for is to build a fire station for the community. For the kids to be able to come to the fire station and have some place where they can actually go inside and not feel discredit just from looking at the outside or the inside of the station. The town must submit their application by the end of the year. Before that, town leaders said theyll hold a community meeting to discuss the need with taxpayers. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. Herefordshire Council said officers were working to procure more temporary accommodation There has been a surge in the amount of residents having to be put up in hotels amid a shortfall in other emergency accommodation, a council reports. Herefordshire Council has tracked an 18-month spike in the measure as it seeks to offer temporary accommodation to those who find themselves with nowhere to stay. Between July and September, the council spent more than 126,000 in this way. Premier Inn and Travelodge have been the providers. A council spokesperson said the authority was responding to pressures on other housing provision including a lack of affordable private sector housing, which in turn was meeting a rise in the number of those seeking help. Other areas of the West Midlands have reported a similar experience. A shortage in accommodation in Herefordshire was also linked by the council to the UK's support of refugees from war-torn Afghanistan and Ukraine. The authority said it expected there would be more properties for residents being made available soon via government funding, and council staff would continue to procure further short-term accommodation solutions. A Travelodge spokesperson said the company was working with the local authority and that all parties understood it was a temporary arrangement. Premier Inn was also approached for comment. Herefordshire Council has recently awarded a 370,000 contract to refurbish and furnish up to 50 homes for Afghan and Ukrainian refugees through government resettlement schemes. [Source] Chinese rapper PSY.P of hip hop group Higher Brothers will be making his solo debut in New York with the return of MetaMoon in December. PSY.P, whose hip-hop artistry was influenced by American rappers T.I. and Lil Wayne, joined the rap collective Chengdu Rap House in 2011 before eventually teaming up with three other artists for the group Higher Brothers. His group rose to fame for their songs written in a mix of standard Mandarin, Sichuan dialect and English, such as "Made in China," "Black Cab" and "WeChat." Higher Brothers signed with 88rising in 2017 and later embarked on a tour through Asia alongside Joji and Rich Brian. On Dec. 3, MetaMoon will be hosting PSY.Ps solo debut concert at Nebula in New York. I want more fans to jump on board and support the [MetaMoon] movement, not just because it's a great event, but because it also helps spread the message that I am trying to get across, which is to show everyone that this is part of what Chinese and Asian pop culture is today, PSY.P tells NextShark. Trending on NextShark: 82-year-old who never missed a class takes S. Koreas college entrance exam Currently in its sophomore year, MetaMoon is produced by Live Nation and founded by Graceful Media in 2022 as a way to celebrate and include Asian artists in the American music landscape, according to its organizers. The festival aims to serve as a platform for music fans to discover established and up-and-coming Asian and Pacific Islander artists from around the world. It was an idea that was born before COVID-19, but during the pandemic, it took on a new urgency to give light to Asians, Grace Chen, founder of Graceful Media, tells NextShark. Trending on NextShark: Stereotypical images of Asians persist in APAC advertising: report Chen, who is currently based in Hong Kong, was born in Taiwan and raised in Texas, where her parents currently live. Seeing the rise of anti-Asian hate in the U.S. amid the pandemic motivated her to bridge cultural gaps and normalize the understanding of Asian countries through the universal language of mankind: music. If we can normalize that theres a whole other world out there and share these stories so people can understand, it just helps, Chen says. She said she wants MetaMoon to provide a consistent platform in the U.S. for Asian artists, with the vision of sharing their talent globally and reaching their fan bases beyond their home countries. The overarching objective is to foster better understanding of Asian pop culture and stories. Trending on NextShark: Sujata Day talks joining chef Mike Haracz for Dungeons & Dragons-themed cooking show Last years inaugural festival, which was hosted by MC Jin and featured artists such as ZI, Amber Liu of f(x), Tyson Yoshi and 9m88, was held at Barclays Center. The MetaMoon Festival partnered with local Asian businesses and restaurants around New York to donate some proceeds to Heart of Dinner, a nonprofit organization combating food insecurity and isolation within the citys elderly Asian community. To see the fans excitement and response afterwards, we took a lot of that to heart, Chen shares. A lot of people were saying this was so great and we needed this and that they didnt realize you could see something like this in New York. That was extremely encouraging. For this December, MetaMoon initially announced a one-night MetaMoon Block Party in the Big Apple, with a line-up that includes MC Jin, AK Liu Zhang, KIRE, MARF @COLLAR, Miss Ko, NENE, NINEONE and Sunkis. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, the block party has been postponed to Spring 2024. But Chen assures that by special arrangement, PSY.P will be holding a concert with a few local guest rappers. Trending on NextShark: New Tiffany Co. x Pokemon collab features $29,000 Pikachu necklace In recent years, the American music landscape has experienced a notable increase in the influence of Asian musicians and bands. Chen sees this as an encouraging sign, indicating a market for their hard work. As long as theres an Asian diaspora anywhere in the world, there is going to be a market for these artists, Chen says. The key is then to be able to share these talents and music to a more mainstream audience. For the artists, its an opportunity for them to grow and share their art. It is also great for the audience because it gives them more exposure to different kinds of music in the U.S. Trending on NextShark: China responds to WHO inquiry on mystery illness outbreak Tickets to PSY.Ps concert will be on sale at 10 a.m. ET on Nov. 20 on See Tickets. BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK, Texas The search for Christy Perry, a hiker who went missing last week after a trip to Big Bend National Park, has ended after she was found on Friday. The National Park Service said park search and rescue teams found Perry, 25, at approximately 9:30 a.m. local time. She was found a quarter mile below the summit of the Lost Mine Trail, a popular trail at Big Bend National Park. Rescuers transporting Perry near the summit of the Lost Mine Trail. Nov. 17, 2023. Perry was found awake and talking, the NPS noted. She was taken to Odessa, Texas, for medical attention. MISSING MASSACHUSETTS WOMAN FOUND ALIVE IN STATE PARK "Big Bend National Park rangers would like to thank all who participated in this search, and the public for their concern and assistance in helping spread the request for information," the NPS said. Photos of Perry. They noted that searchers from the NPS, U.S. Border Patrol, Los Diablos Fire Fire Crew, Texas Parks and Wildlife, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Texas Department of Public Safety had been searching for Perry since Nov. 15, when Perry was reported overdue from a trip to Big Bend National Park On Nov. 9, Perry drove a rental car from Midland, Texas, to Big Bend National Park, according to the NPS. She had a camping reservation at the Chisos Basin Campground for that evening, but she never arrived. Chisos Basin Campground in Big Bend National Park. Her vehicle was located at the trailhead of the Lost Mine Trail, a hiking trail that rises 1,100 feet over 4.8 miles roundtrip and goes through the woodlands of the Chisos Mountains, the NPS said. COLORADO HIKER WEARING ONLY A HOODIE RESCUED IN SEVERE SNOWSTORM Taking hikers through the mountains and deserts of Big Bend and Mexico, the trail takes hikers an average of about 3 hours to complete, according to the NPS. They added that mountain lions and black bears inhabit the area. Map showing location of Big Bend National Park in Texas. NPS officials said Park Rangers and U.S. Border Patrol Agents searched the trail Wednesday while the park pilot surveyed from the air. More teams combed the area Thursday, according to the NPS. Two helicopters with the Texas Department of Public Safety and U.S. Border Patrol, plus the NPS airplane, searched from above. Original article source: Missing hiker found alive in Texas national park HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) An East Bay High School student was shot after school after a fight broke out between students and non-students, according to deputies. Just before 4 p.m. Thursday, a group of people got together to fight near Big Bend Road and Waterset Boulevard in Apollo Beach. Manatee County man convicted after murdering attendee at funeral During the fight, Hillsborough County deputies said one person pulled a gun and fired it, hitting a student in a lower extremity. The student suffered non-life-threatening injuries. As of this report, deputies are still working to identify the suspect. They said the threat was limited to the group of people involved. The sheriffs office provided extra security at East Bay High on Friday. No additional details were released. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) A 16-year-old boy was arrested Thursday for posting threats against Pinellas County schools online, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office (HCSO). The boy posted the following comments to the Pinellas County Sheriffs Office Instagram page, HCSO wrote in a news release on Friday: I placed explosives set to detonate tomorrow at 3:00 in every school in the county. Im going to firebomb every school in the county. Im going to bomb every school in the county tomorrow. Kids were coming out crying: Parents rush to pick up students after shooting near Hillsborough school Detectives from both counties arrived at the teenagers home in less than an hour, according to HCSO. The 16-year-old reportedly admitted to making the online comments. This screenshot provided by HCSO shows the comments the teenager was accused of making on the Pinellas County Sheriffs Office Instagram page A search of the home revealed he had no bomb-making materials. No explosives were found when deputies searched the schools. There is no scenario where this kind of comment is a joke or funny, Sheriff Chad Chronister said. We take any threat of violence, especially involving our schools, very seriously. Now, this teen will face the consequences of his reckless actions. The 16-year-old faces charges of written or electronic threat to conduct a mass shooting or act of terrorism, and unlawful use of a two way communications device. The incident remains under investigation. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. Scholastic, the wide-reaching childrens book publisher and distributor, recently made headlines for how they handled their 2023 Fall book fairs. The 103-year-old company quietly implemented a strategy for releasing diverse book titles under a voluntary opt-in program. Librarians either selected yes or no to include these books in their Fall fair. It wasnt complicated, but it caused a ruckus. The troubling question is why Scholastic felt the need to roll out this program. Simple enough, they explained through a press release, 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. They went on to explain that to minimize risk for teachers, librarians, and volunteers from being fired, sued, or prosecuted, it was decided to try this option. The alternative they mused was not offering these books at all which simply was unacceptable in their opinion. The legislation referenced by Scholastic is a legitimate concern. Kentuckys Republican party, working diligently on their culture conflict, passed Senate Bill 150, targeting classroom speech on gender and sexuality. In their reckless and counterproductive behavior, legislators decided to table critical business so they could tackle imaginary issues at hand. Riding the wave of legislation and using it as justification, Boyle County Schools proceeded to ban more than 100 books from its libraries in October, then under immense scrutiny returned them in November. The Kentucky Department of Education simply offered, SB-150 does not provide for the removal of media resources from a school library. Whether Boyle County caved to a pressure campaign from parents or was trying a preemptive maneuver to avoid the issue altogether, they briefly became a school district of censorship and idea suppression. In the bizarre world of cancel-culture, Scholastic took the brunt force of its otherwise staunch supporters. Scholastics lukewarm approach left the impression that they were excluding authors, denying children access to books, and restricting content. Not long afterwards, they did a reversal and said the opt-in program Share Every Story, Celebrate Every Voice collection would be discontinued next season. There would be no more segregated book titles. Scholastics initial approach served to insulate educators and volunteers who served their popular fairs. While that was considerate, they ultimately shined a brighter spotlight on a glaring problem the safety and security of educators and the unimaginable task they face. The belabored notion of spending so much time and money battling an engineered boogeyman while school children are being lunch shamed is utterly insane. Book banning is nothing new in our country, but the guise used to enact its practice keeps changing. Its common to hear about the conservatives efforts to censor troubling books, but liberals hands arent entirely clean. From their groaning over The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and To Kill a Mockingbird, to the not-so-subtle Amazon ban of Ryan Andersons book When Harry Became Sally. The knife is cutting both ways and the hypocrisy of each argument is maddening. I have read my fair share of banned literature. Each book illuminated a different corner of my mind and brought about consideration for varying subjects. They taught me empathy for those different from me. These targeted books added context to areas I didnt understand. Also, worth noting I visited my school library to feed my appetite for fantasy and adventure, not strictly for instructional materials. Students crave complicated and ambiguous subject matters to shape their perspective. Even more important, students should be given the opportunity to analyze issues, not be force fed political propaganda. While Kentucky has added to the obstacle course Scholastic now finds itself in, I know the heat will only continue to rise. In 2022 the number of books challenged in Kentucky tripled from the previous year, moving from 23 to 70 titles. The right-wing group, Moms for Liberty, continues to try and infiltrate public school boards to sow chaos from within and promote their parents rights agenda. In a refreshing rebuff, districts across the country used their votes to reject these radical agents. A recent Washington Post article offered insight from UVA professor Larry Sabato, explaining, Parents may want more input in the schools, but as a group they certainly arent as extreme as many in the Moms for Liberty. Tensions will continue to mount in school districts and critical subjects will likely suffer. Students and teachers will have to learn to tiptoe the lines of curriculum and freedom of information and ideas. To the educators filled with apprehension, my hope is that your passion continues amid such unnecessary pressure. Jim Jackson resides in Franklin County. He can be reached by email at jackson.m.jim@gmail.com. Recep Tayyip Erdogan's visit to Olaf Scholz in Germany has been tense at times - Fabrizio Bensch/Reuters Germany is unable to hold Israel to account over its war on Hamas owing to Holocaust guilt, Turkeys president suggested on Friday during a tense meeting with Olaf Scholz. Speaking alongside the German chancellor at a press conference in Berlin, Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he was able to speak freely about the ongoing conflict unlike Berlins leaders. I am talking openly because we do not owe [anything] to Israel those who are indebted to Israel are not able to talk comfortably, he said in Turkish via a translator. We do not have the problem of the Holocaust we did not have such a situation. Alongside a visibly uncomfortable Mr Scholz, the Turkish president also lashed out at Israel over the heavy civilian death toll in Gaza. Shooting hospitals or killing children does not exist in the Torah, you cant do it, he said, referring to Israels ferocious bombardment of the territory. This embedded content is not available in your region. The Turkish leaders visit to Germany has been tense as Mr Scholz, in stark contrast with Mr Erdogan, is a staunch supporter of Israel in the ongoing war on Hamas. There had been concerns that during their Friday evening press conference, Mr Erdogan might repeat his recent claims that Israel was a fascist state. Mr Erdogan stopped short of repeating those remarks, which would have caused major embarrassment for the German chancellor. Instead, he claimed he was leading a fight against anti-Semitism, addressing accusations that his criticism of Israel has at times been discriminatory. For us, there should be no discrimination between Jews, Christians and Muslims in the region. I have fought against anti-Semitism. I am a leader who is leading this fight, he said. Mr Scholz meanwhile used the press conference to emphasise Israels right to self-defence. There is a need to make Israels self-defence possible and not to call it into question, said the German chancellor. Earlier on Friday, Mr Erdogan also met Frank-Walter Steinmeier, the German president, for a discussion about the war. President Erdogan stated that Israels attacks on Palestinian lands must end and that the reaction from the whole world against human rights violations is important, said the Turkish presidency in a readout of the meeting between the two leaders. A ceasefire should be established immediately, it added. More than 12,000 Palestinians, including an estimated 4,000 children, have been killed during Israels offensive, according to Gazas Hamas-run health ministry. Israel launched the offensive in response to the Oct 7 Hamas massacre in which 1,200 Israelis were killed. In recent days, it has surrounded and targeted the Al-Shifa hospital in northern Gaza, which it claims is sitting on top of a huge underground Hamas headquarters. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. Up to 140 new homes will be built on a foot and mouth disease burial ground. South Somerset District Council voted to back plans by developer Gleeson Strategig Land to build homes on Bowden Lane in Templecombe. The developer submitted the plans for 140 homes and a community facility to the council in January. Local residents spoke against the plans at a public meeting on Tuesday, saying the land was contaminated and the village was growing too quickly. The site lies to the south of the existing homes on Bowden Road, with a new access point being created near the junction with West Street. It would include two new children's play areas, a community hub and extensive planting and landscaping to provide an "aesthetically pleasing gateway" to the village. The community facility could end up being used as a village hall, for providing retail space or relocating the existing GP surgery to a larger, more accessible facility. Jeffery Carter, a professional builder who lives locally, said: "I strongly object to this application, it is disingenuous and lacking credibility. "Chemicals such as caustic soda and lime were used to dispose of carcasses buried on this site during the foot-and-mouth outbreak in the late-1960s." The council admitted there was "compelling anecdotal evidence" that the site had been used a burial site for animals slaughtered during an outbreak of foot and mouth disease in 1967. However, under UK planning law, the responsibility for clearing up such sites rests with the developer and landowner, not the council. Councillor Henry Hobhouse said the council had little choice but to approve the plans. He said: "If we vote against this, it will go to appeal and we will end up having to pay for the developer's legal team if they win - and I think they will win." After more than an hour's debate, the committee voted unanimously to approve the outline plans. A reserved matters application, governing the detailed design and layout of the new homes, is expected to come forward early in the new year. Follow BBC West on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to: bristol@bbc.co.uk FILE - New Cardinal Stephen Chow, Bishop of Hong Kong poses for a photo at The Vatican, Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023. Hong Kongs newly appointed Roman Catholic cardinal said he dreamed of having bishops and faithfuls from different parts of Greater China praying together one day during a historic visit by the head of the Chinese Catholic church. Kung Kao Pao, a publication affiliated with Hong Kong's diocese, reported Cardinal Stephen Chow's wish on Friday, Nov. 17. (AP Photo/Riccardo De Luca, file) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) HONG KONG (AP) Hong Kong's newly appointed Roman Catholic cardinal said he dreamed of bishops and faithfuls from different parts of greater China praying together one day during a historic visit by the head of the Chinese Catholic church, a publication affiliated with the city's diocese reported Friday. Joseph Li, who was installed by Chinas state-controlled Catholic church as an archbishop, arrived in Hong Kong on Monday at the invitation of cardinal Stephen Chow, marking the first-ever official visit by a Beijing bishop to the city. His five-day tour was a reciprocal visit following Chows landmark trip to Beijing in April the first visit to the Chinese capital by the citys bishop in nearly three decades. Experts said Chows invitation was a symbolic gesture that could strengthen the fragile relationship between China and the Vatican. 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. Li and Chow took part in a Mass with Hong Kongs cardinal John Tong and other church officials from mainland China on Wednesday, the Kung Kao Po newspaper said. One of my dreams ... is to have bishops, fathers and faithfuls from four cross-strait societies to pray together, Chow said, referring to Hong Kong, Macao, mainland China and Taiwan. In a seminar on Wednesday, Chow affirmed the Hong Kong churchs role as a bridge church, the report added. 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. The agreement has been harshly criticized by Hong Kong cardinal Joseph Zen. 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. The installation of Li in 2007, however, was well-regarded by the Vatican and church officials at the time said it was done with its approval. During his trip to Hong Kong, Li joined an evening prayer service with Chow, exchanged gifts with the cardinal and visited various religious sites, including the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and the Holy Spirit Seminary, Kung Kao Po said. Li told the publication that he learned about the development of the Hong Kong diocese and pledged to make the China church better. This opportunity allows us to learn a lot of things, he said. Lo Lung-kwong, an honorary senior research fellow at the Divinity School of Chung Chi College at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, said the two trips involving Li and Chow this year helped strengthen the relationship between China and the Vatican. Lo said there are restrictions for the highest-level officials to have concrete exchanges, pointing out that Pope Francis and Chinese President Xi Jinping will not visit each other's home turf. Concrete things must be built upon the grassroots level. Theres no other choice and theres just one place Hong Kong, he said. The House Financial Services Committee plans to open an investigation into the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) in response to recent reports that the banking regulator fostered a toxic work environment plagued by sexual harassment and misogyny. The investigation will focus on the allegations of widespread and entrenched misconduct and toxic work environment, as well as the potential impact on the safety and soundness of the banking system, the top Republican members on the panel announced on Friday. In a letter to FDIC Chairman Martin Gruenberg, Financial Services Chairman Patrick McHenry (R-N.C.) and Subcommittee Chairmen Bill Huizenga (R-Mich.) and Andy Barr (R-Ky.) expressed concerns about the agencys ability to tackle the reported workplace problems. Best Black Friday Deals Because the agencys problems stretch back more than a decade and have persisted through changes in leadership, administrations and internal investigations, we are concerned the FDIC, under your leadership, lacks the ability to address the problems, the lawmakers said. Our concern is underscored by your nearly 20-year tenure in all aspects of leadership and management at the FDIC, including serving twice as Chairman, they added. It has failed to instill the confidence the public needs to know their banking system is and will be safe and secure in the future. A pair of reports from the Wall Street Journal this week detailed employee complaints about a sexualized, boys club culture that drove women to leave the agency and raised concerns about Gruenbergs management. The FDIC chair appeared before both the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee and the House Financial Services Committee this week for unrelated oversight hearings. However, he faced a grilling from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle over the recent revelations. After initially saying at Wednesdays House hearing that he had never been investigated for inappropriate conduct during his time at the FDIC, Gruenberg corrected his testimony to note that he had previously been investigated in 2008. Chairman Gruenberg, the viability of your leadership is in question, McHenry, Huizenga and Barr said in Fridays letter. Notwithstanding the toxic environment over which you presided in some leadership capacity over the last 18 years, your conflicting testimony in this weeks hearing before the Committee was alarming. The FDIC was thrust into the spotlight earlier this year after a series of high-profile bank failures prompted questions about the agencys oversight capabilities. In an April report on the failure of Signature Bank, the FDIC noted that staffing challenges had impacted the quality and timeliness of its supervision of the bank. The trio of Republican lawmakers highlighted the report on Friday, noting that it did not consider how the longstanding toxic FDIC culture inhibits employee retention. By ignoring or choosing to remain silent about workplace misconduct at the FDIC, your leadership may have contributed to the financial instability and threats to financial security of Americans that were observed in March, the lawmakers added. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. House Speaker Mike Johnson called an early recess for the Thanksgiving break on Thursday. Republicans need a rest. They were so punchy from all the infighting and name-calling that they just allowed a short term continuing resolution with no budget cuts to pass, mostly with Democratic votes, and couldn't even work up a good old-fashioned cry. There are a few diehards still shaking their fists on the Capitol steps and vowing never to let this happen again but nobody has the energy to cheer them on at this point: "Strike one, strike two," Chip Roy warns Speaker Johnson after short-term spending bill was approved with Dem support under suspension of the rules and without spending cuts. "The swamp won and the speaker needs to know that." MTG: "It's extremely concerning to me" pic.twitter.com/P7IbW5MJqZ Manu Raju (@mkraju) November 16, 2023 The GOP obsession with "individual spending bills" instead of packaging it all together in "omnibus" legislation doesn't seem like the greatest idea at the moment: They can't even get their own draconian spending bills to the floor, much less pass them. So I'm not sure why a decent number of Republican hard-liners thought a government shutdown was going to shake anything loose. Not that it really matters. They haven't done any actual legislating since this Congress convened nearly a year ago. Why start now? America is tired too tired of their inane, infantile behavior. Many people are no doubt grateful to be spared any more of it for at least the next week or so. Unfortunately, these Republicans are ready to hit the ground running when they come back, with the only thing they actually know how to do: put on a circus sideshow to own the libs. Johnson issued a statement this week suggesting that it's time to put the finishing touches on the most important priority of this Congress, impeaching Joe Biden: At this stage, our impeachment inquiry has already shown the corrupt conduct of the Presidents family, and that he and White House officials have repeatedly lied about his knowledge and involvement in his familys business activities. It has also exposed the tens of millions of dollars from foreign adversaries being paid to shell companies controlled by the presidents son, brother, and their business associates. Now, the appropriate step is to place key witnesses under oath and question them under the penalty of perjury, to fill gaps in the record. Well, except that in the realm of reality the impeachment inquiry has been a total bust. Most of what Republicans claim has been "exposed" was already known before they started. None of it showed corrupt behavior then, and it doesn't now. This business about "shell companies" has been debunked over and over again. The companies the Republicans imply are shady money-laundering entities, described by House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer, R-Ky., as "fake" companies that "dont make anything ... dont produce anything ... [and] dont provide a good or service" are actual businesses with employees and everything. It may sound impressive to sling those important-sounding words around on Sean Hannity's show, but that doesn't make them true or meaningful. Comer's committee has already subpoenaed thousands of documents and bank records. As far as we know, the only thing they've turned up is a $200,000 check from James Biden, paying back a loan to his brother who held no public office at the time which the House GOP would like to claim as evidence of some sort of criminal scheme. Apparently, Comer and company forgot to mention that the same bank documents show that Joe Biden's loan to James was made and then paid back within a matter of weeks, undermining any suggestion that it reflected some sinister plot concocted years earlier, when Joe Biden was vice president. (Indeed, it turns out that Comer himself has a history of six-figure transactions with his own brother, which have potentially significant tax implications, and Comer was infuriated when that was pointed out during a hearing on Tuesday.) Last week the committee sent voluntary interview requests to several members of Biden's family, including Sara Biden, the wife of James Biden; Hallie Biden, the widow of Beau Biden, the president's late son; Elizabeth Secundy, Hallie Biden's sister; and. Melissa Cohen, the wife of Hunter Biden. It has also summoned Tony Bobulinski, a shadowy former associate of Hunter Biden. He's the guy who, according to former Trump White House staffer Cassidy Hutchinson, wore a ski mask for a clandestine meeting with White House chief of staff Mark Meadows. We don't know if or when any of these people may appear before the committee. Comer has also authorized subpoenas of Hunter Biden, James Biden and Rob Walker, another of Hunter Biden's business associates. They want Walker to appear on Nov. 29, James Biden on Dec. 4 and Hunter Biden the following week, perhaps as an early Christmas present to Donald Trump. But if this testimony goes as poorly for Republicans as did the first and only hearing they have held, I won't be surprised if we end up with another brawl in the committee room. One Republican staffer called that event "an unmitigated disaster" and another said they had "botched this bad." Even their biggest fans were not impressed: On Steve Bannons show, they have been ripping Jim Jordan and James Comer all day: Today really was rock bottom. Our House Republicans dont know what theyre doing. These people are fundamentally unserious. pic.twitter.com/cWsimz2uW5 Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) September 28, 2023 In case you missed the excitement, Democrats on the committee ran circles around the GOP's so-called expert witnesses, who ended up admitting that there wasn't anywhere near enough evidence for impeachment and once again recited all the exonerating facts about Hunter Biden's business dealings in Ukraine. It got so bad that Comer said afterward that he didn't think there'd be a need for any more public hearings. Speaker Johnson said recently, in a closed door meeting, that he wasn't sure it was necessary to continue with the inquiry at all, since Biden's popularity was already low, proving beyond a doubt that this whole enterprise is a purely partisan effort to damage the president's re-election chances. (You may recall that Kevin McCarthy's very first bid for the speakership fell apart, way back in 2014, for admitting the same thing about the Benghazi hearings and Hillary Clinton.) Want a daily wrap-up of all the news and commentary Salon has to offer? Subscribe to our morning newsletter, Crash Course. But House Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, is refusing to give up, which is certainly on brand. He wants the chance to browbeat Hunter and James Biden on TV, so they're going to try to launch this overloaded rocket one more time. I wouldn't expect it to be any more convincing than the first, though it will get huge ratings on Fox News, where the prime-time hosts will be frothing at the mouth. And that, in the end, is the most important part of the job description for Republicans in Congress. When all is said and done, Joe Biden will almost certainly be impeached. Of course they don't have enough evidence, but that really doesn't matter. It's conceivable that a few GOP members in swing districts, who fear losing their seats next year, might bail out and the vote will fall short, but I wouldn't count on it: Hannity asked House Republicans if they expect Joe Biden to be impeached. Nearly everyone in the room raised their hands. pic.twitter.com/E36Fz8a2yH Citizen Free Press (@CitizenFreePres) November 2, 2023 House Republicans may not be able to perform the most basic functions of governing, but they know that their de facto leader, down in Mar-a-Lago, demands his retribution. And they will do his bidding if they possibly can. AUSTIN (Nexstar) As a tense Texas House debates a massive school finance plan on Friday morning, rural House Republicans have filed an amendment to strip the controversial provision that would establish education savings accounts (ESAs). State Rep. John Raney, a College Station Republican and longtime opponent of any school voucher plan, has proposed the amendment to eliminate the entire section of the bill that would establish ESAs. About 15 other Republicans signed onto that amendment, setting it up for success if all Democrats vote for it. Lawmakers expect a relatively short day should that amendment pass. If the House passes a bill without education savings accounts, it would be dead on arrival in the Senate, and Gov. Greg Abbott has said he would veto it. According to a fiscal analysis by the Legislative Budget Board, House Bill 1 would cost the state more than $36 billion through 2028, including $7.6 billion in just the next two years. RELATED: School voucher bill to reach Texas House floor Friday for potentially pivotal vote Even before the debate began, House Bill 1 attracted criticism from both the strongest liberals and staunchest conservatives. Youre gonna see debate on a massive public education bill, combined with a tiny school choice program. And the reason that massive spending is in there is the belief by some that you essentially have to buy the votes to get school choice started, State Rep. Matt Schaefer, R-Tyler, told Nexstar. He joins some other conservatives who are concerned the high price of the bill does not provide education savings accounts to enough children. Democrats, meanwhile, will stand united against any ESA provision as they have all year. We have still not taken care of our teachers, who are the guardians of education for our public school system. And I think thats what we should be doing first, instead of holding them hostage, trying to get a voucher, State Rep. Carl Sherman, D-Desoto, told Nexstar. House Democratic leaders are instructing their caucus to allow Republicans to lead the way on the anti-ESA amendment, according to internal communications obtained by Nexstar. This will be the most important amendment of the day, and we are confident our bipartisan majority will support it, caucus leaders wrote to their members. We do not want to do anything that will jeopardize votes to defeat school voucher scams. Public Education Chair Brad Buckley introduced his bill with a poignant and personal speech on his support for school choice. He argued these state subsidies will allow families to find the best educational options for their children. Will today be a resounding no to the second grader who cant read? Will it be a resounding no to the parents with two kids with autism?, Rep. Buckley asked members. This coverage is ongoing. Follow along here for updates. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. Lawmakers in the Texas House of Representatives, including five representing Tarrant County, voted Friday to strip a voucher-like program from a wide-ranging education bill. For months, Gov. Greg Abbott has called on lawmakers to pass education savings accounts, which would let parents use public tax dollars on their childs private education. He and other supporters of the policy say parents should have a choice on where to send their kids to school. But the program has faced opposition in the House from Democrats and some Republicans who say the program would hurt public schools. Lawmakers on Friday began their debate on a wide-reaching education bill that, among other provisions, would give students about $10,500 in tax dollars each year for private school tuition or other expenses. Home-schooled students could get $1,000. But early in the debate, Rep. John Raney, a College Station Republican, filed an amendment to have the section of the bill creating education savings accounts taken out of the bill. Arlington Republican Rep. Tony Tinderholt was unsuccessful in an attempt to strike down the proposal through a procedural maneuver. Ultimately, lawmakers voted 84-63 to remove the program from the bill. The Tarrant County delegations vote fell largely on party lines, with its four Democratic members Rep. Nicole Collier of Fort Worth, Rep. Chris Turner of Arlington, Rep. Salman Bhojani of Euless and Rep. Ramon Romero of Fort Worth voting to strike the voucher-like policy. Joining them was Fort Worth Republican Charlie Geren. Republicans Rep. Giovanni Capriglione of Southlake, Rep. David Cook of Mansfield, Rep. Craig Goldman of Fort Worth, Rep. Stephanie Klick of Fort Worth, Rep. Nate Schatzline of Fort Worth and Rep. Tony Tinderholt of Arlington voted to keep education savings accounts in the bill. Abbott has previously said hell continue to call lawmakers back for more special sessions if legislation with the program doesnt make it to his desk, something Tarrant County GOP Chair Tim OHare said hed support in a social media post. School Choice must pass in Texas, OHare said on X. If the House doesnt approve a good bill this session, @GovAbbott should absolutely keep bringing them back until they do. Lawmakers hadnt voted on the bill as a whole as of 4 p.m. Friday. Beyond creating education savings accounts, the bill includes measures related to school funding and teacher pay, school accountability and special education. It increases the base amount that schools get per student to $6,700 and includes a $4,000 bonus for full time teachers, nurses, counselors, and librarians in the 2023-2024 school year. Those raises would be continued in the next school year with the increased per-student funding, according to a bill summary. Educator groups have pushed for teacher pay raises in a legislative year with a hefty budget surplus, but have been insistent that the extra dollars should not be used as a bargaining chip for vouchers. Clay Robison, a spokesperson for the Texas State Teachers Association, said in a text ahead of the vote that the group would still oppose the legislation even with the voucher-like program removed because the funding and teacher pay raises are inadequate. This is a developing story. Check back for updates. At least 300 Central Florida families will be able to enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner this year. Winn Dixie donated 600 turkeys to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. Volunteers from the food bank gave some of them away to local families on Thursday. Read: Thanksgiving Day: Whats open, whats closed The organization said its giving food away two to three times daily to help combat food insecurity. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban speaks with the media as he arrives for an EU summit at the European Council building in Brussels, Thursday, Oct. 26, 2023. European Union leaders gather Thursday for a two day meeting to discuss, among other issues, Ukraine and the impact of the war between Israel and Hamas. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) Hungary's government on Friday released a set of questions for an informal survey it will send to voters on a number of divisive issues including migration, LGBTQ+ rights and support for Ukraine, including a proposal to block further European Union assistance to Kyiv unless the bloc releases frozen funds to Hungary. The survey, which the government calls a national consultation, contains 11 questions and strikes a combative tone toward the EU, which it accuses of trying to force policies on Hungary. One question asks whether Hungary should block an EU plan to provide a four-year, 50 billion euro (nearly $53 billion) aid package for Ukraine unless the bloc unfreezes billions in assistance to Hungary that it has held up over concerns that the government of Prime Minister Viktor Orban has failed to uphold rule-of-law and human rights standards. They are asking Hungary for additional support (for Ukraine) even as our country has not received the EU funds due to it, says one segment of the survey. We should not pay more to support Ukraine until we have received the money we are owed, one possible answer says. Hungary's national consultation surveys, conducted numerous times by Orban's right-wing populist government since it took power in 2010, have been widely criticized by pollsters and opposition parties as propaganda tools that are manipulative in their phrasing and highly suggestive of desired answers. Orban's government says the surveys strengthen its bargaining position on the European level by demonstrating a national consensus on political issues. The surveys are sent by mail to every Hungarian of voting age, but bear no legally binding relevance. They generally receive responses from fewer than 20% of Hungarian adults, yet the responses reflect up to 99% agreement with the government's position. One question released Friday says the EU wants to create migrant ghettos in Hungary and asks whether respondents think Hungary should "accept Brussels' migration plans, or prevent the creation of migrant ghettos. Another says the EU wants Hungary to repeal a contentious law that bans the availability of LGBTQ+ content to minors and warns of aggressive LGBTQ propaganda targeting children. The survey includes other questions about Ukraine, including a proposal that the EU cease military aid to Kyiv and opposition to talks over Ukraine eventually becoming an EU member. Hungary's government has refused to supply Ukraine with weapons since Russia launched its invasion in February 2022 and has opposed EU sanctions on Moscow for its aggression. In the last national consultation, which concluded in January, the government said 97% of Hungarians opposed sanctions against Russia though fewer than 1.4 million people returned the survey in a country of 9.7 million. The surveys can be returned until Jan. 10, 2024, but the government in the past has extended such deadlines to increase participation. The Hunger Games, its sequel books, and associated movies are extremely popular with over 100 million copies of the trilogy sold globally and the movies grossing nearly $3 billion. Building on the fictional world that she created, author Suzanne Collins followed the original trilogy up with a prequel titled The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes. The film adaption maintains great continuity with the first four movies...at least with the firearms depicted. The Hunger Games takes place in a near-future, post-apocalyptic North America called Panem. This dystopia features advanced technology like cloaked hovercrafts and genetically-optimized animals. However, armed conflict between the Capitol and rebelling districts still relies on conventional firearms that we know in our world. In fact, underneath the paint from the prop department, the guns used in The Hunger Games can all be found in the real world. 1. Heckler & Koch G3 Capitol soldiers carry H&K G3s during the war with the districts (Lionsgate) The first firearm shown in The Hunger Games, and the only one that appears in the first film, is the G3. In a propaganda film, the rifle is shown in the hands of Capitol soldiers fighting the rebellion. Fought decades before the events of The Hunger Games, the appearance of the Cold War-era G3 is fitting. In a welcome show of continuity, Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes depicts the German-made battle rifle still in use by Capitol forces 10 years after the end of the war. Following the end of the conflict, it's unlikely that the Capitol would invest in researching and developing a new standard-issue weapon, choosing instead to pour funds into the gruesome spectacle of adolescent combat that is the Hunger Games. 2. FN P90 Peacekeepers armed with P90 PDWs for an operation with low probability of combat (Lionsgate) In The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, Capitol Peacekeepers are armed, possibly in response to Katniss' antics during the Hunger Games, but more likely a reflection of an increased film budget like their improved uniforms and armor. Their standard-issue weapon appears to be the P90. Made by FN Herstal in Belgium, the 5.7x28mm-chambered bullpup PDW is a popular choice for sci-fi productions for its unique and futuristic appearance, despite having been designed in the late 1980s. Especially in white, the P90 fits the near-future setting of The Hunger Games. In real life, the P90 was designed to arm rear-echelon forces who are less likely to see frontline combat with a weapon more effective than a handgun but lighter and more compact than a service rifle. 3. FN F2000 Especially in white, the F2000 fits the aesthetic of the Capitol (Lionsgate) Another entry from FN Herstal, the F2000 is also seen in the hands of Capitol Peacekeepers. Possibly issued as a combat weapon compared to the policing role of the P90, the F2000 is an assault rifle chambered in 5.56x45mm. Larger than the P90, it retains the sci-fi bullpup configuration and white color scheme. Designed in the late 1990s, the F2000 did not see widespread adoption. Its lack of use by militaries and law enforcement lends to its unique on-screen appearance for the majority of viewers. 4. IWI Tavor CTAR-21 Look closely and you can spot Tavors amongst the F2000s (Lionsgate) Possibly used as a stand-in for the F2000, the Israeli-made CTAR-21 is seen in The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1. With the rebellion in full swing, Peacekeepers are armed almost exclusively with F2000s. However, the CTAR-21 can be seen in use during a few scenes. It shares a bullpup layout with the F2000 and can be mistaken for the Belgian rifle by the unfamiliar viewer. 5. M1 carbine & M14 The M14 is the shortest-serving standard issue rifle in U.S. military history (Lionsgte) In Mockingjay Part 1, District 8 rebels against the Capitol with the weapons available to them. This includes an M1 carbine carried by rebel leader Commander Paylor and an M14 rifle carried by a child soldier. With wood stocks, these 20th-century weapons reflect the desperation and hardship of the District's uprising in contrast to the sleek and futuristic bullpups fielded by Peacekeepers. Built by the U.S. and distributed as military aid, these weapons have appeared in third-world conflicts around the globe. 6. Heckler & Koch G36 District 13 soldiers wield G36Ks with M203s (Lionsgte) Fielded by District 13, whose primary industry was military arms production, the G36 represents an advancement over the older G3 while still offering audiences a less familiar firearm. Previously the primary infantry rifle of the German Army , the G36 is not very common in the United States. Notably, the G36 in Panem is depicted with an M203 40mm grenade launcher rather than the AG36 40mm grenade launcher that was designed for it. Both the G36K and G36C variants are seen in Mockingjay. Lunden Roberts, the Arkansas woman who settled a child support lawsuit with Hunter Biden earlier this year, defended the presidents embattled son in an op-ed for the Daily Mail published Thursday, denying that hes not the deadbeat dad his detractors paint him as. Roberts, who gave birth to daughter Navy Joan in 2018, vouched for Bidens character while acknowledging that shes probably the last person you might expect to leap to his defense. Roberts writes that shes never written him off as a deadbeat dad because I know Hunter, Ive witnessed the kind of person he is and the love he has for his children and people in general. She recounts a time that she watched Biden give his jacket to a homeless boy on a snowy street, adding, One thing is certain, Navy Joan is so proud of Hunter, not because hes a Biden, but because he is her dad. And Im proud of him too. Roberts and Biden settled their four-year legal battle this summer, culminating in President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden publicly acknowledging their seventh grandchild for the first time. Read it at Daily Mail Read more at The Daily Beast. You may have thought the closest you would ever get to Raos, the iconic Italian restaurant from New York, was buying a jar of the brands famous pasta sauce. Maybe two if Publix was running a BOGO. The original restaurant, which opened in Harlem in 1896 with 10 seats, is impossible for mortals to enter. Widely considered the hardest reservation to get in the country, it is a haven for luminaries, a culinary citadel you cannot breach unless you know powerful and important people (or are a powerful and important person, which you are not). There are no reservations, only tears when you realize this truth. But like every New Yorker, Raos pronounced Ray-ohs has found its way south. The iconic restaurant opened in late October at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel in the former Lure Fishbar, which closed in May. The Miami Beach Raos can seat 130 diners, which means your odds of seeing what all the fuss is about is much higher. If you have already scored a reservation, congratulations. If you havent and are patiently (or impatiently) waiting because tourist and event season is gearing up and competition is fierce, heres what to expect when you go. The seafood tower is one of the new dishes added to the Raos menu for Miami Beach. Parking Considering Raos is located on South Beach, one of the lower circles of hell as far as parking is concerned, looking for a place to leave your car while you immerse yourself in red sauce is pretty easy. Theres a valet in front of the restaurant if you dont want to walk. If youd rather save your money for meatballs, Loews is located across Collins Avenue from the 16th Street public parking garage. Parking will cost you around $6, depending on how long you stay. The atmosphere The restaurant is too big to re-create the intimacy of the original, but as this is all for the best in terms of you getting in, go with it. The style is classic New York Italian: white tablecloths, green banquettes, red chairs. The photos on the walls are a time machine, taking you back and telling the story of the original Raos and its founders as well as its famous customers. This is the opposite of Carbone, the other trendy Italian spot on South Beach for which it is equally tricky to snag a reservation, despite it having been open for almost three years now. At Raos, service is not a performance and dining is not a show, and you dont need to dress to impress (though leave the flip flops and T-shirts at home, maybe). As a hotel restaurant, its less fussy, less intent on making you part of a breathless, raucous scene. (Note: We are not actually insulting Carbone here. Sometimes, you want the show.) The point of Raos is the food, the history and the traditions that have sustained this family-owned restaurant for more than 100 years. The food Dino Gatto, executive chef of the iconic New York restaurant Raos, inside the new Raos at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel. Chef Dino Gatto, the executive chef of the New York Raos for 28 years, thinks of the menu as comfort food. Its just all simple homestyle cooking that everybody grew up with, he says. The stuff we do isnt anything crazy that weve got to order from six different vendors for one dish. You can walk into Publix on the corner and buy whatever you need to do one of our dishes. This makes ordering somewhat easy, because if you spot something on the menu that looks good to you, you have a reasonably good chance of being satisfied. Most of the menu is similar to what is served in the New York restaurant, with a few exceptions like the seafood tower ($100-$185, depending on the size), which is specific to Miami. There are, however, a few musts, first and foremost Raos meatballs in red sauce ($25). Made of ground beef, Italian breadcrumbs and seasoning, theyre served in a bowl of two, so they work well as an appetizer (you could order them as a side dish). Like the chef says, theres nothing fancy here, just tender meat and sauce that will take you immediately back to the Sunday gravy you used to eat at your grandmothers, if your grandmother was a Nonna. The roasted red peppers, another classic Raos starter ($23), served with a chunk of burrata, raisins and pine nuts are also a worthy choice. The menu is separated into first courses (meaning pasta) and second courses (meaning meat). One of the Raos staple pastas is the lobster fra diavolo ($60) but dont sleep on the gemelli veal ragu ($35), smooth, creamy and versatile enough to go with almost any of the main dishes. The kitchen is also happy to swap out the type of pasta in any dish, just in case you like linguini more than angel hair. Youll find the usual parmesans and Milaneses on the main menu, as well as veal marsala and veal piccata. One of Raos famous specials is here, too: Uncle Vincents Lemon Chicken ($35), half a broiled chicken in lemon sauce. If you are a person who doesnt often order chicken out, this might be the time to make an exception, and its a big enough order for two. The meatballs at Raos Miami Beach are the ultimate Italian comfort food with red sauce. Will I see Chef Dino in Miami Beach? The chef is primarily based at the New York Raos, but hes been flying back and forth to oversee the kitchen in Miami Beach, so you may see him making the rounds in the dining room on occasion. The Raos Room (no, you cant sit there) The VIP Raos Room at the new Raos restaurant at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel. The Raos Room is a smaller dining room reserved for VIPs, New York regulars, friends of Raos and other assorted famous folk. On a recent night, the doors between the Raos Room and the main dining room were open, but at peak times when celebrities darken the door, expect those entrances to be closed off. You are not going to be snapping photos of Pat Riley. For normals, the best way to regard the Raos Room is this: If you have to ask if you can get in, youre probably not getting in. Best time to get a reservation The bar at Raos Italian restaurant at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel. Its hard to say, but we can tell you when its least likely to get a reservation: during big event weeks like the upcoming Miami Art week (Dec. 6-10) and all the Art Basel madness that will ensue. February is also likely to be tough: Loews will act as the host hotel of the South Beach Wine & Food Festival from Feb. 22-25, 2024. Miami is heading into the busy part of tourist season, which doesnt let up until well after Easter, so be prepared to be shut out. That said, early in the evening is best, and weeknights might be more available than Saturday night. Or you can grit your teeth and wait until August, when no one in their right mind wants to be anywhere near Florida. If youre adventurous, you can try for a seat at the bar, for which you dont need a reservation. Wed advise getting there early for that and being prepared to wait either way. Veal chop parmesan at Raos Miami Beach. Raos Where: Loews Miami Beach Hotel, 1601 Collins Ave., Miami Beach Reservations: Resy The price of drugs that Idaho needs to execute a death row inmate has tripled since the last time the state carried out a lethal injection more than a decade ago. The Idaho Department of Correction paid $50,000 for 15 grams of pentobarbital, according to a purchase order for the execution drugs obtained by the Idaho Statesman through a public records request. The documents release also is the first time state prison officials have revealed which drug they acquired for the planned execution of Thomas Creech, Idahos longest-serving death row inmate. Upon payment, vendor agrees to maintain and store the items in accordance with all applicable regulations until IDOC takes possession of the items, the document read. Vendor agrees to refund IDOC an amount up to $50,000 if it fails to provide to IDOC the purchased items, in whole or in part. IDOC last month disclosed that prison officials had secured lethal injection drugs for the first time in years when they also announced a death warrant for the 73-year-old Creech, a convicted quadruple-murderer. Prison officials declined to tell the Statesman whether they have the pentobarbital on hand. Creechs execution has since been postponed. Idaho death row inmate Thomas Creech, pictured here in November 2020, was convicted of three murders in the state and another in Oregon between 1974 and 1981. Now 73, he awaits a clemency hearing to see if he will remain on death row and possibly face execution by lethal injection. According to the state prison systems execution procedures, officials use 5 grams of pentobarbital to lethally inject a prisoner in the one-drug protocol. In case they are needed, two backup sets of syringes also are prepared for a lethal injection, each with 5 grams of pentobarbital. IDOC Director Josh Tewalt did not respond Thursday to a Statesman interview request through a department spokesperson about Idahos execution process. Tewalt, appointed to the post in December 2018, has not made himself available for similar interview requests from the Statesman concerning executions for more than two years. In a phone interview with the Idaho Capital Sun earlier this month, Tewalt said IDOC wont force the issue as Creechs legal process plays out. The Idaho Commission of Pardons and Parole agreed to grant Creech a hearing in January to review whether to recommend reducing his death sentence to life in prison. We will not move forward unless we can do it in a way that is dignified, Tewalt said. We are committed to carrying it out with integrity, dignity and respect for everyone involved. This embedded content is not available in your region. Unable to get drugs, IDOC delayed execution The prison systems ability to purchase execution drugs came as a bit of a surprise. Prisons in the states across the U.S. that maintain active capital punishment have increasingly struggled to buy the drugs used to perform lethal injections. Prison officials have said manufacturers and other suppliers wont sell them drugs like pentobarbital, a potent sedative that can stop a persons breathing in higher doses, out of fear of being identified, leading to public backlash for assisting with an execution a hotly contested national issue. Unable to locate execution drugs despite past efforts, Idaho last year passed a shield law that prevents the release of certain records to the public to protect the identity of potential drug suppliers. Proponents said the goal of the law is to conceal the suppliers information to encourage them to sell the drugs to the state. Prison officials still found themselves without the ability to acquire the drugs necessary for a lethal injection. Late last year, IDOC was forced to postpone the execution of another death row inmate after the agency could not purchase them. The occurrence led state lawmakers earlier this year to pass another law that establishes a firing squad as the backup execution method when lethal injection drugs are unavailable. In a legal filing in March, state officials again acknowledged the prison system still had not been able obtain the lethal drugs. And as recently as Oct. 10 two days before Creech was served a death warrant state officials once more affirmed in a legal filing that Idahos prison system does not have the present ability to carry out an execution via lethal injection or firing squad while the shooting facility remains in development. As a result of the shield law, its unclear where prison officials found the drugs intended for Creechs execution. Also redacted from the execution drug order was the purchase date. IDOC officials cited several public records exemptions related to executions for redacting the purchase date, including those covered in the shield law. The agency failed to provide the responsive records within a maximum of 10 business days, as required by the Idaho Public Records Act. Instead, IDOC staff took more than double that amount of time, at 23 business days. In its eventual response, IDOC raised concerns that release of the information may jeopardize the states ability to carry out an execution. Former Rep. Greg Chaney, R-Caldwell, an attorney, sponsored Idahos shield law for execution records that could identify the supplier of lethal injection drugs. The redaction made former state Rep. Greg Chaney, a Caldwell-based attorney who sponsored the shield law, wonder about IDOCs rationale. The law appears to have worked as intended, he said, in that it helped IDOC obtain lethal injection drugs, but concealing the purchase date left him with questions. Exceptions to government transparency should be as narrow as possible, Chaney said in a statement to the Statesman. Id be interested to know how its disclosure would lead to the identity of the supplier. If there isnt a way that the withheld information could lead to the disclosure of the supplier, then it goes beyond the spirit of the legislation. Questions over use of compounding pharmacies For Idahos most recent executions, prison officials resorted to covert tactics to conceal information from the public about where they bought execution drugs, and how much they paid, the Statesman previously reported. In the middle of a yearslong legal battle over public records, which IDOC lost in 2021 and finally forced release of documents disclosing the information, the agency further tightened its rules around records exemptions for documents related to executions. The records revealed that IDOC used confidential cash accounts to hide the execution drug purchases from two out-of-state compounding pharmacies with questionable safety records. Compounding pharmacies are custom drug producers that are less regulated because theyre not closely monitored by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. In 2012, state prison officials paid as much as $15,000 in cash for pentobarbital, according to public records and past court depositions. The drugs, bought from the Union Avenue Compounding Pharmacy in Tacoma, Washington, were used in the lethal injection execution of convicted murderer Richard Leavitt in June 2012. The year prior, prison officials paid as much as $10,000 in cash to the University Compounding Pharmacy in Salt Lake City for pentobarbital, according to a sworn deposition by another of IDOCs former deputy prison chiefs, The Salt Lake Tribune reported. Those drugs were used to execute Paul Rhoades, a convicted triple-murderer, in November 2011. Because of Idahos new shield law, the public is no longer entitled to know whether prison officials again purchased pentobarbital from a compounding pharmacy, rather than from a commercial drug manufacturer. The difference between the two versions is considerable, with potentially significant consequences for the expiration of a drug like pentobarbital, said Dr. Jim Ruble, an attorney and longtime doctor of pharmacy who teaches law and ethics courses at the University of Utahs College of Pharmacy. Compounded pentobarbital reaches its beyond use date as far out as 45 days, but as early as two days, based on several factors, including the conditions in which its stored, Ruble told the Statesman by phone. However, a manufactured version like that sold to hospitals doesnt expire for up to four years, he said. Therein is the challenge with the transparency in all of this, Ruble said. We dont have readily available to us the recipe, so to speak, or the formulation that is being utilized by compounding pharmacies, so we have to take it to some degree on faith or face value. When either version reaches its shelf life, it begins to lose potency and essentially becomes toxic, he said. Visible crystallized particles begin to form in the liquid pentobarbital solution, which, if injected, can cause undue suffering from excessive levels of pain, Ruble told the Statesman. If injected particles are large enough, they can cause internal bleeding in tissues, the lungs or other organs. Idahos death row in the J Block at the Idaho Maximum Security Institution near Kuna. The execution chamber for lethal injection executions take place in nearby F Block. Such treatment, including during the lethal injection of a prisoner, could be grounds for a legal challenge that the use of potentially expired execution drugs violates an inmates rights against cruel and unusual punishment guaranteed under the Eighth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. In a statement after IDOC announced Creechs death warrant, his attorneys at the nonprofit Federal Defender Services of Idaho said theyd be exploring just that very kind of litigation. Given the shady pharmacies that the state has obtained the lethal drugs from for the past two Idaho executions, we remain highly concerned about the measures the state resorted to this time to find a drug supplier, Deborah A. Czuba, supervising attorney of the legal nonprofits unit that oversees death penalty cases, said in a statement. We will be doing everything we can to fight for Mr. Creechs life, including challenging the quality of the drugs and execution by lethal injection. IDOC disputes parking lot purchase Attorneys at the Federal Defender Services of Idaho alleged in a prior case representing Gerald Pizzuto, another death row inmate, that Tewalt, then a deputy chief of prisons, was among two Idaho prison officials who bought the execution drugs in Tacoma in an evening exchange in a Walmart parking lot. The compounding pharmacy in Tacoma is located across the street from the citys only Walmart. Josh Tewalt, director of the Idaho Department of Correction since December 2018. Flight records, previously obtained by the Statesman from the Idaho Division of Aeronautics through a public records request, place Tewalt and then-IDOC prisons chief Kevin Kempf on a state-chartered flight back and forth from Tacoma in May 2012 at an estimated cost of about $2,500. The Tacoma pharmacist acknowledged in a December 2021 statement to the Statesman the in-person delivery of pentobarbital to members of IDOC in May 2012. In a statement to the Capital Sun since shared with the Statesman, IDOC officials denied the account of how they acquired the drugs. The agency called the legal nonprofits accusation that they bought the drugs in a parking lot absurd and false, in anticipation of additional media coverage tied to Creechs scheduled execution. Some of it will surely include a repetition of certain absurd and false allegations that were intended to shock and mislead, like the allegation that the chemicals used in prior executions were bought in a Walmart parking lot, read the statement from Jeff Ray, IDOCs spokesperson. Department officials deny that allegation. The chemicals were procured in accordance with state and federal laws. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) released video on Friday showing what it says is a stash of mortar bombs hidden in the vicinity of a kindergarten classroom. The short video shows a damaged kindergarten classroom and then pans into a small storage area, revealing a pile of mortar shells. An IDF spokesman said the mortar shells and other weapons were recovered by soldiers in schools inside the Gaza Strip. NETANYAHU: ISRAEL 'NOT SUCCESSFUL' IN MINIMIZING GAZA CIVILIAN CASUALTIES A photo of mortar shells next to a school classroom. Additionally, IDF troops also found numerous Hamas weapons hidden in the Al-Karmel elementary school, the IDF said. Those weapons are understood to consist of rocket-propelled grenades and other military equipment. U.S. and Israeli officials have said the Hamas terrorist organization uses civilian infrastructure like schools, homes and hospitals as cover for its military activities. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP The IDF also released an image of a stockpile of weaponry and ammunition it says were seized from the Al-Quds Hospital, located in the Tel al-Hawa area of Gaza City. The IDF says terrorists are using tunnels beneath hospitals to conduct its operations. The IDF also released an image of a stockpile of weaponry and ammunitions it says were seized from the Al-Quds Hospital, located in the Tel al-Hawa area of Gaza City. GROUPS FEAR FACULTY THAT DEFENDED HAMAS COULD SET CALIFORNIA STANDARDS: 'INSTITUTIONALIZATION OF ANTISEMITISM The IDF also announced on Friday that it had captured a post in Gaza belonging to the Palestine Islamic Jihad, a Sunni Islamist militant group, where they seized many rockets and other weapons. The IDF post was a major asset for weapon production used to attack Israeli civilians and train terrorist fighters, the IDF said. It was located next to a courthouse and a Turkish hospital, according to the Israeli military. "IDF troops searched the post and removed two trucks full of weapons, including Badr-3 rocket parts (a surface-to-surface rocket), UAV parts, and intelligence materials belonging to the [Palestinian Islamic Jihad]," an IDF spokesperson said. The Israel Defense Forces seized a large weapons cache from a post belonging to the terrorist group, the Palestine Islamic Jihad. IDF troops also found a training tank used by terrorists to train fighters on how to capture an Israeli tank, the IDF said. "During the operation, an anti-tank missile was launched at the troops from an adjacent building. The troops directed a helicopter to strike the terrorist cell that launched the missile," the military said. "Furthermore, a terrorist cell fired additional shots at the troops from an adjacent courthouse and was struck by an IDF tank." The seizures come as the Israeli military continues to target Hamas leadership in northern Gaza and has captured several of the terrorist group's key bases in the region. The Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry claims more than 11,200 Gazans have been killed in the fighting, though they do not distinguish between Palestinian civilians and Hamas terrorists. The war was sparked after Hamas launched a series of brutal terror attacks on Oct. 7. Louis Casiano and Elizabeth Pritchett contributed to this report. Original article source: IDF finds stash of mortar shells next to kindergarten classroom in Gaza Once a place of refuge from the enclaves busy streets, Gaza beach has now been transformed into an Israeli military stronghold. An image released by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) shows tanks and bulldozers massed on the northern seafronts sands below blown-out apartment buildings. A scattering of troops can be seen guarding the area. Prior to the war, the beach was a popular destination for Palestinians of all ages, who frequently flocked there in large numbers during summer months to relax in the sun, play and swim in the Mediterranean Sea. It offered an escape from the enclaves hot, dusty city centres, made even more uncomfortable by frequent long power outages. The sea is our only refuge in Gaza, Umm Khalil Abu al-Khair, a 43-year-old mother of six, told Al Jazeera in late August, six weeks before the Israel-Hamas war broke out. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. The Israeli military on Friday slammed an Osama bin Laden letter that has gone viral on social media. Taking a brief, and what should be unnecessary, pause to remind anyone who is confusedOsama Bin Laden was a genocidal terrorist personally responsible for one of the biggest crimes in modern history, the military posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. Like Hamas, Al Qaeda used antisemitic radical ideology to justify the wholesale murder of thousands of men, women and children, the post continued. Bin Ladens 2002 Letter to America, which was published nearly a year after the 9/11 attacks, has recently made the rounds online. The letter attempted to justify the killing and targeting of American civilians. Bin Laden was killed in 2011 by U.S. Special Forces. Many videos showed support for the al Qaeda leaders argument and suggested to others that they read the letter in light of the U.S.s backing of Israel in its current war against the militant Palestinian group Hamas. Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, a 2024 GOP presidential primary candidate, also called out the spread of the letter Thursday. [W]hen you look at social media, I have long said that we have to ban TikTok, Haley said on Fox News Radios The Guy Benson Show. And if you didnt know why, theres another example today. People are posting Osama bin Ladens letter, the week after the 9/11 attack, and it is the justification for why he did it, Haley continued. And so you have a lot of our kids sitting there siding with that, that Oh, America deserved it at that time. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The International House of Prayer of Kansas City has released a report of its initial findings involving sex abuse allegations against the ministrys founder. The report discounts some of the allegations brought forth by former IHOPKC leaders last month that prompted the ministrys current leadership team to ask Mike Bickle to step away from public ministry to allow for a proper inquiry to be conducted. After three weeks of examination, IHOPKC has identified five of eight alleged victims, said the report, dated Nov. 15 and released on the ministrys website. Three of those five have publicly called the allegations lies, a fourth has not wanted to communicate with IHOPKCs attorney, and the fifths allegations relate to incidents that preceded IHOPKCs founding. The report also criticized the motives of what it referred to as the complaint group that presented the allegations to IHOPKC leaders, saying the men did not have permission to include at least four of the women in their list of alleged victims. The release of the findings raises further questions about the allegations and how the investigation is being handled. It also highlights a deepening rift between the former IHOPKC leaders and the current leadership team. Dwayne Roberts, a member of the group that reported the allegations, said in a statement to The Roys Report, a Christian media outlet, that IHOPKCs initial findings were disappointing on several levels. We are firmly convinced that no charge should be made against an elder except in the case of two or three witnesses, said Roberts, a founding member of IHOPKC. The fact that around 20 witnesses have come forward with first-hand experience of impropriety was why we could no longer remain silent. Bickle, 68, founded IHOPKC in 1999 as a 24/7 evangelical and missions organization with its world headquarters in south Kansas City. He has not responded publicly to the allegations, which surfaced on Oct. 27 when leaders called a meeting to inform staff members. They originally described Bickles alleged actions as misconduct, then later said the allegations were unsettling and involved sexual immorality. The day after IHOPKC leaders told the staff about Bickle, the three former leaders issued a statement saying they had made the leadership team aware of the allegations. They described the incidents as clergy sexual abuse and said they found the allegations to be credible and long-standing. The newly released report said that on Oct. 24, the complaint group presented IHOPKCs executive leadership team with allegations it said were made by eight women it represented. The report said the leadership team took the allegations seriously and within days began consulting outside legal experts on how best to handle the issue. Significantly, at all times, the allegations were treated as if they were credible in order to care for any past or present victim while objective due diligence was to be performed, the report said. However, upon review by outside legal counsel, it was determined that the collection and presentation of the allegations by the Complaint Group lacked any semblance of reliability or due process. It said the document the group prepared to go along with its presentation of the allegations does not contain any actual evidence: no statements from the victims, whether sworn or unsworn, and no emails, texts, or other exhibits between Mr. Bickle and the alleged victim to substantiate the allegations (only blank squares acting as exhibit placeholders). The groups claims came with a list of demands, the report said. These demands and threats, which included dictating the use of IHOPKCs funds, generated an atmosphere of concern regarding the true objectives of the Complaint Group, it said. The report also said that it has become abundantly clear over the last three weeks that four of the women were presented as alleged victims without their consent. Some of the allegations, it said, were contained in a document and others were presented verbally. Three women mentioned in the document were identified by their initials, it said. Five anonymous Jane Does were also listed, it said, but the complaint group would not provide their names or any details of the allegations. Then, IHOPKC was given the names of two additional women orally during conversations that took place the week of October 24, the report said. At that point, a total of five alleged victims had been identified by name. The claims of the first woman that Bickle emotionally pursued and prophetically manipulated her more than 25 years ago could not be verified, the report said. The allegation contains only six short lines of text and is non-sexual, it said. It contains no first person statements by the alleged victim herself. It remains unclear if she gave permission for her name to be included as an alleged victim. With the second woman, the report said, there was partial credibility established. The allegation was from 26 years ago, before IHOPKC was founded, it said. The allegations include physical contacts between Mr. Bickle and an adult woman; it is also insinuated that Mr. Bickle may have committed a crime, the report said. IHOPKC has not been able to determine whether this criminal allegation has any credibility. IHOPKCs attorney tried unsuccessfully to contact the woman, the report said. On Nov. 10, IHOPKC learned that the founder of GRACE a Virginia nonprofit whose name stands for Godly Response to Abuse in the Christian Environment was representing her. The report said that a third allegation presented to leaders was that a woman had been pursued emotionally and was a victim of prophetic manipulation by Bickle from 2013 to 2018. But on Nov. 2, the report said, she publicly refuted that she was a victim. The woman also sent a letter to IHOPKCs attorney stating that the Complaint Group were bullies and that she never gave them permission to use her name, it said. A fourth woman, who was identified as a victim of Bickle by the leader of the complaint group, issued a lengthy public statement on Oct. 31 that she was not a victim, the report said. A fifth woman also on Oct. 31 refuted any claims that she had been sexually or spiritually abused by Bickle, releasing a public statement on her social media account, the report said. A sixth woman, the report said, sent IHOPKC leadership an email on Nov. 3 saying she was hurt to hear that her name had surfaced regarding allegations against Bickle. It said she emphatically denied that any form of abuse or any inappropriate relationship with Mr. Bickle had ever taken place. The report concluded that bringing in a third party to investigate the organization was premature until IHOPKC can establish the credibility of the allegations and genuine intent of the Complaint Group. It added, however, that IHOPKC remains open to inviting a third party (or even multiple third parties) to examine these findings. It is our sincerest desire that alleged anonymous Jane Does would come forward as soon as possible, either directly to IHOPKCs attorney, via the Complaint Group or through their own legal representative, so that IHOPKC can then take the appropriate next steps, it said. In a note to followers dated Nov. 15, the executive leadership team said IHOPKC was committed to investigating sexual abuse allegations and that if you are a victim of any form of sexual abuse, past or present, or if you are the victim of or a witness to any crime, please immediately report it to the proper law enforcement authorities. It added: You are encouraged to report any form of sexual abuse to IHOPKC staff as well. We stand ready to provide pastoral care and counseling. The note said the crisis has highlighted things in our organization that need to be improved, adding that some issues needed to be addressed immediately. The first change to be implemented, it said, would be to announce a clear and simple process and protocol for people who want to report any form of sexual abuse. The note also addressed concerns that have been raised about hiring a law firm to conduct an independent investigation. Leaders originally announced that they had hired Stinson LLP, a national law firm with an office in Kansas City. But last week, after a change.org petition began circulating that called for them to hire GRACE, they told followers that they had instead decided to retain a local law firm. Leaders are refusing to provide the name of the firm. As you can understand, IHOPKC will not be revealing the name of the law firm in order to protect the attorneys and their families from Cancel Culture, Lenny La Guardia, a member of the leadership team, said in an email to The Star on Thursday. They said Stinson LLP was initially hired because it was one of the largest firms in the nation that represents sexual abuse victims in the context of religious organizations. Since one of the allegations brought forward would be considered criminal in nature, we believe that attorneys like the Stinson team, comprised of subject matter experts and former federal prosecutors, would be the most skilled at thoroughly and legally examining all the facts, the note said. We still believe this, which is why, after many expressed a lack of trust in a national law firm, we decided to choose a local KC law firm with a reputable attorney to conduct interviews with alleged victims. The note acknowledged that many in the IHOPKC community and on social media had been demanding that it use an outside party that specializes in church abuse rather than a law firm to conduct a wide investigation. And it said while leaders were not opposed to using an outside party, GRACE could not be that party because its founder was now representing Bickles primary accuser. This attorney is also currently listed as a board member on G.R.A.C.E.s website, the IHOPKC leaders note said. This represents a clear conflict of interest for G.R.A.C.E. and disqualifies the organization as a candidate to be an objective third party. They were referring to Boz Tchividjian, a former child abuse chief prosecutor and grandson of the late Rev. Billy Graham who founded GRACE in 2003. In 2018, IHOPKC hired GRACE to conduct an independent investigation into allegations by a Washington woman who said an IHOPKC missionary had sexually abused her for 2 years when she was a teen and he was a youth pastor at a Baptist church in Modesto, California. The results of that investigation werent made public. [Source] Swedish furniture brand Ikea has joined social media users in trolling Balenciaga for releasing a $925 towel skirt in its latest collection. What happened: The mocking began after the French luxury fashion brand announced its Spring 2024 Collection on Instagram on Wednesday. While the post did not provide price details, the companys website listed a beige-colored version for $925. About the skirt: Balenciaga says the unisex, knee-length towel skirt is made with terry cotton in Italy. It comes with two buttons inside the waistline, an adjustable belt with a buckle inside and the Balenciaga logo embroidered tone-on-tone at the front. Trending on NextShark: Takeshi Kitano directs, stars in samurai period drama featuring gay relationships Reactions: Many social media users poked fun at the product, with one Instagram user requesting a matching towel that they can wrap around their head. Meanwhile, X users called out the skirt's price tag, with one writing, Now you can dry off AND turn heads with your questionable fashion choices for only $925. Balenciaga towel skirt just did me in for the day like huh? call me love (@_dejalove) November 15, 2023 I just saw the Balenciaga Towel Skirt and I have officially given up on humanity J4Brooks (@J4Nanook) November 16, 2023 i think the balenciaga towel skirt is very meme-worthy michelle (@huxyay) November 16, 2023 Joining the jokes: Amid the trolling, Ikea's U.K. Instagram account posted an ad for its own, eerily similar-looking Vinarn bath towel. The clever comeback branded it as a "skirt towel" and featured a model dressed like Balenciaga's own. "Introducing the new VINARN Towel Skirt, a 2024 Spring fashion essential," Ikea U.K. wrote in the description. The product, however, costs hundreds of dollars less than Balenciaga's at 16 British pounds ($20). View this post on Instagram A post shared by IKEA UK (@ikeauk) Not the first time: This is not the first time Ikea has trolled Balenciaga. In 2017, the fashion house released a $2,145 bag that resembled Ikea's iconic blue shopping tote, leading the furniture giant to release a print ad titled "How to identify an original Ikea Frakta bag." Balenciaga, for its part, is no stranger to unveiling bizarre products and subsequently drawing flak on social media. The company previously sparked outrage over a $1,800 Lays collaboration handbag, a $1,790 trash pouch and an extremely-worn limited edition $1,850 sneakers. A Catholic religious order has agreed to pay $2.9 million to settle claims of child sexual assault by a Catholic brother and former teacher that allegedly continued occurring after the student brought the claims to the attention of upper administration at Mount Carmel High School. The settlement with the Order of the Carmelites, filed in September, alleges that Brother Robert Murphy, a former teacher at Mount Carmel High School, sexually assaulted a boy more than a dozen times while he was a student at the school from 1982 to 1986. The settlement claims the student made a school disciplinarian aware of the abuse but that no action was taken against Murphy. The student met Murphy in the summer of 1982 prior to the start of the school year when Murphy supervised activities sponsored by the school, the settlement says. The suit alleges Murphy paid an inappropriate amount of attention to the student and in one instance locked the student in a classroom to sexually assault him. Attorney Mark Brown said his client came to him after 30 years of suppressing the memories of the abuse he experienced at Mount Carmel. He was basically trapped living his life, said Brown, managing partner at Lane Brown LLC. He was the only one who knew what he was going through. The Carmelites, based out of Darien, run and operate the all-boys high school on the South Side of Chicago. The religious order removed Murphy from public ministry in 2002 after reexamining old allegations he had engaged in sexual misconduct with children in Georgia and at Mount Carmel during the 1970s and 1980s. The Carmelites told the Tribune in 2002 that the review was done at the request of Murphy himself in light of the current national and international focus on the issue of sexual misconduct. Before teaching in Chicago, Murphy was assigned by the Carmelites to the Catholic Diocese of Savannah in Georgia where he was accused of sexual misconduct with minors in 1973. The Diocese of Savannah reported the allegations to the Carmelite Province. Murphy taught at Mount Carmel until 1985, when he was removed as a teacher for claims of sexual abuse of minors, the order previously told the Tribune. He was restricted from all unsupervised contact with minors and underwent treatment from 1985 through 1999, but continued to serve in public ministry. After the orders ruling, Murphy lost his job at Lewis University, a Catholic university in Romeoville where he had worked since 1987 as a history teacher and director of ministry. Brothers are members of religious orders who are not ordained but take vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. Brown and his partner Kellie Snyder first found mental health care for their client before moving forward with the lawsuit. Our client was not in a position to move forward in the case when he came to us, Brown said. So we focused immediately on getting him help for his mental treatment, and we had to find him an appropriately qualified therapist that has experience treating victims of child sex abuse. Mediation began in June and when a settlement was not reached, Brown drafted a lawsuit against the Carmelites. The parties then returned to the table and reached a settlement before the suit could be filed. Murphy remains a Carmelite Brother, Brown said. The Carmelites could not be reached for comment. The court documents remain private as it was settled before being filed in court. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) Impairment is suspected after a vehicle appeared to have crashed through a barrier in front of Caesars Palace Las Vegas Hotel and Casino Thursday. The crash occurred at 1:40 p.m. According to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, two people were taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Police said the driver was on the scene and impairment was suspected. As visible from Nevada Department of Transportation Freeway and Arterial System of Transportation (FAST) Cameras, a vehicle appeared to have crashed through a barrier at Caesars Palace on Las Vegas Boulevard near Flamingo Road. Thursday afternoon a vehicle that appeared to be a Chevrolet SUV, sat half-on and half-off the curb. The fountains of the Caesars Palace resort were visible in the FAST cam, as debris was scattered across the walkway. Police are encouraging drivers and pedestrians to avoid the area if possible. This is a developing story. Stay with 8newsnow.com for more information as it becomes available. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. FILE PHOTO: The logo of IDBI Bank is seen on the facade of its headquarters in Mumbai MUMBAI (Reuters) - The Indian government does not expect to conclude the sale of IDBI Bank by the end of the financial year on March 31, 2024, a top finance ministry official told reporters. The federal government, which owns 45.48% of IDBI Bank, and state-owned Life Insurance Corp of India, which holds 49.24%, together plan to sell 60.7% of the lender. Kotak Mahindra Bank, Canadian billionaire Prem Watsa-backed CSB Bank and Emirates NBD have submitted initial bids for a majority stake in IDBI Bank and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has been vetting bidders since April. "We practically don't think that before March we can conclude (the sale of IDBI Bank)," said Tuhin Kanta Pandey, the secretary of the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management. Pandey added that the RBI was still conducting the vetting process. The government had previously expected that process to be completed by the end of October, raising market hopes that the sale could close by the end of March. The sale of a majority stake in IDBI Bank has been seen as a first step towards privatising other state-run banks, and delaying the deal means the government will likely miss its divestment target of 510 billion rupees by a bigger margin. Since the beginning of the current fiscal year in April, India has raised only 80 billion rupees by selling stakes in state-run firms. Such sales are a key revenue raising measure that have helped Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government spend record sums on building infrastructure. But recently, the process has slowed as the government's focus has shifted towards national elections due next summer. (Reporting by Jayshree P Upadhyay; Editing by Mark Potter) MSNBC host Ali Velshi really wants you to read the 91 criminal counts in the four indictments against Donald Trump. In fact, he has edited and introduced an entire book about them, with the straightforward title, The Trump Indictments: The 91 Criminal Counts Against the Former President of the United States. Full disclosure: Velshi is a longtime friend, and we recently had a conversation for "Salon Talks" where he made a compelling argument aimed at every American: Take a few hours out of your life to read the Trump indictments so you can fully understand the narrative, the granularity and the number of people involved. Obviously Velshi understands that some people won't read his book or the underlying court documents Trump's core supporters, first and foremost but he hopes that ultimately even some of them will begin to grasp the scope of the charges against their hero, even if they dont agree with any of them. Velshi and I also discussed the role the media will, and should, play in the 2024 election. We are all aware of the role played by mainstream media, and cable news in particular, in lavishing attention on Trump in 2016. Velshi says his philosophy, with regard to his own MSNBC show, is that it's irresponsible to ignore Trump entirely, but you have to curate video clips from Trump's interminable speeches so that the multiply-indicted former president doesn't just get free air time to spew his talking points. Velshi says he's committed to spotlighting the moments when Trump says something that sounds like Mussolini." And he's doing that, as we both agree, more and more. Velshi has been among the most consistent media voices highlighting the GOPs efforts to ban books in various states and localities or at least to remove them from school libraries and curricula with a reoccurring segment dedicated to this subject. One silver lining to the GOPs efforts to restrict academic freedom, he says, is that many citizens have been inspired to get involved in school board elections, largely in order to stop the efforts of Moms for Liberty and other groups that seek to impose their right-wing belief system on public education and the entire society. Returning to the subject of his book, Velshi told me that no matter what the outcome of these Trump trials will be, America should be stronger at the end. If you have your doubts about that, he feels those too: Not all of me believes that," he said, "but some of me believes that. As with the outcomes of Donald Trumps various criminal and civil trials, we wont know the outcome for some time. Watch my "Salon Talks" interview with Ali Velshi here or read a transcript of our conversation below, edited for length and clarity. I should note that this interview took place shortly before the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks in Israel, which is why we didn't discuss that event or the current war in Gaza. You wrote the introduction to a new book that describes the indictments of Donald Trump in various jurisdictions. What compelled you to do this? When the first indictment came out, the Manhattan indictment, one of my colleagues suggested that we read it as a podcast, as part of the "Prosecuting Donald Trump" series we have. I certainly didn't think it was going to become a thing, and it really became a thing. There are a lot of people in this country who use podcasts and audio to get their information, so if they're driving or running or whatever, they wanted to hear it. As the other three indictments came down, I started reading them the same way. They did very well. We realized that people need a reference point. There are four criminal trials at the moment, 91 indictments, and you're going to want to see what they are as these things go along. So it's a guidebook. It's a roadmap. I am not one to think most people need to read legal documents, but these days I am. I think these indictments are critical to our history. Whatever the outcome is, it will affect our history. I even read the Constitution, by the way, for my "Banned Books" podcast. Because while the Constitution isn't banned, Donald Trump, you will recall, suggested suspending it. My general view is: Just read these documents. It'll take a few hours out of your life, but at least you will understand what is charged, you'll understand the narrative, you'll understand the granularity, you'll understand the number of people involved and you'll come away understanding that this wasn't Rudy Giuliani booking the wrong place for a press conference with hair dye streaming down his face, looking like they all got out of a clown car, because that's the impression you might have. This was much more serious. This was a real effort to undermine democracy and not count votes and make votes not matter. The underpinning of our democracy was actually threatened by the people who have been charged. That's why I wanted to put my name on this and have it out there. Do you think Trump supporters will ever read this? I don't know. I hope so. I mean, in the introduction I certainly didn't write anything that should offend anybody. No matter your sensibilities or who you think is right or wrong, these are just indictments. There has not been a trial. There have not been jurors selected. The trial may go in Donald Trump's favor. He is to be presumed innocent until tried by a jury of his peers, and I'm worried, on a daily basis, that the prosecution or the judge will have a misstep that will allow people to say, this isn't fair. If you are going to try the former president of your country who wants to be the president again, this needs to be super, super fair. So many people lose faith in the idea that it's a terrible thing for America that we've had to do this. This means our democracy is coming apart. Actually, in countries that have tried leaders, presidents, political leaders or former leaders, studies have indicated that they've come out stronger in the end for having tested the justice system and the political system, for having demonstrated that people will be held to account. No matter what the outcome of these trials will be, America should be stronger at the end. Not all of me believes that, but some of me believes that. You write in your introduction that America is the gold standard in terms of democracy. Or at least there are many people in the world who believe that to be true, including Americans. This is the test of whether that's actually going to be true. Do you think the fact that Donald Trump has been charged with attempting a coup makes people around the world go, OK, they take this seriously? Because before that, what was the message to the world? I think there are two views of this. You've got Vladimir Putin, who is sort of saying America is the laughing stock, but most people who watched the Trump years wondered about accountability. I would go to the Arab world where people would say, This business about making your daughter this and your son-in-law that, that happens all the time here. We didn't think it happened for you. Remember, this is nowhere close to accountability for a lot of bad things that Donald Trump did. These were the 91 counts that sophisticated prosecutors were able to say, we can probably win in court. That's it. When you read these things, you'll realize there's stuff he's not charged with. There's also one very important thing he's not charged with, and it's on the second page of Jack Smith's indictment in the Jan. 6 case. He says that Donald Trump had every right to deny the outcome of the election. He had every right to lie about the outcome of that election. He had every right to challenge it in court, to ask for recounts, to have audits done, and he did all those things. Then it became something else. Then it became an effort to undermine democracy. This went from a I'm protecting my rights as a candidate into something entirely different, and only in reading these documents will that transition be clear. You make a point that I think is so important. At first, on the right, people were defending him by saying, Well, he was just talking about stuff. But it became clear that this had nothing to do with words, it had to do with actions. If he was just talking about this, there wouldn't be indictments. Youve also talked about section 3 of the 14th Amendment, which would disqualify anyone who's engaged in an insurrection from holding federal or state office. You've harped on a lot for a while. You've had a lot of different experts on your show to talk about it. What interested you in that? I'm still talking about it, because I think at this point we have to exhaust all avenues for determining whether people who are involved in an insurrection can hold office. There's an interesting qualifier in the 14th Amendment, section 3, and that is if you have sworn an oath to the country, to the Constitution and by the way, if you're American-born and were not in the military and don't have a government job, you may have never sworn an oath, so this might not apply to you. I am a naturalized citizen, so I swore an oath and I guess it applies to me. The trick here is that it can only be enforced by someone who makes the decision to put your name on the ballot or not, which in most states is the secretary of state. Most secretaries of state with whom we've spoken have said, I'm clearly not going to be the last word on how this goes down. So it's going to go to court. It'll probably end up at the Supreme Court. There are a lot of people in this country who do not have faith that this Supreme Court will act in the best interests of this nation. It is my view that we should dispense with this sooner than later. If this is going to be a thing, I don't want it being a thing next September or October as the election's coming up. I'd rather it be a thing before the first primary takes place. That's part of why I'm in on it, and I'm getting people like you and Judge Michael Luttig and Lawrence Tribe, who are all opining about where and how these things should happen. I think that it's not worth assuming that this is all going to work out in the courts and that someone's going to read the Constitution and say that Donald Trump is disqualified, or assuming that he runs and he loses. I think all those things are pipe dreams. I think they're Democratic fever dreams. We have a tool that the Ukrainians do not have. We do not require Patriot missiles for incoming missiles. We do not require people to go to the front and die for the preservation of their democracy. We only require people to know what's going on and vote, or help somebody else register to vote. We need little things to be done, and I think everybody has to understand that it's battle stations on all fronts for democracy: voting, organizing to vote, understanding what's going on, reading the indictments. You've just got to be smart about this. Every one of us knows somebody who thinks this is a witch hunt against Donald Trump, and you are not going to be equipped to argue with them unless you know about this. And you're right, I did mention the 14th Amendment because it's going to turn out to be an important discussion. Will Donald Trump be able to run for president? If he runs for president and wins, will he be able to assume office? It's a big, open question that still has to be determined. On the 14th Amendment, people are going to say, "Well, let's not enforce it now." Then what happens with the 22nd Amendment, which says he can't do another term? Because that's not self-executing either. Right. That is correct. No one has ever litigated that. It's going to be a fight if he gets back in. Nothing in my being says he'll leave peacefully in 2029. He didn't leave peacefully in 2020. He's told you about the things he's going to do. He has talked about doing away with the Constitution. He has talked about the things that he would do, including suggesting that Gen. Mark Milley, the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who is a witness in one of these cases, because he was in the room where it happened, is guilty of treason and should be executed. Without any trial, he has decided that someone's guilty of treason and decided what the penalty for that should be, despite the fact that there have been people convicted of sedition who worked for him on Jan. 6. Donald Trump's cognitive dissonance is amazing, but the rest of us shouldn't have it. The rest of us should not imagine that this is the year that it all changes, that Donald Trump, who has avoided accountability for all his life, is suddenly going to face the music on several fronts. Let me ask you some questions about the media, because you and I are part of it. A lot of my listeners, and as you have mentioned, some of your viewers, don't want to hear about Donald Trump. For the longest time, I adhered to that. I didn't want to hear him either. But I don't think wishing him away, or wishing away any social ill, will cure it. At this point, how do you see your obligation or responsibility to your viewers? I think you have to curate it. I play it every time Donald Trump says something that sounds like Mussolini. Where he says, I am your retribution. Mussolini said, I am your avenger. When he talks, he used to say, Lock her up, which I thought was well out of bounds in talking about somebody who hadn't been charged with a crime. Lock her up is almost quaint now. He talked about Milley getting capital punishment for treason. He talks about suspending the Constitution. He talks about the fact that there shouldn't be a speaker of the House who's unwilling to stop all funding for Ukraine, an ally fighting our greatest adversary. Donald Trump is saying all these things. "Draining the swamp" used to mean the deep state, the people who he claims existed in the civil service to serve their own interests. That was a lot of BS. Now it means something else. Now it means going after critics, people who are not sufficiently loyal, opposition members and the media and pretty soon everybody else. It always starts this way. It starts with high-profile people. Rahul Gandhi, who is running against Narendra Modi, the prime minister of India, has been charged with some financial crime. In most of these countries, it's a tax thing. Maria Ressa, Nobel Prize winner, tax crimes. It's all tax crimes. That's how it goes. Because the average person doesn't know: If they charge me with a tax crime, well, maybe he didn't do his taxes right, maybe he did something wrong. That's how it starts. It's stochastic. It's the idea that you don't have to get the government to take Dean Obeidallah out. You just tell enough people where Dean Obeidallah lives and how he's not sufficiently patriotic and maybe he's an Arab and a Muslim and whatever. You just throw it all out there and let people do your dirty work. We have seen, in America, that people will do that dirty work. It's not an American thing, by the way. This happened everywhere. It happened in Italy under Mussolini. It happened in Germany under Hitler. It happened in Rwanda. It happened in the Balkans. You let people form their own opinions and make sure they have weaponry and they'll take care of it. Want a daily wrap-up of all the news and commentary Salon has to offer? Subscribe to our morning newsletter, Crash Course. I had very personal attacks when Trump was in office. I wrote an article criticizing his failure to denounce white supremacist terrorism in Charlottesville, and neo-Nazis fabricated tweets and said, Go get him, suggesting that I was involved in a terrorist attack in England because I'm Muslim, that kind of stuff. I sued them, because that's what you do to Nazis. Well, you're good at that, you don't get scared by it. But the problem is people who see that may say, I don't want to go through what Dean's gone through, so people who have views protected by the First Amendment in this country, critical of Trump or supportive of Trump or whatever, who are going to make decisions to not run for office, to not be a journalist, to not ask questions, to not bring things up, to not write things, to not say them, to not tweet them. That's where democracy dies. Is there a way that the average person can have an impact on media content and how issues are framed? There are lots of ways to frame an issue, and it might not be the one you use every time. I often refer to Donald Trump as the twice-impeached, quadruply-indicted, failed former president of the United States. Understanding that is important, because reminding people that he's out on bail would make the penny drop when his staff seemed to be bragging about how he bought a gun. I don't know that many of my viewers or most people watching or reading this have been arrested or are on bail, but we watch Chicago PD or Law & Order, and you know that you probably can't buy a gun while you are under indictment, which is a fact. So you do have to curate and not normalize craziness. That's the same thing with what's going on in Congress right now. With Donald Trump, you have to find ways because he's numbing. We're all numb to it. Nobody cares. I said to people, Did you see that Donald Trump bought a gun or tried to buy a gun or said he bought a gun? Most people hadn't because they've tuned Donald Trump out. You can't tune somebody out who is deliberately pushing the norms of your society, to the extent that it would have undermined democracy. You actually have to know that it's happening and say that it's happening. My view is, Donald Trump doesn't need to be on TV all the time. I get it: He grates on people. But he could be the next president of the United States, and at the moment he's becoming a martyr. We have to ensure that people understand the vitriol that comes out of his mouth, what it means and what he could do with it if he actually had power once again. I say power once again, but he seems to be the boss of Congress at the moment, right? He almost seems to be president when you watch media coverage to be blunt, because Joe Biden is on, like, a little bit and then it's Trump, Trump, Trump, Trump, Trump. And then back to Biden, like, a story about him being old. People often say to me, You should do more on Biden. Now here's the thing: It's not the media's job to carry water for anybody. I am very clear on the fact that for the moment, there appear to be two people running for president. There's a whole bunch of Republicans and some independents, but basically it's Donald Trump and Joe Biden. It's not 340 million Americans. This is not a "choose your own adventure." It's one person who seems to be doing his presidential duties, and if we want to examine that, we can examine all the ways in which he seems to be doing them quite well, and another guy who doesn't seem to believe in democracy. That is entirely a binary choice. That's it. You can talk about who you'd like for president. Those do not appear to be your options right now, so that's what you've got. I don't need to do PR for Joe Biden for you to understand that one of these guys is for democracy and the other one's not. That should be enough for an American to make their mind up. I'm not sure it will be, but it should be. Do you think, in this day and age that the old ways for a president to get media coverage have faded because of the world we live in? Yeah. Sure. We've been changed by Trump. A president holding a press conference, like in the old days, doesn't get much press. No, it's like the old days. That never got press. It only got press during Donald Trump's time because he was going to fire his secretary of state in that press conference accidentally or ban transgender people in the military. Donald Trump couldn't stay on message for anything. When he launched "infrastructure week," I don't know, three or four times, and we would cover it thinking that he was going to talk about infrastructure week, but then Kanye West would be involved. You never knew what was going to happen. With Joe Biden, you fully know how it's going to go. So does Biden have to be more creative? Do Democrats in general have to be more creative in trying to get media coverage in this landscape? I think Democrats have got to acknowledge the elephant in the room, and that is that Joe Biden's having trouble despite what he's doing. I can outline a lot of important things that he's doing on the economy and specifically with respect to Ukraine and dealing with international alliances and walking a tightrope with Israel and Saudi Arabia and India, three countries where I think we should be taking very strong lines, but he is smarter than I am and more experienced than I am, so he's doing it a different way. The elephant in the room is that he's an older gentleman who comes across to some people as older than he is. He's just a few years older than Donald Trump, but I think we can't ignore it. We have got to discuss it. We've got to discuss what that means and what the implications are. I think the choice remains binary, but it would behoove Democrats to figure out what a good answer is to that because I keep on meeting people who definitely don't want Donald Trump to be president, but say things like, "I'm worried about Joe Biden." Now, my general view is that Joe Biden comes across that way mostly when he is reading a prompter. When Joe Biden's talking one-on-one about things he knows about, he says what he believes. Often the White House tries to walk hat back because he sometimes seems to say too much, but he's usually right when he talks about Putin being a war criminal, when he talks about what Xi Jinping is going to face, when he talks about Modi. So I would sooner see a little bit more Joe Biden unplugged because the most unplugged he's ever going to be is never going to be a problem when you're dealing with somebody like Donald Trump. I also think it doesn't pay for Joe Biden to get involved in any Donald Trumpy stuff. Trump will shoot himself in the foot or not, all by himself. Right. It does seem like Biden is going to make the threat to democracy posed by MAGA his central theme in 2024. That's important. He believes that. That's in his bones. That's not about Donald Trump specifically. Donald Trump is a piece of that, but the threat to democracy, I believe, is central. I think if he leans into that, that's important. The MAGA movement, or the Republican Party in general, is doing something we haven't seen before, and that's banning books. You've been covering it on your show week after week, you have a podcast on that topic. First of all, can you believe where we are now? And how do you amplify this so people get that this is not normal? Yeah, no. It is 1933 Germany, and I think people need to remember history, that when you start making people ignorant, you are shepherding them towards something dangerous. You know, my family's from South Africa. My father, when he first saw my banned book club he texts me after every show he said, growing up in South Africa, he didn't even know there were public libraries, because for nonwhite people, there simply weren't. They didn't bother to ban books. You just didn't get a library at all. You got what they told you you could read at school, and that was the beginning and the end of it. I will say this: Thank you to anybody from Moms for Liberty who is listening to this, because you have ignited people. You have caused regular people to understand their responsibilities as citizens, which is not all that complicated. As I said: Vote, register to vote. Show up at your parent-teacher meetings, show up at your school board meetings, run for school board, see who's running for school board and maybe give them 25 bucks or 50 bucks so someone else will know their name. That's where it begins. They got smart by banning books at the very local level, and now people are getting smart by fighting banning books at the local level. I think the book-banners don't win this one. ROME Ammunition makers are not to blame for Europes failure to deliver one million shells to Ukraine, the continents industry association has claimed in response to accusations from European defense officials. European munition manufacturers were singled out for responsibility on Tuesday as European Union officials and member state defense ministers revealed the bloc would not deliver on a promise made this spring to dispatch one million much needed artillery shells to Kyiv within a year. Dutch Defence Minister Kajsa Ollongren pointed the finger, stating, 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. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell went a step further, alleging firms were still exporting 40 percent of their production around the world, thus diverting precious shells from the defense of Ukraine against Russia. The allegations however drew a detailed rebuttal from the Aerospace, Security and Defence Industries Association of Europe, a trade group representing sectors across the continent. In response to a request for comment from Defense News, the group said it had not had enough time to get ready to fulfill orders for Ukraine and was in any case busy with replenishing the stocks of its domestic customers. The double challenge for industry today after decades-long underinvestment and the subsequent reduction of manufacturing capacities is to ramp up production both to support Ukraine and to replenish and reinforce the stocks of armed forces in Europe (ammunition is only one element), the association said in a statement. But this needs time more time than originally envisaged by EU political leaders as it is a complex process that requires meticulous long-term planning and consideration of various factors to ensure its success, efficiency and viability, it added. Whats needed to allow companies to invest for long term production hikes is more long-term contracts, the association said. Industry has already significantly expanded its production capacities and increased production as much as possible under adverse circumstances (supply chain bottlenecks, swelling raw material costs, shortages of qualified workforce, burdensome regulation and administrative processes, paucity of actual orders), the associations statement reads. Long-term investments in further expansion of production capacities must however come along with long-term contracts from European customers. Contracts of this scale are not concluded within days but need careful consideration from both customers and industrial providers. The EU planned hoped to reach the one million shells target by earmarking 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. Borrells accusation that firms were still diverting stocks to export customers was also challenged by the association. Contracts cannot simply be cancelled or changed unilaterally, as that would severely damage the credibility of European defense industry as a supplier. This is a serious risk, given that production for non-European destinations has been vital for maintaining European manufacturing capacities during the past decades at a certain minimum level. Therefore, the reorientation of production capacities is a complex process that needs strong and long-term political support, the association said. The political objective to deliver one million artillery shells within a year seemed very ambitious already at the time of its announcement, in view of the enormous challenge it presented, the association said, adding, It is possible to produce and deliver this amount of shells, even if it takes a bit longer. In 2020, there were an estimated 241 million cases of malaria and 627,000 deaths. The disease is transmitted by the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Adding liquid soap can boost the potency of some of the pesticides used on malaria-carrying mosquitoes . The discovery is detailed in a study published November 17 in the journal PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases and offers a tool in the fight against the disease. [Related: New four-dose malaria vaccine is up to 80 percent effective .] Malaria is most prevalent in Asia, Latin America, and sub-Saharan Africa and is caused by several species of parasites that are transmitted by the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes . It causes severe fatigue, fever, headaches, and chills and can be fatal. When it is treated with the right medication, such as artemether-lumefantrine, it can be cured and the malaria parasites can be completely cleared from the body. The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that there were 241 million cases of malaria worldwide and 627,000 deaths in 2020 . While the first malaria vaccines were approved and recommended in 2021, the mosquitoes that carry malaria are becoming more resistant to insecticides. Over the past two decades, mosquitoes have become strongly resistant to most insecticides, study co-author and University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) evolutionary biologist Colince Kamdem said in a statement . Its a race now to develop alternative compounds with new modes of action. Before coming to UTEP, Kamdem worked at Cameroons Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases, where he first saw soaps potential potency during some routine insecticide testing. A special class of insecticide called neonicotinoids have shown to be a potential alternative that targets the mosquito populations that show resistance to current insecticides. However, they can have negative effects on bees if not used carefully and neonicotinoids do not kill some mosquito species unless their potency is boosted. World Health Organization protocols recommend adding a seed-oil based product to insecticides to test a mosquitos susceptibility. When the compound was added, Kamdem noticed that it was more effective than when the insecticide was used on its own. That compound belongs to the same class of substances as kitchen soap, Kamdem said. We thought, Why dont we test products that have same properties? The team selected three inexpensive, linseed-oil based soaps that are readily available in sub-Saharan African countries. They added the soaps to four different neonicotinoids. In every case, the potency was increased. [Related: Mosquitoes are becoming resistant to our best defenses .] All three brands of soap increase mortality from 30 percent to 100 percent compared to when the insecticides were used on their own, study co-author Ashu Fred said in a statement . Fred is a PhD student at the University of Yaounde I in Cameroon. They also tested a class of insecticides called pyrethroids . This class did not see the added benefits of the boost from soap. They hope to conduct additional testing to see exactly how much soap is needed to enhance insecticides. We would love to make a soap-insecticide formulation that can be used indoors in Africa and be healthy for users, Kamdem said. There are unknowns as to whether such a formulation will stick to materials like mosquito nets, but the challenge is both promising and very exciting. Malaria was once endemic in the US, but was eradicated by the 1970s . However, the CDC issued a health advisory in June after at least four people in Florida and one in Texas contracted homegrown cases of malaria. The disease is most common in warm climates and some scientists worry that as global temperatures continue to rise, more regions will be affected by malaria. A 2022 study published in Nature found that climate change can exacerbate a full 58 percent of the infectious diseases that humans come in contact with worldwide. More than a decade ago, Ramsey County poured $243 million into purchasing, renovating and reviving the downtown St. Paul Union Depot, a 1920s-era transit hub that hadnt hosted passenger trains since 1971. Situated on 33 acres of riverfront property off Kellogg Boulevard, the neoclassical train depot welcomed their return in May 2014 when Amtraks Empire Builder began rolling in a morning trip to Chicago and a return trip at night. Transit advocates say discontent with Ramsey Countys management of the depot has created a stir within the nations long-distance passenger rail provider. An internal Amtrak memo reportedly outlines concerns about the county using the downtown hub primarily as a banquet facility. That comes on top of worries about crime and loitering inside the cavernous riverfront depot, which is otherwise short on foot traffic. Brian Nelson, president of the rail advocacy coalition All Aboard Minnesota, obtained a copy of the Amtrak memo and recently forwarded it to Ramsey County leadership. It is not an official document, said Nelson, who declined to share it publicly without the authors permission. It was written internally, for internal distribution. It offers some recommendations, solutions, at the end. Amtrak officials have sought to downplay the internal memo, which they said does not represent the organizations public views. No one from Amtrak with any authority or the ability to speak for Amtrak said that, said Marc Magliari, a Chicago-based spokesman for Amtrak. A second trip to Chicago in 2024? Nelson this month said a second daily Amtrak departure on the 411-mile rail corridor to Chicago is still expected to begin in 2024, as long planned, though key agreements have yet to be finalized between Amtrak, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois and Canadian Pacific Railway, which owns the tracks over which the trains would operate. The Minnesota Department of Transportation recently released a public survey asking potential passengers what kind of ticket prices they would find reasonable between the Twin Cities and Chicago and what amenities theyd like to see on the new train service, such as dining or beverage services and bike racks. A MnDOT project page indicates track construction would run from 2024 to 2026, though Amtrak officials say they can begin service next year even as construction unfolds. We can start the service without all the improvements being done, said Magliari, in a phone interview. For example, theres a second track needed at La Crosse, Wis., around the station. We can operate on the existing track while the second track is being built. County officials and other transit enthusiasts have long advocated for Amtrak to add a second daily trip to the Windy City, which would improve service reliability and inject more activity into the Union Depots cavernous concourse, head house and waiting room, where homeless visitors and panhandlers sometimes outnumber passengers or patrons of the depots bar and bike shop. Those are two of the few vendors that have stuck around amid sluggish pedestrian traffic. A short-lived ice cream and cotton candy store recently closed at the location. Emergency homeless shelter During three frigid nights of a cold snap in late January 2019, the Ramsey County Sheriffs Office used the depot as an emergency homeless shelter for 100 people. The next week, the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners all but vowed not to do so again. Nelson said key personnel within Amtrak recently highlighted problems deboarding trains into what they describe as an uncomfortable atmosphere. This report is currently circulating within Amtraks operating departments and details concerns these personnel have with crime, prostitution, vagrants, drug usage and other issues that threaten both passenger and employee safety, reads a summary of the memo in All Aboard Minnesotas November newsletter. Loitering isnt the only challenge. The county has roped and curtained off much of the waiting room, reserving the space for leased events such as weddings, blood drives, Christmas markets, fundraisers and even for a time a church service. Some of those events play loud music that drowns out announcements about train departures, and passengers are left to queue up in a narrow corridor, outside the event area, which offers limited seating. Security precautions Ramsey County Commissioner Rafael Ortega, who chairs the countys Regional Rail Authority, blasted the memo as irrelevant. He said its little secret that downtown St. Paul experienced an uptick in crime during the pandemic, as did other cities, and that homeless visitors loiter outside the transit hub. Weve met with Amtrak. Weve taken all the security precautions. We feel good about how everythings going, Ortega said. Its not even a report. Its a lot of hearsay, as far as Im concerned. Ortega said discussions with Amtrak are on track, so to speak, and have extended to storing some of its trains at Union Depot. Were working out the details, he said. These things take time. Nelson said he planned to meet with Greg Mathis, MnDOTs state planning director for passenger rail, on the prospect of a second Amtrak train to Chicago, among other rail projects in the Upper Midwest. Mathis also was scheduled to give an update on passenger rail services on Nov. 18 during All Aboard Minnesotas 10th anniversary gathering at the Edina Public Library. Northern Lights Express to Duluth All Aboard Minnesota also has doubts about how quickly the Northern Lights Express, a proposed passenger rail service from the Twin Cities to Duluth, would roll into action. The Federal Railroad Administration completed an environmental review and approved the service development plan in early 2018. In May of this year, the state Legislature appropriated $194.7 million for the project. Still, Nelson said it could be seven years or more before the Northern Lights welcomes its first riders, likely leaving from Target Field in Minneapolis. The term has been used that its shovel ready. While the final design and environmental assessment were pretty much completed, theyre now at the end of their shelf life, Nelson said. Those reports need to be updated. To do that, thats a process that could take up to two years. After that, negotiations would have to recommence with the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad, which maintains the 152 miles of tracks. The state would then have to apply for federal matching grants, which are expected to cover 80% of construction costs. I think people were thinking it would happen faster than it actually is, Nelson said. MnDOT officials this month confirmed they have applied to the federal government for the 80% match, and are hopeful of getting Northern Lights rolling sooner rather than later. Related Articles Incumbent President of Madagascar Andry Rajoelina casts his ballot at a polling station in Antananarivo, Madagascar, Nov. 16, 2023. Madagascar kicked off its first round of the presidential election on Thursday to select the national leader for the next five years among 13 candidates, including incumbent President Andry Rajoelina. (Photo by Sitraka Rajaonarison/Xinhua) ANTANANARIVO, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Madagascar kicked off its first round of the presidential election on Thursday to select the national leader for the next five years among 13 candidates, including incumbent President Andry Rajoelina. According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of Madagascar, over 11 million registered voters among the 30 million total population are expected to cast their ballots at 27,375 polling stations across the country from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. local time (0300 to 1400 GMT). Ten candidates including two former presidents Marc Ravalomanana and Hery Rajaonarimampianina are calling to postpone the election and for their supporters to abstain from voting. They argued that Rajoelina should be disqualified from the election because he has obtained French citizenship. However, the country's highest court ruled Rajoelina eligible last month. A strict curfew was imposed on Wednesday night in the capital of Antananarivo, in response to acts of "sabotage," including the burning of a polling station. Local police announced that they would step up security at polling stations on polling day, to ensure the smooth running of the election. If no candidate wins more than 50 percent of the votes, the two candidates with the highest number of votes will proceed to a runoff round on Dec. 20. Voters are seen at a polling station in Antananarivo, Madagascar, Nov. 16, 2023. Madagascar kicked off its first round of the presidential election on Thursday to select the national leader for the next five years among 13 candidates, including incumbent President Andry Rajoelina. (Photo by Sitraka Rajaonarison/Xinhua) Presidential candidate Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko casts his ballot at a polling station in Antananarivo, Madagascar, Nov. 16, 2023. Madagascar kicked off its first round of the presidential election on Thursday to select the national leader for the next five years among 13 candidates, including incumbent President Andry Rajoelina. (Photo by Sitraka Rajaonarison/Xinhua) Voters are seen at a polling station in Antananarivo, Madagascar, Nov. 16, 2023. Madagascar kicked off its first round of the presidential election on Thursday to select the national leader for the next five years among 13 candidates, including incumbent President Andry Rajoelina. (Photo by Sitraka Rajaonarison/Xinhua) A voter casts her ballot at a polling station in Antananarivo, Madagascar, Nov. 16, 2023. Madagascar kicked off its first round of the presidential election on Thursday to select the national leader for the next five years among 13 candidates, including incumbent President Andry Rajoelina. (Photo by Sitraka Rajaonarison/Xinhua) A voter is seen at a polling station in Antananarivo, Madagascar, Nov. 16, 2023. Madagascar kicked off its first round of the presidential election on Thursday to select the national leader for the next five years among 13 candidates, including incumbent President Andry Rajoelina. (Photo by Sitraka Rajaonarison/Xinhua) SAN DIEGO The discovery of invasive seaweed in San Diego Bay has prompted authorities to issue a warning to the public to not drain saltwater aquariums into area waterways. The Port of San Diego, the Southern California Caulerpa Action Team (SCCAT), the City of Coronado, and the Coronado Cays Homeowners Association (CCHOA) are responding after invasive seaweed Caulerpa prolifera was found in the Coronado Cays area of San Diego Bay in late September. VIDEO: Bioluminescent waves spotted at these San Diego beaches Divers found a patch of the invasive seaweed during an in-water pre-construction eelgrass/Caulerpa dive survey as a permit condition for a dock replacement project, The Port of San Diego reported. More invasive seaweed was found in follow-up surveys. The invasive seaweed found is an algae native to Florida and subtropical and tropical areas. The warning from The Port of San Diego states the invasive plant can overtake native plants, which would also impact the animals that rely on those plants to live. It is illegal in the state of California to possess, sell, or transport any Caulerpa seaweed. Those in violation can be fined $500 to $10,000. In San Diego Bay, state and federally protected eelgrass habitats are at risk as native green sea turtle populations, a threatened species, feed on it; 70 different fish species also rely on eelgrass. Free Dump Day event happening in Chula Vista this weekend According to the National Oceanic And Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) eelgrass is essential in Bay areas, providing shelter, food, foraging areas and spawning surfaces for different species. Eelgrass also improves the water quality by filtering polluted runoff, storing carbon dioxide and absorbing excess nutrients. It also protects the shoreline from erosion. The federal government designated eelgrass as Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) and a Habitat of Particular Concern under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act in 1996. Caulerpa alternatively does not pose a risk to beachgoers. However, it can spread when it comes in contact with boats, fishermen, and from tidal exchanges. Boaters, kayakers, swimmers, and divers are asked to avoid the affected areas at this time. A warning to not dump saltwater aquariums into San Diego waterways has also been issued as Caulerpa is a common saltwater aquarium plant. Mauis pink pond may have a different cause, researchers say If you have or sell saltwater aquariums: DO NOT use Caulerpa in your aquarium. DO NOT dump your aquariums into California waters or even pour the contents into streets or down storm drains that often discharge to the bay or ocean. ONLY drain aquariums into sinks or toilets as the water will circulate to a treatment plant that would help minimize the threat. DO NOT share or sell Caulerpa. If you are a boater, diver, or fisherman: Learn what Caulerpa looks like and keep an eye out for it. Inspect your anchor, fishing gear, or nets for Caulerpa that may have been picked up from the bottom. Learn more and report sightings to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife at wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Invasives/Species/Caulerpa. Bridge to Oceanside Pier will be demolished, replaced The state of California has been routinely monitoring Caulerpa since the early 2000s. The Port of San Diego noted this is the first discovery of the invasive seaweed in San Diego Bay. An infestation in Newport Bay has been ongoing since 2021. Another species of Caulerpa infested part of Huntington Harbour and Aqua Hedionda Lagoon in Carlsbad in the early 2000s. In response to the discovery of the invasive seaweed in the San Diego Bay, several action items have been established. The SCCAT Rapid Response Eradication Plan includes the following: Control of Infestation Site To prevent disturbance by boat anchors and boat wakes, the affected areas are being controlled through coordination with the CCHOA and slip occupants. Localized Eradication Level Survey Diver surveys are being conducted within and adjacent to the affected area. Divers locate, record, and map any Caulerpa prolifera found. Treatment The Caulerpa prolifera is being covered by trained divers with a sealed barrier that will kill the algae by exclusion from light, oxygen, and circulation. This method has been successfully used in the past at other Caulerpa infestation sites in other areas of Southern California. Post Treatment Surveys Diver surveys will be conducted both immediately following treatment and over a longer timeframe to help ensure the species is completely eradicated and does not repopulate the area. Broad Area Surveys Diver surveys will occur in surrounding areas of San Diego Bay to determine if other areas have been invaded. Hit the waves with SDPD The Port of San Diego has contributed $92,000 towards surveys and eradication to date. The Port and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have applied for a grant from the Rapid Response Fund for Aquatic Invasive Species to cover any additional costs. Additional funding may also be available from the State Water Resources Control Boards Cleanup and Abatement Account. The SCCAT includes representatives from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board, the California Coastal Commission, California State Lands Commission, NOAA Fisheries, Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and partnerships with the San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board and State Water Board. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego. Investigators from Bibb and Monroe counties have arrested a man in Monroe County in connection with the disappearance of a Macon woman last month, officials said. Investigators arrested Jatarvius Deangelo Price, 19, at about 12:30 p.m. Friday in Juliette and charged him with making false statements and tampering with evidence, according to a news release from the Bibb County Sheriffs Office. Authorities believe Price played a role in the disappearance of Gabriella Dixon, 18, who was reported missing on Oct. 31. Price was arrested after deputies executed a search warrant on a home in Juliette, Georgia. Price is being held at the Bibb County Jail in downtown Macon without bond. It is unclear how investigators linked Price to the case. The investigation so far Dixon was reported missing after family members could not get in touch with her the day before. Her disappearance attracted media attention after one of her children was quoted in a police report saying Momma was in blood when the search for her first began. While Prices arrest is the first directly linked to Dixons disappearance, Bibb sheriffs deputies arrested one suspect in the case, Reginald Bernard Harris, 19, earlier this month for allegedly assaulting Dixon earlier this year. Harris allegedly assaulted Dixon on multiple occasions in September. The first encounter between the two happened the night of Sept. 3 when Harris followed Dixon, their children and another man in their car and shot at them, the warrant read. Harris confronted Dixon after the shooting at Dixons mothers house and claimed Dixon was disrespecting him by having his children around another man. Dixon also showed deputies a text from Harris that read, Dont be surprised when I knock on the door, according to the warrant. A second assault happened Sept. 23, warrants stated, when Harris allegedly choked Dixon and held her at gunpoint in their apartment. Harris said he would kill Dixon if she left him, the warrant read. Deputies saw bruises on Dixons neck and told her how to get a restraining order against Harris, according to the warrant. It was unclear whether Dixon ever followed through. No charges directly linked to Dixons disappearance at the end of October were made against Harris. He was held without bond at the Bibb County Jail after his arrest for charges linked to the September incidents and was still in jail on Friday when Price was arrested, jail logs show. The Pentagon said Thursday that there have been 58 attacks on U.S. troops by Iranian proxies in Iraq and Syria since Oct. 17. Pentagon Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh told reporters during a briefing that 27 of the attacks took place in Iraq, while the other 31 were in Syria. Seven of the attacks in Syria have taken place since Sunday, appearing as if the rate of attacks on U.S. troops is not slowing. PENTAGON CONFIRMS 56 ATTACKS ON US TROOPS IN IRAQ AND SYRIA SINCE OCT. 17 The USS Thomas Hudner, an Arleigh Burke-Class destroyer, shot down a drone from Yemen in the Red Sea on Wednesday. When asked if the Pentagon is waiting for a member of the service to be killed before taking stronger and more effective action against the proxies, Singh replied, "No, absolutely not." "I mean, we would never want to see that. We would never want that to be the outcome of any attack," the spokesperson said. "Were not waiting on something to act. We arewe have responded, and if there are more attacks, we will certainly respond at a time and place of our choosing." READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP Singh also spoke about action taken by the USS Thomas Hudner, an Arleigh Burke-Class destroyer, which shot down a drone from Yemen in the Red Sea on Wednesday. IRAN-BACKED HOUTHIS SHOOT DOWN US MQ-9 REAPER DRONE OFF COAST OF YEMEN Pentagon Deputy Spokesperson Sabrina Singh The drone was heading toward the Hudner when the ship shot it down. It was the latest drone attack in a series of attacks on American troops stationed in the Middle East amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. Singh relayed a common message heard in Pentagon briefings lately, which is that the U.S. always reserves the right to respond at a time and place of its choosing. But she also gave insight on whether the drone posed a direct threat to the ship or not. IRANIAN SHADOW MILITIAS TARGET US, ISRAEL IN MIDDLE EAST: REPORT Iran-backed Houthis shot down a U.S. MQ-9 Reaper Drone on Nov. 8, 2023. "Our assessment right now is that the intended target was not the Hudner, but that the drone got so close to the crew that the commander did feel it necessary to engage and shoot down the drone," Singh said, concurring with a reporter that the action was in self-defense. "Our assessment right now is that it was not targeting the Hudner, but it was headed in that general direction." 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. Original article source: Iranian proxies continue targeting US troops in Syria and Iraq, with a total of 58 since Oct. 17: Pentagon It was not only Israel which was unaware in advance of the atrocious October 7 attack. Irans supreme leader has accused Hamas of not giving any prior warning. And Hizbollah fighters were reportedly not even on alert in villages close to the border. We woke up to a war, a Hizbollah commander said. There is, as the saying goes, no honour among thieves. In what is surely a pivotal moment for this conflict, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has now told Hamas that while Iran would continue to provide political and moral backing, it would not intervene directly. One might argue that Iran has done enough; its financial support for Hamas is said to be worth $100 million a year. And it is certainly the case that Iran has encouraged its complex network of militias and terrorist groups to target Israel. It doesnt take direct confrontation to inflict unimaginable harm. But without Irans assistance, the destruction of Hamas which wrought such brutality on the people of Israel may be assured. Did Hamas foresee this response, that there would be limits to the support some partners in the axis of evil would provide? Perhaps a more important question is: would it have mattered? These terrorists are fanatical, driven not just by a desire to torpedo normalisation in the region but also the destruction of an independent country. The military solution, therefore, is for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to neutralise Hamas as quickly as possible. The West can help by channelling humanitarian aid in and evacuating the injured whilst the IDF eliminate the terrorists. There are enough US and UK hospital ships and helicopters just off the Gazan beaches to do this, and now. Winning the battle to defeat Hamas axiomatically may be the easy part in relative terms. Winning the peace, creating long term stability in the region, is what must be the focus for politicians and diplomats in Washington, London, Riyadh, Doha and Tehran, and of course Tel Aviv. But they will be doing so against a backdrop of Hamas failure. The group has not managed to inflame the Middle East as was their want, with escalation not looking likely at this stage. And while there may be pro-Palestinian marches occurring in the progressive West, the evidence is that the Arab world is turning against Hamas. As Jake Wallis Simons, the editor of The Jewish Chronicle, has suggested: Anecdotally, it seems that the merciless, drug-fuelled hyper-violence meted out by Hamas savages has provoked queasiness and concern even among natural supporters of the Palestinian cause. It is arguably more likely that a solution which includes two states, with security and prosperity for these two countries, will be reached than it was before October 7. Now is the time for determined leadership from the West rather than the unedifying scenes seen at Westminster. Now is the time for David Cameron and even Tony Blair to atone for previous blunders in the Middle East. If other groups like Isis and Hizbollah realise that Iran will no longer underwrite their terror, where does that leave them? Though the direct conflict between Israel and Hamas could come to a swifter end than many feared, its implications will be vast. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. The World Health Organization estimates that for every 100,000 Iraqis there are just two mental health workers (Ahmad AL-RUBAYE) Raghad Qassem searched all over Iraq's capital Baghdad for a psychologist she could talk to about her problems, before finally settling for consultations online. It was the best she could do in a state haunted by decades of conflict and trauma, where mental health is poorly treated and professionals are few and far between. The World Health Organization estimates that in a country of 43 million, there are just two mental health workers for every 100,000 Iraqis. Qassem admitted she was long oblivious to her mental health needs, and only became aware of their importance "when hitting my thirties". It was while quarantined during the Covid pandemic that she "began to recognise symptoms of depression", Qassem said. "I realised that's what I had," said the 34-year-old women's activist. She wanted to talk directly to a psychologist in Baghdad, because "when I speak I like to have the person in front of me". Many of her friends recommended that she see a doctor, but she was hesitant to do so because those who did "were treated with pills". Turning instead to the internet, she spoke to several psychologists, including a Lebanese woman with whom she was able to unravel the reasons for her unhappiness. - Demand is great - "It's because of her that I became aware of an accumulation of trauma from the war, the fear and anxiety I had in 2003 and since," she said, harking back to the US-led invasion to oust Saddam Hussein which precipitated one of the bloodiest eras in Iraqi history. The world has closely followed the war in Gaza between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas, which has claimed many thousands of lives - but such suffering and the psychological trauma it triggers have also plagued Iraq. Ravaged by war and rocked by Islamic State group attacks, Iraq's demand for mental health professionals is great, but help is hard to come by. Baghdad's Al-Rashad psychiatric hospital receives patients suffering from serious psychological illnesses, such as schizophrenia, and offers outpatient treatment for depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. At the hospital, haggard-looking patients can be seen wandering alone through the corridors. Some have been at Al-Rashad for decades, said its director Firas al-Kadhimi. "There's a shortage of specialised doctors," he told AFP. Kadhimi's hospital has only 11 psychiatrists for its 1,425 patients, aged between 14 and 70, the director said. "I don't think there's anywhere else in the world where a doctor has to treat 150 patients in the space of 30 days," he said. Another five social workers are on staff at the facility, but they have to see 100 patients daily and sometimes do their consultations three at a time. There are however music and art workshops for patients. In a small theatre with red seats, three elderly people on stage rehearsed a skit prepared by a former hospital employee, who comes in to help. - People more receptive - Previously, it might have been difficult for an Iraqi to say, "I have a mental problem", but attitudes have become more accepting thanks to news and social media. "The number of visitors is rising in the consultation clinics," Kadhimi said. Psychologist Zeinab Abdel Razaq works with French charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF) in Baghdad. Razaq told AFP that while there may still be a mental health "stigma" in Iraq, it had "begun to decrease". "People are more receptive to psychology," she said. One patient, Zeinab Abdelwahab, said she initially came for physiotherapy and stayed for mental health care. After several months of sessions, "I noticed a radical change in my mood," said the thirty-something with a painful personal history. Her mother died, she said, her father was sick, she suffers from polio and has had several falls, fracturing her knees and pelvis. Abdelwahab recognised that her own perception of psychological care had been distorted by social beliefs. "When I came here, I realised that it is not just for crazy people," she said. "They're just people who need to speak to someone else, seeking comfort about how they feel. And with no restrictions." lk/tgg/srk/srm/sea/dhw PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) As kids begin to search for holiday gifts and treats, a University of Washington pediatrician is warning parents to keep medications and cannabis edibles out of their reach. University of Washington referenced a study published in the journal Pediatrics in February which found more than 7,000 confirmed cases of kids under six years old ingesting edibles in the United States between 2017 and 2021, according to the National Poison Data System. A vast majority, 97%, of those exposures happened in a residential setting, researchers said. Woman who allegedly tried to kidnap 7-year-old girl from Portland playground arrested [Kids] are very curious. If they find something that looks like candy in an interesting package, theyre going to eat it and that puts them at risk. It makes you liable. So, lock it up, said University of Washington Medicine pediatrician, Dr. Beth Ebel. If a kid gets this, they could quickly exceed the dose and cause themselves serious harm. Ebel recommends using a medication safe to store substances that may be dangerous for kids. We are seeing this all day long. My emergency department friends see kids coming in and they are trying to decide, does this child have bleeding in her brain or a brain tumor? Or is this a child who really has a low level of consciousness because they have ingested something? Ebel said. There are no safety studies on these products, and they have some significant and sometimes irreversible risks, the pediatrician added. One of the very concerning things is that these high potency products have a strong association with schizophrenia and a psychotic break. Ive seen kids in the hospital whove been using some of these higher potency products: young kids doing great in school, and they come to [Harborview Medical Center] after a psychotic break. Sometimes this is a lifelong onset of schizophrenia, and it can be precipitated by these potent products. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. Israel will allow a daily shipment of fuel to cross over from Egypt into southern Gaza, making the concession after more than a month of blocking access to large amounts of the critical energy source and appearing to bend to U.S. pressure to help besieged Palestinians in the coastal strip. Israeli officials convened a war cabinet on Thursday and approved two tanker trucks with fuel to enter Gaza each day. Those trucks can be directed to water and sewage systems, according to Tzachi Hanegbi, director of the national security council in Israel. Hanegbi said the decision was made to prevent the spread of diseases in the Gaza Strip and in response to a request from U.S. officials on the issue. We dont currently need epidemics that will harm civilians there or our soldiers, Hanegbi said in a statement. If there is an epidemic, the fighting will be stopped. If there is a humanitarian crisis and an international outcry, we will not be able to continue the fighting under those conditions. The fuel is expected to assist with the operations of the United Nations Palestinian refugee agency, which has struggled to obtain the resource and use it to help civilians. Earlier this week, Israel began allowing some fuel to cross into Gaza, specifically to UN groups, but they have complained of being forced to beg for fuel. The amount of fuel approved for entering Gaza is still far less than what was coming into the strip before the war. The U.S. has pressured Israel to help Palestinian civilians more, even as it supports the Israeli campaign in its war to destroy Hamas. Palestinians in Gaza have struggled to secure basic necessities such as fuel since a deadly Oct. 7 Hamas attack on southern Israel that killed at least 1,200 people. Until Thursdays decision, Israel had refused to allow any fuel shipments into Gaza since the war began, claiming Hamas could hijack it. The lack of fuel in Gaza has forced communications systems to go dark and hospitals have also struggled to keep the lights on, raising concerns from humanitarian groups. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Israels government was split on Friday after a decision allowing limited fuel aid into Gaza provoked a backlash from hardline ministers. In a major challenge to Benjamin Netanyahus authority, coalition partners said granting access to two trucks a day for humanitarian reasons conveys weakness and spits in the face of Israeli soldiers. Both the security and finance ministers issued scathing public statements, the latter demanding that the war cabinet, which made the decision, be opened up to representatives from all the coalition parties. It came as the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) indicated it would soon push into southern Gaza, with its chief of staff telling troops that more and more regions would be targeted, despite the UN warning of the immediate possibility of starvation among civilians. Mr Netanyahu has come under escalating international pressure to ease the plight of Palestinians trapped in the enclave and will have hoped that acceding to US and EU demands to allow in fuel would buy some diplomatic space to continue the offensive. However, the Likud leader now finds himself torn between increasingly critical foreign governments and his ultra-Right-wing coalition partners. Bezalel Smotrich, the finance minister, from the Religious Zionism party, called on the prime minister to stop transfers of fuel immediately. He said it conveys weakness, injects oxygen into the enemy, and allows Sinwar [Hamas leader] to sit in an air-conditioned bunker comfortably. Mr Netanyahu will have hoped acceding to US and EU demands to allow in fuel would buy some diplomatic space to continue the offensive - ABIR SULTAN POOL Meanwhile, the hardline national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, of the Jewish Power party, said: As long as our abductees are not even visited by the Red Cross, there is no sense in giving the enemy humanitarian gifts. I require the prime minister to bring policy-related decisions to an expanded cabinet. Tzachi Hanegbi, the national security council, chairman responded by saying the war cabinet had agreed to a special request from the US to allow in fuel to operate the Strips sewage treatment system, which is on the verge of collapse. He argued that Israeli troops would not be able to continue their offensive if widespread disease took hold. Mr Netanyahu will convene the political-security cabinet on Saturday evening in an effort to smooth over tensions, it was reported. He also faces protests from hostage families, who are due to arrive at his office on Saturday after marching across Israel this week. On Friday evening Hamas released another hostage video, this one appearing to show 86-year-old Arieh Zalmanovich, one of the founders of the Nir Oz Kibbutz, which was overrun by terrorists on October 7. The video, which his family asked not to be published, was reported as showing the grandfather in a critical condition which raises serious concerns as to his wellbeing. The cabinet row took place amid mounting indications that Israeli ground troops are turning their focus to the south, the broad area to which it has ordered the civilian population to evacuate. In footage released on Friday morning, IDF chief of staff Lt Gen Herzi Halevi told troops in Gaza: We are close to dismantling the military system that was present in the northern Gaza strip. While there remains work to be completed, we are approaching it successfully. The IDF will continue its operations within the Gaza Strip, and as far as we are concerned, more and more regions [will be targeted], systematically eliminating commanding officers and eliminating operatives, and eradicating the infrastructure. A spokesman said that in overnight raids troops had seized a heavy rocket facility belonging to Islamic Jihad, including unmanned aerial vehicles, among a number of strongholds belonging to the group that were captured. On Friday morning, the body of a second hostage was recovered from the area. Corporal Noa Marciano, 19, who was abducted by terrorists after her units position was overrun during the October 7 massacre, was laid to rest on Friday, with her mother telling funeral attendees: We wont forget or forgive. As troops continued to examine the sprawling hospital compound, its director Muhammad Abu Salmiya said there were 7,000 people in the hospital, and staff had lost all those who were in the intensive care unit. We are left with nothing - no power, no food, no water. With every passing minute, we are losing a life. Israeli soldiers carry the flag-draped casket of Corporal Noa Marciano during her funeral in Modiin on Friday - AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg Al Jazeera reported three IDF attacks on southern Gaza on Friday, including one in Rafah, which reportedly left seven people dead, and another nine who were killed in a residential home. A number were also killed at a local market in the centre of the southern city of Khan Younis, the Qatar-based broadcaster said. At least 18 civilians were killed in an air raid targeting a house in the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza, according to the Palestinian Wafa news agency. In a CBS interview, Mr Netenyahu admitted that Israeli forces had tried to minimise civilian casualties, but unfortunately were not successful. He also said Israel wants overall military responsibility to prevent the re-emergence of terror in Gaza but not to reoccupy the coastal enclave. Palestinian reports indicated that a Hamas leader, Ahmad Bahar, who had previously served as vice president of the Palestinian Legislative Council, had been killed by an Israeli strike in Gaza, which the IDF did not confirm. Tens of thousands have fled southwards in recent weeks. But earlier in the week Israel dropped leaflets into southern Gaza telling Palestinian civilians to leave four towns on the eastern edge of Khan Younis. Israeli military vehicles move through a street after IDF raided the Jenin refugee camp in the West Bank - REUTERS/Raneen Sawafta The UN has now warned that civilians in Gaza face starvation, and that overcrowding and lack of clean water are speeding the spread of disease. Deliveries of food and other supplies have largely halted due to a communications blackout which entered its second day on Friday, and a shortage of fuel for trucks, aid agencies said. The Israeli leaflets told civilians to move into a safe zone just 5.4 square miles at the coastal town of Mawasi, which was rejected by multiple UN agencies and NGOs. On Friday it also emerged that Israeli security forces mounted a major overnight raid in the West Bank city of Jenin, destroying roads and killing between three and five Hamas members. The Palestinian ambulance service also told Reuters that people were killed in a drone strike in Jenin. The violence will heighten fears that the occupied territories could be the next to spiral into violence. More than 190 Palestinians have been killed there since October 7, according to the Palestinian Authoritys health ministry. On Friday night there were reports of three people injured from rockets fired into Tel Aviv. A new poll indicated that Mr Netanyahus coalition would lose its majority in the Knesset were elections held today. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. Israel has confirmed that it has found the body of a second woman who was taken into Gaza by Hamas in its attack last month. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said 19-year-old Cpl Noa Marciano was discovered in a building next to the Al-Shifa Hospital. On Thursday, the IDF said they found the body of a 65-year-old hostage in a house near the same hospital. Troops are continuing their search in and around Gaza's biggest hospital. A spokesman for the IDF, Daniel Hagari, wrote on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter, that Israeli intelligence led soldiers to the exact location of her body. The IDF did not give further details on how Cpl Marciano died. Hamas's military wing claimed she was killed in an Israeli air strike on 9 November, though this could not be independently verified. More on Israel-Gaza war Cpl Marciano was serving as a lookout at the Nahal Oz kibbutz when it was stormed by part of a wave of gunmen who had burst through the nearby Israel-Gaza border, attacking dozens of Israeli communities, several military bases and hundreds of young people attending a music festival. According to Haaretz, Cpl Marciano's mother, Adi Marciano, said in an interview that she last spoke to her daughter on the morning of the attack. "She told me she was in a protected space and that there had been an infiltration... She said that she had to end the call. I didn't hear shots or screams. Half an hour later, I sent her a message, but she didn't reply." She had appeared in a video released by Hamas on Monday. The IDF called it "psychological terrorism". So far, only four of the 240 hostages who were abducted by Hamas last month have been freed. Israeli officials say that at least 1,200 people were killed in Hamas's cross-border attack. Since Israel started its counter-attack, Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry has said 11,400 people have been killed in the territory. Al-Shifa, Gaza City's largest hospital, became the focus of fighting at the start of the week and was raided by the Israeli military on Wednesday morning. The IDF says Hamas has been using the hospital as a command centre and has spent two days searching the complex for evidence of this. Hamas denies operating there and the BBC cannot independently verify claims by either side. Since Oct. 7, protests over the Israel-Hamas war have upended the American education system. The tumult has been especially bad on college campuses, where antisemitic and Islamophobic incidents are spiking. Now, the feds are stepping in. The Education Department on Thursday confirmed that since the war began, its Office of Civil Rights has opened seven investigations related to alleged antisemitic and anti-Muslim harassment at six colleges and in one K-12 school district. They stand accused of violating federal laws prohibiting discrimination or harassment based on a persons shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics. Schools must abide by those laws to receive federal funding. Six of the schools are colleges or universities, mostly urban schools in the northeast. Three of them are Ivy League colleges, a class of selective schools that has drawn special ire amid disruptive protests. The seventh is a K-12 school district in Maize, Kansas. Most of the schools confirmed to USA TODAY on Friday that the Education Department recently notified them of the investigations. The Education Departments involvement in and alacrity to tout its probes into the many schools where protests and student activities have devolved into varying states of chaos in recent weeks speaks to the mounting pressure facing domestic government officials to address the now-ubiquitous feelings of anguish and fear among many Jewish and Muslim Americans. The past months malaise has largely shifted into a pointed anger directed at Americas schools the very places tasked with the increasingly challenging job of educating young people about complex topics, while also keeping them safe from being targeted for who they are. Protesters gather in response to the Israel-Hamas war in October at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. An Education Department spokesperson declined to comment further on the cases, citing pending investigations. During an appearance on ABC's "The View" Friday morning, Education Secretary Miguel Cardona said the department has received more complaints related to antisemitic and anti-Muslim harassment in the last month than in all of last year. He committed to transparency about future investigations. "We anticipate many more," he said. What happens now? Discrimination on campus isn't new. Before the attacks on Israel by Hamas last month, the federal agency had opened other investigations into colleges and schools concerning antisemitism or Islamophobic incidents. In a now-resolved case over alleged antisemitism at the University of Vermont, the institution was required to update its equal opportunity and antiharassment policies and procedures and issue a statement about how it doesn't tolerate acts of discrimination, including harassment, "on the bases of shared ancestry and ethnic characteristics, including antisemitism." It also had to conduct a survey about how students and staff feel about the environment on campus. It's unclear how long the seven new investigations could last or what, if any, consequences the colleges and schools face. Heres what more we know: Case 1: Cooper Union A probe into Cooper Union, a private college in New York City, was opened on Nov. 15, according to the Education Department. The school made headlines in late October after a video went viral that showed Jewish students huddled in a library while about two dozen pro-Palestinian student protestors slammed on the door. Jewish students from Cooper Union had to lock themselves in the library in order to escape an aggressive Anti-Israel mob. In America, we all should have the freedom to be who we are and worship as we please, without fear of intimidation and harassment and violence. Where pic.twitter.com/kTEwvOmIxj Ritchie Torres (@RitchieTorres) October 25, 2023 Local politicians, including the Manhattan borough president and New York Rep. Ritchie Torres, were quick to condemn what they interpreted as harassment of Jewish students. But at a news conference the next day, New York Police Department officials said the Jewish students were not barricaded inside the library, and there was no danger to them throughout the protest. The college did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Case 2: University of Pennsylvania The department opened another investigation Nov. 15 into the University of Pennsylvania, which has been the target of efforts to dox some students, as well as a revolt from its wealthy alumni. Former U.S. ambassador and Utah governor Jon Huntsman Jr., who has donated millions to the university, told the schools president in an October email obtained by the campus newspaper, the Daily Pennsylvanian, that the school had become deeply adrift in ways that make it almost unrecognizable after, in his view, not responding adequately to the war in its early days. Moral relativism has fueled the universitys race to the bottom and sadly now has reached a point where remaining impartial is no longer an option, he wrote. A junior was recently arrested and charged with theft after allegedly stealing an Israeli flag, the newspaper reported. The complaint was filed by the Brandeis Center, a Jewish civil rights organization that has filed other complaints about antisemitism on college campuses, including some of the ones involved in the seven new investigations. Spokesperson Steve Silverman said in an email to USA TODAY that the university received the letter notifying administrators of the federal investigation and looks forward to fully cooperating with the department. President [Liz] Magill has made clear antisemitism is vile and pernicious and has no place at Penn, he said, adding, the University will continue to vigilantly combat antisemitism and all forms of hate. Case 3: Columbia University Faculty and students at Columbia University, a private Ivy League college in Manhattan in New York City that is another target of an open investigation, have expressed outrage over the last week after university administrators decided to cut off funding to two anti-Zionist student groups. Pro-Israel demonstrators sing a song during a protest at Columbia University in October. As the death toll rises in the Israel-Hamas war, American colleges have become seats of anguish with many Jewish students calling for strong condemnation after civilian attacks by Hamas while some Muslim students are pressing for recognition of decades of suffering by Palestinians in Gaza. The clubs Students for Justice in Palestine and Jewish Voice for Peace violated university policies with recent protests, according to Gerald Rosberg, the schools senior executive vice president. The universitys new president announced a task force on antisemitism and a resource group for doxxed students earlier this month. A university spokesperson declined to comment further on the investigation. Banned: Columbia University suspends pro-Palestinian and Jewish student clubs Case 4: Cornell University Antisemitic threats at Cornell University, a private college in upstate New York, ultimately led to a police intervention late last month. Posts on a Greek life forum called for the killing and raping of Jewish students. According to prosecutors, Patrick Dai, a 21-year-old Cornell student, admitted in a seven-hour interview with the FBI that he took to social media to threaten to behead Jewish students and level an attack on a kosher dining hall. A university spokesperson did not comment further on the Education Departments investigation, which opened Nov. 16. Case 5: Lafayette College Also revealed Thursday was a probe into Lafayette College, a private liberal arts school in Easton, Pennsylvania. In an email to USA TODAY, spokesperson Scott Morse said administrators are puzzled about why the Education Departments Office of Civil Rights is looking into the college. We do not know why the OCR decided to include the College in this investigation, Morse said. To the contrary, as recently as last week, students of differing views shared a peaceful gathering on campus to honor all those who have died in the recent violence in the Middle East." He said the college rejects hate speech of any kind, including antisemitism and Islamophobia, and will cooperate fully with the federal government. Case 6: Maize Unified School District The only K-12 school district in the federal governments sights is Maize Unified School District in a Kansas town of a few thousand people. Spokesperson Lori Buselt said the district was notified of the probe Thursday night, will fully cooperate and takes allegations of discrimination seriously. The school district is dedicated to providing a place for teaching and learning that prioritizes and champions respect and inclusivity and where all students and employees feel safe and valued, Buselt said. Choosing a college is hard. The Israel-Hamas war is making it harder Case 7: Wellesley College Stacey Schmeidel, a spokesperson for Wellesley College, said in an email to USA TODAY that the complaint against the private liberal arts school in Massachusetts was also filed by the Brandeis Center. In the Brandeis Centers letter to the Education Department, lawyers with the Jewish advocacy group said an email was sent to dorm residents by student residential advisers in October saying, there should be no space, no consideration, and no support for Zionism within the Wellesley College community. On Oct. 20, Wellesley president Paula Johnson said in a statement that administrators met with those students about the incident. They later issued an apology. That these young leaders were able to learn from this episode gives me hope, she said. Zachary Schermele is a breaking news and education reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach him by email at zschermele@usatoday.com. Follow him on X at @ZachSchermele. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Antisemitism, Islamophobia: Feds probe Cornell, other schools (CNN) China has started to roll out what its calling the worlds most advanced internet network, which promises to operate several times faster than current networks. The network which can travel at about 1.2 terabits (or 1,200 gigabits) each second is fast enough to transfer data from 150 movies in one second, according to Chinese tech manufacturer Huawei. Those represent theoretical speeds that wont appear at consumers homes anytime soon. But a more robust, faster internet service has broad implications for businesses, faster information transfers, stock trading advantages and other national security implications. In a press conference this week, Huawei and China Mobile officially launched the countrys next-generation backbone network, in partnership with Beijings Tsinghua University and Cernet, an education and research network funded by the Chinese government. A backbone network is network infrastructure that moves internet traffic to different geographic locations, and can support hungry-data transfers from technologies such as 5G and electric vehicles. The new network runs on 1,800 miles of optic fiber cables between Beijing and the south, according to a translated press release. It did not share details on plans to expand throughout the country. It started to operate and undergo tests this summer, but is launching about two years ahead of expert forecasts. The news comes as President Biden is set to meet with Chinese president Xi Jinping in San Francisco on Wednesday, following months of tension between the two superpowers. Xi previously said the development of the backbone network will establish the country as a cyber power and accelerate the promotion of core Internet technologies, the press release said. But because this doesnt apply to home internet speeds, and rather to internet infrastructure, it doesnt pose a direct threat to the US, unlike how it otherwise competes with AI, semiconductors or wireless networking technology. It could, however, offer a foundation for Chinese-based businesses that would require a lot of bandwidth. Wu Jianping, a professor at the department of computer science and technology Tsinghua University who is overseeing the backbone internet project, said in the press release that the system, including software and hardware, was made in China, produced and is independently controlled. He also called it the most advanced network in the world. This isnt the first time a major tech launch has coincided with a US visit. Huawei launched its highly-anticipated Mate 60 Pro smartphone, which features a breakthrough Chinese-made 5G chip, around the time some US diplomats were visiting the country in late summer. The US government later said it was investigating how the company would have the technology to make such a chip following sweeping efforts by the US to restrict Chinas access to foreign chip technology. CNNs Brian Fung, Juliana Liu and Wayne Chang contributed to this report A Palestinian girl looks out a window of a damaged building in the central Gaza Strip - MAHMUD HAMS/AFP via Getty Images Hamas has broadcast what appears to be the death of an elderly hostage kidnapped by the terror group. Arye Zalmanovich, 86, was taken from his home in Kibbutz Nir Oz, where he worked as a farmer, during Hamas October 7 attack. Footage released by the group appears to show him lying on a hospital bed, wired up to a monitoring machine, and looking unwell. Mr Zalmanovich utters the words: Im feeling not good. Another clip shows what appears to be his lifeless body, partially covered in a white sheet. Israel has vowed to annihilate Hamas since its fighters killed 1,200 people and dragged away 240 hostages during its attack last month. 10:04 PM GMT Today's top stories Our blog is now closed. Thanks for following, and we will be back tomorrow with another. In the meantime, here are todays top stories: A first consignment of fuel entered Gaza from Egypt late on Friday after Israel agreed to a US request to allow in limited deliveries Hamas has broadcast what appears to be the death of an elderly hostage kidnapped by the terror group Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said he sees all faiths as equal and rejected suggestions that his attacks on Israel had anti-Semitic undertones Israel says it has found a stash of mortars inside a kindergarten in northern Gaza Benjamin Netanyahu has said Israels attempts to minimise civilian casualties were not successful A doctor at the Al Shifa hospital said that food and water were running out and that supplies provided by the Israeli military were very, very minimal The families of Israeli hostages and thousands of supporters have marched towards Jerusalem, increasing pressure on the government to secure the captives release The Hamas-run health ministry has said that 24 patients have died in the past two days at Al-Shifa hospital owing to power cuts, as Israeli forces search the facility for Hamas hideouts 09:42 PM GMT Watch: Shirtless Israeli soldiers take part in 'insane' army base concert 09:23 PM GMT First consignment of fuel enters Gaza A first consignment of fuel entered Gaza from Egypt late on Friday after Israel agreed to a US request to allow limited deliveries to end a communications blackout that has halted aid convoys for two days. UN agencies have spoken of an increasingly desperate situation for the 2.4 million Palestinians trapped inside the besieged enclave, which Israel has been pounding by land and air for the past six weeks. The fuel delivery came as troops combed Gazas largest hospital in a search for the Hamas operations centre that Israel says lies hidden in bunkers beneath. Some of Israelis far-right ministers have criticised the move to allow in fuel, with finance minister Bezalel Smotrich calling it a scandal. 09:07 PM GMT US issues sanctions targeting Iran-aligned militia groups it says behind attacks The US has issued sanctions targeting Iran-aligned militia groups, accusing them of being involved in attacks against them and its partners in Iraq and Syria. The US State Department designated Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada and its secretary general as Specially Designated Global Terrorists, while the US Treasury Department imposed sanctions on six people affiliated with Kataib Hizballah in Iraq. US and coalition troops have been attacked at least 58 times in Iraq and Syria since October 17 as regional tensions soar over the Israel-Hamas war. At least 59 US military personnel have been wounded in the attacks, though all have now returned to duty. 08:44 PM GMT Gaza's once popular beach now an Israeli stronghold Once a place of refuge from the enclaves busy streets, Gaza beach has now been transformed into an Israeli military stronghold. An image released by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) shows tanks and bulldozers massed on the northern seafronts sands below blown-out apartment buildings. A scattering of troops can be seen guarding the area. Prior to the war, the beach was a popular destination for Palestinians of all ages, who frequently flocked there in large numbers during summer months to relax in the sun, play and swim in the Mediterranean Sea. It offered an escape from the enclaves hot, dusty city centres, made even more uncomfortable by frequent long power outages. The sea is our only refuge in Gaza, Umm Khalil Abu al-Khair, a 43-year-old mother of six, told Al Jazeera in late August, six weeks before the Israel-Hamas war broke out. Gaza Beach.jpg Gaza Beach (1).jpg 08:38 PM GMT Gaza telecom services partially restored Telecom services have been partially restored in the Gaza Strip after the entry of a limited quantity of fuel through UNRWA, Gazas main telecommunications companies Paltel and Jawwal said in a statement on Friday. Israel imposed a strict blockade on all goods entering Hamas-controlled Gaza when it launched a military campaign in response to the the Hamas attacks on October 7. 08:31 PM GMT Mortars found in Gaza kindergarten, says IDF Israel says it has found a stash of mortars inside a kindergarten in northern Gaza. In footage circulated on Friday, the Israeli Defence Forces shows what appear to be around a dozen mortar bombs stacked in a pile and tucked in between two walls of a building. The alleged discovery, which has not been independently verified, follows claims by Israel that it uncovered a Hamas tunnel shaft and weapons at Gazas Al-Shifa hospital complex on Thursday. Hamas and medical staff have vigorously denied the allegation the hospital was being used as a command centre. Isreal has yet to produce concrete evidence that the was a Hamas headquarters underneath the Al-Shifa hospital, a principle justification for storming the compound. 08:02 PM GMT Watch: Activists stage protest at Fox News offices in New York Anti-war activists have staged a protest at the offices of Fox News in New York over their coverage of the war in Gaza. RIGHT NOW: Activists staging massive disruption at the NYC HQ of the corporation that owns Fox News to protest its propaganda to justify Israels massacre of Palestinians. Hundreds poured into the NewsCorp lobby chanting Fox News lies cover up genocide! #ShutItDown4Palestine pic.twitter.com/TSFA2Zh8h7 ANSWER Coalition (@answercoalition) November 17, 2023 07:36 PM GMT Five countries seek ICC investigation into Gaza war Five countries, including South Africa and Bangladesh, on Friday called for an International Criminal Court investigation into the Israel-Hamas war that has left thousands of people dead, its chief prosecutor said. ICC chief prosecutor Karim Khan said South Africa, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Comoros and Djibouti - all ICC members - had sought an investigation of the situation in the state of Palestine. Mr Khan said in a statement that an investigation into events in the Gaza Strip and the occupied West Bank started in March 2021 now extends to the escalation of hostilities and violence since the attacks that took place on October, 2023. 07:16 PM GMT Israel draws Star of David in Hamas training ground in mark of victory The Israeli army used tanks to draw a huge Star of David in the dirt of what was once a Hamas training ground in Gaza City. Daniel Hagari, spokesman for the IDF, said fighters from the Golani Brigade held a ceremony in memory of their comrades killed in battle since the start of Israels retaliatory attacks in the Gaza strip. In footage posted online, the tanks can be seen carving out lines on a large plot of land which when viewed from above show the Star of David. Blue and white flares, the colours of the Israeli flag, were also set off. The soldiers of the Golani Brigade held a battle formation on the spot as a sign of commemoration and remembrance in memory of the 72 martyrs of the Golani Brigade, their comrades who fell in the battles from the beginning of the fighting, Mr Hagari said. In the place where the terrorist organization Hamas organized and trained its forces, Golanis 13th and 51st battalions chose to deliver a clear message to the organizations operatives, he added. IDF forces draw a Star of David in Gaza with military vehicles - IDF 06:45 PM GMT 'Killing children does not exist in Torah', says Erdogan Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said he sees all faiths as equal and rejected suggestions that his attacks on Israel had anti-Semitic undertones. The Turkish leader was making a sensitive visit to Berlin for talks with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz that have been overshadowed by the soaring civilian toll of Israels war with Hamas in Gaza. Mr Erdogan came under fire in Germany for his criticism of Israels conduct in the war, which was triggered by unprecedented Hamas attacks on October 7 that Israel said killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and saw 239 taken hostage. Mr Erdogan redoubled his criticism of Israel on Friday, arguing that shooting hospitals or killing children does not exist in the Torah. 06:07 PM GMT 'Israel close to dismantling Hamas's military system in northern Gaza' Israels military says it is close to dismantling the military system set up by Hamas in northern Gaza. Herzi Halevi, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) chief of general staff, told forces in the enclave there remains work to be completed but praised them for approaching it successfully. The IDF will continue in its operations within the Gaza Strip, and as far as we are concerned, more and more regions [will be targeted], systematically eliminating commanding officers and eliminating operatives, and eradicating the infrastructure, he said. Israel has vowed to eradicate Hamas following the terror groups October 7 cross-border attack. 05:45 PM GMT Germany, Turkey leaders trade barbs over Israel-Hamas war Germany and Turkeys leaders traded barbs on Friday over Israels war on Hamas, with Frank-Walter Steinmeier stressing the countrys right to exist while Recep Tayyip Erdogan demanded an end to Israels military operation. President Steinmeier made clear Germanys position that the unprecedented October 7 onslaught by Hamas on Israel was a terror attack, and Berlin viewed the group as a terror organisation. A separate statement issued by the Turkish presidency on the talks said Erdogan stated that Israels attacks on Palestinian lands must end and that the reaction from the whole world against human rights violations is important. Mr Erdogan has been increasingly critical of Israels war against Hamas, triggered by the groups attack that Israel said killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, with around 240 hostages taken. 05:23 PM GMT UN stops delivery of food and supplies to Gaza amid communications blackout The United Nations was forced to stop deliveries of food and other necessities to Gaza on Friday and warned of the growing possibility of widespread starvation. Israel announced that it will allow for the first time two tanker trucks of fuel daily into Gaza for the UN and communications systems. The amount is about half of what the UN said it needs to conduct lifesaving functions for hundreds of thousands of people in Gaza, including fueling water systems, hospitals, bakeries and its trucks delivering aid. It follows the collapse of internet and telephone services caused a lack of fuel. Israel has barred entry of fuel since the start of the war, saying it would be diverted by Hamas for military means. It has also blocked food, water and other supplies except for a trickle of aid from Egypt that aid workers say falls far short of whats needed. 04:56 PM GMT Pictured: Palestinians gather their belongings after Israeli army's airstrike at Nuseirat Refugee Camp Ashraf Amra/Anadolu via Getty Images GAZA CITY, GAZA - NOVEMBER 17: Palestinians collect their belongings from destroyed buildings after Israeli army's airstrike at Nuseirat Refugee Camp as Israel's attacks continue on its 42nd day in Gaza Strip on November 17, 2023. (Photo by ) 04:32 PM GMT Battle Lines podcast: Listen to our foreign correspondents discuss the latest in the Middle East In this episode of Battle Lines, Senior Foreign Correspondent Sophia Yan, analyses some of the diplomatic moves made by Middle Eastern states close to the conflict. Telegraph Global Health Reporter Lilia Sebouai updates us on the conditions In Gazas hospitals, and Foreign Reporter Verity Bowman talks us through the Israeli assault on the Al-Shifa hospital. Plus Defence Editor Danielle Sheridan explains how the war in Israel and Gaza impacted British society on Armistice Day. Listen here 03:58 PM GMT 'Two pro-Iran fighters killed in Israeli Syria strikes' Israeli air strikes killed two pro-Iranian fighters near the Syrian capital Damascus early on Friday during raids targeting a Hezbollah arms depot and other sites near Syrias capital, a war monitor said. Israel has hit targets in Syria several times in the past weeks as regional tensions rise over the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip. Citing a military source, Syrias state news agency SANA earlier reported material damage from the strikes. At around 2:25 am, the Israeli enemy carried out an aerial aggression from the direction of the occupied Golan Heights targeting several positions in the vicinity of Damascus, SANA said. 03:37 PM GMT Pictured: Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan meets German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier at the Bellevue presidential palace in Berlin German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier (R) and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan shake hands upon his arrival at Bellevue presidential palace in Berlin on November 17, 2023. German leaders host Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for talks on November 17, 2023, in a highly controversial visit made more explosive by Erdogan's branding of Israel as a "terror state". (Photo by Tobias SCHWARZ / AFP) (Photo by TOBIAS SCHWARZ/AFP via Getty Images) Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (C) is helped out of his coat as German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier (R) waits to welcome him for his visit at Bellevue presidential palace in Berlin on November 17, 2023. German leaders host Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for talks on November 17, 2023, in a highly controversial visit made more explosive by Erdogan's branding of Israel as a "terror state". (Photo by Tobias SCHWARZ / AFP) (Photo by TOBIAS SCHWARZ/AFP via Getty Images) 03:19 PM GMT Erdogan on 'difficult' German visit after Israel outbursts Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has arrived in Berlin for talks with German leaders , in a highly controversial visit made more explosive by the Turkish leaders branding of Israel as a terror state. Mr Erdogan has been increasingly critical of Israels war against Gaza-rulers Hamas after the group launched a horror attack on October 7 that Israel said killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians. While Chancellor Olaf Scholz travelled to Israel to offer Germanys unconditional and unwavering support, Mr Erdogan has doubled down on his defence of the Islamists as liberators fighting for their land and previously accused Israel of committing war crimes with its bombardment and ground incursion in Gaza. 02:59 PM GMT 24 patients have died in past two days at Al-Shifa, claims Hamas-run health ministry The Hamas-run health ministry has said that 24 patients have died in the past two days at Al-Shifa hospital owing to power cuts, as Israeli forces search the facility for Hamas hideouts. Twenty-four patients in different departments have died over the last 48 hours as vital medical equipment has stopped functioning because of the power outage, said ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qudra. 02:49 PM GMT Pictured: Funeral of 19-year-old Israeli soldier Noa Marciano A soldiers adjust a photo of Noa Marciano, a soldier in the Israel Defense Forces, which is displayed at her funeral - Christopher Furlong/Getty Images Europe Israeli soldiers carry the flag-draped casket of Corporal. Noa Marciano, during her funeral - Ohad Zwigenberg/AP The parents of Israeli soldier Corporal Noa Marciano react during their daughter's funeral after her remains were recovered near the Al Shifa Hospital - RONEN ZVULUN/REUTERS Israeli soldiers mourn during the funeral of Noa Marciano - ABIR SULTAN/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock/Shutterstock Read: IDF recovers body of second Israeli hostage near Gaza hospital 02:15 PM GMT Israeli hostage families near Jerusalem in march of solidarity and protest The families of Israeli hostages and thousands of supporters have marched towards Jerusalem, increasing pressure on the government to secure the captives release nearly six weeks after Hamas terrorists abducted them and took them into Gaza. The procession left Tel Aviv three days ago. Police blocked off parts of the main highway as the marchers began to ascend the foothills leading to Jerusalem. They held up pictures of their loved ones, waved Israeli flags, and chanted We wont give up, we demand the hostages release! Hear our shout. Bring them back home now, said Yuval Haran, who walked with a placard showing seven members of his family who were taken hostage, including his three-year-old niece. How can you put a price on a three-year old girl? We need them back now, at any price. 02:05 PM GMT Food and water running out at Gaza's Al Shifa hospital, says doctor A doctor at the Al Shifa hospital said that food and water were running out and that supplies provided by the Israeli military were very, very minimal. Doctor Ahmed El Mokhallalati told Reuters by telephone that Israeli forces were pressing on with searches of the hospital complex, but had found nothing. He also said no babies at the hospital had died since Israeli troops entered it. Israel says Hamas has a command centre underneath the hospital, an assertion Hamas and hospital staff deny. Reuters has been unable to verify the situation at the hospital independently. 01:49 PM GMT Pictured: Aftermath of Israeli bombardment in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip A man evacuates a wounded girl after Israeli bombardment in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip - SAID KHATIB/AFP Residents try to save survivors amid destruction caused by Israeli airstrikes on Shabura refugee camp in Rafah, Gaza - Khatib/Anadolu via Getty Images)Credit/Anadolu 01:47 PM GMT Five terrorists killed in West Bank refugee camp raid, claim IDF Israel says it killed five terrorists during an overnight raid on the Jenin refugee camp in the occupied West Bank. An armed terrorist cell that fired at Israeli security forces was struck by a (military) aircraft, a statement said. In total, at least five terrorists were killed, it added. Hamas said three of its fighters were killed. The head of the Palestinian ambulance service said three Palestinians were killed in an Israeli drone strike in Jenin. It comes amid growing concern about violence in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, where violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians has surged. 01:06 PM GMT Medical staff searched after Israeli raid on West Bank's Jenin 12:47 PM GMT Israel says it will allow two fuel trucks a day in Gaza Israels war cabinet has approved letting in two fuel trucks a day into Gaza to help meet UN needs, an Israeli official said on Friday. The official, who declined to be identified, said the decision came after a request from Washington. Allowing in the fuel, the official said, gives Israel extra room to maneuver in the international arena so it can continue its campaign to eradicate Hamas in Gaza. The amount of fuel will give minimal support for water, sewage and sanitary systems in Gaza to prevent pandemics, the official said. 11:55 AM GMT Pictured: An activist places a floral tribute on a pair of baby shoes symbolising Palestinians killed in Seoul, South Korea An activist places a floral tribute on a pair of baby shoes symbolising Palestinians killed in Seoul, South Korea - KIM HONG-JI/REUTERS 11:31 AM GMT World Health Organisation 'extremely concerned' about the spread of disease in Gaza The World Health Organisation said it was very worried about the spread of disease in Gaza. We are extremely concerned about the spread of disease when the winter season arrives, said Richard Peeperkorn, WHO Representative in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. He said that more than 70,000 cases of acute respiratory infections and over 44,000 cases of diarrhoea had been recorded, figures higher significantly higher than expected. WHO has previously warned of worrying trends in the spread of disease in Gaza, where bombardments and a ground offensive have disrupted the health system, access to clean water and caused people to crowd into shelters. 11:07 AM GMT Funeral taking place for female IDF soldier found dead in Gaza The funeral of a 19-year-old Israeli soldier found dead in Gaza is taking place. The Israeli military said troops had recovered the remains of kidnapped woman soldier Noa Marciano, 19, from a structure adjacent to Al-Shifa hospital. Israeli soldiers carry the flag-draped casket of Corporal. Noa Marciano, during her funeral in Modiin, Israel - Ohad Zwigenberg/AP It had confirmed her death this week. 10:27 AM GMT Pictured: An IDF reservist walks past "Bring them home now" street art in Tel Aviv, Israel An IDF reservist walks past "Bring them home now" street art in Tel Aviv, Israel - Alexi J. Rosenfeld/Getty Images Europe 10:17 AM GMT Ambulance crews 'detained and searched' in Jenin, say Palestinian Red Crescent Ambulance crews were detained and searched in Jenin, says the Palestinian Red Crescent. Today dawn, occupation forces detain and search ambulance crews at Ibn Sina Hospital, impeding their ability to aid the injured and transport patients in Jenin Governorate.#Jenin#NotATarget pic.twitter.com/9422MVQoeA PRCS (@PalestineRCS) November 17, 2023 The Palestinian Red Crescent said it impeded their ability to help the injured and transport patients. It comes as the Israeli army said it killed five terrorists during an overnight raid on the Jenin refugee camp in the occupied West Bank. 10:03 AM GMT 'Impossible' to manage or coordinate humanitarian aid convoys, says UN The United Nations said there would be no cross-border aid operation on Friday due to fuel shortages and a communication shutdown. From our#Gaza team @TomWhite: There will NOT be a cross-border aid operation at the Rafah Crossing tomorrow. The communications network in #Gaza is down because there is NO fuel. This makes it impossible to manage or coordinate humanitarian aid convoys. pic.twitter.com/Kaj8z0lE9f UNRWA (@UNRWA) November 16, 2023 World Food Programme Executive Director Cindy McCain said nearly the entire population was in desperate need of food assistance. Supplies of food and water are practically non-existent in Gaza and only a fraction of what is needed is arriving through the borders, she said in a statement. 09:54 AM GMT Israel-Gaza territory map 09:46 AM GMT Angry families of Israeli hostages march to Netanyahus door In the 41 days since his grand-daughter Naama Levy was kidnapped by Hamas, Shaul Levy has cycled, swum and run hundreds of miles. The 78-year old is still an active triathlete, and in his daily 40-mile bike rides and mile-long swims, he reaches some peace of mind amid the stress. I exercise every morning, and afterwards I feel strong and good, he said. My grand-girl is also a triathlete, a strong woman, and I hope some of that energy goes to her too. For such a spry figure, the five-day march he is taking part in with other hostages families is not too hard a pull. Covering 50 miles from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, and stopping overnight in villages en route, the marchers are on course to be outside prime minister Benjamin Netanyahus house by Saturday. Read more from Colin Freeman here 09:11 AM GMT Pictured: A Palestinian walks near a destroyed vehicle at the site of an Israeli strike A Palestinian walks near a destroyed vehicle at the site of an Israeli strike - IBRAHEEM ABU MUSTAFA/REUTERS 09:10 AM GMT 'People are facing the immediate possibility of starvation' People are facing the immediate possibility of starvation, the United Nations World Food programme has warned. Gaza is now receiving only 10 per cent of its needed food supplies daily, and dehydration and malnutrition are growing with nearly all of the 2.3 million people in the territory needing food, said Abeer Etefa, a Mideast regional spokeswoman for the programme. With few trucks entering Gaza and no fuel to distribute the food there is no way to meet the current hunger needs, she said. The existing food systems in Gaza are basically collapsing. 08:45 AM GMT Israel claims it killed 'at least five terrorists' in Jenin raid The Israeli army said it had killed at least five terrorists during an operation in Jenin, in the occupied West Bank. Armoured vehicles are pictured during a raid by the Israeli army in the occupied West Bank Jenin refugee camp - FADEL SENNA/AFP Israeli forces carried out an operation in a refugee camp in the city overnight Thursday-Friday, and the military said in a statement that, In total, at least five terrorists were killed. 08:35 AM GMT Grant us access to Al-Shifa, says UN human rights chief The UN human rights chief has called for Israel to grant his team access to the Al-Shifa hospital to investigate competing claims. Israel claims that Hamas has a command and control centre under the hospital - an allegation that Hamas and hospital staff deny. Volker Turk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, told CNN: We need to look into this by having access. We cannot rely on one or the other party when it comes to this. He said the situation needs an independent international investigation, because we have different narratives. 08:18 AM GMT US concerned over hospital strikes after Jordan's Gaza facility hit The United States on Thursday said it had deep concern over a strike on a Jordanian military hospital in Gaza that wounded seven people, voicing opposition to hitting health facilities, but without directly blaming Israel. Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke by telephone with Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi to share his deep concern for the Jordanian medical personnel injured outside the Jordanian Field Hospital while providing critical medical care in Gaza, the State Department said. Mr Blinken, who was attending an Asia-Pacific summit in San Francisco, reiterated that civilians and medical personnel at hospitals must be protected, a statement said. Earlier in Washington, State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said: We dont want to see hospitals struck from the air. We reiterate the obligations under international humanitarian law for all parties to take key precautions to reduce the risk of harm to civilians and all possible steps to mitigate civilian harm, Mr Miller told reporters. Neither Mr Miller nor the statement explicitly condemned the strike or said who was responsible. 07:57 AM GMT Hamas terrorist who paraded festivalgoers body in Gaza has been killed, says her mother A Hamas terrorist who paraded a German festivalgoers body through Gaza has been killed, the victims mother has said, as she called for a hostage deal to free those still being held by the terror group, reports James Jackson. Shani Louk, a 22-year-old Israeli-German dual citizen, was murdered by Hamas at the Nova music festival in southern Israel on Oct 7. Louks mother, Ricarda, 53, said that one of the men who later took her daughters body through Gaza in the back of a pickup truck had been killed by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Read more here 07:42 AM GMT Body of Israeli hostage found near Al-Shifa hospital The body of an Israeli mother-of-five taken hostage by Hamas was recovered by Israeli troops from a building near the Al Shifa hospital, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on Thursday. Yehudit Weiss, a 65-year-old pensioner with breast cancer, was killed by the terror group in the Gaza Strip after being abducted from Kibbutz Beeri on October 7, IDF spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said. We didnt manage to reach her in time, he said. Mrs Weisss body was found in a building adjacent to Al Shifa which contained an array of weapons including Kalashnikov rifles and RPGs, the IDF said. Read more from Ben Farmer and Tony Diver here 07:40 AM GMT Communications down in Gaza The two telecoms companies in Gaza said all services in the territory were down as energy supplies had run out. We regret to announce that all telecom services in have of service as all energy sources sustaining the network have been depleted, and .#KeepGazaConnected Paltel (@Paltelco) November 16, 2023 Israel refuses fuel imports, saying Hamas could use them for military purposes. 07:37 AM GMT Pictured: Israeli army raid West Bank Jenin refugee camp Smoke raises during a raid in the occupied West Bank Jenin refugee camp - FADEL SENNA/AFP 07:36 AM GMT Netanyahu: Attempts to minimise civilian casualties 'not successful' Benjamin Netanyahu has said Israels attempts to minimise civilian casualties were not successful, as he accused Hamas of preventing civilians from moving to safer locations. The Israeli Prime Minister told CBS: Any civilian death is a tragedy. And we shouldnt have any because were doing everything we can to get the civilians out of harms way, while Hamas is doing everything to keep them in harms way. So we send leaflets, (we) call them on their cell phones, and we say: leave. And many have left. 07:29 AM GMT Israel carries out 'building by building' searches at Al-Shifa Israeli troops carried out building-by-building searches at Gazas main hospital. The Al-Shifa hospita has become a focal point for Israeli operations in northern Gaza since soldiers raided the complex on Wednesday, hunting for a command centre they say terror group Hamas operates there. Hamas and hospital managers deny that charge, and there has been international concern about several thousand people - including wounded patients and premature babies - believed to be trapped inside. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. (Bloomberg) -- Israels military said its offensive in the Gaza Strip may extend to the south of the territory, where many Palestinians have sought refuge from heavy fighting in the north. Most Read from Bloomberg The telecom operator in Gaza said it was able to restore services to part of the strip, ending a communications blackout, after Israel eased curbs on delivery of fuel needed for generators. Israel said it will allow two tankers a day to enter Gaza. US President Joe Biden spoke to the ruler of Qatar, which has mediated in hostage talks with Hamas, about the latest push to get more captives held in Gaza released. Officials from Hamas designated a terrorist organization by the US and European Union said the death toll in Gaza has passed 12,000. For more stories on the Israel-Hamas war, click here. White House Offers Condolences Over UN Deaths (12:35 a.m.) A White House national security advisor offered condolences to the head of a United Nations relief agency over the deaths of 103 staff since the war began on Oct. 7. Principal Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer, in his call with Philippe Lazzarini, commissioner-general of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, also discussed the situation in Gaza and the critical importance of protecting civilians, including UN staff and other aid workers, and continuing to mitigate any potential aid diversion to Hamas, according to a White House statement on Friday. Telecoms Restored in Part of Gaza as Fuel Arrives (10:15 p.m.) The main telecommunications provider in Gaza said it was able to restore services in part of the strip, after receiving a delivery of fuel from the UN aid agency that was permitted by Israel. Internet and mobile services had been down since Thursday, effectively leaving Gazans in a total communication blackout, as the operator said it ran out of fuel. Israels war cabinet earlier approved the entry of two diesel tankers a day into Gaza, saying the aim is to support the water and sewage system to prevent the outbreak of disease. Far-right parties in the government criticized the decision. Israel has been reluctant to allow fuel in because it says Hamas hoards it. Israel Says Offensive May Extend to Southern Gaza (9:15 p.m.) Israels army spokesman said the military could extend its attack on Hamas to southern Gaza, where hundreds of thousands of civilians have fled from the current fighting thats mostly confined to the northern part of the strip. Efforts to destroy Hamas will happen every place where Hamas is, and Hamas is also in the south of Gaza, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said in a briefing. Army radio said five Israelis were wounded in a barrage of rockets fired from southern Gaza at Tel Aviv and surrounding areas. Biden Discusses Hostage Efforts With Qatar Ruler (8:40 p.m.) US President Joe Biden spoke with Qatars ruling emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, as the countries race to broker a deal for the release of hostages in Gaza. The leaders discussed that effort as well as a push to increase the flow of humanitarian assistance and fuel to Palestinians, the White House said. Qatar has hosted the political leadership of Hamas and was involved in negotiations that led to the release of a few hostages earlier in the conflict. Gaza Death Toll Passes 12,000, Hamas Officials Say (8:10 p.m.) The Hamas-run government media office in Gaza said more than 12,000 Palestinians have been killed in the territory since Oct. 7. In a press briefing, the agency said 3,750 people are also reportedly stranded under the rubble of destroyed buildings, or are missing. Because of a communication blackout and logistical difficulties, the health ministry in Gaza has been unable to update the death toll for five days. Israel Says No Food Shortage in Gaza, More Aid to Come (7:45 p.m.) Gazas food reserves are sufficient for the near-term and Israel will let more aid in when needed as requested by the UN, Col. Elad Goren an official at the Defense Ministry unit that coordinates civilian issues with the Palestinian leadership told reporters. Israel assesses the food situation in Gaza daily or even hourly, Goren said, adding that 140 aid trucks entered the strip on Thursday. Aid agencies have warned that Gazas population faces severe food shortages. The UNs World Food Program has said that civilians in Gaza are facing the immediate possibility of starvation. Gaza Health-Care System Has Collapsed, Red Crescent Says (6:30 p.m.) Gazas healthcare system has collapsed with 26 of the strips hospitals completely out of service, the Palestinian Red Crescent told Dubai-based Al Arabiya TV. About nine medical facilities are still operating partially with some surgeons relying for light on the torches of mobile phone, the Red Crescent said. Communications with medical teams have been cut off and only five ambulances continue to operate in the northern parts of the strip, it said. Hezbollah Claims New Attacks on Israeli Military (5:15 p.m.) Hezbollah caused casualties after shelling a mechanized unit of Israels special forces near Menara northeast of Israel, Al-Manar television reported. The Lebanese armed group also targeted Israeli soldiers gathered near Metulla, near the Lebanese border, Al-Manar said. Israels military said four civilians were injured from anti-tank missiles fired near Kibbutz Manara along the border with Lebanon. It also said it downed a drone from Lebanon near Metulla. Gaza Hospital Says 40 Patients Died Since Israeli Takeover (4:30 p.m.) The fatalities include all patients who were in intensive care, Al Hadath reports citing Mohamed Abu Selmia, director of Al Shifa Hospital. No deaths were reported among infants under the hospitals care, Al Hadath added. Israel Confirms Body of Second Hostage Found (3:50 p.m.) The body of a female Israeli soldier abducted by Hamas on Oct. 7 was found adjacent to the Al Shifa Hospital in Gaza, the Israel Defense Forces said in a post on social media site X. It is the second such discovery, Israeli media reported. Israel Says Two Diesel Shipments Can Enter Gaza Per Day (1:50 p.m.) Israels war cabinet approved the entry of two diesel tankers a day into Gaza, complying with a US request, an Israeli official said. Coordinated with the UN, the tankers will pass through the Rafah crossing to the civilian population in the southern Gaza Strip, provided that the fuel does not reach Hamas, the Israeli official added. The aim is to support the water and sewerage system to prevent the outbreak of disease. Israel has been reluctant to allow fuel into Gaza through the Rafah border crossing with Egypt because it says Hamas hoards it from the civilian population. UN organizations have warned that hospitals in the enclave have closed down or operate at a very limited level, in part because of a lack of fuel. They have asked that fuel supplies be allowed in at much higher volumes. Far-right parties in Israels government opposed the move. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called it a significant error, like giving oxygen to the enemy. Hezbollah Targets Israeli Positions on Border (1 p.m.) Hezbollah said it targeted two Israeli military positions in separate attacks as well as a post on the border with Lebanon. The attacks took place in the morning on Friday. Israels army said earlier it hit Hezbollah targets including a weapons warehouse and a military building. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Israel's Iron Dome missile defense system is key to the country's air defense. Using advanced radar and high-speed precision missiles, Iron Dome can detect and intercept incoming munitions like rockets and artillery. Three days after the Hamas terror attacks on October 7, 2023, the United States announced that it would send military aid to Israel , including Iron Dome interceptors. On October 26, 2023, Pentagon Press Secretary Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder confirmed that the U.S. is sending two Iron Dome systems to Israel. The Army tested and evaluated Iron Dome to integrate into its air defense system (Public Domain) In 2019, the U.S. Army purchased two Iron Dome systems for $373 million as an interim air defense capability. The first battery was delivered in September 2020, and the second was delivered in January 2021. Iron Dome was deployed to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, for testing later that year. On May 16, 2023, the U.S. confirmed that one battery is ready for deployment and that the other is wrapping up training, both at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington. Iron Dome equipment arrives in Guam for testing (U.S. Army) The two U.S. Iron Dome systems headed to Israel are under an 11-month lease via foreign military sales. "It was the fastest way to do it, so thats why we went with that," Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology Douglas Bush told reporters. He also noted that the lease involves a "small amount of money...with pay back to be determined," and that it could be extended "depending on factors on the ground." Operation Iron Island tested Iron Dome's ability to defend Guam (U.S. Air Force) Sending the Iron Domes systems back to Israel does not leave a gap in the Army's air defense capabilities. Following testing of the batteries, Army officials raised concerns over integrating the Israeli systems into the service's overall air defense system. Instead, the Indirect Fire Protection Capability Increment 2 contract was awarded to Dynetics Enduring Shield and Raytheons ground-launched AIM-9X Sidewinder missile in 2021. However, the Marine Corps is still pursuing its Medium-Range Intercept Capability prototype which is based on Iron Dome. MRIC is based on Iron Dome (U.S. Marine Corps) MRIC replaces the base of Iron Dome's launcher and, instead, mounts it directly to the back of a trailer. It still uses Iron Dome's battle management control system and integrates with other Marine systems. Following the outbreak of Israel's war with Hamas, the road ahead for MRIC is undetermined as Iron Dome components become prioritized for domestic use. Israel says that its planning to expand its military operations in southern Gaza raising the alarm for nearly one million Palestinians who have fled to escape fighting and bombardment in the north. Western officials who spoke with the Financial Times said Israel believes that several Hamas leaders have moved south to the city of Khan Younis. Residents in four neighborhoods in the city were warned to evacuate their homes and go to shelters Thursday. Whoever is present near terrorists or their installations will be exposing their life to danger, read leaflets that were reportedly dropped into Khan Younis. The IDF has not commented on the leaflets. Rights groups have warned of a humanitarian catastrophe in the densely packed south, where now a swollen population of Gazans face severely restricted supplies of food, water, and electricity. Khan Younis was previously home to at least 100,000 Palestinians, and cramped conditions in the city make outbreaks of infectious disease and starvation an immediate possibility, advocates said. With only one operational border crossing (the Rafah crossing) the United Nations has been struggling to meet the needs of the internally displaced population of more than 800,000 people. UN officials have warned that no part of Gaza is currently safe for anyone. No safe zone is truly safe when it is declared unilaterally or enforced by the presence of armed forces, heads of UN agencies said in a statement. While blocs like the UN Security Council and ASEAN have called for a truce between Israel and Hamas, U.S. President Joe Bidens statements seem to suggest there is no timeline for Israel to end its military campaign in Gaza. In recent remarks, Biden backed Israels contentious raid of Gazas largest hospital, al-Shifa, and said that the IDF will only cease its bombardment when Hamas no longer maintains the capacity to murder, abuse and just do horrific things to Israel. He added: Hamas has already said publicly that they plan on attacking Israel again, like they did before cutting babies heads off and burning women and children alive. And so the idea that theyre [Israel] gonna just stop and not do anything is not realistic. There has been more effort from the U.S. in recent weeks to recalibrate the messaging around concerns over aspects of Israels military operation, but it doesnt seem to translate to changes in Israels policy or U.S financial support for the war, Ben Rhodes, former White House staffer, said on Pod Save the World. Although the Biden administration has urged Israel to exercise some restraint in its bombardment of Gaza, the U.S. president has also urged to Congress to approve billions in emergency funding to support Israels military campaign. It begs the question from the rest of the world looking at this whats the point of this type of recalibration if it doesnt lead to any changes in Israeli policy, or frankly, in terms of U.S. support? Rhodes said. WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Israel is doing all it can to get civilians out of harm's way as it battles Hamas in Gaza, including dropping leaflets warning them to flee, but its attempts to minimize casualties were "not successful", Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday. Netanyahu was asked by U.S. television's CBS News whether Israel's killing of thousands of Palestinians as it retaliates for the Oct. 7 attack by Gaza's ruling Hamas militants would fuel a new generation of hatred. "Any civilian death is a tragedy. And we shouldn't have any because we're doing everything we can to get the civilians out of harm's way, while Hamas is doing everything to keep them in harm's way," Netanyahu said. "So we send leaflets, (we) call them on their cell phones, and we say: 'leave'. And many have left," Netanyahu said. Israel has said the goal of its military campaign is to destroy Hamas. "The other thing that I can say is that we'll try to finish that job with minimal civilian casualties. That's what we're trying to do: minimal civilian casualties. But unfortunately, we're not successful." Netanyahu then said he wanted to draw a parallel with something related to Germany, but he was interrupted by the CBS interviewer, who asked him a question about Gaza's post-war security. Palestinian civilians have borne the brunt of Israel's weeks-long military campaign in response to the attack by Hamas that Israel says killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians. Hamas also took about 240 people of different nationalities as hostages, according to Israel. Gaza health authorities deemed reliable by the United Nations say at least 11,500 people have been confirmed killed in an Israeli bombardment and ground invasion - more than 4,700 of them children. Two thirds of the Gaza Strip's population of 2.3 million have been made homeless by the war. On Thursday, Israel's air force dropped leaflets in parts of south Gaza telling people to evacuate for their own safety. Israel has also used leaflet drops in northern Gaza to warn civilians to move. Hundreds of thousands have done so, in a mass displacement that many Palestinians fear could become permanent. (Reporting by Rami Ayyub; editing by Grant McCool) Israel says it will allow two fuel trucks a day to enter the Gaza Strip, after pressure to do so from the US. A US State Department official says around 140,000 litres of fuel will be allowed in every two days. Most of that is intended for trucks delivering aid, as well as supporting the UN in providing water and sanitation, the official said. The rest is for mobile phone and internet services, which had been cut off due to a lack of fuel. On Friday, the company which provides Gaza's communications said that its services were returning after receiving some fuel via Unrwa, the UN's agency for Palestinian refugees. The US official said Washington exerted considerable pressure on Israel to push this fuel agreement through. The deal had been agreed in principle weeks ago, the official added, but was delayed by Israel for two reasons. Israeli officials told the US that fuel had not actually run out in southern Gaza, and they also wanted to wait and see if they could negotiate a hostage deal first. The head of Unrwa warned on Thursday that the agency may have to suspend all of its activities due to the lack of fuel. In its latest situation report, the agency said it required "160,000 litres of fuel every day for basic humanitarian operations" - more than double what has been agreed. Earlier, an Israeli official said the new fuel allowance would be brought in through the Rafah crossing to the civilian population in the southern Gaza Strip via the UN, provided that it does not reach Hamas. The Israeli official said the fuel would give "minimal" support to water, sewage and sanitation systems, in order to prevent the outbreak of epidemics that could spread in the area. International organisations have repeatedly expressed grave concerns over the humanitarian situation unfolding the Gaza Strip. The World Health Organization (WHO) has previously warned of "worrying trends" in the spread of disease in Gaza, where the lack of fuel and Israeli bombardment have severely disrupted the healthcare system and sanitation facilities. On Friday, Richard Peeperkorn, the WHO's representative in the Palestinian Territories, said that more than 70,000 cases of acute respiratory infections and over 44,000 cases of diarrhoea had been recorded, according to Reuters - figures significantly higher than expected. More on Israel-Gaza war Fuel is needed in Gaza to run the enclave's desalination plant, to provide electricity to homes and hospitals, and for sanitation, transport, and communications infrastructure. It is also crucial for the delivery of aid around the territory. Israel has been blocking fuel from entering Gaza, arguing that it could be stolen by Hamas and used for military purposes. Before the latest war Israel provided the majority of Gaza's electricity, and some was produced by the enclave's sole power plant which is no longer functioning. On Saturday in Gaza's south, the director of Nasser hospital in Khan Younis said it had received the bodies of 26 people, and 23 others with serious injuries, after an air strike on a residential building in Hamad city. The Israeli military has not yet commented on the report. Meanwhile, the Red Crescent said at least five Palestinians were killed in an Israeli air strike on a building in the Balata refugee camp in the West Bank city of Nablus. The Israeli army said it was checking on the reports. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has told Israel to take "urgent" action to "de-escalate tensions in the West Bank, including by confronting rising levels of settler extremist violence". The strike happened a day after Israeli military said it killed at least seven militants in two separate confrontations in the West Bank. Israel's latest siege and military operation began following Hamas's brutal 7 October attack, when the group - which is banned as a terrorist organisation by the UK, US and other powers - killed around 1,200 people and took more than 230 people hostage, according to Israeli authorities. At least 12,000 people have been killed in the territory since Israel began its retaliatory strikes, according to the Hamas-run health ministry in the Palestinian enclave. Yahoo News There are now a total of 85 hostages who have been released out of the roughly 240 hostages who were kidnapped by Hamas since Oct. 7, when the militant group unleashed a brutal attack on Israel that killed about 1,200 people. Family members of the released hostages have started to share the experiences their loved ones have had to endure while they were held in captivity. Israel's army said Friday it killed at least seven militants in two separate confrontations in the West Bank, as Hamas admitted a number of its fighters were slain amid growing violence wracking the occupied territory. Since the October 7 Hamas attacks on southern Israel, there has been a dramatic rise in the number of clashes in the West Bank, where the Israeli army has stepped up incursions targeting militant groups. Israeli forces carried out an operation overnight Thursday-Friday in a refugee camp in Jenin, a city in the northern West Bank long considered a centre of militant activity. "In total, at least five terrorists were killed," an army statement said. Elsewhere, in the south of the West Bank, the Palestinian health ministry said two people were killed "by Israeli army bullets" at the entrance to the flashpoint city of Hebron. The Israeli army said "two assailants arrived in a vehicle at a junction adjacent to Hebron and fired at the soldiers who were operating in the area". "The soldiers responded with fire and killed the assailants" before seizing a weapon, a statement said, adding there were no Israeli casualties. In Jenin, Hamas said three of its fighters had been killed in the raid -- the third major Israeli incursion in the area in as many weeks. On Friday morning, AFP journalists saw a funeral procession for three people, trailed by dozens of mourners and militants firing into the air. The Palestinian health ministry in Ramallah also said three people had been killed in the Jenin raid and 15 wounded, four of them critically. - Exchange of fire - The Israeli army said "an armed terrorist cell that fired at Israeli security forces was struck by a (military) aircraft". "Terrorists who fired and hurled explosive devices at the security forces were neutralised," a statement added. The military said "terrorists and gunmen fled the area in vehicles and ambulances toward the area of the Ibn Sina Hospital in Jenin in order to hide there", and that a vehicle was stopped at the hospital entrance. It released footage which appeared to show weapons being removed from a vehicle outside a hospital. Israel consistently says Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip are using hospitals as a base for their attacks, a charge the Islamist group routinely denies. Hamas gunmen nearly six weeks ago surged out of Gaza and killed 1,200 people -- mostly civilians -- and seized around 240 hostages, according to Israel. In retaliation for the attacks, Israel launched bombardments and a ground offensive against Hamas in Gaza, which authorities in the Hamas-run territory says have killed at least 11,500 people, mostly civilians. An incursion last week in Jenin resulted in 14 Palestinian deaths -- according to the health ministry -- in the deadliest single raid in the West Bank since at least 2005, according to United Nations data. bur-rsc-jts/ac/sea/ 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. The Israeli military is tightening its grip on northern Gaza, as its war on the Hamas militant group is showing no signs of abating. Almost six weeks into the conflict, however, Israel is yet to offer a clear post-war plan for the territory. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant last week said the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has effectively cut the Strip in two, and on Tuesday claimed Hamas had lost control in northern Gaza, including in Gaza City. The Israeli military raided Gazas largest hospital, Al-Shifa, on Wednesday after claiming that Hamas had built a command center beneath the sprawling medical complex. On Thursday, the Israeli army released video of what it called an operational tunnel shaft, unearthed in the grounds of the hospital. Hamas responded by accusing Israel of giving false scenarios, fabricated narratives, and distorted information about Al-Shifa. But what is Israels plan for Gaza if and when it achieves its aim of eliminating Hamas? Some experts say Israel may not have a clear idea. Palestinians mourn relatives killed in the Israeli bombardment of Gaza, at the hospital in Khan Younis on November 15. - Fatima Shbair/AP Israel has clearly stated security objectives and imperatives for post-war Gaza, but so far they have not offered anything like a viable plan for the aftermath, Frank Lowenstein, who worked as Special Envoy for Israeli-Palestinian Negotiations under US President Barack Obama during the 2014 Israel-Gaza war, told CNN. They (Israel) would argue they have time to figure that out after the military operation, Lowenstein said. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has offered little information about his post-military operation plan for Gaza. The 74-year-old leader, who has been at the forefront of several Israel-Gaza conflicts, told CNN his military operation has two goals: to destroy Hamas and retrieve the more than 200 hostages kidnapped on October 7 by the group, which also killed some 1,200 people in Israel during its unprecedented assault. Beyond those vague hints, Netanyahu has not provided a defined strategy for the territory, where more than two-thirds of its 2 million inhabitants are now internally displaced, and where more than 40% of all housing units have been either destroyed or damaged, according to United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), citing the Ministry of Housing in Gaza. Israel went into this without a clear plan for the morning after, said Daniel Levy, president of the US-Middle East Project, a London and New York-based organization focusing on finding resolutions to the Israel-Palestinian conflict. What role can Palestinians play? In Sundays interview with CNNs Dana Bash, Netanyahu said that Gaza could ultimately be governed by some form of Palestinian civilian government, albeit one that fully cooperated with Israels security objectives, which he described as over-riding, over-reaching military envelope. He did not provide details of what exactly that meant. The United States has warned against Israel re-occupying Gaza, and has stressed a future role there for the Palestinian Authority (PA). Israels leader rarely hides his disdain for the PA, but, perhaps mindful of his American audience, told CNN there could be a role for a reconstructed civilian authority some kind of civilian Palestinian Authority in Gaza after the war. Netanyahu stressed it would need to deradicalize and demilitarize its population. Experts have questioned the practicality of that ambition, however. Levy said that Palestinians will be reluctant to work with Israel after the war, which has so far killed more than 11,000 people in Gaza, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry in Ramallah, citing medical sources in the Hamas-controlled Strip. Im not sure youre going to have volunteers for that, Levy told CNNs Christiane Amanpour Wednesday. I dont think it would be wise for any Palestinian movement to say: we will do this under the watchful eye of Israel. The PA has a troubled history in Gaza, and was essentially kicked out by Hamas in 2007 after a brief civil war, leaving it with limited authority over parts of the West Bank only. Analysts fail to agree whether bringing it back to the Strip would work. Kobi Michael, a senior researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) in Tel Aviv, said the PA is not the solution but the problem, adding it has not run the West Bank efficiently and suffers a huge deficit of legitimacy in its own constituency. The Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research in Ramallah found last year that more than 70% of Palestinians were dissatisfied with Mahmoud Abbas, the PAs ageing president the poll found 74% demanding he resign. Levy, of the US-Middle East Project, who is also a former Israeli peace negotiator, said that one of main reasons Abbas has lost popularity is that he has agreed to work with Israel, with Israeli settlements under his rule only expanding deeper into the West Bank. Lowenstein, however, told CNN that its hard to see any realistic options other than bringing the PA back in some capacity. Regional and international stakeholders, he said, will be reluctant to contribute to the costly revival of Gaza without a political horizon for a two-state solution. The real question may be whether the PA would actually have the will and the capacity to play meaningful role, Lowenstein said, adding that they have already made clear they will not take over on the back of Israeli tanks or without a path to an independent state. Smoke rises during Israeli military bombardment of the northern Gaza Strip on November 15. - Fadel Senna/AFP/Getty Images Regional players Both Palestinians and regional players may be reluctant to accept what Israel has so far suggested, experts say. Several key regional powers Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have stressed the two-state solution as the only pathway toward peace. Arab countries are reluctant to accept the issues raised by Netanyahu, said Lina Khatib, head of the SOAS Middle East Institute in London. What they want instead is for a Palestinian coalition to be formed, under the umbrella of the PLO (Palestine Liberation Organization) and that coalition would have wider representation than the Palestinian Authority currently has, Khatib told CNNs Becky Anderson. That way, she said, the territory would have a government that is perhaps more legitimate as far as Palestinians are concerned, both in Gaza and the West Bank. The PLO was formed in the 1960s and enjoyed a reputation for decades among Palestinians as the legitimate voice of their resistance. Michael of INSS, who previously served as the head of the Palestinian desk at Israels Ministry for Strategic Affairs, said that the Israeli-Palestinian bilateral level of negotiations has been exhausted, adding that the maximum that Israel can give the Palestinians doesnt meet the minimum that the Palestinians request and vice versa. The conflict, he said, must be seen as a regional issue and not just one between Palestinians and Israelis. Regional players must play more significant roles, he said. Even before the current crisis, Gazas near-17 years of blockade has shattered its economy and left 80% of its population reliant on international aid, according to a report by the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). This war has then set the Palestinian economy in both Gaza and the West Bank back decades, said the UN Development Programme (UNDP), without producing an estimate of the costs for Gazas reconstruction, given the current uncertainty around the length of Israels campaign. The Palestine Economic Policy Research Institute, however, put that estimate at up to $20 billion over the next five years. It also said that no single Palestinian party can reconstruct the Gaza Strip after the war, or restore its devastated economy, in the absence of generous international aid. Experts have pointed to the UNDP and the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) as some of the key players that could help distribute aid and reconstruct the territory but have warned that donor countries will not only need to contribute generously, but also that aid groups will need to feel they can operate safely there. With Israel showing no sign of succumbing to pressure to agree a ceasefire, the conflict risks dragging on, experts say, and an Israeli presence in Gaza is likely to continue for the foreseeable future. Levy warned that unless the problem of Palestinian dispossession, statelessness and lack of rights is addressed, the most likely outcome of the current conflict will be that Hamas will continue to exist. Its military capacity may be downgraded, (but) politically it is probably stronger than before, he said. There will still be a Hamas. In terms of a future resolution, Lowenstein said that a lot of work will need to be done if the two-state solution is revived as it was at best on life support before the conflict, and often more of a talking point than a policy. Far-sighted leadership and tough decisions are needed to change the course of the current conflict, he added, which is really hard to imagine in the current political climate. But maybe this will eventually make both sides realize there really is no viable alternative, he added. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com A stone and concrete shaft on the grounds of the Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City on Thursday night, Nov. 16, 2023. (Daniel Berehulak/The New York Times) GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip Almost 48 hours after entering Gazas largest medical complex, the Israeli military escorted journalists from The New York Times through a landscape of wartime destruction Thursday night to a stone-and-concrete shaft on its grounds with a staircase descending into the earth evidence, it said, of a Hamas military facility under the hospital. But Col. Elad Tsury, commander of Israels 7th Brigade, said Israeli forces, fearing booby traps, had not ventured down the shaft at the hospital, Shifa. He said it had been discovered earlier in the day under a pile of sand on the northern perimeter of the complex. In the darkness, it was unclear where the shaft led or how deep it went, although the military said it had sent a drone down at least several meters. Electrical wiring was visible inside, along with a metal staircase. Sign up for The Morning newsletter from the New York Times The controlled visit will not settle the question of whether Hamas, the armed Palestinian group that rules the Gaza Strip, has been using Shifa Hospital to hide weapons and command centers, as Israel has said. The claim is central to Israels defense of the death toll caused by its military campaign in Gaza, which has killed more than 11,000 people, according to health officials in Gaza. Israeli officials say the extreme loss of life has been caused in part by Hamas decision to hide its military fortifications and command centers inside civilian infrastructure like Shifa. Hamas denies the accusation and says Israel is committing war crimes by targeting civilian facilities such as hospitals. The Israeli military has said that Hamas used a vast maze of tunnels underneath the hospital as a secret base, but since announcing early Wednesday that its troops had entered the grounds, the military has yet to present public documentation of such an extensive network. As the international community increasingly demands protections for civilians in Gaza, Israel is under pressure to demonstrate that the hospital and the tunnel network it said it concealed were important enough military targets to justify the immense cost in Palestinian lives. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Friday that Israeli forces had found proof of their allegations about Shifa. There were a lot of terrorists there, he said in an interview with National Public Radio, but they fled as our forces approached the hospital. We found a lot of weapons a lot, he added. We found a lot of ammunition. We found bombs. We found on level minus-two a command and control center of Hamas, with military encoded encryption. Tsury acknowledged the pressure on Israel to show evidence of Hamas activity at the hospital, but said it might be days before troops descended the shaft. He added that soldiers were methodically searching the complex and had discovered weapons, explosives and computers, as well as the body of an Israeli hostage in a nearby building. The military announced Friday that soldiers had found a second hostages body in a building near Shifa. Another military official said Israeli troops had captured and interrogated a Hamas operative at the hospital but offered no further detail. To enter Gaza, two reporters and a photographer for the Times were obliged to remain with Israeli troops for the duration of the visit. They agreed not to photograph most soldiers faces, landmarks, maps and certain details of weapons. The Times did not allow the Israeli military to screen its coverage before publication. The Times journalists were allowed to see only a portion of the sprawling Shifa complex. The military refused to let the journalists explore the hospital, or see or interview patients and medical staff who remain in the facility, saying it had not been fully secured and that Hamas combatants might still be there. Before Israels raid on Shifa, the World Health Organization said that it had ceased to be a functional hospital. Officials described desperate conditions: Food, medicine and anesthetics had all but run out, and generators and lifesaving equipment had been shut down because of a lack of fuel. Some three dozen premature babies were at particular risk, they said. Tsury said the military had provided food, supplies and medical equipment to patients and doctors, an assertion that could not be immediately verified. The extent of the damage to the hospital was not entirely clear. But its main emergency building appeared intact, with electricity, after a dayslong siege that health officials say had resulted in increasingly dire conditions. Gunfire rattled nearby throughout the Times visit, giving the impression of ongoing gunbattles in nearby streets. To enter the hospital grounds, special forces officers escorted journalists through the bombed-out remains of a building on the outskirts of the site; they said it was too dangerous to pass through the main gate. Away from the hospital, the scale of the destruction had rendered parts of Gaza unrecognizable. Sections of the citys seafront promenade had been razed to the ground, apartment blocks had been hollowed out by shelling and others flattened by airstrikes. Constant tank traffic had also churned the main coastal road into a bumpy dirt track. c.2023 The New York Times Company Chinese investment important for Angola's industrialization: official Xinhua) 11:09, November 17, 2023 LUANDA, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- Chinese investment is "respectful" and forms an "important component" of Angola's industrialization process, an Angolan official said on Thursday. "Look at our bilateral relations with China; they are mutually beneficial. In the context of Chinese investments in Angola, we believe there is a significant opportunity between the two markets, promoting the growth of our domestic production," said Allan Varella, the national director of rural commerce at Angola's Ministry of Industry and Commerce. Varella made the comment in an interview with Xinhua during the fourth edition of the Furniture Fair held in the City of China in the Angolan capital of Luanda. The event, which runs from Thursday till the end of the year, brings together dozens of furniture brands, most of which were established by Chinese companies in Angola. Most exhibited furniture is made with local materials and produced locally. "As we are now in the fourth edition, it implies that the previous ones yielded plausible results. In this context, we believe the fairs are vital to elevating our economy to another level," Varella said. Chinese companies contribute to developing Angola's local furniture manufacturing industry, not only generating more local employment opportunities but also lowering the prices of furniture products in Angola, which increases accessibility for a broader population, said Huang Yuequan, the president of the Board of Directors of the African Sunrise Investment Group. "In an effort to revitalize the economy and accelerate economic diversification in Angola, the involvement of experienced foreign investors is crucial. Therefore, it is worthwhile to examine the successful experiences of China's reform and opening up over the past 40 years," said Huang. (Web editor: Xian Jiangnan, Liang Jun) New York (CNN) Nonprofit online watchdog the Center for Countering Digital Hate on Thursday hit back at Elon Musks X in a motion to dismiss the social media companys August lawsuit. X Corp., the parent company of the platform formerly known as Twitter, accused the Center for Countering Digital Hate of deliberately trying to drive away Xs advertisers by publishing reports critical of the platforms response to hateful content. Xs lawsuit specifically claims that CCDH violated Twitters terms of service, and federal hacking laws, by scraping data from the companys platform and by encouraging an unnamed individual to improperly collect information about Twitter that it had provided to a third-party brand monitoring provider. CCDH claims that Xs lawsuit is riddled with legal deficiencies and attempts to punish the nonprofit for its First Amendment protected speech, according to its Thursday filing in the Northern District Court of California. At its core, X Corp.s grievance is not that the CCDH Defendants gathered public data in violation of obscure (and largely imagined) contract terms, but that they criticized X Corp. (forcefully) to the public, the filing states. X and a lawyer representing the company did not immediately respond to a request for comment on CCDHs Thursday filing. After Musk acquired the social media platform just over a year ago, CCDH in addition to other researchers and online safety groups released a series of reports criticizing the companys handling of hate speech, including evidence, for example, that anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric had jumped under Musks leadership and that the platform was monetizing some previously banned but then reinstated accounts that were spreading hateful content. In a blog post from X after filing its lawsuit, the company said the suit was intended to promote free expression and that it rejects all claims made by the CCDH. Musk has blamed CCDH and other watchdog groups for Xs decline in advertising revenue. The billionaire in September accused the Anti-Defamation League of being the reason that the companys ad revenue remained down 60%, despite efforts by X to promote new brand safety controls for advertisers. In its complaint against CCDH, X alleges it has lost at least tens of millions of dollars in advertising revenue. However, after Musks takeover, some advertisers raised concerns about mass layoffs that affected their contacts within the company or general uncertainty about the platforms future; other brands have paused spending after their ads ran alongside hateful content. The X owner himself has also been a controversial flashpoint on the platform last month, in a post that was later deleted, Musk encouraged users to keep up with the Israel-Hamas war by following an account known for spreading misinformation. Just this week, Musk agreed with an antisemitic post on X, endorsing the claim that Jewish communities push hatred against Whites. CCDH CEO Imran Ahmed told CNN that the groups response to Xs lawsuit is meant to show that we arent cowed by this. Ironically, he doesnt want a free marketplace of ideas about what he claims is his free marketplace of ideas, Ahmed said. CCDHs research held up a mirror to Elon Musks increasingly toxic and ugly platform, and rather than doing the right thing and tackle the hate and lies which are disfiguring X, Mr. Musk chose instead to sue the mirror, he added. In addition to its motion to dismiss, CCDHs filing also includes a motion to strike most of Xs claims under Californias anti-SLAPP law, which could require X to prove it is likely to succeed in its claim before the case can move forward and could allow for expedited dismissal if Xs lawsuit is found to be related to CCDHs protected speech. Among the allegations in X Corp.s complaint, the company accuses CCDH of breach of contract for allegedly violating the platforms Terms of Service by scraping X to obtain data for a report. CCDH said in its motion to dismiss that the group, in fact, used the platforms own search function to collect publicly available information. CCDH in its filing also notes that despite Xs allegations that the groups research has cost the platform ad dollars, the company has not asserted a defamation claim. Understandably so, since it cannot allege that the CCDH Defendants said anything knowingly false, nor does it wish to invite discovery on the truth about the content on its platform, the groups Thursday filing states. Instead, X Corp. has ginned up baseless claims purporting to take issue with how the CCDH Defendants gathered data that formed the basis for their research. This story was first published on CNN.com, "Online hate watchdog moves to dismiss lawsuit from Elon Musks X" Ohios School Bus Safety Taskforce wrapped up its latest public meeting Thursday afternoon in Columbus. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine broke the news of the creation of the working group because News Center 7 asked him about it three days after 11-year-old Aiden Clark died in a school bus crash outside Springfield on the first day of school. An unlicensed driver crossed the center line on State Route 41 and his van collided with a Northwestern Local Schools bus that Clark was riding. The impact flipped the bus onto its top. Clark died in the crash and more than 20 of his classmates were taken to local hospitals. The at-fault driver is facing felony charges of involuntary manslaughter and vehicular homicide in connection with the crash. His criminal case is currently pending in Clark County Common Pleas Court. Following the tragedy, many people were outraged and called for change. The News Center 7 I-Team looked into what the task force is considering to make Ohio children safer on school busses. The I-Teams lead investigative reporter, John Bedell, has talked to parents and grandparents in the Miami Valley about what they think the task force should pay attention to. I always thought (school busses) should have seatbelts myself, Michael Magel, from Troy, said. Magel said he has five school-aged grandchildren. Others have told the I-Team they think lighting on school busses is important. Especially when you consider there are times of day when theyre driving kids and its dark, Sarla Matsumura from Beavercreek said. Over two months of work, the task force has reviewed state crash data maintained by the Ohio Department of Public Safety that shows wrecks involving school busses (6,089) represent 0.4% of all crashes in the state (1,509,716) over the last five and a half years (from January 1, 2018, through July 27, 2023.) School busses are still very safe on Ohios roadways, Sgt. Trevor Jasper with the Ohio State Highway Patrol told the task force while presenting the OSHP crash data to the working group during its September 25 public meeting in Columbus. The task force has taken a holistic look at school bus safety seeing whether theres anything that can be done to make the vehicles, and our children who ride them, safer. During the groups second of five meetings the Deputy Director for the National Transportation Safety Boards (NTSB) Office of Highway Safety, Dr. Kristin Poland, gave a presentation to the panel about seatbelts on school busses. In November 2022, the NTSB renewed its recommendation that states should require all large new school busses to have seat belts. Currently, Ohio is one of 42 states that does not require seat belts on school busses. As the I-Team has previously reported, a Miami Valley state lawmaker, State Rep. Bernie Willis, (R) Springfield, has introduced a bill at the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus that would require seatbelts be installed on all school busses in the state within five years of becoming law. But State Rep. Willis told the I-Teams lead investigative reporter, John Bedell, in an interview earlier this week that what happens to his legislative plan depends entirely on the recommendations the states school bus safety task force releases in December. I would say all the way up to the point where if the task force said, everythings fine, we dont need to do anything, were going to accept their expert opinion on that and that bill would go away, Willis said. During some meetings, task force members have asked the experts presenting whether seatbelts might hurt children in a crash by holding them in place near the point of impact. Youre always at risk if youre in the intrusion zone, answered Dr. Kristin Poland from the NTSB during a September 25 meeting. Poland is the Deputy Director of the NTSBs Office of Highway Safety. Thats whats very challenging. In the crashes weve investigated, and weve looked at that real-world outcome, weve seen a benefit for the restraint system, she said. Another person asked Dr. Poland if children would be able to unbuckle themselves quickly in case of an emergency. The button depression is designed to be very easily done by the children that ride on it, Poland answered. So, its not challenging for them to unbuckle themselves. Former Clark County Prosecuting Attorney, and current Ohio Department of Public Safety Director Andy Wilson is leading the task force. He asked Poland, In all of your studies, have you ever come across any situations where the presence of seatbelts impeded first responders or others from being able to get these kids out in case of a fire or water intrusion? Poland answered: No. Theyve also talked about possibly adding crash avoidance technology like electronic stability control or automatic emergency braking systems to Ohio school busses. The accidents we look at here in Ohio are typically passenger cars going left of center, t-boning our busses and other things, Carolyn Everidge-Frey with the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce said at the September 25 meeting. It seems like what we need is more of that collision avoidance and that automatic braking. The working group has also reviewed driver licensing, training, and certification. And theyve looked at the need for better visibility around busses. Until the last three or four years the focus has now kind of shifted to where most of the accidents and fatalities are outside the realm of the bus, Thomas Built Busses State Specifications Coordinator, Ricky Stanley, told the working group during a presentation at a September meeting. So, increasing the visibility in that area to all of those parties is probably the biggest key component that we need to be aware of. As the I-Team has previously reported, theres a Miami Valley connection here. Greenville City Schools bus mechanic is on the task force. News Center 7 went to Greenville recently to talk to him about the work groups progress. Weve kind of covered everything dealing with school busses, not just seatbelts but safety all around the bus, Greenville City Schools Transportation Mechanic Rob Widener told the I-Team. Widener has been a mechanic for more than 40 years. Hes also the president of the Ohio School Bus Mechanics Association and has been a firefighter for 35 years. Widener says the task force has kept an open mind about what theyve heard including whether Ohio should change its seat belt requirements for school busses. Weve had both presentations for and against (requiring seat belts on school busses) and nobodys really said anything to the other for or against yet, Widener said. And weve not sat down to make all of our final recommendations just yet. After the tragedy in the Miami Valley, parents and grandparents have told the I-Team they appreciate the states review. Anything for the safety of the children, absolutely, Judy Magel from Troy said. Thats our future. Theyre it. The task force has one public meeting left on December 1. After that, the next step will be for the group to issue recommendations to Governor DeWine and state lawmakers. Thats due by the end of the year. The I-Team will continue following the groups work and will bring you updates as we get them. The logo of Johnson & Johnson is seen on the top of a Brussels' office of the company in Diegem By Brendan Pierson (Reuters) - Johnson & Johnson on Thursday said it has settled two lawsuits claiming its talc products caused cancer, the first such cases to go to trial since a federal court rejected the company's plan to move its talc liabilities into bankruptcy court. The settlements resolved lawsuits brought by two men, Rosalino Reyes and Marlin Eagles, who said they developed mesothelioma related to asbestos in J&J talc powder, and was part of a broader deal to settle all talc cases brought by the law firm representing them, Kazan, McClain, Satterley & Greenwood, the company said. Reyes' family continued his lawsuit after he died in 2020. The company faces more than 50,000 lawsuits over talc, most by women with ovarian cancer. It has said that its talc products are safe and do not contain asbestos. J&J and the plaintiffs' lawyers did not disclose any terms of the settlement, or how many cases it covered. Reyes' trial had begun last week, while Eagles' was about to begin, with a jury chosen. "The Eagles and the Reyes families express thanks to the jurors and courtroom personnel who participated in the trial," Joseph Satterley and Denyse Clancy, attorneys for the plaintiffs, said in a joint statement. "Our negotiations continue with the remaining firms who have a shared interest in achieving a fair and expedient resolution of their clients talc claims," J&J said in a statement. "For those firms who elect not to pursue reasoned resolutions, we will continue to aggressively litigate their claims in the tort system, where we have prevailed in the overwhelming majority of the cases tried because the claims are meritless and are based upon junk science." Trials in the cases have a mixed record, with major plaintiff wins including a $2.1 billion judgment awarded to 22 women with ovarian cancer. A New Jersey appeals court last month threw out a $223.7 million verdict against the company, finding the testimony of the plaintiffs' expert witnesses unsound. The company stopped selling talc-based baby powder in favor of cornstarch-based products, citing an increase in lawsuits and "misinformation" about the talc product's safety. The settlement comes after J&J failed for a second time in July to move tens of thousands of claims over talc into bankruptcy court, where it hoped to resolve them through a proposed $8.9 billion settlement. It is appealing that ruling. Trials had mostly been on hold while J&J petitioned the bankruptcy court, but have now been able to resume. (Reporting By Brendan Pierson in New York, Editing by Alexia Garamfalvi and Bill Berkrot) Smarter taxation As Missouri counties navigate the recently enacted S.B. 190 to deliver property tax relief for seniors, the states two largest cities both of which are combating blight (Kansas City has 3,000 vacant lots, St. Louis 24,000) and state and municipal leaders should monitor Detroits developing plan using a split-rate property tax. Under the proposal championed by Mayor Mike Duggan, a lower tax rate would apply to buildings and a higher rate to land, thus increasing the cost on speculators sitting on underutilized properties. Detroit has the countrys highest property tax rates and 100,000 vacant lots. Michigan H.B. 4966 would allow Detroiters to vote, as soon as 2024, on implementing separate rates on taxable properties. According to a 2022 study by the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy, by taxing land at five times the rate that buildings are taxed, Detroit would reduce tax bills by 17% for 96% of its homeowners. From 1913 to 2001, Pittsburgh used a split-rate tax system before returning to a single-rate property tax. Nonetheless, Missouri should keep an eye on whether this novel method of taxation helps fellow Midwestern lawmakers reduce blight and provide tax relief to homeowners. - Peter Gariepy, Richmond Heights, Missouri Gun tragedies In Maine, 18 people are shot to death. In Kansas City, a women is killed and a little girl is paralyzed, each by stray bullets. (Nov. 11, 1A, Family mourns woman killed by stray bullet in Midtown KC; Nov. 11, 2A, 11-year-old girl struck, paralyzed by stray bullet in KC) Where was a good guy with a gun to protect them? And to which well-regulated militia did the shooters belong? - Ken Nelson, Kansas City Not about race I feel compelled to respond to a Nov. 12 letter to the editor that equated objections to rezoning of property in Prairie Village to the real estate redlining of the past. (16A) It repeated incorrect talking points that the root of this movement is racial. It is not. It is opposition to rezoning without public input and consent. There are houses for rent in Prairie Village. We have no open spaces to construct new apartment complexes. The land is too expensive to build inexpensive dwellings to replace outdated post-World War II tract houses that have outdated electrical wiring, fragile plumbing, questionable foundations and no closets. I live in a 1948 Prairie Village Cape Cod and welcome neighbors of any ethnicity. - Ed Stine, Prairie Village The Hawley show Missouri Sen. Josh Hawleys lack of respect toward Alejandro Mayorkas, U.S. secretary of Homeland Security during a Senate hearing on Oct. 31 was another grandstanding play to the extreme base of the Republican Party. Hawleys attack on Mayorkas centered on a single employee of DHS who had made antisemitic comments online. Somehow, Hawley wanted to suggest that those posts were emblematic of the entire department, and he pressed Mayorkas on it repeatedly. The secretary responded by saying that the odious post is not emblematic of his department and that this particular person was under administrative review but he could not comment further on the personnel matter. Mayorkas then informed Hawley that he is the son of a Holocaust survivor and that his mother lost all her family under the Nazis. Youd think Hawleys office would have researched Mayorkas past before the senators despicable, insensitive and self-serving display. But we have seen Hawleys political pageantry before, as we witnessed his raised fist on Jan. 6, 2021, to let the MAGA insurrectionists know he was with them all the way. - Steve Weneck, Kansas City GOP agenda The Republican Party has a long-term plan to cut Social Security and Medicare. When Donald Trump was president, the national debt increased by almost $8 trillion because of his budget priorities and the big tax cut to the wealthy and corporations he and the Republicans passed. The newsletters I receive from Sen. Roger Marshall and Reps. Ron Estes, Jake LaTurner and Tracey Mann blame the national deficit on the Biden administration and accept no blame for their part in it. After Mike Johnson was elected speaker of the House, one of the first things Republicans did was to pass a plan to aid Israel and cut the budget of the IRS. Defunding the IRS would ensure that those with the most means find ways to get bigger tax breaks. With the wealthy and big corporations not paying their fair share, the deficit would increase. Next step in the plan is to have Republicans complain louder about the big deficit (blaming Bidens administration) and say that Medicare and Social Security need to be cut. In reality, it is when the wealthy and big corporations pay less in taxes that the deficit goes up. Beware: Do not vote for Republicans who want to give the wealthy and corporations bigger tax cuts. Save Social Security and Medicare. - Karen Bradfield, Lenexa An artist's illustration of a planet-forming disk around a baby star. In the center of the disk, there's a white-yellow glow. The disk itself looks like a giant donut with rapidly swirling gas and dust. New observations from the James Webb Space Telescope suggest the amount of ionized neon gas present in dusty, planet-forming disks can tell us how quickly planets must form before the disk itself disappears. Planets are believed to be born in disks of gas and dust that swirl around newborn stars. Astronomers have observed these disks before, but the entire planetary formation process takes hundreds of thousands and even millions of years to complete. That means we don't usually get to see the disks change on small timescales. Rather, the features just appear as snapshots frozen in time. Now, however, the James Webb Space Telescope has observed one planet-forming disk changing quite substantially. In 2008, a team led by Catherine Espaillat, who was then at the University of Michigan but is now at Boston University, used NASAs Spitzer Space Telescope to detect an infrared emission line associated with doubly ionized neon ([Ne III]). The signal was coming from a planet-forming disk ringing the young star SZ Chamaeleontis (SZ Cha). An atom is "ionized" when one of its outer electrons is struck by a high-energy photon and knocked out of position; "doubly ionized" atoms involve the loss of two electrons from the impact of two photons. Related: James Webb Space Telescope notches 1st rocky planet confirmation When originally detected, the presence of [Ne III] in SZ Chas disk was considered a rarity among disks typically being bombarded by X-ray radiation from their young parent stars. Its existence actually implied that, instead of X-rays, lower-energy radiation in the form of extreme ultraviolet (EUV) must be the dominant type of radiation field in the SZ Cha system. This sort of radiation is thought to eat away at all the gas and dust in the planet-forming disk, thereby breaking molecules apart, but it's not thought to disintegrate disks as fast as X-rays do. X-rays can erode a planet-forming disk 100 times faster than ultraviolet light can. Thus, the rate at which a disk "evaporates," and therefore the amount of time planets have to form within that disk before it disappears, depends upon the energy of radiation present. However, when Espaillat and her team followed up on SZ Cha in 2023 with the JWSTs Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI), they found the doubly ionized neon had more or less vanished compared to the amount of singly ionized neon [Ne II]. This lack of doubly ionized neon implies that X-ray radiation, rather than ultraviolet, has indeed asserted itself as the dominant radiation field in the SZ Cha system. Ultimately, this finding could have big repercussions in our understanding of how quickly planets must form before their disk dissipates. "In computer models of developing systems, extreme ultraviolet radiation allows for one million more years of planet formation than if evaporation is predominantly caused by X-rays," said Boston Universitys Thanawuth Thanathibodee in a statement . As such, the abundance of doubly ionized neon could be considered a proxy for the amount of ultraviolet versus X-ray radiation impacting a planet-forming disk in a given moment. By measuring its abundance, astronomers can better constrain the timescale in which planets must form within a system before their birthing disk dissipates. A diagram showing the difference between Spitzer's data and the JWST's Complementary ground-based observations also found a piece of the puzzle: The CHIRON spectrometer on the SMARTS 1.5-meter telescope at the Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory measured "blueshifted" hydrogen-alpha emissions associated with the star in the SZ Cha system. Blueshift is a Doppler-like shift that indicates something in the distant universe is moving toward us in this case, the hydrogen. Scientists interpret the situation as a "stellar wind" of particles emanating from the star, headed closer to our corner of the cosmos. The wind is thought to be dense enough to absorb ultraviolet light, but still allow X-rays through, permitting X-ray radiation to assert itself over the evolution of the star system. The fact that the doubly ionized neon was seen in 2008 but not fifteen years later, in 2023, suggests the wind might be variable and perhaps related to what kind of radiation permeates the star system's planet-forming disk. Related Stories: Mars meteorite challenges leading theory of how the Red Planet formed James Webb Space Telescope spots intriguing carbon molecule in planet-forming disk James Webb Space Telescope spies water near center of planet-forming disk in cosmic 1st Further studies are now being planned, not only with the JWST but also other observatories, covering different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum to try to get to the bottom of what is happening in the SZ Cha system. Hopefully, this will help scientists finally catch the stellar wind fluctuations. "We need to rethink, re-observe and gather more information," said Espaillat. "Well be following the neon signs." A paper about these findings was published on Wednesday (Nov. 15) in The Astrophysical Journal Letters . Daiichi Sankyo's company logo is pictured at its headquarters in Tokyo TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan's health ministry said on Friday it agreed to buy 1.4 million doses of Daiichi Sankyo's updated COVID-19 vaccine. The purchase is contingent on approval of the shot formulated for the XBB.1.5 Omicron subvariant of the virus. An earlier version of the mRNA-based vaccine was approved in August as a booster, becoming Japan's first home-grown shot for the coronavirus. During the pandemic, Japan mainly relied on imports of mRNA-type vaccines developed by U.S. drugmakers Pfizer and Moderna. (Reporting by Rocky Swift; Editing by Muralikumar Anantharaman) Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 17) Philippine bet Michelle Marquez Dee paraded the 72nd Miss Universe 2023 stage on Friday with an airplane themed national costume as a nod to her military reservist training, and the "Love the Philippines" tourism campaign displayed at the back of the plane's wings. The costume "represents the Philippines itself," according to her social media post which revealed the costume ahead of her walk on the pageant stage. "With each thread woven into the 'solihiya pattern', an iconic design used in the tropics of the Philippines, it embraces her body flawlessly unfolding the story of the islands' unity and artistry," she wrote on the post. Dee said the costume represents the country "resilient, radiant and ready to embrace the Universe!" The beauty queen added that the plane wings on her back which she opened as she walked on the stage is a salute to her Air Force training and to the "boundless adventures awaiting in the skies." Dee underwent military reservist training and received a certificate from the Philippine Air Force for attending some sessions of its Basic Citizen Military Training in October. The costume was crafted by Michael Barassi, the same designer who made Dee's national costume in the Miss Universe Philippines last year. Dee will take a shot at bringing home the country's fifth Miss Universe crown during the coronation night in El Salvador on Sunday (PH time). (Reuters) - Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said on Thursday in San Francisco that he had been invited by U.S. President Joe Biden for a formal state visit to Washington, the first for a Japanese premier in several years. During his tenure, Biden has largely reserved the ceremonial events, which can span days and involve a formal dinner attended by celebrities at the White House, for partners such as France, South Korea and Australia. Meetings during the visits are used to advance policy priorities shared by the two countries. Kishida did not elaborate on the possible timing of the visit in his remarks to media about the invite at the APEC summit in San Francisco. Former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who was assassinated last year, went on a state visit to the United States in 2015. Kishida's visit could mark one of his last major overseas trips before he contends a leadership election next September, with his popularity flagging due to economic problems and concerns over how Japan will finance a hike in defence spending. It may also be one of the last state visits to be hosted by Biden as he prepares to contest the 2024 presidential election. Former U.S. President Donald Trump travelled to Japan on a state visit in 2019, where he was treated to an imperial banquet, front row seats at a sumo tournament and a trip to the country's biggest warship. (Reporting by John Geddie and Sakura Murakami in Tokyo and Trevor Hunnicutt in San Francisco; editing by Neil Fullick) On November 14, Japan's eighth Mogami class frigate, JS Yubetsu, was launched in Tamano City, Okayama Prefecture, in the southern part of Japans Honshu island. Mogami class 30FFM Multi-Function Frigates are set to become the backbone of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), and are packed with a wide array of advanced features. The stealthy frigates, which feature a futuristic appearance given their clean, geometric profiles, will have the ability to perform various mission-sets for the JMSDF. With this in mind, we thought it would be a good time to profile these fascinating and highly automated ships. JS Yubetsu (FFM-8) pictured during the naming ceremony, November 14, 2023. JMSDF JMSDF The Mogami class is capable of everything from surveillance to minesweeping operations as well as anti-surface, anti-air, and anti-submarine warfare. The frigates feature advanced electronic warfare and sensor suites. But above all else, they are designed to be operated by remarkably small crews. In essence, they will help the JMSDF to be able to do far more with far less. JS Yubetsu (FFM-8) launching ceremony at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Maritime Systems November 14, 2023. Hunini via Wikimedia Commons, CC-BY-SA-4.0 https://twitter.com/EmkxkeSr/status/1724251390397333821?s=20 Yubetsu is under construction by prime contractor Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI). The vessel is named after Japans Yubetsu River in Hokkaido, the countrys second-largest island all frigates within the Mogami class are, in fact, named after famous Japanese rivers. MHI has already delivered three ships in the class to the JMSDF JS Mogami, Noshiro, and Mikuma, which were commissioned in April 2022, December 2022, and March 2023, respectively. The second Mogami class vessel, JS Kumano, was built by subcontractor Mitsui Engineering and Shipbuilding , and was commissioned ahead of JS Mogami in March 2022. JS Mogami pictured in April, 2022. Hiroshi miyaji via Wikimedia Commons, CC-BY-SA-4.0 MHI is under contract to deliver frigates five through 10 to the JMSDF, the first four of which have been named as JS Yahagi, Agano, Niyodo, and Yubetsu. Yahagi and Agano are set to be commissioned by the end of the year, with plans for Niyodo and Yubetsu to be commissioned sometime in 2024. A total of 12 Mogami class ships are expected to be procured by the JMSDF, the last of which is set to have finished construction by 2027 . The countrys Mogami class frigates are expected to eventually replace the JMSDFs older Asagiri class destroyers and Abukuma class destroyer escorts. The lead vessels in both of those classes were commissioned in 1988. A port bow view of the Japanese destroyer JS Asagiri (DD 151) underway. U.S. Navy Abukuma class destroyer escort JS Oyodo, pictured in January 2023. Sengoku2501 via Wikimedia Commons, CC-BY-SA-4.0 Mogami class frigates all boast a standard displacement of around 3,900 tons, and a full displacement of some 5,500 tons. For comparison, Asagiri class destroyers have a slightly lower displacement; 3,500 tons standard and 5,200 tons full. It should be noted that the Asagiri class destroyers have a lower displacement than many other destroyers in the JMSDF fleet. At the lower end, Akizuki class destroyers have a standard displacement of 5,000 tons and a full displacement of 6,800 tons, while the countrys Aegis-equipped Maya class destroyers have a standard displacement of 8,200 tons and a full displacement of 10,250 tons. Akizuki-class destroyer DD-115 Akizuki. Saigen Jiro via Wikimedia Commons, CC0 1.0 First-in-class JS Maya. Japan Ministry of Defense The frigates are roughly comparable to Asagiri class destroyers in terms of their length and beam measurements, too. Yubetsu, along with the other vessels in its class, is roughly 435 feet long and boasts a 53 foot beam. Asagiri class destroyers, on the other hand, run just over 449 feet long and have smaller beams measuring just under 48 feet. Propulsion-wise, ships of the Mogami class are powered by a single Rolls-Royce MT30 gas turbine and two MAN Diesel V28/33DD STC engines. The ships can achieve high speeds in excess of 30 knots (some 34.5 miles per hour). Each frigate is armed with BAE Systems' Mark 45 5-inch (127mm) naval gun system, alongside two 12.7mm remote weapon systems by Japan Steel Works. They also boast Lockheed Martins 16-cell Mk 41 vertical launching system for launching MHIs Type 03 Chu-SAM surface-to-air missiles. The vessels can fire eight ship-launched variants of MHIs Type 12 anti-ship missile. Raytheons SeaRAM system provides a close-in last line of defense against incoming missiles and even small boats. Sea mines, exactly which variants are unclear, along with mine-laying equipment can be deployed for mine warfare work. JS Noshiro's forward Mark 45 127mm naval gun system. Japan Ministry of Defense In terms of technology, the frigates feature advanced electronic warfare suites. Mogami class ships in service, and those soon to be, feature the NOLQ-3E system, which integrates passive radar and electronic attack capabilities, and a chaff dispenser for launching countermeasures amid anti-ship missile attacks. With regards to sensors and radars, the frigates boast Mitsubishi Electrics OPY-2 X-band multi-purpose active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar and Mitsubishi Electrics OAX-3 electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensors. Owing to their multi-mission purpose, the frigates feature the NEC OQQ-25 variable depth sonar (VDS)/towed array sonar system (TASS) for anti-submarine warfare (ASW), and a hull-mounted OQQ-11 anti-mine sonar from Hitachi. The vessels also feature the OYQ-1 combat management system and the OYX-1-29 information display/processing system. Antennas and tactical data links are stored in the UNIted COnbined Radio aNtenna (UNICORN) NORA-50 integration mast. Nora-50 Unicorn atop JS Kumano. Hunini via Wikimedia Commons, CC-BY-SA-4.0 To the rear of the frigates, a landing deck and single-hagar can support a Mitsubishi SH-60L Sea Hawk helicopter. Mogami class frigates are also capable of deploying and recovering two of MHIs OZZ-5 uncrewed underwater vehicles (UUV), and two uncrewed surface vehicles (USV) the exact type remains unclear for minesweeping. They also feature two rigid-hull inflatable boats (RHIBs). JS Mogami seen to the rear. Japan Ministry of Defense https://twitter.com/Aryan_warlord/status/1654489183824535555?s=20 All of this is packed into a reduced signature design which will provide greater survivability for the class, allowing it to look like a much smaller vessel when operating in highly trafficked waterways or littoral areas. Overall radar detection range is also decreased, making long-range detection and engagement more challenging for enemy forces. Maybe the biggest differences between the Mogami class frigates and the Asagiri class destroyers they will replace is their respective crew sizes. The latter warship typically has a complement of 220, yet the Mogami class ships are designed to be operated by a crew of just 90. This is remarkably small for such a large ship. High levels of automation make this possible, probably the best example of which is their advanced Combat Information Center (CIC), which comprise a giant 360 degree circular wall. We profiled this highly unique innovation back in 2019 . It no doubt adds to the frigates futuristic vibe and will allow sailors to execute tactical tasks, steering, engineering, navigation, damage control, fire suppression, communications, and other functions via its multi-functional consoles and open-architecture software. Augmented reality will also be a part of the system, displaying key information, such as target tracks and potential hazards, over external views. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xoix5wtU5o\u0026embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedrive.com%2F\u0026source_ve_path=MjM4NTE\u0026feature=emb_title Being able to undertake varying mission sets with small crew sizes remains at the heart of why efforts to field the Mogami class of frigates were initiated by Japan in the mid 2010s . For years now , concerns have been raised about available numbers of JMSDF personnel to man traditional ships, including destroyers. Overall recruitment rates across Japans Self-Defense Forces are down , with the JMSDF particularly hard-hit , amid the countrys aging population and declining birthrate. This comes amid rising geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific , specifically mounting security threats to Japans home islands , from China and North Korea . Alongside the defense of its home islands, Japan also has territorial claims over the disputed Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea, which would likely prove vulnerable in a potential conflict with China. Location of the Senkaku Islands. Jackopoid via Wikimedia Commons, CC-BY-SA-3.0-migrated Alongside the fielding of the 12 Mogami class frigates, Japan has looked to expand its naval capabilities overall in light of these concerns and amid Chinas ballooning shipbuilding capacity . As The War Zone has noted previously, key naval programs for the country include building two cruiser-like , Aegis-system equipped vessels (ASEV), as well as continuing modifications to its two Izumo class carriers to allow them to embark F-35B short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) jets. Japan has committed to vast defense spending in recent years unveiling an expansive $320 billion five year military spending plan last year, alongside a sizeable $52.9 billion 2024 Fiscal Year defense budget request. Yet compared to other JMSDF warships, Mogami class frigates seem bewilderingly well priced for their supposed capabilities. The first two vessels, which were ordered in 2018, cost less than $500 million USD each, with an estimated price tag between $370 million and $410 million per frigate. More recent estimates suggest even lower procurement costs into the low $300 million range. This is substantially less than a Freedom class Littoral Combat Ship, for instance. With that said, however, Japan is already looking beyond its 12 30FFMs. Originally, the country had intended to procure 22 Mogami class frigates as part of its Mid-Term Defense Program (MTDP) for the 201923 fiscal years, which got approval in late 2018. However, as part of its 2024 Fiscal Year budget request, Japans Defense Ministry scaled this figure back to 12 . At the same time, plans were laid to procure 12 'new FFM' frigates on top of the 12 Mogami class ships. Based on the Mogami class design, the 'new FFM' frigates will boast a larger standard displacement in the region of 4,880 tons. The full displacement will be some 6,200 tons. The length and beam will also be increased compared to the Mogami class. Other similarities to the Mogami class include propulsion and speed as well as a relatively small crew size. 'New FFM' frigate infographic. Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ALTA), Japan Significantly, the new FFM frigates will focus more on the air defense role, with MHI adopting the nomenclature FFM-AAW meaning Multi-Function Frigate - Anti Air Warfare. The frigates will feature a 32-cell, rather than 16-cell, vertical launching system. The improved, longer-range ship-launched version of the Type 12 anti-ship missile will be fired from the frigates, as well as Japans "new ship-to-air guided missile," or A-SAM providing the country with improved coastal defense capabilities. In addition to supporting a single SH-60L helicopter, the frigate will also be able to launch an uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) as a "flying sensor," thus expanding the ships' intelligence and surveillance gathering abilities. The mast is also redesigned to include upgraded sensors. In terms of schedule, MHI anticipates beginning construction on the vessels in 2027, with the completion of all 12 ships by 2036. Based on available data, the newer frigates will end up costing more than the Mogami class ships. In August of this year, the JMSDF requested some $1.16 billion to construct the first two new FFM frigates. The rapid construction of Japans Mogami class frigates is certainly impressive, as are their capabilities, especially the level of automation they are deploying in order to realize such a small crew size. On that, it will be interesting to see how it works out. Other minimally manned crew concepts have been challenging to sustain operationally, with the Littoral Combat Ship being the most glaring example of this reality. Regardless, these ships are clearly designed to pack balanced capabilities at a very attractive price and are certainly worth keeping an eye on, as are their bigger and more heavily armed cousins that are now on the horizon. Contact the author: oliver@thewarzone.com Oskars Kantors was found guilty of murder after a jury rejected his defence of diminished responsibility A man has been jailed for a minimum of 21 years for murdering his neighbour in an attack motivated by jealousy. Oskars Kantors, 29, fatally stabbed Agris Leigavnieks, 41, who was found at his home in Old School Close, in Leiston, Suffolk, in October 2022. Kantors was found guilty after a two-week trial, which heard the defendant, who was armed with a knife, believed his victim had been having a relationship with his girlfriend. He was sentenced to life imprisonment. Police were called to reports of an assault in Old School Close at 20:50 BST on 17 October last year. Mr Leigavnieks was taken to Ipswich Hospital but died later. Kantors was arrested the same evening. Agris Leigavnieks was found fatally stabbed at his home on Old School Close in Leiston Kantors previously pleaded guilty to two counts of assault causing actual bodily harm to two separate victims on the same day as the stabbing. According to police, the three attacks had a common motive of jealousy and suspected relationships with the defendant's girlfriend. He was sentenced to an additional nine months for those attacks, which was added to his minimum jail term - meaning he must serve at least 21 years and nine months before being considered for release. Follow East of England news on Facebook, Instagram and X. Got a story? Email eastofenglandnews@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp 0800 169 183 Authorities on the North Shore are asking elderly residents to remain vigilant after reports of scammers stealing jewelry from unsuspecting victims. Revere Police say these thieves approach the victim in the street or in supermarket parking lots and often attempt to get the victim to come near their car. Once the victim approaches, the scammers will say its their birthday and they want to gift the victim a piece of jewelry. The scammers will then attempt to place a necklace or ring on the victim and, when doing so, will remove the victims real jewelry and replace it with counterfeit. Such was the case on November 8 in the Northgate shopping area, according to police. An elderly Revere woman was approached by two unknown individuals in a car. Video captures the moment a female passenger engages the victim. You can see the woman in the car removing the victims own necklace while replacing it with a piece of costume jewelry. Im saddened that older people cant just go shopping. Were afraid of everything, said 73-year-old Henrietta Gerald. Theyre gonna steal money out of your bank by using your card. Theyre gonna rip your necklace off. Whats next? Revere Police said a common trend with these shameless criminals is that they work in teams. Its the first case of this tricky theft were learning about in Suffolk County. Earlier this week, police throughout the Merrimack Valley issued a warning about similar scams taking place in their communities. In Tyngsboro, a 77-year-old woman had her gold necklace snatched during an afternoon walk. Very, very scary. I think were too lenient with laws, said 79-year-old Joyce DiNuccio. I want them to stop doing this! Its still unclear how many victims have lost their jewelry to these crimes in Massachusetts in recent weeks. No arrests have been made so far in connection with any of the cases. 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 Protesters hold a demonstration in support of a ceasefire in Gaza in the Cannon House Office Building on October 18, 2023 in Washington, DC. Credit - Alex WongGetty Images Progressive Jews calling for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war are shutting down U.S. train stations, highways, and government buildings. Their rallying cries: Not in our name, never again for anyone and ceasefire now. So far, thousands of Jewish American protesters have participated in more than a dozen civil disobedience actions since Oct. 7, at places ranging from an office building near Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.; Grand Central Station and the Statue of Liberty in New York City; and Philadelphias 30th Street Station, to the Israeli consulate in Chicago, a federal building in Oakland, Calif., a bridge in Boston, and a highway in Durham, N.C. Their calls for a ceasefire align with 66% of U.S. voters, who say they "strongly agree" or "somewhat agree" with the idea, according to a poll conducted between Oct. 18-19 from Data for Progress, a progressive think tank and polling firm. The relationship between America's Jewish population and Israel has long been complicated. While almost half say caring about Israel is "essential" to what being Jewish means, 16% say it is "not important" to their Jewish identity, according to a 2021 Pew survey, and the rest fall somewhere in-between, considering it "important, but not essential." Other polling supports the finding that the population's views on Israel differ widely. A Jewish Federations of North America survey released on Nov. 9 indicated widespread support for military aid to Israel; 87% of Jewish Americans were in favor. But other polls reflect intense criticism of the Israeli government. A 2021 Jewish Electorate Institute poll found that one-quarter of Jewish American voters agreed with the statement that "Israel is an apartheid state." Groups like Jewish Voice for Peace, which have spearheaded many recent civil disobedience actions in the U.S., are not new. But in the last several weeks, the conflict in the Middle East has put divisions within the American Jewish community into stark relief. In the time since the Oct. 7 Hamas attack that killed more than 1,200 Israelis and took more than 200 hostages, Israels assault on Gaza has killed more than 11,000 Palestinians, per the citys health ministry. More than two-thirds of the regions hospitals have closed because of damage from airstrikes or are running out of fuel, according to Gaza's health ministry. The commissioner-general of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, Philippe Lazzarini, said that by the end of Wednesday Nov. 15, more than two-thirds of Gazas population would not have access to clean water. Our entire operation is now on the verge of collapse, he says. Activists from Jewish Voice for Peace activists occupy the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty on November 6, 2023 in New York City. Stephanie KeithGetty Images More than 2 million people live in Gaza, half of whom are children, and face the spread of disease and malnutrition as Israel continues its blockade. In recent years, international human rights groups have referred to Israels treatment of Palestinians over the decades as apartheid and consider Gaza to be an open-air prison. Many pro-Palestinian protesters argue the high civilian death toll is a sign of a disproportionate response towards an occupied territory. (While Israel formally pulled out of the Gaza strip in 2005, the U.N. considers the strip to be under occupation because of Israel's control of land, air, and sea access.) After Jewish protesters occupied the rotunda of the U.S. Capitol, the Anti-Defamation League's CEO Jonathan Greenblatt spoke out on X, taking issue with challenges to Israel's right to defend itself after Hamas' surprise attack; the U.S. government and Israel consider Hamas a terrorist group. The protesters, Greenblatt wrote, were "radical far-left groups [that] don't represent the Jewish community" and instead represent the "ugly core" of anti-Zionism: antisemitism. Read more: Column: It's Not Easy to Be Jewish on American Campuses Today The ADL has condemned Jewish Voice for Peace's leaders for arguing that Israel was the "root cause" of the violence on Oct. 7 and said in a statement that their "most inflammatory ideas can help give rise to antisemitism." Jewish Voice For Peace accuses the ADL of fueling Islamophobia, securing impunity for the Israeli government, and conflating anti-Zionism with antisemitism. Many pro-Palestinian supporters, including some Jewish Americans, describe themselves as anti-Zionist. Its totally reprehensible to conflate those speaking out for Palestinian rights with the very real existence of antisemitism, says Morgan Bassichis, a Jewish artist who organized a group of artists and writers to get arrested at the Grand Central protest and a member of Jewish Voice for Peace. Essential to my Judaism is a deep belief that Palestinians should be free, they say. At a Nov. 1 fundraiser in Minneapolis, U.S. President Joe Bidenwho is pushing to supply Israel with an additional $14 billion in military aidwas confronted by a protesting rabbi. Mr. President, you care about Jewish people. As a rabbi, I need you to call for a cease-fire right now, said Rabbi Jessica Rosenberg. She later wrote in a CNN op-ed that Israels pause for a few hours each day to allow Gazans to flee to the South has done little to help. On Monday, Palestinian Representative Rashida Tlaib, along with fellow Democratic Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Ilhan Omar, joined some rabbis in calling for a ceasefire outside the U.S. Capitol. Many within Israel, including some family members of hostages, have also protested their own country's response to the Hamas attack. For example, Maoz Inon, whose parents were kidnapped by Hamas, started a protest outside the Israeli parliament building and called on Prime Minister Netanyahu to resign and end the war. Rosalind Petchesky, a Jewish feminist scholar, was the oldest person arrested at the Oct. 27 Grand Central protest in New York City. Hundreds packed the train station; police arrested about 400 people. She organized a group of more than 30 Jewish seniors to join. Im 81 years old. Im now older than the state of Israel, she says. I've been doing this work for a long time, but I've never seen a moment like this one and Im horrified atthe hideous war mongering of our government and the Israeli governmentand what we consider to be an out-and-out genocide against the Palestinian people in Gaza. Demonstrators with Jewish Voice for Peace Chicago protest President Donald Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel on December 14, 2017. Scott OlsonGetty Images For Petchesky, getting arrested isnt an act of courage, but of commitment. I'm retired. I don't have to show up at a job tomorrow, she says. People like me who are in a situation of privilege have a responsibility to put our bodies on the line. I don't think there's any great nobility in being arrested, but it is a kind of symbolic act that says 'I stand for these values.' Petchesky has friends in Israel and Gaza. She says she worries that a Palestinian journalist she knows and his family won't survive; she has also had tough conversations with a former graduate student of hers, an Israeli Jew who is critical of Israel's government but upset about Jewish Voice For Peace's lack of slogans centered on hostages. She said what about us? Arent we people, too? Petchesky says. I have been trying to answer her as honestly as I can, and trying to convince her that saying 'stop the bombing, ceasefire now,' is an expression of support for the hostages because otherwise I'm convinced they're going to die. New York Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani, a Muslim and vocal supporter of Palestinian rights, was arrested alongside Petchesky. Mamdani argues that recent civil disobedience shows that many Jewish Americans don't believe their participation in such protests is in conflict with their Judaism. When anyone tries to sell you a monolith, they are selling you fiction, he says. There is no one group of people that believe one thing. Irena Klepfisz, an 82-year-old Holocaust survivor and poet who was born in the Warsaw Ghetto, wanted to be at the New York protests but couldnt because she is immunocompromised. Im very moved by it, she says, about the two civil disobedience acts. I don't know how killing more Palestinians in Gaza is going to do anything." Kelpfiz formed the Jewish Womens Committee to End the Occupation more than three decades ago. The war marked me, she says. I didnt have a father, I didnt have grandparents, I didnt have familyI grew up with that. I know what that can do to people. Thats whats happened to children of those killed in Hamas attack and Israels airstrikes. For Bassichis, the artist, Grand Centrals protest felt like a glimmer of hope, in a time of such profound despair. Write to Sanya Mansoor at sanya.mansoor@time.com. Jewish celebrities and content creators urged TikTok executives to take more action to address antisemitic content on the platform during a call Wednesday night, a TikTok spokesperson confirmed Friday. The call was reported by The New York Times on Thursday, citing a recording of the meeting. The meeting reportedly included more than 30 people, including Sacha Baron Cohen, Debra Messing and Amy Schumer. It followed a letter sent by Hollywood stars and influencers to the platform about similar concerns over a rise in antisemitism since the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel and subsequent war. The call was led by TikTok head of operations Adam Presser and global head of user operations Seth Melnick, the Times reported. During the meeting, the TikTok executives appeared to agree with the sentiment that more should be done, but they stressed there is not a simple or fast solution, according to the report. Asked about the call, a TikTok spokesperson told The Hill in a statement, We recognize this is an incredibly difficult and fearful time for millions of people around the world and in our TikTok community. Our leadership has been meeting with creators, civil society, human rights experts and stakeholders to listen to their experiences and feedback on how TikTok can remain a place for community, discovery, and sharing authentically, the spokesperson added. During the call, TikTok reportedly faced direct accusations from the creators. Cohen said TikTok is creating the biggest antisemitic movement since the Nazis and said the company could flip a switch to fix the problem, according to the Times. Presser reportedly said theres truth to a lot of what Cohen said but later added there is no magic button to address the concerns. Messing questioned the executives over how TikTok is moderating the pro-Palestinian slogan from the river to the sea, according to the Times. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has called the slogan antisemitic. Presser told members of the call that TikTok has left interpretation of the phrase, before and after the Oct. 7 attack, up to TikToks moderators based on how it is used, according to the Times. Where it is clear exactly what they mean kill the Jews, eradicate the state of Israel that content is violative and we take it down. Our approach up until Oct. 7, continuing to today, has been that for instances where people use the phrase where its not clear, where someone is just using it casually, then that has been considered acceptable speech, Presser said, according to the Times. TikTok is not the only platform facing scrutiny over a rise in antisemitic content since the Oct. 7 attack. The ADL last week published a report documenting a rise in antisemitic hate on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. And the Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH) earlier this week published a report indicating X failed to remove antisemitic and Islamophobic hate since the Oct. 7 attack. The ADL report found a 919 percent increase in antisemitic content on X in the week after the attack. By contrast, the report found a 28 percent increase on Meta-owned Facebook in that time. The ADL noted the modest increase on Oct. 13 could be due to content not having been moderated by the time the data was collected at midnight Oct. 14. Joe Benarroch, head of business operations at X, shared a blog post published Tuesday touting Xs use of community notes to help moderate misinformation about the conflict. He also said X has asked the ADL for the accounts and posts to verify them, but the ADL has declined to be transparent with the data. An ADL spokesperson said in a statement that since X removed API access, we have had to contract with third parties for X data. Our agreement with that third party prevents us from sharing our data which, ironically, includes back to X, the spokesperson added. If X wants transparency, the best way is to restore API access. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Hunt for Hamas by Israeli forces in Gaza hospitals goes on. Biden staves off government shutdown. And Snoop Dogg says he's giving up smoking. Here's what to know today. Israeli forces search Gaza hospitals for proof of Hamas presence Israeli forces expanded their hunt for proof of Hamas presence in hospitals across several medical facilities in northern Gaza, saying they had found tunnels, weapons and at least one vehicle. The IDF has so far not provided definitive evidence that a Hamas command center exists beneath Al-Shifa Hospital, a claim that Israeli officials have repeatedly made and Hamas and doctors at the hospital have forcefully denied. The Israeli military is close to dismantling the military system in the northern Gaza Strip, its chief of staff said today. The IDF said it found the body of Yehudit Weiss, a hostage abducted by Hamas during the Oct. 7 attack, in a structure adjacent to Al-Shifa Hospital. Israeli diplomat Alon Pinkas told NBCs Andrea Mitchell that any hostage release deal between Hamas and Israel is going to be one to one, meaning if one Israeli hostage gets released, one Palestinian prisoner will also be released. He added they hope up to 100 hostages would be released, but IDF soldiers, whether male or female, would likely not be. Hamas is reportedly asking for a five-day cease-fire, which Israel has not agreed to. This is Morning Rundown, a weekday newsletter to start your morning. Sign up here to get it in your inbox. Palestinians in Gaza risk starvation given the lack of food and water, according to the United Nations World Food Programme, which said that just 10% of required food supplies had entered Gaza since the start of the war. The only passage into and out of Gaza at Rafah isnt enough and the head of the organization pushed for the opening of another way to get supplies into Gaza. Follow live updates here. A struggle to find justice after a Border Patrol shooting An image from Border Patrol agent bodycam footage showing Raymond Mattia fumbling in his pocket just moments before his death. (UCBP) Raymond Mattia slumped over with nine bullet wounds less than 30 seconds after Border Patrol agents first spoke to him in May. The agents were responding to reports of shots fired about a mile from the U.S.-Mexico border. Mattia complied with orders to toss his sheathed machete to the ground, but the agents opened fire as he complied with a second order to take his hand out of his pocket. He was pronounced dead shortly after. Now, the family wants justice. To me, it feels like there are still murderers walking around, his sister said in an interview outside her home. But, as reporter Lawrence Hurley writes, a recent Supreme Court ruling means any effort to sue the agents individually is doomed to fail. This is the first of The Untouchables, a series of NBC News stories about how and why federal law enforcement officials accused of violating constitutional rights face little legal accountability. Son of comedian Dana Carvey Comedian Dex Carvey performs at Flappers Comedy Club (Michael S. Schwartz / Getty Images file) Dex Carvey, the 32-year-old son of comedian and Saturday Night Live alum Dana Carvey, died of an accidental drug overdose, his parents said in a joint statement posted on Instagram. Carvey and his wife described their eldest son as an extremely talented man who passionately pursued his love of the arts. They added that anyone struggling with addiction or who loves someone struggling with addiction is in their hearts and prayers. Autoworkers union approves 4-year contract with Detroits Big Three Union members at Ford, Stellantis and General Motors have ratified a new 4-year contract, giving workers a total pay increase of 25% over the course of the deal. It comes after a targeted six-week strike in September and October. The new contracts also reinstate cost-of-living adjustments, let workers reach top wages in three years instead of eight and protect their right to strike over plant closures. Roughly 67% of Ford employees represented by the UAW voted in favor of the contract as of Thursday. Workers at GM approved the contract by a much narrower margin, with about 55% of workers voting yes. Exclusive: Dexter Wade, buried without familys knowledge, had ID at time of death, lawyers say An independent pathologist examining the body of Dexter Wade found a wallet with a state identification card that included the address of a home he shared with his mother, according to the familys attorney. Wade was killed when a police car struck him, and buried in a paupers grave without his mothers knowledge. Bettersten Wade reported her son missing March 14, nine days after he was killed while crossing a highway. She received no information from the police about what happened to him until Aug. 27. His mother called the news another jab in the stomach. If they had a wallet and knew where his address was, why didnt they just visit his address when he was laying out on the freeway and come get me so I could have seen my son? she said. Politics in Brief Government shutdown: President Joe Biden has signed the stopgap funding bill passed by the Senate, punting the GOP's spending fight and the threat of a government shutdown until after the holidays. Trump gag order: A New York appeals court temporarily lifted a gag order in former President Donald Trumps civil fraud trial barring him from complaining about the judges law clerk. Classified documents: The special counsel appointed to investigate Joe Bidens handling of classified documents has interviewed the presidents son Hunter Biden. Campaign donors: Nikki Haleys 2024 presidential bid started to pick up momentum in the GOP debates and now shes snagging new donors, including former Sen. Tim Scotts. Supreme Court: The Supreme Court rejected Floridas bid to enforce a state law that targets drag show performances that challengers say imposes unlawful restrictions on free speech. Staff Pick: Tip or skip? What services deserve a gratuity? Whats the right amount: 15%, 18%, 20%? Am I the only one who gets a little stage fright at the prompt on the screen? Thankfully, reporter J.J. McCorvey dug into the numbers to find out how Americans come down on tipping in 2023. Richie Duchon, platforms deputy director In Case You Missed It Select: Online Shopping, Simplified Air fryers are a staple kitchen appliance for many home chefs. But they dont actually fry anything. Air fryers are small convection-like ovens that blow hot air around their insides, cooking and crisping food like chicken wings, fries and bacon. Air fryers are a Select reader favorite kitchen gadget and models are almost always Sign up to The Selection newsletter for exclusive reviews and shopping content from NBC Select. Thanks for reading todays Morning Rundown. Todays newsletter was curated for you by Elizabeth Both and Annie Hill. If youre a fan, please send a link to your family and friends. They can sign-up here. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com House Judiciary Commitee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) is continuing his probe on how banks handled customer information around the time of the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol by subpoenaing Bank of America on Thursday. The Ohio Republican requested records connected to Bank of Americas information-sharing with the FBI. The Committee has received 223 pages of documents responsive to our original requests. However, to date, [Bank of America] has refused to provide the Committee and Select Subcommittee with the filing it turned over to the FBI, Jordan wrote to the banks CEO Brian Moynihan. Jordan and Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), chairman of the Subcommittee on the Administrative State, Regulatory Reform, and Antitrust, began their investigations into financial institutions in May this year. In the letter to Bank of America, Jordan presented a screenshot of an email exchange between an FBI email and a bank employee, both redacted, saying that you should have an email from with our filling on the parameters you discussed with last week. Bank of America has until Dec. 15 to provide communications and documents related to the financial records previously given to federal authorities. Those include transactions performed between Jan. 5 and Jan. 7, 2021, in the D.C. area. We followed all applicable laws in our interactions with the Trump Administrations Treasury Department and law enforcement, Bank of America told The Hill in a statement. In the letter, Jordan added that the committee could consider changing consumer privacy laws. Jordans subpoena follows his August Citibank request, which was intended to determine the extent to which financial institutions, such as Citibank, have worked with the FBI to collect Americans financial data. The May investigation started after FBI whistleblower reports that Bank of America was voluntarily sharing the information. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Members of U.S. Capitol Police forcefully removed protesters from the entrance to the Democratic National Committee headquarters on Wednesday night. The protest was organized by IfNotNow, Jewish Voices for Peace Action and Democratic Socialists of America to call for a ceasefire in Gaza. Members of U.S. Capitol Police forcefully removed protesters from the entrance to the Democratic National Committee headquarters on Wednesday night. The protest was organized by IfNotNow, Jewish Voices for Peace Action and Democratic Socialists of America to call for a ceasefire in Gaza. A congressmans claims that pro-terrorist, pro-Hamas protesters pepper-sprayed police and attempted to break into the Democratic National Committee headquarters in Washington on Wednesday night are incorrect, according to a journalist who covered and recorded the protest. About 150 protesters organized by progressive groups gathered outside a fundraiser at the DNC to demand a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war. They laid out electric candles to symbolize the more than 11,000 Palestinians who have been killed in Gaza since Israel began a bombing campaign after a surprise attack by Hamas on Oct. 7. A group of the protesters were seen engaged in civil disobedience by linking arms and blocking the entrance to the DNC. Their goal was for people inside the building to come out and see our peaceful vigil and hear our songs and requests for a ceasefire, IfNotNow, a progressive Jewish group, said in a statement. We had a team prepared to speak with congress people on their way out, while the rest of us intended to continue singing and praying. IfNotNow had organized the protest with Jewish Voices for Peace Action and the Democratic Socialists of America. However, videos show U.S. Capitol Police officers forcefully removing protesters from the buildings entrance. When Semafor reporter Dave Weigel, who was outside the DNC covering and recording video of the protest, got home that night, he was surprised to see a social media post from Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Calif.) claiming that pro-terrorist, anti-#Israel, pro-terrorist protesters had pepper-sprayed police officers and tried to break into the DNC. Was just evacuated from the #DNC after pro-terrorist, anti-#Israel protestors grew violent, pepper spraying police officers and attempting to break into the building. Thankful to the police officers who stopped them and for helping me and my colleagues get out safely. (1/2) https://t.co/tYVCK3o0YA Congressman Brad Sherman (@BradSherman) November 16, 2023 Sherman repeated his claim that protesters had pepper-sprayed police officers in a CNN interview on Wednesday night. Anchor Abby Phillip initially noted that she did not know who deployed the pepper spray but later repeated, without additional evidence, U.S. Capitol Police claims that protesters had sprayed officers. Sherman did not immediately respond to a request for comment. I had eyes on the door the whole time, Weigel told HuffPost in an interview. Protesters were standing in front of the door, they were trying to block the door. They were not trying to break in. When people try to break into the building, they usually dont have their backs turned to the door, Weigel added. Video posted by Weigel and protest organizers show demonstrators standing side-by-side with their arms linked and their backs facing the entrance, singing Which Side Are You On? More than 24 hours after the protest, no video or signs of an attempted break-in have emerged, Weigel noted. Weigel added that although he could not account for every protester present, he did not see any protester deploy pepper spray against a police officer. He did, however, see the police use pepper spray, which has been documented in photos. I took this photo and can confirm that the only pepper spray was from the police, who rolled up and started throwing punches and shoving people to the ground immediately. https://t.co/kbJ5H8tg4w Ryan Harvey (@ryanharveysongs) November 16, 2023 U.S. Capitol Police tweeted on Wednesday that it responded to people illegally and violently protesting near the DNC and evacuated all lawmakers. The police said that six officers were treated for injuries ranging from minor cuts to being pepper sprayed to being punched and that one person was arrested for assaulting an officer. Because of how pepper spray disperses, it is possible that police officers could have been injured by their own pepper spray. IfNotNow spokesperson Eva Borgwardt said in a statement on Wednesday that Sherman was spreading dangerous and reckless misinformation about our nonviolent movement. Calling hundreds of progressive Jews fighting for peace, many of whom have family members in Israel, pro-Hamas is beyond the pale and the Congressman should apologize for his remarks, Borgwardt said. House Democratic leaders said in a statement that some protesters exceeded a peaceful demonstration but did not echo Shermans allegations of an attempt to break into the building. Weigel, who has extensively covered political protests, noted that the groups that organized this demonstration are known quantities that do not have a reputation of engaging in violence. Since Hamas Oct. 7 attack on Israel, in which an estimated 1,200 Israelis were killed and more than 200 were taken hostage, Israel has engaged in a devastating bombing campaign and ground operations in Gaza. More than 11,000 Palestinians have been killed, including an estimated 4,600 children. The United Nations has warned of a humanitarian disaster in Gaza, where supply shortages are so dire that doctors have been forced to remove premature babies from incubators and civilians in the Palestinian enclave face starvation. A majority of people in the U.S. support a cease-fire, according to recent polling, but just 24 members of Congress signed a Wednesday letter urging President Joe Biden to work to establish a cease-fire. The president has repeatedly rejected calls for a cease-fire, despite hundreds of administration employees urging him to do so. IfNotNow plans to continue protesting, the group said in a statement. People of all faiths and backgrounds will continue as long as we need in order to pressure our elected officials to take action to save lives. A former high-profile Atlanta attorney will not be released from jail on bond before his new trial in the shooting death of his wife. Claud Lee Tex McIver III will be retried after the Georgia Supreme Court overturned his felony murder conviction last year. In 2018, a jury convicted McIver in the death of his wife Diane McIver, but the state Supreme Court ruled that jurors didnt receive proper instructions. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Ahead of his new trial in December, McIver and his attorneys requested bond in order to prepare and better address his medical needs, according to court documents. On Thursday, Fulton County Superior Court Judge Robert McBurney denied the defenses request. While Defendant enjoys anew the presumption of innocence as to the counts of conviction that were reversed, he also carries with him a felony conviction for improperly seeking to influence a key witness in his case, a prior bond violation so serious the Court revoked his bond, and weeks of evidence about his character and (mis)conduct, McBurney wrote. The Court has considered all this and concludes that Defendant is not a good candidate for bond on the eve of the re-trial of his (felony) murder case. The temptation to abandon this replay of the drama of his wifes shooting death is simply too great. RELATED STORIES: The original Tex McIver trial drew national attention as nearly 80 witnesses testified over the course of 19 days. Tex McIver admitted to shooting his wife, but the question was whether or not it was intentional. On Sept. 25 2016, the McIvers and their friend Dani Jo Carter were heading home from a party. Carter drove the SUV, Diane McIver sat in the front seat and Tex McIver sat in the back seat behind his wife. McIver asked his wife to get his gun from the center console of the car and that is when McIver shot his wife in the back. Carter drove the McIvers to the hospital, where Diane McIver died. During the trial, prosecutors argued that McIver wanted to kill Diane McIver because he was in debt and needed his wifes money to continue with the lifestyle he wanted. The state pointed to an estate sale that McIver held after his wifes death. His defense refuted that claim, saying their client loved his wife and her death was an accident. McIver said the estate sale was what Diane wanted based on her will. After four days of deliberation, the jury found McIver guilty of felony murder, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony and influencing a witness, but acquitted him of malice murder. The new trial for McIver is scheduled to begin in December. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 17) From peace amid wars and preservation of the planet, some candidates in the 72nd Miss Universe raised awareness of their advocacy through their national costumes Aside from wearing dazzling outfits to represent their country and culture, the Miss Universe stage hosted candidates standing for a cause and ideals on current issues. Here are some of the national costumes that caught the imagination of pageant enthusiasts. Ukraine Miss Ukraine Angelina Usanova donned a skyblue statement piece with a golden baby prop titled Mother Protector. The beauty queen said the costume represented the care of a mom to her children. In an instagram post, Angelina said that "children do not start wars, but they are the ones who are unable to defend themselves." "Mothers all over Ukraine are begging and dreaming of a sky without missiles. They pray for the lives of their children, who are mercilessly taken away by the war, she added. The 26-year-old candidate said the blue fabric of the costume is a symbol of a sky without missiles, white symbolizes peace, and the blue and yellow represent the Ukraine flag. Early in November, Ukraine expressed fear of a prolonged war with Russia while trying to keep hope in visualizing the countrys potential victory. Netherlands Transwoman queen Rikkie Valerie Kolle bloomed with pride as she walked the Miss Universe stage with a national costume representing both her country and her individuality. Kolle wore a piece designed as the famous Dutch tulip which opens to a floral cocktail dress with a distinct rainbow hue, reflecting the colors of the Pride flag. The queen introduced the national costume as an outfit that also reflects her personal story. In the Netherlands a bunch of mixed colored tulips represents pure beauty. This is also reflected in my personal story, she said. The enthusiastic orange tulip has evolved into the pure beauty that I felt inside to be a woman and to be who I want to be and have always been, Kolle added. Kolle also made history as the first transwoman to represent the Netherlands in Miss Universe. Greece Marielia Zaloumi from Greece took to the international stage her call to take back the history of her country. Zaloumis costume was a rendition of the Greek Goddess of War Aphrodite with a banner that had Take our history back written in front and Take me home in bold at the back. The statement was a stand in the deep-rooted cultural row between her country and the British Museums claim on the historic Parthenon marbles. The Parthenon Sculptures are a collection of different types of marble architectural decoration from the temple of Athena. The Greeks have long contended that the sculptures in the British Museum were violently detached from the 5th-century B.C. temple in Athens with the aid of marble saws in the full knowledge of Elgin, then Britains ambassador to the Ottoman empire. Zaloumis costume challenged the notion that the pieces in the British Museum were only removed from rubble, as they claimed. Egypt Miss Egypt Mohra Tantawy advocated for the preservation of the iconic Nile river amid the rising pollution. Tantawy wore an all black outfit with a LIFE NILE written in bold at the back of the cape to show how she mourns the tainted river, calling for the public's efforts to stop the pollution. The Nile is a major north-flowing river in northeastern Africa that flows into the Mediterranean Sea. The body of water is seen to have plenty of minerals which explains the history of healthy crops which grew along its riverbanks. Nepal Nepal's Jane Dipika Garrett again called the attention of pageant fans as she strutted the Miss Universe stage with a costume that stood for peace. Her costume was an elegant dark gown with a headpiece portraying smoke from missiles. She held a cage with a prop dove inside which she pretended to set free on stage. According to the pageant hosts, Miss Nepals outfit represented her call for peace amid the wars. Garrett first trended on social media early in the preliminary competition as she boldly displayed her plus-size curves in the swimsuit and evening gown events. READ: Defying standards: Transwomen, mother, plus-size candidates grace Miss Universe stage For the Philippines, Michelle Marquez Dee paraded the pageant stage with an airplane themed national costume as a nod to her military reservist training, and the "Love the Philippines" tourism campaign displayed at the back of the plane's wings. Dee and the other candidates will compete to bring home the Miss Universe crown during the coronation night in El Salvador on Sunday (PH time). A New York judge has denied former President Trumps motion for a mistrial in his civil fraud case, rejecting the claim that the judge and his principal law clerk had tainted the trial with bias. Judge Arthur Engoron issued a scathing rebuke of Trumps mistrial motion Friday afternoon, describing it as utterly without merit. He defended the political donations of his clerk and his own extrajudicial posts online to a school alumni website that came under fire by the former presidents defense. Best Black Friday Deals I stand by each and every ruling, and they speak for themselves, Engoron wrote in the six-page decision. The judge accused Trumps counsel of cherry-picking purported evidence of misconduct without showing the full picture. The mistrial motion cited a comment made by Engoron during Trumps testimony that the judge was not here to hear what [Donald Trump] has to say, but excluded his next sentence which contextualized the comment. Such argument is disingenuous and made in bad faith, as defendants omitted what I said immediately after that sentence, which is Im here to hear him answer questions,' Engoron wrote. Indeed, those are precisely the roles of the witness and the finder of fact. That the judge had shared links about the case on his school alumni website also drew the ire of Trumps counsel, which Engoron objected to by asserting that none of this has anything to do with, much less does it interfere with, my presiding fairly, impartially, and professionally over the instant dispute. His clerk who has become an unwitting main character in the fraud trial was also targeted in the mistrial motion, which suggested that she has been given unprecedented and inappropriate latitude to act as a co-judge in the case. The clerk frequently confers with Engoron via whispers and written notes, frequently before orders are issued. There is absolutely no co-judging at play, Engoron wrote. Trumps counsel also accused the clerk of making partisan political contributions in excess of strict limits, including to groups that oppose Trump and support New York Attorney General Letitia James (D). Engoron took to his clerks defense in his order, again accusing Trumps lawyers of presenting arguments lacking context. He cited a judicial ethics opinion asserting that the contribution limits do not apply to an appointees contributions to his or her own campaign. Nor would there be such a monetary restriction on the purchasing of tickets to political functions. The New York judge also took aim at Trumps counsel for attempting to conflate his clerks attendance at legally and ethically permitted political events with his own political standing. Such arguments are nonsensical; and, in any event, they are a red herring, as my Principal Law Clerk does not make rulings or issue orders I do, Engoron wrote. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Disclaimer: All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty. NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) A New Orleans magistrate judge granted one of the motions from Joseph Washingtons defense team on Thursday, Nov. 16, allowing his lawyers to seek out items they believe may be usable as evidence to help his case. Washington is accused of killing his three children in October by setting the familys home on fire. OPSO looking for detainee released without proper ankle monitor While the defense believes the items may have evidentiary value, New Orleans District Attorney Jason Williams objected to the motion, saying that his office does not have the items in question. Williams also said that, while the judge in the case allowed the defense to file the motion, he believes it was unnecessary and does not see it changing anything related to the case. Washington remains in jail without bond, charged with three counts of second-degree murder, three counts of second-degree cruelty to a juvenile and one count of aggravated arson. Another hearing in his case is expected on Monday, Nov. 20. 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. Donald Trump is seen during the UFC event at Madison Square Garden in New York City on 11 November 2023 President Donald Trump has assailed a judge and clerk handling his New York fraud trial as a gag order banning him criticising court personnel was paused. Mr Trump sued the judge overseeing the civil case, Arthur Engoron, after he barred him and his attorneys from speaking about judicial staff. Mr Trump's lawyers had argued the gag order was unconstitutional. A state intermediate appeals court has granted what is known as an interim stay. Judge David Friedman cited the "constitutional and statutory rights at issue" in Thursday's ruling. It means that Mr Trump and his lawyers can once again make public comments about Judge Engoron's staff. The former president wasted little time in reopening attacks on Judge Engoron, calling his actions "Radical and Unprecedented". "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," the 77-year-old wrote in a lengthy post on social media. Mr Trump's lawyer Christopher Kise also welcomed the ruling by Judge David Friedman of the state's intermediate appeals court, which he said would restore his client's right "to talk about bias in his own trial". New York Attorney General Letitia James has sued Mr Trump, his sons, the Trump Organization and its top executives for alleged business fraud. Should they lose, the Trumps face $250m (201m) in fines and the possible dissolution of their New York real estate empire. The civil trial began last month in Lower Manhattan. Early on, Judge Engoron placed Mr Trump under a limited gag order, after his clerk was attacked by the former president on social media. The judge has so far fined Mr Trump a total of $15,000 for two violations of the order. On 25 October, Judge Engoron unexpectedly forced Mr Trump to take the stand, after he publicly criticised "a person who is very partisan sitting alongside" the judge. Judge Engoron perceived that comment to refer to his clerk, who sits to his right. Mr Trump stated under oath that he was talking about that day's witness, Michael Cohen, but the judge said he did not find this credible and imposed a fine. Mr Trump's lawyers have repeatedly told Judge Engoron they believe his clerk is displaying bias, and claim that she is passing notes or rolling her eyes. In the New York Supreme Court system, clerks play a role in the proceedings and often quietly confer with the judge. Mr Trump's lawyers filed for a mistrial this week, arguing Judge Engoron is biased. Separately, Mr Trump's gag order in a criminal case in Washington DC has also been temporarily lifted. That case, brought by the US Department of Justice, focuses on his alleged attempts to subvert the 2020 election results. Former United States President Donald Trump speaks when he exits the courtroom after he testifies in his civil fraud trial at State Supreme Court on Monday, November 6, 2023 in New York City. The case brought last September by New York Attorney General Letitia James, accuses Trump, his eldest sons and his family business of inflating Trump's net worth by more than $2 billion by overvaluing his real estate portfolio. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI Nov. 17 (UPI) -- An appeals court in New York temporarily lifted a gag order barring Donald Trump from talking about details of his civil fraud case. The move follows a lawsuit filed Wednesday by Trump's legal team against Judge Arthur Engoron. Trump's team claimed Engoron's enforcement of the gag order "cast serious doubts" on the judge's ability to serve as an "impartial finder of fact" overseeing the former president's case. "His extraordinary expansion of that order both limits and chills advocacy on Petitioners' behalf and precludes counsel on pain of contempt from making a record of misconduct and bias in a public courtroom," Trump's counsel wrote in the emergency suit. The New York appellate court granted an interim stay of Engoron's gag orders and the sanctions that resulted from violating them after oral arguments Thursday. The gag orders were the result of online attacks Trump made on Engoron's law clerk, Allison Greenfield, who has become a central character in the fraud trial. Former United States President Donald Trump exits the courtroom for a break when he testifies in his civil fraud trial at State Supreme Court on Monday, November 6, 2023 in New York City. The case brought last September by New York Attorney General Letitia James, accuses Trump, his eldest sons and his family business of inflating Trump's net worth by more than $2 billion by overvaluing his real estate portfolio. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI In a post on his Truth Social social media account, Trump accused Greenfield, falsely, of being Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer's, D-N.Y., "girlfriend," and posted personal information that allowed readers to easily identify her. In a statement to The Hill, a spokesperson for Schumer called the social media post "ridiculous, absurd, and false." Trump and his legal team have made repeated suggestions that the clerk is overly involved in the fraud case, saying she acts as a "co-judge," and have criticized her for whispering to the judge and passing him notes. The judge has fined Trump $15,000 for a host of violations. Engoron called Trump to the witness stand and asked the former president to explain a comment he made about the clerk at one point in the testimony. The judge in the appeals case cited concerns over restricting Trump's free speech rights in his decision to put the gag order on hold. That means Trump can now comment freely about Engoron's staff while the appeals process plays out, with no repercussions or likely bearing on the outcome of the case or the damage done to those he criticizes. Trump called the gag order "Ridiculous and Unconstitutional" on social media and applauded the appeals court for lifting it, describing the case as "politically biased and out of control." Within hours of the gag order being lifted, Trump was again leveling criticism at Greenfield and Engoron on social media. Read the full article on Motorious The dispute is finally over. In Baldwin County, Circuit Judge Clark Stankoski recently issued a firm ruling against the countys Sheriffs Office for the improper and illegal seizure of a 1968 Camaro belonging to Thomas Hadley, a Rabun resident. The twist in the tale is that the car is currently with a Kansas man who reported it as stolen two decades ago. Judge Stankoski, who previously ruled against the Sheriffs Office, has now given them and the state of Alabama a 43-day ultimatum to return the vehicle to Hadley. While the Baldwin County District Attorney Robert Wilters indicated a likely appeal, he refrained from commenting further on the case. The controversy stems from Hadleys purchase of the Camaro in 2016. After an investigation by the Alabama Department of Revenue linked the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to a stolen vehicle, Baldwin County sheriffs deputies demanded Hadley to surrender the car. Following his refusal, they executed a warrant and seized the vehicle, handing it over to the Kansas claimant just minutes before a temporary restraining order was issued. Judge Stankoski criticized the Sheriffs Office's approach, stating that using criminal processes to facilitate a civil remedy was illegal. He noted that none of the deputies involved considered Hadley under criminal investigation nor intended to make an arrest, rendering the warrant procurement both improper and illegal. Hadleys defense is that he legally acquired the car from a Baldwin County resident who had owned it for several years. His attorney argued that the VIN matching the stolen car was from a replaced part and didn't reflect the car's true identity. Judge Stankoskis ruling didn't delve into the ownership dispute but suggested that the matter be resolved in the right forum with sworn testimonies from claimants. The case highlights the complexities of car ownership disputes, particularly involving vintage vehicles with a murky history. Source: Fox10 Sign up for the Motorious Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Lisa Snyder is led into Berks County Court in Reading, Pa., on Friday, Nov. 17, 2023. The judge rejected a plea agreement for Snyder, who sought to plead no contest but mentally ill to two counts of third-degree murder in the September 2019 deaths of her two young children. (AP Photo/Michael Rubinkam) READING, Pa. (AP) A judge on Friday rejected a plea agreement for a Pennsylvania woman charged with killing her two young children, who were found hanging in the basement of their home nearly four years ago. Lisa Snyder, 40, sought to plead no contest but mentally ill to two counts of third-degree murder in the September 2019 deaths of 4-year-old Brinley and 8-year-old Conner. The children were taken off life support and died three days after they were found in the home in Albany Township, about 60 miles (97 kilometers) northwest of Philadelphia. Berks County President Judge Theresa Johnson rejected the plea as soon as it was presented to her by a prosecutor and ended the hearing after just a few minutes, shutting down a defense lawyer who tried to interject. I am not accepting that plea agreement, Johnson declared, adding, It doesn't serve the interests of justice. She then stalked out of the courtroom. The case will now head to trial, where Snyder faces charges of first-degree murder, child endangerment and evidence tampering. District Attorney John Adams declined to say why prosecutors had agreed to let Snyder plead no contest to the reduced charge of third-degree murder, which carries a sentence of 20 to 40 years in prison. We dont contest the fact that shes mentally ill, and she meets the threshold set up under the law that she is mentally ill," he said in a phone interview after the hearing. Snyder's defense lawyers had no comment. Snyder had no reaction to the judge's ruling and ignored a reporters questions outside of the courtroom. Snyder, who made the initial 911 call, had told police her son was bullied and had been threatening to take his own life. But authorities were immediately suspicious of her claim of suicide, and said they found no evidence to support it. The boy showed no outward signs of trouble on school bus security video recorded that day, and an occupational therapist later said he wasnt physically capable of causing that kind of harm to himself or his little sister. Police said they found evidence that Snyder went online for information about suicide, death by hanging and how to kill someone, and that she'd also looked for episodes of a documentary crime series called I Almost Got Away With It. Snyder also admitted going to a store to buy a dog lead on the day the children were found hanging from it, authorities said. A coroner said both children were killed by hanging and ruled the deaths homicides. I dont think that I can stand up here, nor can anyone, explain the horrific loss of two innocent childrens lives. I think it goes without explanation, Adams, the prosecutor, told reporters when Snyder was charged in December 2019, more than two months after the killings. The defense had planned an insanity defense, citing a chronic history of severe mental disorders. Her lawyer has said Snyder had severe depression, borderline personality disorder, dissociative disorder and other mental illness at the time of the homicides. Prosecutors had indicated they would seek the death penalty. Donald Trump's lawyers had argued there was 'tangible and overwhelming' evidence of bias in the case against him - REUTERS Donald Trumps request for a mistrial in his $250 million (206 million) civil fraud case has been rejected by the New York judge overseeing it. Judge Arthur Engoron said he could not in good conscience let Mr Trump pursue a request that was utterly without merit. The former US presidents lawyers had argued there was tangible and overwhelming evidence of bias in the case. They argued Mr Engorons rulings and commentary and the political activities of his chief law clerk, Alison Greenfield, had tainted the proceedings. Mr Trump, his sons Don Jnr and Eric, and the familys business empire are accused of fraudulently inflating assets by as much as $2.2 billion (1.7 billion) to secure better deals from lenders and insurers. The civil case has been brought by Letitia James, the New York attorney general. She is seeking at least $250 million in fines and a ban on Mr Trump and his sons working as executives in New York. Judge Arthur Engoron is overseeing Mr Trump's civil fraud trial - REUTERS The Trumps have denied any wrongdoing and claimed the case is politically motivated. Meanwhile, Mr Trump, 77, wasted little time in unleashing a volley of attacks against Ms Greenfield after a gag order imposed on him was temporarily lifted. Writing on his Truth Social platform just hours after an appeals court lifted a ban on him publicly discussing court staff, Mr Trump denounced the clerk as politically biased and out of control. The order had been imposed by Mr Engoron in October after Mr Trump shared a photo of Ms Greenfield with a prominent Democrat on social media. He has fined Mr Trump a total of $15,000 (12,000) for twice violating the order, and warned of more serious consequences for future breaches, including imprisonment. Mr Trump also faces four criminal cases as he seeks a second term in the White House next year. On Friday, prosecutors in Georgia requested that his election interference case in the state begin on August 5 next year, more than half way through the 2024 election campaign. The proposed date balances potential delays from Mr Trumps other trials with the constitutional speedy trial rights of Mr Trump and other defendants in the case, Fani Willis, the Fulton County District Attorney said. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. WAUKESHA, Wis. (AP) A jury has convicted a Wisconsin woman of fatally poisoning her beautician friends water with eye drops five years ago. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports the Waukesha County jury convicted 39-year-old Jessy Kurczewski of Franklin of first-degree intentional homicide and two counts of theft in connection with the death of Lynn Hernan of Pewaukee. Hernan was found dead in her condo in 2018. Analysts found tetrahydrozoline, a chemical found in Visine, in her system. According to a criminal complaint, Kurczewski told investigators she gave Hernan a water bottle filled with six bottles of Visine. Prosecutors also accused Kurczewski of stealing more than $290,000 from Hernan. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) A Kent County jury on Thursday rejected a womans claim of self-defense in the shooting death of her boyfriend, finding Sakina Muhammad guilty of first-degree murder. The verdict Thursday afternoon capped a trial that got underway this week in Kent County Circuit Court. This was an extremely difficult case, Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker wrote in a statement. (Assistant prosecutors) Kim Richardson and Angela Curtis really did an outstanding job presenting this case to the jury. We are thankful the jury took a look at all of the evidence, carefully considered it, and came up with the verdict they did, Becker wrote. An undated courtesy photo of Kwan Winston. Muhammad was accused of killing 27-year-old Kwan Winston at an apartment building on Taft Avenue SW south of 28th Street in Wyoming in March 2022. Court records indicate Winston had been shot in the head. Police investigated after Muhammads parents called 911, saying there had been a domestic dispute. Muhammad and her 11-month-old daughter were gone by the time police arrived, but she was found the next day and arrested. After the arrest, her attorney said Muhammad had been brutalized for years and also spent time in shelters for abused victims. Court records indicate that Winston had tried strangling her twice once in March 2020 and again in January 2022. In addition to a guilty verdict of first-degree murder, Muhammad, 23, was convicted on a felony firearm charge. She faces life in prison when she returns to court for sentencing. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. A Bucks County judge has ruled that jurors will not be told about the violent juvenile record of a 57-year-old Falls man accused in the 1991 murder of his former neighbor when his case goes to trial next year. The order also limits what the ex-wife of defendant Robert Atkins can testify to when asked about her then-husbands actions the day her friend Joy Hibbs, 35, was murdered and her familys Croydon home set on fire. Common Pleas Judge Wallace Bateman Jr. issued the order Wednesday, which addresses a list of pretrial motions filed earlier this year in the upcoming murder trial set to begin in January. The Bucks County District Attorney's Office has certified the case as eligible for the death penalty. Robert Atkins seen here in his 2022 arrest on charges including murder and arson in the 1991 death of former neighbor Joy Hibbs. More on the case against Robert Atkins Did police ignore evidence in 30-year-old Bristol Township murder? Family seeks answers The judge issued decision on so-called prior bad acts and the testimony of April Atkins, who was married to Robert Atkins at the time of the murder. Defense attorneys for Atkins sought to have April Atkins testimony tossed out alleging it violated a Pennsylvania law that prohibits spouses from testifying to confidential communication in a criminal proceeding unless the privilege is waived or vacated. First Deputy District Attorney Jennifer Schorn argued that Apri Atkins could testify what her husband told her the day of the Hibbs murder because the couples children were in the room when he said it, which pierces the privilege, and that the couple was long divorced when April Atkins went to police in 2016 and implicated her husband. In his ruling Bateman agreed with the defense that the alleged confession is privileged, but he added a caveat. April Atkins cannot reveal that her then-husband told her he stabbed someone and set fire to the house the day that Hibbs was murdered, unless the defense attacks her character or conduct, which will allow her to testify about the privileged communication. The order does not prevent April Atkins from telling the jury about what she observed the day of the murder, including Robert Atkins appearance, actions and behavior. Defendants ex-wife and witness April Atkins is seen in the conference room outside the courtroom during the preliminary hearing for Robert Atkins who is accused in the 1991 murder and arson of Joy Hibbs, 35, of Bristol Township on Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2022. A cold case that led to an arrest of the long-time suspect in May. Why murder suspect wants evidence tossed Bucks County man wants evidence in 1991 Croydon murder, arson of young mom thrown out Defendant Robert Atkins is escorted to the police car after his preliminary hearing for the 1991 murder and arson of Joy Hibbs, 35, of Bristol Township on Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2022. Should violent past be part of trial? Bucks County man accused of murder has violent juvenile record. Should jurors know? Evidence barred from trial in 42-year-old crime involving Robert Atkins The other significant motion involved whether jurors would be able to hear about Atkins 1981 arrest in the violent assault on his 35-year-old aunt. Atkins, then 16, was charged in the assault and adjudicated delinquent, the juvenile court equivalent of guilty in adult court. The 42-year-old crime was among four prior bad acts evidence and witnesses that Schorn wanted admitted. Prior bad acts are crimes or wrongdoing that took place before the crime a defendant is charged with. They cannot be used at trial if the sole purpose is showing a defendant or witness in a bad light; an exception allows the use when the evidence proves "motive, opportunity, intent, preparation, plan, knowledge, or identity," according to the law. Schorn argued the attack had elements that closely resembled the attack on Hibbs a decade later, making it relevant as a signature crime, but in his order Bateman sided with the defense who argued the juvenile arrest record was irrelevant and prejudicial. But Bateman did grant Schorns motion to include another prior bad acts witness, who testified before the grand jury which recommended charges against Atkins in the Hibbs murder. The woman is a former neighbor of Atkins, who didnt know him, but she allegedly had a frightening encounter with him not long before Hibbs was murdered, according to authorities. She told police at the time that Robert Atkins had threatened to kill her and blow up her house for throwing tree branches into his backyard. This news organization was unsuccessful in immediately reaching either attorney Craig Penglase or Niles Eriksen, who represent Atkins, for comment Thursday. Schorn said that her office looks forward to proceeding to trial. And finally getting justice for Joy Hibbs and her family, she said. On Thursday, Joy Hibbs son, David, said that he was disappointed with the judges decisions, particularly the one limiting April Atkins' testimony. He worries the jury may not learn about the critical information. "After killing my mom Robert Atkins went home covered in blood and confessed to his wife that he 'just stabbed someone and lit their house on fire.' It's painful and cruel to think that the jury won't get to hear this compelling testimony because of some archaic law that was established almost two-hundred years ago." The murder of Joy Hibbs and case against Robert Atkins Atkins is accused of killing Hibbs, a married mother of two, who was found stabbed, strangled, and beaten in her fire-damaged Bristol Township home on April 19, 1991. He has entered a not guilty plea in the case. Last year a Bucks County grand jury recommended charging Atkins with 13 felonies, including first- and second- degree murder, arson, robbery and burglary. The Bucks County District Attorneys Office has certified the case as eligible for the death penalty. The DA contends Atkins killed Hibbs over a dispute involving a marijuana sale, and he took her cashed paycheck, and set the familys Spencer Avenue home on fire to destroy evidence of his crimes. Days after the murder, Bristol Township police identified Atkins as a prime suspect, but then swiftly dismissed him, despite strong evidence at the time that suggested his involvement, the grand jury found. Hibbs family members, who long suspected Atkins, have said they believe that his previously undisclosed work as a confidential drug informant for Bristol Township Police in 1991 influenced the murder investigation and resulted in a 30-year delay of justice. Bristol Township police have denied the familys allegation. The leadership of the police department at the time of the murder has since changed. The role of confidential informants How did murder suspect's status as a police informant impact a Bucks County cold case? https://www.phillyburbs.com/contentpackage/12052281002 This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Judge limits testimony against Robert Atkins in Joy Hibbs murder trial Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 17) Paula Shugart announced the end of her tenure as Miss Universe president after the prestigious pageants national costume show in El Salvador on Friday. I cant think of a better place than in this country and on this magnificent stage to announce the end of my tenure as the president of Miss Universe. I have decided that this Saturday will be my last show, she said. The presidents exit comes after reports that Thailand-based Miss Universe owner JKN Global Group had filed for bankruptcy in its country. JKN earlier clarified that it will only rehabilitate its business, explaining that the filing is a "necessary step" to repay its debt and to remain financially stable. However, Shugart said her exit has nothing to do with the filing of bankruptcy. To be clear, this decision has been months in the making and not a response to recent events, Shugart said. The president thanked the organization for all the adventures and pageant productions she was part of and said her exit does not mean goodbye. Don't think for one minute that I am retiring. I have an unbelievable story to tell and I look forward to telling it, she said. Shugart has served as president of the Miss Universe Organization since 2001 and first joined as vice president of production in 1998. Her duties included overseeing production of the annual Miss Universe telecast and also overseeing all business transactions. AUSTIN, Texas A Texas jury on Thursday convicted the woman accused of murdering elite cyclist Moriah Mo Wilson in a jealous rage last year. The Travis County panel deliberated for about 2 1/2 hours before finding 35-year-old Kaitlin Armstrong guilty of murder in the first degree, which could land her behind bars for up to 99 years. Prosecutors opted against seeking the death penalty for the May 11, 2022, slaying. Wilson's loved ones hugged after the verdict was read, and Armstrong's younger sister Christie Armstrong openly wept. Anna Moriah Minutes after the guilty verdict was read, the court went straight to the penalty phase as those closest to Wilson spoke about the victim and how her slaying affected them. She lived as if every day were her last day," mother Karen Wilson told the court. She never wasted any time. It was as if she knew her life would be short," Wilson said. Armstrong shot Wilson, an elite 25-year-old mountain biker, three times shortly after the victim had dinner with the convicted killer's boyfriend, former pro cyclist Colin Strickland, authorities have said. There were no witnesses who saw the slaying, and prosecutors built their case with the help of modern, everyday gadgetry that routinely follows human movements. Wilson was in Austin in May 2022 to compete in a race in Hico, southwest of Fort Worth. While she was in town, Strickland who had had a brief relationship with Wilson in fall 2021 texted her to meet up. On the day of her murder, Wilson and Strickland swam at a local pool and then had dinner, according to prosecutors. He also lied to Armstrong about his whereabouts, according to a police affidavit. Kaitlin Armstrong (Mikala Compton / Austin American-Statesman via AP Pool) Strickland and Armstrong lived together, and she had access to his messages on a laptop at their home, prosecutors said. The suspect then tracked Wilsons movements on the exercise app Strava and stopped her car near the Austin apartment where the victim had been staying, prosecutors said. The DA also presented cellphone data, security video and GPS information that showed Armstrongs Jeep circling the murder scene shortly before Wilsons slaying. After the killing, Armstrong sold that Jeep and fled to Costa Rica, where she underwent plastic surgery to her nose and changed her hair color and cut, investigators have said. Armstrong tried to establish a new life in Costa Rica as a yoga instructor before she was apprehended on June 29 last year, officials said. This is a developing story. Please check back for updates. Rebeccah Glaser reported from Austin, Texas, and David K. Li from New York City. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Kaitlin Armstrong was sentenced by a jury Friday to 90 years in prison after being found guilty of first-degree murder in the fatal shooting of 25-year-old professional cyclist Anna Moriah Mo Wilson in Texas in May 2022. Armstrongs case drew national attention after she traveled to Costa Rica and went missing for more than 40 days following the murder. Armstrongs then-boyfriend, Colin Strickland, is another cyclist and the last person seen with Wilson before her death. The jury has also ordered Armstrong to pay a $10,000 fine. Prosecutor Guillermo Gonzalez asked jurors to begin your calculation at a minimum of 40 years in prison as a sentence and go forward from there. Armstrong who turns 36 years old in less than a week faced the possibility of a life sentence, or up to 99 years in prison. Her defense attorney, Rick Cofer, did not suggest a specific prison term during his comments to the jury. Strickland testified during the trial that he had a brief romantic relationship with Wilson in the fall of 2021 while his relationship with Armstrong was on a break. The state sought to paint Armstrong as a jealous girlfriend who had access to Stricklands text communications and used a geolocation app to track Wilson. The defense has maintained that police neglected to test all evidence and consider other suspects. In 2022, Armstrong pleaded not guilty to the first-degree murder charge in Wilsons killing. In closing arguments, prosecutor Rickey Jones urged jurors to dismiss defense theories about another killer. Armstrong was on the run because she is guilty of shooting Mo Wilson in the heart and the head and taking away this prodigy at the age of 25. Nineteen days before this trial, shes running from you, Jones said of the defendant. She didnt want to face you Dont let her run like she tried to do 19 days before this trial. Gonzalez said in closing: No one saw who murdered Moriah Wilson, but the evidence all points in just one direction: the defendant. Cofer countered in closing that his client has been trapped in a nightmare of circumstantial evidence. How do you go about disproving a negative? he asked. The defense has pointed to unknown DNA profile recovered from the scene of the crime to suggest that Armstrong was not the killer. And Cofer asserted in closing that the Austin Police Department had told his client, Free to go, maam. Police think Kaitlin committed this crime. They dont know. She fits their story, Cofer told jurors. She fits the story theyve created. A spurned, jealous lover. That story is so easy to tell because it ties into a framework of patriarchy and misogyny rooted in American culture. Cyclist found dead days before race Anna Moriah "Mo" Wilson - Courtesy Wilson Family Wilson, 25, was found dead with multiple gunshot wounds at the home of a friend in Austin, authorities said, three days before she was set to compete in the Gravel Locos bike race, a 157-mile race in Texas. She had told her friend she was going for an afternoon swim with Strickland, who later told police he and Wilson swam and ate dinner, and he dropped her off at a friends home, according to an arrest affidavit in Travis County District Court. Police issued a homicide warrant on May 17, 2022, for Armstrong. The affidavit for her arrest pointed in part to video surveillance obtained by investigators showing a vehicle similar to hers near the home shortly before Wilsons body was found. Armstrong was captured in Costa Rica on June 29, 2022, and was deported to the United States on July 2 to face a murder charge. She faces a separate federal charge of unlawful flight to avoid prosecution. A spokesperson for the US Marshals Service said authorities believed Armstrong used the passport of a close associate to go to Costa Rica and while there used several aliases while moving several times to a new town, CNN previously reported. Armstrong was detained for violating Costa Rican law for fraudulently using a passport, according to Marshals spokesperson Brandon Filla. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Small loitering munitions, also known as kamikaze drones , with new specialized seekers would be a valuable additional tool for finding and taking out enemy land-based electronic warfare systems, according to U.S. Special Operations Command. This underscores the threat posed by electronic warfare capabilities that potential adversaries, especially China and Russia , have already fielded and new systems they are continuing to develop. It also speaks to ongoing discussions about the roles of U.S. special operations in any future high-end conflict after decades of focusing on counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency, and other lower-intensity operations. A contracting notice posted online discusses the core requirements U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) has for what it is currently calling the Counter-Electronic Countermeasure Seeker , or CECMS. The UVision Hero-120 seen here is one of the loitering munitions SOCOM says could potentially make use of the new Counter-Electronic Countermeasure Seeker. UVision Current conflicts have "shown the tactical and operational impact of enhance[d] ISR [intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance] and longrange precision strike capabilities," one contracting notice released earlier this month explains. However, "the resulting requirement for dispersion complicates command, control, and logistics which are further degraded by electronic attack on communication and navigation systems." "GPS and command link jamming degrades ISR and precision munition capabilities needed for attack in depth against command, control, and logistics centers," it continues. "While this effects [sic; affects] both sides it favors the side that can employ mass without regard for casualties. Under the cover of the jamming, he can prepare, and mass [forces] then turn it off to launch a wave of guided munitions and/or a major ground/air attack." The notice also highlights that historically dedicated anti-radiation munitions, weapons that are specifically designed to home in on targets using their radiofrequency emissions, have been designed primarily to engage enemy air defense radars and to be launched by larger platforms. A prime example of this is the AGM-88 series of air-launched anti-radiation missiles that the U.S. Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps employ from various fixed-wing aircraft. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=phkQA9UH71k\u0026t=122s What SOCOM wants now is a new seeker to enable a much smaller and potentially man-portable anti-radiation capability, with a particular focus on loitering munitions. The aforementioned contracting notice specifically mentions the Uvision Hero-120 loitering munition, which the U.S. special operations community is already acquiring , and the Altius 700 , a highly modular drone that can be tube-launched from a variety of platforms, as potential recipients of the CECMS. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFqAshZCFhM An Altius 700 drone. Area-I/Anduril It's, of course, worth noting that loitering munitions, which Israeli companies pioneered and continue to be world leaders in, first emerged as a result of a desire for alternatives to traditional air-launched anti-radiation weapons. Many kamikaze drones in production today are still configured for this particular mission set . They are now steadily proliferating thanks in no small part to Iran, which has become a major source for uncrewed systems of this type , both to militant groups and the armed forces of nation-states, now including Russia . The IAI Harpy , featured in the video below, is a prime example of an anti-radiation kamikaze drone. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AyKXUfOubH0\u0026t=1s SOCOM also lays out a notional concept of operations for employing the CECMS-equipped kamikaze drones wherein they would "penetrate [into] electronic countermeasure operational environments and loiter" and be able to "conduct a preplanned autonomous attack on active emitters." Though how the seeker might actually function looks to be left relatively open-ended at this state, the idea is that it would be capable of using various data, such as "location, type of signal and jam to signal ratio, etc., ... [to] determine threat identity to prevent fratricide." SOCOM's contracting notice does point out that a CECMS that is small enough to fit into something like a Hero-120 or an Altius 700 could be readily adaptable to small, but more traditional munitions. The AGM-114 Hellfire missile and 70mm rockets are also specifically mentioned as potential weapons the seeker could be integrated onto in the future. A US Air Force MQ-9 Reaper drone fires an AGM-114 Hellfire missile. DOD If CECMS can be integrated onto small drones and munitions as a seeker, there is the possibility that could be added to the sensor suite on larger ISR platforms, too, according to SOCOM. This would help them be better able to hunt for enemy electronic warfare systems, which could then be engaged by other means, including by artillery fire, the contracting notice emphasizes. There are still important questions that seem to still need to be answered about how CECMS would be intended to function and not be vulnerable itself to the kinds of electronic warfare systems it is designed to seek out. Getting it into a very small package could present challenges, as well. It is interesting to point out here that the Air Force disclosed the existence of a radiofrequency seeker small enough to be integrated onto the GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bomb (SDB), a relatively small air-dropped precision-guided munition, back in 2021. At that time, the seeker was described as offering "home-on-GPS-jam" capability , which sounds very much in line with what SOCOM is interested in, at least on a general functional level. Various kinds of home-on-jam capabilities are found on other existing air-launched munitions, as well. GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bombs with seekers with "home-on-GPS-jam" capability seen during a test. USAF SOCOM's interest in this kind of capability does underscore how very real a threat electronic warfare systems pose to U.S. forces now, something that is only expected to become more pronounced as time goes on. Ground-based jammers, in addition to systems in other domains, could scramble friendly communications, disrupt GPS connectivity, and otherwise hamper the functioning of other key networks. GPS jamming, as well as spoofing, could be particularly problematic given that the system is used for both navigation and weapon guidance, meaning that this could prevent the use of certain key precision munitions or at least reduce their effectiveness. Though this has all been increasingly apparent for years now, as The War Zone has highlighted on multiple occasions in the past, the current conflict in Ukraine has really hammered the point home . The agility being displayed by both parties, in the way that theyre executing operations in the [electromagnetic] spectrum, is awesome, Air Force Col. Josh Koslov, head of that service's 350th Spectrum Warfare Wing, told reporters at the Air & Space Forces Association's main annual conference in September, according to C4ISRNet . Both sides are doing the cat-and-mouse game very, very well. Russia has long been making significant investments in electronic warfare systems, including a multiple of ground-based types , since the end of the Cold War, in no small part to help offset historic advances enjoyed by the U.S. military and other Western armed forces. Even before launching its all-out invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the Russian military had been employing these capabilities against that country's armed forces . Russia's Krasukha-4, which consists of both of the truck-mounted systems seen here, is one of the country's most advanced ground-based electronic warfare capabilities and has been used in Ukraine since 2022. It's stated purpose is to detect and jam large radars, such as those on airborne early warning and control aircraft, and satellites. Russian Ministry of Defense China's People's Liberation Army has also put heavy emphasis on electronic warfare capabilities for the same kinds of reasons that Russia has, which has not gone unnoticed by the U.S. military . In recent years, the U.S. special operations community has also been in the process of shifting its primary attention to preparing to support future high-end conflicts after decades of hunting terrorists and conducting other low-intensity missions around the world. This, in turn, has raised questions about how special operations forces might be best employed in a major fight, such as one against China in the Pacific . The video below includes clips of U.S. Army Special Forces personnel, or Green Berets, destroying mock enemy air defenses during an exercise in 2021. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6kTehJICe4 Finding and neutralizing high-value assets, including air defense systems , has long been a potential mission for special operations forces on the ground, and is something that has come back into vogue in the current context. It's not hard to see how this then extends to looking for and destroying electronic warfare systems. An anti-radiation munition able to zero in on electronic warfare systems could potentially be used directly against radars and other emitters, too. In an environment with heavy electronic warfare jamming, special operations teams on the ground could offer advantages over other options for getting at these kinds of targets, including stand-off strikes from the air or sea, so long as those units can be effectively inserted to begin with. A man-portable loitering munition, especially one capable of autonomously searching for and engaging targets after launch, would also allow those units to still keep distance between them and the actual target area. This would help reduce their vulnerability or the possibility of the presence being detected at all. An anti-radiation loitering munition based on something like the Altius 700 could also be employed from other platforms, such as crewed and uncrewed aircraft and watercraft . If the weapon with the CECMS is small enough to fit inside a standardized Common Launch Tube (CLT) it would open up an immense number of possibilities in this regard. A rendering of an MQ-1C Gray Eagle launching Altius 600 drones. Variants of the Gray Eagle are service with the U.S. Army special operations units, among others. GA-ASI Whatever their mode of employment Special operations forces could use unarmed drones with the CECMS equipped just as a sensor to help provide real-time intelligence about the location and activities of enemy electronic warfare systems, and conceivably other emitters, and otherwise improve situational awareness. U.S. special operations units on the ground already have access to backpack-mounted electronic support measure systems (ESM) that can detect and geolocate signal sources, which you can read more about here . Marine special operators during an exercise. The individual seen at the left is carrying a backpack-mounted Joint Threat Warning System (JTWS) electronic support measures system (indicated further by the white arrow). USMC ESM systems, in general, are becoming more commonplace at various levels within the U.S. military, as well as among adversaries , from space-based capabilities down to the backpack-based ones, which could help with targeting CECMS-equipped loitering munitions, as well. "Hunter" drones with an ESM package could operate cooperatively with "killer" ones with the anti-radiation seeker, too. On top of all this, there has been a surge in interest in electronic warfare systems in recent years to defeat various kinds of drones , something that has increasingly become a factor in the conflict in Ukraine . This means that anti-radiation loitering munitions might become a key tool for clearing the way for other uncrewed systems, as well as other friendly forces, in the future. With SOCOM's stated concept of operations in mind, another option would be to send out these kamikaze drones proactively and have them loiter in a critical area where they could then immediately move to engage anything that then attempts to jam other incoming friendly drones, airstrikes or other assets. All told, it remains to be seen how SOCOM's desired electronic warfare system-hunting seeker capability, integrated onto a loitering munition or anything else, might ultimately materialize. At the same time, there is a clear and understandable desire for more ways to neutralize threats in the electromagnetic spectrum, which are very real now. Contact the author: joe@thedrive.com Editor's note: Viewing this story in our app? Click here for a better experience on our website. The water here is old. Around 20 million years ago, as wind and streams whittled away at the Rocky Mountains, the debris was dumped in the High Plains, a dusty bed of sand and gravel. Water flowed across those plains. It rained and snowed and hailed and rained again. The water leaked into the nooks and crannies of the sediment. There it has sat, for tens of thousands of years, sometimes as deep as 1,000 feet, over a span of 174,000 square miles an underground water deposit the size of Lake Huron called the Ogallala Aquifer. On a sweltering afternoon this August, Brant Petersons black Dodge Ram 3500 threw grasshoppers out of the way as he drove to check on one of his wells drawing water from the Aquifer. When Peterson was a kid on this farm, some wells pumped more than 1,000 gallons of water per minute. Now, his best wells pump closer to 300. Even before researchers truly understood the Aquifer, they knew it was a resource that could drain away. Kansas officials allowed too many wells anyway. The water spurred economic growth in the region. The growth led to more jobs, more revenue for the state and lower prices for food. The Legislature loosened pumping regulations and continued to over-distribute water rights. Ever since 1975 every well that was drilled out here was approved in Topeka, Kansas, Peterson said. Several administrations have taken incremental steps to address the problem. Mapping groundwater. Setting up local governing boards. Funding studies. Requiring meters on wells. Nearly every year, the water level is dropping. Wells that used to be able to easily pump hundreds of gallons of water are dry. More farmers are starting to give up their farms or turn to less profitable dryland methods. Farmers who work the same fields as their fathers and grandfathers are worried their children wont be able to do the same. A depleted Aquifer would likely mean economic devastation for the state driving up food costs, cutting Kansas tax base and displacing thousands of people in the west. But for years, politicians and officials have avoided the political maelstrom theyd face if they significantly intervened, while nursing a hope that farmers will figure out how to make a smooth transition away from irrigated crops. Officials say this moment is one of the last chances the government has to intervene, even as some are saying its already too late. If we cant save water now we might not ever be able to, said Weston McCary, a water office technology projects coordinator. This is the perfect condition of all the right technologies, all the right knowledge. Theres attention on it front and center. We have growing momentum on the legislative side of things and theres a lot of incentive money out there. Only time will tell if we got to this on time or not. As part of The Stars Broken Government series, which examines how government isnt working for residents and taxpayers, The Star pored through scientific journals and reports on groundwater issues in the Ogallala. Reporters conducted more than 40 interviews with experts and policymakers to figure out how an existential threat identified 68 years ago continues to be one of the most pressing political problems in 2023. What emerges is a microcosm of global climate politics. Policymakers recognize a looming problem and state agencies have the legal authority to step in. But, at risk of alienating voters and hurting the economy, officials fail to use their substantial political power to avert disaster, kicking the metaphorical can down the road. Farmers are limited to how much they can draw from their wells. But those limits are generous and rarely enforced. There are more than 34,548 wells with water rights in the 35 Kansas counties that lie over the Ogallala. And yet, since 2004, there have only been 2,016 fines for over-pumping water across the state. Even as the Legislature toughened water use fines in 2017, there were fewer penalties issued across the state than there are water-rights wells in just Finney County. Kansas farmer Brant Peterson says he has been reducing the amount of land he irrigates due to a declining water table in the Ogallala Aquifer. We knew that if things continued in that direction without change then we were headed towards zero, said Connie Owen, the director of the Kansas Water Office. We didnt have the science. We didnt have the technology. We didnt have the public will, we didnt have the legislative will to face that fact and to try to find a way around it. As time passes, many say its not a matter of saving the water that has sat in the Aquifer for thousands of years, but extending its lifespan for a couple more. But Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly, a Topeka Democrat, says she is uniquely positioned to set Kansas on a path toward sustainability. I can understand why others didnt [fix it] for a whole host of reasons but I really would have a hard time living with myself if I did not address what I know to be a huge problem, Kelly said. Nevertheless, she remains reluctant to impose any major state mandate on water. Her solution relies on the same premise as her predecessors: Farmers must voluntarily reduce how much water they use. Agriculture producers who use about 94% of the water pulled from the Aquifer have some culpability in the problem, Peterson said. Just because the speed limit is 65 miles per hour, you dont go that fast when theres black ice and white-out conditions. But, he said, the whole state has benefited from the economic monster out in western Kansas. A gallon of water grows a bushel of corn. That bushel goes to the feed yard. The farm has employees and the feed yard has employees. Then it goes to the packing house, where more people work. And thats a lot of churn. Right? Thats a lot of state revenue, Peterson said. And kids in school, businesses in town, housing market, taxes, all of it, and its just, its just the way capitalism works, right? Peterson firmly believes that someone will fix the water problem, helping to keep the current farming economy in western Kansas. To think otherwise, he said, would be devastating. Entire communities will be decimated, Peterson said. Jobs, all of that, will just crumble. Several tractors with push blades work to shape a 50-foot-tall, 4 million-bushel, pile of freshly harvested corn in Hoxie, Kansas. The corn will be ground and mixed with other feed crops to feed the nearly 60,000 head of cattle. The politics were never there A blue binder in the Kansas State Library contains a warning from 1955. The yellowing, type-written pages never mention the Ogallala by name, but they cautioned that, at least in southwest Kansas, the groundwater may not be renewable. If total discharge from a ground-water reservoir is so great that it is not balanced by the recharge even in wet years, the storage in the reservoir is inevitably reduced, researchers wrote. Ground-water mining is a serious problem. Two years later Kansas lawmakers loosened state water law, testing the prophecy. Before then, the law prevented farmers from draining the Aquifer, because depletion would intrude on older, established water rights. But, with an eye on economics, lawmakers changed the definition of intruding on an older right; a newer water user could deplete the Aquifer as long as it didnt cost an older water user money. The assumption there was that senior water rights would protect themselves thats not what happened, said Burke Griggs, a water law expert at Washburn University. Politicians both current and retired readily acknowledge that the Kansas government helped facilitate the draining of the Ogallala. But for decades the government prioritized short term economics and politics over long term conservation. A stony outcropping of the sponge-like rock that makes up the Ogallala Aquifer is exposed in the hills high above Scott State Fishing Lake in Scott County, Kansas. In 1981, after Congress ordered a study on the Aquifers depletion, former Gov. John Carlin, a Salina Democrat, told a New York Times reporter the Ogallalas future was not far from imminent crisis and doom. Speaking to The Star 42 years later, Carlin said the state failed to avoid that crisis. He started the Kansas Water Office, but didnt impose severe pumping limits and the office wasnt funded until the next administration. The experts understood we had a problem, he said. The masses werent ready and so the politics was never there. That remained true more than 15 years later when former Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, a Topeka Democrat, told the Star this year she did not prioritize water because the crisis wasnt immediate. Even if she had sought to address the issue with executive regulations, Sebelius believed the Republican-controlled Legislature would have objected. She called it a failure not to have tried to solve the problem while she could, because she thinks it will only be fixed by the government. Republican Gov. Sam Brownback wanted to focus on water. He worked on the issue as agriculture secretary, but said even writing a report on the Aquifer was seen as very aggressive. As governor, Brownback developed Kansass 50 year water plan, but amid major budget shortfalls it wasnt funded. He doesnt think that funding would have made a difference. The water plan funding would have been helpful, but most of these are individual or community decisions on whether youre going to pump or not, he said. In the absence of significant intervention from Topeka, local water users pushed for more power, particularly as they felt officials were cavalier in approving new wells. You had wells on each side of the county road, said Clay Scott, the owner of West Acres Grain. It made no sense. Why isnt there spacing? Well, because there was no need because nobody complained yet. Scotts region southwest Kansas is widely regarded as one of the most resistant to changes in water policy. Its also where the Ogallala is the deepest. It is easy to think of an Aquifer as an underground lake, connecting the land underneath the High Plains. Its not. The Aquifer itself is not a big hole in the ground, a big cavern, at least in our state, that you can go swim around in, said Brownie Wilson, a geohydrologist with the Kansas Geological Survey. Its sands and gravels that have filled up over years. Instead, Wilson said, you should think of it as a series of peaks and valleys. The impermeable bottom layer is deep in some areas close to 600 feet and shallow in others like 50 feet. Water moves, of course. But because of all the silt and sand and gravel, the water moves very slowly, only about a foot a day a mile in 15 years. So if a farmer in southwest Wyoming is draining his wells, it wont affect a farmer trying to conserve water in southwest Kansas. The Ogallala aquifer is the principal source of water for agriculture in western Kansas. Its not an underground lake as some believe but saturated sediments that have been deposited over the past 35 million years. When we pull water from the aquifer, its a bit like sucking water out of a sponge made of rock, gravel, sand and other geologic materials. High capacity irrigation, such as center pivot sprinklers, have used groundwater faster than it can be replenished. Center pivot sprinklers can disperse hundreds of gallons per minute from a well, 24 hours a day, for weeks or months on end. Some wells in western Kansas have been abandoned as underground water levels have dropped significantly. Because of its slow movement, there arent multi-state compacts for the Ogallala, even though it spans from Wyoming to Texas. Theres no standard between states on how to conserve Aquifer water and, even if there was, the federal government cant step in if the states disagree, the way it has with southwestern states negotiating over the Colorado River. That makes it a local problem, turning it from something argued between state governments to one that requires a pact between neighbors. But locally, water rights arent clear cut; its a tangled web where farmers often own older and newer rights. If someone went to court to prevent their neighbor with newer water rights from overpumping, it could create a ripple effect that would threaten their own newer wells. In the 1970s when groundwater withdrawals were at their peak the Legislature passed a law that allowed irrigators to form groundwater management districts, also known as GMDs, lending cooperative power to efforts to reduce water use. Groundwater Management District 4 manager Shannon Kenyon shows a modern spray nozzle designed to reduce evaporation when used on center pivot irrigation systems. There are five GMDs in Kansas three cover areas where water is supplied by the Ogallala. Voting members of the district own irrigated land, which means residents without irrigation rights have no direct say in how their water is managed. At first, the districts could only recommend policy changes to the state and require users to install and monitor water meters. But, after farmers and feedlot managers in northwest Kansas asked for more control over pumping limits, the Legislature passed a new law in 2012 that would allow irrigators to set limits and mandate conservation: Local Enhanced Management Areas, or LEMAs. LEMA restrictions have extended the lifespan of the Ogallala in northwest Kansas but they only impact water within their boundaries a farmer with land inside and outside a LEMA can simply move their wells. Earlier this year the Legislature required groundwater management districts to identify how to best protect their water by 2026. If that doesnt happen, Earl Lewis, the chief engineer in the Kansas Department of Agriculture, says the state will step in with more serious action, likely a mandate requiring cut backs on water use. A steady stream of grain trucks rolled through Scott City, Kansas, past a sign for a purified water kiosk in mid-October during the corn harvest season. Scott County has some of the most depleted water deposits in the Ogallala Aquifer in Kansas. It doesnt scare Mark Rude, the executive director of the Southwest Kansas GMD. The chief engineers had full authority to deal with these issues for decades, Rude said. And it hasnt happened. And so whatever process ends up with, as long as it is reasonable, will be acceptable. So will it fix the problems? Probably not. Will it address them? Certainly. Will it be enough? Time will tell. Rude can point to several reasons he doesnt want the state stepping in. If you mandate across the board cuts, he said, youre punishing people who have already reduced their water use because they would have to cut the same percentage as people who havent saved water at all. He said the threat of government intervention incentivizes people to pump more because it gives more room to cut back. Instead, Rude wants financial compensation for people who conserve water. And his GMD has pushed a plan to take water from the Missouri River, recharge the Aquifer and sell the rest to Colorado. Officials have dismissed the plan as unrealistic. Others like Vijay Ramasamy, Kellys special advisor for water hope that as LEMAs prove that farmers can cut water use while still producing profitable crops, it will convince other water users that more conservation is possible. Rep. Jim Minnix, a Scott City farmer and Republican chair of the House Water Committee, said hes hoping to use current momentum to make up for decades of lost time before the Aquifer gets so low that water quality becomes a bigger concern. The Legislature infused a historic amount of funding into water conservation this year. It should have been dealt with a long time ago, Minnix said. With what were dealing with today I want to do everything we can to get to that static point as soon as we can. Kansas state Rep. Jim Minnix, R-Scott City, who farms in Scott County, says that issues contributing to the depletion of the Ogallala Aquifer should have been dealt with a long time ago. Kansass chief engineer has long had the authority to impose sweeping restrictions to protect older water rights from infringement by newer water rights. If the situation is particularly dire, he could establish a high priority conservation area and limit pumping for the entire Ogallala region. But Lewis said hes reluctant to issue a mandate because it has always lacked public support and hed be obligated to prove hes acting in the public interest. For decades, he said, there was more support for mining the Aquifer than saving it. The agriculture community, which draws the majority of the water from the Aquifer, also holds significant power over policies that would drastically reduce water use. Kansas chief engineer is under unique political pressure. Unlike in other states, the engineer is hired by the Secretary of Agriculture, a political appointee. The secretary cannot fire the chief engineer but they can overturn some of their decisions. And, at this point, the governor has made it clear she doesnt want her administration to mandate cuts. You dont solve problems by forcing, Kelly said. Lets say it solves the water problem, the other problems that it would create would be massive and Im not sure redeemable. That leaves one solution: The agriculture industry has to make cuts. Farmer Brett Oelke is taking part in a voluntary LEMA program which puts limits on how much water he can extract from the Aquifer over a number of years. Efficiency is key This year was wet in southwest Kansas. Farms in Finney County got more rain in three months than they had the past year. In August, ditches on the side of the road still had water in them, weeks after the last rain. But because the region is semi-arid, most years are pretty dry. Between 2021 and 2022, much of western Kansas faced extreme drought conditions. Raccoons nibbled through the plastic of Petersons irrigation system, searching for water and taking it from his crop. Efficiency is key to nearly all of the plans to save the Aquifer. The agriculture community can cut its water use through new technologies genetically modified crops that drink less, pesticides that knock out weeds and advanced irrigation systems. Irrigation systems have evolved from flooding entire fields to center pivot systems with flexible plastic tubes that water crops at the base. In Sheridan County, where Brett Oelke farms, wells in the region have been incapable of pulling all the water theyre allowed for years. Oelkes father and grandfather placed meters on their wells before it was required. The decline was clear. I could have rode off irrigation into the sunset and been the last Oelke to irrigate corn in Sheridan County, Oelke, whose farm is in a LEMA district, said. When he spoke with The Star in October, Oelke was changing the heads on his sprinkler to a more efficient design. Hes also conserved water by changing his planting patterns, leaving the debris from the prior crop on the soil to limit evaporation. Since he made this shift, Oelkes farm has made more money. His yields arent as high but hes spending less money on the front end. Irrigated land has more value than dryland, when crops depend on rain rather than irrigation. So when a farmer stops using a well, they lose value. Brant Peterson, shown in 2015, planted sorghum on his farm in Stanton County, Kansas. Matthew Sanderson, a social science professor at Kansas State University, found that two things drive a farms profit if they irrigate their crops and if they get government subsidies. Kansas farmers received more than $27.6 billion in federal farm subsidies between 1995 and 2021, according to the Environmental Working Group, an environmental activist group that opposes subsidies. Federal subsidies are based on the market values of crops. So growing corn, which has a high market value in Kansas, can mean a farmer still gets a decent return in a bad season. For years former Sen. Pat Roberts, a Kansas Republican, was the highest ranking Republican on farm policy. He hoped to use that power to build a coalition to get federal subsidies or incentives for farmers to switch to more efficient irrigation technology. It never came together. We would always have something else come in away and it just didnt happen, Roberts said. And thats, thats very regrettable. The state and federal government have offered hundreds of millions to farmers in programs that incentivize them to use less water and conserve the land. In late October, the Biden administration announced a $24.9 million grant for the Kansas Department of Agriculture to specifically deal with Kansas groundwater. It still may not be enough. One GMD manager said she gave out $65,000 in cost share incentives last year. It was only about a third of the demand. Nearly 60,000 head of beef cattle fill the pens at Hoxie Feedyard near Hoxie, Kansas. The vast majority of water drawn from the Ogallala Aquifer in Western Kansas goes to irrigating crops that eventually gets turned into feed for cattle. Water used by municipalities is slight in comparison. Reverence for farmers For all of the attempts at a solution, the alphabet agencies and the technological advances, theres a big reason its been easy for politicians to stay out of the way: A lot of people dont want outsiders getting involved. They dont want the chief water engineer. Nor the Legislature. Nor the governor. And certainly not the federal government. Over trips to western Kansas people repeatedly said the problem should be solved locally. Nobody in Topeka knows what in the world is going on out here, Shannon Kenyon, who manages the Northwest Kansas GMD, said. They think we just do what we do throughout the day, we start drinking beer at two oclock in the afternoon and drive around in pickups all day. And thats not how it works out here. Its a long-held sentiment. For years, as Roberts was hoping he might be able to get something done in Congress to address the water issue, he was warned off by constituents. In southwest Kansas, you didnt want to touch that third rail, Roberts said. They always worried about a mandate coming down from Washington that would put them out of business. Farmers have long held power in the American political imagination, to the point where working the land is more than a profession its a national identity. We revere farmers, Sanderson said. Theyre a part of a national myth about who we are as a country. They went out, they tamed the land, they subdued it, they used it. And they are the basis for democracy, according to Jefferson. Sanderson said preserving the Aquifer involves a series of challenges. You have a technical challenge, of trying to make irrigation and crops more efficient to reduce water use. You have an economic challenge both in making the economy of western Kansas work without irrigated farmland and without driving up food costs. You have a political problem, determining whether to step in and save the Aquifer. And then theres the challenge of farming culture. Kansas farmer Terry Berning met with Ground Water Management District 1 manager Katie Durham at her Scott City office in mid-October. Kansas has the 7th highest agricultural production of any state much of it irrigated by the Ogallala, which accounts for 75% of the groundwater use in the state. Theres a sense in western Kansas that the eastern part of the state ignored the Aquifer depletion while simultaneously blaming farmers. People in urban areas, they dont know what they dont know, said Katie Eisenhour, who runs economic development in Scott County. Were not misusing water when were trying to grow your food. Northwest Kansas isnt close to reaching the level where they stop taking out more water than is replenishing the Aquifer, a concept referred to as sustainable yield, static or status quo. But after slow, and sometimes painful culture change, farmers have doubled the lifespan of the Aquifer in that area. In the early days of local restrictions, Kenyon worried about slashed tires after meetings. Now, some of her biggest adversaries brag about their conservation. And, as more people recognize a changing climate, it has become clear that water is a finite resource. Amid political battles over access to water in the southwest, the governor plans to take advantage of the recent attention, her political capital and the states budget surplus. Its one of those things that has to be done or theres no Kansas, or certainly not Kansas like we know today, Kelly said. To lose water, to lose the ability to farm, is akin to losing ones identity. Clay Scott examines an irrigation pivot in a corn field near his family farm in Ulysses, Kansas in 2015. Sen. Jerry Moran, a Kansas Republican, mused about what western Kansas would look like if farmers cant produce a profitable crop. Already, theres a mental health crisis among farmers. Theres a depression that can come from your inability to do what your predecessors, what your family members did, Moran said. While I tell you the depression that comes from that, theres as many farmers who would say, its gonna rain. It always does, Moran said. I mean, Ive heard that hundreds of times. Few people were willing to speculate on what it would mean if the Ogallala dried up. Thats partially because the water wont dry up all at once some areas have more than 100 years left. Its also because its still possible to transition away from irrigation while the water is ancient, reliable irrigation is a relatively modern invention. There was speculation about what it would mean for food costs (theyd skyrocket) and the Kansas economy (itd crater) if the region cant successfully transition to dryland crops. There are sandy regions in western Kansas where dryland farming might not work. Or something might grow, but it wouldnt be profitable. If we dont change our behaviors, and change them enough, there will be no Ogallala Aquifer for us to use, Owen, the head of the water office said. Therell be nothing. There will be no agriculture. There will be no communities. There will be nothing. There will be no hospitals, no schools, no towns. In Trego County, Kansas, birds fly over a metal sculpture in the shape of a person hoisting a rain gauge to the sky as if to ask for rain. But farmers are optimistic. The Northwest Kansas GMD not only found a way to reduce water use, its shown that it can be profitable. Theres new technology every day. Theres political momentum. In other words, its gonna rain. It always does. McClatchys David Newcomb created graphics, The Stars Neil Nakahodo created illustrations and The Stars Chris Ochsner made photographs for this article. Bryn Green of Hays, Kansas, has a 16-month-old son and a dream of starting a business that'll give her the flexibility to care for him. For the past few years, Green has received sugaring servicesa noninvasive, nonhazardous hair removal procedure that involves applying a sugar, water, and lemon juice paste to a client's skin. A sugaring business, she thought, could be "something that I could do part time" or on "a super flexible schedule that would allow me to stay home with my son and also provide some additional income for our family," Green tells Reason. But Green quickly learned that it's illegal to remove a single hair from a client as a sugarer without a state-issued occupational license. Green is now suing the Kansas Board of Cosmetology for the right to sugar without a license, represented by the Kansas Justice Institute, a public-interest litigation center. "The state of Kansas has unreasonable occupational licensing requirements," says Samuel G. MacRoberts, general counsel and litigation director for the Kansas Justice Institute. "They are burdensome, oppressive, they're protectionist, and the Kansas Constitution prevents the government from imposing that type of licensing regime for sugaring and for Bryn Green." Green could either obtain an esthetician or cosmetology license to legally offer sugaring services. Getting an esthetician license, while less time-intensive at 1,000 required education hours, would mean driving two and a half hours each way to the closest approved school in Wichita. Getting a cosmetology license would be possible through a school in Hays, but Green would need to pay $18,200 in tuition. Worse, the cosmetology license requires 1,500 education hours. The vast majority of that curriculum is completely unrelated to sugaring. "If you look at the curriculum for specifically a cosmetology license," only "a small percentage of it is temporary hair removal," says Green. "If you divide the 1,500-hour requirement out, it ends up being less than 1 percent." In order to be licensed, Green would also need to pass written exams that require no practical demonstration of skills. Those requirements illustrate that occupational licensing regimes are often more concerned with protecting incumbents and limiting competition than with consumer safety. Sugaring is "extremely safe" and "extremely natural," Green explains. "You can sugar on yourself at home. You can purchase sugaring paste over the counter." "The government oftentimes tries justifying their occupational licensing regimes on the argument that it benefits public welfare," explains MacRoberts. "But in this case, when the cosmetology regime requires less than 1 percent devoted to the business that Bryn wants to do on a daily basis, it is patently unconstitutional." The Kansas Constitution, MacRoberts notes, "has a unique provision called the Life, Liberty, and Pursuit of Happiness Clause," and by preventing Green from exercising her right to make a living through sugaring, the state's occupational licensing regime violates that clause. The Institute for Justice (I.J.), a libertarian public-interest law firm, ranked Kansas 40th in the nation for its average licensing burdens in its 2022 License To Work report, a national occupational licensing study. Despite being a relatively low-burden state, Kansas still requires nearly one in five workers to get an occupational license to legally perform their jobs. I.J. estimates that occupational licensing "costs the state's economy $3.1 billion and leads to 29,400 fewer jobs each year." "If we're successful in this case," says MacRoberts, "the Life, Liberty, and Pursuit of Happiness Clause will be applied to a great number of occupations in Kansas in a way that promotes individual liberty and freedom." The post Kansas Thinks You Need 1,000 Hours of Training To Remove Hair appeared first on Reason.com. Editors note: Reality Check is a Star series holding those in power to account and shining a light on their decisions. Have a suggestion for a future story? Email tips@kcstar.com. Kansas City, Kansas, officials say they are working to get a Wyandotte County fee off of utility bills, which when unpaid has left residents without water or electricity. But its unclear when that might happen. The Board of Public Utilities, known as the BPU, provides water and electricity across KCK and for years has acted a bill collector for the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas. One county fee in particular, the payment in lieu of taxes, known as the PILOT, has led to utility shutoffs for households where residents can pay their water and electric bills but struggle to afford that UG charge. In a Facebook video this month, Mayor Tyrone Garner said he is working with BPUs general manager and the county administrator on separating the fee, known as the PILOT, off BPU bills so customers are not penalized. The goal is to make sure that youre only cut off and penalized for not paying your actual utility bills, he said, noting that change would lift a great burden off of some residents. The PILOT fee on the publicly-owned utilitys bills helps the UG make up for revenue losses from property taxes that are not collected from the BPU, since the municipal utility is tax exempt. The money is used to help fund city operations. Garner hopes to separate the bills by 2024, but said there were minute items officials needed to work through first. The PILOT and other UG fees, which have nothing to do with water and electricity usage, have become about half of BPU bills, he added. The mayors office did not provide additional information about next steps when asked several times this week. Its unclear, for example, how the UG intends to bill residents for the PILOT fee if it is removed from BPU bills. The fee, added to BPU bills more than a decade ago, is higher than ones at many comparable utility companies across the U.S. Comparable fees tax around 5.5% on average, but the UG set the rate in Wyandotte County at 11.9%. In each recent year, the PILOT has collectively brought more than $30 million in for the UG, according to the BPUs annual report. At the BPUs meeting this month, General Manager Bill Johnson also said he is working with Garner and County Administrator David Johnston on separating the bills, but noted he was not sure if it would happen before the end of the first quarter next year. I need to work back with staff on seeing how much decoupling of our system, of our processes that is gonna still be needed, Johnson said. A long time coming BPU board member Tom Groneman was pleased the UG was finally willing to consider changing the bills, something he said the countys governing body had not been prepared to do in the past. Utility board member Rose Mulvany Henry, who has served since 2019 and was reelected this month, said separating the bills is something the board has pushed for for a long time to alleviate the burden of struggling ratepayers. Personally, Im really thrilled, Mulvany Henry told The Star this week. I hope I see it and I hope I see it soon, but I cant tell you what it looks like because I dont even know. At the BPU meeting earlier this month, board member David Haley, who is also a Kansas state senator, called the UG taxes added to BPU bills onerous. They have given the BPU a bad name as the countys tax collector, he said. When I first brought (separating the bills) up, everyone said, Itll never happen, Haley said, adding that Johnsons advocacy will change how the BPU is perceived when it finally happens. In the meantime, some residents who have described themselves as getting pinched have had their utilities shut off for being unable to pay a few dollars. Residents also rallied over the summer before the BPU voted 4-2 to increase water and electric rates. Haley recently got a call about a woman whose service was cut off because she missed her payment by $4. Her lights were off for days on end, he said. Rep. Ken Buck (R-Colo.) predicts that if former President Trump is convicted and then reelected, he would be impeached again. Buck joined CNNs Kasie Hunt to discuss the former presidents possible conviction and what it means for the Republican Party if he becomes the nominee for the 2024 presidential election. Well, heres the real issue from my perspective, and that is that impeachment requires a high crime or misdemeanor, Buck said. If Donald Trump is a convicted felon the day he shows up to Congress, you can imagine the impeachment, legitimate impeachment, inquiries and motions that are going to be made. Best Black Friday Deals And the impeachment, the crimes arent just crimes that have nothing to do with politics or his presidency, they are integrally involved with how he operated the White House and what he did after he lost an election, Buck said. I think that is really a cause for concern. Buck said that if Trump wins reelection and is the sitting president, he thinks some Republicans in the Senate will vote to convict him if he is convicted of felonies. It take a two-thirds majority in the Senate to reach a conviction on an impeached president. Trump has been impeached twice, but he was not convicted by the Senate in either of his trials. The Colorado congressman said he hopes voters are paying attention and take action because he doesnt think the Republican Party can do as much as the voters can. Buck has yet to endorse another candidate running against Trump to be the Republican nominee, but said he thought the world of former Vice President Mike Pence and loved Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.), who both have dropped out of the race. So really, in my view, weve got Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley, Buck said. And well see if Donald Trump ever shows up a debate. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Kenyans took part in the country's first tree-planting holiday on Monday Kenya's President William Ruto has been named by Time Magazine as one of the world's 100 most influential leaders shaping global climate action. The listing comes in the week he led a national holiday aimed at planting 100 million trees in a single day. Mr Ruto was named alongside the mayor of Sierra Leone's capital Freetown, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr. Burkinabe-German architect Francis Kere and Ethiopian climate entrepreneur Kidus Asfaw also made the Time list. The ranking, known as "Time 100 Climate", was released on Thursday, and is the magazine's inaugural attempt to name those it sees as significant in highlighting and doing something about the issue of climate change across the globe. Time said it selected those listed for "making significant progress in fighting climate change by creating business value". The magazine also said that the honourees were chosen because their efforts in fighting climate change were recent and produced "measurable, scalable achievements" rather than "commitments and announcements". Mr Ruto has been vocal in trying to deal with the impact of climate change in Kenya and Africa. The tree-planting holiday held on 13 November was part of his larger ambition for Kenya to plant 15 billion trees in 10 years. In September, he hosted the first ever Africa Climate Summit in Kenya's capital, Nairobi, which ended in a joint declaration demanding that major polluters commit more resources to help poorer nations. But some environmentalists have called Mr Ruto a hypocrite for championing tree planting while failing to tame illegal logging in public forests. Last month, an environmental court stopped a directive that Mr Ruto gave in June to lift a 2018 ban on logging. In October, he called for the eviction of people living in the 380,000-hectare Mau Forest. While some environmentalists hailed the move as critical to safeguarding the forest, some human rights lawyers said the government illegally evicted the Ogiek indigenous community which has inhabited the land for generations to profit from carbon offsetting schemes. Mr Ruto's recognition as a leader on climate action also came as the World Bank on Friday warned that Kenya's economic output could decline by 7.25% by 2050 if the country fails to tackle climate change. Architect Francis Kere was named by Time for his innovative sustainable design projects, including for the state houses in Benin and his home country Burkina Faso. In 2022, he became the first black person and African to win the prestigious Pritzker Architecture Prize. Mr Asfaw runs a start-up that repurposes plastic waste into affordable low-carbon construction materials. Time said that his start-up offers "a sustainable and speedy solution to housing shortages as Africa's population grows". Mayor Aki-Sawyerr was listed for "tackling environmental degradation and climate resilience" through efforts like developing a climate action plan for Freetown and appointing a chief heat officer for the city, the first in Sierra Leone and Africa. You may also be interested in: Editors Note: This is a version of CNNs Royal News, a weekly dispatch bringing you the inside track on Britains royal family. Sign up here. Britains sovereign didnt celebrate his 75th birthday with an extravagant soiree or an over-the-top display of pageantry on Tuesday. Instead, he followed his mothers tradition of marking the occasion in a low-key fashion and threw himself into his work. In doing so, the Kings messaging was clear: His primary focus is on public service. This theme is something King Charles III adopted from the earliest moments of his reign. The centerpiece of the monarchs birthday plans this week was kicking off his new Coronation Food Project, an initiative he was inspired to launch with the dual purpose of tackling both food poverty and waste. The program aims to create distribution hubs to take excess food and supply it wherever its needed amid the ongoing cost of living crisis. To mark his special occasion, Charles engagements on his birthday included a tour of a surplus food distribution center outside London. Accompanied by his wife, Queen Camilla, he wanted to see how food waste can be used for social good. The latest cover of The Big Issue features a portrait of King Charles III, taken by celebrated British photographer Rankin to mark the launch of the Coronation Food Project. - Rankin/Rankin Creative/AP Charles had revealed more about the new campaign in the latest edition of Big Issue, a magazine that helps the homeless, published Monday, which also saw the monarch become its newest cover star. 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, the King wrote in the publication. 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. As is tradition on the monarchs actual birthday, ceremonial gun salutes sounded across the country, including at the Tower of London and Edinburgh Castle. The illuminated billboard at Piccadilly Circus displays a message to mark the monarch's milestone birthday. - Victoria Jones/PA Images/Getty Images After visiting the food distribution center, where he was also treated to a surprise rendition of Happy Birthday, Charles hosted a reception for nurses and midwives at Buckingham Palace in honor of the National Health Service, which is also 75 this year. He rounded out the day with a private dinner with family at Clarence House. While Prince Harry was not there, we understand he was expected to call his father from California for his big day. On Monday, King Charles shared his celebrations with others who were also turning 75. A couple of his properties hosted afternoons of live music and tea parties, with the monarch stopping by his home in Highgrove, Gloucestershire, to join the fun. Another signal of the Kings birthday theme of public service came from a change you may have missed this past week. It was recently revealed that three of the charitable organizations he established while Prince of Wales are being rebranded. The Princes Trust is becoming the Kings Trust. Likewise, the Princes Foundation will be the Kings Foundation. Meanwhile, the Prince of Waless Charitable Fund will be known as the King Charles III Charitable Fund going forward. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 17) The World Health Organization (WHO) is not involved in the reported leak of personal data related to COVID-19 vaccination in the Philippines, an official from the United Nations agency said on Friday. WHO Representative to the Philippines Dr. Rui Paulo de Jesus said the organization does not have access to personal data, which is the exclusive domain of governments. He said WHO only gathers the total number of COVID-19 infections, deaths, and doses administered. "Reports that a data breach linked to WHO or WHO-hosted databases has occurred are false and inaccurate," he said in a statement. RELATED: DICT finds COVID-19 vax data in dark web after reported WHO cyberattack The Department of Health on Tuesday said it received reports that COVID-19 vaccination data from the Philippines "housed within the WHO" have been compromised and leaked. The Department of Information and Communications Technology said vaccination data from the Philippines has been uploaded to the dark web following a supposed cyberattack on the WHO database. DICT spokesperson Assistant Secretary Aboy Paraiso said they cannot ascertain the full extent of the data leak, but they deduce it includes the names and addresses submitted prior to vaccination. Sir Keir Starmer has been gleefully revelling in the Governments latest struggles without feeling the need to say very much at all himself. Wednesdays Prime Ministers Questions was peppered with the same old tropes about Suella Braverman being unfit for office and 13 years of blah blah blah. (Braverman is a national security risk, according to the Labour leader, who repeatedly insisted Hamass friend Jeremy Corbyn would be a good prime minister when he spent four years on his shadow front bench.) Naturally, the Governments failed Rwanda plan was high on the agenda for Starmers weekly despatch box shindig, when he described the 140 million scheme as a ridiculous, pathetic spectacle and a Tory gimmick. The asylum backlog has swollen to 175,000 people, he opined. Taxpayers are paying 8 million a day on hotel bills and 615 people arrived by small boat last Sunday alone! It was quite the oration from a man whose party has opposed measures the Government has tabled to stop the boats, and seemingly has no plan of his own, beyond negotiating a returns agreement with the EU that would lead to more migrants coming to the UK, and setting up safe and legal routes that would also result in more migrants coming to the UK. There is no denying that the Conservatives have monumentally messed things up. As well as all the pathetic in-fighting over the Rwanda plan, theyre so overspent there is no guarantee they will offer tax cuts at the Autumn Statement on Wednesday. The NHS appears to be in permanent crisis, with the waiting list estimated to peak at more than eight million by next summer. Our public services are at breaking point. Theres a general consensus that nothing is working and the country is going to hell in a handcart. So there is every likelihood that Starmer will be walking into No 10 without much resistance come next years general election, with Labour nearly 20 points ahead in the polls. Yet he is deluding himself and the country if he thinks he can simply carry on sniping from the sidelines without coming up with any credible solutions of his own. Should Starmer become prime minister, hes not only going to inherit a shambles which he appears to have no plan for dealing with but hes also going to be doing it with the huge weight of expectation on his shoulders. Labour voters, particularly the younger ones, are looking to Starmer to build more starter homes and make rents more affordable for their generation. But the partys opposition to the Governments bid to scrap EU-dictated nutrient neutrality laws will make it nearly impossible. Major developers say that the environmental rules are being applied so strictly that they are unable to build new homes in large parts of England. Building industry projections forecast that house building in England could soon fall below levels not seen since the Second World War unless something changes. Starmers constant flip -flopping on this issue has also brought his sincerity into question. Two years ago, he branded the Governments plans to reform the planning system a developers charter. Then, at last months Labour party conference he vowed to get shovels in the ground and cranes in the sky to build 1.5 million new homes, without specifying where the new developments will go or how theyll be paid for. Hes spoken about both giving back control to local communities and fighting against Nimbyism. Its all as clear as concrete. Labours economic plan is equally sketchy. Again, Labour voters are hankering for the antidote to Tory austerity, high taxes and the apparent neglect of public services (despite state spending being at an all-time high). Starmer and his shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves keep banging on about us being saddled with the highest tax burden in peacetime, but so far all weve heard from Labour is who they plan to tax more, not less: private schools, energy companies, tech giants, non-doms, overseas buyers Reeves says she has no plans to put up income taxes or introduce a wealth tax, but wishing taxes were lower and actually lowering them are two different things. Given she has already had to water down Labours flagship 28 billion-a-year Green Prosperity Plan due to its unaffordability in the current economic climate, it seems highly unlikely that taxes will come down under Starmer. Reeves has said that Labour would get a grip on public spending but that cuts to public spending on our police, our health service and our schools is not something that I would support. Asked where savings would be made, she cited funds wasted on public contracts awarded to friends and donors of the Conservative Party, unusable personal protective equipment and money written off by Rishi Sunak as a result of fraud, without specifying how much of that money she could credibly claw back. Labours plans for the NHS are similarly vague. Starmers mission statement nobly calls for an NHS that is there when people need it; fewer lives lost to the biggest killers; and a fairer Britain where everyone lives well for longer. But after reading the 23-page document, Im none the wiser as to how they are actually going to do it, or indeed pay for it. As far as I can tell, the Government has spent the past 13 years promising exactly the same thing only to be kiboshed by Covid. Quite how Labour are going to pay all these new staff not least given union demands is anyones guess. And then, of course, there is the thorny issue of foreign policy. Starmer hasnt been able to unite his party on the current situation in the Middle East. Labour isnt even in power and MPs are already rebelling over a ceasefire vote that is absolutely inconsequential to what is actually happening in Gaza. In total, 56 Labour MPs joined the SNP and Liberal Democrats to demand an end to the fighting on Wednesday. There is a strong correlation between those who rebelled and those with large Muslim populations in their constituencies. They werent the usual suspects either: Jess Phillips and Stella Creasy have largely toed the party line. Imagine how ungovernable the party will be on such matters when their decisions will have real-world consequences? The broad Conservative church might be at war with itself, but Labour is hardly a contented congregation all singing from the same hymn sheet, either. Tony Blair was propelled to power in 1997 on the basis that things can only get better. He was full of ideas whereas Starmer appears devoid of them. He cant even spell out what Labour would do for Britain, let alone what it would do better. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. Jo Stevens's constituency office on Albany Road, Roath, was covered in red paint and banners on Thursday night Police have launched an investigation after a Labour MP who abstained on the Gaza vote had her office vandalised. Shadow Welsh secretary Jo Stevens's Cardiff office was daubed in red paint and covered in posters which accused her of having "blood" on her hands. She called the incident "intimidating" and "threatening". Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer's stance on the Israel-Gaza war caused a major rebellion with 56 of his MPs voting for an immediate ceasefire. Beth Winter was the only Welsh Labour MP to back the ceasefire. The red paint and banners appeared on Ms Stevens's office in Albany Road, Roath, on Thursday night, with some accusing the Cardiff Central MP of supporting the deaths of babies in Gaza. Another poster said the Labour MP had "blood on your hands". Ms Stevens told BBC Radio Wales Breakfast she was shocked by the damage, which occurred during an event she said was described as a "vigil". "I absolutely support the right to protest, but what was done last night has gone way beyond that," she said. "If you have someone write murder across your door, it is intimidating." Adam Johannes from the Cardiff Central Anti War group said about 200 people gathered outside the office. "We don't feel our MP is representing the majority opinion in our constituency," he said. "We had a march down Albany Road, returned back and dispersed." Mr Johannes said organisers asked people to protest "peacefully and respectfully", but added: "I think we have to look at the bigger picture. After the vote... many people said they felt a sense of powerlessness. "We're seeing very catastrophic realities, emotions are running high." He said the group would like Ms Stevens to arrange a forum in which the situation in Gaza could be openly debated with constituents. South Wales Police said it was investigating criminal damage and that "a number of items have been seized for examination". One of the posters accused Ms Stevens of having blood on her hands First Minister Mark Drakeford has echoed the stance taken by Sir Keir, who called for longer "humanitarian pauses" to allow aid to reach civilians in Gaza. The issue has divided Labour, with ten of Ms Stevens's fellow frontbenchers stepping down from their jobs over the vote, including eight shadow ministers. Ms Stevens said she "found it particularly surprising" that a former Member of Senedd had been present at the protest. "I would have thought at the very least, that this individual would have had some understanding of the effect that this will have on my team," she added. "This is a workplace and my staff team and I, as well as my constituents who come to my office every day for help, should be able to do so in safety." Former Plaid Cymru MS Bethan Sayed said she had taken part in the protest "peacefully", and accused Ms Stevens of failing to "hear and respect" the views of her constituents who support a ceasefire. "I took part peacefully," Ms Sayed said in a statement. "I'd urge Jo Stevens MP to consider her actions as opposed to focusing on me." Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry says thousands of children have been killed since the start of the war Plaid Cymru's three MPs voted for the ceasefire but their parliamentary leader, Liz Saville Roberts, criticised the damage caused to the office. "Jo and I voted differently this week and I strongly disagree with Labour's stance," she said. "But attempts to intimidate elected representatives through vandalism and harassment are unacceptable and counterproductive." Israel launched a major military campaign in the Gaza Strip to destroy Hamas, which it considers a terrorist group, in retaliation for the 7 October cross-border attack by hundreds of gunmen. At least 1,200 people were killed in Hamas's assault on Israel and about 240 others were taken hostage. Since Israel started its counter-attack, Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry has said 11,500 people have been killed in the territory and the United Nations has warned of a "humanitarian disaster". The Incident at the Cardiff Central MPs office is being investigated by police - Ben Birchall/PA Wire A senior Labour MPs constituency office was vandalised after she abstained from the Gaza vote. Jo Stevenss office in Cardiff was sprayed with red paint and posters were put up accusing her of having blood on her hands. The incident at the Cardiff Central MPs office in Albany Road on Thursday evening is being investigated by police. The shadow Welsh secretary supported a three-line whip by Labour to abstain on an SNP amendment to the Kings Speech calling for a ceasefire and instead back party leader Sir Keir Starmers position of longer humanitarian pauses. Sir Keir faced a major rebellion as 56 Labour MPs including 10 shadow ministers and parliamentary aides defied the whip and supported the SNP. South Wales Police say a number of items have been seized for examination and enquiries are ongoing - Ben Birchall/PA Wire Naz Shah, one of the shadow ministers to resign in order to support the ceasefire motion, said she had received Islamophobic hatred that she had reported to the police. She told Times Radio that the vandalism to her colleagues office was appalling. Clearly Im concerned about all the people getting this vile abuse, she said. Ms Stevens, the shadow Welsh secretary, supported a three-line whip by Labour to abstain on an SNP amendment to the Kings Speech calling for a ceasefire - Richard Townshend Ms Shah said: Im concerned for my staff. Im concerned for every MP right now who is getting the emails, the telephone messages, the abuse on telephone messages. All the people who are having to stay indoors because there are threats flying around and police are having to drive around their homes. It is worrying, it is frightening. And it is not a nice place for any MP, anybody who is on the receiving end of the abuse. The Bradford West MP said Labours own amendment on the Gaza conflict tabled on Wednesday didnt go far enough and that she felt compelled to vote for a ceasefire after seeing horror after horror unfold in the Middle East. A police spokesman said: South Wales Police is investigating criminal damage to a property on Albany Road. A number of items have been seized for examination and enquiries are ongoing. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) A Central Pennsylvania woman was convicted for trafficking multiple from Puerto Rico, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ). Moniqua Ramirez, 44, of Lancaster, was convicted after a three-day trial in front of U.S. District Court Judge Jennifer Wilson that ended Wednesday, according to a news release. Prosecutors say that Ramirez worked with others to use the mail to smuggle kilograms of cocaine from Puerto Rico to different locations in Lancaster for further distribution. The cash from selling the drugs would then be sent back to Puerto Rico for further trafficking. Other drugs such as heroin and fentanyl were also sold by conspirators in street-level trafficking, the DOJ says. The following people who aided Ramirez already pleaded guilty; Ricardo Soto, Jonathan Lopez Arizmendi, Ricky Sanchez, Angel Leon-Rivera, Omar Carmenaty Morales, and Lucas Doel Gonzalez-Alvarado. Soto was sentenced to spend just under four years in prison while the rest still await their sentencing. New invasive tick species found in Pennsylvania Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Consiglio and Christian Haugsby are prosecuting the case, which is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program that brings law enforcement agencies together to reduce crime and gun violence. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Pennsylvania State Police, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Lancaster County Drug Task Force and the York County Drug Task Force partook in the investigation. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) A man accused of driving under the influence, speeding and then crashing into another car, killing a passenger, was reportedly ticketed for driving 94 miles per hour just hours before, documents said. Police arrested Fahid Amin on charges of DUI resulting in death and reckless driving resulting in death, records showed. On Sunday, Nov. 12, around 2 p.m., Metro police responded to a car crash on Charleston Boulevard near Durango Drive in the west valley. Two cars collided near the intersection with one vehicles passenger reportedly unconscious, documents said. A doctor pronounced the woman, identified in documents as Susan Rynas, 80, deceased at the hospital, documents said. Police arrested Fahid Amin on charges of DUI resulting in death and reckless driving resulting in death, records showed. (LVMPD/KLAS) Arriving officers noted a moderate odor of an unknown alcoholic beverage emitting from Amins person and other signs of impairment, documents said. Amin did not know where he was coming from or where he was going, police said. Police determined the car Rynas was traveling in crossed into Amins path as he was speeding on Charleston, documents said. Investigators believe Amin was traveling above 70 miles an hour. While searching Amins car, police said they found a Nevada State Police citation written earlier the same day. The officer cited Amin for driving 94 miles per hour in the 65-mile-per-hour zone, police said. There was no record of the ticket in any Clark County court docket as of Thursday. During his initial court appearance on Monday, Judge Pro Temp Lauren Diefenbach set Amins bail at $50,000. He posted bond Tuesday with a judge ordering him not to drive. A future court date was not scheduled as of Friday. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 17) House Majority Leader Manuel Dalipe on Friday said it would be difficult to gain support for an impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte without substantial evidence. "It's not easy to convince one-third when you don't have any basis. So, if there is nothing there to merit an impeachment complaint, I'm sure you cannot even get five or 10 congressmen supporting it. What more for a hundred plus congressmen supporting an impeachment complaint which is baseless," Dalipe told CNN Philippines' The Source. Dalipe denied that there are discussions in the lower chamber to impeach Duterte. He said he was even surprised when he heard the "rumor" because he does not see any reason to do so. "I was surprised, why are there rumors about an impeachment complaint when me, as a majority leader, I don't see anything substantial that would entail such impeachment of the vice president wala namang (there is no) justifiable reason," he said. The lawmaker said the issue only intends to cause a rift between the vice president and House Speaker Martin Romualdez. If an impeachment complaint will be filed in the future, Dalipe said the House will carefully look into it, noting that it will have to go through a rigorous process. He said the person who will file this will have to do a lot of convincing because getting the one-third vote will involve not just one but two to three political parties agreeing to it. For now, Dalipe said the House is focused on passing all 17 priority measures of the Marcos administration. Only seven are left to be discussed and approved before the year ends, he added. A makeshift memorial for a high school student lines a fence along an alleyway near Rancho High School in eastern Las Vegas on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023. Authorities arrested eight teens Tuesday in connection with the beating of Jonathan Lewis Jr., who died a week after a prearranged fight over a pair of headphones and a vape pen. (AP Photo/Rio Yamat) LAS VEGAS (AP) Four of the eight Las Vegas high school students accused of beating their schoolmate to death in an alley around the corner from campus made their first appearances Friday in the adult court system. In separate hearings, the two 16-year-olds and two 17-year-olds were ordered to remain held without bail pending a formal hearing to address their custody status. The teens are due back in court next week. The students each face one count of murder but have not been formally charged, court records show. The Associated Press is not naming them because they are juveniles. The other four suspects are awaiting separate hearings since they are all under the age of 16. Earlier this week, Las Vegas police announced the arrests of the eight students, between the ages of 13 and 17, in connection with the Nov. 1 brawl that left 17-year-old Jonathan Lewis Jr. dead. Authorities have said students at Rancho High School in eastern Las Vegas had agreed to meet after school let out that day in an alleyway around the corner from campus to fight over a pair of wireless headphones and a vape pen. The fight was captured on cellphone video and widely shared across social media. Police said they are still working to identify and locate two more students seen in the footage taking part in the beating who also will face murder charges. A prosecutor said Friday in court that the two remaining students were still at-large. In Nevada, teenagers 16 or older accused of murder are automatically transferred to the adult court system. Thats why a family court judge on Wednesday transferred the cases of the four students. Police records show that one of them turned 16 on the day of the fight. Outside the courtroom, special public defender Daniel Martinez, who has been appointed to represent that 16-year-old defendant, said his client will plead not guilty if he is formally charged in the case. Martinez said he also plans to argue for his clients release from custody at his next court hearing, but he said he had no further comment. As for the other four students who are under 16, hearings known as certification proceedings will be held at later dates to determine if they will be charged as adults. By law in Nevada, a teenager accused of murder can be charged as an adult if they were 13 or older at the time of the alleged crime. Police homicide Lt. Jason Johansson said they believe the headphones and vape pen had been stolen from the victims friend earlier in the week, which resulted in the students agreeing to meet in the alleyway to fight. Detectives think the victim wasnt originally supposed to be involved in the brawl, but he walked to the alleyway with his friend after school, Johansson said. The victims father, Jonathan Lewis Sr., said on a fundraising page created to help with funeral and medical costs that his son was attacked while standing up for his friend. The father has not responded to requests for an interview. Johansson said the video of the brawl shows the victim taking off his shirt to prepare for the fight, and then the 10 students immediately swarm him, pull him to the ground and begin kicking, punching and stomping on him." He called the video very void of humanity and said the victim was not defending himself as he was being attacked. After the brawl, a person in the area found the victim badly beaten and unconscious and carried him back to campus, where school staff called 911, Johansson said. Lewis Jr. was hospitalized with severe head trauma and other injuries and died a week later, according to the coroner's office in Las Vegas. Las Vegas police ask public for help locating vehicle involved in shooting LAS VEGAS (KLAS) Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department detectives are asking for the publics help as they search for a vehicle involved in a northeast valley shooting. Police are searching for a white Hyundai Sonata Sport. The shooting happened on Oct. 28 at 3:19 a.m. in a neighborhood near East Washington Avenue and North Sandhill Road. Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department is searching for this vehicle which was last seen at a shooting on Oct. 28, 2023, in a neighborhood near East Washington Avenue and North Sandhill Road. (LVMPD) One person was shot while walking with a friend when a vehicle approached them and opened fire. The person was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead, according to police. Anyone with any information about this vehicle or incident is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section by phone at 702-828-3521, or by email at homicide@lvmpd.com. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 702-385-5555. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) A Las Vegas police officer was arrested and faces charges of child abuse and domestic violence, according to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Las Vegas Metropolitan police officer Joseph Ortega was arrested on Nov. 16 and was booked into the Clark County Detention Center. He was charged with two counts of child abuse/neglect and two counts of assault domestic violence with the use of a deadly weapon, according to police. Ortega has been employed with LVMPD since 2017 and is assigned to the West Community Policing Division, Northwest Area Command. He will be placed on suspension of police powers without pay, according to police. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. Lake Atitlan in southwestern Guatemala is pictured at sunrise in this undated image. Authorities continue to investigate what happened to a women who went missing in the lake in mid-October. | SL-Photography, Adobe.com The last person known to have seen Nancy Ng, a California woman who went missing last month on a yoga retreat in Guatemala, has publicly denied claims that shes hindering search efforts. Nancy Ng disappeared on Oct. 19 while kayaking on Lake Atitlan in southwestern Guatemala. Ngs family said last week that one of the last two people to see her before her disappearance was not responding to the familys efforts to get in touch, per ABC 7, an ABC affiliate in Los Angeles. In a statement to ABC 7, the Ng search team coordinator urged witnesses to present themselves to their local Law Enforcement Department at the earliest opportunity. One of the last people to see Ng alive has since been identified as Christina Blazek. Blazeks attorney told ABC 7 this week that she has spoken with the Guatemalan police. To say my client hasnt done all she can is not true, attorney G. Christopher Gardner told ABC 7. What happened to Nancy Ng? Ng, a 29-year-old from Monterey Park, California, worked with special needs children at a local school district, according to ABC 7. She was in Guatemala for her second trip with a U.S.-based yoga group and was kayaking in Lake Atitlan when she was last seen, per ABC 7. Blazeks attorney said Blazek chatted with Ng while they were both kayaking, and Ng told her she was going to go for a swim. Blazeks lawyer told ABC 7 that Blazek warned Ng against it because of the current, but Ng still got out of her kayak, which began to float away. Blazek told her attorney that she retrieved the kayak, and when she turned around, she saw no sign of Ng. No one has seen her since. She was told she needed to talk to the police, and she went and gave a full statement to Guatemalan police, Gardner told ABC 7. They told her there was nothing that could be done. Apparently that lake is known for having people drown on it. What has Nancy Ngs family said about her disappearance? The information shared by Blazeks attorney with ABC 7 was new information for the Ng family, whove said that Blazeks statement wasnt included in the version of the police report theyve seen. I hope she can understand that we have no account of what happened because she is the only person that saw what happened, and it wasnt included in the report, the Ng family told ABC 7. The Ng family also said that Blazek refused their multiple efforts to speak with her directly. Blazeks attorney told ABC 7 that Blazek was traumatized by the experience and needed time. ABC 7 previously reported that the tour group Ng was traveling with did not report her disappearance to local authorities until the next day. Another ABC 7 article noted that the owners of Kayak Guatemala, the company that rented kayaks to the group on the day Ng went missing, have also raised concerns about the groups behavior. The owners, Lee and Elaine Beal, said that the groups members did not speak with them after Ngs disappearance on the lake and didnt pay for their rentals, according to the New York Post. The search for Nancy Ng is ongoing, ABC 7 reports. Ngs family has hired a private search team in hopes of bringing Ng home. Several members of Congress wrote a letter to the National Guard Bureau Chief, Gen. Daniel R. Hokanson, demanding information about 12,000 unpaid bonuses to Guard troops. The letter came on the heels of a report from Military.com, which revealed that the Guard is behind paying at least 9,000 soldiers the bonuses they were promised for signing up. Signing bonuses are a major recruiting incentive, with new soldiers who commit to six years of service and score appropriately on the ASVAB test being eligible for up to $20,000. Veterans-turned-lawmakers Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., Trent Kelly, R-Miss, and Mike Waltz, R-Fla., authored the note, which demands accountability as well as answers for why this happened. It is absolutely unacceptable that the National Guard has not paid thousands of soldiers and veterans the enlistment bonuses they were promised, Gallego said. We need answers. According to a National Guard spokesman, only 6% havent been paid. There are approximately 9,000 soldiers who may be overdue a bonus payment, Paul Swiergosz with the National Guard Bureau told Military Times. That excludes an additional 3,900 soldiers who separated without receiving their full bonuses, Swiergosz noted. However, the majority appear to have been ineligible due to an associated adverse action that was not lifted upon their separation, he said. In the letter, the lawmakers argue that the National Guard has far exceeded its mandate to pay out bonuses within 30 days of initial training, averaging six months if not longer. This discrepancy adds further confusion to an already seemingly disjointed process that lacks codification and a clear way forward for soldiers and veterans seeking the money that they deserve, it reads. The lawmakers called particular attention to the Army National Guard Incentive Management System, which they say has experienced two 10-month-long outages in five years. Swiergosz said that some of the slowness can be attributed to the incentive management system. AttornGPT at Law Earlier this year, Colorado-based lawyer Zachariah Crabill was caught red-handed using ChatGPT to help him write a court document but even after being fired from his job, he still believes in the tech. As The Washington Post reports, despite being "over the moon excited" for ChatGPT to have saved him from the "headache" of actually doing work, the tool included numerous fake lawsuit citations in the document. And that's not exactly surprising, considering the tech's infamous tendency to "hallucinate" facts, making it an immature tool for a legal professional. It was Crabill's first civil litigation case only a year and a half after being licensed. The same day of the hearing, his heart sank as he realized his mistake, as Colorado radio station KRDO first reported back in June. The judge denied Crabill's motion and reported him to a statewide office that handles attorney complaints. He was later fired from the law firm he was working for. Crabill's striking takeaway from the saga? He's doubling down, and is now working on an AI tool designed specifically for lawyers, per WaPo. "Theres no point in being a naysayer," he told the newspaper, "or being against something that is invariably going to become the way of the future." Future of Law Crabill isn't the first lawyer to have been caught using ChatGPT to draft legal documents. Earlier this year, attorney Steven Schwartz used ChatGPT while attempting to argue a federal court case. The tool similarly included a number of made-up citations, leading to a series of drawn out and deeply embarrassing court appearances. And earlier this year, Los Angeles housing attorney Lydia Nicholson noticed a suspicious court document they suspected of being AI-generated, LAist reported. The firm that provided them the document later blamed a new hire for using "online research." Despite these egregious slip-ups, industry analysts believe a huge proportion of legal jobs could soon be replaced with AI. In April, a Goldman Sachs report concluded that AI could automate 44 percent of legal tasks in the US. Is AI really the future of law or will lawyers continue to rely on dubiously sourced or entirely fabricated documents? According to Crabill, at least, it's most definitely the former. More on AI: Fugees Rapper Says His Lawyer Lost His Case by Using AI Whatever Erik Maund did or didnt do in March 2020, prosecutors and defense both said the same thing on Thursday. It was never about the money for him. Lawyers gave closing arguments Thursday as the federal murder-for-hire trial against Maund, the Austin, Texas, auto magnate, and codefendants Bryon Brockway and Adam Carey nears its end. Prosecutors say Brockway and Carey fatally shot 33-year-old Holly Williams and 36-year-old William Lanway with Maunds approval in Nashville in March 2020. According to the governments theory of the case, Maund got put in touch with Gilad Peled, an ex-Israel Defense Forces tank commander and bodyguard, who assembled a team of veterans and security professionals to handle an alleged extortion attempt by Lanway. They say Maund had sex with Williams, whom prosecutors said was a high-end escort and Lanways on-again, off-again girlfriend, during a trip to Nashville in February 2020. Lanway allegedly threatened to reveal the purported affair to Maunds family unless he sent him $25,000. There was a bit of discrepancy over whether that amount was actually $2,500 because of a text Lanway sent, or whether that was a typo, but prosecutors say that doesnt matter. Erik Maund doesnt care about $2,500 vs $25,000, the screens in room 6D of the Fred D. Thompson Federal Courthouse read during the governments closing statement. Nashville police's West Precinct detectives are investigating the March 13th double homicide of Holly Williams, 33, and her estranged boyfriend, William Lanway, 36, Assistant U.S. Attorney Brooke Farzad played for the jury the covert recording between Maund and Peled, who is cooperating with the government. In the call from December 2021, Maund says Id rather take care of it permanently than do the 25, in response to a fake scenario concocted by federal agents in which one of the Nashville shooters attempted to extort Maund for an additional $25,000. Maund did the same thing when Lanway demanded $25,000 in March 2020, Farzad said. This was never about the money for Erik Maund, she said. Prosecutors say bank records show Maund ended up sending Peled $905,000 before and after the killings of Williams and Lanway. But Maunds attorneys see things differently. Attorney Perry Minton pointed out that $900,000 is about a three-month salary for Maund. That amount of money may not mean as much to him as it does to the average person, Minton said. Do not equate the amount of money with him deciding to kill people, Minton said. Minton also said there wasnt proof that Lanway tried to extort Maund for as much as $25,000. He said there also wasnt proof that someone was being threatened, as he said Peled had at one point told investigators. The truth is he was cheating on his wife, and he didnt want her to know, Minton said. It was, Minton said, not a problem that Maund would have felt required killing anyone. But Minton argued that Peled escalated the situation so it got to that point, and he went as far as withholding from Maund a situational report created by the team in Nashville on March 9 that said there was not an immediate threat, Minton said. Minton said the team of professionals who were sent to Nashville including Carey, Brockway and two men named David Conaway and Anthony Repinski, who left the operation before the killings was overkill for the problem that Maund was facing. He (Peled) had to bring four new Ferraris to win a foot race, Minton said. Dont you think a bunch of Ferraris in a foot race might get someone run over? By getting Williams and Lanway killed, Peled stood to make more money from Maund, Minton said. When he was working with Maund, Peled was not thinking about how to make that problem smaller, Minton said. During rebuttal, Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert McGuire pushed back against this idea that Maund was a babe in the woods, as he put it. And for Maunds story to make sense, you also have to ignore testimony from Jim DiMeo that Lanway extorted him for $25,000. DiMeo is a partner at Maunds Toyota dealership in Austin and introduced Maund to Peled. Luke Evans, representing Brockway, called Peled a liar, and also argued that there was not enough proof to show within reasonable doubt that Brockway was with Carey when Williams and Lanway were killed. The governments evidence against Carey was stronger, including phone location data that placed him near the site of where Williams and Lanways bodies were left late the night of their deaths. Evans argued that was because Brockway wasnt involved in the killings. But Careys attorney Benjamin Perry argued that it was because Carey had nothing to hide. Perrys argument also rested on the claim that neither Williams nor Lanway were kidnapped, but were killed in the parking lot of Williams apartment complex. Perry asked Judge William Campbell for an immediate mistrial following Mintons closing argument. He said Minton acted improperly when describing the call between Peled and Maund in which Maund offers to pay for the death of one of the shooters presumed to be Carey. Minton suggested he may not said differently if he were in Maunds shoes. Campbell denied Perrys motion. Maund, Carey and Brockway all face charges of conspiracy to commit murder for hire and kidnapping resulting in death. Carey and Brockway face an additional charge of conspiracy to commit kidnapping. That charge was dropped against Maund. The jury has received instructions and begins deliberating Friday morning. The Tennessean will publish a story once a verdict is delivered. Evan Mealins is the justice reporter for The Tennessean. Contact him at emealins@gannett.com or follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @EvanMealins. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Lawyers give closing arguments in Nashville murder-for-hire trial Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., questions Navy Adm. Lisa Franchetti during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on her nomination for reappointment to the grade of admiral and to be Chief of Naval Operations on Sept. 14, 2023, on Capitol Hill in Washington. The Senate circumvented a hold by Tuberville on Thursday and confirmed Franchetti to lead the Navy, making her the first woman to be a Pentagon service chief and the first female member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. | Jacquelyn Martin, Associated Press Sen. Tommy Tuberville continued to block military nominations, with the support of Sen. Mike Lee, even as they received pushback from their GOP colleagues during an early morning effort to push through the nominations on Thursday. Lee stood by Tuberville, R-Ala., even as other Republicans criticized him, in opposing the Pentagons policy that allows active-duty service members to receive a reimbursement for abortion-related travel. The U.S. Department of Defense is supposed to kill Americas enemies, not her babies, Lee said in his remarks on the floor Thursday morning, according to a video posted by Tuberville on X, formerly known as Twitter. Regardless of how you feel about pro-life issues, youve got to accept the fact that Americans by a margin of three out of four are not willing to tolerate the expenditure of U.S. taxpayer funds for abortions. Lee, R-Utah, said while he wouldnt have necessarily chosen to use the same approach as Tuberville to oppose the Pentagons policy, he wanted to show support for the Alabama senator. Notwithstanding the fact that its not the particular tactic that I would have chosen, hes chosen a tactic thats legitimate, that he has every right to deploy under the rules of the Senate, said Lee. After the Senate session ended early Thursday morning, the Utah senator wrote about his defense of Tuberville on social media. Its nearly 4:00 am in Washington, and Im walking home after a long night of voting, and then defending (Tuberville) from hours of misguided attacks, Lee wrote on X. The hours are sometimes long. I love my job! Its nearly 4:00 am in Washington, and Im walking home after a long night of voting, and then defending @SenTuberville from hours of misguided attacks. The hours are sometimes long. I love my job! Mike Lee (@BasedMikeLee) November 16, 2023 Even with Tubervilles blockade, the Senate is able to confirm military nominations through a lengthier process, and confirmed three promotions earlier in November. But Tuberville has blocked the ability to fast-track the confirmations. Over the course of Thursday mornings debate, Lee posted more than 30 times on X. In some posts, he criticized fellow Republican Sens. Dan Sullivan of Arkansas and Joni Ernst of Iowa, who were advocating for the nominations to be brought for a vote but said they opposed the Pentagons abortion-related policy. There is no doubt these blanket holds are creating readiness challenges, not just for flag officers. Were starting to hear colonels and lieutenant colonels who are being stuck. This is impacting the entire military, Sullivan said. Prior to this month, Sullivan, a colonel in the U.S. Marines Corps Reserve, was helping Tuberville petition against the Pentagons policy but has since changed his stance. Meanwhile, Ernsts stance was simple: I am pro-military and pro-life, she said. But added she had concerns about national security risks and military readiness, as the Iowa Capital Dispatch. Lee said that Sullivan viewed the generals and admirals as the ones being punished through the confirmation delays, adding, I wish hed acknowledge whos punishing them. Its not (Tuberville). Lee, a federalist who believes abortion regulation should be left to the states, has been Tubervilles staunchest supporter and instead says President Joe Biden is at fault, since he has the power to change the Pentagons policy, as does Secretary of Dense Lloyd Austin, he added. In one post, Lee said if Republicans spent half their energy on fighting Biden instead of Tuberville, the issue would have been resolved. Prior to the series of votes on Thursday, Lee pointed to 10 U.S. Code 1093, which prohibits the Pentagon from using funds to perform abortions on X. The sole purpose of this policy is to thwart federal law and facilitate abortions using taxpayer dollars, he said, asking why some Republicans are against Tuberville for standing up for the law. 10 USC 1093 prohibits the use of Pentagon funds for abortion. The sole purpose of this policy is to thwart federal law and facilitate abortions using taxpayer dollars. So why are some Republican senators attacking @SenTuberville for standing up to this lawless action? Mike Lee (@BasedMikeLee) November 16, 2023 The Pentagon introduced the policy in March 2023, less than a year after the Supreme Court decided to strike down Roe v. Wade. According to the Deseret News, Democrats proposed a resolution that would advance over 350 military nominations, but it requires a supermajority to pass. This would override Tubervilles nine-month-long blockade, and would be a temporary change in rules. We still hold out some small hope that in the next little, short while our Republican colleagues can persuade Sen. Tuberville to back off, said Schumer in a press release on Wednesday. While Lee said he believes lawmakers tend to elevate not denigrate the Senate by passionately debating issues on the Senate floor, he did acknowledge that Tubervilles strategy is not ideal. I want to be clear: The particular strategy deployed here is not mine. Its that of a dear friend and colleague who is here with me tonight, he said. Hes chosen a tactic that is legitimate and he has every right to deploy under the rules of the Senate, rules that go back nearly two-and-a-half centuries in order to protect the individual rights of each senator. We tend to elevatenot denigratethe Senate by passionately debate issues on the Senate floor. Mike Lee (@BasedMikeLee) November 16, 2023 LAS VEGAS (KLAS) The conflict over wild horses in Nevada has raged for decades, but a pair of lawsuits are taking the argument back the site of the very first official federal roundup following the passage of the 1971 Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act. The Stone Cabin herd is ground zero in the fight over the Bureau of Land Managements constant battle to control the population of wild horses in the state. The horses roam the hills east of Tonopah on land controlled by the BLM and the U.S. Forest Service. Its also home to the Colvin ranching family, who settled in the area in 1883. Tom Colvin Jr. sued the BLM last month because they werent moving fast enough to round up horses on land where he has permits to graze cattle. Ranchers lawsuit presses for BLM to start removing wild horses in central Nevada And on Wednesday, Laura Leigh and the nonprofit Wild Horse Education filed another lawsuit to stop any roundup from moving forward until BLM complies with laws specifically, the 1971 Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act, National Environmental Policy Act, and Administrative Procedure Act For far too long BLM has ignored all of the data-collection, studies and range improvements for wild horses they approved in the 1983 management plan, Wild Horse Education President Laura Leigh said in a news release. Instead, the agency simply continues to fragment habitat designated for use by wild horses to favor private profit pockets while the horses and habitat continue to suffer. BLM cannot be allowed to continue to continue to make excuses. The lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court by Las Vegas law firm De Castroverde Law Group and Californias Greenfire Law, PC, headquartered in Berkeley. This is an important case, Danielle Holt of De Castroverde Law Group said. I am honored to be representing these issues surrounding such a significant and historic herd in this state. Wild Horse Education wants BLM to stick to its own rules, set out 40 years ago in the Herd Management Area Plan (HMAP). The organization accuses the BLM of ignoring those rules when it issued an Environmental Assessment in April. Moreover, BLM has never provided any data that demonstrates any removal of wild horses in the area has ever helped achieve an improvement in ecological balance and removals of wild horses have tended to coincide with expanding livestock ranges through water improvements for livestock or expanding extraction and oil and gas sale leases, the group contends. Humane roundups: BLM files response in Nevada wild horse lawsuit I have seen time and again where BLM ignores efforts by wild horse advocates to gain any actual management plan for the herd and fix historic deficits. Instead, they will often jump into a settlement with a permittee without hesitation, Leigh said. Advocacy has been waiting 40 years for BLM to follow through on the promises made in 1983. This historic herd has been neglected by BLM far too long and must be managed, not just removed. In announcing the lawsuit, Leighs organization invoked the name of a woman who pioneered the effort to help the herds. Velma Johnston, aka Wild Horse Annie, was a Nevada native whose advocacy drove the creation of protection laws for wild horses and burros in the United States, according to Wild Horse Education. Johnston was at Stone Cabin to oversee the 1975 roundup. She often wrote that the Stone Cabin Grey was one of her favorite wild horses. What has become the BLM Adoption program was begun at Stone Cabin, according to the news release. BLM Director Tracy Stone-Manning, Nevada State BLM Director Jon Raby, the U.S. Department of Interior and the BLM are named as defendants. The lawsuit asks the court to set aside BLMs April Environmental Assessment and to maintain jurisdiction over the matter until BLM follows the rules. The lawsuit also seeks attorneys fees and court costs, as well as a request for further relief to which plaintiffs may be entitled. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis said in an interview Tuesday that the sprawling racketeering case against Trump and his co-defendants could extend past the presidential election into early 2025. I believe in that case there will be a trial, Willis said during an interview at the Washington Post global women's summit. 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. There are several areas where delays are likely to happen and could cause the trial to be extended beyond the 2024 election, Bennett Gershman, a former New York prosecutor and law professor at Pace University, told Salon. I am thinking of potential leaks of evidence and proceedings to investigate and remedy the leaks, claims that witnesses are being intimidated and the need to investigate such claims, ongoing discovery motions and the considerable litigation involving those motions, Gershman said. Other factors that could impact the case may include the possibility of more defendants pleading guilty and the need to reshape the case and the evidence thats presented to the jury as a result of that, he added. And of course the problems that will attend the need to select an impartial jury in the midst of one of the most controversial and consequential elections in American history, Gershman said. Legal experts have questioned why the D.A. has raised the possibility of the case likely going into 2025 since she said last month that they were ready to go to a four-month trial. But the sheer number of defendants and the range of RICO charges will make this case longer than most, Laurie Levenson, a law professor at Loyola Marymount University, told Salon. Each defendant is likely to file motions, examine witnesses, and even seek appeals that could delay the trial, Levenson said. By its nature, RICO is a charge that includes multiple conspiracies and schemes. Therefore, this case will be a combination of many different conspiracies, each of which will take time to present to the jury. Trump, who is the front-runner for the 2024 Republican nominee for president, has pleaded not guilty and repeatedly tried to delay his different legal cases until after the 2024 presidential election. It is hard to determine what impact Trumps Georgia trial will have on the presidential election since it depends on several unknown factors, Levenson pointed out. These include the possibility of additional defendants pleading guilty and cooperating, how strong the prosecution's evidence be, if Trump is convicted in another case and how much the trial sidelines Trump from campaigning. It is not abnormal that a sprawling RICO trial, such as the one facing Trump, would take many months to reach a verdict, Temidayo Aganga-Williams, white-collar partner at Selendy Gay Elsberg and former senior investigative counsel for the House Jan. 6 committee, told Salon. What is odd is that the Trump legal team has been pushing to delay all of his criminal trials past Election Day. Trump clearly sees winning the White House and thereafter obstructing the completion of the criminal cases against him as the best way for him to avoid prison time. Trump has accused Willis of being influenced by politics, but to alter the trial schedule to subordinate the criminal justice system to the presidential campaign schedule would do just that, he added, arguing that Trump cannot have it both ways. The publics right to have criminal cases of significant importance adjudicated quickly should not be disregarded because a private citizen made the choice to run for office, Aganga-Williams said. A voluntary campaign for political office is not a shield from accountability. Want a daily wrap-up of all the news and commentary Salon has to offer? Subscribe to our morning newsletter, Crash Course. The trial start date has not yet been set in the case. So far, four defendants have pleaded guilty to reduced charges in exchange for their cooperation. Weve also seen many of the most culpable defendants already plead guilty and we can be sure that more guilty pleas will be forthcoming, Aganga-Williams said. This will only ease the pressure on the trial schedule by making it more likely that there will be one trial in Georgia and not multiple. The former president is expected to follow his typical playbook and lie about why he is on trial, the reason for the trial schedule as well as the conduct of Willis and President Joe Biden, he added. It is of utmost importance that the focus remains on why Trump is in the situation he is inmultiple grand juries of his peers found probable that he engaged in extensive criminal conduct to intentionally undermine the integrity of our elections, Aganga-Williams said. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 17) The Commission on Elections (Comelec) aims to resolve the disqualification petition filed against voting technology provider Smartmatic by Nov. 22, its chairman said on Friday. Hopefully po, ito final na, hopefully sa Wednesday madesisyunan namin yan kasi gusto po namin mailabas ang desisyon bago magkaroon ng submission ng lahat ng bid documents ng lahat ng magpa-participate, Comelec Chairman George Garcia told reporters. [Translation: Hopefully this will be final, hopefully on Wednesday we will have a decision because we want to release the decision before we have the submission of bid documents of all those who will participate.] Garcia said the petition is for disqualification not for blacklisting. In June, former Information and Communications Technology Secretary Eliseo Rio, former Comelec Commissioner Augusto Lagman, Franklin Ysaac, and Leonardo Odono filed a petition calling for a review of the qualifications of Smartmatic. Despite the pending resolution of the disqualification petition, Smartmatic took part in the pre-bid conference for the new automated election system for the 2025 midterm elections on Monday. The Comelec Special Bids and Awards Committee said three technology firms already purchased bidding documents for the nearly 18.8-billion project. They are Smartmatic Philippines TIM Inc., Pivot International, and Miru Systems Co. Ltd. Garcia said he hopes more than five bidders will participate to widen the playing field. What is important is yung substance, sa kagustuhan natin maayos na makina na gusto ng sambayanan at yung medyo mura naman dahil pondo at pera ng bayan gamit natin dito, Garcia added. [Translation: What is important is the substance, we want a good machine that the people will approve of and not expensive because it is the publics money we are using for this.] The deadline for submission of bids is on Nov. 28 at 9 a.m., while the opening of bids is set for the same day at 10:30 a.m. at the Comelec Hall. The Trump-appointed judge overseeing his Mar-a-Lago documents trial faced criticism after her scheduling order set up a likely delay of the trial currently set for May 2024. U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon on Thursday rejected a request from special counsel Jack Smith to set a routine deadline for former President Donald Trumps legal team to provide notice of what classified materials they plan to use at trial. Cannon issued an order rejecting the special counsels request before Trumps legal team even filed their opposition to the motion. "CIPA Section 5 deadlines, and all other pre-trial deadlines not included in the first batch of pre-trial deadlines contained in the Court's revised schedule...will be set following the March 1, 2024, scheduling conference," Cannon wrote. Cannon previously signaled that she would also revisit the trial date at the March 1 conference. Cannons order was a clear indication the trial wont happen by May even though Smiths request was very reasonable, tweeted Brandon Van Grack, a former prosecutor on special counsel Bob Muellers team. Legal experts expressed surprise that Cannon put off the key CIPA deadline. Im questioning Judge Cannons ability to preside over a case involving CIPA, tweeted MSNBC legal analyst Katie Phang. Im just questioning Judge Cannons ability to serve-full stop, responded Eric Segall, a law professor at Georgia State University. New York University Law Prof. Andrew Weissmann, another former Mueller prosecutor, told MSNBC that he is "concerned about the judge's bias." "Judge Cannon has, in the last week, issued two separate decisions. She's keeping, for now, the trial date. So she's sort of blocking any judge eg. Georgia she's blocking the May trial date. She's sitting there with that date, he said. But she said she'll revisit on March 1st whether she's gonna keep that date. But everything she's doing with the classified documents and the schedule was pushing that way off. The government asked her yesterday to schedule a particular hearing, it's a very routine hearing and she basically said, 'denied.' And so she's pushed off all these internal dates of when things are due and when she'll hold hearings. Weissmann added that its clear theres no way this could possibly go on May 20. But by not moving the trial date, she's also preventing any other trial from being scheduled, he said. So I think this is something to keep your eye on her gamesmanship." Former U.S. Attorney Harry Litman told MSNBC that it was a very routine motion that she denied with no reason. And as she has done repeatedly now, she's not just denying it but there's an element of pique toward the [prosecution] and I think there's something even worse here. There's a kind of caginess about it, he said. Litman argued that its very telling that Cannon made these interior delays but didnt change the trial date because it prevents Smith from being able to challenge her in an appeal. Want a daily wrap-up of all the news and commentary Salon has to offer? Subscribe to our morning newsletter, Crash Course. It all sounds just like process and scheduling, and they don't really have the opening to go to the 11th Circuit, he explained. And remember, she came into this case with a misadventure in the search warrant litigation that means she has a strike against her. If she does something really out there, the U.S. can go and recuse her now, 11th Circuit. But what she is doing instead is going to the edge of delaying things but not pulling the trigger on it, and that doesn't give the DOJ great fodder to fight her." Litman added: "It's not just she is continually going for Trump but that she is now doing it almost strategically. So there's a brooding question: Is she in the tank for Trump or not I don't even think it matters. I think she is regularly calling it a delay that he wants and all indications are she will push it at least many months now." The Leonids can be seen at the same time each year in mid-November The Leonids - one of the most prolific annual meteor showers - will be streaking across the heavens in the early hours of Sunday. Skygazers in Wales and in England's Midlands and south should get a glimpse through intermittent clear skies. Characterised by fast, bright meteors, the Leonids will end their two-day peak on Sunday between midnight and dawn. They can be seen with the naked eye, though check the weather where you are as it will affect visibility. According to the Met Office's cloud cover map, visibility will pose a challenge to shooting star-gazers in Scotland and Ireland but parts of Wales, southern England and the Midlands should have clear skies for some of the night. The Leonids are so-called because they appear to originate from the constellation Leo. The shower is associated with Comet Tempel-Tuttle, which leaves a path of tiny debris - some of it as small as a grain of sand - as it follows its path around the Sun. When this celestial debris enters our planet's atmosphere at speeds of up to 43 miles (70km) per second, it vaporises and creates the spectacular streaks of light known as meteors. "They can be very bright because they're moving very quickly, so they may look slightly more green or slightly more blue," said Dr Affelia Wibisono, an astronomer at the Royal Observatory Greenwich. "Sometimes we get fireballs as well during the Leonids and they can outshine a star or a planet." How can I watch the Leonid meteor shower? While you'll need clear skies to see them, the meteors will be visible across much of the northern hemisphere. Try to find a dark spot away from city lights, preferably with a wide open vista unblocked by buildings. "It should be something quite fun to view and something really worth going outside and having to look for," said Dr Wibisono. "I think the great thing about meteor showers is that they are easy to see, you don't need equipment, all you need to do is look up." The Royal Observatory Greenwich advises that as with all astronomy, meteor-hunting is a waiting game, so bring a comfy chair and wrap up warm as you could be outside for a while. Don't worry if you don't manage to see them over the weekend. Although this is when they're at their best, they can be spotted until 30 November. Banner saying 'Get in touch' Have you caught a glimpse of the Leonid meteor shower? Share your pictures and videos by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk. Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also get in touch in the following ways: If you are reading this page and can't see the form you will need to visit the mobile version of the BBC website to submit your question or comment or you can email us at HaveYourSay@bbc.co.uk. Please include your name, age and location with any submission. Mourners in Modiin, Israel, attend the funeral on Nov. 17 of an Israeli soldier who died in the Gaza Strip. (Ohad Zwigenberg / Associated Press) To the editor: The suffering and loss of life in the Gaza Strip has to end. But say Israel agrees to a cease-fire what then? ("Cease-fire now. The killing in Gaza must stop," editorial, Nov. 16) In time, the cycle of violence and destruction would almost certainly resume indefinitely. Israel is fighting for its life, and the danger to Israel must end. The wretched life of the Palestinians must change, and these people must have the opportunity to live normal lives. Both can only happen if Hamas is no longer a force in the area. A cease-fire has to be a two-way street that leads to an unimaginable peace under the present circumstances. To help the people of Gaza seek refuge in the south, Israel should provide security and safe passage with buses to take people from the north. Then, it should provide shelter, provisions and security for the Gazans. Sid Pelston, Marina del Rey .. To the editor: The cease-fire that existed on Oct. 6 was broken on Oct. 7. Israel didn't break it. What would another cease-fire accomplish? Allow Hamas to regroup? Plan when and how they will break it again? Civilian deaths have always been a tragic trade-off of war. More German and Japanese civilians died in World War II than British and American, so were the Allies not justified in destroying these fascist regimes? Pushing Israel to accept the inevitable sequels to the Oct. 7 massacre because there is no possible way to destroy Hamas without civilian casualties does two things: It incentivizes hiding among civilians as a military tactic, and it says to Israelis, "You must accept the death of your civilians with no viable recourse because the lives of Palestinian civilians must be spared above all." Christopher Romberg, Palm Springs .. To the editor: Yes, there should be a cease-fire as soon as Hamas has released all the hostages and is out of power, no longer able to commit shockingly brutal massacres against Israeli civilians as it did on Oct. 7. Hamas has promised to do it again and again. Without Hamas gone, even bigger massacres of Israeli civilians and endless misery for Palestinian civilians are guaranteed. No nation but Israel would be asked to accept living with such genocidal monsters next door. You would not demand it of the U.S., and you should not ask it of Israel either. Sara Miller, New York .. To the editor: I am deeply disappointed by your editorial asking for a cease-fire in Gaza. It does not even mention the more than 200 hostages taken from Israel, nor does it call on Hamas to surrender and release all the hostages. A surrender by Hamas would end the bloodshed immediately and with more lasting effect than a cease-fire. It would also provide the opportunity for Gaza to rebuild in a way that benefits its civilian population rather than its despotic rulers. Aaron Glatt, Woodmere, N.Y. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Tzvika Mor, whose son was taken hostage in the Oct. 7 Hamas attack, is seen at his home in the West Bank settlement of Kiryat Arba on Nov. 9. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) To the editor: Your article on violence and tension in the West Bank quotes an Israeli settler who moved to the occupied West Bank about 25 years ago: "This is our only land. We have no other." Another West Bank settler says he was given this land by God and that "there is no such thing as a Palestinian people." So, who exactly lived on this land before 25 years ago? Palestinians should apparently not have their own state or have citizenship in Israel, a place where they have lived since before 1948, when the state of Israel was established. It is outrageous that the United States is supporting Israel, which has killed more than 11,000 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip as retribution for the Oct. 7 attack. Palestinians have been living under apartheid conditions since well before Oct. 7; apparently, that doesn't concern us. We are Jews who believe that Palestinians have the right to live on their land and have their own government. Being opposed to the horrendous polices of the Israeli government is not being antisemitic. It is being opposed to the horror that the Israeli government has become. Leslie Simon and Marc Bender, Woodland Hills .. To the editor: The reprehensible ideas and practices embraced by West Bank settler David Lev and others cited in the article are inconsistent with Judaism. The Torah is not merely a deed to land. It has numerous conditions and laws. This is what is written in Leviticus Chapter 19: "The stranger who dwells among you shall be to you as one born among you, and you shall love him as yourself; for you were strangers in the land of Egypt." As a Jew and a Zionist, I see the treatment of Palestinians in the West Bank as clearly unacceptable. Anti-peace and racist officials such as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir have to go. Norman H. Green, Los Angeles .. To the editor: The Tomb of Abraham should be a symbol of hope for peace in this land. My husband and I were part of a group of American Lutherans who visited the West Bank and Jerusalem in 2019. In Hebron, we had a Palestinian guide who could not accompany us when we visited the synagogue side of Abraham's tomb. The tomb is unique in that it lies in both the Jewish synagogue and the Muslim mosque, extending across the joint wall of both places of worship. I like to think that such a place, sharing something sacred to Judaism, Islam and Christianity, might be a symbol of how peace might finally come to the holy land. The terror and killings on both sides cannot be sustained. It is only through sharing this land, as with this tomb, that we have hope for peace. Margo Astroth, Encinitas This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Activist and drag queen Marsha P. Johnson might be one of the most often discussed and well-known LGBTQ+ rights activists of the 20th century, but more than three decades after her body was dredged from the Hudson River, there are still no leads on how her life was cut short. At the time of her death, Johnson was 46 years old. She disappeared on July 4, 1992, and her body was pulled from the river two days later. According to eyewitness accounts collected by Johnsons friend, roommate and gay activist Randolfe Wicker at the time, her fully clothed body had a hole in her head and laid on the sidewalk for several hours before the coroners van arrived. Other accounts collected in video interviews by Wicker corroborate this, noting that Johnsons head wound was in the back of her head, making it an unlikely suicide injury. Born in Elizabeth, New Jersey, on Aug. 24, 1945, Johnson changed her name around age 17 when she left home for New York City. Initially finding work as a waitress, Johnson also became a sex worker, gay liberation fighter at Stonewall, and eventually a muse to Andy Warhol. She became a fixture in New Yorks drag ball scene and told an interviewer in 1992, I was no one, nobody, from Nowheresville, until I became a drag queen. Over the years Johnson became both a fixture in her local drag community and a beacon for struggling trans people in New York City. She established STAR House, a shelter for homeless LGBTQ+ children, in 1970 with her close confidant and activist Sylvia Rivera. Johnson was also an active member of the Gay Liberation Front, GLF Drag Queen Caucus and, most famously, present at the riots following the police raid on the Mafia-run Stonewall Inn in June 1969. Following an HIV-positive diagnosis, Johnson also dedicated time to AIDS activism and joined ACT UP. She was also partly responsible for drag queens becoming a fixture at pride events after they were banned from the New York City pride parade in 1973, she marched ahead of it anyway, famously proclaiming, darling, I want my gay rights now! Many years after Johnsons murder, people close to the community continue to share their perspectives on the crime and question the official record of events of the night of July 4, when she disappeared after being last seen by the Hudson River pier. Johnsons death was initially ruled a suicide by the New York Police Department, though within the gay and trans community its widely been accepted she was murdered. Many of Johnsons friends, including Rivera, attested Johnson wasnt suicidal at the time of her death. Randolfe Wicker at one point theorized that Johnson may have been on drugs and hallucinating and fallen into the river on accident or, jumped into the river to escape people harassing her. Randolfe Wicker interviewed members of the Christopher Street LGBTQ+ community shortly after Johnsons death, as part of his video project titled Peoples Memorial. Wicker noted a few people came forward to say theyd seen Johnson in a confrontation with thugs who were known to rob people in the area. One was community member Bennie Toney, whose interview footage is preserved by the Digital Transgender Archive. Five years after Johnsons murder in 1997, Toney told Wicker on camera about what he saw the evening of July 4, 1992 when Johnson disappeared. Toney explained to Wicker he saw Johnson arguing with a neighbor with facial scars known as Michael, and that Michael hurled homophobic slurs at Johnson. Toney added that Michael who he described as having a quick temper pushed Johnson and seemed like he wanted to attack her. Toney also said this same man was later allegedly heard in a bar bragging that he had killed a drag queen named Marsha. Toney also told Wicker in interviews for the Peoples Memorial that the next day, I heard that Marsha had been drowned, and the first thing that came to my mind was this guy Michael. Toney told Wicker that he went to the police to report this suspect, but claims the New York Police Department didnt follow up on the lead. Theres also been speculation that Johnson could have been murdered by the New York Police Department. Around the time of her death, there was a marked rise in violence against LGBTQ+ people in New York, often either by police or perpetrators who too easily slunk back into the shadows. In the 2021 Netflix documentary The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson directed by David France, former Anti-Violence Project director Matt Foreman said anti-LGBT violence was at a peak. That year we had 1,300 reports of bias crime. ... and 18% of those were based on violence perpetrated by police... It was an unrelenting wave of attacks. Many of these crimes, though, went unsolved. Johnsons activism was focused on stopping street violence and advocating for victim justice. She reportedly was aware of the risks of this work, and told Wicker that his work investigating assaults by dirty cops could get you murdered shortly before she passed. In another documentary called Pay It No Mind, released in 2012, co-director Michael Kasino noted, people emphatically believe Marsha was murdered. The ongoing questions about the mysterious circumstances of Johnsons death and the subsequent investigation prompted some changes from officials in New York City. In 2002, the NYPD changed Johnsons official cause of death to undetermined instead of suicide, at last citing a lack of evidence that Johnson took her own life. Transgender activist Mariah Lopez began calling for the case to be reopened in 2012. But since the case was never closed, the Manhattan City District Attorneys office didnt have to reopen it and Johnsons murder remains an open homicide investigation. In Manhattan, cold cases are not forgotten cases, Manhattan District Attorney spokesperson Emily Tuttle told The Advocate via email. In line with D.A. [Alvin] Braggs commitment to connecting with grieving families, the Office has been in touch with members of the Johnson family, and will always review any new evidence presented to us. That said, Tuttle declined to comment on whether the Manhattan D.A. recently received any new evidence in the case. As of 2023, Johnsons alleged murder remains unsolved. Have a tip about this case to share with law enforcement? Contact the New York Police Department at 800-577-TIPS or the Manhattan District Attorney offices Cold Case Project team at 212.335.3536. Do you have information or know of a cold case we should profile next? Reach out to Samson Amore at crime@equalpride.com. Unsolved, Retold: The LGBTQ+ Cold Case Files: FILE PHOTO: An Eli Lilly and Company pharmaceutical manufacturing plant is pictured in Branchburg, New Jersey By Klaus Lauer and Ludwig Burger BERLIN (Reuters) -Eli Lilly will build its first plant in Germany in the western town of Alzey for 2.3 billion euros ($2.5 billion), the U.S. drugmaker said on Friday, as the sector scrambles to meet soaring demand for new diabetes and obesity therapies. The investment, which was reported by Reuters on Wednesday and Thursday, will help boost production of diabetes and obesity drugs including Mounjaro and Trulicity and the injection pens to administer them, the Indianapolis-based company said. "Germany's workforce will play a vital role in bolstering Lilly's incretin supply when the new site is operational beginning in 2027," Lilly said in a statement on Friday. Incretins are peptide-based drugs such as Mounjaro that mimic gut hormones to suppress appetite and stimulate insulin secretion. Diabetes drug Mounjaro, which has been used off-label for weight loss, was last week cleared for that additional use in the United States and can now be promoted by Lilly as an obesity treatment. Eli Lilly and Danish rival Novo Nordisk are leading a race to seize an estimated $100 billion future global market for anti-obesity treatments. Novo has said that the industry is far from producing enough to meet demand, and Lilly has also acknowledged supply constraints. 'FAST ACCESS' TO NEW THERAPIES Plans for Lilly's first major production complex in Germany come 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. "This investment encourages the government in its efforts to make Germany more attractive as a pharmaceutical centre," said Health Minister Karl Lauterbach at a press conference in Berlin. "By doing that, we will secure fast access to new therapy options and reduce dependency on fragile supply chains," he added. Lilly said a skilled workforce and existing infrastructure were among the factors in picking the location, as was the opportunity to form a manufacturing cluster with a company site in Fegersheim, France. Lilly plants in France and Italy also produce incretin drugs like Mounjaro, manufacturing head Edgardo Hernandez said in an interview. "There is so much engineering and science (in Germany) and many of our equipment manufacturers are located there," he said. Mounjaro is likely to be approved for weight loss in the European Union after the bloc's drugs regulator recommended its market clearance for that use. However, in Germany, the state health insurance system is barred by law from paying for weight-loss drugs. Patients without diabetes who get a prescription for weight loss will likely have to pay for Mounjaro out of their own pockets. Lauterbach on Friday said any review of those rules were currently not on the agenda. Lilly said it had announced investments of more than $11 billion in global manufacturing in the past three years. According to its third-quarter report, the company had earmarked more than $8 billion for ongoing expansion investments in Indiana, North Carolina, and Limerick, Ireland over the next several years. The drugmaker also said in its report that it expects supply constraints for some time as it adds manufacturing capacity, and in a interview on the same day that it asked doctors outside the U.S. to stop putting new patients on Trulicity to cope with increased demand. The investment comes even as major drug companies have voiced strong opposition to plans by the European Union to shorten the standard period of protection companies get before generics can enter the market to eight years from 10. Despite Lilly's objection to the law, Hernandez said the drugmaker wanted to invest in the region to "help drive the conversation in another direction." Lilly runs major projection sites outside of its U.S. home market in Ireland, France, Spain, Italy and China. The company, which has been present in Germany since 1960, already has 1,000 employees in the country in areas such as development, distribution, marketing and administration. The new Alzey site will employ up to 1,000 highly skilled workers such as engineers, technicians and scientists, Lilly said. (Additional reporting by Patrick Wingrove in New York; Editing by Matthias Williams, Jason Neely, David Evans and Bill Berkrot) Thirteen Lincoln University students marched 66 miles from campus to the state capital of Pennsylvania. Students are demanding legislators approve $640 million in funding for four state-related universities, $19 million of which will go to Lincoln. On Sunday morning, supporters greeted students as they crossed the State Street Bridge. The 66-mile march began on Fri. More than $7,000 in monetary donations were received by the students from alums, fraternities, and nonprofit organizations. The 13 students have also received donations from strangers, including Moyers Furniture owners. The owner of it [Moyers Furniture] came out, and she said, Whats the cause? We told her about it, and she went back into her establishment, and she wrote a $500 check for us then and there. Thats when it hit; I guess it hit me so clear that we had a movement behind us, one of the students said. Last night, our Airbnb was covered just cause she heard the cause and heard what we had going on and really supported us, another student said. The Senate returned to work on Monday when the marching students expected to arrive in Harrisburg after walking 66 miles. Mackenzie Hanks, a junior at Lincoln University, told CBS News she feared the lack of funding would cause a teacher shortage. Resources are so limited, Hanks said. Im afraid that it will get to the point where we will not be able to keep our teachers. Lincoln expects to receive an additional $3.8 million from the Commonwealth compared to last year. According to the schools previous fiscal year, which ended June 30, 2023, the Commonwealth gave it $15.9 million. If the Senate passes the bill, Temple will receive $169 million, and Pitt will receive nearly $166 million. In addition, Penn State would also receive over $259 million. A press conference and meeting with members of the Pennsylvania Senate and the 13 students will take place Monday in the Capitol Rotunda to strategize a plan to pass the funding bill. A Maine lobsterman leapt from his boat to rescue the occupant of a stolen vehicle that had driven into a bay. Police in Portland, Maine were summoned to the Cutter Street Boat Launch just after noon Thursday for reports of an occupied vehicle entering the water near East End Beach, according to a news release from the city. According to CBS affiliate WGME, the vehicle had entered the water and begun floating away before sinking below the surface with a person still inside. According to the police, the vehicle had been reported stolen from South Portland earlier in the day. The identity of the occupant has not been made public, but police said they were 33 years old. Police say a car drove down the boat ramp near East End Beach in Portland and into Casco Bay on Thursday afternoon. / Credit: WGME Police referred to the lobsterman as a "Good Samaritan" on a nearby boat who was equipped with dive gear. As members of the local police and fire departments forced entry into the vehicle, the man entered the water to assist in removing the occupant from the vehicle. The lobsterman pulled the person out and helped bring them to the boat launch, WGME said. "The citizen that aided the rescue risked their life to rescue this person and certainly gave them a fighting chance of survival," Portland Police Lieutenant Robert Doherty said, according to WGME. News Center Maine, an NBC News affiliate, identified the lobsterman as Manny Kourinos. Kourinos told News Center Maine that he was just "doing what came natural." "It was automatic," he said. "I've been diving, you know, for over 20 years now, and never been in that circumstance where I had to recover someone from underwater." The vehicle is pulled from the Casco Bay. / Credit: WGME The occupant of the vehicle was unresponsive without a pulse at first, police said, but was revived and transported to Maine Medical Center. They are now in stable condition. The car sank about 75 yards offshore, WGME reported, and has been pulled out of the water. Police are asking anyone with information about the case to contact them. Disappeared | Sunday on 60 Minutes Icelanders await fate of town amid volcano eruption fears Bodies of 2 hostages found near Gaza's Al-Shifa Hospital, Israel says A local city could impose a freeze on recreational marijuana businesses after Ohio voted in favor of legalizing recreational marijuana. Kettering City Council will address a proposed nine-month moratorium at its next meeting, which is set for Nov. 28, Assistant City Manager Steve Bergstresser confirmed to News Center 7. >> 15-year-old dead after hit-and-run at local park; police still looking to answer lingering questions Ohioans passed Issue 2 in the Nov. 7 election and it takes effect Dec. 7. The potential pause would take about the same amount of time the Ohio Department of Commerce will take to create new regulations. We want to make sure that we understand those regulations and how they may affect business operations in Kettering before we make any kind of decisions, Bergstresser told News Center 7s Malik Patterson. This is familiar to Kettering because the city still has a pause on medical marijuana. >> 5-year-old seriously injured after crash in Clark County Some residents said they could live perfectly fine without any weed being sold in the city. I see it being bad. Like a mind-altering substance can trigger some people to go back to their drug of choice, Andrew Atwell, a certified recovery supporter, said. Not sure where to grab a bite to eat? With lots of options around the Fall River area, it can be difficult to choose. If youre having a hard time, were here to help you narrow it down. We've compiled a list of meal deals, special events, and mouth-watering offerings at local eateries and markets to consider when planning your next night on the town, or a quick stop for a tasty treat. This week, we've got several local restaurants who are finding ways to give back to the community this holiday season, plus a steak special you don't want to miss, and mix and match Taco Tuesdays. Lets dig in: The angel tree at Faneeks, 269 Rhode Island Ave., Fall River. Angel tree at Faneeks helps Child & Family Services Faneeks, 269 Rhode Island Ave., Fall River, is working to spread some holiday cheer, while helping the community. Their 2023 angel tree will help support Child & Family Services. Stop by Faneeks, select a tag from the tree, and help fulfill a holiday wish. Return by Dec. 15. Lets come together to make this season a little brighter for those who need it most, Faneeks wrote in a Facebook post. The Portuguese steak at Brayton Ave. Cafe, 483 Brayton Ave., Fall River. $13 Portuguese steak plate at Brayton Ave. Cafe Where can you get a steak plate for under $15? Brayton Ave. Cafe, 483 Brayton Ave., Fall River. Their Portuguese steak plate is only $13, and it comes with a 6 oz. sirloin steak, in house garlic-wine sauce, with two eggs, fries, rice, and a red pepper strip. Mix and match Taco Tuesdays at Dunnys BBQ Whats better than Taco Tuesday? How about mix and match Taco Tuesday? At Dunnys BBQ, 13 N. Main St., Fall River, you can mix and match your favorite tacos on Tuesdays from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Mix and match: beef, brisket, chicken, pulled pork, reuben, vegan, bbq, and portabella tacos. Get two for $5; three for $8; or four for $10. Theyve also got $6 house or strawberry mason jar margaritas. Thanksgiving egg rolls from Scotties Pub Bring something a little different to your holiday gathering, with Thanksgiving egg rolls from Scotties Pub, 202 Pleasant St., Fall River. You can get a half-sheet (24 pieces) for $60, or a full sheet (48 pieces) for $110. Call 508-678-8991 to place your order. What's the best Fall River food?: We put classic dishes in a tournament bracket. Vote now Help out Toys for Tots at County Fare Help a good cause when you stop by County Fare, 937 County St., Somerset. Now through Dec. 15, a portion of their sales will go toward Toys for Tots at the Somerset Police Department. For more information, stop by County Fare or call 508-493-9051. Help Operation: Blue Santa at Classic Pizza Classic Pizza, 496 Main Rd., Tiverton, is teaming up with the Tiverton Police Department for Operation: Blue Santa. Help out kids and teens who are less fortunate this holiday season. You can drop off toys and gifts at the collection box at Classic Pizza. All donated toys and gifts must be new and unwrapped, and dropped off by Dec. 8. For more information, visit https://tivertonpoliceri.com. Do you have a special deal, menu item, or food-related event to share with local foodies? Send us an email at kfontes@heraldnews.com or news@heraldnews.com. This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Fall River Eats: Local restaurants hold holiday toy drives for kids Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 17) The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Friday said it is prepared for the three-day strike next week by transport group Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide (PISTON). Speaking to CNN Philippines The Source, LTFRB spokesperson Celine Pialago said special permits will be issued to drivers and operators to ply the 8-12 routes to be affected by the strike even if those are outside their regular area. Local governments will also provide free rides, she added. PISTON on Thursday said around 100,000 drivers and operators are expected to join the strike to protest the consolidation of jeepneys under the government's public utility vehicle modernization program. Around 7,000 from Pasig, Taguig, and Pateros on Friday have expressed their intention to join the protest. According to Pialago, LTFRB chairman Teofolo Guadiz met his regional directors and concluded that the strike will not have a big impact. "But then again our chairperson appealed to them yesterday to stop their planned strike. If they will positively respond then well and good but if they will still go on this, it is still possible for them to lose their franchise or their franchise will be suspended," she warned. Pialago explained that it is not necessary for transport groups to complete the consolidation by Dec. 31. What is important is they start the process which will allow them to operate even beyond the deadline, she noted. She also said the modernization program does not intend to phase out traditional jeepneys as long as they are roadworthy. Latest data from the LTFRB showed that 56% or 96,000 of the 170,000 jeepneys across the country have already consolidated. In Metro Manila alone, 25% of the 44,000 jeepney units were already consolidated. CNN Philippines Gerg Cahiles contributed to this report. Haitian immigrants Petterly Jean-Baptiste, left, and his wife Leonne Ysnardin, right, ride aboard a van, in Boston, as they are transported with their children to a shelter in Quincy, Mass., Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023. Across the region, advocates relied on a patchwork of temporary shelters including churches, hospital waiting rooms and even airport lounges after Massachusetts' emergency shelter system hit a state-imposed limit of 7,500 families last week. (AP Photo/Steven Senne) BOSTON (AP) About 20 to 25 migrants are arriving daily at Boston's Logan Airport, the head of the airport operator said Friday, with some seen camping out temporarily in baggage claim and elsewhere before trying to find a spot in the state's overburdened shelter system. But Massport interim CEO Ed Freni told reporters that the airport is not an appropriate place for migrants to stay, even as some were seen sleeping at the facility as the state grapples with the shelter crisis. When they come to Logan we meet them and we try to assist them, but we have to emphasize that Logan is not an appropriate place to house people, Freni told reporters. The airport works with partners to transport the migrants to welcome centers and is looking to other solutions in the future," Freni said. This week, Massachusetts lawmakers did not approve $250 million in emergency aid for the shelter system. Massachusetts emergency shelter system hit a state-imposed limit of 7,500 families last week, and migrant advocates are relying on a patchwork of temporary shelters, including churches, hospital waiting rooms and even airport lounges. Because the shelter system is full, some homeless people have had to be put on a waiting list. A new work authorization clinic is serving several hundred shelter residents per day. The clinic at Camp Curtis Guild, a Massachusetts National Guard training site in Reading, helps migrants obtain work authorization in the hopes of easing the strain on shelters. State lawmakers who failed to approve a supplemental budget embarked for the Thanksgiving break with no plans to formally convene again for votes until the new year. Lawmakers could approve additional spending in informal sessions before year's end, but legislative rules make it easier to derail bills during informal sessions. A logger died while working in Breathitt County Thursday afternoon, Kentucky State Police said. Taylor Neace Jr., 40, of Lost Creek, was cutting a tree when it fell and hit him, according to a news release from state police. State police said they were called to the job site on Williams Road in the Vancleve community at 2:56 p.m. Emergency medical personnel also responded. The Breathitt County Coroners Office pronounced Neace dead at the scene. State police said an autopsy was to be conducted by the medical examiner, and state police are investigating. An obituary shared on Facebook by Breathitt Funeral Home said Neace is survived by his mother and siblings and enjoyed four wheeling, fishing and deer hunting in his spare time. [Source] A recent study conducted by Long Beach's health department indicates that a significant portion of the local Filipino community grapples with poor accessibility and low affordability of healthy food options. About the study: Released on Oct. 30, the findings are part of the Filipino Community Health Needs Assessment survey initiated to understand COVID-19's impact on communities of color. The study, which aims to bridge historical gaps in participation from the Filipino community in city processes, particularly highlighted the plight of the Westside area's Filipinos. The group has been historically known for having limited access to healthier food choices. Need for healthier food choices: The study revealed that 38% of the 219 participants (out of some 20,000 Long Beach residents of Filipino descent) expressed concerns about the affordability of nutritious meals over the past year. Of this group, 8% considered it a constant issue, while 5% reported regular worries. Trending on NextShark: Watch: Woman breaks down in tears after missing flight due to online shopping sale Respondents stated their desires for alternatives to red meat, white rice and fried goods, expressing a need for more affordable groceries, farmer's markets, parks and grocery stores in their neighborhoods. Studys scope and limitations: Filipino, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Health Equity Coordinator Harold Dela Cruz emphasized the link between limited access to nutritious foods and the ability to make healthier food decisions. Dela Cruz cautioned against making sweeping conclusions due to the relatively small sample size of 219 respondents. The Westside area, identified as a potential candidate for the city's food market program, has prompted the Filipino Community Advisory Committee to formulate programs and policies based on the report's results. Trending on NextShark: Ikea trolls Balenciaga over $925 towel skirt Additional findings: The study further indicated that 36% of the Filipino respondents had high blood pressure diagnoses, 15% were diagnosed with diabetes, and 57% had a family history of diabetes. Younger generations were found to be more inclined towards addressing mental health care needs, highlighting evolving health priorities within the community. The city's health department also found that from January 2020 to August 2021, Asian residents, including many essential workers from the Filipino community, were 1.9 times more likely to be hospitalized by COVID-19 and 1.7 times more likely to succumb to the virus than their white counterparts. Trending on NextShark: Study finds differences in cardiovascular health, risks among Asian American groups More on NextShark: Takeshi Kitano directs, stars in samurai period drama featuring gay relationships Video of APEC protester attempting to light Chinese flag on fire goes viral A long-haul trucker was driving on the job when he stopped in Maryland for a sandwich, fuel and some scratch-off lottery tickets. The pit stop paid off. Thomas Spangler drives all over the East Coast and into the Midwest, so hes played the lottery many times in different states and even won before, the Maryland Lottery said in a Nov. 16 news release. The biggest prize Spangler had ever won was $2,000. It was nothing compared to the $100,000 top prize he won in Maryland from the $100,000 Ca$h game. Spangler, of northeastern Tennessee, told lottery officials he buys tickets whenever he takes a break from driving to get a meal or fuel up. This time he was on his way to pick up a load of tractors in Baltimore, according to the release. It was part of his routine to get the scratch-offs when he stopped at the gas station about 6 miles from the Maryland-Pennsylvania state line in North East, Maryland. In the past, Spangler said his eyes had tricked him into thinking he had won big, when really he hadnt. So when he revealed the prize on his Maryland ticket, he told officials he couldnt believe what he was seeing. I started scratching and I thought I won $100, he said. I was happy, then I had to stare at it for 30 seconds to be sure I won. The 65-year-old said these kinds of wins are rare in his family. The family says, theres great luck, good luck, bad luck and Spangler luck, he told lottery officials. He said he plans to use some of the money to pay off a car loan and put the rest into savings. Nothing like this has ever happened to me, he told lottery officials. It couldnt have happened at a better time. The Cecil County gas station has earned a $1,000 bonus for selling the winning ticket, officials said. The 100,000 Ca$h game debuted in September, and now 59 top prizes of $100,000 remain, alongside other smaller prizes, according to the lottery website. 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. Drive to store for Diet Mountain Dew ends with NC woman winning Powerball prize Lottery player wins big jackpot and buys a safe to protect ticket over the weekend Restless lottery winner wakes up at 3 a.m. to claim Michigan prize. I was so excited Months after a man in Florida was accused of kidnapping a set of rare tortoises from a zoo, police have discovered a treasure trove of stolen items some buried in his yard. In November 2022, two Galapagos tortoises were reported stolen from the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park, according to a news release from the St. Petersburg Police Department in May. The endangered and rare tortoises were valued at $10,000 each and could reach sizes of 600 pounds if able to live their full 150 year lives, police said. It wasnt until six months later that a search warrant served on a house in St. Petersburg led to the discovery of the kidnapped reptiles, one living in the yard and another found dead in a freezer, police said. Microchips in the tortoises confirmed they were the same duo stolen from St. Augustine, according to the release. But tortoises werent the only stolen items discovered in the home. Police said there were thousands of dollars worth of stolen rare books and valuable comic books in the home. The homeowner, a 46-year-old man, was charged with commercial burglaries on top of the tortoise theft, according to the St. Petersburg Police Department. He was charged with theft of books from two St. Petersburg locations and theft of comic books from a store in Ocala, police said. Now, police know that was only the beginning. Its been a lot of connecting the dots, St. Petersburg Police public information officer Yolanda Fernandez told WTVT. This one has been extremely unusual since the very beginning. I mean we found two endangered stolen tortoises. In a November search of the mans home, police found more rare items and collectibles buried in his yard, police said in a Nov. 15 news release. Just this last week, they found loot buried in his backyard and located a storage unit (he) filled with stolen items, police said. The detectives recovered collectors items including rare books, signed instruments, and jewelry, worth thousands of dollars. Investigators found jewelry wrapped in plastic shopping bags and then buried in the ground, according to photos shared by police, and items as odd as a medieval knights helmet and the bust of a pharaoh. When I say that these detectives havent stopped digging, I mean that literally as well as figuratively. I mean this has been an enormous amount of work in this case, Fernandez told WTVT. Were not experts in things like rare books and comic books, so weve had to bring experts in to help us sort through this and determine what was stolen, where it was stolen from, and now were in the process of trying to get some of those items back to the rightful owners. The man is currently in custody from his May arrest in the Pinellas County Jail on 10 counts ranging from burglary to grand theft, according to jail records. Suspected thief tries waving cops away, police say. Youre not supposed to pursue me Neighbors hold accused truck thief at gunpoint as he flees traffic stop, Florida cops say Black bear smells take-out food on Florida homes front step and takes it, video shows Grinch swipes skeletons, ghosts, other Halloween decor from homes, California cops say After a Michigan womans husband died, she and another person formed a lottery club. The two-person club decided on a special code word theyd use if they ever won a prize, according to a Nov. 16 news release. In September, those two members got to use their code word for the first time. Kristi Sadler, the CCKMA club representative, told lottery officials she bought a Powerball ticket for the Sept. 11 drawing from her own bar. The morning after the drawing, I got a call that my business had sold a $1 million winner and I just had a feeling it was our ticket, Sadler recently told lottery officials. Her feeling was correct. With numbers 09-25-27-53-66, she had matched the five white balls during the drawing and won a $1 million prize, according to the release. After I checked the ticket, I had to call the other club member, who was on vacation out of the country, to let him know we had won, Sadler recalled. We had always joked that wed use a special code word if we won, so when he answered and told me he had to pay extra for overseas calls, I said the code word and I told him he wasnt going to have to worry about the bill! The club members plan to invest the money in their retirement accounts, officials said. The winning ticket was sold at Kristis Pour House in Hart, about 80 miles northwest of Grand Rapids. In Michigan, groups of two or more people can form lottery clubs to purchase games together. If a club wins, the prize is divided among members. 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. Four co-workers started a lottery club 14 years ago. It just paid off big in Michigan Family members pitch in for Powerball tickets and win big. I started shaking Co-workers started a lottery club 10 years ago in Maryland. Now theyll split big win LOUDOUN COUNTY, Va. (DC News Now) The Loudoun County Fire Marshals Office announced on the X platform that a ban on open fires had been lifted after nearly two days. On November 15, the Fire Marshal announced a temporary prohibition on open burning as a result of atmospheric conditions. Uber partnering with DC taxi drivers; faster pickups coming for riders According to the Fire Marshal, Anyone found burning during this prohibition may receive a Virginia Uniform Summons for prohibited burning. On November 17, the Fire Marshal followed up by saying the ban had been lifted thanks to more favorable weather conditions. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. Israel says it has found the bodies of two hostages taken into Gaza during the Hamas attack both near the territorys main al-Shifa hospital. The military said that 65-year-old Yehudit Weiss was discovered in a house near the hospital complex in Gaza City, adding that her family had been informed, and her body would be returned to Israel. Ms Weiss was kidnapped from her home in Be'eri near the Gaza border during the attack on 7 October, during which 1,200 people were killed and around 240 people were taken hostage. The Israeli military said on Friday morning that it had also recovered the body of 19-year-old Israeli Corporal Noa Marciano from a structure adjacent to the Shifa Hospital. Corporal Marciano's death was confirmed earlier this week. Israel military spokesman, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said that intelligence had led them to the location of Corporal Marciano's body near al-Shifa. The funeral for Corporal Marciano was held on Friday In the central Israeli city of Modi'in. Noas mother, Adi Marciano, said on Thursday: Its hard to talk about Noa in the past tense... Noa is a girl of light and love, with kind eyes that tell a story of giving, of a smile that is never-ending. During the funeral on Friday, she wept over her daughters coffin. Rear Admiral Hagari added that the military "share in the family's grief and will continue to work together with its partners in the security system to locate and return the abductees home." The mother of Israeli soldier Corporal Noa Marciano during her funeral (Reuters) Ms Weiss was hailed as a "loving full-time grandmother" according to the Bring Them Home Now group, which represents the families of hostages. She had been recovering from breast cancer when Hamas launched its deadly attack, but was without her medication when she was taken, according to the group. Ms Weiss worked in her kibbutz's kindergartens, managed the dining room and specialised in nursing before she retired, the group said, adding she had a love for culture, sports, travelling and baking. Her husband, Shmulik, a rabbi, was killed in the Hamas assault. In its statement, the Israeli army said that Kalashnikov rifles and rocket-propelled grenades were among the weapons discovered where her body was located. It comes as the families of Israeli hostages and thousands of supporters marched towards Jerusalem on Friday, ramping up pressure on the government to secure their release nearly six weeks after Hamas militants abducted them and took them into Gaza. The procession left Tel Aviv three days ago and at this point stretched a few kilometres. Police blocked off parts of the main highway as the marchers began to ascend the foothills leading to Jerusalem. They held up pictures of their loved ones, waved Israeli flags, and chanted "We won't give up, we demand the hostages' release!" The funeral for Corporal Noa Marciano (Getty Images) In other developments, Israel said its troops had found a tunnel shaft used by Hamas at al-Shifa. The hospital, which contains hundreds of patients and displaced people, has been a major focus of global concern this week. Israel says Hamas has stored weapons and ammunition and is holding hostages in a network of tunnels under hospitals like alShifa, using patients and people taking shelter there as human shields. Hamas denies this. Israel has vowed to crush Hamas in the wake of the attack across the border with Gaza. 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 accused Hamas of preventing people from heading to the south of the Gaza Strip, which the militant group denied. Smoke rises during an explosion following an Israeli air strike on the northern part of the Gaza Strip (EPA) The army released a video it said showed a tunnel entrance in an outdoor area of al-Shifa. The video showed a deep hole in the ground, littered with and surrounded by concrete and wood rubble and sand. It appeared the area had been excavated. A bulldozer appeared in the background. The army said its troops also found a vehicle in the hospital containing a large number of weapons. The United Nations said there would be no cross-border aid operation into Gaza on Friday due to fuel shortages and a communication shutdown. For a second consecutive day on Thursday, no aid trucks arrived in Gaza due to lack of fuel for distributing relief. World Food Programme (WFP) Executive Director Cindy McCain said nearly the entire population was in desperate need of food assistance. "Supplies of food and water are practically non-existent in Gaza and only a fraction of what is needed is arriving through the borders," she said in a statement. "With winter fast approaching, unsafe and overcrowded shelters, and the lack of clean water, civilians are facing the immediate possibility of starvation," Ms McCain added. Reuters and Associated Press contributed to this report Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 17) President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will meet his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping to discuss measures to prevent the escalation of tensions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). "We (with President Xi) will put all of these together so as we'll be able to strategize for the near future on what the Philippines' role will be or what is the proper Philippines' role in the West Philippine Sea," Marcos said in a Facebook video posted Friday (Philippine time). The president made the statement after sharing details of his meeting with United States Vice President Kamala Harris on the sidelines of the 30th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Economic Leaders' Meeting in San Francisco, California. Marcos said Harris asked about the Philippines' latest assessment on the situation in the disputed waters. "We tried to discuss some of the ways forward and I think that generally speaking, especially after my meeting with President Xi, which I'm going to have some time today. After that, we will put together the ways forward," he added. Marcos and Harris also reaffirmed the strength of US-Philippine ties and reiterated their commitment to uphold international rules, including in the South China Sea. Philippine authorities have said China has been increasing its aggression in the WPS. Last week, Manila filed another diplomatic protest after the China Coast Guard used a water cannon on a Philippine vessel conducting a resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal. The Department of Foreign Affairs on Thursday urged China to remove all its illegal structures and stop reclamation activities in the South China Sea. A 2016 arbitral decision favored the Philippines in areas of its exclusive economic zone and continental shelf that are being claimed by China. Beijing continues to reject the landmark ruling. AUSTIN (KXAN) A man was sentenced Nov. 2 in connection with a north Austin murder. According to Travis County court documents, 38-year-old Isandro Varona-Lopez was sentenced to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to first-degree murder. PAST COVERAGE: APD: Murder suspect in custody after man hit, killed by car The charge was in connection with the death of Bisorquis Pena, whom Varona-Lopez ran over with his vehicle following an argument at an apartment complex near Chevy Chase Drive in June 2022. According to documents, Varona-Lopez had a jail credit of 501 days toward his sentence. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. MADERA, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) A man was arrested on suspicion of DUI after a reported traffic collision, the City of Madera said on Thursday. Officers say they were dispatched to a traffic collision in the 1400 block of W. 4th St where the driver was witnessed leaving the scene. Detectives say they located 27-year-old Trinidad Razo, and he was found to be intoxicated. He was identified as the driver involved in the collision. As a result, officers say Trinidad was arrested and booked on suspicion of DUI. The City of Madera Police Department says there will be an increase in DUI enforcement with the holidays on the horizon. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com. A man who pleaded guilty to attacking Democratic Rep. Angie Craig of Minnesota in a Washington, D.C., elevator this year was sentenced Thursday to 27 months in prison. Kendrid Khalil Hamlin of Washington was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge James E. Boasberg. He also faces 36 months of supervised release after his prison term, the Justice Department said in a news release. Hamlin pleaded guilty in June to one count of assault on a member of Congress stemming from the Feb. 9 attack, in addition to two counts of assault on a law enforcement officer. A spokesperson for Craig did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday. In a victim statement filed this week, Craig said that Hamlin had followed her into the elevator of her apartment complex and trapped her there. He grabbed my neck and slammed me into the steel wall. He punched me in the face, she wrote, adding that the attack left her bruised and with a cut lip. While my physical recovery was days, my mental and emotional recovery has taken much longer and is ongoing, Craig wrote, noting that she faced death threats and was forced to move amid media commentary about her attack. According to court documents, Hamlin also assaulted officers who attempted to arrest him. He has remained in custody since then. Hamlin's 27-month sentence is less than the 39 months sought by prosecutors, who in court documents referred to Hamlin's past convictions for assaulting officers. In a statement Thursday, Hamlin's attorneys Gene Ohm and Katie DAdamo Guevara said their client is "deeply remorseful" for the harm he caused Craig. "While we are disappointed in the length of the prison sentence, we are hopeful that he will finally get the mental health treatment he has been seeking and desperately needs upon release," they said. Hamlin's attorneys had pushed for a sentencing of one year and a day, and said that Hamlin suffered from severe mental illness and was off his medication, living in the streets, and struggling acutely with addiction at the time of his arrest. An attorney for Hamlin previously said that Hamlin did not know Craig was a member of Congress, and Capitol Police have said there was no evidence the congresswoman was targeted because of her position. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Video and digital evidence helped establish a clear sequence of events that led to the confrontation at simultaneous pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian rallies in California that ended with the death of a Jewish protester and the arrest of his attacker, prosecutors said Friday. Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko said detectives had gathered over 600 pieces of evidence and reviewed over 60 witness statements in the case, which led to the arrest of Loay Alnaji, 50, of Moorpark. Alnaji has been charged with two felonies involuntary manslaughter and battery causing serious bodily injury in connection with the death of 69-year-old Paul Kessler in Thousand Oaks earlier this month, the Ventura County District Attorneys Office said Thursday. He made his first court appearance Friday afternoon. Loay Alnaji is pictured at the scene of the rallies on November 5. - RMG News Alnajis bail was set at $50,000 at the hearing. The suspect, who is also a citizen of Jordan, was ordered to hand over his passports. He pleaded not guilty to both charges, the Ventura County District Attorneys Office said in a statement Friday. Alnaji also denied the special allegations that he personally inflicted great bodily injury, the office said. Ron Bamieh, a lawyer representing Alnaji, said the charges came as a bit of a surprise and called for a peaceful and respectful approach to the criminal proceedings in a news release published before the hearing. Kessler died hours after falling and hitting his head during demonstrations by pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian groups on November 5, according to the Ventura County Sheriffs Office. Kessler, who was rallying in support of Israel, was involved in an altercation with a pro-Palestinian protester before he fell, Sheriff Jim Fryhoff has said. The investigation that led to Alnajis arrest was not an easy undertaking, given the disparate, often conflicting interpretations and statements and also the fragmentary nature of the evidence, district attorney Nasarenko said Friday at a news conference. We were able to take video as well as digital photos and put them together to establish a clear sequence of events leading up to the confrontation, he said. He added new physical and forensic evidence, as well as findings regarding the injuries to the left side of Paul Kesslers face also contributed to the charges. The district attorney did not specify exactly how the incident unfolded. He said authorities had not yet ruled out a hate crime charge and the investigation into whether a hate crime was committed is still ongoing. Alnajis attorney said he has video evidence showing his client was not near the victim when Kessler was fatally injured. After the court hearing, Bamieh told CNN Kessler got in the face of many of the protesters, including Alnaji. He said Kessler stuck his phone in Alnajis face and he brushed it away. Paul Kessler holds an Israeli flag on November 5 at the intersection where the altercation would later take place. - Obtained by CNN When (Kessler) fell, my client is seen on the video 6 to 8 feet away from him, Bamieh says. In his earlier news release, Bamieh said Alnaji has no criminal record and is loved by all that know him. He is a man of peace, who abhors violence, and believes in the truth of persuasive arguments and education, never violence, Bamieh said in the release. Bamieh said his client fully cooperated with law enforcement, attempted to aid Mr. Kessler when he fell, and called 911 when he realized that Mr. Kessler was injured. The district attorney noted prosecutors had not filed murder charges because they had found no evidence Alnaji arrived at the event with the intent to kill, harm or injure anyone. His next appearance in court is scheduled for November 29 for a status hearing. A preliminary hearing is set for December 4. Alnaji has been placed on administrative leave from his job in the Ventura County Community College District, which includes three colleges, the district said Thursday. He works at Moorpark College, The Los Angeles Times reported, though his profile on the districts website was not available Thursday. The district said it has been communicating with sheriffs officials during the investigation into Kesslers death. Though an arrest has been made, we continue to encourage community members who may have information about this criminal investigation and have yet to come forward, the sheriffs office said Thursday. Authorities ask anyone who was driving a vehicle with video recording equipment in the area where the protests were taking place to reach out to detectives or submit evidence. Crisis in the Middle East stokes intense rallies in the US The demonstrations in Thousand Oaks were among the many in cities across the US supporting or denouncing Israels military response to the October 7 mass slaughter and kidnappings by Hamas. Hamas, the militant group that controls the Gaza Strip, launched a gruesome terror attack on Israel, killing an estimated 1,200 people and kidnapping about 200 hostages. It marked the single deadliest day for Jewish people since the Holocaust and coincided with rising reports of antisemitism in the US and other countries. Israel responded by launching airstrikes on Gaza which it says target Hamas but have also destroyed civilian infrastructure and killed thousands. The death toll and humanitarian crisis among Palestinian civilians continue to escalate, as Israels attacks have destroyed homes and schools, decimated access to water and electricity and severed access to lifesaving care. More than 11,000 people have been killed in Gaza, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Ramallah, drawing from sources in Hamas-controlled territory. A UNICEF spokesperson said figures from the Hamas-controlled health ministry have historically matched those from the international childrens humanitarian agency. In California, Kesslers death has devastated the local Jewish community and spurred safety concerns against the backdrop of rising reports of antisemitic incidents. The Anti-Defamation League has reported a 316% increase in antisemitic incidents in the month after October 7 compared to the same period last year. What happened the day Kessler died The simultaneous rallies where the incident took place were held by two groups identified as Freedom for Palestine and We are Pro-Israel, the Ventura County Sheriffs Office said. Authorities estimated between 75 and 100 people were present. Around 3:20 p.m. November 5, the sheriffs office received multiple calls about a possible assault related to the protests at an intersection, Fryhoff has said. When deputies and medical responders arrived at the scene minutes later, they found Kessler lying on the ground, conscious and responsive, the sheriff said. Investigators determined a pro-Palestinian protester had been involved in an altercation with Kessler, who at some point fell backward and hit his head on the ground, authorities said. Investigators interviewed pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian witnesses at the scene, who gave contradicting accounts of who the aggressor was and how the altercation occurred, the sheriff said. A 50-year-old suspect was also interviewed at the scene, where he told deputies he had been involved in an altercation with Kessler, Fryhoff said. His home was searched by investigators the next day, the sheriff said. Authorities did not immediately say whether that suspect was Alnaji. Kessler was hospitalized in critical condition before dying from his injuries. An autopsy determined his cause of death to be blunt force head trauma, according to Dr. Christopher Young, Ventura Countys chief medical examiner. The autopsy also revealed Kessler suffered injuries consistent with a fall, including skull fractures, brain swelling and bruising, and nonlethal injuries to his face. The district attorney described Kessler as a father of one who had been married for 43 years. He worked in medical sales for a number of decades and also taught sales and marketing. We want to continue to remember and honor Paul Kessler, and the tragic loss of life that has occurred, Nasarenko said. CNNs Stephanie Elam and Joe Sutton contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The morning before Mason Sanders died in a three-vehicle crash in Independence couldve been written in one of the romance novels she loved to read. Her boyfriend woke her around 5 in the morning that April day, so they could go for a drive, watch the sunrise and slow dance together. She took a video to remember the happy moment. They grabbed lunch with his sister and went home before she left for her shift as a manager at Andys Frozen Custard. But Sanders never made it to work that day. The allegedly impaired driver who took her life was finally charged this week, nearly seven months later. Tuesday, prosecutors charged Eric D. Smith with driving while intoxicated resulting in the death of another person. A warrant was issued for Smiths arrest, and he will be held on a $150,000 bond. Before she died in a car crash in April, Mason Sanders family took a vacation together in Arizona and decided to take a family photo with all the siblings and their significant others. More than just being proud Jace Sanders moved his family to Independence about a year ago to open a new Merchant Square Antique Marketplace, a chain featuring local antique and craft vendors that started in Arizona. He worked for Merchant Square in Arizona for around 15 years, and at age 12, his daughter Mason started helping at the store. Before they moved to Missouri, she helped run the American Way Smokehouse, a BBQ restaurant inside the vintage store. She hoped to one day do the same at the Independence location. It was a fitting goal for a young woman who was a great manager and loved working in food service, according to her father. One day, she even hoped to combine her love of books and food by opening a coffee shop, he said. But in the meantime, she took on various management roles in food service, from working as an assistant manager at Andys Frozen Custard on Noland Road to helping open an Auntie Annes at the new Kansas City International terminal. In her spare time, she helped her father tear up floors, paint and train staff at Merchant Square, which is still adorned by the signs and murals she meticulously painted using a projector and scissor lift. Masons dreams extended beyond business, as well. After dealing with anxiety and depression that was particularly bad in her teen years, she took some psychology classes, and told her dad she wanted to someday balance owning a private practice devoted to therapy alongside the book-filled coffee shop of her dreams. Three months before she died, Mason closed on a house in Independence, Jace Sanders said. It was yet another goal of hers: to build credit and own a home by the time she was 20. She had painted it, put in new floors and collected a shelf filled with around 100 books numbered and wrapped in paper to hide their titles, so that every new read could be a surprise. When the family started cleaning her home, they found she had unwrapped about 35 of the books already. Mason would often get through about two books a week, and loved psychological thrillers and young adult romance. Before starting as a manager at Andys, Mason, her parents and younger brother traveled back to Arizona to see her three older brothers, who decided not to move with their parents to Missouri. The trip was the last time all the siblings, their significant others and their parents were together. At one point, Jace goaded everyone to take a group photo. Mason and some of the other kids objected because they werent dressed nicely. Looking back, hes grateful he got one last family photo. I think its helped us a lot, having that memory so close, he said. On that vacation, Jace recalled noticing how much Mason and all of his kids had grown. He snapped a photo on the bus of Mason smiling while watching her brother and boyfriend bicker. He thought about how happy she looked, especially compared to how down she had felt just a few years before. I didnt know that being a dad would include those feelings, Jace said. Its more than just being proud of her. I was sitting in awe of how incredible she is. The crash Independence officers responded around 1:07 p.m. on April 22 to the crash in the area of Truman Road and Brookside Avenue. Smith was allegedly driving eastbound on Truman in a 2016 GMC Yukon, when he swerved to try to avoid hitting a 2013 Jeep Wrangler that had stopped in traffic. The maneuver caused the GMC to hit the rear drivers side of the Jeep, cross into westbound traffic and run over the top of Masons 2015 Toyota Corolla. Mason died of her injuries at the scene. At Centerpoint Hospital, where Smith was treated for minor injuries, he allegedly told officers he had been drinking and showed signs of impairment, according to a probable cause statement. A blood test returned in June showed Smith had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.084 and tested positive for cocaine and other substances, the probable cause statement said. Smiths GMC had allegedly been traveling between 66 and 68 mph in a 35 mph zone. Half a second before the impact with the Jeep, he applied his brakes and swerved left, slowing to about 57 mph when the initial crash occurred. Mason Sanders painted many of the signs at Merchant Square Antique Marketplace in Independence after their family moved from Arizona to open the store. Justice can take its course Later that day, a friend and co-worker at Andys called Jace, asking if something was wrong. Mason was a few hours late for work and wasnt answering her phone. He jumped in the car and called his wife and son, who found her location on Truman Road using Live360. When Jace called 911, they said there was a situation in that area and asked him questions but didnt give further information. He and his wife and son headed to the area from separate directions. They didnt yet know about the crash and had no idea what to expect. Eventually, his wife made it to the accident scene, finding it barricaded by officers. She called Jace to tell him their only daughter was gone. An officer at the scene couldnt tell the family any information about the driver who hit their daughter, but promised to get justice for Mason. Jace saw the officer again on the one month anniversary of his daughters death. He was speeding on his way to a counseling appointment a regimen he started to help cope with the loss of Mason when the same officer pulled him over. It was easy for the officer to recognize Jaces vehicle. After Mason died, he put a green cartoon dinosaur sticker on his truck that read all my friends are dead to match the one on her Toyota. At the time, the officer had no updates, but he let Jace go without a ticket. They learned in August that the case had been sent to the prosecutors office. For months, the family heard nothing. Jace felt he owed it to his daughter to make sure the driver who took her life faced consequences. Id like to not worry about it, he said. And justice can take its course. For months after the crash, he found comfort watching accidents on reality crime shows, not for the crashes themselves, but to see other people in similar situations be arrested at the scene. He didnt understand why the driver who took his daughters life got to go home that night and for months after that. On Friday, someone at the prosecutors office called Jace to let him know theyd been working on the case and would charge a suspect soon. By Tuesday, Smith was finally charged and is being held on a $150,000 cash bond. Jace was told he had been arrested in Springfield and would be brought back to Independence. Its comforting to know that hes off the streets, Jace said, and thats theres somebody else thinking about (our daughter) other than us. CAMDEN - A city man is accused of fatally shooting one person and wounding another in the Fairview neighborhood. Avonte Muse, 19, allegedly killed 33-year-old Akeem Jenkins of Camden on Oct. 27, according to the Camden County Prosecutor's Office. A 32-year-old woman survived her wounds from the 8 p.m. gun attack in an apartment parking lot on the 2800 block of Hull Road. Surveillance video showed a man exiting a car in an lot, then shooting several times at Jenkins and the woman, a probable cause statement says. High-tech tools lead to arrest Surveillance tool helps detective identify North Camden murder suspect The gunman wore distinctive clothing and had a mask that covered only part of his face, the statement said. Police arrested Muse on an unrelated charge on Nov. 4, when he was wearing clothing that matched the gunman's. A member of Muse's family then identified him from a still image taken from the murder-scene video, the statement said. Muse is being held at Camden County Jail. He is charged with murder and aggravated assault. The charges are only allegations. Muse has not been convicted in the case. Jim Walsh is a senior reporter for the Courier-Post, Burlington County Times and The Daily Journal. Email: Jwalsh@cpsj.com. This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: Avonte Muse is charged with murder and aggravated assault A 40-year-old man who was convicted again of killing a Palm Springs retiree in a financial-enrichment scheme and dumping his body by Interstate 5 while en route to Daly City was sentenced on Friday to life without the possibility of parole. Miguel Bustamante was found guilty of one felony count each of murder, using personal identity information of another to obtain credit, forged instrument, conspiracy to commit a crime and grand theft over $950; two felony counts of burglary; and one misdemeanor count of unlawfully receiving stolen property, according to court records. Jurors reached the guilty verdicts June 14. Bustamante was sentenced Friday morning at the Larson Justice Center in Indio to life without the possibility of parole. He was first convicted in 2011 with David Replogle, 74, for the Palm Springs killing of Clifford Lambert, resulting in sentences of life in prison without the possibility of parole. However, they appealed their verdicts based on appeals successfully lodged by co-defendants Daniel Carlos Garcia, 41, and Kaushal Niroula, 41, who were convicted in 2012 and sentenced to life terms, but were granted new trials because of the behavior of the judge in the original trial. Niroula was killed at the Cois Byrd Detention Center on Sept. 6, 2022. More: Judge's secretly recorded HIV insult could undo Palm Springs killers' convictions Garcia was convicted again Oct. 31 and Replogle on Aug. 11, 2022 on their respective charges, but both have yet to be sentenced. Other co-defendants Russell Manning, who is now dead, and Craig McCarthy pleaded guilty in 2010 to felony charges. Prosecutors said the six defendants teamed up to take advantage of and kill Lambert, who was stabbed in the kitchen of his Palm Springs home on Dec. 5, 2008, for financial gain. Sometimes the promise of a fortune will make a man risk it all, Deputy District Attorney Robert Hightower told jurors. He said Lambert was on an online dating site, where he met Garcia, who was living in San Francisco and utilized the victims credit card to upgrade his flights when flying out to see him. Hightower then took jurors through a timeline of events between November 2008 and January 2009. On the day after Thanksgiving 2008, Replogle and Niroula flew from Burbank to Palm Springs in an effort to recruit Manning into the scheme, Hightower said. On Dec. 2, 2008, in an attempt to get access to Lambert, Niroula posed as an attorney and called Lambert to tell him he would be inheriting a large amount of money, then set up a meeting with him the following day. In the meantime, McCarthy and Bustamante broke into Lamberts home and armed themselves, but didnt follow through with anything, so Niroula set up a second meeting at Lamberts Palm Springs home for Dec. 5, 2008, according to the prosecutor. Niroula excused himself and walked to the kitchen, where he let McCarthy and Bustamante in through a side door, the prosecutor said. Both of them are armed with knives and as they enter the kitchen, at some point Mr. Lambert comes out, sort of a Whats going on type of moment, and Mr. Bustamante stabs Cliff Lambert with the assistance of Craig McCarthy, Hightower said. Once Mr. Lambert is dead, they clean up, they wrap Mr. Lambert up in a rug ... they load Mr. Lambert in the trunk of the Mercedes and they leave with the dog as well. The following day, the two dumped Lamberts body on the way to Daly City, which is near San Francisco, Hightower said. After two days, Lamberts friend filed a missing person report, while Niroula and Replogle started to go into Lamberts accounts to try to sell his home, the prosecutor said. Parts of Lamberts body started to be found in 2016, when pipeline workers found a jawbone along Templin Highway in Castaic, Hightower said. His skull was found near the same area in 2017. (Lambert) was a man who was simply seeking out someone for companionship, to care about him and to love him. Instead, what he met was pure evil, Hightower said. This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Bustamante gets life without parole in murder of Palm Springs retiree Clifford Lambert Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 17) The latest batch of repatriates from war-torn Israel, comprising of 32 overseas Filipino workers and one infant, arrived in the Philippines on Friday. Their return brings the total number of Filipino repatriates from Israel to 256, according to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). "Sa Israel ang pending natin ay 83," said DMW officer-in-charge Hans Leo Cacdac, who welcomed the repatratiates at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 in Pasay City. "We're hoping na ma-process natin yung 83." [Translation: For Israel, we still have 83 pending Filipinos to be repatriated. We're hoping that we can process the 83.] The 32 workers who arrived Friday include eight hotel workers and 24 caregivers, officials said. Cacdac told reporters DMW is eyeing more assistance for the livelihood of the OFWs. He said that there is still a remaining 725 million budget to aid the OFWs from the Israel-Hamas conflict. "We're still hoping may mga programa pa naman tayong gagawin," Cacdac said, adding that the DMW has so far extended 80 million in assistance [Translation: We're still hoping [to use it] because we have upcoming programs.] On Monday, 41 Filipinos from Israel comprising of 10 hotel workers, 29 caregivers, and two children also arrived in the country. Authorities said that as of Monday, 26 Filipinos remain in Gaza. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) raised Crisis Alert Level 4 over Gaza, meaning repatriation is mandatory. READ: Eighth batch of PH repatriates from Israel now home READ: More Filipinos from Gaza en route to PH, 13 others cross Rafah border https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2023/11/13/-Filipinos-Gaza-cross-Rafah-border.html In a separate statement, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said it has already extended about 5.4 million worth of aid for repatriates from Israel, Lebanon, West Bank, and Palestine. "The Department has released some 5.4 million worth of assistance to these repatriates which include cash and food aid," DSWD Assistant Secretary for Strategic Communications Romel Lopez said. DSWD said each repatriate was given 10,000 cash aid and another 10,000 food assistance through its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS). With reports from CNN Philippines correspondent EJ Gomez DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston announced the conviction of a man for killing his cousin in Stone Mountain. According to the DAs office, Steven ONeal Smith was found guilty of felony murder and aggravated assault for the death of his cousin, Antonio Carter, on April 9, 2019. Carter was killed by Smith in an abandoned home in Stone Mountain around 3 a.m. that morning. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The DAs office said officers were called to a home on N. Hairston Road around 3 a.m. after DeKalb County police got a call about someone being stabbed. When officers arrived, they found Carter on his back porch suffering from multiple stab wounds, the DAs office said. Paramedics were called and they took him to a nearby hospital, where he died from the injuries. TRENDING STORIES: Police began an investigation into Carters death. At the home on N. Hairston Road, officers followed a trail of blood found behind the house to an abandoned home on Lauren Parkway. Relatives said Carter and Smith lived there together, and before Carters murder, neighbors witnessed Smith get a kitchen knife out and walk to the abandoned home with it, the DAs office said. Afterward, officers found Smith covered in blood, not far from the crime scene. Testing by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation confirmed the blood Smith was covered in was Carters. Smith was convicted Wednesday and immediately given a life sentence for Carters murder, according to the DAs office. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: GRANDVIEW HEIGHTS, Ohio (WCMH) A 57-year-old central Ohio man who was found unconscious in Grandview Heights on Monday has died. Stephen Albright, 57, died Friday morning, according to the Grandview Heights Division of Police. Officers originally found him with severe head injuries at 7:45 p.m. on Monday in the area of West 5th Avenue and Dublin Road. Detectives did not know how Albright sustained his injuries, but have transitioned the case from a felonious assault investigation to a death investigation. This embedded content is not available in your region. Grandview Heights police shared videos and photos captured by security cameras of two people riding bicycles in the area. The pair was spotted there moments before Albright was injured, and witnesses said they also saw people assisting someone off of the ground, who then left on a bicycle. (Courtesy Photos/Grandview Heights Division of Police) (Courtesy Photos/Grandview Heights Division of Police) On Friday, they released new photos of the persons of interest. (Photo courtesy/Grandview Heights Division of Police) (Photo courtesy/Grandview Heights Division of Police) (Photo courtesy/Grandview Heights Division of Police) (Photo courtesy/Grandview Heights Division of Police) Police said there was no evidence that there was any threat to public safety. However, they asked anyone with information on the incident or either person of interest to call 614-488-7901. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. A Weatherford man was fatally shot Thursday night after firing on Parker County law enforcement officers who were serving him a warrant, officials said. Parker County Sheriffs deputies and a Weatherford police K9 officer attempted to serve a warrant around 7:30 p.m. on Hancock Drive, officials said in a press release. The subject of the warrant fired at the officers. The officers returned fire and the suspect was killed. Authorities havent publicly identified the suspect. Its not clear if he was shot by deputies or the police officer. K9 Jack with the Weatherford K9 unit was wounded and taken to a veterinary hospital, officials said. A bullet went through his ear and paw, Star-Telegram media partner WFAA-TV reported. He is expected to recover. The Texas Rangers will take the lead in investigating the shooting, according to officials. Today's top stories: In killing plot from jail, Fort Worth Crips gangster sentenced to life Dallas police officer shot while serving warrant Bell offers voluntary separation to some Fort Worth workers Get free alerts when news breaks. OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) A man has been sentenced for the 2019 murder of a 24-year-old mother. On Saturday, June 8, 2019, police say officers responded to an apartment complex around 3:15 p.m. near I-240 and Penn. regarding an assault on a female. RELATED NEWS: Police: Man accused of stabbing metro mother to death arrested Selena Escalera-Pacheco was found stabbed to death inside her own apartment. A friend found her body in the bedroom of one of Pachecos five children. Officials say the 24-year-old was stabbed several times in front of her children. On Tuesday, June 11, 2019, police announced Gabriel Aguilar had been arrested in connection to Pachecos murder. He was booked into the Oklahoma County Jail on multiple complaints, including first-degree murder. RELATED NEWS: Woman killed in deadly south Oklahoma City stabbing identified On Friday, the Oklahoma County District Attorneys Office announced that Aguilar entered a Blind Plea of Guilty for the murder of Pacheco. Officials say because Aguilar was charged with First Degree Murder, his punishment was either Life or Life Without the Possibility of Parole. Aguilar was sentenced to Life Without the Possibility of Parole. The D.A.s Office says Aguilar waived his right to appeal after sentencing. He will be transferred to the Oklahoma Department of Corrections to serve out his sentence. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. (FOX40.COM) A Sacramento County judge sentenced Salvador Vasquez-Oliva to death Thursday morning, bringing an end to the case of a quadruple murder in the South Land Park neighborhood of Sacramento that took place in early 2017. The sentencing was announced by the Sacramento County District Attorneys Office. A jury convicted Vasquez-Oliva of four counts of first-degree murder in May of this year. Suspect arrested in connection to DOCO homicide, police say Although California technically has the death penalty, the state has not put an inmate to death since 2006. Vasquez-Olivia was arrested in March 2017 after the deaths of his wife, two children and his niece. The four bodies were discovered in a home by police who were fulfilling a welfare check requested by a family member. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40. A 52-year-old man was shot outside a mosque while selling goods in Providence on Friday, according to Rhode Island officials. Patricia Socarras, the citys director of communications, told CNN the shooting happened at the Islamic Center of Rhode Island. She added the victim appeared to have suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was immediately transported from the scene. Col. Oscar L. Perez, the police chief in Providence, told reporters during a news conference police received a call at 11:22 a.m. about the shooting. The victim was at a table selling Islamic goods and at some point began folding some of the items when he was shot in the buttocks, according to Perez. We would hold those accountable that think that they can come to the city and commit violent crime in our city, he said. Thats not going to happen. Law enforcement authorities will provide security at the mosque to ensure everyone is safe, Perez added. Socarras said the search for the suspect is ongoing and no one is in custody. A motive for the shooting is still under investigation, authorities said. The Islamic Center of Rhode Islands Imam, Abdul-Latif Sackor, said the center has video footage of a man waiting across the street for 20 minutes prior to the shooting, according to CNN affiliate WJAR. Sackor said he feels the center was targeted and hopes police find out more information throughout the investigation. The center has turned over the video to police and noted the person was standing across from the center before its scheduled 11:30 a.m. prayer service, Sackor said. Providence police confirmed to CNN they have received the video from the center and are investigating the motive of the shooting, and whether the suspect shot the man because he had a vendetta or for some other reason. Weve been here for years and we havent had this type of issue, Sackor said, according to WJAR. Well try to get protection from the police and well try to protect ourselves, thats all we can do. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com PROVIDENCE Some of Mustafa Ramos' friends at the Islamic Center of Rhode Island describe him as a big, jovial man with a giant smile. Each week, Ramos travels from Maine to a mosque just off Broad Street, where he sells Islamic garments and religious items, according to the spiritual leader of the Islamic Center of Rhode Island, Imam Abdul-Latif Sackor. On Friday morning, someone shot the turbaned and robed merchant from a vehicle, Sackor said. The shooting drew police to a scene just off Broad Street near the center of Providence at 11:22 a.m. Providence police Detective Maj. David Lapatin said the man's injuries were non-life-threatening. Ramos, who is in his 50s, is expected to recover. But the circumstances of the violence left some at the mosque wondering about the possibility that Ramos's Muslim faith alone had made him a target. "I don't think it was personal toward the individual," said Sackor. Imam Abdul-Latif Sackor, of the Islamic Center of Rhode Island, in Providence. [Mark Reynolds/Providence Journal] The shooting, took place in the run-up to a busy afternoon of prayers on a Friday, the holiest day of the week for Muslims. It comes at a tense time for some local Muslims and Jews and others who are concerned about developments in the Middle East and a rising tide of Islamophobia and antisemitism in the United States. Like many cities, Providence has public and private spaces that have drawn protest activity, vandalism and some arrests related to the bloody conflict between Palestinians and Israelis, which erupted anew on Oct. 7. "After the police do their investigation, hopefully we can find out who did this, who the perpetrator is," Sackor said. Both Sackor and an elder in the community, L. Talib Sabir, said a surveillance camera captured video of the shooting. The video shows that someone who had been parked in one of the mosque's lots, across the street, had pulled out of the lot, fired at Ramos and driven away, Sabir said. The video shows the license plate of the vehicle, which was from Massachusetts, said Sackor. The man in the vehicle was partly masked, he said. L. Talib Sabir, an elder and former vice president of the Islamic Center of Rhode Island, greets a man Friday as he enters for prayers at the mosque on Haskins Street in Providence. [Mark Reynolds/Providence Journal] A man who was with Ramos at the time of the shooting told The Journal that Ramos was tending to a bag of items that he had brought outside for the sale. The shooter had been parked in the lot across the street for 20 minutes or more, he said. The vehicle rolled out of the lot and the driver opened fire on Ramos, said the man, who declined to give his name. Sackor and others in the community have noticed some attacks on Muslims around the country in recent weeks, but in interviews they said they were not aware of any recent attacks or Islamophobic incidents targeting their local community. "When you feel you are at peace, you let your guard down," said Sabir. Sabir, also a former vice president, said he had not been worried about security at the mosque previously, but the shooting has changed that. "This is like waking up to a ghost," he said. Providence's police chief, Col. Oscar Perez Jr., left, talks with people outside the Islamic Center of Rhode Island on Friday after a man was shot as he sold religious items. [Mark Reynolds/Providence Journal] Providence's police chief, Col. Oscar Perez Jr., said the victim had been shot in the buttocks. "We're gathering evidence," Perez said. "We have a pretty close relationship with the mosque. "The detectives are doing their work," he added. "They will continue to do so." "We'll investigate," Perez said, "and hope that we can find and hold accountable those that are responsible for the incident today." This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Man shot, injured outside Islamic Center in Providence, police say Sheriffs officials reported that a Twentynine Palms man was arrested on suspicion of using a belt in an attempt to fatally strangle his wife. A Twentynine Palms man is accused of attempting to strangle his wife using a belt, according to sheriff's officials. At 5:15 a.m. Thursday, Morongo Basin deputies responded to an assault in the 6500 block of Mariposa Avenue in Twentynine Palms. The area is located south of Highway 62 and north of Old Dale Road. During their investigation, deputies spoke with the victim and learned that her husband, Michael Champagne, 33, allegedly assaulted her using a belt. She told deputies that he allegedly strangled her to the point of unconsciousness, sheriffs officials said. Deputies arrested Champagne on suspicion of attempted murder. He was booked into the Morongo Basin jail, police said. Champagne remains at the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga, with bail set at $1 million, sheriffs officials said. Anyone with information regarding this investigation is urged to contact the Morongo Basin sheriffs station at (760)-366-4175. Callers wishing to remain anonymous can contact the We-Tip Hotline at 800-78-CRIME(27463) or wetip.com If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, call the national hotline at (800) 799-7233. This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Man suspected of attempting to fatally strangle his wife in desert city LAS VEGAS (KLAS) Las Vegas Metropolitan police are investigating a shooting that left a man with multiple gunshot wounds south of UNLV. Police said they received a call of a man gunned down around 10:42 a.m. in the 4000 block of University Center Drive near Flamingo Road. The man was transported to the hospital. His condition is unknown at this time. Police are asking people to avoid the area due to a large police presence. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. Manchin on near-fight in Senate: It looked like a Third World country Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) weighed in on the near-fight in the Senate Tuesday, saying it looked like a Third World country. When theyve got to a fever pitch where they wanna fight, theyre calling each other names, Manchin said Thursday on Fox News. It looked like a Third World country or a Banana Republic, and thats not who we are. Manchin was referencing a near-fight between Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) and Sean OBrien, president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, during a hearing Tuesday. Mullin challenged OBrien to a fight during the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee hearing after he read aloud OBriens posts calling him a clown and a fraud. Sir, this is a time, this is place. You want to run your mouth; we can be two consenting adults; we can finish it here, Mullin said. You want to do it now? Stand your butt up then, Mullin said, in response to OBriens acceptance. Best Black Friday Deals He stood up to challenge OBrien when Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), chair of the panel, told the lawmaker to sit down and reminded him he was a U.S. senator. Mullin, a former mixed martial arts fighter, later defended his conduct by saying, every now and then, you need to get punched in the face. Tensions also rose in the House Tuesday when Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) alleged that former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) elbowed him in the back. Manchin, referring to the Tuesday incidents, said he thinks the behavior reflects poorly on the U.S. as it attempts to handle several tense foreign relations issues across the globe. We are the superpower of the world, Manchin said. People are looking to us for leadership. The West Virginia senator recently announced he would not be running for reelection. In his statement, Manchin said he believes he has accomplished what he set out to do for his state. Manchin said he plans to travel the country and see if there is consensus for mobilizing the middle and bring Americans together. He later suggested that he is considering leaving the Democratic Party. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Air defenses thwart Israeli targets near Damascus: Syrian army Xinhua) 11:10, November 17, 2023 DAMASCUS, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- The air defenses of the Syrian capital Damascus intercepted Israeli missile attacks in its vicinity before dawn Friday, the Syrian army said. Around 2:25 am local time (2325 GMT Thursday), the Israeli army carried out an aerial attack from the direction of the occupied Golan Heights, targeting several points in the vicinity of Damascus, according to an army statement. "Our air defense thwarted the aggression's missiles, and most of them were intercepted," it said. The attack resulted in some material losses, the statement added. For its part, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor said that in the 21st targeting since the Israeli war on Gaza, Israeli airstrikes hit sites belonging to the Lebanese militia Hezbollah in the vicinity of the capital, Damascus. It added that since the beginning of 2023, it has documented 52 instances of Israeli targeting of Syrian territory. The strikes resulted in approximately 106 targets being hit, including weapon and ammunition depots, headquarters, centers and vehicles, it added. (Web editor: Xian Jiangnan, Liang Jun) Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 17) Fourteen countries in the Indo-Pacific region, including the Philippines, agreed to implement measures that will prevent supply chain disruptions and substantially concluded talks on promoting green energy, their leaders said. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday (Philippine time) attended the 2nd Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) Leaders Meeting in San Francisco, California in the US. "Here in San Francisco, California, our ministers signed the first-of-its-kind Supply Chain Agreement, and substantially concluded the negotiations on a groundbreaking Clean Economy Agreement and an innovative Fair Economy Agreement," the IPEF leaders said in a statement. "Our ongoing cooperation through these agreements will promote workers rights, increase our capacity to prevent and respond to supply chain disruptions, strengthen our collaboration on the transition to clean economies, and combat corruption and improve the efficiency of tax administration," they added. The other members of the IPEF are Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, Republic of Korea, Thailand, the United States, and Vietnam. The leaders added that 14 members "have made progress on and continue to work towards a mutually beneficial Trade Pillar outcome that advances workers rights through strong and enforceable labor standards." The IPEF also launched the Critical Minerals Dialogue to strengthen the critical mineral supply chains and boost regional economic competitiveness. "We intend to explore additional initiatives to advance cooperation and dialogue on areas of mutual interest, such as energy security and technology," the leaders said. According to the Presidential Communications Office, the IPEF countries represent 40% of global gross domestic product and 28% of global goods and services trade. Many of Americas leading corporations are quietly lobbying against policies to slow planetary heating even as they tout their own environmental policies, according to a new report by the nonpartisan research group InfluenceMap. The report found that 93 percent of American companies make the claim that they aim to achieve net zero climate effects, but they are only weakly aligned with the policies those companies and their trade groups actually promote. More importantly, 58 percent of companies had set concrete climate targets that were contradicted by their own lobbying, the report found. In particular, InfluenceMap found that these companies were advocating to weaken proposed government climate policies or promoting the use of fossil fuels beyond the red lines advocated by the leading mainstream authority on climate action, the U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The fossil fuel, airline and utilities industries were the worst offenders, according to the report. The report found that many companies with commitments to reach net-zero by 2050 were lobbying against aggressive climate action in 2023. For example, despite their climate commitments, Chevron pushed to weaken U.S. auto emission standards. The company also spent nearly $10 million in 2023 on lobbying California, home of some of the nations toughest environmental laws. That money went to fight laws like one that would have forced state pension funds to divest from the 200 largest fossil fuel companies. The report also found that Duke Energy was investing heavily in new fossil fuels and lobbied against new Biden administration emissions reductions; Southern Company lobbied and filed briefs in favor of the continued use of gas in transportation, buildings and new pipelines. InfluenceMap also noted that despite Delta Airliness public posture on net zero, the company was one of five airlines to sue the Amsterdam airport over a flight cap that sought to cut both noise pollution and ultimately carbon emissions by limiting the number of planes that could land there. The airlines campaign led to the Dutch government to withdraw the measure Tuesday. Delta also joined the broader aviation industry in lobbying against the European Unions emissions trading system, which sought to set a steadily decreasing limit on greenhouse gasses produced within the confederations borders. Reached for comment, a Delta spokesperson said that the airline company views reaching net-zero emissions by 2050 as a business imperative. The spokesperson also said that the company is working in line with the broad international framework set up to cut or offset greenhouse gas emissions in the industry, and they argued that the InfluenceMap report had failed to reflect the steps the company is taking, like replacing jet fuel with biofuels and replacing older aircraft with newer and more efficient ones. A spokesperson for Duke Energy, meanwhile, told The Hill that the company believes in a responsible pace of change that would drive out carbon emissions while preserving affordability, reliability and accessibility for our customers and communities. Our policy engagement is consistent with these priorities, the Duke spokesperson added. She also noted that Duke had lobbied in favor of the clean energy tax credits that formed the backbone of the Democrats climate plan and that the company worked with the government in developing technologies like advanced nuclear reactors, hydrogen research and advanced battery storage. Chevron and Southern Company declined to comment. All of these companies have argued that their voluntary progress toward decarbonization generally by substituting one form of carbon-dense fuel for another, like gas or biofuels for oil or jet fuel make state-enforced cuts in greenhouse gas emissions unnecessary. Few companies or trade groups would now argue that climate change isnt happening and in fact a broad majority of leading corporations now espouse policies to reach net zero by midcentury. That phrase refers to a state in which companies or countries make up for any quantities of planet-warming greenhouse gasses they release with new ones they trap. Thats a fraught proposition. In 2022, the U.N. released a set of guidelines on avoiding greenwashing or fake environmental solutions rolled out for marketing purposes. True climate progress, the U.N. argued, requires companies to both make good faith efforts to track, trace and reduce their burning of fossil fuel in absolute terms, not just relative ones. Even if companies sincerely try to do this, its an uphill battle given that technologies for accounting for carbon dioxide emissions, let alone trapping the gas, are in their infancy. And many companies, the head of the U.N. warned last year, are not making a good faith effort. At the time, the U.N. chief was blunt about the risk posed by these apparent solutions. These net-zero commitments have varying levels of rigor and loopholes wide enough to drive a diesel truck through, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said last year. Guterres specifically called out as reprehensible the use of creative accounting methods, which used bogus net-zero pledges to cover up massive fossil fuel expansion. This toxic cover-up could push our world over the climate cliff, he added. The sham must end. That 2022 report argued that the top effective means of slowing the dangerous impacts of climate change was tight, impartial and mandatory measurement, accounting and reduction of fossil fuel use. But authors warned that corporations could seek to drag the climate policy debate away from such rigorous means and toward gauzier rhetoric around voluntary commitments. In particular, they called out companies purchase of questionable carbon offsets to avoid cutting their own fossil fuel use; claims to be pushing for net-zero while investing in new fossil fuels; and lobby[ing] to undermine ambitious climate policy. Reviewing InfluenceMaps findings Thursday, the lead author of the 2022 U.N. anti-greenwashing report offered stark criticism of corporate policy. Not only are many companies choosing to undermine their own climate commitments by lobbying against climate action, their net zero commitments are simply not credible, Catherine McKenna, former Canadian environmental minister and head of the U.N. task force on the corporate push for net-zero, said Thursday. Will Aitchison, InfluenceMaps director of communications and engagement, noted that some companies were putting their money where their mouths were. The report noted that tech company Apple and the renewable energy companies Enel and Iberdrola were engaged in lobbying that supported their and globally agreed on climate goals. And a September InfluenceMap report highlighted companies that are leading the push for more stringent climate policies. But in many cases, you see this disconnect between the appetite for setting long term targets and then the real time action on policy, Aitchison said. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The Seven Seas (WHTM) The U.S. Navy has a lot of ships, most of which have names. Ships get named after people (John Paul Jones), battles (Ticonderoga), cities (Pittsburgh), ships from history (Essex, Enterprise), military jobs (Sentry), fish (Seawolf), concepts (Freedom), and even important documents (Constitution). The most important warships are named after states. So, how many ships has the Navy named after Pennsylvania? The answer is four, each at the apex of naval armed might for their time. These four ships trace the evolution of sea power, from wooden ships and iron men to war under the ocean. U.S.S. Pennsylvania Ship of the Line (1837-1861) The term battleship derives from the behemoths of the age of fighting sail, the line of battle ship. The line of battle was the standard naval tactic from the 1500s into the 20th century. Two columns of ships would line up opposite each other, firing every cannon on one side of each ship (a broadside). The more cannons a ship could carry, the bigger the broadside, and the U.S.S. Pennsylvania was the largest sailing warship the Navy ever constructed. U.S. Ship of the Line Pennsylvania: halftone reproduction of a painting depicting the ship in a storm, published in The Navy League Journal, circa the early 1900s. (U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command ) U.S. Ship of the Line Pennsylvania: design for her figurehead. Photograph from the Bureau of Ships Collection in the U.S. National Archives. Ship of the Line Pennsylvania Lithograph by A. Hoffy, No. 41 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, after a sketch by C.C. Barton, U.S.N. It was Designed and lithographed expressly for the Philada. Saturday Chronicle. (U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command Photograph.) Line engraving published in Gleasons Pictorial, 9 July 1853, showing the ship at anchor off the Norfolk Navy Yard, Portsmouth, Virginia, where she was the receiving ship. This view is represents most of the right half of a longer original engraving entitled View of the United States Navy Yard at Gosport, opposite Norfolk, Virginia. (U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command Photograph.) Photograph taken circa the later 1860s, entitled Wreck of the U.S. Line of Battle Ship Pennsylvania. It depicts salvage operations on the burned and sunken ship, off the Norfolk Navy Yard, Portsmouth, Virginia. Note the burned ship hull floating in the middle distance, steam salvage engines and boilers, with their associated barge at right. (U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command Photograph.) Launched from the Philadelphia Navy Yard in 1837, she weighed 3,105 tons, was 210 long, and had a maximum beam (width) of 56,9. She carried a crew of 1,100 and was armed with 6 8-inch shell guns and 104 32-pounders on four gun decks, making her a match for the largest ships-of-the-line built in Europe. But her great size proved to be her undoing. She was just too expensive for the young nation to operate. Her career was, to put it politely, less than distinguished. Pennsylvanias only voyage was from Philadelphia to Norfolk, Virginia, where her crew was transferred to another ship. The Pennsylvania was laid up in ordinary, or as we would put it today, mothballed. She would become a receiving ship, housing new recruits before they received their assignments. She was still stuck in Norfolk when the Civil War broke out, and on April 20, 1861, she was burned to the waterline to keep her from being captured by Confederates. U.S.S. Pennsylvania Cruiser ACR-4 ( 1905 1931) Commissioned in 1905, the second U.S.S. Pennsylvania was a far cry from the line of battle ship of the previous century. Wooden ships and broadsides were a thing of the past; The new cruiser was built of metal, displaced 13, 400 tons, with a length of 50311 and a beam of 697. She was capable of making 22 knots, carried a crew of 829, and was armed with 4 8-inch guns, 14 6-inch guns, 18 3-inch guns, and 2 18-inch torpedo tubes. U.S.S. Pennsylvania, ACR-4. U.S. (Naval History and Heritage Command Photograph) U.S.S. Pennsylvania, ACR-4. U.S. (Naval History and Heritage Command Photograph) First landing of an airplane on a ship, January 18, 1911. (Naval History and Heritage Command Photograph) First landing of an airplane on a ship, January 18, 1911. (Naval History and Heritage Command Photograph) U.S.S. Pennsylvania, ACR-4. U.S. (Naval History and Heritage Command Photograph) U.S.S. Pennsylvania, ACR-4. U.S. (Naval History and Heritage Command Photograph) But the Cruiser Pennsylvanias greatest claim to fame did not come in war. On January 18, 1911, Pilot Eugene Burton Ely touched down on a temporary runway erected on the stern of the Pennsylvania, becoming the first person to land an airplane on a ship. On this date: 1st airplane landing on a ship The Pennsylvania would continue to serve until 1931 but not as the Pennsylvania. In 1912 she was renamed the U.S.S. Pittsburgh, to free up the name for a new battleship. U.S.S. Pennsylvania, BB-38 (1916-1946) Battleship Pennsylvania, commissioned in 1916, displaced 31,400 tons, measured 608 long, had a beam of 971, and carried a crew of 915. She carried 12 14-inch guns, 14 5-inch guns, 4 3-inch guns , 4 3-pounders, and 2 21-inch torpedo tubes. She saw little action during World War I, but more than made up for it in World War 2. She spent the years between the wars patrolling, engaging in fleet exercises, and shifting from the Atlantic to the Pacific several times through the Panama Canal. USS Pennsylvania (BB-38) in Hampton Roads, Virginia, on 10 December 1916. (U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command Photograph) Ships Officers and Crew at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on 30 July 1931. (U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command Photograph) USS Pennsylvania (BB-38) Chaplain distributing the ships newspaper to sailors and Marines of her crew, circa 1918. Almost all the Sailors present are wearing knitted watch caps. (U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command Photograph) USS Pennsylvania (BB-38) View of the battleships forward 14/45 guns and her forward superstructure, circa the early 1930s. (U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command Photograph) Underway off New York City during the Naval Review before President Franklin D. Roosevelt, 31 May 1934. Pennsylvania was then serving as flagship of the Commander in Chief, U.S. Fleet, Admiral David F. Sellers, USN. (U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command Photograph) he wrecked destroyers USS Downes (DD-375) and USS Cassin (DD-372) in Drydock One at the Pearl Harbor Navy Yard, soon after the end of the Japanese air attack. Cassin has capsized against Downes. USS Pennsylvania (BB-38) is astern, occupying the rest of the drydock. The torpedo-damaged cruiser USS Helena (CL-50) is in the right distance, beyond the crane. Visible in the center distance is the capsized USS Oklahoma (BB-37), with USS Maryland (BB-46) alongside. Smoke is from the sunken and burning USS Arizona (BB-39), out of view behind Pennsylvania. USS California (BB-44) is partially visible at the extreme left. (This image has been attributed to Navy Photographers Mate Harold Fawcett. Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives) Blistered paint and other fire damage to the forward hull of USS Pennsylvania (BB-38), in Drydock # 1 at the Pearl Harbor Navy Yard shortly after the Japanese raid. Note Jack flying at the battleships bow. (Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval History and Heritage Command) USS Pennsylvania (BB-38) firing her 14/45 and 5/38 guns while bombarding Guam, south of the Orote Peninsula, on the first day of landings, 21 July 1944. (Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval History and Heritage Command) USS Pennsylvania (BB-38) Description: USS Pennsylvania (BB-38) Drydocked in an Advanced Base Sectional Dock (ABSD) at the Pacific, circa 1944. Note the extensive anti-torpedo blister built into her hull side and paravane streaming chains running from her forefoot to her foredeck. (Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.) Operation Crossroads, 1946 Baker Day A-bomb underwater blast, seen from shore of Bikini Atoll, 25 July 1946. Copyright Owner: National Archives December of 1941 found Pennsylvania in drydock at Pearl Harbor. When the Japanese attacked on December 7, The ship sustained some damage, but was able to leave Pearl and sail to San Francisco on the 20th for major repairs. She served in multiple campaigns in the Pacific, and on August 12, 1945, had the dubious honor of being the last major U.S. warship damaged in the war, when she was hit in the stern by a Japanese torpedo. Pennsylvania received eight battle stars for her World War II service. Her last mission was as a target. Pennsylvania was anchored at Bikini Atoll in 1946 for Operation Crossroads, as one of the 84 targets for atomic bomb tests. She survived two explosions but became so radioactive that she was decommissioned in 1946, and finally scuttled in 1948. Pearl Harbor survivor Jack Holder dies in Arizona at age 101 U.S.S. Pennsylvania SSBN-735 The latest ship to bear the name of the Keystone State, the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine U.S.S. Pennsylvania was commissioned on September 9, 1989. SSBN denotes Ship, Submersible, Ballistic missile, Nuclear powered. Nicknamed Boomers, they carry as many as 24 Trident II D-5 nuclear ballistic missiles. At 560 feet long and 42 feet wide, they are the largest submarines in the U.S. Navys inventory. The Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine USS Pennsylvania transits the Hood Canal as the boat returns to its homeport at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor, Wash., Dec. 27, 2017, following a routine strategic deterrent patrol. The Pennsylvania is one of eight ballistic missile submarines stationed at the base, providing the most survivable leg of the strategic deterrence triad for the United States. (Navy photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Amanda R. Gray) USS Pennsylvania (SSBN-735) underway off the coast of New England in August 1989 (National Archives) The latest Pennsylvania is still in service today. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. A lone gunman is spotted in the no-mans land between Serbia and Hungary, near the European Union nations heavily guarded eastern frontier. Hooded and masked, he aims an assault rifle at the CCTV cameras that have monitored his breach of the metres high, razor-wire topped border fence separating the two countries. Behind him, dozens of undocumented, illegal migrants prepare to follow, their sights set on breaking into the bloc beyond. In their way stand Hungarian border guards, determined to prevent yet another breach at what has become a weak link in the EUs external frontiers. The gunman, Hungarian authorities say, is part of a Taliban takeover of people smuggling operations led by the Haqqani terror network amid a violent turf war on the most active route into the bloc. Gyorgy Bakondi, Hungarys national security adviser, said he had shared intelligence reports with Nato that prove the Afghan secret service was attempting to exploit Europes mounting migration crisis. Some 1,400 migrants are seen attempting to cross the border every day Critics have claimed the Hungarian government has used its intelligence services to push its anti-migration agenda. The authorities took a number of journalists including the Telegraph to the border amid warnings from mainstream leaders on the continent that the war between Israel and Hamas is raising the risk of Islamic terror being exported to Europe. Every day, some 1,400 attempted crossings are detected by border guards along Hungarys 110 miles of fencing, which stands four metres high and is topped with coils of razor wire, along its frontier with Serbia. More than 300,000 enter the EUs Schengen free-travel zone via the frontier each year, according to Hungarian officials, who say the guards are able to turn fewer than 175,000 back towards the Western Balkans. It is now considered to be the second busiest migration route to Western Europe, behind crossings via the Mediterranean Sea. The frontier was exploited by Salah Abdeslam, the leader of the terror cell behind the Paris and Brussels terror attacks, which killed 169 people in 2015 and 2016, to move between Europe and Syria. The terrorist met two men, who later blew themselves up, two months before the attack on the French capital at Budapests main train station after they had arrived back in the EU having trained with Islamic State. The route has now proved to be a lucrative business for people smugglers, who charge 1,000 for organised trips and a 300 (240) transit toll for anyone hoping to jump the fence alone. Those paying the full amount are organised into military-style formations of 20 and armed with marbles, slingshots and sticks to fight back against Hungarian border guards sent to stop them. First, a ladder is thrown up against the fence on the Serbian side of the border, and a smuggler, armed with a gun, often a Glock handgun or a Kalashnikov rifle, climbs into position to guard the crossing. Smugglers open fire Border guard Csaba Balasz, a commanding officer, said the smugglers often fire their weapons in the air to warn off police and signal the start of the next stage of operation. Last month, in a sign of an escalation in the violence, a vehicle belonging to a joint patrol of Hungarian and Serbian officers was directly fired at. The migrants, two-thirds of which are from Syria and Afghanistan, typically charge over the fence under cover from the smugglers, hurling sticks, rocks and firing marbles at the guards hoping to stop them from escaping into the nearby forests. Additional ladders to make the cross-border dash simpler are charged as an optional extra by the smuggling gangs, who slip back into Serbia as their customers reach the EU. Ladders are offered as an extra in a smuggling package to make crossing the border quicker and simpler Those migrants rounded up by the Hungarian border police are immediately pushed back across the frontier. One migrant had been turned around 55 times by Hungarian guards before eventually managing to successfully make it across. First Lieutenant Balasz said Romanian, Moldovan and Ukrainian criminals round up the migrants that evade capture, taking them into Budapest so they can escape towards Britain, Germany and other countries. One officer on patrol described the apparent service as a migrant taxi app, with its customers given coordinates to arrive at, before being taken away from the border. When The Telegraph visited the fence in Roszke it was quiet, a scrap of black clothing caught in the razor wire bristled in the wind and a toothbrush lying in the dirt offered a glimpse of the activity the previous night. Bruised and battered pick-up trucks are dotted along the frontier, their windows smashed and headlights missing, proof of the often-violent clashes. At a control centre in nearby Morahalom, police officers monitored an array of cameras that were positioned across the entire stretch of the fortifications, while listening to Miley Cyrus on the radio. CCTV footage from their archives featured running battles with the migrant groups skipping over the fences. On one occasion, a Hungarian border guard, wielding a riot shield, rugby tackles the ladder used by the migrants, sending a group crashing into the ground from atop the fence. Hungarys hardline approach to border policing is reviled by EU member states, with the European Court of Justice ruling that Hungarian attempts to send asylum seekers back to Serbia is unlawful. One patrol officer described the service as a 'migrant taxi app' In response, Mr Bakondi claims: Due to the EUs failed migration policy, it is now the Talibans secret service and the Afghan government who decide who can enter Europe. He said the Talibans Haqqani network, proscribed as a terrorist organisation by Britain, has seized control of the main smuggling route, after gun battles with rival Syrian and Moroccan operations in Serbia. Smuggling gangs originating from Afghanistan in Serbia have family ties to the Taliban government in Afghanistan and the Haqqani network, which is a terrorist organisation, he said. The Taliban secret services are now directly controlling the activities of these Afghan-origin smuggling groups. The network, affiliated with the Taliban and al-Qaeda, was founded by Jalaluddin Haqqani, an Afghan warlord and insurgent commander, a known associate of Osama Bin Laden. The Haqqani network is a sprawling crime and terror group based in the border regions of Afghanistan and Pakistan. It has carried out some of the worst Taliban terror attacks, and is closely-allied with the Islamist organisation. It is now run by Sirajuddin Haqqani, who is the Talibans deputy leader and Afghanistans security minister, and has a 10 million bounty on his head by the American Federal Bureau of Investigation. A redacted intelligence report shared recently with Hungarian MPs highlighted concerns about the potential use of migration routes, including the Western Balkans route passing through Hungary, by members of terrorist networks. Budapest refused to reveal the exact evidence it has used to justify the claim that the Taliban and Haqqani are directly involved in the smuggling operations. Officials pointed to videos shared on the TikTok social media platform by Afghan people-trafficking groups apparently operating through Serbia. One of them, posted by Afgcriminal313, was said to be proof of a tie to the Talibans elite 313 Badri Battalion, which operates in Kabul and is dominated by members of the Haqqani network. However, the battalion is not known to operate abroad and the number 313 is widely symbolic in Shia Islam. Critics said the report, which was declassified with the help of an MP from prime minister Viktor Orbans Fidesz party, could be used to shape his anti-migration policies ahead of next years European Parliament elections. Intelligence services used for political purposes The Hungarian leader recently accused the EU of raping his country after Brussels signed off on a plan to relocate asylum seekers around the bloc, to ease the burden on the likes of Italy and Greece, which receive the majority of illegal arrivals. Bulcsu Hunyadi, of Budapest-based think-tank Political Capital, said: This government has used the intelligence services several times for political reasons. It is obvious that the government is very concerned about what is happening on the southern border, especially as it has no control over developments in northern Serbia. This report looks much like crisis communication. But in a further warning, Mr Bakondi said he had shared details with Nato allies and EU governments of a heightened risk of terrorism associated with the growing migration pressure. The gangs were said to be transporting migrants from Afghanistan to neighbouring Tajikistan, where they have visa-free travel to Moscow and then onwards to Serbia, where they are shipped to the EUs borders. As they tussle for control of the route, reports of gun battles and violence have become commonplace in towns close to the frontier. Serbian police arrested six people in October after a shootout between two smuggling gangs in the Serbian town of Horgos, which left three people killed and one injured. Prior to that in September, one person was injured in a gun battle in the carpark of a supermarket in Subotica, in the north of the country. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. Marine Corps head out of hospital, preparing for further surgery after heart attack Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Eric Smith is home from the hospital and recovering after suffering a heart attack late last month, the service revealed Thursday. Smith was released from the hospital Wednesday and is continuing his recovery well ahead of schedule after suffering a heart attack and reportedly collapsing during a run on Oct. 29, according to a statement from the Marine Corps. He is now focused on preparing for an upcoming procedure to repair a bicuspid aortic valve in his heart, which his doctors assess directly contributed to his cardiac arrest, the release states. Gen. Smith and his wife, Trish, remain incredibly thankful for the continued outpouring of support from family, friends and colleagues, the statement adds. They appreciate everyones continued respect for their privacy ahead of Gen. Smiths procedure and full recovery. Smiths medical emergency proved tricky and revealed glaring holes within the Pentagon, given that the Marines assistant commandant should have been the one to step into the role when the four-star general was unable to perform his duties. But with no serving assistant commandant a gap caused by Sen. Tommy Tubervilles (R-Ala.) months-long block on military nominations the interim acting head was instead Lt. Gen. Karsten Heckl, the deputy commandant for combat development and integration and commanding general of the Marine Corps Combat Development Command. The Senate later that week confirmed Lt. Gen. Christopher Mahoney, the person the White House in July nominated for assistant commandant, to the role, and he took over the commandant duties from Heckl. The Marine statement said Smith has been in contact with Mahoney, who continues to perform the duties of the commandant. Gen. Mahoney and I see eye to eye on the strategic direction of our Corps and we are fortunate to be surrounded by a Marine Corps family filled with Americas finest leaders, Smith said in the release. We continue to focus on finding the right balance between modernizing through Force Design and our day-to-day crisis response mission, while also on taking care of our Marines and Sailors. As of Monday, there were 455 military nominations held up by the Senate. If the holds dont lift by the end of the year, nearly 650 of the more than 850 general and flag officer nominations will be affected, a Defense official told The Hill. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Marion County authorities are investigating an assault that happened early Friday morning, blocking roads in the area. According to the Marion County Sheriffs Office, the assault happened near Brown Road Northeast and Idaho Avenue Northeast. While investigating, they are closing Brown Road from Arizona Avenue to Silverton Road. Authorities are asking anyone with information who was in that area between 6 a.m. and 6:15 a.m. to contact them. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. Rep Marjorie Taylor Greene has dedicated a chapter of her book to defending herself against accusations of antisemitism after her 2018 claim that a prominent Jewish family started a wildfire using a space laser, a report says. In 2021, Media Matters reported on a now-deleted Facebook post in which the right-wing lawmaker claimed a space laser controlled by an executive at a bank owned by the Rothschild family a Jewish family that has been the target of several antisemitic conspiracy theories caused a California wildfire. In her forthcoming book MTG, the Republican representative from Georgia writes there is not an antisemitic bone in her body, according to a report from Forward . In one chapter, Ms Greene called her space laser rant a sarcastic social media post, the outlet reports. My Savior is a Jewish carpenter who died on the cross for my sins, and I have no antisemitic sentiments whatsoever, Ms Greene writes in her new book. In February, Ms Greene defended her baseless conspiracy theory by claiming she did not know the Rothschild family is Jewish . The US House of Representatives voted to strip Ms Greene of her committee assignments in 2021 following an uproar over comments in 2018 and 2019 that she supported executing prominent Democrats. She also faced backlash over comments she made about the Parkland school shooting. In the book, which is set to be published on 21 November, Ms Greene also reportedly notes her support for military aid to Israel, and weapons such as the Iron Beam, a new laser missile defence system. So, it turns out I actually support Jewish space lasers, she writes. Politicians in Lithuania want to widen access to automatic firearms, claiming it would make the country safer, though others warn the changes could bring new dangers. Two conservative MPs have put forward a bill amending the Arms and Ammunition Control Law to allow those who have been conscripted and completed initial military training to own automatic firearms. Amid the grinding war in Ukraine, Laurynas Kasciunas - one of the lawmakers behind the proposal - claimed it would "strengthen national security." "In case of a security threat, a population trained and equipped with automatic rifles can be mobilised quickly. This is particularly valuable for small states which might have limited standing military forces," he said in a statement sent to Euronews. "With limited defense budgets... [this] can be a cost-effective strategy for national defense. "The knowledge that a population is well-armed and trained can act as a deterrent to potential aggressors," he added. "It makes the cost of any hostile action higher, as they must contend with widespread armed resistance." The Ukraine war has fuelled deep-seated fears about a revisionist Russia in Lithuania, once part of the USSR. Approximately 10,000 more firearms were purchased in the country since Moscows invasion of Ukraine in early 2022, according to the Lithuanian Gun Owners Association. These sales were mostly by hunters and for sport, but also those concerned with self-defence. However, experts have warned about the potential dangers of looser gun controls. Speaking to Euronews in August, Dr Brian Wood of the International Action Network on Small Arms (IANSA) said increased numbers of guns can lead to more threats to the public and rob them of their freedom. The researcher blasted what he called an "almost romantic nation" that firearms make people safer as "simply not true." Automatic weapons can fire continuous rounds or bursts, depending on the model, and can have large, easily changeable magazines, meaning they can kill large numbers of people. Lithuanian opposition MP, former prime minister Saulius Skvernelis even warned, in November, that the legal changes could bring US-style mass shootings to Lithuania. He told the Lithuanian radio station radio Ziniu Radijas that boosting police and other services would be a better way to prepare for possible threats from invasions. Paulius Saudargas, the other MP behind the bill, told Lithunia's public broadcaster LRT the changes would open up the possibility of owning automatic guns to 100,000 people - only 28,000 of whom are in the active reserve. The Baltic country's population is around 2.8 million, as of 2022. In an email to Euronews, the Conservative lawmaker claimed wider accessibility of automatic firearms would not be a danger to society. "There are very few incidents in public life in Lithuania due to the possession of weapons," he said, citing the lack of "shootings in the streets" as an example. "Lithuanian culture, mentality, traditions and security system are sufficient to prevent such tragic events from happening." Research by the University of Syndey shows there were 30 gun deaths in Lithuania in 2019, which includes accidents, homicides and sucides. The cause was not specified in their data. Saudargas said applicants who wanted to purchase automatic guns would be subject to psychological checks, repeated every five years. Existing rules also put age limits on owning powerful weapons. Wider access to automatic weapons increases the risk some may end up in the hands of criminals or terrorists. Such weapons could pose an issue for Lithuania's neighbours and the wider EU if they are smuggled out of the country. Only professional and volunteer soldiers and members of the Riflemen Union can own so-called "Category A" automatic or semiautomatic weapons, under the existing rules. Seventy-nine people owned 122 categories A weapons: 115 semi-automatic and seven automatic, data cited by LRT from October shows. The Hyatt Extreme Christmas house, which made national news for its fight with the city over its over-the-top holiday display, was wrongfully occupied by the Hyatt family all along, according to investigators with the Broward Property Appraisers office. Mark and Kathy Hyatt squatted in the house, nestled in the upscale neighborhood of Plantation Acres in the city of Plantation, without buying it or taking out a mortgage for 15 years, according to the team of property appraisers detectives, who spent seven months on an investigation that involved interviewing multiple witnesses and uncovering what they say are fake deeds. Now, county officials are coming after the estate for back taxes for a homestead exemption they say never should have been granted. The county on Tuesday filed a claim for $34,724 in back taxes against the property since the Hyatts wrongfully received a homestead exemption for seven years, according to property appraisers office records. The statute of limitations only allows the office to go 10 years back, and three of those years since Mark Hyatts death in 2020 there was no homestead exemption, or taxes paid at all. The county is pursuing the taxes for 2020, 2021 and 2022 as well. Its important the people of Broward County get reimbursed for the money they owed on this property, said Marty Kiar, the countys property appraiser. The taxpayers, he said, are also the victims of fraud and deserve to be made whole. How the house changed hands The investigation of the Hyatt house began after Kathy Hyatt contacted Kiars office late last year. She said she had information about the 2005 deed resulting in the Hyatts unlawful ownership of the subject property, according to a memo drafted by an expert real estate attorney hired by the appraisers office. Kiar was visiting real estate offices, including one where she worked, since he has been on a campaign of real estate fraud in South Florida and how its rampant, she said in a sworn deposition to investigators. And he would tell all the Realtors, you know, If you see something, say something. Investigators said the Hyatt house on Northwest 14 Street was originally owned by Brett Perriman, a former Miami Dolphins player, in 1998, who failed to pay his $400,000 mortgage. Facing foreclosure, Perriman took out a second mortgage for $585,000 to pay the first, according to investigators. But that mortgage didnt get paid either and it got foreclosed on, and Perriman and his wife left the house in 2004, according to the investigation. Eventually it was scooped up by a private investor, who bought $50,000 of the original mortgage, changed the locks, set up an alarm, and started working on the house with plans to flip it, said Vivian Gallinal, the chief investigator on the Hyatt house case who works for Kiar in his Crimes Against Property Unit. But the investor was improperly given a quit-claim deed to the property instead of an assignment of mortgage, according to a November memo drafted by an expert real estate attorney to Kiar. The private investor could not be reached for comment by the Sun Sentinel. Mark and Kathy Hyatt, who divorced about 2017, were a married couple when they were seeking a home in the 2000s. Around that time, Mark Hyatt became interested in the house in the Plantation, according to an August sworn deposition of Kathy Hyatt, who spoke to investigators at the Property Appraisers Office. According to Kathy Hyatts deposition, the pair wanted to purchase a house in Parkland, but it was too expensive for them. Mark Hyatt found the Plantation Acres house, which then vacant and looked abandoned, while driving around, and spoke to neighbors who told him the previous owners had moved to Georgia, she said. Kathy Hyatt said Mark Hyatt reached Perriman, who agreed to sell the Hyatts the house for $900,000, but Mark Hyatt, who then worked as a mortgage officer, correctly discovered Perriman no longer had a valid deed. Kathy Hyatt told authorities that Mark Hyatt called Plantation police and accused the investor of squatting. The police told them it was a civil matter. The former police chief emailed Mark Hyatt in August 2005 that he believed that some type of fraud has occurred and may still be occurring with respect to the property, according to the investigation. He told Mark Hyatt that the lawful owner of the property is unknown. Kathy Hyatt then told investigators that her ex-husband took matters into his own hands. At the kitchen table, she said, he drew up a deed using cut and paste. He never filed the fake deed, she said, but then we break in. Mark Hyatt called a locksmith to change the locks, and when the alarm went off, Mark Hyatt told the alarm company that he was with the mortgage company, Kathy Hyatt said. What Mark was surprised about was that they never called the police, Kathy Hyatt told investigators. They just believed it. They then tossed all the investors belongings, such as his tools, onto the swale, according to investigators. We threw out the living room, Kathy Hyatt told investigators. We threw out the kitchen. We threw out everything in the refrigerator. Mark said that we had to discard any evidence of him so he could not come back and say that he did have possession before we arrived. Well, we broke in, she told investigators. Ive never done that before in my life. We never paid any money to occupy, Kathy Hyatt told investigators in her deposition. We were squatters. The investor called police, but Mark Hyatt showed the police the false deed he prepared, according to the county memo. The Plantation police advised this was a civil matter and left. The private investor pursued his case in court but did not win. Thats because Hyatts deed, dated later, trumped the investors earlier quit-claim deed, said Mike Fisten, an investigator for Kiars office. Kathy Hyatt told the South Florida Sun Sentinel on Thursday that the couple tried to purchase the home, but Perriman no longer owned it. And we already sold our house and we had nowhere to go and the house was vacant and in real estate, 9/10 of the law is possession, she said. I had my real estate license, and I remembered that from class, she said. Kathy Hyatt told the Sun Sentinel the couple eventually paid $900,000 for the mortgage note years after the couple lived there for free. She said it was the same amount they wanted to pay for the house, but they never owned the deed. Everybody was squatting back then, she said. We own the paper, we dont own the deed, she said. Then, we lived our happy little lives. We never owned the home, never. She elaborated to investigators saying when she asked questions, her ex-husband told her he was taking care of it. Dont worry, she says he told her. Take care of the kids. That is your job now. An expert attorney hired by the Property Appraisers Office pressed her during her deposition that having a mortgage note doesnt mean she owns the house: You were a Realtor. You had to know. Oh, I didnt get licensed until, until after the house, she responded. The Christmas house The Hyatts then turned the home into a holiday destination. The house and its display catapulted to national fame, with its whimsical display of lights, stuffed animals, a snow-blowing machine, and on occasion, a reindeer. In 2013, the Hyatts were featured on The Great Christmas Light Fight, an ABC reality show. As the display grew in popularity, becoming a regional destination, the city of Plantation filed a lawsuit in February 2014, arguing the surge in car traffic was an accident waiting to happen, and asked a judge to force him to scale back or shut down the display. In 2015, the Hyatts were featured on Fox News The OReilly Factor with Bill OReilly in what the host dubbed the big Christmas controversy in Florida. The controversy riled viewers, and the mayor received angry calls and emails. In a four-day trial in 2016, a Broward judge ruled that the city failed to prove the attraction creates a public nuisance and that the city didnt provide evidence to prove their allegations, which included that emergency services would be hampered by the traffic the Hyatts created. Mark Hyatt used his popularity to oust an incumbent to parlay himself a seat on the City Council in 2016, arguing the case was an example of city fiscal mismanagement. The city had spent about $427,000 in legal bills pursuing the case against him, according to records. The display ended after the 2017 season after a contentious divorce between Mark and Kathy Hyatt. And Mark Hyatt died three years later. But as the couple were in divorce court over child-support payments and alimony Kathy Hyatt owed, the probate court told Kathy Hyatt to sign the deed to Mark Hyatts estate and thats when she told the court they had never owned the property and the deed was fraudulent, Gallinal said. Kathy Hyatt told investigators she sold the nearly $1 million mortgage note for $50,000 in cash, to a stranger at a Plantation Starbucks. The international broker seemed very legitimate, she told investigators. Fisten, the investigator for Kiars office, said Kathy Hyatt claimed the investor had contacted her through WhatsApp, and she spent the $50,000 on groceries. The house had been vacant for two years, but in the last year the couples adult son has lived there, according to Mark Hyatts sister. His sister, Jane Zimmerman, calls the accusations by Kathy Hyatt and the property appraisers investigators inaccurate. Zimmerman acknowledges the sale is very convoluted, but said the Hyatts had originally paid cash for the five-bedroom, 6,378-square-foot home. It has taken her three years to fight in court to get the title so she can sell the house and give the proceeds to the Hyatt children, a process that isnt yet over, Zimmerman told the Sun Sentinel. Anybody can make up a story, Zimmerman said. Kathy Hyatt told the Sun Sentinel she disputes Zimmermans assertion that the information she provided was untrue, saying Jane was never privy to our lives, she has no clue. Mark wanted the house, that was it. I was a stay-at-home mom. Marks like, Were moving. Im like OK. Thats how it went down. I had no reason to question him. I trusted him with every fiber of my being. Thats what he said we do, we do. Lisa J. Huriash can be reached at lhuriash@sunsentinel.com. Follow on X, formerly Twitter, @LisaHuriash Ken submitted his Hinge profile for review by an expert as part of Business Insider's Dating App Clinic . Matchmaker Thalia Ouimet said Ken should remove his Disney-adult dealbreaker mention and his voice memo. Ouimet also shared how Ken can edit his written bio and take more eye-catching photos. Ken, a 40-year-old using Hinge to date, submitted his profile for Business Insider's Dating App Clinic , a series where we ask experts how to revamp your dating profiles to increase your chances of finding a match. Ken said he's looking to date women. He's seeking someone who is compassionate, kind, and who has positive attitude. He told Insider his dealbreakers are people who are polyamorous, not emotionally available, and poor communicators, though he included others in his profile. "I'm a compassionate, easy-going person who enjoys music, being outside, reading, and giving back to those less fortunate," Ken told Business Insider. Ultimately, Ken is seeking a long-term partnership, and is open to marriage. Ken said he thinks he's honest about what he's looking for in his profile, and includes clear photos. But he could use help finding ways to make it more appealing to potential matches, so he gets more likes, he said. Matchmaker Thalia Ouimet told Business Insider how Ken could update his dating profile to increase his chances of finding a match. Ouimet said that Ken has a good start to his profile, but he should consider overhauling his photo selections. Ken's Hinge profile is a bit too selfie-heavy, a matchmaker said. Insider According to Ouimet, singles should think of their dating app profiles, including like photos they pick for them, like their personal billboards. "Remember that people reading it probably won't know anything about you, and you want to represent yourself in the best light," Ouimet said. With this strategy in mind, Ouimet tells her matchmaking clients to avoid using selfies in their profiles, saying they could come off as unintentional and a bit sloppy. Ouimet said she'd keep this photo, since it shows Ken doing something interesting that he enjoys. Ouimet approved of Ken's photo selection here, saying it's good inspiration for updating his other shots. Insider According to Ouimet, Ken should keep photos like this one in mind when choosing new shots to add to his profile. She said that it's important to prioritize photos that represent your true self. Since Ken mentioned his love of being outdoors, this picture is a great way to illustrate that, Ouimet said. Instead of including another outdoorsy photo, Ouimet suggested Ken showcase a different hobby. Dating app profiles should include five or six photos, experts told Business Insider. Insider Dating experts recommend including between five and six photos in your profile so as to not overwhelm potential matches, Business Insider previously reported. Since Ken already has another great picture of himself enjoying the outdoors, Ouimet suggested swapping this one out to better highlight another aspect of Ken's personality. For example, if he has a pet, enjoys grabbing a beer at his local bar, or is a major book worm, he should find ways to illustrate those helpful details through his photo choices. If possible, Ken should consider investing in professionally shot photographs, Ouimet said. Right now, Ken's photos focus on his love of the outdoors. Insider Ouimet said she instructs her clients to hire a professional photographer, saying they can find creative and unique ways to illustrate your hobbies and personality. But if that's not doable, Ken could also recruit a friend and focus on a few main points, Ouimet said. She said that he should avoid photos that show his friends, which could confuse potential matches. Additionally, he should prepare a few different outfits, both casual and more formal, to give a taste of what he'd look like in different settings, Ouimet said. Here, Ouimet suggested changing the prompt to focus on who Ken is, rather than what he wants in a partner. Be sure to write about yourself, not just what you're looking for, in your profile, experts say. Insider While it's important to explain the type of person you're seeking on a dating app, you should lead with descriptions of yourself and what you offer as a potential match, Ouimet said. That's why she suggested Ken update the first prompt in his profile to be more about his attributes. She'd pick the Hinge prompt that reads "We'll get along if" and then write something like, "you're looking for someone easy going, compassionate, loyal, fun, and outdoorsy. You found him ;)" Ken should swap out this selfie and consider removing his voice note, Ouimet said. Ouimet typically advises against putting a voice note in a dating profile, she said. Insider Since this is another selfie, Ouimet suggested replacing it. A full-body photo, something that shows Ken wearing something more formal, or a shot of him laughing would work well, dating photographer German Marin previously told Business Insider. Ouimet also said she would advise Ken to remove the voice note prompt. "I don't recommend using that feature, unless you have a noteworthy thought to share about yourself. If you do, keep it short and sweet," Ouimet said. Since the "Guess the song" prompt Ken went with is pretty generic, it's best to leave it out, according to Ouimet. Ouimet said she'd also remove Ken's dealbreakers to center positivity in his profile. You should keep a few deal breakers in mind to ensure compatibility, but you don't need to list them in your profile, experts say. Insider It's fine to have between three and five dealbreakers while you casually date, experts previously told Business Insider. But Ouimet warned against stating them outright in your profile, like Ken does here. She said it's better to write about what you want to attract, since focusing on the positives tends to lead to more matches than highlighting the things that turn you off. You can determine whether someone has too many of your dealbreakers once you match and chat on the app, or during your first and second dates, experts previously told Business Insider. Overall, Ken has the beginnings of a strong profile. Being more intentional about his photos and words could take it to the next level. A few intentional updates could transform Ken's profile. Insider According to Ouimet, Ken did a good job of avoiding common mistakes, like including group photos and over-editing his photos, when building his Hinge profile. At the same time, Ouimet said Ken made some easily fixable mistakes, ones that she sees over and over with clients, like using selfies and listing out dealbreakers. Removing these elements and setting aside time to update them could make a huge difference, Ouimet said. Read the original article on Insider NEW YORK - In a display of raw talent, Hollywood A-listers Matt Damon and Mark Ruffalo joined forces on the Upper West Side for a unique cause. The duo participated in a no-frills reading of the play "This is Our Youth" at the historic West Park Presbyterian Church on 86th and Amsterdam. NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 16: (L-R) Matt Damon, Mark Ruffalo, and Missy Yager attend The Center at West Park's "This Is Our Youth" benefit performance on November 16, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images) They were alongside fellow stars Kyra Sedgwick, Kevin Bacon, Christian Slater, and Matt Dillon. The play was written by Kenneth Lonergan. It debuted off-Broadway in 1996. NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 16: (L-R) Matt Damon and Mark Ruffalo onstage during The Center at West Park's "This Is Our Youth" benefit performance on November 16, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images) Mark Ruffalo and Missy Yager were in the original cast and reprised their roles for the show. Damon performed it in London. Their mission? To raise funds and prevent the 134-year-old church building from being transformed into just another multifamily structure, a fate all too common in New York City. The star-studded event aimed to support West Park Presbyterian in its bid to preserve the building's historical significance. The West Park Presbyterian Church. (Barry Williams/New York Daily News/Tribune News Service via Getty Images) Despite being designated historic, against the congregation's wishes in 2010, the church has struggled since 2007 to secure sufficient funds for essential repairs. Having reportedly spent a million dollars with insufficient results, the church leaders agreed to sell the property to Alchemy Properties in 2022 for mixed-use redevelopment. The actors, under the banner of West Park Center, vehemently oppose this decision. Their vision is to purchase the building and transform it into a public theater or performance space, aligning with the current demand for such cultural venues. The ruling elders of the church emphasize the urgent need for funds to continue their ministry, asserting the potential for significant positive impact with the proceeds. NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 16: (L-R) Matt Damon, Mark Ruffalo, Debby Hirshman, Missy Yager, Kenneth Lonergan, and Mark Brokaw attend The Center at West Park's "This Is Our Youth" benefit performance on November 16, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images) The stars involved share a deep connection to the Upper West Side and New York City, with Matt Damon having lived across the street from the church for five years. To learn more about the fight to save the building visit centeratwestpark.org. For more about the congregation's plans for the money they would get from the sale, visit westparkpresbyterian.org. Future of West-Park | -Park Presbyterian Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 17) Malacanang has approved and adopted the Philippine Population and Development Plan of Action (PDP) for 2023 to 2028 that aims to address the country's population challenges. Memorandum Circular No. 40 that was inked by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on Tuesday and uploaded in the Official Gazette on Friday directed government agencies to implement the plan crafted by the Commission on Population and Development (CPD), formerly known as the Commission on Population (POPCOM). The memo said it will serve as the "overall blueprint for the inter-agency collaboration to optimize demographic opportunities and address the remaining population challenges in order to accelerate the attainment of the Administration's socioeconomic development agenda." It also noted the role of the country's demographic condition in increasing the capacity to "bring back the country to high-growth trajectory." The CPD will coordinate with government agencies and institutions to ensure that goals and objectives of the plan are attained in a whole-of-government approach, it added. A Philippines Statistics Authority data released in 2022 showed the country's total population was at 109,035,343. POPCOM-NCR, or now CPD, said on Nov. 15, 2022 that the total fertility rate (TFR) of Filipino women has fallen to 1.9 children, from 2.7 in 2017, the sharpest decline ever recorded. "The Philippines was able to register recent population statistics unheard of in years, with fertility numbers plummeting to less than two offspring per woman," the agency said in a Facebook post. READ: POPCOM: Fertility rate of Filipino women falls to less than 2 kids https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2022/11/15/total-fertility-rate-filipino-women-sharp-decline.html As a result of declining fertility, the population growth rate has been steadily slowing down, and population structures are changing, Undersecretary Lisa Grace Bersales, executive director of CPD, said in April. "A wider window of opportunity for maximizing the demographic dividend has now opened up as a result," she said, adding that transformative education and lifelong learning are essential to enhance the nation's capacity for economic growth through the production of skilled labor. Gilmore Girls star Lauren Graham has reflected on her close friendship with Matthew Perry, who died suddenly last month aged 54. The two actors were rumoured to be in a relationship in the early 2000s. Graham, 56, however, referred to Perry as my longtime Friend Who I Almost But Never Exactly Dated, or FWIABNED in her 2016 memoir Talking As Fast As I Can. During a Thursday (16 November) appearance on CBS Mornings, the Parenthood alum remembered Perrys final year as a happy one. This last year, he was so proud of the book he wrote [Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing] and of how many people it touched, she recalled. It was a success that gave him a level of happiness that I hadnt seen in him for a really long time, so thats a nice memory. No one made me laugh as hard. I mean, just tears, streaming. There was just such joy in being around him and being his friend, Graham said. I mean, its just a really tragic loss, and he leaves his beautiful work behind. And thats something to be thankful for, and again, the book really meant something to him, so it was a really happy year for him. Perry, best known for his portrayal of the king of sarcasm Chandler Bing on Friends, was found dead in a hot tub at his Los Angeles home on 28 October. .@thelaurengraham says her book, Have I Told You This Already? was born out of her habit of re-telling the same stories. She shares some moments in her life that made it into the book, whats next for Gilmore Girls and how she is remembering her late friend, Matthew Perry. pic.twitter.com/QA16uIEDeS CBS Mornings (@CBSMornings) November 16, 2023 His cause of death was deemed inconclusive after an initial postmortem showed no signs of meth or fentanyl in his system. His recently released death certificate stated that his cause of death remains deferred. A conclusive update is reportedly not expected for four to six months with further tests currently underway. Perry had been open about his struggles with drug and alcohol addiction, writing honestly about his journey towards sobriety in his 2022 memoir. Hi, my name is Matthew, although you may know me by another name. My friends call me Matty. And I should be dead, reads the opening line. If you like, you can consider what youre about to read to be a message from the beyond, my beyond. By June 2022, following 15 stints in rehab and therapy sessions, he described himself as pretty healthy and said he was motivated to help others struggling with addiction. This week, all five members of the core Friends cast paid tribute to their late co-star, each sharing fond memories of the actor. Lisa Kudrow, who played the lovable yet scatterbrained Phoebe, rounded out the Friends quintet by posting a never-before-seen Polaroid photo of her and Perry on Instagram. If you or someone you know is suffering from alcohol addiction, you can confidentially call the national alcohol helpline Drinkline on 0300 123 1110 or visit the NHS website here for information about the programmes available to you. If you or someone you know is suffering from drug addiction, you can seek confidential help and support 24-7 from Frank, by calling 0300 123 6600, texting 82111, sending an email or visiting their website here. In the US, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration can be reached at 1-800-662-HELP. NEW YORK, Nov. 17 (UPI) -- The Food and Drug Administration soon may approve the recreational psychedelic drug MDMA -- alongside supportive therapy -- to treat post-traumatic stress disorder after two late-stage studies found it effective. MDMA, sometimes called Molly or Ecstasy, has gained attention from use at dance clubs, music festivals and parties, and in couples counseling. Users say it increases energy and emotional warmth, as well as distorted sensory and time perception, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. "The FDA has not approved a drug to treat PTSD in more than two decades. It is currently reviewing data from these studies, and many in the field are optimistically hoping for MDMA to be approved," Dr. Mashal Khan, an expert in addiction psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York, told UPI via email. He added that "this brings a lot of hope for treatment providers and patients alike, and I imagine, especially for those who struggle with PTSD symptoms resistant to traditional therapies." A study published last month in Nature Medicine found that MDMA used in conjunction with psychotherapy "reduced PTSD symptoms and functional impairment in a diverse population with moderate to severe PTSD and was generally well tolerated." Another large, well-designed, controlled study published in the journal Nature Medicine in 2021 showed significant benefit of MDMA's use for PTSD. "Post-traumatic stress disorder presents a major public health problem for which currently available treatments are modestly effective," the study's authors wrote. Dr. Christopher Pittenger, a professor of psychiatry at Yale University School of Medicine in New Haven, Conn., who was not involved in the study, told UPI via email that adjunct psychotherapy still is essential. "Importantly, MDMA treatment in these [PTSD] studies is embedded in an extensive program of psychotherapy before, during and after drug dosing," Pittenger said. "This is not a case of drug treatment standing on its own." Other studies have explored MDMA's therapeutic effect in treating depression, anxiety, social anxiety in autism, psychological distress related to life-threatening illnesses, relationship therapy, and alcohol and substance use disorders. MDMA works by fostering feelings of closeness and connection with others, prompting researchers to investigate its value as a complement to traditional talk therapy. "So far, some studies found modest improvements in symptoms," University of Chicago researchers Hanna Molla and Harriet de Wit told UPI in an email. Molla is a postdoctoral fellow in the department of psychiatry and behavioral neuroscience, where de Wit is a professor. They recently published a study in Scientific Reports that closely examined the pharmacological effects of MDMA and its impact on social interactions. In carefully controlled experiments, they found that volunteers who took MDMA reported feeling significantly more connected when talking with strangers, compared to conversation partners with whom they interacted after taking a placebo. "Part of [MDMA's] therapeutic potential is thought to be due to its ability to enhance the bond between the therapist and the patient," Molla and de Wit said. They found that MDMA boosts the presence of oxytocin, a social bonding hormone, and that the feelings of connection are associated with this increase. MDMA facilitates empathy and openness and decreases defensiveness, but it also induces neuroplasticity -- the ability of neurons to rewire and strengthen connections, said Ronald Cowan, professor and chair of the department of psychiatry at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis. "I think that both therapist-to-patient connection and neuroplasticity are factors in treatment of PTSD and other conditions," Cowan said. The website ClinicalTrials.gov lists 26 studies in progress or pending enrollment for MDMA and psychotherapy. "These are not the same as FDA applications for new drug approval," Cowan said, "but [they] point to the range of interest and the various sponsors." Due to "a moral panic over recreational use," the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration placed MDMA into its highest risk category, defined as "no accepted medical use and high potential for abuse," psychiatrist Franklin King told UPI via email. The agency's decision "was contested by many psychiatrists and therapists, who testified at that time to MDMA's immensely beneficial effects in psychotherapy," said King, director of training and education at the Center for Neuroscience of Psychedelics at Massachusetts General Hospital. In response to the government's action, the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies, an advocacy group, was formed in 1986, leading efforts to obtain the government's permission to conduct research on MDMA. MAPS Public Benefit Corp., of San Jose, Calif., which is overseeing the process, told UPI via email that more than 1,900 people have received MDMA in clinical trials. It anticipates filing a new drug application with the FDA before the end of this year. If investigational MDMA-assisted therapy is approved by the FDA, MAPS Public Benefit Corp. will contract with a manufacturer to produce the drug. It "has been pursuing FDA approval for MDMA-assisted therapy for [PTSD] for decades, and it's expected that this may happen in 2024," King said. That extended length of time "being on the precipice of FDA approval," he added, is "unprecedented in the world of drug development." It is a mistake to think that Vladimir Putins successor will rule in the same way as the current dictator, Presidential Office advisor Mykhailo Podolyak said in an interview with 24TV on Nov. 17. Russian Security Council Chairman Dmitry Medvedev belongs to the category of jesters and will continue to act as a clown until the end, he believes. "The former president of the aggressor state has no influence on anything and makes no decisions," he stated. He can't be a candidate for dictator, because no one will believe that a clown is a dictator. Read also: Putins plan for the rest of the war It is a mistake to think that Putins successor will rule the way the dictator did, Podolyak said, calling it a conspiracy of the elites. Putin's successor must be such a charismatic, passionate person that everyone is afraid to violate the internal elite agreements that were made under Putin. "Patrushev Jr. is not such a person," Podolyak said. He lacks charisma. He is not an influential person for political elites. Patrushev Sr. maybe, although even he raises questions, but the younger one is a fiction. Once the core of the system changes, the elites will propose to rewrite their "internal contract. Like, let's agree in a new way on who will have what rights, said Podolyak. Read also: Ukraines HUR on Putin body double rumors To speed this up, the basic myth that Putin is a brave, influential person who controls all processes must be destroyed, Podolyak argues. This is something that the leader of the Wagner PMC, Yevgeny Prigozhin, failed to do thoroughly. Late on Oct. 27, reports began to spread on Telegram that Putin had died at his residence in Valdai, after which the security of Putin's alleged double was "strengthened." The "primary source" was the General SVR channel, which regularly writes about the Russian leaders alleged health problems. On Oct. 23, some media outlets picked up information about Putin's cardiac arrest. This message first appeared on the anonymous Telegram channel General SVR. It was reported that Putin had allegedly "fallen down in his bedroom, convulsively writhing on the floor, rolling his eyes." The next day, Putin's spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, said that these rumors were just another "malarkey." According to him, Putin's health is "fine now." This is not the first time that the Russian dictator's health problems have been discussed. During Russia's invasion of Ukraine, various hypotheses about Putin's illnesses were discussed in dozens of media publications. 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 Epitome, mischievous, insouciance. Quinoa, schedule, ogle. English pronunciation is about as hard to pin down as a scone (or scone) rolling down a very steep hill. If you have ever tied yourself in knots to avoid saying a word for fear of pronouncing it wrong, or ever had to endure the humiliation of being corrected at a party (Its arkippElago, isnt it? Not archeepuhlaygo.), then you may want to give Julien Miquels YouTube channel a browse. In more than 44,000 short videos, Miquel will take you through the correct way to pronounce everything from Nike to the name of Elon Musks seventh child (the one given an impenetrable series of letters rather than a name), via croissant and cemetery. Google how to say something and you will likely stumble into the strange corner of the internet he inhabits. YouTube is filled with channels like his, dedicated to pronunciation. For some, they serve as a handy travel companion. For others, they are the go-to for settling debates. Having an argument with a family member over Sunday lunch about how to pronounce February? YouTube can help. Its feh-byoo-eh-ree according to Miquel, who, its fair to say, is an unlikely candidate for an English pronunciation expert. Miquel isnt a phonics professor and he has no background in linguistics. Hes also French. In fact, his subscribers often tell him he sounds a bit like a movie villain, with a strikingly deep voice and thick southern French accent. I get quite a lot of comments on videos saying that I should read audiobooks, he says. Its a bold man that decides to teach the English how to speak English, and yet last month, Miquels YouTube channel surpassed one million subscribers, many of them Brits. It took me five years, he says, speaking over Zoom from his studio on the south coast of France, explaining how it all began as an experiment. A father of three who lives near Perpignan, he had been working in the wine industry for nearly 20 years when he began making videos in English teaching people about French wine. Hed talk through the grape varieties and the flavour profiles. Eventually he made some videos explaining how to pronounce key wine vocabulary little clips to teach you how to say Chateauneuf du Pape and sound as if you know what youre talking about. They did so well he decided to branch out. I made videos about a few French fashion brand names like Louis Vuitton, Yves Saint Laurent and Givenchy. And again I thought, yeah, I can do this better than most pronunciation channels. I branched out towards French food words as well, and Italian and Spanish food. Miquel started out by explaining how to pronounce key wine vocabulary - Julien Miquel Miquel is fluent in English, and in 2020 he decided to turn his hand to English pronunciation. Did he feel like he could really be an authority in his second language? Yes, he says, slightly incredulous. Essentially my approach is that Im interested in learning languages and Ive learned English as a second language myself, so in a way I know what it takes to learn the pronunciation of a word when its not just natural because you havent grown up with that word. He invites people to comment underneath a video if they disagree with his take, which they frequently do clips about Irish names tend to be particularly controversial. It depends what part of Ireland you are in or the person is from, one commenter wrote underneath a video about how to say Saoirse. The West of Ireland pronounces it that way but the rest of Ireland pronounces it the proper way which is Seer-Sha. Even Saoirse Ronan acknowledges that her pronunciation isnt the most common one. Some people explain if I make a slight mistake, says Miquel, and its not always a mistake, its just that its a different way of pronouncing it. Some people are quite definitive about No, its not pronounced that way, it should be that way. He thinks we Brits are more judgmental about pronunciation mishaps than the French, which anyone who has ever been scoffed at by a Parisian waiter may take issue with. The approach to pronunciation is very different in France and the UK. I would imagine that Brits might be more judgmental around pronunciation but thats because its not really a topic in France. Most people dont think twice about pronunciation because there are quite set-in-stone rules on the pronunciation of French. It hardly ever varies. So in French, you can sort of work out in 99 per cent of cases how a word needs to be pronounced just from reading it, just like in Spanish or Italian. The only thing is in French there are silent letters, but there are rules. There is no definite answer when it comes to how to pronounce English words, he says. You can debate endlessly how things can be pronounced. English, with its mess of influences, from French and Latin to German, is severely lacking in rules. It becomes really confusing because every word is essentially unique. There are hardly any reliable rules about how to pronounce English words. Quite often for French words there is no stress on syllables you dont [put the] stress on one particular syllable in a word. Thats why it often sounds so flat when we speak. In English theres no such rule. Like the word buffet, for example. In French you dont stress the first or the second syllable more than the other. Brits, meanwhile, would say BUFFay, while Americans say boofAY. He does concede that, on the whole, Brits are better Francophiles than Americans when it comes to French words we have absorbed into English. We tend to get the pronunciation closer to the original than Americans do, he says, with one notable exception: garage. In his videos, Miquel explains which syllable to emphasise and points out any differences between American and British English. He doesnt claim to have the definitive pronunciation rather, he wants to teach you the safest bet, the most common pronunciation of the word. Why does it work? Because, he says, as someone who had to learn English as a second language, he knows what it takes to learn the pronunciation. My approach of how to pronounce a word from a foreigners perspective is quite useful. He makes videos for people who are searching for a word which isnt in their first language. He teaches them a version of the word which is a bit closer to the original, but with the sounds that I know are available, are easily implemented in English. I try to give my own interpretation of how that could be pronounced. He wants you to say bruschetta, for example, in a way that makes sense for your English tongue and will get you something close to perfect, but without the theatrics. Miquel makes batches of videos at a time, often shooting a few on a theme, like food or fashion his most viewed video to date is one on how to pronounce Gucci, with 2.5 million views. He looks at words that are trending too, occasionally because a celebrity has said something wrong and been called out for it. [Like] if for some reason, I dont know, Gordon Ramsay mentions an Italian pasta recipe that is quite obscure. There is so rhyme or reason, as far as he can tell, as to which words are going to generate the largest number of hits. One of his biggest hitters is charcuterie. Another hugely successful video is how to say the name Siobhan. Its just one of those strange quirks of the internet, that an 80-second video of a French man saying the word sex (yes, that one is as popular as you might imagine, with more than one million views to date) can be quite such a hit. Surely he put that one on there to scoop up some views? Not really, no. But sex must be a pretty frequent search term on YouTube? I guess so, yeah. So among the thousands of videos that Ive made, those surfaced organically. These days, the channel is successful enough that Miquel can make half his living creating pronunciation videos. He also works for an American wine club, making educational clips for them and helping with sourcing. I spent the best part of 20 years studying and working with wine so I like to have that in my life as well. If you want to impress your relatives at Christmas and nail some wine vocabulary, then you might like to look him up and start swatting up on the hard t in Moet et Chandon. Yes, its mo-ett, not mo-eh. Who knew? Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. The Duchess of Sussex has reacted to the renewed love for Suits, the hit legal drama in which she starred for seven seasons. Meghan, 42, portrayed attorney Rachel Zane on the USA Network series, which ran from 2011 to 2019, airing on Dave in the UK. She exited the show in 2018 ahead of her royal wedding to Prince Harry. Since the series landed on Netflix this summer, it has racked up 45 billion minutes of streaming time, breaking records for the most-watched acquired title. During a red carpet interview at Varietys Power of Women event on Thursday (16 November), Markle was asked about the shows renaissance. Is that right? Markle asked in amazement at the wild 45 billion figure. But whos counting? she quipped. The Duchess admitted that she had no idea what was causing the shows recent uptick in popularity. It was great to work on, such a great cast and crew. We had such a fun time. I was on it for seven seasons so quite a bit, she said. Its hard to find a show that you can binge-watch that many episodes of these days, so that could have something to do with it, Markle suggested. But, good shows are everlasting. Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex talks about the success of #Suits and the projects she hopes to make. | Variety #PowerOfWomen presented by @lifetimetv https://t.co/oGSpRQ4GyP pic.twitter.com/KV0kmvZjYV Variety (@Variety) November 17, 2023 Last month it was reported that a Suits spin-off was in development following its success on Netflix. The proposed spin-off of the original show, which starred Patrick J Adams as an attorney who lands a job at a prestigious New York legal firm despite never attending law school, is reportedly considering Los Angeles for its new backdrop. In September, Adams posted new photos on Instagram of Markle during her Suits days. He was later forced to delete the throwback photos after realising that they had broken the rules of the recently resolved actors strike. The last couple of days I foolishly and thoughtlessly let a trip down Suits memory lane distract me from the very real and ongoing fight everyone in @sagaftra continues to wage in its effort to win our membership realistic 21st century compensation and protections, the actor apologised in a follow-up post. It was an embarrassing oversight for which Im incredibly sorry, he added. So grateful to those who gently and swiftly course-corrected me here and I look forward to continuing the fight in the days and weeks ahead. #sagaftrastrong. (Bloomberg) -- Italys European partners have expressed interest in its deal to hold migrants in Albania and process their asylum requests there, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said, as European Union nations try to curb an influx of undocumented arrivals. Most Read from Bloomberg I believe it could be a model to be replicated, if it works, Meloni told reporters Friday after talks with Croatias Andrej Plenkovic in Zagreb. Meloni, who added that Italy has been a pioneer in the matter, did not specify the partners involved. Rome is building two processing centers on Albanian territory, which could manage 3,000 border procedures in total. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said at the weekend that he was examining the deal closely. The accord is part of Melonis wider plan to tackle a surge of arrivals to Italian shores, one of the biggest waves since 2016. Meloni previously floated the idea of creating such centers also in North Africa. Meloni has already asked the EU to help contain the emergency. Read More: Scholz and Meloni Bury Political Differences to Tackle Migration --With assistance from Alessandra Migliaccio. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Silver, shiny, covered in glittering LEDs and aesthetically futuristic, Mercedes' latest unveiling isn't a shapely new SUV or sedan, but a shimmering electric vehicle charging hub at Mercedes-Benz USA's headquarters in Sandy Springs, Georgia. The hub, which is powered by the latest generation ChargePoint chargers, can be used by drivers of any brand of vehicle, and offers charging speeds of up to 400kW with that figure set to increase to 500kW when technology catches up. Currently, some of the fastest-charging vehicles on earth can only accept speeds of up to 350kW, while cars like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 can manage a 10-80 per cent charge in 18 minutes. A Lucid Air can manage the same charge in just 15 minutes thanks to its electrical architecture rated at above 900V compared to the current industry standard for ultra-fast charging of 800V. Merc's offer of 400 to 500kW could see vehicles fully charged in under 10 minutes, as soon as the electrical architecture and battery tech catches up. Mercedes-Benz Charging Hub Speedy pit stops is one thing, but Mercedes-Benz has also created a sanctuary for those EV owners who perhaps can't charge in the time it takes to obliterate a chocolate bar and use the facilities. The "Charging Lounge" is equipped with comfortable seating, as well as vending machines, soft drinks and restrooms. Additionally, there is 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. Mercedes-Benz Charging Hub It is clever stuff and the German brand says it will use 100 per cent green electricity from renewable energies to feed its charge points, with solar panels located on the roof of the charging area helping to power the lighting and provide electricity for the conveniences found inside. This isn't a one-off either, as Mercedes says it plans to build over 2,500 charging points at a minimum of 400 stations across North America by the end of the year at a cost of more than $1billion. We can also expect to see the blueprint rolled out to other markets, with more than 2,000 charging hubs globally, and over 10,000 charging points in the US, Europe and China planned by the end of 2030. Mercedes-Benz Charging Hub More perks for Mercs As we mentioned previously, the Mercedes-Benz EV charging hub and future sites are available for any EV brand to use, but owners of German whips with the three-pointed star receive exclusive benefits. These include things like the automatic pre-reservation of charging points when using the MBUX infotainment system on certain EQ models. Additionally, the Mercedes me Charge app is set to speed up the entire process, as the charging process starts, ends and is paid for automatically when the app is installed in the vehicle. To sweeten the deal, Mercedes-Benz is also offering free charging at its own charging stations for 2024 model EQ vehicles in the US. Current Mercedes-Benz EQ vehicles can be charged for free for six months at the same locations. You might also like Metrolink is bringing back its $10 Holiday Pass so commuters can easily navigate Thanksgiving traffic without being behind the wheel. Passengers can buy the pass and enjoy unlimited trips on Metrolink train services. It can also be used on the Arrow service in San Bernardino and Redlands, a news release said. Officials hope the discounted pass will alleviate traffic on the busiest travel day of the year, especially since portions of the 10 freeway are still closed. Over 4.6 million Southern California residents are anticipated to hit the roads or skies during the five-day period from Nov. 22 to Nov. 26, according to the Auto Club of Southern California. Download this app, get a free Thanksgiving meal Beginning on Thanksgiving Day, Metrolink and Arrow trains will operate on a weekend schedule. The trains will be servicing these areas: Ventura County Antelope Valley San Bernardino Orange County 91/Perris Valley Inland Empire Orange County The Riverside line will not be operating on either Nov. 24 or Nov. 25. The trains are expected to return to its regular schedule after Nov. 26. The Rail 2 Rail program will be suspended from Nov. 23 to Nov. 28 and will resume on Nov. 29. This is why people get sick on Thanksgiving; tips to avoid food-related illnesses The blackout period will apply to all codeshare Amtrak Pacific Surfliner trains along the Ventura County Line. Due to the increased Thanksgiving travel, codeshare will not apply from Nov. 22 to Nov. 27, a news release said. More details about the holiday pass can be found here. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 17) The Supreme Court (SC) has released guidelines on Taguig Citys assumption of jurisdiction over crimes committed within areas that were previously part of Makati City. The high court on Friday said it has issued the new rules governing civil and criminal cases that concern Parcels 3 and 4, PSU-2031 of the Fort Bonifacio Military Reservation which it has declared to be part of Taguig City. It set the guidelines after Taguig Mayor Maria Laarni Cayetano requested that the transfer of jurisdiction to her citys courts be set in October this year. However, the SC said that it has set the effectivity date for the transfer to Jan. 1, 2024 to enable the courts to prepare. The new rules state that all compaints involving crimes committed in the affected areas from Jan. 1 onwards shall be filed in the courts of Taguig City. Meanwhile, complaints related to crimes and offenses that transpired within these areas before the said date shall be filed with the Makati City Prosecutors Office. All civil and criminal cases already filed and pending before the first- and second-level courts in Makati City before January 1, 2024, shall proceed to trial, be heard, and ultimately be decided by the respective Makati City courts where they were pending, the SC said. The SC Public Information Office said it will upload the resolution once it receives a copy from the Office of the Clerk of Court En Banc. Amtrak cancelled several trains Friday due to a Wolverine Train 352 derailment Thursday night. Eleven passengers suffered minor injuries when the train struck a vehicle on the tracks that was being towed. Photo courtesy of Michigan State Police Nov. 17 (UPI) -- Amtrak canceled the Wolverine Train 352 and several other trains Friday due to track repairs needed after the 352 train derailed in west Michigan Thursday night, slightly injuring 11 people. The train hit a vehicle on the tracks in southwest Michigan en route to Chicago. The vehicle obstructing the tracks was in New Buffalo, Michigan roughly an hour east of Chicago and west of Niles, Mich. "Due to a vehicle incident at a crossing which caused track damage west of Niles MI, Wolverine Train 352 is canceled. For further traveling assistance, please call or text 1-800-USA-RAIL," Amtrak said in a statement on X. That statement added that Amtrak trains 350, 355, 352, 354, 351, 353, 365 and 364 were all canceled Friday. The Michigan State Police said in an X statement that the injuries were minor. Amtrak's Wolverine train 352 derailed Thursday night in new Buffalo Michigan en route to Chicago. Several trains were cancelled Friday due to track repairs caused by the derailment. Photo courtesy of Michigan State Police "There was an Amtrak Train derailment last night in New Buffalo around 11pm last night. 218 passengers and only 12 minor injuries. Appears the train stuck a disabled vehicle in its path," the state police X post said. An Amtrak engineer and 10 passengers were treated by local first responders while roughly 200 passenger were taken to a local high school. Amtrak trains in and out of Detroit Friday were canceled or delayed. Amtrak expected to resume normal operations Saturday. The Wolverine Train 352 travels from Chicago with stops in New Buffalo, Jackson and Ann Arbor near the University of Michigan as well as intermediate stations in and around Detroit. A Michigan teen has pleaded guilty to threatening to carry out a mass shooting against an area synagogue. Seann Pietila, 19, spent months on Instagram exchanging messages about an alleged plot while quoting Nazi slogans and telling a fellow social media user he hoped the shooting would inspire people to take arms against the Jewish controlled state and be the tipping point for others like us, according to court documents. The messages also captured Pietila, who pleaded guilty to transmitting threatening communications in interstate commerce, speaking admiringly about the 2019 Christchurch mosque shootings, where 51 people were killed. Later, an FBI search of his home revealed weapons, a tactical vest, and a Nazi flag. The teens iPhone notes app also featured the name of an East Lansing synagogue, a date and a list of weapons. When free speech crosses a line and becomes a threat of violence against another, the full investigative resources of the FBI will be deployed, Cheyvoryea Gibson, special agent in charge of the FBI in Michigan wrote in a statement. Thanks to the coordinated efforts of our state and local law enforcement partners, we were able to disrupt the defendant before he could put his plans into action. Seann Pietila, 19, of Pickford, Michigan, pleaded guilty to a federal charge for violent threats he made online. This is information found on his phone, say prosecutors (US Attorneys Office, Western District of Michigan) Pietila, who will be sentenced in March, faces up to five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. As The Independent has reported, federal officials are warning of a rise in antisemitic and anti-Muslim hate crimes amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. This is a threat that is reaching, in some way, sort of historic levels, FBI director Christopher Wray testified before Congress in October. In fact, our statistics would indicate that for a group that represents only about 2.4 per cent of the American public, they account for something like 60 per cent of all religious-based hate crimes. The Anti-Defamation League, a civil rights group that tracks antisemitism and other forms of extremism, says it has seen a 400-per cent increase in antisemitic incidents across the US since the war started, from vandalism and assault to anti-Israel rallies and events with implicit support for Hamas. Microsoft's AI ambitions are moving a bit backwards: Today, the company has confirmed that it's bringing Copilot AI to Windows 10. At first, it'll be available to Windows Insider users in an upcoming Release Preview update, where Copilot will appear on the right side of the Task Bar. Once selected, you'll see the familiar Copilot interface, which you can use to ask the AI questions, manage Windows features or interact with documents. Microsoft says the Copilot window won't overlap with desktop content or block open windows. If this all sounds familiar, it's because Windows Central reported that Windows 10 would be getting Copilot earlier this month. The move isn't exactly surprising. While Windows 11 is Microsoft's latest OS, it only accounts for 26 percent of Windows installations, according to GlobalStats. Windows 10, meanwhile, still holds 69 percent of the Windows market. In 2020, Microsoft announced that Windows 10 reached 1 billion devices, and it still appears to be above that figure. Windows Central's reporting suggests that Windows 11 is on 400 million devices, in comparison. Just one look at those numbers and it makes sense why Microsoft is bringing its latest tech into an aging OS (its "end of service" date is still October 14, 2025). If the company was able to declare it brought Copilot's AI to 1.4 billion devices in 2023, this year of over-accelerated AI hype will have been worth it. Windows 10's Copilot will be previewed in North America, as well as parts of Asia and South America over the next few months. For Windows Insiders who want to get in line for the update, Microsoft suggests installing today's November preview update. Additionally, they'll need to enable the "Get the latest updates as soon as they're available" feature in Windows Update. An Iowa teenager was sentenced to life in prison for killing a Spanish teacher, an immigrant from Mexico after his friend received a bad grade in her class. He and his partner stalked the woman and beat her down with a bat two years ago. Now 18, Jeremy Goodale will be 43 years old before receiving a chance at parole. Jeremy Goodale cries and has a nosebleed while being for his part in the death of Nohema Graber. (Photo: YouTube/KCCI) Goodale pleaded guilty to helping his friend Willard Miller kill Nohema Graber, a 66-year-old teacher at Fairfield High School, on Nov. 2, 2021. Years after her death, the two pleaded guilty to first-degree murder charges in April 2023. Both teens were charged as adults. However, because they were 16 when the murder was committed, neither was subjected to an Iowa requirement that those convicted of first-degree murder serve life without parole. During the sentencing hearing on Wednesday, Nov. 15, video captured a distressed Goodale bleeding from his nose and filled with emotions before he was sentenced to life in prison with a chance for parole after 25 years. He offered an apology to Grabers family. Im sorry, truly sorry. What Ive taken can never be replaced, Goodale sobbed, as The Associated Press reported. Every day, I wish I could go back and stop myself, prevent this loss and this pain that Ive caused everyone. The presiding judge, Shawn Showers, said that he believed Goodale was truly remorseful but did not contemplate the consequences of taking Grabers life. Still, the judge said Goodale was smart enough to have prevented the tragic and brutal death. Grabers brother, one of 10 relatives who gave victim impact statements, said he did not believe Goodales remorse was real. I must say your actions to me undercut that. Youre now an adult. Youre over the age of 18, and yet you have your counsel to represent you arguing on your behalf to escape punishment for this horrific crime. That doesnt sound like remorse to me, the brother said. Goodale and Miller plotted to kill Graber because Miller was failing her class, and the bad grade would prevent him from participating in a study-abroad program he wanted to attend. The two devised a plan, where they stalked, mapped out her daily walking routine in a Fairfield park, and used a bat to beat her to death. After beating her to a bloody pulp, they hid her body under a tarp and a wheelbarrow. Law enforcement was able to connect the teens to the violent crime based on statements Goodale made to friends on their social media. Barbara Graber, the victims sister-in-law, also commented on the murder and how sick she is of the defendant and his partner in crime. I am so ready to clear my head of thoughts of Jeremy Goodale and his co-defendant Willard Miller, she wrote in a victim impact statement. It haunts me the last face Nohema saw on this Earth, and the last words she heard were those of Mr. Goodale. Many on social media responded to the video from the sentencing, his tears, and his bloody nose. He might lose a lot more blood in prison, one person wrote. A second comment read, Its the stress getting to him. Realizing he might not get out ever again. Wow! You cant even be a teacher without some entitled child wanting to kill you over a grade now? another person said. SMH. That boy needs to be tried as an adult and sent to adult prison, where he will undoubtedly learn some very valuable adult life lessons. Showers said there were 25 different factors he took into consideration when arriving at the life sentence for the teen. He looked at Goodales willingness to testify against Miller had the case gone to trial, a decision that weighed heavily in the judges eyes. He believed that out of the two, Miller was far more sinister in his planning to kill the teacher, which added to him receiving a heftier sentence. Unlike your co-defendant, its clear to me you have regretted your role in Ms. Grabers murder. I think time will tell, but youre far more likely to be successful than Mr. Miller, Showers said to Goodale during the sentencing hearing, according to the Des Moines Register. Miller was sentenced to life in prison in July. He was granted the possibility of parole in 35 years, ten years more than his accomplice. SAN DIEGO (Border Report) A man died after taking part in what migrant advocates are calling a stampede into the United States along the Tijuana River channel early Wednesday morning. A video recorded by a member of Mexicos National Institute of Migration shows dozens of migrants running in knee-deep water into the U.S. Journalist gunned down in Juarez The victims body was found about a half mile north of the border in Californias Tijuana River Valley. U.S. Customs and Border Protection says the agents who responded called for emergency services but the migrant died shortly after their arrival. According to Mexican officials, the victim was 36 years old and was originally from the Western African country of Guinea. Visit the BorderReport.com homepage for the latest exclusive stories and breaking news about issues along the U.S.-Mexico border The San Diego County Medical Examiners Office has yet to release the cause of death. The other migrants who took part in the incursion along the Tijuana River were taken into custody. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego. Newly arriving migrant families have been sleeping at Bostons Logan International Airport after the states shelter system reached its capacity and lawmakers failed to approve $250 million in emergency funding. Boston 25 News spotted about a dozen French, Spanish, and Creole-speaking families with young children sleeping on or near benches in a baggage claim section of the airport, just days after the number of homeless families seeking emergency shelter hit the 7,500-family threshold. One family that traveled from Haiti to Texas before landing at Logan told Boston 25s Ray Villeda that state officials in Texas paid for their airfare to Logan. Others arrived from Chile and Mexico on flights out of San Antonio. We are at the point where we do not have enough shelter units, service providers, or funding to continue to safely expand, Massachusetts Emergency Assistance Director General Scott Rice said last week. Gov. Maura Healey made the decision to cap shelter placements at 7,500, previously saying that the state is incapable of accommodating families past that mark. Now, those in need will instead be placed on a waitlist thats prioritized based on safety and clinical risk. Boston 25 also observed state troopers escorting some families to awaiting taxis destined for one of the states welcome centers. Massachusetts lawmakers ended formal sessions for the year early Thursday morning with no agreement on a spending bill to steer money toward the emergency shelter crisis. Lawmakers then embarked on the holiday break with uncertainty clouding the states response to the shelter emergency. Healeys administration is working with groups to find temporary housing. From Haiti to Texas, to Boston. One migrant family tells me the patria paid for their ticket from Texas to Boston. Patria means homeland in Spanish. I asked if she meant officials in Texas, she said yes. Theyre here looking for shelter. @boston25 pic.twitter.com/Uotcr9C6W8 Ray Villeda (@RayVilleda) November 17, 2023 This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW The glowing and dusty heart of the Milky Way shines in this image taken from Portugal by photographer Miguel Claro. Miguel Claro is a professional photographer, author and science communicator based in Lisbon, Portugal, who creates spectacular images of the night sky. As a European Southern Observatory Photo Ambassador and member of The World At Night and the official astrophotographer of the Dark Sky Alqueva Reserve, he specializes in astronomical "Skyscapes" that connect both Earth and the night sky. The Milky Way's dusty heart glows eerily in a new high-resolution image from Portugal. Photographer Miguel Claro captured a wide, deep-sky view of the Milky Way at the Dark Sky Alqueva Reserve, focusing on the dark heart of our home galaxy and the glowing gas clouds in that region, known as nebulas. "Besides showing a background completely full of stars and immersed in cosmic dust, we can easily recognize many well-known deep sky objects," Claro wrote on his website. Examples include the Lagoon Nebula (Messier 8) and the Prawn Nebula (IC4628). There are many more objects visible besides. Related: First ever map of Milky Way's galactic graveyard revealed the dusty lanes of the milky way with a glowing bit towards the center A view of the full photo of the Milky Way heart taken from Portugal by photographer Miguel Claro. (Image credit: Miguel Claro) Alongside the two emission nebulae, where gas is hot enough to glow with its own light, sharp eyes can also spot the reflection nebula of Trifid M20. Reflection nebulas include a lot of dust, which can reflect nearby starshine to make the dust visible. The image also includes a single prominent star, 3 Sagittarii, in the constellation Sagittarius that is "very close to the real galactic center of the Milky Way galaxy," Claro wrote. RELATED STORIES: The Milky Way is warped, and it might be the work of dark matter James Webb Space Telescope reveals most distant Milky Way galaxy doppelganger The Milky Way galaxy may be a different shape than we thought Claro took the shot using a modified Canon 6D, with a fixed prime lens of 300mm f/2.8 set to f/3.5. The exposure was for 70 seconds per panel, with six panels combined to make the final large image. To see more of Miguel Claro's work, please see his website or follow his stories on Instagram at www.instagram.com/miguel_claro . Editor's Note: If you snap your own photos of the sun or night sky and would like to share them with Space.coms readers, send your photo(s), comments, and your name and location to spacephotos@space.com . UPDATE: The Missing Adult Alert has been canceled for 80-year-old Jack Abner. Further details were not released. INITIAL REPORT: A Missing Adult Alert has been issued for a Butler County man. On Nov. 16 at 4:15 p.m. Jack Abner drove away from his home in Hamilton and has not returned. Abner is described as a white male, 80 years old, 58 inches tall, and 208 pounds. He has gray hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a gray t-shirt and sweatpants. His vehicle is described as a light blue 2011 Ford Fusion with Ohio plate HKC1877. Authorities said to call 911 if you see Abner or the vehicle. Woodside, California (CNN) US President Joe Biden said Wednesday he still believes Chinese President Xi Jinping is a dictator, even as the two leaders made progress in their relationship during a meeting outside San Francisco. Well, look, hes a dictator in the sense that he is a guy who runs a country that is a communist country thats based on a form of government totally different than ours, Biden told CNNs MJ Lee. Anyway, we made progress. When asked about Bidens latest comment at a Chinese Foreign Ministry briefing on Thursday, a spokesperson called it extremely erroneous and an irresponsible political maneuver, which China firmly opposes. What needs to be pointed out is that there will always be some people with ulterior motives attempting to undermine China-US relations. They will not succeed in doing so, spokesperson Mao Ning said. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby sidestepped a question about the Chinese response later on Thursday and focused on other parts of a reporters question. He said the president was feeling very good about the content of the discussions he had over the course of the four hours he met with the Chinese president on Wednesday. Beijing responded furiously over the summer when the president made a similar comment and compared his Chinese counterpart to dictators in June. The president made that comment during an off-camera campaign reception in California, hitting Xi for being caught by surprise after the US had shot down a Chinese spy balloon that had veered off course over the United States. The reason why Xi Jinping got very upset in terms of when I shot that balloon down with two boxcars full of spy equipment in it is he didnt know it was there. No, Im serious. Thats whats a great embarrassment for dictators, when they didnt know what happened, Biden said at the time. The response from Beijing in June was swift and angry. The remarks seriously contradict basic facts, seriously violate diplomatic etiquette, and seriously infringe on Chinas political dignity, the spokesperson for the foreign ministry said. Wednesdays comment could threaten to derail the positive energy coming out of the meeting, which Biden described earlier in the news conference as some of the most constructive and productive discussions weve had. Biden cultivated a deep relationship with Xi during their time as vice presidents and still appear to have a warm personal relationship, even as US-China relations have since deteriorated. He even wished the Chinese leaders wife a happy birthday during their talks, a senior US official told CNN. I know the man, I know his modus operandi, looked into his eyes we have disagreements. He has a different view than I have on a lot of things, but hes been straight. I dont mean that good, better, indifferent, just straight, he said. For his part, Xi called on the United States to not scheme to suppress or contain China during Wednesdays extensive talks, Chinese state media reported. China has no plans to surpass or unseat the United States, and the United States should not scheme to suppress or contain China, Xi said, according to a readout released by Chinas state news agency Xinhua. Both sides should understand each others principles and bottom lines, not make or stir up trouble or cross boundaries, (but instead) communicate more, have more dialogue and more discussions, and handle differences and accidents calmly, Xi said. The two leaders emphasized the need for mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, maintaining communication and conflict prevention during the meeting, according to Xinhua. Texas - The National Park Service (NPS) at Big Bend National Park is asking for information from anyone who might have last seen a missing hiker. Christy Perry, 25, from Houston was reported missing by her family after she did not come home from her trip to Big Bend National Park. According to NPS, Perry picked up a rental car in Midland, Texas on Nov. 8 before arriving at the park on Nov. 9. Perry is described by authorities as a Korean woman, 5 feet 2 inches tall, and weighing 100 pounds. She has brown hair and a fair complexion, officials say. NPS officials say she did not show up for her camping reservation the same night at Chisos Basin Campground and the car she was in was found at the trailhead for the Lost Mine Trail. Park Rangers and U.S. Border Patrol Agents searched the trail on Wednesday and a park pilot searched from above, officials said. On Thursday, teams including NPS employees, U.S. Border Patrol, Texas Game Wardens, and Los Diablos fire crew combed the area while two helicopters from Texas DPS and U.S. Border Patrol and a plane from NPS searched from above. FOX 26 Houston is now on the FOX LOCAL app available through Apple TV, Amazon FireTV, Roku, Google Android TV, and Vizio! Lost Mine Trail, a path 4.8 miles round trip, is closed until further notice, NPS announced. The popular trail climbs steeply into the woodlands of the Chisos Mountains. If you were in the area of the Lost Mine Trail on November 8th or 9th and saw Christy, please call the TipLine at 888-653-0009, or email nps_isb@nps.gov MEMPHIS, Tenn. A Senatobia, Mississippi daycare director was arrested after an accusation that she assaulted two children at the daycare. Amye Durham, the facility director for Peek-A-Boo Playschool on Norfleet Drive in Senatobia, was arrested Thursday, a day after a complaint was filed with the Mississippi Department of Health Bureau of Child Care Licensure. Thursday, state investigators met with Senatobia Police and determined that there were two separate incidents involving two separate children. Two warrants were issued for Durhams arrest. Durham was taken into custody at the daycare Thursday afternoon. She was booked on two counts of simple assault and taken to the Tate County Jail on a $1,000 bond. Past stories on Peek-A-Boo Playhouse: Daycare under investigation for leaving boy, 4, at park Parents, former employees complain about Senatobia day care State investigators and Senatobia Police continue to investigate. They asked anyone with information about previous incidents or concerns about Peek-A-Boo Playschool to contact Detective Brandon Rushing with the Senatobia Police Department. The daycare was investigated by the state in 2017 after several complaints, including one incident in which a 4-year-old was left in a park. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. Ted Henifin, interim third-party manager for JXN Water, the water system for the city of Jackson, Miss., explains his proposal for a slight rate increase Friday, Nov. 17, 2023, during a news conference in Jackson. Henifin believes the proposal, includes what might be a national first proposal to reduce water bills for low-income people. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis) JACKSON, Miss. (AP) The manager of the long-troubled water system in Mississippi's capital city proposed a slight rate increase for most residents Friday alongside what he said is a first-in-the-nation proposal to reduce water rates for low-income people who get government help with grocery bills. The proposal from Ted Henifin, the third-party manager of Jackson's water and sewer systems, is the culmination of a monthslong effort to increase revenue collections in a city where roughly a quarter of the population lives in poverty. If enacted, it would be the latest in a series of changes after infrastructure breakdowns in 2022 caused many Jackson residents to go days and weeks without safe running water. We think this is a great opportunity to really change the dialogue around water and sewer in the city of Jackson, Henifin said at a news conference. Henifin said about 5,000 properties in the Jackson area use water without paying, adding to the financial strain on a system that has about $260 million in outstanding debts. To increase revenue collections without burdening those who can't afford higher bills, Henifin's proposal creates a new rate tier for the roughly 12,500 Jackson water customers who receive benefits from the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which helps low-income people purchase groceries. People who receive SNAP benefits, also known as food stamps, will see their water bills lowered by an average of $20 a month. That arrangement does not exist anywhere in the country, Henifin said. Henifin had previously floated a plan to price water based on property values to shift the burden away from Jacksons poorest residents. Months later, the Mississippi Legislature passed a law banning that approach. State law now mandates that water be billed based on volume, not other factors like property values. Henifin said Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann, who presides over the state senate, approves of his new proposal. The proposal also marks the first rate increase since a federal judge appointed Henifin to manage Jackson's water system last November. Henifin created JXN Water, a corporation to manage water infrastructure projects The majority of JXN Water's residential customers would see an increase of about $10 per month, or a 13% increase. Customers with the largest meters, such as some commercial properties, could see increases of as much as $2,604, a 62% increase. JXN Water will start shutting off water for people who don't pay their bills sometime after Jan. 1st, Henifin said. Henifin will propose the new rate structure to Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba, who would then put the proposal on the City Council's agenda. Henifin hopes the proposal will be considered by the council on Dec. 5, but he said the federal order allows him to implement the proposal regardless. ___ Michael Goldberg is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. Follow him at @mikergoldberg. The federal trial for former Louisville, Kentucky, police Officer Brett Hankison in connection to the shooting death of Breonna Taylor ended in a mistrial Thursday when the jury was deadlocked. Taylor was killed at her boyfriends apartment on March 13, 2020 when she was shot during a no-knock drug raid by police. After Taylors boyfriend, Kenneth Walker, fired a single shot, hitting one of the officers in the leg, three officers shot back. Hankison fired 10 times but did not hit Taylor. Hankison, 47, was charged with using excessive force that violated the rights of Breonna Taylor, her boyfriend and her next-door neighbors. During closing arguments, federal prosecutor Michael Songer said Hankison knew he shouldnt have fired his gun wildly without seeing a target. After deliberating for several days, the 12 members of the jury told U.S. District Judge Rebecca Grady Jennings they were at an impasse. After they returned to deliberations, the jurors told the judge Thursday they were deadlocked on both counts against Hankison. The charges carried a maximum sentence of life in prison. However, federal prosecutors could still pursue a retrial. In 2022, Hankison was acquitted on state charges of wanton endangerment for firing a shot that went into a neighboring apartment but didnt hit anyone. He was dismissed from the department in 2020. _____ By Brad Brooks (Reuters) - The federal civil rights trial of a former Louisville, Kentucky, police officer charged in the 2020 death of Breonna Taylor, a Black woman whose killing fueled a wave of racial justice protests, was declared a mistrial on Thursday. U.S. District Judge Rebecca Grady Jennings declared the mistrial in the trial of Brett Hankison - charged with civil rights violations for allegedly using excessive force - after the jury told her they could not reach an unanimous verdict. Federal prosecutors must now decide if they will try Hankison again. A spokesperson for the Department of Justice said in a written statement that the department "is actively considering all of our available options." Hankison, who is white and whom prosecutors said fired 10 bullets that did not strike anyone during the botched raid on Taylor's apartment, was acquitted by a state court last year in a separate trial, in which he was accused of putting Taylor's neighbors' in danger by firing his weapon. Hankison was the only officer of the three who fired their weapons to face criminal charges. A Kentucky grand jury did not indict the other two officers, after Kentucky's Attorney General Daniel Cameron did not recommend charges for them. The killing of Taylor, along with other 2020 killings - George Floyd in Minneapolis and Ahmaud Arbery in Georgia, among others - sparked outrage and galvanized protests across the U.S. and around the globe that summer. Taylor, a 26-year-old emergency medical technician, was asleep with her boyfriend on March 13, 2020, when police conducted a no-knock raid and burst into her apartment. Police wanted to search the home in connection with a drug investigation in which Taylor's ex-boyfriend, who did not live with Taylor at that time, was a suspect. After police broke down Taylor's door, her new boyfriend, fearing a break-in and saying he did not hear police identify themselves, fired one shot from a handgun that wounded an officer. That officer and another returned fire. Six shots struck Taylor, killing her. Aside from Hankison, federal prosecutors last year charged three other former Louisville police officers for what they said were their roles in knowingly including false information in an affidavit that convinced a judge to approve the warrant that led to the raid on Taylor's apartment. One of the other officers charged - Kelly Goodlett - pleaded guilty last year. The other two officers - Joshua Jaynes and current Sergeant Kyle Meany - are awaiting trial in federal court. (Reporting by Brad Brooks in Longmont, Colorado; Editing by Sandra Maler) MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) A federal jury has convicted a Mobile woman on charges of conspiracy, bank fraud, aggravated identity theft, and theft of a United States Postal Service key. Kristen Arieale Williams, 31, a former mail carrier at the Prichard post office, was found guilty of stealing and selling a USPS arrow key. This government property can open all blue USPS collection boxes in a specific geographic area. Evidence presented during the trial revealed that Williamss coconspirator, who pleaded guilty to related charges, paid her $2,500 in cash for the stolen key. Law enforcement reportedly caught the coconspirator using the key to steal mail outside Bel Air Mall in Mobile in November 2022. Hundreds of pieces of mail were reportedly stolen. The trial also exposed Williamss involvement in a bank fraud conspiracy, where she deposited counterfeit checks into her bank account. These checks were traced back to stolen mail and contained the true names, addresses, and bank account numbers of multiple victims who testified during the proceedings. Evidence, including call logs, text messages, pictures, videos, and other data from Williamss phone and the coconspirators phone. U.S. District Judge Kristi K. DuBose will sentence Williams in February 2024. Williams faces a mandatory two-year prison sentence for aggravated identity theft, which must run consecutively to any other sentence she receives. Convictions for conspiracy and bank fraud carry potential sentences of up to 30 years while stealing and selling the arrow key could result in a maximum 10-year prison term. Additionally, Williams must pay restitution to her victims. U.S. Attorney Sean P. Costello, of the Southern District of Alabama, announced the conviction, acknowledging the efforts of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, USPSOffice of Inspector General, U.S. Secret Service, Mobile Police Department, Brewton Police Department, and the U.S. Small Business AdministrationOffice of Inspector General in the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Roller prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States. ALSO ON WKRG.com: What took down a man who felt he was the peak of health For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5. The Mojave drone, specifically developed with the ability to perform short takeoffs and landings, including from rough fields, with minimal support , has begun experimental operations aboard the U.K. Royal Navys aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales . The event marks an important milestone in the development of the Mojave as well as the wider family of Q-1 lineage drones which hadnt previously operated from an aircraft carrier, as well as for the Royal Navy, which is increasingly looking to harness the capability offered by uncrewed aircraft for its carrier force. https://www.twitter.com/HMSPWLS/status/1725516582431178876?s=20 The Mojaves debut aboard HMS Prince of Wales took place off Virginia on the eastern coast of the United States on November 15. It came during the carriers fall deployment, which has been heavily focused on trials using different uncrewed aircraft. The experiments with the Mojave saw the drone both land and take off from the carriers 901-foot-long flight deck. HMS Prince of Wales is the Royal Navys biggest warship (marginally larger than its sister vessel HMS Queen Elizabeth ). HMS Prince of Wales, left, alongside sister vessel HMS Queen Elizabeth, at HMNB Portsmouth. Crown Copyright Manufacturer of the Mojave, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) described the trial as a first-of-its-kind demonstration of its short takeoff and landing (STOL) capability on the HMS Prince of Wales. The company added that the Mojave was controlled by an aircrew within a control station onboard the ship. The demonstration included takeoff, circuits, and approaches and ended with a landing back onto the carrier, GA-ASI said. Under a $1.9-million contract , GA-ASI is using its Mojave to demonstrate a threshold capability for a short takeoff and landing uncrewed air vehicle aboard the HMS Prince of Wales. Mojave landing on HMS Prince of Wales. GA-ASI A Mojave drone secured on the deck of HMS Prince of Wales. Crown Copyright Mojave over the flight deck. Crown Copyright The Mojave trial is the first time that a remotely piloted air system of this size has operated to and from an aircraft carrier outside of the United States, said Rear Admiral James Parkin, the Royal Navys director develop, in an official statement . The success of this trial heralds a new dawn in how we conduct maritime aviation and is another exciting step in the evolution of the Royal Navys carrier strike group into a mixed crewed and uncrewed fighting force, Parkin added. With so many international partners interested in the results of these trials, I am delighted that we are taking the lead in such exciting and important work to unlock the longer-term potential of the aircraft carrier and push it deep into the 21st century as a highly potent striking capability, said Vice Admiral Martin Connell, the Royal Navys Second Sea Lord. Mojave landing on the carrier. Crown Copyright Ahead of the latest Mojave trials, the Royal Navy had confirmed that the drone would be tested aboard the carrier. In a statement, the Royal Navy said that, by the time HMS Prince of Wales returns to the United Kingdom in December, it will have operated advanced drone technologies, demonstrating the delivery of vital supplies without the need to use helicopters. Other tasks HMS Prince of Wales is assigned to complete during its fall deployment include expanding the operational envelope for the embarked F-35B Lightning stealth fighters (featuring a first night-time rolling vertical landing ), as well as further experiments involving the U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft. https://www.twitter.com/HMSPWLS/status/1721528263925703073?s=20 Exploring drone concepts of operations has been central, however. Indeed, as soon as the carrier was in the English Channel, at the start of the deployment , it began trials with the W Autonomous Systems company, with a feasibility study looking at drones for the delivery of supplies to Royal Navy vessels at sea, initially flying in up to 220 pounds of stores. https://twitter.com/RoyalNavy/status/1700051488930697422 Operations with the Mojave are far more ambitious, however. The Mojave is derived from the companys MQ-1C Gray Eagle , developed for the U.S. Army. It has a maximum takeoff weight of 3,600 pounds and is able to carry four AGM-114 Hellfire air-to-surface missiles, as part of a 1,500-pound payload. In some land-based configurations, the Mojave is able to carry as many as 16 Hellfire missiles. The Mojave drone. GA-ASI As to the specifics of operating the Mojave from the Queen Elizabeth class carrier, reports indicate that the drone took off at an angle across the deck instead of using the ski jump takeoff ramp over the bow. GA-ASI always intended that the Mojaves improved short-field performance and rugged landing gear would make it suitable for carrier-based operations without any need for a catapult to launch it or arresting gear during recovery. The Queen Elizabeth class carriers are currently not equipped with either catapults or arresting gear. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3SQ50wxvCY The drone also apparently did not operate with a full load of fuel let alone weapons, sensors, or other stores, which is common for initial tests like this. The weather conditions are also reported to have been benign. Clearly, a considerable amount of test work would still need to be undertaken if the Mojave, or a derivative of it were to be operated regularly from these warships. Crown Copyright In our previous coverage of the Mojave, we discussed how the drone would be likely suitable for use from aircraft carriers or large assault ships, even without launch and recovery gear: Mojave could have an endurance of between 10 and 12 hours when launched off a carrier-sized landing area with no weapons. This could be hugely valuable to carrier strike groups and expeditionary strike groups, providing everything from persistent armed overwatch for force protection missions in brown water environments to airborne communications relay and surveillance functions in blue water environments. The Marines could also use Mojave in an amphibious assault ship-based close air support and strike role. There is also the possibility of anti-submarine warfare applications , as well. At this stage, however, there is no formal plan for the United Kingdom to acquire the Mojave, although the platform would seem to offer some real benefits in a carrier-based context. The full Mojave product card. GA-ASI The drones long endurance would allow it to undertake a range of surveillance missions, while the ability to carry Hellfire missiles and other weapons means it could also conduct strike and critical force protection missions. Other roles could see it being used as a networking and communications relay node, as well as acting as an electronic warfare platform. Fitted with a suitable radar, the Mojave could also act as a persistent overhead surveillance platform, filling in for the Crowsnest rotary-wing airborne early warning system that has notoriously limited endurance. This would be especially important for detecting aerial threats and sending that data to the carrier strike group for rapid exploitation. It is notable that, as well as the STOL-capable Mojave, which would be available to the Royal Navy now, the manufacturer is also offering a wing kit for its MQ-9B Reaper, making that popular drone carrier-compatible. You can read more about the concept here . With the U.K. Royal Air Force already procuring the land-based Protector , which is an MQ-9B variant, a wing kit for a similar type of drone, for carrier operations, could be an attractive proposition. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2FvQ-T5ZXE Whether or not the United Kingdom ultimately decides to procure the Mojave or a related GA-ASI drone, the country does aspire to expand its carrier-based drone operations, if and where possible. Earlier this year, the U.K. Royal Navy revealed details of its plans to fit its two carriers with assisted launch systems and recovery gear, enabling operations by a wider variety of fixed-wing uncrewed aircraft and, potentially, conventional takeoff and landing crewed types. This effort is known as Future Maritime Aviation Force (FMAF). There had also been previous indications that the service wants to at least explore adding different drones to its future carrier air wing. Crown Copyright Providing the budget is available and the Queen Elizabeth class carriers do receive cat and trap gear, that would open up the possibility to operate drones other than the Mojave, with that type perhaps serving simply as a proof-of-concept demonstrator before the United Kingdom moves on to more complex uncrewed naval aircraft. We are looking to move from STOVL [short takeoff and vertical landing] to STOL [short takeoff and landing], then to STOBAR [short takeoff but arrested recovery], and then to CATOBAR [catapult assisted takeoff but arrested recovery], explained Colonel Phil Kelly, the Royal Navys Head of Carrier Strike and Maritime Aviation, about FMAF. We are looking at a demonstrable progression that spreads out the financial cost and incrementally improves capability, he added. Kelly also confirmed that FMAF includes Project Ark Royal, which includes the recent Mojave tests off the U.S. East Coast. At the same time, Kelly said that while the Mojave is able to take off within 300 feet, which is easily already available with the Queen Elizabeth class, design work has been completed for modifications that would extend the carriers usable runway for drones to 700 feet, which would include adding sponsons to the ships. https://www.twitter.com/NavyLookout/status/1664904794329284610?s=20 Provided that the Mojave trials were a success, it appears that the Royal Navys next move will be to install some kind of recovery system to the Queen Elizabeth design, allowing operations by larger fixed-wing drones. Uncrewed aircraft in this category are an aspiration that the Royal Navy is already working toward under Project Vixen, which you can read more about here . In summary, Project Vixen is exploring a wide variety of operational and support missions, including aerial refueling as well as strike, potentially in a loyal wingman-type role, networked together with F-35Bs. Other missions could include surveillance and electronic warfare. Once a recovery system has been demonstrated and proven viable, the Queen Elizabeth class design would potentially then be further reworked with catapult launch gear, allowing the warships to operate the heaviest aircraft you can imagine, in the words of Kelly. https://www.twitter.com/Gabriel64869839/status/1710966055772807374?s=20 As well as larger, high-performance drones, the carriers could potentially also operate crewed fixed-wing aircraft that can leverage catapult and arresting gear, which would be a very significant development for the Queen Elizabeth class. Whether crewed or uncrewed, fixed-wing airborne early warning aircraft or airborne tankers would be among the platforms that these modifications could enable, bringing a step-change to offensive operations. In 2021, the U.K. Ministry of Defense put out a request for information (RFI) for aircraft launch and recovery equipment. This RFI called for information on assisted launch and arrested recovery options for a range of air vehicles, which would be suitable to fit a vessel within three to five years, as part of the FMAF. There have also been reports that the Royal Navy is studying different catapult launch systems, including the U.S.-developed Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS), the introduction of which has been far from trouble-free , as well as the U.K.-developed Electro Magnetic Kinetic Induction Technology demonstrator. Whether the carriers have the capacity in terms of space and power generation to add complex launch systems remains to be seen, however. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQ3Ob9IF_w8 The challenge is actually a much larger one, should the United Kingdom follow the cat and trap route. As well as launch and recovery systems, operations of this kind would also require new control stations, datalinks, development of procedures, and more, to ensure the drones can be safely and effectively integrated within the carrier air group. Even before the latest trials, the Royal Navy has already begun tests with smaller, jet-powered drones launched from HMS Prince of Wales in 2021. These initial tests, which you can read more about here, involved the QinetiQ Banshee Jet 80+, best known as a target drone. This would appear to pave the way for Project Vampire , which calls for a drone in this class to perform adversary missions from the carriers, but which could later be adapted for operational missions, including cyber and electromagnetic activities (CEMA), electronic warfare (EW), and decoy purposes. A Banshee drone is fired from a catapult launcher on the deck of HMS Prince of Wales during a previous demonstration. Crown Copyright It remains to be seen just how realistic the Royal Navys ambitions for a future carrier-based drone fleet really are. While the feasibility of operating larger drones, in the Project Vixen category, might well prove to be overly ambitious, the recent trials with the Mojave suggest that a more modest uncrewed aircraft, even without launch and recovery gear, could also be an incredibly useful addition to the future carrier air wing. Contact the author: thomas@thedrive.com Moldova's President Sandu and her dog greet Austria's President Van der Bellen and Slovenia's President Pirc Musar in Chisinau CHISINAU (Reuters) -Moldovan President Maia Sandu's dog overturned protocol on Thursday by biting visiting Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen on the hand, although Austria's leader was forgiving and later gave the excitable pup a toy. The incident, Moldovan media reported, occurred when the two leaders were strolling in the courtyard of the Moldovan presidential residence and Van der Bellen tried to pet the dog, a rescue named Codrut, or small forest. Sandu apologised in English and explained that the dog had become frightened by large numbers of people nearby. Van Der Bellen appeared with his hand bandaged at his next meeting, with the speaker of Moldova's parliament. In a video posted to Instagram on Friday, Van der Bellen sympathised with the first pup. "Everyone who knows me knows that I'm a big dog lover and can understand his excitement," he wrote, adding his meeting with Sandu and other top officials had been "very good". Van der Bellen added that he had gifted the dog a small toy on the last day of his visit. The talks in Chisinau, attended by Van Der Bellen and the president of Slovenia, focused on the bid by Moldova, which lies between Ukraine and Romania, to join the European Union. Sandu, who took in the dog after it was hit by a car, posted pictures on social media with her pet and the two presidents. (Reporting by Alexander Tanas; Additional reporting by Dan Peleschuk; Editing by Ron Popeski, Sandra Maler and Toby Chopra) Whether youre actively looking for a boost in your paycheck or simply wondering whether your occupation might be more valued elsewhere, its not outlandish to consider moving to a new city for better opportunities. In addition to higher pay, job seekers are increasingly on the hunt for flexible or hybrid work options and a greater sense of work-life balance. One aspect to consider is what type of industry you currently work in, or plan to transfer into. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the highest paying jobs in the country are in the medical field (including anesthesiologists, nurse practitioners, orthodontists and psychiatrists), or are involved in some sort of field related to engineering (including flight engineers and computer systems managers). In addition to being concentrated in certain fields, high-paying jobs are also geographically concentrated. Six-figure salaries are most common in coastal states including California, Massachusetts, Maryland and New York, where the population tends to have greater educational attainment; cost of living is higher and high-paying industries like tech, business, law, and health and life sciences are more prevalent. Salaries rising But even many parts of the country where these jobs are less common are seeing growth. Six-figure jobs more than tripled in Hawaii from 2015 to 2020, and ten other statesmostly in the Mountain West and upper Midwesthad a growth rate for six-figure jobs of more than 100% over the same span. Jobs in New York State offer some of the highest-paying salaries in the country. BLS data indicates that New York professionals in marketing, business, and finance earn an average of over $100,000 per year. Whats always the case however is that many of the highest-paying cities are also the most expensive cities to live in. According to Payscale, the cost of living in New York City is 129% higher than the national average. Everything costs more, from healthcare to a loaf of bread. And housing expenses are a whopping 369% higher than average. But as the financial capital of the US, the city is a global hub for dozens of Fortune 500 companies, including Pfizer, Verizon, and Goldman Sachs. High-paying roles Take a look on The Hill Jobs Board at companies like Hudson River Trading which is currently looking for a Director of International Tax to join its growing tax team. The successful hire will have an Advanced degree (MS or LLM) in Taxation, plus a minimum of 10 years of relevant tax experience. Expect a salary range of $200,000 to $300,000. A sign-on and discretionary performance bonus may be provided as part of the total compensation package, in addition to company-paid medical and/or other benefits. As the nations capital, Washington, DC, has a bit of everything when it comes to job opportunities. As you might expect, DC is the top city for government-related work, and the city has a high concentration of political scientists and economists, according to BLS data. But DC is also a hub for education, healthcare, finance, and scientific research. In addition to several major universities, multiple Fortune 500 companies have their corporate headquarters in DC, including Fannie Mae, Carlyle Group, Danaher, and FTI Consulting. If politics is your bag, its worth investigating opportunities at Issue One who have an open position for a Director of Election Protection. The DEP will manage the National Council of Election Integrity (NCEI); spearhead IOs cutting edge Faces of Democracy campaign of election officials and poll workers, and drive the programs strategic planning, policy development and grassroots mobilization. To apply, youll need five-plus years of relevant experience including experience leading in a large-scale campaign. Note that the salary range for this role is $110,000 to $130,000. Denver is the most populous city in the mountain states. It has a very diverse economy, featuring major industries including aerospace, bioscience, and advanced manufacturing. Lockheed Martin, HealthONE Corporation, Ball Corporation, and United Airlines are large Denver-area employers, and the city also has an up-and-coming start-up scene. Denvers average salary of $64,880 is the ninth highest in the nation, and its cost of living is only the 19th highest, making it easy to see why so many people choose to live and work in the Mile High City. If a work-life balance investment in your community appeals, check out companies such as ICF which is looking to hire a Senior Wildlife Biologist to support a wide range of projects through its Environment & Planning Division. The ideal candidate will have an MS degree in environmental science, environmental planning, biology, ecology, or related field, plus experience working with private, public sector clients, and regulatory and resource agencies. The salary range on offer is $77,890 to $132,413, and its worth noting this position is based remotely in the Mountain West region. Take the plunge Before taking the plunge, make sure your chosen city matches your specific industrys job opportunities. A thriving job market tailored to your skills is key to securing financial success in a new city. But also bear in mind that prosperity shouldnt come at the cost of your personal life. Weigh the pros and cons of a citys growth potential against the work-life balance it offers. All in all, finding that sweet spot between financial growth and quality of life is crucial for long-term success and happiness. For more career opportunities and to find a role that suits your life, visit The Hill Jobs Board today For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Just like any language, music can take on an accent when filtered through another culture. For instance, imagine classical works from German composer Ludwig van Beethoven expressed through the arts and history of East Africa. On Monday, Nov. 20, 7:30 p.m. at Troy University's Davis Theatre for the Performing Arts, the Montgomery Symphony Orchestra will put that exact scenario to the test with the U.S. premiere of "Beethoven in Kenya," composed by Nairobi, Kenya, native Shaka Marko Lwaki. Tickets for this MSO Masterworks concert range from $15 to $40, and are available online at eventbrite.com. Come early for a pre-concert talk at 6:30 p.m. to learn more about the music. Shaka Marko Lwaki, a native of Nairobi, Kenya, composed "Beethoven in Kenya," which will make its U.S. premiere on Monday, Nov. 20, wtih the Montgomery Symphony Orchestra. "It's really, really exciting for me, seeing how our rhythms are being interpreted by people to whom those rhythms are not native to," said Lwaki, a member of MSO's horn section and a music student at Alabama State University. "It's like having a foreigner speaking your language... I hope the audience will embrace it." This concert will feature a special guest appearance by the Alabama State University percussion studio. Also that night, baritone Tyrone Hayes will sing a solo piece for Gustav Mahlers "Songs of a Wayfarer," a setting of the composers poetry that describes a youthful experience with nature and love. Hayes is a New Orleans native who has a masters degree in voice performance from Southeastern Louisiana University and bachelors degree in music from the University of New Orleans. He is a doctor of arts candidate at William Carey University. Hayes is on the voice faculty at ASU, where he also serves as Director of Opera Workshop, and Trebled Soul Vocal Jazz Ensemble. Tyrone Hayes will sing Gustav Mahlers "Songs of a Wayfarer" on Monday, Nov. 20, with the Montgomery Symphony Orchestra. The evening concludes with a performance of German composer Johannes Brahms Second Symphony. MSO conductor Jamie Reeves said the symphony's connection to ASU is important, and that several of ASU's music department faculty play for the symphony. "I'd say our collaborations with Alabama State in the future (are) very likely to continue," Reeves said. "It helps us to build the community and bring more students into the audience." Merging cultures with music Replicating the feelings, sensations and rhythms from an indigenous culture is a challenge that has required a lot of practice. Performing Lwaki's composition is helping the orchestra develop even more as musicians, Reeves said. "He's notating rhythms that are passed down from an oral tradition in Kenya," Reeves said. The instruments will be the same, though Reeves said they'll rely more on percussion than normal. "We're playing Kenyan music and Beethoven at the same time," Reeves said. "It's really exciting." Shaka Marko Lwaki, who composed "Beethoven in Kenya," is a member of the Montgomery Symphony Orchestra and a music student at Alabama State University. Lwaki has been in the U.S. since 2022. He's a sophomore at ASU, seeking a degree in French horn performance. Before coming to Montgomery, he worked in Nairobi as a music arranger, composer, librarian, French Horn performer, and tutor for various ensembles, organizations, and schools. He said the idea for merging two different worlds of music together in "Beethoven in Kenya" came about in 2019 and 2020 as the world was preparing to celebrate Beethoven's 250th anniversary. "It's music from Beethoven's symphonies, except for the 9th, infused with rhythms and traditional idioms from Kenya from different communities across Kenya," Lwaki said. Some examples of these fusions are: The melancholic theme from the second movement of Beethovens Seventh Symphony with idioms from the Maasai community in Southern Kenya. The first movement from Beethovens Fifth with a Kenyan Rhumba-like genre known as zilizopendw (those which were loved" similar to "golden oldies" in the U.S.). The jovial theme from the last movement of Beethovens Seventh with catchy dance rhythms from the Luhya community in Western Kenya. With African music, Lwaki said the biggest pillars of it comes from rhythm, instead of melody and harmony. He said he had to stretch hs creativity to merge the music, and still keep it as familiar as possible. Of course, it came together during the pandemic. Lwaki said the piece's first partial performance was a virtual one recorded by artists from the Nairobi Orchestra in Kenya, with the help of musicians from around the world. While isolated, they recorded individual parts that were later mixed together. "That was exciting to listen to," he said. Reeves said Lwaki has a bright future ahead as a performer and a composer. "We hope to work with him again for many years to come," Reeves said. Lwaki said he's been enjoying the "authentic American experience" while living in Alabama. "I think I personally like the pace of life here," Lwaki said. "It's ideal, especially for me coming here as a first time foreigner to the U.S. It's helped me integrate into America.... I think here in. the South, I'm able to experience what America is truly like." Montgomery Advertiser reporter Shannon Heupel covers things to do in the River Region. Contact him at sheupel@gannett.com This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Montgomery Symphony giving Beethoven the rhythm of Kenya (CNN) Supporters of Africas cultural and natural heritage recently had cause to celebrate. At the 45th session of the World Heritage Committee in September, UNESCO announced five new locations had joined the list of World Heritage Sites, taking sub-Saharan Africas total over 100 for the first time. Rwandas first two World Heritage Sites were named among 42 new entries worldwide. One, Nyungwe National Park, has a diverse topography including forests and peat bogs, and is home to the Eastern Chimpanzee, Golden Monkey and other endemic species. The other is a collection of sites in Nyamata, Murambi, Gisozi and Bisesero, memorializing the 1994 genocide that targeted Rwandas Tutsi population. Ethiopias 215,000-hectare (531,000-acre) Bale Mountains National Park, which includes the continents largest afro-alpine habitat, and Gedeo Cultural Landscape, home to 250,000 indigenous Gedeo people in the Eastern Highlands, were also inscribed on the World Heritage list, along with the Forest Massif of Odzala-Kokoua in the Republic of Congo, a vital habitat for the regions forest elephants. But that good news was tempered by the understanding that the continent still has a long way to go when it comes to recognition of its heritage. Sub-Saharan Africa, home to 1.2 billion people, contains less than 10% of sites inscribed on the list. Moreover, Africa has a higher percentage of World Heritages sites in danger than any other continent, and 11 countries (Burundi, Comoros, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Eswatini, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Sao Tome and Principe, Sierra Leone, Somalia and South Sudan) do not have a single entry on the list. There are currently 1,199 World Heritage sites, benefitting from the conservation agreements and tourism that come with that status. UNESCO lists 103 of those sites in its Africa region, which does not feature Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Sudan and Tunisia countries that have a total of 42 World Heritage Sites which UNESCO includes in its Arab States region. To qualify, a site must be of outstanding universal value and meet at least one of 10 criteria, such as representing a masterpiece of human creative genius, containing superlative natural phenomena, or bearing exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared. Africa is not lacking these. So why the historic underrepresentation? Lazare Eloundou Assomo, director of World Heritage, says multiple factors have contributed. One is that some nations were slow to ratify the 1972 World Heritage convention, allowing them to submit applications for World Heritage status. (Somalia, for example, only ratified the convention in 2020.) Another factor is a historic lack of expertise and capacity in some countries to identify and nominate prospective sites, he says. Theres also no escaping the fact the nomination process can be long and expensive. It takes at least two years for a site to go from nomination to inscription on the World Heritage list, says UNESCO, and can demand resources that some nations simply might not have at their disposal. To tackle these challenges, UNESCO has announced Priority Africa, a plan to boost identification and preservation across the continent between now and 2029. This new strategy is bringing a new momentum, says Eloundou Assomo, pointing to previous global initiatives to bring balance to the World Heritage list, dating back to 1994. By 2025, we will make sure that most of the African countries that do not have a World Heritage Site have at least started preparing a nomination dossier, he says, adding he hopes that every African nation currently without a site on the list will have one by the end of the decade. The World Heritage director from Cameroon, and the first African to hold the position says there are more local resources and expertise than ever before to help maintain heritage sites. UNESCO has also partnered with the African World Heritage Fund on a mentorship program to train professionals from a younger generation, so that they can be the experts and caretakers of tomorrow, says Eloundou Assomo. Another goal of the strategy is to work to reduce the number of African sites listed as World Heritage in Danger. Human conflict and natural disaster, urban development, poaching, pollution and unchecked tourism can all pose a threat, says UNESCO. Fifteen sites in UNESCOs Africa tally are listed as in danger and UNESCO wants to work with its partners to halve that number by 2029. In positive news, one site in Uganda, the 19th century Tombs of Buganda Kings at Kasubi, in Kampala, was recently removed from the in-danger list after a 13-year effort to restore their indigenous architecture after a fire ripped through the tombs in 2010. Eloundou Assomo says that even in the most challenging circumstances, it is paramount to support African countries in their effort (to preserve their heritage). World heritage is considered part of the soul of nations and soul of communities, Eloundou Assomo says. Their destruction is the disappearance of some identity. If people protect (heritage sites), it helps people rebuild themselves They have what defines them; because they know their past, they can build for the future, he adds. The six-year mission from UNESCO is but the blink of an eye for some of the continents oldest and most venerated locations. While it is down to individual nations to submit applications for inclusion on the list, the director did let slip one place hed like to see inscribed in the future: the Bissagos Islands. The archipelago off the coast of Guinea-Bissau is not only a biodiversity hotspot, it is also populated by a matriarchal society, and would become the nations first World Heritage Site. Eloundou Assomo stresses that countries should look broadly at what they might want to submit to UNESCO for consideration. You dont (need to) have an Eiffel Tower (to) propose a World Heritage Site, he says. Its not only the monumental there are a variety of sites everywhere in the world that have the potential to join the list. This story was first published on CNN.com, "Sub-Saharan Africa just hit 100 World Heritage Sites. UNESCO says thats not enough" The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints delivered 40,000 pounds of food to San Luis Obispo County on Thursday morning, just in time for Thanksgiving. About 30 volunteers gathered at the churchs Paso Robles meeting house to unload 24 pallets of dry and canned food, according to a news release. The food was delivered by the Mormon Churchs Salt Lake City, Utah headquarters, the news release said. President Juan Rodriguez of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints loads boxes of green beans onto a pallet on Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023, in Paso Robles. At least nine organizations received the food: the El Camino Homeless Organization, the Cal Poly Food Pantry, the Paso Robles Unified School District, Resilient Souls, Lumina Alliance, Peoples Self-Help Housing, the Salvation Army, Mission San Miguel and the Paso Robles Housing Authority, the news release said. The Mormon Church also donated separately to the SLO Food Bank, as well as the communities of Moorpark and Santa Maria. This isnt the first time the Mormon Church made a large local donation. Last year, the church donated 7.2 million pounds of food to the counties of San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura and Los Angeles, the news release said. Volunteers sort food donated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Paso Robles on Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023. Volunteers sort food donated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023, in Paso Robles. A semi-truck carrying 24 pallets of dry goods was unloaded and distributed to several nonprofit organizations. President Biden is capping off a foreign policy focused week at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in San Francisco. MEXICO IS MOVING INTO FOCUS TODAY, as Biden prepares to meet with President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. Lopez Obrador has some of his countrys most pressing issues on his agenda including strengthening regional cooperation to combat corruption and boosting trade. But he and Biden will have to address crucial challenges to their countries relationship, from surges of migration at the border to the flow of drugs such as fentanyl. Lopez Obrador has said that the world has taken the wrong approach by focusing on stemming the flow of people and militarizing borders instead of addressing the root causes that force people to leave their homes. The people dont abandon their towns because they want to, but rather out of necessity, he said in October. APECS BIG-TICKET MEETING HAPPENED ON THE SIDELINES when Biden met with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday. During a four-hour meeting, the two leaders took steps to ease tensions across the Indo-Pacific, opening a new chapter after a tumultuous period of uncertainty in the region (The Hill). While experts say the Biden-Xi meeting does not remove many of the lingering tensions between China and the U.S., the leaders sent a message that conflict is not inevitable and relations are stable, even if they remain competitive nations. Biden said Wednesday the meeting resulted in positive steps between the worlds largest economies and said more diplomatic talks would follow. Speaking to executives at the APEC summit Thursday, Biden noted that he and Xi had agreed to resume military-to-military communication to reduce the risk of miscalculation a line that got a round of applause from the room. We have real differences with Beijing, the president acknowledged. We are going to continue to address them with smart policies and strong diplomacy. CNN: A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, when asked Thursday about Bidens comment to reporters Wednesday that he views Xi as a dictator, called it extremely erroneous and an irresponsible political maneuver, which China firmly opposes. There was a subtle shift in the power dynamic between the two countries on display this week, The New York Times reports, as Xi arrived at APEC with a list of requests for the U.S. from a revival of American financial investments in China and a break in technology export controls that have reduced Beijings ability to make certain advanced semiconductors. THE KEY QUESTION is whether the Chinese leaders charm offensive on display Wednesday night at a dinner for executives is the sign of a lasting diplomatic shift or just a tactical maneuver. NBC News: Pandas may return to California, Xi said at a dinner with U.S. business elites. The Hill: Russian-American journalist Alsu Kurmasheva marks a month in a Russian prison. The Hill: U.S. and Ukrainian officials are appealing to Congress to back additional military assistance to Kyiv. BIDENS ATTENTION HAS ALSO BEEN ON THE HOSTAGES being held by Hamas in Gaza. U.S. officials have been working for weeks on a deal to release some of them, with Egypt and Qatar acting as intermediaries. Biden said late Wednesday he was mildly hopeful about a possible deal. Negotiations are underway, CBS News reports, with the various players working on a framework. Under the proposal, Hamas would release a portion of the women and children abducted during the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks in Israel for roughly the same number of Palestinian women and children held in Israeli prisons. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told CBS News on Thursday that Israel is closer to releasing hostages captured by the Palestinian militant group Hamas than before their ground operation in Gaza. But the Israeli government has yet to produce findings that corroborate its claims that Al-Shifa sits atop a Hamas headquarters and was central to the militant groups operations in northern Gaza (The Washington Post). Exactly why there should be assault rifles located next to an MRI machine escapes me and this is compelling evidence of the fact that Hamas embeds itself in civilian infrastructure of one kind or another, Secretary of State Antony Blinken told NBCs Lester Holt Thursday. We have our own information that command-and-control nodes are located either in or under hospitals. There are several of them and this is something thats really monstrous in what Hamas has done to try to embed itself among civilians. NBC News: The Israeli Defense Forces said they had found the body of Yehudit Weiss, a hostage, and that of Noa Marciano, a 19-year-old soldier. The military described both as being found adjacent to Al-Shifa hospital. DEMOCRATIC LEADERS IN WASHINGTON ARE FACING PRESSURE to ask Israel to scale back military operations in Gaza. Rising civilian casualties have triggered human rights protests around the U.S. and sparked heightened calls for a cease-fire from Democratic lawmakers, administration officials and the partys liberal base. The Hills Mike Lillis reports that Democratic leaders have pressed for billions of dollars in humanitarian assistance for civilian victims of the conflict Israeli and Palestinian alike. But theyve rebuffed the entreaties of their left flank to back a cease-fire. Hamas has already said publicly that they plan on attacking Israel again, Biden said Wednesday in California. And so the idea that theyre going to just stop and not do anything is not realistic. 3 THINGS TO KNOW TODAY LEADING THE DAY Rep. George Santos (R-N.Y.), an admitted serial fabricator facing 23 criminal charges in federal court, ended his bid for reelection Thursday shortly after a House panel reported that evidence of his alleged fraud and theft will be referred to the Justice Department. The report asserts in blunt language that Santos duped donors and stole funds from his campaign using a variety of illegal schemes. The committee did not recommend punishment, but Ethics Committee Chair Michael Guest (R-Miss.) said he will today introduce a new motion to expel Santos from the House. The House is not in session until after the Thanksgiving holiday, but CNN is tracking GOP lawmakers who are now publicly stating their support for expulsion. The 35-year-old congressman, who has rejected calls to voluntarily step down from New Yorks 3rd Congressional District, called a detailed committee report about his actions a disgusting politicized smear and later criticized the process in Congress as dirty, adding on X, formerly Twitter, that he will hold a news conference Nov. 30 at the Capitol. The New York Times: Ferragamo, OnlyFans and Botox: How Santos spent donors money. The House committee investigation includes previously unseen texts, emails, financial records and other documents. FACED WITH A NARROW HOUSE MAJORITY, Republican colleagues have maintained a careful distance from Santoss controversies while expressing some reluctance to forfeit his House vote, or politically more damaging, his seat in a blue state. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) last month advocated due process for Santos. We have a four-seat majority in the House. It is possible that number may be reduced even more in the coming weeks and months. And so, well have what may be the most razor-thin majority in the history of the Congress. We have no margin for error, Johnson told Fox Newss Sean Hannity. And so, George Santos is due, due process, right? We have to allow due process to play itself out. Thats what our system of justice is for. On Thursday, Johnson said the panels report contained very troubling findings, but he made no reference to any future House action (The New York Times). The Hill: Five takeaways from Congresss scathing, sprawling Santos report. ZOOM IN WHAT ABOUT THOSE POLLS? Biden is hardly the first president to be confronted with survey data suggesting a vulnerable reelection bid. As The New York Times reports, the reelection campaigns rolled out by former Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, who both won second terms, stand as reminders that polls a year out are not predictions of what will happen on Election Day. Biden has a very high degree of difficulty, but I think the race is winnable, David Plouffe, who was a senior adviser to Obamas reelection campaign, told The Times. Listen, I have sympathy for an incumbent president or governor who says, People need to know more about my accomplishments. That is true, but at the end of the day this is a comparative exercise. Thats the one thing we learned. The White House has dismissed polls including a recent New York Times/Siena College poll of swing states as a snapshot well ahead of when voters focus on general election nominees. Bidens advisers point to Democratic wins in this months off-year elections as evidence that both the party and the incumbent are in good shape. After months of campaigning on his economic record, Biden has begun to turn his attention to the actions and policies of former President Trump. We are absolutely looking at ways that we can help drive the conversation around Trump and MAGA as much as we can, Kevin Munoz, the Biden campaign spokesman, told The Times. We are in a different position than Obama and Bush. We had very strong midterms. We have had very strong special elections. Our theory of the case was proved again last Tuesday. eeting with President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador of Mexico at 10 a.m. PT. An hour later, Biden begins the final day of the 2023 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum and transfers the APEC chair to Peru. He and first lady Jill Biden in the afternoon will depart California for Philadelphia, then travel to New Castle, Del., for the weekend. Biden, the oldest U.S. president in office, celebrates his 81st birthday Monday. 2024 ROUNDUP WHERE & WHEN The House holds a pro forma session at 9 a.m. The Senate convenes a pro forma session at 7:30 a.m. The president begins his day in San Francisco with the Presidents Daily Brief at 9 a.m. PT. He will hold a bilateral meeting with President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador of Mexico at 10 a.m. PT. An hour later, Biden begins the final day of the 2023 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum and transfers the APEC chair to Peru. He and first lady Jill Biden in the afternoon will depart California for Philadelphia, then travel to New Castle, Del., for the weekend. Biden, the oldest U.S. president in office, celebrates his 81st birthday Monday. Vice President Harris is in Los Angeles and has no public events. Secretary of State Antony Blinken follows the presidents itinerary while in California. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen is participating in APEC in San Francisco and will depart to return to Washington later today. The first lady will travel to the Cupertino, Calif., campus of Apple at 9:30 a.m. PT for an event about mental health organized for spouses of APEC leaders. U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy will participate. ELSEWHERE TRUMP WORLD At an emergency hearing Thursday, New York Appellate Judge David Friedman questioned New York Judge Arthur Engorons authority to police Trumps free speech rights (The Associated Press). Friedman temporarily lifted a gag order that Justice Engoron imposed on the voluble former president during a civil fraud trial after Trump disparaged a state law clerk on social media using personally identifying information. Friedman said that while its true that judges often issue gag orders, theyre mostly used in criminal cases where theres a fear that comments about the case could influence the jury. Trumps civil trial doesnt have a jury. Trump lawyer Christopher Kise said the appellate judge made the right decision and allowed President Trump to take full advantage of his constitutional First Amendment rights to talk about bias in his own trial, what hes seeing and witnessing in his own trial which, frankly, everyone needs to see. While campaigning for the White House, Trump is testing the limits of the First Amendment as a politician and as a defendant before the judiciary. He frequently asserts that charges in the civil fraud trial in New York were brought by a politically biased prosecutor and are being managed by a Democratic judge who is not an impartial referee. DURING TESTIMONY, Trump criticized Engoron as an extremely hostile judge and said the trial was very unfair. The trial involves multiple claims made in a lawsuit, including falsification of business records, insurance fraud and conspiracy. The judge previously determined that Trump misrepresented his wealth by millions of dollars. Prosecutors say Trump and the Trump Organization fraudulently gained advantageous loans and insurance premised on manipulated asset valuations. Trump says he did nothing wrong. MASS SHOOTINGS The Washington Post on Thursday published a special interactive report with rarely seen or published photos and video from 11 mass shootings involving AR-15 rifles. It is wrenching to view. Interviews with survivors and visual evidence underscore the grisly efficiency of the easy-to-operate and widely available weapon, used more than any other to carry out mass killings in America, the Post reports. We were standing there looking at the scene and the phones kept ringing and ringing and ringing in the backpacks and on the desk of the parents calling their children. They kept calling and calling and calling. Eulalio Diaz, justice of the peace and coroner, recalling a scene at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Tex., in 2022, where 19 children and two adults were murdered. We decided that there is public value in illuminating the profound and repeated devastation left by tragedies that are often covered as isolated news events but rarely considered as part of a broader pattern of violence. Sally Buzbee, executive editor, The Washington Post. Proposals to reimpose an expired U.S. ban on assault weapons and to outlaw high-capacity ammunition devices are blocked in Congress along political fault lines. State bans are being challenged in court (ABC News timeline). OPINION Dont just be horrified. Ban AR-15s, bump stocks and large magazines, by The Washington Post editorial board. Cease-fire now. The killing in Gaza must stop, by the Los Angeles Times editorial board. THE CLOSER And finally Kudos to this weeks Morning Report Quiz winners! They Googled, guessed and recalled historic trivia involving U.S. presidents with foreign leaders. Here are the champion puzzlers who went 4/4: Richard E. Baznik, Phil Kirstein, Lynn Gardner, Stan Wasser, Patrick Kavanagh, Harry Strulovici, Pam Manges, David T. Johnson, Terry Pflaumer, John N. Dziennik, Robert Bradley, Randall S. Patrick, Ki Harvey, Jaina Mehta Buck, Jose A. Ramos and Steve James. They knew that during the 1945 Yalta conference, former President Franklin D. Roosevelt, former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and former Soviet leader Joseph Stalin discussed terms of Nazi Germanys unconditional surrender, splitting Berlin into zones and prosecution of Nazi war criminals. Thus, the best response was all of the above. Former President Reagan and former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev met five times while each was still in office. Trump met Kim Jong Un of North Korea in Singapore in 2018. Their summit definitely made news. Former President John F. Kennedy was at Rathaus Schoneburg in Berlin in 1963 after the erection of the Berlin Wall when he famously declared Ich bin ein Berliner. Stay Engaged We want to hear from you! Email: Alexis Simendinger and Kristina Karisch. Follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter (@asimendinger and @kristinakarisch) and suggest this newsletter to friends! For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The authorities of the Russian capital have refused to allow the rally of the wives of conscripts, who demand the return of their husbands from the war. This was explained by the danger of the spread of the coronavirus. Source: Meduza and Put Domoi Telegram channel Details: In particular, the "epidemiological situation developing in the city" was cited as the reason for the refusal. The official letter explained to the applicants that the ban on mass events introduced in 2020 due to the coronavirus is still in force in Moscow. The answer, signed by Kirill Malyshkin, Deputy Head of the Regional Security and Anti-Corruption Department, also reminded the applicants of the "responsibility" in case the event is held despite the official decision. The action was planned to be held on 25 November in Theater Square. The applicants assumed that up to 300 people could come there. Background: In recent weeks, the wives of those mobilised were not allowed to hold rallies in a number of large Russian cities under various pretexts. In Kemerovo Oblast and Krasnoyarsk Krai, police officers put pressure on the applicants. At the same time, despite the restrictions left over from the time of COVID-19, the authorities in Moscow never prevented the holding of pro-government mass events. Currently, the rotation of those mobilised in Russia is not foreseen. In September, the chairman of the State Duma defence committee, Andrey Kartapolov, said that they would return home only "after the end of the special military operation" [Russian propaganda term for the war in Ukraine ed.]. Support UP or become our patron! Last Augusts raid on the Marion County Record newspaper was already bad enough, but evidence has now surfaced indicating the depth of collusion that took place between the citys police chief and a local restaurateur, whose personal feud with the paper sparked an outrageous assault on the First Amendment. Newly discovered video shows now-former Marion Police Chief Gideon Cody calling restaurant owner Kari Newell as he was driving between scenes where he and officers under his command were rifling files and seizing computers and cellphones from the papers owners, staff and the towns vice mayor, Ruth Herbel. The video was accidentally recorded by Codys own body camera. The ill-advised and probably illegal police action against the newspaper drew national attention and many myself included believe the stress of the situation contributed to the death of the papers 98-year-old co-owner, Joan Meyer, who collapsed and died in her home the day after police raided it. Mrs. Meyer, who owned the paper with her son, Eric, told me the day of the raid that it was Hitler tactics, an accusation not lightly thrown about by those who actually lived through that era. The video appears to confirm rumors, circulating in Marion for months, that there was more to the relationship between Cody and Newell than a professional association. Police officials seldom, if ever, call civilian complaintants to update them on their progress while theyre executing a search warrant. In the body camera video, Cody calls Newell Honey, which is not generally how law-enforcement officials address citizens whose criminal complaints theyre following up on. Their closeness had been demonstrated earlier, when Cody ejected Record journalists, at Newells request, from a town hall meeting with the local congressman, Rep. Jake LaTurner. The meeting was held in one of Newells restaurants and included a crowd of city and county officials. In the newly discovered video, Cody inappropriately shares with Newell a detailed description of the newspaper raid where hed been, what hed done, what he told people and what they told him. Newell said that someone from the hotel where she has one of her restaurants had told her, The whole staff of the newspaper is out on the sidewalk and all the computer equipments leaving the building. Codys flippant response: Yeah, surprising how that works, isnt it? Newell: Wow, that was fast service. Cody, laughing: Yeah, and I just hit Ruths, and um, Erics, so . . . Newell: Holy s---. Cody: Now Im heading to Erics house, but Ive got to stop and (inaudible) first. It gives me permission to take em He then goes on to describe the seizure of the newspapers and staffs electronics: I tried downloading em, cause Im not trying to disrupt their business, but it didnt work, so f--- it, it gives me permission to take em. So I took the ones (from employees) that I think were culpable. Ive taken numerous ones, and I got, you know, a lot of good evidence already, too. He also described his confrontation that day with Deb Gruver, a former Eagle reporter working for the Record when it was raided. Somebody tried to make a phone call in front of me, I yanked it (the phone) out of her hand. Like, do not do that, he said. Then he added, ironically, So, Im trying to be nice. Gruver has filed a federal lawsuit alleging that Cody violated her rights and, in grabbing her phone, reinjured a finger that had been previously dislocated. Its the first of what are expected to be multiple lawsuits in connection with the raid. We can safely assume the video recording is accidental for two reasons: 1) At the start of the conversation, Cody warns Newell, We cant write anything to each other and she replies Yeah, I know, I understand. And 2) Immediately after he hangs up, Cody video-recorded himself taking a leak in the mens room at a Caseys General Store. Before the raid, Gruver and other Record staff had been investigating Cody and Newell Cody on allegations that he resigned his job as a captain of the Kansas City, Missouri, police under a cloud of sexual misconduct allegations, and Newell over an issue of whether she qualified for a restaurant liquor license with a case of driving under the influence on her record, unresolved since 2008. The lame justification for the raid was that the paper may have invaded Newells privacy by accessing a state website to confirm she didnt have a drivers license. Even if true, the proper course would have been for Newell to file a civil lawsuit for damages, not for her friend with a badge to illegally rifle a newspaper office on both their behalf. On Aug. 16, five days after the raid, I called on the Marion City Council to fire Chief Cody, who appears to have violated a federal law that protects journalists from police tactics like his and for having misrepresented the content of that law in a written public statement. Cody later resigned under pressure. But this newly discovered video provides clear evidence of Codys collusion and using the color of police authority to do special favors for his special friend. So today, Ill call on the Kansas Commission on Peace Officers Standards and Training to revoke Codys certification as a law enforcement officer. Enoughs enough. Cody has shown repeatedly through his actions, and now his own words, why hes unfit for service in any police department. AUSTIN (KXAN) From mountains and canyons to forests and swamps, the vast scale of Texas provides so many natural wonders. Across the Lone Star State, there are 86 state parks, natural areas and historic sites currently operated by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. The first parks were opened to the public in the 1930s and the newest, Old Tunnel State Park, opened in 2012. TPWD also has plans to develop five sites into future state parks. Fairfield Lake State Park, meanwhile, closed to the public on June 4, after the property was sold to a private developer. From state park to private development: The twisting timeline of Fairfield Lake TPWD splits the state into seven natural regions, each of which is home to several state parks. The Prairies & Lakes region is home to 22 parks, more than any other region. The South Texas Plains region is home to the fewest, with seven parks. Across the system, state parks welcomed more than 9.2 million visitors in Fiscal Year 2023, a 4.3% decrease from the previous fiscal year. The Prairies & Lakes region recorded the most visitors, with more than 3 million across its 22 parks. The Hill Country region welcomed more than 2.2 million visitors across 16 parks, while the Gulf Coast and Panhandle Plains regions each saw more than 1 million visitors. State parks in the Big Bend Country region saw the fewest number of visitors, with around 420,000. Those numbers do not include visitors to Big Bend National Park, which alone saw more than half a million visitors in 2022. But which individual state park gets the most visitors? Explore for yourself using our interactive table below, or keep scrolling to see our top 10 countdown. Top 10 most-visited Texas state parks 10. Galveston Island State Park Galveston Island State Park (Texas Parks and Wildlife Department photo) No matter what brings you here, youll find a refuge at Galveston Island State Park, according to TPWD. Activities include strolling along the beach, fishing and coastal birdwatching. The park welcomed 198,576 visitors in FY 2023, a 146% increase over FY 2022. 9. Inks Lake State Park Inks Lake State Park. (Texas Parks and Wildlife Department photo) TPWD calls Inks Lake State Park the gem of the Hill Country, with sparkling blue water, colorful rock outcrops and striking sunsets. The park welcomed 227,711 visitors in FY 2023, a 2% decrease from FY 2022. 8. Dinosaur Valley State Park Dinosaur Valley State Park (Texas Parks and Wildlife Department photo) TPWD says dinosaur footprints were left in the mud at the edge of an ancient ocean. At Dinosaur Valley State Park, you can literally walk in their tracks. The park welcomed 246,889 visitors in FY 2023, a 2% increase over FY 2022. 7. Brazos Bend State Park Brazos Bend State Park (Texas Parks and Wildlife Department photo) If youre looking for a wild experience, TPWD says to check out Brazos Bend State Park, calling it a nature lovers paradise. The park welcomed 254,054 visitors in FY 2023, a 7% decrease from FY 2022. 6. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area Enchanted Rock State Natural Area (Texas Parks and Wildlife Department photo) Climbing the giant granite dome is almost a rite of passage for Texans, TPWD says. But theres more to the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area than just the dome. The scenery, rock formations and legends are magical, too! The park welcomed 294,485 visitors in FY 2023, a 4% decrease from FY 2022. 5. McKinney Falls State Park McKinney Falls State Park (Texas Parks and Wildlife Department photo) TPWD says McKinney Falls State Park, within the city of Austin, features rugged beauty. Onion Creek flows over limestone ledges and trails wind through the Hill Country woods. The park welcomed 309,649 visitors in FY 2023, an 8% decrease from FY 2022. 4. Cedar Hill State Park Cedar Hill State Park (Texas Parks and Wildlife Department photo) Just 20 miles from downtown Dallas, Cedar Hill State Park feels like a world away from the city, TPWD says. The park includes a lake, a working farm from the 1800s and rugged limestone hills. The park welcomed 338,598 visitors in FY 2023, a 4% increase over FY 2022. 3. Palo Duro Canyon State Park Palo Duro Canyon State Park (Texas Parks and Wildlife Department photo) Palo Duro Canyon State Park is referred to by TPWD as the Grand Canyon of Texas. In fact, its the second-largest canyon in the U.S., behind only you guessed it the Grand Canyon. The park welcomed 374,154 visitors in FY 2023, a 15% decrease from FY 2022. 2. Garner State Park Garner State Park (Texas Parks and Wildlife Department photo) Swimming, dancing and hiking are some of the highlights at Garner State Park. TPWD says fun traditions and beautiful scenery bring people back time after time. The park welcomed 475,898 visitors in FY 2023, an 8% decrease from FY 2022. 1. Ray Roberts Lake State Park Ray Roberts Lake State Park (Texas Parks and Wildlife Department photo) TPWD calls Ray Roberts Lake State Park a natural playground. You can escape the bustle of the DFW Metroplex and get back to nature. The park welcomed 879,081 visitors in FY 2023, a 1% decrease from FY 2022. We also looked at the least-visited state parks across Texas. Check back soon for the top 10 countdown. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. An armed suspect opened fire in the lobby of a psychiatric hospital in New Hampshire, killing a security guard, before an officer returned fire, killing the attacker, police say. Officials said the suspect was "immediately engaged and shot" dead by an officer assigned to the hospital. The police officer was not hurt. Police have not identified the attacker or a motive. Officials initially reported "multiple victims", before lowering the figure. The victim was identified as Bradley Haas, 63, a security officer who was working at the front entrance. CPR was performed on the law enforcement veteran, but he later died at Concord Hospital. Speaking to reporters on Friday evening, police spokesman Colonel Mark Hall said the suspect had entered the lobby of the hospital and shot an unnamed individual. A state trooper quickly engaged and killed the suspect. Col Hall said the situation was "contained to the front lobby". He declined to identify the deceased victim, and said officers were working to "determine the identity of the shooter". Officials said a suspicious box truck near the scene was searched and found to pose no risk. New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services Commissioner Lori Weaver, also speaking at the conference, said that all patients and staff at the hospital were safe and that operations at the facility were continuing as normal. On its website, the hospital, which has about 185 beds, describes itself as the state's "premier, acute psychiatric hospital". CONCORD, N.H. - A suspect and victim are both dead after a shooting at New Hampshire State Hospital in Concord Friday afternoon. Police say the situation is now "contained" and all patients at the hospital are safe. "Today an active shooter situation occurred at the New Hampshire State Hospital and was contained to the front lobby," New Hampshire State Police Col. Mark Hall said. "There is no active shooter threat to the public. The scene remains active, as one suspicious vehicle has been located." The victim has been identified as 63-year-old Bradley Haas of Franklin, New Hampshire. Bradley Haas was killed in a shooting in Concord N.H. on Friday. He was a retired police chief. / Credit: Foster's Daily Democrat He was a retired police chief, that was working as a security guard at the hospital according to N.H. Attorney General. The AG also said that police examined the truck, and determined it was not a safety risk. New Hampshire State Police said earlier in a social media post that there were "multiple victims" in the shooting. They later confirmed one person was shot and taken to the hospital, where they died. The suspect was shot and killed by a New Hampshire State trooper who was assigned to the hospital. The New Hampshire Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management said just after 4 p.m. that police were responding to "a situation unfolding at the New Hampshire Hospital." About a half hour later, the department said "The situation at New Hampshire Hospital has been contained. The scene remains active. The suspect is deceased." The public is being asked to avoid the area. The 185-bed facility is an acute psychiatric hospital. The hospital has its own uniformed security force and requires visitors to go through metal detectors. Gov. Chris Sununu released a statement about the hospital incident. "This afternoon, there was an incident at New Hampshire Hospital, which has been contained. While the scene remains active as the campus is cleared, the suspect is deceased. The state immediately mobilized, and first responders and law enforcement are on the scene. We will provide as many details as possible as this situation unfolds," he said. Murder suspect asks question that raises eyebrows Breaking down Cassie's lawsuit against Sean "Diddy" Combs CBS News taken inside Al-Shifa hospital with Israeli military Out of the more than 300 transgender, nonbinary, or gender nonconforming deaths due to fatal violence reported by the Human Rights Campaign since 2013, about a third are still unsolved. A recent FBI report found that in 2022 there was a 13.8 percent increase in hate crimes based on sexual orientation and a striking 32.9 percent surge in those targeting gender identity compared to the previous year. Its clear that there is an increasing rate of violence against LGBTQ+ people. But queer people being targeted for who they are isnt new. Neither is a lack of sincere investigations into cases involving queer people, whether that investigation is for a domestic violence incident between a same-sex couple or if the victim is queer. There are more than 240,000 unsolved homicides in the U.S., according to data from the National Institute of Justice. About four out of 10 homicides go unsolved. Cold case: (noun) an unsolved criminal investigation (as of a homicide or abduction) that has stopped being actively pursued because of a lack of evidence In a series of stories in The Advocate, were looking into unsolved cases of homicides involving LGBTQ+ victims. We hope to shed new light on these investigations that have been filed away after leads have run dry. We want to help authorities find the evidence they didnt have before. The series will also tease out the relationship between authorities and LGBTQ+ communities. Queer people already have less trust in the police than non-LGBTQ+ people. It makes for a difficult dynamic for investigators and the communities. LGBTQ people tend to be less trusting of the police than straight cisgender people. They tend to find their interactions with the police to be less fair. They have more experiences of unwanted contact with the police, explains Stefan Vogler, assistant professor of sociology at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and lead researcher on a project called Policing the Rainbow. The study investigates the relationship between the police and LGBTQ+ people. Tori Cooper, director of community engagement for the Transgender Justice Initiative at the Human Rights Campaign, points out that media outlets and authorities arent always the best at covering and handling cases involving LGBTQ+ people, specifically trans and nonbinary people. There have been times when we have been made aware of deaths of trans individuals and nonbinary individuals before they hit the media, because people who are in these communities are saying, my sister, my girlfriend, a friend of a friend was just killed in Miami, Cooper says. One time, Cooper says the mother of a trans woman called to say her daughter was killed and the local media werent covering the story. Another issue that Cooper points to is misgendering or deadnaming victims. What often happens is there will be folks who happen to be of trans experience who will say Well, that wasnt [their] name. But that wasn't a name that she was known by, Cooper says. If I were killed in the streets, and they listed me as Thomas Cooper. But the world knows me as Tory Cooper. And you put out an APB for the killer of Thomas Cooper, my friends aren't going to know. And so, we're actually impeding progress. All of these issues lead to breakdowns in communication between authorities and communities, which could impact investigations into crimes against LGBTQ+ people. It's our hope that this series sheds light once again on victims who may have been forgotten. These people deserve to have their dignity returned and to have their killers brought to justice. Unsolved, Retold: The LGBTQ+ Cold Case Files: Have information or know of a cold case we should profile next? Reach out to reporter Samson Amore at crime@equalpride.com. Ha Luang, a 34 year-old teacher (left) in the Vuilu school that was bombed on Wednesday, was killed along with his three children, while his mother (centre) and wife (right) were badly injured Eleven people, including eight children, have been killed in Myanmar's Chin State after a military jet bombed a school, villagers say. Locals say the strike on the remote village of Vuilu in the mountainous region happened on Wednesday. Myanmar is currently in the grip of a civil war with numerous armed groups fighting the military junta which deposed an elected government in 2021. Chin State is a stronghold of resistance against the junta. This week, its grassroots insurgency saw ethnic Chin fighters recapture the town of Rikhawdar, on the border with India. According to accounts posted on social media by residents of Vuilu, a hilltop community of fewer than 80 households in the south of the state, military aircraft dropped at least two bombs on them on Wednesday evening. One destroyed a house which was being used as an improvised school, killing the eight children and three adults who were studying there. The victims included 34-year-old teacher Ha Luang and his mother, as well as his three children. The children killed were aged between seven and 11 years old. The bombs also damaged several other houses and the village's two churches. Southern Chin State has seen frequent clashes between the armed forces and different insurgent groups, but local people say there has been no fighting near Vuilu. However, one villager told the BBC that the Arakan Army, an ethnic insurgent group which recently resumed its armed campaign against central government forces in neighbouring Rakhine State, had been using a route through Vuilu to bring in reinforcements and supplies. The military government has suffered a series of defeats in attacks by opposition forces across the country over the past three weeks, and is relying heavily on air power to strike back. Communities in Chin State were among the first to take up arms against the junta after the 2021 coup, relying on their home-made tumiorhunting rifles to ambush military convoys. Locally-formed militias across the vast, mountainous state came together under the umbrella of the Chin Defence Force and began to acquire modern weapons from over the border in India. The south of Chin State, around the town of Paletwa, has also been affected by fighting between the military and the well-armed Arakan Army insurgents, who now control much of neighbouring Rakhine State. Ethnic Chin insurgents have been successful in taking a number of military bases, and confining most government forces to fortified barracks in the main towns. The Chin, who are mostly Christian, have long complained of neglect and abusive treatment by the central government. In previous decades, there was an active armed insurgency in the state. Elsewhere around the country, the junta has faced a campaign of fierce offensives in recent weeks - from an alliance of three ethnic minority armed groups in Shan State, along the border with China, as well as allied pro-democracy fighters elsewhere. The military-installed president of Myanmar has warned the country is in danger of breaking apart if the government cannot control the fighting in Shan State. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres this week expressed his deep concern over the escalating conflict in the country - where two million people have now been displaced by fighting. People who fled Myanmar cross a bridge that connects Myanmar and India at the border village of Zokhawthar (Reuters) - Myanmar's military has launched attacks from the air and the sea to recapture a port town on the Bay of Bengal, an opposition alliance said on Friday, as junta forces face the fiercest offensive from their enemies in years. The military, which seized power from an elected government in a 2021 coup, is battling a coordinated offensive launched last month by an alliance of three ethnic minority insurgent groups, as well as allied pro-democracy fighters who have taken up arms since the coup. "The military attacked Pauktaw town with helicopters and artillery fire from a navy ship after we conquered the police station of the town in the morning," the Three Brotherhood Alliance said on its Telegram channel, referring to the fighting in western Myanmar's Rakhine State on Thursday. "In the evening, junta troops came into the town and shot and killed civilians," the alliance said. Reuters could not independently verify the report and a junta spokesperson did not respond to request for comment. Pauktaw is about 500 km (310 miles ) northwest of Myanmar's main city of Yangon. The offensive, which the insurgent alliance calls "Operation 1027" after the date it was launched, is the biggest the junta has faced in years. Three rebel groups, aligned with pro-democracy fighters and a parallel, pro-democracy civilian government, have captured several towns and military posts across the country. The Irrawaddy news portal, citing a resident of Pauktaw, said members of the Arakan Army (AA) guerrilla group had earlier taken control of the town. "All the residents are running away. There is no one in the city, all the shops are closed," the resident said. Fighting has also broken out in Shan State on the border with China where the insurgents have pledged to wrest control of the area from the junta and eradicate online scam centres run illegally there. In the weeks before the clashes, Chinese officials called on the junta to take stronger action against the scam centres where Chinese and other foreign nationals have been known to be trapped as victims of human trafficking. Hundreds of thousands of people have been trafficked to work in scam centres across Southeast Asia in recent years, including at least 120,000 in Myanmar, robbing strangers of their savings online in a fast-growing new kind of crime, the United Nations says. Junta spokesperson Zaw Min Tun accused the rebel alliance of trying to get China's support for their cause. "China is really keen to eliminate online scam activities, and (the alliance) is using that situation with a strategy to gain benefits for their organisation," he said in a statement on Thursday. Junta state media said on Friday it had handed three Chinese nationals accused of running scams over to China, while a fourth suspect shot himself after being captured. The Chinese government could not immediately be reached for comment. Dozens of junta troops have surrendered in the fighting, according to rebel forces and a video verified by Reuters, and more have fled into neighbouring India. The junta says it is battling terrorists and has ordered all government staff and those with military experience to prepare to serve in case of emergency. (Reporting by Reuters staff; writing by Kanupriya Kapoor; editing by Robert Birsel) Police in California are investigating after an elderly woman was found dead inside her house, which was subsequently ransacked by a bear. The Sierra County Sheriffs office said it believed that the woman, 71-year-old Patrice Miller, had died before the animal entered her home. Deputies had conducted a welfare check at Millers property in Downieville on 8 November, after she had not been heard from for several days. Upon arrival at the residence, officers forced entry into the home and discovered the body of Miller. Preliminary investigation indicates that she passed away prior to the bear's involvement, the department said in a statement. The sheriffs department is working with Fish and Wildlife to piece together the sequence of events leading up to this incident. It is believed that the bear accessed the residence after Millers death possibly drawn by the scent or other factors, accessed the residence. Officials are now working to ensure public safety and understand the bears behaviour. Residents have been advised to take necessary precautions to avoid potentially dangerous encounters with wildlife, including closing ground-level doors and windows at night, locking vehicles, and removing all outside food sources, including garbage. The Sierra County Sheriffs Office extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Patrice Miller during this difficult time, the force said in a statement. The loss of a community member is always a tragedy, and our thoughts are with those affected by this unfortunate event. According to bear experts, such activity increases during the autumn months ahead of winter hibernation. Right now, they are all in hyperphagia which is when they eat, eat, eat, they can't stop eating. They eat 20 hours a day," Ann Bryant of the Bear League of the Lake Tahoe basin, told CBS News. Ms Bryant noted that bears have an incredible sense of smell and that the animal may simply have been investigating the incident at Millers home because that would have smelled like food. NASA plans to build a subdivision of homes on the moon, and it may be sooner than you think NASA intends to build civilian housing on the lunar surface using 3D-printing robots within two decades, according to several of the organization's scientists. The agency is developing concepts for lunar rocket landing pads, 3D printers, concrete mixtures, construction robots and more to complete structures that would shelter humans on the moon by 2040, according to the New York Times. NASA plans to send a construction robot to the moon, which will use mineral fragments, dust and lunar concrete from the moon's surface to build the dwellings. The workroom inside of NASA's 3D printed Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog habitat built by ICON. 'DO YOU READ ME, HAL?' SPACE AGENCIES WEIGH PAIRING ASTRONAUTS IN DEEP SPACE WITH AI COMPANIONS "NASA is working with international and commercial partners to develop the infrastructure needed for a long-term human presence on the Moon," Rachel Kraft, a senior communications specialist at NASA, told Fox News in a statement. "This infrastructure may comprise systems including modern surface habitats, rovers, laboratory capabilities, power generation and storage, and tools and equipment." To do this, the space agency partnered with ICON, a Texas-based construction company that specializes in printing buildings. For instance, four NASA scientists have currently spent over 130 days in a 1,700-square-foot ICON-printed dwelling constructed to simulate a yearlong deployment to Mars. "The first thing that needs to happen is a proof of concept. Can we actually manipulate the soil on the lunar surface into a construction material?" Jennifer Edmunson, a lead geologist at NASA for the project, told the New York Times. "We need to start this development now if were going to realize habitats on the moon by the 2040 time frame." READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP WATCH MORE FOX NEWS DIGITAL ORIGINALS HERE Researchers are also experimenting with creating lunar furniture and interior design, Edmunson said. Beyond galactic building materials and amenities, the agency is also developing lunar infrastructure. An exterior view of the Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog habitat. However, transporting material into space is expensive. Carrying material from Earth to build in space is unsustainable, Patrick Suermann, a professor at Texas A&M University who is working with NASA on the project, told the New York Times. Every extra kilogram of weight on a rocket to the moon costs $1 million, he said. RED NATION ON THE RED PLANET? THIS COMMUNIST COUNTRYS LATEST VENTURE COULD BE KEY TO HUMAN ACTIVITY ON MARS "Chemistry is the same up there, but physics are different," Suermann said. "Theres no Home Depot up there," the professor added. "So you either have to know how to use whats up there, or send everything you need." The living room/dining area inside the Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog habitat. Before construction begins, the U.S. space agency will send astronauts to orbit the moon in 2024 before aiming to land humans back on the lunar surface in 2025. The missions to the moon are the precursors to future journeys to Mars, the organization says. "Whenever possible, as part of the agencys Moon to Mars approach, these lunar systems will be developed as pathfinders for future Mars missions," Kraft told Fox News. Lunar homes could be habitable in a few decades, Raymond Clinton Jr., a NASA adviser told the Times. "I wish I would be around to see it." A bathroom inside the Mars habitat simulation. "When we talk about a sustainable human presence, to me that means that you have a lunar settlement and you have people living and working on the moon continuously," Clinton said. "What that could be is only up to the imagination of entrepreneurs." NASA's contract with ICON runs through 2028 and was valued at $57 million, according to the press release. Original article source: NASA plans to build a subdivision of homes on the moon, and it may be sooner than you think NATO has opted to buy six 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. 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. Lockheed will deliver advanced TPY-4 radar to Air Force for evaluation 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 Nov. 15 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 owns no 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. 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. 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. The American Navy had a rough start with the few ships built during the Revolutionary War typically sank or captured, aside from the completed frigate donated to France at the end of the war. No American ship achieved a victory over a foreign ship until the Quasi-War with France 1798 to 1800. And the first victory in that saw an over-strength American frigate led by one of the Navy's finest absolutely sucker punch a French frigate. After a short but fierce battle, the American ship sailed victorious and took the French ship as a prize. The start of the Quasi-War Neither France nor America declared war during the conflict. But France went to war with Britain, asked for America's help, and then raged when America declared neutrality. France then took a step just a little short of war. They issued letters of marque to privateers and authorized attacks on U.S. merchant ships. A tiny fleet of American frigates made up the bulk of Navy firepower at the time. And one of the premier frigates, the Constellation , went to the Caribbean to hunt privateers. But, in a fortunate twist, it spotted a French frigate, first, on February 9, 1799. The U.S. ship gave chase toward the French ship with attempted to sail away for two hours. As the American ship drew close anyway, the French commander of L'Insurgente hailed Constellation. The normal naval etiquette at the time, especially since no declaration of war existed, would be for the ships to pull close, exchange news and any dispatches, and then sail away. The L'Insurgente made to do so, but the Constellation ignored the hails, drew close to the French ship, and let loose with a double-shot broadside. Scene depicting the engagement, with the USS Constellation (left), firing upon the L'Insurgente (right). A run-and-gun battle and a first American victory With the French credit, the ship attempted to fight clear. L'Insurgente let loose with its own cannons and attempted to maneuver against its foe. For 74 minutes, the ships were locked in a deadly match. But the greater weight of guns on the American ship, combined with reportedly better discipline and morale, took a continuing toll as the battle played out. Gradually, L'Insurgente ended up with 70 dead and wounded on its decks while the Constellation had just five wounded . (One died after the battle of his wounds, and another sailor was killed by his own officer as a punishment for cowardice in the face of the enemy.) The French finally struck their colors and surrendered the ship . L'Insurgente became Insurgent. It sailed with Constellation for a few months before returning to America for a formal commissioning. It went to Europe that winter and captured one French ship and re-captured multiple American ships from the French . The Constellation fought another famous battle during the Quasi-War, nearly capturing the La Vengeance during a pitched, five-hour night battle. But Constellation couldn't see the French ship strike its colors in the dark, and the enemy ship eventually drifted away and barely made it to a Dutch port. The Navy's newest ships pay tribute to the early frigates, including the USS Constellation . Women should be offered talking therapy instead of, or as well as, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for problematic menopause symptoms, new draft guidance for the NHS says. The advice - the first update in almost a decade - says cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) can help with hot flushes, and sleep and mood changes. Health watchdog The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) says this will give women more choice. But critics called it "disappointing". NICE says the evidence on HRT has become clearer since its last guidance on menopause in 2015. Its new one lists the pros and cons of different formulations that are available. But it makes no new mention of testosterone therapy, which some menopausal women have been seeking from private clinics. NICE says women should pick which treatments from its guidelines work best for them, weighing the risks and benefits with the help of their doctor. And if they opt for HRT, use the lowest effective dose. Some might want to use individual or group talking therapy sessions, either in person or online, the draft says. According to some studies, coping skills taught by CBT can help sleep problems related to menopause, including how long it takes to nod off. What is HRT and the menopause? As women approach the menopause - when their periods permanently stop - their levels of the hormone oestrogen fluctuate and drop. It is these fluctuating hormone levels which can cause problematic symptoms. HRT can be used to add back oestrogen and sometimes other hormones too, such as progesterone, and can ease symptoms some women experience as they go through menopause and help keep bones stronger. There are lots of different formulations of HRT and ways of giving it, including oral tablets, skin patches and gels. But, like any treatment, there can be side effects or increased risks. What are the risks? Ones to think about include: The chance of getting breast, ovarian and womb cancer The potential for blood clots, stroke and dementia The risks may be very small and depend on individual factors, including age and existing health, as well as family history of these conditions. For example, women who have had a hysterectomy, and so do not have a womb, will not need to take "protective" progesterone alongside oestrogen in their HRT because they cannot get womb cancer. In terms of ovarian cancer, on average, for every 1,000 women taking oestrogen-only HRT for a decade there might be three extra cases, says NICE. For 1,000 on combined oestrogen and progesterone HRT there might be one extra case. Combined HRT does not increase the risk of stroke when the oestrogen component is taken as a skin patch or gel, but does slightly increase the risk if taken as a tablet, says NICE. It might also marginally increase the risk of dementia if started over the age of 65, the guidance says. What about testosterone? Although it is a male hormone, women make testosterone in their bodies too and levels can decline with the menopause. Some women say taking testosterone helps a number of menopausal symptoms, including brain fog. Currently, NICE says it can be considered for low sexual desire if HRT alone is not effective, but does not recommend it for anything else, saying the evidence is not yet there. Prof Gillian Baird, who helped make the guideance, said: "This update includes important evidence based-information to help both women and healthcare practitioners during their discussions about the best treatment to manage their symptoms. "This gives women more choice and enables them to make informed decisions for their personal circumstances." The draft guidance is open to public consultation until 5 January 2024. GP and menopause specialist Dr Louise Newson told journalists the document was "a disappointing draft update". "CBT may have a place when taking a holistic approach to managing the perimenopause, but it won't improve every menopause symptom and won't treat the underlying hormone deficiency." She said some of the potentially positive effects of HRT on conditions such as heart disease and clinical depression were missing from the document. "Women deserve to have a choice, and those who want to take HRT should be able to have it prescribed, and frustratingly it is often more common for women to be prescribed antidepressants than HRT," she added. The British Menopause Society said the addition of CBT was to be welcomed: "Greater emphasis on the importance and effectiveness of CBT is well-placed, along with clear balancing of benefits and risks of HRT." When President Biden signed the massive bipartisan infrastructure bill into law two years ago this week, it started a clock for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, known as NHTSA, to draft a number of new safety regulations, including one prompted by a multi-year CBS News investigation. That two-year clock expired Wednesday without a new proposed regulation to improve the 56-year-old federal safety standard for vehicle seats. A CBS News investigation that began in 2015 exposed that the 1967 strength standard leaves vehicle front seats susceptible to collapse in rear-end crashes, putting children in the back seat at increased risk of injury or death. This week marks 13 years since 16-month-old Taylor Warner, was killed when the family minivan was rear-ended while at a stop sign. The force of the crash caused her father Andy's seat to collapse backward, colliding with Taylor, who was strapped in her car seat. "It's disappointing that after years of hard work with CBS and so many lives lost or negatively affected NHTSA didn't make this a priority and allowed the deadline to pass," Taylor's mother Liz Warner told CBS News. "Our goal from the beginning has been to make sure this doesn't happen to other families and their innocent children and by dragging their feet more and more people suffer." Two years ago when the infrastructure bill became law, Andy Warner told CBS News, "I don't want her to die in vain." Safety advocates including the Center for Auto Safety in Washington, D.C., also expressed frustration with the missed deadline. "The Center is disappointed that NHTSA has been unable to meet the Congressionally mandated deadline and begin the process of improving federal safety standards to prevent deaths and injuries due to seat back collapse," said Center for Auto Safety executive director Michael Brooks. "We encourage the agency to prioritize this rulemaking, particularly since there have been decades of neglect in safety requirements for rear seats." The Center also renewed its call on automakers to improve their seat designs in ways that aim to protect all the passengers in a vehicle. Last week 10 Democratic senators wrote to NHTSA seeking an update on the status of the 10 auto-safety improvements called for in the bill, including the seat-back legislation. While praising NHTSA for its work in trying to reduce traffic-related deaths, they said, "now is not the time to turn on cruise control when it comes to road safety," according to their letter. "After the passage of the [infrastructure bill], regulators have the green light from Congress to implement necessary, life-saving traffic safety provisions." Fatal motor vehicle crashes hit a 16-year high in 2021 but have ticked down slightly since then, to almost 43,000 last year. "When Congress passed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we told NHTSA that it is time to act on seat back safety," said Democratic Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts. "Now, the statutory deadline has passed, and lives are still at riskI will be keeping the pressure on until families and parents know the front seats of their cars will not suddenly turn into deadly threats to their children seated behind them." Senators Markey and Richard Blumenthal, Democrat of Connecticut, led the effort in the Senate to change the seat strength standard. They are joined by Ben Ray Lujan, Jack Reed, Chris Van Hollen, Elizabeth Warren, Amy Klobuchar, Dick Durbin, Ron Wyden and Sherrod Brown in the letter to NHTSA Acting Administrator Ann Carlson. "NHTSA must stop stalling its implementation of the infrastructure law's traffic safety wins as traffic deaths and injuries remain troublingly high. The public deserves swift action requiring rear seat alerts to prevent child hot car deaths, keyless ignition shutoff technology, strengthening seatback safety, and other key measures passed in this historic bill," Sen. Blumenthal told CBS News. In a statement to CBS News, NHTSA pointed to work it has completed, including a proposed rule to require automatic emergency braking in new vehicles and completed a directive from the infrastructure bill when it issued a new regulation allowing for adaptive driving-beam headlights in new vehicles. "The agency is currently working to complete all Bipartisan Infrastructure Law requirements," a NHTSA spokesperson said in a statement to CBS News adding, NHTSA "has already made significant progress on several of those directives." In December 2022, NHTSA indicated it would complete its required rulemaking on the new seat strength standard in "an unspecified amount of time that allows due consideration of public input," according the senators' letter. It appears little has changed since the same senators inquired last year. NHTSA's online dashboard shows the seatback regulation as being in the "Prerule Stage." "The only thing more important than moving quickly is getting it right," Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg told CBS News in an interview in late August. "We've got an amazing team at NHTSA that is working crazy hours under enormous pressure to issue a number of rules that are required by Congress. We're going to get through that process. We're going to do it as quickly as we responsibly can, but the No. 1 priority is to get it right." Calling auto safety reforms the No. 1 place where the Department of Transportation can reduce injuries and deaths, Buttigieg said the goal was to complete the work no later than January 2025. "We want to get every piece of this that we can done before the end of this term." In the course of the multi-year investigation, CBS News found crash test after crash test showing what can happen when a seat collapses: the driver is launched into the back seat, where children are often seated. Yet reporting found that all the seats that failed in these types of rear-end collisions met or exceeded the half-century-old federal strength standard. In the early 1990's, NHTSA's own researchers warned the agency about seatback collapses, citing examples of major or fatal injuries. And carmakers have long known it is an issue. During a 1996 deposition, a General Motors engineer said the automaker started tying down its test dummies because they were "expensive" and the chances of losing them "were pretty high." Another deposition with a GM engineer revealed that the cost to fix the problem was "on the order of a dollar or so" per seat. Murder suspect asks question that raises eyebrows Evidence from accused killer Patrick Nicholas house shown at trial Disappeared | Sunday on 60 Minutes WASHINGTON Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley called for a national TikTok ban over videos on the social media app promoting Osama Bin Ladens justification for the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the U.S. The 2002 document, which circulated under the hashtag #lettertoamerica, condemned U.S. support for Israel and has resurfaced against the backdrop of the Israel-Hamas war. TikTok said that it had banned the hashtag. The Al Qaeda leader was killed in 2011 during a raid by U.S. special forces in Abbottabad, Pakistan. I have long said that we have to ban TikTok, Haley, who is among several Republicans trying to unseat former President Donald Trump as the 2024 GOP presidential front-runner, said Thursday on Fox News Radios The Guy Benson Show. You have got they are posting letters of Osama bin Ladens letter, the week after the 9/11 attack, and it is the justification for why he did it, Haley said. And so you have a lot of our kids sitting there siding with that, that Oh, America deserved it at that time. TikTok has more than 73 million active users in the U.S. and more than 1.67 billion users worldwide. In a report published Wednesday, the nonprofit Institute for Strategic Dialogue noted the Bin Laden letters resurgence on leading social media platforms. Bin Laden mentions spike 4,300% on X, the former Twitter Dead for almost 13 years, bin Laden, the former al-Qaeda figurehead whose image is probably the most linked to the Global War on Terror, is trending in the wake of the Israel-Hamas conflict because of his Letter to America, a 2002 screed that justified al-Qaedas 9/11 attacks on the United States, authors Moustafa Ayad and Isabelle Frances-Wright said. The letter was unearthed from among other documents from the 9/11 attacks on the website of the London-based Guardian newspaper. After the Guardian took down the letter, several young TikTok users began reading the letter aloud, according to the report, and similar campaigns took off on X, formerly Twitter, and Facebook. The Guardian said that the transcript had been widely shared on social media without the full context. Therefore we decided to take it down and direct readers instead to the news article that originally contextualized it. References to Bin Laden jumped more than 4,300% on X between Nov. 14 and 16, from roughly 5,000 to 230,000, and mentions of Letter to America leaped 1,800%, from 4,800 to 100,000, with 719 million impressions across the platform. TikTok was a GOP debate flashpoint On TikTok, Institute for Strategic Dialogue researchers found 41 Letter to America videos with more than 6.9 million views. Searches for Bin Laden on YouTube jumped 400%, the report said, and Letter to America was listed as a popular search on Instagram. On X, Haley wrote, This is a prime example of how our foreign enemies poison social media to advance their evil agenda. TikTok is owned by a Chinese corporation. #BanTikTok. Stop giving the Chinese Communist Party the ability to influence Americans, Haley posted. Last week, Haley clashed with businessman Vivek Ramaswamy at the Republican presidential primary debate in Miami after he accused the former governors daughter of using the popular platform. Leave my daughter out of your voice, Haley said. Youre just scum. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Nikki Haley calls for social media reform after Osama bin Laden letter goes viral Nikki Haley has shot up to 20% support in a new poll of New Hampshire Republican presidential voters as the former U.N. ambassador makes the case that she is the best one to go head-to-head with GOP front-runner Donald Trump. Haley, who has been gaining support for several months on the back of strong debate performances, has floored rival Ron DeSantis in the Granite State, with the Florida governor slumping to fourth place and single digits in the CNN survey released Thursday. Trump remains the dominant leader in the race with 42% in New Hampshire, which is the second state to participate in the GOP presidential contest after the Iowa caucuses. Ex-president Trump, the de facto leader of the GOP, has more than double Haleys support. But the 22% gap between Trump and his nearest rival is one of the narrowest margins any Republican poll has shown since he and DeSantis were considered to be locked in a close race late in 2022 and early this year. Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie came in a strong third in the CNN poll with 14%. Christie, the strongest critic of Trump in the GOP field, has staked his campaign on a strong showing in independent-minded New Hampshire. Vivek Ramaswamy slumped to 7%, putting him in last place of the five main candidates remaining in the race after the recent withdrawals of Sen. Tim Scott and ex-Vice President Mike Pence. A fourth GOP debate is looming on Dec. 7, which Haley likely hopes will amount to a direct showdown between her and DeSantis. Haley has recently surged into a tie with DeSantis for second place in a poll in Iowa, a state he claims as a stronghold. She is well ahead of the rest of the field besides Trump in her home state of South Carolina, which votes after New Hampshire. Some pundits believe a single strong challenger to Trump would have a reasonable shot of making the race competitive, if one rival can effectively elbow others out of the race. That would still be a tall order for Haley because DeSantis still believes he, not she, has the best argument to be the main rival to Trump. Despite the jostling for position in the pack, Trump remains the overwhelming favorite to win the Republican nomination and take on President Joe Biden in a rematch of their 2020 dogfight. _____ NEWTON, Iowa Former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley said she doesn't agree with former President Donald Trump's use of the word "vermin" to describe his political opponents a word that has been criticized because of its similarity to Nazi rhetoric. Trump used the term in a Veterans Day speech that drew widespread criticism, saying, "we pledge to you that we will root out the communists, Marxists, fascists and the radical left thugs that live like vermin within the confines of our country that lie and steal and cheat on elections." Haley, who is tied with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for second place in the latest Iowa Poll, trailing Trump, was asked about Trump's comments by an Iowan at a town hall in Newton on Friday. "The reality is I dont agree with that statement any more than I agree when he said Hezbollah was smart or any more than I agree when he hit Netanyahu when his country was on its knees after all that brutality," Haley said. "Its the chaos of it all, right." More: President Biden assails Trump for echoing 'language you heard in Nazi Germany' Haley was referring to comments Trump made about the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, which he called "very smart" in October. In those same remarks, Trump criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the wake of the Oct. 7 attack on Israel by Hamas. Trump later walked back the criticism of Netanyahu. Haley said she had a good working relationship with Trump as his United Nations ambassador, but she recalled telling him "you can be your own worst enemy." She said Trump's comments are an example of the "chaos" that's caused Republicans to lose elections and lose focus on more important issues, like national security. "Its not so much about Donald Trump," Haley said. "And yes, his personality is not my personality and yes, he says things he shouldnt say. We look so distracted right now. And when Americas distracted, the world is less safe." Haley made five campaign appearances in Iowa over two-day trip Thursday and Friday. A Des Moines Register/NBC News/Mediacom Iowa Poll in October found Haley tied with DeSantis at 16% in the Republican presidential race. Trump was first with 43%. Stephen Gruber-Miller covers the Iowa Statehouse and politics for the Register. He can be reached by email at sgrubermil@registermedia.com or by phone at 515-284-8169. Follow him on Twitter at @sgrubermiller. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Nikki Haley criticizes Trump 'chaos' after he called opponents 'vermin' No criminal charges are reportedly expected to be filed in the investigation of President Joe Bidens mishandling of classified documents. Special Counsel Robert Hur has decided there are no grounds to charge Biden or anyone else in connection with the finding of a small number of classified documents at his Delaware home and a Philadelphia office he once used, CNN reported, citing sources familiar with the probe. Hur, a Republican appointed by Attorney General Merrick Garland, is wrapping up a report into the actions of Biden and others and is expected to file it by the end of the year. The former federal prosecutor is expected to be critical of Biden in his report but will point out that his actions fall far short of criminal behavior. Biden says he had no idea that classified documents from his days as vice president were stored in a garage at his home in Wilmington and an office he used during the four years he was out of office. The presidents lawyers uncovered the cache of documents in Philadelphia last year and notified federal authorities, who retrieved them. The FBI later mounted searches of other sites tied to Biden, which turned up the other documents. Bidens actions related to the classified documents case are starkly different from those of former President Donald Trump, who has been charged by Special Counsel Jack Smith. Unlike Biden, Trump admits intentionally taking hundreds of classified documents with him to Mar-a-Lago in Florida when he left the White House in January 2021. Trump refused to return all the documents to authorities, then defied a federal subpoena demanding their return. He is also charged with trying to thwart the probe by hiding the documents from the feds and even his own defense lawyers, with the help of two lower-level Mar-a-Lago workers. Trump, who faces a May 2024 trial date in the documents case, allegedly used the documents as ammunition in an odd feud with former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley, whom Trump says wanted to launch an attack on Iran. He says hes innocent. After the Biden documents case became public, a similarly small set of classified documents were later found by attorneys for former Vice President Mike Pence at Pences home near Indianapolis. No special counsel was appointed in that case and federal authorities said the matter was closed without any further action. _____ The infant mortality rate in the United States rose in 2022 for the first time in 20 years, but there is no evidence the uptick is linked to Covid-19 vaccination, despite claims circulating on social media. Experts say a lack of access to affordable health care is one of main contributors, and studies have shown coronavirus infection -- not the jabs -- pose a risk for preterm and stillbirths. "But the CDC said to vaccinate, that the vaccine is safe for PREGNANT WOMEN," says a November 1, 2023 Facebook post, one of many sharing articles about a rise in the US infant mortality rate to question the safety of Covid-19 vaccines. Other posts include a collage of CNN headlines about inoculation recommendations for pregnant people, linking them to a November 1 story about the uptick in infant deaths (archived here). Screenshot of a Facebook post taken November 16, 2023 Screenshot of a Facebook post taken November 16, 2023 The image spread across Facebook, Instagram and X, formerly known as Twitter, after the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced the infant mortality rate saw its first annual rise since 2002. The report from the CDC's National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) documented 20,538 infant deaths in 2022, or a "provisional infant mortality rate" of "5.60 infant deaths per 1,000 live births." That figure -- which includes any child who does not reach their first birthday -- is three percent higher than in 2021 (archived here). Sandy Chung, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), says on the group's website that there are many different reasons for what she calls a "shockingly high" infant mortality rate in the United States. "We do know that families in poverty face many challenges including access to nutritious food and affordable healthcare," she says in the article (archived here). "Racial and ethnic disparities related to accessible healthcare -- including prenatal health services -- are just one of the many possible reasons for lower birth weights of babies and sometimes, infant deaths." NCHS data indicate 1,300 of the deaths in 2022 were due to accidents or unintentional injuries. Mortality rates increased significantly for two of the 10 leading causes of death: maternal complications and bacterial sepsis of newborn, a condition that most often affects premature infants in the first 28 days of life. Asked about a connection to Covid-19 vaccination, the CDC told AFP: "Scientific studies to date have shown no safety concerns for babies born to people who were vaccinated against Covid-19 during pregnancy." The agency said in a November 15 email that it continues to monitor safety data, but "based on how these vaccines work in the body, experts believe they are unlikely to increase the risk for long-term health effects." Vaccination recommended AFP has repeatedly debunked claims that vaccination against Covid-19 during pregnancy poses a risk. The messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) shots from Pfier-BioNTech and Moderna are not associated with a rise in miscarriages, stillbirths or infertility. The CDC has long recommended Covid-19 vaccination for those who are pregnant and breastfeeding -- a position that did not change following its report on infant mortality. "Expectant mothers should remain up to date with Covid-19 vaccines to protect themselves and their newborns from serious illness and hospitalization caused by Covid-19," the agency told AFP, pointing to a study that found protection for infants born to those inoculated during pregnancy (archived here). #COVID19 vaccines are safe for breastfeeding mothers and their infants. CDC recommends that everyone ages 6 months and older get an updated COVID-19 vaccine. This includes people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Learn more: https://t.co/7zZPUOrRQ7pic.twitter.com/v8p1L31NzP CDC (@CDCgov) November 1, 2023 Similarly, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists told AFP it continues to recommend vaccination for pregnant individuals (archived here). "There is no evidence of adverse maternal or fetal effects from vaccinating pregnant individuals with Covid-19 vaccine, and a growing body of data demonstrate the safety of such use," the group said in a November 14 email. These recommendations are consistent with health organizations in Canada, the United Kingdom, the European Union and Australia (archived here, here, here and here) -- all places where AFP has debunked false narratives about vaccination during pregnancy. Infection risks While studies have not found serious adverse events associated with Covid-19 vaccines received during pregnancy, research does show a risk from infection. Victoria Male, an immunologist studying pregnancy at London's Imperial College, says in an explainer (archived here) that studies have shown "Covid infection causes preterm birth and stillbirth, and babies born to Covid patients are more likely to be admitted to the neonatal unit" (archived here). There is also some evidence (archived here) that Covid-19 infection increases the risk of miscarriage, according to Male. However, not all studies have found this (archived here). More of AFP's reporting on vaccine misinformation is available here. LOS ANGELES (AP) California authorities said Friday they have not ruled out that a hate crime was committed in the death of a pro-Israel demonstrator following a confrontation with a college professor, whose lawyer says video footage will clear his client. Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko said his office charged Loay Abdelfattah Alnaji, 50, with involuntary manslaughter and battery in the death of Paul Kessler, 69, after reviewing over 600 pieces of evidence and interviewing more than 60 witnesses. We were not pre-committed to any specific outcome or even criminal culpability, and we never treated the fact that criminal charges would be a forgone conclusion, he said. Alnaji pleaded not guilty Friday to the charges, each of which is accompanied by a special allegation that he personally inflicted great bodily injury, which means he could be eligible for prison if convicted. The two men got into a physical altercation Nov. 5 during protests over the Israel-Hamas war, and Kessler fell back and hit his head on the ground, which caused the fatal injuries, authorities have said. He died the next day. Kessler was among pro-Israel demonstrators who showed up at an event that started as a pro-Palestinian demonstration in Thousand Oaks, a suburb northwest of Los Angeles. Alnaji's lawyer, Ron Bamieh, said his client did not cause Kessler to fall and was several feet away from him when that happened. He said that before the fall, Kessler was yelling profanities at Alnaji and shoving his phone in his face. Alnaji may have struck at the phone with a megaphone and unintentionally hit Kessler in the face, Bamieh said. Alnaji then walked away from Kessler, who fell moments later, Bamieh said, adding that video footage shows that. Why he fell, I don't know, Bamieh said. I just know my client didn't push him down. When I saw the video, I felt that my client is going to be fine. He's not even close to him. Bamieh said his concern is the case is being influenced by more passions than logic. Authorities have said Kessler had non-fatal injuries to the left side of his face, but they have not specified what caused them or the fall. They gave no details Friday as to what took place before the fall. In filing these charges we relied on new physical and forensic evidence as well as findings regarding the injuries to the left side of Paul Kesslers face, Nasarenko said. We were able to take video as well as digital footage, put it together and establish a clear sequence of events leading up to the confrontation, he said. These new pieces of evidence, as well as the technology that we utilized, has permitted our office to file these criminal charges. Nasarenko said investigators are working to determine whether the altercation was accompanied by specific statements or words that demonstrate an antipathy, a hatred, towards a specific group. He added: We dont have that at this point. Authorities said Alnaji stayed when Kessler was injured and told deputies he had called 911. Before his arrest he had been briefly detained for questioning and his home was searched. Alnaji, a professor of computer science at Moorpark College, has raised money for orphans and safe water wells in the Middle East and believes the war in Gaza is unjust and that the killing of innocent people cannot be justified on either side of the war, his lawyer said. He is a man of peace, who abhors violence, and believes in the truth of persuasive arguments and education, never violence, his lawyer said in a statement. The district attorney said he met with Kessler's family and that they wanted privacy. He said Kessler had worked in medical sales for decades, taught sales and marketing at colleges and was a pilot. He leaves behind his wife of 43 years and a son. The district attorney thanked local Muslim and Jewish leaders for not inflaming the situation with tensions rising across the country over the war. Throughout the last 12 days, the community of Muslim and Jewish leaders have shown restraint, he said. "Their comments have been measured. The respect for the criminal process has become well known. They trusted in law enforcement to arrive at this point." ___ Watson reported from San Diego. A civil court judge in Maine has ordered two white men to pay $1.2 million in damages more than five years after they smashed a Black mans jaw in a vicious and racially motivated attack. Superior Court Judge Richard Mulhern handed down the civil judgment Thursday after the men responsible for the attack, Maurice Diggins and his nephew Dusty Leo, missed a pretrial deadline to submit arguments and discovery evidence. Both have been incarcerated since they were convicted in 2020 on federal hate crime charges, while neither man had obtained an attorney to argue for them in civil court. Maurice Diggins and Dusty Leo (Photo: York County Jail) The latest judgment comes more than a year after the victim, Daimon McCollum, filed for damages in civil court to force the assailants to cover medical expenses stemming from the assault. At the time, Diggins and Leo filed handwritten responses to the lawsuit, arguing they couldnt afford to pay damages to McCollum or a lawyer. Diggins said his commissary account was frozen because of the $15,000 he was ordered to pay in fines and restitution during the criminal trial, which he also could not afford. Your Honor, I have no means to pay Mr. McCollum if judgment is made in favor of Mr. McCollum, Diggins wrote. They also asked for additional time to lawyer up in the matter, which the judge denied in his ruling on Thursday, in which Mulhern ordered them to pay $700,000 in punitive damages and $500,000 in compensatory damages on top of the restitution they were ordered to pay upon their convictions three years ago. The Feb. 25, 2018, attack on McCollum outside a gas station happened around 1 a.m. and was preceded by a separate unprovoked assault on a Sudanese man outside a bar in Portland, according to the federal indictment. After beating up the victim in Portland, the men drove 20 miles to their hometown of Biddeford, where they encountered McCollum outside a 7-Eleven store. Ahead of the confrontation, Diggins and Leo hurled racial slurs toward McCollum moments before Leo sneaked up from behind and sucker punched McCollum in the face, breaking his jaw in several places and knocking him to the ground. McCollum said he stopped at the store to pick up a snack after a celebratory gathering with his wife and kids, while the ensuing attack was captured on the stores surveillance cameras, showing McCollum fleeing his attackers as they chased him down in a pickup truck. The defendant violently attacked a Black man for no reason other than his race, said Kristen Clarke, who served as Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Departments Civil Rights Division during federal sentencing in December 2021. This sentencing marks the final chapter in the long road to justice for the victims of these violent, racially-motivated crimes. During the trial, McCollum testified that he believed he would have lost my life that night if he hadnt been able to get up and run. Diggins is currently serving 10 years in prison for the crime, followed by three years of supervised release, after he was convicted on two counts of committing a hate crime and one count of conspiracy. He lost his appeal in the First Circuit Court of Boston in June 2022. Leo, who was 30 at the time of the attack, was sentenced to three years in federal prison for his role, which led to one count of committing a hate crime and one count of conspiracy. He is scheduled to be released on Nov. 22. The civil complaint brought by McCollum referenced white supremacist tattoos on Diggins, including swastikas and the initials WPWW for White Pride World Wide, which sealed his fate with jurors in 2020 while playing into Mulherns decision to impose a hefty penalty. During the hate crimes trial, U.S. District Judge Nancy Torrensen noted that Diggins called his spouse from jail and asserted that a majority of Maine residents shared his racist views, implying that the shared sentiments would ultimately shield him from a guilty verdict. Since the attack, McCollum has endured months of emotional distress while undergoing rehab and numerous surgeries to reconstruct his damaged jaw, which had to be wired shut for a month, according to his lawyer, Allyson Knowles. Although Diggins and Leo might lack the cash to pay the judgment, Knowles said she planned to pursue money through seizures and other asset recovery measures empowered by the court. Sir Keir said he was 'looking forwards, not backwards' when asked about returns for past Labour prime ministers such as Gordon Brown - Jane Barlow/PA Sir Keir Starmer has poured cold water on the idea of inviting Sir Tony Blair or Gordon Brown back into government, saying he was looking forwards, not backwards. The Labour leader told a podcast that he wanted to do it my way, with my team rather than running backwards in history to hug someone. However, it was reported that Sir Tony is working behind the scenes to help Sir Keir build relations in the Middle East. The i newspaper said he had helped assure Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, that Sir Keir was not as anti-Israel as Jeremy Corbyn, his predecessor. Asked on The News Agents podcast whether Sir Tony or Mr Brown could make a return if he enters No 10, Sir Keir said: Im looking forwards, not backwards. I always look forwards, not backwards. Ever since I became Labour leader, almost everybody asked me which Labour leader do you most like? Which one do you want to tattoo on your head? There are three Labour leaders that have taken us from opposition to power Attlee, Wilson and Blair. They are all very different individuals and the circumstances in which they fought were different. I want to be the fourth one in that list. The circumstances I face are different to 97, different to 64, different to 45, and thats why I will do it my way, with my team, rather than sort of running backwards in history to hug someone. It has been reported that Sir Tony had been advising Sir Keir on transitioning to power. The i newspaper reported that he was drawing on the contacts he made as Middle East envoy for the Quartet of the US, Russia, the European Union and the United Nations between 2007 and 2015. This involved brokering diplomatic introductions and contacts in the Middle East. Sir Tony maintains an office in Tel Aviv. A source told the i that the former prime minister had been working to assure the Israeli government that the country can expect a consistent approach from Britain should Labour win the next general election. Labour did not respond to a request for comment about the i story. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. Authorities are investigating a domestic violence incident where a man was allegedly stabbed by his wife as well as a related accident where the wife is accused of driving herself and the couples three children into a Lewisville lake, Carrollton police said in a news release. Police and Carrollton Fire Rescue responded to a call at about 7:50 a.m. Friday from a man alleging he had been stabbed by his wife, according to the release. Carrollton Fire Rescue transported him to a local hospital for further treatment and he is expected to survive. In a separate 911 call, Lewisville police officers responded to a report of a woman later confirmed to be the wife of the man who was stabbed and three children ages 8, 9 and 12, who were inside a vehicle that had been driven into a lake near the 900 block of Hebron Parkway, according to the release. All occupants of the vehicle have been transported to local hospitals. The woman is in police custody pending criminal charges. One of the children is in critical condition while the others are stable. The identities of the woman and the victims have not been released by authorities. Family members have been notified and are cooperating with police. There is no active threat to the public, police say. WARSAW, Poland, and COLOGNE, Germany As European nations rush to buy interceptors, launchers and radars for missile defense, U.S. contractor Northrop Grumman sees an opening for its software designed to connect all the pieces. The company organized an event with top executives in Warsaw on Nov. 16 in an apparent attempt to ensure that the Polish foothold in Europe for its Integrated Battle Command System, or IBCS, would survive the imminent change in government there. NATO to buy 6 Boeing Wedgetails to update surveillance capability Polands opposition last month won the countrys general election, replacing rule by the right-wing Law and Justice party that saw an unprecedented spending spree on defense equipment following Russias invasion of Ukraine. A coalition of center-right, liberal and left-wing parties took over control in the parliament this week, and a new cabinet is expected to be sworn in by the end of the year. The political turnover comes as European allies are considering buying command-and-control systems for the national missile defense architectures that are beginning to emerge under the European Sky Shield Initiative, or ESSI, Northrop representatives said at the briefing. Unveiled by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in August 2022, the ESSI project initially comprised 15 NATO members. It has since expanded to 19 states. Northrop is advertising its software as the U.S. glue in what aspires to become Europes contribution to a NATO missile shield, according to Bill Lamb, a senior program director with the company. In terms of the challenges that NATO has, and our NATO allies have long had, its in the area of interoperability, Lamb said. This summer, company executives in the United States hinted that European interest was growing in IBCS, a system developed for the U.S. Army to the tune of billions of dollars. In an interview with Defense News earlier this fall, German Air Force chief Lt. Gen. Ingo Gerhartz confirmed Berlins interest. Right now, we are taking a close look at the IBCS system, he said. We need a C2 system to combine all the different capabilities, he added, using military shorthand for command-and-control, the practice of orchestrating disparate forces to act as one. Poland has been involved in the acquisition of the system for years. In 2018, the Warsaw government signed an agreement with the United States to purchase Patriot equipment powered by IBCS. Last September, the U.S. State Department signed off on a follow-on deal, potentially costing $4 billion. Brig. Gen. Brig. Kazimierz Dynski, head of the Polish Armed Forces air and anti-missile defense force, said that Polands efforts in the field of air defense are largely driven by the experience of 640 days of a very brutal, kinetic war in Ukraine. We have seen during this war what are the consequences of not having an integrated air defense system, he said at the briefing. I tell my subordinates: you are receiving a great system, a Patriot system connected with a C2 system, IBCS. Dynski said that Northrops solution will enable the Polish military to integrate its Wisla mid-range air defense system, which relies on Patriot batteries, with two other layers of air defense. These will comprise the nations short-range air defense systems, which are based on the Common Anti-air Modular Missiles, or CAMM, as well as iLaunchers from European consortium MBDA, and Pilica+ very-short-range air defense batteries developed by Polands defense industry. AUSTIN (KXAN) The National Weather Service Austin/San Antonio office announced on Wednesday that an alternative warning may be issued in the event a significant ice storm is being forecast. Previously, that office had chosen not to issue Ice Storm Warnings in favor of Winter Weather Advisories or Winter Storm Warnings for impactful or disruptive winter weather, including ice caused by freezing rain. Late January into early February 2023 saw a crippling ice storm impact Central Texas. By Monday morning, Jan. 30, 2023, Winter Storm Warnings were in effect for most of the 15 counties KXAN covers, with significant icing specifically mentioned as the primary threat. Winter Storm Warning in effect from January 30-Feb 1, 2023 Avoiding Ice Storm Warning NWS Austin/San Antonio had avoided the use of Ice Storm Warnings in the past with the belief that Winter Storm Warnings are sufficient to warn ahead of multiple types of wintry precipitation and getting *only* ice (not sleet or snow) is very rare. In addition, NWS Austin/San Antonio Warning Coordination Meteorologist Paul Yura wrote most times we have felt that as long as the messaging is consistent with partners, the Winter Storm Warnings can be the Go To winter product when accumulations of ice are significant and will get major impacts (travel and power outages). In late Januarys major ice storm, some neighboring offices decided to issue Ice Storm Warnings, while NWS Austin/San Antonio stuck with the Winter Storm Warning product. In total, Austins Camp Mabry received 0.69 of ice accumulation, enough to cause significant and widespread power outages and tree damage. Ice Storm Warning will be an option After a post-storm collaboration with public and private partners, NWS Austin/San Antonio will now issue Ice Storm Warnings under certain conditions going forward. Generally, when the expectation is that a quarter-inch or more of ice accumulation would cause significant power outages over counties in their warning area, they will issue an Ice Storm Warning. Power outage numbers drastically increased when Austin reached 0.25 of ice accumulation back in January/February 2023. For future issuance of Ice Storm Warnings, this wont be the only criteria. If impactful snow and sleet are expected to mix with ice then they may default to Winter Storm Warnings. The coverage (isolated vs. widespread) of ice greater than a quarter inch may also be a factor, but this gives them another messaging tool going forward. Of course, the KXAN First Warning Weather Team will pass along any warnings or advisories for winter weather as soon as they are issued. Make sure you have the KXAN Weather App downloaded to sign up for alerts where you live. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. A federal correctional officer began sexually abusing inmates at an all-female California prison within months of starting his job, federal prosecutors said. Now, hes going to prison. Andrew Jones, 36, who supervised the women working in the kitchen at Federal Correctional Institution, Dublin, is the facilitys fourth prison guard to be sentenced in relation to sexual misconduct in the past three years, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Northern District of California. FCI Dublins former warden, Ray Garcia, was sentenced to 70 months in prison on March 22 for sexually abusing three female inmates, the Department of Justice announced that day, McClatchy News previously reported. Jones sexually abused one prisoner after another between July 2020 and June 2021, his sentencing memorandum says. He admitted in his plea agreement to abusing three women who worked for him near the kitchen, including inside a bathroom, a warehouse and where utensils were stored, prosecutors said. In FCI Dublins kitchen, he used his supervisory position to establish an environment of fear and intimidation, including through insults, threats and violence. He also groomed (inmates) with compliments and flattery, his sentencing memo says. Jones remained safe in the belief that his misconduct would go unreported, the sentencing memo also says. Jones has now been issued the lengthiest sentence for sex abuse at the prison to date, according to prosecutors. Each of the women Jones abused were sent to FCI Dublin to pay their debt to society, but instead found themselves at the mercy of a guard and a boss who used the tools of coercion at his disposal to abuse them for his own sexual pleasure, prosecutors said. The sentence A judge sentenced Jones, of Clovis, to eight years in federal prison on Nov. 16 for sexually abusing inmates and making false statements, the attorneys office announced in a news release that day. Jones participated in a culture of sexual abuse of female inmates at FCI Dublin that included the Warden, the Chaplain, and other employees, and he like them has now been held to account for his heinous acts, Department of Justice Inspector General Michael E. Horowitz said in a statement. McClatchy News contacted Jones defense attorneys for comment on Nov. 16 and didnt receive an immediate response. On Aug. 17, Jones pleaded guilty to six counts of sexual abuse of a ward in relation to three inmates and one count of making false statements to the Justice Departments Office of Inspector General, prosecutors said. Ahead of his sentencing, his attorneys wrote in a memorandum on his behalf that while he lost his way and behaved horribly an eight-year prison sentence would be disproportionate and unwarranted noting it is significantly higher than Garcias sentence. Prosecutors, meanwhile, wrote in their sentencing memo that the seriousness of Joness offenses cannot be overstated and one of the more remarkable aspects of (his) predation is how quickly it began after he started working at FCI Dublin on May 24, 2020. About a month later, he started abusing one inmate who he locked in the kitchens bathroom to have her perform oral sex, according to the sentencing memo which says they had sexual intercourse over the next five months. The woman did not want to deny Jones because she feared losing her job working in the kitchen and Jones would become angry and would treat the prisoners in the kitchen poorly if he did not get his way, the sentencing memo says. Afterward, he targeted two more women for abuse, according to prosecutors. Investigation is not over Eight FCI Dublin correctional officers have been charged in relation to sexual misconduct crimes at the facility, prosecutors said. Seven have been convicted, including Jones, Garcia and two other officers, according to prosecutors. Abuse at FCI Dublin has become so pervasive that its been referred to as the rape club, according to a federal lawsuit filed in August by a woman who served time in prison at FCI Dublin, McClatchy News previously reported. She filed suit against the Bureau of Prisons and the federal government in relation to Garcias abuse of her, according to the complaint. To be clear, this investigation is not over, U.S. Attorney Ismail Ramsey, of the Northern District of California, said in a statement of the abuse at FCI Dublin. In response to a request for comment from McClatchy News on Nov. 17, Federal Bureau of Prisons spokesperson Donald Murphy said the FBOP strongly condemns all forms of sexually abusive behavior. ... We have a zero-tolerance policy for sexual abuse of any kind. According to Murphy, several changes have been made at FCI Dublin in relation to safety and communication. The FBOP has entered a contract with an external consulting firm experienced in best practices and safety in facilities serving women in the justice system, Murphy said. These contractors have completed an assessment of FCI Dublin and is providing training to all staff at FCI Dublin on promoting a Culture of Safety. The FBOP has also made changes in key leadership positions and enhanced staffing. We are fully committed to gaining the confidence of the public, the individuals in our care and custody, and the employees at FCI Dublin, Murphy added. Jones prison sentence will be followed by 10 years of supervised release, prosecutors said. A hearing is set for Feb. 8, 2024 for any restitution he may owe, according to prosecutors. Murphy said the FBOP continues to fully support criminal investigations and prosecutions that hold staff accountable for sexual misconduct with incarcerated persons. We believe that holding employees accountable, to the fullest extent of the law, will serve as a deterrent against future misconduct by our employees, he added. Clovis is about 200 miles southeast of San Francisco. Man tased and starved in SC jail before death was supposed to be in hospital, suit says Prison nurse raped inmate with cancer who depended on him for chemotherapy, feds say Officer ignored dying inmate in Virginia prison after promising to help him, feds say The 10 Freeway will reopen by next week, California Gov. Gavin Newsom said during a press conference Thursday. One thing we can guarantee you is we will be open, five lanes in both directions, at the latest, Tuesday of next week, Newsom said. Newsom credited the tireless and continuous work of repair crews who have been working around the clock to get the busy roadway back open to traffic. With the extraordinary work of the men and women you see behind me, the carpenters, laborers, teamsters, the cement masons, 32 carpenters on site in the last 24 hours they got ahead two days on the debris removal allowed moving more quickly to retrofit the structure you see behind me, Newsom said. The announcement was made Thursday evening during a Los Angeles press conference hosted by local and state officials. Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass were among the speakers. Both elected officials have promised regular and timely updates regarding the closure, which has crippled traffic in and out of downtown for several days and was initially expected to remain in place for several weeks. Earlier this week, Newsom said engineers had evaluated the integrity of the pillars that elevate the heavily trafficked roadway and determined it would not need to be demolished, rather it could be shored up and repaired in three to five weeks. That estimation turned out to be on the conservative side. This is a good day in Los Angeles, Bass said enthusiastically to the crowd of assembled media members, officials and members of the public. Bass thanked L.A. residents for their cooperation during the inconvenient and unexpected closure, adding her appreciation for those who decided to work from home or utilize public transportation to maintain their busy schedules. The last few days have been difficult, but everyone has cooperated and I want to thank you, Bass said. Both Newsom and Bass also praised the partnership between state and local leaders, with the governor referring to Bass as one of the most hands-on mayors in the country. She has proven that she can meet any moment and we couldnt be any more proud, Newsom said. Bass said she greatly appreciated the time the governor has spent going back and forth to Los Angeles throughout the shutdown. All of the stars have been aligned on behalf of Angelenos, Bass said, paraphrasing a Caltrans official. Questions, however, still linger about the exact cause of the fire and the state of the criminal investigation surrounding it. On Monday, Newsom was joined by California Fire Marshall Daniel Berlant who confirmed that the blaze was suspected to have been intentionally set. 10 Freeway fire set with malice intent, Newsom says Newsom has repeatedly mentioned a specific company that was leasing the area below the freeway, calling the company bad actors, and adding that the state was involved in ongoing litigation against it. The company has been identified as Apex Development Inc., which subleased some of its space to various businesses. The legality of those subleases is under a bit of scrutiny. Driver forced to flee his car during 10 freeway fire being charged for tow On Thursday, the Los Angeles Times reported that Caltrans inspectors and local fire officials conducted regular visits to the site. The companys attorney told the Times that any claims from government officials that it was unaware of the subleasing activity were false. Instead, the companys attorney laid the blame on the local homeless population that lived near the site, claiming that operators of the space repeatedly made calls to report homeless fires, which they allege were brushed off. The fire was first reported early Saturday around 12:30 a.m. near East 14th and Alameda streets underneath the freeway. It engulfed both sides of 14th Street underneath the 10, eventually melting some of the freeways steel guardrails and damaging fire trucks. The blaze ripped through a pallet yard, causing dense plumes of smoke and limiting visibility throughout the area. When the fire was extinguished, it was discovered that as many as 100 pillars were seriously damaged. Newsom and Bass both ensured that the 10 Freeway repairs were of the highest priority at both the state and local levels, with repairs taking place around the clock. On Wednesday, he announced that emergency contractors were able to completely clear the site of hazardous materials left behind by the fire. With that cleanup completed, structural engineers and repair crews now have unfettered access to the site, which was a crucial piece of the critical repair puzzle. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. SAN DIEGO (Border Report) Officials in Tijuana say they are baffled as they try to figure out how thousands of migrants from Africa keep showing up in their region. Enrique Lucero, head of Tijuanas Migrant Affairs Office, says theyve yet to find out who is bringing the Africans to Tijuana or how they are getting here. El Salvador slaps a $1,130 fee on African and Indian travelers as US pressures it to curb migration The flow is constant, and we dont know how they make their way here, said Lucero. There is no register at the airport or bus stations. Lucero made these comments while discussing the recent death of a migrant man from West Africa who died while attempting to cross into the U.S. on Wednesday morning. The victim was part of a group that rushed its way north of the border in what has been described as a stampede along the Tijuana River channel. Migrant dies during stampede into the US The man was found dead downstream on U.S. soil. Lucero predicts more of these events will take place in the future. Thousands more Mauritanians are making their way to the US, thanks to a route spread on social media The mass crossings are a very complicated theme, especially with people from the African continent who keep doing this in spite of the dangers and the positioning of migration officers on both sides of the border trying to stop them. Lucero admitted this is becoming so frequent that Tijuana police and immigration officials feel helpless in trying to stop the large-scale incursions. We can try to stop them, detain them, neutralize them, but these will continue as long as the migrants have these feelings of desperation for not being able to get an appointment via the CBP One app. This online app helps migrants secure appointments to cross the border at a port of entry for interviews with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services personnel. This allows asylum-seekers a path to begin their asylum cases. Visit the BorderReport.com homepage for the latest exclusive stories and breaking news about issues along the U.S.-Mexico border Lucero stated worldwide campaigns need to be started to teach migrants about their rights and the dangers associated with crossing the border between ports of entry in the U.S. Lucero told Border Report they have no idea how many African nationals arrive in Tijuana daily. Perhaps they are arriving by boat at clandestine landings or in commercial trucks. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Multiple Oregon children have elevated levels of lead in their blood after consuming pouches of applesauce that are subject to a nationwide recall, Oregon Health Authority announced Thursday afternoon. The WanaBana brands apple cinnamon fruit puree was formally recalled by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in late October. Since then, the OHA has confirmed at least six cases of lead poisoning tied to the product. Police ID man who killed himself hours after alleged St. Johns murder While lead is toxic for all people regardless of age, small children are especially at risk because theyre still growing and developing, said Ryan Barker, Oregon Health Authoritys Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program coordinator. Continued exposure over time can permanently damage their central nervous system, which may result in long-term health problems, such as learning disorders, impaired speech and brain damage. Officials say signs of lead poisoning may be easily mistaken for other illnesses, but the main symptoms are: tiredness or loss of energy; hyperactivity; reduced attention span; irritability or crankiness; poor appetite; weight loss; trouble sleeping; constipation; aches or pains in stomach. The applesauce is distributed nationwide through Dollar Tree, Amazon, and other online stores. Officials say the children impacted live in Lake, Lincoln, Multnomah and Washington counties. Woman accused of firing pistol at Portland International Airport makes first court appearance WanaBana agreed to recall their applesauce pouches regardless of expiration dates, but officials say some families may have bought the product beforehand. According to the OHA, families should throw away any leftover pouches they may find in their homes. Officials add that parents and caregivers concerned about their childs exposure should request a blood test from their healthcare provider. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. Some Ohio House Republicans want to block cities from banning flavored tobacco. They're trying to override Gov. Mike DeWine's veto to do it. The fight underscores divisions between DeWine and fellow Republicans over flavored tobacco, including menthol, and the tension between state lawmakers and city officials over home rule, a principle that allows local politicians to set policy for their neighbors. Special Report: Vaping crisis takes toll on children's health, families, schools In late 2022, Columbus City Council voted to ban the sale of flavored tobacco products starting on Jan. 1, 2024. Cincinnati, Dayton and Cleveland are considering similar regulations. City leaders say these changes are needed to reduce teen vaping. Studies show young people overwhelmingly prefer fruit or candy-flavored e-cigarettes even though the legal age to purchase cigarettes and tobacco products is 21 years old. But Republicans in the Ohio Legislature quickly passed a bill to undo Columbus' ban. Legislators also included a restriction on cities prohibiting flavored tobacco sales in the state's two-year budget. However, DeWine opposed flavored tobacco sales and vetoed that change twice. DeWine's action allowed Columbus' ban to move forward and other cities to pursue new ones. More: What are vapes? What's in them? Everything you need to know about e-cigarettes Several months later, Republican lawmakers are trying to undo what DeWine did, but it's not clear if they will succeed. To override DeWine's veto, Republicans will need support from 60% of lawmakers in the House and Senate. Vetoes are rare because of the high threshold required. House speaker backs override of DeWine veto Speaker Jason Stephens, R-Kitts Hill, told reporters Wednesday that he supports overriding DeWine's veto because it would provide consistency across the state for those who sell tobacco products. "Especially in the retail space, it's a little bit confusing for consumers and retailers." DeWine, through a spokesman, said lawmakers could provide that consistency by banning flavored tobacco, including menthol, statewide. In the meantime, "the governor supports any local government who wants to go a little farther in protecting kids," DeWine spokesman Dan Tierney said. Democratic Rep. Casey Weinstein, of Hudson, opposes the override, saying it would harm cities' home rule powers and children, who are particularly susceptible to flavored tobacco. Weinstein also said DeWine isn't fighting hard enough for a statewide ban. "I appreciate the governor's stance but I haven't seen him fight for these priorities in the Legislature," Weinstein said. "The governor counts votes and then he moves on if he doesn't have the votes." Latest challenge to home rule An override would be another attack on cities' power to set their own policies. In recent years, state lawmakers have banned local rules on everything from plastic bag restrictions and puppy sales to red-light cameras and minimum wage. Cities must be allowed to use their rules to keep addictive products out of the hands of children, said Keary McCarthy, executive director of the Ohio Mayors Alliance. Teen tobacco use is on the rise as vaping and other flavored tobacco products are targeted towards children," McCarthy said. "Overriding Gov. DeWines veto would be a mistake that would adversely impact teens and undo other retail tobacco licensing efforts that have been on the books for over 20 years. Kids and vaping: We asked medical pros, 'As a parent, what would you do?' Targeting those who sell to those under 21 Against that backdrop, one GOP lawmaker has a new idea to reduce teen vaping. Rep. Sara Carruthers, R-Hamilton, has introduced House Bill 258, which would increase the fines for stores that repeatedly sell tobacco or vaping products to those under 21. The negligence of these retailers has directly led to an increase in the use of these products by students, and it is only getting worse," Carruthers told a House committee this week. And current penalties aren't enough. Its a slap on the hand to these people. Carruthers' bill is in the first stages of the legislative process. Meanwhile, Stephens isn't sure whether lawmakers will have enough votes to override DeWine's veto. "It's the political process and having the numbers and trying to see the energy behind that," Stephens said. Jessie Balmert is a reporter for the USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau, which serves the Columbus Dispatch, Cincinnati Enquirer, Akron Beacon Journal and 18 other affiliated news organizations across Ohio. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Will Ohio lawmakers override DeWine's veto on flavored tobacco bans? Ohio voters overwhelmingly approved a constitutional amendment on 7 November, guaranteeing its citizens the right to abortion access, but a group of rightwing Republican lawmakers is already trying to reverse that result. The referendum, which Ohioans passed by 57% of votes, established a constitutional right to an abortion, overriding laws passed by the Republican-dominated legislature to dramatically restrict access. In response, 27 GOP members of the Ohio general assembly signed a statement the next day arguing the abortion rights proposal failed to mention a single, specific law, and vowing to do everything in [their] power to prevent the restrictive abortion laws on the books in Ohio from being challenged. Related: Ohio Republicans move to exclude judges from interpreting enshrined abortion rights Four of them went even further, circulating draft legislation to give the legislature exclusive authority over implementing the constitutional amendment at the exclusion of the courts a move legal experts have decried as unconstitutional. To prevent mischief by pro-abortion courts, wrote the four Republican lawmakers in a statement, Ohio legislators will consider removing jurisdiction from the judiciary over this ambiguous ballot initiative. The move is the latest attempt by some Republicans in the state to use their iron grip on the state legislature to push anti-democratic efforts. The legislature has for years declined to heed a 2015 ballot measure prohibiting partisan gerrymandering and attempted in August to make it harder for voters to directly affect policy through referendums. The latest move goes much further, essentially challenging the authority of the courts and the constitution. This is Schoolhouse Rock-type stuff. We need to make sure that we have the three branches of the government Ohio house speaker Jason Stephens The draft legislation, however, has been rejected even by high-ranking Republicans: the house speaker, Jason Stephens, called it a non-starter and a clear violation of the basic democratic principle of separation of powers. This is Schoolhouse Rock-type stuff. We need to make sure that we have the three branches of the government, he told reporters on Tuesday. Mike DeWine, the Republican Ohio governor, also expressed doubts about the bills chances. I dont think the public should start thinking that it is going to become law, DeWine said on Monday. Matt Huffman, the state senate majority leader, who vocally opposed the abortion rights amendment, has yet to weigh in. But he has already floated another alternative: holding another referendum on abortion access to undo the recent decision. Huffman is term-limited and its widely expected he will run for a seat in the state house of representatives. Theres been buzz locally that if he wins, Huffman could challenge Stephens for the speakership. Huffman did not respond to a request for comment. But just because the Republican proposal isnt likely to be adopted doesnt make it irrelevant. Voting rights advocates and political observers see it as just the latest effort to undermine democracy and cement rightwing policies, even if theyre at odds with the majority of Ohios voters. The threat of election subversion is just as powerful as subversion itself, because it erodes trust and makes people question whether or not they want to participate whether or not their vote will be counted, [and] whether after its counted, if it will actually be respected, said Kayla Griffin, the Ohio state director of the voting rights group All Voting Is Local. State Republicans ignored a 2015 referendum prohibiting partisan gerrymandering and drew maps that gave Republicans an advantage in both branches of the legislature they have a supermajority in each and a lopsided number of congressional seats. There is a disconnect between what voters want and what the legislature wants Catherine Turcer of Common Cause Ohio The conservative-leaning state supreme court ruled seven times that the maps violated the constitution, and after every ruling the legislature returned maps to the court without meaningfully changing them. The swing vote on the court retired at the end of 2022, leaving behind a court that will likely side with the GOP and let them preserve their supermajorities in the legislature. Those maps have given them immense power to do whatever they want with state laws, even if theyre unpopular with majorities of Ohioans. There is a disconnect between what voters want and what the legislature wants, said Catherine Turcer, executive director of Common Cause Ohio. It just highlights how gerrymandered the state legislature is. This summer, Republicans also tried to weaken the one check voters have on their power by making it dramatically harder to pass a statewide constitutional amendment specifically targeting the abortion initiative in November. The proposal would have raised the threshold to pass citizen-led ballot measures from a simple majority to 60%. Voters rejected it by a wide margin in August. Frank LaRose, the Republican secretary of state, who opposed the abortion amendment, then rewrote the ballot language for the November election to include the term unborn child, rather than fetus, a move that opponents criticized as trying to unduly sway voters. The latest threats by the right wing of the state GOP to suppress the implementation of the constitutional amendment are a marked escalation in that effort. If Republicans in the state legislature were to pass their proposed legislation challenging the authority of the courts to interpret the constitution, the issue would almost certainly end up disputed in court. It really represents an attempt to interfere with the judicial branch, said Steven Steinglass, dean emeritus of the Cleveland State University College of Law and the author of The Ohio State Constitution: A Reference Guide. It violates the Ohio principles of separation of powers. The latest proposal appears too much even for the states leading Republicans. But it shows how far some elected officials are willing to go to try to force their views on their state even when its clear that large majorities of Ohioans disagree. This is certainly coming from a far-right faction of the Republican caucus. That said, this faction has gained more and more power, said the Ohio Democratic house minority leader, Allison Russo. It just speaks to how this body has become more and more extreme. A 29-year-old man has been sentenced to life without the possibility of parole in a 2019 first-degree murder case, the Oklahoma County district attorney's office announced Friday. Gabriel Aguilar entered a "blind plea" of guilty on Thursday in Oklahoma County District Court for the murder of 24-year-old Selena Pacheco-Escalera. As there had been no negotiated plea deal, Judge Susan Stallings determined Aguilar's sentence would be life without parole. On June 8, 2019, a friend of Pacheco-Escalera called police after finding her body inside a bedroom of her apartment in southwest Oklahoma City. According to investigators, Aguilar was seen entering Pacheco-Escalera's apartment, where he stabbed her multiple times in front of her children. More: Man charged with murder in lover's death Police said Aguilar fled the scene, but officers found a wallet with his identification card near the victim's body. Aguilar and Pacheco-Escalera had been having "an intimate relationship," according to officials, and a witness told investigators that they had seen text messages between the victim and Aguilar saying "he would not allow her to leave him." Aguilar was arrested June 10, 2019, and booked into the Oklahoma County jail on multiple complaints, including first-degree murder. Court records showed he had previous convictions for assault with a dangerous weapon, domestic abuse by strangulation and possession of an offensive weapon while committing a felony. A spokeswoman for the DA's office said that, after his sentencing for Pacheco-Escalera's murder Thursday, Aguilar waived his right to appeal. He will be transferred from the jail to the Oklahoma Department of Corrections. Related: Oklahoma City dealing with five homicides in four days This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Man sentenced to life without parole for 2019 OKC murder One of Lexingtons oldest homes built in 1784, just two years after the city was officially chartered is up for sale for almost $600,000. As detailed on Zillow, the 1,696-square-foot Adam Rankin House is described as having an inviting entry foyer, a large living room, an adjoining dining room and kitchen, three bedrooms, one full bathroom and a keeping room. It also has modern amenities such as central heating and air conditioning, and sits on a large 7,527-square-foot lot. The home is listed at an asking price of $599,000. The historical marker that stands outside the Rankin House at 317 South Mill St. in Lexington. The home has been put up for sale as of November, with an asking price of $599,000. While the Rankin House is often referred to as Lexingtons oldest home, this does warrant some clarification. The Robert Patterson Cabin on Transylvania Universitys campus actually predates it by several years. According to a 2022 publication of the Lexington History Museum, the Patterson Cabin was built circa 1780. That structure has been moved several times over the years, including to Ohio, where it stood in a public park in Dayton after a grandson of Patterson moved there in 1902. The Patterson Cabin was returned to Lexington in 1939. The view of the front door and entryway into the Rankin House, a historic home now up for sale in Lexington located at 317 South Mill St. Photos shared with permission from the seller. The living room of the Rankin House, a historic home now up for sale in Lexington located at 317 South Mill St. Photos shared with permission from the seller. Up until 1971, the Rankin House was the oldest building in Lexington to stand on its original site, according to the Lexington History Museum, citing the architectural historian Clay Lancaster. It originally stood at 215 West High St. At that time, a flurry of local urban renewal projects threatened the Rankin Houses future and it faced demolition. It was the Blue Grass Trust for Historic Preservation and local businessman and philanthropist Alex Campbell Jr. who worked to move the house around the corner to its current location at 317 South Mill St. The move was quite the spectacle June 28, 1971, when residents went into the street to watch the house be hoisted onto a massive truck bed and carted away. The adjoining kitchen and dining room in the Rankin House, a historic home now up for sale in Lexington located at 317 South Mill St. Photos shared with permission from the seller. Originally, the house was a more humble log cabin built for Adam Rankin, the minister of Lexingtons pioneer Presbyterian Church, according to the homes historical marker. The house has had some storied occupants over the years, including Nathan Burrowes, who created a popular mustard brand of the same name. In the early 19th century, when water was often impure and contained diseases such as cholera, the mustard was marketed as a condiment and a medicinal product, given mustard has natural anti-microbial properties. The Rankin House is also the birthplace of Samuel McCollough, a local astronomer who continued production of Burrowes mustard. The full bathroom at the Rankin House, a historic home now up for sale in Lexington located at 317 South Mill St. Photos shared with permission from the seller. In more modern times, the Rankin House briefly hosted the Lexington History Museum, when in 2020, it moved into the home hoping to operate it as a house museum. Since that time, however, the museum has moved into the Thomas Hunt Morgan Home on North Broadway. Do you have a question about real estate in Kentucky for our service journalism team? Let us know through the Know Your Kentucky form below or email us at ask@herald-leader.com. Florida Highway Patrol troopers arrested a man who was behind the wheel of a vehicle involved in a fatal crash Thursday night on Interstate 75. Here's what we know about the crash: Name of person arrested: Amner F. Ordonez-Palma, 25, of Honduras but with a New York address. He was taken into custody from UF Health Shands Hospital in Gainesville after he was treated for injuries sustained on his upper body, authorities said. He was booked into the Marion County Jail at 3:19 a.m. with bail set at $10,000. Charge: Driving without a license/causing death or serious injuries. Where did the crash happened? I-75 southbound by mile marker 358, approximately a mile north of the County Road 326 exit. Time: Marion County Fire Rescue spokesman James Lucas said his agency was assigned the call at 8:58 p.m. and arrived at 9:12 p.m. The victim was pronounced deceased at 9:15 p.m. Officials said this Honda was involved in a two-vehicle crash on I-75. One person was killed and several others injured. About the victim: FHP troopers said the man who died was the left rear passenger in Ordonez-Palma's car. He also was from Honduras. Troopers are trying to get more information on him, including his name. Vehicles involved: An older model Honda Civic and a rental Nissan Armanda sport utility vehicle. What happened? FHP officials said Ordonez-Palma was driving the Honda southbound in the left lane. The vehicle hydroplaned, and the driver lost control. The car veered off the roadway and slammed into the guardrail twice. The Honda returned to the roadway, where it was struck by the SUV, which also was southbound on I-75. The Honda eventually stopped on the grassy median. The SUV wound up upside down. Overturned Nissan SUV on the southbound shoulder of I-75 that was involved in a two-vehicle wreck on Thursday night. Injuries: Officials said the third person in Honda, also an adult male, is from Honduras, with a New York address. They said he was the front right passenger. He was treated for injuries at Shands. Troopers are trying to determine his age. The relationship between the three is unknown. In their investigation, troopers determined that the three men were on their way to Tampa. FHP troopers said this severely damaged Honda was involved in a two-vehicle crash that killed one person on Thursday night. Troopers said two adults and three children from the SUV suffered minor injuries and were taken to HCA Florida Ocala Hospital for treatment. FHP officials identified the adults as a 58-year-old man and a 52-year-old woman. Their children are a 23-year-old woman, an 18-year-old woman, a 17-year-old girl and a 16-year-old boy. The family is from Xenia, Ohio. Hospital: Man seriously injured in crash with Amazon truck remains hospitalized Traffic: The left lane of southbound I-75 was blocked by FDOT road crews so troopers could investigate the crash. The spot where the crash occurred was dark with no lights. Weather: The roadway was wet due to heavy rainfall countywide. Traffic deaths: Thursday's death was the 77th traffic death in Marion County so far this year. The number does not include figures from the cities of Ocala, Belleview or Dunnellon. Last year this time, troopers had investigated 82 traffic fatalities. In 2022, FHP officials said, there were 99 traffic deaths in unincorporated Marion. Contact Austin L. Miller at austin.miller@starbanner.com or @almillerosb This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: I-75 crash kills one, injured several others, driver charged One of the signature broad, black hats that Napoleon wore when he ruled 19th century France and waged war in Europe is on display at Osenat's auction house in Fontainebleau, south of Paris, Friday, Nov. 17, 2023. The hat is tipped to fetch more than half a million euros (dollars) at the auction Sunday of Napoleonic memorabilia patiently collected by a French industrialist. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena) FONTAINEBLEAU, France (AP) One of the signature broad, black bicorne hats that Napoleon Bonaparte wore when he ruled 19th-century France and waged war in Europe is expected to fetch upwards of 600,000 euros ($650,000) at an auction Sunday. Other history-laden items in the sale of industrialist Jean-Louis Noisiez's collection of Napoleonic memorabilia include a silver plate looted from Napoleon's carriage after his defeat at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. It also includes a wooden vanity case he owned, with razors, a silver toothbrush, scissors and other personal belongings. The faded black felt hat is the star piece, valued at between 600,000 and 800,000 euros ($650,000 to $870,000). While other officers customarily wore their hats with the wings facing front to back, Napoleon wore his with the ends pointing toward his shoulders. That style known as en bataille," in battle, in French made it easier for his troops to spot the military general and statesman in combat. For people who are into Napoleonic souvenirs, its the holy grail to have a hat, said Jean-Pierre Osenat, head of the Osenat auction house. "Theres about 20 left that are authentic and about 15 of them are kept in museums, so theres about 4 or 5 that are in collectors' hands. The hat on sale was first recovered by Col. Pierre Baillon, a quartermaster under Napoleon and one of his comrades in arms in many battles, including Waterloo, according to the auctioneers. The hat then passed through many hands before Noisiez acquired it. The entrepreneur spent more than half a century assembling his collection of Napoleonic memorabilia, firearms, swords and coins before his death in 2022. An engraving on the circular silver plate valued at 20,000 to 30,000 euros ($22,000 to $32,500) says it was taken from Napoleon's carriage at Waterloo. The auctioneers say it was part of a haul of 180 kilograms (400 pounds) of silverware that was looted during the French retreat and shared among soldiers on the winning side. The mahogany vanity case bearing Napoleon's imperial coat of arms contains tools he would have needed to keep up appearances while campaigning, including a mirror, combs, tweezers, a shavjng brush and other items. Its estimated sale price is 40,000 to 60,000 euros ($43,500 to $65,000). ___ Associated Press writer John Leicester contributed from Le Pecq, France. When unannounced guests arrive knocking at your door, you are not obligated to open the door but what if those guests are law enforcement officials? Do you legally have to open the door to a California police officer if they knock? Heres what you should know: Do you have to open your door to California police? Officer Cody Tapley, a spokesperson for the Sacramento Police Department, said you have the right to be secure in your home under the Fourth Amendment, even when it comes to police business. The Fourth Amendment protects the right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures. You are not required to answer the door when the police knock, Tapley said in an email to The Bee. Sharon Bear, a spokesperson for the Modesto Police Department, reiterated Tapleys answer: The police dont just randomly go knocking on doors. So it begs the question, why are they there? There are numerous reasons why police show up to your door unannounced, such as to notify you of a neighborhood issue or possible relation to a crime, Bear said. If you choose to open the door to law enforcement, Bear said you are not required to answer any of their questions if they do not have a warrant. You are only required to open the door to police if they have an arrest or search warrant for you or the residence, Bear said. Californias knock and notice rule If an officer has a search warrant, police are required to inform the resident of their presence and their purpose before entering, according to Californias knock and notice rule. To comply with the knock and notice rule, police officers have to knock on the door, announce they are law enforcement and give residents reasonable time to open the door. Tapley said there are exceptions where you are required to open the door to police, including when they have a warrant, during exigent circumstances and if you are on parole or probation. If a person is on probation or parole, California law states police can search them or their property without a warrant if police have reason to believe the person is engaged in criminal activity. And Under these circumstances, you are required to open the door, Tapley wrote. Exigent circumstances include when the police have to prevent possible danger to someone, prevent the destruction of evidence in a crime, or during the escape of a fleeing suspect. Our officers conduct Knock and Notice when serving warrants unless there are exigent circumstances where/when it would not be feasible, Tapley wrote. 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. Sam Altman, the chief executive and co-founder of OpenAI, has been ousted from his own company after its board accused him of being not consistently candid in his communications. Altmans dismissal is a major shakeup in Silicon Valley. Following the launch of ChatGPT, the wildly popular chatbot developed by OpenAI, Altman became one of the worlds most visible tech executives and a sought-after expert on artificial intelligence. In a statement on Friday, Open AIs board no longer has confidence in his ability to lead and said new leadership is necessary as the company moves forward, said a statement posted on its website. He is likewise leaving the companys board. Related: OpenAI offers to pay for ChatGPT customers copyright lawsuits Mr. Altmans departure follows a deliberative review process by the board, which concluded that he was not consistently candid in his communications with the board, hindering its ability to exercise its responsibilities, the boards statement said. What Altman had allegedly hidden from his companys board was not clear. Altman tweeted a sunny message after the combative announcement. I loved my time at openai. it was transformative for me personally, and hopefully the world a little bit. most of all i loved working with such talented people. will have more to say about whats next later, he wrote. Mira Murati, OpenAIs CTO, will become interim CEO in his place, according to the statement. Murati has been a part of the San Francisco-based companys leadership for five years. Greg Brockman will step down from his role as the chair of the board but will retain his other position as OpenAI president, according to the statement. Brockman announced his departure on social media on Friday. Based on todays news, I quit, he wrote. After learning todays news, this is the message I sent to the OpenAI team: https://t.co/NMnG16yFmm pic.twitter.com/8x39P0ejOM Greg Brockman (@gdb) November 18, 2023 The announcement blindsided employees, many of whom learned of the sudden ouster from an internal announcement and the companys public facing blog. OpenAI scheduled an emergency all-hands meeting on Friday afternoon to discuss the news with employees, a person familiar with the matter told Reuters. Altman has been regarded as the leading voice in the AI field since his company released ChatGPT in November 2022. The generative AI chatbot accrued more than 100 million users in less than a year. The 38-year-old has led efforts to create artificial general intelligence, or AGI, an AI system capable of completing any task a human can achieve. Altman helped found the company in 2015, initially as a non-profit with a $1bn endowment from high-profile backers including Elon Musk, Peter Thiel and LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman. Altman and Musk served as co-chairs with a goal to advance digital intelligence in the way that is most likely to benefit humanity as a whole, unconstrained by a need to generate financial return. In 2019, however, OpenAI reshaped itself around a capped profit model with Altman as the CEO. After releasing ChatGPT last year, Altman was thrust into the spotlight. He has been among the most vocal proponents of artificial intelligence, but has also led calls for regulation and warned that the technology comes with risks as it reshapes society. He testified before the US Congress in May about what form AI legislation should take. Sam Altman speaks to the media after testifying in Washington as part of a hearing on how artificial intelligence should be regulated. Photograph: Jim Lo Scalzo/EPA Altman has long been viewed as a Silicon Valley wunderkind. In the tradition of other tech founders before him, Altman dropped out of Stanford in 2005 to launch his social-networking app, Loopt, which he later sold for $43m. He was recruited in 2014 to serve as the president of the startup accelerator Y Combinator but left in 2020 to focus on OpenAI. The launch of ChatGPT elevated his profile significantly he has been called the father of ChatGPT and the Oppenheimer of our age. Earlier this year he traveled on a 22-country tour in which he met with world leaders, including Rishi Sunak, Emmanuel Macron and Narendra Modi, among others. Just one day before his firing, he spoke at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation conference in San Francisco where he argued that AI will be the greatest leap forward of any of the big technological revolutions weve had so far. He also acknowledged the need for guardrails. I really think the world is going to rise to the occasion and everybody wants to do the right thing, Altman said. Stocks for Microsoft, a key business partner of OpenAI that announced this year it planned to invest billions in the company, further fell on Friday after news broke of Altmans departure. Microsoft said the shakeup will not affect its relationship with OpenAI. At an emergency all-hands meeting on Friday afternoon after the announcement, Murati sought to calm employees and said OpenAIs partnership with Microsoft is stable and its backers executives, including CEO Satya Nadella, continue to express confidence in the startup, a person familiar with the matter told Reuters. The Information previously reported details of the meeting. Microsoft remains committed to Mira and their team as we bring this next era of AI to our customers, a spokesperson for the software maker told Reuters on Friday. In a statement published on Microsofts website, Nadella added: We have a long-term agreement with OpenAI ... Together, we will continue to deliver the meaningful benefits of this technology to the world. The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report For the record: 9:40 p.m. Nov. 18, 2023: An earlier version of this article incorrectly compared the number of children killed in Gaza and the number killed in global conflicts. More children have been killed in Gaza in the last few weeks than were killed in global conflicts in each of the last three years, not combined. Nearly 82 years ago, my father was born in Nazi-occupied Belgium. When he was only 3 weeks old, his own father, Max, was captured and murdered by Nazis; my dad survived because he was hidden by a series of Christian foster homes. I was born in a peaceful time and place Victoria, Canada, in 1974 but my own life was shaped by those events that happened decades before my birth. As I write this, more than 11,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, including 4,000 children. According to Save the Children , more children have been killed in Gaza over the last few weeks than were killed in each of the last three years in global conflicts. I know firsthand that atrocities like this tear a hole through history that will take more than one generation to heal. Read more: Opinion: My beloved Gaza of crowded markets and vibrant cafes is gone, demolished and a place of grief My father still ran our family as if we were fleeing from the Gestapo. We lived in tents without running water, and moved every six months. As an adult, I was diagnosed with a neurological form of lupus, a disabling autoimmune disease connected to early trauma. Women with PTSD have been found to be nearly three times as likely to develop this disease than those without significant trauma. I was susceptible, in part, because of my chaotic childhood. There is also epigenetic evidence that mass traumas like the Holocaust affect the genes of the children and grandchildren of survivors on a cellular level, leaving us predisposed to chronic disease. Political violence is a disability justice issue because it leads to physical and psychological disabilities immediately, and will continue to seed them for generations to come. In Gaza, sick and disabled people, including children, are at the front lines of attacks. Hussam Abu Safyiaa , a pediatrician in Gaza, writes: Without an urgent resupply of fuel, the lights will go out permanently, and our hospital could turn into a morgue. Read more: Opinion: I am nine months pregnant and living in Gaza. Will my baby first hear my voice or bombs? My father was also deprived of medical care as a child, and that legacy scarred him for life physically and psychologically. While he was in hiding, he got sick with whooping cough; the sound of his coughing threatened his own life and the life of the family who sheltered him from Nazis. To spare everyone, he was taken to a Catholic orphanage in the countryside of Belgium. There, nuns cared for him without medicine. When he recovered, a young nun returned him in the dead of night to the doorstep of his foster family. By then, he was permanently left with respiratory issues and chronic bronchitis. His other wounds were harder to measure, but just as real. As a parent, my dad was hilarious, brilliant and emotionally distant; he had terrifying rages, and little notion of what it meant to shelter children from danger. Read more: Opinion: Even before the bombing of Gaza, generations of Palestinians were displaced from their homes My dad was one of the lucky ones. He survived, and at 9 years old he was reunited with his mother and new stepfather in Los Angeles. He went on to Fairfax High, a historically majority-Jewish school. His classmates included the children of Hollywood writers and actors who had been blacklisted by McCarthyism. In 1967, the Summer of Love, he met my mother at a party in the Hollywood Hills. They became ardent anti-Vietnam war protesters, along with a number of other Jewish radicals. Growing up, this was what Judaism meant to me: intellectual dissent and peace activism. In rabbinical school, I learned that according to ancient Jewish holy texts, saving a single life is the same as saving a whole world, because each of us contains distinctive cities of relationships, irreplaceable geographies of passions, and deep oceans of memories. Read more: Opinion: My whole family is in Gaza and they have nowhere to run. Will it be at their graves that we meet again? That is one reason more than 140 of my colleagues and I are calling for peace as a part of Rabbis for Ceasefire , along with a swelling Jewish peace movement. However, most major American Jewish organizations support this invasion. It is a profound moral injury for me that the community that taught me to value resistance, peace and the sanctity of each human life is supporting violence and silencing dissent. Many rabbis and other Jewish professionals I know are afraid to speak out for peace and risk being ostracized from family or synagogues or lose funding for their nonprofit organizations. Now as Gaza is being bombed into a place of dust and ashes, my father is entering the last phase of his life in a hospital room in Toronto. My dads life once again has tapered to living only within a narrow room, while atrocities swirl outside. However, this time, unlike those who are gravely ill in Gaza, my dad is well cared for. He is warm and dry, held and loved. When the time comes, there is enough fuel and food to ensure that he dies with dignity and ease. My dad didnt enter the world being treated like a person, but he is leaving it being cared for with humanity. Everyone deserves this. Elliot Kukla is a rabbi, writer and activist based in Oakland. He is the author of the forthcoming children's book "The Lazy Day." 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. Editors note: Aviva Klompas is the former director of speechwriting at the Israeli Mission to the United Nations and co-founder of Boundless Israel, a nonprofit organization that partners with community leaders in the United States to support Israel education and combat hatred of Jews. The opinions expressed in this commentary are her own. Read more opinion at CNN. A Hamas command center that the Israeli military says is under Al-Rantisi childrens hospital offers a chilling glimpse into what Gaza will continue to look like if the growing global calls for a ceasefire are heeded. Aviva Klompas - Zev Fisher Photography Inside hidden rooms, Hamas reportedly stored rocket-propelled grenades, an explosive vest and even a motorcycle believed to be used to kidnap Israelis on October 7, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Diapers and baby bottles found there suggest Hamas imprisoned its youngest hostages at the site, the IDF says. Hamas also has a command node under Al-Shifa hospital, Gazas largest hospital, says a US official with knowledge of American intelligence. The secret tunnels and command center that Israeli forces point to are part of an elaborate terror infrastructure that Hamas has spent 15 years constructing in the heart of Gaza. If that infrastructure is not fully destroyed, Hamas, which remains intent on destroying Israel, will retain the means to continue attacking Israeli civilians while hiding behind Palestinian civilians. Accepting a ceasefire now will cost many more lives in the long run. The sheer cruelty of Hamas October 7 attack on Israel, including the burning and mutilation of bodies, recalls the atrocities perpetrated against Jews by Nazi Germany and against Americans by ISIS. With a death toll of about 1,200 people, it was the second-largest terror attack globally since 9/11. Israel waited three weeks to begin a ground offensive to allow time for Palestinian civilians in Gaza to evacuate from the war zone, recognizing this would require time and coordination for families. When it did send troops into Gaza, Israel was explicit in its goals to dismantle the Hamas war machine and rescue more than 200 hostages. For the last week, the IDF has taken the unprecedented step of providing four-hour daily humanitarian pauses in fighting to enable civilians to leave harms way. The rising toll on civilians is a devastating reality of this conflict. Yet Hamas leaders have instructed Palestinians not to evacuate, demanding they remain in northern Gaza. Yet Israel is now confronted by world leaders and protesters on the streets demanding a ceasefire. These critics forget, or ignore, that Hamas broke the Western-brokered ceasefire that was signed a few months before October 7. They continue to redefine insanity by entertaining the idea that a new ceasefire will reform Hamas and bring about peace. An aerial view of Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City. Hamas has a command node under the hospital, according to a US official with knowledge of American intelligence. - Bashar Taleb/AFP/Getty Images Just the opposite is true. A ceasefire would be a de facto victory for a nihilistic jihadi terrorist organization that is financed and backed by Iran, one of whose leaders recently stood on American soil and warned that new fronts will be opened up against the United States. Any truce would leave Hamas leadership, military, weapons and deadly ideology along with its network of tunnels intact. It would also broadcast a message to Iran and its other proxy terror groups that there are no real consequences for committing large-scale atrocities. For 15 years under Hamas, Gaza has had no elections, no free speech, no political parties, no free press, no due process, no human rights. Instead, it has had arbitrary arrest, detention, torture and executions. Hamas leaders have amassed fortunes, while Gazan citizens have grown more impoverished. A ceasefire wont free the Palestinian people from this long-term brutality or cruelty. If the IDF is successful in destroying Hamas, it will have done more to help the Palestinian people than any government or human rights group has ever done. For those whose central concern is the plight of Palestinians in Gaza: Call on Hamas to surrender and release the hostages, including Americans and other foreign nationals. Otherwise, we are likely to see more bunkers dug beneath more hospitals from which more massacres are launched for generations to come. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The U.S. Capitol is seen on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023, in Washington. | Mariam Zuhaib, Associated Press In the closely divided U.S. House of Representatives, every vote matters especially during this tumultuous time when the House has been in chaos, while facing a long list of critical issues. The House has been short one vote a Utah vote. But that vote will be available again after next Tuesday when 2nd Congressional District voters select a replacement for former Congressman Chris Stewart, who resigned in September. We take a look. The contest in the 2nd District special election is between Democrat Kathleen Riebe and Republican Celeste Maloy. It is guaranteed that a woman will join Utahs congressional delegation. Election data shows the Republican has an advantage. What are political insiders observing and conjecturing about this race? Pignanelli: Rural Americans are a special people. Their spirit of community inspires us all. Former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack Anyone driving through central and southern Utah this fall is confronted by Maloys political signs, anchored by hay bales, expressing thanks to rural Utahns. While these are quaint advertisements, there is a shrewd motive behind them. In 2022, almost half of all the votes cast in the Second District were from counties off the Wasatch Front. The Republican nominee Chris Stewart performed well, but the dynamics this year are different, because special elections suffer from low voter turnout. Thus, Maloy is attempting to energize her base with conservative messaging and an unprecedented appeal to a rural constituency as one of them. This strategy worked in the primary. Veteran political observers are theorizing this effort could be a tremendous advantage for her in a race that normally could be controlled by voters in Salt Lake and Davis counties. Riebes best counterpunch is an aggressive communications plan to construct a perception she is not a typical coastal Democrat. A victory by Maloy guarantees new uses for hay bales beyond just food for horses and cows. Related Webb: Maloy should win relatively easily. Its a Republican district and Maloy has run a smart, if low-key, campaign. Maloy proved her mettle in the primary election, defeating a number of better-known, well-funded opponents. In this era of saturation advertising and social media, grassroots campaigning is still extremely important and Maloy does it very well. She will dominate the rural areas of the district, overpowering the urban Democratic vote. It will be great to have a woman back in Utahs congressional delegation. I dont vote on the basis of gender, but when two women emerge as the best candidates for a top Utah political position, its an occasion worth celebrating. If Maloy wins, how will she fit into the ideological factions in the House? Far-right member of the Freedom Caucus? Or more moderate in the pattern of delegation members Blake Moore and John Curtis? Pignanelli: Utahns elect congressional members with the expectation they may give fiery speeches and proclamations of a right-wing flavor. However, these representatives are required to be effective and practical in federal policy and budget deliberations. Stewart, Maloys mentor, was of such caliber and she is likely to follow him with other delegation members as pragmatic conservatives. No member of the Utah delegation is a formal public adherent of the Freedom Caucus. Apparently, they meet in a pub and not a Capitol office, so that may create an additional incentive to refrain from participation with this controversial group. Webb: Maloy is plenty conservative, but Im confident she wont join the small clique of right-wing obstructionists. Utahs congressional delegation provides commonsense leadership and I believe Maloy will fit right in. Im glad Republicans want to tackle tough issues like debt reduction and chaos at the southern border. But they cant ignore the reality that Democrats control the Senate and the White House. Any progress will require compromise. Blowing everything up, creating stalemate and dysfunction, will only produce more election defeats for Republicans. I think Maloy understands this dynamic. Maloy will have an opportunity to fight for rural interests. I hope she will work to restore a more sensible balance in the federal system. That would greatly benefit her rural constituents. What will it mean for Utah to have that fourth vote in the U.S. House? Pignanelli: Utah always punches above its weight in the Senate and the House, regardless of partisan flavor. With the tight partisan lineup in the Congress, the winner on Nov. 21 will have influence in the respective caucus and in committees. Webb: It is important to have a fourth Utah vote reflected in the close legislative battles being waged in the U.S. House. Maloy knows Washington and Congress very well, having worked there for several years. She wont have a steep learning curve and can be immediately effective. Republican LaVarr Webb is a former journalist and a semi-retired small farmer and political consultant. Email: lwebb@exoro.com. Frank Pignanelli is a Salt Lake attorney, lobbyist and political adviser who served as a Democrat in the Utah state Legislature. Email: frankp@xmission.com. Editors Note: Hussein Ibish is a Senior Resident Scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington. His most recent book is Whats Wrong with the One-State Agenda? Why Ending the Occupation and Peace with Israel is Still the Palestinian National Goal. The views expressed in this commentary are his own. Read more CNN Opinion. The most important factor in determining the political outcome of Israels current war will not take place in Gaza but will instead unfold in the West Bank. Hussein Ibish - Courtesy of Hussein Ibish Thats because if Israel really wants to deliver a serious long-term blow to Hamas as a potent political movement among the Palestinian people, its going to be essential to seriously rethink its attitude towards the Islamist extremist groups archrivals: the Fatah-dominated Palestinian Authority (PA) in the West Bank and Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) on the international stage. Without strengthening these Palestinian groups, which still represent the mainstream of the national movement, Hamas and even more extreme groups will almost certainly continue to grow and thrive among the Palestinian people. If Israel is now serious about decimating Hamass military and political power, that cannot be done only or even mainly by killing the groups leaders and members and blowing up its equipment and infrastructure. New people can and will fill the void and insurgencies can successfully operate on a shoestring and under extremely onerous conditions. Because the Palestinian people, their cause and their national movement are not going to disappear, the only way to really marginalize Hamas in the long run is to abandon the policy of simultaneously strengthening and weakening both Palestinian factions to keep them at odds with each other and therefore ineffective as a national movement. Hamas, the early years In one of the most reckless and self-defeating policies in its young history, Israel, from the outset, sought to bolster and use Hamas to split and thereby cripple the Palestinian national movement. Hamas was formed by the Muslim Brotherhood in Gaza during the firmament of the first Palestinian intifada (uprising) against Israeli occupation in 1987. Israeli occupation authorities immediately believed they had stumbled upon a marvelous opportunity to divide Palestinians between secular nationalists and Islamists just as they began to rise up on the ground in the occupied territories. Hamas was given considerable leeway to organize and form itself, with Israel turning a blind eye to the organizations early efforts to structure and found itself activities that would have been ruthlessly suppressed if pursued by either Fatah-dominated organizations or the local grassroots committees that led the first uprising in its initial months. A brief period of serious negotiations: Then-Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres signs the Oslo Accords at the White House as Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, President Bill Clinton and PLO Chairman Yasser Arafat look on, September 1993. - J. DAVID AKE/AFP/AFP/Getty Images For a brief period during the Oslo negotiations and the initial implementation of the Israeli-Palestinian agreements that led to the formation of the small self-administered Palestinian enclaves in the West Bank and most of Gaza in the 1990s, this deeply misguided strategy of divide and rule was essentially set aside in favor of serious negotiations with the PLO and a significant degree of cooperation with the PA. However, after the failure of the Camp David summit in 2000 and the subsequent outbreak of the far more violent second intifada in the fall of that year, the Israeli right resumed power. Under Ariel Sharon and Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli right has dominated national politics for the vast majority of subsequent years, and it eagerly resumed a divide and rule approach. This seemed to reach a successful crescendo in 2007, when a year of divided government among Palestinians with a Fatah presidency under Mahmoud Abbas and a Hamas-dominated legislature collapsed into open conflict and Hamas violently expelled Fatah and the PA from Gaza. Israels divide and rule approach For Netanyahu and his colleagues, this split was ideal. Hamas unwavering commitment to armed struggle and violence allowed the Israeli right to paint the entire Palestinian national movement as hopelessly extreme. And the split between Gaza and the West Bank provided Israelis who wanted no part in any additional negotiations with the Palestinians which could result in a two-state solution with a perfect excuse not to sit down with the PLO, by claiming that they do not represent the entirety of the Palestinian people. For almost 20 years, Israels policy was to keep Hamas in power in Gaza, albeit besieged and contained, and periodically and literally cut down to size through wars cynically described as mowing the grass, while at the same time ensuring that the PA continued to control the self-administered enclaves in the West Bank, albeit with extreme institutional and political weakness. Above all, the core goal appeared to be to ensure that the Palestinian division prevented any additional movement towards the creation of a Palestinian state or the development of any further restrictions on Israeli settlement activity and the now openly-declared national policy goal of eventual additional major annexation in the West Bank. In March 2019, Netanyahu told a private meeting of Likud party Knesset members that whoever is against a Palestinian state should be for transferring funds to Hamas in Gaza, according to the Jerusalem Post. He reportedly said that this was part of Israels strategy to isolate the Palestinians in Gaza from the Palestinians in the West Bank. This articulated policies that the Israeli right had been diligently following for many years. And it led, inexorably and predictably, to the October 7 massacres. What Hamas did next Israelis, including the national security establishment, were taken aback by the Hamas attack of October 7 because they had wrongly concluded that both Palestinian groups were content to rule their separate fiefdoms and persist in a relative stalemate for dominance of the national movement that played perfectly into Israels hands. What the Israelis had not appreciated is that since Hamas founding in 1987, its prime directive has been to maneuver to take over the Palestinian national movement and, eventually, the PLO with its invaluable international diplomatic presence, including nonmember observer state status at the UN and over 100 embassies around the world. It was instantly obvious after the October 7 killing spree that the increasingly unpopular Hamas was seeking to use violence assert its dominance of the national movement. Indeed, its clear that Hamas expected an overwhelming military response from Israel on the ground in Gaza, and that it hopes to provoke a long-term Israeli security presence against which it can, sooner rather than later, organize a sustained and increasingly powerful insurgency. The obvious goal is to contrast this armed resistance, not just now, but especially in coming years, with PA security cooperation with Israel and the PLOs unwavering commitment to securing independence through a two-state agreement with Israel. The only rational choice left for Israel in the wake of October 7 is to finally choose to deal seriously and constructively with the Palestinians who are committed to talking to Israelis, as opposed to bolstering those who want to kill Israelis. It may go against all the instincts of many Israeli extremists in the current government, including Netanyahu, but if they do not begin to deal seriously, constructively and cooperatively with the PA and the PLO, Hamas and even more extreme groups will continue to thrive. This means taking any number of obvious measures to strengthen the PA institutionally and politically, including by expanding its authority in the West Bank. And it means reengaging with the PLO at the negotiating table to seriously discuss a viable accommodation that meets the needs of both peoples. Beyond Mahmoud Abbas Many Israelis may find it hard to imagine suddenly taking Mahmoud Abbas, who is both the PA president and the PLO chairman, seriously, both because they are used to thinking of him as a spent force and ineffective leader, and because he has lashed out in frustration with language that has been highly offensive, including regarding the Holocaust. There is no doubt that Abbas is, in almost every imaginable way, long past his sell-by date. But the old, infirm and chain-smoking politician, who at least has time and again proven his unwavering rejection of violence as a Palestinian national strategy, represents exactly this trend among Palestinians. And when he passes, sooner rather than later, from the scene, he will be replaced by others from the same tendency. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during Middle East peace talks at the White House in 2010. - Christy Bowe/ImageCatcher News Service/Corbis/Getty Images) Israelis cannot approach this decisive strategic and political inflection point by focusing on the personality, failures or foibles of Abbas. In many ways, Israels consistently hostile policies were the single biggest factor in shaping him into the highly flawed figure he has become. This is the Palestinian leader who, after all, resigned as Yasser Arafats Prime Minister during the second intifada and voluntarily went into an open-ended sojourn in the political wilderness, precisely because he categorically rejected the use of violence. Moreover, its not about Abbas or his inner circle as personalities. It must be about strengthening the hands of Palestinians who sincerely seek an accommodation with Jewish Israelis and represent the primary obstacle to Hamas finally achieving political dominance among Palestinians. Its a no-brainer, but Netanyahu and his government show no signs of understanding the necessity of such a radical policy shift. The Biden administration appears to understand the challenge in theory, but how much they can or will do to implement such a revised policy towards the Palestinian political scene is uncertain at best. Given the profound governance, security and intelligence failures revealed by the October 7 attack which was successful beyond Hamass wildest fantasies Israelis should certainly be seeking new leadership. If and when they at last turn their backs on Netanyahu and the coterie of Jewish supremacists surrounding him, its essential that the next phase of Israeli strategic thinking reflects at least some understanding of the Palestinian political scene and what Israels real options are. Its not too late to choose to deal seriously, respectfully and constructively with Palestinians who are sincere about a negotiated agreement for peaceful coexistence. The alternative was on full display on October 7. No amount of death and destruction in Gaza or elsewhere is going to provide Israel with lasting security. A negotiated agreement with the Palestinian factions who, despite everything, still want to reach a peace deal with Israel for good or ill, currently led by Abbas can bring that about. Its the only thing that can bring Israelis peace and genuine security. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com China calls for cease-fire in Sudan Xinhua) 13:36, November 17, 2023 UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy on Thursday called for an immediate cease-fire in Sudan. Dai Bing, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, said China is deeply saddened by the continued conflict in Sudan, the suffering of civilians and the country's humanitarian crisis. The two parties to the conflict have returned to negotiations in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. China says it welcomes that the parties have reaffirmed their humanitarian commitments and have agreed to take measures to enhance mutual trust. China supports the participation of the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development in the mediation process and welcomes the efforts of regional countries, including Saudi Arabia, South Sudan, Egypt and Chad, Dai told the Security Council. "Restoring peace and stability in Sudan is the common aspiration of the Sudanese people and the international community at large. China sincerely hopes that the two parties will put the interests of their country and people first, achieve an immediate cease-fire, restore normal order, and work together to safeguard the sovereignty and territorial integrity of their country," said Dai. China has expressed concern regarding the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Sudan. It has praised the efforts of international humanitarian agencies and the neighboring countries for providing substantial assistance to refugees. China also supports the United Nations in playing a coordinating role in humanitarian relief efforts. At present, there is a severe shortage of humanitarian funding in Sudan and its neighbors. Dai said that the international community, especially the traditional donors, should maintain their assistance to prevent the crisis from worsening. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has proposed an independent strategic review of the UN Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan. China said it supports Guterres' work and hopes the review reflects the views of the Sudanese authorities and regional organizations. The review should be conducive to UN-Sudan cooperation and avoid imposing solutions from the outside. (Web editor: Xian Jiangnan, Liang Jun) Two Greater Cincinnati men have been given probation for defrauding investors by, in part, convincing them to invest in a fake medical marijuana grow operation. Aaron Pitman, 35, of Morrow and Ryan Goldschmidt, 39, of Cincinnati were sentenced last week in Warren County Common Pleas Court. The pair pleaded guilty in September to counts including aggravated theft, telecommunications fraud and unlawful securities practices. They were ordered to five years probation, 90 days in jail and to pay $796,000 in restitution, the Ohio Department of Commerce said in a press release Thursday. Pitman and Goldschmidt were indicted in October 2022 following an investigation by the Ohio Department of Commerce and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation. Officials say the pair defrauded investors through multiple businesses and made misrepresentations to several victims in order to persuade them to invest in a fake medical marijuana grow operation and a CBD oil cartridge manufacturing business. Neither Pitman nor Goldschmidt were licensed to sell securities to investors in Ohio, nor did they have previous experience in the medical marijuana or CBD oil businesses, despite their assertions to the contrary. The pair deposited $796,000 in investor funds into bank accounts they controlled and used those funds for personal expenses like paying off legal bills and making payments to friends, officials said. Goldschmidt's jail sentence was deferred for six months pending the payment of his court-ordered restitution. He made a partial restitution payment of $150,000 prior to his sentencing. Pitman is currently serving time in the Warren County Jail. He was ordered to serve 45 days with the remaining 45 days suspended pending his restitution payments. Judge Donald Oda ordered that Pitman's $50,000 bond be released and used towards restitution to the victims. Officials are encouraging potential investors to call the commerce department's investor protection hotline at 877-683-7841 to avoid fraud. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Ohio men sentenced for investor fraud involving fake pot business Many of the desks at Chicago Academy High School sat empty during the last period of classes Thursday, as about 250 students half of the student body walked out to demand a cease-fire in solidarity with the children of Gaza. Palestinian American pupils organized the Chicago Public Schools-sanctioned walkout, leading chants as students marched around the predominantly Latinx school in Dunning on the Northwest Side before returning for the last 30 minutes of classes. My school hasnt really talked about it much, so I wanted to bring attention to it, said Jenna, a junior whose mother requested her last name not be used for safety reasons. Im proud of all the students that came out because they actually were chanting with us, they helped, they understood what were protesting for, she said. Im standing up and using my voice for Palestinian kids who are just like me, Jenna said, citing the killing of thousands of children since Israel intensified its airstrikes in the Gaza Strip on Oct. 7. More than 4,600 children have been killed in Gaza and nearly 9,000 injured since, Catherine Russell, executive director of UNICEF, a United Nations program that provides humanitarian aid to children worldwide, said in a statement Wednesday. Gaza is becoming a graveyard for children, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said last week. Schools have been attacked and transformed into shelters, and classes have been suspended, according to UNICEF. Thinking about how different life is for students in Gaza, where she has family, motivated Chicago Academy senior Jenan to speak out, she said. She also requested her last name not be used because of safety concerns. For some students to go to sleep, (with) no guarantee of the next day ... its mind blowing, Jenan said. Instead of worrying about the next test thats coming, or some homework they have to finish up, they worry about if they had their prayers all done, she said. I dont think thats OK. And I feel like more voices need to be heard. Even though some people may say that a voice cant do anything, it can do a lot, actually, Jenan said. It can spread awareness. It can change almost everything. Junior Alexza Guerrero, among the students who walked out in solidarity, said learning about the casualties of children in Gaza was shocking. The issue reminds her of her little brother and the recent loss of her great grandmother, she said. Showing support for these students and their families that they might lose ... is really important, Guerrero said of her Palestinian American classmates. I know how it feels to have a death in the family. And its not something to ignore, especially now that a lot of people are dying. Freshman Melissa Casillas said she didnt think twice about walking out and not only because the teachers were OK with students leaving classes. Students in Gaza do not deserve this at all, Casillas said. No one deserves to go through this. All of us, our heart goes out and I pray and I hope that this will end. Chicago Academy parent Jillian Forbes said she hopes the school and CPS continue to support student activism. Our children should not be silenced. I know that theres kids in other schools that are being suspended ... for saying things like Free Palestine, she said. Im extremely proud. ... I think it was beautiful, Forbes said of the walkout. Jenna, who led the organizing effort, said she was inspired by an October walkout at Reavis High School in Burbank and hopes the Chicago Academy demonstration will inspire others. Holding an informational session beforehand prompted the large turnout, she said. I wanted everyone to be walking out with the purpose to understand whats actually going on, Jenna said. It shows were all family, she said of the diversity of students involved. It shows whats happening in Palestine affects people in Chicago and people of other cultures. Casillas said she was inspired and expects the spirit of solidarity among Chicago Academy students to grow. I hope in the future that if anything like this happens again, we will all stand up and support each other. Jenan said shell be navigating the rest of her school year with Palestinian students and family in mind. Hearing them say Im OK when you know deep down they actually arent OK, and you can hear it in their voice, truly affects me as a student, she said. But, Jenan added, I want to give it my all; I want to push through it. I want to finish the school year, not for me for all those students who didnt get the opportunity to finish the school year, for all the students who have died. smacaraeg@chicagotribune.com Many of the desks at Chicago Academy High School sat empty during the last period of classes Thursday, as about 250 students half of the student body walked out to demand a cease-fire in solidarity with the children of Gaza. Palestinian American pupils organized the Chicago Public Schools-sanctioned walkout, leading chants as students marched around the predominantly Latinx school in Dunning on the Northwest Side before returning for the last 30 minutes of classes. My school hasnt really talked about it much, so I wanted to bring attention to it, said Jenna, a junior whose mother requested her last name not be used for safety reasons. Im proud of all the students that came out because they actually were chanting with us, they helped, they understood what were protesting for, she said. Im standing up and using my voice for Palestinian kids who are just like me, Jenna said, citing the killing of thousands of children since Israel intensified its airstrikes in the Gaza Strip on Oct. 7. More than 4,600 children have been killed in Gaza and nearly 9,000 injured since, Catherine Russell, executive director of UNICEF, a United Nations program that provides humanitarian aid to children worldwide, said in a statement Wednesday. Gaza is becoming a graveyard for children, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said last week. Schools have been attacked and transformed into shelters, and classes have been suspended, according to UNICEF. Thinking about how different life is for students in Gaza, where she has family, motivated Chicago Academy senior Jenan to speak out, she said. She also requested her last name not be used because of safety concerns. For some students to go to sleep, (with) no guarantee of the next day ... its mind blowing, Jenan said. Instead of worrying about the next test thats coming, or some homework they have to finish up, they worry about if they had their prayers all done, she said. I dont think thats OK. And I feel like more voices need to be heard. Even though some people may say that a voice cant do anything, it can do a lot, actually, Jenan said. It can spread awareness. It can change almost everything. Junior Alexza Guerrero, among the students who walked out in solidarity, said learning about the casualties of children in Gaza was shocking. The issue reminds her of her little brother and the recent loss of her great grandmother, she said. Showing support for these students and their families that they might lose ... is really important, Guerrero said of her Palestinian American classmates. I know how it feels to have a death in the family. And its not something to ignore, especially now that a lot of people are dying. Freshman Melissa Casillas said she didnt think twice about walking out and not only because the teachers were OK with students leaving classes. Students in Gaza do not deserve this at all, Casillas said. No one deserves to go through this. All of us, our heart goes out and I pray and I hope that this will end. Chicago Academy parent Jillian Forbes said she hopes the school and CPS continue to support student activism. Our children should not be silenced. I know that theres kids in other schools that are being suspended ... for saying things like Free Palestine, she said. Im extremely proud. ... I think it was beautiful, Forbes said of the walkout. Jenna, who led the organizing effort, said she was inspired by an October walkout at Reavis High School in Burbank and hopes the Chicago Academy demonstration will inspire others. Holding an informational session beforehand prompted the large turnout, she said. I wanted everyone to be walking out with the purpose to understand whats actually going on, Jenna said. It shows were all family, she said of the diversity of students involved. It shows whats happening in Palestine affects people in Chicago and people of other cultures. Casillas said she was inspired and expects the spirit of solidarity among Chicago Academy students to grow. I hope in the future that if anything like this happens again, we will all stand up and support each other. Jenan said shell be navigating the rest of her school year with Palestinian students and family in mind. Hearing them say Im OK when you know deep down they actually arent OK, and you can hear it in their voice, truly affects me as a student, she said. But, Jenan added, I want to give it my all; I want to push through it. I want to finish the school year, not for me for all those students who didnt get the opportunity to finish the school year, for all the students who have died. ____ China's President Xi Jinping gained a platform to address businesses on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, and this in itself was a success, say analysts (CARLOS BARRIA) In a whirlwind US trip this week, Chinese President Xi Jinping held long talks with President Joe Biden, got a standing ovation from top business leaders, and even hinted there could be more pandas on the way to the United States. The high-profile welcome for Xi in San Francisco, coupled with the summit where he and Biden agreed to restore suspended US-Chinese military communications, add up to a successful visit, analysts say. But in the face of heightened business risks and enduring national security concerns, experts say the rhetoric needs now to be backed up by action if it is produce meaningful long-term results for the Chinese leader, whose slowing economy needs to reverse the flight of foreign capital. "For China, Xi's ability to gain a prominent platform in San Francisco (and) to speak with US business leaders was a success in and of itself," said Nathaniel Sher, senior research analyst at Carnegie China. At a dinner Wednesday attended by executives like Apple CEO Tim Cook and BlackRock's Larry Fink, Xi said China was ready to be a "partner and friend" of the United States. He hinted Beijing could send more panda bears -- always a huge hit at US zoos -- as "envoys of friendship." The world's richest person, Tesla and SpaceX tycoon Elon Musk, also met Xi before the dinner with other representatives, said Tesla in a Chinese social media post. - Chilling effect - Xi's appearance at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in San Francisco marked a rare chance for him to interact with foreign business leaders, noted Trivium China in a newsletter, offering the opportunity to challenge the idea that China is inhospitable to foreign firms. He did not show up in person to the APEC CEO summit -- and China did not offer an explanation for the no-show -- offering instead a written speech inviting firms to invest and deepen their footprint, promising "heart-warming" measures "to make it easier for foreign companies to invest and operate in China." But beyond the warm words, US investors will be watching Xi's actions, as the world's number two economy slows and business confidence weakens. China's anti-espionage law, cybersecurity investigations, raids on multinationals, wrongful detentions and non-market practices "all have chilling effects on foreign investment," Sher told AFP. "Above all, multinationals want more legal and regulatory predictability in China, not more hollow statements about China's commitment to win-win development," he added. - 'First step' - On the political front, the sit-down with Biden could be said to have been a qualified success, observers said. The United States and China have a common goal of stabilization of their relations after a rough few years, said Australian ambassador to the United States Kevin Rudd. "It means reopening former lines -- political, diplomatic and now military communication," he told reporters on the sidelines of the APEC summit. "This is not just a term, it actually has machinery of government around it," said the former Australian prime minister. "The bottom line with all the above is the proof of the pudding will lie in the eating. The framework is there, they're measurable. What will now happen in practice?" For now, the restoration of military-to-military communications is "just the first step," he said. It remains unclear if China has changed its own strategic timetable surrounding Taiwan -- the self-ruled island Beijing claims as its own -- or if the latest talks will change its military's behavior. - Strategic needs - To Seton Hall University professor Zheng Wang, Xi's first US visit in six years and the Biden-Xi summit symbolize "a potential turning point" in bilateral ties after the hostility of recent years. "We've witnessed a trade war, technology conflicts, and the far-reaching impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic," he said. And now Biden will be managing his reelection campaign while monitoring war in Ukraine and tensions in the Middle East, while Xi navigates China's economic challenges and the perpetual intrigue of politics at the top of the Communist Party. A former foreign minister has gone missing and the whereabouts of the defense minister remain unclear. "Stable and constructive US-China relations are therefore needed for both sides," Wang said. Yet, Xi could have gone "much further" to reassure the United States and the global community of China's benign intentions, Sher said. "If the 'rejuvenation' of China entails a rejection of the existing international order, nothing that Chinese leaders say in international fora will prevent the US and its partners from seeking to impede Beijing's rise," he said. bys/hg/sms When Nikki Haley proposed a requirement this week that social media companies ban users from posting on their platforms anonymously out of concern for national security, Ron DeSantis and his allies had a field day. His campaign staffers took to Twitter to accuse Haley of wanting to clamp down on constitutionally protected speech. DeSantis himself tweeted that anonymous voices are key to free speech rights in the United States, hearkening back to Founding Fathers like Alexander Hamilton, John Jay and James Madison, who collectively authored the Federalist Papers under the pseudonym Publius. Haleys proposal to ban anonymous speech online similar to what China recently did is dangerous and unconstitutional, DeSantis wrote. It will be dead on arrival in my administration. DeSantis hasnt always been such an ardent defender of anonymous speech. During his tenure as Florida governor, he has railed repeatedly against the use of unidentified sources in news stories, going as far as to host a live-streamed roundtable discussion earlier this year to push for legal changes that would have clamped down on journalists use of such voices and make it easier to sue reporters for defamation. A measure introduced in the state legislature earlier this year would have removed many of the legal protections journalists have against defamation claims, including their ability to refuse in most cases to identify anonymous sources. The bill also would have made using anonymous sources more difficult by creating the legal assumption that a statement by an anonymous source is presumptively false for purposes of a defamation action. That bill, HB 991, and its companion measure in the state Senate, SB 1220, ultimately died in committee. DeSantis later said that he has no issue with reporters citing anonymous sources in cases of real serious malfeasance in government, when using someones name could put their livelihood at risk, but said that journalists often use anonymous sources to smear individuals. Nobody trusts these people anymore, DeSantis said during a stop in Jupiter in May. Everybody knows when they see this stuff, they know someones trying to feed them some type of narrative. Theyre trying to sell you a bill of goods. Still, the governors critics say that the effort leaves little room for DeSantis to criticize Haleys proposal. He has been the most anti-free speech governor in the history of Florida and among the most anti-free speech governors the United States has ever seen, said Fernand Amandi, a Miami-based Democratic operative and DeSantis critic. To me, whats really interesting is theyre willing to risk the hypocrisy badge because theyre so desperate and scared about Haley. DeSantis, long considered the most viable alternative to former President Donald Trump in the 2024 Republican primary, is facing an increasingly serious challenge from Haley, a former South Carolina governor and United Nations ambassador. The two are competing for the support of a Republican electorate deeply anxious about the influence of foreign adversaries, like China and Iran, on American life. Haley sought to partially walk back her proposal on anonymous social media accounts during an appearance on CNBC on Wednesday, saying that she doesnt mind anonymous American people having free speech, but opposes anonymous Russians and Chinese and Iranians having free speech. Haleys campaign tore into DeSantis for his criticism of her remarks, accusing him and his campaign of hypocrisy given his past efforts to crack down on the use of anonymous sources. He wants China and Iran to be able to do anything anonymously on social media, but doesnt want Americans to be able to speak to the press anonymously, Haleys campaign said in a statement to the Miami Herald. The more DeSantis loses, the more he lies. Bryan Griffin, the press secretary for DeSantis presidential campaign, said in an email to the Herald that the governors past comments were clearly different from Haleys remarks. He also said that DeSantis roundtable this year included discussing how the media fabricates anonymous sources to defame people, though he didnt provide any examples or evidence of fabricated sourcing. Defamation is not a constitutionally protected right, and the media certainly needs more accountability when they utilize unfair advantage and disproportionate resources to attack and cancel people they disagree with, Griffin said. This is plainly different from Nikki Haleys proposal to restrict the First Amendment right of everyday citizens to speak anonymously. Thomas Kennedy, an activist and Democratic National Committee member who was banned last year from attending the governors press conferences after disrupting several events, said that he agreed with DeSantis that Haleys initial comments went too far. But he said that the governors track record on free speech including his approach to anonymous sourcing in journalism effectively strips him of the ability to criticize her. I agree with the criticism of it, but in terms of DeSantis take on it, hes a hypocrite, Kennedy said. His whole approach has been to stifle ideas and people he doesnt like. Its only free speech when its ideas that he likes, Kennedy added. A man moved to an empty seat on a United Airlines flight headed to New Jersey and groped the woman next to him, federal prosecutors said. Now, hes going to prison. Ryan A. Manuella, 30, of Cheektowaga, New York, moved around the plane and sitting in several seats on the flight from Denver, Colorado to Newark on April 26, 2021, according to court documents. Before sitting next to the woman, who was in a window seat, the man sat in her row in the aisle seat of a man who had gotten up to go to the bathroom, a criminal complaint filed in court says. Manuella is accused of going through the mans bag and taking his glasses before the man returned and told him to leave, the criminal complaint says. Then, Manuella moved to the empty middle seat next to the woman, according to the criminal complaint. At some point, he touched the womans groin and inner thigh with his hand without her consent, the criminal complaint says. The woman, who told Manuella to get away from her, immediately alerted a flight attendant, who moved Manuella to a different seat until the plane landed in Newark, according to the criminal complaint. Manuella was sentenced to two years in prison for the assault, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of New Jersey announced in a Nov. 17 news release. The charge he faced carried a maximum sentence of 10 years, according to the plea agreement. Andrew Olesnycky, his criminal defense attorney, told McClatchy News in a statement on Nov. 17 that as demonstrated at sentencing, this was a tragic case in which Mr. Manuella was suffering from a mental health condition at the time of the offense and was flying home to seek assistance from family members. Manuella previously pleaded guilty to assault with intent to commit stalking on an airplane, prosecutors said. According to prosecutors, Manuella admitted that touching the victim caused her substantial emotional distress. He was initially charged with abusive sexual contact, court records show. Olesnycky told McClatchy News Mr. Manuella denied committing the widely-publicized offense with which he was originally charged and his guilty plea is a more accurate reflection of what actually occurred. Manuellas sentence will be followed by three years of supervised release, according to prosecutors. United Airlines declined a request for comment from McClatchy News on Nov. 17. Previous charges In October 2022, Manuella was sentenced to 12-30 months in prison in connection with attempting to bribe a deputy in Nevada, according to the Record-Courier. The alleged bribery stemmed from when Manuella was accused of trying to evade charges for a domestic battery case, the Tahoe Daily Tribune reports. In June 2020, Douglas County, Nevada issued an alert saying Manuella was wanted on a felony arrest warrant for domestic battery with strangulation and urged the public to contact the county sheriffs office with information on his whereabouts. Manuella failed to appear in court in the Nevada case and evaded the Douglas County Sheriffs Office, according to the Record-Courier. He was found after he was arrested in the federal case in New Jersey. Cheektowaga is about 10 miles northeast of Buffalo. Passenger threatened flight crew over mask, feds say. Now she owes American Airlines 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 For a previous report on this story, view the video player above. POWELL, Ohio (WCMH) The man who was accused of a Powell murder and was arrested in Indiana was also allegedly holding a woman in a car against her will at the time of his arrest. According to documents from Delaware County Common Pleas Court, Marshall County, Ind. deputies pursued Brandon Toleque, who is charged with the murder of 33-year-old Arazeia Richardson, the morning of Nov. 15. In his car was a woman who told deputies that Toleque killed her boyfriend and raped her. Reynoldsburg man accused of kidnapping after an argument over a power tool The documents state that deputies attempted to pull over Toleque during a routine traffic stop for speeding along U.S. Route 30 near Michigan Road in Plymouth, Ind. Lt. Det. Les McFarland wrote in an affidavit that Toleque attempted to get away from authorities, but ended the chase at a gas station about three miles away. This embedded content is not available in your region. During the pursuit, deputies observed a woman trying to get out of the vehicle. She also waved her arms out the window at deputy cruisers, according to the affidavit. After the chase, she told the deputies that she was being held against her will and that (Toleque) killed my boyfriend. The woman also said that Toleque told her he needed to trust her, before allegedly raping her twice in the car. Investigators in Indiana believe that Toleque fled to the state after killing Richardson in Powell. Marshall County authorities relayed the information to the Delaware County Sheriffs Office, who then notified Powell police. Powell police visited Toleques home in the 200 block of Thornbury Lane, where they discovered Richardsons body with a single gunshot wound to the left-rear torso area, on the lower-level floor of the residence. BCI Crime Scene agents found two 9mm pistols, one of which contained a mounted light. Brandon Toleque (Courtesy/Marshall County, Ind. Sheriffs Office) Surveillance video obtained from a Ring camera showed Toleque, the female passenger, Richardson and two other individuals entering the residence on the evening of Nov. 12, according to the affidavit. The two individuals, a couple, according to the report, left later in the evening, followed by Toleque and the woman at 1:09 a.m. The video did not show Richardson leaving the home. Investigators interviewed the two other people spotted on camera, who said that they witnessed Toleque in possession of a handgun with a light on it. They also said that Toleque and the woman, who may have been impaired, were being flirtatious, and they left the home feeling uncomfortable. One of the witnesses told authorities that Toleque came to his residence and offered him $1,000 to help him with something. Statements from the couple matched each other and the Ring camera surveillance, according to police. Suspect rams into multiple police vehicles near Polaris This embedded content is not available in your region. A judge then issued an arrest warrant for Toleque, who has twice served sentences out of the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas. In 2019, he pleaded guilty to weapons charges and received a sentence of 12 months of community control. In 2021, he was sentenced to two years in prison after pleading guilty to burglary. Through the Delaware County Common Pleas Court, Toleque has also been convicted of aggravated robbery in 2012 and domestic violence in 2015. Arazeias family said they are convinced something does not add up in this story. They say now they are looking for closure. My thing of it is here, is that we shouldnt be playing with peoples lives. And in this case, I just feel that my nephews life was played with and it was cut short because of a game, said Pastor Paul Mumford, Richardsons uncle. Arazeias sister, Lakeshia Richardson, told NBC4 that she was shocked and confused to find out her brother, a father of six, had been killed. If nobody knew anything else about him, he was fun and he loved life. He didnt, we didnt like to fight and argue, Richardson said. The family said they didnt know much about Toleque, but did know he was supposedly friends with Richardson and his girlfriend. Like the detective says, its far from over, Richardson said. But you know, just me already knowing some past certain situations and the history of them going on and off and the problems they have. It does make me very angry. Toleque, who is also facing an aggravated menacing charge in Franklin County Municipal Court from September, is expected to be extradited to Ohio from Indiana. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. A pedestrian who was hit by a SUV while crossing U.S. Highway 40 in Independence on Thursday evening has died, according to police. Officers were dispatched shortly before 6 p.m. to a crash involving the pedestrian and one vehicle near 36th Terrace, Sgt. Jeff Buck of Independence police said in a statement. The driver of a Hyundai Tucson was headed east on the highway while the pedestrian was in the roadway, according to police. The pedestrian, who was not identified on Thursday, was transported by ambulance to the hospital and died shortly after arriving there. The driver remained on scene, according to police. No one in the vehicle was injured. Independence police continued to investigate the crash Thursday night. PENNSAUKEN A Philadelphia man is accused of robbing a bank, using a rented van for his getaway, and then crashing into multiple police cars in an attempt to flee. Two Pennsauken police officers sustained injuries that were not considered life-threatening during a crash, according to the Camden County Prosecutors Office. The incident began around 4 pm. Tuesday, Nov. 14, when police responded to a holdup at a TD Bank on the 4900 block of Route 130, according to an account from the prosecutors office. Longtime dental assistant is slain Police search for murder suspect ends with suicide of Laurence Conner of Franklin Kevin Allure, 34, allegedly passed a note demanding cash and threatened bank employees. He fled with an undisclosed amount of money in a U-Haul van, the account said. When officers tried to stop the van a short time later, Allure rammed three police vehicles before the van broke down on Haines Road near John Tipton Boulevard, police alleged. Allure was arrested after a foot chase. He was being held in Camden County Jail on charges that include robbery, eluding and resisting arrest. Allure was also charged with three counts of criminal mischief and two counts of assault by auto. The charges are only allegations. Allure has not been convicted in the case. Jim Walsh is a senior reporter for the Courier-Post, Burlington County Times and The Daily Journal. Email: Jwalsh@cpsj.com. This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: Philadelphia man charged in connection with TD Bank holdup PENSACOLA, Fla. (WKRG) A Pensacola business owner has been awarded $1.6 million after a week-long civil trial. The owner of DeLuna Oyster Company said Skanska U.S.A. barges destroyed his oyster cages during Hurricane Sally because the barges werent properly secured. DeLuna Oyster Companys total award included $445,016 in property damage and $1,244,761 in lost profits. READ NEXT: Latest Florida headlines from WKRG.com Skanskas attorneys argued the storm itself destroyed the oysters and equipment. This is the first of what could be hundreds of civil trials from Escambia County and Santa Rosa County residents, commuters and business owners who said the loose Skanska barges caused them financial damage. ALSO ON WKRG.com: Mobile County Grand Jury: officers in Jawan Dallas case not criminally liable For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5. The US Department of Defence has called on Congress to pass President Joe Biden's request for additional funding, including aid to Ukraine and Israel, as soon as possible. Source: Ukrinform news agency, citing Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh at a briefing. Quote: "We also urge Congress to pass our supplemental funding requests that would allow us to keep supporting Ukraine and Israel providing life-saving humanitarian assistance across the globe and makes critical investments in the Indo-Pacific." Details: Singh indicated that the additional funding would also be an investment in the US military industry. In addition, it will allow replenishment of the Pentagon's weapons stocks, which were allocated earlier in the form of foreign aid. The request for an additional budget will ensure America's national security needs, the Pentagon spokeswoman emphasised. She specified that the US Department of Defence currently has only US$4.9 billion in PDA packages (the allocations based on presidential authority ed.). In addition, about US$1.1 was left to replenish the Pentagon's own reserves. Singh said much more will be needed to support Ukraine, so the US administration has submitted a request to Congress. "We know that Ukraine continues to face and continues to endeavor and it's counter-offensive and they need continued support on a regular basis. So we know that we have to do that, we know that we have to continue to meet their needs," a Pentagon representative said. This issue, she explained, will definitely be discussed at the next meeting of the Contact Group for the Defence of Ukraine. The Pentagon will officially announce the date and plans for the Ramstein format meeting in the coming days, Singh added. 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 Johnson's project to extend funding with different terms for different government entities temporarily. On 14 November, Jake Sullivan, US Presidential National Security Advisor, said that 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. On 14 November, the US House of Representatives approved a two-stage temporary government funding bill without allocating money for aid to Ukraine and Israel. Support UP or become our patron! The Pentagon is already participating in the training of Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets, and the US is also planning to supply Ukraine with the components for these aircraft. Source: European Pravda with reference to the press service of the US Department of Defense Details: The Pentagon noted that earlier the US Department of State had expressed its readiness to approve the supply of US-made F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine through third countries. However, when Ukraine receives these fighter jets, the components will be needed to facilitate their technical maintenance and prolonging the flights, and the US is ready to do it, as William LaPlante, Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, stated. "Whatever we all deliver to the Ukrainians, provide 90 days of spares, please, please, that's the rule of thumb 90 days of spares," he said. LaPlante remarked that the F-16s can be put out of order in just a few months without the components, and the US will not let it happen. The US and its partners, especially within the Ukraines Defence Contact Group, are working jointly so that Ukraine has everything it needs and is able to cover its needs in the long run. Background: At the end of October the US confirmed the start of flight training of Ukrainian pilots on F-16s. It was also revealed that the European F-16 Training Centre (EFTC), where Ukrainian pilots will undergo training, has opened at the Romanian Fetesti Air Base. Support UP or become our patron! Guernsey's SMC has looked into how the system of island-wide voting worked Guernsey's Scrutiny Management Committee (SMC) has recommended the States looks at reducing the number of votes available to each voter by the 2025 election. The SMC has looked into how the system of island-wide voting worked. Its report concluded there "remains significant support for the ability to vote for any candidate who stands". It did not recommend making a change to the system of island-wide voting for the 2025 election. Deputy Yvonne Burford is the president of Guernsey's Scrutiny Management Committee In the report, SMC President Deputy Yvonne Burford said: "The review panel believes that some changes could be made that would constitute improvements." She added the report also provided a "broad evidence base for any possible future reconsideration of the electoral system locally". A number of deputies gave their views as part of the "call for evidence" in the review including Health and Social Care Committee President Al Brouard who said: "The island-wide vote gave the public what they wanted - I am not sure it was in their best interest." While Employment and Social Security President Peter Roffey said he "found island-wide voting both liberating and frustrating, but the latter outweighed the former." The recommendations have been put to the States Assembly and Constitution Committee (SACC), which is responsible for the rules governing elections in Guernsey. Deputy Carl Meerveld campaigned for electoral change in 2018 President of SACC, Deputy Carl Meerveld said he was not in favour of lowering the number of votes: "I think restricting the number would have people saying well I wanted those extra two votes, or 10." Mr Meerveld led the successful campaign to change Guernsey's electoral system in 2018 and commented he believed the negativity around island-wide voting is because the "the majority who liked the system probably remained silent in the survey". He also said he believed some of those who responded to the survey may have "conflated the performance of the current assembly" with the electoral system. Analysis from John Fernandez, BBC Guernsey Political Reporter If you are looking for a report which says let's go back to the old system of electing politicians, or let's move to a completely new one in 2025 - then look elsewhere - this is not it. Scrutiny instead has focussed on how the current island-wide voting system can be improved. The evidence the committee has gathered has shown a wish for a system that does not require voters to assess "an unwieldy number of candidates" at one time, coupled with a "clear desire to be able to vote for people outside of one's district". These are two things which are hard to marry. Looking further than the next election, this report does provide evidence that could be used by another committee to attempt to once again change the electoral system. The risk, according to this report, is "any reversion to a parish-based system would simply revive calls (for island-wide voting) and possibly make them even louder given that people will have had a taste of the ability to vote for any candidate". Follow BBC Guernsey on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. Send your story ideas to channel.islands@bbc.co.uk. Every policy maker in Kentucky should read reporter Taylor Sixs excellent package on plea bargaining in Kentucky. Its a sorry tale of a good idea gone terribly wrong. Plea bargaining started as an attempt to find a quicker outcome for defendants and lawyers, avoiding the time and money of a trial when the outcome, in prosecutors opinions, would most likely be the same. By allowing a defendant to plead guilty to lesser charges, it moves cases more quickly through the system than trials by jury, which require time and money and might result in a more severe penalty. The negotiations are held behind closed doors. The problem is that our justice system has become so reliant on plea deals that our justice system is sadly misnamed. Fewer than 10% of court cases in Lexington or the entire state make it to trial, Six found. Nationally about 97% of trials end in a plea deal, according to the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. The problem stems from many issues, from too few and poorly paid public defenders to equally understaffed prosecutors offices who are eager to clear their dockets on what may seem like slam dunk cases. But as usual, the victims are our most marginalized residents poor and people of color who lack resources and knowledge about the best way to protect themselves in a system that is supposed to provide justice. Once convicted felons, the people in plea bargained cases are unable to fully participate in society, unable to vote or find good jobs. COVID-19 also exacerbated the problem because the lack of court time multiplied the courts backlogs, Six found. The Kentucky Supreme Court in 2021 ordered Fayette County prosecutors and defense attorneys to begin taking part in mediation if it was ordered by a judge. Since then, Six reported, 50 of 74 mediated felony cases in Fayette County resulted in a guilty plea. Of those, 48 were murder cases. The stakes are high and sometimes fatal: The National Registry of Exonerations reports 20% of cases reviewed since 1989 involved people pleading guilty to crimes they didnt commit. The Innocence Project, an organization that seeks to prove wrongful convictions, reported that out of 375 DNA exoneration cases since 1989, 11% of defendants pleaded guilty to crimes they didnt commit. In Kentucky, there have been 23 exonerations since 1989, according to the Innocence Project. Experts say that while plea bargains started as a good idea, they have resulted in a system that gives prosecutors far more leverage than defense teams. The problems with plea deals may not be intentional or pernicious. But leaving the problem unfixed is as pernicious as crime. Six interviewed University of Louisville law professor and civil rights attorney Dan Canon, who called the current criminal justice system drive-thru-style justice. Its designed for speed, and its designed to sort of create as many convictions as possible in the shortest amount of time as possible, he told The Herald-Leader. No one has time to do anything, Canon said. No one has time to think, is the system a good idea? In his book, Pleading Out: How Plea Bargaining Creates a Permanent Criminal Class, Canon critiques the criminal legal system and claims it is an unjust system which creates a massive underclass of people who are otherwise banished from participating in society. He makes an interesting point: As it is right now, since everybody sort of goes into the thing with the expectation that everybodys going to plead, then police officers dont really care about crossing the ts and dotting their is. And prosecutors dont really care about the sort of evidentiary truth of the matter. When they have a case in front of them, they just want to get it off their desk as quickly as they can. Author Molly Walker Wilson called our system a perfect storm of under-representation for an underserved population. Helping the underserved isnt big with the tough on crime crowd currently governing our legislature. But we would call on leaders like Gov. Andy Beshear and Sen. Whitney Westerfield, R- Crofton, chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, to closely examine Kentuckys issues in this regard, and try to come up with solutions. Lawmakers already know Kentucky has one of the highest incarceration rates in the country. According to the Kentucky Center on Economic Policy, Kentuckys total correctional population in 2022 was 95,479 people, including 32,351 incarcerated people and another 63,128 who were on supervision (probation or parole). If Kentuckys correctional population was counted as a city it would be the states third largest, behind only Louisville and Lexington. But they arent doing much about it. Since a criminal justice reform bill in 2011, the General Assembly has enacted 76 laws increasing incarceration and only 14 reducing it, according to a new KyPolicy analysis. Too many plea bargains certainly arent helping. Solutions to this problem, unfortunately, involve huge amounts of money needed to hire more public defenders and prosecutors so there is less pressure to move cases so quickly through the system. Kentucky has many needs that require more funding. But we also have many smart people in this state who can certainly think about more creative ways to deal with a problem that threatens to make our justice system anything but just. Plea deals ease KY court burdens, but does this drive-thru-style justice help defendants? INDEPENDENCE, Mo. The Independence Police Department is investigating after a person was struck and killed by a vehicle Thursday night. The incident was reported just after 5:50 p.m. on U.S. 40 Highway and 36th Terrace. Kansas City motorcyclist killed in crash near 67th, Blue Ridge Boulevard Police say someone was crossing the road and was struck by the driver of a Hyundai Tucson. The person struck was taken to a local hospital and died shortly after arriving, according to police. The victim has not been identified at this time. Police said the driver of the Hyundai remained on scene and is cooperating with the investigation. The incident remains under investigation. Download the FOX4 News app on iPhone and Android For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. Man in custody after family violence call in Northeast El Paso EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) A 22-year-old man was taken into custody Friday morning, Nov. 17, after police responded to a family violence call in Northeast El Paso. Police and SWAT responded to the 10600 block of Obsidian at around 1:30 a.m. Friday. El Paso Police Public Information Officer, Detective Judy Oviedo says a weapon was used during the incident and a total of three people were in the residence. Oviedo says two family members were able to safely exit the residence and police negotiated with the 22-year-old man until he was taken into to custody. No further information has been released. This story will be updated once we learn more. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. A person was rescued from their submerged vehicle thanks to a Good Samaritan on a lobster boat, Maine police say. A 33-year-old rolled off the Cutter Street Boat Launch in their car and into the water along the beach in Portland at about 12:06 p.m. on Nov. 15, according to a news release from the Portland Police Department posted on Facebook. The person became trapped in the car while it sank underwater, police said. The vehicle drove off the boat launch at a slow speed, police told News Center Maine. Firefighters and police officers forced themselves into the submerged vehicle, but police said a nearby lobster boater had a diver who helped first responders pull the person from the car. The person was initially unresponsive without a pulse, police said, but they were revived. They were sent to Maine Medical Center for treatment, where they were last reported to be in stable condition, police said. The accident is still under investigation, according to police. The vehicle that the person was stuck in had been reported stolen from South Portland earlier in the day, police said. Men fall into river while trying to cross, Oregon sheriff says. One dead, one missing Lost hunter wanders 8 hours before rescuers find him on dark, foggy trail, WA cops say Heroic driver gets kids off school bus just before it catches fire, NC district says Im a survivor of sex abuse at the hands of a youth pastor. I was a teenager in a broken home. It feels trite to say abuse is traumatic. The fact is it alters a young persons life for years. My own personal journey of healing led to later work as a therapist supporting victims and advocating for additional ways to protect children in religious settings. Ive also conducted research with an eye toward identifying systems and best practices to deter abuse. As an adult, I converted to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. While no organization operates perfectly, and theres always room for improvements, Ive been impressed by a range of effective systems and practices implemented to protect children in the global church. This is why I was confused to read a recent Associated Press news report characterizing the church as having a system to protect itself from costly lawsuits by keeping abuse secret. In addition to casting suspicion on church motivations, the reporting failed to mention numerous best practices Ive observed in the church and which I believe should be adopted by organizations more broadly. Earlier this month, an Arizona judge dismissed a lawsuit alleging local leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day responded improperly after a congregant confessed a past instance of abuse against his own daughter. The Cochise County Superior Court dismissed the case and found Church Defendants were not required under the Mandatory Reporting Statute to report the abuse of Jane Doe I by her father because their knowledge of the abuse came from confidential communications which fall within the clergy-penitent exception in the Mandatory Reporting Statute. Related As the Deseret News reported, in 2011 the abuser Paul Adams told his Latter-day Saint bishop at the time of a single past incident of abuse of one child and the bishop encouraged Adams and his wife Leizza to report the abuse. Both refused to do so. Adams was excommunicated in 2013, according to church officials, and Leizza Adams later served time in prison for her role. Paul Adams took his own life while awaiting trial. The details of the Adams case are unquestionably heart-wrenching, and its understandable to look for who is to blame for not stopping this abuse sooner. The Associated Press Michael Rezendes used the Arizona case as the centerpiece of an investigation into the churchs practices around reporting abuse. Rezendes is known for his Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative work at the Boston Globe, helping expose sex abuse by Catholic clergy in the city. I certainly respect Rezendes journalism credentials and applaud his admirable history of work in this arena. Yet the articles on the Arizona case, even after it was dismissed, have insinuated local leadership had been aware of the details of ongoing abuse despite available evidence suggesting otherwise. And the church itself is seemingly portrayed as somehow eager to cover up this abuse, without identifying what would motivate such behavior especially given that the perpetrator seems to have been a lapsed congregant with infrequent ties to the community. At times, it has felt like the reporter sought to apply a certain template of what happened in Boston to a very different set of facts of what occurred in Arizona and how the Latter-day Saints operated. Nuance matters in seeking truth and stopping abuse. And there are certain fundamentals we know that help protect children. For instance, its been well known for years that abuse is less likely when children reside in safe environments. Strong home and faith communities can be a part of this. There are also a unique set of systems and specific safeguards operating within Latter-day Saint congregations that help deter abuse. Though Ive written about some of these before, they merit revisiting at greater length: 1. Geographical organization and member-number system. Compared with allowing people to worship wherever they want, established geographical boundaries provide unique protections by helping leaders and congregants alike be more aware of who attends, who leads and who interacts with children. And, the churchs member-number system allows leadership to make a confidential annotation on a persons file that will follow the person from congregation to congregation if they are not safe to be around children. Advocates for safer practices in churches have long encouraged denominations to implement a similar member-number system. 2. Parental participation and two deep leadership. Since 2018, the church has ensured a two-deep leadership model throughout any youth organizations, mandating that at least two adults be present in all activities that involve youth or children. This means if theres a Sunday school class for children or young adults, two adults must always be present. This same policy has been increasingly adopted by other organizations working with youth. Additional changes to interviewing policies in the church encourage parents to attend a youth interview with a bishop if they prefer. If a young person wants to speak alone with clergy (which may facilitate young persons speaking candidly about abuse at home), parents or guardians are still asked to remain close by. 3. A system of public callings and sustainings. The calling system in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (in which unpaid congregants are assigned volunteer roles in the congregation) serves as another structural safeguard that throttles would-be abusers by making access to young people significantly harder. Simply put, no one can serve alongside children merely by volunteering. They are only asked to serve in such a position after consideration by both male and female church leaders, usually who also have families and children in the congregation. The fact that every new calling is presented for a public sustaining vote in front of the full congregation is also significant since everyone has a chance to know about it (and congregants have a chance to object if they know of any reason to be concerned either publicly or in private). 4. Windows in doors of Sunday school and primary classrooms. The church has now ensured that windows are standard on doors where children are taught. This allows for parents to easily monitor their children and classroom activities. Older chapels are receiving retrofitting. 5. Unpaid bishops leading congregations. Bishops almost always have a history as longtime members of their congregations prior to being asked to serve. The same is true of other church leaders. Since they are all unpaid, there is also no financial incentive to protect their ecclesiastical position or guard the wards bottom line or their own. They also know their role is temporary, and their actions are subject to review by successors and fellow leaders, both male and female, serving with them in the ward. 6. A formalized helpline prioritizing victim safety. However helpful vigilant local leaders can be, things could be missed in helping victims. Thats why Ive been grateful the church has prioritized for three decades now a dedicated helpline which ensures a consistently high-quality standard of care by connecting lay leaders with experts who can guide them on handling cases skillfully. Yes, these experts seek to help bishops comply with the law, but their first priority is always to protect any victim. As Ive written with a co-author previously, When a help line call is answered, the conversation focuses on safety first. If there is any indication that a child is, or may be, in imminent danger, authorities are notified immediately regardless of whether a report is mandatory under applicable law. One of the women who has worked on the helpline, Kate Taylor Lauck, likewise an abuse survivor, describes the other experts staffing the helpline as diligent, competent, compassionate and deeply committed to the work of protecting kids from abuse. 7. Direct female supervision. In my observation, its also significant to have multiple women in formal leadership positions working with Latter-day Saint girls and young women throughout their adolescence. From monitoring the children in Primary, to the ministering and care of leaders in the Young Women and Relief Society organizations, this ensures additional female mentorship at every stage of the life of young women who are statistically most vulnerable to abuse. 8. The safeguard of confession. Too often, commentators quickly assume that mandatory reporting is the one fail-safe solution to deter abuse. While its clear why this has become a push for many activists, scholars focused on mandatory reporting have cautioned against simplistic conclusions. One study, for example, found measurably fewer confirmed reports of child maltreatment in the 11 states requiring clergy to report all or some of the time compared with states without the requirement. What people may not understand is that by forcing clergy to become mandated reporters, we could inadvertently keep even more abuse hidden as abusers go underground. Likewise, its possible that a space for open confession may provide additional protection to victims by ensuring space exists for clergy to encourage bad actors to turn themselves in or helping to catch and deter concerning behaviors that could spiral. 9. Four decades of repeated leadership training. After my baptism in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I was struck to learn how long the church has been educating members directly about deterring abuse dating back to a 1985 training booklet addressing child abuse. That text emphasized the importance of trusting victims and taking their words seriously, and compassionately connecting them with professional help. It also instructed leaders to know and follow the reporting requirements in their state. The church handbook for leaders and members, going back at least two decades, has read, in instances of abuse, the first responsibility of the church is to help those who have been abused and to protect those who may be vulnerable to future abuse 10. Membership-wide training, especially for those working with youth. A mandatory online training course was launched in 2019 for all adults who interact with children and youth in their church assignments. And the challenging topic of abuse has been repeatedly and emphatically brought up in the faiths general conference. In my experience, this frequency and consistency with which abuse has been addressed is remarkable. In addition to these safeguards against abuse, Ive been struck at how receptive The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been to emerging practices. While its impossible to say how much potential abuse has been thwarted, its almost certain that in combination these practices have acted for decades now as a strong deterrent. This is why I wasnt surprised in my own analyses to find abuse rates measurably lower in Boy Scout of America troops associated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I have to wonder how many other young people would be protected if these practices were shared widely. These are the kinds of things that I would hope journalists and others would pay attention to in seeking to deter abuse and help victims. In addition to raising our voices against abuse, and telling the stories of victims which deserve to be heard, lets also spread greater awareness of practices and systemic safeguards that protect the precious dignity and safety of all Gods children. Jennifer Roach is a licensed mental health counselor who lives in American Fork, Utah. Polish truck drivers intend to blockade of another crossing point, MedykaShehyni, on Nov. 20, the AFP agency reported. Long-haul drivers are beginning a new stage of negotiations between the governments of Poland and Ukraine but are "not satisfied with the speed" of the talks, protest organizer Tomasz Borkovsky said. Negotiations involving the Ministries of Infrastructure of Ukraine and Poland and the transport department of the European Commission took place at the Dorohusk border crossing on Nov. 16. The key demand of the protesters a return to the permit system cannot be met, as the agreement on the liberalization of cargo transportation between Ukraine and the EU will remain in effect until June. Ukraines Infrastructure Ministry said. Polish protesters "did not accept the proposals" and the "parties continue to seek a solution," the Ministry said. What is known about the blocking of cargo crossing points on the border between Poland and Ukraine Polish carriers began strikes at the border with Ukraine on Nov 6. They blocked three crossing points for freight transport: KorczowaKrakovets, HrebenneRava-Ruska, and DorohuskYahodyn. Carriers plan to continue the strikes until Jan. 3. Demands include: returning permits to Ukrainian carriers, strengthening rules for foreign carriers under the European Conference of Ministers of Transport (ECMT), prohibiting the registration of companies in Poland if the company's finances are not within the EU, a separate queue in the E-line for vehicles with EU license plates, a separate queue at all borders for empty trucks, and gaining access to the Road System. Deputy Infrastructure Minister Serhiy Derkach stated on Nov. 13 that Ukraine negotiated with the Polish protesters blocking truck traffic at the border but did not reach an agreement. The Union of Slovak Carriers threatened to block the border crossing from their side on Nov. 15 for Ukrainian carriers if the European Commission does not restore the issuance of commercial permits for transportation within the European Union. On November 16, the European Commission stated that they could initiate punitive procedures against Poland if it does not resolve the issue of blocking crossing points on the border with Ukraine. Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine A powerful 6.8 magnitude undersea earthquake rocked the Philippines on Friday, Nov. 17, officials said. The quake occurred in the southern Mindanao region at 4:14 p.m. local time. Although initially logged as having a magnitude of 7.2, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) later downgraded the earthquake to 6.8, local news reported. There is currently no tsunami warning in effect. When news of the earthquake first broke on Friday, it was logged that no injuries or casualties had been noted, yet reports of both have since emerged. At present, the official death toll remains unknown. The Office of Civil Defense told TIME in an email on Saturday that information on the number of casualties is all subject to validation. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRMMC) told TIME in a separate email that it had tallied a total of seven deaths so far, but is still verifying reports. The working group is currently investigating three reported deaths in General Santos City, South Cotabato, two in Glan, Sarangani, one in Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental, and another in Malapatan, Sarangani. TIME reached out to the relevant government authorities for further details. Local police told TIME that three people have died in General Santos City. Corporal Christopher Larano, of General Santos City Police Station 4, told TIME in a phone call at around 1 a.m. Saturday local time that his police station now "had two victims of the earthquake. He said a married couplebelieved to be an 18-year-old female and a 26-year-old maledied when a wall fell on them. Speaking from Police Station 6, Corporal Peter Paul Malangan told TIME that one person had been found dead in a mall in General Santos City at around 12:30 a.m. on Saturday, local time. Others were injured, Malangan said, but he could not provide an exact number during the phone call. Saranganis government confirmed three deaths in the provincetwo in Glan and one in Malapatanin an official report posted to Facebook on Sunday. The government reported 61 people had been injured in Glan: 56 with minor injuries, four with serious wounds and one pregnant person, who was referred to another city for treatment. Four people were admitted to the hospital in Malapatan. Authorities said more than 1,500 households were impacted, with houses damaged or livelihoods disrupted, across the province. Glan Municipal Hall suffered major damage and has been declared unsafe for occupancy. Amid the fallout from the 6.8 magnitude earthquake, Glan police were reportedly dispatched to check on a landslide in a nearby village on Saturday. Saranganis governor, Rogelio Ruel Pacquiao, shared an update on the governments Facebook page around midnight Friday. He said that local agencies were conducting ongoing assessment of the damage. But we have not received any report of major damage to buildings and infrastructure, he said. Landslide going to [the] Glan area has been cleared and the road is now passable. Power supply and telecommunications are stabilized. He urged the public to "stay vigilant" and "take precautionary measures." On Saturday, the government of General Santos City, via its official Facebook page, said 541 individuals were brought to nearby hospitals. 509 people were treated as outpatients, while 32 were admitted. The announcement said that families of earthquake victims will be given financial assistance and hospital bills will be covered by the government. In an earlier public post, the government shared an update from the citys mayor, Lorelie Geronimo-Pacquiao, about disruption to the schooling system. Classes are suspended in both public and private institutions from elementary to tertiary level until further notice. Earthquakes are common in the Philippines. The country lies on the "Ring of Fire," a belt of volcanoes circling the Pacific Ocean, prone to seismic activity. Initial videos of the earthquake, shared by a local news outlet on Friday, showed people forced to evacuate from buildings and huddling on the floor of a shopping mall, amid thunderous shakes in General Santos City. Further footage showed the quake causing signs and antennas on the top of a 17-story building to shake. The building's employees were safely evacuated, local media shared. The earthquake is also reported to have cracked and shut down the Old Buayan Bridge, which joins General Santos and Sarangani. According to a local reporter, the airport in General Santos City sustained minor damage, including hairline cracks along columns in the building. They reported that no injuries had been logged among passengers or employees. In the aftermath of the earthquake, the Philippine Red Cross shared via Facebook that it was providing first aid and medical attention to students who collapsed." The Philippines' Office of Civil Defense said in an email to TIME on Friday that the earthquake had resulted in power outages in General Santos, Lebak and Sultan Kudarat, in addition to damaged houses in Sarangani and an affected school. The office said it had sent emergency alerts and warnings to six areas. By 6:30 p.m. local time, power had been restored in some parts of General Santos City and the Province of Sarangani, the local government posted on its Facebook page. With additional reporting from Chad de Guzman. Contact us at letters@time.com. 3M Co. is spinning off a health care business that includes its wound-care operations in San Antonio. Shown is 3M's headquarters in Minnesota. Anthony Souffle/Minneapolis Star Tribune U.S. industrial conglomerate 3M Co. announced Thursday that its health care business which includes medical technology operations in San Antonio is being spun off into a new company known as Solventum. 3M, the company behind Post-it notes, Scotch tape and Ace bandages, acquired San Antonios Acelity Inc. in 2019 in a transaction valued at $6.7 billion. Acelity previously had been known as Kinetic Concepts Inc. and focused on advanced wound care and specialty surgical applications. San Antonio billionaire James Leininger started Kinetic Concepts, also known as KCI, in 1976. It long was regarded as San Antonios most successful homegrown company in the health care field. Its products included V.A.C. (Vacuum Assisted Closure) Therapy System, used for wound closures. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The new 3M health care units Texas operations are based in San Antonio and employ 1,000 people across the state, a spokesman said. In total, the health care business employs more than 20,000 people. Solventum is an amalgamation of the words solving and momentum, Minnesota-based 3M said in its announcement. It revealed last year that it planned to spin off the health care business into a separately publicly traded company, joining what Reuters reported was a raft of U.S. manufacturers looking to simplify their business and boost investor returns. The business segment generated $1.8 billion in operating profit on $8.2 billion in revenue last year, accounting for almost a quarter of 3Ms total revenue. The new name will take effect when the spinoff occurs, which is expected in the first half of next year. It still needs the approval of 3Ms board of directors. Advertisement Article continues below this ad IN 2020: Acelity lays off 20 employees after 3M buyout This is another significant milestone on the path to building two world-class companies, 3M and Solventum, 3M chairman and CEO Mike Roman said in a statement. We continue to prepare for the spinoff, and were committed to driving long-term value for shareholders. The publicly traded KCI was acquired by London-based private equity firm Apax Partners and others in a $6.3 billion leveraged buyout in 2011. KCIs name changed to Acelity about 2015. MANILA (Reuters) -Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said on Friday he will meet with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping at the sidelines of the APEC Summit in San Francisco to discuss tensions and formulate ways forward in the South China Sea. "We will get the view of the Chinese president on what we can do to bring down the temperature, to not escalate the situation in the West Philippine Sea," Marcos said in a video message. Manila refers to the part of the South China Sea that it claims as the West Philippine Sea. "We will put together the ways forward because we are continuously trying to maintain the peace," Marcos said ahead of a meeting with Xi at the sidelines of the APEC Summit in San Francisco. Marcos said he also discussed South China Sea issues with U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris. China's embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to a request for comment. China claims sovereignty over nearly the entire South China Sea, pointing to a line on its maps that cuts into the exclusive economic zones of Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia. Taiwan, which China also claims as part of its territory, has said it does not accept Beijing's maps. The Permanent Court of Arbitration in 2016 said the line on China's maps had no legal basis, which Beijing rejects. The Philippines' foreign ministry on Thursday committed to continue resupply missions and an "upkeep" of a grounded navy ship in a disputed South China Sea atoll, saying it does not have to give prior notice to China. The Department of Foreign Affairs also called on China to remove all "illegal structures" it built within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone, cease reclamation in those areas and be accountable for the damage the activities caused. (Reporting by Neil Jerome MoralesEditing by Shri Navaratnam and Michael Perry) As the war between Israel and Hamas rages on, social media users are claiming an image shows an American military general named "Thomas Hurley" who allegedly died in Gaza. But a US Army spokesman said there is no record of a general with that name, and the picture -- taken by AFP in Iraq in 2005 -- actually shows now-retired General George Casey, who confirmed this. "Hezbollah released information about the death of American General Thomas Hurley in the tank holocaust that happened to Israeli forces in Gaza," says a November 14, 2023 post on X, formerly Twitter. "General Hurley is the US Department of Defense's chief expert on guerrilla warfare at the Institute for Military Strategic Studies." The post and similar claims spread across X and platforms including Instagram and TikTok, showing a man in American military fatigues and sunglasses. Screenshot from X, formerly Twitter, taken November 16, 2023 The United States rushed military equipment to Israel, a top ally in the Middle East, after Hamas fighters stormed across the border in a bloody October 7 attack, killing approximately 1,200 people and taking around 240 hostages, according to Israel's latest estimates. The country has also bolstered its forces in the region and supported hostage rescue efforts. But Defense Department officials have said since the start of the war that the department has no plans to send American forces into combat on behalf of Israel, whose air strikes and ground invasion have killed more than 11,500 people in Gaza, according to the Palestinian territory's Hamas-run health ministry. And there is no evidence an American general named Thomas Hurley has died in the fighting, as the rumors spreading online allege. A reverse image search revealed the image in the posts is an AFP photo showing retired General George Casey, then the top US commander in Iraq, in 2005. The original photo shows "Casey" written across his helmet. Top US commander in Iraq General George Casey arrives for a ceremony to restore Iraqi border security in the city of Kusaiba, Iraq, a battle ground during US operation Steel Curtain, along the Syrian-Iraq border, on November 30, 2005 DAVID FURST AFP "That's me and my aide right behind me," Casey, who later became the army's chief of staff, told AFP in a November 17 email. Casey retired in 2011 as a four-star general after 41 years in the military, and he has since held academic positions and served on corporate boards. AFP found no credible news reports related to an army general named Thomas Hurley dying in Gaza. Sergeant Pablo Saez, an army spokesman, told AFP the only army general he could find by that name was a brigadier general in the force's medical corps who was born in 1890 and died in 1963. "The 'American General Thomas Hurley' mentioned in the post does not exist," Saez said in a November 17 email. AFP also reached out to the Pentagon for additional comment, but no response was forthcoming. AFP has previously debunked other misinformation about the Israel-Hamas war here. I was startled every few minutes by the sight and sound of the plastic-coated gunpowder exploding with a flash, inches from my feet, smoke billowing in my eyes and blasts ringing in my ears. Volleying a firecracker at the wooden god effigies paraded at Phukets deceptively named Vegetarian Festival in fact, everyone goes vegan is deemed good luck by the thousands that gather there. But for the newbies among the crowd, including myself, it is mildly terrifying. As the crackers rained down, I looked to my right and saw an old man, not flinching in the slightest, with a knowing smile spread across his face. His local festival was back with an almighty bang. These processions tumble through the islands streets for nine days every October, and one particular element of the spectacle is infamous across Thailand. It is the event where people have swords or skewers, or umbrellas, or lampshades, or daggers, or even a BMX inserted through their cheeks. Festival piercings range from eye-catching to extreme (Lucie Grace) I thought Id feel queasier than I did, as I watched men and women, young and old, file past with objects fixed into their faces but its simply captivating, especially once you know the context. The Nine Emperor Gods Festival, as its also known, is not violent for the sake of violence; the veganism and mutilation are acts of devotion. Its a tradition that spans Phukets multicultural, multi-faith community, and its the highlight of the year. Read more on Asia travel: Its not just any Phuketian who can show up and pierce themselves. The Mah Song who do are very special folk; the earthly embodiments of one of the nine gods, seven angels or myriad bodhisattvas all Taoist, a tradition brought here by the Peranakan community from south China. Called by their god, these chosen Mah Song are revered by other locals throughout the festival while they take on their gods characteristics, mannerisms and language. Many become mediums in their teens; once youre a Mah Song, youre Mah Song for life. Knowing that, the monkey-esque movements by many Mah Song make sense; theyve become the emperor god Sun Wukong, a powerful primate. I saw a lot of this as I arrived at Jui Tui Shrine at 5.30am, dressed in white as all attendees who arent Mah Song must. I met local tour guide Jo Lecourt who led me around the sprawling Chinese temple, absolutely packed, and where countless yellow flags flapped in the breeze against the pre-dawn indigo sky. As the sun rose, almost 2,000 Mah Song were getting ready to go on the largest and longest parade of the nine-day proceedings, a 10km route that weaves around Phuket Old Town. Jo asked me, with a glint in her eye: Do you want to go to the piercing tent? The Mah Song wear bright colours, while all the other attendees wear white (Lucie Grace) I made my excuses. Its one thing to watch the Mah Song elegantly swoop by, adorned with steel, but its another to watch the metal pushed in. I was too squeamish and gave it a miss. This is the first year that the festival was back in full force after three years of pandemic restrictions and its a very welcome return. The festival first started to celebrate the end of a pandemic, almost one hundred years ago, so we still wanted to do it, Chanachon Jood Tandavanitj, owner of the Chinpracha House museum, explains. But it was only the Mah Song who were allowed to do the procession during those Covid times. Last year we still had masks on and were distancing but this year is much better and busier than usual. A lot of Thai tourists come here now. Its small wonder that domestic tourists have poured in. The event is a Phuket treasure, the legacy of the local Peranakan Chinese who make up around 60 per cent of the population, having moved up to the island via Malaysia centuries ago, to lend their expertise and labour to the tin mining industry. Because of this regional diaspora, similar festivals take place in Malaysia, Singapore and Taiwan, but the piercing and mutilation element is specific to Phuket. Chanachon Jood Tandavanitj, owner of the Chinpracha House museum (Lucie Grace) It never hurts and it never scars, says Kaewalee Siripohn, known as Pie to her friends. I joined her for lunch the day after the Jui Tui Shrine procession. Shes been a Mah Song for 23 years, one of many of who are pierced in the temple once theyre in a transcendent state. I cant speak Hokkien, I dont know it, but when my god first came to me, I went to the temple and wrote down her name in that language. Pie speaks the Hokkien language when shes in goddess mode and gives out blessings to devotees who line the streets as the parade passes, some in tears, praying as they are blessed by a Mah Song. It might have Taoist Chinese origins but the festival has developed to be distinctly Phuketian, with all islanders involved in some capacity, no matter their faith. Phuket has been very international for a long time. On some streets theres a Thai temple, a Chinese shrine, a Malay Muslim mosque and Christian church, all next to each other, Jood Tandavanitj says. Were very close to other cultures here. The vibrant architecture of Phuket Old Town (Getty) This cultural diversity has become Phuket Old Towns calling card, with the restaurants, stores and museums reflecting the different communities who made it what it is today. Tourism is beginning to shift away from the beaches, towards the colourful Old Town that gives Penangs and Singapores a run for their money. It saw the first boutique stay Hotel Verdigris open last year, where young proprietor Peach Pichakorn is keeping Peranakan culture alive through sumptuous design. Young people from Phuket are proud of their uniqueness. It means a lot to us, she told me, proudly. Phuketians come home for the festival every year, from the corners of Thailand or Malaysia they live in. Some even come back from as far as the US or Europe, she tells me as I head out, and its easy to understand why. Phukets Old Town is magnetic. I vow to her Ill be back to visit the festival again, fully vegan. Maybe the firecrackers wont scare me so much next time. Travel essentials Getting there Tui Airways is the only airline that flies direct from the UK. Otherwise, you can reach Phuket with Qatar Airways, Emirates, Eithad, Turkish Airlines, Thai Airways or Cathay Pacific on a connecting flight via mainland Thailand. Phuket Old Town is a one-hour drive from Phuket International Airport. Staying there The Courtyard Marriot Hotel Request a room that overlooks the parade route or watch the events from classy lobby bar, the Talung Lounge. Hotel Verdigris The Old Towns first boutique hotel is the perfect homage to the rich local history and a blissfully quiet escape from the hubbub of the festival. More information Take an expertly delivered private tour of the festival with Jo Lecourt and her team; phukettourswithjo.net Read more on the best hotels in Phuket A globetrotting pet pig's 4,000-mile move from the USA to the UK has been delayed after his owners faced spiralling costs and bureaucracy. Alison and Ruben Castillo had hoped Wilbur would move with them from North Carolina to Lincolnshire on 8 November. But they said just a day before their flight they were informed Wilbur must first isolate in the USA for 30 days. Remaining with the pig, army veteran Mr Castillo said the move had become one of his "more difficult deployments". The news that Wilbur must isolate before travelling to join the family, their dog and their three cats in Heckington came after Mr and Mrs Castillo had already spent nearly $14,500 (around 11,600) to move their pets to the UK. Mrs Castillo, now in the family's new home in the village near Sleaford, said they only found out on 7 November that the eight-year-old Julianna pig would not be able to fly with the other animals the following day. While a pig was classed in the United States as a pet, in the UK it was considered as livestock and therefore faced different rules, she said. Mrs Castillo said this meant husband Ruben was forced to cancel his flight and stay in the family's almost empty home in North Carolina to look after Wilbur until he was allowed to travel. "There are agreements between England and America about how animals are imported and exported," she said. "We've had trouble navigating them because a pig isn't a normal pet. That is not a system that people are used to dealing with. "Everything takes so long to get sorted." Speaking to the BBC from the USA, Mr Castillo, a retired US marine, said: "I've been on several deployments, including combat deployments, and I have to say this is probably one of the more difficult ones. "When you deploy in the military you have a team behind you, but this has been a little more hectic." Mrs Castillo, who was brought up in the Yorkshire countryside, said while she appreciated the importance of not bringing animals into the country without the correct paperwork, she wished it had been easier to work out. "At every turn, red tape, expense and government agencies on both sides of the Atlantic weighed in," she said. Those agencies included the United States Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the United States Department of Agriculture, according to Mrs Castillo. "All held a piece of the puzzle and required fees," she said. Costs included $13,000 (10,455) in flights and transport fees, $665 (535) for a custom-built flight crate for Wilbur, and $800 (643) in ground transport fees, she added. The family also set up a fundraiser to help pay for their animals' move, which has so far raised more than $4,700 (3,781) of its $15,000 (12,066) target. Mrs Castillo added that more paperwork still needed to be completed, but she hoped the family would be reunited in time for Christmas. "We hope all these issues can be resolved and my husband and that darn pig can get on a flight and we can all be together," she said. Follow BBC East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram. Send your story ideas to yorkslincs.news@bbc.co.uk An Orange County man was sentenced to 10 years in prison Thursday for distributing and receiving child pornography. The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York announced Zachary Huebsch, 25, of Pine Bush, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Kenneth M. Karas following his guilty plea to those charges on May 24. According to the U.S. Attorney's office, Huebsch communicated with a 12-year-old on Discord, a social media platform, in July and August of 2021. Prosecutors said he instructed the girl to engage in various sexual acts and to perform those acts on live-streaming video. Prosecutors said Huebsch preserved sexually explicit images of the girl from those live-streaming sessions. Huebsch also discussed meeting with the victim to engage in sexual activity, and he sent her a screenshot of a map of a park near her house with a suggested meeting location. Vehicular manslaughter: Oklahoma woman indicted in fatal June crash in town of Newburgh Prosecutors said an investigation into Huebsch began after the girl's mother reported to authorities concerning communications that she discovered on her daughter's phone. In addition to 10 years in prison, Karas also sentenced Huebsch to 10 years of supervised release. Damian Williams, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, said in a statement released by his office, "The defendant's conduct was abhorrent and illustrates the dangers that online predators pose to vulnerable members of our community, our children." Huebsch's attorney, Joseph Immanuel Ser, could not immediately be reached for comment. Mike Randall covers breaking news for the Times Herald-Record and the Poughkeepsie Journal. Reach him at mrandall@th-record.com or on Twitter @mikerandall845. This article originally appeared on Times Herald-Record: Child pornography sentence for Orange County man in federal court When Lee and Sarah Araujo wanted a dog, they were surprised to find a purebred American cocker spaniel among the mutts and mixes on the website of a Largo animal shelter in early October. The couple rushed to SPCA Tampa Bay before the doors opened the morning that 7-year-old Becca became available. Typically, the nonprofit works to adopt out homeless animals that came from other shelters, and pets given up by their owners. But Becca, and more purebreds like her, had come from a source that hadnt been tapped before. As part of a six-month pilot program, dogs were brought here from out-of-state facilities that house them en masse, breed them repeatedly and sell their puppies in stores what welfare advocates call puppy mills. It was a remarkable shift for Martha Boden, the longtime CEO of SPCA Tampa Bay, who not long ago tried to shut down the commercial breeding industry for its abuses. Now she was partnering with it. Through Pinnacle Pet, a Missouri-based broker that supplies stores with puppies, SPCA Tampa Bay accepted 23 dogs like Becca that were retired from birthing one litter after another at facilities in the Midwest. By partnering with puppy sellers, Boden reasoned she could keep a closer eye on an industry she believes isnt going away. And the influx of purebreds would attract more adopters who, once in the door, might see another dog they like, she said. In a community like ours, where they are not shutting down the pet stores anytime soon, this is a way that we can have a direct impact on the animals that are being raised and brought into our community, Boden said. The initiative, called For All Dogs, drew outrage when the SPCA made it public in October. National organizations and former local allies condemned the practice. They said that, by not fighting to shut down the pipeline from puppy mills to stores, Boden was assisting a for-profit industry that subjects dogs to misery and abuse. The Florida Association of Animal Welfare Organizations asked her to resign from its board, and local activists are demanding she step down from the shelter she has led for 12 years. She needs to go, said Dan Hester, a former ally of Boden and co-founder of Meow Now, a feline trap, neuter and release program in Pinellas County. If she does not go, the board will be held accountable for what will ultimately be the slow demise of SPCA Tampa Bay because the animal welfare community is not going to let this go. Critics also believed the unusual partnership was at odds with the mission to reduce the number of animals killed in shelters. Boden had brought in breeders at a time when the SPCAs record for saving dogs was being questioned by her critics. A higher rate of dogs are euthanized at her nonprofit compared to Pinellas County Animal Services. So why bring in more? This is legitimizing something the rest of animal welfare nonprofits are fighting, no matter how she spins it, said Denise Deisler, CEO of Jacksonville Humane Society. You are putting what is tantamount to the Good Housekeeping seal of approval on puppy mills, which is perpetuating cruelty. There were more facets to the partnership. The SPCA also had taken over state-mandated medical exams for puppies being sold at two Sunshine Puppies stores in Pinellas. The SPCA next planned to import puppies born in breeding operations with imperfections like crooked tails or underbites, which makes them less suitable for sale in stores. But amid the backlash, Boden suspended the partnership in late October. The SPCA returned medical care at Sunshine stores to their private veterinarian and stopped the transfers of retired breeding dogs to its shelter. The move hasnt satisfied her critics. About 50 activists, organized by Florida Voices for Animals, protested outside the Largo shelter the day after the suspension with signs saying stop puppy mills and fire CEO Boden. Theyve lobbied Pinellas County commissioners with their concerns and say more protests are planned. Boden said she isnt resigning. A strategy shift Boden took over SPCA Tampa Bay in 2011 after five years leading the Humane Society of Indianapolis. She opened a veterinary center and a spay and neuter clinic in St. Petersburg while increasing the SPCAs contributions and grants five-fold. Last year, she aligned with others in the animal welfare community to fight the commercial puppy industry. As the number of stores that sold puppies in the county grew, she led the fight to shut them down. Puppies sold in cages and behind glass in stores do not come from home-based breeders who care for breeding dogs as pets and meet the families buying their litters. They are brought in from large-scale operations that house dozens or hundreds of dogs in kennels, cages or runs. They repeatedly breed the dogs and transport their puppies around 8 weeks old to be sold in pet stores. In June 2022, Boden stood before the Pinellas County Commission and said this system results in fear, pain, disease, neglect and cruelty. She pushed the commission to join what are now seven states and 500 municipalities that have banned stores that sell puppies. Humanely raised, mass-produced puppies that simply does not exist, said Boden, who earned $178,844 last year, according to SPCA filings. The lobbying from her and others resulted in a partial victory. Commissioners voted to ban new stores but allowed six existing ones to remain open. Thats when Boden began to shift her strategy. Since the stores were going to continue operating, she said her idea was to put down the swords and see if she could improve the industry. She began working directly with Chris Fleming, the CEO of Pinnacle Pet, who traveled from Missouri to tour SPCA Tampa Bays facility. Boden and a dozen staffers took five trips to visit 18 Midwest breeding operations that supply Pinnacle Pet. She called the tours a game changer because she saw facilities that didnt look like the cramped places she was used to seeing in photos. She said the kennels she visited had spacious enclosures and yards for exercise. The dogs had toys and trusted people, she said. The SPCA paid for the trips, and Pinnacle provided lodging, Boden said. I am learning that there is a whole lot more than I understood when we were in front of the commission before, Boden said. She said no money was exchanged between SPCA and Pinnacle Pet for the 23 retired breeding dogs. Sunshine Puppies paid the nonprofit for the veterinary care, but she declined to disclose the terms. The puppy business Much of the animal welfare world portrayed the SPCA partnership as a betrayal. Advocates believed that Boden was helping to whitewash an industry that is a far cry from what she described. Nearly 3,000 commercial breeders are licensed and inspected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, allowing them to sell to brokers like Pinnacle and stores like Sunshine. Many are run by families on private farms without staff to assist with care, said John Goodwin, senior director of the Humane Society of the United States Stop Puppy Mills Campaign. He said it isnt a realistic claim that most breeders have the capacity to take dozens or hundreds of dogs out of their kennels for regular exercise or that they spend resources to build proper enclosures. Under federal standards, these facilities can house dogs in cramped pens with little stimulation and still pass inspections. Theres just a consistent pattern that weve seen for years and years and years of this industry saying what county commission members, what state legislators, what constituents want to hear, Goodwin said. But when we look under the hood, everything looks different. Fleming, the Pinnacle Pet CEO, said he works only with facilities that address the physical, behavioral and social needs of dogs. But he declined to provide a list of the 200 breeders where he buys puppies. The Tampa Bay Times reviewed 70 of the breeder names through Sunshine Puppies sales records submitted to Pinellas County Animal Services in the past year. The facilities housed an average of 90 dogs and puppies, according to inventories on federal inspection reports. Boden said the breeders she visited had no more than 40 animals. Several breeders that sell to Pinnacle also had recent federal or state violations that paint an unflattering image, records show. In August 2022, a kennel in Drexel, Missouri, had three dogs housed individually in 9-square-foot enclosures less than half the space required for dogs of their sizes, according to a state inspection report. Four other dogs were kept in indoor enclosures with temperatures over 85 degrees. They had no access to an outdoor run. Another Missouri breeder in September 2022 housed a Chihuahua and her three puppies in an enclosure without solid flooring. Their legs dangled through the bottom, according to a federal inspection report. Fleming said he stopped buying from this breeder in May. Videos captured in 2022 by an investigator for Companion Animals Protection Society show dogs at Pinnacle breeders in Oklahoma and Kansas pacing in barren outdoor kennels, a common neurotic symptom of confined animals. Even the cleanest facilities that weve been in, the dogs are raised in livestock conditions and they are confined their entire lives, said Deborah Howard, founder of the society, which has investigated more than 1,000 commercial breeding facilities. These are not some old ladies raising dogs in their living room, Howard said. Fleming said the dogs were pacing because they sensed a stranger and that they had access to indoor shelter. There are some people out there who, no matter the level of animal welfare that we achieve, are going to disagree with the fact that were doing what were doing, he said. A turning point Lee Araujo, who adopted Becca from the SPCA after she was retired from breeding at a Pinnacle facility, said he worked to overcome several issues with his new dog. Becca at first was withdrawn and shook a lot. When Araujo first started petting her, the dog would freeze in fear. When he clapped in the backyard, she pancaked to the ground. It took three weeks for her to go on walks without panicking at noises. Its like she had post-traumatic stress disorder, Araujo said. He and his wife paid $700 for Becca, which included teeth cleaning, Araujo said. A pit bull mix on the shelters website this month had an adoption fee of $200. Nicholas Dodman, professor emeritus of the Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, said trauma is typical in dogs coming out of puppy mills. The system of confinement deprives them of their instinctual needs to run, smell the world around them and bond with other dogs and humans, he said. It can take a long time for them to come around from that psychological trauma. Boden said a turning point for her was learning that Purdue University had a voluntary certification program for breeders who enhance their operations above the federal minimum requirements with features like larger living spaces, enrichment and plans for adopting out retired breeding dogs. But since the standards were rolled out at a national conference in 2016, only 210 of the nearly 3,000 licensed breeders in the U.S. have made changes to obtain the certification, including less than 30 that sell to Pinnacle Pet. Of the 18 breeders Boden and her staff visited, eight were Purdue-certified, she said. The partnership with Pinnacle Pet did not involve SPCA Tampa Bay directly encouraging breeders to adopt higher standards. Boden said the shelter instead was creating a retirement option for Pinnacle to offer to its breeders. If we waited until everything was perfect to partner with any partner, she said, I think wed be missing an opportunity to have an influence. Outside of the SPCA partnership, Fleming said his breeders find homes for retired breeding dogs through grassroots networking like a cousins co-worker who might be looking for a pet. But welfare advocates like Goodwin and Dodman said puppy mill dogs that age out are more commonly sent to livestock auctions or killed. Inside the puppy store At Sunshine Puppies Largo and Clearwater locations, customers browse rows of cages displaying young German shepherds, cavapoos, Yorkshire terriers and a variety of other breeds priced at upward of $2,000. The puppies spend an average of two weeks in the stores before being sold, according to owner Dan Cohn. He said his business satisfies a demand from the public. County records show that his two stores and four others in Pinellas sold about 7,200 puppies in the last two years. Cohn said all these puppies receive state-mandated medical exams and vaccinations. But illnesses still occur. After Elizabeth Lindenberg bought her Cavalier King Charles spaniel, Augustus, for $2,594 from Sunshines Largo shop in May, the puppy was lethargic and coughing. She brought him to the vet days later and he was diagnosed with pneumonia. In February, a Missouri state inspector cited Augustus breeder for failing to have vaccination records for adult dogs. Augustus recovered after $1,500 in vet bills. And after seeing rows of puppies living in cages with slatted floors, where the stench of ammonia can be overwhelming, Lindenberg felt she made more of a rescue than a purchase. Cohn said staff members clean cages continually, but they can smell if many puppies urinate at once. He said puppies go without beds only briefly while they are washed. I try to keep my area as hygienic as possible and the reason is because they are babies, said Cohn. He said he had high hopes for the now-suspended SPCA partnership. His goal, he said, was to create a kind of accountability guarantee by working with SPCA Tampa Bay. He compared it to the federal Dolphin Safe seal on tuna cans. The biggest watchdog in the Tampa Bay area stood across from me and wanted to shut me down, Cohn said. Her name is Martha Boden, and everybody seems to be forgetting that. On Thursday morning, senior officials at the University of Pittsburgh gathered for a topping off ceremony to celebrate the placement of the final piece of steel in the frame of what will serve as the universitys new Campus Recreation and Wellness Center. Ground was first broken on the 10-story, 270,000-square-foot facility in Sept. 2022. The site is located on OHara Street, near the intersection with De Soto Street. Two buildings the OHara Garage and the LRDC building were demolished in order to make way for the facility. Once complete, the facility will serve as a replacement for Pitts Trees Hall complex. The project is also the first major budget new campus addition in the universitys 30-year master plan. Read more at Pittsburgh Business Times. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW TRENDING NOW: Mysterious illness spreading nationwide among dogs West Mifflin school board member accused of leaking football teams game plan refuses to resign House Ethics chairman moves to expel Rep. George Santos from Congress VIDEO: Airsoft gun fired near Pitt campus; unrelated to pellet gun incident Wednesday, police say DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts Plants will absorb 20 per cent more carbon dioxide than predicted by the end of the century, a new study has found, suggesting climate models are overestimating how fast the planet will warm. Trinity College Dublin said their research painted an uncharacteristically upbeat picture for the planet after finding models had failed to take into account all the elements of photosynthesis. During photosynthesis green plants use light energy from the sun to convert carbon dioxide, water and minerals into the sugars they need for growth. Scientists had thought that climate change could weaken the process, but the new research suggests plants can adjust to the temperatures, efficiently absorbing carbon dioxide, producing extra nutrients, and continue to thrive. They found that on a global scale, the amount of carbon converted during photosynthesis could be up to 68 per cent greater by the end of the century compared to the start of the century, and 20 per cent more than some current models suggest. Silvia Caldararu, Assistant Professor in Trinitys School of Natural Sciences, said: What our study shows is that ecosystems could take up more CO2 out of the atmosphere than previously thought, which would mean lower CO2 concentrations, so a less steep rise in temperature. So yes, that would give us a bit more time to reach net zero. But it is important to note that we predict a lot of this drawdown will happen towards the end of the century, while we need to cut emissions now, or possibly yesterday. Plants take up a huge amount of carbon dioxide every year, slowing down the effects of climate change, but experts have been uncertain whether that would continue as the climate changed. Increased vegetation growth In recent years, observations have shown that the carbon dioxide uptake by plants is increasing, which is likely driven in part by increased vegetation growth caused by carbon rises. An increase in the ability of plants to absorb carbon dioxide not only removes it from the atmosphere, but more growth brings down land temperature and mitigating effects on climate change globally indirectly. Although climate modellers have attempted to include estimates for this carbon sink, the researchers found that most models were not complex enough to understand the true resilience of plants to climate change. Researchers found that under the extreme RCP 8.5 warming scenario, a pathway where greenhouse gas emissions continue to grow unmitigated, plants would take a fifth more carbon dioxide from the air than currently expected. The RCP 8.5 scenario predicts a temperature increase of about 4.3C by 2100, relative to pre-industrial temperatures. However the authors cautioned that land ecosystems only absorb about a quarter of human emissions, so the extra benefit would take that up to around 30 per cent. They said it showed the importance of protecting forests and green areas and implementing planting schemes. Dr Jurgen Knauer, of Western Sydney University, who headed the research team said: These kinds of predictions have implications for nature-based solutions to climate change such as reforestation and afforestation and how much carbon such initiatives can take up. Our findings suggest these approaches could have a larger impact in mitigating climate change and over a longer time period than we thought. However, simply planting trees will not solve all our problems. We absolutely need to cut down emissions from all sectors. Trees alone cannot offer humanity a get out of jail free card. The research was published in the journal Science Advances. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. Sympathy for Palestinians is growing among Americans, and particularly among Democrats, a plurality of whom said in a new poll that they are more sympathetic to the plight of Palestinian civilians than Israelis, as the Israel-Hamas war stretches into its second month. A Quinnipiac University poll released this week found that, among Democratic voters, 41 percent surveyed said their sympathies lie with the Palestinians, while 34 percent said they were more sympathetic to the Israelis, and 25 percent were undecided. Its a dramatic shift from just last month. About 48 percent of Democrats said in Quinnipiacs Oct. 17 poll that they were more sympathetic to Israel, and 22 percent said the Palestinians, after Hamass deadly Oct. 7 terrorist attack on Israelis. The change comes as Democratic leaders face mounting pressure to support a cease-fire to halt the violence. Hamas killed some 1,200 people during its attacks on Israel more than a month ago. Israel is now waging an air and ground campaign against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, killing well more than 10,000 civilians, according to Gaza health officials. Thousands of people have taken part in human rights protests across the United States in support of a cease-fire. This week a demonstration outside of the Democratic National Committee headquarters in Washington, D.C., turned violent as Capitol Police clashed with demonstrators who were blocking the exit, with prominent Democrats stuck inside. Sympathy among young voters for Israelis has plummeted in the past month, the latest poll found. More than half of voters aged 18-34 said they were more sympathetic toward the Palestinians. Overall, more than half of voters surveyed 54 percent said they are more sympathetic to Israelis, while 24 percent said the Palestinians. Eighty percent of Republican voters said their sympathies lie with Israel, while 7 percent said the Palestinians. The Quinnipiac University poll surveyed 1,574 registered voters across the country from Nov. 9-13. It has a margin of error of 2.5 percentage points. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Miami-Dade County Schools police arrested a Booker T. Washington Senior High School security guard Thursday on charges of inappropriate conduct with a student and trying to prevent the teen from leaving his car after his advances were rejected. This is the second case in a week in which a Miami-Dade public schools employee was accused of having an inappropriate relationship with a student. Police arrested the band director of South Dade Senior High School Tuesday on charges he had an ongoing sexual relationship with one of his minor students. Police say the incident with the security guard happened Tuesday after the student called him and asked for a ride home. According to the arrest report, Kayaun Kendrick Whitfield, 38, picked up the student in his GMC Denali SUV and drove him to a liquor store where he bought a bottle of vodka and some orange juice. He offered the teen a drink, but he turned it down, according to the report. They then drove to a barbecue restaurant for food near Miami Dade Colleges north campus, and then to Traz Powell Stadium on campus. By this point, the student was driving, and Whitfield told him to park in a dark spot at the stadiums lot, according to the report. He told the teen to get in the back seat. When he did, he offered the student $100, before trying to mount on top of him, the report states. The boy ran out of the SUV, then got back in the drivers seat and traveled to his house with Whitfield still in the car. When they arrived, Whitfield pushed the automatic door lock buttons to try preventing the teen from getting out of the car, police said. He also asked him repeatedly if he was going to tell anyone about the alleged incident, the report states. The student eventually rolled down the window and got out of the car by using the outside door handle, police said. Once home, Whitfield called him several times, prompting the boy to block his phone number, according to the report. On Wednesday, Whitfield went to the boys classroom and asked him to speak with him outside. Later that day, the boy told his parents about what happened, according to the report. They called the police. Police arrested Whitfield at the school and booked him into Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, where, as of Friday afternoon, he remained on a total bond of $17,500. Information on his legal representation was not immediately available. The school district issued a statement Friday saying they have begun the process of firing Whitfield. Miami-Dade County Public Schools is deeply troubled by the disturbing allegations made against this individual. As soon as the claims surfaced, the employee was immediately removed from the school setting., the statement reads. After a thorough investigation by the Miami-Dade Schools Police Department, this individual was subsequently arrested. Conduct such as the one he is accused of will not be tolerated. As such, the District has initiated employment termination proceedings, and will ensure the individual is precluded from seeking future employment with the District. Simwon NA Corp. is opening a facility at Brooks. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Simwon NA Corp. operates a facility in Kyle. The company builds doors for electric vehicles made at the Tesla Gigafactory, shown here. A Tesla supplier is opening a facility at Brooks, joining a growing automotive manufacturing hub on San Antonios South Side that already includes Toyota, its suppliers and Navistar International. Simwon NA Corp., which makes doors for electric vehicles produced at the Tesla factory near Austin, is moving into a roughly 150,000-square-foot building under construction at Brooks. Work to outfit the space is expected to begin in December and conclude in March, according to a filing with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Its unclear how many people the operation will employ. Advertisement Article continues below this ad About 120 employees were working at Simwons facility in Kyle as of late last year, according to the Labor Departments Occupational Safety and Health Administration. It levied $298,338 in penalties against Simwon and issued more than a dozen citations after a six-month investigation concluded that the company failed to adequately report safety concerns raised by workers. Brooks and Transwestern Real Estate Services said in August that a global EV parts manufacturer would be setting up shop at Brooks but declined to name the company. Simwon is a subsidiary of Myoung Shin Industry Co. Ltd. in South Korea. Brooks is pro-business and will be an excellent long-term home for this end user, Transwestern managing director Carter Thurmond said in a statement at the time. Youre in the ultimate opportunity zone with tax incentives, an extensive workforce, and a vibrant community. The 1,308-acre former Air Force base has been turned into a mix of housing, manufacturing facilities, schools, a hotel, restaurants, a hospital, offices and parks. Cuisine Solutions, which makes gourmet entrees, sauces and other items, and Nissei America Inc., which produces injection molding machines, operate plants there. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Myoung Shin Industry did not respond to an inquiry Friday. British company JCB, which manufactures construction and agricultural equipment, also plans to open a factory on the South Side. The company announced in October that it would break ground on a 720,000-square-foot plant in early 2024 and hire at least 1,500 workers over the next five years. The factory will be built on more than 400 acres, but a location has not been finalized. The Toyota Motor Manufacturing plant began operations in 2006. More than 3,800 employees assemble Tundra pickups and Sequoia SUVs there, and on-site suppliers employ an additional 5,600 people. Navistar opened a plant in 2022, where it produces diesel and electric trucks, and it agreed to hire 600 employees by the end of 2024. Tesla has been expanding its presence across Texas as it works to produce and sell more of its EVs. The company moved its headquarters to the Austin area from Palo Alto, Calif., in 2021 and opened the sprawling Gigafactory Texas facility in 2022. Advertisement Article continues below this ad San Antonio has a history with the automaker. In 2014, the city was competing with Reno, Nev., for a plant that would produce batteries for Tesla vehicles. Tesla picked the site in Nevada, which offered a larger incentive package. Aside from Simwon, at least two other Tesla suppliers have landed in San Antonio. Matthews International Corp.s Saueressig Engineering opened its North American headquarters at a facility on the East Side in 2021. The German company designs, assembles and installs equipment for automakers and customers in other industries, including energy storage. ElringKlinger AG, a German auto parts maker, also opened a manufacturing operation on the East Side in 2021. The company produces lightweight auto parts using plastic injection molding. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Shots were heard twice on Greendykes Road in Edinburgh two weeks ago Police Scotland said they had an "encouraging" response from the public after revisiting the site where shots were fired at residential flats in Edinburgh two weeks ago. There were no reported injuries but windows of the flats on Greendykes Road were damaged in what is being treated as a targeted attack. Officers were at the scene again on Thursday morning to speak to residents and check CCTV in the area. There is a public appeal for any information about two individuals believed to be on an electric motorbike in the area at the time of both shootings. Police were initially called at about 10:15 on Thursday 2 November after shots were heard around the flats. Inquiries found that gunshots were also heard earlier that morning at around 03:05. There were people on the street during the second shooting and the pair fled towards Craigmillar Castle Avenue after it. Det Sgt Gavin Howat said: "This was a reckless act with no regard for members of the public." He added: "Information gained yesterday, and over the last two weeks, will no doubt assist in our enquiry to identify the suspects." Anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting incident 0961 of 2 November 2023. Alternatively, information can be passed to Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) A parolee and registered sex offender was arrested for an October kidnapping. Metro police said 28-year-old Cordarius Caldwell was charged with especially aggravated kidnapping after he allegedly tried to take an 11-year-old girl from her East Nashville home back in October. Man surrenders himself after deadly North Nashville shooting During an interview with detectives on Thursday, Caldwell admitted to forcibly pulling the girl off her porch and taking her down the street. The girl was able to run away after a neighbor tried to intervene, according to investigators. Police said Caldwell, who has a lengthy criminal history, was arrested on Hampton Street and had to be tased after he tried to run away from officers. A loaded handgun was also found in his pants. CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime news from Middle Tennessee In addition to the especially aggravated kidnapping charge, Caldwell has also been charged with being a felon in possession of a weapon and resisting arrest. He is being held in lieu of a $82,500 bond. Anyone with information about other potential crimes Caldwell may have committed is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. A new poll released by the Northwest Progressive Institute (NPI) shows Republican Dave Reichert jumping out to a lead over Democrat Bob Ferguson in the 2024 race for Washingtons next governor. With incumbent Governor Jay Inslee not running for reelection, the field is wide open for the first time since 2012. Thats had a long list of candidates lining up to replace Inslee in the months since he announced his decision. Among 700 likely voters surveyed, Reichert and Ferguson are tied at 31% for an open primary, followed by Republican Semi Bird and Democrat Mark Mullet at 10% and 5% respectively. In a head-to-head race between Reichert and Ferguson, though, Reichert holds a narrow 46% to 44% advantage over Ferguson, with 9% saying they still werent sure. According to the NPI, thats driven by one primary factor. Republican voters are very united behind Dave Reichert, whereas Democratic voters are less committed to Bob Ferguson, they said in a news release. Of the Democrats polled, 76% stood behind Ferguson, while 90% of Republicans said theyd vote for Reichert. Reichert previously served in the U.S. Air Force, before becoming King County Sheriff in 1997. In 2005, he made the move to national politics, where he served as Washingtons 8th district representative. He eventually decided not to run for reelection in 2018. Ferguson has served as Washingtons Attorney General since 2013. Before that, he was a King County Councilmember from 2004 to 2013. The Church of the Living God International Inc. of Columbus, Ohio, alleges in a lawsuit that property it owned at 7225 Walzem Road was fraudulently transferred to Resurrection Church of San Antonio Inc., which is led by its former pastor. Patrick Danner/Staff photo Ambrose Robinson, the father of former Spurs great David Robinson, is accused in a lawsuit of conspiring with James Turner to fraudulently transfer property at 7225 Walzem Road to Turners Resurrection Church of San Antonio Inc. Robinson, who is not a defendant, is shown in 2009 talking with Spurs coach Gregg Popovich before David Robinson was enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Kin Man Hui/San Antonio Express-News Iglesia Ancla De Vida, Spanish for Anchor of Life Church, currently holds semiweekly religious services at the church property at 7225 Walzem Road. Anchor of Life Church is not a party to the dispute now unfolding over the property. Patrick Danner/Staff photo A Pentecostal church organization based in Ohio is accusing its former pastor in San Antonio of breaking the Eighth Commandment Thou shalt not steal. It says the pastor stole its church. The Church of the Living God International Inc. has filed a lawsuit alleging that James Turner fraudulently transferred church property at 7225 Walzem Road on the Northeast Side to his own organization. Advertisement Article continues below this ad And, it says, Turner and his Resurrection Church of San Antonio Inc. conspired with Ambrose Robinson San Antonio Spurs Hall of Famer David Robinsons father to convert the property for Resurrection Church and Turners own use and enrichment. Turner and Robinson did not respond to multiple messages seeking comment. Only Turner and Resurrection Church are named as defendants in the lawsuit filed this month in state District Court in San Antonio. The Church of the Living God wants the property transfer which was done in 2017 rescinded. Its also asking for attorneys fees and costs. Rudolph Rudy Metayer, an Austin lawyer representing the plaintiff, said neither he nor the church would comment on the dispute. Advertisement Article continues below this ad My client would like to settle this issue in a Christian manner, he said in an email. Its no small matter. The roughly 6,000-square-foot church building and 5-acre site it occupies are assessed at a combined $849,000 by the Bexar Appraisal District. Each side of the warehouse-like structure features a large cross with the word RESURRECTION above it. Iglesia Ancla De Vida, which is Spanish for Anchor of Life Church, currently conducts services at the property. It moved in two years ago, its Facebook page shows. Its co-pastor, Betania Machado, said it has been leasing the property from Resurrection Church and has two or three years remaining on the lease. Machado and her church are not part of the lawsuit. A foothold Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Church of the Living God, founded in 1903 and based in Columbus, Ohio, has 81 locations around the country and some outside the U.S., according to its website. It says its vision is to affiliate with local churches to establish churches in every city, state and country. The only San Antonio church now part of its network is True Gospel Fellowship at 8333 Culebra Road. According to the churchs lawsuit, it established a church in San Antonio in 1996. Turner served as pastor. The Church of the Living God received the Walzem Road property as a gift from San Antonio businessman and philanthropist Ronald J. Herrmann in 2000, the deed shows. Almost two years later, it received a $175,000 construction loan from Wells Fargo Bank. The bank loaned the church an additional $53,000 in 2003. The papers for both loans were signed by Turner and Robinson, each acting as an attorney-in-fact for the church. An attorney-in-fact is an agent authorized to act on behalf of an enterprise or individual and not necessarily licensed to practice law. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Turner appointed Robinson as building project lead to oversee construction, the lawsuit says. Work on the building started in 2004 and finished in 2005. Robinson also served as a church elder and financial secretary for the Church of the Living God from 2005 to about July 2017, the suit says. The transfer Turner and Robinson resigned from the church about the same time, in July 2017, the complaint says. Advertisement Article continues below this ad On Aug. 7, 2017, state corporate records show, a certificate of formation for Resurrection Church of San Antonio was filed with the Texas Secretary of States Office. The paperwork was signed by Robinson as organizer. Resurrection Church was organized as a 501(c) (3) charitable organization to Minister the Word of God to the faithful, the document states. The paperwork shows both Turner and Robinson, as elders, were part of Resurrections board of directors. The board included Freda Robinson, Robinsons wife and David Robinsons mother. She was listed as one of the churchs ministers. The very next day, Aug. 8, 2017, the Church of the Living Gods lawsuit says, Turner, in conjunction with Robinson and Resurrection, fraudulently transferred Plaintiffs real property at 7225 Walzem Road to Resurrection via a special warranty gift deed. Robinson signed the deed as attorney-in-fact for the Church of the Living God, the suit says, despite not being a registered attorney in any jurisdiction. The Church of the Living God says it didnt discover that the property deed had been fraudulently transferred until early 2021. Thats when one of its elders, Rick Walton, attempted to contact Turner and Robinson regarding the usage of the property, the suit says. Walton is True Gospel Fellowships pastor, the Church of the Living Gods website shows. Its not clear why the church waited nearly three years to take legal action. Robinson signed the deed as attorney-in-fact for the Church of the Living God, while Turner signed as president of Resurrection Church. The Church of the Living God adds in its lawsuit that at the time it accepted the property, Turner operated under its constitution and bylaws, which specifically denote, All real property acquired by or constructed subsequent to Local Church Membership shall be purchased and deeded in the name of The Church of the Living God International. It also says Turner and Resurrection Church did not and have never had authority to sell or transfer the real and personal property at issue in this matter. Jimmyz Original Hibachi House is planning to open a Conway location near Coastal Carolina University. It will be the second location for the restaurant. Another Jimmyz is located in Myrtle Beach. Employees at the Myrtle Beach restaurant said the new location had hoped to open this month, but construction is taking longer than expected. However, the store is currently hiring for both locations. The Conway restaurant will be located at the University Commons strip mall, 201 Graduate Road, Unit 110, which is the former location of Top Pita Mediterranean Street Food. The Japanese restaurant has been serving Myrtle Beach for 20 years, according to its website. It offers chicken, steak and shrimp bowls with rice or noodles, as well as poke bowls. Yonkers police said a suspect was arrested on Thursday after allegedly shooting an off-duty New York City Police officer in Yonkers on Tuesday. Police said 30-year-old Bryan Martinez of Port Chester shot a 27-year-old off-duty NYPD officer in the arm while he was sitting in his vehicle near the Saw Mill River Parkway and Tompkins Avenue in Yonkers around 11:30 a.m. on Nov. 14. Police said an investigation found that the off-duty officer was sitting in traffic when Martinez approached him from the rear and fired approximately 13 gunshots before fleeing the scene. Police said the victim suffered non-life threatening injuries and drove himself to St. John's Hospital in Yonkers. Police said the attack was targeted and had to do with a personal dispute. Martinez and the victim knew each other as acquaintances through family members, police added. Police said there was no threat to the public on Tuesday, but local schools still went under lockdown as the search for the suspect continued. As Yonkers police were searching for the suspect, Port Chester police said it received reports that the suspect's vehicle may be in the village. Local Port Chester schools delayed dismissal as a precaution and Martinez was taken into custody by police around 4 p.m. Martinez is charged with second degree attempted murder, first degree assault and second degree criminal possession of a weapon. This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Man arrested for allegedly shooting off-duty police officer A mystery illness sickening dogs in at least 14 states in the U.S. is concerning veterinarians, as some dogs have died from the disease and the holiday season may increase dogs' risk for contracting it. Since early November, multiple groups, including the Colorado and Oregon departments of agriculture and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), have issued warnings about the mystery illness in dogs, the cause of which has yet to be identified. The illness is likely either due to a bacteria or a virus, experts tell TODAY.com, but it doesn't respond well, or at all, to standard treatments, such as antibiotics. The typical first symptom is a cough, which may last for weeks or even months. In some dogs, the cough turns into pneumonia, causing them to struggle to breathe. "It seems to happen very, very quickly to go from this cough thats just wont go away ... and then all of a sudden they develop this pneumonia," Dr. Lindsey Ganzer, veterinarian and CEO at North Springs Veterinary Referral Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado, tells TODAY.com. It's unclear how many dogs have developed the illness, as most states are not formally tracking cases. However, anecdotally, veterinarians in critical care settings tell TODAY.com that they've seen dozens of cases since the fall, and these rates have not slowed. Dr. Gina Kettig, veterinarian at VCA Alameda East Veterinary Hospital in Denver, said in a Nov. 20 segment on TODAY that she's seen "a plethora of these infections and it's concerning. ... We are using our isolation ward heavily with all of these infections." Ganzer says she's seen over 30 dogs with what she believes to be the condition since October. Lately, two or three dogs a day with a mysterious cough have been coming to her hospital, and most have needed hospitalization. She's lost four dogs to the illness, but they all had severe pneumonia by the time she started treating them. Ganzer notes that the illness seems to be affecting dogs regardless of age, size or breed, but it's most common in dogs who recently spent time with other dogs, such as at a kennel or doggy day care. That's why many veterinarians are urging dog owners to keep their canines out of boarding facilities, groomers and anywhere else dogs tend to gather in groups for the time being. I think concern is fine, Dr. Kurt Williams, director of Oregon Veterinary Diagnostics Lab, whos been researching the illness for the past month and a half, tells TODAY.com. It's not a time for dog owners to "become paralyzed with fear," he adds. What is the mystery dog illness? Dogs with this mystery illness usually have coughing, sneezing, eye or nose discharge, are abnormally tired, and do not test positive for any common causes of canine respiratory illness, the Oregon Department of Agriculture noted in a Nov. 9 press release. Typically, dogs with respiratory illnesses have a cough for seven to 10 days, but some vets have seen an uptick in dogs with coughs lasting weeks to months that don't respond to treatment, the Colorado Department of Agriculture said in a Nov. 22 statement. Dogs are most likely to contract the mystery illness by being in close contact with numerous other dogs so places like day care, dog parks, groomers or boarding kennels, Ganzer explains. Since mid-August, the Oregon Department of Agriculture has received reports of over 200 cases of the illness from veterinarians in the state. An Oregon Department of Agriculture spokesperson tells TODAY.com that cases are still being reported and that the department is working with other authorities to try to find the cause of the illnesses. Veterinarians who see cases are encouraged to report them to the Oregon Department of Agriculture. The Colorado Department of Agriculture is not currently tracking case numbers but shared that "veterinarians (in the state) are currently reporting that they are seeing double the number of cases than what is typically seen during a canine infectious respiratory disease outbreak." Dr. Amanda Cavanagh, head of urgent care services at Colorado State University James L. Voss Veterinary Teaching Hospital, in Fort Collins, Colorado, tells TODAY.com this past summer she started seeing cases of dogs with coughs lasting several weeks or longer, and the trend has continued into the fall. She estimates her caseload of coughing dogs has doubled over the past month or so. While dogs with a contagious cough are common in veterinary settings, Cavanagh notes that she normally sees cases decrease in the fall as temperatures drop and fewer dogs are gathering at parks. "But this year, the spike has stayed high," she explains. In its press release, the Oregon Department of Agriculture noted that the illness can progress in three ways: Mild to moderate cough for six to eight weeks or longer that either doesn't respond to antibiotics or only responds a little Chronic pneumonia that doesn't respond to antibiotics Severe pneumonia that "often leads to poor outcomes in as little as 24 to 36 hours" Cavanagh has witnessed all three scenarios play out at her hospital. Recently, she's seen more dogs than usual with a long-lasting upper respiratory infection who then develop pneumonia from a secondary bacterial infection. In a small subset of these dogs, the pneumonia can be "really severe," she explains. Of the dogs she's treated, she says most who develop pneumonia respond to antibiotics, and many with a long-lasting cough recover with time and never get pneumonia. But of those who develop the severe pneumonia, some have died or had to be euthanized. "That really bad pneumonia, historically, is very, very rare. Maybe I would see one case a year," Cavanagh says. "We've seen a handful of them in the past weeks to months." How many dogs have died from the mystery illness? Because most states are not tracking case numbers, it's not known exactly how many dogs have died from the illness. The Oregon Department of Agriculture tells TODAY.com that it does not know how many dogs have died from the illness in the state. However, it is confirmed that some dogs in the U.S. have died from the mystery illness. The Colorado Department of Agriculture said in a statement that "in rare cases, the canine patients progress quickly from pneumonia to death." The Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biological Sciences also said the illness has resulted in "some fatalities." Ganzer estimates that five dogs at her hospital have died from the illness. Cavanagh says she's also lost some dogs to it. Williams says he was recently contacted about running tests on a dog that died from severe respiratory disease. Possible cause of mystery dog illness identified by research lab While this mystery dog illness is making headlines in 2023, Ganzer notes that it's been around since last year. Her hospital has been sending off samples from the dogs to University of New Hampshires Veterinary Diagnosis Laboratory, which has been studying the illness since 2022. One of the biggest challenges of this mystery illness is defining what cases fall under this umbrella of this particular entity that were all investigating, Williams says. Thats because dogs can develop a cough for many reasons, and it takes time to rule out known causes. Were still trying to pin down a potential cause or causes for the entity. At least in Oregon, its given us some some challenges, Williams says. Researchers at University of New Hampshires Veterinary Diagnosis Laboratory told NBC News that they've identified a bacterium that could be behind the surge in respiratory illness in dogs, but more testing is needed to confirm. The bacterium is smaller than normal bacteria and hasn't been known to cause disease before, Dr. David Needle, pathology section chief at the College of Life Sciences and Agriculture at the University of New Hampshire, told NBC News. Smaller bacteria can sometimes cause worse illness because it's easier for them to bypass the dog's immune system and get into the respiratory tract and lungs, Dr. Karl Jandrey, professor at the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine, told NBC News. What states have the mystery dog illness? According to a Nov. 27 statement from the AVMA, cases that match the description of the mystery dog illness have been reported, officially or anecdotally, in: Oregon Colorado California Illinois Florida Georgia Indiana Massachusetts Washington Vermont Maryland Idaho New Hampshire Rhode Island The AVMA is monitoring cases of canine respiratory illness and in contact with state officials. The association reiterated that the cause of the illness is still unknown. In recent weeks, there have also been multiple reports of outbreaks of a deadly respiratory illness in dogs at animal shelters in the U.S. The San Diego Humane Society has lost four dogs to a "severe respiratory canine illness," according to a Nov. 15 press release. However, the outbreak at San Diego Humane Society has been linked to two particular bacteria, Strep zoo and Mycoplasma. Dr. Zarah Hedge, chief medical officer at San Diego Humane Society, tells TODAY.com that she believes the outbreak at her shelter and others she's heard about such as one in Las Vegas are not related to the mystery dog illness. That's because Strep zoo and Mycoplasma are easily treatable with the right antibiotics, which saved many dogs at her shelter during the recent outbreak. Also, the sick dogs she saw didn't have a long-term cough, she says. The AVMA also confirmed there's no indication of a connection between the outbreaks. That said, Hedge is still concerned about the damage that severe respiratory infections, both known and unknown, can cause in dogs, especially in shelters. "We are seeing numbers of dogs coming into shelters that we haven't seen in a very long time," Hedge says. "A lot of shelters across the country are overcrowded, and it just sets you up for disease outbreaks." Mystery dog illness 2023 symptoms Symptoms of the mystery dog illness include: Coughing that doesn't get better on its own after a week or so Sneezing Nasal or eye discharge Lethargy Trouble breathing, especially from the stomach Blue or purple gums (due to not getting enough oxygen) Related: What does coughing in a dog sound like? Vet explains in viral video "Owners should monitor their dogs closely for progressive coughing that may be accompanied by signs of ocular or nasal discharges and sneezing," the AVMA said in a statement. "Please consult your veterinarian immediately if those clinical signs develop, particularly if your dog concurrently loses its appetite, has trouble breathing, is coughing continually, or is extremely lethargic." Ganzer stresses that any dog owners who notice their dog coughing, especially if they recently spent time with lots of other dogs, such as at a day care, kennel or dog park, should be taken to the vet right away. You shouldn't wait to see if the cough clears up on its own as earlier treatment makes a big difference in recovery, she adds. However, for many dog owners, the early signs of coughing can be difficult to recognize, Dr. Michele Forbes, Dr. Michele Forbes, owner of Compassionate Care Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan, says. "Rarely do (dog owners) identify a cough until it becomes an overt problem and its clearly coming from the chest, Forbes explained in a now-viral TikTok. As a result of owners not noticing the early coughing or confusing it for something else, like throat-clearing or gagging, some dogs are arriving at vet facilities in more advanced stages of the condition, which can make it more difficult to treat, Forbes tells TODAY.com. Some tips to help identify early signs of coughing in dogs: The sound dogs make when they're choking can be confused for coughing. Some dogs sound like they're honking kind of like a goose. Coughing can also sound like the dog is gagging or clearing their throat. The chest may heave or the abdomen may move while the dog is coughing. For some dogs, it looks like they're trying to cough up a hair ball and they may produce some liquid. A wet cough may produce a gargling sound. If a dog is coughing a lot, they may end up vomiting, which dog owners often confuse for a gastrointestinal issue. Reverse-sneezing can be confused for coughing but it's not usually a reason to call the vet unless it's paired with actual coughing, nasal discharge or any other concerning symptoms. Tips to prevent mystery dog illness from vets Ganzer says her No. 1 tip is to keep dogs from areas where they're likely to come into contact with other dogs (but do not delay taking your dog to the vet for needed medical care). Cavanagh advises dog owners across the country, regardless of whether they live in a state where cases have been reported, to follow this guidance. Keeping dogs out of these situations may be difficult for many families as the holidays approach because many people rely on boarding kennels when they travel. However, Ganzer says to avoid boarding dogs over the holidays "if at all possible," adding that she's "so scared" about what may happen with the mystery illness after dogs across the country are boarded for the holidays. "I understand that there are circumstances that are unavoidable and that some people have to (board their dogs), but I would not take this lightly," she explains. "If there's somebody that can even just come to your house and let your dog out, that's a better option." In light of the situation, Cavanagh says she's been keeping her two dogs at home and avoiding settings where they may come in contact with other dogs. She also suggests avoiding any nose-to-nose street greetings between strange dogs. Williams agrees that its prudent to be concerned right now about putting dogs in scenarios where they may come into contact with many other dogs. If you need to put your dog in such a situation, he suggests contacting your vet ahead of time for guidance. To keep your dog safe and healthy overall, the AVMA recommends keeping up to date with vaccinations. "While the existing vaccines may not specifically target this unknown infection, maintaining overall health through routine vaccinations can help support a dogs immune system in combating various infections," it said. It stresses the following vaccines: Bordetella, Adenovirus type 2, and parainfluenza combined with the injectable influenza H3N2 vaccine. Be sure to give your dog two weeks after vaccination before interacting with other dogs so they can build up immunity. If your dog is sick, consult a vet right away, as early testing can help with treatment, and keep the dog away from other dogs to avoid spreading the illness, the Colorado Department of Agriculture advises. While it's unlikely a humans can get sick with the respiratory illness, because the cause is still unknown, the AVMA suggests thoroughly washing hands after handling any dogs. If your dog has been diagnosed with the mystery coughing illness, Ganzer suggests asking your veterinarian about submitting a sample to a research lab to help with the efforts to identify the cause. Caroline Kee contributed reporting. This article was originally published on TODAY.com PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) While many may wish to settle in for the upcoming holiday, educators with Portland Public Schools say that losing their healthcare is top of mind. As of Thursday afternoon, school has been canceled through Friday pushing the districts next possible day to have classes land on Nov. 27. Woman accused of firing pistol at Portland International Airport makes first court appearance The two sides signed tentative agreements on at least four things including instructional time and retirement, but remain at odds on bigger issues like cost-of-living adjustments and class sizes. According to PPS, Thursday was also the deadline for teachers to get back into the classroom before losing their health coverage in December. In response, the Oregon Education Association said they will step in to cover insurance costs during a strike though its unclear how long that could last. PPS teacher Brian Halberg said hes upset with how the district is handling healthcare. I think right now, our members are here because theyre standing up for whats right and for the district to even discuss the idea of withholding health insurance for our members would be appalling, Halberg said. Beaverton Police: Suspect receiving warrant from officers kills himself in apartment Meanwhile, teachers continue to push for cost of living adjustments, mental health supports and classroom sizes sticking points they say the district isnt compromising enough on. PPS passed a settlement package Wednesday night that included more planning time and a class-size adjustment process, but the Portland Association of Teachers responded by saying it still wasnt enough. The Portland Association of Teachers released a statement to KOIN about the decision. Without conferring with the Portland Association of Teachers bargaining team, and in the middle of an otherwise productive bargaining day, PPS district managers made the unilateral decision to keep schools closed through November 27th. Its unfortunate the district made this decision. Even though Monday and Tuesday are parent teacher conference days, these count as instructional days. Portland educators plan to continue bargaining and are hopeful that a fair settlement can be reached that would get students back to school and allow the first half of next week to be used as planning days or even possibly for student instruction. PPS responded with a statement of their own. Next Monday and Tuesday (Nov. 20 and 21) were set aside for educators to conduct family-teacher academic conferences. These in-person visits or online conversations afford a critical opportunity for our educators and families to connect, discuss students educational progress, and identify ways to support students success. It is critical that our educators have sufficient opportunity to evaluate student work and complete grading in order to best prepare for these conversations. Given the current strike and closure of school, that time has not been available and, therefore, we need to cancel next weeks conferences. As a bargaining update, PAT has just responded to our proposal from yesterday , and we are beginning to assess it. Our latest proposals address more planning and preparation time for teachers, strategies for lowering class size, and proactive measures for addressing school building concerns. Given where we are in the day, though, there will be no school tomorrow (Friday, Nov. 17). Because school was already closed next week, this means our next possible day to reopen schools would be Monday, Nov. 27. We continue to bargain, and the last few days have left us hopeful for a resolution. Once we reach an agreement with the Portland Association of Teachers, we will be able to decide whether and how to hold conferences at a later date. We will share a full return-to-school plan when we reach an agreement, including when student instructional time or school days may be made up. We have appreciated your patience and flexibility during this challenging time. We recognize this strike has disrupted lives and are continuing to work towards a financially responsible, student-centered contract that honors our educators. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD) A woman who accused a visiting Catholic priest of sexually assaulting her in Southwest Michigan when she was a teenager was hoping someday to face him in court, even though he had moved back to his native India. Just last week, the Michigan Attorney Generals Office, which had filed rape charges against Father Jacob Vellian, said it was still working to extradite him. What the AGs office didnt know, until learning it from the victim, was that Vellian died almost a year ago, nearly 8,000 miles away. Theyre honoring him, theyre kissing his casket, theyre laying flowers at his feet, theyre wearing badges with his picture, Ann Phillips Browning said while watching a video posted to YouTube of Vellians funeral service in India. The video is clearly labeled as Vellians funeral service. His photograph is in a corner of the video. His face is visible through glass that covers his casket. Hes dressed in clerical garb and is holding a chalice. Phillips Browning was searching her accused rapists name on YouTube last weekend when she discovered the video. It was hard not to throw up. I was nauseated, she said. Ann Phillips Browning watches a video showing the funeral of Father Jacob Vellian, who she says sexually abused her as a teen in the 1970s. (Nov. 16, 2023) I wonder how many of these people know? How many of these people know what he was really like? she said, watching mourners surrounding his casket. Ive got to believe theres some. After the Fall: 8,000 miles from justice She had no idea that he had died in December 2022, at the age of 88, and neither did the Michigan Attorney Generals Office that was working to extradite him. I was stunned. I cant believe no one else knew this, she said. Obviously, its a low priority, and obviously they (AG officials) dont keep tabs on these people, she said. Vellian was a revered religious scholar and author in his native India, known for his singing voice and his knowledge of the Syriac language, which predates Christ. He was a visiting priest in the Catholic Diocese of Kalamazoo in the 1970s when, his accuser said, he molested her at least a dozen times in the rectory at St. John The Evangelist in Benton Harbor. He was in his 30s at the time. She was 15 when it started, according to court records. She said it started with gifts and compliments, then shoulder massages, before leading to inappropriate touching. Eventually, he just flat out started molesting me to the point where it was rape, she said. She said she told her mom. She said, Oh, honey, you misunderstood, a priest would never do that.' after the fall sexual abuse hotlines graphic_1550092154156.jpg.jpg When it was happening, Id go to mass on Sundays and Id see his hands holding the host, which was Jesus, and that always left an impression with me, like how can he do that knowing where those hands have been? Phillips Browning said. She said a priest walked in on them once. That priest was later credibly accused of sexual assault. The state AGs Office charged Vellian in 2019 with two counts of first-degree sexual assault rape. It felt so good to be seen, to be heard and to be validated, Phillips Browning said. Vellian denied the allegations in a phone conversation with Target 8 in 2020. An undated courtesy image shows Father Jacob Vellian preaching. At the time, the Michigan Attorney Generals Office said it was told by the U.S. State Department that it could take 12 to 14 years to extradite him. To extradite on state charges, prosecutors must work with the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Justices Office of International Affairs. The Department of Justice forwards the request to the U.S. Embassy in New Dehli, India, which submits it to the India Ministry of External Affairs, where a judge must agree to extradite. Its not clear how far it got. I knew there was a decent chance he could die before he got back here, Phillips Browning said. While she praises the church for taking steps to prevent sexual abuse, she questions how it handles accused priests and their victims. She accuses the church of helping to keep him from facing the charges, allowing him to retire to India. I was hoping he would be defrocked, so he could no longer appear as a priest, he could no longer wear clerical garb, she said. Actually nothing happened. She says she sent a link of the funeral video to the AGs office, along with an email: It is not only disappointing, it feels very dismissive to not be able to see any justice done, not from your office or not from my church, she wrote. The AGs victim advocate responded to her with an apology: I cannot imagine what this must have been like for you to find out this way. I so wish we could have been the ones to tell you. We just had no idea. After the Fall: The legacies of Grand Rapids two most notorious priests In an email on Thursday to Target 8, AG spokesman Danny Wimmer said the office has only very recently learned of the purported death of Jacob Vellian and we are in the process of confirming the matter. At this point we cannot provide comment. Kalamazoo diocese spokeswoman Victoria Cessna refused to comment Thursday. We dont have any information to provide at this time, she said in an email. Now, Phillips Browning said, her only chance for justice is in the afterlife. If hes not repented, I believe hes going to hell, she said. What he did was pure evil. It destroyed me. It destroyed my faith, it destroyed my emotional well-being. Its a very serious, serious thing that he did, and hes going to answer for that at some point, and thats what I have to hang onto. Anyone who has been victimized by a member of the Catholic church can confidentially report it to the Michigan Attorney Generals Office online or by calling 844.324.3374 during regular business hours. The state also has a hotline for all victims of sexual assault that offers support and resources: 1.855.VOICES4 (864.2374). For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. TOLEDO A Roman Catholic priest who had ties to Mansfield and Fremont and was convicted of federal sex-trafficking charges was sentenced Friday to life in prison. The Rev. Michael Jude Zacharias was convicted at a trial in May of five counts of sex trafficking, two of which involved victims who were minors. The offenses spanned 15 years, from July 2005 to August 2020. He began his career in ministry as a pastoral intern at Columbus in 1999 before being named associate pastor at Mansfield St. Peter's from July 2002 to July 2007. Father Mike Zacharias conducts Mass at Mansfield's St. Peter's Catholic Church in 2014. Zacharias spent four years in Van Wert, then going to Fremont, where he served St. Joseph and St. Ann parishes from July 2011 to June 2017. Toledo Bishop Daniel Thomas issued a statement following Friday's court hearing. "Today's sentencing of Michael Zacharias in federal court marks another step towards justice for all of those harmed by his actions," Thomas said. "As I expressed ... following his conviction, 'The acts of which Rev. Michael Zacharias has been found guilty are reprehensible, morally deplorable and manifestly contrary to the dignity of each human person and the dignity of the priesthood.'" Diocese has asked the Pope to dismiss Zacharias as a priest Further, Thomas said the Toledo diocese, in accord with canon (church) law, has requested the imposition of the penalty of direct dismissal of the clerical state, which would return Zacharias to lay state. The case has been sent to the Pope, who has the authority to make the final determination concerning Zacharias' status as a priest in the church. "We are awaiting the response," Thomas said. "With this sentencing and as we await a decision from the Holy See, it is my hope and prayer that healing may continue and justice be restored, as we remain vigilant in confronting evil." Zacharias' trial took place in the U.S. District Court in the Northern District of Ohio in Toledo. He took the witness stand and admitted having sexual relations with several men, but he maintained none of them were under age 18. A nine-page affidavit said Zacharias "groomed" victims to use their drug addiction as a way to perform sexual acts on them. In his testimony, Zacharias claimed he never knew the men had drug problems or that the money he gave them would be used to buy illegal drugs. Following his time in Fremont, Zacharias' last stop was in Findlay, where he served until the federal charges were filed. Zacharias was taken into custody without incident at his Findlay home on Aug. 18, 2020, by the Northwest Ohio Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force. mcaudill@gannett.com 419-521-7219 X (formerly Twitter): @MarkCau32059251 This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Priest who served in Mansfield and Fremont gets life prison sentence Season Six of "The Crown," the most present-day iteration of the series chronicling the royal family's life, has left viewers anxious to see how the show will depict the death of Diana, Princess of Wales. The first part of the sixth season, released on Nov. 16, builds toward Diana's tragic death at age 36 in 1997, when she died of injuries sustained in a car crash in Paris, along with her partner Dodi Fayed. In Episode 4, then-Prince Charles, portrayed by Dominic West, sits down on his son Prince William's bed to wake him and share the devastating news the morning after the crash. "Morning, darling," Charles told William, portrayed by Rufus Kampa. "I'm afraid you're going to have to be very brave." Prince Harry, played by Fflyn Edwards, can be seen shaking his head in disbelief as he learns of his mother's death. "These poor boys," Queen Elizabeth II, portrayed by Imelda Staunton, said in the episode. Princess Diana, Princess of Wales with her sons Prince William and Prince Harry (Anwar Hussein / Getty Images) The fifth season of The Crown gave a glimpse into Diana and Charles troubled marriage before their divorce in 1996. In interviews that Prince William and Prince Harry have done over the years, they recalled what it was like for them to learn of their mother's death. At the time, William was 15 and Harry was 12. In the HBO documentary Diana, Our Mother: Her Life and Legacy, Harry said he remembered the last phone call he had with Diana. If Id known that that was the last time I was going to speak to my mother the things that I would the things I would have said to her. All I do remember regretting for the rest of my life how short that phone call is, he said. Looking back now, I have to live with that for the rest of my life. Here's how Harry and William found out about their mother's death, in their own words. Harry remembers how Charles broke the news to him and William In the BBC documentary Diana, 7 Days," Harry recalled how he learned of Diana's death and he prided his father for telling him what had gone on. One of the hardest things for a parent to have to do is to tell your children that your other parent has died, he said. How you deal with that? I dont know. But you know, he was there for us. He was the one out of two left, and he tried to do his best and to make sure that we were protected and looked after, Harry continued. But ... he was going through the same grieving process as well. Royals In Spain (Terry Fincher / Getty Images) William said that he remembered feeling "completely numb," "disorientated" and "dizzy" at the news. You feel very, very confused. And you keep asking yourself, Why me? All the time, Why? What have I done? Why? Why has this happened to us?" he said. William likened hearing the news to an earthquake In "Diana, Our Mother: Her Life and Legacy," William explained how he felt after hearing that Diana had died. Theres nothing like it in the world, he said. There really isnt. Its like an earthquake has just run through the house and through your life and everything. Your mind is completely split. And it took me a while for it to actually sink in. Diana In Lech (Jayne Fincher / Getty Images) Scotland is site of William's 'saddest' memories After Diana's death, Prince William was troubled by memories he had of Scotland. Scotland is the source of some of my happiest memories but also some of my saddest. I was in Balmoral when I was told my mother had died, he said in a speech to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland in Edinburgh in May 2021. Still in shock, I found sanctuary in the service of Crathie Kirk (Church) that very morning," William continued. "And in the dark days of grief that followed, I found comfort and solace in the Scottish outdoors." As depicted in Episode 4 of the sixth season of "The Crown," William walked into the woods in the days following Diana's death at one point not returning to his residence for 14 hours, to the dismay of Charles, Harry and Elizabeth. William later met his future wife, the former Kate Middleton and now the Princess of Wales, while studying in Scotland. Diana, Princess of Wales and Princes William & Harry (Julian Parker / Getty Images) Prince Harry said he tried to 'shut down' emotions afterwards Prince Harry said he took Diana's death very hard. In a 2017 interview with The Telegraph, the prince said he shut down all his emotionsafter losing his mother. I can safely say that losing my mum at the age of 12, and therefore shutting down all of my emotions for the last 20 years, had had a quite serious effect not only on my personal life, but also my work as well, he said. I have probably been very close to a complete breakdown on numerous occasions when all sorts of grief and sort of lies and misconceptions and everything are coming to you from every angle," Harry continued. Prince Harry and Prince William tried to talk 'as best as they could' about Princess Diana's death After they had lost their mother, Prince William said that his family members tried to talk to him and Harry about what had happened. The family came together and Harry and I tried to talk as best we could about it, he said in the HBO documentary Diana, Our Mother: Her Life and Legacy. But being so small at that age, it was very difficult to communicate or understand your feelings. Its ... very complicated. Seven days after Princess Diana's death, Prince William and Prince Harry attended her funeral and marched behind their mother's coffin. The funeral was depicted in Season Six of "The Crown." As William is walking behind her coffin, he asks his grandfather, Prince Philip, a question. "Why are they crying for someone they never knew?" William asked. Philip responds: "They're not crying for her. They're crying for you." Prince of Wales, Prince Harry and Prince William walking behind the funeral cortege of Diana, Princess of Wales on Sept. 6 1997. (Adam Butler / PA Images via Getty Images) While speaking with Newsweek in 2017, Harry recalled how difficult that day was for him. 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 said. I dont think any child should be asked to do that, under any circumstances. I dont think it would happen today. This article was originally published on TODAY.com The University of Floridas Students for Justice in Palestine chapter filed a lawsuit on Thursday against the university system following Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) push to disband them. UF SJP claimed that their First Amendment rights would be violated if the decision was enforced, especially during a time when the Palestine-Israel conflict is a matter of vital public discourse and concern. The Tallahassee Democrat reported that Chancellor Ray Rodrigues, the head of the State University System, talked with DeSantis and later told university officials that two SJP chapters must be deactivated as a way to crack down on campus demonstrations that delve beyond protected First Amendment speech into harmful support for terrorist groups. But The Guardian stated that Rodrigues based his choice on the actions of the national SJP, who said the Oct. 7 Hamas attack was a historic win for the Palestinian resistance. The UF chapter countered it was fully autonomous from the national organization and only acted to mourn the loss of innocent Palestinian and Israeli civilian life. UF SJP is represented by the American Civil Liberties Union, the ACLU of Florida, and Palestine Legal. Read it at Tallahassee Democrat Read more at The Daily Beast. A group of pro-Palestine protesters entered the New York headquarters of Fox Newss parent company on Friday, accusing the network of covering up genocide. The activist organization ANSWER Coalition organized the demonstration. The protesters gathered in the lobby of the News Corp building, waving Palestinian flags and holding a banner that read, Fox News lies cover up genocide. The protesters clapped and chanted, Fox News, Fox News, you cant hide, your lies cover up genocide. ANSWER coalition wrote on X (formerly Twitter) that hundreds of people attended the protest. But a spokesperson for the New York Police Department told The Hill that there were only about 30 protesters. The NYPD took 16 people into custody, the spokesperson said. RIGHT NOW: Activists staging massive disruption at the NYC HQ of the corporation that owns Fox News to protest its propaganda to justify Israels massacre of Palestinians. Hundreds poured into the NewsCorp lobby chanting Fox News lies cover up genocide! #ShutItDown4Palestine pic.twitter.com/TSFA2Zh8h7 ANSWER Coalition (@answercoalition) November 17, 2023 More than two-thirds of Americans support a cease-fire in Gaza, where fighting has continued relentlessly since Hamas attacked Israel on October 7. The death toll has now passed 12,000 civilians, the Gaza government said Friday, and more than two-thirds of those casualties are women and children. Slowly, calls for a cease-fire are growing in the halls of Congress too. A total of 34 lawmakers have called for an end to fighting: 33 representatives, including the first Jewish lawmaker, Becca Balint, and one senator, Dick Durbin. Congress has been overwhelmed by the outpour of public support for a cease-fire. Democrats reportedly are telling their staff to let calls from voters go to voicemail while the party forms an official opinion. President Joe Biden has so far resisted calls for a cease-fire, though, telling reporters last week that there was no possibility of one. Meanwhile, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer participated in a March for Israel rally on Tuesday. One of the speakers at the rally was far-right evangelical Pastor John Hagee, a known antisemite who once claimed Jews were responsible for the Holocaust. Israeli President Isaac Herzog, who last month suggested that civilians in Gaza are legitimate targets, also attended the rally. On Wednesday, Democratic Representative Brad Sherman spread dangerous misinformation when he described a protest calling for a cease-fire pro-terrorist. Pro-Palestine media workers protested Western news outlets' coverage of the conflict in Gaza. The protestors gathered at a press freedom gala in Manhattan Thursday night. They rallied around a letter that calls for the media to no longer "enable" Israel's military. Dozens of Pro-Palestinian media workers gathered outside a press freedom gala in Midtown Manhattan Thursday evening, protesting what they described as a failure by Western news outlets and the New York Times in particular to advocate for the safety of Palestinian journalists amid the war in Gaza. Dressed in formal attire, the protesters arrived en masse outside the venue just after 9:45 p.m. ET, chanting and handing out a mock newspaper printed in the style of the Times and titled "The New York War Crimes." The goal of the night was to to shame the organization behind the gala, the Committee to Protect Journalists, for selecting Meredith Kopit Levien, the CEO and president of the paper's parent company, as chair of its annual Press Freedom Awards. Speaking with Business Insider ahead of the protest, journalist and organizer Harron Walker said the group singled out the Times in part because of its respected status as the "paper of record," but organizers were also incensed by a November 3 op-ed by the paper's editorial board that argued against a ceasefire in Gaza, citing Israeli concerns that such a move would only allow Hamas to re-arm and reinforce its positions. "We don't want them to go about with business as usual and even celebrating themselves as protectors of journalists," Walker said. In an email to Business Insider Friday, a representative for CPJ reemphasized the organization's longstanding commitment to the rights and safety of journalists. "For more than four decades, CPJ has defended press freedom around the world and stood up for journalists in danger, regardless of their nationality or ethnicity," said Gypsy Guillen Kaiser. "We will continue to support these journalists in their quest to speak truth to power, and no effort to distort CPJ's track record as an independent, non-political organization will distract us from that mission." The group at the center of Thursday's protest, Writers Bloc, coalesced around an open letter issued on October 26. The letter which labels Israel an apartheid state and accuses it of committing genocide in Gaza and the West Bank the coalition declares solidarity with Palestinians and demands that media outlets no longer "enable" Israel's military. The group led chants including, "From the river to the sea, no IDF, no NYT," and "NYT, blood on your hands!" As they left the venue, most attendees ignored the protesters or quietly accepted a copy of the mock newspaper. Some, however, spoke their minds. A man confronts pro-Palestinian protesters at a gala Thursday night. Noah Hurowitz/Business Insider "I wish you knew what you were talking about," muttered Michael Golden, a businessman who served until 2016 as vice-chairman of the New York Times Company. When a Business Insider reporter caught up with Golden, he said the protester's accusations don't square with the newspaper he knows. "I know how the New York Times works, and they don't," he said, as a woman accompanying him urged him to stop talking. As the demonstration wrapped up just before 11 p.m. ET, protesters spread posters of slain journalists on the ground and began to gradually disperse. Pro-Palestine protestors spread photos of slain journalists. Noah Hurowitz. In the weeks since the letter was first published, the number of journalists killed in the war has risen from 24 to 42, according to a CPJ analysis, a figure that includes 37 Palestinians, four Israelis, and one Lebanese cameraman. In the wake of a surprise attack on southern Israel on October 7 in which Hamas gunmen killed approximately 1,200 Israelis, including around 800 civilians gunned down at bus stops, in their homes, and at a rave, Israel's campaign against the militant group has spawned a brutal humanitarian crisis and killed more than 11,000 people, per Gaza health authorities, a majority of them women and children. The Gaza Ministry of Health, which is led by Hamas, stopped updating the death toll on Friday, citing crumbling communications infrastructure. Thursday night was the group's second protest against the Times in the past week. On November 9, a large group of protesters led by signatories of the open letter converged on the lobby of the newspaper's flagship office in Manhattan, where they handed out mockups in the precise style of the Grey Lady titled "New York Crimes," and began to read out the names of Palestinians killed in Israel's invasion of Gaza. According to an organizer present at the protest, the reading of names from youngest to oldest lasted around an hour; by the time the protesters decamped, they had only named infants and one year olds. Read the original article on Business Insider The moon stands in the background as work is underway to replace a grid fin actuator at the top of the booster rocket at the SpaceX Starbase at Boca Chica, TX on Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023. The second launch of SpaceX's Starship was rescheduled for 7 a.m. this Saturday to allow the actuator to be replaced. Marvin Pfeiffer/Staff Photographer People take photos at dusk of the SpaceX Starship from atop sand dunes across the street from the launching pad at the SpaceX Starbase at Boca Chica, TX on Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023. The second launch of SpaceX's Starship was rescheduled for 7 a.m. this Saturday to allow a grid fin actuator to be replaced on the booster rocket. Marvin Pfeiffer/Staff Photographer SpaceX's Starship, right, stands next to it's booster at the SpaceX Starbase at Boca Chica, TX on Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023. Starship's second launch was rescheduled for 7 a.m. this Saturday to allow a grid fin actuator to be replaced on the booster rocket. Marvin Pfeiffer/Staff Photographer Previous rocket models stand in the Rocket Garden at the SpaceX Starbase at Boca Chica, TX on Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023. The second launch of SpaceX's Starship was rescheduled for 7 a.m. this Saturday to allow a grid fin actuator to be replaced on the booster rocket. Marvin Pfeiffer/Staff Photographer People wait across the road from the launch pad at the SpaceX Starbase at Boca Chica, TX on Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023. The second launch of SpaceX's Starship was rescheduled for 7 a.m. this Saturday to allow a grid fin actuator to be replaced on the booster rocket. Marvin Pfeiffer/Staff Photographer Alexej Bogatyrev from Germany, from left, Robert Opel, Robin Monsere from Belgium and Emmette Taylor from Austrialia watch a YouTube video of the first SpaceX starship launch at the Base Camp Zero encampment outside the SpaceX Starbase at Boca Chica, TX on Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023. Marvin Pfeiffer/Staff Photographer Calvin Wehrle, 70, left, founder of the Base Camp Zero encampent outside at the SpaceX Starbase at Boca Chica, TX, talks to Ofir Dotan from Israel on Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023 as they await the second launch of SpaceX's Starship now scheduled for Saturday. Marvin Pfeiffer/Staff Photographer SpaceX's Starship, right, stands next to it's booster at the SpaceX Starbase at Boca Chica, TX on Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023. Starship's second launch was rescheduled for 7 a.m. this Saturday to allow a grid fin actuator to be replaced on the booster rocket. Marvin Pfeiffer/Staff Photographer A Border Patrol truck stands watch at the SpaceX Starbase launch facility at Boca Chica, TX on Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023. The second launch of SpaceX's Starship was rescheduled for 7 a.m. this Saturday to allow a grid fin actuator to be replaced on the booster rocket. Marvin Pfeiffer/Staff Photographer Finn Marechal, from left, from France grills chicken as Freeman Brook from Georgia, Ofir Dotan from Israel and Chet Szymecki from Yourktown, VA stand by at the Base Camp Zero encampment outside the SpaceX Starbase at Boca Chica, TX on Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023. Marvin Pfeiffer/Staff Photographer The moon stands in the background as work is underway to replace a grid fin actuator at the top of the booster rocket, left, at the SpaceX Starbase at Boca Chica, TX on Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023. The second launch of SpaceX's Starship was rescheduled for 7 a.m. this Saturday to allow the actuator to be replaced. Marvin Pfeiffer/Staff Photographer Work continues after dark to replace a grid fin actuator at the top of the booster rocket at the SpaceX Starbase at Boca Chica, TX on Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023. The second launch of SpaceX's Starship was rescheduled for 7 a.m. this Saturday to allow for the repair. Marvin Pfeiffer/Staff Photographer BOCA CHICA BEACH As darkness fell across Starbase on Thursday, workers on boom lifts labored more than 16 stories above ground to replace a part on the booster rocket thats to lift SpaceXs Starship into space. Far below, along Boca Chica Boulevard, dozens of people milled about. Some stared silently at the massive rocket being prepared for launch. Others talked, snapped photos or strolled toward the sand dunes. Nearby, a few dozen people gathered around a pickup, tent and SpaceX flag a makeshift camp dubbed Base Camp Zero. The name is a play on the SpaceX term for the launch pad stage zero. The mishmash of people came from across the United States, Belgium, Germany, Poland, Australia, Israel, France and England in hopes of seeing Starship fly. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The launch, originally scheduled for Friday morning, was delayed at least 24 hours as SpaceX worked to replace the actuator for one of the boosters grid fins latticed metal slats that help control the rocket as it returns to Earth. After repairing the part, workers restacked the Starship on top of the Super Heavy booster Friday morning. As of Friday afternoon, things appeared to be on track for a Saturday morning launch during a 20-minute window beginning at 7 a.m. If something goes wrong, SpaceX has another launch window at the same time Sunday. The delay didnt bother Alexej Bogatyrev too much even though hed traveled to Texas from outside Berlin to see the worlds most powerful rocket take flight. The 32-year-old is scheduled to leave Sunday, so he was hoping Starship flies Saturday. Its a close call, he said. Im a bit anxious about this one. Advertisement Article continues below this ad But he and many others said the gamble is worth it because Starbase is the only place in the world where people can get as close to a multimillion-dollar spacecraft. Its unbelievable. This is why Im here, and nobody really knows how long its going to be that accessible, Bogatyrev said. So, I have to take any opportunity that I get to be here to hang out with those people to be as close as possible. Changed me forever Matt Romero, 63, drove in from Albuquerque, N.M. Hes been camping on the shoulder of Boca Chica Boulevard near the launch pad since last Friday. As he worked his barbecue grill, he spoke of his love of spaceflight. I saw Neil Armstrong walk on the moon when I was 9 years old, and that just changed me forever, and then I was waiting for us to go to Mars, he said. It never happened, never happened, and now Im getting older and I still want to go. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Gesturing toward Starship, he said, The only man who is doing anything to get there is this man back here, referring to SpaceX CEO Elon Musk. Nearby, in a floppy hat and shorts, the so-called Mayor of Starbase, Calvin Wehrle, 70, made his rounds. He said he frequently travels from his home in Galveston to camp in his pickup near the launch site because its a place where he finds solace. This time, hes been here since Oct. 14. When I was young guy, I was a hippie, and I knew we was gonna change the world, he said. Ten years ago, I wouldve said we failed miserably, but when I saw this place, it was utopia. We did it, you know? Starbase people Advertisement Article continues below this ad Despite SpaceXs history of exploding rockets and environmental issues at Boca Chica Beach, Wehrle said he believes the Starship project will ultimately preserve the wildlife areas and prevent further coastal development in the long run. The notion makes sense when one considers the vast, undeveloped wildlife areas surrounding launch facilities at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., and Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif. Im amazed at the people who come here, Wehrle said. Theyre people that love the land, people looking for the end of the road, and Starbase people, and theyre usually interesting. He said he tries to speak to everyone who passes his camp. Every person in the world thinks, My children can be on this ship, and its worldly, he said. And its bigger than Woodstock because of that, because everybody thinks that were part of this. Not everyone shares Wehrles utopian view of Starbase or Musks aspirations to send humans to Mars. Some remain concerned with the environmental impacts of a rocket factory and launch pad in the middle of wildlife refuges. Others worry about losing access to Boca Chica Beach, which Cameron County frequently closes at SpaceXs request for testing or launches. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Eric Roesch, an expert in environmental compliance, said he was disappointed by what he contends was a shoddy environmental review and launch license approval process by the Federal Aviation Administration. Other regulators' decisions also dismay him. Among his concerns is a newly installed water deluge system thats supposed to dampen effects of the rocket engines noise and heat during liftoff. The system, which can spray more than 100,000 gallons of water from metal plates under the launch pad in about a minute, was apparently built and could operate this weekend despite SpaceXs apparent failure to get proper state permitting. Ive seen bad applications of rules, especially at smaller agencies that dont know what they are doing, but in Texas, or with the FAA, or with any sort of review, Ive never seen anything like it before, he said. Its just willfully bad. Roesch isnt alone in such concerns. About a week after Starships first flight April 20, a coalition of environmental, Indigenous and conservation groups sued the FAA in federal court for approving it without fully analyzing impacts on the environment and wildlife in South Texas. A few weeks later, SpaceX joined the FAA as a defendant in the case, which is ongoing. A pro-Palestinian group posted a picture of multiple locations around New York City it alleges are associated with the "genocide" in Gaza. The group, Within Our Lifetime, posted the map which was later deleted, with a headline of "From Palestine to NYC. Globalize the Intifada," according to the New York Post. The map stated that the locations were considered zones "of direct action." "Each of the sites on this map is tied to the ongoing genocide in Gaza and the settler-colonization of Palestine. They reflect a network of dispossession, policing, prisons, surveillance, counterinsurgency, war, destruction, imperialism and militarization across the globe, with the mass media complex which manufactures consent for genocide acting as tools of the oppressor. These sites are also multi-purpose assets for some of the system's most powerful perpetrators of violence. May this map serve as a call for every struggle to act in their own interest. As we do so, we uplift one another's struggles and free Palestine from the river to the sea," the map reads. KIRBY SUGGESTS IT'S UNLIKELY HAMAS' IDEOLOGY WILL BE ELIMINATED A banner reading "Palestinians Should Be Free" is seen as people demonstrate calling for a cease-fire amid war between Israel and Hamas, at Grand Central Station in New York City on Oct. 27, 2023. The group describes itself as a "Palestinian-led community organization" with 121,000 followers on Instagram. New York City political leaders commented on the map, saying it calls for violence against Jewish individuals. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP "Coded calls for violence against Jews are proliferating on social media," Rep. Ritchie Torres, D-N.Y. wrote on X. Pro-Palestine protesters march over the St George Ferry building onramp on Staten Island, NY Tuesday, November 14, 2023. Mark Levine, Manhattan borough president, said the organization's actions are "dangerous and reprehensible." LIVE UPDATES: ISRAEL AT WAR WITH HAMAS A protester is detained by the NYPD as Pro-Palestine protesters march toward over the St George Ferry building onramp on Staten Island, NY Tuesday, November 14, 2023. Fox News Digital reached out to Within Our Lifetime for comment. Original article source: Pro-Palestinian group posts NYC map of locations 'tied' to 'Genocide' in Gaza: 'Globalize the Intifada' Since October 7, large, pulsing crowds have gathered at rallies around the world, with signs above their heads and chants on their lips, to convey their simmering frustration, outrage and fear over the ongoing hostilities between Israel and Hamas and the resulting casualties. On a sunny, cold and breezy Tuesday, pro-Israel demonstrators gathered on Washington, DCs National Mall, decked in the blue and white colors of the Israeli flag, and called for Hamas to free its hostages, expressed concerns about rising antisemitism in the US and pushed for American policies to remain steadfast toward Israel. As Jews, we dont want to feel alone. And we have often throughout our history felt isolated, said Adam Roffman, a rabbi with Congregation Shearith Israel in Dallas who attended Tuesdays rally in DC with his wife, Rabbi Shira Wallach. And just the opportunity to stand here with not just Jews, but supporters of Israel, after a very, very difficult and emotionally gut-wrenching month fills us with such hope and joy to really just see so many people here who care about our brothers and sisters in Israel and care about the future of Israel as a vibrant home for the Jewish people. Rabbi Adam Roffman from Congregation Shearith Israel in Dallas attended the pro-Israel rally in Washington, DC on Tuesday, November 14. - Rebecca Wright/CNN Roffman's wife, Rabbi Shira Wallach, also attended Tuesday's demonstration. She believes Israelis and Palestinians have a common enemy in Hamas. - Rebecca Wright/CNN Days earlier, at a pro-Palestinian event last Friday night in New York Citys Columbus Circle, demonstrators waved Palestinian flags and carried homemade signs reading Cease Fire Now! and Stop bombing kids, as they marched to Grand Central Terminal and Times Square. They criticized Israels treatment of Palestinians and accused the country of apartheid and genocide, pushed for a ceasefire in Israels military campaign and challenged American leaders to end their support for Israel. I go through periods of extreme distress and anguish and sadness over whats happening, Laila Rodenbeck, a 24-year-old who attended Fridays rally, told CNN. Its only when I attend one of these rallies that I come back feeling a little bit more hopeful that the tides are starting to change. CNN spoke to some of the demonstrators at these two recent rallies to better understand why thousands have joined marches and what those in attendance hope to accomplish. Heres what they said. Why they showed up Pro-Palestinian demonstrators: Many attendees of Fridays rally declined to provide CNN with their last names out of privacy and safety concerns. Some wore medical masks or a checkered black and white keffiyeh, a traditional scarf, to cover their faces, wary of being identified or doxxed a form of online invasion of personal privacy for their political views. Demonstrators gather in New York's Columbus Circle in support of Palestinians on Friday, November 10. - Laura Oliverio/CNN Elizabeth, a 42-year-old teacher, said she joined the demonstrations after seeing images of children suffering in Gaza. Its because I have a daughter, and I see all those children (in Gaza), she said, gently pushing her 2-year-old daughters stroller. We just dont want to support people being bombed. Elizabeth Oram, a 70-year-old nurse and adjunct lecturer, waved a Palestinian flag during the march, her short blonde hair falling onto the top of a white KN95 mask. She said she is a longtime supporter of Palestinian rights and had seen the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories go from very bad to absolutely barbaric. Im 70. I need to be able to tell my grandchildren that when this happened, when a genocide happened, that I did not sit still that I spoke out, she said. Thats what I need them to know. Elizabeth Oram waves a Palestinian flag during Friday night's rally. She is a supporter of Palestinian rights. - Laura Oliverio/CNN A demonstrator holds a sign calling for a ceasefire during Friday's demonstration. - Laura Oliverio/CNN The United Nations Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, which was adopted after World War II, defines genocide as acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group. Sami, a 20-year-old French student at a London university, was visiting New York when he came upon the rally. He told CNN he felt inspired to stay and attend after seeing images of the violence in Gaza on social media. I see all the videos and the pictures, and its horrible I see this every day, every time on social media, on Twitter, on Instagram, he said. Every day, these atrocities in front of my eyes. I feel a lot of pain for them and I want this massacre and this genocide to stop. Pro-Israeli demonstrators: The March for Israel in DC on Tuesday brought out thousands of Israel supporters from across the country in what is believed to be the largest pro-Israel gathering in the US since the start of the war. Demonstrators held aloft Israeli flags, raised signs saying, Free the hostages or Let my people go, or wore clothing emblazoned with the faces of hostages. Sara Blau, a student at the University of Maryland, attended the rally on the National Mall wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with the face of Omer Neutra, a high school friend who was kidnapped by Hamas on October 7 and is believed to be held hostage. Blau said she wanted to join the march to show my support for Israel. Im a proud Zionist, a proud Jew and I wanted to be here to support my community. Michal and Noam Sheps, a married couple from New Jersey, said they came to show support for the hostages and for Israel. Michal and Noam Sheps, from New Jersey, went to the rally in Washington, DC, to show their support for the hostages. - Rebecca Wright/CNN Were one nation and were all supporting each other, and we want the hostages to be released. Its extremely important, Michal said. (Were here) for peace, for the safety of the people that are in Israel and for the hostages. Noam added: We want to make it clear that this is an important issue and we stand with our brothers and sisters in Israel and that we send them our support, hopefully through America and Americas backing as well. Sharon Strauss, 64, of Rockville, Maryland, attended the rally with an Israeli flag tied around her shoulders and carried a sign featuring the Jewish Star of David in the colors of the LGBTQ+ flag. She said she attended the rally to show solidarity with Israel as well as the LGBTQ+ community. I have a transgender son. And one of the things that really worries me about this conflict with Hamas and the ultra-conservative group of their followers if you look at countries where Hamas and ISIS dominate, people who are LGBTQ, theyre not safe, she said. What concerns them Pro-Palestinian demonstrators: For Pritam, a 20-year-old New York University student with a keffiyeh draped around his neck, attending Fridays rally served as an opportunity to show support for the greater Muslim community. Im a Muslim. I feel like our people are dying out here, he told CNN. I feel like its our job as the younger generation to speak up. Lulu, a 24-year-old graduate student, told CNN she felt a mixture of anger, rage but also resistance while attending the rally. She said she doesnt feel safe because pro-Palestinian supporters are being doxxed for their position. I truly believe no one is free until everyone is free, she said. I just think that we really have to hold the ground down and stand up at any cost. Pritam, left, and Sami, 20-year-old students, attended the pro-Palestinian demonstration in New York on November 10. Sami felt inspired to attend the rally after seeing images of violence in Gaza on social media. - Laura Oliverio/CNN Gurmukh, a 23-year-old research assistant who came to New York for college, said he wanted to be on the right side of history. Its less about pro-someone or anti-someone, its just basic human rights. I dont really think that its political or religious at all at this point. Weve gotta take care of people, he said. Pro-Israeli demonstrators: Several of the pro-Israeli demonstrators said they had concerns about their personal safety as Jewish Americans. Josh Segel, a student at Towson University in Maryland, told CNN affiliate WJLA he has recently become wary of wearing a kippah on his head and his silver Star of David chain around his neck. I always grew up wearing my Jewish star out and not having to think anything of it, he said. But now, going out of the house depending on where Im going I need to worry about if I have it on or if I have it out. He said hes now fearful and worries as he walks on the Towson campus. I may have to second guess who Im walking by or who Im sitting next to in class, he said. You cant tell who its going to come from. A woman from Dallas shows off her pro-Israeli pins before attending Tuesday's rally in DC. - Rebecca Wright/CNN Noam Sheps also expressed his concerns about his personal safety. Ive never felt so uneasy being an American Jew before, he said. I dont think Israel, here, as a character, is an oppressor. I dont think Israel invited this. I dont think the Israeli citizens deserve this. And so anyone today who feels like they could dismiss what happened on October 7th in pursuit of an errant ideology about liberation or resistance movement has become emboldened by the barbaric behavior. And that means that every single one of us here in America today and elsewhere is at risk. Evan, 24, who declined to give his last name for privacy reasons, said he lives in a densely populated Jewish area but still has concerns about his safety. Unfortunately there is, even within those communities, there is still fear, he said. We definitely feel it everywhere. What they hope to achieve Pro-Palestinian demonstrators: A number of demonstrators said they attended Fridays rally to push American policymakers to press for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. It just seems very clear that there needs to be a ceasefire, said Derek, a 35-year-old massage therapist. He held up a piece of cardboard with the words Cease Fire Now! scrawled in sharpie. Most demonstrators are looking for a reality where Israelis and Palestinians can live in harmony, not where one or the other is wiped out of the land, he added. Derek, a 35-year-old massage therapist, holds a sign urging a ceasefire during the pro-Palestine rally in Columbus Circle. - Laura Oliverio/CNN I would hope that there will be a ceasefire as the first step, said Rodenbeck, the 24-year-old, who works in the nonprofit sector. And I would also hope that there would be an end of the occupation of Palestinian land, that there would be a future in which Jews and Muslims and Christians in Palestine can all live in safety. That would be the outcome that Im hoping for. Alex Papadopoulos, a 36-year-old working in media production, said attending the rally was a way of taking action and showing solidarity with Palestinians. I would hope to see some sort of plan ahead. The ceasefire of course, and then moving forward to get in there and just to actually rebuild, she said. And obviously, I hope we can find another president, not Trump, not Biden, somebody else to step up. Pro-Israeli demonstrators: The pro-Israeli demonstrators pushed for Hamas to immediately release the more than 200 hostages who were taken October 7. We cant really have a ceasefire until the hostages are released, said Strauss, the 64-year-old from Maryland. She said she hopes for a path forward for both people to live safely. I have Palestinian friends. I think they have a right to be safe and to have their own homeland. I believe in a two-state solution. But it cant be that Jewish people cant call Israel home. Ami Forman, 15, of New Jersey, went to Tuesday's March for Israel with his high school. - Rebecca Wright/CNN A young woman wears a necklace showing Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories during Tuesday's pro-Israel demonstration. - Rebecca Wright/CNN Ami Forman, a 15-year-old from New Jersey, stood toward the front of the crowd close to the stage with his father and his high school classmates, who all attended the march to show support for Israel. I would like to see the destruction of Hamas, the protection of the Jewish people, and overall a creative support of the Jewish people throughout the entire world, he said. Wallach, the rabbi from Dallas, said she believed Israelis and Palestinians had a common enemy in Hamas. Of course, we want the Gazans to be able to live lives of dignity and have access to healthcare and education and places to live, she said. It breaks our hearts to see how Hamas is using its own people as human shields. It breaks our hearts to see the loss of life over there as well. So, one of the things that we dream about is that we can unite against the common enemy and know that nobody will have to be afraid of terrorists anymore. CNNs Zoe Sottile reported from New York, Chandelis Duster reported from Washington, DC and Eric Levenson wrote from New York. Gabe Cohen also contributed reporting. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The pro-Palestinian protester initially jailed on $1 million bond in the death of pro-Israel protester Paul Kessler will face hate crime charges only if investigators can determine that hate speech accompanied the blow that caused the Jewish man to fall. Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko told reporters at a Friday press conference that the county's Sheriff's Department had interviewed 60 witnesses, reviewed more than 600 videos and put forth 2,000 work hours into their investigation of Loay Abdelfattah Alnaji, 50. At his later arraignment in Ventura County Court, Alnaji pleaded not guilty - his bail amount was reduced to $50,000, and he was ordered to surrender his passports, Fox News Digital has learned. "We have not ruled out a hate crime an investigation into an alleged hate crime is ongoing," Nasarenko said at the earlier press conference. "We are looking for whether the act was accompanied by hate speech, specific words . . . that show hatred toward a specific group. We don't have that at the moment." The DA's office was called in within 24 hours of Kessler's November 6 death, Nasarenko said, which happened hours after the 69-year-old was struck by Alnaji amid a dispute at conflicting pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian protests on the corners of Westlake and Thousand Oaks Boulevards in Westlake Village around 3:20 p.m. on November 5. PRO-PALESTINIAN PROTESTER ARRESTED IN DEATH OF JEWISH MAN PAUL KESSLER READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP Pictured is a mugshot of Loay Alnaji, arrested at his Moorpark, California, home around 7:40 a.m. Thursday. The community college computer science professor faces involuntary manslaughter and battery charges in the death of pro-Israel protester Paul Kessler. The blow knocked Kessler down onto the concrete with a megaphone, witnesses told Fox News Digital and caused skull fractures, brain bruising and swelling that would later kill him. "New physical and forensic evidence regarding the injuries to the left side of Paul Kessler's face" contributed to Alnaji's arrest on Thursday, Ventura County Sheriff James Fryhoff said. PRO-PALESTINIAN PROTESTER 'TRIED TO BAIT' ELDERLY JEWISH MAN BEFORE FATAL ALTERCATION, WITNESS SAYS Paul Kessler can be seen at the intersection of Westlake and Thousand Oaks Boulevards hours earlier, authorities say, Loay Alnaji delivered the blow that caused him to hit the ground and sustain fatal injuries. After he was taken into custody at his Moorpark home around 7:40 a.m. Thursday without incident, the district attorney said, Alnaji was charged with involuntary manslaughter and battery causing serious bodily injury. Investigators have "no evidence, no statements whatsoever that the defendant arrived at that intersection with the intention to kill." Therefore, no murder charge was pursued, Nasarenko said. HUNDREDS HONOR JEWISH MAN PAUL KESSLER KILLED IN CLASH WITH PRO-PALESTINIAN PROTESTER: 'WE WANT JUSTICE' Loay Alnaji can be seen watching an ambulance cart Paul Kessler to a nearby hospital on November 5. Both charges that have been filed come with "special allegations that Alnaji personally inflicted great bodily injury." This, Nasarenko said Tuesday, allows those charges to count toward California's "Three Strikes" law. Should Alnaji be charged with a third crime, he would face a mandatory 25 years to life behind bars. But the Ventura County Sheriff's Department still has not procured evidence that could lead to a hate crime charge, despite the protests at the backdrop of the incident. JEWISH MAN'S DEATH AT CALIFORNIA RALLY COMPLICATED BY CONFLICTING WITNESS ACCOUNTS Loay Alnaji can be seen carrying the megaphone allegedly used to strike Paul Kessler. Investigators are still urging the public to come forward with any recollections or video of the November 5 incident in their investigation. Nasarenko thanked both area Jewish and Muslim communities for their cooperation and patience amid the investigation. ELDERLY JEWISH MAN DIED IN CONFRONTATION WITH PRO-PALESTINIAN PROTESTER AT CALIFORNIA RALLY In footage provided to Fox News Digital, Loay Alnaji can be seen speaking to a police officer minutes after Paul Kessler hit the ground, sustaining the injury that would later kill him. A source with the Ventura County Sheriff's Department has told Fox News Digital that individuals across the country have repeatedly called the department urging swift action in the case. Nasarenko and Fryhoff said they spoke with Kessler's family for about 30 minutes following Alnaji's arrest. They shared that Kessler had worked in medical sales, taught sales at a number of satellite college campuses and had been married for 44 years. "[Kessler's family] are mourning, they are grieving, and they are asking for privacy during this very difficult time," Nasarenko said. Original article source: Pro-Palestinian protester charged in Jewish man Paul Kessler's death could face hate crime as DA probes speech A version of this story appeared in CNNs What Matters newsletter. To get it in your inbox, sign up for free here. A few people can make a very big scene. It was just a line of cars that shut down the Bay Bridge between Oakland and San Francisco, stopping traffic headed in the direction of a meeting of world leaders that included US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Stopping traffic, evacuating the DNC Traffic around the convention center was already restricted so the protest probably had no effect on the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. But grinding Bay Area traffic to a halt for a few hours allowed the small group of protesters, calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, to get pictures of their banners out in social and traditional media. Similarly, it was a relatively small group of protesters, apparently from left-wing Jewish and socialist groups, also making a statement in support of Palestinians, who clashed with police in Washington, DC, Wednesday night. Blocking entrances and exits to the Democratic National Committee headquarters on Capitol Hill, the protesters forced the evacuation of Democratic lawmakers, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. Jeffries was at a much larger gathering on the National Mall Tuesday, when he appeared on stage in front of many tens of thousands of people gathered to support Israel. At the Israel rally, Jeffries joined hands with Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson in support of Israel. From left, House Speaker Mike Johnson, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Sen. Joni Ernst join hands at the March for Israel on Tuesday. - Mark Schiefelbein/AP On Thursday, Johnson posted on X that the protesters who blocked the DNC headquarters leading to six Capitol Police officers seeking medical treatment but only one arrest were pro-Hamas, which doesnt seem accurate. As Americans, we must unite with one voice in steadfast support of our ally Israel, Johnson said. The conflict in the Middle East has brought Americans out to the streets. Hamas terror attacks, which killed more than 1,200 people in Israel, and Israels subsequent bombardment of Gaza, which has caused more than 11,000 Palestinian deaths, according to the Palestinian health ministry, have caused painful debates in the US about antisemitism, free speech on college campuses and US foreign military aid. There are similar protests throughout the Western world. Hundreds of thousands of people rallied for Palestinians in London, calling for a ceasefire in Gaza on Armistice Day, which commemorates the end of World War I. Police, meanwhile, clashed with counter-protestors. US protests are following Biden wherever he goes When Biden went to his home in Wilmington, Delaware, over the weekend, hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters marched along the street and made themselves known outside his house. CNNs Kevin Liptak noted Biden has also seen protests in Illinois, where he recently traveled for a speech and that he has been interrupted twice by protesters calling for a ceasefire. Biden and the US government support a humanitarian pause in hostilities in Gaza of multiple days to get basic supplies needed for human life into Gaza, but they argue that is not support for a ceasefire. To the extent these protests are reflective of a split in the country, it is mostly a split on the political left. More than half of the lawmakers that make up Democrats Senate majority sent a letter to Biden last week asking for clarity on how the administration would guarantee Israel mitigates civilian deaths in Gaza. Democrats are just about evenly split on Bidens handling of the Israel-Gaza conflict, according to an AP-NORC poll released last week. Most of those who disapprove of his performance on the issue say the US is too supportive of the Israelis. Younger Democrats and Democratic voters of color were more likely than White Democrats and Democrats 45 and older to disapprove of Bidens handling of the issue. Those are two constituencies that are bedrocks of the coalition Biden and Democrats hope will turn out to get him reelected next year. This is not the 60s Given the protests are focused on a Democratic president and led to lawmakers being evacuated from the DNC, it would be easy to start drawing comparisons to 1968, when protests and violence marred the Democratic National Convention. That level of discontent today feels very different. Theres no war in Vietnam and no draft, for starters. In 1968, President Lyndon B. Johnson also faced multiple, credible challenges from within the Democratic Party. While many Democrats today wish Biden would step aside, the chaos that resulted from Johnsons decision to bow out of his reelection campaign should be a warning to them. Johnson bowed out of the presidential race in March 1968, after barely winning the New Hampshire primary. Today, there hasnt exactly been a groundswell of support for Rep. Dean Phillips, the Minnesota Democrat challenging Biden. In 1968, not long after Johnson dropped out of the presidential race, the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. set off devastating riots in multiple US cities. A Democratic presidential candidate, Robert F. Kennedy, was killed by an assassin in June. There were riots outside the Democratic National Convention in August, when delegates cast away the anti-war candidate Sen. Eugene McCarthy in favor of Johnsons Vice President Hubert Humphrey, who had not taken part in any primaries. In this August 1968 photo, police and demonstrators clash near the Conrad Hilton Hotel during the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. - Bettmann Archive/Getty Images A different kind of third-party candidate Kennedys son, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., decided to run for president in 2024 as an independent after first trying to gain traction as a Democrat because his politics, which is fueled by conspiracy theories, is out of whack with a lot Democrats. That doesnt mean Kennedy wont influence the upcoming election. This year, Kennedy has polled as high as 22% in a Quinnipiac University poll, which is on the same level as former Alabama Gov. George Wallace in 1968 or Ross Perot in 1992, according to CNNs Harry Enten. Nobody is expecting Kennedy to win states like Wallace, who carried much of the South and amassed 46 electoral votes. But Enten also looked at recent New York Times/Siena College polling in six key states that helped Biden win in 2020 and where former President Donald Trump, at least according to this poll, currently has a lead. From Entens report: When Kennedy was introduced as an option among likely voters, Trump was ahead of Biden in only two states (Georgia and Nevada). His 5-point leads in Arizona and Pennsylvania disappeared into ties. Biden held a well-within-the-margin-of-error edge in Pennsylvania, while the two were tied in Michigan. Put another way, a clear Trump polling lead became a jumbled mess with no clear favorite to win in the Electoral College thanks to Kennedy. Jumbled mess is exactly what it feels like trying to make sense of US politics at the moment. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Todd Mumford, a 52-year-old Sussex County Probation & Parole officer and vice president of the Delaware Fraternal Order of Police, was killed in a hunting accident Wednesday in Millsboro. Delaware State Police responded to the 24000 block Radish Road just after 5:30 p.m. Nov. 15, according to spokesman Lewis Briggs. In what's being treated as an accident, Briggs said, they found a man dead on the ground in the woods. No other details were provided. The police investigation is ongoing. Delaware Fraternal Order of Police President James Leonard confirmed Mumford was the victim. In a statement, he sent condolences to Mumford's wife and two daughters. "Yesterday, Delawares law enforcement labor community lost a true giant. Todd was a living breathing example of what we all should strive to be as FOP leaders," Leonard said. "He was wholeheartedly committed to protecting the rights of Delawares law enforcement officers up and down the State. Todd was a devout Sussex Countian and in the past years had focused his efforts on providing FOP representation to the many smaller agencies in the part of the State that he loved so deeply." Background: Friends, family mourning Sussex County Probation and Parole officer killed in accident Todd Mumford was a Sussex County Probation & Parole officer and Vice President of the Delaware Fraternal Order of Police. Most recently, Leonard said, Mumford spearheaded efforts to form the Delaware Fraternal Order of Police Foundation, a nonprofit devoted to community engagement, the health and wellness of members and assisting officers and their families in times of need. Mumford worked for the Department of Correction for 23 years, according to department spokesman Jason Miller, and entirely in Sussex County. Prior to that, he worked as a police officer for the Milton and Rehoboth Beach police departments, Miller said. Acting Department of Correction Commissioner Terra Taylor worked with him for over 20 years and said he will be deeply missed. Todd was 100% committed to public safety and to helping others," Taylor said in a statement. "He believed passionately in the Probation & Parole mission and he worked hard on the job as an officer and as a leader in the Fraternal Order of Police to advocate for the resources and support that was needed to meet that mission and to effectively serve the public." Sen. Brian Pettyjohn of Georgetown said he had known Mumford since high school. "He was a great person, and will be sorely missed," Pettyjohn said in a Facebook post. "He was a fierce advocate for the men and women he represented and worked with at Probation and Parole." 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: Probation officer, Fraternal Order of Police VP dies in hunting accident Attorney and former Harris County Republican Party Chair Jared Woodfill listens to Dr. Steven Hotze during a December 2020 press conference in Houston to discuss his election fraud claims and answer questions about the arrest of an ex-police officer he hired to investigate the claims. Credit: Courtesy of Steve Gonzales/The Houston Chronicle Prominent anti-LGBTQ+ attorney and former Harris County GOP chair Jared Woodfill is running for the Texas House and to replace House Speaker Dade Phelan. Woodfill announced his candidacy for House District 138 this week, touting his legal challenges to COVID-19 mandates and LGBTQ+ legislation, and the four Republican sweeps that Harris County Republicans saw during his tenure as the local GOPs leader from 2002 to 2014. Hes running against incumbent Republican Rep. Lacey Hull, who was first elected to represent the northwest Houston district in 2020 with backing from Gov. Greg Abbott and U.S. Rep. Dan Crenshaw, R-Houston. Hull was ranked as one of the most conservative members of the Texas House this year based on an analysis of voting records by Rice University political scientist Mark Jones. Woodfills campaign has already tried to frame Hull as a Republican in Name Only RINO by citing D ratings from two conservative activist groups. His campaign also accuses her of conspiring with Phelan a longtime nemesis of Woodfill and other ultraconservative Texas Republicans to undermine conservative legislation and impeach Attorney General Ken Paxton. The entire episode was an example of why RINOs in Austin must be voted out of office, Woodfills campaign website states. Woodfill will be ready on Day 1 to bring decency back to HD 138, and return our conservative grassroots values back to the Texas House of Representatives. Woodfill and Hull could not be reached for comment Friday. Woodfill has for years been at the helm of conservative Christian and anti-LGBTQ+ movements in Houston and Texas. In 2015, he and well-known Houston GOP powerbroker and anti-gay activist Dr. Steven Hotze played key roles in the defeat of an ordinance that would have extended equal rights protections to LGBTQ+ Houstonians, during which they compared gay people to Nazis and helped popularize groomer rhetoric. The two have remained close, leading a pro-Paxton fundraising group during the attorney generals impeachment this summer and spearheading legal challenges to COVID-19 closure mandates and election results in Harris County. Woodfill is also representing Hotze in a criminal investigation stemming from a 2020 incident in which a private investigator, allegedly acting at Hotzes behest, held at gunpoint an air-conditioning repairman who he believed was transporting fake ballots. Woodfill has faced his own legal issues: He has for years been at the center of an ongoing lawsuit in which a man accuses Woodfills former law partner and Southern Baptist leader Paul Pressler of decades of sexual abuse. In March, The Texas Tribune reported that Woodfill testified under oath that he was alerted in 2004 about child sexual abuse allegations against Pressler, who Woodfill was representing at the time in an assault lawsuit that was settled for $450,000. Despite that, Woodfill continued to work with Pressler, providing him with a string of young, male personal assistants who worked out of Presslers home. The lawsuit is set for trial early next year. In 2018, Woodfill was also investigated for money laundering by the Harris County District Attorneys Office after being accused of misappropriating funds from two clients of his law firm, though no charges were filed. Hull cruised to reelection in HD 138 last year, beating her Democratic opponent Stephanie Morales by 15 percentage points or about 8,000 votes. Disclosure: Rice University has been a financial supporter of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune's journalism. Find a complete list of them here. FILE PHOTO: Lawyer David Boies walks out of the Southern District of New York court, in New York FILE PHOTO: Lawyer David Boies walks out of the Southern District of New York court, in New York By David Thomas (Reuters) - David Boies, who became one of America's most prominent lawyers in cases involving Microsoft, the 2000 U.S. presidential election and the fight to legalize same-sex marriage, is stepping down next year as leader of the law firm he co-founded. The firm's partnership has been in tumult in recent years in part because of Boies' representation of controversial clients like disgraced Hollywood movie producer Harvey Weinstein. Boies' tenure as chairman of Boies Schiller Flexner ends December 2024, a firm spokesperson said on Friday. A new chairman-will be selected next month, the spokesperson said. The firm said the 82-year-old Boies is not retiring and will remain a partner. Boies was not immediately available to comment. Boies Schiller has lost nearly half of its lawyers over the last three years. It now lists 180 lawyers in 13 offices. The firm has altered its leadership structure in the same period, electing multiple co-managing partners as it looked ahead to a future without its founder. One of them, Nicholas Gravante, departed for rival law firm Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft in 2020. Another who briefly held the role, Natasha Harrison, left Boies Schiller last year to found her own firm. Boies Schiller is now managed by a trio of managing partners, who praised Boies' leadership in a statement on Friday. "We greatly appreciate the faith David and the rest of the firm has placed in us," partners Matthew Schwartz, Sigrid McCawley and Alan Vickery said in a statement. In 1997, the same year he started his firm, Boies was hired by the U.S. government for its landmark antitrust case against Microsoft, boosting the firm's reputation as a litigation powerhouse. He unsuccessfully represented Democrat Al Gore in his U.S. Supreme Court fight with George W. Bush over the 2000 election and later helped overturn California's ban on gay marriage. In recent years, he was criticized for representing Weinstein, as well as biotechnology company Theranos, which falsely claimed to pioneer blood tests needing minute amounts of blood, and where Boies sat on the board. (Reporting by David Thomas; Editing by David Bario and Marguerita Choy) Kevin Rodriguez at his arraignment on Nov. 9. Rodriguez is charged with assault with intent to murder. WORCESTER The two groups allegedly involved in the Oct. 28 shooting in a parking lot at Worcester State University had been at an 18-plus party at a local bar early in the evening and, after hearing word of an after-hours party, ended up at the universitys campus. As a dozen members representing both the defendant and the victims family sat on opposite sides of the courtroom at Central District Courthouse on Thursday, Kevin J. Rodriguez, 18, of Lawrence was escorted in by trial court officers. Wearing a black T-shirt with a faded white P on the back, the handcuffed Rodriguez who is charged with armed assault with intent to murder and unlawful possession of a firearm listened quietly as the assistant district attorney and his defense attorney argued about whether he should be released. Assistant District Attorney Lina Pashou recounted the early morning double shooting on the Worcester State University campus. Pashou said two videos, as well as freeze-frame images taken from videos, show Rodriguez shooting Randy Armando Melendez Jr., 19, of Southbridge, three times. Melendez would later be pronounced dead at UMass - Memorial Medical Center. A second person was also shot and hospitalized. Neither the alleged shooter nor the two people who were shot attended Worcester State. WORCESTER - Worcester Police and Massachusetts State Troopers investigate a shooting on the campus of Worcester State University. Prior to the shooting, Pashou said two groups consisting of four people from Southbridge and six from Lawrence were at an 18-plus party at Leitrims Pub at 265 Park Ave. After the bar closed, Pashou said word spread quickly that an after-hours party was happening at Worcester State, and the two groups made their way up to the universitys campus. After 2 a.m. Sunday, a fight between the two groups erupted in a campus parking lot over burnouts, Pashou said. Two people from the Lawrence group and three from Southbridge group began fighting, she said. During the altercation, one of the Southbridge men took one of the Lawrence men to the back of a truck, Pashou said. After the Southbridge man discharged a gun in the air, another car with four people from Lawrence pulled up, she said. She said Rodriguez could be seen on video exiting the vehicle, approaching the back of the truck, firing three shots and taking off. A Southbridge man fired and hit a 21-year-old Lawrence man, whose name has not been released. Melendez is seen staggering on the video and collapsing, while Rodriguez takes off, Pashou said. Richard Neives, 18, of Southbridge was arrested near the scene of the shooting. He faces charges of trespassing and carrying a gun without a license. Rodriguez was found in New York City five days later. Hank Brennan, attorney for the defense, argued that his client, had used appropriate force and armed himself to protect his friend. Brennan said Rodriguez has no criminal record and should be released. If he were released, Brennan said, Rodriguez would stay in Lawrence with his mother, who was in the courtroom on Thursday. After a 10-mintue recess in which he examined all the video content, Judge Michael G. Allard-Madaus ruled there was clear evidence that Rodriguez should be detained, due to dangerousness, for not more than 120 days, which is until March 7, awaiting trial. In addition, Allard-Madaus accepted the commonwealths motion to impound the evidence of the case due to the argument that there is still an active and ongoing investigation and open files could damage the integrity of the case. The defense had no objection. Rodriguez is due back in court on Jan. 16. This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Worcester State shooting: After-hours party brought men to campus Dozens of workers, past and present, staged a demonstration outside the factory on Friday A factory that has made insoles for 50 years may close with jobs moved overseas, union bosses said. About 90 workers are at risk of redundancy over plans to shut the Texon factory in Skelton, East Cleveland. The Coats Group, which acquired the site in 2022, said it did not "underestimate" the impact on its workers. Staff, current and former, staged a demonstration outside the factory on Friday. They marched from the building to Skelton high street before returning to carry out a protest outside. Brian Walsh, who worked at the site for 44 years, said it "saddened his heart" that consultations over its closure are underway. Brian Walsh had worked at the Texon factory in Skelton for 44 years "It's done me very proud," Mr Walsh, who left the company last August, told the BBC. "I came here for a job for 18 months when I was building a little business up. But that didn't quite work so I ended up staying here, ended up married, had two sons and this became my life." Mr Walsh said he was disappointed at the proposals, which the union claims involve moving production to Indonesia in order to reduce costs. "It really is a first-class factory with first-class [people] in it," he said. "I know a lot of these lads and I've worked with their fathers... it really is a sad day." The factory currently produces insoles for major brands including Adidas and Nike. Carl Drury, a current employee, said the closure would be a "big blow" for the surrounding area and local businesses. Unite the Union, which is urging The Coats Group to reconsider its plans, accused the company of "corporate greed". The site makes insoles for Adidas and Nike General secretary Sharon Graham said it wants to shut a "profitable factory that has been the pillar of the community for half a century". She said the union would stand "shoulder to shoulder" in the "fight for their jobs against this closure". The Coats Group said consultations over the closure continue and that a decision has yet to be made. A spokesperson said: "Texon has a long history in Skelton and we do not underestimate the effect of this proposal on our colleagues, their families and the wider community. "We are committed to supporting our employees as best we can through what we appreciate is a difficult period." Follow BBC Tees on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram. Send your story ideas to northeastandcumbria@bbc.co.uk. Multiple organizations will hold demonstrations in downtown Sacramento through the weekend, calling for peace in Gaza amid the Israel-Hamas war. A severe humanitarian crisis continues to unfold in Gaza. Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, killing about 1,200 people. Amid an ongoing Israeli offensive in the weeks since that has included airstrikes, more than 11,470 Palestinians have been killed and about 2,700 have been reported missing, the Associated Press reported citing Palestinian health authorities. Calls for a cease-fire have mounted in Californias capital city as local pro-Palestine activists call on elected officials, including Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg, to pass resolutions seeking a cessation of hostilities in the Mideast. The demonstrations come as the California Democratic Party hosts its conventions Friday through Sunday at the SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center across from the state Capitol. Sacramento police said in a statement officers were aware of multiple events happening downtown this weekend and an increased presence of police officers will conduct patrols. The Sacramento Police Department will have dedicated resources, an increased visual presence, and additional patrols for the events at the convention center this weekend, the statement said. On Saturday, the Sacramento Regional Coalition of Palestinian Rights will host a human rights rally at the Sacramento Memorial Auditorium at 1515 J St., three blocks from the Democratic Party convention, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. At least a dozen groups will join the Sacramento Regional Coalition of Palestinian Rights to demand a cease-fire at the auditorium and then march to the convention, organizers say. Some participants include the Sacramento Jewish Voice for Peace, Democrats for Justice in Palestine and Sunrise Movement Sacramento, according to a flyer posted on social media. The Council on American-Islamic Relations, American Muslims for Palestine, Palestine Advocacy League and the Jewish Voice for Peace hosted a Jummah for Palestine on the west steps of the state Capitol from noon to 3 p.m. Friday. Jummah are Muslim congregational Friday prayers held after noon. Starbucks employees in San Antonio staged a walkout Thursday on Red Cup Day, one of the biggest business days of the year for the coffee chain. Red Cup Day kicks off the holidays by offering fall- and winter-themed drinks in a reusable red cup, but it's notorious among employees for bringing anything but holiday cheer. Promotional events such as Red Cup Day exacerbate understaffing problems, employees at a downtown Starbucks told a manager before walking out of the store. The moment was captured in a video posted to social media. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "We shouldn't be doing the work of five people, but that's often the case," one of the employee says in the video. This is the second year in a row Starbucks employees across the nation have walked out on Red Cup Day, an event they've dubbed the Red Cup Rebellion. The company played down the scope of Thursday's strikes. "Despite demonstrations at fewer than 150 stores represented by Workers United, nearly all of those stores were supported with incremental staffing and open today sharing in moments of connection and joy with our customers," Starbucks said in a statement. In the video, baristas at the location at North St. Mary's and East Houston streets ask for better scheduling practices, staffing based on the workload expected of employees, and ensuring managers are trained to be able to work alongside baristas when needed. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Starbucks Workers United reports that over 360 stores have unionized since 2021. John J. Kim, MBR / TNS The statement delivered to the manager also alleges that employees have been denied benefits and bargaining opportunities. "We're sick of hearing excuses when our rights are violated," the employee said in the video. Weekly bargaining sessions have been offered, Starbucks said, but union representatives have failed to attend for more than five months. "Were encouraged by the progress weve seen towards first contracts at stores where union representatives have approached bargaining with professionalism and an actual interest in discussing partner priorities," a company statement said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Serhiy Sternenko, Serhiy Prytula and Ihor Lachenkov from the Morok UAV Ukrainian volunteer activist and politician Serhiy Prytula and his charitable foundation will supply the military with long-range kamikaze drones Morok (Specter), Prytula announced via Facebook on Nov. 17. The manufacture of the UAVs was funded through a UAH 177 million ($4.9 million) fundraiser. A month ago, during a major fundraising campaign ran by Prytula, Ukrainians donated enough funds for 101 Morok drones. Read also: Serhiy Prytula could become Zelenskyys political partner in a post-war parliament expert opinion The first aircraft are now ready to be delivered to the appropriate institutions, he said. Read also: Charity head Prytula seeks UAH 120 million for defense intelligence drones "We expect to see video content with explosions this winter! Prytula also shared a photo with volunteers Serhiy Sternenko and Ihor Lachenkov beside one of the drones. Read also: Serhiy Prytula on drone development in Ukraine interview In an earlier interview with NV Radio, Prytula mentioned that Morok UAVs can travel up to 800 kilometers and carry a 30-kilogram payload. 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 In his address to the St Petersburg International Cultural Forum, Russian President Vladimir Putin suddenly mentioned his former work for the Committee for State Security (KGB). He also made a statement in support of the LGBT community. Source: Russian media; Radio Liberty Details: Putin recalled his KGB past as he was commenting on a ban on Russian television channels in Italy. Quote: "You asked if we know how it is done. As a former KGB officer, I know how to do it, but we don't." Details: His response was met with fawning smiles and applause from the audience. The Russian dictator also spoke out in support of representatives of the LGBT community. Putin began by saying that in order to win cultural competitions in the West, he imagines it is necessary to "talk about, write or show something from the lives of sexual minorities, transgenders [sic] and other transformers". Quote: "Im going to say something unexpected: they too these topics and these people have the right to win [competitions], to show and to tell [their stories]. Because this is part of society too, its how some people live. It's bad if they are the only ones to win all these competitions we dont want that. But this desire for equality... this equality should be everywhere, in everything especially cultural competitions." More details: Russia now has a law banning so-called LGBT propaganda, which applies to any statements supportive of the LGBT community. According to the practice of Russian courts, a citizen who spoke out the way Putin did at the St Petersburg forum could be fined up to RUB 200,000 (approx. US$2,240) as a private individual and up to RUB 400,000 (approx. US$4,480) as an official. Furthermore, Putin's speech was made on the same day that Russias Ministry of Justice appealed to the Supreme Court demanding that the "international LGBT social movement" be recognised as extremist. For reference: Putin served as a KGB foreign intelligence officer for 16 years, including 6 years in Dresden, Germany. Support UP or become our patron! Quantum advantage is the milestone the field of quantum computing is fervently working toward, where a quantum computer can solve problems that are beyond the reach of the most powerful non-quantum, or classical, computers. Quantum refers to the scale of atoms and molecules where the laws of physics as we experience them break down and a different, counterintuitive set of laws apply. Quantum computers take advantage of these strange behaviors to solve problems. There are some types of problems that are impractical for classical computers to solve, such as cracking state-of-the-art encryption algorithms. Research in recent decades has shown that quantum computers have the potential to solve some of these problems. If a quantum computer can be built that actually does solve one of these problems, it will have demonstrated quantum advantage. I am a physicist who studies quantum information processing and the control of quantum systems. I believe that this frontier of scientific and technological innovation not only promises groundbreaking advances in computation but also represents a broader surge in quantum technology, including significant advancements in quantum cryptography and quantum sensing. The source of quantum computings power Central to quantum computing is the quantum bit, or qubit. Unlike classical bits, which can only be in states of 0 or 1, a qubit can be in any state that is some combination of 0 and 1. This state of neither just 1 or just 0 is known as a quantum superposition. With every additional qubit, the number of states that can be represented by the qubits doubles. This property is often mistaken for the source of the power of quantum computing. Instead, it comes down to an intricate interplay of superposition, interference and entanglement. Interference involves manipulating qubits so that their states combine constructively during computations to amplify correct solutions and destructively to suppress the wrong answers. Constructive interference is what happens when the peaks of two waves like sound waves or ocean waves combine to create a higher peak. Destructive interference is what happens when a wave peak and a wave trough combine and cancel each other out. Quantum algorithms, which are few and difficult to devise, set up a sequence of interference patterns that yield the correct answer to a problem. Entanglement establishes a uniquely quantum correlation between qubits: The state of one cannot be described independently of the others, no matter how far apart the qubits are. This is what Albert Einstein famously dismissed as spooky action at a distance. Entanglements collective behavior, orchestrated through a quantum computer, enables computational speed-ups that are beyond the reach of classical computers. Applications of quantum computing Quantum computing has a range of potential uses where it can outperform classical computers. In cryptography, quantum computers pose both an opportunity and a challenge. Most famously, they have the potential to decipher current encryption algorithms, such as the widely used RSA scheme. One consequence of this is that todays encryption protocols need to be reengineered to be resistant to future quantum attacks. This recognition has led to the burgeoning field of post-quantum cryptography. After a long process, the National Institute of Standards and Technology recently selected four quantum-resistant algorithms and has begun the process of readying them so that organizations around the world can use them in their encryption technology. In addition, quantum computing can dramatically speed up quantum simulation: the ability to predict the outcome of experiments operating in the quantum realm. Famed physicist Richard Feynman envisioned this possibility more than 40 years ago. Quantum simulation offers the potential for considerable advancements in chemistry and materials science, aiding in areas such as the intricate modeling of molecular structures for drug discovery and enabling the discovery or creation of materials with novel properties. Another use of quantum information technology is quantum sensing: detecting and measuring physical properties like electromagnetic energy, gravity, pressure and temperature with greater sensitivity and precision than non-quantum instruments. Quantum sensing has myriad applications in fields such as environmental monitoring, geological exploration, medical imaging and surveillance. Initiatives such as the development of a quantum internet that interconnects quantum computers are crucial steps toward bridging the quantum and classical computing worlds. This network could be secured using quantum cryptographic protocols such as quantum key distribution, which enables ultra-secure communication channels that are protected against computational attacks including those using quantum computers. Despite a growing application suite for quantum computing, developing new algorithms that make full use of the quantum advantage in particular in machine learning remains a critical area of ongoing research. Staying coherent and overcoming errors The quantum computing field faces significant hurdles in hardware and software development. Quantum computers are highly sensitive to any unintentional interactions with their environments. This leads to the phenomenon of decoherence, where qubits rapidly degrade to the 0 or 1 states of classical bits. Building large-scale quantum computing systems capable of delivering on the promise of quantum speed-ups requires overcoming decoherence. The key is developing effective methods of suppressing and correcting quantum errors, an area my own research is focused on. In navigating these challenges, numerous quantum hardware and software startups have emerged alongside well-established technology industry players like Google and IBM. This industry interest, combined with significant investment from governments worldwide, underscores a collective recognition of quantum technologys transformative potential. These initiatives foster a rich ecosystem where academia and industry collaborate, accelerating progress in the field. Quantum advantage coming into view Quantum computing may one day be as disruptive as the arrival of generative AI. Currently, the development of quantum computing technology is at a crucial juncture. On the one hand, the field has already shown early signs of having achieved a narrowly specialized quantum advantage. Researchers at Google and later a team of researchers in China demonstrated quantum advantage for generating a list of random numbers with certain properties. My research team demonstrated a quantum speed-up for a random number guessing game. On the other hand, there is a tangible risk of entering a quantum winter, a period of reduced investment if practical results fail to materialize in the near term. While the technology industry is working to deliver quantum advantage in products and services in the near term, academic research remains focused on investigating the fundamental principles underpinning this new science and technology. This ongoing basic research, fueled by enthusiastic cadres of new and bright students of the type I encounter almost every day, ensures that the field will continue to progress. 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: Daniel Lidar, University of Southern California. Read more: The Ukrainian State Customs Service has recorded an increase in the queue of trucks at the border with Slovakia due to a large number of Ukrainian trucks coming from the direction of Poland. Source: Ukrinform news agency, citing Viktoriia Senhetovska, a spokeswoman for the Zakarpattia Customs Service, as reported by European Pravda. Senhetovska said that trucks continue to arrive from the checkpoints at the Polish border, so the queue is increasing. Quote: "As of yesterday, 16 November, we had 900 cars at the Uzhhorod checkpoint on the Slovak border. The queue is moving little by little we are processing 250 cars [now], this number reflects our capacity per day. The number of cars that cross the border per day has not changed," Senhetovska said. She explained that drivers stand in queues for two weeks at the Polish border, while at the Slovak border, they can pass in three or four days, so they go to the Uzhhorod checkpoint. Reportedly, the Zakarpattia customs officers also direct drivers to the Hungarian checkpoint of Tysa, where the capabilities of the customs are greater, although most drivers choose the Uzhhorod checkpoint on the Slovak border due to the additional distance of 150 km to the route, as well as the fact that some truck weight restrictions apply on the highways of Hungary. Zakarpattia customs expressed hope that the situation with the Polish border will be resolved through EU sanctions because otherwise, Slovakia and Hungary will also join the blockade originally imposed on Ukraine by Poland, the customs officers say. Background: Representatives of the Union of Road Hauliers of Slovakia (UNAS) blocked the Vysne Nemecke border crossing point with Ukraine on 16 November from the Slovak side for an hour, expressing solidarity with the Polish protesters. Slovak hauliers have previously threatened to completely block the border with Ukraine if the European Commission does not intervene in the situation. They are demanding that Brussels reinstate the commercial permit system for transportation within the EU, as European companies cannot compete with them. This is the same thing that the protesters on the Polish-Ukrainian border are demanding. At the same time, the European Commission insists that one of the key demands of Polish hauliers blocking the border with Ukraine is not legally possible to meet. Support UP or become our patron! More than 150 Jewish leaders have signed a renewed call for companies to cease advertising on the Elon Musk-owned X-formerly-Twitter, warning that Musk is now openly supporting antisemitic rhetoric they say is specifically linked to violent extremism. "Elon Musk is spreading the kind of antisemitism that leads to massacres," reads the decree, which was signed by 164 "rabbis, leaders of Jewish organizations, artists, activists, and academics." "And advertisers are funding the platform that allows him to spread his ideology to hundreds of millions [of] people." The re-upped appeal from the Jewish community follows a disturbing incident in which Musk outright called a deeply antisemitic tweet espousing the ridiculously bogus "Great Replacement" conspiracy theory the "actual truth." And by funding X the platform that Musk doesn't only own, but is using to spread his fringe rhetoric the leaders say advertisers including Apple, Google, and Disney are complicit, too. Indeed, when you look at the history of this hare-brained ideology and its connection with violent white supremacy, the pattern is as clear as it is troubling. In 2017, when white supremacists marched on Charlottesville with their hands in Nazi salutes, they shouted "Jews will not replace us." The next year, in 2018, a shooter motivated by the conspiracy killed 11 people at Pittsburgh's Tree of Life synagogue. Shortly thereafter, in 2019, the theory was linked to yet another shooter who murdered a worshipper and injured three others at a California synagogue. The theory doesn't just target Jewish people, either. The popular alt-right conspiracy, which is often embedded into right-wing anti-immigration platforms, is used by extremists to justify anti-Black, anti-Latino, and anti-Muslim rhetoric and violence as well. Last year, in Buffalo, New York, the gunman who killed 13 people at a supermarket in a famously Black neighborhood espoused the Great Replacement in his manifesto; in 2019, the shooter who perpetrated a deadly attack on a Muslim mosque in Christchurch, New Zealand called upon the theory in his own writing. Make no mistake: the claim that Musk is supporting deadly ideology is no exaggeration. It's a throughline in white supremacist violence and now, on a massive social media stage that he now owns, the world's richest man is embracing that blood-soaked theory in broad daylight. Musk did try to save some face, claiming without evidence that he was referring only to what perceives as the Anti-Defamation League's (ADL) the antisemitism-battling organization that Musk has repeatedly blamed for X's dropping advertisers repeated "attacks on the majority of the West." (If you're thinking "that doesn't make any sense, Elon" you're correct: it doesn't.) "This does not extend to all Jewish communities," Musk, in a voice that we can only imagine was heavily muffled by the very large antisemitic foot in his mouth, continued in the cursed X thread, "but it is also not just limited to ADL." Despite his backtracking, though, it seems that at least some damage has already been done. As Axios reports, following a report revealing that its ads had been placed next to pro-Nazi posts, IBM on Thursday announced that it would pull its advertisements off of the platform. X, per Axios, has since issued assurances that "the X system is not intentionally placing a brand actively next to this type of content, nor is a brand actively trying to support this type of content with an ad placement." The fact remains, though: when you allow a platform to disintegrate into an unmoderated cesspool, it's impossible to guarantee advertisers that they, too, won't end up covered in filth. Meanwhile, a distinctly empty-tasting tweet from the platform's beleaguered Girlboss in Chief, Linda Yaccarino, assured weary advertisers that X is "extremely clear about our efforts to combat antisemitism and discrimination" and that "there's no place for it anywhere in the world it's ugly and wrong. Full stop." "You should tell your boss," one X user responded. More on Elon and antisemitism: Elon Musk Calls Disgusting Anti-Jewish Tweet the "Actual Truth" EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) Raiz Federal Credit Union (FCU) and El Pasos Children Hospital (EPCH) held a press conference on Friday morning, Nov. 17, celebrating the one-year anniversary of the EPCH Spirit Debit Card. Raiz FCU also donated $10,000 to EPCH to help support the Childrens Miracle Network Hospital in providing life-saving care for children in need. Raiz FCU says the spirt debit card is a community give-back program that is exclusively available to Raiz members. For every non-PIN transaction made using the spirit debit card, Raiz says it donates $0.05 to the Childrens Miracle Network Hospital. These donations are used to purchase equipment, tools, family care grants, and resources required to provide the best care for children and their families in our community who need it the most, Raiz FCU said. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. A man could be sentenced to more than 365 years in prison after he was convicted Wednesday by a Sacramento jury of sexually assaulting five women, as well as raping and kidnapping some of the victims, according to the Sacramento County District Attorneys Office. Octavian Joseph, 28, forced five women to perform oral sex on him and raped three of them, prosecutors said in a news release. The 6-foot-6, 280-pound man would subdue victims by slapping them, punching them and grabbing their hair to terrorize them into the assaults that stretched from February to December of 2019, the news release said. Some of the assaults were committed repeatedly on the same victim over periods of time, prosecutors added. One victim escaped Joseph by rolling out of a moving car, the news release said. Joseph was convicted in Sacramento Superior Court of eight counts of forcible oral copulation, five counts of rape, two counts of false imprisonment, two counts of aggravated kidnapping and one count of attempted rape. Law enforcement caught Joseph when they pulled over a victim who had him in his car, the news release said. The woman reported what happened to her, and he was linked to other incidents through DNA, the news release added. A judge could sentence Joseph to 366 years and 8 months to life in prison, prosecutors said. Josephs sentencing hearing is scheduled for Jan. 19. The dreamer anglerfish is an ambush predator that lies in wait in the midwater, fishing for prey with a luminescent lure. The deep sea creature was recently spotted lurking off the coast of California. A team of deep-sea explorers were recently scouring Monterey Bay off the coast of California when something strange and unexpected emerged in the distance. On first glance, it appeared be a shadowy silhouette of a creature lurking in the depths of the Pacific Ocean. But the researchers with the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) knew better. What they were experiencing was a rare sighting of the dreamer anglerfish. The deep-sea creature is so black in color that its skin acts not unlike a literal "invisibility cloak," making it appear as little more than a shadow, the organization said in a recent news release. Perhaps that camouflage is why sightings of the dreamer anglerfish don't happen every day. Well, that and the fact that the creature is known to mostly stick to depths too deep for humans to reach. Researchers at the institute said they have encountered the dreamer anglerfish just nine times in 36 years of deep-sea exploration. The team's last sighting was in 2016. "Coming upon a lurking anglerfish is an exciting experience for anyone exploring the deep water column, Bruce Robison, a scientists at the institute who has conducted extensive research on deep-sea fishes, said in a statement. Endangered frogs: More than 70 mountain yellow-legged frogs released in California lake Dreamer anglerfish spotted during midwater expedition The deep-sea anglerfish with an invisibility cloak of ultra-black skin was filmed by MBARIs remotely operated vehicle Ventana in Monterey Canyon at a depth of 781 meters (2,562 feet.) The team's mission that day was to collect tiny spiked organisms known as phaeodarians. The species is among those dwelling in the midwater region of the ocean that rely on a vital food source called marine snow, an organic material that sinks to deep ocean depths. Researchers had hoped to study their findings to better understand the link between Earths climate and the ocean. But they weren't expecting to run into a creature as elusive as this species of anglerfish. A remotely operated submersible that the researchers were piloting from land had descended to a depth of 781 meters (2,562 feet) in the Monterey Canyon when they first sighted the dreamer anglerfish lurking like a shadow. The stealthy ambush predator had extended its luminescent lure from its head and appeared to be lying in wait for its prey. When a curious crustacean comes close, the anglerfishs large jaws rapidly open wide and snap shut to trap a meal, the institute said. As the deep-sea robotic vehicle moved closer, the fish stowed its lure away. The invisibility cloak of this anglerfish is a good analogy for the many puzzles we have yet to fully understand about the oceans midwater," Crissy Huffard, who was chief scientist for the research cruise that encountered the dreamer anglerfish, said in a statement. Strange mammal: Team led by Oxford biologist discovers long-lost echidna named for David Attenborough Ultra-black skin of dreamer anglerfish absorbs all light The scientists who first collected specimens of the sharp-toothed deep-sea anglerfish in the late 19th century thought it looked like something out of a dream, the institute said - too fantastical to be reality. It's sharp teeth, luminous lure and ultra-black skin may more aptly be the stuff of nightmares, but researchers said its adaptations are crucial to ensuring its survival in an unforgiving environment. Temperatures in the deep-sea, where no sunlight can reach and water pressure mounts, hover just above freezing. In the dark, desolate oceanscape, food can be just as hard to find as mates. While many other species of fish at those depths have evolved dark coloration as camouflage, none are quite as dark as the dreamer anglerfish, the institute said. The dark coloration not only hides the fish from predators, but absorbs the light cast by its luminescent lure so prey cannot see it. Ultra-black skin ensures that any light that hits you, even the bright light from your own streetlamp-like lure, is completely absorbed," Karen Osborn, a research zoologist at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, said in a statement. "Nothing reflects back to expose your location in the inky black, wide open expanse of the deep, open ocean." Eric Lagatta covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach him at elagatta@gannett.com This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Rare deep-sea anglerfish with 'invisibility cloak" seen in California MORRISVILLE, N.C. (WNCN) Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) continues to see growth of passengers using the airport for arrivals and departures. During October, RDU saw 1,366,603 flyers traveling to and from the airport. RDUs October traffic reflects a 19.5% increase over October 2022 and a 7.1% increase over October 2019, the airports record-breaking year. Passenger traffic rose 10.5% from September 2023. International travel is driving rapid growth at RDU as passengers venture to destinations across North America, Europe and the Caribbean, said Michael Landguth, president and CEO of the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority. RDU continues to expand travelers options with increased service to Europe and for the first time, a nonstop route to Mexicos capitol city. Factors contributing to RDU growth: New Flights, International Destinations. Aeromexico is planning to take flight from RDU for the first time with direct flights to Mexico City in July. Flights plans to operate every day on a 99-seat Embraer E-190. Mexico City joins Cancun as RDUs second nonstop route to Mexico. Aeromexico will be RDUs 17th airline and is one of three to announce or begin international service this year. Air Frances inaugural flight from Paris to RDU launched on Oct. 30. Air France will fly the Paris route three days a week until March 31. Thats when it begins daily nonstop service. Inaugural Air France flight at Raleigh Durham International Airport Lufthansa announced in September it will begin nonstop service to Frankfurt in 2024. This will give Triangle-area travelers easy access to Germany and beyond with streamlined connections to Europe, the Middle East, India, Africa and more. Breeze Airways is set to launch twice-weekly nonstop service to Fort Myers, Fla. starting Nov. 17. Sheetz reopening. The new Sheetz convenience store and gas station at Aviation Parkway and National Guard Drive is set to reopen on Friday, Nov. 17. The Sheetz closed in January to allow the store to be demolished and rebuilt. Sheetz now has enhanced kitchen facilities, expanded indoor and outdoor seating and a food and beverage drive-through. It also has more pump stations for fuel, making it a convenient place to gas up and get a snack on the airport campus. Holiday travel tips RDU is expecting to see an increase in travelers throughout the holiday season. Its best to plan in advance and use these tips: Book parking online. Travelers can book parking at parkrdu.com for guaranteed entry into the deck or lot of their choice. Reservations must be made at least 24 hours in advance. For the first time since 2019, all RDU parking facilities will be open. ParkRDU Express reopened in October, adding 1,000 more parking spaces on campus. The convenient trunk-to-terminal service offers airport guests assistance with their luggage and a direct shuttle to the terminals. The Express lot is located on International Drive near Park Economy 4. Get to the airport early. Increased passenger traffic makes it even more important for travelers to allow plenty of time to park, check in and go through security. RDU recommends arriving two hours early for domestic flights and three hours in advance for international flights. Airlines begin boarding 30 40 minutes before departure, so start your trip off right by getting to the gate early. Use RDUs free Cell Lot. If you are picking someone up from the airport, use our free Cell Lot to make curbside pickup a breeze. Follow the signs on campus at the lot, located at 1000 Trade Drive, then wait for a call or text letting you know your loved one has arrived. Be sure to give them 30 minutes after their arrival time to pick up their bags and meet you on the curb. To ease congestion, travelers at Terminal 2 can be picked up at the arrivals or departures curbs. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS17.com. Republican cooperation As a Republican, I find Jake Coxs recent opinion piece sadly laughable. While Eric Hyers piece was unfortunately worded, it was nonetheless true. I found many of the ads supporting Cameron to be totally despicable. Everything Republicans said Democrats did, Republican ads did in aces. One theme of various Republican campaigns was that the legislature would work with them but would not work with Democrats. That sounded like a promise the legislature would ignore the governor. Over and over, we hear Gov. Andy Beshear doesnt run anything by the legislature. But the legislature makes it obvious that even if Beshear were to grovel, they wouldnt work with him unless it was something they wanted. Its Kentucky Sens. Damon Thayers (R-Georgetown) and Robert Stivers (R-Manchester) way or no way at all. The governor should get credit for bills he signs even if he didnt initiate them. He, at least, didnt block them. Jon Larson accuses Democrats of the very acts Republicans are trying to accomplish - liberty only for the chosen; canceling anything they disagree with (book bans, sexual orientation, etc.); and lots of dead constituents (no health care or workplace safety requirements, no food or shelter for all); choosing which child will thrive (abortions). Glenna Brouse, Lexington Sore winners In a recent opinion piece, Jake Cox made a good point about political manners, then proceeded to undermine his thesis. He pointed out state politicians who were good sports in defeat, then objected to Gov. Andy Beshears campaign manager, Eric Hyers, calling Daniel Camerons campaign disgusting, gross, and embarrassing. If these remarks were made after the election, he should have accepted victory and let it go. Then Cox goes on a rant about Beshear himself. Whenever he mentions Hyers, he ties him to Beshear-world, Beshears Team, or the Beshear-orbit, without suggesting or providing proof that Andy himself has said anything untoward. He uses phrases like repulsed, shameless arrogance, petulant children, outright lies, and spit in the eye of Republicans about Beshear and his team. He then bragged that Republicans won nearly every other statewide race and said that because Republicans have a veto-proof supermajority in the legislature, Beshear will be relegated to a ceremonial role and that his political capital is poisoned. But wait a minute Cox is a winning Republican campaign manager in a state where his party won virtually every race. And his point was about sore winners? Am I missing something here? Glen White, Lexington Thayer speaks Kentucky State Sen. Damon Thayer was quoted in the Lexington Herald-Leader saying that recently reelected Gov. Andy Beshear was the least liked governor among legislators of both parties. (Clearly Republican legislators dont like Beshear, but I doubt Democrats dont.) If in fact Republican legislators dont like Beshear, they are certainly at odds with the Kentucky electorate who for the last two gubernatorial elections have selected him as their leader. One would think that they would ask themselves, Are we missing something here? or Why do people like him? Perhaps the reason Beshear is so popular is that he is not trying to take away basic freedoms that citizens have enjoyed for years. He has not, as Republican legislators have done, banned books, told women what they can do with their bodies, told teachers what they can teach, and restricted parents from dealing with their childrens health with their doctors. My suggestion for Sen. Thayer and other Republican legislators who dont like Beshear is to get a copy of his playbook because they will need it in coming elections. The electorate is tired of government curtailing basic freedoms and will say so loudly at future elections. Alex Warren, Georgetown Trump orbit Daniel Cameron lost the election in more ways than one last week. In addition to being blown out of the water statistically, he did a disservice to the conservative party, a group of leaders who are struggling to understand their identity. Whos the blame? The answer is clear: Donald Trump. As the front runner in the Republican primary race, its clear that the national conservative voter base has to confront a classic case of cognitive dissonance. As former president Donald Trump gets passed from state to state in criminal court proceedings, it has driven the conservative voter base to either blindly back him or consider their allegiance to the party. Camerons failure is a clear case of the indecisiveness of the voter base, unsure of whether to back him as a proxy of Trump, or to distance themselves from the man whos currently in a relay race of criminal accusations. It was the wrong time for Cameron to set the foundation for his campaign on Trumps character, a sinking and sandy foundation at best. Maybe in 2020 a Trump endorsement would have benefited him, but in this case, it led to an easily foreseeable loss and a desperate campaign based on attacks. Rhoman James, Lexington Al Cross is right about this. We might as well say so. Those of us who watched KETs Election Night program earlier this month heard Cross say that the Democratic Party is too deeply submerged nowadays into the agendas of special interest groups that have little appeal in our commonwealth. Thats nothing new to us. Weve seen this political handicap in the making for more than decade. My hunch is that U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky) is smiling to himself. Never forget that McConnell has worked tirelessly throughout his political career to give more power, by law and court decisions, to special interest groups, their political action committees, and, most especially, their money. So, it appears that McConnell painstakingly set a trap for the Kentucky Democratic Party and they eventually stepped into it. It took decades for McConnell to spring his trap, however. Why did it take so long, weve got to wonder? Maybe McConnells long wait indicates Kentuckys Democratic Party roots run much deeper than he recognized. Tom Louderback, Louisville Hamas war Nothing you or I could have done would have prevented the war crimes committed by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023. However, for weeks our government has abetted the war crimes committed by Israel. A war crime, a crime against humanity, whether committed by a single bloody hand or by mechanized death falling from the sky, is a criminal act. I ask the editors and publishers of this newspaper to voice to our Senators and Representatives our shared objection to complicity in war crimes and to appeal to them to call for an immediate ceasefire. Josef Knoepfler, Lexington A man sits on the rubble as others search for friends and family among the debris of buildings that were targeted by Israeli airstrikes in Jabaliya refugee camp, northern Gaza Strip on Nov. 1, 2023. The Israeli army is intensifying its bombing of the area that stretches to the wetlands of Wadi Gaza. Alternative opinion The narrow spectrum of opinion easily available about Palestine and Israel may make you unaware of a number of views. Gaza is an open-air prison or a concentration camp. Since around 2006 Israel has besieged Gaza and the West Bank with a blockade and an occupation that all but eliminates the free movement of Palestinians. The intent and logic of Israeli occupation have prevented recognizable institutional structures from existing in Palestine. There is less than subsistence demand in Palestines economy and no stable credit system operates in the national interest. Israel is essentially a US military base, yearly receives billions in US aid and weaponry, and is one of the worlds most potent militaries. Few places on Earth are as densely populated as Gaza, and military violence by Israeli Defense Forces has caused the death of thousands of Gazans. Israeli settlers are free to immigrate and colonize while Palestinians are forced from their homes. Norman Finkelstein has compared the atrocities committed by Hamas recently to a slave rebellion. Oct. 7 did happen but so did Oct. 6, which was yet another day of Israeli prison maintenance and yet another day in the abandonment of Palestine. Todd Kelly, Lexington Cybersecurity Technology and innovation have evolved to become the foundation to almost every aspect of our lives. The fact that technology touches every industry and aspect of our day-to-day lives means that cybersecurity has become even more important. As an Air Force veteran, I know that cybersecurity is also a critical part of national security. School districts, universities, small businesses, hospitals, local governments, and more have found themselves in the crosshairs of this growing cyber threat, putting peoples data, information and security at risk. Morehead State University, Taylor Regional Hospital, and Norton Healthcare all suffered a cyberattack this year. October marked Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a reminder of the importance of protecting and securing our digital assets. Thankfully, American tech companies are on the front lines of integrating enhanced cyber protections into their platforms and building cyber protections that are accessible to institutions of all sizes. In our digital age, safeguarding our cyber infrastructure is essential. Cyberattacks will only continue to rise, and its important that we create an environment that allows technology companies to innovate to stay ahead to these threats and strengthen our cybersecurity. Ret. Col. Steve Parker, Lexington Compiled by Liz Carey A new vulnerability analysis and map show which counties in Texas have populations that are most at risk from climate change impacts. Those with darker shading have more of the risk factors incorporated into the robust model developed by Environmental Defense Fund and Texas A&M. Environmental Defense Fund and Texas A&M University A drilling rig operates Wednesday, July 26, 2023, in the Eagle Ford Shale. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer Texas Railroad Commissioner Wayne Christian speaks during a panel discussion at a bitcoin mining event held at 8th Wonder Brewery in March 2022. Melissa Phillip / Staff Photographer The State Board of Education almost approved a new slate of science textbooks without embarrassing Texans, but then came the missives from the lesser educated corners of our body politic. The Christian fundamentalists at Texas Values fired off a press release headlined, Alert, Did You Come From a Monkey? Were Adam and Eve monkeys? Dont allow Texas Science classes to make a monkey out of you and your kids! the groups statement proclaimed. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Scopes Monkey Trial was nearly a century ago, yet our state school board is still debating evolution. Even though board members are only certifying that these textbooks include all of the states teaching standards, right-wing Republicans still want biblical creationism in science class. Board member Evelyn Brooks, R-Frisco, objected to a middle school science textbook over its language on evolution and Earths geological history. She asked that textbooks include creationist ideas and allow students to form their own opinion, my colleague Edward McKinley reported. Texas Railroad Commissioner Wayne Christian, whose job has nothing to do with railroads and everything to do with oil and gas, fired off a letter demanding that textbooks ignore global warming and the role fossil fuels play in overheating the planet. Despite what the mainstream media reports, the debate over climate change is far from settled, as none of the catastrophic events they predicated (sic) in that last 20 years have occurred, he advised the board. These catastrophists are using the CO2 boogeyman and the threat of apocalypse to frighten people into submission. Advertisement Article continues below this ad I know from experience that Christian feels passionately that climate change is a hoax, and no amount of scientific evidence is going to change his mind. He relies on the oil and gas industry for most of his campaign donations and, therefore, his future employment. But some education board members took him seriously. The book "emphasizes the negative effect of fossil fuels. If thats whats presented to our children, that would have a negative effect on our states GDP, board member Julie Pickren, R-Pearland, said about one of the textbooks. It is factually inaccurate to the way that the negative effects of fossil fuels are presented because it is stated as fact and it is theory. Brooks and Pickren are wrong; evolution and global warming are facts. We can debate the edge cases, but DNA proves evolution happened, and climate data proves fossil fuel emissions are raising global temperatures. Understanding evolution is fundamental to biology, and carbon dioxides role in heating the atmosphere was established in the 19th century. Teaching scientific facts in public schools prepares future generations for the challenges ahead. Fourteen federal agencies released the Fifth National Climate Assessment on Wednesday, and our young people will have their plates full tackling the mess past generations made. In Texas terms, a person born in 2020 will face many more Hurricane Harveys, Winter Storm Uris and extreme drought than someone born in 1965. Advertisement Article continues below this ad They will need a thorough understanding of climate science to reduce emissions and slow the current pace of warming. They will also need to understand evolutionary biology to adapt plants and animals to survive with higher average temperatures, both night and day. Texas is the nations largest wind and utility-scale solar energy producer because young people took up the challenge of perfecting low-carbon power. The next generation will need a sound understanding of science to make good decisions, develop new technologies and thrive in a world facing immense challenges. More than half of total energy sector jobs are in clean energy, the International Energy Agency reported Wednesday. The unprecedented acceleration that we have seen in clean energy transitions is creating millions of new job opportunities all over the world but these are not being filled quickly enough, said IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol. Governments, industry and educational institutions need to put in place programs to deliver the expertise needed. Texas leadership never talks about global warming. Lawmakers tried to punish clean energy in this years legislative session. Now, Republican politicians are trying to keep the climate crisis out of our textbooks. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Meanwhile, Michigan lawmakers passed a requirement that all of the states electricity come from carbon-free sources by 2040. They also created an Economic Transition Office to support former fossil fuel workers. LITTLE ROCK, Ark. The Red Cross has tips for preventing kitchen fires as Arkansas closes in on the holiday cooking season. Thanksgiving is an active time for kitchen fires. According to Red Cross statistics, Thanksgiving and the day before are the two biggest days for household kitchen fires. WATCH: This is what NOT to do when frying a turkey Cooking is the leading cause of home fires, home fire injuries and the second leading cause of home fire deaths, Lori Arnold-Ellis, executive director of the American Red Cross serving Greater Arkansas, said. Arnold-Ellis most fires take place because people leave their cooking unattended. How cooking food and gathering for feasts made us human Red Cross offers these tips to minimize kitchen fire risk: Stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling, or broiling food, and turn off the stove if you have to step away, even for a short time. Use a timer to remind that a stove or oven is on. Avoid wearing loose clothing or dangling sleeves while cooking. Keep children and pets at least three feet away from cooking areas. Keep anything that can catch fire, such as potholders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, towels or curtains, away from your stovetop and oven or any other heat-generating appliance. Clean cooking surfaces regularly to prevent grease buildup. Consider purchasing a fire extinguisher to keep in your kitchen. Always check the kitchen before going to bed or leaving home to make sure all stoves, ovens and small appliances are turned off. Red Cross also recommends smoke alarms near the kitchen and sleeping areas. If purchasing or installed a smoke alarm is a challenge, programs are available to help through the local Red Cross. American Red Cross volunteers install free fire alarms RedCross.org/Fire has more information on home fire safety, including the importance of a fire escape plan should the worst occur. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK. Human remains found in a desert in 1992 have now been identified as a missing 15-year-old girl, Arizona officials said. The decomposed remains were found in a remote desert area of Apache Junction in August 1992, according to a news release by the citys police department. Officials believe the person had been dead for three to five weeks before being found, according to the nonprofit DNA Doe Projects website. In 2008, investigator Stephanie Bourgeois got the case and retested evidence due to advanced technology, but with no success, the case went cold, police said. Then in 2018, the police department hired the DNA Doe Project to perform genetic genealogy on the remains, officials said. Genetic genealogy uses DNA testing coupled with traditional genealogical methods to create family history profiles, according to the Library of Congress. With genealogical DNA testing, researchers can determine the levels and types of biological relationships between or among individuals. After that process was conducted, the remains were identified as Melody Harrison, police said. Complications with adoptions, misattributed parentage, and underrepresented population demographics never deterred DDPs genealogists from working on this case after five years of research, DNA Doe Project researcher Bryan Worters said in a news release. Although bittersweet, it is an honor to have played a role in restoring Melodys identity and giving her family answers. Melody was reported missing from Phoenix in June 1992, police said. Her remains were found 40 miles east of her home. Melody was put in The National Center for Missing and Exploited Childrens database before being removed in 1996 when people came forward saying they had seen her in various places, officers said. Her family thought she started a new life and did not want to go home. The Apache Junction Police Department urges anyone with information about Melodys disappearance to call 480-948-6377, the release said. Construction worker discovers womans body in secluded location, California cops say 20-year-old found shot in the face 43 years ago now identified, California cops say Woman found dead in car trunk after cops respond to disturbance call, CA police say From the Uphill on The Dispatch Happy Friday! Less than a week before Thanksgiving, were thankful Congress was able to adjourn this week before coming to blowsmostly. The Congressional Record Senators voted 87-11 late Wednesday night to approve the House-passed stopgap funding bill proposed by new House Speaker Mike Johnson, averting a government shutdown. President Joe Biden signed the legislation on Thursday. A jury in California on Thursday convicted David DePape, of assault on an immediate family member of a federal official and attempted kidnapping of a federal officer. DePape, who attacked former House Speaker Nancy Pelosis husband Paul last October, could face up to 50 years in prison. Rep. Dan Kildee, a Michigan Democrat who was first elected in 2012, announced Thursday he will not run for reelection. In a video, he said being treated for cancer earlier this year gave him a new perspective about how he wants to spend his time. Kildee, 65, spoke with The Dispatch shortly before the one-year anniversary of the January 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol about how it affected his work and his relationships with Republicans who tried to overturn the 2020 election. With my wife, with my kids, with my mom, whos 87, Ive had conversations with them, and its inevitable that the question comes up like, Well, do you really want to keep doing this? And I do, he said at the time. But sadly, I dont look at the place the way I used to. Kendrid Hamlin, who attacked Rep. Angie Craig at her apartment building in Washington, D.C., in February, was sentenced to more than two years in prison this week. Hamlin pleaded guilty to assaulting Craig, a Minnesota Democrat, including punching her in the face and trapping her in an elevator. Craig testified that the attack has had a lasting impact on my family. House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul told Punchbowl News he spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who said he needed ammunition yesterday. Netanyahu reportedly asked for more Iron Dome interceptors, precision-guided weapons, and artillery shells. Santos Could be Expelled Rep. George Santos speaks with reporters after a vote on Capitol Hill on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023. (Photo by Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty Images) When the House returns from its Thanksgiving recess at the end of the month, Rep. George Santos may become the first member expelled from the chamber since 2002and only the sixth to face such punishment in American history. Santosa New York Republican who is charged with 23 felony fraud counts for wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, making charges on donors credit cards without their permission, and submitting false information, among other violationssurvived an initial attempt to expel him earlier this month as members awaited a House ethics panel investigation into his behavior. The committees 55-page report, released Thursday, is blistering and might turn the tide: Santos, the bipartisan investigative subcommittee wrote, cannot be trusted. At nearly every opportunity, he placed his desire for private gain above his duty to uphold the Constitution, federal law, and ethical principles, the report adds. Santos sought to fraudulently exploit every aspect of his House candidacy for his own personal financial profit, according to the panel, including blatant theft from his own campaign, deception of donors, and false reports to his political committees, all enabled by a constant series of lies to his constituents, donors, and staff about his background and experience. Among the listed transgressions: Santos allegedly used campaign funds for Botox treatments, personal credit card bills, luxury clothing, personal travel, who-knows-what on pornography subscription site Only Fans, and products from makeup chain Sephora. The panel also said Santos faked loans to his campaign. The ethics panel declined to recommend specific punishments for Santos, although the report noted his case is unprecedented in many respects because of the sheer scope of violations, which are highly unusual and damning. The integrity of the House has been called into question in a significant and overt manner that the Committee cannot ignore, the report states. The nature of the violations are fundamental ethical failings that go to the core of the legitimacy of the electoral process. The Republican chairman of the House Ethics Committee, Rep. Michael Guest, has thoughts on how to proceed: He introduced an expulsion motion on Friday. To succeed, a motion to expel Santos would need to win two-thirds of the chambera high bar. The math can vary depending on absences, but if all Democrats vote to expel Santos, roughly 77 Republicans would have to vote alongside them to pass it. If House Speaker Mike Johnson supports Santos expulsion, it would probably pick up enough Republican votes to pass easily. Johnsons spokesman said Thursday the reports findings are very troubling, and Johnson wants all members to consider the best interests of the institution before addressing the matter after recess. The New York district Santos represents would hold a special election as soon as this spring if he is removed from the chamber. It would probably be a tight race: Santos flipped the district from a Democratic seat to a Republican seat, and the former Democratic representative for the district who has filed to run again in November 2024, Tom Suozzi, would likely run in the special election. Republicans already have a slim majority in the House, but the math may not change much if Santos is kicked out. A different special election in Utah next week is expected to fill a vacant seat for Republicans. Santos claimed Thursday the report is a disgusting politicized smear and a grave miscarriage of justice. But he announced he will not run for a second term in 2024 because he doesnt want his family to be under constant media scrutiny. His trial on the criminal charges is set for September 2024. Most members who face criminal charges resign well before expulsion proceedings unfold in the House, but Santosdespite his decision not to run againseems ready to stay put in the current 118th Congress until members force him out. Only five House members have ever faced expulsion, the chambers most severe form of internal punishment. Three of those representatives were expelled in the Civil War era for fighting on behalf of the Confederacy. Rep. Michael Myers was expelled in 1980 after being convicted of bribery, and Rep. James Traficant was expelled in 2002 after being convicted of bribery, filing false tax returns, and obstruction of justice, among other counts. A group of New York Republicans who have pushed to oust Santos from the chamber since the New York Times revealed late last year he had lied profusely about his personal background to get elected said Thursday they will renew their efforts. George Santos should end this farce and resign immediately, Rep. Mike Lawler, one of those members, said Thursday. If he refuses, he must be removed from Congress. No fewer than 13 Republicans who previously opposed Santos expulsion said Thursday they will vote to expel him when the House returns. George has betrayed the trust of his constituents who deserve honesty and transparency from their elected official, wrote Rep. Stephanie Bice, an Oklahoma Republican. Some Democrats who previously withheld their support from an expulsionsaying at the time they wanted justice to play out or for the ethics panel to release its findings firstalso indicated Thursday they are now willing to remove Santos from the House. This conduct is beneath the office he was elected to represent, and I plan to vote for his expulsion, said Rhode Island Democrat Rep. Seth Magaziner. And Rep. Deborah Ross, a North Carolina Democrat who sits on the Ethics Committee and voted present on ousting Santos two weeks ago, said the report conclusively demonstrates Rep. George Santos is unfit to serve in this body. David Laufmana partner at the law firm Wiggin and Dana and a former investigative counsel for the House Ethics Committee from 1996 to 2000told The Dispatch he was struck by the panels withering findings. It was among the most florid, condemnatory language Ive seen issued from the committee, he said. Under normal circumstances, Laufman added, the ethics panel would create an adjudicative subcommittee to consider potential penalties and report recommendations to the full House. Skipping that step, he said, appears to be a direct reflection of the severity of the conduct, combined with the daily embarrassment to the U.S. House of Representatives of the continuing membership of someone like Mr. Santos. The body cannot tolerate for a moment longer his continued membership in the House. Democrats Face Schism Over Israel Policy Several Democratic lawmakers were meeting at Democratic Party headquarters near the Capitol Wednesday night when they heard shouting from outside. Roughly 200 progressive protesters, demanding a ceasefire in Gaza, had barricaded them inside the building. According to U.S. Capitol Police, the protesters failed to obey police instructions to leave the property, moved dumpsters in front of the doors, pepper sprayed an officer, and tried to move a bike rack. David Weigel, a Semafor reporter who was there at the time, said the protesters didnt try to enter the building; they were instead blocking the exits. Police used force to dispel the group. The Ceasefire Now Coalition, which organized the protest, said afterward 90 members were injured. Videos of the police response quickly boomeranged around social media. We have handled hundreds of peaceful protests, but last nights group was not peaceful, the Capitol Police wrote in a statement. When demonstrations cross the line into illegal activity it is our responsibility to maintain order and ensure peoples safety. Lawmakers who were in the building at the time urged the protesters to leave. Rep. Sean Casten, an Illinois Democrat who was evacuated by police, told protesters that although they have the right to assemble peacefully, blocking all entries to a building with multiple members of Congress in it, protected by Capitol Police officers who have lived through January 6 is putting you and other innocent people at risk. Forcing police to guess intent is irresponsible and dangerous, Casten added. Rep. Hillary Scholten, a Democrat from Michigan who also was in the building, said in a statement Thursday such demonstrations cant be classified as peaceful. Wednesdays clash was just the latest in a series of protests intended to erode Democratic lawmakers support for Israel as it carries out an offensive in Gaza to root out Hamas. Thousands of protesters gathered in Washington earlier this month to demand a ceasefire. Before that, Capitol Police arrested more than 300 protesters in mid-October who demonstrated illegally in a House office building. Some members of Congress seem to be experiencing demonstrations at their own homes, too: Politico reported Thursday that Rep. Jamie Raskin, a Maryland Democrat, was late to a meeting this week because protesters were at his house. Although concrete numbers are difficult to determine, thousands of people in the Gaza Strip have died amid Israels campaignlaunched after Hamas terrorists killed more than 1,200 people in Israel and kidnapped more than 200 others in a brutal attack on October 7. The Hamas-controlled health ministry in Gaza has claimed more than 11,000 people have died in the Gaza Strip, many of them women and children. Hamas entities are anything but trustworthy (and their counts dont differentiate between combatants and civilians), but Barbara Leaf, assistant secretary of State for near Eastern affairs, told lawmakers at a hearing last week that American officials believe the casualties are very high, frankly, and it could be that theyre even higher than are being cited. American lawmakers from both parties told The Dispatch before Israel had even begun its ground offensive that they were prepared for a high casualty count. Gazas demographics and population densityhalf of the enclaves roughly 2 million people are childrenmake targeting an assault against only militants difficult. We should support Israel not only in moments of comfort and convenience, but also in moments of challenge, Rep. Ritchie Torres, a New York Democrat, told The Dispatch at the time. The wretchedness of war is a tragedy. The death and destruction that war brings is a tragedy. No one should ever deny or downplay the tragedy of war, but it must be remembered that the aggressor here is not Israel, it is Hamas. Some Democratic lawmakers, like Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Rashida Tlaib, have urged a ceasefire. Others have called on Israel to change its strategy or to take a humanitarian pause. Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut, said Israels current approach is causing an unacceptable level of civilian harm and does not appear likely to achieve the goal of permanently ending the threat from Hamas. And Sen. Jon Ossoff of Georgia made a similar case on the Senate floor this week. After outlining his support for Israels right to exist and defend itself, he said conditions for civilians in Gaza are catastrophic. The extent of civilian death and suffering in Gaza is unnecessary. It is a moral failure, Ossoff argued. And it should be unacceptable to the United States. Ossoff called on Israel to conduct a more targeted campaign, allow humanitarian supplies into Gaza, and provide a plan for the future governance of the enclave. (Read Jonah Goldbergs piece from this week about demands for a ceasefire here.) Members from both parties and Democratic leaders remain largely aligned with Israel. Top Democrats from both chambers of Congress spoke at a pro-Israel rally, organized to fight antisemitism, this week in Washington. Lawmakers are also debating how to advance new military assistance to Israel. Senate leaders and the White House hope to attach Ukraine aid to such a package, but many rank-and-file Republicans, skeptical of additional Ukraine aid, would rather see Israel funding travel alone. Now that members have averted a government shutdown, that debate is expected to become the center of attention when Congress returns. On Tuesday, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer told rally-goers what he said to Israeli officials when he visited the country shortly after the October 7 attack: We ache with you. We stand with you. And we will not rest until you get all the assistance you need. 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. Representatives of the Atesh underground resistance movement said that their agent infiltrated a military unit of the Russians in Feodosia, Crimea. Source: Atesh on Telegram Quote: "Atesh sneaked into the territory of military unit 80393 in Feodosia at night. The Atesh agent successfully carried out intelligence operations on the territory of one of the units of the Black Sea Fleet of the Russian Federation." Details: The movement says that the partisans "managed to find the exact locations of car boxes, ammunition storage points, barracks and headquarters" of the military unit. "The received information has already been delivered to the competent organisations that are "demilitarising" [Russian] military units," Atesh added. Support UP or become our patron! The Attorney Generals Office charged Shawn Nanez in King County Superior Court with felony first-degree organized retail theft, marking the first criminal prosecution under Attorney General Bob Fergusons newly minted Organized Retail Crime Unit. The criminal charges stem from 11 thefts which totaled more than $50,000 in merchandise from Target stores in King and Kitsap counties. The 11 thefts occurred in a two-month period between April and May 2022. Video footage showed Nanez using a tool to break into security cases that contained electronic items like speakers and headphones, the Washington State Office of the Attorney General wrote in a prepared statement. He then took the items out and loaded them into a shopping cart. He walked out of the stores without paying for any of the items. After his arrest on June 3, 2022, Nanez told investigators he sold the merchandise to a third party for cash. Nanez, 33, is from Bremerton. Hes been charged with first-degree organized retail theft. Kitsap County Superior Court also filed a charge of first-degree organized retail theft against Nanez. If convicted, Nanez faces a prison sentence ranging from four years and three months to five years and eight months, alongside a $20,000 penalty for each count. Washington ranks as the state the most impacted by retail crime, according to Forbes, with Wyoming being the least impacted. Our new unit is hitting the ground running and pursuing cases as we hire our team, Ferguson said. This is the first of what we hope will be many cases bringing accountability to this significant and growing problem. Ferguson created a central Organized Retail Crime Unit earlier this year. The unit, made up of 10 people unit, including investigators, prosecutors, paralegals and data analysts, was created to assist with investigations and deploy resources where they are most needed. According to The Attorney Generals Office, the unit can prosecute cases referred to the office by county prosecutors. I applaud the Attorney General for creating the Organized Retail Crime Unit, Bellevue Police Chief Wendell Shirley said. Its precisely the proactive and focused statewide approach we need to combat this ongoing problem. On Thursday, Ferguson selected Assistant Attorney General Kent Liu as the leader of the Organized Retail Crime Unit. Liu is a criminal prosecutor who worked for the Attorney Generals Office for more than 15 years. mynorthwest.com Deb Rich Herczeg and her daughters received counseling at the Childrens Bereavement Center after her first husbands suicide. Courtesy of Deb Rich Herczeg It was a Monday, a busy morning in the home of Chip and Deb Rich he a Bexar County prosecutor, she a middle school teacher. She was getting two young daughters and herself ready for school, the same school where she taught and where her boss was also her pastor. She was packing lunches. She said goodbye to her husband. Advertisement Article continues below this ad It would be for the last time. Deb Rich Herczeg, 55 and now remarried, will tell you she lived a charmed life before Nov. 5, 2012. Nothing bad had ever happened to me. Nothing bad had ever happened to my family, she said. I talked with Rich Herczeg on Wednesday night during a week in which many San Antonians were preparing for the holidays, a monthlong series of gatherings, stress, reunion and celebration. ELAINE AYALA: Art installation of loss and 5 years of San Antonio gun deaths Advertisement Article continues below this ad For some, the days leading up to the new year wont be merry but filled with overwhelming sadness. The grief arrives in many forms. That Monday morning in 2012, Chip Rich a man former District Attorney Susan Reed called totally loved in life took his own. He used a semi-automatic handgun. Given that days sequence of events, he planned his suicide carefully. He put the dog in her crate, Rich Herczeg said. He unlocked the front door. He called 911 and hung up. Advertisement Article continues below this ad And Rich sent a text to their pastor who, alarmed by its context, called an officer and sent him to the Rich home. What also became clear was how skillfully he masked his depression until he died from it, Rich Herczeg said. She knows its hard for people to understand that. Grief can consume a person. Even so, they might spurn help, especially from professionals. Rich Herczeg recalls arriving at the Childrens Bereavement Center of South Texas with her daughters, each led off to groups for children whod lost a parent to suicide. Advertisement Article continues below this ad At first, she resisted group counseling for herself. She walked in and recalled, I didnt want to be one of them. The grieving self doesnt know that you already are. She recalls feeling angry, though not at him. I came to forgiveness immediately, like that day, because I knew him so well. I knew he had to be in an incomprehensible amount of pain for the escape to be death. Rich Herczeg was angry about having to raise their daughters alone. She was angry he hadnt talked about his depression, that at some point our relationship was imbalanced, and I didnt know. I always shared 100%, at some point he stopped sharing, and I dont have any idea when that was. I was a partner that wasnt safe for him to tell, she said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad I had to work through some of that. Rich Herczeg also went through a process of re-examining conversations theyd had and potential red flags she missed. She beat herself up for it. A few months into group therapy, as new people arrived, she saw the difference between them. One woman stays in her memory. I remember thinking, I used to be like this lady whose loss is so fresh. They became a family of sorts, listening to each others stories, including the ones they couldnt tell family or friends. They were in a safe space to share them. The bereavement center gave me those people, she said. Shes here to say you can survive loss, too. Its entirely possible. Her daughters will graduate from college next year. Theyre healthy and positive and amazing young women. Im enormously proud of them. Their father wouldve been incredibly proud of them, too, she said. Rich Herczeg still stands in front of a classroom filled with middle-schoolers, now in Boerne. She tried being an administrator but missed them too much. Holidays remains challenging, partly because of two personal markers: the death occurred in November and Sunday wouldve been their 29th wedding anniversary. November and December are difficult for the grieving, especially if theyre facing the first holiday season without people they loved. The ache is palpable. Id love to tell you that goes away. Were now in year 11, Rich Herczeg said. But it gets easier with the passage of time, she said. Loss becomes normalized. On Thursday morning, she emailed me what her family looks like now. The beautiful image shows five people: two parents, three grown children, a blended family. Its a picture of survival. Its important to know there is always hope, despite the fact your life will look 100 percent different, Rich Herczeg said. In some ways, surviving grief has made it easier to recognize blessings. She tells anyone wholl listen that those in grief will swear theyre feeling a unique loss unlike any others. Like her, those who know grief, know differently. Your loss, whatever it might be, isnt unique at all. Pedro Sanchez is sworn into office during a ceremony at the Zarzuela Palace in Madrid on Friday - Andres Ballesteros/Reuters A group of retired military officers in Spain have called for an army coup against the prime minister after Pedro Sanchez secured a new term through a controversial amnesty for Catalan separatists. In a letter, 51 retired officers ask those responsible for the defence of constitutional order for the dismissal of the prime minister and the calling of general elections. Mr Sanchezs Socialist Party came second in Julys elections, but he managed to cobble together sufficient support from hard-Left and regional parties to win approval from the majority in Congress. Taking the oath before King Felipe VI at the Zarzuela Palace near Madrid on Friday, Mr Sanchez was sworn in again as prime minister of Spain, a military dictatorship until 1975. The call for Mr Sanchezs removal from power came in an open letter published on Friday on the website of the AME association of Spanish armed forces members. It is supported by 51 retired officers, according to digital newspaper infoLibre, but their names were not published with the text. The officers denounced Mr Sanchez for encroaching on judicial independence and flouting the constitutional principle of equality between Spaniards by favouring Catalans with a generalised pardon for criminal acts. Rebel officers discussed killing 26 million Reportedly, the 51 signatories include some who were investigated over the contents of a WhatsApp chat in 2020 that discussed ousting Mr Sanchez, even though this might mean having to kill 26 million sons of bitches. No charges were brought. That same year more than 70 retired officers sent a letter to King Felipe, encouraging him to intervene in Spains political situation. During the parliamentary debate for Thursdays vote, Right-wing politicians accused Mr Sanchez of damaging democracy by presenting an amnesty for Catalans who committed crimes during the regions failed effort to separate from Spain in 2017. Alberto Nunez Feijoo, conservative Peoples Party leader, accused Mr Sanchez of buying the support of Catalans and perpetrating an electoral fraud as Spaniards had not voted for an amnesty. Prior to the elections, Mr Sanchez had stated his belief that such an amnesty would be unconstitutional. Santiago Abascal of the far-Right Vox party accused Mr Sanchez of staging a coup detat that would one day see him face criminal proceedings of his own. On Thursday protestors marked two weeks of nightly demonstrations outside the Socialist Partys Madrid headquarters, in which dozens have been arrested and injured as demonstrators battle with police guarding the building. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. An Ipsos survey conducted for Reuters revealed 41% of Americans support providing arms for Ukraine, while just 31% supported weapons for Israel. Military support for Ukraine was stronger among Democrats with 32% of respondents opposed to further aid to Kyiv. The Biden administration warned that funding for Ukraine aid is running low as the Republican-controlled House and Democratic-controlled Senate disagree on the future of U.S. aid to Ukraine. Nearly half of respondents said that the U.S. should not play a role in the war in Ukraine. On Nov. 14 U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson averted a federal government shutdown by passing a bill without further funding for Ukraine or Israel. Read also: Reuters: US public support for providing arms to Ukraine declines Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The Reverend Paul Abram, who has died aged 87, was a former Army chaplain, best known for his service and lifelong connection with the Parachute Regiment and Airborne Forces and the Territorial Army SAS, who later served as the vicar of Salcombe and priest-in-charge at the Tower of London. Paul Robert Carrington Abram was born in York on July 21 1936, the eldest of five children, his father being the curate of a local church and an army chaplain during the Second World War, which meant that the family were constantly moving. On one occasion young Paul was staying in Hull at his grandmothers house when German incendiary bombs landed on the roof. His father stayed on in the Army after the war and the family spent time in Egypt, Aldershot and Germany. Among other schools, Paul attended Farnborough Grammar, and Hymers College in Hull, where (in his words) he worked really hard to get into Oxford and was an Under Officer in the Cadet Force. Called up for National Service, Abram was sent to the officers training centre at Eaton Hall near Chester and from there he was commissioned into the East Yorkshire Regiment then stationed in Osnabruck, Germany. There, as a rifle platoon commander, Abram learnt the importance of looking after his men. When he left in August 1957 the Colonel offered him a permanent commission, but he declined as he had already decided on Holy Orders. Padre Abram, centre, in Malta in 3 PARA in 1972 Meanwhile, he read geography at Keble College, Oxford, where he joined the Officer Training Corps as ??the officer commanding the infantry platoon. He then volunteered and passed selection for 21 Special Air Service Regiment, one of the two SAS Territorial Army units. A keen oarsman, what little time there was left was spent on the river. From Oxford he went to Chichester Theological College, and he was ordained in 1962. His first curacy was at Redcar, but he was determined to apply for the Royal Army Chaplains Department at the earliest opportunity, and in May 1965 he arrived in Aldershot as chaplain to the Army Catering Corps Boys Unit and the Cambridge Military Hospital, followed by a posting to 3 Para early the following year. Although already a qualified military parachutist and, as a chaplain, exempt from the requirement to undergo the arduous physical and mental selection process known as P Company, Abram insisted on completing the course, and so his credibility with the Paras (whose private soldiers are known as Toms) was further enhanced. He was very much in the mould of the Rev Fraser McCluskey, the Parachuting Padre, and those brave chaplains who went before him in the Second World War who dropped at Arnhem and volunteered to stay behind with the wounded when capture was inevitable. He soon established a reputation for his hands-on approach and ability to get on with everybody. Soldiers trusted him and were able to share their concerns with him. Soon after his arrival, the battalion went on exercise in appalling weather in Wales. Abram immediately joined the forward companies, in his characteristic garb of camouflage parachute-smock and clerical collar, going from slit trench to slit trench chatting with the soldiers and passing any news, or post, that he had obtained from Battalion HQ. He was not averse to picking up a pick or shovel to dig in the Regimental Aid Post or erect its tentage, and was remembered for always being able to produce an onion or something to make the combat rations more palatable. On one exercise he volunteered to be the casualty during a practice for night-evacuation. He was wrapped in a blanket on a stretcher and taken to the Aid Post. When the sergeant shone his torch to examine him and realised who it was, he exclaimed: Jesus Christ! No, Abram replied. Only his representative. He used this to start off many a sermon. He subsequently served two tours in 3 Para, with a total of seven years in Aldershot, Malta, Northern Ireland and on a busy schedule of exercises in many parts of the world. On one occasion he discovered that the reason an otherwise steady soldier was frequently going AWOL back to his home town was that his new bride was afraid to come to Aldershot. Abram and his wife Jo promptly arranged for the young woman to come and live with them for a week and gently to introduce her to the Shot and the battalion. Shortly afterwards a Married Quarter was obtained and the soldier and his bride settled into Army married life. Characteristically, Abram kept his actions on this occasion, as on many others, quiet. There was never any fuss. His mission was to serve. Abram in 2006 as Chaplain to Queen Elizabeth II and priest-in-charge at the Tower of London He continued his devotion to the regiment by making numerous visits to lead memorial services on former European battlefields; he was a main inspiration in the setting up of the annual Airborne Service at the National Memorial Arboretum. In 1970 he was posted for two years to the Junior Leaders Regiment Royal Artillery at Bramcote, Nuneaton. His next posting was on promotion to Northern Ireland, where he was based with the Prince of Waless Own Regiment of Yorkshire, a successor to the East Yorkshires with whom he had spent his National Service. On completion of this tour, he was again posted to 3 Para and the battalion almost immediately went to Northern Ireland. He was remembered for spending time with the Toms, accompanying them on patrol, without a weapon and armed only with his clerical collar. In 1976 Abram moved to an artillery regiment in Germany and followed that with tours of duty at the Royal Military College of Science Shrivenham, in Hong Kong, and in York, where he was the senior chaplain of the 2nd Infantry Division; he was then sent for four months to the Falkland Islands. His next role was Senior Chaplain Northern Ireland, followed by a tour in West Berlin, and finally as the Senior Chaplain of Western District and Wales, by which time he had progressed to Assistant Chaplain General. By now Abram had come to feel that looking after many chaplains over a large area was not fun and he missed close contact with his flock, so in 1989 retired from the Army. He was subsequently appointed to the parish of Salcombe and so began nearly seven years of normal parochial life. He knew how to socialise, joining both the Yacht Club and the Island Cruising Club, went to the pub to fraternise with the fishermen and was fully aware of matters affecting local people. On arrival he was surprised to discover that the church had no bells, but, despite many difficulties, he had them in place before he left, whereupon the Church Times declared: When the Reverend Paul Abram left Salcombe, they rang the bells. Abram was appointed by the late Queen a Member of the Royal Victorian Order Abram was astounded when a letter arrived appointing him chaplain to Queen Elizabeth II and priest-in-charge of St Peter ad Vincula at the Tower of London. Here again he was a great success, relishing his many and diverse religious and ceremonial duties, and he was a much-respected figure among the Yeomen Warders, who were not easy to impress. An invitation to a service at the Chapel of St Peter ad Vincula, followed by lunch at the nearby 17th century house was remembered by many of his old Airborne comrades. He claimed that the Tower was perhaps the climax of his career and he enjoyed every minute, particularly services in the White Tower, the oldest Norman church in England. The Queen appointed Abram MVO in 2007, just before he left the Tower and retired to Kimpton in Hampshire. In retirement, he remained involved with airborne commemorations and the pastoral care of old friends and families, until overtaken by ill health. He is survived by his wife of 62 years Joanna, and four daughters. The Rev Paul Abram, born July 21 1936, died September 28 2023 Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. More than 100 pro-Palestinian protests are taking place across the UK this weekend. From Truro in Cornwall to Kirkwall in Orkney, tens of thousands of protesters are expected to attend rallies, vigils and protests demanding a ceasefire in Gaza. The local demonstrations are replacing the large scale marches in central London that have taken part in recent weeks. Protests have been organised in cities including Birmingham, Cambridge and Liverpool. Ben Jamal, the director of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC), a lead organiser of the march, said: This Saturday, ordinary people across the UK will come out again to show the vast majority of them support a ceasefire. They will show their solidarity with Palestinians who are suffering unimaginable harm. The latest action comes a week after hundreds of thousands of people marched through central London despite calls for a ban. Eighteen police officers were injured after trouble flared in incidents involving far-Right protesters and pro-Palestine supporters. Discover where protests are taking place near you using our search tool below: Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. WYOMING, Mich. (WOOD) Silent Observer has increased the reward for tips leading to the person or people responsible for the death of 18-year-old Kane Coronado on Nov. 1, 2022. The reward has been increased to $6,000 for information leading to the killers arrest. Coronado was shot and killed while riding his bike in the 2200 block of Indian Mounds Drive/Kent Trails in Hopewell Indian Mounds Park, south of the I-196 ramps. In that area, the drive is open to cars, bikes and walkers. To this day, police havent determined if the killing was random or targeted. 1 year after killing of 18-year-old, still no answers In March, police said a witness described the suspect as a white man around the age of 30. He was described as having a medium build and with a brown or gray scruffy beard. A police sketch of a suspect in the November 2022 shooting death of Kane Coronado on Indian Mounds Drive in Wyoming. Police previously released a possible vehicle description. The witness saw the suspect drive toward Market Avenue and then toward I-196 in a grey sedan, possibly in a model between the years 2000 and 2005. Police said the vehicle could be similar to the body style of a 2005 Chevy Cavalier. Earlier this month, police cautioned that the suspect may have changed their appearance or gotten rid of the vehicle since the shooting. If you know anything about the killing of Kane Coronado, please contact Wyoming police at 616.530.7300 or Silent Observer at 616.774.2345, 1.866.774.2345 or https://www.silentobserver.org. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) A reward of over $5,000 is being offered for information leading to the arrest of a man and a woman who allegedly stole thousands of dollars worth of merchandise from the Michael Kors store at the newly-opened Tanger Outlets mall in South Nashville. Metro police said surveillance footage showed the man and woman going into the store at around 4:15 p.m. Sunday. The man appeared to be wearing a blue denim jacket with the New York Yankees logo in several areas, a white beanie hat, blue jeans, and a surgical mask. DAs office preparing charges for suspects in organized retail theft cases The woman appeared to be wearing a surgical mask and a black Victorias Secret sweatsuit/hoodie with the word PINK in white lettering on the back. The suspects were in the store for about five minutes before they reportedly grabbed multiple purses from a wall display and several jackets from a rack near the door. A store employee tried to stop them, but they pushed past her and ran through the parking lot before leaving in what appeared to be a black sedan, perhaps a Nissan Altima, according to investigators. (Source: Metro Nashville Police Department) (Source: Metro Nashville Police Department) Police said the thieves will face, at minimum, charges of felony theft when they are arrested. Tanger Outlets posted a $5,000 reward and Nashville Crime Stoppers is offering an additional reward of up to $1,000. CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime news from Middle Tennessee Police said the police department, Tanger Outlets, and Councilwoman Joy Styles have had discussions about shoplifting leading up to the holiday season. All parties are reportedly in agreement that thieves will be prosecuted to the fullest extent. Anyone who recognizes the two thieves is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. To have your name on the door is a humbling experience, said U.S. Rep. Gabe Amo, D-R.I. U.S. Representative Gabe Amo, D-R.I., says taking office this week has been a bit surreal. He told theGrio, Im honored. The work Congress is doing is so relevant to so many peoples lives, and the ability to serve people in the 1st Congressional District of Rhode Island is something that Ive had the opportunity to do behind the scenes, he added. But, to have your name on the door is a humbling experience. WASHINGTON NOVEMBER 12: Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., left, participates in the ceremonial swearing in of Rep. Gabe Amo, D-R.I., right, in the Capitol on Monday, November 13, 2023. (Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images) On Monday, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., held a swearing-in ceremony for the first Black representative from the state of Rhode Island. The ceremony comes less than a week after Amo won a special election to fill a seat left vacant by former Democratic U.S. Rep. David Cicilline, who stepped down in the summer to spearhead the Rhode Island Foundation. The former Biden-Harris White House staffer told theGrio, as the first person of color to represent the Ocean State, I stand on the shoulders of so many people who came before me. I have the opportunity to serve people across the state, and it means a lot to me because I know that there are folks who are watching me, he said. Amo continued, There are young people watching me whose life may change because they saw me serve them in a state that they may not have predicted to have a Black person. In a statement obtained by theGrio, Rep. Steven Horsford, D- Nev., chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), welcomed Amo as the 60th member of the caucus. Horsford said the freshman congressman will serve in Congress at a pivotal time in our nations history. [Rep. Amo] will bring to the CBC and the House Democratic Caucus a diversity of lived experience and a shared commitment to standing up to extreme Republicans, keeping our communities safe, and protecting our fundamental freedoms, Horsford wrote. Rep. Amo told theGrio that since taking office, Horsford has served as a valuable mentor. US Representative Gabe Amo (D-RI) (C), the first Black representative from Rhode Island, is sworn in as the 60th member of the Congressional Black Caucus in Statuary Hall at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on November 14, 2023. Amo is replacing former US Representative David Cicilline, who resigned from Congress to become president and CEO of the Rhode Island Foundation. (Photo by Stefani Reynolds / AFP) (Photo by STEFANI REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images) He has helped me really establish my narrative and one that is of hard work, great resilience and determination, he said. We all have a bit of that story, and his mentorship has been tremendous. In a press conference earlier this month, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries told reporters, Its an honor to be a part of the Congressional Black Caucus to stand on the historic shoulders of so many giants. Now with the historic election of Gabe Amoto hit that 60th [CBC member], I think is an incredible milestone, he said. The Congressional Black Caucus is not just an important part of the House Democratic Caucus family, but the Congressional Black Caucusthe conscience of the Congress in so many ways, added Jeffries. Fighting for social justice and economic justice and racial justice to lift up all Americans. Amo told theGrio, To have the Leader of the Democratic Party, who I hope to one day vote for [as] speaker, be a member ofthe conscience of the Congress means so much to me. He shared, Every member of CBC member has embraced me with warmth and has tried to get me to accelerate some of my work so that I can hit the ground running. The Democratic lawmaker added that, while he is in office, he vows to tackle issues of gun violence, Medicare, womens rights, and climate change. When I look at an issue like gun violence, Ive already spoken with [Georgia] Congresswoman [Lucy] McBath about the work on that legislation, said Amo. My predecessor [Rep. Cicilline] was one of the champions of an assault weapons ban, he added. I hope to carry that mantle as well. Enough is enough when it comes to violence that is driven by the guns and weapons of war that are on our streets. Earlier this week, Jeffries recommended that Congressman Amo serve on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. US House Minority leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) speaks during a press conference at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on September 29, 2023. The US government began on September 28 informing workers of an impending shutdown that could see millions of federal employees and military personnel temporarily sent home or working without pay, unless Congress reaches a funding deal. (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP) (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images) Amo told theGrio, As a child of West African immigrants and someone who has worked behind the scenes in Rhode Island, he believes he will be able to work with his colleagues to stabilize nations across the globe. I think my worldview has been informed by my immigrant story, he said. We are in a moment where the global theater is unstable. We have the conflict in Ukraine driven by Russias aggression. We have the Israel-Hamas war that is happening, he continued. I think there is no more important place for me to be at this time to really lean into our ability as the United States to bring great stability to the world. As Rep. Amo lives out his first few days in Congress, he says he is filled with gratitude. I just want to say thank you to the voters of Rhode Islands 1st Congressional District, and thank you to so many who have found my storya Rhode Island story butalso an American story, and for taking part in our victory, he said. In April, Amo stepped down from his position at the White House, where he served as the special assistant to the president and deputy director of the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs for two years. In a previous interview, Rep. Amo told theGrio that he left the Biden-Harris administration to run for Rhode Islands 1st Congressional District seat because Americans deserve better. TheGrio is FREE on your TV via Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Roku, and Android TV. Please download theGrio mobile apps today! The post Rhode Island Congressman Gabe Amo talks first days in office appeared first on TheGrio. The owner of Roger Williams Medical Center and Our Lady of Fatima Hospital owes more than $24 million to vendors, according to a newly unsealed lawsuit filed by Attorney General Peter Neronha. Filed on Nov. 8 but unsealed on Friday, the lawsuit says Prospect Medical Holdings failed to pay vendors that provide supplies, equipment and staff at the two Providence hospitals. Surgeries being canceled, vendors being unpaid attracted attention of AG The attorney general has received information from employees alleging that elective surgeries for conditions such as sleep apnea were being canceled because surgical supplies could not be ordered in time, it says. "Moreover, the employees raised concerns about the continued ability to obtain wound care supplies from vendors," the filing states. The attorney general also received a complaint from an HVAC vendor who had not been paid for $108,422 worth of work completed at the hospitals between late 2022 and October 2023, the lawsuit says. The lawsuit argues that Prospect Medical Holdings is violating the conditions that Neronha imposed in 2021, when the hospitals changed hands. What is the AG looking for? The attorney general is seeking a penalty of up to $2 million and a court order that would require Prospect to comply with all conditions and "immediately provide sufficient funds to maintain the normal operations of the hospital." A hearing regarding a temporary restraining order is scheduled for Nov. 28. "For nearly three years, this office has had significant concerns with the financial health of Prospect Medical Holdings and its impact on the continued operation of Roger Williams and Fatima hospitals," Neronha said in a statement. "Prospects financial condition continues to deteriorate; they are closing and otherwise disinvesting in their hospitals across the country." He added: As it stands today, our concern is greater than it has ever been, which is why we took decisive action in court last week. We need to ensure the continued viability of these hospitals for as long as we can." The state Department of Health separately took action against Prospect last week. What Prospect Medical Holdings says Prospect spokesman Otis Brown said that the company does not comment on ongoing litigation, but issued a statement noting that The Centurion Foundation is seeking to acquire the hospitals and return them to non-profit status. The foundation filed a revised application with the Department of Health and Attorney General on Tuesday, he said, "and we remain hopeful that it will be deemed complete by the two state agencies." "Both Prospect Medical and Centurion are ready to move forward and expedite the transition of CharterCARE to The Centurion Foundation, which will return the health system to not-for-profit status," he said. Brown also indicated that a data breach was responsible for the unpaid bills. "Over the past several months, Prospect has been working diligently to resolve the impact of a data security incident that disrupted the financial and clinical systems at all our facilities across the country for approximately six weeks," the statement said. "During this time, we were unable to bill or collect payment for the medical services we continued to provide during the disruption." "In Rhode Island, more than $30 million of cash collections have been delayed as a result of the cyber incident. These systems are now fully restored, our operations are back to normal, and our catch-up billings and collections from the cyber incident will rectify over the coming months. With reports from staff writer Katherine Gregg. This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Roger Williams Medical Center owner sued by RI Attorney General An image projected onto Christ the Redeemer welcomes US singer Taylor Swift to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (Florian Plaucher) After lobbying from "Swifties," Rio de Janeiro's Christ the Redeemer statue was lit up to welcome Taylor Swift to Brazil ahead of a concert on Friday as part of her global blockbuster "Eras Tour." As die-hard fans gathered at the famed statue atop Corcovado mountain and in the square below, the giant monument went dark Thursday night, then was reilluminated wearing a light-projection tribute to Swift's "Junior Jewels" T-shirt, from her video "You Belong With Me." "Welcome to Brasil," it said -- in English, but using the Portuguese spelling of "Brazil" -- with the names of the country's 27 states scrawled across it. Fans were ecstatic. "I'm going to cry. What matters most to me is her seeing it, her smiling, her being happy," said Rafaela Martins Lopes, one of those who flocked to the statue. The tribute to the US pop sensation came after fans inundated social media with calls to give her a fitting welcome to the South American country. The Catholic rector responsible for the Christ the Redeemer statue, Omar Raposo, responded with a challenge Thursday on Instagram: raise 300,000 reais ($60,000) for charity, and he would organize a special message. The response was so overwhelming it temporarily crashed the fundraising site handling the campaign. By Friday afternoon, less than 24 hours later, the goal had been met, organizers said. "Young people like a challenge. So we channeled the fans' energy for good," Raposo said in a statement. The donations are being used to give out food baskets to the homeless to mark the World Day of the Poor on Sunday, an initiative launched by Pope Francis. Organizers said they would continue accepting donations through Sunday, which is the last day of Swift's three-night stop in Rio. On Rio's spectacular Guanabara Bay, a giant Ferris wheel was also lit up in tribute to Swift Thursday, with the message, "Love's a Game, Wanna Play?" -- a lyric from her hit song "Blank Space." bur-jhb/acb This embedded content is not available in your region. Rishi Sunak has denied "tinkering" with the government's Rwanda plan after his sacked former home secretary accused him of failing to take the radical action needed to implement the policy. The PM defended his plan to introduce emergency laws and a new treaty with Rwanda to save the plan after the Supreme Court ruled it was unlawful. Mr Sunak said he would "take on" anyone who stood in the way of the new laws. Earlier Suella Braverman described his approach as "magical thinking". Writing in the Telegraph, Ms Braverman said "tinkering with a failed plan" would not achieve the government's aims. In its ruling on the government's scheme to fly some asylum seekers to Rwanda, the Supreme Court said there were "substantial grounds" to believe that some of those deported to the country could be sent back to places where they would be unsafe. After the judgement, Mr Sunak announced he would bring in emergency legislation to certify that Rwanda was a "safe" country, despite the court's decision. The prime minister also said he would sign a new treaty with Rwanda, so that the first flights could begin in the spring. Speaking to broadcasters during a visit to a school in Bolsover in Derbyshire, Mr Sunak insisted he would "work night and day" to ensure domestic courts could not "systemically" block flights to the east African nation. Asked whether his rescue plan amounted to "tinkering" he said: "No. "We can pass these laws in Parliament that will give us the powers and the tools we need. "Then we can get the flights off, and whether it's 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." Speaking in Aberdeenshire, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer called on the prime minister to "stop pursuing expensive gimmicks". He said a "serious solution" was needed to a "very serious problem", adding that Labour would work with the UK's international partners on "smashing the criminal gangs... getting people across the Channel". Suella Braverman Mrs Braverman, who was sacked as home secretary on Monday, argued that Mr Sunak's plan would not solve "the fundamental issue", that the UK's highest court had found Rwanda unsafe for deporting asylum seekers. "Any new treaty would still require going back through the courts, a process that would likely take at least another year" and "could culminate in yet another defeat", she said, meaning that no asylum seekers were flown to Rwanda before the next general election. An election is expected to be held next year and one must take place by January 2025. Instead, Ms Braverman called for ministers to ignore human rights laws and other international obligations in their "entirety" on this issue, and to prevent those being sent to Rwanda being able to mount legal challenges. Former senior cabinet minister Damian Green called Mrs Braverman's suggestion the "most unconservative proposal I've ever heard". A former First Secretary of State under Theresa May, Mr Green told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that overriding legal constraints was the behaviour of "dictators" like Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin. But another former cabinet minister, Sir Simon Clarke, said Parliament was "entitled in extremis to say certain sections of the law are disapplied". This embedded content is not available in your region. The Rwanda policy is central to Mr Sunak's plan to stop asylum seekers crossing the English Channel in small boats - one of his key pledges - as it is designed to deter people from making the dangerous journey. Any new legislation is expected to face strong opposition in the House of Lords, which contains several current and former Supreme Court judges. It would also be likely to face legal challenges in the courts. 'Black is white' Sir David Normington, former Home Office permanent secretary, told Today that Mrs Braverman was "right in one way" - that getting a working Rwanda policy "would be very difficult". "We could pull out of all conventions, but that would be a very bad idea," he said, adding that it would always come down to a British court deciding whether Rwanda was safe. "The courts say it is not a safe country. You can't say black is white." Asked if international law was "outdated", Sir David said that "at the core" international agreements were written to protect the vulnerable. "What is true is that the rights of people to not be tortured never goes out of date." San Antonio actor Jesse Borrego, one of the stars of "Blood In Blood Out," will attend a screening of the film at Hemisfair. Josie Norris/Staff Photographer Jesse Borrego, a San Antonio native known for his role in the cult classic Blood In Blood Out, will attend a screening of the film Friday night at Hemisfair. Food trucks and vendors also will be part of the free event, held by Sangre por Arte at Civic Park in celebration of Latinos in the arts. The event will feature a DJ and live performances ahead of a music video premiere for artist Angel Miranda at 7:30 p.m., which will kick off the film screening. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has set out how 8.3bn of promised funding will be used to tackle what he called the "scourge of potholes". The PM announced the money last month as part of plans to scrap part of the HS2 high-speed rail line and spend the savings on other projects. The funding will go to England's local councils over the next 11 years for road maintenance. Councils said the cost of repairing local roads was closer to 14bn. The Local Government Association (LGA), which represents councils in England and Wales, said the money was "a significant boost" but it had consistently called for longer term funding to tackle the repair backlog. Its spokesman, Darren Rodwell, said: "Longer-term, the government should award council highways departments with five yearly funding allocations to give more certainty, bringing councils on a par with National Highways so they can develop resurfacing programmes and other highways improvements, tackling the scourge of potholes." The AA said call-outs to pothole-related breakdowns were at near-record levels, with more than 450,000 so far this year. AA president Edmund King said the plan could make a "considerable difference in bringing our roads back to the standards which road users expect, especially if councils use the cash efficiently". Simon Williams, head of policy at motoring organisation the RAC, said: "This should in time go a considerable way to bringing our roads back to a fit-for-purpose state and saving drivers hundreds of pounds in the process from not having to fork out for frustrating repairs to their vehicles." In England, the North West, North East and Yorkshire and Humber will receive 3.3bn, with 2.2bn going to the West and East Midlands, and 2.8bn to the East, South East, South West and London. Transport Secretary Mark Harper said it was up to local authorities how to spend their allocation, but part of the reason for the "significant increase" was so they could "improve the quality of road surfaces in the future" rather than just focusing on fixing existing potholes. The Department for Transport said it meant local authorities in England would get an extra 150m for road repairs this year, and the same amount for 2024 and 2025. The rest of the funding will be allocated over the next decade. The department said the funding was on top of 5.5bn for local roads maintenance announced before plans to scrap HS2. Local politicians, businesses and some senior Conservatives criticised the decision to scrap the Birmingham to Manchester leg of the high-speed line, arguing it would damage the economy. Mr Sunak said: "For too long politicians have shied away from taking the right long-term decisions to make life easier for hardworking families - tackling the scourge of potholes being a prime example. "This unprecedented 8.3bn investment will pave the road for better and safer journeys for millions of people across the country and put an end to the blight of nuisance potholes." Data from the RAC suggests drivers are paying an average of 440 if their car needs fixing after hitting a pothole. The figure was for any damage more serious than a puncture. Common vehicle problems caused by potholes include damaged shock absorbers, broken suspension springs and distorted wheels. Rite Aid plans to close one of its locations in Centre County, the company wrote in a bankruptcy document filed Thursday, as the business attempts to restructure while dealing with losses and opioid-related lawsuits. The business plans to close its location at 1927 S. Atherton St., in the Hills Plaza. It was not clear when or how many people were employed; an email sent to the company was not immediately returned Friday. Its one of 17 stores expected to shutter in the business second wave of closings, joining a group of more than 150 announced in October. No state is expected to see more stores close than Pennsylvania, which accounts for nearly one-fourth of all closures. Rite Aid has three other locations in Centre County, two in the Centre Region and one in Bellefonte. The Philadelphia company wrote in its federal bankruptcy filing that it runs more than 2,000 stores, most of which are on the East and West coasts. The business has posted annual losses for several years and has been cutting costs and stores as it dealt with long-standing financial challenges, the Associated Press reported. It has said it expects a net loss of as much as $680 million in the current fiscal year, which will end next spring. The company, like its rivals, also faces financial risk from lawsuits over opioid prescriptions. Rite Aid already reached several settlements, including one announced last year with West Virginia for up to $30 million. Larger competitors like CVS and Walgreens, which run several thousand more locations, have moved aggressively into health care to add other sources of revenue. Rite Aids filing listed $8.6 billion in total debts and $7.6 billion in assets. Which Rite Aid locations will close in Pennsylvania? The following Rite Aid locations in Pennsylvania are expected to close, according to bankruptcy filings: 2715 Parade St. in Erie 5612 N. Fifth St. in Philadelphia 350 Main St. in Pennsburg 4011 Cottman Ave. in Philadelphia 1441 Old York Road in Abington 300 Market St. in Johnstown 8716 New Falls Road in Levittown 11750 Bustleton Ave. in Philadelphia 169 West Lancaster Ave. in Ardmore 1315 E. Washington Lane in Philadelphia 801 Wyoming Ave., Suite 9 in West Pittston 657 Heacock Road in Yardley 2801 W. Dauphin St. in Philadelphia 1709 Liberty St. in Erie 674 Route 196, Suite 14 in Tobyhanna 2722 W. 9th St. in Chester 950 E. Baltimore Pike in Yeadown 8235 Stenton Ave. in Philadelphia 7941 Oxford Ave. in Philadelphia 136 N. 63rd St. in Philadelphia 5440 Lansdowne Ave. in Philadelphia 208 E. Central Ave. in Titusville 1080 S. West End Blvd. in Quakertown 700 Stevenson Blvd. in New Kensington 351 Brighton Ave. in Rochester 5235 Library Road in Bethel Park 5990 University Blvd., Suite 30 in Moon Township 2501 Saw Mill Run Blvd. in Pittsburgh 5410 Keeport Drive in Pittsburgh 6090 Route 30 in Greensburg 4830 William Penn Highway in Export 1730 Wilmington Road in New Castle 2178 W. Union Blvd. in Bethlehem 1628 S. Fourth St. in Allentown 2401 E. Venango St. in Philadelphia 6327-43 Torresdale Ave. in Philadelphia 200 W. Ridge Ave., Suite 112 in Conshohocken 301 Eisenhower Drive in Hanover 7036 Wertzville Road in Mechanicsburg 306 Town Center in New Britain 1927 S. Atherton St. in College Township Chad Costello was arrested for inappropriate contact with students at Eleanor Roosevelt High School in Eastvale. RIVERSIDE, Calif. - A teacher in Eastvale has been arrested after allegedly having inappropriate contact with students. In April 2023, investigators from the Riverside County Sheriffs Office, Special Victims Unit responded to allegations of inappropriate contact between a teacher and students at Eleanor Roosevelt High School. The teacher, placed on administrative leave during the investigation, has now been identified as Chad Costello, a 44-year-old resident of Anaheim. After thorough investigations, authorities concluded that Costello had engaged in inappropriate contact with students. On November 16, 2023, he was arrested in Anaheim by investigators and is set to be booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center on charges of child annoyance and sexual battery. As the investigation remains ongoing, no further details are currently available. Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact Investigator J. Andrade at 951-955-1701. Detectives with the Riverside Police Department Economic Crimes Unit arrested two suspects allegedly involved in skimming schemes at various bank ATMs throughout Riverside. Santa Ana residents 29-year-old Nicolae Adrian Masu and 26-year-old George Daniel Mirica were arrested for identity theft, transferring stolen identifying information, and conspiracy to defraud on Nov. 15. Two people arrested for skimming fraud in Riverside 5 men sought by FBI in Los Angeles for EBT scams The two men allegedly install skimming devices at various ATMs that capture card data and PINs, which can then be cloned onto another card. This scheme allows people to make fraudulent withdraws and transactions without the victims knowledge, a news release said. Detectives, who have been investigating this case and similar incidents, observed the two men as they parked their vehicle near a Bank of America location on the 10200 block of Magnolia Avenue near the Galleria at Tyler shopping center. Their SUV had a makeshift antenna attached that pointed towards the bank, a news release said. Detectives identified the two men as the same suspects involved in other skimming incidents at the same bank location. During the prior incidents, the suspects obtained more than $10,000 from two victims. Several Walmart stores hit by credit card skimmers: What to look for Authorities want to remind the public that they should avoid using ATMs that look unusual or have loose parts attached to it. ATMs that look suspicious should be reported to the bank and law enforcement. Anyone with additional information regarding this specific investigation and arrests should contact Detective Michael Gomez at (951) 353-7115 or MGomez@RiversideCA.gov or Detective Javier Cabrera at (951) 353-7116 or JCabrera@RiversideCA.gov. Anonymous tips can be shared by emailing RPDTips@RiversideCA.gov or by downloading the Riverside Police Departments Atlas 1 app. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) Salt Lake City Police officers are currently blocking traffic at 4000 West 700 South due to a fire in the area. Salt Lake City Fire crews are currently at the scene. 1 trapped, killed in Bountiful house fire Courtesy of SLCPD Courtesy of SLCPD Courtesy of SLCPD Please use another route so crews can safely work, police said. Details on the fire are limited at this time. This is a developing story. ABC4 will update this post as more information becomes available. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now ABC4 Daily News For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. A woman in her seventies is in serious condition after she fell during a Robbie Williams concert in Sydney this week. The woman has been placed in an induced coma and is being treated at St Vincents Hospital after a dramatic fall at Allianz Stadium in Moore Park, where she fell down six rows of seats while the British pop singer performed on stage. A New South Wales ambulance spokesperson confirmed that paramedics were called to the scene at around 10.15pm on Thursday 16 November. Last night we attended Allianz Stadium. We were called in to reports of a woman in her seventies who had fallen, their statement said. We treated her on scene to injuries to her face and head and took her to St Vincents Hospital in a critical condition. The woman was apparently attempting to climb over several rows of seats when she slipped and fell, sustaining injuries to her head and face. Staff at the venue, as well as a bystander, looked after her until emergency services arrived, a Venues NSW spokesperson told The Telegraph. The patron was attended to immediately by venue staff and a nearby guest who is a qualified medical professional. Medics arrived shortly after and the patron was taken from the venue by ambulance to hospital. We are working with NSW Police and will provide further updates as they become available. The woman remains in intensive care. The Independent has contacted Williams representatives for comment. (Netflix) Williams is touring Australia for the first time since 2018, performing to up to 40,000 fans a night at stadiums around the country. He is next set to play two nights in Queensland on 18 and 19 November before stopping for three shows in Victoria, ending up in Swan Valley on 1 December. The tour comes after he released a Netflix documentary, Robbie Williams, which charts his rise to fame as the youngest member of Nineties pop band Take That, then as a solo star behind songs such as Rock DJ, Angels and Millennium. In it, Williams also addresses his struggles with drugs and alcohol abuse as he dealt with overwhelming fame and scrutiny into his personal life. Robbie Williams is a tender portrait of a genuine British sensation, critic Nick Hilton wrote in his four-star review. Admittedly, it may end up just another instalment in Netflixs hagiographic portraits of English icons, from David Beckham and Tyson Fury to George Michael and Keith Richards, but its attempt at self-examination, if a little arch, is an effective way of looking at the excesses and intrusions of celebrity at the turn of the millennium. Robbie Williams combines titillation and pity as effectively as its namesake does braggadocio and vulnerability. Robbie Williams wife Ayda Field has revealed the firm rule they stick to when flying with their children. The couple, who have four children together aged between three and 11, are sticklers for not sitting with their young ones on the plane with the kids knowing they need to head further back into the aircraft to find their seats. Ex-Take That star Williams, known for songs such as Angels and Millennium, and actress Ms Field dont make their way to economy, however. My kids fly economy whenever we fly. I turn left and they turn right. Thats terrible. I mean, people will think Im such a d***, Ms Field told The Sunday Times. The reason behind this strict approach? To ensure the children stay grounded. My kids will know that [economy] is where they will sit in a plane until they can pay to put themselves in a different part of the plane, she said, adding: Theres no interest in raising brats. Ms Field admitted that she is the less lenient parent of the two. Williams, who is currently in Australia promoting a Netflix documentary charting his career, comes back from travelling and becomes fun parent, which she labels super-annoying. They arent the first celebrity couple to draw parenting red lines over flying habits. Gordon Ramsay previously shared that he and his wife, Tana, fly first class but insist his children sit in economy. They havent worked anywhere near hard enough to afford that, said the Michelin-starred chef. I do not want them sat there with a 10-course f***ing menu with champagne. He repeated his stance in 2021, stating that its so important that the children stay seriously grounded and motivated. When it comes to holidays, I told them, Dont you dare waste that f***ing money flying first class from here to New York. We all f***ing take off together, we all land together. Think what else [you can] do with money, he said. When they ask if they can pop up to us for some nice food, we say, No you f***ing cant, so now they take their own picnics on board, and theyre absolutely fine in economy. I mean, what 14-year-old needs to sit in a reclining chair? Suella Braverman and Robert Jenrick are believed to have jointly submitted a 'Plan B' to Rishi Sunak before the Supreme Court ruling this week - Eddie Mulholland Robert Jenrick has backed Suella Bravermans hardline Rwanda plan to ensure deportation flights take off before next years general election, The Telegraph can reveal. Mrs Braverman set out a five-point plan to end the deadlock over the policy in an article for The Telegraph on Thursday, which included opting out of European and UK human rights laws. The Telegraph understands that she had previously made four of the five points in a Plan B that she and Mr Jenrick, the immigration minister, jointly submitted to Rishi Sunak ahead of the Supreme Court ruling this week that the plan was unlawful. Mr Jenrick, who has a seat in Cabinet, is said to now be pushing for a belt and braces approach to the emergency legislation announced by Mr Sunak on Wednesday, which will declare Rwanda safe and bar anyone from lodging a legal challenge against the policy as a whole. It is thought that about half a dozen Cabinet ministers would support a tougher stance by disapplying European and human rights laws for illegal migration. Dozens of Tory MPs have also written to Mr Sunak urging him to bar migrants from using human rights laws to block their deportation to Rwanda. But No 10 has so far rejected the calls by Mrs Braverman and Right-wing Tory MPs to go further, warning that broadening the scope of the new legislation would create more opportunities for opponents to challenge and delay it. Announcing the legislation on Wednesday, Mr Sunak said he would be prepared to revisit international relationships, but only if there were human rights challenges once Parliament had passed the emergency legislation. A Downing Street spokesman said: We are mindful that a broader, more complex approach does come with the potential for this to take longer. Our priority is stopping the boats and getting the Rwanda partnership up and running and flights off the ground. And we think that our targeted approach which responds specifically to the issues raised by the Supreme Court is the swiftest way to achieve them. In an interview with The Telegraph on Monday, Mr Jenrick warned that the Government would not achieve its goal of stopping the boats in their entirety by the next election without Rwanda flights to deter migrants from crossing the Channel. Asked whether leaving the European Convention on Human Rights was part of the Governments plan B if it lost the case, Mr Jenrick said: Ive been clear that we have to do whatever it takes. The Prime Ministers treaty is expected to be published next week, and the emergency law is set to be introduced in the coming weeks. While the legislation will bar anyone from lodging a legal challenge against the policy as a whole, individual migrants will still be able to appeal against deportation by using human rights law and other domestic and international legislation. In her five-point plan, Mrs Braverman called for the entirety of the Human Rights Act, European Convention on Human Rights and other relevant legislation or obligations including the Refugee Convention to be disapplied for illegal migrants through notwithstanding clauses. She also proposed new laws to reduce time limits before illegal migrants are removed from the UK, and automatic detention without the right to appeals until deportation. On Friday, No 10 declined to rule out the possibility of Parliament sitting during the Christmas recess in order to fast-track its new legislation, a proposal raised by Mrs Braverman in her article. Meanwhile, Mr Sunak rejected Mrs Bravermans claims that he was tinkering with the Rwanda scheme. He expressed his confidence that the emergency legislation would not take a long time to pass through Parliament, and that striking a new treaty with Rwanda would be enough to start removing migrants. The Prime Minister also declared that he would take on whoever stands in the way of the policy, warning that the publics patience with the merry-go-round of legal actions was wearing thin. People can see that I want to get this thing done, but in order to finish the job, we need to get Rwanda up and running, he said. We can pass these laws in Parliament that will give us the powers and the tools we need. Then we can get the flights off, and 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. Damian Green, the former deputy prime minister, accused Mrs Braverman of wanting to act like a dictator with her alternative hardline plan. He said her proposals to pass a law that would block Rwanda deportation appeals were profoundly unconservative, adding: Conservatives believe in a democratic country run by the rule of law. And dictators, Xi and Putin, would prefer to have the state completely untrammelled by any law. And so, as a democrat I oppose it. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. Republican presidential candidate Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks during a Republican presidential primary debate hosted by NBC News, Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023, at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County in Miami. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) Ron DeSantis has picked up 10 endorsements in South Carolina from former backers of Sen. Tim Scott's presidential campaign, support the Florida governor is hoping can shore up his strength in the first-in-the-South primary state as the 2024 GOP field continues to consolidate. In a list shared Friday with The Associated Press before its public release, South Carolina state Reps. Bill Taylor and Tom Hartnett Jr. as well as more than a half-dozen municipal-level elected officials who had backed Scott before he shuttered his bid are now announcing their support for DeSantis. Ron DeSantis is the leader we need for this exact moment, Hartnett said. He not only is the only candidate who I know can win, but he will be a president who will follow through on his promises to reverse the decline of our country. Both DeSantis and former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley are trying to pick up supporters and donors from Scott's campaign following his surprise departure. DeSantis' campaign argues it is better positioned than Haley to take on former President Donald Trump in early-primary states including South Carolina, which Haley once led as governor. The campaign also told AP that DeSantis will be back in the state Dec. 1 for a slew of campaign events, as activity in the state picks up for the first-in-the-South Feb. 24 primary. He'll also appear that night at an annual dinner sponsored by The Citadel Republican Society, where DeSantis will receive the Nathan Hale Patriot Award, an honor accompanied by a replica Revolutionary War-era musket previously bestowed on Trump, Haley, Scott, and former Vice President Mike Pence. With DeSantis' total of 68 endorsements from elected officials in South Carolina, he has more than have been announced by any other presidential candidate, his campaign said. Taylor and Hartnett were among dozens of officials whose endorsements Scott rolled out in June, a month after launching his candidacy. DeSantis is now aiming to make inroads in Scott's home state, given the senator's abrupt exit from the race on Sunday. During an appearance on the Fox News Channel show of his close friend, former Rep. Trey Gowdy, Scott said that he was suspending his effort after voters made it really clear that theyre telling me, Not now, Tim. With that announcement which surprised supporters, donors and even Scott's own staff he became the second major candidate to leave the race since last month. Pence suspended his campaign three weeks ago, announcing at a Republican Jewish Coalition gathering in Las Vegas that This is not my time. Scott and the rest of the GOP field have struggled in a race that has been dominated by Trump. Despite four criminal indictments and many other legal challenges, Trump continues to poll far ahead of his rivals, leading many in the party to conclude the race is effectively over, barring some stunning change of fortune. In South Carolina, that dominance has endured. In January, Trump was endorsed by officials including Gov. Henry McMaster, Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, Sen. Lindsey Graham and several members of the U.S. House delegation. He's also backed by the state House speaker and a number of other legislative leaders. ___ Meg Kinnard can be reached at http://twitter.com/MegKinnardAP WASHINGTON - A new poll shows Nikki Haley is rising in New Hampshire, leaving Ron DeSantis trailing in the 2024 GOP primary field that continues to be dominated by Donald Trump. While Trump stands at 46% in a Washington Post/Monmouth University poll released Friday, Haley is in a solid second at 18% - and DeSantis is in fifth. The Florida governor is at 7%, behind former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (11%) and businessman Vivek Ramaswamy (8%). Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley The latest poll numbers are a stark contrast to earlier in the year when DeSantis was seen as the favorite in the field of GOP candidates vying to take on Trump. "Anyone still talking about DeSantis as the stalking horse is not keeping up with the race," said Patrick Murray, director of the Monmouth University Polling Institute. Haley on the rise after strong debate performances? Haley and her aides said voters are responding to her strong debate performances. Poll after poll show Nikki Haley is the best challenger to Donald Trump and (President) Joe Biden," said Olivia Perez-Cubas, a spokesperson for the Haley campaign. "Shes second in Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina and is the only candidate with the momentum to go the distance." She added: "Ron DeSantis has a short shelf life with his Iowa-or-bust strategy." DeSantis also struggled in a CNN poll conducted by the University of New Hampshire and released Thursday. Trump led that survey with 42%, followed by Haley (20%), Christie (14%) and then DeSantis (9%). Murray said DeSantis "stalled months ago and has been on the decline since, especially among Republican voters looking for an alternative to Trump." DeSantis and aides have said they are more focused on Iowa, which begins the nomination process with caucuses on Jan. 15. DeSantis: focused on Iowa, not New Hampshire The DeSantis campaign team, which has the endorsement of Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds and claims a strong get-out-the-vote organization, believes that a strong showing in Iowa will propel him into New Hampshire, Nevada, South Carolina, and other delegate contests. "We're doing what it takes to win and we're going to get the job done, notwithstanding whatever polls this far out would say," DeSantis told Fox News earlier this month. Trump and his aides have cheered on DeSantis' struggles in the polls, and the new surveys in New Hampshire have emboldened them. On the social media site X, formerly Twitter, Trump adviser Jason Miller said DeSantis "is in FIFTH PLACE in New Hampshire." This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ron DeSantis falls further behind Donald Trump and Nikki Haley in NH Chinese vice premier stresses rescue efforts after coal mine company building fire Xinhua) 13:36, November 17, 2023 TAIYUAN, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing has urged all-out efforts to treat the injured and deal with the aftermath of a coal mine company building fire in north China's Shanxi Province. Assigned by Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, Zhang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, rushed to the site Thursday to guide the rescue and emergency response work. Zhang inspected the scene of the accident, visited the injured at a local hospital and paid tribute to the firefighters. He presided over a meeting to listen to reports on the rescue work and make further arrangement. The fire had killed 26 people and injured 38 others as of 2 p.m. Thursday. (Web editor: Xian Jiangnan, Liang Jun) Estevan Flores, 30, was charged with leaving his 7-month-old son in a bathtub with running water until he drowned. Bexar County Sheriff's Office Michelle Sallin, 29, was charged with leaving her 7-month-old son in a bathtub with running water until he drowned. Bexar County Sheriff's Office San Antonio police arrested a couple this week after their baby drowned in the bathtub. Estevan Flores, 30, and Michelle Sallin, 29, were charged with injury to a child with bodily injury-reckless, a state jail felony punishable by up to two years in jail or a $10,000 fine. According to the arrest affidavit, Flores placed his 7-month-old son identified as Micah Flores in the bathtub Tuesday in their Northeast Side apartment. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Flores and Sallin were aware that their son was in the tub. Flores told investigators that he walked past the bathroom several times until they both discovered their son floating in the tub. The tub was full of water, and it had flowed out of the bathroom into an adjacent room, the affidavit states. A witness on the phone with the childs parents told police Wednesday she saw Flores and Sallin on the phone for about 15 minutes without checking on their son. Police said the witness did not know the child was in the bathtub during the call. Minutes later, Sallin called the witness and showed their son lying on the bed pale and unresponsive. Neither Flores nor Sallin had called 911 as their son needed aid, the arrest affidavit states. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Cozy game, interior decorating app, learn-to-code primer or something in between, the interactive, 3D spaces builder known as Rooms has made its way to the App Store. The startup, which earlier raised $10 million in seed funding led by a16z, offers a way to design 3D spaces -- its "rooms" -- that are filled with furniture, decor, pets and tiny avatars. You can turn those rooms into mini-games, if you prefer. The purpose of Rooms is merely to create and explore design, which is something many people find relaxing. However this "digital equivalent of LEGO," as the company has described it, also has an educational aspect to it. First launched on the web earlier this year, the project was inspired by co-founder Jason Toff's work in Google's AR/VR division, including its now-shuttered VR and AR app-building service Poly and the 3D modeling tool for VR, Blocks. His co-founder Bruno Oliveira also worked with him at Google, while co-founder Nick Kruge's background includes time at Smule, Uber and Google's YouTube. The idea with Rooms is to offer open-ended play where people use their designs as a form of self-expression. But you don't only have to interact with the objects in a visual format -- you also can click to reveal the code to further customize the items using Lua, the coding language also used in Roblox. That has helped introduce coding concepts to younger users. In fact, Toff tells TechCrunch, a number of schools have been picking up Rooms as a means of introducing kids to coding, as an alternative to something like code.org. Other users simply enjoy decorating their 3D spaces for fun. "[Rooms users] want to decorate a room for the calming effects of just placing things and editing it. There's this whole movement that I've learned about... cozy games," Toff explains. Cozy games are those that people play without an end goal, they're just for relaxing and unwinding. "People are making the rooms for the sake of making the rooms." To that end, there are quite a few rooms that are Taylor Swift tributes or those built by K-pop fans, for example. Some people interconnect their rooms and a few turn them into tiny, interactive games. Some people spend a lot of time on their rooms, designing what almost appear to be professionally thought-out spaces that could serve as templates for real-world interior designs. Image Credits: Rooms With the iOS app, launching today, Rooms offers a TikTok-style vertically scrolling feed where you can check out the different rooms made by the community. There are multiple feeds to choose from, including a "For You" feed -- which will later be algorithmic but is currently more curated -- as well as an Editor's Picks feed and a Recent feed. As you scroll the feed, you can like and share favorite rooms, or you can enter a camera mode to take a snapshot of the room -- which then alerts the creator. That picture can then be added to your own room, as decor. Image Credits: Rooms You can also design your rooms from scratch using the more than 6,000 items in Rooms' catalog, up from 1,000 when it launched on the web. The company first seeded its community with 1,000 Voxel 3D objects it commissioned from creators, which can be customized in your space. Other people's rooms can be remixed, too -- that is, used as a template for your own designs. (Attribution to the original creator automatically follows when you remix, Toff notes.) Image Credits: Rooms As you decorate your space, you can enter an editing mode where you can customize anything -- like the size, shape, color, glow, opacity, pattern and behavior of the items. You can even add media to an object, like putting a photo of your cat on the TV screen or a painting, for example. Or you can use an OpenAI-powered tool to generate an image that is displayed on the object. The new iOS app works both on iPhone and iPad, but Toff says the iPhone is better for browsing than creation. "It works even better on iPad. You can code, but I wouldn't recommend coding on iPhone because it's just like a tiny screen. There's not enough room," he notes. Image Credits: Rooms Since Rooms' beta launch on the web, the company has registered more than 40,000 users who have since created over 50,000 rooms. Its daily active users range in the thousands, as well. In the future, Rooms may look to AI to aid in room design, but the company is treading carefully here. After adding the generative AI feature to the product, some members of the community weren't happy. "Surprisingly...there was an interesting pushback," Toff says. "I don't know if it's the audience or age or what, but more than I expected, were repulsed by the existence of AI...but I think, practically, it should be easier to make rooms and it would be silly to not use AI to help you create rooms," he adds. A time frame for adding AI, however, is still unknown. For now, the company is focused on launching its mobile app and growing its user base. Toff says the app is really more of a beta and it will continue to iterate on the experience over time, based on user feedback. "We want to learn from and with users. We put it out a little earlier than it being perfect," he admits. The iOS app for Rooms is available now on the App Store. "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." 1927-2023 Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter died peacefully on November 19 at her homes in Plains, Georgia. The 96-year-old, who had dementia, was surrounded by her family, including her husband, former President Jimmy Carter. Rosalynn was my equal partner in everything I ever accomplished, the former president said in a statement. She gave me wise guidance and encouragement when I needed it. As long as Rosalynn was in the world, I always knew somebody loved and supported me. Rosalynn served as first lady from 1977 to 1981, reshaping what the role entailed by counseling her husband on domestic and foreign affairs, advising him on speeches, and even attending cabinet meetings. She also continued working to improve mental health servicesa cause she developed a passion for while Jimmy was campaigning to become Georgias governorand helped pass the Mental Health Systems Bill in 1980. Her death comes two days after her grandson Jason Carter announced Rosalynn had entered hospice care. The family announced she had dementia this May. Rosalynn and Jimmy, who is 99 and has been in hospice care since February, were last scene in public earlier this fall, while riding through the annual Plains Peanut Festival on September 23. [table-of-contents] stripped Who Was Rosalynn Carter? Rosalynn Carter was a former first lady of the United States. She married fellow Plains, Georgia, local Jimmy Carter at age 18 and was at his side during his political rise in the 1960s. Rosalynn became first lady of Georgia when her husband won the governors role in 1970 and first lady of the U.S. when he was inaugurated as president in 1977. One of her most important roles during her husbands presidency was as the honorary chair of the Presidents Commission on Mental Health. The humanitarian continued to advocate for mental health, peace, as well as freedom and democracy through The Carter Center, a nonprofit that she founded with her husband in 1982. Rosalynn died on November 19, 2023, at age 96. Quick Facts FULL NAME: Eleanor Rosalynn Smith Carter BORN: August 18, 1927 DIED: November 19, 2023 BIRTHPLACE: Plains, Georgia SPOUSE: Jimmy Carter (1946-2023) CHILDREN: John, James, Donnel, and Amy ASTROLOGICAL SIGN: Leo Early Life Jimmy Carter Library The first of four children, Rosalynn Carter was born Eleanor Rosalynn Smith on August 18, 1927, in Plains, Georgia. Her father, Wilburn Edgar Smith, worked as a mechanic and a farmer, and her mother, Allethea Allie Murray Smith, was a housewife. However, in 1940, when her father died, Rosalynn was forced to take a job as a hairdresser to help her mother make ends meet. Her mother also took on various jobs to help support them. Rosalynn attended local high school in Plains and graduated as valedictorian. She enrolled in Georgia Southwestern College (now Georgia Southwestern State University), and the summer after her freshman year, she began dating Jimmy Carter, her best friends older brother, and a cadet at the Annapolis Naval Academy. Marriage to Jimmy Carter In December 1945, Jimmy proposed to Rosalynn, who refused because she thought it too early in their courtship. Undeterred, Carter proposed again two months later, and Rosalynn accepted. They were married on July 7, 1946, at Plains Methodist Church. The newlyweds moved to Norfolk, Virginia, the first in a long series of assignments in Jimmys naval career that would take them to bases around the country for the next seven years. Their three sonsJohn Jack, James Chip, and Donnel Jeffwere also born during this time (they later had a daughter, Amy, in 1967), and Rosalynn split her time between raising them and continuing an education in literature and art through home-study programs. In 1953, following the death of Jimmys father, they returned to Plains, and Jimmy ran the family peanut business. In what would prove to be the first in a long line of collaborations between Rosalynn and her husband, she was responsible for the business bookkeeping. First Lady of Georgia Getty Images In 1961, Jimmy Carter was elected to the Georgia Senate, frequently leaving Rosalynn to see to the business while he was away attending legislative sessions. She also handled his political correspondence during his subsequent two terms. The couples working partnership was further cemented when Jimmy ran for governor of Georgia in 1970 and Rosalynn campaigned for her husband. It was on the campaign trail that Rosalynn became deeply interested in mental health issues, as a result of her frequent conversations with his constituents. When Jimmy was ultimately elected governor, Rosalynn saw to all the traditional responsibilities of a first lady, such as hosting, but she also went further, taking over the financial accounting of the governors mansion as well as its landscaping and also wrote a book about the mansion. More importantly, however, she followed her newfound interest and worked to overhaul the states mental health system. She was a member of the Governors Commission to Improve Services to the Mentally and Emotionally Handicapped, an honorary chairperson of the Georgia Special Olympics, and a volunteer at an Atlanta hospitalall of which left her with an impressive professional resume in the mental health field. First Lady of the United States Getty Images When Jimmy announced his candidacy for president, nearly two years before the 1976 election, Rosalynn immediately began campaigning for her husband, traveling around the country by car and plane, eventually visiting a total of 42 states. While on the trail, she would become the first candidates wife to ever make her own campaign promise: that as first lady she would make the welfare of the nations mentally ill her priority. In January 1977, Jimmy Carter, with Rosalynn at his side, was sworn in as the 39th president of the United States. Inaugural Gown Getty Images Carter caused a bit of a stir when she decided to re-wear her blue chiffon dress with gold trim at the inaugural ball (she had wore the gown twice before). However, her choice to do so was a reflection of the Carters personality. It enhanced the incoming Carter presidencys notions of modesty and frugality, Curator Lisa Kathleen Graddy of The Smithsonians National Museum of American History told Time in 2013. Getting Political As first lady, she participated in President Carters political affairs at a level unprecedented by previous first ladies, giving him counsel on both domestic and foreign affairs, advising him on speeches, arranging his appointments, and even attending his cabinet meetings. In June 1977, Rosalynn traveled to Latin America and the Caribbean as the presidents personal representative for substantive political meetings. Upon her return, however, she received much criticism for being underqualified for the task and, subsequently, restricted similar travel in the future to humanitarian missions. Advocacy for Mental Health and the Elderly In 1977, Rosalynn served as honorary chair on the Presidents Commission on Mental Health. Her work with this committee resulted in the Mental Health Systems Bill, which was submitted to Congress in May 1979. The bill was intended to overhaul state and federal support for the chronically mentally ill and to create a bill of rights protecting the mentally ill from discrimination. On May 15, 1979, Rosalynn testified about the bill before Congress. It was passed in September 1980. Another of Rosalynns primary causes during her time as first lady was the welfare of senior citizens. To that end, she created a task force to review federal programs for the elderly and lobbied Congress for passage of the Age Discrimination Act, which lifted restrictions on the retirement age within the workforce. Rosalynn also presided over the White House Conference on Aging. In her more traditional duties as first lady, Rosalynn again stood out, though in this capacity, through the frugal manner in which she ran the White House, serving inexpensive menus at dinners, refusing to serve hard alcohol, and choosing to wear simple, non-designer clothing. In another pair of White House firsts, Rosalynn sponsored a poetry festival and a jazz festival. After the White House In 1980, when Jimmy Carter was up for re-election, but was mostly confined to the White House while dealing with the Iran Hostage Crisis, Rosalynn again hit the campaign trail and made speeches as his representative throughout the primary season. However, he was ultimately defeated by Ronald Reagan. Getty Images After leaving the White House and moving back to Plains, Rosalynn Carters life was anything but quiet. In 1982, she and Jimmy co-founded The Carter Center, a nonprofit focused on peacekeeping, safeguarding democracy, and enhancing global health. Through the organization, Rosalynn continued to bring awareness to mental health issues and advocate for policies to improve care. She also authored numerous books, including an autobiography titled First Lady from Plains (1984), praised for its insight into Jimmys administration. The couple volunteered with Habitat for Humanity for more than 35 years. Ever the champion of the neglected, she also worked to address the unmet needs of American soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan and weighed in on the policy of separating children from their parents at border crossings, which was enacted in 2018 during President Donald Trumps administration. In a statement, Carter called the practice disgraceful and a shame to our country. For her humanitarian efforts, Carter received countless honors, including various mental health awards and the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Americas highest civilian honor, from Bill Clinton. In 2001, she was inducted into the National Womens Hall of Fame. Children and Grandchildren Rosalynn and Jimmy had four children, including three sons and a daughter. John Jack was born in July 1947, James Chip in April 1950, and Donnel Jeff in August 1952. Their daughter, Amy, arrived in October 1967. By the time, Rosalynn and Jimmy moved into the White House, their sons were all adults, so only Amy joined them at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington. Rosalynn was a grandmother to eight grandchildren, including Jason Carter, who is following in the familys political legacy, having served as a state senator in Georgia and run for governor as a Democratic nominee in 2014. In 2015, the Carters 28-year-old grandson Jeremy (from their son Jeff) died of a heart attack. Declining Health and Death Getty Images In May 2023, the Carter family announced 95-year-old Rosalynn had dementia. According to a statement, She continues to live happily at home with her husband, enjoying spring in Plains and visits with loved ones. The news came three months after Jimmy entered hospice care. Despite their declining health, Rosalynn and Jimmy made the most of their final months together in their hometown. They watched Fourth of July fireworks in Plains over the summer and rode through the annual Plains Peanut Festival in September. Rosalynn Carter died peacefully at her home on November 19, 2023, at age 96. She had entered hospice care two days prior and was surrounded by her family in her final days and at the time of her death. The former first lady will lie in repose at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum on November 27, followed by a private tribute service and a private funeral service on November 29 at Plains Maranatha Baptist Church, where Rosalynn was a parishioner for many years. Her remains will be interned at the Carters home. Quotes A leader takes people where they want to go. A great leader takes people where they dont necessarily want to go but ought to be. Mental illnesses are diseases like any other. They can be diagnosed and treated, and the majority of people who have them can lead fulfilling lives, working, going to school, and being productive members of their community. Do what you can to show you care about other people, and you will our world a better place. Fact Check: We strive for accuracy and fairness. If you see something that doesnt look right, contact us! You Might Also Like The Mojave aircraft is moved into position on board the HMS Prince of Wales - LPhot Unaisi Luke A military drone with a 55ft (17m) wingspan has taken off and landed on a Royal Navy aircraft carrier for the first time. The remotely operated aircraft, codenamed Mojave, took off from and safely landed on board HMS Prince of Wales in a trial off the US coast on Friday. No crewless machine of its size it is 30ft (9m) long and weighs more than one and a half tonnes has flown from an aircraft carrier before, except for the US Navy. Rear-Adml James Parkin, the Royal Navy director develop, whose team planned the trial, said: The Mojave trial is a European first the first time that a remotely piloted air system of this size has operated to and from an aircraft carrier outside of the US. The success of this trial heralds a new dawn in how we conduct maritime aviation and is another exciting step in the evolution of the Royal Navys carrier strike group into a mixed crewed and uncrewed fighting force. The crewless machine is nine metres long and weighs more than one and a half tonnes - LPHOT FINN STAINER - HUTCHINS/ROYAL NAVY The Royal Navy has been operating pilotless aircraft from its ships for around two decades but the Mojave a version of the MQ1C Gray Eagle aircraft adapted for take-off and landing from runways even shorter than the flight deck of Queen Elizabeth-class carriers is much larger and more complex than other models. Mojave is capable of carrying out several long endurance missions from medium altitude, with its maximum altitude being 29,000ft. Vice-Adml Martin Connell, the Royal Navys Second Sea Lord, said embracing autonomy was the next logical step to ensuring that the Royal Navy can continue to fight and win in an increasingly-complex operating environment. He added: With so many international partners interested in the results of these Mojave trials on board HMS Prince of Wales, I am delighted that we are taking the lead in such exciting and important work to unlock the longer-term potential of the aircraft carrier and push it deep into the 21st century as a highly-potent striking capability. Months of planning from the Royal Navy, General Atomics, which produced their aircraft, and HMS Prince of Wales crew went into the trial which was one of several involving crewless aircraft and F-35s this autumn. Mojave is capable of carrying out several long endurance missions from medium altitude, with its maximum altitude being 29,000ft - LPhot Unaisi Luke Commander Martin Russell, in charge of air operations aboard HMS Prince of Wales said: My team and I are excited and proud to be the first to launch and land a Mojave from an aircraft carrier. A pilotless plane was flown on and off a Royal Navy aircraft carrier for the first time in September. The W Autonomous Systems (WAS) drone flew from the Lizard Peninsula and on to the deck of HMS Prince of Wales off the Cornish coast, delivered supplies, then flew back in a Royal Navy first. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. This is part of an occasional round-up of updates about candidates seeking office in Kentucky in 2024, include state House of Representatives and Senate races. The filing deadline is Jan. 5, 2024. With the much-discussed Kentucky governors race between Gov. Andy Beshear and Attorney General Daniel Cameron now in the rear-view mirror, candidates hoping to win office in 2024 are beginning to make their moves. As of Thursday evening, 18 candidates have filed with the Secretary of States office to run for the Kentucky House of Representatives, as have eight candidates for state Senate. The filing deadline for 2024 races in Jan. 5, 2024. Additional candidates have announced their intentions to run, but not yet filed official paperwork. In 2024, odd-numbered senate districts are up for election, which means 19 of the chambers 38 seats are up for grabs, and the other 19 arent on the ballot again until 2026. Two Republican senators Whitney Westerfield of Fruit Hill and John Schickel of Union have announced they will not be seeking re-election next year. Westerfield announced his decision at the close of the 2023 General Assembly, while Schickel shared his news Tuesday. I have always thought citizen legislators should not make a career out of their service because I strongly believe in the founding principles of a government of the people and by the people, Schickel said in the written announcement. For that reason, I will not seek re-election in the coming year. No candidate has yet filed for Schickels Northern Kentucky seat. In Westerfields West Kentucky district, Hopkinsville attorney Craig Richardson has filed to run as a Republican. Another notable announcement this week: Minority Floor Leader Gerald Neal, D-Louisville, is seeking another term. Neal has served in the Kentucky Senate since 1989. We will continue to protect public education, make even larger investments in healthcare, grow our economy and do the deep, generational work to make the American Dream real for each and every one of us, Neal said in a statement Tuesday. Additionally, Minority Caucus Chair Reggie Thomas, D-Lexington, has filed for re-election. In the House, 16 incumbents have formally filed for re-election. House District 88 which includes part of Fayette and Scott counties has picked up a Republican candidate in Vanessa Grossl, who currently works for a software company and runs a small business, Grossl Aviation, with her husband. The 88th District seat is currently held by Rep. Cherlynn Stevenson, D-Lexington, the minority caucus chair. Stevenson narrowly held on to her seat in 2022 after beating Republican challenger Jim Coleman by just 37 votes. The margin of victory was so close it triggered an automatic recount under state law. State senators serve four-year terms, and state representatives serve two-year terms. Republicans enter the 2024 General Assembly with veto-proof majorities. The GOP holds 80 of 100 seats in the House, and 31 of 38 seats in the Senate. Ukrainian forces that have crossed to the occupied left-bank of Kherson's Dnipro River will be met with "bombs, rockets, heavy flamethrower systems, artillery shells and drones", Russia has warned. Vladimir Saldo, the Russian-installed governor of the part of the region under Moscow's control, admitted that the crucial crossing had been made. But "our additional forces have now been brought in", he claimed, and "the enemy" is trapped in the settlement of Krynky, where "a fiery hell has been arranged for him". Andriy Yermak, chief of staff to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, said the incursion showed that Kyiv's counteroffensive was working. Against all odds, Ukraines defence forces have gained a foothold on the left bank of the Dnipro, Yermak said in an address that was posted on the Ukrainian president's website. Ukraine knows how to achieve victory, Yermak added. A Ukrainian breakthrough across the Dnipro, said The Independent, "could open up a new line to attack Crimea, which Russia illegally annexed in 2014". Military expert Oleksandr Kovalenko told the RBK Ukraine news agency that the growing area of contested control on the eastern bank of the Dnipro river "significantly reduces the mobility and capability of the Russian occupiers". The Wall Street Journal reported yesterday that Ukrainian marines were reinforcing positions in three villages on the left, or east, bank of the river. If these forces amass sufficient units and armoured vehicles there, said the paper, "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". However, the troops were also said to be hunkered down in basements and trenches and heavily outnumbered. The Kremlin accused Finland of taking a path of "destroying bilateral relations" over Finland's decision to close some border crossings with Russia, the Russian state news agency TASS reported on Nov. 17. "Finland has chosen the path of confrontation with Russia. From the Kremlins point of view, this is a big mistake," Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said. Finland plans to close four of its nine crossings along its eastern border from Nov. 17Feb. 18 to stop the flow of Middle Eastern and African migrants it says Moscow is purposefully ushering across the border, Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo told reporters on Nov. 16. The four crossings on the southern stretch of the 1,340 kilometer-long border are the busiest points of entry between the two countries. Orpo told Finnish news outlet Yle on Nov. 14 that Russian border guards have changed tactics and are now allowing people across the border without the necessary documents, and that the number of migrants without appropriate paperwork is increasing. Finland has accused Russia of encouraging or turning a blind eye to undocumented migrants in retaliation for Helsinki's accession to NATO in April. Finnish President Sauli Niinisto during a press conference on Nov. 15 said Finland should be prepared for a certain malice from Russia over the country's accession to the alliance. Yes, we are now constantly being reminded every day that Finland joined NATO. I think that this time, maybe it was the DCA (defense cooperation agreement) that triggered the situation, he said. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen supported Finland's move, saying it was helping to protect the EU border. "Russia's instrumentalization of migrants is shameful. I fully support the measures taken by Finland," she said on X on Nov. 16. Finnish authorities reported a spike in asylum seekers arriving at its eastern border on Nov. 12. These are foreigners who pass through Russia from third countries, such as Iraq, Syria, Turkey, and Somalia. Finnish media also reported in September that Russia has been building up its military bases along the border with Finland. Finland's Borders Act allows the government to close a crossing point or restrict border traffic for a limited or indefinite period of time in order to prevent serious threats to national security or public health. Finland shut its border to Russian tourists in September 2022. Read also: Finland plans to restrict border with Russia due to security concerns Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The Russian Justice Ministry labeled The Moscow Times, a popular English-language online newspaper, as a foreign agent on Friday, continuing a national crackdown on opposition media. The Moscow Times, founded after the downfall of the Soviet Union in 1992, is popular among Russian ex-patriots, foreigners in Russia and those critical of the Russian government. The foreign agent designation subjects companies to increased financial and legal scrutiny. It is also commonly used to hurt a companys credibility, according to The Associated Press. The papers newsroom was relocated from Moscow to The Netherlands in 2022 after new media regulations following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Its website was banned in Russia weeks after the invasion began, and is currently accessible in the country via a constantly-rotating list of proxy addresses communicated to readers through Telegram. Fridays announcement follows a trend of using foreign agent status to limit media, including placing the label on Nobel Prize-winning editor Dmitry Muratov in September. The country shut down his publication, Novaya Gazeta, days later. Russia has prominently jailed multiple western journalists accusing them of espionage, including The Wall Street Journals Evan Gershkovich and Radio Free Europes Alsu Kurmasheva both Americans. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A group of Russian attack drones have entered the air space of Ukraine from the south-east. At the moment it is moving in the direction of Kharkiv Oblast. Source: Ukrainian Air Force on Telegram Details: At 19:48 the military reported that Russian UAVs are moving in the direction of the city of Pavlohrad but warned that their trajectory may change. After 20:00 the Air Force specified that the group of attack drones was moving to the north in the direction of Kharkiv Oblast. Update: Later the Air Force reported that the UAVs are flying along the border between Dnipropetrovsk and Kharkiv oblasts in the direction of Poltava Oblast. Update: At 20:59 Ukraines Air Force reported: "Enemy UAVs heading towards Poltava! Remain in shelters!" Background: On the night of 16-17 November, the Russians attacked Ukraine with 10 Shahed attack drones, 9 of them were destroyed. Support UP or become our patron! Russian Defence Minister Shoigu attends a meeting of President Putin with heads of security services in Moscow MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia's segment of the international network that monitors for signs of nuclear weapons tests will be completed this year, the defence ministry said on Friday. The International Monitoring System was set up under the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) to detect seismic shocks or radioactivity resulting from any weapons test involving a nuclear explosion. Russia says it will remain a part of this network despite withdrawing its ratification of the CTBT, a move that President Vladimir Putin signed into law on Nov. 2. Russia's segment will be completed with the certification of its 32nd monitoring station, located on the Pacific island of Sakhalin, the ministry said. It quoted a senior defence official as saying this was "indisputable proof of Russia's commitment to the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons and to strengthening nuclear stability in the world". No country except North Korea has conducted a nuclear test since the start of the century, but some security analysts say Russia's withdrawal of its CTBT ratification could mark a step towards a resumption of testing, which could prompt other nuclear powers to follow suit. Russia says it made the move in order to mirror the position of the United States, which has signed but never ratified the CTBT, and that it will not carry out a nuclear test unless Washington does. (Reporting by Reuters, writing by Mark Trevelyan; Editing by Kevin Liffey) For the first time, the critically imperiled Oklahoma Cave Crayfish was bred in captivity. Hope Roth/San Antonio Zoo The Oklahoma cave crayfish, without color or external eyes, is a ghostly critter that conservationists don't want to see vanish. Critically imperiled, it's one of North America's rarest crayfish, so the San Antonio Zoo had plenty of reason to cheer when it bred the creature for the first time in captivity. Forty-seven of them recently were born there, according to a news release from the zoo, which announced the feat in August. The species faces threats from pollution sources that deteriorate water quality. Those sources include commercial chicken farms, wastewater and surface development runoff. The species is confined to several caves in one county in northeastern Oklahoma, compounding the threats. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Oklahoma cave crayfish is undergoing review for possible inclusion on the Endangered Species List and is designated as "state endangered" by the state of Oklahoma. "I couldn't be more proud of the team," said Tim Morrow, president and CEO of San Antonio Zoo, in a statement. "Their unwavering dedication and passion have propelled them to achieve remarkable milestones in their projects and research, surpassing all expectations." Russias Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Alexander Kozlov departed Pyongyang on Nov. 17 after an official visit, RFE/RL reported citing North Korea state media. Officials characterized the official visit as cooperation in trade, economy, science, and technology. Western officials are concerned about bilateral cooperation between the two countries because Pyongyang has provided over one million artillery rounds to Russia. South Korean officials say Pyongyang has received advanced technology in the field of missile production, which could threaten the balance of power in east Asia. North Korea is already one of the top backers of Russias war in Ukraine, according to the U.K. government. The Kremlin has denied accusations that it is using North Korean ammunition in its invasion of Ukraine. Earlier in November, Seoul warned North Korea over its nuclear ambitions and has vowed to respond to any military aggression. Read also: North Korea hopes to build forward-looking partnership with Russia Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. A view from the viewfinder of a Ukrainian sniper rifle at a shooting range in Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine, on August 9, 2023. Ignacio Marin/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images A leaked video clip shows a Russian official saying troops are dying in droves in Ukraine. But Alexander Avdonin said he would get in trouble if he didn't send more, per Russian media. "We have the lowest percentage, so there will be some repercussions," he said, per The Moscow Times. A Russian official said that soldiers were dying in large numbers in Ukraine but that he could get in trouble if he didn't send more men to fight, according to Russian news outlet Siberia Realities . Alexander Avdonin, head of military recruitment in Russia's far-east Republic of Sakha, made the statement during a close-door government meeting, according to leaked video shared by the anti-war Free Yakutia Foundation on Telegram, and cited by the outlet. In it, Avdonin said the region had recruited the lowest number of volunteers of all republics in Russia's Far Eastern Military District, and that they had met only a third of their quota, per the outlet. To make up for the shortfall, he called on officials to send 15 soldiers a week from each of the republic's 36 districts until the end of the year, per the outlet. If they don't, Avdonin added, he and other local officials could get into trouble with the Kremlin. "We have the lowest percentage, so there will be some repercussions," he said, according to a translation by The Moscow Times . Avdonin said that Russia's defense ministry, along with Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council, are checking recruitment numbers every day and are "already asking questions," per the outlet's translation. Avdonin said Sakha would still miss the Kremlin's 2023 annual target by 20%, leaving it to make up the numbers in 2024, the outlet reported, citing a separate video leaked by the Free Yakutia Foundation. "It might seem that things have become easier there at the frontlines. [But] it's not any easier. Boys are dying in the trenches every day," Avdonin added, per the outlet. The Kremlin has struggled to revitalize its mobilization campaign since its last and only call-up in September 2022. Mobilizations of troops in Russia are "unpopular," and the Kremlin will want to avoid such "policy moves" in the run-up to next year's presidential elections, scheduled for March, the UK Ministry of Defence said in October . About 120,000 Russian soldiers have died since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, US officials told The New York Times in August. Read the original article on Business Insider One of the priests of the so-called Moscow Patriarchate church, Andriy Zaburannyi, decided to organize an anti-Ukrainian provocation on Nov. 14 by attacking a serviceman of the Defense Forces in Chernihiv. The incident occurred near the Transfiguration Cathedral, which was transferred to the Orthodox Church of Ukraine by Ukraines Culture Ministry, local outlet Cheline reported. Read also: Moscow Patriarchate church priest detained for using church as an arms dealership SBU The pro-Kremlin priests, who had been evicted, came to the church to pickup their belongings, and insulted the soldiers on duty nearby, calling them "fascists." Cheline Cheline Zaburannyi began filming the soldiers, which is prohibited under martial law, and then attacked the Ukrainian defenders, biting one of them on the arm. "This is a clear provocation for a picture for Russian propaganda," the fighter said. Read also: ROC priest in Sumy sentenced to 15 years in prison for spying The priest began to behave aggressively, took out his cell phone, and began to film me. He said, 'I will show the whole of Europe what fascists you are'. I asked him not to film me, because I am a soldier, and I must not be filmed. The priest did not listen to my requests and continued to provoke me, repeating something about fascists all the time. I took his phone away from him to delete the video with me. After that, the priest started punching me, and then grabbed my arm and bit me. Cheline Cheline After that, law enforcement officers arrived at the scene, but it is not clear whether they eventually brought the aggressive priest to justice. 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 Jeremy Diaz died in the hospital two months after police say neighbor Daniel Logan broke into his Georgetown, Texas, home and attacked him Sept. 11, 2023. Courtesy of the Diaz family A Central Texas 6-year-old died Tuesday, two months after police say a neighbor broke into his house and beat him with a bat. Jeremy Diaz suffered skull fractures and swelling of the brain after police say neighbor Daniel Logan, 39, broke into his Georgetown home Sept. 11 and attacked the boy in his bedroom, according to USA Today, which cited an arrest affidavit. Logan allegedly attacked his own mother during the incident, too, and faces felony charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and injury to a child. In the two months since the attack, Jeremy remained in the hospital fighting for his life. Advertisement Article continues below this ad On Tuesday morning, his heart stopped. "I was there when he took his first (breath) and saw him take his last," his father wrote in a GoFundMe page. "No parent should see their children buried before them." The Williamson County Sheriff's Office is prepared to take capital murder charges to a grand jury pending autopsy results, the office said in a statement. Ukrainian border guards managed to stop the Russian recon and sabotage groups Russian reconnaissance and sabotage groups have recently focused exclusively on Sumy Oblast, Ukrainian State Border Guard Service spokesperson Andriy Demchenko said on Nov. 17. "The intensity of the enemy's use of reconnaissance and sabotage groups remains, Demchenko stated. Read also: Two civilians killed by Russian shelling in Sumy Oblast We observe this particularly along the Sumy direction. Russian sabotage and reconnaissance groups were previously recorded in the Chernihiv and Kharkiv Oblasts. But recently, it's exclusively in Sumy Oblast." Russia is reinforcing its saboteurs so that they can carry out destructive actions, including against Ukrainian defenders. Anti-sabotage reserves have been established. "All Ukrainian defenders, all firing positions, understand the need to be vigilant in this area. Read also: People rescued from rubble in Sumy after Russia attacks three Ukrainian regions overnight 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 Russian soldiers shot dead two civilians in the temporarily occupied village of Maslivka, Kherson Oblast, ASTRA Telegram channel reported on Nov. 17. The bodies of 40-year-old Oleksandr Bondarenko and 49-year-old Iryna Baranova were found on Nov. 16, in their own home on Sadova Street. Read also: UN commission has not found sufficient evidence of genocide in Ukraine According to neighbors, unidentified people in camouflage uniforms had entered the house earlier, but no valuables went missing. Later, servicemen of the 12267 military unit of the Russian Federation, 34-year-old Vitaliy Filippov from Moscow Oblast and 34-year-old Andriy Safronov from the temporarily occupied part of Donetsk Oblast, were detained on suspicion of murder. ASTRA/Telegram Both soldiers claimed that they were "drinking" alcohol with locals, after which they shot the unarmed Iryna and Oleksandr during the conflict. According to the Charter of the International Military Tribunal, the killing and torture of civilians in the occupied territory is a war crime. As of July 2023, the Office of the Prosecutor General has recorded more than 10,000 killings of Ukrainian civilians due to Russia's war against Ukraine. Read also: Former Wagner commanders confess to massive war crimes, including killing children During the 17 months of the invasion, the Russian military has killed almost as many Ukrainian civilians as the USSR lost soldiers during the 10 year-long war in Afghanistan, the prosecutors reported. In total, Russians have committed more than 97,000 war crimes during the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. So far, 383 suspects have been identified, of whom 220 have been charged and 54 have been sentenced in Ukrainian courts. In October, the Clooney Foundation for Justice, a non-governmental organization founded by Amal and George Clooney, filed three cases with the German Federal Prosecutor's Office demanding an investigation into Russian war crimes committed in Ukraine. Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine The Russians have fired 10 times at border territories and settlements in Sumy Oblast over the past day. Source: Sumy Oblast Military Administration on Telegram Details: A total of 70 explosions were recorded. The hromadas of Krasnopillia, Myropillia, Velyka Pysarivka, Esman, and Druzhba came under fire. [A hromada is an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town, and their adjacent territories ed.] Russian forces fired mortars (5 explosions) in the Velyka Pysarivka hromada. Esman hromada was subjected to mortar fire (6 explosions). The dropping of VOG rounds from a UAV (4 explosions) and mortar attacks (5 explosions) were recorded in the Krasnopillia hromada. The Russians dropped 20 bombs on the territory of the Druzhba hromada. They also conducted artillery fire from self-propelled artillery systems (26 explosions). There was mortar fire (4 explosions) in the Myropillia hromada. Support UP or become our patron! Six people were killed and ten people, including a child, have been injured as a result of Russian attacks on Kherson Oblast. Source: Oleksandr Prokudin, Head of Kherson Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram Quote from Prokudin: "The enemy carried out 58 attacks, launching 347 shells from mortars, artillery, Grad systems, tanks, UAVs, and aircraft over the past day. The enemy fired 43 shells at Kherson... Due to Russian aggression, six people were killed, and 10 more were injured, including a child." Details: The Head of Kherson Oblast Military Administration clarified that the Russians targeted residential areas in Kherson Oblast settlements; administrative buildings and a store in Kherson district; a medical institution, a shop, gas stations and a car wash in Kherson. Update: Later, Prokudin said that the Russians bombarded residential areas in Kherson Oblast on the night of 16-17 November. He added that the consequences of the night attacks are still being confirmed, but it is already known that an unknown woman without a fixed place of residence was killed. "Also, two women who were injured the day before died in hospital. These are a resident of Bilozerka who was injured during the day and a resident of Kherson who was injured in the evening in the city centre. My sincere condolences to the families of the women," Prokudin said. Support UP or become our patron! The Ukrainian Air Force reported several groups of attack UAVs in Kherson Oblast heading for Mykolaiv Oblast on the evening of 16 November. Source: Air Force on Telegram Details: An air-raid warning has been issued in Kherson and Mykolaiv Oblasts. Also, a threat of ballistic missile use was reported in Kharkiv, Donetsk and Dnipropetrovsk Oblasts. Update: The threat of ballistic missile use was lifted at 23:44. The Air Force reported after midnight on 17 November that groups of attack UAVs were on the border of Mykolaiv and Odesa oblasts. Later, they noted that the attack drones were in Odesa Oblast's north and that they were moving toward the northwest. At around 01:30, an air-raid warning was issued in Kirovohrad and Vinnytsia oblasts and the all-clear was given in Kherson, Mykolaiv and Odesa oblasts. Quote from the Air Force: "Drones are on the border of Odesa and Vinnytsia oblasts. They are moving toward the northwest." Details: At 01:48 the all-clear was given in Kirovohrad Oblast. After 02:00, an air-raid warning was issued in Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhzhia, Khmelnytskyi, and Sumy oblasts. Support UP or become our patron! A university has paid tribute to one of its students who died after being fatally stabbed. The University of Hull said it was "shocked and saddened" by the death of 19-year-old Sachin Hawkins. Mr Hawkins died in hospital after being found with a knife wound at a property in Hardy Street, Hull, on Wednesday night. Syed Hussain-Kazi, 19, of Hardy Street, has appeared at Hull Magistrates' Court charged with his murder. 'Loved by everyone' In a statement, the university said: "We are shocked and saddened by the death of one of our students and we offer our deepest condolences to Sachin's family and friends. "We are an incredibly close-knit university community and we are supporting those who were close to Sachin, as well as our staff and students at this incredibly difficult time. "We continue to work with Humberside Police to support their ongoing investigation." Mr Hawkins' family said he was training to be a special education teacher, adding he was "loved by everyone". Mr Hussain-Kazi was remanded in custody and is due to appear at Hull Crown Court on 20 November. Follow BBC East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram. Send your story ideas to yorkslincs.news@bbc.co.uk A Sacramento County Sheriffs deputy shoots a non-lethal projectile during a protest in front of the Main Jail in downtown Sacramento in 2020. The demonstrators were reacting to the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. (Daniel Kim/Sacramento Bee file) Following a Sacramento Bee investigation, an elected official is criticizing the Sheriffs Office for failing to release records for roughly 50 incidents in which deputies severely injured residents in the last five years. In order for our communities to have faith in law enforcement, agencies need to act as transparently and openly as possible, Sacramento County Supervisor Patrick Kennedy told The Bee Thursday. At the very least, we should expect law enforcement agencies, like all government agencies, to follow the law which should serve as a floor, not a ceiling. The Sacramento Police Department has also not released internal affairs records for up to 50 incidents in which residents were shot or severely injured by officers since 2019, the Bee found. Councilwoman Lisa Kaplan said she is willing to look into the issue on the citys side. If there are ways to increase transparency between the police and public with appropriate release of documents, I am always willing to look at our current process and see what is or is not working to increase transparency and compliance with the law, Kaplan, who represents North Natomas, said Thursday. This is something the council directed when we passed the action to increase the number of personnel in the police department and hope that any changes to increase transparency will be brought forth to implement. In 2019, state lawmakers passed Senate Bill 1421, which required law enforcement agencies to release documents regarding officer-involved shootings and other uses of force that caused so-called great bodily injury. Since the bills 2019 passage, both Sacramento law enforcement agencies have routinely withheld internal affairs records for dozens of cases, leaving the public in the dark on whether the officers and deputies were ever disciplined or fired for their actions. The law allows agencies to withhold internal affairs documents up to six months after the incident occurs. But both Sacramento agencies have withheld records for cases well past the six month mark with seemingly no consequences. Sacramentos City Council in September voted to add four employees to the police department, and two in the City Attorneys Office, partly to help the city comply with the 2019 law. The scope of the law was expanded last year with the passage of SB 16, but the sections on records regarding shootings and uses of force remain the same. Responding to the public must be a top priority, which is why my colleagues and I on the Sacramento City Council recently approved (the positions), to address the new and more demanding requirements in state law, Mayor Darrell Steinberg said in a statement. The public needs and deserves to have this information. Steinbergs spokesman Andrew Kehoe was unable to say Thursday whether the six new employees have started working yet. The comments from the elected officials were prompted by a Bee investigation that found both Sacramento law enforcement agencies are in apparent violation of a state law by withholding internal affairs records for up to 100 incidents since 2019 in which deputies and officers shot or severely injured residents. Kennedy said he plans to ask questions to Deputy County Executive Eric Jones, and then possibly take the issue to the Community Review Commission the independent entity that oversees the Sheriffs Office. Ill be asking the right questions, Kennedy said. I want to take a look and see what our current practices are. If we are deficient in any way and were not following law, we need to have a serious conversation about rectifying that. Transparency should be the cornerstone of what every government agency does, particularly law enforcement. We need our community to trust and have faith in law enforcement. Police agencies deny California Public Records Act requests Earlier this year when the Bee filed California Public Records Act requests with the Sheriffs Office for all disciplinary records regarding the incidents that occurred in 2021 and 2022 that fell under SB 1421, the office denied the request. The office directed the reporter instead to a web page. On it are roughly 50 instances since 2019, all older than six months, in which deputies shot or severely injured people but have not released internal affairs records. Sacramento Police Department has similarly withheld internal affairs records regarding police uses of force and shootings. There have been roughly 50 instances since 2019 in which officers have shot or severely injured residents, within the last six months, in which the department has not released internal affairs records. Unlike the Sheriffs Office, internal affairs records do not exist for all incidents in which police officers shoot or severely injure people, however, spokesman Tim Swanson said. Withholding internal affairs records that do exist for incidents covered by SB 1421 is a violation of state law, said David Loy, attorney with the First Amendment Coalition. If it relates to shooting at a person or a use of force causing great bodily injury, my view of the statute is those records have to all be disclosed whether there was any disciplinary action, or there are any appeals pending, Loy said. Theyve got 180 days to hold on to it but after that theyve got to release it. Sheriffs Office spokesman Sgt. Amar Gandhi said the Sheriffs Office is complying with the law. The Sheriffs Office will continue to remain compliant with the law, Gandhi said in an email Thursday. Should Supervisor Kennedy ever have questions, we are always open to him. These types of releases are made on a regular basis, publicly available on www.sacsheriff.com. RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) One year after the death of 11-year-old Hailey Brooks at the Raleigh Christmas Parade, a bill that would put new safety requirements in place has not passed the General Assembly. This years parade will occur on Saturday, but there will not be any motorized vehicles. City leaders initially denied the permit for the parade but reversed that decision after facing criticism, including from Haileys parents. Raleigh Christmas parade participants look toward sharing joy, honoring Hailey Brooks During last years parade, police say 20-year-old Landen Glass lost control of the pickup truck he was driving. Investigators said he had improper brakes. The incident prompted a bipartisan group of lawmakers, including Sen. Mary Wills Bode (D-Granville), to push for new statewide regulations. One of the things many people have learned is there are no basic safety precautions in place, she said. If you have a child that wants to participate in a parade, as a parent now I would imagine you think twice. Sen. Bode is a lead sponsor of the Shine Like Hailey Parde Safety Act. The bill would apply to municipalities with at least 35,000 people. It would require either the fire or police department to inspect each vehicle in a parade to ensure theyre registered and insured. Drivers would have to be at least 25 years old and have a valid drivers license. As leaders, when we know more we have to do more, especially when childrens safety is concerned, said Sen. Bode. Local businesses excited for annual Raleigh Christmas Parade happening Saturday The House unanimously passed the bill last year, but the Senate never took action on it. Sen. Bode said shes continuing to talk about the issue with Republican leaders in the chamber and will push to bring it up for a vote in the legislatures short session that begins in late April. Leaders in cities and towns across North Carolina are deciding how best to move forward after last years incident. Raleigh is allowing the Christmas parade to go forward without motorized vehicles. The Chapel Hill-Carrboro Community Holiday Parade, which takes place on Dec. 9, also will not include motorized vehicles. Where to park at the 2023 Raleigh Christmas Parade The Durham Holiday Parade will still have floats. The city promises each one will undergo a comprehensive city inspection. Last week, the town of Stem in Granville County hosted a parade that did include motorized vehicles. CBS 17 was there as inspectors took a look at the vehicles trying to ensure they were safe to participate. Lee Clayton, president of the Stem Ruritan Club, said, The conversation was, how can we put the vehicles in the parade and honor what happened to Hailey and try to be safe? Sen. Bode said the inspectors were able to prevent a vehicle from being in the parade that did not have an updated inspection. Basic, commonsense safety measures can make a difference, said Sen. Bode. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS17.com. Dr Davis, a GP in Salford, denies all charges against him A "highly respected" doctor has gone on trial accused of sexually abusing three of his patients. Dr Wayne Sefton Davis, a GP in Salford, faces allegations which date to the 1990s and 2000s. The women claim they were sexually abused by the doctor while he carried out examinations on them, with prosecutors alleging there was no medical basis for his alleged actions during the examinations. Dr Davis, 67, denies all wrongdoing. Warning: The following report contains details which some may find upsetting Dr Davis' barrister Daniel Janner KC told jurors at Manchester Crown Court "these three examinations, three of over thousands of examinations over years of practice, were carried out properly and legally and were not sexually motivated". In the opening statement by prosecution barrister Vanessa Thomson, the court heard the complainants were from the Orthodox Jewish community and "were not brought up learning about sex and sexual behaviours at school as might be expected in secular society". The three women, Ms Thomson said, had "limited knowledge and put their complete trust in a respected man they had been told 'knew best' provided fertile ground for Dr Davis to abuse each of these women". Prosecutors said Dr Davis was a "highly respected" doctor and the complainants had put their trust in him when they sought his help. Dr Davis was arrested in 2020 after the allegations were made against him. The first complainant, Woman A, said she went to see the doctor in 2006 after suffering pain in her crotch. She claimed the doctor made a "highly inappropriate comment", before using his fingers to touch her intimately and allegedly "stretch" her. "She had no idea what was happening," Ms Thomson said. "In her words to the police, she thought it was 'bananas' what he was doing." Giving evidence, Woman A alleged Dr Davis said to her "that he would teach me to teach my husband how to give me pleasure" and then allegedly assaulted her again. Dr Davis faces allegations which date to the 1990s and 2000s Under cross-examination by Daniel Janner KC, Woman A was asked why she went to see him for subsequent GP visits in 2007. "Why if he had abused you, did you not insist on going to another doctor or practice?," he said. Woman A responded: "I was too scared." Woman A reported her allegations to police in recent years after disclosing them to a beauty therapist. The therapist urged Woman A to seek advice from Migdal Emunah, a charity that raises awareness about sexual abuse. Jurors were told a gynaecologist described the practice of "stretching" as a "bizarre concept with no grounding in gynaecological practice". The doctor is expected to say the practice was "proper procedure" and his actions were not sexually motivated. 'Embarrassed and humiliated' After details of Dr Davis' arrest were published in the press, another woman came forward to claim she had been abused by him in the 1990s. Woman B said she went to see the doctor, who used a finger to touch her intimately. She said she felt "uncomfortable" but trusted the doctor. The complainant said the examination had "stayed with her all these years" and had left her feeling "embarrassed and humiliated". Prosecutors said the alleged examination was "without any medical basis". Dr Davis is expected to say he has "no specific recollection" of performing the examination but if he did carry it out, it would have been at the woman's request. A third woman, Woman C, claimed Dr Davis encouraged her to find her "G spot" while carrying out an examination on her in the 2000s. She alleged he directed her as to where to put her hand, and encouraged her to penetrate herself with her fingers. The woman felt "uncomfortable" and "wondered whether this activity was arousing him sexually", the court heard. A gynaecologist who reviewed the woman's medical records said they were "deficient in detail and non-specific". He said there would be "no justification for not documenting intimate examinations", the jury heard. Ms Thomson said: "There would be no legitimate medical basis to invite a patient to do this, and encouraging a woman to pleasure herself in a doctors' surgery could only be with a sexual motive in mind." The doctor is expected to say what Woman C alleged never happened. Dr Davis, of Old Hall Road, Salford, denies two counts of assault by penetration, one count of indecent assault, one count of sexual assault and one count of causing a person to engage in penetrative sexual activity without consent. Why not follow BBC North West on Facebook, X and Instagram? You can also send story ideas to northwest.newsonline@bbc.co.uk Sam Altman, former CEO of OpenAI participates in the "Charting the Path Forward: The Future of Artificial Intelligence" at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders' Week in San Francisco, California, on Nov. 16, 2023. Credit - Andrew Caballero-ReynoldsAFP via Getty Images OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, has announced that CEO and co-founder Sam Altman will immediately leave his role leading the company and step down from its board of directors. Altman was not consistently candid in his communications with the board, hindering its ability to exercise its responsibilities, leading to the board losing confidence in his ability to lead the company, according to the announcement in a blog post on Nov. 17. Mira Murati, OpenAIs chief technology officer, will serve as interim CEO, the company said in the blog post. The company also announced that Greg Brockman, another OpenAI co-founder and president, would step down from his role as chairman of the board, although he would remain in his role as president, reporting to Murati. The sudden departure comes as a shock to the tech world. Altman was an OpenAI founding co-chair in 2015 along with Elon Musk. Since then, Altman has been the public face of the company, speaking at congressional hearings and conferences, and playing a starring role at the companys inaugural Developer Day conference last week. In a post on X (previously Twitter), Altman wrote: "i loved my time at openai. it was transformative for me personally, and hopefully the world a little bit. most of all i loved working with such talented people." He added that he "will have more to say about whats next later." More From TIME Without Altman and Brockman, OpenAIs board comprises chief scientist Ilya Sutskever and three independent directors: tech entrepreneur Tasha McCauley, Quora CEO Adam DAngelo, and Helen Toner, director of strategy and foundational research grants at think tank the Center for Security and Emerging Technology. A board statement accompanying the announcement said: OpenAI was deliberately structured to advance our mission: to ensure that artificial general intelligence benefits all humanity. The board remains fully committed to serving this mission. We are grateful for Sams many contributions to the founding and growth of OpenAI. At the same time, we believe new leadership is necessary as we move forward. As the leader of the companys research, product, and safety functions, Mira is exceptionally qualified to step into the role of interim CEO. We have the utmost confidence in her ability to lead OpenAI during this transition period. Write to Will Henshall at will.henshall@time.com. Melissa Perez, a 46-year-old mother of four, was shot dead by San Antonio police on June 23. Three officers have been charged with murder in her death. Above, Perezs daughter, Alexis Tovar, center, and Tovars aunt, Daisy Nieto, and her husband, Adrian Tovar, pose with a photo of Perez. William Luther, Staff / Staff To remain free on bail while they await trial, three San Antonio police officers accused of murder in the fatal shooting of Melissa Perez had to post bond. They had to promise not to leave Bexar County without a judges permission and they have to check in regularly with a pretrial services officer. Thats not all. They had to surrender their service weapons and agree not to take possession of any other firearms. Advertisement Article continues below this ad That last restriction created a problem for one of the officers, Eleazar Alejandro. The reason: His wife is a police officer for the city of Castroville. Alejandros conditions of bond forbid him to be in a house with guns in it. So his lawyers asked a judge to amend his release terms to allow him to be in the same house as his wifes firearms. They attached to the motion an affidavit, dated July 10, in which the officers wife swore that when she brings her service weapons home after work, theyre kept secure. I, Brittany Hernandez, a licensed peace officer in the State of Texas and police officer for the City of Castroville, carry firearms both on and off duty, Alejandros wife wrote. When not at work, I secure my firearms at my residence. Advertisement Article continues below this ad San Antonio police Sgt. Alfred Flores, from left, and officers Eleazar Alejandro and Nathaniel Villalobos have been charged with murder in the shooting death of Melissa Perez, a 46-year-old mother of four. San Antonio Police Department The district attorneys office agreed to amend Alejandros bond conditions. The State has agreed (to) allow Mr. Alejandro to live in his own home while his wife continues to own and possess her firearms, according to a court filing by Alejandros lawyers. Its been five months since the three officers Alejandro, Sgt. Alfred Flores and officer Nathaniel Villalobos were arrested on suspicion of murder in the death of Perez, a 46-year-old mother of four. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Police were sent to her Southwest Side apartment complex on June 23 after a neighbor called 911 to report that Perez had cut the wires to the complexs fire alarm system. Perez, who had schizophrenia, was apparently in the midst of a mental health crisis. Officers found Perez outside talking to firefighters and approached her. She was cooperative at first and gave the officers her name, date of birth and apartment number. She said she cut the wires because the FBI was eavesdropping on her. But when officers asked Perez to walk to their patrol car with them, she grew upset, ran to her apartment and locked the front door. More than an hour later, Alejandro, Flores and Villalobos, whod been called in as backup, fired into Perezs apartment after she allegedly ran toward a closed patio door while swinging a hammer. All three officers fired between 12 and 16 rounds at Perez, killing her. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Melissa Perez, right, with her daughter, Alexis Tovar, in an undated family photo. Perez, 46, suffered from schizophrenia. Family members say she was experiencing a mental health crisis when she was shot dead by San Antonio police officers on June 23. Courtesy Police Chief William McManus said Perez did not pose a threat to the officers because she was on the other side of a locked glass door. He said Alejandro, Flores and Villalobos flouted police training and policy. After detectives consulted with the DAs office, the officers were arrested. It was the first time in recent memory San Antonio police officers were charged with murder in an on-duty shooting. Bail was set at $100,000 for each of them. McManus said the decision to file murder charges shook the police department like an earthquake a 10 on the Richter scale. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Soon after their arrests, the three were suspended from the force without pay. Now, they are free on bond while awaiting indictment, a formal accusation of a crime. Sam Altman, often considered the face of the new wave of artificial intelligence and an influential figure in the national AI policy debate was removed from his role as CEO of OpenAI Friday. Altmans departure comes after OpenAIs board lost confidence in him, according to a blog post from the company. Mr. Altmans departure follows a deliberative review process by the board, which concluded that he was not consistently candid in his communications with the board, hindering its ability to exercise its responsibilities, according to the post. The board no longer has confidence in his ability to continue leading OpenAI. Altman will be replaced by chief technology officer Mira Murati. Altman over the past several months has played an active role in shaping Washingtons response to AI, meeting personally with President Joe Biden and other CEOs, and testifying in a high-profile Senate Judiciary subcommittee hearing in May. He has pushed Congress to pass laws to mitigate the catastrophic risks of artificial intelligence and specifically, has urged Congress to impose licensing regimes on companies developing frontier AI models. In August, bipartisan Senate Judiciary members unveiled a legislative framework to establish an independent licensing regime for sophisticated general-purpose models. SAWS CEO Robert Puente greets City Manager Erik Walsh as Father Jimmy Drennan, Mayor Ron Nirenberg and District 3 Councilwoman Phyllis Viagran look on. COPS/Metro held its second accountability session on Nov. 8 with Nirenberg and Walsh along with nearly a dozen companies on the citys Ready to Work job-training program at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church. Ronald Cortes/San Antonio Express News CPS Energy CEO Rudy Garza addresses the crowd at COPS/Metros second accountability session with Mayor Ron Nirenberg and City Manager Erik Walsh on the citys Ready to Work job-training program earlier this month at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church. Ronald Cortes/San Antonio Express News COPS/Metro held its second accountability session earlier this month with Mayor Ron Nirenberg and City Manager Erik Walsh on the citys Ready to Work job-training program. Ronald Cortes/San Antonio Express News City Manager Erik Walsh gets a ribbing from Mayor Ron Nirenberg as SAWS CEO Robert Puente, far left, and Father Jimmy Drennan look on. COPS/Metro held its second accountability session Nov. 8 with Nirenberg and Walsh on the citys Ready to Work job-training program. Ronald Cortes/San Antonio Express News Rev. James Amerson, of St. Paul United Methodist Church, addressed the crowd Nov. 8 at COPS/Metros second accountability session with Mayor Ron Nirenberg and City Manager Erik Walsh on the citys Ready to Work job-training program. Ronald Cortes/San Antonio Express News From COPS/Metros standpoint, Ready to Work is a jobs program, not a jobs training program. And not enough San Antonians are landing jobs through the city sales-tax funded program, say leaders with the interfaith grassroots advocacy group. The city has failed to meet its goal that 80% of Ready to Work participants will find employment paying at least $15 an hour within six months of finishing their training. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Thats unacceptable, said Sister Jane Ann Slater, a COPS/Metro leader. If they would use the process we know works, they can say, We have these jobs on the table, and they would be hired immediately. The organization wants that process to be employer-driven to ensure that participants are trained for the specific jobs that San Antonio companies need to fill. If we know what jobs are being hired for, we can then tailor the training programs to meet those needs and not train for a thousand positions, but the most in-demand jobs, said Josephine Lopez Paul, COPS/Metros lead organizer. That critique isnt new. COPS/Metro leaders first raised this concern more than two years ago, ahead of the programs May 2022 launch. Since then, Ready to Work has struggled to place people in jobs and to enroll San Antonians living below the federal poverty line to train for industry-recognized certificates or to pursue an associates or bachelors degree program free of charge. Advertisement Article continues below this ad If more residents see their family members and neighbors find employment success through Ready to Work, theyll have more reason to seek out the program, COPS/Metro leaders say. The organization rallied voters in the November 2020 election to approve devoting 1/8-cent of the citys sales tax over a four-year period to fund the workforce training program. The city expects to collect $241 million for the effort from 2021 to 2025. Mayor Ron Nirenberg pitched the initiative as a response to coronavirus pandemic-driven job losses and as a solution to San Antonios enduringly high poverty rate. Slow going Just over 5,200 people have enrolled in Ready to Work. The city Workforce Development Department aims to increase the number to 7,145 by the end of June, the close of the programs second fiscal year. Advertisement Article continues below this ad By the time the programs sales tax dollars are spent, the city intends to enroll more than 28,000 people and place 15,600 of them into quality jobs, according to the program dashboard. At present, the six-month placement rate hovers around 60%, which Workforce Development Director Mike Ramsey attributes to several factors. Its taking a little bit longer for some individuals to build their confidence up to either take their industry certification exams or to embark upon the interview process, Ramsey said. For some individuals, it can be a little daunting as they try to sell themselves in that interview process. Some graduates have secured jobs paying below the required $15 hourly wage threshold, meaning they cant be counted toward the citys placement figures. Others may be working but havent confirmed that with the city, also rendering them absent from the placement total. Of the 763 people who have completed their training, 346 are confirmed to be employed in a job paying the minimum required wage. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Were going to try to find some ways to scrub some payroll data to find out who some of those people are so we can add them to the success stories and reconnect with them to provide that support to make sure that they stay connected to that employment that they found, Ramsey said. The Workforce Development Department is counting on upcoming initiatives to boost its placement rate. In January, it will roll out a six-week paid internship program so Ready to Work graduates can gain employment experience. Employers who hire an intern will reimburse the city for the interns wages, enabling the city to fund future internships. City-owned CPS Energy, the city, USAA and Credit Human Federal Credit Union are participating in this first cohort. The city also will debut an online job board early next year where participants will be able to share their resumes, and San Antonio employers can post openings. Where the jobs are Advertisement Article continues below this ad COPS/Metro leaders are pushing for another approach: for city officials to nail down guarantees from some of the regions largest employers to hire graduates. Thats contingent, however, upon Ready to Work training its participants for the actual jobs that employers need to fill. COPS/Metro secured commitments on Nov. 8 made in front of hundreds of parishioners from city government, UT Health San Antonio, government contractor Accenture Federal Services and San Antonios two utilities, CPS Energy and San Antonio Water System, to hire Ready to Work participants. The employers also pledged to provide the Workforce Development Department with the requirements for the specific positions they are looking to fill. Executives and human resources directors with H-E-B, USAA and Bexar County-owned University Health have promised the same things to leaders, Lopez Paul said. To be successful, a workforce development program must be geared toward meeting employers needs, said leader Sister Pearl Ceasar. She sits on the board of Project QUEST, the workforce development nonprofit that COPS/Metro founded in 1992 to train San Antonians to work in specific sectors of the citys economy, mostly health care. Project QUEST is one of four organizations that Ready to Work has contracted with to enroll participants in training and provide case management services. It appears evident that you would start with the employer, but traditionally, workforce development programs have started with people in need, Ceasar said. But if we want them employed, there has to be the partnership between the institution thats working with them and/or training them and the employers. COPS/Metro believes Ready to Work is far too broad in its training offerings. Participants can enroll in one of more than 1,000 courses aimed at preparing them for to find work in 83 occupation types. The city identified those occupations based on labor market data for the most in-demand, high-wage jobs in the San Antonio region. Prior to contracting with Ready to Work, Project QUEST supported 45 training programs. Today, it supports more than 300 programs. Ramsey said Ready to Work finally has reached a point where its advisory board can begin removing courses for occupations in which participants have either struggled to find a job within six months, or that are hiring at wages below the citys $15 hourly floor. To date, the board has only expanded the occupation list. In September, it approved paying for training and education courses for clinical research associates and clinical research coordinators, after adding certified nursing assistants in June. The narrowing of the occupation list will lead to better outcomes, Ramsey said. The work of cutting occupations is unlikely to be as dramatic, or as quick, as COPS/Metro would like. Paul James Donaldson, a habitual offender found guilty of manslaughter for killing Armando Ortiz in a wrong-way driving crash in 2017, was sentenced to life in prison on Nov. 9, 2023. Courtesy, Bexar County Sheriff's Office In the wee hours of Jan. 15, 2017, Paul James Donaldson drove a white pickup the wrong way on Interstate 35. Near Walzem Road, he hit an oncoming vehicle driven by Armando Scott Ortiz, 28. Ortiz died at the scene. Donaldson, taken to Brooke Army Medical Center in critical condition, survived. The crash closed Interstate 35 for nearly four hours. It took two indictments and a lot of delays, but Donaldson, 69, today is awaiting transfer to prison after a judge here sentenced him to a life term for manslaughter. The sentence was made possible by his status as a habitual offender, particularly a prior conviction in Tarrant County in 1976 of intoxication manslaughter, according to the Bexar County District Attorneys Office. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A statement by the DAs office didnt name Donaldsons victim in that case. Ortiz had nicknames: Tito, aka Mando, aka Big Papa Mando. He was a Texas boy raised in Chicago who bled orange for Da Bears and a gentlemens club aficionado, man of style and lover of the ladies, according to his 2017 obituary. Armando Scott Ortiz was killed Jan. 15, 2017, in a wrong-way driving crash. Paul James Donaldson, deemed a habitual offender, was sentenced Nov. 9, 2023, to life in prison for killing Ortiz. Courtesy, Funeraria del Angel Roy Akers funeral home The obituary also called him a light too bright for earth and quoted Ortizs own words about himself: I like to joke around a lot. I enjoy making people smile. I like to party and have fun. I keep it simple. The charges against the man who killed him made up one of the oldest criminal cases still pending in Bexar County. A jury found Donaldson guilty of manslaughter in September and state District Judge Christine Del Prado sentenced him last week. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A grand jury had indicted him on an intoxication manslaughter charge in May 2018, around the same time he was declared a fugitive. Donaldson was arrested that June, posted $20,000 bond and was arrested seven days later, his bail set this time at $250,000, court records indicate. In September 2019, his case was re-indicted and moved from the 187th District Court to the 227th District Court. This time, the charge was manslaughter. Another delay occurred when the COVID-19 pandemic shuttered courtrooms in March 2020. No trials were held for nearly 13 months, and the cases backed up. Testimony in September established that Donaldson drove about 6 miles the wrong way on Interstate 35, and had three kinds of drugs in his system at the time of the crash: methamphetamine, a prescription weight loss drug called phentermine, and imipramine, an antidepressant. The jury found him guilty on Sept. 29 and he chose to be sentenced by the judge. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Del Prado gave Donaldson credit for 50 months and 29 days already served in the Bexar County Adult Detention Center. But his punishment range for the second-degree felony, normally two to 20 years, was upgraded to a maximum of life in prison because of the Tarrant County case. Donaldson also had a lengthy criminal history in Bexar County. In less than a year, Maryland is scheduled to elect its next United States senator. About six months stand between today and the May 14 primary in which each partys candidate is picked. During a year in which American voters also have a selection for president at the top of the ballot, Democratic U.S. Sen. Ben Cardins announcement earlier this year not to run for re-election leaves an opening for one of Marylands two seats in the U.S. Senate, the only statewide federal elected office. Its a prestigious position, said Carin Robinson, associate professor of political science at Hood College in Frederick. Cardins departure creates a circumstance which, in Robinsons words, does not come around very often. In this file photo, Maryland's senior U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin, a Democrat, center, waves after a rally in Rockville on August 25, 2022. The seat was last open, with no incumbent, in 2006. The states other seat has been filled by U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., after he won election to that office for the first time in 2016. A U.S. Senator has to speak on behalf of the state, Robinson said. The election, she said, will be a good showcase of what matters to Maryland voters. U.S. Senate candidates hear from Marylanders what top issues are Some campaigns have been underway since May; others began much later. Across party lines, the most evident commonality between the campaigns is each ultimately depends on Maryland voters for electoral victory. In wide-ranging interviews with Marylands USA TODAY Network, three candidates two Democrats and one Republican were asked first what issues they were hearing from residents as they were going around the state campaigning. Not one cited the national issues (i.e., past election results, abortion) that have dominated discourse and debate in last years midterm elections and the Maryland gubernatorial contest. One cited the climate and the Chesapeake Bay, two of the three discussed housing, and all three brought up education. Thats why this campaign is so important In the Democratic field, the campaigns contours, as well as the ultimate path to victory next November, is clearer in a state with more than twice as many registered Democrats as Republicans. For the GOP, less seems assured, both about the field and the way to win statewide. The two Democratic candidates Prince Georges County Executive Angela Alsobrooks and U.S. Rep. David Trone, D-6th with the most experience (and money) in the race were interviewed. Both were elected to their current positions in 2018 and re-elected again just last year. Both ran in, won, and worked for jurisdictions with roughly similar sized populations. And, on a shared biographical note, both candidates were born in the same county (Prince Georges). Those two candidates distinct differences in race, in gender, and (key to political advertising) in wealth are considerations that have already come up during the campaign. Trone looks to cross the U.S. Capitol from the House to the Senate while Alsobrooks looks to cross the Beltway, aiming to be a legislator at the highest realm of national power in a country, which historically, has not always permitted that to even be a possibility for those in her demographic, and for those without certain markers of wealth. With two of the three current Republican candidates defeated on the partys ballots just last year, a newcomer, retired U.S. Air Force Brigadier General John Teichert, also became the central subject of an interview. When to look out for Senate candidate profiles The United States Capitol building in Washington D.C. This should be about electing the person thats going to make lives better for people in Maryland and the United States, Trone said of the campaign, his first statewide. Quoting a former boss, Teichert called the listening he was doing while traveling across the state during his first campaign squinting with (his) ears. Alsobrooks also emphasized listening during her first federal and first statewide campaign, in her words, hearing from people about the things they care about. Spending time around the state, she said, thats why this campaign is so important. USA TODAY Network in Maryland has produced profiles of Alsobrooks, Trone, and the Republican field, including Teichert. Alsobrooks and Trone's profile stories will appear online Monday. The GOP candidates will appear Tuesday. This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: What those competing for Maryland's open U.S. Senate seat are hearing PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Almost two weeks after Yamhill County staff members launched a five-day strike over pay, the union has officially voted to ratify a new agreement with the county. The Yamhill County Employees Association first hit the picket lines in McMinnville on Nov. 3. The association covers 400 workers from several departments, such as developmental disability services, public works, and behavioral health and public health clinics. OHA: 6 children with elevated blood lead levels after eating WanaBana applesauce Union members alleged that wages were well below market value, and therefore failed to meet the rising cost of living in Yamhill County. YCEA president Michelle Mendoza also said some members were having to choose between the bills theyd pay each month. The strike came to an end on Nov. 7, when employees reached a tentative agreement with the county. The terms of the new agreement were laid out by Oregons American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees on Thursday morning. According to AFSCME, the contract highlights include cost-of-living adjustments, holiday pay, percentage-based longevity pay for staff whove been employed for 5 years instead of 10 years, and an increase in differential pay for bilingual staff. An open wound: FBI offers $25K reward in search for suspects in March 2023 triple-homicide This agreement represents a significant victory for the Yamhill County Employee Association and underscores the power of unity among workers, Oregon AFSCME Interim Executive Director Joe Baessler said in a statement. By standing together, YCEA members have secured a fair and just contract that recognizes the value of their contributions. YCEA President Mendoza added that the agreement reflects the strength of the union and the solidarity of its employees. The leader said members will continue to fight for what they deserve in the future. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. (BCN) A former San Francisco venture capitalist was convicted by a federal jury Thursday of various charges for defrauding investors over $18 million in investments, federal prosecutors said. Michael Brent Rothenberg, 39, was found guilty of wire fraud, money laundering, bank fraud, and making false statements to a bank, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Northern District of California said in a statement. Poll shows Newsoms weaknesses on key issues, strength vs. Trump in California Rothenberg, dubbed by some as Silicon Valleys Party Animal, defrauded investors in two of the venture capital funds that he managed in 2015 and 2016, according to prosecutors. The jury found that he committed wire fraud in February 2016 linked to a $2 million investment made in a company he owned named Bend Reality LLC, and that he committed money laundering by transferring a large portion of those proceeds to various bank accounts. Rothenberg also made false statements to a bank pertaining to a line of credit that he obtained for his venture capital management company from Silicon Valley Bank in late 2015, the U.S. Attorneys Office said. According to prosecutors, Rothenberg used his firm, Rothenberg Ventures Management Company, to raise and manage four annual venture capital funds between 2012 and 2018. He intended to invest those funds in Silicon Valley startup companies, and companies in the field of virtual reality technologies. In 2015, Rothenberg founded River Studios to produce content for virtual reality headsets. Throughout 2015 and 2016, he told his employees, fund investors, and the investor in River Studios that it had been self-funded by him and that no venture capital funds had been used to fund its operations, prosecutors said. However, Rothenberg misused a large amount of venture capital fund money to pay for River Studios operations during that period, according to prosecutors. The jury found out that he took excess fees from venture capital funds that he managed throughout 2015 and 2016 and that investors funds were routinely used for other purposes, such as to pay for RVMCs operations and to secure the line of credit from Silicon Valley Bank. According to prosecutors, Rothenberg faced a shortfall at the end of 2015 but had no intention to report it to his investors. The jury found that he gave false statements and misrepresentations to Silicon Valley Bank to obtain $4 million worth of credit to pay back the fund from which he had taken excess fees. 5-year-old killed after being stabbed by twin brother in Santa Cruz County: sheriff Rothenbergs sentencing will take place on March 1, 2024. He is on pretrial release after posting an unsecured bond. Rothenberg is facing a maximum penalty of 60 years imprisonment and $1.5 million in fines, prosecutors said. Copyright 2023 Bay City News, Inc. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. MEMPHIS, Tenn. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has issued a silver alert for 69-year-old Elkenah Davids. Endangered child alert issued for 13-year-old with mental issues The alert was issued on behalf of the Memphis Police Department. According to TBI, Davids is possibly traveling in a 2018 blue Nissan Rogue with a Tennessee tag, BJK3561. Davids is described as 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighing 165 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. He also has a medical condition that may impair his ability to return safely without assistance. If you have seen or know the whereabouts of Elkenah Davids, or the vehicle, call MPD at 901-545-2677 or TBI at 1-800-TBI-FIND. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. South San ISD board member Homer Flores speaks at a meeting in 2019. On Wednesday, he was publicly censured for insulting Abelardo Saavedra, the districts TEA monitor, at a June 21 meeting. Carlos Javier Sanchez / Contributor South San ISD trustee Homer Flores Jr. has been publicly censured for insulting Abelardo Saavedra, the districts conservator, shown in this file photo. Billy Calzada /San Antonio Express-News It happened at a meeting nearly five months ago, but South San Antonio Independent School District board members this week publicly censured a fellow trustee for deplorable behavior and actions. The vote Wednesday was 4-1 to hold Homer Flores Jr. accountable for an incident that occurred at the June 21 regular board meeting. Board President Manuel Lopez read a resolution describing how Flores personally insulted former Superintendent Abelardo Saavedra, who was the districts state-appointed monitor at the time. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Trustee Homer Flores Jr.s highly offensive, vulgar and profane behavior caused Dr. Saavedra, fellow trustees and the superintendent to feel disgusted, threatened, uncomfortable and unsafe, Lopez said. EDUCATION NEWS: Federal judge seems wary of Texas ban on TikTok at public universities A censure serves as a formal statement of disapproval but does not remove a trustee from the board or carry any legal consequences. In October, after three separate state investigations of the board in three years, the Texas Education Agency appointed Saavedra as the districts conservator, with sharper oversight power to direct trustees actions. His monthly reports during two years as monitor had detailed the verbal attack in the context of ongoing dysfunction and routine board infighting that, at the time, he had limited authority to stop. An email he sent the TEA on June 22, released by the TEA in response to an open records request, said some trustees reacted poorly to his May report, which called for elevated state intervention. They included Flores, who interrupted him during an executive session with an expletive-filled tirade, the email said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Saavedra wrote that Flores told him, I think it is a bunch of (expletive) and not only is the report (expletive), I think you are a bunch of (expletive). That is what I think of you. Nothing but (expletive.) Lopez said the outburst undermined board governance, violated state law and hurt Flores ability to effectively serve as a trustee. Trustee Ernesto Arrellano Jr. agreed, saying, We have to send a message that this board is not going to put up with that anymore. When Saavedra informed the TEA about the incident, he said it led him to believe the opinion of some board members that a minority faction of trustees were acting out in an attempt to provoke the state agency into replacing the entire board with appointed managers. Advertisement Article continues below this ad One trustee, Abel Chillidogg Martinez Jr., appeared to confirm it last month when he told the San Antonio Express-News he would not cooperate with Saavedra and preferred a TEA takeover. Martinez also has been affected by the districts new zero-tolerance attitude. He was arrested on a disorderly conduct complaint late last month stemming from an Oct. 18 board meeting, accused of hurling profanities at Lopez, according to a police report. The meeting had been in the news because Superintendent Henry Yzaguirre had ejected three attendees for dressing as clowns in support of Martinez, whom Lopez had called a clown at a previous meeting. Martinez also was booked on a felony charge of evading arrest with a vehicle, released on bond and is awaiting a Dec. 6 hearing. On Wednesday, he questioned why the board would censure Flores now, months after the June incident. Kind of feel like maybe this should have just been left where this was at for five months, leave it another five years, right? Martinez said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad No, Lopez replied. Lopez, Arrellano and trustees Cyndi Ramirez and Joe Araiza voted in favor of the censure. Martinez cast the dissenting vote. Flores and trustee Shirley Ibarra were not present. Hungarian Prime Minister Orban Viktor said that the situation with the Hungarian language and education in Zakarpattia Oblast under the USSR was better than it is now under independent Ukraine. Source: Orban Viktor at a meeting of the Hungarian Permanent Conference (MAERT) on Friday; European Pravda with reference to RTL.hu Details: Speaking about Hungarians abroad, Orban said that Hungarians in Ukraines Zakarpattia are now in the worst situation. According to Orban Viktor, the political leadership is following a path that leads to nothing that Budapest cannot support. Quote: "I'm not exaggerating when I say that the situation with the Hungarian language and education was better during the Soviet Union than now under the Ukrainian state." Details: Orban said that Hungary would provide all assistance to Hungarians in Ukraines Zakarpattia, as he says that Ukraine "continues to punish the citizens of Zakarpattia" despite the war. Quote: "It is very difficult to help a country that is waging war without an internationally recognised military objective." Details: The Hungarian prime minister said that at the last EU meeting, he proposed to develop a "plan B" for Ukraine, which would be better than continuing the "current hopeless situation" in which thousands are dying in a "Christian-civil war". Why it matters: Recently, Hungary has stepped up its threats to block the start of Ukraine's EU accession negotiations over alleged infringement on the rights of Ukraine's Hungarian-speaking minority. The Hungarian government is planning to hold consultations with the population, the main issue of which will be support for Ukraine's membership in the EU. This question is expected to be manipulative. Support UP or become our patron! Christian Glass smiles with his parents, Sally and Simon Glass, from England and New Zealand, respectively (The Glass Family) Six more officers have been charged in connection with the death of Colorado motorist Christian Glass, who was fatally shot by a Clear Creek County deputy in June 2023 when he called 911 for help. The charges were announced by District Attorney Heidi McCollum, of Colorados Fifth Judicial District, the day after former Clear Creek County Sgt Kyle Gould pleaded guilty to misdemeanour charges of failing to report and intervene to stop the use of unlawful force. Mr Glass, 22, called 911 when his car became stuck between rocks on a dark stretch of road, appearing to suffer some type of mental health crisis as officers responded. They spoke with the motorist for more than an hour before Mr Gould, supervising remotely, authorised the breach of his vehicle, ultimately leading to his fatal shooting. Andy Buen, the former Clear Creek deputy who fired the gun, has been charged with second-degree murder and two misdemeanours. He is scheduled to again appear in court next month. Also now charged are Georgetown Marshal Randy Williams, who faces the misdemeanors of duty to intervene and third-degree assault; and Georgetown Police Officer Timothy Collins, Idaho Springs Police Officer Brittany Morrow, Colorado State Trooper Ryan Bennie, and Division of Gaming Officers Christa Lloyd and Mary J Harris, who were charged with Class 1 misdemeanour duty to intervene. Law enforcement officers must be held accountable for their actions when performing their trusted public service duties, the district attorney said Friday in a news release. Mr Gould, who had been supervising remotely on the night of the incident and was on his way to the scene when the 22-year-old was killed, pleaded to the misdemeanours after originally being charged with criminally negligent homicide and reckless endangerment. The solidly built, bald and bearded 37-year-old entered his plea as Mr Glasss bereft parents sat stoically in the courtroom, the plea conditions also requiring that he never again serve in law enforcement or security. Judge Catherine Cheroutes called Mr Glasss killing incredibly tragic, but more than that unnecessary. If Mr Gould had just said, Hey, wait, sit in your car ... Mr Glass isnt going anywhere, we wouldnt be here, Judge Cheroutes told the court on Thursday. She said she hoped the maximum fine of $1,000 and two-year probationary sentence deters and teaches law enforcement about what the consequences are of their actions. Sally and Simon Glass had repeatedly called for charges to be brought against other officers present at the scene when their son was killed. Clear Creek County Sheriff Rick Albers announced his retirement over the summer, just months after the Glasses received a historic $19m settlement and negotiated for more law enforcement crisis training. Following the district attorneys announcement on Friday, lawyers for the Glass family called the additional charges especially significant because they recognise that Deputy Buen and Sergeant Gould did not act alone. Each of the six officers charged today had ample opportunity to stop the unjustified and senseless use of force against Christian Glass, the statement from Rathod Mohamedbhai continued. They took part in and enabled a plan to use criminal and unlawful force against Christian. Had any one of these officers stepped up to do the right thing, Christian would be alive today. Outside of the courthouse on Thursday, after Mr Gould pleaded guilty, Simon and Sally Glass said they were determined that some change be implemented following the unnecessary murder of their son. Its been, I think, 17 months now that weve been waiting for justice; today was the first admission of guilt by anybody, Mr Glass said. Even that took a long time. His wife said she was working on sort of forgiveness and kindness and compassion, and theres no point being vindictive, because you can stick Mr Gould in jail, but honestly, its not going to bring Christian back. She and her family, she said, are doing this because it is so important that it never, ever happens again to another family. Thats all we can do. The Sheriff's Department has long been plagued by allegations of deputy gangs with matching tattoos. Now, a newly elected union board member's controversial tattoo is generating concerns from oversight officials and justice reformers. (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times) A union representing Los Angeles County sheriff deputies recently elected to its board of directors a veteran lawman who has a controversial tattoo and was involved in two fatal shootings that cost the county $4 million in legal payouts, sparking concern among oversight officials and justice advocates. Incoming Assn. of Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs board member Jason Zabala previously described his tattoo under oath , saying it depicted a skeleton in a cowboy hat with a smoking rifle and the number 140. He called the stark combination of imagery a station tattoo, but others described it as the symbol of a deputy gang known as the Regulators. Zabala has previously denied being part of the group, saying that the number simply meant he was the 140th person to get that same design, and describing the tattoo as a proud mark of camaraderie among fellow deputies. This week he did not respond to a request for comment. Union president Richard Pippin defended Zabala in an emailed statement Thursday, calling him a family oriented guy with a big heart who has dedicated his life to helping others. Still, advocates such as James Nelson, campaign and program manager for the community coalition Dignity and Power Now worried Zabala's election would not bode well for the departments efforts to rein in deputy gangs and gang tattoos. Its a bad sign, Nelson said. It isnt the sheriff that runs the department its the unions. For decades, the Sheriffs Department has been plagued by gangs of deputies running roughshod over certain stations and floors of the jail. The groups are known by monikers such as the Executioners, the Vikings and the Regulators , and their members often bear the same sequentially numbered tattoos. During his swearing-in ceremony nearly a year ago , Sheriff Robert Luna spoke of the need to eliminate deputy gangs from the department. Though he created a new office to do that, the department has not yet settled on a policy banning gangs or gang tattoos. One hurdle to clear before implementing any sweeping new policy is the back-and-forth of the bargaining process with labor leaders, including ALADS. Weve been hearing that the reason we cant move forward with passing an anti-gang policy which is the first step in making good on the pledge to get rid of them is because the sheriff has to negotiate with ALADS, said Sean Kennedy, who chairs the Civilian Oversight Commission. Those sessions are taking much longer than we anticipated," Kennedy said. "And then, when we hear that hell be meeting and conferring with an organization with a tattooed Regulator on the board of directors, it makes everyone believe that were engaged in a futile process. Pippin disputed that, saying the election outcome will not change the organizations mission and values when it comes to the bargaining process. We remain committed to working with the department and the county to achieve the best possible outcomes, not only for our members, but also for members of the communities they serve, he said. He did not address the nature or significance of Zabalas tattoo. County records show Zabala first started working for the Sheriffs Department in 2002. Nine years later, he was involved in an on-duty crash that left a woman with spinal injuries. The case settled for $80,000 before trial, according to the news site Knock LA . Then in 2013, Zabala and his partner stopped a man riding a bicycle and ended up shooting him as he lay face down in his backyard. Prosecutors said the man Terry Laffitte had been resisting, so they deemed the shooting lawful. After Laffittes family filed suit, the county settled the case for $1.5 million . The year after that, Zabala was involved in the killing of Johnny Martinez, a 28-year-old man with schizophrenia who was shot 36 times by deputies outside his Vermont Knolls home. Prosecutors also deemed that shooting justified, though in 2018 a civil lawsuit on behalf of the Martinez family ended with a hefty $2.5 million settlement . It was the 2013 shooting that brought Zabalas ink to the fore. In connection with the civil lawsuit, Zabala was deposed three times in 2015 and 2016 and asked to describe his tattoo. Over the course of those depositions he offered additional details about the ink, including that in addition to a smoking gun, the skeleton is holding a memorial stone with CEN for Century Station written on it, along with the Roman numerals XXI. According to Kennedy, those are all key elements of a Regulators' tattoo. "The tombstone in the background with the letters for Century Station is some of the main iconography for the Regulators," he told The Times. In Zabala's tattoo, there are also flames along the bottom of the tattoo along with the words Beati Pacifici, which he said under oath translates to Blessed are the Peacemakers. The entire tattoo is 5 to 6 inches high, on the lower part of his left leg. At the time, Zabala said in depositions that the Old West style of his tattoo honored the Sheriffs Department's founding in 1850 and that skeletons are an icon of the peace officer. A Loyola Marymount University report later described Zabalas ink as Regulators tattoo #140. The district attorneys office later investigated whether Zabala committed perjury when he described the significance of the number 140 on his tattoo. Ultimately prosecutors declined to pursue the case, saying it wasnt clear that Zabala committed perjury. Even if he did lie about his tattoo, they said, it would not have made a difference in the outcome of the case. It is unlikely that a false statement about one aspect of one tattoo, among several, would probably influence the outcome of the wrongful death lawsuit, prosecutors wrote . When lawyers for the county agreed to settle the lawsuit in 2017, records show they told a Sheriffs Department investigator that the allegation of perjury was a factor in their decision. In this years union election, Zabala was one of eight candidates for four open seats. He will be sworn in to the seven-member board at Friday mornings meeting, along with Julian Stern, John Perez and Tony Meraz. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. A Skokie man who attended a Solidarity with Israel rally in Skokie on Oct. 22 is facing four counts of felony charges for allegedly discharging pepper spray at pro-Palestinian counter-protestors. His lawyer said his client will plead not guilty to the charges. Zevulen Ebert, 33, of the 5000 block of Oakton Street, Skokie, was back in Cook County court on Nov. 16 to schedule his arraignment, where he will enter a guilty or not guilty plea. A grand jury voted to formally indict Ebert on two felony charges of aggravated battery and two charges of hate crimes. Eberts lawyer, Hal Garfinkel, said that prosecutors will not be able to prove Ebert had any criminal intent for the alleged crime. At a pretrial hearing on Oct. 25, Garfinkel said the charges were sought out by the Cook County States Attorneys Office to satisfy political pressures arising from the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. Skokie police arrested Ebert on Oct. 22 near the Ateres Ayala kosher event hall on Touhy Avenue, where the Midwest Regional Office of the Simon Wiesenthal Center was holding a solidarity with Israel event. Ebert was released from custody three days later at his first pre-trial in late October and was not given a requirement for electronic surveillance. A document from the Cook County States Attorneys Office said Ebert was waving an Israeli flag in front of pro-Palestinian supporters when a person tried to come up behind Ebert and take his flag. A verbal exchange followed and Ebert discharged pepper spray, which the document says injured multiple people and more than one Chicago police officer. Ebert accused Palestinians of war crimes and gave obscene middle finger gestures, according to the court document. Ebert will be back in court for his arraignment to enter his plea on Nov. 27. An arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt. Business and homeowners are searching for relief from high property insurance rates, labeled the No. 1 economic development issue for the Mississippi Coast at a forum on Thursday. Rates for both wind and fire insurance, plus flood policies, are drastically increasing as climate change leads to more intense natural disasters, including flooding, stronger hurricanes and wildfires. Because insurance rates are affecting economic development, the Gulf Coast Business Council on Thursday spotlighted the issue through a policy forum at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College in Gulfport. Speakers included insurance agents, a mitigation specialist, an economic developer and representatives of the Mississippi Insurance Department. While people may think their insurance rates should remain stable because they havent filed any claims, thats not how the market works, one speaker explained. The insurance market is global, meaning insurance rates reflect the totality of disaster losses, not just those in a specific location. As climate disasters become more intense, insurance companies, and the companies that insure them, are becoming more finicky about the risk theyll cover. The National Centers for Environmental Information, a division of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, says preliminary information shows losses have exceeded $1 billion each so far in 2023 for 25 climate or weather disasters in the United States. By comparison, the average number of annual disasters from 1980-2022 was 8.1. Were seeing higher wind rates, higher fire rates, higher liability rates, said Angelyn Treutel Zeringue, president of SouthGroup Insurance Services.. The only thing that seems to be going down is workmans comp. Solutions for escalating insurance rates Property owners can lower their insurance rates by moving away from tidal waters such as the Mississippi Sound, where traditional insurance companies are becoming less likely to offer coverage. Insurance companies also are becoming more finicky about other hazards that can lead to higher loss claims, insisting that trees be removed if they could crash into roofs and that roofs be replaced after 15 to 20 years. Alabama, several speakers said, is having some success with a mitigation program that provides grants to fortify homes against high winds. Mississippi offered those grants after Hurricane Katrina, but theyre no longer available. One hope is that the state Legislature will once again provide funding for mitigation grants, with roofs being the first line of defense. Mitigation specialist Tom Quaka said one study showed that 95% of nearly 17,000 fortified homes impacted by 2020 hurricanes Laura, Sally, Delta and Zeta had little to no damage or insurance claims. Peter Waggoner, public policy director of Greater New Orleans Inc., has been working with the Coalition for Sustainable Flood Insurance as rates for the federal program climb to levels that are unaffordable for many Gulf Coast residents. He highlighted the sharp increases Gulf Coast residents are facing with the new National Flood Insurance Program rating system. Coast leaders are working with Louisiana and Mississippi congressional delegations to bring down those increases. But even inland states such as Kentucky have experienced extreme flooding that has driven up the cost of insurance and made recovery more difficult. This is no longer a coastal issue, said Mary Martha Henson, deputy director of the Jackson County Economic Development Foundation. This isnt an NFIP issue. This is a human issue. This is an economic development issue. Concluded state Sen. Scott Delano, who is also a real estate broker, No matter what happens, were in a hard market when it comes to insurance right now. Snoop Dogg has said hes giving up smoke after years of marijuana use. On Thursday (16 November), the 52-year-old rapper known as much for his proclivity for the drug as his music told fans that after much consideration & conversation with my family, Ive decided to give up smoke. Please respect my privacy at this time, Snoop, real name Calvin Broadus, wrote on X/Twitter. It is currently unclear if the hip-hop artists promise is genuine or whether the statement is part of an elaborate marketing campaign for his cannabis company Leafs By Snoop. This is probably just gonna be some viral campaign where he launches his own line of vapes or edibles or something, one person responded on X. Today isnt April Fools day Snoop, a second said. A third added that Snoop without smoke is like earth without water. Snoop about to become an edibles legend, another wrote. The Independent has contacted Snoops representative for comment. The Drop It Like Its Hot artist has been a weed advocate long before it was legalised across the US. Snoops home state of California was the first state to legalise the drug for medical use. It later became legal for recreational use in the state in 2016 following the leads of Colorado and Washington, which did so in 2012. His company Leafs By Snoop, which he founded in Denver, Colorado, in 2015, specialises in making its own cannabis strains, concentrates, flowers, and edibles. Snoop has often smoked joints on stage during his live shows. He even made a cameo in Dave Chappelles 1998 hit comedy Half-Baked about a trio of stoners who decide to sell stolen weed from a pharmaceutical lab in order to post bail for their recently jailed friend. The rapper rose to fame after featuring on fellow rapper Dr Dres 1992 album, The Chronic. The artwork on the CD version of the certified triple platinum album pictured a marijuana leaf. In 1993, Snoop released his debut album Doggystyle, which quickly made him a household name in the rap scene. Somerset Council declared a financial emergency and is facing an estimated budget gap of 100m in 2024/25 A council leader has written an open letter to residents calling for their support after the authority declared a financial emergency earlier this month. Somerset Council leader Bill Revans urged people to write to their MPs to help the council "survive this". The council faces a predicted 100m gap in its budget for the next financial year and is trying to avoid bankruptcy. Mr Revans said: "Services will need to be stripped down if the government doesn't help us. "We want to solve this financial situation and but it means we have to make some incredibly tough decisions on public services, taxes and selling off assets," he added in an interview with BBC Radio Somerset. Liberal Democrat council leader Mr Revans said he had written to Michael Gove, the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, to make him aware of the situation in Somerset and call for support. The council is trying to avoid the threat of effectively going bust, as has happened to other authorities such as Birmingham City Council. 'Breaking point' Mr Revans continued: "Adult social care is still breaking in local authorities and this is a national problem. We need a national solution. "The previous Conservative administration [in Somerset] highlighted the adult social care crisis and we are starting to see those cracks in our finances as it's driving 70m of our 100m deficit. "We can see a route out of this financial hole, but it's a incredibly painful route for all of us and we need support from the government." A recent survey by the County Councils Network says one in 10 authorities in the UK are facing effective bankruptcy, putting vital services at risk. The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities said: "Local authorities have seen an increase in core spending power of up to 5.1bn - or 9.4 per cent in cash terms on 2022-23. "Councils are ultimately responsible for the management of their own finances, but we stand ready to talk to any council that is concerned about its financial position." Follow BBC West on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Send your story ideas to: bristol@bbc.co.uk Josie Torres demonstrates her team's prototype of OMAR -- the Optimized Meal Assistance Robot -- during Friday's University of Texas at San Antonio technology symposium. KAYLEE GREENLEE BEAL Sara Mustafa explains her team's prototype of OMAR -- the Optimized Meal Assistance Robot -- during Friday's University of Texas at San Antonio technology symposium. KAYLEE GREENLEE BEAL Josie Torres demonstrates OMAR -- the Optimized Meal Assistance Robot -- during Friday's University of Texas at San Antonio technology symposium. Kaylee Greenlee Beal A student catches M&Ms from a spoon held by OMAR -- the Optimized Meal Assistance Robot -- during Friday's University of Texas at San Antonio technology symposium. KAYLEE GREENLEE BEAL Student Theo Winter helps demonstrate his team's lower body pressure chamber project during Friday's University of Texas at San Antonio technology symposium. KAYLEE GREENLEE BEAL Julian Crummedyo explains his groups project during Friday's University of Texas at San Antonio technology symposium. KAYLEE GREENLEE BEAL Sara Mustafas uncle couldnt feed himself after his cancer paralyzed him so she and her classmates designed a robot that could hold the spoon for him. The Optimized Meal Assistance Robot, or OMAR, was named for Mustafas uncle. Mustafa and her team showed off OMAR on Friday at the University of Texas at San Antonios 2023 Fall Tech Symposium. The event featured about 300 students from UTSAs College of Engineering and Integrated Design competing for a variety of prizes. The students packed into the campus ballroom for Fridays event, pitching their designs and prototypes in cramped corridors formed by their project boards. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Some students competed in the design category, meaning they havent yet built a prototype and instead showed off drawings or schematics of their proposed creation. Other students competed in the prototype category, having actually built a version of their invention. The designs varied in ambition and scope. One group of students designed a relatively small and weatherproof defibrillator intended to be delivered by drone to people who suffer cardiac arrest in hard-to-reach locations. Another group pitched an autonomous robot vacuum that could pick up scraps in machine shops like some sort of metal-hungry Roomba. The prototypes on display were equally as varied, among them a nearly 6-foot-tall robot for dispensing sodas, and devices for lengthening the shelf life of donated blood. Some projects were less tangible, like a group of students who developed a website where companies could shop for recycled pieces of deconstructed San Antonio buildings. That team was sponsored by the city of San Antonio. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The team behind OMAR Mustafa and fellow UTSA seniors Josie Torres, Elijah Guzman, Caleb Champion, Rafael Robles and Damario Harris got plenty of attention at Fridays event. OMARs robotic arm enables physically impaired people to feed themselves without the help of a caregiver. It features facial tracking software to recognize where a users mouth is, customized utensils, user buttons and a mobile app. The team members say they hope to eventually implement compatibility with voice commands and foot pedals. The team charted out what type of foods OMAR could pick up, so foods that require stabbing motions to pick up are out of the question. Foods like rice, beans and Skittles are ideal. OMAR wowed onlookers by spooning out Skittles and M&Ms as team members operated it via a wireless Playstation 4 controller. (The Playstation 4 hardware came courtesy of team member Champion, a video game fan.) OMAR took home third place in the Senior Design II category, which was judged by professionals with engineering backgrounds. The team members said they hope OMAR can win FDA approval and be mass-produced at some point. OMAR costs about $760 to make, Champion said, a fraction of the $4,500 some other options on the market cost to produce. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Mustafa, a 24-year-old senior majoring in computer engineering, said the inspiration for OMAR struck her while looking at a photo of her uncle. She said she thinks OMAR would have improved her uncles quality of life in the last few months of his life before he died in 2016. I feel very proud of my team, she said. I feel very proud of myself. You do kind of start to doubt yourself if youre female and in engineering, but you always have the people with you to pick you up. Champion said the concept of OMAR was very meaningful to the team members. OMAR had a very beautiful story to it that we all gravitated to, Champion said. I think our biggest statement is that we want to help people. I think making money is secondary. I think our mentality is that we see loved ones, family members that potentially can use this device and that were going to take care of them. Travelers line up to board their flight at San Antonio International Airport as they get an early start on the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday travel on Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022. Kin Man Hui/Staff photographer Travelers at San Antonio International Airport get an early start on the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday travel on Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022. Kin Man Hui/Staff photographer San Antonio International Airport is over its years-long pandemic-induced travel slump, with months of record passenger totals this year under its belt and more to come as the holidays near. Since May, the airport has consistently surpassed its monthly passenger numbers from 2019, which was the airports busiest year before COVID sent worldwide travel into a nosedive in 2020. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Airport Director Jesus Saenz said he expects the airport to see about 11 million passengers by the end of year, compared with the 10.4 million who made their way through San Antonio International in 2019. Saenz said the airport is in a very positive, post-COVID pandemic position. READ MORE: Texas Thanksgiving road congestion predicted to peak next Wednesday Last years travel totals were nearly back to normal for domestic flights, Saenz noted, and international travel this year finally rebounded, driving up the airports annual passenger total. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In 2020, the height of the pandemic, San Antonio International closed out its year with about 4 million travelers compared with 10.4 million in 2019, a 61% drop. The airports emergence from the pandemic is a common story around the country. Most major airports and airlines recovered from the pandemic last year, said Ahmed Abdelghany, associate dean of research at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical Universitys college of business in Daytona Beach, Fla. Abdelghany said demand for air travel had returned to normal across the country as of last summer, but the resurgence came faster than many airlines expected, leaving airlines scrambling to fill positions theyd cut earlier in the pandemic. The labor shortages resulted in many flight cancellations and delays, roiling the industry. But Abdelghany said carriers largely had the workers they needed by the end of summer 2022, well before last years busy Thanksgiving season. Advertisement Article continues below this ad And as long as a recession or another pandemic doesnt erupt, Abdelghany said global air travel should see regular growth in 2024 a 6% or so annual increase in the number of travelers. This era is over, Abdelghany said of the pandemics drag on the travel industry. I think everybody put that behind them. Gearing up San Antonio International is expecting to see 189,620 travelers passing through the airport between Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving, and the following Sunday. That would be 20% more passengers than in 2019's Thanksgiving week and about 17% more than last years record. Saenz said the holiday crush could start the Friday before Thanksgiving and keep going through Monday after the holiday. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Were elated that we have the passengers inside the terminals traveling and going to go see loved ones during this Thanksgiving holiday season, he said. Thats exactly why airports exist: to connect people to their families, to their businesses and to their friends. Saenz also expects the December holiday season to set records this year. Parking at the airport likely will be at its tightest on Tuesday and Wednesday, said Ryan Rocha, the airports chief of operations. Last year, airport officials added 1,000 overflow parking spaces ahead of the holidays. Rocha said this year there are an additional 500 overflow spaces at the ready. AAA Texas projects that 4 million Texans will travel either on roadways, by plane or other means during the Thanksgiving holiday. Thats a 2% increase over last year but still 4% less than 2019. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Nationwide, AAA projects that 55.4 million travelers, including 4.7 million air passengers, will make it the third busiest Thanksgiving week, behind 2005s 58.6 million travelers and 2019s 56 million. Following an Express-News investigative story about concerns around the sterilization of surgical tools at BAMC, command has said the hospital is committed to quality and safe care for all patients and undergoes numerous reviews and assessments to achieve this. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News First and foremost, Brooke Army Medical Center is proud of the role we serve in the San Antonio community. We consider it a tremendous privilege to care for the more than 250,000 military beneficiaries in Military City, USA. As the sole Level I trauma center in the Department of Defense and one of only two in San Antonio, we take seriously our responsibility to our patients and value the tremendous trust our community has placed in us since our founding in 1938. The No. 1 goal of our organization is providing the highest quality of safe and effective health care to our patients. Advertisement Article continues below this ad As a medical center committed to the principles of highly reliable organizations, we recognize that no health care system achieves success 100% of the time. We do know, however, that by relentlessly focusing on process improvement, and by embedding multiple layers of safeguards within our system, we can minimize the potential risk to patients. We encourage individuals and teams across our health system to speak up when they have a question or concern without fear of blame or retaliation. As we did this past summer when members of our staff raised concerns, we continuously and thoughtfully assess for opportunities to grow and improve as an organization. Our persistent focus on patient safety and process improvement ensures we are well-positioned to address any areas of concern. As testament to our relentless commitment to quality and transparency, BAMC voluntarily seeks external, independent reviews by multiple nationally recognized health care quality organizations, including the Joint Commission, the American College of Surgeons and the College of American Pathologists. These organizations assist us in adhering to the highest evidence-based standards of safety and have continually recognized the quality care provided by our medical center as evidenced by our continuous accreditation by the Joint Commission for the past 26 years, most recently in 2021, and by our reverification as a Level I trauma center by the American College of Surgeons in 2022. Just this past month, the American College of Surgeons identified BAMC as one of 46 out of 615 participating hospitals across the nation that earned commendation in multiple areas of surgical quality through the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. The military medical leadership at BAMC is proud of our long and successful partnership in the San Antonio community and remains committed to delivering the highest quality care to our patients each and every day. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Supreme Court on Tuesday denied Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' appeal to lift a lower court order preventing the state from enforcing a new law that bans bars from "knowingly" hosting drag queen performances with minors in the audience. At issue is a lawsuit challenging a Florida law passed in April that prevents children from exposure to sexually explicit "adult live performances" at restaurants and bars and mandates that establishments that allow such performances with minors in the audience could get alcohol or operating licenses revoked. Hamburger Mary's, a restaurant and bar in Orlando, argued the law was written so broadly as to have a "chilling effect" on free-speech rights. A district judge agreed, finding the plaintiff was likely to succeed at trial on First Amendment grounds and granted a preliminary injunction to stop the law from taking effect while the case moves through the courts. GOP AG HOPEFUL SUPREME COURT WILL BLOCK BIDEN ADMIN FROM 'WORST FIRST AMENDMENT' BREACHES IN HISTORY The DeSantis administration appealed to the Supreme Court, asking the justices to stay that order and arguing it improperly applied to other places of business in Florida that aren't party to the suit. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP But the Supreme Court on Thursday denied that request. In an order written by Justice Brett Kavanaugh, the court said that while the case centers around First Amendment questions, the state's appeal "challenges only the scope of relief ordered by the District Court namely, that the injunction prohibits state enforcement of the law not only against Hamburger Marys but also against other entities that are non-parties to this litigation." "To begin with, although Florida strongly disagrees with the District Courts First Amendment analysis, Floridas stay application to this Court does not raise that First Amendment issue," the order says. FREE-SPEECH ADVOCATES PUSH ELON MUSK TO FIGHT 'STATE-SPONSORED CENSORSHIP': PETITION The justices of the U.S. Supreme Court "Therefore, the Courts denial of the stay indicates nothing about our view on whether Floridas new law violates the First Amendment," it reads. "The question of whether a district court, after holding that a law violates the Constitution, may nonetheless enjoin the government from enforcing that law against non-parties to the litigation is an important question that could warrant our review in the future," Kavanaugh wrote. SUPREME COURT ASKED TO STEP IN ON BLUE STATE LAW THAT TARGETS ANTI-ABORTION 'COUNSELORS' Ron DeSantis "But the issue arises here in the context of a First Amendment overbreadth challenge, which presents its own doctrinal complexities about the scope of relief. This case is therefore an imperfect vehicle for considering the general question of whether a district court may enjoin a government from enforcing a law against non-parties to the litigation. For that reason, the Court is not likely to grant certiorari on that issue in this particular case," he continued. "In sum, because this Court is not likely to grant certiorari on the only issue presented in Floridas stay application, it is appropriate for the Court to deny the application," Kavanaugh concluded. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Original article source: Supreme Court denies DeSantis in legal battle over drag queen ban The U.S. Supreme Court denied Floridas request on Thursday to reinstate its anti-drag law, marking a victory for opponents of the legislation. Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a law in May that punishes venues if they allow people younger than 18 to attend adult live performances that contain sexually explicit or lewd content, including exposure to prosthetic genitals and breasts. The businesses could face fines of $10,000, the loss of their business and liquor licenses, and criminal penalties for not complying. Though the legislation doesnt explicitly name drag performances, the sponsor of the bill said that it targeted drag performances. The law was challenged in May by Hamburger Marys, a bar and grill in Orlando that frequently hosts family-friendly drag shows. In a lawsuit against the state and DeSantis, the business argued that the law was a violation of free speech and that its phrasing was vague and indistinct. In June, a federal judge sided with Hamburger Marys and issued a preliminary order blocking the law from taking full effect. The state of Florida appealed the courts ruling to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th District, which is still pending. Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody filed a stay motion to the 11th Circuit, asking that it limit the injunction to apply only to Hamburger Marys rather than to all establishments in the state during the appeal process. After the motion was denied by a divided 11th Circuit panel, the state turned to the U.S. Supreme Court to request that the law be reinstated. In a motion filed to the higher court, Moody said that Florida is now unable to enforce its statute at all, to the detriment of Floridas children and the States sovereign prerogative to protect them from harm as a result of the injunction. According to The Washington Post, the restaurants attorney Donald A. Donati urged the Supreme Court not to allow the law to take effect, pointing out that Florida already has laws that prevent children from viewing sexually explicit material. Donati added that Hamburger Marys drag shows are not harmful to minors but that restaurant owners are worried about being prosecuted for violating the law because of its broad and vague language. On Thursday, the Supreme Court also refused to reinstate the law with a vote of 6-3, NPR reported. In a statement explaining the decision, Justice Brett Kavanaugh and Justice Amy Coney Barrett said that the decision does not reflect their own views on whether the law violates the First Amendment but that the state didnt raise the issue in its filings to the court. The three dissenting justices, Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito and Neil Gorsuch, indicated that they would have allowed the law to take effect. HuffPost reached out to Moodys and DeSantis offices for comment but did not receive an immediate response. The law will not be able to take effect as the appeal process continues. Related... AUSTIN (KXAN) Residents in the University Hills neighborhood of east Austin said they are terrified after multiple burglaries happened nearby, with some reportedly taking place when people were asleep inside. Over the last two weeks and across multiple surveillance cameras, a tall, slim man was captured walking around homes near Loyola Lane and Greensboro Drive. In the footage, he can be seen attempting to unlock backyard fences and open doors. Haley Hensley said it was late at night several days ago when the man broke into her back porch. She said her pets woke her up because of the noise, and that the man tried to enter the home through all of its outside doors. Its terrifying. I havent slept. Every hour Im waking up to look at my cameras to check the house, Hensley said. Lorna Torrado also lives in the neighborhood. She said the man has appeared at her home twice but has not stolen anything. Torrado said multiple neighbors have reported valuables being stolen and running into the man as he breaks into other homes. Since his appearance, Torrado said she has spread fliers across the neighborhood with the alleged burglars picture. Imagine knowing that the possibility of someone trying to break into your house while youre resting and sleeping. Concentrating on work is really hard, Torrado said. Hensley and Torrado said Austin Police have identified the suspect captured on the video. KXAN reached out to APD for more information. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) Seventeen years after an alleged kidnapping and rape in Salt Lake City, a second suspect has been charged following new developments in DNA analysis. According to Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill, Jose Luis Pina-Cruz, also known as Jesus Jimenez, 39, was charged with aggravated kidnapping, aggravated sexual assault, and aggravated robbery on Thursday. The crimes, which took place in 2006, were allegedly committed by two men in their early twenties. The other suspect, Frank Benavidez, 37, was identified in 2018 through DNA analysis after the sexual assault kit was tested through the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI). He was already imprisoned on an unrelated murder conviction and is awaiting trial in this case. Through the improvement of DNA technology, officials say they used other samples from the kit to identify Pina-Cruz as the second perpetrator. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now ABC4 Daily News In July of 2006, the victim said she was walking home in Salt Lake City when a car drove by her several times. She said a man jumped out of the car, ran toward her, and pointed a gun to her stomach telling her to come with him. She was then allegedly taken to a field with a mattress where both the driver and passenger, whom she did not know, raped her. The suspects then allegedly stole her phone and money and threw her out of the car, according to court documents. The victim said she waved down a motorcyclist who called the police for her and she was transported to the hospital where they performed a sexual assault exam and collected DNA samples for the rape kit. When police spoke with Pina-Cruz, they said he admitted to knowing the victim and being friends with Benavidez. Documents say they both were arrested together a few months after the 2006 incident on kidnapping charges but the case was dismissed. They also said he still currently associates with Benavidez as they are both in the same prison convicted of separate murder charges. Gill thanked those who continued investigating the case and the survivor and her family for their patience over the years. One can only imagine the fear and trauma for survivors and the community when an alleged assailant remains unknown and at large. There is no closure, Gill said. Today that vacuum of the unknown is filled, and the survivor and our community can rest easily now that all the alleged offenders have been apprehended. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. The man accused of causing the death of pro-Israel demonstrator Paul Kessler did not intend to kill him, according to the Ventura County District Attorney, who addressed the filing of charges on Friday. Kessler, 69, who is Jewish, died after suffering a head injury in an altercation at dueling demonstrations surrounding the Israel-Hamas war in Thousand Oaks on Nov. 5. Loay Abdelfattah Alnaji, 50, a professor at Moorpark College, was arrested Thursday and charged with involuntary manslaughter and battery causing serious bodily injury. He pleaded not guilty at his first court appearance on Friday. Loay Alnaji We took this case seriously and we investigated and charged it thoroughly, said Ventura County D.A. Erik Nasarenko at a news conference. We approached it with an open mind. We were not pre-committed to a specific outcome or even criminal culpability, and we never treated the fact that criminal charges would be a foregone conclusion. College professor arrested in Jewish demonstrators death The altercation occurred as pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian demonstrators squared off at the busy intersection of Westlake and Thousands Oaks boulevards. The Jewish Federation of Los Angeles said Kessler was struck in the head by a megaphone wielded by a pro-Palestinian protestor, leading some members of the community to assume this was a hate crime attack and calling for murder charges. Paul Kessler, a Jewish man who died after an altercation with a pro-Palestinian demonstrator in Thousand Oaks on Nov. 5, 2023. (Kessler Family) Video posted to social media shows Paul Kessler lying on the ground after allegedly being struck with a megaphone at a pro-Palestinian rally in Thousand Oaks, California. Nov., 5, 2023. Flowers and candles are left at a makeshift shrine placed at the scene of a Sunday confrontation that lead to death of a demonstrator, Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023, in Thousand Oaks, Calif. Paul Kessler, 69, died at a hospital on Monday from a head injury after witnesses reported he was involved in a physical altercation during pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian demonstrations at an intersection in Thousand Oaks, a suburb northwest of Los Angeles, authorities said. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel) A woman leaves flowers at a makeshift shrine placed at the scene of a Sunday confrontation that lead to death of a demonstrator Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023, in Thousand Oaks, Calif. Paul Kessler, 69, died at a hospital on Monday from a head injury after witnesses reported he was involved in a physical altercation during pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian demonstrations at an intersection in Thousand Oaks, a suburb northwest of Los Angeles, authorities said. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel) The medical examiner said Kesslers fatal injury occurred when he fell and hit his head on the pavement. Video from the scene showed him lying on the ground while being tended to by several people, including at least one pro-Palestinian demonstrator. He was transported to a hospital where he died the next day. Alnajis defense attorney Ron Bamieh doesnt dispute that an altercation occurred but insists his clients actions didnt cause the fatal injury. While he may have been pushed or hit by a megaphone, thats not what caused his fall, Bamieh told reporters. Its clear that when he fell my client was six to eight feet away from him. Bamieh also implied that Kessler may have instigated trouble at the rally. We know that Mr. Kessler had attended these rallies before and had been very abusive in the past, he claimed. Loay Abdelfattah Alnaji, Prosecutors say they reviewed over 600 pieces of evidence including photos and video from the demonstrations, and interviewed more than 60 witnesses. They moved forward with charges against Alnaji based on an injury Kessler sustained to his face, the D.A. said. We received no evidence, no statements, no information whatsoever that the defendant arrived at that intersection with the intent to kill, harm or injure anyone, Nasarenko said. We did not file [a murder charge] because there was no intent on the defendants part to commit one. Nasarenko, however, left open the possibility of additional charges if new evidence materializes. Authorities continue to solicit videos and witness accounts of the altercation. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. Herder photographers from NW China's Qinghai win Golden Rooster Awards after 6 years' dedication to snow leopard photography People's Daily Online) 14:11, November 17, 2023 Three Tibetan herders take photos of wildlife in Zadoi county, Qinghai Province, on December 12, 2020. Photo: Courtesy of Wild China The Angsai Grand Canyon, located in Zadui county of Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Qinghai Province, is situated in the headwaters of the Lancang River. It is home to various species of feline animals, such as snow leopards. Local herders Dajie, Ciding, and Kunchochopeng have used their cameras to document the ever-changing seasons and remarkable wildlife that inhabits the area, with a particular focus on capturing snow leopards. In 2008, Dajie invested his earnings from harvesting caterpillar fungi to purchase a second-hand point-and-shoot camera. This marked the beginning of his journey into wildlife photography. Later, Ciding and Kunchochopeng also bought their own cameras. Kunchochopeng said, "During our herding days, I find joy in capturing the beauty that surrounds us, be it landscapes, animals, or flowers. If something catches my eye, I simply take a picture." With limited equipment and a lack of photography knowledge, the three herders embarked on a self-taught journey. Ciding recalled, "Back then, there weren't many individuals well-versed in photography, and we were apprehensive about tampering with the camera settings and potentially damaging it. So we primarily relied on the automatic mode." In early 2016, Ciding came across an injured snow leopard while taking photos in the mountains. He and his friends rescued the animal and reported the incident to the local government. News of this reached wildlife photographer Xi Zhinong, who promptly arrived in Angsai. Impressed by the remarkable snow leopard photos taken by Ciding and Dajie with their modest cameras, Xi felt a mix of admiration and regret. He believed that they deserved more advanced equipment to capture even more extraordinary images. A snow leopard descends from among the rocks in the Sanjiangyuan region. Photo: Courtesy of Xi Zhinong Xi enrolled Dajie, Ciding and Kunchochopeng in a program dedicated to cultivating herder photographers. Through this initiative, the herders received advanced equipment and comprehensive training in photographic techniques. In August 2020, a photography exhibition featuring pictures taken by the herder photographers opened in Shanghai. The photos taken by Dajie, Ciding and Kunchochopeng reached a wider audience, receiving widespread acclaim. This further strengthened their confidence in the possibility of creating a snow leopard film shot entirely by Chinese photographers, under the guidance of Xi. In August 2023, the documentary film "Snow Leopards and Friends," directed by Xi's team and the three herder photographers, was officially released. The challenges faced during the making of this film remain unknown to most. Snow leopards, known for their reclusive nature, possess a remarkable awareness of their environment, making it difficult for photographers to track their movements. Enduring extreme weather conditions, freezing temperatures, and limited oxygen, the three herder photographers would spend over 10 days in the field without a single sighting of a snow leopard. "We never gave up; our objective was clear: to share a film about snow leopards with the world," said Kunchochopeng. In 2019, the photography team stumbled upon the den of a snow leopard and her cubs. The discovery filled everyone with excitement, but they were careful not to disturb the animals. They set up a tent at a distance and took turns monitoring the den. Surprisingly, the snow leopards seemed to accept the presence of the photographers. Over the course of 35 days, they managed to capture invaluable footage of this remarkable encounter. On Nov. 4, 2023, "Snow Leopards and Friends" received the Best Documentary/Science and Educational Film award at the 36th China Golden Rooster Awards. "The release of the film marks a step forward. I hope that in the future, we will have more opportunities to present China's wildlife on both domestic and international screens, reaching a broader audience," Xi said. (Web editor: Xian Jiangnan, Liang Jun) There will be leaders who come along, who will find the spirit that built this state, this country into the success it is, former House Speaker Joe Straus said. Theres a sense of optimism, and a spark that will be reignited. Its just hard to see it right now. Submitted / When I reached out to former Texas House Speaker Joe Straus about a possible interview, I outlined four big topics: school vouchers, border security, rising antisemitism and addressing gun violence. Optimism was not in my pitch. But optimism is the focus of this column. Straus served as speaker of the Texas House from 2009 to 2019, and I was curious to hear his thoughts on these issues at such a tenuous moment. He is the longest-serving Republican speaker in Texas' history, and yet in some ways Straus' absence from Austin has only amplified the impact he has had on Texas politics. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Straus articulates a much different vision for Texas than what has emerged this year. Picture a Texas that invests in public education and tackles big challenges in pragmatic and bipartisan ways. It would be a Texas that embraces commonsense gun reforms while respecting and honoring gun rights. When we met on Nov. 10, Straus, 64, was candid on these topics. He spoke at length about how vouchers would decimate public education; how Operation Lone Star has failed taxpayers; his support for gun rights and commonsense gun safety reforms such as red flag laws, age restrictions and background checks; and how antisemitism, racism and bigotry will always require vigilance. But the most interesting part of our conversation was his appeal for optimism and his commitment to the politics of hope. He spoke of a return to what his political hero, former President George H.W. Bush, called a kinder, gentler nation. It was refreshing and is worth sharing. Below are excerpts from our conversation, edited for brevity and clarity. My questions have been paraphrased. Q: How concerned are you about our civic health? On a scale of one to 10, where would you fall? Advertisement Article continues below this ad A: Im certainly more concerned about it today than Ive ever been. I dont know what number to put on it. Looking ahead to what most people expect to be the contenders for president, I think you better hang on to your hat. There doesnt seem to be an advancement of what, you know, my hero George H.W. Bush called a "kinder, gentler America." We will get there eventually. Young people have to rise to the occasion and start participating. I believe the great majority of Americans are really good, decent, honorable, optimistic people. Were in a bit of a funk right now because our leaders arent really lifting us up. And theyre continuing to thrive in re-elections because theyre telling everyone how horrible everything is. And when thats your platform and your position, youre essentially telling optimists not to participate. You know, its a sad moment in time, but it will pass. It always does. And there will be leaders who come along who will find the spirit that built this state, this country into the success it is. Theres a sense of optimism and a spark that will be reignited. Its just hard to see it right now. Q: Is there anything to be optimistic about right now? A: Theres a lot to be optimistic about. Just looking at Texas, were growing like crazy. When you travel outside of Texas, people are wondering what the secret sauce is. When you get away from the politics, and you get into peoples real lives, theres a lot to be optimistic about. And I just wish our political leadership would learn to be more positive. And, you know, spread a message of opportunity. How good it is to be here. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Q: Do you feel like a man without a political party? A: I think most people feel that theres no party for them. But in the system that we have, you have to choose, practically, or you sit it out. And the biggest problem we have right now is that too many people are sitting it out. So, you know, I want to see the Republican Party become a credible party again. I want to see the leadership of the Republican Party progress to a point where its attracting more people and more diverse audiences and supporters than it is right now. Right now, the Republican Party in Texas is a disaster and is led by somebody (Texas GOP Chairman Matt Rinaldi) who is the antithesis of what Ive just been describing. Q: You said we are in a funk, so when do we get out of it? How do we get out of it? A: Either leaders emerge who have had enough and speak to this. Or it comes from the bottom up where the people say, 'Enough of this. I dont want my government leaders to be just one big, wet blanket.' And Im not sure which comes first. But well get out of it. We always do. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Q: Do you miss the elected, day-to-day part of politics? A: I didnt really need to be an elected official. It wasnt really what validated me as a person. I think its really important for everybody to do some sort of public service; doesnt mean your name has to be on a ballot. But everybody should pitch in and do something thats for the public good. Im glad I did my time with the Legislature. But I never intended to be there as long as I was there. And there could be other public service in my future. Im not saying theres not. Its just unlikely to be in the state Legislature. Suspected arsonist received food from Lakeland pantry he set on fire, owner says POLK COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) Dais Abraham had his pantry stocked. He knew next week was an important one for the community he serves. We filled up the place for Thanksgiving, he said. It was fully loaded up. Abraham runs the New Testament Ministries food pantry on Combee Road in Lakeland. He said he provides free food to up to 2,000 families a month. On Wednesday night, he got a call from the owner of a business in the same shopping plaza. His beloved food pantry was on fire. We are not sure of what well do next, said Abraham. Polk County deputies said it was the work of an arsonist. Come to find out the guy that did it was on candid camera, on my camera, said Alecia Grimsley, the co-owner of In The Cut Barbershop & Salon. Lakeland hit-and-run victims condition improving as search continues for driver Grimsley was the one who called Abraham. When deputies started investigating the fire, Grimsley showed them the video from her security camera. It shows a man on a bike crouching over a stack of pallets outside the food pantry. Courtesy: In The Cut Barbershop & Salon Then the light of a flame becomes visible. As the man leaves on his bicycle, the video shows, the fire starts to build, eventually engulfing the food pantry. The suspect is also seen on the video returning to the scene to watch the fire burn. Deputies located Gorden Nelson, 60, nearby. He was also caught with a lighter in his pocket and when you look at the video and what he was wearing when he was caught, exact match, said Brian Bruchey, public information officer with the Polk County Sheriffs Office. Hurts my heart: Community reacts as Winter Haven police search for young men involved in deadly Publix stabbing Bruchey said Nelson initially admitted to deputies he started the fire but when asked why he did it, he said he did not start the fire, he only watched it burn. The damage is estimated to cost $150,000, according to Bruchey. Did [Nelson] ever come in and receive food from you? asked reporter Staci DaSilva. Yes he did, Abraham replied. I dont see him doing it because he wanted to hurt me. Probably he just was going through something else and had something else in his mind. I think its very horrible. Its devastating to the fact that thats the place thats organized to help people, said Brenda Speed, the wife of the pastor at Greater Harvest Church, which is next door to the pantry. The church sustained smoke damage. In The Cut Barbershop & Salon has smoke damage as well. On Thursday, they were cutting hair outside. The barbershop, the store and the pantrywe look out for each other. We support each other. So, its a very close knit community, said Speed. Nelson was arrested on a charge of first degree arson. While Abraham is left to pick up the pieces, he said, what really matters isnt lost at all. I feel like even though its gone from here or destroyed, its not gone from here, he said, pointing to his heart. Abraham tells News Channel 8 he is still planning a drive-thru food distribution for Wednesday Nov. 22 from 12 2pm outside the food pantry. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. A Washington, D.C., teenager accused of fatally shooting a 14-year-old boy earlier this month allegedly bragged on Instagram about the murder, which his mother watched, according to police. FOX 5 in D.C. reported that 17-year-old Lorenzo Thompson was arrested by Metropolitan Police and charged with second-degree murder as an adult in the fatal Nov. 3 shooting of Niko Estep. Court records state that Thompson was seen on a live stream on Instagram on Nov. 6, appearing to brag about killing the 14-year-old boy. DC MAYOR REFUSES TO WATCH VIRAL VIDEO OF KIDS DEBATING WHICH CRIMES THEY'D RATHER COMMIT: WASTING MY TIME In the video, the report says, the accused murderer referred to Estep by his nickname and said words suggesting that he had "got him." The report also claims Thompson did not show any remorse on video for killing the 14-year-old, and was seen celebrating with others, performing a macabre reenactment of the shooting, the station reported. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP Thompson was ultimately arrested on Nov. 9 and police said they recovered a 9 mm magazine from a backpack inside his bedroom in a University Place apartment. VIDEO ALLEGEDLY SHOWS DC TEENS WEIGHING CHARGES OF CRIMES THEY PLANNED ON COMMITTING D.C. Metropolitan Police arrested 17-year-old Lorenzo Thompson, who was charged with second-degree murder. Investigators said multiple surveillance cameras captured Thompson opening fire on the 14-year-old at about 11:30 p.m. in the parking lot of a gas station on 14th Street. The report contained a chilling image of Thompson pointing the gun while a woman, identified by police as his mother, watched from just a few feet away. The woman identified as Thompsons mother was wearing a white jacket and hat and appeared to look toward the direction of the gunshots without trying to stop him. DC PRE-TEEN ALLEGEDLY ATTEMPTS TO CARJACK ARMED, OFF-DUTY-FEDERAL OFFICER, 13-YEAR-OLD KILLED IN GUNFIRE After the shots were fired, Thompson, the woman and another person fled to University Place and into an apartment, authorities said. The victim ran about a block after getting shot, before ultimately collapsing in the middle of the street. He was taken to a nearby hospital where he died a short time later. Another juvenile injured in the shooting was taken to a nearby hospital and treated for non-life-threatening injuries. The investigation into the matter is ongoing. So far this year, DC police have recorded 243 homicides, which is about 34% higher than last year. Mayor Muriel Bowser has declared a public emergency in the District, noting that her office will begin to utilize new tools to fight the ongoing opioid crisis and rise in youth violence. Original article source: Suspected Washington DC teen killer brags on Instagram after murder; mother watches son open fire: police Loneliness or social isolation affects people across all income levels, races, ethnicities and ages. Someone can be lonely even when surrounded by others. What can we do to bring community together? katarinagondova - Fotolia Jason Rosenfeld David Constante Nothing brings San Antonians out of their homes like Fiesta in the spring or the arrival of the Spurs Victor Wembanyama. We love to get together, yet many suffer in the shadows. Loneliness or social isolation affects people across all income levels, races, ethnicities and ages. Someone can be lonely even when surrounded by others. Earlier this year, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy warned that America is facing a loneliness epidemic that will lead to an ever-increasing price in the form of our individual and collective well-being. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Social isolation increases the risk of dementia by 50%, heart disease by 29% and stroke by 32%, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A lack of social contact among older adults is also associated with an estimated $6.7 billion in additional Medicare spending annually, according to a study by the AARP Public Policy Institute. I've built social infrastructure at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio for two decades. My team of community health workers now use Health Confianza (Spanish for confidence or trust), an initiative focused on improving our communitys health literacy and rebuilding trust in health organizations and systems. In a little over two years, weve trained nearly 100 community health workers and community members in San Antonio to address the lack of social connection and low levels of health literacy through a peer-to-peer health promotion model known as community health clubs. The club format is what you see with Boy Scouts, book clubs or meet-up groups, only our clubs are focused on discussing health and social action to promote wellness. Community health clubs are a scalable social infrastructure program that is now well-established in Texas Lower Rio Grande Valley. Since 2017, five community health workers have established and sustained clubs in Brownsville mainly working with Spanish-speaking women to address health priorities ranging from nutrition to mental health and COVID-19. Our members tell us they remain engaged due to the acknowledgement of their lived experiences and a sense of convivencia (Spanish for living/being together). This enhances their mental and physical well-being. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Although there's a desire and need for social connection, few clubs have gotten off the ground in San Antonio. One challenge we hear from community health workers is that some have lost connection. Some in our most marginalized communities have seen outsiders come in, execute short-term projects and leave. This has engendered a deeper sense of mistrust that can only be overcome by consistency and genuine connection. For our part, we know that we must continue to show up, listen and evolve in a way that fits the culture and needs of our city. We persist because weve seen the value that clubs bring in terms of community engagement, social connection and collective action related to health. Texas, with a population of more than 30 million people, is the second-largest state in the nation. Texas was also the fastest-growing state in 2021-22. Its rate of population growth is mirrored in the states economic momentum, with a $2.4 trillion economy. Measured among the nations of the world, Texas would be the ninth-largest economy; larger than the economy of Italy. Texas is growing primarily in its urban areas. People flock to Texas from across the nation, and from around the world, to participate in the economic momentum that means jobs, rising incomes, growing businesses, new startups, corporate headquarters and innovative research. Texas is home to 55 Fortune 500 companies, the most of any state, and generated 650,000 new jobs in 2022. The Texas economy has transitioned from its legendary expanses of oil wells and ranches into the international arenas of technology, trade and manufacturing. That reality is most visible in the the Texas Triangle: Dallas-Fort Worth at the northern point, Houston at the southeastern tip, and Austin-San Antonio comprising the southwestern corner. The 35 counties grouped around the three points of the Triangle account for 66% of Texas population and produce 77% of the states GDP. The Texas Triangle metros are undoubtedly an economic juggernaut. Some urban geography specialists note the global significance of the Triangle and extend its economic power to a Triangle Plus network that includes Monterrey, Mexico, an industrial powerhouse and the center of an export complex in Northern Mexico. This op-ed series has discussed South Texas' connections to Monterrey and Northern Mexico. The skylines of San Antonio, Houston and Austin. The Texas Triangle is a mega-region connecting Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Austin and San Antonio. But it extends south to Mexico. File photos by Jerry Lara, Brett Coomer (Hearst) and Sergio Flores (New York Times) File photos by Jerry Lara, Brett Coomer (Hearst) and Sergio Flores (New York Times) The skylines of San Antonio, Houston and Austin. The Texas Triangle is a mega-region connecting Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Austin and San Antonio. But it extends south to Mexico. File photos by Jerry Lara, Brett Coomer (Hearst) and Sergio Flores (New York Times) File photos by Jerry Lara, Brett Coomer (Hearst) and Sergio Flores (New York Times) Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Texas Triangle In May, the U.S. census announced that for the first time in American history, one state Texas has four cities ranked among the 10 most populous: Houston, No. 4; San Antonio, No. 7; Dallas, No. 9; and Austin recently became No. 10. Fort Worth follows closely at No. 13. To grasp the practical significance of these rankings, it is helpful to understand how this transformation is occurring in each Triangle metropolitan area. Dallas-Fort Worth is a mega-region of 7.8 million people spanning 13 counties. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport has made the region a hub for 22 Fortune 500 company headquarters. The airport has 1,800 daily departures with flights to 67 international destinations. Leading employers from the technology, biomedicine, aircraft manufacturing, higher education, logistics and finance sectors support a workforce of 4.2 million employees. That economic base attracts diverse employees from around the world. The suburban community of Coppell, for example, is home to a population that is more than 30% of Asian and Indian heritage. Houstons metropolitan area has a population of 7.3 million people. It has a well-defined identity as the energy capital of the world. After more than a century of establishing specialized industries in petroleum, Houston is the global focal point for petrochemical headquarters, manufacturing, research and development, refining and shipping. The Houston Ship Channel receives petroleum products from around the world and is lined with refineries to convert those raw products into usable gasoline, chemicals, gases, plastics and other petroleum byproducts, making the Port of Houston the fifth-busiest seaport by tonnage of goods shipped in the nation. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Houston's lead in the global energy transition provides evidence of entrepreneurial spirit, as many of Houstons 5,000 energy firms invest in research and development of renewable energy and technology, including the use of hydrogen. As other sectors have grown, Houston's economic base has diversified in recent years, including international biomedical institutions, space-related facilities and a highly dynamic small-business sector that is one of the most ethnically diverse in the nation. Houston has large populations speaking more than 145 languages and has more than 90 consulate offices. Austin and San Antonio are 75 miles apart but function more like a Central Texas mega-region every day as the rural spaces between the two cities disappear under the surface infrastructure of fast-growing communities, commercial centers, schools, universities and roadways. Each city has its own character and economic base, but they are increasingly finding complementary roles and mutually beneficial connections. Interstate 35 is the spine of this emerging mega-region, but land-use patterns suggest the space between parallel roads Texas 130 on the eastern edge and U.S. 281 on the western edge will steadily fill. (Left) Trucks wait in line on the Mexican Federal Highway Two to cross to the United States from Nuevo Laredo. Photo by Marie D. De Jesus. (Right) The Saddle Creek Ranch subdivision is part of the growth area in Cibolo. Photo by Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News. File photos (Left) Trucks wait in line on the Mexican Federal Highway Two to cross to the United States from Nuevo Laredo. Photo by Marie D. De Jesus. (Right) The Saddle Creek Ranch subdivision is part of the growth area in Cibolo. Photo by Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News. File photos Advertisement Article continues below this ad Metro Austin begins in the north, where the fastest-growing midsize city in the nation Georgetown joins Round Rock, Leander and Pflugerville. The metro is anchored in Austin, which has built upon its historic economic drivers of the state government and the University of Texas to become a national center for technology, new media, biomedicine, automotive innovation, music and creative arts, and hospitality. Austins uniquely attractive ambiance draws technology achievers to companies such as Dell, Tesla, Google and Amazon, as well as gifted artists who project globally via South by Southwest and Austin City Limits Live. Between 2010 and 2020, Austin is one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation. The southern geography of the Austin metro includes the fastest-growing county in the nation, Hays County, and an educational hub of 37,000 students at Texas State University in San Marcos. While Austin was the fastest-growing city in percentage rate of growth from 2010-2020, San Antonio was third behind Nashville. No geographic area in the nation has two top-10 cities with those rates of growth in such proximity. At the Comal County line, the southern edge of the Austin metro meets the San Antonio MSA. Comal County was the second-fastest growing county in the nation between 2010 and 2020 while its county seat, New Braunfels, was the third-fastest-growing city in the midsize category. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In 2020, San Antonio added more people, 34,000, than any other core city in the United States. Its traditional economic base of military installations and tourism has effectively diversified to include major employment generators in biomedicine, cybersecurity, automotive manufacturing, aviation technologies and professional services. San Antonio has added significant growth nodes at Brooks City Base and at Port San Antonio, redeveloped former Air Force bases. The metros visitor industry is the most robust in Texas, employing more than 128,000 residents and welcoming upward of 30 million visitors a year to the River Walk, Alamo, SeaWorld, Fiesta Texas and the UNESCO-designated Mission Reach. This expanse of Central Texas from Pflugerville to Floresville is home to 5 million people. The census estimates the region will have a population of 8.3 million people by 2050. Combined with the trajectories of Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston, the Texas Triangle will be a globally significant pinnacle of economic ties, cultural interest and political weight. The Texas Triangle is one of the most promising urban complexes in the nation and the world. Nowhere else in the nation do five of the 13 most populous cities exist within 250 miles of each other and in one state. Nowhere else in America do four such massive metro areas have such tight economic interdependence as measured by inter-city travel and trade. Henry Cisneros BOB OWEN/San Antonio Express-News Advertisement Article continues below this ad Looking South But the Texas Triangle is also part of a larger economic framework within and beyond Texas. The Triangle metros trade and interact with the other metros of Texas, including Brownsville and McAllen in the Rio Grande Valley and Laredo on the U.S.-Mexico border. Some economists look at the map of Texas in an international context and see the emergence of a Triangle Plus zone that would include Monterrey, Mexico. With more than 5 million people, Monterrey is Mexico's second-largest metropolitan area in Mexico after Mexico City. Monterrey is Mexicos largest industrial complex, a sophisticated international producer of steel, chemicals, glass and ceramic materials, beer, automotive products and cement and building products. It has long been described as functioning within Mexico as the combined Detroit-Pittsburgh-Cleveland-Milwaukee metros do in the U.S. Continuing the U.S. comparison, Monterrey is home to El Tecnologico de Monterrey, a highly respected engineering and technology university that is frequently referred to as the MIT of Mexico. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Monterreys companies engage in robust trade with the Texas Triangle cities, sending heavy volumes of imported goods by rail and air and especially on I-35 to San Antonio and points north in the United States. Monterrey is the leading city among an interconnected group of cities in northern Mexico and Texas that constitute an increasingly productive network of automotive industrial firms. After the supply-chain gridlock that proved so damaging during the pandemic, trade volumes between the Texas Triangle metros and Mexican industries centered on Monterrey will grow. The Texas Triangle will reshape the economy, population patterns and political priorities within the state. It will also make Texas a greater force within the United States. And it will more directly link Texas to the network of great trading city-states around the world: London, Tokyo, Singapore, Frankfurt, Milan, Abu Dhabi, Rio de Janeiro, Paris, Amsterdam and Shanghai. The question is not whether the Texas Triangle will continue to grow in size and economic power. Too many magnetic factors are at work that will continue the growth: migration from other states to Texas, natural growth of in-state births, business climate and advantageous tax structure. Growth will be further powered by an abundant working-age population matched to world-class training and educational institutions; with the legend of Texas as fertile ground for pioneers, hard workers and entrepreneurs of all races and origins. Our Texas Triangle leaders must go to work to shape this growth. Failure to act now will either fatally truncate this economic opportunity or negligently allow the growth to be so haphazard and uncontrolled that it will degenerate into a congested, crisis-prone, unhealthy, contentious and unlivable mess. The worst-case scenarios are grim. But Texas still has time to: Build workable transportation corridors, including mass transit and rail. Assure an ample mix of traditional water supplies, conservation and new water technologies to support the growth. Produce affordable housing supply on a scale that meets the demand of a growing workforce. Invest in pre-K-16 educational systems to assure that Texas Triangle residents can participate in the new economy jobs that place a premium on mental skills and that are the principal instruments by which we can address the vast income inequalities that have bedeviled Texas in the past. Modernize the Texas power grid to make full use of the massive potential of renewables and clean energy technologies. Set aside open spaces and natural preserves in creative ways, such as the Great Springs project linking the springs and greenways of Austin and San Antonio; failure to act now means that sensitive natural features will be paved over and cease to exist for public enjoyment and inspiration. Integrate social policies related to health care, senior support, veterans programs, immigrant integration, homelessness and physical disabilities into our overall economic and quality-of-life priorities. Make contingency preparations for severe weather events associated with climate change, such as extreme drought, more violent storms, destructive flooding and record heat. If it is strong polling with GOP primary voters in Texas, then we agree. But if the measure is effectiveness in addressing illegal immigration, honoring constitutional rights, showing fiscal restraint or recognizing the boundaries between state and federal authority, then this legislation is abysmal. It tramples civil liberties and adds $1.54 billion in vague spending for border security operations, which is code for "black hole." It would be interesting to hear just how he measures this strength. On Tuesday, Texas lawmakers passed sweeping legislation that will allow the state to expel people suspected of having entered the country illegally. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick praised the measure as the strongest border security bill ever passed in Texas. Show-me-your-papers legislation is back in style for Republican lawmakers. But its 2023, not 2010. And this time it is Texas at the forefront of anti-immigrant politics, not Arizona. I think in Texas, Republican leadership ... they are banking on creating a federal challenge in the Supreme Court that could likely support the overturning of Arizona v. U.S, said Jon Taylor, a political science professor with University of Texas at San Antonio. But that was a different court, with Justice Anthony Kennedy serving as a key vote. In 2012, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down much of SB 1070. While the high court maintained the show-me-your-papers provision, it invalidated three other aspects of the law for trampling federal authority. Of significance to Texas, this included a clause that would have allowed law enforcement to arrest a person without a warrant if that person were believed to have committed a crime that made them subject to deportation. SB 4 has prompted comparisons with Arizonas infamous SB 1070 , the so-called show-me-your papers law that opened the door to racial profiling. It is, no doubt, a legislative descendent. Time moves forward, but border politics often remain the same. Texas Republicans often decry big government, at least when applied to Democratic presidential administrations and policies such as Medicaid expansion , but this legislation represents an enormous expansion of state government. For this reason, a bipartisan group of 30 former immigration judges also issued a statement on SB 4. The measure is not lawful," they said. "Immigration is plainly a federal function. Texas has committed billions of dollars to border security, and voters should ask just what they have received in return. Is the buoy barrier in the Rio Grande worth the cost? Just what has been accomplished? Other concerns abound. Many migrants are not from Mexico , so its not clear why they would be forced to return to a country that is not home or if Mexico would accept them. Its unclear, though, just how law enforcement would determine whether someone entered the country illegally beyond seeing that person cross the U.S.-Mexico border. This has raised vociferous concerns about potential racial profiling and the trampling of civil liberties. Senate Bill 4 creates a new state crime, illegal entry, a misdemeanor with a sentence of up to six months in jail. A judge could offer a defendant the option of voluntarily returning to Mexico in place of prosecution. Those convicted of illegal entry would be ordered to return to Mexico. Failure to do so could result in stiff penalties, including a sentence of up to 20 years in prison. Big spending, small results Because they are not actually fiscal conservatives, Texas Republicans have agreed to spend another $1.54 billion on border security operations. This would include an ongoing wall and $40 million to the Department of Public Safety to investigate anti-immigrant conspiracy theories directed at Colony Ridge, a sprawling development northeast of Houston that is home to many migrants. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Texas Republicans have already committed $10 billion to Operation Lone Star, so this will push spending north of $11 billion. Texas voters should ask just what they are getting in return. If the measure is reducing illegal immigration, Operation Lone Star has been of little to no consequence. When Operation Lone Star was launched in March 2021, U.S. Customs and Border Protection reported 173,277 land border encounters. In October, there were 240,988 land border encounters. Those are figures for the entire Southwest border. But Texas numbers have followed suit, particularly in the Del Rio sector where there were 38,211 encounters in October, ranking second in the Southwest. In an August press release, Texas Gov. Greg Abbotts office celebrated Operation Lone Star, crediting it with 420,800 apprehensions and 33,600 arrests. But lets remember that many of those apprehensions would likely have happened without Operation Lone Star since migrants are presenting themselves to federal authorities for asylum. Still, having spent $4.5 billion through July, as reported by the Wall Street Journal, Operation Lone Star has cost Texans more than $10,000 per apprehension and more than $130,000 per arrest. Advertisement Article continues below this ad But that's not the full bill. Since 2005, when Gov. Rick Perry launched Operation Linebacker, an attempt to stop terrorists from crossing the border, Texas has committed about $13 billion on various border security efforts. This also includes Operation Secure Texas, which placed 250 DPS troopers on the border at a cost of $800 million, mostly in 2016 and 2017. I know it is priority No. 1 reflected in all the public opinion polls and has been for quite a while. And yet they keep doubling down on a failing policy, former Texas House Speaker Joe Straus, a Republican, told us. Theres no world in which the efficacy of this program would warrant more spending. Its great for the border economy, I assume, but its not doing much for stopping illegal immigration. And this is because immigration is a federal responsibility. Migrants walk the banks of the Rio Grande in July. Texas lawmakers have doubled down on failed policies at enormous expense. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News Advertisement Article continues below this ad One day, Texans will look back on the billions spent on border security and wonder just what they received in return. Those funds could have been used for roads, broadband infrastructure or public education. Instead, we have orange buoys, razor wire and now a law made in the image of Arizonas SB 1070. Travelers from North Carolina rank as the nations least efficient, leading to the most headaches at airports, a new report finds. The states travelers cause delays while going through airport security and boarding their flights, according to results published Thursday, Nov. 16. The findings come as AAA estimates about 4.7 million people will travel by air for Thanksgiving, the most since 2005. The air travel rankings come from Blueprint, a financial division of USA Today. The website said it surveyed 5,000 people between Oct. 3 and 19, with a 3% margin of error. The respondents, who all flew within the past five years and represented each state, were asked time-related questions that focused on three categories: security checkpoints, general preparedness, and luggage and overpacking. What makes NC travelers so bad? North Carolina travelers topped the list after they were found to be the least efficient at security checkpoints, with more than one-third reporting that the Transportation Security Administration needed to remind them to take their belts or shoes off, according to results shared with McClatchy News via email. When it comes to luggage, a majority of North Carolinians admitted to waiting close to the baggage carousel to fetch their belongings. Travelers from the state also were named some of the biggest overpackers and among the least efficient at getting their carry-on bags into overhead bins. There was a bright spot, with North Carolina travelers ranking about average when it came to being prepared to get off the plane after their flights. North Carolina travelers ranked among the worst when it came to overpacking for their trips. The rankings were released after Oak Island, south of Wilmington, was named the trendiest place to visit for Thanksgiving. The results were based on the number of U.S. potential travelers searching for the beach destination on a vacation rental website, McClatchy News reported. If you plan to drive to your holiday destination, you may have better luck. Thats because Raleigh and Greensboro recently ranked among the nations most driver-friendly cities. In the latest rankings, the other top five states found to have the worst air travelers were: West Virginia at No. 2 Arkansas at No. 3 New York at No. 4 Alabama at No. 5 Meanwhile, Wisconsin was found to have the most efficient plane passengers. This small town in NC ranks No. 1 on a list of best mountain destinations. Heres why Two NC cities rank among best places to retire in the South. What theyre known for This story has been updated to reflect current charges filed against Laura Marie Patterson of Kennewick by Multnomah County (Portland, Ore.) District Attorney Mike Schmidt. A Tri-Cities woman faces four counts of attempted murder and six other charges after she allegedly fired a gun into the ceiling at Portland International Airport last week. Laura Marie Patterson, 47, is being held in the Multnomah County Jail after pleading innocent in Multnomah County Circuit Court on Nov. 16. Public records show she mostly has been living in Kennewick but has moved frequently and is originally from the Houston, Texas, area. She lived in a Portland apartment as recently as 2018, according to LexisNexis, which also lists past addresses in Illinois, Nebraska, California and her native state. In 2021, she received a business license from the city of Kennewick for Harwas House of Hoopla, listing an apartment in the Badger Canyon complex on Ridgeline Drive as its address. Shortly after 11 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 14, Patterson is accused of walking out of a bathroom near the Portland airports security area and firing a pistol into a ceiling. The sound of gunfire caused panic and sent people seeking shelter, said officials. The TSA checkpoint remained closed for several hours during the investigation. Patterson was arrested at the airport by the Port of Portland police, according to jail records, which initially listed 16 charges, including 11 felonies. The updated charges include four counts of second degree attempted murder, unlawful use of a weapon with a firearm, possession of a firearm or dangerous weapon in a public building or court facility, first degree criminal mischief, recklessly endangering another person, unlawful possession of a firearm and possession of a loaded firearm in public. At her arraignment, Pattersons attorney argued for lesser charges since she fired into the ceiling and no one was hurt or directly threatened. But a county prosecutor said that during her arrest, Patterson expressed homicidal ideation and noted she had the means a gun and bullets to act on it. Patterson has no history of felony convictions, according to online records. Public online records show she has a Texas drivers license, attended Houston Community College and previously established a business, VMV Training Development, in Cypress, Texas. Former President Donald Trump speaks to reporters after testifying in his civil fraud trial at the State Supreme Court building in Manhattan, Monday, Nov. 6, 2023. (Jefferson Siegel/The New York Times) NEW YORK A New York appeals court judge Thursday paused gag orders on Donald Trump and his lawyers that had prevented them from commenting on court staff in the civil fraud trial of the former president. The order against Trump was issued on the trials second day by the presiding judge, Arthur F. Engoron, after Trump attacked the judges law clerk in a social media post accusing her of being a Democratic partisan. It prohibited Trump from any further attacks on the clerk and other court staff. Trump has twice violated the order, incurring $15,000 in fines. The judge later issued a similar order against Trumps lawyers, barring them from commenting on his private communications with court staff. Sign up for The Morning newsletter from the New York Times This week, Trumps lawyers challenged both of those orders in an appeals court and on Thursday, the appellate judge, David Friedman, paused them after an hourlong oral argument. The decision left Trump free, for the moment, of all of the gag orders placed on him. This month, a federal appeals court temporarily froze the order issued against him in his election interference case in Washington. About an hour after the New York gag orders were paused, Jason Miller, a senior adviser to Trump, posted on social media attacking Allison Greenfield, the clerk, calling her a Democrat Operative. Later, shortly before 7 p.m., Trump himself seized on the pause by posting a message on his Truth Social platform in which he called Greenfield politically biased and out of control. Trumps lawyer, Christopher M. Kise, praised the decision. Fortunately the Constitution and the First Amendment protect everyone, including President Trump, he said. The public will again have full access to what is really taking place in this unprecedented trial. The New York gag orders will be evaluated by a full appellate panel, which may reimpose them. But in the meantime, Trump and his lawyers are again free to attack court staff, most prominently Greenfield, who since Trumps original post has become a magnet for right-wing attacks on the case. The schedule set by the appeals court means that the gag orders could remain paused for much of the remainder of the civil fraud trial, which stems from a lawsuit brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James. The trial is expected to last until mid-December. Engoron, who is a Democrat, had justified his own gag order against Trump by citing threats against his staff. He wrote this month that his chambers had received hundreds of threatening phone calls, voicemails, emails, letters and packages. But Friedman seemed skeptical that Trump had said anything that would lead directly to threats against court staff. He repeatedly asked whether Trump had used specifically threatening language against Greenfield, who is also a Democrat, and seemed satisfied that the answer was no. Friedman also appeared skeptical of Greenfields prominence at the trial, where she appears at the bench alongside the judge every day. He asked a lawyer appearing on Engorons behalf whether that practice was unusual. The lawyer, Lisa Evans, said that clerks did sometimes sit on the bench, and Friedman seemed to relent on that point, agreeing that was the case. A lawyer for Trump, Alina Habba, praised the appellate court after the Thursday hearing and quickly took advantage of the development. Greenfield is in the judges ear time and time again, Habba said. If she had a real threat, she should get off the bench. Trumps lawyers this week in a separate filing asked for a mistrial, saying that Engoron and Greenfield were biased against them. The gag order had barred Trumps lawyers from publicly discussing some of the specifics of their arguments concerning Greenfield, but they will now be free to do so. Last month, after the judge overseeing Trumps federal election interference case briefly paused a gag order she had imposed on him, the former president used the window of opportunity to launch a spree of attacks against the people who had been off limits. Three times in three days, he called the special counsel, Jack Smith, who had brought the case, deranged. Twice, he weighed in about testimony attributed to his former chief of staff, Mark Meadows, who could be a witness in the trial. The violations prompted Smiths team to ask the judge, Tanya S. Chutkan, to reinstate the gag order. She put the order back in place, though it has been frozen again as a federal appeals court considers whether Chutkan properly imposed it in the first place. Engoron imposed his own gag order on Trump on Oct. 3, after the former president posted a picture of Greenfield with Sen. Chuck Schumer, the Democratic majority leader. The image had originally appeared on Greenfields Instagram account. Mocking her as Schumers girlfriend, Trump said that the case against him should be dismissed. After Engoron was alerted that day, Trump removed the post from social media. Friedman appeared to agree with Trumps lawyers that the gag orders had not been warranted. At one point, he seemed to indicate that he held Greenfield responsible for the former presidents social media post, given that the picture of her with Schumer had come from her own Instagram account. If you put something out in public and then it goes viral, whos responsible for that? he asked. c.2023 The New York Times Company Donald Trumps revenge spree against his former fixer Michael Cohen continued last month with a formal demand for Cohen to turn over all his personal devices. Despite Cohens bombshell testimony in Trumps $250 million New York bank fraud trial last month, this latest request is specific to the former presidents hush-money case, in which Trump faces 34 felony counts for falsifying business records related to paying off porn star Stormy Daniels in the waning days of Trumps 2016 presidential campaign. On October 17, Trumps legal team filed a formal demand for Cohen to give them all documents and communications regarding the topics below that are stored on any medium under your possession or control, including but not limited to phones (including encrypted messaging applications), tablets, computers, and hard copy, according to documents obtained by The Daily Beast. District Attorney Alvin Bragg Jr.s team argues that the tactic amounts to witness intimidation and could result in Trump disseminating sensitive texts, photos, and documents stored on Cohens cell phone. They are asking the judge to intervene, the outlet reported. Trump has denied all wrongdoing and is seeking to dismiss the case outright, calling it a discombobulated package of politically motivated charges that interferes with his 2024 campaign to retake the White House. Prosecutors have argued that reasoning shouldnt hold any influence on the criminal proceedings. Defendant repeatedly suggests that because he is a current presidential candidate, the ordinary rules for criminal law and procedure should be applied differently here. This argument is essentially an attempt to evade criminal responsibility because [the] defendant is politically powerful, prosecutors said on Thursday, according to ABC News. The trial is slated to begin on March 25, though that date could be changed if it gets in the way of Trump standing trial over his involvement in the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, according to the judge. FILE PHOTO: Former U.S. President Donald Trump to give a deposition to New York Attorney General Letitia James By Jack Queen (Reuters) - Donald Trump wasted little time attacking a New York judges top clerk on Thursday after an appeals court paused a gag order barring the former U.S president from speaking publicly about court staff amid his civil fraud trial. Trump, the frontrunner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, took to his Truth Social platform several hours after the gag order by Justice Arthur Engoron was paused to call his Trump hating top clerk politically biased and out of control. Engoron had imposed the order in October after Trump shared a photo of his top clerk on social media. He has fined Trump a total of $15,000 for twice violating it and warned of more serious consequences for future breaches, including imprisonment. Trump, his two adult sons and 10 of his companies are accused in the lawsuit by New York Attorney General Letitia James of inflating his net worth by as much as $2.2 billion to secure better deals from lenders and insurers. Trump has denied wrongdoing and accused James, an elected Democrat, and Engoron of political bias and election interference. Engoron has already ruled that Trump engaged in fraud, and the trial largely concerns damages. James is seeking at least $250 million in fines and a New York commercial real estate ban against Trump and his sons Donald Jr. and Eric Trump. The trial, which is expected to continue into mid-December, is part of a maelstrom of legal troubles Trump faces as he campaigns to challenge Democratic President Joe Biden in the November 2024 election. Those include four criminal cases, two of which concern his efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss to Biden. Trump nonetheless holds a commanding lead over his Republican rivals, opinion polls show. (Reporting by Jack Queen in New York; Editing by Noeleen Walder) Donald Trumps lawyers on Friday argued that a limited gag order barring him from targeting witnesses constitutes judicial overreach and a grievous violation of the First Amendment. The claim, made in an appeals court filing ahead of a hearing next week, seeks to permanently lift an order imposed by U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan last month in the federal case Trump faces for his efforts to remain in office after losing the 2020 presidential election, culminating in the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot. Chutkans Oct. 16 order never barred Trump from speaking broadly about the case, in which he has pleaded not guilty. Instead, it narrowly constrained the former president and 2024 hopeful from targeting prosecutors, court staffers and potential witnesses. Despite that, Trumps lawyers repeatedly described the order Friday as a ban on their clients broader political speech, painting Trump as the victim of a single federal judge whose court had no business inserting itself into the Presidential election, just weeks before the Iowa caucuses. Criminal proceedings do not suspend the First Amendment; if anything, they heighten the need for First Amendment protections, they wrote in the brief. Chutkan had temporarily lifted the order on Oct. 20 a reprieve Trump took advantage of to target Mark Meadows, his former chief of staff, amid reports that Meadows had been granted immunity to testify against him. Soon after Chutkan suspended the order, Trump published a characteristically bizarre outburst on social media, wondering aloud if Meadows was a weakling and coward who would make a deal with prosecutors. Chutkan reimposed the gag order after that post. A U.S. Court of Appeals decision then temporarily lifted the order, again, earlier this month, noting as it did so that the pause should not be construed in any way as a ruling on the merits. On Nov. 20, both sides are scheduled to argue before the appeals court as it considers a ruling on the matter. In a separate civil fraud trial Thursday, a New York appeals court judge also paused a gag order against Trump that limited what he could say about court staffers. Shortly thereafter, Trump, whod previously violated the order twice, went on an angry tirade focused on the judge and a court clerk. Related... It is an exciting time for South Texas. We have defied the historical voices that chanted, Look north! for business opportunities if San Antonio and the South Texas region were to succeed. Laredo, 160 miles to the south of San Antonio, and the many links along the Texas-Mexico border are where critical attention should be placed. An amazing interstate supply chain corridor has been created between border cities and San Antonio. The I-35 corridor between Laredo and San Antonio is a treasure. The benefits to northern households and businesses, evidenced in the timely delivery of goods across the United States and Canada, make this corridor vital for North American economic sustainability. Its expansion through improved infrastructure should be a federal, state and regional priority. Investment in technology and development in artificial intelligence also would contribute to the growth of this key supply chain. Laredo and Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, share the border and have a combined population of some 700,000 people. These two cities have created a logistics and supply chain mega-boom that is visible in the cargo truck traffic on Interstate 35. Advertisement Article continues below this ad On a typical workday, the I-35 supply chain corridor is responsible for the flow of at least 17,000 trucks (sometimes 20,000) from the international bridges. Most of this traffic is northbound. Some of this northbound traffic travels through San Antonio and on to destinations in the United States and Canada. Port Laredo is not only the largest inland international port in the U.S., but, according to ustradenumbers.com, Port Laredo ranked No. 1 by value amongall the nations 450-plus airports, seaports, and border crossings. Ranking it just against other border crossings, it ranked No. 1 by value and No. 11 by tonnage. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Laredo surpasses even the iconic ports of Los Angeles, New York and Detroit. Households' unsung hero The I-35 corridor between Laredo and San Antonio is the unsung hero of the American household. The goods flowing daily through the port and transported to multiple destinations are critical to the manufacturing, retail and medical industries. This past May, there was a 10.66% increase in trade flowing through Laredo, reflecting I-35s growing importance to the U.S. economy. With the recent challenges in maritime logistics and supply chain operations, international inland ports will play a vital role in the distribution of goods. At the Mexican border in Laredo, the World Trade Bridge handles only commercial traffic.(Bob Owen/Express-News | Carter Johnston/The New York Times) At the Mexican border in Laredo, the World Trade Bridge handles only commercial traffic.(Bob Owen/Express-News | Carter Johnston/The New York Times) Advertisement Article continues below this ad American consumers remember the chaos in 2021 and 2022 when the Port of Los Angeles suffered delays in unloading hundreds of ships. Seasonal holiday merchandise did not make it to the marketplace in time. This event shifted the focus to the essential role an international inland port can play in the timely flow of market goods across the United States. This has led to a renewed interest in nearshoring. Nearshoring, the practice of relocating business processes and manufacturing operations to countries closer to the consumer, has been a proven success at the Texas-Mexico border since 1961. Strategically, it offers numerous advantages, such as faster shipping times, synchronized communication hours, and reduced risk of supply chain disruptions from natural disasters or operations disruptions, such as the problems in 2021 in Los Angeles. Spanning more than 1,500 miles from Laredo to Duluth, Minn., I-35 is more than just a roadway. Its a lifeline, vital in the supply chain, linking Mexico, the United States and Canada, and facilitating the flow of billions of dollars in trade annually. The I-35 corridor is positioned for continuous growth, but this brings challenges, especially for cities such as San Antonio and Laredo. From congestion to safety concerns, modernizing the transportation infrastructure on I-35 is imperative. Action plans are needed for the support of the continuous and aggressive growth of the supply chain industry. I-35 needs more lanes; noncommercial drivers need alternative roads to reach their destinations free from commercial traffic. A toll road between San Antonio and Austin is not enough. Drivers also need an alternate road from Laredo to San Antonio. Texas' existing roads barely contain the traffic, and the space required to protect corridors for sustainable competitive access remains a challenge. Advertisement Article continues below this ad As border ports expand and flourish, as American consumers and corporate manufacturers continue to demand timely delivery of products, maintaining this transportation infrastructure is an ongoing pursuit. According to a 2023 Texas Department of Transportation commission report, I-35: From the Rio Grande to the Red River, a critical segment of highway between Laredo and San Antonio has fewer than six lanes, while those north of this segment have more than six. Advertisement Article continues below this ad We must continually evaluate logistics corridors, as regional success hinges on constant and aggressive engagement. Widening, adding and reinforcing roadways will always be critical, but the I-35 corridor also needs more rest areas and facilities for truck drivers. The provision of safe and comfortable spaces for drivers to rest not only supports their well-being but is a critical factor in sustaining the timely flow of goods. Opportunity to innovate Modernizing port transportation infrastructure goes beyond physical changes. It also involves technological advancements. Intelligent transportation systems, such as real-time traffic monitoring and adaptive traffic signal control systems, and the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism and the Free and Secure Trade programs, help manage traffic flow and improve safety. But more is necessary. We need to explore further innovations, such as AI-driven predictive analytics, to truly optimize traffic flow and safety. Border inspections are crucial for maintaining national security and ensuring compliance with international trade laws. However, long wait times at border checkpoints hamper the smooth flow of goods. This remains a work in progress, with many issues to be resolved. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Maria Eugenia Calderon-Porter is assistant vice president at Texas A&M International University, and director of the Office of Global Initiatives, Binational Center, and International Language Institute. Courtesy Technology continues to play a significant role. Augmenting the automated systems in place for routine checks, using AI for identifying potential security threats, and using blockchain technology for transparent and tamper-proof documentation speed up the inspection process. Beyond this, promoting more use of the U.S. Trusted Traveler Programs could speed up the process for companies with a history of compliance. These companies benefit from expedited checks, thus encouraging others to comply with trade regulations and become more competitive. Finally, the continued and improved collaboration between the United States, Canada and Mexico can also help streamline the process. By sharing information and harmonizing procedures, inspections can be made more efficient without compromising on security. These times are also a call to action to all the great minds who find technology solutions to trade challenges. Innovators and tech entrepreneurs can create pathways that will keep logistics technology at the forefront so the supply chain industry can continue to grow. In 2020, 44.5% of Texas jobs were in counties along I-35 according to TxDOT's 2023 report. 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 ___________________ Thursday, Nov. 16 _____________________ 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 ____________________ 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 ___________________ Photo illustration: Yahoo News; photos: John Bazemore-Pool/Getty Images, Alyssa Pointer/Getty Images (2), Getty Images (3) After video of bail bondsman Scott Hall and lawyers Jenna Ellis, Kenneth Chesebro and Sidney Powell discussing the Georgia election subversion plot is published, Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis asks the court to issue a protective order to prevent further footage from being aired before trial. In New York, meanwhile, Judge Arthur Engoron makes no mention of Trump sharing a social media post calling for a citizen's arrest of Engoron and New York Attorney General Letitia James. Georgia election interference Prosecutors seek protective order after proffer footage surfaces Key players: Former Trump-aligned lawyers Jenna Ellis, Kenneth Chesebro and Sidney Powell, Georgia bail bondsman Scott Hall, former White House deputy chief of staff Dan Scavino, Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, Judge Scott McAfee Williss team filed an emergency request for a protective order Tuesday with the judge in the Georgia election subversion case in which Trump and 14 others still face felony charges, the Hill reported. The order would limit the defendants access to videotaped statements made by those who plead guilty in the case. The release of these confidential video recordings is clearly intended to intimidate witnesses in this case, subjecting them to harassment and threats prior to trial, prosecutors wrote in their motion to McAfee. On Monday, ABC News and the Washington Post published clips of Ellis, Chesebro, Powell and Hall, all of whom have pleaded guilty in order to avoid jail time, discussing the specifics of the case, including offering details that could prove incriminating against Trump. He said, The boss is not going to leave under any circumstances. We are just going to stay in power, Ellis is seen telling prosecutors in one of the segments about an exchange she had with Scavino. And I said to him, Well, it doesnt quite work that way, you realize. And he said, We dont care. Why it matters: Willis has secured plea deals with four defendants in the case so far. Their testimony will be a key part of establishing guilt for Trump and the others charged. While the videos published Monday illustrate how damaging it could be for Trump, Willis wants to keep more of it from becoming public prior to the case going to trial. New York financial fraud Trump shares post calling for citizens arrest of Engoron and James Key players: Judge Arthur Engoron, New York Attorney General Letitia James As the second day of the defenses presentation in the trial got underway in Manhattan, Engoron made no mention of a night post on Truth Social that Trump had shared Monday with his 6.4 million followers, ABC News reported. In a post titled, MY FANTASY, a user on the social network who goes by the name VonRitter wrote, I WOULD LIKE TO SEE LITITIA JAMES AND JUDGE ENGORON PLACED UNDER CITIZENS ARREST FOR BLATANT ELECTION INTERFERENCE AND HARASSMENT, The Daily Beast reported. James brought the $250 million civil lawsuit against Trump, alleging that he, his adult sons and their family business inflated the value of their assets in order to obtain favorable bank and insurance terms and defrauded the state of revenue. Engoron has already ruled that the defendants are liable for years of fraud. The trial will, in part, determine the damages to be awarded. While Engoron has imposed a gag order on Trump and his lawyers that prevents them from attacking the judges staff, he has not included attacks on himself or James in that order. Why it matters: Trump has repeatedly attacked the judges and prosecutors in the numerous criminal and civil cases against him. Spreading the citizens' arrest fantasy follows that pattern, but as George Washington University law professor Jonathan Turley made clear, acting on that idea would likely be illegal. Just in case anyone is taking such a statement as more than a fantasy, there is no basis for a citizens arrest and such an effort to physically hold either the judge or the attorney general would most certainly constitute a criminal act, he wrote on X, Salon reported. ___________________ Monday, Nov. 13 ___________________ 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. The preface of Target 90, a 1983 San Antonio report envisioning the citys future, boldly proclaimed, Spirit of San Antonio Sets Tone for International Discussions. This headline, used for a fictional article showing what could be, encapsulated the collective ambition ignited by then-Mayor Henry Cisneros. It vividly illustrated what Target 90 could represent for the region a beacon of progress and innovation. In a similar vein, in 2010, then-Mayor Julian Castro launched SA2020, a transformative initiative aiming to make San Antonio the healthiest city in the nation, with access to quality education and economic opportunities for all by 2020. Target 90 and SA2020 shared a common thread they delved into the future of jobs and skills, attempting to foresee how these crucial aspects of life in San Antonio would evolve over the coming decade. As we reflect on these visionary plans, we can discern the remarkable progress and transformation that San Antonio has undergone in pursuit of these goals. However, it is also increasingly evident the policy frameworks outlined in these plans have faced formidable challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic and the rapid advances of the information age. These disruptions will change the urban landscape, significantly affecting how we live, work and play. A cyber Security Operation Center simulation at the San Antonio Museum of Science and Technologies at Port San Antonio, where massive job growth has been seen in the last two years. Bob Owen/Staff photographer Just as San Antonio has done, the Rio Grande Valley, Laredo and Corpus Christi also have set ambitious economic goals. They are key parts of the South Texas Triangle, a region home to millions of people that extends into northern Mexico and is integral to Texas economy and future. These cities have driven the South Texas region to evolve, harnessing strengths in border trade, manufacturing, agriculture and energy. When discussing the South Texas Triangle, its imperative to acknowledge that the international discussions envisioned by Target 90 are alive and well, giving rise to an economic mega-region that has thrived thanks to its proximity to Mexico and access to the Gulf Coast. This interaction between neighboring regions further underscores the ongoing evolution of the South Texas Triangle and its economic potential. During the 1980s and 1990s, South Texas, especially San Antonio, had a diverse economy marked by a significant presence in the oil and energy sector, although it faced challenges due to the crash in oil prices. Manufacturing, including automotive, electronics and aerospace industries, played a crucial role in diversifying the economy, as did the military presence, cross-border trade, health care, tourism and agriculture. The early 2000s saw rapid adoption of technology, leading to job opportunities in software development, cybersecurity and IT, bolstered by San Antonios military hub status. The health care sector also expanded through technology integration, while e-commerce and logistics further diversified the local economy, making San Antonio adaptable and resilient. However, despite significant economic progress in San Antonio and the broader South Texas region, we grapple with an array of challenges, notably persistent job scarcity, income disparities and stark economic segregation. These sobering realities were brought into sharp focus during the height of the pandemic when an iconic image, captured by San Antonio Express-News photographer William Luther, went viral worldwide and garnered mainstream media attention. The image depicted an unending line of cars snaking their way through a San Antonio Food Bank distribution at Traders Village on the far West Side, a heart-wrenching scene that portrayed San Antonio as the epicenter of economic hardship in South-Central Texas, where thousands had lost their livelihoods, especially in sectors like the hospitality industry, and oil and gas. While the Food Banks efforts were rightly celebrated, it was disheartening to witness San Antonios portrayal in the mainstream media primarily focused on food insecurity and job shortages casting a shadow over its immense economic potential. Furthermore, San Antonios unsettling distinction as one of the most economically segregated cities in the United States, as underscored by recent nationwide studies, including the Pew Research Center's Rise of Residential Segregation by Income, raises urgent questions about the measures and initiatives needed to bridge these deeply entrenched divides. It was an image that was seen around the world. A seemingly endless line of cars formed in April of 2020 for a Food Bank distribution during the uncertain early days of the COVID pandemic. The Food Bank's response was valiant, but the image showed the economic insecurity in San Antonio and South Texas. William Luther/Staff When considering the future of work in San Antonio and South Texas, its crucial to acknowledge their remarkable growth trends and astonishing projections. U.S. census data indicate that Bexar County is on track to add 1.1 million new residents by 2040, bringing the regions total population to about 3.8 million. This demographic surge is a key driver of the ever-evolving employment landscape in the region. Rather than becoming overwhelmed, these statistics should serve as a call to action, motivating proactive efforts to address wealth disparity in our city and region. Its time to act. San Antonios steady economic expansion and its status as one of the nations fastest-growing cities have placed it under the spotlight. In the Opinion series San Antonio Forward, a host of guest writers have examined the challenges and opportunities ahead for San Antonio and the greater South Texas region that extends to Northern Mexico, a region we have dubbed the South Texas Triangle. Many of these writers have advocated for a renewed focus to the south to unlock the full potential of San Antonio. The commentaries have highlighted economic and demographic trends, as well as infrastructure needs, and interpreted the implications of these changes and policies. Advertisement Article continues below this ad There are two tales of any city: the statistical and the impressionistic. The latter is the perception each individual, visitor or resident has of a particular city. When statistical evidence challenges an individuals impression, it can be surprising, yet both perspectives are valuable. In narrating the story of San Antonio, we must reconcile the statistical data, such as high poverty rates and economic inequality, with the rich, personal impressions of residents and visitors. Both in numbers and impressions, San Antonios future is exciting. In part, because as we turn our attention to the South Texas Triangle, we uncover a distinctive opportunity to enhance regional collaboration. A recent book, Peter Zeihans The End of the World is Just the Beginning, about shifts in global paradigms, highlights the Texas-Mexico axis due to its many regional advantages; it merges the technological sophistication of Japan with the wage variation of China, and the integration seen in Germany with its neighbors all within the footprint of the worlds largest consumption market. Moreover, just south of the border, Nuevo Leon has emerged as Mexicos nearshoring champion, capturing 76% of all foreign investments in the country. As production ramps up in Mexico, traffic flows through Port Laredo, the globes busiest inland port, coursing northward along Interstate 35 through San Antonio, and then to the rest of the United States and Canada. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Yet this growth introduces challenges for cities along I-35 as supply chain activity leads to congestion and environmental concerns. Addressing these issues through I-35 infrastructure modernization is essential for sustained development. Innovate to build resilience Innovation and technology will not only accelerate growth, it will also challenge our resilience. The last decades rapid digitization underscores the urgent need for digital literacy and high-speed internet access across South Texas. For this reason, San Antonio and cities in the region need to be proactive in preparing for the future of work by attracting new enterprises, equipping the workforce with necessary skills for Industry 4.0, and fostering continued regional collaboration to advance our competitive edge. For instance, San Antonios proactive leadership is evident in initiatives such as the South Texas Alliance of Cities and collaborations with universities in Monterrey, Mexico. A recent visit by a San Antonio delegation sparked programs such as a joint cybersecurity masters degree with the University of Texas at San Antonio and TEC de Monterrey, and a nursing pathway with Alamo Colleges District and Tecmilenio, boosting the upskilling of health care workers in Latin America. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Collaborations between public, private and academic sectors have fueled the worlds most successful economic stories. Silicon Valley, Finland and Singapore, for example, have achieved exceptional rates of innovation by organizing these industries to tackle local economic, social and environmental issues. Why not the South Texas Triangle? Alongside these collaborative efforts, its crucial to recognize the demographic shifts and entrepreneurial spirit fueling our regions expansion. South Texas has experienced population and employment growth. But despite the vital role of Latinos in the region, social inequality remains pervasive. Nevertheless, Latinos have notably led business creation over the past 12 years, outpacing other groups and substantially boosting their wealth. Also, as we anticipate more than 1 million Latino college graduates nationally in the next decade, our cities must ensure the infrastructure is in place to capture this burgeoning workforce's potential. As a result, supporting Latino entrepreneurs is key to advancing innovation and economic growth in the region. This entrepreneurial spirit is echoed in the regional initiatives that Geekdom and Alamo Angels are advancing, which are pivotal in harnessing and nurturing underdeveloped talent. Embracing challenges Advertisement Article continues below this ad As we look toward a future where the city of San Antonios population exceeds 2 million, the challenges of infrastructure, energy, water and food security loom large, intensified by climate trends. The potential for transitioning to clean energy within the South Texas region is immense, offering a beacon of hope and innovation. However, these topics are vast and complex, deserving a deeper exploration than what we can accommodate in the limited scope of this series. The intricate tapestry of issues weve begun to unravel here beckons further discussion, a journey of discovery that goes beyond the confines of this series. As we reach the conclusion of San Antonio Forward, let us pause, not because the conversation ends but because it is just beginning. Stay engaged, for there is much more to explore and the future of our region depends on the continuation of this vital dialogue. In 2020, people lined up at Traders Village for a mass food distribution from San Antonio Food Bank as the need for emergency food aid exploded due to the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown. While San Antonio is one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation and key to the future of South Texas, economic inequality remains a challenge. William Luther/Staff Advertisement Article continues below this ad The San Antonio Forward series has shed light on the dynamic growth and challenges facing our region. Through our exploration of San Antonios economic expansion, demographic shifts and infrastructure challenges, weve uncovered the immense potential and pressing needs of the South Texas Triangle. Now is the time to turn words into action. The Better Futures Institute, a new think tank advancing technological innovation and civic engagement, is leading this initiative, but our success hinges on your participation. We invite you to participate in our workshops that address key issues from the series, partner with us on research or engage in our STEAM internship program, a direct response to the urgent need for skilled professionals in our rapidly evolving jobs landscape. Your involvement is crucial in shaping the future of the South Texas Triangle. Together, lets build on the insights gained and forge a path toward sustainable, inclusive cities. Alberto Gomez Huskin Photo House Speaker Dade Phelan, r, speaks with Rep. Ken King, R-Canadian, early in the House session on November 17, 2023. Bob Daemmrich Spectators in the House gallery await debate on HB1 the school voucher bill lust before noon on November 17, 2023. Bob Daemmrich Rep. Gene Wu, D-Houston, whispers into the ear of Rep. Joe Moody, D-El Paso, during a point of order on HB2 in the Texas House on Friday. The chamber was debating other bills before taking up HB1 school vouchers. Bob Daemmrich during debate on Bob Daemmrich Rep. Ken King, R-Canadian, listens during debate of HB2 on Friday in the Texas House. Bob Daemmrich House Speaker Dade Phelan surveys the chamber during debate on HB2 on November 17, 2023. Bob Daemmrich Spectators in the House gallery await debate on HB1 the school voucher bill lust before noon on November 17, 2023. Bob Daemmrich A fourth-grade dual language student raises his hand during class last month at Patterson Elementary School in Houston. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer For the first time since 2005, the Texas House will vote on whether to pass a bill creating a private school voucher program in the state. Though its not yet Thanksgiving, the bill has turned into a Christmas tree: In an effort to get the measure through the chamber, which historically has rejected voucher proposals, it has turned into a multibillion-dollar omnibus bill that includes dozens of other education policies including increased funds for fine arts classes, a teacher residency program, merit-based teacher pay and revamping the A-F scoring system for public schools. Advertisement Article continues below this ad But the most controversial portion of the bill is a program for Texas parents to receive state funds to enroll their children in private schools. How would it work? The program creates education savings accounts that families can access for use on education-related expenses, including private school tuition, tutoring and transportation, among others. The accounts would offer each child 75 percent of the average amount of state per-student spending between $10,000 and $11,000 each year. Public school students are not eligible for these funds only those who opt into private school or are already attending. Homeschoolers also could access the funds, although their accounts would be limited to $1,000 per year. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Supporters like Gov. Greg Abbott, who has pushed hard for the bill, say the spending is necessary to empower parents who may not be able to afford private school tuition. They also point to research that shows increased competition within the states education system would lead to better performance at existing public schools. How much would this cost the state? State lawmakers set aside an initial amount of $500 million in the budget. The sum would cover fewer than 50,000 students, well below 1 percent of the more than 6 million K-12 students in the state. Rather than setting in law a specific number of available spots, Abbott has pushed instead for the program to be capped by the amount of available funding, which can change. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In years when the Legislature is not scheduled to meet for its biennial session, the Legislative Budget Board made up of eight high-ranking legislators, the House speaker and the lieutenant governor has the power to move money between state agencies or programs, with the governors consent. Theres no limit on this process. The nonpartisan budget boards financial analysis of the bill projects demand for the program to be far higher than the initial amount of funding available. For instance, there are more than 250,000 students already in private schools in Texas who could apply for the funds immediately. In the first year, the Texas Education Agency estimated that 25,000 students would leave public schools to attend private ones through the program. Public schools are funded based on attendance, so every departing student represents a budget hit of about $10,000 on average. Although the program is budgeted for $500 million initially, the fiscal analysis projected the cost could grow to greater than $2 billion per year within five years. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Democrats and some rural Republicans have long opposed vouchers, fearful that the program will funnel money from public school districts that serve all students to private institutions that can pick and choose who they accept. Who qualifies? In short, everyone. If a child is eligible to attend a K-12 Texas public school, theyre eligible to apply for the program. Other states, such as Florida or Arizona, started with more limited programs where students with special needs, those in struggling schools or those from low-income families received vouchers first. Then, those states expanded eligibility over time. Texas is instead opting for universal eligibility, although students with disabilities or from families with incomes below 185 percent of the federal poverty line would receive priority before students from wealthier families or those who already are enrolled in private schools. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The bill does not require that a certain number of spots be filled by the more vulnerable populations, however. Key developments of Nov. 16: Zelensky meets new UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron Death toll of Donetsk Oblast attack rises to 4 Ukraine's secret 'Black Box' project revealed to be long-range attack drones Russian attack damages thermal power plant fourth time Air Force: Ukraine downs 16 out of 18 Russian attack drones launched overnight President Volodymyr Zelensky met with newly-appointed U.K. Foreign Secretary David Cameron in Kyiv, Zelensky announced on Nov. 16. Zelensky congratulated Cameron, who was appointed on Nov. 13, and thanked him for making Kyiv the destination of his first working trip. "We are grateful for the United Kingdom's unwavering support for Ukraine. We are grateful for the warm welcome of Ukrainian citizens in the UK. And we are glad that you have come to Ukraine," Zelensky said. Cameron told Zelensky that although he "had some disagreements" with Boris Johnson, who was U.K. Prime Minister between 2019 and 2022, "his support for you was the finest thing." "We will continue to give you the moral support, the diplomatic support, the economic support, but above all the military support that you need, not just for this year and next year, but for however long it takes," Cameron said. "I admire the strength and determination of the Ukrainian people." The two discussed defense cooperation, strengthening Ukraine's air defense, the security situation in the Black Sea, and Ukraine's progress toward NATO membership, Zelensky said. Cameron was U.K. Prime Minister between 2010 and 2016, and is no longer a member of parliament. Upon his appointment as Foreign Secretary, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak made Cameron a life peer, meaning he will have a permanent seat in the House of Lords, the upper chamber of the U.K. parliament. Read also: Not backing Ukraine is disastrous for Slovak security, says former defense minister Death toll of Selydove attack rises to 4 More bodies have been found by emergency workers at the site of a Russian missile attack on the city of Selydove, bringing the death toll to four, the State Emergency Service reported on Nov. 16. Russian forces launched a missile attack on the night of Nov. 15 on Selydove, which is located around 30 kilometers west of Avdiivka in Donetsk Oblast. A four-story apartment building was hit in the strike. Initial reports said that one person had been killed and two had been injured, but more bodies were lying under the rubble. The number of injured civilians has since been revised to three. The State Emergency Service said that as of the morning of Nov. 16, emergency responders are still working at the scene. Selydove had a pre-war population of around 21,000 residents. Read also: As Bakhmut counteroffensive lags, soldiers burnt out from horrors of war Ukraine's secret 'Black Box' project revealed to be long-range attack drone The Ukrainian secret military technology project "Black Box," was shown to be a long-range attack drone, named the "Beaver," that can fly up to 800 kilometers, Ukraine's military charity Come Back Alive announced on Nov. 16. The Black Box project is a collaborative effort of Ukraine's military intelligence (HUR), the Come Back Alive fund, and Ukrainian blogger Ihor Lachenkov. Details of the project were kept secret until the Nov. 16 announcement, although the military intelligence, had hinted about what it might be in the past. The fund's Nov. 16 announcement said that in the first eight months of 2023, the Beaver, along with other Black Box components, had caused more than $900 million in damages to Russian forces, attacking them in Crimea and other parts of occupied Ukraine, as well as in Russia. The Beaver drone is only one of the components of the Black Box project. The Beaver has struck a variety of critical targets, including Russian missile production and storage facilities, the announcement said. Come Back Alive was founded in 2014 to provide assistance and funding for Ukraine's military. As of September 2023, it has raised over $249 million, according to its website. Hr 15 million ($414,000) had been raised to buy vehicles that would help Ukrainian special forces get closer to occupied parts of Ukraine, as well as Russian territory, in order to increase the range of potential future attacks using the Beaver. There have been numerous Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian territory since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, including in Moscow and other locations hundreds of kilometers from the Ukrainian border. Moscow usually blames Ukraine, while Kyiv rarely takes direct responsibility for strikes on Russian soil. Read also: How Russias homegrown Lancet drone became so feared in Ukraine Russian attack damages thermal power plant for fourth time A Russian overnight attack damaged a thermal power plant in one of Ukraine's front-line regions, Ukraine's largest private energy company DTEK said on Nov. 16. This is reportedly the fourth time the DTEK plant has been damaged as a result of shelling. DTEK did not reveal the exact location of the facility. There were no casualties, but "equipment was seriously damaged" and nearby residents were cut off from electricity and water during the night. Power has since returned, but first responders are still trying to reconnect the water supply. DTEK "continues to do everything possible to maintain the reliable operation of the Ukrainian energy system" amid ongoing Russian attacks, the company said. As Ukraine braces for an uptick in Russian strikes against the energy grid during winter, preparations are being made to mitigate the damage and defend critical infrastructure. President Volodymyr Zelensky approved a plan on Nov. 7 by the National Security and Defense Council to stabilize Ukraine's energy sector in preparation for the coming winter months. Andrii Cherniak, a representative of Ukraine's military intelligence, told Ukrainian media outlet Liga on Nov.14 that Russia's special services were actively gathering information, including attempting to recruit collaborators, in order to better strike Ukraine's energy infrastructure this coming winter. Read also: With winter approaching, is Ukraines energy system ready for renewed Russian attacks? Air Force: Ukraine downs 16 out of 18 Russian attack drones launched overnight Ukrainian forces shot down 16 of the 18 Shahed "kamikaze" drones and one missile launched by Russia overnight, the Air Force reported on Nov. 16. The Kh-59 missile was downed on the evening of Nov. 15 over Poltava Oblast. Russia also attacked civilian infrastructure in Kharkiv Oblast with S-300 anti-aircraft missiles, but no victims were reported, according to the Air Force. Kharkiv Oblast Governor Oleh Syniehubov said that an educational building and a residential building were damaged by a S-300 strike on the city of Chuhuiv at around midnight. Also on Nov. 16, Russian attacked the town of Bilozerka in Kherson Oblast, killing one man and injuring four other people, regional Governor Oleksandr Prokudin reported. Rescue workers found the man's body under the rubble of a house. The four people injured, three women aged 28, 34, and 56, and a 62-year-old man, were taken to a hospital for treatment, Prokudin said. It is unknown at the time of this publication if there were other casualties or what the extent of the damage was. Prokudin did not specify what type of weapon was used in the attack. Bilozerka, with a pre-war population of under 10,000, lies around 10 kilometers west of Kherson on the Ukrainian-held western bank of the Dnipro River. The area suffers regular attacks from the Russian-controlled eastern bank. A 50-year-old woman was killed by Russian attacks in Bilozerka on Nov. 9. Read also: Under deadly attacks, Kherson fights to keep life going 1 year after liberation Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Ukraine's president posted pictures of Ukrainian marines, saying they were moving forward on the left bank of the Dnipro Ukrainian forces say they have secured several positions on the Russian-occupied eastern bank of the Dnipro river, and their leaders have been keen to talk up their progress. The marines have spoken of gaining a foothold on "several bridgeheads" on the left bank, as they try to push the Russians back in a bid to protect civilians on the opposite side of the river from constant Russian shelling. "Thank you for your strength, for moving forward," President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on social media on Friday, alongside pictures of marines arriving in small boats. The few hundred soldiers are outnumbered and surrounded in three directions, yet have managed to dig in for the best part of a month. This isn't the thousands needed to potentially liberate swathes of territory which Kyiv so desperately wants to do. The front line has barely moved for a year and Ukraine finds itself in a tricky cycle. It needs Western help to deliver battlefield progress, but it also needs battlefield progress to convince western helpers. General Valery Zaluzhny, the head of Ukraine's armed forces, has described the situation as a stalemate and says a number of innovations are needed to break it. President Zelensky has dismissed his view, and believes Ukraine can still be victorious. Their argument has fuelled political fatigue among some of Ukraine's Western allies. The south is one area where the mood is high. A year ago, the southern Kherson region was seen as the least likely place for Ukraine to mount its counter-offensive. For the Russians, there is no better defensive line than a huge body of water like the Dnipro river. It separates the third of the region liberated last year from the two-thirds still under occupation. Map showing territorial control around Kherson and the village of Krynky Ukrainian armoured vehicles have advanced 4km (2.5 miles) and Kyiv is framing these inroads as the start of something bigger. "We are motivated by our families and we get decent financial support," one special forces fighter told the BBC. The reality is there are simply not enough boots on the ground yet to justify Kyiv's hopes for a breakthrough there. In the south-east, Ukrainian troops have thrown everything at trying to retake territory there, but have only liberated a handful of villages. "Fatigue is the main thing, and it kills any motivation," explains a soldier with a mortar crew in the Zaporizhzhia region. He's fighting with the 46th brigade in an area where Russian defences are at their strongest. "We've killed many Russians, but lost no fewer," says the soldier. "Anyone who complained was removed from their position." During the summer, this part of the front line was seen as the best place for Ukraine to try to break the land corridor Russia occupies in two. Now, Western officials think neither side can mount a land offensive "in the near future". As far as they're concerned, it's a stalemate. The soldier in the 46th Brigade believes next year will be difficult, but decisive: "It is impossible to fight forever. Hatred is soon replaced by apathy." A Ukrainian soldier watches over a position on the Dnipro river, where raids by Kyiv's forces have been intensifying in recent weeks It is on the eastern axis that Russian forces have been pushing hardest, and it is the city of Avdiivka that best reflects the state of this war. It was briefly occupied in 2014 before being liberated, and the Russians have been trying to get it back since. Ukraine has recently been repelling wave after wave of attacks, partly helped by the heavy fortifications it has built over the past nine years. Western officials say Russia is suffering 500-1,000 casualties a day there. "Our commanders and fighters have studied every hill and every road," says Ivan from Ukraine's 110 Brigade. He's been serving there since March 2022. Avdiivka's strategic value is questionable, but clearly Kyiv thinks it's inflicting a significant enough number of losses compared to its own. The mood can be described as "fatigue, rage and desire to expel evil", explains Ivan. "It's tiredness from the constant threat to your life, not from the front line not moving. Ivan from 110 Brigade speaks of a mood of fatigue from the constant threat from Russian forces In the north-east, more than 250km (155 miles) to the north, the city of Kupiansk was occupied for most of last year until Ukraine's counter-offensive last autumn. As an important railway hub, Kupiansk has strategic value and during this war both sides have used it to supply the front lines. Civilians were urged to leave in August because of constant shelling as Russia tried to take it back. Denys is at the very sharpest edge of the fighting and after months on the front line he has had enough, complaining that his commanders do not listen to advice. "They emphasise aviation and artillery, but we need the latest technologies, like drones," he says. He believes Nato, which Ukraine desperately wants to join, needs to learn lessons from this very modern war. Mines are one of the biggest challenges for Ukrainian troops across the frontline. "The Russians have machines that can mine an area of tens of kilometres per day," explains Denys. "They use anti-personnel mines, anti-tank mines, they lay three mines, one under the other." Another hurdle has been the quality of Russian defences, which Denys describes as "underground cities". From his position, as a rank-and-file soldier on the front line, Denys has seen a horrifying human cost on his own side of the incremental breakthroughs in recapturing territory. "The commander throws anyone - cooks or drivers - into the furnace. They simply die there in their hundreds." "Those commanders will have to be arrested and tried after the war," he says. These soldiers on Ukraine's front lines reflect the war of attrition this invasion has become. With its size and resources, that suits Russia. What Kyiv is also having to grapple with, is sharing the spotlight with another conflict: the Israel-Hamas war. President Zelensky has admitted it makes Ukraine's fight all the more difficult, with the risk of Western attention and aid being diluted. Additional reporting by Anastasiia Levchenko and Hanna Tsyba. On the evening of 17 November, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that the Armed Forces of Ukraine continue to consolidate their positions on the left bank of Dnipro river on the Kherson front. In addition, it was reported that six Russian attacks were repelled in this area. Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook, information as of 18:00 on 17 November Quote: "Thanks to the courage and professionalism of Ukrainian marines in cooperation with other units of the Armed Forces, it was possible to gain a foothold on several bridgeheads on the left bank of Dnipro river on the Kherson front. The Defence Forces continued to consolidate captured positions, repelled six enemy attacks, and are taking measures to expand the established bridgehead." Details: A total of 53 combat clashes took place at the front line during the day. In total, the Russians carried out 1 missile- and 24 airstrikes, as well as 18 attacks from multiple-launch missile systems. The Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine inflicted 10 strikes on the clusters of Russian personnel and two on their anti-aircraft missile systems. Units of Rocket Forces and Artillery targeted three clusters of Russian personnel, weapons and military equipment, as well as six artillery pieces, one air defence system, one command point and one ammunition storage point. Details: On the Kupiansk front, the Russians unsuccessfully conducted assault actions in the areas of Synkivka, Petropavlivka and Ivanivka, Kharkiv Oblast. They also inflicted an airstrike in the vicinity of Kupiansk, Kharkiv Oblast. On the Lyman front, the Russians did not conduct offensive (assault) actions. About 10 settlements suffered from artillery and mortar attacks. On the Bakhmut front, the Russians conducted assault operations in the areas of Vasiukivka, Klischiivka and Andriivka of Donetsk Oblast, where nine attacks were repelled by the Defence Forces. On the Avdiivka front, the Russians conducted unsuccessful assault actions in and around Keramik, east of Novobakhmutivka, Stepove, Avdiivka and south of Tonenke, Donetsk Oblast, where the Defence Forces repelled 17 attacks. On the Marinka front, the Russian forces conducted unsuccessful assault actions in the areas of Marinka and Novomykhailivka, Donetsk Oblast, where the Defence Forces repelled 18 attacks. On the Shakhtarsk front, the Russians conducted unsuccessful assault operations south of Vodiane, Donetsk Oblast. On the Zaporizhzhia front, the Russians conducted unsuccessful assault actions in and around Robotyne and west of Verbove, Zaporizhzhia Oblast, where Ukrainian defenders repelled three attacks. At the same time, Ukraines Defence Forces are continuing to pursue the offensive on the Melitopol front and to carry out offensive operations on the Bakhmut front, inflicting casualties on the Russian forces in manpower and equipment, exhausting them along the entire front line. Support UP or become our patron! FILE PHOTO: Logo of DTEK company is seen on building of business centre in Kiev FILE PHOTO: Logo of DTEK company is seen on building of business centre in Kiev (This Nov. 17 story has been corrected to rectify the size of the DTEK power fleet in paragraph 8, and the spelling of 'Kyiv' in paragraph 17) By Marek Strzelecki WARSAW (Reuters) - Ukraine's largest private energy company DTEK is ready for another winter and Russian attacks, but its power plants need more missile defence systems to operate safely, Chief Executive Officer Maxim Timchenko told Reuters. Since Russia's February 2022 invasion, Europe, including members of the Soviet Union and the ex-Communist bloc, have supplied hundreds of transformers, miles of cables and thousands of diesel generators needed to light and heat the country in winter, when temperatures fall well below freezing. But the experience of the past 12 months has prompted Ukraine to seek more air defence systems to protect its critical infrastructure. "We need more Patriots, more IRIS systems. We cannot protect ourselves against ballistic missiles if we don't have air defence systems," Timchenko told Reuters in an interview in Warsaw. "I know that our president and our government have been doing everything that they can to bring the message that we need this equipment to protect our energy system." In the first 10 months of this year DTEKs power plants produced enough electricity to meet the demand of around 4.1 million households. Every one of DTEK's 13 power stations has come under fire from Russia, which has launched sustained attacks on the country's power grid. In recent weeks alone, Russia has attacked Ukrainian energy infrastructure with different weapons 60 times. In total, 13 of DTEK's power units, with total capacity of 2.3 gigawatts, have been damaged, destroyed, or occupied, causing blackouts, Timchenko said. Since April, DTEK has managed to bring back eight out of 13 power units, two are under repair, while two coal-fired plants that were mothballed are also set to work during the winter. The company will have brought all of its lost capacity back into operation, Timchenko said. DTEK has also secured enough coal and gas to feed its power plants, including 280,000 metric tons of coal from Poland, which could be increased to as much as 400,000 tons. "Coal from Poland is more expensive than the fuel that could be sourced in Amsterdam but it's definitely less expensive than in Ukraine," he added. BETTING ON LNGDTEK, the largest private gas producer in the country, last year produced 2 billion cubic metres of gas, or about 10% of Ukraine's total consumption. Gas usage has fallen by 30-35% since the start of the war, but the company has managed production to maintain a balance between supply and demand, Timchenko said. The company's trading arm, D.Trading is now exploring opportunities in the liquefied gas trading business, betting on expectations that LNG will play a crucial market role after Europe reduced supplies of pipeline gas from Russia. Last summer, several traders opted for storing gas in Ukraine to profit from the summer-winter spread. In September, spot gas in the TTF Dutch gas futures market traded at about 30 euros ($32.96) per megawatt-hour, while forward prices for the first quarter of 2024 stood at 49 euros. The move was a sign that the trading community had trust in Ukraine, Timchenko said. Stored gas can only be treated as a contingency reserve in case of destruction of infrastructure and, as of today, Ukraine has met its entire winter demand with gas produced in the country. Meanwhile, D.Trading is expanding in Europe. The company is trading energy from Kyiv, Zagreb, Poland, Switzerland and Amsterdam and is now looking to develop transition products, such as emissions trading, Timchenko said. "I think that we've doubled our trading team over the past 12 months, we have about 100 people working in trading and analytics today," Timchenko said. GRID SYNCHRONISATION DTEK is also working with the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSOE) to expand power transit capacity with neighbouring grids in Europe. At present, transmission lines allow Ukraine to export as much as 2,000 megawatts of power daily, but in practice exports are usually only around 350-400 megawatts, due in part to insufficient connections and regulatory issues. Imports amount to about 1.3 gigawatts. Regulation guiding joint auctions for power capacity at its borders is needed, Timchenko said. "We hope that it can be done during the next year," he added. (Reporting by Marek Strzelecki; Editing by Sharon Singleton, Kirsten Donovan) Attorney General Ken Paxton reads a statement at his office in Austin on May 26, 2023, ahead of his impeachment by the Texas House. Eric Gay/Associated Press Lawyers for Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sought to convince an appeals court Wednesday to dismiss an effort to sanction the states top lawyer for his attempts to overturn the 2020 presidential election. Principal Deputy Solicitor General Lanora Pettit argued the complaint by the State Bar of Texas is an attempt to control the attorney generals decisions going forward about what types of lawsuits to file and what types of legal theories to pursue. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The bar lawsuit accuses Paxton of violating its rules of professional conduct by including false and misleading statements in a petition before the U.S. Supreme Court seeking to toss election results in four battleground states. His petition, which ultimately was thrown out, contained voter fraud allegations that were not supported by evidence or already had been litigated and dismissed in other courts, according to the complaint. The bar complaint also alleged the four battleground states that Texas sued Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin were unfairly forced to spend time, money and other resources responding to Paxtons claims. Michael G. Graham, a lawyer with the bars Office of Chief Disciplinary Counsel, said on Wednesday the case had nothing to do with politics or anything else. Its everything to do with whether an attorney is engaged in professional misconduct, he said. A three-judge panel of the Dallas court who heard the case against Paxton consisting of Democratic Justices Erin A. Nowell and Nancy Kennedy and Republican Justice Emily Miskel said they would issue their decision at a later date. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The outcome could test the bars ability to sanction elected officials and is one of several misconduct suits it filed against Texas lawyers who fought the 2020 presidential election results. Also in the crosshairs are Paxtons second-in-command, Brent Webster, and Dallas attorney Sidney Powell, who recently pleaded guilty over efforts to overturn Donald Trumps loss in Georgia. A state district court judge ruled against Paxton in January, and the third-term Republican quickly appealed to the 5th Court of Appeals in Dallas. His law license is potentially at stake, though the state constitution does not require the attorney general to be licensed to practice law. Paxton did not appear in the courtroom Wednesday. Paxtons lawyers say he is protected by sovereign immunity, the legal principle that generally shields public officials from lawsuits. Advertisement Article continues below this ad They also argue it would violate the separation of powers doctrine for the Texas courts to police what they say was an executive branch decision. Paxton was within his right as an attorney to raise legal questions in good faith, they say. In court on Wednesday, Nowell questioned Pettits claim that if the case is allowed to proceed there will be a raft of these types of complaints anytime there is a politically charged lawsuit, which is every day. Thats a big leap from, Hey, they filed this, and so now theyre going to control it going forward, she said. Pettit disagreed, saying the point of a disciplinary action is to prevent the recurrence in the future. Graham noted Paxton has been attorney general for nearly a decade and no such thing has happened yet. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Nowell pointed out that a state appellate court in El Paso heard similar arguments from the attorney generals office related to the misconduct suit against Webster and sided with the state bar. She acknowledged, however, that the ruling is not precedent for the Dallas court, which has jurisdiction over a different region. Paxtons attorneys also have accused the bar of filing the suit over political differences. Certain statements that the bar found to be dishonest were just shorthand for the Commissions objections to the Attorney Generals assessment of the facts, evidence, and law at the time he initiated the lawsuit, Paxtons attorneys argue in court filings. Miskel seemed to be moved by that argument Wednesday, pointing to an original grievance that triggered the bar suit. You say it has nothing to do with politics, but Im looking at the underlying grievance: They use the word Trump nine times in the first seven paragraphs, she said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Graham said he couldnt speak to the people who file grievances and have their own perspective. He said the commission reviewed more than 90 complaints against Paxton, dismissed most and ultimately determined there was professional misconduct. Miskel raised a hypothetical of whether she could lose her law license for making legal conclusions as a judge that some might consider dishonest or misrepresentation. Graham disagreed she would be at risk. Miskel said she wanted to press him more on that point, but his time had expired. Paxton has publicly attacked the bar as controlled by leftists who want to bully him. Last summer, he went as far as to ban his offices lawyers from speaking at any events organized by the bar. Paxtons appeal was supposed to be heard in September, but he successfully argued that it should be postponed until the end of his impeachment proceedings, which ended in his acquittal. Pettit took over the case just weeks after Solicitor General Judd Stone and Chris Hilton, the former chief of general litigation, abruptly departed their positions last month after taking leave to defend Paxton in his Senate impeachment trial. Webster faces a nearly identical suit by the bar, which was allowed to move forward this year by the El Paso appellate court after a district court initially dismissed it. Webster, now the first assistant attorney general, has appealed to the Texas Supreme Court. The bar disciplinary committee also went after Powell, who joined Trumps legal team after his 2020 presidential election loss, brought a number of unsuccessful lawsuits aiming to overturn the results and spread conspiracy theories about it. For example, she falsely claimed that Dominion Voting Systems machines used software created at the direction of former Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez to rig elections. State District Judge Andrea Bouressa of Collin County threw out the bars suit against Powell in February over numerous defects in the way bar attorneys made the filing, and in May refused the bars request to reconsider her decision. The bar appealed to the 5th Court of Appeals, the same one hearing the Paxton disciplinary case appeal Wednesday. Earlier this month, a coalition of lawyers sent a letter to the state bar, urging the organization that oversees state lawyers to suspend or disbar Powell after she pleaded guilty last month in a Georgia election interference case. In that case, she agreed to a plea deal involving six years of probation, fines and the requirement she write an apology letter to the state and its residents. The state bar can automatically issue discipline if an attorney has been put on probation and if the crime is a misdemeanor involving theft, as the lawyers who wrote the letter characterized Powells case. Migrants walk to a U.S. Border Patrol processing area under International Bridge II in Eagle Pass, Texas, Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023. A surge of migrants crossing the Rio Grande into the U.S. continued Thursday. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News John Moore/Getty Images Migrants make their way around concertina wire after reaching the U.S. side of the Texas-Mexico border seeking asylum on the last day of Title 42, Thursday, May 11, 2023. Groups of migrants crossed the Rio Grande between Matamoros, Mexico and Brownsville, Texas, an area fortified with Texas Department of Public Safety troopers and Texas National Guard under orders from Gov. Greg Abbott. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News A Texas Department of Public Safety trooper guards detained migrants south of Eagle Pass, Texas, Monday, Aug. 7, 2023. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News -- STANDALONE PHOTO FOR USE AS DESIRED WITH YEAREND REVIEWS -- Migrants wait to be processed by U.S. Border Patrol agents as a dust storm descends on the area just before Title 42 was set to expire in El Paso, Texas, May 11, 2023. (Ivan Pierre Aguirre/The New York Times) IVAN PIERRE AGUIRRE/NYT WASHINGTON Texas Republicans are increasingly sounding the alarm about the possibility of terrorists crossing the southern border, pointing to record apprehensions over the last year of individuals flagged in a federal watchlist, even as experts say the prospect is highly unlikely. Members of Congress have hammered away at the possibility in the weeks after the Hamas attack in Israel. U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul, an Austin Republican who chairs the House Foreign Affairs Committee, called the apprehensions of those on the FBI's watchlist "alarming" during a congressional hearing this week. "It only took 19 to create 9/11," McCaul said. The former federal prosecutor, who has also led the House Homeland Security Committee, pressed FBI Director Christopher Wray to provide more information on the individuals who have been stopped: "Is Hamas on the list?" Advertisement Article continues below this ad Texas Republicans say there are fresh reasons for concern, including the recent arrest of a 20-year-old Houston man from Jordan who is accused of posting online about killing Jewish people. U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz and John Cornyn on Thursday sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas raising questions about the incident. Federal officials charged Sohaib Abuayyash, who was living in the U.S. on an expired visa, with unlawfully possessing a firearm. Wray, the FBI director, has testified that Abuayyash was accused of researching bombs and making online posts in support of killing Jews. Experts say the chances of someone with ties to Hamas or other terrorist groups entering the country are exceedingly slim, and the rise in apprehensions of those on the watchlist speaks more to the rise in border crossings generally than anything else. Border Patrol reported stopping 169 individuals on the FBI terror watchlist between ports of entry at the southern border from September 2022 to September 2023. The agency apprehended 2.4 million migrants during that time. The Department of Homeland Security has also warned that terrorists "may exploit the elevated flow" of migration as millions of asylum seekers arrive at the border, though the director of the National Counterterrorism Center testified this week that there are no "indications that are credible or corroborated" that terrorist organizations are trying to do that at this time. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The terrorism screening databases include not only known and suspected terrorists, but also their family members, friends, people they've worked with and others, said Alex Nowrasteh, an analyst at the libertarian Cato Institute, who studies immigration and terrorism. And the groups included in the list are not only those that target the U.S., but any known terrorist organization in the world. Federal officials tend to over-include for fear of missing someone who might carry out an attack, as well, Nowrasteh said. He said there were 1.6 million people in the databases as of February 2017, according to the last publicly available data. Because of that, false positives are not uncommon, as was the case earlier this year when Texas troopers arrested an Iranian migrant whose name and date of birth were initially flagged, but were later determined by federal officials to not be a match. "Essentially almost anybody could be included on here, and there really isnt any kind of serious effort to make sure that people on there are actual threats," Nowrasteh said. He stressed that there has never been an attack committed by someone on the list who entered the U.S. illegally, and his research has never found evidence there has even been an attempted attack. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In Abuayyash's case, a detention order issued by a federal district judge said he posted concerning content on Facebook and practiced shooting multiple types of firearms, including assault-style rifles. He also talked with another person online about martyrdom and referenced a Houston event for members of a particular religious group, according to the order. Neither the charging document nor the detention order name any specific religious groups or detail threats he allegedly made. Abuayyash pleaded not guilty to the gun charge. Cruz and Cornyn contend that the Abuayyash case is evidence of part of a potentially larger problem, pointing to the apprehension of more than 72,000 so-called "special interest" migrants at the southern border over the last two years. These are migrants from nations, including Jordan, with conditions that promote or protect terrorism, according to the federal government, or that the Department of Homeland Security has deemed potentially pose a national security threat. "The present situation is obviously untenable and represents a grave security risk to our nation," the senators wrote. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Nowrasteh dismissed concerns about the "special interest" migrants as "silly," as they are simply migrants from nations the U.S. is concerned about, with no further evidence they pose any threat. From 1975 through the end of 2022, there were 219 foreign born terrorists in the U.S., who either committed an attack, planned an attack or were convicted of planning an attack, he said. They killed 3,046 people in that time, the vast majority of them on 9/11. Nowrasteh said the chances of being killed in a terrorist attack in the U.S. by a foreign-born person is 1 in 4.3 million per year, 316 times less likely than being killed in a normal homicide. "A lot of the fears in Congress of this are based on what could happen," he said. "To ground our expectations about what could happen, we need to take a look at what has happened, and this type of thing has never happened. World looks forward to seeing 'San Francisco vision' translated into reality: Global Times editorial Global Times) 16:49, November 17, 2023 Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with US President Joe Biden at Filoli Estate in the US state of California, November 15, 2023. Photo: Xinhua Whether it is from the Chinese and American sides or the international community, there has been unanimous high praise for the China-US summit held on November 15 in San Francisco, reflecting the epochal significance of this meeting. Against the backdrop of the critical stage in China-US relations and unprecedented global anticipation for the return of bilateral relations to the right track, President Xi Jinping and President Joe Biden engaged in a continuous exchange for four hours during the summit, utilizing simultaneous interpretation throughout and conducting face-to-face in-depth discussions. They established the "San Francisco vision" oriented toward the future, providing direction and outlining a blueprint for the healthy, stable, and sustainable development of China-US relations. This summit is a strategically significant and far-reaching meeting of the heads of state, leaving a unique and profound mark in the history of China-US relations. In this historic meeting, President Xi and President Biden had a candid and in-depth exchange of views, indicating that the communication between the two sides not only did not avoid differences but was also positive, comprehensive, and constructive. It was an important meeting that aimed at building trust and dispelling doubts, managing differences, and expanding cooperation. The two sides reached consensus on more than 20 issues in areas such as politics, diplomacy, cultural exchanges, global governance, and military security on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit. These significant agreements and outcomes further illustrate the wide-ranging common interests between China and the US, reaffirming that mutual benefit and win-win cooperation are fundamental characteristics of China-US relations. Dialogue and cooperation are the only correct choices for both countries. San Francisco should become a new starting point for stabilizing China-US relations. Charting the "San Francisco vision" and turning it step by step from a blueprint into reality is not only in the long-term interests of both China and the US but also the fervent expectation of the international community. During the meeting, President Xi insightfully pointed out that China and the US should jointly develop a right perception, manage disagreements effectively, jointly advance mutually beneficial cooperation, jointly shoulder responsibilities as major countries, and jointly promote people-to-people exchanges. These are the five pillars and the foundation for the stable development of China-US relations. Only with this foundation firmly in place can China-US relations withstand the test of storms. Everyone has seen that the journey from Bali to San Francisco was not easy. San Francisco is a new starting point, and the key to the smoothness of the next journey still lies in the implementation of these consensuses by the US side. This is the uncertainty that China-US relations cannot avoid, and it largely tests the political credibility of the US. The San Francisco meeting has attracted worldwide attention, and the consensus and achievements made are also eagerly anticipated by the world. We hope that the US and China will meet each other halfway, make the correct historical choices, and find the right way to get along with each other. President Xi pointed out in his speech at the Welcome Dinner by Friendly Organizations in the US on the evening of November 15: Are China and the US adversaries, or partners? This is the fundamental and overarching issue. President Xi once again reiterated China's consistent attitude: China is ready to be a partner and friend of the US. This statement has received great attention and has greatly encouraged various sectors in the US, including the business community. In the atmosphere of demonizing China in the US public opinion, it is fair to say that many American companies, which hope to engage with China and cultivate the Chinese market, have doubts. The friendly and open attitude shown by China's top leader in San Francisco is undoubtedly like sunlight piercing through the clouds, allowing those who cherish China-US relations to regain confidence. China's goodwill and sincerity toward China-US relations have always been consistent, as shown in the extensive achievements reached during the San Francisco meeting. Many American media outlets have noticed that both sides will further cooperate on the fentanyl issue. This demonstrates China's goodwill as a partner and friend to help the US solve its domestic problems. Similarly, Washington should also demonstrate the correct way of getting along between partners on issues that the Chinese people care about. We have observed that President Biden reiterated the five commitments made at the Bali meeting, further clarifying that the two economies are mutually dependent; the US is glad to see prosperity in China; it does not seek to contain or suppress China's development or to decouple with China. However, these statements need to be followed up with concrete actions. "The world is big enough to accommodate both countries, and one country's success is an opportunity for the other." The San Francisco meeting marks a new starting point for China-US relations in a new historical period. It has had a good beginning, and China and the US have begun to promote dialogue and cooperation in various fields such as diplomacy, economy and trade, culture, education, science and technology, agriculture, military, law enforcement, and artificial intelligence. We should make the cooperation list longer and the pie of cooperation bigger. Only by doing so can China-US relations be steered toward a healthy, stable, and sustainable direction, injecting certainty and enhancing stability into a world characterized by turmoil and change. (Web editor: Xian Jiangnan, Liang Jun) Migrants argue with police officers over the conditions at a processing center in Paso Canoas, Costa Rica, Oct. 11, 2023. Costa Rica and Panama are busing migrants through their countries to ease the concentration of people along their borders, which Biden administration officials fear will encourage more people to travel to the U.S. border. The number of people crossing the border in Texas spurred Republican state lawmakers to sign off on a sweeping measure allowing the state to remove people from the country who are suspected of crossing the border illegally. DANIEL VOLPE/NYT Migrants who crossed the Rio Grande and entered the U.S. from Mexico are lined up for processing by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on Sept. 23 in Eagle Pass. Republican state lawmakers have signed off on a sweeping measure allowing the state to remove people from the country who are suspected of crossing the border illegally. Eric Gay/Associated Press Migrants, mostly Venezuelans, who each paid $30 for a ticket, wait to board buses last month to take them to the border with Nicaragua from in Paso Canoas, Costa Rica. Costa Rica and Panama are busing migrants through their countries to ease the concentration of people along their borders, which Biden administration officials fear will encourage more people to travel to the U.S. border. The number of people crossing the border in Texas spurred Republican state lawmakers to sign off on a sweeping measure allowing the state to remove people from the country who are suspected of crossing the border illegally. DANIEL VOLPE/NYT Migrants who could not afford a $30 bus ticket to Nicaragua must stay in the basement of a bus terminal in Paso Canoas, Costa Rica. Costa Rica and Panama are busing migrants through their countries to ease the concentration of people along their borders, which Biden administration officials fear will encourage more people to travel to the U.S. border. The number of people crossing the border in Texas spurred Republican state lawmakers to sign off on a sweeping measure allowing the state to remove people from the country who are suspected of crossing the border illegally. DANIEL VOLPE/NYT Migrants make their way toward law enforcement personnel to surrender and begin their immigration process earlier this year in Eagle Pass. A $1.54 billion spending bill that would pump more money into the states historic effort to build a wall along its southern border passed the House on Tuesday night. VERONICA G. CARDENAS/NYT Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan raises the gavel on the House floor in the Capitol in Austin as he convenes the chamber for its third special session this year. Gov. Greg Abbott called a fourth special session to address issues such as border security. The House on Tuesday night signed off on a sweeping measure allowing the state to remove people from the country who are suspected of crossing the border illegally. William Luther/San Antonio Express-News Republican state lawmakers signed off on a sweeping measure Tuesday night that will allow the state to remove people from the country who are suspected of crossing the border illegally, a major escalation of Texas border crackdown that will test the legal boundaries of state immigration enforcement powers. The proposal now heads to the desk of Gov. Greg Abbott, who had asked lawmakers to pass the measure as part of a special legislative session he called last week. The bill passed on an 83-61 party-line vote, following several hours of debate that saw Republicans turn down two dozen Democratic attempts to amend the bill. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Abbott also is pushing for a $1.54 billion spending bill that would pump more money into the states historic effort to build a wall along its southern border. That proposal cleared the House on Tuesday night with a small tweak that forces it back to the Senate, which can either accept the House change or have lawmakers from both chambers hash out the difference in a conference committee. The removal bill would empower police to arrest people they suspect of unlawfully entering Texas from Mexico, creating a new class of illegal entry state crimes. Judges would decide whether to issue an order to return to Mexico in lieu of prosecution, with consent from migrants. But they also would be required to issue return orders for those convicted of illegal entry, without any input from the offender. People would face stiff penalties for refusing the orders, effectively leaving them to choose between state-ordered deportation to Mexico or up to 20 years in prison. State Rep. David Spiller, the Jacksboro Republican who is carrying the measure known as Senate Bill 4 in the House, called it a landmark bill that allows Texans to protect Texas. Its a humane, logical and efficient approach to a problem created and fostered by the Biden administrations failure and refusal to secure our border, Spiller said. Theres nothing unfair about ordering someone back from where they came if they arrived here illegally. Advertisement Article continues below this ad READ MORE: Houston lawmaker stands behind viral outburst over GOP border bills Democrats, outnumbered in both chambers, argued the bill would lead to racial profiling and sow distrust between law enforcement and people of color. They also said that, paired with an anti-smuggling bill already awaiting Abbotts signature, it would penalize people for driving undocumented family members on routine trips. Democrats introduced more than 50 amendments aimed at limiting the bills scope. After the first dozen or so went down on party-line votes, Republicans moved to skip over the remaining amendments and vote on the bill. State Rep. Victoria Neave Criado, a Dallas Democrat who chairs the Houses Mexican American Legislative Caucus, said the measure creates an underclass of Texans who will live in fear, who will not want to report crime or drive down the street. Restricting our access to life, criminalizing our sickness, our faith, our connections to family and each other is unjust and reprehensible, Neave Criado said. Criminalizing everyday actions of our undocumented neighbors wont solve the challenges we face at the border. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The House floor debate came the same day as a report from the Migration Policy Institute, a nonpartisan think tank, that found nearly half of all children in the nine-county Houston metro area live in a household with at least one foreign-born parent. About 17 percent live with at least one parent who lacks legal status. Spiller said the bill was focused not on retroactive enforcement, but rather securing our border from the effective date forward. He noted that Texas statute of limitations for misdemeanors the level of punishment for illegal entry is two years, effectively shielding those who have been here in the country for at least that long. Democrats further argued that the bill runs afoul of the U.S. Constitution by usurping the federal governments power to enforce immigration laws. The Republican state senator who chairs the Senate Border Security Committee raised the same argument last week, as did 30 former immigration judges appointed by a mix of Democratic and Republican presidents. The proposed law should offend those who treasure our constitutional protections, the judges wrote in a statement, adding: Immigration is plainly a federal function. State legislators cannot enact immigration laws for the same reasons that the United States Congress cannot enact Texas state legislation. Spiller has consistently rejected charges that the bill clashes with federal immigration law, arguing it deliberately tracks the language of existing statutes while exempting people whove been granted asylum and other forms of legal status. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Border spending bill The spending bill, meanwhile, would give Abbotts office $1.54 billion for border security operations, including an ongoing wall project that Abbott announced in 2021. Of that, the Department of Public Safety would get $40 million it could use to send more troopers to Colony Ridge, a development northeast of Houston where many immigrant families live. Abbott had asked lawmakers to look into the community based on unfounded reports that its a hotbed of cartel activity claims top state law enforcement officials say are baseless. Democrats repeatedly pressed state Rep. Jacey Jetton, the bills author, to explain why he set aside money for Colony Ridge anyway. Jetton pointed out that the bill offers DPS broad discretion to spend the money on border security operations in general, without requiring set amounts to go toward the Liberty County development. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Im not going to try to litigate whether or not Colony Ridge is safe or unsafe or needs these funds today, said Jetton, R-Richmond. Pump jacks working on the Permian Basin near Odessa earlier this year. The State Board of Education this week rejected a handful of science textbooks over their handling of climate change, with members arguing that they offered an unfair view of the oil and gas industry. Elizabeth Conley/Staff photographer Docks in the Church Cove area of Medina Lake are seen Friday, Jan. 21, 2022. The Texas Water Development Board water data website reported Medina Lake was 25.3 percent full Friday or 47 feet below normal conservation pool. The lake was 40.7 percent full a year ago. William Luther The Republican-led State Board of Education on Friday rejected a handful of science textbooks over their handling of climate change, with members arguing that they offered an unfair view of the oil and gas industry. The board initially objected to the books earlier this week, and publishers had until Wednesday to make changes. In the end, the board denied materials from eight publishers, including Edusmart. The publishers website says versions of its books are used in a quarter of Texas schools and cover 100% of the states science standards. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The board approved one book that had drawn fire from Texas Values, a Christian conservative advocacy group that disagreed with its portrayal of evolution, after the publisher removed text and images saying humans were part of the family of apes. The board voted unanimously to approve the final slate of textbooks, though Democrats had argued against the individual rejections. Marisa B. Perez-Diaz, D-San Antonio, said she was disappointed so many books were denied because of assertions or thoughts about how things are written. She said Edusmart was one of the few publishers that provided texts in Spanish. We have a responsibility to provide as many resources as possible to the students of Texas, she said. If we continue to behave this way as a board, my fear is we will render ourselves irrelevant moving forward in terms of what publishers want to work with us. Members on the board complained that some of the books rejected Friday included lessons with an anti-fossil fuel bent, pointing specifically at one by Discovery Education that they argued portrayed the United States as running out of oil and not energy independent. Board member Julie Pickren, R-Pearland, complained that the book included a lesson on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and said the books description of the nations oil reserves underestimated how much oil the U.S. has and really negated Texas natural resources. Advertisement Article continues below this ad You have these lessons with these underlying themes throughout, Pickren said. Democrats on the board questioned whether the books actually were pushing those themes or if the members were simply reaching those conclusions. Does it literally say that, or you feel like thats the conclusion students may come to because thats what you feel? Aicha Davis, D-Dallas, said at one point. Perez-Diaz said the books were providing students with information to reach their own conclusions. We want them to come to their own conclusions and critically think, she said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad School districts can pick which books to buy for teachers, regardless of whether they have been approved by the board. But the boards endorsement signals the books properly cover state standards. A Critical Race Theory scholar urged the Wake County school board this week to push past concerns about white discomfort to change policies that she says are causing systemic harm to marginalized students. Ronda Taylor Bullock, a self-described Critical Race scholar and executive director of the group we are (Working to Extend Anti-Racist Education), led a two-hour workshop Thursday on implicit bias for Wake school board members. She urged the board to have hard conversations about race and the negative impact she says that subconscious biases are having on students. When you havent been the target of discrimination, its hard to see, to feel, to empathize, to recognize that somethings got to change, Bullock told board members. If we want to have a healthier learning environment, a healthier system, something has to change. The board training session was scheduled by school board chair Lindsay Mahaffey. Wake has been working on how to put into practice an equity policy that was approved last November. We have an equity policy, and it is important as a board that we understand how that will work, Mahaffey said in an interview Friday. It models behavior for other folks that were doing the work and not just sitting there and expecting other people to put the equity policy into action. According to district records, the cost of Thursdays session was $3,038. Wake is North Carolinas largest school district. It has nearly 160,000 students. Wake County school board members hold an implicit bias workshop as part of a board mini-retreat on Nov. 16, 2023 in Cary. N.C. T. Keung Hui/khui@newsobserver.com Wake says its not CRT training The training included having board members list parts of their identity that they consider to be privileges or targets of discrimination. They also discussed an article that says teachers with subconscious bias punish Black students more than other groups. The workshop took place amid a nationwide debate about equity and diversity training and whether Critical Race Theory is taught in schools. Critical Race Theory holds that racism has been a systemic part of the nations history that still influences society today. In March, N.C. House Republicans passed what they called an anti-Critical Race Theory bill that would have put new limits on how race and sexism are taught in schools. House Bill 187, which died in the Senate, also would have required schools to provide advance public notice of contracting with diversity trainers. Wake County tax dollars are hard at work, Senate leader Phil Bergers press office posted Friday on X, formerly called Twitter. We keep hearing that CRT isnt in schools, yet this group hosts workshops for teachers about how to apply a CRT & CRP framework in education. Last year, House Speaker Tim Moore had criticized Wake for allowing Millbrook High School to apply for a grant from Bullocks Durham-based group. But Mahaffey and Bullock said Thursdays workshop was not about Critical Race Theory. This was not a training on Critical Race Theory, Bullock said in an interview after the workshop ended. This was a training on implicit biases. Theyre very different. But Bullock said she does bring her framework as a Critical Race scholar to her work. Land and Black Body Acknowledgment Bullock opened the training session by holding a Land Acknowledgment, saying they cant do the work without acknowledging that we are living on stolen land. She told the board that naming the Native Tribes that once cared for the land keeps them alive and in the present. Ronda Taylor Bullock, executive director of the group we are, holds a land acknowledgment for Native Tribes at an implicit bias workshop for the Wake County school board on Nov. 16, 2023 in Cary, N.C. T. Keung Hui/khui@newsobserver.com Bullock then did a Black Body Acknowledgment to hold space for those we have lost due to forced enslavement, police brutality, trauma, disproportionate access to resources, health disparities, COVID-19 and many of the systemically racist structures that exist in America. After having the board members list their identities, Bullock asked them to consider how most Wake teachers are white while the majority of kids are students of color. Bullock asked board members to consider what it would be like for Black students dealing with the fear of police brutality or of students worried about being deported due to their immigration status. One of the things that white supremacy does is it hardens our hearts and prevents us from empathizing with people from whom we are different, Bullock said. If you feel something, youre less likely to harm. But if you dont feel something for the human being, for the person, you can justify any harm. Bullock said school board members should consider how these fears might cause students to act out or miss class. Overcoming white peoples discomfort Like schools across the nation, Black students in Wake are more likely to be suspended than other groups. Bullock said board members need to avoid creating narratives that preserve, by and large, white peoples comfort. White peoples discomfort is not more significant than a Black child being harmed, than a Brown child being harmed, than a child in the LGBTQ community being harmed, than an immigrant child, than a child who speaks multiple languages where English might not be one of them, Bullock said. Students who are frequently written up for disciplinary issues may drop out of school and land in the criminal justice system, Bullock said. A Black womans child is more likely to live if she (the mother) graduates from high school, Bullock said This is not just about a bias and a school-to-prison pipeline. This is life and death, literally, because of a bias, because of a policy. As board members, Bullock said they can use their privileges to mitigate policies that contribute to harm for students. Some board members dont attend The training session was attended by six of the nine board members. Mahaffey, the board chair, said the three missing members had scheduling conflicts. Cheryl Caulfield and Wing Ng, the two Republicans on the officially non-partisan board, said Friday they would have attended the training session if they could have done so. I think my experience growing up as a poor minority in America could have provided another perspective, Ng said in an interview. Both Ng and Caulfield said they wished the board was spending more time talking about issues such as bullying, staff shortages and student learning loss. I really wish we werent separating children by the color of their skin, Caulfield said in an interview. We really have amazing teachers. I wish we would give them the resources they need. But Mahaffey said the training session will help board members better understand the lives and experiences of students and their families. Its always good to hold up that mirror and reflect on your own experience and better understand the experiences of other people that youre interacting with, Mahaffey said. Ronalda Good Shield adjusts her daughter Micheliegh Iron Cloud's memorial cross outside of Parmalee on the Rosebud Reservation. No arrests have been made in connection to Iron Cloud's death. On June 17, Ronalda Good Shield, a Crow Creek Citizen, was waiting to hear back from her daughter when she received a message that made her heart sink: Did Micheliegh make it home? When she heard rumblings of a woman found with a baby killed in a hit-and-run on the Rosebud Reservation, her anxiety grew worse. I just knew it was her, something in me told me it was her, Good Shield said. Around midnight, Good Shields daughter Micheliegh Iron Cloud was walking along Highway 63 near Parmalee. She was carrying her one-year-old son when an unknown vehicle struck her. The two werent found until the next day. The baby was life-flighted to Sioux City and survived, but Iron Cloud died sometime after the crash. Indigenous people have the highest pedestrian death rate of any ethnic group in the United States, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. According to the United States Department of Transportation, unintentional injuries are the leading cause of death for Native Americans and Alaska Natives ages 1 to 44 and the third-leading cause of death overall. Limited access to vehicles, lack of lighting along streets, and a lack of reliable, or any, public transportation all act as barriers to Indigenous people traveling safely. On a state level, limits on prosecution for the driver can act as a barrier to families seeking justice. Depending on the circumstances of the crash, the driver of the vehicle can face no criminal charges at all or up to 15 years in prison if they are both intoxicated and driving negligently. If a driver leaves the scene, the highest level felony theyll face, without the elements of negligence and intoxication, is up to two years in prison. When a pedestrian is killed on tribal land, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is responsible for investigating all violent crimes, often in partnership with tribal police. The night of her death, Iron Cloud was 50 miles away from her moms home near Wood, S.D., and 87 miles from where shed been staying in Sharps Corner on the Pine Ridge Reservation. Initially, Iron Cloud had planned on sleeping at a family friends home, and her mother would pick her up early the next morning when she could get gas. Sometime around midnight, Iron Cloud decided shed walk. Iron Cloud had no other means of transportation. Her car was recently broken into and damaged and the closest gas station to her mothers house in rural South Dakota had closed hours ago. Iron Cloud was her familys rock, Good Shield said. She took care of her brother who has schizophrenia. Her siblings could count on her for anything. She was outgoing and active, dancing as a fancy shawl dancer since she was a kid. She was always happy-go-lucky, always dancing, always happy, Good Shield said. At the time of her death, Iron Cloud had been working on finding her own home where she could raise her son and care for her brother. We still struggle, I struggle a lot, Good Shield said. The hardest part is not knowing what happened. Micheliegh Iron Cloud, Crow Creek Dakota, was struck and killed by an unknown driver last June. Crashes by the numbers Motor vehicle crashes cause an annual average of at least 655 fatalities in tribal areas, according to the United States Department of Transportation. Many deaths on reservations are unreported, or not shown in state datasets, including Iron Clouds death in Todd County. If the FBI investigates and Tribal Law Enforcement does not submit a crash report, we will not have the report in our system, DPS Public Affairs Specialist Steve Long said in an email. We can only provide data on reports that have been submitted by law enforcement. Iron Clouds family said the FBI has been investigating her death since the day she was found. In South Dakota, the total number of Indigenous people killed in hit-and-runs since 2018 is unclear. Data from the Department of Public Safety suggests 60 pedestrian deaths from 2018 to 2022. Of those deaths, 22 occurred within a reservation or in a county that overlaps with reservation lands. Of the 60 recorded deaths, 20% occurred in Pennington County and 20% in Oglala Lakota County. Pennington County contains 12.5% of South Dakotas population while 1.6% of South Dakotans live in Oglala Lakota County. Following Pennington and Oglala Lakota counties is Minnehaha County, which accounts for 15% of pedestrian fatalities. The total number of pedestrian deaths in Oglala Lakota County may be undercounted. The OST tribal police force is responsible for reporting numbers to the state. The department is underfunded, according to a 2022 lawsuit, and is unable to answer every emergency call made. Lincoln County recorded 8.3% of fatalities in the state and Fall River County accounted for 6.7%. The remaining 21 crashes were spread out between 18 rural counties experiencing just one to two pedestrian fatalities each in the five-year span. Family seeks legal recourse Just after 12 a.m. on Oct. 14, 2022, Nevaeh Brave Heart, an Oglala Lakota 14-year-old, of Rapid City, and her cousin walked along North Lacrosse Street in Rapid City. Her cousin crossed East Van Buren Street, according to law enforcement reports, and heard a noise. He turned around and saw a truck drive a short distance away and stop. He tried to wave the car down, but it continued south braking only once. His cousin was lying in the street bleeding. Brave Hearts mother, Heather Bettelyoun, arrived not long after. She had been calling Brave Heart and driving around the neighborhood. I got that feeling that something was wrong, so I went looking for her, Bettelyoun said. When she arrived, Brave Heart was still alive. I knew the way she looked, I couldnt save her, she said. I cant believe someone could just leave her like that. Brave Heart described by her mother as shy, but outgoing around family died at the scene. For four days, detectives searched for the person driving the vehicle. That Tuesday police arrested 27-year-old Jordan Hare based on camera footage gathered throughout town following the suspected vehicle, which Hare is accused of driving. He is charged with hit and run resulting in death or injury, obstruction and failure to yield. His trial was scheduled to begin Nov. 13. Hit and run resulting in death or injury is a class 6 felony with a maximum sentence of two years in prison and up to a $4,000 fine. Obstruction is a class 1 misdemeanor with a maximum of one year in the county jail and up to a $2,000 fine. Failure to yield is a class 2 misdemeanor with a maximum penalty of 30 days in jail and up to a $500 fine. Brave Hearts family has said publicly they are dissatisfied by the charges that were brought against Hare. Pennington County States Attorney Lara Roetzel said she could not comment publicly on the case, but she explained the various crimes someone could be charged with if they hit a pedestrian. We have this happen a lot of times in Rapid City where theres just a tragic accident. There may or may not be any criminal charge at all, Roetzel said. Sometimes its a careless driving misdemeanor ticket if the person was being a little bit careless. Sometimes theres a citation for running a stop sign. Its usually a very, very minor traffic infraction. Roetzel recalled cases where mourning families have not wanted to pursue a traffic ticket because it felt like an insult to the death of their loved one. If someone flees the scene though, theres the hit-and-run statute Hare is charged under. Theres also charges of vehicular battery for injuries and vehicular homicide. Vehicular battery has a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine. Vehicular homicide has a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and up to a $30,000 fine. For both statutes, the state has to prove four elements the person drove negligently, the driver was under the influence of some substance, the negligent driving of the vehicle was the proximate cause of the death or injury, and the person didnt mean to cause the death or injury. Its not enough that the person be intoxicated, Roetzel said. In addition to the intoxication, they have to be driving negligently. If someone leaves the scene after hitting a pedestrian, investigators may not be able to determine if they were intoxicated at the time, leaving hit and run with death or injury as the only charge specific to the crash. In cases where there is a low-level crime, families will support a ticket or misdemeanor to provide support for a civil case, Roetzel said. Bettelyoun is pursuing a civil case against both Hare and his employer for the death of her daughter. The lawsuit claims Hare was on an errand for work at the time of the crash, which makes McDonalds Corporation and E & N Street LLC liable for his alleged actions. The Journal reached out to Jack Hieb of Richardson, Wyly, Wise, Sauk & Hieb LLP in Aberdeen. The firm represents both companies. Hieb declined to comment on the pending litigation. Hares attorney did not return a request for comment. According to the lawsuit, Hare had just given a coworker a ride home before Brave Hearts death. The investigation is ongoing. Bettelyouns attorney, Robin Zephier, said Hare is not available to answer questions under oath because his criminal case is pending. Anytime you lose a life, especially a young beautiful girl at 14, the world ahead of her, any human being would want to seek something, Zephier said. Hopefully thats not the only justice we get, Bettelyoun said. Brave Hearts crash report is one of two listed as unsolved with the state. In Oglala Lakota County, the Dec. 6, 2021, hit-and-run death of 13-year-old Eternity Flying Horse in Pine Ridge remains unsolved. Flying Horse and her niece left the store and began to walk back to her sisters house when Flying Horse was struck and killed by an unknown vehicle. Few details are available about Flying Horses death or the status of the investigation. Limits to transportation In many reservation communities, walking is the only way for someone without a car to travel. While the Rosebud Transit system is available on the Rosebud Reservation, trips must be booked two days in advance. As of 2018, a round-trip ride to Rapid City cost a flat rate of $100, and a round-trip ride to Sioux Falls was $150. The bus doesnt operate on Sundays, the day Iron Cloud needed a ride out of Parmalee. In Oglala Lakota County, 10% of households do not own a car, as opposed to a 4% rate nationwide. Additionally, 10% of the population walks to work, with an average commute of about 20 minutes. The Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe offers a bus route with stops in 24 different villages from Eagle Butte. All trips depart sometime between 5:30 and 8:30 a.m. depending on route. Trips are also available to Rapid City and Pierre for medical purposes upon request. Even off reservation transportation can be an issue. In Rapid City, the Rapid Transit System operates from 6:20 AM through 5:50 PM Monday through Friday. The weekday Dial-A-Ride hours are the same. Rideshare options like Lyfts are available but can be pricey. Many places on the North Side lack lighting, including the intersection where Brave Heart was hit. Initiatives to improve roadway safety In response, tribes and government agencies have taken steps to improve roadway safety and public safety. In July, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced $20.9 million in grants aimed at improving road safety on reservations, 13 of the grants went to South Dakota tribes. In September 2023, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg visited South Dakota to meet with representatives from all nine tribes. He spoke about the different transportation needs of their communities, including frequent pedestrian deaths. The Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe, Oglala Sioux Tribe, Crow Creek Sioux Tribe, Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate, Yankton Sioux Tribe and Rosebud Sioux Tribe all received various amounts of funding for public safety projects. In June, the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe announced plans to increase roadway safety for both drivers and pedestrians by installing extra lighting and announcing a plan to build a traffic circle in Fort Thompson. The tribe claimed the traffic circle will reduce pedestrian hits by 40%. Chairman Peter Lengkeek said several tribal members have been struck while walking, fortunately, many have survived. Buffalo County, which encompasses Crow Creek, reported two pedestrian crash deaths in the past five years. Earlier this year, the tribe installed new solar-powered lighting outside of Fort Thompson beside the sidewalk along BIA Route 4. Ronalda Good Shield lost her daughter Micheliegh Iron Cloud one year ago in a hit-and-run crash outside Parmalee. Over a year later, no arrests have been made in connection with Iron Cloud's death. Moving forward Its been over a year since Iron Clouds death, and her family still doesnt know exactly what happened that night. Iron Clouds son is now two years old. He made a full recovery from his injuries and is happy and healthy, Good Shield said. Hes learning to talk, sing and grass dance with the help of his uncle and cousin. In September, the FBI announced a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone responsible. Every day is a struggle, Good Shield said, but the family is pushing through. Anyone with information about Iron Clouds death can contact the FBIs Minneapolis Field Office at 763-569-8000. The tip line is open 24/7. Information can also be submitted at tips.fbi.gov. This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: Indigenous people experience higher rates of pedestrian fatalities A Texas jury on Thursday found Kaitlin Armstrong guilty of first-degree murder for the fatal shooting of elite cyclist Moriah Wilson last year. It took the Travis County panel roughly two and a half hours of deliberation to find the 35-year-old defendant guilty of murder in the first degree. The conviction could have Armstrong spending up to 99 years in prison. Kaitlin Armstrong's Guilty Verdict Prosecutors in the case also opted against seeking the death penalty for the fatal shooting that occurred on May 11, 2022. The victim's loved ones were seen hugging after the verdict against Armstrong was read and the latter's younger sister, Christie Armstrong, openly wept. A few minutes after the reading of the guilty plea, the court went straight to the penalty phase as the ones closest to Wilson spoke about the victim and how her murder affected them. As per NBC News, the mother, Karen Wilson, said that her daughter lived as if every day was her last day. She added that her daughter never wasted any time in her life, as if she knew it would only be short. The verdict comes after Armstrong was accused of shooting 25-year-old Wilson three times shortly after the latter had dinner with the former's boyfriend, pro cyclist Colin Strickland. Authorities said that there were no witnesses who saw the murder and prosecutors built their case with the help of modern, everyday gadgetry that routinely follows human movements. It was later discovered that Wilson was in Austin, Texas, in May 2022 to compete in a race in Hico. While visiting the town, Strickland, who had a brief relationship with the victim in fall 2021, texted her to meet up. On the day of the victim's death, the two cyclists swam at a local pool and had dinner afterward. Strickland allegedly lied to Armstrong about his whereabouts at the time. Read Also: Rex Heuermann: Gilgo Beach Murders Suspect Signs Family Home Over to Estranged Wife Fatal Shooting of Moriah Wilson Investigators argued that Armstrong tracked Wilson to the apartment where she was staying and shot her three times. The defendant briefly met with law enforcement before she sold her car and used her sister's name and passport to flee to Costa Rica, according to the Associated Press. They noted that she had spent more than $6,000 on a nose job in the region and even changed her hairstyle in an attempt to avoid authorities before her arrest at a beachside hostel. The suspect's defense attorneys called the investigation inadequate and sloppy. They also accused prosecutors of having "tunnel vision" in immediately saying Armstrong was the prime suspect. A lawyer for Armstrong, Rick Cofer, said that the case against the defendant was based on "assumptions, confirmation bias, and a lack of direct evidence." He added that the suggestion that Armstrong is the killer due to her jealousy was an easy narrative for prosecutors. Kristen Dark, a spokeswoman for the Travis County Sheriff's Office, said that Armstrong ran from two corrections officers while leaving a medical appointment. She added that the suspect made it about a block and a half before she was recaptured. The incident occurred as the trial approached, according to the New York Times. Related Article: Pro-Palestine Protester Arrested, Charged in Death of LA Jew Paul Kessler @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. On Thursday morning, the police arrested dozens of Gaza pro-ceasefire protesters after blocking the San Francisco Bay Bridge during their demonstration. The protesters blocked the westbound traffic on the bridge, a commuter route into the city that accommodates 260,000 vehicles daily. Police Arrested Gaza Pro-Ceasefire Protesters According to NBC Bay Area, law enforcement, along with the California Highway Patrol and the police, cleared the bridge and arrested at least 50 protesters. The authorities also sent in tow trucks to remove the protesters' vehicles. The local emergency services reported the blockage during morning rush hour on the bridge that connects Oakland and other East Bay cities to San Francisco. The Palestinian Youth Movement and the Arab Resource and Organizing Center (AROC Bay Area) organized the Thursday demonstration. Two hundred people attended the protest, and video footage showed protesters had formed a human chain between vehicles. They sat on the bridge, and others positioned themselves under white sheets as part of a "die-in" near a colossal banner to encourage Biden to order a ceasefire immediately. The large banner also read "Stop the genocide" and called for the US military to stop backing Israel. The media reported that the police wearing riot gear crossed the bridge with sheriff's deputies, leading a line of handcuffed protesters to the buses captured in video footage. While leaked images showed protesters zip-tied on the bridge. The California Transportation Department said that the westbound part of the bridge remained closed, and later on, westbound lanes reopened at 11:45 a.m. However, the department advised the residents to use the public transit. "I will say that we were not caught off guard. This was something that we were anticipating happening. We were here within a couple of minutes, but they were planned, they worked together, they brought their vehicles to a stop, and they got that accomplished within seconds," California Highway Patrol Chief Ezery Beauchamp said. Beauchamp added that the protesters could protest as part of their First Amendment rights but warned not to protest on the Bay Bridge. The San Francisco Chronicle said that the highway patrol refused to further comment about the protest but assured that they would do their best to press all the charges they could against the protesters. Furthermore, a department spokesperson noted that 20 more people were not yet arrested. Read Also: Court Approves Texas Inmate's Death Sentence for 2001 Abduction, Suffocation of 5-Year-Old Girl Continuous Protest for Israel-Hamas War San Francisco hosted the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, and the city has witnessed various demonstrations in response to the forum from activists protesting about corporate profits, environmental abuses, and the Israel-Hamas conflict. The protests extended across the US as the death toll from the Israel-Hamas continued to rise. Countries such as Los Angeles, Seattle, Washington, and New York have been organizing mass protests for the past few days, calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. In October, the Hamas attack already killed 1,200 people, as the military launched a ground invasion and an intense bombing in Gaza. More than 11,200 Palestinians were killed in recent weeks, two-thirds of them women and children, as reported by Gaza's health ministry. Related Article: Pro-Palestine Protester Arrested, Charged in Death of LA Jew Paul Kessler @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. (Photo : Leon Neal/Getty Images) British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressed his opposition to the Supreme Court following its decision on the Rwanda plan being unlawful. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak opposes the Supreme Court's decision that the UK's Rwanda plan is illegal and vows to change the law in response. The situation comes as the government is planning to send asylum seekers to the African country as part of efforts to curb illegal immigrants. Sunak's plan involves introducing emergency legislation confirming that Rwanda is safe. Rishi Sunak Opposes Supreme Court on Rwanda Plan This legislation was said to "provide a guarantee in law that those who are relocated from the UK to Rwanda will be protected against removal from Rwanda." Sunak on Wednesday said that it would also ensure that people would not be able to further delay flights by bringing systemic challenges in domestic courts. The announcement of the legislation came after human rights groups celebrated the decision of the Supreme Court regarding the Rwanda plan. They argued that asylum seekers would be at "risk of ill-treatment" if they were sent back to their home countries once in the region, as per Aljazeera. One hundred forty organizations, including prominent campaign groups such as the Runnymede Trust and Liberty, signed a joint civil society statement describing the UK's plan as "cruel and immoral." It added that they urged the British government to abandon it and protect the rights of people seeking sanctuary. The founder of the UK-based Humans for Rights Network, Maddie Harris, said that the Supreme Court had made it "abundantly clear that Rwanda causes a serious risk to individuals in terms of refoulement to countries where they may face persecution or death." Harris argued that the emergency law does not eliminate that specific risk to the involved people. She added that it meant that the UK does not care if they send people back to their deaths. The development comes after the Supreme Court unanimously decided that the UK's Rwanda plan is unlawful. The court said that it found there were substantial grounds for believing that asylum seekers who are sent to the African country could face ill-treatment, according to the Institute for Government. Read Also: Suella Braverman Issues Scathing Letter to Rishi Sunak, Accuses PM of Betraying Promises Asylum Seekers at Risk Refoulement is prohibited by several international law instruments, including the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), the UN Refugee Convention, the UN Convention against Torture, and the UN International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. These instruments have been given effect in the United Kingdom national law by the Human Rights Act 1998, the Asylum and Immigration Appeals Act 1993, the Nationality, Immigration, and Asylum Act 2002, and the Asylum and Immigration Act 2004. The Supreme Court's decision was based on several factors and the justices drew attention to Rwanda's poor human rights record. This includes threats to Rwandans living in the UK, alongside extrajudicial killings, deaths in custody, enforced disappearances, torture, and restrictions on media and political freedoms. In criticizing the government's plan, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) provided evidence of systemic defects in the African region's asylum system, the potential lack of independence of the judiciary and lawmakers, and the 100% rejection rate for people from conflict zones, said the Human Rights Watch. Related Article: Finland Blames Russia for Asylum Seeker Crisis @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Hamas agreed to release at least 50 women and children who had been imprisoned in Gaza in return for a prolonged cease-fire and more supplies. The agreement, which purportedly included the release of certain Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails, had not yet been accepted by Israel. Sometime on Wednesday, a decision is anticipated, as per The Daily Beast. Hamas Mulls Hostage Release Amid Global Pressure It has been claimed that Hamas is mulling over an agreement with Israel that would result in the release of many hostages, including fifty women and children who were abducted on October 7. According to The Washington Post, citing an Arab diplomat familiar with the negotiations, revealed that Hamas has agreed in principle to this arrangement, bringing a glimmer of hope to the families affected by the hostage situation. The initial attack on Israel on October 7 claimed more than 1,200 lives and resulted in the kidnapping of about 240 individuals, including Americans and other foreign nationals. Since then, international pressure has mounted for the release of these hostages, prompting concerted efforts by US, Israeli, and other countries' officials to negotiate a resolution. As reported by The Washington Post, a potential deal has emerged that entails certain conditions for Israel. These conditions include agreeing to a temporary pause in the fighting, lasting between three to five days, and an escalation in providing humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. Since the outbreak of the war, the latter has faced relentless Israeli airstrikes. In addition to the terms of the agreement, it has been specified that a certain number of women and children currently detained in Israeli prisons will be released. The potential deal requires Israel to agree to a three-to-five-day pause in the fighting and an increase in humanitarian aid to Gaza. The latter has been subject to relentless Israeli airstrikes since the outbreak of the war. The deal also stipulates the release of an unspecified number of women and children held in Israeli prisons, according to Yahoo News. Read Also: Spain Faces Protests After Vehement Opposition Over Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's Amnesty Plan Biden's Push for Hostage Release While Israel reportedly considered the proposal, the diplomat in the negotiations cautioned that the deal could easily fall apart. The diplomat emphasized the importance of Israel's response, stating, "If they reject it, then we're at it again." The delicate nature of the negotiations underscores the challenges in resolving the hostage crisis. President Biden has been actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to address the situation. In a conversation with Qatar's leader, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, the US president discussed ongoing efforts to increase humanitarian assistance in Gaza and secure the release of all hostages, including a 3-year-old American whose parents were killed by Hamas on October 7. Speaking at a press conference in northern California, President Biden expressed cautious optimism about the possibility of a deal, suggesting that Israel had agreed to a "pause." He acknowledged the cooperation from Qatar and emphasized his commitment to securing the release of the hostages without resorting to US military involvement. President Biden defended Israeli military actions, arguing that Hamas was committing war crimes by locating its military headquarters under a hospital. He highlighted Israel's efforts to minimize civilian harm and shift from indiscriminate bombing to more targeted ground operations. As the negotiations unfold, the international community awaits Israel's response to the proposed deal. President Biden underscored the need for a two-state solution and expressed hope that the conflict would cease when Hamas no longer poses a threat to Israeli security. The delicate balance of diplomacy and the well-being of the hostages hangs in the balance as the world watches for developments in the Gaza hostage crisis, Telegraph reported. Related Article: Poland's New Parliament Meets for First Time as Opposition Takes Power, Choses Speaker @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Sherry Isler thought she had done everything she needed to do to enroll her 5-year-old son in his Winter Park schools before- and after-school programs. But then she asked about his food allergies. I asked them specifically, How are you guys going to handle his EpiPen and everything? Isler recalled. And they said, Oh, we dont do that here. We would just call 911. We dont have that training. And I was like, This is crazy. Its just a tragedy waiting to happen. Since then, Islers advocacy led not only to changes in Orange County school district policy but to the filing of two bills in Tallahassee that would mandate school boards across the state have a training policy for cases of anaphylactic shock, a potentially fatal reaction that can be initially treated by injections of epinephrine through a device called an EpiPen. State Rep. Rita Harris proposed legislation, HB 65, was filed on the same day in September as SB 52, introduced by state Sen. Linda Stewart, D-Orlando. The bills would require school boards to create written guidelines for responding to allergic reactions, including the use of EpiPens. Training requirements for school personnel would also include at least 50% of all employees and contract workers in before- and after-school programs within three months of the bills passage. The bills would also mandate guidelines for individualized emergency health care plans for students with allergies that could result in reactions, including anaphylaxis. Harris, D-Orlando, said she was really, really surprised, and a little dismayed as well after hearing Islers story. Its not to put the schools in an uncomfortable situation, Harris said. Sometimes you just dont know that you need to do something until you know that you need to do it. I was just shocked Isler disclosed all of her son Lincolns allergy information to Aloma Elementary School before starting kindergarten in the 2022-23 school year and assumed that everything would be taken care of. Lincoln is allergic to dairy, peas, chickpeas and lentils. But she said she was told by staff from the third-party vendor that ran the before- and after-school programs there, Dramatic Education, that they would defer to the school nurse to administer any EpiPen shots in addition to calling 911. The school nurse wont be here, you guys are before- and after- care, she said she told them. And they said, Well, we dont have anybody, we would just call 911. I left in tears because I was just shocked. Isler works as a nurse practitioner, and the news left her scrambling, she said. Oh my gosh, I cant leave him in before-care because kids are eating breakfast there, she thought at the time. And then its the same thing in after-care. She said she was offered a refund, but argued that her sons access to such a program should have been protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Its curious to me that it seems like the more affluent schools have before- and after- care run by OCPS employees who have training and will give EpiPens, yet these other schools have these third-party vendors and you dont require training, she said she told Orange County Public School officials at the time. Marsha Robbins, director of programs for Dramatic Education, said there must have been a miscommunication with Isler because all of her 168-person staff are trained in EpiPen usage. Employees may not always have the right answer to say, but we have always, for 17 years, and even myself as a teacher, always have been certified in EpiPen training, Robbins said. In a statement, Robbins said Dramatic Education provides safe, inclusive environments for students with health conditions like students experiencing anaphylaxis symptoms and that its programs enforce stringent storage procedures for EpiPens and other health devices in locked offices. Orange schools spokesman Michael Ollendorff said the districts existing third-party contracts were updated to ensure that at least two staff members be trained to use EpiPens. But before this school year, Isler heard from another parent in Orange County who had been told that after-school staff could not give details about how EpiPens would be stored or administered. He knew everything that I had gone through, she said of the parent, and its like they didnt do anything about it. Ollendorff added that the request for proposal for new third-party contracts includes language asking how vendors will ensure that there will be at least two staff members trained in Anaphylactic/EpiPen and First Aid on campus at all times when the program is in session. Two additional staff members during the school day at each school are also trained to respond to anaphylaxis, he said. Hope for passage Isler was spurred to activism by her experience. She researched how districts around the state handle anaphylaxis training, including how Miami-Dade trains all teachers to use EpiPens. I thought that was so great because theyre the biggest district in Florida, she said. [It] just makes sense, because food allergies are on the rise. About two students in each classroom are likely to have food allergies, she said. Children have died of anaphylaxis in schools in Nebraska in 2022 and California in 2023, the latter at an after-school event. In Central Florida, Seminole County schools spokeswoman Katherine Crnkovich said district and third-party employees are provided student-specific training from registered nurses. So far this year, she said, 4,359 employees, about 58% of staff, have been trained either in-person or via an online course. In Osceola, schools spokeswoman Dana Schafer said all before- and after-school staff were trained on EpiPen usage. Harris and Stewarts bills are backed by the nonprofit group Food Allergy Research and Education, or FARE, and the Florida Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Society, a clinic in Jacksonville. Stewart said she was optimistic that her bill would be packaged with a larger bill coming out of the Senate Education Committee, chaired by state Sen. Corey Simon, R-Tallahassee. He said that he has a bill that he thinks that he could put the EpiPen language into, Stewart said. So Im still not sure how were going to deal with it. But it will be dealt with. Simons office did not return a request for comment. Harris said a similar path was likely in the House. I felt like this is just a really common sense piece of legislation that isnt really burdensome to implement, Harris said. And at the end of the day, it will keep kids at school healthier and safer. Israeli soldiers take part in an operation against Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in a location given as Gaza By Samia Nakhoul, Humeyra Pamuk and Matt Spetalnick (Reuters) - Israel risks facing a long and bloody insurgency if it defeats Hamas and occupies Gaza without a credible post-war plan to withdraw its troops and move toward the creation of a Palestinian state, U.S. and Arab officials, diplomats and analysts said. None of the ideas floated so far by Israel, the United States and Arab nations for the post-war administration of Gaza have managed to gain traction, according to two U.S. and four regional officials as well as four diplomats familiar with the discussions, raising fears the Israeli military may become mired in a prolonged security operation. As Israel tightens its control over northern Gaza, some officials in Washington and Arab capitals fear it is ignoring lessons from the U.S. invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan when swift military victories were followed by years of violent militancy. If Gaza's Hamas-run government is toppled, its infrastructure destroyed and its economy ruined, the radicalization of an enraged population could fuel an uprising targeting Israeli troops in the enclave's narrow streets, diplomats and officials say. Israel, the U.S. and many Arab states agree that Hamas should be ousted after it launched a cross-border raid on Oct. 7 that killed some 1,200 people and took around 240 hostages. But there is no consensus on what should replace it. Arab countries and Western allies have said a revitalized Palestinian Authority (PA) which partially governs the West Bank is a natural candidate to play a greater role in Gaza, home to some 2.3 million people. But the credibility of the Authority run by 87-year-old President Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah party - has been undermined by its loss of control over Gaza to Hamas in a 2007 conflict, its failure to halt the spread of Israeli settlements in the West Bank, and accusations of widespread corruption and incompetence. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said at the weekend that the PA in its current form should not take charge of Gaza. He said the Israeli military was the only force capable of eliminating Hamas and ensuring that terrorism did not reappear. In the wake of Netanyahu's comments, Israeli officials have insisted that Israel does not intend to occupy the Gaza Strip. Mohammed Dahlan, who was the PA's security chief for Gaza until it lost control of the strip to Hamas and has been suggested as a future leader of a post-war government there, said that Israel was mistaken if it believed that tightening its control of Gaza would end the conflict. "Israel is an occupying force and the Palestinian people will deal with it as an occupying force," Dahlan said in his office in Abu Dhabi, where he now lives. "None of the Hamas leadership or fighters will surrender. They will blow themselves up but won't surrender." Dahlan has the backing of the influential United Arab Emirates to lead a post-war administration in Gaza, according to diplomats and Arab officials. But he said no-one, certainly not him, would want to come in to govern a broken and demolished territory without a clear political path in sight. "I have not seen any vision from Israel, America or the international community," Dahlan said, calling for Israel to stop the war and to start serious talks on a two-state solution. U.S. President Joe Biden warned Netanyahu on Wednesday that occupying Gaza would be 'a big mistake'. So far, the U.S. and its allies have not seen any clear roadmap from Israel for its exit strategy from Gaza beyond the declared aim of eradicating Hamas, diplomats say. U.S. officials are pressing Israel for realistic objectives and a plan for how to achieve them. The Israeli government did not respond to requests for comment on its post-war plan in Gaza. Israel's operation in the enclave launched in retaliation for the Oct. 7 attack has so far killed at least 13,000 people, including at least 5,500 children, according to the Hamas-run government in Gaza. While insisting on Israel's right to defend itself, some U.S. officials are concerned that high civilian casualties could radicalize more Palestinians, driving new fighters into the arms of Hamas or future militant groups that might spring up to replace it, according to a source familiar with U.S. policymaking. More than a dozen Gazans interviewed by Reuters said the Israeli invasion was spawning a new generation of militants. Abu Mohammad, 37, a public servant from Jabalia refugee camp, said he would rather die than face Israeli occupation. "I am not Hamas but in days of war, we are all one people, and if they finish off the fighters, we will take up the rifles and fight," he told Reuters, declining to give his full name for fear of reprisals. "The Israelis may occupy Gaza, but they will never feel secure, not for a day." U.S.-LED TALKS Washington's discussions of a post-war plan for Gaza are still in the very initial stages with the PA, other Palestinian stakeholders, and allies including Egypt, Jordan, UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, according to two U.S. officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity. "We're certainly not there yet in terms of any effort to sell that vision to our regional partners who ultimately will have to live with it, and or implement it," one senior U.S. official said. While Biden has insisted the war must end with a "vision" for a two-state solution which would unify the Gaza Strip and the West Bank into a Palestinian state - he and his senior aides have neither offered specifics on how they expect to achieve this nor proposed a restart of talks. Some experts see any effort to revive the negotiations as a long shot, not least because of the embittered mood of Israelis over Hamas' Oct. 7 atrocities and of Palestinians due to Israel's retaliation in Gaza. "Among the many tragedies of Hamas's terrorist attack is that it fundamentally undermined and set back the Palestinian cause for a sovereign, independent state," said Jonathan Panikoff, the U.S. government's former deputy national intelligence officer on the Middle East who is now at the Atlantic Council think tank. According to a person familiar with the matter, Biden may decide on a more modest initiative that could include outlining a path towards an eventual resumption of negotiations. Biden's aides recognize that Netanyahu and his far-right coalition, which has rejected the notion of Palestinian statehood, has little appetite for renewed talks. As Biden seeks re-election next year, he may be reluctant to alienate pro-Israel voters by being seen to pressure Netanyahu for concessions to the Palestinians. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, in a speech last week in Tokyo, explained Washington's red lines in Gaza, saying the administration was opposed to the forced displacement of Palestinians from the territory, any reduction in its size, its occupation or blockade by Israel. He also said it could not become a platform for terrorism. Blinken has repeatedly said Washington would like to see a "revitalized" PA ultimately running the Gaza Strip and its governance unified with the West Bank. Under Abbas who has run the Authority since 2005 its credibility has dwindled as the promise of a path to a two-state solution outlined in the 1993 Oslo peace accords has ebbed. That dynamic needs to shift, U.S. officials say. A change of leadership within the PA might be possible, with Abbas remaining perhaps in an honorary role, some diplomats said. Another step under discussion is handing the PA a key role in distributing post-war aid in Gaza to revive its legitimacy, a senior European diplomat said. Asked about the discussions, a senior PA official said the return of the Authority to Gaza was the only acceptable scenario and that was being discussed with the U.S. and other Western powers. He declined to comment on the proposal that Dahlan or others could lead a Palestinian government. Some senior Palestinian officials, including Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh, have said that the Palestinian Authority will not return to power in Gaza on the back of Israeli tanks. A proposal for a two-year transitional administration of technocrats in Gaza backed by U.N. and Arab forces has been floated by Western partners and some Middle Eastern states, diplomats said. But there has been resistance from key Arab governments including Egypt - to being drawn into what they regard as the Gaza quagmire, the diplomats said. Regional powers fear that any Arab forces deployed in Gaza might have to use force against Palestinians and no Arab nation wants its military put in that position. NO AGREEMENT ON LEADERSHIP While the ageing Abbas is unpopular among many Palestinians, there is no agreement about who might replace him as a future leader. Dahlan would likely be acceptable to Egypt and Israel but - though he worked closely with the U.S. during his time as Gaza security chief - a U.S. source said that Washington would have some misgivings about him returning to power. He has a long-running enmity with Abbas and the PA's inner circle, as well as with Hamas supporters. Dahlan led a wave of arrests and crackdowns against senior Hamas leaders in 1996 after a series of suicide bombings against Israel. A UAE official said Abu Dhabi would support any post-war arrangements agreed by all parties in the conflict and supported by the United Nations to restore stability and achieve a two-state solution. Marwan Barghouti, a Fatah leader imprisoned by Israel since 2002 for murder, is popular among many Palestinians but seen by some in Washington as impractical as the Israeli government would be loath to release someone they accuse of having "blood on his hands". A U.S. official said selecting the leader would be complex as regional players each have their own favorites and interests at heart. Ultimately, Washington would cast its lot with any leader who gains support from the Palestinian people and its regional allies, as well as Israel. "Clearly a rejuvenation of Palestinian leadership is desperately needed, but getting there again is a very tricky thing," said Joost R. Hiltermann, Middle East and North Africa Program Director of the International Crisis Group. He said Arab nations could veto any candidate they disliked and Hamas which has portrayed itself as the champion of Palestinian independence would likely win any election. The stakes are high with the possibility of the conflict spilling over to the Israeli-occupied West Bank, and beyond Israel. Not since the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003 has there been such widespread concern about military action raging across the Middle East, according to Arab officials and diplomats. Whatever Biden decides to do diplomatically, his aides say he has no interest in the U.S. getting dragged into a direct military role in the conflict, unless America's own security interests are threatened by Iran or its regional proxies. "There's no plans or intentions to put U.S. military troops on the ground in Gaza, now or in the future," White House national security spokesperson John Kirby told reporters this month. (Additional reporting by Nidal al- Mughrabi in GAZA; Humeyra Pamuk and Matt Spetalnick in Washington; Andrew Mills in Doha; James Mackenzie and Crispian Balmer in Jerusalem; John Irish in Paris; Aidan Lewis in Cairo; Alexander Cornwell in Dubai; Writing by Samia Nakhoul; Editing by Daniel Flynn) A federal judge has declared a mistrial for a former Louisville police officer involved in the Breonna Taylor civil rights case for the fatal raid on the victim's home. The development affects ex-Louisville law enforcement personnel Brett Hankison, who was previously charged with violating the civil rights of the victim, her boyfriend, who was in the house with her, and their neighbors. Breonna Taylor Civil Rights Case Hours before the decision, the jury sent a note to the judge handling the case saying that they were at an impasse and could not come to a unanimous decision. Then, the judge ordered the jury to resume deliberations in what is known as an Allen charge. This type of charge is when the judge asks the jury to return to deliberations to come to a unanimous decision after they have said they have reached an impasse. After further deliberations, the jury sent another note to the court saying that some jurors concluded and decided they could not reasonably and honestly come to a verdict, as per ABC News. While prosecutors sought another Allen charge, the judge said that due to the jury's diligence and limited questions for the court, the implication was that the jurors were knowledgeable on relevant parts of the case, noting that another Allen charge was not needed. Prosecutors then asked the judge to offer the jury the transcript that the latter previously requested. However, the judge noted that she did not want to give them the entire transcript because they did not know what the jury was looking for and the court had already told them it was unavailable. Hankinson was initially charged in a two-count indictment for deprivation of rights under color of law. Both are civil rights offenses and were handed out in August 2022. Court documents showed that the former Louisville police officer was charged with willfully depriving Taylor and Kenneth Walker of their constitutional right to be free from unreasonable seizures. The charges against the defendant were in response to him firing ten rounds through Taylor's bedroom window and sliding glass door. These were covered with blinds and a blackout curtain. Several bullets went through a wall into the apartment of the Black woman's neighbor, according to CBS News. Read Also: Rex Heuermann: Gilgo Beach Murders Suspect Signs Family Home Over to Estranged Wife Judge Declares Mistrial US District Court Judge Rebecca Grady declared the mistrial nearly a week after jurors started deliberating. Taylor was an emergency medical technician who was sleeping inside her apartment with her boyfriend when police charged in with a battering ram to break down the door of their apartment. Before the mistrial, Hankison was also acquitted by a Kentucky jury last year on wanton endangerment charges in relation to the case. State prosecutors argued that the former Louisville police officer illegally put Taylor's neighbors in danger. At the time when the new charges were brought against Hankison, U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland said that the Black woman should be alive today. Hankison is the only officer who fired his weapon at the time of the botched raid to be criminally charged, said the Associated Press. Related Article: Pro-Palestine Protester Arrested, Charged in Death of LA Jew Paul Kessler @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. (Photo : Octavio Jones/Getty Images) TAMPA, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 13: Supporters for Palestinians protest Israeli troops entering the Gaza Strip during the march called International Day Of Action For Gaza on October 13, 2023 in downtown Tampa, Florida. On October 7, the Palestinian militant group Hamas launched the largest surprise attack from Gaza in a generation, sending thousands of missiles and an unknown number of fighters by land, who shot and kidnapped Israelis in communities near the Gaza border. The attack prompted retaliatory strikes on Gaza and a declaration of war by the Israeli prime minister. The University of Florida chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine (UF SJP), a pro-Palestinian student group in Florida, accused Republican Governor Ron DeSantis of violating student's free speech rights following the deactivation order on Thursday. UF SJP filed a lawsuit in a federal court in Gainesville and called on the court to block movements in the US, attempting to silence a pro-Palestinian group amid the foul repercussions of the Israel-Hamas war on American campuses. Pro-Palestinian Student Group Accuses DeSantis of Free Speech Rights Violation Raymond Rodrigues, the chancellor of Florida's university system, issued a deactivation order that targeted the UF SJP. However, Rodrigues said DeSantis consulted and instructed him to dismantle the student group. Rodrigues said his decision and the actions of the national entity of SJP were based on the accusations of engaging in support of terrorism. But the Florida group responded that the charges have nothing to do with the national body and its controversial statements. According to the lawsuit, UF SJP argued that it was fully autonomous and had no financial or other ties with the national body. A spokesperson for UF SJP said, "The aim of the lawsuit was to counter any official attempt to silence them or others like us. As students on a public college campus, we have every right to engage in human rights advocacy and promote public awareness and activism for a just and reasonable solution to the Palestine-Israel conflict." The furor about free speech was introduced during the 2024 presidential race. DeSantis said at last week's Republican presidential debate in Miami that they had deactivated them and they would not use tax dollars to fund jihad. DeSantis aimed at the "Day of Resistance toolkit" when the National SJP group released a comment that praised the attack as a historic win for the Palestinian resistance. The toolkit included another statement, saying that Palestinian students in exile were part of the movement, not in solidarity with the action. Rodrigues reported that by providing the toolkit National SJP has provided material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization, which acts as a felony under Florida law. However, the lawsuit argued that UF SJP insisted that the actions of the national group were unfairly tarnishing the group. The complaint claimed they were not involved in or consulted about the toolkit. On the other hand, the response of the group to the recent Hamas attack was to mourn the loss of innocent Palestinian and Israeli civilian life. Read Also: Black, Latino Students Face Unequal Access to Educational Opportunity, Lacks Certified Teachers, Advanced Classes Suspension of SJP in Universities Meanwhile, Columbia University in New York suspended its branch of SJP until the end of its term, along with the Jewish Voice for Peace. Columbia authorities said the group had performed unauthorized events that included threatening rhetoric and intimidation. George Washington University in Washington DC also suspended a campus chapter of SJP due to the projected slogans on the library wall. The debate in Florida started on October 24 when Rodrigues issued a deactivation order to the leaders of all public colleges in Florida. The Florida group was founded in 2009 as a human rights advocacy organization with the mission of providing a just and reasonable solution to the Palestine-Israel conflict. Related Article: Pro-Palestine Protester Arrested, Charged in Death of LA Jew Paul Kessler @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Newly appointed British Foreign Secretary David Cameron visited Ukraine and met with President Volodymyr Zelensky to pledge further military support to the war-torn country. The two officials met on Thursday on Cameron's first overseas trip following his return to British politics in his new position. He said that the United Kingdom would continue to provide military support to Kyiv's war effort against Russia for "however long it takes." David Cameron Visits Ukraine The former prime minister said he also wanted to make the trip to Kyiv his first diplomatic visit in his new position. In a video statement, Cameron told Zelensky that he admires the strength and determination of the Ukrainian people. Cameron added that the UK would continue providing moral and diplomatic support to Ukraine "but above all, the military support that you need not just this year and next year but however long it takes." In response to the British foreign secretary's visit, Zelensky expressed his gratitude as he continuously tried to keep the world focused on his country's battle against Moscow. This comes as many are slowly shifting their attention to the Israel-Hamas conflict in the Middle East, as per Euronews. In a Telegram post, Zelensky said that he had a "good meeting" with Cameron and that he was thankful to the UK for the weapons for the front, the strengthening of air defense, and the protection of his people and critical infrastructure. The development comes as the UK has been seen as one of the strongest supporters of Ukraine in the latter's continued conflict with Russia's military forces. As of last month, the UK said that it was only second to the United States in providing military funds. It has given roughly $5.7 billion worth of assistance and helped train 30,000 Ukrainian troops on British soil. During Cameron's visit to Kyiv, he also traveled to the southern port city of Odesa. In a statement, he said that Russia believes it can wait out the war and that the West would eventually forget Ukraine. The UK foreign secretary said this could not be further from the truth. Read Also: Russian Artist Faces up to 8 Years in Prison for Protesting in Supermarket Over War in Ukraine Military Support for Kyiv However, Zelensky has already acknowledged a drop in the supplies that Western allies have been providing. According to the Manila Bulletin, this was supposedly due to resources being stretched and that they needed to keep a "legal minimum" for reserve. The Ukrainian president said that deliveries to the region have decreased, which was a reference to the 155-millimeter shells that are widely used on the eastern and southern frontlines. The situation comes as Ukraine's summer counteroffensive failed to recapture substantial ground from entrenched Russian forces, which has led to concerns within the region. It could discourage some allies from continuing to provide military aid to Kyiv and leave it with a drawn-out conflict where Moscow would have the advantage. During an interview on Wednesday, Zelensky told journalists that Ukraine cannot afford any form of stalemate with Russia. He said that if the current situation becomes a frozen conflict, it could force children and grandchildren to fight in the future, said the New York Times. Related Article: Romania Opens F-16 Training Center To Service Ukrainian Pilots, NATO Allies @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Newly elected state Sen. John McGuire announced Wednesday that he plans to challenge Rep. Bob Good for the Republican Party's nomination in Virginia's 5th District next year. Im running for Congress against Never Trump politician Bob Good, McGuire, a Goochland resident, said in a Facebook post. On the day our president was wrongly indicted, Bob abandoned Trump by endorsing another candidate. Im a father, a Navy SEAL, a Day One Trump supporter, a Christian conservative and a pro-life, pro-gun business owner running to save America and help the people, McGuire wrote. Join me if you agree we can do better than good. Trump endorsed Good in 2020, when he was first elected to Congress after ousting Denver Riggleman in a convention. In May of this year, Good endorsed Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for president, saying, in part: Governor DeSantis gives us the best opportunity to win and restore the conservative America-first agenda. The sprawling 5th District includes all or part of 24 counties and cities. It stretches from Albemarle County south to Danville and Halifax counties and from Bedford County on the western edge to Amelia and Nottoway counties to the east. Good, a member of the House Freedom Caucus, is one of the eight Republicans who voted Oct. 3 to oust Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy. This week, Good voted against new Speaker Mike Johnsons two-tier spending plan to avert a federal government shutdown. McGuire has served in the House of Delegates since 2018, representing Louisa County and parts of Goochland, Henrico and Spotsylvania counties. In 2020, he sought the GOP nomination for Congress in the old 7th District, then based in the Richmond suburbs. He lost the nomination in a convention to Del. Nick Freitas of Culpeper. He considered another run for the 7th District congressional seat before the state Supreme Court imposed new legislative and congressional boundaries in December 2021. McGuire announced in February 2022 that he would instead run for state Senate in the newly drawn 10th District that includes all or part of 11 counties west of Richmond, including parts of Hanover and Louisa counties and all of Powhatan, Goochland and Fluvanna counties. McGuire, who had Gov. Glenn Youngkins endorsement for the Senate seat, easily topped three rivals in May to win the nomination. He was unopposed in the Nov. 7 general election. The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality recently fined the Amherst County Service Authority for violating state law in July 2022 when an unauthorized discharge of a coagulant from a tank at the Henry Lanum, Jr. Water Treatment Plant flowed into Harris Creek. According to DEQ documents, a valve at the Madison Heights plant was left open around the July 4, 2022 holiday, allowing a tank being filled with a coagulant used in the water treatment process to overflow about 300 gallons into a storm drain leading directly to the creek. ACSA notified the state department of the incident the morning of July 5 and a resident near Harris Creek reported a fish kill. DEQ issued a violation notice for discharging treated sewage and municipal wastes from the plant while concurrently failing to comply with conditions of the permit, according to documents. The authority has agreed to pay a charge of $11,575 in settlement of violations cited in the order, of which $1,557 must be paid within 30 days of the order. Tim Castillo, the authoritys executive director, said a $10,417 civil charge will go toward a supplemental environmental project that will stabilize land erosion around an ACSA sewer line on the banks of the James River. It was a mechanical failure, Castillo said in a phone interview of what caused the discharge. He said since that occurrence, staff engineered a solution to remove day tanks from the treatment process and feed directly from the storage tanks, which eliminates the possibility of such an incident happening again. In addition, adjustments have been made in the volume of chemical received and eliminating the need for an excess storage tank that had been located outside of the plant, Castillo wrote in a Nov. 6 email to ACSA board members. These adjustments further remove the possibility of an accidental discharge of coagulant to the receiving stream. Castillo said DEQ was good to work with in settling the matter and allowing 90% of the penalty to go toward a project is much appreciated. Instead of going to DEQ coffers it will allow us to put it toward a project that benefits the community, Castillo said. We appreciate DEQs willingness to do that. The settlement the two sides agreed to was reasonable, he added. The James River bank stabilization project, which has received federal funding, starts this month, according to Castillo. A citizen and homeowner on River Road reported to DEQ less than two hours after ACSA contacted the agency July 5, 2022, that he was seeing dead fish in Harris Creek near his residence, which is downstream of the treatment plant, according to correspondence from the states response to the incident. Two DEQ teams consisting of Water Quality Monitoring and Water Compliance staff responded to the reported fish kill that day, according to documents. From counts taken from multiple sections of Harris Creek during DEQs field investigation and using American Fisheries Society methods, more than 5,100 fish are estimated to have been killed a result of the accidental coagulant overflow. The fish kill was determined cover more than six miles of Harris Creek, extended from just below the plant outfall on the creek downstream to a point about one half mile upstream of the River Road bridge near the confluence with the James River, according to a DEQ incident report. The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources provided a cost estimate of roughly $5,480 to replace fish in Harris Creek, according to the report. The authoritys former director, Bob Hopkins, who was serving at the time of the incident, said in a past interview before leaving his position this year the accident posed no danger to water consumed by ACSA customers. The authority has more than 6,400 water customers and more than 1,100 sewer customers, according to its website. In the wake of local wins but statewide losses, local Republican representatives called for collaboration at Lynchburg City Councils annual legislative dinner. Longtime legislator Steve Newman, R-Lynchburg, who did not seek reelection in November to the Virginia Senate, thanked council members for the relationships theyve shared with him. And thats the way Lynchburg works, and I hope youll keep that up, Newman said. I think Lynchburgs got to work that way. When it comes to our big policy items, were going to feverishly disagree on some policy, right? But when it comes to whats good for the city, what weve been doing the last 30 years or so is weve been sitting down. I would sit down with [former Virginia Sen.] Elliot Schewel. We didnt agree on everything, he didnt let me in his office for a few years, but in the end, what was important to Lynchburg, we did that, and I hope well continue to do that. Retiring after more than 30 years representing the Lynchburg area in the Virginia House of Delegates and Senate, Newman told city leaders and staff about his concerns for the region in light of major turnover in the General Assembly. You guys, we are always under attack on transportation funding and you dont see it because we have people on the committee that beats it down. Theres a constant move to make sure that the money is going to Northern Virginia and Eastern Virginia and Tidewater because they need it. Newman said hes concerned the region will fall behind if the General Assembly opts to change the Virginia Department of Transportations system for funding transportation projects; and the SOQ, or Standards of Quality, formula that determines state funding for instructional positions in public schools. Let me tell you, any change to the SOQ funding is bad for you. We have fought and fought and fought and fought in the finance committee and in the committees of education to make sure we dont adjust it. Newman encouraged more regional partnerships, which recently reelected Sen. Mark Peake, R-Lynchburg, and Del. Wendell Walker, R-Lynchburg, both echoed in their addresses. Were going to have to do the best we can to work with Roanoke, to work with Bristol, to work with Abingdon, to come up with joint ventures as best we can, Peake said. Not a lot of partisan legislation is going to go through the next two years. Common sense legislation that affects peoples standard of living, their way of life, their safety, education, I think we can agree on those bills Peake said, adding he and Walker can help with funding regionally-specific projects. Peake said mental health and public safety funding will continue to be a priority. When we go back again well continue to focus on public safety, I think thats one of the most important things we do. That is one of the core functions of government, if youre not safe in your community, if youre not safe in your home, on your street, where you go to work, nothing else really matters. You cant work, you cant do those things, if your kids arent safe in school they cant learn. Wendell said the relationships he and Peake have built across the aisle will be important to get things done in the next four years. I think the most important thing is, and this is something everybody needs to remember, politics is about building relationships to get legislation done. So whether its the local level, the state level, or the national level, were all neighbors here. We have different opinions, we go to different churches, all different things, but were still a community, so we have to find those ways by which to work to get things accomplished for the betterment of our communities Newman honored After dinner, Mayor Stephanie Reed and Newman unveiled a new sign to designate Odd Fellows Road from U.S. 460 to the Lynchburg Expressway as Senator Steve Newman Parkway. City Council voted unanimously in favor of the overlay on Sept. 26. He has served in both the Virginia House of Delegates and the Virginia Senate for more than 32 years with nine Virginia governors both Republican and Democrat, both in the minority and majority. He is well known for sticking to his conservative principles while trying to find common ground to solve problems for the benefit of his constituents and the citizens of the commonwealth, Reed said. UPDATE: Bedford County Public Schools announced that due to air quality concerns from the Matts Creek wildfire all county schools will be closed Friday. Amherst County Public Schools also announced that all county schools will be closed Friday and remote instruction will not take place. EARLIER: The Matts Creek wildfire near Big Island has spread to 3,600 acres and is 2% contained, according to the U.S. Forest Service. About 200 firefighters and support staff, eight fire crews, eight fire engines and three helicopters are resources responding, the latest update from the Forest Service states. The fire started Sunday, its cause currently is undetermined, and it has caused smoke across the Lynchburg area, causing 911 call centers in Bedford and Amherst counties to be overwhelmed. Officials in Bedford and Amherst counties advise residents to only call 911 if they directly see flames or know the source of the fire. The wildfire has caused a number of closures, including sections of the Appalachian Trail and the Blue Ridge Parkway. The parkway is closed from milepost 66.3 near U.S. 501 and milepost 85.9 at Virginia 43. Motorists should plan for detours from the north and south using adjacent routes and Interstate 81. The wildfire is located within the James River Face Wilderness and is currently entirely on national forest land. Use caution, obey all road signs and be alert for firefighter vehicles and smoke while driving, the U.S. Forest Service advises. Due to air quality issues Bedford County Public Schools dismissed Big Island Elementary School at 10:30 a.m. Thursday and will dismiss Liberty High School and Liberty Middle School at 1 p.m. The January edition of TV LATINA will give you exposure at two events! Here are the FREE benefits you will receive from advertising with us in the January 2024 print and digital edition. This edition will be extensively distributed at the Hilton Miami Downtown during Content Americas. The January print edition of TV Latina will be mailed to our extensive circulation of media executives in Latin America, the U.S. Hispanic market and Iberia. Your advertisement will also appear in the January digital edition of TV Latina, which will be sent out to approximately 35,000 media executives prior to NATPE Global and Content Americas. The digital edition will be extensively promoted in our newsletters, websites and social media handles before, during and after the events. Your company will receive an article up front in the magazine featuring program highlights, an image of a show, a quote from an executive at the company and a headshot. We will also run your article in Diario TV Latina before the markets. The article will also run on TVLatina.tv before the markets. You will receive invaluable social media exposure by having your article shared to @tvlatinas followers. 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We can offer you the following options: A single-page advertisement in the print and digital editions for US$2,000. A 2-page spread advertisement before the first page of editorial in the print and digital editions for US$3,000. You can also add an embedded video to your advertisement in any of our digital editions. The cost is US$500 per enhanced page. To learn more about this innovative service, click here. DEADLINES: Space Reservations..........January 8 Ad Materials.......................January 10 For more information, please contact Ricardo Guise at rguise@worldscreen.com or Dana Mattison at dmattison@worldscreen.com. Pottawattamie County Emergency Management declared a ban on burning across the county. The ban went into effect at 2 p.m. Thursday and prohibits all open and controlled burning in Pottawattamie County, including within all cities, according to a news release. "With the lack of sufficient ground moisture and precipitation, fire departments have responded to several grass/field fires requiring the need for multiple fire departments to respond to fight these fires," the release stated. "The current dry conditions and dead vegetative fuels create the perfect conditions for fires to spread rapidly." Pottawattamie County Emergency Management stressed the importance of not tossing cigarettes from moving vehicles and to avoid burning yard waste, piled tree debris and grass and agricultural ground. The ban will remain in effect until the county receives sufficient precipitation to alleviate the increased fire threat. Check on the status of the ban by visiting pcema-ia.org/fire-conditions. Anyone violating the ban faces criminal penalties as well as civil liabilities for any damages, losses or injuries resulting from a fire. Sign up for Alert Iowa for updates on fire danger and other notifications. A Papillion man accused of assaulting a former U.S. senator last week appeared in court in Pottawattamie County to face a misdemeanor charge of assault with the intent to commit sexual abuse. Dominic Henton, 25, was ordered to be held on a $10,000 bail at Friday's hearing. He is accused of following and assaulting former U.S. Sen. Martha McSally of Arizona at the Tom Hanafan River's Edge Park near the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge on Nov. 8. McSally, who was in Omaha to speak at an event, spoke about the assault in an Instagram video. She said she was followed across the pedestrian bridge by a man who engulfed her in a bear hug, molested her and then continued to follow her after she fought him off. I ran after him. I threw my water bottle at him. And I chased him into the brush, where he was then hiding as I called 911 and waited for the police to come, she said in the video. Police responded to the scene but were unable to locate the man. Henton was taken into custody in Omaha two days later. Appearing in court at the Douglas County Jail on Tuesday, Henton agreed to be extradited to Pottawattamie County. He was transported to Iowa on Thursday. Henton is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing in mid-December. "Actual photo of me trying to catch all the Christmas bulbs the cat keeps knocking off ..." Cecelia Henery-Smith was this week's winner. The winner's name will be put into a drawing for a free month subscription or extension. Look for a new photo Monday. We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription. Los Angeles, a devastating fire erupted under the city's sprawling freeway system, threatening the lives of 16 people, including a pregnant woman who was only weeks away from giving birth. Fortunately, rescue crews managed to evacuate all residents from the inferno safely. Still, the incident has once again brought to light the challenges and controversies surrounding the homelessness crisis in the city, as per The Independent. Los Angeles Freeway Fire While the world's attention shifted to international affairs, the plight of homeless individuals in Los Angeles remained a pressing concern. The fire ignited beneath the city's freeway, and the subsequent damage to steel guardrails and concrete pillars raised questions about officials' inability to address homelessness effectively. Three years ago, a judge had expressed concern about 7,000 people living under freeways, deeming it "unreasonably dangerous." Despite allocating nearly $300 million for 6,700 shelter beds, rows of tents and makeshift shelters persist beneath overpasses and along highway ramps. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and California Governor Gavin Newsom now face mounting pressure not only to expedite the reopening of Interstate 10 but also to investigate the fire's cause and assess the state's oversight of the property. While Mayor Bass cautioned against assuming homeless residents started the blaze, speculation and blame continued circulating. Late Wednesday, Apex Development Inc., the company leasing the property, claimed to have reported numerous fires started by homeless individuals to city officials. Governor Newsom labeled the company a "bad actor," with the state engaged in litigation over back rent amounting to $78,000, according to Mail Online. Read Also: Israeli Military Releases Video Allegedly Showing Evidence of Hostages in Gaza Hospital Los Angeles Homelessness Crisis Deepens The homelessness crisis in Los Angeles has escalated significantly in recent years, with over 75,500 unhoused individuals in the county, more than 46,000 of them within the city limits. Advocates have resorted to legal action to compel the city and county to take more decisive action. Investigations into the fire's cause have indicated it was intentionally set behind a fence where businesses stored materials under I-10, though the culprits remain unidentified. Advocates for homeless individuals like Mel Tillekeratne emphasize the urgent need to relocate homeless resources and facilities to safer neighborhoods, away from highways where pollution and traffic accidents pose significant hazards. County supervisor Hilda Solis acknowledges the need for additional resources to address systemic inequalities in the affected area. Eight individuals evacuated during the fire have transitioned to interim housing, while others have sought shelter with friends or reconnected with homeless services programs. The incident has drawn attention to concerns voiced by business owners who subleased storage properties beneath highways. They had repeatedly reported fire hazards and other dangers associated with encampments in the industrial zone but claimed their complaints went largely unaddressed. Storage yards under highways, common throughout California, contribute revenue to public transit. Governor Newsom has indicated a reevaluation of this practice following the fire. As Los Angeles grapples with its ongoing homeless crisis, incidents like the freeway fire serve as stark reminders of the urgent need for comprehensive solutions that prioritize the safety and well-being of the city's most vulnerable residents, Las Vegas Sun reported. Related Article: Pablo Escobar's Cocaine Hippos Face Government Cull as Officials Begin Sterilization Process To Mitigate Population Growth @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Conde Nast Traveler hails the Moroccan capital for its dynamic music festivals, prestigious architecture and luxury hotels, thus raising it among the jewels of travel and one of the best destinations in Africa. The Moroccan capital of Rabat may be one of the countrys four imperial cities, but its long been bypassed by travellers drawn to the timeworn beauty of places like Marrakech, Fez, and Tangier. That may change this year, as the city is in the midst of a cultural and artistic reinvention. One of the most talked about attractions: the forthcoming Mohammed VI Tower, designed to be LEED Gold and HQE-certified and projected to be the tallest and only spire of its kind in Africa. But perhaps even more exciting is the new Grand Theatre of Rabat opening nearby. One of legendary architect Zaha Hadids unfinished masterpieces, it will incorporate an 1,800-seat theatre, an experimental performance space, and a 7,000-person amphitheater, along with green spaces and a restaurant. It is set to be the largest venue of its kind in both Africa and the Arab world and will host symphony, ballet, opera, and philharmonic performances (all of the above are anticipated before 2023 comes to a close). Another hotly anticipated cultural foray is the 2024 return of the Mawazine festival, coming back this summer after a COVID-19-induced hiatus theres no word on a lineup yet, but in the past Africas largest festival has drawn A-listers like Rihanna and Mariah Carey. A flurry of high-profile hotel openings will make for a soft landing in the city while youre there: The newly opened Fairmont La Marina Rabat Sale and Conrad Rabat Arzana both herald a new era of modern luxury in the historic city; now, the buzz is centered around the hotly anticipated Four Seasons Hotel Rabat at Kasr Al Bahr, opening in late 2023, as well as a the planned Ritz-Carlton Rabat Dar Es Salam. Britains highest court unanimously ruled on Wednesday (15 November) that the governments policy to deport more than 24,000 refugees to Rwanda in a controversial $174 million deal is unlawful, thus dealing a major blow to the governing Conservative Partys efforts to stop illegal migration. Justice Robert Reed, one of five judges on the panel, said the court supported an earlier Court of Appeal decision that found the East African country was not a safe place for refugees, stressing that the plan would breach both British and international law. This is widely seen as a major blow to this Conservative governments flagship plan, long described as central to its pledge to stop the arrival of the small boats that cross the English Channel. Today, the Supreme Court has judged that the Rwanda policy requires a set of changes in order to be lawful. I do not agree with this decision, but I respect it and accept it. The rule of law is fundamental to our democracy, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said after the ruling. Somali and Sudanese refugees have said they were elated by the British courts decision to block the governments Rwanda asylum deal signed in April 2022, based on which the UK was to send undocumented migrants in chartered flights to the African nation for a five-year period. Rwanda would then be responsible for processing their asylum claims and either granting them refugee status or deporting them to their country of origin. Opposition politicians and rights groups widely criticized the policy from the start, with many pointing to Rwandas troubled record on human rights. We have prepared for all outcomes of this case. And so we have been working on a new international treaty with Rwanda, the UK prime minister commented. The Russian Foreign Ministry welcomed Thursday November 16 the Malian Armys liberation of the town of Kidal from Touareg rebel groups who had occupied the region for 10 years. Malian transitional authorities announced November 14 the seizure of the town from the rebels following fierce battle. The town is the site of a base that the UN Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) left at the end of October 2023. The Russian Foreign ministry said in a statement the victory is an important step toward restoring the States territorial integrity and returning a legitimate Government to the region. This important victory will undoubtedly contribute to the establishment of lasting peace and stability in the country, the Statement outlined. The Office of Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Moscow is closely watching the development of events in the West African country. Moscow is firmly determined to further develop multi-faceted Russian-Mali cooperation for the benefit of our peoples and in the interests of security on the African continent, the statement read. Russia has emerged as a strategical partner of Mali under the transitional authority at the expense of former colonial power France. Both countries have stepped out cooperation in many areas including defense and security. Moroccos Regional Police forces at the Guerguerat crossing with Mauritania in southern Morocco nabbed Thursday November 16 five individuals between the ages of 21 and 52 for smuggling golds as well as illegal drugs used for cosmetic and sexual purposes, reports say. The men were arrested in two separate operations. The first led to the arrest of four Moroccan citizens in a car coming from Mauritania. The search of the car revealed the presence of 70 kilograms of Maassel, a harmful tobacco mix. The security forces also discovered considerable amounts of dangerous cosmetics and sexual drugs. The second operation led to the arrest of another Moroccan citizen in possession of eight unauthorized gold bars, with a weight of over 10 kilograms. Mauritania is gold producer and the country reportedly exported, in 2021, $606 M worth of gold. However, the sub-Saharan country has been facing gold trafficking in the Sahel that spans almost 6,000 kilometers from the Atlantic Ocean to the Red Sea. As was expected, Pedro Sanchez and his PSOE-led coalition are back to the helm of power in Spain for a second term, much to the disappointment of Algeria that bet on the Spanish left. The same far-left Sumar coalition has turned its back to Algiers following a deal to form a coalition with Sanchez that included abandoning support for the Algeria-backed Polisario separatists. Sanchez won the support of Parliament to form a new government ending a political limbo that lasted for months since the PP that won elections failed to form a majority government. Under Sanchez administration, Spain has backed in 2022 Moroccos autonomy plan as the only political solution to the Sahara issue, irking the Polisario and its mentor, Algeria. Algeria responded with a set of retaliatory measures including economic restrictions on Spanish imports and Spanish businesses, as well as threatening to cut gas. Algeria has also weaponized migration, letting thousands of its disenchanted youth take the risky route on board embarkations at their own peril. Spanish officials have often said that better ties with Morocco, including backing its autonomy plan for the Sahara, were a sovereign decision. Earlier this month, Algeria returned its ambassador to Madrid, marking the recognition of its failure to pressure Spain to adopt a pro-separatist stance. The signatories of the Tangier Appeal, urging the African Union (AU) to expel the self-proclaimed SADR from the Union, have reiterated their urgent call to the African Heads of State to eject the Algeria-backed puppet undermining the AU credibility. After their follow-up meeting held Friday in Tangier, Northern Morocco, on the sidelines of the MEDays Forum 2023, twenty-three African politicians, including former Prime Ministers and ex-Foreign ministers said the so-called Republic lacks the legal requirements and conditions of Statehood and should be removed from the African Union. In their joint press release, the signatories said this anomaly must be corrected quickly to avoid the balkanization of our countries in Africa, pledging to continue their campaign pressing the African Heads of state to get rid of a phantom entity which has become a liability. The signatories represent Guinea-Bissau, Djibouti, Central African Republic, Somalia, Burkina Faso, Eswatini, Benin, Comoro Islands, Liberia, Gabon, Malawi, Cape Verde, Democratic Republic of Congo, Guinea, Kenya, Gambia, Lesotho, Madagascar, Sierra Leone, Sao Tome & Principe; Burundi, Cote dIvoire, and Senegal. They reiterated call for the expulsion of the pseudo-SADR from the AU which becomes handicapped by the presence of a separatist proxy that lacks all the attributes of a sovereign state. Two major international events were put off lately sine die to avoid Polisarios attendance and political crisis. First Saudi Arabia had to cancel its summit with the African Union, followed by a similar decision from the EU. Global powers such as the United States, Russia, China, France, Japan, and South Korea reject Polisarios presence in their African summits. You are exactly right, Elon Musk posted on X Wednesday night. The comment he was calling exactly right was a white-nationalist account saying the following: Jewish communties [sic] have been pushing the exact kind of dialectical hatred against whites that they claim to want people to stop using against them. Im deeply disinterested in giving the tiniest shit now about western Jewish populations coming to the disturbing realization that those hordes of minorities that [they] support flooding their country dont exactly like them too much. You want truth said to your face, there it is. In addition to the vast cultural influence he wields via his aggressively tilted content-moderation policies over what is still an important social-media organ, Musk is also a high-profile influencer within the Republican Party. Famously, he endorsed Ron DeSantis for president and produced his campaign launch. By traditional standards, having such a figure so close to the candidate endorse such vile sentiments would force the candidate to make a statement of disavowal. Barack Obama famously had to deliver an entire speech explaining why he disagreed with Jeremiah Wright, even though Wright had no ongoing involvement with his campaign. John McCain cut ties with pastors who had made bigoted comments about Jews and Muslims. DeSantis, by contrast, said nothing about Musks endorsement of white-nationalist conspiracy theories that directly inspired the Tree of Life massacre. I reached out to the DeSantis campaign for comment. It did not respond. This is what it looks like when a political party has an antisemitism problem. The firewalls have broken down. Antisemites have too much power and influence to be cut off. Even those who disagree with antisemites need their support too much to risk an open breach. The upsurge of left-wing protests against the Biden administrations Israel policy has inspired conservatives to publish columns with headlines like Democrats Have an Anti-Semitism Problem (The Wall Street Journal) and Im a Proud Democrat. My Party Has an Antisemitism Problem (Fox News). It is certainly true that there is antisemitism on the left, frequently presenting itself as criticism of Israel. (The usual trick is to make an antisemitic statement and replace Jews with Zionists.) But it is overwhelmingly directed in opposition to the Democratic Party. The most antisemitic activists on the right tend to be pro-Trump, which is why the ranks of J6ers were overrepresenting with white nationalists. The most antisemitic activists of the left despise Joe Biden and generally oppose the Democratic Party. When conservatives claim the Democratic Party is enabling antisemitism, sometimes they point to Democrats denouncing bias against Muslims or Arabs. Other times they highlight statements by the most progressive Democrats, like Rashida Tlaib, calling for a cease-fire or a one-state solution. Tlaib has made a lot of statements I consider reckless, or blinkered, and I certainly wish Democrats would nominate a more responsible candidate to represent the 13th district in Michigan, but she has never actually uttered anything a reasonable person would deem antisemitic. From the river to the sea is an inflammatory and irresponsible slogan that implicitly creates solidarity with terrorism precisely because it is ambiguous and open to multiple definitions, but it is not per se antisemitic. One problem with identifying antisemitism is that it is wrapped up in political debates in which contestants have the incentive to define the term as broadly as possible. Israel hawks often label all critics of Israel as antisemitic, just as many progressives do the same on issues of race and gender. When the question turns from race or gender to Israel, conservatives suddenly start adopting the logical methods of Robin DiAngelo, wantonly ascribing secret motives to their adversaries, or insisting intention doesnt matter. Its impossible to grasp the dynamics of the issue without simultaneously recognizing that many critics of Israel are concealing antisemitism inside of criticism of Israel, and many hawks are attempting to delegitimize all criticism of Israel by calling it antisemitic. (Here is my effort, in 2021, to define a fair standard for debating Israel and American identity politics.) What healthy parties and political movements require is the ability to separate bigoted statements from legitimate differences of opinion, and to make clear the former is unacceptable. A few years ago, Representative Ilhan Omar made antisemitic comments questioning the loyalty of Israel hawks and saying their support was all about the Benjamins. What happened next? Well, the party made clear those comments were unacceptable. Omar apologized, and Democrats supported a congressional resolution denouncing them. That is how a healthy party operates. Unhealthy parties excuse statements by their members they would never accept if made by the opposing party. Marjorie Taylor Greene, in addition to famously blaming forest fires on a space laser controlled by the Rothschilds, once wrote, An unholy alliance of leftists, capitalists, and Zionist supremacists has schemed to promote immigration and miscegenation, with the deliberate aim of breeding us out of existence in our own homelands. If Tlaib or Omar had ever written something half that crazy, their careers would be over. Greene is not only safe in Congress, she gained an influential role as adviser to former Speaker McCarthy. Donald Trump routinely shares social-media memes generated by white supremacists, spreads gross antisemitic stereotypes, has inspired Nazis to become actively involved in conservative politics, and invited Kanye West and Nick Fuentes for dinner. Republicans excuse all of this. (Trump also, of course, regularly denies that Muslim Americans have any right to participate in civic affairs on an equal basis or can ever become Americans at all, but nobody really calls this an Islamophobia problem because its obviously a conscious partywide strategy.) The tweet endorsed by Musk expresses an idea that has long percolated among white nationalists. It blames Jews or, at least, wealthy Jews for secretly financing anti-white political causes and liberalized immigration, which they interpret as an attack on white people. Musks open endorsement inspired Charlie Kirk and Tucker Carlson, two of the most important voices in right-wing media, to express fulsome support for this idea. If you want to see what an unhealthy party looks like, behold the contortions Ben Shapiro made on behalf of Musk: Ben Shapiro defends Elon Musks criticism of the ADL and progressive Jewish organizations whose policies have resulted in the widespread increase in anti-Western and anti-Jewish sentiment throughout the West. pic.twitter.com/CAcRElPQ7i Ian Miles Cheong (@stillgray) November 16, 2023 Shapiro rarely eats breakfast before accusing somebody in the Democratic Party of hidden antisemitic motives. Musk is his ally, and the two men held what the Jewish newspaper the Forward described as a lovefest earlier this year to rebut complaints about Musks friendly treatment of white nationalism on Twitter. Faced with Musk openly stating that he doesnt care about Jews because they are responsible for diluting the white race by promoting mass immigration, Shapiro explained to his audience that Musk just spoke imprecisely. He simply meant he hates the Anti-Defamation League is all. (This is exactly the kind of sanewashing you hear on the left when a progressive says something antisemitic. Ignore what my friend said about the Jews; he just meant to say he hates the occupation.) Then Shapiro quickly pivoted to whataboutism, claiming a lot of these same people are absolutely silent about Hamas, so they have no right to criticize Musk. (I can certify that Yair Rosenberg, who denounced Musks antisemitism, is also strongly critical of Hamas.) Antisemitism exists on the left and the right. But there is one American party that is currently healthy enough to call out and exclude antisemitism within its ranks. And it is not the Republican Party. Representative Ritchie Torres at the March for Israel in Washington, D.C., on November 14. Photo: Noam Galai/Getty Images One thing thats changed about Washington since Donald Trump left town is the Romanesque Old Post Office Building on Pennsylvania Avenue. Its no longer a Trump Hotel but a Waldorf Astoria, which means Democrats will now set foot inside it. Late Tuesday night, I met one there: the Bronx representative Ritchie Torres. Torres is an interesting young Democrat to observe at this moment. Hes 35, gay, and Afro-Latino, but when it comes to Israel, he could hardly be farther from his age group or pols such as AOC and Jamaal Bowman, his fellow New York progressives. Since October 7, Torres has been one of the loudest voices on the left defending Israels right to wage war. He is not calling for a cease-fire. He settled into a high-backed chair in the cavernous lobby bar, ordered a vodka with a medium-rare steak, and loosened his tie. It was the day of the massive pro-Israel rally on the mall, and Torres had taken the stage to enthusiastic chants of Ritchie! Ritchie! Ritchie! It was an exhilarating, experience, said Torres. I never thought life would take me on a journey from public housing in the Bronx to the House of Representatives, and I never imagined speaking before an audience of almost 300,000 people on the national lawn. While he was on the National Mall, the world was gripped with accounts of the suffering of the Gazan people as the IDF closed in on the Al-Shifa Hospital, which Israel says sits atop a hornets nest of Hamas terrorists. D.C. Democrats, already nervous about President Bidens prospects in the general election, have a new worry to add to their ever-lengthening list: What if the presidents staunch support of Israels right of self-defense alienates enough younger voters that the election gets thrown to Trump? Polls show that fewer than half of Gen Z and millennials say the U.S. should support Israel in its war in Gaza, compared to 84 percent of boomers. (Never mind that on this, youth hero Bernie Sanders sticks firmly to his demo.) Torres resents the idea that this has split the Democratic Party and has said that there is no evidence all of this might hurt Biden or somehow help Trump. I represent the mainstream of my party, Torres said simply. The president of the United States, who is the leader of the Democratic Party, is pro-Israel. Both the Democratic leader in the Senate and the Democratic leader in the House are both pro-Israel. But many young Democratic aides on Capitol Hill have broken with their bosses in speaking out for a cease-fire. Torres said he hasnt faced any opprobrium from his own staff. If your views on Israel are different from mine, then my office is the wrong place to be, he said a bit tersely. He tells me not to pay too much attention to social media or college campuses. We have to be careful not to mistake a visible, vocal minority for a majority. That seems reductive. For decades, if there was one thing both parties agreed on, it was the support for Israel and its right to defend itself, more often than not with weapons that this country supplied it. But the relentlessness of the Israeli response to the horrific Hamas attack has given many in Washington pause. State Department employees have been sending Secretary of State Antony Blinken dissent cables, and more than 500 U.S. officials from across the administration signed a letter protesting Bidens policy. So its not just college students or the fringe left saying that Torres and his fellow Democrats are making a terrible mistake with their backing of Israel. Its a sizable chunk of official Washington. I dont know if thats the case, said Torres, dismissing what The Wall Street Journal editorial board has described as a deep state revolt against Biden. I asked how can any politician or any person be so sure of their convictions when the news out of Gaza is as ghastly as its gotten. Im just curious, if you were monitoring the fight against the Nazis, the fight against imperial Japan on a day-to-day basis, I suspect you would be horrified, said Torres, undeterred. I think Israel has the unique challenge of waging a defensive war under the microscope of 24/7 cable news and social media, which is something that weve never seen before. When youre confronted with the wretchedness of war, youre going to be horrified. Torres was one of 22 House Democrats who voted to censure Representative Rashida Tlaib this month for promoting false narratives regarding the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel and for calling for the destruction of the state of Israel. But Tlaib is the only Palestinian member of Congress, so shouldnt we be listening to what she has to say? You have a right to engage in hate speech, but I have a right to condemn it, said Torres. If Im going to condemn Marjorie Taylor Greene for invoking antisemitic conspiracy theories like Jewish space lasers, then I am willing to condemn those who call for the destruction of Israel as a Jewish state. Torress relationship with Israel dates back to 2014, after he was first elected and then invited to join a delegation to Israel. I spent most of my life in poverty, he said. (He was raised by a single mother who worked as a mechanics assistant on a minimum-wage salary of $4.25 an hour). I never had an opportunity to broaden my horizons beyond public housing in the Bronx. He said that after it was announced he would be taking the trip, he faced immediate protests and became a target of overwhelming hatred and betrayal. There were activists with the BDS movement who were demonizing me both in person and on Twitter, and there was actually a rally in City Hall, and I remember seeing an activist who had a shirt that read, Queers for Palestine. He said he tried asking about Hamas, and the activist told him she supported the terrorist organization because it was fighting for liberation. At that moment, I had the beginning of an epiphany, he said. I said to myself, the fact that an LGBTQ activist would defend a terrorist organization that systematically and savagely murders LGBTQ people, that to me was as definitive a sign as any of the stupidity, absurdity, and moral bankruptcy that the BDS movement has inflicted on progressive politics. So, he went on the trip. He discovered that he liked Israel. Frankly, Jerusalem, which is the most religious city on earth, had an LGBTQ center before the Bronx did, he pointed out. Hes been the target of progressive activists ever since; his bete-noire is the Democratic Socialists of America, which called Tuesdays demonstration on the national lawn a a pro-genocide march. The DSA tried protesting Torres in his district last month but showed up to the wrong part of the Bronx. Torres slammed the group on X, writing, The DSA is a bunch of trust fund babies and hipsters that knows nothing about the Bronx and has never won a race in the Bronx, precisely because it knows nothing. The appeal of DSA is confined to white gentrifiers. Communities of color have no use for it. I wonder if he thinks some of whats going on with the left right now may be the modern version of what Tom Wolfe called radical chic, but Torres said hed never heard the term before. There are those who adopt a worldview that divides the world into two categories, he said, the oppressor versus the oppressed, the powerful versus the powerless, and there are people who for whom Israel is the oppressor that can do no right, and Hamas is the oppressed that can do no wrong. If you point out the objective fact that Israel is the most protective of LGBTQ rights, that is dismissed as pinkwashing propaganda. That seems to be the simplistic lens through which the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is seen. Torres represents many Jewish New Yorkers, since his district includes Riverdale. The constituents who are most critical, or the constituents who are most supportive, of Israel are my Jewish constituents. Everyone else could care less, he said. If youre a single mother whos struggling to put food on the table and pay the bills and keep your family afloat, the farthest issue on your mind is Israel. Jonathan Karl and Bob Woodward at Cafe Milano. Photo: John Harrington Earlier that night, across town, I dropped in on a book party at Cafe Milano in Georgetown for ABC News chief Washington correspondent, Jonathan Karl. The Waldorf rebrand aside, it occurred to me how little has changed in Washington since Trump was president. Its a petrified place Pompeii on the Potomac where the same people are still throwing the same party at the same restaurant for the same author who has written the same book about the same subject that arrives at the same conclusion. Can you believe it, asked D.C. doyenne Tammy Haddad while looking around a packed room. This is his third Trump book, and its still standing room only! This latest Trump book Karl has written is titled Tired of Winning. I do believe this is the most important of my books, Karl said in a speech. He said that when he had to read it aloud for the audiobook version, I had a hard time getting through it without tearing up. The shocking upshot of this book is that Trump is a crazy asshole and a liar. I asked Karl why anyone should buy it to once more learn that. I think its critically important to look not just at the criminal cases, not just what Trump did as president, but look at what he has done since he left office, and look at what he would do if he were to get elected president again, he said. Look, he could win. Many in D.C. are beginning to admit publicly that President Biden might not be able to stop Trump. The capital was abuzz over Jonathan Martins column in Politico this week detailing Democratic dread over Bidens prospects; the prez apparently called David Axelrod a prick because the Obama strategist spoke out about the partys concerns. Listen, Im old, but Biden is wayyy too old, said longtime Washington pundit Margaret Carlson as she sipped a margarita at the Milano party. But how old are you, Margaret? Dont ask a girl that question. I dont think Biden is going to be the candidate, chirped Newsmax CEO Chris Ruddy. I see him declining pretty rapidly. Still, he allowed that Biden actually has a pretty good story to tell as president, and theres a lot of cash and stimulus coming in that they prepared for early on, so the economy is unusually strong, and Republicans arent accounting for that. Its plausible that Ruddys buddy is only running so he can stay out of jail. No, said Ruddy, he wants to be president again. He loves being president. We looked around at the conga line of Trump reporters, and Ruddy remarked that Donald Trump is the gift that keeps giving. He is the front-runner, and he must be covered. Thats not the reporters fault. Still, I couldnt help but wonder if many in the room were, on some level, relieved that he didnt just go quietly. If he were to lumber back into town, at least they would know their clearly defined roles in the Return of the Resistance. The shift to Biden has been bumpy for the news industry. The hometown paper here is shedding jobs and has lost its mojo. It probably wont be a Brit or a Bezos who helps them get it back. Other reporters in the room, such as the Washington Posts own Josh Dawsey and Politicos Meridith McGraw, are already at work on new Trump books. But isnt it just the same old story every time? I dont think so, said Dawsey. There will be tons of material about the campaign if he wins again, if he loses, does he go to jail? What happens? Everything happens. This is the most interesting chapter of them all. I asked Bob Woodward about Trumps chances. It took him precisely five seconds and 19 words to start talking about Watergate. I hearken back 50 years ago, when Carl Bernstein and I were working on Watergate for the Post Like Karl, Woodward has already written three Trump books. Does he feel he has another one in him? Instead of following the money, he said, follow Trump. Isnt that the same thing? Sometimes, he mused, Yoda-like, sometimes not. CNN reporter Manu Raju approached and asked, Bob, can I get a selfie? The Axios guys Jim VandeHei and Mike Allen were there. So was ABC News president Kim Godwin and Senator Amy Klobuchar too. Former attorney general Bill Barr (title of his Trump book: One Damn Thing After Another) floated past another newly minted resistance queen, Cassidy Hutchinson (title of her Trump book: ENOUGH). When I tried to get her to cough up a quote, her agent from CAA swooped in and said, Shes not doing media availability right now. Which was a little bizarre, as she was surrounded by the media. Bidens former ambassador to Israel Tom Nides stopped by, and the UAEs ambassador to Washington Yousef Al Otaiba was there, too. I asked for his over-under on Trumps chances. I have no idea, he said. Thats why Im here, trying to figure out whats going to happen. He hasnt been paying much attention to Trumps various legal trials, because, he said gravely, Im watching Gaza. Photo: MATTHEW HATCHER/AFP via Getty Images Perhaps, like me, every time you see a poll showing Donald Trump winning the 2024 presidential race you comfort yourself with the thought that you already survived his first administration. How bad could a second Trump term really be? As it turns out, pretty bad! He has been releasing policy papers and videos on what he calls Agenda 47 for months, and he and his advisers are openly bragging about their radical plans for a second term. Some of the worst elements of Trumps first-term agenda were thwarted by scrupulous government officials, legal challenges, and the Trump teams general ineptitude. But the former president and his well-funded allies in the conservative movement are already working to make sure theyll be more successful if he winds up back in the White House. Many of Trumps proposals for his second term are surprisingly extreme, draconian, and weird, even for him. Heres a running list of his most unhinged plans. Give the president unchecked power over federal agencies Today, most of us take for granted that presidents dont micromanage departments they oversee, allowing them to figure out the finer details of running the biggest institution in the country. But in a policy video released in 2023, Trump said he plans to change that: I will bring the independent regulatory agencies, such as the FCC and the FTC, back under presidential authority, as the Constitution demands. These agencies do not get to become a fourth branch of government, issuing rules and edicts all by themselves. And thats what theyve been doing. We will require that they submit any regulations they are considering for White House review. Trump has repeatedly made it clear that he thinks the president should generally be able to do whatever he wants. It seems this belief is rooted in his personal sense of entitlement, not any coherent theory on how the U.S. government should be structured. But as the New York Times explained in July 2023, Trumps narcissistic tendencies happen to dovetail with conservative legal thinkers decades-long effort to fundamentally reshape the federal government by putting independent agencies under the presidents control: Its legal underpinning is a maximalist version of the so-called unitary executive theory. The legal theory rejects the idea that the government is composed of three separate branches with overlapping powers to check and balance each other. Instead, the theorys adherents argue that Article 2 of the Constitution gives the president complete control of the executive branch, so Congress cannot empower agency heads to make decisions or restrict the presidents ability to fire them. Reagan administration lawyers developed the theory as they sought to advance a deregulatory agenda. Restore the presidents authority to bypass Congress Part of Trumps grand vision for an imperial presidency involves reclaiming the presidents impoundment power, which Richard Nixon gave up in 1974. Without getting into the weeds on the origins of the U.S. budget process, this basically means Trump plans to refuse to spend certain congressional appropriations, thus giving himself the power to starve any government programs he doesnt care for. Appoint a special prosecutor to go after Biden Hours after he was indicted on 37 criminal counts for allegedly mishandling classified documents in July, Trump took to Truth Social to announce his plan to appoint a special prosecutor to go after Joe Biden and the entire Biden crime family. Bidens attorney general, Merrick Garland, already has two Trump-appointed special prosecutors investigating Bidens handling of classified documents and his son Hunters financial dealings. But apparently, they are not real because their goal is conducting actual investigations not finding any excuse to charge the Bidens. Trump has been pretty clear that his goal is getting vengeance against Biden, even if it isnt legally justified. This is third-world-country stuff, arrest your opponent, Trump said at a New Hampshire campaign stop in October. And that means I can do that, too. Use the Justice Department to get revenge on all of his enemies Trumps revenge fantasy goes far beyond siccing the Justice Department on the Bidens. The Washington Post reported that Trump and his allies have been drawing up specific plans to punish his critics via investigations: In private, Trump has told advisers and friends in recent months that he wants the Justice Department to investigate onetime officials and allies who have become critical of his time in office, including his former chief of staff, John F. Kelly, and former attorney general William P. Barr, as well as his ex-attorney Ty Cobb and former Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman Gen. Mark A. Milley, according to people who have talked to him, who, like others, spoke on the condition of anonymity to describe private conversations. Trump has also talked of prosecuting officials at the FBI and Justice Department, a person familiar with the matter said. John Kelly, a former Trump White House chief of staff, told the paper that he fully expects Trump to target him if reelected, as hed frequently suggest using the DOJ to persecute his enemies in his first term. There is no question in my mind he is going to go after people that have turned on him, he said. Purge the civil service Despite his promises to drain the swamp Trump only made his move to purge the federal workforce by creating a new Schedule F employment category in October 2020. The idea was to redesignate as many as 50,000 civil servants as political appointees, then fire anyone deemed insufficiently loyal to Trump. Schedule F was never implemented, as Biden quickly revoked Trumps executive order. But Trump plans to immediately reimpose Schedule F in his second term, allowing him to fire tens of thousands of career servants. Though, Team Trump told Axios they dont think theyll have to totally gut the federal government to achieve their goal of scaring people into submission: Trumps allies claim they will not have to fire anything close to 50,000 federal workers to achieve the result, as one source put it, of behavior change. Firing a smaller segment of bad apples among the career officials at each agency would have the desired chilling effect on others tempted to obstruct Trumps orders. Install thousands of loyalists throughout the federal government So what if the MAGA purge does require firing thousands of federal workers? Trump and his allies have a plan for that: Theyre already vetting loyalists to replace career civil servants throughout the government. The Heritage Foundations Project 2025 is collecting resumes online for its 2025 Presidential Transition Project Talent Database. Its website says that With the right conservative policy recommendations and properly vetted and trained personnel to implement them, we will take back our government. Axios reported on what the screening process entails: The most elaborate part of the pre-transition machine is a resume-collection project that drills down more on political philosophy than on experience, education or other credentials. Applicants are asked to name one person, past or present, who has most influenced the development of your political philosophy and to do the same with a book. Another query: Name one living public policy figure whom you greatly admire and why. Were told immense, intense attention will be given to the social-media histories of anyone being considered for top jobs. Those queasy about testing the limits of Trumps power will get flagged and rejected. Heritage said Project 2025 is candidate-agnostic, meaning its thousands of applicants could serve in any Republican administration, not just a second Trump term. The organization said in a statement: Our goal is to recruit 20,000 people to serve in the next administration. We are proud to welcome conservatives of all different backgrounds and experiences to Project 2025 and we are already seeing those trends in our database. Round up, detain, and deport millions of undocumented immigrants While Trump talked about mass deportations during his 2016 campaign he only managed to expel several hundred thousand people per year, which is similar to the number of deportations during other recent administrations. Now hes making plans to enact mass deportations on a scale never seen in this country, with the goal of booting out millions of people each year. This would involve scouring the country for undocumented immigrants including people who have lived in the U.S. for many years detaining them in massive new camps, and swiftly deporting them, as the New York Times reported: To help speed mass deportations, Mr. Trump is preparing an enormous expansion of a form of removal that does not require due process hearings. To help Immigration and Customs Enforcement carry out sweeping raids, he plans to reassign other federal agents and deputize local police officers and National Guard soldiers voluntarily contributed by Republican-run states. To ease the strain on ICE detention facilities, Mr. Trump wants to build huge camps to detain people while their cases are processed and they await deportation flights. And to get around any refusal by Congress to appropriate the necessary funds, Mr. Trump would redirect money in the military budget, as he did in his first term to spend more on a border wall than Congress had authorized. Former Trump aide Stephen Miller bragged about these plans to the Times, describing them as a blitz designed to be enacted without the need for any substantive new legislation. Any activists who doubt President Trumps resolve in the slightest are making a drastic error: Trump will unleash the vast arsenal of federal powers to implement the most spectacular migration crackdown, Miller said. The immigration legal activists wont know whats happening. Construct Freedom Cities Trump released a video in March 2023 announcing his plan to hold a nationwide contest to design and develop ten new Freedom Cities to be constructed on federal land. In other words, well actually build new cities in our country again, Trump said. These Freedom Cities will reopen the frontier, reignite American imagination, and give hundreds of thousands of young people and other people, all hardworking families, a new shot at home ownership and in fact, the American Dream. Obviously, theres nothing wrong with investing in urban areas or making it easier to buy a home. But as economist Richard McGahey explained in Forbes, Waving a magic wand isnt how cities develop. Plans released by the Trump campaign offer no further detail on how this massive undertaking would work. Its almost like Trump is pitching the idea solely because the term Freedom Cities sounds cool. Put flying cars in Americans driveways How will Americans get around in these Freedom Cities? Flying cars, of course. Dozens of major companies in the U.S. and China are racing to develop vertical-takeoff-and-landing vehicles for families and individuals, Trump said in the same March 2023 video. Just as the United States led the automotive revolution in the last century, I want to ensure that America, not China, leads this revolution in air mobility. These breakthroughs can transform commerce, bring a giant infusion of wealth into rural America, and connect families and our country in new ways. Its true that such vehicles are in development, but it does not seem that theyre going to be widely available to families and individuals anytime soon or maybe ever. Trumps frenemy Elon Musk, whos no stranger to zany proposals, dismissed the idea back in 2017, saying, Its difficult to imagine the flying car becoming a scalable solution. Correction: A previous version of this story incorrectly stated that the Heritage Foundation is recruiting candidates to serve in Trumps second term. Project 2025 is not a candidate-specific effort. Hong Kong: In US, FS discusses climate policies Financial Secretary Paul Chan yesterday attended the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders Meeting (AELM) in San Francisco, the United States, on behalf of the Chief Executive. He exchanged views with other attendees on promoting regional connectivity and economic prosperity. Climate change and green transformation, as well as the digital economy and the realisation of greater inclusiveness and sustainable development, were also high on the agenda. At the first of two AELM sessions, Mr Chan said that, in combating climate change, international co-operation and implementation of strong and constructive policies will be more significant than efforts in individual economies. He outlined that Hong Kong has set targets to achieve carbon neutrality before 2050 and to halve its total carbon emissions compared to 2005 levels before 2035. To that end, he explained, Hong Kong has established an Office of Climate Change & Carbon Neutrality, and is formulating a hydrogen development strategy. Mr Chan said that as global green transformation requires policy co-ordination, as well as funding and technical co-operation and support, it also creates immense business opportunities. Together with its sister cities in the Greater Bay Area, Hong Kong is making concerted efforts to become an international centre for green technology and green finance, he said, adding that the city will work to enhance co-operation with other APEC members on achieve high-quality development that is sustainable, green and inclusive. Afterwards, Mr Chan attended the opening of a dialogue session with members of the regional bodys Business Advisory Council. He wrapped up his day at the APEC Economic Leaders Dinner. This story has been published on: 2023-11-17. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Interview: U.S. must see China's rise as positive force for global growth, says expert 16:52, November 17, 2023 By Yang Shilong, Shi Chun, Wu Xiaoling ( Xinhua SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- The United States and other Western nations must see China's development as a positive force for enhancing global growth, said Denis Simon, a distinguished fellow at the Institute for China-America Studies, on Wednesday. "Overall, by helping stabilize relations, the two leaders gave their overt blessing to re-engagement," said Simon in an email interview on the outcome of the summit between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Joe Biden at Filoli Estate, a country house approximately 40 km south of San Francisco, California. "Hopefully, this can bring an end to talk about decoupling and de-linking. And, hopefully, the two nations can further establish new levels of trust and confidence that both countries can gain from improved relations and expanded contacts, especially through people-to-people diplomacy," said Simon, who also serves as a professor of Global Business and Technology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the executive director of the Center for Innovation Policy at the Law School at Duke University. "This was a very important get together because it seems to have succeeded in lowering the temperature in terms of the prevailing tensions between the two countries," Simon said. He added that both leaders believe it "unnecessary nor inevitable that there must be conflict between our two nations. Nothing can replace these types of candid discussions." The meeting was able to build upon the successful exchange of visits that have occurred involving high-level officials such as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Simon said. "There was a positive momentum in the air, and it seems to have had positive reverberations across their discussions." Simon noticed that the Chinese president, in his remarks, reiterated that China and the United States should uphold the principle of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation. "To appreciate why President Xi has continued to emphasize these three cardinal principles, you must understand Chinese history going back to the Western incursions of the 19th century. Today, China has been able to restore its place on the world stage, and it wants to be accepted as a full-fledged member of the family of nations," said Simon. "Moreover, it is no longer a bystander on the sidelines and wants a voice in terms of the evolution of the international order. The United States must understand that the world is changing. Few could have imagined the rapidity of China's rise when the reforms and open door (reform and opening-up) were first announced," said Simon, who has over 40 years of experience studying and working in China. From 2015 to 2020, he held the post of Executive Vice Chancellor of Duke Kunshan University in Jiangsu Province. Today, China is the world's second-largest economy, a major trading nation and the world's second-largest spender on R&D. Simon pointed out how China eradicated poverty for tens of millions of Chinese citizens. "Certainly ... its (China's) new stature brings with it certain important responsibilities and obligations. That understood, it is important for the United States and other Western nations to see China's development as a positive force for enhancing global growth," he said. China's rise brings many opportunities for cooperation on global challenges, such as climate change, clean energy, global health and managing AI, he said. "Reducing Chinese modernization into a zero-sum game deprives not only the United States but also the rest of the world of China's capabilities, brainpower, creativity, and resources," said Simon. "The idea of pursuing win-win outcomes is good for China, good for the United States, and good for the world." (Web editor: Xian Jiangnan, Liang Jun) Today, Vice President Kamala Harris met with Prime Minister James Marape of Papua New Guinea on the margins of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders' Meeting in San Francisco, California. The Vice President underscored the U.S. commitment to the Pacific Islands region, and the Vice President praised Papua New Guinea's role as a regional leader and member of APEC. READ ALSO: Statement from Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre Announcing the Next White House Tribal Nations Summit The Vice President thanked Prime Minister Marape for hosting the U.S.-Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Dialogue in May and attending the September U.S.-Pacific Islands Forum Summit in Washington. The Vice President and Prime Minister Marape discussed avenues to advance bilateral security cooperation ties, building on the new Defense Cooperation Agreement signed by the two countries in May. The Vice President and Prime Minister Marape also discussed strengthening economic cooperation, fostering an environment to enable private sector investment, and increasing cooperation to combat climate change. READ MORE: Readout of President Joe Biden's Meeting with President Xi Jinping of the People's Republic of China @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. I don't get what RCS is? Is it like IMessage where you need the internet to send the message? Reply Thread Link Fuck all these phone companies. These phones cost as much as mid range large appliances and they purposefully drain the batteries to force people to upgrade sooner. There should be more regulation on these companies. Reply Thread Link just get WhatsApp? Reply Thread Link yeah I was confused with how this is different than any other texting app that everyone can get lmao Reply Parent Thread Link Idk. We just don't do that here in the States, at least not the majority. I did get WhatsApp for when I'm in Mexico tho and to keep in touch with my cousins. Reply Parent Thread Link Yeah, the US just does not use WhatsApp like the rest of the world. It seems to be more mainstream everywhere else but the US lol. My cousins in Canada also use Whatsapp as one of their main messaging platforms. I was like oh?? Reply Parent Thread Link I have Whatsapp & Signal (prefer signal if not using imessage) and then Zalo from when i was last in vietnam. apparently it's big over there. Reply Parent Thread Link Why use a Meta app? Reply Parent Thread Link Different messaging apps are all regional/generational. I use like 5 apps when we could all just be texting. You're also putting faith in the security of your data in the hands of countless tech companies (and we all know how great Meta is with that). Reply Parent Thread Expand Link I wish this was more common in the US. I literally use it only with family overseas. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link What does WhatsApp do? Is it like something to use when come to hookups? Reply Parent Thread Expand Link coming to say the same thing lol Reply Parent Thread Link Just when I thought of getting my phone battery issues fixed from somewhere thats cheaper than Apple and it stays being attached to a chunky portable charger, there is this I generally sucks at texting and dont know how to make it anything better Reply Thread Link The iPhone adopting RCS could enable support for read receipts, typing indicators Oh good now android users can emotionally terrorize me too Reply Thread Link I guess apple users still text / iMessage? Most people I know communicate either through WhatsApp, Signal or Google chat. Reply Thread Link It's absolutely insane that Americans still use SMS. Reply Thread Link i'm canadian and not sure what prices were like in the US but i feel like up until maybe 2 or 3 years ago cellular data was very expensive and most of the people i knew only had like 500mb-1gb a month, but always had unlimited nation-wide texting. so it just makes sense to rely primarily on the service that you get unlimited vs one that might run out/only works when you're on wifi? Reply Parent Thread Link A lot of Europeans/non-Americans in these comments. I don't need or want a fucking app to text. Edited at 2023-11-17 02:57 am (UTC) Reply Thread Link you clearly do if you can't text everyone lol Reply Parent Thread Link We can text. The ignorance. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link huh? you can text android to apple lol Reply Parent Thread Link The biggest gripe is videos looking like shit when sent btwn apple/Android. Otherwise we can text each other just fine Reply Parent Thread Link Why do you so often go 0 to 100? Reply Parent Thread Link I'm happy I don't have to always switch to whatsapp to send videos to Apple users cause they purposely make shit from andriods blurry. nice of them to join us in the present. but it's gonna be 2024 and apple users still can't customize any text bubble color they want...sad Reply Thread Link Thats what I like about it lol dont give me colors Reply Parent Thread Link The company had pushed back on the standard known as RCS for more than a year, even as Google and Samsung pressed Apple to adopt the technology. for more than a year? they do mean multiple years right? cuz RCS isnt exactly new lol. thank god tho - i think the biggest annoyance was always potato quality photos/videos between apple/android. i will say in like the last 2yrs or so they did make it better, but def still compressed. Reply Thread Link What does this mean for group chats? I'll never forget interning somewhere and they had to leave me out of the group chat of 40+ people on an event day because by adding an android, you couldn't add more people to the thread. I was the one singular Android user in the building. Still won't switch though! Reply Thread Link that is so ridiculous, fucking apple Reply Parent Thread Link This happened to me with friends like a decade ago. I was the only one of my group to have an android, and I genuinely got left out of A LOT of things simply because I wasn't in the group chat. It was so dumb and hurtful. Reply Parent Thread Link That's so stupid! I'm sorry that happened. Edited at 2023-11-17 06:36 pm (UTC) Reply Parent Thread Link another step in the right direction for this anti-competitive, creatively stagnant company. knowing them, they'll do the bare minimum to incorporate RCS so that they can continue to benefit from the dumb bubble colour nonsense Reply Thread Link As the only android user in my friend group - I'm tired of being harassed over them not being able to use imessage to its full capabilites whenever they text. Reply Thread Link I just sent this tweet to my iphone friends to gloat because now I will NEVER get an iphone! Reply Parent Thread Link Android user since Day 1, current phone is a lemon so I'm considering what to do next. Swap it for another Android phone or force myself to get used to new tech with an iphone, even though I use no apple products and hate new tech? Is an iphone really worth paying zillions for and getting used to or is it all just hype? Advice please! Reply Thread Link I am an iPhone user and while I love a lot of Apple features and the ecosystem, with how much tech has changed in the last few years Apple is remaining stagnant I feel while Android phones are at least doing some interesting things. I'd say stick with Android. If the iPhone 16 isn't anything exciting next year, I am looking into getting the Z Flip 5. Reply Parent Thread Link If you care about customisation, stick with Android. If you just want a phone with no headaches that just works out of the box, get an iPhone. Apple does really care about the small details, it's just an overall smoother experience on an iPhone imo. Reply Parent Thread Link i've have only macs for the last 15 years and i use an android phone because i don't like iOS. apple is making the macOS interface look more and more like iOS - the systems menu, for example - and i hate it, tbh. personally, i plan to stick with an android phone. Reply Parent Thread Link it's just hype, obviously at this point there's a lot of expensive android phones too but paying 1K for an iphone is just paying for brand, there's nothing iphone does other phones can't do tbh (or if there is, it's something that the common user doesn't really need) Reply Parent Thread Link I've been using the Pixel since it was called the Nexus and love it. All my friends are on Pixels now. Reply Parent Thread Link Stay with Android. The Google pixel is great. Also the Samsung Galaxy S22 is great. Reply Parent Thread Link lol at anyone here acting like whatsapp is a secure messaging platform?? it's owned by zuckerberg at least apple won't give our information to the fucking cops Reply Thread Link Yay, a win. Reply Parent Thread Link As the European Union is considering ways to toughen up the sanction enforcement on Russias oil exports, Denmark could be asked to stop and check paperwork for oil tankers carrying Russian crude through the Danish straits. The EU is currently mulling over ways to enforce stricter checks on the shipments of Russian crude oil, almost all of which is now trading above the $60 per barrel price cap set by the G7 and the EU at the end of last year. Under the price cap mechanism, Russian crude oil shipments to third countries are allowed to use Western insurance and financing only if cargoes are sold at or below the $60-a-barrel ceiling. The measure took effect at the end of 2022 when the EU imposed an embargo on imports of Russian crude oil. Almost None Of Russias Oil Is Sold Below The Price Cap In recent weeks, U.S. and EU officials have grown increasingly concerned that Russia is selling nearly all of its crude above the price cap. Almost none of Russias crude shipments in October were executed below the $60 a barrel cap, a senior EU government official told the Financial Times earlier this week. The latest data makes the case that were going to have to toughen up, the official said. Theres absolutely no appetite for letting Russia just keep doing this. The U.S. is also reportedly working to further clamp down on price cap evasion. The U.S. Department of the Treasury has requested information from ship management companies about 100 tankers suspected of violating the sanctions on Russian oil, Reuters reported earlier this week, citing a source who has seen the notices the Treasury has sent. The tankers under scrutiny have loaded Russian crude from the Far Eastern port of Kozmino and from the port of Primorsk on the Baltic Sea, according to the source. Russia, for its part, claims that it would continue to adapt to the oil sanctions. Russia is adapting to the increasingly stricter U.S. sanctions on trade with Russian oil and is acting in accordance with its own interests, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said this week, commenting on reports that the United States was looking into punishing more vessels breaching the G7 price cap on Russias crude. Sure, we understand that the American authorities continue to press for more sanctions in one form or another, the Kremlin spokesman said. But we adapt to these conditions and act in a way that best suits our interests. Denmark To Inspect Russian Oil Cargoes? As part of tougher sanction enforcement on evaders of the price cap, Denmark could be tasked with inspecting cargoes carrying Russian oil and passing through the Danish Straits, three sources with knowledge of the talks in Brussels told the Financial Times this week. Russias oil exports from its western ports on the Baltic Sea account for around 60% of all its oil shipments and all of those have to cross the Danish straits en route to the Atlantic. Denmark could be asked to inspect oil tankers lacking Western insurance in the straits, under regulations allowing inspections on tankers that could pose oil spill and environmental threats, according to FTs sources. Denmark only checks paperwork or inspects tankers in the straits if they pose a threat to safety at sea, a spokesman for the Danish defense command told FT. The safety at sea grounds for checks could be easily applied in Russias case because Moscow has significantly increased its reliance on the so-called shadow fleet of old decrepit tankers without Western insurance to ship its oil to markets outside Europe. However, maritime law experts have told Reuters that stopping commercial vessels in the straits would violate the rules of the sea and maritime traffic. Denmark has never done anything like that before. Blocking commercial traffic in the Danish straits would come close to a declaration of war, independent defense analyst Hans Peter Michaelsen told Reuters. ADVERTISEMENT Moreover, EU diplomats told the news agency that the European Commissions proposal for the next sanctions package doesnt include targeting Russian oil tankers. The 12th sanctions package is expected to be discussed by EU member states on Friday and includes stricter enforcement of the price cap on Russian oil and banning imports of diamonds and liquid petroleum gas from Russia, EU diplomats told Reuters on Wednesday. An agreement on the latest sanctions package requires unanimous approval from all 27 EU member states and is still weeks away. Regardless of whether Denmark would be asked to check and potentially block oil tankers carrying Russian oil from the Baltic ports to international markets, the West seems determined not to let Russia continue circumventing the price cap. Discussions appear to be centered on making life more complicated for Russia and the buyers of its oil, Henning Gloystein at Eurasia Group told FT. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: As green hydrogen becomes an ever more important clean energy source, governments and energy companies must prepare for a steep incline in production in the coming years and ensure they have the correct infrastructure to transport it. Some regions of the world are already establishing major hydrogen corridors, such as the Spain Netherlands link in Europe. Adapting new natural gas developments to be suitable for hydrogen transportation could save companies money and time in the long term, as well as support the transition away from fossil fuels to renewable alternatives. This month, the CEO of Italgas, Paolo Gallo, emphasised the importance of constructing gas infrastructure that is capable of transporting hydrogen as a means of meeting decarbonisation goals. Gallo stated, Today we are moving around natural gas, but tomorrow we will have biomethane [and] clean hydrogen that will be used to decarbonize the system So, its extremely important that the infrastructures are ready to accept different kinds of gases in [a] blending situation. Green hydrogen, produced using renewable energy sources rather than fossil fuels to power electrolysis, is being viewed as increasingly important for accelerating the global green transition. Unlike wind or solar power, green hydrogen is a versatile carrier that can be used in a range of ways, such as in fuel for transportation. While most hydrogen is produced using fossil fuels at present, favourable government policies and increased pressure on energy companies to decarbonise are expected to lead to a boom in green hydrogen production over the coming decades. Gallo is not the first to suggest the repurposing of existing infrastructure, with several energy companies around the globe exploring ways to adapt existing pipelines to make them suitable for transporting hydrogen. Many European countries are aiming to use existing gas infrastructure to transport hydrogen, with several recent studies and pilot testing phases showing positive results. The use of existing pipelines can reduce hydrogen transport costs but pipelines must be assessed to see whether theyre suitable for hydrogen transportation, taking into account issues such as leakage, leakage detection, effects of hydrogen on pipeline assets and end users, corrosion, maintenance, and metering of gas flow. The potential use of gas pipelines for transporting hydrogen is becoming an increasingly popular topic as many governments accelerate plans to increase their natural gas production and infrastructure. This is being seen in the U.S., which, controversially, has an LNG project pipeline of 13 facilities along the US Gulf Coast in Louisiana and Texas. Canada is also constructing its first LNG transport facility, after years of pressure from energy companies. This reflects the global sentiment that natural gas will be critical for achieving the green transition. The EU ruled last year that natural gas will be used as a transition fuel in the mid-term shift to green alternatives as a means of moving away from more polluting fossil fuels, such as oil and coal. This has driven many energy companies to announce new gas projects for the next decade. This regional production drive was further accelerated by gas shortages in Europe and North America following the Russian invasion of Ukraine and subsequent sanctions on Russian energy last year. As companies develop new natural gas projects with support from state governments potentially at odds with national climate policies they should consider the potential for new pipelines to be used for transporting alternative energies, such as green hydrogen and ammonia, to ensure new infrastructure does not go to waste as the demand for gas eventually wanes. In the U.S., the Department of Energys Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office (HFTO) launched the HyBlend initiative in 2021 to address technical barriers to blending hydrogen in natural gas pipelines to support the DoEs H2@Scale vision for clean hydrogen use across multiple sectors in the economy. The U.S. has around three million miles of natural gas pipelines and more than 1,600 miles of dedicated hydrogen pipelines. The HyBlend team will test gas pipelines across the country to see their suitability for transporting hydrogen in different blends. This year, Open Grid Europe (OGE) announced that the first long-distance gas pipeline in Germany is being converted for hydrogen use. The 46km pipeline in the northwest of the country will be ready to transport hydrogen from 2025. The project is part of the GET H2 Nukleus project and is being funded by the EUs Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI) initiative. The adaption of the pipeline is expected to help companies in heavy industry and medium-sized businesses connect to the hydrogen supply. Several new natural gas facilities are being constructed to support mid-term energy security en route to a green transition. At the same time, many companies around the globe have announced plans to develop their green hydrogen production over the coming decade, with demand expected to rise significantly over the next few years. Energy companies and governments must now use this opportunity to develop pipelines that can be used for the transport of both natural gas and green hydrogen to save money and time in the future and better support a green transition. By Felicity Bradstock for Oilprice.com ADVERTISEMENT More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Politics, Geopolitics & Conflict An oil tanker set to load crude from a Libyan port was turned away this week because it had made a run to Israel prior to attempting to load in Libya. Libyas eastern government (the rival to the Tripoli-based GNA) had previously called for an oil embargo on Israel. Head of the GNA and interim president Dbeibah is under immense pressure right now to make a show of protesting Israels aggression in Gaza after secret meetings he orchestrated towards normalization with Israel just prior to the Gaza conflict were exposed. With Russian presidential elections looming in March 2024, Putin is pulling out all the stops. This week Moscow jailed three lawyers representing incarcerated opposition leader Alexei Navalny, labeling them as extremists and terrorists. Putin is fully committed to winning the elections, much more than he is actually committed to the war in Ukraine, which is trudging along. Instead, Putin is saber-rattling for Western eyes, this week loading an Avangard nuclear-capable glide vehicle on an intercontinental ballistic missile into a launch silo. The move was said to be capable of penetrating a new generation of U.S. missile defense. Chevron has restarted the Israeli Tamar gas field after it was ordered shut for security reasons in early October in the immediate aftermath of the Hamas attack on Israel. Israeli natural gas flows to Egypt are now recovering, up at least 60% We're at the point where "EV adoption" is going so well that EV companies have taken to offering fake bonds in order to get tax breaks. At least, that's what's going on over at Rivian, where the company has structured out $15 billion in "phantom bonds," which are employed by businesses to secure a reduction in property taxes in Georgia, according to Bloomberg. The purpose is for the company to build a campus outside of Atlanta and the practice of "phantom bonds", although it sounds shady, actually is quite commonplace. The bond "sale" is required as a component of what is among the biggest economic development initiatives in the history of Georgia to basically amount to a tax abatement. These methods have no actual effect on the financial or accounting aspects of the company that "issues" them, the report notes. It also reflects the intense competition among states to secure substantial manufacturing agreements that offer well-paying employment opportunities and significant economic benefits, the report says. Rivian anticipates creating 7,500 jobs and projects that the facility, once operational, will have the capacity to manufacture up to 400,000 vehicles annually. After its successful IPO in 2021, the company faced production and supply chain issues but has increased output at its Illinois facility this year. The Bloomberg report says that Rivian's deal in Georgia involves complex bond arrangements through a four-county agency near Atlanta, designed to foster economic development. Rivian will receive a legal title for its project from the JDA, paying local governments a negotiated amount over 25 years instead of full property taxes. This arrangement, unique to Georgia, uses bonds as a means to facilitate tax breaks, a common practice for economic development in the state. John Shakarjian, Rivian's associate general counsel, and Andrew Capezzuto of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, confirm that no actual money is exchanged in these transactions, emphasizing their role in providing tax incentives. Shakarjian commented: The whole concept is set up for a break on the ad-valorem taxes. Theres no cash changing hands, theres no cash being generated, theres no movement of money. Capezzuto added: A lot of other states have the statutory authority to issue abatements and that just doesnt exist in Georgia. So some clever lawyers came up with this way in which they can do it by transferring title of the asset to a tax exempt entity. Rivian has committed to making escalating payments-in-lieu-of-taxes, starting at $1.5 million and rising to $20.4 million by 2047, with a minimum total payment of $300 million. This could increase if Rivian's investment exceeds its initial pledge. The future site of Rivian's factory currently only brings in about $80,000 in tax revenue, per state data. These arrangements are called phantom bonds because they don't involve actual debt service payments. In Rivian's case, its rent equals the debt service costs, and as the sole bondholder, no money is exchanged. The company's bond and rent payments are considered simultaneously settled due to its dual role as tenant and bondholder, the report says. So far, $5 billion in phantom bonds have been issued for Rivian's project. Should project costs rise, Rivian may request an increase in bond size from the JDA to limit property tax liabilities, with the JDA authorized to abate up to $15 billion of Rivian's project costs. ADVERTISEMENT By Zerohedge.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Washington is gearing up to tighten sanctions on Iran, again, at the same time as new revelations emerge indicating that Iran was caught unaware when Hamas attacked Israel on October 7. Iran has sent a message through Western media via anonymous sources speaking to Reuters. Iranian and Hamas sources said that Irans supreme leader chastised Hamas in early November for failing to warn Tehran of the pending attack, and told Hamas that Iran would not be stepping in on Hamas behalf, with anything other than political and moral support. Even that was with conditions, with the same sources telling Reuters that the Supreme Leader advised the Hamas leader to silence those calling for Iran and Hezbollah to jump into a full-blown war with Israel. Tehrans goal here is to obfuscate. It sends anonymous sources to the Western media to spread one message, and then officially refutes it to appease its allies and to create further polarization in the U.S. On the Gaza battlefield, Hamas is pursuing a strategy of delaying tactics rather than defense, designed to buy time by giving up some space, and then ultimately the goal would be to regroup during that time to launch another urban guerilla warfare offensive (ISW). In terms of Iran and the U.S., the proxy war is very obviously taking place in Syria, where the U.S. last weekend targeted Iran-affiliated facilities in response to what the U.S. says have been Environmental campaigners have urged banks to withdraw financing and guarantees for the $20-billion Mozambique LNG project led by supermajor TotalEnergies, claiming that the plants construction and operation would contribute to climate change and exacerbate abuses of human rights in the country. As a critical financial supporter of the project, you bear a direct and important responsibility in its dreadful impacts, more than 100 climate activist groups wrote in a letter to the lenders seen by Reuters. The warning from the environmentalists comes just as the French supermajor is considering the restart of the project after it was halted in 2021 following attacks close to the facility. TotalEnergies holds a 26.5% stake in the LNG project, which was put on hold in 2021 following Islamist militant attacks in towns close to the site. The project site is close to Palma in the Cabo Delgado province, where Islamic State-affiliated militants have been active for a few years. In the spring of 2021, Islamic State-affiliated militants raided Palma in attacks that left dozens of people killed. In April this year, Mozambique's President Filipe Nyusi said that it is now safe for TotalEnergies to restart work on the $20-billion Mozambique LNG project, but the French supermajor said the decision to resume construction is up to all shareholders in the venture. Last month, TotalEnergies rejected accusations in a complaint against the company for manslaughter and a failure to assist people in danger during the terrorist attacks that took place in northern Mozambique in March 2021. At the time TotalEnergies said The decision to restart the project depends on the ability to complete the project under good security conditions. This position is shared by all of Mozambique LNGs partners. Current activities on site are limited to strengthening security infrastructure and improving access roads, TotalEnergies said in October. ADVERTISEMENT By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: The US Senate is set to vote on Wednesday night to pass a critical stopgap measure to prevent a partial government shutdown. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced this move, highlighting the situation's urgency, as per to Reuters. US Senate and House Unite to Prevent Shutdown The Senate's decision aligns with the short-term government funding bill that the House successfully passed on Tuesday night, just days before the looming shutdown deadline on Friday. House Speaker Mike Johnson introduced a two-step plan called a "laddered CR" (continuing resolution). This plan, if approved, will maintain government funding at 2023 levels. It outlines an extension of government funding until January 19 for several key departments, including Veterans Affairs, Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, Energy, and military construction. The remaining government agencies would receive funding until February 2. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer previously announced the upper chamber's intention to collaborate with Republicans to expedite the bill's passage. While Senate bills often follow a lengthy and winding path before reaching a final floor vote, Schumer expressed a commitment to working with Minority Leader Mitch McConnell to fast-track the process. Schumer stated, "If both sides cooperate, there's no reason we can't finish this bill even as soon as today, but we're going to keep working to see what's possible." The impending Thanksgiving holiday and the lack of appetite for a government shutdown are expected to expedite legislative progress. Initially, the White House dismissed the GOP's proposal as "unserious." However, a White House official stated Wednesday that President Joe Biden would sign the short-term funding bill into law if it receives Senate approval, according to ABC News. Read Also: North Dakota Judge Rejects Plea to Temporarily Suspend Gender-Affirming Care Ban for Minors White House Urges GOP Aid Support Amid Shutdown Avoidance The White House official urged the GOP to focus on passing the president's supplemental aid request for Israel, Ukraine, border security, humanitarian assistance, and other priority areas. Notably, the House-approved bill does not include this additional aid for Israel or Ukraine. The Senate's approval of the stopgap bill sends it to President Biden's desk for final signature before the weekend deadline. Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer celebrated the smooth and swift resolution, emphasizing, "No drama, no delay, no government shutdown." Speaker Mike Johnson, who succeeded Kevin McCarthy, crafted the stopgap funding bill, which garnered broad bipartisan support-a rarity in modern US politics. Democrats expressed satisfaction with the bill's adherence to spending levels established in a May agreement with President Biden. Importantly, it did not contain contentious provisions related to abortion and other divisive social issues. Republicans, on the other hand, expressed their eagerness to avoid the risks associated with a government shutdown, which would impact national parks and disrupt various critical functions, including scientific research and financial regulation. Despite the bipartisan support, hardline members of Johnson's 221-213 Republican majority voiced their displeasure with the compromise. They pledged to revisit federal spending when the current funding period expires. The legislation, if enacted, will extend funding for several essential areas, including military construction, veterans benefits, transportation, housing, urban development, agriculture, the Food and Drug Administration, and energy and water programs, until January 19. Funding for all other federal operations, including defense, would expire on February 2. While the government's funding battles have dominated recent headlines, these repeated conflicts have prevented lawmakers from addressing other crucial proposals, including President Biden's request for $106 billion in aid for Israel, Ukraine, and US border security. As the Senate votes to avert a shutdown, the nation grapples with the intricacies of its financial obligations and policy priorities, Mail Online reported. Related Article: American Immigration Council Map 2023: Immigrant Contribution to US @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Following the U.S. sanctions relief on Venezuelas oil industry, supermajor Chevron has started to supply Venezuelan state oil firm PDVSA with fuels in an expansion of an oil swap deal, Reuters reports, citing sources with knowledge of the matter. Chevron has already sent one cargo to Venezuela as part of what could be an expanded oil swap agreement under which Chevron receives Venezuelan crude oil in exchange for fuels and diluents for the Chevron-PDVSA joint ventures operating in the South American country. One vessel carrying naphtha has already docked at the port of Jose, while another cargo of gasoline blend stock was chartered this week and is expected to arrive in Venezuela later this month, according to Reuters sources. Before the U.S. eased the sanctions on Venezuela, Chevron was the only Western major with a special exemption from late 2022 to operate in Venezuela and export crude from the country holding the worlds largest crude oil reserves. The easing of the sanctions now allows 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. As a result, the top international oil trading houses are back in the business of trading with oil from Venezuela. 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. 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 earlier this week. 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. 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. ADVERTISEMENT By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Telecommunications in the Gaza Strip went down on Thursday as the area ran out of fuel for backup generators, mobile communications operators and Internet service providers said. We regret to announce that all telecom services in Gaza Strip have gone out of service as all energy sources sustaining the network have been depleted, and fuel was not allowed in, the Palestine Telecommunications Company (Paltel Group), the largest provider of telecom services in Palestine, said in a statement. The company warned earlier this week that its main data centers in the Gaza Strip were shutting down because they were running out of fuel. The main elements of the communications networks now depend solely on batteries, it added. On Wednesday, Human Rights Watch warned that the blackout was imminent due to fuel shortages. "The Israeli government should allow fuel to reach Gaza to avoid plunging its population further into isolation and end its collective punishment of Gazas civilian population, said Deborah Brown, senior technology researcher at Human Rights Watch. While the Hamas-Israel war continues, the United States is set to toughen the sanctions enforcement on Iranian oil exports. The United States will tighten sanctions on Irans oil industry, aiming to bring exports down by more than 1 million barrels per day (bpd), White House energy security adviser Amos Hochstein told Bloomberg this week. We are going to enforce those sanctions, Hochstein said. Those numbers will come down. I think the best anecdote to revenues in Iran is keeping their exports at a lower level, but also to make sure prices are lower, he said. Talk about tighter sanctions against Irans oil industry intensified in the wake of the latest war in the Middle East with hawks in Congress blaming Iran for helping plan the Hamas attacks and advising pre-emptive action against Tehran before it became more involved in the conflict. ADVERTISEMENT By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Crude oil prices are headed for their fourth consecutive losing week after slumping by some 5% on Thursday to the lowest in four months. The reason for the latest daily slump was weak economic data from the United States and China, Reuters reported, noting that both Brent and WTI had sunk to the lowest since July. "The mood is negative, the charts are negative," Phil Flynn, an analyst at Price Futures Group, told Reuters. "It's going to take something to change that mood, and until then people will ride it down until they realize it's overdone." The latest cause for that mood was retail sales data from the U.S., which showed the first monthly decline in sales since spring, and a slowdown in Chinese refinery activity, even though that was neither surprising nor mysterious. Refiners simply ran out of fuel export quotas. Meanwhile, however, the U.S. Energy Information Administration reported a build in crude oil inventories for the week to November 10, which added to the bearish sentiment, especially as it came after a sizeable weekly build of almost 14 million barrels two weeks earlier. According to Bloomberg, oil has sunk into a bear market. The report cited the International Energy Agencys latest Oil Market report that said supply growth was stable, especially among non-OPEC producers. Analysts expect this to pressure OPEC into acting to curb supply even more in a bid to prop up prices. We believe that OPEC will ensure that Brent oil prices end up in a $80-to-$100 range in 2024 by ensuring a moderate deficit and leveraging its pricing power, Goldman Sachs analysts wrote in a note. ING analysts, meanwhile, noted that The US administration said that it would enforce oil sanctions against Iran following renewed tensions in the Middle East. They added that if sanctions are indeed enforced more tightly, they could lead to the loss of between 500,000 bpd and 1 million bpd of Iranian oil, which would keep global supply tight through 2024. ADVERTISEMENT By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: While fundamentals took over from the war-risk premium this week, pummeling oil prices, Brent crude was gaining over 4% by midday Friday, but analysts told Bloomberg that there is little chance for oil to top $90 in the current market atmosphere. At 1:49 p.m. ET on Friday, Brent crude was up 4.31% at $80.76, for a $3.34-per-barrel gain on the day. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) was up 4.06% at $75.86, for a $2.96 gain on the day. In an interview with Bloomberg earlier in the day, Lipow Oil Associates president Andrew Lipow said low prices this week were a sign that the market is oversupplied at the moment, citing more OPEC+ oil on the market in conjunction with the lifting of sanctions on Venezuela. At the time of the interview on Friday morning, WTI was trading at around $74 per barrel, down from $90 a month earlier, prompting Lipow to predict that OPEC+ would suspend their production cuts through the first quarter. A second analyst at CIBC Wood Gundy also told Bloomberg on Friday morning that oversupply and an expected slowdown in the U.S. economy would further weaken demand and push prices lower. CIBC Wood Gundys Andrew Pile told Bloomberg that WTI futures might reach as low as $70. It may be a tougher slog to get prices back up, Pile said. It may get up to $80, but I think getting back up to the highs we saw recently, north of $90, I think is out of the question for now. Just hours later, the market saw a major rebound for Brent and WTI. Speaking to Reuters, Again Capital LLCs John Kilduff attributed the sudden gains to a natural profit-taking rebound and short covering, to a degree. ADVERTISEMENT Also contributing to the crude oil price gains were additional sanctions on entities facilitating the shipping of Russian oil above the G7 $60 price cap, but for now, the fundamentals remain the same. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Russia has lifted its gasoline export implemented in mid-September, citing a supply surplus of some 2 million metric tons, Reuters reports. The lifting of the export restrictions follow a similar move to suspend restrictions on diesel exports by pipeline during the first week of October. Reuters cited the Russian energy ministry as saying on Friday that domestic market saturation had been ensured over the past two months, creating a surplus of motor gasoline. The ministry said it could reimpose export bans if that surplus vanished. Russia restricted diesel and gasoline exports on September 21 in an effort to stabilize domestic fuel prices in the face of soaring prices and shortages as crude oil rallied and the Russian ruble weakened. Prior to implementing the bank, Russia had raised mandatory supply volumes for motor gasoline and diesel fuel to deal with a supply crunch. The ban on diesel was lifted on the condition that at least 50% of producer supplies went to the domestic market. Russias diesel exports had been redirected from the European Union following the blocs embargo in February this year, to markets in Turkey, the Middle East, Africa and South America. In the meantime, Russia will continue its voluntary oil output cuts through the end of this year in coordination with OPEC+; however, the gasoline and diesel bans had made that commitment more challenging. Data from the first week of November showed that Russias seaborne diesel exports had fallen by 11% in October, compared to September. According to the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Russias gasoline and diesel bans were partly the result of efforts to protect domestic fuel prices from the vagaries of the market, and partly a consequence of government infighting. Its also a stark demonstration of how the stresses of the war in Ukraine are revealing themselves in unexpected places. ADVERTISEMENT Also on Friday, the Russian State Duma (parliament) formally reinstated damper payments subsidies to oil refineries, Reuters reported, in an effort to further encourage sales on the domestic market over higher-priced exports. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: UKs Octopus Energy is launching a $3.7-billion (3 billion) offshore wind fund in cooperation with Japans Tokyo Gas as part of an ambition to invest in projects in Europe to reduce fossil fuel reliance and boost energy security. The Octopus Energy Offshore Wind fund will invest in the development, construction, and operational stages of both fixed and floating offshore wind farms, as well as companies creating new offshore wind, the UK company said in a statement on Friday. The fund was set up with a $236 million (190 million) cornerstone investment from Japanese energy giant Tokyo Gas. This latest partnership further deepens Octopus Energys relationship with Tokyo Gas - and we look forward to welcoming on board more investors so together we can tap into this huge offshore wind opportunity worldwide, said Zoisa North-Bond, CEO of Octopus Energy Generation. Kentaro Kimoto, Representative Corporate Executive Officer and Vice President of Tokyo Gas commented, Tokyo Gas has set a target to acquire and trade 6 GW renewable power sources by 2030. To accomplish this goal, we have proactively taken multifaceted approaches for offshore wind projects, and will accelerate developments of offshore wind, including floating offshore wind. Earlier this year, Octopus Energy said it plans to lead investments worth $18.6 billion (15 billion) into offshore wind power projects globally by 2030. Octopus Energy said its plans to unleash the investments into offshore wind would go towards the generation of 12 gigawatts (GW) of renewable electricity a year, enough to power 10 million homes. The offshore wind industry has seen several major setbacks since the summerauctions in the U.S. and the UK were a flop and a large UK project was canceled due to surging costs and challenging market conditions pressuring new developments. Meanwhile, developers in the U.S. are seeking looser requirements for tax credits to make projects economically feasible. In addition, Siemens Energy is reviewing the scope of activities at its wind turbine-making unit, Siemens Gamesa, as quality issues, rising costs, and ramp-up challenges in the wind business dragged the company into a net loss of $5 billion for the 2023 fiscal year. ADVERTISEMENT By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Via Metal Miner British Steel recently told steel news sources of a 1.25 billion ($1.53 billion) project to replace its blast furnace operations with electric arc furnaces. The company said the goal was to help slash current carbon emissions. The proposals, which are subject to appropriate support from the UK Government, could see British Steel install two electric arc furnaces (EAFs) the first at its headquarters in Scunthorpe, the second at its manufacturing site in Teesside, the Chinese-owned company said in a November 6 announcement. British Steel added that the new furnaces could start operating as early as 2025. Both Facilities Boast Impressive Capacities Scunthorpe is about 170 miles north of London, while British Steels Teesside beam rolling plant is in northern England. Despite MetalMiners requests for information, it remains unclear what the electric arc furnaces potential capacities would be and who would supply the equipment. Scunthorpe currently has four blast furnaces: Mary, Bess, Anne, and Victoria. Together, they can produce up to 4.7 million metric tons of pig iron per year. The plant then converts that to crude steel billets and slabs via three 330-metric-ton basic oxygen furnaces. The listed crude steel capacity is 4.5 million metric tons per year. However, more recent sources indicate that the plant produces closer to 3.2 million metric tons. Meanwhile, Scunthorpe can roll construction steels, rails, special profiles, and wire rod from the billets cast on-site The Teesside Works also had integrated steelmaking, though it stopped and demolished that equipment between 2015 and 2022. The site had one blast furnace that could produce 3.7 million metric tons of pig iron and three 260-metric ton BOFs capable of pouring 3.9 million metric tons of crude annually. In the past, industry watchers predicted that European mills would trend toward converting their steelmaking operations from blast furnaces to electric arc furnaces. The primary basis for the prediction was European legislation aimed at cutting carbon emissions. Unions Take Umbrage as Steel News Reports Estimate Job Losses Unions associated with British Steel have expressed their concerns about the plans. Indeed, some steel news outlets recently reported that the conversions could result in up to 2,000 job losses, mostly at the Scunthorpe site. Current estimates place the number of staff working there at approximately 3,200. British Steel must halt these plans and get around the table with unions, said Paul Nowak, General Secretary of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), in a November 6 statement. Closing down the blast furnaces at the Scunthorpe plant would have a devastating impact on staff and the local community. Multiple Unions and Communities Concerned Over British Steel The TUC is a federation of trade unions in England and Wales, representing most unions in those two countries. Nowak also hinted at possible action by unions. Workers wont stand back and watch as Britains steel industry is dismantled in real time, he noted. London-based union community also expressed its concerns over the BF closures. Community has continually highlighted how an EAF-only approach is the wrong solution to decarbonizing the steel industry, Community General Secretary Roy Rickhuss stated, also on November 6. ADVERTISEMENT Such an approach would require the import of virgin steel to supplement scrap steel used in furnaces meaning that carbon emissions would be exported to heavy-polluting countries and the industry would no longer be self-sufficient in the UK, Rickhuss added. By Christopher Rivituso More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: As the year comes to a close, many businesses take time to review their annual goals. Those who have fallen short of their goals may be looking for last-minute strategies to help them in the final hour. If you have dreams about growing your customer base that have yet to come to fruition, look no further. Growing a customer base is something every business wants, but not every business achieves. It takes a combination of creativity, innovation, and a fantastic marketing strategy, says Shaunak Amin, CEO and Co-Founder of SnackMagic. Picking up some last-minute customers at the end of the year will require a solid marketing strategy. If you can leverage the proper marketing techniques, you still have a chance to accomplish all your goals in the final quarter of the year. Build a Marketing Strategy If you hope to expand your customer base in the final quarter of the year, start crafting a marketing strategy immediately. Begin with setting goals and continue with putting a plan into action. Your marketing team should always have a set of goals to work towards. Whether it's increasing impressions on social media, improving your standing on Google, or growing your email list, they should be working towards something at all times, advises Stephanie Venn-Watson, CEO of Fatty15. When setting goals to build your marketing strategy, consider what your company can offer your target audience. Then, figure out how to get your marketing materials in front of that audience. What Is a Marketing Strategy? Your marketing strategy will be a series of steps or actions your business takes to increase sales goals and build a bigger consumer base. A successful strategy will appeal to your customer base and make them want to learn more about your product or service. Whether B2B or B2C, I believe passionately that good marketing essentials are the same. We all are emotional beings looking for relevance, context, and connection, remarks Beth Comstock, CMO at General Electric. Plan your marketing strategy by using the AIDAR model. This model is defined by five steps: Awareness, Interest, Desire, Action, and Retention. This strategy will help you outline the steps to reach your goals. Strategies To Try To Expand Your Customer Base To reach new customers, try a few different strategies. Look back to the goals you set for your business. Are they specific and clearly defined? For example, instead of having a goal of growing your customer base, modify the goal to be to attract 1,000 new customers, as its more specific. Once youve decided on a set of goals, build an action plan. Stick to that plan until you reach your goals, suggests Maegan Griffin, Founder, CEO and nurse practitioner at Skin Pharm. Here are some popular, practical strategies to use to accomplish your goals. You can use one or a few of them in your end-of-year marketing strategy. 1. Utilize Social Media Social media offers companies many ways to connect with their customers. Post videos of product demonstrations and photos of new project launches, or use your socials to connect with potential customers via the comment section. Social media is one of the greatest gifts of our time. Youd be a fool not to take advantage of it in your marketing strategy, says Brianna Bitton, Co-Founder of O Positiv. Social media provides a space where customers can learn and connect directly with their favorite brands. Its also an excellent place for customers to discover new brands. 2. Focus on SEO SEO or search engine optimization is a vital part of marketing in 2023. SEO is the process of attracting organic traffic to your business's website through keyword searches. The ultimate goal of much of SEO work is to have your website show up earlier on Googles search page for various keywords, therefore generating more traffic and potential streams of revenue. Today, marketing is much more than a billboard on a highway. In the age of technology, you need to manage social media, webpages, and even SEO, points out Datha Santomieri, Co-Founder and Vice-President of Steadily, a company that helps rental property owners find the best landlord insurance cost. If you search for your companys name and your website doesn't show up until the second or third page is over, you need to improve your SEO strategy. Consider optimizing any text that appears on your website to include relevant keywords, clear and engaging headers, and a smart linking strategy. 3. Create a Mailing List Building a mailing list can help bring in new customers. Once youve built a mailing list, send out campaigns to your audience. These campaigns can include information about new product launches, upcoming sales, or any other exciting happenings at your company. Dont overlook the importance of a strong mailing list. Social media marketing has caused many businesses to neglect their mailing list, but email marketing is still incredibly effective when implemented correctly, mentions Richard Li, Co-Founder of July, a company known for offering some of the best carry-on luggage on the market. To help build your mailing list, try incentivizing customers to sign up with a discount code, a gift with purchase, or free shipping. Once you have their email, use it to entice them to come back and purchase your product or service again and again. 4. Work With Influencers Influencers have already done the hard work of building and curating an audience that fits a specific demographic. Find an influencer who shares your target demographic and send them some free products to try out. When working with influencers, targeting exactly who you want is easy. Influencers have already built an audience within your demographic that trust what they have to say, so they can help you reach that same group, explains Jason Zhang, CTO of Tapin.GG, a company that helps gamers team up for an elo boost. Influencers already have a relationship with their audience, so if they like your product, chances are their audience will like it, too. Keep in mind that different influencers will charge different prices for sponsored posts. The cost per influencer will typically depend on the amount of followers they currently have. 5. Start a Blog A company blog is one way for potential new customers to find further information about your products and its an opportunity to work on your companys SEO efforts. Because blogs contain long-form posts, they are typically far more informative than social media posts. Showing that youre an expert in your sphere with insightful posts will help people feel more confident when making a first-time purchase. The more information you give your customers, the better. People want to feel confident before they spend their money with you, and having a solid understanding of your sphere and product will help, says Colby Schmidt, Founder of Coursology. Incorporate your blog into your website and update it daily, weekly, or even monthly, depending on your companys goals. Some companies choose to feature guest writers who can confirm the value of your products. 6. Set Up Discounts Nothing gets people more excited about a brand than a sale. A sale could help convince customers who are on the fence about your brand to finally give your products a try. It could also attract your competitors customers and entice them to make a switch. When in doubt, throw a sale. There will never be a better way to bring in customers than a discount or two, says Andrew Chen, Chief Product Officer of CommentSold, a company that specializes in Shopify live selling. If you do choose to run a sale or offer discount codes, make sure you are advertising this on your website and social media. Or, if you are doing influencer marketing, make sure your influencer of choice has a discount code to give out to their audience. 7. Create an App Depending on the nature of your business, you could benefit from having an app. E-commerce sales increasingly happen on mobile devices, so make your website as mobile-friendly as possible. If you dont want to miss out on sales, ensure your website works well on mobile devices. In 2023, most people choose to shop on their mobile phone, mentions Greg Hannley, Founder and CEO of Soba Texas. Apps also are wildly successful at bringing back return customers. Once someone has downloaded your app, you can send notifications about upcoming deals and products directly to their smartphones rather than their emails. Expanding Your Customer Base As the year comes to a close, focus on your marketing strategies. Effective marketing comes in a variety of forms, like those discussed above. If you saw anything you haven't tried yet, now is your time to get creative. Your website isnt the center of your universe. Your Facebook page isnt the center of your universe. Your mobile app isnt the center of your universe. The customer is the center of your universe, points out Bruce Ernst, VP of Product Management at Monetate. Build an app or enlist the help of an influencer. Whatever method you choose, make sure you target the right audience and follow your goals. If you can do this, youll be well on your way to success. Lee Enterprises newsroom and editorial were not involved in the creation of this content. Memorial Parks big Kiss will linger a little longer. The 26-foot sculpture of a World War II sailor kissing a nurse to celebrate the wars end will remain in the parks new Eagle Plaza for at least two more months, the Omaha Parks Foundation has learned. Officially called Embracing Peace, the sculpture by the late artist Seward Johnson re-creates an iconic photograph in which a sailor spontaneously gave a deep kiss to a woman in a nurses uniform (actually, she was a dental assistant) on V-J Day in New Yorks Times Square. Seward Johnson Atelier (the nonprofit that owns the statue) reached out and said they dont need it back right away, said Tiffany Regan, the Omaha Parks Foundation executive director. We said wed love to keep it until January. We thought it would be neat to have it with snow on it, through the holidays. The Robert H. Storz Foundation underwrote the $60,000 cost to bring the sculpture to Memorial Park last April, ahead of the citys commemoration of the parks 75th anniversary in June. They planned to keep it through Veterans Day, which was last weekend. Storz, who operated a brewery in Omaha, was the driving force behind the creation of Memorial Park soon after World War II to honor Douglas Countys war dead. Johnson created the original sculpture in 2005 to display in Times Square for the 60th anniversary of V-J Day. A Navy veteran of the Korean War, he died in 2020, but a nonprofit he established to promote art in public places, Johnson Atelier, continues to circulate traveling exhibits of his work. Other versions of Embracing Peace are on permanent display, in Sarasota, Florida, and San Diego. The Memorial Park sculpture is a traveling copy. It has drawn barbs wherever it has been erected including Omaha from critics who say it depicts a sexual assault, or that it is kitschy. Theo Brown of Omaha called the sculpture an embarrassment to the ... entire city of Omaha in a letter to The World-Heralds Public Pulse. In the same forum, John Daley of Council Bluffs, derided it as a fugitive from a sci-fi movie that belonged in Las Vegas, or in a used-car lot. But the sculpture has plenty of defenders, too. Its a symbol of joy, happiness and a celebration of the end of World War II, nothing more, said Phil Huston of Omaha in another Public Pulse letter. In 2010, George Mendonsa and Greta Zimmer Friedman, believed to be the couple depicted in the Times Square photograph, visited Papillion-La Vista High School on a speaking tour. Mendonsa, 22 at the time, had been a sailor aboard the USS The Sullivans when the Navy ship was attacked by kamikaze pilots in the western Pacific. Zimmer Friedman, then 21, was an Austrian immigrant who lost her parents in the Holocaust. Regan said the statue has drawn many people to the park and the new plaza. Some couples have posted photos of themselves re-enacting the kiss in front of the sculpture, while others have visited in wedding garb or military uniforms. Its been a very, very favorable response, Regan said. It has really brought awareness to the park. She said the Parks Foundation has reached about 80% of its fundraising goal for the construction and maintenance of Eagle Plaza, but it is still about $250,000 short. The foundation built the plaza to use for public events such as art exhibits and musical concerts, or private events such as weddings. Fundraising continues through its website, OmahaParksFoundation.org/memorial-park-75. During the months the sculpture has been on display, it has provided a backdrop to several military-themed events commemorating Memorial Day, the end of the Korean War, 9/11, POW/MIA Recognition Day, Veterans Shine On, and Veterans Day. Jenee Castellanos, associate curator of exhibitions and engagement for the Seward Johnson Atelier, said the group is delighted Embracing Peace can stay on in Omaha until its next stop is announced. We are heartened to hear the stories of the visitors that have traveled to see the sculpture, she said in an email. Now they will have more time to see it. Photos: Embracing Peace sculpture installed at Memorial Park An Omaha man was sentenced Wednesday to 15 months in federal prison after he ran onto the tarmac at Eppley Airfield and bit an airport security officer earlier this year. Chol Magwit, 21, pleaded guilty in August to interfering with security screening personnel, a felony that can carry up to 10 years in prison. In exchange for his guilty plea, prosecutors agreed not to seek a term of imprisonment of more than 15 months. According to his plea agreement, on April 7, Magwit forced open two doors to restricted areas of the airport and made it onto the tarmac at Eppley Airfield. He refused commands to stop and had to be tackled by security before his arrest. The plea agreement says that Magwit "did not appear impaired" and stated he wanted to go to Egypt. Magwit then bit the hand of a security officer who was trying to arrest him, "penetrating the officer's skin and causing him to require medical treatment." Upon his release from prison, Magwit will serve a three-year term of supervised release. The case was investigated by the FBI, the Omaha Police Department and the Omaha Airport Authority Police. The United States Supreme Court has ruled that Florida is now allowed to enforce a law that would ban drag shows in the state. The decision deals a major blow to a key initiative that is championed by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis. The development comes after the Sunshine State asked the nation's top court to narrow a lower court's injunction that prevented the law from being enforced statewide. Florida's Drag Show Ban In response to the request, the Supreme Court's justices declined to do so. In a statement, conservative Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, and Neil Gorsuch said that they would have allowed the law to take effect. Justice Brett Kavanaugh, joined in part by Justice Amy Coney Barrett, addressed the First Amendment complexities of the case. The two justices said that the case was an "imperfect vehicle" for deciding some of the questions at the center of the debate. Additionally, Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody argued that the law in question, which is known as the "Protection of Children Act," was designed to "prevent the exposure of children to sexually explicit live performances," as per CNN. The law also makes it a misdemeanor to knowingly admit a child to a sexually explicit adult live performance that would be considered obscene for the "age of the child present." In June, a Florida district court judge blocked the law, holding that it likely violates the Constitution's free speech and due process protections and argued that it was constitutionally vague. Furthermore, the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals declined Florida's emergency application for a stay of the district court's injunction, which triggered the state's request to the highest court for relief in the case. The Supreme Court's Thursday order means that Florida officials are not allowed to enforce the law at all before the legal challenge to it is resolved. While the case itself could come back to the justices, it would likely take months before the lower courts finish their review of the law and any accompanying appeals. Read Also: North Dakota Judge Rejects Plea to Temporarily Suspend Gender-Affirming Care Ban for Minors Supreme Court's Ruling The law, if it was implemented, would have enforced various penalties on restaurants or other venues that violate the statute. These include license revocation or even criminal charges. Furthermore, while the law does not specify drag shows at all, it is largely seen as being designed for them, according to NPR. One of the establishments that challenged the law in court is Hamburger Mary's Restaurant and Bar in Orlando. The business contended that the law violates the First Amendment right of free speech. The restaurant is known to frequently hold drag show performances, comedy sketches, and dancing performances. The question of how broadly injunctions should sweep has been controversial for several years. Lawyers and scholars have questioned whether and when so-called nationwide or universal injunctions are appropriate. In response to the initial injunction, state officials said they would have had no objections to it if it were limited only to Hamburger Mary's. They also said that the judge in charge of the case should not have blocked the law from being enforced throughout the state, said the New York Times. Related Article: Los Angeles Faces Criticism for Its Handling of Homelessness Following Freeway Fire Incident @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. CHICAGO The Chicago Police Board voted to fire an officer accused of dragging a Black woman out of a car by her hair during unrest at a mall in 2020. The board voted unanimously Thursday to fire Officer David Laskus, finding he used excessive force and lied to investigators about the incident, the Chicago Tribune reported. Mia Wright was a passenger in a car that arrived at the Brickyard Mall on May 31, 2020, during a weekend of protests and unrest following the death of George Floyd. Floyd was a Black man who died after a white Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck. A federal lawsuit that Wright and four relatives filed states that they drove to the mall to go shopping and didn't realize it was closed due to the unrest. The lawsuit alleged that officers surrounded their car, broke the windows with their batons and pulled Wright out by her hair. Wright said she was left blind in one eye by flying glass caused by officers breaking the windows. Wright was 25 years old at the time. Officers said they thought some members of Wright's group were trying to break into a store at the mall to steal goods, the city's attorney has said. The City Council in March 2022 approved a $1.675 million settlement with Wright and the four others with her that day. Laskus was not criminally charged, but the police board noted that Laskus denied he pulled Wright by her hair when he spoke to investigators despite video evidence to the contrary. Laskus can appeal his firing in Cook County Circuit Court. How spending on public safety and policing has changed over the last 40 years How spending on public safety and policing has changed over the last 40 years Spending on public safety in cities in the US has doubled since 1980 Even with ballooning public safety budgets, many cities allocate more money to the police Some cities have reigned in police spending, while others have tightened overall public safety budgets Nebraskas unemployment rate continued to rise in October, but its still down from where it was a year ago. The states unemployment rate was 2.2% last month, according to the latest data from the Nebraska Department of Labor. That was up from 2.1% in September but down from 2.7% in October 2022. Nebraskas unemployment rate ranked sixth among the states and continued to be much lower than the national rate of 3.9%. Employment numbers continued to grow, with the number of filled jobs in October up 6,949 over September and 13,041 compared with a year ago. The top-performing category on a year-over-year basis was private education and health services, which added more than 4,000 jobs and reached an all-time high of more than 163,000 in October, Labor Commissioner John Albin said. The number of people working statewide fell slightly in October, down 1,894, compared with September, but it was up 4,845 compared with a year ago. Despite the strong employment numbers, at least one Nebraska economist believes the states economy is struggling. On Thursday, Creighton University economist Ernie Goss released his Rural Main Street Index for November, which showed Nebraska is underperforming the 10-state region as a whole. The overall index sank to 40.4 this month, its lowest reading since June 2020, which Goss said, points to weaker farm and non-farm economies. The index for Nebraska was slightly lower, at 39.7, and Goss said data from the International Trade Administration shows agricultural exports from the state decline from $981.4 million in the first nine months of 2022 to $470 in the first nine months of this year, a 52.1% decline. Ag exports for the entire region also dropped during the same period, but the decline was much smaller, at 12.7%. Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of November 2023 A Papillion man accused of assaulting a former U.S. senator last week appeared in court in Pottawattamie County on Friday to face a misdemeanor charge of assault with the intent to commit sexual abuse. Dominic Henton, 25, was ordered to be held on a $10,000 bail at Fridays hearing. He is accused of following and assaulting former U.S. Sen. Martha McSally of Arizona at Tom Hanafan Rivers Edge Park near the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge on Nov. 8. McSally, who was in Omaha to speak at an event, spoke about the assault in an Instagram video. She said she was followed across the pedestrian bridge by a man who engulfed her in a bear hug, molested her and then continued to follow her after she fought him off. I ran after him. I threw my water bottle at him. And I chased him into the brush, where he was then hiding as I called 911 and waited for the police to come, she said in the video. Police responded to the scene but were unable to locate the man, now believed to be Henton. He was taken into custody in Omaha two days later. Appearing in court at the Douglas County Jail on Tuesday, Henton agreed to be extradited to Pottawattamie County. He was transported to Iowa on Thursday. Henton is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing in mid-December. A Guatemalan man was sentenced in federal court Tuesday to time served after he pleaded guilty to shooting and killing a bald eagle in Nebraska. Domingo Zetino-Hernandez, 21, admitted in August to a misdemeanor violation of the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act after he shot and killed a bald eagle near Stanton, Neb., in February. He has been in custody since March and will be subject to deportation as a result of the conviction. Prosecutors requested a one-year term of supervised release and a $2,500 fine in addition to the time Zetino-Hernandez served in custody, while the defense opposed any punishment beyond the more than eight months he spent in county jail. U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Michael Nelson agreed with the defense at Tuesdays hearing. A sentence of time served is certainly sufficient, Nelson said at sentencing. The defendant has served a significant term in custody for this misdemeanor offense. In exchange for his guilty plea, prosecutors dismissed additional federal charges against Zetino-Hernandez that alleged he used a fake social security card and drivers license to obtain employment. Court documents indicate he was working at a pig farm in the Norfolk area. According to his plea agreement, law enforcement was called to the Wood Duck Wildlife Management Area, located about three miles west of Stanton, Neb., on the afternoon of Feb. 28 to reports of a suspicious vehicle in a field. When deputies with the Stanton County Sheriffs Office arrived, they found two people in the car: Zetino-Hernandez, and another man, 21-year-old Ramiro Hernandez-Tziquin. Zetino-Hernandez gave deputies permission to search the vehicle, and they recovered the carcass of a bald eagle in the trunk of the car. According to a press release from the Sheriffs Office, the two men stated they planned on cooking and eating the bird. Federal public defender Richard McWilliams stated in court documents that his client did not intend to kill a bald eagle and initially told deputies he shot a vulture. McWilliams said Zetino-Hernandez had recently bought pellet guns so he could hunt food for his wife and infant son. He shot a large, non-endangered bird, was discovered and jailed for eight months, McWilliams wrote. He lost his job at the pig farm, has lost his investment in the pellet guns, has been separated from his wife and infant son for eight months, and faces removal to Guatemala. No right-thinking, similarly situated person would risk all of these sanctions and punishments to shoot a bald eagle. Hernandez-Tziquin, who was charged alongside Zetino-Hernandez, is believed to have fled from the area prior to an arrest warrant being issued. He has not been located. Thirteen weeks into her second pregnancy, Abby Waller of Omaha found out that a tumor and a heart defect meant that her child likely wouldnt survive to term. Since this happened in 2020, Waller said she was able to have an abortion. But because of a new Nebraska law that bans abortions after 12 weeks based on gestational age, without an exception for fetal anomalies, Waller said she would not have that same option today. This shouldnt be the governments decision to make, Waller said. Waller is one of several supporters of a new ballot initiative effort to enshrine abortion rights in the Nebraska Constitution. She, along with other advocates with the Protect Our Rights coalition, spoke about the initiative at an event Thursday kicking off its petition drive. The initiative proposes a constitutional amendment that would protect legal abortion care until fetal viability, which differs with each pregnancy but is generally considered to be around 23 or 24 weeks gestational age. If the petition garners roughly 122,000 valid signatures including 5% of registered voters in at least 38 counties by July 2024, the question will be added to the 2024 general election ballot. Its going to take a lot of work for us to get this on the ballot, said Andi Curry Grubb, state executive director of Planned Parenthood of North Central States. And we are absolutely ready to meet that challenge. 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. 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 language immediately spurred criticism from anti-abortion groups and state officials, including State Sen. Joni Albrecht of Thurston who has proposed abortion bans in the last two years and Gov. Jim Pillen. In a written statement, Pillen said the initiative would radically expand abortion in Nebraska, up until 39 weeks of pregnancy. Theres no Nebraskans that are going to support that petition, and were going to make sure that they understand the truth of the language in there, Pillen said at a Wednesday press conference. Curry Grubb accused Pillen and other opponents of spreading lies about the campaign. She described the initiative as narrowly tailored and an effort to restore in Nebraska the same abortion rights that existed before the U.S. Supreme Court last year overturned its 1973 Roe v. Wade decision. Dr. Mary Kinyoun, an obstetrician/gynecologist in Omaha, added that abortions dont happen in Nebraska at 39 weeks and wouldnt even be considered an abortion at that stage. That is not an abortion, sir, thats called a delivery, she said. In recent weeks, hundreds of volunteers signed on to aid the initiative, said Ashlei Spivey, executive director of I Be Black Girl. This indicates to her that despite Pillens assertions the campaigns message falls in line with what many Nebraskans want. She said the campaign plans to start circulating petitions as early as next week. Earlier this year, lawmakers passed a bill that tightened the states abortion restrictions from 20 weeks post-fertilization to 12 weeks based on gestational age. Since then, Pillen and other officials have signaled their intent to push for further restrictions, potentially up to a full ban. This years bill took effect immediately upon Pillens signature. It has been challenged in court because the law affected both abortions and gender-affirming care options for individuals under 19. The legal challenge currently pending in the State Supreme Court claims the law violated the Nebraska Constitutions single-subject rule. Spivey said measuring abortion restrictions by weeks whether 12 or 20 is arbitrary and doesnt recognize the nuances that exist in every pregnancy. This was a primary reason why the coalition framed its ballot language around fetal viability. Every patient, and every pregnancy is different, Kinyoun said. The proposed Nebraska petition uses language that is similar to the constitutional amendment that Ohio voters supported last week, though Spivey said Nebraskas initiative wasnt copied from that measure nor any other states successful ballot initiative. After Roe v. Wade was overturned in 2022, voters in California, Michigan and Vermont passed ballot measures protecting abortion rights in their state constitutions. In Kentucky, Kansas and Montana, voters rejected measures that would have made it easier for lawmakers to increase abortion restrictions. Following those elections, Nebraska abortion rights advocates have suggested that Nebraska voters might follow suit if they had a vote on abortion, and State Sen. Merv Riepe of Ralston cited the outcome of the Kansas initiative as a reason for casting the deciding vote to block a bill that would have banned abortions at six weeks gestation. Photos: Protect Our Rights Abortion Rights Ballot Initiative launched in Omaha Three people died in a one-vehicle crash south of Winnebago in northeast Nebraska. At 3:41 a.m. on Saturday, a Thurston County sheriffs deputy came across the vehicle in a ditch along U.S. Highway 75, according to a press release sent Thursday by the Thurston County Sheriffs Office. After seeing the vehicle was occupied, the deputy called on the Winnebago Police Department and Omaha Nation Law Enforcement Services to assist. An investigation determined four people were in the vehicle. The vehicle was traveling south when it left the side of the road and went into the ditch. Three people were pronounced dead at the scene. The Nebraska Department of Transportation identified them as Tanesia Wolfe-Ricehill, Daniel Ricehill and Duane Walker Jr. Their ages and towns of residence have not been released. The fourth person, who has not been identified, was airlifted to an Omaha hospital. The Thurston County Sheriffs Office and Nebraska State Patrol continue to investigate the crash. DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) Long-haul carrier Emirates opened the Dubai Air Show on Monday with a $52 billion purchase of Boeing Co. aircraft, showing how aviation has bounced back after the groundings of the coronavirus pandemic, even as Israel's war with Hamas clouds regional security. Its low-cost sister airline, FlyDubai, followed up with an $11 billion order of 30 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, the first wide-body aircraft in its fleet. Together, the sales marked a significant win for Virginia-based Boeing Co. on the first day of the air show, as airlines appear poised for even more billion-dollar deals this year. Emirates made the announcement witnessed by the crown prince of Dubai, Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, at an afternoon news conference. Emirates CEO and Chairman Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum said the deal would see the carrier purchase 90 Boeing 777 aircraft, 55 of them 777-9 variants and 35 of them 777-8s. Emirates will also add an additional five 787 Dreamliners to its previous order of 30 aircraft, Sheikh Saeed said. This is a long-term commitment that supports hundreds of thousands of jobs, not only at Boeing but also throughout the global aviation supply chain, he said. The 777 is at the center of Emirates' strategy to connect cities on all continents nonstop to Dubai. Stan Deal, an executive vice president at Boeing, praised the deal. All these products point to the future of Emirates, Deal said. With Monday's order, that put the total number of outstanding Boeing 777 orders for Emirates to 205 aircraft. Emirates officials stressed that FlyDubais order was separate from the long-haul carrier, though the two airlines are both owned by a sovereign wealth fund called the Investment Corporation of Dubai. The purchase represents a major change for FlyDubai, which to this point has only flown Boeing 737 single-aisle aircraft on shorter distances. Both Deal and Sheikh Saeed left the news conference without taking questions, which was a departure from previous sales announcements. The air show this year comes amid the Israel-Hamas war, as well as Russias war on Ukraine, which will likely influence the five-day show at Al Maktoum Airport at Dubai World Central. It is the city-states second airfield after Dubai International Airport, which is the worlds busiest for international travel and the home base for Emirates. During a flying display at the show, the U.S. Air Force conducted an overflight with a supersonic B-1 bomber, the same type of nuclear-capable aircraft it has flown over the Mideast amid the recent tensions over the war and with Iran. Also on display were an A-10 Thunderbolt II and an F-35 fighter jet, types of planes that also were brought into the region as a deterrent. While commercial aviation takes much of the attention, arms manufacturers also have exhibitions at the show. Two major Israeli firms Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. and Israel Aerospace Industries had been slated to participate. But the IAI stand, bearing the slogan Where Courage Meets Technology, was roped off and empty Monday morning as people poured into the show. A stand for Rafael handed out coffee, though there were no salespeople there. A request for comment left with an attendant there was not immediately returned. Rafael also sponsored a meeting of air force commanders Sunday at a luxury Dubai hotel, highlighting the balancing act being struck by the UAE amid anger in the Arab world over the Israel-Hamas war. The UAE, a federation of seven sheikhdoms, established diplomatic relations with Israel in 2020. The firm Russian Helicopters had listed their staff would be on hand for the air show after appearing at the Abu Dhabi arms fair earlier this year despite being sanctioned by the U.S. and others over Moscow's war on Ukraine. Roscosmos, the Russian state space company, is also at the show, as were the Russian Knights, the precision flying team of the Russian air force. An Associated Press journalist at the show also saw Gen. Khalifa Hifter, who leads the self-styled Libyan National Army and controls the North African nation's east and south. Another AP team saw Afghan Taliban Envoy to the United Arab Emirates Badruddin Haqqani walk through the business class of an Emirates A380 on display. Global aviation is booming after the coronavirus pandemic saw worldwide lockdowns and aircraft grounded particularly at Al Maktoum Airport, which served for months as a parking lot for Emirates double-decker Airbus 380s. Air traffic is now at 97% of pre-COVID levels, according to the International Air Transport Association. Middle Eastern airlines, which supply key East-West routes for global travel, saw a 26.6% increase in September traffic compared to a year earlier, IATA says. Emirates, a main economic engine for Dubai amid its booming real estate market, announced record half-year profits of $2.7 billion Thursday. That is up from $1.2 billion for the same period last year, potentially putting the airline on track for another record-breaking year. The airline says it has repaid some $2.5 billion of the loans it received during the height of the pandemic to stay afloat. Also in the market for aircraft is Riyadh Air, a new Saudi carrier being created as part of trillions of dollars worth of spending planned in the kingdom. In March, the airline announced an order of up to 72 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner jetliners and has further plans to expand. Turkish Airlines may also make a record-shattering purchase of 355 aircraft from Airbus, including 250 A321neo aircraft, according to the state-run Anadolu news agency. Indian airlines have been on a buying spree as well. By Monday afternoon, Boeing Co. announced that SunExpress, an airline jointly owned by Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa, made a commitment to purchase up to 90 single-aisle Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. The deal includes 28 Boeing 737-8s and 17 Boeing 737-10s models, as well as the opportunity for another 45 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. The companies did not offer a dollar figure for the deal. Rounding out Monday's sales, Airbus said airBaltic of Latvia ordered another 30 single-aisle A220-300s, but the France-based manufacturer did not reveal the sales price. Boeing said Royal Jordanian ordered four 787-9 Dreamliners, while Royal Air Maroc ordered two 787-9s. Associated Press writer Malak Harb contributed to this report. BLOOMINGTON For one impassioned music educator, the Bloomington-Normal Youth Symphonys fall concert Tuesday at Illinois State University will officially signify being passed the directors baton. For another educator whos handing off the directors reins, her taking of the podium as a guest conductor will be a bittersweet goodbye. Logan Campbell, the third music director for the Twin Cities youth symphony, will lead dozens of young performers on string, woodwind, brass and percussion instruments. The free concert is set for 7 p.m. Tuesday at the ISU Center for the Performing Arts in Normal. Deanne Bryant, adjunct music instructor at Illinois Wesleyan University, said she served as director of the youth symphony for 29 years, until Campbell took over in August. After turning 80 in March, she said she needed to make a change. Bryant said the search for a director who shares her level of passion for teaching music to youths had actually taken 10 years. She said she announced the leadership change at the spring concert in May, and it was a difficult, tearful moment for her students. The decades of her dedication to the youth symphony were showing, with the overall question following the announcement being: Mrs. Bryant, are we going to see you again? So she and Campbell planned for Bryant to guest conduct Oboe Concerto in C Minor at the fall concert, with Campbell playing oboe among his new students. That also meant students could expect to see Bryant at rehearsals this fall. Bryant said that next semester, it will be all right. The kids are all right Bryant said in her years, shes made memories that would surprise you. She noted there are the usual "light bulb" moments where everything starts to click for a concert, and the group gets more focused. She said every night with students is a joy. Shes seen her students blossom into musicians who share their talents outside of the symphony. Bryant said her first chair on violin, Molly Kinzinger, has taken up community performances with her friend Jacob Stanfield, including at the Downtown Bloomington Farmers Market. Another violinist in the symphony is Noel Sims, a previous interviewee of this column. Shes phenomenal, Bryant said of Sims. I judged her contest and she blew me away. Olivia Bolles also moved on from the youth symphony to major in violin at Arizona State University. Bryant said shes played several recitals. Bryant said theyre giving kids all the nuts and bolts of a good youth symphony. Here in Bloomington-Normal, the group of around 60 students includes in-town residents and others from as far as Fairbury. These kids are very humble theyre appreciative, she said, adding the first thing she asks new auditions is if it was their idea to join, or their parents'. After all, its the students who make the commitment, she noted. The symphony also holds a bring a friend night, where members can bring anyone to sit in and play. Theyre sight-reading the music, said Bryant, but theyll use easier pieces so visitors can still succeed. Early this year, Campbell was hired into the IWU School of Music faculty. He said Bryant is a wonderful mentor of his. Campbell earned a bachelor's degree in music education from Furman University in South Carolina, and a double master's of music degree in voice performance and orchestral conducting from the University of Tennessee. In 2020, he said he took on the position of assistant conductor and director for the Illinois Symphony Orchestra's youth program in Springfield. That began my exposure to the Illinois music scene, he said. The music Tuesdays program includes a few staples of orchestral musical, and some seasonal favorites. It sounds off with The Star-Spangled Banner before moving into the Declaration Overture, a contemporary score by Claude Smith. Campbell said he wants to expose his students to a balanced repertoire. He said thats important in the modern orchestra scene, which is why theyre performing Finlandia by Jean Sibelius. Its one of the hardest pieces theyll perform, and it has a lot of moving parts, he said. Other music selections include The Pavane by Gabriel Faure and Farandole from L'Arlesienne Suite No. 2 by Georges Bizet. After the oboe concerto, the concert will end with A Christmas Festival, a medley of several traditional holiday carols arranged by Leroy Anderson. Anytime you see Leroy Anderson, its gonna be fun, Campbell said. Orchestral kinship Bryant said the youth symphony is training future consumers of music, who will either play or fill audience seats at the concert halls. Campbell, 28, said he visited Bryants sessions with the Bloomington-Normal Youth Symphony in the spring. Since then, he said its been an effortless transition getting acquainted with new students. He noted its been a challenging time for the symphony. But, the students have been really resilient and made this such a fun environment to make music (in), Campbell said. If there was no community in a symphony, Campbell said there would be no sound or music. Hed just be waving his arms around. He said music and conducting have an organic meaning to him, but the biggest part of the role is collaboration. Campbell said its about the ability to work with other artists who have the talents and aspirations to make music come to life. I get to help facilitate that through guidance, my own research and my own ideas that Ive come to through studying, he said. My background the pieces that I gravitate towards are an influence of the people Ive worked with. So I hope to inspire students to think for themselves and to think creatively. In discussions of how to advance music, Campbell said he thinks about the composers who broke rules and challenged traditions. He said they still respected what came before them. He said he wants to include a wider array of composers who were often dismissed on a basis of unchangeable attributes, like their skin color, gender or more. When those composers tried to come to the forefront, Campbell said it was conductors who stifled that in some ways. Im one person, but I have 60 students who may one day also think different about who the major composers are of our medium. It might include a woman, he said. The Bloomington-Normal Youth Symphony runs auditions for new performers ages 10 to 22 in May, or by appointment. For more information, visit bnyouthsymphony.org Classic Christmas songs that are more than 100 years old Classic Christmas songs that are more than 100 years old 'Jingle Bells' (1885) 'Here We Come A-wassailing' (c. 1850) 'Good King Wenceslas' (1853) 'O Tannenbaum' (1824) 'God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen' (1760) 'We Three Kings' (1863) 'It Came Upon the Midnight Clear' (1850) 'Go Tell It on the Mountain' (1907) 'What Child is This?' (1871) 'O Come, All Ye Faithful' (1751) 'Silent Night' (1818) 'Carol of the Bells' (1919) 'In the Bleak Midwinter' (1906) 'The Holly and the Ivy' (1911) 'I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day' (1872) 'O Holy Night' (1847) 'O Little Town of Bethlehem' (1868) 'Away in a Manger' (1885) 'Hark! The Herald Angels Sing' (1855) 'The Twelve Days of Christmas' (1780) 'Angels We Have Heard on High' (1862) 'The Cherry Tree Carol' (c. 1500) 'The Friendly Beasts' (12th century) 'Joy to the World' (1719) 'Coventry Carol' (c.1591) BLOOMINGTON A Bloomington man is back in custody after prosecutors said he violated the terms of his earlier release on attempted arson and domestic battery charges. Prosecutors previously said 42-year-old Mohammed A. Salam threw a flammable liquid on the floor of his Bloomington home, splashing it on a woman with whom he had been having a disagreement, then held up a cigarette lighter and threatened to burn down the house. He was charged with attempted aggravated arson, attempt residential arson and domestic battery. Judge Scott Kording granted pretrial release on Monday after the woman testified in favor of his Salam's release and said that he was going through counseling and taking medication. Under the conditions set in court, Salam was ordered not to return to the address where prosecutors say the incident took place, except one time escorted by law enforcement. However, prosecutors said Wednesday that Salam violated that condition on Monday night by returning to the address. He was charged with violating his pretrial release, a Class A misdemeanor. Kording on Wednesday ordered Salam detained on the original charges. The woman also sought an order of protection against Salam, which was issued Wednesday. He also was ordered to comply with his mental health treatment, including any prescription medication regimens. Salam is due back in court on the original charge Dec. 8. Updated mug shots from The Pantagraph (copy) Bryant Lewis Derek Roesch Justin M. Mata Marcus D. Wesley Phillip Tinch Trisha L. Hanke William B. Givens David L. Oliver Kenneth E. Funk Jordan R. King Holly M. Isaacson Kenneth L. Minton Tony L. Jackson Britley L. Hilger Jasmine L. Smith Jackie S. Claypool Noah R. Demuth Brandon L. Parsano Alexander N. Williams Carlos Sanchez-Solozarzano Jaylin S. Bones Jordan R. King Dominique M. Banks Austin T. Daugherty Sandra M. Lewis Samantha E. Morris Nolan C. Love Nikkita L. Sandefur Katlin M.B. Wilson Eli C. Garozzo Tysean T. Townsend Curtis J. Byrd Noral K. Nelson Charles J. Tankson Davis, Micah S Livingston, Joshua D. Kevin L. Ewen Emmanuel K. Mpay Ahmad S. Manns Dylan R Mann Tony L. Jackson William R. Linden Zadek U. Moen Zachary T. Willis Cecily M. Sexton Tonisha A. Jackson James A. McConnaughay Jessica M. Longberry Barry D. Guyton Keon E. Spiller Melina Aguilar Carlos D. Cregan Wayne M. Damron Terrance L. Ford Stanley M. Miller Darryl R. Vinson Jarvis K. Heads Wesley M. Noonan Brad Carter Brian K. Burnett Kenneth D. Downey Kenyon J. Bones Brittany N. Greiner Ashley Tuttle.jpg John C Denight.jpg Sabrinna I. Buckley.jpg NEW BUFFALO, Mich. An Amtrak train heading to Chicago with 200 passengers derailed after striking an unoccupied vehicle and a tow truck in southwestern Michigan, authorities said Friday. "The engineer and approximately 10 passengers received non-life threatening injuries and were treated by local ambulance services," the Berrien County sheriff's office said. The train derailed but remained upright. The crash happened Thursday evening near New Buffalo in Michigan's southwestern corner, about 70 miles east of Chicago. The vehicle was stuck on the tracks and was being removed when the train hit it and the tow truck, the sheriff's office said. The train's engineer had no warning that a vehicle was on the tracks because no one contacted Amtrak, railroad spokesman Marc Magliari said. "There are large blue signs at that crossing that have a phone number," he said. Passenger Riley Kozloff said the crash caused a fire outside the train. "I bumped my head a little at first the collision just happened," Kozloff told WNDU-TV in South Bend, Indiana. "It felt like it was 20 seconds long, everyone was just confused." Passengers were taken to New Buffalo High School. Some were picked up by family and friends while others continued their trip to Chicago on buses arranged by Amtrak, the sheriff's office said. Amtrak has three routes for people traveling between Chicago and many communities in Michigan. At least eight trains were canceled Friday while investigators remained at the crash scene. Photos: Pritzker Military Archives Center When saving for retirement, it's not just about growing your nest egg; it's also about managing your finances when it's time to withdraw your money. The Roth IRA stands out as an individual retirement account that offers unique advantages compared to traditional IRAs. Its biggest strength lies in its tax-friendliness, offering many benefits that can significantly impact your retirement income, according to AARP. The Tax Advantages of Roth IRA in Retirement Planning The primary allure of the Roth IRA is the tax treatment it provides. While you can't deduct Roth IRA contributions from your taxes, the money you invest in grows tax-free, and when you withdraw it during retirement, it remains tax-free, provided you adhere to the withdrawal rules. This tax-free income stream in retirement can substantially impact your financial well-being. "Having sources of tax-free income in retirement makes more of your retirement dollars available for lifestyle expenses," explains Rob Burnette, an investment adviser representative at Outlook Financial Center. The Roth IRA embodies the adage that it's not just what you make; it's what you keep that matters. One significant advantage of the Roth IRA is that it doesn't require you to take Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), unlike traditional IRAs. Starting in 2023, the IRS mandates that holders of conventional IRAs begin taking RMDs by April 1 of the year after reaching age 73. Roth IRA allows your money to grow tax-free for extended periods. Kelly Gilbert, a fiduciary investment adviser at EFG Financial, highlights this benefit: "Since RMDs are never required in Roth IRAs, this enables better control of your retirement account drawdown rates and easier tax planning during retirement." Avoiding RMDs ensures that both your principal and earnings can continue to benefit from compounding, potentially growing your retirement savings substantially. The power of time in investing cannot be overstated. Anna Sergunina, President and CEO at MainStreet Financial Planning, emphasizes that the more time you have, the longer your money can grow. Whether you're years away from retirement or nearing that stage of life, tax-advantaged retirement savings accounts, such as the Roth IRA, can play a pivotal role in achieving your financial goals, according to CNN. Read Also: Texas School Board Reverses Course, Allowing Transgender Student To Sing in Lead Role in Musical Comparing the Roth IRA to 401(k) and Traditional IRA While the Roth IRA shines brightly in retirement savings, it's essential to understand the differences between it and other retirement accounts like the 401(k). A 401(k) is an employer-sponsored retirement savings plan that allows automatic contributions from your paycheck. Employers often match donations up to a certain point, essentially free money for your retirement. On the other hand, an IRA (Individual Retirement Account) is a personal retirement savings account that you open independently. There are two common types: the traditional IRA and the Roth IRA. The critical distinction lies in their tax treatment. A traditional IRA offers tax deductions on contributions, but taxes are levied when you withdraw the money in retirement. The Roth IRA requires post-tax contributions, but withdrawals are tax-free during retirement. It's worth noting that employer-sponsored 401(k)s typically come with employer matching, while IRAs do not. Anjali Jariwala, the founder of financial planning firm FIT Advisors, emphasizes the importance of contributing up to the maximum your employer will match to maximize your retirement savings potential. However, it's crucial to be aware of contribution limits set by the IRS. In 2023, the maximum contribution to IRAs is $6,500 for individuals under 50 and $7,500 for those 50 and older. The limit is much higher for 401(k)s, with a maximum of $22,500 in 2023 or $30,000 for individuals aged 50 and older. Additionally, consider the advantages of Roth conversions when planning your retirement strategy. Converting money from a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA can make sense if you expect your current tax situation to be more favorable than in the future. It can also help manage tax brackets during retirement and provide tax-free income for heirs. While Roth conversions have their benefits, evaluating your financial situation, goals, and the potential impact on your taxes before proceeding is essential. Consult with your financial and tax advisor to make informed decisions, Forbes reported. Related Article: Student Loan Forgiveness: Borrowers May Soon Receive $16 Million Relief; Here'as Who Can Claim! @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. CHICAGO Regulators at the Illinois Commerce Commission on Thursday unanimously approved rate hikes for four major natural gas utilities, but the little-known regulatory bodys decision was perhaps more notable for what it rejected. The five-member board flexed its regulatory muscle, slashing the utilities requested rate increases by as much as 50%. This was an earthquake in Illinois utility regulation, Abe Scarr, director of consumer advocacy group Illinois PIRG told Capitol News Illinois after the Thursday meeting. Scarr and PIRG were among the consumer advocates asking for greater regulatory oversight of the natural gas industry ahead of the requested rate increase from the four utilities that collectively serve 98% of Illinois gas customers: Nicor Gas, Ameren Illinois, Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas. Rates will still rise next year, but not nearly as much as they would have if the commission had approved the utilities initial requests. The commissioners instead sided with consumer advocates rejecting several recommendations from the ICCs own staff in several key areas, including profit rates, low-income discounts and spending oversight. Commissioners lowered Amerens initial ask by about 50.8% and cut Nicors request by 30.3%. For Peoples Gas, it was a 25% reduction, and for its sister company North Shore, regulators cut the request by 34%. While advocates hailed the ICCs decisions as a victory, utilities were wary. My initial reaction is that Im concerned, Matthew Tomc, who oversees regulatory affairs for Ameren Illinois, told Capitol News Illinois. Tomc said that once Ameren staff fully reviews the ICC decision, they will consider requesting a rehearing to challenge the ICCs conclusions. Other companies involved in the cases indicated they were reviewing the decisions. Natural gas remains the most affordable energy source for winter-residential heating and is the main fuel source used by manufacturers in Illinois, Nicor spokesperson Jennifer Golz said in a statement. Nicor Gas provides an affordable energy source, which is more important now than ever with families facing rising costs for everything. resources as an energy. Nicor and Peoples Gas have not released cost estimates under the new rates approved Thursday. But downstate Ameren Illinois says costs will remain similar to last winter, echoing claims made by Peoples Gas earlier this year. Spending oversight, consumer impacts In general, the ICCs five commissioners reduced the companies requests for infrastructure spending, citing a lack of evidence that increased rates were necessary to maintain system safety. But the commission was particularly critical of one companys spending choices. Peoples Gas, which operates in the city of Chicago, has been highly criticized for its ongoing system modernization program, which critics have said is plagued by regular budget overruns and is often behind schedule. Thursdays ICC decision not only reduced Peoples Gas overall infrastructure spending request, but it also took a strong oversight step for the companys pipeline replacement program. The ICC paused all spending on the program for the next year and ordered a new ICC investigation into the program. We look forward to actively participating in future proceedings and demonstrating how our energy delivery system is critical to Chicagos clean energy future, Peoples Gas spokesperson David Schwartz said in a Thursday statement. We are pleased the Commission shares our concern about safety. Scarr, a longtime critic of the program, praised the decision. This program was clearly problematic, literally since it got started. It stumbled out of the gates and theres been so many investigations, Scarr said. For years, decision-makers have looked the other way, but they didnt today and thats a huge deal. Consumer impacts have been one of the most hotly debated elements of the four concurrent rate cases. Last year, the ICC directed utilities to propose a new system to offer lower energy rates for low-income customers. These low-income rate designs were one of the areas of focus of Karen Lusson, a lawyer with the National Consumer Law Center who advocated for the plan that the ICC eventually adopted, overruling administrative judges recommendations. In previous rate case orders, the commission never specifically assessed how affordable or unaffordable rates are for customers, Lusson said. The plan will offer discounts to those with incomes below three times the federal poverty limit, with greater discounts for those making less money. Discounts would apply to an entire customer bill and would be as high as 83% for Peoples Gas customers and 75% customers of other companies, according to Lusson. These discounts are slated to go into effect in October 2024. Amerens Tomc said he was worried about the programs potential impacts on customers who are not low-income. Profits slashed The commission lowered the expected rate hikes by leveraging one of its most powerful tools: deciding companies profits through their return on equity or ROE. Ameren and Nicor both requested ROE rates above 10% while Peoples Gas requested a 9.9% figure. But consumer advocates pushed back on those asks. For example, the Citizens Utility Board, one of several groups that argued for lower rates, requested a range centered on 9.5% for Ameren and Peoples Gas and 9.4% for Nicor. But in a surprising move, the Commission set rates in the cases at or below that recommendation. Nicor Gas will operate with a 9.51% ROE, and Ameren will operate with a 9.44% ROE. Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas will operate with a 9.38% ROE. Sarah Moskowitz, CUBs executive director, said the move has both consumer and climate implications. They (the ICC) sent a strong message today that they are looking out for the interests of utility customers and understand that were going to have to plan for a clean energy transition and that utilities can no longer dodge that issue, Moskowitz said. Thursdays decisions also began a process for the state deciding what role natural gas should play in Illinois clean energy transition. Each gas company involved in the cases is set to participate in a series of future of gas hearings next year that could help shape the industrys fate in Illinois. As the State embarks on a journey toward a 100 percent clean energy economy, the gas systems operations will not continue to exist in its current form, ICC Chairman Doug Scott said in a statement. Identifying how our gas and electric systems can adapt to meet these goals, and what specific actions should be taken to achieve them, will be an important task for the Commission moving forward. That statement came a few hours after Scott told utility representatives and advocates that the companies had failed to take that transition into account during the rate cases. In the Peoples Gas case, for instance, Scott noted that the company signaled that they are not currently working toward the electrification goals of the state. He made similar comments about Nicor and Ameren Illinois and cited it as reasoning for cutting some of the companies spending. Climate advocacy groups such as the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition celebrated the decision, issuing a statement that the ICCs decision indicates theres a new sheriff in town. Photos: Pritzker Military Archives Center CHICAGO Jeanine Standard has a monarch-mobile a little off-road utility vehicle covered with images of the monarch butterfly. She has three meadows planted with monarch-friendly wildflowers. She has buses of schoolchildren who come to her in the fall to learn about the beloved and imperiled butterfly. She even has a title of sorts: Local kids call her the monarch lady. What Standard, a psychologist and monarch advocate in rural Canton, still doesnt have about six years after putting down a $10 deposit is an official Illinois monarch license plate. But thats about to change, according to the Illinois secretary of states office, which has announced that new plates with eye-catching monarch decals will finally be available to the 2,500 people who have signed up, as well as anyone else who chooses to apply and pay $54. Im so excited, said Standard, 67, who sees the news as another hopeful sign for a cause that more Illinoisans have embraced in recent years. This regions Eastern monarch butterfly population, which includes a super-generation that migrates up to 3,000 miles to Mexico in fall, is estimated to be down by more than 80% since the 1990s. The main problem, scientists say, is the loss of habitat for milkweed, the only plant on which the butterflies will lay their eggs. The butterflies qualified for federal endangered species status in 2020, but have not yet obtained it, due to a waiting list. At the Illinois Environmental Council, which championed the monarch plates and pushed for them repeatedly when they stalled, Executive Director Jen Walling said interest has remained strong. I definitely think that the vast majority that signed up if they still live here and are still alive theyll be (getting) these plates, Walling said. Folks are just really excited about this opportunity. Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias recalled that when he was on the campaign trail in 2022, the plates came up repeatedly. There were questions in all corners of the state, he said. Environmentalists were interested, as were Latino groups. Giannoulias declined to point fingers regarding the delay, but said the butterfly plate got caught in a cocoon of red tape. I committed on the campaign trail and in the first few months of office that we would do whatever it takes work with every group to get it done, said Giannoulias, who is in his first term. A spokesman for his office said that people who have already signed up for the plates should receive them within a month. This is about more than just license plates, said Giannoulias. Its No. 1 about an endangered insect that brings enormous environmental benefits and is essential for ecosystems to survive. No. 2 its about a state symbol that has great cultural significance, particularly amongst the Latino community. And No. 3, its about government accountability and making sure that citizens that we serve in Illinois get what they pay for. The plates will cost $54, which includes a $29 plate replacement fee and a $25 monarch plate fee. Fifteen dollars from the monarch plate fee will go to a Department of Natural Resources roadside monarch habitat fund. One of the reasons the plates took so long to finalize was that they were the first of their kind in Illinois. Due to concerns that the wide range of colorful specialty plates in the state were creating problems for law enforcement, Illinois went to a new system in 2015. The legislature decided that all new specialty plates promoting charitable causes would have the same standardized background, with room for a big decal representing a specific cause. The monarch plate was the first of the new standardized specialty plates to get legislation allowing it to proceed. State Rep. Lisa Hernandez, D- Cicero, who sponsored that legislation in 2016, cited the environmental importance of the monarch, as well as the butterflys meaning for the states Mexican Americans, many of whom hail from Jalisco, near where a super-generation of migrating monarchs spend the winter. It just fit, Hernandez said of the monarch plate. It was the right time, it was a state insect, and then the fact that it symbolized the migration of families from Jalisco to Chicago. At the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, which designed the monarch decals, director of communications Jayette Bolinski said via email that there were multiple reasons for delays. It took a while to work through the design process and specs with the secretary of states office. The first sticker design was deemed too small by the secretary of states office, and they promulgated administrative rule changes to increase the size of the sticker. COVID-19 occurred in the middle of the design process and delayed progress further, Bolinski wrote. Standard said that when she first heard about the monarch plate, she went to her local Department of Motor Vehicles office, paid her $10 deposit and signed up. She said she believes she went back for an update, but then she moved on: You pick your battles, right? As a utility vehicle, her monarch-mobile only needs a sticker, so she plans on affixing her new plates to her Subaru, where she hopes they will spark curiosity about her favorite insect. Photos: Illinois State Fair political days through the years 2012 State Fair 2012 State Fair 2015 State Fair 2015 State Fair 2015 State Fair 2007 State Fair 2008 State Fair 2008 State Fair 2009 State Fair 2012 State Fair 2012 State Fair 2005 State Fair 2004 State Fair 2003 State Fair 2003 State Fair 2006 State Fair 2007 State Fair 2012 State Fair 2018 State Fair 2012 State Fair 2021 State Fair 2021 State Fair The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) on November 17, 2023, provided institutional support to the National Blood Service, through blood donations. The nationwide blood donations dubbed, 20 years of care, One Pint at time: Donate for Life, formed part of the NHIS 20th Anniversary celebrations. The main event organized at the forecourt of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA)head office in Accra yielded appreciable outcomes. At the NHIA head office, among others, the voluntary donors comprising some NHIS staff, and the Ministry of Health officials were thoroughly examined and given health tips by medicalpersonnel. The NHIA Deputy Chief Executive, responsible for Administration and Human Resources, Dr. Yaa Pokuaa-Baiden (Mrs.) joined staff at the head office, Greater Accra Regional and Dome district offices for the exercise. As Chair of the NHIS 20th Anniversary celebrations, she said the NHIA remained devoted to helpgalvanize resources for the National Blood Service. She thanked the voluntary donors including the NHIAs oldest staff, Mr. Alexander Eldad Nkrumah for their benevolence and urged Ghanaians to regularly donate blood to save lives. Dr. Yaa-Pokuaa emphasized that voluntary blood donations formed a key component of achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by the year 2030. Some Directors and other senior staff from the head office supervised the regional exercises and commended the voluntary donors for contributing to saving lives. The first donor, Sham-Una Abukari Ahamed of the Private Health Insurance Schemes (PHIS) Directorate, in an interview said he was inspired by the National Blood Service outcry for more blood to save lives. The voluntary donors were given special packages including blood passports and some of them renewed calls on government to ensure sustainable funding for national blood transfusion services. Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Prosecution in the MENZGOLD case has filed a new charge sheet against the embattled Chief Executive Officer of the gold dealership firm, Nana Appiah Mensah popularly known as NAM1. The old charges against the C.E.O of the defunt gold dealership company for allegedly defrauding some Ghanaians have subsequently been withdrawn. This development came to light when the case was called today before Justice Ernest Owusu-Dapaah, a Justice of the Court of Appeal sitting as an additional High Court Judge. The Director of Public Prosecution Yvonne Atakora Obuobisa informed the Court that they have filed a new charge sheet. In view of the new charges filed, the Prosecution prayed the court to struck out the old charges. Kwame Boafo Akuffo, lead Lawyer for NAM1 also prayed the court for some time to study the new charges before the pleas of the accused (NAM1) is taken. The prayer was not opposed by the Prosecution who agreed that, the accused and his lawyer were not served the new charges on time. The presiding Judge after listening to both submissions adjourned the case to December 4, 2023 for NAM1 to re-take his pleas to the new charges and for a case management conference. (CMC) NAM 1 is standing before the High Court for his alleged involvement in defrauding some Ghanaians millions of cedis. The court has also ordered the Registrar to ensure enhanced security at the court entrance on subsequent days for the case. The order was in response to concerns raised by lawyer for NAM1. Lawyer Kwame Akuffo informed the Court that, the Public Relations officer (PRO) for NAM1, Mantsebi Nii Armah was struck on the forehead by some customers at the last sitting. Meanwhile PRO for the Aggrieved customers of MENZGOLD, Fred Forson said, the group has petitioned the Attorney General to hold on with the disbursement of the money until the court makes a determination. Source: Philipa Atanga/Court Reporter/Despite Media Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video In a historic moment for Ghana's maritime landscape, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has officially inaugurated the second phase of the Tema Port Expansion Project. The initiative, a crucial component of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority's (GPHA) master plan, introduces a fleet of 15 cutting-edge gantry cranes and significant civil works development, reinforcing the port's stature as a paramount hub for West Africa. The 2nd Phase of Tema Port Expansion Project encompasses the paving of an expansive 270,000-square-meter area, expanding the terminal's footprint from 100 hectares to an impressive 127 hectares. The phased delivery of the first section, comprising 50,000 square-meter area, is slated for July 2024, with the entire project anticipated to reach completion by September 2025. Addressing distinguished guests, Mr. Samara expressed the transformative impact of this investment, stating, "Today's gathering marks the initiation of the 2nd Phase of our investment, one that promises to usher in a new era of enhanced capacity at Tema Port. We are setting in motion a transformation that will fundamentally alter Ghana's standing in the maritime industry of West Africa." The CEO of MPS further particularised that when this colossal undertaking is complete, Tema Port will stand shoulder to shoulder with the world's most renowned ports and compete favourably with the largest ports on the African continent. Mr. Igor Van den Essen, Regional Managing Director Africa and Europe at APM Terminals, underscored the commitment to holistic human resource development. He emphasized a decade-long focus on Lean Management principles, resulting in the creation of numerous job opportunities, with approximately 5000 workers employed in Phase 1 alone. The acquisition of 15 state-of-the-art gantry cranes signifies a substantial boost to Tema Port's cargo-handling capacity, aligning it with global trade demands. With a total of 12 Quay Cranes and 41 Yard Cranes, Tema Port stands as one of Sub-Saharan Africa's most efficient ports, garnering international acclaim from leading global shipping lines. The expanded port boasts a 1.4 km quay with four deep berths, equipped with sophisticated container handling gantry cranes and Terminal Operating Systems. It can accommodate some of the world's largest cargo ships, carrying up to 18,000 containers. Commending all stakeholders, Mr. Michael Luguje, Director General of Ghana Ports & Harbours Authority, stated, "Tema Port and especially MPS Terminal 3 still remains the best in West and Central Africa. We are grateful for all the partnerships that have contributed to elevating the status of the Tema Port." Highlighting Ghana's attractiveness to investors, Mr. Philippe Labonne, President of Africa Global Logistics, articulated AGL's strategic vision for Africa, emphasizing their commitment to creating job opportunities for the youth of Ghana. Hon. Kwaku Ofori Asiamah, Minister of Transport, confirmed plans for a crucial road link from the Motorway to the Tema Port, with construction set to commence in the first quarter of next year. President Akufo-Addo reiterated the government's commitment to self-reliance through an export-driven economy, urging ambassadors and business leaders to champion investment in Ghana's stable political and social climate. MPS Terminal 3 is recognized as a vital transport infrastructure for the AfCFTA's vision. The Tema Port Expansion Project's Phase 2 is poised to generate substantial employment opportunities for the Ghanaian construction workforce, aligning with the nation's goal of becoming a key economic hub in the sub-region. About Meridian Port Services Ltd (MPS): MPS, a leading port operator in Ghana, specializes in port and container terminal handling services. Established as a joint venture between Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), Africa Global Logistics (AGL), and APM Terminals, MPS remains firm in its mission to stimulate growth, innovation, and efficiency within Ghana's vibrant maritime sector. The Tema Port Expansion Project stands as a testament to MPS' commitment to driving value creation across key sectors of the economy. This project's utilization of cutting-edge technology and equipment will result in reduced freight costs, paving the way for a prosperous and streamlined maritime industry. Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Melbourne housing tower. Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated and magnified migrant and refugee communities' difficulties in accessing social and legal services in Victoria, a new report has found. The pandemic made long-standing obstacles to accessing justice worse, as migrants and refugee communities suffered specific injustices and harms such as housing tower lockdowns, racism, changes to migration rules and asylum seeker rights, social isolation, language barriers, an inaccessible court system, and reduced access to social and legal services. The report, "'Under the radar with no support': Access to justice for newly arrived, migrant and refugee communities during COVID-19 in Victoria," produced by researchers from the University of Melbourne and RMIT University in partnership with Foundation House, Victoria Legal Aid and Afri-Aus Care, is based on interviews and focus groups with a range of legal and social service providers, community organizations and community organizers. Community participants predominantly originated from Middle Eastern and African communities. Author of the report, Professor Jennifer Balint from the University of Melbourne, said existing barriers could be compounded by past experiences, either in Australia or in migrants and refugees' countries of origin. "Some fear that contact with the legal system may jeopardize legal residency or citizenship applications," Professor Balint said. "In many cultures, there's shame or stigma surrounding accessing legal or social support. In our research, we discovered that Victoria's legal and social services often don't provide a culturally safe environment for those who need help." The researchers found that historical and structural issues such as racial profiling were exacerbated by the pandemic. Community legal services observed increased requests for support with police encounters, and also highlighted targeted policing of suburbs with larger Muslim populationswhich were perceived as "hotspots" for lockdown violations. Lockdowns and COVID-19 restrictions also worsened access to support, particularly for women and children in family violence situations. A lawyer from a community legal service in Melbourne (who wished to remain anonymous) said the pandemic also increased the impact of family violence. "Those experiencing family violence had fewer opportunities to access support services and were often unable to leave the home where the perpetrator of the violence wasand this had a significant impact on women and children," they said. Professor Balint said barriers were further compounded by a lack of meaningful partnership and collaboration between communities and service providers. "The Victorian Government's decision to put lockdowns in place across Melbourne's public housing system at short notice made visible many of the underlying structural barriers that communities face," Professor Balint said. "These communities were isolated from social services, the government failed to use translators, and, at least initially, there was a failure to consult community in decisions that affected them." The report has also highlighted opportunities for services to rethink approaches in working with and delivering services to communities. "During the pandemic, communities saw real benefit when services asked them what resources they needed, rather than deciding for them, and allowed community members to drive solutions to problems they were facing," Professor Balint said. "We found support for co-design with community in both the services sector and from within the communities themselves. "Governments have now recognized the invaluable role community leaders play in being able to communicate with their communities. It's time to value that appropriately and we recommend that governments create paid community roles going forward." The report emphasizes that partnership and collaboration are critical to developing and maintaining access to justice for communities and recommends legal and social services be co-designed with community to ensure they are relevant to and meeting community needs. More information: 'Under the radar with no support': Access to justice for newly arrived, migrant and refugee communities during COVID-19 in Victoria. events.unimelb.edu.au/live/fil -reportfinal9-octpdf This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Scientists who work for California picketed outside of the California Environmental Protection Agency building in Sacramento, Calif. on Nov. 16, 2023, on day two of a three-day strike as they seek higher wages. California Association of Professional Scientists, the union representing the workers, argues they are drastically underpaid compared to engineers and other state employees. Credit: AP Photo/Sophie Austin More than 1,000 state scientists in California took to the picket line Thursday on day two of a three-day strike, calling for higher wages for work they say often goes unrecognized in a state that sets environmental policy trends on the national and global stage. The California Association of Professional Scientists, a union representing about 5,200 scientists across more than 50 state departments, decided to strike after three years of stalled contract negotiations, said President Jacqueline Tkac. The push for a better contract began when state scientists were furloughed during the COVID-19 pandemic. "We're not here to settle for anything less than the fair pay and respect that we deserve," Tkac said. "We hope that the state can recognize the opportunity that we have in front of us." The strike comes during a big year for labor, one in which health care professionals, Hollywood actors and writers, and auto workers picketed for better pay and working conditions. It also comes amid new California laws granting workers more paid sick leave and increased wages for health care and fast food workers. The scientistswhose work includes creating earthquake warning systems, protecting wildlife and reducing air pollutionpicketed outside of the California Environmental Protection Agency building in downtown Sacramento. Most wore green shirts representing their union, and many held signs that read, "Scientists Strike Back" and "Defiance for Science." Drivers, including firefighters, honked in support as they drove by. Striking members of the California Association of Professional Scientists march in Sacramento, Calif., Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023. Thousands of scientists who work for California have begun a three-day strike over lack of progress on contract talks. Credit: Paul Kitagaki Jr./The Sacramento Bee via AP Tkac accused Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom's administration of boasting about the state's leadership on climate policy without recognizing those who do the work. "Nobody wants to be here, but we have to," Tkac said. The union says state scientists are paid 40% to 60% less than professionals in comparable positions doing similar work. The state says it has been working to reach a fair deal with the scientists. The California Department of Human Resources recently filed a complaint of unfair labor practices against the union in an attempt to prevent the strike. The department said Wednesday it was disappointed by the walkout and that the state continues to bargain "in good faith." Camille Travis, a department spokesperson, said the union sought mediation then called for the strike before that process concluded. Scientists who work for California picketed outside of the California Environmental Protection Agency building in Sacramento, Calif. on Nov. 16, 2023, on day two of a three-day strike as they seek higher wages. California Association of Professional Scientists, the union representing the workers, argues they are drastically underpaid compared to engineers and other state employees. Credit: AP Photo/Sophie Austin The state will continue working toward a fair agreement with the union, as it has with other bargaining units, Travis wrote in an email. She said the state "has taken steps to ensure that service to the public continues with as little disruption as possible." Kelsey Navarre, an environmental scientist with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, said it is important for people to recognize the wide-ranging work of state scientists that includes conserving natural resources, monitoring food safety and protecting public health. "It's really hard to be able to make a livingespecially in some of these larger cities like Sacramento and L.A. and in the Bay Areaon the salary that we get working for the state," Navarre said. Jan Perez, an environmental scientist with the California Natural Resources Agency who has worked for the state for 25 years, said she chose her job in part because she believes "the state has the greatest impact on preserving and protecting our environment." Striking members of the California Association of Professional Scientists march in Sacramento, Calif., Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023. Thousands of scientists who work for California have begun a three-day strike over lack of progress on contract talks. Credit: Paul Kitagaki Jr./The Sacramento Bee via AP Perez said she's lucky to have worked for the state long enough to afford living in Sacramento. "When I look back at what an entry-level scientist makes and what the rents are and mortgage is in Sacramento, I honestly don't know how they're doing it," Perez said. 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Jennifer L. Mnookin, chancellor of the University of WisconsinMadison and one of the most cited evidence law scholars in the nation, this week authored an editorial in the journal Science calling for a national commission of leading judges, scientists, legal academics and forensic practitioners to develop a framework ensuring forensic science that is admitted in courtrooms is valid and reliable. The publication lands as an update to clarify a federal rule governing the use of expert testimony in court, Federal Rule of Evidence 702, goes into effect on Dec. 1, 2023. "I think we should all be interested in making sure that the courtroom is a place where we bring sound science into evidence for making good decisions," Mnookin says, noting that courts in the U.S. increasingly rely on scientific evidence and expert testimony to help resolve questions of fact. Forensic science refers to the application of science or the scientific method to assess evidence used in the courtroom, whether civil or criminal. It includes techniques like DNA analysis or examination of burn patterns in a suspected arson. Thirty years ago, the landmark case Daubert v Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals, Inc. marked a shift in how the legal system considers scientific evidence. The case involved whether a medication taken during pregnancy elevated the risk of birth defects. Though many physicians thought they saw a connection, analysis of a host of epidemiological studies revealed no evidence the medication produced an elevated risk of birth defects relative to the risk among the general population. Before Daubert, judges too often permitted testimony from experts lacking appropriate credibility, Mnookin explains, and allowed evidence that lacked a sound scientific foundation. This created challenges for juries expected to make decisions based on competing experts who often offered contradictory testimony. The decision in the Daubert case created a standard for determining what kinds of scientific evidence and expertise are permissible in court, with judges serving as gatekeepers. In civil court, the admissibility of experts today is regularly challenged and it's not uncommon for expert testimony to be excluded when it doesn't meet the standard. "Daubert," Mnookin writes, "has generally raised the bar." However, the standard has been inconsistently applied in criminal cases, she argues. Too often, judges in criminal cases have taken "a lightweight approach" to assessing forensic science, relying on outdated precedents or failing to seriously address scientific validity. For instance, bite mark identification is a technique sometimes brought into courtrooms to link a suspect to a crime. But bite mark identification, in which an expert may be brought in to testify that a mark on a victim's body matches the dental pattern of a suspect, does not have a strong scientific foundation, Mnookin explains. It can look to a jury like powerful evidence, despite its lack of scientific validity. While criminal courts are increasingly excluding bite mark evidence in the courtroom, Mnookin argues that there's opportunity to strengthen the standard originally established by Daubert. "Many kinds of forensic evidence, from fingerprints to bloodstain pattern analysis to firearms identification, continue to enter court with remarkably little scientific scrutiny or proof of accuracy and validity," Mnookin says. "Science and the legal system must expect much more from evidence if Daubert's gatekeeping mandate is to truly inform justice." This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Industrialized farming relies heavily on outside inputs, like synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, machinery, seeds, and animal feed. A study published in Nature Food predicts how much yield would be lost from "input shocks" that disrupt these supplies. "Very little is known about how shocks in agricultural inputs would impact crop yields and food availability on a large scale. We used machine learning and spatially gridded datasets to model, for the first time, the impacts globally in high resolution," says the study's lead author, Aino Ahvo. Researchers at Aalto University examined the effect of different input shocks on the yield of various crops throughout the world at a resolution of ~10km. The predicted yield loss differs between regions and crops. Areas with the highest current yield would see the greatest reduction. The analysis predicts large decreases in many important agricultural regions, such as the United States, Argentina, Western Europe and Southern Africa, as well as parts of China and Thailand. A 50% shock in all inputs would reduce global maize production by 26% and wheat production by 21%. The most disruptive individual shock would be a reduction in fertilizer supply, which would drastically reduce yield. In fact, a shock in fertilizer supply would reduce the yield of most crops about as much as a shock in all inputs. This analysis can help us prepare not only for unexpected disruptions (eg, COVID, sanctions from the Ukraine war, or the blocking of the Suez Canal) but also for the transition to a green future, which will require reductions in inputs such as fertilizers and pesticides. Two of the authors, Vilma Sandstrom and Mika Jalava, will be presenting their work on sustainable food solutions on December 10 at the UN Climate Change Conference in Dubai (COP28). They will discuss how food production can be sustainably scaled to meet the needs of a growing population and what risks need to be avoided. "Identifying high-risk areas for the greatest yield losses is crucial for global food security in these times of global turmoil. Areas facing the most risk should look for ways to reduce their dependency on imported inputs to mitigate the effects of potential trade shocks on food production. For example, they could replace synthetic fertilizers with more sustainable and local organic fertilizers," says Mika Jalava. More information: Aino Ahvo et al, Agricultural input shocks affect crop yields more in the high-yielding areas of the world, Nature Food (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s43016-023-00873-z Journal information: Nature Food This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: University of Texas at El Paso scientists Colince Kamdem, Ph.D., left, and Caroline Fouet, Ph.D., have found that adding small quantities of liquid soap to some classes of pesticides can boost their potency by more than ten-fold. Credit: The University of Texas at El Paso Could the solution to the decades-long battle against malaria be as simple as soap? In a new study published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, scientists at The University of Texas at El Paso have made a compelling case for it. The team has found that adding small quantities of liquid soap to some classes of pesticides can boost their potency by more than 10-fold. The discovery is promising news as malaria-carrying mosquitoes display an increasing resistance to current insecticides, said Colince Kamdem, Ph.D., lead author of the study and assistant professor in UTEP's Department of Biological Sciences. "Over the past two decades, mosquitoes have become strongly resistant to most insecticides," Kamdem said. "It's a race now to develop alternative compounds with new modes of action." Both laboratory tests and field trials have shown that neonicotinoids, a special class of insecticide, are a promising alternative to target populations showing resistance to existing insecticides, said UTEP Research Assistant Professor Caroline Fouet, Ph.D., second author of the study. Neonicotinoids, however, do not kill some mosquito species unless their potency is boosted. In this case, Fouet said, soap is the boosting substance. Malaria is a devastating mosquito-borne disease that is prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa, Asia and Latin America, causing fever, fatigue, headaches and chills; the disease can be fatal. In 2020, there were an estimated 241 million cases of malaria worldwide, according to the Centers for Disease Control, resulting in 627,000 deaths. Prior to joining UTEP, Kamdem worked at Cameroon's Center for Research in Infectious Diseases (CRID); it was there that he first caught on to soap's potency while conducting routine insecticide testing. Current protocols from the World Health Organization (WHO) for testing mosquitoes' susceptibility to some insecticides recommend adding a seed oil-based product to insecticide concoctions. Kamdem noticed when the compound was added, mosquito mortality increased from when the insecticide was used on its own. "That compound belongs to the same class of substances as kitchen soap," Kamdem said. "We thought, 'Why don't we test products that have same properties?'" He and his team selected three low-cost, linseed-oil based soaps that are prevalent in sub-Saharan AfricaMaitre Savon de Marseille, Carolin Savon Noir and La Perdrix Savonand added them to four different neonicotinoids, acetamiprid, clothianidin, imidacloprid and thiamethoxam. The hunch paid off. In all cases, the insecticides drastically enhanced potency, the team wrote in the study. "All three brands of soap increase mortality from 30 percent to 100 percent compared to when the insecticides were used on their own," said Ashu Fred, first author of the study and Ph.D. student at Cameroon's University of Yaounde 1. The team also tested the addition of soap to a class of insecticides known as pyrethroids. In those cases, however, they saw no benefits. The team hopes to conduct additional testing to establish exactly how much soap is needed to enhance insecticides. "We would love to make a soap-insecticide formulation that can be used indoors in Africa and be healthy for users," Kamdem said. "There are unknowns as to whether such a formulation will stick to materials like mosquito nets, but the challenge is both promising and very exciting." More information: Colince Kamdem et al, Vegetable oil-based surfactants are adjuvants that enhance the efficacy of neonicotinoid insecticides and can bias susceptibility testing in adult mosquitoes, PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases (2023). Journal information: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases Pop superstar Pink is making a bold statement on her Trustfall Tour in Florida this week by distributing 2,000 free copies of books subjected to bans as a protest against the rising tide of censorship sweeping the United States. Pink has partnered with literary nonprofit PEN America and Florida bookseller Books & Books for this initiative, as per USA Today. Pink's Pledge to Protect Freedom to Read During an Instagram live session with PEN America CEO Suzanne Nossel and author Amanda Gorman, Pink announced her collaboration and expressed her commitment to supporting the freedom to read. "Books have held a special joy for me since I was a child, and that's why I am unwilling to stand by and watch while schools ban books," Pink stated. These banned books will be distributed at Pink's concerts in Miami and Sunrise, Florida. The four selected books for the giveaway are "Beloved" by Toni Morrison, "The Family Book" by Todd Parr, a book from the "Girls Who Code" series founded by Reshma Saujani, and "The Hill We Climb" by Amanda Gorman, which was recited at President Joe Biden's inauguration. Kasey Meehan, the director of PEN America's Freedom to Read Program, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, emphasizing that every child deserves access to literature that reflects their lives. Florida has witnessed a disturbing trend of book bans, accounting for over 40% of all documented bans nationwide. Newly released data from PEN America reveals a 33% increase in book bans, with a significant impact on books by Black and queer authors, as well as those discussing race, racism, and LGBTQ identities. Pink's involvement in the fight against book banning highlights her commitment to preserving free speech and equal access to diverse literature. Her initiative aims to raise awareness about the importance of allowing children to explore various perspectives and ideas through reading. Florida, under the leadership of Republican Governor Ron DeSantis, has become a focal point for challenges to free speech, according to The Guardian. Read Also: Missing Carnival Cruise Ship Passenger Update Florida's 'Don't Say Gay' Law and Toni Morrison Book Bans The controversial "Parental Rights in Education Act," commonly known as the "Don't Say Gay" law, has prohibited elementary schools from discussing sexual orientation or gender identity. This legislation has sparked considerable controversy and opposition. Toni Morrison's "Beloved," a powerful exploration of the experiences of a formerly enslaved family, has been removed from libraries and classrooms in numerous Florida school districts. Five of Morrison's books have been banned in 30 Florida districts. Amanda Gorman's celebrated poem, "The Hill We Climb," written in response to the 2020 presidential election, has also faced censorship. A single complaint from a parent led to the banning the poem in an elementary school in Miami-Dade County. The parent, who misidentified Gorman as Oprah Winfrey, was later revealed to be associated with "Moms for Liberty," an activist group advocating for the removal of books addressing sex education, LGBTQ+ rights, and racism from schools. In a time when book bans are on the rise, and diverse voices are under threat, Pink's initiative sends a powerful message about the importance of free expression and the value of literature in shaping young minds. By distributing these banned books, she hopes to inspire others to join the fight against censorship and ensure that children can explore a wide range of ideas and perspectives through reading, ABC 7 News reported. Related Article: Denver: Motorcycle Bar Shooting Suspects Finally Identified @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Shifting water levels have driven a significant decline in navigation conditions in recent decades along the Mississippi River, a primary engine of commerce in the United States, research from the federal government and Princeton University shows. The researchers examined changing water levels along the 2,300-mile waterway from 1963 to 2020 and evaluated the impact on commercial shipping along the river. Low water in the shipping channel sometimes strands traffic in sections of the river, while high water levels have forced operators to close locks and restrict shipping capacity to reflect more difficult conditions for tugs pushing massive collections of river barges. Although low water often provides more dramatic images, the researchers found that high water levels have had significantly more impact, particularly on sections of the river south of St. Louis. By measuring periods in which authorities imposed navigation restrictions each year, the researchers concluded that the upper Mississippi has lost about 24 good days' worth of shipping in an average year when comparing conditions at the beginning and end of the study period. "I was as surprised as everyone else," said Gabriele Villarini, the corresponding author and a professor of civil and environmental engineering and the High Meadows Environmental Institute at Princeton. Working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the federal agency responsible for navigation along the Mississippi, the researchers obtained records from river gauges at 39 locations along the river. The paper, "Reduced and More Fragmented Mississippi River Navigability by Rising Flow," was published Oct. 10 in Geophysical Review Letters. The researchers correlated this data with navigation plans the Coast Guard implements for the river based on water conditions and other factors. The researchers analyzed the data to find out whether water levels varied seasonally or over other periods of time, and whether there was a long-term pattern of change that could indicate improvement or decline in river conditions. It is an important question. The Mississippi is one of the world's most important waterways, moving goods to and from the Great Lakes and Midwest through the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic via the St. Lawrence Seaway. The researchers said between 2015 and 2019 river traffic carried a yearly average of 400 million tons of goods, peaking at 500 million tons in 2017 and 2018. The Mississippi carries 92% of U.S. agricultural exports and 78% of world exports in feed grain and soybeans. River traffic is extremely efficientan average 15-barge tow has the same capacity as 1,050 large semi-truck trailers, the researchers said. To support the traffic, the United States maintains a 9-foot-deep shipping channel from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to Minneapolis. Oceangoing vessels access a 45-foot-deep channel for ports between New Orleans and Baton Rouge. The system also includes 28 locks and dams along the main stem of the Upper Mississippi and seven locks along the Illinois River waterway. The Mississippi system also features major rail and highway connections as transit hubs at sites including St. Louis, New Orleans and Chicago. Villarini said the researchers had noticed recent issues with water conditions on the river in the past few years. In 2022, the Mississippi experienced a significant drought that resulted in news coverage of barges stranded by low water at points in the river. At the same time, high water periods posed their own problems. The Bonnet Carre Spillway upstream of New Orleans, used during high water, was operated eight times between 1931 and 2007; it was operated seven times between 2008 and 2020. Villarini, then a professor at the University of Iowa, thought the time was right to examine conditions along the Mississippi after a season of low water stranded barges along stretches of the river. A new graduate student, Renato Amorim, had just joined Villarini's research team. Before attending graduate school, Amorim worked for the Brazilian government as a specialist in river navigation. Amorim said that one of the challenges in evaluating conditions along the Mississippi is the regional nature of the river. Not only do conditions vary among different sections, but each section has its own navigational challenges. The Upper Mississippi, with its many locks and bridges, is more often affected by high water levels, while the broad reaches of the Lower Mississippi are often more impacted by low water levels. Spending time on the river with pilots and tugboat captains, Amorim learned that despite worsening conditions on the river, cargo volumes on the Mississippi have increased in recent decades. He attributed this to the efficiency of the captains and crews, who have adapted to conditions. This successful adaptation might have cloaked the long-term changes in conditions. Villarini, a hydrologist whose research often focuses on flooding and the impacts of a changing climate, said the researchers took a broad view of the river system to look at long-term changes. Villarini said the researchers were careful not to speculate on the causes of the decline. He said those conclusions will require a more detailed and complex analysis of the region's hydrology. He said that without understanding the causes, it will be difficult to propose solutions. "What does it mean for the next 30 years?" Villarini said. "If we don't understand the causes, it is very risky to extrapolate trends to the future." More information: R. Amorim et al, Reduced and More Fragmented Mississippi River Navigability by Rising Flow, Geophysical Research Letters (2023). DOI: 10.1029/2023GL104619 Journal information: Geophysical Research Letters This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: NASAs Psyche spacecraft is shown in a clean room at the Astrotech Space Operations facility near the agencys Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Dec. 8, 2022. DSOCs gold-capped flight laser transceiver can be seen, near center, attached to the space. Credit: Credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky DSOC, an experiment that could transform how spacecraft communicate, has achieved "first light," sending data via laser to and from far beyond the moon for the first time. NASA's Deep Space Optical Communications (DSOC) experiment has beamed a near-infrared laser encoded with test data from nearly 10 million miles (16 million kilometers) awayabout 40 times farther than the moon is from Earthto the Hale Telescope at Caltech's Palomar Observatory in San Diego County, California. This is the farthest-ever demonstration of optical communications. Riding aboard the recently launched Psyche spacecraft, DSOC is configured to send high-bandwidth test data to Earth during its two-year technology demonstration as Psyche travels to the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California manages both DSOC and Psyche. The tech demo achieved "first light" in the early hours of Nov. 14 after its flight laser transceivera cutting-edge instrument aboard Psyche capable of sending and receiving near-infrared signalslocked onto a powerful uplink laser beacon transmitted from the Optical Communications Telescope Laboratory at JPL's Table Mountain Facility near Wrightwood, California. The uplink beacon helped the transceiver aim its downlink laser back to Palomar (which is 100 miles, or 130 kilometers, south of Table Mountain) while automated systems on the transceiver and ground stations fine-tuned its pointing. "Achieving first light is one of many critical DSOC milestones in the coming months, paving the way toward higher-data-rate communications capable of sending scientific information, high-definition imagery, and streaming video in support of humanity's next giant leap: sending humans to Mars," said Trudy Kortes, director of Technology Demonstrations at NASA Headquarters in Washington. Test data also was sent simultaneously via the uplink and downlink lasers, a procedure known as "closing the link" that is a primary objective for the experiment. While the technology demonstration isn't transmitting Psyche mission data, it works closely with the Psyche mission-support team to ensure DSOC operations don't interfere with those of the spacecraft. "Tuesday morning's test was the first to fully incorporate the ground assets and flight transceiver, requiring the DSOC and Psyche operations teams to work in tandem," said Meera Srinivasan, operations lead for DSOC at JPL. "It was a formidable challenge, and we have a lot more work to do, but for a short time, we were able to transmit, receive, and decode some data." Learn more about how DSOC will be used to test high-bandwidth data transmission beyond the Moon for the first time and how it could transform deep space exploration. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/ASU Before this achievement, the project needed to check the boxes on several other milestones, from removing the protective cover for the flight laser transceiver to powering up the instrument. Meanwhile, the Psyche spacecraft is carrying out its own checkouts, including powering up its propulsion systems and testing instruments that will be used to study the asteroid Psyche when it arrives there in 2028. First light and first bits With successful first light, the DSOC team will now work on refining the systems that control the pointing of the downlink laser aboard the transceiver. Once achieved, the project can begin its demonstration of maintaining high-bandwidth data transmission from the transceiver to Palomar at various distances from Earth. This data takes the form of bits (the smallest units of data a computer can process) encoded in the laser's photonsquantum particles of light. After a special superconducting high-efficiency detector array detects the photons, new signal-processing techniques are used to extract the data from the single photons that arrive at the Hale Telescope. The DSOC experiment aims to demonstrate data transmission rates 10 to 100 times greater than the state-of-the-art radio frequency systems used by spacecraft today. Both radio and near-infrared laser communications utilize electromagnetic waves to transmit data, but near-infrared light packs the data into significantly tighter waves, enabling ground stations to receive more data. This will help future human and robotic exploration missions and support higher-resolution science instruments. "Optical communication is a boon for scientists and researchers who always want more from their space missions, and will enable human exploration of deep space," said Dr. Jason Mitchell, director of the Advanced Communications and Navigation Technologies Division within NASA's Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) program. "More data means more discoveries." While optical communication has been demonstrated in low Earth orbit and out to the moon, DSOC is the first test in deep space. Like using a laser pointer to track a moving dime from a mile away, aiming a laser beam over millions of miles requires extremely precise "pointing." The demonstration also needs to compensate for the time it takes for light to travel from the spacecraft to Earth over vast distances: At Psyche's farthest distance from our planet, DSOC's near-infrared photons will take about 20 minutes to travel back (they took about 50 seconds to travel from Psyche to Earth during the Nov. 14 test). In that time, both spacecraft and planet will have moved, so the uplink and downlink lasers need to adjust for the change in location. "Achieving first light is a tremendous achievement. The ground systems successfully detected the deep space laser photons from DSOC's flight transceiver aboard Psyche," said Abi Biswas, project technologist for DSOC at JPL. "And we were also able to send some data, meaning we were able to exchange 'bits of light' from and to deep space." Provided by NASA This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: When exposed to gamma radiation, the distinct green glow produced by the newly developed varieties provide rapid and accurate warnings. Credit: UTIA A researcher at the University of Tennessee Herbert College of Agriculture has developed a potato plant that can detect gamma radiation, providing reliable indications of harmful radiation levels without complex monitoring technologies. Ph.D. student Rob Sears engineered the plant, also known as a phytosensor, to indicate high radiation levels through changing leaf fluorescence. When exposed to gamma radiation, the plant's leaves produce a green glow, allowing for accurate warnings that are visible across long distances. Since potatoes are grown across the world in both hospitable and adverse climates, they are the ideal plant for the research as well as for the eventual mass implementation of the developed varieties. Sears says that potatoes reproduce through tubers in the soil, spreading across diverse terrain while producing genetically identical offspring that provide consistent results. "Potatoes are highly resilient and are excellent at adapting and multiplying in different environments. They also have complex responses that are often specific to an environmental stressor, making them ideal reporters of conditions such as gamma radiation. My research aimed to make these responses visible and evident even from a distance, acting as a natural warning sign of harmful radiation without the need for mechanical sensors." As nuclear energy continues to be used across the world, there is an increased demand for effective and easily accessible radiation detection methods. Since phytosensors are affordable, easy to interpret and require no mechanical maintenance, they have the potential to improve the safety and well-being of workers and residents who are in close proximity to radiation sources. "It is a rewarding experience to see the fundamental radiation biology I have studied transform into an engineered biological device that has the potential to impact future radiation monitoring," says Sears. "Not only that, but phytosensors demonstrate the potential of synthetic biology to engineer plants as 'devices' that can impact not only agriculture, but also provide valuable tools for increasing the safety of our environments." Of his Ph.D. research project, Sears says it would not have been possible without the education and experience attained while in the Herbert College of Agriculture as well as the support of Neal Stewart, professor in the UT Department of Plant Sciences, and Scott Lenaghan, professor in the UT Department of Food Science, who both served as faculty partners on the study. Sears will graduate in December 2023, and he looks forward to continuing to improve the world around him through the development of bioengineered plant varieties. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: A photograph of a jacket found by federal agents during a raid of the home of U.S. Senator Bob Menendez, which prosecutors say contained the envelopes full of cash included in the photo above. Credit: U.S. Justice Department via Wiki Commons A wave of political corruption scandals has rocked institutions across America. In recent years, there have been several high-profile examples of elected officials monetizing their public service to enrich themselves, their families or their allies. This week, U.S. Rep. George Santos dropped his bid for re-election after a House ethics report claimed he spent campaign funds on personal expenses. U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez, meanwhile, is facing his second bribery indictment. (Both men deny the charges). And former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder was convicted in a $60 million bribery scheme. The USC Sol Price School of Public Policy teaches future leaders the importance of ethics and selfless public service. So, we spoke with some of the school's experts on what's causing the stream of scandals and what can be done to combat corruption, which corrodes trust in government. "If you're already skeptical of governmentif you're already jadedthese abuses are just one more nail in the coffin," said USC Price School Professor and Vice Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion LaVonna B. Lewis. "You can't condemn an entire institution because of the behavior of a few, but unfortunately, the behavior of the few is what has high visibility." Individual ethics vs. the system Corruption is a human condition, so it will always be an issue to grapple with, said Frank V. Zerunyan, Professor of the Practice of Governance at the USC Price School. Many elected officials who run into trouble let the power of their positions go to their heads and come to believe there's nothing wrong with their unethical conduct, he said. "We're all human," said Zerunyan, who also serves as a council member of Rolling Hills Estates, Calif. "I tell students that if you're not disciplined enough and don't think about the value of ethics and the importance of your function, your other human aspects become really relevant and potentially play a role in how you breach the ethical values." The U.S. political system, however, puts a lot of pressure on even the most ethical politicians, said Mindy Romero, Assistant Professor at the USC Price School. To be successful, elected officials must listen to not only their constituents, but political leadership, donors, and advocacy groupsall of whom are crucial to their aspirations. That balancing act can explain, for example, why elected officials may cast votes that run counter to what their constituents want. "People are incentivized to put their own survival first," Romero said. "So, we've already got a structure that requires elected officials to compromise often their own beliefs and policies and how they should be serving their voters." Are we seeing more corruption lately? It's worth noting that the U.S. is one of the least politically corrupt countries in the world, ranking number 24 out of 180 nations, according to Transparency International. It's also unclear whether there has been more corruption here latelyor just more attention to the problem, USC Price School experts said. (For the record, Denmark ranks as the least-corrupt country. It is also the second happiest.) One reason more scandals may be uncovered is new technology, which has created a trove of digital evidence, experts said. For example, the online search histories of Menendez allegedly revealed that he used his computer to research the value of gold bars. The rash of criminal charges and negative news stories can make the public feel jaded about their elected officials, Lewis said. There needs to be more recognition of public officials who stay out of trouble, have a track record of accomplishments and help their constituents, she added. "There doesn't seem to be space to celebrate people who, for decades, have done the right thing in the public interest," Lewis said. What can be done? "We need to take the incentives out of politics," Romero added. "People will want to pursue a political life for power, but also for economic gain. And we have a lot of money in politics, everywhere you turn." Zerunyan said he teaches students common sense ethics, the value of public service and the importance of each students' future role as representatives of the public and their institutions. "We try to teach them that this is a selfless prophecy: 'Public service is beyond you,'" Zerunyan said. "If you're doing this service for your personal gain, don't do it, because one day you will disgrace your name and family." This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain With the firearm deer hunting season kicking off, many Michigan hunters have their minds set to bring home a winning whitetail. But for Sonja Christensen, an assistant professor in the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife in Michigan State University's College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, the focusnow and all year longis on protecting deer from disease. Christensen's research focuses on why diseases occur and how those diseases influence wildlife populations. One example is chronic wasting disease, or CWD, a fatal condition that is now affecting cervid populations, including deer, elk and moose throughout Michigan and other states. Christensen answers questions on what you should know about CWD and what research she is leading to prevent its spread. What is CWD and how does it work? Chronic wasting disease is a neurodegenerative condition caused by prionsan abnormal form of protein. It is not known to affect humans, but CWD is fatal in all cases involving cervids, or mammals that have solid deciduous antlers. Transmission is thought to be caused by direct or indirect contact with infectious prions in bodily fluids like urine, feces or saliva. Studies show that prions can persist in the environment for years, meaning current exposure risks in a given area may stem from the presence of infected deer from long ago. Symptoms of CWD can take months or years to emerge and may include rapid weight loss, disorientation and fatigue, among others. How many deer have died as a result of contracting CWD, and should we be concerned about a dwindling deer population? Measuring how many wild deer are infected with a disease is a tremendous challenge. In fact, we do not have an exact number of how many free-ranging deer live in Michigan! Through surveillance work with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, we know that CWD has been detected in 251 white-tailed deer since 2015. While that might not seem like a lot, it takes enormous effort to find sick deer, and there are likely more positive deer on the landscape that go undetected. Research has shown that in cervid populations with a high prevalence of CWD, long-term population declines can occur. While deer are overabundant in many places in southern Michigan, they are a valuable native wildlife species, and we want to ensure they are healthy. White-tailed deer play a huge role in our ecosystems, culture> and Michigan economy. Further, deer hunting license sales and excise taxes from firearms and ammunition generate funding that go directly to wildlife management and conservation for many more of our native species. Should hunters be concerned about deer with CWD? While CWD has never been conclusively detected in a human, my rule of thumb is that if it looks sick and you are concerned, do not eat it. Past research indicates some barrier exists between transmission of CWD from deer to humans, but more research is needed on this front. I recommend checking out the Michigan DNR's current guidelines on testing for the best available options. Also, if you see a deer that appears sick, please report it to the MDNR. Finding a newly infected deer can be like finding a needle in a haystack, and we need all the eyes and ears we can get! Where has CWD been detected, and is it a problem in Michigan? CWD was first discovered in 1967 in Colorado and, according to the U.S. Geological Survey, it has been found in at least 31 states and four Canadian provinces. CWD also has been detected in a small number of European countries and in imported deer in South Korea. The first CWD case in Michigan was discovered in 2008 in a captive whitetail and next in 2015 in a free-ranging deer. Since then, the disease has emerged in both the lower and upper peninsulas, but according to the MDNR, no new counties saw positive cases in 2022 sampling. What findings have you made regarding the disease? In a study published in the Journal of Wildlife Management in August 2022, my colleague and I found one of the complicating factors in managing CWD is the complex nature of white-tailed deer ecology. The persistence of prions in the environment, long-range deer movement and interactions with humans, such as the transportation of CWD-positive carcasses, are all unpredictable factors that our team's models were designed to account for. Further, I collaborate closely with colleagues from Cornell University on a project called SOP4CWD, which focuses on CWD surveillance and risk across states, to better understand how disease risks may differ in various regions of the United States. These efforts are all focused on finding the disease early so that state wildlife agencies have a chance at stopping its spread. The Wildlife Society held a meeting in November where I presented research that a colleague and I conducted evaluating how other diseasessuch as epizootic hemorrhagic disease, or EHDinteract with CWD to affect deer. We found that localized EHD outbreaks may actually help reduce CWD and provide a small silver lining in places where CWD has very recently emerged. Much of my current work focuses on understanding and changing human behavior to help reduce risk factors for CWD in deer and to assist with disease management efforts. This might be in the form of finding incentives for helping hunters reduce the spread of disease from harvested deer or through cooperating with landowners to tackle disease management on private lands. How can CWD be mitigated? Our best chance to stop or slow disease spread is to prevent activities that we know are risky for CWD transmission, identify instances of disease early and give management agencies the upper hand in making proactive recommendations rather than reacting to disease outbreaks. For a project published in the Wildlife Society Bulletin in March 2023, my colleague and I, as well as researchers from Mississippi State University, characterized management agencies' CWD efforts in the U.S., Canada and Europe. Researchers reported the effects of management at various stages before and after detection. Twelve of the 24 responding agencies had a weighted surveillance program in place, which puts a greater emphasis on deer with heightened risk factors. Initial responses to CWD detection included bans on movement of live or dead animals and increased bag limits. We found that of the roughly 20 U.S. states and six Canadian provinces that have not found CWD, only three had active weighted surveillance programs in place. Just four of these states and two provinces had a response plan available online. Therefore, we recommended agencies be proactive in response plan development and to communicate with the public and other stakeholders on disease progression and management outcomes. Prevention is priceless. What other disease-based research do you conduct? My research program is aimed at understanding how and why diseases occur, and how that affects wildlife populations. As I mentioned, deer diseases of interest to me include epizootic hemorrhagic diseasea viral illness transmitted by biting midgesand blue tongue disease, a similar ailment. SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, has come up as well as deer have been affected. Research is needed to determine if there are spillover effects with humans. Many diseases continue to challenge wildlife populations in Michigan, and I will continue to work on understanding how these diseases affect populations of cervids and, hopefully, reduce the threats. More information: Noelle E. Thompson et al, Wildlife agency responses to chronic wasting disease in freeranging cervids, Wildlife Society Bulletin (2023). DOI: 10.1002/wsb.1435 Journal information: Journal of Wildlife Management This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Researchers around the world are working on a network which could connect quantum computers with one another over long distances. Andreas Reiserer, Professor of Quantum Networks at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), explains the challenges which have to be mastered and how atoms captured in crystals can help. Professor Reiserer, what is the quantum internet and how is it different from the classical internet as we know it? The idea is the same: We use today's internet to connect computers with one another, while the quantum internet lets quantum computers communicate with one another. But in technical terms the quantum internet is much more complex. That's why only smaller networks have been realized as yet. Why do we need a quantum network? There are two main applications: First of all, networking quantum computers makes it possible to increase their computing power; second, a quantum network will make absolutely interception-proof encryption of communication possible. But there are other applications as well, for example networking telescopes to achieve a previously impossible resolution in order to look into the depths of the universe, or the possibility of synchronizing atomic clocks around the world extremely precisely, making it possible to investigate completely new physical questions. How do quantum computers exchange information? For the most part, exactly the same way as in the classical internet: Using photons. These photons are transmitted through optical cables. In the classical internet very strong signals are used, light pulses consisting of billions of photons. Here the information is transmitted using a binary code: Light on or light off, similar to Morse code. The quantum internet is different, though: It still uses a binary code, but the information isn't carried by light impulses with many photons, but rather by individual photons. This makes it possible to transmit quantum-mechanical states which bear extremely large amounts of information. Why is it so much more difficult to build a quantum internet? Photons are lost on their way through the optical cable. In a normal network signals can be easily amplified using repeaters which add more photons to the light pulses. But in the quantum internet if a single photon gets lost, all of the information transmitted is irretrievably destroyed. This kind of loss is the biggest problem when building a functional network. It could be solved using quantum repeaters, which my group is currently working on. What challenges do you face? Transmission over short distances already works very well. However, loss grows exponentially as distances increase. In order to build quantum repeaters, we split the overall distance into many small sub-segments. Buffers, actually small quantum computers, store the quantum state after each sub-segment until a photon has been transmitted to the next sub-segment. Then what's known as quantum teleportation can be used to subsequently "forward" the information to the transmitted photon. Doing this requires efficient small quantum computers, which we're in the process of developing. What do these small quantum computers look like? The best systems investigated yet use individual atoms which are captured in vacuum with laser light and cooled down to very low temperatures. However, this approach calls for an entire laboratory full of optical components, which makes it difficult to implement this approach on a small scale. Instead we use silicon crystals in which the individual atoms have been inserted and you could say are trapped in the crystal. The erbium atoms we use retain their quantum-mechanical properties under these conditions. This structure also requires low temperatures, but it's technically much, much simpler. We've been able to show that this system works in principle and that the erbium atoms, when they're excited, generate photons which are suitable for transporting quantum information. Here a major advantage is that we can build thousands or even millions of these structures on a single silicon chip. Why is that important? The need for buffering in the repeaters would mean it would take a very long time to transport information from one place to another. In order to achieve a faster rate, we use what's called multiplexing. This means the process is carried out as many times as possible in parallel. Our technology makes this feasible, and we're already working on realization. Will we all be using the quantum internet in the future? The situation may turn out to be similar to the classical internet: At first hardly anyone could imagine that today everyone would be walking around with internet access in their pockets, using satellites to determine our location and navigating using the internet. We're still at a very early stage as far as the quantum internet is concerned. Our current research is still on fundamentals, looking at things like: Can we connect these systems? Can we succeed in disseminating quantum states all over the world? The potentials of this kind of system that we know of today would already be revolutionary for some fields, and I'm sure there will be very many applications which nobody is even thinking of today. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain A pair of radar experts at Swedish Defense Research working with a meteorologist from the Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute has found evidence suggesting that the reason the Ukrainian military was able to spot and sink a distant Russian missile cruiser during the early part of the Ukraine war was due to a unique weather phenomenon. In their paper published in the journal Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society, Lars Norin, Niklas Wellander and Abhay Devasthale describe how they conducted a meteorological reanalysis of data from the time and region to learn more about the events surrounding the sinking of the ship. On February 24, 2022, Russia began an invasion of Ukrainesetting off a war that has continued to this day. During the early days of the war, the Ukrainian army surprised Russia, and most of the rest of the world, by fighting off the invasion by destroying very large numbers of Russian tanks and other armored vehicles and killing very large numbers of Russian soldiers. Ukraine once again surprised Russia, and many others, when just two months later it was discovered that the Ukrainian army had managed to sink the Russian warship Moskva, which many considered to be the flagship of the Russian navy in the Black Sea. The ship was sunk after it was hit by guided missiles sent by Ukraine's army. But how this was accomplished has remained a mystery. The ship had been sailing at a distance from Ukraine that was considered to be beyond the reach of Ukraine's radar systems. As the ship was burning and found likely to sink, it was determined that it had been struck by two Neptune guided missiles and that it had been struck when sailing approximately 120 kilometers from Odessa. It was later determined that Ukraine had been given intelligence from the U.S.but not enough to allow it to pinpoint the exact location of the Moskva. Ukrainian military officials reported that they were able to see the ship on their radar screens, and thus gave the order to strike. In this new effort, the research trio has discovered how it was that the Ukraine military was able to see the ship on their radar screens. After studying weather conditions on February 24 for the area where the ship was sailing, they built a model to recreate the events that had unfolded. They found that a temperature inversion had occurred, with cooler air at lower altitudes and warmer air above it. That, they found, allowed the radar signals to refract off the atmosphere, carrying them much farther than would be case under normal conditions. And that, they conclude, appears to be why the Ukrainians were able to see the ship and identify its position. More information: Lars Norin et al, Anomalous propagation and the sinking of the Russian warship Moskva, Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society (2023). DOI: 10.1175/BAMS-D-23-0113.1 Journal information: Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society 2023 Science X Network Dozens of pro-Palestine demonstrators gathered outside the headquarters of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) in Sydney on Friday (November 17) to protest the public broadcaster's coverage of the war between Israel and Hamas. The Daily Mail made the exclusive report regarding the protest, highlighting the protesters holding large pro-Palestine banners and chants outside the ABC's offices in Ultimo, in Sydney's CBD, at about 17:00 local time (09:00 UTC). I wonder if the ABC will report on the protests outside their studio holding them to account for parroting IDF talking points, for their silence in the face of the deliberate killings of journalists and their complicity in genocide? pic.twitter.com/el4sdkeKjf ASU members for Palestine (@asu4palestine) November 17, 2023 Protesters Accuse ABC of Allowing IDF 'Propaganda' Footage and photos uploaded to X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, by the account "ASU members for Palestine" showed supporters waving Palestine flags while chanting "Shame, shame The Guardian," "Shame, shame SMH [Sydney Morning Herald]," and "Shame, shame ABC." A woman with a megaphone was also heard shouting "Shame, shame Albanese" - referring to the Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese - while supporters chanted "In our thousands in our millions, we are all Palestinians." "I wonder if ABC will report on the protests outside their studio holding them to account for parroting IDF talking points, for their silence in the face of the deliberate killings of journalists and their complicity in genocide?" the tweet read. In another tweet, the group also accused the ABC of allegedly allowing the Israel Defense Force (IDF) a platform where they could post their "propaganda." "Anyone can see Israel is deliberately killing civilians, cutting them off from medical aid and communications. Collective punishment and war crimes," the group added. "Yet our national broadcaster trots out IDF talking points or [let] them go unchallenged." Later that night, the protesters moved to the Grand Concourse inside Sydney's Central Station, where they called out Albanese for his government's response to the war. The ABC has not immediately responded to Daily Mail Australia's request or comment, while a representative of the New South Wales Police said they were not alerted regarding the protest. Read Also: Gaza's Telco Firms Announce Total Comms Blackout Protests in Reaction to ABC's Weekly Panel Talk It was reported that the protest was a response to ABC's controversial episode of its weekly panel discussion program "Q&A" on Monday night (November 13), when it tackled the Israel-Gaza War without a live audience, with program presenter Patricia Kavelas acknowledging at the beginning of the show the "difficult and sensitive discussion" that would take place. The panelists invited to the program instead heard questions from audience members via video link. Kavelas also mentioned that a "very significant police contingent" was also stationed outside ABC's Melbourne studios, where the program was broadcast. The discussion became tense as national chair of the Australia/Israel and Jewish Affairs Council Mark Leibler and Australia Palestine Advocacy Network head Nasser Mashni clashed over protests being held in Australia. The panel was asked if a popular chant heard at pro-Palestine rallies, "From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free," was actually a call to "eradicate Israel." Leibler said the saying was a "racist comment" and implied there was "no room for a state of Israel." He further accused pro-Palestine protests of celebrating violence, including the slogans "Gas the Jews" and "F*** the Jews," which were uttered in the first few hours after Hamas's attack on southern Israel. On the other hand, Mashni rebuked Leibler's comments as "besmirching" the Palestinian people. "We are killed, we're blamed, we're smeared," he said. "The reality is what we have is 75 years of oppression, 75 years of denial. Palestinians are human beings too." Related Article: Hamas To Release 50 Hostages After Reaching Tentative Deal, Pending Israel's Approval @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Craig Ross Jr. was arraigned by Judge James Walsh in Saratoga County Court on nine counts, the highest being felony first-degree kidnapping on the morning of Friday, Nov. 17. He is the suspect in the kidnapping case of a 9year-old girl at Moreau Lake State Park in September. Ross, 46, of 13 Circle Dr. in Porters Corners, faces a minimum of 15 years to life to a maximum of 25 years to life in prison if convicted on the charge. If convicted, the charges could run consecutively, meaning one after the other, extending the length of time in prison. Of the nine indictments, four are felony predatory sexual assault against a child and two are violent felonies of first-degree sexual abuse according to court documents from Saratoga District Attorney Karen Heggen. A temporary one year order of protection against Ross was also filed in the arraignment by Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Buckley. When the defendant was arraigned in Milton Town Court they issued a temporary order of protection to the victim. Now that this matter has been transferred to this court, the people are respectfully requesting that this court orders a new temporary order of protection, Buckey said. Ross was represented by Saratoga County Conflict Defender George Conway. Ross was arrested by New York State Police on Wednesday, Oct. 4, after two days of searching for the girl. The girl had been riding her bike around the camp while on a family camping trip before she disappeared on Saturday, Sept. 30. The 9-year-old was found alive Monday, Oct. 2 in a cabinet inside a trailer behind the suspects mothers house, according to statements made by New York Gov. Kathy Hochul in a press conference. The break came at 4:20 a.m. While the familys home was guarded by state police, someone in a vehicle dropped a ransom note in the mailbox. A fingerprint was found on the note. When asked about how they are prepared for the case, Heggen said that the community might not have many cases such as this, but they are always ready if one ever comes along. We are fortunate to live in a community that a case like this is so uncommon, Heggen said. It doesnt mean that we are an office that is unprepared to handle these kinds of cases. I have a dedicated team, especially the team that is leading the prosecution of this. They are long-term veterans of the office and I know will provide a just and appropriate result in this case for the victim and the community. PLEASE BE ADVISED: Soon we will no longer integrate with Facebook for story comments. The commenting option is not going away, however, readers will need to register for a FREE site account to continue sharing their thoughts and feedback on stories. If you already have an account (i.e. current subscribers, posting in obituary guestbooks, for submitting community events), you may use that login, otherwise, you will be prompted to create a new account. CAMDEN A defendant in the health care fraud scheme that prosecutors say defrauded the state government of about $50 million will spend a year and one day in prison, a judge ruled Monday. Corey Sutor, 42, of Egg Harbor Township, was sentenced Monday by U.S. District Court Judge Robert B. Kugler after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud, the U.S. Attorney's Office said Friday in a news release. Kugler also ordered Sutor to two years of supervised release. He must surrender his proceeds from the scheme and pay at least $2.9 million in restitution. Sutor admitted receiving about $150,000 through the conspiracy. He was a Ventnor firefighter at the time he was charged, having joined the department in 2008. Sutor is a cousin of Edward Sutor Jr., 36, of Linwood, who also pleaded guilty to his role in the scheme. He, too, was a Ventnor firefighter at the time the scheme was discovered. Using people holding state benefit plans, the conspirators acquired prescriptions for unneeded compound medications. Once approved by a doctor, the prescriptions would provide generous kickbacks. Corey Sutor owned a company formed to market the medications, prosecutors said. He and his associates took part in the scheme between May 2015 and February 2016. Sutor and his conspirators caused New Jersey to pay more than $2 million in fraudulent insurance claims for compound medications for public employees. Sentencings postponed to next year in prescription fraud case CAMDEN Sentencings have been postponed again this time to next year for the more than MIDDLE TOWNSHIP Police have established a drone program to assist the department on investigations such as missing persons, water rescues, accident investigations and tactical situations, the department said Wednesday. Six officers who hold pilots licenses issued by the Federal Aviation Administration comprise the departments Unmanned Aircraft Systems team, according to a news release. The unit is the result of two years of research and investigation into the best versions of the drones to use with the townships unique geography, a mixture of dense woods, residential neighborhoods, marshlands and estuaries. The department opted for a drone with a thermal camera, reasoning it would help with finding missing people and water rescues. Police also factored in the challenges and competing requests for Coast Guard and State Police helicopters in selecting a drone model. The DJI Matrice 30T was chosen for its 40-minute flight time, thermal camera and ability to fly in inclement weather conditions. The drone capability will allow police to mirror private and utility companies use of drones to inspect damage after serious storms and hurricanes, the department said. The model chosen by the department also has the capability of transmitting live video wirelessly. Atlantic City turning to drones to protect beachgoers Atlantic City is preparing to roll out an expanded drone program it says will help first responders better monitor the beaches and ocean to keep visitors safer next year. Police said they will be able to incorporate the drones with existing accident reconstruction used by their Crash Investigation Team and the Cape May County Prosecutors Office. This would enable the departments Fatal Crash Investigation Team to document crash scenes in such detail that scale 3D models could be developed and critical measurements can be obtained in a fraction of the time of conventional reconstruction methods, the department said. The department is part of a growing trend among law enforcement and first responders of deploying drones. More than 1,500 police departments in the country use them, according a February report in the MIT Technology Review. An August report by The Marshall Project examined the use of drones and their impact on response time and other aspects of emergency response. Efforts date to the Chula Vista Police Department in Southern California and its drone as first responder program, begun in 2018. The department there sends drones for an early assessment of 911 calls. In Atlantic City, police and firefighters have deployed drones; in October, first responders unveiled a drone that will assist the citys Beach Patrol in guarding beaches and responding to water rescues. In Middle Townships Police Department, overseen by Chief Jennifer Pooler, the goal is for the drone program to safely and effectively use small unmanned aerial systems to increase the effectiveness of public safety, and improve the services. X CEO Linda Yaccarino claims that X is strongly against antisemitism or any kind of discrimination despite Elon Musk recently agreeing with an antisemitic post. Yaccarino reassured users, as well as advertisers regarding the social media platform's stance after the billionaire confidently said that what an X user said regarding antisemitism is the "actual truth." Elon Musk Antisemitic X Post: Linda Yaccarino Clarifies X is Against Antisemitism According to Business Insider's latest report, X CEO Linda Yaccarino shared a statement on Thursday, Nov. 16, explaining the true stance of the platform when it comes to the antisemitism topic. "X's point of view has always been very clear that discrimination by everyone should STOP across the board," said the social media's CEO via her official X post. Linda said that going against antisemitism and other kinds of discrimination is something that all people can definitely agree on. "When it comes to this platform - X has also been extremely clear about our efforts to combat antisemitism and discrimination," she added. Yaccarino further stated that antisemitism and other acts of discrimination have no place anywhere in the world, saying that "it's ugly and wrong." However, many netizens criticized Yaccarino's statements because of the recent viral response of Elon Musk on an antisemitic X post. X users asked when will Linda Yaccarino inform Elon Musk that supporting antisemitism is not the right thing to do. Read Also: Elon Musk Is Getting His Own Movie: Billionaire's Biopic Now Being Developed by Indie Studio What Elon Musk Said About Antisemitism Recently, an X user got the attention of Elon Musk after saying that Jewish communities in the U.S. are also spreading hatred against white people despite wanting others to stop being antisemitic. The billionaire simply replied, saying that what the X user said was the "actual truth." What the tech executive said created more debates regarding antisemitism. Some netizens criticized Elon Musk, saying that he shouldn't further ignite the antisemitism in the U.S. However, there are also those who agree with him. They said that antisemitic people in the U.S. are far less compared to Americans who support Jewish communities. But, ADL (Anti-Defamation League) and other similar organizations are making it look like the majority of U.S. residents are against Jews. This is what Musk also believes. The billionaire explained that ADL and other pro-Jews organizations are attacking the majority of the West because they can't criticize the minority groups who are antisemitic. As of writing, the antisemitism in the U.S. is becoming more and more controversial as the Israel-Hamas war worsens. Related Article: Elon Musk Agrees to Antisemitic X Post, Claiming It's 'Actual Truth'; Netizens Debate If Billionaire is Correct @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. STONE HARBOR Borough Council plans to consider combining the borough's Planning and Zoning boards into a single body, with some members of council pushing to make the move before the end of the year. The matter was expected to be discussed at a special meeting Friday, set to start at 4:30 p.m. at Borough Hall, 9508 Second Ave. The agenda lists only public input on zoning issues. An ordinance could be ready for introduction by the Tuesday meeting, which could mean a public hearing and final vote on the change before 2023 comes to a close. The issue has again highlighted fractures between Mayor Judith Davies-Dunhour and some members of council, with the mayor sparring with Council member Jennifer Gensemer at a meeting earlier this month. At issue was not the possibility of change, but instead the pace of the process. "Could we just take our time? Im not against the idea at all, Davies-Dunhour said. I just think that we continue to make the mistake of moving too quickly. Gensemer suggested the current setup, with a separate Planning Board and Zoning Board, is not working and that it has led to dysfunction. She said at a November meeting that a single board would improve transparence, allow for better decisions and reduce the likelihood of future legal challenges. She did not seem interested in delaying an ordinance introduction. Under new system, Stone Harbors parking take matching last year About as many people are paying for parking as last year under a new system that uses smart phones instead of meters. But the number of tickets written remains way up. Why? We are stewards of Stone Harbor. Were making a more efficient government, she said. Gensemer also suggested the mayors comments were political. There are many people who feel we dont move fast enough when we need change. Weve been talking about this issue for 30 years, Gensemer said. Why now do we need to slow down? Gensemer said at the meeting that once the new year arrives, council will start work on the budget, then begin planning for the summer, and later will be recovering from the busy summer season. Over the winter is our time to do things, she said. She argued the plan would allow the planning process to function better, saying the community had several issues related to planning and zoning in the past year. We see the dysfunction. We want it to function, Gensemer said. We believe that we are moving at an appropriate speed. Tensions appear to have been building between Davies-Dunhour and some members of council. Under Stone Harbors form of government, the mayor is the chief executive of the borough, but does not have a vote on council. Avalon gets Stone Harbor to hire more court help to handle overflowing calls on parking tickets There have been enough complaints about parking tickets to the municipal court Stone Harbor shares with Avalon that Avalon asked Stone Harbor to hire someone to handle the extra calls. Over the summer, council members voted to censure the mayor over comments made about township employee Manny Parada as council chose him as borough administrator, an unusual step for a governing body. While there is some overlap between planning and zoning boards in New Jersey both review projects and can grant variances giving relief from municipal zoning ordinances they do have separate functions. According to an overview prepared by the New Jersey State League of Municipalities, a Planning Board prepares a communitys master plan, which guides the adoption of local zoning laws and sets the planning priorities for the municipality. The governing body adopts the zoning ordinance, and appoints members of the boards. The Zoning Board of Adjustment, sometimes described as the lowest court in the state, decides diputes that arise under the zoning ordinance and can grant variances from the strict application of the ordinance. The zoning board can also approve use variances, which allow a project to move forward even if it does not meet what would be allowed under the local ordinance, for instance allowing a restaurant in a residential area. Combined boards have nine members. Large communities would require a referendum to combine the boards, but for towns with fewer than 5,000 residents, an ordinance is enough. Stone Harbor has fewer than 900 residents. During the council discussion, Gensemer cited other communities that have combined boards, including the neighboring town of Avalon. Well bask in the warmest air of the week Friday. It then still looks like New Jersey will dodge most of a noreaster and cold front Saturday, leaving just a possible shower and gusty winds. A storm will be likely right before Thanksgiving. Friday will be a balmy day by mid-November standards. Morning low temperatures will be in the 40s inland and around 50 at the shore. Well have a good amount of sunshine, too. The southwest winds from the past two days will continue one more day here. Highs will soar into the upper 60s inland, with a place like Folsom, well inland, topping 70 degrees. The shore will rise into the low 60s, but the sea breeze will cap temperatures in Ventnor and the beaches during the day. Either way, no weather issues here. New Jersey will then keep a force field around it Friday night into Saturday. It will prevent most if not all of the rain from a noreaster offshore and cold front from getting to us. I am tweaking my previous forecast a bit. Before I thought rain could enter between 7 and 10 p.m. Friday. That wont be the case anymore. The potential for a shower will start at 3 a.m. Saturday Even that will be a low risk. Clouds will thicken, though, acting as a blanket over us, keeping temperatures fairly mild. Temperatures will fall into the 50s during the evening and stay there overnight. The shower potential will last through Saturday morning, ending by 11 a.m. If it rains over you, I favor 7 to 11 a.m. for that. Penn State, Rutgers alumni feud over Saturday's football game, unite on weather forecast Lee Weather Team Meteorologists Joe Martucci (Rutgers University) and Sean Sublette (Penn State University) have fun teasing the others' football team for Saturday's matchup. What side are you on - Rutgers, or Penn State? Otherwise, the sun will come out and itll get windy. Sustained winds of 15 to 25 mph, with gusts in the 30s, will be likely throughout the p.m. hours. If youre traveling out of New Jersey for Thanksgiving this weekend, I cant completely rule out delays at Atlantic City International Airport, Philadelphia International Airport or Newark Liberty International Airport. But the vast majority of air, train and car travel will be just fine. Leaving NJ this weekend for Thanksgiving? Here's Joe Martucci's USA travel forecast This year's travel forecast is the second highest on record according to AAA, lagging just behind 2005, with an expected 87,000 (3%) more holiday travelers than last year. Meteorologist Joe Martucci has the forecast if you're traveling away from New Jersey this weekend for the holiday. Highs will be around 60 degrees throughout the area, thanks to a strong wind from the northwest, a land breeze. Temperatures will crash back down to reality Saturday night. Itll feel like the 30s with the wind during the evening. The winds will diminish as the night goes on, but the overnight air temperatures will be in the 30s, too. I bumped down the wind forecast for Sunday. Gusts will be 15 to 20 mph, but thats all. I still expect a dry day with sunshine. Highs will be in the mid- to upper 50s. Monday will largely continue in Sundays footsteps. Expect low to mid-50s for highs and sunshine. The next storm will come at a bad time, the middle of next week, during the busiest travel time of the year. Rain, wind and coastal flooding are all expected at some point between Tuesday and Wednesday. The good news is itll be a faster moving storm. The bad news is this will cause a few travel issues from the Deep South to New England. Theres no need to change travel plans yet. Three winters in a row, La Nina conditions brought everything from a record snowless season to multiple blizzards across the state. This year, however, El Nino is back for the first time since before the COVID-19 pandemic and will influence our weather across New Jersey. The first El Nino winter in 4 years is here; here's what that means for NJ's temperatures Three winters in a row, La Nina conditions brought everything from a record snowless season to multiple blizzards across the state. However, El Nino is back for the first since before the COVID-19 pandemic, and will try to influence our temperatures. Judah Cohen, director of seasonal forecasts for Verisk Atmospheric and Environmental Research, said this winter will be mild or wild. Cohen said the El Nino weather pattern will load the dice to bring numerous storms to the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic, where New Jersey is. However, enough cold air will need to link up with those storms to actually bring snow. The winter as a whole is favored to have more seasonable or warmer than average days than colder than average ones. The times most favored for snow and below average cold would be in December. Later February or March could also bring such a stretch. It could be a sandwich of sorts. ... We had this winter bookend where it was active from a winter (weather) standpoint in the beginning and end and then, in the middle, nothing went on, Cohen said. Cohen cites the winters of 2009-10 and 2017-18 as possible examples of what this winter in New Jersey could be like. Both of those winters featured a December with a long cold stretch, a snowstorm or both as the polar vortex entered the region. The polar vortex is a low-pressure system that houses the most significant cold on Earth. The vortex likes to spin atop the North Pole. Sometimes, though, it stretches or splits, drifting into the Northeast. In winter 2009-10, February saw well above average snowfall from multiple storms, with well below average temperatures. In winter 2017-18, four noreasters hit the state in March. South Jersey combats fourth nor'easter in March Many schools closed Wednesday, coastal residents moved cars to high ground to avoid flooding The wild or mild winter Cohen predicts is different from the past three winters. The reason mainly has to do with El Nino El Nino (Spanish for little boy) is one of three phases of the El Nino Southern Oscillation. There also is La Nina (little girl) and a neutral state. New Jersey was in La Nina the previous three years, which contributed to the record low snowfall seen in parts of the state last winter. What phase the globe is in is based on how Pacific Ocean temperatures off South America near the equator are faring compared to average. Warmer than average water means El Nino, cooler than average brings La Nina and near seasonable water temperatures bring the neutral phase. The state of the El Nino Southern Oscillation is one of if not the main factor seasonal forecasters use to predict the upcoming winter. However, its influence on New Jersey is generally limited. El Nino promotes a strong subtropical jet stream. The river of air roughly 30,000 feet above the ground that separates two airmasses can be seen as the storm track. The warm, moisture-laden weather this type of jet stream brings will be persistent in the southern tier of the United States. Then theres the polar jet stream, which separates the polar vortex from more seasonable temperatures. In an El Nino, this jet stream will move out of Western Canada toward the Great Lakes. From there, its path is hard to forecast. Sometimes, itll stay in New England, keeping New Jersey seasonable to milder than average. Sometimes, itll move to the Mid-Atlantic, bringing the outer edge of the frigid polar vortex into the state. If the polar jet stream moves into the Mid-Atlantic, it can link up with the moist subtropical jet stream and develop noreasters. That would give most of New Jersey accumulating snow, potentially heavy snow. This winter will likely be a strong El Nino. Going back in history, strong El Ninos typically saw few days with snow. However, when it snowed, it accounted for the vast majority of that seasons totals for New Jersey. Average snowfall totals range from about 15 inches toward Cape May to around 50 inches in the highest peaks in northwestern New Jersey. Average snowfall for select locations Sussex, Sussex County: 38.7 inches Newark, Essex County: 31.5 inches New Brunswick, Middlesex County: 29.0 inches Trenton, Mercer County: 26.6 inches Atlantic City International Airport, Atlantic County: 17.4 inches Lower Township, Cape May County: 14.8 inches Averages are based on the 1991-2020 climate average. Information via the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. However, two snows can bring as much or more than the average. Another way of understanding seasonal snowfall in New Jersey is by looking at the average number of times snow accumulates. This ranges from around five days in Cape May to over a dozen days in places like Newark and Sussex. Average number of days with measurable snow Sussex, Sussex County: 12.2 days Newark, Essex County: 15.3 days New Brunswick, Middlesex County: 12.8 days Trenton, Mercer County: 10.7 days Atlantic City International Airport, Atlantic County: 8.9 days Lower Township, Cape May County: 4.9 days Averages are based on the 1991-2020 climate average. Information via the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Cohen and other forecasters say other factors will be at play this winter. The Quasi-Biennial Oscillation is a wind roughly 60,000 feet above the surface that flows around the equator. This winter, flow is expected to run east to west, known as the negative phase. A negative QBO regime tends to support the transport of polar and Arctic air masses toward the mid-latitudes of North America and Europe more often in the winter, Steve DiMartino, owner of NY NJ PA Weather in Freehold, Monmouth County, said in his winter outlook. That adds confidence for at least one big winter storm in the state. Snow cover halfway around the world, in Siberia, will also play a role this winter. In recent years, Cohen has focused on how quickly October snow accumulated in Siberia. The more rapid increase in snowfall cover there, the more likely for snow and cold in the Northeast. It was a very slow start (to October), but if there was a redeeming part, it was the last week of October, Cohen said about the quick downfall of snow to wrap up the month. Cohen said the likelihood of average snowfall will be low. Either the subtropical and polar jet streams will link up for a few snowstorms, or they miss each other, leaving New Jersey less snowy than average again. Taking into account all days between December and March, temperatures will likely be above average. Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has been sanctioned Rs 250 crore to take measures to address the issue of flooding of city areas during the rainy season Realising the adverse effects of climate change, the Centre has sanctioned funds to urban local bodies to lessen its effects. The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has been sanctioned Rs 250 crore to take measures to address the issue of flooding of city areas during the rainy season. The Central government is providing funds to the local self-government bodies for emergency response plans. Accordingly, the funds will be given to the PMC in phases over the next three years from 2023 to 2026. Works worth Rs 213 crore will be done, for which four separate tenders will be floated. The PMC estimate committee approved the plan on Friday. Therefore, the way for tendering for these works has been cleared. Kunal Khemnar, additional municipal commissioner, said, A meeting of the estimate committee was held in the PMC on Friday. The emergency management plan was discussed in the meeting. Later, total works amounting to Rs 213 crore have been approved. The PMC has included the works of laying rainwater drain lines, removing silt from the lake, building culverts, etc. Planting trees on the mountains and hills, digging trenches to reduce the speed of water flow on the mountain slopes, laying pipelines, removing silt from lakes, etc, will be done. A control room will also be constructed. The work of removing silt from three lakes namely Jambhulwadi, Katraj and Pashan has also been included in this. It will help increase the water storage capacity of these lakes. Over Rs 150 crore has been approved by the estimate committee. Rainwater drains will be built; Jambhulwadi, Katraj, Pashan lakes will be desilted; all at a cost of Rs 104 crore. Rs 44 crores will be spent to construct 22 culverts. Hadapsar : A kitten accidently fell into a well at night on 16 November Thursday. The society resident struggled in vain to spot the fallen feline, but were unsuccessful. Finally the residents had no option but to call the fire brigade at 11:30 am on Friday. One fire tender from Kalepadal fire station with Fire Officer Sandeep Jagtap and 4 firefighters reached the spot within 15 minutes. Society resident Nitin Lonkar told Pune Mirror, "Due to the thick foliage, the kitten could not see the well below and as the feline jumped on the bushes, it fell through and landed in the 30 foot deep well." Lonkar said he could hear the distress cries of the trapped feline, but wqs unable to spot it due the bushes and hence were unable to rescue the kitten and had to summon the fire brigade for assistance. Santosh Gaikwad, another resident corroborated Lonkar's version and told Pune Mirror that the night long efforts to spot the cat were in vain even though the resident used flashlights at night. Gaikwad added that the foliage over the well was obstructing the view and finally the fire brigade had to lower a basket to coax the cat to gwt into it and was subsequently pulled up. Speaking with Pune Mirror, fire officer Sandeep Jagtap said, "We got a call about a cat that fallen into a 30 feet deep well in Siddhivinayak Durvankur Housing Society in Kalepadal Hadapsar. We reached in 15 minutes. To locate the kitten we took around 20 minutes and once we did, a basket was lowered into the well." "It was an rescue operation of patience as the kitten was frightened and disoriented. Finally, we gently nudged the kitten with a stick towards the basket and pulled the feline out safe and unhurt." New Quad-Cities nonprofit organization AKWAABA QC was recently started to provide support for refugees and immigrants moving to the area. To familiarize the community with AKWAABA's mission, the organization is hosting an open house from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18. The name AKWAABA comes from the Akan group of languages, originating in Ghana. The term loosely translates to "Welcome," and that's what the organization seeks to do. AKWAABA QC provides training, advice and integration tips to migrants, asylum seekers and refugees looking to embed themselves in the Quad-Cities, by connecting with other partners in the community. On Thursday afternoon, the smell of construction dust and wet paint was still in the air inside The Last Picture House. By Monday, the new Quad-Cities movie theater will be open for business in downtown Davenport. The Last Picture House which is co-owned by Quad-Cities-born filmmakers Bryan Woods and Scott Beck, the writers behind 2018's "A Quiet Place" is located at 325 E. 2nd St. and has three auditoriums. Two of them are indoors, with a third on the building's rooftop. The two indoor theaters will open Monday, screening four films: "The Last Black Man in San Francisco," "The Last Picture Show," "Last Action Hero" and "Hunger Games: The Ballad Of Songbirds and Snakes." Those first three titles will be part of a "Last" series, as a play on the theater's name, with showings of "The Last Dragon," "The Last Supper" and "The Last Detail" lined up through the rest of the week. Monday will be a "soft opening" for the theater ahead of the holiday season, said Assistant General Manager Carlie Allison, who added that there are plans for a more grand opening in the future. The first official showing will be the "Hunger Games" prequel at 3:30 p.m. Monday. Going forward, the theater plans to have a blend of blockbusters, repertory cinema and artsy flicks, too. Construction on the building started in April, and Allison said the theater has had Nov. 20 circled on the calendar as an opening day for a while. As the "final touches" of construction wrap up this weekend, Allison said the theater feels fully comfortable bringing customers in on Monday. Movie tickets went live Thursday, and some have already sold, she said. "We're kind of dotting the I's and crossing the T's with everything, and making sure everything is beautiful and ready as a premier place for people to come and experience film," Allison said. Outside, the building's mural of its gold logo went up in early November, courtesy of local artists Heidi Sallows and Sarah Robb. Inside, the auditoriums are full of vibrant red seats. The largest auditorium has a unique split-level setup, with an overhanging balcony adding three rows of seating. Allison is optimistic about the hunger for film in the Quad-Cities, where residents have had just one major movie theater the Cinemark Davenport 18 since the Regal Cinema in Moline closed its doors in July. With The Last Picture House's event space, bar and lounge, Allison said she's expecting a "communal experience" that'll set it apart from more traditional cinemas. "Once you leave the theater, you can sit down, have a cocktail and talk about the movie you just saw, which is missing a lot of times from (the typical) experience," Allison said. In the building's entryway, there is the usual theater decor: soft, hanging lighting, electronic ticket kiosks flanking the doorway and popcorn and ICEE machines behind the counter. But there's also a full lounge area with collectible movie posters on the wall, green leather barstool seats and herringbone-patterned wood floors. The Last Picture House's bar manager, Alexa Parkin, has experience working with other downtown Davenport staples such as Cavort and Me & Billy. She said the drink menu would match the building's upscale interior decor. The well liquor comes from pricier name brands, and the bar will have fresh-pressed juices and house-made syrups, too. "We want to do elevated with the lovely lounge we have," Parkin said. "We want to provide cocktails that match the experience but also the pictures that you're watching as well." The cocktail menu will shift to match themed movie releases that come to the auditorium, Parkin said. Cocktails on opening day will include the "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids," made with hot honey mezcal, fresh-pressed lime, pineapple and a Tajin rim, and "The Good, The Bad and The Ugly," their play on a tequila sunrise with tequila, grapefruit juice and demerara syrup. Parkin said the bar prices would be comparable to other "more upscale dining places" downtown, with craft cocktails costing in the low-teens but more typical rail drinks and draft beers priced around $7. "It'll be elevated, it'll be nice, but there'll be options for everybody," Parkin said. "Nobody will be priced out." Allison said she's excited not only about what The Last Picture House could bring to Quad-Cities cinephiles but also for downtown Davenport. She has felt the camaraderie from other managers and owners nearby, and is excited about the direction "Motor Row" the term catching on for the string of businesses on 2nd Street is headed. While the inside will open, the Last Picture House rooftop will be closed on Monday, Allison said, with plans to open it seasonally as weather permits. "Come spring and summer, I think this place will probably be one of the coolest parties in town," she said. Highest-grossing movies released on Halloween weekend Highest-grossing movies released on Halloween weekend #20. Devil's Advocate #19. Red Corner #18. Fatal Attraction #17. Dune #16. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre #15. Vampires #14. The Nightmare Before Christmas #13. I Know What You Did Last Summer #12. Paranormal Activity 2 #11. High School Musical 3: Senior Year #10. Paranormal Activity #9. Halloween II #8. Saw #7. Saw 3D #6. Michael Jackson's This Is It #5. House on Haunted Hill #4. Brother Bear #3. Ray #2. Scary Movie 3 #1. The Grudge A Moline sex offender on federal supervised release is accused of breaking into a Moline home and sexually abusing a 6-year-old autistic child, Moline Police said. Benjamin A. Slininger, 38, is charged in Rock Island County Circuit Court with one count each of home invasion, residential burglary, aggravated criminal sexual abuse and criminal trespass to a residence. According to the search warrant affidavit, officers were sent to a home in the 2200 block of 46th Street at 2:40 a.m. Sunday, Nov 12, to investigate a report of sexual abuse. The parents of two children, ages 6 and 4, caught a man in their childrens bedroom. When the man saw the childrens parents, he opened the eastern-most window of the home and fled on foot toward Avenue of the Cities. After the man fled, the parents noticed that the pajamas and diaper of the older child were pulled down. The children had remained sleeping. On Monday, Nov. 13, officers conducted a canvass of the area looking for security cameras that may have captured the suspect. A surveillance camera at Computer Revolution, 4512 Avenue of the Cities, caught on Nov. 12 at 1:28 a.m., a man fitting the description of the assailant in the area of the 2300 block of 46th Street crossing Avenue of the Cities in the vicinity of the victims residence. At 2:41 a.m., the camera at Computer Revolution caught the same man running south in the 2300 block of 46th Street. Detectives then conducted a canvass of sex offenders living within the vicinity of the crime. Slininger fit the description of the assailant, and his residence in the 4600 block of 24th Avenue Court is in the vicinity of the victims home. Slininger was identified as the man in the video, and when officers tried to arrest him, he resisted. Slininger refused to answer questions and requested his lawyer be present. According to the petition to deny pretrial release, Rock Island County Assistant States Attorney Jennifer Gardner said it is believed that Slininger watched the 6-year-old child get onto a school bus, which is why he targeted the child. Looking at a photo of Slininger police took on Nov. 13, the childs mother told detectives she recognized Slininger as being around the bus stop. During a search of Sliningers home, officers located a hand-written letter saying, How can I build confidence? My fantasizing about younger girls, is it pedophilia, or something else? Slininger was being held without bond Thursday night in the Rock Island County Jail. A preliminary hearing in the case is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 28 in circuit court. Home invasion is a Class X felony under Illinois law that carries a prison sentence of six to 30 years, while residential burglary is a Class 1 felony that carries a prison sentence of four to 15 years. Aggravated criminal sexual abuse is a Class 2 felony that carries a prison sentence of two to seven years, while criminal trespass to a residence is a Class 4 felony that carries a prison sentence of one to three years. On Aug. 17, 2011, a federal grand jury charged Slininger with one count of possession of child pornography. On Jan. 10, 2012, during a hearing in U.S. District Court, Rock Island, Slininger pleaded guilty to the charge. On Jan. 11, 2013, Chief U.S. District Judge James Shadid sentenced Slininger to 30 months, or 2 1/2 years in federal prison to be followed by 10 years on supervised release. Slininger was released from the U.S. Bureau of Prisons on May 14, 2015, and is due to be released from supervised release in 2025. On Aug. 2, 2022, Slininger wrote a letter to Chief U.S. District Judge Sara Darrow requesting early release from supervised release. In his letter, Slininger stated he had been on release for more than seven years and had maintained a Moline home since 2009 and steady employment for almost six years. Slininger told Darrow that he does not associate with criminals or engage in criminal activity and that guns were never a part of his life. He added that the group counseling sessions and the one-on-one counseling sessions had "been an invaluable tool for self-improvement." He said that understanding his past had helped him make improvements in his life. Therapy also has allowed him to improve his self-esteem and confidence, "and has given me the tools I need to handle any inappropriate thoughts, should they occur." Slininger told Darrow that he lives a lifestyle that is much more "respectful and honest than before," and that he is "a more responsible and mature man." "I feel I'm in a good place, and as I said before, have become a more mature and responsible person," Slininger said in his letter. "I believe I have proven my capacity to live a normal life without further transgressions." Darrow denied Slininger's request on Aug. 3, 2021, saying that Slininger was utilizing the services the U.S. Probation Office and continuing these services will make it less likely that he will re-offend and more likely to successfully complete his term of supervised release. Federal authorities could charge Slininger for violating his supervised release and sentence him to a term in federal prison. The city of Davenport and its administrator announced a "transition in leadership" at the start of the new year. A news release Thursday afternoon implies Corri Spiegel, the Davenport city administrator, is leaving her position. However, the release does not specify a reason why, nor did Spiegel return emails or calls. "The city of Davenport and City Administrator Corri Spiegel are announcing a transition in leadership, effective Jan. 2, 2024," the news release stated. "Ms. Spiegel's tenure with the city has been marked by numerous significant achievements and a steadfast commitment to the City's operational pillars." Tom Warner, Davenport city attorney, called the transition an "amicable departure" and wrote in an email that an announcement would be made Friday about an interim city administrator. "As is customary with an amicable departure, there is an orderly transition period," Warner wrote in an email Thursday afternoon. "An announcement will be made tomorrow regarding the appointment of an interim city administrator." Spiegel, 45, was named Davenport's city administrator in 2016. That followed about a year where she was the interim city administrator, a role she filled after her predecessor separated from the city. "As we move forward, the city of Davenport expresses its gratitude for her outstanding service and is confident she will enjoy continued success in her future endeavors," the release stated. Spiegel makes $338,445 in salary and compensation, according to previous reporting earlier this year. Before she was hired by the city in 2014, Spiegel was an economic development manager for the city of Centennial in Colorado for seven years, according to her LinkedIn page. Before that, she worked for the city in Goodyear, Arizona, for four years in the mid-2000s, according to her LinkedIn page. Spiegel was named as a defendant in one of the lawsuits against the city following the partial collapse of 324 Main St., a downtown Davenport six-story apartment building. In the wake of the collapse, some Davenport residents have called on Spiegel to resign or be fired during public comment at council meetings. A candidate for mayor, Ken Croken, pledged during the campaign he would pursue action, which is typically a vote by the council, to remove her from the position. Croken lost his bid to incumbent Mayor Mike Matson, who did not return calls for this story. Spiegel also provided testimony to the City Council in a hearing in September to remove then-Davenport Alderman Derek Cornette in which Spiegel said Cornette left her two voice mails in which he said "love ya, babe." The council voted 7-3 to successfully remove him. Cornette is currently suing over that decision. During the past five years of Spiegel's tenure, the city has faced several challenges: the flood of 2019 in which sand-filled flood barriers broke, causing Mississippi River waters to rush into 2nd Street businesses and causing estimated tens of millions of dollars of damages; the COVID-19 pandemic; racial justice protests; and the building collapse. The city, in its news release, complimented Spiegel on her efforts for city employee professional development, and economic development in the city under her leadership, including retaining Kraft Heinz, attracting Sterilite and Amazon, and growing the city's 53rd Street corridor. It also praised her for focusing resources on public safety including the Coordinated Assessment Program and Group Violence Intervention. Since the pandemic, cities have received millions in federal funding. The city during Spiegel's tenure has administered $40.9 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding. The city also negotiated up to $10 million agreement with Canadian Pacific, Kansas City Southern as train traffic is expected to triple in the coming years. The city also received state grants to help develop a $20 million Main Street Landing project. "City Administrator Corri Spiegel has played a pivotal role in positioning Davenport for a prosperous future," the release stated. Another member of city administration, Sarah Ott, the city's chief strategy officer, also is leaving the city. The Davenport school district hired Ott as its new communications and public relations director. Ott will begin with the district on Jan. 2, 2024, at a $146,000 salary. In his procedural report on Monday, District Superintendent TJ Schneckloth said Ott will move the district's "communications and community relations forward in a very positive direction." Rock Valley Physical Therapy recently held a ceremony at the 43rd Avenue clinic in Moline to present funds to Make-A-Wish Foundations from Iowa and Illinois. Through the efforts of Rock Valley staff, therapists and patients, spanning 61 clinics across three states, more than $70,000 was raised to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundations of Iowa, Illinois and Nebraska. The $70,000-plus generated was a combined effort that included staff and therapists fundraising projects, patient involvement, payroll dedication programs and a matching gift by Rock Valley Physical Therapy's board of directors. A celebration of dollars raised in Nebraska will take place Dec. 15. This past fiscal year, Make-A-Wish Nebraska granted 116 wishes, Make-A-Wish Iowa granted 198 wishes and Make-A-Wish Illinois granted 729 wishes. There are 2,030 children across Iowa, Nebraska and Illinois who are waiting for wishes to be granted. A granted wish gives kids the opportunity to look outside their illness, restoring a sense of childhood back to the child and normalcy back to the family. Research shows, and physicians across the globe have documented, that wishes can help improve a child's quality of life and produce better health outcomes. In all, 11 Rock Valley clinics raised more than $1,000. Three raised more than $2,000, and two clinics raised more than $3,000. Rock Valley's Silvis clinic, led the way with $3,682 raised. Rock Valley will grant three wishes in Iowa, two in Illinois and two in Nebraska. Founded in 1984, Rock Valley Physical Therapy is one of the largest therapist-led private physical therapy practices in the country. In 2021, Rock Valley raised more than $100,000 for Ronald McDonald houses across Iowa and Illinois. Photos: Make-A-Wish brings Westyn Wilson to John Deere Harvester for tour France has issued an arrest warrant for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. The warrant comes in response to allegations of the use of banned chemical weapons against civilians in Syria, marking an unprecedented step in international justice. Two investigative judges issued the arrest warrant and three others on Tuesday. Those named in the warrants include Bashar al-Assad, his brother Maher al-Assad, and two other high-ranking officials, as per CNN. Arrest Warrant for Syrian President on War Crimes The charges brought against them are complicity in crimes against humanity and conspiracy in war crimes. This decision has been hailed as a landmark moment in the pursuit of justice for the victims of the Syrian conflict. Anwar al-Bunni, a Syrian human rights lawyer and founder of the Syrian Center for Legal Studies and Research, described this development as "unprecedented." It is believed to be the first time a sitting head of state in another country has been targeted with an arrest warrant for crimes against humanity. The next step in this legal process will be an Interpol 'Red Notice.' A Red Notice is a global request for the provisional arrest of an individual pending extradition or legal action. If issued, all Interpol member states must comply with the arrest warrant, making it a significant development in pursuing justice. While the International Court of Justice has issued the arrest warrant, it lacks the means to enforce it. However, the focus of the ruling on the brutal torture inflicted by President Bashar al-Assad's regime within the Syrian prison system underscores the gravity of the charges. Human rights groups and investigators estimate that thousands of people have died from torture or were killed in these prisons. Efforts to bring President Assad before the International Criminal Court have repeatedly faced roadblocks due to vetoes from Russia and China at the UN Security Council. Attempts to establish a special tribunal for Syria have also failed. However, the recent complaint filed by Canada and the Netherlands at the International Court of Justice, alleging violations of the Convention Against Torture, has opened up a new avenue for justice. The emergency order to protect potential new victims, issued by a 15-judge panel, was approved by a 13-2 vote. While China and Russia opposed it, the order sends a strong signal about the international community's commitment to holding those responsible for crimes against humanity accountable, according to The New York Times. Read Also: Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez Wins Re-Election, Plans To Form New Government To Lead Divided Nation Impact on Syria's International Standing Although the chances of President Assad and the other officials facing a French court are slim, these arrest warrants carry significant diplomatic and economic implications. They could further complicate Syria's efforts to end its isolation and improve its international standing. In addition to the arrest warrants, a recent report by a former International Criminal Court judge has recommended that President Assad should not be invited to climate talks due to the environmental destruction caused by his regime. The arrest warrants are based on a criminal investigation into chemical weapons attacks in Douma and Eastern Ghouta in 2013. While Syria denies using chemical weapons, previous investigations have found evidence of their use, including the nerve agent sarin and chlorine gas. The detailed evidence presented in the case convinced the judges that there was "serious or corroborating evidence" indicating the involvement of President Assad and other officials in planning and executing these attacks. The pursuit of justice, in this case, represents a significant step towards accountability for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Syria. Similar complaints have been submitted to authorities in Germany and Sweden, signaling a growing international effort to hold those responsible for atrocities in Syria accountable for their actions. The arrest warrant for President Bashar al-Assad is a historic moment in the pursuit of justice, sending a clear message that those who commit heinous crimes will not go unpunished. While the road to justice may be extended and challenging, it is a step forward in seeking accountability for the victims of the Syrian conflict and upholding the principles of international law, Sky News reported. Related Article: South Korea Says Nuclear-Capable Submarines are Needed @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The leaders in the Republican presidential caucus race in Iowa remain mostly unchanged, and Gov. Kim Reynolds endorsement does not appear to be moving the needle, according to new poll results published Thursday. Former President Donald Trumps commanding lead over his fellow candidates continues in the latest, monthly poll published by Iowa State University and Civiqs. Trump was the first choice of 54% of those surveyed, followed by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis at 18% and former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley at 12%. Trumps support dropped 4 percentage points from last months poll, but DeSantis and Haley gained only 1 percentage point each. DeSantis and Haley still have room to grow their support, according to the poll results. DeSantis was the second choice of 24% of those surveyed, Haley was the second choice of 20% of respondents, and Ohio biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy was the second choice of 19% of those polled. The latest ISU/Civiqs poll also asked likely Iowa Republican caucus participants whether Reynolds endorsement of DeSantis might influence their preferred candidate. In total, 85% said either Reynolds endorsement makes no difference in their decision (63%) or it makes it less likely they will caucus for DeSantis (22%). Only 13% said Reynolds endorsement makes it more likely they will support DeSantis. The poll questioned 432 online survey respondents who said they definitely or probably will participate in the first-in-the-nation Iowa Republican caucuses Jan. 15. The survey was conducted Nov. 10 through Nov. 15 and has a margin for error of plus or minus 5.9 percentage points. Another Democrat running in Iowa's 3rd Melissa Vine, a Democrat and nonprofit leader from Des Moines, has announced her candidacy for Congress. Vine becomes the second Democrat to announce in the 3rd Congressional District, which covers central and southwestern Iowa. The seat is now held by freshman Republican Zach Nunn. Vine describes herself as a single mother of four boys, a businesswoman and a nonprofit leader. She is executive director of The Beacon, which provides assistance to women facing crisis or recovering from trauma. Vine is the second Democrat to enter the 3rd District campaign. She follows Lanon Baccam, who has unveiled a long list of endorsements from prominent Iowa Democrats. DUBUQUE Ernie Rairdin considers himself pretty conservative. An evangelical Christian, the Cedar Rapids resident said hes not totally on the Republican Party, except they share my Christian beliefs closer than any other political party. The 85-year-old, who takes 3D photos of presidential candidates, said he is and has long been a registered Republican. I changed my party one time, Rairdin said. It was 2008 and a longtime U.S. senator from Delaware was running for the Democratic presidential nomination. Rairdin said he switched his party registration to caucus for then-candidate Joe Biden. The pair met at a Biden campaign event and bonded over their shared appreciation an interest in stereoscopic photography. Fifteen years later, hes switched back to the Republican Party. Sitting in the basement of Emmaus Bible College in Dubuque, waiting to hear Thursday from Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley at a campaign town hall, Rairdin said he was unconvinced Haley or any other Republican candidate could stop former President Donald Trump from running away with the GOP nomination. Trump has consistently held a commanding lead in polls. Rairdin, though, is not convinced Trump can beat Biden, or whomever becomes the Democratic nominee, and win the 2024 general election. But he would likely support Trump, regardless. I dont think Trump can win, Rairdin said. But he would probably be who Im supporting. I just hope he can (beat Biden). Hes our only hope, really. An hour later, he completely changed his mind. After listening to Haley talk about countering Chinese aggression abroad and challenges to American interests, securing the U.S.-Mexico border, supporting Israel in its war against Hamas and providing equipment and ammunition to Ukraine in its fight against Russias invasion of the country, Rairdin said hes all-in to caucus for the former governor of South Carolina and former United Nations ambassador under Trump. He said Nikki hit all the triggers to solidify his support in Iowas first-in-the-nation GOP caucuses in two months that kick off the presidential nominating contest. Shes just more impressive than I thought. Shes got my vote, Rairdin said. Haley spoke to about 200 people crammed into the colleges basement coffee shop. The former South Carolina governor has stacked up endorsements and climbed in recent polling following another strong showing last week in the third Republican presidential debate and as she attempts to solidify her lead against Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in New Hampshire and improve her standing in Iowa. Haley announced Tuesday she had been endorsed by more than 70 Iowa officials and community leaders, including current and former state lawmakers. The endorsements comes after Haleys campaign announced it was spending $10 million on advertising in Iowa and New Hampshire starting in December. Haleys has attended nearly 60 events in Iowa, and her campaign opened an office in Clive. The latest Des Moines Register/NBC News/Mediacom Iowa poll shows Haleys support has swelled in what has become a heated battle for second place in Iowa, pulling even with DeSantis for a distant second place behind Trump, with 16% of likely Iowa Republican caucusgoers selecting them as their first choice for president. And polling this week from Emerson College shows Haley emerging as second to Trump in New Hampshire, surpassing DeSantis and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie. Haley's campaign moves in the Hawkeye State also come days after U.S. Sen. Tim Scott also from South Carolina dropped out of the presidential race Sunday night. Rairdin, the likely Republican caucusgoer from Cedar Rapids, said he previously was considering supporting Scott, as well as former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, who received 1% support in the Iowa Poll. Barbara Collins, 68, of Bellevue, waiting to hear from Haley, asked friend Joan Lentz, 73, of Dubuque, Do you think shes going to continue to keep rising? I think she is, Collins said. I think shes a moderate female who is smart, experienced and I think Republicans and country are ready for something different. She said she feels Haley can draw both moderates and staunch conservatives as well as independents and suburban women which have become an increasingly important bloc for both parties given her diplomatic and foreign and domestic policy experience. Collins also said for a Republican Party struggling with abortion messaging in the wake of recent electoral victories by abortion rights campaigners in Virginia, Ohio and Kentucky, Haley appears to have the answer. As a lawmaker and then governor, Haley supported passage by the South Carolina Legislature of some of the most restrictive abortion limits in the country at the time. She has said the Supreme Court was right to hand the issue back to the states, but has urged Republicans against pushing for a national ban with little chance of passing. Instead, the former U.N. ambassador has spoke broadly about sensitivity and finding national consensus on banning late-term abortions, encouraging adoption, making contraception more accessible and not jailing women who receive an abortion. Haley didnt touch on the topic Thursday in Dubuque, but anti-abortion rights activists warned that her approach would alienate base voters. Its a lightning rod, Collins said of abortion. Collins said she considers herself as a socially moderate conservative who is pro-life and supports same-sex marriage. Thats probably why I think Ron DeSantis is going to have a tougher row, because hes more conservative there, she said. DeSantis has said he would support a 15-week national abortion ban. Lentz, of Dubuque, said she likes Haleys support of Israel and Ukraine, and doesnt appreciate other candidates waffling on sending additional aid to Ukraine. Lentz, who calls herself a fiscal conservative and social moderate, said she likes Haleys stance on abortion. I think she would have broad appeal in a general election, because she isnt a hard-liner, she said. Collins said Haley is a little more hawkish on foreign policy than she would like. She said she aligns more with Ohio entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy on foreign policy. I think weve given enough money to Ukraine, and theyve been at war and theyve been part of Russia and when do we stop paying that? she said. I dont feel that way about Israel. I feel we owe Israel to stand right beside them. Both women intend to caucus. Lentz, who caucused for Ben Carson in 2016, said shes pretty much settled on supporting Haley. I dont dislike Ron DeSantis. I really like Chris Christie as well, but I dont think he has much chance of winning the primary because of his stance on Donald Trump, she said. Collins said she remains undecided. She said Haley remains her favorite, but is also considering DeSantis and Ramaswamy. I was initially a big Vivek fan, but hes starting to say things that make me wonder if hes quite ready for this challenge, she said. He talks about wild things, and I dont think he knows enough about foreign affairs. Both said while they felt Trump helped grow the economy as president, hes become too divisive, childish and polarizing. Trump faces 91 felony counts in four criminal cases You know its bad when Republicans are praying one of these felonies sticks, Collins said. Haley also said she supports raising the retirement age for Americans currently in their 20s so that it matches current life expectancy, and limiting Social Security and Medicare benefits for wealthier Americans. She also said she would push to expand Medicare Advantage plans, in which private companies offer plans that are reimbursed by the government for care, to increase competition. She said she would protect those currently receiving Social Security and Medicare. The programs are coming up against insolvency deadlines. Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart, in a statement, said Haley would put Social Security and Medicare on the chopping block. Haleys agenda is as extreme as they come, Hart said. Photos: Nikki Haley, former South Carolina governor and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations in Davenport campaigning for president. A Pennington County judge sentenced a Box Elder teen on Thursday to eight years probation for aggravated assault and suspended execution of a 15-year prison sentence. The 18-year-old pleaded no contest on Sept. 28 to the allegation he stabbed someone in 2021. In an incident on June 30, 2021 that he claims to not remember, the then-16-year-old Mark Hickey stabbed someone an "alarming" number of times, as Deputy Pennington County State's Attorney Roxanne Hammond put it at Hickey's sentencing. "This victim nearly died," Hammond said. Law enforcement reports in the case are sealed and the exact details of the stabbing have not been made public, but Hickey was originally charged with attempted first-degree murder before accepting a plea deal. Circuit Court Judge Jane Wipf Pfeifle said she viewed photographs of the victim. She described it as "horrifying." Hammond asked the court to sentence Hickey to 15 years in prison with 10 suspended. "We hope that time in the penitentiary will inspire him to stay on the straight and narrow," she said. The maximum penalty for aggravated assault is 15 years in prison and a $30,000 fine. The state did not ask for a fine, but Hammond requested the judge order Hickey to pay $116.50 in court costs, $123.75 in grand jury transcript fees, $50 in drug testing costs and $850 in restitution to the Western South Dakota Juvenile Detention Center for damage he caused while detained there. Pfeifle agreed. Hickey's defense attorney, Angela Colbath, said her client did not remember the incident. However, he chose to spend time with the people he was with and used alcohol, marijuana and other drugs that day. "He's responsible for that. He knows that," she said. She asked Pfeifle to give him one chance on probation. She asked the judge to require Hickey to either attend school full time or work full time while on probation. "Time is not good for him," she said. Hickey spoke at the sentencing and addressed an incident when he violated bond as his case was pending. He said he drank because a friend had died in a car crash, and his family and friends were drinking. "All I'm begging for is some mercy, please," Hickey said. Pfeifle said Hickey's letter to the court ahead of sentencing was "okay" but his remarks at sentencing were "irritating." "You continue to be extraordinarily immature," she said. She said he behaved "hideously" when he was detained at the Western Dakota Juvenile Detention Center and caused damage to the facility. The judge said she recognized the adults in Hickey's life failed him, but that he is an adult now. "Now you're 18. You need to suck it up, buttercup," Pfeifle said. She told him his words "mean nothing" to her, but his actions will. The judge said she chose to sentence Hickey to eight years of probation in order to get him to the age of 25. She ordered him to maintain full time work or attend school full time, barred him from having any weapons or consuming any drugs or alcohol. She ordered him to undergo routine drug and alcohol testing, a mental health evaluation and programs for substance abuse and criminal thinking. If Hickey violates his probation, a judge could impose the 15-year prison sentence. Recent online coverage has erroneously characterized a research study conducted in December 2016 at Rocky Mountain Laboratories and published in 2018 in the journal Viruses. In the study, RML researchers studied WIV-1, a coronavirus, in Egyptian fruit bats. WIV-1 is a different virus than the SARS-CoV-2 virus involved with the COVID-19 pandemic. The virus used in these experiments was not shipped from China. Rather, it was generated using common laboratory techniques, based on genetic information that was publicly shared by Chinese scientists. The research was conducted at the highest level of biosafety, BSL-4. As noted in the published manuscript, the virus did not replicate well in the bats. Scientists at RML have research expertise in coronaviruses, beginning with the original SARS-CoV-1 outbreak in 2002-03 to MERS-CoV in 2012 and most recently SARS-CoV-2, generating information that is critical to understanding these viruses and developing appropriate interventions. Nava Thakuria That was an usual television show of ND24 (newsdaily24.in), a Guwahati-based satellite news channel available in over 120 cable networks and different social media platforms, however it ended up with intriguing discussions highlighting on the looming threat from unaccounted number of Rohingya people coming from Bangladesh to northeast India as well as the county as a whole. Anchored by its chief editor Rajdeep Bailung Baruah, the evening show guided the audience with the sensitive issue, where the Assamese community continues to be hunted the migration of Bangladeshi nationals that provoked the anti-foreigner movement (1979 to 85) led by All Assam Students Union (AASU) which culminated with the signing of historic Assam Accord. Reporter Bimal Bhusan Mahanta initially briefed about the arrest of 47 touts, who were facilitating Muslim Rohingyas to come inside India illegally and supplying the forged documents, following a nationwide crackdown on 9 November 2023. National Investigation Agency (NIA) along with Assam Police and other responsible security agencies picked up 25 middlemen from Tripura, five from Assam, three from Bengal as well as nine from Karnataka, three from Tamil Nadu and one each from Telangana and Haryana. Currently taking shelter in south Bangladesh after fleeing from Myanmar six years back, the Rohingyas now start entering India through West Bengal and Tripura with the help of linguistic proximity. After the media briefing by Assams special DGP Harmeet Singh, the State police chief GP Singh disclosed that its a pan-India network of touts which deals with the Stateless peoples entry to India. Chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma termed the arrest (of middlemen) as a great success and an excellent synergy between the responsible forces. Sarma, also in charge of the State home portfolio, commented that Rohingyas infiltration emerged as a threat to national security, and their nefarious designs must be extinguished with due surveillance. He also recommended an NIA probe into the matter. The Rohingya crisis surfaced after a religious terrorist outfit attacked many border outposts of Myanmar (also known as Burma or Brahmadesh) which invited a brutal crackdown by the Burmese forces in August 2017. No less than 7,00,000 Rohingyas fled to neighbouring Bangladesh to escape the atrocities of Burmese soldiers. The terrified Rohingya families including women and children were given shelter at makeshift camps in Bangladesh. Unconfirmed reports say around 3,00,000 Burmese Muslims had previously left their country following political turmoil from time to time. Participating in the discussion from New Delhi, senior journalist Deepak Dewan, who keeps covering northeast India for more than four decades in different media outlets, opined that hundreds of Rohingya women are working as housemaids in the national capital region identifying themselves as Bengalis from Assam. He stated that the common residents of Delhi, Noida or Haryana cannot distinguish the difference in accent among a Bengali, a Bangladeshi and a Bangla speaking Rohingya. Moreover, often they wear traditional Hindu attire to work in the households hiding their Muslim identity. Samujjal Kumar Bhattacharya, chief adviser to AASU and North East Students Organization, asserted that agitating people of the region identified the problem of influx at least four decades back, but New Delhi did not take the issue seriously. The Centre remains insensitive to the issue and hence even after 38 years of the accord, Assamese people are still deprived of due political importance in their own land. Bhattacharya insisted on a major crackdown operation against the Rohingyas, as earlier done against armed militant outfits of the region, to wipe out the new threat. BRUSSELS (AP) 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. The proposals for listings include actors from the Russian military, defense and IT sectors, as well as other important economic operators, the EU Commission statement said. It said that the latest package would target more than 120 individuals and entities. Because the EU needs to get everyone on board, the outcome is not fully set yet. In the past, Hungary, which still has close relations with Moscow, has been able to delay and water down some sanctions packages. Kathmandu, Nepal, November 17, 2023: Challenging to the decision of the Nepal government to ban the social site Tik Tok in Nepal, a writ petition has been filed at the Supreme Court (SC), the apex court of the country on Friday. Senior advocate Dinesh Tripathi filed the writ petition demanding the annulment of the decision of the Council of Ministers to ban TikTok in Nepal. The petitioner has argued that the governments decision to ban the Tik Tok is against the spirit of the constitution, democracy and rights of citizens. Michael Paul Williams Columnist Follow Michael Paul Williams 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 As an artistic exploration of the early African American experience, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts exhibition Dawoud Bey: Elegy looks and sounds like a gothic horror story. Acclaimed photographer Dawoud Beys exhibition uses natural and built landscapes to tell a foreboding tale of Black bondage from arrival to enslavement to escape with nary a human in any frame. The dreamlike landscapes in the series were shot on the Richmond Slave Trail, Louisiana plantations and the northeastern Ohio sites of the Underground Railroad that delivered the enslaved to freedom. Images are blurred to reflect displacement and disorientation or darkened to convey the furtive atmosphere of night flight. The chilling soundscape accompanying the exhibitions cinematic and photographic landscapes is punctuated with whispers, footsteps, guttural breaths, banshee-like wails and mournful song. As is often the case in a horror story, it is whats sensed, rather than seen, that leaves the audience unsettled. Beys photo Untitled (Curve in the Trail) captures that unease in what appears to be a mere bend in a pathway framed by lush flora. But from the perspective of confused African captives being marched in chains from the Manchester docks, the curve poses a question: What fate awaits? They knew that the experience was going to continue to be horrific. But exactly what that was couldnt be fully known, Bey said during an interview Wednesday. Elegy includes 42 gelatin silver print photographs the most comprehensive presentation of Beys landscape photography to date and two immersive and evocative films: 350,000, shot on The Richmond Slave Trail, and Evergreen, shot on Louisianas Evergreen Plantation. Wherever you are in the Elegy exhibition, you can hear eerie sounds from the films. Thats by design, Bey said. He wants the film soundtracks to also function as an aural backdrop for the photographs. The effect is haunting. Its a kind of materially beautiful horror movie, you know? Bey said. There is a certain beauty to the object quality of the photographs, even though its not a place where anything beautiful ever happened. And I think thats part of the inherent tension of the work. Bey, a Queens, New York, native, is unafraid to probe with his camera the trauma-informed aspects of the African American experience. The recipient of a 2017 MacArthur genius grant refocused his work from Harlem street scenes and other portraiture to history-inspired art such as The Birmingham Project (2012), which commemorates the victims of one of the vilest crimes of the civil rights era the Sept. 15, 1963, bombing of that Alabama citys 16th Street Baptist Church by Ku Klux Klan members. The VMFA exhibition reflects his shift from portraits to the landscape environment. At Wednesdays media preview, Valerie Cassel Oliver, Sydney and Frances Lewis Family Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art, described Elegy as a poetic inference and understanding of history, not only of Black people in this country, but of the American story. It was Olivers friendship with Bey that helped land his work in Richmond. Oliver extended an invitation to Bey in 2018 after seeing his Night Coming Tenderly, Black the Elegy component that focuses on the Underground Railroad. The curator immediately had the idea that I might want to continue my interrogating history right here in Richmond, given the rich history and the way that Richmond figured in the whole enslavement project, Bey recalled. Richmond represented a sort of bookend. If Night Coming Tenderly, Black represented an ending of sorts, of course, here in Richmond, where those enslaved Africans came in and had their first encounter with America, is where that narrative begins, Bey said. The Richmond segment of Elegy is titled Stony the Road, after a line in the Black national anthem, James Weldon Johnsons Lift Every Voice and Sing. It features 12 photos and a film commissioned by the VMFA. The title of that 10-minute film, 350,000, refers to the estimated number of men, women and children sold at auction in Richmond between 1830 and 1860. Cinematographer Bron Moyi produced the film in collaboration with Richmond production companies Spang TV and In Your Ear Studios. Its soundtrack was designed by Virginia Commonwealth University dance and choreography professor E. Gaynell Sherrod, who employed six VCU dance artists, two VCU faculty and four additional artists from the Richmond region in the project. Sherrod a frequent visitor of the trail choreographed movements to produce the sounds of pounding feet, hand claps, muffled cries and breaths as the captives traversed rocks, dirt, leaves and twigs. Also recorded in a sound studio were elements of Afro-futurism, with tap dancing and strains of jazz and gospel to signal that the people on that trail, whom Sherrod described as her ancestors, were going from their past to our future, she said. From this film, the exhibition transitions to the Louisiana plantation setting of In This Here Place, a 2019 series that takes its name from a passage in Toni Morrisons decorated novel Beloved, a harrowing tale of enslavement. These photos are of decaying cabins where the enslaved once lived, towering sugar cane stalks, and the murky waters of the Mississippi River. The film component of this series, Evergreen, is set on one of the largest intact plantations in the nation, where gnarled live oaks old enough to have bore witness to the horrors of the day loom above a long lane splitting a row of slave shacks. Those trees saw it all, Bey said. Those trees have experienced it all. And those trees, within traditional West African culture, are the keepers of the history. They hold the history. The final series of Elegy features sites of the Underground Railroad. Bey described Night Coming Tenderly, Black as the most challenging work I have ever made. He wanted night scenes, but shooting at night a setting befitting fugitive escape would have resulted in images too grainy. I wanted the prints to have the appearance of being made at night, but to still have the rich quality of description of the landscape. Bey wants to make clear that what hes created is not objective history. The three projects represented in this exhibition, I consider them to be my own subjective ideas about this history visualized, he said. I am not by any means a documentary photographer. I dont document history. I dont document historical sites. The goal of his work is to evoke the history of each site in a resonant way. And to do that in a way that brings together the past and the present, to conflate the two. Because obviously, the work is being made in the present moment. But as youll notice in all of the work, theres no conspicuous evidence of the present moment in the work. His goal is to create an image that provides a visceral sense of the past all in service of his belief that the past never stays in the past. This idea that youre both standing in a place that is past and present is something that I try to reduce in the work to standing in the past like youre standing in the present and the past simultaneously. If you give yourself over into the work, you find yourself drifting, inexplicably slipping into the past. Breeze Airways announced Wednesday that it had launched its twice-weekly seasonal service from Richmond International Airport to Fort Myers, Florida, slated to last through the winter and into spring 2024. Our expanded service will give guests in Richmond an easy and affordable way to travel to Southwest Florida and enjoy the beautiful beaches there, said Breeze Airways President Tom Doxey. One-way fares on nonstop flights from Richmond to Fort Myers start at $39 if purchased by Nov. 21 for travel between Jan. 8 and Feb. 7, according to a spokesperson for the airline. Fort Myers becomes Breeze Airways 12th nonstop destination out of Richmond. The airline also offers direct service to Charleston, South Carolina; Cincinnati; Hartford, Connecticut; Jacksonville, Florida; Las Vegas; Islip-Long Island, New York; Los Angeles; New Orleans; Phoenix; Providence, Rhode Island; San Francisco; and Tampa. Fort Myers joins a growing list of destinations with direct service to and from Richmond. I am excited for the introduction of new direct flights to our region, said Brian Anderson, president and CEO of ChamberRVA, the chamber of commerce office for the Richmond metro area. These additional air connections not only enhance our communitys accessibility but also serve as a catalyst for economic growth. The convenience of direct flights attracts business travelers, stimulates tourism, and opens up new opportunities for local businesses to expand their reach, Anderson added. We believe that these developments will contribute significantly to the prosperity of our entire region. The Richmond airport has already set new monthly records on at least two occasions this year. The traffic increases come as new routes have been added and COVID-19 restrictions have eased. Perry Miller, CEO of the Capital Region Airport Commission, also noted population growth and economic development as key reasons for the passenger surge. PHOTOS: Richmond International Airport When Zelda Robinson got a call from her grandson saying he had entered the pair into a mayonnaise contest, she assumed the grand prize would be a ball cap. A T-shirt at most. The 84-year-old didnt think she would be traveling from her Alabama home to Richmond to receive a one-of-a-kind tattoo designed for them. With a fur shawl draped over her shoulders on Friday afternoon, she sat solid as a rock and ate a slice of pizza, all while needles poked her leg. I was just tickled to death, Robinson said. Its a memory, and its special, and its with somebody special. Robinson and her grandson were one of nine pairs to receive custom tattoos Friday after being selected by the marketing team at Dukes Mayo. The iconic condiment brand, which dates to the 1910s, was bought by Richmond-based C.F. Sauer Co. in 1929 and has become a Southern staple. It is also known for its quirky marketing. For its Gen Mayo campaign, the brand in October offered free tattoos to grandparents and grandchildren. The pairs had to submit a story in which a familys love for the mayo brand has been passed down through generations, or stand-out stories about how you first discovered Dukes. Rebecca Lupesco, Dukes brand marketing manager, said organizers got 150 submissions. From there, the team set out to find the best ones. From homegrown family recipes to spouses meeting in the grocery aisle, submissions ran the gamut from funny to sincere. Its just a lot of different types of stories, and we really wanted to get all different types of relationships, Lupesco said. The competition brought in submissions from across the country, but predominantly from the Southeast, where the brand is most popular. The winners on Friday went to Yellow Bird Tattoo in Richmond, where tattoo artists worked with them to come up with unique designs. Inside the West Main Street shop, long tables were set up on each side of the room. Nine artists worked to complete one tattoo before going to the next. In one corner, a mother-daughter duo who traveled from Southwest Virginia wrapped up their linework. They chose to showcase their Appalachian roots with the folklore character Mothman holding a jar of Dukes Mayo. On the other side, another artist finished shading on a picnic basket filled with various ingredients, including the famous condiment. For Robinson, the design came to life as artist Richard Wood began to pack color into her tattoo. The design they landed on was a hand holding a knife with tomatoes in the foreground. A banner reading Dukes trailed at the base of the knife. I just love mayonnaise. Instead of kraut or mustard or anything, I use mayonnaise, even as a dip, Robinson said. I like to make tomato sandwiches for us, with a big slice of tomato and with a bunch of mayonnaise on it with the juice just a dripping all over you. So thats how they came up with the design. And I just love it, Robinson added. Yellow Bird Tattoo also held a Friday the 13th-like event in which artists came up with dozens of Dukes Mayo-themed tattoos. Dukes advertised the event as a way for people to sign up to receive a free tattoo. After putting out the call, it hit the 80-person limit in a little over an hour, Lupesco said. Following the success, organizers decided to continue it in hopes of making the event a tradition. For shop owner Joseph Fessman, it was an opportunity not to be passed up. This is unique for us. They called us two years ago and asked if wed be interested in doing it, and we did, Fessman said. It really brought us into the Dukes Mayonnaise family. Were happy doing it. 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While this move represents progress in addressing the fentanyl overdose crisis, experts caution that it alone will not solve the problem, as per AP News. Xi-Biden Fentanyl Deal Amid Challenges The agreement between Biden and Xi involves China instructing its chemical companies to limit shipments of materials used in fentanyl production to Latin America and other destinations. Fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid, is primarily manufactured in Mexico and then smuggled into the United States. Additionally, China has resumed sharing information about suspected drug trafficking with an international database. Associate Professor of Public Policy Adam Wandt of John Jay College of Criminal Justice characterized this as a constructive stride, underscoring that it would be imprudent to neglect such measures. However, experts recognize that the challenge at hand is formidable. Many of the precursor chemicals required to produce fentanyl are legally manufactured and exported in China. The extent to which Beijing can regulate its pharmaceutical market remains uncertain. Moreover, the global drug trade is complex and often blurs the lines between legal and illegal activities. Liu Zongyuan, an expert at the Council of Foreign Relations, notes that the vast and fragmented nature of the industry makes it difficult for Chinese authorities to identify and control chemicals that can be transformed into fentanyl. Even if China enforces strict limits, drug cartels can seek alternative sources, as seen with India becoming a growing supplier of fentanyl precursors, according to Business Insider. Read Also: Readout of President Joe Biden's Meeting with President Xi Jinping of the People's Republic of China A Persistent Challenge Despite Biden-Xi Agreement According to Liu, fentanyl is reported to be 50 times more potent than heroin and generates approximately 20 times the profit compared to heroin. The allure of high profits has been identified as a powerful motivator for engaging in illegal activities. Based on Robert Ross, a political science professor at Boston College, the current agreement between President Biden and President Xi may not have a significant impact on the fentanyl crisis in the United States. He emphasizes that the root of the problem lies in the demand for drugs within the United States. As long as there is demand, the supply may find other sources, whether from Mexico, China, or elsewhere. Meanwhile, the United States has taken steps to facilitate counternarcotics cooperation with China. The US removed China's Institute of Forensic Science (IFS) from a trade sanctions list, a move aimed at improving bilateral cooperation on synthetic drugs and precursor chemicals that contribute to the fentanyl crisis. However, this decision has drawn concerns from human rights advocates, who argue that it raises questions about the US' commitment to addressing China's human rights violations, particularly regarding the Uyghur population. Fentanyl continues to hold its position as the primary cause of death among individuals in the age group of 18 to 49 in the United States. In an ongoing trend, China remains the primary origin of fentanyl and its related substances that are illicitly transported into the United States. While the agreement between Biden and Xi is a significant step, it is clear that tackling the fentanyl crisis requires a multifaceted approach, addressing both supply and demand while navigating complex international dynamics, Voice of America reported. Related Article: Myanmar Junta Facing 'Heavy Assault' From Insurgents as Rebels Claim to Have Captured Towns, Outposts @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Police said a second arrest has been made in the shooting of a Virginia State University campus police officer. Officer Bruce Foster, 39, was shot early Sunday while responding to a disturbance. The shooting sent the campus into lockdown as a search was conducted. Chesterfield County police said Reginald L. King Jr., 21, of Petersburg was arrested Thursday and charged with assault on a law enforcement officer and obstruction of justice in relation to the incident. Police said King gave Foster false information about his identity and ran away on foot. They said Foster caught King and was trying to arrest him when Deonta M. Blount, 21, approached from behind and shot the officer. Foster was taken to VCU Medical Center and was listed in stable condition on Thursday. Blount, of Chester, was arrested on Tuesday. He has been charged with aggravated malicious wounding of a law enforcement officer and use of a firearm in the commission of aggravated malicious wounding of a law enforcement officer. Both are being held at the Chesterfield jail. Richmond High School for the Arts, formerly known as George Wythe, went into a brief lock and teach Friday morning after a student allegedly made a false verbal threat about shooting a gun. A student who was upset made a verbal threat about shooting a gun, and another student reported that threat to a teacher, according to Richmond Public Schools spokeswoman Allysa Schwenk. The Richmond Police Department along with RPS security personnel searched the school, but found no evidence that a gun was brought on campus, according to Schwenk. The lock and teach a safety protocol in which teaching continues but movement between rooms is restricted was lifted at 11:10 a.m., according to a message from the school division to families. The school implemented a lock and teach in April after two students were shot outside near the school. TYSONS CORNER Virginia legislators face tough questions about the fast-growing data center industry, including the power supply and transmission network necessary to serve it, state and local tax breaks that have nurtured it, and its effects on the environment and surrounding communities. While the General Assemblys watchdog agency prepares to launch a study of data center incentives and challenges, a work group led by Dominion Energy and facilitated by former State Corporation Commission Judge Judy Jagdmann is looking at ways to improve local and state permitting processes for electric transmission and generation, and ensure adequate sources of power for the energy-intensive centers. The stakeholder group includes Virginias electric cooperatives and a representative of Gov. Glenn Youngkin. The energy challenge is made more urgent by the Virginia Clean Economy Act, with its goal of 100% carbon-free emissions from power generation by the middle of this century, while Dominion, the states large electric utility with 2.7 million customers, expects load growth of 5% that is driven in large part by the needs of data centers. We have worked through these challenges before, said Bill Murray, senior vice president for corporate affairs and communications at the Richmond-based energy company, in a panel discussion with the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee on Friday in the final day of its three-day budget retreat here. The solution is likely to be a wide array of power sources, with a focus on renewable energy and battery storage, but lawmakers are also going to have to work with the SCC in devising the fairest way to pay for new generation and transmission. There is no such thing as a free lunch, said Sen. Creigh Deeds, D-Charlottesville. Weve got to figure out where (the electricity supply) is going to come from and whos going to pay for it. For legislators, the initial questions are how to sustain an industry that has generated enormous capital investment and local tax revenues, especially in Northern Virginia, the largest single data center market in the U.S.; the industry is also growing in eastern Henrico County, with two data centers already operating at White Oak Technology Park and more planned. Statewide, 55 data centers are already operating, with projects recently announced in nine localities, including Hanover, Caroline and Louisa counties. Data centers provide the digital infrastructure that supports just about everything we do, said Josh Levi, president of the Data Center Coalition, which calls the industry a significant driver of Virginias economy because of the capital investment, tax revenue and spinoff development it generates with suppliers and service providers. At the same time, the expansion of data centers has sparked a political backlash, both in Loudoun County and Prince William County, where the Planning Commission this month recommended against rezoning for the Prince William Digital Gateway, a cluster of data centers proposed on more than 2,100 acres near the Manassas National Battlefield Park. Location of data centers is pretty controversial in Northern Virginia, said Sen. Barbara Favola, D-Arlington, during the panel discussion, noting public concerns about the ugliness of the centers and their consumption of energy. All of this is wrapped around very strong environmental issues, Favola said. The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission, the states watchdog agency, is expected to be asked next month to undertake a comprehensive study of the data center industry next year. The commission has already made recommendations that led to legislation that would lower the thresholds in state law for data centers to qualify for significant tax incentives, particularly on expensive equipment. Two years ago, the assembly reduced the threshold for capital investment from $150 million to $70 million and the requirement for job creation from 25 to 10 jobs in economically distressed localities. The legislature also required data centers, which operate with some secrecy because of the competitive technologies they use, to report more information to the Virginia Economic Development Partnership about capital investment, job creation and tax benefits. Sen. Jeremy McPike, D-Prince William, one of the sponsors of the legislation in 2021, said his purpose was in part to help localities in Southwest Virginia as the state, at his urging, eliminated a pair of state tax credits for coal mining and consumption. McPike said the state also needs to help local governments develop model zoning ordinances to guide development of data centers. I think the question is, are there higher standards for building design, reduced energy consumption and environmental impact? he said during an interview on Friday. The industry currently receives more than $980 million in state and local sales and use tax exemptions, while making almost $17 billion in qualifying investments in Virginia, according to Senate Finance staff. The state tax exemption, established in 2008, is available through mid-2035 unless a company meets the investment and job provisions required for an extension, said the state economic development partnership, which has 43 agreements with data centers. Its a very successful industry, said Senate Finance analyst Kendra Brown Shifflett, but its not without challenges. Close This room in a second building at QTS Sandston facility is ready for customers to use. The data center must always be on for customers, said Chief Technology Officer Brian Johnston. It cannot fail, he said. Seven photographs merge to show the entrance to QTS Sandston facility, a 1.5 million-square-foot storage center for computer data. Brian Johnston, chief technology officer at QTS facility in Henrico County, gives a tour of the data storage center. Behind him is space in a second building that is being prepared for customers to use. Brian Johnston, chief technology officer at QTS Virginia Data Center, talks with a reporter as QTS site director Kevin Snead listens Wednesday, May 3, 2017. QTS Virginia Data Center is a 1.5 million square foot storage center for computer data in Sandston. Snead QTS Virginia Data Center keeps its power supply constant. This is the electrical room at the 1.5 million square foot storage center for computer data in Sandston Wednesday, May 3, 2017. QTS Virginia Data Center site director Kevin Snead uses one of the security checks at the 1.5 million square foot storage center for computer data in Sandston Wednesday, May 3, 2017. It reads his finger print to identify him. A model of QTS Virginia Data Center is on display in the lobby of the 1.5 million square foot storage center for computer data in Sandston Wednesday, May 3, 2017. QTS Virginia Data Center is a 1.5 million square foot storage center for computer data in Sandston Wednesday, May 3, 2017. PHOTOS: QTS Virginia Data Center QTS Virginia Data Center, a 1.5 million square foot storage center for computer data, is in White Oak Technology Park. This room in a second building at QTS Sandston facility is ready for customers to use. The data center must always be on for customers, said Chief Technology Officer Brian Johnston. It cannot fail, he said. Seven photographs merge to show the entrance to QTS Sandston facility, a 1.5 million-square-foot storage center for computer data. Brian Johnston, chief technology officer at QTS facility in Henrico County, gives a tour of the data storage center. Behind him is space in a second building that is being prepared for customers to use. Brian Johnston, chief technology officer at QTS Virginia Data Center, talks with a reporter as QTS site director Kevin Snead listens Wednesday, May 3, 2017. QTS Virginia Data Center is a 1.5 million square foot storage center for computer data in Sandston. Snead QTS Virginia Data Center keeps its power supply constant. This is the electrical room at the 1.5 million square foot storage center for computer data in Sandston Wednesday, May 3, 2017. QTS Virginia Data Center site director Kevin Snead uses one of the security checks at the 1.5 million square foot storage center for computer data in Sandston Wednesday, May 3, 2017. It reads his finger print to identify him. A model of QTS Virginia Data Center is on display in the lobby of the 1.5 million square foot storage center for computer data in Sandston Wednesday, May 3, 2017. QTS Virginia Data Center is a 1.5 million square foot storage center for computer data in Sandston Wednesday, May 3, 2017. An Ohio man who repeatedly attacked police officers as he joined a mob of Donald Trump supporters in storming the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, was sentenced Thursday to nearly five years in prison. Kenneth Joseph Owen Thomas acted as a "one-man misinformation machine" since the riot, using his social media platforms to spread false narratives about the attack, according to federal prosecutors. They said Thomas produces more than 20 hours of Jan. 6-related online content every week. It can be really tough trying to convince your nonpolitical friends that politics is interesting. Last week's election didnt help. Sure, voters made history. They sent a strong message to conservative lawmakers about protecting reproductive rights and flipped the House of Delegates. Theyre going to give us the first Black speaker of the House and the first transgender state senator in Virginias history. But once the votes were tallied, after tens of millions of dollars, a historic redistricting process and endless chatter of presidential primaries, one chamber went from 22-18 to 21-19 and the other went from 52-48 to 49-51. Not exactly the most riveting political theater. There was one person, though, who was center stage through it all: Gov. Glenn Youngkin. He and his staff claimed that unified Republican control of the General Assembly would be the hallmark of his political legacy. It turns out that Virginia voters had other plans. Youngkins legacy in Virginia wont be a political one. As a Democrat, I wasnt too disappointed in that result. But as someone who once worked for another governor, I found myself with the strange sensation of genuine hope. This could be the opening for Youngkin to step back from the distraction of political warfare and focus on his real legacy in this state making a lasting, historic change in how Virginians get the mental health care they need. The last thing the governor probably wants right now is advice from a Democrat. But he doesnt have to take it from me hes already made a down payment. In this latest legislative session, Youngkin along with leaders in the General Assembly unleashed more than $200 million to fix the commonwealths broken system of mental health care. This included more than $58 million for stabilization units and receiving centers, making sure patients have somewhere to go during a mental health crisis that isnt just the hospital emergency room. It included another $10 million to make sure underserved communities can access mobile crisis services. And to make those services possible, the legislature invested in the staff of community-based behavioral health programs through more than $18 million for recruitment and retention. This is real money that will save lives. It already is. The commonwealth planned to launch 70 mobile crisis teams by the end of the year. Its already opened 85. The new 988 crisis hotline is fielding more than 8,000 calls every month. And the number of temporary detention orders basically a measure of the backlog of people needing emergency, involuntary mental health treatment has dropped by 20% since 2019. The governor knows what needs to happen next. He said as much in his first public appearance outside the Capitol Building the morning after the election. We still have a divided government, he said, which means we all have to come together to progress legislation. Hes right. And without the distraction of presidential primaries and political consultants, the time to make bipartisan progress is right now. The governor has a number of places to get started. He could: Bring together legislative leaders in both chambers and Medicaids leadership to enact the recommendations from the experts at the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission on how to improve Virginias system of community services boards the primary way that localities get publicly-funded behavioral health care. Increase the funding for staff through a second round of resources for community behavioral health treatment. Why not go bold and exceed the Senates recommendation? Patch the remaining holes in Virginias health coverage so every patient in Virginia can afford the care they need. This would mean bringing together leaders in the legislature as well as major insurers across the commonwealth in a historic private-public effort. The governor said something else revealing when he spoke to reporters on the steps of the Capitol. Tuesdays election results, he noted, reflect Virginias status as a really purple state where many elections are decided by razor-thin margins. This is also true. To the endless consternation of Democrats like me and Republicans like Youngkin, Virginia is a deeply purple state. This probably wont change anytime soon. The ways Virginia runs elections holding them on off-years from federal elections and limiting governors to only one term ensure that any so-called political legacy is fragile and fleeting. But a legacy of truly transforming behavioral health care in Virginia, making a lasting difference in the lives of Virginias mental health care professionals and the patients who have struggled in this system over the past few decades, is a legacy worthy of time, energy and money. Its a legacy any governor of any party could be proud of. And Youngkin now has the unique chance to make that legacy a reality. Zurich Takaful Malaysia has launched a new takaful life plan by the name of Takaful ProSecure, which offers coverage starting from RM300,000 with an affordable contribution of RM56 per month upwards. It also comes with other perks such as the Vital Care and terminal illness or terminal cancer benefit and is aimed at providing financial assistance to Malaysians in times of need. According to Zurich Takaful, its new Takaful ProSecure plan will offer the following protection for its policyholders, with the option to choose from a 10-, 20-, or 30 year coverage plan: Benefits Coverage Death/Total and permanent disability (TPD)/Golden age disability (GAD) 100% of basic sum covered or total contribution made, whichever higher Public transport accidental death Death benefit + 200% of basic sum covered Overseas accidental death Death benefit + 300% of basic sum covered Zurich Takaful stressed that with coverage starting from a basic sum covered of RM300,000, the Takaful ProSecure plan is a particularly good option for those who have accumulated a fair amount of debt obligations. This substantial coverage aims to provide peace of mind by reducing the accumulation of debts for their [the policyholders] loved ones in the event of their absence, Zurich Takaful further shared in a statement. Aside from the coverage, the Takaful ProSecure plan also includes a terminal illness/terminal cancer (TITC) benefit, where you will be entitled to an advanced payout (100% of basic sum covered or total contribution made, whichever is higher) upon confirmation of your incurable condition. This feature is designed to assist individuals in managing their final journey of life, ensuring that both the policyholder and family members are financially supported during a challenging time. Additionally, there is the Vital Care benefit, which waives your contribution for six months if you were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) for more than five consecutive days. This allows you to focus on your recovery instead of worrying about financial obligations. Another notable benefit that is also offered under the Takaful ProSecure plan is the TPD yearly recovery benefit, which gives you an additional 5% of your basic sum covered (payable yearly for five years from the occurrence of the TPD). There is the enhanced family accidental death benefit as well, where you will receive a lump-sum of RM10,000 per family member if any of your four family members pass away due to an accident (parents, spouse, or children). On top of that, up to four of your family members can tap into the family care privilege, which comes after your passing. They can essentially obtain a new takaful certificate with coverage of up to 25% of the basic sum covered each, without medical underwriting. We understand that life can be unpredictable, and we are committed to supporting individuals and families in securing their financial futures. As a trusted partner for all Malaysians, the launch of Takaful ProSecure is another step towards creating a brighter future, providing financial peace of mind and protection against lifes uncertainties, aligning with our brand campaign Care For What Matters ethos, said the authorised representative of Zurich Takaful, Nur Fatihah Mustafa. In conjunction with this launch, Zurich Takaful is hosting the We Can Duit Bersama Zurich Takaful weekend from today until 19 November at the MyTOWN Shopping Gallery, where there will be games and activities. The public can also consult Zurich Takafuls wealth planners on the newly launched product, as well as its introductory promo where those who sign up for Takaful ProSecure between today until 29 December will be able to win a 999.9 Gold Bullion. 0 0 votes Article Rating SHARE Americans top list of Cancun vacation medical travelers Cancun, Q.R. As many as 30,000 medical travelers arrive in Cancun each year for cosmetic procedures. While in the city recovering, they enjoy a specialized vacation of around 12 days. Cancuns Municipal Secretary of Tourism, Juan Pablo de Zulueta Razo, explained that the citys medical tourism industry receives between 25,000 and 30,000 foreign medical travelers each year. Those who chose Cancun for their cosmetic medical procedures arrive primarily from the United States followed by Canada, England, Central America and the Caribbean. He reported that each medical tourist stays an average of 12 nights and spends around $11,500 USD per stay. Juan Pablo de Zulueta Razo added that the most common cosmetic procedures requested by medical travelers to Cancun is plastic surgery followed by dental procedures and orthopedics. Reproductive fertility procedures also rank in the top five for Cancun medical travelers. These figures show that Cancun is seen as more than a place for its sun and sand, he said during the recent Cancun Medical Tourism Forum. Cancun Mayor Ana Paty Peralta speaks at the 2023 Cancun Medical Tourism Forum. Photo: CGC November 14, 2023. Cancun Mayor Ana Paty Peralta explained this medical tourisn forum gives us the opportunity to analyze achievements and challenges of this important sector that has become a strength for our city. Cancun is a leader in tourism in Mexico and Latin America, since every year, we receive thousands of foreign visitors, many of whom take the opportunity to undergo surgeries and medical treatments which generates an average economic benefit of $200 million USD a year. Doctors involved in medical tourism industry participated in the forum. Photo: CGC November 14, 2023. Participants in the recent 2023 Cancun Medical Tourism Forum allowed those involved in the industry to learn about the advances, statistics and, above all, the windows of business opportunities, to make the most of them in addition to the commitment to being at the forefront to respond to the demand of the growing market, she said. According to Patients Beyond Borders, Mexico ranks fifth globally for medical travelers with the top procedure being cosmetic surgery followed by dentistry. National Guard locate stolen semis carrying 60 tons of steel rod Tecamachalco, Puebla Two semis carrying more than 60 tons of steel rod were located by National Guard after being reported stolen. The large units were located during a search operation on the Puebla-Cordoba highway. In accordance with the Pueble National Public Security Strategy, members of the National Guard located the two stolen tractor trailers. The semis were found during surveillance and crime prevention patrols on the Puebla-Cordoba highway. Authorities were on the alert for the units after the transportation company that owns them reported the loss of telephone and satellite communication with the drivers of both units. National Guard personnel were provided with the last known GPS location of the units and began the search. Both units were located near a gas station in the municipality of Tecamachalco, Puebla. Authorities confirmed they were the two stolen semi-trailer tractors loaded with 60 tons of steel rod, however, they were found abandoned. Neither of the drivers were located. Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare is planning to open a large mental health clinic on Roanokes Brandon Avenue Southwest. Unanimous zoning approval was recently granted for the counseling center at 3517 Brandon Ave. thats expected to serve 780 to 900 clients weekly. The vision for the project, which has a budget approaching $10 million, is to create a space where we can provide all of the adult and child and youth services in one location, agency Executive Director Mark Chadwick said. What the community gets and the folks that we serve get is a building they can be proud of and a building where they can come and feel comfortable getting services. A large-scale project likely to open in 2025, it will be aimed at healing residents of the region suffering from mental illness or distress at a time of skyrocketing mental pain. Ninety percent of American have told surveyors they believe the nation faces a mental health crisis and half of adults reported a severe mental health crisis had befallen a family member, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. One in five adults have reported that they consider their mental health to be fair or poor, while one in three people under 30 said that. The U.S. Surgeon General has said kids are in crisis as well. Countless efforts are underway to offer services, including the creation of a crisis hotline with number 988 as well as increased mental health funding from the state. In terms of new facilities, the proposal by Blue Ridge is the fourth project in the region to have either opened in the recent past or advance in progress. Bradley Free Clinic in Roanoke opened a 1,900-square-foot behavioral health wing last year. Last month, Carilion Clinic opened a 37,000-square-foot outpatient services center at Tanglewood Mall in Roanoke County. Also unveiled this year, LewisGale Medical Center in Salem has been assessing a plan to build a 63,000-square-foot center to hospitalize the mentally ill and to provide outpatient care in Bonsack. At Blue Ridge Behavioral Health, a public provider of outpatient mental health care based in Roanoke and serving the region, the agency needs more space as a result of new or expanding programs like Marcus Alert, Crisis Services, and Permanent Supportive Housing, it said. After considering its options, it chose the Brandon Avenue building with nearly 50,000 square feet of space, Chadwick said. Blue Ridge once leased the space, but it has been vacant for more than three years. Adult clients currently receive care at the Burrell Center on McDowell Avenue, while children and teenagers go to its child and family services office on Franklin Road. Blue Ridge expects to remain in the Burrell building when it opens the planned care center on Brandon Avenue, Chadwick said. As for its other properties, Blue Ridge will more likely than not also continue to use the Franklin Road building, dedicating it to administration and education. Meanwhile, the agency is exploring whether it will continue to use its administration building on Elm Avenue, the director said. As facilities for mental health services improve, it will be critical that the region attract more therapists to the region, said Amanda Heasley, practice manager at Roanoke Valley Counseling Center. It employs 14 therapists and hopes to hire four more for 2024. Theres only a limited number of providers in the Roanoke Valley, so it can be challenging when things become busy to find a provider in mental health. There are certain times of year when it becomes busier and weve just entered that time right now, said Heasley who explained that the resumption of school and the holidays are seasonal triggers for distress. A week ago, the practice had 25 available slots for new clients while, on Thursday, it had six or seven, she said. Renovations at 3517 Brandon for health care purposes parallel a project on the same street to establish new offices for Roanoke Oral Surgery and River Ridge Dermatology. BLACKSBURG Liam Watson officially has won the Blacksburg Town Council seat that was set to be filled by a write-in candidate, after a lengthy counting and recounting process. The decision comes nine days after Election Night, when write-in ballots for the third Blacksburg Town Council seat and the second Soil and Water Conservation Director position were counted by hand. The process was hampered by the discovery, earlier this week that 662 votes had not been tallied. The reason the votes were missed was discovered Thursday. When write-in votes are counted, a picture of the written vote is taken by the voting machine, which is then printed by the machine in a long roll, called tapes by election workers. The workers then tally the names from the tapes. When a machine fills with ballots, it is switched out for another. During one of these switch-outs, the tapes for one of the machines was mistaken for a duplicate, and wasnt tallied, according to Connie Viar, the Montgomery County voter registrar. This situation is unprecedented for us, Viar said, regarding the number of write-in votes in this election. The election board, after discovering that some votes were not included in the final tally, began a recount, in which the missed tapes were tallied. While the count from this tally is still unofficial, it indicates that Watson beat his closest write-in opponent, retired Virginia Tech administrator Rick Johnson, 2,436 votes to 1,922. Voters also reelected incumbents Michael Sutphin, with 5,021 votes, and Jerry Ford, with 4,286 votes, according to the State Board of Elections. Both Watson and Johnson were present for the tally on Thursday, and reacted to the results. Johnson, who was inspired to run by his neighbors, said that he was still impressed to receive as many votes as he had in the election. I want to thank all of these people who wanted to make a change in Blacksburg, Johnson said. When asked if he would run for office again, he said he wasnt sure. After this, Ill have to think about it, Johnson said. Watson, who was endorsed by many current Blacksburg Town Council members, said he was looking forward to beginning work as the youngest member of the council in its history, to his knowledge. I think this is a big moment for young people in our community, said Watson, 24. The Soil and Water Conservation Director race is still left to be decided, and will have final tallies finished on Friday. After Israel Defense Forces (IDF) published footage showing what it termed a Hamas operational tunnel shaft on the grounds of the Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City, the United Nations human rights head called on Israel to allow his team access to the facility. The militant group and the hospital administration both instantly dismissed this accusation. The footage, which was posted on Thursday, November 16, shows a shaft made of concrete with exposed pipes and cables. No part of the shaft's inside is visible in the footage, though. IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari said in a televised briefing later Thursday that army engineers were still attempting to reveal the underground infrastructure. Exposing another layer of Hamas exploitation of three of the largest hospitals in Gaza: Inside the Shifa Hospital complex, a Hamas terrorist tunnel was uncovered. 1/3 pic.twitter.com/uGo4uBdTly November 17, 2023 Allegations of Tunnels, Chambers That Lead to Hamas Command Center Officials in Israel and the United States have claimed that a complex network of tunnels and chambers leading to a command center for Hamas exists under the Gaza hospital. Because of this, Israel is under intense international pressure to find proof of this. In a report by CNN, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, has urged Israel to let independent investigators into Gaza to look into the conflicting reports. "This is precisely where you need an independent international investigation, because we have different narratives. You cannot use ... hospitals, for any military purposes. But you also cannot attack a hospital in the absence of clear evidence," Turk stated. A spokesperson for the IDF said that Israeli forces were still conducting a precise and targeted operation within and around the hospital complex at the time the video was released. Israel's assertion regarding the tunnel shaft has been deemed absurd by the government media office managed by Hamas. It said that Israel had spread exaggerated claims and manufactured stories regarding the facility. See Also: Hamas to Release 50 Hostages After Reaching Tentative Deal, Pending Israel's Approval Counterattacks That Resulted in Many Deaths Since the tragic assault on its territory by Hamas terrorists on October 7, Israel has been shelling Gaza, an impoverished and heavily populated area. The Palestinian Ministry of Health in Ramallah said on Thursday, citing medical sources in the Hamas-controlled enclave, that Israeli airstrikes had killed 11,470 people in Gaza, including 4,707 children, CNN reported. After the two sides killed many people during the attacks, Turk suggested that both Israel and Hamas should be probed. "What Hamas did - the horrific killing of civilians, the fact that they took hostages - are clear violations of the law. The fact that we have seen a collective punishment by Israel of Gaza, by cutting off supplies, of medical necessities, of food, of electricity, of water, is also [a] very serious matter under international humanitarian law," Turk explained. On Wednesday morning, November 15, Israeli soldiers conducted a raid on Al-Shifa Hospital and shortly thereafter posted photos of weapons, body armor, and a laptop seized from the facility. See Also: First Fuel Convoy Enters Gaza, but UN Says Supply Not Enough @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Two attorneys, one from Roanoke and the other from Charlottesville, were recommended Thursday by Virginias U.S. senators to become a federal judge for the Western District of Virginia. Patice Holland, a principal attorney with Woods Rogers Vandeventer Black, and Jasmine Yoon, a vice president at Capital One Financial Corporation in Charlottesville, will now be considered by President Joe Biden. Biden will make a nomination to the Senate to fill a vacancy that will be created next July when U.S. District Judge Michael Urbanski takes senior status. The recommendations of two women of color by Democratic Sens. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine provide a chance to diversify a federal bench with a long history of all-white and with one exception all-male district judges. They both bring ethnic and gender diversity, and diversity of experience, said Carl Tobias, a law professor at the University of Richmond who closely follows judicial nominations. I think its an embarrassment of riches, really, Tobias said. They both look very strong to me. Holland, a Black attorney who grew up in Franklin County, started as a law clerk in 2007 with Woods Rogers, Roanokes largest law firm. She specializes in employment litigation defense, transportation law, and general civil and commercial cases. She is a substitute judge for the Roanoke Valleys General District and Juvenile and Domestic Relations courts. Yoon, an Asian-American attorney from Charlottesville, is Capital Ones vice president for corporate integrity, ethics, and investigations. Prior to that, she served as the interim and associate counsel for the University of Virginia. She has also worked as an assistant U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, where she prosecuted financial and public corruption cases. Holland and Yoon were selected based on their records, the assessments of an independent panel of attorneys and feedback from numerous bar associations. Neither candidate was given a preference by the senators, leaving Biden to choose one. Although it rarely happens, the president could nominate someone else. Both would serve with great distinction and have our highest recommendation, Warner and Kaine wrote in a letter to Biden. Ultimately, we believe either of these individuals would secure confirmation from the Senate and serve capably on the bench. After Biden makes a nomination, which is expected early next year, the candidate will be vetted by the Senate Judiciary Committee. Confirmation will then come with a Senate vote. Since he took office in 2021, Biden has made it a priority to nominate judicial candidates with professional and demographic diversity to ensure that the judiciary looks more like the nation as whole. The Western District of Virginia a territory that stretches from the Lynchburg region to the states western tip and all the way north to Winchester has had an all-white bench since the district was created in 1871. U.S. District Judge Elizabeth Dillon, appointed in 2014, is the districts first and only female judge. There are three women who preside over the Western Districts magistrate and bankruptcy courts. Magistrate judges are appointed by the district judges; bankruptcy judges by the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The jobs do not carry a lifetime appointment that comes with a Senate confirmation. RICHMOND The family that owns Saxon Shoes has sold its store in Short Pump, ending a 70-year run that transformed a small downtown shoe store into an iconic local brand. In an agreement finalized Nov. 8, the Weiner family sold Saxon to Comfort One Shoes, a chain based in Alexandria. The new owners will keep the stores name and its sales staff, said Gary Weiner, the outgoing president and CEO. Business was good, Weiner added. The timing was right, and the new owners are a great match. Trees dont grow to the sky, Weiner said. It was a good time for a change. The sale marks the end of local ownership for a business that grew alongside Richmond and moved west as its population did. Weiners parents, Jules L. Jack and Gloria Weiner, opened their first store in 1953 at 410 E. Grace St. in downtown Richmond. Gloria had immigrated to the U.S. from Casablanca, Morocco. While passing through London, she visited a small department store whose name stuck out, Saxone. When the Weiners opened their own store in Richmond, they dropped the E and called it Saxon. Jack ran the shop, and Gloria answered the phone and bought the shoes, handbags and jewelry. She became renowned for choosing the most fashionable brands and stocking the store with popular products. As a child, Gary spent his days in a basement beneath Saxon because his parents could not afford child care. In the 1970s, the Weiners opened a second location on Patterson Avenue. Later, they consolidated the two stores into a new one in the Ridge Shopping Center on North Parham Road in western Henrico County. The building caught fire and was destroyed in 2001, forcing the business to close for nine months. In 2005, Saxon relocated to a 21,000-square-foot, second-floor location in Short Pump Town Center. The family opened another location at the Spotsylvania Town Centre in Fredericksburg in 2009; it closed earlier this year. Like many brick-and-mortar retailers, Saxon Shoes struggled during the pandemic. Sales dropped 50%, and the company declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy in August 2020. Gary Weiner called the spring and summer the most disastrous seasons in my life. But the two locations stayed open and ultimately rebounded. Saxon has been owned by the Weiner family for 70 years. Jack Weiner passed away in 1991, and Gloria Weiner died in 2020. Gary Weiner took over the business, which he owned with his wife, Beth, and grown children Evan, Amanda and Cory. Amanda Weiner will stay on with Comfort One. Comfort One opened in Old Town Alexandria in 1993 and now operate 14 stores in Virginia, Washington and Maryland. The company has similar values to Saxon, Gary Weiner said, with a knowledgeable staff and a focus on customer experience. Comfort One will bring new brands and upgrades to the store. I think its going to be the new-and-improved Saxon, said Gary Weiner, noting the business sold for a very fair price. For Gary Weiner, 66, the sale is an opportunity to relax and focus on his family and the community. Being part of the Richmond community, the support we were given, the way we tried to give back as best as possible, is something that will stick in my heart and my entire family for a long time, he said. We love Richmond, and we hope they will continue to support Saxon Shoes. Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. A Texas jury has convicted a 35-year-old woman of murder in the May 2022 shooting death of rising professional cyclist Anna Moriah Wilson in a case that led investigators on a 43-day international search for the killer Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. California professor charged with involuntary manslaughter in the death of Jewish demonstrator California authorities have charged a college professor with involuntary manslaughter and battery in the death of a Jewish protester during demonstrations over the Israel-Hamas war Los Angeles criticized for its handling of homelessness after 16 unhoused people escape freeway fire A fire that erupted in storage yards beneath a Los Angeles freeway has renewed attention on the citys inability to protect the thousands of homeless residents living in such perilous locations CALmatters is a public interest journalism venture committed to explaining how California's state Capitol works and why it matters. Dan Walters has been a journalist for nearly 60 years, spending all but a few of those years working for California newspapers. Email Thomas Elias at tdelias@aol.com. His book, "The Burzynski Breakthrough, The Most Promising Cancer Treatment and the Governments Campaign to Squelch It" is now available in a soft cover fourth edition. For more Elias columns, visit www.californiafocus.net Russian audience applaud Chinese folk music shows Xinhua) 22:00, November 17, 2023 ST. PETERSBURG, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- Artists from the Folk Music Troupe of China National Opera and Dance Drama Theater brought a feast of Chinese folk orchestral music to the audience at the Alexander Theater here Thursday, demonstrating a high level of virtuosity and superb skills. The concert, as part of the Chinese Cultural Festival in Russia, was previously performed at the Bolshoi Theater in Moscow on Monday. They were organized by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China, the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation, and the Chinese Embassy in Russia. The artists presented classic Chinese folk songs, including Jasmine Flower, or Mo Li Hua in Mandarin. The audience warmly applauded the performance and were eager for more such performances in Russian theaters. The Chinese performers showed great skills and their music was unforgettable, a local resident who gave her name as Svetlana told Xinhua, adding that she was looking forward to more Chinese performances in Russian theaters. (Web editor: Zhang Wenjie, Zhong Wenxing) South Korea has unveiled plans to phase out the centuries-old dog meat industry by 2027, aiming to end this divisive practice that has garnered international attention and criticism. The move comes after a meeting among members of the ruling People Power Party, the agricultural ministry, and animal rights groups, where they discussed the need for a special act to ban the dog meat trade, as per Reuters via Yahoo News. South Korea Gains Momentum in Banning Dog Meat Lawmakers and government officials are pushing for the passage of this act by the end of the year, followed by a three-year phase-out period. Assemblymember Yu Eui-dong emphasized the importance of enacting this special law to resolve the social conflicts and controversies surrounding dog consumption. He highlighted the evolving perception of dogs in South Korean society, where they are increasingly seen as family members and friends rather than possessions. If the legislation is passed, it will prohibit the breeding, slaughtering, distribution, and sale of dogs for food. During the phase-out period, registered dog farm owners and industry participants will receive compensation to support their transition to alternative fields. The momentum to outlaw dog meat in South Korea has been growing, particularly among the younger generation, as the practice falls out of favor. Additionally, international rights activists have criticized the industry, putting pressure on the government to take action, according to The Washington Post. Read Also: Families Retrieve Thousands of Buried Bodies With Bare Hands in Gaza 'Graveyard' Streets South Korea's Path to Banning Dog Meat by 2027 The ruling People Power Party has laid out a timetable for addressing the issue, aiming to enact the Special Act to ban dog meat within the year. If passed, the full ban would take effect in 2027, allowing time for the industry to transition. Under the proposed law, dog farms, slaughterhouses, traders, and restaurants will be required to submit phase-out plans to local authorities. Compensation will be provided to legally registered businesses that comply with the program. The support for ending the dog meat industry extends to the highest levels of government, with President Yoon Suk Yeol and First Lady Kim Keon Hee known for their love of animals. Kim has publicly endorsed legislation to ban dog meat consumption, emphasizing the coexistence of humans and pets as friends. The South Korean government's proactive steps to address this issue reflect a broader international movement to protect the rights of dogs. Organizations like the World Dog Alliance have played a crucial role in raising awareness and advocating for the end of the dog meat trade. Since 2014, the World Dog Alliance has worked to shed light on the grim reality of the dog meat trade in South Korea and mobilize public support. Efforts, including petitions and symposiums, have contributed to significant progress, such as the closure of Moran Market, the largest dog meat market in the country. The South Korean government's commitment to ending the dog meat industry represents a significant step toward enhancing the country's international image and aligning with changing societal attitudes toward animals, Big News Network reported. Related Article: Russia Allegedly Putting Ukrainian Children in Military Training, Re-Educating Them @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. " " In the quaint town of Tonnerre in the northeast of France, is the deep, ancient wellspring known as Fosse Dionne. So far, nobody has been able to determine its source. Herve CHAMPOLLION/Getty Images It's possible there's a giant, deadly serpent hanging out at the bottom of Fosse Dionne spring in the Burgundy region of France. It's also possible there's not a serpent it's a legend concocted by ancient inhabitants of the village of Tonnerre where the spring is located but nobody's ever been able to get to the bottom of it because nobody's ever been able to get to the bottom of it. Fosse Dionne is a karst spring (a karst is an irregular limestone region with sinkholes, underground streams and caverns, according to Merriam-Webster) that spews an average of 82 gallons (311 liters) of water every second, which is an unusually high discharge rate for this type of spring, but the velocity with which it shoots out of the ground varies from season to season. What you would be able to see of the spring if you visited Fosse Dionne, which translates to "divine pit," is a circular stone pool built in the 18th century, filled with jewel toned water: turquoise, amber and cerulean, colored by the minerals in the limestone caves from which the waters emerge. The opening of one of these caves is visible from the edge of the basin. Advertisement Because humans have been using Fosse Dionne since before anybody was keeping track for drinking, washing, cooking and bathing there are stories and legends about the spring, some we know and some we don't. In the Middle Ages, it was thought there was a serpent that cruised around deep in the heart of Fosse Dionne, and some even thought it was the portal to another world. The spring features prominently in accounts of the miracles performed by the 7th-century monk St. Jean de Reome, who arrived in the area in the year 645 C.E. to clean up the spring, which was at the time an unusable swamp. The monk reportedly dug a basilisk half rooster and half lizard out of the spring and killed it, allowing people to regain the use of Fosse Dionne for drinking, washing, etc. These days Fosse Dionne looks very civilized from the outside, in its stone basin surrounded by a lavoir, a communal washing place, built in the 18th century to protect washerwomen from the elements as they did their laundry in the spring. But below the surface of the water, the spring is just as wild as when St. Jean de Reome arrived to tame it. The great mystery of the Fosse Dionne spring is where its water actually comes from. There's certainly a lot of water coursing out of it, and like other karst springs, the water emerges from a network of subterranean limestone caves. However, no diver has ever been able to find its source, and many of those who have tried haven't come back alive. Nobody even attempted to plumb the depths of Fosse Dionne until 1974, when two divers undertook navigating the maze of chambers and narrow tunnels of the spring. Neither of those divers came back to tell what they had seen. In 1996 another diver attempted it, but he lost his life to the Fosse Dionne as well. For many years after, divers were prohibited from diving into the spring until 2019, when diver Pierre-Eric Deseigne undertook exploring 1,214 feet (370 meters) of passageways. Luckily he returned alive but didn't find the source of the spring nor did he find another dimension or a monstrous serpent. There's still time. Now That's Interesting It's thought the Fosse Dionne is fed by both rainwater from the hills around Tonnerre and at least one underground river. " " If Ted Bundy hadn't been a biter, it's possible he never would have been convicted of his crimes. Bettmann/Getty Images In January 1978, a manhunt was underway for one of the most notorious serial killers in the history of the United States: Ted Bundy. The previous month, Bundy had escaped from a small jail in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, while awaiting trial for the murder of Caryn Campbell. Eventually landing in Tallahassee, Florida, Bundy went into the Chi Omega sorority house at Florida State University on Jan. 15, 1978, then bludgeoned and strangled four students. Two of them Lisa Levy and Margaret Bowman were killed. Bundy also sexually assaulted Levy and bit her, leaving clear bite marks. Advertisement Bundy was recaptured in February 1978 and eventually went to trial for the Chi Omega murders. The prosecution used bite-mark analysis a form of forensic dentistry to match Bundy's choppers to the victim's bite marks, which was instrumental in his conviction. Despite its success in convicting a legendary serial killer, bite-mark identification today is considered by many to be junk science. According to the Innocence Project, which works to free the wrongfully convicted, 26 people have been wrongly jailed due to bite-mark analysis. The group is lobbying for reform, as bite-mark analysis is still being used by courts. But forensic dentists (also known as forensic odontologists) don't just work on bite-mark analysis. They also are tasked with identifying the dead by their teeth. So let's start by looking at the system that all dentists use to distinguish one tooth from another. FLORENCE, S.C. In 1896, the first Turkey Trot was run at a YMCA in Buffalo, New York. It was a 5-mile course, and every year since, that Turkey Trot has been held. In fact, its the oldest continuous footrace in North America. Since 1896, not only has the Turkey Trot in Buffalo grown in participants capping at 14,000 but also the popularity of such races blossomed across the East Coast and across the nation. The craze hit South Carolina Charlestons was established in 1914. Most cities have picked up the tradition of getting an exercise in before the holiday feast. More than 11 years ago, Florentine Stephen Thompson took the initiative when a couple of events aligned. First, a friend of his with festivals and promotions in Myrtle Beach talked with him about Thanksgiving being the biggest 5K race day in the country and Florence didnt have one. Second, Stephen Thompson and his wife, Alison, were in a small group at First Presbyterian Church with Jeremy and Courtney Emert, who were readying to become missionaries. Thompson took the call to be the Florence race organizer and made the Emerts the beneficiaries so Jeremy Emert would receive funds to help work with women who were abused and teaching them how to sew. The Emerts, with Poetic International, have worked for Poetic in Zambia since 2014. Jeremy Emert is a pastor and is in houses oversight and development. Courtney Emert is worship team lead. What a blessing it has been to our family and ministry to have the support of the annual Thanksgiving Turkey Trotters for the last 10 years, Courtney Emert said. The hard work and commitment of the events sponsors and participants encourage us and spur us on to continue the work that Gods called us to in Zambia, Africa. Blessings on this years event! We have a good community of people doing it every year, said Thompson, who co-owns Local Motive in Florence. Theres out-of-town folks in to see family and runners of all skill sets from Clemson University cross country team members to parents with strollers to walkers that have participated. Thompson said the race has grown over the years. The first year they partnered with House of Hope and had a 5K and 10K, and they had a hundred people race. Since then its been a 5K and growing in numbers last year there were a few hundred participants. Florence Turkey Trot proceeds are donated to Poetic International, where First Presbyterian Church Covenant partners Jeremy and Courtney Emert work in Zambia. There are prizes for everyone, and there are prizes for first, second and third place among the age groups. And there are also gift baskets to the two overall winners. Thompson said he would love to see the race get past the 450 mark of runners. Participants register online. Early bird rates are $45. After Nov. 20, the price increases. For 11 straight years its the volunteers that are the mechanism that makes it happen, Thompson said. Among the dedicated volunteers, the timing team, the company that helps put the race together, and the Briggs Elementary School and neighborhood folks, the race is a success. Its gaining a lot of momentum, Thompson said. It gives me confidence to put it on this year and years to follow. Community members stood along the roadside and waved as a parade on Saturday honoring veterans rolled through downtown Seguin. They then joined and honored those same men and women at a special ceremony at Veterans Park recognizing all who have served. Israel has confirmed this week that they retrieved the bodies of two of the hostages Hamas abducted in its October 7 attack in southern Israel. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Friday (November 17) that they had discovered the body of one of its own soldiers, 19-year-old Cpl. Noa Marciano, in a building next to the al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. Israeli soldiers are continuing to search in and around Gaza's biggest hospital, the BBC reported. IDF chief spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari posted on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, that Israeli intelligence led soldiers to the exact location of Marciano's body. No further details were provided by the IDF on how Marciano died, but Hamas's military wing said she was killed by an Israeli air strike on November 9. However, Hamas's information could not be independently verified. Read Also: Families Retrieve Thousands of Buried Bodies With Bare Hands in Gaza 'Graveyard' Streets How Marciano Died It was earlier revealed that Marciano was serving as a lookout at the Nahal Oz kibbutz when it was attacked by Hamas fighters. Cpl. Marciano's mother, Adi Marciano, told Haaretz that she last spoke to her daughter on the morning of the attack. "She told me she was in a protected space and that there had been an infiltration... She said that she had to end the call," she said. "I didn't hear shots or screams. Half an hour later, I sent her a message, but she didn't reply." Marciano appeared in a video released by Hamas on Monday (November 13), which the IDF called an act of "psychological terrorism." Body of Yehudit Weiss Found Earlier, on Thursday (November 16), the IDF also said its troops found the body of 65-year-old woman Yehudit Weiss in a house near the hospital. According to the New York Times, Israeli troops have transferred Weiss's body to Israel for forensic testing by health officials, who confirmed her identity. Her husband, Shmulik Weiss, was murdered in their Kibbutz Be'eri home in the October 7 attack, Admiral Hagari said. "Unfortunately, Yehudit was murdered by the terrorists in the Gaza Strip, and we didn't reach her on time," he added. Related Article: Hamas To Release 50 Hostages After Reaching Tentative Deal, Pending Israel's Approval @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Two retail units at Peoples Park Complex will be put up for auction on Nov 16 (Photo: Samuel Isaac Chua/EdgeProp Singapore). SINGAPORE (EDGEPROP) - Two separate strata retail units on the second and fourth levels of the Peoples Park Complex in District 1s Chinatown will be put up for auction on Nov 16 by Knight Frank Singapore. The indicative guide price for the 452 sq ft unit on the second level is $1.8 million ($3,982 psf), while the guide price for the fourth-level unit occupying 484 sq ft is $800,000 ($1,653 psf). This is the second time that both units have been put up for sale via Knight Frank Singapores auction. Both units are currently tenanted. The second-floor unit is tenanted to a luxury retail store, which has renewed its lease term for two years from March next year, with a monthly rental rate of $5,000. The fourth-floor unit is tenanted to a wellness therapy business for $1,800 monthly until July 2025. Read also: Commercial unit at Balestier Point on sale for $10 mil The owner of the second-storey retail unit bought the property for $1.45 million ($3,207 psf) in April last year, based on caveats lodged. The owner of the fourth-storey unit bought the property for $828,000 ($1,709 psf) in May last year and is the second owner of the retail space. According to the auctioneer at Knight Frank, the units are not subject to goods and services tax (GST), additional buyers stamp duty (ABSD) or sellers stamp duty (SSD). Moreover, the building has the potential for en bloc sale. Peoples Park Complex is a 99-year leasehold, with a remaining 44 years on its lease. The mixed-use development is located at the junction of Eu Tong Sen Road and Park Crescent. Completed in 1970, it comprises a six-storey retail and office podium and a 25-storey apartment block. It has been zoned for commercial use under the URAs 2019 Masterplan and has a gross plot ratio of 5.6. Based on caveats lodged, the development has seen only three resale transactions so far this year. The last sale occurred in June when a 291 sq ft retail unit changed hands for $1.3 million, or $4,473 psf. The two other sales were in April and involved a 366 sq ft unit sold for $1.7 million ($4,645 psf) and a 452 sq ft unit for $2.08 million ($4,601 psf). Story continues URA sales data from the last 12 months shows Peoples Park Complex retail units typically selling for $947 psf on average. Unit rentals will range between $2.40 psf per month (pm) to $7.10 psf pm, or an average of $4.60 psf pm. This translates to a high rental yield of 5.8%. The developments rental yield is significantly higher than its retail neighbours. Ninety-nine-year leasehold shopping mall Havelock2 on Havelock Road, located within a 500m radius of Peoples Park Centre, has a rental yield of 4.6%. Another nearby mall, Chinatown Point on New Bridge Road, has a rental yield of 3.4%. The higher rental yield at Peoples Park Complex speaks to the high footfall that the development enjoys, likely from residents in the neighbourhood and tourists. Read also: Refurbished conserved terrace at Blair Road on the market for $7.95 mil Peoples Park Complex is accessible via Chinatown MRT Station, located directly next to the development, and Outram Park MRT Station. Tricia Tan, director of auction and sales at Knight Frank Singapore, notes that it is a popular tourist destination with high footfall. She adds that the recent government announcement to build 6,000 residential homes on Pearls Hill in Chinatown is expected to increase traffic in the area, bringing more business and higher investment yields to prospective buyers of the units. Knight Franks Tan expects interest to come from investors locals, foreigners and even corporate buyers. This is because buyers are not subjected to GST, ABSD or SSD. See Also: Food delivery couriers for Meituan in Beijing, China. Meituan operates in more than 2,800 cities and counties in the worlds second-largest economy. (Bloomberg) By Gillian Tan and Vinicy Chan (Bloomberg) Meituan is exploring a potential acquisition of Delivery Hero SEs business in Southeast Asia as the Chinese delivery giant looks to diversify beyond its domestic market, according to people familiar with the matter. Meituan has held talks with Delivery Hero about buying Southeast Asian operations that run under the Foodpanda brand, the people said, asking not to be identified as the information is private. Theres no certainty the discussions will lead to a transaction, and other bidders could emerge. A representative for Meituan didnt respond to requests for comment, while a spokesperson for Delivery Hero declined to comment. Delivery Hero shares rose 3% to 32.22 at the close in Frankfurt on Thursday, while Meituans American depositary receipts dropped 5.2% in New York. Meituan fell as much as 3% in Hong Kong trading on Friday. Founded in 2010, Meituan has become the largest food delivery platform in China. It operates in more than 2,800 cities and counties in the worlds second-largest economy. The tech giant in May started KeeTa, a new food delivery brand, in Hong Kong. Meituans expansion into Southeast Asia would present a challenge for Grab Holdings Ltd., the ride-sharing, food-delivery and fintech company that has quickly become a leader in the region. The Singapore-based company just reached profitability on an adjusted basis, and Meituan would be a much bigger competitor than Grabs current regional rivals. What Bloomberg Intelligence says Meituans potential acquisition of Delivery Heros Foodpanda in Southeast Asia, according to a Bloomberg News report, could pose a threat to Grab, the regions No. 1 food-delivery app. Foodpanda has a large footprint in Southeast Asia, with about 20% of the regions 2022 gross merchandise value. We see Grab as a better suitor for Foodpanda than Sea and GoTo, which face competition and cash flow risks. A hypothetical deal would raise Grabs market share to above 70% from 40-50%. Story continues - Nathan Naidu, analyst In the quarter ended in June, Meituan posted its fastest pace of revenue since 2021 after dining and travel bounced back from Covid-Zero depths despite broader consumer spending malaise. Its expanding into adjacent areas from grocery retailing to group-buying. In March, the food delivery giant abandoned its ride-hailing service to cut down on costs. And its investing heavily in live-streaming services to fend off rivals like ByteDance Ltd.s Douyin. Shares of Meituan have fallen about 36% this year in Hong Kong, giving the company a market value of about US$89 billion. The companys American depositary receipts dropped 3.7% at 10:09 a.m. in New York. Delivery Hero said in September its in talks to sell part of its operation in Southeast Asia, where growth has stagnated since Covid-19 lockdowns eased. Its in negotiations to divest the Foodpanda brand in Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar and Laos. The business in Asia is holding growth back even though its the companys largest and the most profitable segment, Chief Executive Officer Niklas Oestberg said in an interview this week. Gross merchandise value in Asia declined 6.2% in the third quarter from a year earlier to 6.39 billion (US$6.9 billion). 2023 Bloomberg L.P. (British Museum) Its 75 years since Myanmar or Burma, as it was became independent of Britain after a century of colonial rule, so its just the time for this exhibition at the British Museum. Yet its not a happy birthday for Myanmar, given that the country is now associated with military dictatorship and the plight of the Rohinga, and to the credit of the museum, these things are not avoided in this show. But there is more to the country than the vicissitudes of the present. And what this small but interesting exhibition makes clear is the sheer diversity of the region and its peoples, within a largely Buddhist religious culture. It begins around 450 AD and continues to the present day, with 130 objects, from an imposing large golden Buddha to an arresting militaristic poster advertisement for Sunlight Soap. Many of the items are derived from the BM's own extensive collection, supplemented mostly by objects from other British museums, many of them given by Britons who worked in the colonial administration. It was impossible now to borrow from Myanmar collections, so this became an opportunity to showcase the museum's own treasures. One of the most striking exhibits comes at the outset, with what looks to the visitor like a strip of brilliant ruffled gold, edged with rubies (a Burmese speciality). Trouble is, thats exactly what George I thought when he got it and sent it to his personal museum in Hanover. In fact it was a message from the King of Burma giving permission for the British to trade in the country, but the king, thinking it was just a lovely object, didnt reply, and the Burmese king took umbrage. Which just goes to show how cross-cultural misunderstandings can occur. Another fabulous piece is a shell book, that is to say, silk pages within a beautiful large shell cover, with silver hinges, written to the Lieutenant Governor Herbert Thirkell White in 1907 to request local infrastructure, but really, like many objects here, you can envisage it being written at almost any time. Story continues What is plain is that the mass displacement of peoples isnt a new phenomenon in the region, and not a colonial one. Several exhibits derive from people who were, over the centuries, forcibly uprooted from their own area and transplanted to Myanmar. They contributed valuable skills to the country, but there is no glossing over the nature of this exchange. Here we find a striking, vividly executed wall hanging illustrating episodes from the epic known as the Ramayana. We find that it became popular at the Burmese court after Thai theatre troupes, forcibly relocated there, performed the epic at court. A splendid depiction of a procession by King Mindon, as late as the 19th century, showed behind the king, in his gold palanquin and elephants, a series of captive people in Burmese dress. The colonial era provides a series of charming little wooden figures, variously dressed, a kind of aide memoire to the Victorian British of the various ethnicities they governed. But in the 20th century it coincided with rapid modernisation, including photography and a lively cartoon culture, both represented here. Many Brits have family who served in Burma during the last war; theyre not forgotten here. One very detailed map drawn on silk was intended for British personnel who were seeking to escape Burma after the Japanese invasion: the silk could be squished small, and didnt make a noise. The exhibition concludes with a moving film depicting recent protests against the military, and a poignant image of a Rohinga refugee. Yet these are only the latest episodes in the history of a rich and varied culture to which this exhibition serves as a helpful introduction. Burma to Myanmar runs at the British Museum from November 2 to February 11, 2024 Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau together at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders' Week in San Francisco (ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS) Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said Thursday that he told President Xi Jinping he has "serious concerns" about Chinese military activity during their first direct talks in a year and slammed Beijing's ban on its seafood. Kishida said he "expressed our serious concerns over China's increasing military activity near Japan, including its collaboration with Russia" during their meeting on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum. "At the same time, I re-emphasised the extreme importance of the Taiwan Strait's peace and stability to the international community including Japan," Kishida told Japanese television channels after the talks in the United States. "On the East China Sea, I expressed once again our serious concerns and urged the immediate removal of (Chinese) buoys set up in Japan's EEZ," Kishida said, referring to the country's exclusive economic zone. Chinese state media reported that Xi told Kishida in the meeting in San Francisco that Japan and China must "follow the trend of the times, focus on common interests (and) properly handle differences". The Chinese leader said the two nations must "commit themselves to building a Sino-Japanese relationship that meets the requirements of the new era". Military tensions have soared in the Pacific over China's actions in the disputed South China Sea and its drills around the self-ruled island of Taiwan, which Beijing regards as its own territory. Chinese vessels have also increasingly ventured further out into the Pacific. In September, Tokyo said it had detected six ships -- including frigates, destroyers, one fast combat support ship and the Shandong aircraft carrier -- sailing around 650 kilometres (400 miles) south of Miyakojima island, east of Taiwan. It confirmed that jets and helicopters had been detected taking off and landing from the Shandong. China has not commented officially on any drills being conducted in the Western Pacific. Story continues - 'Calm response' - On the seafood ban, Kishida said he "strongly demanded a calm response based on scientific evidence and the immediate removal of restrictions on imports of Japanese food products". He also said the two sides "agreed to seek solutions through dialogue and discussions based on constructive attitude". China banned all Japanese seafood imports after Japan began releasing treated wastewater into the Pacific Ocean from the stricken Fukushima nuclear plant in August, with Beijing accusing Tokyo of treating the sea like a "sewer". Japan insists the discharge is safe, a view backed by the UN atomic watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency. But Xi reiterated complaints about the wastewater release during his talks with Kishida on Thursday, Beijing said. "The release of contaminated water from Japan's Fukushima nuclear plant concerns the health of all mankind, the global marine environment and the international public interest," Xi said, according to the Chinese foreign ministry. Xi "also called on Japan to take seriously the legitimate concerns at home and abroad on the issue", state news agency Xinhua said. Kishida also said he once again demanded the early release of Japanese citizens detained in China. At least 17 Japanese people have been detained by Chinese authorities since China's amended anti-espionage law went into effect in 2015, according to the Japanese foreign ministry. The Japanese embassy confirmed last month that one of its citizens -- an employee of the Japanese pharmaceutical company Astellas -- had been formally arrested, months after Beijing said it had detained the man on spying allegations. Kishida also said that in his meeting with Joe Biden, the US president invited him to the United States for an official state visit early next year. burs-stu-oho/sco LE MARS, Iowa The eighth Annual Floyd Valley Foundation Wine and Craft Beer tasting event, themed "Lights of Love," was held Nov. 11 in Century Hall on the Plymouth County Fairgrounds. The sold-out event of craft beers, wines, food, music and auctions raised a record-setting amount -- $100,000 in net proceeds -- to support the Maternal Health Renovation Project, according to a press release from the Floyd Valley Foundation. We are extremely grateful for the support of the community and businesses who contributed in helping to make this a record setting event year, Amy Harnack, Floyd Valley Foundation manager, said in a statement. This event is one of the largest fundraisers for the Foundation and we appreciate those that continue to volunteer, donate to and attend each year! For more information about the Floyd Valley Foundation or how to make a contribution, please contact Amy, Foundation Manager, at 712-546-3348 or amy.harnack@floydvalley.org. Announcing your ideal acreage set up: a large brick ranch style home, a Quonset building, storage shed and the cutest little country store all packaged up and sitting on 4.19 square acres. This can all be found on a hard surface road just a few minutes outside the quaint town of Merrill, IA. The home greets you with its covered open porch. Upon entry you will find a light filled living room, a large eat-in kitchen with eating peninsula and a formal dining which walks out to the Screenbuilders back porch. The south wing of the main floor has three nice sized bedrooms and shares a full bath that has a new sink. On the north side of the main floor you will find the guest quarters which houses the 4th bedroom, laundry facilities and a 3/4 bath. This area has its own rear entrance and a pocket door separates it from the remainder of the main floor which offers endless opportunities for living. The full basement offers a large L-shaped entertaining room. There are also two additional large storage areas in the lower level. The home is all-electric, has a 99 gallon water heater and a whole house water filter. The 42x60 Quonset building has a concrete floor, work bench and loft area. It would be ideal for storage and a variety of hobby purposes. The 10x14 storage shed has a wood burner and is also great for storage use. One of the shining stars of the property is the sweetest Country Store one has ever seen. This 912 sq. ft. building is heated, cooled, sheet rocked and painted. It has most recently been used as an antique shop. There is a garage door at the rear of the building and would be great for an accessory dwelling unit (would just need water and a bathroom), a nice studio space or whatever else you desire. There is a neighbor that has cash rented some of the land on the south and east sides for corn. This is really a nice, unique and totally livable property just ready for its new owner.. View More SIOUX CITY Dr. Albert Mosley was proud of a rainbow and peace sign that he painted on a canvas, celebrating Transgender Awareness Week on the Morningside University campus. That is until the Morningside President realized both would be viewed upside-down when the painting would be placed. "It'll be OK," Mosley said, laughing good-naturedly after realizing the mishap. "My contribution may draw more eyes to the art." Actually, that was the whole point behind the creation of the mural which will be displayed inside of the Hickman-Johnson-Furrow Learning Center, according to Camry Miranda, a Morningside senior and president of the campus' Diversity, Openness and Togetherness (D.O.T.) student-led group. "For the past three years, we've held observances for Transgender Awareness Week and Transgender Day of Remembrance," Miranda said of the week which runs from Monday, Nov. 13 until Sunday, Nov. 19. The day itself takes place on Monday, Nov. 20. "This year, we decided to mark the occasions by inviting students, faculty and community members to help us paint a mural," Miranda said. Morningside students paint for trans rights Morningside University students paint a canvas to celebrate Transgender Awareness Week and Remembrance Day with the guidance of local artist a Indeed, the outline of the mural -- reading "Trans People Will Always Exist" -- was the creation of Sioux City-based artist (and 2016 Morningside University alumnus) Kitty Hart. "I grew up in a very small town in southwest Iowa and the only thing I knew about sexuality was that there were straight people and gay people," said Hart who creates art under the pseudonym "Kitty Kitty Bang, Bang." "I identify as nonbinary and didn't even realize other people felt the same way I did ... Anything that I can do to promote the trans community is definitely a good thing and a step in the right direction." Yet Miranda said Morningside's D.O.T. group membership wasn't limited to LGBTQIA+ community. "Morningside has always had a pretty progressive campus," Miranda said. "Our group is a product of that and so is this art project." Morningside students paint for trans rights Morningside University President Albert Mosley, right, joins students in painting a canvas to celebrate Transgender Awareness Week and Remembr Morningside students paint for trans rights Morningside University students paint a canvas to celebrate Transgender Awareness Week and Remembrance Day in the Olsen Student Center on Wednesday. In fact, the painting of the mural -- held Wednesday inside of the Yockey Meeting Room at the University's Olsen Student Center -- attracted a wide selection of artistic pros as well as people who've seldom wielded a paint brush before in their lives. That included Dem Stout, an education junior, who preferred painting with her fingers instead of a brush. "You know what? I've never done any finger-painting in my life," Stout said, making little hearts on the canvas. "Not even in kindergarten." "I don't I've ever painted with my fingers either," Jacob Vaught, a biochemistry senior, said. "This is so much fun." Morningside students paint for trans rights Morningside University students paint a canvas to celebrate Transgender Awareness Week and Remembrance Day in the Olsen Student Center on Wednesday. Morningside students paint for trans rights Morningside University President Albert Mosley, center, joints students in painting a canvas to celebrate Transgender Awareness Week and Remem Hart smiled as a group of nearly 20 people took turns on a mural. "It's really coming together nicely, isn't it?" Hart said. Miranda acknowledged most news on the transgender community centered on negativity yet Transgender Awareness Week is all about uplifting people. "This is really a time of celebration," Miranda said. "It is like what the mural says. Trans people will always exist." Morningside students paint for trans rights Morningside University students paint a canvas to celebrate Transgender Awareness Week and Remembrance Day in the Olsen Student Center on Wednesday. Morningside students paint for trans rights Morningside University students prepare paint a canvas to celebrate Transgender Awareness Week and Remembrance Day with the guidance of local SIOUX CITY A teenager charged with setting fire to multiple all-terrain vehicles at a Sioux City dealership has pleaded guilty. Jonathan Capella, 19, of Clinton, Iowa, entered his plea Nov. 9 to single counts of second-degree arson and first-degree criminal mischief. Sentencing was scheduled for Jan. 17 in Woodbury County District Court. Sioux City Fire Rescue crews responded on Dec. 4 to the fire at the Yamaha dealership, 2430 Highway 75 N., where they found three ATVs engulfed in flames. Police officers observed Capella walking nearby, and, according to court documents, he admitted he started the fires "for fun." Three vehicles and a shipping container full of equipment were damaged. The dealership estimated the damage at $70,000. Exploding drones are now changing the Russia-Ukraine war, as claimed by military experts. Many of them even believe that these kamikaze UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) are becoming more dangerous than tanks and other warfare weapons. As of writing, the use of kamikaze drones is further widening in the Ukraine as the Russian government pushes its invasion. Experts said that these weapons are seemingly everywhere; killing anyone and anything unlucky enough to come across its path. How Exploding Drones Change Russia-Ukraine War According to Business Insider, drone experts said that suicidal drones are making the Russia-Ukraine war "sucks." They shared this statement after seeing some videos of how kamikaze UAVs kill their helpless targets. Most footage shared on X and other social media platforms are first-person-view videos of kamikaze drones before and after they slam into armored personnel carriers, supply trucks, and tanks. Now, there are also videos showing these drones striking enemy troop hideouts, trenches, squads, dugouts, and lone soldiers. This new footage clearly shows that suicidal drones are unlike anything else seen before on the battlefield. As more and more soldiers become more trained when it comes to using these UAVs, they are inflicting more damage and creating more casualties in the Russia-Ukraine war. As of press time, Ukraine is the one more open when it comes to using kamikaze drones. Meanwhile, Russia-although it doesn't deny the use of suicidal UAVs-doesn't talk about using these unmanned drones. Read Also: North Korea Successfully Tests Solid-Fuel Engines for Intermediate-Range Nuclear Ballistic Missiles What Exploding Drone Videos Show Yahoo News provided some videos showing how suicidal drones take down their targets; humans, tanks, armored vehicles, etc. One of these videos shows a Ukrainian drone chasing down a Russian Bukhanka (a kind of Russian truck). In the footage, you can see that some Russian soldiers are trying to take the drone down using their AKs. Unfortunately, the UAV made a direct hit, destroying the truck. In other footage, another Ukrainian kamikaze drone was seen flying around a forest in the west of Kreminna. After identifying its target inside a wooden cabin, the drone went inside. The video didn't show what happened to the people inside the cabin, but experts concluded that many of them died or were heavily injured. If you want to see the actual videos of these drones used by the Ukrainian military, you can click this link. Related Article: Russia Allegedly Putting Ukrainian Children in Military Training; Thousands of Kids Possibly Relocated in Belarus @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. SIOUX CITY As the FBI investigated questionable voting documents filed during the 2020 elections in Woodbury County, agents noticed a couple patterns from statements given by Vietnamese-speaking voters to investigators and before a federal grand jury. Those patterns depended on which generation was being interviewed, FBI special agent Matt Murphy testified Thursday. Among grandparents and parents, those who immigrated here and were less likely to be fluent in English: "That Kim Taylor had interacted with them and had filled out or assisted in filling out voting documents," Murphy said. And among their children, those who grew up in Sioux City and spoke and understood English: "They told us they didn't vote." Yet in some cases, absentee ballot requests and completed absentee ballots were filed on the younger voters' behalf prior to both the 2020 primary and general elections. Federal prosecutors have charged Taylor with 52 counts of voting-related fraud, accusing her of conducting a scheme in which she fraudulently filled out voting forms and ballots on behalf of dozens of Vietnamese voters, many who have limited English comprehension. It's alleged Taylor filled out forms and had voters sign on behalf of children and grandchildren without fully explaining or interpreting the forms or telling them they needed permission before signing papers on another person's behalf. Prosecutors believe Taylor, who has pleaded not guilty, did so in order to amass votes for her husband, Jeremy Taylor, a Republican who ran unsuccessfully for his party's nomination for a U.S. House seat in the 2020 primary and was elected to the Woodbury County Board of Supervisors that fall. Jeremy Taylor has not been charged, but has been named as an unindicted co-conspirator. Through four days of trial in U.S. District Court in Sioux City, several witnesses have viewed voting forms they said they did not fill out or sign. Older voters said Taylor filled out the forms, they signed them and Taylor then took them and dropped them off at the Woodbury County Courthouse. Brothers Minh Nhat Pham and Minh Tan Pham both testified Thursday they have never voted and did not know who filled out and signed voter registration forms and absentee ballot request forms or submitted ballots in their names during the June 2020 Republican primary and November 2020 general election. Both men said they did not live in Sioux City at that time, and handwriting and signatures on the forms were not theirs. They did not give anyone permission to request forms or vote for them, they said. On Wednesday, their mother, My Do, who requires an interpreter or translator to understand English, testified Kim Taylor had brought the forms to her home. Do said she signed all the documents and the ballots on her sons' behalf, but said Taylor did not read her information explaining the forms must be signed by the person whose name appears on them. Hai Nguyen, an 86-year-old who immigrated from Vietnam in 1993, testified through an interpreter Thursday that Taylor had brought forms numerous times to his home, where he lived with his wife, son and, at times, granddaughter. He said it was hard for him to remember if Taylor would translate the forms for him, and he didn't remember ever filling out a ballot. "I gave everything to her (Taylor)," Nguyen said. "She filled them out. She did whatever she wanted to." Nguyen's granddaughter, Yen Nguyen, a 22-year-old Iowa State University student, said she's never voted, and couldn't have signed an absentee ballot request form in September 2020 because she was at Army National Guard mobilization at the time. Still, the request and a subsequent ballot were filled out, both documents bearing her signature. "That is not my handwriting," she said when shown the documents. Murphy said his investigation began in late November 2020 after receiving information from Woodbury County Auditor/Recorder and election commissioner Pat Gill about two absentee ballots being cast by Iowa State students who said they had not voted. During more than 50 interviews, Murphy said, Kim Taylor's name kept coming up as someone who was helping Vietnamese voters with election forms. Under cross examination from Taylor's attorney, F. Montgomery Brown, Murphy said he did not have any of the documents examined by a forensic handwriting examiner in an attempt to identify who had filled out and signed questionable documents he collected as evidence. "We thought witness testimony and statements were sufficient," Murphy said. Murphy said the case remains under investigation. At the conclusion of Murphy's testimony, the government surprisingly rested its case, which had been expected to last into next week. On Friday, Brown moved for a motion of acquittal, a routine action in which the defense argues the prosecution has not submitted sufficient evidence for jurors to find the defendant guilty. Chief U.S. District Judge Leonard Strand reserved judgment on the motion and said the case would proceed to the jury. Strand also ruled that Brown may not have a planned witness testify before the jury about overhearing a statement Woodbury County Auditor and commissioner of elections Pat Gill made to another person about considering a run for a seat on the Woodbury County Board of Supervisors. Gill denied making the statement when testifying earlier in the trial. Strand said the statements had nothing to do with the charges Taylor faces. The trial will resume on Monday, when Brown will call witnesses for the defense. Brown told Strand he believed he would be finished calling witnesses by noon, leaving the possibility that closing arguments could be made yet Monday. SIOUX CITY -- Leaders from Sioux City and Yamanashi City, Japan, celebrated the 20th anniversary of their sister city relationship Thursday and looked to continue that special alliance for another two decades. A sister city affiliation between the two cities was signed on Nov. 6, 2003. Yamanashi City, which is located roughly 100 kilometers from Tokyo, has a population of around 34,000 people. Sioux City has maintained a sister city relationship with Lake Charles, Louisiana, for more than 20 years and inked a sister city agreement with Gjilan, Kosovo, in 2020. "On this extraordinary occasion, we celebrate not just the passing of years, but the deepening of friendships, the strengthening of bonds and the rich tapestry of cultural exchanges flourish between Yamanashi City and Sioux City, over the past two decades," Mayor Bob Scott read from prepared remarks during the special program, which was held at City Hall and presented in both Japanese and English. "The sister city relationship between our two communities is a source of immense pride for us. It's a testament to the power of friendship and the incredible impact collaboration can have on shaping the destiny of nations." Sister City anniversary Osamu Shimazaki, Yamanashi City superintendent of education, far left, and Yamanashi City Mayor Haruo Takagi present Ritsuko Suzuki's artwork Gold star streamers hung from a wall and blue and silver tassels decorated the City Council desks in the room. A sign printed in both Japanese and English welcomed the Yamanashi City delegation: Haruo Takagi, the city's mayor; Osamu Shimazaki, superintendent of education; Munenori Hirano, manager of Yamanashi City Hall Regional Resource Development Division; Yu Watanabe, a staff member of the Yamanashi City Hall Regional Resource Development Division; and Mia Sudo, executive vice president of Sudo Manufacturing Co. in Japan and a Morningside University board member. While in Sioux City, the delegation is visiting Jolly Time Popcorn, Morningside University, the Sioux City Art Center, the Sioux City Career Academy, the Sioux City Public Library, the Sioux City Public Museum, the Sioux City Police Department and Western Iowa Tech Community College. Takagi wished "good health" and "happiness" to everyone who attended the event, which included the exchange of gifts, the singing of Yamanashi Municipal Hymn and a video presentation featuring Yamanashi City's orchards, waterfalls and forests. Sister City anniversary Haruo Takagi, Mayor of Yamanashi City, Osamu Shimazaki, Yamanashi City superintendent of education, and Munenori Hirano, manager of Yamanashi Scott acknowledged Tom Padgett, a former Sioux City Mayor who was in attendance, and Sudo for being instrumental in the sister city relationship's formation and longevity. "Without Tom's leadership back 20 years ago, we probably wouldn't be having this relationship," Scott said. "I want to thank one other person and that's Mia Sudo. Without her, I'm not sure the relationship would have prospered as well as it has, and she's been very instrumental in that." Trisha Rivers, a member of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska and the Inclusive Sioux City Advisory Committee's Native representative, placed a folded star quilt on Takagi's shoulder and handed him a book, because "knowledge is invaluable." Other items she gifted the delegation included sage, sweetgrass and wild rice, which she noted is native to the Ho-Chunk people. "Although our people have survived genocide, forced assimilation and unfair treatment of the U.S. government. We are still here. Today marks a special day of friendship, of partnership," she said. "I hope that other world leaders can look to our friendships that we have created here." The Yamanashi City delegation presented Sioux City leaders with artwork from Ritsuko Suzuki, a citizen of Yamanashi City. One of Sioux City artist Paul Chelstad's pieces was given to the Yamanashi delegation. A handful of Chelstad's best-known artworks are being exhibited at the Nakamura Keith Haring Collection, a museum in Yamanashi Prefecture. sistercityceremony_th.jpg Yamanashi City Mayor Teruhito Nakamura and Sioux City Mayor Craig Berenstein make it official during a formal signing ceremony held at Sioux C City Manager Bob Padmore told those gathered that the sister cities' collaborative projects "stand as towering monuments to what can be achieved when two communities come together with a shared vision." He cited sustainable urban development initiatives and innovative public health campaigns as having "transformed cityscapes" and "improved the lives" of citizens. "In the role of education, our collaboration has been nothing short of transformative for student exchanges, joint research endeavors and scholarship programs. We've nurtured the minds of our youth, fostering a sense of global citizenship and instilling in them the values of tolerance, understanding and cooperation," said Padmore, who ended his remarks by saying, "Thank you very much," in Japanese. Sister City anniversary Trisha Rivers places a star quilt on Yu Wantanabe, a Yamanashi City Hall Regional Resource Development Department staff member, while presenti 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. DETROIT Federal crash investigators want automakers to install systems on all new vehicles that warn drivers when they go over the speed limit, and it is asking regulators to figure out how states can electronically limit speeds on vehicles driven by repeat traffic offenders. The National Transportation Safety Board's recommendations to combat excessive speeding came after a recent hearing on a January 2022 crash in North Las Vegas, Nevada. In that crash, the driver of a Dodge Challenger with a long record of speeding ran a red light at 103 mph and slammed into a minivan, killing himself and eight others. The board, which can only make recommendations and has no regulatory authority, determined that the Challenger driver's excessive speed and failure to obey a stop sign and red light caused the crash. His impairment from cocaine and PCP contributed. But it also found that the state of Nevada failed to seriously punish the driver after he was charged with five speeding violations in the 17 months before the crash. Some of the violations were reduced to parking tickets in plea bargains, and neighboring courts were unaware of the string of driving problems in other courts, the board said. From 1992 to 2017, the driver was convicted of 11 traffic violations including three speeding violations. Yet at the time of the crash, his official state driving record had only one moving violation listed, for speeding in 2017, the NTSB said. The state of Nevada must do better about removing the silos of adjacent courts and sharing information, board member Michael Graham said. The state of Nevada failed to hold the driver accountable. NTSB staff members said the problem of one court not knowing what another has done with a repeat traffic violator happens in other states as well. They said that unless court data is distributed widely, it will be hard to impose punishment. Also, the Nevada Legislature in 2021 decriminalized traffic offenses including speeding less than 30 mph over the limit, making tickets a civil offense and lifting the possibility of jail time for unpaid fines. Serious offenses including 30 mph above the limit and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol remain criminal offenses. Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson in Las Vegas and aides to Nevada state Attorney General Aaron Ford did not immediately respond to messages about the NTSB findings. The NTSB also recommended that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration develop measures to reduce the number of repeat speeding offenders, and to develop guidelines to help states test speed-limiting devices on vehicles owned by repeat offenders. NHTSA will be asked to require as standard equipment on all new vehicles intelligent speed assistance systems that use cameras and mapping to determine the speed limit and at minimum, warn drivers when they go over it. The board also discussed pushing states to install active systems that make it harder for a repeat offender to speed, or limit speeding altogether. The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, a trade group representing automakers, said technology can play a role in reducing speed-related crashes, but the group has long backed policies focusing on education, enforcement and infrastructure investment. NTSB Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy expressed frustration that prior recommendations that NHTSA include speed limit warnings in its new car ratings have gone unheeded. Adding the warnings to features outlined in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program would prod automakers to install the features to compete over safety, Homendy said. We're sick of not seeing action by NHTSA, she said in an interview. She said speeding accounts for one-third of the roughly 43,000 U.S. traffic deaths each year. In a statement, a NHTSA spokeswoman said the safety agency welcomes NTSB input and carefully reviews it. In March of last year the agency sought public comment on updates to the new vehicle ratings, including whether speed limiters or warnings should be added. The agency, she said, is reviewing comments and is developing a regulation. The NTSB also asked the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety to study the impact of automotive marketing ads that the board said encourage speeding. Homendy cited a Dodge muscle car ad that she said emphasizes speed and encourages drivers to never lift their foot off the gas pedal. The North Las Vegas crash on a weekend evening killed the 59-year-old driver with a history of traffic and criminal offenses and his 46-year-old male passenger in the Challenger that investigators found accelerated before it ran a red light and slammed into the minivan. Three other vehicles were damaged in chain-reaction crashes at the busy multi-lane crossroads. In all, 15 people were involved. The seven dead family members ranged in age from 5 to 35 and lived in North Las Vegas. An autopsy found the driver who caused the crash, Gary Dean Robinson of North Las Vegas, had levels of cocaine and PCP in his system above levels at which Nevada law says a driver is presumed to be intoxicated. Records showed he had a yearslong history of traffic and criminal offenses, including speeding, and served time in state prison after pleading guilty in 2004 to felony cocaine possession and violating probation. Just days before the crash, Robinson pleaded guilty in Las Vegas to speeding, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported. He was fined $150. From cruise control to self-driving mode: A history of automated car innovations From cruise control to self-driving mode: A history of automated car innovations 1948: Cruise control 1969: Anti-lock brakes 1983: Electronic stability control 1991: Rearview video systems 1992: Adaptive cruise control 1995: Blind spot detection 2000: Forward collision warning 2001: Lane departure warning 2008: Automatic emergency braking 2022: Conditional automation CEDAR FALLS Despite uncharacteristic discord on the state Board of Regents over a list of diversity, equity, and inclusion recommendations, the board on Thursday approved the suggestions and asked the universities to produce progress reports and implementation plans by April. I, for one, cannot agree with a few of the points described in these 10 recommendations, Regent Nancy Dunkel of Dyersville told her eight fellow regents after a study group of three regents presented their DEI assessment and suggested changes. When we have diverse people at the table, we get different perspectives, different opinion and different voices. The study was mandated by the Republican-led Iowa Legislature, and the recommendations basically call for increased political diversity on university campuses and more scrutiny of DEI positions on those campuses. The Board of Regents, by law, must maintain political balance, but Dunkel is the only registered Democrat on the board. Accommodating the letter of the law, Gov. Kim Reynolds has maintained a board of five Republicans and three registered independents, plus Dunkel, a former state legislator and retired banker. We can only have nine members on this board, so when we choose to be diverse, not everyone who wants to be on this board can be, Dunkel said. And Im afraid that the voices that are getting louder are people who want to give their opinion, but theyre not on this board. Among the study groups recommendations are ones advising the University of Iowa, Iowa State University and University of Northern Iowa to: Restructure central DEI offices to eliminate diversity functions not required as part of accreditation rules. Review all DEI positions at the college, department and unit level to determine whether the jobs are necessary for accreditation and cut or adjust position responsibilities that arent. Take steps to make sure no employee, student or visitor has to submit a diversity statement or be evaluated based on DEI initiatives. Make sure no employee, student, applicant or visitor is compelled to share his or her pronouns. Establish a board policy explicitly prohibiting consideration of race or other protected class in admissions. Annually advise employees on the separation of personal political advocacy and university business. Explore recruitment strategies to advance diversity of intellectual and philosophical perspective in faculty and staff applicant pools. 'Micromanaging' Institutions Dunkel, in her admonishment of the recommendations, said, We have to be careful here. As good board members, we need to use our good judgment to steward the institutional systems forward, she said We have a fiduciary duty of loyalty to our regents schools mission. And were supposed to stay independent and faithfully serve our institutions over our other interests. In the report produced by the regent study group comprised of two who are registered Republicans and one independent the authors note recent legislation passed in other states barring DEI activities not necessary for accreditation and compliance. In the preface of this report, we talk about comparing our state to Florida and Texas, Dunkel said. I would say to that, what happened to our peer groups that each of our universities use for comparisons on many levels? None of the 10 peer universities assigned to each of Iowas three public universities are based in Texas or Florida, according to an update of the peer institutions approved in February. Dunkel warned of the chilling effect DEI restrictions could have on business in and recruitment to Iowa. We are micromanaging their decisions and imposing new political intrusions, Dunkel said of the universities. Professors and leaders in our schools encourage critical thinking, discussion and questioning to improve learning. External intrusions do not improve, but are trying to undermine and control the universities. Political diversity Having heard from a lineup of students during this weeks regents meeting in Cedar Falls concerned about intrusions on DEI efforts across the campuses, student regent Abby Crow, on Thursday said she, too, had concerns with some of the recommendations and couldnt support them as written. Specifically, Crow criticized what she viewed as the hypocrisy of encouraging recruitment strategies supporting political diversity while snuffing out efforts for racial and ethnic diversity. I dont understand how this recommendation isnt in some kind of opposition or conflict with earlier recommendations, said Crow, a UI graduate student. Especially when we talked about how requirements such as these could serve to limit the applicant pool, particularly where this requirement has little or no direct relationship to position requirements. In defending the recommendations, Regent David Barker of Iowa City who sat on the study group said academic studies have found reduced philosophical, political perspective and diversity at universities over time. And I believe the same is true in our universities, Barker said. I believe that that kind of diversity is beneficial, and I believe that it has been deflected in the past and that it would be a good idea for the universities to think about ways that they might increase that kind of diversity. Crow, in response, said, I dont think we can pick and choose which aspects of diversity that we want to encourage more at the universities. Barker said regents can, if one aspect has been deprived of progress, while the other has thrived. I think the universities have done an excellent job of promoting many kinds of diversity, he said. I think, though, that we may have fallen short on diversity of ideological and political perspective. Regent Robert Cramer of Grimes, siding with Barker, said, When you see a particular group being left out, you try to make a little extra effort. In the end, a majority of the regents approved the recommendations requiring the universities to report back with findings and implementation plans in April. Israel has some of the most advanced armed forces in the world, but in its war against Hamas it lacks an equally sophisticated political strategy. The humanitarian catastrophe occurring in Gaza is taking on frightening dimensions. Bread is running out. Scabies and diarrhea rip through crowded shelters. Brackish water is making people sick. Even U.S. officials now admit the civilian death toll is likely to be far higher than the 10,000 reported. It is talking, not fighting, that will end the war. The absence of a sustainable peace plan divides Israel and its allies. When Benjamin Netanyahu suggested Israeli forces could be in Gaza indefinitely, Washington made it clear it wanted no permanent reoccupation. Netanyahu backed down. But he has not ruled out shrinking Gazas territory to create a buffer zone or forcibly displacing Palestinians. ... Israel, which lost 1,400 people in a single day of horrific Hamas violence, remains in a deep state of shock. It is not only the loss of life that Israel is dealing with. Many Israelis also personally feel they are in danger, no matter where they live in the country. Netanyahu was wrong to reject a ceasefire-for-hostages deal in Gaza. Freeing innocents from Hamas clutches need not stand in the way of making sure the militants pay for their atrocities. What is also at stake is whether Israels leadership can continue with a policy of active and unrelenting hostility toward the Palestinians. This political strategy sought through unassailable military strength to end claims for an independent Palestinian state over the West Bank and Gaza with a capital city in East Jerusalem. Paradoxically, this meant strengthening the extremist elements among the Palestinians, who also rejected the two-state solution. Netanyahu has said for years he will never permit a Palestinian state. Much of the world had given up on the conflicts honorable resolution, in view of Israels steady building of illegal settlements in the West Bank and a divided Palestinian leadership. Just a week before Oct. 7, U.S. officials were boasting that the region is quieter today than it has been in two decades. Those words ring hollow today. The longer the fighting, the more likely war spreads to nearby countries and the higher the Palestinian civilian death toll. The latter statistic is a recruiting sergeant for Hamas, prompting President Joe Bidens top military adviser to warn that time is short in Gaza for the Israelis. But it is not clear if these are the voices that Netanyahu is listening to. Unfortunately, he is more likely to hear the words of his younger brother, Iddo, who recently wrote that only the urgent terrible fear of our power could pacify Palestinians, rather than Israel waiting for them to rid themselves of abysmal hatred. It is this approach that has failed both Israelis and Palestinians -- and needs to change. Congress took steps this week to avert a year-end cliff for key farm and food assistance programs as lawmakers have struggled to reauthorize a new farm bill this year. The U.S. House voted this week to extend the current farm bill for one year while negotiations continue on a new farm bill. House lawmakers passed a short-term funding bill to keep the federal government operating and avert a shutdown, sending the bill to the Senate days before a Friday deadline. The Senate is expected to quickly approve the bill, which would allow President Biden to sign it into law before the deadline. The legislation extends funding for the U.S. Department of Agriculture at current spending levels until Jan. 19 and extends all programs at levels provided in the 2018 Farm Bill through Sept. 30, 2024. It provides funding for a handful of small-ticket programs that were orphaned at the end of fiscal year 2023, including feral swine eradication, urban agriculture and a reserve fund for overseas food aid. The outlays would be offset by rescinding $177 million in unobligated funds in the Biorefinery Assistance Program and savings in USDA internal operations, Politico reported. Without an extension, farmers would see commodity policies revert to permanent law with controls on production and costly price supports adopted in the 1930s and 1940s. Under the House-passed stopgap spending bill, dairy subsidies would be extended through Dec. 31, 2024, to avert the looming dairy cliff on Jan. 1, when the government-guaranteed price of fresh milk would more than double, potentially driving up grocery-store prices. IOWANS IN CONGRESS WANT NEW FARM BILL PASSED While good news for farmers, Iowa Republican U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley and U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson, of Marion, said the extension is not a substitute for a reauthorization. There was no way I would have let the Farm Bill expire, and Ive already urged Speaker Johnson to put passing a strong Farm Bill at the top of our priority list, Hinson said in a statement to The Gazette. She said shell continue working with her colleagues to strengthen voluntary conservation programs, lower input costs, provide regulatory certainty, and ensure an affordable food and fuel supply for Iowans. Ill continue working to ensure the final legislation strengthens risk management tools like crop insurance, preserves and expands market access for ag products, promotes precision ag and other farmer-led conservation, and modernizes USDA conservation programs to improve resiliency against flooding and drought, she said. Iowa Republican U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, of Ottumwa, said in a statement to The Gazette that it is essential that the House move forward and swiftly pass a Farm Bill that is written by and for our farmers. As Iowa leads the United States in corn and ethanol production, it is vital that we advocate for provisions to grow the industry, Miller-Meeks said. We must also work to safeguard commodity and conservation programs, rural broadband funding, and crop insurance initiatives." Grassley, speaking to reporters by phone Wednesday, said the House bill has a good chance to passing the Senate. The extension will provide certainty, but just for one year, and thats obviously not as good as if we got a five-year program through, he said. Grassley added program pricing that provides financial protections to farmers from substantial drops in crop prices included in the 2018 Farm Bill do not reflect increased input costs for fertilizer, chemicals, seed and fuel. The sprawling legislative package thats reauthorized every five years supports several key farm and safety net programs, like crop insurance, as well as agriculture research, rural development, conservation, SNAP benefits once called food stamps and more. UNCERTAINTY LINGERS Chad Hart, an economist and crop markets specialist for Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, said passage of the House bill provides farmers with some certainty about whether key farm commodity support will continue. But, he said, they still face the uncertainty of whether the government is going to be able to administer those programs, as it still leaves open the possibility for a future shutdown if lawmakers cant come to an agreement on long-term spending measures. We now know when farmers plant in the spring the support programs they will have in place to support them through the year, he said. What we didnt get out of last nights vote was certainty on the long-term funding for government operations. Hart noted some mandatory expenditures and others marked as discretionary that fund food assistance programs could go forward, but that funding for food assistance for women and children who rely on the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children commonly called WIC would run out and cease operations if a shutdown runs long enough. "Theres not been a lot of forward-thinking discussion of what changes might be made in either existing programs or new programs created in the next Farm Bill, Hart said. This buys them another year to basically have that discussion. Income support programs will be in effect for the 2024 crop year. Before the extension, those programs stopped with 2023. But will the government be able to run the programs and cut the checks? The collective rage of the U.S. media was unleashed Thursday amid reports that the callow youth on TikTok expressed sympathies with Osama bin Laden, who murdered nearly 3,000 people on Sept. 11, 2001. A small number of TikTok users found a letter written by bin Laden and published by the Guardian in 2002 and thought thatdespite it being full of antisemitic garbage and Islamic-fundamentalist nutterythe late terrorist and al-Qaida leader made some good points in critiquing American foreign policy. Sure, the sentiment these videos expressed is nauseating. But so is a lot of stuff on the internet, and to call out these particular pieces of content is to misunderstand TikTok and to grossly mischaracterize the chain of events that brought this phenomenon before a mass audience. Heres how CNN framed the story: Dozens of young Americans have posted videos on TikTok this week expressing sympathy with Osama bin Laden, the notorious terrorist who orchestrated the September 11 attacks, for a two-decade-old letter he wrote critiquing the United States, including its government and support of Israel. Lets stop there for a moment. Dozens of people doing anything on TikTok does not a trend make. But lets see where this goes: The letter, which attempts to justify the targeting and killing of American civilians, was first published in 2002. It began to recirculate this week on the social media platform, and videos on the topic had garnered at least 14 million views by Thursday. The New York Times reported something similar, noting that the hashtag #LetterToAmerica, the name of the bin Laden essay, garnered 14.2 million views across videos. A TikTok spokesperson told the Washington Post that only 274 videos used the hashtag on Tuesday and Wednesday before tweets and media coverage drove people to it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Less than 300 videos? 14 million views total? On TikTok, those are paltry numbers. The other day, I watched a video of a guy trying Indian food for the first time thatby itselfgot 18.6 million views on TikTok. In May, I tweeted a video of a guy unclogging a sewer drain and that got 26 million views. At any moment online, things are going viral before TikToks massive audience. To call these pro-Osama videos viral, however, would be a stretch. TikToks algorithm is known for supersizing virality, often lifting seemingly random content to ungodly heights quicker than any other platform. These videos seem to have received some kind of boostbut far short of what TikTok is capable of. Advertisement But while the videos themselves didnt go viral, the backlash to the videos did. Over the past 24 hours, thousands of TikToks (at least) have been posted where people share how they just read Bin Ladens infamous "Letter to America," in which he explained why he attacked the United States. The TikToks are from people of all ages, races, ethnicities, and pic.twitter.com/EwjiGtFEE3 Yashar Ali (@yashar) November 16, 2023 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One prominent Twitter figures outraged post about the videos, which included a supercut of them, racked up 32 million views on X. Flipping through TV channels on Thursday, I noticed the story on several different news broadcastsevery anchor and reporter was disgusted and wanted to say so. The Biden administration even responded Thursday. No one should ever insult the 2,977 American families still mourning loved ones by associating themselves with the vile words of Osama bin Laden, White House spokesperson Andrew Bates wrote on X while sharing the CNN article. Advertisement Related From Slate Why Donald Trumps Social Network Is in So Much Trouble Read More And the Guardian, which originally published the letter, deleted it from its archivessometimes a faux pas in modern journalism, where transparency for even egregious errors or past mistakes is commonplace. (The transcript published on our website had been widely shared on social media without the full context, an editors note now reads. Therefore we decided to take it down and direct readers instead to the news article that originally contextualised it.) TikTok then said its aggressively removing the videos, which violate its platform rules. The Guardians removal and TikToks heavy policing likely added fuel to the fire, bringing more attention to a once-contained issue, a social-era version of the Streisand effect. The Guardians list of most-viewed stories now lists Removed Document near the topa placeholder for where the letter once stood. Advertisement Advertisement To live in a society with free speech is to live in a society with repulsive speech. People have a right to be stupid and hateful and wrong, and privately run social media sites have a right to largely police their platforms the way they see fit. Small factions of people will always have repugnant ideas, express them, andhopefullyfeel the awesome weight of the world responding. But what we need to keep in mind is proportionality. A small group of nobodies on TikTok saying dumb shit is not a viral trend that necessitates mass hysteria in response. This incident is only news because, well, it became news. It sounds strange to say that a 2-hour-and-38-minute-long epic like Ridley Scotts Napoleon feels rushed, but even a runtime that capacious proves too short for this ambitious but muddled film to cover almost three decades of its subjects absurdly eventful life. Between his rise to power in his mid-20s and his death in 1821 at age 51 (played at all those ages by the 49-year-old Joaquin Phoenix), Napoleon Bonaparte packed in a lot of history-making. He was a brash military leader and a passionate supporter of the anti-royalist ideals of the French Revolution who would nonetheless seize control of the country in a coup detat and, soon after, crown himself emperor in a ceremony of unprecedented pomp: The famous Jacques-Louis David painting of the coronation, with the would-be Caesar holding the royal headgear aloft, is reproduced by Scott in precise and sumptuous detail. During a dozen-year stretch of international conflict known as the Napoleonic Wars, the leader who was sometimes called the little corporal (probably a term of affection among his soldiers rather than a description of his height) led the nation through some of the most successful military campaigns in world history, such as the Battle of Austerlitz in 1805, and some of the most ill-advised, such as a poorly timed invasion of Russia that was defeated in part by General Winter. After that botched venture led to hundreds of thousands of French deaths, Napoleon was exiled to a remote island, escaped with a small force of supporters, and managed to regain power just long enough to be routed at Waterloo and exiled again, this time for good. Advertisement Advertisement Napoleon documents all these events and more with a series of battle sequences that grow ever more staggering in scale and, alas for the viewer, ever less dramatically interesting. The most engaging conflict arises not from the extravagantly orchestrated clashes between armies but from the relationship between Napoleon and Josephine de Beauharnais (Vanessa Kirby), an aristocratic widow who becomes his first wife and the lifelong object of his passion, jealousy, and love, even after he divorces her for failing to bear him a son and heir. From the start, their marriage is contentious, driven by a mutual battle of wills that borders on kink: You are nothing without me, she makes him repeat in one scene, having previously seduced him by hiking her skirt to her hips and flashing her private parts. Kirby is a fiercely committed actor with a naturally commanding presence; though she gets far less screen time than Phoenix, her portrait of the power-hungry, pleasure-seeking empress is vivid enough that the movie might easily be titled Napoleon and Josephine. Advertisement Advertisement Joaquin Phoenix is incapable of giving a dull performance, and his Napoleon is a fascinating tangle of contradictory drives. The film begins during the Reign of Terror, the grisly period of beheadings and other public killings that took place during the French Revolution. A young officer in the French army looks on from the crowd as Marie Antoinette is led to the guillotine. (Napoleons presence at the deposed queens execution is pure invention on the part of Scott and screenwriter David Scarpa, and if you object to a Hollywood biopic taking such liberties with the facts, the 85-year-old director of Blade Runner and Alien recommends you get a life.) Soon after, the officer makes his reputation by staging a successful attack on an Anglo-Spanish fleet at the harbor of Toulon, in one of the movies nimblest and most effective set pieces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A series of military conquests in Egypt make Napoleon a celebrity upon his return to France, setting the stage for his rapid ascent to near-dictatorial power. But as national heroes go, he is a strange one, socially uncouth and unapologetically grandiose, with a knack for battlefield rhetoric thats not so much inspiring as it is plainly delusional: Were winning! he shouts to his soldiers on a battlefield littered with French corpses. Joaquin Phoenix is incapable of giving a dull performance, and his Napoleon is a fascinating tangle of contradictory drives: As petulant, selfish, and impulsive as he often shows himself to be, he is also capable of motivating hordes of people (his soldiers, his fellow politicians, the whole French populace) to believe in his self-mythologizing propaganda, sometimes to the point of sacrificing their own lives. There has been some debate among critics as to whether the scripts out-of-left-field laugh lines are intentional. Having witnessed the high-camp performance of Ben Affleck as a debauched medieval courtier in Scotts most recent film, The Last Duel, I am certain the director, writer, and actor are on the same page when it comes to poking fun at Napoleons fragile ego. Confronting an English rival about the undeniable superiority of that countrys navy, Napoleon delivers the immortal putdown You think youre so great just because you have boats!, then storms off in a huff. Later, defending his imperial-sized appetite to his complaining wife, he grandly declares that Fate has brought me to this lamb chop. Phoenix seems to relish these chances to deflate the reputation of a lionized figure who could be as petty at the dinner table as he was large-spirited on the field of battle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I for one would have appreciated more time getting to know the eccentricities of the private Napoleon and a bit less watching symmetrical rows of bayonet-wielding soldiers get shredded by cannon fire. In Scotts defense, some of the superbly crafted war scenes do have a solemn, awful beauty. His fictionalized imagining of the Battle of Austerlitz has cannonballs piercing the surface of a frozen lake, drowning men and horses beneath the ice in swirling clouds of blood. But by the time we get to the decisive battle of Waterloo, the carnage has become numbing. Without knowing something more about the gift for military strategy that made Napoleons nameor about the identities of any of the soldiers who die when that strategy goes awryits hard to know what to take away from the half a dozen spectacular battle sequences other than Wow, early 19th-century warfare sure was gruesome. Advertisement Peter Debruge, reviewing Napoleon for Variety, notes that the movie ricochets between battlefield and bedroom, an aptly militaristic description of the jarring effect that accompanies each shift between scenes of the emperors public and private life. We are either sharing intimate domestic space with Napoleon and Josephineso intimate that we witness their childish food fights and distinctly unerotic bouts of doggie-style sexor viewing the formal geometry of early 19th-century battlefields from a distance so great the camera is often mounted on a drone. Whats missing is the scale of events in between: The viewer learns very little about the political machinations that place and keep Napoleon in power, the international coalitions that constantly threaten to end his reign, or simply the state of his reputation among the French people whose popular will he claims to represent. At one point Napoleon glances in rage at a broadsheet publication featuring a gossip column about Josephines rumored infidelities. I wanted to know: What political faction published that broadsheet? What was the reaction of the reading public when they saw it? In the absence of any sense of how French society at large responded to the tumultuous era of Napoleons reign, the audience is stuck with two ultimately unsatisfying choices: We can marvel in extreme closeup at the dysfunctionality of its subjects private life, or marvel in extreme long-shot at the brutality of armed conflict in the early industrial era. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related From Slate Forget Ken, the Hot Boy of Summer Is Napoleon Bonaparte Read More The films biggest flaw is this lack of engagement with the political meaning of Napoleons outsized achievements and even more outsized failures. This isnt some niggling complaint about historical accuracy. Scott is free to compress timelines and concoct colorful details to his hearts content, but he leaves a huge storytelling opportunity on the table by not taking time to explore the intense debates that raged around the Corsican upstart in his own lifetime. Was he a revolutionary reformer or a merciless autocrat? How did he win the personal admiration even of many who opposed him politically? Major figures known for their political savvy and personal charismathe legendary French diplomat Talleyrand (Paul Rhys), the English military hero and eventual prime minister the Duke of Wellington (Rupert Everett)make appearances for only as long as needed to advance the story. A short scene in which Napoleon sits down with Wellington post-Waterloo to discuss the conditions of his exile would have been much richer if the audience had any sense of what Bonapartes rise to power signified to Wellington, a staunch royalist. (In real life, Napoleon and Wellington never met off the battlefieldall the more reason its puzzling for Scott to invent this encounter without investing it with more meaning than he does.) Advertisement Maybe the four-hour-long directors cut, which is scheduled to be released on Apple TV+ after the films theatrical run, will expand on some of these truncated story arcs and underdeveloped characters. As it is now, Napoleon plays more like a hastily compiled highlight reel of a life than the full-fledged historical epic its director seems to have intended. A leader is a dealer in hope, Napoleon supposedly said, in a possibly apocryphal quote that has made its way onto countless business-inspo websites. Watching the story of his rise and fall from the vantage point of our own tumultuous era of international conflict and emerging autocracies, I found myself hoping in vain to understand how such an obviously flawed and self-serving man became a hero to so many. Advertisement Advertisement For a director as skilled as Scott has shown himself to be in the past, it should have been possible to draw a line between Napoleons time and our own, to show how we are still living in the modern age he helped to bring about. Ridley Scott and Joaquin Phoenix last worked together on the 2000 Best Picture winner Gladiator (a movie whose sequel, also directed by Scott, is currently in production, this time without Phoenixs involvement). Napoleons vision of a violent period in the past that continues to resonate in the present belongs in the tradition of Scotts crowd-pleasing swords-and-sandals epic of a generation ago. It is with regret that I relate that, this time around, I was not entertained. I wasnt planning to watch the final season of The Crown, the Netflix drama that has charted the lives of the British royal family. This last, sixth season, the first half of which was released this week, was expected to cover the death of Princess Diana and other events in the life of the royal family in the 1990s, and firstly, as a British person, Ive probably heard the story of Princess Dianas too-brief life a few hundred times already. There is nothing to surprise me there. Also, the series has been in decline since about the third season. Id already had the thrill of Oh, doesnt Elizabeth Debicki do that Diana head tilt thing well from seeing her in Season 5, along with the accompanying feeling of puzzlement over Dominic Wests total lack of resemblance to then-Prince Charles. But Thursday, as I scrolled through X/Twitter, I came across a review of the new series by Lucy Mangan in the Guardian. Shed given it one star. This was intriguing in its own right, but what really grabbed my attention was the subheadline below this rating. Despite the brilliant cast, its a crass, soapy dive into the abyssnot least in the atrocious scenes featuring Ghost Diana. Advertisement Ghost Diana? Ghost Diana? Surely this was too good be true. While Ive had my fill of the facts of Dianas life and death, I hold a special place in my heart for terrible dramatic representations of the princess. My first time seeing Naomi Watts titular performance in 2013s Diana is one of my most treasured memories. I cried laughing. God bless Watts, who did what she could with a script that couldnt have humiliated her more if it was trying to. There is one horrendous line in particular, said by Dianas sometime boyfriend, a heart surgeon, that I think of fondly and often: You dont perform the operation. The operation performs you. Advertisement Advertisement And so, to me, the phrase atrocious scenes featuring Ghost Diana promised so much. Weve had the recent K-Stew Diana, but that was actually decent, and Dianas appearances in The Crown so far have also not given us much to laugh at. So I sat down to watch the four episodes that have been released so far, eager to see this new entry into the canon of televisual Diana garbage. Related From Slate Whats Fact and Whats Fiction in The Crown Season 6 Read More Diana doesnt die until the end of the third episode, so there is, of course, no Ghost Diana in these first three. And yet still, these episodes are not great. The dialogue is clunky and expositional, which is an especially odd choice to make for a production about events that half the world already knows in great detail. But I am here for the spooktacular main event: Diana, Princess of Wails. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She turns up first about 15 minutes into Episode 4, on a plane. Prince Charles is returning to the U.K. from Paris, where he went to identify her body. (One small mercy of this new season is that we are spared seeing the body ourselves.) She speaks before we see her, saying, extraordinarily, Tada! I guess a tiny part of me really thought she might appear as an actual spirit, sort of see-through and shimmering. She doesnt: Diana is just suddenly seated opposite Charles, shot and dressed as she would be if she were alive. But still, it is an astonishing choice. It is, just as the Guardian wrote, so crass to have Diana come back from the dead, and the crassness of the gimmick sucks all the pathos out of the scene. Charles and Dianas conversation, too, is slightly odd, with Diana thanking him for how he behaved at the hospitaland how hot he looked as he gazed over her corpse: so raw, broken, and handsome. And thentada!she disappears. Advertisement Advertisement She speaks before we see her, saying, extraordinarily, Tada! Arguably worse than this scene, though, is when Ghost Diana returns for a second haunting, this time at Balmoral. She pops up again, this time seated on a sofa, opposite the queen. Here the lines are absolute howlers. As long as anyone can remember, youve taught us what it means to be British, Ghost Diana says, as the queen watches footage of people grieving the dead princess in London. Maybe its time to show youre ready to learn too. Its mostly naff rather than funny, gauche rather than ghoulish. I am disappointed. If they werent willing to go full campand that would have been utterly ill-advised but also therefore delightful to methey shouldnt have gone there at all. I see now that creator Peter Morgan has heard that people are not loving Ghost Diana, and is trying to walk it back. In an interview with Deadline, he said, The word ghost is unhelpful, I was never writing anything from a supernatural perspective, not at all, he explained. It felt to me more like an extension of her in real life, rather than a ghost. A highly respected, serious filmmaker like Peter Morgan having to defend himself against scurrilous ghost rumors is, itself, quite funny. So in a way I got my fix. But also, hes kidding himself if he thinks the problem is the word ghost. Whatever Diana is supposed to be in these scenesphysicalized representation of grief, a memory, a phantasm who forgot to bring along the sheet with the two eye holesit doesnt work. President Joe Biden's recent signing of a short-term government funding bill has successfully avoided a looming government shutdown, providing a temporary respite from the fiscal brinkmanship that has often characterized budget negotiations in Washington. This stopgap spending measure, designed by new House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana, extends funding for critical federal agencies until January 19, 2024, and others until February 2, 2024, as per NPR. Short-Term Funding Bill Signed by President Biden The primary objective behind this move is to offer Congress additional time to engage in crucial deliberations over long-term spending bills. Biden's approval of the bill came swiftly after the Senate overwhelmingly voted in favor, with a final vote tally of 87 to 11. The bill passed in the House earlier with strong support from Democrats but faced significant opposition from nearly half of House Republicans. The Senate's decisive action allowed the President to sign the bill while attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in San Francisco, an event attended by leaders from across the Asia-Pacific region. While this short-term funding bill provides a reprieve, it does not include the urgently needed funding President Biden requested for Ukraine and Israel. These funding requests have been a subject of concern and debate, with no clear path forward. The bill's approval ensures that the lights will remain on in government offices, averting the disruptive consequences of a government shutdown. Although there were initial reservations about the bill, the White House signaled President Biden's intention to sign it once it became evident that it would pass Congress, according to CBS News. Read Also: Florida Flooding Leaves Hundreds of Thousands Without Power Preventing US Government Shutdown The signing of this bill comes at a critical juncture for the United States, as it navigates complex international and domestic challenges. President Biden's attendance at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit highlights the importance of diplomacy and cooperation in addressing global issues. Notably, this short-term funding bill contains no policy conditions, a significant point of contention during negotiations. Democrats had insisted on a "clean" bill, as far-right Republicans had sought deep cuts in areas such as President Biden's climate change priorities. Additionally, there were efforts to prohibit funds from being allocated to the President's executive order on diversity, equity, and inclusion in the federal workforce. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer emphasized the significance of bipartisan cooperation in passing this bill, ensuring that there would be no government shutdown and that vital programs would continue without harmful cuts. However, Speaker Mike Johnson, who played a crucial role in designing the funding package, has made it clear that he will not support any more stopgap funding plans. Instead, he views this temporary spending measure as a strategic move laying the groundwork for a potential budgetary showdown with the Senate in 2024. This foreshadows potential challenges as Congress grapples with long-term funding decisions in the months ahead. The bill, a continuing resolution, provides funding extensions for critical government departments, including Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, Energy, and Veterans Affairs, until January 19. Other government entities will receive funding until February 2, 2024. While this measure keeps the government running, it does not address the pressing funding needs of Ukraine and Israel, The New York Times reported. Related Article: US Capitol Police vs. Pro-Palestine Protesters: DNC Protest Leads to Violent Clash @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. When voters directly consider the abortion issue, its bad news for Republicans, who have lost ballot measure after ballot measure upholding reproductive rights since Roe v. Wade was struck down last year. And to hear GOP primary candidates tell it, the next president wont be willing or able to do much about abortion, a transparent effort to sidestep a losing issue. Donald Trump, the obvious front-runner, has occasionally indulged in magical thinking, suggesting that he can conjure up a national ban that Americans on either side of the issue will love. More realistically, though, he has attempted to neutralize the issue by doing things like calling a six-week ban on abortion terrible, while at the same time, in a wink and a nod to evangelical voters, running ads bragging about choosing the justices who overturned Roe. Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, another GOP hopeful, has stressed that a national ban is impossible: Congress will never pass one in the near future, and abortion opponents needlessly alienate swing voters by discussing one. The message from these candidates is clear: A Republican president wont do much on abortion. Thats not what conservative activists think. At least thats the message sent by Project 2025, the policy playbook crafted by the Heritage Foundation and more than 70 other conservative groups and distributed to each GOP primary candidate. Heritage does not take issue with Haleys skepticism about congressional willingness to pass a ban. Nor does it indulge in Trumps fantasy of an Art of the Dealstyle consensus magicked up after 50 years of bitter struggle. Instead, Heritage argues, the United States already has a national ban, and all that is required is a conservative president willing to enforce it. This approach will offer any future GOP president a quick solution to the partys political conundrum: Campaign on the status quo, but try to enforce the ghost national ban once in office. Advertisement Advertisement The story behind Heritages claim begins in the 19th century, with the passage of a sexual purity law that was interpreted to make it a crime to mail or receive items intended, designed, or adapted for abortion. Exactly what the Comstock Act said or meant, not least when it came to abortion, was unclear at the time it passed. States were then, for the first time, criminalizing abortion early in pregnancy, with life exceptions. Members of Congress seemed unsure whether the act covered lawful or medically indicated abortion. Related From Slate How Republican Courts Could Sabotage the Ohio Abortion Vote and Future Ballot Measures Read More In the years since, courts have interpreted the Comstock Act not as a flat ban on all abortions. By the 1930s, courts were interpreting the law as having a sort of implied health exception that applied to physicians and those transacting with them. No one has mentioned the statute in the context of abortion for decades. Advertisement None of that matters to the groups that developed Project 2025. What counts is the prospect of exercising power. Heritage argues that federal law prohibits the mailing of any item advertised or described in a manner calculated to lead another to use or apply it for producing abortion. The only obstacle in enforcing Comstock, according to Heritage, was Roe. Now that the right to choose is gone, Heritage argues, a GOP administration can announce its intention to enforce the Comstock Act on Day 1. The next step could be prosecutions in federal court of anyone, anywhere in the country, who is involved in receiving or mailing an item knowingly for abortion. Advertisement Advertisement Of course, there are possible hurdles in the path of the plan spelled out in Project 2025. Any effort to enforce the Comstock Actrather than simply frightening drug companies and abortion providers into compliancewill result in litigation. Those defendants will insist that Heritages interpretation is all wrong, contradicting precedent and pretending to interpret the plain meaning of a text that is anything but straightforward. They may even say that Heritages interpretation of Comstock is unconstitutional. Advertisement Advertisement That will force the Supreme Court to get involved, but there is no guarantee that the justices will be willing to go as far as Heritage would like. The plain meaning conservatives now associate with the Comstock Act is not evident to many legal expertsand was not clear to the framers of the statute itself. Besides, this reading of the text is extraordinarily broad, much more sweeping than anything introduced to date in a state abortion ban. There are no life or health exceptions in the text of the law. It applies seemingly to women and other abortion seekersindeed, to anyone who receives abortion-related items in the mail. It doesnt define abortionopening the door to views that some contraceptives have abortifacient propertiesand isnt limited to it either, sweeping in speech about abortion and other items deemed to be indecent. And it arguably applies to surgical abortions, given that clinics and hospitals all rely on items put in the mail. Advertisement Advertisement Voters may wonder if Trump wouldnt resurrect Comstock, or if the Supreme Court will agree with Heritages interpretation, or if a Trump Department of Justice will prioritize an attack on abortion. Progressives may be skeptical about the importance of a second Biden term when the president has sometimes avoided even saying the word abortion and when the prospect of federal abortion protections is far off. What is clear is that the architects of Project 2025 are confident that a second Trump term could be just as transformative for abortion rights as the first one was. Courtesy of Anthony Comstock, and regardless of whether Congress lifts a finger, an abortion ban is on the ballotwhether or not voters want one. George Santos will not be seeking reelection in 2024. He made the announcement on Thursday, airing all the pickled grievances so crucial to the MAGA playbook: Hes tired of being under the gun from the media all the time, and he will instead continue to represent his constituents for as long as he is allowed. (Ominous!) The real reason for this abrupt suspension of duty is an investigation conducted by the House Committee on Ethics, also made public on Thursday, that dug up a highly Santosian pattern of corruption during the mans 10 months (only 10 months!) in Congress. Surely to everyones great surprise, the committee alleged that Santos siphoned off oodles of cash from his campaign funds for private use. What was he spending donor wealth on? Credit card bills, personal debt, andbecause were talking about Santoscharges at Sephora, Hermes, and OnlyFans. Santos was already facing two federal indictments, containing 23 individual fraud charges, to say nothing of the Michael Mannworthy international bad-check case he settled with the Brazilian government in March. (The U.S. trial date is set for Sept. 9, during the white-hot apex of the 2024 campaign, which is just kismet.) Given Santos impressive nationwide unpopularity and the way he seems to singularly represent the tumorous afterbirth of the presidency of Trumpone of the many Americans who have learned that it is possible to lie about everything and still get rewarded with an office on Capitol Hillhis seat is certainly in play for Democrats. Advertisement Anyone invested in the function of democracy and the rule of law should be happy to see him go. But as a person who enjoys marveling at the incredible weirdos who get elected in this country, I have to admit that the George Santos saga was like manna from heaven. Nobody has ever crammed so many baffling scandals in a single term. Nothing, and I do mean nothing, hits like grade-A Santos derangement. Im going to savor every drop we have left. Advertisement Advertisement Where do you even start? We first got to know Santos as a man who fabricated his entire biography, ostensibly to present himself as an electorally viable striver. (He lied about graduating college, and that he worked at big-deal Wall Street firms like Citigroup and Goldman Sachs, among other things.) But the degree of the congressmans mendaciousness grew increasingly impressive as reporters paged through the Santos Files. George Santos told donors that he produced the cursed Spider-Man musical on Broadway. He claimed to have been a volleyball star at a college he never attended. He told WNYC that he lost four of his employees at the Pulse nightclub shooting in Florida, even though none of the 49 victims from the tragedy had ever worked at a company Santos owned. Most famously, he claimed, on multiple occasions, that he was Jewish and that his grandparentswho were born in Brazilsurvived the Holocaust. When it came to light that Santos was most certainly not Jewish, he told the New York Post that we were the ones who had it all wrong. I said I was Jew-ish, he explained. Santos didnt let that stop him from attending events held by the Republican Jewish Coalition, which he was swiftly uninvited from after the truth surfaced. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Santos clearly has an appetite for harebrained petty scams, which is exactly what has done him in on the national level. Do you know why he was busted in Brazil? In 2008 Santos stole a checkbook from a man his mother was caring for and signed his name as Delio while on a shopping spree for new clothes. (Investigators were not fooled.) Do you know why people started questioning the legal solvency of Santos (now defunct) animal rescue charity, Friends of Pets United? Because he asked for donations to be made out in his name, rather than the organizations. Brother, its called money laundering for a reason. Few politicians have ever been so nakedly unscrupulouscorruption investigations are usually centered on reams of dry paperwork, detailing wire records between anonymous financial firms operating in the benthic depths of global capital. But here is George Santos, our all-time hapless doofus, dropping donor money on OnlyFans subscriptions and feeding a mystery baby on the House floor. Hes a natural showman, whether he knows it or not. Advertisement Advertisement Santos has remained remarkably buoyant throughout this ordeal. He still shows up to Congress in his expansive wardrobe of tight crew-neck sweaters. He still takes the floor to sponsor a variety of odious bills, and his colleagues in the Republican Party often present an image of mutual respect toward him. All of this is counterfeit, of course. Everyone knows the jig is up. In fact, lately it seems as if Santos has leaned into the spectacle of his hallucinogenic reign, enjoying the lame-duck freedom afforded to politicians of a much more reverent pedigree. After surviving an expulsion vote in early November, enacted due to his mounting list of financial crimes, Santos tweeted a Photoshopped image of him wearing a crown with the caption If you come for me, you best not miss. (The post has since been deleted.) In the days leading up to the vote, Santos announced to the world, Theyre not after me. Theyre after you, Im just in the way, as if the average American citizen is facing multiple federal indictments. Advertisement Compare this attitude with, say, Donald Trump, who appears to be in severe psychic pain as he contends with multiple legal entanglements, violating gag orders, storming out of courtrooms, posting giant blocks of text on his fugazi Twitter, etc. Santos, on the other hand, seems enviably serene as the walls close in. As his banishment gets closer, he only grows more cocksure. We will get another year of foolishness as the 2024 session kicks into high gear. Santos federal trial will followalongside the revelation of plenty more hilarious uncovered crimeswhich will be sublime for us true believers. Then, in all likelihood, well endure a lengthy Santos prison sentence, where the most ridiculous man in Congress shall be divested of his platform. No more goofy lies, no more ridiculously ill-conceived scams, no more commandeered babies, no mind-blowing headlines to cut through the soul-crushing doldrums of electoral politics. And you know what? Everyone but maybe a few Long Island Republicans will miss George Santos when hes gone. He is like a white dwarf, burning twice as bright for only half as long. He owes it to us to make the rest of his term count. I call on George Santos to engineer a crypto fleece or a phishing operation or really any scheme worthy of his singular, astonishing idiocy. Something, anything, before the memories are all we have left. This story originally appeared in New York Focus, a nonprofit news publication investigating power in New York. Sign up for its newsletter here. Vigilante violence is at an all-time high in the occupied West Bank. Emboldened by the war in the Gaza Strip and backed by the military, Israeli settlers aiming to annex more and more of the Palestinian territory have launched hundreds of attacks, displacing people from at least 17 communities over the past month, while soldiers and settlers have killed nearly 200. And at least three New York nonprofit organizations are calling on donors to help outfit those settlers with combat gear, in a fundraising blitz funneling millions of tax-deductible dollars to the West Bank aggression. By chipping in to a thermal drone matching campaign, donors can help the Long Islandbased One Israel Fund buy remote-controlled aerial vehicles for settler militias. With a contribution to the American Friends of Ateret Cohanims security projects, they can equip settlers with accessories for their guns and tools to keep an eye on Arab thugs in occupied east Jerusalem. Donating to the Brooklyn-based Hebron Funds Israel Is Under Attack campaign helps expand one of Israels most extensive local surveillance networks. If New Yorkers contribute by the end of the year, they can write it off on their 2023 tax returns. Advertisement Advertisement Since the Oct. 7 Hamas attack, which killed around 1,200 Israelis, the New Yorkbased nonprofits have raised millions for tactical equipment for settlers across the West Bank. The organizationsright-wing groups dedicated to Jewish rule over the Holy Landwork directly with the Israeli military and with the settlements, which are illegal under international law. The ties between New York state and war crimes being carried out by Israeli settlers are egregious, said Jay Saper, a New Yorkbased organizer with Jewish Voice for Peace. Its long overdue for the state to take action. Advertisement Earlier this year, Jewish Voice for Peace and other anti-occupation groups launched a campaign to stem the flow of tax-exempt donations from New York organizations to West Bank settlements. The Not on Our Dime act, introduced in the state Legislature in May, grew out of the activist effort and sought to empower the state attorney general to revoke the nonprofit status of groups funding settlements. Dozens of state legislators almost immediately condemned it as a ploy to demonize Jewish charities. Advertisement With human rights officials and advocates warning that the violence could accelerate mass displacement in the West Bank, where farmers cant harvest their olives without fear of settlers shooting at them, the bills backers see renewed urgency. Advertisement Advertisement The forcible transfers, the attacks, the harassment, the murders we are complicit in them, Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani, who introduced the Not on Our Dime act in his chamber, told New York Focus. Im even more committed to the necessity of this legislation in this moment. Since Oct. 7, the New Yorkbased nonprofits, too, have ramped up their effortsand their rhetoric against Palestinians. We are seeing pure evil, Daniel Luria, executive director of American Friends of Ateret Cohanim, said in an Oct. 24 Instagram video. There is only one way to deal with evil, and that is to eradicate pure evil. The video ends with a slide: Donate today. Advertisement Lurias organization funds efforts to overtake Jerusalem, including the eastern half of the city, located in occupied Palestinian territory. It doesnt believe that Palestinians have any right to the land: Theres never been an Arab state here with the capital of Jerusalem, Luria, who was raised in Australia and now lives in the contested city, told Al Jazeera in 2019. This talk about Palestine, Palestine. Ive never heard of anything more absurd. (American Friends of Ateret Cohanim did not respond to New York Focus interview requests.) Advertisement Advertisement The Long Island nonprofit funnels money to an Israeli beneficiary, Ateret Cohanim, which has persuaded courts to evict dozens of Palestinian families from their east Jerusalem homes. The group credits a recent projecta settlement in the suburban village of Abu Dis, condemned by the United States and the European Unionfor paving the way for full Israeli control of a united Jerusalem. Advertisement The Jewish peoples relationship with [the land of Israel] is like a marriage. Our union is an exclusive one, read a Nov. 8 blog post on the American Friends of Ateret Cohanim website. The land only bears its beautiful harvest and beauty when she is inhabited by her destined soul mate. The organization frames the current moment as existential, soliciting donations to fortify settlement projects. Settlers need to protect themselves against Arab thugs and terrorists, read another recent blog post by the New York groups outreach director, who lives in a settlement near Hebron. They need American support to buy helmets, ceramic vests, pepper spray and even conversion kits, which turn pistols into rifles. According to tax records, American Friends of Ateret Cohanim normally raises between $600,000 and $1.7 million a year. The organization did not respond to questions about its fundraising efforts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another Long Islandbased group, the One Israel Fund, raises roughly $2 million to $4 million a year. It has just about matched that annual haul since Oct. 7, pulling in more than $2.5 million for tactical equipment in less than a month, the organization told the L.I. Herald. The group has a broader reach than American Friends of Ateret Cohanim, operating in every West Bank region. The funds thermal drone campaign, one of several initiatives listed on its website, claims to give civilian security teams the technology to locate terrorists before they breach a [settlements] perimeter. The effort has so far raised over $65,000, with a cadre of funders matching donations up to $180,000. One recent donor, David Gorelick, gave $5,000 for a drone designated to surveil around the settlement of Kiryat Arbaand dedicated it to his newborn grandson. Advertisement Advertisement Other OIF initiatives seek to raise over $200,000 to build dozens of command and dispatch centers throughout West Bank settlements, more than $7.5 million for car-mounted and stationary surveillance camera systems, and roughly $250,000 to add searchlights, P.A. systems, and Israeli military communication systems to vehicles the military has purchased for settler security teams. Advertisement The funds director of security operations, Marc Provisor, a Philadelphia-born artist who moved to the West Bank and joined the Israeli military, is credited with spearheading militia settlement security initiatives across the territory. Rifle-clad settlers, some in military fatigues, have recorded videos thanking Provisor and his organization. I want to thank the One Israel Fund for this important tool, says one settler in Hebrew, posing with a new drone and a sign with the OIF logo. Advertisement The OIF also works closely with the Israeli military. According to the organizations website, the Israeli Defense Ministry has committed to matching the first $400,000 of a $2 million project to equip civilian response teams with mobile surveillance systems that allow them to view thermal camera feeds from their cellphones and tablets. The organizations assert that settlers need the tactical equipment to protect themselves from violent Palestinians. But what we really see is these vigilante settler groups using them in really horrific ways that only stoke insecurity, said Sophia Goodfriend, an Israel-based researcher focusing on Israels weaponization of surveillance technology. Goodfriend pointed to instances where settlers have used drones to disperse Palestinian shepherds flocks, follow Palestinian children to school, and identify Palestinian homes for the military to demolish. In recent research in east Jerusalem and Hebron, where settler security works closely with the military to enforce what human rights advocates describe as one of the most extreme versions of Israeli apartheid, Goodfriend documented how vast camera systems equipped with facial recognition track Palestinians so closely that they peer into their homes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Hebron, armed settlers have reportedly helped enforce a lockdown for Palestinian households and driven Palestinians from their homes at gunpoint. The Brooklyn-based Hebron Fund, meanwhile, is seeking to bolster the settlers surveillance apparatus: After Oct. 7, the group issued a call for donations to purchase drones and cameras, as well as radios, flashlights, bulletproof vests, and other tactical gear. The solicitation came directly from Hebrons civilian security chief, Yoni Bleichbard, who also coordinates security for Hebron Fund tours and is listed among the organizations staff. The Hebron Fund, the One Israel Fund, and the American Friends of Ateret Cohanim did not respond to multiple phone calls and emails. Our right to Hebron protects our right to the rest of the land of Israel. It speaks to the Jewish claim of the land of Israel, read a recent recruiting email from the Hebron Funds executive director, Rabbi Daniel Rosenstein. We own it. Advertisement To send security equipment at a time of such unbelievable violence is to aid in ethnic cleansing, said Mamdani, the assemblymember. This is why I introduced the Not on Our Dime act. The political coalition behind the legislation homed in on the Long Islandbased Central Fund of Israel as a target. The umbrella charity diverts funds to a variety of Israeli causes, including groups supporting settlers efforts to displace Palestinians, to the tune of millions of dollars a year. Advertisement The organization is a top donor to Ateret Cohanim. At least one of its other beneficiaries has used the organization to send tactical gear to settlers: The Jerusalem-based Israel Land Fund has fundraised for surveillance drones, night vision equipment, an armored patrol vehicle, firearm grips, and pistol-to-carbine conversion kits, according to an undated donation solicitation archived online. Its unclear when the ILF campaign took place; the organization did not respond to a request for comment, and the Central Fund of Israel told New York Focus it wasnt aware of the fundraising effort. Advertisement Advertisement U.S. tax deductible donations can be made via the Central Fund of Israel, the donation page states. Simply mail them a check and earmark the donation for the Israel Land Fund. The Not on Our Dime act met with significant opposition in the state Legislature. The week after Mamdani and state Sen. Jabari Brisport introduced it, 66 Democratic assemblymembersa majority of the conferencereleased a letter decrying it as a ploy to antagonize pro-Israel New Yorkers and further sow divisions within the Democratic Party. The letter didnt mention West Bank settlements. Im not against the settlements in the West Bank, Assemblymember Jeffrey Dinowitz, one of the signatories, told New York Focus. Its not a problem for me. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We would have been better off if the bill was focused on not-for-profits not sending money to terrorist organizations like Hamas, which some do, as we know, he added. Asked for clarification, Dinowitzs office sent a New York Post article about liberal donor networks funding anti-Israel groups. The paper didnt accuse anyone of funding U.S.designated terrorist organizations, which, unlike sending money to West Bank settlements, would be a federal crime. Beyond their violation of international law, the settlements encroach on Washingtons preferred two-state solution, as settlers and the Israeli military, under the direction of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus cabinet, restrict Palestinians to smaller and more isolated pockets within the West Bank. New York Sen. Chuck Schumer, a staunch pro-Israel advocate, said he urged Netanyahu to crack down on settler violence when he visited Israel last week. But few other New York officials have addressed settler violence since Oct. 7. Advertisement Gov. Kathy Hochul hasnt mentioned settlements at all. After several weeks of pro-Israel rallies, raising the Israeli flag at government buildings, and a trip to Israelsponsored by a nonprofit that provides money to groups that support West Bank settlementsHochul recently shifted her attention to ramping up policing and social media surveillance to protect from domestic and international threats. Advertisement Related From Slate Israel Must Loudly Arrest the Settlers Who Are Killing West Bank Palestinians Read More What is so frustrating is when people speak about the importance of peace, as we all must, and yet they refuse to name the settlements, said Mamdani. They are intentionally disconnecting the dots. Mamdanis bill was one of the first of its kind in the country, but New York isnt the only state with nonprofits funneling money to West Bank settlements. Since last month, a coalition of evangelical Christian groups led by a Missouri-based nonprofit has raised $2.3 million for night vision equipment, drones, helmets, and armored vests. And the New Jerseybased American Friends of Judea and Samaria, which has worked side by side with the One Israel Fund, has launched an emergency campaign to send drones and armor to soldiers in the West Bank. Advertisement As Israel prepares for the next stage of this battle of good over evil, we plan to continue providing our troops with the essential equipment they need, the New Jersey nonprofits donation page reads. As these organizations fuel violence and tension in the West Bank, theyre also cheering on the war in Gaza. Israeli bombardment has killed at least 11,000 Palestinianslikely an undercount, as some of Gazas health ministrys communications systems went down over the weekend and many of Gazas main hospitals are currently being raided or under heavy fire. If the underground tunnel system and the headquarters of these cowards [Hamas] are used under a hospital, then theres only one thing that has to be done, and that is destroy the hospital, said Luria, of the American Friends of Ateret Cohanim, in his Instagram video. Forget proportionality. In what may be the most stunning case of antisemitic distortion and disinformation in the last six weeksa very high bar, given the slew of such cases since the terrorist assault on Israelhundreds of TikTok videos have cropped up praising excerpts of a letter written by Osama bin Laden in 2002 that allegedly explains (and, to many social media readers, justifies) al-Qaidas attack on Sept. 11, 2001, and by extension, Hamas attack on Oct. 7, 2023. If you havent, you have to go read Osamas letter to America, one user who posted it wrote. Then youll see what this has to do with us. They have lied to us more than enough. Reading that was honestly life changing. My bond with this conflictpresumably Hamas conflict against Israelis unshakable. Another user said, So I just read A Letter to America and I will never look at life the same. I will never look at this country the same. The video lured 1.2 million views in less than 24 hours. It would be better if the users, and the many more like them, had read the entire letter before posting such embarrassing reactions. For the excerpts, which have been widely circulated, grossly misrepresent what the terrorist leader wrote, not long after masterminding the 9/11 attack. Advertisement Advertisement The Guardian, which originally posted the letter back in 2002, took it down on Wednesday because so many people were taking passages out of context. (The full text can still be found in online archives.) The letter does contain much about Israels hostility to Palestinians and Americas support of Israel, as well as a heap of ancient antisemitic conspiracy theories. For example, It is the Muslims who are the inheritors of Moses (praise be upon him) and the inheritor of the real Torah. He adds, addressing his stateside audience, You attacked us in Palestine The creation of Israel is a crime that must be erased. Advertisement But the letter portrays this as part of a larger pattern of the Wests wars on Islam. You attacked us in Somalia; you supported the Russian atrocities against us in Chechnya, the Indian oppression against us in Kashmir. He further condemns Americans for killing Iraqi children, holding Muslim prisoners in Guantanamo, supporting the Manila Government against the Muslims in Southern Philippines, andnot leastfor maintaining military bases all over the globe, including the Arab world. (Elsewhere, bin Laden condemned the continued presence of U.S. troops on holy land in Saudi Arabia, a vestige of the first Gulf War in 199091.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In other words, the letter is not only, or even chiefly, an attack on Israel. Its an Islamist war cry against all other religions and infidels. Those who see the letter as a wake-up call to the truth should read the whole thing, for its also an attack on the modern secular world. Bin Laden instructs his American readers to take several steps in order to avoid death and damnation, above all complete submission to Islam and the discarding of all the opinions, orders, theories and religions which contradict it. And theres this: We call you to be a people of manners, principles, honour, and purity; to reject the immoral acts of fornication, homosexuality, intoxicants, gamblings, and trading with interest [usury]. Advertisement Then comes the hammer: If you fail to respond to all these conditions, then prepare for fight with the Islamic Nation. (Italics added.) In other words, stop supporting Israel, abandon your military bases, and give up your habits of debaucherytheyre all equally important. If you dont, you will lose this Crusade. For, as he writes elsewhere in the letter, Islamthat is, bin Ladens twisted vision of Islamis the Nation of Martyrdom; the Nation that desires death more than you desire life. Advertisement Related From Slate How George W. Bush Helped Hamas Come to Power Read More Owing to the peculiarities of TikToks algorithms, it is unclear how many people actually read the excerpts of the letter or watched the videos about it. It is a deeper mystery still how many found the contents persuasive. In some ways, though, it doesnt matter. The junk is out there. Its infiltrating the melange of facts, myths, and feelings on variously related topics held by people, especially those too young to remember bin Ladens attack 22 years ago or too ignorant to put Hamas more recent attack in proper historical perspective. Those who have felt drawn to this controversy, and found summaries of the letter in some way attractive, should read the entire thing and ask themselves these questions: Is the conflict that bin Laden tried to inciteand that killed 3,000 of your fellow Americansreally worth your unshakable bond? Does this death-cult jeremiad justify overhauling your entire worldview? Finally, a question for TikTok users, historians, analysts, teachers, and generally educated people everywhere: WTF is going on? On the eve of this months off-year elections, the top lawyers in three states threw something of a Hail Mary pass: They went to the courtroom of one of the most notorious Trump judges in the country and asked to join the lawsuit that could revoke FDA approval of the abortion pill, mifepristone. That suit was filed almost a year ago, and were currently waiting to see if the Supreme Court will take up the case on appeal. Experts agree that the anti-abortion doctors dont have standing to sue, and many people think the court will agree to hear the case and then rule against the doctors. That fact may explain why, on Friday, Nov. 3, the Republican attorneys general from Missouri, Kansas, and Idaho filed a motion to intervene in Judge Matthew Kacsmaryks court, claiming their states are also being injured by the approval of the abortion pill back in 2000. These Republican AGs are swooping in to join the case at the eleventh hour, and it certainly looks like theyre worried about SCOTUS ruling against the plaintiffs, doctors from the shadowy Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine. Andrew Bailey of Missouri, Kris Kobach of Kansas, and Raul Labrador of Idaho wrote in support of their motion that the Biden administrations petition for the Supreme Court to hear the case spends the brunt of its analysis attacking the private plaintiffs theories of standing. But the group says they have their own standing claimsincluding that doctors are using shield laws to mail mifepristone to their residents, which harms their ability to enforce abortion restrictionsand they want to join the case at this late date merely for expediencys sake. Presenting all theories of standing at once ensures that this Court (or appellate courts) can more cleanly get to the merits of this incredibly important issue, they write. And intervention is certainly more efficient than the States bringing a separate lawsuit, the only alternative to intervention. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats not the full picture of whats going on here, said Steve Vladeck, a professor at the University of Texas School of Law and an expert on the courts shadow docket. Vladeck said the AGs trying to intervene this late, and in district court, not at the Supreme Court, is so unusual as to be suspicious. I think its a pretty transparent and transparently cynical attempt on the part of these three states to try to put the substance of this lawsuit on somewhat stronger procedural footing, he said. I think itll be obvious to everyone [litigating] that thats what this is. Before this intervention attempt, Vladeck said there was broad consensus that the most likely outcome would be the Supreme Court ruling that the Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine doesnt have standing. That kind of ruling would avoid the underlying substantive questions about whether the FDA properly approved mifepristone, and updated its labeling. Its not at all obvious to Vladeck that the states have a stronger standing argument than the AHM does. Instead, he said this is a long-shot attempt to get a favorable ruling from Kacsmaryk, who they rightfully view as a friendly judge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mary Ziegler, a law professor at the University of California, Davis, and a historian of the U.S. abortion fight, agreed that it appears that the AGs are trying to beef up weak standing claims, but noted that joining this late also has the neat side effect of possibly pushing the case into next years term, well after the presidential election. Some delay is inevitable given a motion to interveneand that may be a feature rather than a bugbut this seems designed to serve as a backstop if the original plaintiffs standing claims fall apart, Ziegler said. Delaying the proceedings would be a benefit for people who think that the Supreme Court is more likely to side with you not in an election year. In other words, the Supreme Court would receive massive public blowback that would hurt the Republican Partys political chances in 2024 if it issued a ruling banning or restricting mifepristone prior to the election, but that risk is mitigated by delay. And if a Republican presidential candidate wins in 2024, that means a GOP Department of Justice would be tasked with defending the FDA in the caseand the department could abandon that defense, offer a halfhearted one, or even switch sides. Advertisement Advertisement Related From Slate The Next Republican President Has a Plan to Ban Abortion Nationwide Without Congress Read More The Biden administration twice noted this delay in its response to the AGs motion: Almost a full year after this case was originally filed, while the case is pending at the Supreme Court, three States now seek to intervene, wanting to pursue a 105-page Complaint supported by close to 700 pages of other materials. That the states waited so long shows there is no particular urgency to considering their request. They ask instead that Judge Kacsmaryk wait for the Supreme Court to resolve the case before he rules on the AGs attempt to intervene, but, if he wont do that, to give them at least 30 days from the AGs motion to respond. On Thursday, Kacsmaryk agreed to the latter, not the former. Advertisement The administration deserves this time to respond, but it could throw off the timetable for the case to be heard this Supreme Court term and have an opinion released by June 2024. The AGs wrote in a Tuesday filing that the clock is ticking. If the Supreme Court grants certiorari after mid-January, it will not hear the case until October 2024 or later, absent an expediting ordermeaning, no ruling until June 2025. Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar has asked the court to consider whether it will take the case at its Dec. 8 conference. Advertisement Advertisement If Kacsmaryk grants both the motion to intervene and the 30-day extension, that would butt right up to mid-January cliff for this term. Ziegler said that even if Kacsmaryk were to deny the AGs motion, it could slow down the case enough that there wouldnt be a ruling before the election. Just the act of filing it this late is enough to throw a wrench into the process. Still, Vladeck said cases have been taken up as late as February, and the briefing schedule just gets expedited. Advertisement Advertisement Now we have to wait and see what Kacsmaryk does. If he lets the states intervene in his court, they still have to request to join the case at the appeals level. Vladeck believes getting five justices to vote for that would be a hard sell. I think that even justices who might be somewhat sympathetic [to the anti-abortion cause] arent going to be sympathetic to the transparent effort to manipulate their docket, he said. (But if anyone were to agree, he said it would be Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito.) So we are, once again, in the unfortunate position of hoping this Supreme Court does the right thing. GOP presidential hopeful Nikki Haley is in a bizarre liminal state right now. Shes so far behind Trump in the polls that she might seem irrelevantbut at the same time, shes polling ahead of the rest of the field and looking strong against Biden in swing states, with donors moving over to her side. Theres a world in which Trump gets convicted (maybe?) and voters abandon him (maybe??). Haley exists in an unprecedented state, a Schrodingers semi-front-runner, Ben Mathis-Lilley writes. He examines the strange place she currently occupies in the presidential race. Plus, in case you missed it, Jill Filipovic asks: Who is Nikki Haley for? A rough week for democracy That Trump speech earlier this week waswhew! Dahlia Lithwick looks at how his rhetoric has been getting even more spine-chilling of late, and why we cant afford to lose sight of whats at stake. Plus: Mary Harris speaks to New Yorker reporter Susan Glasser about what a second Trump term could look like. Truth hurts Advertisement Advertisement Speaking of Trump: His social media site is failing. (Sad!) Nitish Pahwa explains why Truth Social is in so much trouble. March to nowhere Taking all its conflicting messages together, what could the March for Israel even say? Emily Tamkin argues that it revealed nothing about U.S. Jewish opinions on the Gaza war, a cease-fire, or Zionism. Advertisement Plus: In discussions of Gazas future after the war, Mahmoud Abbas name keeps coming up. Writing for our sister publication Foreign Policy, Anchal Vohra explains why he might be too unpopular to lead. And What Next takes a look at the potential danger of more countries being pulled into the war in Gaza. Return of a political ghoul Daddys home, someone said, and a nation cringed. David Cameron is back to haunt British politics again. Imogen West-Knights has some thoughts about what it says about the state of the nation. A tantalizing food mystery Hulus new Oprah-produced adaptation of Black Cake made Nadira Goffe hungryand homesick. She explains how the show pulls off something shes never seen before on TV. Today, Slate KEEPS SCURRYING much like former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy (if you believe Tennessee Rep. Tim Burchett, anyway!). Thanks so much for reading! Well see you tomorrow. As recent reports have revealed, former President Donald Trump and his allies are making plans for how a second Trump administration would use the powers of the federal government to punish Trumps critics and political opponents. Among other things, Trump would reportedly invoke the Insurrection Acta law that gives the president nearly unchecked powers to use the military as a domestic police forceon his first day in office so that he could quash any public protests against him. Unless Congress acts now to reform this dangerous and antiquated law, theres little anyone could do to stop him. Federal military forces are usually barred from enforcing civilian laws by the Posse Comitatus Act. This prohibition reflects a tradition in American law and political thought that views an army turned inward as an inherent threat to democracy and individual liberty. But the Posse Comitatus Act is not an absolute rule. It allows federal troops to participate in law enforcement when doing so has been expressly authorized by Congress. The Insurrection Act provides that authorization. The intent behind the act is to allow the president to use the military to assist civilian authorities when they are overwhelmed by an insurrection, rebellion, or other civil unrest, or to enforce civil rights laws when state or local governments cant or wont enforce them. In such cases, a narrow exception to the general rule against using the military for law enforcement makes good sense. The problem is that the Insurrection Act creates a giant loophole in the Posse Comitatus Act rather than a limited exception to it. Advertisement Advertisement The Insurrection Acts central failing is that it grants virtually limitless discretion to the president. Its vague and archaic languageit was first enacted in 1792, and last updated in 1874provides little meaningful guidance as to what situations do or do not warrant deployment. One provision, for example, empowers the president to use the military or any other means to take such measures as he considers necessary to suppress any unlawful combination or conspiracy that opposes or obstructs the execution of the laws of the United States or impedes the course of justice under those laws. Read literally, this would permit the president to deploy the Marines to, say, arrest and detain two people suspected of conspiring to intimidate a witness in a federal trial. Advertisement Advertisement Compounding the problem, the Supreme Court ruled in 1827 that the president alone decides whether invoking the Insurrection Act is justified; the courts may not review or second-guess that determination. As for Congress, if it disapproves of a presidents use of the act, its only recourse is to pass a law ending the deployment. The president would likely refuse to sign such a law, and Congress would then have to muster a two-thirds supermajority to override the presidents veto. Advertisement Advertisement These flaws result in large part from Congress failure to update the Insurrection Act to meet the needs of a changing nation. Certain sections still look much as they did when Congress passed the first version of the Insurrection Act in 1792except that safeguards in the original law that allowed the courts or Congress to check the presidents authority have long since been removed. Advertisement Related From Slate Suppose They Threw a Cage Match Between Fascism and Democracy and Nobody Cared Read More The Insurrection Acts broadest provisionsincluding the section authorizing the president to use the military or any other means to suppress seemingly any violation of federal lawwere added in direct response to the Civil War and the white supremacist terrorist insurgency that ravaged the former Confederacy during Reconstruction. These provisions were designed for a 19th-century country at war, at a time when modern law enforcement agencies were in their infancy and even relatively minor unrest might be more than civilian authorities could handle alone. Nearly 150 years later, change is long overdue. The laws anachronisms leave it ripe for abuse. During the Civil Rights era, presidents properly invoked the Insurrection Act to enforce desegregation in the South against local and state opposition. But several presidents have also used it to suppress labor movements and to quell so-called race riots that were often triggered by state violence against people of color. Advertisement Advertisement As president, Trump reportedly displayed keen interest in using the Insurrection Act to suppress Black Lives Matter protesters in the summer of 2020. Even more ominously, several Trump allies urged him to invoke the Insurrection Act in an effort to stay in power after losing the 2020 presidential election. The Brennan Center has proposed reforms to prevent abuse of the Insurrection Act. They include clarifying and narrowing the criteria for military deployments, specifying what actions are and are not authorized when the law is invoked, and empowering both Congress and the courts to serve as checks against abuse or overreach. Crucially, they would preserve the presidents flexibility to respond quickly and decisively to a true crisis that civilian authorities are unable to handle. In other words, they would amend the language of the law to conform to its underlying intent, rather than providing a blank check to the president. Congress should take up these or similar reforms without delay. Our nation is faced with the prospect of a president willing to use the United States military as his own personal domestic police force. The danger that this would pose to democracy cannot be overstated, but it canand mustbe averted. Staying at home with kids is a full-time job on its own. But many moms also want to make extra money online or with a home-based business idea. If youre looking for the perfect business idea for stay at home moms, read on for some options. What is a Mompreneur? A mompreneur is any mom who also runs a business. The term is often applied to those who run companies that serve other moms, or those who serve as the primary caregiver for their children. Sell Your Business Drive Traffic to Your Website Discover the Zoho Ecosystem Advertise Your Business Here Business Opportunities for Stay-at-Home Moms in 2022 Technology has opened lots of opportunities for stay-at-home moms and anyone looking to run a business remotely. You can run a company completely online and enjoy time flexibility to complete tasks while the kids are napping or entertaining themselves. Read more: 21 Successful Mom Entrepreneurs to Inspire You Why You Should Consider Starting Your Own Business as a Stay-at-Home Parent Some aspiring small business owners who are also parents may consider waiting until their children are grown or away at school. However, here are some reasons why you should start a business while staying home with the kids: Earn extra income: Most families with a parent who stays home live off one income. However, if you can build a lucrative business from home or during a partners off-hours, you can increase your familys resources significantly. Most families with a parent who stays home live off one income. However, if you can build a lucrative business from home or during a partners off-hours, you can increase your familys resources significantly. Demonstrate work ethic to your kids: If your kids see you working hard at something you love, they may emulate you and create their own career opportunities in the future. If your kids see you working hard at something you love, they may emulate you and create their own career opportunities in the future. Enjoy a flexible schedule: Home-based business ideas often allow you to work on your own schedule. You can run your business while the kids sleep, go to school, or enjoy fun activities. Home-based business ideas often allow you to work on your own schedule. You can run your business while the kids sleep, go to school, or enjoy fun activities. Get your kids involved: As they get older, certain business opportunities may even create family bonding opportunities. For example, your kids may weigh in on your web design options or help you prepare decorations for an event youre planning. As they get older, certain business opportunities may even create family bonding opportunities. For example, your kids may weigh in on your web design options or help you prepare decorations for an event youre planning. Do something for yourself: Stay-at-home parents spend most of their time taking care of others. Creating your own business opportunity can help you reclaim some of your individuality, creativity, and sense of purpose outside your family. Criteria for Choosing Business Ideas for Stay-at-Home Moms: Our Methodology Lets begin by outlining the criteria for evaluating business ideas suitable for stay-at-home moms. These criteria will help moms choose the best business opportunities that align with their unique needs and circumstances. Weve ranked these criteria on a scale of importance, using a 1-10 rating scale, with 10 being the highest importance and 1 being the lowest: Flexibility (9/10): Prioritize business ideas that offer flexible working hours, allowing stay-at-home moms to balance work and family responsibilities. Low Startup Costs (8/10): Opt for businesses with minimal upfront expenses, making it accessible for moms with limited resources. Passion and Skill Alignment (9/10): Choose a business idea that aligns with your interests and skills, as it can be more rewarding and motivating. Market Demand (8/10): Research and assess the demand for your chosen product or service within your target market. Online Presence (7/10): Consider businesses that can be operated online, as this provides flexibility and a broader customer reach. Niche Focus (8/10): Explore niche markets where you can cater to specific needs and potentially face less competition. Family Support (7/10): Ensure that your family is supportive and understanding of your entrepreneurial endeavor. Legal and Regulatory Compliance (9/10): Make sure your business complies with all relevant local, state, and federal regulations. Scalability (7/10): Consider whether the business can be scaled over time, allowing for growth as your circumstances change. Networking (7/10): Build a network within your chosen industry or community to gain support and customers. Best Business Ideas for Mompreneurs Here are the top home businesses for moms interested in offering profitable products or services online. Small Business Deals 1. Freelance Writing Business As a freelance writer, you contract with publications to create content or articles as needed. This business model allows for flexibility and creativity, enabling you to write across multiple genres and for various platforms. There are a few ways to structure this business. Some writers work with just one or two companies on an ongoing basis, developing a deep understanding of their clients voice and needs. Others prefer to diversify, marketing their writing skills on a wider scale, and partnering with multiple clients for short projects, which can range from blogs, magazine articles, or even ghostwriting books. 2. Proofreading Business If your strength lies in refining content rather than creating it, then starting a proofreading service might be a great fit for you. You can serve a range of clients, including online publications, print journals, academic scholars, or independent authors looking to self-publish. As a proofreader, your keen eye for detail ensures the content is error-free and meets high-quality standards. Proofreaders may charge an hourly rate, per word, or even per project. As the digital age continues to boom, the demand for error-free content becomes increasingly crucial, making proofreading a sought-after skill. 3. Bookkeeping Business For those with a knack for numbers and a financial background, running a bookkeeping business can be both profitable and satisfying. Many local businesses, especially small to medium enterprises, require bookkeeping services but dont have the resources to hire a full-time accountant. By offering your services, you can help these businesses maintain their financial health. With the aid of modern bookkeeping software and cloud-based solutions, you can easily manage your clients financial records, process payroll, and generate financial statements. Plus, the ability to work remotely allows you to serve clients beyond your local area, right from the comfort of your home office. 4. Virtual Assistant In todays fast-paced digital world, businesses and entrepreneurs often find themselves juggling a myriad of tasks. Enter the virtual assistant (VA), a savior for those overwhelmed with administrative duties. Virtual assistants provide a broad spectrum of services, from scheduling meetings, managing social media accounts, drafting emails, to more specialized tasks like market research. As a VA, you can choose to work with one large client, offering a comprehensive range of services, or diversify and provide specific services to several clients. The flexible nature of this role means you can tailor your services to suit your strengths and expertise, and with many businesses moving online, the demand for VAs is on the rise. Read more: Small Business Ideas for Beginners 5. Direct Sales Direct sales contract with larger companies to sell products. Alternatively, some offer multi-level marketing opportunities where you purchase products yourself and then sell them to others. 6. Social Media Manager Social media managers schedule content and interact with followers on clients social media accounts. Create your own website and social media profiles to market your services to other companies. 7. Personal Training Business Those with a fitness background can serve personal training clients online thanks to video chatting platforms. You just need a home gym and computer to start this type of business. 8. Consulting Business If you have experience with business, marketing, or other technical skills, work with clients remotely as a consultant. These professionals usually give clients the knowledge and tools to improve operations on their own, rather than offering ongoing services. More Great Home Business Ideas for Moms There are tons of diverse opportunities for making money as stay-at-home parents. Whether looking for an online business idea or something that you can run with your kids, here are some opportunities to consider. 9. Course Writing Business Online education is experiencing a boom as more people seek to upskill or learn new topics from the comfort of their homes. If you have expertise in a particular subject, creating an online course can be a lucrative venture. Online courses typically consist of multiple videos, written lessons, quizzes, and interactive elements tailored to suit various learning styles. Once your course is ready, you can offer it for sale on your website or use platforms like Udemy or Coursera to reach a wider audience. A well-structured course can serve as a passive income stream, as students can enroll and complete the course at their leisure, without any active involvement on your part post-launch. 10. Online Store There are tons of products you can sell online, from t-shirts to tech devices. Manage your own inventory from home or use a fulfillment or drop shipping service to simplify operations. 11. Graphic Design Business In an increasingly visual world, businesses are continuously in need of standout graphics. If you have a flair for design, starting a graphic design business can be both fulfilling and profitable. Graphic designers assist companies in crafting their brand identity by creating logos, promotional materials, website designs, and more. With the advent of tools like Adobe Creative Cloud and communication platforms like Slack or Zoom, its easier than ever to collaborate with clients from all over the world, making your operations entirely remote. 12. At-Home Daycare For those who love children and have the space and resources, an at-home daycare can be an ideal business. By providing care for your own children alongside others in the community, you can earn an income while also creating a social environment for the kids. Parents are always in search of reliable and nurturing spaces for their children, and by offering a safe, structured, and loving environment, you can create a thriving business. Just ensure you have the necessary licenses and adhere to local regulations. 13. Dog Walking Business For animal enthusiasts looking for an active business, dog walking can be both enjoyable and profitable. Its a great way to combine your daily walks with an income stream. If you have children who adore pets, this business becomes a fun family affair, teaching them responsibility while enjoying the outdoors. As your reputation grows, you can expand services to pet sitting or even grooming. 14. Craft Business For those who find joy in creating, a craft business can be a rewarding endeavor. Whether youre into pottery, jewelry making, or creating bespoke home decor, theres a market for unique, handcrafted items. You can establish an online presence through platforms like Etsy or Shopify, or participate in local craft fairs and farmers markets to showcase your creations. As demand grows, you can also consider offering craft workshops or tutorials, adding another revenue stream to your business. 15. Event Planning Business Organizing events, whether theyre birthdays, weddings, or corporate functions, requires meticulous planning and a keen eye for detail. As an event planner, youd collaborate with clients to bring their vision to life, liaising with vendors, venues, and suppliers. Even though much of the coordination can be done remotely, youll sometimes need to visit sites or attend the actual event to ensure things go smoothly. Event planners build a reputation based on the experiences they curate, so exceeding client expectations is key. 16. Tutoring Business With the proliferation of online education, theres a growing demand for online tutors. Use platforms like Zoom or Skype to offer personalized lessons in subjects youre proficient in. This business can range from academic subjects to skills like musical instruments or languages. 17. Wholesale Baking Business For those who find solace in baking, turning this hobby into a business is a delightful proposition. From cupcakes to artisan bread, if you can bake it, theres likely a local cafe or bakery interested in purchasing. Do ensure youre familiar with health regulations and obtain the necessary licenses. 18. Stock Photography Business Quality images are in high demand for websites, blogs, and advertising campaigns. If you have a knack for photography, selling your images on platforms like Shutterstock or Getty Images can provide a steady income. Diversify your portfolio to increase sales opportunities. 19. Digital Product Sales Digital products are cost-effective to produce and distribute. Create and sell items like eBooks, printable planners, or design templates. Websites like Gumroad or Shopify make selling these products seamless. 20. YouTuber Create your own YouTube channel about your family or another subject youre passionate about. Then earn income from ad sharing or sponsored content. 21. Social Media Influencer Similarly, focus on growing your own social media presence and work with brands you love to provide sponsorship opportunities. 22. Podcaster For those who prefer an audio format, podcasting allows you to share content you care about. Then offer sponsored ads within each show. 23. Affiliate Marketing Affiliate marketers earn a commission from each sale made when they direct followers to a site via an affiliate link. This is a popular passive income stream for bloggers or influencers. 24. Content Marketing Service Offer writing services to businesses that want to start a blog or build a robust online presence. 25. Vacation Rental Business If you have the resources to purchase properties in a popular tourist destination, rent those spaces on sites like Airbnb or VRBO. Youll need to maintain those properties regularly or work with a management company to get them ready for new guests. 26. Meal Prep Service Those who love cooking may offer prepared meals to clients, especially those looking to save time and eat more healthy foods. 27. Catering Service Turn your culinary passion into a business by catering events. Whether its intimate gatherings or grand affairs, delivering exceptional food and service will secure repeat clientele. 28. Alterations Service For those with sewing skills, alter clothing and hem curtains for local customers from your own home. 29. Laundry Service Similarly, you can offer laundry services like washing, stain removal, and pressing. Either let customers pick up their items or deliver them to each persons home. 30. Web Design Business If you have the technical skills to design and build websites, help businesses create their own online presence in exchange for a fee. Create your own website with an online portfolio to showcase your work. Business Ideas for Stay at Home Moms Summary Brief Description Freelance Writing Business Contract with publications to create content. Options for diverse clientele or specializing in one or two. Proofreading Business Refine content for clients; service online publications, academic scholars, and more. Bookkeeping Business Serve local businesses with financial record management. Work remotely with modern software. Virtual Assistant Manage administrative duties for businesses. Services range from scheduling to specialized tasks. Direct Sales Contract with companies to sell products or engage in multi-level marketing. Social Media Manager Handle content and interactions for client's social media accounts. Personal Training Business Offer fitness services online through video chats. Consulting Business Share expertise to help clients improve operations. Course Writing Business Create online educational courses in specialized subjects. Online Store Sell various products online. Graphic Design Business Craft visual materials for businesses, including logos and promotional items. At-Home Daycare Provide care for children in a structured and loving environment. Dog Walking Business Offer walking services for dogs. Craft Business Sell unique, handcrafted items online or at local events. Event Planning Business Organize and manage various events for clients. Tutoring Business Offer online lessons in various subjects. Wholesale Baking Business Bake goods for local establishments. Stock Photography Business Sell quality photographs for various purposes online. Digital Product Sales Produce and distribute digital items like eBooks or design templates. YouTuber Create content on YouTube and earn from ads or sponsorships. Social Media Influencer Grow online presence and collaborate with brands for sponsorships. Podcaster Produce audio content and monetize through ads or sponsorships. Affiliate Marketing Earn commissions by directing followers to sites via affiliate links. Content Marketing Service Offer writing services to businesses wanting to build an online presence. Vacation Rental Business Rent properties on platforms like Airbnb or VRBO. Meal Prep Service Offer prepared meals for those wanting convenient, healthy options. Catering Service Provide food services for events. Alterations Service Sew or alter clothing for customers. Laundry Service Provide washing, stain removal, and pressing services. Web Design Business Design and build websites for businesses. What Business Idea Can you Do While Staying Home? There are numerous online business ideas you can run from home while creating your own hours. For example, offer freelance services like writing, marketing, or web design where you serve other businesses. You can also start your own eCommerce site or offer services directly to consumers, like dog walking or laundry and alterations. Which Home Business Is Most Profitable? Many home-based businesses can be profitable since they often dont come with high overhead costs like retail or office space. There are several that can be started with little to no investment, including freelance writing, web design services, and VA business, all of which can be profitable quickly. Conclusion The journey of a stay-at-home mom is undoubtedly a full-time job in itself, filled with love, care, and dedication to family. However, the modern world has opened up a world of opportunities for moms who wish to balance their caregiving responsibilities with the pursuit of entrepreneurial dreams. The term mompreneur encapsulates the spirit of these mothers who successfully manage both roles nurturing their families and running businesses of their own. The year 2022 ushered in a wealth of business opportunities for stay-at-home moms, thanks to the ever-evolving landscape of technology and remote work. The ability to operate businesses entirely online has provided moms with the flexibility to manage their businesses while attending to their childrens needs. This new paradigm has transformed what it means to be a stay-at-home mom, offering a chance to earn income and pursue personal passions simultaneously. The decision to start a business while staying at home with the kids is a significant one, and its not without its challenges. However, the benefits and opportunities that come with this choice are substantial. Here are some compelling reasons why aspiring mompreneurs should seriously consider starting their own businesses: 1. Earn Extra Income: Many families rely on a single income when a parent stays home to care for the children. By establishing a profitable business from the comfort of home or during a partners off-hours, moms can significantly increase their familys financial resources. This extra income can be a game-changer, providing financial security and the ability to pursue family goals more comfortably. 2. Set an Example of Work Ethic: Children often emulate the behaviors and values they observe in their parents. When kids see their moms working hard on something they are passionate about, it instills a strong work ethic in them. This example can inspire the next generation to create their own career opportunities, fostering independence and a lifelong love for learning. 3. Enjoy a Flexible Schedule: One of the most significant advantages of home-based business ideas is the flexibility they offer. Moms can manage their businesses during the hours that best suit their familys needs. Whether its working during nap times, school hours, or late at night, this flexibility allows moms to strike a balance between caring for their children and pursuing their entrepreneurial dreams. 4. Get Kids Involved: As children grow older, certain business opportunities can create unique bonding experiences for families. Involving kids in aspects of the business, such as web design decisions or event planning, not only educates them but also strengthens family ties. Its an opportunity for kids to learn about entrepreneurship firsthand, gaining insights into creativity, responsibility, and teamwork. 5. Reclaim Personal Identity: Stay-at-home parents often dedicate the majority of their time to caring for their families. While this is a noble and fulfilling role, its equally important for parents to nurture their individuality and personal interests. Starting a business allows moms to reclaim some of their creativity, passion, and sense of purpose outside their family role. The article has explored a wide range of business ideas suitable for mompreneurs, each offering unique opportunities for earning income and personal fulfillment. Here are some of the top home businesses for moms: 1. Freelance Writing Business: Freelance writers have the flexibility to create content for various platforms and genres. Whether they choose to work with a few long-term clients or diversify their portfolio, this business allows moms to express their creativity and writing skills. 2. Proofreading Business: If attention to detail is a strength, a proofreading service can cater to online publications, academic scholars, and authors seeking error-free content. 3. Bookkeeping Business: Moms with a financial background can offer bookkeeping services to local businesses. Modern bookkeeping software and remote work capabilities make this business accessible from home. 4. Virtual Assistant: In todays fast-paced digital world, virtual assistants help businesses and entrepreneurs manage administrative tasks. Moms can choose to work with one primary client or offer specific services to multiple clients, adapting their roles to their strengths and expertise. 5. Direct Sales: Moms can engage in direct sales by partnering with larger companies to sell products or exploring multi-level marketing opportunities. This business model offers flexibility and the chance to earn commissions through product sales. 6. Social Media Manager: Social media managers schedule content and engage with followers on clients social media accounts. Establishing an online presence to market services to other businesses is a key aspect of this business. 7. Personal Training Business: Moms with fitness backgrounds can offer personal training services online through video chatting platforms, combining their passion for fitness with income generation. 8. Consulting Business: Moms with expertise in various fields, such as business or marketing, can work as consultants, offering clients knowledge and tools to improve their operations independently. Beyond these business ideas, numerous other opportunities await stay-at-home moms. From creating online courses to selling products through eCommerce, the options are diverse and tailored to individual skills and passions. In the pursuit of entrepreneurship, moms can find fulfillment, financial independence, and a sense of personal identity while continuing to provide the love and care their families deserve. The path to becoming a successful mompreneur is not without its challenges, but with determination, creativity, and a strong work ethic, moms can achieve their business goals and inspire the next generation to follow their dreams. As we look to the future, let us celebrate the resilience and ingenuity of stay-at-home moms who have ventured into the world of entrepreneurship. They are not just managing businesses; they are also nurturing their families, proving that with dedication and ambition, its possible to create a harmonious balance between career and family life. The mompreneurs of today are paving the way for a new generation of empowered women who can thrive both at home and in the business world. It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Joshua Henry Harris, 36, of Lusby, MD on November 12, 2023. A pillar of strength, love, and unwavering support, Josh was the epitome of the world's best father to his beloved daughter, Leilah, who was his entire universe. Survived by his mother and father, Julie and Stanley Harris, Sr., his brother Stanley Harris, Jr. (Melissa) his nephew and niece, Landon and Mackenzie Harris, and his partner Brittany Everett and her daughter, Kinsley Everett. Josh leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories. Josh was more than a provider; he was a hardworking man whose dedication to his family knew no bounds. Josh graduated from Patuxent High School. He worked for J.F. Taylor as an electrician. His commitment to providing the best life for Leilah was evident in every action and every sacrifice he made. As an outdoorsman, Josh found joy in the simplicity of nature, often bonding with his loved ones through shared moments of hunting and fishing, creating memories that will be treasured forever. Beyond his love for the great outdoors, Josh's kindness and thoughtfulness towards his family and friends were unparalleled. His warm smile and compassionate heart touched the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know him. Josh's legacy will forever be etched in our hearts, a reminder of the importance of love, generosity, and the enduring impact one person can have on those around them. Though we mourn his untimely departure, we choose to celebrate the beautiful life Josh lived and the love he shared. His kindness and special heart will continue to live on, a beacon of light that will guide us through the darkness of our grief. We will miss him deeply, but we take comfort in knowing that the love he gave will echo in our hearts for generations to come. Rest in peace, Joshyour memory will forever be a source of strength, inspiration, and enduring love. Family will receive friends on Saturday, November 18, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. with a Funeral Service conducted by Pastor Mark Roberson at 12:00 p.m. at Rausch Funeral Home, 20 American Lane, Lusby, MD. Interment will be private. A reception will follow the service at Solomons Volunteer Rescue Squad and Fire Department, Solomons, MD. A site of Baden culture has been added to the country. The abandoned quarry above Hajnacka in the Rimavska Sobota district has revealed another secret. (Source: Marcela Ballova) Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Share The abandoned quarry above Hajnacka in the Rimavska Sobota district, which was also famous as a site for sapphires in basalt, has revealed another secret. A few days ago, Ladislav Oravec, an amateur mineralogist who comes here to look for gems, was attracted by a number of shards and one object in particular, writes My Novohrad. "I thought I'd try to find a new deposit of sapphires near the quarry. During the inspection of the terrain, I was particularly interested in the shards," Oravec said. He works with the Dornyay Bela Museum in Salgotarjan, Hungary, and have participated in archaeological research several times. "I knew it would be something really old," he added. A helping hand in the heart of Europe offers for you Slovakia travel guide. Oravec soon contacted Alexander Botos, an archaeologist from the Gemersko-Malohontske Museum in Rimavska Sobota. He conducted a field survey on Thursday, November 9. Jozef Stankoviansky, a historian and publicist, who is currently the director of the archaeological museum in Horna Lehota, Brezno district, was also interested in the location from an archaeological and mineralogical point of view. Interesting archaeological site Iceland's tranquil town of Grindavik is currently grappling with an ominous countdown to a catastrophic volcanic eruption, raising concerns of widespread destruction. As experts warn of the impending danger, nearly 4,000 residents were hastily evacuated from Grindavik over the weekend, as per The Independent. Iceland on the Brink, Volcanic Threat Looms Authorities fear that molten rock, if unleashed, could surge to the earth's surface, imperiling the coastal town along with a critical geothermal power station. This looming crisis comes after an unprecedented seismic activity surge, which has rattled Iceland with over 880 small earthquakes. These relentless tremors have ignited fears that the delicate equilibrium of the Fagradalsfjall volcano, nestled on the Reykjanes peninsula in the southwest, could be disrupted, spelling disaster for the region. The potential consequences of a volcanic eruption are dire. Grindavik could face obliteration, and extensive ash clouds could blanket the landscape, affecting the town and regions beyond its borders. Scientists caution that an eruption is not a matter of "if" but "when." In response to the impending threat, Iceland has mobilized significant resources. A colossal Caterpillar D11 bulldozer, touted as Iceland's largest, has been deployed to fortify defenses. This mammoth machine works tirelessly to construct trenches to mitigate the damage that any eruption may inflict. Ragga Agustsdottir, a resident near Grindavik, shares the collective fear of the townsfolk, apprehensive about the impending eruption's catastrophic potential. However, due to ongoing seismic activity, many residents have been unable to return to their homes within the "danger zone" to retrieve their belongings. The Icelandic Met Office has issued a somber warning, indicating a "high" probability of a volcanic eruption in Iceland. Signs of shallowing micro-seismic activity and sudden slippage have been monitored, meaning that magma may be on the verge of reaching the surface, according to Yahoo News. Read Also: March for Israel: Jewish Groups Gather in Washington DC To Call Out a Antisemitism Safeguarding Iceland Amid Seismic Uncertainty Efforts to safeguard the region's infrastructure are underway, with the Caterpillar D11 bulldozer working to construct defensive barriers. Meanwhile, animal shelters have been busy rescuing pets left behind during the evacuation, ensuring the safety of cats, fish, canaries, and even a chicken farm with 15,000 chicks. As the seismic activity persists, Iceland's roads are cracking, and buildings are beginning to buckle under the pressure of the underground magma. Recent data reveals that while earthquake activity continues in the affected region, the tremors recorded on the Richter scale have remained below magnitude 3. Authorities stress the unpredictability of volcanic eruptions, emphasizing that the absence of visible turbulence on instruments does not necessarily signal safety. The situation in Grindavik echoes a sentiment of impending doom, as residents fear that their homes could meet a fate akin to Pompeii if the volcanic eruption materializes. The Reykjanes peninsula, a once tranquil corner of southwest Iceland, has been besieged by thousands of minor seismic tremors. Authorities are particularly concerned about Grindavik, which has now been evacuated due to its vulnerability to a torrent of searing-hot magma. The British expatriate community in Iceland shares these fears, with Anne Sigurdsson describing the tremors as "too damn close for comfort." Anne and her husband Siggi, now residing in Iceland for seven years, recounted the unnerving experience of feeling their house shake, akin to being inside a shaken snow globe. The town of Grindavik, once a vibrant community, has been rendered a "ghost town" following the evacuation order. As Iceland grapples with the mounting crisis, a state of emergency has been declared. Experts believe an eruption could materialize any moment, indicating a developing "corridor" of magma extending approximately nine miles beneath the surface. Authorities are racing against time to fortify defenses around the Svartsengi geothermal power plant, situated merely four miles from the potential eruption site. This facility plays a pivotal role in providing hot and cold water and electricity to the entire country, underscoring the urgency of preparedness in the face of nature's fury, Mirror reported. Related Article: Leading Automakers Raise Employee Salaries Following End of United Auto Workers Union Strike @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. More towns open public ice skating; Ice Temple in the High Tatras is back. Here's what to do during the weekend of November 17-19. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Share TRAVEL Concert at a mountain hut The Zbojnicka Chata mountain hut, located in the valley of Velka Studena Dolina (Grand Cold Valley), will host another special concert on Saturday, November 18. British multi-instrumentalist based in Slovakia James Evans and his band will perform at an altitude of almost 2,000 metres above sea level. Admission is 50 and includes accommodation, dinner at 19:00, the concert at 20:00 and breakfast the next day. As space is limited, you need to contact the hut beforehand at zbojnickehochata@gmail.com. Don't forget to bring hiking boots and check the mountain rescue service website for warnings. The Zbojnicka Chata mountain hut in winter. (Source: Matus Beno) Ice dome opening On your way down from Zbojnicka Chata, you can stop by the Hrebienok resort. On Friday, November 17, the Tatra Temple of Ice dome opens for the 11th time. The theme of this year's edition is secret, so you'll have to check it out yourself. The temple will be open until April next year. Discover mountains in the winter season If you plan on staying in the High Tatras a little longer, why not take up the 8 Mountain Hut challenge? Although not restricted to the High Tatras only - you can visit any of the following mountain huts in Slovakia - in this mountain range there are often several on the same trail, allowing you to tick a few off in one day. The challenge runs until the end of the year, for more information and registration click here. TIP: Even a good summer season is not enough to make up for the rest of the year, say hut keepers. What a Slovak cave and Taylor Swift have in common Situated just outside Zuberec, a town of 1,900 inhabitants in Slovakias scenic Orava region, Brestovska Cave is just like a Taylor Swift concert: tickets sell fast and failing to get one results in not getting in. The cave hauntingly promises people that they will discover their phobias. Find out more about it here. ART One for theatre afficionados This Saturday promises a treat for theatre goers. The annual Theatre Night will be held in the many venues in towns all over Slovakia, allowing you to just sit back, enjoy, watch, or even participate in the performances. For the program, participating towns and more click here. The National Theatre resides near the river Danube, which makes for a great walk. (Source: Marko Erd, SME) And one for club lovers The club scene in Banska Bystrica will hold the second edition of the Klubove Povstanie (Club Uprising) event, showcasing the stories of people behind the clubs as well as those who visit them. Over three nights, the clubs promise to offer something for every generation. Click here for more information. MISCELLANEOUS FUN Get your skates ready More and more towns in Slovakia are providing opportunities for the public to skate. Last time it was Zilina, Poprad, Lucenec and Kosice, and now ice rinks in Hrinova, Zlate Moravce, Banovce nad Bebravou, Banska Bystrica, Liptovsky Mikulas and Bratislava join in on the fun. Click on individual towns to learn more about times and admission. When lights tell stories This week, dozens of light sculptures have started to illuminate the racecourse in Bratislava's Petrzalka borough, including an 8-metre tall Christmas tree, light tunnel, and even Bratislava Castle. Called Lights Tell Stories, the event offers a unique experience. For more information and tickets, click here. According to the organiser, online tickets are cheaper. TIP: Abandoned Slovak quarry yields other rarities after gems. UPCOMING EVENTS November 24 - Fairy tale-like Christmas events at a replica of an iconic house from a Slovak bedtime story November 23-24 - The opening of Christmas markets in several Slovak towns November 25 - Donate a toy to a charity event for children from orphanages and socially disadvantaged families December 2 - Winter Hobby Bratislava, an event for plastic model, Lego, miniature and model train collectors BEFORE YOU GO WHAT TO DO FOR FREE: How about a trip to Sandberg by following an unmarked trail? Also, there are two tips for concerts. WHAT TO EXPLORE IN BRATISLAVA: Get in the mood for upcoming holidays by attending a swing Christmas party and markets. WHAT TO LEARN: Englovak? Slovlish? English words get absorbed into Slovak, but sometimes unrecognizably. WHAT TO READ: The incredible story of the mother of the pop art king. Andy Warhol's iconic writing comes from his mother. That's it for this week. Take care, and have a nice weekend! https://sputnikglobe.com/20231117/bespokegun-how-sanctions-boosted-russian-sniper-rifle-production-for-special-military-op-1115024901.html BeSpokeGun: How Sanctions Boosted Russian Sniper Rifle Production for Special Military Op BeSpokeGun: How Sanctions Boosted Russian Sniper Rifle Production for Special Military Op The gunsmiths recently handed over a new batch of high-precision Raptor Tactical sniper rifles to Russian soldiers in the special military operation. Yaroslav Tabolsky, CEO of the private arms company BeSpokeGun, discussed the competitive advantages of the new Russian guns with Sputnik. 2023-11-17T15:40+0000 2023-11-17T15:40+0000 2023-11-17T15:40+0000 russia military & intelligence ukraine russia's special operation in ukraine raptor russian military rifle sniper rifle western sanctions western sanctions against russia /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0b/11/1115025938_0:67:1280:787_1920x0_80_0_0_1da86b8241785a1c3a964e1616ce6702.png Russian arms company BespokeGun developed the Raptor Tactical systems in April this year in partnership with the Russian Special Forces University. The Raptor Tactical .338 LM has already proved effective in the special military operation zone. The rifle can effectively hit targets at a distance of up to 1850 meters and weighs 7.1 kg without additional accessories."We have not made any truly revolutionary discoveries. We also did not apply any fundamentally [new] design solutions. Yes, there are certain laws, including the laws of ballistics and physics. We just made a product of excellent quality. We used the best technologies, the best materials and components," the CEO continued.BeSpokeGun has long been focused on creating luxury hunting and sporting weapons.Per the manufacturer, the Raptor's shooting accuracy is between 0.1 - 0.3 MOA ("minute of angle") which means that a seasoned sniper could literally hit the same point twice.After the company has mastered the production of the Raptor Tactical .338 LM, there is room to grow, according to Tabolsky. He revealed that BeSpokeGun is presently developing a new generation of rifles with the use of advanced technologies. "It will be even better," the executive promised. He explained that the Russian military needs high-precision weapons to shoot from a larger distance to ensure soldiers' safety and increase their effectiveness. Per Tabolsky, all parts of the weapon will see improvements, making it even more reliable and handy."But in general, we try to preserve all our traditions. That is, one can simply come and take a rifle from stock, but we try to communicate with the end user and assemble a system, especially for him. Including some individual features of the rifle or, say, accessories in the form of body kit, ammunition, and so on. That is, we are trying to keep this concept for now."How Western Sanctions Facilitated BeSpokeGun ProductionImmediately after the beginning of Russia's special military operation to demilitarize and de-Nazify Ukraine, Western countries slapped a series of sanctions on almost all sectors of the Russian economy. However, instead of strangulating it, the restrictions gave it a boost.Previously, BeSpokeGun imported foreign components to make their rifles, now the company has replaced almost all of them with Russian-made elements and units.It wasn't as complicated as one could imagine, Tabolsky continued: "Almost everything has already been replaced: the stock is domestic, the barrel is ours, the bolt group is our own, and it is better than the imported one. The more we produce now, the further we develop it, the cheaper the cost becomes. And everything I saw regarding imported components, there is nothing that we cannot produce."However, in general, the company is trying to produce components that surpass the imported analogs, the executive underscored.Despite having some shortage of staff, the company has enough young employees devoted to their work and is ready to train new specialists, according to the Sputnik interlocutor. All in all, the Russian manufacturing industry has risen sharply against all odds, he admitted, adding: "I personally really like this job, always with sparkling eyes." https://sputnikglobe.com/20230919/magic-bullet-russian-gunsmith-tests-hypersonic-sniper-rounds-1113500652.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20231015/top-notch-russian-made-sniper-rifles-steal-the-show-at-moscow-arms-expo--1114210177.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230513/russia-starts-producing-completely-domestic-cheytac-sniper-cartridge-1110312070.html russia ukraine Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Ekaterina Blinova Ekaterina Blinova News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Ekaterina Blinova russian special military operation, ukraine conflict, war in ukraine, ukraine war map, ukraine war news, russian defense contractors, russian arms makers, russian gunsmiths, bespokegun, russian sniper rifle, 338 caliber, western sanctions, import replacement, russian domestic production, russian economy https://sputnikglobe.com/20231117/biden-signs-short-term-funding-bill-without-additional-aid-to-israel-ukraine---white-house-1115015751.html Biden Signs Short-Term Funding Bill Without Additional Aid to Israel, Ukraine - White House Biden Signs Short-Term Funding Bill Without Additional Aid to Israel, Ukraine - White House US President Joe Biden has signed legislation to temporarily fund the federal government into next year that does not include additional aid to Israel and Ukraine, the White House said on Friday. 2023-11-17T07:10+0000 2023-11-17T07:10+0000 2023-11-17T07:10+0000 world us joe biden ukraine israel us senate white house /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0a/15/1114393879_0:114:3236:1934_1920x0_80_0_0_b8e61e908bc2ec4af045ac92ec4b0e47.jpg The US Senate on Wednesday passed legislation to temporarily fund the federal government into next year to avoid a government shutdown, sending the bill to Biden for final approval. The legislation funds separate portions of the government through January 19 and February 2 in a so-called "laddered" approach. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231115/stopgap-bill-to-pass-senate-row-over-govt-shutdown-brinksmanship-1114977336.html ukraine israel Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International us president joe biden has signed legislation to temporarily fund the federal government into next year that does not include additional aid to israel and ukraine, the white house said on friday. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231117/china-to-host-fifth-sco-defense-security-forum-november-1115022836.html China to Host Fifth SCO Defense, Security Forum November China to Host Fifth SCO Defense, Security Forum November China is to host the Fifth Defense and Security Forum of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) from November 20-29, the country's defense ministry announced on Friday. 2023-11-17T13:37+0000 2023-11-17T13:37+0000 2023-11-17T13:37+0000 military chinese defense ministry shanghai cooperation organisation (sco) china asia-pacific region military cooperation multipolar world defense cooperation /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/09/10/1100875147_0:127:3187:1920_1920x0_80_0_0_334226ac057babe900433d3c44e419ae.jpg The Chinese Defense Ministry will host the Fifth Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Defense and Security Forum from November 20-29, 2023, with the defense departments representatives, experts and academics from the SCO member states, states-observers and partner in dialogue states invited, the statement, published on the official ministerial website, read. There will be expert lectures, seminars and exchanges of opinion between the participants planned within the forum. The event is aimed at enhancing mutual understanding and mutual trust between the military of the participant states, at studying and discussing the ways to deepen SCO cooperation in the field of defense and security, as well as at actively building a closer SCO community with a shared future. The SCO is an intergovernmental organization currently comprising nine member states: China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. It also has three observer states: Afghanistan, Belarus, and Mongolia. Armenia, Azerbaijan, Cambodia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Turkiye are among the organization's 14 dialogue partners. In July, the members signed a memorandum on Belarus' obligations for accession to the bloc, which is officially expected in 2024. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231108/putin-common-peaceful-prosperous-eurasian-space-needed-for-new-world-order-1114806384.html china Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International sco community, sco cooperation, shanghai cooperation organization, military forum, military dialogue, military negotiations, military communication, multipolar world, polycentric world, defense cooperation, sco forum https://sputnikglobe.com/20231117/demonization-of-china-is-not-helping-the-united-states-1115012292.html Demonization of China is Not Helping United States Demonization of China is Not Helping United States On todays episode of The Backstory, host Rachel Blevins discussed current events including Biden calling President Xi a dictator, and the US Defense Department failing its sixth audit. 2023-11-17T12:19+0000 2023-11-17T12:19+0000 2023-11-18T12:21+0000 the backstory radio apec china congress california washington dc joe biden donald trump /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0b/10/1115012133_0:0:1920:1080_1920x0_80_0_0_1f05ba925cc16fd2bf77a52139037a9d.png Demonization of China Is Not Helping the United States On todays episode of The Backstory, host Rachel Blevins discussed current events including Biden calling President Xi a dictator, and the US Defense Department failing its sixth audit. In the first hour, Rachel spoke with veteran news anchor Manila Chan about the anti-Semitism rally in Washington DC, college students paid to attend by organizers, and Jew vs Jew anti-Semitism. Manila explained the makeup of the crowd at the anti-Semitism rally and how the rally compared to other protests Manila has covered.Rachel spoke with attorney and CEO of Gill Media Steve Gill about what Speaker Johnson has done so far, Congress gives themselves a longer Thanksgiving break, and Republicans will lose a seat in Congress. Steve talked about the way Republicans always lose on messaging and how Mitch McConnell does whatever Chuck Schumer asks of him.In the second hour, Rachel spoke with speaker, writer, political analyst, and author Caleb Maupin about his on the ground reporting at the APEC meeting, Joe Biden asked if President Xi is a dictator, and how Gavin Newsome had the homeless population of San Francisco moved a few blocks away. Caleb described the subjects discussed during the Biden-Xi meeting and how President Xi wants to help with drug addiction. Rachel spoke with Forbidden Truth podcast host and candidate for Arizona's 8th Congressional District Jacob Chansley about the way the mainstream media characterized Jacob, the mockingbird media, and the DOJ charges against Jacob. Jacob spoke about the American justice system and the way the DOJ uses conspiracy charges when they lack physical evidence.The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the position of Sputnik.We'd love to get your feedback at radio@sputniknews.comCatch us in the US at 105.5FM, 104.7FM, 102.9FM, 1390AM, 1140AM china california Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Rachel Blevins Rachel Blevins News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Rachel Blevins the backstory, anti-semtism march in washington, israeli-palestinian conflict, hunter biden, xi-biden meeting, jacob chansley run for congress, who is jacob chansley https://sputnikglobe.com/20231117/erdogan-says-israel-possesses-nuclear-weapons-but-hides-this-fact-1115028965.html Erdogan Says Israel Possesses Nuclear Weapons, But Hides This Fact Erdogan Says Israel Possesses Nuclear Weapons, But Hides This Fact Israel possesses nuclear weapons, but hides this fact, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated on Friday. 2023-11-17T18:02+0000 2023-11-17T18:02+0000 2023-11-17T18:02+0000 recep tayyip erdogan olaf scholz gaza strip israel palestine world nuclear weapons nuclear bomb israeli-palestinian conflict palestine-israel conflict /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/05/13/1095628415_0:3:1404:793_1920x0_80_0_0_4a5d4b49626057188346b8437923b1d8.png "Does Israel have nuclear weapons at the moment? It does, but if you ask Israel, they will not say yes. Because they use lies very well," Erdogan told a joint press conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin. As a result of Israel's operation there is nothing left if the Gaza Strip, Erdogan added. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231106/israeli-ministers-nuking-gaza-comments-warning-for-world-iran-says-1114767533.html gaza strip israel Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International recep tayyip erdogan, erdogan, turkey, turkiye, turkish president, israeli nuclear weapons, israeli nukes, nuclear weapons, nuclear non-proliferation, spread of nuclear weapons, nuclear attack, nuclear bombing, nuclear bomb, humanitarian disaster, humanitarian catastrophe, humanitarian ceasefire, israel-hamas conflict, gaza strip crisis, shelling of gaza, gaza devastation, israel-palestine conflict, palestine-israel conflict, israeli-palestinian conflict, palestinian-israeli, zionist regime, zionists, hamas attack, israeli strikes, israeli forces, hostages, israeli military, hamas fighters, hamas soldiers, hamas military, killings of civilians, civilian infrastructure, civilians dead, civilians die, israel kills civilians, civilian casualties, civilian deaths https://sputnikglobe.com/20231117/gaza-casualties-likely-much-higher-than-11000-officially-reported---un-1115026974.html Gaza Casualties 'Likely Much Higher' Than 11,000 Officially Reported - UN Gaza Casualties 'Likely Much Higher' Than 11,000 Officially Reported - UN A UN official said on Friday that the actual number of casualties in Israels war on Gaza is likely much higher than the last reported figure of more than 11,000 due to the chaos, caused by devastating Israeli strikes 2023-11-17T16:43+0000 2023-11-17T16:43+0000 2023-11-17T16:43+0000 world gaza israel the united nations (un) martin griffiths palestine-israel conflict /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0b/04/1114710347_0:161:3071:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_0371698b73f8f9d338ddce0bf9a63258.jpg On Monday, Gazas health ministry reported that 11,240 people had been killed, including 4,630 children. Its figures only include people recorded dead at hospitals and is almost certainly an undercount, not including the deceased who did not pass through a hospital or whose bodies have not been recovered from bombed sites. The UN Security Council on Wednesday adopted its first resolution since the outbreak of the war, calling for urgent and extended humanitarian pauses in Gaza. The US and UK abstained from the vote because the resolution did not condemn Hamas' October 7 attack on Israel. Russia also abstained because the resolution did not demand a humanitarian ceasefire. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231115/pentagon-quietly-ramps-up-ammo-for-israel-1114970857.html gaza israel Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International gaza casualties, ho3w many died in gaza, gaza death toll, how many palestinians killed by idf https://sputnikglobe.com/20231117/gaza-marine-is-israel-palestine-conflict-caused-by-offshore-gas-interests-1115031157.html Gaza Marine: Is Israel-Palestine Conflict Caused by Offshore Gas Interests? Gaza Marine: Is Israel-Palestine Conflict Caused by Offshore Gas Interests? The Gaza Strip boasts offshore natural gas deposits located 36 km off its coast. Does Tel Aviv's declared determination to control the area after the war have anything to do with the Palestinian energy trove? 2023-11-17T19:33+0000 2023-11-17T19:33+0000 2023-11-17T19:33+0000 us world dr mamdouh salameh benjamin netanyahu konstantin simonov israel gaza gaza strip palestinian authority hamas /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0b/11/1115013958_0:0:3072:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_46a9614c91baf1296b0435e94235ab0c.jpg Israel continues to make progress on the ground in the Gaza Strip. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly said that Tel Aviv is going to maintain control over the strip until it is demilitarized and de-radicalized. Netanyahu also appears to defy the Biden administration's signal that if the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) manage to defeat Hamas, Israel should allow the Palestinian Authority to take the reins of the strip.However, some observers believe that it's not actually demilitarization of the Gaza Strip that lies behind Tel Aviv's desire to supervise the region, but an untapped gas field named Gaza Marine.What is Gaza Marine?Gaza Marine is a natural gas field located 36 kilometers (22 mi) off the coast of the Gaza Strip at a depth of 610 meters. It is estimated to hold 32 billion cubic meters of natural gas and is complemented by a smaller field containing roughly three billion cubic meters of gas near Palestinian and Israeli territorial waters.However, the project was mired in controversies since the very beginning. Per US sociologist and author Michael Herman Schwartz, Tel Aviv insisted at that time that Israel should control PA's profits from gas, so that they were not used "for terror." "With this, the Oslo Accords were officially doomed," the author wrote.Meanwhile, in September 2000, famous Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat lauded Gaza Marine as "a gift from God" to the Palestinians and claimed that it would "provide a solid foundation for our economy, for establishing an independent state with holy Jerusalem as its capital." Arafat's statement came at the time of the beginning of the Second Intifada, which erupted after the failed Camp David Summit between US President Bill Clinton, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak and the PA chairman.Israeli-Palestinian hostilities lasted for roughly five years, being stopped by the Sharm el-Sheikh Summit of 2005 which saw new PA leader Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon taking decisive steps for de-escalation.In the subsequent years, the Gaza Strip saw the withdrawal of the Israeli military forces in 2005, the rise of Hamas' political wing and the expulsion of PA's Fatah from the strip in 2007. In response to Hamas' takeover, Egypt and Israel exerted a blockade of the strip that devastated its economy.In the course of all those years, Gaza Marine had remained untapped and undeveloped with Tel Aviv preventing the exploration under the pretext that the natural gas wealth would be used by Hamas and other Palestinian insurgent groups in their fight against Israel.Western Corps Lost PatienceStalled negotiations with the Israeli government, the Gaza Strip's takeover by Hamas and the Gaza war of 2008 resulted in BG shutting down its office in Tel Aviv. BG continued to hold its stake in the field's exploration but did not express much interest in it.Several years later, in 2015, the Palestinian government resumed talks with BG to abrogate the exclusive rights it had given to the company. Following the negotiations, the Palestinian side, presented by the Palestinian Investment Fund (PIF), got 17.5% stake in the gas field rights; Consolidated Contractors Company (CCC) held 27.5%.On April 8, 2016, Shell acquired BG, ending up with a 55% stake in the field. It appears that Shell did not consider the project promising, so it relinquished its stake in 2018, transferring it to Palestinian officials thus forcing them to find a new international contractor.To push ahead with the project, the PIF took 27.5% of the stake, the CCC retained the same share, and 45% was left for an operating company to start the long-anticipated exploration and extraction. In February 2021, the PIF and CCC signed an agreement with the Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company (EGAS) to develop the Gaza Marine field off the shores of the Gaza Strip. The project aimed to contribute "to strengthening Palestinian national independence," said the February 2021 memorandum of understanding (MOU) inked by the parties.In late November 2022, the Washington Post alleged that the Palestinian Authority, Egypt, Israel and Hamas may kick off the $1.4 billion gas exploration project in Gaza Marine, adding that it was due to be finalized by February 2023, while gas production could start as early as in March 2024.In May 2023, another publication, the Arab News, reported that the Benjamin Netanyahu government was conducting secret gas talks with the Palestinian Authority under the auspices of the US. In June, Israel officially gave preliminary approval for the development of a gas field off the Gaza Strip, stressing, however, that it would require security coordination with the Palestinian Authority and neighboring Egypt.Why Israel-Hamas War Wasn't Caused by GasIt's highly unlikely that the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip could be provoked by gas interests, said Dr. Mamdouh G. Salameh, an international oil economist and global energy expert.Indeed, presently Israel has 11 sizable gas fields, including Tamar, with the biggest, Leviathan, having an estimated 623 billion cubic meters of gas. Given that, Gaza Marine, lying in the Gaza Strip's proximity, doesn't make much difference for Tel Aviv's energy interests.Meanwhile, the already discovered fields off the strip's shores even though they are not as huge as those claimed by Israel are still big enough to sustain Gaza's and the Palestinian territories' economies, according to the expert.Actually, the stakes are much higher, according to Salameh. He argued that "the Palestinian occupied territories might have a share in the future from the Eastern Mediterranean gas reserves estimated at 3.45 trillion cubic meters and 1.7 billion barrels of oil."Konstantin Simonov, general director of the National Energy Security Fund, shared Salameh's stance that the present conflict wasn't provoked by an Israel-Palestinian energy dispute."A popular conspiracy theory is that all this started because there are colossal hydrocarbon reserves there," Simonov told Sputnik. "Firstly, the [Middle Eastern] region naturally triggers the concept that all events there should be viewed through the prism of hydrocarbons () But I think that here, after all, hydrocarbons are not of primary and fundamental importance."Per Simonov, BG did not proceed with Gaza Marine exploration mostly because the profits from the troublesome deposits weren't sizeable enough.The Russian scholar doubts that Palestinians would be able to claim rights for other gas fields found by Israel off the coast in the foreseeable future. Israel and its Western partners are racing against the clock to explore and extract hydrocarbons from the Tamar, Leviathan, and Aphrodite fields and it is highly unlikely that they would allow the Palestinian Authority to raise the issue of demarcating the Eastern Mediterranean shelf areas.In any event, not being rooted in the energy dispute, the ongoing Gaza war has once again thrown a wrench in the Palestinian Authority's much-needed gas project which could have helped restore the Palestinian economy and contribute to building a two-state solution. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231117/us-doubles-down-on-claim-that-hamas-used-al-shifa-hospital-as-command-post-1115022154.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20231114/what-are-hamas-survival-odds-as-israeli-military-gains-ground-in-gaza-city-1114957823.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20231117/sponge-bomb-no-pants-can-novel-israeli-weapon-thwart-hamas-tunnel-warfare-1115026641.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20231116/moscow-calls-substitution-of-concepts-bidens-remark-on-need-to-create-palestinian-state-1114995436.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20231115/iran-and-lebanon-have-no-desire-to-be-embroiled-in-palestine-israel-conflict---lavrov-1114972830.html israel gaza gaza strip Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Ekaterina Blinova Ekaterina Blinova News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Ekaterina Blinova gaza marine, israel, israel-hamas war, gaza strip, gaza war, natural gas, oil, offshore gas, offshore oil, british gas, palestinian authority, hamas, egypt, shell, stakes in gas exploration, palestinian economy, palestinian state, palestinian natural gas https://sputnikglobe.com/20231117/idf-killing-journalists-reporting-on-gaza-war--israeli-media-exec-1115019496.html IDF Killing Journalists Reporting on Gaza War Israeli Media Exec IDF Killing Journalists Reporting on Gaza War Israeli Media Exec The fighting in Gaza has left tens of thousands of Palestinians dead or injured, media workers among them. Israeli journalist Haggai Matar said his colleagues there had paid with their lives for doing an "essential" job. 2023-11-17T14:44+0000 2023-11-17T14:44+0000 2023-11-17T14:44+0000 analysis middle east israel gaza /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0b/11/1115020053_0:94:3001:1782_1920x0_80_0_0_8baf32f7c64a7ecb8f74a872a3af99c7.jpg Israeli forces have killed dozens of Palestinian journalists reporting from inside the Gaza Strip, says their Israeli colleague. Following a month-long bombing campaign against the besieged Palestinian enclave, home to 2.3 million people, the Israeli Defense Forces have surrounded Gaza City and are assaulting government buildings and hospitals. More than 11,000 Palestinians have been killed so far and almost 30,000 wounded, according to the Palestinian Authority's health ministry based in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Among them are dozens of journalists. Israeli journalist Haggai Matar told Sputnik that his colleagues inside Gaza have done invaluable work in documenting the results of the Israeli military offensive and humanitarian conditions there. But those reporters and photographers have paid the price for covering the Israeli assault first-hand."Meanwhile, within Israel, we were not hearing the voices of Israelis saying that this needs to end," the journalist lamented. "We've been trying to make sure that those voices listened to.""Interestingly, the loudest voices in the Israeli society saying 'we need a ceasefire, we need a peaceful solution,' are those of the bereaved families and the families of those people who have been kidnaped into Gaza by Hamas and the people who survived the massacres, the Hamas massacres," Matar added.But otherwise, he conceded, "It's been very hard to find these voices in Jewish-Israeli society" where "the vast majority of Israelis support the war," and it was mainly "Palestinian citizens of Israel that are very much against this war, but are being silenced brutally.""People can be arrested for things like that right now. So those voices are really, really important and they're being really silenced. I feel like most people in the world are not paying attention to them," he concluded.For more unique commentary on major world events, tune in to our Sputnik Radio show Political Misfits. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231114/israels-intent-to-genocide-palestinians-in-gaza-is-very-clear---journalist-1114949285.html israel gaza Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 James Tweedie https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/08/1c/1080307270_0:3:397:400_100x100_80_0_0_7777393b9b18802f2e3c5eaa9cbcc612.png James Tweedie https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/08/1c/1080307270_0:3:397:400_100x100_80_0_0_7777393b9b18802f2e3c5eaa9cbcc612.png News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 James Tweedie https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/08/1c/1080307270_0:3:397:400_100x100_80_0_0_7777393b9b18802f2e3c5eaa9cbcc612.png israeli siege bombing and invasion of gaza, palestinian journalists killed in gaza https://sputnikglobe.com/20231117/mass-surveillance-in-hyperdrive-us-company-suspected-of-enabling-government-abuses---report-1115013265.html Mass Surveillance in Hyperdrive: US Company Suspected of Enabling Government Abuses - Report Mass Surveillance in Hyperdrive: US Company Suspected of Enabling Government Abuses - Report New documents released after a Freedom of Information Act request suggest the company LexusNexus has been selling personal location and facial recognition data to the controversial agency since late last year. 2023-11-17T02:52+0000 2023-11-17T02:52+0000 2023-11-17T02:52+0000 us border patrol americas science & tech tech companies surveillance surveillance government surveillance /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/01/07/1092080410_0:129:3073:1857_1920x0_80_0_0_e971d9e1e8f2ebf3a1d6d6d3ddaae701.jpg The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has a long list of controversial behavior, such as the flouting of constitutional protections and mass arrests of racial justice protesters. Now a US-based data giant is looking to add to that list as it faces criticism for reportedly helping to facilitate the agencys abuses of power.New documents released after a Freedom of Information Act request suggest the company LexusNexus has been selling personal location and facial recognition data to the controversial agency since late last year. The information was revealed Thursday in a report in US media.The data sold by the company also includes social media posts, IP addresses, employment history, and phone call records.This contract is mass surveillance in hyperdrive, said Julie Mao, referring to the $15.9 million agreement signed by LexusNexus.Its frightening that a rogue agency such as CBP has access to so many powerful technologies at the click of the button. Unfortunately, this is what LexisNexis appears now to be selling to thousands of police forces across the country. Its now become a one-stop shop for accessing a range of invasive surveillance tools.Companies such as LexusNexus gather personal data from multiple sources. Among the most invasive information offered by the company is location tracking data gathered from individuals smartphones. Modern mobile phones are in constant communication with cell towers throughout the country, frequently pinging them as they send and receive data.The information is stored on smartphones and can be retrieved by third-party applications which sell the data to various companies, which is then aggregated by LexusNexus.Police agencies purchasing of the information is controversial as its seen as an end run around constitutional protections against the gathering of such data without a warrant.The conduct of CBP has generated debate about the limits of government power in the United States; CBP touts the power to operate within 100 miles of any land or sea border in the country. The claim subjects two-thirds of Americans in most major US cities to searches by the agency.CBP was criticized in 2020 when they flew a Predator drone over Minneapolis to surveil racial justice protesters there after the murder of George Floyd. In July of that year, CBP agents in unmarked vehicles rounded up protesters in Portland, Oregon.And in recent years a scandal emerged when it was revealed that over 160 asylum seekers have been subjected to physical and sexual abuse by CBP and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials. americas Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International lexusnexus, company, us tech company, corruption, us customs and border protection, surveillance, spying, technology TikTok has prohibited content promoting Osama bin Laden's 2002 letter published in The Guardian detailing his justifications for his group's attacks against the US on September 11, 2001. The letter was published by the British newspaper after al-Qaeda's attack on the US that killed nearly 3,000 people, criticized US support for Israel, accused Americans of financing what he called the "oppression" of Palestinians, and contained antisemitic comments. Bin Laden's letter has since been removed from The Guardian's website after it was contextualized to allegedly support the Palestinian cause and, in extension, justify Hamas's October 7 attack on southern Israel. "The transcript published on our website had been widely shared on social media without the full context," the updated message to the article wrote. "Therefore we decided to take it down and direct readers instead to the news article that originally contextualized it." In a 2002 article reporting about the letter, the paper indicated that the letter issued a new call to arms against the West, which was still reeling from 9/11. "Anyone who tries to destroy our villages and cities, then we are going to destroy their villages and cities," bin Laden's letter wrote in part. "Anyone who steals our fortunes, then we must destroy their economy. Anyone who kills our civilians, then we are going to kill their civilians." Bin Laden was killed in 2011 after US special forces raided his compound in Pakistan. TikTok Users Promote bin Laden's Letter Rolling Stone reported that the TikTok trend began after a user named Lynette Adkins noticed bin Laden's letter in The Guardian and recommended pro-Palestine supporters to read the piece as it mentioned Israel's alleged occupation of Palestinian territories and the US's alleged complicity in what the slain terrorist leader called as the suffering of the Middle East and the rest of the Muslim world. "I need everyone to stop what they're doing right now and go read - it's literally two pages - go read 'A Letter to America,'" Adkins said. "Come back here and let me know what you think. Because I feel like I'm going through, like, an existential crisis right now, and a lot of people are. So I just need someone else to be feeling this too." Since the TikTok video, other users on the platform have endorsed the reading of bin Laden's letter. Read Also: Osama Bin Laden Foresees Joe Biden as US President, Stops Al-Qaeda from Assassinating Him Clamping Down Terrorist Sentiment However, TikTok noticed the trend and quickly wiped out all of the videos that had any mention of bin Laden or his letter from the platform. "Content promoting this letter clearly violates our rules on supporting any form of terrorism," the Chinese-owned app's statement read. "We are proactively and aggressively removing this content and investigating how it got onto our platform." A search for "Letter to America" on TikTok surfaced no results on Thursday (November 16), with a notice that said the phrase may be associated with "content that violates our guidelines," Reuters reported. Calls to Remove TikTok from US Grow Meanwhile, several US lawmakers used the bin Laden letter debacle to criticize TikTok and renew their calls to ban the app in the US. Watch below to see how China-owned TikTok is pushing pro-terrorist propaganda to influence Americans. These people are sympathizing with Osama bin Laden the terrorist responsible for 9/11 and thousands of American deaths. TikTok must be banned or sold to an American company. https://t.co/GOvnBZjXt4 Rep Josh Gottheimer (@RepJoshG) November 16, 2023 Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) wrote on X, formerly Twitter, that TikTok was allegedly "pushing pro-terrorist propaganda to influence Americans." "These people are sympathizing with Osama bin Laden - the terrorist responsible for 9/11 and thousands of American deaths," he added. "TikTok must be banned or sold to an American company." Meanwhile, White House spokesperson Andrew Bates released a statement condemning the TikTok trend. "There is never a justification for spreading the repugnant, evil, and antisemitic lies that the leader of al Qaeda issued just after committing the worst terrorist attack in American history," he said. Related Article: Several Polls Say US Support for Israel Declining as Siege of Gaza City Continues @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231117/prisoner-of-war-tells-how-ukraines-mercs-try-to-avoid-russian-strikes-1115019158.html PoW Tells How Ukraine's Mercs Try to Avoid Russian Strikes PoW Tells How Ukraine's Mercs Try to Avoid Russian Strikes A captured Georgian soldier enlisted in Ukraines International Legion sheds light on the reality of military operations in the Lugansk region. 2023-11-17T12:23+0000 2023-11-17T12:23+0000 2023-11-17T13:37+0000 russia's special operation in ukraine ukraine georgia slavyansk lpr mikheil saakashvili lugansk /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0b/11/1115018853_0:0:1920:1080_1920x0_80_0_0_77554e72c3b5bb74e06a4a4c4bbc1543.png Foreign recruits from The Second International Legion of Defense of Ukraine are stationed in Slavyansk, where they live in rented apartments in fear of Russian missile strikes, Georgian mercenary Georgy Chubetidze told Sputnik.Chubetidze said that he served in the legion with the rank of junior sergeant. The other day, he and his fellow Georgian mercenary were captured in the Kremennaya, Lugansk People's Republic. The sniper pair headed to their designated firing point, but took a wrong trail and got to the positions of the Russian group "Otvazhhye" (lit. Brave Ones).According to the captured soldier, the Second International Legion has two companies Alpha and Charlie. Alpha includes fighters from Ukraines neighboring countries, while Charlie has enlisted foreigners from France, the US, the UK, Brazil etc. Most of the recruits have combat experience, having served in the Middle East and Central Asia.Chubetidze noted that foreigners "from further abroad" also lived there. He elaborated that the Ukrainian command was apprehensive to have the entire staff grouped together, fearing a Russian strike on the premises with all the mercenaries. The soldier claimed that Ukraines military command normally chooses a random site to gather their fighters.Chubetidze was born in 1983 in Gori (a city in eastern Georgia). In 2007 he was detained on theft charges and released four years later. He moved to Turkiye, and worked in Istanbul as a constructor, but in 2015 he was deported back home due to some trouble with the law. After moving to Ukraine, he signed the first contract with Ukraines Armed Forces in 2016. Chubetidze worked in military logistics in the 72nd Brigade until 2019. However, legal issues at home did not stop there. Georgian authorities accused the man of an attempt to storm the parliament and civil riot, for which he "faced 7 to 15 years" in jail.Chubetidze shared that he had no ID, and there was no way for him to get a new Georgian passport. He previously resided in Kiev with his wife and children. In 2022, the Ukrainian police detained him for fighting in the street. Chubetidze spent ten months in custody awaiting trial. He was later recruited by the Ukrainian counterintelligence and signed a contract with the Second International Legion. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231112/ukraines-foreign-us-mercs-in-zaporozhye-reportedly-left-for-israel-1114905371.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20231113/ukraine-losing-its-best-soldiers-in-meat-grinder-of-botched-counteroffensive-1114918309.html ukraine georgia slavyansk lugansk Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Ukrainian POW Ukrainian POW 2023-11-17T12:23+0000 true PT1M12S 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International international legion, ukraine, kremennaya, lugansk people's republic, slavyansk, mikheil saakashvili, russia, war prisoner, soldier, russias special military operation, prisoner of war https://sputnikglobe.com/20231117/republicans-growing-tired-of-endless-us-spending-in-ukraine-conflict---reports-1115031489.html Republicans 'Growing Tired' of Endless US Spending in Ukraine Conflict - Reports Republicans 'Growing Tired' of Endless US Spending in Ukraine Conflict - Reports Republicans are growing tired of endless US spending in Ukraine amid Russia's special military operation, Congressman Paul Gosar told Sputnik on Friday. 2023-11-17T18:53+0000 2023-11-17T18:53+0000 2023-11-17T19:23+0000 us ukraine white house military assistance financial aid us arms for ukraine ukraine crisis ukrainian conflict ukrainian conflict republicans /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/106714/37/1067143771_0:474:2798:2048_1920x0_80_0_0_c4fe2c3ac580b06f74d74147c743a772.jpg This week, President Joe Biden signed a short-term spending bill that included no additional funding for Ukraine as available funds are close to being completely depleted. "House Republicans, like most Americans, are growing tired of the endless spending for a proxy war in Ukraine," Gosar said in a statement. "Additional expenditures for an indefinite and needless war is not something Congress will rubber stamp for the Biden regime." Last month, Biden submitted a $106 billion supplemental request to Congress that includes $61 billion for Ukraine. The United States has provided Ukraine with $113 billion in assistance since the start of Russia's operation in February 2022. Congress will consider more funding for Ukraine in the coming weeks when they convene to approve full budgets for 2024. The White House has previously expressed confidence there is enough bipartisan support to get more funding through. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231108/usaid-warns-no-funding-left-for-direct-budget-support-in-ukraine-1114821828.html ukraine americas Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International us money, security assistance, us funds, us assistance, us weapons, nato equipment, nato-supplied military equipment, us arms for ukraine, nato arms for ukraine, nato support for ukraine, us weapons for ukraine, us aid to ukraine, us funding of ukraine, russia wins, ukraine loses, ukrainian crisis, failed counteroffensive, ukrainian counteroffensive, foiled counteroffensive, counteroffensive attempt, thwarted counteroffensive, counteroffensive effort https://sputnikglobe.com/20231117/russian-food-vendors-to-display-products-at-cairo-exhibition--1115026518.html Russian Food Vendors to Display Products at Cairo Exhibition Russian Food Vendors to Display Products at Cairo Exhibition Cairo hosts the Food Africa Expo this year from December 12 to 14 at the Egypt International Exhibitions Center. The state-owned development institute Russian Export Center JSC (REC, part of VEB.RF) arranged a Made in Russia stand that will show off various kinds of domestic products. 2023-11-17T16:20+0000 2023-11-17T16:20+0000 2023-11-17T16:20+0000 russia egypt russian export center jsc (rec) russia /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/09/08/1100549406_0:91:3078:1822_1920x0_80_0_0_9cebe6ebfe1582d95e0a33ba7ff2242f.jpg Food Africa is the continents largest International Trade Exhibition with a focus on the Food and Agro industries. The expo combines showcasing and networking, while the platform gives unmatched access to major agricultural actors in Egypt and Africa.At the Made in Russia exposition, visitors will have a chance to appreciate a variety of Russian grains, meats and dairy products, freshly frozen Karelian berries from Russia's northwest region bordering Finland, sweets, and high-quality canned fish.The expo will see Russian manufacturers present their equipment and services for the food industry. REC will set up and hold over 100 business meetings with potential partners in the B2B format for the expo participants.Explore My Export digital platform, where you can learn more about the terms of participation in foreign events within the Made in Russia exhibition, or choose an upcoming 2024 event to your liking. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231115/made-in-russia-exhibition-opens-at-wetex--dubai-solar-show-1114982766.html russia egypt Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International cairo, food africa, made in russia, egypt, food africa expo, russian export center jsc, rec, veb.rf https://sputnikglobe.com/20231117/shanghai-conference-reflects-new-level-of-russian-chinese-dialogue--expert-1115019563.html Shanghai Conference Reflects 'New Level' of Russian-Chinese Dialogue Expert Shanghai Conference Reflects 'New Level' of Russian-Chinese Dialogue Expert The focus of the conferences discussions was on how Moscow and Beijing can change international order, Professor Timofey Bordachev, Program Director of the Valdai International Discussion Club, told Sputnik. 2023-11-17T12:21+0000 2023-11-17T12:21+0000 2023-11-17T12:21+0000 world russia china shanghai conference experts relations development /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0b/11/1115017637_0:146:2800:1721_1920x0_80_0_0_81f26c1a234aca1f62c09776d69e93f7.jpg A Russian-Chinese scientific conference organized by the Valdai International Discussion Club and East China Normal University (ECNU) has wrapped up in Shanghai.Titled "Crisis and Global Transformation: China and Russia Facing the Challenges of a Changing World Order," the two-day gathering hosted more than 40 representatives of academic circles from both countries.He noted that it was very important for the Valdai Club and the Russian expert community in general to hold such a conference to discuss Moscow-Beijing relations and fundamental upheavals across the globe three years after the beginning of the COVID pandemic.The focus of our discussion has completely changed, which is, of course, very important, for it positively affects the atmosphere of the debates, Bordachev emphasized.He added that the experts discussed four main topics at the Shanghai conference, including "the overall development of political relations between Russia and China."The second theme pertained to globalization and regionalization, while the third was about mass communications in a modern-day world. The final was the strengthening of international cooperation in Eurasia, according to the Valdai Club program director.He noted that both sides made anti-American remarks during the discussions because, "after all, the US now remains the most conservative force in the world, which does not want any changes at all."Separately, he gave kudos to "a very skilled team of Russian and Chinese experts, who attended the Shanghai conference, specialists whom we have known for many years."The remarks come after Professor Andrey Bystritsky, chairman of the Board of the Foundation for Development and Support with the Valdai Club, touted the conference as "a very important step towards bringing the two countries closer." He underscored that the Shanghai gathering once again indicated that Russian-Chinese relations "have enormous potential." https://sputnikglobe.com/20231116/russian-chinese-conference-shows-moscow-and-beijing-in-the-same-boat--experts-1115001374.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20231116/shanghai-conference-russian-and-chinese-experts-meet-to-decode-global-transformation-1114995652.html russia china shanghai Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Oleg Burunov https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/09/0b/1080424846_0:0:2048:2048_100x100_80_0_0_3d7b461f8a98586fa3fe739930816aea.jpg Oleg Burunov https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/09/0b/1080424846_0:0:2048:2048_100x100_80_0_0_3d7b461f8a98586fa3fe739930816aea.jpg News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Oleg Burunov https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/09/0b/1080424846_0:0:2048:2048_100x100_80_0_0_3d7b461f8a98586fa3fe739930816aea.jpg russian-chinese conference in shanghai, valdai international discussion club, east china normal university, development of poilitical ties between russia and china https://sputnikglobe.com/20231117/sputnik-returns-to-abu-dhabi-1115020798.html Sputnik Returns to Abu Dhabi Sputnik Returns to Abu Dhabi Sputnik International Agency is once again among the participants of one of the most prestigious media events of the year - the Global Media Congress (GMC), which is being held for the second time in the capital of the UAE. This year's slogan is "Shaping the Future of the Media Industry". 2023-11-17T13:41+0000 2023-11-17T13:41+0000 2023-11-17T13:44+0000 world sputnik uae abu dhabi media sputnik news united arab emirates russia russian media rossiya segodnya /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0b/11/1115020491_0:164:1280:884_1920x0_80_0_0_29bbbb433ed2f5bcc2fd3ccc685aaf29.jpg Sputnik's stand at the Abu Dhabi media congress featured a radio studio where Sputnik Arabic hosts talked to guests. Among them were the heads of the Saudi Press Agency, UAE News Agency (WAM), Algeri Press Service (APS), Yemen Radio and Television, as well as representatives of the governments of Iraqi Kurdistan and Bahrain.Victoria Polikarpova, the head of Sputnik International, gave interviews to leading news agencies in the Middle East, as well as from Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and China.Talks at the congress also reached agreements on Sputnik's participation in major regional events next year, such as the Annual Investment Meeting (AIM Congress).The 2023 Global Media Congress was held from November 14-16 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center (ADNEC) and attracted more than 23,000 visitors, well up from the tally last year of 14,000. The congress was attended by representatives of 172 countries, more than 30 of which participated for the first time. A total of 127 sessions, 27 interactive workshops and six specialized media labs were held during the congress. The next Global Media Congress will be held in 2024. uae abu dhabi united arab emirates russia Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International sputnik, sputnik news agency, russian media, russian media outlet, russian press, russian news agency, sputnik news, rossiya segodnya, russian news, russian position, russian perspective, russian stance, russian view, russian viewpoint https://sputnikglobe.com/20231117/watch-russian-2b9-vasilyok-mortar-wipe-out-ukrainian-stronghold-1115016282.html Watch Russian 2B9 Vasilyok Mortar Wipe Out Ukrainian Stronghold Watch Russian 2B9 Vasilyok Mortar Wipe Out Ukrainian Stronghold The Russian 82-mm mortar crew has showcased their precision and effectiveness, destroying an enemy stronghold in the Krasny Liman area. 2023-11-17T09:54+0000 2023-11-17T09:54+0000 2023-11-17T09:54+0000 russia's special operation in ukraine ukrainian crisis russian forces russian defense ministry ukrainian counteroffensive attempt ukraine crisis ukrainian conflict mortar fire mortar shell mortar /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0b/11/1115017208_1:0:854:480_1920x0_80_0_0_56dec76edc21094204a4e5caec172591.png The Russian Defense Ministry has published footage of Russian artillerymen wreaking havoc on Ukrainian positions with 82-mm 2B9 Vasilyok (lit. Cornflower) mortar shells in Krasny Liman.Upon receiving intelligence about the enemy's location, the mortar crew swiftly moved to the firing position. With remarkable efficiency, the Russian servicemen executed an initial firing shot, followed by a prompt correction based on real-time feedback. The 82-mm 2B9 Vasilyok, a highly maneuverable wheeled mortar, was instrumental in the strike.This adjustment was crucial, as it enabled the Vasilyok mortar to recalibrate and accurately target the Ukrainian stronghold. The precision of their subsequent strike led to the destruction of both the stronghold and the enemy personnel present there. russia ukraine Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Watch Russian 2B9 Vasilyok Mortar Wipe out Ukrainian Stronghold Watch Russian 2B9 Vasilyok Mortar Wipe out Ukrainian Stronghold 2023-11-17T09:54+0000 true PT1M06S 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International 2b9 vasilyok, vasilyok mortar, russian vasilyok, cornflower mortar, mortar strike, mortar shells, russian mortar, artillery strike, russian artillery, ukrainian troops, ukrainian losses, russian forces, russian troops, russia wins, ukraine loses, ukrainian crisis, failed counteroffensive, ukrainian counteroffensive, foiled counteroffensive, counteroffensive attempt, thwarted counteroffensive, counteroffensive effort, russian forces attack, russian forces assault, russian attack, russian assault, russian advance, russian offensive https://sputnikglobe.com/20231117/watch-russian-attack-jets-strike-ukrainian-positions-1115024077.html Watch Russian Attack Jets Strike Ukrainian Positions Watch Russian Attack Jets Strike Ukrainian Positions The jets have once again demonstrated their dominance in the airspace of the special operation zone, delivering a series of precise missile strikes at Ukrainian military positions in the South Donetsk area. 2023-11-17T18:11+0000 2023-11-17T18:11+0000 2023-11-17T18:11+0000 russia's special operation in ukraine video russian defense ministry ukraine crisis ukrainian conflict ukrainian crisis ukrainian counteroffensive attempt russian jets attack jet /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0b/11/1115027221_1:0:854:480_1920x0_80_0_0_c0708c28e6e7db91b01307f2daff6bac.png The Russian Defense Ministry has published footage of the Russian Aerospace Forces vaporizing military facilities and equipment of the Ukrainian troops in South Donetsk.The missile launches were carried out in jet pairs from low altitudes, showcasing the high skills of the Russian pilots. Post-strike, the crews adeptly performed maneuvers, deploying heat traps to evade any potential counter-attacks, before seamlessly returning to their departure airfield. Not only did the strikes result in the destruction of the Ukrainian camouflaged fortified field positions and armored vehicles, but also underscored the superiority of Russian aviation.The ability of Russian jets to operate effectively within the special operation zone highlights a considerable asymmetry in aerial capabilities, with Ukraine struggling to match the technological and strategic advantages of the Russian forces. russia ukraine donetsk Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Anatoly Dontsov https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0b/10/1114999947_0:0:640:640_100x100_80_0_0_19a01f02da85cd9b6a0cbb9a5632bd94.jpg Anatoly Dontsov https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0b/10/1114999947_0:0:640:640_100x100_80_0_0_19a01f02da85cd9b6a0cbb9a5632bd94.jpg News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Russian Attack Jets Strike Ukrainian Positions Russian Attack Jets Strike Ukrainian Positions 2023-11-17T18:11+0000 true PT1M11S 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Anatoly Dontsov https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0b/10/1114999947_0:0:640:640_100x100_80_0_0_19a01f02da85cd9b6a0cbb9a5632bd94.jpg air superiority, russian aircraft, russian jet, attack jet, russian air forces, russian aerospace forces, russian aviation, russian attack, missile strike, ukrainian troops, ukrainian losses, russian forces, russian troops, russia wins, ukraine loses, ukrainian crisis, failed counteroffensive, ukrainian counteroffensive, foiled counteroffensive, counteroffensive attempt, thwarted counteroffensive, counteroffensive effort https://sputnikglobe.com/20231117/worldwide-measles-deaths-up-43-in-2022-yy---who-1115013123.html Worldwide Measles Deaths Up 43% in 2022 Y/Y - WHO Worldwide Measles Deaths Up 43% in 2022 Y/Y - WHO The organization added that 37 countries, including 28 in Africa, six in the Eastern Mediterranean, two in South-East Asia and one in Europe, experienced large or disruptive measles outbreaks in 2022. 2023-11-17T02:18+0000 2023-11-17T02:18+0000 2023-11-17T02:18+0000 world world health organization world health organization (who) measles measles outbreak medicine /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/05/05/1110107994_0:163:3062:1885_1920x0_80_0_0_0cc8b57295870b765ba507f793170bd3.jpg "Following years of declines in measles vaccination coverage, measles cases in 2022 have increased by 18%, and deaths have increased by 43% globally (compared to 2021). This takes the estimated number of measles cases to 9 million and deaths to 136 000 mostly among children," a new report from WHO and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said. The organization added that 37 countries, including 28 in Africa, six in the Eastern Mediterranean, two in South-East Asia and one in Europe, experienced large or disruptive measles outbreaks in 2022, compared with 22 countries in 2021. The report also said about 33 million children missed measles vaccination in 2022, of whom nearly 22 million did not receive their first dose and an additional 11 million missed their second dose. "The global vaccine coverage rate of the first dose, at 83%, and second dose, at 74%, were still well under the 95% coverage with two doses that is necessary to protect communities from outbreaks," the report said. The organization said over half of the 22 million children who missed their first measles vaccine dose in 2022 live in ten countries, namely Angola, Brazil, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Madagascar, Nigeria, Pakistan and the Philippines. The report also said low-income countries with the highest risk of death from measles have the lowest vaccination rates at only 66%. "The increase in measles outbreaks and deaths is staggering, but unfortunately, not unexpected given the declining vaccination rates weve seen in the past few years ... Measles cases anywhere pose a risk to all countries and communities where people are under-vaccinated. Urgent, targeted efforts are critical to prevent measles disease and deaths," CDC Global Immunization Division Director John Vertefeuille said in the statement. On Tuesday, Russian consumer watchdog Rospotrebnadzor said the epidemiological situation of measles in Russia was under control and that 77.5% of citizens from the number of people to be immunized were vaccinated against measles. Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International world health organization, measles, world health concerns, health, medicine, medical news Trainer Ron Patoines Broadway Giant added another victory to his ever-growing win column on Sunday, Nov. 12 at Cumberland, scoring for the second time in as many weeks. Driven by Bruce Ranger, the nine-year-old son of Broadway Hall left from pylon position with several speedy trotters leaving swiftly for position outside of him. One horse in a hurry went off stride, leaving Mister Muscle (Aaron Hall) to take command and put the 4-5 favourite into the two-hole. Wasting little time while heading to the :29.1 opening panel, Ranger pulled the pocket to take the lead. Following a softer :59.3 second stanza, Ranger continued to show the way with Broadway Giant as Little Macabee (Drew Campbell) pulled first-over down the backside and into a 1:29.2 third quarter. Rounding the final turn, Little Macabee had dead aim on the leader and was poised to pounce. But Broadway Giant found another gear and held off the would-be spoiler to prevail by half of a length in 2:00.1 to take the featured opener, a $5,500 conditioned trot. Mister Muscle finished third. The win was the eighth of the year from 23 starts for Broadway Giant and the fourth victory in his last five outings. He paid $3.80 to win. The trotter increased his seasonal earnings to $27,910. In the winter seasons second leg of the Maine Amateur Driving Club (MADC), owner/trainer/driver McKenzie Sowers scored for the second week in a row with her own Penneys Spirit in 2:00.2. Making a bold three-wide move down the backside, the 14-year-old son of Ring Of Life rang the bell again, paying $14.40 to win. Canbec Kingkazimir (Todd Whitney) finished second; Led Schneppelin (Jason Bertolini) was third. The MADC series is sponsored by the Blue Seal Feed Stores of Windham and North Yarmouth, Maine. Drew Campbell, Aaron Hall and Bruce Ranger each won two races on the card, with trainer Randy Bickmore picking up a pair as well. With statistics going back to the beginning of the year, Ranger leads all reinsmen with 58 victories, followed by Kevin Switzer Jr. (53), Nick Graffam (41), Campbell (40) and Hall (39). Racing continues at Cumberland Raceway on Saturday, Nov. 18 with an 11 a.m. post time. First Tracks Cumberland in Maine races Saturday and Sunday throughout the month of November and will transition to three days each week (adding Fridays) beginning Dec. 1 and continuing through Christmas Eve 2023. (With files from First Tracks Cumberland) Millionaire Marloe Hanover was all out to do it, but she held off the late charge of Blue Ivy to capture Thursdays $21,200 Filly & Mare Open Handicap Pace at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows. While Marloe Hanover blitzed the opening panel in :26, Blue Ivy was stuck outside before the break of Sweet And Feisty allowed her to slip into the pocket. They raced that way until mid-stretch when Blue Ivy began to nibble into the lead. She came up a nose short and Marloe Hanover prevailed for Dave Palone in 1:50.4. C Is For Cookie rallied for show. Virgil Morgan Jr. trains Marloe Hanover, a six-year-old daughter of Captaintreacherous-Mesmerize Bluechip who now boasts a lifetime bankroll of $1,066,074, for Let It Ride Stables, JL Benson Stables and Bottom Line Racing LLC. Palone collected five wins on the 13-race card while Chris Lems and trainers Scott Betts and Ron Burke each enjoyed a triple. Live harness racing at The Meadows continues on Friday when the 13-race program features a $5,413.53 carryover in the Early Pentafecta (race four). First post is 12:45 p.m. (With files from Meadows Standardbred Owners Association) Amazon has been pushing its return-to-office policy to its employees. Now, the American multinational tech firm announced that those who still disregard this rule will not be provided with promotions. This decision is the retailer's latest effort to force its employees to adhere to its return-to-office rules. Here's what Amazon said regarding its new rule. Amazon Return-to-Office: Non-Compliant Employees Will Not Be Promoted Yahoo News reported that Amazon employees who don't comply with the e-commerce giant's return-to-office policy will not be able to get their job promotions. Amazon explained that its managers are the ones who are responsible for processing employee promotions. This means although they need to support the growth of their staff through regular conversations, managers are still required to ensure that employees follow all the needed inputs before they get promoted to higher positions. "If your role is expected to work from the office 3+ days a week and you are not in compliance, your manager will be made aware and VP approval will be required," said Amazon via CNBC. This means that managers will now be stricter when it comes to the needed office attendance records of their subordinates. The American retailer confirmed that managers are working more closely with human resources groups to monitor the adherence of employees when it comes to in-office work requirements. Amazon said that this will be continuously evaluated before workers are promoted. Read Also: Walmart Will Dim Lights, Turn Off Radio for Good Reason; Here's What to Know About Sensory-Friendly Hours Amazon's Return-to-Office Policy Criticized An Amazon spokesperson explained that promotions are among the retailer's efforts to show its support for employee development and growth. However, Amazon still has the responsibility to ensure that its workers are ready for their next positions. To do this, the e-commerce giant is considering numerous factors. One of the most important factors that Amazon checks is if employees comply with its policies and guidelines, especially the return-to-office rules. However, hundreds of thousands of Amazon employees are not happy with this. Because of this, tensions between the American retailer and its corporate employees (estimated to be around 350,000) worsened ever since the company pushed its return-to-office policy. Some of these workers created an internal petition to urge CEO Andy Jassy to remove the in-office requirement. Meanwhile, others joined protests. Related Article: Amazon to Start Selling Cars Online as Early as 2024! But, Will This New Shopping Experience Be Safe? @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. For more than two decades, Worldly Beauty has made an appreciable impact on owner Mike Gulottas life. First, she was an award-winning racehorse with her success on the track even contributing to his grandsons name followed by her role as the impetus behind Gulotta starting Deo Volente Farms three years after her retirement. On Saturday night at The Meadowlands, her influence will continue to be felt when her daughter, Deo Volente-bred and owned Miraculous Deo, competes in the sole elimination for the Three Diamonds Stakes for two-year-old female pacers. The top eight finishers will join bye recipients Caviart Belle and Peace Talks in the final on Nov. 25. Worldly Beauty, a daughter of Artsplace-World Order, won the 2001 Three Diamonds at the Big M, with Luc Ouellette in the sulky for trainer Pat Lachance. The outcome resulted in Gulottas grandson being named Luke. My daughter [Elaine] was pregnant at the time and she told Luc that if he won the race, she and my son-in-law [Tyler] were going to name the baby Luke, said Gulotta. They knew it was a boy and thats what they did. Worldly Beautys victory in the Three Diamonds brought her freshman season to an end. She finished with six wins in seven starts, including the Shes A Great Lady, and received the first of her two Dan Patch Award divisional honours. She got her second trophy after her three-year-old campaign, in which she won 12 of 15 races, finished second in her remaining three starts and earned more than $1.1 million. For her career, Worldly Beauty won 21 of 45 races, hit the board an additional 13 times and earned $2.1 million. She gave us so much in the way of joy and memories, said Gulotta, who shared ownership of Worldly Beauty with Craig Lipka. I bought one yearling [in 2000] and it was Worldly Beauty. People said she was too small, but she spoke to me. Ill never forget it. I looked at her and she put one ear back and one ear forward, and we connected. I said, youre the one. We got her for $87,000. She had her issues, but she had grit and determination. She wanted to win. She raced against the best of the breed back then: Eternal Camnation, Bunny Lake the whos who of mares and she did very well against them. Worldly Beauty retired in 2004. Deo Volente Farms, located in New Jersey, was founded in 2007. Miraculous Deo this year joined the list of Grand Circuit winners produced by Worldly Beauty, including Rock N Roll World and World Of Rocknroll. She is the matriarch of Deo Volente Farms, Gulotta said about Worldly Beauty. Shes the reason that Deo Volente Farms was built because I wanted to make sure she had the long, good life that she deserved. We retired her this year [as a broodmare]. She is going to live her life at Deo Volente Farms and be treated royally, as she should be. She leaves her legacy in Miraculous Deo. Its a miracle that were here with her 22 years later. We always dreamt of one of her daughters winning the Three Diamonds. Fingers crossed. Shes got stiff competition, no doubt about it. Miraculous Deo, a daughter of stallion Stay Hungry, has hit the board in nine of 12 races this year and earned $124,609. She has one win, which came in a preliminary round of the Kindergarten Classic Series. She heads to the Three Diamonds elimination off a second-place finish behind Caviart Belle in the Kindergarten final on Nov. 4 at The Meadowlands. Trained by Noel Daley, Miraculous Deo will start on Saturday from post 10 with Todd McCarthy in the sulky. She is 8-1 on the morning line. Breeders Crown winner My Girl EJ, leaving from post five with Dexter Dunn driving for Ron Burke, is the 2-1 favourite. Shes not going to have an easy trip from the 10-hole, said Gulotta. But shes got tremendous gate speed and she can be used several times in the mile and still show up at the end. Shes moving at the beginning and shes moving at the end. Shes got tremendous stamina and Noel has done a great job with her. She loves her work. Shes a bigger reincarnation of her mom. Shes got a lot of heart, just like her mom. She had tremendous heart. Its a miracle that her daughter is here to represent her. Its a miracle and a blessing. In addition to the sole Three Diamonds elimination, The Meadowlands on Saturday hosts one elim for the Valley Victory Stakes for two-year-old male trotters and two elims for each the Governors Cup for rookie male pacers and Goldsmith Maid for freshman female trotters. Flying Kronos S is the 5-2 favourite in the Valley Victory elim, where the top eight finishers will advance to meet Karl and Security Protected in the final. In the eliminations for the Governors Cup and Goldsmith Maid, the top four finishers from each elim will advance to the final as well as one fifth-place finisher chosen in a blind draw. The nine finalists from the Governors Cup will join Lou Vuitton in the final. The nine from the Goldsmith Maid will join Sambuca Hanover in the final. Newsroom is the even-money favourite in the first Governors Cup elimination and Booming Economy is the 5-2 favourite in the second. Soiree Hanover is the 8-5 favourite in the first Goldsmith Maid elimination while R Melina is the 2-1 choice in the second. Racing begins at 6:20 p.m. (EST) at The Meadowlands. For a free TrackMaster program for the Big M, click here. (With files from USTA) Yank My Halo won the featured $18,000 conditioned trot at Woodbine Mohawk Park on Thursday, Nov. 16 in a career-best time with Bob McClure holding the lines for trainer Roger Mayotte. McClure and Yank My Halo got away third from post seven in the field of nine while Northern Classic (Jody Jamieson) and Frenchy Hanover (Louis-Philippe Roy) battled for the top. Northern Classic was the first to the opening panel in :28.1 before the favoured Frenchy Hanover took command. After a :57.1 half, McClure tugged on his right line and sent the Mayotte student to the outside. The pair remained in third on the outside at the three-quarters in 1:26.3 and then, charged to take over the lead. Down the lane, Yank My Halo achieved a comfortable lead to win by 1-3/4 lengths in 1:55.1. HP Joni Moni (Tyler Borth) took second and Titan Flax S (James MacDonald) rounded out the top three. Yank My Halo is co-owned by Just In Time Stable, R A W Equine Inc., Big Als Stables and Ben Mudry. The sophomore son of Archangel scored a new lifetime mark and moved his career win count to three with a new bankroll sum of $54,760. He paid $11.60 to win. To view Thursday's harness racing results, click the following link: Thursday Results - Woodbine Mohawk Park. Trot Insider has learned that 2022 Meadowlands Pace winner and O'Brien Award finalist Beach Glass has been retired and will stand at stud in 2024. Winbak Farm of Canada has announced that Beach Glass, p,2,1:51.1s, 3,1:47.2, with earnings of $1,189,416, will stand at Winbak Ontario starting in 2024. Pat Woods, Farm Manager at Winbak, described Beach Glass as "the last son of the legendary Somebeachsomewhere, embodying an ideal blend of looks, speed, and an exceptional pedigree." Despite limited starts at two, Beach Glass made a significant impact, winning his first three races at Woodbine Mohawk Park. His third victory, by a stunning nine lengths in 1:51.1, was particularly impressive. "Although his starts at two were few, Beach Glass demonstrated remarkable speed and capability," added Woods. At three, he triumphed in the prestigious $600,000 Meadowlands Pace final, securing the one trophy his illustrious sire never captured. His extraordinary achievements include wins at the North America Cup and Meadowlands Pace eliminations, Max Hempt Memorial, Cane Pace, Simcoe Stakes, Progress Pace elimination and final, and Delvin Miller Adios elimination. "Beach Glass is a beautiful horse with a flawless gait, tremendous speed, great stamina and a will to win," said driver Yannick Gingras. "Its very unfortunate that his career was cut short. With his outstanding ability, I was looking forward to great things as an aged competitor." "Joining the ranks of Somebeachsomewhere sons like Captaintreacherous, Downbytheseaside and Huntsville, Beach Glass represents an exciting opportunity for breeders to participate in the rich Ontario Program and the Grand Circuit," noted Jack Burke, General Manager at Winbak Farm. Beach Glass's impressive lineage includes his dam, Im With Her, a Bettors Delight half-sister to notable stalwarts Holborn Hanover and Hyperion Hanover. His second dam, Hall of Fame inductee Hattie, and close relations to Funknwaffles and Real Nice, further highlight his exceptional breeding. Joe Thomson, owner of Winbak Farm, anticipated breeding some of the farm's top mares to Beach Glass. He extends gratitude to the Beach Glass team for the opportunity to stand one of North America's most promising stallion prospects Brent MacGrath, trainer and co-owner, expressed enthusiasm about Beach Glass's potential as a sire. "Training Beach Glass was a joy. He's not only physically stunning but also intelligent and well-mannered. His conformation perfectly combines his mother's elegance with his sire's power and muscle. Like Somebeachsomewhere, he possesses a flawless gait, high speed, and an innate desire to win. "He excels at speed, gait and brains," MacGrath told Trot Insider when asked which attribute he'd most like to see Beach Glass pass to his offspring. "You know, it's just really, really hard to to pick one." One thing the connections for Beach Glass did have to pick was a jurisdiction and location to stand at stud. "We're Canadian, first and foremost. And I always felt a little bit guilty, you know, we get thrown into the limelight like we did with [Somebeachsomewhere] and 'Beach' was Canada's horse. And we're Canadian. And at that time in my life, I just couldn't afford not to send him to Hanover, and this horse is different. He's not his father. And I am in a different place financially than I was with 'Beach' and we want Beach Glass to be in Canada. We want to be part of it. We want to have some babies and we want to race in Canada. "I believe that that we will find the right amount of mares in Ontario," continued MacGrath. "I think our selection in Ontario is as good as anywhere." (with files from Winbak Farm) Scottsbluff is searching for a new parks director. Parks are a priority in the current fiscal years budget and the city hopes to make improvements to many of them once the position is filled. The city has been without a parks director since 2017 when then-director Perry Mader accepted a position in South Dakota and the city choose not to fill the position at the time. Current City Manager Kevin Spencer said he was unsure why the position was left unfilled by thought that budget constraints could have played a role. Once I became city manager, it became pretty clear to me that was a missing piece of the puzzle, Spencer said. We do need somebody to coordinate our parks and plan for the future. The city has a job posting up for the position and has already received applications, including one from an applicant all the way in Oklahoma. Spencer said they are working on scheduling interviews and are actively working on filling the position. The job posting calls for applicants to have at least a bachelors degree in park and facility maintenance or a related field, as well as experience in landscaping and recreation administration. They also hope applicants will be able to provide long-range planning for park resources and experience in grant writing. Another important factor was how they fit in with city staff. Theyre going to need to be a good fit with our team here, so well be conducting interviews and trying to vet them for that too. Its really important that theyre a good fit for the community and Scottsbluff staff, Spencer said. He said that he hoped that a new hire for parks director would be brought on board close to the beginning of 2024. Following the hire of a parks director, there are also plans to hire a recreation director for the city. Whenever they do start, the parks director will have his or her work cut out for them as Scottsbluffs parks are likely to see more attention from the city in the next year than they have in a long time. That is because, as Mayor Jeanne McKerrigan announced at the State of the Valley Address, Scottsbluff has allocated its funds from the American Rescue Plan Act in the 2024 budget and plans to spend a significant portion of them on improvements to the parks. The American Rescue Plan Act was passed in 2021 and provided municipalities across the country with emergency funding. Under the legislation, municipalities must allocate the funds by the end of 2024 and spend them by the end of 2026. Spencer thought the ARPA funds represented a unique opportunity for the city. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to spend funds where we struggle, like our parks, Spencer said. Scottsbluff received $2.6 million in ARPA funds divided into two tranches, which will give the new parks director plenty to work with. While no projects are set in stone right now, Spencer had ideas for what he hoped they would be able to accomplish. These included continued improvements to Cleveland Field, where artificial turf is already being installed. Spencer hoped they would be able to provide some updates to the outfield fence as well. He also wanted to reopen the bathrooms at Veterans Park, which have been closed due to vandalism. Perhaps the most ambitious of these ideas is the construction of a park north of Highway 26, where there are none within the city limits. Unfortunately, none of these projects will be finalized until the position is filled. I plan to spend a significant amount of that ARPA funding improving our parks, but I need to get that parks director here to influence those decisions and help guide that, Spencer said. The job search is ongoing and the city will accept applications until the position is filled. Interested parties can obtain a city application form at City Hall and may apply from there. After delaying college for two years because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Jaden Todd wasnt sure a four-year school was the right place to start. I was extremely concerned that I forgot how to learn, he said. Community college appealed as a stepping stone, but he also had heard stories of students who had to start over when they transferred because their credits didnt count at the new school. Todd, 21, was relieved to wind up at Northern Virginia Community Colleges ADVANCE program, a partnership with George Mason University that put him on a clear path to his goal of a bachelors degree in computer science. Such established arrangements between two- and four-year colleges and universities have shown promise in helping more community college students go on to earn bachelors degrees, according to data released Thursday by U.S. Education Department. Only 13% of federal financial aid recipients who enrolled in community college in 2014 received a bachelors degree within eight years, the data found. Hundreds of thousands of those who enroll annually at the more affordable two-year schools plan to transfer to a four-year program at a college or university, but obstacles get in the way. Frequently, students lack the guidance they need to navigate the transfer, and their credits dont transfer the way they planned. Our current higher education system stacks the deck against community college students who aspire to earn four-year degrees, Education Secretary Miguel Cardona said ahead of a gathering of 200 higher education leaders convened Thursday by his department to examine state and school transfer policies. The new data tracked roughly 620,000 federal financial aid recipients. The outcomes are especially concerning for Black, Hispanic and low-income students, who are more likely to start at community colleges. Colleges in New Jersey, New York and Illinois graduated the most transfer students, with schools in South Dakota, Delaware, Indiana and New Mexico recording the lowest numbers. One of the things that I think has really played a pivotal role in transfer student success is our goal to make as much information transparent, said Alicia Alvero, associate vice chancellor for academic and faculty affairs at the City University of New York. CUNY relies on an online transfer explorer, known as T-Rex, that makes it easier for students to see which of their courses will transfer between campuses, Alvero said. The State University of New York is experimenting with artificial intelligence to let students map courses between any of the community and four-year campuses in the system, said Dan Knox, a director at the National Association of System Heads, an organization of 48 public higher education systems across the country formed to advance innovation in higher education. At SUNY, thats 30 community colleges and ... 64 campuses in total, so the choice sets in a system that large for students are just overwhelming, Knox said. Its just very tough to map all that out manually, he said. The Education Department data also found widely varying results when it looked at pairings between two- and four-year institutions in each state to evaluate how often community college students graduated from the four-year institutions they would most likely attend. Among the highest-performing pairings were those with established partnerships designed to ease the transfer process, like the one at George Mason. Todd, a 2020 high school graduate in Woodbridge, Virginia, said he liked that the co-enrollment program set from the start the classes he would take in community college and at George Mason. Hed heard of others paying thousands for tuition only to lose credits and find themselves behind when they transferred. I mean, I could spend $15,000 a year and want to try another college out, he said. Researchers said evaluating why certain pairings do better than others would help improve transfer systems as a whole. The findings are expected to guide higher education leaders who are struggling with declining enrollment and students concerned about adding to the $1.77 trillion in student loan debt. We have never before had national data that look at how well students do when they move among colleges and universities, said James Kvaal, undersecretary of education, so this study weve done, looking at people who get student aid, is really groundbreaking and has shed new light onto the role that both community colleges and four-year colleges play in helping their students get that college degree. The summit also is expected to address statewide policies such as assigning codes to courses to create consistency across schools and guaranteed admission for certain students. 100 best community colleges in America Intro #100. Kansas City Kansas Community College #99. Harper College #98. Central Wyoming College #97. Oakton Community College #96. San Diego Mesa College #95. CUNY Kingsborough Community College #94. Manchester Community College - New Hampshire #93. Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College #91. College of Lake County #89. Lewis & Clark Community College #88. Pinellas Technical College - Clearwater #87. Stanly Community College #86. Amarillo College #85. Eastern Arizona College #84. Northwest College - Wyoming #83. Kapi'olani Community College #82. St. Philip's College #81. Howard Community College #80. Savannah Technical College #78. North Central Kansas Technical College #77. Montgomery College #76. Cerritos College #75. Chipola College #74. Skyline College - San Bruno #73. Northeast Community College #72. Blue Ridge Community College - North Carolina #71. Johnson County Community College #70. West Valley College #69. Chippewa Valley Technical College #68. Pinellas Technical College - St. Petersburg #67. Kauai Community College #65. Northeast Wisconsin Technical College #64. De Anza College #63. Northcentral Technical College #62. Honolulu Community College #61. Mission College #60. Southeast Community College #59. College of Eastern Idaho #58. North Seattle College #57. Ogeechee Technical College #56. Florida Gateway College #55. Sandhills Community College #54. Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Nashville #53. Lincoln Land Community College #52. Moorpark College #51. Santa Monica College #50. Wayne Community College #49. Elgin Community College #48. Texas State Technical College #47. Santiago Canyon College #46. MiraCosta College #45. Western Suffolk BOCES #44. Minnesota State Community and Technical College #43. North Dakota State College of Science #42. Southwest Wisconsin Technical College #41. Southwestern Community College - North Carolina #40. Canada College #39. Southwest Mississippi Community College #38. Santa Rosa Junior College #37. Ohlone College #36. Holmes Community College #35. Cuesta College #34. University of South Carolina - Lancaster #33. Western Iowa Tech Community College #32. Nicolet Area Technical College #31. Roxbury Community College #30. Pasadena City College #29. College of San Mateo #28. Alexandria Technical & Community College #27. Mt. San Antonio College #26. Southern Regional Technical College #25. Brazosport College #24. Wallace Community College - Dothan #23. Waukesha County Technical College #22. Allan Hancock College #21. City College of San Francisco #20. Lake Tahoe Community College #19. North Florida College #18. Western Technical College - Wisconsin #17. Renton Technical College #16. New Mexico Military Institute #15. Mitchell Technical College #14. Lake Area Technical College #13. Lakeshore Technical College #12. Bellingham Technical College #11. Collins Career Technical Center #10. The Ohio State University - Agricultural Technical Institute #9. Craven Community College #8. Atlantic Technical College #7. Southeast Technical College #6. Las Positas College #5. Santa Barbara City College #4. Moraine Park Technical College #3. Fox Valley Technical College #2. Northwood Technical College #1. Foothill College An underwater earthquake with a powerful magnitude of 6.8 shook the southern Philippines on Friday, November 17. The tremor hit at 4:14 PM local time, 78 kilometers (48 miles) below the surface, off the coast of Sarangani province on the major southern island of Mindanao. A married couple perished when the ceiling of a retail mall fell as people evacuated the building. In a report by Time, an earthquake that was first recorded as having a magnitude of 7.2 was lowered to 6.8 by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) and posed no danger of a tsunami. The Philippines has a history of frequent earthquakes. The nation is situated on the seismically active "Ring of Fire," a band of volcanoes that circles the Pacific Ocean. See Also: Philippine City of Tacloban Remembers 10th Anniversary of Wrath of Supertyphoon' Haiyan' Evidence of Earthquake Destruction TINGNAN: Nagdulot ng pangamba sa isang mall sa General Santos City nang yumanig at maglaglagan ang debris sa kasagsagan ng magnitude 6.8 na lindol na naitala ang episentro sa Davao Occidental. (: Gregorio Narajos) | via Chat Ansagay pic.twitter.com/55cqdi9Rei ABS-CBN News (@ABSCBNNews) November 17, 2023 Local TV footage seems to show people fleeing a hospital and taking cover on the floor of a retail center as the ground under them shakes violently in General Santos, South Cotabato. Police confirmed that a man and his wife's bodies had been discovered buried behind a concrete wall outside of the wood factory where they had worked, local media ABS-CBN News reported. The signs and antennas atop a 17-story skyscraper can be seen swaying in one video. Local media reported that everyone in the building had been successfully evacuated. The Old Buayan Bridge between General Santos and Sarangani is said to have sustained cracks and been closed due to the quake. Meanwhile, radio host Leny Aranego reported to the local DZRH radio station that several walls had been broken and some computers had been knocked off their tables. Radio station DZRH quoted PHIVOLCS director Teresito C. Bacolcol as claiming the quake was "destructive," so they "expect damage." Local media in the Philippines stated that there was a power outage in the country's southern regions. Students who had collapsed were receiving first aid as well as medical assistance, according to a post that was earlier made on Facebook by the Philippine Red Cross. Reportedly, the airport in General Santos City experienced minimal damage, including hairline fractures along columns in the facility. They said that neither passengers nor staff had suffered any injuries. Advisory From Local Government General Santos City issued a warning to its residents via Facebook, telling them to "remain calm but vigilant" in the face of potential aftershocks. In order to conduct structural integrity evaluations, city government operations had to be put on hold. Some government agencies were to keep operating, including those responsible for providing essential services like healthcare and food assistance. See Also: Magnitude 3.6 Earthquake Struck Northern Illinois, Police Department Receives Voluminous Amount of 911 Calls @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. At the National Exchange Club Convention in Phoenix, Arizona, Mooresville native Cotton Ketchie was nominated to be inducted into the prestigious Court of Honor at the National Exchange Club headquarters in Toledo, Ohio. The Court of Honor, formed by the three wings of the headquarters building was established in 1957 to help pay tribute to the great men and women of Exchange. The statue, Birth of the Atomic Age, created by the renowned sculptor Marshall Fredericks, stands in a reflecting pool with fountains. Several large granite pylons at the rear of the Court display the inscribed names of inductees. There are more than 90 names inscribed on the Court of Honor pylons, including Charles Berkey, the founder of Exchange; Dr. Edward R. North Jr., founder of the National Exchange Club Foundation for the Prevention of Child Abuse; Thomas L. Bailey, author of the Covenant of Service; and Herold M. Harter, who served as Exchanges national secretary for 44 years. Tracey Edwards, CEO of the National Exchange Club, opened the ceremony and welcomed the attendees from across the nation who where there in support. Ketchie was introduced for the induction ceremony by good friend and fellow club member, Beth Packard, and friend and past national president, David Johnson of Charleston, South Carolina. After a few words of gratitude for his wife, Vickie, for getting him to to join Exchange and encouraging him in the role of leadership, he gave a special thanks for fellow club members, Paul and Linda Summerville, Beth Packard, Matie Watts, Barbar Orr, and North Carolina District President J.D. Ketterman for making the trip from North Carolina to Toledo to share in this momentous occasion. Ketchie also relayed his thanks to Exchange Club members from across the nation who had helped and contributed to make the award possible. National Exchange Club President Leif Welhaven of Billings, Montana, presented Cotton with a small statue of the man who birthed in the atomic age and also a lapel pin of the same. Ketchie was instrumental in building and currently belongs to three Exchange Clubs The Evening Exchange Club of Lake Norman, The Able and Ready Exchange Club of Mooresville, and the new Troutman Exchange Club. He was also instrumental in the building a total of nine clubs. Ketchie joined The Exchange Club in 2002 and has served in numerous capacities since then as club president, division director for the North Carolina District and then as the North Carolina District president in 2015-2016. While serving as district president, he and and fellow club-builders built three new clubs in one year the first in National Exchange Club history. At the National Exchange Club Convention in 2016 in Houston, Texas, Ketchie was awarded the prestigious honor as being the National Exchangite of the Year. Also, while serving as the North Carolina District president, Ketchie was awarded top honors as the Distinguished District President of the Year and the coveted Star Award. Exchanges National Project is the prevention of child abuse and Ketchie served on the board of The Exchange Parenting Center of Iredell County, now called Pharos, for many years. Across the nation, Exchange club members work tirelessly in their communities in three other areas of service which include Americanism, youth and community service doing projects to raise monies for various organizations and helping out where they can. Ketchie is firm believer in the work of Exchange and has often said, I dont see why everybody doesnt belong to an Exchange Club. And Ketchie practices what he preaches and has brought more than 80 members into the Exchange family while offering them the same opportunities to make themselves a better person while making their communities better places to live. Ketchies class of 30 District Presidents from across the nation coined the phrase as their motto, Exchange Strong and it is still used today. The National president for that year was Dan McQueeney who was a retired lieutenant colonel of the United States Air Force, so in his honor, the class of the 104th year history of Exchange called themselves members of the 104th Lightning Squadron. Cotton and his fellow club members are constantly working on projects like the Walk of Heroes in Troutman, food drives for Feed NC, raising money for scholarships for needy students, honoring our veterans, police officers, and firefighters and visiting residents of local nursing homes. Cotton and his wife, Vickie, both Court of Honor inductees, are only the second couple in the history of Exchange to receive this honor. Vickie will be quick to tell you that her name is engraved on top of the granite pylon and Cottons name is at the bottom, albeit, the same pylon. If you want to learn more about Exchange please visit their National website at www.natinalexchangeclub.org. And if you would like to join a local Exchange Club, Ketchie would be glad to sponsor you. A federal grand jury in Charlotte has indicted Matthew Johnson, 58, of Troutman, for orchestrating a fraudulent loan scheme that defrauded the U.S. Small Business Administration out of more than $3 million, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. The indictment was unsealed Friday following Johnsons initial appearance in court. Donald Trey Eakins, special agent in charge of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, Charlotte Field Office joined King in making the announcement. According to allegations in the indictment, Johnson was a dentist and oral surgeon that owned Johnson Oral Surgery in Mooresville. In addition to the dental practice, Johnson also owned Mount Mourne Springs LLC, a real estate development company. The indictment alleges that from August 2018 to November 2021, Johnson submitted a false and fraudulent loan application in the name of his dental practice and the real estate development business. The application was for a loan backed by the SBA, and allegedly contained fraudulent information, including false information regarding the status of Johnsons personal and business taxes and outstanding tax debts. For example, the indictment alleges that one of the fraudulent documents Johnson submitted in support of the loan application was a fabricated letter purporting to be from the IRS, falsely representing that Johnson was on a payment plan with the IRS. As a result of the fraudulent loan application, Johnson received more than $3 million in an SBA-backed loan. Contrary to claims Johnson made on the application about the purpose of the loan, Johnson allegedly used the loan funds to pay for personal expenses including travel, cash withdrawals, and to pay for farm equipment and home improvement projects. In addition to the loan scheme, the indictment alleges that, from October 2015 to November 2021, Johnson committed tax evasion and failed to pay more than $615,000 in taxes he owed to the IRS for tax years 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016. Johnson has been released on bond. He is charged with wire fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and tax evasion, which has a maximum statutory penalty of up to five years in prison. Both charges also carry a fine of up to $250,000 for each offense. The charges against Johnson are allegations and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The Turkish-Syrian normalization process has hit a roadblock, al-Modon writes. The Turkish-Syrian normalization process has hit a roadblock, with tensions escalating between the two parties. This development has garnered attention both in the Arab world and globally, with concerns mounting over the ongoing Israeli occupation of Gaza. Initially, there were hopes that this normalization effort would bring together Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad. However, it appears that the plan, which had Russian involvement, has not progressed as expected. Notably, there have been no official statements regarding this process from Turkish authorities, the Syrian regime, or their Russian sponsor. A recent statement by the Syrian regimes Foreign Minister, Faisal al-Mekdad, during a meeting with an Armenian National Assembly delegation led by Hagop Arshakyan, underscores the growing tension. Mekdad called on Turkey to cease its regional escalation and refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of other countries. This statement reflects the regimes desire to compete with Turkey and highlights the unresolved issues between the two parties. One major point of contention is the Syrian regimes insistence on the withdrawal of Turkish forces from northern Syria. In contrast, Turkey argues that this demand cannot be met as long as American-backed Kurdish units, leading the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), remain in the region. Ankara believes that a comprehensive political solution is required to address the Syrian situation. Additionally, the Syrian refugee issue further complicates the situation. Omar Ozkizelcik, a Turkish foreign policy and security researcher in Ankara, asserts that the normalization of relations between Turkey and the Syrian regime has faced obstacles from the start. He believes that the majority of balanced expectations did not anticipate any significant progress. According to Ozkizelcik, negotiations began primarily due to Turkish elections and Russian pressure. Turkey entered these talks to de-escalate tensions with Russia regarding its support for Ukraine. However, he believes that the Syrian regime will not be able to meet Turkish demands, as Ankara cannot withdraw from Syria or abandon its support for the Syrian opposition. Turkeys demands, as reported by Turkish media, include ending the presence of the Kurdistan Workers Party and its armed elements in Syria, advancing the political process with opposition involvement, and overseeing the return of refugees to Syrian governorates like Aleppo. In May, former Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu met with his counterpart in the Syrian regime, Faisal al-Miqdad, in Moscow. Russia announced a roadmap for normalization, but Ozkizelcik describes these negotiations as disastrous. He highlights the Syrian regime delegations insistence on ending the illegitimate Turkish military presence as a major sticking point. Ozkizelcik also reveals that Bashar al-Assad criticized Erdogan shortly after the Moscow meeting, accusing him of pursuing an expansionist agenda reminiscent of the Ottoman era during a speech at the Jeddah Summit, his first participation in the Arab League after his return. In light of these developments, it is evident that the Syrian regime is quick to criticize Turkey on various occasions, including the recent meeting with the Armenian delegation. This demonstrates that the regime views Turkey and the Syrian opposition, rather than the United States or the Peoples Protection Units, as the primary threats to Syrias stability. This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author. Abdollahian said Iran is committed to supporting the Special Representative of the Secretary-General's mission aimed at resolving issues in Syria, al-Baath reports. Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has emphasized the imperative of backing Syria in its fight against terrorism. He highlighted the increasing complexity of the Syrian situation, attributing it to U.S. interventions, which have enabled numerous terrorist groups to pose ongoing threats to Syrias security. During a meeting with UN Secretary-General Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, in Geneva, Abdollahian reaffirmed Irans commitment to supporting the Special Representative of the Secretary-Generals mission aimed at resolving issues in Syria. Abdollahian condemned the economic sanctions imposed on Syria by the United States, labeling them as measures detrimental to the Syrian people. He called upon the Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations and the Deputy Secretary-General for Humanitarian Aid Affairs at the United Nations to make concerted efforts to lift these economic sanctions on Syria. In response, Pedersen briefed Abdollahian on his ongoing efforts and plans to facilitate a resolution to the Syrian crisis. He shared his perspectives on the continuation of the political process, including the progress of the Constitutional Committee. Pedersen conveyed his intention to mitigate tensions in Syria and expressed hope that recent developments in Palestine would not negatively impact the situation in Syria. This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author. Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria. On Thursday, the World Court directed Syria to implement measures preventing torture in response to emergency actions initiated by the Netherlands and Canada. Concurrently, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) revealed that over 700 elite fighters from the Iran-backed Lebanese Hezbollah militia have been stationed near the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights in Syria. This development unfolds against a backdrop of escalating tensions between Hezbollah and Israel. World court orders Syria to stop torture and preserve evidence Judges at the World Court on Thursday ordered Syria to take steps to prevent torture as part of emergency measures in a case against Damascus brought before the top U.N. tribunal by the Netherlands and Canada, Reuters reported. Syria must () take all measures within its power to prevent acts of torture and other cruel and inhumane or degrading treatment and ensure its officials or others under its control do not commit torture, presiding judge Joan Donoghue said. The 15-judge panel also told Damascus to ensure that any possible evidence about allegations of torture, including medical reports and death records, are preserved. Syria has boycotted the courts hearings and was not present for the ruling. The case marks the first time an international court has looked at alleged abuses committed in Syria during 12 years of conflict. The case before the World Court, formally known as the International Court of Justice, was filed in June by the Netherlands and Canada. They say Syria is breaching a U.N. anti-torture convention by abusing tens of thousands people, many of whom are kept in Syrias extensive detention system. Syrias government and President Bashar al-Assad have rejected accusations of torture and extrajudicial killings in a war that the United Nations has said claimed hundreds of thousands of lives. The ICJ can issue emergency orders to ensure a situation does not deteriorate in the several years it generally takes the court to rule on the main claim. Iranian-backed groups in Syria may use roadside bombs Rabbanit Rachelle Sprecher Fraenkel, a mother who endured the tragic kidnapping and later loss of her own son, Naftali Fraenkel, in a kidnapping by Hamas, commended immigrant mothers who have recently made aliyah for their remarkable courage in sending their children to face an existential war, JPost.com reported. These also include attacks on facilities where US forces are located in the middle Euphrates River valley, such as the Conoco and Omar fields and other sites near Deir Ezzor. According to an assessment in pro-Iran Al Mayadeen media, these attacks do not have the level of impact that Iran may have expected. While the report claims that there have been casualties among US forces, the overall assessment is that the groups Iran backs in Syria have to use handmade weapons. This shows they are not well-armed. The report says they have targeted various places in Syria where US forces are present, such as Conco, Tanf, Rukban, Shaddadi, Kharab Al-Jir airport, the Rumeilan area, Tal Baydar, and Qasrak in the Hasakah countryside. The report says this constitutes about two-thirds of the American bases in the country, which amount to 14 bases. The US deployed forces to Syria to back the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and defeat ISIS. The assessment is that the data indicate that the resistance is continuing to escalate while working to develop it to the stage of targeting of American ground movements through mines and explosive devices until its goal of pushing the Americans to withdraw completely from the areas they occupy is achieved. This is an open threat to US forces and a potential shift in tactics from firing rockets to using IEDs on roadsides. Hezbollah deploys 700 fighters near Syrias Golan Heights amid tension with Israel The Iran-backed Lebanese Hezbollah militia has deployed over 700 elite fighters near the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights in Syria, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) has reported, amid heightened tensions with Israel. The fighters were reportedly trained by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and were assembled from various countries in the Middle East, such as Syria, Iraq, and the occupied Palestinian territories. They have been deployed to areas near the frontline with the Israeli-occupied Syrian Golan Heights in Al-Quneitra province, western Rif Dimashq province, and parts of western Daraa province. The forces were said to have arrived in the area since October in small batches, circumventing any coordination with Syrias ruling Assad regime, which is allied with Iran and Hezbollah. The Assad regime has long kept the frontline with the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights quiet, preventing any attacks on Israeli forces there. Israel has traded fire with Hezbollah in southern Lebanon ever since the outbreak of war with Gaza last month. At least 90 people have been killed on the Lebanese side in cross-border skirmishes, while six soldiers and two civilians have been killed on the Israeli side, according to AFP. Lebanese Authorities Dismantle Syrian Refugee Camp in Tyre On Thursday, Lebanese security forces took action to dismantle a camp constructed by Syrian refugees in the city of Tyre, located in southern Lebanon, North Press reported. The General Directorate of General Security in Lebanon issued a statement indicating that a group of Syrian refugees had erected a substantial camp on a public area using materials such as concrete and iron. The statement further explained that these refugees had taken advantage of the volatile security situation in the region, a result of ongoing Israeli shelling, which had forced local residents to flee their homes. Despite numerous warnings issued to the Syrian refugees, urging them to vacate the camp they had established in the Sharniyah area, near the town of Burj al-Shemali in Tyre, they declined to comply with the evacuation order. As a result, security patrols were dispatched to the site, where they proceeded to dismantle the camp and enforce the evacuation order. The situation along the Lebanese-Israeli border has been marked by tensions and sporadic confrontations between the Israel Defense Forces and Hezbollah since the commencement of the Israel-Hamas conflict on October 7. HTScarried out the execution of two civilians on security charges, 11 months after their initial arrest, according to al-Watan. On Tuesday evening, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS formerly Jabhat al-Nusra) carried out the execution of two civilians on security charges, 11 months after their initial arrest. HTS has been implementing a policy of executing both its leaders and members, as well as civilians. The charges include accusations such as being an external informer or working for the Syrian regime, as observed by North Press during the preceding period. An administrator in the General Security Agency, operated by al-Nusra in Idleb, informed the North Press correspondent that the execution occurred by firing squad in the presence of Abu Muhammad al-Falastini and Diaa al-Omar, the most prominent security personnel for HTS. The execution was conducted secretly, without presenting the defendants to the courts or allowing their families to visit them in the past months. The detainees, Naji Abdul Qadir and Asaad Khair al-Din Faslo were accused of being agents of the Syrian state and were arrested in the city of Idleb last December. This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author. It has been highlighted that the suspensions and terminations were instigated due to one of the employees having a family member associated with the Syrian opposition, according to Syria TV. The Action Group for Palestinians of Syria has disclosed that the Syrian regimes security services have temporarily suspended several employees of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) from their duties, compelling the agency to terminate their employment under the pretext that they posed a threat to Syrian security. According to unnamed sources cited by the working group, these suspensions occurred between September and November. The affected personnel include three UNRWA staff members in Damascus, two in northern Syria, and one in the central region. The decision to suspend and dismiss these individuals resulted from a security assessment conducted during a period of so-called waiting, during which work was halted. It has been highlighted that the suspensions and terminations were instigated due to one of the employees having a family member associated with the Syrian opposition. UNRWA recruitment in the hands of the Syrian regime In a connected development, the group asserted that the recruitment procedures within UNRWA have fallen under the control of security forces, with a clear bias towards individuals closely associated with the Syrian regime. They highlighted the prevalence of favouritism and nepotism within the organization, noting that there is a recent trend of hiring individuals who are not of Palestinian origin and belong to well-established sects in Syria. These individuals reportedly hold influence within the Syrian security services, particularly the Palestine branch, surpassing the number of appointments made by the Director General of UNRWA. Funding drop threatens to close UNRWA schools The Syrian regime is intensifying its control over Palestinian refugees within the country, with recent reports indicating that a patrol from the Palestine branch of the Military Security Division has apprehended three Palestinian activists in the town of Yalda, located south of Damascus. The arrests are purportedly linked to the activists involvement in organizing a demonstration in solidarity with the Gaza Strip. UNRWA in Yarmouk camp Since the close of 2020, the Syrian regime has permitted the return of certain Palestinian refugees to Yarmouk. According to UNRWA, an estimated 4,000 individuals (comprising 1,200 families) had returned by June 2022, with around 800 of these being Palestinian families. Despite the returnees, Yarmouk is home to over 4,000 people, including both Palestine refugees and Syrians. The area faces significant challenges due to the scarcity of essential services and the severe damage inflicted on transportation and public infrastructure. Compounding these difficulties, UNRWA has grappled with substantial financial crises for several years, resulting in a diminished capacity to deliver services to Palestinian refugees. In June, the agency issued a warning that its services would be at risk starting from September. This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author. PCIT VS Azure Retreat Pvt Ltd (Delhi High Court) Delhi High Court held that disallowance of travel expenditure unjustified as the expenses incurred had a nexus with the business interest of the respondent/assessee and AO has not brought anything on record to prove that the expenditure were of personal nature. Facts- AO while framing the assessment order u/s. 143(3) r.w.s. 153 and 153B of the Income Tax Act has made addition/ disallowance of 16,67,89,253/- u/s. 68 of the Act and travelling expense claimed by the respondent/assessee to the extent of Rs.8,30,748/- was disallowed. This amount constituted 70% of the travelling expenses claimed by the respondent/assessee. CIT(A) allowed the appeal. ITAT dismissed the appeal filed by revenue. Being aggrieved, revenue preferred the present appeal. Conclusion- With regard to addition u/s. 68 it is held that the onus, if at all, at this stage, in our view, shifted to the appellant/revenue. The appellant/revenue has not alluded to any material that would even faintly disclose that this was a case of round-tripping. Therefore, the deletion ordered by the CIT(A) which was confirmed by the Tribunal, was, in our view, the correct call, in the facts and circumstances obtaining in the case. With regard to disallowance of travel expenditure it is held that the CIT(A) and the Tribunal came to the correct conclusion that the expenses incurred had a nexus with the business interest of the respondent/assessee. Further, the appellant/revenue has not proposed any question of law which would suggest of the finding returned by the CIT(A) and/or the Tribunal is perverse. FULL TEXT OF THE JUDGMENT/ORDER OF DELHI HIGH COURT 1. These are the applications moved on behalf of the appellant/revenue, seeking condonation of delay in filing and re-filing the appeal. 1.1 According to the appellant/revenue, there is a delay of five (5) days in filing, and three hundred and forty-seven (347) days in re-filing the appeal. 2. As noted above, the delay in filing is short. However, the delay in re-filing is substantial. 3. Mr Sachit Jolly, who appears on behalf of the respondent/assessee, has pointed out that the explanation given in the application for condonation of delay in re-filing is, prima facie, 3.1 It is contended that the reason trotted out for seeking condonation of delay in re-filing is that the appellant/revenue had to re-type certain documents. Mr Jolly points out that none of the documents that have been placed before the court are re-typed. 3.2 Furthermore, Mr Jolly says that contrary to what has been stated in the application, no administrative approval was required for seeking condonation of delay in re-filing the appeal. 4. Clearly, the reasons furnished do not align with the record. However, having regard to the fact that the delay is in re-filing, we are inclined to condone the delay, as we wish to deal with the appeal on merits. 5. Consequently, the delay in filing and re-filing the appeal is condoned. 6. The applications are, accordingly, disposed of. ITA 503/2023 7. This is an appeal concerning Assessment Year (AY) 2012-13. 8. The record shows that the Assessing Officer (AO), while framing the assessment order dated 10.07.2015 under Section 143(3) read with Section 153 and 153B of the Income Tax Act, 1961 [in short, the Act] had made the following additions/disallowances: (i) 16,67,89,253/- was added to the respondent/as essees income under Section 68 of the Act. (ii) Travelling expense claimed by the respondent/assessee to the extent of Rs.8,30,748/- was disallowed. This amount constituted 70% of the travelling expenses claimed by the respondent/assessee. 9. The respondent/assessee, being aggrieved, preferred an appeal with the Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) [in short, CIT(A)]. The CIT(A), via order dated 23.12.2016, allowed the appeal and deleted the additions made by the AO. 9.1 The appeal preferred by the appellant/revenue against the CIT(A) decision before the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal [in short , Tribunal] failed. It is in this background that the appellant/revenue has preferred the instant appeal before us under Section 260A of the Act, against the order dated 23.02 .2022, passed by the Tribunal. 10. The record shows that insofar as the first addition is concerned, it constituted an investment made by a company going by the name Blue Bay Hospitality Pvt Ltd [in short, BBHL]. BBHL is incorporated in Mauritius as per the laws prevalent in that country. BBHL was issued 15,04,978 equity shares, albeit at a premium. The face value of the shares was Rs. 10. The premium paid by BBHL was Rs. 110. It is also relevant to note that the record discloses that in and about the same time, investment in the respondent/assessees share capital had also been made by certain domestic investors, the details of which are given in a tabular form in paragraph 4 of the assessment order. For the sake of convenience, the same is extracted hereafter: Equity shares issued at par @ Rs 10 each Total amount received Name of person/entity 65,00,000 Rs 6,50,00,000 M/S Blue Ocean Resorts Pvt. Ltd. (Mr. Rishal Sawhney & Ms. Rohini Sawhney hold 50 % shares each) 40,00,000 Rs 4,00,00,000 Mr Rajive Sawhney 40,05,000 Rs 4,00,50,000 Mr Rishal Sawhney 11. Given the aforesaid circumstances, Mr Sanjeev Menon, learned standing counsel who appears on behalf of the appellant/revenue, says that both additions were wrongly deleted by the Tribunal. 11.1 According to Mr Menon, insofar as the investment made by BBHL was concerned, the amount received by the respondent/assessee was rightly added to its income, having regard to the fact that the respondent/assessee had failed to demonstrate the creditworthiness of the source of source. 12. In this case, the source of source was a person going by the name Mr Joseph Thomas, a resident of the United Arab Emirates [UAE]. 13. In sum, Mr Menon contended that the transaction concerning investment made by BBHL was not genuine. Insofar as the other addition qua travelling expenses was concerned, Mr Menon once again relied upon the assessment order. 13.1 In support of his submission that the expenses incurred for or on behalf of the directors of the company were personal, it was submitted that no material has been placed on record by the respondent/assessee to demonstrate that the expenses incurred on hotels and hiring of vehicles had any nexus with the business of the respondent/assessee. 14. On the other hand, Mr Jolly drew our attention to the order passed by the CIT(A) concerning both additions. Based on the findings of fact returned by the CIT(A), which were accepted by the Tribunal, Mr Jolly says that no case for interference was made out. 14.1 According to Mr Jolly, this was not a case where a substantial question of law arises for consideration by this Court. 15. Having heard the learned counsel for the parties and perused the record, what emerged is the following: (i) 15,04,978 shares were issued by the respondent/assessee to BBHL. The face value of these shares was Rs. 10. The total face value was thus Rs. 1,50,49,780/-. Furthermore, the shares were issued to BBHL at a premium of Rs. 110/-. The respondent/assessee thus received a total amount of Rs.16,55,47,646/- from investment made by BBHL in its share capital. (ii) Insofar as the domestic investors were concerned, which comprise two individuals and a company, i.e., Rajiv Sawhney and Rishal Sawhney and Blue Ocean Resorts Pvt. Ltd., they were issued shares at face value, i.e., 10 each. Rajiv Sawhney and Rishal Sawhney were issued 40,00,000 and 40,05,000 equity shares respectively, while Blue Ocean Resorts Pvt. Ltd. was issued 65,00,000 equity shares. (iii) The allotment of shares to BBHL, i.e., the foreign investor, was made at a rate that included the premium, in consonance with the guidelines issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) as embedded in notification no. FEMA 20/2000-RB dated 03.05.2000, as amended from time to time, and in accordance with the master circular no. 15/2011-12 dated 01.07.2011. (iv) The price of the shares was calculated by taking recourse to Discounted Free Cash Flow (DCF) technology applicable to an unlisted company. (v) As per the DCF method, the value of each share was Rs. 95.07. (vi) The investment made by BBHL was funded via an individual going by the name, as noted above, Mr Joseph Thomas, a resident of UAE. (viii) Mr Joseph Thomas held 100% shares of BBHL. (viii) The FT & TRII division of Central Board of Direct Taxation had approached its counterparts in Mauritius, i.e., Mauritius Revenue Authority. The concerned Mauritius authority gave details as to the persons who were directors of BBHL and indicated in their response, that the directors were residents of Mauritius. Furthermore, the very same authority also clarified that Mr Joseph Thomas was the beneficial owner of the BBHL. (ix) Besides this, the concerned authority of Mauritius also provided the financial statements concerning BBHL for the period spanning between 04.05.2011 to 31.12.2011 and 01.01.2012 to 31.12.2012. (x) The Mauritius Revenue Authority had also forwarded the bank statement of BBHL maintained with AFR Asia Bank for the period spread between 05.05.2012 and June 2012. This statement demonstrated that Rs. 40,00,060/- had been transferred to India for investing in the respondent/assessee. (xi) The amount invested by BBHL was received in the respondent/assessees account maintained with the Lajpat Nagar Branch of Axis Bank. 16. Having regard to the aforesaid facts, both the CIT(A) and the Tribunal deleted the additions made by the AO regarding share application money and premium amounting to Rs. 16,55,47,646/-. 17. Mr Menons contention that the triple test evolved by Courts for making additions under Section 68 of the Act is not satisfied, is untenable. 17. 1 For the reasons set forth hereafter, the identity of the investor, which is BBHL, is not in dispute. As a matter of fact, the source of source was also identified, which in this case, is one Mr Joseph Thomas, a permanent resident of UAE. The creditworthiness of the investor, i.e., BBHL, is demonstrated by the fact that the amount invested in India was sourced from a personal loan given by Mr Joseph Thomas. BBHL is an investment company and therefore, its creditworthiness can only be ascertained from the availability of funds and not by having regard to the period for which it has been in existence and earned its revenue. 18. As far as the genuineness of the transaction is concerned, the respondent/assessee has adverted to the relevant material which was placed before the concerned statutory authorities, which included permission accorded by RBI and the methodology used for calculating the premium. 19. Mr Jolly has correctly argued before us, that insofar as the foreign investor is concerned, i.e., BBHL, the respondent/assessee could not have allotted shares below the floor price, which was Rs. 95.07 per share. This, to our mind, explains the difference between the price per share collected by the respondent/assessee from BBHL as against domestic investors. 20. It is also relevant to note that the domestic investors, i.e., the two individuals, are promotor directors of the respondent/assessee, which is why perhaps, they were allotted shares at face value. The third domestic investor, i.e., Blue Ocean Resorts Pvt. Ltd. is controlled by Rishal Sawhney and Rohini Sawhney. As noticed hereinabove, both persons hold 50% shares in the said company. 20.1 Thus, the argument advanced by Mr Menon, that the onus was on the respondent/company to further demonstrate creditworthiness of the source of source, i.e., Mr Joseph Thomas, is flawed for two reasons: (i) First, the amendment in law with regard to the identifying source of source was inserted by way of a proviso to Section 68 of the Act with effect from 01.04.2013. Therefore, this obligation in law could not be cast on the respondent/assessee, although it did identify the source of source. In this context, we may note that Mr Menon has conceded that although steps were envisaged to make enquiries with competent authorities in UAE, this process did not fructify. This, to our mind, establishes that at some stage, the appellant/revenue recognized the fact that they had to place material on record to show that the investment was dubious. (ii) Second, insofar as Mr Joseph Thomas is concerned, the CIT(A) found that he furnished a personal loan to BBHL. Therefore, insofar as BBHL was concerned, the fund flow was disclosed to the statutory authority. Beyond that, in the AY in issue, nothing further was required to be shown. 21. The onus, if at all, at this stage, in our view, shifted to the appellant/revenue. The appellant/revenue has not alluded to any material that would even faintly disclose that this was a case of round-tripping. 21. 1 Therefore, the deletion ordered by the CIT(A) which was confirmed by the Tribunal, was, in our view, the correct call, in the facts and circumstances obtaining in the case. 22. This brings us to the other aspect, i.e., disallowance of 70% of the expenses incurred by the respondent/assessee for arranging hotel accommodation, air passage and vehicles for its directors. The record shows that the directors of the respondent/assessee had travelled to Goa, Mumbai, Bangalore, Zurich, and Kuala Lumpur. As noted by the CIT(A), the AO, without examining the material, concluded that the expenses incurred were personal in nature and thus, proceeded to disallow 70% of Rs. 11,86,783/- (expenses incurred by the respondent/assessee), which was a figure amounting to Rs. 8,30,748. 23. Notably, the CIT(A) records in his order, that he examined the invoices and other material and thereafter concluded, that the expenses claimed by the respondent/assessee indeed had a nexus with its business interest. The CIT(A) records in the order that the AO had called for an explanation with regard to the purpose of the visits which had led to the directors incurring the expenses towards accommodation and travel. The CIT(A) also records that the appellant/revenue brought nothing on record to show that the expenses given were false/incorrect. The expenditure was disallowed, as it appears on the ground that it was expended for personal use as against business use, and not on the ground that it was expensed on accommodation or travel. This aspect comes to the fore on the perusal of the following observations made by CIT(A): However, Assessing Officer decapitalized the 70% of the said expenditure to the tune of Rs. 8,30,748/- on the ground that these expenses were incurred by the Directors and their relatives for personal purposes. The appellant has filed explanation in respect of visits alongwith the purpose of the visit in its written submissions during the course of assessment proceedings vide letter dated 09.07.2015, 07.07.2015 and 06.07.2015. These explanations are filed at page 58 to 69 of the paper book. The travelling expenses were incurred by the Directors for business purposes of the appellant company and for putting up the hotel in Goa. There is no information brought on record by the AO which can prove that these expenses were of personal nature, therefore, the Assessing Officer was not justified in disallowing the travelling expenses of Rs. 8,30,748/- and decapitalizing the same. Hence, the disallowance / decapitalization is deleted. The appellant is allowed to capitalize the entire travelling expenses of Rs 11,86,783/-. Hence, this ground of appeal is allowed. [Emphasis is ours] 24. Having regard to the aforesaid discussion, we are of the view that the CIT(A) and the Tribunal came to the correct conclusion that the expenses incurred had a nexus with the business interest of the respondent/assessee. 25. We may also note that the appellant/revenue has not proposed any question of law which would suggest of the finding returned by the CIT(A) and/or the Tribunal is perverse. 26. No interference is called for with the impugned order passed by the Tribunal. According to us, no substantial question of law arises for our consideration. 27. The appeal is accordingly closed. A 20-year-old Silver Lake man pleaded guilty Wednesday to having a sexual relationship with a middle school student while he was working as a janitor at the Toutle Lake School District in 2022. Jaren Lee Elf, who initially faced second-degree rape of a child, told The Daily News he pleaded guilty to assault and contact with a minor for immoral purposes. The student told authorities Elf was the teens boyfriend, police records show. Then-Toutle School District Superintendent Bob Garrett called the Cowlitz County Sheriffs Office on Apr. 15, 2022, according to court records, to report a middle school student was in a sexual relationship with Elf, a 19-year-old janitor. Garrett said he was alerted by a counselor who was told by a student she saw the two having sex. Later the victim confirmed to authorities the pair had sex at the minors home. The victim told authorities about the relationship with Elf, who went by the name Austin on the instant messaging app Snapchat. The victim confirmed Elf was aware the victim was underage, the police report states. Elf admitted to knowing the victim from work and sharing messages via Snapchat, the report continues. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for Dec. 4. According to court documents, he could face a one-to-three-month stint in the Cowlitz County Jail. District staff said Elf no longer works for the district and is not allowed on the premises. The site of the new Woodland Community Library is beginning to buzz with activity as the library has set a goal to have the facility open next fall. Fencing went up at the Lakeshore Drive site for the new library, east of Goerig Street, Oct. 17. When complete, the 7,500-square-foot building will more than triple the size of the space Woodlands library currently occupies at its location at 770 Park St. The project had a ceremonial groundbreaking during Woodlands Planters Days on June 17. Since then, the Fort Vancouver Regional Library District, which operates the Woodland Library, awarded a bid for construction to Bremik Construction, Inc., for a contract totaling close to $6.5 million. Though Bremiks bid was the lowest, it was still above the library's estimate of $5.8 million for construction, Fort Vancouver Regional Library District Communications and Marketing Director Tak Kendrick said. The project still needs about $1 million in funding as of the latest cost estimate on the district website. Kendrick said the library foundation, the fundraising nonprofit for the district, is pursuing multiple grants to help cover the gap. Through foundation support and district reserves, the cost of the project will be covered, he said. But fundraising is still going on, Kendrick said. With the site prep work underway, concrete for the building foundation is set to be poured in December, with the structure itself starting to appear in January, Kendrick said. The district wanted to get started on the construction sooner than later. We really felt like we owed this to the people in the community, the people of Woodland and our patrons, Kendrick said. A new location for Woodland has been in the works since 2013 when the district commissioned a facilities study that identified the need. In 2017, the district purchased the land for the new spot for slightly more than $1 million. The district serves libraries in Clark, Skamania and Klickitat counties as well as Woodland and also supports the independent Yale Valley Library District. The architectural firm the district hired to design the building had multiple meetings to get feedback about the library. Through the outreach, it became clear that residents wanted not just lots of books, but places where people can study, people can have a community space, Kendrick said. Alongside adult and childrens sections, staff offices and study rooms, the library also will feature a large community room and outdoor terrace. The existing library is about 2,400 square feet in a building that was built in 1909. The Woodland Public Library moved into the building in 1926, which became a branch of FVRL in 1997, according to information from the district. Construction of the library is planned to be complete in August, Kendrick said. Once the building is finished, the district can begin moving in books, computers and furniture ahead of the official opening of its doors. I think that fall of 2024 is still a pretty solid timeline, Kendrick said. He said it felt great to be able to show the progress on the library as FVRL has been working on it behind the scenes for years. We know the communitys been ready for this and waiting patiently, and were so excited to be able to really get going on this project, Kendrick said. Unlike other political analysts and observers who see the various wars and recent conflicts as precursors to a hypothetical Third World War, Endowment of Middle East Truth (EMET) legislative fellow Joseph Epstein believed World War III had already begun. In his opinion piece in Newsweek, Epstein said that the US, by flinging its support to Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan, has caused Iran, Russia, and China, respectively, to unofficially declare war with it. However, Epstein's Third World War was "not an all-out war" like the previous two, but a "decentralized" one that had "unconnected fronts" spanning continents. "It is fought in a hybrid style, meaning both with tanks and planes and with disinformation campaigns, political interference, and cyberwarfare," he said. "The strategy blurs the lines between war and peace and combatants and civilians. It puts a lot of extra fog in the "fog of war.'" Anti-US Axis While having nothing in common, China, Russia, and Iran have a similar goal of getting rid of US, NATO, and other allied influences among its neighbors in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, as well as in Africa due to the recent coups there. Since the US has become a large war machine, the three nations have instead used other means to weaken US presence and hegemony in the world since they could not win direct contact with the US. These measures include propaganda, cyberattacks, and diplomatic undermining. "China has launched an unprecedented espionage campaign against the United States. Russia has spent billions of dollars on disseminating pro-Kremlin, anti-Western propaganda within and outside its borders. Iran maintains a network of militant proxies that wreaks havoc in the Middle East and has openly attacked U.S. troops," she explained. "Iran, Russia, and China have all carried out or poised themselves to carry out cyber-attacks on U.S. critical infrastructure." Read Also: Israel Says It Discovers Underground Site Inside Al-Shifa Hospital, Finds Dead Hostages How the Israel-Hamas War was Connected The Hamas attack on Israel was just a new front in the unusual World War III, Epstein added. The Biden administration has rushed to claim that there was no proof that Iran was involved in the attacks despite evidence saying that Iranian proxies such as Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis do not act independently in matters affecting Iranian geopolitical strategy. In the past month, Iranian authorities have attacked US forces across the Middle East, but Washington authorities were still labeled as "asleep at the wheel" in terms of providing a concrete US strategy other than preparation for a large conventional war, containment, and weak deterrence, Epstein continued. In conclusion, he said the US should remain vigilant in monitoring and deterring any and all potential threats to its sovereignty and the world's stability to win what he now deemed as the Third World War. "The US foreign policy establishment must recognize the hybrid war being waged against it and show up on the irregular field of battle," he added. "Like it or not, the United States is the guarantor of stability in the world. By retreating from its responsibilities, the only thing Washington is guaranteeing is dark times ahead." Related Article: World War 3: Russia, China, North Korea Prepare for Massive Chaos, Use Israel Conflict @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Open AI CEO Sam Altman participates in a discussion entitled "Charting the Path Forward: The Future of Artificial Intelligence" during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit, Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023, in San Francisco. Credit: AP Photo/Eric Risberg President Joe Biden and other global leaders have spent the past few days melding minds with Silicon Valley titans in San Francisco, their discussions frequently focusing on artificial intelligence, a technology expected to reshape the world, for better or worse. For all the collective brainpower on hand for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation conference, there were no concrete answers to a pivotal question: Will AI turn be the springboard that catapults humanity to new heights, or the dystopian nightmare that culminates in its demise? "The world is at an inflection pointthis is not a hyperbole," Biden said Thursday at a CEO summit held in conjunction with APEC. "The decisions we make today are going to shape the direction of the world for decades to come." Not surprisingly, most of the technology CEOs who appeared at the summit were generally upbeat about AI's potential to unleash breakthroughs that will make workers more productive and eventually improve standards of living. None were more bullish than Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, whose software company has invested more than $10 billion in OpenAI, the startup behind the AI chatbot ChatGPT. Like many of his peers, Nadella says he believes AI will turn out to be as transformative as the advent of personal computers were during the 1980s, the internet's rise during the 1990s and the introduction of smartphones during the 2000s. Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and Alphabet, takes part in a discussion entitled "Innovation That Empowers" during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023, in San Francisco. Credit: AP Photo/Eric Risberg "We finally have a way to interact with computing using natural language. That is, we finally have a technology that understands us, not the other way around," Nadella said at the CEO summit. "As our interactions with technology become more and more natural, computers will increasingly be able to see and interpret our intent and make sense of the world around us." Google CEO Sundar Pichai, whose internet company is increasingly infusing its influential search engine with AI, is similarly optimistic about humanity's ability to control the technology in ways that will make the world a better place. "I think we have to work hard to harness it," Pichai said. "But that is true of every other technological advance we've had before. It was true for the industrial revolution. I think we can learn from those things." The enthusiasm exuded by Nadella and Pichai has been mirrored by investors who have been betting AI will pay off for Microsoft and Google. The accelerating advances in AI are the main reasons why the stock prices of both Microsoft and Google's corporate parent, Alphabet Inc., have both soared by more than 50% so far this year. Those gains have combined to produce an additional $1.6 trillion in shareholder wealth. From left; moderator Laurene Powell-Jobs, Founder and Chair, Emerson Collective, Chris Cox, CPO, Meta, James Manyika, SVP of Research, Technology & Society, Google, and Sam Altman, CEO, OpenAI, participate in a discussion entitled "Charting the Path Forward: The Future of Artificial Intelligence" during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023, in San Francisco. Credit: AP Photo/Eric Risberg But the perspective from outside the tech industry is more circumspect. "Everyone has learned to spell AI, they don't really know what quite to do about it," said former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, who is now director of the Hoover Institution at Stanford University. "They have enormous benefit written all over them. They also have a lot of cautionary tales about how technology can be misused." Robert Moritz, global chairman of the consulting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers, said there are legitimate concerns about the "Doomsday discussions" centered on the effects of AI, potentially about the likelihood of supplanting the need for people to perform a wide range of jobs. Companies have found ways to train people who lose their jobs in past waves of technological upheaval, Moritz said, and that will have to happen again or "we will have a mismatch, which will bring more unrest, which we cannot afford to have." Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and Alphabet, takes part in a discussion entitled "Innovation That Empowers" during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023, in San Francisco. Credit: AP Photo/Eric Risberg San Francisco, APEC's host city, is counting on the multibillion-dollar investments in AI and the expansion of payrolls among startups such as OpenAI and Anthropic to revive the fortunes of a city that's still struggling to adjust to a pandemic-driven shift that has led to more people working from home. "We are in the spring of yet another innovative boom," San Francisco Mayor London Breed said, while boasting that eight of the biggest AI-centric companies are based in the city. Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and Alphabet, right, talks to moderator Emily Chang, of Bloomberg, during a discussion entitled "Innovation That Empowers" during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023, in San Francisco. Credit: AP Photo/Eric Risberg The existential threat to humanity posed by AI is one of the reasons that led tech mogul Elon Musk to spend some of his estimated fortune of $240 billion to launch a startup called xAI during the summer. Musk had been scheduled to discuss his hopes and fears surrounding AI during the CEO summit with Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff, but canceled Thursday because of an undisclosed conflict. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman predicted AI will prove to be "the greatest leap forward of any of the big technological revolutions we've had so far." But he also acknowledged the need for guardrails to protect humanity from the existential threat posed by the quantum leaps being taking by computers. "I really think the world is going to rise to the occasion and everybody wants to do the right thing," Altman said. 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken (R) and Philippines Secretary of Energy Raphael Lotilla sign a nuclear energy cooperation agreement in San Francisco, as Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos looks on. The United States on Thursday signed a nuclear cooperation agreement with the Philippines, clearing a path for US investment to jumpstart atomic power in a country racing to expand its electricity supply. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, who has become a close US ally in his more-than one year in power, was on hand when his energy secretary signed the pact with Secretary of State Antony Blinken on the sidelines of an Asia-Pacific summit in San Francisco. "We see nuclear energy becoming a part of the Philippine energy mix by 2032 and we will be more than happy to pursue this path with the United States as one of our partners," Marcos said. "Nuclear energy is one area where we can show that the Philippines-US alliance and partnership truly works for our peoples, our economies, and the environment," he added. Marcos said he was fulfilling an earlier pledge to build "affordable, reliable and sustainable energy supply for the entire country in order to meet our growing energy demands." The deal signed with Blinken commits the Philippines to safeguards against the use of transferred nuclear material to produce nuclear weapons. Known as 123 agreements after their section in the US Atomic Energy Act, the pacts are critical for investment by US nuclear companies, which are wary of running afoul of laws related to proliferation. US Vice President Kamala Harris announced the start of 123 agreements during a November 2022 visit to the Philippines. Blinken said the one-year completion was the fastest ever for a 123 agreement. The United States in recent years has enthusiastically embraced nuclear power as a reliable and carbon-free form of electricity, rejecting environmentalists' concerns about the risk of accidents. "As peak energy demands are expected to nearly quadruple in the Philippines by 2040, nuclear power can consistently produce enough energy to meet the community's critical needs without emitting more greenhouse gases," Blinken said. The Philippines already has some of the region's highest energy costs and faces a looming crisis as the Malampaya gas field, which supplies about 40 percent of power to the archipelago's main island Luzon, is expected to run dry within a few years. As part of its climate goals, the Philippines also aims for renewable energynot including nuclearto make up 35 percent of power generation by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040. 2023 AFP This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Onshore wind projects have been at a standstill in England for almost a decade. When yet another winter storm hits Britain, Ellis Jacklin is happier than most, as he gets his energy at up to half the usual unit price. The mechanical projects engineer is part of a local green energy "fan club" run by his electricity provider which taps an onshore wind turbine near his home in East Yorkshire, northern England, to provide discounted power. Enrolled households get 20 percent off their bills when the turbine is spinning and they are using electricity, rising to 50 percent in especially windy conditions. "Everyone else is like 'batten down the hatches' and I'm like, 'keep it windy'," Jacklin, 30, told AFP. He has saved nearly 400 ($500) since signing up to the Octopus Energy Generation scheme last year, one of three onshore wind fan clubs it currently runs in England and Wales. The savings come as UK energy bills have surged in that time, contributing to the worst cost-of-living crisis in a generation. "It's fairly substantial," Jacklin added. "I was never expecting to get the amount of money I've got back from it. Every person I've spoken to is jealous of me having it." That envy is unsurprising given the lack of new onshore wind across England, limiting the number of such schemes on offer. Despite being a global leader in more costly offshore wind production, the number of new turbines going up in the English countryside has been at a virtual standstill for nearly a decade. 'Barrier' The UK government imposed a de facto ban on new onshore English sites in 2015, amid a perceived backlash at their unsightliness among rural communitiesa key voting block for the ruling Conservatives. The government imposed a de facto ban because of a perceived backlash at their unsightliness in rural communities. Critics argue the planning system obstacles newly placed on the sector were overzealousallowing just one local resident to scupper a new siteand will hinder Britain's goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by mid-century. Despite sustained criticism and calls from environmentalists and others for wholesale reform, many industry figures say recent tweaks to the rules were insufficient. "The very slight amendments announced... mean that barely anything has actually changed," Robert Norris, of trade association RenewableUK, told AFP. Only two onshore wind turbines went up in England last year, less than in war-torn Ukraine, the group said. Norris noted an "infamous" footnote in a national planning framework governing installing new turbinesand blamed for the de facto banremains despite "repeated requests for it to be removed". "It is still the main barrier to onshore wind development in England," he said. Even offshore wind has shown signs of stalling. A government auction of permits to build farms in British waters failed to find any bidders in September. In order to spur interest in the next sale, ministers decided this week to allow new offshore turbine developers to hike the price they charge to supply electricity to households. Tinder for wind Octopus Energy Generation CEO Zoisa North-Bond told AFP the recent onshore rules changes had meant it was now "a more positive landscape" to build new English wind farms. The company also launched its fan club model this year in Germany and the United States, and is aiming to have 2,000 local clubs globally by 2030. Proponents are hoping that changes to the planning system will lead to more onshore windfarms. The firm says it has received over 20,000 requests from UK communities for turbines and discounted energy through the scheme. It has created a tech platformnamed "Winder", after the dating site Tinderwhich matches those eager communities with landowners potentially able to host turbines. "Winder has already identified lots of locations where it's possible to build onshore wind quickly," North-Bond said. "It's vital we accelerate bringing one of the cheapest and quickest forms of energy we can build right here on our soil to even more people." Whether new sites get approved still largely depends on the level of local opposition. Octopus points to research showing as many as nine in 10 Britons would support a turbine in their area if it delivered cheaper energy. In windswept East Yorkshirewhich boasts among England's highest concentration, built almost entirely before 2015Jacklin argues sceptics need to see the savings it could bring. A self-declared pragmatist rather than "total eco-warrior", he uses the scheme's app to tell him when the turbine is turning fastest and his unit price is lowest. He can then shift energy-intensive chores, such as using a washing machine, to those times. "If you can see a financial benefit, a majority of people do it," Jacklin insisted. 2023 AFP Texas A&Ms Board of Regents named A&Ms interim president, Ret. Gen. Mark Welsh III, the sole finalist for the universitys open president position during a special telephonic meeting Friday morning. Regents met in executive session for around 80 minutes before they reconvened in open session and took action. Regents Bill Mahomes, Randy Brooks and Sam Torn met in-person inside A&Ms Memorial Student Center. Regents Bob Albritton, David Baggett, John Bellinger, Jay Graham, Mike Hernandez and Michael Plank joined over the phone. There was a unanimous vote to name the 70-year-old Welsh the lone finalist and no discussion once open session continued. I think hes going to be one of our really beloved presidents before this is all over with, A&M Chancellor John Sharp told The Eagle. I think hes just a good, good man and loves this place. A mandatory 21-day waiting period to officially appoint Welsh into the role has now started. His appointment could come as soon as Dec. 8. Welsh appeared afterward in the meeting room where the vote was taken. Serving as interim president for the last several months has been an incredible privilege, and Im truly honored to be named as the sole finalist for President of Texas A&M University, Welsh said in a statement. I love this university and everything it represents, and Im grateful to the Board of Regents and Chancellor Sharp for their confidence in me. While Im excited by the possibility of leading this remarkable institution in a more permanent capacity, I value the comprehensive decision-making process that will occur over the next few weeks. Welsh has served as A&Ms interim president since July 21. He took over for M. Katherine Banks, who resigned amid a tumultuous summer on the main campus. He was previously the dean of A&Ms Bush School of Government and Public Service since 2016. Before that, Welsh had a four-decade career in the U.S. Air Force. He was a fighter pilot, a four-star general and later served as the Air Forces chief. Welsh also commanded the American Air Force in Europe and NATOs Air Command at Ramstein Air Base in Germany, and served as the CIAs associate director of military affairs along with being commandant of the United States Air Force Academy. Welsh has often started speeches by saying hes not an Aggie, and Sharp said hes told Welsh to stop doing that because he believes he is. Everybody in his family is, all of his children are, his father was [an Aggie], Sharp said. He just wanted to be a jet pilot and thats how he got over to the Air Force Academy. Hes as great an Aggie as Ive ever seen. This decision came at Sharps behest. The chancellor announced Monday he would recommend Welsh for the permanent position to A&Ms Regents. He delivered the news to A&Ms Faculty Senate Executive Committee during a meeting between the two parties and Mahomes, the Regents chair. When A&M was looking for a president in 2021, Welsh was one of four finalists for the job that eventually went to Banks. And well always have searches for presidents, but my argument here is weve already had that search, Sharp said. He was in that search, he was vetted, he was recommended by a committee that was 50% faculty members and I think thats why the Faculty Senate agreed we dont have to do that this time. Regents said after Mondays announcement they would take feedback and input from faculty during the mandatory 21-day waiting period. The Board is confident in General Welshs abilities to take Texas A&M to even greater heights, Mahomes said in a statement. Everything points to him being the perfect person for this pivotal moment in the history of our beloved flagship. Welsh has been active during his time as A&Ms interim president and is scheduled to deliver a State of the University address Nov. 29. Soon after he took the position, he began a two-month assessment of The Path Forward, a Banks-led initiative from 2021 that brought sweeping organizational changes across campus and was met with mixed opinions. During the review, Welsh met with hundreds across campus. In early October, he announced decisions on how to move forward from The Path Forward during an all-faculty and staff meeting. Former students love him. I talked with faculty and they love the way he collaborates with them. I talked to students, they love him. Every aspect of the university just thinks the world of him and its because hes a good man, Sharp said. Campus community members have expressed their support of Welshs moves in the interim and have cited his transparency and rationale behind the decisions hes made over the past four months. Sharp said Monday there was an urgency to reach a final decision with A&Ms open president position and bring further stability to the universitys administration, which will help with academic and administrative hiring decisions and bring renewed momentum to different initiatives. This place is just great and we just need a steward to ensure it stays that way and gets even better, Sharp said. Were already number one in the state in research. Theres no other university even close to our $1.2 billion of research. Everything from our law school to engineering to business to agriculture, all of those things are just achieving recognition that Texas A&M had never achieved before. This place is going great and hes going to continue that. Gas prices in the Bryan-College Station area are the highest among the states major metropolitan areas ahead of Thanksgiving, according to AAA Texas. The B-CS area has an average price of $2.99 per gallon, which is a 7-cent decrease from a week ago. The state average is $2.82 per gallon. Tyler has the lowest average right now at $2.69 per gallon. The second-highest average in Texas is Midland at $2.96 per gallon. There are 27 metropolitan areas surveyed by AAA Texas, and the B-CS area often has among the highest gas prices in the state. AAA Texas officials said although statewide gas prices are down some from last week, they are expected to fluctuate over the coming week with strong holiday demand. Nearly four million Texans are expected to travel 50 miles or more for Thanksgiving, according to AAA Texas. Consumers will benefit from crude oil prices being down, though, which AAA Texas officials noted is expected to keep pump price increases at a minimum. As millions of Texans prepare to hit the road for Thanksgiving, gas prices are dropping, but fluctuations remain possible, said Daniel Armbruster, spokesperson for AAA Texas. Drivers will pay nearly 30 cents less per gallon compared to last Thanksgiving. According to GasBuddy, the cheapest gas in B-CS reported Thursday was $2.79 for a gallon at the Chevron on Holleman Drive South in College Station. Sams Club in College Station was reported to have gas at $2.77 and Costco at $2.78, but both require memberships to buy gas. One year ago, AAA Texas reported an average of $3.16 per gallon in the B-CS area. Aggieland reached a record high of $4.69 on June 14, 2022, when the national record was set on the same day at $5.02. AAA Texas reported Thursday the national average is $3.34 per gallon. Texas has the lowest average gas prices in America. Mississippi is second at $2.83 per gallon. Georgia is third at $2.84 per gallon. California has the nations highest prices at $5.04 per gallon. A Bryan man was placed on a courtesy hold for the FBI in the Brazos County Detention Center on Monday for alleged production of child pornography, according to jail records. Matthew Daniel Johnson, 33, is the second Brazos County resident arrested this week in relation to an FBI child pornography investigation. According to CBS Los Angeles, Johnson had been a school counselor at La Sierra Academy, a private K-12 Seventh-day Adventist Church in California. In 2021, the parents of three alleged victims filed a complaint against the California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists alleging that Johnson had filmed young boys in the bathroom. According to court documents, Johnson has recently been charged with 11 counts of knowingly engaging in sexually explicit conduct with minors to produce child pornography. The crimes were allegedly committed in San Bernardino County California between 2017-20, according to an October filing by the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. The grand jury was held in March and found sufficient evidence to charge Johnson. An arrest warrant for Johnson was issued on Sept. 12, but not executed until this Monday, according to court filings. Between January 2017 and March 2020, Johnson allegedly knowingly received and distributed at least 11 known videos of child pornography from his personal laptop, according to FBI investigators. On Thursday, Johnson appeared in court under a $50,000 appearance bond, according to court records. Last Saturday, College Station resident and Texas A&M employee Clinton Harnden, 39, was arrested by the FBI for possession of child pornography and receipt of child pornography. Both Johnson and Hardens cases are being tried in the Southern District Court of Texas. Johnson will be confined to house arrest at his home in Bryan, will not be allowed contact with anyone under the age of 18 and be forced to wear an ankle monitor at all times. Harnden will be confined to house arrest at a relatives home in Houston and have similar restrictions to Johnson, according to court filings. According to the terms of Harndens release, he will maintain remote employment as a senior administrative coordinator at Texas A&M. Maurice Rollo, Jr., 34, was sentenced to 20 years in prison Thursday after pleading guilty to assaulting a Bryan police officer in 2021, according to the Brazos County District Attorney's Office. In May 2021, Rollo was arrested after he kneed an officer in the groin following a traffic stop, the DAs office said. In March 2022, Rollo was again arrested after being pulled over by police. Seventeen grams of methamphetamine was found in his car. During transport to the jail, Rollo threatened to assault and sexually assault the arresting officers and their families. BRENHAM District 12 Rep. Kyle Kacal said he is hopeful the House will pass the most recent iteration of a school voucherlike program on Friday and finally satisfy Gov. Greg Abbotts repeated request in time for the holidays. House Bill 1 authored by Texas A&M alumni Brad Buckley would offer eligible students $10,500 to cover the tuition costs of attending private and parochial schools. The bill also would increase the per-student state funding currently offered to public schools and provide additional funding for school safety. Kacal shared his views on the now fourth special session alongside District 18 Sen. Lois W. Kolkhorst, R-Brenham, during a luncheon at Blinn College. The event was sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce of Washington County, Burton and Chapel Hill. While the luncheon was originally scheduled as a wrap-up forum for the 88th legislative session, the conversation ultimately surrounded the issues of school choice and border security, the driving forces behind Abbotts continued special sessions. In his opening remarks, Kacal said Fridays vote was paramount to the future of education in Texas and that he looks forward to setting his own agenda again. The governor has got my schedule, and I dont like Greg Abbott running my calendar, he said about potentially working over the holidays. Were going to be there Friday with bells on because it is one of the most important issues facing this state today. What do we do for the children of this state? How do we educate them? What options do we give parents and how do we make it equitable? The Legislature has taken too much money from schools and is failing to give teachers a livable wage, Kacal said. Now we cant afford to pay teachers, he said. Teachers dont want to work; theyre under so many constraints. Whos going to do that job for nine months? I hope my friends are working on a deal so were not there all day tomorrow to do this all over again. If the Legislature again fails to deliver a voucherlike bill to Abbotts desk, Kacal said the governor has made it clear that he will continue to call special sessions. Stay tuned for the education update because its not over and lets hope we get it done tomorrow, he said. Im hopeful, Im optimistic [that] theres a solution. Theres a fix and were going to find it. I just hope it doesnt cost any more money to get there. When the bill takes the floor tomorrow, some lawmakers may attempt to amend the bill to exclude the voucherlike program while retaining the increased pre-student basic allotment and increased school safety parts of the bill. Kacal said after the luncheon that if such an amendment was proposed, he would support it but Abbotts demands would still need to be met. I will support that, but lets see if theres a better deal made and we get an agreement that works for everybody, that makes the governor happy, that funds schools [and] helps pay teachers, he said. Public schools are the heart of the community, and we need to be sure theyre there, especially in rural Texas. If an amended version of the bill were to pass both the House and Senate, Abbott said he would have to veto it, according to KUT Radio. In June, Abbott vetoed more than 70 bills due to a then-ongoing battle to pass a statewide property tax cut. Two of these vetoed bills, HB 2138 and HB 5366, were authored by Kacal who said he was frustrated that his work had been caught in the crossfire. Its disappointing that they were playing politics with bills, so both of my bills were vetoed not due to my name but [because] a senator that I had to have to get it through the senate disagreed with the property tax plan, he said. There was a soft commitment that wed get to reintroduce those bills if we got the border and school funding plans passed. The Legislature is a fun game and youve got lots of landmines out there. Youve got to know where they all are, but every once in a while, youre going to step on one. Border security is another objective of Abbotts fourth special session, which the Legislature addressed with the passage of Senate Bill 4. The bill will deliver an additional $1.5 billion in border barriers and make it a state crime to cross the Texas-Mexico border illegally. Following the passage of the bill, many have questioned whether it is constitutional. Kacal said he and his colleagues were assured the bill was legally sound before they voted on it. The bill author and the committee and everybody we worked with to construct the bill assures us that were going to be fine, he said. Every piece of legislation is interpreted in a court differently depending on where that court is located. I think our goal in that bill is to make Texas safe and protect our constituents. While Kacal said he wished it wouldnt have required four additional sessions, he still believes the desired outcome is worth it. We have a job to do, and we need to make sure Texas is safe, and we need to stand up and educate our children, so yes, its worth the time, he said. Could we have done it in the regular session? Absolutely, but as long as we get it done, its worth the time. If lawmakers are forced to return over the holidays, Kacal joked that at least the chambers will be decorated. The fun part is, if youve ever been to the capital at Christmas, there is a beautiful Christmas tree in the house floor, right in the middle, he said. Its going to be fun when the front mic and the back mic are two and a half feet apart. So, if you want good, honest debate, theyre not going to have to change the camera angle. The White House has condemned a post-Elon Musk made on his recently-acquired social media platform X, formerly Twitter, embracing an antisemitic claim by another account that accused Jews of publishing hatred against white people. War of Tweets Okay. Jewish communties have been pushing the exact kind of dialectical hatred against whites that they claim to want people to stop using against them. I'm deeply disinterested in giving the tiniest shit now about western Jewish populations coming to the disturbing The Artist Formerly Known as Eric (@breakingbaht) November 15, 2023 Earlier this week, an X user posted accusations that Jews pushed hatred against white people, saying he was "deeply disinterested in giving the tiniest s*** now about western Jewish populations," realizing that "minorities that support flooding their country don't exactly like them too much." You have said the actual truth November 15, 2023 In response, Musk made a six-word reply: "You have said the actual truth." Later in the thread, Musk targeted the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), an organization fighting antisemitism and other racial, ethnic, or religious discrimination. The ADL unjustly attacks the majority of the West, despite the majority of the West supporting the Jewish people and Israel. This is because they cannot, by their own tenets, criticize the minority groups who are their primary threat. It is not right and needs to stop. November 15, 2023 "The ADL unjustly attacks the majority of the West, despite the majority of the West supporting the Jewish people and Israel," he wrote. "This is because they cannot, by their own tenets, criticize the minority groups who are their primary threat." Responding to the mention, ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt called Musk out, as well as called out the danger of promoting antisemitic theories. At a time when antisemitism is exploding in America and surging around the world, it is indisputably dangerous to use one's influence to validate and promote antisemitic theories. #NeverIsNow pic.twitter.com/vVlyOeoS5x November 16, 2023 "At a time when antisemitism is exploding in America and surging around the world, it is indisputably dangerous to use one's influence to validate and promote antisemitic theories," he wrote while including a screenshot of Musk's post. On Thursday (November 16), X CEO Linda Yaccarino posted that the platform has been "extremely clear about our efforts to combat antisemitism and discrimination." Xs point of view has always been very clear that discrimination by everyone should STOP across the board -- I think that's something we can and should all agree on. When it comes to this platform -- X has also been extremely clear about our efforts to combat antisemitism and November 16, 2023 "There's no place for it anywhere in the world -- it's ugly and wrong. Full stop," she added. Read Also: The Guardian Removes Bin Laden's 2002 "Letter to America" After TikTok Users Cite It White House Responds to Musk's Musings NBC News reported that the White House has since responded to the X back-and-forth on Friday (November 17). "We condemn this abhorrent promotion of Antisemitic and racist hate in the strongest terms, which runs against our core values as Americans," White House spokesperson Andrew Bates said in a statement. "We all have a responsibility to bring people together against hate, and an obligation to speak out against anyone who attacks the dignity of their fellow Americans and compromises the safety of our communities." Bates stressed that it was "unacceptable to repeat the hideous lie behind the most fatal act of Antisemitism in American history at any time, let alone one month after the deadliest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust." "Like President Biden said weeks ago memorializing the victims of the Pittsburgh Synagogue shooting, the October 7 'devastating atrocity has brought to the surface painful memories left by millennia of Antisemitism;' and under his presidency 'we will continue to condemn Antisemitism at every turn," he added. Related Article: Elon Musk Antisemitic X Post: Linda Yaccarino Clarifies X is Against Antisemitism @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. China's logistics sector injects new vigor into world economy 13:47, November 17, 2023 By Jia Pingfan ( People's Daily In recent years, Chinese logistics companies have rapidly expanded their presence in overseas markets alongside the growth of China's cross-border e-commerce platforms. They have entered markets in North America, Europe, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Central and South America, bringing digitalized logistics services and efficiency to their target markets while contributing to the global growth of foreign trade. Photo shows a cross-border warehouse of Cainiao Global, the official global parcel tracking platform of China's Alibaba Group. Cainiao Global has introduced its flagship product, the "Global 5-Day Delivery" express service, for this year's "Double 11" shopping festival. (Photo/WeChat account of Cainiao Global) The world's first live broadcast of cross-border logistics concluded on the evening of Nov. 4, 2023. Over the course of 48 hours, millions of people worldwide witnessed the complete journey of cross-border packages, from packing and sorting to shipping, consolidation, and loading onto international cargo planes. Cainiao Global, the official global parcel tracking platform of China's Alibaba Group, has introduced its flagship product, the "Global 5-Day Delivery" express service, for this year's "Double 11" shopping festival. This service allows products sent from China to reach consumers thousands of miles away in just five days. To achieve such fast delivery, Cainiao Global has made significant advancements in logistics technology and infrastructure. The company has established the country's largest cross-border logistics park, equipped with intelligent sorting machines and an automated air freight center. Additionally, the use of a Boeing 747 widebody freighter further enhances the efficiency of the delivery process. This year's "Double 11" shopping festival has become a competition for faster delivery, receipt, and after-sales service for cross-border merchants and overseas consumers. British girl Alexandra receives parcels sent from JD Logistics' self-operated overseas warehouse in Lutterworth, the UK. (Photo/WeChat account of JD Logistics) The "Double 11" shopping festival is China's biggest shopping event. Since its inception in 2009, the festival has been known for its abundance of discounts, promotions, and offers. This year, instead of solely engaging in the price war, companies have prioritized providing high-quality services to their customers. JD Logistics, the logistics unit of Chinese e-commerce giant JD.com, has been making consistent investments in overseas supply chain logistics facilities. With nearly 90 bonded warehouses, overseas warehouses, and direct mail warehouses worldwide, JD Logistics has established a self-operated warehousing network in European countries like Germany, France, and the UK. Alongside expanding its warehousing capacity, JD Logistics Europe is actively collaborating with local service providers to enhance its last-mile delivery capabilities. In 2022, China's total social logistics reached 347.6 trillion yuan (about $47.89 trillion), marking a 3.4 percent year-on-year growth. With this growth, China's logistics market has maintained its position as the global leader for seven consecutive years, solidifying its status as a logistics powerhouse. The steady and positive growth of the Chinese economy has provided significant support for the rapid development of the logistics industry. The government's increased support to promote economic growth, coupled with a rebound in consumer spending, has led to impressive economic performance in the third quarter. Data released by the National Bureau of Statistics of China shows that the country's GDP grew by 4.9 percent year-on-year between July and September this year, surpassing economists' median forecast of 4.5 percent. The growth of cross-border e-commerce has contributed to the expansion of China's cross-border logistics industry. According to recent data from the Korea Customs Service, Koreans spent a total of 4.79 trillion won (approximately $3.65 billion) on cross-border online shopping from Q1 to Q3 this year, marking a 20.4 percent increase compared to the previous year. Chinese e-commerce accounted for 46.4 percent of this total, with sales amounting to 2.22 trillion won. Workers are busy shipping parcels at a cross-border warehouse located in Jinyi Comprehensive Bonded Zone in Jinhua city, east China's Zhejiang Province, Oct. 31, 2023. (People's Daily Online/Yang Meiqing) According to China's Ministry of Commerce, the import and export volume of China's cross-border e-commerce reached 1.7 trillion yuan from January to September this year, marking a year-on-year increase of 14.4 percent. China has established trade partnerships with countries worldwide, being one of the countries with the most comprehensive cross-border e-commerce ecosystem. Overseas warehouses play a crucial role as key nodes for cross-border e-commerce and logistics. They serve as new foreign trade infrastructure and a vital platform for driving the high-quality development of foreign trade. Xue Qun, head of JD Logistics International, recently expressed that JD.com plans to construct a comprehensive global supply chain logistics network in the coming three years. This network will encompass overseas warehouse networks, international transit hubs, distribution networks in foreign countries, and cross-border transportation networks encompassing key routes. According to a news report by Quartz, China views logistics as a strategically important industry underpinning the efficiency and competitiveness of its economy. The Chinese government wants to take that a step further by building a modern circulation system that integrates flows of commerce, finance, transportation, and commodities. According to the news report, one area where China has made significant progress in recent years is the number of overseas warehouses it operates via exporters or cross-border e-commerce firms with operations in international markets. These now number over 2,000, up from less than 100 in 2015, according to Chinese government figures. Besides physical infrastructure like warehouses, China wants to cultivate a number of homegrown and globally competitive logistics firms, the news report said. (Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun) The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirmed that it is now screening cinnamon imports from different countries because of the alarming apple puree lead contamination. The health agency announced this effort after new reports confirmed that more and more children are getting sick. FDA confirmed the latest cinnamon import screening on Thursday, Nov. 16. Here are the latest details shared by the FDA regarding the apple puree lead poisoning. FDA Screens Cinnamon Imports Because of Apple Puree Lead Contamination According to Yahoo Finance's latest report, FDA officials said that it is now checking incoming shipments of cinnamon from multiple countries for lead contamination. "At this time, FDA has no indication that this issue extends beyond these recalled products, but to further protect public health, FDA is screening incoming shipments of cinnamon," said the health organization via its official website. However, the FDA claims that the Ecuador-based cinnamon manufacturer is likely the main source of the high levels of lead they discovered in the recalled apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches. FDA said that these contaminated pouches are sold under the Weis, WanaBana, and Schnucks brands. The health organization said that it detected elevated levels of lead in one of the affected puree products, which was collected from Dollar Tree. "The level detected in the FDA sample of WanaBana apple cinnamon puree is 2.18 parts per million (ppm), which, for context, is more than 200 times greater than the action level the FDA has proposed," said FDA. Aside from screening cinnamon imports from Ecuador, the FDA said that it will also conduct an investigation to determine if the lead contamination poisoning kids is linked to other products. It clarified that they are not aware of any other reports of elevated blood lead level adverse events or illnesses caused by other cinnamon-containing products. Read Also: Massachusetts: Potential HIV, Hepatitis Exposure in Past 2 Years Risks Nearly 450 Hospital Patients Rising Lead Contamination Among Children FDA confirmed that the lead poisoning cases among children increased by 34; these kids consumed the popular apple cinnamon puree pouches. It added that they are still evaluating incoming adverse reports of illnesses. To help parents and their children, FDA provided some tips they can follow: Avoid eating any puree products from the Schnucks, Weis, and WanaBana brands. If you see one of their apple purees on your shelves, dispose of them right away. If suspect your kid of being exposed to lead, immediately contact your healthcare provider to get a blood test. Here are the symptoms you need to be aware of: Headache Abdominal pain/colic Vomiting Anemia Related Article: ATTN: WanaBana Fruit Purees Allegedly Contain Lead; FDA Now Urging Parents to Have Kids Tested @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. 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A majority of the downloads originated from the U.S., China, France, Hong Kong, Germany, Russia, Ireland, Singapore, the U.K., and Japan. "A defining characteristic of this attack was the utilization of steganography to hide a malicious payload within an innocent-looking image file, which increased the stealthiness of the attack," the software supply chain security firm said. Some of the packages are pyefflorer, pyminor, pyowler, pystallerer, pystob, and pywool, the last of which was planted on May 13, 2023. A common denominator to these packages is the use of the setup.py script to include references to other malicious packages (i.e., pystob and pywool) that deploy a Visual Basic Script (VBScript) in order to download and execute a file named "Runtime.exe" to achieve persistence on the host. Embedded within the binary is a compiled file that's capable of gathering information from web browsers, cryptocurrency wallets, and other applications. An alternate attack chain observed by Checkmarx is said to have hidden the executable code within a PNG image ("uwu.png"), which is subsequently decoded and run to extract the public IP address and the universally unique identifier (UUID) of the affected system. Pystob and Pywool, in particular, were published under the guise of tools for API management, only to exfiltrate the data to a Discord webhook and attempt to maintain persistence by placing the VBS file in the Windows startup folder. "This campaign serves as another stark reminder of the ever-present threats that exist in today's digital landscape, particularly in areas where collaboration and open exchange of code are foundational," Checkmarx said. The development comes as ReversingLabs uncovered a new wave of protestware npm packages that "hide scripts broadcasting messages of peace related to the conflicts in Ukraine and in Israel and the Gaza Strip." One of the packages, named @snyk/sweater-comb (version 2.1.1), determines the geographic location of the host, and if it's found to be Russia, displays a message criticizing the "unjustified invasion" of Ukraine through another module called "es5-ext." Another package, e2eakarev, has the description "free palestine protest package" in the package.json file, and carries out similar checks to see if the IP address resolves to Israel, and if so, log what's described as a "harmless protest message" that urges developers to raise awareness about the Palestinian struggle. It's not just threat actors infiltrating open-source ecosystems. Earlier this week, GitGuardian revealed the presence of 3,938 total unique secrets across 2,922 PyPI projects, of which 768 unique secrets were found to be valid. This includes AWS keys, Azure Active Directory API keys, GitHub OAuth app keys, Dropbox keys, SSH keys, and credentials associated with MongoDB, MySQL, PostgreSQL, Coinbase, and Twilio. What's more, many of these secrets were leaked more than once, spanning multiple release versions, bringing the total number of occurrences to 56,866. "Exposing secrets in open-source packages carries significant risks for developers and users alike," GitGuardian's Tom Forbes said. "Attackers can exploit this information to gain unauthorized access, impersonate package maintainers, or manipulate users through social engineering tactics." The continuous wave of attacks targeting the software supply chain has also prompted the U.S. government to issue new guidance this month for software developers and suppliers to maintain and provide awareness about software security. "It is recommended that acquisition organizations assign supply chain risk assessments to their buying decisions given the recent high profile software supply chain incidents," the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), National Security Agency (NSA), and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) said. "Software developers and suppliers should improve their software development processes and reduce the risk of harm to not just employees and shareholders, but also to their users." An Oneida Iroquois, Maggie McMullen, grew up in a small Illinois community with no Native Americans nearby except her family. Yet her she remains deeply entrenched in her culture, and as she prepares for a future that she anticipates will include serving her people, she said shes found the perfect place to do so at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. A history major with a minor in international studies, McMullen, of Summerfield, Illinois, is the winner of SIUs 2023-2024 Native American Scholarship. Through her words, we were able to see how passionate Maggie is and how important it is to share her culture and give back to her community through education and acts of service, said Maxbiya Washte Wiya, a member of SIUs Native American Scholarship Committee. It was easy to see that she had lived experience within Indigenous communities and wants to use those experiences to help others understand who Native people are today or shed light on systemic issues that Natives face. It all began in Wisconsin McMullens parents both hail from Wisconsin her father from the Hartford area and her mother from around Kenosha. Her mother joined the United States Air Force and after they married, her father enlisted as well. They soon transferred to Southern Illinois where Maggies father made a career in the military. Maggie and her eight siblings relished their childhood years as Maggie spent her free time hiking, doing cross stitch and listening to music. She worked at a local formal wear store during high school, was a member of National Honor Society and got involved in various volunteer activities, including assisting with Relay for Life and blood drives. And every childhood summer, Maggie and her sisters would travel north with their mother to visit their grandmother on the reservation near Green Bay. I always enjoyed the time I spent there with my family, going to pow wows every summer and learning about my heritage, she recalls. Ive always been interested in history. I want to understand human psychology and why the world is the way it is. People say history repeats itself and to a large extent, I think thats true, but I would like to understand why. I think its important to study history, to study the past and learn from it so we dont repeat the mistakes of the past. I also think its important to appreciate the past and what people went through and learn about and embrace our culture. Plans to give back McMullens goal is to give back, sharing her knowledge by eventually working at the Oneida Nation Museum on the reservation and perhaps at other local museums in the Green Bay area. After graduating from Lebanon High School, she pondered where to go to college to prepare for her dream vocation and SIU first caught her eye because its close to home but not too close and she had heard great things about the university from a sister-in-law who is a graduate and a sister who attended. I just really like the campus. Its so pretty, McMullen said. Something else drew her to campus as well. She sensed a caring environment. The support that I receive from SIU reminds me that the community I am a part of no matter how small it may be, is not forgotten, McMullen said. For that, I am forever grateful. She said shes especially appreciative of the encouragement shes received from Gray Whaley, an associate professor of history who has researched and teaches about Native American history. She noted that the Financial Aid Office has been extremely helpful as well, despite having to handle a lot of paperwork staffers arent accustomed to. Nobody on campus has ever treated me any differently, she said. Each November, SIU recognizes Native American Heritage Month with a variety of special activities, guest speakers and more. Its one of many celebrations the university hosts throughout the year to commemorate various segments of the campus population. McMullen is herself a dedicated, hard-working student, earning a spot on the deans list, officials said. For two consecutive years, she has earned SIUs Native American Scholarship, established in 1997 by Iris Creasy, then-president of the American Indian Association. Maggie may be the only Native American student to ever approach the learning of Native history so seriously in Illinois, said Dorene P. Wiese, president of the American Indian Association of Illinois and Native American Education Services (NAES) College Inc. and a member of SIUs Native American Scholarship Committee, which is comprised entirely of Native Americans. Her work will further the preservation of her heritage and share with others the untold narrative of a student embracing the past and caring about the future seven generations, as her ancestors envisioned. Every year the Illinois Department of Natural Resources issues a warning to waterfowlers be on the lookout for outbreaks of avian cholera. Someone should warn the ducks. Avian cholera is an often fatal disease that kills rapidly. Its a really fast acting disease, said Doug McClain, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Wetland Wildlife Program Manager. Birds can die in 6-12 hours of being exposed. More commonly its 24-48 hours. A lot of times you dont see sick birds. There is no time. When an outbreak goes on for some time, thats when you see sick birds. Generally, we tell people if they see 20 or more birds that are dead in an area to report that. The only way we can really test for it is to send in carcasses to see if in fact if it really is cholera. That bacteria can persist in the water and soil for some time. Birds moving into the area could come into contact with it. In cases of serious outbreaks, the IDNR would come in, remove the carcasses and burn them. However, McClain said mucous discharges from sick ducks makes it difficult to remove disease from an area. Cholera is present all the time, he said. Its certainly an important disease for migratory waterfowl. It sort of rivals botulism as something that affects waterfowl. There are some places it seems to occur more frequently, west of the Mississippi for some reason. The thing about waterfowl, they dont do themselves any favors. They are gregarious. Thats perfect for disease to spread. It is a bacteria. Because of the short life span of the disease, the chance of coming into contact with live ducks suffering from cholera is remote. There are symptoms that indicate a duck may have cholera. They sometimes can have erratic flights, McClain said. They can have convulsions. Theyll swim in circles. There are definitely some neurological issues. Sometimes there is discharge around the mouth and eyes. They can have some blood discharge from their bill. Cholera can happen any time. You generally see it during fall or spring migration when you see large groups of waterfowl together, but it can happen any time throughout the year. If hunters suspect a cholera outbreak the best course of action is to simply report it. Dont handle sick birds, McClain said. Dont pick up dead birds that you didnt harvest." Cook the meat thoroughly. The United States Department of Agriculture recommends 160-165 degrees. Man has little to do with the disease, either causing it or preventing it, McClain said. Its a bacteria thats present in the environment, he said. Every once in a while there is a flare-up. Theyve documented this bacteria in domestic animals, carnivores, big game. There is nothing we do that increases the incidents of outbreaks. For the most part, they do think there are some birds that just constantly carry it. They help contribute to some of these outbreaks. Im not sure what the mortality rate is, but it is fairly substantial as I understand it. The only things man can do to mitigate the likelihood of the disease spreading is to create more habitat so that ducks are more spread out, or to haze birds to prevent them from using an area when an outbreak has occurred. Although the disease is frequently fatal, McClain said under normal circumstances avian cholera does not have a significant impact on overall populations. One exception might be eider duck colonies. Eiders are communal nesters and their population numbers are low. A Calhoun County quail business is investing $3.4 million and adding 43 new jobs to its operations in the county. The investment includes $2.6 million in building renovations and $750,000 in machinery and equipment, according to Calhoun County Administrator and Economic Development Director John McLauchlin. The 43 full-time employees will consist of 36 laborers, four craftsmen and three managerial positions, McLauchlin said. The quail eggs have become a big thing, he said. It is more of a delicacy in some of the finer restaurants. This is a big win for us, he continued. We are thankful. McLauchlin made the announcement at the Calhoun County Council meeting Monday. Calhoun County Council: County seeks to control nuisances Calhoun County Council recently voted to amend the county building and public nuisance codes. Manchester Farms on Adams Road near Fort Motte received a $1 million grant from the South Carolina Department of Agriculture to help house its entire growing operation in the county. The company grows quail primarily for quail egg production. The farm produces 80,000 pharaoh quail per week, according to its website. Calhoun County elections: St. Matthews mayor re-elected St. Matthews Mayor Helen Carson will remain in office after defeating challenger Donald White Tuesday night. The expansion will include filling up four quail houses, McLauchlin said. The company's main customers are Costco, Harris Teeter, Publix, Safeway, Kroger, Walmart and Aldi. The company also has a processing and sales facility in Richland County. Founded in 1974, the company touts itself as the oldest quail producer in the United States. In other matters: The county received a $450,000 S.C. Department of Revenue Rural Infrastructure Authority grant to extend water lines in the Cameron area. The grant will extend water into the Chimney Swift subdivision off of Nates Store Road. McLauchlin said about six months ago, water contamination was found in the wells of the low-income subdivision. The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control as well as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency helped the county acquire the grant. All 23 homes in the subdivision will benefit from the new water lines with more expected in the future. The Orangeburg Department of Public Utilities will be the service provider for the subdivision. Council unanimously agreed to enter into a lease-purchase agreement with Truist Bank for $250,000 for the purchase of four pieces of heavy equipment, including a side arm cutter, a backhoe, a triaxle and mowers. The equipment will be used in the county's public works department. Council gave unanimous second reading approval to the addition of a property maintenance code to the county's building code. The code will aim to better regulate properties and keep them clean. Get TheTandD.com for $1 for 26 weeks Support local journalism by becoming a member at www.TheTandD.com Get the first 26 weeks for just $1 at https://go.thetandd.com/nov5 Council gave unanimous second reading to a change the county's definition of what constitutes a public nuisance. The change was made to its building and public nuisance codes. The new definition would allow the county to address abandoned properties, illegal businesses and noise complaints. The changes provide an avenue for the county administrator or sheriff to seek the condemnation or closure of a business by proving a case of public nuisance before a county magistrate. The judge can then issue an order to temporarily or permanently close the business. The business or property owner can then appeal to circuit court. Council unanimously voted to transfer the operations of its Sandy Run Class 2 landfill to Access Materials LLC, a private company. The county has been looking for someone to take over the landfill for three years as a result of rising equipment and operation costs. The landfill will only accept construction and demolition waste. The county will be allowed to dump a certain amount of waste for free, with a reduced rate for more. The agreement will only apply to governmental agencies and not private citizens. County residents will continue to have convenience sites for dumping waste. A second public hearing will be held at council's Nov. 27 meeting. Council gave unanimous second reading approval to the addition of two recognized holidays to the county calendar: Juneteenth on June 19 and Columbus Day, to be celebrated on the second Monday of October. McLauchlin thanked all those who helped put the county's Veterans Day program together as well as those who attended. Council went into closed session to discuss an economic development contractual matter. A pair of Vance parents pleaded guilty to neglecting their 16-month-old son, who received treatment for burns on both of his legs. Arthur Richard Shingler Jr., 55, and Tara Queen Ester Thompson, 45, both of 202 Noel Drive, pleaded guilty to one count each of unlawful neglect of a child during a recent term of court held at the Orangeburg County Courthouse. Circuit Judge Frank R. Addy Jr. sentenced Shingler to six years in prison. Because hed already served two days in jail, Addy suspended the term to two years of probation. He also ordered Shingler to complete 40 hours of public service employment and undergo random drug/alcohol testing. Addy sentenced Thompson to four years in prison. Because Thompson already served two days in jail, the remainder of the term was suspended to two years of probation. He also ordered Thompson to undergo random drug/alcohol testing. The charges stem from an incident that took place on Nov. 14, 2018. According to an Orangeburg County Sheriffs Office incident report, a family member reported that Shingler dropped the child off at the family members residence. The family member noticed that the toddler had burn marks on his legs. Shingler allegedly told the family member that a hot iron fell on the toddler. The family member took the toddler from Shingler and immediately began to give first aid to the burns. The family member also took the toddler to the hospital. In other recent guilty pleas: Anthony Abbott Sarvis III, 31, of 1029 Center Street, West Columbia, pleaded guilty to second-degree non-violent burglary. Addy sentenced him to five years in prison, provided that after he serves six months, the remainder of his term will be suspended to three years of probation. Addy gave him credit for having already served 120 days in jail. He also ordered Sarvis to undergo random drug/alcohol testing and report to an inpatient treatment center once hes released from prison. Sarvis charge of malicious injury to a place of worship was dismissed. Timothy Randolph Scott, 61, of 192 Campground Road, Eutawville, pleaded guilty to second-degree domestic violence. Addy sentenced him to two years in prison. Because Scott already served five days in jail, his sentence was suspended to two years of probation. Addy also ordered Scott to undergo random drug/alcohol testing and complete substance abuse counseling. Scotts probation term may end early upon his total completion of counseling and paying all court fees/fines. ZQuan Markel Taste, 26, of 160 Big Oaks Drive, Holly Hill, pleaded guilty to first-degree domestic violence, although he was originally charged with domestic violence of a high and aggravated nature. Addy sentenced him to 10 years in prison. After Taste serves five years, the remainder of his term will be suspended to three years of probation. Addy gave him credit for having already served 28 months in jail. Najee Demetrius Daquan Walley, 28, of 121 Tudon Road, Orangeburg, pleaded guilty to first-offense possession of less than one gram of methamphetamine or cocaine base and unlawful carrying of a pistol. Addy sentenced him to three years in prison. Because Walley already spent 38 days in jail, the term was suspended to two years of probation. Addy also ordered him to complete substance abuse counseling and undergo random drug/alcohol testing. He stipulated that Walleys probation term may end early once he completes counseling and pays all court fees and fines. Kejuan R. Williams, 21, of 226 Crossing Circle, Orangeburg, pleaded guilty to second-degree domestic violence. Addy sentenced Williams under the Youthful Offender Act not to exceed three years. Because Williams already served two days in jail, the term was suspended to two years of probation. Williams is also required to undergo random drug/alcohol testing. He faced an additional count of second-degree domestic violence, but that charge was dismissed. BAMBERG -- South Carolina American Revolution Sestercentennial Commission (SC250) Vice Chairman Bill Davies will share the vision of SC250 at 6 p.m. Nov. 20 at the Bamberg County Courthouse Annex. Bamberg County Council will host Davies, who is seeking to recruit Bamberg County committee members who will work with the commission to plan a future event(s) to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. The meeting is free and open to the public, and all citizens interested in honoring South Carolinas rich history are encouraged to attend. The purpose of SC250 is to celebrate the 250th anniversary era (1770-1783) of the Revolutionary War and educate South Carolinians and visitors about the states pivotal role in the nations independence. Gov. Henry McMaster hopes all 46 South Carolina counties will form a committee and plan their own unique event(s) to personalize this effort to honor SC history. Get The Times and Democrat app today Local news has never been this personal. Free to download. Subscribers enjoy unlimited access. Davies has served on the South Carolina Historical Society's Board of Managers and as president of the South Carolina Department of Archives and History Foundation as well as the Palmetto State Military History Foundation. South Carolina had a significant role in securing our nations freedom, and Bamberg County is part of that storied history, said Davies. Bamberg County Council Chairman Dr. Jonathan Goodman said, This initiative is near and dear to my heart as an educator, and I am excited for Bamberg County to partner with the SC250 Commission to ignite a passion and enthusiasm for our states historic role in the American Revolution. One of the most important things we can do as a community is to not only understand our history but to also learn from it. Without courageous South Carolinians, who sought the basic tenets of freedom and were willing to sacrifice their lives to obtain it, our nation would not be what it is today. Bamberg County is honored to have this opportunity to put a spotlight on that bravery, said County Administrator Joey Preston. Clarendon Halls Head of School William Russell Russ Jordan was named Rookie of the Year by the South Carolina Independent School Association at its annual Head of Schools Conference held Thursday, Nov. 9, at Orangeburg Country Club. Jordan joined Clarendon Hall in April 2022 and became Head of School on July 1, 2022. Jordan was selected by his peers for the honor. To qualify for the award, the recipient must have completed his or her first year as a school head at the school in which they serve and must accomplish both quantitative and qualitative benchmarks during the first year of service. Some of Jordans notable accomplishments during his first year at Clarendon Hall include completing a $1 million lower school building project to house grades K-3 through fourth grade, growing enrollment by nearly 100 students, completing the SCISA/Cognia Accreditation, refurbishing the gym to include a new floor, and implementing additional curriculum and programs to increase academic standing. SCISA Executive Director Dr. Spencer A. Jordan presented the award. Russ Jordan was quick to praise the Saints staff, saying, I am blessed to be at Clarendon Hall and have the opportunity to lead such a wonderful, caring staff. This award is a result of a team effort. Board Chairman and CEO L. Travis McIntosh praised Jordan for his hard work. Mr. Jordan is committed to Clarendon Halls mission of academic excellence in a Christian environment. When he took over as Head of School, we had several major projects scheduled for the summer of 2022. Mr. Jordan immediately took the lead, and the projects would not have been completed without his literal hands-on work. In addition, he led Clarendon Hall through the Cognia Accreditation process. We are blessed to have Mr. Jordan and his wife Christi. Jordan, a 2008 graduate of The Carolina Academy in Lake City, continued his secondary education at Francis Marion University earning a bachelor's degree in history as well as a minor in English writing in 2014. Jordan received a Masters Degree in Education from Clemson University in 2018. Jordan and his wife, Christi, formerly of Maysville and a graduate of Lee Academy in Bishopville, live in Turbeville. Christi is employed by Prisma Health as a physical therapy assistant. They are members of First Baptist Church of Lake City. Clarendon Hall has provided elementary and secondary education in a non-denominational Christian environment since 1965. It is an independent co-educational school for kindergarten (3 years old) through 12th grade. In addition to being a founding member of SCISA, Clarendon Hall is accredited by Cognia/SACS (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools). It is located at 1140 South Dukes St. in Summerton. For more information, contact the school office at 803-485-3550 or visit the nwebsite at www.clarendonhall.org. EDGEFIELD -- Saturday will mark the first of what will be an annual "Women in Hunting and Fishing Awareness Day" in South Carolina. Rep. Heather Bauer, the newly appointed co-chair of the Democratic Sportsmens Caucus in South Carolina, spearheaded the effort to pass the Women in Hunting and Fishing Day bill during the current legislative session. This bill designates the third Saturday in November each year as "Women in Hunting and Fishing Awareness Day" in the state. Over the past year, numerous National Wild Turkey Federation events tailored for women have occurred in South Carolina and nationwide. In mid-October, the South Carolina NWTF State Chapter collaborated with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and the South Carolina Wildlife Partnership to host a Women in the Outdoors dove hunt event. Get The Times and Democrat app today Local news has never been this personal. Free to download. Subscribers enjoy unlimited access. Earlier the same month, the NWTF Lexington Longbeards Chapter in Columbia organized a Women in the Outdoors brunch. This gathering provided a platform for women interested in outdoor activities to come together, socialize, acquire valuable resources and information for hunting, and participate in raffles for firearms, hunting gear and more. Future NWTF Women in the Outdoors events include a deer hunt scheduled for Dec. 2 in Edgefield, South Carolina. The demand for such activities among women has been on the rise, and the NWTF has been actively engaging and providing resources for this growing demographic of hunters. Recognizing decades ago the increasing demand for outdoor skills training programs for women, the NWTF introduced its Women in the Outdoors program in 1998. Over the last decade, there has been a significant increase in the number of women owning firearms and participating in activities like target shooting and hunting. The WITO program, hosted by NWTF chapters nationwide, organizes affordable events that offer enriching outdoor experiences. These events cater to women seeking outdoor adventures and opportunities for quality time with family and friends, fostering lifelong pursuits in the outdoors. Forensic analysis of the gun in the case of Ashano Benjamin, the son of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Christopher Benjamin, and co-accused Kemani Gould, may determine the direction of the matter if that procedure is pursued. THE VINCENTIAN has been reliably informed that on Tuesday, attorney Grant Connell who is representing Benjamin, made an application to the Serious Offenses Court for the gun to be forensically analysed in St. Lucia, to determine the existence of fingerprints, and if lifted, to establish their identity. Attorney Israel Bruce is representing Gould. Benjamin, a 26-year-old tax officer, and Gould, a 27-year-old labourer, both of Barrouallie, had appeared at the Serious Offenses Court on Monday where they pleaded not guilty to possession of a .40 Smith and Wesson pistol, and 6 rounds of .40 ammunition, without a license. They were each granted $15,000 bail with one surety, and Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne ordered that the Prosecution give the defense full disclosure of all relevant material to the case by Monday, November 20. The matter is slated for a hearing on November 27. In response to Connells application on Tuesday, THE VINCENTIAN understands that the Chief Magistrate suggested that the lawyer wait until next Monday to see whether the Prosecution included, or states its intention to have done, the forensic analysis of the gun when they provide the defense with full disclosure, as ordered by the Court. If it is not, or would not be included, then the Court will hear Connells application. Connell agreed, but indicated that if the Prosecution stated its intention to have the analysis done locally, he would maintain that it be done in St. Lucia as St. Vincent and the Grenadines lacks the facilities to have it done properly. He also highlighted the relation this country has already established, with St. Lucia with regard to this procedure. When Benjamin and Gould were taken before the Serious Offenses Court on Monday, Connell told the Court confidently, "I dont know about Counsel Bruce, but we (Benjamin and himself) are ready to proceed by Thursday (yesterday), once we have full disclosure. We have no time to waste. But Prosecutor, Renrick Cato informed the Court that he had spoken to the investigator, Corporal Renetta Millington, of the Major Crime Unit (MCU), and she indicated to him that there were three more witness statements to be collected. The November 27 date for trial and the disclosure date for next Monday was then set to accommodate both parties. As part of their bail conditions, the men were ordered to surrender travel documents and report to the Barrouallie Police Station every Friday between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. Stop notices will be placed at all ports of entry and exist, and they are not to leave the state without the permission of the Serious Offenses Court or High Court. Reports are that the mens arrest stemmed from a police action at Arnos Vale between October 7 and 28, 2023. TRIGGER WARNING: The following story may be distressing to some readers as it tackles topics such as suicide. A 24-year-old man jumped to his death from a parking garage in Disneyland in Anaheim, California this week. Patch reported that the man - identified as Jonah Alexander Edwards - leaped from the sixth floor of the 5,000-spot Pixar Pals parking structure around 21:30 Pacific Time on Wednesday, November 15 (05:30 UTC Thursday, November 16). Edwards was pronounced dead at the scene. The New York Post has also sought comment from the Anaheim Police Department and Disneyland but neither has yet to respond. Read Also: 'The Marvels' Premiere Weekend Ranks Last Among MCU's Big-Screen Hits with Only $47 Million Three Suicides Within a Year The incident was the third suicide inside the theme park since December 2022 and the sixth since 2010. A 46-year-old woman identified as Arizona mother and hairstylist Marney Schoenfeld plummeted to her death off the Mickey and Friends Parking Structure in February. Last December, a 51-year-old elementary school principal named Christopher Christensen also jumped to his death in the same garage. He was due in court the week after his suicide on child endangerment and battery charges. Christensen also endured a dysfunctional marriage prior to him ending his life. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 50,000 people died by suicide in 2022 - 2.6% more than in 2021. About 2% of suicides are the result of people jumping or falling to their deaths, equivalent to some 1,000 people based on the 2022 figures. Related Article: Disney Doubles Investments Into Parks, Cruise Lines as Theme Park Business Plans To Spend $60 Billion @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The Girls High School featured as one of the outstanding participating schools in this years Fair. Juanita Hunte-King is the Education Officer responsioble for Science in the Education Ministry here. She sees student exchange as a viable means of expanding the teaching of Science. She broached the issue while addressing the Prize-Giving Ceremony of this years VINLEC National Science and Technology Fair, held last week Friday, November 10, at the Kingstown Methodist Church Hall. She is confident that a "student exchange can be worked out. Her idea must have been morphed out of the fact that students from Union Island and Canouan secondary schools, journeyed to the mainland to St. Vincent to participate in the Science and Technology Fair which started November 6. King raised the prospect of a "space which she contends will spin off benefits to the nation. She envisages a state of the art laboratory, capable of providing top level testing, a museum, and space for storage. She is impressed with the presentations and students sincerity with depiction on the theme Imagination. Fourteen primary Schools and twelve secondary schools ensured that this years event sustained the growth of the flagship event. Hunted-King looked at the word: sustainability as an addition to next years exercise. Mycale Burke, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education is happy when children are given room to develop their creativity. He referred to a host of accomplishments which the world is benefitting from as a result of childrens ingenuity. Rhodsha Oliver, Corporate Secretary and Legal Counsel for the St. Vincent Electricity Services (VINLEC), highlighted the connection between aspects of science and technology and the law. She pointed to the importance of a Patent to students, especially that they could succeed with that break through creation. As far as Oliver is concerned "everything is science, and that once it "drives progress, there must some element of scientific base about it. That includes government, policy makers, farmers "for there must be an acceptance and connection with the Language of technology. Oliver is pleased that her company is identifying with the voltage that "puts science and technology front and centre. She is encouraging students to treat science as "working in real time. This years Fair displayed some 156 projects and involved 270 participants. The St. Marys R.C School, Calliaqua Anglican School and Lower Bay Primary Incorporated were assessed as the outstanding schools among the primary schools. Among the Secondary Schools, Girls High, Bishops College Kingstown and Georgetown Secondary took the accolades. Lucas Huggins from the St. Martins Secondary with his venture: "The fabric of space and time, shared the Physics category with High School students Alexia Laborde and Amira Onu whose project was a Pinball machine. Mya Cumberbatch and Nyah James from Girls High School took the Chemistry segment with Lemon battery. Guyana told the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Tuesday it faced an "existential threat from a planned referendum by Venezuela on whether to annex a disputed oil-rich border region, and urged the United Nations top court to "urgently stop the vote. Venezuela has for decades laid claim to the Essequibo region which makes up more than two-thirds of its territory and home to 125,000 of its 800,000 citizens. The dispute has intensified since ExxonMobil discovered oil in Essequibo in 2015. Caracas plans a referendum on December 3 calling into question an 1899 decision by an arbitration tribunal that fixed the border with Guyana a former colony of both Britain and the Netherlands. "It is not an exaggeration to describe the current threat to Guyana as existential, said Carl Greenidge, a former minister representing the country at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague. "I cannot stress enough the urgency of the situation that brought us here today, he added, with Guyana risking the "irreparable and potential permanent loss of its rights. Caracas was due to address the court on Wednesday, but Vice President Delcy Rodriguez told Venezuelan TV from The Hague that Guyana had "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, she said. In Caracas, President Nicolas Maduro insisted his country would decide the matter "in a sovereign way, adding Guyanas ICJ bid amounted to an attempt to "repeal the constitution of Venezuela. In the referendum, Venezuelans will be asked whether or not to reject the 1899 decision, which Caracas says was "fraudulently imposed. Also on the ballot is whether Venezuela should reject ICJ jurisdiction over the dispute, allowing it to create a state in the disputed territory and to grant Venezuelan citizenship to current and future residents of the annexed area. Guyana says the referendum would pave the way for Venezuela to "unilaterally and illegally seize the region. The claim has become potentially all the more combustible due to a "significant new oil discovery in the region last month, adding to Guyanas reserves of at least 10 billion barrels more than Kuwait or the United Arab Emirates. Tiny Guyana has the worlds biggest reserves of crude per capita, while its neighbor sits on the largest proven reserves overall. Guyana urged the court to force Venezuela to halt the referendum "in its present form and to refrain from any actions to take control of the Essequibo territory. Only the court stands in the way of "chaos that threatens the peace and security of Guyana and the Caribbean region and beyond, said Greenidge. Paul Reichler, a top lawyer representing Guyana, told the court that "military preparations were already underway to enforce the referendum result. But Rodriguez dismissed these claims, saying a recent military mobilization was to prepare for the referendum. Five of the Police officers from a cohort of officers who has each achieved the milestone of 25 years of service. (Editors Note: The following is a Press release from the Royal SVG Police Force. It is carried verbatim.) The Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force is proud to celebrate the remarkable achievements of nine dedicated members who have served with distinction for twenty-five years. These individuals have contributed their expertise, commitment, and unwavering dedication to the force, and their long-standing service is a testament to their loyalty and professionalism. These officers, who have collectively dedicated a quarter of a century to the Police Force, represent the very essence of public service and have played pivotal roles in maintaining law and order in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Their outstanding contributions have significantly contributed to the safety and security of the nation. The distinguished members who will be celebrating the milestone on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, are Acting Superintendent of Prisons, Dwayne Bailey, Inspector Neil Jack, Station Sergeant Mahlon Cuffy, Sergeants Michelle Francis, Roland Browne, Kenton Pope, and Corporals Shellyann Harry, David Wright, and Derrick Daniel. To mark this significant milestone, the officers will participate in several social activities in celebration of the occasion. As they reminisced on their achievements, the elated officers thanked everyone who had impacted their lives, and careers, and prayed for Gods wisdom and favour so they may carry on making valuable contributions to the organization and the country as a whole. The Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force invites members of the media and the public to join in celebrating the accomplishments of these outstanding individuals. Their unwavering commitment to the security and well-being of the nation serves as an inspiration to all, and their legacy will undoubtedly endure for generations to come. Dr. Ralph Gonsalves (center) was recently the recipient of an honorary doctors degree by the esteemed Bells University of Technology OTA Ogun State, Nigeria. For a second time, the original reference was made in January 2023, the Prime Minister of St. Vincent, Ralph Gonsalves, has invited persons of African descent/Nigerians, who are currently resident in this country, to move towards legalizing their residency status. The Prime Minister extended the invitation during a press conference he hosted last week Friday. He appealed to the Nigerian students in particular, some who have been left wallowing in indecision as they face up to challenges relating to their registration at certain off-shore institutions here. That said, Dr. Gonsalves shared with the media and the nation that a number of the Nigerian students, whom he claimed have completed their education, have remained here and pursued endevours in music and other trades. Orther than saying that the Nigerian government took the decision to alter funding to medical students overseas and some do the students were then stranded here, the Prime Minister cited no (other) reasons for them remaining, but instead said, "a significant portion of these individuals can be classified as undocumented, lacking any official recognition or established status beyond their previous student designation, while no longer being enrolled in educational programmes. In that vein, he invited them to "come and regularise yourself, get residence, get work permits, and regularise yourself. Those of you who have been here for seven years or more could apply for citizenship. In short, we have a number of bright young Nigerians. We havent paid for their primary education, we havent paid for their secondary education, and we havent paid anything for their tertiary education. They are a resource. They are an important resource. In their support, the Prime Minister reminded Vincentians, "They may be undocumented, but they are law-abiding in the sense that they are not involved in any criminal activity. If they choose to get involved in that kind of activity, well, the relevant institutions of the state, the police, and the courts will deal with that. According to Gonsalves, these people exhibit a strong work ethic and should be considered for employment opportunities. In a related story, indications, first broached by Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, are that tuition scholarships, in the amount of US$10,000, will be offered to Nigerian students interested in studying at the American University of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and at the campus of the All Saints University located here. The students who will be considered for the scholarships are expected to be nominate by Bells University of Technology, Nigeria. (L-R): Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves and Sultan bin Abdulrahman Al-Marshad, CEO of the SFD, affix their signatures to a memorandum of understanding that commits Saudi Arabian assistance for projects in SVG. Two meetings prior to the Caricom Saudi Arabia Summit on Thursday, November 16th, have borne further assistance for programmes/projects in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. This commitment to assist has come after Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves met with Sultan bin Abdulrahman Al-Marshad, CEO of the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD), and then with Saudi Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih. The Prime Minister and the CEO of the SFD signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) which, according to a release coming from the API, "will see SVG benefit from millions of dollars from the SFD for infrastructure projects in the fields of housing, education, health, sporting facilities, and citizen and community security. Details with respect to the fore-mentioned are expected to be finalized by December 2023. In the meeting with Saudi Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih, Dr. Gonsalves invited Saudi investments in: construction of a new cruise ship port; hotel development in the Grenadines and on the mainland; and the construction of a proposed new, modern city at Amos Vale. Prior to his departure for Saudi Arabia, Prime Minister Gonsalves said, "We are going for additional sums of monies from Saudi Arabia. Soft loans, 20 years, two percent, which is good money and . We will sign a memorandum there. The Prime Minister also outlined several projects which the anticipated assistance would address, including: home repair and construction under the Lives to Live programme; rehabilitation of primary and secondary schools; construction of a TVET center in Union Island; construction of a secondary school in Brighton; construction/rehabilitation of health facilities in Calliaqua, Byrea and Redemption Sharpes. The St. Vincent and the Grenadines delegation to Saudi Arabia includes Minister of Urban Development Benarva Browne; Parliamentary Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister Shackell Bobb; Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister, Angie Williams; Senior Engineer Cecil Harris; Chairman of Invest SVG Tony Regisford; Economist II Janelle Hannaway-Horne; CEO of the SVG Tourism Authority Avanell Da Silva; Press Officer in the Office of the Prime Minister Shevrell McMillan and Security Officer Sergeant Kendal Horne. Vincentian Soca star, Gamal Skinny Fabulous Doyles album "B.A.D. has been considered for a Grammy nomination. { {more}} The album was submitted for consideration in the Best Global Music category. B.A.D. (Beyond a Doubt), is Doyles first official album and was released earlier this year. There are 23 songs on the album and some of the tracks include various well-known Caribbean artistes. Doyle, in an Instagram post on Sunday said, "I grew up looking at the Grammys as just a motivational fairytale, a goal that was improbable but worth shooting for nonetheless. Today, however, 10 months after the release of my album B.A.D., Im super excited to have a body of work thats up for consideration for a Grammy nomination. On October 11, 2023, the first round of voting for the 2024 Grammys began and voting ends on October 20. The 2024 Grammy nominees will be announced on November 10, 2023. By the end of January this year B.A.D., was streamed over 1,081,374 times on Spotify after its release on January 13, 2023. At one point it was at number one on Apple Music, iTunes and Spotify. In February, "Come Home a song by Skinny and Nailah Blackman placed second in the Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) Road March race with a total 106 plays, beaten only by Ian "Bunji Garlin Alvarez "Hard Fete which played a total of 135 times at different judging points . Doyle is a six-time winner of the national Soca Monarch competition in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. You have reached a premium content area of Transitions. To read this entire article please login if you are already a Transitions subscriber. Not a subscriber? Subscribe today for access to: Full access to the website, including premium articles videos, country reports and searchable archives (containing over 25,000 articles). Gasoline tankers pass by the Colonial Pipeline storage tanks in Austell, Ga., in 2021. John Spink, Staff / TNS WASHINGTON Colonial Pipeline will need to adjust how it charges customers for moving fuel from refineries along the Gulf of Mexico to the East Coast after customers complained of tens of millions of dollars in overcharges, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ruled in a decision published late Thursday. The order follows a six-year fight by large fuel producers and buyers, including Valero, Phillips 66, United Airlines and Chevron, who said that Colonial, the nation's largest fuel network, was charging excessive rates to move the more than 100 million barrels of gasoline, diesel and jet fuel that run through its pipeline each day. FERC found that Colonial's methodology for charging customers for fuel lost in transportation either because of evaporation or metering errors was "not just and reasonable" and was assessed without logical explanation to customers and regulators. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "It is a black box. Colonial does not disclose the models inputs, show how it makes projections using the model, or provide support for any past projections used to adjust the (lost fuel) charges," the opinion read. In their arguments to FERC ahead of the ruling, Colonial's attorneys said the mechanism for calculating fuel loss was based on conventional methods and earned the company no additional profit. "We are reviewing the commissions orders and determining next steps," a spokesman for Colonial said Friday. Phillips 66 declined to comment on the ruling. Valero, Chevron and United did not respond to a request for comment Friday. In their complaint in 2017, the pipeline's customers said they had collectively been overcharged $60 million. An administrative law judge in 2021 found that FERC should order Colonial to pay its customers reparations. Advertisement Article continues below this ad But FERC opted not to go that far, saying there was no evidence Colonial had charged customers more than what the fuel losses cost them. Casper City Council discussed two pertinent topics on Tuesday night: the best method to vote in a new mayor and vice mayor each year when the leadership change election rolls around, and how to go about the process of removing the mayor and/or vice mayor from leadership and then replacing them. Said discussions were lengthy councilors considered a more traditional style of voting versus ranked-choice voting, as well as what constitutes a simple majority to start the process of asking for a mayor or vice mayors removal. Their conclusions are as follows. As far as how to vote new leaders in, they settled on starting the nomination process and then giving those nominations to Fleur Tremel, the city clerk, who would check that everyone accepts their nomination. Each person nominated would get five minutes, in public, to make their case as to why they want to be mayor and what they would do if they were elected. Council will then move into an executive session, where they will do a straw poll using a ranked-choice voting method. Finally, the clerk and city attorney will tally the ballots. Ranked-choice voting asks voters to rank their choices on their ballots: first preference, second, third and so on. If no candidate wins a majority of the first-place votes, then the person with the least amount of votes is knocked off the ballot. Some councilors were against it Councilor Steve Cathey said he had heard that it backfired in an election in Alaska but by the end of the discussion, a majority were for it, thus allowing it to land a spot in the process. Casper City Council always changes leadership at the beginning of each calendar year. Current Mayor Ray Pacheco and Vice Mayor Lisa Engebretsen have only been in their positions for a few months since former mayor Bruce Knell resigned in September following domestic abuse allegations. (Knell denied the allegations but cited that he felt Casper City Council had abandoned him, and his reputation had been damaged irrevocably, thus prompting him to step down.) The five minutes was also contested should that be done in public or private, or should it not be done at all? A few councilors, like Amber Pollock and Brandy Haskins, noted that they appreciated a mandatory five minutes, especially since there is the likelihood that new councilors would not know very much about the people they would be electing to leadership roles. I probably would have made different choices had I known more about some of the people on council, Haskins said. Her term started at the beginning of this year. It was city staffs suggestion that these changes be put into an ordinance. Council also discussed how to remove people from leadership roles. This process wouldnt be to remove them from public office, but rather from the role of mayor or vice mayor. There are already reasons laid out in the Casper Municipal Code to remove councilors, transgressions such as missing three meetings in a row without being excused or being convicted of a felony. The councilor is entitled to a notice and a hearing in all situations. Currently, a memo in the work sessions packet notes, there are no ways to remove someone from the role of vice mayor or mayor short of removing them entirely from office. At the beginning of October, councilors indicated they would take a closer look at how people can be removed from those roles in a future work session. They decided on Tuesday night that the best way to remove someone from leadership was to first start the process with a simple majority, five councilors who would request that the removal process be started at a future city council meeting (not a work session) or a special meeting, if time was a concern. The person, or persons, whose removal was requested could themselves request a public hearing on the matter, if they wished to do so. Either way, councilors would then vote on removing the person(s). If the mayor was removed, the vice mayor would then move up into the mayoral role until an election could be held to formally vote for a new mayor. And within two weeks, council would have to vote on a replacement for the vice mayor. With councils support, City Manager Carter Napier said he would start drafting an ordinance. Right now, the process is a lot of woulds and coulds, Napier said. But at least its been triggered. Theres a lot of time to talk about this, but at least we have a start with regards to what this should look like, he said. A 26-year-old Colorado man hauling a hazmat load of diesel fuel died in a rollover truck crash Thursday morning in Sweetwater County, the Wyoming Highway Patrol announced. Eduardo Castro was driving a Peterbilt combination unit west on Interstate 80 near Rock Springs, the statement said. The crash happened at milepost 106.8 at 8:18 a.m. Castro failed to negotiate a right-hand curve, and the truck exited the road to the left and crossed through the median cable barrier, the statement said. He attempted to correct the truck to the right. "[H]owever, the vehicle continued into the median, overturning 1/4 time onto the passenger side," the statement said. The tanker trailer was breached, and a large amount of fuel spilled out into the median, the statement said. Emergency crews worked to contain the spilled fuel. Driver inattention and fatigue are being considered as possible causes, the statement said. The weather was rainy and overcast in the area, and the roads were wet. He was not wearing a seatbelt when he crashed, the statement said. Castro was the 125th person to die on Wyoming's roads in 2023. At the same time last year, there were 119 in 2022, 103 in 2021 and 118 in 2020. 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. 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. Inmates seen inside the Harris County Jail on Thursday, Jan. 14, 2021, in Houston. Godofredo A. Vasquez, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer The Harris County Jail along Buffalo Bayou on Friday, Nov. 5, 2021, in downtown Houston. Mark Mulligan/Staff photographer The Harris County Sheriffs Office seized more than 750 pieces of paper, including what is pictured, from August until Nov. 8, 2023, believed to be laced with narcotics. Identifying information was blurred by Harris County Sheriffs Office. Harris County Sheriffs Office/Courtesy of Harris County Sherif The Harris County Sheriffs Office seized more than 750 pieces of paper, including what is pictured, from August until Nov. 8, 2023, believed to be laced with narcotics. Identifying information was blurred by Harris County Sheriffs Office. Harris County Sheriffs Office/Courtesy of Harris County Sherif The Harris County Sheriffs Office seized more than 750 pieces of paper, including what is pictured, from August until Nov. 8, 2023, believed to be laced with narcotics. Identifying information was blurred by Harris County Sheriffs Office. Harris County Sheriffs Office/Courtesy of Harris County Sherif The Harris County Sheriffs Office seized more than 750 pieces of paper, including what is pictured, from August until Nov. 8, 2023, believed to be laced with narcotics. Identifying information was blurred by Harris County Sheriffs Office. Harris County Sheriffs Office/Courtesy of Harris County Sherif An inmate mops a hallway floor inside the Harris County Jail on Thursday, Jan. 14, 2021, in Houston. Godofredo A. Vasquez, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer Harris County jailers are restricting the flow of paper into their facilities to crackdown on a new wave of drug smuggling, even restricting legal documents passed from defense attorneys to clients awaiting their day in court. The Harris County Sheriffs Office imposed the new restrictions to halt the influx of narcotics-laced paper that has found its way inside the jail through visitors, jail staff and even an occasional defense attorney, jail officials say. "We have a duty to take action, Harris County Sheriffs Office spokesman Jason Spencer said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Reports of nailed-shut document slots in attorney booths and higher scrutiny of incoming mail has drawn complaints from defense lawyers who worry that written, privileged communications to jailed clients are being reviewed by law enforcement. People in the jail are typically awaiting trial or a court date and have not been sentenced to prison time. A wood block is seen on Nov. 2, 2023, covering the document slot in an attorney booth at the Harris County Jail. The Harris County Sheriffs Office seized more than 750 pieces of paper, including what is pictured, from August until Nov. 8, 2023, believed to be laced with narcotics. I Courtesy: Paul Morgan Paul Morgan, a criminal defense lawyer, noticed what he said were unforeseen consequence of the lockups new policy in October while visiting a client charged with murder. He tried passing the defendant his business card through a narrow slot in the attorney visitation booth, often used to pass documents for inmates to sign, but a screwed-in block of wood blocked his access. A jailer at the 701 N. San Jacinto facility told Morgan to mail the business card instead a process that would take days but allow authorities to photocopy the document and deliver it to the inmate without a chance of it containing drugs. On a different occasion, deputies flipped through legal papers intended for another of his clients. Advertisement Article continues below this ad They make sure I dont pass them anything, Morgan said. The state administrative code classifies privileged jail correspondences as those between inmates and the courts, state officials, lawyers and news media. Incoming mail of that nature can be opened only in the inmates presence with inspection limited to locating contraband. Sandra Guerra Thompson, a University of Houston law professor, called the new limitations a dilemma for attorneys as the jail struggles to keep drugs at bay. She wondered what guarantees the sheriff's office is providing that attorney paperwork isn't being reviewed by law enforcement. "If the sheriff's office makes copies, it would be nice to know that they're shredding them or returning them," Thompson said, adding that giving attorneys their own access to a copier at the jail would reduce any chances that privileged documents are looked at. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "There's a right to confidentiality," she said. Lawyers who spoke with the Chronicle said they were not aware of widespread incidents of jailers reading privileged correspondence. The paper restrictions appear to have made strides in reducing the number of tainted documents, according to county records. As of Nov. 8, authorities have seized more than 750 pieces of paper more than whats in a typical ream of copy paper laced with an unspecified chemical substance since August, according to the detention commands report on the number of narcotics found at the jail. Small amounts of cocaine, methamphetamine and synthetic marijuana also still being found at the jail. The Harris County Sheriffs Office seized more than 750 pieces of paper, including what is pictured, from August until Nov. 8, 2023, believed to be laced with narcotics. Identifying information was blurred by Harris County Sheriffs Office. The Harris County Sheriffs Office The Harris County Sheriffs Office seized more than 750 pieces of paper, including what is pictured, from August until Nov. 8, 2023, believed to be laced with narcotics. The Harris County Sheriffs Office Advertisement Article continues below this ad In the first month of that review, authorities found 388 documents of that nature. That number dropped to nearly 230 in September and about 130 in October. Only three contaminated documents had been found of the first week of November, the report shows. Were not unique in this, sheriffs spokesman Spencer said, noting that jails in Chicago and elsewhere are tackling the same issue. The truth of it is, weve been more lax than we should be. Because of the increased incidents of narcotics, often times it winds up to be deadly." Spencer noted that 17 inmates have died this year, eight of whom had medical emergencies. At one inmate died, with authorities suggesting his death may have been drug-related although an autopsy was unable to determine the manner of death or cause. Public officials have expressed concerns over the deaths, along with issues of overcrowding in the jail and a lack of detention officers to oversee the population. The county recently OKed the purchase of three drug dogs to sniff out narcotics in the jail. Officials also plan to digitize letters and give inmates tablets to read their mail, a plan that has drawn concern from defendant advocates who say third party companies will profit over the move. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice made similar steps in locking down incoming mail earlier this year to reduce the amount of dangerous contraband in their facilities. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The documents that Houston jailers have seized were either sprayed or dipped with various drugs and then smuggled into the jail, Spencer said. Examples of seized papers that the sheriffs office provided to the Chronicle appear to be discolored, often with yellow splotches. One letter appeared to feature a child writing to their jailed parent. I love you, the young author wrote. A single sheet of laced paper can sell for up to a grand, according to the detention command report. When this paper is smoked, it can cause an instant sense of euphoria, the report continued. However, this feeling can quickly be followed by vomiting or even incapacitation. Defense attorneys have been in talks with the sheriffs office about balancing the need for attorney paperwork to remain confidential and for drugs to be eliminated. To make matters worse, some of the drug-laced documents may have sent in under the guise of attorney communications, said Murray Newman, head of the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association. As in any profession, there are going to be people that take advantage of the power they have," Newman said. "Thats true of lawyers like its true of police officers. One detention officer resigned in 2022 after being caught bringing narcotics into the jail, officials said. Newman called on the sheriffs office to factor due process into their policies. Spun out of the Disney Afternoon series, Goof Troop, and featuring one of Disneys sauciest furry characters to date, 1995s A Goofy Movie has left a surprisingly lasting legacy. The films fervent fanbase will typically point to the father/son dynamic between Goofy and Max as what really got to them, or theyll simply declare it to be the greatest movie of all time. While our personal praise wont hit that high, there is no denying that the one where Goofy gets to have an actual character beyond just goofing around has seen its influence spread far and wide, inspiring scenes in series like Gravity Falls, and creatives like Domee Shi, who gave us Turning Red. Here, then, are some trivia tidbits about the film that finally gave a classic Disney character the chance to become a bona fide movie star Click right here to get the best of Cracked sent to your inbox. 15 Shoutout to a Classic Horror Director Kevin Lima took a cue from An American Werewolf in London when he set out to create the scene where Max, in a dream, transforms into his dad. 14 Goofy or Bill Farmer? Farmer, the voice behind Goofy since 1987, said they had him speak in his own voice when recordings initially kicked off. And Im going home thinking, No one wants to hear that (me), Farmer relayed. They want to hear Goofy. The powers that be eventually agreed, but only after Farmer had recorded all his lines. While a movie like this would normally have been a weeks work for a voice artist like Farmer, he ended up recording a whopping 43 days as the filmmakers did a lot of experimentation with Goofys voice. 13 No Goofy Director Lima, who first entered the industry with The Brave Little Toaster, scored a job at Disney as a character animator for The Great Mouse Detective and Oliver & Company. He would later do character design on The Little Mermaid, The Rescuers Down Under and Beauty and the Beast, along with some storyboarding on Aladdin and serving as head of story on The Lion King. 12 There Was a Chad During the films 25th-anniversary virtual watch party for Disneys D23 fan club, the director live-tweeted several revelations, including Max having to originally compete for Roxannes affection with a dawg named Chad. Advertisement Advertisement 11 The Lost TV Special A Goofy Movie originated from Disneys desire to create a Goof Troop TV special. In the early 1990s, the company was looking to create more feature adaptations of their Disney Afternoon properties in the vein of DuckTales the Movie: Treasure of the Lost Lamp. 10 An Emotional Story From the jump, the plan was to hit folks in the feels in regard to one of Disneys most oddball characters (whose original conception left much to be desired). Instead of just keeping Goofy one-dimensional as hes been in the past, the director explained, we wanted to give an emotional side that would add to the emotional arc of the story. We wanted the audience to see his feelings instead of just his antics. Advertisement Advertisement 9 Goofys First Movie After enjoying 30 shorts and his own TV series, Goofy finally got to star in his first feature film here even though he still had to share the spotlight with his Goof Troop son. In 2000, Goofy would get to appear in his second and, as of this writing, final movie with the sequel, An Extremely Goofy Movie. 8 No Reunion of Goofs Originally, Goofy and Max were going to stop over at a Goofy family reunion on their way to Lake Destiny. Advertisement Advertisement 7 A Directors Cameo Lima voiced Lester of Lesters Possum Park. 6 Star Power Powerline, the pop star played by Tevin Campbell, was envisioned as a combination of Michael Jackson, Prince and Bobby Brown. They just had me do some dance moves (in front of a green screen), and I doubt if they based any of Powerlines dance moves off of me, Campbell told Forbes. Advertisement Advertisement 5 Tevin Campbell Never Thought the Movies Songs Would Blow Up Like They Did Campbell/Powerlines songs Stand Out and I-2-I became wildly popular among the movies fans. Those songs didnt really blow up until after, he explained in the same Forbes interview. I didnt take note of the songs influence until years after. I remember doing Broadway I started Broadway in 2005. I had kids coming up to me, asking me, Are you Powerline? I was like, What? How did you know that? Because I can tell your voice is the same. So, I never really knew the impact it had because I had this whole other music career. 4 Inspiring DuckTales Co-producer of the 2017 DuckTales reboot, Frank Angones, gave a lot of credit to A Goofy Movie when he told a fan on Tumblr that Goofy Movie had a HUGE influence on us early on. We always said we wanted our show to do for Donald what Goofy Movie did for Goofy. Advertisement Advertisement 3 More of Treeny and Wendell Lima tweeted that, originally, we wouldve had way more of the duo of Treeny and Wendell but at least Treeny got to make one last cameo in the movie. 2 Based on A Father-Daughter Relationship Jeffrey Katzenberg, Disneys chief at the time, was the one to suggest both the project and the parent-child relationship plot because like a lot of parents, (Katzenberg) was struggling at the time with his teenage daughter, Jymn Magon, Goof Troops story supervisor and A Goofy Movie co-writer, told Vanity Fair. He said, I couldnt figure out how to get through to her. But we ended up taking a car trip together. Somewhere along the way, we bonded. I want a story like that. I said, Okay. Advertisement Advertisement You can judge a Korean-Chinese restaurant by the complimentary dessert they serve you after the meal. While sliced oranges are perfectly acceptable (who would say no to a juicy tangy palate cleanser?), Im really impressed if they set out a little plate of goguma mattang, or candied sweet potatoes, with each piece skewered with a frilly colored toothpick so that theres one for each customer at the table. In this recipe, nuggets of sweet potato are deep fried, then tossed in a sugar glaze that hardens into a candy coating. When you bite into a piece, the shattering sweetness gives way to the fluffy flesh of the sweet potato, which is nutty and savory, almost like a roasted chestnut. What is goguma mattang? Goguma mattang, or candied sweet potatoes, are an especially iconic dessert popularized at the Korean-run Chinese restaurants that serve some of your favorite dishes like jajangmyeon (black bean noodles), jjampong (seafood noodle soup), and tangsooyook (sweet and sour fried pork). Theyre totally different from the candied yams you might see on a Thanksgiving table, but not far off in flavor. While goguma mattang uses the white-fleshed Asian (Japanese) sweet potatoes, rather than the American yellow-orange sweet potatoes, it plays on the same savory-meets-sweet flavor profile. The best sweet potatoes for goguma mattang While this recipe will work with American sweet potatoes, its worth the trip to your local Asian grocery store to source the white sweet potatoes, often labeled as Japanese sweet potatoes, Korean sweet potatoes, Asian sweet potatoes, or batatas. Theyre smaller in size than American sweet potatoes, with a thin mauve-y purple skin that reveals a white or light-yellow color inside. While this recipe will work with American sweet potatoes, its worth the trip to your local Asian grocery store to source the white sweet potatoes, often labeled as Japanese sweet potatoes, Korean sweet potatoes, Asian sweet potatoes, or batatas. Theyre smaller in size than American sweet potatoes, with a thin mauve-y purple skin that reveals a white or light-yellow color inside. A few tips The tricky part about making goguma mattang can be the dismount, as evidenced by a popular episode of the Korean band BTS Run BTS variety show. In a now-legendary clip, member Jungkook makes goguma mattang, but the sweet potatoes begin to harden into one large clump as hes finishing plating. His fellow bandmates dissolve into peals of laughter when he shows them the plate onto which the sweet potatoes have now fused, so much so that hes able to turn the plate completely upside down and spin it around without anything budging. Parchment paper is your friend. When incorporating the sweet potatoes into the candy syrup, its important to use a gentle, efficient touch the less stirring the better and then spread them on parchment paper so they dont stick to each other (or your plate!). When incorporating the sweet potatoes into the candy syrup, its important to use a gentle, efficient touch the less stirring the better and then spread them on parchment paper so they dont stick to each other (or your plate!). Try them with ice cream. While leftovers can be reheated, I like to eat them cold or served with ice cream! Goguma Mattang Recipe Serves 4 2 cups plus 2 tablespoons neutral oil, such as canola or vegetable, divided 1 pound white-fleshed Asian sweet potatoes (2 to 3 medium) 1/2 cup granulated sugar 2 teaspoons toasted white or black sesame seeds 1. Heat 2 cups of the neutral oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat until 350 F. Meanwhile, peel 1 pound Asian sweet potatoes and trim off any remaining root tips. Cut into rough 1-inch pieces. Line a large plate with paper towels. 2. Working in two or three batches depending on the size of your saucepan, add the sweet potatoes to the hot oil and fry, stirring occasionally, until light golden brown, 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer to the plate. 3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons neutral oil to a wok or medium nonstick frying pan. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup granulated sugar in a thin layer. Heat undisturbed over medium heat until the sugar is mostly melted, 4 to 5 minutes. 4. Reduce the heat to low. Pick up the pan by the handle and swirl the pan to incorporate the mixture until the sugar is fully melted (do not stir). Add the sweet potatoes and use a heatproof spatula to quickly and gently toss until all the sweet potatoes are just coated with the sugar mixture; do not overstir or the sweet potatoes may start to stick together. Sprinkle with 2 teaspoons toasted white or black sesame seeds and toss quickly to coat. 5. Transfer the sweet potatoes to the baking sheet and spread out the pieces so that theyre not touching. Let cool for a few minutes until the caramel on the sweet potatoes hardens slightly. Serve immediately or at room temperature. Recipe notes: Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to three days. They can be reheated, but I like to eat them cold or serve with ice cream! Four Sol Flower recreational cannabis dispensaries are officially open for business after holding a series of ribbon-cutting ceremonies on Thursday, Nov. 16, replete with industry vendors, food trucks and Tucson Metro Chamber representatives. We wanted to celebrate our customers and most importantly, really just bring together a sense of pride in the work thats been done today as we launch ourselves into our future in Tucson, said Simon Nankervis, president of Copperstate Farms, Sol Flowers parent company. Sol Flower marked its entry into the Tucson market by opening four dispensaries in the last month and a half. The Tucson Metro Chambers vocal support emphasized the economic impact and significance of the new establishments. As far as the Tucson Metro Chamber is concerned, a legal business is a legal business and we support businesses of all sizes and kinds, said Metro Chamber President and CEO Michael Guymon. And we just want to make sure that we grow our economy here in Tucson. Nankervis expressed his excitement about the launch and the brands integration into the Tucson community. He mentioned collaborations with Tucson-based cultivators like Barrio Cannabis Co., showcasing Sol Flowers dedication to promoting regional businesses. That is a Tucson local brand, theyre a craft cultivator. We support them. We love their product. We love their flower. Our customers love it, he said. He highlighted the companys commitment to providing a unique customer experience, focusing on an open and clean store design, a diverse product assortment, and convenience for shoppers. In retail, its all in the details, he said. He also emphasized the companys dedication to hiring knowledgeable and empathetic staff to cater to various customer needs, whether medical or recreational. The expansion into the Tucson area was made possible through collaboration with Pima County, according to Nankervis. He commended the countys support in streamlining the approval process for dispensary licenses, allowing Sol Flower to create over 100 jobs within the city. If other jurisdictions did open up, and say, be more open to allowing recreational opportunities, then I think we would have had a broader geographic distribution around the city, he said. Nankervis explained the strategic placement of the dispensaries within the county, addressing so-called cannabis deserts where residents have to travel long distances to access consumable product. Allie Marconi, the director of marketing at Copperstate Farms, echoed the sentiment of gratitude for the communitys support during the grand opening while touching on the proximity of the shop for patients and customers in Drexel Heights and southern Tucson. To be able to save on your commute to where you would normally have to go and do some of your shopping, thats a huge advantage, she said. She emphasized the positive role played by the Tucson Metro Chamber, breaking down a stigma surrounding cannabis businesses and showcasing their contribution to the local economy. For his part Guymon, affirmed the Chambers support. He dismissed the notion of Tucson being unique, stating that the Chambers stance is based on supporting legal businesses regardless of the industry. There are lots of opinions on cannabis businesses and other businesses that maybe, quote unquote, support vices, but it is still a legal business and we are pleased to support those businesses, he said. Sol Flowers expansion is expected to have a significant economic impact, generating revenue through state and county taxes. Nankervis projected further job creation and increased revenue as the dispensaries mature over the next six to twelve months. I think we would love to see our business continue to expand. I think anyone whos in this industry is always looking for opportunities to grow their business, he said. Sol Flower locations Heres where you can find the new dispensaries: Sol Flower Foothills, 6026 N. Oracle Road Sol Flower South Tucson, 3000 W. Valencia Road Sol Flower North Tucson, 4837 N. First Ave. Sol Flower Oracle 6437 N. Oracle Road Tucson is a key technology hub for heavy-equipment giant Caterpillar Inc., which develops new systems and products at its mining-tech center downtown and tests them at its Tucson Proving Ground near Green Valley. And when the company needs to train its dealers and their customers on the latest technologies and how to use them, they come to a special facility not far from the Proving Ground. The Tinaja Hills Demonstration and Learning Center hosts an average 6,000 people annually for demonstrations and training, with a state-of-the-art education and conference complex and thousands of acres of desert for instruction and testing. Though Tinaja Hills is not open to the public, Caterpillar recently offered the Star and other media a rare glimpse of the facility and some of its training work. Caterpillar is a major area employer in the Tucson area, with more than 600 workers at the downtown tech center it opened in 2019 and at the proving ground and training site, which is sprawled across about 6,500 desert acres in the shadow of Freeport McMoRans Sierrita copper mine. Tinaja Hills is one of three such demo and training sites Texas-based Caterpillar operates, also including its Edwards Demonstration and Learning Center near Peoria, Illinois, and a center in Malaga, Spain, said Marty Dains, marketing and facilities manager at Tinaja Hills. A staff of about 30 manages the center, including demonstrator instructors who must have at least 10 years experience in heavy-equipment operations and are versed in a range of Caterpillar mining and construction equipment, Dains said. Think of this facility as a showcase or a showroom floor for our dealers around the world, over 120 dealers for Caterpillar around the world, he said, noting that dealers typically dont have equipment like one of Caterpillars multi-million-dollar mining trucks on hand, or a place to demonstrate them. They call us up and say hey, weve got a customer pending a deal to purchase one, wed like to get them down there to get them on it, talk to your service techs, talk to your operator instructors, Dains said. They bring them down, we put them on the machines, usually bring in a product expert or engineer if they have questions, and give them all the information they need. On the day of the media tour, about 125 dealers and Caterpillar employees assembled in the auditorium to learn about the companys new electric-powered hydraulic mining shovel, Dains said. Every spring, Dains said, Caterpillar brings in about 250 dealer sales staffers each week for three to four weeks to learn about new products, services and systems coming out so theyre up to speed. The facility has a main 160-seat auditorium, a smaller auditorium, a dining hall and several conference rooms, locker rooms, offices and service bays. The company also conducts training at the Tinaja Hills center for dealer service technicians, as well as equipment operators, said Dains, who was named manager in 2020 after nearly a decade as manager of the Edwards center. We do a lot of operator training with customers once they buy the machines, they want to make sure they get that return on investment, so they send their operators here and our instructors train them how to be safe and efficient, he said. Grandstanding Among several training areas linked by gravel roads across the site, the Tinaja Hills center includes training areas and bays for service technicians, a training area for road-paving machines, a general-line demonstration area with a grandstand that seats 400 people and separate demonstration arenas for paving and mining equipment. As the customers are sitting in the grandstands, we have GoPro cameras in the cab of the machines so they can see on monitors in front of the grandstands what the operators can see from their perspective, Dains said, adding that the operators are linked via microphones to interact with audience members. As Caterpillar continues to advance autonomous and semi-autonomous technology for mining and construction vehicles, Tinaja Hills is where dealers and customers learn how to use it. Caterpillar which dabbled with remote-controlled loaders to remove slag in steel plants way back in 1968 developed its first prototype autonomous mining truck in 1994 and rolled out its MineStar Command system for autonomous mine haul trucks in 2013. Ten years later, Caterpillar has more than 620 autonomous trucks operating with 15 customers on three continents, autonomously hauling more than 6.9 billion tons of material over more than 143 million miles without causing any reported injuries, the company said. The companys Cat Command system for hauling uses satellite, radar and laser rangefinding to navigate and avoid obstacles, and includes an all-stop system allowing on-site workers to immediately halt all remotely operated vehicles in their area. Most recently in Arizona, Phoenix-based Freeport announced in late October that it is working with Caterpillar to convert the companys entire fleet of 33 Cat 793 haul trucks at its Bagdad mine in Yavapai County to an autonomous haulage system using MineStar Command. Remote control Autonomous technology also is a key piece of Caterpillars vision for a mine site of the future, also including sustainable solar and energy storage, which the company showcased at the Tucson Proving Ground in February along with its first battery-powered electric mine haul truck. Caterpillar has adapted its autonomous and semi-autonomous control systems to many of its mining and construction production models, as well as offering autonomous system retrofits, and says most of its vehicles in the future will be autonomous-ready. During the Stars recent visit, two operators trained in line-of-sight mode, remotely controlling a Caterpillar bulldozer and a tracked excavator along a test track, walking along as they relayed commands via an over the shoulder console. Once trained, operators using Caterpillars system can operate a machine from anywhere in the world, Dains said, but just the ability to operate remotely within site of the machine can protect workers from unsafe conditions. On another excavator at the training site, horns honk and blue lights flash to warn that an unseen controller in a nearby training building is taking control. Big-boy toys While an array of construction equipment can be seen across the sprawling Tinaja Hills site, none are quite as impressive as Caterpillars massive mining trucks. The Cat 793F truck demoed for media members not even the biggest haul truck Caterpillar makes stands about 20 feet high, on 12-foot-tall tires, and is 26 feet wide, 44 feet long, weighs more than 150 tons empty and can carry a 250-ton load. With a birds-eye view forward but little else below, the operator navigates and keeps track of obstacles via a system of cameras, sensors and sideview mirrors the size of coffee tables. Dains jokes that operating the huge truck which at a top speed of 37.5 miles per hour is touted as 6% faster than comparable trucks is like driving around a two-story house. Indeed, riding in the cab of the massive truck, while surprisingly smooth, feels a little like sitting on a second-story balcony while the ground rushes past below. Students and faculty told the Board of Regents Thursday they are intensely angry and worried about the University of Arizonas recently disclosed financial miscalculation that could lead to cuts in student aid, freezes in hiring and other spending cuts that UA President Robert C. Robbins has warned will be draconian. Robbins sat stone faced at the end of a table as speakers, one after the other, lambasted him for the $240 million miscalculation. Robbins then spoke to the regents about the State of the University, an annual address scheduled before he disclosed the financial miscalculation to the board on Nov. 2, that typically highlights successes. For the most part, Robbins ignored the financial situation. Its not the time for me to go through and describe all the issues and our financial challenges, he told the regents, while noting that his full report on how he plans to deal with the budget is due to the board by Dec. 15. Instead, he highlighted strategic investments the UA has made in this past year. Though he avoided speaking about the financial issues, he repeatedly alluded to them. At one point, he remarked, Im often told about this incredible administrative bloat, which were looking into for sure, but he emphasized administration posts that are critical positions to the success of serving students, faculty and our communities. Many faculty have accused Robbins of over-hiring in staff positions. Robbins also said in passing, We have no interest in reducing need-based student aid, but that merit aid cuts are under consideration. Students are sick and tired Earlier Thursday afternoon, Eddie Barron, a sophomore and the executive vice president of the Associated Students of the University of Arizona, told the regents: We are sick and tired of constantly footing the bill. I was riddled with fear and anxiety for students on financial aid, Barron said, after Robbins previously stated he is considering cutting aid programs. Megan Wong, a student senator in ASUA, told the board: We ask for transparency but now we are demanding answers. She added: I do not trust the university with my wellbeing anymore. The university has made it loud and clear that they do not care about us. Among other statements made, often in raised, emotional voices at the call to audience at the standing-room-only regents meeting on the UA campus, were: Students are sick and tired of the lack of management and accountability. This is on you, President Robbins! Chop from the top! You fail to support students. We demand that President Robbins stop his own bleed. From faculty members: I find it inexcusable especially when so many of us are living barely above paycheck to paycheck. Decisions you make about retirement benefits will affect us for the rest of our lives. I did my job for 40 years. Now you do yours! Highlighting successes Robbins spoke for slightly less than an hour about the State of the University, highlighting successes and there are so many including the UA-led NASA mission to the asteroid Bennu, OSIRIS-REx; UAs recent genius grant recipients; and UAs current status as the nations top producer of Fulbright scholars. First, the university president highlighted the one-year student retention rate, which is currently 87.7%. The four-year graduate rate is 56.6% while the six-year graduation rate is 65.9%. Racially, 49% percent of the first-year students who matriculated this fall are other than white, Robbins reported, while 30% are first generation to college. There was a 22.4% increase in Native American students, a 4.8 % increase in Hispanic/Latinx students, and a 4.7% increase in Black students in this first-year class. Additionally, 1,348 of the first-year students had a 4.0 GPA in high school. Robbins moved on to the scientific investments, though he acknowledged that in order to champion them, We made significant investments from the strategic initiative investment fund that came from our central reserves. Those key investments include space science initiatives, the Center for Advanced Molecular & Immunological Therapies (CAMI), technology research initiatives and the Arizona Institute for Resilience. Robbins joked that astronomers he has hired and supported are almost as expensive as football coaches because they require so much equipment. The investment has paid off, according to the president, since the UA is number one in the nation in astronomy and astrophysics expenditures and number five in NASA-funded activity. Part of that comes from the Giant Magellan Telescope, which the UA under Robbins also invested in. I made a $15 million commitment to the Giant Magellan Telescope because during COVID, work kind of stopped and we needed to bridge that and have the resources necessary to move forward, he said. I think this was a really good use of our strategic investment funds. The CAMI, which Robbins said he was very excited about, is projected to have a large economic impact, with at least 20,500 potential new jobs and economic gains as high as $4.8 billion, he said. It will be a site for startup companies, whether locally or around the globe, or even multi-national drug companies and biotech companies to come, Robbins said. Many of these investments weve made over the last five years have allowed us to grow these research expenditures, Robbins told the regents. There is a projected $940 million in research expenditures for the UA this year. This doesnt happen without investment. Youve got to be able to put seed money in. He didnt shy away from discussing more ways he sought to spend money on behalf of the university, despite the financial situation. With the arts, we need a complete renovation of Centennial Hall, he said. Better seats, better sound (and) better amenities. Robbins concluded his presentation with a brief mention of the Fuel Wonder campaign, which has raised $2.05 billion, or 68%, of its $3 billion goal. This is a really important part of what we do at University of Arizona, and I think that we will definitely get to $3 billion, he said. None of that money, Robbins has said previously, will go to helping the UAs financial troubles occurring in university operating costs. Regents reactions The regents were pleased with Robbins presentation. In light of the current controversy, this is so helpful, Board Chair Fred DuVal said, to know, when you say weve been investing in mission success, about the details. Earlier, DuVal thanked the audience members for your powerful and impactful comments. Regent Larry Penley told Robbins your love of students is evident in the increases in scholarship money given and in diversity, including the focus on Native American students, and thanked him. At the Nov. 2 regents meeting, Penley had told Robbins: Youre going to have to terminate people, stop purchasing, or do something else. Clearly, youre going to have to have a hiring pause. This is really going to hurt the university and hurt the faculty to do what is necessary to reach the minimum policy required days on hand of cash that you must have, Penley said then. The Arizona Board of Regents has officially approved the University of Arizonas new tuition model set to take effect for the 2024-25 school year. The new model passed unanimously during the boards Thursday meeting. It will consolidate the undergraduate tuition and fees into three components: base tuition, student engagement fees which combine all mandatory fees, and the college fee model, which will eliminate course/program fees except for in the W.A. Franke Honors College. The proposal before us today is the culmination of significant planning and thoughtful reflection, UA President Robert C. Robbins told the regents at Thursdays meeting. The Franke Honors College will see a program fee increase from $475 to $600 per year. The college of nursings graduate program will move from a fixed rate ($48,000 per program for residents and $68,000 for non-residents) to a financially equivalent program fee of $5,000 per term for both residents and non-residents. The new Master of Science in business analytics offered from the Eller College of Management is increasing the per-credit cap to $1,350 for residents and $1,600 for non-residents. Finally, The Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health is creating a new $750 per term fee for the College of Medicine Tucson students enrolled in the dual MD-MPH program. Robbins previously expressed his support for the plan in an earlier letter sent to ABOR, which asked the UA to provide a new tuition model. These shifts will help provide stability and predictability for students and their families, while also reducing the administrative burden for numerous colleagues across the University, he wrote in the letter. They are a critical part of the ongoing efforts at the University of Arizona, guided by the Boards goals, to operate efficiently and provide the highest quality experience and education for our Wildcats, for years to come. The new tuition model comes as the UA has entered a financial crisis, due to a $240 million miscalculation of cash on hand at the university. Because of that miscalculation, Robbins has stated multiple times that he is considering cutting back on financial aid offered to students. The UAs website states the estimated cost for an Arizona resident living on campus to attend the university as an undergraduate is $33,200 per year. For non-Arizona residents, the cost for an undergraduate is estimated to be $58,200 per year. The estimates include the cost of tuition without financial aid, housing expenses, the expected cost of books, and other fees. As promised, Tucson Unified School Districts governing board wasted no time in moving forward with its freshly-approved bond package. Governing board members approved forming a bond oversight committee at Tuesdays board meeting, convening exactly one week after the bonds successful passing. Weve hit the ground running, we have our team ready to go, board president Dr. Ravi Shah told the Arizona Daily Star on election night. We wont get the funding until next year, but were ready to go. He had just received the news that the districts $480 million bond issue was approved by voters. Final results show the bond measure passing by a 59% to 41% margin. The districts bond oversight committee will monitor expenditures, project completion process, timelines, and procurement commitment for all projects included in the voter-approved bond package. At Tuesday evenings regular session board meeting, members began formulating the oversight committee process. Shah was not at Tuesdays meeting. The approved elements will serve as guidance for a committee charter. The committee would then return to the board for charter approval. Tuesday nights biggest debate was about the number of committee members. Board member Natalie Luna Rose contended 13 members was more than necessary, proposing a 10-member committee instead. Thats more than enough to get a nice mix of parents, employees, the other representatives, she said. The bigger the board, I think sometimes its hard to get things done. Board member Sadie Shaw responded that 13 was more appropriate, given the number of individuals who would likely be interested in being part of the committee. There was also discussion about how long a term will be. Governing board member Val Romero suggested committee candidates be selected from Pima County as a whole, saying I think that should be extended to within Pima County because TUSD has stuff that we do with Pima County JTED, a lot of people who own businesses in town. I dont think we should limit our outreach of quality volunteers to a small footprint of the TUSD district. Only TUSD district voters had a say in the bonds approval or denial election night. Governing board member Jennifer Eckstrom said, I would really like to focus on making sure we do get parents and community members that do have a tie to Tucson Unified, so them living within the district boundaries I think and just keep it there. Following discussion, TUSD governing board members agreed unanimously agreed to form a bond oversight committee. Said committee will consist of 13 members, serving three two-year terms. There will be monthly meetings and members are only able to miss two meetings a year. Prospective oversight committee members will apply, then be confirmed or denied membership by the governing board, according to the resolution. Eligible individuals must be at least 18 years old and affiliated with TUSD, including parents of TUSD students, TUSD employees, representatives of the Tohono Oodham and Pascua Yaqui tribes, owners of a business within TUSDs boundaries and/or community members residing within the district. Individuals are ineligible if they have sold goods or services with the district or have been in a leadership role with such a business within the last two years. Litigants against TUSD are also ineligible to serve on the bond oversight committee. Once approved to serve on the oversight committee, the members will form its charter. In turn, the TUSD governing board will decide whether to approve it. Its very important for all of the board members to have transparency and have the committee to oversee this, Romero said. It was important we put this on the agenda immediately. Weve built some trust with the voters and we need to do our due diligence. PHOENIX An attorney who has been representing Kari Lake in her attempts to overturn the election returns is admitting that he may not have been up to the job. In a letter to the State Bar of Arizona, Bryan Blehm said Lakes legal bid should have been handled by a much larger law firm with resources. But Blehm said many attorneys are loath to take on the legal system as he said he has done with issues related to elections for fear of running afoul of and being punished by the courts. We implicitly deny individuals full access to our judicial system as finding suitable counsel can be difficult if not impossible, he wrote. The bottom line, Blehm said, Lake was left represented by a small sole proprietor with few to no resources. All this comes in response to the State Bar opening a complaint against him as well as one against Kurt Olsen who has been his co-counsel in the multi-year litigation over the 2022 gubernatorial race. What is in the actual State Bar complaint against Blehm has not been disclosed, as the organization that regulates attorney conduct has a policy of keeping such matters confidential while they are under investigation. There are two open charges against Olsen related to his conduct in the election challenge, said Taylor Tasler, a spokesperson for the group. There is a similar one against Blehm. But she acknowledged Blehm also faces a complaint over public posting concerning the Arizona Supreme Court. And that has to do with Blehms multiple statements, in social media posts, that the judiciary has been involved, at least indirectly, in hiding election fraud and even in overthrowing the Trump presidency in the 2020 election. The State Bar complaints come even as Blehm and Olsen continue their legal effort to overturn the results of the 2022 election which found that Lake lost to Democrat Katie Hobbs by more than 17,000. In their latest filing just this week, the pair reiterated their claims that Maricopa County did not follow legal procedures in conducting the election. And they told the Court of Appeals that the proper remedy is to nullify the results from the county and conduct a new trial. Neither returned calls and messages seeking comment. The remarks about the kind of counsel Lake was able to obtain came in a Nov. 6 letter to the State Bar Attorney Discipline Probable Cause Committee. First obtained by the Arizona Mirror, Blehm said in the letter he believes he is being targeted because of a post on X, formerly Twitter, where he said the Central Intelligence Agency and the U.S. Department of Justice induced the Arizona Supreme Court and other state judicial system to create misinformation boards in the run up to the 2020 election. That refers to the decision of Supreme Court Chief Justice Robert Brutinel to form a Task Force on Countering Disinformation. The idea was to provide responses to false claims that otherwise would go unanswered, undermining public confidence in the courts.Whether foreign or domestic, Arizonas courts must be prepared to address attempts to discredit the justice system through the use of disinformation, Brutinel said in forming the task force. Blehm, in his post, had a different explanation. The answer is simple, they were conspiring to do what they had been doing to other countries for decades, to overthrow the government of the United States of America and once they executed their plan, which they did, they needed to control the media and judicial narrative to convince the public that all was well, he wrote. And Blehm said that if the Supreme Court and the Bar, as its enforcement arm, formed committees to control misinformation, it tames attorneys willingness to bring election fraud claims on behalf of their clients. In his first response to the Bar in August, Blehm denied an allegation of engaging in unprofessional conduct.This tweet was not made in connection with any specific case though I do have them, he wrote. This tweet was made to begin a public policy debate, now that we can freely do so on X (Twitter) without fear of reprisals sanctioned and sponsored by those same national security institutions responsible for Arizonas creation of a disinformation board. Blehm also said his post did not call into question the qualifications or integrity of any judge. My tweet was intended to say that the Arizona judiciary was hoodwinked by the national security apparatus specifically to limit attorney speech and willingness to bring valid claims on behalf of their clients, he told the Bar. He also denied allegations he engaged in conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice, saying his post was to improve the administration of justice to ensure that contemporary McCarthyism does not take a solid foothold. Blehm said debate can improve the justice system. This is especially true when courts take it upon themselves to censor speech absent an actual case or controversy, he wrote.Our courts should never, absent a case or controversy, be engaged in boards that have the effect of censoring speech, especially political speech, Blehm continued. Doing so with the bar associations active participation serves to quash attorney willingness to fully represent their clients on significant issues involving our elections. It was in the more recent post this month that Blehm made his comments about how Lakes challenge to the election should have been handled by a larger law firm. And he blamed it on other attorneys being afraid of taking such a case.When attorneys fear raising specific issues before our courts because they do not want to make this appearance (in court), we implicitly deny individuals full access to our judicial system as finding suitable counsel can be difficult, he wrote. And Blehm said the investigation against him should be terminated. This isnt the first legal brush of Blehm and Olsen with the courts. The following is the opinion and analysis of the writer: Tucson and Pima County are experiencing major crises that are devastating our communities like houselessness and drug use. In the coming months, the County Board of Supervisors will be considering a proposal to spend at least 400 million dollars to expand the Pima County Jail, almost doubling the number of people incarcerated. While hundreds of millions of dollars are spent on incarceration, housing and services are vastly underfunded in Tucson and Pima County, exacerbating issues that lead to incarceration in the first place. From 2018 to 2023 there has been a 300% increase in unsheltered homelessness in Pima County. The criminalization of houselessness, poverty, mental illness and drug use is a major contributing factor to unnecessary deaths and leads to the continuation of cycles of poverty, houselessness, and drug use. While many believe that policing and incarceration are the answers, the evidence say otherwise. While Tucson and Pima County have taken some steps towards addressing these public health crises, recent reports show that the current availability of and funding for housing and services is a drop in the bucket of what is needed to address the root causes of houselessness and the social issues that lead to crime. The 2023 Tucson Pima Collaboration to End Homelessness Gap Analysis Report notes that Pima County needs at least 4,901 more units of supportive housing and would need to spend an additional $104.3 million annually to construct new housing units to address the houseless crisis. Currently, the County spends only an estimated $50 million to $70 million to address houselessness. Even when people are offered services, they often are unable to access them, or experience long wait lists. The City of Tucson 2023 Needs Assessment of Adults Experiencing Homelessness reports that of the houseless participants in the study, 58% of those who received a housing assessment were still waiting to hear back about services, 13% were offered services but were not able to access them and only 13% had received services they required. Additionally, services to address drug use and mental health are often inaccessible. The 2021 Pima County Community Health Needs Assessment report cited lack of access to care was a significant issue, exacerbated by transportation, income, insurance status and lack of culturally and linguistically appropriate care. The report also notes the lack of behavioral and mental health specialists in Pima County. It is well-known that incarceration perpetuates cycles of trauma, harm, and crime, even with attempts to provide services upon release. The American Civil Liberties Union has noted, Problems like mental illness, substance use disorders, and homelessness are more appropriately addressed outside of the criminal justice system altogether,; Services like drug treatment and affordable housing cost less and can have a better record of success. Public safety could be better achieved by spending less money incarcerating people and spending more money on health care, education housing and jobs programs. The County and City must choose their priorities. A Vera Institute of Justice report asks, Can counties both build more jail beds and invest in policy changes to reduce jail populations over time? Many try but find that their motivation to do so is reduced with increased capacity now existing for decades to come. Pima County is dangerously under resourced. The rate at which housing, and services are being provided cannot keep up with demand. These problems will continue to worsen until we drastically re-prioritize our budgets. We know that more must be invested into real solutions. These crises can only be solved through true community-based care. Whether people are worried about the humanitarian, financial, or public safety aspect of these issues, all the data points to housing and services as the solution, and the current landscape of housing of services in Tucson and Pima County is not nearly enough to address these issues. Our county and taxpayer money should be used to fund actual solutions. Where would they go? Re: the Nov. 1 article Israelis have only one choice to survive: Leave. Gil Shapiro made a lot of good points about the Israel-Hamas conflict especially when Muslims favor a theocracy while the Israeli government is guided by Ultra-Orthodox religious parties. But hes mistaken when saying Israelis have two choices survival or leave. David Nasaw in his book The Last Million: Europes Displaced Persons from World War 2. Mr. Nasaw points out that after WWII, all displaced people were put into camps until they could be resettled into their countries of origin. Unfortunately, how could displaced and stateless Jewish people be returned to Eastern European countries, especially Germany, Poland, and Russia? These countries were destroyed and certainly didnt want their Jewish citizens back. When the camps were set to close would the Jews go? Their only hope was Palestine on ships hired like the S.S. President Warfield aka Exodus. Mr. Shapiro doesnt mention where would the Palestinian people of Gaza or the West Bank go since they are also stateless and not defined by specific borders. Clyde R. Steele Oro Valley Republicans find evidence implicating Joe Biden Republicans in the House of Representatives investigating the Biden family for money laundering and influence peddling have found evidence that President Joe Biden personally benefited from the scheme. An email from Hunter Bidens laptop detailed a transaction he conducted with Raymond Zhao representing Chinese energy company CEFC, previously involved in a bribery and money laundering scheme. The big guy, was supposed to receive 10%. A July 30, 2017, Whatsapp message from Hunter to Z stated that he was with his father and wanted to know why the commitment had not been fulfilled yet. On Aug. 8, Zhao wired $5 million to Hunters business account. The same day Hunter wired $400,000 to his professional account. On Aug. 28, he wired $150,000 to a company account used by Joes brother James Biden and sister-in-law Sarah Biden. On Aug. 28, Sarah Biden transferred $50,000 into her personal savings account. On Sept. 3, she wrote a check for $40,000 (10%) to Joe the big guy Biden, reflecting loan repayment. Janice DeAngelo Tubac Driver Education 101 Re: the Nov. 10 letter Drivers Education 101. What I learned in Driver Education is to drive the speed limit, not to tailgate, not swerve around other cars, to use my horn for safety, not in anger and to be courteous and polite to other drivers. On city streets there are many reasons a driver might need to travel in the left lane so only on the Freeway are slower drivers expected to drive in the right lane. Chronically angry drivers should review what they learned in Driver Education and put it into practice. We will all live longer that way. Trish Buls Midtown Israel agrees to 4 hour daily pause Yesterday, Nov. 9, it was announced by the White House that Israel would do a daily pause for four hours allowing civilians to leave combat areas and for aid to flow into Gaza. The entirety of the Democrat dominated news media reported it as some great accomplishment by President Biden. There was only one problem, the Israelis have been doing those pauses for several days of their own accord. Biden actually had wanted a three-day pause. But for the those who do not follow the Israel war, it sounded like a major breakthrough done by Biden. He has a 39% overall approval rating, has a 60% disapproval rating for handling of the war with a bare majority of Democrats supporting it. Meanwhile, Hamas slaughtered over 30 Americans residing in Israel, continues to hold several Americans hostage, and almost 40 attacks launched on American military installations and troops in Syria and Iraq by Iranian backed proxies. Bidens response to all of this, bombing a few warehouses in Syria. Daniella Constantini Sahuarita Ciscomani tells constituents to take a hike I am glad to see Rep. Ciscomani enjoying the outdoors and celebrating our local treasures in his campaigns social media. Arizona is a destination for birders, hikers and anyone who enjoys spending time outdoors. The Grand Canyon attracts millions of visitors every year. I appreciate his spotlight on family-friendly events in our district. However, his actions dont support his words. He supports cutting funding to the National Park budget (including the Grand Canyon) by 12.5% or $433 million. That reduction alone could mean as many as 1,000 fewer park staff, undermining visitor services and local economies. The National Park budget is mere 1/15th of 1% of the total national budget. Does Ciscomani believe that expensive vacations to private commercial parks (e.g. Disneyland) are where Americans should spend their time? He seems to be saying that with his votes. I ask you to consider Ciscomanis priorities when you cast your vote in 2024. Jenise Porter Midtown Netanyahu needs to go The U.S. and the UN need to step up to the plate. Israel was created partly because the U.S. looked the other way while Germany slaughtered 6 million Jews. The UN endorsed its creation along with a Palestinian state that never got created. Since the 1967 war, the U.S. has accepted Israels occupation of both Gaza and the West Bank and its creation of ever more settlements there pushing Palestinians off their land. Since he came to power Israels Netanyahu has worked tirelessly to ensure a Palestinian state would never be created. He allowed more than $1 billion from Qatar to be sent to Gaza to support Hamas. There needs to be a Palestine, along with Israel protected by the UN for the next 75 years if necessary. The U.S. should stop sending Netanyahu more bombs to kill more innocent Palestinians. It needs to take seriously the principle of collective security through the UN, promised after two world wars in the last century. Steven Lesh East side Hypocrisy To those who let themselves be manipulated by Trumps constant lying, what would Trump be saying if Obama had committed the crimes against our country Trump has? Hed be screaming, lock him up! Treason!, and rightfully so. Would you have the strength to do whats right, or flip to mindlessly following Trump? Look at the hypocrites who slam our voting system when it comes to Trump, but accept it when they win. Or the ones who rip out of control spending, yet lacked the courage to stop Trump from adding trillions to our debt. Its sad so many support a guy who has never been man enough to hold himself accountable for his own actions. Dave Rollins Patagonia Veterans Day parade On Friday, Tucson had a very successful Veterans Day Parade. It was held on Friday rather than Saturday (true Veterans Day) for logistical reasons by the city. MC Dan Marries presided over the parade of more than 60 groups including multiple veterans groups, motorcycle groups from as far away as Fort Collins, Colorado, Scout and JROTC units, marching bands, hereditary military groups and fraternal organizations. The Grand Marshal of the Parade was the marvelous 101-year-old Harper Coleman, a combat veteran of both D-Day (Omaha Beach) and the Battle of the Bulge. None of this, however, was reported in the Star. There were two pictures on the front page, which is commendable, but no other report, no article, on our or any other Veterans Day parade either on Friday or Saturday. I am puzzled that the Star considers an event which had over 500 participants and easily 1,000 spectators, all of whom came to honor our veterans, not newsworthy. Abraham R. Byrd III North side Why I supported Democrats in Tucsons election. Republican Candidates: Same old, Same old. Their answer to everything was more police, and better roads, but they refuse to raise taxes on the top 10% who benefit most from police and safe roads. Cutting taxes and demanding more services doesnt compute on a balance sheet. Trickle-down theory created the homeless problem. No thank you. Independent Candidate: All sizzle, no steak. Like Republicans, he wants to send homeless people to other cities or arrest them not a solution. Good marketing guy, but we dont need propaganda, we need less poverty. Libertarian Candidates: Clueless. Most libertarians dont even believe their own platform is realistic. Democratic Candidates: Trying. Its hard to convince well-off people that their accomplishments deserve less praise, and the majority deserve more help, but thats the truth. Tucson has abundant talent we need more investment dollars to stay local. Fixing problems in government takes political will. Addressing crime and homelessness takes political will housing first is a good start. Joshua Reilly Texas A&M University Interim President Mark A. Welsh III gives remarks at a news conference following an all-faculty, staff and student meeting detailing his plans for the university following an assessment of the Path Forward initiatives on Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023 in College Station. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer Texas A&M University Interim President Mark A. Welsh III talks to Paige Hayden, a junior biomedical sciences student, after speaking about his plans for the university following an assessment of the Path Forward initiatives during an all-faculty, staff and student meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023 in College Station. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer Gen. Mark A. Welsh III is the sole finalist for the Texas A&M University presidency with an early vote of confidence Friday from the state university systems Board of Regents. The board members unanimously approved Welsh after spending more than an hour and a half in executive session. His selection launches a 21-day period of feedback before the board can take final action and usher in a new era for Texas largest university, which is looking to stabilize after a turbulent couple of years. "The Board is confident in General Welsh's abilities to take Texas A&M to even greater heights," Chairman Bill Mahomes said in a statement. "Everything points to him being the perfect person for this pivotal moment in the history of our beloved flagship." Advertisement Article continues below this ad The retired U.S. Air Force command pilot has served as the flagships interim president since July, when former President M. Katherine Banks resigned in the fallout of the botched hiring of esteemed journalist Kathleen McElroy. Welsh has since worked to restore A&Ms national reputation and regain the confidence of faculty who say that outside interference infringed on their rights in the hiring and promotion process and chilled their speech in the classroom. Texas A&M University System officials first intended to conduct a national search for the next president. Chancellor John Sharp instead opted to recommend Welsh given the urgency to select a new top administrator at the College Station campus. He was one of four finalists for the position in 2021, when Banks was eventually selected. "Serving as interim president for the last several months has been an incredible privilege, and I'm truly honored to be named as the sole finalist for president of Texas A&M University," Welsh said. "I love this university and everything it represents, and I'm grateful to the Board of Regents and Chancellor Sharp for their confidence in me. While I'm excited by the possibility of leading this remarkable institution in a more permanent capacity, I value the comprehensive decision-making process that will occur over the next few weeks." Welsh served as dean of Texas A&Ms Bush School of Government and Public Service before Sharp named him acting president and the Board of Regents appointed him interim this summer. He served a distinguished career in the U.S. Air Force before that, rising through the ranks to chief of staff in 2012. Advertisement Article continues below this ad His appointment by former President Barack Obama has garnered some concerns from right-leaning Aggies, some of whom also worry that he is a diversity, equity and inclusion sympathizer. Welsh dismissed those concerns Friday to the Texas Tribune, calling himself a conservative who really values traditional values. I always find it entertaining when someone who has never met a person, or even been in contact with a person, gives an assessment of who that person is or what they are, Welsh told the Tribune. Welsh is not an Aggie himself he attended the U.S. Air Force Academy but he comes from a large Aggie family. As president, he has remained active with students, faculty and staff, sending the campus more than 20 personalized letters in a few months and launching an assessment of the former presidents controversial Path Forward plan, which upended the universitys academic departments in quick time and caused many faculty and staff to lose trust in the administration. Welsh's assessment resulted in hundreds of meetings with the campus community and a conclusion that much of the plan would stay put to minimize further disruption at A&M. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The engagement landed positively with many faculty still, they held mixed opinions on whether to hold a national search or lead a vetting process of Welsh alone. Sharp had previously encouraged the Faculty Senate to conduct an independent assessment of Welsh as his final pick, and the chancellor said this week that he hopes faculty will still provide their input. Texas A&M University administrators are looking to move past several incidents that placed the institution in national headlines this summer. The former president resigned after McElroy, a prominent Black journalist, told the Texas Tribune that A&M watered down her contract to lead the universitys revived journalism program over outside concerns about her experience in diversity, equity and inclusion. An internal review found that Banks directed the contract changes, and A&M reached a $1 million settlement with McElroy, who remains a tenured faculty member at the University of Texas at Austin. The university later came under fire after the Tribune found that a professor was placed on administrative leave following an accusation that she made personal attacks against Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick during a guest lecture. FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) The matriarch of a South Florida family who made their fortune practicing dentistry has been arrested at Miami International Airport on charges of orchestrating the hit-man murder of her ex-son-in-law, one week after her oral surgeon son was convicted on the same first-degree murder charge. Authorities said Donna Adelson, 73, was arrested Monday night as she and her husband were about to use one-way tickets to board a flight to Dubai and Vietnam, countries that do not have an extradition treaty with the United States. She is charged with arranging the 2014 murder of Florida State University law professor Daniel Markel, who was shot in the head inside his Tallahassee garage. Leon County State Attorney Jack Campbell said in a Tuesday phone interview that while he believes his prosecutors already had enough evidence to convict Adelson before Monday, plans for her arrest had to be accelerated when investigators learned of her plans to leave the country. It was going to be complicated and really difficult trying to bring them back, depending on where they ended up in the world, Campbell said. The arrest was not just based on the flight, but that played a part in the timing. Adelson was being held Tuesday at the Miami-Dade County Jail without bail pending her transfer to Tallahassee. Jail records do not show if she has an attorney, but she has long denied involvement in the killing. Her son, Dr. Charlie Adelson, was convicted last week of arranging Markel's shooting through a girlfriend, Katie Magbanua. She employed her ex-boyfriend and his friend, the latter a member of the notorious Latin Kings gang, to murder Markel, 41. Magbanua and her ex-boyfriend, Sigfredo Garcia, are serving life sentences after being convicted earlier of first-degree murder. His friend, Luis Rivera, is serving a 19-year sentence after pleading guilty to second-degree murder and testifying against the others. Charlie Adelson, 47, faces a mandatory life term when sentenced next month. Markel had been involved in a bitter custody battle with his ex-wife, lawyer Wendi Adelson, and had gotten a court order barring her move from Tallahassee back to South Florida with their two young sons. Authorities say the Adelsons considered offering Markel $1 million to let his ex-wife and sons move, but then Charlie Adelson and other members of the family began plotting his death. During his trial, it was shown that Charlie Adelson paid Magbanua $138,000, which she split with the killers, and the family then gave her a no-show job at their dental practice and other payments totaling more than $56,000. Charlie Adelson also gave her a used Lexus. Wendi Adelson and her father, dentist Harvey Adelson, have not been charged, but Campbell said the investigation remains open. They have denied involvement. Markel was shot while parking in his garage after he dropped his sons off at daycare and visited the gym. The Adelsons immediately became suspects in Markel's slaying after Wendi Adelson told detectives that the killing could have been arranged on her behalf, saying her parents were very angry at Markel. She told them that her brother had joked about hiring a hit man to kill Markel as a divorce gift, but he bought her a TV instead. Still, the investigation involving local and state agencies and the FBI proceeded slowly. Investigators were able to track phone records showing numerous calls between Charlie Adelson and Magbanua, her and the killers and Charlie Adelson, his mother and his sister in the hours before and shortly after the killing as well as large monetary transactions between the family and Magbanua. Garcia and Rivera were then linked to a rented Toyota Prius the killers used. In 2016, an FBI agent, impersonating an extortionist, approached Donna Adelson outside her home and demanded $5,000. The ruse had been concocted in hopes that it would trigger a reaction from the Adelsons. She contacted her son, telling him they needed to discuss some paperwork and that you probably have a general idea what I'm talking about. They led to several calls and meetings between her and her son. Charlie Adelson was arrested last year after technicians enhanced a recording made of him and Magbanua inside a Mexican restaurant in 2016 while they were under surveillance discussing the extortion attempt. In the conversation, Adelson told Magbanua that she would need to meet with the extortionist and agree to a one-time payment. He also told her he wasn't worried about being arrested, but if he thought police had any evidence proving the family orchestrated the slaying, we would have already gone to the airport. This story was first published November 14, 2023. It was corrected on Nov. 17 to reflect that Katie Magbanua and Sigfredo Garcia were not married; while they sometimes identified as married, they were never officially married. The story has also been corrected to show that Garcia was not a member of the Latin Kings gang, only his co-conspirator, Luis Rivera was. Ginnie Graham Tulsa World Editorials Editor Follow Ginnie Graham Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today Local Indigenous designers and artists are getting a boost of attention in the wake of Killers of the Flower Moon movie release. But it was already a booming industry. Osage Nation citizen Julie OKeefe worked as a wardrobe consultant on the movie and recently launched Indigichic at 1306 E. 11th St. with four other partners. The pop-up boutique, which will be open through the holidays, features Native American-made clothing, jewelry and accessories representing 39 tribes. OKeefe says this moment has elevated Indigenous designs to a global market, the same level of Louis Vuitton or Valentino. We finally have been able to break through because we have so many different types of artisans in all 567 federally recognized tribes in our nation, she said. We deserve to be standing here. There is not one fashion house that didnt start at someones kitchen table with someone wanting to show their ideas and to do this work. At the end of the day, we are discussing art. For non-Indigenous people conscientious to avoid wrongful appropriation of Native American culture, buying from Native artists protects against that, OKeefe said. As a retail shop, we invite everyone to come in, OKeefe said. We are not carrying anything that would be cultural appropriation of any kind. We wouldnt put something out there culturally inappropriate. As Natives, thats our responsibility. At major art markets, particularly Native American shows in Santa Fe or the Heard Museum in Arizona, artists depend on a bigger consumer base, OKeefe said. These are collectors, non-Native and Native, and they are buying. We depend on that, she said. A beautiful tradition in Indigenous art and design is how skills are taught. Everything you see is generational; its been passed down, OKeefe said. A lot of designers sit down to research for historical pieces they may do. Native and Indigenous people are passing down basically talents that are learned through the generations in their families. That rings true for the formation of Burning Wagon Design, created about a year ago by Libbi Gray and her daughters, all Osage citizens. Its common for the family members to be in a living room brainstorming, sewing and filling orders together. Burning Wagon Designs offers an array of contemporary, everyday apparel from T-shirts to pencil skirts. Its sales doubled after actors Lily Gladstone and Leonardo DiCaprio wore clothing that was featured in Vogue. Like with Indigichic, the products can be worn by non-Indigenous people. Most of our customers are Native, but our clothing is meant to appeal to a wider audience, said Gray, who is an Osage Nation citizen. Gray recommends avoiding products that say Indigenous inspired and seek Indigenous made labels, indicating the creator is Native American. She said Indigenous artists and designers are making items meant to be worn by others. If a Native person is making and selling beadwork, that is how they are supporting themselves and their families, Gray said. The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today. Tulsa Living Editors note: Tulsa Living is an occasional column written by leaders in local lifestyles fields. They share current trends, experiences and insight into topics including food, music, arts, pop culture, fashion and home improvement. Tulsas food scene has really grown over the past decade, and with it, its wine selections. As we approach the holidays, I wanted to share a few of my favorite restaurants with outstanding wine lists, as well as some suggestions for your holiday dinner table. With slight trepidation over leaving a restaurant out and having that restaurant feel slighted, Im only going to highlight a handful of my personal, locally owned favorites restaurants that I have frequented for years and that have notable, carefully curated wine lists. Lets begin with Justin Thompsons Prhyme in the Tulsa Arts District. This restaurant offers a terrific atmosphere and excellent food and waitstaff. Their wine list is superb! A nice selection of varietals in both reds and whites. And a good range of price points. Something for everyone! Venturing from downtown, Stonehorse Cafe in Utica Square has a refined, less extensive but equally delicious menu both in terms of food selection and wine. However, both are created by chef/owner Tim Inman, and you will definitely find a perfect pairing! Polo Grill, also in Utica Square and owned by chef/owner Robert Merrifield, has always prided itself on an extensive wine list, and it doesnt disappoint, unless they happen to be out of that particular bottle that you are wanting. Still, with such extensive offerings, you will find something to enjoy. Returning downtown for a wine-focused experience, I highly recommend Vintage Wine Bar, owned by Noah Bush and Chip Gabarino. The art deco atmosphere is elegant yet inviting. And their wine list is extensive. It was at Vintage that I first discovered the wonderful Mourvedre grape from the southern coast of France, Bandol commune. If you arent familiar with this grape, do give it a try. Its a full-bodied and fruit-forward varietal that I know you will enjoy. For those who enjoy wine but dont consider themselves aficionados, let me offer a few observations. You should ALWAYS drink what you enjoy, but you should keep yourself open to new possibilities. Let the sommelier or wine steward guide you. When asked what wine to drink with chicken, Louisiana chef and humorist Justin Wilson remarked, drink what you like! I couldnt agree more. I was at an event recently and I heard a woman remark, I only drink chardonnay. She was lamenting to the bartender that he didnt have the particular varietal that she wanted. He instead offered her a very nice pinot gris. She wouldnt even try it. Disappointing. You should always be willing to try something new. Who knows, you might just like it! As we head toward the holidays, if turkey is on the menu, I have two suggestions for you. If you are a fan of red wine, as I am, think something a little lighter and less full-bodied. A pinot noir pairs nicely with turkey and all the trimmings. I particularly enjoy Van Duzer, Raptor Ridge and La Crema wineries. If you decide to go with the more traditional white wine pairing with fowl, you cant go wrong with a chardonnay, but with its distinctive flavor profile, you might also consider something a little more adventurous lighter and fruitier, perhaps, like a viognier. From the Rhone Valley of France, this varietal can also be found in other countries and continents. A purist at heart when it comes to anything French, I generally stick with France for Viognier. You may thank me later! And there you have a few thoughts from a wine lover to enhance your next experience at one of our incredible local restaurants or when sitting down at the holiday dinner table! A votre sante! The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today. 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. Owasso Public Schools has received its 2022-23 report cards. The Oklahoma State Department of Education released the statewide results on Wednesday, Nov. 15. Six of Owassos 13 school sites received an overall ranking of a B (Hodson, Morrow, Northeast, 6GC, 7GC and OHS), six received a C (Ator, Bailey, Barnes, Mills, Smith and Stone Canyon) and one received a D (8GC), according to statistics published on oklaschools.com. All districts were graded on academic growth and achievement, English language proficiency progress and chronic absenteeism. Morrow and Northeast were the only two school sites to receive the top grade of an A, both in ELP, among all categories; all others were rated as a B or lower. The largest number of lowest grades fell in chronic absenteeism, with Ator, Mills and 8GC receiving an F, and Morrow, Northeast, Smith, 6GC and 7GC earning a D. The 8GC also received an F for academic growth. Academic achievement is measured when students meet or exceed their priority group target, and/or score basic, proficient or advanced on state tests in ELA, math and science. Academic growth shows the average amount of progress students make on English and math assessments over consecutive years. Two other categories exclusive for OHS graduation rates and postsecondary opportunities generated a C and B for the dual-facility respectively. Overall, the Owasso district outperformed the state in every category. Among Collinsville Public Schools six sites, one received a B (6GC) and three received a C (CHS, MS and Upper ES). Herald and the EC Center did not receive any overall grades, as of Nov. 15. 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 A state appellate court on Thursday ordered that an arrest warrant be issued in a Rogers County District Court criminal case after a state judge refused, citing tribal sovereignty. The Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals ruling is the latest jurisdictional tug-of-war between the state and tribal nations in Oklahoma since the U.S. Supreme Courts 2020 McGirt decision. The 2020 ruling established that Oklahoma did not have jurisdiction to criminally prosecute a Seminole Nation man for child sex crimes that were alleged to have occurred within the Muscogee Nation reservation because Congress had never disestablished it. The ruling has since been expanded to apply to the Cherokee Nation and seven other tribal nations. In its ruling, the appeals court said Rogers County Special Judge Terrell Crosson erred when he declined to sign an arrest warrant June 29 in a case involving a Navajo Nation member. Crosson claimed that federal law prevents the state from prosecuting Brayden Kent Bull for child porn-related crimes because he is a tribal member and the alleged crimes occurred within Indian Country, in this case, the boundaries of the Cherokee Nation reservation. Since the McGirt ruling, state officials and prosecutors have been pushing to reassert the states jurisdiction on tribal land in some situations. The state won back some jurisdiction in June 2022 when the U.S. Supreme Court, in Oklahoma v. Castro-Huerta, ruled that the state could prosecute nontribal members for crimes committed on tribal land against tribal members. State officials also have seized on language in the Castro-Huerta ruling that they claim gives them concurrent jurisdiction when tribal members commit crimes within tribal land but outside of their own tribes reservation. Rogers County District Attorney Matt Ballard argued in his appeal that the state is not attempting to supplant federal or tribal authority by pursuing the warrant for Bull but rather to regain for the state a portion of jurisdiction that existed for 113 years, a reference to the time between when Oklahoma became a state in November 1907 and the issuance of the McGirt ruling. The judge who declined to issue the warrant described the states attempt to prosecute Bull as an improvident and impermissible expansion of the Supreme Courts Castro-Huerta decision that relies on an untenable distinction in criminal law between member and nonmember Indians, according to a court filing. To summarize, Castro-Huerta held only that states have concurrent jurisdiction to prosecute crimes committed by non-Indians against Indians in Indian Country, Crosson wrote in his response to the appeal, quoting from the Castro-Huerta ruling. Petitioners attempt to expand Castro-Huerta beyond its narrow holding is misguided. But rather than rule on whether the state has a right to prosecute Bull and others in his situation, the appeals court said Crosson should have issued the warrant because it met all the legal requirements. The parties advance numerous arguments surrounding the effect of Castro-Huerta on a magistrates decision to issue a warrant, the unanimous ruling states. While these arguments will undoubtedly play out in the trial court, it is our holding that they should be resolved by our adversarial system, not the limited ex parte review of a magistrate in considering the issuance of an arrest warrant, the ruling states. Bull is in federal custody. He pleaded guilty Nov. 9 in Tulsa federal court to aggravated sexual abuse of a minor under 12 in Indian Country, production of child pornography and receipt and distribution of child porn. Bull will serve a federal prison term between 30 years and 50 years, to be decided at his sentencing, should the judge accept the plea agreement. Cherokee Nation prosecutors have also charged Bull with a child porn-related crime in tribal court. His case is still pending, according to the nations online court docket. In releasing its opinion, the OCCA also declined after-the-fact a request by the Cherokee Nation to file a friend of the court brief in the case. The Cherokee Nation could not be reached for comment. The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today. 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 A Tulsa man who pleaded guilty to bank fraud in connection with a $125,000 loan was sentenced in federal court Thursday and ordered to pay more than $800,000 in restitution. A judge ordered Shane Michael Hannaford, 41, to serve two years and nine months in prison followed by five years of supervised release. Hannaford pleaded guilty April 15, 2022, to one of 10 bank fraud counts with which he was charged in exchange for dismissal of the remaining nine counts. A grand jury indicted Hannaford on March 24, 2021, on 10 counts of bank fraud in Tulsa federal court. The indictment alleged that Hannaford held himself out as chief executive officer of Hannaford Development Group, a commercial construction company in Tulsa, when he committed the acts. In his guilty plea, Hannaford admitted to obtaining a $125,000 loan in 2012 to pay for construction costs of a Bartlesville church. Hannaford was to repay the loan with $30,000 interest by Dec. 31, 2012. He never repaid the loan. In two other cases listed in the indictment, Hannaford convinced companies that he had a contract for a construction project in Iraq and said he wanted their companies to provide security for his company personnel and assets in Iraq. As part of the ruse, Hannaford promised to transfer a security license that he claimed to have from Iraq officials to the companies if they paid him a portion of the $1 million cost. Hannaford ceased communicating with the companies seeking to provide security services after receiving payment from them, in one case $75,000 and in another more than $380,000, according to the indictment. While Hannaford did not admit guilt in the other nine counts, his plea agreement calls for him to make restitution in those cases, plus two others that were not charged by the grand jury. Bank fraud carries a maximum prison term of 30 years in prison. Prosecutors asked the judge to sentence Hannaford at the top end of the 27 month to 33 month range recommended by the U.S. Probation Office, citing federal sentencing guidelines. The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today. Lenzy Krehbiel-Burton Tulsa World Staff Writer Follow Lenzy Krehbiel-Burton Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today A rural Adair County school district will be getting a new building after landing a competitive multimillion-dollar federal grant. Located southwest of Stilwell, officials with Dahlonegah Public Schools were notified Wednesday that it is the recipient of an $8.5 million construction grant through the U.S. Department of Educations Impact Aid Program that will allow the dependent district, with grades from prekindergarten through eighth, to replace its existing facility. This is just such a blessing to our kids and our community, Superintendent Steve Cain said. The Impact Aid Program reimburses school districts for lost revenue associated with having nontaxable property in or near their attendance areas, such as Indian trust land, military installations, national parks and federally operated low-income housing facilities. We are 100% reliant on Impact Aid, Cain said. We basically have no bonding capacity in our district. Aside from a gym and early childhood addition built in 2010, the last documented construction project at the school was in 1956, Cain said, noting that some of the cinder blocks in the cafeteria walls have started to rot and that septic line issues forced the district to cancel in-person instruction earlier this semester. Compounding the need for a new building is an increased student population, with enrollment up by 50 students compared to the 2022-23 school year. Were bursting at the seams, Cain said. Were having to deny transfer requests, which I hate. Cain said the district is working with the Cherokee Nation to secure a property lease for the new building near the current campus with a goal of breaking ground on the new school by spring break. Current plans call for the districts four older grades to be in the new building initially and then eventually add the younger grades in phases. The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today. Barbara Hoberock Tulsa World Capitol Bureau Staff Writer Follow Barbara Hoberock Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today OKLAHOMA CITY Oklahomans may get to vote on increasing the minimum wage. Supporters filed paperwork on Oct. 27 with the Secretary of States Office indicating an intent to circulate an initiative petition to get State Question 832 on the ballot. If approved, the states minimum wage would gradually rise to $15 per hour in 2029 from the current $7.25 an hour. Increases in additional years would be tied to hikes in the cost of living. Kelsey Cobbs of El Reno and Dustin Phelan of Salina are listed as the proponents. I think the minimum wage needs to go up because the cost of everything has gone up, and it is time that wages people earn can actually help them make a living, Cobbs said. Because the question would change state law and would not amend the Oklahoma Constitution, 92,263 signatures would be required to get it on the ballot. Constitutional amendment questions require 172,993 signatures to get on the ballot. Supporters would have 90 days from the time the petition is deemed approved to gather the required signatures. The deadline for a protest to be filed is Monday. Legislative efforts in recent years failed to secure approval for measures that sought to increase the minimum wage. For years, Sen. George Young, D-Oklahoma City, has filed measures for an increase. He said the state is way past due for an increase. Sen. Mary Boren, D-Norman, said state leaders like to talk about being pro-business, but she said it is also important to be pro-family and increase the minimum wage. Gov. Stitt supports a free market approach to wages, said Abegail Cave, a spokeswoman for the governor. After legislative inaction, residents successfully used the initiative petition process to pass Medicaid expansion and to legalize medical marijuana. In 2022, supporters of an effort to legalize abortion withdrew the proposed state question, citing a need for more time. Senate Bill 1023, passed and signed in 2014, preempts cities, towns and counties from enacting ordinances to increase the minimum wage above what the state has established. The Oklahoma minimum wage is tied to the federal minimum wage. The federal minimum wage has been $7.25 an hour since 2009. In the meantime, several states have adopted a minimum wage higher than the federal minimum wage. Braden Patton, a spokesman for the Tulsa Regional Chamber, said his organization is seeking input on the proposal from its board. Likewise, we are aware of the petition, said Chad Warmington, president and CEO of the State Chamber of Oklahoma. We are currently evaluating how it will potentially affect Oklahoma and its business community. We are concerned mandates are placed on companies in our state. The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today. Ho Chi Minh City collected VND4,370 billion (US$180 million) in lottery tax between January and October, up 7.3 percent year on year, according to the municipal taxman. Accordingly, the citys daily tax revenue from lottery activities amounted to over VND14.5 billion (nearly $600,000) during the period. The increase made lottery sales one of the local budgets key earners amid the ongoing economic slowdown. Statistics from the Ho Chi Minh City tax department indicated that in October alone, the city collected VND839 billion ($34.6 million) in lottery tax, a 10.6-percent year-on-year increase. Other localities nationwide have collected huge tax amounts from lottery business operations over the past few months. Vietnams revenue from the lottery tax topped VND34.5 trillion ($1.4 billion) during the January-September period, improving some 20 percent year on year, and meeting 92 percent of this years target, according to data from the Ministry of Finance. In spite of economic difficulties, the tax revenue from lottery sales grew month on month. The budget revenue from lottery reached VND12,951 billion ($534.4 million) in the first quarter of the year, but the figure had risen to VND24,480 billion ($101 billion) as of the end of June, and VND34.5 trillion at the end of the third quarter. The lottery market was seen booming in the southern region during the nine-month period, with its lottery ticket consumption made up 98.5 percent of the countrys total sales. At the start of the year, the ministry allowed lottery companies in the southern region to adjust up the cap on lottery prize values to VND120 billion ($5 million) from VND110 billion ($4.5 million). However, these lottery companies proposed the ministry allow ramping up lottery ticket issues at a recent lottery conference, causing controversy. Several people said that it was necessary to control such a hot lottery market, especially in the south. The worse the economy is, the more lottery tickets residents buy in the hope of gaining wealth, according to many experts. Similarly, China has been seeing revenue from lottery sales grow strongly this year. The number of lottery tickets sold in China in August reached the highest level against the previous months despite concerns over the current economic downturn, reported Reuters. Socio-economic activities in Vietnam in general and in Ho Chi Minh City in particular are experiencing hardship. Budget revenue from business and production operations in Ho Chi Minh City in October hit VND23.4 trillion ($964 million), down 27 percent year on year. Budget collection from foreign-invested companies fell 20.3 percent year on year, while collection from state-run firms decreased 19.7 percent. Between January and October, budget revenue neared VND160.7 trillion ($6.6 billion), equivalent to 97 percent of the amount recorded in the same period last year. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Harris County deputy constables chat with Lakewood Forest community residents during a National Night Out gathering, Friday, Oct. 7 at Russ Poppe Park in Houston. Kirk Sides/Staff photographer Rep. Tom Oliverson (right) listens to Rep. Jon Rosenthal speak on the floor of the House of Representatives at the Texas Capitol in Austin, Texas, on May 12, 2023. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News A plan to pull back on Harris Countys decades-long practice of subsidizing extra police patrols for neighborhoods that can afford them which critics say allows boutique policing for the rich sparked outrage among two prominent Republican lawmakers after it was presented to Commissioners Court. Hundreds of neighborhood associations across the county partner with the sheriffs office or one of the eight constables offices to deploy some 1,200 contract deputies, typically covering 70% of the cost of their salaries, benefits and vehicles. The county covers the rest from the taxes all residents pay including those in neighborhoods that could never afford extra patrols at a cost of $35 million this budget year. Concerned that taxpayers are not getting their moneys worth, county officials have proposed that neighborhoods cover 100% of the cost for new contracts and for any new deputies added to existing contracts. Current contracts would not be affected by the policy. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 'DEFUNDING' CLAIMS IN 2022: Texas comptroller rescinds claim that Harris County defunded constable The change would also hike the programs rates by 14% in the next budget year, which starts Oct. 1, 2024, to account for not only the direct cost of the patrols but, for the first time, the cost of county support services such as IT and legal. By comparison, rates have risen by an average of 2.6% a year over the last seven years. Rep. Tom Oliverson, R-Cypress, labeled the plan to end the subsidy which will be discussed in Commissioners Court next month as another manifestation of defunding the police and threatened to strip the court of authority if it is enacted. If they move forward with it, I'll take legislative action to take it out of their hands entirely, Oliverson said. This is going to result in pricing (contract deputies) essentially out of the market, where folks are no longer able to afford their services. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A deputy under a 70-30 contract today costs a neighborhood about $81,000 a year. Under the new policy, a newly hired deputy under a 100% contract would cost $132,000 next year. Were not making money off the program. Were really trying to recoup the costs that were outlaying for the program, said county budget director Daniel Ramos. Its important to note that this marks the third year under the state-imposed revenue cap, and the fiscal situation for the county has changed significantly in recent years. Oliverson argued that the programs $35 million annual cost is a drop in the bucket compared to money that they spent on other projects. Quite frankly, the safety of our communities and unincorporated Harris County is on the line. So, I don't know what could be more of a priority for them than public safety, he said. Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey, the courts lone Republican, suggested that the plan could result in a worst case scenario of 1,200 officers off the street. Advertisement Article continues below this ad We need more patrols out there, not less patrols out there, and the timing could not be worse, Ramsey said Tuesday, when the policy was briefly discussed, but not voted on, at Commissioners Court. I think this is a very bad idea. Such a reduction could happen only if all neighborhoods canceled all of their patrol contracts at once. Many of the contracts are decades old, said Ramos, the budget director. The program has grown every year despite cost increases and cancellations. Ramos declined to speculate on the risk of cancellations. But he said there are 391 vacant positions in the budget among the countys nine law enforcement agencies, so deputies who lose neighborhood funding could be moved to those vacant spots. Tera Starr, who heads up the Houston Heights Association constable program, said prices for the extra police protection have been edging up for years, but she doesnt expect the rate increases to prevent her neighbors from continuing to pay for their current contract deputies. Advertisement Article continues below this ad These are trying times where you have all these schools and businesses hiring private security guards at a time when it seems like law enforcement isnt being funded as much, said Starr. Commissioner Rodney Ellis, whose Precinct 1 includes most of the countys lowest-income communities, pushed back on Ramseys concerns. The other side of that would be the equity argument, Ellis said. We have a program in the neighborhood that I live in now. But neighborhoods like the one I come out of (Sunnyside) cant afford it. Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia, a former Harris County sheriff, asked the court to push discussion of the proposal to next month but did not engage in the debate Tuesday. Before any adjustments of the program are considered, we must be very thoughtful to ensure that county policies will make Harris County safer, said Scott Spiegel, a spokesman for Garcia. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Mark Herman, the constable for Precinct 4 the largest in the county said the proposal risks exacerbating policing inequities in the county. "If they raise the rates, the contracts that will end up canceling are the ones in our under-served areas. I dont know that they will be able to afford 100% contracts," he said. I just hope our Commissioners Court makes the right decision. A spokesman for constable Precincts 1 and 5, which together employ 20% of the contract deputies in the county, did not comment. Jason Spencer, a spokesperson for Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, said the sheriffs office understands that county officials are working to ensure that were being good stewards of tax dollars while also making public safety a top priority. For most of their roughly five-decade history, contract deputy programs followed a dual-funding structure: Neighborhoods usually paid for 70% to 80% of their deputies time. The county footed the rest, the theory being that the deputies would spend 20% to 30% of their time outside of the contract area. But recent studies have called that assumption into question, suggesting that taxpayers are not getting their moneys worth and that the programs tend to benefit only wealthier communities, creating policing disparities across the county. While the contracts undoubtedly provide important revenue and support more police officers in general, it is difficult to assess the impact the extra officers have on patrol responsibilities outside of contract areas, a 2018 Kinder Institute for Urban Research study of local law enforcement stated. The study characterized contract patrol programs as boutique law enforcement services that are mostly reserved for the rich but cause a universal financial burden one that has been surging in recent years, especially in several constable precincts. The number of constable deputies assigned to contracts has nearly doubled in the last two decades, peaking at more than 740 this year. The sheriffs office, which also offers deputy contract programs, deploys 345. The Kinder researchers said the only way to sustain the growing number of contract patrol programs would be to charge the full cost of the deputies to neighborhoods. What weve heard is that those (deputies) stay in their (contract) area unless they are called outside, Ramos said at Tuesdays meeting, acknowledging that the county provides no central oversight of whether deputies are actually spending 30% of their time outside of their contracted areas, as the programs structure presumes. Herman pushed back. We are within our contractual agreement in every contract we have, and, if Ramos had come to us, we could have explained how we track that," the constable told the Houston Chronicle in a phone interview. "For whatever reason, he didnt come to us. The contract patrol has long been a political third rail. In 2020, Commissioner Garcia proposed to review contract deputy programs run by the countys constables and look for savings that could result from eliminating the ability of constables to enter into the contracts. But the study was never commissioned, and Garcia was widely criticized by his Republican colleagues and constable supporters many of whom have come to see contract deputy programs as vital to their communities. State Sen. Paul Bettencourt, whose district covers areas in north and west Harris County with contract patrols, expects that Tuesdays proposal will face just as much pushback. This isnt some type of River Oaks police force. These are in communities from Sharpstown all the way up to Tomball, he said. I think (county officials) are dramatically underestimating the popularity of the program, especially given the fact that weve gone through and are still in a very frothy crime environment. People just dont feel safe. Many residents in some apartment buildings in Hanoi felt the shaking of a magnitude-5.4 quake which hit the China-Myanmar border on Friday morning. Nguyen Xuan Anh, head of the Institute of Geophysics, told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper that the quake struck at 8:37 am at a depth of some 48 kilometers and posed no disaster risk. The Vietnam Earthquake and Tsunami Warning Center under the Institute of Geophysics is monitoring the tremor. A local resident said they felt dizzy and discovered that a table was shaking. Manh Thiet, who lives on the 22nd floor of an apartment building in Hoang Mai District, elaborated that he felt the jiggling. The ceiling light and some other objects were rattling for around one minute," Thiet added. Residents from the 15th to 30th floors of the building all felt the vibration and saw objects in their homes moving. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Residents of Hue City, Thua Thien-Hue Province in central Vietnam are cleaning up their homes, streets, and local establishments that have been submerged in floodwaters for days due to persistent heavy rain. Many provinces in the central region suffered four consecutive days of heavy downpours from Sunday to Thursday due to the impacts of a cold front, according to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting. Thua Thien-Hue Province is one of the localities most severely affected, with rainfall recorded by the center on Wednesday reaching an average of 200-300mm. People clean up a phone accessories store after the flood in Hue City, Thua Thien-Hue Province, central Vietnam, November 16, 2023. Photo: Le Trung / Tuoi Tre As a result, widespread flooding has adversely affected the lives of local people, especially those living in areas near the banks of the Huong River. When flooding started receding on Thursday morning, local residents immediately got busy cleaning up their neighborhoods. Employees of a clothing store clean up after the flood in Hue City, Thua Thien-Hue Province, central Vietnam, November 16, 2023. Photo: Le Trung / Tuoi Tre The subsiding flood deposited a significant amount of mud, requiring residents to use water and brooms to clean their yards, sidewalks, and the roads in front of their houses. In the center of the city, although the water has retreated from houses, some roads such as Hung Vuong and Ben Nghe are still submerged. Tourists and luggage are transported on boats out of the submerged areas after the flood in Hue City, Thua Thien-Hue Province, central Vietnam, November 16, 2023. Photo: Le Trung / Tuoi Tre Do, who owns a phone accessories store on Hung Vuong Street, said that his venue had been submerged in water more than a meter deep since 3:00 am on Wednesday. Yesterdays flood was almost as bad as the one in 1999, Do said. Even with prior preparation, we did not expect the water to be so high. The flood caused severe damage to my store, resulting in significant harm to many of my goods. A woman throws away pieces of broken glass after the flood in Hue City, Thua Thien-Hue Province, central Vietnam, November 16, 2023. Photo: Le Trung / Tuoi Tre Employees of many state agencies and banks have also been mobilized to help clear out the aftermath of the flood. Hue Citys military forces were deployed to assist in cleaning up state agencies and roads filled with mud after the inundation. On Ben Nghe Street, boats are used for carrying tourists out of severely-inundated areas. Mobile devices damaged in the flood from Dos phone accessories store are thrown out in Hue City, Thua Thien-Hue Province, central Vietnam, November 16, 2023. Photo: Le Trung / Tuoi Tre Employees of a bank clean up after the flood in Hue City, Thua Thien-Hue Province, central Vietnam, November 16, 2023. Photo: Le Trung / Tuoi Tre Members of Hue Citys military force assist the public in cleaning up roads after the flood in Hue City, Thua Thien-Hue Province, central Vietnam, November 16, 2023. Photo: Le Trung / Tuoi Tre Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Phu Quoc City, an island off Kien Giang Province in southern Vietnam, will set up a camera system in Duong Dong Ward on a trial basis to raise public awareness about environmental protection and impose fines on those who dump household waste at improper sites. The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Vietnam and the citys natural resources and environment sub-department will jointly install the cameras near the Duong Dong River and a local wet market of the same name, Nguyen Thi My Quynh, project manager at the WWF Vietnam, said on Thursday. The installation is under a WWF project to reduce ocean plastic waste in the country, Quynh added. The island city will also install two floating yards on the Duong Dong River for garbage collection. Well join a campaign to raise the awareness of local fishermen, market vendors, and residents about waste management," Quynh said. The camera system will be launched on December 2 this year. Findings from a Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper reporter showed that authorities had set up cameras and placed trash bins at the Duong Dong market, the Nguyen Trung Truc Bridge, and along Tran Phu Street by 9:00 am on Thursday. Nguyen Van Tuong, a local inhabitant, told Tuoi Tre that part of the island's waste was washed ashore by ocean waves, adding that a number of local people littered, thereby negatively affecting the cityscape. Tuong added that he endorsed the use of surveillance cameras to spot and fine those who litter to deter others from doing so. The city daily discharges some 180 metric tons of waste, which will be collected and transported to a waste collection point in Cua Duong Commune, according to the local administration. A surveillance camera is installed in the Duong Dong River area in Duong Dong Ward, Phu Quoc City, Kien Giang Province, southern Vietnam to spot those who litter. Photo: Chi Cong / Tuoi Tre Two sanitation workers are shown collecting floating garbage in the Duong Dong River in Duong Dong Ward, Phu Quoc City, Kien Giang Province, southern Vietnam. Photo: Chi Cong / Tuoi Tre Authorities in Phu Quoc City earlier set up surveillance cameras along Tran Phu Street to detect those who litter. Photo: Chi Cong / Tuoi Tre Sanitation workers collect and transport waste to a local waste collection point in Phu Quoc City, Kien Giang Province, southern VIetnam. Photo: Chi Cong / Tuoi Tre Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Quang Ninh Province in northern Vietnam welcomed the first flight from Japans Hokkaido at Van Don International Airport on Thursday afternoon. The flight carried a total of 274 passengers, including officials from Hokkaido and Japanese business people. They traveled to Quang Ninh Province, where popular tourist site Ha Long Bay is located, to join the ongoing Hokkaido Festival. The four-day fest, which is set to wrap up on Sunday, is to celebrate 50 years of Vietnam-Japan diplomatic ties. The trip to Quang Ninh by the delegation of Japanese officials led by Governor of Hokkaido Suzuki Naomichi is meant to boost the multifaceted cooperation between the two localities. A recent survey on favored tourist destinations showed that Japanese tourists were keen on exploring the natural beauty of Ha Long Bay and numerous tourist attractions in Quang Ninh. This is the first time Van Don International Airport has received a direct flight from Hokkaido, Japan. Photo: T. Duong / Tuoi Tre A representative from Van Don International Airport said that the management board of the port is working with airlines to launch charter flights from South Korea, China, and Japan to the province to promote regular international air services. Since it was put into service five years ago, Van Don International Airport has handled a total of 6,131 flights, including 560 international services. Some 755,000 air passengers have passed through the airport, with 80,000 international passengers. Leaders of Quang Ninh Province and Hokkaido discuss plans to boost tourism cooperation and increase flights between the two localities. Photo: T. Duong / Tuoi Tre Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Screen Producers Australia have opened applications for Ireland Connect, the second iteration of the Global Connect initiative. The partnership with Screen Producers Ireland aims to accelerate co-production and partnership opportunities at the upcoming Screen Forever conference held in March 2024 on the Gold Coast. Were excited to host a curated international delegation once again at Screen Forever off the back of the highly successful and productive UK Connect program earlier this year. Australia and Ireland have an existing co-production agreement, so it makes sense for new business opportunities to be explored and facilitated at Australias premier screen industry event, said SPA CEO Matthew Deaner. We increasingly understand the need to provide unique, premium opportunities for Australian producers if we are to foster a sustainable and robust screen sector here in Australia. We thank Screen Producers Ireland for their support in bringing the initiative to fruition. We are excited to see how passionate screen professionals from opposite ends of the globe come together to create bold and exciting screen stories for the world. Susan Kirby, CEO of Screen Producers Ireland said, Were looking forward to working closely with Screen Producers Australia in developing meaningful engagement between Irish and Australian producers. There is a strong link between the two territories, which we hope to leverage with this initiative. After the success of UK Connect at Screen Forever 37, SPA aims to provide fresh opportunities for up to 10 Australian producers to advance and potentially finance their market-ready TV and film projects through business relationships developed with Ireland-based producers. Ireland Connect will be a curated and competitive co-production market and part of the SPA Connect Market. The Australian producers selected to participate will be joined by leading Irish screen industry practitioners with projects and business ideas that complement and align with their projects. The Ireland Connect delegation will be hosted at Screen Forever 38 and include specially curated sessions, exclusive events, and bespoke 1-1 introductions to further international relations between screen businesses locally and internationally. The Ireland Connect delegation will participate in a curated program of exclusive events commencing on 18 March, the day before the main conference begins, but will also be available for meetings with all delegates as part of SPA Connect. Given the exclusivity of the opportunities provided through Ireland Connect, competition will be fierce. SPA encourages all those interested in participating to get their applications in as soon as possible. Ireland Connect applicants from Australia must hold a valid Screen Forever 38 registration. Applicants must be available to be on the ground on Queenslands Gold Coast from 18-21 March 2024. Applications close 5.00pm AEDT, Monday, 4 December 2024. Irish producers will need to apply via SPIs direct email link [email protected]. Protestors gathered outside ABCs Ultimo headquarters yesterday afternoon to protest coverage of the Israel-Hamas war. There were various chants of Shame Shame ABC / SMH / The Guardian and later, Albanese when the group moved to Central Station. The protest followed an episode of Q+A earlier this week. I wonder if the ABC will report on the protests outside their studio holding them to account for parroting IDF talking points, for their silence in the face of the deliberate killings of journalists and their complicity in genocide? pic.twitter.com/el4sdkeKjf ASU members for Palestine (@asu4palestine) November 17, 2023 Managing Director David Anderson was in Melbourne to address Friends of the ABC Victoria in which he defended ABC impartiality. A commitment to impartiality is a tough discipline. It means that the ABC can be in the position of putting views to the public that some, or many, may not want to hear. Ive noticed this in our coverage of both the Israel-Hamas war and the Voice to Parliament referendum. The ABC does not ban people based on their political beliefs, and our guidelines require that the ABC is not seen to be condoning or encouraging prejudice or discrimination. Our guidelines also require that programs give viewers and listeners adequate context and background on interviewees. Impartiality does not require that every perspective receives equal time, nor that every facet of every argument is presented. We do not simply give interviewees an open platform and carte blanche to say whatever they want. Interviewers will challenge and question statements when appropriate. Often when people say our editorial policies are in decline, they usually mean we arent taking a side. In fact this means our editorial polices are working exactly as they should. A core role of our journalism is to prevent people from sinking into partisan bubbles with their own set of untested facts. Unpopular or even distasteful ideas and views will not go away just because they are ignored. On the contrary, they can grow in the dark. But at the ABC we will ensure they are exposed in the light, he said. At the last Senate Estimates, I was questioned about Sarah Fergusons interview with the Hamas Head of International Relations, Basem Naim. The interview on 7.30 was broadcast ten days after the October 7 attacks. Clearly, the fact Hamas had attacked Israel killing innocent civilians means their motives and position should be questioned and tested if they are to be understood. By interviewing one of its leaders, we were able to test some of the propaganda (and outright lies) that Hamas spread following the attack. For example, Hamas was claiming it was Israeli propaganda that civilians had been targeted. Claiming that Hamas fighters did not attack civilians, did not kill children or elderly people. That 7.30 interview saw Basem Naim concede that Hamas did kill civilians, and he stopped making that false claim. It is possible for the ABC to accurately describe the savage attacks in Israel while also providing coverage of the shocking conditions being experienced by civilians in Gaza, as well as appropriate historical context. Forward works will begin at the site of Western Australias new screen production facility. The site located along Marshall Road, near the Malaga Metronet station precinct, will prepare the site for the future construction of a screen production facility, and is anticipated to be completed late next year. Premier Roger Cook: Western Australia is already seeing a return on our Production Attraction Incentive investment, with filming of major productions like The Surfer, The Twelve and We Bury the Dead creating local jobs, enabling local skill development and showing off our beautiful State. My Government is delivering a range of economic diversification initiatives to set our State up for the long-term, and the development of this studio will cement WA as the place to film high-quality productions. Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman said, Importantly, were now a step closer to having the infrastructure needed to take our screen industry to the next level, which will put us in an even stronger position to attract larger national and international film and TV projects to our State. The studio will have the potential to generate significant employment throughout its operations, plus other benefits from attracting more people into WA for accommodation providers, hospitality and transport. Were very excited to see this project progress and continue building our screen production capabilities here in Western Australia. The WA State Government continues to assess Home Fires proposal for the site. Versie 7.0 van Calibre is uitgekomen. Dit opensource-e-bookbeheerprogramma is beschikbaar voor Windows, Linux en macOS. Het kan onder meer alle relevante informatie en omslagafbeeldingen opzoeken, en e-boeken converteren om ze geschikt te maken voor de diverse soorten e-readers. Verder kan het programma kranten, tijdschriften en nieuwsartikelen op basis van rss-feeds omzetten in e-bookformaat. Ook kunnen met Calibre boeken worden aangeschaft bij de bekende webwinkels. In versie 7.0 is de mogelijkheid om notities toe te voegen aan bijvoorbeeld auteurs en series, en is ondersteuning voor epub audioboeken toegevoegd. Ook kunnen er extra bestanden aan boeken worden toegevoegd, zoals bijvoorbeeld alternatieve omslagafbeelding en heeft Calibre nu een eigen prullenbak, die gebruikt kan worden in plaats van die in het OS. De complete changelog voor deze uitgave ziet er als volgt uit: OpenAI confirmed that the company is forming a team dedicated to bringing ChatGPT to educational applications, as the chatbot continues to become a popular learning tool. Read Also: Microsoft, Be My Eyes Work Together for AI-Powered Customer Service for the Blind OpenAI Wants to Expand Through Classrooms During a San Francisco conference, chief operating officer, Brad Lightcap shared that many educators are already seeking ways to incorporate ChatGPT into the curriculum. "We at OpenAI are trying to help them think through the problem and we probably next year will establish a team with the sole intent of doing that," he added. On the contrary, Lightcap acknowledges that many educators saw ChatGPT as a threat upon its launch last year. He also described that most teachers thought it was the worst thing that could ever happen. Fortunately, it seems that educators are finally seeing the beneficial use of the chatbot. With that, the company is now confident to integrate AI with learning and education. "We are engaging with educators across the country to inform them of ChatGPT's capabilities and our ongoing work to improve it," the company wrote in a statement to Reuters. Powerful Potential of AI in Education OpenAI has already started some educational partnerships such as with Khan Academy for creating an AI-powered tutor and Schmidt Futures for granting education groups to underprivileged communities. The company also emphasized that this is an important conversation between the AI and the education sector so that both can discuss the potential benefits and the dangers of misusing AI. Both sectors should also work together to find the perfect way to safely apply AI to classrooms. With the help of OpenAI students can use the platform as a tutor that can adapt to different learning styles. For teachers, it will serve as an assistant with curriculum writing, boosting creativity, and more. Regardless, there are still concerns about the privacy of children as countries have different online privacy laws for kids. This is also something that OpenAI must also work for. Related Article: OpenAI Promotes Collaboration From More Languages, Cultures In 2018, Gary Lightbody of Snow Patrol (centre) was presented with PPL's 'Most Played Award' by John Smith OBE (left) and Peter Leathem OBE (right), chair and chief executive of PPL respectively. According to PPLs airplay data, Snow Patrols anthem Chasing Cars is still the most played song this century on radio, TV and in public places Belfasts Ulster Hall has seen its fair share of iconic moments; with a fitting strapline of where legends are made, the historical music hall has welcomed some of the greatest musicians of our time. It staged the rock concert of the decade by Led Zeppelin in 1971, where Stairway To Heaven and its now famous guitar riff made its debut, and it has played host to countless global superstars from Coldplay and The Rolling Stones, to Johnny Cash and Metallica. It was also the venue of choice in the city back in 2018 for Northern Irish natives, Snow Patrol, when the multi-platinum selling rock band toured its new album after a six-year hiatus. To this day, according to PPLs airplay data, Snow Patrols Chasing Cars is still the most played song this century on radio, TV and in public places an achievement we celebrated in 2018 by presenting Gary Lightbody with a Most Played Award and whose success we still chart as the anthem continues to appeal to millions of radio listeners across the UK and beyond. The bands success has been an inspiration for many new and emerging artists in Northern Ireland, a part of the world which has no shortage of musical heroes. This week, as I returned to the Ulster Hall for my fourth NI Music Prize, I yet again witnessed a music scene bursting with talent, including Belfast-based Chalk, who have been winning endorsements from tastemakers like Steve Lamacq and Lauren Laverne; the hook-heavy indie rock band The Florentinas snapped up by BMG for a publishing deal; the fluid and ferocious queercore quartet Problem Patterns; and last years winner of the public vote for Best Video, Ferna. Showing that the region has even more to offer beyond rock, punk and pop, local RnB star Winnie Ama wowed the audience with her soulful voice, whilst Conor Mallons astounding performance on the Uilleann Pipes brought folk and traditional music to the fore. With such talent on the rise, it is not surprising that music is a strong part of Northern Irelands economy, contributing almost 345 million and accounting for almost 6,500 jobs according to research published in 2022 from Metro Dynamics. Behind these great artists is a growing business community, grafting day in and day out to springboard local voices to a global audience. The artist is just the tip of the iceberg; underneath there is a crucial support infrastructure with music teachers, artist managers, marketing specialists, tour directors, venue owners, record producers, music retailers and music tech companies among many others playing a role in bringing these artists to the stage. Story continues All of these players are working together to ensure that performers can be seen and heard by fans across the world. But at PPLs annual gathering of performers this week, held outside of London for the first time at the Oh Yeah Music Centre in Belfast, I heard of the need for an even more joined up approach to help break the glass ceiling and rocket launch a new generation of music stars to international acclaim. I also heard about the reality of life for musicians, as well as those working tirelessly behind the scenes to help them build a career. Joanne Wright, Music Development Officer from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, referenced the perilous funding situation for the arts in Northern Ireland. She explained that the sector receives 5.07 per capita from the Government compared to 10.51 in Wales and 21.58 in the Republic of Ireland, where the Arts Council has been awarded 134 million for its 2024 budget compared to approximately 10 million in Northern Ireland. Londonderry-based musician, Reevah, who released her new album Daylight Savings last month, spoke of the challenges from her perspective, including the cost of living and the strength of the music business infrastructure in Northern Ireland. This is exactly why, at PPL, we work hard continuously to get music people paid. Every time recorded music is played in public shops and clubs, or on TV or radio from BBC and Cool FM to Downtown Country and your local radio stations we make sure the musicians who performed on the tracks you hear and those who own the recordings are paid. The monies we pay out are essential in helping people to make a living from music. In 2022, we paid out 238.7 million in royalties to our members the second highest amount in our 89-year history. But we dont stop there. We go beyond our core business of processing and paying out music royalties to deliver a number of career building initiatives. We recently agreed funding for Moving On Music, a Belfast-based promoter of jazz, folk, roots, and other underserved genres. Our partnership will further the successful Middle Aisle programme, which supports artists to perform more regularly, with better fees. Just last week we awarded funding to Reevah through the PPL Momentum Music Fund, administered by the charity PRS Foundation, alongside its International Showcase Fund and network of Talent Development Partners. Over the last 10 years, we have funded more than 20 artists and organisations from this part of the world from Joshua Burnside and Dana Masters to Ryan McMullan and last years NI Music Prize winners, Robocobra Quartet. I am told the funding has been game-changing for local artists. During the Covid-19 pandemic, together with the Lightbody Foundation, we donated 500,000 to Help Musicians to ensure that self-employed or unemployed musicians who did not qualify for Government support were not left out in the cold. And for the last seven years, we have sponsored the NI Music Prize, helping to spotlight the countrys world class talent. These actions are just the beginning for us. We are excited about Northern Irelands music potential and how we can play a part in its evolution. For decades, it has produced exceptional talent and has a proud music heritage. So, together with local organisations, musicians, funders, and local government, I hope we can continue to play our part in creating the legends of the future and to keep entertaining packed-out audiences at the Ulster Hall and beyond. MOSCOW (Reuters) -Russia's agriculture minister said on Friday that Moscow had begun free shipments of grain totalling up to 200,000 tonnes to six African countries, as promised by President Vladimir Putin in July. In a statement posted on Telegram, Dmitry Patrushev said that ships headed for Burkina Faso and Somalia had already left Russian ports, and that additional shipments to Eritrea, Zimbabwe, Mali and the Central African Republic would soon follow. Putin had promised to deliver free grain to the six countries at a summit with African leaders in July, soon after Moscow withdrew from a deal that had allowed Ukraine to ship grain from its Black Sea ports despite the war with Russia. The deal, known as the Black Sea grain initiative, had helped lower prices on the global market. But Putin argued it was failing to get supplies to the countries in most urgent need. Last year, Russia exported around 60 million tonnes of grain, according to Putin. U.N. chief Antonio Guterres called the promises of free grain "a handful of donations". Since quitting the arrangement, Russia has repeatedly bombed Ukrainian ports and grain storage facilities, and Kyiv says hundreds of thousands of tons of cereals have been destroyed. Ukraine said on Friday, however, that it had managed to ship 4.4 million tonnes of cargo including 3.2 million tonnes of grain via a new shipping corridor it established in August. (Writing by Felix Light and Mark Trevelyan; Editing by Kevin Liffey) (Bloomberg) -- The Colombian peso sank Thursday after President Gustavo Petro spooked investors by asking lawmakers to overturn a law that limits government spending. Most Read from Bloomberg The peso sank as much as 1.4% to 4,081.60 per dollar before paring losses, the biggest loser among emerging-market currencies for the second straight day. The sell off was spurred by Petros request Wednesday afternoon to overturn Colombias balanced budget law hours after data showed the economy shrank for the first time since 2020. The leftist leader said the government needs to increase public investment to boost growth. Colombia targets a fiscal deficit of 4.3% of GDP this year with a small increase to 4.5% in 2024. Any change to the fiscal rule would need to be approved by congress, Finance Minister Ricardo Bonilla said. Petro simply does not have the votes, said Benito Berber, chief Latin American economist for Natixis. While it is unlikely that congress will go along with Petros proposal, BanRep may start a cutting cycle sooner than we had expected. Investors have been paying close attention to the administrations economic policy, which includes a planned increase in public spending next year that led an autonomous committee to warn about a risk of breaching the fiscal rule in 2024 if no adjustments were made. Bonilla said Colombia needs to open a discussion around a law that limits government spending to prioritize public investment over debt payments, the latest sign the country is struggling to achieve its fiscal targets. This is just a controversial discussion that must start, the finance chief said in a radio interview on Thursday morning, adding that the government has rolled over debt to ease the load that interest payments have on the budget. Story continues Read more: Colombias Petro Asks Congress to Overturn the Fiscal Rule --With assistance from Maria Elena Vizcaino. (Updates with analyst comment s the fifth paragraph.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. "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." Map of the Maldives (Paz PIZARRO) The Maldives is set to inaugurate on Friday a president who has vowed to cultivate "strong ties" with China and to expel Indian troops deployed in the strategically placed Indian Ocean archipelago. Mohamed Muizzu, 45, was elected in September as a proxy for a pro-China predecessor who is jailed on corruption charges. He will be sworn in at the Republic Square park in the congested island capital Male. A spokesman for the People's Majlis, or parliament, which is hosting the inauguration, said the body expects high-level representation from both China and India, as well as Bangladesh, the Seychelles and Sri Lanka. Known as one of the most expensive holiday destinations in South Asia, with pristine white beaches and secluded resorts, the Maldives has also become a geopolitical hotspot. Global east-west shipping lanes pass the nation's chain of 1,192 tiny coral islands, stretching around 800 kilometres (500 miles) across the equator. China will be represented by State Councillor Shen Yiqin as a special envoy of President Xi Jinping, who visited the Maldives in 2014 when Muizzu's mentor Abdulla Yameen was president. The Maldivian media had reported for days that India's President Droupadi Murmu was expected to attend, but New Delhi announced it would send Minister of Earth Sciences Kiren Rijiju instead. Muizzu has vowed to deliver on his election promise to send home Indian troops, but told AFP earlier this week that his intention was not to upend the regional balance by replacing them with Chinese troops. - 'Too small to be entangled' - "Maldives is too small to be entangled in geopolitical rivalry," the president-elect said in an interview. "I am not very much interested to engage the Maldivian foreign policy in this." As the mayor of Male, Muizzu told the Chinese Communist Party a year ago he wanted stronger ties with Beijing should his Progressive Party win the 2023 elections. Story continues "We look forward to returning to government in 2023, with President Yameen at the helm, to script a further chapter of strong ties between our two countries, both domestically and internationally," Muizzu said at the time. Yameen was barred from running in this year's election because of a criminal conviction and an 11-year jail term for corruption. He nominated Muizzu as his proxy. Muizzu, a British-educated civil engineer, has attempted to walk a balance between regional rivals India and China. "We are going to work together with all the countries, India, China and all other countries as well," he told AFP. Muizzu said he hoped to begin negotiations with New Delhi on the withdrawal of an estimated 50 to 75 Indian military personnel -- deployed to operate three aircraft gifted to the Maldives to patrol its vast maritime territory. India has traditionally considered the Maldives, with its population of about 380,000 Sunni Muslims, to be within its sphere of influence. But during the presidency of Yameen, who borrowed heavily from China for construction projects, New Delhi worried about Beijing's expanding footprint. India has a history of entanglements in the Maldives, including the deployment of soldiers to thwart a 1988 coup attempt. But Muizzu also faces an even greater challenge: his nation one of the countries most threatened by rising sea levels linked to climate change. Eighty percent of the Maldives is less than a metre (three feet) above sea level. aj/pjm/tym/leg The Met Office has issued new weather warnings for torrential rain for parts of the UK this weekend. Heavy downpours are set to lash the southeast of Northern Ireland on Friday night into Saturday. Rain will spread quickly northeast across much of Northern Ireland this evening, but is expected to be heaviest across parts of south Down, and especially south-facing slopes of the Mournes, the weather service said. More follows on this breaking story... Frosty weather is expected in the northeast of Scotland as showers are set to hammer down across large swathes of the UK. Met Office meteorologist Aidan McGivern said: For the start of Saturday, we keep the cold conditions at first across parts of central and eastern Scotland, so there will be a touch of frost in the northeast of Scotland and some snowflakes over the hills and mountains, as the rain bumps into that cold air. It comes as a yellow weather warning for rain has been issued for parts of southern England and Wales on Friday and Saturday. The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for rain on Friday through to Saturday (Met Office) The warning, which is in place from 9pm on Friday to 3pm on Saturday, is likely to be heavy at times, and follows many weeks of above-average rainfall in this area, the Met Office said. The downpours could result in up to 50mm of rain on hills in some areas as well as localised flooding. Yellow weather warning issued Heavy rain across southern parts of Wales and southwest England Friday 2100 Saturday 1500 Latest info https://t.co/QwDLMfRBfs Stay #WeatherAware pic.twitter.com/UJJ5QsHIu2 Met Office (@metoffice) November 16, 2023 The fresh weather alert comes after Storm Debi left the UK reeling as it unleashed widespread flooding and devastating winds across many parts of the country this week, particularly in Northern Ireland. Story continues Severe gales caused power cuts across the island of Ireland, with around 100,000 homes and businesses left without electricity. Gusts of 77mph were recorded in Gwynedd, 74mph at Killowen in Northern Ireland and 68mph on the Isle of Man as the low pressure system moved across the Irish Sea. Strong gales from Storm Debi knocked down trees across Ireland last week (Liam McBurney/PA Wire) UK 5-day forecast Thursday night: Rain will spread eastwards across the UK this evening with a few showers developing behind this in the west. Clear spells developing too with frost and fog developing for some. Friday: A chilly but largely dry and bright start though with a few showers in the west. Sunshine turning hazy in the southwest into the afternoon with rain moving through later. Outlook for Saturday to Monday: Turning wet and windy through Saturday with rain spreading northeastwards and showers following behind. Sunny spells returning on Sunday with the risk of blustery showers which will continue into Monday. By Libby George, Karin Strohecker and Simon Jessop LONDON (Reuters) - International lenders including the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the World Bank are backing a 3 billion euro ($3.26 billion) plan to wean North Macedonia off coal-fired power, the head of the EBRD told Reuters. The deal, which is expected to be announced at the COP28 climate talks in Dubai beginning on Nov. 30, will lay out a plan to close the country's two coal power plants and replace them with 1.7 gigawatts of renewable energy. "Coal in North Macedonia represents 40% of the energy source, so it's very big, it's very important," EBRD President Odile Renaud-Basso told Reuters. "This is one example of what we would like to showcase in COP, to present this approach and what it can deliver, and the commitment of the country." Dubbed the 'Just Energy Transition Investment Program', the plan follows similar efforts to retire coal plants more quickly in South Africa, Indonesia, Vietnam and Senegal, with the support of governments, public lenders and private investors. Its price tag - the equivalent of 1,500 euros for each of the Balkan nation's 2 million people - underscores the difficulty many small or low-income countries face in financing a transition to cleaner energy. The United Nations in 2018 named North Macedonia's capital, Skopje, the most polluted in Europe, and the country has worked for years to shift away from coal. But in 2021, it reopened the dormant coal-fired REK Oslomej power plant to cut electricity imports. Both of its coal-fired plants are ageing, outdated and run on lignite, the most polluting type of coal. A spokesperson for the World Bank's Climate Investment Funds (CIF) confirmed that North Macedonia was in the running for up to $85 million in concessional finance from it, and said the investment plan, including the specific amount of money, would go to the CIF governing body for approval early next year. Story continues Renaud-Basso said that alongside around 300 million-400 million euros of concessional financing, funding would come from multilateral lenders like the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the private sector. An IFC spokesperson said the green transition, including in North Macedonia, was one of its key priorities, but that it was not in a position to confirm any plan details. The World Bank was not immediately available to comment. The North Macedonian government did not respond to a request for comment. North Macedonia joined the Powering Past Coal Alliance, a group of countries committed to phasing out coal-fired power, in 2021. After originally targeting completion by 2027, it pushed the date back to 2030 in January last year. The delay, and plans to open two new coal mines amid energy security concerns triggered by the war in Ukraine, mirrored actions by other European Union states, but drew criticism from environmental campaigners. ($1 = 0.9205 euros) ($1 = 0.9211 euros) (This story has been officially corrected to change the EBRD plan value to 3 bln euros, not 4 bln, in paragraph 1, and to adjust the per capita calculation, in paragraph 6) (Additional reporting by Kate Abnett and Fatos Bytyci; Editing by Kirsten Donovan) South Korean soprano Sumi Jo has performed in a concert in Belgium to support South Korea's bid to host the 2030 World Expo, the Korean Culture Center in Belgium said. Jo took the stage at the Cinquantenaire Park in Brussels on Thursday (local time), as the media show "Embrace of Lights," hosted by the Korean Culture Center, lit up the landmark in the Belgian capital. She sang four songs, including "Love Love," her new song to be officially released next year, and "I am Korean." South Korea is seeking to host the 2030 World Expo in the southeastern port city of Busan, competing against Italy and Saudi Arabia. The winner will be announced on Nov. 28. (Yonhap) When is the best season to visit Fansipan? Standing at a height of 3,143 meters, Fanispan is the highest summit in the Indochinese Peninsula (Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam) and a national icon for the Vietnamese people. In recent years, more and more international tourists have been flocking to northern Vietnam to ascend this vast mountain. Is there an optimal time of year to visit? Many travellers love to go in spring, when hundreds of cherry and plum blossom trees are in full bloom, lending a poetic beauty to the mountain slopes. In late April, as spring gracefully transitions into early summer, many varieties of azalea known as the 'Queen of Northwest flowers transforms Fanispan with a vivid red tapestry which captivates visitors. During the summer months, when bustling cities such as Hanoi and Danang are subjected to intense heat, a trip to Sapa, the gateway town to Vietnam's northwest, and Fanispan is considered the perfect getaway. Standing on "the rooftop of Indochina", travellers will discover crisp, cool and pure air with temperatures dipping below 20 degrees Celsius. Affectionately known to Vietnamese as Golden Season or Harvest Season, autumn is also an incredible time to visit Sapa. At this time of year, the terraced rice fields, where the rice is ripening and golden, seem to cascade down the mountains like a waterfall. It's a dreamscape for professional and amateur photographers. But wintertime visitors to Sapa may get to experience an extraordinary sight for a tropical country a snow-covered mountainous landscape that would be more commonly associated with the Swiss Alps. When is the best season to visit? Rest assured, no matter what time of year you visit, Fansipan one of the most photographed mountains in the world always puts on a show! What's the best way to climb Fansipan? Just a decade ago, climbing up Fansipan presented a huge physical and logistical challenge. Indeed, you would have to embark on a two to three-day trek, walking for over 40 kilometres through wild forests and relying on local H'Mong porters who marked the trail as they went along. However, in 2016, thanks to the inauguration of a cable car system, the journey for travellers to the summit of Fansipan was reduced to around 25 minutes (the arrivals station is just below the peak). Developed by Sun Group, in collaboration with Doppelmayr Garaventa, the world's leading manufacturer of ropeways, installing the system was an incredible feat of engineering that required great courage and tremendous innovation. Recognised by Guinness World Records as the worlds longest three-rope cable car (6,292.5 meters), the system ascends for 1,410 meters (also a world record) and it's an exhilarating experience for travellers of all ages as the cable car glides through the ethereal clouds. This visionary cable car system means more visitors than ever before have been able to reach the top of Fanispan and admire the breathtaking beauty of the Hoang Lien Mountain range all around and the Muong Hoa Valley down below. Before they ascend the mountain, travellers can also take a fun train trip from the heart of Sapa town to the cable car station. The elegant red locomotive, which has a beautiful vintage charm, winds its way through the Muong Hoa Valley where many ethnic minority communities including the H'Mong and Dao are nestled among the mountain slopes in rustic hamlets. Currently, combo tickets for the cable car and train ride are available, starting from $50 per adult and $40 per child at Sun World Fansipan Legend. 'What's the best time of day to conquer Fansipan?' If you go in the morning, it's a majestic, perhaps even spiritual sight when you rise up through the clouds and see how the earth and sky converge as one in the soft morning light. It can also feel life-affirming when standing at the summit and admire a new day in such a beautiful part of the world. If you go in the early afternoon, you can spend an hour or two enjoying the spectacular scenery and visiting the spiritual complex on the mountain top, and then it's show time! As the sun begins to set, you will be treated to an enchanting blend of colours over the Hoang Lien Mountain range. Indeed, the beauty of a sunset seen from the top of Fansipan is almost surreal. For that reason, the afternoon is the preferred time of day for many travellers. But early risers would surely love to start the dawning of a new day from such a height. What is at the top of Fansipan? On the summit of Vietnam's highest peak, visitors will discover a steel pyramid inscribed with the words FANSIPAN 3,143M, a gift from an adventure-loving community to Hoang Lien Son National Park in 2008. Much like the iconic elevation markers found on other famous peaks around the world, this spot serves as a cherished photography spot for all visitors reaching the summit of Fansipan. Additionally, you will come across the National Flagpole. If you ascend the mountain in the morning on special occasions, national holidays, or the weekend, you will get to witness a flag-raising ceremony. For international tourists, the flag-raising ceremony presents a memorable cultural experience, one that reflects the Vietnamese people's national pride and the country's historic sovereignty. Upon leaving the cable car arrivals station, visitors can explore a spiritual complex, which boasts 12 architectural works that were inspired by Vietnamese temples from the 15th and 16th centuries. Over 100,000 tons of Ninh Binh green stone, along with more than 2,000 cubic meters of precious wood, and tens of thousands of restored tiles and bricks were incorporated into the design of the structures, which were carefully conceptualized to be in sync with the mountain's natural form. Perched at an altitude of 3,091 meters, Kim Son Bao Thang Temple is the largest structure within the spiritual and cultural complex of Fansipan. It embodies the architectural essence of Noi Cong Ngoai Quoc style, a signature trait of traditional Vietnamese temples. Surrounded by white clouds, many visitors have remarked that Kim Son Bao Thang Temple has the appearance of a centuries-old celestial haven. Perhaps the most breathtaking structure is the Great Statue of Amitabha Buddha, which stands at a towering height of 21.5 meters and weighs 62 tons. This magnificent masterpiece was meticulously crafted from hundreds of thousands of 5 mm thick copper plates and is said to be the highest copper Amitabha Buddha sculpture in all of Asia. Within its confines there is also a seven-storey crystal stupa which serves as a solemn store for sacred relics that belonged to Buddha, an esteemed treasure of profound significance in Buddhist culture that attracts many pilgrims to Mount Fansipan. 'What to do at the foot of Fansipan?' In addition to the magnificent natural scenery, Sapa is also home to a number of ethnic minority groups and mountain dwelling communities that each have their own distinct cultural identity. Not too long ago, the idea of engaging with the five distinct minority groups H'Mong, Tay, Giay, Xa Pho and Red Dao in Sapa within a single day would have been impossible due to geographical distances. However, this can now be achieved at May Village in Sun World Fansipan Legend. Located at the foot of Fansipan Mountain, near the cable car departure station, May Village is a small community, where these five ethnic groups coexist. Together, they offer visitors a glimpse into their individual cultures, beliefs, artisanal crafts and traditional cuisines. During weekends and local festivals, travellers will have the opportunity to witness the reenactment of ancient customs and rituals, for example, a Red Dao wedding ceremony, the 'catch-hand marriage' of the H'Mong people, and the Roong Pooc Festival which marks the beginning of the Giay people's farming season. Every day of the week, May Village also hosts exclusive shows from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM, and from 1:50 PM to 4:00 PM, inviting visitors to watch and enjoy various artistic performances that highlight the rich cultural diversity of the Northwest region. Visitors can interact with local artists from the Tay and Xa Pho communities before and after watching short shows including 'Little Sapa', 'Northwest in Bloom' and 'The Love of Fansipan. MOSCOW A workshop discussing measures to exploit the potential of the Viet Nam - China - Russia international intermodal rail transport route was held in Moscow on Wednesday. The event was hosted by the Vietnamese Embassy in Russia in both in-person and online forms, with the participation of 200 delegates from relevant agencies of the three countries. It provided an opportunity for businesses and State agencies to fully grasp the status of transport activities along the Viet Nam - China - Russia international intermodal transport route; and discuss ways to exploit the significant potential of this crucial route, particularly in the rapidly changing geopolitical situation; and promote collaboration to expand trade relations among the countries. Delegates heard 17 presentations, which spotlighted the route as a promising transport corridor. As Viet Nam evolves into a logistics hub in Southeast Asia, this railway route is poised to facilitate the two-way transportation of goods between Russia and Southeast Asia. The presentations underlined the need for relevant parties to join hands in developing the route into a viable alternative to maritime transport routes that have faced congestion. Approximately 1,500 containers are transported annually by rail from Viet Nam to Russia. However, due to economic difficulties, the volume of containers transported to Russia by railway dropped to only 1,015 last year, and 555 in the first 10 months of this year. Ambassador to Russia ang Minh Khoi said the workshop offered a venue to seek solutions to effectively exploit the route, adding the potential of this route was substantial, while the current challenges could be addressed through a three-party co-operative mechanism. According to Roman Andropov, head of the business development department in Viet Nam of the Russian Railways Logistics JSC (RZD), the firm had made utmost efforts to maintain and increase the volume of rail transportation. The three countries needed to promote closer collaboration to leverage the advantages of this transport method in terms of time efficiency and safety, he stressed. o Nam Trung, Consulate General of Viet Nam in Nanning, China, stated clearly that the relations between the three countries Viet Nam, China and Russia were very good. The three countries have favourable conditions in weather, terrain, and human to strengthen co-operation in the railway sector. Although rail transportation currently has challenges, within the challenges there are opportunities and, importantly, a sense of cooperation, he added. Many delegates analysed challenges in the field of rail transport, including competition with sea transport due to lower sea transport costs, so rail transport capacity had not reached the desired level. Nguyen Huy Hien, deputy director of the Viet Nam Railway Authority, Ministry of Transport of Viet Nam, pointed out infrastructure limitations that made intermodal transport difficult. Lack of information about each other was one of the obstacles in implementing co-operative projects, he said. Transport enterprises did not have a large enough volume of goods to organise continuous container trains, he added. There was not enough cargo flow to take advantage of two-way roads. The payment issue between Russia and Viet Nam until now has had certain difficulties due to the volatile global situation since the beginning of last year. VNS BINH INH Exporters in Binh inh Province are taking advantage of the UK Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement (UKVFTA) and other similar trade deals to expand their markets, with the help of the provincial Department of Industry and Trade. In 2022, Binh inhs export to the UK reached around US$57.9 million, a 24.7 per cent increase from 2021, and imported $119,000 worth of goods from the UK. Meanwhile, the first nine months of 2023 saw the provinces exports to the UK reach nearly $39.7 million (3.6 per cent lower year-on-year), and imports reach $260,000. Binh inhs exports to the UK market mainly include seafood, wooden products, textiles and garments, and plastic products. Meanwhile, imports are mainly fabrics and materials for textiles, among others. Ngo Van Tong, director of the provinces Department of Industry and Trade, told Viet Nam News that Binh inh has been utilising free trade agreements between Viet Nam and other markets, allowing export turnover in 2016 to 2020 to see an average annual growth rate of 9.5 per cent, and is estimated to reach 13 per cent annually for 2021 2023. From 2018 to 2022, new-generation free trade agreements such as UKVFTA and CPTPP have created many opportunities for exporters, Tong said. The province exports to 128 countries and territories around the world, and the number of exporting businesses has been rising over the years, gradually expanding their markets and securing their positions overseas. Businesses are focusing on improving their adherence to free trade agreements regulations on origin, quality standards, and responsibilities to society and the environment, as well as utilising e-commerce platforms. They are also overcoming barriers to trade in several international markets to increase their exports and market penetration. Working with businesses Over the past few years, the Department has been focusing on raising awareness of Viet Nams free trade agreements, such as UKVFTA, EVFTA and CPTPP, and helping businesses make use of them to expand their export markets. It has been advising the provincial Peoples Committee to issue plans on facilitating the utilisation of these FTAs. Under the plans, it works with the province to organise conferences and seminars to inform local businesses of new-generation FTAs and overseas markets, as well as instructions on rules of origin, tariffs and customs. For example, in June, the department worked with the Viet Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industrys a Nang branch to organise a training conference in Quy Nhon to help businesses and state workers from local departments gain a better understanding of the FTAs, including tariff reduction commitments, methods and formulas for rules of origin, and how businesses can look up tariffs for their export products online. The departments website also contains information about Viet Nams FTAs and helps local businesses stay updated on markets and trade opportunities. In addition to bringing attention to the FTAs, the department has launched many solutions to help businesses improve their competitiveness overseas, such as solving difficulties hindering production and exports, and warning businesses of safeguard policies from other countries. By keeping a close eye on these export markets, it has been also able to guide businesses in finding export partners. The Department of Industry and Trade stays up-to-date and provides instructions on issues related to free trade agreements that Viet Nam partakes to departments in the province, districts and cities, business associations, and firms, Tong said. The department has been carrying out a programme to develop the provinces export goods to 2025 and a Promoting Vietnamese Businesses to Participate in Foreign Distribution Networks until 2030 programme in Binh inh, as well as the Governments Decree 93/NQ-CP (July 5 2023) on enhancing international economic integration and fast and sustainable economic development in 2023 2030 in the province. Every month, it also invites localities, departments and local businesses to partake in the Ministry of Industry and Trades conferences with the Vietnamese Trade Office in other countries to study new markets, facilitate trade and help businesses connect with foreign partners. Tong added that local businesses need to continue to focus on developing their production to make high quality goods for export. They need to invest in new technologies and equipment, expand their production scale, and improve their products value and competitiveness, in order to meet requirements on quality, food safety and demands of export markets. Joining international e-commerce platforms is also important. Binh inhs key exports include wood and wooden products, agricultural goods, seafood, textiles and garments. Its export turnover in the first nine months of the year reached over $1.1 billion, 72.2 per cent of its 2023 target. VNS HA NOI A ceremony was held in the northern border province of Lang Son to announce the export of the first batch of birds nest products to China following a protocol signed in November of 2022 between the Vietnamese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) and the Chinese General Administration of Customs. The products are manufactured by AVANEST Vietnam Nutrition Joint Stock Company - the first Vietnamese allowed to provide processed birds nests and cooked birds nest pots to China. The event marked an important milestone for the Vietnamese agricultural sector as well as the birds nest industry in penetrating the world's largest birds nest consumption market with a demand of more than 300 tonnes per year, accounting for about 80 per cent of the global consumption. Chinese data showed that China imported 220 tonnes of birds nests in 2020, more than 300 tonnes in 2021 and 425 tonnes in 2022, mostly from Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and now Viet Nam. In Viet Nam, bird nest farming for commercial purposes is a new industry started in 2004 in the Southern provinces, developing rapidly over the last decade. Currently, 42 out of 63 provinces engage in bird's nest farming, with over 22,000 bird's nest houses. Viet Nam's annual bird's nest output is about 150 tonnes worth over US$600 million. With the effectiveness of the protocol with China, the Vietnamese bird's nest industry has many opportunities for development. At the ceremony, a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in birds nest export was signed between the Birds Nest Associations of Binh inh Province, Gia Lai Provinces Quang a and Chu Se districts, An Giang Province and Quang Ngai Province and AVANEST Vietnam Nutrition Joint Stock Company. Under the deal, the associations will provide raw materials to AVANEST Vietnam for processing for export. Meanwhile, the firm will supply the associations with training on farming and harvesting techniques as well as management tools serving their operations. VNS HCM CITY Improving linkages between HCM City and the Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta region will help promote socio-economic development in both places and build a green and sustainable economy, the 2023 Mekong Connect Forum has heard. Speaking at the forum in HCM City on November 16, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Le Minh Hoan emphasised the city's role as the countrys economic, financial and trading hub, and the delta as its key agricultural region. Leveraging both their strengths would optimise resource utilisation, create growth opportunities and promote investment and development co-operation, he said. In fact, the citys economic achievements owe much to the enormous contributions made by the delta, he pointed out. The citys development would have a spillover effect on the entire regions growth, the expectation of the Government and the National Assembly when they approved a special mechanism for the development of HCM City, he said. The 13 local governments in the delta should also consider this policy an opportunity for them to develop, he said. Quoting Phan Van Mai, the chairman of the city Peoples Committee, as saying green and circular economy is irreversible trends, he said: If we think it is too difficult to do, we will never be able to make it. Vo Van Hoan, vice chairman of the city, said localities across the country needed to have close links to promote their overall strength and enhance resilience and agility amid global uncertainties. This year the city and 38 provinces and cities, including the entire Mekong Delta, signed co-operation programmes for socio-economic development for until 2025, he said. HCM City always appreciated the connection with provinces and cities in the delta. He expected the forum to help foster the linkages so that they could fully exploit their potentials and strengths for socio-economic development and green and sustainable growth. Tran Viet Truong, chairman of the Can Tho City People's Committee, said the Mekong Delta had numerous linkages for production, processing and purchase of products, mainly seafood, rice, fruits, and vegetables, but contracts were broken when market prices change. So creating highly professional value chains would be essential to avoid disruptions to supply chains of goods, he said. The National Assembly also issued a resolution on piloting a number of mechanisms and policies to develop Can Tho City. Can Tho hoped to collaborate with HCM City to analyse and evaluate the breakthrough potential of specific industries, seek opportunities to promote innovation and transfer of scientific advances to develop its digital, green economy and achieve inclusive growth, he said. We need to join hands to take advantage of each others certain mechanisms to create an ecosystem for businesses to develop. He proposed creating a framework for co-operation between HCM City and the 12 provinces and Can Tho in the Mekong Delta for adapting to climate change, green infrastructure development, enhancing the use of technology, training human resources for green growth, and promoting trade in green products. Delegates at the forum pointed out three big challenges faced by the delta -- slow economic growth, lack of qualified human resources and climate change. Comprehensive measures were needed to help resolve the underlying problems, Nguyen Phuong Lam, director of VCCI Can Tho, said. Localities needed to consider establishing a shared database and link for developing human resources and attracting qualified personnel to grow together, they added. Organised by the HCM City Department of Industry and Trade, the Business Association of Vietnamese High Quality Products, the Viet Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industrys Can Tho branch, the forum on November 15 and 16 also included a green economy exhibition and a ceremony to hand over Vietnamese High-quality Products-Integration Standards certification to businesses. VNS HA NOI Implementing green growth and sustainable development goals is a challenge but also an opportunity for the business community and investors in Viet Nam, participants heard at a conference on November 16. With the theme "Taking Responsibility, Taking Action", the sustainable development conference was organised by the au tu Newspaper. It aims to bring multi-dimensional perspectives on responsibility and action for Viet Nam to build a green economy, realising the Net Zero goal by 2050. The event took place two years after the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26), where 197 countries participating in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change adopted a historic agreement. The agreement reaffirmed maintaining the goal of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and countries including Viet Nam have committed to bringing net emissions to zero by 2050. Speaking at the event, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Planning and Investment Tran Quoc Phuong said that sustainable development had become an overarching trend in the world. Green growth and sustainable development have a close relationship with each other, being both a viewpoint and a goal throughout the socio-economic development policies of the Party and State, as shown in the 10-year socio-economic development strategy and 5-year socio-economic development plans of Viet Nam, in which green growth is an important method to implement sustainable development, said Phuong. Phuong said that Viet Nam faced a number of difficulties and challenges due to the rapid urbanisation process, creating great pressure on the need for infrastructure development and environmental pollution treatment. In addition, there are challenges of natural disasters, climate change and the effective and sustainable exploitation and use of water, natural resources and land. Implementing green growth and sustainable development goals will be both a challenge and an opportunity for the business community and investors, stressed Phuong. Phuong also proposed a number of key solutions to promote and transform the implementation of sustainable development goals in the coming time. It is necessary to perfect and improve the quality of socialist-oriented market economy institutions; Enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of policy implementation through public administration reform and continue to promote the participation of disadvantaged groups in the decision-making process, At the same time, the Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment also emphasised the need to continue to prioritise investment in human resource development, science and technology, innovation and improvement of the economic infrastructure system to improve productivity and promote sustainable economic growth. Solutions also need to focus on effective management and use of resources, strengthen environmental protection and response to climate change, prevent, combat and mitigate natural disasters; and promote the development of green economy and circular economy. Le Trong Minh, editor-in-chief of au tu Newspaper, highlighted sustainable development as an important task for Viet Nam, a developing economy, and also one of the five countries most heavily affected by climate change. As a developing country, Minh said, there were still many difficulties but Viet Nam had made commitments to respond to climate change like developed countries. Therefore, Viet Nam would need appropriate steps and roadmaps as well as support and assistance from developed countries and partners in terms of capital, human resource training, institution building, technology, and governance. At the same time, Viet Nam also needed a business community with a high awareness of responsibility and proactive action, even when facing great difficulties and challenges in terms of financial and human resources. Thats the goal that the newspaper organised the conference, with discussions on responsibilities and actions from relevant parties to realise sustainable development goals, according to Minh. The event was an opportunity for policymakers, representatives of management agencies, international organisations, economic experts and the business community to discuss multi-dimensional perspectives on responsibility and action for Viet Nam to build a green economy and realise the net zero goal by 2050. The conference also heard economic experts and business leaders sharing their efforts in implementing sustainable development and responding to climate change and proposed recommendations on sustainable development and perfecting the green transformation strategy of businesses in Viet Nam. VNS HCM CITY As a large-scale manufacturer in the mechanical engineering and supporting industries in Viet Nam, THACO INDUSTRIES has focused on investing in mould manufacturing to make a variety of them for various industries. Mould manufacturing technology plays an extremely important role in manufacturing and is considered the foundation of modern manufacturing by enabling mass production in a short time and with high precision. However, to meet the requirements for autonomy in mould manufacturing technology, Vietnamese firms need to invest more in technology, expanding production scale and improving human resource. Mastering mould manufacturing technology In 2016 THACO INDUSTRIES put into operation a mould plant to serve its large-scale production activities and meet the markets needs. In 2022 it invested US$36 million to expand the plants area to 4,400sq.m and annual capacity to 1,000 sets of moulds and 2,000 tonnes of precision mechanical components. Mould manufacturing is a highly automated industry, requiring complex techniques and high precision, and so THACO INDUSTRIES pays special attention to research and mastering technology. It has invested simultaneously in all mould production processes such as preform mould design, deep hole drilling, CNC milling, EDM machining, wire cutting machining, CMM measuring, and mould assembly using modern equipment and machinery such as 5-axis milling machines from Japan, the first of its kind in Viet Nam, press machines with a maximum pressure of up to 200 tonnes, and double head EDM machines that can work on one or two different moulds. The machining process in CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machines is fully automated with digital control, ensuring accuracy, aesthetics and saving manpower and time. THACO INDUSTRIES produces various products, including plastic moulds, stamping moulds, blow moulds, extrusion moulds, and SMC moulds used in several sectors such as automotive, industrial, agriculture, and civil. It boasts high capabilities in making medium and large-sized plastic moulds as currently most mould manufacturing companies in Viet Nam produce mainly small-sized moulds due to their limited production scale, technology and equipment. There is an increase in demand for moulds in car and motorbike manufacturing, refrigeration and others. With its outstanding production capacity, a team of highly qualified experts and engineers trained in South Korea and modern simulation and calculation software (NX, Mouldow, Hyperform...), THACO INDUSTRIES can design and develop products swiftly and meet technological parameters and the stringent requirements of customers. The company has produced large, complex moulds with high aesthetic features for the automotive industry such as 27-tonne truck bumper moulds, passenger car rear bumper moulds using Hiddenline technology, luggage compartment moulds and moulds for passenger car interior components using 3D corrosion technology, moulds for making details of passenger car sunroof frames. THACO INDUSTRIES is a reputed mould manufacturing and supply partner for many brands such as Mazda, Kia, QCM, Doosan, Makitech, Huu Toan, THACO BUS, and LIXIL in the domestic market. It also exports many products to the US, Canada and South Korea. Affirming role in supply chain THACO INDUSTRIES promotes R&D and learns new mould manufacturing techniques to help increase the rate of use of local parts in the automotive industry and improve the competitiveness of the countrys mould manufacturing industry. The company is researching and analysing the simulation of flow in plastic moulds and plastic deformation of metals in large plate stamping moulds to produce passenger car bumpers and automobile body moulds. These are large, complex moulds and are of high commercial value. At the same time the production of these moulds will boost mould manufacturing development for the automotive industry. THACO INDUSTRIES is also developing products like aluminium pressure die casting moulds, PU foam moulds and heat press moulds to supply to domestic customers and export to the US, Europe, and South Korea. Mastering mould manufacturing technology helps THACO INDUSTRIES be proactive in production and business, completing the value chain in accordance with the All-in-one model (providing complete solutions from product research and development to processing and manufacturing, assembly and transfer of operation and maintenance) and highly competitive when participating in the global supply chain. SAN FRANCISCO Officials of HCM City had a meeting with US enterprises in San Francisco City on November 16 (local time) to call for investment in green growth and high technology in the southern economic hub of Viet Nam. The event, held within the framework of Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuongs trip to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders Week in San Francisco, attracted nearly 30 major US enterprises operating in such fields as energy, infrastructure, information technology, finance, and innovation. Chairman of the HCM City Peoples Committee Phan Van Mai stressed that his city was aware of its pioneering role in implementing cooperation activities, with a focus on developing high technology, the semiconductor industry, the digital economy, and the green economy. He informed US firms about HCM Citys green growth and sustainable development strategy, including a green growth strategic framework until 2030 with a vision to 2050 that puts local people and businesses at the centre of transition. David Lewis, Chairman and CEO of Energy Capital Vietnam, which was founded in 2017 by a group of experienced investors and experts in energy and infrastructure, pledged that his company would invest in innovation and green energy in the time ahead. Patrick Sweeney, Vice President at Business Executives for National Security (BENS), said many member enterprises of BENS wished to invest in the fields of technology, aerospace, defence, finance, healthcare, and energy in HCM City. At an investment promotion conference held by the HCM City delegation later on November 16, US Ambassador to Viet Nam Marc Knapper highlighted the favourable conditions in HCM Citys investment climate and called on US enterprises to invest more strongly in the city. Four memoranda of understanding (MoU) and two letters of intent were signed and handed over between enterprises at the event to step up green growth and high technology projects. VNS QUANG NINH The northern province of Quang Ninh on Friday granted licences to some Japan-invested projects capitalised at over US$80 million. The provincial People's Committee handed over investment licences to Japanese investors during the Quang Ninh-Japan Investment Promotion Conference held the same day in the locality. These projects included Castem Vietnam precision mechanical manufacturing factory, Parts Seiko Vietnam plant, Tamagawa Vietnam factory and Fujix Vietnam industrial product manufacturing factory. In his speech at the event, acting chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Cao Tuong Huy said his province had taken full advantage of the competitive edge brought by its sufficient and developed infrastructure. He said that the combination of Quang Ninh's solid potential and the strength and experience of Japanese investors had created a solid foundation for success. The provincial leader also said that Quang Ninh was willing to create the most favourable conditions for investors in areas where the province had competitive advantages and potentials such as tourism, modern integrated services, processing industry, manufacturing, supporting industries and high-tech industries. Other sectors were smart technology, marine, logistics, seaports and seaport services, ecological agriculture and renewable energy, he said. The conference was co-organised by Quang Ninh Province, Japan's Hokkaido prefecture and the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) as part of activities to celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Viet Nam and Japan and the 60th anniversary of Quang Ninh Province. Themed Contributing to the sustainable development of Viet Nam-Japan, the event aimed to boost investment cooperation between Quang Ninh and Japans Hokkaido prefecture. During the conference, Quang Ninh also introduced its business investment environment and cooperation opportunities in investment, trade and tourism to businesses from Hokkaido prefecture. The locality also heard comments from Japanese delegates so that it could perfect investment policies to become an attractive destination for Japanese investors, including those from Hokkaido prefecture. To date, Quang Ninh has attracted 173 foreign-invested projects, worth nearly $13.92 billion. Japan is now the province's third largest foreign investor with 12 projects valued at $2.39 billion, accounting for 17.21 per cent of the total investment capital registered in the locality. In terms of trade, Japan is the second largest importer of Quang Ninh. Local authorities said that the presence of leading corporations from Japan in the province had not only brought capital but also provided opportunities for cooperation and shared technology and management experience, contributing to improving the province's production and service capacities. Earlier on Thursday, a flight departing from Japans Hokkaido prefecture landed at Van on International Airport in Quang Ninh, marking the first direct flight between the destinations. The flight carried 274 passengers, including a delegation of Hokkaido prefecture led by its Governor Suzuki Naomichi and representatives from Japanese enterprises. Representatives from Van on airport wished that authorities in Hokkaido and Quang Ninh would support airlines to launch direct flights connecting the two localities. VNS Could the platform become the first to resume operations in the asset tokenization industry? By Lee Yeon-woo Musicow, a music copyright trading platform, announced on Friday its plan to auction the copyrights for a song by NCT Dream. If financial authorities approve Musicow's submitted application for music asset tokenization, the platform will become the first in the industry to resume operations. The service, allowing investors to buy portions of music copyrights, gained popularity among young people during the pandemic. However, in April 2022, financial authorities ordered a halt of the service, citing its similarity to securities. It then directed Musicow and other similar platforms to legally register as a securities business before proceeding with asset tokenization. The music to be auctioned is "ANL" by the K-pop boy group NCT Dream, a track from their first official album, "Hot Sauce." Musicow said it plans to appeal to both financial investors and cultural consumers with the NCT Dream song, which enjoys a global fan base. The auction is scheduled to take place from Dec. 8 and Dec. 14, if financial authorities find no grounds for disqualification. The market capitalization of the song will be determined based on the copyright royalty income ratio of similar groups and annual copyright royalty data of songs slated for listing. This value estimation process is subject to verification by external agencies such as accounting firms to ensure objectivity, according to the company. However, the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) has expressed concerns, clarifying that public announcements are not indicative of official approval. On Friday, some local media reports suggested that Musicow has received final approval from financial authorities. "The FSS has not yet approved the application, and the date for auction remains unconfirmed," an official from the FSS told The Korea Times. "Upon receiving an application, the FSS conducts a 15-day review of the documentation. If we identify consumer protection issues or find the information inadequate, we will request further clarification, which could lead to a delay in the previously announced auction date. The auction plans can only proceed if no issues are found." HA NOI Unlocking green finance and E&S Governance will be the main discussion topic of the sixth forum on Corporate Governance organised by the Vietnam Institute of Directors (VIOD) and Vietnam Investment Review in Ha Noi on November 22. With the theme "Unlocking Green Finance and E&S Governance", the annual forum will be an opportunity for leading entrepreneurs, business leaders and speakers to discuss the practical values of E&S (environmental and social) governance. The event becomes even more meaningful in the context that a large gap still exists between companies with green investment capital and businesses in need. At the forum, participants will also share experiences of their mission, responsibilities, strategies, and many effective management approaches to respond to the future transformation and growth of the business society. According to Ha Thu Thanh, President of VIOD, many businesses are having difficulty in accessing green financial sources such as green investment, green bonds and green governance. In addition, Thanh believed that corporate governance towards sustainable development was an important key to unlocking green finance and partly removing businesses' difficulties in accessing capital sources. Corporate governance will also be a new highlight of this year's forum. VIOD will organise a ceremony to honour the Board of Directors of the Year (BOTY) at the event to honour the best Board of Directors in Viet Nam. The award not only recognises a company's achievements in business management but also its embodiment of ethical values, commitment to stakeholders and proactive approach to social and environmental responsibilities. Enterprises with good and diverse governance structures, apply and practice ESG, have a clear sustainable development strategy for the next generation, enhance transparency and integrity as well as the ability to contributions of the Board of Directors members will be the businesses that achieve the highest rating among nearly 600 nominated businesses this year," said Phan Le Thanh Long, General Director of VIOD about the awarding criteria. VNS THUA THIEN HUE The first phase of the Bear Rescue Centre Vietnam's second branch at Bach Ma National Park was inaugurated on Friday in the central province of Thua Thien Hue by the Animals Asia Foundation (AAF) and the Forest Protection Department under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. The centre includes a veterinary hospital and various zones for bear food preparation, awareness education, and waste treatment, among others along with other infrastructure. The new facility's construction was started in 2022 and it aims to put an end to bear bile farming by late 2026. The AAF has provided US$10.5 million in non-refundable aid for this effort. According to the AAF, there are more than 300 bears being held in farms across the country. Bears have often been held captive in Viet Nam for their bile, which is thought to have healing effects according to traditional medicine. According to a representative of the AAF, the organisation has launched a "#nobearleftbehind hashtag campaign with the goal of rescuing all bears held in captivity in Vietnam. Since 2006, it has rescued 267 bears from captivity in Viet Nam. VNS HA NOI Hanoi residents and tourists will have the chance to get inside the Hang au Water Tower when the 129-year-old building opens to the public today. The space inside the building has been transformed into an impressive art venue with wooden walking paths and installations made from recycled waste. The experience will be enhanced by sound and lighting installations implemented by a design team consisting of architect Cao The Anh, artist Nguyen uc Phuong and their partners. While the sound installation recreates those of water in nature, the lighting arrangement intensifies the visual effect of decorative objects made from urban waste. The makeover of the century-old water tower is part of the ongoing 2023 Hanoi Creative Design Festival organised by the city and the Viet Nam Association of Architects. Built by the French in 1894, the Hang au Water Tower is located at the intersection of Hang Than, Hang Luoc, Hang Giay, Hang au, Quan Thanh and Phan inh Phung streets. Together with the clean water supply system from Yen Phu Water Plant at that time, the water tower was first significant public work that changed the urban landscape of Ha Noi. Artist Phuong who has been working in the transformation said the circular wooden walking path around the water tower is removable and screw-free, harmless for the entire building structure. Once the tower opens to visitors, slots will be available for groups of 20 to 30 people at a time. Alongside the matter of limited space inside the venue, we have prioritised a serene environment to ensure an immersive artistic experience, said artist Phuong. Crucial to creating a dynamic sound system are large water pots that are placed in several corners inside the tower. Visitors can enjoy various water sounds that mimic seas, rivers, springs, underground sources, and rainfall. Dating back to the 19th century, the pots, once used to diffuse rainwater, now serve to amplify natural water sounds. Phuong explained that each pot generates a distinct sound achieved by pumping water into them and adjusting the water frequency and speed. During the 2023 Hanoi Creative Design Festival that lasts until November 26, other historical sites like the Gia Lam Train Factory, Ha Noi Railway Station and Long Bien Railway Station also host art events. During the festival, Vietnam Railways will launch a three-car train between Ha Noi and Gia Lam stations. There are two trains departing from Ha Noi station, at 8am and 1.20pm every day, and two from Gia Lam Station at 10.55am and 4pm. The one-way ticket costs VN20,000 per person. During the 30-minute journey, passengers will pass by the hundred-year-old Long Bien Railway Station and the iconic Long Bien Bridge. From the Gia Lam Station, they can continue their journey back to the past by visiting the nearby Gia Lam Train Factory to contemplate old French-style buildings and the Tu Luc locomotive a symbol of the Viet Nam railway. Manufactured circa 1965 by engineers of the Gia Lam Train Factory, the locomotive transported goods, foodstuff, weapons and soldiers to support the nation's resistance war against the Americans. After the festival, we will evaluate the interest of tourists as well as the effectiveness of this route in attracting tourists and reviving Ha Noi's heritage, from which we will have proposals to operate this experience tour regularly," said Deputy General Director of Vietnam Railway Hoang Nang Khang. Old factory transformed into art complex An old factory that is scheduled to be relocated out of the inner city, Gia Lam Train Factory has been transformed into an art complex, aiming to awaken heritage to create new and creative values for the capital city. The once-abandoned factory now is a major venue hosting a feast of art and music performances during the festival. A number of exhibitions that blend visual splendours and unique installation artworks will take place at different workshops and warehouses in the factory. Inspired by Mother Nature, the Tieng Goi (The Call) installation exhibition by artist Thu Tran presents more than 40 silk paintings. Besides, an installation using more than 2,000 metres of silk and cotton fabric has conveyed the message Be grateful and cherish and preserve what Mother Nature has created for us. The exhibition is at the factorys Workshop 3B1. The factorys Power Station 33B hosts the exhibition Qua Ap (Overvoltage) by artists Vy Trinh and Van o. The display showcases installations created from materials associated with the railway industry that were collected in the factory and neighbouring areas. Artist Trinh Minh Tien unveils his artworks made from an old bonnet and car outer panels at his exhibition Thuy Phu (Water World), while sculptor Nguyen Manh Hung depicts the life of ants through his creative works. A rock concert featuring a lineup of Viet Nams favourite bands such as Khat, Thuy Trieu o, Gas Station and Purple Blues will take place on an outdoor stage at the factorys main yard tomorrow. The King Royal Pride 2023 will gather graffiti artists who have been creating works on the walls of abandoned workshops in the factory. A performance combining graffiti and EDM (electronic dance music) will be held on November 24. VNS HA NOI INCHAM Hanoi along with the Indian community is organising Diwali Night 2023 in Hanoi at the Grand Plaza Hotel Hanoi on Saturday, December 2, 2023. Continuing the tradition, the Indian Business Chamber in Ha Noi (INCHAM Hanoi) organises Diwali Night 2023 hoping to bring a glimpse of the colourful and joyful spirit from one of the biggest festivals of India. Many symbolic activities of Indian culture, Indian and international cuisine, musical performances, Indian state dance performances, henna artists, and face painting will be featured at the event. Performances by an exclusive Bollywood band and DJ Shiva for Bollywood numbers along with other interesting activities will be highlights of the event. Diwali or Deepavali (Festival of Lights) is one of the biggest festivals of India. It is celebrated as the victory of Good over Evil, Light over Darkness, and Knowledge over Ignorance. Mythical tales shared on Diwali vary widely depending on the region and even with Hindu tradition, yet all share a common focus on righteousness and the importance of knowledge as the path to overcome the darkness of ignorance. One tradition links the festival to the Hindu epic Ramayana which narrates the struggle of the divine prince Rama to rescue his wife Sita from the demon king Ravana. Diwali has major religious significance for Hindus, Sikhs and Jains alike - not only in India but also for Indians living abroad. In the Western calendar, Diwali falls in the month of either October or November every year, just after the monsoon season in India. This date also marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year and many businesses in India start a new accounting year on the Diwali holiday. Over the years, Diwali Night has become a permanent fixture in Hanois cultural calendar, strengthening every year. This year, joining us are distinguished guests from all walks of life including the business, professional and cultural communities, and especially the vibrant Vietnamese, Indian and expat communities. Diwali Night 2023 is open for all age groups and welcomes all nationalities who would like to join in celebrating this festival. VNS HA NOI National Assembly (NA) Chairman Vuong inh Hue said on Thursday during the NA Standing Committee's meeting that the Government and relevant agencies agreed to submit the draft amended Land Law for consideration and approval in the NAs seventh session instead. Hue said the draft amended land law, which was submitted to the NA's current sixth session, had already regulated many specific issues in detail and basically reached a consensus between the drafting agency and the verifying agency. The quality of the draft amended law had improved significantly, however, there were still many contents under the draft law that have different solutions, he said. Therefore, he told the drafting agency and verifying agency to discuss and agree on one ultimate solution for the contents, he said. Speaking at the session, Vu Hong Thanh, Chairman of NA's Economic Committee the verifying agency, said the draft amended land law was discussed by National Assembly deputies on November 3, with 49 NA deputies making comments, 16 NA deputies debating and 17 NA deputies submitting written comments. He said after receiving the NA deputies comments and questions, the NA's Economic Committee coordinated with the drafting agency (the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment) and relevant agencies to explain the questions of the NA deputies. As of Tuesday, some NA deputies questions had been basically explained, he added. He also said many major policy contents under the draft amended land law, which received many comments, were not unified and not been designed with optimal solutions. The NA Standing Committee discussed a number of major contents of the draft amended land law that received many comments from NA deputies. He said after the discussion, 11 of a total of 22 opinions required a thorough review to absorb and revise the draft amended land law. There were too many different opinions on the draft law, therefore, it was recommended not to pass the draft law at this session. He said the adoption of the draft law was expected to create a legal basis to promote land resources more effectively, better meeting practical requirements. However, the process of reviewing and finalising important policy options, receiving and fully explaining comments still needed more time to ensure the best quality, he said. With the extremely important role of the Land Law, the quality of the draft law is an issue that must be given top priority to avoid the situation that the law, after promulgation, will cause many impacts and consequences for socio-economic activities and people's lives, he said. Besides, draft decrees and guiding documents also needed more time to complete synchronously, ensuring they take effect at the same time as the law, he said. Especially, some new contents on land prices and issuance of land use rights certificates, land allocation and land lease needed more detailed regulations so that the law would come to life, he said. Therefore, the NA's Economic Committee requested the National Assembly to not approve the draft law in the sixth session, he said. Comments Speaking at the meeting, Chairman of the NA's Legal Committee Hoang Thanh Tung said that there was a strong agreement with the first option that Vietnamese people residing abroad but still being Vietnamese citizens had full land rights and obligations like Vietnamese citizens in the country. He said it was a strong, innovative step, implementing the policy of Resolution 36 to attract participation from Vietnamese people residing abroad to contribute to the development of the country. Regarding the type of land for commercial housing, he strongly applauded the current legal plan that includes residential land, agricultural and non-agricultural land. He also agreed with the option of receiving money transfer for residential land use through agreements to implement commercial housing projects. In other cases, land would be revoked to auction land use rights or select investors for land use projects, he said. Regarding the issue of land recovery, he said that in Clause 32, Article 19, it should not be stipulated that the implementation would be carried out according to shortened procedures, because the National Assembly would decide for each specific case, he said. Speaking at the meeting, Vice NA Chair Tran Quang Phuong said regarding regulations on resettlement support, it was necessary to study strict regulations to avoid widespread temporary residence. Vice NA Chair Nguyen uc Hai said it should not include regulations on the land development fund in the draft amended land law, because it would be related to the Law on Public Investment. The Government was submitting that the local land development fund was an off-budget State financial fund, established by the Provincial People's Committee, to receive and pay in advance capital for compensation, support and resettlement when the State recovered land to implement investment projects. The regulation needs to be considered more carefully to avoid contradicting provisions of the Law on Public Investment, he said. VNS SAN FRANCISCO President Vo Van Thuong received US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry in San Francisco on November 16 during his trip to the US to attend the APEC Economic Leaders Week and bilateral activities. President Thuong hailed efforts by the two countries in realising the high-level agreements reached during the Viet Nam visit by President Joe Biden, making the bilateral partnership more substantial and stable. He welcomed the US to strengthen cooperation with Viet Nam, especially in the fields that Kerry pays attention to such as climate change response and energy transition. The Vietnamese State leader highly valued the efforts of President Biden and the special envoy in enhancing the awareness and actions to deal with climate change, affirming that Viet Nam wants to foster collaboration with the US in this field in a way that suits Viet Nams socio-economic conditions and meets the interest of people of the two countries. Energy transition must ensure the principle of equality, he said, underlining that Viet Nam has continued to implement overall and drastic measures to promote green growth and climate change mitigation, including the approval of the National Power Development Planning for the 2021-2030 period with a vision to 2050, which aims to switch from the use of fossil fuels to renewable and new energy towards the net-zero emission target by 2050. President Thuong also noted his hope that the US side will continue to create more favourable conditions for the implementation of projects to support energy transition and optimise the renewable energy potential in Viet Nam, contributing to ensuring long-term energy security. For his part, Kerry affirmed that the US always values relations with Viet Nam and supports the Southeast Asian country in playing an active and practical role in the region. The US will continue to assist Viet Nam in enhancing its capacity in climate change adaptation, pollution control and sustainable management of resources, while assisting the country in exploiting and using existing resources in an environmentally friendly manner at a reasonable cost in order to reduce the dependence on imported fuels, he pledged. The US will also support Viet Nam in improving its management capacity in the field of environment, he added. The US official hailed Viet Nams prompt action in consulting international partners to finalise the Resource Mobilisation Plan (RMP) for the implementation of the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) in the next 3-5 years right after adopting the Political Declaration on establishing the JETP. Kerry emphasised that the US is ready to conduct high-level cooperation with Viet Nam to ensure that the 28th UN Climate Conference (COP28) will produce positive results. He affirmed that as a longtime friend of Viet Nam, he will continue to advocate support for resilience building for vulnerable communities in the Mekong Delta. VNS SAN FRANCISCO Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong received Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in San Francisco on November 16 (local time) on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders Week 2023. The two leaders expressed their delight at meeting each other again after the Malaysian PMs official visit to Viet Nam in July and applauded the great strides in their countries strategic partnership. President Thuong affirmed that Viet Nam treasures the multifaceted cooperation with Malaysia, a partner of leading importance of Viet Nam in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). To continue strongly promoting bilateral cooperation, he asked the two sides to implement the outcomes of the Joint Committees seventh meeting while soon finalising the negotiations on and signing treaties and agreements to create a basis and framework for more intensive and extensive collaboration. The State leader of Viet Nam called for coordination to bolster trade and investment to raise bilateral trade to US$18 billion, and on the Malaysian Government to assist Vietnamese enterprises to produce and export Halal products to Malaysia. He thanked Malaysia and expressed his hope that the country will expand assistance in personnel training for Viet Nam and boost locality-to-locality ties, including the coming establishment of the twin relationship between Hoi An City of Viet Nam and Melaka city of Malaysia. President Thuong suggested Malaysia create conditions for Viet Nam to persuade the European Union to remove the yellow card warning against Viet Nams fisheries sectors. He also asked both sides to maintain effective coordination in the repatriation of Vietnamese fishermen. PM Ibrahim affirmed that Malaysia attaches special importance to the multifaceted relations with Viet Nam. He said he is impressed with Viet Nams socio-economic development achievements, stressing the wish to enhance cooperation in economy, trade, investment, and manpower training. Both leaders stated that their countries will keep close coordination at regional and international forums such as the United Nations and APEC; strive to maintain the solidarity and centrality of ASEAN to help build an ASEAN Community of strong development, solidarity and resilience; and support Laos to fulfil its chairmanship of ASEAN in 2024. About issues of shared concern, including the East Sea (known internationally as the South China Sea), they agreed to support the maintenance of the common viewpoint of guaranteeing peace and stability, seriously implementing the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), and working towards a code of conduct (COC) in the waters that is substantive, effective, and in conformity with international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). PM Ibrahim voiced his hope that President Thuong will pay a visit to Malaysia in the near future. VNS HA NOI President Vo Van Thuong met with Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei in San Francisco on November 16 (local time) on the sidelines of the ongoing APEC Economic Leaders Week in the US city. The two sides shared delight at the growth of the relations between Viet Nam and Brunei since the establishment of diplomatic relations 30 years ago and a comprehensive partnership in 2019. President Thuong held that there is plenty of room for the two countries to further deepen their partnership. He proposed that the two sides work closely together to implement the Action Programme to realise the bilateral comprehensive partnership in the 2023-27 period with four prioritised areas oil and gas, chemicals, Halal product manufacturing and tourism and people-to-people exchange. The Vietnamese leader took the occasion to invite Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah to visit Viet Nam at an appropriate time. For his part, Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah recalled his good memories during his visit to Viet Nam in 2019 and underlined that Brunei attaches great importance on all-round cooperation with Viet Nam. He agreed with the Vietnamese leaders proposals to further enhance the bilateral ties in the time to come. Both sides affirmed that they will continue to coordinate closely at regional and international forums such as the UN and APEC, while maintaining solidarity and promoting the centrality of ASEAN, contributing to building the ASEAN Community of strong development, solidarity and self-reliance. The two leaders also discussed a number of international and regional issues, including the East Sea (internationally known as the South China Sea) matter. VNS SAN FRANCISCO President Vo Van Thuong had a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in San Francisco, the US, on November 16 (local time), on the sideline of the APEC Economic Leaders Week. The two leaders spoke highly of the Viet Nam-Canada Comprehensive Partnership, which has enjoyed constant development over the past time, with two-way trade in 2022 topping US$7 billion, up nearly 17 per cent year-on-year. Viet Nam is currently the largest trade partner of Canada in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), while Canada is the second largest trade partner of Viet Nam in the Americas. People-to-people exchanges have been bolstered, they stressed, adding the Vietnamese community in Canada with 300,000 people have served as a bridge to promote the bilateral ties. With a view to developing the Comprehensive Partnership in a more stable and practical fashion, President Thuong suggested both sides maintain exchanges at all levels, step up cooperation between localities, and maintain existing dialogue mechanisms in the fields of politics-diplomacy, defence-security, and economy-trade. He recommended PM Trudeau and the Canadian Government continue creating favourable conditions for the Vietnamese community in Canada, and support Viet Nam to better engage in the UNs peacekeeping operations. Viet Nam welcomes PM Trudeaus visit in the coming time, he said. PM Trudeau affirmed that Canada treasures the relations with Viet Nam, and expressed his impression of the countrys economic growth. Amidst many challenges in the global situation, Canada will continue giving priority to developing its ties with Viet Nam, particularly in politics-diplomacy, economy-trade, education-training, security-defence, and people-to-people exchanges, he said. The two leaders also discussed several regional and global issues of mutual concern, including the East Sea (known internationally as the South China Sea). They affirmed further collaboration with and support for each other at multilateral forums, including the UN and APEC, while upholding the role of international law. VNS NEW YORK Viet Nam supports stepping up the intergovernmental negotiations (IGN) on United Nations Security Council (UNSC) reform, which includes the addition of necessary elements like other UN negotiation processes, affirmed Minister Counsellor and deputy head of the Permanent Delegation of Viet Nam to the UN Nguyen Hoang Nguyen. Making the statement at the General Assemblys annual debate on how to reform the 15-nation organ held in New York on November 16, Nguyen noted that the council, more than ever, needs to innovate by increasing its representation and effectiveness to adapt to and fit current realities. The diplomat recommended the council be expanded in both permanent and non-permanent membership to ensure enhanced representation with seats allocated to the most underrepresented regions, especially developing countries in Africa and the Asia-Pacific. The Council should also conduct more public meetings and the use of veto should be restrained. He also expressed his appreciation for initiatives implemented in the past time such as the webcasting of meetings, the establishment of a repository for documents, and the open-house meetings, which helped facilitate candid discussions and bring in fresh ideas. Participating member countries highlighted the urgent need for the organ to undergo reforms in terms of quantity, member structure, and working methods to ensure that it can effectively carry out its mission of maintaining international peace and security, especially given increasing tensions and conflicts in many regions. Since 1992, the UNSC reform has been included in the annual agenda of the General Assembly based on Resolution 47/62. Since 2008, following the assemblys Decision 62/557, the IGN process was established, serving as a dedicated mechanism for discussing issues related to the reform. VNS By Park Han-sol From a novel depicting Jeju Islands 1948 massacres to a gripping horror thriller webtoon, a string of translated Korean literary works continued to garner global recognition this year, securing wins and nominations for reputable prize-giving organizations. International Booker Prize-winning author Han Kang made headlines earlier this month after her I Do Not Bid Farewell clinched the Prix Medicis for foreign literature, marking the first time a Korean piece has received the esteemed French award. Jointly translated by Choi Kyung-ran and Pierre Bisiou, the novel examines, through the perspectives of three women, the tragic Jeju April 3 Uprising, where around 30,000 civilian demonstrators nearly 10 percent of the islands population at the time were purged in an anti-communist military campaign. Published in French and Chinese this year, the book is set to be released in four more languages in the coming months: English, Dutch, Polish and Norwegian. Chung Boras genre-defying short story collection, Cursed Bunny, translated into English by Anton Hur, was shortlisted for the U.S. National Book Award for Translated Literature, standing as the sole Asian work among the five finalists. Another notable literary achievement was made by film director and novelist Cheon Myeong-kwan when his book, Whale, translated by Kim Chi-young, made it onto the shortlist of six titles for the International Booker Prize. The book, rich in farce, fable-like elements and surprising turns, has been described by the U.K. award organizers as an adventure-satire of epic proportions, which sheds new light on the changes Korea experienced in its rapid transition from pre-modern to post-modern society. In Russia, the Yasnaya Polyana Literary Award longlisted two Korean pieces Kim Ae-rans Summer Outside and Jeong Yi-hyuns Sweet Violence in its Foreign Literature category. Other significant recognitions of 2023 include the nominations of Park Sang-youngs queer coming-of-age novel, Love in the Big City, for the Dublin Literary Award in Ireland, and Man Asian Literary Prize-winning Shin Kyung-sooks Violets for the U.S. National Book Critics Circle Awards. Both stories were brought to life in English by Hur. The Hellbound Volume 1-2, penned by Yeon Sang-ho and illustrated by Choi Gyu-seok, was nominated for the Will Eisner Comic Industry Award in the category of Best U.S. Edition of International Material. The horror webtoon series, translated by Danny Lim, was adapted into a 2021 Netflix series of the same name. The notably growing presence of Korean literature in the global award scene appears to be closely tied to the recent uptick in the translation and publication of the countrys works abroad, according to the Literature Translation Institute of Korea (LTI Korea). The organization pointed out that the number of applications for its translation and publication grants for overseas publishers in 2023 reached 281, a more than 20-fold increase since the programs inception in 2014. It also vowed to further tailor its support policies, considering the unique characteristics of local readership in each country, such as genre preferences. Since Han Kang became the first Asian author to nab the International Booker Prize in 2016, Korean literature and writers have continued to gain global recognition at an increasing level, LTI Korea said in a statement. The outstanding talents of authors and translators, coupled with the fine balance of universal sensibilities and cultural individuality present in the countrys literary works, have led to this remarkable achievement. SAN FRANCISCO Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong joined other leaders of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) economies in a dialogue with guests in San Francisco on November 16 (local time). The dialogue with Colombian President Gustavo Petro, Fijian President Sitiveni Rabuka, and Indian Minister of Commerce and Industry Shri Piyush Goyal was the first activity of APEC leaders during the APEC Economic Leaders Week 2023. In his opening remarks, US President Joe Biden said that with the theme on sustainability, climate, and just energy transition, the dialogue was an occasion for leaders of APEC economies and guests to look into common challenges to the region and the world, along with initiatives and solutions to promote cooperation to take joint actions for the goal of sustainable development. As the first leader to speak at the dialogues discussion session, President Thuong emphasised that climate change was an urgent global issue that would require the determination, political responsibility and solidarity of all economies. He highlighted that Viet Nam considered climate change response a priority of its national development policy, along with the countrys strong commitments to net zero emissions by 2050, methane emission reduction, forest protection and energy transition. Viet Nam was one of the first three developing countries to engage in the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) with the International Partners Group, and was taking comprehensive measures from perfecting institutions to implementing them in reality, he noted. The Vietnamese leader asked APEC and partners to step up cooperation in renewable energy and the greening of industries, ecological agriculture development and resource recovery, and social security and just transition. He called on developed countries and international partners to increase sharing of scientific and technological achievements, make more financial contributions, and quickly put the Loss and Damage Fund into use to assist developing and underdeveloped countries in coping with climate change. Meanwhile, the global financial system should improve its capacity of supplying green finance and effectively mobilising resources from the private sector, he went on. President Thuong stressed that its now time for all economies to realise the historic commitments they had made to protect the earth and the future of following generations. His speech received appreciation from other participating leaders, who also welcomed Viet Nam's practical proposals and voiced support for the countrys efforts to reach the target of net zero emissions, cut greenhouse gas emissions and conduct energy transition. At the dialogue, APEC leaders and guests appealed for enhanced international cooperation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, bolster sustainable energy transition and work towards green growth. They shared their economies efforts and solutions to solve environmental and climate challenges. They also underlined the importance of resource mobilisation initiatives and the promotion of public - private partnerships to serve energy transition, develop sustainable agriculture and green industries, and conserve biodiversity. Prior to the dialogue, President Thuong engaged in exchanges with Party General Secretary and President of China Xi Jinping, President of the US Joe Biden, President of the Republic of Korea Yoon Suk Yeol, and Prime Minister of Japan Kishida Fumio on continuing to intensify Viet Nam's relations with the partners and discuss issues of shared concern. Later on November 16, the Vietnamese President attended the high-level meeting on the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), and the opening session of a dialogue between APEC leaders and members of the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC). VNS SAN FRANCISCO Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong on Thursday (US time) highlighted three points that would make the US-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) an effective initiative. During the second IPEF summit held as part of the APEC Economic Leaders' Week in San Francisco, gathering leaders of 14 economies of the Indo-Pacific region, President Thuong said that the initiative was a collective effort to enhance cooperation and coordination among economies as the world was facing numerous intertwined changes, opportunities and challenges. IPEF was expected to be a model of dynamic and efficient economic connectivity, bringing tangible benefits to people, and contributing to peace, stability, and prosperity of the region and the world. President Thuong highly appreciated the contributions of the United States, especially President Joe Biden, as well as economies, in successfully holding five rounds of negotiations. He acknowledged that the member countries' trade ministers had agreed on important premises for cooperation based on the principles of equality, mutual benefit, inclusiveness, adherence to international law, respect for the legal system and political structure of each country, and appreciation for flexibility and voluntarism. For IPEF to be truly effective, the President emphasises three points. First, IPEF needed to be an open, inclusive, non-discriminatory cooperation mechanism, one that would support the rules-based multilateral trading system, welcome the participation of countries within and outside the region, and complement and supplement other regional economic connectivity initiatives. Second, cooperation within IPEF should meet the development needs of each party, balance the interests of all parties, respect and take into account the differences and particular characteristics of each country, and focus on technical support and capacity building. Third, it should encourage new investment in building infrastructure, transition to clean energy, and high-tech industrial production in the region. The Vietnamese leader underscored that "building a prosperous, sustainable economy that brings wealth and well-being for the people is the common aspiration and goal of all countries". "Viet Nam hopes that through IPEF and other regional cooperation frameworks, we can together build a bright future," he stated. VNS HCM CITY Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on Thursday attended a ceremony to launch the new academic year at the Viet Nam National University-HCM City (VNU-HCM), which is Viet Nam's leading centre of higher education and scientific research. Speaking at the event, PM Chinh emphasised the role of higher education and innovation in driving growth, saying that human resources, especially high-quality personnel, play a decisive role in the development of each country. Education and training in general, and higher education in particular, play an important role in promoting development, contributing to improving people's knowledge, especially providing highly qualified human resources to meet the requirements of socio-economic development. He said along with digital transformation and the fourth industrial revolution, higher education is changing and developing diversely. The trend of global cooperation and transnational learning widens people's access to higher education, he said, adding that higher education increasingly promotes creative thinking, equips skills, increases proactiveness, and creates an interactive learning environment, aiming to train global citizens. He said higher education focuses on encouraging research, innovation, and technology application, contributing to solving not only national but also global problems. Emphasising the role of higher education in driving growth, the PM requested higher education institutions, including the VNU-HCM, to make greater efforts in training and finding talents, and promoting sustainable economic development. At a working session with leaders of the VNU-HCM later the same day, PM Chinh asked the university to closely follow the development requirements of the southern region and the country to provide suitable training. He also urged the VNU-HCM to keep promoting research, especially to solve current and emerging problems. The VNU-HCM was also asked to effectively utilise human resources; commercialise its research results; organise school governance scientifically, effectively, economically, and appropriately. On this occasion, representatives from the VNU-HCM proposed the Government and Prime Minister facilitate the university's activities so that it will become one of 100 leading higher education institutions in Asia by 2030. The VNU-HCM is one of the largest educational institutions in Viet Nam with eight member universities, 28 units, and over 6,100 staff members, including 1,100 doctorate holders, nearly 400 professors, and associate professors. Each year, it trains more than 95,000 undergraduate students, and more than 8,000 graduate students. VNS BA RIA VUNG TAU PROVINCE Some 32,000 litres of smuggled diesel has been sized from a wooden fishing vessel 18 nautical miles south-east of the southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau. To effectively fight against fuel smuggling in Vietnamese waters, the Coast Guard Intelligence Division No. 2 under the Viet Nam Coast Guard (VCG) Command has worked together with the Department of Customs to conduct patrols at sea. The division said on Wednesday (November 15) that a working team of the two units on November 12 stopped the wooden vessel ST 01727 TS registered in the Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta province of Soc Trang and found the oil of unknown origin. The vessels captain, Hoang Van Luom, 42, of Kien Giang Province, and four crew members were on board. Luom failed to furnish documents proving the origin of the oil, and none of the crew had the qualifications or certification required to be a sailor. The working team on November 14 brought the vessel ashore and handed the case over to the Coast Guard Region No 3 Command based in Vung Tau City for further investigation. Previously, officers of the Coast Guard Intelligence Division No 2 discovered a fishing vessel with 90,000 litres of smuggled diesel off the coast of Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province on October 30. On September 22, they also seized more than 260,000 litres of smuggled diesel oil from two offshore wooden fishing vessels in the southwest coastal region of Viet Nam. VNS LAI CHAU Vu Ngoc Sang, a tea entrepreneur in the Than Uyen tea growing zone, has revolutionised farming practices and built a brand for tea products from the area. Considered the tea capital of the northern Lai Chau Province, Than Uyen tea fields span more than 3,400ha, some 500ha of which is under the management of Sangs Than Uyen Tea JSC. The company also collaborates with local households on more than 700ha. After his business began the equitisation process in 2014, Sang has taken decisive steps to transform tea production in Than Uyen. He observed that there was excessive use of fertilisers and chemical pesticides among local tea farmers over a long period of time. Season after season, year after year, this farming practice had become the norm, and therefore it was difficult to persuade farmers to change, despite the severe consequences they faced, said Sang. This practice led to land degradation and reduced productivity and fertility; several batches of exports were returned as they failed to meet the export market standards. Despite the vast land of ingredients and prospective partners and investors, Than Uyen tea products were lagging behind compared to other renowned tea regions such as Tan Cuong (Thai Nguyen Province) and Suoi Giang (Yen Bai Province). These are also other obstacles facing local tea growers, and many people have quit tea growing to switch to other professions, Sang said. When the equitisation process was completed in 2017, Sang decided to prioritise eradicating farming practices with chemical fertilisers in the tea growing areas under his companys management. The business also recommended microbial fertilisers to its partner households, as healthy soil is vital to the improvement of tea production. To detox the tea growing land, Than Uyen Tea JSC also collaborated with a fertiliser supplier to customise a variety of organic fertilisers. Each year, the supplier will send its expert to Than Uyen to collect soil samples and analyse its composition and nutrient content to produce suitable fertilising products. Chemical pesticides were also gradually phased out and replaced by regulated and herb-based plant protection substances, with guidance from the team of technicians of Sangs tea company. To persuade locals to stop using toxic chemical fertilisers and pesticides, Than Uyen Tea committed to households producing tea following organic and VietGAP standards that their produce would be bought at a higher price than that of the market, in addition to providing farming material support and guidance from the companys technical staff. As these measures were applied, local tea growers gradually saw the positive effects and followed the stringent requirements from the company. Today, the entire 500ha-area of Than Uyen Tea JSC meets VietGAP requirements, with some striving for organic standards. Soil quality is also improving in the 700ha tea growing area where the company partnered with 600 local households in Muong Khoa, Trung ong and Than Thuoc communes, and Tan Uyen District. Thao A Ching, a tea farmer in Tan Uyen District said: In the past, due to the excessive use of nitrogen fertilisers and plant protection chemicals, Than Uyen tea often had a bitter taste. Fresh tea buds were difficult to preserve and easily went rancid in hot, humid weather. They also did not have the characteristic aroma of shan tuyet tea grown in the high mountains. By switching to a safer cultivation process, tea plants are now free from pests and diseases, while their composition also changed for a more delicious and aromatic product, he added. Each year, Than Uyen Tea company produces more than 2,000 tons of tea products from this area, many of which are exported to China, Taiwan, Japan, the US, Europe or the Middle East, bringing in annual revenue of more than VN100 billion (US$4.1 million). The company is also building another tea processing factory in the area to ensure production and outputs for local farmers, while making use of automation to boost productivity. Sang, the companys board chair and director said: With favourable natural conditions, tea growing is the key sector and the livelihood of ethnic communities in Tan Uyen. Therefore, our aspiration is for people to have a stable income and even prosper from tea. In addition to tea production, Than Uyen Tea company also takes bold steps to convert old tea areas into fruit orchards such as jackfruit, sapodilla, pineapple or avocado. When this model is proven successful, the company will proceed with technology transfer and building processing factories to ensure better lives for the local people, Sang said. VNS QUANG NAM ExxonMobil continues to support STEM education and long-term healthcare programmes in Viet Nam with a total contribution of US$34,000 to Teach for Viet Nam (TFV) in Quang Nam Province and the VinaCapital Foundation (VCF) in Quang Ngai in 2023. ExxonMobil Exploration and Production Vietnam Limited (ExxonMobil Vietnam) contributed US$20,000 to TFV for providing STEM education and 21st century skills training in communications, collaboration and problem solving. Three hundred students in the mountainous Que Son district in Quang Nam province are expected to benefit from the capacity building programmes while 30 teachers in the district will also receive upskill training. ExxonMobil Vietnam has been supporting TFV in promoting education excellence and equity for Vietnamese children. With a total funding support of US$140,000 for TFVs STEM programs since 2018, nearly 2,000 students in rural public schools of Tay Ninh and Quang Nam provinces have directly benefited with improved learning outcomes. In addition, around 300 local teachers from more than 20 schools have been trained to teach STEM in the classroom, benefiting an additional 3,000 students in those schools. In 2023, ExxonMobil Vietnam also donated 14 pieces of critical neonatal medical equipment and a two-day intensive training session in neonatal emergency resuscitation for doctors and nurses at the Son Tay district, one of the poorest districts in Quang Ngai province. The provision of these life-saving equipment and training course, worth over US$14,000, aims to help reduce child mortality rates among ethnic minority communities in the district. This support is critical, especially to infants who need to transfer to other hospitals in Quang Ngai or a Nang city for treatment. Over the past 12 years, more than 2.5 million children and adults benefited through VCFs healthcare initiatives supported by ExxonMobil Vietnam. ExxonMobil has been a long-standing supporter of education and healthcare in Viet Nam, said Cecile Rauline, President and General Manager of ExxonMobil Vietnam. We are pleased to continue our collaborations with local NGOs like TFV and VCF, and support these important initiatives to help unlock the potential of children by developing their STEM and innovative thinking skills, while improving healthcare and well-being in communities in need in Central Vietnam. ExxonMobil Vietnam has been recognized for its continued contributions to the local communities in Viet Nam with the Corporate Social Responsibility Recognition Award by the American Chamber of Commerce Ha Noi for the 8th time. Since 2011, ExxonMobil has contributed to programmes equipping healthcare centres in central Viet Nam with modern medical equipment for improved paediatric care; and Operation Smile Viet Nam for screenings and operations for children born with facial deformities and underprivileged children and families. VNS Some notable ventures include manufacturing of LED products, peripheral equipment, and accessories, photo Le Toan In late October, Quang Ninh Peoples Committee granted approval to two giant foreign-invested ventures a $1.5 billion solar cell complex by Jinko Solar Vietnam, and the Lite-on Quang Ninh factory, worth $690 million. The two projects contributed to helping the northeastern province of Quang Ninh surpass Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to become the top locality in the country in terms of attracting foreign-invested capital in the first 10 months of the year. According to the Foreign Investment Agency under the Ministry of Planning and Investment, between January and October, the province acquired a total capital of $3.09 billion, accounting for 12 per cent of the countrys total, and an on-year increase of 41.3 per cent. The events are somewhat of a surprise for the province because in the first half of the year, the province was even not named among the top 10 localities in garnering foreign direct investment. Meanwhile, the nearby port city of Haiphong ranked second, with a total registered funding of over $2.8 billion, or 10.9 per cent of Vietnams total. In addition, in the first 10 months of the year, Nghe An and Thai Binh provinces were named at the top of localities attracting over $1 billion. This year marks the first time Nghe An has wooed over $1 billion in a year. In the first 10 months, the province acquired $1.92 billion in foreign-invested capital, doubling the figure of 2022 and tripling the target the province set for all of 2023. It stands in ninth place among cities and provinces nationwide and leads the 14 cities and provinces in the north-central and central regions. In early October, Thai Binh province approved three projects in Lien Ha Thai Industrial Park (IP) at a value of around $300 million. They include Pegavision Corporations goal to produce contact lenses worth $200 million, and a $45 million project from peripheral equipment design and manufacturing company Goodway Cayman. The third initiative is Longstar Lighting Thai Binh factory, which focuses on manufacturing and processing LED lights and accessories. It is funded by Xiamen Longstar Lighting Co., Ltd. with $25 million. Having three new investors in Lien Ha Thai IP will help the province draw in overseas funding of over $1 billion for the first time, said Nguyen Khac Than, Deputy Secretary of Thai Binh Party Committee. With a modern IP, connected traffic infrastructure, and attractive incentives, secondary projects will also be successful and develop sustainably. Elsewhere, Quang Ninhs successes involved proactively meeting and working with more than 100 investors, including large-scale groups such as BP, Jinko Solar, TCL, and Japanese giants Mitsubishi, Yaskawa Electric, Tamagawa Seiki, and Sojitz. After those meetings, the province continued to discuss with investors to share information and support them during the process of studying the business environment. In addition, the province also organises many investment promotion programmes with large groups, such as Samsung, VSIP, and Unilever. Nguyen Manh Linh, deputy director of Dai Phong JSC, the developer of My Thuan IP in the northern province of Nam Dinh, told VIR, The reasons for the breakthrough in attracting foreign-invested capital of emerging localities comes from the advantage in available land in IPs. In addition, localities are also proactive in completing transport infrastructure to create regional links, which investors pay attention to. Samsung cements status as premier foreign investor in Vietnam In a meeting with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on October 31, Park Hark Kyu, president and CFO of Samsung Group, highlighted Vietnam as an essential global economic player, expressing the company's intention to maintain its position as the largest foreign-invested enterprise (FIE) in Vietnam for some time. Clock ticking for southern localities to fulfil FDI attraction targets While some southern localities have fulfilled their targets for FDI attraction, the clock is ticking for many others to complete their goals since there are only 1.5 months left to the end of 2023. Particularly, ExxonMobil Vietnam contributed $20,000 to TFV for providing STEM education and 21st century skill training of communications, collaboration, and problem-solving. Along with this, 300 students in Que Son district of Quang Nam are expected to benefit from the capacity building programmes, while 30 teachers in the district will also receive upskill training. Students in Que Minh School, Quang Nam in a STEM class by TFV on November 15 ExxonMobil Vietnam has been supporting TFV in promoting education excellence and equity for Vietnamese children. With a total funding support of $140,000 for TFVs STEM programmes since 2018, nearly 2,000 students in rural public schools of Tay Ninh and Quang Nam provinces have directly benefited with improved learning outcomes. In addition, around 300 local teachers from more than 20 schools have been trained to teach STEM in the classroom, benefiting an additional 3,000 students. On November 15, ExxonMobil Vietnam donated 14 pieces of critical neonatal medical equipment and two-day intensive training in neonatal emergency resuscitation for doctors and nurses in Son Tay district, one of the poorest districts in Quang Ngai. The provision of these life-saving equipment and training courses, which are worth over $14,000, aims to help reduce child mortality rates of the ethnic minority communities in the district. This support is critical, especially for infants who need transferred to other hospitals in Quang Ngai or Danang for treatment. Handover ceremony of medical equipment donated by ExxonMobil Vietnam to Son Tay District Hospital, Quang Ngai province on November 15 Over the past 12 years, more than 2.5 million children and adults benefited through VCFs healthcare initiatives supported by ExxonMobil Vietnam. We have been a long-standing supporter of education and healthcare in Vietnam, said Cecile Rauline, president and general manager of ExxonMobil Vietnam. Over the past 12 years, more than 2.5 million children and adults benefited through VCFs healthcare initiatives supported by ExxonMobil Vietnam. We are pleased to continue our collaborations with local non-governmental organisations like TFV and VCF and support these important initiatives to help unlock the potential of children by developing their STEM and innovative thinking skills, while improving healthcare and wellbeing in the communities in need in Central Vietnam. ExxonMobil Vietnam has been recognised for its continued contributions to the local communities in Vietnam with the Corporate Social Responsibility Recognition Award by the American Chamber of Commerce Hanoi for the eighth time. ExxonMobil Vietnam, an affiliate of US oil giant ExxonMobil Corporation, together with local partners PetroVietnam and PetroVietnam Exploration Production Corporation, is engaged in development activities in several technically and commercially challenging blocks offshore central Vietnam in the Blue Whale field. This project has special meaning for fuel supply, power generation, and ensuring energy security for the country. FIEs in Vietnam promote green energy growth With recent power shortages stemming from increased seasonal demand, along with the growing appetite for electricity from commercial and residential developments, the need for a more reliable power supply has made Vietnam an attractive market for foreign investors to develop rooftop solar energy. This has been led by Vietnam's foreign-invested enterprises (FIEs) in the manufacturing sector, particularly the electronics, semiconductor, and textile industries AB InBev continues to promote Global Smart Drinking culture in Hoa Binh The programme Enjoy Beer Responsibly Because Someone Needs You. Dont drink and drive runs from September 12 to October 13, aiming to raise awareness about the risks of drinking responsibility "As part of our green growth strategy, we are focusing on green resources and infrastructure, alongside prioritising sectors like high-tech manufacturing and green startups," said Mai, during a meeting in San Francisco on November 16, which was a part of the APEC High-Level Week activities. He emphasised the city's commitment to sustainable development, citing plans to boost clean energy by 35-40 per cent by 2030, develop green transportation systems, enhance waste management, and promote the growth of carbon credits and green finance. Patrick Sweeney, vice president of Business Executives for National Security said,"Our member companies are highly interested in the development of Ho Chi Minh City, particularly in sectors like technology, aerospace, defence, finance, healthcare, and energy." Ho Chi Minh City officials marked the event by exchanging several MoUs and letters of intent with American firms to advance high-tech projects. These agreements aim to facilitate collaboration in areas pivotal to the citys green and technological advancements. "These collaborations will pave the way for a more sustainable and technologically advanced future for Ho Chi Minh City, enhancing our position as a dynamic and forward-looking urban centre," said Mai. At a round-table hosted by Vietnam's Ministry of Planning and Investment the day before, city departments signed agreements with the Green Alliance to promote investment in green growth and sustainable development initiatives across Ho Chi Minh City. These include partnerships in the development of innovation centres and AI applications in transportation, underscoring the city's commitment to embracing cutting-edge technology and environmental stewardship. On November 1-3, leading companies in the transport logistics and air cargo industry in the region and beyond gathered at the event, held at Sands Expo & Convention Centre in Singapore. It provided a platform for discussions and sharing insights into the prospects and breakthrough solutions in the transportation and logistics industry. The event took place amid reports expecting the market size of Asia-Pacific's transportation and logistics industry to reach $3.35 trillion by next year and $4.56 trillion by 2030, with a growth rate of 5.24 per cent over that period, according to Mordor Intelligence. Post-pandemic challenges and China+1 supply chain strategies to diversify manufacturing and sourcing operations beyond China make Southeast Asia outstanding, according to Michael Wilton, CEO of event organiser MMI Asia. Southeast Asia is a dynamic hub for trade and commerce, and transport logistics here gives visitors access to a wide range of market opportunities, Wilton said. In this region, besides key hubs like Singapore, Thailand, or Malaysia, Vietnam is emerging as a new transit hub for goods, contributing to the expansion of international trade flows. The General Department of Vietnam Customs stated that the total trade turnover in the first ten months of this year reached $558.33 billion. In terms of volume, goods through seaports were estimated to reach almost 624.6 million tons, an increase of 3 per cent compared to the same period in 2022, according to the Vietnam Maritime Administration. Meanwhile, the average annual volume of goods transported by air in Vietnam is about 1.4 million tonnes. In the first nine months of the year alone, the total volume of goods through Vietnam's airports was 887,500 tonnes, with international cargo transportation accounting for 637,000 tonnes and domestic cargo transportation reached 250,400 tonnes, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam. There are a lot of favourable conditions, including continuously upgraded and expanded transportation infrastructure, from warehouses to roads, seaports, and airports. It happens thanks to Vietnam's top-ranking expenditure on infrastructure in ASEAN, which accounts for over 6 per cent of total annual GDP. Simultaneously, booming foreign trade, robust economic growth, and a large middle-class population create strong demand. "Vietnam is the largest manufacturing hub in the region. Therefore, collecting goods here is more meaningful than in Cambodia, Laos, or elsewhere. Moreover, Vietnam is becoming a more strategic market to many companies, especially American companies," said Alexander Olsen, vice president of Freight Management and Commercial at ITL. The proactive approach of pioneers in the logistics industry also significantly contributes to forming a new transit hub for goods in Vietnam. As one of the two representatives attending the exhibition, ITL's booth welcomed hundreds of customers and partners during the three-day event. ITL not only showed its capabilities but also provided international customers with the latest market updates about Vietnam. "ITL's presence at the regional exhibition and conference event continues to illustrate that Vietnam is increasingly ready to become an international transit hub for goods. Vietnam is capable of seamlessly connecting from the air to the sea and providing demand-based solutions for both manufacturers and e-commerce businesses," said Tony Anh, deputy general director and vice president of ITL's Aviation Services. ITL's booth welcomed hundreds of customers and partners during the three-day event For domestic air transport in Vietnam, as well as in Southeast Asia, ITL has been a leading company since the 2000s. It is the general sales agent of 23 airlines, operating cargo transportation in more than 200 flights per week, with a potential capacity of up to 150,000 tonnes of cargo per year. In addition, ITL is an ideal partner for airlines seeking to expand into Vietnam. Its air transport capability, combined with more than five ports and inland container depots all over the country, 500 trucks and prime movers, 30 barges, and a total warehouse area of nearly 500,000 square metres, has helped ITL lead in providing various logistics solutions - from international end-to-end cargo transportation to services related to the cold chain. It has created a seamless service covering sea, land, and air, meeting various demands of customers. "Most of our customers want Vietnam to be the transit hub. They want goods to be manufactured in Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, and Vietnam, then Vietnam will be the centre for the Indochina region," Olsen added. Seeing this demand, ITL notes that it will continue to develop comprehensive integrated logistics services to support businesses' cargo transportation in the best way, thereby integrating Vietnam's air cargo transportation industry deeply and widely into the global market. ITL Corporation commits $200 million to Vietnam's warehousing infrastructure ITL Corporation is set to invest approximately $200 million in warehousing infrastructure over the next five years, underscoring Vietnam's significance in their strategic expansion. ITL: national champion of Vietnam logistics industry With more than five ports and ICDs, 500 trucks and prime movers, 30 barges and 500,000 square metres of warehouses all over the country, ITL offers various domestic and international logistics solutions, from End2End international freight, cold chain and general sales agent for more than 23 airlines. Saline-alkali land transformed into fertile soil in NE Chinas Jilin People's Daily Online) 14:19, November 17, 2023 In October, paddy fields in Taiping village of Da'an city, a county-level city administered by Baicheng city in northeast China's Jilin Province, were alive with the rumble of harvesters. One year ago, the fields were nothing but a vast expanse of saline-alkali land with an average pH value of 9.31. The west of Songnen Plain in northeast China is home to one of the world's three largest soda saline-alkali-soil areas, with over 45 million mu (3 million hectares) of saline-alkali land, including over 43.7 percent of heavily saline land. Photo shows golden rice ears on the once-saline-alkali land in Haituo township, Da'an city, northeast China's Jilin Province. (People's Daily Overseas Edition/Wang Junling) To ameliorate soda saline-alkali land in Songneng Plain, the first step is to lower the groundwater level below the critical depth, according to Wang Hongbin, a professor at the College of Resource and Environment of Jilin Agricultural University. Other measures include digging ditches to drain water and wash away salt with water, and using chemical amendments and planting saline-alkali tolerant crops to improve soil fertility. At present, saline-alkali tolerant rice is a major option that combines ecological, economic and social benefits. At the site of the saline-alkali test field project of Sinochem Environment Holdings Co., Ltd. (Sinochem Environment) located about 40 km from Taiping village, harvested rice were ready to be delivered. "The rice yield per mu in the test fields has so far reached 300 to 350 kg," said Ge Yanjun, general manager assistant of a Jilin-based subsidiary of Sinochem Environment. After transforming saline-alkali land, continuous efforts need to be made to turn saline-alkali land into high-standard farmland. "Take the irrigation system for example. We use smart drainage valves equipped with solar panels, along with flow monitors in ditches. Sensors upload data including the pH value, pressure, water level, and water temperature every 10 minutes," Ge said. Ge added that the latest intelligent equipment including unmanned tractors, crop protection drones, transplanters and harvesters are used in the test fields for sustained and efficient management. Meanwhile, research in areas like developing saline-alkali tolerant rice varieties, innovation in cultivation techniques, and intelligent monitoring continues. Ma Wei, associate researcher at the rice research institute under the Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, said that turning saline-alkali land into black soil requires improved crop varieties and advanced methods. An unmanned harvester works at a demonstration base of the Chinese Academy of Sciences in northeast China's Jilin Province. (Xinhua/Zhang Nan) So far, Sinochem Environment has managed 41,000 mu of saline-alkali paddy fields in Baicheng city, which is expected to complete soil improvement and restoration in three to five years and increase the annual rice output in the province by 16.65 million kg, according to Qu Fengchen from Sinochem Environment. Sinochem Environment has also managed 36,000 mu of saline-alkali dry land, which is expected to be completed after three years and increase the annual corn output by 21.6 million kg, Qu added. Various technologies should be deployed to transform saline-alkali land according to different characteristics of the land in the future and a model for the transformation and high-quality development of saline-alkali land should be established, said Wang Qian, deputy director of the Technical Center for Soil, Agriculture and Rural Ecology and Environment under the Ministry of Ecology and Environment. (Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun) More sanctions, Israeli retaliation: regime has much to lose by admitting connection By Jung Min-ho Hamas calls North Korea an ally. Evidence supports the claim. Yet the North vehemently denies any ties with the Palestinian terrorist group. Speaking to The Korea Times recently, analysts said North Koreas denial suggests a fear of possible consequences. Admission of their arms trade with the likes of Hamas would put the regime in deeper trouble, adding new sanctions, risking Israeli retaliation and wasting a golden opportunity that may arise after the U.S. presidential election next year, they added. I think North Korea fears any information that would characterize it as a rogue state. That kind of information could increase sanctions against North Korea and lead to more effective interdiction of its weapons flowing to Gaza, said Bruce Bennett, a senior defense analyst at the RAND Corporation, a California-based think tank. I think North Korea may also fear Israeli retaliation, which may not occur immediately but could occur eventually. A series of coordinated attacks on Israel by Hamas on Oct. 13 united mainstream politicians in the United States behind Israel, including President Joe Biden and Donald Trump, the former president and leading Republican candidate for the presidential election next year. Biden has maintained his unwavering support for Israel despite intensifying criticism from the liberal, Palestine-sympathetic wing of the Democratic Party. Meanwhile, Trump, whom experts say North Korea prefers as president, has also repeatedly expressed his support for the Jewish state, calling it one of our closest and most cherished allies. During the election campaign season, issues regarding North Korea and Hamas are expected to emerge. Pyongyang apparently would not want to be in the same category as the anti-Jewish militant group as it would undermine its long-term diplomatic goals, experts said. North Korean misbehavior could become a political issue in the United States, which could hurt North Korea. Note how often North Korea has said that it is a responsible nuclear weapon state, and how much North Korea wants U.S. recognition of the North as a nuclear weapon state. Firm evidence of North Korea backing Hamas could undermine North Koreas chances in these areas in the future, Bennett said. After the terrorist attack, which killed nearly 1,200 Israeli civilians and soldiers, authorities in Israel seized the weapons used and displayed what they found to journalists. Among them were North Korean-made F-7 rocket-propelled grenades (RPG) and 122-millimeter artillery shells. But North Korea denied that connection, calling it a groundless and false rumor in contrast to the position of Ali Barakeh, a senior Hamas official, who said earlier this month that North Korea may intervene in the Israel-Hamas war as part of (our) alliance, a message to which Pyongyang did not react. However experts said the claim about the Hamas-North Korea network is credible, given the long history of North Koreas ties to rogue regimes in unstable regions around the world. North Korean small arms have turned up in several conflict areas in the past including in Sri Lanka and Africa. North Korean small arms are reliable and relatively inexpensive, and I'm sure Hamas is sensitive to price, said Daniel Pinkston, an East Asia expert at Troy University in South Korea. Furthermore, its arms exports are prohibited under U.N. Security Council resolutions, so potential buyers are limited to illicit buyers such as Hamas. Both Bennett and Mason Richey, a professor of international politics at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, believe North Korean weapons passed through intermediaries such as Iran before reaching the hands of Hamas fighters. Asked about the possibility that the North did not know the end customer when it sold them to middlemen, they said it is highly unlikely. I have heard that North Korea has provided military weapons (such as Scud and Musudan BM-25 missiles) and services to many countries, including Syria and Iran. I have heard that there are even North Korean military personnel in Gaza as trainers and observers, Bennett said. That didnt happen without North Korean awareness. Yet North Korea has no sympathy for Hamas or ordinary Palestinians. Making hard currency and disrupting the rules-based global order were the chief reasons behind its move to form and maintain such arms trade networks, experts said. Kim supports Hamas and other actors that have grievances with the West. The grievances of Russia, China, Hamas and North Korea do not perfectly overlap. However, they all seek a transformation of the world order, albeit in different ways, Pinkston said. Their visions for the future are different in terms of governance and geographic boundaries, but they will cooperate in a limited transactional manner when convenient. RECOF has a business network in the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore. What is Vietnams position in RECOFs investment strategy? Masataka Sam Yoshida Yes, we do have a strong network to these five countries. However, we are by far focusing on Vietnam and 90 per cent of our live deals are between Vietnam and Japan due to various reasons and our own background since our entry to the country. Since our entry in 2011, we have received 55 buy side mandates from Japanese investors and experienced 45 due diligence plans, but we are proud of is the number of sell-side mandates we have obtained from Vietnamese sellers, which is 35 and growing. It is true that our effort in the past has been crystallising by achieving the most remarkable performance in our history in Vietnam. RECOF itself is aiming to invest in the same advisory firm in Vietnam, but we have not been successful yet. In parallel, we would like to invest in human resources for the purpose of enhancing the production of corporate bridges between Vietnam and Japan. What are the recent trends and changes in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in Japan, and how is this taking place in the Vietnamese market? Japanese listed companies are under increasing pressure to keep investing in growing businesses, keep focused on the core business, keep paying dividends and not retain too much cash, and to keep their businesses sustainable, though some companies chose to go private or rely on the investments from private equity funds in order to achieve these objectives. As the domestic market is matured and investment opportunities are limited, it is natural for them to start looking at Vietnam as long as the country can provide good prospects for growth. The key drivers for Japanese investments have not changed during the last five years. These will be the strong middle-class consumption, the competitive labour force, global supply chains, food (including processing), and IT innovation. What should the Vietnam business community do to welcome Japanese M&A investment in the near future? The business community can actively advocate for reforms to make Vietnam a more investor-friendly state. This includes collaborating with the government to eliminate foreign ownership restrictions in various sectors and simplifying investment procedures, opening up more opportunities for Japanese investors. Improving the existing accounting and auditing systems of companies is another key factor in ensuring greater transparency and attractiveness. Some Vietnamese sellers should consider pricing their deals more reasonably, working to bridge the valuation gaps between sellers and Japanese investors. A fair and balanced approach to deal pricing will encourage more transactions and create a win-win situation for all parties involved. The signing ceremony was attended by Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis, California State Transportation Agency Secretary Toks Omishakin, and GO-Biz director Dee Dee Myers. The event marked a milestone towards formalising a sister port relationship between the two operations, opening up opportunities for cooperation, the sharing of experience, and enhanced market connectivity to increase transshipment cargo volumes. Vo Quoc Huy, chairman of the Board of Directors of Long An Port JSC said, "We value this partnership with the Port of Long Beach, a well-recognised port of choice on the global stage, as we embark on our journey to become an internationally renowned facility in Asia. We believe that this relationship will bring many benefits to both parties and hope to soon materialise the relationship through cooperation activities in fields that both parties are interested in." Also at the event, Mario Cordero, CEO of the Port of Long Beach said, "We are glad to welcome the delegation from Long An province and the leaders of Dong Tam Group attending the CAPA conference, and are pleased to sign a letter of intent with Long An International Port." "This signing ceremony demonstrates our desire to promote the signing of cooperation agreements not only for trade purposes but also towards sustainable development, emissions reduction, and environmental friendliness. Thus, we want to cooperate long-term so that Long An International Port and the Port of Long Beach can form a bridge to transship goods from Vietnam to the US and vice versa," added Cordero. The Port of Long Beach, located in Southern California, is one of the worlds premier seaports, boasting six container terminals and an annual cargo turnover of $200 billion. It is ranked as the number one export seaport in the US and the 21st busiest container cargo port in the world. It is continuously upgrading its transportation capacity, aiming to increase its ability to handle containerised imports and exports flowing through the trans-Pacific trade route and maintain its position as one of the worlds biggest ports. The Port of Long Beach Within the framework of the programme, the Long An provincial delegation led by Vice Chairman of the People's Committee Nguyen Minh Lam and Vice Chairman of the People's Council Mai Van Nhieu aims to connect businesses in Vietnam and the US with a focus on industry, digital transformation, import-export services, logistics, and education, among others. The cooperative relationship between Vietnam and the US has made significant progress and is increasingly deepening. Activities to promote economic cooperation have brought together many interested agencies, associations, and businesses from the two countries with the goal of promoting bilateral collaborations based on the new comprehensive strategic partnership. Seamless transport in Long An sights Aside from gearing efforts towards administrative procedure reform and business support, the Mekong Delta province of Long An has focused on developing a seamless transport infrastructure system in recent years, particularly that connecting industrial zones and clusters with Long An International Port. Long An International Port appoints new CEO On July 22, chairman of the Management Board of Long An Port JSC Vo Quoc Huy announced the decision to appoint Peter Hendrik Slootweg as the company's CEO. Thailands prominent financial institutions, Kasikornbank Pcl (KBank) and SCB X Pcl, are reportedly in the final stages of bidding for Home Credits consumer finance operations in Vietnam, according to a last weeks report by Bloomberg. Some lenders have been whittling down their options for several months, Source: Shutterstock Joining them is KB Kookmin Bank, part of South Koreas KB Financial Group, also advancing to the next round of the bidding process. The assets in question are estimated to be valued at around $700 million. Home Credit is aiming to finalise the sale of its Vietnamese arm by the end of the year, although negotiations are ongoing. The bidders retain the option to withdraw their offers, and Home Credit may opt to retain its assets beyond the proposed timeline. In August, KBank announced ambitious plans to invest over $1 billion in Vietnam, targeting 8.4 million users by 2027. This strategic move was revealed by KBanks chairman, Pipit Aneaknithi, signalling the banks commitment to significantly expand its operations in the Vietnamese market. Most of this investment, amounting to $735 million, will be directed towards banking operations, Aneaknithi said. The remaining funds will be allocated to our two subsidiaries in Vietnam - KVision, our investment fund, receiving $336 million, and KBTG, our technology company, receiving $7 million. Currently, KBank operates a representative office in Hanoi, and since 2021, the KBank Ho Chi Minh City branch has been functional with an initial capital of $80 million. In May this year, we increased the branchs capital to $285 million, making it the second-largest foreign bank branch in Vietnam by capital, added Aneaknithi. Meanwhile, a consortium of investment funds under Dragon Capital announced the acquisition of an additional four million shares in Sacombank on November 6. Specifically, CTBC Vietnam Equity Fund purchased three million shares and Vietnam Enterprise Investments acquired an additional one million shares. This transaction elevates Dragon Capitals total holding in Sacombank to 114.08 million shares, corresponding to a 6.05 per cent stake in the banks charter capital. The acquisition aligns with our strategic investment objectives in Vietnams banking sector, reinforcing our confidence in Sacombanks potential for growth, a representative from Dragon Capital said. Elsewhere, SeABank and AEON Financial Service Co., Ltd., last week concluded a landmark deal in Vietnams consumer finance sector with SeABank transferring its entire stake in Posts and Telecommunications Finance for around $176.6 million (see Page 23). In July, SeABank also sold nearly 95 million shares, a 4.63 per cent stake, to the Norwegian Investment Fund. To date, SeABank is one of few lenders in Vietnam that does not have a strategic foreign investor. For months, SHB has reportedly been in the final stages of negotiations to sell a 20 per cent stake to foreign investors. The potential deal, involving investors from South Korea and Japan, values the Vietnamese bank at approximately $2-2.2 billion. Furthermore, SHB in May successfully divested a 50 per cent stake in its subsidiary SHB Finance to Krungsr, another Thai bank. A further transfer of the remaining stake is slated for the next three years, reinforcing SHBs commitment to its long-term partnership strategy. Another lender, LPBank, is also advancing its plan to issue 300 million shares to foreign investors this year, pending regulatory approval. This private issuance is part of LPBanks initiative to strengthen its capital base and expand its investor base. With these strategic share issuances, we are bolstering our financial foundation and fostering lasting partnerships with foreign investors, stated an LPBank representative. State-owned banks are not far behind in leveraging foreign investment opportunities. BIDV has long planned a private issuance of 9 per cent of its shares to foreign investors, but the process has faced challenges. In Mays AGM, BIDV chairman Phan Duc Tu said, Weve engaged with 38 potential investors over the past three years. However, global economic uncertainties, shrinking risk appetite for emerging markets, and tightening monetary policies globally have impeded our efforts. We remain committed to fulfilling this objective in 2023, with some promising investors in sight, though details cannot be disclosed currently. Vietcombank, which is another state-owned bank, is cautiously moving forward with its plan to issue 6.5 per cent of its shares to foreign investors. We are currently in the consultancy phase and aim to execute the issuance in the 2023-2024 timeframe, aligning with our strategic goals and market conditions, said Vietcombank chairman Pham Quang Dung. Huong Trinh, partner at BDA Partners, believes that even though the total deal volume in 2023 might be impacted, the average transaction value based on recent transactions has increased significantly. The healthy deal flow emphasises investor confidence in the markets long-term growth potential. Foreign investors, despite the markets weakening performance in 2023, continue to source and monitor the investment opportunities in Vietnam, she said. There is a long-term view that Vietnam is one of the most attractive markets for investment in Southeast Asia thanks to its favourable demographics, resilience, as well as government efforts in improving the investment environment. Vietnam retaining potential for M&A transactions Ahead of the Global M&A Partners (GMAP) conference this week, co-chairmen Ivan Alver and Frederic de Boer shared their views on the role of the Vietnamese market in GMAPs development strategy with VIRs Bich Ngoc. Phuc Khang Corporation has consistently strived to develop real estate products of value and improve the quality of life for residents, the community, and the environment. Over more than 14 years of operation, the corporation has actively implemented corporate social responsibility (CSR) procedures while conducting the company's core business activities. Speaking at the VIR conference, Le Thi Hong Na, strategic advisor for sustainable development at Phuc Khang Corporation said,"Back in 2009, we started with small activities such as volunteering for the community. We have gradually improved the quantity and quality of our activities to form a more comprehensive CSR strategy for a healthy and happy community." Phuc Khang Corporation has since led many different CSR activities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, the company successfully launched the 'Green Heart Volunteer' campaign, consisting of several meaningful community activities. In addition, Phuc Khang has also made efforts to improve its corporate governance system, establishing strong and trustworthy relationships with partners and the community. According to Na, Phuc Khang Corporation has embarked on a journey towards sustainable development, creating green buildings, green communities and a green future. CSR practices are now shifting to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) and the company's existing CSR activities have laid a solid foundation for its ESG practices. In addition, Phuc Khang has made efforts to improve its corporate governance, establishing strong and trustworthy relationships with partners and the community. Phuc Khang has selected nine priority and eight supplementary goals based on the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals as a strategic framework. In the first half of this year, the corporation implemented specific activities based on each ESG aspect, including the application of the circular economy model to its business activities. Meanwhile, the firm's real estate products have been registered and implemented according to international green building criteria. The corporation also organises 'Green Study' programmes for staff and the community, with courses and seminars on green building and sustainable development, as well as field trips to green projects. Phuc Khang ensures compliance with ESG articles related to salary, bonuses, and health insurance for all employees. The corporation has also secured Gender Equality Assessment Results and Strategies certification. Meanwhile, it runs internal training schemes for life and professional skills development, awarding scholarships in partnership with various foundations and universities. The corporation continues to implement the comprehensive 'e-office' digital transformation project, organise special training courses for management teams, and perfect corporate policies and processes in collaboration with stakeholders. "Successful strategic implementation of ESG will be one of the important foundations for sustainable development, bringing greater value to everyone," Na said. "Building on the foundation of our vibrant CSR strategies, Phuc Khang Corporation continues to upgrade its ESG strategy with our clearly defined goals of creating green buildings, green communities, and a green future," she added. Phuc Khang Corporation focuses on green buildings and sustainable development Developing green buildings aiming for smart living spaces with low emissions is not only limited to policies and efforts from agencies and authorities, but has been replicated as a trend among businesses, entrepreneurs and the wider community. Phuc Khang Corporation pioneers shift to ESG ideals Vietnams pledge in 2021 to achieve net-zero emissions by mid-century has catalysed a significant shift in the corporate landscape. This move, especially vital for the construction and real estate sectors, is transitioning businesses towards sustainable, green development. At the meeting, Cook praised the robust growth of Vietnam's digital economy, highlighting the country's increasing appeal to major global and US tech firms. "Vietnam is rapidly emerging as a powerhouse in the digital economy, backed by a highly skilled engineering and technology workforce. This is evident in Apple's expanding production in Vietnam, including products like Macbooks, iPads, and Apple Watches, which employ thousands of local workers," Cook said. Cook regards Vietnam as a strategic player in Apple's global business plan, but he emphasised the necessity of Vietnam upgrading its technological standards, particularly regarding 5G. "It is essential for Vietnam to actively refine its legal framework, with a particular focus on ensuring security, safety, and user privacy. Additionally, Vietnam, like many other countries, should carefully consider various factors in the application and development of AI," Cook added. Meanwhile, President Thuong commended Apple for its growing presence in Vietnam, highlighting the significant opportunities the company has created for the nation's youth, while also calling on Apple to increase its investment further in Vietnam's rapidly developing urban areas. "We are keen to see Apple's increased involvement in our vibrant regions, leveraging its expertise and innovative capabilities, particularly in the 5G domain, as it is crucial for Vietnams technological advancement," said Thuong. The upgrade to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and the US paves the way for greater investments from companies like Apple, especially in high-tech areas, which are a priority for Vietnam, he added. Qualcomm partners with Vietnam in 5G rollout With Vietnams moves to commercialise 5G this year, more opportunities and expectations are coming. Nam Thieu, country director of Qualcomm Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, discussed the importance of 5G commercialisation with VIRs Bich Thuy. Apple deems Vietnam an important market and production hub Vietnam is increasingly playing an important role in Apple's supply and manufacturing chain, with its key suppliers ramping up operations in the country. . , . , . , . . TAMPA, Fla. (AP) A second person was arrested Thursday in a Tampa, Florida, mass shooting that erupted during Halloween festivities, leaving two dead and 16 injured, police said. A 14-year-old boy was arrested in Palm Beach County and was waiting to be transported back to Tampa, police said in a news release. He faces felony charges of being a minor in possession of a firearm while wearing a mask and carrying a concealed firearm. There is no reasonable explanation for a 14-year-old to be in possession of a firearm, Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw said in a statement. An argument between two groups led to the shooting in the early morning hours of Oct. 29 in Tampa's Ybor City area, police said. Later that day, detectives arrested Tyrell Stephen Phillips, 22, in connection with the shooting. He was charged with second-degree murder with a firearm. The early morning fight occurred in an area with several bars and clubs that was once the center of Tampas cigar industry. In more recent years, the area has been known for its lively nightlife, and Tampa police have said hundreds of people were on the streets at the time of the shootings because numerous nightspots had just closed. Video posted online shows people, many in Halloween costumes, drinking and talking on the street when about a dozen shots ring out, followed seconds later by about eight more. A stampede ensued, with some people toppling over metal tables and taking cover behind them. Video from the aftermath shows police officers treating several people lying wounded on the ground. Authorities have not released the names of the two people who were killed, but family members have identified them as 14-year-old Elijah Wilson and 20-year-old bystander Harrison Boonstoppel. Detectives are still trying to identify additional persons of interest who appear in a video posted to the Tampa police department's YouTube page. Riesel blood drive Riesel High School, 600 E. Fredrick St., will host a blood drive from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 29 on a Carter BloodCare Bus. To schedule an appointment, call Brittany Lessman at 254-896-3171. West historic homes A holiday tour of three historic homes in West will be available from 3 to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The homes, The 1888 Estate, The Oak House and The Village House, are decorated and ready for Christmas. Tickets are $35 per day and available at Shoppe 826, 205 E. Columbus St. in West, or by going to shop826.com and searching for tour. Fruitcake sale Waco Methodist men will start selling Collin Street Bakery fruitcakes and Navarro pecans Friday at the corner of Lake Air and Cobbs drives beginning Friday. The sales trailer will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Proceeds benefit local charities. For more information, call 254-292-8848. Murray Watson Jr. Scholarship The Brazos Education Foundation is accepting applications through Nov. 30 for the Murray Watson Jr. Scholarship, a $5,000 award available to graduating high school seniors, undergraduates and graduate students who are Texas residents and meet the eligibility criteria. Applications are available at https://www.studentloans.com/scholarship. Applicants must be a Texas resident, at least 17 years of age, with a minimum 3.3 GPA, or equivalent, and admitted to or enrolled in college. For more information, email Missy Larson at missy.larson@brazos.us.com. Santa at Richland Mall Santa will be available for photos daily through Christmas Eve in the JCPenney Court in Richland Mall, 6601 W. Waco Drive. Prices start at $40. Photos with pets will be available Mondays through Dec. 18. Real snow will fall at the mall from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, and Santa will lead sing-alongs at 1 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday. For more information or to reserve a spot, go to https://bit.ly/3ubR7LE. Turkey Trot The 2023 Waco Turkey Trot will start at 8 a.m. Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, at the Waco Suspension Bridge, 101 N. University Parks Drive. There will be a 1-mile fun run or walk and a timed 5K run or walk on a certified course, beginning at 8:30 a.m. Entry fee is $40 for the 5K and $35 for the 1-mile event. To register, go to wacoturkeytrot.com. Thanksgiving volunteers Friends for Life is seeking volunteers to prepare about 400 meals on Thanksgiving morning. Volunteers will report to 5000 Lakewood Drive to help cook, package and deliver the meals before 10 a.m. For more information, email WacoCoordinator@Friendsforlife.org or call 254-772-7600, ext. 110. Holiday break camps Waco Parks and Recreation will offer holiday break camps daily from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Wednesday. 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. 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. Thanksgiving meal Mission Waco will hold its annual Thanksgiving lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday at the Meyer Center, 1226 Washington Ave. All are invited to come and enjoy lunch and fellowship. Chapel will run from 11:30 to noon, with lunch served from noon to 1 p.m. and new coat bingo from 1 to 2 p.m. Volunteer needs for the lunch have been met, but Mission Waco is accepting monetary donations and donations of new coats. Salvation Army meal The Salvation Army of McLennan County will hold its Thanksgiving meal from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday at the Community Kitchen, 300 Webster Ave. Volunteer slots for the Thanksgiving lunch are full, but The Salvation Army is accepting monetary donations and seeking volunteers to work as bell ringers for its Red Kettle campaign, to staff its Christmas meal and to staff nightly meals at its Community Kitchen while Baylor University students are on break, especially on nights when the facility is open as a warming center. Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Chinese President Xi Jinping exchanged greetings during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit Thursday as the two sides were reportedly working to arrange a separate bilateral meeting. The two leaders were caught on video as they shook hands and briefly exchanged remarks before the start of the APEC Informal Dialogue at the Moscone Center in San Francisco. "There was an exchange of well-wishing remarks that they were glad to meet again almost a year after their summit on the sidelines of the Group of 20 summit in Bali last November," a senior presidential official told reporters. "(Yoon) said he hopes (Xi) will achieve good results during the APEC summit, and President Xi responded he is certain there will be good results, and that he hopes Korea and China will cooperate toward that end," the official added. Yoon also thanked Xi for his hospitality toward Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo when he visited China for the Hangzhou Asian Games, to which Xi responded he had "great talks" with Han, according to the official. Whether Yoon and Xi will hold a separate bilateral meeting here has been a focus of attention. If realized, it will be their second summit after they met for the first time on the sidelines of the Group of 20 summit in Indonesia last November. "A Korea-China summit is under discussion," the official said. (Yonhap) By Zac Yates Sixty-six years, five months, and twelve days after making the final flight of the type in Royal New Zealand Air Force service, P-51D NZ2423/ZK-BHT made her first post-restoration flight at RNZAF Base Ohakea, landing after a trouble-free 24 minutes. Fittingly this momentous occasion took place on November 11: Remembrance Day. Built as P-51D-25NT s/n 45-11513 (NZ2423) was one of thirty Mustangs delivered of an order of 370 intended to replace the RNZAFs F4U and FG-1D Corsairs, the remainder of the order being canceled due to the sudden end of the WWII. Stored until 1952, the aircraft became part of 2SQN Territorial Air Force New Zealands short-lived equivalent of the Air National Guard and later 42SQN for fighter affiliation, drogue towing, communications, and continuation flying. Having served her entire active life at Ohakea NZ2423 was flown to RNZAF Woodbourne on 30 May 1957 for disposal, initially being purchased for conversion to a speedboat before a carpenter and private pilot named John Smith entered the picture in 1964. A humble and unassuming individual, Smith had quietly dedicated himself to saving several surplus RNZAF aircraft including two Curtiss P-40s, a Lockheed Hudson, and a De Havilland Mosquito among many others which were stored in a specially-designed shed which allowed him to wheel out and ground run the Mosquito. His private collection near Mapua at the top of New Zealands South Island became widely known among aircraft enthusiasts around New Zealand and later worldwide the attention eventually becoming so overwhelming the very private Smith had his telephone disconnected due to receiving countless offers to buy his remarkable collection. Upon John Smiths passing in 2019, the Smith family oversaw the dispersal of the collection to worthy homes (see Omaka Aviation Heritage Center Receives Rare Warbirds for Display ) and Brendon Deere, head of The Biggin Hill Trust which operates Supermarine Spitfire Mk.IX PV270/ZK-SPI, Grumman TBM-3E Bu91110/ZK-TBE, and North American Harvard NZ1037/ZK-ENA became custodians of NZ2423 along with a container load of P-51 parts accumulated by John Smith. After arriving at the trusts facility at RNZAF Base Ohakea in August 2020 Deeres ITL Aviation began a meticulous restoration to flight, with the wing rebuild being done by Odegaard Wings at Kindred, ND and the engine by Vintage V-12s in California. The result is to the highest standard including replica armament, original Hughes Aircraft Company ammunition links, and unlike many P-51D rebuilds the fuselage fuel tank and radio fit in place. Even the original fuel bladders were able to be reused after inspection and servicing. SQNLDR Sean Perrett RNZAF, who has been the pilot of the trusts Spitfire since 2010, made the first flight and is now embarking on a thorough test flight program before a planned debut at the Warbirds Over Wanaka airshow at Easter next year. Stay tuned to Vintage Aviation News for an exclusive interview with owner Brendon Deere in the coming weeks! WATERLOO A Cedar Falls man who shot a guy who punched him outside a downtown Waterloo bar in 2020 has been sent to prison. Will Earnest Young Jr., 32, was sentenced to up to 20 years behind bars on charges of willful injury causing serious injury and intimidation with a weapon on Monday in Black Hawk County District Court. He will have to serve at least five years before he is eligible for parole. Authorities said Young and his brother were outside The Saloon on West Fourth Street around closing time on Nov. 8, 2020, when they were approached by Joseph Ayala. Ayala punched Young and began fighting with his brother, according to testimony at trial. Young pulled out a pistol and fired, hitting Ayala in the thigh and hip. At trial, Young said he acted in self-defense, noting that Ayala was a former mixed martial arts fighter. But prosecutors said Young fired while Ayala was on the ground with his brother standing over him, hitting him. States with the most firearms traced to them by the federal government States with the most firearms traced to them by the federal government #51. Hawaii #50. Vermont #49. Maine #48. Connecticut #47. Massachusetts #46. New Jersey #45. Wyoming #44. New Hampshire #43. New York #42. Rhode Island #41. Washington #40. Idaho #39. Iowa #38. Minnesota #37. Utah #36. South Dakota #35. West Virginia #34. North Dakota #33. Montana #32. Alaska #31. Nebraska #30. Arkansas #29. Pennsylvania #28. Wisconsin #27. Colorado #26. Michigan #25. Oregon #24. Oklahoma #23. California #22. Virginia #21. Kansas #20. Illinois #19. Kentucky #18. Indiana #17. Texas #16. Florida #15. Maryland #14. Mississippi #13. Missouri #12. Arizona #11. Delaware #10. Alabama #9. Ohio #8. Georgia #7. New Mexico #6. South Carolina #5. Nevada #4. North Carolina #3. Tennessee #2. Louisiana #1. Washington DC WATERLOO A Waterloo man has been sentenced to federal prison in connection with a ring that moved pounds of methamphetamine from California to Iowa. Timothy Michael Webber, 46, was sentenced to 15 years and eight months on a charge of possession of meth with intent to distribute during a Nov. 2 hearing in U.S. District Court in Cedar Rapids. The sentence was the lowest under the recommended sentencing guidelines. Following prison, Webber will be on supervised release for five years. Authorities said Webber was involved in a meth operation run by David Poitier Blood Belton and Derek Michael D Mo Mims between 2017 and 2022. Belton, Mims and others obtained ice meth from Jesus Papa Vera in the Los Angeles area and recruited drivers to move 30 to 60 pounds at a time, according to court records. Drivers usually made $2,000 a trip plus expenses. Once the meth arrived in Cedar Rapids, Mims and Belton broke it down into smaller quantities and passed it on to retail dealers like Webber in Waterloo and Cedar Rapids. Prosecutors estimated the ring moved 399 pounds of meth in total. One shipment hidden in a Volkswagen Passat on a commercial car carrier was intercepted by investigators in New Mexico in October 2020. Another shipment was found following a chase and crash near Fort Dodge, Iowa, in January 2021. A shipment of 60 pounds in a rental truck was seized by Nebraska law enforcement in February 2022. And a courier with 2 kilograms of meth in vacuum-sealed bags hidden in a roller suitcase was detained at Los Angeles International Airport that same month. The Cedar Rapids Drug Enforcement Agency began investigating Beltons operation in 2021 and intercepted communications involving Webber using a wiretap, records state. On April 26, 2022, investigators with the Tri-County Drug Task Force searched Webbers Waterloo home and found 380.35 grams of approximately 92% pure methamphetamine and $25,550 in cash proceeds from prior meth sales, court records state. Webber attempted to run from officers but was detained a short time later. Belton was sentenced to 33 years in prison; and Mims was sentenced to 30 years in prison. Eight others were charged in the investigation. Their cases have already gone through the legal system and theyve been sentenced. The people and their prison terms include: Kiyonte Levell Sowell, 12 years. Albert Henry Bailey, seven years. Jesus Vera, 12 years. Calub Joseph Storlie, 16 years. Christopher Eric Curley, 14 years. Phillip Lanell Rogers, 11 years. Anton Tarrice Whitney Jr., 18 years Elmer Mims, 19 years. The case was investigated as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force program of the United States Department of Justice through a cooperative effort of the DEA Task Force in Cedar Rapids and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dan Chatham. WATERLOO Students from nine northeast Iowa schools were challenged with raising funds, volunteering and collecting food for the food insecure in the area. In total, students from Cedar Falls, Hudson, Waterloo East, Waterloo West, Dike-New Hartford, Aplington-Parkersburg, Union, North Tama and Valley Lutheran high schools raised over $23,000, volunteered 561 hours, gathered 2,304 pounds of food and donated food product that equates to 154,000 meals. In the small division, Valley Lutheran placed first and North Tama placed second. In the medium division, Hudson won, Union placed second, Dike-New Hartford placed third and Aplington-Parkersburg placed fourth. In the large division, Cedar Falls placed first, Waterloo West placed second and Waterloo East placed third. DES MOINES Three of Iowas Republican U.S. representatives called on U.S. Rep. George Santos to resign on Thursday after a House Ethics Committee investigation found evidence of a string of alleged financial crimes tied to his 2022 campaign. Reps. Ashley Hinson, Zach Nunn and Mariannette Miller-Meeks called for Santos to resign from Congress, signaling that they would vote to expel him if he does not resign. The three representatives, along with Republican Rep. Randy Feenstra, all voted against a previous measure to expel Santos from Congress. The House Ethics Committees report accuses Santos of a litany of campaign finance crimes. The report says Santos stole from his campaign, deceived donors into paying him personally when they thought they were giving financial contributions and reported fictitious loans to his campaign that he then used campaign funds to pay back. The ISCs investigation revealed a complex web of unlawful activity involving Representative Santos campaign, personal, and business finances, the report says. Representative Santos sought to fraudulently exploit every aspect of his House candidacy for his own personal financial profit. The committee referred its findings to the U.S. Department of Justice. Shortly after being elected to his first term to a New York swing district in 2022, a broad array of claims Santos made about his past employment, education and family history were found to be largely fabricated. He also faces a 23-count federal indictment for election crimes, identity theft and wire fraud related to his campaign. Iowa representatives condemn Santos, call for resignation Hinson, who represents Iowas 2nd Congressional District, said in a post on X the ethics report on Santos is thorough & damning. His conduct was illegal & unacceptable & Americans deserve better from their representatives, she said. He should resign today. If he refuses, I will vote to remove him from Congress. Nunn, who represents Iowas 3rd Congressional District, said Santos has not lived up to the standard of an elected representative. The American people deserve honesty and transparency from their elected representatives, he said. George Santos has clearly not lived up to those ideals. This Ethics Committee investigation proves he is unfit to serve and should resign from office. If he does not, I will vote to remove him. Miller-Meeks, who represents Iowas 1st Congressional District, joined the calls for Santos to resign. Now that the House Ethics Committee has found substantial evidence of criminal activity and referred (Santos) to the DOJ, I strongly urge his resignation or face expulsion, she said on X. Feenstra, who represents Iowas 4th Congressional District, did not make a public statement, and a spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment. Santos said on Thursday he would not seek reelection in 2024, but did not say he would resign from Congress. He denied the contents of the ethics report, calling it biased and a disgusting political smear. House Ethics Committee Chair Michael Guest, a Republican from Mississippi, will move to expel Santos this week, according to CNN. Photos: Rep. George Santos, R-NY Russian Defence Ministry report on the progress of the special military operation (16 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 three attacks of the AFU 32nd and 67th mechanised brigades near Sinkovka and Zagoruykovka (Kharkov region). The enemy losses amounted to up to 110 Ukrainian troops, one tank, two infantry fighting vehicles, and one U.S.-made M777 artillery system. In Krasny Liman direction, the Tsentr Group of Forces units, as well as strikes of helicopters and artillery, repelled one attack of an assault detachment of the AFU 12th Azov Special Forces Brigade close to Chervonaya Dibrova (Lugansk Peoples Republic). In addition, strikes were delivered at clusters of enemy manpower and hardware near Torskoye (Donetsk Peoples Republic) and Serebryansky forestry. The enemy losses were up to 175 Ukrainian troops killed and wounded, two pick-up trucks, and two U.S.-made M777 artillery system. In Donetsk direction, units of the Yug Group of Forces supported by aviation and artillery repelled 14 attacks, and inflicted fire damage on AFU manpower and hardware close to Kleshcheyevka, Artyomovo, Georgiyevka, and Novomikhailovka (Donetsk Peoples Republic). In total, the enemy lost up to 240 troops killed and wounded, one tank, and three motor vehicles in this direction during the day. In course of counterbattery warfare, one U.S.-made M109 Paladin self-propelled artillery gun, two Polish-made Krab self-propelled artillery systems, three U.S.-made M777 artillery systems, as well as one MT-12 Rapira anti-tank gun were neutralised. In South Donetsk direction, units of the Vostok Group of Forces, helicopters, and artillery inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of the AFU 79th Air Assault Brigade and 128th Territorial Defence Brigade near Ugledar and Konstantinovka (Donetsk Peoples Republic). The enemy losses were up to 70 servicemen, two armoured fighting vehicles, and two pick-up trucks. In course of the counter-battery warfare, one Polish-made Krab self-propelled artillery system and one UK-made FH70 howitzer were destroyed. In Zaporozhye direction, units of the Russian Group of Forces, aviation and artillery inflicted fire damage on manpower and hardware of the 33rd, 116th, and 118th mechanised brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine close to Rabotino, Uspenovka, and Malaya Tokmachka (Zaporozhye region). The enemys losses in this area amounted to up to 100 troops, two tanks, two armoured fighting vehicles, as well as one Giatsint-B gun. In Kherson direction, up to 70 Ukrainian servicemen and two motor vehicles were neutralised as a result of fire defeat during the day. Also, one U.S.-made M109 Paladin self-propelled artillery system, one U.S.-made M777 artillery system, and Msta-B howitzer were hit during counter-battery warfare. Operational-Tactical and Army Aviation, unmanned aerial vehicles, Missile Troops and Artillery of the Russian Groups of Forces eliminated one command post of the AFU 128th Mountain Assault Brigade near Dmitrovo(Zaporozhye region), as well as manpower and military hardware in 132 areas. Fighter jets of the Russian Aerospace Forces shot down one MiG-29 aircraft of the Ukrainian Air Force close Krasnoarmeysk (Donetsk Peoples Republic). Air defence systems have shot down two HIMARS MLRS projectiles and one U.S.-made JDAM aerial guided bomb. In addition, 26 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles were shot down close to Kremennaya (Lugansk Peoples Republic), Novoandreyevka, Lipovoye (Donetsk Peoples Republic), Mirnoye, Romanovskoye, and Pavlovka (Zaporozhye region). In total, 536 airplanes and 254 helicopters, 8,960 unmanned aerial vehicles, 441 air defence missile systems, 13,426 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,184 combat vehicles equipped with MLRS, 7,121 field artillery guns and mortars, as well as 15,312 units of special military equipment have been destroyed during the special military operation. Tags: WtR We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form South Korea and the United States have agreed to strengthen cooperation in the fields of disaster and climate change response during their safety-related ministerial talks in Washington, D.C., the interior ministry here said Friday. The agreement was reached between Interior and Safety Minister Lee Sang-min and U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas on Thursday, the ministry said. This is the first time that South Korea's interior minister has met with the U.S. homeland security secretary since the ministry was launched in 2017. Lee said the Seoul-Washington alliance has become closer through the strong leadership and active efforts of President Yoon Suk Yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden, and the South Korean government will continue to deepen such cooperation in the field of disaster preparedness and response. Lee and Mayorkas introduced each country's climate change response measures and agreed on the need to proactively identify new risk factors and concentrate national capabilities on coping with them, the ministry said. Notably, Lee explained Seoul's comprehensive national security system reform plan and nuclear civil defense system, which has been newly devised in response to North Korea's nuclear threat, emphasizing the possibility of bilateral cooperation with the U.S. department in those fields. (Yonhap) FILE - In this Sept. 26, 2018 photo the German and the Turkish flag flutter in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is expected in Berlin on a short visit to Germany as the two countries stances on the war between Israel and Hamas are poles apart. (Wolfgang Kumm/dpa via AP, File) 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. Families and friends of about 240 hostages held by Hamas in Gaza call for their return as they participate in a five-day "March for the Hostages" from Tel Aviv to the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem, near the village of Beit Hashmonai, Israel, Thursday, Nov. 16, 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) John F. Kennedy remains by far the most popular modern president, with an impressive 90 percent public approval rating, compared with the next two, Ronald Reagan at 69 percent and Barack Obama at 63 percent. To be sure, his charisma, courage and early death (at age 46) largely drive that affection. Kennedy, after all, brought good looks and an easy aristocratic charm to the White House, exuding the panache of a Hollywood star in service of his political ambition. His chic Francophile wife, Jacqueline, reinvented the role of first lady, enhancing his appeal to women. The impossibly photogenic war hero president launched our epic journey to the moon and literally staved off a nuclear holocaust when he resolved the Cuban missile crisis. AARP Membership Join AARP for $12 for your first year when you sign up for Automatic Renewal. Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP The Magazine. Join Now People still love JFK for the memory of the loss of all that, a leader cut down in his prime, Camelot destroyed, images of his murder and the aftermath Jackies dignity in her blood-spattered pink suit, a funeral like no other in modern times forever seared in our minds. And, yes, the memory of JFK injects a dose of nostalgia for a time when the president stood slightly above the fray of daily life and was not another familiar face immersed in the 24/7 internet news cycle and its addictive spectacle of politics and polycrisis. Time does make the heart grow fonder. But in the fullness of time, charm without compassion will not endure as long as charisma with principle. Kennedy deployed his eloquence for positive purposes. I posit that there are two broader reasons why people the world over still revere Kennedy, both of which crystallized on consecutive summer days in Washington 60 years ago, namely peace and justice. President John F. Kennedy speaks at the American University commencement on June 10, 1963. In this speech, known as the Pax Americana speech, Kennedy outlined his vision for world peace. Arnie Sachs / MediaPunch/MediaPunch/IPx What kind of peace do I mean? Kennedy asked on June 10, 1963, in a commencement address to the graduating students of American University. What kind of peace do we seek? Not a Pax Americana enforced on the world by American weapons of war. Mere words, of course, but JFK (with help from speechwriter Ted Sorensen) voiced an aspiration that has never been more urgent. Not the peace of the grave or the security of the slave, Kennedy went on. I am talking about genuine peace, the kind of peace that makes life on Earth worth living, the kind that enables men and nations to grow and to hope and to build a better life for their children not merely peace for Americans but peace for all men and women not merely peace in our time but peace for all time. If its been a while since youve taken a ski vacation in the United States, steady yourself for sticker shock especially if youre eyeing a trip to one of the big-name North American resorts. At popular spots in Utah and Colorado, including Park City Mountain Resort and Vail, walk-up, day-of lift tickets could run you $299 per day and thats before you tack on extras like gear rental, lessons and on-mountain snacks. A 2023 story by Ski Magazine crunched the numbers regarding what a family of four could expect to spend for a single unplanned day on the hill (including lift tickets, gear rental, parking, lunch on the mountain and the cost of gas for driving in from the nearest airport). The total came to more than $1,000 per day at popular mountain resorts in California, Colorado and Vermont and thats without accommodation costs factored in. AARP Membership Join AARP for $12 for your first year when you sign up for Automatic Renewal. Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP The Magazine. Join Now The good news is there are smaller mountain towns loaded with charm and close to lesser-known ski resorts where you can nab lift tickets for less than $100 a day, inexpensive hotel rooms can be found and an all-around more affordable ski vacation is still possible. Follow our lead to five lesser-known mountain towns close to great skiing where you wont have to sacrifice terrain, but youll find plenty of the white stuff to save on the green. Blacktail Mountain Ski Area is south of Kalispell, Montana. Journal of Lost Time / Francis Spontelli Kalispell, Montana Less than 35 miles south of Glacier National Park, the charming Old West mountain town of Kalispell in northwest Montana is ideally positioned for days spent skiing on two nearby mountains: Whitefish Mountain Resort to the north and Blacktail Mountain Ski Area to the south. Lift tickets cost around $97 per day ($83 for ages 6569; $35 for 70-plus) at Whitefish and $80 at Blacktail ($45 for 70-plus). Right along Main Street in the heart of Kalispells compact and walkable downtown, check into the 1912 Kalispell Grand. It offers free continental breakfast, free parking, and an afternoon cookie and popcorn break. Rooms start at $104 per night. The Best Western Plus Flathead Lake Inn and Suites has a free full breakfast, an indoor pool and rooms from around $130 per night. Leaders of the 14 member states of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) agreed Thursday to launch a dialogue channel tasked with building stable supply chains in critical minerals, Korea's presidential office said. The second IPEF summit was held in San Francisco on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, with the participation of leaders from the member nations, including Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, U.S. President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. The meeting was held to review progress in negotiations since the framework's launch in May last year and to discuss plans for future cooperation. The presidential office said the leaders "highly assessed" that agreement was reached on three of the four pillars of the framework supply chain resilience, clean energy and fair economy in a short period of time, with only the trade pillar remaining. "They also agreed to form a 'critical minerals dialogue' for the establishment of stable critical mineral supply chains and an 'IPEF Network' for the vitalization of people-to-people exchanges among the member countries," it said in a press release. "Moreover, they agreed to increase cooperation on energy security and technology, and provided the foundation for IPEF to produce continued results by agreeing to hold a summit every other year and a ministerial meeting every year," it added. The presidential office said it expects the summit and agreements to greatly enhance supply chain resilience within the Indo-Pacific region. It also said the agreement to promote $155 billion worth of new investments in the clean energy sector by 2030 will open large business opportunities for Korean companies, while the agreement to prevent illegal activities during government procurement will improve the stability and transparency of the business environment within the region and encourage more Korean firms to go overseas. IPEF, which was launched by Biden in 2022, is widely regarded as a U.S. initiative to counter China's growing influence in the region. The participating nations are Korea, the United States, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia, India and Fiji, which together account for 40 percent of the global gross domestic product and 28 percent of global goods and services trade. (Yonhap) Netflix TV The adult animated series that reimagined Elvis Presley as a secret spy has been abandoned by Netflix after launching its premiere season earlier this year. Nov 17, 2023 AceShowbiz - Netflix has scrapped "Agent Elvis" after one season. The streaming platform has got rid of a number of popular shows, including the animated series which reimagined Elvis Presley as a secret spy voiced by Matthew McConaughey, which Priscilla Presley starred as herself. Netflix has scrapped "Agent Elvis" along with other animated series "Captain Fall" and "Farzar" after seven months of writers and actors strikes in Hollywood. Also on the chopping block were "Glamorous" and fantasy epic "Shadow and Bone", with the latter having aired for two seasons with a spin-off in the works. Meanwhile, Priscilla - who was married to the King of Rock and Roll from 1967 to 1973 - previously said Elvis would have loved voicing a federal agent in the show. She told the Hollywood Reporter, "[It would have been] a dream come true for Elvis because this is really what he wanted to do. He wanted to be a federal agent, and for me, I've always wanted to give Elvis what he wanted and never really quite made it." Netflix had described the show as "offbeat," "violent," and "raunchy." The synopsis teased, "In the series, Elvis Presley trades in his white jumpsuit for a jet pack when he is covertly inducted into a secret government spy program to help battle the dark forces that threaten the country he loves -- all while holding down his day job as the King Of Rock And Roll." Priscilla - who co-created the show with John Eddie - tweeted when the first trailer dropped, "So excited for Agent Elvis to come out on March 17th on @netflix and so proud to be a part of this amazing cast!" As well as Priscilla and Matthew, the show also featured the voices of Don Cheadle, Kaitlin Olson, Johnny Knoxville, Niecy Nash, and Tom Kenny. You can share this post! Instagram Celebrity The co-host of the syndicated morning talk show learns to get to 'know' and 'understand' herself better after attending therapy sessions following her 40th birthday. Nov 17, 2023 AceShowbiz - Kelly Ripa began attending therapy sessions after she turned 40. The 53-year-old TV star has said that she turned to a therapist after she previously shied away from the idea. "I went into therapy when I turned 40. I bumped into a girlfriend of mine at a Bar Mitzvah and she said, 'How are you?' and I started sobbing, and I wasn't entirely sure why. She said, 'I'm going to write down the name of my therapist,' " Kelly - who has been married to actor Mark Consuelos since 1996 - said on the "Let's Talk Off Camera" podcast. Kelly has actually developed a better understanding of herself through her therapy sessions. She said, "I really got to know myself. I really got to understand why I had such trouble embracing success of any kind." Meanwhile, Kelly previously claimed that Mark was "insanely jealous" during the early years of their romance. The talk-show host admitted that she initially struggled to cope with Mark's jealously. Kelly said on the "Let's Talk Off Camera" podcast, "My biggest complaint about you over the course of our marriage, and this is not recent because it definitely changed ... but you used to be insanely jealous and that was a hard pill to swallow ... It's very hard being married to somebody who is jealous." Kelly recalled one particular incident that took place shortly after they tied the knot. During a conversation with Mark, she shared, "It was our first week of marriage, because we didn't take our honeymoon until later. You were working and I went to visit you in Boston." "We went to this Italian restaurant and the waiter was like a very cute old man, he's definitely in his 70s, if not 80s. He leaned down and he said, 'And for the principessa?' I thought it was so cute that this little old man called me a princess, and I looked at him and I gave him my order in a very smiley way. And he walked away and you picked a horrible fight." You can share this post! Instagram Celebrity In the video, which made its way out on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, the 21-year-old Memphis emcee could be seen practicing a prayer in a mosque with an unnamed man. Nov 17, 2023 AceShowbiz - NLE Choppa has made a huge change in his life. The rapper has now apparently converted his religion to Islam as he was spotted offering a prayer in a video that surfaced online earlier this week. In the clip, which made its way out on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, the 21-year-old could be seen practicing a prayer in a mosque with an unnamed man. The emcee, however, has yet to confirm whether he indeed convert to become a Muslim. The video emerged nearly a month after his mom, Angela Potts, expressed concern regarding his whereabouts. "Y'all help me pray over my child," she wrote back in October. "He plans on moving back to Cottonwood where we worked hard to get out of just for a mixtape SMH! I ain't talked to this boy in hours and he usually doesn't do this. One thing I know about my son is that he doesn't go ghost for any reason." Angela went on to note, "Whatever your working on I pray GOD is guiding you." She then implored her followers, "If y'all hear from his PLEASE CONTACT ME ASAP ! To the fans he wants to please thanks a lot." NLE Choppa was quick to address his disappearance though. "I appreciate ya'll concern but the missing narrative isn't cool, especially knowing that people really do go missing everyday," he penned. "I took a little time to myself to get back to my roots, but trust I'm all good. Apologies to anyone that was worried," the rapper further stated. "We don't run from battles we take em chin up. IM BACK [purple heart emoji]." You can share this post! AP Celebrity Author and Royals reporter Omid Scobie claims that the Duchess of Sussex has 'moved on' from the royal family after stepping down as senior royal member in 2020. Nov 17, 2023 AceShowbiz - Meghan Markle is putting her life as a British royal family behind. According to author and Royals reporter Omid Scobie, the Duchess of Sussex has "moved on" from the royal family after stepping down as senior royal member alongside husband Prince Harry in 2020. Omid, whose new book "Endgame" will be released on November 28, told PEOPLE, "Quite early on in the [book-writing] process, some of those Meghan sources that I really leant on in the earlier years this time were like, 'You know what? She doesn't want anything to do with it.' " However, Omid noted that things are different with Harry. "He still has unfinished business when it comes to his battles with the press," the royal expert explained. "His challenge will be to find something that balances that out so we can see him working in a space that isn't connected to the ties that bind from the past." Despite that, the Sussexes are not completely shutting out themselves from the royal family. They reportedly called King Charles to wish him a happy birthday on Tuesday, November 14. That was allegedly the first time Harry spoke to his father after months amid their rift due to his explosive memoir "Spare". "With Harry, there's a reluctant acceptance that this is just who his father is. He would rather have that in his life than to cut it off completely. Hence, when they talk it is often [Harry] reaching out," Omid said. "And i was surprised to learn that even Meghan has some sort of correspondence with Charles, sending over photos of the children, although they're not directly to him. So there is a willingness there." While Omid appeared to see the birthday call as a positive move, a palace insider slammed Harry and Meghan for allegedly leaking the phone call to the press. Calling the couple "total hypocrites," the source told Page Six, "Harry and Meghan fight for privacy when it suits them, and yet the minute Harry gets on the phone to the King, it's in a newspaper." However, a Sussex source insisted that the couple wasn't involved in the leak in any way. The source added that the birthday call shouldn't be too surprising, saying, "Of course Harry wants to have a better relationship with Charles. He is his father after all." During the phone call, Meghan allegedly jumped on the call. It was also said that their two kids Archie and Lilibet sent a sweet video message of them singing "Happy Birthday" to their grandfather. You can share this post! Cover Images/Vince Flores Celebrity Revealing his suicidal thought, the 'Last Sharknado: It's About Time' star is glad that he did not die after taking some sleeping pills while he was at his 'wit's end.' Nov 17, 2023 AceShowbiz - Dean McDermott took pills in the hope that he "would not wake up" after he split from Tori Spelling. The 57-year-old actor took to Instagram in June to announce the end of his 18-year marriage, and Dean has now revealed that he took sleeping pills as a cry for help. Dean told DailyMail.com, "I was literally at my wit's end. That night, I was drinking and I was into my pills. After I sent the post, I took some more pills, and I took six or seven Ambien in the hopes that I would not wake up. Thank God I did. Thank God I did. Because I would've ruined so many lives if I had died." Dean believes that he's inherited some bad habits from his dad. He explained, "My dad was an alcoholic and he had anger and rage issues. And that came from his parents. His dad was an alcoholic and a rager. There's a pattern here and there's a progression to generation to generation." Meanwhile, Dean recently revealed that he's determined to correct his past mistakes. The actor, who married Tori in 2006, admitted that his struggles with alcohol and drugs destroyed their relationship. Dean, who has Liam, 16, Stella, 15, Hattie, 12, Finn, 11, and six-year-old Beau with the actress, told DailyMail.com, "All Tori's ever done to this day is want me to be happy and healthy and I inflicted a lot of damage and pain on that woman." "I'm taking accountability for that today. And it's the biggest amend that I'm ever going to have to make...," he vowed. "It's going to be living the rest of my life making amends because I took something that was really beautiful and I just tore it down year after year, day after day." You can share this post! Instagram Celebrity The new report arrives after Kourtney made use of her Instagram account to post an NSFW birthday tribute to the Blink-182 drummer, who recently celebrated his 48th birthday. Nov 17, 2023 AceShowbiz - Details about Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker's baby boy have found their way out online. Through a birth certificate, the newborn's name and birth date have finally been revealed. Through the docs, which were obtained by The Blast, it was unveiled that "The Kardashians" star and the Blink-182 drummer have named their first child together Rocky Thirteen Barker. The birth certificate also revealed that the couple welcomed their baby on Wednesday, November 1 at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. The new report arrived after Kourtney posted an NSFW birthday tribute to Travis. In the November 14 post, the Poosh founder shared a series of topless photos of her to shower her rocker husband, who cupped her bare chests, with love. "To my husband, my soulmate, my best friend, my lover, my daddy to our baby boy, my everything I wish you the happiest birthday," Kourtney raved about Travis, who recently turned 48. "You make all of my dreams come true and I feel so blessed to have you by my side. I love you beyond words, forever." The couple was pictured leaving Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles on Tuesday, November 7. In a picture circulating online, Travis could be seen at the wheel of his black Range Rover. Kourtney, meanwhile, was sitting in the back seat. It's unclear if their newborn son Rocky was with them. Despite the sighting, Kourtney and Travis, however, have yet to publicly announce the arrival of their baby. A source previously shared that the mom of four "is over the moon about her son's arrival. Her pregnancy took a stressful turn towards the end." The insider went on to say that "She is happy to just be able to snuggle her baby boy now. She feels so blessed." Travis also proved himself to be an "amazing" support system for Kourtney by bringing her "favorite, healthy food to the hospital." The source added, "He makes sure she has everything that she needs. He is obsessed with their baby boy." You can share this post! Cover Images/Dara Kushner Celebrity The hip-hop mogul is reportedly the subject of a secret, NYPD investigation possibly involving sexual assault as Azealia Banks claims Cassie once got beaten up so bad that Diddy sent her on a three-week vacation. Nov 17, 2023 AceShowbiz - Sean "P. Diddy" Combs continues to find himself in the hot seat. After being slapped with a rape lawsuit by his ex Cassie, the rapper is reportedly under criminal investigation by the New York City Police Department. According to TMZ, the hip-hop mogul is the subject of a secret investigation possibly involving sexual assault. Law enforcement sources tell the site there is an open case at NYPD with the name "Sean Combs" but the file has been "locked," meaning it's a sensitive case where access is restricted. The report comes on the heels of Cassie's civil lawsuit against Diddy, in which she accused her ex-boyfriend of "rape, and of repeated physical abuse over about a decade." Cassie alleged that Diddy kept providing her with drugs until she couldn't refuse them. When asked about the lawsuit, the NYPD said in a statement to TMZ, "The NYPD takes sexual assault and rape cases extremely seriously, and urges anyone who has been a victim to file a police report so we can perform a comprehensive investigation, and offer support and services to survivors." Diddy has denied the allegations by Cassie, calling it an attempt to seek "a payday." His attorney Ben Brafman said in a statement, "Mr. Combs vehemently denies these offensive and outrageous allegations." Accusing Cassie of "blackmail," the lawyer added, "Despite withdrawing her initial threat, Ms. Ventura has now resorted to filing a lawsuit riddled with baseless and outrageous lies." He went on claiming that the lawsuit aims "to tarnish Mr. Combs' reputation and seeking a pay day." Meanwhile, Azealia Banks has supported Cassie's claims. Via her Instagram Story, she claimed that Diddy once beat up the "Official Girl" songstress so bad that he had to send her away on a three-week vacation. "This is true. One time Diddy beat her up so bad he sent her on a 3week 'vacation' to Hawaii just so no one would see or question how her face got like that," the raptress wrote on late Thursday, November 17. She went on blasting the Bad Boy Records founder, "Another violent hiphop homosexual. This is what mental illness looks like for all of you armchair psycologists." You can share this post! Cover Images/INFphoto.com Celebrity Breaking his social media silence after he's accused of having intercourse with his former 'Fresh Prince of Bel-Air' co-star, the Oscar winner shares a video of a girl having 'an epic meltdown.' Nov 17, 2023 AceShowbiz - Will Smith has gotten candid about his feelings after he's caught in a bizarre rumor. The actor has shared a clip to express his "mood" these days after he's accused of having had sex with fellow actor Duane Martin years ago. On Thursday, November 16, the Oscar winner broke his social media silence following the allegation by making his first post on Instagram in five days. Seemingly to reflect his feelings, he reposted the video that featured a young girl sobbing in a car as she refused to be an adult. The description over the video read, "Her epic meltdown about not wanting to ever be an adult." In the caption of his post, Will simply wrote, "#mood." Will limited the comments on the post, but some followers still got to leave their messages. One of them wrote, "It's all good Will, we got you we love you man!" Also sending support to the "Emancipation" actor, another said, "Hang in there Will. We love you. The sun will shine on you again." Will previously issued a denial to Brother Bilaal's claim that he had sex with Duane via his representative. The rep said in a statement to TMZ on Tuesday, "This story is completely fabricated and the claim is unequivocally false." Meanwhile, Will's wife Jada Pinkett Smith has threatened to take legal action against Brother. "And this is a person that tried a shakedown, a money shakedown, that didn't work. We're gonna take legal action," the "Worthy" author said on "The Breakfast Club". "It's one thing to have your opinion on somebody versus making up salacious, malicious stories," the mom of two continued. "That's actionable... So we're gonna roll with that." Met by TMZ on Wednesday, Jada insisted that she "never" saw Will with "no man." She also agreed to the notion that the allegation is fake, saying, "Absolutely." You can share this post! Korea and the United States discussed ways to expand bilateral cooperation in the energy and supply chain sectors this week, the industry ministry said Friday. Industry Minister Bang Moon-kyu and Jose Fernandez, U.S. under secretary of state, hosted the clean energy business roundtable on the margins of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in San Francisco, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. "The Carbon-Free Energy Initiative of Korea and the U.S. Clean Energy Demand Initiative share a common vision of expanding clean electricity through the use of carbon-free energy," Bang said during the roundtable, expressing hope over deeper bilateral ties. Bang held separate talks with John Kerry, the U.S. special envoy for climate, to discuss strategies for leveraging various carbon-free energy sources, including nuclear and renewable power, the ministry added. During the visit, the industry minister also met with China's Commerce Minister Wang Wentao to share ideas on stabilizing the supply chain between the two countries. China is the biggest export destination for Korea. Bang vowed to bolster cooperation with Japan in the semiconductor industry during a meeting with his Japanese counterpart, Yasutoshi Nishimura, the ministry added. (Yonhap) Instagram Celebrity In a message posted on her Instagram Stories, the adult content creator urges her fans to follow her on Snapchat where she would be 'documenting' her journey of going under the knife. Nov 17, 2023 AceShowbiz - Sami Sheen isn't listening to her mother. The daughter of Charlie Sheen and his ex Denise Richards has gone under the knife to get a boob job despite her mom's warning against it, one year after she joined OnlyFans. On Wednesday, November 15, the 19-year-old took to her Instagram Story to share a picture of her apparently getting ready for the procedure. In the image, she dressed in a surgical gown and got her hair wrapped in a hairnet. Seemingly going makeup free, she wore a pair of large eyeglasses and Ugg slippers while pouting her lips and taking her selfies in the mirror. "Guess who got a new rack todayyyy," so she captioned the snap. She wrote over a similar photo shared via TikTok, "all dressed & ready for my new rack!!!" Sami Sheen got ready to go under the knife. Sami also posted another selfie of her in the same getup and held up a peace sign while showing an IV in her hand. "This s**t felt like I drank a whole bottle of white wine it was heavenly," she joked in the caption of the Snapchat update. Sami further encouraged her fans to follow her on Snapchat, where she's "documenting my boob job & everything along w it." She added in another Story posted on Thursday, "Posting every update on snap!!!" The new Snapchat post saw the teen giving a peek at her new boobs following the surgery. In the shot, she lifted up her T-shirt to show her lower boobs and the marker lines around her new rack. The OnlyFans star later got candid about her attempts to mellow out and sleep. "This is so uncomfy holy hell feels like the implants r in my armpits," she captioned a selfie of herself in bed. "& the neck and back pain is horrible from sleeping up straight." In another post, she shared a video of her sitting up and stretching by moving her head to each side and reaching out her arms. "I also have to do this stretch every hour that i'm awake it is not fun heart on face idk how to explain it but it just feels like the implants r gonna rip off of me," she explained. Sami first expressed her wish to get breast augmentation in 2022. In a recent interview with Bustle, Denise revealed that she advised her daughter against it. "I was made fun of as a teenager (because my boobs) were mosquito bites. I got them done at the same age Sami is wanting to get them done," she shared her own experience. Referring to how she is planning to get her implants removed, Denise added, "I'm trying to talk her out of it because, and the reason why I'm getting them out, is I didn't know how toxic (they are) when I was 19. And it's not an easy surgery. It's painful!" However, Sami was still intent on getting the procedure so she can have D-cup breasts. "I was 10 years old and like, 'I can't wait to have big boobs like my mom.' All my friends were getting boobs, and I was just like, 'OK, when's it my turn?' I would always stuff my bra with socks and stuff," she said. You can share this post! The AGM of Association of Indian Magazines (AIM) for the year 2022-23 was held today. Mr. Anant Nath, Executive Publisher, Delhi Press, has been elected as the new President. The other office bearers elected are: Mr. Manoj Sharma, CEO- Publishing, India Today Group, as the Vice President, Mr. Dhaval Gupta, Managing Director, CyberMedia, as the General Secretary, and Mr. Annurag Batra, Founder, Exchange4Media Group, as the Treasurer. Mr. B Srinivasan, MD of Ananda Vikatan is the outgoing President, who has lead the organisation for the last three years. The AGM has also elected the following to the Governing Body: B Srinivasan (Vikatan Group); R Rajmohan (Malayala Manorama); Pradeep Gupta (CyberMedia); Paresh Nath (Delhi Press); Mahesh Peri (Pathfinder Publishing); Riyad Mathew (Malayala Manorama), Girish Mallya (Next Gen Publishing); Maneck Davar (Spenta Multimedia); Deepak Lamba (Worldwide Media); Manan Kotak (Chitralekha); and Indranil Roy (Outlook Publishing); Members appreciated the enormous efforts taken up by the Association over the last three years to improve the distribution system for magazines. Foremost amongst them was the rolling out of Magazine Post, an express delivery service introduced by India Post to exclusively serve the needs for magazine publishers for fast and accurate delivery. Other efforts like magazine distribution agency accreditation system, as well as partnerships with e-commerce platforms like Amazon and Blinkit have also been very successful. It was agreed by the publishers body that the No. 1 focus for the industry should remain on strengthening the distribution system for magazines, with an emphasis on subscriptions marketing through innovative channels and new partnerships with e-commerce players. The following key decisions were taken at the AGM: buzzworks, India and Innovation Group, UAE, a recognized name in the staffing and recruitment industry, have announced the appointment of Satish Rajan as Chief Marketing Officer. This strategic leadership addition is poised to catalyze the company's continued growth and expand its influence within India's dynamic human resources sector and expand its global footprint. With a distinguished career spanning over two decades, Satish Rajan brings a wealth of experience to his role, acquired through his tenure in esteemed organizations prior to joining Buzzworks. He has served as the Vice President of Marketing at Teamlease and held significant positions in companies such as Aryaka Networks, Columbus A/S, Kronos, SAP, and Magnasoft. Satish's diverse background and deep industry knowledge position him as a strategic asset for driving growth and success in his new role. In his current capacity as Group Chief Marketing Officer, Satish will spearhead national and global marketing strategies, injecting fresh potential and innovation into the brand's endeavours. He will own the business impact of marketing by strengthening the B2B (business), B2C (customers), and B2E (employees) brand image. He will also direct buzzworks towards the broader amplification and demand generation effort by harnessing the ideal mix of online and offline levers. Additionally, Satish aims to set up the optimal marketing engine with the right-fit people, processes, and tools for strategic depth, operational efficiency, and speed of execution. Commenting on this significant appointment, V C Karthic, Founder, buzzworks India stated, "Celebrating growth and innovation has always been at the heart of buzzworks. With the addition of Satish Rajan to our team, we are taking another momentous stride towards advancing human capital. Satish's extensive experience and strategic vision align seamlessly with our mission to redefine excellence in HR services. We're thrilled to welcome him aboard and eagerly anticipate achieving new heights together." buzzworks, India and Innovation Group, UAE, a recognized name in the staffing and recruitment industry, have announced the appointment of Satish Rajan as Chief Marketing Officer. This strategic leadership addition is poised to catalyze the company's continued growth and expand its influence within India's dynamic human resources sector and expand its global footprint. With a distinguished career spanning over two decades, Satish Rajan brings a wealth of experience to his role, acquired through his tenure in esteemed organizations prior to joining Buzzworks. He has served as the Vice President of Marketing at Teamlease and held significant positions in companies such as Aryaka Networks, Columbus A/S, Kronos, SAP, and Magnasoft. Satish's diverse background and deep industry knowledge position him as a strategic asset for driving growth and success in his new role. In his current capacity as Group Chief Marketing Officer, Satish will spearhead national and global marketing strategies, injecting fresh potential and innovation into the brand's endeavours. He will own the business impact of marketing by strengthening the B2B (business), B2C (customers), and B2E (employees) brand image. He will also direct buzzworks towards the broader amplification and demand generation effort by harnessing the ideal mix of online and offline levers. Additionally, Satish aims to set up the optimal marketing engine with the right-fit people, processes, and tools for strategic depth, operational efficiency, and speed of execution. Commenting on this significant appointment, V C Karthic, Founder, buzzworks India stated, "Celebrating growth and innovation has always been at the heart of buzzworks. With the addition of Satish Rajan to our team, we are taking another momentous stride towards advancing human capital. Satish's extensive experience and strategic vision align seamlessly with our mission to redefine excellence in HR services. We're thrilled to welcome him aboard and eagerly anticipate achieving new heights together." Satish Rajan holds a Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) and an MBA degree from Symbiosis Institute of International Business. On his appointment, Satish Rajan, Group Chief Marketing Officer expressed his enthusiasm, saying, "I am excited to be part of this journey and look forward to showcasing how we have been adding value to our customers, associates and employees for the past 2 decades. Entering a company that boasts a 23-year legacy in this industry offers a tremendous opportunity. I am thrilled to embark on this new chapter at buzzworks with great enthusiasm. Together, we can redefine excellence and build a brighter future for our clients and partners, elevating our presence on a global scale." This appointment signifies a pivotal step forward for buzzworks and Innovations Group as it strives to achieve its highest aspirations in the years ahead. The leadership team at buzzworks and Innovation Group believes that Satishs presence will not only elevate the brand's presence but also enhance its commitment to delivering exceptional HR solutions to clients and partners Satish Rajan holds a Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) and an MBA degree from Symbiosis Institute of International Business. On his appointment, Satish Rajan, Group Chief Marketing Officer expressed his enthusiasm, saying, "I am excited to be part of this journey and look forward to showcasing how we have been adding value to our customers, associates and employees for the past 2 decades. Entering a company that boasts a 23-year legacy in this industry offers a tremendous opportunity. I am thrilled to embark on this new chapter at buzzworks with great enthusiasm. Together, we can redefine excellence and build a brighter future for our clients and partners, elevating our presence on a global scale." This appointment signifies a pivotal step forward for buzzworks and Innovations Group as it strives to achieve its highest aspirations in the years ahead. The leadership team at buzzworks and Innovation Group believes that Satishs presence will not only elevate the brand's presence but also enhance its commitment to delivering exceptional HR solutions to clients and partners In an exclusive interview with Adgully, Neil Patel, Co-founder, NP Digital, delves into the companys four-plus-year journey in India, exploring its growth, challenges, and unique strategies in the ever-evolving digital marketing sector, and much more NP Digital ventured into the Indian market in 2019, right before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Neil Patel reflects on the challenges posed by the global health crisis, highlighting the initial difficulty in hiring due to restrictions on in-person interactions. However, despite these obstacles, the company has flourished, expanding its operations to multiple cities, with Mumbai being the latest addition. The founder emphasises Indias significance as one of NP Digitals top three markets, attributing its success to the vast talent pool and the booming market potential. He said, India is a big market for us. It's one of the top three markets. And we see India as a big, booming region. When we first came to India, the purpose of coming to India was one we saw so much talent. A lot of companies think of India as a place to outsource, and you can outsource here, but we look at India as a place to serve Indian customers and Indian companies, because the potential is here. If you look at a lot of the money coming into India, it is coming from foreign countries investing in India because it's such an amazing market. When we first started in India, we were an SEO shop. We did SEO, but now were full-service from SEO to paid media to social media, to conversion rate, to app store marketing, to email marketing, text message marketing, and even web development and design were full-service here in India. Weve designed over 70 websites in just the last few years, and we are continually expanding. We even do influencer marketing. We pretty much offer all digital marketing services. When we started, we had zero employees, and now were over 180 just in India. Discussing the pre- and post-COVID growth trajectory, Neil Patel highlights the challenging start in 2020, but emphasises the companys consistent and rapid growth in subsequent years. NP Digitals global expansion is showcased by its presence in 20 different countries, with India playing a pivotal role in this expansion. Neil Patel provides insights into the evolution of the digital ecosystem, emphasising the shift towards an omnichannel approach. In contrast to many agencies in India that specialise in one or two services, NP Digital advocates for a comprehensive approach, intertwining paid, SEO, and social strategies for maximum impact. The client portfolio of NP Digital in India is diverse, featuring both global brands like ESPN, PwC, Tata, Swarovski and local names such as Black and Decker. Neil Patel highlights the recent collaboration with Black and Decker, illustrating NP Digital's ability to cater to international brands seeking a foothold in the Indian market. About the influencer marketing dynamics in India, Neil Patel underscores the effectiveness of influencer marketing. He noted, India is a very celebrity-based culture. India loves their celebrities, and influencer marketing provides a massive ROI. A lot of the up-coming companies use celebrities for promotion. Even the established brands use influencers, for example, Jio. Look at all the celebrities that were promoting it early on, and it really helped them Boom. Influencer marketing can drive a lot of conversions and sales and in many cases, were seeing the ROI being much better than paid ads from Google or Facebook. Its harder to scale, but it works really well. Patel also noted a shift towards users posing longer, more complex queries to AI, resulting in a transformation of search engine patterns. He emphasised on the importance of understanding these changes for effective digital marketing strategies. He said, With AI, the big thing that were seeing a shift in is when you typically do a search on Google, you may search for a keyword with one or two words, but now with AI, people are learning to ask AI a whole sentence and expecting the result. Search engines are making it where were seeing a pattern of more people starting to type in longer tail search queries that are not four or five keywords, but a whole sentence into Google. 15% of the searches that happen on Google each day are brand new, never been searched before and its changing a lot more because a lot of people are using AI, and that's causing them to be trained on that. Neil Patel unveiled a unique strategy employed by NP Digital, where the team analyses support logs, chat tickets, and search traffic metrics to create tailored content for clients. He shared the success story of increasing monthly page views from 20,000 to 58,000 in less than four months using this approach. Looking ahead to the last quarter of 2023, he predicted, We think in the future therell be a reverse trend where people will start manually writing their content again because thats what is unique. Search engines dont need more content written by AI that is duplicative. They want new, fresh stuff, kind of like what were doing here. Youre not going to get that from AI writing your content. And in the long run, we see companies who are creating their content manually, we think theyre going to win. UK based footwear brand FitFlop, known for creating the most comfortable footwear in the world launches a brand-new campaign titled For People Who Move. The campaign showcases compelling stories of individuals who challenged the status quo, shattered boundaries, and etched their legacy with determination. In their relentless pursuit of excellence, the campaign showcases that FitFlop is the ideal footwear of choice for those who are constantly on the move a companion that seamlessly combines style and comfort. The new campaign series features five icons who have carved a niche for themselves: Akhil Akkineni, a popular actor who has been committed to carrying forward the legacy of his craft, Nandini Bhalla, editor-in-chief at one of Indias renowned fashion magazine known for her avant-garde ideas, editorials and conversations that propelled the fashion industry in progressive directions, Anshuka Parwani, a celebrity wellness expert who rebuilt her life, Joseph Radhik, a celebrity wedding photographer with a knack for turning ordinary moments into the most extraordinary memories; and Vedant Lamba, a startup founder who has established a business in the sneaker space. All of them sport versatile styles from the brands latest collection, ergonomically crafted to keep them on the move. With the narrative of For People Who Move, we want to narrate stories of icons who move the world forward in their extraordinary ways and broke through boundaries. We hope this campaign inspires people to be on the move, challenge limits and forge new paths. Whether you move behind the scenes with courage, defy all odds, steer important conversations, or preserve a legacy, FitFlop provides you with footwear that blends comfort and style seamlessly. FitFlops footwear range is not only fashion forward but also engineered with technology to provide exceptional comfort for those who are constantly on the move. said Deepika Deepti, Senior VP Marketing at Metro Brands Ltd. The campaign traces inspiring stories through candid camera movements, immersing viewers in their lives. FitFlop stands as a pillar of support for these dynamic go-getters. With its unique technology and comfort, it aids them in carving a legacy. Each of these five personalities breathe life into the brand's fundamental ethos, spotlighting diverse dimensions of motion and transformation within their respective domains. Fitflop offers a diverse collection of footwear, loved by global icons. From statement sandals to classic white trainers, ballet flats and beach flip-flops, easy sliders, and everyday shoes, each Fitflop style features ultra-comfortable underfoot technology with three levels of targeted cushioning to make the user feel energetic and perform their best every day and everywhere. Fitflops product offering is enhanced with the brands signature All Day Comfort Technologies- MICROWOBBLEBOARD, SUPERCOMFF, ANATOMICUSH, ANATOMIFLEX, iQUSHION, DUOCOMFF, DYNAMICUSH, NEODYNAMIC, WONDERWELLY and CUSHX. Other than the 8 exclusive brand outlets, FitFlop in India is also available to shop across 200+ multi brand outlets, online marketplaces, and at www.fitflop.in Agency Credits: The campaign was conceptualized by What Are You Saying (WAYS). Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is expected in Berlin on Friday on a short visit to Germany, as the two countries stances on the war between Israel and Hamas are poles apart. Erdogan is due to meet Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Germanys largely ceremonial president, Frank-Walter Steinmeier. Scholz invited Erdogan to visit in May, following his re-election. Turkey is viewed as an awkward but essential partner in Germany, which is home to more than 3 million people with Turkish roots. Its a NATO ally that is also important in efforts to control the flow of refugees and migrants to Europe, but there have been tensions in recent years over a variety of issues. This visit is overshadowed by a growing chasm between the two countries stances on events following Hamas October 7 attack on Israel. Germany is a staunch ally of Israel and has opposed calls for a cease-fire, while pushing for aid to civilians in Gaza, advocating humanitarian pauses and seeking to keep open channels of communication with other countries in the region to prevent the conflict from spreading. Erdogan has taken an increasingly strident stance against Israel. On Wednesday, he called it a terrorist state intent on destroying Gaza along with all of its residents. He described Hamas militants as resistance fighters trying to protect their lands and people. Hamas is considered a terrorist organisation by Israel, the United States and European Union. Those and similar comments have appalled politicians across the spectrum in Germany. Asked earlier this week about Erdogans comments, Scholz didnt mention the Turkish leader by name but said the accusations that are being made there against Israel are absurd. On Wednesday, Scholz told parliament that his talks with Erdogan will include a discussion of differing views in this question, it is very important that there is clarity and that we make our own position very clear. Israel recalled its diplomats from Turkey last month after Erdogan accused Israel of committing war crimes. Turkey later also recalled its ambassador from Israel. Nucor Corp. plans to invest $280 million to expand its Tuscaloosa plant, the Tuscaloosa County Economic Development Authority announced Thursday. Nucor, one of the largest steel and steel products producers in the country, will use the $280 million to expand its current offerings and add a new product line to its steel coil and plate products in Tuscaloosa County, the authority said. The investment at the companys plant on Holt Road will allow Nucors Tuscaloosa County mill to make thinner, stronger, higher quality plate and a new product line that is not made domestically. Construction is expected to begin by the end of the year, with the project iexpected to be fully operational by summer of 2027. The investment at the rolling mill at Tuscaloosa is important to keep our mill competitive in the global steel industry and open up new market opportunities for our team, said Brian Phillippi, Vice President and General Manager of Nucor Steel Tuscaloosa, in a statement. We appreciate the support we have received from the Tuscaloosa County Economic Development Authority for this project. For almost 20 years, Nucor Steel Tuscaloosa has excelled at producing quality products, creating highpaying jobs, and prioritizing philanthropic activities throughout our community, said TCEDA Chairman Norman Crow. This project demonstrates Nucors longterm commitment o Tuscaloosa County and its citizens, for which we will reap the benefits for years to come. Tuscaloosa County Probate Judge Rob Robertson added: The County Commission is pleased to see Nucor expand their operations in Tuscaloosa County, retaining a significant number of highpaying jobs. Enhancing our domestic steel production capabilities is critical to sustain our national economic productivity. Nucors latest investment not only bolsters their capabilities locally, but showcases Tuscaloosa County globally, Patterson continued. The Tuscaloosa County Industrial Development Authority, which does business as the Tuscaloosa County Economic Development Authority, approved a tax abatement package as part of an investment by Nucor. The tax savings support the retention of more than 400 high paying jobs at the Tuscaloosa County facility and new revenue for local vendors and state and local tax bases, the economic development authority said. The authoritys board of directors approved the package Thursday afternoon during its November meeting. Nucor will receive an abatement of the noneducational sales and use taxes for purchases of equipment and building materials during the construction phase of the project and an abatement of the noneducational ad valorem taxes on certain real and personal property for up to 10 years. Nucor has a long history of corporate citizenship, especially in the area of education, said Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox. Through numerous programs and activities, Nucor actively supports educational opportunities for area students. This project creates new business opportunities for Nucor and new revenue for our education systems, which strengthens our community and its future. Authority officials said the company will be eligible for a tax abatement of about $16.8 million. Estimates show Nucor will contribute about $11 million in taxes from the project activity alone, including more than $7.5 million in new education taxes, identified through the authoritys standard evaluation process. Its great news that Nucor is making a significant reinvestment in its facility in Tuscaloosa because this commitment solidifies the sites future and the highpaying jobs of over 400 workers, said Alabama Department of Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield. This is an important win for the community and for the entire state. Alabamas highest court is being asked to weigh in on whether an 83-year-old woman can be forced to sell the land shes called home for 60 years to a real estate developer. Corine Woodson lives in the home she shared with her late husband in Auburn. But the home is located on nearly 41 acres, a single property co-owned by descendants of her late husbands ancestors and passed down through the family for generations. The property is under tenants in common status, which means the land isnt divided up by owners with individual parcels, but ownership stakes are instead held as percentages. Woodson owns an 11% share of the land. The property is valued at $3.97 million, according to a court-ordered appraisal. But some of the family members decided to sell out their shares to Cleveland Brothers, Inc., an Auburn real estate development company that says it wants to build a subdivision on the land. The company now owns a 49% share of the land and its fighting in court to buy the rest. Id like to ask them why, Woodson said in an interview with WVTM. I cant figure it out. Thinking about it, its not easy. I can tell you that. Woodson is asking the Alabama Supreme Court to let her buy the entire property, rather than sell her portion. If Woodson loses, a court would likely order her to leave the property, said her attorney Jacy Fisher of Gregory Varner & Associates in Birmingham. I dont know that shes willingly going to leave her property, Fisher told AL.com. If that happens, they will need to eject her. The company first filed a lawsuit in Lee County Circuit Court in 2006 over the issue. Woodson, who inherited her husbands share of the land, offered to buy the entire property, but a circuit judge in Lee County ruled last August that she waited too late to make an offer. In the meantime, while her appeal proceeds, Judge Russell Bush has ordered that Woodson has until Nov. 28 to pay a $3.97 million bond to the Cleveland Brothers. The company told the court that Woodsons delays to the propertys sale will cause them financial harm. Its pretty standard procedure when you have heirs property. Everybody owns an undivided interest and nobody can do anything with it, said Billy Cleveland, a partner at the company, said in an interview with AL.com. Were certainly not trying to oust Corine Woodson from the house. If Woodson loses the appeal, she gets back the bond but will have to pay for the other partys costs and expenses. If she wins the appeal, she wont get back her bond, and then, if shes permitted, will also have to bid against the Cleveland Brothers, Fisher said. Fisher, who specializes in heirs property and real estate litigation, said many landowners in these situations are land-rich but cash-poor, and lack access to capital compared to real estate developers especially for people of color. She noted that Woodson is a Black woman. Woodsons late husbands ancestor, Ben W. Woodson, who was a sharecropper, originally owned the property starting in 1911, and left it to his 12 children or their heirs and descendants when he died, per court records. After her husband, Willie Woodson, died in June of last year, Corine Woodson inherited the land and became a party in the long-running lawsuit. Whatever her husband did, her husbands interests are separate from hers, Fisher said. I feel like the judicial system is treating this as whatever Corines husband did. Yoon, Kishida hold 7th bilateral summit of this year By Nam Hyun-woo President Yoon Suk Yeol, U.S. President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida showed the strength of their trilateral ties during a meeting at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in San Francisco, Thursday (local time), with Biden saying that he could lighten his burden thanks to Yoon and Kishida. The remark came as Washington's diplomatic capabilities are stretched simultaneously between two wars in Ukraine and in Gaza causing concerns that Biden may face problems in handling geopolitical issues in the Indo-Pacific. Against this backdrop, Biden's comment is interpreted as an expression of gratitude that the amicable relations between Seoul and Tokyo are serving a pivotal role in Washington's Indo-Pacific strategy. According to Seoul's First Deputy Director of National Security Kim Tae-hyo, the three leaders met on the sidelines of the APEC summit, and continued conversing for about 30 minutes after the meeting. It was the first standalone meeting between the leaders after their trilateral summit on Aug. 18 at Camp David in the United States. During the G7 summit in Hiroshima, Japan on May 21, the three leaders spoke for about 2 minutes instead of holding a formal summit and had a photoshoot to show their commitment to trilateral cooperation. "During the meeting, Biden said that, as the president of the U.S., he was able to lighten his burden in performing his duties, thanks to President Yoon and Prime Minister Kishida," Kim said. According to an official at the presidential office, the leaders acknowledged the successful functioning of their trilateral comprehensive cooperation scheme established during the Camp David summit. They shared the belief that military security can be enhanced through advanced technologies, so technological partners should have a "100 percent agreement" on each other's military, political systems and ideologies. And the leaders believe that the three countries share such relations, the official said. "Given the current relations between the three countries, Biden's comment is interpreted as diplomatic rhetoric appreciating the importance of trilateral cooperation in the U.S. Indo-Pacific strategy," said Go Myong-hyun, a research fellow at the Asan Institute for Policy Studies. "With the U.S. juggling two wars at the same time, it cannot afford a third geopolitical crisis, for example, like, a potential conflict in Taiwan. South Korea and Japan can make limited contributions to the war in Ukraine or the conflict between Israel and Hamas, but their improved bilateral relations are playing a key role in the U.S. Indo-Pacific strategy of containing China's assertion." As Biden desires, bilateral relations between South Korea and Japan continue to improve. Hours before the three leaders' met, Yoon and Kishida held a bilateral summit, which was the seventh one this year alone. "This year, our bilateral cooperation is deepening at each level, including summits, and consultation bodies between our governments are already fully restored," Yoon said in his opening remarks, referring to the resumption of a series of security policies, economic cooperation and vice foreign ministerial talks. Referring to the prime minister by his first name, Yoon said, "Going forward, I will continue to work together with Prime Minister Fumio to enable our two countries to communicate closely in each sector, including through high-level economic consultations." Kishida said that he felt reassured by the close cooperation between South Korea and Japan in flying their citizens out of Israel, and expressed hopes of further cooperation in the fields of politics, security, the economy and culture. The two leaders met again on the following day at Stanford University, where they held a discussion about ways that the two countries can cooperate in the hydrogen sector. During the discussion that was moderated by former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Yoon and Kishida agreed to work together to cut costs and establish international rules in the field of hydrogen. The agreement came as cooperation in the hydrogen sector has great potential for both countries, given that Seoul has attained the No. 1 spot in the world in terms of supplying hydrogen cars and relevent batteries, and that Tokyo has a large number of hydrogen-related patents. Seoul plans to open a Korea Startup Center in Tokyo early next year, the presidential office said, noting that it is expected to serve as a hub for startup exchanges between the two nations. Meanwhile, a summit between Yoon and Chinese President Xi Jinping did not materialize, though the two had a brief conversation before the first session of the APEC summit. According to Seoul's presidential office, they exchanged cordial greetings and expressed gratitude for Yoon's meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Xi's meeting with Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo in September. An Alabama Death Row inmate on Thursday night used his last words to call the prisons warden an abuser of women. Before Casey McWhorter died by lethal injection in a south Alabama execution chamber, he apologized to the victims family and said he hoped they had found peace. He also said he loved his own family and his mother. He then added, Its not lost on me that a habitual abuser of women is carrying out this procedure. McWhorters words were spoken into the microphone held by William C. Holman Correctional Facility Warden Terry Raybonthe focus of McWhorters comments. McWhorter, put to death for the 1993 slaying of Edward Lee Williams Sr. in north Alabama, died shortly after his remarks. A prison spokesperson had no comment on the remark Thursday night. Raybon became the warden of Holman, located in Atmore, in 2021. The prison is where the majority of death row inmates in the state are housed, and its the only facility in the state to perform executions. Alabama state law declares Holmans warden as the state executioner. But before Raybon rose through the ranks at the Alabama Department of Corrections and became the leader of Holman, he was fired from his position as a state trooper. The incidents leading to his termination were detailed in an April 2000 federal lawsuit he filed, claiming the Alabama Department of Public Safetys and its supervisors decision to fire him was racially motivated. A judge ruled in April 2001 that Raybons firing was not racially motivated and issued a scathing report. The Alabama Department of Public Safety fired a state trooper who beat up two of his female acquaintances, refused to perform his work acceptably, and incurred various debts from convicted felons. That should have been the end of it, since in any sane world the police should not be required to employ persons of questionable character, District Judge Ira De Ment wrote. The order also calls one of the domestic violence accusations against Raybon a case of him beating a woman mercilessly. De Ment said in his order, A state trooper who beats on women, consorts with felons, and neglects his official duties is a menace to the public who, of course, may be lawfully terminated. Read more about Raybons career and lawsuit here. Embattled Rep. George Santos was hit Thursday with a bombshell new congressional ethics report that has sparked new calls for his expulsion. The explosive report detailed how the Long Island Republican used campaign donations to splurge on personal expenses like travel, credit card payments, cosmetic procedures and even porn. Heres a rundown of some of the eye-catching spending allegedly undertaken by Santos: Botox The congressman-to-be spent $1,400 in campaign funds at Virtual Skin Spa in Jericho, New York in July 2022. A notation in spreadsheets provided by his former campaign treasurer described the payment as for Botox. The spa boasts that its owner, Theresa Pinson, is Long Islands premier cosmetic injector. Santos also paid $1,029.30 in campaign cash to an esthetician associated with a spa in upstate Rhinebeck, N.Y., the report charged. Hermes In the closing days of his successful campaign, Santos ordered $50,000 of donor money transferred from a political consulting firm to his personal checking account. He spend $4,127.80 on a purchase at Hermes, the luxury French lifestyle brand that boasts of providing an audacious and elegant art of living. It wasnt disclosed what Santos spent the cash on. A classic leather-and-canvas bag goes for $3,775, which is close to the total in the report when New York Citys 8.875% sales tax is added on. Onlyfans Santos spent what the report calls a small amount at OnlyFans, the subscription online content site that mostly features pornography. Atlantic City and the Hamptons Santos used his status as a candidate to take multiple trips to plush destinations like South Florida, San Francisco and Las Vegas. At least some of the trips appeared to have nothing to do with politics. On a July 7, 2022, the campaign spent $3,332.81 on an AirBnb in the Hamptons for Santos. And aide said the candidate was off at [the] Hamptons for the weekend. The campaign reported $2,281.52 spent at resorts in Atlantic City on July 23 and July 24, 2022. An ex-staffer said there were no campaign or fundraising events at the New Jersey gambling mecca, but that Santos said he enjoyed visiting casinos to play roulette, often with his husband. _____ 2023 New York Daily News. Visit at nydailynews.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Acrimony is high at Tarrant City Hall as the police chief remains off duty and the latest lawsuit lodged by the mayor against the city council makes its way to court. Mayor Waymon Newton placed chief Wendell Major on administrative leave Saturday, accusing him of poor performance, including blaming him for contributing to what he called confusion surrounding a shooting last week off Interstate 59 in west Birmingham. And while Newton claims a victory in a recent court motion, both Major and lawyers for the city council call his litigation unnecessary and frivolous. I staunchly refute and will hold the mayor responsible for the groundless allegations made against me, Major said Thursday. Multiple people were shot on Interstate 59 southbound in west Birmingham on Nov. 10. Earlier that day, officers responded at to a call of a stolen vehicle in Tarrant. That stollen vehicle was later found in Birmingham where four people were shot, including two being critically injured. Newton said Tarrant dispatchers were unable to enter information into the National Crime Information Center database because the chief had suspended their authority. Major disputed the claim, saying the dispatchers no longer had authority because the mayor removed them from under his supervision. The NCIC database allows law enforcement agencies to enter and search for information including stolen property, missing, or wanted persons. Newton alleges that law enforcement, before the incident, escalated the situation into a mass shooting because they could not confirm the vehicle was stolen since it was not in the NCIC database. Jefferson County Circuit Court Judge Patrick Ballard earlier this week ended the NCIC dispute and put the dispatchers back under the police chiefs direction, reinstating their authority to access the NCIC resolving a major complaint in Newtons lawsuit. Judge Ballard did exactly what we asked him to do, Newton said. We were able to get our dispatchers back on NCIC within 30 minutes. Still, the overall lawsuit is pending and Major remains off the job. Newton in his filing also seeks to prevent the council from voting to bring back the police chief, which they previously did when he placed him on leave earlier this year. Lawyers for the city council have asked Ballard to dismiss the court case. Theres nothing in the case that indicates that the council had anything to do with any of this, said council attorney Charlie Waldrep. Hes trying to make a preemptive strike saying that he should be the sole arbiter of the job performance of the police chief and even though he acknowledges that the council appoints the police chief, hes the only one who can determine disciplinary action for the police chief, not the council. Waldrep said Newtons request contradicts state code that gives the council authority to vote to reinstate the chief, if they choose. Major on Thursday responded to the mayors lawsuit, which he described as senseless and baseless. As for allegations of dereliction of duty and the issues of NCIC access of dispatcher, Major said the judges order unequivocally dismisses any notion of his dereliction of duty leading to the loss of NCIC access for dispatchers. The judges explicit directive to Mayor Newton to return dispatchers to the police department serves as a resounding affirmation that I was not responsible for the NCIC access issue, Major said. This incident emphasizes the necessity for Mayor Newton to grasp the intricacies of police procedures before making impactful decisions that affect law enforcement operations. Newton in his lawsuit also accused Major of underreporting crimes, especially homicides. The police chief called that accusation bizarre and irrational and said, again, it underscores the mayors lack of understanding a fundamental principle of law enforcement that the determination of the cause and manner of death rests with the Jefferson County Coroners Office, not the chief of police. I am perplexed as to why, instead of acknowledging and celebrating the absence of any homicides in the city of Tarrant for over two years, Mayor Newton seems to be fixated on an imagined scenario of homicide, he said. The lawsuit also alleged employee discrimination complaints against Major. My unwavering commitment to upholding the law and acting responsibly in the face of potential harm to children does not equate to employee discrimination, the chief said. I was sent a videotape of an employee attacking a child and I acted as I have for the past 30 years when I was told about crime. My unwavering dedication to law and order, he said, coupled with strict adherence to legal obligations, is my defense against the baseless accusations levied by Mayor Newton. Newton has asked the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency to investigate his claims against Major as he remains off duty. Thats going to last as long as it takes the state to come in and do an investigation as to what exactly happened, Newton said. The litigation involving the police department is the latest in a series of court actions regarding Tarrant. Another case is already pending before Judge Ballard where Newton in June sued the council and the newly hired city manager. Newton in that case accused the council of attempting to strip him of his power by hiring a city manager at $100,000 annually to oversee daily activities. Newton alleges that the council changed the citys governing structure without either state approval or a referendum by the people of Tarrant. Seeing a friend be executed never gets easier, the Rev. Jeff Hood said. But it does fuel his rage. Casey McWhorter was a murderer and tonight, all of Alabama was too, he said during a late-night phone call Thursday. Hood is a priest and public theologian and the spiritual adviser for Casey McWhorter, who was executed by the state of Alabama on Thursday night. McWhorter died by lethal injection as punishment for the 1993 shooting death of Edward Lee Williams Sr. The execution happened at William C. Holman Correctional Facility in Atmore after the U.S. Supreme Court declined Thursday afternoon to review the case and rejected McWhorters appeal for a stay. When I first encountered Casey, he was pissed off at the world and where he is at, Hood said a few hours after McWhorter was put to death. (Casey) was interested in more. He didnt really know how to describe that more, but he would say things to me like, Jeff, can you help me be who I am? Hood, who currently lives in Arkansas, works with death row inmates across the country. He started talking with McWhorter several months ago, and they developed a close bondthey were as much friends as congregant and priest. I do know that on the drive down, as the tires rolled on, I felt like I was traveling to see a friend much more than I was traveling to witness something horrible, Hood said. He attended three executions this year, one in Texas and two in Oklahoma, before Thursdays, which was his first in Alabama. Now, hes signed on to be the spiritual adviser for Kenneth Eugene Smith. In January, Smith is set to be the first inmate in the world executed using nitrogen hypoxia. Back when McWhorter first asked Hood for his advice, Hood felt a familiar question. What I heard was, Can you help me be the person God created me to be? Thats a powerful question. Its a very human question its a question were all asking. One way Hood helped McWhorter come into his own, he said, was to encourage the 49-year-old to tell his story instead of shy away from it. Hood helped him set up interviews, including with AL.com, and wrote about McWhorter on his blog. As soon as we began with him telling his story, its almost like I watched a bird go to the window of his cell and just be free. I was encountering a new person, Hood said. The feeling was mutual. Before his death, McWhorter said via a phone interview that Hood changed his life. I will proudly tell you if it wasnt for Jeff, I wouldnt be where Im at now in terms of peace and spirituality. Hes worked a miracle on me, he said. The two met in person for the first time Monday and Hood spent the rest of McWhorters days with him and his family. McWhorters last meal was Turtle candya confection he animatedly talked about during a Wednesday interview with AL.com. While Hood described some parts of Alabamas process as unprofessional, including walking through uninhabitable parts of the prison and hearing some workers joking throughout the afternoon, he said prison workers didnt have any issues accessing McWhorters veins to start an intravenous line for the lethal three-drug mixture. They had no trouble with the line, he said. Issues accessing veins have been a longstanding problem for Alabama, ending with several executions having to be called off last year after workers couldnt start IVs before the inmates death warrants expired. There was also controversy over how workers started an IV for Joe Nathan James execution in 2022. After McWhorter was taken from the holding cell, his IV was started and he was in the execution chamber, Hood entered. He anointed McWhorter with oil and read a Bible passage, before stepping back and allowing the execution to go forward. He stood and watched as McWhorter said his last wordsapologizing to the victims family and calling out the prisons warden, who was once fired from his post as an Alabama State Trooper for mercilessly beating a womanand then laid his head back. After the drugs started flowing and the microphone that carries sound to the three witness rooms was turned off, Hood recalled McWhorter leaned back and said, Im coming home Lord, Im coming home. Before McWhorter died, Hood knew he was ready. He was telling me he cant wait to meet God because he would be meeting the blank slate, and for the first time in his life, he would have a blank slate. When asked if the executions of people he has grown close to anger him, Hood stopped to think. I am angry, but even more than that, I think rage is a good word I think that rage is something that isnt necessarily acting out, punching, or trying to disrupt an execution (Its) a silent festering that propels my work and keeps me fighting for the next guy. I can see (the guys Ive worked with) cheering me on. I have no doubt that I will see Casey McWhorter in my life and in my mind cheering me on. Theres a beauty in that and there is a rage in that, he said. Rage is a beautiful thing. Jesus tore up the temple. I hope we tear up the death penalty. The death of a man shot and killed by Madison County sheriffs deputies in January was tragic but does not warrant criminal charges, District Attorney Robert Broussard said Thursday in announcing his office would take no further action in the case. Ray Dean King, 50, was shot and killed by deputies who responded Jan. 5 to Dixon Road in Hazel Green on a call of a woman complaining of an armed domestic abuser with a gun, Broussard said. Meanwhile, deputies received a call a short while later of shots fired in the area, and neighbors gave a different address than the one given by the woman. Faced with conflicting information, deputies responded to 201 Dixon Rd. Unbeknownst to them, the address they arrived at was not the address where shots had been fired, Broussard said. Deputies knocked on the front door. The homeowner, Ray King, answered the door with a firearm in his hand which he pointed at police. Deputies, facing what they believed to be an armed suspect pointing a weapon at them, shot and killed Mr. King, the DA continued. Broussard said the law supported the deputies beliefs that their lives were in danger by an armed King. Upon review, it appears that Mr. King did not know that the individuals he was dealing with were sheriffs deputies and he armed himself before opening the door. Likewise, deputies were conducting a lawful investigation into a reportedly violent active shooter, said Broussard. When the door was opened by an armed individual who pointed a gun at them, they reasonably feared for their lives at the moment they fired, he said. While this situation is tragic, it does not violate a criminal statute under Alabama law. The review by Madison County District Attorneys Office ends the agencys involvement in the case, Broussard said. While all agree this was a tragic episode, criminal statutes are designed to encompass bad actors and not tragic mistakes, he said. No further action will be taken by this office on this matter. As part of the emerging genocidal war against Israel, Tik Tok is unleashing an anti-American and anti-Semitic meme with regard to Bin Ladens letter to America. Young Americans are posting pensive reconsiderations of their own convictions after reading Bin Ladens childish screed. It is important to create rhetorical responses for overcoming the relentless assaults on human freedom originating in this ongoing war against the two Satans of America and Israel. In 2010, I wrote an article now suppressed by Google entitled: Top Ten Things America has Done for Muslims. It was written in response to my college argumentation class being unable to summon a single argument in favor of not blowing up the largest office building in downtown Dallas in allegiance to Bin Ladens genocidal agenda. I incorporated updates to that analysis in my 2014 book, the Rhetoric of Genocide. Things have only gotten empirically worse for the iterations of genocidal supremacism unleashed by leaders like Osama Bin Laden, Abu Bakr Baghdadi, Saddam Hussein, Omar Bashir, Hasan Nasrallah, and Ali Khameni. One important reason that no one should sympathize with Bin Laden or these other genocidaires is that they first and foremost kill Muslims. No one has killed more Muslims in the past 25 years than the associated henchmen professing to lead a 21st-century Islamic caliphate. Much like his secular counterpart Friedrich Nietszche, Osama Bin Laden believed that humanity would be drawn to the man on the strong horse. Much like Nietzsches Ubermensch, genocidaires fantasize that profound shows of annihilation against innocent civilians like that seen on September 11, 2001 and October 7, 2023 will draw the general public to greater political affiliation and support. Hamas warlords sincerely believed that as they raped women, slaughtered infants, and kidnapped grandmothers, that this timeless edict of mass murderers would turn a vast global public to their side. Presently, the curators of Tik Tok are working tirelessly to support their agenda. The violent schism between Sunni and Shia Muslims is but one small cascade of interpretive rhetorical manipulations made to show how various adherents of Islam lack the fidelity to the radical politics of Hamas, Hezballah, the Iranian theocratic revolution, Boko Haram, the Taliban, or Al Shabaab. Muslims and Arabs are not being killed by America or Israel. Arabs and Muslims are being rescued by Israel and America time and time again from the fanatical genocidal politics of madmen like Osama Bin Laden. In 2005, when a tsunami killed over 200,000 people in the largest Muslim nation (Indonesia) in the world, it was not Saudi Arabia or Bin Laden who rushed to the aid of those devastated by arguably the worst disaster of the present century. The United States expended nearly one billion dollars in federal government aid and nearly one billion dollars in private donor aid (such as Red Cross) to rescue Muslims left behind. Not included in that financial aid package were massive naval fleets deployed by America so that Blackhawk helicopters could drop off water and food aid to individuals wearing I love Osama Bin Laden t-shirts. The United States government in the mid-1990s, while Bin Laden was divorcing himself from his affluent Saudi background, carved out a largely Muslim nation within the larger civic Christian culture of Europe known as Kosovo. Today, hundreds of American soldiers stand guard over that ethnic minority that Russia would love to exterminate as surely as they wish to wipe out Ukraine. The oil trade of more than 50 years is the largest transfer of wealth in human history. Primarily benefiting the OPEC nations from where Bin Laden got much of his family wealth, roughly one trillion dollars a year is sent flowing into Iranian, Saudi, and other sympathetic states. Both of the Iraq wars fought by the United States in 1991 and 2003 saved millions of Muslims and Arab citizens from genocidal exterminations exacted by men like Saddam Hussein. The 20 years of military presence in Afghanistan interrupted the genocidal rule of the Taliban that colonizes and eviscerates all prior evidence of previous cultures and convictions that may differ from their own. Irans government does the same thing to Persian history and culture in their nation. Osama Bin Laden was unworthy of the proper Islamic burial he was afforded by U.S. military forces that captured and killed him in the nation of Pakistan that was hiding him in 2011. It is an unfortunate shame that among the many sins of our American educational system, one must include the current minds venting on Tik Tok that their eyes have been opened by Bin Ladens letter to America. Such foolish ravings are what impressed young fools in Germany who read Mein Kampf and found themselves ready to unleash one of humanitys most dreadful crimes: The Holocaust. Dr. Ben Voth is a professor of rhetoric and director of debate at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. He is the author of several books dedicated to how debate can overcome the problem of genocidal violence. Image: TherealMrGreen People no longer trust their doctors. In addition to survey evidence, there is increasing violence against healthcare workers , worsening burnout of doctor s and nurses, and accelerating erosion of the caregiving workforce. Restoring trust starts with determining why it was lost. There are at least seven reasons: lack of choice (loss of freedom), affordability, depersonalization, accessibility, outcomes, CoViD, and system frustration. Only by fixing the root causes might peoples faith in their physicians be restored. Patients do not have faith in doctors they do not choose for themselves but who were instead assigned to them by faceless, unaccountable health plan bureaucrats based on low-bid contracts. If patients could choose their own care providers, they could have faith that their physicians actually worked for and were dedicated to them. Medical care is currently unaffordable (e.g., $2850 for an MRI, $1000 for a vial of insulin, and $5000-$10,000 per day in an ICU). The public believes doctors are responsible for unaffordable high costs with their exorbitant salaries, unnecessary tests and procedures, and elaborate fraudulent schemes. In reality, medical care would become readily affordable if patients had control of their own healthcare spending. Instead, insurance companies and the federal government, after first taking half of all healthcare spending for themselves, offer physicians the leftovers as non-negotiable payments. Patients complain bitterly about depersonalization, and rightly so! My doctor doesnt know me as an individual. My doctor spends more time on the computer than with me. Between the enormous government regulatory burden and time-consuming hospital and insurance administrative obligations, physicians have too little time to talk to, examine, or simply be with patients. The solution is obvious: eliminate the regulatory and administrative burdens so care providers can do what patients expect and what the providers want to do and were trained to do: care for patients. Image: Doctor and patient by pressfoto. After unaffordability, inaccessibility is another compelling reason for distrust. What good is an assigned physician if I cant get to see the doctor? Before the Affordable Care Act (ACA, 2010), the maximum average wait time to see a primary care physician was 99 days. After ACA went into effect, wait time increased to 122 days, causing death-by-queue. Cutting wait times requires reinserting free market forces into healthcare so that clinicians are incentivized to provide timely service and can afford to do so. The U.S. appears to have inferior health outcomeslongevity, infant mortality, and complications of diabeteswhen compared to other nations. The public blames doctors, but these metrics have little to do with what physicians do. Longevity is influenced mainly by genetics and lifestyle. High infant mortality is often related to illicit drug usage. Infant mortality statistics are also gamed as America is one of the few countries that counts all live births. Others count only infants likely to survive. America is also the most obese nation on earth, leading to high incidences of type 2 diabetes and manifold expensive complications. When it comes to these metrics, patients health is primarily in patients hands, not physicians. CoViD was the final straw that broke the proverbial camels back. Any sliver of remaining public trust was washed away by how federal, state, and local governments handled their ginned-up pandemic. Governments across America abrogated the First Amendment (free speech, assembly, religious practice), blamed people for a pandemic of the unvaccinated, enacted lockdowns, prohibited useful treatments like Ivermectin, and, with help from many doctors, pushed experimental mRNA gene therapy (so-called CoViD vaccines) that did not have appropriate testing before release and were dangerous to the majority who acceded to Faucis mandatory jab. Some doctors enthusiastically embraced the jab but many had no choice. Those who did not want to administer mRNA gene therapy were threatened with loss of hospital privileges or licensure. Hospitals would not treat or even provide transplants to unvaccinated patients. Healthcare workers who refused the shots were fired. Clinicians were coerced with these threats, and information countering the official narrative was suppressed. CoViD exposed a medical tyranny that Americans deeply resented. The public tends to focus blame on the point of contact: the person giving the shot. In reality, the tyrannical mandates came from federal bureaucrat MDs like Fauci, Walensky, and Collins, not from frontline, practicing, in-the-office physicians who were forced to give the shots. Finally, Americans are exceedingly frustrated with a healthcare system that is impossibly complex, contradictory, and constantly changing. Thus, they are angry at and distrustful of the people they think are responsible: doctors. Healthcare is so convoluted that ACA had to create a whole new category of bureaucrats: navigators. Where did the money come from to pay navigators? From payments to doctors and nurses. Such bureaucratic diversion of healthcare funds leaves too little money to pay for timely medical care. Patients cannot take out their frustration on an amorphous system. They focus on the person before them: the doctor. The common thread behind the publics mistrust of doctors is third-party decision-making, whether by the government or insurance companies. To restore trust, we must return decision-making authorityboth financial and medicalwhere it belongs: to patients. If we eliminate third-party control, free market forces will return to healthcare. Patients-as-payers will have a powerful incentive to economize, which reduces spending. Sellers of care, both individuals and institutions, would have powerful incentives to provide timely, quality, personalized care while keeping prices low. In a free market, those who fail to deliver affordable, compassionate care would quickly find their waiting rooms empty. Add state-based safety nets for the medically vulnerable, and Americans would once again begin to trust doctors. Deane Waldman, M.D., MBA is Professor Emeritus of Pediatrics, Pathology, and Decision Science; former Director of the Center for Healthcare Policy at Texas Public Policy Foundation; and author of the multi-award winning book Curing the Cancer in U.S. Healthcare: StatesCare and Market-Based Medicine. In a recent article I pointed out that the conflict in Israel is very important, but its a distraction from another major goal: an attack against the United States that would make 9/11 pale in comparison. Remember, Israel is the Little Satan but the U.S. is the Great Satan. Jean DuBois makes a similar point. Though the world now rightly focuses on Israel, the worlds sole Jewish state is largely irrelevant as regards the real threat to world peace: militant Islam. If you really want to address root causes, then look no further. Israel and the Jews are but a convenient distraction, a red herring, just the canary in the coal mine. Sadly, but tellingly, and putting Israel aside, the vast majority of armed conflicts on our globe involve militant Islam on at least one side of the conflict. Israels campaign against Hamas is going better than expected (and here), which may force the Islamists to advance their timeline. The terrorists commanders flee the battlefield while their top leaders live like kings in Qatar. Previously I noted this: One common thread among all terrorists is that they are cowards. They are quite brave when beating and killing defenseless women and children, but they run screaming when confronted by a real military. Ill bet those busloads of women and children trying to exit Gaza are filled with former terrorists sporting ladies dresses and full makeup. Reports that claim Hamas uses their own civilians as human shields and places military installations in schools, mosques, and hospitals have been confirmed consistently. As cowards, these terrorists are quite willing to kill great numbers of innocent civilians through any means possible, in Israelor the United States. They have consistently stated their intentions On Thursday, October 12th, former Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal called for a day of jihad on Friday the 13th, although no serious incidents were reported. Yet, Israel has already helped thwart a Hezbollah attack in Brazil: The Brazilian Federal Police, working in cooperation with Israeli intelligence agencies, says it has disrupted a suspected domestic terror plot against Israeli and Jewish targets believed to be in its initial stages. Federal investigators said Tuesday that they had uncovered a scheme allegedly involving the recruitment of Brazilian citizens by the Lebanese terror group Hezbollah, an Iranian proxy, to orchestrate attacks against members of the 120,000-strong Brazilian Jewish community. The intended targets reportedly included synagogues. In Israel, the Prime Ministers Office said in a statement Wednesday that the Mossad and other Israeli and international security and law enforcement agencies had worked with Brazilian authorities to foil an attack in Brazil that was planned by Hezbollah and directed and financed by Iran. The PMO said that the extensive network was also operating in additional countries. Given the backdrop of the war in Gaza against the Hamas terrorist organization, Hezbollah and the Iranian regime are continuing to operate around the world in order to attack Israeli, Jewish and Western targets, the statement said. Andrea Widburg warned: Israel is just the canary in the coal mine. Its the Islamists first target, but its not their only target or even their primary target For Muslims, the first order of business is to destroy the West... The Wars in Afghanistan and Iraq didnt trigger 9/11. The order was reversed: First came 9/11. That was a jihad, too. Its horrifying to consider, but the consistent actions of the Biden/Obama administration to systematically weaken our countrys military, economy, and energy supply may even point to a concern that our current leadership is more interested in Iran and their efforts to destroy the West than protecting our own country. Why would anyone support a regime that has repeatedly stated their intentions to develop nuclear weapons and the missiles to carry them all the way to the United States? John D. OConnor sums up Bidens pro-Islam actions clearly... Perhaps more than any leader on the planet except Irans Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Bidens actions were a causative factor in bringing on the recent devastating invasion of American ally Israel. And more than anyone else, Biden presently is both weakening Israel strategically, and strengthening Hamas militarily, as Israel desperately seeks to assure its safety. This criticism of Biden, at first blush, may seem overstated. But sustained attention reveals its modesty. In fact, the history of Bidens actions show that they are strongly pro-Iran, and therefore pro-Hamas, terrorists sponsored and directed by Iran. As the damning evidence grows for impeachment of Biden, a devastating attack on the U.S. could be the very thing that would keep the insanely power-hungry Democrats in charge. I wouldnt put it past them to allow such a horror in their own country. Remember, those aligned against America are totally fine with the deaths caused by creating and spreading genetically-engineered diseases, and forcing ordinary Americans (and our military personnel) to take a vaccine that kills. They have disregarded our Constitution and laws by weaponizing our judicial system against peaceful protesters on January 6th and Trumps efforts to run for election in 2024. We must loudly demand that our elected officials direct our intelligence and law enforcement to seal the border, track down and detain military-aged infiltrators, and put all important installations and infrastructure on high-alert immediately. Anything short of this will be seen as a gross dereliction of duty should something horrible occur. But above all, we must take responsibility for our own safety, and that of our families. Do I sound like Chicken Little, the sky is falling? Or is the sky truly ready to fall? Image: Free image, Pixabay license, no attribution required. Politicians gonna politick and spend the taxpayers into bankruptcy, but leftist politicians gonna politick and spend the taxpayers into bankruptcy extravagantly. Get a load of this, from the government of Justin Trudeau and his comrades, reported by Tamara Ugolini at Rebel News: The City of Toronto has spent tens of thousands of dollars in the last three years on branded crack pipe stickers and other paraphernalia. The hefty price tag of $33,561 for Toronto Public Health branded stickers can be found on crack smoking kits, crystal meth kits, foil kits and injection kits, according to access to information documents obtained by the Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF). Well duh! The crack-pipe and meth-kit merch handed out by the local health department provided the leftist government with a prime opportunity to advertise its benevolence and care for the disadvantaged and downtrodden! Do you recognize this quote? It is hard to imagine a more stupid or more dangerous way of making decisions than by putting those decisions in the hands of people who pay no price for being wrong. What about this one? It is so easy to be wrongand to persist in being wrongwhen the costs of being wrong are paid by others. Both are attributed to Thomas Sowell, and both are eerily relevant to the sticker saga. Below, are the actual kits with the stickers in question: Earlier this year, I sounded the alarm on how Toronto tax dollars are being used to distribute crack and meth kits. Now we learn that 166,392 kits were given out over the past 3 years, and the city logo stickers alone cost $34,000.https://t.co/yDN3sahEiU Anthony Furey (@anthonyfurey) November 15, 2023 The kits are a product of Toronto Public Health and its harm-reduction program known as The Works, but there is more; from an article at National Post: The citys response to the taxpayers federation found that 166,392 such kits were handed out between 2020 and July 13, 2023. The branded stickers are included on crack smoking kits, crystal meth kits, injection kits and foil kits for smoking heroin, fentanyl and other drugs. As of 2014, The Works was also handing out about 1.3 million clean needles to addicts each year. Safe drug use kits have caused controversy recently. Earlier this year, a B.C. school district was forced to apologize after a speaker appeared to have handed out safe snorting equipment to students, complete with a booklet that explained which drugs can be snorted. Groom the children to be drug users, they wind up on the street where they consume very few resources, and social services can eventually be easily withheldCanada is in the midst of a housing crisis and cost-of-living crisis is creating a scenario in which state-sanctioned euthanasia is gaining traction as a solution to poverty and destitution. Almost seems like a school-to-streets pipeline like its some sort of poverty-industrial-complex if you were to ask me Image: Free image, Pixabay license, no attribution required. One of the most disgusting trends that has followed Hamass murderous attack against Israel and Israels response is a bold new respect for Osama bin Laden and, of course, by extension, for al Qaeda itself. What these new al Qaeda followers might not know is that were still at war with that terrorist organization, and theyre giving aid and comfort to a combatant against America, which is, by definition, treason and, technically, punishable by death. On September 18, 2001, the 107th Congress issued a Joint Resolution authorizing military force against those responsible for the recent attacks launched against the United States. In other words, as of September 18, 2001, the United States was officially at war against al Qaeda, the organization that was responsible for the attacks on September 11. Aside from the slow squeeze on our liberties, to which we acclimated so incrementally that most of us didnt realize what happened, weve never felt this war too much at home. Unlike World War II, which involved a draft that affected everyone in America because husbands, sons, brothers, and friends were all drafted, it was different this time around. We had an entirely volunteer military that took the war overseas, and leftists didnt (and dont) have husbands, sons, brothers, and friends who volunteered. Image: An al Qaeda supporter in America. X screen grab. Still, war it was, which meant that all of the normal rules of war applied to this war. We have officially been on a war footing ever since then. The Joint Resolution has never been repealed, we have never declared victory, and al Qaeda has never officially surrendered. There is a whole body of American laws dealing with war. One of those laws involves treason, which is the only criminal offense defined in the Constitution itself, at Art. III, section 3, clause 1: Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying War against them, or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort. No Person shall be convicted of Treason unless on the testimony of two Witnesses to the same overt Act, or on Confession in open Court. In 1917, Charles Warren took to the pages of the Yale Law Review to offer a definitive explanation of how the laws of treason work in America. Warren writes that, in 1790, Congress declared that the penalty for treason was death. During the Civil War, courts determined that the term enemies meant the subjects of a foreign nation in open hostility with the U.S. Aid and Comfort remains an amorphous term and has received limited attention in court. Some things are obvious: Providing the enemy with goods and materials, sheltering foreign troops, spying on the enemys behalf, etc. But in 2023, as were seeing in Israels struggle with Hamas, war is a propaganda battle as well as a matter of boots on the ground. For example, during an active war, going around telling fellow Americans that the enemy is right and America is wrong could reasonably be seen as treason. Thats what Jane Fonda did during the Vietnam War, and we all know that the only reason she wasnt prosecuted was because (a) she was a member of Hollywood royalty and (b) the media supported her. Where Im going with all of this is that the latest TikTok trend (clearly fomented by our geopolitical enemy, China) is to praise bin Ladens motive in launching al Qaedas attacks on America on September 11, 2001. One of the reasons bin Laden gave was that America supported Israel: Over the past 24 hours, thousands of TikToks (at least) have been posted where people share how they just read Bin Ladens infamous "Letter to America," in which he explained why he attacked the United States. The TikToks are from people of all ages, races, ethnicities, and pic.twitter.com/EwjiGtFEE3 Yashar Ali (@yashar) November 16, 2023 This is the entire text of the tweet: Over the past 24 hours, thousands of TikToks (at least) have been posted where people share how they just read Bin Ladens infamous "Letter to America," in which he explained why he attacked the United States. The TikToks are from people of all ages, races, ethnicities, and backgrounds. Many of them say that reading the letter has opened their eyes, and theyll never see geopolitical matters the same way again. Many of them and I have watched a lot say it has made them reevaluate their perspective on how what is often labeled as terrorism can be a legitimate form of resistance to a hostile power. This is not limited to TikTok; similar videos have been posted on other social media platforms. The Guardian had a copy of Letter to America posted, but once these TikToks went viral, the Guardian took it down, which has only led to more interest in the letter and conspiracies from TikTokers who say this is part of the media and the powers that control it trying to silence the truth. Given that were still engaged in an active war against bin Ladens organization, what these people are doing is the equivalent of walking around in 1944 praising Hitler and Tojo, telling people that Japan and Germany are right, and urging Americas surrender. Once we get a decent government in the White House, perhaps these TikTokers should be rounded up for treason, starting with Yashar Ali, just as the January 6 protesters were rounded up for insurrection. By Nam Hyun-woo Former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and other members of a group of senior independent global leaders urged U.S. President Joe Biden to come up with "a serious peace plan that undermines extremists" in the conflict between Israel and Hamas. In an open letter to Biden, Thursday, the group, The Elders, noted that Biden has "a historic opportunity" to help end the Israel-Palestine conflict permanently, and called for the U.S. President to "set out a serious peace plan, and help build a new coalition for peace to deliver it." "The only way to make Israelis and Palestinians safe is a lasting political solution," the letter read. "It must guarantee the security of Israel, whose people remain under threat. And it must meet Palestinians legitimate aspirations for their own state." The Elders noted that the world has spoken of a two-state solution "for too long," but allowed Israel to build a one-state reality, which suits extremists in Israel and Palestine who deny the other country's right to exist. The two-state solution is a proposed framework for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict by establishing two states for two peoples Israel for the Jews and Palestine for the Palestinians. "It is time to end the empty rhetoric, and implement a serious peace plan that undermines extremists," the letter read. The group continued that the plan should answer who runs Gaza next, end Israel's accelerating annexation of Palestinian land, and address Israel's legitimate security concerns. It also has to recognize the equal rights of Palestinians and Israelis, and be rooted in international laws. Noting that Israelis and Palestinians will not end their conflict on their own, The Elders said that the U.S. cannot bring peace to the Middle Eastt on its own, and should build a peace coalition with other countries. "U.S. credibility and interests across the world are at stake," the letter read. "Israeli policies of expanding illegal settlements in the West Bank, and normalizing relations with Arab countries while bypassing the Palestinians, have not made Israelis safe. Successive U.S. governments have been complicit in these failures." Founded by Nelson Mandela in 2007, The Elders is an international organization of senior statesmen, peace activists and human rights advocates. Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland, is the chair of The Elders and Ban is the deputy chair of the group. The Elders paid a visit to President Yoon Suk Yeol on May 30, and held a press conference on May 31 in Seoul. Back then, they urged China to play a responsible role in addressing North Korea's nuclear and missile threats. According to Young Americas Foundation, a leftist student at Michigan Technological University recently vandalized and attacked a mock-up of the Berlin Wall. The campus YAF group had set the display up at the public university in Houghton to commemorate the fall of the Berlin Wall on Nov. 9, 1989. But one moronic student managed to find the display offensive and began spray painting it before eventually tearing it down. (Well, the real wall was full of graffiti, too, by the time it was taken down, though it was mostly anti-communist and pro-freedom graffiti.) From the YAF website: In celebration of President Ronald Reagans monumental call to tear down this wall, the students had planned to tear it down at the end of the day, demonstrating the importance of Reagans legacy on a campus where naive leftists still fervently advocate for the very policies that threaten the freedoms he stood up for. Ironically, an upset leftist student ended up being the one to tear down the wall. The socialist sympathizer, armed with a bottle of red spray paint, approached the display and began spraying the YAF students personal belongings and faces. According to YAFers who were on scene at the time of the incident, the student began criticizing the project, told them to kill themselves, and then tore down the wall. YAF also reported: Campus police questioned the student, but let him go, at which point he returned to the display to continue protesting. Because, apparently, vandalizing others property and telling conservatives to kill themselves is neither a crime nor hate speech. At least not on college campuses. Fortunately-- and humorously-- this student-asshat is not the sharpest knife in the drawer. Bringing idiocy to a new level, he accidentally proved YAFs point by tearing down the wall, something YAF was planning to do a little later in the day to commemorate the fall of the wall which divided East and West Berlin for decades. Reagan exclaimed: Secretary General Gorbachev, if you seek peaceif you seek prosperity for the Soviet Union and Eastern Europeif you seek liberalization: come here, to this gate. Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate. Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall. In this case, the deluded student answered Reagans callalbeit unknowingly. Image: U.S. National Archives, via Picryl // no known copyright restrictions Over the next day or so, Governor Abbott will sign a new law that will likely be challenged in the federal courts. They dont like the law in Mexico either. This is the story: The Mexican government on Wednesday responded to the Texas Legislatures passage of Senate Bill 4 which creates a state crime for entering the state illegally from Mexico and allows state and local authorities to deport undocumented immigrants saying it categorically rejects Texas latest proposal to arrest and deport immigrants to Mexico. The Government of Mexico reiterates its rejection of any measure that contemplates the involuntary return of migrants without respect for due process, says the statement from Mexicos secretary of foreign relations. It added that Mexico, recognizes the sovereign right of any country to decide the public policies that should be implemented in its territory, but Mexico also has a right to defend the estimated 10 million people of Mexican origin in Texas and establish its own immigration policies in its territory. The Government of Mexico categorically rejects any measure that allows state or local authorities to detain and return nationals or foreigners to Mexican territory, the statement says. Okay, I get it. Mexico has a problem with the law. Why isnt Mexico stopping these individuals from crossing the border in the first place? Also, most of the people crossing are not Mexicans. What we are seeing are people from different nationalities or origins. Were these people legally in Mexico? Why has the Mexican government allowed its country to turn into a corridor to the U.S.? So Mexico can complain all they want. However, it is Mexico who has made this human trafficking possible. Furthermore, the Texas law does not apply to the millions of people living here legally. This law is not about rounding up people of Mexican origin and returning them to Mexico. The law is about people who cross illegally into Texas. P.S. Check out my blog for posts, podcasts and videos. Image: Free image, Pixabay license, no attribution required. Michael Ramirez is the best political cartoonist in the world today, and a craven move by the Washington Post to cancel cartoon to depict the hypocrisy of a Hamas spokesman complaining about civilian deaths while holding Israeli child hostages, has drawn a reply from him in Newsweek. Check out the must-read retort to the Post caving in to snowflake wokesters who claimed the 'toon was racist: The gruesome details and brutal savagery of the October 7 attack launched by Hamas operatives on innocent civilians was shocking to even the most battled-hardened soldiers and war correspondents. Evidence of beheadings, babies shot in their cribs, parents shot in front of their children, entire families massacred, the torture and execution of the elderly, people burned alive, and hundreds of young people gunned down while attending a musical festival for peace, were widely reported and verified by video, audio, and forensic evidence. Most people would be horrified. Yet in an interview on Lebanese television, Senior Hamas official Ghazi Hamad hailed the brutal October 7 attack and pledged to repeat the October 7 attack again and again until Israel is "removed," claiming Hamas "was the victim," therefore "everything they do is justified." That interview was the inspiration for a recent cartoon I drew for the Washington Post depicting Gazi Hamad and his human shields. But my cartoon was pulled off the Washington Post editorial website amid an internal outcry. Critics claimed the cartoon was "racist" for stereotyping and demonizing Palestinians. They said the cartoon ignored the death of thousands and the suffering of millions of Palestinians as a result of the Israeli military response. Which is laughable all by itself. Ramirez explains the main reason very well: This cartoon was designed with specificity. Its focus is on a specific individual and the statements he made on behalf of a specific organization he representstheir claims of victimhood, and the plight of innocent Palestinians used as pawns in their political and military strategy. That person is Ghazi Hamad. The caricature of the central figure looks like Ghazi Hamad. The organization is Hamas. The main figure in the cartoon is labeled Hamas. Hamad's words and the innocents bound to him as human shields and their forced martyrdom reflect the official position of Hamas. Hamas is a terrorist organization that blames Israel for the attack on civilians, but ignores its own complicity in their suffering. It was Hamas that first launched the attack on Israel, continues to use civilian infrastructure as cover, and restricts the evacuation of Gaza civilians from areas which Israel has given advanced warning of strikes. Here is the cartoon: This is the editorial cartoon which the Washington Post deleted. The cartoon by Michael Ramirez, titled Human Shields depicted a Hamas leader using civilians as human shields. The truth might hurt, but its still the truth.@washingtonpost @Ramireztoons pic.twitter.com/ZG1dUbUKau Israel (@Israel) November 10, 2023 As I argued earlier, the figure in the picture looked like the terrorist. It wasn't an anti-Semitic trope or whatever just because he had a big nose in it -- the thug really did have a big nose -- and a cruel eyes, a thug's lips, and a very evil demeanor, and the caricature reflected them well. Then Ramirez blew them out of the water laying out side-by-side photos and caricatures of public figures like the Hamas spokesman, and photos of what they really looked like. He showed about a dozen figures, all of whom were caricatured to perfection and looked like creeps. Naturally, Democrats were among them, but Michael also included a caricature he did of Donald Trump to shut them up. He also did a retort cartoon depicting the Hamas spokesman with a cartoon happy face, commenting on the Post's critique of the cartoon as racist. Happy now? It's not just that the claim of racism is refutable on the hard facts. The thing that makes the racism claim really hypocritical is in the identities of the interested parties. Washington Post op-ed editor David Shipley is a pasty middle-aged white man who made the decision to pull the cartoon to satisfy the woke mob. Michael Ramirez is a dark-skinned American of Mexican and Japanese origin. A fat white guy is calling a Mexican-American cartoonist a racist? Somebody here's looking a little embarrassing and it's not Michael. Michael's response was strong, able to roll with the punches, full of integrity, and full of a strong understanding of what effective journalism is about, including op-ed journalism. He concluded his piece with class: I do not mind being attacked for my cartoons. People should be emotionally invested in their politics. While the First Amendment guarantees the freedom of speech, it does not insulate you from the consequences of your speech. I accept that. It is part of the job. I stand by the cartoonand I stand by my critics' right to condemn it. Sometimes, the truth hurts. Journalists have an obligation to keep the lights on and not kowtow to the voices of dissent who want to extinguish the free exchange of ideas, and hide in the darkness. From my perspective, I think it hurt the Washington Post far more than me. He concluded it in a classy way because he is classy, quite unlike the cowardly weasels at the Post. I know that because I know him as a longtime colleague at the old Investor's Business Daily editorial page. Michael made a stellar defense of the First Amendment and made the wokester cancel culture that is trying to stomp it out look like jackasses. Read the whole thing here. Image: Twitter screen shot // Michael Ramirez // fair use In the wake of Hamas's October 7 terror attack on Israeli civilians, with its mass rapes, murders, kidnappings, and other atrocities, it would seem pretty natural to think that the "ordinary" Palestinians would turn against Hamas, which is as evil an organization as ISIS. Hamas members even admit it. Bzzt! Wrong. The specter of Jewish bloodshed seems to have strengthened their support for Hamas. According to the Elder of Ziyon blog: A new poll from AWRAD, Arab World for Research and Development, shows that the vast majority of Palestinians support the October 7 pogrom. 75% of all Palestinians supported the massacre while only 12.7% opposed it. Source: AWRAD Which is shocking: How could anyone decent support this? Women were raped by them. Women were murdered by them. Women were kidnapped by them. Women were burned alive by them. Yet, the @UN_Women organization has remained silent. Why?? Because they are Israelis They didnt mention the Jewish babies, girls, and women massacred, raped, pic.twitter.com/qjPb7hLgOb Consul General Idit Shamir (@ShamirIdit) November 17, 2023 What kind of monster supports this? Hypocritical Women's Organizations Are Silent as the Shocking Scale of Hamass Sexual Violence Against Jewish Women Becomes Horrifyingly Clear https://t.co/X2MshBxAIS via @pamelageller Lois Levine Fishman (@FishmanLevine) November 16, 2023 Hamas terrorist who paraded Shani Louks body has been killed by IDF and is roasting in hell forever, rabbi says https://t.co/fMGipcDo2L pic.twitter.com/s8MFYYWvFx New York Post (@nypost) November 16, 2023 I haven't even brought up the baby and child beheadings, the tying up of mothers and children and burning them alive, the setting of safe rooms alight, the home invasions, the lootings, the baking of a baby in an oven. The atrocities were unspeakable and every creature involved here is a criminal who needs to be brought to justice. We did, however, see the dancing, the celebrations, the spitting and dancing on the bodies of the dead such as happened to murdered and eventually beheaded young music festival-goer Shani Louk. Maybe just the heat of the moment? Not according to this poll. The dancers and celebrants are in the majority, and as the writer at Elder of Ziyon notes, the sentiment is even worse in the supposedly "moderate" West Bank than it is in Gaza. That's the home of this much-decorated windbag and apologist for terrorists, Hanan Ashrawi, who is feted in the West. They support mass murder. They support Hamas. They support all of their aid money getting stolen by Hamas leaders, who have made themselves billionaires and now ensconce themselves in the safe and sybaratic comforts of Qatar. They support this even as it has brought war to their homeland and rained down countless bombs in the quest to stop the killers from killing again. Normally, that should end support for this terror group, but not with these guys. They are haters with the anti-Semitic bug in them. Obviously, this poll simplifies matters. Nearly every Palestinian in Gaza and the West Bank supports and obviously is part of the terror network, a combatant, someone who would do the same as the Hamas paragliders and gladly commit atrocities if given the opportunity, someone whose aim is actually genocide against their neighbors. Israel is entitled to a free hand against its attackers without undue concern for "civilians," given that most all of them are combatants and supporters of the unspeakable, civilian or not. So when Joe Biden calls for a 'ceasefire' to protect civilians, he's calling for protection for defenders and promoters of terrorism, which is a pretty outrageous stance. When the pope calls for 'peace' on all sides, it's somehow only Israel that the remarks are directed to -- this murderous hate seen on the Palestinian side, which has led to the war it is in now, is somehow never addressed. It's infuriating. These people support rape and murder, and nobody says a thing. Worse still, recall that Joe Biden wants to import these people into the states, while Egypt and Jordan, who know the deal about the vast majority of them, have wisely shut the door. There are very few innocent civilians and opponents of mass murder inside these Palestinian enclaves that the world's protestors are protesting about. That so many support Hamas is astonishing, yet somehow, they are sure the West will come to their aid because it always does, no matter how murderous their attitudes, and no matter how much they hate America, which, as the Elder of Ziyon's post shows, has another poll showing zero support for the U.S. from these guys, that's the U.S. which pays so many of their bills. It's time to cut them off and shut down the visas, too, except for those who can provably show that they have opposed and spoken out against this evil regime. As for what Israel does, Israel should be able to make its own decisions on this without interference from Joe Biden or any idiot who can't read poll numbers out in the West. As Elder of Ziyon concludes: As I've been emphasizing, the obstacle to peace isn't Israel. It is Palestinian Jew-hatred, hatred that predates the "occupation" and "siege" and "nakba." Unless there is a new Palestinian leadership and a generation of Palestinians who grow up learning about coexistence and tolerance, there is no chance for peace. He puts his finger on it. They can't come crying to us about civilian deaths from Israel when they have this kind of hatred to start with. Image: Pamela Geller, via Twitter screen shot Fifty billion dollars. That is the size of some of the endowments held by our institutions of higher learning. The 15 largest university endowments in the US total over $325 billion dollars. In 2022, there were over 80 private universities and 50 state universities with endowments of over a billion dollars. All, of course, are untaxed. These universities often sit smack up against some of the most financially deprived and destitute ghettos in Americaand every one of them is in a Democrat stronghold, be it a township or a major city. What is $50 billion taxed at, say, 6%? Answer: $3,000,000,000 dollars. Exactly how much would the inner cities of Philadelphia, PA, Providence, RI, or New Haven, CT, benefit from that windfall? Decaying schools. Understaffed hospitals. Rotting infrastructure. Right alongside over $325 billion (that we are told of) of untapped revenue. Yale in New Haven and Penn in West Philly are perfect examples. How exactly do bereft, minority populations exist alongside these Democrat temples of extreme (one might say obscene) wealth in Democrat political strongholds? Answer: Although both academia and inner-city minorities are lynchpins of Democrat power, one matters much more to the Democrat elite than the other, and that truth should cause a fatal case of reflux in the most ardent Democrat stalwart while representing an enormous opportunity for the Right. Image: Yale Law School by Pradipta Mitra. CC BY-SA 3.0. That embarrassing juxtaposition is the wooden horse that we need to maneuver inside the Democrat party/culture. Many recent American Thinker blogs decry conservatives passivity. Well, folks, Im about to help go on offense. I ask every one of you to ask every woke relative/coworker/neighbor this question: Why are university endowments untouchable in terms of taxation when the communities (actual minority communities) in which they exist are so cash-strapped? And while youre at it, pose this same question to your state and federal representatives, especially if they are Democrats. All whom you ask will struggle to answer, for there really is no good reason!!! If the taxation were to injure small, less wealthy schools, then finelimit it to endowments over $500 million. Exactly how many universities in the US sit on that dragons hoard of greater than 500 million? Hundreds. This very idea is cancerous to the Dem establishment and its most beloved constituencyacademia. So, lets run with it. The idea of one Dem constituency pitted against another Dem constituency is just too perfect to pass up. And, moreover, it is eminently just and fair. And 2024 is coming on fast. Oh, one final thought. Do you support your alma mater by donating? If you, as a conservative or as an American Thinker reader, support a university through any types of donations, you are part of the problem. And as the Hamas campus demonstrations reveal, it is quite a problem. Oh, what the heck! Heres one more really final thought. Do you know what word perfectly describes this cozy relationship between Dem political institutions, opulently wealthy academia, and Americans in the lower rungs struggling to survive financially? Hypocrisy. And I mean the choke-on-your-own-saliva style hypocrisy. The kind that the Democrat leftist establishment exhales with every breath. The Hate Has No Home Here, but dont you dare send any illegal immigrant detritus into our community kind of hypocrisy. You know it. Now call it out. At first glance, the divisions between Left and Right seem insurmountable, and while it is no doubt that we are in the midst of a great conflict and that battle lines have been clearly drawn, we should take a step back and take stock of where were at, who we are, and what must we do to broaden our appeal to those who havent historically voted Republican. Frankly, it is remarkable that any American, other than hard-core leftists, votes for the Democrat Party. Many Democrats either vote by rote or have been deceived. Todays Democrat Party is not your fathers (or grandfathers) Democratic Party and have completely gone Marxist/Leninist/Maoist. The Obama/Biden years can be a wake-up call, as a majority of Americans believe that we are on the wrong track -- domestically, internationally, culturally, and economically. The Belly of the Beast Initiative is a personal project designed to document the plight of historically Democrat constituencies, how their loyalty has proven detrimental to their current circumstances, and how conservatives might appeal to them that there might be a better way forward. These groups include: Blacks Hispanics Students (millennials, gen-x) Jews LGBTQ+ Union members Catholics Suburban women Urbanites RINOs There has been much discussion of the rapid deterioration of leftist-run urban centers, due to rampant violent crime (soft-on-crime DAs), failing schools (entrenched education unions), drug and alcohol abuse, homelessness, mental illness, and an increased blight in residential, retail, and commercial real estate. Dan Bongino often states on his podcast; Things are just not bad enough yet for a lot of people to wake up from the Kool-Aid slumber. While we may be rightly cynical of the plight of Urban voters circumstance, now is an excellent time to reach out to these voters and communicate to them; a) The cause of their plight -- leftism, and b) That there is a better way forward, as Donald Trump asked in 2019 What do you have to lose? Bongino relates his experience growing up in pre-Guiliani New York, how bad things got, and how New Yorkers finally reached a point where they had finally had enough. New York City is now just as bad, if not worse, than it was before Rudolph Guiliani. Citizens of San Francisco, Oakland, Portland, Seattle, Los Angeles, San Diego, Chicago, Detroit, Dearborn, Ferguson, Flint, Atlanta, Memphis, New York City, Baltimore, Washington D.C., Boston, El Paso, Austin, Minneapolis, St. Paul, Denver, New Orleans, Philadelphia, etc. wake up from your Kool-Aid slumber! The trajectory of leftist-run cities is dire. It can (and will) get worse. Much worse. While Republicans arent perfect, if you compare any city in the list above with a comparably sized Republican-run city, youll find that theyre run more efficiently, with more discipline, and are subsequently experiencing better outcomes than the leftist-run cities on the list. Mr. and Mrs. Urban Voter: We are sympathetic to your plight (to a point) but are increasingly resigned to letting you suffer by your continued loyalty to a party that is destroying your city, state, culture, livelihood, and more broadly our country. Choose wisely, my friend. What do you have to lose? Image: Kevin Jones The Byzantine Empire, often overshadowed by its predecessor, the Roman Empire, and its successor, the Ottoman Empire, was a remarkable civilization that spanned over a millennium. Its contributions to art, architecture, law, and culture continue to influence the world today. However, the Byzantine Empire faced its share of challenges, including wars, invasions, and political upheavals. Over time, much of its history and heritage became buried beneath layers of time and neglect. In this article, we will delve into the dual-axis approach to Byzantine recovery, a method that combines archaeology and historical texts to unveil the hidden treasures of this ancient empire. If youre a newcomer aiming to invest in bitcoin, consider using Immediate Vortex for your cryptocurrency trading endeavors. Unearthing the Byzantine Empire Archaeological Excavations: Discoveries and Significance Archaeological excavations have been pivotal in recovering the tangible remains of the Byzantine Empire. The Byzantine archaeological record spans from the Balkans to the Middle East, providing valuable insights into the daily lives, customs, and achievements of its people. Recent discoveries, such as the excavation of the ancient city of Aphrodisias in Turkey, have shed light on the architectural brilliance and artistic prowess of the Byzantines. These excavations not only unearth artifacts but also reveal the intricate urban planning and infrastructure of Byzantine cities. Advertisement Advertisement Challenges in Preserving Byzantine Artifacts and Sites Preserving Byzantine artifacts and sites presents a formidable challenge. Many Byzantine structures have suffered from centuries of neglect, natural disasters, and urban development. The Hagia Sophia, one of the most iconic Byzantine structures, has transformed from a cathedral to a mosque and now a museum, reflecting the complex history of Byzantine heritage. Preservation efforts must contend with the delicate balance between conserving the past and accommodating the present. The Role of Technology in Modern Byzantine Archaeology Modern technology has revolutionized Byzantine archaeology. Ground-penetrating radar, LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), and 3D scanning have enabled archaeologists to map and document Byzantine sites with unprecedented precision. These tools help uncover hidden structures, decipher inscriptions, and reconstruct ancient buildings virtually. Digital databases and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) facilitate the cataloging and analysis of Byzantine artifacts and sites, making them accessible to researchers worldwide. Byzantine Art and Architecture Revival The Impact of Byzantine Art on Cultural Heritage Byzantine art, with its distinctive blend of Eastern and Western influences, continues to influence art and culture. The Byzantine mosaic tradition, characterized by intricate designs and rich symbolism, can be seen in churches and museums around the world. The use of icons in religious worship, a Byzantine innovation, persists in Orthodox Christianity. The revival of Byzantine art not only preserves cultural heritage but also inspires contemporary artists and designers. Efforts to Restore and Revive Byzantine Artistic Traditions The revival of Byzantine artistic traditions has gained momentum in recent years. Skilled artisans are relearning the techniques of creating Byzantine mosaics, icons, and frescoes. Organizations like the Mt. Athos Center for Byzantine and Modern Greek Studies in Greece offers workshops and courses to pass on these ancient skills to the next generation. These efforts ensure that Byzantine art continues to thrive and evolve. Advertisement Case Studies of Successful Byzantine Art and Architecture Restoration Projects Several successful restoration projects serve as examples of Byzantine art and architecture revival. The restoration of the Chora Church in Istanbul, renowned for its stunning mosaics and frescoes, showcases the painstaking work required to preserve Byzantine masterpieces. Similarly, the restoration of the Monastery of St. Catherine in the Sinai Peninsula, home to a priceless collection of Byzantine manuscripts and icons, underscores the importance of preserving both tangible and intangible heritage. Historical Texts and Byzantine Recovery Importance of Historical Texts in Understanding Byzantine History While archaeology provides a window into the material world of Byzantium, historical texts offer insights into its intellectual and political history. Byzantine historians like Procopius, Anna Comnena, and Michael Psellos have left behind chronicles that document the rise and fall of emperors, military campaigns, and philosophical debates. These texts are invaluable for reconstructing the Byzantine narrative. Efforts in Preserving and Translating Byzantine Manuscripts Preserving and translating Byzantine manuscripts is a crucial aspect of historical text recovery. Many Byzantine manuscripts have been lost to time, but diligent efforts by scholars and institutions have resulted in the preservation of a substantial corpus. Digitalization initiatives, such as the Dumbarton Oaks Byzantine Texts Series, have made Byzantine texts accessible to a global audience, facilitating research and scholarship. Digital Tools and Resources for Byzantine Textual Recovery The digital age has ushered in a new era of Byzantine textual recovery. Optical character recognition (OCR) technology has enabled the digitization of ancient manuscripts, making them searchable and easily accessible. Byzantine studies databases and online repositories provide scholars with a wealth of primary sources, facilitating interdisciplinary research and collaborative efforts in unraveling Byzantine history. Advertisement Byzantine Heritage Preservation The Role of International Organizations and Governments Preserving Byzantine heritage often requires collaboration between international organizations, governments, and local communities. UNESCOs World Heritage program has designated several Byzantine sites, such as the historic areas of Istanbul, as World Heritage Sites, highlighting their global significance. National governments play a vital role in designating protected areas and providing funding for conservation efforts. Challenges in Protecting Byzantine Sites from Modern Development The juxtaposition of ancient Byzantine sites with modern urban development presents a significant challenge. Urbanization and infrastructure projects can encroach upon archaeological sites, threatening their preservation. Striking a balance between development and heritage conservation is essential to ensure that Byzantine sites remain intact for future generations. Community Involvement and Grassroots Initiatives Community involvement and grassroots initiatives are essential for Byzantine heritage preservation. Local communities often have a deep connection to Byzantine sites and can act as stewards of their heritage. Initiatives such as historical walking tours, educational programs, and volunteer efforts engage the public in preserving and promoting Byzantine history, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility. The Dual-Axis Approach to Byzantine Recovery What Is the Dual-Axis Approach? The dual-axis approach to Byzantine recovery integrates archaeological findings with historical texts to create a holistic understanding of Byzantine civilization. It recognizes that artifacts and texts are complementary sources of information, providing insights into different facets of Byzantine life. This interdisciplinary approach enhances the accuracy and depth of our knowledge about Byzantium. Combining Archaeology and Historical Texts By combining archaeology and historical texts, researchers can reconstruct the daily lives, beliefs, and societal structures of the Byzantines. For example, excavations of Byzantine homes may uncover household artifacts, while texts may provide insights into family dynamics and customs. This synergy allows for a more comprehensive interpretation of Byzantine history. Advertisement Success Stories and Notable Achievements The dual-axis approach has yielded remarkable success stories in Byzantine recovery. The decipherment of the inscriptions on the Justinianic Plague column in Istanbul, a collaborative effort involving archaeologists and epigraphists, shed light on the devastating impact of the plague in Byzantine society. Similarly, the discovery of a cache of Byzantine medical texts in a monastery in Egypt expanded our understanding of Byzantine medicine and pharmacology. Future Directions and Challenges Advancements in Technology and Their Potential Impact The future of Byzantine recovery holds promise with advancements in technology. AI and machine learning are aiding in the automated transcription and translation of Byzantine texts, making them more accessible to researchers. Additionally, non-invasive archaeological techniques, such as drone surveys and satellite imaging, are becoming indispensable tools for site identification and monitoring. Ongoing Threats to Byzantine Heritage Despite the progress, Byzantine heritage continues to face threats. Political instability, armed conflicts, and looting pose immediate risks to Byzantine artifacts and sites in regions like Syria and Iraq. Climate change and environmental degradation also jeopardize the preservation of Byzantine structures, particularly those located in coastal areas vulnerable to rising sea levels. The Role of Education and Awareness Education and awareness play a crucial role in sustaining Byzantine recovery efforts. Promoting Byzantine history in schools, universities, and museums ensures that future generations appreciate the significance of this civilization. Public engagement through lectures, exhibitions, and documentaries fosters a sense of responsibility for preserving Byzantine heritage. Conclusion In conclusion, the dual-axis approach to Byzantine recovery, which harmonizes archaeological excavations with the study of historical texts, has significantly deepened our comprehension of this remarkable civilization. This multifaceted approach has not only unearthed hidden treasures and deciphered ancient manuscripts but has also breathed new life into Byzantine art and culture. As we grapple with the challenges of safeguarding Byzantine heritage in our modern era, it becomes increasingly imperative to extend our support and investment toward these recovery endeavors. The legacy of Byzantium is not confined solely to the annals of history; it endures through tangible artifacts and intangible cultural remnants, leaving an indelible mark on our world. Within this ongoing mission to preserve this invaluable heritage, it is crucial to embrace innovative tools and resources to augment our capabilities in the realms of historical research and cultural preservation. Google is one of the companies leading the AI race, and Sundar Pichai, the companys CEO, is at the helm. When talking to Bloombergs Emily Chang at APEC (Asian Pacific Economic Cooperation) he talked about potential global impacts of AI technology. During the interview, Pichai compared AI technology to climate change, according to a report. Why did Sundar Pichai compare AI to climate change? This seems like a pretty tough comparison. One is the next frontier in technology, and the other is a global phenomenon. Well, it all comes down to responsibility. During the interview, he said that AIs effects will be felt all over the world. AI advances will get out to all the countries and so its naturally the kind of technology that I dont think theres any unilateral safety to be had. Advertisement Advertisement That statement is true. At the moment, only the richest countries are affected, as they have access to more technology. Less wealthy countries dont feel AIs effects quite as much. However, we expect that to change as the technology becomes more accessible. What does this have to do with Pichais statement? He said that AI technology will be felt worldwide; what else is felt worldwide? Climate change. In some ways, [AIs] like climate change and the planet, he said. We all share a planet. I think thats true for AI. So, the responsibility to make AI safe is a responsibility that every country has. This is why countries need to come together to develop safety guidelines for AI rather than racing to beat out the competition. Thankfully, were seeing efforts The worst thing that we can do is turn AI into another rat race we need to lead. This could have tremendous consequences. AI is like fire at this point; it could either be constructive or destructive depending on how we use it. Thankfully, countries are working together to work on guardrails for AI. On Thursday, President Joe Biden reached an agreement with Xi Jinping to discuss AI and its potential effects. Sundar Pichai is right in that we need to develop AI guardrails together. AI technology is only going to get more powerful. If were not careful, then it could have some massive consequences. After a slight delay, Samsung appears to be back on track with its Android 14 rollout. It has released the big update for the Galaxy S22 series, bringing One UI 6.0 to the 2022 flagships. The update is also finally available for the Galaxy S23 series in South Korea. Samsung pushes Android 14 to the Galaxy S22 series Samsung began its Android 14 rollout in late October, with the Galaxy S23 series getting the update first. The company gradually pushed the update to the phones in most markets around the world, including the US. However, users in Samsungs home country had to wait a little longer. The delay is finally over, letting South Korean Galaxy S23 users get a taste of stable One UI 6.0. Advertisement Advertisement Simultaneously, Samsung is now rolling out the update to the Galaxy S22, Galaxy S22+, and Galaxy S22 Ultra. As of this writing, the stable Android 14 release for the 2022 flagship trio appears to be limited to beta users in Europe. The new firmware build number S90*BXXU6DWK4 (via SamMobile). However, it should be just a matter of time before the update reaches users on Android 13, both in Europe and beyond. For beta users, the OTA (over the air) download size is just around 300MB. It would be a much bigger package for non-beta Galaxy S22 users, possibly weighing more than 3GB. Alongside all the goodies of Android 14 and One UI 6.0, the update will also bring the latest security patch. Samsungs November patch contains fixes for more than 60 vulnerabilities, including at least five critical issues. If youre using a Galaxy S22, watch out for a notification prompting you to download the OTA update in the coming days. You can also go to Settings > Software update and tap on Download and install to check for updates manually. Samsung will soon release the update for other eligible models like the Galaxy Z Fold 5, Galaxy ZF Flip 5, Galaxy S21 series, Galaxy A54 5G, and more. We will keep you posted. One UI 6.0 brings new camera features One UI 6.0 is a massive update for Galaxy users. It introduces a UI overhaul, including changes to the notification panel and Quick Settings. Additionally, the update brings a host of new camera features. From selective Auto FPS and improved document scanning to new video editing tools, shutter speed optimization, and improved Image Clipper, there are plenty of new features to look forward to. One UI 6.0 also improves Samsungs Expert RAW, Camera Assistant, and Galaxy Enhance-X apps. By Kim Hyun-bin Deputy Head of Mission of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Korea Eisa Al Samahi underscored the significance of addressing food security concerns, Friday, while emphasizing collaborative endeavors between the United Arab Emirates and Korea. During the UAE Agriculture and Food Security Workshop held at a Seoul hotel, Al Samahi urged increased interest and investment in the field. The workshop, resulting from 13 memorandums of understanding (MOUs), symbolizes the strong bilateral ties between the two nations and offers enticing prospects for Korean businesses in the UAE. Al Samahi emphasized the significance of recent workshops that introduced the UAE's advanced technology industry and investment ecosystem to Korean stakeholders, aiming to foster further collaborative opportunities. "These efforts underscore the strong ties between our nations and offer valuable opportunities for Korean enterprises in the UAE," he said. Al Samahi pointed to the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement in Seoul in October, describing it as a historic milestone. This agreement, the first free trade deal with a Middle Eastern nation, is set to enhance economic relations, diversify bilateral trade and strengthen cooperation in energy and advanced industries. "The signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement marks a significant step forward in our economic collaboration," Alsamahi said. "It opens new doors for cooperation in various sectors and sets the stage for a deeper and more diversified partnership." In preparation for COP28, the UAE has identified seven areas to assist farmers in adapting to climate change and mitigating emissions from agriculture. These areas include improving weather forecasts, digital agricultural extension services, climate-responsive social protection programs, rainwater harvesting techniques training, microbial fertilizers to reduce emissions, innovations to reduce livestock methane emissions and alternative proteins. Al Samahi expressed the UAE's commitment to supporting agriculture and food security, stating, "Our preliminary set of innovation areas showcases our dedication to assisting millions of farmers in adapting to climate change and promoting sustainable agriculture practices." During the seminar workshop, the UAE ministry, along with relevant representatives, shared insights into current trends and related strategic policies on agriculture and food security. The aim is to propose the establishment of sustainable partnerships with Korean entities, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange in these crucial sectors. The UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and the UAE Embassy in Seoul are actively advancing public-private partnerships in sustainable agriculture and food security. This workshop represents a significant step in leveraging economic diplomacy skills to fortify the agricultural and food sectors in the UAE, providing crucial access to vital knowledge, expert guidance and practical experiences. Apples road to 5G connectivity was far from smooth. While Samsung released its first 5G device in 2019, Apples first 5G phone came in the fall of 2020. This delay stemmed from a complex web of legal battles with Qualcomm, a major supplier of 5G modem chips. Initially, Apple partnered with Intel to develop these chips, but the collaboration proved unsuccessful. This led Apple to rekindle its relationship with Qualcomm. Despite several attempts to make its own 5G modem chips, Apples efforts were hampered by technical challenges and the sheer complexity of the task. The Cupertino company extended its partnership recently with Qualcomm until 2026. Thats how the Apple-Qualcomm relationship of 5G modem chips began. Advertisement Advertisement Apple tried its best to make in-house 5G modem chips but failed miserably Amid business with Qualcomm, Apple had been working to make modem chips. It acquired most of Intels smartphone modem chip business for $1 billion. The deal came with 2,200 Intel geniuses and over 17,000 patents. Apple planned to develop 5G modem chips for the iPhone 15 series, but it faced setbacks again. And, like always, Qualcomm came to the rescue. Hence, the current iPhone 15 line employs the Snapdragon X70 5G modem. The Wall Street Journal reported that Apple almost built its 5G modem chips. However, it ate up nearly half the internal space of the iPhone. It was also too slow and would overheat. As much as everyone in the tech world knows, Tim Cook hates to hear overheating. Thats why the company is planning to replace copper with graphene in the next iPhone 16 line. It also hints that the iPhone 16 line could be more expensive than its predecessors. Apples quest for independent 5G modem chip development has hit a temporary setback. It has extended its partnership with Qualcomm to supply 5G modem chips for iPhones until 2026. This means that Apple has until the iPhone 19 in 2027 to bring its in-house 5G modem chip. If that doesnt happen, Apple is likely to turn back to Qualcomm for its 5G needs. This is the current state of Apples 5G chipset story. You dont have to wait until the final Friday in November to get some great phone deals from both retailers and e-commerce platforms. Many of the big sellers have already discounted certain lines for the 2023 iteration of Black Friday. Anyone who wants to bag a bargain smartphone can do so right now. What are some of the best deals available right now? What Makes a Black Friday Phone Deal? Given that some phone Black Friday sales promotions occur ahead of November 24 this year, you could be forgiven for wondering what is so special about the day itself. Simply put, purchasing a phone thats part of a Black Friday offer will usually mean obtaining substantial savings. This is the case whether you choose to wait for Black Friday itself, when the competition between sellers is at its fiercest, or before. Advertisement Advertisement In other words, if you want the chance to pay the lowest price for a new phone, then you could wait until Black Friday and get an incredible bargain. However, if your preferred model has already sold out, then youll have to settle for something else. Therefore, if you see a phone that you like the look of at a price you think is attractive, then go for it. There is no guarantee the asking price will drop any lower on Black Friday itself. What are some of the best phone deals you can obtain right now? Read on to find out. iPhone 15 Apples iPhone 15 has been out long enough for it to feature in some sales promotions already. The 150GB version, for example, is already on offer with Three. On a monthly tariff with that network, you could save well over 150 compared to the usual price. Deals start from 34 a month but there are other networks which also offer top-quality iPhone 15 deals. Carphone Warehouse, for example, has discounted the top-of-the-range iPhone 15 Pro Max for Black Friday in 2023 on 24-month contracts with iD as the network provider. Throwing in several months of Apple TV+ and Apple Music, their deals start from under 66 per month for a truly top-end phone. Sony Xperia 1 IV The first smartphone to offer continuous zoom functionality, the Xperia 1 IV typically retails in the UK for well over 1,100. However, during Black Friday, you can expect its price to plummet temporarily, at least. O2 currently promotes this particular model with 256GB of memory as one of its Black Friday deals. If you were to opt for it now, then you could save as much as 500 depending on which tariff you were to take up. Ideal if you are after a 5G-ready device that has been designed with gamers and video content creators in mind, the Xperia 1 IV also features 4K HDR 120fps functions on all three of its impressive lenses. Advertisement Google Pixel 8 Pro It is possible to save up to 320 on a new Google Pixel Pro 8 with a qualifying trade-in of your current phone. Three offers this in its stores and online as well as a similar, if less eye-catching deal, for the standard Pixel 8. At the moment, Googles own online store only has an 8 saving on offer for customers who buy a case with their Pixel Pro 8. However, the countdown is on for further tempting reductions closer to Black Friday so this is a website worth heading back to on the day itself. Samsung Galaxy S23+ Samsung currently lists the Galaxy S23+ at 1,049 for the 256GB model and at 1,149 for the 512GB model. Buyers can also turn to Samsung directly for a trade-in discount of up to 450 depending on the state of the current phone. Even better, for Black Friday, the tech giant is offering a free gift for all new purchases, a set of Galaxy Buds FE. Note that EE currently offer the 256GB version of the S23+ at 1,031 if you choose to buy it outright subject to a monthly device cost of a few pounds depending on whether your contract runs for 24 or 36 months. Further reductions are certainly possible closer to the sales event, but theres no guarantee that either the retailer or the manufacturer will choose to promote this popular model. Check and re-check mobile phone pricing before making your Black Friday purchase. Although a deal may look attractive, you must check how long youd be tied into a contract for and whether additional fees apply for things like deliveries. Sales promotions can move fast over the course of Black Friday so if you want to buy a new phone it can be worth holding on until the day comes around even if some deals in the run-up look good. Google will finally let teens use Bard starting today. Google has implemented a set of safety measures, as outlined by Tulsee Doshi in a blog post. Bard will be accessible to teenagers in most countries and they must meet Googles minimum age criteria. It is typically 13 in many countries, with exceptions are listed on an official support page. Bard for teens first wants to educate them about Gen AI to utilize later As of late, Bard for teens is only available in English. But Doshi adds that more languages will be added over time. She also adds that there will be few safety measures to help understand how gen-AI works. Organizations like the Family Online Safety Institute (FOSI) advised us on how to keep the needs of teens and families in mind., she added. Also, it prevents the younger ones from accessing unsafe content. Advertisement Advertisement This is how it works. When teenagers first start using Bard, Google will educate them about generative AI and its potential limitations through a video. For example, hallucination is a common limitation among both ChatGPT and Bard. Google will also cross-check Bards answers to ensure that they are factual. Additionally, Google has trained Bard to identify and avoid generating responses that may be inappropriate for younger users. Googles Bard is getting betterwith every update Google is enhancing Bards experience with new features. These are mainly beneficial for teens, but others can also benefit from it. For instance, Google also tried becoming a math tutor with an update recently. When you enter a math equation or upload a picture of one, Bard will provide a detailed explanation of how to solve the problem. This is a testament to Googles ongoing efforts to improve Search as a tool for homework assistance is paying off. Additionally, Bard can now generate charts from tables or data included in a prompt. One of the biggest antitrust cases in the US is now over, as Google and DOJ wrapped things up after 2 months. The trial started on September 12, so it has technically been a little over two months at this point. Google and DOJ wrapped up the antitrust case after approximately two months As a reminder, the DOJ wanted to prove that Google abused its power in the market in order to keep its search monopoly. Google, of course, tried to prove otherwise. Weve seen a ton of details shared during the trial, interesting details, despite the fact this was a semi-private trial. Advertisement Advertisement This case was filed by the Trump administration, and the person assigned to oversee it was Judge Amit Mehta of the US District Court for the District of Columbia. It is also worth noting that the very final witness that the DOJ presented, on the final day of the trial, was Michael Whinston. He is an MIT economics professor who disagreed with Google while on the stand. The last DOJ witness said Google is in the wrong He said that Google didnt have to compete with Microsoft to be exclusively pre-installed on smartphones. He also said that Googles payments to Apple and others, which were over $26 billion in 2021, were monopoly profits paid to distributors. Mr. Whinston also added that Googles US market share of 90% also meant that the company had little incentive to improve quality. Googles lawyer, John Schimdtlein, said that those payments were legal revenue-sharing deals. The company reiterated that a number of times during the trial. The lawyer also added that Google is as popular because of its quality. He said that in order to tackle the statement made by Michael Whinston. We wont get the Judges final decision until sometime in 2024 Now, the antitrust case is now wrapped up, but the decision has not been made, of course. Well have to wait a bit in order to get the ruling. And by a bit, I mean until next year, as thats when well get the decision from Judge Amit Mehta. Do note that appeals are likely regardless of what the decision is. Another thing to note is that previous cases that the US ran in the tech sector. Microsofts case in the late 90s is a good example, it went in the opposite direction. Those cases do tend to hurt the companies theyre presented against, though, so well see what will happen. Samsung chairman Lee Jae-yong might have to head back to prison again. South Korean prosecutors have demanded a five-year jail term for the Samsung chief in connection to the controversial merger of two company affiliates in 2015. He previously went to jail twice in a separate bribery case involving former South Korean President Park Geun-hye. Legal troubles for Samsung chief Lee Jae-yong havent ended yet Samsung completed a high-profile merger of its affiliates Samsung C&T and Cheil Industries in 2015. Since Lee had a 23.2 percent stake in the latter, the $8 billion mergerwhere three Samsung C&T shares were offered for one Cheil sharehelped him tighten his control of the merged entity. Effectively, Lee made a strong case for himself to succeed his father as the leader of the family-controlled conglomerate, the Samsung Group. Advertisement Advertisement However, the state prosecution accused Lee of stock price manipulation and accounting fraud to help facilitate the merger (via Yonhap). He allegedly inflated the prices of Cheil and deflated the prices of Samsung C&T through unfair and illegal practices. The Samsung chief is suspected of having disseminated false market information and mass purchasing stocks among other unlawful actions. Prosecutors have also accused him of accounting fraud at Samsung Biologics, a subsidiary of Cheil Industries. His actions, particularly the devaluation of Samsung C&T, resulted in massive financial losses to other investors. Since Lee was the final decision-maker (he was leading the company after his father suffered a heart attack the previous year), he allegedly approved all the malpractices for his benefit. The prosecution demanded a five-year jail term and a fine of KRW 500 million (approx. USD 386,000) for Lee in the case. Prosecutors have also demanded a 4.5-year prison sentence and a similar fine for two senior Samsung executives on related charges. Choi Gee-sung, a former head of the Korean conglomerates now-disbanded control tower Future Strategy Office, is one of them. The court will announce its ruling next year Lee Jae-yong and the two Samsung executives were indicted in this case in September 2020. Following years of hearings where the accused denied wrongdoing, prosecutors finally presented a sentence request during the final hearing held at the Seoul Central District Court earlier today. Lee attended the hearing, with his lawyers expected to present their final arguments in his defense later today. The court may not announce its ruling in the case before 2024. If it finds Lee guilty on one or more accounts, he may have to head back to prison less than two years after receiving a presidential pardon in the aforementioned bribery case. He spent more than a year in jail between 2017 and 2021 before walking out on parole and eventually receiving a pardon. Time will tell if the Samsung chief will manage to avoid a third term in jail. (ANSA) - BELGRADE, NOV 17 - The Vinitaly-led sales mission for Italian wine at the second edition of "Wine Vision by Open Balkan", the most important wine fair in south-east Europe, attracting more than 600 exhibitors from 28 countries, began on Thursday. The event, which runs until Sunday November 19, features the presence of 50 Italian wineries representing 12 regions: Abruzzo, Campania, Emilia Romagna, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Lombardy, Marche, Piedmont, Puglia, Sicily, Tuscany, Trentino Alto Adige and Veneto (making up the lion's share of exhibitors with 21). At the inauguration, Serbia President Aleksandar Vucic, thanked Vinitaly - 'the largest wine fair in the world' - for having accompanied 'leading Italian producers, among the most renowned internationally' to Belgrade. Vinitaly, in collaboration with the ICE Trade Agency, leads the Italian delegation brought together in the Italy Area: more than 1,000 square meters of exhibition space welcoming professionals and opinion leaders in a sector keen to discover or learn more about Italy's impressive wine offering over four days. Master classes and tastings are also on the schedule, along with a programme of B2B meetings with importers and operators in order to make new contacts and assess strategies and sales opportunities. Italian companies attending "Wine Vision by Open Balkan" will be able to meet selected buyers from 15 target markets: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, North Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Poland, Czech Republic, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Hungary and Turkey. "The continental block descending from the Baltic along the Balkans is one of the most promising for Italian wine in terms of consumption," explained Maurizio Danese, Managing Director of the Veronafiere centre, the owner and organizer of Vinitaly. "Today, these countries are worth 320 million euros in terms of exports, with average annual growth rates between 2010 and 2022 in the order of 10%. The positive trend continued with another increase in the first seven months of this problematic 2023, with a further leap in value of almost 20%. This is why Veronafiere is keen to improve its positioning in, and penetration of, this macro-area, not the least in terms of attracting buyers and promoting incoming attendance with a view to the next Vinitaly show (14-17 April 2024) where the Open Balkan group show will return following this year's success." Sparkling and semi-sparkling products are the type of Italian wine most exported to the 15 countries in south-east Europe covered by the B2B event in Belgrade, with an overall share of more than 55% in terms of value. Prosecco is growing very strongly (30% of total), having exploded in the last two years, especially in Poland and the Czech Republic. The latter are, in order, the main importing countries of Italian wine, with a share in excess of 60% of the overall market; followed by Slovakia, Romania and Albania. The ribbon cutting ceremony for the Italy Area at "Wine Vision by Open Balkan" was attended by Veronafiere Managing Director Maurizio Danese, Veneto Governor Luca Zaia, the Italian Ambassador to Serbia Luca Gori, the Director of the ICE Trade Agency office in Belgrade, Antonio Ventresca, and the Sales Director of Veronafiere, Raul Barbieri. (ANSA). (ANSA) - ROME, NOV 17 - Premier Giorgia Meloni said Friday that progress in negotiations for a new EU Stability and Growth Pact were insufficient so far. The EU member States are currently negotiating a reform of the Pact, which has been suspended since the COVID pandemic exploded in 2020. If they fail to reach an agreement, the old budget rules will come back into force next year. "It seems to me that progress is being made" Meloni at the end of a bilateral meeting with Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic in Zagreb. "There is a realization that a return to the old rules would be fatal for our economy. "But the steps are still insufficient, we need to work a lot more. "A final rush is needed" she continued, adding that the new rules need to take account of "strategic investments". (ANSA). (ANSA) - ROME, NOV 17 - Italy's UIL and CGIL trade unions staged a big demonstration in Rome's Piazza del Popolo square and held a curtailed general strike on Friday in protest against the government's 2024 budget bill, which is currently before parliament. Deputy Premier and Transport Minister Matteo Salvini issued an injunction limiting the one-day protest to four hours in the transport sector after the nation's strike watchdog said the stoppage did not meet the requirements for a general strike and should be rescheduled. The unions have said they will appeal against the decision, accusing the government of attacking the right to strike and the watchdog of being compliant to the executive's demands. The unions said 60,000 people took part in the Rome demo and 70% of workers called on to strike joined in. "The streets are packed in a way we have not seen for years," said CGIL leader Maurizio Landini, "This is the most beautiful, strongest, most intelligent and firmest response we could give to those who decided to impose an injunction and question the right to strike. "This is a real attack on democracy'. The transport ministry said the strike had little impact on the rail network, with no high-speed trains cancelled and under 16% of regional-train staff taking part in the strike. Premier Giorgia Meloni blasted the strike, saying it was announced in the summer when "I hadn't even thought of" the budget. She also defended the government's decision to issue an injunction. "An independent authority reported that the requirements for a general strike had not been met," Meloni said. "It's not something I decided, I have great respect for workers' rights." (ANSA). Korea and Greece, both on 38th parallel, face similar challenges By Kim Hyun-bin Greek Ambassador to Korea Ekaterini Loupas paid tribute to the historic ties between Korea and Greece, marking the 70th anniversary of the armistice agreement that halted fighting in the 1950-53 Korean War. Reflecting on the profound history that connected Korea and Greece for more than 70 years, Loupas highlighted, Monday, the decision of the Greek government to participate in the war. Despite the aftermath of World War II and the Greek Civil War, Greece dispatched nine airplanes and 10,824 soldiers and officers, becoming the fifth-largest contributor of troops. "This alliance, forged by the sacrifice of so many heroes, is the cornerstone of our bilateral relations," Loupas said. Acknowledging the sacrifices made during the three-year conflict, Loupas spoke of the renewal of the relationship today through strengthened political, economic, cultural, and environmental cooperation. "Both countries, located on the 38th parallel, but in quite different neighborhoods, face similar international challenges. As we are committed to universal values, such as the rule of law, human rights, and freedom of speech, we are working together in all the international fora for global peace and prosperity," she said. "Nowadays, Koreas name is synonymous with the hard work, the commitment, the loyalty, and respect that have made this country thrive today," Loupas added. The ambassador also highlighted the cultural dimension of the evening, introducing Greek artists Angeliki Angelidis and Theodore Tzovanakis. "Tonight's event aims to foster our cultural connections and strengthen our mutual understanding and appreciation of our heritage," she said. The celebration featured a performance by Tzovanakis and an art exhibition by Angelidis, drawing inspiration from Korean history and philosophy. (ANSA) - ROME, NOV 17 - Pope Francis will meet at separate times with a group of relatives of Israelis held hostage in Gaza and a group of relatives of Palestinians suffering from the conflict in Gaza, on the sidelines of his general audience in St Peter's next Wednesday morning, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said Friday. "With these meetings, of an exclusively humanitarian nature, Pope Francis wants to manifest his spiritual closeness to the sufferings of each one," he said. Francis has condemned the October 7 Has attack in Israel and urged Israel to limit civilian casualties in its retaliation. (ANSA). Vinitaly, Italian winemakers meet south-east Europe markets World's biggest wine fair takes part in event in Belgrade (ANSA) - BELGRADE, NOV 17 - The Vinitaly-led sales mission for Italian wine at the second edition of "Wine Vision by Open Balkan", the most important wine fair in south-east Europe, attracting more than 600 exhibitors from 28 countries, began on Thursday. The event, which runs until Sunday November 19, features the presence of 50 Italian wineries representing 12 regions: Abruzzo, Campania, Emilia Romagna, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Lombardy, Marche, Piedmont, Puglia, Sicily, Tuscany, Trentino Alto Adige and Veneto (making up the lion's share of exhibitors with 21). At the inauguration, Serbia President Aleksandar Vucic, thanked Vinitaly - 'the largest wine fair in the world' - for having accompanied 'leading Italian producers, among the most renowned internationally' to Belgrade. Vinitaly, in collaboration with the ICE Trade Agency, leads the Italian delegation brought together in the Italy Area: more than 1,000 square meters of exhibition space welcoming professionals and opinion leaders in a sector keen to discover or learn more about Italy's impressive wine offering over four days. Master classes and tastings are also on the schedule, along with a programme of B2B meetings with importers and operators in order to make new contacts and assess strategies and sales opportunities. Italian companies attending "Wine Vision by Open Balkan" will be able to meet selected buyers from 15 target markets: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, North Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Poland, Czech Republic, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Hungary and Turkey. "The continental block descending from the Baltic along the Balkans is one of the most promising for Italian wine in terms of consumption," explained Maurizio Danese, Managing Director of the Veronafiere centre, the owner and organizer of Vinitaly. "Today, these countries are worth 320 million euros in terms of exports, with average annual growth rates between 2010 and 2022 in the order of 10%. The positive trend continued with another increase in the first seven months of this problematic 2023, with a further leap in value of almost 20%. This is why Veronafiere is keen to improve its positioning in, and penetration of, this macro-area, not the least in terms of attracting buyers and promoting incoming attendance with a view to the next Vinitaly show (14-17 April 2024) where the Open Balkan group show will return following this year's success." Sparkling and semi-sparkling products are the type of Italian wine most exported to the 15 countries in south-east Europe covered by the B2B event in Belgrade, with an overall share of more than 55% in terms of value. Prosecco is growing very strongly (30% of total), having exploded in the last two years, especially in Poland and the Czech Republic. The latter are, in order, the main importing countries of Italian wine, with a share in excess of 60% of the overall market; followed by Slovakia, Romania and Albania. The ribbon cutting ceremony for the Italy Area at "Wine Vision by Open Balkan" was attended by Veronafiere Managing Director Maurizio Danese, Veneto Governor Luca Zaia, the Italian Ambassador to Serbia Luca Gori, the Director of the ICE Trade Agency office in Belgrade, Antonio Ventresca, and the Sales Director of Veronafiere, Raul Barbieri. (ANSA). Bedford Prison has been issued with an urgent notification to improve after inspectors found violence, squalid conditions and high rates of self-harm. The category B reception prison is the fifth to be given an urgent notice in the last 12 months. HM Chief Inspector of Prisons Charlie Taylor said: This latest inspection is a damning indictment of the state of prisons. Many of the issues we found at Bedford reflect wider problems across the estate. An inspection by HM Inspectorate of Prisons in the last month found levels of violence against staff were at the highest rate in any adult male prison in the country, while it had the third highest rate of recorded self-harm. In a letter to Justice Secretary Alex Chalk setting out the issues, Mr Taylor said HMP Bedford has consistently failed to provide good outcomes for prisoners across four inspections since 2016. A previous urgent notification in 2018 had been followed by a more favourable report in 2022 but an unannounced inspection from October 30 to November 9 found many similar concerns, according to Mr Taylor. He wrote: There were many staff and leaders doing their best at Bedford but some of the problems we found were symptomatic of systemic issues within the reception prison system. There will need to be a co-ordinated and sustained effort from national as well as local leaders to effect meaningful change at the prison. He said the governor has addressed issues and poor staff performance in 11 months since her appointment but improvement has been delayed by a large number of leadership changes. Among the concerns found by the inspection were new prisoners being placed in dirty cells with limited induction while three quarters of inmates lived in overcrowded conditions with a widespread infestation of rats and cockroaches. Examples of unprofessional behaviour and excessive force were seen by inspectors, with the use of force remaining high. Staff and prisoners reported incidents of racism while a lack of staff and teachers meant education, training and work were regularly cancelled. Prisons Minister Edward Argar said: The findings of this inspection are unacceptable which is why we are taking immediate action to address the concerns raised. This includes deploying extra staff to enhance safety and we will shortly publish an action plan to set out what further measures were implementing to drive the improvement that needs to be made. Across the estate we are boosting officer numbers with almost 1,500 more employed over the last year and have increased starting salaries to more than 30,000 which is helping to improve retention. We are also pressing ahead with our plans to deliver the biggest prison expansion since the Victoria era by investing 4 billion to build 20,000 new places. Jordan has been crowned the champion of Big Brother following its return to British TV screens. The live final on ITV saw Olivia and Henry placing second and third respectively, following a final with Yinrun and Noky on Friday, which saw almost six million votes cast. The social experiment, in which housemates live together in a custom-built home for weeks without access to the outside world, returned in October with 16 contestants following a five-year hiatus. On winning the 100,000 prize, lawyer Jordan said: I can pay my council tax! Jordan also said he hasnt the foggiest why he was voted champion after 42 days in the house, but said of his Big Brother journey: I have let myself go a tiny bit, I didnt feel any regret so that was shocking. I could be quite uptight I hope I havent lost the dryness and become a bit wet. He added: First round on me then, when asked what he would do with his prize money. While second-placed housemate Olivia, a dancer from Glasgow, said: Ive said from the get-go as soon as you open your mouth in that house you become part of the firing line, sometimes it is easier to be quiet, you carry less of a weight on your shoulders if you just keep your mouth shut. But I would not be me if I didnt open this big, fat gob. Big Brother, which was axed by Channel 5 amid a ratings slump in 2018, returned this year with new hosts AJ Odudu and Will Best. On placing third in the competition, food writer Henry said: I honestly never expected to be here and I am shocked. It genuinely has really, really impacted me and I think I am leaving a much better person. Fourth place contestant Yinrun, a customer support agent, said: I would say I had the best time of my life in the house. I was very shy in the first week especially. I was the outsider. I gained more than I paid in this process. Placing fifth, Miss Universe Great Britain 2022 winner Noky added: I think I kept it real throughout and I think people respected that consistency and thats why I am here. The DUP is awaiting action from the Government over long-running talks to address unionist concerns on post-Brexit trading arrangements, Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has indicated. Devolved government in Northern Ireland has been on hold for more than a year-and-a-half amid the DUPs stand-off with ministers over new rules around the movement of goods to and from Great Britain. The Government agreed the Windsor Framework with the EU earlier this year in an attempt to address concerns raised. However, the DUP has been in talks with the Government since then and are refusing to re-enter the Stormont Assembly and Executive until remaining gaps are addressed. Powersharing is unable to function in Northern Ireland without the support of the regions largest unionist and nationalist parties. Earlier this week, Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris indicated that he believes the talks are in the final phase. He said: I believe we can get them over the line. I want to get them over the line. I quite believe that Jeffrey Donaldson wants to also do that. I think its fair to say that the Prime Minister is well engaged in this process as well. On Friday, DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said his party and the Government is in the process of refining legislation that protects Northern Irelands ability to trade within the UK. He said the gaps that remain are around legislation. We are pressing the Government on the need for legislation that protects Northern Irelands ability to trade within the United Kingdom and its internal market, he told Cool FM news. We made progress in terms of that legislation and were refining it so that it delivers what is needed to give Northern Ireland businesses the unfettered access that they require to our biggest market, which is Great Britain. Then, secondly, there are the practical arrangements, the measures that are designed to ensure that where goods are moving, particularly from Great Britain to Northern Ireland, that if those goods are staying in the internal market of the United Kingdom that they do what the Prime Minister said they flow freely from one part of the UK to the other. He said the discussions will finish as soon as the Government bring forward the final elements of the solution that is required. Thats what were hoping for, thats what were pressing for, thats what were working to achieve, he said. From the point of view of delivering what is required, it is the UK Government that can deliver the progress that is needed and were looking to them now to do that. We have been engaged with the Government now since earlier this year following the publication of the Windsor Framework. We are prepared to move at pace to get to a solution, but it has to be the right outcome. We have got to ensure that what is agreed with the Government restores Northern Irelands ability to trade with the rest of the United Kingdom, that it respects our place in the union, that it protects our economic rights within that union. I think Government can deliver on the issues that are of concern to people and I hope the moment is arriving now when they will, and when we can get an agreement that enables us to restore the political institutions on the basis that unionists as well as nationalists can support them. A Northern Ireland Office spokesperson said: We will not give a running commentary on our political meetings. The Secretary of State is doing everything he can to facilitate the restoration of the Executive as soon as possible. The daughter of one of Britains best-known entertainers said she will keep fighting for justice for women after losing a High Court battle with the Metropolitan Police over a complaint about a detective who said she was amazingly hot. Kristina OConnor, whose father was the late Des OConnor, said James Mason made inappropriate comments after she met him while reporting a crime. Ms OConnor, who is in her 30s, complained about Mr Masons conduct then challenged the police disciplinary process in the High Court. She took legal action against the Police Misconduct Panel and Metropolitan Police complaining that a police misconduct panel failed to address Mr Masons predatory and abusive actions and that the Met failed to properly investigate a complaint. A police misconduct panel found that Mr Mason deliberately and repeatedly abused his position for a sexual purpose and his conduct amounted to gross misconduct (PA) Police chiefs and the misconduct panel disputed her claims. Mr Justice Swift, who considered arguments at High Court hearings in London earlier this year, on Friday ruled against Ms OConnor and dismissed her application for judicial review. The judge said it was sufficient that the steps that were taken during the disciplinary investigation were both reasonable and appropriate. He added in a written ruling: While this was a case of sexual harassment, the panel was entitled to have in mind precisely what the harassment had comprised. The judge said the disciplinary panel was entitled to attach weight to the fact the complaint was made many years after the misconduct had occurred and to Mr Masons previous record of good service. Lawyers representing Ms OConnor said they are planning to appeal. Ms OConnor said, after the ruling: This has been a frustrating process, and it is not the outcome I was hoping for but I want to keep fighting for justice for women. Lawyer Nancy Collins, who represents her and is based at Hodge Jones & Allen Solicitors, said: It is very disappointing that the High Court has dismissed Kristina OConnors challenge to the police disciplinary process. She said Ms OConnor has been courageous and brave. Ms OConnor was sent numerous inappropriate messages by Mr Mason, then a detective sergeant, after he responded to her report of an attempted robbery in October 2011, the judge was told. A police misconduct panel found that Mr Mason deliberately and repeatedly abused his position for a sexual purpose and his conduct amounted to gross misconduct. Des OConnor was one of the nations best-known entertainers (PA) He was given a final written warning. Mr Mason resigned from the Met late in 2022, the judge was told. Lawyers representing Ms OConnor said the force failed to properly investigate her complaint. They said a police misconduct panel failed to address predatory and abusive actions. Lawyers representing the misconduct panel and the Met disputed claims about the way they handled the process. The partner of Ashling Murphy has spoken of his heartache at losing his soulmate in a statement delivered to a Dublin court before her murderer was jailed. Ms Murphys mother and her sister described 23-year-old Ms Murphy as a gifted musician, a passionate teacher, a selfless person and an integral part of their family. This country has lost somebody who made a difference, Ashlings older sister Amy Murphy said. They gave their victim impact statements at the Criminal Courts of Justice in Dublin before Jozef Puska was handed a life sentence for Ms Murphys murder in Tullamore, Co Offaly, last January. Puska, 33, of Lynally Grove in Mucklagh, Tullamore, had pleaded not guilty. There is a mandatory life sentence for murder, where an application for parole can be made after 12 years. Mr Justice Tony Hunt said there was only one sentence available, and it was richly deserved. He said Puskas evidence had been indescribable and the one thing we dont know about this case is the why. The mother of murdered teacher Ashling Murphy gave a victim impact statement (PA) Mr Justice Hunt said if he had the power to set a term, it would be a very long one, or a whole-of-life sentence would have to be considered if it was available. I dont have it available to me, he said. Detective Sergeant David Scahill told the court that Puska arrived in Ireland in 2012 and moved from Dublin to Tullamore in 2018. Mr Scahill said that Puska lived with his wife, his five children, his two brothers and their families in a house in Mucklagh. He told the court that there was no record of Puska working in Ireland and that he had not come to the attention of gardai previously. He said he also made the necessary inquiries about convictions in other jurisdictions. During parts of their statements given in court on Friday, Ryan Casey and Amy Murphy turned to Puska to address him directly. The parents of murdered teacher Ashling Murphy, Kathleen (left) and Raymond (right) and her sister Amy (centre) stand outside court (PA) Mr Casey told Puska Because of you, Ive lost my Ashling. Because if you, I will never get to marry my soulmate. Because of you, I will never see her smile again I will have to somehow carry on without her. Mr Casey said he and Ms Murphy had plans to travel to Dubai together, to build a house, to start a family, and to get married. He said they had talked about how many kids they would have, and imagined they would be little hurlers and camogie players and even better musicians. Mr Casey said his and Ms Murphys relationship was full with love, trust, respect and was quite simply heaven on earth. Mr Casey said that Ireland had lost its innocence with the killing of Ms Murphy, and expressed his anger that someone who was insignificant and worthless could permanently destroy so many peoples lives by taking the life of a person who is the complete opposite a life with meaning, a life with dreams. He accused Puska of smirking, smiling and showing zero remorse throughout this trial. Ms Murphys sister Amy told Puska that he had told a ludicrous set of lies, and that by pleading not guilty her family had to sit through the evidence of the trial, which she said had traumatised the family. Chief Superintendent Tony Lonergan speaks to the media outside the Central Criminal Court in Dublin (Brian Lawless/PA) She said their nightmare was replayed through CCTV, witnesses testimonies, descriptions of her wounds, and said that Ashlings blood-soaked GAA jacket, shown in court during the trial, will haunt me for the rest of my days. We were totally disturbed by Puskas demeanour, she said, adding that he appeared to smirk and smile during evidence. Amy Murphy also refuted rumours and said that Puska was a predator who was not known to her. (Ashling Murphy) never taught his children and did not report them to Tusla for neglect. These false narratives are both hurtful and damaging. This was a random unprovoked attack. Ms Murphys mother Kathleen said her heart was ripped from her body the moment she learned her daughter had been killed. In a victim impact statement read out in court by Sergeant Lucy McLoughlin, Mrs Murphy said her heart broke the moment I heard the bad news Ashling was murdered. There is such a void in our home, she said. She said that the actions of Puska must have consequences and said he should never see the light of day again. She said that before her daughter left the house, she had begged her not to walk along the canal after work, to which Ms Murphy replied Ah mum, Im 23 years old before giving her mother a hug. She said I love you, youre the best mum in the world and walked out the door, the court heard. Ms Murphys mother Kathleen and father Raymond, and her brother Cathal were in court for sentencing. Speaking outside court, a senior Garda officer praised Ms Murphys relatives for their courage, dignity and resilience during the trial. Garda Chief Superintendent Tony Lonergan said: Ashling, a school teacher, was out for a walk after work when she was attacked and murdered by Mr Puska. This monstrous crime shocked the nation. I want to pay tribute to all the members of An Garda Siochana involved in this investigation, and in particular my colleagues at Tullamore garda station where the investigation was based. I also want to thank the community of Tullamore, a compassionate, kind, resilient and generous community. They were of invaluable assistance to An Garda Siochana throughout this investigation, providing us in particular with access to CCTV which was instrumental in building the case against Mr Puska, and to achieving a successful prosecution. The community also has and continues to support Ashlings family. Finally, I would like to pay tribute to Ashlings famly the courage, the dignity, the resilience and the strength that they are showing during this ordeal has been exemplary. I want to assure them on behalf of An Garda Siochana that we will continue to support them going forward and give them all the support we can where necessary. Hugh Bonneville and Karen Gillan will play news presenters as they star in a new comedy about cancel culture. The ITVX series sees Downton Abbey star Bonneville, 60, play respected TV anchor Douglas Bellowes in Douglas Is Cancelled. Doctor Who star Gillan who has been in The Guardians Of The Galaxy film series and Thor: Love and Thunder as alien Nebula plays Madeline, who works on the same current affairs programme as Douglas. Karen Gillan has starred in Doctor Who (Ian West/PA) The series is written by Steven Moffat, who has served as a showrunner on Doctor Who and Sherlock. He said: I just sat down and wrote this didnt even tell anyone what I was doing and now its all happening, thanks to the amazing Sue Vertue (renowned TV producer and, in a rare moment of weakness, my wife). I cant quite believe weve managed to get the mighty Hugh Bonneville involved as Douglas and that weve lured my old friend Karen Gillan back from Hollywood, to play Madeline. In the four-part series, Douglas is a middle-aged current affairs presenter who is working at Live At Six and is described as needing constant reassurance from his sharper, younger, tech savvy, social media aware co-star Madeline. Touted as a national treasure, Douglas runs into trouble when he makes a joke at his cousins wedding. The exchange is overheard and he becomes embroiled in a chaotic and unmanageable situation that sees on-going hysteria and digital storm. Madeline then posts on behalf of Douglas but is she a friend or a foe?, the series asks. Gillan said: To torment a man, let alone a man named Douglas, for four episodes armed with the writing of Steven Moffat is a great privilege that Im going to enjoy every minute of. The cast also includes Andor star Ben Miles, Doctor Who actress Alex Kingston, Ted Lasso actor Nick Mohammed and The Death Of Stalin actor Simon Russell Beale. Moffat and Sue Vertue will executively produce the series on behalf of Hartswood Films. The Inbetweeners director Ben Palmer is directing the show, which is produced by Shameless showrunner Lawrence Till. Bonneville, who was directed by Palmer on Apple TV+ series The Completely Made-Up Adventures Of Dick Turpin, said: Working again with a director like Ben, on Stevens acidly witty script, with an ensemble of this calibre, is as daunting as it is exciting. The show is in association with SkyShowtime and BBC Studios Distribution. Douglas Is Cancelled is beginning to film in London. Korea and the United States have entered into an arrangement designed to prioritize the supply of defense-related materials and goods to each other, Seoul's arms procurement agency said Friday, in a move to bolster their security supply chain resiliency. The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) and the U.S. Department of Defense signed the Security of Supply Arrangement (SOSA), allowing the two sides to request from one another priority delivery for orders of defense-related goods. The arrangement came as Seoul has been striving to bolster defense under its mantra of "peace through strength" with Washington seeking to secure defense supply chains amid Russia's war in Ukraine, and the war between Israel and the Hamas militant group. "(Korea) is expected to receive U.S. defense resources preferentially, benefiting timely deployment and operation rate of weapons systems in the country," DAPA said in an English-language release. In a separate release, the Pentagon said that SOSA, a non-binding arrangement, will enable both allies to acquire the industrial resources they need to quickly meet defense requirements, resolve unanticipated disruptions that challenge defense capabilities and promote supply chain resiliency. "This SOSA represents another important step forward in the seven-decade defense relationship between the U.S. and the Republic of Korea, strengthening the resiliency and security of our national defense programs, and furthering opportunity for future, long-term collaboration," William LaPlante, under secretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment, was quoted as saying. The signing comes after President Yoon Suk Yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden agreed to strengthen partnerships in defense supply chains during their summit in Seoul in May last year. The two countries have also begun talks to sign a bilateral Reciprocal Defense Procurement Agreement, which is aimed at easing access to the signatories' defense markets. The U.S. has signed the arrangement with allies and partners to better facilitate access to key defense sector supplies. With the latest signing, it has entered into the arrangement with 16 countries, including Britain and Japan. (Yonhap) Cuts to inheritance tax could be on the agenda next week as Chancellor Jeremy Hunt hopes to win over Tory MPs with his autumn statement. Mr Hunt will receive the final forecast from the Office for Budget Responsibility later on Friday, amid hopes in the Treasury there is more fiscal headroom than previously expected. Earlier this week the Chancellor said he would use Wednesdays autumn statement to address labour supply issues and business investment, with his speech coming days after Office for National Statistics data put inflation at 4.6% in October. Multiple reports have indicated that inheritance taxes could be cut, although no final decision is believed to have been made ahead of next Wednesday. (PA Graphics) The Financial Times also said that the Chancellor will hope to make tax breaks for business permanent. Conservative former chancellor Lord Ken Clarke said the cut might make the right-wing of the Tory party happy but will leave them open to appalling criticisms. He told Times Radio: Well, its not the tax cut I would choose. Indeed, Im not sure hes got any room for tax cuts. And choosing inheritance tax at the present time might appeal to the Conservative right, but it leaves them open to the most appalling criticisms when inflation and the state of affairs is making poorer people in this country very vulnerable indeed, giving tax relief to those families that are lucky enough to have members of it with capital above the limit through inheritance tax and pay any significant amount of tax on the inheritance. And Im not sure that the economic and financial state of the country justifies it. Mr Hunt used the Budget in March to announce a three-year policy of full expensing to ensure every single pound a company invests in IT equipment, plant or machinery can immediately be deducted in full from taxable profit. Labour and Tory MPs have urged Mr Hunt to make this a permanent change, with the Chancellor noting this would be a 10 billion commitment if implemented. The autumn statement will form part of another crunch week for the Prime Minister, as he and ministers seek to bounce back from the blow delivered by the Supreme Court to the flagship Rwanda asylum policy. The defeat at the countrys highest court prompted anger and frustration among restive right-wing backbenchers, many of whom have also been pressuring the Chancellor to cut taxes. The Prime Minister offered little clue as to the contents of the autumn statement when he spoke to broadcasters during a visit to Bolsover on Friday. Rishi Sunak was speaking during a visit to Bolsover School in Chesterfield (Peter Powell/PA) Asked about scope for tax cuts, Rishi Sunak said: Well the most important thing economically thats happened this week is that we met the pledge that I made to halve inflation. Now of course I know people are still suffering, they have been, so theres work to do but thats an important milestone because inflation is like a tax: it makes everyone feel poorer. It puts the prices of things up, eats into your savings, your pension, and thats why it was so important to halve inflation. Ive delivered on that because I want to ease the burden on the cost of living for families. But that allows us now to see what other support we can provide. For example, this winter pensioners will receive hundreds of pounds of extra support alongside their winter fuel payment to help them with energy bills because we know theyre high. But look, this Conservative Government has delivered, we are starting to ease the burden on the cost of living. Theres work to do and youll hear more about that next week in the autumn statement. Ahead of next week, the Government announced a fresh welfare crackdown amid efforts to get people back into work. Free prescriptions and legal aid will be cut off for benefit claimants who are deemed fit to work and do not seek employment, while the Treasury said digital tools will also be used to track attendance at job fairs and interviews under the toughened sanctions regime. Sir Keir Starmer said he would waiting to see what is in the autumn statement before commenting on any plan to slash inheritance tax. Well have to wait to see what the government says in its autumn statement. What I want to see is a serious plan for growth, he told broadcasters during a visit to Scotland. Education Secretary Gillian Keegan has said she is deeply concerned over the sight of children taking part in pro-Palestinian demonstrations during the school day. School Strike for Palestine rallies have taken place across the UK, with images on social media showing events in cities including London, Bristol and Glasgow. In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Ms Keegan expressed concern about the protest and warned it should be treated with the utmost seriousness. A number of school walkouts have taken place in recent weeks, with some schoolchildren adding their voices to calls for a ceasefire amid the escalating conflict. Ms Keegan said: Im deeply concerned that some children are attending political protests during the school day even more so if theyre taking part in, or being exposed to, antisemitic chants. This should be treated with the utmost seriousness missing school for activism is unacceptable. The petition was handed to Carla Denyer, co-leader of the Green Party, in Bristol (Claire Hayhurst/PA) Earlier, schoolchildren handed in a petition calling for a ceasefire to representatives at Bristols City Hall. The signatures, many written in felt tip pen, were collected by youngsters who have attended the school strike for Palestine outside over the past three weeks. Carla Denyer, co-leader of the Green Party and councillor for Clifton Down ward in the city, collected the petition during the event on Friday morning. Speaking in Bristol, Ms Denyer told pupils and protesters: Thank you for taking a stand for Palestine and for calling for a ceasefire. The abhorrent situation in Palestine and Israel must end. I know we are all horrified by the Hamas attacks and we all want the immediate release of the hostages. Those atrocities do not in any way justify the level of bombardment of civilians, including many Gazan children, that has shocked the world. The schoolchildren were photographed with Ms Denyer following their protest (Claire Hayhurst/PA) The war, now in its sixth week, was triggered by Hamass October 7 attack in southern Israel, in which the militants killed more than 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and captured some 240 men, women and children. According to Palestinian health authorities, at least 11,470 Palestinians have been killed since the war began while about 2,700 people are reported missing. More Irish citizens are leaving Gaza via the Rafah crossing into Egypt on Friday. Irelands Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed that 26 citizens had left the enclave on Wednesday and Thursday. A DFA spokesman said a number of citizens and their families were in the process of crossing on Friday. Irish-Palestinian man Khalid El Estal, who lives in Co Kildare, has said his two young children Ali, four, and Sara, one, crossed into Egypt on Friday. Tanaiste Micheal Martin visited the region over recent days (PA) Mr El Estals wife and the childrens mother Ashwak was killed in the Israeli bombardment of Gaza. Mr El Estal told RTE News on Friday: They are at the Egyptian side of the border with an Irish official. They are being processed there now. This is great news. Irelands deputy premier Micheal Martin has held talks with senior Israeli, Palestinian and Egyptian representatives on a visit to the region over recent days. On Thursday, Tanaiste Mr Martin said he had been given assurances by Israeli foreign minister Eli Cohen that the majority of Irish citizens still in Gaza will be able to leave within days. Mr Martin visited two towns in southern Israel on Thursday that had been attacked by Hamas in October. They included Kibbutz Beeri where Irish-Israeli girl Emily Hand was believed to be taken hostage by Hamas. Mr Martin has used his visit to the Middle East to press for the release of Emily, who turned nine on Friday. A spokesman for the DFA said: Twenty-six Irish citizens and dependants were able to cross from Gaza into Egypt on Wednesday and Thursday and are receiving support from the Irish embassy in Cairo. Embassy staff are at the border today again. A number of Irish citizens and their families are in the process of crossing. We hope to be able to confirm more details later in the day. A paedophile who abducted a young girl as she walked home and sexually abused her for 27 hours has been granted leave to appeal against his sentence. Andrew Miller, 53, who also uses the name Amy George, was dressed as a woman when he offered the primary school-aged child whom he had never seen before a lift in February. He took the girl back to his house in the Scottish Borders and subjected her to repeated attacks, which a judge described as every parents worst nightmare. At the High Court in Edinburgh last month, Miller was handed a 28-year extended sentence, comprising 20 years behind bars and a further eight spent on licence under supervision in the community. Andrew Miller, with his head covered, is appealing against his sentence (Andrew Milligan/PA) At the same court in May, Miller had pleaded guilty to charges of abduction, sexual assault, watching pornography in the presence of the child under the age of 13, and possessing 242 indecent images of children. The Court of Criminal Appeal in Edinburgh confirmed on Friday that Miller has been granted leave to appeal against the sentence. The appeal hearing will take place on December 5. Sentencing Miller on October 18, judge Lord Arthurson described Millers crimes as brazen and chilling and uniquely appalling. He said the offences were abhorrent crimes of the utmost deviance and depravity which were the realisation of every parents worst nightmare. The court was told Miller is transitioning into a woman. The child was locked in Millers home for 27 hours, during which time she was repeatedly touched, and also forced to watch pornography. She eventually managed to dial 999 while Miller, who was wearing womens underwear, was asleep. After his arrest, three laptops were seized from his property and a total of 242 indecent images of children were found. Miller, who had run a butchers shop, has been placed on the sex offenders register. He has been held in the male prison estate following a row over the jailing of transgender rapist Isla Bryson who was sent to a female prison in February. Bryson was later moved to the male estate. Pro-Palestinian protest organisers have planned a national day of action on Saturday, instead of a large march in central London. The direct action will take the form of more than 100 smaller rallies at various locations across the UK. London will see 10 events, including rallies in Islington, Redbridge and Tower Hamlets. Previous weekends have seen thousands of protesters and counter-protesters converging on the capital. London will see 10 events, including rallies in Islington, Redbridge and Tower Hamlets (PA) A spokeswoman for organisers Stop The War Coalition said that Saturdays rallies come ahead of a national demonstration planned for the following Saturday. Groups around the country are organising local rallies and marches to basically build for the national demonstration that has been called for next Saturday, she said. The spokeswoman added that most of the rallies will have speakers, and some will still march. I think most of them have speakers from various organisations that are involved in the main marches, and then trade unionists, she said. Some of them have trade unionists as speakers, and some of them are marching, like the one in Highbury. We are marching to (Labour shadow attorney general) Emily Thornberrys office from Highbury and Islington station, but some of them are static, so it depends really. Previous weekends have seen thousands of protesters and counter-protesters converging on the capital (PA) Ben Jamal, director of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, said the rallies were organised to show that ordinary people support a ceasefire. This Saturday, ordinary people across the UK will come out again to show the vast majority of them support a ceasefire, he said. They will show their solidarity with Palestinians who are suffering unimaginable harm. They will also demand the root causes are not forgotten Israels decades-long military occupation of Palestinian territories and its system of apartheid against Palestinians. We demand justice for the Palestinian people their right to self-determination and to live in freedom, safety, and with full human rights. The Metropolitan Police said that a significant policing operation is planned for the capital this weekend. They said they would target deployments in areas with significant Jewish or Muslim communities, which they said continue to experience increased uncertainty and fear in light of events in the Middle East and their impact here in London. Temporary Commander Karen Findlay, who is leading the operation, said: Whilst there is no single large central protest event on Saturday, our policing priorities remain the same across the local events that are due to take place. We are here to ensure that people can exercise their right to protest but to make sure that is done lawfully, and that unreasonable disruption to the lives of other Londoners is kept to a minimum. Our officers will intervene swiftly where they see offences taking place. In particular, I want to reiterate that there is no place for hate in London. Hate crime will not be tolerated. Regrettably, while the majority of protesters coming out in recent weeks have been peaceful, we have continued to see people taking part in offensive chanting or intentionally carrying placards that cross the line from political statements into racially or religiously aggravated offences. The British Transport Police have issued Section 14a orders prohibiting protests on Saturday at many of Londons main rail stations. The orders will be in place between 10am and 11pm at Waterloo, Charing Cross, Kings Cross, London Bridge, Euston, Liverpool Street, Marylebone, Paddington, Victoria and St Pancras. Assistant Chief Constable Sean OCallaghan said: We have been made aware of several planned demonstrations due to take place on Saturday November 18 across railway stations in London. We fully respect the rights of people to protest lawfully but where we believe this could cause serious disruption to the railway services, we must act. A student union womens officer has denied expressing support for Hamas just a day after the groups militants entered Israel. Hanin Barghouthi, 22, is accused of a single count of expressing an opinion or belief in support of the banned organisation on October 8. Prosecutor Bridget Fitzpatrick told Westminster Magistrates Court the alleged offence relates to a four-minute speech which was allegedly supportive of the actions of Hamas that had taken place in Israel the day before. Police became aware of it after a video began circulating on MailOnline on October 11 and later made enquiries with the website. Wearing a grey T-shirt and black cardigan, she spoke only to confirm her name, date of birth, address in Brighton and reply not guilty when the charge was put to her during the brief hearing. Chief magistrate Paul Goldspring granted her conditional bail until she appears at the Old Bailey on December 8. Her bail conditions ban her from obtaining international travel documents or using a mobile phone not authorised by police unless in an emergency, and she must also live and sleep at her address each night. The judge told her: I am not making any determination today about whether what you did was criminal or not, that is for the jury. If an allegation is made that you have attended any demonstration and you are charged with a criminal offence I will remand you in custody. Urslaan Khan, 41, appeared at the same court immediately afterwards charged with expressing support for Hamas in a way that was reckless as to whether a person to whom the expression was directed would be encouraged to support a proscribed organisation during a demonstration in Whitehall on October 17. He gave no indication of plea when he appeared in the dock for the short hearing wearing Islamic dress and a green puffer jacket. Otherwise he spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address in Bow, east London, and raised one matter that cannot legally be reported towards the end of proceedings. The same judge bailed him with five conditions until he appears at the Old Bailey on December 8. Those conditions ban him from attending any protests, going within 100m of a synagogue or place associated with Jews, and entering the London Borough of Westminster unless to attend court or meetings with lawyers. He must also attend a police station weekly and live and sleep at his home address each night. Earlier in October, he hit the headlines when he claimed he had discovered 122,000 in his bank account which had previously had just 1 in it. He said he was initially told he could keep the money but then had to repay it after a U-turn from his bank. The offences both defendants are accused of are contrary to the Terrorism Act 2000. The late arrival of Bewicks swans in the UK for winter could be linked to warmer weather, experts believe. The first swans whose appearance traditionally marks the start of winter arrived at the Wildfowl & Wetland Trusts Slimbridge Wetland Centre in Gloucestershire on Thursday. It is the latest the birds have arrived at the site in Gloucestershire since 1965. Bewick swan Maisie arrived with her partner Maifield at the WWT Slimbridge reserve in Gloucestershire marking the traditional start of winter (WWT/PA) Although the impact of the weather on bird migration is still being understood, it is thought likely the warmer climate is leading to the swans arriving later and in smaller numbers than in previous years. Experts also believe the recent mixture of stormy and mild weather in recent weeks has had an impact. Maisie, her partner Maifield, and their two cygnets landed three weeks later than swans did in 1965, and almost a week later than last year, having completed an epic 3,500-km annual migration from Russias arctic tundra. As climate change warms the arctic tundra where Bewicks swans breed, it is likely that birds are leaving their summer haunts later, with many travelling less far west than in previous generations. Milder conditions caused by climate change in Europe may mean we see fewer of these birds flying to the UK in the colder months, with their winter strongholds moving steadily east. Research has already shown that their wintering range has shifted more than 350km closer to their arctic breeding grounds since 1970, driven by increasing temperatures. Maisie first wintered at Slimbridge in 2014 and has returned to the reserve every year since and in 2016 she arrived with her new mate Maifield. After coupling up the pair brought their first two cygnets back to Slimbridge in 2020, three more in 2021, two more last winter and another two this year. Maisie also featured in the film Flight Of The Swans, a story of hope and discovery looking at how communities across 11 countries, from the Arctic to the UK, are working hard to protect Bewicks swans and wetlands. Kane Brides, from the WWT said: For the second year in a row were seeing Bewicks swans returning later than we would expect, with Maisie and Maifield being the latest first arrival on record since 1965. Bewicks swans are a bird that holds special importance to WWT, appearing on our logo and being the subject of a 60-year single species study which has allowed us to track the species fortunes in the UK in minute detail for decades. If more individuals end up short-stopping their autumn migration, its possible that in decades to come we might no longer expect to see Bewicks swans at WWT Slimbridge, a tangible impact of climate change playing out right before our eyes. Bewicks swans are small white swans with a black and yellow bill. Every winter they return to the UK to escape the arctic winters of Russia. The arrival of the Bewicks swan at the WWT Slimbridge reserve in Gloucestershire has been the latest recorded since 1965 (WWT/PA) Their arrival is spurred on by the onset of colder weather on the continent, north-easterly winds, and their need for access to ice-free wetlands, including WWTs sites in the UK. The population of these birds has plummeted in recent decades, following a series of poor breeding seasons. The swans also face pressure from the loss of healthy wetland habitats across their range, as well as the impact of climate change, lead ammunition poisoning and illegal hunting. Video from aboard a capsizing catamaran An American tourist died after a double-decker catamaran sank near Blue Lagoon Island in the Bahamas Tuesday, police said. The 74-year-old Colorado woman was on a five-day family vacation when the tour boat sank, Chief Superintendent Chrislyn Skippings told The Associated Press. Her specific cause of death wasn't immediately clear. Police said the woman was found unresponsive in the water and was given CPR. She was taken to a dock where she was declared dead. Out of the more than 100 people aboard, two others were taken to a hospital after the boat went down. The rest of the passengers and crew, who were all wearing life vests, were rescued. SEE MORE: Houseboat with 25 family members aboard bursts into flames and sinks Video from a passenger aboard the ferry shows the chaos that ensued as it began to capsize and tilted on its side. Some passengers jumped out of the vessel into the open water to escape, while other footage shows passengers jumping to safety on another boat. An American tourist told Maritime Executive the catamaran began taking on water after encountering choppy seas. The first floor began to fill, and passengers began moving to the higher side of the top deck level. In a statement, Blue Lagoon Island said the Royal Bahamas Defense Force helped with the rescue along with nearby vessels. It said it would give more information to the public as it became available. File. David McBride pleaded guilty on Friday to three offences including stealing Commonwealth information and passing that on to journalists at ABC News (The Project / YouTube) An Australian whistleblower who exposed allegations of war crimes in Afghanistan has pleaded guilty to leaking classified information. Former military lawyer David McBride pleaded guilty to three charges of stealing and unlawfully sharing secret military information, which was then passed on to journalists at ABC News. McBride told the media outside the courtroom: Ill say one thing, and that is, I stand tall, and I believe I did my duty ... and I see this as the beginning of a better Australia. His admission of guilt comes after the Australian Capital Territorys Supreme Court decided to uphold a Commonwealth intervention to withhold crucial evidence due to its potential to jeopardise the security and defence of Australia if disclosed. ABC News used the information provided by McBride in 2017 as the basis for its investigative series The Afghan Files, which provided an unprecedented insight into alleged war crimes committed by Australias elite special forces in Afghanistan. Conducted over four years, the landmark Brereton inquiry subsequently uncovered credible information about 23 incidents of potential war crimes, including the killing of 39 Afghans and the cruel treatment of two others between 2005 and 2016. Just days before his trial was due to start, the ex-military lawyer entered a guilty plea after Justice David Mossop rejected his attempt to argue to a jury that while he disobeyed orders, he had a duty to act in the public interest. The judge also rejected a request from McBrides legal team for access to confidential information held by the Commonwealth. That was a fatal blow to us, McBrides lawyer Mark Davis said. He added that Mr McBride had no option but to enter a guilty plea. That limits what we can say to the jury on his behalf, in terms of his duty as an officer and the oath he took to serve the interests of the Australian public, Mr Davis said. Former Australian senator Rex Patrick, who founded the Whistleblower Justice Fund, called it a dark day for democracy in Australia. The attorney-general could have stopped this but refused to, and now we have a whistleblower facing years in jail, he said. This week, attorney-general Mark Dreyfus told parliament that his intervention in cases was reserved for exceptional circumstances and said that intervening in McBrides case might risk politicising the proceedings. McBride is expected to be sentenced early next year. Im not giving up hope. Hes done the right thing. Ive said that from the beginning, his wife Sarah McBride said outside the court. Truth and justice will prevail and Im incredibly proud of him, as are his two girls. Please dont give up on him now. Greens senator and spokesperson David Shoebridge said it was a brutal outcome for David McBride and for every potential whistleblower in the country. Whistleblowers who bring information to light must not be subjected to a public show of prosecution under the guise of national security, or be censored because their story may cause embarrassment or cost to those in power. This case proves yet again that whistleblowers are not adequately protected in Australia, the New South Wales Council for Civil Liberties said in a statement. Authorities examined 600 pieces of evidence and spoke to 60 witnesses before charging a college professor with two felonies for allegedly causing fatal injuries to a Jewish protester during a dueling pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian rally this month in California. Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko said Friday at a news conference that the investigation into the death of Jewish protester Paul Kessler, 69, was complicated and ultimately led to felony charges of involuntary manslaughter and battery causing serious bodily injury against Loay Abdelfattah Alnaji, a 50-year-old Moorpark College computer science professor. Our task was to search for the truth and to achieve clarity in this case, and that is what we have done," Nasarenko said. "This was not an easy undertaking, given the disparate, often-conflicting interpretations and statements, and also the fragmentary nature of the evidence." vigil makeshift memorial (David Swanson / AFP via Getty Images file) Both felony charges include special allegations, a type of enhancement, that he personally inflicted great bodily injury that makes Alnaji eligible for prison under California's Three Strikes Law, Nasarenko said. He said that investigators had gathered video and digital footage to "establish a clear sequence of events leading up to the confrontation" between the two men, Nasarenko said. He added that investigators also determined there was no intent to commit a slaying by the suspect, and investigators have not met the legal threshold to determine whether a hate crime had been committed but that was still being investigated. "Simply put, looking at the statements, as well as the words that accompany the act, we can not at this time meet the elements of a hate crime," Nasarenko said. He said investigators were looking for whether the suspect's acts were accompanied by hate speech, words that demonstrate an "antipathy" or a "hatred towards a specific group." A man waves an Israeli flag in a park space along a city street (JLTV via AP) Alnaji, of Moorpark, was taken into custody Thursday morning and is expected to be arraigned Friday afternoon. The charges stem from a confrontation that allegedly took place Nov. 5 at dueling pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian rallies in Thousand Oaks, California. Kessler got into a physical altercation with a pro-Palestinian protester, the Ventura County Sheriffs Office said at the time. He fell backward and hit his head on the ground and died the next day. Investigators said after Kesslers death that piecing together what happened proved difficult because of conflicting statements from witnesses. The sheriffs office previously said the suspect had remained at the scene and called 911 for medical help. Bystanders tend to Paul Kessler, lying on the pavement, after he fell and struck his head during a confrontation with protesters supporting Palestinians. (RMG) An autopsy determined Kesslers cause of death to be blunt force head injury and the manner of death to be homicide. The lethal injury was the impact to the back of the head from Mr. Kessler falling and striking his head on the ground, the Ventura County Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Christopher Young previously said. Nasarenko and Ventura County Sheriff Jim Fryhoff, who also attended Friday's media briefing, met virtually with Kessler's family on Thursday, Nasarenko said. The Kesslers are mourning, Nasarenko said, and asking for privacy. Nasarenko said Kessler worked in medical sales for decades, taught sales and marketing at satellite colleges, was a pilot and married for 43 years. Kessler also had a son, Nasarenko said. "We want to continue to remember and honor Paul Kessler and the tragic loss of life that has occurred," Nasarenko said. Kessler's death came amid a backdrop of heightened tensions in the United States due to the Israel-Hamas war and a rise in antisemitic and Islamophobic incidents. The war erupted after Hamas incursion on Oct. 7. Israel estimates 1,200 people were killed in the attack, with 239 people still being held hostage in Gaza. Meanwhile, Gaza health officials say 11,500 Palestinians, including thousands of children, have been killed in the weekslong Israeli bombardment of the besieged and impoverished enclave, and more than 1.6 million people have been displaced there. Coal-producing city in China's Shanxi advances green transition People's Daily Online) 14:39, November 17, 2023 Leveraging its natural and cultural resources, Jincheng, a coal-producing city in north China's Shanxi Province, has moved towards advancing its green transition by prioritizing ecological conservation and promoting the integrated development of the culture, tourism, and health care sectors. Jincheng is home to 72 national key cultural relics protection units, 117 ancient castles, and 150,000 buildings built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Over the years, Jincheng has actively treated coal gangues and restored vegetation. Utilizing the ecological advantages of the Baimasi Mountain forest park, it has built a high-end health and wellness resort covering 20 square kilometers, which directly boosts the development of the culture, tourism, and health care sectors in 21 nearby villages. Photo shows a demonstration zone for high-end health and wellness resorts in Jincheng, Shanxi Province. (Photo/Xinhua) By the end of 2022, the city had built 2,202 hectares of green space in its built-up urban areas, with an urban green coverage rate of 47.14 percent. In the first half of 2023, the comprehensive air quality index and concentration of PM10 dropped by 7.9 percent and 12.36 percent compared to the same period last year, respectively. Making use of its ecological, cultural and tourism resources, Jincheng has built a demonstration zone with a batch of high-quality projects for the integrated development of culture, tourism, and health care as well as rural revitalization along the Taihang No. 1 Highway, said Wu Jianpeng, head of the publicity department of the CPC Jincheng municipal committee. The highway runs from the north to the south of the Taihang Mountains, and links various tourist destinations. Based on 13 4A-level or higher tourist attractions, the city has merged resources and enhanced standardization and intelligent transformation, Wu added. Since 2022, the Taihang No. 1 Highway has attracted over 9 million tourist visits and 55,000 people returning home to seek employment or start businesses. It has directly driven the income growth of 76,000 people in 365 villages, and indirectly benefited nearly 400,000 people. In 2020, Jincheng launched a project to shore up the weak links of its infrastructure in the health care sector, driving the development of the city's culture, tourism and health care sectors. "We selected 129 beautiful villages and 108 traditional courtyards across the city and turned them into health and wellness tourism destinations," said Xue Mingyao, mayor of Jincheng city. Jincheng has launched intercity tourist buses connecting it with Zhengzhou, Jiaozuo and Jiyuan cities in central China's Henan Province, as well as Changzhi city in Shanxi. "We've enhanced tourism cooperation with cities in central China by implementing measures such as ticket concessions," said Wang Dongsheng, director of Jinchengs culture and tourism bureau. The official added that the city has continuously optimized the business environment and improved infrastructure to provide quality services for more tourists. Jincheng has hosted the China Shanxi (Jincheng) Health Care Industry Development Conference for four consecutive years, during which 104 projects were signed with a total investment of 178 billion yuan ($24.6 billion). "Jincheng has established a supply system for health and wellness products and crafted eight business models. The health care sector is becoming an engine driving our city's green transition," said Wang Zhen, secretary of the CPC Jincheng municipal committee. (Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun) The remains of 25 Chinese troops killed in the 1950-53 Korean War will be sent to their home country next week, the defense ministry said Friday, marking the tenth repatriation of its kind. A ceremony for the handover of the remains will take place at Incheon International Airport, just west of Seoul, next Thursday, jointly organized by the ministry and China's veterans affairs ministry. South Korea has so far returned 913 sets of remains of Chinese troops killed during the war since the two countries agreed on the repatriation project in 2014. "The Ministry of National Defense will continue to repatriate the remains of Chinese troops excavated in South Korea as part of humanitarian efforts and friendly cooperation between South Korea and China," the ministry said in a release. China and the Soviet Union supported Pyongyang during the war, which began with North Korea's invasion of South Korea. The conflict ended with an armistice, not a peace treaty, leaving the two Koreas still technically at war. (Yonhap) President Joe Biden declared it was a fact that Hamas had their headquarters, their military hidden under a hospital. Senior White House officials said that the group was operating a command-and-control node in the al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City, citing US intelligence, and State Department officials referred to the hospital as being a Hamas command centre. Those statements from the Biden administration this week, in response to questions about Israels military assault of Gazas largest hospital, appeared to qualify as tacit approval from the Biden administration for an operation that has been condemned by the United Nations and aid groups as a potential war crime. Israel began what it described as a precise and targeted raid of al-Shifa hospital on Wednesday, which it has described as the beating heart of Hamas operations in northern Gaza. But after two days of searching the hospital grounds, the Israeli military has yet to produce any evidence to match those descriptions from the White House. Nor has Israel been able to prove their own claims that Hamas was operating from a sprawling underground layer beneath the hospital, which they had described in detail with maps and graphics . Videos posted by the Israeli army on Wednesday showed a relatively scant haul from their initial search of the hospital grounds. In one clip , an Israeli soldier tours a room in the hospital and shows the camera what he describes as a grab bag, containing weapons and other military equipment, behind an MRI machine. The soldier finds another bag in another location during their search. The soldier displayed a total of 14 weapons , in addition to other military equipment, following the search. The Israeli army described the room as an operational command center, where they found technological assets, along with military and combat equipment used by the Hamas terrorist organization. These weapons have absolutely no business being inside a hospital, Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Conricus, a military spokesperson said, adding that he believed the material was just the tip of the iceberg as troops continued to search for traces of the militants inside and beneath the facility. On Thursday, Israels military announced they had found an operational tunnel shaft and a vehicle containing a large number of weapons, at the hospital. It also said it had recovered the body of an Israeli woman near the hospital, one of around 240 hostages taken by Hamas gunmen when they stormed into southern Israel on 7 October. But so far, Israel has not presented evidence that shows a large-scale headquarters under the hospital, although that may be forthcoming as the search of the hospital grounds continues. In the meantime, that lack of evidence has raised questions for the Biden administration. State Department spokesperson Matt Miller appeared to soften the administrations language on the matter on Thursday, when asked whether al-Shifa was a legitimate target for a military assault. We never said there were command posts in every hospital in Gaza, he told reporters. We dont want to see hospitals struck from the air. We understand that Hamas continues to use hospitals in places where they embed their fighters. When asked again if the US was certain al-Shifa hospital was a headquarters for Hamas, despite a lack of apparent evidence so far, Mr Miller responded: I saw a host of rifles in videos. Im not aware that theres a sort of acceptable threshold for assault rifles in hospitals. Thats not a general humanitarian practice. The Independent has asked the White House for comment on the al-Shifa raid. The raid on al-Shifa hospital was preceded by at least four Israeli strikes on the facility, where thousands of Gaza residents had been sheltering, according to an investigation by the New York Times. Israel had justified its attacks on al-Shifa with claims that Hamas had built an extensive network of tunnels and an underground headquarters beneath the hospital. Earlier this month, the Israeli army released what it described as an intelligence-based illustration video which showed a vast network of rooms and tunnels underneath the hospital that constituted the Hamas headquarters. John Kirby, a National Security Council spokesman, appeared to back up that assessment for a second time on Thursday, describing the intelligence as definitive, but refusing to share it publicly. We have our own intelligence that convinces us that Hamas was using al-Shifa as a command and control node, and most likely as well as a storage facility, he said. We are still convinced of the soundness of that intelligence. Mr Kirby said earlier in the week 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, without providing any evidence. He added, 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. (Israeli Army/AFP via Getty Image) Mr Bidens comments on the facility came at a press conference on Wednesday evening alongside Chinas president, Xi Jinping. You have a circumstance where the first war crime is being committed by Hamas by having their headquarters, their military hidden under a hospital. And thats a fact. Thats whats happened, he said in response to a question about whether the raid was justified. Israel did not go in with a large number of troops, did not raid, did not rush everything down. Theyve gone in and theyve gone in with their soldiers carrying weapons or guns, he added. Hamas denied that it was using al-Shifa for military purposes in a statement on Thursday, describing them as a blatantly false narrative. The raid on al-Shifa Hospital was condemned by the United Nations. I am appalled by reports of military raids at al-Shifa hospital, the UN humanitarian agency 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. The World Health Organization ( WHO ) has reported that at least 521 people, including 16 medical workers, have been killed in 137 attacks on health care in Gaza. WHO director Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that he was extremely worried for the safety of staff and patients. Protecting them is paramount. Even if health facilities are used for military purposes, the principles of distinction, precaution and proportionality always apply, he added. Dr Ahmed Makhalati, the head of al-Shifas burns unit, told The Independent on Wednesday that the Israeli army had taken over a section of the hospital complex. The soldiers are still inside the complex they seem to be moving something inside the hospital complex but I cant see properly as its too dangerous to take a look from the window. Its a gamble to move between the buildings, he said, as the sound of gunfire could be heard in the background. A wounded baby receives care at al-Shifa (Associated Press) We are running out of fuel - it will be out by the end of the day we dont have food or water. We have lost 6 newborn babies in total there are still 36 newborns here, he said. The Independent has not been able to contact Dr Makhalati since. All hospitals in Gaza have effectively been shut down since the war began after Israel cut off electricity and water and blocked deliveries of fuel, humanitarian aid and medicine from entering the territory, which is home to 2.3 million people. Israel launched a military operation in Gaza after Hamas killed more than 1,200, including hundreds of civilians, on 7 October. Israels response to that attack has killed more than 11,000 Palestinians, including more than 4,700 children. Jordan has been crowned the winner of Big Brother 2023. The 26-year-old lawyer, who is from Scunthorpe, is loved by fans for his sardonic humour and deadpan delivery and when he was announced the winner tonight, that persona did not falter. Runner-up Olivia was extremely excited after she heard she had come second place. Meanwhile, Jordan remained unphased and declared simply: I need a drink. Throughout the past six weeks, there have been doomed love triangles, unexpected expected double evictions and divisive squabbles over oat milk as the number of housemates was whittled down from 16 to five. Noky was the first finalist to be evicted tonight, leaving Henry, Jordan, Olivia and Yinrun in the running for the 100,000 prize. The favourite to win was the heart-of-gold Yinrun, a 25-year-old customer support agent from Shanghai, China, who lives in Harrogate. But, much to the audiences shock, Yinrun was the second finalist to be evicted tonight, meaning that she has come fourth place in this years final. Henry came third place, meaning he won 1000, while Olivia came second place and Jordan is the unexpected winner! Jordan was particularly hard to work out at first, but the public warmed to him and his wry humour as the series unfolded. He also became embroiled in chaos when he found himself in a love triangle with Matty and fellow finalist Henry. Key points Fifth place: Noky is the first finalist to get evicted Fourth place: Yinrun leaves in shocking eviction Third place: Henry makes the runner-up podium Second place: Olivia is runner-up as Jordan crowned winner of Big Brother 2023! Welcome to The Independents live coverage of the Big Brother finale Friday 17 November 2023 15:57 , Ellie Muir Hello! Welcome to The Independents live coverage of the Big Brother finale. We will be in good company later tonight with Olivia, Henry, Noky, Jordan and Yinrun, who will be battling it out to win the 100,000 prize money. Stay tuned for live updates, recaps on the housemates best bits and most controversial moments throughout the past six weeks... Who are the five remaining housemates? Meet Yinrun Friday 17 November 2023 16:08 , Ellie Muir Yinrun is a 25-year-old customer support agent from Shanghai, China, who lives in Harrogate. She has become a favourite housemate among the public as she won them over with her bubbly personality and heart-of-gold personality. Throughout the series, she formed a close friendship with doctor Matty, who was booted out of the Big Brother house in a shock eviction last night. Yinrun (ITV) My boyfriend would describe me in three words quirky but lovable, Yinrun said in her entry interview. My friends in China think I am like the crazy mother because I always take care of them. Im very playful. She added that her dream housemate would be the comedian Michael McIntyre. I would love to meet him. He is so hilarious! Everything you need to know about Jordan Friday 17 November 2023 16:25 , Ellie Muir The 26-year-old lawyer from Scunthorpe was quite hard to warm up to at first. Known for his floral shirts, dry humour and deadpan delivery, Jordan has shown more of his personality as the six weeks have gone by. He has found himself in a love triangle with food writer Henry and doctor Matty, though he has been entirely vague about his relationship with both of them. Since Mattys shock eviction last night, though, his focus has been on Henry. Early on in the series, Jordan admitted that he is aware he sounds posh but claimed to his fellow housemates that he cultivated his accent while watching Downton Abbey. I am a huge fan of Downton Abbey, I watched the show as a child and thought wow, they sound rather nice, he said. So, I just learned my accent from Downtown Abbey. Jordan (Big Brother/ITV) He said in his entry interview: I was quite disillusioned with life so I suppose boredom made me apply to some extent. I honestly applied on a whim. Im interested in the social experiments side of Big Brother. I dont really like the idea of living with people but I thought I might as well give it a try. And I wanted to challenge myself. Who are the five remaining housemates? Heres Noky Friday 17 November 2023 16:45 , Ellie Muir The 26-year-old banker from Derby is a former Miss Great Britain. Throughout the series, Noky has been praised for handling housemate conflict in a diplomatic manner and has often been the voice of reason when things have descended into chaos during challenges. Noky (ITV) She said in her entry interview: I want to show people what pageant girls are really like and disprove a lot of stereotypes around them. I also want to show what its like being a woman whos worked in male-dominated fields. I want to show that women are capable of doing anything they want. Everything you need to know about Henry Friday 17 November 2023 17:00 , Ellie Muir Henry, 25, is a food writer and restaurant critic from the Cotswolds. He has written for Vice and GQ magazine. The writer formed a strong bond with lawyer Jordan throughout the series, and the two shared a shock kiss in the hot tub in week five. In his entry interview, he said he is really looking forward to learning lots of life skills, like learning how to cook, clean, or do the washing. Henry (ITV) He added: Im 25 but Im not an adult. These are some big things they dont teach you at school that I need to learn. And also just getting to know loads of different people from very different backgrounds that I might not get to meet in my everyday life. Olivia Friday 17 November 2023 17:20 , Ellie Muir The energetic Olivia is a dancer... and dont we know it? The 23-year-old has danced and sung her way through the past six weeks, often making up choreography for her fellow housemates to try out. At several low points in the series, Olivia has often been a welcome positive force and uplifted the mood of the Big Brother house. Olivia (ITV) In her entry interview, she said an interesting fact about herself is that she has a fear of jam. On the most likely reason shell be nominated, she said: I think when people are in that hangry state, thats when Ill wind people up and grind their gears. I think theyll nominate me for being full on, and for my brutal honesty and oversharing of opinions. Matty says he was relieved to leave Big Brother last night because he was emotionally burnt out' Friday 17 November 2023 17:45 , Ellie Muir Matty, a 24-year-old doctor from the Isle of Man, was the final housemate to leave the show before the final after he faced a shock eviction in last nights episode. In his exit interview, he said that he was relieved to leave before facing the final because he was emotionally burnt out by the sixth week of the reality TV series. Matty (ITV) Im glad I left through the back door in such a savage way, he said. I was really shocked but also Big Brother doesnt surprise me anymore and Im relieved I left at that point because I was burning out emotionally. A sneak peek of tonights episode Friday 17 November 2023 18:00 , Ellie Muir Sneak Peek It's all come down to this. Things get emotional at the final dinner, before one Housemate is crowned the winner! #BBUK pic.twitter.com/ZhdpsMazdI Big Brother UK (@bbuk) November 17, 2023 Big Brother live final kicks off! Friday 17 November 2023 21:01 , Ellie Muir With 100,000 on the table, who will it be? Lets go... Big Brother final has already had 2.5m votes! Friday 17 November 2023 21:08 , Ellie Muir Big Brother presenter AJ Odudu has announced that already, 2.5m people have already voted in the final, and that they will be freezing and reopening the voting process throughout the night. Youll be given five votes in total to use up. You can cast your vote here. Noky is the first finalist to get evicted... Friday 17 November 2023 21:16 , Ellie Muir Noky, former Miss Universe and Great Britain, has left the Big Brother house as the first contestant of the night to be evicted. But shes still showing off those pageant skills walking down the catwalk as thousands of fans cheer her on. Done like a pro! Can we talk about how amazing AJ Odudu looks? Friday 17 November 2023 21:31 , Ellie Muir AJ has constantly served looks throughout the series remember that latex catsuit? but tonights look is pretty phenomenal. Shes wearing a black floor-length satin dress with a diamante detail on the bustier absolutely stunning. Yinrun is the second finalist to get evicted, meaning she has come fourth in the competition Friday 17 November 2023 21:32 , Ellie Muir Screams could be heard after Yinran was the second finalist to be evicted tonight. Many people including me thought she was going to win! Its just Olivia, Jordan and Henry left in the running now... Food writer Henry comes third place Friday 17 November 2023 21:51 , Ellie Muir Food writer Henry has come third in the Big Brother final for 2023. And, of course, Jordan gave him a little peck before he left the house before telling Henry that he adores him... Youve got five more votes... go, go, go! Friday 17 November 2023 21:53 , Ellie Muir Will and AJ have informed us all that you have been granted five more votes to decide who wins this years Big Brother. You can vote here. Henry and Jordan have plans to go to New York and Florence after all of this.... Friday 17 November 2023 22:04 , Ellie Muir Henry has just revealed that he and Jordan have already discussed future bae-cation locations, including New York and Florence in Italy. Its a Big Brother romance! Jordan is the winner and will be the one taking home 100,000! Friday 17 November 2023 22:23 , Ellie Muir Jordan looked miffed as he was announced as the winner of the Big Brother 2023. Olivia is officially the runner up, and seemed even more excited than Jordan, who simply declared I need a drink after he found out he was the winner. Jordans reaction to winning Big Brother 2023 (ITV) Watch the moment Jordan is crowned winner of Big Brother 2023 Friday 17 November 2023 22:41 , Ellie Muir Whats in the future for Henry and Jordan? Friday 17 November 2023 22:58 , Ellie Muir Despite Jordan declaring that their relationship was merely platonic with kisses, it has became clear that the pair might be more serious than they let on. In the Big Brother: Late and Live episode after the final, Jordan revealed further romantic plans with Henry. Henry and I made a promise, that whoever wins, wed go to a five-star hotel.... somewhere decent, you know, he said, before joking: Twin room, of course. The pair also revealed that they are planning a romantic holiday to New York and Florence post-Big Brother. Michael and Linda Wagner of Galena wear shirts supporting the LGBTQIA + community as the Big Walnut Local School District school board discussed a resolution Thursday night that would prohibit gay pride flags. The latest example of the culture wars that continue to roil school boards, classrooms, parents and teachers in Greater Columbus and around the country returned to the Big Walnut Local School District Thursday night, where the school board gave first readings on resolutions that would ban LGBTQIA+ flags and others from classrooms, and would prohibit the district from requiring mask mandates for students. The first resolution said that displays of flags in classrooms will be limited to: The United States flag The Ohio state flag. U.S. military flags Flags from other states and other countries The resolution also says that banners, signs, or symbols "that promote activist causes, or are otherwise deemed controversial," shall not be displayed in classrooms or school buildings. A standing room-only crowd of around 60 jammed the meeting at Big Walnut's administrative offices in Sunbury in Delaware County. Many held LGBTQIA+ flags while others wore T-shirts, including one with multi-colored letters reading: "NO ONE CAN ERASE YOU!" Board member Todd Smith trashed the flag proposal, calling them fear that is turning into the absurd. "The fear is the loss of the ability to control others," he said. Smith said if all flags others than the ones listed in the ordiance are banned, that means flags saying "Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death," or Smokey the Bear promoting fire safety would be out. He also said the resolution can't single out LGBTQIA+ flags because that would violate federal and state protections. "It will ruin the district like nothing before because it is so absurd," Smith said of the resolution. Board member Stephen Fujii said he's not sure why the flag or the mask resolutions are necessary now when the district needs to deal with other issues. Board member Alice Nicks, who introduced the resolutions, was joined by Board President Doug Crowl and member Angela Graziosi in making statements in favor of the resolution. They indicated that the second reading of the resolutions and final vote could occur on Dec. 14. Nicks said people reached out to her that certain flags shouldn't be in their faces. "There's one flag in the United States the represents all of us," Graziosi said. Crowl said, "Lets say we have a child who grew up in a household that's very religious." If the flag resolution passes, he said, that child would feel "not condemned" when walking into the classroom provoking laughter from the audience. "I don't even know where to begin," said Superintendent Ryan McLane. He said he thought the wording in the flag resolution was vague. Under the proposal, Ohio State University flags would be banned, he noted. "I assume if I would determine if something is controversial or subjective, am I the final say, or is it going to be appealed?" McLane asked. Nine speakers at the meeting spoke against the flag resolution. None spoke in favor. Jennifer Nieset asked why would it be a priority of the board to remove signals to gay students that they were safe. "Were tired of the culture wars dominating the energy of our district and school board," she said. Allison Fagan, a former Big Walnut board member and a psychologist, said her two children, both Big Walnut alums, "are literally gagging at what's going on in the district right now." "A child needs safe space to talk," Fagan said. "Stickers, flags, symbols let kids know theyre safe," she said. Ashley Ryder asked the board how they plan on enforcing the resolution with teachers. "What if they refuse?" Ryder said, asking the board if they would fail to renew contracts of those teachers. "This is a gross overreach of power," she said. "You're making our LGBTQ students feel marginalized." Before the meeting began Michael and Linda Wagner took their seats, wearing T-shirts supporting the LGBTQIA+ community. The Wagners, from Galena, had a son and daughter in Big Walnut schools, but even though their children graduated they wanted to show the board where they stood. The Wagners said that the board is dealing with manufactured issues instead of the district's bus driver shortage and the growth in the burgeoning district, now with 4,350 students. "I still cheer this on," Linda Wagner said of support for the LGBTQIA+ students. "I want them to be safe. I want them to be happy." Trisha Hilton, president of the Big Walnut Education Association and a fourth-grade teacher, said the flag resolution excludes students and makes them feel unwelcome. "That's not why we're here," Hilton said. The second resolution says that the decision to wear masks to school "should ultimately be left to the discretion of parents or legal guardians, in accordance with their individual beliefs, the guidance of health care professionals, and their evaluation of the best interests of their children." The proposed resolution cites "an ongoing debate and scientific discourse about the efficacy and potential harm associated with mask mandates," and states that the board "recognizes the importance of parental rights and individual freedoms in making health-related decisions for their children." The mask resolution cites the Association of American Physicans and Surgeons, a conservative group, which on Sept. 12 issued a statement that the group believes mask mandates do not help to prevent the spread of viruses and violate the right to informed consent. Smith said the resolution is unnecessary, since there's no pandemic now. Besides, he added, "Mask mandates were instituted out of respect for one another." Passage of this resolution would limit the board's authority to act in case of another pandemic, he said. Speaker Luke Slater, who said he was the father of two Big Walnut students, called the mask resolution extremely short-sighted. He said it leaves the school district with few options with another pandemic, and called the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons a political organization that promotes conspiracy theories. "You're pushing politics over people," Slater said. "I think youre going to be on the wrong side of history." Nicks said parents have the right to make decisions for their children. Asked by The Dispatch after the meeting if she wanted to discuss why she introduced the mask resolution, Nicks said, "No." Incumbent Fujii and challenger Zach Duffey, a conservative, won the two seats that were up for election on the five-member board in the Nov. 7 general election. Duffey was featured on a campaign flyer from a political action committee that said he and another candidate were facing two "strongly leftist, pro-union" incumbents in Fujii and Smith, who finished fourth in the vote. mferench@dispatch.com @MarkFerenchik This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Big Walnut school board wants to ban LGBTQ+ and other flags The search for a man who went overboard on a cruise ship heading from Louisiana to Jamaica has been suspended, the U.S. Coast Guard announced on Thursday. Tyler Barnett, 28, was on a family vacation on the Carnival Glory cruise ship when he was reported missing just after midnight on Monday, the Coast Guard said. The search for the missing passenger began shortly after noon that day, following the ships path from Southwest Pass, Louisiana. A Carnival Cruise spokesperson said Tuesday that the cruise's security team on Tuesday evening found surveillance video of Barnett at 1:40 a.m. Monday, which they said showed him climbing onto a lifeboat and jumping from there. But members of Barnett's family think that he slipped by accident. From what my granddaughter could tell from the poor quality of the footage, it looked like he went to move and slipped off. I know Tyler wouldnt deliberately jump, Barnett's grandmother Dirlean Tate Mason told NBC News on Thursday. She said her granddaughter Destiny Barnett reviewed the video of Barnett on the ship. Tyler Barnett worked on the river barges in his hometown of Houma, Louisiana, Mason said. She said he has 3-year-old twin daughters waiting for him at home with Barnett's father and stepmother. Coast Guard crews searched over 5,600 square miles, an area larger than the size of Connecticut, using three different air crews, according to a Thursday press release. They also broadcast the man-overboard alert to mariners across the Gulf of Mexico. Our crews battled severe weather conditions for multiple days and made every effort to find Mr. Barnett, Lt. Cmdr. Sean DiGeorge, Coast Guard District Eight search and rescue mission coordinator, said in the press release. Suspending an active search is never a decision we make lightly, and we offer our most sincere condolences to Mr. Barnetts family and friends, DiGeorge said. Barnett was on the cruise with 13 of his family members when he went overboard. His sister Destiny Barnett said on Tuesday that she felt trapped on the cruise, unable to enjoy the vacation, but also unable to leave without knowing what happened to her brother. Mason said Destiny Barnett has since left the ship, which docked in Montego Bay in Jamaica on Wednesday. It took her multiple tries to get the cruise line to show her the surveillance video, she told NBC News on Tuesday. Mason said she cant understand why it took the cruise line as long as it did to locate the correct surveillance video and notify the Coast Guard. It took more than 24-hours to locate the video of Barnett going overboard. Previously, the cruise line only found surveillance video of Barnett entering the cruises casino and his room on Sunday night. A spokesperson for the cruise line said the delay occurred because the crew was only advised that Barnett could be wearing a different shirt on Tuesday. The security team was able to change the search profile of onboard video afterward, the spokesperson said. Our thoughts are with the family as they grieve during this very difficult time, said Matt Lupoli, a spokesperson for the cruise line. We are not going to get into a back-and-forth with certain family members through the media out of respect for them, but we stand by our statement. A spokesperson for the Coast Guard, Petty Officer 2nd Class Jose Hernandez, said that video of Barnett going overboard revealed on Tuesday meant they had to redirect search efforts to a different area approximately 30 miles southwest of the Southwest Pass. When Barnett went overboard, the winds were at 35 mph or higher, with 8- to 12-foot waves, Hernandez said. Mason said she isnt ready to make memorial arrangements for Barnett because she does not want to believe the search is over. I guess Im still hoping for a miracle, said Mason. Maybe there was something out there for Tyler to hold onto some debris floating. You think all kinds of thoughts when youre not ready to give up. Israeli soldiers inspect the Al-Shifa hospital complex in Gaza City during their ground operation - ISRAEL DEFENSE FORCES/REUTERS Israeli soldiers found nothing while searching for a Hamas base they believe is concealed beneath the Al-Shifa hospital, a doctor trapped at the facility said on Friday. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) raided the complex in northern Gaza on Wednesday and have been searching the facility since for what they claim is well-hidden terrorist infrastructure. But Israel is yet to produce any evidence that the hospital sits above a Hamas command and control centre, having suggested prior to the IDF raid that it was a key nerve centre for the terror group. Dr Ahmed El Mokhallalati, a surgeon born in Ireland who trained in Cairo and practised in London, said Israeli forces had found nothing during searches of the hospital complex. They have found no single resistance. No single gunshot against them within the hospital area, he said. The IDF, for its part, said on Friday that it had found a second Hamas tunnel at the facility after uncovering a first subterranean structure, weapons and a booby-trapped pickup truck the day before. The commander of the Southern Command of the IDF carries out an assessment at Al-Shifa hospital - ISRAEL DEFENCE FORCES Benjamin Netanyahu, the prime minister, claimed Israel had concrete evidence that Hamas had used the hospital for military purposes, without providing further details. Citing unspecified intelligence, he also said that strong indications that Israeli hostages were being held at the site contributed to the decision to target it with ground troops. The IDF has recovered the bodies of two Israeli hostages found close to Al-Shifa and an array of weapons, including explosives, it claimed to have found within the hospital itself. On Thursday, it said troops had uncovered a tunnel shaft within the complex and a booby-trapped pickup truck stashed with AK47s, RPGs and sniper rifles. But questions have been raised about the restriction of media access to Al-Shifa and the quality of evidence presented by Israel. Israeli forces have allowed the BBC and Fox News to film at the hospital, but only in locations of the IDFs choice. The IDF also released a seven-minute video walk-through to show their findings in the Al-Shifa, which it said proved Hamas had been using the hospital for military purposes. IDF troops found a Hamas pickup truck with weapons in it similar to those used in the Oct 7 attacks near a tunnel at Al-Shifa - Twitter/@manniefabian But a report by the BBC appeared to indicate that a stash of weapons allegedly found by the IDF near an MRI machine had been added to after the raid. Israels military was also forced to walk back claims made to the BBC that its troops had uncovered a laptop containing photos and videos of hostages being held at the complex. Instead, it clarified on Thursday, forces found a computer containing a publicly available image of a soldier taken hostage by Hamas. The picture was taken before she was captured by the terror group. Hamas has denied using the hospital as a base and said Israeli claims that weapons were found there were 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. Dr Mokhallalati said staff had been forced into hiding as the fighting around the hospital unfolded and warned that food and water were quickly running out. Its a totally terrifying situation, here the Israeli tanks and the Israeli troops have been moving within the hospital area, all over the hospital, he said. Dr Ahmed El Mokhallalati, a surgeon working at the Al-Shifa hospital, said staff had been forced into hiding - RTE The hospital, packed with patients and displaced people and struggling to keep operating, has become a focus of global concern. Muhammad Abu Salmiya, the hospitals director, said on Friday that all ICU patients had died as a result of the Israeli operation. At least 22 people died overnight on Thursday, he said. Mr Salmiya added there were 7,000 people still inside the hospital including patients, staff and displaced civilians. Doctors were still treating the sick, he said. Israels move to send troops into Al-Shifa provoked calls for a ceasefire in Gaza and drew a scathing rebuke from the head of the World Health Organisation. Hospitals are not battlegrounds, said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, denouncing the raid as totally unacceptable. Dr Mokhallalati said the IDF had provided some aid since entering the hospital but warned it was insufficient as critical supplies continued to dwindle at pace. What happened is that the people, we ran out of food, we ran out of drinking water, he said. And then, yesterday, they arranged just some food and water, which is very, very minimal, which doesnt cover, maybe 40 per cent of the number of people around here. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. Joel Guerriau was arrested on suspicion of drugging Sandrine Josso A French senator was arrested for questioning on suspicion of drugging an MP with a view to sexually assaulting her. Joel Guerriau, 66, a centrist senator from western France, was being held for administering to a person without their knowledge a substance likely to diminish their judgment or self-control to commit a rape or sexual assault, prosecutors said on Thursday. The charge carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a 75,000 (65,500) fine. The MP in question is Sandrine Josso, 48, a centrist with the Modem party, which is part of President Emmanuel Macrons parliamentary alliance. She said she felt ill after accepting a drink on Tuesday night at the senators Paris home. Prosecutors said the two were not in an intimate relationship. Tests revealed clear traces of the drug ecstasy in her system, investigators added, prompting her to file a criminal complaint. Mr Guerriau, who is vice-president of the Senates foreign affairs and defence committee, was arrested and held in custody under caught-in-the-act rules allowing police to override his parliamentary immunity, prosecutors said. State of shock Both the accused senator and alleged victim faced each other on Friday during two hours of joint questioning by investigators. Ms Josso is still in a state of shock, said Julia Minkowski, her lawyer. She said she felt unwell after drinking a glass of champagne and had seen the senator grabbing a small plastic bag containing something white, in a drawer in his kitchen. Ms Josso said that 20 minutes after consuming the liquid, she went into a cold sweat and felt her heartbeat increase. Scared but trying hard not to show it, she managed to order a taxi at 10pm. She was convinced that his hope was to have her sleep at his place. She had to deploy monumental physical and intellectual forces to overcome her terror and extricate herself at the last minute from this ambush, Ms Minkowski said. Added to this is a feeling of betrayal and total incomprehension. Joel Guerriau had been a friend for 10 years, in whom she had complete confidence, she added. The taxi dropped her at the National Assembly. An ambulance then took her to a Paris hospital. Broadcaster RMC, which first reported the story, said that police had searched his office and home, where prosecutors confirmed they found a mixture including ecstasy. According to BFMTV, traces of amphetamines, opiates, cannabis, cocaine, methadone and MDMA were found in the senators blood Originally a banker, Mr Guerriau has been a member of the senate since 2011. He is currently vice-president of the senates foreign affairs and defence committee. He is a member of the Horizons party of Edouard Philippe, Emmanuel Macrons popular former prime minister, who has made it clear he intends to run for presidential election in 2027. Mr Philippe appeared with him during his senatorial campaign earlier this year. Lawyers response Christophe Bechu, Mr Macrons green transition minister and Horizon secretary-general, said that Mr Guerriau could obviously not remain in the party if there is the slightest doubt that he drugged Ms Josso. Party chiefs would hold a meeting early Saturday where well have the opportunity to discuss this situation, he added. Mr Guerriau will have to face the consequences if the least of this is true, said Mr Bechu. Remi-Pierre Drai, Mr Guerriaus lawyer, said said the truth of the case was very far from the indecent interpretation that could be deduced from reading the initial press reports. The confrontation allowed my client to vehemently confirm his version of the facts, which do not indicate any offence at this stage of the investigation. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. George Santos has complained that he has suffered a year from hell following the release of a scathing House Ethics Committee report which found that he spent campaign donations on OnlyFans and Botox. The embattled congressman and serial liar took to X late on Thursday night to paint himself as a victim of dirty politics and poison from the ethics committee. Lamenting that he was just trying to serve my country by running for Congress, the man who has been exposed for lying about everything from 9/11 to being Jewish claimed that his rights had been taken from him. My year from Hell, he began. Running for office was never a dream or goal, but when the opportunity to do so came I felt the time to serve my country was now. Looking back today I know one thing, politics is indeed dirty, dirty from the very bottom up. Consultants, operatives, the opposition, the party and more the one thing I never knew was that the process in Congress was dirty. I will continue to fight for what I believe in and I will never back down. What the ethics committee did today was not part of due process, what they did was poison a (sic) the jury pool on my on going investigation with the DOJ. This was a dirty biased act and one that tramples all over my rights. George Santos has been investigated by the ethics committee for several months (Getty Images) The New York lawmaker concluded by announcing that he will hold a press conference on the steps of the US Capitol in two weeks time. Press conference November 30th at 8am on The Capitol steps, I encourage ALL members of the press to attend. Happy Thanksgiving, he added. On Thursday, the House Ethics Committee released its damning report into the freshman congressman following a months-long investigation. In it, the committee said it had uncovered substantial evidence that the GOP lawmaker broke federal laws and that he knowingly caused his campaign committee to file false or incomplete reports with the Federal Election Commission; used campaign funds for personal purposes; engaged in fraudulent conduct in connection with RedStone Strategies LLC; and engaged in knowing and willful violations of the Ethics in Government Act as it relates to his Financial Disclosure (FD) Statements filed with the House. In light of the ongoing criminal investigation into Representative Santos, and the ISCs findings of additional uncharged and unlawful conduct by Representative Santos, the ISC recommended that the Committee immediately refer these allegations to the Department of Justice, the panel wrote. The committee found evidence that the debt-ridden Mr Santos used the money donors had paid to his campaign to fund his luxury spending habits including Botox treatments, OnlyFans payments and shopping trips to Sephora. Mr Santos allegedly transferred the campaign funds into his own account, then spent $4,127.80 at Hermes and several smaller purchases at OnlyFans. Over $2,000 of campaign money was spent at casino resorts on the Atlantic City strip while more than $1,500 was spent on Botox, the report finds. Mr Santos also splashed donor cash on a honeymoon to Las Vegas and a $3,000 stay at an Airbnb in the Hamptons. Representative Santos was frequently in debt, had an abysmal credit score, and relied on an ever-growing wallet of high-interest credit cards to fund his luxury spending habits. He occasionally deposited large amounts of cash that he has never accounted for, moved money between his various bank accounts in a highly suspicious manner, and made over $240,000 cash withdrawals for unknown purposes, the report read. In October, Mr Santos was indicted on 23 federal charges in New York including campaign fraud, credit card theft and lying to the Federal Election Commission. Since then, two of his former staffers have pleaded guilty in the case. Following the reports release on Thursday, Mr Santos announced that he will not seek reelection but continues to refuse to stand down from his role in Congress. Writing on X, Mr Santos said he wouldnt be seeking a second term in 2024 as my family deserves better than to be under the gun from the press all the time as he lashed out at the ethics committee claiming it does not have a single ounce of ETHICS. The findings laid out in the ethics report mark just the latest scandal to encircle Mr Santos, after he was exposed for lying about a whole host of things on his resume, claiming that his mother died in the 9/11 terrorist attacks and being accused of stealing funds raised for a disabled veterans dying service dog. These growing scandals have led many within the GOP to deem him unfit for office. Earlier this month, the embattled New York congressman survived an expulsion vote in the House of Representatives, brought to the floor by fellow Republican lawmaker Anthony DEsposito. The resolution needed a two-thirds majority to succeed, but fell well short. Now, pressure is mounting on the Republican party to vote to expel him in light of the report revelations. Two lawmakers told Axios that Michael Guest, the chair of the Ethics Committee, is planning to file a resolution on Friday to expel Mr Santos from the House. Others who voted to save Mr Santos in the last expulsion vote told the outlet that this time round they will support his removal. Hes gone, one House Republican said. ATLANTA The judge in the Georgia election interference case has granted a request from Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis' office for an emergency protective order after parts of videos from key witnesses against former President Donald Trump and his allies were leaked to news outlets.Judge Scott McAfee on Thursday issued a protective order that prohibits attorneys in the case from sharing sensitive materials with the public. The order requires prosecutors to physically label evidence it seeks to protect as sensitive material and gives defense attorneys 14 days to contest any designations they disagree with. Willis team now has 30 days to review all discovery theyve already provided and label as sensitive. McAfee said that the order would promote the flow of pre-trial discovery and, more importantly, protect the jury pool from evidence that may be deemed inadmissible at trial. 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 the filing. Jenna Ellis pleads guilty to a felony charge at the Fulton County Courthouse (John Bazemore / Pool via Getty Images file) Willis office asked for the protective order in a court filing Tuesday after parts of the videotaped statements of Jenna Ellis, Sidney Powell and Kenneth Chesebro and bail bondsman Scott Hall were made public. In its filing, Willis' office argued that an order was necessary 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. The DA in August charged 19 defendants with violating Georgias Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization act in connection with efforts to overturn the 2020 election results in the battleground state. Chesebro, Ellis, Hall and Powell have pleaded guilty. The videotaped statements, known as proffer videos, were made pursuant to the four defendants plea agreements, which required them to give true and accurate information to prosecutors. The Ellis and Powell statements were first reported by ABC News, while the Chesebro and Hall statements were first reported by The Washington Post. The recordings, which have not been independently obtained by NBC News, revealed new details of the defendants' testimony to prosecutors. The videos showed Ellis recalling a conversation with Trump adviser Dan Scavino, who told her that Trump would not depart the White House regardless of the election results, she said. Powell had testified that Trump was repeatedly told by others that hed lost the election to President Joe Biden. A lawyer for Trump co-defendant Misty Hampton 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 clients best interest. Jonathan Miller, an attorney for Hampton, made the admission during an emergency hearing Wednesday for the protective order. Hampton is charged with a scheme to access voting machines in Coffee County, which Powell and Hall were also charged with. 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 McAfee during the hearing. In all candor to the court, I need the court to know that." McAfee had signaled Wednesday that he would issue a protective order barring the disclosure of certain discovery information by Thursday morning. He said the order would institute a process by which parties can label certain evidence as sensitive. Until we decide whats going to be relevant and admissible, this case should be tried and not in the court of public opinion, McAfee said during Wednesday's hearing. Tom Clyde, an attorney for a coalition of media organizations that did not include NBC News, objected to the protective order, citing First Amendment interests, during the hearing Wednesday. 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. McAfee said he disagreed with Clydes arguments, but acknowledged the First Amendment concerns. The judge said a protective order was needed to protect the jury pool and to keep the flow of discovery going. 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 during the hearing Wednesday. Weve already seen what may happen when a protective order is not in place. The next hearing in this case is scheduled for Dec. 1, when several motions from defendants will be argued. Charlie Gile reported from Atlanta, and Summer Concepcion from New York. Cooks across the nation have stuffed their refrigerators and pantries with turkeys, potatoes, bread, macaroni and more. For many, Thanksgiving is their time to shine in the kitchen, putting together a real feast of foods that are amazing to smell, see, and taste. However, some need a little extra help, while others are looking for new ways to bring their holiday staples to the next level. The Augusta Chronicle met with talented chefs from some of the Augusta area's favorite restaurants and eateries to see what they are making for Thanksgiving and to get some tips for those cooking at home. Thanksgiving Parade: Here's how Georgians can watch the 97th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Executive Chef Dominic Simpson prepares a turkey at Salt + Marrow in North Augusta, S.C., on Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023. Salt + Marrow 1060 Center St, North Augusta As a symbol of the holiday and the star of any Thanksgiving meal, it's important to get the turkey right. While it's not too complicated, Salt + Marrow Chef Dominic Simpson puts real work into them. His turkeys are soaked in a brine of citrus fruits, parsley and thyme for 24 hours. Then the brine's ingredients are stuffed into the bird along with a pound of butter. The skin is also covered in a blend of spices. For a little something extra, Simpson recommends lifting the skin and mixing the brine ingredients into a citrusy butter underneath the skin. He went on to explain that one of the most common mistakes cooks make about their turkeys is overcooking. "Just take your time with it," Simpson said. "Once you've got it brown, cut the oven down some, let it cook a little slower." These turkeys will be part of the second course in a three-course, family-style dinner served to guests noon-5 p.m. on Thanksgiving at the Crowne Plaza Hotel restaurant. The first course includes yeast rolls, baby wedge salad, and a platter of deviled eggs, cured meat and pickled vegetables. The second has turkey, prime rib and sides. The third is ice cream, apple pie, and pound cake. The dinner costs $55 per adult or $18 per child (ages 5-12). Reservations can be made by calling (803) 349-8401 or by going to opentable.com. A turkey at Frog and the Hen Market and Eatery on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023. Frog and the Hen 466 Flowing Wells Rd, Augusta Frog and the Hen's year-round menu is full of tasty chicken recipes thanks to the high-quality poultry provided by Joyce Farms, a company based in North Carolina with partner farms across Georgia and the Carolinas. Their top-notch standards are applied to turkeys for the holidays, too. Once delivered fresh to Frog and the Hen, Chef Jonathan Fant also puts a lot of time into their preparation, soaking them in a brine of spices for two days. Fant also believes timing is a common issue among at-home cooks, especially those with frozen turkeys. "They don't take into account how long it takes to fully thaw a frozen turkey. I would give myself a couple days, three or four days in the refrigerator," he said. "Also, remove that bag. A lot of people leave that bag in there." Fant also recommended applying a spice and butter blend underneath the skin for boosted flavor. Families can take a turkey like this home a la carte or as part of a larger meal. Frog and the Hen is making a little bit of everything from cinnamon rolls and southern cranberry relish to pumpkin pie. A complete dinner that serves 8-10 is available for $200. Pre-orders will be accepted through 3 p.m. Nov. 19 and can be made at frogandthehen.com. The squash casserole at Sweet Azalea Gourmet Shop on Nov. 7, 2023. Sweet Azalea 2569 Central Ave, Augusta No matter how great it is, an entree does not make a meal. You need some sides, and Sweet Azalea's has a delicious one: squash casserole. "It's a very popular Thanksgiving item," said chef and owner Bill Coxwell. "We use fresh squash, onion, cheese, a little bit of mayonnaise and cracker crumbs and salt and pepper." It's considered an old-fashioned, healthier side for a table. Coxwell said in order to make this dish, you have to really cook the squash and let them drain for a very long time so it's not soupy. Sweet Azalea is no longer taking pre-orders for Thanksgiving, but those who missed out should be on the lookout for their Christmas to-go menu coming soon. They make all kinds of savories and sweets, and will even plate it in your own dishes for better table presentation. Thanksgiving dining: These Augusta area restaurants will be open Thanksgiving for dining-in The pecan pie at 8595 Restaurant and Bar inside the Partridge Inn on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023. 8595 Restaurant and Bar 2110 Walton Way, Augusta A lot of cooks believe their dishes are cookbook worthy, but Thomas Jacobs had that confirmed when his pecan pie was featured in Sherry Monahan's new book "Signature Dishes of America: Recipes and Culinary Treasures from Historic Hotels and Restaurants." Jacobs is the head chef at 8595 Restaurant and Bar at Partridge Inn. Like the historic hotel, Jacobs' pie includes ingredients from the community, including locally-grown pecans. "I actually go and pick the pecans myself," he said. "I usually bring two people with me. ... I have fun with it." He also uses cream cheese in the filling instead of the usual sugary, corn syrup filling. For those using cream cheese, Jacobs said to make sure it's room temperature or it won't come out right. Those without the cookbook can sample this pecan pie during 8595's 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thanksgiving brunch, which will offer carving, breakfast, seafood and salad stations plus a variety of "mainline" dishes like three-cheese baked mac and cheese, pot roast and bourbon pecan crusted sweet potato casserole. The brunch costs $78 for adults ages 16 and up, $39 for kids ages 13-15, $19 for children ages 6-12, and it's free for younger children. Reservations can be made by calling (706) 737-8888 or going to opentable.com. A full menu is available on qrco.de/PImenus. This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Thanksgiving cooking tips from Augusta-area restaurant chefs A hiker who had been missing for over a week in Big Bend National Park has been found safe, according to authorities. Christy Perry, 25, had been missing since Nov. 9, when she did not show up to her camping reservation at the Texas national park, according to the National Park Service. "We are pleased to report a successful search and rescue operation in Big Bend National Park," Big Bend National Park shared on Facebook. "Our highly skilled team, in collaboration with outside law enforcement, has located and safely rescued the missing hiker." Perry is under medical care and being transported to a hospital in Odessa, officials said. PHOTO: A missing hiker, Christy Perry, 25, was rescued in Big Bend National Park in Texas after being missing for over a week, Nov. 17, 2023. (Texas Department of Public Safety) MORE: Inside the hunt into Border Patrol agent who targeted sex workers in killing spree Perry traveled from Houston to Big Bend National Park in southwest Texas. She picked up a rental car in Midland, Texas, and arrived at the park on Nov. 9, according to the NPS. She did not show up at her campsite that evening in the Chisos Basin Campground, according to the NPS. Perry's last known location before she went missing was the beginning of the park's Lost Mine Trail. Her vehicle was located at the trailhead, according to the NPS. PHOTO: In this undated file photo, the Chisos Mountains are shown in Big Bend National Park. (STOCK IMAGE/Getty Images) MORE: Kaitlin Armstrong found guilty in murder of professional cyclist Anna Moriah Wilson Big Bend National Park's Lost Mine Trail had been closed due to the search. PHOTO: Christy Perry, a hiker that went missing in Big Bend National Park, is shown in this undated file photo released by the National Park Service. (National Park Service) Search teams made up of NPS employees, U.S. Border Patrol, Texas Game Wardens with two K-9 teams and Los Diablos fire crew were combing through the surrounding canyons and ridges. U.S. Customs and Border Protection also conducted an aerial search by helicopter, according to the NPS. Lost Mine Trail, which climbs steeply though the woodlands of the Chisos Mountains, is 4.8 miles round trip. Hiker found safe after going missing in Big Bend National Park originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Vice Defense Minister Kim Seon-ho called for strengthening international cooperation against North Korea's nuclear and missile threats at an international security meeting led by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), his ministry said Friday. Kim made the call at the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) in Jakarta on Thursday, attended by top defense officials from nine ASEAN countries and eight others, including U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, according to the ministry. "(Kim) called North Korea's nuclear and missile development challenges not only for the Korean Peninsula but for the world and urged aligned efforts from the international community for North Korea's denuclearization," it said. In an apparent swipe at Russia, Kim called engaging in the weapons trade with North Korea a violation of international law that can never be accepted. South Korean and U.S. officials have accused Russia of receiving arms and military equipment from Pyongyang. Kim also highlighted the importance of international solidarity to protect a "rules-based" order and a "free, peaceful and prosperous" Indo-Pacific, it said. On the margins of the gathering, Kim held separate bilateral talks with the Philippines' Secretary of National Defense Gilberto C. Teodoro and Laos' Defense Minister Chansamone Chanyalath. Kim and Teodoro agreed to work together to develop defense and arms industry ties and shared the view on the importance of peacefully resolving disputes in the South China Sea, the ministry said. During his talks with Chanyalath, Kim pledged to support Laos in its role as the chair of ASEAN next year. (Yonhap) Hamas claimed Corporal Boa Marciano was killed in an Israeli bombardment The body of a second Israeli hostage found near the Al-Shifa hospital has been recovered, Israel has said, as Benjamin Netanyahu claimed to have intelligence that captives were held at the facility. Corporal Noa Marciano was abducted by Hamas militants when they overran her IDF base during the Oct 7 massacre. The 19-year-olds death was announced earlier this week, with Hamas claiming she had been killed in an Israeli bombardment. Troops have also located the body of Yehudit Weiss in a building near Al-Shifas medical centre compound, according to the Israel Defense Forces. The IDF said troops from its 7th Armoured Brigades 603rd Battalion found her remains near military equipment such as assault rifles and RPGs belonging to Hamas. Hundreds of people turned out to pay their respects at Corporal Marciano's funeral on Friday - AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg In a defiant interview on Friday, Mr Netenyahu said the apparent presence of hostages at Al-Shifa was one of the reasons for raiding the complex, which has triggered diplomatic concern. The prime minister told CBS Israel had strong indications hostages were present and cited intelligence, but added: The less I say about it the better. Members of Cpl Marcianos family had taken part in a march with the relatives of other hostages with the aim of putting pressure on the government to prioritise their rescue over defeating Hamas. The teenage soldier was the first hostage to be confirmed to have died in captivity. An IDF spokesman said on Friday: The body of IDF soldier Corporal Noa Marciano, who was abducted by the Hamas terrorist organisation, was extracted by IDF troops from a structure adjacent to the Shifa Hospital in the Gaza Strip and was transferred to Israeli territory. Following an identification process that was conducted by military medical and rabbinate personnel, yesterday (Thursday), IDF representatives informed her family that her body was extracted and returned to Israeli territory. The IDF sends its heartfelt condolences to the family and will continue to support them. On Friday, Corporal Marcianos funeral was held in the central city of Modiin, with the soldiers mother seen weeping over her coffin draped in the flag of Israel. Israeli troops carry out building searches - Israeli Army/AFP via Getty Images On Thursday night, the IDF said it had discovered a tunnel shaft used by Hamas militants at Al Shifa. The army released a video it said showed a tunnel entrance in an outdoor area of Al Shifa, Gazas biggest hospital. The video, which could not be verified, showed a deep hole in the ground, littered with and surrounded by concrete and wood rubble and sand. It appeared the area had been excavated; a bulldozer appeared in the background. The IDF has not yet released concrete evidence of a Hamas headquarters at the hospital, a claim made earlier this month as they targeted the compound. On Friday, Israeli troops carried out building-by-building searches at Al-Shifa, as a fresh communications blackout in the territory further heightened fears for Palestinian civilians trapped in the grounds. Thick dark smoke could be seen rising over the northern area of the enclave on Friday. Al-Shifa hospital has become a focal point for Israeli operations in northern Gaza since soldiers raided the complex on Wednesday, hunting for a command centre they say Hamas operates there. Mr Netenyahu also said on Friday that Israel had concrete evidence on the use of the hospital for military purposes. Hamas and hospital managers deny the charge, and there has been international concern about several thousand people - including wounded patients and premature babies - believed to be trapped inside. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. CHICAGO (AP) Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced Thursday that Illinois will funnel an additional $160 million to help migrants arriving in Chicago to resettle, including $65 million to help the city launch winterized temporary shelter to avoid people sleeping outdoors in cold weather. The announcement came on an unseasonably warm Chicago day in the 60s, but with a forecast for temperatures to dip as low as 17 degrees Fahrenheit (-8 degrees Celsius) next week. Most of the roughly 24,000 asylum seekers who have come to Chicago since Gov. Greg Abbot began sending buses last year hail from much warmer climates, leaving them vulnerable to Chicago's winters. Chicago and other U.S. cities, including New York, have struggled to house asylum-seekers as winter weather hits and accommodate a growing migrant population. State officials said roughly 700 new migrants arrive each week. Similar issues could occur as wintry weather closes in on New York, which is struggling to accommodate a growing migrant population, and Denver, which was prompted to loosen its rules on how long migrants are kept in shelters during a recent cold snap. New York City Mayor Eric Adams on Thursday announced wide-ranging budget cuts that he warned would only be the beginning without state and federal support for the tens of thousands of migrants that have arrived since last spring. In Massachusetts, advocates for migrant families are relying on airport lounges, hospital waiting rooms and churches after the state capped the number of beds in family shelters and offered few options for those facing homelessness. Illinois has already spent or committed more than $638 million to address the humanitarian asylum seeker crisis, officials said. The additional funds will come from the Illinois Department of Human Services. Chicago is in charge of housing new arrivals and has also spent hundreds of millions of dollars trying to accommodate them. Pritzker said the state has stepped in now because the city has moved too slowly. Chicago has come under scrutiny from immigrant rights groups, local leaders and residents for its handling of the crisis which has heavily relied on volunteers. The citys been operating its own methodology process. And it hasnt moved fast enough, Pritzker said at a news conference at a state building in Chicago. Were stepping in here to try to help and accelerate this process. Mayor Brandon Johnson, who took office in May, has called it an inherited problem and one the city is working to address. Earlier this week, he announced new limits on how long migrants can stay at city-run shelters and said more resources would come from the state and county. Roughly 2,500 men, women and children are awaiting placement at city-run shelters and sleeping inside or outside police stations or at O'Hare International Airport, according to the city. Of the $160 million new investment from the state, $30 million will be dedicated to setting up an intake and welcome center to better assist those coming to Chicago who already have a place to stay with friends or relatives, or who plan to continue on to another location, according to the governor. Another $65 million will go toward helping Chicago set up a winterized soft shelter site providing temporary housing for up to 2,000 people. State officials did not immediately respond to a request for clarification on whether this refers to tents or brick-and-mortar shelters. And $65 million more will provide services such as rental assistance and help with paperwork, including work permits. The idea is to help people live independently as soon as possible. Pritzker called on Congress to step up to the plate and address the issue. We're being forced to try to solve a federal-sized problem at the state and local level, he said. Earlier this week, Johnson announced plans to cap shelter stays to 60 days. The city has used commercial space, hotels, and park district fieldhouses as shelters once migrants are moved from police stations. He didn't offer details on what would happen if people didn't have more permanent housing within that time frame. Johnson has also proposed winterized tents, but city officials have struggled to find a location. Johnson and the mayors of four other cities, including New York, wrote to President Joe Biden earlier this month seeking more federal resources. He and Denver's mayor met with the White House chief of staff and Homeland Security Department officials the next day. New York City has spent $1.45 billion on the humanitarian crisis this fiscal year and is on track to spend nearly $11 billion over the next two years, Adams said, announcing cuts that would close libraries on Sunday, reduce spending on pre-K and freeze police hiring. No city should be left to handle a national humanitarian crisis largely on its own," Adams, a Democrat, said, "and without the significant and timely support we need from Washington, D.C., todays budget will be only the beginning. The announcement drew criticism from several fronts, including Immigration Coalition Executive Director Murad Awawdeh, who accused Adams of scapegoating asylum seekers, rather than improve the citys shelter system. Adams has said more than 122,700 asylum seekers have come through New York City's intake system since last spring. Biden has requested $1.4 billion from Congress to help state and local governments provide shelter and services for migrants, after earlier pleas from Democratic mayors and governors. Congress late Wednesday passed a temporary resolution to keep the government running, but didnt address any of Bidens funding requests for the border. Its not clear whether they will pass any let alone the increase local support. ___ AP reporters Colleen Long contributed to this report from San Francisco, Sophia Tareen from Chicago and Carolyn Thompson from Buffalo, N.Y. Savage 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 Luis Abinader of the Dominican Republic met with President Joe Biden in the White House Thursday to discuss Haitis security situation and the economic relationship between Washington and Santo Domingo, among other topics. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre confirmed the first bilateral meeting between the two heads of state, which comes as the U.S. works to get the deployment of a Kenya-led international force into Haiti, and days after a commission from the Organization of American States arrived in Port-au-Prince to gather facts about an ongoing border conflict between the Dominican Republic and Haiti over the construction of a canal on Haitian soil. In mid-September, Abinader canceled visas for Haitians and shut down the entire 244-mile land border as well as air and maritime traffic, citing the ongoing construction of the canal off the Massacre River in northeastern Haiti. The canal, Abinader, has said will divert water from Dominican farmers. Haitians, on the other hand, have said that they have a sovereign right to use the water and their neighbor has repeatedly violated the terms of a 1929 treaty governing border rivers and has constructed 11 canals and dams using the rivers waters. The construction, while uniting Haitians, has deepened the acrimony between the two countries which share the island of Hispaniola. Last month, the Dominican government loosened the land border restriction to allow essential goods to flow through but said Haitian migrants will remain shut out. In response, Haiti has kept its side of the border closed. During the meeting, Biden and Abinader were expected to discuss the U.S. and the Dominican Republics close partnership on a host of shared priorities, including on deepening bilateral economic ties, advancing democratic principles and labor rights, and addressing the security situation in Haiti, said Jean-Pierre said. Biden told reporters on Thursday that the U.S. partnership with the Dominican Republic was stronger than ever before, while Abinader said the the two countries are focused on offering the fruits of democracy to their citizens. Abinader came to Washington with several officials from his administration, including the minister of foreign affairs, the minister of finance, the vice minister for economic affairs and international cooperation, and the Dominican Republics ambassador to the U.S. The Dominican Republic is among several countries invited by the White House to a summit on Friday to discuss economic development and the economic causes of migration in the Western Hemisphere. The countries that will participate include Barbados, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico, Panama, Peru, the United States and Uruguay. The partnership was announced during the Summit of the Americas that resulted in the Los Angeles Accords, a regional agreement made in June 2022 to protect migrants and reduce irregular migration in the hemisphere. The Dominican Republic will host the next iteration of the event in 2025. Abinader said he looked forward to hosting Biden in the tourist beach town of Punta Cana, where the summit will be held. Historic levels of migration are being seen coming out of several countries in the region, including Cuba, Haiti, and Venezuela, as migrants fly directly into Central America or cross the dangerous Darien Gap between Panama and Colombia to reach the United States. The International Organization for Migration urged regional action last month to meet the humanitarian needs of migrants as well as for long-term solutions that would reduce the flow. President Biden and President Abinader will also discuss the Americas Partnership for Economic Prosperity Leaders Summit, where the United States, the Dominican Republic, and other regional partners will deepen our collective economic engagement to create a more integrated and prosperous Americas, Jean-Pierre said. The Dominican Republics vice president, Raquel Pena, is scheduled to visit Miami this weekend to meet with Dominicans who live in South Florida. Kaitlin Armstrong has been found guilty of her alleged love rival Moriah Mo Wilsons murder. A jury returned the guilty verdict after just over two hours of deliberation on Thursday in Austin, Texas. 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. Jury sentencing deliberations are set to begin on Friday morning. Key points The key players in the deadly love triangle at the centre of trial Former friend of Kaitlin Armstrong recalls death threats against Wilson Kaitlin Armstrong confronted Moriah Wilson on the phone, ex-boyfriend Colin Strickland says Armstrongs ex clashes with media at court Court adjourned ahead of sentencing Thursday 16 November 2023 23:40 , Mike Bedigan Court has now been adjourned for the day. The verdict is in Kaitlin Armstrong has been found guilty of murdering Moriah Mo Wilson. Proceedings will now resume tomorrow at 9am CT, at which time Armstrong will be sentenced. She faces up to 99 years behind bars. Anna Moriah Wilsons mother gives heartbreaking victim impact statement Thursday 16 November 2023 23:05 , Andrea Blanco Karen Wilson says her daughter was strong, independent and delicate. The day she gave birth to Moriah, Ms Wilson said, she screamed so loud because her daughter had been born wanting to climb and live but was trapped in the body of a newborn. Ms Wilson says that Moria hated inconveniencing others and always worked hard to accomplish her goals. When you love somebody so much, and if any of you are parents, you understand what that means... when you love someone that much, and its taken from you, the depth of the joy of that love is equal to the depth of the pain you have to live with, Ms Cash says. I just miss her so much and nothing here can bring her back and I knew that coming down here. I would have done anything to stand in the way of that bullet and I wasnt there to protect her. And she died all alone on the floor of her friends house. She did not deserve a death like that. Thursday 16 November 2023 23:00 , Andrea Blanco My heart is broken for the Wilson family, Christine Armstrong says Christine held an I love you sign towards her sister as she approached the stand, which Armstrong reciprocated without smiling. Christine said that her sister had almost been like a parent to her. Shes just such a special person. Shes always been such a special person, she said. Ive always looked up to you. Ive always looked up to her. I just love her so much and I hate that shes been painted in this light. Shes not a bad person. Shes a really good person, shes always cared for other people and if you ask anyone who knows her, they would say the same thing. Thursday 16 November 2023 22:56 , Andrea Blanco Dr Judith Knotts, who works in the chaplaincy program at the Travis County Jail, described Armstrong as kind and empathetic She said that Armstrong has been focusing on yoga and meditation while imprisoned. Kaitlin Armstrongs father gives statement Thursday 16 November 2023 22:43 , Andrea Blanco Its a very difficult time. Its been a tragic time, Mike Armstrong tells the court. But I also want to say that its far worse for the Wilson family. I cant imagine what they are going through. Ive always known that its horrible what we are going through, but I know what they are going through is worse. She was just coming into her own' Thursday 16 November 2023 22:16 , Andrea Blanco Eric Wilson says he was very close to his daughter and recounted his heart sinking when he found out that she had been killed. Its so hard to watch [Karen and Matt] go through this, Mr Wilson said. Im so grateful Matt has done so well considering what hes had to live with. He also said: She was a beautiful girl, a beautiful young woman. She was just coming into her own really as a cyclist in that last year and I knew that she wanted to be a professional cyclist. And she achieved that dream. She did not deserve a death like that' Thursday 16 November 2023 21:57 , Andrea Blanco Ms Wilson said her daughter began biking as rehabilitation after sustaining a knee injury that ruined her career in skiing. Ms Wilson says that Moriahs daughter has irreparably changed her familys life, but that she has found in Caitlin Cash another daughter. When you love somebody so much, and if any of you are parents, you understand what that means... when you love someone that much, and its taken from you, the depth of the joy of that love is equal to the depth of the pain you have to live with, Ms Cash says. I just miss her so much and nothing here can bring her back and I knew that coming down here. I would have done anything to stand in the way of that bullet and I wasnt there to protect her. And she died all alone on the floor of her friends house. She did not deserve a death like that. Wilsons mother gives heartbreaking victim impact statement Thursday 16 November 2023 21:53 , Andrea Blanco Karen Wilson says her daughter was strong, independent and delicate. The day she gave birth to Moriah, Ms Wilson said, she screamed so loud because her daughter had been born wanting to climb and live but was trapped in the body of a newborn. Ms Wilson says that Moria hated inconveniencing others and always worked hard to accomplish her goals. Matthew Wilson recounts moment he learned about sisters murder Thursday 16 November 2023 21:44 , Andrea Blanco He said, we lost Moriah. And I just freaked out. I ran out of the building and ran up the stairs into the street, punching walls... my mom looks at me crying and Im crying and she says, it gets worse, Matthew Wilson said. I thought maybe something happened to Cash, too. She looks at me and she says, she was murdered. Wilsons brother gives victim impact statement Thursday 16 November 2023 21:41 , Andrea Blanco Matthew Wilson opened up about his struggle with depression, and how his sister had made it her personal mission to be there for him. Wilson had suggested theyd text each other their three favourite things about their day, every day. So in the days leading up to Wilsons murders, the siblings had talked every day on the phone. Caitlin Cash speaks of panic attacks, fear, and grief Thursday 16 November 2023 21:39 , Andrea Blanco Its been 554 days since she was killed and I cannot tell you how many times I have relived that night, Ms Cash tells the court. She says she cant look at ambulances, look at stains or hear sirens. Ms Cash spent 100 minutes giving CPR to Wilson, without realising she was dead. The longest 10 minutes of her life, Ms Cash says. Caitlin Cash says she felt guilty she couldnt protect Wilson Thursday 16 November 2023 21:28 , Andrea Blanco Every time I park my car and I walk up my stairs, I have to talk myself into doing it, Ms Cash says. Ms Cash still lives in the apartment where Wilson was killed. I have to tell myself that there is nothing thats scary on the other side of the door. Every time I go to put in a load of laundry, I see the dent that the bullet left when she was shot in the head. Every time I get something out of my pantry, I think of her standing right here. Caitlin Cash says Wilson 'moved her beyond belief Thursday 16 November 2023 21:24 , Andrea Blanco Ms Cash is now telling the court about the time she picked up Wilson at the airport just days before she was killed. They were so excited to see each other, Ms Cash says, that they forgot to claim Wilsons luggage. Ms Cash remembers texting a picture of Wilson to the cyclists mother on 11 May 2022. ...your girl is in safe hands here in Austin, Ms Cash says she wrote, prompting an audible sob from Wilsons mother. Sentencing to unfold shortly Thursday 16 November 2023 21:12 , Andrea Blanco Armstrong is brought back to the courtroom. Wilsons father is staring at her. The Wilson family will now present their victim statements. Caitlin Cash, who discovered Wilsons body, will go first. Kaitlin Armstrong remains emotionless Thursday 16 November 2023 21:09 , Andrea Blanco Armstrong reportedly continued to look ahead as her father stared in her direction. Wilsons family briefly left the courtroom with prosecutors. Wilsons family becomes emotional over guilty verdict Thursday 16 November 2023 21:04 , Andrea Blanco The family of slain cyclist Anna Moriah Wilson have been in the courtroom for the two and a half weeks of trial, only leaving the gallery whenever graphic evidence was introduced. Upon hearing the verdict, Wilsons parents, brother and friend Caitliin Cash hugged each other and became tearful, NewsNation correspondent Alex Caprariello reports. Kaitlin Armstrong found guilty after two hours of deliberation Thursday 16 November 2023 20:58 , Andrea Blanco A jury found Armstrong guilty of murder after just two hours of deliberation on Thursday. Read more: Kaitlin Armstrong before and after Thursday 16 November 2023 20:47 , Andrea Blanco Just days after the murder, Ms Armstrong fled the country and travelled to Costa Rica, where she was arrested five weeks later. During her time in Costa Rica, Ms Armstrong underwent several procedures, including a rhinoplasty, according to evidence introduced in court. Cyclist Killed Texas Kaitlin Armstrong faces charges of murder, first degree felony, and theft of service (Travis County Jail) Is Kaitlin Armstrong guilty of murder? What the prosecution and defence said in closing arguments Thursday 16 November 2023 20:31 , Andrea Blanco Prosecutors and defence attorneys in the trial against Austin yoga teacher Kaitlin delivered closing arguments on Thursday following two and a half weeks of testimony on the murder of slain cyclist Anna Moriah Wilson. Jury deliberations over the 11 May 2022 murder of Wilson began at noon on Thursday. Ms Armstrong stands accused of shooting Wilson to death after the two women were reportedly involved in a love triangle with Ms Armstrongs then on-and-off boyfriend Colin Strickland. Heres a recap of what each side said in closing statements: Is Kaitlin Armstrong guilty? What each side said in closing arguments WATCH: Prosecution presents closing arguments after cyclists murder Thursday 16 November 2023 19:05 , Andrea Blanco Deliberations begin Thursday 16 November 2023 18:22 , Andrea Blanco Ms Arsmtrong has left the courtroom after the jury was instructed to begin deliberations. State wraps up rebuttal Thursday 16 November 2023 18:21 , Andrea Blanco If you do, if you look at all the evidence, look at it with common sense, logic. Let the evidence take you where its going. Thats all Im asking. You are going to find that the evidence is right here, Mr Gonzalez says. Not likely defences DNA transfer theory took place, state says Thursday 16 November 2023 18:14 , Andrea Blanco Mr Gonzalez reminds jurors that DNA experts who took the stand said a four-time DNA transfer, how the prosecution argues Ms Arsmtrongs DNA ended on the bike, is extremely unlikely. State gives rebuttal Thursday 16 November 2023 17:53 , Andrea Blanco State attorney Guillermo Gonzalez delivers a monologue about all the what-ifs the defence just laid out. Mr Gonzalez says that those hypothetical scenarios are not relevant to the case and that the evidence presented by the prosecution remains strong. The defence objects and an argument unfolds but the judge allows Mr Gonzalez to continue. Take your time, and I trust that when you do that, the evidence points you in one direction, he said. Defence tells jurors not knowing is not a failure' Thursday 16 November 2023 17:47 , Andrea Blanco Mr Puryear resumed his argument reminding jurors that they dont have to believe Ms Armstrong is innocent in order to deliver a not guilty verdict. The jury is told that they are compelled to deliver a not guilty verdict if they are not completely sure Ms Armstrong is guilty. Dont feel like you failed, if that is your conclusion, WATCH: Armstrong Defense attorney waves bike around in court during closing arguments Thursday 16 November 2023 17:43 , Andrea Blanco Court takes 15 minute recess Thursday 16 November 2023 17:35 , Andrea Blanco The defence will resume its closing arguments shortly. Defence asks jurors to focus on the I dont knows' Thursday 16 November 2023 17:33 , Andrea Blanco Defense Attorney Geoffrey Puryear says the things that remain unknown about the investigation are the most important. He also tried to make jurors sympathise with Ms Armstrong over her brief May 2022 arrest. ... but is never read her rights, and then they come in and say, oops! Sorry! No warrant, just kidding! But hey, stick around for a few minutes, Mr Puryear said. And then they come back and say, oops! We goofed again! You do have a warrant! How much trust would you have in them? Put yourself in that situation. Defence says love triangle narrative is misogynistic' Thursday 16 November 2023 17:16 , Andrea Blanco Mr Cofer also raised allegations that Mr Strickland had been favoured by local authorities. He argued that the love triangle narrative had been created by the defence due to misogyny deeply rooted in society. Defence says Armstrong fled while flee and out of fear Thursday 16 November 2023 17:09 , Andrea Blanco Mr Cofer said that the murder warrant had not been entered into the system when Ms Armstrong fled to Costa Rica. He went on to tell jurors that she was scared whoever killed Wilson would target her next. Defence claims police did not thoroughly tested evidence Thursday 16 November 2023 17:05 , Andrea Blanco Mr Cofer used Wilsons bike as a prop to show the parts where DNA was not collected from. He criticised the states failure to test a rape kit investigators had collected. (NewsNation) What is the evidence that Kaitlin Armstrong is a jealous psycho? Thursday 16 November 2023 16:46 , Andrea Blanco Mr Cofer noted that Mr Strickland had not been transparent during their relationship. The defence attorney said that the call Ms Armstrong had made to Mo Wilson and the threats she had voiced did not make her a murderer. What is the evidence that Kaitlin Armstrong is a jealous psycho? Thursday 16 November 2023 16:46 , Andrea Blanco Mr Cofer noted that Mr Strickland had not been transparent during their relationship. The defence attorney said that the call Ms Armstrong had made to Mo Wilson and the threats she had voiced did not make her a murderer. She asked for you to hear her case' Thursday 16 November 2023 16:41 , Andrea Blanco Defense Attorney Rick Cofer told the jury that Ms Armstrong had been caught in a nightmare of circumstantial evidence. He went on to claim that the prosecutions case was built on assumptions and confirmation bias. Mr Jones asks for justice for Mo Wilson Thursday 16 November 2023 16:39 , Andrea Blanco Mr Jones said that Caitlin Cash, who found Wilsons body, had asked him to refer to her by her last name because [K]aitlin was the name of the woman who had killed her friend. She pumped her friends heart over a hundred times, Mr Jones said. Not knowing that her friend had probably been dead for 45 minutes. Mr Jones then said the prosecution had met the burden of proof. We can get out here quickly and find her guilty of shooting Mo Wilson in the head and heart and taking away this prodigy at the age of 25, he said. The more I talk the more ridiculous [the defences case] gets Thursday 16 November 2023 16:31 , Andrea Blanco Mr Jones went on to tell jurors that the defence had failed to explain what the black Jeep was doing near the crime scene. First, he said, they said the surveillance video didnt prove that was her Jeep. Then, they refused evidence that the infotainment system of the Jeep placed her near the scene, saying that perhaps someone else was driving. Do you see the rabbit holes theyre trying to send you down? Mr Jones said. Mr Jones reminds juror about testimony from Ms Armstrongs former friends Thursday 16 November 2023 16:25 , Andrea Blanco According to key testimony from Nicole Mertz, a close friend of Ms Armstrong, the defendant had voiced death threats against Wilson. Ms Mertz recounted that Ms Armstrong once said that if Mr Strickland dated another woman, she would kill [her.] Thats the evidence you got to work with ... her best friend called the police, Mr Jones said on Thursday. Prosecutor quips over defence expert whose testimony went on for hours Thursday 16 November 2023 16:22 , Andrea Blanco Thats four hours of my life that I will never get back, Mr Jones said about testimony from a defence expert who criticised the states ballistics evidence. Mr Tobin, a firearm expert who took the stand on Thursday, said that the standards of the AFTE testing ran on Ms Armstrongs guns were not scientific. Mr Tobin later admitted that he did not review the evidence introduced by the prosecution and that he was only there to contest the validity of AFTE examination. He later said he was not there to contest the findings of the investigation. Thursday 16 November 2023 16:14 , Andrea Blanco Mr Jones tells jurors they have to deliver a unanimous verdict, but their theories behind the verdict they reach do not have to be the same. Ive never seen so much evidence in my life against one person, Mr Jones said. Shes running from you' Thursday 16 November 2023 16:10 , Andrea Blanco Mr Jones honed in on Ms Armstrongs failed escape 19 days before the trial began. She was not just running from the sheriffs office, she was running from you and you, and you, Mr Jones said as he pointed to the jurors. She is running from all of you in the back road. Everybody deserves their day in court, and she got it. As you see in this video, she didnt want to face you. Closing arguments begin Thursday 16 November 2023 16:08 , Andrea Blanco Assistant District Attorney Rick Jones has begun presenting closing arguments for the state. The last thing Mo Wilson did was scream in terror, Mr Jones says. She stood over her after she shot her in the head twice and put another bullet in her heart.... you heard the medical examiner. That third bullet was in her heart. Defence likely to use Wilsons bike as prop during closing arguments Thursday 16 November 2023 16:05 , Andrea Blanco Wilsons bike is placed in the well of the courtroom, according to NewsNation Correspondent Alex Caprariello. Kaitlin Armstrongs FAMILY arrive at court Thursday 16 November 2023 15:17 , Andrea Blanco Cameras will be in the courtroom for closing arguments, which are expected early this morning. The judge said before court was adjourned yesterday that deliberations are also expected to begin today. Kaitlin Armstrong found guilty of love rival Moriah Wilsons murder Thursday 16 November 2023 23:11 , Andrea Blanco Austin yoga teacher Kaitlin Armstrong has been found guilty of murdering professional cyclist Anna Moriah Wilson. The verdict over the May 11 2022 murder of 25-year-old Wilson came after just two hours of deliberations on Thursday. Wilsons family members in the courtroom cried and embraced each other while Armstrong remained emotionless as the verdict was read. Read more: Kaitlin Armstrong found guilty of love rival Moriah Wilsons murder Closing arguments to begin Thursday 16 November 2023 13:00 , Mike Bedigan Closing arguments in the murder trial of yoga teacher Kaitlin Armstrong are due to begin today. Ms Armstrong is accused of the 11 May 2022 murder of Wilson, who prosecutors have described as her love rival. The two women were reportedly involved in a love triangle with Ms Armstrongs then on-and-off boyfriend and Wilsons fellow cyclist Colin Strickland. Jurors have heard testimony from Mr Strickland, friends of Ms Armstrong, and law enforcement personnel, including a US Marshal agent who aided in Ms Armstrongs arrest overseas. Jurors will hear closing statements from both sides, before being sent to deliberate. What has the defence argued so far? Thursday 16 November 2023 12:30 , Mike Bedigan Defence attorneys accused police of a sloppy investigation that too quickly focused on Ms Armstrong as the sole suspect. Ms Armstrongs attorneys also have tried to raise doubts among jurors by suggesting someone else could have killed Wilson, and asking why prosecutors dismissed Mr Strickland as a suspect. The defence tried to poke holes in the prosecutions case, arguing that a lot of evidence in the case was not thoroughly reviewed, NewsNation reports. The attorneys questioned Austin Police Department detective Richard Spitler on why a rape kit performed on Wilson was never processed, and why Mr Stricklands laptop was returned to him just eight days after the murder without having been analysed forensically. The defence also sent shockwaves through the courtroom when they raised a mistrial motion mid-procedure, arguing that Det Spitler favoured Mr Strickland and cleared him too soon. The attorneys brought up that Det Spitler had previously met Mr Strickland at a taco deli years before the murder, also asking the detective if he thought of Mr Strickland as a local celebrity. Elsewhere in their arguments, the defence argued that the prosecution did not have any witness who could place their client at the crime scene and that her fingerprints or DNA were not found at the home where Wilson was found dead. Ms Armstrongs lawyers also asked Det Spitler why he hadnt further interviewed two of Wilsons ex-boyfriends, with the detective saying that phone data and other evidence placed them nowhere near the crime. Timeline of Kaitlin Armstrongs moves on night of murder Thursday 16 November 2023 11:30 , Andrea Blanco Mr Strickland dropped off Wilson at around 8.30pm. Ms Armstrongs Jeep, which had been parked in an alley near Ms Cashs home, pulls up and parks again. Wilson uses her phone and sends her last message at 9.13pm. A surveillance video from a nearby home captured gunshot sounds and a womans scream at 9.16pm. At 9:43pm, the Jeep stops at a dumpster for three minutes and then heads to Mr Stricklands home. 911 is called at 9.55pm when Ms Cash arrives home. Kaitlin Armstrong said in so many words that she wanted to kill Wilson Thursday 16 November 2023 10:00 , Andrea Blanco Nicole Mertz, a close friend of Ms Armstrong, was called to the stand on Wednesday (8 November). Ms Mertz said that her friend and Mr Strickland often broke up and got back together and that he referred to Ms Armstrong as his lady friend. Ms Mertz went on to recount that Ms Armstrong once said that if Mr Strickland dated another woman, she would kill her.] My first thought was that Kaitlin might have had something to do with it, Ms Mertz said about the moment she found out about Wilsons killing. Jacqueline Chasteen, a friend of Mr Strickland who eventually also befriended Ms Armstrong, said that during a gathering in Bentonville, Ms Armstrong confided in her that Mr Strickland had cheated on her with Wilson. She had described how Colin had cheated but while she was describing that, she had said in so many words that she wanted to kill her, she said, per NewsNation. That she had thought about it. But how she said it at the time I didnt take it seriously...she said something to the effect that she had bought a gun... I do know the words kill and the words gun were used. WATCH: Kaitlin Armstrong trial day 8 Thursday 16 November 2023 08:30 , Andrea Blanco Details about Kaitlin Armstrongs escape revealed Thursday 16 November 2023 07:00 , Andrea Blanco Mr Strickland and Ms Armstrong were told about Wilsons murder by Austin Police detectives on 12 May 2022, just a day after the murder. Bodycam footage shown to the court reportedly showed that the two seemed shocked after learning the tragic news. Mr Strickland later joined investigators at the police station, where he gave a statement for nearly six hours. The following day, authorities served a search warrant and seized weapons from his home. Crime scene specialist Mirezha Guevara testified on November 3 that while she was taking pictures of the firearms evidence and Ms Armstrongs black Jeep, she also noticed Ms Armstrongs passport and foreign currency inside the home. An attorney representing both Mr Strickland and Ms Armstrong was present while the warrant was served, but investigators did not ask to interview Ms Armstrong. However, they did ask Mr Strickland about her black Jeep, the same model of car seen on surveillance footage near the home where Wilson was found. The car had also been spotted near the swimming pool bar that Mr Strickland and Wilson had been at just hours before she was killed. Mr Strickland suggested during his testimony that investigators knew it belonged to Ms Armstrong. Mr Strickland said that after he was interviewed and the warrant was served, he and Ms Armstrong were exhausted. He asked her to write a timeline of her activities on the day and reportedly said she went to yoga and visited a healer but made no mention of seeing Wilson. He then went to his business headquarters in Lockhart and did not see Ms Armstrong again. On 14 May, Ms Armstrong took a flight from Austin to Houston. She was found in Costa Rica 43 days later. Love rival murder, a harrowing 911 call and bike DNA: Key revelations in the Kaitlin Armstrong trial Thursday 16 November 2023 05:30 , Andrea Blanco Kaitlin Armstrong faces up to 99 years in prison if shes convicted of killing professional cyclist Anna Moriah Mo Wilson after they were allegedly involved in a love triangle. The Independents Andrea Cavallier and Andrea Blanco explain the most crucial moments so far in her high-profile trial: Key revelations in the Kaitlin Armstrong love rival murder trial so far Defence says DNA found on Wilsons bike may have transfered Thursday 16 November 2023 04:00 , Andrea Blanco There was DNA from a third, male, individual, on the handlebar of Wilsons bike but DNA analysts were unable to build a profile with it. A third DNA profile was also found on the seat. Forensic DNA consultant Matthew Quartaro testified on Wednesday that he can only say with certainty that the unknown DNA does not belong to Wilson, Ms Armstrong, Mr Strickland or Caitlin Cash. He also admitted that it is impossible to know whether Ms Armstrongs DNA was found on the bike because she touched it, or because it transferred. The defence has tried to argue before that Ms Armstrongs DNA may have ended up in the bike because Wilson rode Mr Stricklands bike that night. WATCH: Kaitlin Armstrong trial, summary of evidence Thursday 16 November 2023 02:30 , Andrea Blanco What has the state argued so far? Thursday 16 November 2023 01:00 , Andrea Blanco The state honed in on evidence connecting Ms Armstrong to the crime, including DNA found on Wilsons bike, as well as cell phone data and the infotainment system of Ms Armstrongs Jeep placing her near the scene. Prosecutors argued that in the days leading up to the murder, Ms Armstrong had tracked Wilsons movements on her Strava account. Data pulled from Ms Armstrongs phone showed that she viewed Wilsons Strava profile once on 9 May 2022, two days before the murder, and four times the following day. Vehicle satellite records, phone-tracking data and surveillance video from a nearby home showed Ms Armstrongs Jeep driving around the apartment and parking in an alley shortly before Wilson was killed. According to key testimony from Nicole Mertz, a close friend of Ms Armstrong, the defendant had voiced death threats against Wilson. Ms Mertz recounted that Ms Armstrong once said that if Mr Strickland dated another woman, she would kill [her.] My first thought was that Kaitlin might have had something to do with it, Ms Mertz said about the moment she found out about Wilsons killing. Jacqueline Chasteen, a friend of Mr Strickland who eventually also befriended Ms Armstrong, also testified that during a gathering in Bentonville in early 2022, Ms Armstrong confided in her that Mr Strickland had cheated on her with Wilson. She had described how Colin had cheated but while she was describing that, she had said in so many words that she wanted to kill her, she said, per NewsNation. That she had thought about it. But how she said it at the time I didnt take it seriously...she said something to the effect that she had bought a gun... I do know the words kill and the words gun were used. Colin Strickland leaves court with police escort Thursday 16 November 2023 00:17 , Mike Bedigan Colin Strickland was seen leaving the courthouse after testifying on Wednesday, flanked by at least four law enforcement officers. Mr Strickland who was the defences last witness before resting its case has previously had several negative run-ins with reporter inside and outside of the court. WATCH: Colin Strickland leaving the courthouse after testifying on Wednesday. Strickland was the defense's final witness before resting its case. At least 4 law enforcement officers escort him out today after he had several negative encounters with professional media last week. pic.twitter.com/cVsrHdY3iP Alex Caprariello (@alcaprari23) November 16, 2023 Closing arguments to begin tomorrow Wednesday 15 November 2023 23:48 , Mike Bedigan Proceedings in the murder trial of Kaitlin Armstrong have adjourned for the day. Jurors were told that closing arguments will begin tomorrow, when they return at 9am local time. They will then begin their deliberations in the case. Forensic expert casts doubt on defence DNA claims Wednesday 15 November 2023 23:42 , Mike Bedigan Referring back to evidence given by the defence, which discussed how Ms Armstrongs DNA had ended up on a bike ridden by Wilson, Dr Kalafut said he wouldnt have a very high expectation at all for finding the DNA once Wilson and Mr Strickland had been swimming. Prosecutors counted out how many steps of transfer DNA that would entail at least four. Dr Kalafut said had only heard of two studies where transfer DNA has successfully been passed down four times and survived. He added that it is his opinion that it is more likely that Ms Armstrong placed her DNA on the bicycle, not that Wilson transferred her DNA by accident. Defence rests its case, new witness called by prosectors Wednesday 15 November 2023 23:13 , Andrea Blanco Forensic scientist Tim Kalafut has been called to the stand. Kaitlin Armstrong will not testify Wednesday 15 November 2023 23:12 , Andrea Blanco After Mr Strickland was dismissed, Ms Arsmtrong and her attorneys approached the judge. She was asked if she understood her right to testify if she wished to do so. According to NewsNation Correspondent Alex Caprariello, Ms Arsmtrong seemed confused, and even scared during that exchange, a stark contrast from her stoic demeanour in the two and a half weeks of trial so far. Colin Strickland returns to court Wednesday 15 November 2023 23:04 , Andrea Blanco Mr Strickland tells the court that he does not remember buying a second gun lock. He is confronted by the defence about the fake alibi he provided to Ms Arsmtrong on the night of the murder. Mr Strickland admits he lied to his then-girlfriend and instead spent time with Wilson. Expert testifying for the defence under cross-examination Wednesday 15 November 2023 21:47 , Andrea Blanco Mr Tobins tells the court that he is being paid $5,000 to testify for the defence and that he has not reviewed the evidence in Moriah Wilsons murder investigation. He is confronted by the state about research he did in the past which reportedly served as the baseline for Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners (AFTE) practice. Colin Strickland is in the courtroom Wednesday 15 November 2023 21:03 , Andrea Blanco Mr Tobins testimony resumes. Over the lunch recess, Colin Strickland arrived at the court and is now inside the witness room. Mr Strickland was dismissed as a witness last week, but was told he could be called to the stand again. Court take recess Wednesday 15 November 2023 20:15 , Andrea Blanco The proceedings will resume after lunch. Wednesday 15 November 2023 19:57 , Andrea Blanco Mr Tobin is now going through studies debunking theories about ballistics analysis. Wilsons family is not in the courtroom, according to Mr Caprariello. Jury has no reaction to testimony discrediting prosecutions ballistics testimony Wednesday 15 November 2023 19:08 , Andrea Blanco Mr Tobin notes that firearm examination is not a science and is very subjective. Mr Caprariello, who is in the courtroom, says that Mr Tobins testimony does not appear to have an impact on the jury. Defence argues validity of AFTE-based testimony presented by prosecutors Wednesday 15 November 2023 19:02 , Andrea Blanco Mr Tobin is criticising the Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners (AFTE) standards regarding ballistics examination. He said there is not enough peer review and that terms used, such as sufficient agreement, are flawed, worthless statements and claims. Expert explains ballistics terms to the court Wednesday 15 November 2023 18:50 , Andrea Blanco Mr Tobin is explaining details about gun manufacturing. He says that while manufacturers intend to make weapons as identical as possible, there are always defects or impressions. Wednesday 15 November 2023 18:25 , Andrea Blanco Firearm expert William Tobin is testifying on a Zoom appearance. Mr Tobin has previously analysed bullet and lead testing that has led to exculpatory evidence. State redirects Wednesday 15 November 2023 17:24 , Andrea Blanco The state is now trying to question Mr Quartaro on the possibility and probability of Ms Armstrongs DNA being unknowingly transferred through a second party. Mr Quartaro says it is more likely to shed DNA when someone is nervous and sweating, but cant say how Ms Armstrongs DNA got there. The defence redirects and asks Mr Quartaro whether it is possible Ms Armstrongs sweat DNA from the motorcycle helmet could have transferred to Wilsons bike. He says it is. Defence argues that DNA may have transferred to bike Wednesday 15 November 2023 17:05 , Andrea Blanco There was also DNA from a third, male, individual, on the bikes handlebar but DNA analysts were unable to build a profile with it. A third DNA profile was also found on the seat. Mr Quartaro says he can only say with certainty that the unknown DNA does not belong to Wilson, Ms Armstrong, Mr Strickland or Caitlin Cash. He also admits that it is impossible to know whether Ms Armstrongs DNA was found on the bike because she touched it, or because it transferred. The defence has tried to argue before that Ms Armstrongs DNA may have ended up in the bike because Wilson rode Mr Stricklands bike that night. Forensic DNA consultant Matthew Quartaro takes the stand Wednesday 15 November 2023 16:56 , Andrea Blanco The defence is honing in on the presence of another DNA profile on the weapon believed to have been used in Wilsons murder. Mr Quartaro agrees with the defence that DNA samples and testing cant conclude how the DNA got to the item that was swabbed. The expert also notes that only one swab was used for different areas of the weapon and it is impossible to tell where exactly in the weapon was Ms Armstrongs DNA. Ms Armstrong stone cold throughout trial Wednesday 15 November 2023 16:43 , Andrea Blanco When asked by prosecutors if Ms Armstrong seems tense, Officer Niels says that she looks as calm and collected as she did on 12 May 2022. Mr Caprariello describes Ms Armstrongs demeanour during the two and a half weeks of trial as emotionless and stone cold. APD officer takes the stand Wednesday 15 November 2023 16:27 , Andrea Blanco APD Officer Niels has now taken the stand. He arrested Ms Armstrong on a theft of service warrant a day after the murder. Ms Armstrong was released after the arrest after the detective who questioned her claimed there was an error with her date of birth - said detective admitted last week that there was never an error and it remains unclear why she let Ms Armstrong free. When the defence suggests that Ms Armstrong was handcuffed and arrested by two officers to instil fear in her, Officer Niels said she seemed calmed that day. Pinneapple juice is a weak acid, will not erase someones fingerprints, witness says Wednesday 15 November 2023 16:09 , Andrea Blanco The state has brought up Ms Armstrongs searches while on the run in Costa Rica on whether pineapple juice could erase fingerprints. Ms LaGrone said fingerprints can only be altered through deep scarring. You would have to hold on to a pineapple for an exceedingly long time for it to wear away your fingerprints, Ms LaGrone says, according to NewsNation Correspondent Alex Caprariello. Kaitlin Armstrongs print not found at the scene Wednesday 15 November 2023 16:06 , Andrea Blanco Ms LaGrone says that most of the prints lifted from the doors exterior and interior were inconclusive, meaning they could not be compared to Ms Armstrongs. Other prints were excluded from the defendant. When asked if she was asked to compare the collected prints with Wilsons or Ms Cashs, Ms LaGrone said she is not sure who they are. Fingerprint expert first witness for the defence Wednesday 15 November 2023 15:47 , Andrea Blanco Erin LaGrone, a senior fingerprint examiner with the Austin Forensic Science Department, is the first witness called by the defence. Ms LaGrone says that she did not collect fingerprints in the case. She analysed 22 lift cards taken from Caitlin Cashs front door, as well as nine others taken from Wilsons bike. Ms LaGrone was given Kaitlin Armstorngs fingerprint to match those found at the scene. She tells the court she realised there was an error when she was handed the prints because the label in the envelope didnt match the number of prints contained. The suggestion is that the accurate label had been switched. State rests its case Wednesday 15 November 2023 15:23 , Andrea Blanco Prosecutors have rested their case and the court will now hear from defence attorneys. The defences witness list is relatively short and closing arguments could begin this afternoon. Kaitlin Armstrong said in so many words that she wanted to kill Wilson Wednesday 15 November 2023 13:00 , Andrea Blanco Nicole Mertz, a close friend of Ms Armstrong, was called to the stand on Wednesday (8 November). Ms Mertz said that her friend and Mr Strickland often broke up and got back together and that he referred to Ms Armstrong as his lady friend. Ms Mertz went on to recount that Ms Armstrong once said that if Mr Strickland dated another woman, she would kill her.] My first thought was that Kaitlin might have had something to do with it, Ms Mertz said about the moment she found out about Wilsons killing. Jacqueline Chasteen, a friend of Mr Strickland who eventually also befriended Ms Armstrong, said that during a gathering in Bentonville, Ms Armstrong confided in her that Mr Strickland had cheated on her with Wilson. She had described how Colin had cheated but while she was describing that, she had said in so many words that she wanted to kill her, she said, per NewsNation. That she had thought about it. But how she said it at the time I didnt take it seriously...she said something to the effect that she had bought a gun... I do know the words kill and the words gun were used. Moriah Wilsons final screams captured on video Wednesday 15 November 2023 12:00 , Andrea Blanco The murder trial began on 1 November with Texas prosecutors telling jurors they would hear Wilsons final screams and the shots that killed her. The last thing Mo did on this earth was scream in terror, Travis County prosecutor Rickey Jones told jurors in opening statements. He said nearby surveillance equipment captured the screams. Those screams are followed by Pop! Pop! Mr Jones said, smacking his hands together for emphasis. You wont hear any more screams after that. Seconds after those shots, Mr Jones said, Kaitlin Armstrong stood over Mo Wilson and put a third shot right into Mo Wilsons heart. Love rival murder, a harrowing 911 call and bike DNA: Key revelations in the Kaitlin Armstrong trial Wednesday 15 November 2023 11:00 , Andrea Blanco Kaitlin Armstrong faces up to 99 years in prison if shes convicted of killing professional cyclist Anna Moriah Mo Wilson after they were allegedly involved in a love triangle. The Independents Andrea Cavallier and Andrea Blanco explain the most crucial moments so far in her high-profile trial: Key revelations in the Kaitlin Armstrong love rival murder trial so far Missed signs of Armstrongs plans to flee Wednesday 15 November 2023 09:00 , Andrea Blanco Mr Strickland and Ms Armstrong were told about Wilsons murder by Austin Police detectives on 12 May 2022, just a day after the murder. Bodycam footage shown to the court reportedly showed that the two seemed shocked after learning the tragic news. Mr Strickland later joined investigators at the police station, where he gave a statement for nearly six hours. The following day, authorities served a search warrant and seized weapons from his home. Crime scene specialist Mirezha Guevara testified on November 3 that while she was taking pictures of the firearms evidence and Ms Armstrongs black Jeep, she also noticed Ms Armstrongs passport and foreign currency inside the home. An attorney representing both Mr Strickland and Ms Armstrong was present while the warrant was served, but investigators did not ask to interview Ms Armstrong. However, they did ask Mr Strickland about her black Jeep, the same model of car seen on surveillance footage near the home where Wilson was found. The car had also been spotted near the swimming pool bar that Mr Strickland and Wilson had been at just hours before she was killed. Mr Strickland suggested during his testimony that investigators knew it belonged to Ms Armstrong. Mr Strickland said that after he was interviewed and the warrant was served, he and Ms Armstrong were exhausted. He asked her to write a timeline of her activities on the day and reportedly said she went to yoga and visited a healer but made no mention of seeing Wilson. He then went to his business headquarters in Lockhart and did not see Ms Armstrong again. On 14 May, Ms Armstrong took a flight from Austin to Houston. She was found in Costa Rica 43 days later. WATCH: Kaitlin Armstrong trial day 8 Wednesday 15 November 2023 22:19 , Andrea Blanco WATCH: Day 7 of Kaitlin Armstrong trial in Austin Wednesday 15 November 2023 07:00 , Andrea Blanco Colin Strickland says he doesnt know Armstrong very well Wednesday 15 November 2023 05:00 , Andrea Blanco Mr Stricklands initial remarks to the court about he and Ms Armstrong loving each other but not being compatible long-term took a turn on Monday after he seemingly tried to distance himself from the disgraced yoga teacher. You know Kaitlin Armstrong very well, dont you? Ms Armstrongs attorneys asked during cross-examination on Monday (6 November). No, I do not, Mr Strickland answered, prompting an audible gasp in the court, according to NewsNation reporter Alex Caprariello, who was in the room. Defence says Armstrong fled the country after shooting because she likes to travel Wednesday 15 November 2023 03:00 , Andrea Blanco The murder case drew international headlines when Ms Armstrong fled the country after her initial meeting with police just days after the fatal shooting, leading to a 43-day search. In a short opening statement at trial, defence attorney Geoffrey Puryear suggested Ms Armstrongs sudden flight out of the country was not an attempt to escape justice. She would have no reason to know about any (arrest) warrant, You will hear Kaitlin is passionate about travelling and passionate about yoga, Mr Puryear said. He also said that Ms Armstrong was caught in a web of circumstantial evidence and that no video evidence or witnesses can put Ms Armstrong at the scene of the shooting. Investigators said she sold her vehicle for $12,000 and fled the country using her sisters name, email, credit card and passport. Federal authorities tracked Ms Armstrong to Costa Rica, where prosecutors said she spent $6,425 for surgery to change her appearance and used several aliases while attempting to establish herself as a yoga instructor. She also had cut and darkened her hair, and had a bandage on her nose and discoloration under her eyes when arrested at a beachside hostel. She told police when she was arrested that she was injured in a surfing accident. Items found in Ms Arsmtrongs hiding place in Costa Rica: Wednesday 15 November 2023 01:00 , Andrea Blanco -A receipt for a $6,350 rhinoplasty procedure under the name of Allison Paige -A boarding pass for a flight booked for Christie Armstrong from Newark to San Jose. Prosecutors have previously said it appears Ms Armstrong used her sisters passport. -Christine Elizabeth Armstrongs passport -US dollars, foreign currency and medication -Credit cards, sim cards and phones Court adjourned for the day Tuesday 14 November 2023 23:58 , Mike Bedigan Ms Mazak has been dismissed as a witness and court has adjourned for the day. Here is a recap of the key revelations from the trial so far. Key revelations in the Kaitlin Armstrong love rival murder trial so far A dire lack of fuel in the Gaza Strip shut down all internet and phone networks Thursday, the main Palestinian telecom provider said, effectively cutting off the besieged territory from the outside world. In a signal that Israels ground invasion could soon expand to the south, Palestinians in parts of southern Gaza said they received evacuation notices Thursday. Most of Gazas 2.3 million people are crowded into the south, including hundreds of thousands who heeded Israels calls to evacuate the north to get out of the way of its offensive. Nearly every single person in the Gaza Strip doesnt have enough food, and more than two out of every three people dont have clean drinking water, the United Nations said Thursday. Residents say bread is scarce and supermarket shelves are bare. Central electricity and running water have been out for weeks. At least 11,470 Palestinians two-thirds of them women and minors have been killed since the war began, according to Palestinian health authorities, which do not differentiate between civilian and militant deaths. About 2,700 people are reported missing. Israel vowed to wipe out Hamas after the militant group launched its Oct. 7 incursion. Some 1,200 people have died in Israel, mostly during the initial attack, and around 240 were taken captive by militants. Currently: The Israeli military has set its sights on southern Gaza in a campaign to stamp out Hamas. Their families were wiped out. Grieving Palestinians in Gaza ask why. A California college professor is charged with involuntary manslaughter in the death of a Jewish demonstrator. Cease-fire protests shut down bridges in Boston and San Francisco. Longtime opponents of Israeli policy are leading U.S. protests. Who are they? Find more of APs coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war Heres what's happening in the latest Israel-Hamas war: DISEASE WILL START SPREADING IN GAZA IF ISRAEL KEEPS WATER CUT OFF, RIGHTS GROUP WARNS NEW YORK Waterborne infectious diseases like cholera and typhoid will soon start spreading though Gaza because people dont have access to clean water, Human Rights Watch said Thursday. Israel imposed a siege on Gaza after the Oct. 7 Hamas attack, severing the crowded strips access to water, power and fuel. A limited amount of water now comes in through Israel and Egypt but most people must drink from the local water supply 96% of which is unfit for human consumption, according to the U.N. The lack of clean water is resulting in grave concerns by public health experts of an imminent infectious disease outbreak in Gaza, Human Rights Watch said in a statement. The New York-based group called on Israel to immediately end its blockade of Gaza. JOURNALISM WATCHDOG IS DEEPLY CONCERNED ABOUT GAZA COMMUNICATIONS BLACKOUT NEW YORK The Committee to Protect Journalists has expressed grave concern over the collapse of internet and phone networks in Gaza and called on Egypt and Israel to allow fuel to enter the besieged territory. The New York-based media freedom organization said in a statement that the communications blackout caused by the lack of fuel in Gaza poses an extreme risk to the lives of journalists reporting in Gaza and their coverage. By withholding fuel from Gaza, the Israeli government is preventing journalists in Gaza from providing the world with updates on the war, leaving the international community vulnerable to deadly propaganda, disinformation, and misinformation, said Sherif Mansour, CPJs Middle East and North Africa program coordinator. UNITED NATIONS SAYS HUMANTARIAN CRISIS DEEPENS AS FOOD, WATER AND FUEL ARE ALL RUNNING OUT UNITED NATIONS Nearly every single person in the Gaza Strip doesnt have enough food, and more than two out of every three people dont have clean drinking water, the United Nations said Thursday. Humanitarian aid deliveries to the besieged territory through the Rafah border crossing will not take place on Friday because internet and telephone services have collapsed across Gaza for lack of fuel, the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees said. We have seen fuel and food and water and humanitarian assistance being used as a weapon of war, Juliette Touma, UNRWA communications director, told reporters in Amman, Jordan. Children are pleading for a sip of water and a piece of bread at the 153 UNRWA facilities now jammed with 800,000 displaced Palestinians, she said. Touma said UNRWA cant operate because it has no fuel. Israel did provide UNRWA with limited fuel this week but only for the delivery of food, she said. We have just witnessed in the past week the largest displacement of Palestinians since 1948, Touma said. Abeer Etefa, a Mideast regional spokesperson for the U.N. World Food Program, said dehydration and malnutrition are increasing rapidly with only 10% of needed food supplies entering Gaza, and the massive food gap is growing. IRAN SAYS IT WONT LET ISRAEL DEFEAT HAMAS, BUT STOPS SHORT OF PROMISING TO ENTER THE CONFLICT BEIRUT Iran will not allow Israel to defeat Hamas in the Gaza Strip, the head of Irans expeditionary Quds Force wrote in a message to the commander of the Hamas military wing. However, Gen. Esmail Ghaani stopped short of saying that Tehran will join the battle in order to rescue Hamas. In six weeks since the war was triggered by Hamas deadly Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel, Israel has largely taken control of the northern Gaza Strip, seen as the Hamas power base, while pushing most of the civilian population to the southern part. Israel has vowed to keep fighting until Hamas is crushed. Ghaanis letter was addressed to Mohammed Deif, the shadowy leader of the Hamas military wing in Gaza and was published by Irans state news agency IRNA. He said Iran, the main Hamas sponsor, and its allies will carry out all our duties in this historic battle and will not allow Israel to reach its dirty goals of defeating Hamas. Iran-backed groups in the region, including Lebanons Hezbollah and Yemens Houthi rebels, have attacked Israel with drones and missiles in recent weeks. Iraqs militants have claimed responsibility for dozens of attacks against bases housing U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria. Ghaani praised the Oct. 7 attack, saying it showed Israel was weaker than a spiders web. He said Israel retaliated with an unprecedented brutal war crimes against civilians. HEZBOLLAH DOES NOT WANT A WIDER WAR WITH ISRAEL, FORMER LEBANESE OFFICIAL SAYS BEIRUT A former top Lebanese security official who has served as a conduit between the United States and Hezbollah said Thursday that at this stage the Lebanese militant group is not interested in widening its limited cross-border conflict with Israel. Abbas Ibrahim, a former head of Lebanons General Security, said that as long as Hamas is able to confront the Israeli army in the Gaza Strip, the situation will remain at the current level of tension on the Lebanese front. Hezbollah and Israeli forces have regularly exchanged missiles and shelling but have largely avoided killing civilians or taking other actions that would provoke a major response from the other side. However, the situation could escalate inadvertently, he said. If we continue with this degree of tension it will certainly lead to bad calculations and a war will happen. Ibrahim said that U.S. officials had passed messages through him to Hezbollah urging it not to drag Lebanon into this war, including during a visit to Beirut last week by Amos Hochstein, a senior adviser to U.S. President Joe Biden. Hezbollah has not sent messages of its own to the U.S. in response, Ibrahim said. Since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war six weeks ago, Ibrahim has also been involved in talks on evacuating dual nationals from Gaza and on the issue of emergency humanitarian truces and the exchange of civilian hostages held in Gaza for Palestinian prisoners in Israel. AT LEAST 11,470 PALESTINIANS KILLED IN GAZA, HEALTH MINISTRY SAYS, MOSTLY FROM ISRAELI STRIKES RAMALLAH, West Bank Palestinian health authorities said Thursday that 11,470 Palestinians have been killed in the Gaza Strip since the Israel-Hamas war broke out six weeks ago. The vast majority have been killed in Israeli airstrikes. The ministry said 4,707 of the dead were minors and 3,155 were women. The ministry does not differentiate between combatants and civilians. In recent days, the Palestinian Health Ministry in the West Bank has started updating the Gaza death toll. Until last week, the Health Ministry in Hamas-run Gaza was the main official source for the Palestinian death toll. It stopped publishing updates after key ministry officials based in Gaza Citys Shifa Hospital lost electricity and connectivity. Israel troops stormed Shifa on Wednesday and were still searching the large medical complex Thursday. Hamas runs the Gaza Strip while its political rival, the internationally recognized Palestinian Authority, runs parts of the occupied West Bank. But the health and education ministries in the two territories continue to cooperate. CALIFORNIA PROTESTS DEMAND CEASE-FIRE AND BLOCK TRAFFIC AS BIDEN AND WORLD LEADERS MEET SAN FRANCISCO At least 50 protesters calling for a cease-fire in Gaza were detained and arrested Thursday after shutting down all lanes of a major bridge into San Francisco. The protest comes as United States President Joe Biden, world leaders and CEOs gathered in the city for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation leaders conference. At least 15 vehicles were towed after protesters parked on the bridge and threw their keys into the sea shortly before 8 a.m., disrupting the morning commute, said California Highway Patrol Division Chief Ezery Beauchamp at a news conference on Bay Bridge. He said more arrests were expected. Protest organizers say 200 people took part. Photos provided by organizers showed demonstrators on the ground with white sheets over their bodies as part of a die-in. Aisha Nizar with the Palestinian Youth Movement said in the statement that Biden was hosting cocktail parties in San Francisco while thousands of people were being killed in Gaza. Beauchamp said the highway patrol supports free speech rights but not a traffic shutdown that could prevent emergency vehicles from crossing the bridge. This is the wrong way to do it, he said. This is 100% wrong, its unacceptable and its illegal. WORLD MUST CONVINCE ISRAEL TO LET FUEL INTO GAZA, TELECOM CHIEF SAYS RAMALLAH, West Bank The general manager of Palestine Telecommunications Company, Paltel, said he has urged international bodies to persuade Israel to allow fuel to enter Gaza in order to restore phone and internet to the besieged enclave. We asked all international bodies to intervene with Israel in order to allow the entry of fuel, Abdulmajeed Melhem told The Associated Press. Earlier Thursday, Paltel announced that all communication services landlines, mobile phones and internet connections were down due to a lack of fuel. Since the outbreak of the war, there has been no electricity, therefore we have relied on alternative sources to operate the generators, Melhem said. If they (Israel) allow the entry of fuel, this problem will be solved. Until this week, Israel had completely prohibited fuel from going in to Gaza, fearing it could be commandeered by Hamas. But on Wednesday the Israeli government allowed the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees to receive 23,000 liters (6,076 gallons) of fuel, but under the restriction that it be used only for vehicles delivering aid. US SAYS IT'S LIKELY IMPOSSIBLE FOR ISRAEL TO TOTALLY ELIMINATE HAMAS WASHINGTON The White House said it believes Israel can dramatically reduce the threat from Hamas, but that eliminating the group and its ideology is likely impossible. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby pointed to the U.S. efforts to disrupt al-Qaida and the Islamic State group, a day after Biden said Israels war on Hamas in Gaza would only end once the militant group was no longer a threat. What we have learned through our own experiences, that that military and other means you can absolutely have a significant impact on terrorist groups ability to resource itself, to train fighters, to recruit fighters, to plan to execute attacks, Kirby told reporters. And look at the shadow of itself that ISIS is right now, look at the shadow of itself al-Qaida is right now. It doesnt mean that the ideology withers away and die, Kirby added. ALL GAZA'S COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES ARE DOWN DUE TO LACK OF FUEL, TELECOM SAYS DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip All communications services are down across the Gaza Strip due to lack of fuel, Palestinian telecoms provider Paltel said Thursday, cutting off the besieged territory from the outside world. Paltel says the landline connection, mobile network and internet connection in Gaza have all dropped. UN AGENCIES, HUMANITARIAN GROUPS OBJECT TO GAZA SAFE ZONE UNLESS ALL SIDES AGREE GENEVA The heads of nearly 20 United Nations agencies and international humanitarian groups are speaking out against the creation of a possible safe zone in Gaza unless all sides agree and the right conditions for one are established. The call comes as the Israeli army has presented an area in southern Gaza called Muwasi, which is only a couple of square kilometers (about 1 square mile) in size, as a safe zone. It would not be targeted by airstrikes and could be a destination for humanitarian aid. Under the prevalent conditions, proposals to unilaterally create safe zones in Gaza risk creating harm for civilians, including large-scale loss of life, and must be rejected, said the heads of the U.N. health, migration, refugee, humanitarian aid and childrens agencies, and groups including Mercy Corps, Save the Children and Care International. The army has not provided details about how some 2 million people in Gaza would fit into such a small area, and agencies have pushed back against the idea. Meanwhile, army leaflets dropped in southern Gaza have urged people to move. The 18 organizations noted the mass displacement already of some 1.6 million people in Gaza. HEZBOLLAH SAYS IT FIRED ON ISRAEL IN 4 CROSS-BORDER ATTACKS BEIRUT -- Lebanons Hezbollah militant group said it fired at Israel in four cross-border attacks Thursday. Israel said it had identified launches from Lebanon toward two Israeli military posts near Yiftah and Metula. Farming communities in the north were evacuated. Israel retaliated by heavily shelling Lebanese territory and striking the militant sites where the attacks came from. The military said no one was injured on the Israeli side. Lebanese casualties were unclear. FRIENDS, FAMILY OF HAMAS HOSTAGES MARCH TOWARD JERUSALEM GEZER, Israel Hundreds of Israelis, including friends and family members of some 240 people held hostage by Hamas in the Gaza Strip marched toward Jerusalem on Thursday. The walk aims to pressure the authorities to secure the release of the hostages. The marchers camped out in Gezer national park, halfway between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem before continuing with their walk. Many hoisted Israeli flags and carried posters with the images of the hostages. The first must, in this war, is to bring them home, said march participant Nilli Getter. The protest march began Nov. 14 with relatives gathering in Tel Aviv to start their journey, which is due to finish in Jerusalem. UN HUMAN RIGHTS CHIEF SHARES ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR CONCERNS WITH DIPLOMATS GENEVA The United Nations human rights chief says the Israeli occupation must end in Palestinian areas, and that countries and peoples must recognize Israels right to exist. Volker Turk spoke to diplomats in Geneva and heard their views in the wake of his trip to the Middle East the week prior. Aside from addressing Israels military campaign in Gaza and reiterating his concern about the Oct. 7 attacks by Hamas in Israel, the rights chief also expressed his concern about rising tensions in the West Bank. I am ringing the loudest possible alarm bell about the occupied West Bank, he said, expressing concern about attacks on Palestinians by Israeli settlers, and the use of force there by Israeli security forces. Overall, he said, It is clear that the Israeli occupation must end. It is essential to ensure the rights of Palestinians to self-determination and to their own State. And it is essential to acknowledge that Israel has a right to exist. AN OUTDOOR FUNERAL SERVICE IS HELD FOR 28 PALESTINIANS KILLED IN OVERNIGHT BOMBING DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip In the central Gaza city of Deir al-Balah, an outdoor funeral service was held for 28 Palestinians killed in overnight bombing, their bodies pulled from the rubble of destroyed buildings. Some of the mourners crouched over bodies wrapped in sheets of white plastic. POLICE SAY SHOOTERS OPEN FIRE AT A CHECKPOINT IN ISRAEL, WOUNDING 4 JERUSALEM Shooters opened fire Thursday at a checkpoint south of Jerusalem, wounding at least four people, one critically, Israeli police said. The attackers arrived by car at the checkpoint on the main road connecting Jewish settlements in the West Bank and southern Jerusalem and opened fire at Israelis, police said, and at least three shooters were killed by security guards at the crossing. Police and bomb disposal units finished their search of the area around noon, having found no more shooters nor bombs. Tensions have been rising as a result of the war in the Gaza Strip and deadly Israeli military raids in the West Bank. Violence has soared in the Israeli-occupied West Bank since the start of the war, with nearly 200 Palestinians killed, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. Most were killed during gunbattles triggered by Israeli arrest raids or in violent demonstrations. Israel says it has arrested hundreds of people, mostly suspected Hamas members. SAUDI ARABIA CONDEMNS ISRAEL'S RAID ON SHIFA HOSPITAL RIYADH, Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia condemned Israels raid on Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, calling it a blatant violation of international law in a statement Thursday from the Foreign Ministry. It also condemned what it said was shelling near another hospital and called on international bodies to hold Israel accountable. Israel says its troops are carrying out a targeted operation in Shifa, where it has long accused Hamas of maintaining an underground command center. Hamas and hospital staff have denied the allegations. Israeli forces searching the medical compound since early Wednesday say they have found guns and other indications that Hamas militants were inside, but have not shown any evidence regarding the alleged command center. Hospitals can lose their protections under international law if combatants use them for military purposes. Even then, civilians must be given ample time and opportunity to flee and any action must be proportional to the military objective. Before the war, Saudi Arabia was in talks with the United States over potentially normalizing relations with Israel. 60 MORE NORWEGIANS WILL BE ALLOWED TO LEAVE GAZA COPENHAGEN, Denmark Another 60 Norwegian citizens will be able to leave Gaza on Thursday, the Foreign Ministry in Norway said, with Scandinavian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre saying that they have received information from relatives that a citizen from the Nordic country was killed in Gaza. Gahr Stre said that many countries have several of their citizens in Gaza, and it's estimated that of the approximately 250 people with ties to Norway in Gaza, more than half of them are children. Those able to leave Gaza will be able to enter into Egypt via the border crossing at Rafah. On Wednesday, Norway said it had been informed that 51 Norwegians could leave Gaza through Rafah. Heaven on Earth exists for dog lovers - and a visit there comes complete with cider and snacks. Golden Dog Farm of Jeffersonville, Vermont, just went viral for their Golden Retriever Experience, one-hour sessions where guests enjoy refreshments in the company of a big group of golden retrievers, also known as a "happy." Golden Dog Farm partners with Butternut Goldens to make the experience happen. The Golden Retriever Experience, also called a "happy hour," allows farm visitors to bask in the company of at least 10 dogs from Butternut Goldens, run by local husband-wife duo Dana and Susan Menne. While bookings sell out quickly, Golden Dog Farm owners Doug and Becca Worple told USA TODAY that the overwhelming success did not seem a given when they first took on the venture earlier this year. How the happiest of happy hours started Playing ball, taking photos and snuggles come complimentary with the package. When COVID hit, Doug Worple's travel-focused job at a global digital advertising agency was interrupted. Like many others during the pandemic, he said he used the moment to take a step back and consider what was next. He and Becca Worple who was a photographer and media representative at a radio station sold their home in Cincinnati, Ohio, in hopes of heading to a family cottage in Ontario. "Then the border closed," Doug Worple said. "Now we're two weeks out of closing on our house and didn't know where to go, so we decided to buy an RV and traveled to 35 different states, 17,000 miles in the RV with two of the dogs." Somewhere along the way, they decided to start a golden retriever-based business and plant some new roots in Vermont. "We've just always loved goldens and always wanted to have a lot of goldens," Worple said. "With what I was doing, I saw the power of influencers and social media and all that and I joked we need to have an Instagram farm full of golden retrievers, and soon we started looking at what that might look like." Butternut Goldens is run by husband-wife duo Susan and Dana Menne. It wasn't until they rolled into town to look at a property suggested by their realtor that they saw what Becca Worple called a sign that the location was meant to be. While driving the RV through town, the couple spotted resident Dana Menne of Butternut Goldens and a truck full of golden retrievers that he was trying to socialize on a visit to town. "(Becca told me), 'If God were to send to me a sign we needed to move someplace, it would be a truckload of goldens,'" Doug Worple said. The word spread thanks to social media Each one-hour slot includes playtime with at least 12 goldens. The Worples began building their farm up as, well, a farm. Currently equipped with vineyards, 4,500 taps making maple syrup, beehives and orchard trees, the property is full of other work to be done. At first, they were focused on getting things up and running. Then, after becoming friends with Dana Menne and Susan, the happy hour idea began to take shape. "Collectively both of us wanted to do something like this but they didn't have a place to do it and we didn't have enough goldens," Doug Worple said. "But together we could make it happen." They began by offering experiences for visitors on three Saturdays in the fall. Initially, things were slow, with bookings trickling in here and there. About eight days before their first booking date, a video about the Golden Retriever Experience made it to the TikTok account of travel influencer @mydarlingpassport, racking up 5.6 million views. Overnight, Worple said things changed. "We went to bed on a Thursday night and Friday morning we woke up and everything was sold out," he said. "We then immediately added more dates and those sold out then we added more dates." Have you ever dreamed of playing ball with a dozen golden retrievers? You've found the right place. 'People cry because they're so happy' The calendar currently has dates until Dec. 17, all of which are sold out, but the farm plans to drop a whole set of openings stretching into April by the end of this week. The one-hour experience runs on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays and costs $75 for adults and $50 for children. He said visitors include all kinds of people of many ages, including those who live in the city and can't have dogs of their own, people who recently lost their own dogs, or those who simply love dogs and want to see more. "People are so happy when they're here, they have this childlike joy on their faces," he said. "People cry because they're so happy." This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: This farm lets you cuddle a dozen golden retrievers in doggy paradise Jama Moody works on a syringe line at Simtra BioPharma Solutions on Thursday, Nov. 10, 2023. In the cleanest of clean rooms in the center of Simtras Bloomington manufacturing facility, high-tech machines fill syringes with medications to treat chronic conditions such as diabetes and life-threatening illnesses such as cancer. Positive pressure in the room helps keep out contaminants. Workers can enter only after they take off their street clothes, put on hospital-like scrubs and follow strict head-to-toe sterilization protocols. Even the sequence of putting on their clothes is prescribed. Site Director Patrick J. Adams said on a recent facility tour that the meticulous attention to detail sharply reduces the number of syringes and vials that are discarded. The slightest contamination in a syringes contents can render the medication useless. New jobs: At former Otis Elevator plant, Phoenix Closures plans $20M expansion Simtras Bloomington operation includes the 600,000 square-foot manufacturing site at 927 S. Curry Pike, two warehouses on Curry Pike and a 120,000-square-foot inspection/packaging/labeling facility on Daniels Way, just south of the Cook headquarters. Some of the lines in Simtras Bloomington facility involve floor-to-ceiling glass-and-metal boxes with openings for long gloves into which workers stick their arms to manipulate machinery. A High Speed Optima Syringe Filler line at Simtra's Bloomington manufacturing facility. Baxter sells Bloomington facility to investment firms Simtra BioPharma Solutions formerly was Baxter Internationals BioPharma Solutions business. Baxter sold the unit in October for $4.25 billion to investment firms Advent International and Warburg Pincus. Combined, Advent and Warburg Pincus have more than $162 billion in assets under management, according to their websites. The firms said in a news release that Simtra will be headquartered in New Jersey and will continue its manufacturing operations in Halle, Germany, and Bloomington. According to filings by Baxter, the unit was projected to generate revenues this year of about $600 million. Possible expansion for Simtra in Bloomington Adams, who has been with Baxter/Simtra for years, said the ownership change has created an energy at the site thats pretty exciting. Containers of hundreds of finished syringes at Simtra BioPharma Solutions on Thursday, Nov. 10, 2023. Thats in part because the new owners are planning big expansions. The site has about 1,000 employees, but Adams said the company plans to construct a new building on its Bloomington campus to add more manufacturing lines in the next two to three years, which would require hiring hundreds of additional employees. The Bloomington site already runs around the clock in three shifts and produces about 130 million products annually, of which about 100 million are syringes, Adams said. Customers stretch the globe 120 countries and include major pharmaceutical firms. The Bloomington site produced Modernas COVID-19 vaccine, for example, though it does not anymore. Other products include anything from seasonal vaccines to medications for acute or chronic conditions. The National Institutes of Health project the number of Americans aged 50 and older with at least one chronic condition will double between 2020 and 2050. Adams said the industry is growing at just over 10% annually, and Simtra hopes to exceed that growth because of its advanced capabilities, which include depyrogenation using high heat to render objects sterile and lyophilization, a process that turns liquids into solids, primarily to increase a products shelf life and ease of storage by eliminating the need for refrigeration. Syringes head down a production line at Simtra BioPharma Solutions. 'Ultra clean' labs, multiple inspections for Simtra's Bloomington products To get into the manufacturing facilitys interior, workers have to undergo months of training to learn how not to compromise the ultra clean laboratory. A cubic foot of normal air contains hundreds of thousands of fine particles, while the Simtra facilitys ultra clean labs contain no more than 100 particulates, thanks to measures including HEPA filters and positive pressure, Adams said. Despite all the precautions, every single item produced by Simtra in Bloomington gets inspected multiple times before being cleared for shipping. In the companys inspection/packaging/labeling facility on Daniels Way, machines turn syringes upside down to shake up their contents before a camera scans them to detect tiny foreign particles. If a syringe passes that inspection, conveyors move it to another turret, where cameras inspect the syringe itself and its stopper. On a recent Tuesday, one of the lines had inspected nearly 200,000 syringes that day, with a rejection rate of 0.89%. Simtras goal is less than 2%. A monitor lists reasons for the rejections. If operators spot a trend, Adams said they try to figure out what caused the rising rejection rate faulty equipment, human error, subpar supplies to fix the problem. Inspection is a key part of the process, Adams said, because it prevents escape to the market. Part of the quality control machinery that inspects syringes produced at Simtra BioPharma Solutions in Bloomington. The facility undergoes regular inspections by government agencies and customers, who typically visit over several days a year to walk the floor and ask questions. Sometimes, Adams said, they make suggestions for improvement. At other times, they get ideas from the way that Simtra operates. He said the customers and Simtra work together to reach a common goal: reducing the risk of contamination. Is Simtra in Bloomington hiring now? Most of the companys Bloomington facilities are at or near capacity, but Jennifer Kelley, director of human resources, said the company is hiring for roles including supply chain, maintenance, packaging and production. Applicants need a high school diploma or GED. Experience in related manufacturing is helpful but not required, Kelley said. Wages in production start near $19 per hour. Kelley said people can apply through the companys website: tinyurl.com/yfmru69h. Boris Ladwig can be reached at bladwig@heraldt.com. This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Bloomington pharma company Simtra plans to add hundreds of jobs COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) The judge that presided over Alex Murdaugh's murder trial has agreed to step aside as the former lawyer convicted of killing his wife and younger son requests a new trial, citing alleged jury tampering, the South Carolina Supreme Court said Thursday. But the justices refused a request from defense lawyers to remove Judge Clifton Newman from Murdaugh's state trial on financial crime charges and to delay the trial, set to begin Nov. 27. Murdaugh is serving a life sentence without parole. A jury convicted him of two counts of murder in March after a sensational six-week trial during which prosecutors argued that he gunned his wife and son down because his life of power, privilege and prestige was falling apart. Months after his convictions, Murdaugh's lawyers requested a new trial, saying several jurors whom they interviewed told them that Colleton County Clerk of Court Rebecca Hill tampered with the jury by suggesting Murdaugh was guilty, encouraging jurors to not deliberate for a long time and asking them about the case before deliberations. Hill has denied the allegations. The defense wants a full hearing in which jurors and Hill can be put under oath and questioned, and text messages and other information subpoenaed. As the trial judge, Newman would decide on that request. The defense wanted him removed because he might be a witness to possible tampering by Hill. Newman agreed, according to Thursday's state Supreme Court order. The decision came a day before a scheduled pretrial hearing on state charges that Murdaugh stole money from clients. Newman will be on the bench for that hearing for now. Murdaugh pleaded guilty to similar financial crime charges in federal court earlier this year and is awaiting sentencing that will likely means years, if not decades, behind bars, regardless of what happens with his murder case. State prosecutors have said it is important that this trial, like the murder trial, be held in South Carolina because the victims in that case want to hold him fully responsible. Murdaugh also faces state charges of insurance fraud after investigators said he asked a friend to kill him so his surviving son could get $10 million in life insurance. They said the friend's shot only grazed Murdaugh's head. Prosecutors also have charged Murdaugh with running a drug and money laundering ring. For now, the state financial crimes trial is set to begin at the end of the month. Murdaugh's attorneys have asked that the trial be delayed a year so that the attention paid to the murder trial can die down. To back their claims of jury tampering, they submitted the responses of 18 different potential jurors to a questionnaire sent out by the court. Most acknowledged that they read about numerous stories, listened to podcasts or watched documentaries on the case. I have read, viewed, heard numerous accounts of A. Murdaugh upon moving to Beaufort County. While I am not a gossip junkie, I believe he has committed despicable acts on his family, employees and associates. He is malicious and unforgivable. He should rot in prison," one potential juror wrote. Another read my mind is made up on this case, guilty! according to court papers filed by Murdaugh's lawyers. At a minimum, a jury for the new trial needs to be drawn from another county in the state. Defense attorneys argued that even that wouldn't be sufficient, however, given the international coverage the case has received. They say the only remedy is to wait for attention to the case to wane. Murdaugh is serving life without parole in the shooting deaths at his home in 2021. Investigators said 52-year-old Maggie Murdaugh was shot four or five times with a rifle and 22-year-old Paul Murdaugh was hit with two shotgun blasts. It isn't clear how long it will take a new judge to get up to speed and rule on the request for a full hearing into the jury tampering allegations. Given the state of US-China relations over much of the last year, it wasnt always a given that President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping would have a face-to-face meeting when Mr Xi travelled to the US for this years Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation conference. The last time the leaders of the worlds two largest economies sat face-to-face had been on the sidelines of the 2022 Group of 20 leaders summit in Bali, Indonesia last November. At the time, tensions between the US and China were already high following then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosis decision to visit Taiwan, which so angered Beijing that Chinese officials pulled out of a host of ongoing dialogues and joint efforts, including suspending all communications between the Peoples Liberation Army and the US Defence Department. Things got worse in February after the US Air Force detected, tracked and shot down a Chinese-owned espionage airship that had traversed the continental United States, soaring above several sensitive military installations along the way. And even as a succession of top aides and cabinet officials continued to speak with their Chinese counterparts over the intervening months, Mr Xi and Mr Biden did not exchange a single word over the phone, nor did they meet during this years G20 in India. So when it was announced that Mr Xi had agreed to meet with the US president during his visit to California the result of months of repair work by Secretary of State Antony Blinken, White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and others Mr Biden could have counted himself a winner just by sitting down. But by the time the summit meeting with Mr Xi broke up after roughly four hours, its possible that Mr Biden may have gotten tired of winning, to borrow a phrase from former President Trump. For years, Republicans have used the ongoing fentanyl overdose crisis as a general-use bludgeon to attack the Biden administration on a whole host of policies usually related to immigration, but also China. President Joe Biden and China's President President Xi Jinping walk in the gardens 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) (AP) Thats because most of the precursor chemicals needed to make the synthetic opioid come from Mr Xis country, which ships them to Mexico for use by drug cartels before the final product is smuggled among cargo containers through US ports of entry. Now, after months of talks, Mr Biden has gotten Mr Xi to agree to specific actions that will curb the trafficking of precursors. According to a senior White House official, Mr Biden pressed Mr Xi hard on curbing drug precursor exports, telling his Chinese counterpart that fentanyl has become one of the worst drug problems the United States has ever faced, and said the Chinese leader agreed to take action with a plan devised by American and Chinese negotiators. We worked intensively with every element of the Chinese system on a plan that has the Chinese using a number of procedures to go directly after specific companies that make precursors for fentanyl ... theyre taking a number of steps that are designed to dramatically curtail those supplies, the official said. This will set them back for a time and obviously were going to want to see whether China continues to follow up. In many respects, the proof is in the pudding here and these are important steps and we think theyre important and the president thought this is the important central thing we can do in US-China relations for the American people, they continued, adding later that the deal includes substantial set of steps that the Chinese have agreed to undertake with trying to address fentanyl. It is, as Mr Biden might have once said, a big f***ing deal. And he couldve walked away from the table happy with that single agreement in the bag. (AP) But the months of work by his advisers allowed the US leader to notch one more huge victory from his summit. When Ms Pelosi set foot on Taiwanese soil last August, one of the ways Chinese leaders registered their displeasure was to cut off all communications between the PLA and Pentagon. 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, Mr 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. After more than a year of silence, Mr Biden and Mr Xi agreed that the relations between US and Chinese militaries should resume with what the president described as getting back to direct, open, clear, direct communications, on a direct basis. US President Joe Biden meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders' week in Woodside, California on November 15, 2023 (AFP via Getty Images) This means that Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin will talk regularly with his Chinese counterpart, as will the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and other top commanders. There will also be exchanges between lower-level officers, with the goal of keeping informal relationships afloat to allow for a degree of trust between the two countries forces. James Stavridis, a retired US Navy admiral who served as Supreme Allied Commander, Europe, told The Independent that the move was of enormous importance, both tactically and strategically. Tactically it will provide a mechanism for senior commanders at every level to communicate and defuse a dangerous situation if necessary. Longer-term, it may provide a strategic framework to create a set of standing protocols that would reduce tensions by separating military units at reasonable distances, much as was the case between the USSR during the Cold War, he said. Asked whether the resumption of ties was alone enough to make Mr Biden the winner of the summit, he noted in an email that so much of life is compared to, and added that compared to the state of things a year ago, the development was an outstanding success. The remains of a South Korean soldier killed during the 1950-53 Korean War have been identified years after their discovery at a former battle site, the defense ministry said Friday. The ministry's Agency for KIA Recovery and Identification identified the remains of Kang Yun-sik, first recovered in 2012, through DNA analysis based on samples provided by his family. KIA stands for killed in action. His remains were found in the mountainous county of Inje, 126 kilometers northeast of Seoul, where fierce fighting took place against North Korean troops. Kang, who held the rank equivalent to the current staff sergeant, was killed in action in the area in April 1951. He had joined the military in September 1950, three months after the war broke out. A ceremony marking his return took place at a family member's home in Gunpo, 24 km south of Seoul, on Friday. A total of 137,899 South Korean soldiers were killed during the war, according to the ministry. South Korea has so far identified the remains of 222 soldiers killed in the conflict since it launched the excavation project in 2000. (Yonhap) Aerial view of drilling operations by Natural Hydrogen Energy LLC in Nebraska (Courtesy of Natural Hydrogen Energy LLC) In 1974, Diamond Glenn McCarthy sat down to reminisce about the highs and lows, the fortunes made and squandered, by the wildcatters of American oil. They risked and sometimes they won, Mr McCarthy, the gregarious risk-taker dubbed King of the Wildcatters told Texas Monthly. In the early 20th century, he had bet big on drilling wells in places ignored or considered unproductive by major oil companies. By the 1940s, he had 400 wells and a $200million fortune (about $2.5billion in todays money). Today, a new energy revolution is in motion: an unprecedented, multibillion-dollar sprint towards renewables and away from burning oil and gas which have helped crank up the planets temperature, leaving it a cauldron of dangerous extremes. While solar arrays and wind turbines are now commonplace, there are smaller, riskier niches within the clean energy sector. One of these, if it pans out, could be no less than transformational on a global scale, advocates say. Welcome to wildcatter 2.0 and the race for natural hydrogen. In Africa, Europe, Australia and the United States, a growing number of start-ups are staking their fortunes and reputations on finding vast, underground deposits of hydrogen. Like fossil fuels, natural hydrogen can be used as a primary source of energy. Unlike fossil fuels, the gas produces no carbon emissions. Whats more, hydrogen is constantly renewing underground when water and iron minerals react under high temperatures. Early research says there may be enough accessible natural hydrogen to power the planets clean energy needs for generations. The drilling operations of Natural Hydrogen Energy LLC in Nebraska. In 2019, the company established its first hydrogen borehole (Viacheslav Zgonnik) Theres a wildcatting phenomenon to it and risk-taking, Dr Michael Webber, professor of mechanical engineering at the University of Texas at Austin, told The Independent. But now its super scientific and sophisticated. Until relatively recently, it was commonly accepted that natural hydrogen (also called geologic, white or gold hydrogen) didnt exist on Earth. Or at least, it didnt exist in places that humans could reach, or in large accumulations. Then in 2007, a discovery was made in Bourakebougou in the West African nation of Mali. A Malian businessman, Aliou Diallo, had funded tests of a water well in the small village which had been plugged in the late Eighties after an unfortunate worker leaned over the hole while smoking a cigarette and was badly burned. The tests revealed that the borehole was releasing 98 per cent natural hydrogen. Bourakebougou subsequently became the first place in the world to get its electricity from a source of natural hydrogen, which was run through a retrofitted Ford engine. For the village, it was a game-changer, giving people lights in their homes and public spaces for the first time. Children did better in school as they were able to study into the evening. We were called crazy when we went to conferences, Asma Diallo, Aliou Diallos daughter and development director of Hydroma, the Montreal-based company which emerged from the discovery, told The Independent. But we decided this was still an interesting discovery, and that we wanted to see what was possible. Beneath Mali, a layer of impermeable rock traps hydrogen in highly-concentrated, large quantities fairly close to the surface. In the past decade, Hydroma has drilled 30 wells across an area the size of Switzerland, all of which have yielded high concentrations of hydrogen, Diallo says. Hydroma has estimated that there are 630 billion cubic meters of hydrogen (around 60 million tons) of natural hydrogen in the Mali field, and the company is forging ahead with plans to become commercial, Diallo says. First, they plan to provide electricity to bolster Malis unreliable power grid, and in the long-term, pipe natural hydrogen to neighboring countries and possibly export to Europe. Testing of the abandoned well in the village of Bourakebougou, 60km from Bamako, Mali, in about 2007. The borehole was found to be releasing 98 per cent hydrogen (Courtesy of Hydroma) Development, however, is hampered by a volatile political situation. Mali has experienced three coup detats in the past decade and 30,000 people have been displaced. In a politically insecure location, it doesnt make it easy. But from a geological and scientific standpoint, its the perfect scenario of how natural hydrogen makes sense, Diallo said. Some have needed no convincing. Viacheslav Zgonnik first became interested in natural hydrogen while at university in Ukraine, and what he learned had such an impact that he switched his postdoctoral studies from chemistry to geochemistry. The Mali discovery happened when I was doing my post-doc. It was extremely encouraging to see that happen, he told The Independent. A decade ago, he founded Natural Hydrogen Energy (NH2E) in the US. And in 2019, the company established its first hydrogen borehole near the tiny town of Geneva, Nebraska, and now says it is working towards commercial production. Zgonnik estimated that five years ago, only a handful of companies were working on natural hydrogen. This year, I counted around 50 already, he said. I believe that next year, that growth will be even faster and we will see hundreds of companies. Hydrogen, which releases only water and heat when burned, is already a $150billion industry. But it must be separated from other elements like the oxygen in water and that takes vast amounts of energy, still mainly powered by fossil fuels. There are more sustainable ways of producing green hydrogen but the process remains expensive. Still, governments have invested billions in hydrogen production and storage, particularly in the wake of Russias invasion of Ukraine, an event which showed the danger of relying on an authoritarian regimes supply of natural gas to power economies. One tech company estimates that natural hydrogen could be a $75billion industry by 2030 even though it remains to be seen whether it can work at a commercial scale. Companies from Spain and the UK to Australia are racing to prove its possible, and investors with deep pockets and an appetite for risk are flocking. Hyterra, an Australian investment company, has a stake in NH2E. Koloma, a Colorado-based natural hydrogen company, recently received $91m from a group that includes Bill Gates Breakthrough Energy Ventures. So far, its mainly venture capital funds and wealthy individuals that are involved. There are unknowns associated with exploration, and larger companies are still waiting, Zgonnik said. Small companies are much more agile and willing to take risks to crack the code, so to speak, on how to drill and where to drill. When they find the sweet spots, then I believe bigger companies will put much larger amounts of money in, and accelerate the development significantly. Some startups claim that natural hydrogen has the potential to be produced for much lower costs than other forms of hydrogen one dollar a kilogram and as low as 50 cents making it cheaper than green hydrogen currently, and comparable to gray hydrogen, which has a chunky carbon footprint. Its better to work with the Earth Last month, the International Energy Agency said that it was the unprecedented acceleration in clean energy keeping the Paris Agreement temperature limit of 1.5C within reach, for now countering emissions from oil and gas, which continue to rise. But even with an increasing array of clean energy options, reaching global net zero emissions by 2050 is dogged by some serious problems particularly on how to decarbonize major sectors like shipping, aviation, long-haul trucking and steel manufacturing. Amid a daily montage of climate disasters, the arrival of natural hydrogen seems an almost Hollywood plot twist. I get very philosophical, so excuse me, but of course its better to work with the Earth. We just have to know where to look, said Webber, who has written hundreds of articles and books about energy and advises the US government. Im an engineer but we dont always have to engineer a solution. Thats been true for coal, oil, gas, wood, wind, solar, water, you name it. Why wouldnt the Earth make hydrogen as well? Hydromas operations in Mali. In the past 15 years, the company has drilled 30 wells across an area the size of Switzerland in the landlocked West African nation (Courtesy of Hydroma) Webber learned about natural hydrogen when he joined French energy company Engie as chief science and technology officer in 2018. There, he met geologist Isabella Moretti, the chief science officer, who he called the godmother of natural hydrogen. Webber said he was blown away by what he learned from Moretti, one of a small band of scientists who has been studying natural hydrogen for decades. Instead of torturing nature to liberate hydrogen from water, or methane, you can go look for it, Webber said. Theres a lot of it, and its in a lot of places. As you dig into it, you discover that, actually, weve been stumbling over hydrogen for decades but it was a nuisance. What if we just change our mindset? It is a remarkable, transformational moment for the globe potentially. Its hard to fathom in a world where atmospheric geoengineering aka manipulating how much sunlight reaches Earth is considered a climate solution, that we are only beginning to understand what is beneath our feet. Dr Geoffrey Ellis, a geologist with the US Geological Survey [USGS] in Colorado, offered a theory. Hydrogen doesnt exist in the same places as oil and gas and because it is a diffusive and reactive, it was thought it couldnt accumulate in large amounts. Companies werent looking for it, or did see it and it wasnt what they were exploring for, so they walked away from those places, he told The Independent. With more time on his hands during the pandemic, Ellis re-read a study, written by Alliou Diallo and colleagues, on the Bourakebougou discovery. Since then, he and a few others at USGS have focused their efforts on figuring out natural hydrogens potential. As you dig into it, you discover that weve been stumbling over hydrogen for decades but it was a nuisance. Dr Michael Webber, Professor of mechanical engineering at the University of Texas at Austin A USGS simulation model estimated between tens of millions and tens of billions of megatons of hydrogen are in Earths crust. But an important caveat: much of that would be inaccessible to humans, either too deep or too far offshore, or too small amounts to exploit, Ellis said. But if just 1 per cent was recoverable, that would be enough hydrogen to keep the world going for at least two centuries, even if there was a surge in demand for hydrogen. Theres still a lot of learning to be done to understand this better, Ellis said. But I think we could do it. We just need to do the research and figure it out. Despite growing enthusiasm, the challenges surrounding natural hydrogen are immense as even those heavily invested acknowledge. There is still much to learn about how hydrogen forms and accumulates underground. There is the prospect of a valuable new primary and even renewable energy source, but for long-term success, the industry will need new subsurface imaging technologies and new data processing techniques to identify potential hydrogen accumulations efficiently, Rod Davies, hydrogen lead at net zero consultancy, Marakon told The Independent in an email. He also noted that there may be potential public resistance to a new form of energy that relies on the extraction of resources. Mining laws would need to be adapted in countries where hydrogen does not yet fall into any category that would allow an exploration or production permit to be requested, Moretti explained in a recent interview. So-called fairy circles, located in the Namib Desert, in the Namib-Naukluft National Park of Namibia. Their presence is a sign that hydrogen is escaping from the Earth (Getty Images/iStockphoto) Even if large amounts could be tapped underground, the next challenge would be storing and transporting hydrogen over long distances. Hydrogen is the lightest of all atoms and loves to make its escape into the atmosphere, so wastage becomes an issue. And it takes up a lot of space unless pressurized or liquefied, which are expensive. There is a mismatch where natural hydrogen is being discovered and where it could be used, which would require massive investments in completely new infrastructure, said Dr Emre Gencer, a principal research scientist at the MIT Energy Initiative. I think it will be part of the solution but we need to take it with a grain of salt, he told The Independent. For now, the oil and gas industry remains on the sidelines. Its not that they dont believe in it, its more a stage and maturity thing, Webber said. If people figure it out, then they buy it. The wildcatters dont mind that either, thats how you get rich. Zgonnik suggested natural hydrogen is a gift for the fossil fuel industry and one that could provide new jobs. It presents an opportunity to pivot from fossil fuels, using their skills, existing infrastructure and tools, he said. Switching to renewables requires building new infrastructure, which is expensive and takes time. We need to make the clean energy transition much faster and leverage existing infrastructure for transmission and distribution to end users. But the initial problem is finding the stuff. The largest accumulation of white hydrogen to date was stumbled upon this summer by scientists who were studying methane at a mining basin in France. Fairy circles , which appear across landscapes where hydrogen is present, are a giveaway, but in hundreds of other locations hydrogen has been seeping unnoticed out of the ground for decades. The USGS plans to publish a map next year of promising US locations of natural hydrogen. The east and west coasts are likely prospects along with the Mid-Continental rift which runs from Minnesota down through Iowa and into Kansas. But dont grab a shovel just yet. The map is at national scale, and very coarse resolution. Youre not going to be able to look at the map and say, Im going to buy a lease and put a well right there, Ellis said. Election officials count the ballots in Malis referendum in Bamako on June 18, 2023, using the light from their cellphones. Mali often has electricity curtailment of up to eight hours a day (AFP via Getty Images) Whatever the difficulties, the potential remains tantalizing for those on the frontlines of the experimental field. We dont know yet how efficient it will be, how quickly we will be able to scale up, Zgonnik said. But because the reserves of hydrogen on Earth could potentially supply all we need for the clean energy transition, and even more that, then its worth trying at least. And its hard to underestimate the potency of natural hydrogen in a country like Mali. More than 50 per cent of the population do not have electricity, and even for those who do, power can be curtailed up to eight hours a day. This not only makes daily life harder for its citizens but a lack of stable electricity has hampered the countrys economic progress. If you live in the Western world and had to think of living without electricity, you wouldnt imagine what that means for quality of life, said Asma Diallo, who took up her role at Hydroma after working in the green hydrogen industry in France. I saw hydrogen as having real potential for economic development in the African continent. This is an African project that was founded by an African, that has the potential to really change the energy mix in the region. It is very exciting and empowering. By Liz Lee and Kirsty Needham BEIJING/SYDNEY (Reuters) -China said it hopes Fiji will continue to give 'firm' support to it on issues concerning Beijing's core interests and major concerns, state media cited President Xi Jinping as saying to Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka. Rabuka, who became the first new prime minister in Fiji in 16 years in December, met Xi for the first time on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in San Francisco on Thursday. Fiji's government said in a statement the meeting was focused on China's Belt and Road Initiative, and the leaders discussed Beijing's concessional loan to Fiji and a joint project to modernise Fiji's ports. In the statement, Fiji expressed support for Xi's "vision for global security" which it said mirrored Rabuka's advocacy for a "Pacific Zone of Peace". "In the face of global uncertainties and geopolitical pressures, Prime Minister Rabuka expressed Fiji's solidarity with China's Global Security Initiative (GSI), aimed at constructing a diplomatic and security architecture through multilateral treaties, alliances, and institutions," the Fiji statement said. Xi told Rabuka that China will continue to support Fiji in safeguarding its national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, Chinese state television said. Xi told the Fijian leader that China is willing to work with the Pacific island nation to strengthen political mutual trust and expand practical cooperation. China supports Fiji in independently choosing its own development path and achieving national development and revitalisation, Xi said. The Chinese leader said China is willing to promote cooperation in infrastructure, agriculture, forestry and fisheries, new energy and other areas to help Fiji's economic and social development. China is also willing to increase Fijian imports, support commercial investments into Fiji and encourage more tourists to visit Fiji. China's policy on the Pacific Island nations fully respects the sovereignty and independence of those countries without attaching political conditions or empty promises, Xi added, saying that China develops ties with the countries without "selfish motives". Shortly after forming government, Rabuka put on hold a decade-old police cooperation deal between Fiji and China, and last month said his government would strengthen defence ties with major aid donor Australia. China has been pushing for greater security and trade ties with Pacific Islands countries, signing a security pact with Solomon Islands, raising alarm in the United States which responded by striking a defence deal with Papua New Guinea. Rabuka has said that the Pacific Islands should be a "zone of peace" and that he hoped the rivalry between China and the U.S. in the region will not turn into conflict. The Fiji statement said Xi had expressed interest in funding major capital projects. (Reporting by Liz Lee and Beijing newsroom, and Kirsty Needham in Sydney; Editing by Christopher Cushing, Stephen Coates and Raju Gopalakrishnan) Chinese President Xi Jinping received a standing ovation Wednesday night as he took the stage to address a dinner with business executives at a summit of Indo-Pacific leaders in California. In his address, Xi appeared open to cooperation with the U.S., telling the crowd, We are in an era of challenges and changes. It is also an era of hope. The world needs China and the United States to work together for a better future, according to an English language translation of his remarks from The Associated Press (AP). China has no intention to challenge the United States or unseat it, he said, per APs translation. Likewise, the United States should not bet against China, or interfere in Chinas internal affairs. Those in attendance for the $2,000-per-plate dinner included Apple CEO Tim Cook, Blackstone CEO Stephen Schwarzman and leaders from Pfizer, FedEx, Boeing and KKR, according to The Wall Street Journal. Tesla owner Elon Musk was at the VIP reception but did not stay for the dinner, according to CNBC, citing event organizers. Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.), chairman of the House Select Committee on China, railed against the American companies decision to attend the dinner. It is unconscionable that American companies might pay thousands of dollars to join a welcome dinner hosted by the very same [Chinese Communist Party] officials who have facilitated a genocide against millions of innocent men, women, and children in Xinjiang, Gallagher wrote in a statement earlier this week. Gallagher is requesting that the events organizers the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations and the U.S.-China Business Council provide a full list of the individuals, companies and other entities that purchased tickets to the dinner as well as information on how those profits will be distributed between the events organizers and other entities. The Wisconsin Republican is also asking for the names of those that paid a $40,000 fee to sit at the table with Xi, along with any steps the event organizers have taken to defend human rights in China and to prevent the genocide of Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities in Xinjiang. The Hill reached out to Gallaghers office for further comment. Wednesday nights banquet came after Xis nearly four-hour long meeting with President Biden on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in San Francisco. Biden told reporters he was blunt with Xi on areas of tension between the two countries, while touting areas of cooperation, including the resumption of military-to-military communications and combatting illegal fentanyl in what was their first face-to-face meeting in a year. The U.S. president told Xi, per the AP: I think its paramount that you and I understand each other clearly, leader-to-leader, with no misconceptions or miscommunications. We have to ensure competition does not veer into conflict. Speaking with reporters after their meeting Wednesday, Biden called Xi a dictator, marking the second time this year the president referred to Xi that that term. Look, he is. Hes a dictator in the sense that hes a guy who runs a country that is a communist country that is based on a form of government totally different from ours, Biden said. Chinas Foreign Ministry pushed back on this statement, telling reporters Thursday it strongly opposes the comments without mentioning Biden by name. This statement is extremely wrong and irresponsible political manipulation, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said during a routine briefing Thursday, according to a Reuters report. It should be pointed out that there will always be some people with ulterior motives who attempt to incite and damage U.S.-China relations, they are doomed to fail, Mao added. When asked to specify the identity of some people, Mao refused, according to Reuters. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Daniel Penny, 25, pictured above. (REUTERS) The ex-Marine accused of manslaughter and homicide after fatally strangling an unhoused man on the New York City subway earlier this year should have known the chokehold he used was deadly, prosecutors argue in a new court filing. Daniel Penny, 25, is facing charges of second-degree manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide after police identified him as the man shown in cell phone footage pinning Jordan Neely, 30, to the subway floor and placing him in a fatal chokehold in May. Mr Penny pleaded not guilty to the charges recommended by a grand jury in June, and his lawyers requested the case be dismissed last month. A filing from the Manhattan district attorneys office argued that Mr Penny who served in the US Marines for four years received training and instructional materials that highlighted the deadly potential of chokeholds. Mr Pennys trainer told a grand jury that students are told chokeholds can be fatal, prosecutors wrote. The Marine Corps Martial Arts Program Manual also states that the techniques described can result in death, according to prosecutors. This training helps support the notion that the defendant was aware of and consciously disregarded a substantial and unjustifiable risk that death would occur as a result of his prolonged use of a chokehold, prosecutors wrote in the 15 November filing. Witnesses have said Mr Neely was experiencing a mental health crisis in the days leading up to his death, and that he was complaining of hunger and thirst when he boarded a train in Manhattan on 1 May. Witnesses said Mr Neely told passengers that he was not afraid to die or go to jail before throwing his jacket on the ground. At that point, Mr Penny wrestled him to the ground. Mr Penny previously claimed that Mr Neely was threatening other passengers. One witness told the grand jury Mr Penny they thought they were going to die, according to court filings. Prosecutors noted that witnesses differed sharply in their threat assessments. It is certainly true that several of the passengers testified that they were fearful. Several such attestations are quoted in the defendants motion, according to the filing. But omitted from the defences accounting are the accounts that undermine the notion of rampant and universal panic, prosecutors wrote. Law enforcement officials said Mr Neely did not specifically threaten or attack anyone on the train. The Independent has requested comment from Mr Pennys attorneys. The case has sparked widespread debate, with several prominent activists and politicians labeling this a case of racist vigilantism. Mr Penny is white and Mr Neely is Black. Civil rights activist Rev Al Sharpton called Mr Neelys death a crime, comparing it to the 1984 fatal shootings of four Black men by a white man, Bernhard Goetz, dubbed the subway vigilante, the Associated Press reported. Meanwhile, Democratic New York State Senator Julia Salazar told Gothamist that Neely was lynched. I use the language lynching [because] it seems that people were cheering it on, and felt that it was justified in some way to commit violence against this man, who appears to be most vulnerable person in that situation, Ms Salazar told Gothamist in May. By Nidal al-Mughrabi and James Mackenzie GAZA/JERUSALEM (Reuters) -Israel issued a fresh warning to Palestinians in the southern city of Khan Younis to relocate west out of the line of fire and closer to humanitarian aid, in the latest indication that it plans to attack Hamas in south Gaza after subduing the north. "We're asking people to relocate. I know it's not easy for many of them, but we don't want to see civilians caught up in the crossfire," Mark Regev, an aide to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, told MSNBC on Friday. Such a move could compel hundreds of thousands of Palestinians who fled south from the Israeli assault on Gaza City to relocate again, along with residents of Khan Younis, worsening a dire humanitarian crisis. Khan Younis has a population of more than 400,000. Israel vowed to annihilate the Hamas militant group that controls the Gaza Strip following an Oct. 7 rampage into Israel in which its fighters killed 1,200 people and dragged 240 hostages into the enclave. Since then, Israel has bombed much of Gaza City to rubble, ordered the depopulation of the entire northern half of the enclave and left homeless around two-thirds of the strip's 2.3 million Palestinians. Many of those who have fled fear their displacement could become permanent. Gaza health authorities raised their death toll on Friday to more than 12,000 people, 5,000 of them children. The United Nations deems those figures credible, though they are now updated infrequently due to the difficulty of collecting information. Israel dropped leaflets over eastern areas of Khan Younis telling people to evacuate to shelters, suggesting that military operations there are imminent. Regev said that Israeli troops will have to advance into the city to oust Hamas fighters from underground tunnels and bunkers, but that no such "enormous infrastructure" exists in less built-up areas to the west. "I'm pretty sure that they won't have to move again" if they move west, he continued. "We're asking them to move to an area where hopefully there will be tents and a field hospital." Because the western areas are closer to the Rafah border crossing with Egypt, humanitarian aid could be brought in "as quickly as possible," he said. FUEL DELIVERIES With the war entering its seventh week, there was no sign of any let-up despite international calls for a ceasefire or at least for humanitarian pauses. "We have prepared ourselves for a long and sustained defence from all directions. The more time the occupation's forces stay in Gaza, the heavier their continuous losses," Abu Ubaida, Hamas armed wing spokesman, said in a video statement. Fresh violence flared in the occupied West Bank, with at least 5 Palestinians killed and two injured in an Israeli strike on a building in the Balata refugee camp in the central city of Nablus, the Palestinian Red Crescent ambulance service said early on Saturday. There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military. Amid warnings that its siege would cause starvation and disease, Israel on Friday appeared to bow to international pressure, agreeing to allow fuel trucks into Gaza and promising "no limitation" on aid requested by the United Nations. Israel said it would allow two truckloads of fuel a day at the request of Washington to help the United Nations meet basic needs, and spoke of plans to increase aid more broadly. "We will increase the capacity of the humanitarian convoys and trucks as long as there is a need," Colonel Elad Goren, from COGAT, the ministry of defence agency that coordinates administrative issues with the Palestinians, told a briefing. While Israel has promised to allow in aid in the past, the remarks appeared to signal a shift in tone after U.N. agencies warned that humanitarian conditions in Gaza were rapidly deteriorating, including a stark warning from the World Food Programme of the "immediate possibility of starvation". The White House said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, that it was "glad" that Israel had agreed to the fuel deliveries and that they should "continue on a regular basis and in larger quantities." At Gaza's biggest hospital, Al Shifa, Israel said its forces had found in two days of searching a vehicle with a large number of weapons and an underground structure it called a Hamas tunnel shaft. The facility has been a primary target of Israel's ground assault and a focus of international alarm over the deepening humanitarian crisis. The army released a video it said showed a tunnel entrance in an outdoor area of the hospital, littered with concrete and wood rubble and sand. It appeared the area had been excavated. A bulldozer appeared in the background. Israel has long maintained that the hospital sat above a vast underground bunker housing a Hamas command headquarters. Hospital staff say this is false and that Israel's findings there have so far established no such thing. Hamas denies using hospitals for military purposes. It says some hostages have received treatment at medical centres but they have not been held inside them. BABY, HOSTAGE DIE Al Shifa staff said a premature baby died at the hospital on Friday, the first baby to die there in the two days since Israeli forces entered. Three had died in the previous days while the hospital was surrounded. Hamas also announced the death of a captive from Israel, an 85-year-old it said died of a panic attack during an air strike. In Modiin, Israel, family held a funeral for Noa Marciano, 19, an Israeli army conscript whose body was recovered from Gaza City near Shifa hospital on Thursday. She had been abducted from a military base during the Oct. 7 Hamas onslaught. The military said it had also recovered the body of Yehudit Weiss, 65, a mother of five who was seized from Kibbutz Beeri. Russian news agencies quoted Russia's Emergencies Ministry as saying 170 Russian citizens on Friday crossed from Gaza into Egypt, part of a group of some 200 people that made their way out. (Reporting by Nidal al-Mughrabi, James Mackenzie Henriette Chacar and Reuters bureaux; Writing by Jonathan Landay; Editing by Cynthia Osterman anda Kim Coghill) Poison in Paradise Families are suing the U.S. military after it mistakenly leaked 19,000 gallons of jet fuel from the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility into their drinking water in Hawaii, forcing thousands from their homes. Lingering health concerns and public outrage have fueled locals to demand justice even if that means taking on the U.S. Navy. SEE MORE: US Military starts long-awaited defueling process in Red Hill Tonight, Scripps News hears from Hawaii Governor Josh Green on the recovery effort, and on how the spill strained relations between Hawaii and the military. We explore the troubling aftermath of the extensive spill, track the U.S. Navy's response to the incident, and break down the steep costs to the community. And we speak with people who now worry they'll be sick for life about their demands, their outrage and their fight for accountability and justice. Senegals Supreme Court will soon rule on Ousmane Sonkos eligibility for the presidential election. DAKAR, Senegal (AP) Senegalese opposition leader Ousmane Sonko has returned to prison after weeks of undergoing medical treatment in the hospital during a hunger strike to protest his detention on charges he says are politically motivated. The announcement comes just days before Senegals Supreme Court is due to rule on whether Sonko can take part in the upcoming February election despite being struck from the countrys voter rolls after his conviction on charges of corrupting youth earlier this year. Prison authorities said Sonkos transfer back to Cap Manuel prison in Dakar on Tuesday took place as the result of a recommendation by his attending physician. Senegalese opposition leader Ousmane Sonko addresses journalists following his release from police custody in Dakar, Senegal, on March 8, 2021. Senegalese authorities say that opposition leader and presidential hopeful Ousmane Sonko is back in jail after being hospitalized for weeks during a hunger strike. (Photo by Sylvain Cherkaoui, AP, File) Wherever he is detained, the result is the same: President Ousmane Sonko remains a favourite candidate in the presidential election, arbitrarily detained and deprived of his rights by his political opponents, said El-Malick Ndiaye, the press officer for Sonkos opposition party. Sonko finished third in the last presidential election, and his supporters believe that the slew of criminal allegations brought against him since 2021 are part of an orchestrated campaign to derail his political aspirations ahead of a presidential election in February. In June, Sonko was acquitted on charges of raping a woman who worked at a massage parlor and making death threats against her. But he was convicted of corrupting youth and sentenced to two years in prison, which ignited deadly protests across the country. In late July, Senegalese authorities formally dissolved Sonkos political party and placed him in detention. He is now facing charges of calling for insurrection, conspiracy against the state and other alleged crimes. Senegals Interior Ministry removed Sonko from the voter rolls after his conviction earlier this year on charges of corrupting youth. However, the decision was later overturned by a judge in the southern city of Ziguinchor, where Sonko serves as mayor. The judge ordered that Sonko be allowed to have sponsorship forms for the presidential election in the same way as other candidates. But his chances of taking part in the presidential election is uncertain. The Supreme Court is due to rule Friday on the Ziguinchor judges ruling. Never miss a beat: Get our daily stories straight to your inbox with theGrios newsletter. The post Senegalese opposition leader Sonko sent back to prison after weeks in hospital during hunger strike appeared first on TheGrio. Ian Jeffers The victims commissioner Ian Jeffers is to step down from the role in Northern Ireland to take up a new position with a peace-building charity. Mr Jeffers, who was appointed commissioner last year on a four-year contract, is to become the chief executive of Co-operation Ireland. It is understood more than 100 people applied for the position. It was announced in September that its current chief executive Peter Sheridan is to leave in December. He will take up a new role with the government's new Troubles legacy body. Mr Sheridan - who organised the handshake between Queen Elizabeth II and former IRA commander and then Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness in 2012 - will lead a team of investigators who will have the same powers as a police constable in reviewing legacy cases. His replacement at Co-operation Ireland, Mr Jeffers, is an outspoken critic of the government's new plans for dealing with legacy cases. Mr Jeffers has been an outspoken critic of the government's new plans for dealing with legacy cases He was appointed to the role of commissioner for victims and survivors last year before the Stormont executive collapsed. The post has a salary of 75,000 a year. It is unclear exactly how a replacement in the role will be appointed in the absence of an executive. Speaking about his new role, Mr Jeffers said: "It is an exciting opportunity to shape a better society by addressing legacy issues and promoting collaborative dialogue. I would also like to express my best wishes to the outgoing C.E.O. Peter Sheridan." Mr Sheridan, who was appointed to the role in 2008, said: "I believed that the peace process attracted the best of people and was Co-operation Ireland a perfect example of that. I wish Ian Jeffers the very best in leading a remarkable organisation." 'Mixed emotions' Mr Jeffers is a former chief executive of the Prince's Trust in Northern Ireland. He said he felt "mixed emotions" as he leaves the role of victims commissioner. He added: "I took up the post of commissioner with the sole aim of making a difference for victims, survivors and our society more broadly, and I can honestly say it has been an honour, a privilege and - at times - a huge frustration. "There is little in Northern Ireland society that cannot be linked in some way to the legacy of our past; our divisions, our government and the many transgenerational issues we continue to face. "It is unfortunate that my tenure was in the context of having no devolved administration in Northern Ireland but throughout this challenge, I always found great hope through the many people bringing positive drive to carve a better way forward. " The parents of mass shooting victims are criticising The Washington Post for releasing a report on the aftermath of devastating shootings that contains extremely graphic images depicting destruction and blood. The report, released on Thursday, was intended to show Americans the full scope of an AR-15s destructive power to illuminate the danger of the increasingly popular firearm, The Post explained in a separate article. We realize this story will be disturbing to readers, but we believe that publishing these images gives the public a new vantage point into the pattern of AR-15 mass killings in the United States, the news outlet wrote. However, some parents felt that showing the images of the scenes where their children were killed was not necessary and triggering. Fred Guttenberg, whose 14-year-old daughter Jaime was killed in the Parkland high school shooting said that he told reporters the articles impact would be traumatic to gun violence victims. I spoke with the reporters months ago and shared my opinion that this was unnecessary and will be traumatic to those of us who have been impacted by gun violence, Mr Guttenberg wrote on X. Kimberly Garcia, whose 10-year-old daughter Amerie Jo was killed in the Robb Elementary School Shooting in Uvalde, Texas, asked people not to share the article. We would like to issue a statement asking everyone NOT TO SHARE instead share our loved ones pictures [sic], Ms Garcia wrote on X. While The Posts article does not feature any images of identifiable dead bodies, it does contain images of Uvalde victims sealed in body bags and a picture, taken from a distance, of dead and injured victims of the Route 91 Harvest Festival shooting in Las Vegas. Many images contain extremely graphic images of the bloody aftermath of some of the USs deadliest shootings including the Newton Elementary School shooting, the Sutherland Springs church shooting and others. Before publishing, The Post said they provided advance notice to many families of the victims, their representatives and community leaders so they could choose to avoid the coverage if they preferred. As mass shootings become a part of life in the US, there have been debates about how news organisations should cover the aftermath with concerns that too much detail can spark copycat shooters while not enough coverage downplays the severity of the violence. However, some gun control advocates say that publishing horrific images will not advance legislation to restrict access to AR-15-style rifles. Shannon Watts, the founder of Moms Demand Action, wrote on X: Sharing images of the damage an AR-15 does to the human body wont change GOP lawmakers minds. Making the sacred profane wont change GOP lawmakers minds. Only consequences will. Sharing images of the damage an AR-15 does to the human body wont change GOP lawmakers minds. Making the sacred profane wont change GOP lawmakers minds. Only consequences will. And that means we ALL own the hard and heavy work of activism to make it so. Shannon Watts (@shannonrwatts) November 16, 2023 But others believe that sharing the horror of mass shootings will help people understand their impact and motivate lawmakers to enact change. Brett Cross, a father whose 10-year-old son Uziyah Uzi Garcia was killed in Uvlade, said he advocates for more public attention to the horrors of mass shootings, despite the disturbing photos. The blood you see in the photos are the result of childrens lifelines, painting the floor because our government deems my sons life less than a gun. The body bags containing 10 year olds is a hallway our congress passes through daily, looking away in disgust, Mr Cross wrote on X. Enacting gun control legislation has been an uphill battle in the US as Second Amendment advocates have managed to block any sweeping federal laws that restrict AR-15 purchases or large-capacity magazines which many studies cite as a major contributor to deadlier mass shootings. Over the last few years, some federal gun control measures have been adopted including implementing background checks, prohibiting firearms near schools and more. Most recently, the Biden administration has cracked down on the manufacturing and selling of ghost guns. But still, anti-gun violence advocates have called for greater restrictions using the devastating consequences of mass shootings to depict the urgency and need for more legislation. It is this exact reason that The Post said they were publishing the graphic images. While many types of firearms, including other semiautomatic rifles, are used to commit violent crimes, the AR-15 has soared in popularity over the past two decades and is now the gun used more than any other in the countrys deadliest mass shootings, The Post said. They added: In the end, we decided that there is public value in illuminating the profound and repeated devastation left by tragedies that are often covered as isolated news events but rarely considered as part of a broader pattern of violence. About 2,000 pairs of shoes were lined up in central Seoul on Friday in a show of mourning for those killed in the conflict between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas. Civic activists displayed the shoes in front of the Bosingak Pavilion and called for a ceasefire. Some 3,000 pairs of shoes were donated from across the country with messages of hope for peace, they said. "We are standing in front of the shoes symbolizing all those killed in the Gaza Strip, West Bank and Israel during the over 75 years of Israeli occupation," said Han Soo-young, an activist. "These shoes will show that the deaths are not just numbers." Activists plan to hold a mourning event at 7 p.m. and continue displaying the shoes until 8 p.m. (Yonhap) LIMA (Reuters) - Peruvian President Dina Boluarte met with Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on Thursday, discussing major infrastructure projects and possible investments, her office said on social media. The two met on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in San Francisco, and discussed the Belt and Road Initiative, China's infrastructure project aimed at linking the country with the rest of the world. Boluarte said that a megaport project in the coastal city of Chancay, currently under construction with Chinese funding, will be inaugurated in 2024 and provide a "significant boost to free trade and new Chinese investments." Peru is scheduled to host the annual meeting of APEC country leaders next November, and Boluarte invited Xi to attend, her office said. (Reporting by Marco Aquino; Writing by Brendan O'Boyle; Editing by Anthony Esposito) A potential tropical cyclone bringing life-threatening floods and mudslides across Jamaica, Hispaniola and Cuba is no longer expected to be a tropical storm, forecasters said Friday night. The chances that the disturbance might strengthen into a tropical storm continued to decrease Friday, but its heavy rains were already dousing portions of Jamaica, southeastern Cuba and Haiti, the hurricane center said. While a tropical-storm watch was discontinued for Cuba and the Bahamas, Haiti still remains under one. Haitis disaster office says it has received reports of mudslides in the GrandAnse region in the west. The office had people in shelters in the southern part of the country. This phenomenon has already caused bad weather conditions, especially in the South, GrandAnse and Southeast, Haitian authorities said Friday morning. Heres what else the hurricane center said in its 7 p.m. advisory: Where is potential Tropical Cyclone 22 going? The tropical system was 85 miles northeast of Montego Bay, Jamaica, and about 140 miles west-southwest of Guantanamo, Cuba. It was moving to the northeast at around 17 mph. Its center is expected to move across southeastern Cuba tonight and the southeastern Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos on Saturday morning. Will the tropical system get stronger? The disturbances maximum sustained winds were near 35 mph with higher gusts. At 10 a.m., the system had a 40% chance of becoming a tropical depression or storm. But that was no longer the case by 7 p.m. Some slight strengthening is possible during the next couple of days, but the systems chance of becoming a tropical cyclone is decreasing, the hurricane center said. Formation chance through 48 hours: 20% Formation chance through seven days: 20% What areas are under a tropical-storm watch? A tropical-storm watch is in effect for Haiti. All other watches were discontinued. What are the key hazards? Tropical-storm winds, several inches of rain, storm surge and rough surf might impact countries beyond the Caribbean islands. Wind: Tropical-storm conditions are possible across Haiti through tonight. Rainfall: The system is expected to produce 4-8 inches of rain with maximum amounts of 16 inches across portions of Jamaica, southeast Cuba, and southern Hispaniola through Sunday. These rains are likely to cause flash flooding, along with mudslides. Two to four inches of rain is expected across the southeastern Bahamas and Turks and Caicos, with .possible flash flooding in urban areas. Storm surge: Minor coastal flooding is possible along the southeastern coast of Cuba, the southeastern Bahamas, and the Turks and Caicos. Surf: Swells generated by the disturbance are expected to affect portions of Jamaica, Haiti, and southeastern Cuba through Saturday. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions, the center said. NHC and @NWSWPC are beginning to issue experimental graphics for rainfall associated with tropical cyclones affecting Caribbean and Central American locations. For more info and to provide comments, refer to the Public Information Statement: https://t.co/xSTcjkk5BC pic.twitter.com/KLvnQ7mpzm National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) November 17, 2023 Will it affect Florida? No major impacts from this system are expected in the Sunshine State. The next complete advisory is at 10 p.m. 10 AM EST Friday, Nov. 17 Key Messages for Potential Tropical Cyclone #Twenty_Two: The risk of heavy rains, flooding, and mudslides continues across Jamaica, eastern Cuba, and Hispaniola.https://t.co/boQM4u5QMu pic.twitter.com/v7C0Bo142l National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) November 17, 2023 Miami Herald Caribbean Correspondent Jacqueline Charles contributed to this report. San Juan County residents heard their first description of how a proposed crisis triage center would operate and the kind of services it would offer during a public meeting earlier this week at the Farmington Civic Center. The meeting, which was presented by San Juan County officials, was held to introduce local residents to crisis triage centers, which are 24-hour behavioral health facilities designed to stabilize people experiencing mental health crises. Earlier this year, the San Juan County Commission contracted with RI International a Phoenix-based firm that operates crisis triage centers across the United States and in New Zealand to put together a study examining the feasibility of establishing such a facility here. While the idea of opening a crisis triage center in San Juan County remains in the exploratory stage, the San Juan County Commission is expected to decide soon whether to contract with RI International to put together a business plan for operating such a facility. Mondays meeting drew dozens of local residents eager to hear more on the subject, including elected officials, law enforcement representatives, behavioral health professionals and even some folks who indicated they likely would be recipients of the kind of services such a center would provide. County Commissioner Terri Fortner, who is a nurse, opened the meeting by explaining to the audience that a measure to establish crisis triage centers throughout the state was considered, but did not pass, the most recent session of the New Mexico Legislature. San Juan County Commissioner Terri Fortner speaks to the crowd Monday, Nov. 14 at the start of a public meeting at the Farmington Civic Center on the possible creation of a crisis triage center in San Juan County. She then introduced the meetings main speaker, RI International Vice President of Consulting and Business Development Wayne Lindstrom, a 52-year veteran of the behavioral health field. Lindstrom delivered a lengthy presentation on what a crisis triage center in San Juan County could look like and the impact it might have on local efforts to provide meaningful care for those experiencing mental health crises. Lindstrom opened his presentation by pointing out that San Juan County already takes a relatively progressive approach to dealing with residents who are in the midst of a mental health crisis. But he said the Crisis Now model that RI International has developed is meant to radically transform how communities respond to those folks, providing them with meaningful short-term and long-term care instead of simply leaving it up to law enforcement officials to take them into custody or relying on hospital emergency room personnel to deal with them. The kind of crisis triage center that Lindstrom described would offer three core services a crisis call center hub, crisis mobile teams and a crisis recovery center. Lindstrom said it is very important that the first element, the crisis call center hub, include text and online chat elements, given the fact that many of todays young people prefer those forms of communication to traditional over-the-phone conversations. Young people dont communicate verbally, he said. Such a call center also would need to be GPS enabled, he said, so that the location of a caller could be ascertained. Wayne Lindstrom, vice president of consulting and business development for RI International, addresses the crowd during a public meeting on the proposed creation of a crisis triage center in San Juan County on Monday, Nov. 14 at the Farmington Civic Center. The crisis mobile teams would be small squads of behavioral health professionals who are designed to take a serve anyone anywhere anytime approach to their work, he said. The final element, the crisis recovery centers, would be designed to replace detention centers and emergency rooms as the destinations or drop-off points for walk-in clients or people who are brought in by law enforcement officials. Lindstrom said most of the folks who find themselves experiencing a mental health crisis have experienced some kind of traumatic event with which they are unable to cope, and such centers are designed to help them return to a stable frame of mind before their long-term needs are addressed. The goal in these crisis centers is to be able to say yes 100% of the time to anybody who presents, Lindstrom said, indicating no one is turned away because of an inability to pay or because of overcrowding. The centers also are designed to remove a significant burden from law enforcement officials who sometimes find themselves tied up for hours filling out paperwork associated with people experiencing a mental health crisis at detention centers for emergency rooms. We guarantee law enforcement theyll be off the premises in three to five minutes, Lindstrom said. Those crisis centers can operate in three ways, he said as short-term centers that feature recliners instead of beds, where people in crisis can go voluntarily or be taken involuntarily for up to 24 hours; as longer-term centers with beds where clients can stay up to two weeks, and as centers that offer both recliners and beds. New Mexico is one of only a few states that permits centers to operate by that hybrid third model, Lindstrom said. Centers that offer recliners provide a distinct advantage over those with just beds in that they do not face capacity limits, he said, allowing them to not have to turn guests away if they are full. Lindstrom said RI International operates its crisis triage centers in a calm, low-key fashion designed to minimize stimuli and perceived threats, leading to a natural de-escalation of aggressive or antisocial behavior. The centers feature a living room-type atmosphere instead of looking like an institution, and they operate with an open floor plan in which the staff mingles with the guests. There are no security guards, and only rarely in 4% of cases, he said is it necessary for a guests to be placed in restraints or put in seclusion. We regard seclusion and restraint as a treatment failure, he said. The facilities are staffed by multidisciplinary teams that include doctors, psychiatric nurse practitioners and peer support workers who have lived experience with behavioral health issues, Lindstrom said. Thats our secret sauce, he said, explaining that those peer support workers who make up 50% of the staff at RI Internationals crisis centers are highly skilled at engaging guests and determining how they function in the world. Lindstrom said if county officials decide to have RI International compile a business plan for a crisis triage center, his firms responsibility would be to give the county a clear road map of how to implement such a facility one that would be financially sustainable while providing significant benefits to many local residents. Lindstrom maintained the cost of operating such a center would be more than offset by cost savings to law enforcement agencies and health-care facilities that currently bear the responsibility of dealing with folks experiencing a mental health crisis. There will be a net cost savings to the county, he said. He acknowledged that the establishment of a crisis triage center would not serve as a silver bullet by eliminating all of the countys behavioral health issues. But he said it would provide a number of services and benefits that are beyond the countys reach now. The discussion about opening a crisis triage center in San Juan County was welcomed by one of the law enforcement officials in attendance Monday night, Bloomfield Police Department Chief Phillip Francisco. This kind of project is really where my heart is, he said, explaining that his focus during his law enforcement career has been on eliminating the revolving door of arrests, emergency room visits and jail stays for many of people experiencing a mental health crisis. Francisco said that during his time as chief of the Navajo Nation Police Department, he initiated a pilot project in which officials compiled a list of who the 20 most-frequent offenders were across the departments seven districts. That study showed that a single individual with mental-health issues was arrested by officers 111 times in a single year. The cost to his department for those encounters, Francisco said, was $250,000. Farmington Police Chief Steve Hebbe Another supporter of the idea of the establishing a crisis triage center is Farmington police Chief Steve Hebbe, who long has expressed concern about the relative lack of mental health treatment options across San Juan County. Hebbe was not present for Mondays meeting, but he issued a statement on Tuesday endorsing the concept. We have been part of the conversation as this idea has been kicked around, and I strongly am in support of the conversation, he said in a statement emailed to The Daily Times. I am excited about the prospects of it but there is a lot of hard work to get there. Mike Easterling can be reached at 505-564-4610 or measterling@daily-times.com.Support local journalism with a digital subscription: http://bit.ly/2I6TU0e. This article originally appeared on Farmington Daily Times: County Commission could seek creation of crisis center business plan WASHINGTON A man who claimed to be a journalist and supporter of the Black Lives Matter movement was convicted Thursday on all charges against him in connection with the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol. John Earle Sullivan, a 29-year-old from Utah also known as "Jayden X," was convicted of seven counts after just a few hours of deliberation by the jury. Federal prosecutors requested that Sullivan be taken into custody until his sentencing, and U.S. District Judge Royce C. Lamberth ordered him remanded, according to court records. The charges included felony obstruction of an official proceeding and civil disorder. John Earle Sullivan. (Ryan J. Reilly / NBC News) Sullivan shot one of the most infamous videos of Jan. 6, showing the shooting death of Ashli Babbitt, and sold the rights to several media outlets, including NBC News. I was only observing, Sullivan said in his trial testimony. I followed the crowd. Im there to document. But the government said that shooting video was just a ploy for Sullivan, and played video after video of him urging on the mob on Jan. 6. Im gonna side with anyone who is ready to rip this s--- down, Sullivan said in one quote cited by prosecutors. I brought my megaphone to instigate s---, he said in another video, adding that he wanted to make those Trump supporters f--- s--- up. Prosecutors portrayed Sullivan during the trial as an anti-establishment grifter and chaos agent who wanted to burn it all down during the Capitol attack. More than 1,200 people have been charged in connection with the Capitol riot, and more than 400 have been sentenced to periods of incarceration. Online Sedition Hunters say about 1,000 additional Jan. 6 participants have been identified but not yet charged. The judge has yet to schedule a sentencing hearing in Sullivans case. SHELBY Adam Turner has not solved yet the mystery of a Shelby woman who went missing in 1945, but he helped provide closure to another family. In a twist to the story, the Jane Doe turned out to be a John Doe. Turner attended a press conference Friday in Preble County to announce the identity of a body found there. For the last five years, Turner, a Shelby police detective, has been trying to find answers for the family of Mary Jane Croft Vangilder. She was last seen in 1945. Originally from West Virginia, Vangilder moved to Ohio in 1944 to work at the Wilkins Army Air Force Depot in Shelby. Shelby police Detective Adam Turner goes over paperwork in his investigation of missing Shelby woman Mary Jane Croft Vangilder. She was last seen in 1945. On March 8, 1945, she resigned her employment, citing "added household duties," according to Turner's research. "No trace of her has been located since," Turner said, adding she might have left the area after quitting her job. Early in his investigation, Turner searched the database of the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System. Shelby police detective learns of Jane Doe in Preble County He then searched the website "FindaGrave.com" and found a 1968 newspaper clipping indicating that a Jane Doe had been found in Eaton, Ohio, in Preble County. Two children had found the remains in a drainage ditch after a heavy rain. The Jane Doe was not listed in the NaMUs system. According to the news story, the Jane Doe was around 5 feet, 3 inches tall and estimated to be 30 to 35 years old. A dental plate found near the body was estimated to be 10-15 years old. Turner found a key ally in his quest in Dave Lindloff, an investigator with the Preble County Coroner's Office. Lindloff located an old case file titled "Miss Ditch 1968." Unfortunately, the dental plate, photographs and tissue samples had been lost to time. The remains included an intact left arm, but the right arm was missing, along with the right leg and the left foot. The skull was separated from the body and located about 75 feet downstream from the other remains. Most of the skin and muscle on the back of the upper legs, buttocks and thoracic area were still there. The next step was an exhumation, which Turner noted can be expensive. He also attended exhumations in Indiana and Wisconsin in 2019 that are still pending. Mary Jane Croft Vangilder In this case, however, the city of Eaton and cemetery officials exhumed Jane Doe at no cost to the city of Shelby. In addition, grave opening and closing costs were waived. Lindloff told Turner "it was the right thing to do." "The Shelby Police Department's only expense was for a new casket for the unidentified remains, which we gladly paid," Turner said. Shelby detective, chief attend exhumation On Aug. 28, 2019, Turner, accompanied by Shelby police Chief Lance Combs, went to Mount Hill Cemetery in Eaton for the exhumation of Jane Doe. Eaton is in the Dayton area, some 167 miles from Shelby. Turner said the vault appeared to be completely intact. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation took multiple bones for processing. Curiously, there was no skull inside the vault. According to records, the coroner at the time kept the skull in his "private collection," which could not be found. In July 2020, BCI officials notified Turner that they could not get a DNA profile because of the age of the remains and that mitochondrial DNA testing, the most sensitive technique available, would be needed. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic and staffing issues, the case was put on hold. In January 2021, BCI gave Turner the surprising results. Investigation hits dead end "The DNA profile, at least some portion of which is from a male, is not of sufficient quality for comparison due to insufficient data," BCI wrote. Turner wasn't sure what to do next. "Essentially, the report stated that the male DNA that was present in the bones could be from a male contributor or due to contamination, not necessarily that the bones were from a male decedent, although that remained a possibility," he said. "I was also told that due to the poor condition of the remains, that identification would be extremely difficult." Mary Jane Croft Vangilder was last seen on Valentines Day, 1945. Turner talked with his chief and his colleague in Preble County and decided to press on. "We all agreed that whoever was found off Frederick Drive in 1968 needed identified and their name restored," Turner said. "We remained undeterred by the daunting task of identification and continued forward." The detective received disappointing news from BCI shortly thereafter. "For the rest of 2021 and the beginning months of 2022, the remains were sent to several laboratories for DNA extraction and sequencing; however, because of degradation, no useable DNA profile was able to be obtained," Turner said. In June 2022, Shelby police partnered with Moxxy Forensic Investigations for investigative genetic genealogy. The remains were sent to Intermountain Forensics in Salt Lake City, Utah, for additional extraction and sequencing. The cost was going to be $5,000. For the second time, Shelby police received help. Derrick Levasseur and Stephanie Harlowe, who co-own the business "Criminal Coffee," fully funded the DNA testing. Levasseur, who is best known for winning the reality TV series "Big Brother" in 2014, is a private investigator in Providence, Rhode Island. He and Harlowe also co-host a podcast called "Crime Weekly." In December 2022, Moxxy Forensics contacted Turner to say the remains were definitely from an unknown male. According to Most Recent Common Ancestor, people who were related to John Doe were Eva Catherine Berryman and Martin Van Buren Frost, both of Hamilton, Ohio. Investigators determined that Frost and Berryman had eight children. Four were male. According to public records, three of the four had confirmed dates of death. On March 23 of this year, Moxxy Forensic Investigations contacted Turner to let him know the remains were that of Albert Allen Frost. Who was Albert Allen Frost? Frost was born Jan. 25, 1935, and was the youngest sibling. His father died in 1959, his mother in 1993. Turner researched Frost's life through old newspaper stories. He also found on Ancenstry.com that Frost married Ida Frost Caudill on Jan. 9, 1959, in Tennessee. They divorced on March 22, 1960. Turner said Frost may have a daughter. The woman was adopted in 1963 and had her name legally changed. "I located her alive and well," Turner said of the woman, who did not say if she would get a DNA test. "The whole story was overwhelming for her." Frost got involved in some petty crimes, according to Turner's research. In March 1959, he was arrested on a larceny charge, accused of stealing contributions from an Easter Seals container at a local tavern. The next year, Frost received 30 days in jail for larceny for taking his sister's table model radio. In a 1961 newspaper account, Frost admitted to looting more than 100 cars. Turner said identifying Frost would not have been possible without Tina Barrett, the granddaughter of one of his sisters. She took a DNA test and uploaded her results to a website that allows users to compare their DNA to other people. Barrett talked to her mother and got back to Turner. Frost's relative recalls his troubled life "My mom remembers seeing Albert," Barrett told Turner. "She says he was not around much and would go missing for long periods of time. "She said he always looked poor and ragged, was very shy and not a talker. He would answer questions if asked and always seemed uncomfortable." After awhile, Frost stopped checking in, his sister told Barrett. Family members assumed he died, but no one ever reported him missing. In May, Turner contacted Denise Frost and Diana Frost Russell, daughters of one of Frost's brothers. Denise Frost told him the family rumor was that Frost was murdered, rolled up in a piece of carpet and left on someone's porch. Later that month, a nephew of Frost's told Turner that his uncle wore a dental plate and was skinny with a slight frame, which could explain why officials originally thought his remains were that of a female. His death was never recorded. In August, one of his nieces took a DNA test to confirm Frost's identity. Turner thanked his chief for allowing him to pursue the case, even though the remains were not that of Vangilder. "A prominent member of the community had come into Chief Combs' office after seeing an article in the newspaper about the investigation into Mary Jane's disappearance and was complaining about me spending time on a 1945 case," Turner said. "In short, he believed it was unnecessary to be pursuing a case so old, and that I was essentially wasting time." Detective defends looking for answers to cold case The detective disagrees. "If the case is unsolved, no matter the age, it should remain open," Turner said. "Am I disappointed that this turned out not to be Mary Jane Croft Vangilder? Yes. "However, I knew from the beginning that even if this was not Mary Jane, we would identify someone and return their name, and that alone justified everything that we did here." Mindy Wilson shares Turner's sentiments. The 52-year-old nurse who lives in South Carolina never met Vangilder, her grandmother. "It definitely leaves a void," Wilson said. "You want to know where you came from." She also praised Turner for his doggedness. "He's been a blessing, I'll tell you that," Wilson said. "He hasn't given up, and I'm not sure he'll ever give up. Hopefully, one day it will be our turn." Turner said Vangilder's case provided closure for another family. Wilson agreed. "Everybody needs closure when somebody's missing," she said. Turner also had a message for Albert Frost. "I am sorry that it took so long to restore your name," he said. "It is a shame that you are now more renowned in death than in life. "I take solace in the fact that wherever you are, outside the stars, beyond the firmament, that you are with your family." mcaudill@gannett.com 419-521-7219 X (formerly Twitter): @MarkCau32059251 This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Shelby police detective continues search for missing woman AUSTIN, Texas Former fugitive Kaitlin Armstrong was sentenced to 90 years behind bars on Friday for the jealously fueled murder of professional cyclist Moriah 'Mo' Wilson. The same Travis County panel that found Armstrong guilty of first-degree murder on Thursday deliberated for about another three hours on Friday before recommending the prison term that was accepted by Judge Brenda Kennedy. The defendants sister, Christie Armstrong, cried after the penalty-phase verdict was delivered by a panel drawn from 12 jurors and two alternates. The group of 14 comprised nine women and five men. Armstrong, 35, was facing anywhere from between five and 99 years behind bars for the May 11, 2022, slaying. The prosecution had asked for a minimum of 40 years. Anna Moriah The lengthy sentence did little to ease the pain of Wilson's loved ones. "Other than the prosecution team, there really are no winners here," the victim's father, Eric Wilson, said outside court. "This is not a time for celebration but a time for prayer, a time to pray for our family, her friends and Armstrong family and their friends." Defense attorney Rick Cofer thanked the jury in a written statement after the sentencing and said Wilson's death was a tragedy. "The loss of Moriah Wilson is a tragedy, and our hearts go out to the Wilson family and to the family of our client Kaitlin Armstrong," Cofer said in the statement. Armstrong could have left sentencing completely in the hands of the judge. Instead, she opted for jurors to make a sentencing recommendation, prompting penalty phase testimony on Thursday shortly after the verdict was read. Caitlin Cash, Wilsons friend who discovered the body, addressed the court and Armstrong after the jury came back Friday, recalling her hours-long interview with police the night of the slaying. Cash vividly remembered washing her blood-stained hands and instantly regretting that routine act because it was the last piece of her friend she could touch. Kaitlin, I want you to know that I fought for Mo, Cash said. Armstrong's father and sister and a spiritual adviser all testified to the offender's character on Thursday. Cofer told jurors on Friday that punishment is a lot less clear cut than their finding of guilt 24 hours earlier. Two families are devastated and grieving in very different ways," Cofer said. "Kaitlin has no prior criminal history. Wilson's loved ones told the court about the immense grief they've endured since the elite 25-year-old cyclist was gunned down by Armstrong, who viewed her as a romantic rival. Image: Kaitlin Armstrong (Mikala Compton / Pool via AP) She (Armstrong) put everybody at risk, Travis County Assistant District Attorney Rickey Jones told jurors on Friday. She was selfish. Utterly selfish. Think about that. The prosecutor told panelists to think about those 16 months that Wilsons loved ones have suffered since the athlete's murder. The victim had come to Austin in May 2022 to take part in a bike race in Hico, southwest of Fort Worth. And while she was in town, Armstrong's boyfriend and pro bicyclist Colin Strickland who had a brief relationship with Wilson in fall 2021 texted her to meet up. Hours before her slaying, Wilson swam with Strickland at a local pool and they had dinner together, prosecutors said. Strickland lied to Armstrong about his whereabouts that evening, a police affidavit said. Image: (Mikala Compton / Pool via AP) Strickland and Armstrong lived together so she had access to his messages on a laptop at their home, according to prosecutors. Armstrong then tracked Wilsons movements on the exercise app Strava and cell phone data and GPS placed the assailant in vicinity of the murder scene. After killing Wilson, Armstrong fled to Costa Rica, underwent plastic surgery to her nose, changed her hair style and color and tried to establish a new life as a yoga instructor before being captured, investigators said. This was not a momentary action, this was someone who thought and had time to calculate and meditate about what she was about to do," ADA Guillermo Gonzalez told jurors on Friday. "All of this is because of her, because of her actions." Rebeccah Glaser reported from Austin and David K. Li from New York City. CORRECTION (Nov. 17, 2023, 7:10 P.M. ET): A previous version of this article misstated the breakdown of the panel that delivered the verdict. The group comprised nine women and five men, not nine men and five women. HUNTSVILLE, Texas David Santiago Renteria spoke his last words Thursday night, strapped to a gurney at the Huntsville Unit, minutes before being executed in the 2001 abduction and killing of 5-year-old Alexandra Flores. Renteria, 53, was injected with a lethal dose of pentobarbital Thursday, Nov. 16, on a dark, cold and rainy evening at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice's prison. His time of death was 7:11 p.m. CST, prison officials said. With his family and Alexandra's family present, Renteria gave his final statements. Renteria sang a religious song. And he told the victims family, there isnt a day he doesnt think about what he did and said, no words can describe what you are going through. Im sorry for all the wrongs I have done. And for those who have called for my death, who are about to murder me, I forgive you, he said in a final statement. The Renteria family watched the execution from a different room from Alexandra's family. Glass windows separated the witnesses from Renteria. This photo released by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice shows death row inmate David Renteria. Renteria, a Texas inmate convicted of strangling a 5-year-old girl taken from an El Paso store and then burning her body nearly 22 years ago is facing execution. Renteria is scheduled to receive a lethal injection Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023, evening at the state penitentiary in Huntsville. (Texas Department of Criminal Justice via AP) Alexandra's sister, Sandra Frausto, and brother, Ignacio Frausto, attended the execution. Renteria's sister Cecilia Esparza and a friend also were present. Esparza collapsed when she walked into the viewing room, and prison officials brought her a chair and she cried. Renteria told his sister through the glass, I love you. A victim of Renteria's from a different criminal incident and her mother also attended the execution. Renteria was previously convicted and sentenced to 20 years in prison for indecency with a child in El Paso. The execution was also attended by 14 state law enforcement and governmental officials. Previously from USA TODAY Network: Texas prepares for lethal injection execution of convicted El Paso child killer 22-year legal battle Renteria grew up in Texas and was a tribal member of the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo, according to the Texas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty. While in prison, he rededicated himself to his Roman Catholic faith, the coalition reported. Renteria's execution ends a nearly 22-year legal battle waged in what has been described as one of the most heinous crimes committed in El Paso. "Ive always been a supporter of the death penalty and from a law enforcement perspective, I just think some people are too dangerous to be in our society and that is certainly one individual who I think that that the death penalty is absolutely appropriate," El Paso County Sheriff Richard Wiles said. Its a long time coming. I think its been what? Twenty-one years. I was actually the assistant (El Paso police) chief, (Carlos) Leon was the chief when that horrific crime occurred. It was really tough on everybody. I cant even imagine what that family went through and what theyre still going through today. "Hopefully, this will give them a little bit of relief to help them in their recovery that is going to take the rest of their lives, Wiles said. "I cant even imagine losing my 5-year-old daughter to such a horrific crime." Convicted El Paso child murderer, David Santiago Renteria, was executed Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023, at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice's Huntsville Unit in Huntsville, Texas. Last days on Texas death row for one of El Paso's most notorious killers Renteria spent his final days meeting with visitors, laying in bed, watching TV through a cell door and sleeping, a Death Watch report states. The times listed below are in Central time zone. On his execution day, starting at 12:15 a.m., he sat on his bed and began writing. He began packing up his property about 2:30 a.m., before sitting on the floor and reading a book around 4 a.m., the report states. He then continued packing up his property and cleaning the floor between 5 to 7:30 a.m. Renteria was allowed to talk to fellow inmates at 7:30 a.m., before meeting with visitors from 8 to 11:30 a.m., the death watch states. He was then transferred from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice's Polunsky Unit in Livingston, Texas, to the Huntsville Unit to await his execution. EL Paso Crimes Against Persons Detective Jesus Montoya leads suspected murderer David Reneteria to an awaiting car for transport to the El Paso County Detention Facility after being arrested in connection with the murder of 5-year-old Alejandra Flores. Justice served for Alexandra Flores in 2001 abduction nearly 22 years later Renteria's execution came two days before the 22nd anniversary of the day he kidnapped 5-year-old Alexandra Flores from an El Paso Walmart, strangled her to death and then burned her body. Renteria abducted Alexandra Nov. 18, 2001, as she was Christmas shopping with her parents at an El Paso Lower Valley Walmart. Andrea Flores held a star in memory of her younger sister Alexandra Flores at the rally point on Oct. 28, 2007 in front of the El Paso County Courthouse for the Help Hope Healing Victims Walk that covered 22 miles of El Paso from the West Side to the Lower Valley. Her parents realized she was missing and searched the store but could not find her. Alexandra was seen on store surveillance video exiting the store about 5:15 p.m. with Renteria. Alexandra's body was found about 7:10 a.m. the next day. She was naked and partially burned in a carport near Downtown El Paso. An autopsy revealed Alexandra was strangled to death and then set ablaze, court documents state. Investigators later revealed there were no signs of sexual assault. A palm print on a plastic bag found over Alexandra's head was determined to be from Renteria, court documents state. More: Convicted El Paso killer David Renteria's execution date to remain, appeals court rules El Paso Police Department investigators discovered that a vehicle registered to Renteria was at the El Paso Walmart at 9441 Alameda Ave. at the time and date of Alexandra's disappearance. Renteria also told police he was at the location at the time and date of her disappearance, court documents state. Renteria went to trial for the death of Alexandra in September 2003. He claimed in his trial that Barrio Azteca gang members forced him to kidnap the girl and someone else was the person who killed her, court records show. A jury convicted him of capital murder and he was sentenced to death. Appeals court justices heard the case in 2006 and upheld the conviction. However, the justices ordered a new sentencing phase of the trial. The resentencing was ordered because of "exclusion of evidence showing the defendant's remorse violated due process by preventing defendant from rebutting the State's case when the State left jury with false impression and emphasized it," the justices wrote in their opinion. A new sentencing trial was held in 2008. A new jury was selected for the trial and the jurors reached the same verdict as the 2003 jury a sentence of death. A May 15, 2008, El Paso Times article reporting David Santiago Renteria was given the death penalty during his resentencing hearing. Failed appeal efforts end in pentobarbital injection Dozens of appeals have been filed by Renteria and his attorneys since the 2008 sentencing. Less than three hours before Renteria was set to receive a lethal injection at the state penitentiary, his attorneys asked the U.S. Supreme Court to stop his execution over claims the states supply of pentobarbital, the execution drug he would be injected with, has degraded. They argued that it now contains contaminants that would cause him terror and severe pain, a violation of the Eighth Amendments ban on cruel and unusual punishment. The claim, made by other Texas inmates facing execution, was rejected. David Renteria sat in 41st District Court for the re-sentencing portion of his capital murder trial in April 2008. Attorney Tivon Schardl, who is currently representing Renteria, declined to comment. The appeals have ranged from Renteria claiming he was wrongfully convicted to allegations he had constitutional rights violated. All appeals efforts including some filed in days and hours before his execution to stop or even postpone the execution failed. The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles voted 7-0 Tuesday, Nov. 14, against commuting Renteria's death sentence to a lesser penalty. Aaron Martinez may be reached at amartinez1@elpasotimes.com or on Twitter @AMartinezEPT.Times reporter Daniel Borunda and the Associated Press contributed to this story. This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: David Renteria execution: El Paso, Texas murderer dies by injection TikTok removed the hashtag #lettertoamerica from its search function after videos about Osama bin Ladens 2002 Letter to America went viral on the platform and were re-uploaded to the social media platform X. Some social media users suggested that the Al Qaeda founders document gives an alternative perspective about the U.S. involvement in conflicts in the Middle East. Throughout the week, TikTok users had been sharing the link to The Guardians transcript of bin Ladens letter, which was written about a year after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, which killed nearly 3,000 people in the U.S. The Guardian took the letter down from its website Wednesday. In the letter, bin Laden addressed the American people and sought to answer the following questions: Why are we fighting and opposing you? and What are we calling you to, and what do we want from you? The letter includes antisemitic language and homophobic rhetoric. The virality of the letter has reignited criticism of the platform, which is owned by Chinas ByteDance. The app has faced mounting scrutiny in the last year as the U.S. and other countries argue it poses a threat to national security. Since Hamas Oct. 7 attack on Israel, critics of the app have alleged that it is using its influence to push content that is anti-Israel and contrary to U.S. foreign policy interests. TikTok has said the allegations of bias are baseless. Researchers at the Institute for Strategic Dialogue, which studies extremism on social media, said they found 41 Letter to America videos on TikTok. While TikTok has now blocked Letter to America from within its search function, videos referring to Letter to America are still easily accessible under the search term Bin Laden, the institute said in its findings. Bin Ladens letter condemns U.S. support for Israel and accuses Americans of aiding the oppression of Palestinian people. Bin Laden, who was killed in a U.S. special operation in Pakistan in 2011, also denounced U.S. interventions in Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia, Kashmir, Chechnya and Lebanon. People online have used bin Ladens words as a springboard for discussion about American foreign policy in the Middle East. Several have said it caused them to re-evaluate their beliefs around the U.S. wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. While people were critical of U.S. involvement in global conflicts, many clarified that they were not praising or defending bin Ladens orchestration of the 9/11 attacks. Those on the platform citing the letter encouraged people to read it, saying that doing so helped them better understand the U.S. interventions in the Middle East and the Israel-Hamas war. The videos have also gone viral on X, where some renewed calls for TikTok to be banned. While the letter has been re-uploaded on TikTok, numerous videos discussing it were removed. TikTok spokesperson Ben Rathe said in an email that videos featuring the letter violate the platforms community guidelines. Content promoting this letter clearly violates our rules on supporting any form of terrorism, Rathe said. We are proactively and aggressively removing this content and investigating how it got onto our platform. The number of videos on TikTok is small and reports of it trending on our platform are inaccurate. This is not unique to TikTok and has appeared across multiple platforms and the media. A viral X post from journalist Yashar Ali highlighting the videos received 25.6 million views. That brought more attention to the TikTok discourse. TikTok said that the number of videos about the letter was small but that interest was magnified after they were posted to X. Ali told The Washington Post that the hashtag was not trending on TikTok when he made his compilation, but he said the number of videos posted on the platform was not small enough to be minuscule or not important. In its research, the Institute for Strategic Dialogue said references to bin Laden on X jumped more than 4,300%, from Tuesday to Thursday, from just over 5,000 to more than 230,000. References to Letter to America jumped more than 1,800%, from just over 4,800 to 100,000, with 719 million impressions across the platform. On YouTube, searches for bin Laden also jumped 400% from Tuesday to Thursday, according to Google Trends. Instagrams autosuggest function in search assisted users in finding Letter to America, listing it as a popular search. A spokesperson for YouTube said in an email statement that its "Community Guidelines apply consistently for all content uploaded to our platform." "We may allow content with sufficient educational, documentary, scientific or artistic (EDSA) context," the spokesperson wrote, sharing a link to its guidelines on "How YouTube evaluates Educational, Documentary, Scientific, and Artistic (EDSA) content." The guidelines list "Unmodified reuploads of content created by or glorifying violent terrorist or criminal organizations" as one type of content that doesnt get EDSA exceptions. A representative for X did not respond to request for comment. Xs guidelines also say the platform will remove any accounts maintained by individual perpetrators of terrorist, violent extremist, or mass violent attacks, and may also remove posts disseminating manifestos or other content produced by perpetrators. A representative for Meta, which owns Instagram, declined to comment. Instagrams community guidelines note the platform is not a place to support or praise terrorism, organized crime, or hate groups. On Oct. 13, Meta outlined its efforts to up content moderation amid the Israel-Hamas War in a news release. The company later updated the post, stating that its "teams introduced a series of measures to address the spike in harmful and potentially harmful content spreading on our platforms." "Our policies are designed to keep people safe on our apps while giving everyone a voice," Meta wrote. As of Thursday afternoon, the link to the removed document was listed as one of the most viewed on The Guardians website. The transcript published on our website in 2002 has been widely shared on social media without the full context, a spokesperson for The Guardian said in an emailed statement. Therefore we have decided to take it down and direct readers to the news article that originally contextualised it instead. A message in a bottle. It's such a simple thing. A bottle with a note rolled into a cylinder and pushed inside. But toss them together into the wide ocean, set them adrift on the swells, and they become something else: a story awaiting an ending, an appeal to strangers, an adventure waiting to unfold. This is the story of such a message in a bottle, deposited in the Atlantic Ocean, filled with the hope of a Cape Cod boy named Ben Lyons -- a fifth-grader from Sandwich that someone, somewhere, would find it, read his message and send back a reply. Twenty-six years later, someone did. Recently, a brown envelope mailed via La Poste France arrived at Sandwich Public Schools, addressed to Mr. Benjamin Lyons, "Grade 5H Annee 1997," with a reply inside from retired French fisherman Hubert Eriau. It was 1997 when Ben Lyons, a student in Frederic Hemmila's class at the Forestdale School, penciled a note that began, "Dear Beachcomber, Thank you for being kind enough to pick up my bottle." "The last week of October was when we received it," said Sandwich Public Schools Superintendent Joseph Maruszczak on Wednesday. "It was sent to the Forestdale School, which was the address that was put into the message." At first, the staff wasn't sure what to make of it. "It was addressed to Ben Lyons in fifth grade at Forestdale School, but Forestdale is now a pre-K to second grade school," said Brandy Clifford, assistant principal at the Oak Ridge School. There was no Ben Lyons enrolled When the envelope was forwarded to Oak Ridge, which now houses grade 5, the staff consulted the student data platform to figure out whose class Ben Lyons was in, "but of course they couldn't find him," she said. "Then our secretaries were like, 'all right, we can't find this kid,' so they opened the envelope and they found the letter that Ben initially wrote and a letter in French from the fisherman," she said. It was as if a pirate's hidden booty had been discovered. "You would have thought they found the bottle on the beach themselves, that's how excited they were," Clifford said. "It was like they'd uncovered a treasure." In 1997 a student pencils a note: 'Dear Beachcomber' It was 1997 when Ben Lyons, a student in Frederic Hemmila's class at the Forestdale School, penciled a note that began, "Dear Beachcomber, Thank you for being kind enough to pick up my bottle." It went on to explain he and his class were studying ocean currents in science class and they dropped bottles into Nantucket Sound to see where they went. It contained questions asking about where and when the bottle was found, and in what condition, and asked for a response to be sent to the Forestdale School. Retired teacher Frederic Hemmila, pictured during a trip to Germany in September, remembers well the science project he and his students in Sandwich undertook in 1997 to learn about ocean currents by putting messages in bottles into Nantucket Sound and asking for responses. On Aug. 11, Eriau found the bottle on the beach of Les Graviers in Les Sables-d'Olonne (Vendee), a seaside town on the Bay of Biscay in western France, according to the French newspaper Ouest France, which reported on his unusual find. "Picking up rubbish on the beaches of Les Sables-d'Olonne (Vendee) is the daily life of Hubert Eriau, 71 years old," the article reads. In his response to Ben, written in French, Eriau tells how he found the bottle while picking up the beach during a fishing session, and that it had "quelques coquillage colles dessus" some shells stuck to it. When retired fisherman Hubert Eriau in August found a message in a bottle on a beach in western France, 26 years after it was deposited into Nantucket Sound carrying a letter from a Sandwich fifth-grader, the French newspaper, Ouest France, reported on the unusual find. Sandwich teacher, now retired, remembers the 1997 project Hemmila, the teacher who had Ben Lyons in his class in 1997, remembers the project well. "I did that project for a couple of years," he said, talking by phone from Florida on Thursday. He said at first they would put their messages seeking scientific information into the nearby Cape Cod Canal, and they'd always end up in places like Duxbury, Plymouth, Mashpee, Woods Hole, and other nearby locations. In 1997, the father of one of his students who was a commercial fisherman offered to deposit the bottles farther out, so they'd have a better chance of escaping the Massachusetts coast. Bottles deposited 35 miles off Cape Cod coast "He put them in about 35 miles out," Hemmila recalled. Within a couple of months, the students started to receive responses from further landfalls, including Ireland, Wales, France and Morocco. "I have a scrapbook of all the letters that were returned to kids in that class at home," said the Yarmouth resident. After that year, Hemmila said, he stopped doing the project because of questions raised about the appropriateness of throwing the plastic bottles into the ocean. Hemmila thought that was the end of it, until the bottle showed up in western France. "I am amazed that it took this long," he said. Adrift for more than a quarter of a century Robert Todd, an associate scientist in the physical oceanography department at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, said he heard about the bottle, but didn't initially realize it had been adrift for a little more than a quarter of a century. "Clearly they did a good job sealing the bottle back in 1997 so that it could stay afloat all that time," he said. A French fisherman, Hubert Eriau, after finding the 1997 letter in the bottle on Aug. 11 along a beach in western France, wrote back to the students in Sandwich telling them of his find. He noted that the large-scale average currents at the surface of the subtropical North Atlantic "are generally clockwise, moving along the U.S. East Coast in the Gulf Stream, across the Atlantic at about the same latitude of France, then generally southward on the eastern side of the Atlantic "and back to the west at tropical latitudes." "On this side of the Atlantic, one might imagine that it drifted out of Nantucket Sound, then generally southward over the continental shelf, since that is the typical direction of currents," Todd said. "Somewhere along the way, and most likely no farther south than Cape Hatteras, NC, it could have been carried beyond the edge of the continental shelf and then entrained into the Gulf Stream to make its way north and east." Todd said the wonder comes in thinking about where the bottle drifted in the intervening years. Multiple loops around the North Atlantic "The ocean basin is filled with eddies that could have carried the bottle along any number of paths," he said. "Given the long time, its quite possible that the bottle took multiple loops around the North Atlantic as well." Superintendent Maruszczak said he's found the story inspiring, capturing attention from many media outlets, from People Magazine to the Boston news stations to The Boston Globe. "I knew it was going to get a lot of attention," he said. "It's a cool story, and people want good news." Clifford also expressed amazement about the bottle's 26-year journey. It's fun to think about the bottle "bobbing around in the ocean," she said, perhaps disturbed by the blow of a whale skimming the surface as it fed, nudged by a curious sea turtle, or pushed along by the passage of a fast-swimming shark underneath it. It was 1997 when Ben Lyons, a student in Frederic Hemmila's class at the Forestdale School in Sandwich, penciled a note that began, "Dear Beachcomber, Thank you for being kind enough to pick up my bottle." The letter was placed in this envelope. The bottle, the letter and the envelope were found on Aug. 11 along the coast of France and returned to the school. At the school, Clifford said, "the students have seen (the letters), and have been asking a lot of questions." "I think it is really interesting for our kids to think about. Not that we can have them throwing things into the ocean, but it is kind of neat to think about just how far something can travel," she said. The school system did reach out to Ben Lyons and his family, and have turned over the envelope and its contents to them. Ben's parents, who still live on the Cape, also expressed amazement and excitement. Ben Lyons, who addressed the letter to a "beachcomber" so many years ago, is now grown up and living out of state. Heather McCarron can be reached at hmccarron@capecodonline.com, or follow her on X @HMcCarron_CCT 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: Sandwich boy's message in a bottle gets a response, 26 years later. The government and the ruling People Power Party (PPP) decided Friday to seek special legislation within this year to put an end to dog meat consumption, a lawmaker said. The envisioned bill aims to ban the acts of butchering, distributing and selling of dog meat, and seeks to crack down on such acts starting in 2027 after a three-year grace period, according to Rep. Yu Eui-dong, the PPP's chief policy maker. "It is time our society put an end to the consumption of dog meat, considering the growing pet population, heightened awareness and our country's international presence," Yu said after a meeting with the government on the issue. "We will push for a special bill within this year to end dog meat consumption," he said. The government also plans to motivate those in the industry to transition to different jobs or close their businesses, by offering financial incentives, Yu said. The support measures, however, will only be limited to those who report to the local government and submit an implementation plan. According to government statistics, there are around 1,150 dog farms, 34 butchering businesses, 219 distributors and approximately 1,600 restaurants that sell food made with dog meat. In addition to the bill, the PPP plans to fix the Livestock Industry Act and make sure dogs are not categorized under "livestock," the lawmaker also said. Meanwhile, the meeting also touched on measures to improve the country's medical system for pets. The two sides agreed to increase transparency of information on medical services available for pets, and improve medical systems for animals, such as pet insurance and the remote medical treatment system. On the same day, a group of people working in the dog meat industry staged a demonstration in front of the parliament, strongly criticizing the push from the government and lawmakers as a threat to their livelihood. "Starting from today, we will fight till the very end. We will risk our own lives to fight until the end for our survival, our family and our future," one of the participants said. (Yonhap) An officer caught on video repeatedly striking a woman on the ground this week has been temporarily reassigned pending an internal investigation, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Johnny Jennings said Wednesday. Ill just say to everyone and to our community, I get it, Jennings said of the video. I understand the outrage. I understand the emotions that come when you look at a video that involved an officer who is punching a female. In the video posted on social media, the woman is seen on the ground as several officers hold her down. One officer strikes the woman multiple times with a closed fist, as a bystander screams, Get off her! Others are heard criticizing the officers. The woman was brought to her feet and led to a police vehicle. A lawyer for the woman, Christina Pierre, told CNN Thursday that her client is terrified and her spirit is broken. This is a traumatizing experience in a very new city with her fiance, attorney Lauren Newton said. Were just very thankful that witnesses came forward. One witness, a White female, that Newton said she spoke with told the lawyer the officer cold cocked Pierre in the face and she went down like a rag doll. CNN has not spoken with the witness to independently confirm her story. Police said two officers on patrol Monday afternoon saw two people smoking marijuana at a bus stop. The officers informed the two people, identified as Anthony Lee and Pierre, that they were under arrest. Police said both Lee and Pierre resisted arrest, and that in the struggle that followed the female individual struck an officer multiple times. Pierre continued to resist arrest, lying down on her hands and ignoring verbal commands, according to police. 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, police said. When you look at the body-worn camera, youll see exactly where those blows are delivered, said Jennings, who acknowledged it could be months before the public sees the body camera footage. North Carolina law requires a judges order to release body-worn camera video. I think that the public does deserve the right to see this video, said Jennings, adding that his department has petitioned a court to release it. What I can tell you is that the body-worn camera footage, particularly when theyre on the ground, tells more of the story than what the footage that youve seen from a distance, Jennings said of the video posted to social media this week. Jennings, a 32-year police veteran, said the use of force by police never looks good to the public. He said it was too early to say if the officers would be disciplined. Jennings identified the officer seen striking Pierre as Vincent Pistone, who has been temporarily reassigned from the patrol division to an investigative division. Jennings acknowledged the bystander video is difficult to watch and said there are lessons we can look at policy wise, training wise. The police chief was also asked about a photo showing an injury to Pierres face. Ive asked my staff to go back and look at all the videos so that we can try to determine where those injuries might have come from, said Jennings. There are a couple different thoughts from watching the body worn camera. Theres nothing that shows that she was struck while she was on the ground in the head or face area. There was a struggle with a single officer that occurred before his backup did arrive. We think that if, the abrasion or bruising on her face occurred, it would have occurred during that struggle at some point. Unfortunately, that officers body worn camera was knocked off during the struggle and you can just barely see it in the corner. Jennings, referring to the initial police encounter with Pierre, said theres a couple of different thoughts out there from watching the body-worn camera. Theres nothing thats very clear and visible, whether an officer struck her. Newton said Pierre became frightened and yelled when an officer jumped on her fiance, Tony after accusing them of smoking marijuana at a bus stop. She said it was Pierres first encounter with law enforcement. Pierre had her face checked out at a hospital, according to Newton. The photo showing an injury to Pierres face was taken on Tuesday, the day after the arrest. Newton said Pierre is sore but has no fractures. Newton added that Pierre has no bruising on her legs despite being struck multiple times, as seen in the video. Newton said she was scheduled to see the body-camera video on Friday. Police said the woman in the video was charged with assault on a government official, resist/delay/obstruct and possession of marijuana. The man in the video was charged with carrying a concealed weapon, resist/delay/obstruct and possession of marijuana. Correction: An earlier version of this story gave the wrong first name for attorney Lauren Newton. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com HANOI (Reuters) - Vietnam has been ramping up its dredging and landfill work in the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea, creating another 330 acres of land since December last year, a U.S. think tank said in a report. The expansion, much larger than 120 acres it had created between 2012 and 2022, made Vietnam second only to China in terms of island buildup in the Spratly Islands, Washington's Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) said in the report this week, citing satellite imagery. Vietnam's Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not immediately respond to a request for comment. China claims sovereignty over vast swathes of the South China Sea, including the areas where Vietnam has been building up islands. The sea is one of the world's most contested waterways, where more than $3 trillion of trade passes each year. China, Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam have lodged competing claims for some or all of the Spratly Islands. The recent expansion by Vietnam was the most noticeable at Barque Canada Reef, called Bai Thuyen Chai in Vietnam, where the report, produced by CSIS's Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI), said 210 acres of land was created in the past year. The report said Vietnam had started using cutter suction dredgers to "accelerate its dredging efforts", and last month, it began dredging at two additional features, including South Reef and Central Reef. It said Vietnam's efforts have remained focused on dredging and landfill, with construction of infrastructure yet to begin. China created more than 3,200 acres of land from 2013 to 2016 in the area, the think tank said. In August, the Philippines, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam rejected a map released by China that denotes its claims to sovereignty including in the South China Sea. (Reporting by Khanh Vu; editing by Robert Birsel) Photograph: Yuki Iwamura/AP More protests demanding a ceasefire in Gaza were under way in the US on Friday morning, with police breaking up crowds and arresting demonstrators in various locations. Related: Dozens arrested in San Francisco after ceasefire protest shuts down Bay Bridge Such demonstrations come as recent polling shows that US public support for Israel is dropping, while the Hamas authorities in Gaza reported on Friday that more than 12,000 Palestinians, overwhelmingly civilians and mostly women and children, had now been killed since Israel declared war on Hamas in October. New York police on Friday arrested pro-Palestine supporters who occupied the headquarters of News Corp, the media company that owns the Fox News channel and the Wall Street Journal and New York Post newspapers, according to clips posted on social media. Dozens of demonstrators gathered in the News Corp lobby, chanting, Shame and Fox News you cant hide. Your lies cover up genocide. BREAKING: Pro-Palestine activists are occupying the headquarters of News Corp, the media conglomerate that owns Fox News and the Wall Street Journal. Activists have thrown blood money onto the floor representing the conglomerates promotion of Israeli genocide. pic.twitter.com/6NOsU0OhPR BreakThrough News (@BTnewsroom) November 17, 2023 Pro-ceasefire demonstrators were also arrested on Friday in New York City after blocking the entrance to the headquarters building for BNY Mellon, a corporate investment company, which they said holds shares in weapons supply for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Meanwhile, students at Columbia University and New York University (NYU) were expected to hold a sit-in at an unnamed bank that funds NYUs Tel Aviv campus sites. Both universities have campus extensions in Israel, which student organizers say are built on top of former Palestinian villages. The demonstration is meant to highlight Columbia and NYUs roles legitimizing Israeli apartheid and massive financial infrastructure used to fund real estate projects at home and settler colonial expansions abroad, the student organization said in a press release. More protests are expected on Friday and throughout the weekend in New York, Chicago and other major US cities. The latest demonstration comes after 200 people in San Francisco shut down a portion of the Bay Bridge in a protest calling for a ceasefire. At least 50 people were arrested after demonstrators formed a human chain between vehicles. And at least 90 protesters were injured during a demonstration on Thursday in Washington DC on Capitol Hill. Organizers with the Ceasefire Now Coalition said that dozens of protesters sustained injuries after police violently broke up the peaceful demonstration. Demonstrations against Israels airstrikes and military operations in Gaza have continued across the country, with tens of thousands of participants. The latest actions come amid declining US public support for Israel in the past month, Reuters reported, citing an opinion poll. According to polling from Reuters/Ispos, the majority of Americans believe that Israel should call a ceasefire. About 68% of respondents said they agreed that Israel should call a ceasefire and try to negotiate. A majority of Democratic voters also believe that Israels overwhelming response to the 7 October Hamas attack, in which the Islamist extremists killed more than 1,200 people in southern Israel and took hostages back to Gaza, is too much, according to a new NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist poll. And 56% of Democrats have said that Israels military operations in Gaza have been too much, which is 21 points higher than a similar survey last month. People of color in the US as well as those under the age of 45 also believe that Israels response has been disproportionate, pointing to generational and racial splits around support for Israel. Meanwhile, 52% of Republicans viewed Israels response as about right, an increase from last months poll when more Republicans then viewed Israels reaction as too little. Overall, the majority of respondents say they are more sympathetic to Israelis than Palestinians. remaining of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. Lose weight Go to the gym Quit smoking Get outside more Be more kind Other Vote View Results More than a dozen South Korean investors pressed the government again Friday to provide compensation for their losses stemming from a long-stalled tour program in North Korea. The latest call came a day before the 25th anniversary of the launch of the tour program at Mount Kumgang, a scenic mountain resort on North Korea's east coast. The investors called for a special bill to recoup their losses, and write off relevant debt and interest, saying in a news conference that the government should be accountable for what they claimed to be insufficient preparation to put in place a legal basis for compensation. The unification ministry, which handles inter-Korean affairs, said the matter should be discussed in the National Assembly, in response to a question on the requests for compensation. The cross-border tour program was once hailed as a key symbol of reconciliation between South and North Korea. It attracted more than 1.95 million visitors, providing much-needed hard currency to North Korea. In 2008, South Korea suspended tours after a South Korean female tourist was shot dead by a North Korean guard near the resort. Pyongyang claimed the tourist had ventured into an off-limits military area. In 2016, North Korea seized all assets of the South Korean businesses and completely annulled business agreements. The mountain resort also served as a venue for temporary reunions of families in South and North Korea separated following the 1950-53 Korean War, which ended in a cease-fire and not a peace treaty. (Yonhap) YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 17, ARMENPRESS. On November 17, Minister of Defense of Armenia Suren Papikyan received the Minister of Defense of Georgia Juansher Burchuladze in the Ministry of Defense headquarters in Yerevan. During the welcoming ceremony, the national anthems of the Republic of Armenia and Georgia were played. An expanded meeting followed the private meeting of the defense ministers, the defense ministry said in a readout. Papikyan and Burchuladze highly valued the current status of cooperation. Issues related to Armenian-Georgian defense cooperation and regional security were discussed. The sides presented the details on ongoing reforms in the armed forces of the both countries. Following the official meeting, a bilateral cooperation plan between the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Armenia and the Ministry of Defense of Georgia was signed by the Defense Ministers. Afterwards, the Minister of Defense of Georgia Juansher Burchuladze planted a spruce on the territory of the administrative complex of the defense ministry. YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 17, ARMENPRESS. The Investigative Committee opened a criminal investigation into the deadly explosion that occurred in the basement of the Chemistry Faculty of Yerevan State University on November 17. In a statement, the law enforcement agency said the victim of the blast who died was 73 years old. It did not release the victims identities. His body was found in the basement where the fire and blast occurred. Three others, including a responding police officer, were injured. The police officer is hospitalized for smoke inhalation. The two other victims, who the YSU identified as their workers, 70 and 66 years old, are being treated for burns at a hospital. The criminal investigation was opened under paragraph 2, article 355 of the Criminal Code (aggravated violation of safety requirements in construction or other works leading to death or serious injury), as well as paragraph 2, article 357 (aggravated violation of fire safety requirements leading to death or serious injury). Investigators are working at the scene. SOFIA, NOVEMBER 17, ARMENPRESS/BTA. A total of 314,285 Bulgarian citizens declared that they had resided outside the country for more than one year in the period 1980-2021 and returned or arrived in the country during the same period. Most of them returned from the United Kingdom 47,000, or 14.9%, followed by Germany 41,000, or 13.1%, Spain 27,000, or 8.7%, and Greece 27,000, or 8.5% of those residing abroad, the National Statistical Institute (NSI) said. The data from Census 2021 is included in the new "Census 2021 Statistical Guide" published on the NSI website. The census took place from September 7 to October 10 of 2021. The publication contains data on the main demographic, ethno-cultural, health and socio-economic characteristics of the population, on migration, and on the location of the workplace/school of employees/students. As at September 7, 2021, the population of Bulgaria was 6,519,789. In the period between the two censuses, 2011-2021, the country's population decreased by 844,781 people, or by 11.5%. The ethnic structure of the returning Bulgarian citizens is similar to the ethnic structure of the population - 84.5% of them have self-identified as Bulgarians, 9.6% as Turkish, and 2.3% as Roma. The number of foreign citizens who arrived in the country during the monitoring period was 39,853. Citizens of European countries, 77.4%, and Asian countries, 17.8%, had the highest share of all foreigners who arrived in the country. Most of the foreigners have settled in Sofia, 33.4%, Varna, 13.8%, and Burgas, 11.5%. A total of 395,690 people declared that they had changed their place of usual residence during the period 2011-2021. Of them, 224,000 people, or 56.6% of all migrants, have changed their place of residence from one city to another within the country. The number of people who moved from cities to villages was 88,000, or 22.1%, followed by rural-urban migrants, 62,000, or 15.6%. The smallest is the relative share of migrants who changed their residence from one village to another, 22,000, or 5.7% of all migrated people. (This information is being published according to an agreement between Armenpress and BTA.) YEREVAN, 17 NOVEMBER, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs Armenpress that today, 17 November, USD exchange rate down by 0.31 drams to 402.41 drams. EUR exchange rate up by 0.75 drams to 437.50 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate down by 0.01 drams to 4.52 drams. GBP exchange rate up by 0.71 drams to 500.28 drams. The Central Bank has set the following prices for precious metals. Gold price up by 263.82 drams to 25618.10 drams. Silver price up by 3.13 drams to 306.24 drams. YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 17, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan received the delegation led by the President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Pia Kauma. The Prime Minister emphasized the fact that the OSCE PA session will be held in Yerevan for the first time and expressed hope that effective discussions and active dialogue will take place within the framework of the session, the Prime Ministers Office said in a readout. Pia Kauma thanked for organizing and hosting the OSCE PA session at a high level, adding that the processes taking place in the South Caucasus and the international arena will be discussed. The sides referred to the humanitarian problems of more than 100,000 forcibly displaced persons from Nagorno-Karabakh as a result of Azerbaijan's ethnic cleansing policy, as well as to the steps taken by the Armenian government to overcome them. The support of the international community in solving the existing problems was emphasized. The interlocutors discussed issues related to the process of normalization of Armenia-Azerbaijan relations. The importance of continuing the peace process based on the principles agreed upon in the trilateral meetings held in Brussels on May 14 and July 15, 2023 was emphasized. Nikol Pashinyan and Pia Kauma exchanged views on regional peace and stability, as well as other issues of mutual interest. SP has fielded its candidates in 68 assembly seats in regions in Madhya Pradesh bordering Uttar Pradesh National President of Samajwadi Party Akhilesh Yadav during an election campaign roadshow in support of party candidate Meera Deepak Yadav ahead of Assembly polls, in Niwari, Madhya Pradesh, Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023. (PTI Photo) BHOPAL: Aggressive campaign by Samajwadi Party (SP) supremo and former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav for his party candidates in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh has raised many eyebrows in political circles here. A section of Congress here is viewing the move by Mr Yadav as a strategy aimed at teaching the grand old party a lesson for dumping SP after starting negotiation for seat sharing with it for the November 17 assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh. The seriousness demonstrated by Mr Yadav to fight the ensuing assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh has surprised us. Never in the past, the SP had marshalled its resources and manpower to run its campaign in the polls in MP as it had done in this election, a senior Congress leader told this newspaper here on Thursday, requesting not to be quoted. The SP has fielded its candidates in 68 assembly seats in the regions of Bundelkhand, Gwalior-Chambal and Vindya in Madhya Pradesh bordering Uttar Pradesh in this poll. SP had launched a campaign blitzkrieg in Madhya Pradesh by fielding its star campaigners including the party supremo Mr Yadav, and other senior leaders such as Dimple Yadav, Shivpal Yadav and Dharmendra Yadav. The party leaders had held no less than 90 election rallies and three dozen road shows in different parts of these three regions, senior SP leader Yash Bharitya told this newspaper. The SP chief himself had held 25 election rallies to drum up support for his party candidates, while his wife Dimple addressed three public meetings. In the 2018 assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh, SP fielded its candidates in 42 seats and won in one seat. SP had come second in six seats in the last assembly polls. According to Mr Bhartiya, the party had sought Congress to leave six seats in MP. Negotiation for seat-sharing between the two parties had also started. But, Congress dumped SP without even informing us, he said. The SP chief had taken the matter seriously and decided to go alone in the elections in MP, he added. Congress veteran Digvijay Singh has earlier said that he wanted Congress to forge alliance with SP by leaving the regional party four seats in MP. But, I dont know why the talks between the two parties have failed, he has earlier said. A Congress leader admitted that SP is in a position to damage poll prospects of both Congress and BJP candidates in a dozen seats in the polls. In his words: "I am just a professional writer, which means I don't do blogs and try and get money for whatever I write." Suella Braverman Removed as Home Secretary: A Political Demise at Diwali O come with old Bachchoo and leave the lot Of God-men and life-style gurus forgot Let them preach to gullible fools On their quest for spirit -- heed them not! From Hey Bhagwan, What about Hindoostan? by Bachchoo A bit of schadenfreude never hurt nobody. Or maybe it did -- but this week at the festive time of Diwali, and projecting back to Dussehra, which was only in October, so not so long ago Gentle reader, I did not even at Dussehra construct a statue on Tutenkhaman (sorry, Tooting Common!) and set it alight as dark descended. I did put out festive lights on the doorstep at Diwali, but my philosophical delight was Dussherric and prompted by the stumble and fall of a political demon. Yes, Cruella Cowardperson, sometimes known as Suella Braverman, has been toppled from her home office pedestal. PM Hedgie Sunoch finally decided that he no longer has to tolerate her hate speeches. He and his chamchas certainly took Tory Party soundings and discovered that his fear of Cruella being the leader of a right-wing Tory faction was now, after her latest boo-boos, no longer a threat. Even if these Cruella-gang MPs, known as the European Research Group (which is like calling animals in London Zoo The Einsteinian Research Group), agree with Nasty-ellas statements, her attack in an article in The Times on the Metropolitan Police, of whom she is ultimately in charge, was a dog-whistle too far. The story? On the Monday before last Saturday, Cruella wrote an article in The Times saying that Londons police force should shut down the pro-Palestinian demonstration scheduled for that following Saturday, which was Remembrance Day. Her article claimed that the police was soft on left-wing demonstrations and hard on right-wing ones. She labelled the pro-Palestinian demonstration a hate march. Hedgie, who made his fortune by speculation in hedge funds, sat on the hedge (Have I got the expression wrong? --fd) on this one. Though it is a binding convention that the government speaks with one voice and not with a forked tongue -- and that all public statements of import should be approved by the PMs office -- this article was not, and Hedgie knew it was not, but did nothing immediately about it. He made pious statements about Remembrance Day being about memorials to those who had sacrificed their lives in the world wars, and blah blah! He spoke to the Metropolitan Police commissioner who took the perfectly legal view that he couldnt see sufficient cause to ban the pro-Palestine demo. Then events took their course. The organisers of the Palestinian demo assured the Met police commissioner that they would not go anywhere near Whitehall where the Cenotaph to the fallen soldiers stands. They would meet in Hyde Park and march to the US embassy in Vauxhall. The police said that 300,000 people turned up on the pro-Palestinian demonstration. The organisers contend that it was more like 800,000. The demo went off peacefully. There were no attacks on the police, though they did make eight or ten arrests, including of some deranged provocateur shouting kill all Jews and someone who shouted Hitler was right, or words to that effect. The other 700,992 called for an end to the killing of Palestinian civilians and demolition of their homes, schools, hospitals, etc etc. But, gentle reader, as Cruella watched from her protected home and as Hedgie peered from atop the Hedge, a few hundred self-confessed British Nazis went to the Cenotaph to protect it and attacked and fought the police in Whitehall and then in nearby Pimlico, from where they were headed to Vauxhall to attack the pro-Palestine demonstration. Around a hundred of them were arrested and charged, not with hate speech, but with assaulting the police. So, Cruellas contention was right? The police were lenient with the peaceful pro-Palestine march which exercised its right to free speech, and they were hard on the right-wing patriots who were perhaps provoked into attacking the biased coppers as Cruella, home secretary, if you please, pointed to the police as the enemy of those she sympathised with. Oh -- and one of the marchers at the pro-Palestine demo proclaimed that Yes, it is a hate march -- We hate Suella. These events indicated to Hedgie that he should climb down from the hedge and summon the courage to sack Ravan -- I mean um Cruella. He did. Another torch to Ravan was last Wednesdays judgment by Britains Supreme Court that the scheme dreamed up by the three UK immigrants I mean Priti Patel, Hedgie Sunoch and Cruella -- to send asylum seekers to Rwanda was illegal. These three have already spent millions of pounds of taxpayers money on this scheme and itll now have to be scrapped. Hate-waste? Cruella has also attacked homeless people in Britain saying they make a lifestyle choice and sleep on the pavement, and in tents supplied by charities, because they like suffering thus. Again, she calculates that this nasty rhetoric will win her Tory members votes and project her, when Hedgie like Humpty falls off the hedge, into being a possible leader of the party and hence a future Prime Minister. This is a total misreading of the British perennial mood. Yes, there is xenophobia, yes there is racism, yes there is some backlash against purported scroungers, but Britain still has procedures through which Ravan can be home minister in, perhaps, Ayodhya. Until next Dussehra, that is! Efforts to challenge establishment face dissent with no promise of moving forward By Jung Min-ho When it was launched three weeks ago, the ruling People Power Party's (PPP) innovation committee under the direction of Ihn Yo-han, a naturalized Korean doctor, received much praise both from within and outside the party. Ihn and 12 members of the committee, mostly ordinary people from different walks of life with their own areas of expertise, symbolized what he said were changes to come. The committee's first proposal, to offer special pardons to key party members whose memberships were suspended, was approved by the PPPs Supreme Council on Oct. 2, just three days after it was raised. But the efforts to improve the partys chances of winning in the general elections early next year faced fierce resistance when the committee proposed that senior members of the National Assembly not seek reelection or run in swing districts instead of the PPPs traditional strongholds. The reform efforts have seen scant progress as most senior party members have refused to accept the proposal. Amid growing worries about the reform efforts losing steam, Rep. Kim Gi-hyeon, chief of the PPP, had a meeting with Ihn at the party's headquarters in Seoul, Friday. Although Kim encouraged Ihn to "continue to bring up new ideas and opinions," the party chief did not say whether the PPP will adopt the committees second and third proposals, which are mostly about reforming the establishment and giving young and female politicians more opportunities in the upcoming election. Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Park Jung-ha, a PPP spokesman, said Kim thanked Ihn during the meeting for making a successful reform model. The spokesman added that the two reaffirmed their trust and respect for the committees efforts. Kim said he respects and has a tremendous level of empathy with the committees point of view and would consider (adopting) the proposals, he said. But Kim asked for Ihns understanding as the proposals should be discussed considering the situation the party is in and its procedures. Ihn said the difference in their stances was not surprising and pledged not to give up. Im walking a difficult path for change. I will continue to take steps steadily, Ihn said. The people want change. They (politicians) all know that. Comparing the reform to surgery, he said removing the bad part with a scalpel is essential, even though it may be painful for the patient. Later that day, the committee issued its fourth proposal calling on the party not give special treatment to anyone in the race to win nominations, including those close to President Yoon Suk Yeol. As the party shows little willingness for serious reforms, committee members are apparently displeased, with some even suggesting disbanding the group in protest. If that happens, it would be a major blow to the PPP, especially at a time when Lee Jun-seok, former PPP chairman, and other leading members of the partys faction representing young people, are threatening to leave what the ex-party head described as a dying party. Speaking at a meeting with Ihn, Kim Moo-sung, former head of the Liberty Korea Party, a predecessor of the PPP, said he had high hopes for the committees success. If I could give you some advice, as Id like to see good results for the future of the party, there were situations in which we all knew the right answer but could not implement it, he said. The party faces a major crisis now. Many party members and the people who wish their country the best have great expectations for the committee under Ihn. Today's News: Hamas reassures Bangkok about the condition of the 25 Thai hostages, a kidnapped migrant woman has reportedly given birth in Gaza. Vietnam has expanded work on artificial islands in the Spratly Islands disputed with China. 20% of young people in East Timor are neither studying nor working. Kazakhstan has reached 20 million inhabitants. PHILIPPINES-UNITED STATES On the sidelines of the APEC summit underway in San Francisco, the United States and the Philippines signed an agreement on Friday that will allow Washington to export nuclear technology and material to Manila, which is exploring the use of nuclear energy to decarbonize and increase energy independence. Philippine President Marcos Jr has repeatedly called for the reactivation of the only nuclear plant in the Philippines - the Bataan power plant, completed in 1984 - closed two years later, following the ouster of his father, the Chernobyl nuclear disaster and the accusations of corruption. THAILAND-PALESTINE-ISRAEL The Thai government has received information from Hamas that 25 of its citizens held hostage in Gaza by the Palestinian terrorist group are safe. This was stated by Muslim politician Lepong Syed, who is part of the team of negotiators who are negotiating for the release of their kidnapped fellow citizens. Meanwhile, Sara Netanyahu, wife of the Israeli prime minister, revealed that one of the foreign migrant women held hostage gave birth in Gaza during her captivity. VIETNAM-CHINA Vietnam has stepped up dredging and seabed filling work in the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea, creating an additional 330 acres of land since December last year. The expansion, much larger than the 120 acres created between 2012 and 2022, made Vietnam second only to China in terms of island-building in the Spratly archipelago, the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) said ) from Washington in a new report released this week that is based on satellite imagery. EAST TIMOR 20% of young people aged between 15 and 24 in East Timor do not study or work due to serious deficiencies in the education system. This was revealed by a recent World Bank report on the topic of human capital. Average school attendance is only 6.3 years and is symptomatic of the country's poor performance in offering learning opportunities. INDIA Four migrant workers from Bihar died in Surat in the Indian state of Gujarat due to asphyxiation while manually cleaning a septic tank. Although this is a practice that has been banned in India since 2013, according to official government data, 339 people have died while engaging in this type of activity in India in the last five years. RUSSIA The Russian Federal Customs Service (FTS) has published data on Russia's foreign trade, from which it can be deduced that in the period January-September 2023 it decreased by 16% overall, falling from 629 to 530 billion dollars. Exports decreased by 29%, while imports increased by 18%, with a positive balance of just over 103 billion, 2.6 times less than last year, when it was 268 billion. KAZAKHSTAN The twenty-millionth inhabitant was born in Kazakhstan, two years after the 19-millionth, as President Kasym-Zomart Tokaev triumphantly announced, recalling that "a happy family is the foundation of the nation's well-being and the country's constant progress", therefore the State will continue to strengthen the values of family, motherhood and childhood. by John Ai A few hours before the deadline to register candidates for the January election, the pro-China Kuomintang and the party of former Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je reached an agreement that appeared highly unlikely for a long time that could have a major impact on the election. During the ongoing campaign, Vice President Lai Ching-te has been in the lead for the pro-autonomy Democratic Progressive Party. Both Beijing and Washington are following the election with apprehension. Taipei (AsiaNews) Taiwan was one of the main topics addressed in the summit between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden, and remains a top source of friction between Beijing and Washington. Just before the two leaders met in San Francisco, a major event occurred in Taiwan. The two main opposition parties reached an agreement to run a joint campaign in next Januarys presidential election. By joining forces, the two parties want to counter current polls that see the candidate for the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) firmly in the lead. The pro-Beijing Kuomintang Party (KMT) and the Taiwan People's Party (TPP) of former Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je have agreed to coordinate candidates for the presidency and the vice presidency a few days from the deadline of 20 November for the registration of candidates. The two parties have agreed to decide on the presidential and vice-presidential candidates based on the result of the latest polls. They also agreed to form a coalition government if they win the elections. Former Kuomintang Chairman Ma Ying-jeou attended the meeting where the agreement was drafted as a witness. Both parties have agreed that, once elected, the president will be responsible for national defence, diplomacy, and relations across the Taiwan Strait. Cabinet posts will be allocated according to the parties share of votes. The TPP will play the role of a counterweight and balance, while the KMT will be responsible for construction and development. The DPP of outgoing president Tsai Ing-wen, which is in favour of independence, has governed Taiwan for eight years. If Vice President Lai Ching-te, the DPPs presidential candidate, wins in January, it would be a third consecutive term, an unprecedented feat for the party. If the KMT-TPP alliance wins, Taiwan will have the first coalition government in its history. The latest poll by United Daily News gives Lai Ching-te 26 per cent of the vote. KMT leader Hou Yu-ih is at 18 per cent, while Ko Wen-je is backed by 21 per cent. Business tycoon and Foxconn founder Terry Gou is running as an independent, and is credited with 7 per cent of the vote. In China, tax authorities have launched a tax inspection into Foxconn after Terry Gou announced his election campaign, even though he is pro-China. It is widely believed that the fragmented landscape of the election campaign is favourable to the ruling party. The DPP insists that dialogue with China should be based on a level playing field. The pro-Chinese KMT candidate Hou Yu-ih proposes to reduce military service for men to four months, sparking a controversy. Hou Yu-ih and Ko Wen-je intend to resume the Cross-Strait Service Trade Agreement with China, which sparked mass protests nearly 10 years ago. Ko Wen-je's speeches about women and LGBT groups have also caused some controversy. Collaboration between the two main opposition parties has been discussed for some time, but both had different views on presidential and vice-presidential candidates. TPP supporters expect their candidate Ko Wen-je to be the presidential candidate to bring more people to the polls, while KMT supporters argue that their party has more resources in parliament and local government. For a long time, the idea of an alliance seemed far-fetched. The American Institute in Taiwan, the de facto US embassy in Taiwan, called Ko Wen-je asking him to clarify if the decision was made under pressure from Beijing. In recent years, the People's Republic of China has strengthened its military presence around the self-governing island. China is sending more military aircraft and ships to sail around Taiwan, and military exercises have become more frequent. The ruling DPP proposes to increase the defence force and boost weapon development. Taiwan's plans for the independent production of military aircraft and submarines are ongoing. In addition, Taiwan has extended compulsory military service for men to one year. China is making every effort to isolate Taiwan in the international community, but Taiwan's special ties with the United States and some Western countries continue. The US continues to provide military aid to Taiwan boosting its defence capabilities, which is crucial to maintaining the current situation in the Taiwan Strait. by Melani Manel Perera The petition to the Supreme Court blames the former government for causing a fall in state revenues because of tax breaks, its decision to continue accumulating sovereign debt without any restructuring, and the refusal to seek assistance from the International Monetary Fund. The former president and finance minister has rejected the validity of the court's ruling. Colombo (AsiaNews) Sri Lankas Supreme Court has ruled that the top officials in a former Sri Lankan government were well-responsible figures for the countrys current economic mess. On Tuesday, the highest court determined that former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, former Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa (all brothers), the former governors of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka W.D Lakshman and Ajith Nivard Cabraal, former Treasury Secretary S.R. Attygala, and former Secretary of the President Dr P.B. Jayasundera violated the public trust and breached Article 12, paragraph 1, of the Constitution, in their administration of the economy, leading to the countrys economic crisis. Reacting to the ruling, former president and former finance minister Mahinda Rajapaksa said he would not accept the Supreme Court's judgment. The Court's decision stems from a petition by Transparency International (TISL), and was signed by Jehan CanagaRetna, former Ceylon Chamber of Commerce President Chandra Jayaratne, swimming champion Julian Bolling, and Dr Mahim Mendis of Sri Lanka Open University, among others. Following the ruling, TISL stressed that its petition was made in the public interest, considering the lack of accountability and transparency in the decision-making process by the high offices of the state that brought Sri Lanka to its knees. As a result, food, medicine, and fuel are today in short supply in the country, affecting the entire population. Finally, the petition points out that the reduction in state revenues caused by the tax breaks of the former government, the decision to continue accumulating sovereign debt without any restructuring, and the refusal to seek assistance from the International Monetary Fund were among the main factors that caused the economic crisis. The Supreme Court's ruling was issued on the basis of the opinion of the majority of the five-judge bench Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya, PC, and Justices Buwaneka Aluwihare, PC; Priyantha Jayawardena, PC; Vijith Malalgoda, PC; and Murdu Fernando, PC. Four voted in favour of the petition, with only one dissenting voice, that of Justice Priyantha Jayawardena. The Court's ruling notes that the members of the previous legislature should have known what could have happened to the country and should have taken action to resolve the situation. Instead, they did not act and did not take proper steps to remedy the situation in the interest of the country. The signatories of the petition that led to this landmark ruling turned to the court in the collective interest and did not seek compensation. by Vladimir Rozanskij Ashgabat (AsiaNews) - In Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan, the IV International Festival "Theatrical art of the era of happiness" was held from 14 to 16 November, in which theater collectives from various Turanian countries, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan took part , Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Tatarstan, Turkey and Uzbekistan. Part of the performances took place in the new model city of Arkadag, under construction under the supervision and in honor of former president Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov, current president of the Turkmen senate. According to the tradition of these festivals, the opening ceremony presided over by the president-son Serdar was held at the Main Drama Theater of Ashgabat, named after St. Turkmenbasi the Great", the title attributed to the first post-Soviet president of Turkmenistan, Saparmurat Nijazov, called the Turkmenbasi, that is, the "leader of all Turkmen". The theater groups paraded in front of the facade of the building, accompanied by the music and dances of the "Mollanepes" student theater, named after a nineteenth-century Turkmen poet. All the shows represented the traditions, stories and life of the Turanian people, taking up ancient texts and proposing new elaborations. The opening was shown from the stage of the Konuller kelamy to the new Arkadag Drama Theater, dedicated to the life and works of the great Turkmen poet and thinker Makhtumkuli Fragi. At the national theater in Ashgabat, this was followed by a performance by the group from the city of Taldyqorgan, one of the most representative centers of Turanian culture in Kazakhstan, on the theme "The fate of the defenseless". Tajik Youth Theater M. Vakhidov proposed the show A night away from the Homeland, linked to the experiences of the many migrants, both working and otherwise, from these countries, while the musical-dramatic theater of Khwarezmia from Uzbekistan staged the play Sasenev and Garib , other figures from the regional tradition taken in many versions, from fairy tales to films, a story of love and marriage in which money, wealth and fame are contrasted with the strength of art, poetry and music. An original performance was also dedicated to the poet Makhtumkuli by the dramatic theater of the Batken region in Kyrgyzstan, while the dramatic art theater of the Russian republic of Tatarstan proposed a work called Prislyj, The Stranger, on the theme of the difficult coexistence between ethnic groups, increasingly relevant due to migratory phenomena and the upheavals of conflicts. Many other performances from all countries enriched the festival, which concluded with a round table on the issues of the development of theatrical culture and the need for collaboration and dialogue in this area between all interested peoples and ethnic groups. In the end, all the participants visited the museums and monuments of the capital and the new "smart-city" of Arkadag, to become even more aware of the desire for greatness and the importance of Turanian culture in the contemporary world. I'm fine, as I'm very fortunate to own my home I own, but I'm feeling the pinch on my mortgage with other inflation costs I rent and it's expensive, but it could be worse I'm seriously considering leaving the valley if something doesn't give Vote View Results Three years ago, Cadillac trademarked the Optiq moniker in Switzerland. Back then, we wondered why the iconic GM brand chose a non-European Union and very small country to do so. Now, we are finally getting a real shot at discovering the company's plan for international domination. Here's what's going on. SUV Cadillac confirmed that the Optiq is real and will join its ranks soon. Pricing and specific details will be published next year. The entry-level crossoverwill likely enter production in late 2024 as a 2025 model-year high-riding all-electric vehicle.The Optiq looks like a miniaturized Lyriq but boasts the same intimidating allure. The exterior design allows bystanders to place it in the automaker's lineup immediately. It doesn't allow room for confusion, especially after you notice the rear-end design. It's an instant reminder that the opulent and incredibly expensive Celestiq sedan exists.The brand-new crossover SUV's aspect makes a lot of sense because Cadillac scored a major win with this novel design language. The newcomer oozes a luxurious appeal and might steal market share from other players in this crowded segment.The all-electric Optiq is looking more and more like Cadillac's secret weapon that should help it expand rapidly into other markets. New car buyers prefer high-riding vehicles that provide a better seating position and more all-around visibility.Besides that, the Optiq nameplate was first trademarked in Switzerland three years ago. That was slightly confusing at first because the ambitions of GM's brand were not known. But the brand will soon open a physical store in Zurich, Switzerland's largest city. European buyers won't have to discuss with a salesperson because online orders will also be possible.We expect the luxury version of the Chevy Equinox and the Lyriq to be sold side by side, a move that would offer prospective customers two Ultium-powered choices.At the same time, the Optiq was revealed in production guise in China this summer. The leak signals that Cadillac aims to establish a strong presence in Europe and Asia. Unfortunately for the American brand, it also revealed some of the initial specs.The small crossover SUV should enter production in Wuhan next year, while a SAIC-CATL joint venture should provide the high-voltage energy storage unit. Initial details reveal that the Optiq will have a single-motor layout with two power output levels 200 and 240 hp.Size-wise, the Optiq should measure 189.8 inches in length and have a wheelbase of 116.3 inches. The latter happens to be similar to Chevy's Equinox. By European standards, this new Cadillac is anything but small. But maybe those living over the pond will appreciate having more space.Finally, GM is bent on dropping Apple CarPlay and Android Auto because the brand plans on making a comprehensive software push that should make customers forget about their smartphones. We'll see if it leads customers to other brands or not. First and foremost, inhibitor switch refers to a safety device that prevents a given vehicle from starting unless certain system conditions are fulfilled. For example, if the gear lever isn't in the park or neutral positions. Also known as neutral safety switch, this device prompted a 95,830-vehicle recall at Subaru. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Photo: Subaru Recalled vehicles include the 2021 model year Crosstrek, the 2022 model year Forester , the 2021 through 2023 Legacy, and the same years for the Outback. The long and short of it is that an insufficient weld allows water to enter the inhibitor switch, thus preventing the reverse lights from illuminating and the rearview camera image from displaying on the infotainment system's touchscreen.As per documents filed with the, the transmission gear select indicator also becomes inoperative. Subaru can't rule out the inability to start the engine either. Affected vehicles were assembled in the period between February 8, 2021 and August 25, 2022. The inhibitor switch, identified under part number 31918AA120, is produced by Japan's Tokai Rika.When did Subaru receive the first report from the US market over this problem? That would be June 2021, with the owner alleging that his vehicle failed to display reverse or drive on the combination meter. That very month, the supplier rotated a welding jig out of the production process as part of regular maintenance. Come September 2022, the folks at Tokai Rika identified a defect in the welding jig introduced in switch production back in June 2021.Rather than issuing a recall then and there, Subaru preferred to continue monitoring field data. Fast forward to November 2023, and the grand total of reports filed with Subaru of America over said condition is 12. On the upside, the Japanese automaker isn't aware of any crashes or injuries related to defective switches that failed as a result of water ingress.As mentioned earlier, 95,830 vehicles are recalled in the US market. The recall condition was corrected at Tokai Rika's plant on June 16, 2021. Dealers have already been instructed to replace the inhibitor switch at no cost to the owners, who will be informed of this problem via first-class mail in January 2024.Remedy switches have been manufactured with an appropriate weld that doesn't allow water to get in. Owners who paid to have the inhibitor switch replaced prior to the publishing of safety recall number 23V-755 are eligible for reimbursement.Redesigned for the 2025 model year on a stiffer version of the Subaru Global Platform, the Forester isn't the best-selling Scooby out there. As far as the United States of America is concerned, the sales champ is the Outback due to 135,277 deliveries from January 2023 through October 2023. Who said wagons (posing as crossovers) aren't cool anymore?The Legacy is best described as the four-door sibling of the Outback, a sedan with slightly cleaner looks than the heavily cladded wagon. Pricing for the Outback and Legacy starts at $28,895 and $24,895, respectively, whereas the Forester and Crosstrek presently sticker at $27,095 and $24,995 in the US. Korea has begun imposing temporary anti-dumping duties of 72.23 percent on white Portland cement imported from Egypt, officials said Friday. The finance ministry began levying the duties on white cement from Egypt on Wednesday to be effective for four months after the Korea Trade Commission (KTC) under the industry ministry announced its preliminary anti-dumping findings against the imports and recommended the imposition in September. The anti-dumping deposit is meant to prevent potential damage from the imports to the local industry, while it carries out an additional probe, according to ministry officials. The probe came as domestic cement producer Union filed a complaint in March against Egypt's Royal El Minya Cement and Albatros International Cement Trading, complaining that their cheap imports have negatively affected its business and the cement industry in Korea. The volume of dumping imports surged to 9,240 tons in 2022, accounting for around 10 percent of the Korean market, from around 1,000 tons the previous year. The final tariff rates will be determined after the KTC wraps up the investigation, the officials said. Union is Korea's only manufacturer of white Portland cement, which is used for general construction and decoration. (Yonhap) Subaru of America is recalling a handful of vehicles equipped with improperly manufactured front driveshaft assemblies. The gist of it is that the outer race is prone to cracking. If the outer race breaks, that would obviously result in the loss of motive power. Photo: Subaru No fewer than four part numbers are listed in the document attached below, namely front driveshaft assemblies 28321VC020, 28321SJ010, 28321FN030, and 28321FN000. Supplied by NTN Corporation, said assemblies fail due to a reduction in the flow rate of cooling water around the outer race during the heat treatment process. In other words, improper cooling to the inner surface of the race and quench cracking to the outer surface of said race.Somewhat remarkable in this industry, the supplier informed Subaru about its blunder. Initial findings indicated that no potentially affected parts were shipped to Subaru for vehicle production, but alas, certain assemblies did slip through. Come November 2, the Japanese automaker determined that no more than 3,732 vehicles have to be inspected. Of those, 1 percent are believed to feature cracked outer races.Subaru isn't aware of any field reports potentially related to said concern. The affected vehicles will be inspected at no cost to the owners, and if necessary be replaced with properly manufactured assemblies. Owner notification letters will be sent via first-class mail no later than January 8 of next year.The Crosstrek is the most affordable nameplate included in the population of potentially affected vehicles, with Subaru recalling a total of 2,835 units produced for the 2024 model year between September 5 and September 13. Next up, the Forester numbers 328 units manufactured for 2023 and 2024 between September 4 and September 14 this year.328 units of the 2023 to 2024 model year Impreza also needs to be mentioned (also September 4 to September 14), as well as 413 units of the 2023 model year WRX (September 1 to September 13). Care to guess what these vehicles have in common other than their badges and flat-four engine layout? Of course, all are underpinned by the Subaru Global Platform.Said vehicle architecture was updated for the freshly redesigned Impreza, Crosstrek, and Forester, with the latter being advertised as being all-new for the 2025 model year . In truth, you wouldn't dare call a vehicle with a similar platform, engine, and transmission as the former generation all-new, would you?Rather than the Forester, the brand's most popular nameplate in the US market is rather surprisingly the Outback . Precisely 135,277 units were delivered from January 2023 through October 2023, whereas Forester deliveries totaled 121,824 examples. The Crosstrek fared better, clocking 128,400 deliveries.Of the aforementioned nameplates, only the WRX can be had with a manual transmission. The only other Scooby available with a stick shift is the BRZ, which as you may already know, is twinned with the Toyota GR86. The 'Yota is manufactured by Subaru at the Gunma plant, where Subaru also produces the WRX, Crosstrek, Impreza, and Levorg station wagon. The Fast Lane has recently pitted all three generations of the long-running Toyota Tundra against each other. At nearly a mile above sea level in Colorado, that is, on a runway. Given that both the first and second generations of the Tundra boast naturally-aspirated V8 engines, the third generation is without a shadow of a doubt the favorite here. Photo: The Fast Lane on YouTube How did they fare? Not surprising in the least, the hybrid-assisted gen three proved quicker in the quarter mile than its combustion-only predecessors. The numbers in question are 15.24 seconds at 94.4 miles per hour (make that 152 kilometers per hour), 16.84 at 86.6 mph (139 kph), and 17.53 seconds at 82 mph (132 kph). Significant differences, for sure!The Fast Lane also performed a braking test from 60 miles per hour (97 kilometers per hour), which obviously enough is the most technologically advanced pickup won by a considerable margin. Pictured with off-road tires in a paint color that Toyota dubs Terra, the TRD Pro in the video below required 93 feet (28 meters) to come to a full stop.The second and first generations of the Tundra performed rather similarly: 111 feet and 115 feet, respectively, meaning 34 and 35 meters if you prefer metric. Oh, and by the way, that gen two happens to show a little over 225,000 miles (362,102 kilometers) on the clock. It's not much for that V8, though, an engine that is well known to handle a million miles as long as it receives fresh oil and filters on time. Victor Sheppard's 2007 workhorse comes to mind.Toyota purchased Sheppard's million-mile truck in 2016, a truck powered by a 4.7-liter V8 that began life as a piece of cast iron in Huntsville, Alabama on March 28, 2007. Internally referred to as 2UZ-FE, this engine isn't the only V8 offered in the second-gen Tundra. The 4.6-liter 1UR-FE also needs to be mentioned, along with the larger 5.7-liter 3UR-FE.Older Tundras also came with six-cylinder lumps, namely 3.4- and 4.0-liter V6 engines from the VZ and GR families. Rather than improving the UR-series V8, the Japanese automaker decided to make the third-gen Tundra exclusively V6. But with a twist, that twist being forced induction. A 3.4-liter sixer rather than 3.5 as implied by the V35A-FTS codename, said engine comes in a variety of tunes. The TRD Pro is exclusively hybrid, which means 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet (790 Nm) of electrified twist.Not exactly the most capable half-ton pickup in production today, nor the best value for money in the segment, the 2024 model year Tundra carries a base price of $39,965 for the work-oriented SR. The rest of the lineup comprises the SR5 ($45,500), Limited ($51,855), Platinum ($62,105), 1794 Edition ($62,460), TRD Pro ($72,130), and Capstone ($78,845).Cab choices include Double Cab and CrewMax, whereas bed choices range from 5.5 feet to 6.5 and 8.1 feet. Of course, the 8.1er is exclusive to the Double Cab. Going hybrid means $57,625 at the very least. When it comes to towing and payload capacities, the most you can get out of the 2024 model is 12,000 pounds (5,443 kilograms) and 1,940 lbs (880 kgs).From January 2023 through September 2023, total deliveries of the Tundra numbered 113,939 units in the United States market. By comparison, General Motors and the Ford Motor Company sold 629,201 and 573,370 pickup trucks in the first three quarters of 2023. With a maximum seating capacity of around 330 passengers, the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner is one of the world's most iconic and easily recognizable airplanes. Now, it shines on the world stage once more as it becomes the largest aircraft ever to land in Antarctica. The departure footage is also something to behold. ?? A @flynorse 787 ???? @NorskPolars blue ice runway ???? Sound on Video and photos thanks to our friend Sven Lidstrom at the Norwegian Polar Institute pic.twitter.com/zRGJwUTixT Flightradar24 (@flightradar24) November 16, 2023 Although some may find it hard to believe, planes can safely land on snowy or icy runways. It's common in places like Alaska, some parts of Canada, or Russia's Siberia. These landings require precision braking, a good weather assessment, and enough room for deceleration. However, most of those aircraft are small. Commercial pilots rarely have to deal with such situations. Airports have snowplows and trucks loaded with sand to ensure traction.But Norway's Norse Atlantic Airways took on the challenge to land a loaded Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner in Antarctica . Keep in mind that this is a relatively young company. It was founded in the spring of 2021 and started operating flights in the summer of last year! That makes this achievement all the more impressive.The Norwegian Polar Institute prepared in advance to welcome the aircraft. They made sure the runway was clear and the snow properly flattened to stop it from becoming unmanageable or a hazard. Snow needs dust, sea salt, or volcanic ash to form because water must stick to something for ice crystals to form. That's why too much snow can cause issues for the General Electric or Rolls-Royce engines.Fortunately, there wasn't much work to do because the blue ice runway needed a verification groom that ensured enough friction to secure a good arrival on a sunny day when the temperature measured seven degrees Fahrenheit.The 787-9 Dreamliner landed comfortably on the permanently frozen tundra of Troll's Airfield. It took advantage of the two-mile-long and 330-foot-wide airstrip situated 4.2 miles away from Norway's research station at the South Pole.The plane was loaded with people, equipment, and cargo for the Norwegian Polar Institute and other research stations. Typically, the 787-9 Dreamliner can seat 246 people, excluding the onboard crew. This one hauled more cargo on this occasion, but the aircraft floor didn't have to be modified.Those stationed near the northern edge of Antarctica celebrated the momentous occasion, and Norse Atlantic Airways marked the arrival with a brief photoshoot. The landing and departure footage is impressive and puts on display what humans can achieve when working together. Rarely do we get to see such a big plane making its way onto the South Pole.The successful Antarctica landing and departure also gave the aircraft a belated gift for its 10th anniversary. The airplane had its maiden flight on September 17, 2013.Finally, in 2021, Icelandair made waves by sending a Boeing 767 to Troll Airfield. In a Thursday post on Facebook the embassy showed photographs of the French ambassador to Armenia hiking in the mountains, writing: French Ambassador Olivier Decottignies on the slope of Mount Tezhkar, a strategic point in Armenian territory, on the border with Azerbaijan (Nakhichevan). France is particularly vigilant about the territorial integrity of Armenia and respect for its 1991 borders reiterated in the Prague Declaration. By referring to the 1991 borders, France implies the Almaty Declaration that was signed by Armenia, Azerbaijan and 10 other former Soviet republics in December 1991 after the collapse of the USSR. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev issued a joint statement following their quadrilateral meeting in Prague on October 6, 2022 with French President Emmanuel Macron and European Council President Charles Michel, confirming their commitment to the Charter of the United Nations and the Alma-Ata 1991 Declaration through which both Armenia and Azerbaijan recognize each others territorial integrity and sovereignty. During his visit to Tbilisi, Georgia, last month Pashinian stressed that the key meaning of that Alma-Ata Declaration is that the administrative borders that existed between the republics of the Soviet Union at the moment of the USSRs collapse become state borders. We hope to sign a peace agreement with Azerbaijan in the coming months and restore relations based on these principles, Pashinian said. In his public statements on several occasions Azerbaijani leader Aliyev has said that his country has territorial claims to Armenia. But he has so far declined to recognize the integrity of Armenian territory in numerical terms, something that Pashinian has done repeatedly. Pashinian has said that Azerbaijans narrative about what Armenia perceives as a demand for an extraterritorial land corridor to its western exclave of Nakhichevan and continued talk about Western Azerbaijan, suggesting that Azeris who left Armenia at the start of the conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh in the late 1980s had lived in their historical lands, shows that Azerbaijan is preparing a new war against the Republic of Armenia. Azerbaijan has denied any aggressive plans against Armenian territory, condemning France for its supply of weapons to Armenia under a recent military cooperation agreement signed between the two countries. During a press briefing on November 16 Matthew Miller, a spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State, was asked to comment on Bakus step to refuse to participate in Washington talks planned at the level of foreign ministers. Miller said that we continue to support peace talks to resolve the issues between Azerbaijan and Armenia. We would encourage the two parties to engage in those talks, whether they are here, whether they are somewhere else, and thatll continue to be our policy, he added. Speaking to members of the House Foreign Affairs Committees Subcommittee on Europe as part of a hearing on the future of Nagorno-Karabakh on November 15, James OBrien, assistant secretary at the U.S. State Departments Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs, said that Washington made clear that nothing will be normal with Azerbaijan after the events of September 19 until we see progress on the peace track. The official referred to Bakus one-day military operation in Nagorno-Karabakh as a result of which virtually the entire local Armenian population more than 100,000 people fled to Armenia. OBrien said that Washington canceled a number of high-level visits to Azerbaijan in response to that action and that we dont anticipate submitting a waiver on Section 907 until such time that we see a real improvement. Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act passed along with the adoption of the legislation in 1992 bans any kind of direct United States aid to the Azerbaijani government. A decade later, however, U.S. lawmakers amended Section 907 to allow presidents to repeal it annually to provide military assistance to Azerbaijan such as for countering international terrorism and border security. Azerbaijan on Thursday reacted angrily to the remarks by the U.S. State Department official that its Foreign Ministry described as a blow to relations between the two countries. It said that Baku would, therefore, not send a delegation to Washington for talks between the foreign ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia around a peace agreement that it said were planned for November 20. Last month Azerbaijan also withdrew from at least two meetings planned by the European Union and European leaders. Armenia, on the country, has indicated readiness to engage in further talks with Azerbaijan both in Brussels and Washington. In his remarks during the congressional hearing OBrien said that the next few weeks will be critical in the context of negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan. 17 November 2023 09:00 (UTC+04:00) Abbas Ganbay Read more Developing Azerbaijan is smoothly transitioning to renewable energy sources, which are ready to replace the energy sources of the 3rd industrial revolution with the newly arrived 4th industrial revolution. After the liberation of the lands from Armenian occupation, Azerbaijan is determined to build and receive new power and strength from hydroelectric power plants, windmills, and solar panels both on land and water. By selecting the right components for favorable interaction with the energy given by nature, it is possible to get many times more energy with less effort. The main advantage of new technologies in achieving sustainable development according to the UN plan until 2030, new technologies and their fusion with man. When constructing new plants, it is necessary to consider all processes under a magnifying glass in order not to have a detrimental impact on the environment and, consequently, on people. Among the list of erected and constructed green energy power plants in Azerbaijan, the technical potential of renewable energy sources is 135 GW on land and 157 GW at sea. According to information received on request by AZERNEWS from AREA (Azerbaijan Renewable Energy Agency under the Ministry of Energy), the economic potential of renewable energy sources (RES) is estimated at 27 GW, including 3,000 MW for wind power, 23,000 MW for solar power, 380 MW for bioenergy, and 520 MW for small hydropower potential. The expansion of the use of renewable energy sources was put forward by President Ilham Aliyev as a priority task and the goal of increasing the share of electricity in the installed capacity to 30 percent by 2030 has been set. "Many measures are being taken in this direction. The clean environment and "green growth" of the country are defined as one of the five national priorities of Azerbaijan until 2030. Measures are being implemented to turn Garabagh and East Zangazur into a green energy zone and to create a 'net zero emissions' zone here. Climate finance, which is the foundation of the transition to a low-carbon, sustainable future, plays an important role in the implementation of the green development program. By investing in renewable energy, sustainable infrastructure, and climate-adapted agriculture, Azerbaijan can not only reduce the negative impacts of climate change but also contribute to economic stability and job creation," it was said in the report of the agency According to it, Azerbaijan has signed agreements with international energy companies on green energy projects with a capacity of more than 28 GW. "On 26 October this year, with the participation of President Ilham Aliyev, the region's largest solar power plant-HPP Garadagh-was put into operation. Garadagh HPP with a capacity of 230 MW was built at the expense of a $262 million investment by Masdar Company from the UAE and is the first station in Azerbaijan built at the expense of foreign investment. The station will produce 500 million kWh of green energy per year, which will meet the electricity needs of 110,000 homes." the agency added. Over the past 17 years, Azerbaijan's economy has more than tripled on the basis of dynamic development, a strong socio-economic infrastructure has been created, and the poverty rate has been significantly reduced against the background of positive demographic growth. Existing financial opportunities have reached a historical peak, thanks to which Azerbaijan has strengthened its position among the group of upper-middle-income countries. As part of the inauguration ceremony of the Garadagh Solar Power Plant in the presence of President Ilham Aliyev, three investment agreements on green energy projects with a total capacity of 1,000 MW were signed between the Government of Azerbaijan and Masdar Company from the UAE. The contracts cover the first phase of signed executive contracts for the assessment, development, and implementation of "megaprojects" with a capacity of 4 GW. These envisage the construction of solar power plants with a capacity of 445 MW in the Bilasuvar district, 315 MW in the bank settlement of the Neftchala district, and a 240 MW wind farm in the Absheron-Garadagh district. "The construction of 240MW Khizi-Absheron HPP by Saudi Arabia's ACWA Power and 240MW Shafaq HPP by bp in Jebrail, as well as the implementation of renewable energy projects in Nakhchivan, will lead to an increase in green energy capacity." After the liberation of its occupied territories from the enemy, Azerbaijan, despite the obstacles on the way to achieving justice, is improving in the direction of renewable energy sources and implementation of planned measures in state programs, which provide a basis for the sustainable development of the green energy sector. It was also added in the report that the launch of large-scale green energy production and export projects in Azerbaijan is important in terms of non-oil sector development. "The steps taken as a result of turning Garabagh, East Zangazur, and Nakhchivan into a green energy zone, creating more than 28 gigawatts of green energy as a result of Azerbaijan's co-operation with foreign investors, increase the development and export opportunities of green energy corridors." --- Abbas Ganbay is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @Noend33 Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 17 November 2023 22:50 (UTC+04:00) Elnur Enveroglu Read more The fact that some pro-Armenian politicians in the European Union and the US Congress are so angry is almost a very insignificant and cheap issue. After a long argument, at last, there had to be an excuse to pep up their complaints, and this excuse became their only source of consolation. The International Court of Justice of the United Nations (UN ICJ) issued a decision in today's meeting regarding Armenia's appeal that Azerbaijan should ensure the rights and freedoms of the Armenian population of Garabagh. 13 votes were cast in favor of the decision and 2 against. In the decision read by the court chairman Joan Donahue, it is stated that Azerbaijan should ensure the return of the Armenians who left Garabagh after September 19 this year and want to return to Garabagh. In addition, safe and unobstructed passage for Armenians who want to leave Garabagh should be ensured. This reminded us more of the arguments and groundless claims raised by Armenians on the Khankendi Shusha road during Azerbaijan's eco-protests in 2022-23. In the background of such a scenario, the separatist regime was trying to implement plans for illegal armament and terrorism in Garabagh while the US Congress was silent to all the Armenian provocations and particularly mine terrors. The International Court of Justice of the UN knows very well that no civilian was harmed after the anti-terrorist measures successfully completed by Azerbaijan on September 19. The state of Azerbaijan and its army respected the norms of international law and ensured the safety of every Armenian minority. However, the paragraph of the decision, says that Azerbaijan should refrain from using force or threats against those who remained in Garabagh after September 19 or who returned later. According to the decision, Azerbaijan must ensure the preservation of all registration documents, identity documents, and private property documents of the Armenian population of Garabagh in accordance with its obligations under the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. Does the court of justice, acting from these laws, not know that there are thousands of ethnic minorities from religions and cultures, even Armenians living in peace in Azerbaijan? Azerbaijan has been home to people of different religions and cultures for centuries, and even today, Armenian churches and cultural monuments remain intact. Then let us ask a question: where are the historical cultural heritage, mosques, and monuments belonging to Azerbaijanis after they were deported from West Azerbaijan (currently the territory of Armenia) starting from the 1980s? Why did the International Court of Justice remain silent on Armenian barbarism when Armenia exploited graves belonging to Azerbaijanis during the occupation, stole valuable materials such as gold and marble from the graves, sold them in Russia and other countries, or used them in various objects? Taking a more objective approach to Azerbaijan instead of dictating conditions by granting eight weeks would be more conscience and respect for the law, but with this decision, the International Court of Justice once again revealed its biased position. Of course, throughout history, Europe and the West have always taken an unfair position against Muslim countries with their crusader position. Today, to ignore the barbarism committed by Armenia and judge the rightful party is a violation of international laws. They very well know that Azerbaijan assumed all these obligations and even more without the decisions of the UN General Assembly. It is true that the International Court of Justice also rejected the groundless and ridiculous request to withdraw all military and law enforcement personnel of Azerbaijan from the Garabagh region. However, Azerbaijan should not thank the UN Court of Justice for this. Because above all, the mentioned area is the sovereign territory of Azerbaijan, and this has been repeatedly confirmed by the Armenian side, which is the plaintiff before the court. As for the fact that the court did not require Armenia to take any action regarding the request to facilitate the visit of UN agencies to the Garabagh region and to cooperate with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), two facts can be cited here: firstly, Azerbaijan earlier has always cooperated with the committee. For this reason, all claims brought forward against Azerbaijan lose their basis in court. Secondly, on September 19, Azerbaijan ensured the safety of the civilian population during the local anti-terror measures by demonstrating ultraaccuracy that has never ever existed in the world. Certainly, at such a moment, no organization can have a claim against Azerbaijan in its sovereign territory. --- Elnur Enveroglu is AzerNews Deputy Editor-in-Chief, follow him on @ElnurMammadli1 Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 17 November 2023 12:36 (UTC+04:00) Abbas Ganbay Read more Preparation for winter weather in the winter season continues in accordance with the approved action plans in all districts of Baku, Azernews reports. The press service of the Baku City Executive Power reports that, first of all, special equipment for city and district utilities has been prepared, repair works have been carried out in a number of residential and non-residential buildings, and additional measures have been taken. In order to control the work done, the Baku City Executive Power appointed a person responsible for each district. Together with representatives of local executive bodies, they regularly ensure the implementation of measures to prepare for snowy weather in the districts and check the status of the implementation of the tasks set and work done. Within the framework of these works, in order to discuss issues of preparation for winter snow weather in Nasimi, Yasamal, and Narimanov districts of the capital, an operative meeting was held with the participation of officials of Baku City Executive Power, district administration, communal enterprises, departments and organisations, heads of educational institutions and other relevant institutions, as well as representatives of the private sector. During the consultations, the report of the head of each direction was heard. It was noted that each institution in the regions should know their duties in the winter months, be able to promptly eliminate emerging problems, and create a sufficient stock of salt and necessary inverters on site. It was noted that each organisation should actively participate in the implementation of seasonal preparations and take appropriate measures to clear the adjacent territory from snow and ice during precipitation. In addition to the equipment of municipal institutions, it was decided to involve the existing equipment of departments, organisations, municipalities, and private institutions in the snow removal work. During the consultations, the specific division of responsibilities between the institutions in the regions was determined, and tasks were given to the responsible persons. At the same time, the heads of catering companies, private institutions, and representatives of the public were invited to take direct part in cleaning their territories in accordance with the rules adopted in European countries on winter days. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 17 November 2023 11:33 (UTC+04:00) Abbas Ganbay Read more Increased pipeline gas deliveries from Azerbaijan via the Southern Gas Corridor have contributed to securing gas supplies to the EU, said Mairead McGuinness, the European Commissioner for Financial Stability, Financial Services and the Capital Markets Union, with reference to EU documents, Azernews reports. Access to paid information is limited Find the plan that suits you best. 17 November 2023 18:30 (UTC+04:00) Abbas Ganbay Read more The agreement was reached between the Azerbaijan Food Safety Agency (AFSA) and the Federal Service of the Russian Federation for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance (Rosselkhoznadzor), Azernews reports. It was noted that the head of the Federal Service of the Russian Federation for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance (Rosselkhoznadzor), Sergey Dankvert, who is on an official visit to the country, visited the Azerbaijan Food Security Institute. At the meeting, the head of Rosselkhoznadzor was provided with detailed information on the institute's activities. It was noted that in order to ensure food security and the protection of public health in the country, the institute has laboratories specialising in food safety, complex research, and plant and animal health. The laboratories test various food products for safety and quality indicators. During the meeting, the guest was also informed about the work and achievements carried out in the country in the field of development of laboratory systems in the field of food safety, modernization of materials, and technical base. The close and fruitful cooperation established with international organisations in the direction of improving the theoretical and practical knowledge of the personnel working in the laboratories functioning at the AFSA was described. The achievements made in international competence tests were highlighted. During the meeting, it was also emphasised that there is a need for an exchange of experience between the relevant structures of the two countries, carrying out competence tests, and expanding cooperation on other issues. The available opportunities were discussed, and proposals were put forward. After the meeting, in order to study the principles of work, Dankvert conducted a review of the complex research of AFSA, the National Directory, central phytosanitary laboratories, and field laboratories. The guest visited the premises where laboratory tests were conducted, followed the process of testing, and inspected the instruments and equipment. He also familiarised himself with the methods of laboratory research on safety and quality indicators of food products of plant and animal origin and exchanged views on issues of mutual interest. The Head of Rosselkhoznadzor, speaking to journalists after the inspection of the laboratories, noted that the laboratory system at the AFSA is professionally built. At the same time, he emphasised that the relevant examinations are carried out at a high level. AFSA Chairman Goshgar Tahmazli noted that there is effective cooperation between the agency and Rosselkhoznadzor in the field of food security. The chairman also noted that within the framework of this cooperation, the export of poultry products from Azerbaijan to Russia, particularly food eggs, will start in the coming days. This gives grounds to say that the food safety control system in the country is also built in accordance with international standards in the field of industrial poultry farming. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Prosecutors demanded a five-year prison sentence for Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong on Friday on charges of stock price rigging and accounting fraud connected to the controversial 2015 merger of two Samsung affiliates. Prosecutors also requested a fine of 500 million won ($386,817) for Lee during the final hearing held at the Seoul Central District Court for the merger case. Lee has been charged with stock price rigging, breach of duty and accounting fraud in the course of the controversial 2015 merger of two Samsung affiliates, Cheil Industries Inc. and Samsung C&T. The merger, where three Samsung C&T shares were offered for one Cheil share, helped Lee tighten his control of Samsung C&T, the de facto holding company for Samsung Group, through his 23.2 percent stake in Cheil. The merger was seen as crucial to Lee's succession as the heir of the family-controlled group, as his father Lee Kun-hee had suffered a heart attack the previous year. During the hearing, Lee said the merger was part of Samsung's broader plan to boost the competitiveness of the affiliates, refuting the prosecutors' allegation that he intended to cause damage to other shareholders in order to increase his own shares. "I have never prioritized my personal interests in the process of merging Samsung C&T and Cheil Industries. I and the other defendants believed that the merger would be advantageous for both companies," Lee said in his testimony. "As an entrepreneur, I have a responsibility to continue to create profits and jobs. I ask for an opportunity to focus all of my capabilities solely on moving forward," he added. Prosecutors suspect that the group manipulated the stock market to inflate the prices of Cheil and drive down Samsung C&T prices through various unfair practices, including disseminating false market information, mass purchasing the affiliates' stocks and illegally lobbying to buy up the National Pension Service, a major Samsung C&T shareholder. Prosecutors have concluded that the suspected devaluation of Samsung C&T resulted in losses to other investors and Lee was behind the alleged wrongdoing. Lee is also accused of involvement in the suspected accounting fraud at Samsung Biologics, a subsidiary of Cheil Industries. Prosecutors said Lee was in the position of ultimate decision-maker and the final beneficiary of the alleged malpractice as they demanded the sentence for Lee. A prison sentence of 4 1/2 years and a 500 million won fine were also demanded for two senior Samsung executives, including Choi Gee-sung, a former head of Samsung's now-disbanded control tower Future Strategy Office, on related charges. "The current structure, under which dominating shareholders of business groups can pursue private interests, is the biggest cause deepening the 'Korea discount' phenomenon and a major factor debasing national competitiveness," the prosecution said. Korea discount refers to a tendency for South Korean firms to have weaker valuations for reasons related to local corporate practices, such as low dividend payouts or a family-owned business structure, as well as political risks involving North Korea. "Members of our society have strived so hard to resolve this, but ironically, the efforts have been upended by Samsung, the country's No. 1 company," the prosecution said. The sentence request came more than three years after Lee and the Samsung executives were indicted in September 2020 in the case. A ruling is widely expected for early 2024 at the earliest. (Yonhap) 17 November 2023 17:43 (UTC+04:00) Abbas Ganbay Read more Chairman of Azerbaijan Railways CJSC (ADY) Rovshan Rustamov met today with a delegation headed by Peter Spuler, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Stadler Rail Group, Azernews reports. According to the contract signed between ADY and "Stadler Rail Group" at the meeting, four new passenger trains are planned to be delivered, tested, and put into operation in Azerbaijan by the end of this year, including the design of the Regional Service Centre, which will start operating. Negotiations were also held on the training of local specialists and machinists who will service "Stadler" rolling stock. It should be remembered that Azerbaijan received the first new FLIRT trains in 2022. The order was fulfilled under the contract signed in 2019 between Azerbaijan Railways CJSC and Swiss company Stadler Rail AG. The rolling stock was assembled at a factory in Belarus. It should be noted that six more passenger trains ordered by Swiss company Stadler Rail Group are planned to be delivered to the country within the next year. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 17 November 2023 17:13 (UTC+04:00) Abbas Ganbay Read more SPECA week (UN Special Programme for the Economies of Central Asia) will be held in Baku on November 2024, Azernews reports. The Ministry of Economy informs that within SPECA week on November 20, there will be meetings of working groups on trade, gender, and SDGs, November 2122, the Economic Forum, the 18th session of the SPECA Governing Council on November 23, and the 18th session of the SPECA Governing Council on November 24. The SPECA 2023 Economic Forum, entitled "Transforming the SPECA Region into a Global Hub", aims to transform the programme into a service-oriented, flexible, and strategic platform. The event will feature discussions on the topics of digital transformation of data and document sharing in the supply chain, transport connectivity, green energy connectivity in the SPECA region, and the growing importance of the Middle Corridor amidst new challenges. The 18th session of the SPECA Governing Council will exchange views on the outcomes of the Economic Forum and discuss the documents governing the working mechanism of the programme, as well as other documents. In addition, an exhibition, "SPECA Countries Exhibition: Regional Cooperation for Sustainable Development," is planned to be held during the SPECA week. It should be noted that the UN Special Programme for the Economies of Central Asia was established in 1998. The participating states of the programme are Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Afghanistan. The aim of the programme is to support the development of cooperation between member states and integration into the world economy. Azerbaijan will chair SPECA in 2023. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 17 November 2023 12:17 (UTC+04:00) Laman Ismayilova Read more Azerbaijan Culture Minister Adil Karimli is expected to meet with his Russian counterpart Olga Lyubimova as part of the 9th International Cultural Forum in St. Petersburg. The minister will get acquainted with the Azerbaijani hall in the State Hermitage and the space for the monument to the prominent composer Uzeyir Hajibayli, Azernews reports. Adil Karimli is scheduled to participate in the plenary session of the forum, and speak at the event called "Cultural sovereignty as the basis of state identity". Delegations from 73 countries, as well as culture ministers from 30 countries, are participating in the forum, which provides a unique platform for various discussions and the exchange of ideas. The event program consists of 9 thematic blocks, including cinema, theatre, museums, artificial intelligence, and other topics. The forum will feature a ceremonial presentation of the Hermitage Award. The forum program includes the following units: Getting to Know History Via Culture; Artificial Intelligence: a Threat or a Benefit for Culture; and Traditional Culture as a Foundation for Building a Civilised Society. --- Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @lmntypewriterrr Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 17 November 2023 16:41 (UTC+04:00) Laman Ismayilova Read more Azerbaijan Culture Minister Adil Karimli has met with his Russian counterpart Olga Lyubimova as part of the 9th International Cultural Forum in St. Petersburg. The Azerbaijani Ambassador to Russia, Polad Bulbuloglu, also took part in the meeting, Azernews reports. The culture ministers discussed the current state and prospects for the development of cultural ties between the two countries. O. Lyubimova expressed confidence that Adil Karimli's first visit to Russia as a minister will contribute to expanding cooperation between cultural institutions in our countries and holding interesting events in the coming years. She especially emphasised that the 100th anniversary of National Leader Heydar Aliyev is widely celebrated in Russia. The Russian minister proposed to prepare a plan for joint cultural events for 2024 and, next year, sign a program of events for 2024-2026. Noting that the visits of Azerbaijani creative teams to Russia were received with interest, O. Lyubimova thanked her Azerbaijani colleagues for their active participation in the International Festival of New Fiction and Documentary Films, as well as in the International Caspian Film Forum. The Minister Adil Karimli, in turn, expressed gratitude for the invitation to the St. Petersburg International Cultural Forum, noting that the rapidly developing cooperation between the countries in all areas is due to the relations based on mutual trust between the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, and the Russian President, Vladimir Putin. "It is very important for us that the 100th anniversary of National Leader Heydar Aliyev is widely celebrated in Russia. Heydar Aliyev made a great contribution to the development of Russian culture," the minister emphasised. Adil Karimli invited his Russian colleagues to the Creative Industry Forum as well as to the 6th World Forum of Intercultural Dialogue, which will be held in Baku. In conclusion, Minister Adil Karimli presented Olga Lyubimova with the book "Shusha. Above all peaks". The Russian minister said that the book will take a special place in the ministry's library. Note that Adil Karimli is scheduled to participate in the plenary session of the forum and speak at the event called "Cultural sovereignty as the basis of state identity". Delegations from 73 countries, as well as culture ministers from 30 countries, are participating in the forum, which provides a unique platform for various discussions and the exchange of ideas. --- Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @lmntypewriterrr Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 17 November 2023 10:40 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more The law of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey on the acceptance of the presidential memorandum on extending the mandate of the Turkish Armed Forces in Azerbaijan by one year has come into force. Azernews reports that Turkish Official Gazette published information about this. It is emphasized in the law that the activities provided for in the Tripartite Declaration signed by Azerbaijan, Armenia and Russia are continuing. It was stated that Turkiye, which strongly supports Azerbaijan, will continue to make important contributions to the preservation and strengthening of peace and stability in the region. It should be recalled that on November 17, 2020, the Grand National Assembly of Turkiye authorized the country's Armed Forces to send their troops to Azerbaijan for a period of one year. In November 2021 and 2022, the period of activity of Turkish soldiers in Azerbaijan was extended by one year. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 17 November 2023 11:58 (UTC+04:00) Abbas Ganbay Read more Within the framework of her working visit to Kyrgyzstan, Milli Majlis Speaker Sahiba Gafarova took part in an international conference dedicated to the 85th anniversary of the Jogorku Kenesh (Parliament of Kyrgyzstan). Chairman of Jogorku Kenesh Nurlanbek Shakiyev welcomed the Chairman of Milli Majlis of Azerbaijan and heads of other parliamentary delegations, Azernews reports. According to the Milli Majlis Press and Public Relations Department, speaking at the conference, Milli Majlis Speaker Sahiba Gafarova congratulated the host country on the 85th anniversary of the Kyrgyz Parliament. In her speech, the Speaker of Milli Majlis noted that both Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan have traveled a long way in development during the years of independence. The speaker underlined that bilateral Azerbaijani-Kyrgyz relations, traditionally based on friendship and mutually beneficial partnership, are successfully developing in many areas, including political, trade-economic, cultural, and other spheres. Sahiba Gafarova recalled that this year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan. It was noted that friendly relations between Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan go back to the depths of centuries and are expanding in accordance with the interests of the two nations. Mutual visits of the heads of the two states, dynamics, and efficiency of high-level meetings have greatly contributed to the development and deepening of bilateral cooperation. In this regard, the Speaker of Milli Majlis emphasized the official visit of the President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Zhaparov to Azerbaijan in April last year, the Declaration on Strategic Partnership and the Memorandum on the Establishment of the Interstate Council signed during the visit, as well as the state visit of the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev to Kyrgyzstan in October last year. One of the factors positively influencing bilateral and multilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan is the interaction of parliaments, the Milli Majlis Speaker further noted. Today, fruitful cooperation relations have been established between the legislative bodies of our countries, and there are good opportunities for their further deepening. Sahiba Gafarova also touched upon the successful humanitarian cooperation, a vivid example of which, she said, was the opening of the Kyrgyz-Azerbaijani Friendship Park in Bishkek and the Heydar Aliyev Educational Complex of School-Gymnasium No.20 named after Heydar Aliyev during the state visit of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to Kyrgyzstan last October. It should be noted that the participants of the international conference are chairmen of parliaments of Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Belarus, and a number of other countries. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 17 November 2023 11:27 (UTC+04:00) "Our Azerbaijani brothers, who stood up for independence 35 years ago, liberated their occupied lands with the same spirit." According to Azernews, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkiye wrote in the "X" account on the occasion of November 17National Revival Day. "The flag that was raised in Baku that day is flying in the sky of all of Azerbaijan today. We congratulate you on the National Revival Day of Azerbaijan," the post reads. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 17 November 2023 13:37 (UTC+04:00) Abbas Ganbay Read more "The US will not be able to exert any influence on the opening of the transport route through Iran." According to Azernews, Farid Shafiyev, Chairman of the Board of the Centre for Analysis of International Relations, said this. The chairman also spoke about the normalisation of Iran-Azerbaijan relations. "Relations between Iran and Azerbaijan are moving towards normalisation, and the project is expected to be completed against this background." It should be noted that US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs James O'Brien said on November 15 at a hearing of the European subcommittee of the House Foreign Affairs Committee that Azerbaijan's plan to create a transport link through Iran would meet with a sharp reaction and fail. On November 16, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry reacted to his statements and stated that the U.S. is attacking the transport security efforts of the countries in the region with its actions and statements: "The U.S. side is well aware that, starting with Armenia's 2020 Tripartite Statement, the failure to fulfil its obligations has prompted Azerbaijan to decide to build alternative roads. It is Azerbaijan's sovereign right to agree on the procedure for laying lines of communication with neighbouring states, including the agreement with Iran on the route to the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic". --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 17 November 2023 17:58 (UTC+04:00) Laman Ismayilova Read more Carpet weaving is one of the oldest types of decorative and applied art in Azerbaijan. The origins of Azerbaijani carpets can be traced back to the Bronze Age. Known for their high-quality and vibrant colours, they are often characterised by geometric patterns, floral motifs, and symbolic representations. Each region in Azerbaijan has its own distinct style and design, reflecting the cultural diversity of the country. Azerbaijani carpets are divided into seven major carpet weaving schools distinguished by patterns, composition, colour palette, and techniques: Guba, Baku, Shirvan, Ganja, Gazakh, Garabagh and Tabriz. Carpets and carpet products produced in Azerbaijan have gained worldwide recognition. They have also gained recognition and admiration worldwide for their beauty and craftsmanship. The national carpets are kept in the world's best museums, such as the Hermitage in St. Petersburg, Victoria and Albert in London, Textile in Washington, Louvre in Paris, Topkapi in Istanbul, Berlin Museum of Art, the Metropolitan Museum of New York, and the Museum of Art in Budapest. In 2010, Azerbaijani carpet weaving was included in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This year marks the thirteenth anniversary since Azerbaijan's traditional carpet weaving art was included in UNESCO's Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Since 1992, the country has been actively participating in UNESCO programs since 1992. Several initiatives have been taken to further promote Azerbaijan's carpet weaving art. One such initiative is the establishment of the Carpet Museum in Baku, which showcases the rich history and artistry of Azerbaijani carpets. The Carpet Museum in Baku is constantly working on the preservation and promotion of Azerbaijan's carpet weaving art worldwide. The museum holds over 14,000 exhibits, showcasing the finest Azerbaijani carpets. The Carpet Museum is expanding its activities in the fields of development and promotion, as well as its relations at the international level. The museum regularly holds international conferences and symposia, publishes books and scientific journals dedicated to carpet art, and establishes partnership. The Carpet Museum has recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding on further cooperation with the Azerbaijan Scientific Research Institute of Animal Husbandry. The document envisages that the institute's modern laboratory will conduct research on the wool used for the production of carpets stored in the museum. The carper products will be analysed according to quality indicators. Through various activities, the Carpet Museum aims to preserve and showcase the rich cultural heritage of Azerbaijani carpet weaving and ensure its continued recognition and appreciation worldwide. --- Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @lmntypewriterrr Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 17 November 2023 08:00 (UTC+04:00) UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is "deeply concerned over the expansion of the conflict in Myanmar, including in Rakhine State, his spokesman said Wednesday, Azernews reports, citing Anadolu Agency. "He calls on all parties to adhere to international humanitarian law and do their utmost to protect civilians," Stephane Dujarric said in a statement. Dujarric said Guterres remains committed to working with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and regional and international partners to end the violence in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2669. Stressing that over 2 million people were displaced in Myanmar, Dujarric said: "The Secretary-General reaffirms that civilians should be protected in accordance with international humanitarian law and those responsible for violations must be held accountable." Highlighting the need for unhindered access for the delivery of urgent humanitarian assistance to the region, Dujarric said the UN chief also reiterated his solidarity with the people of Myanmar. A new conflict in Myanmars northern Shan State has expanded to the countrys northwest and southeast regions and Rakhine State since late October, leaving over 200,000 people displaced, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Lee Min-hyung Hanwha Ocean is set to establish a subsidiary in the United States, as part of its strategy to expand into the North American defense industry. The U.S. unit is expected to serve as a foothold for Hanwha Ocean to secure overseas shipyards and stakes in companies related to defense. According to its quarterly report released on Thursday, the board of directors of Hanwha Ocean approved the establishment of the subsidiary, Hanwha Ocean U.S. Holding Company. The decision is seen as a concrete step toward realizing its vision of increasing the proportion of special ship projects, such as warships, by securing overseas production bases. In August, Hanwha Ocean unveiled its plan to boost sales from its special ship business unit from 850 billion won ($654.8 million) to 2.9 trillion won. Toward that end, the company is considering securing foreign shipyards or making equity investments in defense-related foreign companies, and there have been recent reports about its pursuit of acquiring U.S.-based Philly Shipyard. The decision to establish a subsidiary appears to be a preparatory step to implement those plans. Hanwha Ocean plans to use 420 billion won, equivalent to 28 percent of 1.49 trillion won raised through a capital increase, to establish global production bases and acquire stakes in vessel maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) companies and expand its presence in the global defense industry. Hanwha Ocean has been actively pursuing its entry into the North American market. It recently participated in the Deep Blue Forum 2023, a submarine-focused forum held in Ottawa, Canada, where it signed four memoranda of understanding with four local firms on bilateral cooperation in Canadian submarine projects. The Canadian government is currently considering the introduction of 12 new submarines to replace the four Victoria-class submarines held by the Canadian Navy. The project, including their maintenance, is estimated to be worth 60 trillion won, and the contractor selection is expected to end by 2026. Hanwha Ocean draws attention from overseas markets, as it is capable of not just building submarines, but changing designs for submarines in accordance with the requirements of each country, an official at Hanwha Ocean said. The company also offers stable submarine maintenance services by partnering with a group of 200 parts manufacturers here. 17 November 2023 09:33 (UTC+04:00) By News Centre US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin noted the need for direct contact with his Russian counterpart, Sergei Shoigu. According to Azernews, the Minister of Defense said this in a briefing while answering a question about the resumption of dialogue between the US and Chinese militaries. "I think it's important for us to be able to talk to our friends, but also to be able to talk to our opponents. It is important to keep these communication channels open," the head of the military institution stressed. According to Austin, he had the opportunity to speak with Shoigu even "in the heat of the moment" on the phone. "Even at the height of all the events with Russia and Ukraine, I had the opportunity to pick up the phone and talk to the Russian Defense Minister. I think this is a critical capability that we need to maintain in order to manage the crisis. Thus, I think it is a real benefit for the leaders to agree to make sure that those channels are open," the minister said. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 17 November 2023 14:10 (UTC+04:00) The international exercise "East Akdeniz-2023" with the participation of Azerbaijani naval special forces starts today in Turkiye, Azernews reports, citing the Turkish National Defence Ministry. Military exercises will be held in Marmaris. A total of 24 ships, 13 helicopters, 5 UAVs, 20 F-16 aircraft, and other equipment will be involved in the exercise. Several allied countries are taking part in the exercise, which will last until 25 November. It should be noted that according to the plan of military cooperation between the Ministries of Defence of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Turkiye, a group of personnel of the Naval Special Forces unit of the Azerbaijani Navy is on a visit to the brotherly country to participate in the operation "Eastern Mediterranean". International Exercise "2023". --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsA 17 November 2023 20:40 (UTC+04:00) The first batch of gratis Russian wheat will be delivered to Somali and Burkina Faso in late November - early December of this year, Azernews reports, citing TASS. "The government has made all the required decision to implement supplies. First two vessels of 25,000 metric tons each, have already sailed from Russian ports in the direction of Somali and Burkina Faso. We expect their arrivals at points of destination in late November - early December of this year," the minister said. Wheat intended for the Central African Republic, Zimbabwe, Mali, and Eritrea will be loaded on board of ships and dispatched by the end of this year, Patrushev added. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 17 November 2023 22:50 (UTC+04:00) In October of this year, compliance of the activity of payment organizations and banks with the legal requirements, compliance with the requirements and prudential norms related to the legalization of proceeds from criminal activities and the financing of terrorism, as well as the shortcomings identified in the results of the inspection and the measures aimed at their elimination were discussed, Azernews reports, citing Kun.uz News Agency. According to it, due to non-compliance with the instructions of the Central Bank and failure to ensure the performance of assigned tasks, 1 commercial bank was restricted from carrying out certain operations. The validity period of the license of 1 payment organization was suspended for 10 working days. 5 commercial banks and 1 microfinance organization were warned about the application of measures and sanctions for the deficiencies identified in their activities. 17 November 2023 23:20 (UTC+04:00) Russian senators will hand over to their colleagues from Bishkek archival data on citizens of Kyrgyzstan who fought in the Great Patriotic War. The Vice Speaker of the Federation Council of Russia Konstantin Kosachev said at a meeting of the Standing Commission on Political Affairs and International Cooperation of the IPA CIS in Bishkek, Azernews reports, citing 24.kg News Agency. According to him, they will also hand over the database, which is available in the Russian archives, on all people who fought in the Great Patriotic War, whose place of birth is indicated as the territory of then Kirgiziya (they could have been drafted in different places), as well as on those who were called into service from Kyrgyzstan in the Great Patriotic War regardless of their place of birth and nationality. Konstantin Kosachev added that this is a colossal database there are several thousand people there. He specified that in the spring of 2023, a delegation from the Parliament of Kyrgyzstan visited Moscow, and during bilateral talks they raised the topic of historical memory and attitude to the Great Patriotic War. We said that we were ready to help in finding and establishing the fates of the then heroes, including those who were conscripted on the territory of then Kirgiziya. Two deputies of the Parliament then asked us to help search for and establish the fates of their relatives, Konstantin Kosachev said and informed that three files and three personal files have already been handed over. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Jewellery lovers will be happy to know that the Dubai Design Academy is hosting workshops on jewellery design at Jewellery Arabia 2023. Dubai Design Academy's stall is located in Hall 3 at the Exhibition World Bahrain. The best jewellery and design experts show visitors the tips and tricks behind the craft of jewellery design. Read More: Maroon 5 Concert in Bahrain Rescheduled for 2024 With the workshops, these experts also guide attendees in their own design journey. The workshops cover various areas from gemstone rendering to making pearl drop earrings. Jewellery Arabia runs until Nov. 18, so check out the link here for more information on the workshops. Image source: @dubaidesignacademy Instagram page Flying Tigers spirit promotes China-U.S. friendship 14:58, November 17, 2023 By Bai Ziwei ( People's Daily Nell Calloway, granddaughter of Claire Lee Chennault, commander of the Flying Tigers, said she hopes to take the sincerity and goodwill of the American people to China, and share more wonderful stories with the Chinese people during a recent interview with People's Daily. Calloway came to China for the 14th time for a visit with a delegation from the Sino-American Aviation Heritage Foundation. The delegation included both Flying Tigers veterans and their descendants, who aimed to reminisce about the old days of the Flying Tigers in China, carry forward the spirit of the Flying Tigers, and pass on the friendship between the two peoples from generation to generation. Nell Calloway listens to a guide telling Flying Tigers' stories in China in a museum in Liuzhou, south China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region. (People's Daily/Liu Lingling) Over the years, Calloway has been actively promoting people-to-people friendship between the United States and China. She has established the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum and the Chennault Aviation Academy. Her efforts started in 2002 when she made her first trip to China together with her mother. Calloway recalled that her grandfather came to China when her mother was only nine years old. Her mother could not understand why he stayed in China for 7 years until their first visit to China, where they learned about the events that took place during the war era. Since then, Calloway and her mother have been dedicated to promoting Flying Tigers' tales and the history of China's resistance war against Japanese aggression to the American public. She believed that it's crucial to share with the world how Chinese people admirably overcame difficulties and fought against Japanese invaders, and said she has always taken it as her mission. During the resistance war against Japanese aggression, General Claire Lee Chennault led the Flying Tigers to fight alongside the Chinese people. Nell Calloway communicates with local students at the Stilwell Museum in southwest China's Chongqing municipality. (People's Daily/Liu Lingling) "We must remember the history," Calloway has mentioned multiple times in interviews, saying Flying Tigers veterans and their descendants have the responsibility to carry on this precious friendship, to help and assist each other, and to create a better future for future generations. During her visit to China this time, Calloway always took photos with General Claire Lee Chennault's pictures at each site. She said these photos touched her deeply because they signify that many Chinese people still remember the contributions her grandfather had made. "Over the years, I have witnessed the development and changes in China. It would be wonderful if my grandfather could see today's China," Calloway told People's Daily. Calloway believes that history needs to be recorded and told, and common memories must be passed on by those who have lived through it. She said the Flying Tigers veterans she interviewed had great admiration for the Chinese people and were proud that they had fought alongside them against the Japanese invaders. "Both the United States and China need to understand this shared history," Calloway noted. As one of the descendants of the Flying Tigers veterans, she said they have a greater responsibility to speak up and continue telling the story of the Flying Tigers. Nell Calloway (left) visits an exhibition about the Flying Tigers at the Kunming Museum in southwest China's Yunnan province. (People's Daily/Liu Lingling) Coming to China again after four years, Calloway placed particular importance on the power of face-to-face exchanges, believing it to be crucial for promoting people-to-people friendship between the two countries. She said the two peoples need to engage in more exchanges in order to enhance mutual understanding. When the two peoples are separated by oceans, it is difficult to have a tangible sense of connection; when they come to each other's land and make eye contact, everything falls into place naturally, she explained. Calloway expressed her hope that the two peoples, especially the younger generation, can continue to inherit the spirit of the Flying Tigers. "The U.S.-China relationship is the most important bilateral relationship in the world and is highly regarded by the international community. We should set an example for the world, set aside our differences, extend the hand of friendship, and work towards our common goals," she said. (Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun) Finland will close four of the nine crossing points on its border with Russia on Saturday to stem a flow of asylum seekers to the Nordic nation, Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said on Thursday. Neighbouring Norway, which shares a border with Russia in the Arctic, is also ready to close its border at short notice if necessary, Norwegian Justice Minister Emilie Enger Mehl said. Finland's president said on Wednesday a rise in the number of asylum applicants arriving on the eastern border appeared to be Russian revenge for Finland's defense cooperation with the United States, an assertion dismissed by Moscow. Finland, a European Union country whose accession to the NATO alliance 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. "Russia's instrumentalization of migrants is shameful. I fully support the measures taken by Finland," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen posted on social media, thanking the Finnish Border Guards "for protecting our European borders". The four crossings, all in southeastern Finland, are normally the busiest points of travel between the two countries. "The government has today decided that Finland will close some eastern border crossing points. The eastern border for that part will close on the night between Friday and Saturday," Orpo told a press conference. Duty to allow asylum applications Finland's non-discrimination ombudsman, Kristina Stenman, said Helsinki still had a duty under international treaties and EU law to allow asylum seekers to file applications. "If a person comes to a border station and says they are seeking international protection, the application needs to be received," Stenman told Reuters. Dozens of asylum seekers from countries such as Iraq, Yemen, Somalia and Syria have arrived each day this week via Russia, Finland's border guards have said, after fewer than one per day on average earlier in the autumn. The accumulated number of arrivals since September stands at 280 asylum seekers, the Border Guard Authority said on Thursday. Asylum seekers arriving via Russia will from Saturday be allowed to hand in their applications only at two northern border crossings, the government said. Some 3,000 people use Finland's southeastern border crossings on a daily basis. Orpo said he understood the closures would make everyday life more difficult for people allowed to travel between Finland and Russia. Making clear Finland would reverse course if the asylum arrivals ended, Orpo said: "Our message is strong, we want this phenomenon to end so we can continue the border traffic like we have until now." Over 1,200 asylum seekers, mostly Syrians, arrived in Norway from Russia during a sudden influx in 2015. "We're following the situation closely and we may shut the border at short notice if needed," Mehl told NTB new agency. At the Storskog border crossing between Norway and Russia, it was a "quiet" day, Tarjei Sirma-Tellefsen, chief-of-staff at the local Finnmark police district, told Reuters. "The number of travelers to Norway (from Russia) is low but we are monitoring traffic closely and are prepared should the number of arrivals increase," he said, declining to give specifics of what measures police could take. (Reuters) New with Upcoming Oregon Coast King Tides Includes More of Them, Photo Contest, Washington Dates Published 11/09/23 a 6:35 p.m. By Oregon Coast Beach Connection staff (Oregon Coast) Once again, king tides are going to make their dramatic appearance up and down the Oregon coast and Washington coast, but there's a few things different this time around. (Photo King Tides Project: Idaho St. at Yachats smothered by dangerous tides) Also new: if you're wondering how all this photographic information has been put to use, there is now an answer. You'll find a photo contest (where you can win prizes) and more king tide dates than usual for Oregon, while Washington has dates a little all over the place. What are actually known as perigean tides caused by an alignment of the moon and sun that increases their gravitational tug begin their run on November 25, with the first set going through November 27 on the Oregon coast and most of the Washington coast. For Oregon, there's something a little new: there will be four sets of king tides. The second set happens December 13 - 15, 2023. The third is January 11 - 13, 2024, and the fourth hits February 8-10, 2024. Unusual for the Washington coast: the sets of dates are a little different from area to area. For the southern Washington coast and northern third, the first set happens November 25 27. For Westport and central Washington coast, it's off by a day, at November 26 28. See gallery of King Tides 2022 photos at bottom The next set for the entire Washington coast is December 13 15. The third happens on January 11 13 on the central and north coast, while farther south areas like Ilwaco see it on January 20 22. As usual, both King Tide Projects need the public's help to snap photos of what will be the highest tidal events of the year (barring any unusual storm surges on other dates). They need shots of high tide events at any beach along the coastlines, and hopefully a shot of that same area without the tidal event for comparison. On the Washington coast, submit them to https://mycoast.org/wa. On the Oregon coast, submit them to www.oregonkingtides.net or the projects Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/orkingtide/albums. This year, Oregon Coast Visitors Association (OCVA) is partnering with the Oregon King Tides Project to offer prizes. Arica Sears with OCVA urges residents and visitors to come out and document the effects of these extreme events. They are hosting a photo contest where you can win $50 worth of Oregon coastal swag through the agency. OCVA had an influencer out last year doing this and will do so again this year, Sears told Oregon Coast Beach Connection. We also send prizes to winners of the photo contest. There are generally 4 - 5 photo categories. Contest information is at this link. As always, both Washington coast and Oregon officials warn of keeping safety in mind. Always keep your eye on the ocean and stay up high away from all waves. Be aware of areas with rising water, eroding shorelines (stay off cliff edges), flooded roadways or high winds that may coincide. Have you been wondering where all this sea rise information has been going to all these years? Photos and data from the Oregon King Tides Project have been put to use over recent years, primarily through the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD), which has developed a Sea Level Rise Adaptation Planning Toolkit to support local sea level rise adaptation planning along the Oregon coast. Meg Reed, with the Oregon Coastal Management Program (OCMP), said the toolkit was partially constructed from what was learned from king tides photos, which in turn is utilized by those living on the coast and working in fields that have to do with new construction or land use. Oregon Coast Hotels for this event - South Coast Hotels - Where to eat - Maps - Virtual Tours The Toolkit is intended to assist land use planning staff, property owners, organizations, developers, and public entities in understanding the effects of sea level rise, and in planning for a resilient and equitable future under climate change, Reed told Oregon Coast Beach Connection. Clatsop County which includes Cannon Beach, Seaside, Gearhart, Warrenton and Astoria has various sections prone to flooding. DLCD has held workshops and meetings there with residents and decision makers, and found many were concerned about increasing flooding that affected roadways and even isolation from other communities. Look for more on the surprising science behind the different dates of different areas soon at Oregon Coast Beach Connection. How big king tides end up is mostly dictated by current ocean conditions, usually known only at last minute. Oregon Coast Beach Connection is the only outlet in the Pacific Northwest that publishes tidal surge updates in the day or two before the event, consulting with the National Weather Service. See the Oregon Coast / Washington Coast News page, follow on Facebook, or if you have the Google News app you can follow there. MORE PHOTOS BELOW Depoe Bay, King Tides / Kawaji Armitage Whaleshead Beach near Brookings, King Tides / Thomas Hanley Shore Acres near Coos Bay, King Tides / Paul O'Donovan Yachats, King Tides / Carley Dangona More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging..... More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining..... Coastal Spotlight Andre' GW Hagestedt is editor, owner and primary photographer / videographer of Oregon Coast Beach Connection, an online publication that sees over 1 million pageviews per month. He is also author of several books about the coast. LATEST Related Oregon Coast Articles Back to Oregon Coast Contact Advertise on Oregon Coast Beach Connection All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright Oregon Coast Beach Connection. Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted A federal class-action lawsuit led by a Cleveland County Emergency Services worker would head to trial in November 2024, under a schedule released this week. If successful, current and former employees could collect back pay in the dispute involving overtime.US Chief District Judge Martin Reidinger determined in April that plaintiff Sara Conner could proceed with her potential class-action case. Reidinger denied Cleveland County's motion to dismiss the case.The judge noted that the total number of plaintiffs in the case could top 100. Since his ruling, 15 other Cleveland County employees have signed on to join Conner.A scheduling order issued Wednesday calls for designation of a mediator in the case by Sept. 8. Discovery in the case would be complete by May 2024, with all motions filed by June. A trial would follow as early as Nov. 12, 2024.The suit filed in 2018 contends that Cleveland County violated federal law and breached its contracts with employees by failing to pay them correctly for overtime work.In weeks when Conner worked overtime, the county EMS reduced her regular rate of pay, she argued. The pay structure createdConner is suing to recover lost wages.The trial court initially ruled in favor of the county in August 2019. But the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals revived the case in January 2022. Appellate judges ruled that Conner had made a claim connected to the federal Fair Labor Standards Act that could move forward.Reidinger signaled in April that he still has doubts about Conner's prospects for winning her case.he wrote.and was applied correctly only as of Jan. 1, 2018.Reidinger wrote.The case had attracted national attention. Cleveland County appealed the 4th Circuit's 2022 ruling to the US Supreme Court. Sixteen state governments filed a brief supporting the county's request. So did groups called the International Municipal Lawyers Association and the New Civil Liberties Alliance.The high court decided in December not to take the case.Critics argued that 4th Circuit judges had misused a legal doctrine known asopened a friend-of-the-court brief at the Supreme Court from West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey.Morrisey argued.Morrisey critiqued the 4th Circuit'son deference to the U.S. Department of Labor's interpretation of federal law. Judges reachedhe wrote.according to the brief.Morrisey added.Attorneys general from Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, and Utah signed onto the West Virginia brief.The New Civil Liberties Alliance also criticized the 4th Circuit's approach.NCLA attorneys wrote.refers to a court precedent from 1944.the NCLA brief argued.The Supreme Courtsubjects Skidmore cases to judicial analysis, NCLA asserted.according to the brief.The US Department of Labor believesviolates the Fair Labor Standards Act. The 4th Circuit granted the departmentwithout analyzing the law or making any kind of finding about whether the department's interpretation proved persuasive.But a 2013 case from the 2nd Circuit came to an opposite conclusion. Appellate judges in that dispute considered similar facts and found the Labor Department's interpretation unpersuasive.Now that the U.S. Supreme Court has rejected the Conner case, the 2nd and 4th federal circuits will maintain contrasting approaches to the Skidmore precedent. 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 Israeli forces were searching building to building at Gaza's main hospital Thursday as Hamas said the military had "destroyed" parts of the compound where concern has mounted for Palestinians trapped inside. Soldiers raided Al-Shifa since early Wednesday in the hunt for a command center they say the militants built below the complex, a charge denied by Hamas and managers at the hospital which has become a focal point of the war. The Israeli military said it found rifles, ammunition and explosives at the Gaza City hospital, as well as computers and equipment containing "information and footage pertaining to the hostages" taken in Hamas's shock October 7 attack on Israel. The body of a woman taken captive in the attack was also found close to the hospital, the Israeli army said. "Yehudit (Weiss) was murdered by the terrorists in the Gaza Strip and we didn't manage to reach her in time," army spokesman Daniel Hagari said. Soldiers were meanwhile proceeding with their search of the hospital "one building at a time, searching each floor," an Israeli army official said. Ashraf Al-Qudra, spokesman for the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza, told AFP Israeli troops "destroyed the radiology service, and bombed the burns and dialysis departments" in their raid. "Thousands of women, children, sick and wounded are in danger of death," he said. Before Israel first sent troops into the hospital complex, U.N. agencies estimated that 2,300 patients, staff and displaced civilians were sheltering at Al-Shifa without enough food, water and fuel for generators. Israel has vowed to eradicate Hamas in retaliation for the attacks of Oct. 7, which killed 1,200 people, most of them civilians, and saw about 240 people taken hostage, according to Israeli officials. The Israeli military says 51 of its troops have been killed in Gaza since fighting began. And with the Hamas government media office saying the death toll from the offensive has hit 11,500, including thousands of children, calls for a truce are mounting. Gaza's 36 hospitals have been caught up in the war, with more than half rendered non-functioning by shortages, combat or damage, the U.N. has said. The Red Crescent said on Wednesday a "violent attack" was underway on Gaza's Al-Ahli hospital, which was hit by a deadly strike last month. Hamas blamed the Oct. 17 blast on Israel, while Israel said a misfired Islamic Jihad group rocket was responsible, a position supported by U.S. and some other Western security officials. 'Meaningless' UN resolution The U.N. Security Council on Wednesday set aside deep divisions over the conflict to agree a resolution calling for "urgent and extended humanitarian pauses" in fighting. The resolution which passed with abstentions from the United States, Britain and Russia called on Hamas and Israel to protect civilians, "especially children." Israel has agreed to temporary localized pauses in fighting, but has rejected calls for a broader ceasefire. The resolution was "disconnected from reality and is meaningless," Israel's envoy to the United Nations, Gilad Erdan, wrote on X, formerly Twitter. The Israeli foreign ministry called on the Security Council and the international community to "stand firm on the prompt release" of all those kidnapped, which the resolution also calls for. "Extended humanitarian pauses are untenable as long as 239 abductees remain in the hands of Hamas terrorists," it said. Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh said in a televised speech that Israel had "achieved none of its objectives" in the war and would secure "the liberation of the hostages only at the price fixed by the resistance." Speculation has swirled about the possibility of a deal for the release of captives, with third parties to the conflict acting as mediators between the two sides. "These are very delicate negotiations. We are in contact with Hamas, with other international interested parties, and with Israel," Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said. "We are hopeful that our efforts and the efforts of others will bring about the speedy release." Risk of 'starvation' Israel has concentrated its heavy bombardment and ground offensive in Gaza City, announcing this week the seizure of the parliament building, government offices, Hamas police headquarters and a key port. Israel's army claimed an initial raid in Al-Shifa had uncovered military equipment, weapons and what spokesman Hagari described as "an operational headquarters with comms equipment." A video narrated by another Israeli army spokesman showed rifles and ammunition magazines inside an area he identified as Al-Shifa's MRI scanner building. The health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza argued Wednesday the Israeli military did not find any weapons when it raided the hospital. The death and suffering in the densely populated coastal territory has prompted growing concern for Gaza's civilians, who have fled south to try to escape the heaviest combat. "We were in pain along the road... I feel pain in the knee," said Ahmad Abu Sabra, wounded evacuee from the Al-Quds hospital in Gaza City. The U.N.'s World Food Programme (WFP) said Thursday that civilians in Gaza faced difficult months ahead as food and water have become "practically non-existent." "With winter fast approaching, unsafe and overcrowded shelters, and the lack of clean water, civilians are facing the immediate possibility of starvation," the WFP's executive director Cindy McCain said in a statement. Call for probe U.N. human rights chief Volker Turk pointed to what he called serious allegations of international law violations in the Israel-Hamas war and suggested an international investigation was needed. "Where national authorities prove unwilling or unable to carry out such investigations, and where there are contested narratives on particularly significant incidents, international investigation is called for," he said. Turk also warned against a "potentially explosive situation" in the occupied West Bank, where violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians has surged since the start of the war in Gaza along with Israeli army raids that have turned deadly. Three gunmen on Thursday attacked an Israeli checkpoint on a road leading into Jerusalem from the West Bank, killing a member of Israel's security forces and wounding five others, before being shot dead. Israeli soldier Avraham Fetena, 20, died of injuries sustained during the attack, the army said. Hamas's armed wing claimed responsibility for the shooting, saying in a post on Telegram that it was "in revenge for the blood of the martyrs in Gaza." (AFP) A physician and a man with whom he co-owned clinics were sentenced to 10 and 12 years in prison, respectively, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to unlawfully distribute and dispense controlled substances. Dr. Jonathan Rosenfield, 40, of Atlanta, and Elmer Taylor, 44, of Houston, co-owned and operated Sunnyside Medical, a group of medical clinics in Houston, according to a Nov. 16 news release from the Justice Department. Dr. Rosenfield, Mr. Taylor and their co-conspirators issued prescriptions for opioids, including approximately 752,000 pills of oxycodone and 419,000 pills of hydrocodone, under Dr. Rosenfield's name, outside the usual course of practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose. The prescriptions often were issued to individuals paid by drug dealers to pose as patients, and from May 2018 to August 2019, the clinic earned approximately $5,478,000 from the sale of illegal prescription drugs, according to the release. Their co-defendants Sokari Bobmanuel and Alantha Stewart were previously sentenced to 14 and 10 years in prison, respectively, for their roles in the scheme. The owner of two durable medical equipment companies in Texas pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to pay healthcare kickbacks for his role in a Medicare fraud scheme. Between at least June 2016 and February 2019, Simon Orobor, 60, of Houston owned and operated Devotion Medical Supply and Durable Medical Supply, which provided durable medical equipment such as knee and wrist braces, according to a Nov. 16 news release from the Justice Department. Through an entity called Digital Interventions, Mr. Orobor obtained access to thousands of Medicare beneficiaries by paying weekly kickbacks in exchange for signed physicians' orders for braces. Mr. Orobor and an unnamed co-conspirator hid the nature of these kickbacks by designating the payments as marketing expenses, entering into sham contracts and generating fraudulent invoices. In total, Mr Orobor used the kickbacks to submit more than $20 million in fraudulent claims to Medicare and received reimbursement totaling more than $11 million, according to the release. Here are two gastroenterology legal battles Becker's has reported on since Oct. 18: 1. The U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia has denied a request from Norwich Pharmaceuticals that would require the FDA to grant immediate final approval of its new drug application for its gastrointestinal medication Xifaxan. The company is in the midst of a legal battle with Bausch Health Cos. and its GI business, Salix Pharmaceuticals, over patents for the drug. 2. Omar Massoud, MD, PhD, a former Cleveland Clinic gastroenterologist, pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to 18 gross sexual imposition and six unlawful restraint charges. Following the highly contested closure of a birthing center at UMass Memorial Health's Leominster Hospital the Massachusetts Nurses Association has come out against it and is calling for the state to halt further shutdowns until a review is conducted. Two reports addressing maternal health and access to essential services across the state were released Nov. 15 by Gov. Maura Healey's office. The reports found that "while Massachusetts has no maternal services deserts, as defined by national standards, there are areas for improvement including data collection, regulatory changes, and targeted investments," a news release from Ms. Healey's office states. But the nurses association wants more to be done. "We are encouraged to see recommendations for a thorough review of access in Northern Worcester County, but believe this should be extended to all regions of the state that have lost access to inpatient maternal health services," the MNA statement reads. "We are also encouraged by the recommendation for a review of the essential service closure process and update statutes and regulations to better protect patient safety, expand community information and engagement, and sustain access to services overtime." The closure of Leominster Hospital's birthing center is the 11th closure of a maternal health unit in the state in the last decade, the association claims. Because of this, state nurses want an "immediate moratorium on the closure of any inpatient maternal child health service in Massachusetts unless and until the state conducts a thorough assessment region by region of all issues related to access to maternal child health services." A note started coming out of every printer during a cyberattack at Oceanside, Calif.-based Tri-City Medical Center, as employees raced to shut them off, the San Diego Union-Tribune reported Nov. 15. The suspected ransomware attack Nov. 9 took IT systems offline and caused ambulances to be diverted to other hospitals. Tri-City is "making significant progress in the restoration of systems, though we do not yet have a firm timetable for full restoration," a spokesperson told the news outlet. The newspaper reported that an internal document appears to confirm a ransomware attack, though the hospital hasn't commented on that. "Apparently, Thursday, a note printed out of every printer at the same time and then everyone was running around shutting off printers," an employee told the Union-Tribune. Virtual sitting has been touted as a technology that can help prevent falls in patients while reducing burnout in healthcare workers. But what do nurses actually think about it? Researchers surveyed 74 of them from Renton, Wash.-based Providence, twice a day for three weeks, and found that virtual sitting where caregivers monitor patients remotely improved their "emotional labor" and "emotional exhaustion" over in-person sitting. "This study supports our experience that virtual sitting improves the well-being of our nurses and helps maintain patient safety," said study co-author Emily Anderson, MSN, RN, a nurse manager at Providence Medical Center in Anchorage, Alaska, in a Nov. 16 news release. Nurses at Providence St. Peter Hospital in Olympia, Wash., also participated in the study. Virtual sitting's effects were most pronounced among nurses lower in career commitment, according to the study published in the Western Journal of Nursing Research. Providence and virtual sitting company AvaSure funded the research. UM Harford Memorial Hospital in Havre de Grace, Md., part of the University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health, is expected to close early next year, The Baltimore Sun reported. UM Upper Chesapeake Health CEO Elizabeth Wise said the hospital will close Feb. 6 during a presentation at the Harford County Council meeting Nov. 14. Earlier this year, health system officials said Harford Memorial was expected to close by spring 2024, dependent on the opening of a new bed tower at UM Upper Chesapeake Medical Center in Bel Air, Md. They have now announced the official date for the expected closure. On the same day Harford Memorial is expected to close, a medical center in Aberdeen, Md., will open, as will a pavilion at the Bel Air campus, according to The Baltimore Sun. According to its website, in addition to Harford Memorial and Upper Chesapeake Medical Center, University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health owns and operates the Upper Chesapeake Health Foundation in Bel Air, the Patricia D. and M. Scot Kaufman Cancer Center in Bel Air, and the Senator Bob Hooper House in Forest Hill, Md. For the first time one piece of technology has garnered the attention of all healthcare C-suite leaders, Nigam Shah, MD, PhD, chief data scientist at Palo Alto, Calif.-based Stanford Health Care, told JAMA on Nov. 15. This technology is artificial intelligence, according to Dr. Shah. "The thing I'm most excited about is that a lot of people care," he told the publication. "Has there ever been a time that for one single piece of technology, everybody from the CEO to the chief medical officer to the chief nursing officer, the pharmacist, everybody cared? Never before has that happened." Despite this, Dr. Shah said the hype around the technology is a bit "out of hand." "Sometimes it's like we're riding the hype curve so fast, we might reach escape velocity and never come back," he said. "I think what we have to do is be intentional about what the goal is here. We have to clearly articulate the desired outcome and then verify whether we're getting it." Dr. Shah gave the example of using language models to respond to patient queries, stating that it is crucial to define the objective. "If we want these language models to answer patient queries instead of a human answering them, what's the goal? Is it to reduce the physician burden or is it to make sure the patient gets the right answer?" he said. While reducing the physician burden is possible, he said it should not come in the form of providing random responses to patients. Therefore, according to Dr. Shah, it is essential to articulate the goal up front. "A lot of these pilots that I see happening today are trying something and seeing what happens as opposed to an intentional experiment," he said. Brett Kirkham has been promoted from interim to permanent CEO of Mid Coast Health System and El Campo Memorial Hospital, based in El Campo, Texas. Mr. Kirkham had been serving as the system's COO for about a year before assuming the interim helm in October, according to a Nov. 9 news release published on Facebook. He temporarily took the lead when the system's board decided to part ways with its former CEO, Nathan Tutor, stating their "strategic vision [had] diverged." "We look forward to [Brett Kirkham's] leadership and the experience he will bring to our healthcare system," Randy Clapp, the system's board chair, said in the release. "We expect it to be wise and bold, but we also expect it to be tempered with compassion, collaboration, inspiration and humanity, as we focus on providing the best quality in healthcare services to our entire community." U.S. President Joe Biden expressed worries about North Korea's "illicit" nuclear and missile programs during his summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in California this week, a senior U.S. official said Thursday. National Security Council Senior Director for China and Taiwan Affairs Sarah Beran made the remarks during an online press briefing on the summit that took place at the Filoli estate in Woodside, south of San Francisco, on Wednesday. "He raised concerns regarding the DPRK's illicit ballistic and nuclear program," she said, referring to the North by its official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. Beran said that in a number of different engagements with Chinese officials, the United States has raised a range of North Korean issues, including burgeoning military cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow. "We've focused on our concerns with the growing relationship between the DPRK and Russia, what that means for denuclearization of the peninsula, what that could mean for Russia's U.N. Security Council obligations and the potential for another nuclear test," she said. "I think we've been pretty consistent in raising those concerns and urging the Chinese to think seriously about what it means, what the impact would be on regional security as well," she added. During the briefing, Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Kritenbrink also said U.S. officials have continuously talked about North Korea-related concerns with Chinese officials and noted Beijing's role in deterring North Korea's threats and encouraging it to return to dialogue. "It is not surprising that we would continue to raise these issues with our Chinese counterparts," he said. Wednesday's summit between Biden and Xi dealt with a wide range of issues, including the 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. The two sides agreed to resume bilateral military communications and curb illicit fentanyl production in a display of their desire to stabilize the taut relationship between the two superpowers. 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. (Yonhap) Physicians at Asheville, N.C.-based Mission Hospital narrowly voted against governing documents that could have "punished physicians who criticized the hospital," the Citizen Times reported Nov. 16. The bylaws and policies could have placed physicians in professional review for making degrading, demeaning or condescending comments about the hospital, or dispute quality of care in patient notes. They also would have made physicians pay hospital legal fees if they challenged the hospital in court over professional review decisions and lost. In addition, the documents would have given HCA's board discretion to terminate privileges for physicians. A total of 202 members voted against the governing documents and 201 voted in favor. "We are pleased with our physicians' engagement in participating in this process and vote," Mission Hospital spokesperson Nancy Lindell told the Citizen Times. Options for the next step will be presented at a Dec. 1 Medical Executive Committee, hospital officials said. Nashville, Tenn.-based HCA Healthcare bought Mission Health system in 2019. The Federal Trade Commission has sued to block John Muir Health's proposed $142.5 million acquisition of San Ramon (Calif.) Regional Medical Center from majority owner Tenet Healthcare, arguing that the deal will drive up healthcare costs. Walnut Creek, Calif.-based John Muir Health has held a 49 percent stake in the 123-bed hospital since 2013. Under the proposed deal, it would acquire the remaining 51 percent interest from Dallas-based Tenet, a 61-hospital, for-profit system. The addition would grow John Muir to three hospitals, but the FTC alleges the transaction would eliminate head-to-head competition between John Muir and San Ramon Regional. Both entities operate in California's I-680 corridor, which spans Contra Costa and Alameda Counties in the San Francisco Bay Area. San Ramon Regional is a lower-priced competitor seeking to offer inpatient general acute care services in the I-680 corridor to enrollees. John Muir's hospitals are close competitors both in terms of patient preference and geographic location, according to the FTC, which alleges the acquisition would lead to higher insurance premiums, co-pays, deductibles, and other out-of-pocket costs, or reduced benefits for commercial health insurance enrollees. If the acquisition closes, John Muir would be able to demand higher rates at its two hospitals as well as San Ramon Regional for inpatient general acute care services, according to the FTC. The elimination of competition between John Muir and San Ramon Regional would also reduce incentives for these hospitals to invest in quality improvements. "San Ramon Regional Medical Center has played an important role in ensuring Californians in the I-680 corridor have access to quality, affordable care for critical healthcare services, such as cardiac surgery and childbirth," Henry Liu, director of the FTC's bureau of competition, said in a Nov. 17 news release. "John Muir's acquisition of San Ramon Medical would increase already high healthcare costs in the area and threaten to stall quality improvements that help advance care for all patients." The FTC and the California attorney general's office cooperated on the investigation and will jointly file a complaint in federal district court. The FTC will also seek a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction to prevent John Muir from taking control of San Ramon Regional. "We are disappointed by the FTC's decision, and are discussing our options and next steps, including challenging the decision in court," John Muir President and CEO Mike Thomas said in a statement shared with Becker's. "We believe the proposed acquisition would benefit our community, caregivers and patients, as well as John Muir Health, San Ramon Regional Medical Center and Pleasanton Diagnostic Imaging." Rite Aid has countersued the Justice Department in a pursuit to halt the government's lawsuit, filed in March, that claims the drugstore chain knowingly filled hundreds of thousands of illegal opioid prescriptions. Reuters was first to report the news of Rite Aid's countersuit, which the Philadelphia-based company reportedly filed Nov. 16. Here are five things to know about the drugstore chain's lawsuit and events leading up or related to it: 1. Rite Aid's lawsuit is tied to its Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing, which it announced in October. At that time, Rite Aid said that the bankruptcy filing would allow it to "resolve litigation claims in an equitable manner." 2. Lawsuits filed by opioid plaintiffs against Rite Aid were automatically stopped by the company's bankruptcy filing. The DOJ, however, agreed to a "brief pause" of its lawsuit against Rite Aid in light of the bankruptcy filing, and the company contends this position threatens to undermine its restructuring efforts, according to a complaint Rite Aid filed on Nov. 16 in New Jersey bankruptcy court as reported by Reuters. 3. Rite Aid is asking the bankruptcy judge to rule that the DOJ lawsuit cannot proceed with its lawsuit while Rite Aid is bankrupt. 4. The DOJ filed suit against Rite Aid in March, claiming it violated the Controlled Substances Act and alleging that the company filled hundreds of thousands of prescriptions that did not meet legal requirements from May 2014 through June 2019. 5. Three pharmacy chains CVS, Walgreens and Walmart reached settlement agreements totalling more than $13 billion in 2022 to resolve thousands of opioid mismanagement lawsuits at state and local government levels. After multiple nurses have been charged and imprisoned for administering fatal amounts of insulin, it's clear there's a lack of regulation in hospitals and nursing homes, the Winston-Salem Journal reported Nov. 16. Reta Mays, CNA, is serving seven life sentences after a court found her guilty in 2021 of killing seven elderly veterans in West Virginia. She was not supposed to have access to the fatal doses of insulin, according to an Inspector General report. The next year, police charged Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center nurse Johnathan Hayes in connection to two patient deaths. He was "the top insulin dispenser, facility-wide, by seven times the average of the facility," police said. Atrium Health told Becker's at the time that it was "deeply saddened and concerned" by the situation, was working with law enforcement, and had conducted an in-depth analysis to ensure a similar event would not happen again. Most recently, Heather Pressdee, RN, is accused of killing 17 patients in Pennsylvania nursing homes. The state's attorney general said the excessive insulin was administered on night shifts when staffing was sparse. For years, healthcare organizations have been advocating for stricter safeguards on insulin. In 2013, the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists published 10 recommendations for improving insulin safety in hospitals. The ASHP said it organized a 21-member panel because "insulin is frequently cited as one of the medications commonly implicated in medication errors in hospitals, and insulin-related medication errors have the potential to result in serious harm, including death." The Institute for Safe Medication Practices' 2017 guideline on insulin says "subcutaneous insulin use [has] been overlooked and inadequately addressed" in hospitals and other healthcare facilities. CMS lists insulin as a "time-critical" medication and requires hospitals to track the name of the patient; the date, time and size of the dosage; the type of insulin; and the signature of the person who administered the drug, according to the Winston-Salem Journal. Plus, hospitals can go into immediate jeopardy if CMS finds serious patient safety concerns. But there are no federal rules on insulin doses receiving bar codes, and insulin is on a lower priority than opioids, the Journal reported. "Insulin isn't addictive or recreationally abused, but it is dangerous," Tony O'Dell, a West Virginia lawyer who represented 10 families of Ms. Mays' victims, told the Journal. Delaware hospitals are speaking out after not a single one received an "A" on The Leapfrog Group's fall safety grades, CBS affiliate WBOC reported Nov. 14. The state was one of four where no hospitals received a top score this year, joining North Dakota, Wyoming and Vermont. Brian Frazee, president and CEO of the Delaware Healthcare Association, noted that the state was recently ranked third for hospital quality by U.S. News & World Report. He alleged that Leapfrog's methodology contributed to the disconnect, stating that the company penalizes hospitals with low grades on some measures if they do not reply to a voluntary survey. The 2023 Leapfrog scores also continue to reflect data affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, which some other quality reporting entities like CMS chose not to incorporate. "Leapfrog uses different quality measures and performance data than other organizations, which is why our hospitals may perform better on other report cards compared to the Leapfrog grade system," Mr. Frazee said. "It's also important to interpret the grades in context, as some measures use data that is more than two years old and may not reflect recent performance improvement efforts." "Leapfrog chose to continue its comparisons of hospital performance based on distorted data," he told the news station. Roger Follebout Jr., director of strategic communications at Salisbury, Md.-based TidalHealth, also spoke out against the methodology. The health system's Nanticoke Hospital in Seaford, Del., received a "C" on this year's safety score. The hospital performed above average in multiple areas, including timely responses from staff, safe medication administration and prevention of harmful events. However, it was delayed in providing data on nursing and bedside care in response to the voluntary survey question, which Mr. Follebout alleges brought the overall score down. The hospital also scored low on the metric accounting for dangerous objects left in a patient's body during surgery. Mr. Follebout said there was one incident where this occurred three years ago, but it was "immediately identified and remedied and has not reoccurred since," per the news station. "The C Leapfrog score, while on par with other Delaware hospitals, is not reflective of the overall commitment to patient safety in our Seaford hospital," Mr. Follebout said. TidalHealth is not the first system to speak out on Leapfrog's methodology. James Berry, CEO of Tahlequah, Okla.-based Northeastern Health System, scrutinized the ranking system in August, alleging bias towards large, tertiary hospitals in urban areas. "The only bias in Leapfrog methodology is a bias toward the hospitals that put patients first," Leah Binder, CEO of Leapfrog, told Becker's in August. "Those hospitals will do best on Leapfrog time and again." Bozeman (Mont.) Health has opened a new spine and joint institute inside of the newly constructed inpatient unit at Deaconess Regional Medical Center in partnership with a team of orthopedic surgeons at Alpine Orthopedics and Bridger Orthopedics, according to a Nov. 16 report from the Longview News-Journal. The Bozeman Health Spine + Joint Institute will specialize in elective joint replacement and spine surgery. Ben Smith, DO, will serve as medical director of the new institute. The inpatient unit will include 18 orthopedic-dedicated beds, patient-centered nurse navigators, specialized orthopedic nursing staff and an on-unit physical therapy and rehabilitation gym. It will be open to patients beginning Nov. 28. A Co Armagh astrophysicist has had a new building unveiled in her name at Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT). Professor Jocelyn Bell Burnell, who is originally from Lurgan, is best known for her 1967 discovery of pulsars. She was 24 years old and a PHD student at Cambridge University at the time. This discovery was later awarded the Nobel prize for physics, although Prof Bell Burnell herself did not receive the award. Prof Bell Burnell attended the official opening of the new science building at DkIT on Thursday. She said she was impressed by the work students are doing in the new building. Speaking at the opening, Irelands Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris, said the building was a "really important development for higher education in the North Eastern Region" and that its construction will "improve the educational experience for current and future generations of students". The new building is an 18 million investment in science facilities and Mr Harris said naming it after Prof Bell Burnell will inspire women and girls to start careers in science. He said Prof Bell Burnell was a representation of inclusivity and improved education pathways for all. Students at DkIT started using the new facilities at the Jocelyn Bell Burnell Science Building at the start of this term in September. The new facility includes laboratory provisions for studies including analytical and pharmaceutical science, food technology, molecular biology and biotechnology. The new buses will be manufactured at the firm's Ballymena headquarters Wrightbus has announced that another 80 of its new zero-emission buses will take to the streets of London next year Ballymena bus manufacturer Wrightbus has won another order for 80 electric buses, the third in just over a month. The order from London bus operator Abellio is for 24 single-deck and 56 double-deck buses, which will hit the streets of London next year. Abellio, which is part of the Transport UK Group, is the second London-based operator to place an order with the Co Antrim manufacturer this month. Earlier this month it was announced that Aviva in London had placed an order for a further 34 double-deck electric buses, bringing its total order to 100. The new deal also takes Abellios total order with Wrightbus to over 100 buses, following an order of 30 buses which was delivered last year. The new buses will be manufactured at the firm's Ballymena headquarters Jean-Marc Gales, chief executive of Wrightbus, said: We are delighted to continue our partnership with Abellio to further demonstrate their commitment to offering even more zero-emission public transport in London. It has been a real team effort between Wrightbus and Abellio to deliver these orders, which will help customers enjoy cleaner transport. Were immensely proud of the reputation we have forged in the zero-emission transport sector and the important role we are playing in the UKs ambitions for decarbonisation. All of the buses will be manufactured and assembled at our Ballymena factory, which means support for jobs in Northern Ireland, and wider across the UK through our domestic supply chain. Jon Eardley, managing director of Abellio, said: Abellio sits at the forefront of EV bus technology in London, leading the way with the introduction of zero-emission buses across our six London depots. We are proud to support Transport for London and the Mayor of Londons goals to decarbonise Londons streets. Abellios investment in state-of-the-art EV fleet and comprehensive infrastructure has already provided millions of customers with comfortable, cleaner, and greener journeys. We are very excited about the future as we energise all six of our London depots and work in partnership with Wrightbus to serve our customers with innovative zero-emission journeys. In August Transport for London announced that it now had the largest zero-emission bus fleet in Western Europe, with more than 1,000 zero-emission buses in operation. Wrightbuss workforce has grown from just 56 in 2019, after the business went into administration, to around 1,200 following its takeover by industrialist Jo Bamford. The Ballymena firm is behind the worlds first hydrogen double-deck bus, the StreetDeck Hydroliner. The bus was launched in 2020 in Aberdeen, with the fleet entering passenger service in January 2021. It is also behind the double-deck electric bus the Streetdeck Electroliner, as well as single-deck battery electric and hydrogen electric buses. It is the only manufacturer in Europe to offer a complete suite of zero-emission buses, with both battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell single and double decks. Israeli troops carried out building-by-building searches at Gaza's main hospital, as a new communications blackout in the territory on Friday compounded fears for Palestinian civilians trapped inside the facility. Al-Shifa hospital has become a focal point for Israeli operations in northern Gaza since soldiers raided the complex on Wednesday, hunting for a command center they say militant group Hamas operates there. Hamas and hospital managers deny that charge, and there has been international concern about several thousand people including wounded patients and premature babies believed to be trapped inside. Israel has vowed to eradicate Hamas in response to the group's Oct. 7 attack, which killed 1,200 people, most of them civilians, and saw about 240 taken hostage, according to Israeli officials. Israel's air bombardment and ground operation has killed 11,500 people, including thousands of children, according to Hamas-run local authorities in Gaza. Thick dark smoke rose over the northern Gaza Strip on Friday, an AFPTV live camera showed. Israeli authorities have defended their operation, and the military said Thursday it found rifles, ammunition, explosives and the entrance to a tunnel shaft at Al-Shifa. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu alleged hostages may even have been held at the medical facility. "We had strong indications that they were held in the Shifa Hospital, which is one of the reasons we entered the hospital," he told "CBS Evening News." "If they were (there), they were taken out," he said. Allegations about the hospital have not been verified, and on Friday communications with the Gaza Strip were severed once again. Network provider Paltel group said all telecommunications were down because "all energy sources sustaining the network have been depleted, and fuel was not allowed in." The U.N. warned that the blackout would compound the misery of civilians, complicating efforts to distribute aid and possibly triggering looting of its supplies. "When you have a blackout and you cannot communicate with anyone anymore... that triggers and fuels even more the anxiety and the panic," said Philippe Lazzarini, head of the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees UNRWA. 'Immediate possibility of starvation' Israel said its forces were searching Al-Shifa "one building at a time," and the army announced Friday that troops had recovered the remains of kidnapped woman soldier Noa Marciano, 19, "from a structure adjacent to Al-Shifa hospital." The army had confirmed earlier in the week the death of Marciano, without giving the cause. Hamas said she had been killed in an Israeli bombardment. On Thursday the army said soldiers near Al-Shifa had found the body of another hostage. Yehudit Weiss, 65, was kidnapped from her home in the border kibbutz community of Beeri, one of the areas worst-hit by the brutal Hamas assault. Her husband was killed in the attack, a hostage support group said. On Thursday, Jews and Arabs came together for the funeral of another casualty of the Beeri attack peace activist Vivian Silver, who was hailed as an "extraordinary woman." Negotiations are ongoing for the release of the hostages, some of them just infants, in exchange for a pause in fighting. Qatar, where Hamas has political offices, and Egypt have been mediating what Egypt's foreign minister described Thursday as "very delicate" discussions. "We are hopeful that our efforts and the efforts of others will bring about the speedy release," Sameh Shoukry said. On the ground, conditions are rapidly deteriorating for Palestinian civilians, U.N. agencies have warned. More than 1.5 million people have been internally displaced, and Israel's blockade of the territory means "civilians are facing the immediate possibility of starvation," World Food Programme executive director Cindy McCain said. Food and water have become "practically non-existent," the agency added. Lazzarini described children sheltering at a U.N. school "pleading for a sip of water, or for a loaf of bread." 'Settler violence' Israel's ground operation has so far focused on the north of the Gaza Strip, where it has announced the seizure of the parliament building, government offices, Hamas police headquarters and a key port. It says 51 of its troops have been killed in the fighting. Hospitals have become a particular target, with Israel saying it has found tunnels or military equipment at the Al-Shifa, Rantisi and Al-Quds facilities. Palestinian health officials said Thursday that the Al-Ahli hospital was under attack, with the Palestinian Red Crescent saying medical staff were unable to reach casualties in the courtyard because of explosions and gunfire. Washington has backed Israel's allegations that Hamas is using hospitals as command centers, while urging that operations be "incredibly careful." More than half of Gaza's hospitals are no longer functional, due to either combat, damage, or shortages, and Israel's raid on Al-Shifa left extensive damage to the radiology, burns and dialysis unit, the Hamas-run health ministry said. Alongside the war in Gaza, there is growing concern about violence in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, where violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians has surged. In an attack claimed by Hamas, three gunmen on Thursday killed an Israeli soldier and wounded five others at a checkpoint leading into Jerusalem from the West Bank. Overnight, a large deployment of Israeli troops raided the Jenin refugee camp, AFP reporters there said, prompting clashes. Israel's military did not immediately comment. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday urged Israel to take "urgent" action to "de-escalate tensions in the West Bank, including by confronting rising levels of settler extremist violence," the State Department said. Elsewhere, Israeli warplanes again hit targets near the Syrian capital, Syria's state news agency reported. The strikes caused damage but there were no reports of casualties. (AFP) The board of ChatGPT-maker Open AI said it has pushed out its co-founder and chief executive Sam Altman after a review found he was not consistently candid in his communications with the board. The board no longer has confidence in his ability to continue leading OpenAI, the company said in a statement. Mira Murati, OpenAIs chief technology officer, will take over as interim CEO effective immediately, the company said, while it searches for a permanent replacement. A company spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment on what the alleged lack of candour was about. Sam Altman helped start OpenAI as a non-profit research laboratory in 2015 (John Walton/PA) The statement said Mr Altmans behaviour was hindering the boards ability to exercise its responsibilities. Mr Altman posted on Friday on X, formerly Twitter: i loved my time at openai. it was transformative for me personally, and hopefully the world a little bit. most of all i loved working with such talented people. will have more to say about whats next later. Mr Altman helped start OpenAI as a non-profit research laboratory in 2015. But in the past year, he was thrust into the global spotlight as the face of OpenAI after ChatGPT exploded into public consciousness. On a world tour earlier this year, Mr Altman was mobbed by a crowd of adoring fans at an event in London. Just on Thursday, he took part in a CEO summit at the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation conference in San Francisco, where OpenAI is based. Mr Altman predicted AI will prove to be the greatest leap forward of any of the big technological revolutions weve had so far. But he also acknowledged the need for guardrails to protect humanity from the existential threat posed by the quantum leaps being taking by computers. I really think the world is going to rise to the occasion and everybody wants to do the right thing, Mr Altman said. As part of the transition announced on Friday, OpenAIs president and board chairman Greg Brockman will be stepping down as chairman of the board but will remain in his role at the company, reporting to the CEO. The statement gave no explanation for that change. The company said its board consists of OpenAIs chief scientist Ilya Sutskever and three non-employees: Quora chief executive Adam DAngelo, tech entrepreneur Tasha McCauley, and Helen Toner of the Georgetown Centre for Security and Emerging Technology. OpenAIs key business partner, Microsoft, which has invested billions of dollars into the start-up and helped provide the computing power to run its AI systems, said on Friday that the transition will not affect its relationship. We have a long-term partnership with OpenAI and Microsoft remains committed to Mira and their team as we bring this next era of AI to our customers, said an emailed Microsoft statement. OpenAI started out as a non-profit research laboratory when it launched in December 2015 with financial backing from Tesla chief executive Elon Musk and others. Its stated aims were to advance digital intelligence in the way that is most likely to benefit humanity as a whole, unconstrained by a need to generate financial return. That changed in 2018 when it incorporated a for-profit business Open AI LP, and shifted nearly all its staff into the business, not long after releasing its first generation of the GPT large language model for generating paragraphs of readable text. Around the same time, Mr Musk, who had co-chaired its board, resigned from the board in a move that the start-up tied to eliminating a potential future conflict for Elon due to Teslas work on building automated driving systems. The Associated Press and OpenAI have a licensing and technology agreement that allows OpenAI access to part of APs text archives. A judge today ordered the Security Industry Authority to return computer equipment to loyalist Jamie Bryson more than five years after they were first seized. A lawyer for the SIA, whose case against the north Down loyalist was dismissed three months ago, tried to contend that Mr Bryson had no right to have the computer tower and laptop returned to him as other items from the now defunct JJ Security Services Limited had gone to a womens centre charity. She told Newtownards Magistrates Court that several people have written to the SIA regarding possible GDPR breaches due to data apparently held on the computer equipment. Is this connected to the saga, District Judge Mark Hamill enquired and representing himself, Mr Bryson assured him the saga is over it was dismissed at the direction stage. Mr Bryson had been charged with making a false statement to the Security Industry Authority and recklessly making a false statement to the SIA on June 6 2018 that JJ Security Services Limited has never traded. The court had heard that the SIA wrote to Mr Bryson in September 2017 requesting information about JJ Security Services Ltd, a company where he was a named director, as part of an investigation into door staff operating in the north Down area. In his reply Mr Bryson stated that JJ Security Services Ltd had never traded and he does not hold any relevant information. It had been the SIA contention that according to a 450 invoice for SIA licensed event supervisors at a bonfire festival in Bangor in 2017, a document created by JJ Security Services five men were supplied for six hours at a rate of 15 per hour each. At the end of the long-running saga in August, Mr Bryson was acquitted of the charges after District Judge Amanda Brady outlined how she had doubts about multiple aspects of the prosecution case which was brought by the SIA. Representing himself in the case which had been live for more than five years and which has been visited upon almost every level of court in the land from the Petty Sessions to the Court of Appeal, Mr Bryson had lodged repeated legal arguments seeking to undermine the legality and validity of the case against him. One of those arguments was that the police, working with the SIA, had conducted searches under an unlawfully obtained warrant and judges in the High Court quashed that warrant, deeming that it had been granted under false pretences. Giving evidence on his own behalf in his civil application today, Mr Bryson outlined how the items he was seeking the return of were seized under that unlawfully obtained warrant. He told the court that: Nobody else has any issues with the items coming back to me. Granting Mr Brysons application, District Judge Hamill concluded he has given sworn evidence that the items are due to be returned to him theres no evidence to contradict that. Theres no one coming to this court and saying these items belong to meso thats the end of it, application is granted, declared the judge. Loyalists have broken their silence to vow there will be no feud after a Remembrance Sunday statement stood down senior members of the East Belfast UVF. East Belfast ACT, an autonomous ex-prisoners association described as close to the thinking of the UVF, released a statement saying: There is no, and will be no, feud or violence. There was said to be overwhelming support in favour of retaining the route (stock image) Belfasts Twelfth of July parade will proceed along its traditional route next year after members of the Orange Order were up in arms over plans to shorten it. It was reported earlier this year that the order was considering cutting the distance and axing the gathering in the field at Barnett Demesne, on the outskirts of the city. Those recommendations stemmed from an internal report commissioned into the 2022 Twelfth which described it as probably the worst for decades. It is understood the decision to stick to the traditional route was agreed on Tuesday night after the order considered feedback from members strongly opposed to plans to shorten it. There was said to be overwhelming support in favour of retaining the longer route. Belfast UUP councillor and Orange Order member Jim Rodgers said: I warmly welcome the decision for them to continue with the route that theyve used now for many years. Ive been aware that some members within the institution have felt that the route is too long, but I dont accept that. You just have to look along the roads and the avenues to see how many people watch the parade. At times its up to six deep, so its important that people have enough space to spread out and enjoy the parade rather than everybody bunching up. A lot of people have spoken to me, both members and non-members, and theyre very happy that well continue with the route, and its important that people appreciate that. Youll find the organisers always do everything possible to ensure that they adhere not only to the route that has been submitted, but also that members of the institution, along with the bands, enjoy their day. At 10 miles, Belfasts Twelfth route is one of the longest. It leaves Carlisle Circus in the north of the city at 10am, passing through the city centre and arriving at Barnett Demesne at around lunchtime. It then retraces its steps back to north Belfast in the late afternoon. Had the plans been accepted, it would have turned down Elmwood Avenue in the south of the city and finished at 2PM. If adopted, the 2024 route would have been shortened by six miles, with the event to become a circuitous march. Mr Rodgers said the march would be reviewed yearly and the wishes of members respected. He added: I had quite a lot of people complaining to me who thought maybe it was only a rumour, but it wasnt it was being considered. The review was launched after the Orange Order was left disappointed with last years parades, described as abysmal and unacceptable. It is thought the suggestions were prompted by anti-social behaviour and disruption caused by crowds at Shaftesbury Square in Belfast city centre on the parades return leg. Commenting on those concerns, Mr Rodgers said: All of that is taken into consideration, and I always appeal to people to adhere to the rules and regulations, and not do anything that would attract criticism of the Orange Order. Yes, there have been large numbers year after year at Shaftesbury Square, and the Orange have done everything in their power to make sure members of the public dont try and break through the procession or cause any difficulty or problems. Mr Rodgers was also able to confirm that next years would be led by Ballymacarrett LOL No 6, which has the biggest membership of Orange Order members in the capital. DUP MLA Edwin Poots has said the Orange Order could learn from Feile an Phobails approach to addressing anti-social behaviour during Belfasts Twelfth of July parades. Speaking on BBC Radio Ulsters The Nolan Show, Mr Poots said theres a lot that can be learned from Feile when discussing issues relating to anti-social behaviour in the Shaftesbury Square area during the annual celebrations. It comes after the Orange Order scrapped plans to shorten the Twelfth of July parade route in Belfast. Earlier this year, it was reported the order was considering cutting the distance and axing the gathering in the field at Barnett Demesne on the outskirts of the city. It is understood the decision to stick to the traditional route was agreed on Tuesday night after the order considered feedback from members strongly opposed to plans to shorten it. It is thought suggestions to shorten the route were also prompted by anti-social behaviour and disruption caused by crowds at Shaftesbury Square in Belfast city centre on the parades return leg. Asked if the Orange Order can learn from the community-led events during Feile an Phobail to help reduce anti-social behaviour during Belfasts Twelfth parade, Mr Poots told The Nolan Show there is a lot that can be learned. "Theres a lot of good things that happen at Feile, he said. Unfortunately we constantly get this rendition of Up the RA which is offensive to hundreds of thousands of people in Northern Ireland and they really should deal with that, but in respect of many of the other things that happen at Feile, it is a community festival that takes place over the course of three weeks. Theres huge investment there almost 1 million. We dont need anything like that but we do need investment and we do need support and I trust the council will see this is a problem and these people need help to solve the problems. Mr Poots said he believes creating family-centred celebrations will reduce the levels of anti-social behaviour. "We believe that bringing more families into the area tends to push anti-social types out, he said. I think that is what is incumbent upon us to do. "Theres an issue as well on the mornings before the parade takes off that theres a huge gathering of people that come to Sandy Row. Locals dont really like that either. "We are looking to get investment, both from the city council and maybe people in the private sector, to create a community-type festival on Sandy Row as the parade happens so that people can come, watch the parade and when the parade passes they can go and enjoy time with their kids at bouncy castles and various festival activities. "They can then go back to the parade in the evening at Shaftesbury Square. Mr Poots added that those who attend the area during the Twelfth parade come from everywhere, including Scotland. "Believe it or not there is people from all sections of the community as well, he said. But it will mainly be people from a loyalist background, there is no doubt about that. "These people arent contributing anything. Theyre there, theyre watching but there is too much drink and too much problems and therefore something has to be done. The widow of a murdered independent nationalist councillor said she is shattered to hear that an ordered inquest may never be heard (PA) The widow of a murdered independent nationalist councillor said she is shattered to hear that an ordered inquest may never be heard. Patsy Kelly, 35, was abducted and murdered in Co Tyrone by Loyalist paramilitaries in 1974. His family was failed by police at the time, a Police Ombudsman report previously found. No one has been charged or prosecuted over the murder. An inquest into his death was ordered but Mrs Kelly was told on Friday that coroners cannot currently be allocated to outstanding legacy inquests into Troubles deaths in Northern Ireland due to a lack of resources. Patsy Kellys widow Teresa has spoken of her upset (PA) Presiding coroner Mr Justice Michael Humphreys said he understands the disappointment, upset and anger this will cause to relatives who have an expectation that inquests will be carried out into how their loved ones died. A number of inquests are proceeding in Northern Ireland against the backdrop of the Governments new Legacy Act, which says any legacy inquests which have not reached the point of verdict by May 1 2024 will be discontinued. Mr Justice Humphreys said pressure to complete already running inquests ahead of the cut-off point means there are simply no resources available to allocate resources to remaining cases. He said that even if resources could be allocated to the cases, it would be difficult for them to be completed ahead of May 1. Giving an update at the Royal Courts of Justice in Belfast on Friday, the presiding coroner said the Legacy Inquest Unit (LIU) was established in February 2019 with the aim of hearing outstanding legacy inquests in Northern Ireland within a five-year timeframe. He said the work initially comprised of 53 inquests relating to 94 Troubles deaths. Mr Justice Humphreys said a number of inquests have concluded and delivered findings, including one into the Ballymurphy massacre, which was already underway before the LIU was established. However, he said several more, including the inquests into the murder of GAA official Sean Brown and the Kingsmill massacre, have yet to be completed. He told the court: Six inquests have concluded and findings delivered. A further 16 are part-heard and four others are under active case management by assigned coroners. Thirteen inquests are listed for hearing between now and April 2024. Eighteen coroners of different judicial tiers are currently committed to legacy inquests. He said cases to be impacted by the Legacy Act are deaths between January 1 1966 and April 10 1988. Mr Justice Humphreys said a further 10 legacy cases have not yet been assigned to a coroner. He said four of these cases happened within the timeframe stipulated in the Act. The presiding coroner said the Attorney General also ordered an additional nine inquests into 18 Troubles deaths which were not part of the original LIU five-year plan. He said all but one of these deaths happened in the timeframe stipulated in the Government Act. They include the murder of Ian Sproule in Co Tyrone in 1991. Speaking outside court, Mrs Kelly, who has been campaigning for 49 years for justice for her husband, said the development is disappointing and shattering. When it happened, I depended on police, thinking I would get justice for what has happened to Patsy, she said. To be told this morning by a High Court judge that lack of resources probably means my family will never get an inquest was disappointing and shattering. My children and grandchildren have all grown up with this. In 50 years, nothing has changed. That is what the British state do. Meanwhile Mr Justice Humphreys said the High Court will hear a legal challenge to the Governments Act next week. He said: I have taken this opportunity to set out the position in relation to all ongoing and outstanding legacy inquests in order that all practitioners, interested persons and the public are aware of the complete picture as far as the five-year plan is concerned. For the most part PIPs (properly interested persons) accept that there is no real prospect of an unallocated inquest concluding prior to May 1 2024. Members of Sean Browns family (PA) The PSNI and the Ministry of Defence make the point that imposing further disclosure obligations upon them would have an adverse effect upon the progress of the inquests which are part-heard. The presiding coroner said he was conscious of the obligations set out in law to hold inquests as soon as is practicable. He added: The ability to comply with such obligation is tempered by the finite nature of resources. As will be evident, there are a series of inquests which are part-heard where coroners intend to complete hearing evidence over the course of the next five months. The net result of this is that resources have been stretched to their limit. These are resources in terms of Legacy Inquest Unit solicitors, support staff, legal representatives and disclosure experts in the various state agencies, court rooms and court staff, counsel with expertise in the field, expert witnesses and coroners. A number of families of Troubles victims are taking their legal battle against the Governments Legacy Act to the High Court (PA) Coroners have displayed a willingness to bring the inquests they are managing to a conclusion before May 1 2024. In order to achieve this they will require the focused input and the dedication of resources of all concerned. The unfortunate but inevitable effect of the position which all PIPs and practitioners find themselves in is that there are simply no resources available which would enable me, in my role as presiding coroner, to allocate responsibility for any of the remaining legacy inquests to coroners at the moment. Even if I were to do so, experience indicates it would be very difficult for an inquest to come to a conclusion prior to May 1 2024. The presiding coroner added: I recognise the disappointment, upset and anger that this will cause to relatives whose loved ones died and who have an expectation that an inquest will be held to find out how the death occurred. He said he will not take a final view on the future of outstanding legacy inquests until after the High Court delivers its ruling on the Governments Legacy Act. The 30-year-old had appealed for help to reunite him with his children. A Belfast-born Palestinian man who had appealed for help to reunite him with his children after his wife and other family members were killed in Gaza has confirmed they have crossed the border into Egypt. Irish citizen Khalid El-Estal (30) said his one-year-old daughter Sara and four-year-old Ali have been allowed through the Rafah border crossing. Mr El-Estal told Irish broadcaster RTE: They are being processed now. This is great news. Born in Belfast, Mr El-Estal attended primary school in the Botanic area while his father worked as a lecturer at Queens University. His family relocated to Gaza when he was eight, where he met his wife Ashwak Jendia at university. Mr El-Estals wife was killed on November 1 and he has since suffered further tragedies after Israeli airstrikes also killed his brother and mother. His children had been trapped in Gaza following the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7 which killed around 1,200 people. The Gaza strip has been under intense bombardment ever since with over 11,300 Palestinians killed, including 4,630 children. Read more Belfast-born Palestinian man waiting for news of children leaving Gaza as border crossing unlikely today On Wednesday, Tanaiste (Irish deputy prime minister) Micheal Martin said 23 Irish citizens had crossed into Egypt from Gaza. He said it was "very welcome news" that some families with children had successfully crossed the Rafah checkpoint. Mr Martin had said another group of about 40 Irish citizens and dependents were due to leave the warzone. Speaking last week to RTEs Morning Ireland programme on Wednesday, Mr El-Estal said he continues to send WhatsApp messages to his wife. "She will be always in my heart. I am until now still sending her messages and WhatsApp. She is with us, she is with us. I can feel her with me there all the time," he said. The Republic of Irelands Department of Foreign Affairs (DfA) welcomed the inclusion of more Irish citizens on the list for departure from Gaza yesterday. A spokesperson said: We have continued to stay in contact with our citizens in Gaza overnight and throughout this morning. The consular team from our Embassy in Cairo are again at Rafah to provide support and transport onwards from the border. "They are being provided with consular assistance and support, including with onward travel to Ireland, a spokesperson explained. We expect additional Irish citizens and dependents in Gaza to be on the list in the coming days. It comes after Israel announced they had agreed to allow two tanker trucks of fuel to enter the Gaza Strip each day, a quantity the countrys national security adviser said was very minimal. Tzachi Hanegbi said at a news conference that the fuel would be allowed for Gazas communications system and water and sewage services. He said the aim is to prevent the spread of disease without disrupting Israels ability to continue its war against Hamas. Mr Hanegbi said the fuel amounted to roughly 2% to 4% of the normal quantities of fuel that had entered Gaza before the war erupted on October 7. Israel has barred entry to fuel since the start of the war, saying it would be diverted by Hamas for military means. Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said they were continuing to press the UK Government for a solution. The DUP are prepared to move at pace if the right outcome for negotiations on the Windsor Framework is on offer, Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has said. The party withdrew from power-sharing in February 2022 in protest at post-Brexit trading arrangements between Northern Ireland and Great Britain. Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris has been describing talks aimed at finding a solution to the DUPs objections as being in their final stage since September. Sir Jeffrey has said the DUP will continue to press the Government on legislation that protects Northern Irelands ability to trade within the United Kingdom. "We are prepared to move at pace to get to a solution, but it has to be the right outcome, he told Cool FM on Friday. "From the view of delivering what is required, it is the UK government that can deliver the progress that is needed. We are looking to them now to do that. "We have been engaged with the government now since early this year following the publication of the Windsor Framework. "Weve got to ensure that what is agreed with the government restores Northern Irelands ability to trade with the rest of the United Kingdom, that it respects our place in the Union and protects our economic rights within that union. Sir Jeffrey said talks regarding the desired legislation were moving forward. "Weve made progress in terms of that legislation and we are refining it so it delivers what is needed to give Northern Ireland businesses the unfettered access that they require to our biggest market, which is Great Britain, he said. "Secondly, there are the practical arrangements, the measures designed to ensure that where goods are moving, particularly from Great Britain to Northern Ireland, that if they are staying in the internal market of the United Kingdom, that they do what the Prime Minister said, they flow freely from one part of the UK to the other. "I think government can deliver on the issues that are of concern to people, and I hope the moment is arriving now when they will. "When we can get an agreement that enables us to restore the political institutions on the basis that unionists as well as nationalists can support them. Asked when he thought discussions with the government would draw to a close, Mr Donaldson said: "As soon as the government bring forward the final elements of the solution that is required. "Thats what were hoping for, thats what were pressing for and thats what we are trying to achieve. It comes after Mr Heaton-Harris yesterday reiterated his claim that the talks were in their final stages. "As Ive said before and will continue to say, the best game in town for Northern Ireland is getting that Executive back, no matter how long that might take, but obviously things will evolve if it doesnt happen sooner rather than later, he said. During his time as a politician, former DUP leader and First Minister Peter Robinson was fond of a witty put-down or two and now hes written a book on it. Mr Robinson has previously put pen to paper for several books over the years, but they have been confined to Northern Ireland politics and history. His new book is something very different. Entitled Witty Putdowns and Clever Insults, Robinsons latest effort is billed as a playbook and analysis that will allow the reader to conquer social battles in no time, or protect yourself from verbal jabs. Contrary to popular belief, delivering razor-sharp put-downs is not exclusive to the inherently witty, a description of the book reads. It's a craft that can be honed with the right guidance and ample practice. Likewise, swift replies are not always the product of spontaneity but can be prepared in advance. By building an arsenal of put-downs and insults, you can always stand ready with a fitting retort, regardless of the scenario. Speaking to this newspaper, Mr Robinson acknowledged his new book ventures into a new genre for him and explained how it came about. Ive read a number of books on quotes and so forth, so I thought I would have a bit of fun and put something together myself, he said. I think our society has moved away from the witty and clever, to downright abuse particularly on social media. Theres actually a bit in the book about how to deal with that. It also features quotes from various Northern Ireland politicians, including Sammy Wilson, Ian Paisley and John Hume. I suppose now that Im relieved of my other duties Ive been able to broaden my horizons and try something a little bit different. The book features several humorous Northern Ireland-related anecdotes, including one from the DUPs MP for East Antrim, Sammy Wilson. It recalls how at an annual get-together, Mr Wilson held up a magazine which reported how Gerry Adams is a keen environmentalist. I read that Gerry Adams talks to flowers and hugs trees, Mr Wilson said. Yes, hes a tree hugger. I suppose we shouldnt be surprised, given how often he has been handled by Special Branch. The book also gives a mention to the current DUP leader, Sir Jeffrey Donaldson. Mr Robinson writes that Sir Jeffrey possesses a calm equilibrium that seldom savages but consistently seeks to conquer through reason. Such personalities when provoked to react outside their customary manner often demand more attention, the book reads. The government, some decades ago, had laboured for many months to produce a Framework Document which was to be the blueprint for negotiations. So incensed was Jeffrey by its content that he ripped it in two, at a press conference, and tossed it aside. I suspect the authors were insulted, but he had made his point. During his time as DUP leader, Mr Robinson was the subject of a bit of a misunderstanding relating to an English crime writer who shares the same name. The English Peter Robinson, who has since died, took to his website in 2010 to express his frustration with people emailing him raising their concerns about Northern Ireland politics and the then DUP leaders views. Fridays front page headlines are a mixed bag, spanning politics, police affairs, problems at the Ministry of Defence and more. The Daily Mail and The Daily Telegraph continue to cover the fallout of the Conservative Partys failed bid to have migrant flights to Rwanda cleared by the Supreme Court. The Mail criticises unelected Lords for a plot to block the policy, while the Telegraph outlines sacked Home Secretary Suella Bravermans plan to get planes heading to Rwanda. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content The Daily Express called on the Government to toughen up laws for thugs dishonouring Britains heroes after protesters climbed on the Royal Artillery Memorial in London. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content The Financial Times opted to lead Chancellor Jeremy Hunt eyeing tax plans to lift Tory poll ratings. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content The i and The Times focus on a possible benefits crackdown for those who refuse to take on work. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content Police have admitted they failed stalked murder victim Gracie Spinks, according to the Metro. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content The Guardian reports that senior female staff have reported a culture of sexual assault and harassment at the Ministry of Defence. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content The Daily Mirror rolls back the years with a front page on model Christine Keeler, one of the central figures in the Profumo affair in the early 1960s, and her sons fight to clear his mums name. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content The Suns front page warns of PC gone mad with police warned that using the term policeman could violate the law. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content And the Daily Star leads with a headline lambasting a Bank of England boss who is supposedly fuming over a staff pay rise. The body of a second female Israeli hostage abducted by Hamas during its Oct. 7 attack on Israel has been found near to Gaza's besieged Al-Shifa Hospital. The body of Israel Defense Forces soldier, Corporal Noa Marciano, was recovered by troops from a building near the strip's largest hospital in Gaza City and returned to Israel on Thursday, the Israeli military said in a news release. "Following an identification process that was conducted by military medical and rabbinate personnel, IDF representatives informed her family that her body was extracted and returned to Israeli territory." The discovery of Marciano, whose death has been previously announced, came hours after IDF recovered the body of 65-year-old Yehuddit Weiss, a resident of Kibbutz Be' eri in southern Israel, earlier Thursday from another structure near the Al-Shifa complex. The IDF said locating and bringing the remaining hostages home was among its highest priorities and that it was working "alongside and in full coordination" with relevant national and security institutions in pursuit of its goal. "We will not cease from the mission until it will be completed." Israeli forces remained inside the hospital late Thursday after storming it for the second time in 24 hours, claiming to have found a clandestine Hamas war command post beneath the complex. The hospital has run out of fuel, electricity and, some doctors say, hope, after physicians have reportedly performed limited procedures by candlelight and without anesthesia, bereft of sufficient fuel and medical supplies to sustain a viable medical service. The hospital also houses a number of premature babies and other infants that doctors are battling to keep alive. "Thousands of women, children, sick and wounded are in danger of death" as Israeli raids on al-Shifa continue for a third night," said Gaza Health Ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qudra. He has accused Israeli forces of destroying radiology and dialysis units in the hospital. Hamas and doctors at Al-Shifa have continued to deny the presence of the war command post and while video shared by NBC News does not appear to confirm its existence, the discovery nearby of the bodies of the two women goes some way to supporting Israel's claims. The IDF said it discovered weapons and artillery, including AK-47s, hand grenades, military uniforms and a laptop that included a photo of a kidnapped Israeli soldier in the hospital. It is not clear if the photo was of Marciano. Israeli officials say 239 people are still being held hostage in Gaza although it is unclear how many are being, or have been held, at Al-Shifa. More than 1.6 million people have reportedly been displaced by the war since Hamas' Oct. 7 surprise attack on Israel in which 1,200 people were killed. Gaza health officials confirm at least 11,200 people have been killed since the war began. (UPI) Palestinians look at destruction after Israeli strikes on Rafah, Gaza Strip (Hatem Ali, AP) A lack of fuel in the Gaza Strip shut down all internet and phone networks on Thursday, the main Palestinian telecom provider said, effectively cutting off the besieged territory from the outside world. In a signal that Israels ground invasion could soon expand to the south, Palestinians in parts of southern Gaza said they received evacuation notices on Thursday. Most of Gazas 2.3 million people are crowded into the south, including hundreds of thousands who heeded Israels calls to evacuate the north to get out of the way of its offensive. Nearly every single person in the Gaza Strip does not have enough food, and more than two out of every three people do not have clean drinking water, the United Nations said on Thursday. Smoke rises after an Israeli strike on the Gaza Strip on Thursday (Leo Correa, AP) Residents say bread is scarce and supermarket shelves are bare. Central electricity and running water have been out for weeks. At least 11,470 Palestinians two-thirds of them women and minors have been killed since the war began, according to Palestinian health authorities, which do not differentiate between civilian and militant deaths. About 2,700 people are reported missing. The general manager of Palestine telecommunications company, Paltel, said he has urged international bodies to persuade Israel to allow fuel to enter Gaza in order to restore phone and internet to the besieged enclave. We asked all international bodies to intervene with Israel in order to allow the entry of fuel, Abdulmajeed Melhem told The Associated Press. Earlier on Thursday, Paltel announced all communication services landlines, mobile phones and internet connections were down due to a lack of fuel. Since the outbreak of the war, there has been no electricity, therefore we have relied on alternative sources to operate the generators, Mr Melhem said. If they (Israel) allow the entry of fuel, this problem will be solved. Palestinians inspect the rubble of destroyed buildings following Israeli airstrikes on the town of Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip (Mohammed Dahman, AP File) Gazas fragile communication network has broken down several times during the conflict because of bombardment or shutdowns by Israel, but each time Gaza authorities were able to quickly get it back working. Previous blackouts have traumatised Palestinians, leaving them unable to call ambulances or reach dispersed family members to ensure they are alive amid the bombardment. Aid workers say it hampers humanitarian operations and hospitals. The blackout also largely cuts Gaza off from the outside world, making it even harder for international media to cover events on the ground. Israel vowed to wipe out Hamas after the militant group launched its October 7 incursion. Some 1,200 people have died in Israel, mostly during the initial attack, and around 240 people were taken captive by militants. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content Israel responded with a weeks-long air campaign and a ground invasion of northern Gaza. Meanwhile, The White House said it believes Israel can dramatically reduce the threat from Hamas, but that eliminating the group and its ideology is likely impossible. National security council spokesperson John Kirby pointed to the US efforts to disrupt al-Qaida and the Islamic State group, a day after US President Joe Biden said Israels war on Hamas in Gaza would only end once the militant group was no longer a threat. Ukrainian marines sail along the Dnipro river at the frontline near Kherson (AP) Ukraines troops have secured multiple bridgeheads on the eastern bank of the Dnieper River in the Kherson region in fighting that the countrys marine corps described as having left nearly 3,500 Russians killed or wounded and dozens of ammunition depots, tanks, armoured vehicles and other weaponry destroyed. The Marine Infantry Commands claims were the first to come directly from the Ukrainian military about advances across one of Russias most significant strategic barriers. Earlier this week, Andriy Yermak, the head of the presidents office, confirmed for the first time that Ukraine had established a foothold on the eastern side of the river. The wide river is a natural dividing line along the southern battlefront, and Moscows forces have used it since leaving the area around the city of Kherson in November 2022 to prevent Ukrainian troops from advancing farther toward Russian-annexed Crimea. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content Troops are trying to push Russian forces away from the Dnieper to stop shelling that has routinely struck civilian areas on the Ukrainian-held west bank, the general staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces said in a report. Western intelligence officials said Ukraine has portions of three brigades across the river and is expected to make small gains as the Russians have so far been unable to repel them. The Ukrainians have seen an opportunity there and taken it, one official said. What weve not seen is the Russians being able to push them back from that position. The Associated Press could not independently confirm the Ukrainian reports of establishing a foothold on the rivers eastern bank or the marine commands battlefield claims. Ukraine did not disclose the number of its own casualties. Ukraine provided no timeline for how long it took to establish its position across the Dniper River. Its forces have crossed the river in small groups since the summer to create a beachhead near the Kherson bridge, and more recently sought to expand their presence in nearby villages on the east bank. Mr Zelensky hailed his countrys troops (AP) The gains that could open up a path to Crimea are considered small in the overall ground war, which intelligence officials said was essentially at a standstill despite a Ukrainian counter-offensive that earlier in the year had been expected to alter the momentum. Neither side is currently capable of mounting decisive offensive operations on the land in the foreseeable future, one official said. Ukraine is struggling off the battlefield for support from allies as the worlds attention has turned to Israels war against Hamas militants on the Gaza Strip. A US funding package passed on Thursday included no additional aid for Ukraine, and the European Union has said it cannot deliver the munitions it promised. In a meeting with Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron on Wednesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky lamented that the divided attention on two wars in the world had not helped his cause. Lord Cameron was in Kyiv on his first diplomatic trip to show his support for Ukraine. But the visit came with no additional military funds. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content Ukraine said its troops killed more than 1,200 Russian soldiers and wounded more than 2,200 in a series of operations to establish its position on the eastern riverbank. It said it destroyed 29 ammunition stores, two dozen tanks, four dozen armoured combat vehicles, 89 artillery systems, watercraft, command posts and other vehicles. Mr Zelensky posted photos on social media Friday of troops in small motor boats reaching the eastern side of the river. The Kherson regions left bank. Our warriors, Mr Zelenskyy wrote. I thank them for their strength and for moving forward. When news of Ukraines advances across the river were reported earlier in the week, the Moscow-appointed governor for the Russia-occupied part of the Kherson region, Vladimir Saldo, said Ukrainian forces are facing a fiery hell in fighting in the village of Krynky and are being destroyed on a large scale. Mr Saldo said on Telegram that Ukraine had lost up to two battalions crossing the river and trying to maintain their hold on the east bank. Those claims could not be independently verified. Paramilitary group asks eight alleged members to stand down following criminality linksSuggestions made that there could be a wind-down of activity Following remembrance marches last weekend, a statement ordering the groups alleged leadership in east Belfast to stand down was read out at several locations. Its understood that eight members of the paramilitary group have been told to stand down over links to criminality. Loyalist sources have said there is no prospect of a feud within the paramilitary group, suggesting a winding down process could be on the horizon. Could that be true? Will they go quietly? What happens next? Ciaran Dunbar is joined by Belfast Telegraphs security correspondent Allison Morris. Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.com Actor Shia LaBeouf is known for his colorful and dangerous behavior. But reportedly on the set of one of his films, Fury, he had discussions with co-star Brad Pitt, who was raised as a Christian, and Director David Ayer about religion, according to Interview Magazine. Brad comes from a hyper-religious, very deeply Christian, Bible Belt life, and he rejected it and moved toward an unnamed spirituality. He looked at religion like the people's opium, almost like a Marxist view on religion, said LaBeouf. Ayer is a believer and was instrumental in LaBeoufs discovery along with what he deemed a surrender of control. What a turn of events for the actor who claimed he hates fame, and walked the red carpet in Berlin with a paper bag over his head with cutouts for his eyes. Scribbled in black marker on the bag was I am not famous anymore. He later came out to apologize for his behavior admitting his mother called him saying he was "embarrassing her." Was this just a publicity stunt, or just a fleeting moment for LaBeouf? He told the publication he discovered the Lord, it is real to him. They were not just pretty words. I found God doing Fury. I became a Christian man, and not in a f****bull**** wayin a very real way. I could have just said the prayers that were on the page. But it was a real thing that really saved me. And you can't identify unless you're really going through it. It's a full-blown exchange of heart, a surrender of control. LaBeouf played Boyd 'Bible' Swan in the film where this was his first role in a movie playing a man of faith. Lightstock In Luke 1:28, God described Mary, the mother of Jesus, as highly favored. The phrase comes from a Greek word that means much grace, for Mary received Gods grace. Grace is an unmerited favor or a blessing we receive despite the fact that we dont deserve it. Mary needed grace from God and a Savior like the rest of us. Luke 1:47 confirms that she understood this fact. By Gods grace, the Virgin Mary recognized that she needed the Savior. The Bible doesnt say that she was anyone but a regular human whom God chose to use extraordinarily. Mary was a righteous and favored woman, but she was also a sinful human who needed Christ as her Savior, like everyone else. The Bible is over 95 percent male-oriented. However, Mary of Nazareth is among the women most mentioned in the Bible, that is, in the New Testament. Shes an exception to the rule and, for that reason, an exceptional woman. What religion was Mary before she had Jesus? The information we gain from the Bible on Marys life is by no means abundant. As far as the details about Marys person are concerned, we dont know much about her knowledge or liking. However, through Gods spiritual intervention in her life, she becomes a person in terms of her religious vocation. Her process of individuality is commenced by her reflection on who she is and her mission as a handmaid of the Lord. Its not possible to establish an exact chronological point for identifying Marys birth date. Mary of Nazareth, the daughter of Anna and Joachim, is first mentioned by name in the Gospel of Matthew. Shes a regular woman, and her name was common enough that other women with the same name in the gospel had to be distinguished by their place of origin or relatives. From tradition, we can assume that Mary grew up as a young Jewish girl in the small town of Galilee. Being born into Judaism, she experienced the Hebrew Scriptures in her prayer and her life as a woman of Nazareth. Her education as a girl included listening to Torah readings and the prophets in the synagogue. We cant know for sure, but its possible that Mary knew how to read. Like all Jewish girls, Mary would have been submissive, docile, and obedient to her parents wishes. Thus, when she was of marriageable age, which was about 14, her parents promised her to marry a man years her senior, and she accepted their decision. In reality, she had no choice. We can also assume that it was around that time that Mary was betrothed to Joseph. During this betrothal period, the angel Gabriel visited Mary and told her of her approaching pregnancy. Its no wonder that she was so curious about the angel. Mary was a virgin and would know no man sexually for months, maybe as long as a year or more. Joseph soon became aware of Marys pregnancy, which was a cause for alarm on his behalf. However, Matthew 1:19 tells us that Joseph was a righteous man and didnt want to expose Mary to public disgrace, so he considered divorcing her quietly. Although the marriage hadnt been consummated, Jewish custom allowed them to be considered husband and wife. Mary and Joseph hadnt experienced sexual contact with each other, so Joseph was in a dilemma. Jewish law provided that his betrothal, due to her unfaithfulness, could be positioned before the elders for judgment and stoned to death. However, Joseph wanted to simply put Mary away quietly without public knowledge. In ancient times, marriage engagements or betrothals were binding and could only be dismissed by an official divorce decree. Then, Matthew 1:20-25 says that an angel came to Joseph in a dream and explained to him that Marys pregnancy was bringing the fulfillment of a prophecy that a virgin would bear a child who would be the Savior. So, Joseph did what the angel of the Lord told him and took Mary as his wife. However, he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son, giving him the name Jesus. What happened after Jesus birth? After Jesus was born, Joseph and Mary brought Jesus to the temple to show Him to the Lord and offer an appropriate sacrifice, as they were commanded to do under Jewish law. The couple met two prophets who immediately recognized Jesus as the Promised One of Israel. Anna, an aged woman, blessed the Child, and Simon prophesied over Him, giving Mary a hint of the sorry that would pierce her heart one day when her Son would suffer for the worlds sins. Luke 2:41-52 is the next time we see Mary. Jesus was 12 years old and attending Passover at the temple for the first time, which was the Jewish custom. Becoming aware of His true identity, Jesus spent His time in the temple with the teachers and priests, shocking them with His wisdom. Joseph and Mary started their trek home without them, thinking He was with the others in their caravan. They traveled for a day before realizing He wasnt with them. They got back to Jerusalem and spent three days looking for Him. Mary expressed a typical mothers frustration when they found Him, scolding Him for scaring them that way. The next time we hear about Mary is at the beginning of Jesus three-year ministry. John 2:1-10 tells us that Jesus was invited to a wedding in Cana, and they ran out of wine, and Mary told Jesus about it. Then, Jesus quietly performed His first miracle, turning 150 gallons of water into fine wine. After the wedding, Jesus went with His mother, brothers, and disciples to Capernaum and stayed for a few days. The fact that the verse only mentions Mary, not Joseph, indicates that he had died at some point during Jesus growing years. Despite the astonishing events surrounding His birth, Mary still didnt fully grasp her firstborn Sons genuine purpose. Matthew 12:46-48 recounts an incident when Mary and Jesus brothers beckoned Him as He was preaching. His response indicated that He understood that those closest to Him didnt yet understand or believe Him as Israels Messiah. In John 7:2-5, Jesus brothers tried to dissuade Him from what God sent Him to do, which also indicates that Mary continued to be puzzled about His role in coming to earth. Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, is one of the most famous women ever. Her name is easily recognized, but we actually know little about her upbringing or her life after Jesus crucifixion. However, we do know that she grew up as a Jewish girl who obeyed her parents and the calling on her life. Bangladeshi supporters of the Jatiya Party wear paper hats bearing pictures of political candidates outside a polling station in Dhaka, Dec. 30, 2018. The Jatiya Party, considered an all-weather ally of Bangladeshs ruling party, cast doubt Thursday about the fairness of the general election set for Jan. 7, citing concerns over possible rigging and low turnout while criticizing the government for failing to ensure competitive polls. With the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) refusing to participate in an election under the incumbent government, the Jatiya Partys potential boycott could undermine the elections legitimacy, which appears to be driving the government to cajole new, smaller parties into participating, analysts said. We are hesitant and have yet to decide whether we will contest the polls, Mujibul Haque Chunnu, the partys general secretary, told BenarNews. This is because of what we saw in the by-polls in Brahmanbaria and Lakshmipur. Local journalists reported at least two instances, caught in social media videos, of ruling Awami League activists stuffing ballots in the presence of poll officials, which led the Election Commission to halt the formalization of its candidates victories. The voters will not turn out to cast their ballots unless the opposition participates, Chunnu said, referring to the BNP and its allies. Only the ruling party activists tasked with stamping seals on the ballot papers will show up. The Jatiya Party, founded by former military dictator and long-time leader Hussain Muhammad Ershad, has a formidable base in Rangpur, the northern city that is his ancestral home. It has little support elsewhere in the country. The party struck a formal alliance with the Awami League in 2008, securing 27 seats in the parliament, up from only 13 previously, and sharing cabinet portfolios after the alliance formed the government. In 2014, the opposition BNP and its allies boycotted the election, leaving the ruling Awami League-led coalition to return to power with most seats uncontested. Since then, the Jatiya Party has acted as a token opposition in the absence of the BNP, while several of its top leaders held cabinet positions under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Despite the BNPs participation in the 2018 election alongside a coalition of leftist and right-wing parties, the ruling coalition still secured over 95% of the 300 parliamentary seats, amid widespread allegations of electoral fraud. In that election, the Jatiya Party ran against the Awami League candidates in more than 100 races, but the 26 seats that it clinched did not have any contenders from the ruling party Resentment has brewed within the Jatiya Partys rank and file as none of its leaders were included in the third consecutive cabinet formed by Hasina. BNP protests 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. Supporters of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party rally in the Naya Paltan area in Dhaka, Oct. 28, 2023. [Mohammad Ponir Hossain/Reuters] On Tuesday, three United Nations special rapporteurs expressed concerns over the rise of political violence, arrests of senior opposition leaders and use of excessive force by the authorities. At least 10 people died during clashes between the opposition activists and the police, which arrested thousands of the partys activists. The BNP has demanded that Hasina, who leads the Awami League, resign to make way for a neutral interim government to shepherd the election. The scenario has left the Jatiya leaders wrestling with dueling factors, said Shakhawat Hossain Sayantha, a commentator who authored several books on the BNP. If the Jatiya Party participates in the next election despite BNPs boycott, the elections legitimacy will be strengthened, he told BenarNews. But if the Jatiya Party boycotts the polls, it would be a big blow to the Awami League. During a recent Jatiya leadership meeting, grassroots-level activists overwhelmingly favored boycotting the upcoming election, according to local reports. But the top leaders, who can become members of the parliament or even ministers in the Awami Leagues future cabinet, are hesitant to support the idea, Sayantha said. The party also faces internal rivalries. Chairman Ghulam Muhammed Quader, the younger brother of Ershad, has been vocal in his criticism of the government. Ershads influential widow, Rowshan, meanwhile, appears to maintain close ties with Hasina. Nizam Uddin Ahmed, a political commentator and a former professor of political science at Chittagong University, told BenarNews that by refusing to commit to participating in the election, the Jatiya Party is likely bolstering its negotiating leverage with the Awami League. He said the 2014 BNP boycott of the election did not prevent the Jatiya Party from forming formal and informal alliances with the Awami League. I think the Jatiya Party will eventually end up contesting the polls. They are simply waiting to see whether the BNP boycotts or not, he said. If the BNP boycotts, the Jatiya will want to field candidates in all 300 constituencies and try to secure as many seats as possible through bargaining with the Awami League. They would in no way follow suit with the BNP because, in that case, they risk being replaced by new parties that popped up recently. Ahmed said the Trinamool BNP (Grassroots BNP), a new party that brands itself as a breakaway faction of the BNP, could potentially succeed the Jatiya Party as the token opposition. The Trinamool BNP is under the leadership of Shamsher M. Chowdhury, a former BNP leader and ex-foreign secretary who left the party in 2015. It has also drawn in Taimur Alam Khandakar, another BNP official who ran for mayor in Narayanganj city in 2011. Although the new party hasnt attracted many notable BNP deserters yet, its potential to emerge as the new political darling is a source of concern for the Jatiya, according to Ahmed. Shajahan Khan, an Awami League leader, said potential boycotts by the BNP or even the Jatiya Party should not dictate the election legitimacy. The issue is whether the people go to the polling centers and cast their ballots, he told BenarNews. We would like the BNP, the Jatiya Party and others to participate in the elections. If they do not, no problem. Ramli Ali wipes tears from his eyes as he contemplates a new development project that threatens to displace his family from its ancestral home on Rempang island. His wooden-stilt house in Pasir Panjang, one of 16 traditional villages on the tranquil islet near Singapore, is set for demolition to make way for a multibillion-dollar Chinese glass and solar panel factory. The government plans to relocate 7,500 residents for the project, called Rempang Eco-City, which is part of a national strategy to attract foreign investment and stimulate economic growth. But for Ramli and many other indigenous Malay people on the island, it is a threat to their livelihood, culture and identity. I was born here. My parents and grandparents were also born here, Ramli told BenarNews between tears. If I had to move, where would I move? I'm not sure if I can manage my life in the future. Im not well educated, said the 53-year-old fisherman. Rempang Eco-City is one of several national strategic projects spearheaded by outgoing President Joko Jokowi Widodo, who entered office in 2014 on a pledge to improve infrastructure across Indonesia's more than 17,000 islands and capitalize on foreign investment. When he steps down next year, he will leave behind a legacy of mega-developments like the Mandalika tourism zone on Lombok island, the China-funded Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway, and the new capital city on Borneo island. But many of these have faced resistance and criticism from local communities, who have raised concerns about their social and environmental impacts. Ramli Ali (third left) takes part in a rally outside the Batam District Court ahead of a pretrial hearing regarding the arrest of protesters opposed to the Rempang Eco-City project, in Batam, Indonesia, Nov. 6, 2023. [Hadi Ahdiana/BenarNews] Some of the projects have resulted in land disputes, forced evictions and human rights violations, affecting thousands of people, especially the poor, the marginalized and the indigenous. Dewi Kartika, the secretary general of the Agrarian Reform Consortium, a group that advocates for land rights, said there had been at least 73 cases of land disputes involving projects that the government has deemed as nationally strategic since 2020. We have witnessed that security personnel often resort to brutality and excessive force to forcibly evict people from their lands, she told BenarNews. The simmering land dispute over Rempang Eco-City exploded into the open in September, when residents protesting relocation clashed with police and damaged public facilities in Batam, the largest island in Riau Islands province. Some 43 people were arrested for alleged violence during the demonstrations, including Ramlis 23-year-old son Rafi. The suspects' lawyers filed a pretrial lawsuit against the police following the clash, challenging the legality of their arrest and detention. However, the Batam District Court rejected the legal challenge on Nov. 6, ruling that the police had followed the proper procedure and had sufficient grounds to detain the suspects. Police said the protesters had blocked the road and thrown stones at the security forces during the demonstration. Ancestral claims Rempang Eco-City is a joint venture between the Batam Authority and a local company, PT Makmur Elok Graha (MEG), which has partnered with Chinas Xinyi International Investment Ltd. During a visit by Jokowi to China in July, Xinyi made a commitment to invest U.S. $11.6 billion in a glass and solar-panel manufacturing plant in Rempang the second largest of its kind in the world. Investment Minister Bahlil Lahadalia said the factory would create 35,000 jobs and the entire Rempang Eco-City project would bring in an estimated 381 trillion rupiah (U.S. $26.6 billion) in investment by 2080. Once completed, Rempang Eco-City will include a 2,000-hectare (4,942 acres) industrial park and a 15,600-hectare (39,000 acres) residential and commercial area on the island. The government has justified the eviction of residents by arguing MEG was granted a permit to develop the area in 2004. Moreover, the government has eminent domain powers to acquire the land, because it is classified as of national strategic importance. Dedi Arman, a senior researcher at the National Research and Innovation Agency, said that Jakarta should respect the ancestral claims of the indigenous communities on the island. The island has been home to these communities for countless generations, and their cultural heritage and connection to the land are deeply woven into its fabric, he told BenarNews. Relocation would not only displace them, but jeopardize their unique way of life, traditions and knowledge systems that have sustained them for centuries, he said. Boy Jerry Evan Sembiring, the deputy director of the environmental group Walhi in neighboring Riau province, said that mining for silica sand and quartz sand raw materials used to make glass would have a devastating impact on the marine ecosystems and fishing industry. This destructive activity not only disturbs the delicate balance of marine ecosystems but also disrupts the natural habitats of fish and other marine species, he told BenarNews. The resulting pollution, sedimentation, and habitat destruction can lead to a significant decline in fish populations, ultimately jeopardizing the livelihoods of Rempang fishermen who have existed since 1870, he said. Rempang Island is connected via the Barelang Bridge to Batam island in Riau Islands province, Indonesia, in this photo taken on Nov. 9, 2023. [Hadi Ahdiana/BenarNews] Indonesias chief security minister Mahfud MD said that 80% of residents had agreed to be relocated, local media reported in September. Each relocated family is to be provided with 500 square meters of land and a 45-square meter house worth 120 million rupiah (U.S. $7,600), as well as monthly allowances and job opportunities. Authorities hope to start building the new residential area in January next year, according to Batam Mayor Muhammad Rudi, who is also the head of the Batam Indonesia Free Trade Zone Authority, the central government agency that oversees the project. Not all of the indigenous people are opposed to the project. Some of them like Leli Alel, 53, have decided to leave his home and accept the governments offer. He said he wanted to try his luck and find a better life in the city. I can work as a construction worker and still catch fish. I think it is a good opportunity for me and my family, he said, sitting in a temporary shelter in Batam city, where he moved three months ago with his wife and son. But for Ramli and many others, leaving their ancestral island is not an option. They are determined to resist the project and fight for their rights, even if it means risking their lives and freedom. I am not against development. I just want them to care about our rights and treat us as citizens, Ramli said. A gunman is seen in this screen grab of video recorded during election violence this week in Wabag, the capital of Papua New Guineas Enga Province. An election in Papua New Guineas volatile Enga province was engulfed in violence this week as a candidates armed supporters clashed with security forces guarding a counting center, police said. The highland provinces police commander, George Kakas, said on Friday that clashes over several days resulted in one death and three injuries, including a soldier who was shot. Voting for the Lagaip district byelection was peaceful, but violence started after the ballots were transported to the provincial capital Wabag. One group wanted the counting to be conducted in another province, in Goroka [town] in the Eastern Highlands, while the other wanted the counting to remain in Wabag, Kakas told BenarNews. When the decision was made for counting to take place in Wabag, the rival party took to the streets in a violent protest. The attackers raided the village of Enga provinces governor and burned down several of his houses, according to Kakas. He said police and soldiers dispersed the group, but they retaliated by attacking security forces at the counting center at a Wabag school. Video of the clashes circulating online shows a gunman firing his weapon down a Wabag street as he crouches in a drain. Men with machetes can also be seen running across a street in an apparent attempt to get near a roadblock established by security forces. Kakas said the footage showed some of the violence. A business sign in the video also confirmed that the location was Wabag. In August, Enga province was rocked by unrest that police said was fueled by the use of hired gunmen by highlands power brokers. A video of naked and mutilated corpses being dragged behind a utility vehicle on a highway in Enga circulated widely online in Papua New Guinea and, according to police, depicted the aftermath of some of the August clashes. Papua New Guinea Police Associations national president, Lowa Tambune, reacts during a Nov. 15, 2023 press conference in Port Moresby on election violence in Wabag. [Harlyne Joku/BenarNews] A senior electoral officer in Wabag said that vote counting, which started on Monday, was suspended after the resignation of the official overseeing the count. A new returning officer was appointed on Friday and the counting will resume on Saturday. The senior electoral officer, who did not want to be named because of the volatile situation in Wabag, said he expected the vote count to be completed at the weekend. Papua New Guinea, with more than nine million people, is the largest Pacific island country and endowed with significant mineral and other resources, but has struggled to develop economically because of corruption, poor infrastructure, frequent tribal violence and a deep level of inequality for women. In July last year, the United Nations condemned the reported deaths of dozens of people in the countrys highlands during a chaotic two-week voting period for national elections. The U.N. said allegations of ballot tampering and ballot box theft, as well as poor organization, planning, and underlying clan rivalries, fueled instability during the election. The Papua New Guinea Police Associations national president, Lowa Tambune, condemned the election violence in Enga and said it was a threat to national security. This is not the time to take up arms and start a war, either with your political rivals or the state, thereby interrupting the democratic process, he said at a press conference on Wednesday. The district, the province and the entire countrys progress cannot be allowed to be held to ransom by a few ethnic minorities, he said. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in an interview published on Friday that he hoped President Vladimir Putin would run in the March election for another term as Russian president, a move that would keep Putin in power until at least 2030. Putin, who was handed the presidency by Boris Yeltsin on the last day of 1999, has already been in power for longer than any other Kremlin leader since Josef Stalin, beating even Leonid Brezhnev's 18-year tenure. Putin turned 71 on Oct. 7. Asked by the student television channel of Moscow State Institute for International Relations (MGIMO) what the next president after Putin should be like, Peskov said: "The same." "Or different but the same," Peskov told MGIMO 360 with a smile. "Putin has not yet announced his intention to run but I sincerely want to believe that he will do that, and I have no doubt that he will win the elections. I have no doubt that he will continue to be president." Reuters reported earlier this month that Putin has decided to run in the March election, as he feels he must steer Russia through the most perilous period in decades. For Putin, who opinion polls show enjoys approval ratings of 80% inside Russia, the election is a formality if he runs: with the support of the state, the state media and almost no mainstream public dissent, he is certain to win. However, the former KGB spy is facing the most serious set of challenges any Kremlin chief has faced since Mikhail Gorbachev grappled with the crumbling Soviet Union more than three decades ago. The war in Ukraine has triggered the biggest confrontation with the West since the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis; Western sanctions have delivered the biggest external shock to the Russian economy in decades; and in June Russia had to put down an attempted mutiny by powerful mercenary Yevgeny Prigozhin. Prigozhin was killed in a plane crash two months later. The West casts Putin as a war criminal and a dictator who has led Russia into an imperial-style land grab in Ukraine. Putin presents the war as part of a much broader struggle with the United States which the Kremlin says aims to destroy Russia and grab its vast natural resources. Peskov said the world was being transformed as the West struggled to maintain its post-Cold War dominance despite its clear decline. "The collective West will do anything to try to cling onto its leadership which is floating away," Peskov said. When asked what Russia would look like in a decade, Peskov said: "It must be and will be stronger, wiser and richer." (Reuters) Philippine Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla (left) and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken sign the 123 Agreement to allow the export of U.S. nuclear technology to the Philippines as Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. looks on during a ceremony in San Francisco, Nov. 16, 2023. The Philippines and the United States have signed an agreement to allow the export of U.S. nuclear technology and equipment to Manila for peaceful uses as the Southeast Asian country seeks alternative sources to meet climate goals and ensure energy security. The Agreement for Cooperation Concerning Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy (the 123 Agreement) is the fastest ever negotiated by the United States, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said. The negotiation process began a year ago during the visit by Vice President Kamala Harris to the Philippines. The United States will be able to share equipment and material with the Philippines as they work to develop small modular reactors and other civilian nuclear energy infrastructure, Blinken said during the signing ceremony on Thursday. The U.S. Department of Energy reported that it had 23 agreements with 47 countries, the International Atomic Energy Agency and Taiwan as of Dec. 6, 2022. Blinken and Philippine Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla signed the document on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in San Francisco. U.S. law requires it to be signed before transferring nuclear materials in compliance with international non-proliferation commitments. Philippine President Fernando Marcos Jr., who witnessed the ceremony, said the deal would open doors for American companies to invest and participate in nuclear power projects in his country. We see nuclear energy becoming a part of the Philippine energy mix by 2032 and we would be more than happy to pursue this path with the United States as one of our partners, he said. Lotilla said the deal would allow cooperation involving peaceful uses of atomic energy such as fighting climate change, plant breeding, livestock production, insect pest control, water use efficiency, plastic waste disposal, food safety, health and medicine. Every step of the way, the agreement recognizes adherence to standards set by the International Atomic Energy Agency, he said. Blinken said that while peak energy demands in the Philippines were expected to quadruple by 2040, nuclear power can consistently produce enough energy to meet communities critical needs without emitting more greenhouse gases. In a nation of more than 7,000 islands, small modular reactors some just the size of a city bus can generate energy locally and conveniently. In addition to the 123 deal, Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) signed a cooperation agreement with the U.S.-based Ultra Safe Nuclear Corp. (USNC) to undertake a pre-feasibility study on a nuclear energy system using its proprietary Micro Modular Reactor. An employee checks switches inside the control room of Bataan Nuclear Power Plant north of Manila, which was completed in 1984 but never fueled because of safety concerns, April 5, 2022. [Ted Aljibe/AFP] Nuclear power in the Philippines The new agreement is similar to one signed in 1968 by Marcos father and namesake, Ferdinand E. Marcos. The late president, who ruled the country under martial law from 1972 to 1986, led the construction of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant north of Manila. It was completed in 1984, just two years before his ouster, but was never activated because of safety concerns and corruption allegations. The plant was constructed above a major fault line, which could lead to earthquakes. On Thursday, the U.S. Geological Survey reported a magnitude 6.7 earthquake struck near Burias in the southern Philippines, about 640 km (397 miles) from the nuclear plant. Earlier this year, the international organization Greenpeace opposed plans to use nuclear energy as an alternative power source, saying it is an expensive and risky experiment. The group called on Marcos to focus on renewable energy instead. In May, Greenpeace campaigner Khevin Yu said any agreement would make Manila, Washingtons oldest defense ally in the region, a guinea pig for these technologies even as the country is abundant in safer and cheaper renewable energy. Risks related to nuclear technology remain unresolved. Small modular reactors are still untested and unproven and there is currently no way to safely store nuclear waste, Yu said at the time. Even if they actually succeed in putting up nuclear plants, it will take a long time before we are able to use it. Furthermore, we will be stuck with maintaining a ticking time-bomb, which will endanger the lives of nearby communities should an accident occur, he said. A relative of a Thai trapped in Laukkaing town in Myanmar presents a letter to police Lt. Col. Ekarat Malawanno, deputy superintendent of the Huay Khwang Police Station, to be delivered to the Chinese Embassy in Bangkok, Nov. 17, 2023. Dozens of Thais stranded in Myanmar after being allegedly trafficked there pleaded online Friday to be evacuated from the war-torn country amid reports that anti-junta forces were planning a major attack in Laukkaing town, near the Chinese border. Relatives of the Thais have reached out to the Chinese government seeking its help in evacuating their loved ones. On Friday, the group submitted a letter to Chinas embassy in Bangkok, through a local police officer, requesting that Beijing intervene. In a video posted on Facebook Live by Ekarat Sukonthamas, a Thai man trapped in Laukkaing said he and his friends were living in a field hospital at a local school after they were rescued from a call center after being trafficked and recruited as part of a scam. They wanted to return to their Thai homes, the man said. Living in the midst of explosions and gunfire all day and night is really terrible. Some people are in a state of stress and pressure to the point where they cant sleep, said another Thai man who appeared in the Facebook post but also did not identify himself. We have been cut off from water and electricity. Now we have to buy our own drinking water, he said, adding he and the others had received small portions of rice, including some that was not edible. Post-coup Myanmar has disintegrated into bloodshed through various conflicts since the Burmese military overthrew Aung San Suu Kyis elected government in February 2021. Lately, it has become a regional hub for online scam operations and casinos that employ people trafficked from other countries in Southeast Asia, as BenarNews-affiliated Radio Free Asia (RFA) has reported. A woman, who also did not identify herself, said in the Facebook video that the group had been alerted about a major battle that would take place sometime soon. We want to return before the 18th [Saturday]. We would like the government to help and appeal to the Chinese government as well, the woman said. BenarNews could not immediately verify the authenticity of the video. In August, a report by the U.N. human rights agency identified Myanmar and Cambodia as epicenters of a new human trafficking scourge in Southeast Asia. Hundreds of thousands of people were being forcibly engaged by organized criminal gangs into online criminality in Southeast Asia from romance-investment scams and crypto fraud to illegal gambling, the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) reported. In Bangkok, a spokesperson for the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs said about 300 Thais remained in Laukkaing as of Friday. Of those, 254 were being kept safe by the Myanmar military while 40 to 50 were being held by their employers. Meanwhile, a group of 41 Thais have been removed from the region and were being held in Myitkyina province where they were undergoing background checks. Myitkyina province borders Mae Sai district in Thailands Chiang Rai province. The Thai government previously said the 41 were to be sent home on Thursday. Myanmar Col. Thura Soe Win Soe (left) and Thai Col. Nathee Timsen take part in a meeting at the Tachileik district customs office in Kengtung province, Myanmar, to discuss the status of 41 Thais seeking to return home, Nov. 17, 2023. [Pha Muang Task Force Army] On Friday, Col. Nathee Timsen, commander of the Chaotak Unit of the Pa Muang Task Force and a member of the Thai-Myanmar Border Local Committee (TBC), said he met with Col. Thura Soe Win So, commander of the Tachileik Tactical Operation Command, to inquire about their return. The Myanmar commander said he was waiting for approval from his superiors, expected in a day or two, to allow their release. Not an easy situation In the Thai capital, eight relatives of Thais trapped in Laukkaing town traveled to the Chinese Embassy to submit a letter seeking assistance from the Chinese government. My niece is stuck there. She went there in June. After the first month, she contacted us and said that she was taken to Laukkaing, locked up and she wanted help, Kanisorn Payomhom told BenarNews. Her sister went to report to different foundations, but we got no response. Some family members contacted the Thai consulate in Myanmar for help, but when the gang found out about it, some people were beaten up. Kanisorn said her niece was rescued earlier this month and was now in the care of the Myanmar government, which has not allowed her to leave the country. We think that the Chinese government can help because they are allies, she said, adding family members were worried about a potential junta attack in that region. Kanisorns group delivered the letter to police Col. Ekarat Malawanno, deputy superintendent of Huai Khwang Police Station, because the Chinese Embassy did not send a representative to receive it. The group then went to Government House, the prime ministers office in Bangkok, to submit a similar letter. Kanchana Patarachoke, director-general of the Department of Information and spokeswoman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the Thai government was making every effort to assist those stranded in Myanmar. We assure you that we are trying, but it is not an easy situation. We are also discussing the legal process of cases in Laukkaing, Kanchana said. We are trying to work with the person in charge of this matter instead of hiring a random person out of necessity. The Thai Embassy in Myanmar issued warnings to citizens in June and October to be wary of being lured to work in Myanmar through online job postings. It warned that while the postings promise good salaries, respondents could be sold to work in scam centers or forced into prostitution. Malaysian efforts to extricate nationals Elsewhere in Southeast Asia, Fadillah Yusof, Malaysias deputy prime minister, asked the Chinese government on Thursday to assist in efforts to repatriate citizens who had fallen victim to similar scams and were trapped in Myanmar. Fadillah, who was on a working visit to China, said Malaysian nationals had their passports taken away and were unable to leave. He said Chinese officials pledged to help. Earlier this week, 16 Lao workers who had been released from a Chinese-run casino in Myanmar and had been the victims of human trafficking were able to return home, RFA reported. The 16 were held in a police station for two months before being released. On Friday, the ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR), an NGO of Southeast Asian lawmakers, called on the international community to turn their attention to the plight of internally displaced people (IDPs) and refugees at the [Thailand-Myanmar] border. We therefore reiterate our calls to ASEAN and the international community to take firm action against the illegal Myanmar junta, including by suspending any military or diplomatic cooperation, and to recognize the National Unity Government as the legitimate representatives of the Myanmar people, Mercy Barends, chairwoman of the parliamentarians group, said in a statement. As long as the junta remains in power, the suffering of IDPs and refugees will only increase, leading to an unsafe Thai border as well as wider regional instability. Wilawan Watcharasakwej in Bangkok contributed to this report. Bennington, VT (05201) Today Partly cloudy early then becoming cloudy with periods of rain this afternoon. High around 50F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 90%.. Tonight Rain showers this evening with overcast skies overnight. Low 37F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%. Israel's war cabinet has allowed the delivery of two tankers of diesel fuel daily to the embattled Gaza Strip, Israeli officials said Friday, as hospitals and aid schemes shut down over energy shortages. Israel has come under increasing international pressure as the United Nations warned this week its aid work in the war-torn Palestinian territory was grinding to a halt as fuel reserves ran dry. In response to a US request, the Israeli war cabinet unanimously approved "the entry of two diesel fuel tankers per day for the needs of the UN to support water and sewer infrastructure... provided that it does not reach Hamas", Israeli officials said in a statement. "This action allows Israel the continued international manoeuvring space necessary to eliminate Hamas," the statement added. Prior to October 7, when Hamas militants launched an attack across southern Israel, there were 50 fuel tankers crossing into the Gaza Strip every day, an official for the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) said this week. (AFP) Bennington, VT (05201) Today Partly cloudy skies this morning will give way to cloudy skies and rain during the afternoon. High around 50F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 90%.. Tonight Showers early, then cloudy overnight. Low 37F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%. Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. The United Nations was forced to stop deliveries of food and other necessities to Gaza and warned of the growing possibility of widespread starvation after internet and telephone services collapsed in the besieged enclave because of a lack of fuel United Auto Workers members, some of whom are shown in September on the picket line near an assembly plant in Delta Township, Mich., have approved a new contract with General Motors. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close You are the owner of this article. Travelers wait in line to board an Amtrak train last year ahead of the Thanksgiving Day holiday at 30th Street Station in Philadelphia. A looming storm could bring a soaking rain on Wednesday, one of the busiest travel days of the year. Some of the most wonderful psalms are about Jesus the Messianic psalms. They provide considerable details about the Messiah, and that information is meant to bless and encourage us. We are going to explore what Messianic psalms are, the different kinds of psalms they are, look at 15 psalms that represent those types, and special verses from those chapters. What Is a Messianic Psalm? A Messianic psalm is one deemed to refer to the Messiah, the mashiach in Hebrew which is the promised anointed one. In Greek, the equivalent is Christos, and in English, it is Christ. This Messiah was first promised as the one who would crush the head of the serpent, Satan, mankinds mortal enemy who was cursed in Eden (Genesis 3:14-15). The offspring of the woman refers to the Chosen One who would come, John says, to destroy the devils work (1 John 3:8). Contemporaries of Jesus, as well as the Lord Himself, declared that He is the promised Messiah. Messianic psalms offer details about the Messiahs ancestry, birth, nature, ministry, purpose, death, resurrection, and exaltation. Some of the most well-known prophecies such as those by Isaiah and Micah concern His birth; but the prophesies in the Psalms are just as wondrous. In a broad sense, the Messianic psalms anticipate and describe the person and work of the Messiah. Are There Different Kinds of Messianic Psalms? The exact number of Messianic psalms is disputed. Some scholars hold to a strict theological belief that for a psalm to be Messianic, it must be quoted somewhere in the New Testament as specifically referencing Jesus. Some believe there are 14 or 17 Messianic psalms. Other sources say there are 25 different psalms that include at least one messianic prophecy. According to The Jeremiah Study Bible, the Messianic psalms are divided into three groups that speak of Christ from different points of view. In grammar, this is called the person approach. In one group of Messianic psalms, the psalms contains words by the Messiah, speaking for Himself (first person). In another group, the Messiah is spoken to (second person). In the last group, the Messiah is spoken about (third person). Only a few of these psalms will be explored here. Each of these perspectives help us gain a clearer picture of the promised Savior. In Which Psalms Does the Messiah Speak? (First Person) Seven of the first-person Messianic psalms are Psalms 2, 16, 22, 40, 41, 69, and 78. While the psalmist speaks, their words carry a greater meaning, pointing to Davids lineage in the Messiah. Often, the words are attributed directly to Davids greater Son spoken by the Messiah. Psalm 2 announces that in the face of threats and actual danger, God creates and preserves His order, ultimately through the rule of His righteous Messiah, who Christians believe speaks in verses 7-8. The New Testament says the nations are Jesus inheritance. Psalm 16 speaks of refuge and security in the Creator and that is true for Gods faithful one as well (v. 10). In this psalm, the Messiah said He would not see decay in death, and Jesus did not. Psalm 22 contains words Jesus repeated from the cross (v. 1), and also foretells of His ordeal on the cross (vv. 7-8, 15-18). In Psalm 40, the Messiah says He will come to do Gods will, to be the end of all sacrifices for sin (vv. 6-8). Jesus said He came to do the Fathers will. Psalm 41 reveals that the Messiah will have a close friend who will betray him. Believers today recognize this as Judas, one of the Lords disciples. In Psalm 69, David, sensing Gods chastening, confessed his sin and failings. But the Messiah would be sinless. In Psalm 69, we hear the Messiahs humiliation on the cross, coming to bear the sins of mankind, but also the blessings of the Messianic age. This chapter is filled with references attributed to the Messiah, Jesus. In Psalm 78, the Messiah says He will speak in parables, and Jesus did teach the multitude in parables. Special Verses from First-Person Messianic Psalms Psalm 22:1 is a poignant verse from the first-person psalms. Christians will recognize these words as being our Lords words from the cross: My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? This verse reminds us of the terrible price Jesus paid to redeem us from sin and death. The worst agony He experienced was when the Father turned His back because Jesus bore our sins. But read further. All of Psalm 22 presents the suffering Savior in graphic terms, which should stir our hearts over Gods love for us in Christ. We hear the mocking crowd (vv. 7-8; Matthew 27:39, 43); recognize the Messiahs thirst (v. 15; John 19:28); and watch the soldiers gamble for His robe (v. 18; Matthew 27:35). All of the Messiahs bones would be out of joint (v. 14). Interestingly, John 19:32-33 says none of Jesus bones were broken, and that was an important requirement for the Passover lamb; but in crucifixion which originated in Persia and was refined by the Romans bones do get pulled out of joint. How terrible to read that all of the Messiahs bones were out of joint! But there is a positive note in this chapter too. We rejoice in Gods promise that future generations would hear about the salvation the Messiah accomplished (v. 31; Matthew 28:19-20). Psalm 40:7-8 are two powerful verses: Then I said, Here I am, I have come it is written about me in the scroll. I desire to do our will, my God; your law is within my heart. The writer of Hebrews quotes the Greek version of these verses, applying them to Jesus the Messiah. The Messiahs desire was to complete the Fathers will for the salvation of His chosen ones, and reading further in the psalm we see that the Messiah would not conceal His mission from His followers. We can be grateful for our Lords obedience that secured our salvation. Which Psalms Address the Messiah Directly? (Second Person) Three of the second-person Messianic psalms are Psalms 45, 68, and 110. Psalm 45 praises the one, the most excellent of men, who is clothed in splendor and majesty. The Messiahs message includes righteousness (vv. 6-7c), but also the extension of mercy. This psalm is about more than a human rulers wedding; it reflects the Son of righteousness. In Psalm 68 in its sole messianic reference (v. 18) David says to the Messiah, When you ascended on high, you took many captives, which Paul says the resurrected Jesus did. Psalm 110 describes the Messiah as Lord, King, and Priest (vv. 1, 2, 4), and Messiah Jesus is all three: He is our Lord, our King, and our great high priest. Special Verses from Second-Person Messianic Psalms In Psalm 45:4, the writer of the psalm praises the Messiahs character, calling upon Him to ride forth victoriously in the cause of truth, humility and justice, and the verse also reminds us that the Messiah will achieve awesome deeds. Jesus was known for His good character. The One who said, I am the truth, spoke the truth even when it got Him into trouble with the Pharisees. As a servant, He washed the disciples feet, showing humility. In his dealing with the woman caught in adultery, He showed both grace to the penitent and justice in rebuking her accusers (John 8:1-11). Motivated by his great compassion, Jesus also performed many good works. The character and deeds of Jesus show His excellence as the Messiah. Psalm 110:1 tells us the Messiah will conquer all His enemies. The Father speaks to the victorious Messiah, Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet. This psalm says the Messiah will rule in the midst of His enemies. Although in His first advent, the Messiah came as the humble, suffering Savior, in His second advent, we will see Him as the conquering Judge. Verse five says He will crush kings in the final judgment, and verse six says He will judge the nations. This is a prophecy that has not yet been fulfilled, but Revelation 6:17 and 11:18 give further insight. Which Psalms Give Information about the Messiah? (Third Person) Five of the third person Messianic psalms are Psalms 72, 89, 109, 118, and 132. Psalm 72, a psalm by Solomon, is a called a royal or kingship psalm one of the psalms that outlines the Messiahs righteous millennial reign. Scripture says Jesus will rule for 1,000 years, but His kingdom will never end. Psalm 89 is another kingship psalm, expanding on the Old Testament theme of the Davidic covenant, which God will not break. The covenant is fulfilled by Davids greater Son, the servant-king a concept the Jews did not understand. Although Psalm 109 is about the false accusations David endured, it is considered Messianic in nature because Peter quotes verse 8 as he refers to Judas, who betrayed Christ. Psalm 118 references the rejected stone (v. 22). The Jews could not figure out the puzzle of the two advents, so they rejected Jesus. But Jesus became the cornerstone. Psalm 132 is about Davids joy that the ark of God had returned to Mt. Zion so people could worship God there, and this is alluded to in the New Testament. In verse 10, David prays that Gods anointed or Mashiyach (Messiah) would not be turned away. Verse 11 promises that the Lord would send a physical descendant of David to sit on Davids throne; that descendant was Jesus. Special Verses from Third-Person Messianic Psalms Psalm 118 is a powerful reminder of who Jesus is in relation to the church. The psalm says, in verses 22-23, The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the LORD has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes. This amazing Scripture was fulfilled in Jesus. Isaiah also mentioned this precious cornerstone. But it is Peter and Paul who fill in some details. Peter says Jesus is the living stone, rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him and that those who trust in Him will never be put to shame. Paul says Jesus is the chief cornerstone of the building of Gods household, rising to become a holy temple in the Lord. Everything the believer will ever have is built on this solid foundation in Christ. In Psalm 132, two verses surprise us with their parallel to the birth of Jesus. Verses 6 and 7 say, We heard it in Ephrathah Let us go to his dwelling place, let us worship at his footstool. The town of Ephrathah called Bethlehem Ephrathah in Micah 5:2 was to be the birthplace of the One to be Ruler in Israel, the One who is from everlasting. The Messiah was born in Bethlehem, and in His coming, He fulfilled the Davidic covenant; He will sit on Davids throne. Psalm 132:6-7 also speaks of coming to worship, referring to worshipping God where the Ark of the Covenant came to rest. But its not hard to imagine the joy of the shepherds in the fields around Bethlehem, coming to worship the Christ child who was lying in a humble manger. Why Are the Messianic Psalms Important to Christians? Right before Jesus ascended to heaven, He reminded His followers that Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the law of Moses, the prophets and the psalms (Luke 24:44). The Messianic Psalms not only remind us that the prophecies concerning the Messiah will all be fulfilled, and that He is recognizable by many of the descriptions in the psalms, but also that we have a faithful God who provided His mashiach, His Savior, so that we no longer need to live in darkness but can live in His light. Sources Got Questions, Which Psalms Predict the Coming of Jesus Christ? Jeremiah Study Bible, Seeing Jesus in the Psalms Photo credit: Getty Images/Ava_Marie Dawn Wilson has served in revival ministry and missions for more than 50 years. She and her husband Bob live in Southern California. They have two married sons and three granddaughters. Dawn assists author and radio host Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth with research and works with various departments at Revive Our Hearts. She is the founder and director of Heart Choices Today, publishes Upgrade with Dawn, and writes for Crosswalk.com. LISTEN: Three Common Obstacles to Understanding the Bible The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Salem Web Network and Salem Media Group. WATCH: 5 Verses on Strength for When You Feel Weak Video stock video and music probided by SoundStripe I grew up in Northeast Missouri surrounded by several creeks which eventually poured into the Mighty Mississippi. Occasionally, wed get flash floods and some of these creeks would roll over their banks. Thats why for many years when someone would say, Lord willing, and the creek dont rise, my mind would immediately go the rising waters saturating my old stomping grounds. But some time ago, I was told another possibility. The rising creek wasnt a reference to a brook outside its bank, but rather an uprising of the Native American Creek tribe. I was entirely ignorant of the Creek tribe, so this meaning didnt even register as a possibility. Our culture can shape the way we hear and interact with words and sayings. In the recent conflict between Israel and Palestine, youve perhaps heard a phrase shouted at demonstrations. That phrase is From the river to the sea Typically, it ends with Palestine will be free. For some, this phrase might evoke memories of from sea to shining sea in America the Beautiful or if youre Canadian you might think of the motto A mari usque ad mare. For those steeped in biblical language any of these phrases might lead one to Psalm 72:8. What does it mean for those shouting it in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict? Does the phrase come from the Bible? If so, is it used correctly? What Does From the River to the Sea Mean? Surprisingly (or maybe unsurprisingly in our culture of outrage) this very question can spark a lively debate. In recent days, Representative Rashida Tlaib used the slogan from the river to the sea in a speech critical of Israels role in this conflict. Another representative, Mike Lawler, believed that her use of this phrase was calling for the elimination of Israel. Tlaib responded that the phrase is an aspirational call for freedom, human rights, and peaceful coexistence, not death, destruction, or hate. Which is it? That gets us to the center of not only the conflict but also the origin of the phrase itself. The river being referenced is the Jordan River and the sea is the Mediterranean Sea. It is a reference to having dominion over this particular stretch of land. That is the heart of the conflict. As I explain this, my intention isnt to plunge myself into the turbulent waters of this conflict. If anyone assumes it is a simple answer, youre likely not hearing all the perspectives. Prior to 1948 this area from the river to the sea was under British control. The land was inhabited by a Jewish minority and an Arab majority. Given all the atrocities against the Jewish people in World War II, the UK was tasked with giving a national home to the Jewish people. In 1948 this area was created as the modern state of Israel. As to be expected, this created a military conflict. Nobody wants to cede land, especially if youre occupying it. After these wars, much of the area was owned by Israel. Palestinians moved to both Gaza and the West Bank area. Jerusalem itself was divided. I believe I am oversimplifying a bit here, but it might help us to understand a little more. If youre a Palestinian then you might argue that youve become a prisoner in your own home. Thus, removing Israel from the river to the sea would mean freedom for Palestinians. But from an Israeli standpoint this sounds like a call for their destruction. This is why for some that phrase is a call for liberation, and for other it sounds like a war cry for your annihilation. It all depends on how you view the conflict. My concern, though, is with the phrase itself and how it was used by Senator Lawler. Does this cry come from Psalm 72:8? Does From the River to the Sea Come from the Bible? May he have dominion from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth! (Psalm 72:8). This certainly sounds at least closely related to the rallying cry. This was the verse cited by Representative Lawler in his speech. But does that phrase actually come from the Bible? Was he quoting the Scripture to say that Representative Tlaib was misquoting it, or was he using it as an example contrasting the popular phrase? Historically, it seems that the phrase originates from the heightened conflict in the 1960s. The Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) adopted it upon its founding in 1964. It was a call to return to the borders previously established essentially attempting to move the clock back prior to 1948 when the Jewish state was established. I do not believe the origins of the phrase come from Psalm 72:8. However, I do believe the concept behind Psalm 72:8 is informative to the situation. What Is the Context of Psalm 72:8? Psalm 72 is a royal psalm. There is some debate as to whether this is Solomon writing it (of Solomon) or David writing it for Solomon. I lean towards David being the author, but either way the point remains. This is a prayer for the prosperity of the king of Israel. We can see that some of the language of Psalm 72 was fulfilled through Solomon, like the spreading of the kingdom and the building of the temple and the queen of Sheba bringing gifts. Yet, all kings did not bow to Solomon. His kingdom did not stretch to the ends of the earth. Clearly, this is looking for a greater fulfillment. As Allan Harman notes, Early Jewish thinking took the same viewpoint, as the Targum adds after the word king in verse 1, Messiah. Psalm 72, then, is speaking of Gods rule (mediated through the king) that would stretch not only from the place allotted to Abraham, but the language here extends it even further. Similar language is used in Zechariah 9:10: I will take away the chariots from Ephraim and the war-horses from Jerusalem, and the battle-bow will be broken. He will proclaim peace to the nations. His rule will extend from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth. The fulfillment of this comes through the Messiah. And Id also draw your attention to Psalm 72:12-14. If we take this passage to be speaking of the Davidic king ruling over this stretch of land (and even to the ends of the earth), then we must also accept the way in which he rules. It is not through bloodshed and oppression; it is through redemption, where he pities the weak and the needy. The vision of the ruling King isnt about merely acquiring a stretch of land its about providing Shalom to the ends of the earth. And this helps us in our application for today. How Does Psalm 72:8 Apply to the Situation Today? If the rule of Israel, Hamas, Palestinians, or a foreign nation providing aid doesnt bring about peace and flourishing which resounds to the glory of God throughout the whole earth, then such a ruler is not fulfilling the aspirations of this Psalm. The story of the Bible is that none on humanity will fulfill this mighty role. No mere human who sits upon the throne of David will rule as this psalm envisions. Well create bloodshed where there ought to be peace. Well stare vulnerability in the face and use it for our own sordid ends, rather than providing cover. Of course, this isnt always true there are moments where the image of God within us shines through. Yet, none of us will fulfill this perfectly. Jesus Christ has and does and will. He is the king of the Davidic throne who rules in this way. And peace, lasting and true peace, will come only through His rule and reign. Oh, about those creeks. Most historians believe that the phrase actually isnt about the Creek tribe but about the unpredictable rain in Appalachia. The other story is an urban legend. In the same way Psalm 72:8 doesnt mean what some think it does at first glance that God is promising this stretch of land to ethnic Israel. But upon further inspection it does speak of God providing not only this land, but a glorious ruling of Messiah through the ends of the earth. Source Allan Harman, Psalms: A Mentor Commentary, vol. 12, Mentor Commentaries (Ross-shire, Great Britain: Mentor, 2011), 529, 531. Photo credit: Getty Images/Ronniechua Research breakthroughs presented at The Union World Conference for Lung Health Researchers from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine have suggested that half of tuberculosis (TB) transmission occurs before individuals will even access care under existing TB care policies. This investigation suggests that one in two individuals with subclinical TB, who are likely infectious but are not aware of symptoms, will not progress to disease severe enough to seek care. Research presented at The International Union Against TB and Lung Diseases World Conference on Lung Health revealed how new insights into TB highlight the weakness of current policies designed to eradicate the disease, where individuals need to report symptoms in a clinic before receiving care. The amount of transmission missed was reduced to a third if the study assumed a lower relative infectiousness for subclinical TB. The study, which used a deterministic modelling framework based on 1,000 cohorts of 10,000 individuals, found that 93.5% of TB-infected individuals will not contribute to transmission within 10 years of MTB infection. At The Union World Conference, tuberculosis experts also presented how active case finding (ACF) could reduce the 52,000 TB cases in Cambodia, of which nearly 50% go undiagnosed. With this figure often higher in minority and hard-to-reach communities, scientists stressed the importance of focusing ACF efforts in these areas. Researchers conducted mobile case findings across 26 remote communities, which resulted in over 8,000 patients being screened. More than 5% of these people were diagnosed with TB with 321 TB patients receiving treatment that they would not have otherwise, constituting an increased detection of 370%. These results demonstrated the positive impact of adopting a policy of ACF in reducing transmission of TB within the community, coupled with widening invaluable access to diagnostic facilities. Children and adolescents experience a disproportionate burden of TB. The WHO recently released its Global Tuberculosis Report, which highlighted that an estimated 1.25 million children and young adolescents fell ill with TB in 2022, making up 12% of the global TB burden. The Union World Conference on Lung Health (from 15 to 18 November in Paris) is convened by the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, the worlds first global health organisation, committed to eradicating tuberculosis and lung disease. Machine_ celebrates a ground-breaking achievement, clinching top honours at three prestigious awards ceremonies within a single week. This unprecedented feat saw the creative agency win acclaim at the SA Publication Forum Awards, Assegai Awards, and Pendoring Awards. At the Assegai Awards, which celebrate outstanding results from integrated marketing campaigns, Machine_ emerged as a victor, taking home six awards, including a prestigious gold award for its innovative and results-oriented approach. The SA Publication Forum, which sets the industry benchmark for internal and external communications, bestowed Machine_ with 11 awards across diverse categories, reaffirming the agency's commitment to delivering best-in-class content marketing and design. Celebrating the creative evolution of indigenous language communication in South Africa, the Pendoring Awards recognised Machine_s exceptional ability to develop work that works the right message, for the right audience, on the right channel. Im immensely proud of these accolades, which highlight our agency's vision of busting creative boundaries," said Robyn Campbell, managing director of Machine_. For our agency to have delivered exceptional results across a range of industry award shows is testament to the diversity of our creative skill sets and our ability to meet our clients business needs. Jabulani Sigege, ECD of Machine_, said: These accolades underscore our talented teams hard work, creativity, and dedication. Our heartfelt thanks go to our clients for their trust and collaboration and to the industry for acknowledging our efforts." Driven by our Never Afraid ethos, Machine_ consistently pushes the boundaries of creativity and innovation. The agency's triumphs at these prestigious awards and in the space of just one week demonstrate our position as a front-runner in the delivery of excellent work. Watch this space! concluded Lindsey Rayner, managing director of Machine_ Johannesburg. The latest Lessons of Worth, L'Oreal's global series of inspirational video testimonials, features L'Oreal's first Black brand ambassador for sub-Saharan Africa, Thuso Mbedu... Image supplied. The latest Lessons of Worth, L'Oreals global series of inspirational video testimonials, features L'Oreals first black brand ambassador for sub-Saharan Africa, Thuso Mbedu The series, designed to empower women with its iconic mantra, "Because I'm worth it, has seen contributions from notable figures such as Viola Davis, Kate Winslet, Helen Mirren, and Kendall Jenner. By McCann Joburg, the agency introduced a powerful motivational concept into the Lessons of Worth lexiconthe idea of "worth in progress as saying Im worth it once just wouldn't cut it due to the unique challenges faced by African women. "It was a job very close to our hearts. No one has told South African black women that 'you're worth it.' We've been celebrated for our strength (you strike a woman, you strike a rock), praised for bearing pain and suffering, exalted for our selflessness, but never told 'you're worth it," says Zetu Damane, chief strategic planner at McCann Joburg. "Working together with a remarkable all-women creative teamMatshidiso Khasake, Leigh Forrest, and Sherilyn van Neethlingalongside Thuso, we embarked on a remarkable journey to create a profoundly moving and resonant piece, says creative director at McCann Joburg, Toni Hughes. Creatively, the team felt a profound responsibility to craft a "Lesson of Worth" that was distinctly South African while meeting the exceptionally high international benchmark set, adds Hughes. Mirroring the African spirit As we introduce a Lesson of Worth that beautifully mirrors the African spirit, we aim to empower African women to believe in their unparalleled beauty, fostering a sense of pride in their diverse and authentically African selves. With Thuso's exceptional involvement as our first Sub-Saharan Africa brand partner, this initiative holds a special place in our hearts," says Ayanda Mackay, marketing manager, L'Oreal Paris Skin & Hair. Credits Coca-Cola is teaming up with top AI creators and specialists to showcase some of the company's most iconic and festive brand assets. The collaboration involves designing personalised digital holiday cards using cutting-edge AI technology. The Create Real Magic AI Holiday Card Generator is one of the first platforms of its kind to combine the capabilities of GPT-4, which produces human-like text from search engine queries, and DALL-E, which produces images based on text. The tool invites creators to access Coca-Colas iconic, holiday-themed brand assets, creating connections across time zones and national boundaries through the power of AI. Shareable cards Consumers can experiment with the holiday-themed content to make their own shareable holiday cards on CreateRealMagic.com, including Coca-Colas cherished depictions of Santa Claus, created by Haddon Sundblom in 1931, and the companys much-loved family of polar bears, first used by the company in 1993. By sharing these storied assets with consumers - and allowing them to be seen through the prism of new technology - they can be re-discovered by a younger generation. Pratik Thakar, Coca-Colas global head of generative AI, said the company wanted to use this holiday season to create a positive space for people to express their creativity. The company is leaning into the potential of AI and demonstrating how it, combined with an iconic brand like Coke, can bring people together in the spirit of holiday magic. We, at Coca-Cola, are connecting the dots between culture, creativity and technology. The Create Real Magic platform invites consumers to use AI for crafting artwork using iconic creative elements from the Coca-Cola archives. #CreateRealMagic cards are a perfect way for us to celebrate people and the holidays using AI. We are humble but iconic, real yet magical and this latest campaign is a testament of the same. Entertain and inform UK creative director Paul Parsons (@jed.ai.master) is just one of the creators to explore the capabilities of Create Real Magic. He says, Im all about using design to entertain and inform, and AI has opened up endless possibilities that allow me to do both. Having access to some of the most recognized holiday iconography and being able to put my own spin on it, with no limits, has been amazing. I cant wait to share my take of the Coca-Cola holiday card. Coca-Cola will also feature some of the artwork on digital billboards throughout the world such as New Yorks Times Square and Londons Piccadilly Circus. creators can download, share, copy and distribute their greetings cards as they wish. This years global festive campaign comes to life in many forms and will be adapted by more than 80 markets worldwide. The unifying theme is the magic of kindness and the spirit of generosity and goodwill in us all. This narrative extends across all channels - from the TV ad, to physical experiences with the iconic Coca-Cola Christmas Caravan tour and local charitable partnerships, to digital initiatives like the 'Create Real Magic' AI Christmas Card generator and the Find Your Inner Santa quiz, as well as two upcoming Christmas short films. The inaugural Africa's Business Heroes Entrepreneurship Journalism Excellence Award, recognising and celebrating the role journalists play in promoting and supporting African entrepreneurship, have been announced. Image supplied. The inaugural Africas Business Heroes Entrepreneurship Journalism Excellence Award have been announced The newly introduced Award seeks to acknowledge outstanding work in journalism, especially with a regional dimension, which highlights the innovation, community impact and strategies of African entrepreneurs. It also recognises entries that reflect the role of ABH in contributing to the entrepreneurship drive across Africa. The impact of the entries, both in terms of reach and depth, was also considered by the adjudicating panel. Grand Journalism Excellence Award The awards are divided into geographical categories, with an award offered to the journalist behind the best work from each of the five regions in Africa. There is also a Grand Journalism Excellence Award offered to the journalist who the judges deem produced the best article overall. The award selection process consists of two stages: story shortlisting and then final nominations reviews by a panel of senior public relations experts at APO Group, leading to the selection of the regional and Grand Journalist Award winners. The winners The winners of the inaugural ABH Entrepreneurship Journalism Excellence Award organised by APO Group are: Grand Journalism Excellence Award Hadassah Egbedi, editor at Ventures Africa Northern Africa Doaa Abdel Moneim, head of business and economic affairs desk at Ahram Online Southern Africa Asanda Beda, journalist and writer at SABC West Africa Juliana Olayinka, Channels Television London bureau chief and Host of Channels Business global Central Africa Nana Kamsu Kom, multimedia journalist at Africa24 East Africa Dusabemungu Ange de la Victoire, founder of Top Africa News We are deeply appreciative of the invaluable support that journalists provide in promoting African entrepreneurship, says APO Group chairman and founder, Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard. Their stories shed light on the remarkable achievements of our continents entrepreneurs, which are a great inspiration to others. We congratulate the winners of the ABH Entrepreneurship Journalism Excellence Award for their exceptional work, he adds. All winners will be eligible for a sponsored trip from their current location to Kigali, Rwanda to attend and be honoured at the ABH 2023 Summit and Grand Finale, taking place on November 23 to 24 at the Kigali Convention Centre. The ABH Prize Competition: A philanthropic programme Incepted in 2019, the ABH Prize Competition is a philanthropic programme sponsored by the Jack Ma Foundation and Alibaba Philanthropy with a mission to support and inspire entrepreneurs in Africa, and ultimately foster a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem across the continent. Over the past five years, ABH has seen over 100,000 participants from all corners of Africa and has recognised dozens of outstanding entrepreneurs among them, providing the latter with not only financial support but also training, mentorship and networking opportunities. Now celebrating its fifth anniversary, ABH has a rich history of nurturing the growth of African entrepreneurs who are making significant contributions to their local communities. As a long-term partner of the ABH programme, APO Group shares its vision of championing African entrepreneurs, and is proud to extend its recognition to the journalists who play a significant part in driving the entrepreneurship story and agenda across the continent. As we approach World Aids Day on 1 December, Allegra Healthcare Management, an industry leader in health technology (health-tech), is collaborating with healthcare providers to redefine chronic disease management, with a specific focus on HIV and Aids. At the heart of this initiative lies Allegra's unwavering commitment to centering the patient in the realm of their healthcare journey. Our belief is that the path to enhanced patient care starts with ensuring that individuals living with chronic diseases, including HIV and Aids, receive the support they require. Empowering HIV and Aids patients This collaboration is made possible through the innovative health-tech solutions offered by Allegra. Revolutionising the delivery of chronic disease management. The aim of this initiative is to guarantee that all patients including patients living with HIV and Aids experience personalised care, including when their prescriptions for chronic medication need to be renewed. Closing the loop for HIV patients To simplify the healthcare journey for a patient living with a chronic disease a multidisciplinary team is required. Medical aid patients who have provided consent to their courier pharmacy for the monthly delivery of their chronic medication. Polmed Medical Aid members have been selected only for the pilot project. Allegra will roll this out to more medical Aids in the upcoming months. Allegra HealthFindr: Online appointment scheduling software. Appointments are facilitated and conveniently made at a pharmacy clinic of the patients choice. IVC nurse practitioners: These dedicated professionals connect with patients, ensuring they remain well-informed, involved and supported throughout their healthcare journey. Allegra VirtualCare Telehealth software: Our cutting-edge telehealth software connects patients and healthcare providers, offering a seamless platform for communication and care. Pathology: A critical facet of chronic disease management is requesting pathology tests, ensuring that essential blood work is conducted as an integral part of the treatment plan. Allegra WellScreen empowers nurses to conduct comprehensive health risk assessments, generating valuable insights into the patient's overall well-being. An excellent platform for preventative care and early detection of chronic disease. Secure electronic scripts: Allegra guarantees the secure storage of patient scripts, with top-tier two-factor authentication to ensure privacy and security. The eScript Vault requires a secure API login from the system of the doctor who submits the script to the vault, and a secure API from the pharmacy system that retrieves the eScript from the vault. Users cannot access the vault any other way. Transforming pharmaceutical care Allegra's health-tech transforms pharmaceutical care delivery. We play a key role in simplifying chronic disease management, with a commitment to provide digital solutions to a multidisciplinary team of healthcare providers. Focus on HIV and Aids Commencing with HIV and Aids as a chronic disease is a strategic choice, that supports the 90/90/90 initiative in South Africa. Our commitment to improving the lives of those affected by this disease underscores our dedication to enhancing healthcare outcomes within our communities. About Allegra Healthcare Management Allegra Healthcare Management is a South African health technology company specialising in solutions for healthcare providers. Our comprehensive suite of health-tech solutions includes VirtualCare telehealth software, WellScreen health assessment tools, and secure electronic script management. Our mission revolves around making healthcare more accessible, efficient, and patient-centric. Through strategic partnerships and cutting-edge technology, Allegra is dedicated to improving the lives of patients and healthcare providers alike. As we approach World Aids Day, Allegra together with our partners and healthcare providers are forging a path towards a brighter future in chronic disease management and medication adherence, reinforcing our standing as industry leaders in health technology. Together, we are making a difference, one patient at a time. Jacobus Smit, Allegra ScriptPro product owner: "We invite all interested parties and healthcare providers who share our vision of patient-centric healthcare to join us on this journey. If you are enthusiastic about making an impact in the realm of chronic disease management, we encourage you to reach out to Allegra Healthcare Management and explore the possibilities of collaboration." South Africa's imports sector is a mosaic of vast opportunities and keen competition. While large importers and long-established participants have been pivotal in shaping the country's imports industry, its sustainability doesn't only rest in their hands; it requires a concerted effort to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) also establish themselves as key contributors. Source: scanrail via 123RF This imperative to support SMEs in the imports sector goes way beyond a moral obligation; its a strategic necessity. If the Covid-19 pandemic and resulting logistics crisis taught us anything, its that a chain really is only as strong as its weakest link. In the context of imports, smaller businesses and startups are often these 'weaker links,' grappling with the challenges of limited resources, operational inexperience, and a lack of industry connections. This is where larger importers have an opportunity to see beyond the unrealistic fear of increased competition and step up to offer what could be called 'strategic mentorship. Far more than advice, strategic mentorship involves a form of partnership with smaller businesses, providing them with real, practical insights into industry practices, offering business guidance, and helping them navigate the regulatory landscape. Access to resources One of the most immediate and effective ways that larger companies can provide assistance is by sharing resources and equipment with SMEs at low or subsidised rates. For a small business, the investment required in acquiring warehousing or specialised equipment and machinery is most often the challenge that has them stumbling right out of the starting blocks. Having access to such resources, even on a shared basis, can be a game-changer, enabling them to establish themselves, take on larger contracts, and build up a credible portfolio in a shorter period of time. This sharing doesn't just help the smaller entities, but also allows larger companies to maximise utilisation of their assets and potentially earn a nominal income on them in the process. Another form of support, that has the potential to massively impact an SME making its way in imports, is to make a concerted effort to include these smaller firms in existing supply chains, or even offer to bring them in as partners on significant contracts. This type of collaboration offers SMEs a live platform on which to learn, deliver, and build a much-needed track record. Managed correctly, this type of relationship can also help to diversify the risk for larger companies, while offering them an opportunity to benefit from fresh perspectives and agile solutions that smaller firms are often better at providing. Offering assistance Finally, larger importers can assist SMEs by giving them free or subsidised access to any training programmes they offer. These types of programmes can act as miniature incubators, delivering a solid foundation for the future growth of imports thanks to competent small businesses equipped for success. Of course, its not just large imports incumbents that have a vital role to play in nurturing South Africas imports sector; its a responsibility that all participants in the sector need to live up to including banks. For SMEs aspiring to make a mark in the imports sector, partnering with a financial services provider that has expertise in this domain is non-negotiable, particularly if, like FNB, such a provider not only offers tailored finance solutions, but can also offer invaluable assistance with regulations, permitting, and many other administrative aspects of running and growing an imports business. For many industries, the concept of businesses supporting and helping other businesses can seem very counterintuitive. But in a dynamic sector like imports, operating in a rapidly globalising world, a symbiotic environment is essential. The future of South Africas imports sector depends on this collaborative spirit, and by supporting emerging companies in the sector, larger participants will help pave the way for a more robust, resilient, and dynamic industry for the benefit of all, and the SA economy as a whole. Small-scale fishing rights have been granted for 15 years across the Western Cape after a long battle, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE) announced on Wednesday, 15 November. This means that 62 fishing cooperatives, consisting of 3,850 small-scale fishers, will be set up across the province. Small-scale fishing permits have finally been granted in the Western Cape. Archive photo: Ashraf Hendricks A total of 3,850 small-scale fishers in 62 cooperatives have been given fishing rights after a delay of several years. A decision still has to be made about what they will be allowed to catch. The finalisation of small-scale fishing rights has been delayed in the Western Cape for a few years. After several complaints about the 2016-2019 rights allocation process, when only 29% of applicants were granted rights, the DFFE Minister Barbara Creecy approached the Western Cape High Court to review the process. The court set the rights allocation process aside in August 2022, and a new process was started soon afterwards. This time around, 93% of applicants were granted small-scale fishing rights. These rights, which are granted only to fishers belonging to co-operatives, include the right to fish for subsistence, to process the fish and to sell it. Before provision was made for the small-scale fishing sector, only recreational, commercial, and subsistence fishing was recognised. Fishing rights were granted to co-operatives in the Northern Cape in 2018, KwaZulu-Natal in 2019, and the Eastern Cape in 2020. Fishers welcomed the granting of permits, said Carmen Mannarino, programme manager at Masifundise. But, she said, there were worries about what species they would be allowed to fish. Recently the DFFE reduced the total allowable catch allocations (for all kinds of fisheries) for West Coast Rock Lobster by more than 16% for the 2023-2024 fishing season. A fisher from Arniston, Rovina Europa, said this meant the DFFE was giving crumbs to fishermen. People are struggling, poor, and they are hungry, she said. Europa said that from the Northern Cape to Cape Agulhas, most households depend on rock lobster for their livelihoods because they know it is the only income which they can rely on. Speaking at the media briefing on Wednesday, Sue Middleton, deputy director-general of fisheries management, said that the decision to reduce the total allowable catch for west coast rock lobster wasnt popular but that the resource is under threat. Unless we take drastic measures to address the situation, the resource will decline even further to unsustainable harvestable levels, said Middleton. The DFFE will now start setting up co-operatives and providing mentors to each co-operative. Creecy said on Wednesday that a lot more had to be done to support co-operatives and help the small-scale sector grow. Excitement is building as the Inter Hotel Challenge 2023, sponsored by Heineken Beverages, approaches its grand finale. Out of the 115 contestants who initially entered the competition, only three will be selected as national finalists and have the opportunity to travel abroad to receive part of their prizes. The Wine Steward of the Year will embark on a two-week trip to Amsterdam, the headquarters of Heinekin Beverages. Meanwhile, the Pastry Chef of the Year will intern in France, and the Chef of the Year will spend three working weeks at a renowned hospitality establishment overseas, the location of which is yet to be revealed. Source: Supplied An extensive panel of judges is now deliberating and deciding on category winners to be announced at a gala event in Cape Town on 28 November. Teams from 26 top hotels across South Africa competed across a variety of hotel and restaurant services categories, from wine stewards and mixologists to chefs and pastry chefs, bakers, baristas, concierges and more. The cook-off and service presentations took place in late October, in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban. Chania Morritt-Smith of Showcook.com, who, with food doyenne Annette Kesler, conceived the concept 11 years ago, describes the annual challenge as: "A multifaceted competition that recognises, cultivates and rewards excellence. "Before contestants can even compete, they are extended the necessary mentorship, support and practical tools through a series of workshops that help them to perform at their very best levels. The result is that whatever the outcome for individual participants, everyone is a winner. Millicent Maroga, corporate affairs director for Heineken Beverages highlights how important the challenge is in "promoting economic opportunity and inclusion. It grows expertise, career development and creates a talent pool for the tourism and hospitality industries. In recognition of the challenges skill transfer drive, the National Youth Development Agency has become a partner and is providing International Hotel School bursaries to candidates who achieve outstanding results. The winning wine steward will earn an all-expenses-paid two-week experience in Amsterdam, sponsored by Heineken Beverages, as well as wine courses with the Sommeliers Academy, the South African Sommeliers Association (SASA) and the Cape Wine Academy. The top chef will intern for three weeks with a top international hotel (destination to be revealed at the gala event), and the top pastry chef a three-week working stint at Chateau de la Creuzette in Boussac, France (courtesy of Lancewood). Since the inception of the award, some 1,500 candidates have been exposed to the speciality training provided by the challenge. This years judging panel comprises: Wine and spirit service: Sandy Harper (CWM) and Jean Vincent Ridon (sommelier) Wine and food pairing: Aubrey Ngcungama, Deon Roets, Wanda Cronje (CWM), Germain Lehodey, Kristina Beuthner, Karen Bloom (CWM) and Mark OFlaherty Food: Hugh von Zahn, Jocelyn Meyers-Adams, Fatima Stanley and Elsu Gericke Kitchen skills: Julietta e Silva Overmeyer, Marlon de Freitas, Candice Adams, Ukhonaye Mconi, Nandile Bongekile Mtshaha and Sharon Visagie Barista: Oz Davids, Johandre Delport, Caroline Ncube, Ree Moya, Malusi Ngwane, Wayne Abrahams, Paddington Chivare and Shaakira Mohamed Concierge: Horst Frehse, Jeff Rosenberg, Lorna Gourlay, Mike Waller, Tarryn Tomlinson and John de Canha Category winners receive trophies, cash prizes and, in the case of the wine, mixology and cheffing category winners, the chance to be mentored abroad by well-known talents, as well as bursaries to build locally on their existing expertise. Visit www.showcook.com for more information. South African farmers are expressing growing concern over the government's unpredictable policymaking in the agricultural sector, fearing it could jeopardise the country's food security. These concerns have been further exacerbated by the recent publication of regulations governing the export of certain agricultural products to the European Union (EU) and Britain in the Government Gazette on October 31 and 1 November 2023. These regulations, implemented since 2016, coupled with the government's history of economic mismanagement, have reinforced farmers' apprehensions about the long-term viability of the agricultural sector. Farmers are particularly concerned about the potential impact of these regulations on their ability to export their products to key markets such as the EU and Britain. They fear that the regulations could create additional barriers to trade, making it more difficult for them to compete in the global marketplace. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the EU signed an economic cooperation agreement on 10 June 2016, which took effect on October 2016. These regulations, particularly those impacting family farmers, raise public concerns about the agricultural industry's future. According to TLU SA, the expectations created by Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) limit the growth and sustainability of the agricultural sector. "Regulations aimed at trying to achieve growth have a significant impact on the agricultural sector in South Africa. They are enforced not only in one area but also in areas such as land ownership and chemical use, water management, support, subsidies, and animal welfare, to name just a few," says Bennie van Zyl, TLU SA general manager. "Agriculture in South Africa has a strong history that is still supported today by the success of family farms. It is these farms that continue to be part of the agricultural sector's significant contribution to South Africa's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). It is also these farms that operate on a commercial level, ensuring that there is food on consumers' tables. "The recent republication of regulations on the export of certain agricultural products where BEE requirements remain one of the criteria has once again highlighted the short-sightedness of the government." Challenges in empowering Black South Africans in agriculture Out of South Africa's approximately 37,000 commercial farmers, only a small fraction engage in exports and generate valuable foreign exchange for the country. However, with over 60 million residents, the question arises as to how many people can realistically be empowered through BEE initiatives. Even if it involves compensation, current commercial farmers are struggling to maintain their operations in the face of South Africa's current circumstances, making it difficult to prevent further ownership losses. The African National Congress's (ANC) implementation of Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) and other regulations aimed at promoting sustainability, food security, and social equality has been poorly executed and misguided, according to Van Zyl. These shortcomings have created significant obstacles that continue to impede the agricultural sector's profitability and competitiveness. "Instead of clinging to an ineffective policy approach, the government should prioritize the sustainability and food security of the agricultural sector," Van Zyl asserts. Vodacom used the sidelines of Africa Tech Festival to engage local media on its series of satellite partnerships aimed at developing the world's first space-based mobile network to help bridge the digital divide, This network will connect directly to 4G and 5G smartphones in remote areas without the need for specialised hardware. Source: Pixabay/Pexels Earlier this year, Vodacom, in collaboration with Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile, successfully trialled the direct-to-device project in Kenya with Safaricom. AST SpaceMobile, in turn, used its Q3 earnings call earlier this week, as an opportunity to reveal that it has reached 40mbps in these tests and will be launching the first five of its BlueBird satellites in early next year. The spacetech company has partnerships in place with about 40 mobile network operators (MNOs) worldwide, including Vodafone, AT&T, and Rakuten, and is expanding its satellite deployments to provide communication services to 4G devices in Africa and beyond. In September Vodacom also announced its plans to leverage Amazons Project Kuiper low Earth orbit (LEO) communications initiative to extend coverage to rural areas where traditional terrestrial communication solutions are challenging and costly. Satellite connectivity projects have the potential to enhance our rural connectivity plans as well as improve the stability and speed of internet services in urban areas, says Dejan Kastelic, CTO for Vodacom Group. Our long-term goal is to investigate the applications of the Internet of Things (IoT) over non-terrestrial networks, which can serve as an industry 4.0 catalyst. Bigger satellite conversation Dejan Kastelic, CTO for Vodacom Group While the Vodacom announcements were not news to many of the journalists attending AfricaCom, it did come on a day when the focus shifted away from the fibre connectivity conversation towards the skies above. We dont connect people in rural areas for no reason, said Dr Samantha Torrance, head of policy implementation for Access Partnership during a panel discussion about the future of satellite solutions in Africa. Its about the socioeconomic effects of isolated communities being able to access digital infrastructure to market their businesses or upskill themselves. The comments were delivered in the context of previous satellite launches by African governments that werent necessarily tied to any policy goals. Putting satellites in space is massively expensive, so there should be a major focus on the return on investment of the project. Public-private partnerships make more sense than governments trying to take it on by themselves, added Bradley Shaw, VP for spacetech company Lynk in the MEA region. Shaw explained how companies like Lynk need to partner with MNOs to use their spectrum to connect to devices. When we get to 500 satellites, rural connectivity in Africa will be solved, he said. From left: Tinaude Oguntuyi, Olumide Idowu, Dr Samantha Torrance, Bradley Shaw Collaboration is key Amazon justifies Project Kuiper as a way to fill coverage gaps in rural our hard to connect areas, but also explains that developing and deploying satellite technology requires significant innovation and investment. The Jeff Bezos-founded company says it has the people and resources required to deploy and operate global satellite broadband services, and we feel a responsibility to use our success and scale to help bridge the digital divide. A successful launch in early October has put the project on track to begin serving customers by as early as Q4 2024, the details of the US regulatory license demanding at least half of the constellation active by the middle of July 2026. Vodacoms solution may be the quickest route South Africans have to an official satellite ISP since Elon Musks Starlink has yet to apply for a license through Icasa. The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has been named one of the 2023 United Nations Environment Programme's (UNEP) Champions of the Earth, for its contribution to the fight against plastic pollution, honoured in the Science and Innovation category. Image supplied. The CSIR has been named one of the 2023 UNEP Champions of the Earth, for its contribution to the fight against plastic pollution The annual Champions of the Earth award is the UNs highest environmental honour. The Science and Innovation category recognises individuals or organisations whose groundbreaking work pushes the boundaries of human knowledge and technology, with positive impacts on the environment. The Champions of the Earth laureates are selected by a global jury following a public nomination process. The CSIR stood out among over 2,500 nominations for 2023. Advancing plastic research The CSIR is plays an important role in advancing plastic research, reflected in its multi-pronged approach to plastic research and development. This includes developing innovative technologies to enhance industry; evidencing South Africas response to managing plastic waste, and where plastic cannot be avoided, and developing innovative, high-value end-use markets that will drive a circular plastics economy, thereby keeping plastic out of the environment. CSIR chief executive officer, Dr Thulani Dlamini, expressed his gratitude at receiving the highest environmental honour, stating that it validates the calibre of CSIR researchers and the organisation's drive to touch lives through innovation. The honour is a testament to the toil and commitment of our researchers to using science and technology to improve the quality of life. Tackling plastic pollution requires a collaborative and systemic approach as no one intervention will suffice, and neither will one entity have all the solutions. He adds that they appreciate the support from the industry and government departments, especially the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), which continues to fund the development of alternative technologies that could help to alleviate pollution. #SolvePlasticsAfrica Hub The CSIRs #SolvePlasticsAfrica Hub, launched by the CSIR in November 2022, is an online hub that showcases the organisations capabilities in providing evidence-based solutions to addressing plastic pollution in Africa. The CSIR wants to work with public and private sector organisations from across the continent to unlock opportunities and inform decision-making. The CSIR also hosts Africas only laboratory equipped to test and verify imported or locally produced products that are being promoted as biodegradable. The UNIDO-funded testing laboratory is capable of establishing the conditions and timeframes for the biodegradation of materials. Tests can be performed under different conditions aerobic (compost, soil, freshwater and marine) and anaerobic, says Maya Jacob John, CSIR principal researcher. Evidence-based approach to plastics management John says it is critical to drive an evidence-based approach to plastics management. Several products are currently being marketed as more environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional plastics. Without evidence from testing and lifecycle analyses, businesses can misguide consumers. Industries can use the CSIR facilities for this purpose, she says. John added that as part of tackling the plastic waste pollution problem, the CSIR is developing materials for replacing single-use plastics that are not recycled. These environmentally sustainable products are partially made from local biomass resources, like starch and cellulose. Partnerships are critical to managing waste in South Africa In addition to the plastic-related research undertaken by the CSIR, the organisation also hosts the Waste Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Roadmap Implementation Unit on behalf of the DSI. This unit supports the national system of innovation in undertaking relevant waste plastic-related research. Prof Linda Godfrey, manager of the CSIR Waste RDI Roadmap Implementation Unit says partnerships are critical to managing waste in South Africa. We must support businesses in adopting sustainable practices and driving a circular plastics economy, where waste is designed out and value is recovered. Working closely with the government in providing evidence to support policy development and implementation that will result in improved waste management and reduced plastic pollution, she says. Yellow Card, Africa's licensed Stablecoin on/off ramp, has been awarded the prestigious "Afis Disrupter of the Year Award" at the 2023 Africa Financial Industry Summit. The award ceremony, held on 15 November in Lome, Togo, recognised Yellow Card's outstanding contributions to innovation and resilience in the African financial sector. Source: Supplied. The Disrupter of the Year Award acknowledges companies that have demonstrated resilience in challenging times and whose innovation represents a market disruption. Yellow Card emerged victorious in a field of strong contenders, including Moniepoint, Sparkle, Ejara, and Bamboo. The award was received by Chris Maurice, co-founder, and chief executive officer of Yellow Card, who expressed his deepest gratitude for the recognition. This award is further validation that our team is solving important, practical problems across the continent for businesses, he said. We have come a long way for a Stablecoin company to win a traditional finance award voted by judges who are all bankers. In addition to receiving the award, Maurice was a featured speaker at the event that brought together more than 1,000 financial industry leaders, regulators, bankers, and fintech entrepreneurs. Maurice participated in an insightful interview with Mamadou Toure, founder and chief executive officer of Ubuntu group, discussing the future of cryptocurrency in Africa. The interview delved into Yellow Card's mission to challenge traditional finance by offering faster and more affordable international remittances and serving as a hub for trading Stablecoins, Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. Yellow Card, founded in 2016 by Chris Maurice and Justin Poiroux, has expanded its operations to 20 countries since its 2019 launch in Nigeria. It has more than 1.7 million registered customers and more than 200 employees working across 18 different countries. Global exhibitors share opportunities at 25th China Hi-Tech Fair People's Daily Online) 17:15, November 17, 2023 The 25th China Hi-Tech Fair (CHTF) kicked off in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, on Nov. 15, 2023. The five-day event boasts an exhibition area spanning 500,000 square meters and has attracted 4,925 enterprises from 105 countries and regions, making it the largest in its history. The 25th China Hi-Tech Fair (CHTF) kicks off in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, on Nov. 15, 2023. (People's Daily Online/Lu Yang) Exhibition areas have been set up at the Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center in Shenzhen's Futian district and Shenzhen World Exhibition and Convention Center in Bao'an district. The Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center is hosting an exhibition that brings together multinational companies, industry leaders, listed companies, unicorns, and potential unicorns from countries including Russia, Australia, South Korea, Germany, and France. This exhibition showcases next-generation information technology, highlighting the latest achievements, development trends, and applications in related industries. Photo shows an exhibition area of the 25th China Hi-Tech Fair (CHTF), which kicked off in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, on Nov. 15, 2023. (People's Daily Online/Lu Yang) After 25 years of growth, the CHTF has become an important platform for companies from around the world to share opportunities in China. The Nuremberg Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Germany, has been arranging for German companies to participate in the CHTF almost every year since its first edition in 1999. Armin Siegert, head of the Department for International Economic Affairs of the Nuremberg Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said that the CHTF provides a platform for German companies to enter the Chinese market. He is hopeful that more German small and medium-sized innovative companies can engage in exchanges and cooperation with Chinese enterprises through this platform. Tsukuba city in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan, is a sister city of Shenzhen and an old friend of the CHTF. Tsukuba has participated in the CHTF for six consecutive years with its companies since 2014. This year, two companies from the city brought their cutting-edge products to the fair. Photo shows booths of Hungarian companies at the 25th China Hi-Tech Fair (CHTF), which kicked off in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, on Nov. 15, 2023. (People's Daily Online/Lu Yang) "The CHTF is highly significant for us as it allows Polish companies to present their technology-related products and services," said Monika Kolpaczynska, business development manager at the Polish Investment and Trade Agency, expressing hope that this fair will enable Polish enterprises to establish partnerships with their Chinese counterparts and gain a deeper understanding of the Chinese market. Mattia del Vecchio, a representative from an environmental company in Italy, said, "We look forward to cooperating with Chinese enterprises to advance technological innovation and environmental protection, and providing sustainable solutions for the Chinese market, while fostering a mutually beneficial outcome." Photo shows booths of South Korean companies at the 25th China Hi-Tech Fair (CHTF), which kicked off in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, on Nov. 15, 2023. (People's Daily Online/Lu Yang) Shenzhen, the host city of the CHTF, has become a prominent center for innovation, entrepreneurship, and high-end manufacturing in China over the past 25 years. Majid Najafiani, head of the Iranian delegation at the fair, is attending the CHTF for the sixth time, bringing a delegation of 10 Iranian companies, with most of them participating in the event for the first time. "We come here to stay updated on the latest trends and technologies in technological innovation. The CHTF provides a comprehensive industrial chain, encompassing research institutions, innovative companies, material and component manufacturers, end product manufacturers, and even government organizations. We come here not only to buy and sell products, but also to establish long-term partnerships," said Najafiani. An exhibitor demonstrates a precision machining tool at the 25th China Hi-Tech Fair (CHTF), which kicked off in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, on Nov. 15, 2023. (People's Daily Online/Lu Yang) A total of 132 activities, including forums and agreement signing ceremonies, are scheduled to take place during the 25th CHTF, which is expected to witness the release of over 680 new achievements and a record in business transaction value. Photo shows the booth of Shenzhen's Guangming district at the 25th China Hi-Tech Fair (CHTF), which kicked off in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, on Nov. 15, 2023. (People's Daily Online/Lu Yang) (Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun) Borsa Italiana non ha responsabilita per il contenuto del sito a cui sta per accedere e non ha responsabilita per le informazioni contenute. Accedendo a questo link, Borsa Italiana non intende sollecitare acquisti o offerte in alcun paese da parte di nessuno. Sarai automaticamente diretto al link in cinque secondi. 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West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada Postal Code Another 25 Irish citizens and dependants are expected to be able to leave Gaza, the Tanaiste has said. Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheal Martin said they should be able to cross the Rafah border crossing into Egypt, bringing the total number of citizens and dependants leaving to 51. Advertisement He previously said he hoped that all Irish citizens who are in a position to travel would be out of Gaza by Sunday. The development comes as the family of an Israeli-Irish girl believed to have been taken hostage by Hamas said they are remaining positive that they will see her again. A birthday party was held at St Stephens Green in Dublin for Emily Hand, who turned nine on Friday. Advertisement Update on Irish citizens crossing from Gaza into Egypt pic.twitter.com/JdFPuEJChm Advertisement Micheal Martin (@MichealMartinTD) November 17, 2023 Advertisement A birthday cake and balloons with Emilys name were unveiled, as well as a poster saying Bring her home now. Mr Martin said he remains deeply concerned about the situation of hostages in Gaza and called for their immediate and unconditional release. He said: Today Emily Hand will turn nine. This loving and talented young girl needs to be returned to her family immediately. My department will leave no stone unturned in pursuing that outcome. Mr Martin visited two towns in southern Israel on Thursday which had been attacked by Hamas in October, including Kibbutz Beeri where Emily was believed to have been taken hostage. Advertisement He also met Palestinian Authority prime minister Mohammad Shtayyeh in Ramallah. The Tanaiste described those who have left Gaza in recent days as deeply traumatised by their experience. Anna Byrne, a cousin of Irish Israeli girl Emily Hands father Tom, was at the party. Photo: David Young/PA. Advertisement As they return to Ireland in the coming days, they will need all of our support as they begin to restart their lives, he said. He also described the high number of civilian casualties in Gaza in recent weeks as shocking, and repeated his call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and an urgent scaling up of rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access. Advertisement Ireland has been clear that international humanitarian law applies in all conflicts, in all circumstances, to state and non-state actors alike, he said. We cannot see this violence, destruction and displacement continue. Emily was initially thought to be dead in the aftermath of the attack on Israeli citizens on October 7, but more recent information indicates that she is now held hostage in Gaza. Emilys father, Tom Hand, has met Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and the Hand family have appealed for the Governments help in securing her release. Anna Byrne, a cousin of Emilys father, attended the birthday party in Dublin on Friday. She said it had been a horrific time for the family, but they are staying strong and positive. We are so thankful to the organisers of today, the whole family is so thankful for keeping Emily in everybodys hearts and minds, she said. Especially today. It is quite sad today because we were hoping to have her home for her birthday. We dont know what type of birthday she is having. I just thought I would come today to represent the family and to be here for Emily and to wish her a happy birthday. She added: We are trying to keep strong and positive. We worry about Tom, he is doing so much, and it is hard for him to keep going. It is a horrific time so we just try to give as much support as we can and send our love and best wishes, but it is hard. You feel useless, not being able to do anything, and they are so far away. None of us can go to Israel, so it is very hard, but we are keeping positive and just praying and hoping. The family are so positive, that is the thing that is keeping us all going, the positivity that we are going to see Emily. A drunk engineer, who forced a plane to be halted on the runway at Dublin Airport because he refused to sit down during the pre-flight safety instructions, has been spared jail. Ahmet Semizer, 36, a Turkish national of Hillcrest Close, Lucan, Dublin, pleaded guilty to Air Navigation and Transport Act offences for engaging in behaviour that could endanger himself and others on a Ryanair flight on September 27th. Advertisement Judge Treasa Kelly fined him 500 when he appeared at Dublin District Court. Judge Kelly thought it would have been unpleasant and uncomfortable for other passengers in a confined space, and she was sure he caused a lot of anxiety on board the plane. Semizer, who moved to Ireland to become an English language student, also admitted behaving in a manner that caused offence. Advertisement Judge Treasa Kelly heard that when the cabin crew tried to deliver the safety briefing to the passengers, Semizer, who was intoxicated, repeatedly refused to sit down. Advertisement The captain was informed and decided to taxi back to the apron because Semizer was uncooperative and would not listen to the cabin crews instructions. Judge Kelly noted the flight had not taken off but had to be turned back to the terminal to remove Semizer, delaying take-off. He had no prior criminal convictions. Defence solicitor Andrew Broderick pleaded for leniency, saying his client was going to Turkey to visit family and cannot recall his behaviour. The solicitor asked the judge to note that Semizers guilty plea spared many civilian witnesses having to come to court to give evidence. The court heard Semizer had no income as a student, lived off his savings and was struggling financially. The defence pleaded with the court to consider sparing him a recorded conviction through a charitable donation of 100 which he brought to court. Judge Kelly said 700 would be the proper sum, but when told that was unavailable, she convicted and fined Semizer 500, which he must pay within four months. Ireland is on target to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040, Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has said. The Minister for Health said with sustained effort from all stakeholders, the country can meet the target. Advertisement Mr Donnelly's announcement marked Cervical Cancer Elimination Day of Action, a global initiative to eliminate cervical cancer. Currently, in Ireland, about 300 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer every year, and 90 will die from it. The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines elimination of cervical cancer as fewer than 4 cases per 100,000 women. HPV vaccination rates The Minister for Health said the goal would be achieved by increasing HPV vaccination rates for girls by age 15 from 80 per cent to the WHO target of 90 per cent by 2030. Other tagrets include continuing to exceed WHO targets by maintaining cervical screening coverage at or above 73 and continuing to exceed WHO targets by maintaining the number of women receiving treatment within the first year of diagnosis at or above 97 per cent. Advertisement Mr Donnelly said babies born today will reach adulthood in an Ireland where we expect to have eliminated cervical cancer. Former solicitor Michael Lynn was approved two loans totalling 4.9 million and 3.7 million within seven days by the same financial institution, his multi-million euro theft trial has heard. Mr Lynn (55), of Millbrook Court, Redcross, Co Wicklow is on trial accused of the theft of around 27 million from seven financial institutions. He has pleaded not guilty to 21 counts of theft in Dublin between October 23rd 2006 and April 20th, 2007. Advertisement 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). Advertisement On Friday, former Permanent TSB commercial lending manager, John O'Brien, gave evidence in relation to an allegation that Mr Lynn stole 3.7 million from the institution in 2007. He told Karl Finnegan SC, prosecuting, that in April 2007, Mr Lynn had borrowings of 1.9 million with the bank when he applied for a 4.9 million loan to purchase eight residential investment properties in various locations in Dublin. Advertisement Outstanding balance The court heard there was a delay in Mr Lynn clearing an earlier outstanding balance of a loan he had with the bank. Mr Lynn had a history of borrowings with the bank dating back to 1999, the court heard. In an email to Mr O'Brien which was shown to the court, the then Blanchardstown branch manager Ciaran Farrell said, Due to confusion in Michael's office, this was only done last week and he is embarrassed and annoyed about it. I questioned him on it and it was down to a clerical error, and he will show us his account balance to show there was 6 million on deposit at the time, the email continued. Mr Farrell went on to say: I do believe the genuinely (sic) of the delay in redeeming the mortgages and his embarrassment in being told of this. Advertisement Advertisement This is based on meeting him and the fact he has little or nothing to do with the running of his practice and would be out of the country for weeks and months at a time. The court was shown internal emails in which PTSB head of underwriting, Martin Huggard, wrote to Mr O'Brien about the 4.9 million loan saying: John, I think there's a deal here. In the email, Mr Huggard also told Mr O'Brien that he thought a different firm of solicitors should act in the loan, given the total exposure. Mr Farrell sent an email to Mr O'Brien in May 2007 saying there was no issue with legal and that Fiona McAleenan who operates independently of Michael and is responsible for her own undertakings etc would act. Advertisement New practice Ms McAleenan operated a new practice called Capel Law, Mr Farrell said, and she was also a partner in Michael Lynn & Co solicitors. Mr Farrell said this had been checked out by the legal department. The 4.9 million loan was approved in May 2007, the court heard. Around the same time the bank approved this loan, Mr O'Brien and Mr Farrell met with Mr Lynn to discuss a 3.7 million loan involving 12 rental investment properties, the court heard. This loan is the subject of the theft charge involving PTSB. Advertisement It was approved within seven days of the 4.9 million loan being approved, the court heard. A short period of time, Mr Finnegan said. Advertisement Along with this 3.7 million loan, there was a 5.5 million refinancing proposal relating to a commercial property. PTSB also approved this loan, which would have taken Mr Lynn's borrowings with the bank to just over 14 million, the court heard. The court heard the 3.7 million loan was drawn down, but that Mr Lynn did not ultimately proceed with the 5.5 million loan offer. Mr O'Brien agreed with Mr Finnegan that he took the documents provided to him at face value. He said he would not have recommended approving the loan if they were for investment properties abroad or on a solicitor undertaking-only basis. Did you ever have a conversation other than doing it by the book? Mr Finnegan asked. No, the witness replied. Paul Comiskey O'Keeffe BL, defending, said Mr Lynn's position in relation to clearing the earlier loan was that it was something he discussed with Mr Farrell, in which Mr Lynn asked: Do I absolutely have to comply? The answer he received was, If you can carry it, so be it, Mr Comiskey O'Keeffe told the court. Ultimately, Mr Lynn was sued by PTSB for the sums of 1.9 million, 4.9 million and 3.7 million, the court heard. Mr O'Brien denied that the bank or his colleagues were negligent in relation to the loans. The trial resumes on Monday before Judge Martin Nolan and the jury. More Irish citizens are leaving Gaza via the Rafah crossing into Egypt on Friday. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed that 26 citizens had left the enclave on Wednesday and Thursday. Advertisement A DFA spokesman said a number of citizens and their families were in the process of crossing on Friday. Irish-Palestinian man Khalid El Estal, who lives in Co Kildare, has said his two young children Ali, four, and Sara, one, crossed into Egypt on Friday. Tanaiste Micheal Martin visited the region over recent days (PA) Advertisement Mr El Estals wife and the childrens mother Ashwak was killed in the Israeli bombardment of Gaza. Mr El Estal told RTE News on Friday: They are at the Egyptian side of the border with an Irish official. They are being processed there now. This is great news. Tanaiste Micheal Martin has held talks with senior Israeli, Palestinian and Egyptian representatives on a visit to the region over recent days. Advertisement On Thursday, Mr Martin said he had been given assurances by Israeli foreign minister Eli Cohen that the majority of Irish citizens still in Gaza will be able to leave within days. Advertisement Mr Martin visited two towns in southern Israel on Thursday that had been attacked by Hamas in October. They included Kibbutz Beeri where Irish-Israeli girl Emily Hand was believed to be taken hostage by Hamas. Mr Martin has used his visit to the Middle East to press for the release of Emily, who turned nine on Friday. A spokesman for the DFA said: Twenty-six Irish citizens and dependants were able to cross from Gaza into Egypt on Wednesday and Thursday and are receiving support from the Irish embassy in Cairo. Advertisement Embassy staff are at the border today again. A number of Irish citizens and their families are in the process of crossing. We hope to be able to confirm more details later in the day. The names of 27 Irish citizens and their dependents are on Friday's list of those allowed to leave Gaza. The list includes the children of Khalid el Estal - Sara and Ali - whose mother Ashwak was killed by an Israeli strike in the bombarded enclave. Advertisement As the Irish Examiner reports, the list says that the children will be accompanied by a non-Irish Palestinian guardian as they travel. The move comes just a few days after Irish citizens began to leave Gaza via the Rafah Crossing into Egypt. A statement issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs said: "Twenty-six Irish citizens and dependants were able to cross from Gaza into Egypt on Wednesday and Thursday and are receiving support from the Irish Embassy in Cairo. "Embassy staff are at the border today again. A number of Irish citizens and their families are in the process of crossing. We hope to be able to confirm more details later in the day." Advertisement Several people including Ibrahim Alagha and his family were brought by bus to Cairo and many are due to return to Ireland in the coming days. Tanaiste Micheal Martin on Thursday met with members of the Israeli government and told them that their bombardment of Gaza would only serve to recruit more members for groups like Hamas. The Tanaiste also paid a visit to the Palestinian Territories in the West Bank. The Israel-Hamas war dominated Friday's newspapers, with Tanaiste Micheal Martin's trip to Israel making a number of front pages. Israel is discussing a short ceasefire in attempts to negotiate the return of the 50 Hamas hostages, The Irish Times reports. Advertisement The Irish Examiner leads with comments from the Tanaiste in Israel, as he warned that war will radicalise more people. The Tanaiste was confronted by an Israeli mayor over Ireland's calls for Israeli restraint in the their bombardments of Gaza, the Irish Independent reports. Advertisement The Echo leads with a story on a 46-year-old woman who pleaded guilty to stealing more than 45,000 from an elderly woman with dementia for whom she was acting as a carer. She has been jailed for two and a half years. The Irish Daily Star lead with a story on a prisoner who was allegedly attacked by a prison officer. Advertisement Advertisement Fridays front page pic.twitter.com/kE0f1mMP8H Irish Daily Star (@isfearranstar) November 17, 2023 The Irish Sun and Irish Daily Mail lead with Ryan Tubridy's new role with Virgin Radio UK. Advertisement The front page of today's Irish Sun. pic.twitter.com/xRYpCnJLBo The Irish Sun (@IrishSunOnline) November 17, 2023 For all the big news and sport, pick up a copy of Friday's Irish Daily Mail, or click on https://t.co/wKUyK4A9A5 pic.twitter.com/0LJ1ScTV3i Advertisement The Irish Daily Mail (@irishdailymail) November 16, 2023 The Herald leads with a story on a garda hunt for burglars who stole 500,000 and a handgun in Dublin. In the North, the Belfast Telegraph leads with a story on fears of violence due to loyalist tension. Nearly 400 Police Ombudsman cases will not be completed, The Irish News reports. Today's #frontpage Nearly 400 Police Ombudsman cases will not be completed Turbidy 'excited' about new role Read: https://t.co/JyzDL4zLBq Subscribe: https://t.co/y5tlLNKqEJ Home Delivery: https://t.co/I1gVh0j2z1 pic.twitter.com/AJ1ePukI85 The Irish News (@irish_news) November 17, 2023 Fridays UK front page headlines are a mixed bag, spanning politics, police affairs, problems at the British Ministry of Defence and more. Advertisement The Daily Mail and The Daily Telegraph continue to cover the fallout of the Conservative Partys failed bid to have migrant flights to Rwanda cleared by the Supreme Court. The Mail criticises unelected Lords for a plot to block the policy, while the Telegraph outlines sacked UK home secretary Suella Bravermans plan to get planes heading to Rwanda. Fridays Daily MAIL: Unelected Lords plot to block Rwanda law that could end scenes like this #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/DFxJGJmZl1 Allie Hodgkins-Brown (@AllieHBNews) November 16, 2023 The front page of tomorrow's Daily Telegraph: 'Braverman: My plan to get Rwanda flights off the ground'#TomorrowsPapersToday Sign up for the Front Page newsletterhttps://t.co/x8AV4Oomry pic.twitter.com/6e7GQ96KT7 The Telegraph (@Telegraph) November 16, 2023 The Daily Express called on the UK government to toughen up laws for thugs dishonouring Britains heroes after protesters climbed on the Royal Artillery Memorial in London. Front Page - We must end this desecration of our war dead#TomorrowsPapersTodayhttps://t.co/kAW1DiOQTs pic.twitter.com/ebcTMjvVX7 Daily Express (@Daily_Express) November 16, 2023 The Financial Times opted to lead UK chancellor Jeremy Hunt eyeing tax plans to lift Tory poll ratings. Just published: front page of the Financial Times, UK edition, Friday 17 November https://t.co/gpC0Ra6i94 pic.twitter.com/rI17hpzgMy Advertisement Financial Times (@FT) November 16, 2023 The i and The Times focus on a possible benefits crackdown for those who refuse to take on work. Fridays TIMES: Look for a job or lose free NHS medicines #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/Y02uWNg5Be Allie Hodgkins-Brown (@AllieHBNews) November 16, 2023 Police have admitted they failed stalked murder victim Gracie Spinks, according to the Metro. The Guardian reports that senior female staff have reported a culture of sexual assault and harassment at the UK Ministry of Defence. Fridays GUARDIAN: Senior female staff report sexual assault and harassment at MoD #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/p78IXCGDXp Allie Hodgkins-Brown (@AllieHBNews) November 16, 2023 The Daily Mirror rolls back the years with a front page on model Christine Keeler, one of the central figures in the Profumo affair in the early 1960s, and her sons fight to clear his mums name. The Suns front page warns of PC gone mad with police warned that using the term policeman could violate the law. On tomorrow's front page: Fury as police force warns staff that using the word policeman could be breaking the lawhttps://t.co/vVYYuE0qgw pic.twitter.com/KdD40ZWQBq The Sun (@TheSun) November 16, 2023 And the Daily Star leads with a headline lambasting a Bank of England boss who is supposedly fuming over a staff pay rise. Former US president Bill Clinton has described the conflict in the Gaza Strip as heartbreaking as he urged people to find common ground. Mr Clinton was in the Oval Office at the time of the Oslo Accords in 1993 and used his presidency to build peace and stability between Israel and Palestinians. Advertisement The current conflict was triggered by a wide-ranging Hamas attack in southern Israel on October 7th in which the militants killed more than 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and captured some 240 men, women and children. Former US president Bill Clinton addresses the audience at Swansea University about the global political challenges Photo: Ben Birchall/PA. Israel responded with a weeks-long air campaign and a ground invasion of northern Gaza, vowing to remove Hamas from power and crush its military capabilities. Advertisement More than 11,200 Palestinians have been killed, two-thirds of them women and minors, according to Palestinian health authorities. Speaking at an event at Swansea University, Mr Clinton said: Its terrible, heartbreaking for someone like me who worked for eight years for peace in the Middle East. Advertisement I know Gaza, I know the old city of Jerusalem and the West Bank. Its heartbreaking. You have every day to make a choice all of you. Advertisement Do you believe that you can do better together or keep telling each other that it is our differences that are all that matter, or keep struggling for common ground. Mr Clinton, who had joined his wife former secretary of state Hillary Clinton at an event discussing leadership for future generations, said the current global unrest was a reaction to the building of democracy and cooperation at the end of the Cold War. It was only a matter of time before people who didnt believe in democracy, and didnt believe in the rule of law, and believed that their differences with their neighbours were more important than what they had in common, he said. Advertisement Hillary Clinton warned of the dangers of disinformation during the event. Photo: Ben Birchall/PA. We are living through a series of reactions, and it will either derail what could be a moment of greatest peace and cooperation and advances in science and technology, human understanding and history or another one of those disappointing phases that throws us back into something that we would all not want to live through. My gut is that we will get through this, and we will resume allowing systematic cooperation overcome conflict. Advertisement It wont happen unless people stand up for cooperation over conflict, for peace over war and for what we have in common is more important than our interested differences and make it possible for those differences to help us all. Advertisement Mr Clinton also urged continuing international support for Ukraine and said Vladimir Putins invasion was truly terrible. They are not asking anyone to die for them, all they are asking for is we give them the means to defend themselves, he said. If you think that its bad now, you have no idea what the European future will look like if Putin follows through on Ukraine. Ms Clinton warned people to be wary of those promoting disinformation saying there were nation states, terrorists and other actors who were trying to tell a version of reality that is not true. It is important that especially today that we try see through the many smokescreens that are being thrown up, that try and create these divisions, she said. We have to make the effort to stay well informed about what is really happening what the facts are versus the fiction but have to equip ourselves and others to withstand those forces of divisiveness that are very prevalent on so many platforms on the internet that keep people unsettled about what is happening in the world. Advertisement I am ultimately optimistic. As one of my predecessors as secretary of state, Madeleine Albright, would always say when asked if she was an optimist, she would say, Yes, I am an optimist who worries a lot. Ms Clinton, whose great grandparents were from Wales, has close ties with the university as the law school is named after her and she also launched a global challenges programme for masters degree students. Wales First Minister Mark Drakeford and the universitys vice-chancellor Paul Boyle also took part in the discussion. Ukraines troops have secured multiple bridgeheads on the eastern bank of the Dnieper River in the Kherson region in fighting that the countrys marine corps described as having left nearly 3,500 Russians killed or wounded and dozens of ammunition depots, tanks, armoured vehicles and other weaponry destroyed. The Marine Infantry Commands claims were the first to come directly from the Ukrainian military about advances across one of Russias most significant strategic barriers. Advertisement Earlier this week, Andriy Yermak, the head of the presidents office, confirmed for the first time that Ukraine had established a foothold on the eastern side of the river. The wide river is a natural dividing line along the southern battlefront, and Moscows forces have used it since leaving the area around the city of Kherson in November 2022 to prevent Ukrainian troops from advancing farther toward Russian-annexed Crimea. Advertisement The Kherson region's left bank. Our warriors. I thank them for their strength and for moving forward. Glory to everyone who restores freedom and justice to Ukraine! pic.twitter.com/5Da2key0KA Advertisement Volodymyr Zelenskyy / (@ZelenskyyUa) November 17, 2023 Troops are trying to push Russian forces away from the Dnieper to stop shelling that has routinely struck civilian areas on the Ukrainian-held west bank, the general staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces said in a report. Advertisement Western intelligence officials said Ukraine has portions of three brigades across the river and is expected to make small gains as the Russians have so far been unable to repel them. The Ukrainians have seen an opportunity there and taken it, one official said. What weve not seen is the Russians being able to push them back from that position. The Associated Press could not independently confirm the Ukrainian reports of establishing a foothold on the rivers eastern bank or the marine commands battlefield claims. Ukraine did not disclose the number of its own casualties. Ukraine provided no timeline for how long it took to establish its position across the Dniper River. Advertisement Its forces have crossed the river in small groups since the summer to create a beachhead near the Kherson bridge, and more recently sought to expand their presence in nearby villages on the east bank. Advertisement Mr Zelensky hailed his countrys troops (AP) The gains that could open up a path to Crimea are considered small in the overall ground war, which intelligence officials said was essentially at a standstill despite a Ukrainian counter-offensive that earlier in the year had been expected to alter the momentum. Advertisement Neither side is currently capable of mounting decisive offensive operations on the land in the foreseeable future, one official said. Ukraine is struggling off the battlefield for support from allies as the worlds attention has turned to Israels war against Hamas militants on the Gaza Strip. A US funding package passed on Thursday included no additional aid for Ukraine, and the European Union has said it cannot deliver the munitions it promised. In a meeting with Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron on Wednesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky lamented that the divided attention on two wars in the world had not helped his cause. Lord Cameron was in Kyiv on his first diplomatic trip to show his support for Ukraine. But the visit came with no additional military funds. The geography of our cooperation to strengthen Ukraines air shield is very wide. Not everything can already be revealed, but one thing is certain: Ukraine is constantly getting stronger. Our air defense capabilities are increasing. Of course, they do not yet provide complete pic.twitter.com/2NKbc5eKJG Advertisement Volodymyr Zelenskyy / (@ZelenskyyUa) November 16, 2023 Ukraine said its troops killed more than 1,200 Russian soldiers and wounded more than 2,200 in a series of operations to establish its position on the eastern riverbank. It said it destroyed 29 ammunition stores, two dozen tanks, four dozen armoured combat vehicles, 89 artillery systems, watercraft, command posts and other vehicles. Mr Zelensky posted photos on social media Friday of troops in small motor boats reaching the eastern side of the river. The Kherson regions left bank. Our warriors, Mr Zelenskyy wrote. I thank them for their strength and for moving forward. When news of Ukraines advances across the river were reported earlier in the week, the Moscow-appointed governor for the Russia-occupied part of the Kherson region, Vladimir Saldo, said Ukrainian forces are facing a fiery hell in fighting in the village of Krynky and are being destroyed on a large scale. Mr Saldo said on Telegram that Ukraine had lost up to two battalions crossing the river and trying to maintain their hold on the east bank. Those claims could not be independently verified. The United Nations has been forced to stop deliveries of food and other supplies to Gaza and warned of possible widespread starvation after internet and telephone services collapsed in the besieged enclave thanks to a lack of fuel. The communications blackout, now in its second day, largely cuts off Gazas 2.3 million people from one another and the outside world and paralyses the coordination of aid, which humanitarian groups were already struggling to deliver because of the fuel shortage. Advertisement The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) was unable to bring in its aid convoy on Friday, according to spokeswoman Juliette Touma. Advertisement With no immediate prospect for Israel allowing in more fuel, it is unclear how long the situation will continue. Ms Touma told the Associated Press: An extended blackout means an extended suspension of our humanitarian operations in the Gaza Strip. Advertisement Israeli forces, meanwhile, have signalled they could expand their offensive towards Gazas south even while pressing operations in the north. Advertisement People in the#GazaStrip were completely isolated again last night in the fourth communications blackout during this war. The communications network in #Gaza is down because there is NO fuel. Gazans are completely cut off from their loved ones and the rest of the world. pic.twitter.com/TweVYhCOMj UNRWA (@UNRWA) November 17, 2023 Advertisement Troops have been searching the territorys biggest hospital for traces of a Hamas command centre which the military alleges is located under the building. They have shown what they said were a tunnel entrance and weapons found inside the compound but not yet any evidence of the command centre, which Hamas and staff at Gaza Citys Shifa Hospital deny has existed. The war, now in its sixth week, was triggered by Hamas October 7 attack in southern Israel, in which the militants killed more than 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and captured some 240 men, women and children. On Friday, the military said it found the body of another hostage, identifying her as Cpl Noa Marciano. Advertisement Israeli soldiers carry the flag-draped casket of Cpl Noa Marciano (AP) Cpl Marcianos body was recovered in a building adjacent to Shifa, the military said, like that of another hostage found Thursday, Yehudit Weiss. Advertisement More than 11,400 Palestinians have been killed in the war, two-thirds of them women and minors, according to Palestinian health authorities. Another 2,700 have been reported missing, believed buried under rubble. The count does not differentiate between civilians and militants, and Israel says it has killed thousands of militants. Speaking from Shifa Hospital on Friday, Dr Ahmad Mukhalalti told Al-Jazeera television that there was no electricity to run ventilators to provide ICU patients with oxygen, and that of the 36 infants there, most are suffering from severe diarrhoea because there is no clean water to give them. #Gazas communication services shut down due to the depletion of fuel used for generators. This disruption is impacting humanitarian operations, hindering desperately needed aid efforts. We urgently need fuel to deliver life-saving assistance. UN Humanitarian (@UNOCHA) November 17, 2023 He added that Israeli troops, who stormed into the hospital on Wednesday, had brought food and bottled water, but that it had not been enough for the number of people in the hospital. The health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza said the troops searched underground levels of the hospital on Thursday and detained technicians who run its equipment. Israel faces pressure to prove its claim that Hamas set up its main command centre in and under the hospital, which has multiple buildings over an area of several city blocks. Advertisement US officials said they have intelligence to support the claims. Palestinians look for survivors after an Israeli strike on Rafah (AP) Most of Gazas population is crowded into the south, including hundreds of thousands who heeded Israels calls to evacuate the north to get out of the way of its ground offensive. In all, some 1.5 million people have been driven from their homes. If the assault moves into the south, it is not clear where people would go, as Egypt refuses to allow a mass transfer onto its soil. The Israeli military has called on people to move to a safe zone in Mawasi, a town on the Mediterranean coast a few square miles in size. The heads of 18 UN agencies and international charities on Thursday rejected that proposal and called for a ceasefire and unimpeded entry of humanitarian aid and fuel. As the war continues to inflame tensions elsewhere, Israeli troops clashed with Palestinian gunmen in Jenin in the occupied West Bank, killing at least three Palestinians. The fighting broke out late on Thursday during an Israeli raid. Israels military said five militants were killed. The Palestinian health ministry said three people died. The militant Islamic Jihad group claimed the three dead as members and identified one as a local commander. To get an idea of how unsatisfactory this can be, real estate giant REA Groups investors did not have the chance to make a call on chairman Hamish McLennans tenure, following the controversy around REA boards shareholder-paid adventures in Paris with the Wallabies. Shareholders also didnt get a chance to vote on Optus boss Kelly Bayer Rosmarin, an independent non-executive director of REA, despite her less than ideal response to a major network outage that affected public transport, hospitals and 10 million Optus customers. Australian investors across the board are now asking if the current governance environment is good enough, and wrestling with new ideas to make underperforming boards and directors more accountable. Ideas like putting the entire board up for re-election every year are already starting to filter through. Mining giant BHP and Treasury Wine Estates are putting their entire boards up for re-election, following the lead of US and UK listed companies. I think its definitely worth it because of the situation with (chairman Richard Goyder) at Qantas, shareholder activist Stephen Mayne, says. If youve just got the automatic right to sack any director at any AGM, without having to put up a special resolution, it is more power to shareholders and more accountability, and whats wrong with that? he asks. One downside, which the Australian Shareholders Association policy director Fiona Balzer is wary of - is that it takes the focus off individual directors. Loading Balzer also points to other issues like voting on the remuneration report, which has become a lightning rod for shareholder discontent at meetings. Two votes of more than 25 per cent against the report automatically trigger a resolution to spill the board, and it is taken very seriously by all. According to Balzer, the board spill mechanism could potentially lose its potency if shareholders get to vote twice on the fate of the entire board in successive general meetings. I cant see how that spill meeting is going to work, she says. If there is one thing that everyone agrees on, it is that hybrid AGMs are a good development with online investors joining those physically present for the meetings. Many hope it is the answer to stemming a worrying decline in retail investor participation at AGMs. Balzer recalls the ASA commanding around $8 billion worth of member shares for AGMs 20 years ago. When she rejoined in 2017, those numbers had halved. And ironically, it may be this shift to online meetings that may be to blame. Many investors are not interested in dialling in to online AGMs. Credit: Bloomberg The onset of Zoom AGMs means that many companies have stopped offering reply-paid envelopes for investors. And these investors have stopped bothering to vote, according to both Mayne and Balzer. We have a cohort who arent moving to electronic voting if they dont get a paper form, they dont vote. And if it comes too late, they dont vote either, Balzer says. Mayne sees a deeper progression into digital shareholder interaction as the key to getting shareholders interested again. He says more meaningful interaction would raise the visibility of retail shareholders, whose voices are often drowned out by more powerful institutional shareholders. The measures, suggested by Mayne, include innovations like showing how investors vote on every resolution, with clear reporting of the number of shareholder votes for and against a resolution. I think its very healthy to say 3000 shareholders in favour, 2000 shareholders against because it reflects retail shareholder sentiment. And that will stimulate greater turnout, he says. It is important for retail investors to show up because, as ASX board veteran John Mullen says, it is all about giving small investors a voice given institutional investors can easily get the boards ear. Its a bit of an anachronism in all honesty because its really only attended by retail shareholders. And I can understand the frustration of retail shareholders when the votes go up and 95 per cent of the votes were given by institutional shareholders, Mullen says. John Mullen is stepping down as Telstra chair after 15 years with the company. Credit: Dominic Lorrimer But even he says it is a good outlet for retail shareholders to express their views. Brynn OBrien, executive director of the Australasian Centre for Corporate Responsibility (ACCR), says it is more than just a sop to the masses of retail investors, and it can be important for enacting change - if the board allows it. Its that physical moment of accountability. Quite literally, you are accountable, you have to be there and answer questions from your shareholders, she says. Some handle this better than most, OBrien adds The battle lines are drawn as rival developers scramble to cash in on the latest lucrative action in inner-city commercial property student accommodation. Finding somewhere to live for the growing number of international students entering the country has reached crisis point, with a major supply shortage resulting in rents surging up to 50 per cent. Student accommodation specialist Scape has development applications to construct buildings on key opportunity sites in Sydneys Kensington and Kingsford. Credit: Commercial real estate firm CBRE says even rents for tiny, purpose-built studio accommodation has hit more than $500 a week in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. The number of international students studying in Australia hit 725,000 for the January-August 2023 period up 31 per cent on the same period last year, according the Department of Education. More than 216,000 are located in New South Wales and 170,000 in Victoria. 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 In 1982, the Art Gallery of NSW hosted the show Kandinsky, which featured 40-odd works from the Guggenheim collection. Forty-one years later, the AGNSW is hosting the show Kandinsky, which features 40-odd works from the Guggenheim collection. Comparing the two events, the chief difference is that the earlier exhibition ran for only a month, before touring to Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Melbourne, whereas the current show will continue in Sydney until March 10. Within seven months the 1982 show had travelled around Australia, while the 2023 version will spend four months in one venue. Allowing for the lack of imagination that sees a gallery hold the same international show twice, albeit at an interval of four decades, there are other disappointments. Firstly, this is another package exhibition, supplemented by the addition of a watercolour from the AGNSW collection. The accompanying publication is entirely the work of the Guggenheim. It reproduces many works that arent in the AGNSW show and provides no comprehensive checklist of exhibits. There are no exhibition dates or acknowledgements. Vasily Kandinsky with his work, Dominant Curve in Paris, 1936. Credit: Boris Lipnitzki/Roger-Viollet Unlike 1982, touring exhibitions are now limited to one venue largely because state governments and tourist organisations demand exclusivity, a short-sighted strategy that loads costs onto a single gallery, making it difficult for touring shows to turn a profit. For the AGNSW, which lost $3 million from this years budget after falling foul of the dreaded efficiency dividend, there is a lot riding on Kandinsky and the forthcoming Louise Bourgeois exhibition. If its hard to feel sorry for the gallery its because it has blown the chance of growing audiences by holding zero exhibitions in the new building during its first full year of operation. Vasily Kandinsky (1866-1944) is an iconic figure in the history of modern art, but not a guaranteed crowd-puller such as Van Gogh, Monet or Picasso. Although he has long been credited as the inventor of abstract art, nowadays art historians argue Kandinsky might have been beaten to the punch by the mystical Hilma af Klint (1862-1944) or even by the Victorian spiritualist Georgiana Houghton (1814-884), the subject of a complementary exhibition at the AGNSW. For some reason, the gallery has also included a solo display of work by contemporary artist, Desmond Lazaro, within the Kandinsky show. It may be a way of padding out a compact exhibition but its an odd thing to do. Advertisement Lazaro is not in the race as to who invented abstract art, but Kandinskys claims remain strong because neither Houghton nor af Klint saw their works, self-consciously, as abstractions. The former have the quality of automatic writing, the latter are spiritual diagrams. In both cases, the artworks were intended primarily as a means of communication with the world beyond. Vasily Kandinsky Landscape with factory chimney (1910) Credit: Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation Kandinsky, on the other hand, was a dedicated theorist, with an analytical approach. He thought long and hard about his reasons for abandoning recognisable imagery and would write at length on the topic. In Reminiscences (1913), the artist recounts his fascination with one of Monets Haystack paintings, and a performance of Wagners Lohengrin, which set off an explosion of colours in his mind. The final step came when he returned to his studio one afternoon only to find an indescribably beautiful picture, pervaded by an inner glow. It was a painting turned on its side, but it led to a startling realisation: Now I could see clearly that objects harmed my pictures. A terrifying abyss of all kinds of questions, a wealth of responsibilities stretched before me. And most important of all: What is to replace the missing object? The danger of ornament revealed itself clearly to me; the dead semblance of stylised forms I found merely repugnant. Vasily Kandinskys Dominant curve (1936). Neither Klint or Houghton appear to have asked themselves such questions, but these are the intellectual foundations upon which abstract art was built. Advertisement Looking at this representative collection of works from all stages of Kandinskys career, one sees how the nature of his painting changes in relation to where he is living, and the artists with whom he is associating. In Munich, he displays a vibrant, expressionist palette heavily influenced by folk art. In Moscow, his style becomes more geometric in response to his interactions with the Russian avant-garde. At the Bauhaus in Dessau, he grows close to Paul Klee, and borrows some of the intimacy of that artists work. Finally, in Paris, he befriends the Surrealists and begins using free, biomorphic forms. Born in Moscow in 1866, Kandinskys biography was bent and twisted by the forces of history. One could view his unique blend of analytical, emotional and spiritual engagement as a means of imposing order on a turbulent journey, which saw him uprooted, time and again, from suddenly unstable environments. Each relocation was a reinvention, but in the words of his first and virtually only biographer, Will Grohmann, Kandinsky never let go of his Russian origins and remained a foreigner in Europe. Kandinsky at the Art Gallery of NSW for the Sydney International Art Series 2023-24 exhibition. Credit: Nikki Short At the time of Kandinskys birth, Russia was undergoing a period of liberalisation under Alexander II, and he would grow up immersed in art, music and literature. His first areas of study were law, economics and anthropology, which saw him do fieldwork among communities in the Vologda region. When he left for Munich in 1896, determined to study painting, he was already 30 years old. Kandinsky would remain in Munich until 1914, when the outbreak of the First World War made him an enemy alien. During those years, he had gone from being a rank amateur to a rising star whose work had been shown all over Europe. He had left his Russian wife, Anja, and started a long-term relationship with the German painter Gabriele Munter, with whom he would make a home in the village of Murnau, and travel extensively. Megan Fontanella, curator of modern art and provenance at the Guggenheim Museum. Credit: Dominic Lorrimer In his early paintings he is heavily indebted to folk art, but gradually evolves an expressionistic style that makes use of blocks of pure colour. Works such as Blue Mountain (1908-09) and a range of smaller landscapes convey the essence of those years when Kandinsky was moving excitedly from one discovery to another. Advertisement His friendships with the painter Franz Marc and composer Arnold Schoenberg proved incredibly stimulating. All three would contribute to the publication The Blue Rider Almanac in mid-1912, a landmark in early modernism and a rallying point for one of the two important schools of German Expressionism, along with Der Brucke (The Bridge), which had been formed in Dresden. Kandinsky had experienced his epiphany in the studio and was exploring the possibilities of abstraction in works such as Improvisation 28 (Second Version) (1912). In the same year he published his best-known text On the Spiritual in Art, a book whose first sentence: Every work of art is the child of its time, often it is the mother of our emotions, has a similar cadence to the famous first sentence of Tolstoys Anna Karenina (1878): All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way. Vasily Kandinskys Around the circle (1940). Credit: Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation When he returned to Moscow during the war, Kandinsky was plunged into a post-revolutionary ferment in which artists were determined to create a new visual culture for a new society. Kandinskys spiritual preoccupations would become suspect, obliging him to adapt himself to the materialist ideals advanced by the Constructivists. He would remain in Russia until 1921, acting as a cultural theorist and planner, while occupying a number of important official positions. Paintings such as White Centre (1921) and Circles on Black (1921) date from this period, but they only hint at the intensity of the ideas and debates in which Kandinsky took part. One might see both works as merely decorative arrangements of shapes and lines floating in space, but within this milieu every colour and gesture was invested with meaning. A particular line be it horizontal, vertical or diagonal might be considered more left or progressive than another. In On the Spiritual in Art, Kandinsky had referred to black as a spent funeral pyre and white as a cold, indestructible wall, now he reassessed these tones in a more positive manner. Irene Guggenheim, Vasily Kandinsky, the Baroness Hilla Rebay and Solomon R. Guggenheim at the Bauhaus, Germany, 1929 When he left Russia in late 1921, as an emissary to Germany, Kandinsky could see where the dreams of the Russian avant-garde were tending. Socialist Realism was already making inroads, although it would not become the official style of Soviet art until 1934. Advertisement Having been offered a post at the Bauhaus, Germanys landmark school of modern art and design, by director Walter Gropius, Kandinsky began the next phase of his life, as an influential teacher. The energising atmosphere of the Bauhaus, the interaction with colleagues and students, suited Kandinsky so well he might have continued well beyond the 11 years he would spend in the job. This time he was undone by the rise of the Nazis, who would dissolve the school and declare him a degenerate artist. To make matters worse, although he and his wife, Nina, had taken German citizenship, they were foreigners and communists in the eyes of the new regime. The next and final move, in December 1933, would be to Paris. The show contains a range of paintings from the Bauhaus years, the most significant being Composition 8 (1923), a work Kandinsky valued highly. A dynamic arrangement of sharp lines, grids and glowing circles, it reflects the emphasis on geometry he pursued during his Russian and German sojourns, while acknowledging the mystical power of the circle, a figure that would dominate future compositions. Kandinskys Painting with white border (1913). Credit: Courtesy Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation To the uninformed eye, it might appear that Kandinsky was the king of doodlers, an artist who allowed abstract shapes and forms to drift across his canvases as the mood took him, but there is an underlying logic to his work. To some commentators, notably the philosopher, Michel Henry, we need to understand that Kandinsky is less interested in those things that offer themselves to the eye, than the invisible resonances they stir within the viewers psyche. In short, he paints feelings, for which the visible forms are only vehicles. Loading In his final phase those forms become more fluid, as he dabbles in shamanistic symbols and shapes that resemble free-floating amoeba. This was partly because of his friendship with Surrealists such as Andre Breton and Joan Miro, and an ongoing interest in science, but its difficult to reconcile the artist of earlier years with the one who could paint a picture such as Capricious Forms (1937), or even the vaguely anthropomorphic Yellow Painting (1938). What we see, looking back on the totality of a life spent largely in exile, is a portrait of an immensely influential artist who has frequently been misunderstood by both his detractors and admirers. Kandinsky has been praised and reviled for his spiritual ideas or his bloodless geometry, for his over-emphasis on form or his lack of form. If he might be defined or categorised at all, it can only be as a lifelong seeker after knowledge, who never settled in any one place, either geographically or intellectually. Although the history of modernism and abstraction are constantly being rewritten, he is one artist who will always play a leading role. 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 Sixty years ago this week, a nasty loner with a cheap rifle changed the course of history. At 12.30pm on November 22, 1963, president John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas as his open-topped limousine moved through an echoey, wedge-shaped city park called Dealey Plaza. Most witnesses heard three shots. One witness saw a gunman aim and fire the third from an upper window of the Texas School Book Depository. Before police could seal the building off, a 24-year-old depository employee an ex-marine named Lee Harvey Oswald left via the front door. Police found his abandoned rifle on the sixth floor. Near the corner window, in a snipers nest made of book cartons, they found three spent shells. November 22, 1963, the day president John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas. Credit: Getty Out on the street, Oswald took a cab to his suburban apartment, where he changed clothes and grabbed his revolver. Leaving on foot, he encountered a police officer named J. D. Tippit. Oswald shot him dead in cold blood. Minutes later, looking breathless and dishevelled, he entered a nearby theatre, slipping mid-session into a movie called War Is Hell. Police were called. The film stopped and the lights went up. Police moved into the aisle. Oswald stood up and said, Well, its all over now. He punched a police officer in the face and drew his pistol, but was pummelled to the floor before he could commit his third murder of the day. I protest this police brutality! he cried, while being hauled to his feet. First lady Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy with president John F. Kennedy on the last day of his life in 1963. Credit: Reuters Two days later Oswald was murdered in custody, during a botched transfer from police headquarters to the county jail. On live TV, in black and white, he was led by police into a crowded parking garage. A Dallas strip-club owner named Jack Ruby lunged into frame with a loaded revolver and shot Oswald fatally in the stomach. Advertisement Ruby thought he would become an American hero when he knocked Oswald off. But, far from doing his nation a favour, Ruby condemned it to a nightmare future of denialism and conspiracy thinking. Given time, Americans might have accepted the fact a lone nut had shot their president. But two lone nuts within two days was hard to swallow, even in America, even in Dallas. In the six decades since Kennedys murder, opinion polls have consistently shown that more than 50 per cent of Americans believe there was a conspiracy behind it. Sometimes the figure has climbed above 80 per cent. Don DeLillo, in his tremendous novel Libra (1988), called the assassination the seven seconds that broke the back of the American century. The crime consumed the culture, DeLillo has said; it ushered in Americas age of paranoia. People line the street as the hearse bearing the body of US. President John F. Kennedy drives past. Credit: AP Were all still living in that age. In May 2016 Donald Trump set the tone for his impending presidency by offering his own hot take on the Kennedy assassination. At the time Trump had one last rival for the Republican nomination: Ted Cruz. Appearing on Fox News, Trump ludicrously implied that Cruzs father had been involved in Kennedys death. I mean, what was he doing with Lee Harvey Oswald shortly before the shooting? Trump said. Its horrible! American conspiracy theory didnt start with Kennedys assassination. There had been outbreaks of it before. After Pearl Harbour, assorted crackpots claimed the Japanese attack had been an American inside job. But the Kennedy assassination was something else. It produced an unending torrent of books, documentaries, feature films and official inquiries. In Libra, DeLillo called it the data spew an incredible haul of human utterance. The building and intersection from where John F. Kennedy was shot. Credit: iStock Somewhere at the bottom of the data spew lies the still unfalsified verdict of the Warren Commission, the presidential inquiry established by Lyndon Johnson, Kennedys successor. Chaired by Earl Warren, the chief justice of the Supreme Court, the commission concluded that Oswald alone had murdered Kennedy and Tippit, finding no evidence that either Lee Harvey Oswald or Jack Ruby was part of any conspiracy. Advertisement But why did Oswald do it? The answer was elusive, concealed in the murk of his secretive and resentful personality. A self-styled Marxist and student of philosophy, Oswald defected to the Soviet Union at the age of 20. Three years later, having found the workers paradise to be a drab hellhole, he returned to America, bringing back a Russian-born wife, Marina, and a baby daughter named June. Settling in Dallas, Oswald hatched a plan to assassinate an infamous local reactionary named Edwin Walker. He mail-ordered a $20 rifle. One night in April 1963, he stood in an alley behind Walkers house and fired a shot at his head through a lit-up window. The bullet glanced off the sill and missed Walker by inches. The case was still unsolved seven months later when Oswald used the same rifle to kill Kennedy. The front page of The Sun-Herald published on November 24, 1963. Credit: Had it not been for the prominence of the victim, Warren wrote in his memoirs, the case against Oswald could have been tried in two or three days with little likelihood of any but one result. Factually, the case against Oswald was open and shut. Spiritually, it felt less convincing. For many people, Oswald just wasnt a big-enough answer. If such a nonentity destroyed the leader of the most powerful nation on Earth, as Norman Mailer wrote in his masterly book Oswalds Tale (1995), then a world of disproportion engulfs us, and we live in a universe that is absurd. Kevin Costner and Donald Sutherland in Oliver Stones JFK. Credit: In 1966 the first conspiratorial bestsellers about Kennedys murder appeared: books with titles like Rush to Judgment, Whitewash and Oswald: Assassin or Fall Guy? Their authors were bloggers before their time citizen researchers armed with typewriters rather than keyboards. Seeking an answer less absurd than Oswald, they only succeeded in imagining greater absurdities of their own. Advertisement But if their arguments were flimsy, their timing was excellent. When the first wave of Kennedy conspiracism broke, public discontent with the Vietnam War was peaking. The governments lies about Vietnam had popularised the concept of the credibility gap. In that climate of distrust the early conspiracy books thrived. A generation later, a feature film broke new ground in the obfuscation of Kennedys murder. Oliver Stones JFK (1991) did more than any other work in the conspiratorial canon to convert the historical truth about the assassination into a paranoid cartoon. The movies key speech was delivered by Joe Pesci, playing a jittery hoodlum who supposedly has the inside word on the assassination. When hes asked the money question who killed Kennedy? Pesci scoffs, as if the question were laughably naive. Its a mystery! he yodels. Its a mystery wrapped in a riddle inside an enigma! The f---ing shooters dont even know! Thats what conspiracy theory had to offer after 30 years on the case. In the world of fact, the question of who killed Kennedy was as answered as a question can be. Stone had no better answer, but he didnt like the established one, so he plugged his ears and threw a three-hour tantrum about it. His film turned the most thoroughly documented case of guilt in human history into a pseudo-riddle, a non-mystery wrapped in a choking cloud of piffle. The ultimate hedunnit had somehow become the ultimate whodunnit. Besides being factually slapdash, Stones film was morally deranged. It made a cinematic hero out of Jim Garrison, the real-life New Orleans DA who had in 1969 orchestrated what The New York Times called one of the most disgraceful chapters in the history of American jurisprudence. In Stones film Kevin Costner plays Garrison as if he were the nicer twin brother of Jesus Christ. In reality Garrison was a sinister demagogue who prosecuted an innocent man for conspiring to murder Kennedy, based on evidence that barely qualified as negligible. Advertisement The innocent man was a New Orleans civic leader named Clay Shaw. Shaw was a closeted gay man and that, for Garrison, was reason enough to make him the scapegoat in a Kennedy show trial. In Garrisons demented view Kennedys murder had been a homosexual thrill-killing, a gay conspiracy involving Shaw, Oswald and Ruby. The jury rejected Garrisons homophobic conspiracy theories, taking less than an hour to find Shaw not guilty. But Shaw never recovered from the trial. His life and reputation were destroyed. Not all the books and films inspired by Kennedys assassination have been bad. There have been good books, too, even great ones. The best of them have demystified the crime in the only sane way it can be demystified, by clarifying our picture of the man who committed it. Credit: Priscilla McMillans Marina and Lee (1977), written with input from Oswalds widow, showed how Oswalds itch to gun down public figures was prefigured in his violent abuse of Marina. Jean Davisons Oswalds Game (1983) made a similar effort to ground Oswalds crimes in his personal history. Norman Mailers Oswalds Tale drew on both those works but added the x-factor of Mailers manic literary flair. Part of the books greatness lay in the fact that writing it made Mailer change his mind. To begin with, he believed the conspiracy theories. Having studied Oswalds life, he was forced to conclude that Lee had the character to kill Kennedy, and that he probably did it alone. Credit: Advertisement Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size A hard-earned thirst needs a big, cold beer, as the jingle goes. American backpackers Liv (Jessica Henwick) and Hanna (Julia Garner) have run out of cash and need a temporary job, which is why they find themselves on a bus heading up to the crossroads where you turn off for the Royal Hotel, a shabby old pile with wooden balconies. Its ground zero in Australian director Kitty Greens unsettling new film about young women negotiating their way through an uncomfortable world. In the red dust country around the Royal Hotel, men are rarely short of a thirst, hard-earned or not. Preferably, the requisite cold beer should be served by a girl with a cheerful grin and at least a hint of sexual availability. You could try smiling once in a while, pub owner Billy (Hugo Weaving) tells Hanna, who looks as if she might never smile again. Her friend Liv rolls with the tide more easily. When Billy refers to Hanna casually as a smart c--- she is ready to go home; Liv smooths her ruffled feathers. Its a cultural thing! she says. True enough: there are plenty of cultural things going on here. Hugo Weaving plays pub owner Billy in The Royal Hotel. I made it for Australians to talk about, that aspect of drinking culture, the aggression that starts to arise where everyones had a little bit to drink, says Green, 39. We are in Spain at the annual film festival in San Sebastian, ironically enough the city with the heaviest concentration of bars in the world. It can escalate, it feels threatening Im not sure if Im in trouble, Im not sure if Im safe or not it feels dangerous. Greens interest is in the unspoken threat, the joke underscored with hostility, the myriad small jibes women sidestep to keep things pleasant. That kind of weird grey area. The whole movie kind of exists in that space. But that culture is universal. Its in pubs here, its in pubs everywhere. Kitty Green on the set of The Royal Hotel, which was filmed at a disused bar in Yantina in South Australia. Greens last film was The Assistant, the bleakest and best of the small crop of #MeToo films that came out just as COVID-19 started closing cinemas. In a beige, strip-lit space, office newbie Jane also played by Julia Garner waits on the whims of an unseen movie mogul who barks or phones orders from his inner sanctum. It was Greens first fictional film after a substantial career making documentaries. It was set in America and obviously grounded in the Weinstein case, but Green made the office which Jane shares with two young men who routinely belittle her feel like an alien planet. Advertisement The Royal Hotel was inspired by another true story, recounted in Pete Gleesons 2017 documentary Hotel Coolgardie, of two Finnish backpackers who found jobs in a hotel in regional Australia and barely survived the ordeal. Green saw it when she was judging a competition for Australian documentaries. Its a very observational documentary about two Scandinavian women dealing with these Aussie men in an outback pub, she says. It was a culture clash, it was gendered, it was everything I was interested in. Immediately I was thinking this scenario could be not only a good subject, but a good role for Julia. The Royal Hotel was inspired by the documentary Hotel Coolgardie, which looked at the experiences of two Finnish backpackers at an outback pub. As Hanna, Garners face is permanently pinched with wary disapproval. She is the female counterpart to Gary Bonds uppity English high school teacher in Ted Kotcheffs 1971 landmark film Wake in Fright, an obvious reference point; like him, she is a fish out of water who Australians might think could do herself a service by breathing a little more easily. Which is interesting, says Green, because audiences in America, where the film has screened at festivals, never think she should just loosen up. The film plays very differently, says Green. Its really weird because I tested it in Sydney and then we screened it in America and I was like, Oh, right, its like a whole other movie in America. Greens background places her in an ambivalent relationship with this beery world, as an insider with an outsiders perspective. My dad grew up in a pub, she says. My granddad owned a pub just outside Wentworth, near Mildura. My mother was a Ukrainian immigrant who arrived in the country not speaking any English and having to figure out her way through that. So I think as a kid I grew up able seeing things from both perspectives, feeling a part of two different communities. It felt like something I could naturally take on. Kitty Green (right) on the set of The Assistant with Julia Garner, who also stars in The Royal Hotel. But it is an interesting thing. On the first few days of the shoot I remember Ive got the Aussie crew and the American actors and I feel very divided about where my allegiances lie, you know what I mean? It was an interesting battle. But it just took a minute for everyone to get to know each other and for it to feel like one thing. Of course, any woman is a kind of outsider here. Green says she never thought of the parallel between censorious Hanna and the teacher in Wake in Fright, partly because the original documentary was her starting point and partly because she was drawing on her memories. Advertisement My own travels, feeling fearful and not knowing if I should speak up about that that is probably a personal thing, she says. But while the film is full of that prickle of discomfort, there is an authentic bonhomie in the hotel bar. Green wrote the script with actor and playwright Oscar Redding, who grew up in the bush. He brought a lot more of that voice than I would naturally write, the way that they speak and the tone and rhythm, she says. That voice is often very funny, which left some European critics in San Sebastian disconcerted were they supposed to laugh? Well, yes, they were. These men are not cartoon baddies, which is part of the point. I felt like we cast the right people, and they brought a humanity to everyone, says Green. No one felt 2D. Thats what we were afraid of going in, that they would feel like villains. But these men are all desperate for connection, theyre trying their hardest to get to these girls and just failing in different ways. We were searching for the right people who had that kind of experience. Liv (Jessica Henwick,) Hanna (Julie Garner) and Matty (Toby Wallace). The Royal Hotel examines Australias drinking culture. She laughs: Theyve all spent a lot of time in pubs, those guys. Who would have thought? They also had to understand what the film was about. We took the script to one actor who said hed like to play the role, but hed want to come back and save the girls in the end. So we were saying no, not that person. Thats not it. Advertisement That unnamed actor was not the only person who expected a film about two young women in the outback to play out as a horror film. Green plays with that expectation; she can hardly avoid it. Some of the production details, such as the dead pickled snake in a jar behind the hotel bar, have been interpreted as horror tropes that were never intended to be. My grade 4 teacher had a snake in a jar in the classroom in Northcote, so I feel like thats sort of an Australian thing, says Green. Its something we saw in a pub and we thought it was interesting, I guess. Julie Garner in The Royal Hotel. Director Kitty Green wanted to subvert expectations around what happens to women in the outback. In this outback light, however, everything looks lurid. As soon as you see those girls in a remote setting with backpacks on, you assume theyre going to die, says Green. Or that theyll be attacked violently. And we are trying to challenge that, essentially. This was our intention going into it, but it was reaffirmed on the set in Adelaide, when some people came from the government I cant remember what their role was and were watching a scene of the girls in the pub on the monitor. Loading One of them said to me, It looks great, but why do the girls have to die? And I said, They dont die. And she said, Oh, but I just assumed! How crazy is that? That to make a film that is just about these girls who are figuring themselves out and finally carving out some strength that establishes who they are in that space is so radical! Its nuts, you know? But it just comes literally from backpacks. Thats enough. So it became about subverting that genre, those expectations. Giving them something different, denying them the violence theyre hoping to see, which aggravates some viewers who want that climax. Accordingly, critical responses from festivals in Telluride and Toronto have ranged from ecstatic to dismissive. Reviews Ive been reading on Letterboxd say things like, It bubbles away, but it never reaches boiling point. As if they want that [violent] scene for it to be a movie, thats the bit thats missing. But I can highlight these aspects of behaviour, I can talk about what I want to talk about, without having a rape scene, without having violence. You never need it: the threat of violence is enough. And its enough for us to say no, take a stand and not put up with that. There is a hint that the girls have left some baggage behind in America, but it is never explained. I never wanted to justify their behaviour on the basis of something that happened in the past, says Green. That kind of Thelma and Louise thing, saying, It was because they were raped and they had to take a stand. I just wanted to them to be in the present, saying they had had enough. Advertisement More than one in five people (27 per cent) said family members had pressured them to spend more on a funeral than they intended, and more than a third said family conflict stemmed from disagreements about paying for a funeral. Loading Holistic funeral director Libby Moloney said many people did not know they could save money and create more personalised death care by looking after and transporting their own dead, making their coffins, leading their own ceremonies and using options such as shrouded cremation rather than costly caskets. Shrouded cremation means using a baseboard upon which the deceased lies in a shroud, rather than a coffin. Theres a purchasable option for everything and a DIY option for everything. In most of the country [including Victoria and NSW] theres no obligation or requirement for a funeral director, said Moloney, who started her business, Natural Grace, after her husband died when she 26, and his funeral was less than what he deserved. The person you love could die at home and be provided with home-based after-death care, you could build the coffin or secure a shroud bearer yourself, use your own car to transport the body to the cemetery and have the funeral at home and be the celebrant yourself. Loading Cemeteries can be booked by relatives, who can also legally register deaths, once a death certificate has been issued. You have to go to a cemetery for cremation or burial, and have to register the death, but everything else can be provided at home. A cooling mat or plate can be hired to keep the core temperature of the body low. In NSW, a deceased person can be kept at home for up to five days, but Victoria has no legal time limit for keeping deceased loved ones at home. It costs approximately $1000 [to] do a cremation, but whether youre in a coffin or a shroud bearer, the cost is the same, Moloney said. The shroud bearer costs maybe $200 or so, or you could go to cremation in a $10,000 coffin. Its about choice and educating yourself. The Australian Seniors research found a third of those who paid for a funeral in the past two years encountered financial hardships as a result; 66 per cent took months to recover from it. One in five said they were still recovering financially. The NSW Council for the Ageing noted in its submission to a 2021 independent review of competition, costs and pricing in the industry, that most people surveyed wanted small, local funeral providers. Many wanted simple, low-cost services but felt they were unavailable. Theres a lot of shame attached to discussing money around funerals. People often feel its like speaking ill of the dead. Melinda Whyman, of not-for-profit provider Tender Funerals The inquiry, by the states Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal, found only two-thirds of providers showed any pricing, and fewer than half displayed legally required information. Costs varied widely: a plain cremation with no ceremony could cost between $2000 and $7000. In the Australian Seniors research, the strong consensus among survey respondents was that funerals were overpriced and unaffordable. [They] felt they were being taken advantage of when they were grieving and vulnerable. Responses included: Predatory monopolists predominate and extremely profit-oriented generally ... with a major focus on upselling whilst you are vulnerable. Dr Kerrie Noonan, a clinical psychologist and end-of-life care researcher at Western Sydney University, said a desire for simpler funerals had provided an opportunity for new, independent death-care providers to emerge. Such businesses, and not-for-profit organisations including the new group Tender Funerals, allowed people to get better value and a more homely experience. People were also making their own coffins and shrouds and attending death cafe groups to discuss death and control of post-death care. Outlets for Tender Funerals are being created with community support nationally. It provides heavily subsidised or free services for those in financial need, and full-priced services for those who can afford it their fees support the benevolent arm. The board chair in eastern Melbourne, Melinda Whyman, said some bereaved people still held the misplaced belief that it was disrespectful to negotiate on price. Theres a lot of shame attached to discussing money around funerals. People often feel its like speaking ill of the dead or not doing everything they can to honour the person, she said. A pine coffin marketed for $4000 could have a very different margin on it at a small operator. Said Moloney: The difference in profit margin that is not related to the cost to manufacture is outrageous. A December 2021 review by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission into competition and consumer issues in the industry found pricing often lacks transparency and clarity and may mislead consumers. Consumers may not be told all the costs associated with services, or some charges may be labelled as mandatory when they are not. Some contracts contain potentially unfair terms, and claims about being a local funeral businesses may mislead consumers where they are actually subsidiaries of large corporations. Loading Four funeral homes were fined between $12,600 and $13,320 after the review, and the ACCC said it continued to investigate. The president of the Australian Funeral Directors Association, Kerry Scott, said she agreed with those who say the Australian funeral industry should be regulated, but that the government is not interested; they dont care. Prices listed by Australian Seniors [as above] were fairly conservative for metropolitan Australia, she said. NSW Roads Minister John Graham is demanding the federal government move heaven and earth to fix a $110 million-plus funding hole for a critical motorway junction for Western Sydney Airport. A day after the Commonwealth axed funding for 17 road and rail projects in NSW, including the interchange connecting the M12 to the M7 motorway, Graham said he did not want to impose tolls on a new motorway to the airport to plug a gap left by the federal government. The state government doesnt want to impose new tolls. We expect them to move heaven and earth to fix this funding. We need a solution to this project, he said on the sidelines of a Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue conference. Construction started on the $440 million M12-M7 interchange in August, after the previous NSW Coalition government struck a deal last year with Transurban to keep tolls on the M7 for an extra three years in return for work on the motorway junction. A South Australian police officer has died after being shot during a violent confrontation on the border of Victoria and South Australia. Brevet Sergeant Jason Doig and colleagues Sergeant Michael Hutchinson and Constable Rebekah Cass went to a rural property at Senior near the Victorian border about 11.20pm on Thursday to investigate an incident involving a firearm and an animal. An armed man confronted them and 53-year-old Doig was shot. His colleagues and paramedics tried to save him, but he died at the scene. Hutchinson, 59, was also shot and taken to Adelaide for treatment. Cass, 31, was uninjured. Fremantle residents are celebrating a rare win in their constant battle with the state government on issues of design and development, with the latest plans for its traffic bridge overwhelming embraced. Awesome outcome! exclaimed Fremantle filmmaker Brendan Hutchens on SOS Save Our Shore, a Facebook group established in response to the governments previous proposal, which would have seen Canning Highway redirected under the bridge, destroyed the shoreline and removed the landmark Containbow art installation. Main Roads WAs new design for the replacement Fremantle Traffic Bridge has pleased locals because it has retained the shoreline and the Containbow. Credit: WA Government Main Roads new design for the replacement Fremantle Traffic Bridge has pleased locals because it has retained the shoreline. It may be premature to claim mission accomplished but this new design seems to have addressed all major concerns. Well done to Main Roads and their consultant team for listening to and acting on community feedback, wrote Peter Keleman. San Francisco: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has refused to call Chinese President Xi Jinping a dictator as anger in Beijing swirls over Joe Bidens provocative description of his Asian counterpart. One day after the US president used the term to describe Xi moments after a historic meeting designed to reset the relationship between the US and China Albanese was careful not to follow suit as he attended the latest Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation summit in San Francisco. Vietnams President Vo Van Thuong, left, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese smile as US President Joe Biden arrives for an informal dialogue and working lunch at the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation summit. Credit: AP We have different political systems from China as I have said consistently, Albanese said when asked if he agreed with Bidens description. Australia is a democracy, and China has a very different political system. They dont have democratic elections. Defence whistleblower David McBride has pleaded guilty to leaking confidential information about war crimes investigations to journalists, days before his high-profile trial was due to start. The former military lawyer pleaded guilty to three offences on Friday, after losing two separate legal bids to bolster his defence ahead of an ACT Supreme Court jury trial that was set to begin on Monday. David McBride will be sentenced next year. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen His lawyer Mark Davis said McBride had no option but to enter a guilty plea for theft of Commonwealth property and breaching the Defence Act after Justice David Mossop shut down an attempt to argue to a jury that while he disobeyed orders, he had a duty to act in the public interest. On Friday, Mossop also refused an application from McBrides team for access to secret information held by the Commonwealth that they argued would prejudice his defence if withheld. Twenty-seven of the foreigners whose indefinite detention was quashed by a landmark High Court decision are cases that have been referred to immigration ministers over several years under the category of very serious violent offences, very serious crimes against children, very serious family or domestic violence or violent, sexual or exploitative offences. Documents tabled in the Senate late on Thursday evening revealed a dashboard prepared for the government about the detainees before the High Court decision last week, which ruled indefinite immigration detention was illegal, overturning a 20-year precedent. The courts reasons have not yet been released. Immigration Minister Andrew Giles said during question time on Tuesday that at least three of the detainees were murderers. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen The categories show why detainees had their visas cancelled on character grounds. Not every detainee in each category would have been convicted in Australia and some may have been convicted overseas. As Opposition Leader Peter Dutton on Friday pushed the federal government to return those who have been released back into detention, Labor MPs questioned the handling of the case by Immigration Minister Andrew Giles and Home Affairs Minister Clare ONeil and the governments failure to draft new laws ahead of the High Courts decision. Weeks after putting them on notice, Queenslands Health Minister has issued an historic directive that requires public hospitals to help rape victims within 10 minutes. Shannon Fentiman intervened on Friday after being made aware that multiple hospitals had failed to provide a sexual assault victim with timely care. The Minister said she expected every rape victim to be treated in a timely and trauma-informed way. Credit: Matt Dennien This is Queenslands first ministerial directive exercised under a power made available through legislation passed in 2011. The health minister stepped in following a string of allegations that sexual assault victims had been turned away by emergency departments. This article is part of Travellers Best Moments in Travel for 2023. See all stories . Buhoma, Uganda Thursday, March 23, 1.40pm Bolts of kitenge fabric cascade down the shelves in the sewing workshop at Ride 4 A Woman, a co-operative neighbouring Bwindi Impenetrable Forest: marine blue flecked with scarlet florals, violet awash with indigo arabesques, fuchsia patterned with gold curlicues. How to choose? I settle on a swatch festooned with the imprecise colours of the Ugandan flag: pale green laced with spears of red and black and yellow. Christopher Byaruhanga takes my measurements and cuts the cloth; Emily Basheija works the peddle of the sewing machine. As Bwindis gorillas retreat into the mountains and fashion their nests for the night, I swirl about in the latest fashion: a bespoke skirt made from Africas fabric. See ride4awoman.org - Catherine Marshall Aswan, Egypt Thursday, March 23, 8.30am The Nile at Aswan. Credit: iStock Im on a boat on the Nile deep in southern Egypt, heading for a Nubian village in the shadow of Aswan Dam. From Elephantine Island we putter past mud-brick villages with mustard-coloured mosques into an ever-shrinking filigree of waterways and now, two small boys in a makeshift boat have fastened themselves limpet-like to our side to serenade us. Without missing a beat, their litany segues from Frere Jacques to the chorus of Shell be Coming Round the Mountain. As they sing, they bail frantically to stop their coffin-size boat from sinking. I dig out a five-pound note but theyre not done yet. More cash comes their way and finally they cast off, just in time. Close to the bank their boat turns submarine. As we round the next curve, the taller of the two is up to his neck and treading water, but clutching the notes high and dry above his head. See bunniktours.com.au - Michael Gebicki Tsavo East National Park, Kenya Monday, April 3, 10.59am The herd is watching. Credit: iStock A commotion breaks out while Im interviewing Joseph Kyalo of Tsavo Trust in the open-air dining room of Satao Camp: a herd of elephants storms across the plain beyond the waterhole, kicking up clouds of dusts and setting the earth atremble. Hurrying to the camps watch-tower, we see what all the fuss is about wildlife vets have darted a bull elephant and chased away the herd, but it loiters, agitated, in the distance. We watch as the vets set about re-dressing a spear wound theyd first treated a few weeks ago. Task complete, they retreat to their vehicle and wait for the anaesthetic to wear off. The elephant reawakens, lumbers to his feet, and staggers off into his herds perpetual embrace. See sataocamp.com - Catherine Marshall Giza, Egypt Thursday, September 28, 1pm My dining companion is 4500 years old, and incidentally, also the last of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Sitting across from the Pyramids of Giza, waiters lay my table with plates of chicken livers in date molasses, rabbit in a garlic and molokyia soup, quail tagine and bread hissing with steam from the ovens on the terrace. The new Khufus Restaurant is within the grounds of the Pyramids of Giza, so close I can almost reach out and touch the stalwart tombs from its terrace. Sipping an iced cocktail of hibiscus, pomegranate and rose water, I watch the procession of loping camels and horse-drawn carriages spinning around the pyramids, humans dwarfed by the dreams of the sleeping gods within. See khufus.com - Belinda Jackson Auckland, NZ Sunday, February 12, 2pm Im sampling Sneaky Snackys hot chicken donut burger, a piquant, deep-fried chicken thigh smothered in dill mayo thats wedged between two iced donuts. Located in an anonymous Asian food court on Aucklands notorious K Road (Karangahape Road), its one of the highlights from this years wonderfully eclectic Iconic Eats list, an innovative annual program that invites Aucklanders to nominate their favourite dish. The verdict? A sticky, spicy, sweet and salty taste grenade. See iconiceats.co.nz - Rob McFarland Bernier Island, WA Monday, March 27, 2pm My Coral Expedition cruise up Western Australias Coral Coast has provided abundant opportunities to snorkel, but the waters off Bernier Island are the most wonderful yet. The tenders engine is silenced, I tip myself into the blueness and suddenly Im weightless and drifting through an alternate universe. Multi-coloured fish pout and pirouette, clams gape open to reveal purple flesh, hard and soft corals erupt in red and orange and green. Rocky outcrops allow the unusual experience of snorkelling with coral reefs to either side, rather than only below. Sunlight dapples sea caves. Then a giant potato cod lumbers out of the shadows, giving me a grumpy look. See coralexpeditions.com - Brian Johnston Aitutaki, Cook Islands Tuesday, April 18, 12.30pm Pick your lunch spot: One Foot Island in Aitutaki Lagoon, Cook Islands. Credit: Cook Islands Tourism Quinton, the skipper, asks me where Id like to go for lunch. Aitutaki Lagoon has 15 islets, or motu, 14 of them entirely uninhabited. Im on a full-day boat charter and Quintons told me already I can go anywhere I want on a lagoon so big its four times the size of Aitutaki. I opt for One Foot Island, its barely 500 metres long and 200 metres wide, and as far out from land as we can go. We motor into a beach and I jump straight into the water. While Im still swimming, Im handed a tray of sashimi from a yellow fin tuna Quinton caught last night. See wetnwild-aitutaki.com - Craig Tansley MacDonnell Ranges, NT Friday, April 21, 11am We hike in silence through Ormiston Pound, a vast natural amphitheatre surrounded by a dramatic ring of rust-red quartzite hills, on the last day of a six-day trek along the Larapinta Trail. Its an unexpectedly moving experience, walking quietly through this beautiful boulder-strewn landscape, senses alive to the pungent aroma of curry wattle, the high-pitched trill of bellbirds and the hot, scouring Outback wind. Soon our group will return to a world of to-do lists and deadlines but, for now, theres nothing to do except follow in the ghostly ancient footsteps of the lands original custodians. See australianwalkingholidays.com.au - Rob McFarland Okarito Lagoon, West Coast, NZ Friday, April 28, 12.30pm My granddaughter Ellie has gone rogue, insisting on paddling her own kayak in a feisty display of pre-teen independence. Baz, the owner of Okarito Kayaks, just grins indulgently, handing over his single kayak and joining me as wingman in my double; and as we watch Ellie power ahead on the becalmed waters, he takes the opportunity to explain the importance of this wetland were exploring. New Zealands biggest coastal lagoon, framed by the snow-capped tiaras of the Southern Alps, is surrounded by pristine forest, the last stronghold of the rare Rowi kiwi, brought back from the brink of extinction by an egg-collecting program called Operation Nest Egg. See okarito.co.nz - Julie Miller Somewhere north of Alice Springs, NT Sunday, May 7, 6.30 am The view from the Ghan. I am a morning person. Up with the larks, dressed and ready to face the day. But not this day. From the lower bunk of my twin cabin onboard the Ghan I watch as the sky erupts from purple ink to vivid orange. Ive deliberately slept with the blinds open for just this moment. As we barrel through the desert the picture-window becomes a moving frame to a near alien-universe; one moment the scene is flat and stark, the next a fireball sun pours molten gold into my cabin. My only plan for the next few hours is to stay propped on pillows and soak it all in. See journeybeyondrail.com.au - Kerry van der Jagt Uluru, NT Wednesday, May 10, 6.45pm I thought I was done with Uluru. Over many visits as a travel writer, Ive wandered through Bruce Munros Field of Light installation, ridden camels within sight of the monolith, fine-dined atop a nearby sand dune, encircled its base on foot, seen it from a helicopter you name it, Ive ticked it off. So I headed to the launch of Wintjiri Wiru thinking, go on, impress me. Yet this immersive year-round drone show, with an all-enveloping soundtrack and impressive laser projections that help tell an age-old Anangu story, did much more than that. It made Australias ancient spiritual heart feel new to me again. See ayersrockresort.com - Katrina Lobley Derby, WA Monday, May 22, 5.20pm Before driving from Broome to Derby, I check Google Maps in case my phone coverage vanishes in the wild west. I clock that the Spinifex Hotel, where I will spend the night, is at the far end of town. Derbys not that big so, upon arrival, I simply putter around to find the pub. I overshoot but accidentally stumble upon an awe-inspiring sight. I didnt know Derbys wide expanse of saltmarsh houses a bold collection of sculptures by local artist Mark Norval. With works featuring a stockman, footy players and a striking Indigenous face, Sculptures on the Marsh immediately skyrockets onto my list of Australian must-sees. See australiasnorthwest.com - Katrina Lobley Birregurra, Vic Thursday, June 8, 6pm Its one thing having the opportunity to dine at one of Australias best restaurants. My partner and I sit down to a long lunch at Brae, chef Dan Hunters famed Victorian fine-diner, and are treated to a journey through flavour and texture, plate after plate of edible works of Australian art. But the true luxury here is staying the night afterwards. Brae has a series of six guest suites on-site, each of which is decked out like the New York City apartment of your dreams. So were now sitting on the small terrace outside, drinking an Armagnac from the mini bar, listening to a record from the stack of vinyl supplied, watching as the light fades over the bucolic Victorian countryside, reminiscing about one of the great meals. See braerestaurant.com - Ben Groundwater Kakadu National Park, NT Thursday, 29 June, 7.30pm Camping in style at Cooinda, site of the Dird (Full Moon) Feast. Sitting beneath strings of fairy lights and twinkling stars in Kakadu National Park, the language is foreign to me, but its not foreign to the land. Local Bininj (Indigenous) man Ben Tyler is naming the food spread before us anaburru, namarnkol, an-kulurrudj, nabiwoh the Kundjeyhmi words for the buffalo, barramundi, bush cabbage and native ground bee honey in tonights Dird Full Moon Feast. The dinners are held every month on Murumburr Country with Ben relating stories of growing up in Kakadu and acquiring the skill of foraging for this unique cuisine. See kakadutourism.com - Belinda Jackson Crystal Beach, Kimberley, WA Wednesday, July 19, 6pm Lindblad Expeditions ship National Geographic Orion sneaks into extraordinary places in remote destinations, but this wins the prize. Crystal Beach is a golden sliver on the Kimberley mainland, just opposite Naturalists Island but otherwise so middle-of-nowhere nothing else has a name. The Zodiacs of Lindblad Expeditions ship National Geographic Orion cast us away here for sunset cocktails. Ice cubes tinkle in passion fruit margaritas. We stitch footprint tracks into gritty sand littered with finger-nail-sized shells: fans and whirls and cones. The beach is tumbled with huge cubes of pink rock. Above is a strip of vivid vegetation topped by shattered cliffs, and finally a bonsai arrangement of twisted eucalyptus trees with white trunks and yellow-green leaves against a cornflower sky. See expeditions.com - Brian Johnston Barron Falls, Qld Monday, July 31, 10am Ive finished the cheese and spinach pastry by the time my train on the Kuranda Scenic Railway approaches Barron Falls; oh, and an excellent savoury muffin containing ingredients from the nearby Atherton Tableland. Sitting on a ledge next to my carriage window is a traditional Anzac biscuit, the next complimentary item to be served in Gold Class on the journey to Kuranda; and just before the train halts at the falls, Im handed a cup of coffee made from local beans. So I step from the train, brew and bikkie in hand, to lean against the railing with the other passengers and marvel at the water as it cascades down the rocky slope beneath us. See ksr.com.au - Tim Richards Broken Hill, NSW Wednesday, August 16, 6pm Im in Broken Hill to attend the three-day Mundi Mundi Bash a quintessentially Aussie music festival that takes place on a sprawling property just past Silverton. Checking into Charles Rasp Motor Inn, Im excited to spy the takeaway shop across the road. Ragenovich Brothers Chickens is legendary for its super-crunchy chips, piled into a towering open paper bag so steam doesnt soften them before they reach your mouth. While waiting for my chips to fry, I swivel and gasp at whats in the fridge. Its the fabled Broken Hill delicacy known as cheeseslaw. Its kind of like coleslaw but with grated cheese replacing the shredded cabbage. All I can say is its a taste sensation you wont forget in a hurry. See visitnsw.com - Katrina Lobley Cook, SA Friday, August 18, 1pm Im on the Indian Pacific train, and bang in the middle of the Nullarbor Plain. The train clanks to a halt and the doors sigh open. I love these moments. I step down to somewhere Ive never been. Cook was established in 1917 to service this lonesome railway line, and once had 200 residents. Now its almost a ghost town. Two old jail cells, an abandoned school with chalk-scribbled blackboards, an empty swimming pool, rusting machinery. The dust is red, the trees white and straggly, the horizon flat. I could be in a Mad Max movie set, or on another planet. I take a few photos. I marvel at the silence. Then the trains horn blows, and I scurry off. See journeybeyondrail.com.au - Brian Johnston Hervey Bay, Qld Thursday, August 31, 10.30am Whales at play in Hervey Bay. Credit: iStock Hervey Bay is famous for its humpback whale encounters, but until youre here, you cant really know how close they get. A guides telling me to get in the water from our whale swim expedition ship; a young male humpback has been circling the boat. Now he wants closer contact. Keep your legs out straight, he says. Dont swim towards the whale. Im fed out along a rope, in a mask and snorkel. I have my face in the water but I cant see him. And then, he appears, the most beautiful creature youve ever imagined. Hes so close I can see right into his eye. Hes watching me, suspended in the water. Then with a deft kick of his tail he moves on to stare at the next human. See whaleswimsherveybay.com.au - Craig Tansley Tamborine Mountain, Qld Monday, September 11, 5.15am The army said its troops also found a vehicle in the hospital containing numerous weapons. Military equipment including Kalashnikov rifles and rocket-propelled grenades were also found in the building, it said. Yehudit Weiss, the Israeli hostage who has been confirmed dead.. It also said the body of Yehudit Weiss, 65, one of about 240 hostages taken by Hamas gunmen when they stormed into southern Israel on October 7 had been recovered from a building near Al Shifa. The body had been identified by forensic examiners and the family had been informed. It did not confirm the cause of death. Weiss is the third hostage confirmed dead, while four others have been freed and one rescued. Hamas said in a statement that claims by the US State and Defence departments that the group uses Al Shifa for military purposes is a repetition of a blatantly false narrative, demonstrated by the weak and ridiculous performances of the occupation army spokesman. The US was confident in an assessment from its own intelligence agencies on Hamas activities in Al Shifa hospital and would neither share nor elaborate, White House spokesperson John Kirby said. Human Rights Watch said hospitals have special protections under international humanitarian law. An International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) convoy of trucks carrying medical aid arrives at the Al Shifa medical hospital in Gaza City on November 7. Aid agencies say that without fuel they cannot coordinate further deliveries. Credit: Bloomberg Hospitals only lose those protections if it can be shown that harmful acts have been carried out from the premises, the watchdogs UN Director Louis Charbonneau said. Meanwhile, internet and telephone services have collapsed across the Gaza Strip for lack of fuel, bringing a potentially long-term blackout of communications at the same time as Israel signalled its offensive against Hamas could next target the south, where most of the population has taken refuge. The two telecoms companies in Gaza said all energy sources supplying the network had run out and therefore all services in the territory were down. Israel refuses fuel imports, saying Hamas could use them for military purposes. Israeli soldiers make their way to the southern Israeli border with Gaza on November 16. Credit: Getty With communications out and without fuel, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, said it was impossible to coordinate humanitarian aid truck convoys. 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. Loading As of late Thursday night (Friday morning AEDT), there was no further word from the companies, Paltel and Jawwal, whose internet, mobile phone and landline networks remained inoperable. Palestinian civilians have borne the brunt of Israels weeks-long military campaign in retaliation for the October 7 attack by Hamas that Israel says killed 1200 people, mostly civilians. Gaza health authorities deemed reliable by the United Nations say at least 11,500 people have been confirmed killed in an Israeli bombardment and ground invasion of the Gaza Strip, more than 4700 of them children. The Israeli militarys chief of staff said Israel was close to destroying Hamas military system in northern Gaza and there were signs the army was taking its campaign to other parts of the enclave of 2.3 million people. Loading Israel distributed pamphlets telling civilians to leave four towns in southern Gaza, areas people had been previously told would be safe. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, on his first visit to Israel since the attack, called on Israel to do more to protect civilians in Gaza. The logo of Binance is seen on their exhibition stand at the Delta Summit, Malta's official Blockchain and Digital Innovation event promoting cryptocurrency, October 3, 2019. (Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi/Reuters/File Photo) In a significant move for the cryptocurrency market in Thailand, Binance, a leading global cryptocurrency exchange, is partnering with Gulf Energy Development, one of Thailand's major energy companies, to launch a new crypto exchange. This joint venture, named Gulf Binance, is poised to introduce a platform for digital asset exchange and digital asset broker services, focusing on both cryptocurrencies and digital tokens. With a commitment to security and adherence to the regulations of Thailand's Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the exchange is set to make a notable entry into the Thai market. The new exchange, Gulf Binance, will initially operate on an invitation-only basis, with plans to open to the wider public in early 2024. This strategic approach aims to ensure a controlled and secure rollout of services. According to Gulf Energy's announcement in a Wednesday filing with the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET), the collaboration with Binance is expected to enhance digital and crypto services in Thailand and contribute positively to the country's burgeoning blockchain ecosystem. A spokesperson for Binance indicated that more details regarding the launch and operations of the Thailand-based exchange would be forthcoming. The formation of Gulf Binance follows the May announcement that the exchange had secured digital asset operator licenses from Thailand's Ministry of Finance. Richard Teng, Binance's head of Asia, Europe, and MENA, expressed gratitude for the licenses, signaling a commitment to supporting users and the community in Thailand. The partnership between Gulf Energy and Binance was initially revealed in January 2022. At that time, Teng emphasized the synergy between Gulf Energy's established local network and Binance's expertise in cryptocurrency. This collaboration aims to unlock the full potential of blockchain technology and cater to the specific needs of Thai users. Thailand is recognized as a crypto-friendly nation, yet it has implemented various regulations to safeguard digital asset business operators and protect client assets. These regulations include the requirement for operators to have contingency plans to secure digital wallets and cryptographic keys. Binance's expansion in Thailand extends beyond the launch of Gulf Binance. Recently, the exchange played a pivotal role in aiding Thai authorities in dismantling criminal networks involved in crypto-related scams. Binance's Investigations team collaborated with Thai law enforcement on cybercrime investigations, prosecutions, and asset seizures. This included the confiscation of luxury cars, land, and residential properties. The establishment of Gulf Binance marks a significant step in Binance's global expansion strategy and reflects the growing interest in and regulation of the cryptocurrency market in Thailand. As Binance continues to strengthen its presence in the country, the partnership with Gulf Energy is set to provide a secure and regulated platform for cryptocurrency trading and services, aligning with Thailand's progressive stance on digital assets. China's President Xi Jinping attends a meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing (Photo: Reuters / Yukie Nishizawa) Under the stimulus plan, each household would be entitled to 100,000 yen ($880) per child regardless of household income. (Photo: Reuters / Eugene Hoshiko) In a significant move towards mending strained relations, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida have engaged in rare face-to-face talks, emphasizing the pursuit of mutually beneficial relations. Their meeting, which took place on the sidelines of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in San Francisco, marks a renewed effort by Asia's two largest economies to address contentious issues and bolster economic ties. During the hour-long discussion, the leaders tackled several sensitive topics, including China's ban on Japanese seafood and the detention of a Japanese businessman in China on espionage charges. These issues have recently heightened tensions between the two nations, historically marred by territorial disputes, trade conflicts, and differing views on Taiwan, a democratic island claimed by Beijing. President Xi and Prime Minister Kishida agreed to initiate high-level economic dialogues and establish a framework for discussing export controls, reflecting a shared focus on economic interests. Xi emphasized the need to concentrate on common interests and rejuvenate their "strategic relationship of mutual benefit," a phrase echoing a joint statement from 2008 that has seen less frequent use amid escalating rivalries. The talks also touched upon the ongoing fallout from Japan's decision to release treated water from the Fukushima nuclear plant into the sea, a move that prompted China to impose a seafood ban. Kishida strongly urged Xi to lift this ban and called for the prompt release of the detained Japanese executive, an issue that has significantly impacted trade relations. In addition to bilateral concerns, the leaders acknowledged the need to adapt to the changing global landscape, particularly in light of recent U.S. export controls on advanced computing chips. These regulations have cast uncertainty over the future of Alibaba's Cloud Intelligence Group, leading to the reversal of its planned full spinoff and IPO. The backdrop of these talks included the highly anticipated Biden-Xi summit, where the U.S. and China agreed to open a presidential hotline and resume military-to-military communications. Kishida also met with U.S. President Joe Biden, discussing shared challenges concerning China. Experts like Rumi Aoyama, Director of Waseda Institute of Contemporary Chinese Studies, suggest that China's efforts to strengthen ties with Japan could be an attempt to create a divide between Tokyo and its close ally, Washington, amidst the ongoing U.S.-China confrontation. These developments come at a critical juncture for both nations, as they navigate complex geopolitical landscapes and seek to maintain stability in the region. The discussions signal a tentative step toward reconciling differences and fostering cooperation, although challenges and historical grievances remain. As Asia's leading powers, China and Japan's ability to find common ground could have significant implications for regional and global dynamics. Ola Electric has transformed itself into a public company as it gears up for its Initial Public Offering (IPO) in the coming months. This significant milestone involves undertaking a corporate restructuring to convert itself from a private limited company to a public company, regulatory filings showed. The IPO may be in the range of $800 million to $1 billion, according to the sources. The conversion of a private limited company into a public company is a mandatory step for a company that wants to list on the stock exchange. The name of the firm has been changed to Ola Electric Mobility Limited from Ola Electric Mobility Private Limited, the regulatory filings showed. The next step is to file the Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP), said a person. It is a powerful instrument that carries all the critical information about a company, thus helping investors make an informed decision. SoftBank-backed Ola Electric is Indias leading manufacturer of electric vehicles (EVs) and stands to have a market share of almost 35 per cent. The company recently secured about Rs 3,200 crore in funding as part of its equity and debt round. This funding was obtained from Temasek-led marquee investors and project debt from State Bank of India. The funding round, which includes equity, has raised the Bengaluru-based firms valuation to $5.5 billion, up from its previous valuation of $5 billion, according to sources. The funds raised are expected to create an interim event and pave the way for an IPO. This is expected to be one of the largest automotive IPOs in India. The raised funds will be utilised to expand Olas electric vehicle (EV) business and establish Indias first lithium-ion (Li-ion) cell manufacturing facility in Krishnagiri (Tamil Nadu). These funds will also enable Ola Electric to accelerate the growth of its two-wheeler manufacturing capacity and facilitate the launch of electric motorcycles, followed by electric cars, and expedite the construction of the Gigafactory. The Bhavish Aggarwal-led firm competes with Ather Energy, Okinawa Autotech, Ampere EV by Greaves, Hero Electric, and TVS Motor Company. It is also planning to produce electric cars, which will put the company in competition with Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra, as well as global giants like Tesla and Hyundai. The companys substantial investments in research and development and cell manufacturing are expected to underpin the success of its future products. Ola Electric was selected by the government as the only Indian EV company under its ambitious Production-Linked Incentive (PLI)-Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) Scheme, receiving a maximum capacity of 20 gigawatt hour (GWh). The PLI-ACC Scheme will be instrumental in localising the most critical aspects of the EV value chain. Ola is establishing a Li-ion cell manufacturing facility near its Futurefactory in Krishnagiri. This facility is the first of its kind for Li-ion cell manufacturing in India, with an initial capacity of 5 GWh in Phase-I. It will be further scaled up in phases to 100 GWh at full capacity. Prime Minister Narendra Modi , in a virtual address to the Voice of Global South Summit, expressed concerns about the misuse of artificial intelligence for creating "deepfake" content. During his address at the inaugural session of the summit, he also revealed that he had asked the ChatGPT team to incorporate deepfake warnings in the content. This year, India virtually hosted the 2nd Voice of Global South Summit (VOGSS). The VOGSS includes ten sessions that are held over two days with the participation of 125 nations from the Global South. "In January this year, India organised the Voice of the Global South Summit for the first time. In more than two hundred G20 meetings held in different states of India, we gave prominence to the priorities of the Global South," said the Prime Minister in his opening remarks at the 2nd VOGSS. Emphasising responsible use of technology, PM Modi stated that new technology should not widen the gap between the Global North and the Global South. He urged for the responsible deployment of artificial intelligence (AI). The Prime Minister stated, "Geographically, the Global South has always existed, but it is getting a voice for the first time, and this is because of the joint efforts. We are more than 100 countries but our priorities are similar." "India believes that new technology should not widen the gap between the Global North and the Global South. During the times of AI, it is important that technology should be used responsibly," he added. While emphasising the need for responsible use of technology, the Prime Minister also announced that India would organise the "Artificial Global Partnership Summit" next month to address these issues. The aim of this summit will be to further discuss responsible technology use, particularly in the realm of AI. PM Modi went on to highlight India's commitment to championing the interests of the Global South with reference to the G20 meetings. In 2023, India held the presidency over G20 and hosted the 2023 G20 Summit in New Delhi on September 9-10. Here, the G20 New Delhi Declaration was passed. The PM reiterated the need to make the G20 more inclusive and human-centric, focusing on the development of people. India also included the topic of the Global South in the New Delhi G20 Declaration to ensure the concerns of nations in the Global South were prioritised. There has been a significant pattern shift in migration of Indian workers to the six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates with Kerala, typically the biggest contributor of blue-collar workers, seeing a 90 per cent drop. The vacuum so caused has been filled by Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, which have emerged as top contributors, shows a study by UAE-based organisation, Huntr. Overall, there has been a 50 per cent increase in migration of blue-collar Indian workers to the GCC countries in first seven months of 2023. The top five states by the number of workers sent to GCC, according to the Huntr study, have been Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Kerala, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu. And the preferred destinations for labour migration remain Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, and Oman. Profile of the migrating workforce The workforce migrating to the GCC countries are typically aged 20-40 years, in the prime of their working age. The migrating workforce has been traditionally dominated by men, but the Huntr report has highlighted a substantial increase in participation of women, especially in sectors such as hospitality. The migrant workers qualifications and educational backgrounds differ ranging from minimal formal education to vocational training while there also are individuals with skills tailored for specific job roles, according to the study. Most of the migrant workers belong to low-income families with an aspiration to improve their financial situation with jobs in Dubai. On the migration of the workforce to GCC countries, Huntr CEO Samuel Joy said: Amid these opportunities, blue-collar workers often grapple with challenges such as financial and contractual issues, which collaborative efforts between India and the UAE are diligently addressing to ensure fair recruitment practices... Concurrently, the UAE government's initiatives enhance the legal rights and working conditions of blue-collar workers, while skill enhancement and career growth are actively supported through partnerships between Huntr and non-profit organisations, contributing to the holistic welfare and professional development of the migrant workforce. The wise learn from their experiences, the wiser from those of others. Indias per capita income was $369 in 1990, China was $319. Today India is $2,600 and China $13,720. Chinas goal of becoming a manufacturing superpower, supported by its accelerated hard and soft infrastructure development over the last 30 years has catapulted it into the developed league. With 80 per cent of the global trade sea-bound, Chinas expansion of its ports capacity to over 240 million TEUs (Twenty foot Equivalent Units), versus 20 million TEUs for India, is just one example of deliberate planning and focused execution. At 14 per cent manufacturing contribution to GDP, we punch below our weight. Indonesia at 19 per cent, Malaysia at 24 per cent, Vietnam at 25 per cent, South Korea at 25 per cent and China at 27 per cent manufacturing muscle compete for superior returns. The pandemic-catalysed demand for diversified off-shore production hubs presents India a unique advantage, supported by the tailwinds of its structural macros. Circa 2047, 20 per cent of the global workforce will be Indians. However, with unemployment running at 7.10 per cent this demographic dividend can morph into a societal challenge if we dont generate 10 million new jobs every year. Growing manufacturing to 25 per cent of GDP will generate 100 million new jobs for India, in addition to the 407 million at present. 40 per cent of the net value added in manufacturing today is from just 3 states Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu. Just 5 states Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh are currently expected to contribute about 50 per cent of Indias GDP by 2030. The quest to attract capital and generate jobs cannot be a parochial fight, it has to be an inclusive national priority. India needs a transformative environment for attracting capital and advanced technologies in core industries like Food Processing, Automotive, Pharma & Healthcare to amplify their export potential. We also need to urgently drive import substitution in the priority sectors of Defence & Aerospace, Green Energy, Bio-Technology, and Rare Metals. Let us consider four opportunities for this leapfrog agenda. 1. Incentivise green energy transition: USA passed the $369 billion IRA Act last year to deliver incentives, tax credits, and research grants promoting switch to clean energy. India paid a $270 billion bill for coal and crude import in 2022. a. Fuel is 50 per cent of our logistics costs. Bringing fuel under GST will not only reduce the compliance and tax burden for companies but also drop costs for consumers and industry alike. ITC (Input Tax Credit) on fuel should be allowed for investment in migration to green energy. b. Net metering of solar energy will buttress Indias energy future. Today many states dont allow or restrict generation at scale. The country has a 2030 goal of 500GW clean energy. We however failed our 2022 milestone of 175GW. Logistics parks, factories and warehouses have millions of square feet of roof, that can be quickly converted into solar farms minus any concomitant CapEx for land and building. This will not only feed clean energy into the grid, but also make manufacturing competitive by providing power at rationalised rates. c. India has the worlds largest reserves of Thorium to produce nuclear energy at scale. J&K has the 5th largest global deposits of Lithium, critical for energy storage. These advantages, backed by enabling policy, can rapidly transform India into a green energy hub by 2047. 2. Enable efficient logistics: Logistics costs 8 per cent for mature economies, but 14 per cent to Indias GDP. Shedding 6 per cent inefficiency will save us $200 billion annually. The governments ambitious Gati Shakti program for multi-modal connectivity is a progressive step in this direction. a. Agri-logistics is a key impact area for such outcomes. India wastes more grain than Australia produces, wastes more fruits and vegetables than UK grows. US processes 65 per cent of its agricultural produce, India does only 2.2 per cent. Overcoming these challenges to enhance shelf life and market value could double Indias food processing to $600 billion by 2030. Availability of quality warehousing and efficient cold chains will not only strengthen our food security but also generate massive hinterland employment. Central and state governments will do well to work in PPP mode with industry. FDI can contribute technology and CapEx, with the government providing land and assured returns. b. Urban areas constitute 3 per cent of the land mass but contribute 70 per cent to the GDP. Today 34 per cent of India is in its cities. 50 per cent of our population will be city dwellers by 2047. Zoning in-city logistics hubs, will not only drop supply chain and operating costs but also reduce traffic congestion, pollution and environmental attrition. Government can partner with developers to promote compliant urban logistics real estate, utilities and support infrastructure. 3. Double women in the workforce: India employs 24 per cent women in its workforce, Indonesia 53 per cent, Japan 54 per cent, USA 56 per cent, China 61 per cent and Vietnam 69 per cent. The formula for doubling Indias GDP is simple - double women in the workforce and plug this massive leak of the nations capital and talent pool. a. The government will do well to offer a Rs 10,000 stipend per month to women for pursuing vocational skilling at industrial training institutes. This initiative could be financed out of the CSR fund of India and will help achieve PM Modis target of 50 per cent women in workforce by 2047. b. USAs $280 billion 2022 CHIPS act promoting in-country semi-conductor manufacturing demands on-premise child care facilities for receiving federal grants. While we have such templates to learn from, let us start with a positive bias - everything else being equal, recruit women. 4. Scale intellectual capital: India averages 75 thousand patents a year, South Korea 320 thousand, Japan 500 thousand, USA 840 thousand and China 1.6 million. Higher the intellectual capital generation, greater is the nations opportunities spectrum and richer is its economic value add. a. The 2016 launched Atal Innovation Mission reflects understating of this opportunity. Incorporating research as a credit accretive discipline in school and university curriculum and supporting it with low risk financial grants will incubate wide and deep pools of intellectual capital across the country. b. The Parliament will do well to set up a bi-partisan Standing Committee on Innovation, chaired by the Prime Minister. The committee should have inter-ministerial representation, besides industry and academia to frame Indias innovation master plan and monitor its implementation. An integrated roadmap harnessing these four critical opportunities will catapult Bharat into a $30 trillion developed economy orbit of $18 thousand per capita income by 2047 the Amrit Kaal of 100-year of our Independence. The writer is a member of the CII National Committee on Logistics BJP's central observers -- Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and party's national general secretary Dushyant Kumar Gautam -- arrived in Bengaluru on Friday for the BJP Legislature Party meeting this evening where the Leader of Opposition in the assembly is slated to be chosen. The newly appointed BJP state president B Y Vijayendra, son of party veteran B S Yediyurappa, received Sitharaman, a Rajya Sabha member from the State, and Kumar at the airport. Senior BJP MLA and former Deputy Chief Minister R Ashoka on Thursday said he along with four to five other legislators are aspirants for the post. Ashoka, V Sunil Kumar, C N Ashwath Narayan and Araga Jnanendra are among the front-runners for the position, according to some reports. The BJP central leadership made the announcement on the appointment of Vijayendra last week. The BJP is the principal opposition party in the state. The previous assembly session in July was held without the Leader of the Opposition. In the elections to the 224-member assembly held in May this year, the Congress ousted the BJP from power with a landslide victory. The Congress got 135 seats, the BJP 66 and the JD(S) 19. The BJP legislature party meeting to pick its new leader, who would go on to become the Leader of Opposition, is taking place ahead of the winter session of the state legislature in Belagavi, from December 4. The party had been facing intense criticism from the ruling Congress for its inability to make the appointment to the post, and there was also some disgruntlement within the party over the delay. American chip manufacturer Qualcomm has announced its Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chip lineup on November 17. The new chip series plans on bringing similar built-in generative- AI capabilities from its more powerful counterpart- Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, to mid-range smartphones. "Intelligently designed to balance performance and power efficiency, the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 Mobile Platform delivers a selection of premium experiences that are brand new to the Snapdragon 7-series," said Christopher Patrick, senior vice president and general manager of mobile handsets, Qualcomm Technologies. Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 with 4nm architecture gets a single prime core, three performance cores and four efficiency cores. For AI capabilities, Qualcomm says the new processor's Hexagon NPU (Neural Processing Unit) provides 60 per cent more performance per watt compared to the previous generation chipset. Qualcomm has also said that the new chipset offers up to 2.63GHz peak CPU speeds and over 50 per cent faster GPU (Graphic Processing Unit) performance. For Imaging, the Qualcomm Spectra Triple ISP (Image signal processor) adds support for 4K HDR videos and new AI-based features, including AI Remosaic and AI Denoiser. The company has also added spatial audio support with head tracking for the third generation of the Snapdragon 7-series. "By working closely with our OEM partners, we're able to help make the next generation of in-demand features, such as enhanced AI and extraordinary camera capabilities, more widely accessible to consumers," Patrick added. Qualcomm has confirmed that Chinese smartphone manufacturers- HONOR and Vivo will be the first to offer the new snapdragon 7-series platform on their devices, with the first commercial devices expected to be announced this month. Internet and telephone services collapsed across the Gaza Strip on Thursday for lack of fuel, the main Palestinian provider said, bringing a potentially long-term communications blackout even as Israel signalled its offensive against Hamas could next target the south of the territory, where most of the population has taken refuge. Meanwhile, Israeli troops for a second day searched Shifa Hospital in the north for traces of Hamas. They displayed guns they say were hidden in one building, but have yet to release any evidence of a central Hamas command centre that Israel has said is concealed beneath the complex. Hamas and staff at the hospital, Gaza's largest, deny the allegations. The military said it found the body of one of the hostages abducted by Hamas, 65-year-old Yehudit Weiss, in a building adjacent to Shifa, where it said it also found assault rifles and RPGs. It did not give the cause of her death. The communications breakdown largely cuts off Gaza's 2.3 million people from each other and the outside world, worsening the severe humanitarian crisis in southern Gaza, even as Israeli airstrikes continue there. International pressure is growing on Israel to allow pauses in fighting to let in aid, with food, water and electricity increasingly scarce and UN officials saying relief efforts are endangered by fuel shortages. Most of Gaza's population of 2.3 million is crowded into southern Gaza, including hundreds of thousands who heeded Israel's calls to evacuate to the north to get out of the way of its ground offensive. If the assault moves into the south, it is not clear where they would go, as Egypt refuses to allow a mass transfer onto its soil. The war, now in its sixth week, was triggered by Hamas' October 7 attack into southern Israel in which the militants killed over 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and captured some 240 men, women and children. Weiss, the woman whose body was found Thursday, is the third hostage confirmed dead, while four others have been freed and one rescued. Israel responded to the attack with a weekslong air campaign and a ground invasion of northern Gaza, vowing to remove Hamas from power and crush its military capabilities. More than 11,470 Palestinians have been killed, two-thirds of them women and minors, according to Palestinian health authorities. Another 2,700 have been reported missing, believed buried under rubble. The official count does not differentiate between civilian and militant deaths, and Israel says it has killed thousands of militants. The war has inflamed tensions elsewhere. In the occupied West Bank, Palestinian gunmen opened fire at a checkpoint on the main road linking Jerusalem to Israeli settlements, killing a soldier and wounding three people. The three attackers were killed, according to police, who said the assailants had assault rifles, handguns and hatchets, and were preparing a large-scale attack in Jerusalem. Hamas claimed responsibility for the attack. SOME GUNS, BUT SO FAR NO TUNNELS A day after storming into Shifa, Gaza's largest hospital, Israeli troops continued searching the complex. Gaza's Health Ministry said the troops searched underground levels of the hospital Thursday and detained technicians who run its equipment. The hospital has not had electricity for nearly a week, and staff say they have been struggling to keep alive 36 premature babies and 45 dialysis patients with equipment not functioning. Shifa's director, Mohamed Abu Selmia, told Al-Jazeera that a dialysis patient died Thursday, adding that 650 wounded patients and 5,000 displaced people are in the hospital amid the raid. Israel said its soldiers brought medical teams with incubators and other supplies, though Shifa staff said incubators were useless without fuel. Gaza's Health Ministry said 40 patients, including three babies, died before the raid after the emergency generator ran out of fuel Saturday. During previous days of fighting in the nearby streets, there was no report of Hamas fighters firing from inside Shifa, and no fighting when Israeli troops entered Wednesday. Israel faces pressure to prove its claim that Hamas set up its main command centre in and under the hospital, which has multiple buildings over an area of several city blocks. So far, it has shown only a small number of weapons it says were uncovered in an MRI lab. The military released video from inside Shifa showing three duffel bags, each containing an assault rifle, grenades and Hamas uniforms, as well as a closet containing a number of assault rifles without ammunition clips. The Associated Press could not independently verify the Israeli claims. In recent weeks, Israel depicted the hospital as the site of a major Hamas headquarters. It released satellite maps that specified particular buildings as a command center or as housing underground complexes. It released a computer animation portraying a subterranean network of passageways and rooms filled with weapons and fuel barrels. The US said it has intelligence to support Israeli claims. The allegations are part of Israel's broader accusation that Hamas uses Palestinians as human shields across the Gaza Strip which it says is the reason for the large numbers of civilian casualties during weeks of bombardment. LOOKING SOUTH The military says it has largely consolidated its control of the north, though fighting continues there. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said Wednesday the ground operation will eventually include both the north and south. We will strike Hamas wherever it is. He did not give a timeframe. Israeli forces dropped leaflets Thursday telling Palestinians in areas east of the southern town of Khan Younis to evacuate. Similar leaflets were dropped over northern Gaza for weeks ahead of the ground invasion. Strikes continued in the south Thursday. In the city of Deir al-Balah, a funeral was held for 28 people killed in an overnight bomb that leveled several buildings. A southern offensive would bring Israeli forces into a zone packed with the vast majority of Gaza's population. They include some 1.5 million people displaced from their homes, living in overcrowded UN shelters or with other families. In past weeks, the Israeli military has called on people to move to a safe zone in Mawasi, a town on the Mediterranean coast a few square kilometres (square miles) in size, where humanitarian aid could be delivered. The heads of 18 UN agencies and international charities on Thursday rejected the creation of a safe zone and said they would not participate. In a joint letter, the groups said that concentrating civilians in a zone while hostilities continue was too dangerous. They called for a cease-fire and unimpeded entry of humanitarian aid and fuel for Gaza's population. The groups included the UN humanitarian chief, the children's agency UNICEF, the World Food Programme and the World Health Organisation. Palnet, the main Palestinian telecoms provider, said the network in Gaza ground to a halt Thursday after running out of fuel. Palnet's general manager, Abdulmajeed Melhem, said the company has made international appeals for fuel, but the network can only be restored if Israel lets supplies in. That raises the potential for a long-term communications blackout. Gaza authorities have been able to get the system working after three previous shutdowns. The previous blackouts traumatized Palestinians, leaving them unable to call ambulances after strikes hit homes or reach family members to ensure they are alive. Aid workers say the shutdowns wreak havoc on humanitarian operations and hospitals. Some Palestinians manage to keep up communications using satellite phones or SIM cards that reach Israeli or Egyptian networks. The cutoff also makes it harder for international media to cover events on the ground. Israel has refused to allow fuel into Gaza, saying it will be diverted to Hamas. It let in a small amount Wednesday so the UN agency for Palestinian refugees could continue bringing limited aid from neighbouring Egypt. But the fuel cannot be used for other purposes, including for hospitals. By Shawn Donnan It took place at a venue famous for glitzy weddings. But Wednesdays summit between Joe Biden and Xi Jinping had more in common with a counselling session for a couple contemplating divorce. The premise: Lets try to keep things civil for the kids. All week, fear of a new Cold War has loomed over San Francisco, where Asia-Pacific leaders are gathered. After four hours of talks on Wednesday, the US and Chinese presidents offered a glimpse of just how hard its going to be to manage their relationship away from that course. The meeting at the Filoli Estate, 30 miles south of San Francisco, was months in the planning. But when the stakes are high, and the differences fundamental, even the most arduous diplomatic groundwork can sometimes only yield small victories. The US and China have agreed to collaborate on climate and artificial intelligence, and resume military-to-military contacts. More American students will be welcomed in China, Chinese pandas may return to American zoos, and Xi vowed to crack down on fentanyl shipments. Bigger and more divisive issues like trade, tariffs leftover from the Trump years and competition over technology were set aside for now. Also largely unanswered after Wednesdays talks was the question of what comes next. There are plans for working groups that will see middle-ranking officials meet occasionally, but no future high-level interactions were announced aside from a planned China trip by Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, although the two leaders pledged to speak directly if tensions flared. And 2024, which starts with a presidential election in Taiwan and ends with another one in the US, is shaping up to be a crucial year for the worlds most important relationship. Improving the Mood The meeting came out as well as it could have, Michael Froman, head of the Council on Foreign Relations and former US Trade Representative, offered at the end of a long day Wednesday. The question is whether the positive momentum will endure and lead to more and more significant concrete results. Theres still major issues to be addressed, and this was more about improving the mood. In other words, the leaders of the worlds two largest economies found common ground where they could. But they didnt even manage to agree publicly about the nature of their relationship. At a dinner with US business leaders, Xi offered an effusive history of Sino-American ties, with a heavy emphasis on friendship and personal connections. He rejected outright the idea, regularly floated by US officials, of an existential competition between the countries. If one sees the other side as a primary competitor, the most consequential geopolitical challenge and posing a threat, it will only lead to misinformed policymaking, Xi said. China is ready to be a partner and friend of the United States. By contrast, Biden portrayed a relationship built on competition and frank exchange of views. Asked whether he trusted Xi, Biden offered a qualification for an answer. I trust but verify, as that old saying goes, he told a press conference after the summit. Were in a competitive relationship, China and the United States, Biden added. My responsibility is to make this rational and manageable, so it doesnt result in conflict. Look, He Is Biden was even less diplomatic as he walked out of the press conference, again calling Xi a dictator. Well, look, he is, the president said in response to a question. I mean, hes a dictator in the sense that he is a guy who runs a country that is a communist country thats based on a form of government totally different than ours. To some American observers, Xis speech at the business dinner felt like an attempt to rewind the relationship to a happier time even though US officials insist theyre not seeking to turn back the clock that way. It also seemed to gloss over the grievances of foreign investors. Surveys show they feel increasingly unwelcome in a China thats prioritised building national industrial champions. Addressing a roomful of CEOs, Xi had been expected to make the case for investing in China and signal that US businesses are welcome there but he was virtually silent on the topic, one person at the event said afterward. (The next day, China released a separate, written speech in which Xi vowed to make it easier for foreigners to do business.) Both Biden and Xi highlighted a Chinese pledge to help stop shipments of illicit fentanyl to the US, though that is a commitment China has made before. There were also agreements to increase commercial flights and tourism. Xi announced a plan to welcome 50,000 American students over the next five years, and indicated that China would again send pandas to US zoos, just weeks after bringing them home amid diplomatic tensions. The two sides have agreed to work together more on climate change issues, and on Wednesday they announced a working group to discuss the rapid development of artificial intelligence. This is overall a good outcome, said Bert Hofman, director of the East Asian Institute at the National University of Singapore and a former World Bank country director for China. Fentanyl, AI and military-to-military dialogue are all in their mutual interest. This Is Unstoppable Still, what comes next gets tricky. The presidential elections in Taiwan and the US, and all the bombast thats likely to accompany them, will make it hard for leaders to meet, Hofman said. Tensions could re-emerge. Taiwan goes to the polls in January. The islands opposition parties have agreed to run a joint campaign in Januarys election, raising the chances that a more China-friendly government takes power in Taipei. Biden told reporters he made clear to Xi that the US would oppose any mainland interference in the vote. Xis response was unclear. In a statement after the summit, Chinas foreign ministry said the US should support Chinas peaceful reunification. China will realise reunification, and this is unstoppable. That kind of language is a reminder that the US and China have some fundamental disagreements the kind that could trigger a Cold War. But other leaders at this weeks Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation group summit were urging a different outcome. Speaking to another business gathering as Biden and Xi were meeting, California Governor Gavin Newsom said the US should approach China with an open hand, not a closed fist. Newsom recalled his own childhood during the last Cold War: I was jumping under the damn desk at school, because we were having some nuclear war with Russia. Then he invoked his children: I dont want them to grow up like that. Anwar Ibrahim, Malaysias prime minister, offered a similar plea for the US and China to get along so that the rest of the world doesnt have to pick sides. Countries like Malaysia cannot be forced to see the world and the big powers in a Cold War mindset, he said. This Cold War mindset must end. By John Ainger and Jennifer A. Dlouhy Rich countries finally hit a long-overdue goal to provide $100 billion of climate finance to poor countries last year, a symbolic target that could help build trust ahead of the COP28 summit in Dubai in two weeks time. Data from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development showed that developed countries had provided $89.6 billion in 2021 and that the $100 billion goal originally due to have been reached by 2020 looks likely to have been met last year. While that figure pales in comparison to the trillions of dollars that are needed to help developing nations decarbonize their economies and adapt to a warming world, it is still a symbolic milestone that the likes of the US and the EU hope unlocks progress in other areas, such as slashing CO2 emissions. Demonstrating progress on past commitments, including on climate finance, is vital to set the stage for productive discussions, Steven Guilbeault, Canadas climate minister, and Jennifer Morgan, Germanys special envoy for the climate, said in a joint statement. Our collective commitment to fully delivering on the goal no later than by the end of 2023 remains unwavering. The OECDs data showed, however, that funding for adaptation decreased $4 billion in 2021 to $24.6 billion. At COP26 in Glasgow, the world committed to double the amount of finance going toward those goals. Funding for measures such as sea walls and protecting infrastructure is much harder to obtain than for renewables as the returns tend to be less attractive. Climate talks are also expected to pave the way for a deal next year that will lay out a new collective goal for providing climate finance beyond 2025. The OECD estimates that by the middle of the decade, developing countries will need around $1 trillion annually in climate investments, rising to $2.4 trillion every year until the end of the decade. That means the private sector will have to play a bigger role. The financing flows remain inadequate against the magnitude of the impact that developing countries are dealing with, said Mohamed Adow, director of Power Shift Africa. Its important that we dont fall for the idea that because OECD countries will say they delivered the $100 billion that now developing countries have the resources they require to actually implement climate actions on the ground. Countries will also aim to start paying money into a new fund to finance the loss and damage caused by increasingly extreme weather. The EU and the US have said that they would make contributions, but it remains to be seen if more recent high emitters like China and Saudi Arabia will do the same. The US, the country historically responsible for the largest share of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, has consistently drawn fire for failing to deliver on its climate finance commitments. The country has provided just $2 billion of the $3 billion former President Barack Obama pledged to the Green Climate Fund nearly a decade ago amid Republican opposition to the disbursements. And though US President Joe Biden vowed to boost climate finance to $11.4 billion annually by 2024, that effort also faces significant congressional resistance. A US State Department spokesperson recently told Politico that in 2022 the US provided nearly $6 billion in climate finance, with about $2.25 billion of it coming in the form of grants. China said it hopes Fiji will continue to give 'firm' support to it on issues concerning Beijing's core interests and major concerns, state media cited President Xi Jinping as saying to Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka. Rabuka, who became the first new prime minister in Fiji in 16 years in December, met Xi for the first time on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in San Francisco on Thursday. Fiji's government said in a statement the meeting was focused on China's Belt and Road Initiative, and the leaders discussed Beijing's concessional loan to Fiji and a joint project to modernise Fiji's ports. In the statement, Fiji expressed support for Xi's "vision for global security" which it said mirrored Rabuka's advocacy for a "Pacific Zone of Peace". "In the face of global uncertainties and geopolitical pressures, Prime Minister Rabuka expressed Fiji's solidarity with China's Global Security Initiative (GSI), aimed at constructing a diplomatic and security architecture through multilateral treaties, alliances, and institutions," the Fiji statement said. Xi told Rabuka that China will continue to support Fiji in safeguarding its national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, Chinese state television said. Xi told the Fijian leader that China is willing to work with the Pacific island nation to strengthen political mutual trust and expand practical cooperation. China supports Fiji in independently choosing its own development path and achieving national development and revitalisation, Xi said. The Chinese leader said China is willing to promote cooperation in infrastructure, agriculture, forestry and fisheries, new energy and other areas to help Fiji's economic and social development. China is also willing to increase Fijian imports, support commercial investments into Fiji and encourage more tourists to visit Fiji. China's policy on the Pacific Island nations fully respects the sovereignty and independence of those countries without attaching political conditions or empty promises, Xi added, saying that China develops ties with the countries without "selfish motives". Shortly after forming the government, Rabuka put on hold a decade-old police cooperation deal between Fiji and China, and last month said his government would strengthen defence ties with major aid donor Australia. China has been pushing for greater security and trade ties with Pacific Islands countries, signing a security pact with Solomon Islands, raising alarm in the United States which responded by striking a defence deal with Papua New Guinea. Rabuka has said that the Pacific Islands should be a "zone of peace" and that he hoped the rivalry between China and the U.S. in the region will not turn into conflict. The Fiji statement said Xi had expressed interest in funding major capital projects. Experts say new steps China has agreed to will eventually reduce the flow of the deadly opioid fentanyl into the US, but that alone will not stem the overdose crisis killing Americans at a record rate. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping announced at a meeting Wednesday in California that China is telling its chemical companies to curtail shipments to Latin America and elsewhere of the materials used to produce fentanyl, which is largely finished in Mexico and then smuggled into the US. China has also resumed sharing information about suspected trafficking with an international database. It's a step in the right direction because not doing this would be negligent, said Adam Wandt, an associate professor of public policy at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. If this is a diplomatic option that we did not take, every fentanyl death over the next decade would be on our heads. But he and others described the steps as necessary in addressing the overdose crisis in the U.S. but not sufficient. Wandt said the steps should reduce the amount of fentanyl in the U.S., though when that happens depends on how much of the chemicals are already in possession of Mexican cartels. And even if fentanyl is eradicated, he said, they will switch to another drug, which I predict will be even more lethal. Kevin Roy, the chief public policy officer at Shatterproof, a national group dedicated to combating the addiction and overdose crisis, said that the steps announced were crucial, but they still have to be carried out. It's only one part of a bigger picture, Roy said. He was also concerned that the nations did not reach any agreements on how to deal with laundering drug money through China, an issue that Rahul Gupta, director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, identified at a congressional hearing this year as another major problem. The Biden administration confirmed Thursday that as part of the arrangement, it was lifting trade sanctions against the Chinese Ministry of Public Security's Institute of Forensic Science. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said the continued listing of the institute, known as IFS, was a barrier to sealing Chinese cooperation on the issue, which he said was a top priority for Biden going into the meeting with Xi. And so when we evaluated the issue and looked at all the merits of delisting the IFS, ultimately we decided that given the steps China was willing to take to cut down on precursor trafficking, it was an appropriate step to take, Miller said. The U.S. The Commerce Department listed the institute in 2020, saying it was complicit in human rights violations and abuses committed in China's campaign of repression, mass arbitrary detention, forced labour and high-technology surveillance against Uighurs, ethnic Kazakhs, and other members of Muslim minority groups. Fentanyl emerged as a widespread problem in the U.S. about a decade ago as there were crackdowns on prescribing opioid painkillers, which were linked to soaring death numbers already. In the early days, it was largely shipped from China to the U.S., easily concealed in envelopes and small packages. Fentanyl's potency makes it appealing to drug suppliers because it's easy to ship. And because it's made from chemicals in labs, it doesn't rely on growing crops for drugs such as heroin, cocaine or marijuana. Pushed by then-President Donald Trump, China agreed in late 2018 to crack down on shipments of finished fentanyl and some of its precursors. After that, more production moved to Mexico with the raw materials still coming largely from China. Synthetic opioids are now the biggest killers in the deadliest drug crisis the U.S. has ever seen. In 2014, nearly 50,000 deaths in the U.S. were linked to drug overdoses of all kinds. By last year, the total was more than 100,000, according to a tally by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. More than two-thirds of those deaths, more than 200 per day involved fentanyl or similar synthetic drugs. The powerful drugs are showing up in different places in the nation's supply of illicit substances. It's in counterfeit pills and cocaine, in some cases causing overdoses in people who have no idea that they're using fentanyl. It's also sought out by some people with opioid use disorder. In many areas of the country, it's mostly replaced the supply of heroin. Xi said at a dinner Wednesday in San Francisco, China sympathises deeply with the American people, especially the young, for the sufferings that fentanyl has inflicted upon them. Biden said of the agreement, "It's going to save lives, and I appreciate President Xi's commitment on this issue." The tone has changed from earlier this year. In April, Wang Wenbin, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry criticised the U.S. for blaming China for the precursors, saying they're ordinary chemicals sold through normal trade. And China blasted the U.S. over the summer for imposing sanctions on Chinese anti-drug efforts rather than praising their efforts. A key part of the new announcement from China is that it is sharing information on the drug trade. It resumed submitting information to the International Narcotics Control Board for the first time in three years and agreed to launch a counternarcotics working group with the U.S. As we know only too well, the supply piece of this is just one part and we're not going to solve the fentanyl overdose issue solely by reducing the supply, said Regina LaBelle, who directs the Addiction and Public Policy Initiative at Georgetown University's O'Neill Institute and served as acting director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy under President Biden. She said that it's significant that China and the U.S. are dealing with fentanyl, but it's an issue that demands cooperation from other countries, too. Xi was meeting Thursday with Mexican President Andrs Manuel Lpez Obrador and Biden was scheduled to meet with him Friday. The rise of fentanyl across the U.S. has intensified efforts to reduce the danger. Naloxone, a drug that reverses overdoses, has become more widely available, including without prescriptions. A growing number of places are allowing drug screening kits so users can find out if their drugs include fentanyl. Harm reduction groups also preach that people using drugs should use a small amount first to test for adverse effects and that they should not use alone. We're making investments in the United States in addressing prevention, treatment, recovery and harm reduction," LaBelle said. All of those things have to continue to be ramped up. Morinaga Milk Industry Co., Ltd. (TOKYO:2264), a leading Japanese dairy product company, today announced its proprietary probiotic strain Bifidobacterium breve B-3 has received the approval of Individual Recognized Registration in South Korea for its clinically demonstrated efficacy in body fat reduction. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231116301397/en/ Backed by clinical evidence, B. breve B-3 shows great promise in aiding body fat reduction. (Graphic: Business Wire) On March 7, 2023, the probiotic strain B. breve B-3 received the approval of Individual Recognized Registration (No. 2023-2) by the Minister of Food and Drug Safety of South Korea. The probiotic strain meets the highest standards of safety, functionality, and regulatory compliance and can be used as a functional ingredient for body fat reduction at a dosage of 5 billion CFU/day in South Korea. Bifidobacterium breve B-3 is a unique Human-Residential Bifidobacteria (HRB) probiotic strain developed by focusing on the relationship between gut microbiota and metabolic syndrome. B. breve B-3 possesses an attractive effect in maintaining a healthy body weight and ultimately improving one's lifestyle. Backed by clinical evidence, B. breve B-3 shows great promise in aiding body fat reduction. Set to Help Reduce Body Fat South Korea has made impressive progress over the years in terms of introducing policies, institutions, and tools to assure high-quality regulation. Functional ingredients or elements need to obtain a notification by the Minister of Food and Drug Safety or an Individual Recognized registration approval before they can be incorporated into Health Functional Foods with a claim that bring useful health effects for the human body. In order to obtain individual recognition as a functional ingredient, the data submitted to the Minister of Food and Drug Safety by the business operator will be reviewed based on the standards and specifications, safety and functionality assessment standards and will be recognized as a functional ingredient under consultation with the 'Health Functional Food Deliberation Committee.' The approval of the probiotic strain B. breve B-3 signifies Morinaga Milk's commitment to developing human-residential bifidobacteria (HRB) probiotic strains backed by solid scientific and clinical research. Morinaga Milk will continue to stay at the forefront of the probiotic revolution, pushing boundaries to create even more solutions to improve the health of people everywhere. We are thrilled and incredibly proud to have our probiotic strain B. breve B-3 receiving the approval of South Koreas Individual Recognized Registration for its clinical benefit on body fat reduction, said Dr. Yoshihiko Ushida, General Manager of the International B to B Business Department of Morinaga Milk. The probiotic market in South Korea has witnessed robust growth in recent years and is set for further growth. This approval speaks highly of the quality and safety of B. breve B-3 as well as its science-backed efficacy on body fat reduction. It highlights its potential contribution to the health of the country's people. We are looking forward to the potential implications of this new status in the growing market in South Korea, he added. Positive Results in a New RCT Study The efficacy of B. breve B-3 on body fat reduction and metabolic health has been further confirmed in a recent clinical study conducted in South Korea. The double-blind, randomized clinical trial, published in the peer-reviewed journal Nutrients in December 2022, was conducted with 83 participants (42 participants in the B. breve B-3 group and 41 participants in the placebo group) over 12 weeks. The results showed a significant reduction in body weight, body fat, waist circumference, and hip circumference in the B. breve B-3 group than in the placebo group. B. breve B-3 at a dosage of 5 billion CFU/day was reported to be safe and effective for reducing body fat. "We are extremely pleased with the results from this recent RCT study, consistent with the previous study conducted with a higher dosage of 20 billion CFU/day. We appreciate the Korean research team for their effort in demonstrating the efficacy in Korean subjects," Dr. Ushida further commented. "These results reinforce the potential of the probiotic strain B. breve B-3 as an effective way to help support people's efforts to reduce body fat." The study serves as yet another example of the Morinaga team's commitment to uncovering the potential of probiotics in the battle against obesity. The company will continue to strive on the research front to open up new possibilities for people looking to improve their health. Embrace the Future: Aim Higher! Under the Morinaga Milk Group's 10-Year Vision, the company aims to achieve an overseas sales ratio of 15% or more by the fiscal year ending March 2029. The company will continue its effort in developing and providing effective HRB probiotics with a higher level of safety and quality and aim to strengthen its probiotic sales in the global marketplace to help achieve the goal. About Morinaga Morinaga Milk Industry Co., Ltd. is one of the leading dairy product companies in Japan with a century of history harnessing the nutritional properties of dairy products and functional ingredients. Morinaga Milk is also a key global probiotics manufacturer that excels in innovative technology and offers a premium line of probiotics and functional ingredients worldwide. Since the 1960s, Morinaga Milk has been engaged in research on the safety, functional health benefits, and mechanisms of action of probiotic bifidobacteria to better understand their role in maintaining human health. For more information about Morinaga Human-Residential Bifidobacteria (HRB) probiotics, please visit us at https://morinagamilk-ingredients.com/. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231116301397/en/ Reckitt News Summary TiE Delhi-NCR announced its partnership with Prayatna to host an IT-enabled innovation-based Hackfest, the Malaria Hackfest - Predict, Plan & Prevent, powered by Mortein. With this initiative, TiE Delhi-NCR in partnership with Prayatna is seeking solutions that address gaps in surveillance, location spotting and forecasting malaria outbreaks. In the realm of sublime living and discerning hospitality, WOW Resorts, renowned for their unwavering commitment to the development of residences and resorts, has entered a prestigious agreement with the esteemed JW Marriott. Together, they proudly announce the unveiling of a jewel in the crown of Al Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), UAE the JW Marriott Al Marjan Island Resort & JW Marriott Residences Al Marjan Island.This extraordinary development, with an estimated value of USD 1.3 Billion upon completion, will stand as a beacon in Marriott Internationals luxury portfolio, a testament to its iconic stature on Al Marjan Island, a cherished destination for tourists and investors alike.In a grand ceremony that unfolded today, the founder of WOW Resorts, Bhupender Bruce' Patel, joined hands with representatives of Marriott International and the respected Arch. Abdulla Al Abdouli, Chief Executive Officer, Marjan. This exclusive collaboration marks the birth of the first JWMarriott-branded resort and residences on Al Marjan Island, poised to captivate over five million visitors annually, thereby enhancing the islands stature on the world map of tourism and opulent living.Poised to be an architectural masterpiece on Al Marjan Island, this project is designed by celebrity Beverly Hills Architect Tony Ashai with Dubai based Lead Consultants Architecture Design Unit, ADU.Anticipated to open its doors towards the end of 2026, JW Marriott Al Marjan Island Resort & JW Marriott Residences Al Marjan Island herald WOW Resorts debut in the UAEs Northern Emirates, a favoured destination for leisure and luxury. With a legacy of over two and a half decades crafting hospitality and real estate projects across North America, WOW Resorts are bringing yet another exemplar. The newly announced development promises to redefine the very essence of hospitality and residential opulence. Infused with bold design and premium experiences, for which the JW Marriott brand is celebrated, this new establishment is designed as an exquisite haven for both vacationers and those seeking the pinnacle of luxury resort living. This extraordinary property caters to aspiring homeowners, the discerning globetrotter of tomorrow, nature enthusiasts, and aficionados of aquatic sports.Comprising an exclusive portfolio of 524 residences, featuring a selection of 1, 2, 3, and 4-bedroom residences and luxurious penthouses, alongside 300 meticulously appointed guest rooms, JW Marriott Al Marjan Island Resort & JW Marriott Residences Al Marjan Island are set against the backdrop of breathtaking turquoise waters, offering uninterrupted vistas of the vast ocean. The allure extends to the many amenities that grace this sanctuary, including a curated selection of seven distinctive dining venues, an indulgent spa, refreshing pools, and a state-of-the-art fitness centre. These aspects, among others, render this property an irresistible proposition for discerning investors.Positioned conveniently, the property is a leisurely thirty-minute drive from the RAK airport, and less than an hours journey from the DubaiInternational Airport, ensuring the utmost in accessibility for residents and visitors alike.conveyed his profound pride in the forthcoming property and stated, Our collaboration with Marriott International and our venture on Al Marjan Island represents a new chapter in our journey. With the demand for waterfront living on the rise, we are committed to optimising and elevating the experiences of all our cherished guests and residents as we embark on this remarkable project in the UAE, set on the enchanting Al Marjan Island, a prime investment destination in the region.said, We are delighted to welcome JW Marriott and WOW Resorts to our flagship development, in line with our commitment to creating unparalleled living experiences for residents and guests on Al Marjan Island. JW Marriott Al Marjan Island Resort & JW Marriott Residences Al Marjan Island, are a luxury offering that will boost investment opportunities for both homeowners and tourists keen on enjoying the perks of waterfront living in prime leisure hubs. Al Marjan Island offers a perfect blend of luxury and nature and with excellent returns on investment, it further reinforces Ras Al Khaimahs appeal as an investment and lifestyle destination.said, We are thrilled to be a part of the new development in Al Marjan Island. It is truly a unique project that will provide an unparalleled experience for visitors and residents alike. With its stunning beaches, luxurious outlets, and world-class amenities, Al Marjan Island is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after destinations in the world. We look forward to its continued success.Ras Al Khaimah, and Al Marjan Island in particular, have witnessed a consistent and steady demand for residential and tourism developments, indicating a positive outlook for real estate investment opportunities in the northern emirate. The sustainable growth in Ras Al Khaimahs real estate market and the appeal of waterfront living experiences have further attracted investors from across the globe, making Al Marjan Island a prime destination for lucrative returns on investment. Choosing the right career can be a daunting prospect. With a multitude of options available, it becomes crucial to select a path that harmonizes with our interests, aptitudes, and long-term goals. One such rewarding career avenue to consider is Counselling and Guidance. The Diploma in Counselling and Guidance, offered by numerous institutions in India, is one such course that acts as a gateway to this fulfilling profession. Glimpse into Diploma in Counselling and Guidance Students learn about ethical considerations in counseling, as well as the importance of self-awareness and self-care in this profession. The Diploma in Counselling and Guidance program includes both theoretical and practical components, allowing students to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios. Throughout the course, students will have the opportunity to engage in role-plays, case studies, and supervised counseling sessions to develop their counseling skills. Upon completion of the program, graduates will be prepared to work in a variety of settings, including schools, community organizations, and private practice, providing much-needed support to individuals facing emotional and psychological challenges. Why Choose Diploma in Counselling and Guidance? The curriculum covers topics such as basic counseling skills, understanding human behavior, ethical considerations in counseling, and different counseling approaches. Students also gain hands-on experience through practical training and supervised counseling sessions. Upon completion, graduates can work as counselors in a variety of settings, providing support and guidance to individuals facing personal or emotional challenges. They can also pursue further studies in counseling or related fields to enhance their career prospects. Overall, this diploma course provides a solid foundation for individuals looking to make a positive impact on the lives of others through counseling. Admission Process The admission process for the Diploma in Counselling and Guidance course is determined by a combination of factors. Some colleges consider the applicant's marks from their 10+2 examination, while others require both an entrance test and a personal interview. Reputed institutes typically use both the entrance test and personal interview to evaluate applicants and determine their eligibility for the program. Successful candidates will be offered a place in the Diploma in Counselling and Guidance program at these institutes and colleges. Benefit of this programme A Diploma in Guidance and Counselling is a professional programme that educates people to serve as guidance counsellors, assisting individuals, groups, and communities with personal, educational, and career-related issues. The programme teaches students a thorough grasp of human development as well as the skills and information required to provide effective guidance and assistance. Students in this diploma programme will have an in-depth understanding of counselling, personality development, and diverse approaches to guiding and counselling. They will also acquire hands-on experience through supervised practicum opportunities, which will allow them to apply their knowledge and abilities in real-world settings. The programme is intended for people who are passionate about helping others and want to make a difference. Job Opportunities and Career Prospects The skills and knowledge gained from the Diploma in Counselling and Guidance can be applied in various settings such as schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and community organizations. Graduates can provide support and guidance to individuals facing personal and emotional challenges, helping them improve their overall well-being. They can also assist individuals in making informed career decisions, providing them with valuable guidance and resources. Additionally, graduates may also choose to work in research or teaching positions, contributing to the advancement of the field. In the private sector, graduates can set up their own counseling practice or work in clinics or counseling centers. They may also find opportunities in corporate settings, providing counseling services to employees. In the government sector, they can work in educational institutions, healthcare facilities, social welfare departments, or correctional facilities. Overall, the Diploma in Counselling and Guidance offers a wide range of career prospects for individuals who are passionate about helping others and making a positive impact on their lives. In a remarkable surge towards sustainable energy, Asia has taken the lead in the global race for renewables, with investments growing at an astonishing rate of 23% annually, according to an assessment by Zero Carbon Analytics. The region has injected an impressive USD $345 billion into wind, solar, and clean vehicles, positioning itself as a pivotal player in the world's transition to green energy. The data reveals that Asia now accounts for a substantial 52.5% of the global renewable energy capacity in 2022, a surge primarily fueled by the efforts of major players such as China, India, and Vietnam. These nations have spearheaded initiatives and investments that have propelled Asia to the forefront of the clean energy revolution. The report also sheds light on the electric vehicle market, noting a remarkable 3,000% increase in sales of electric motorbikes and scooters in Asia between 2015 and 2022. Despite being a global contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, with a 51% share, the region is making commendable strides in embracing cleaner transportation alternatives. The new study coincides with a gathering of government leaders, businesses, and civil society organizations in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, to discuss climate solutions in Asia and the Pacific. Titled 'A driving force: Asia's Energy Transition,' the report emphasizes the region's role as a driving force behind wind and solar development on a global scale. Key takeaways from the report include: Fastest Growth Rate: Asia boasts the fastest growth rate of wind and solar capacity at an impressive 35% per year, outpacing other continents since 2015. Financial Dominance: Total funding for renewables in Asia reached a staggering $532 billion in 2022, constituting a significant 65% of the global expenditure on renewable energy. India's Growth: India's expansion in renewable capacity is outpacing coal power growth, while China has witnessed the world's fastest-growing deployment of wind and solar between 2000 and 2022. The Asia Pacific Region, home to 4.3 billion people and particularly vulnerable to climate change impacts, is actively addressing various challenges, including rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and threats to biodiversity and water resources. Experts in the field emphasize the critical role of Asian economies like India, China, and Japan in steering global growth, with clean energy emerging as a crucial component for sustainable development. As these nations undergo major infrastructure developments and manufacturing pushes, the focus on clean energy becomes increasingly pivotal. Li Shuo, the incoming China Climate Hub Director at the Asia Society Policy Institute, acknowledges China's impressive strides in clean energy, positioning itself as a key player in the global shift. Amit Bhatt, India Managing Director at the International Council on Clean Transportation, emphasizes the significance of electrifying road transport, particularly two-wheelers and three-wheelers, in addressing pollution and public health concerns. As Asia leads the charge in renewable energy, the region's commitment and progress signal a positive shift toward a more sustainable and eco-friendly future. The global community looks to Asia's pioneering efforts as a beacon of inspiration in the fight against climate change. Holcim US rebrand reaches Atlanta 17 November 2023 Holcim US has announced that the expansion of its rebrand has now touched down in Atlanta, Georgia, one of its major cement distribution markets. The transition will see the company refresh its branding and renew its commitment to sustainability as part of the global focus on becoming a net-zero company. With cement terminals in Cartersville, Duluth and Covington, Georgia, the rebranding initiative reinforces Holcims dedication to the Metro Atlanta area and Southern region, according to the company, where its "innovative cement solutions align with growing demand for sustainable building practices". The rebrand signifies Holcims unwavering commitment to Atlanta construction and building companies, along with the greater community that has come to know us as a trusted partner, said Lee Amick, general manager sales, Southeast Region, Holcim. Were looking forward to building on our long-standing reputation for reliability, dependability, and assurance, now further rooted in sustainability and a profound dedication to environmental responsibility. Published under CEMEX and FREE to develop new solar power project 17 November 2023 CEMEX Philippines has signed an agreement with Filinvest-ENGIE Renewable Energy Enterprise, Inc (FREE) for a 10.08MW solar project at CEMEXs cement plant in Naga City, Cebu. The project, which will be a ground-mounted solar system, is expected to avoid 10,000Mt of CO 2 each year, reports BusinessWorld. This solar energy partnership is another milestone under CEMEXs Future in Action program, as we progress closer to our goal of reducing Scope 2 emissions, coming from electricity sources that supply us, to less than 24kg of CO 2 per ton of cementitious product by 2030, said Luis Guillermo Franco Carillo, CEMEX Philippines president and CEO. We are proud to partner with FREE, a company that shares our vision to address climate change through sustainable projects. This is a win not only for CEMEX, but also for the planet as we take concrete steps in making renewable energy the future of the industry, FREE is a joint venture between FDC Utilities, Inc and ENGIE Services Philippines. Along with the solar power project, CEMEX and FREE have also signed a Memorandum of Understanding to look at the use of various renewable energy and energy efficiency solutions for CEMEXs facilities. Published under Xi says China, Brunei should jointly safeguard peace, stability in South China Sea Xinhua) 01:03, November 18, 2023 Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Brunei's Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah in San Francisco, the United States, Nov. 16, 2023. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei) SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- China and Brunei should make joint efforts to make positive progress in joint maritime development and jointly safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea, said Chinese President Xi Jinping here Thursday. China and Brunei are friendly neighbors facing each other across the sea and good partners who trust and support each other, Xi made the remarks while meeting Brunei's Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah. Xi pointed out that since the establishment of diplomatic ties more than 30 years ago, the two countries have continuously deepened political mutual trust, actively aligned development strategies, achieved fruitful results in practical cooperation in various fields, maintained good coordination in international and regional affairs, set a good example of equal treatment and mutual benefit for big and small countries, and made positive contributions to regional peace, stability, development and prosperity. Noting that this year marks the 5th anniversary of the establishment of China-Brunei strategic cooperative partnership, Xi said China is willing to work with Brunei for high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, push for new development of bilateral relations and bring more benefits to the two peoples. Xi stressed that China supports Brunei in pursuing a development path suited to its own national conditions, welcomes increased exports of quality products from Brunei to China, encourages more Chinese enterprises to invest and conduct business in Brunei, expands practical cooperation in food security, digital economy, and green development, and conduct people-to-people and cultural exchanges in education, culture, tourism, health, and subnational areas. China and Brunei should make joint efforts to advance positive progress in joint maritime development and jointly safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea, Xi said. Noting that China attaches great importance to East Asia cooperation, Xi said China stands ready to work with Brunei and other ASEAN countries to advance regional economic integration and maintain the right direction of East Asia cooperation. For his part, Hassanal congratulated China on the successful hosting of the Asian Games in Hangzhou not long ago, saying that Brunei and China enjoy a long history of friendly exchanges, bilateral relations have maintained sound development, and exchanges and cooperation in various fields have been progressing smoothly. Noting that Brunei has always firmly adhered to the one-China policy, Hassanal said Brunei attaches great importance to developing relations with China and is willing to further strengthen cooperation in such fields as economy and trade, agriculture, fishery, and green energy, deepen people-to-people exchanges and actively promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. Hassanal also said that Brunei stands ready to further strengthen cooperation with China within the ASEAN framework, and looks forward to an early conclusion of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, and to build the South China Sea into a sea of peace and friendship through joint efforts so as to promote regional peace and security. Brunei is willing to maintain close communication with China on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and other regional issues, he added. Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Brunei's Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah in San Francisco, the United States, Nov. 16, 2023. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei) (Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing) The president of Ricoh Japan, Kazuhiro Kimura, has resigned after an internal investigation found that he violated companys code of conduct by pressuring a woman to have an abortion. Reported by Asahi, Kimura resigned on November 14 after the company recommended that he step down from his position as president. Kimura had been with Ricoh since 1988 and became president of Ricoh Japan in April 2022. He also served on the companys board as an executive officer, a position Kimura has also relinquished as a result of the scandal. During Ricohs internal investigation into the matter where company officials interviewed Kimura, the former executive admitted that he had asked a woman he was in a relationship with to have an abortion. ...continue reading Upcoming events THE CUMBERLAND COMMUNITY SINGERS present "Peace & Joy" from 7:30 p.m. at Orleans United Church, 1111 Orleans Blvd.. Come and join us for an uplifting evening filled with songs of peace and joy. This concert will feature new interpretations of traditional hymns and some newer less well known pieces that celebrate the beauty of Christmas. Bring the whole family - kids are free! Tickets available at https://bit.ly/CCSPeaceandJoy. STATION 71 LITE THE NITE event at 7 p. m. at the Navan Fire Station, 1246 Colonial Rd. Come out to enjoy some yummy hot chocolate and cookies while listening to Christmas carolers and watching Sparky light our Christmas tree. You can also bring a toy for the Help Santa Toy Parade. CUMBERLAND CHRISTMAS MARKET from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at four different locations in Cumberland Village. Over 100 LOCAL ARTISANS at 4 different locations the R. J. Kennedy Arena, the Baitun Naseer Mosque at 2620 Market St., the Lions Maple Hall at 2557 Old Montreal Rd., and the Da Artisti Studio & Gallery at 2565 Old Montreal Rd. BREAKFAST WITH SANTA FUNDRAISER hosted by the Cumberland Lions Club from 8 a.m. to 12 noon at the Lions Maple Hall in Cumberland Village. Special activities, and gifts, for the children throughout the morning, plus a visit from Santa. Admission at the door $15 for adults and $10 for childen 12 and under. Donations will also be accepted on site for the Orleans-Cumberland Community Resource Centre's Christmas Program for families in need. DOMAINE PERRAULT HOLIDAY MARKET from 10:30 a.m to 3:30 p.m. at the Domaine Perrault Winery, 1000 Perrault Rd. just south of Navan. Get ready to indulge in a festive atmosphere filled with local vendors, live music, kids craft station, a visit from Santa and of course, incredible wine. Whether you're searching for unique gifts or simply want to treat yourself, this event has something for everyone. Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union opened applications Thursday for the Seventh Annual Idea Leap Grant competition in which the credit union will award a total of $225,000 in grants to local small business owners across its 17-county service area. Once again, TVFCU will host separate competitions in the Chattanooga, Ocoee and Northwest Georgia areas, awarding grants between $10,000 and $30,000 to entrepreneurs.Our Idea Leap Grant program has been very impactful to the small business communities in our region, said Tommy Nix, vice president of business and commercial services.To date, weve provided over $485,000 in grants and scholarships to dozens of entrepreneurs in the area through this initiative. Now, were working to make the program even more beneficial by offering a total investment of $225,000 into the small business ecosystem.Applications are open online until 5 p.m. on Dec. 18, and all submissions will be reviewed in collaboration with independent panels of community volunteers in each region.TVFCU will announce quarterfinalists for each competition on Jan. 12, 2024. Semifinalists will be selected in February based on video submissions and site visits. Then, the community will select one finalist in each contest via Peoples Choice Voting. The other finalists in each competition will be selected by their respective panel of community judges.During National Small Business Week 2024, April 28 through May 4, TVFCU will host a pitch night in each region where the finalists will present themselves, their businesses and their plans for growth in front of the judges and the general public. At each of these pitch competitions, the First Place prize is $30,000, the Second Place prize is $15,000 and three Runners-Up will receive $10,000 each.Each small business owner may only apply for one of the three competitions, and they are asked to apply in the primary region in which their business operates and provides most of their goods and/or services. To apply, the small business must have between two and 25 employees (including the owner), annual revenue may not exceed $2.5 million and the business must be based within TVFCUs 17-county service area.TVFCU is a not-for-profit financial cooperative, so were able to place a powerful emphasis on reinvesting funds back into the communities we serve, said Todd Fortner, president and CEO. In fact, proceeds from our Idea Leap Loans, which were created specifically to assist emerging small businesses, help fund the Idea Leap Grant each year. We are grateful for this opportunity to support entrepreneurs, bolster our local economy, help create fulfilling new jobs and aid small businesses as they build innovative new products and services within the community.The Idea Leap Grant, which started in 2018, is an extension of the credit unions Idea Leap Loan Initiative that was created specifically for small businesses in 2016. To date, TVFCU has funded more than $5 million in loans to emerging and early-stage businesses through the loan initiative.Visit tvfcu.com/IdeaLeapGrant for business eligibility, rules, timeline, past event recaps, frequently asked questions and the application. Submit your application from now until 5 p.m. on Dec. 18. Southern Adventist University invites the community to attend the School of Musics annual Christmas Concert.The Symphony Orchestra with the Bel Canto, Die Meistersinger and I Cantori choirs will perform Handels Messiah, conducted by Laurie Redmer Cadwallader, on Saturday, Dec. 9 at 4 p.m. in Collegedale Church of Seventh-day Adventists on campus, 4829 College Drive East in Collegedale.This free event is open to the public and will be livestreamed.For additional details, visit southern.edu/musicevents or call 423-236-2880. Lost in Transit, a new restaurant and bar, will be opening at 43 Station St., the space formerly occupied by The Blue Light. The Blue Light was before the beer board many times and for many violations during the couple of years it was open and eventually lost its license to sell beer. Jason Bowers, owner of the new business, said there will be shifting priorities in that space. Lost in Transit will be a cool bar and a nice restaurant. All servers will be trained in alcohol sales by the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission. (TABC), said Mr. Bowers. There will be licensed security guards at every door, and the age is limited to 21 and older after 9 p.m. It is a large space of 16,000 square feet, but he said he is not anticipating packing it up. Beer Board Member Ron Smith told him that the board is very familiar with that address and its history of violations and rowdy behavior including people climbing over railings to get in the back doors. Mr. Bowers responded, Its a matter of the business that you run. People dont generally climb in windows at a restaurant, he said. Mr. Bowers also owns The Bitter Alibi bar and restaurant at 825 Houston St. that has been open for 10 years. Lost in Transit was given a consumer and carry-out beer license with a unanimous vote of approval. Jacob Mundy and Tyler Brett Allen are opening a second restaurant/bar. The new Outpost Bar and Restaurant will be at 342 Main St., where Heaven and Ale Brewing was previously located. The two also own and operate the Base Camp at 346 Frazier Ave. in North Chattanooga that has been open for six years. When applying for a beer license for the Base Camp, they told the board that the food will be similar to what is served at Base Camp but this location will have a full bar staffed with all TABC-trained servers. The occupancy level for the restaurant/bar is 113 including employees. Hours will be from 4-10 p.m. week days, from 4-11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and from 4-9 p.m. on Sundays. There is an outdoor patio seating area and the owners were warned to maintain control outside and to be considerate of the neighbors. The beer board approved a consumer/carry-out beer permit for the business. Eight Mapco Express stores in Chattanooga have new owners, Marvin and Dustin Hewatt. Five of those locations, which have changed ownership, were approved for a carry-out beer license at the meeting of the beer board on Thursday. The locations of those stores are 6120 Highway 58, 9101 Lee Highway, 8126 E. Brainerd Road, 1933 Hamill Road and 6200 Lee Highway. Three more stores were bought by the Hewatts. A special beer board meeting will be held on Thursday, Nov. 30, to hear those applications. Until they are permitted the stores can be open but will not be allowed to sell beer. Another convenience/gas store has also changed ownership, which requires a new beer license. The Raceway located at 2528 Broad St. was approved for a carry-out permit. That store has been open 12-15 years, said new owner Saurin Patel. The new store owners are a franchisee of the Raceway stores. One of Lees Gateway classes with Santa and Mrs. Claus during the Pack n Stack event held on Lees campus Edouard Ndecky, who received an Operation Christmas Child box as a child, giving encouraging words to Lee freshmen as they prepare to pack boxes Students packing an Operation Christmas Child box for a child in need Previous Next Six hundred and eighty-five new Lee University students, Gateway class instructors, and peer leaders participated in the annual Operation Christmas Child Pack n Stack service event in the Paul Dana Walker Arena. During the event, students packed shoeboxes filled with items that they purchased in the weeks leading up to Pack n Stack. Over the past 26 years, Lee has collected 47,237 boxes for OCC. This year, students packed over 750 boxes. Lee University is grateful for the opportunity to support the work of Operation Christmas Child for the past 25 years, said Alex Staup, director of student engagement. Thanks to the passion and efforts of our students, staff, and faculty during that time, we have been blessed to play a part in bringing good news and great joy to children around the world." Dr. Lorinda Roberts, coordinator of First Year Programs at Lee, opened Pack n Stack by congratulating the students for a successful first semester at Lee and introducing Santa and Mrs. Claus, who were available for pictures during the event. Participants also heard from Edouard Ndecky, who received an OCC shoebox as a child growing up in Senegal and encouraged the students as they prepared to pack their boxes. During the week of Pack n Stack, Mr. Ndecky spoke at a chapel service. His family was committed to ministry and was often only able to afford one meal per day, slept on floors, and worked many side jobs to make ends meet. When he was 14, he received his OCC box, complete with a bar of soap, a toothbrush, and a yo-yo. During the service, Mr. Ndecky explained how the box changed his life as it opened the door for him to grow in his faith and share that faith with everyone around him. Lee's First Year Programs and Gateway classes love partnering with the Operation Christmas Child organization for our final service project of the year, said Dr. Roberts. It has become a tradition for freshmen students to gather to provide hope and the love of Christ through the simple packing of a shoebox filled with goodies. The energy and excitement cannot be contained as new students gather to celebrate this joyous occasion. The mission of Samaritans Purse Operation Christmas Child is to fill as many shoebox-sized boxes as possible with Christmas gifts to be distributed to children in need around the world. For more information about Operation Christmas Child, visit www.samaritanspurse.org/. 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Register to experience the Scenic City with Five Wits today! Register here. No cost. Nov. 30, Chamber Councils Chatts - Business Safety 3:30-5 p.m. Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce (3rd Floor): 811 Broad St. Join the Chamber as we host Steve Brookes with Downtown Chattanooga Alliance and the Chattanooga Police Department for our first Chamber Council-hosted Chamber Chatt. We will better understand the types of business crime happening in our city, what resources are currently available and what we can do about it. Register here. No cost RSVP as space is limited. Nov. 30, Ribbon Cutting for Market Street Partners 4-4:30 p.m. Market Street Partners: 715 Market St. Join the Chattanooga Chamber for a ribbon cutting event for Market Street Partners. December 1, Ooltewah/Collegedale Council First Friday Coffee Networking 8:30-9:30 a.m. Chestnut Hall @ The Commons in Collegedale: 4750 Swinyar Dr. Scooters coffee, doughnuts and some fantastic networking! Who could resist? Sponsor: Chambliss Center for Children No cost. The Creative Discovery Museum board of directors announced the appointment of Tim Sears as the organizations new president and CEO. Mr. Sears officially joined the team at CDM on Nov. 6, succeeding Henry Schulson who retired in September after 26 years of dedicated service. Mr. Sears comes to CDM after 12 years at Adventure Science Center in Nashville, where he began on the development team managing their annual fund and fundraising events. After being promoted and leading the development efforts, he became the director of operations in 2020, where he oversaw earned income and maintenance operations including admission, membership, guest services, retail and food service, facilities, and safety and security. Prior to his time in Nashville, Mr. Sears worked at the Jane Goodall Institute as part of the team managing all direct response fundraising efforts. After a deliberate nationwide search, we are thrilled to welcome Tim to Chattanooga and the CDM team, said Patrick Stowe, chair of the search committee and former CDM Board Chair. We believe Tims experience, energy, and shared passion for CDMs mission are a few of the qualities that make him the right person to take on the leadership of this beloved organization. The search process was spearheaded by a committee comprised of current and past CDM board members and was facilitated nationally by Nashville-based ThinkingAhead Executive Search, a boutique firm with a leading non-profit practice. ThinkingAhead enabled broad engagement with CDMs staff and other key partners and supporters to ensure their input in the process. CDM is a staple of the Chattanooga community, and it has been a privilege to watch its continued growth and success over the years under Henry Schulsons leadership, said current CDM Chair of the board of directors, Christie Kizer Burbank. As a board, we are excited for the next chapter of CDMs legacy and believe Tim is the best fit to lead the dedicated staff and volunteers into this bright future. Mr. Sears steps into his role at a pivotal moment for CDM, with the organization celebrating significant achievements. Those include the record-breaking $138,000 raised at this years AmuseUm fundraiser, the highest-ever membership base of nearly 6,000 member households, and projected record attendance by year-end. These milestones follow the successful Ignite Discovery capital campaign, which secured $12.5 million for comprehensive renovations of the Museums nearly 30-year-old building. My family and I are so excited to join the CDM team and Chattanooga community, said Mr. Sears. It is a great honor to follow the rich legacy of Henry Schulson, and I look forward to building upon the museums success and service. Creative Discovery Museum is a jewel in Chattanoogas vibrant downtown with a talented and passionate team. Im grateful to work alongside them as well as meet all the donors, members, and community partners that make the museum a hub for cross-generational learning and fun. We look forward to experiencing the museum through our daughters eyes. Mr. Sears holds a B.S. in Biology from Emory University and a masters degree in museum studies from Johns Hopkins University. He also recently served on the board at the Phoenix Club of Nashville, a nonprofit with the dual mission of benefiting under-served youth in Middle Tennessee and developing members into leaders in their community and in business. Prince William is used to having tough questions thrown at him from fans. But when someone asked about his bank account, even the future king was a bit caught off guard. Prince William has made too many royal appearances through the years to even count. The Prince of Wales is often out and about on behalf of the royal family, and in his interactions, he frequently runs into children. Being a father of three little ones himself, William understands that kids dont always have the filters that their parents likely wish they did. While William always knows how to politely react to young kids, there was a recent moment where the prince seemed a bit caught off guard after a young fan asked the royal how much money he has in his bank account. Prince William talks to children at a royal event in 2023 | Oli Scarff/WPA Pool/Getty Images Prince William was caught off guard when a child asked how much money he has A massive part of Williams job is interacting with the public; he is meant to be an advocate for various organizations around the United Kingdom and the world, and as a result, he makes frequent visits to different parts of the UK. While visiting Moss Side in Manchester, William had the chance to interact with young kids. And when William pledged to donate nearly $125,000 to help eliminate violence involving the youth, an 11-year-old boy had one burning question: how much does the prince have in his bank account? William seemed a bit thrown off by the question, but he laughed and had a quick response, with Express reporting that the prince said he has no idea how much money is in his account. Of course, he likely does have an idea, but he certainly wasnt going to let the whole room know. Prince William speaks with people in 2023 | Anthony Devlin/Getty Images Prince William often has cheeky interactions with people he meets This isnt the first time William has had to come up with an off-the-cuff response to an interesting situation. At a recent royal engagement, William had to react quickly when a man joked about his wifes looks; William changed the subject but laughed along with the man. And in Singapore, William found himself in a silly situation with a baby when the little girl unexpectedly started biting his finger. He laughed along with her mom, and the situation eventually resolved itself. William has three kids of his own, so he is certainly used to little ones saying and doing unexpected things. Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis have been caught in similar situations at times, including when Charlotte stuck her tongue out at a public event because she didnt fully understand that cameras would capture her every move. Louis once covered his mothers mouth in public, also blissfully unaware of the media fanfare it would create; hes been caught making flustered faces and covering his ears during noisy events, too. Still, part of Williams job is interacting with the public, so he has become pretty good with off-the-cuff responses to unexpected situations. However, in the bank account situation, it seems William couldnt think of anything other than to say he doesnt know how much money he has, but at least he was able to laugh it off. For the first time in space, scientists have produced a mixture of two quantum gases made of two types of atoms. Accomplished with NASAs 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, Universtiy 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 the Nov. 16 issue of the journal 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 in like 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 Labs new capability. These types of molecules likely dont occur in nature, but its 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 whats possible on Earth. Doing so, they might learn whether theres a point where gravity doesnt treat all matter equally, indicating the general theory of relativity contains an (albeit small) error. The equivalence principle is part of Albert Einsteins 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 dont 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 Einsteins 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). World leader in ultracold quantum physics Scientists at Leibniz University Hannover are among the leading international experts in quantum research at extremely low temperatures - both on Earth and in space. The "Cold Atoms in Space" topical group of the Cluster of Excellence QuantumFrontiers, for example, is developing new ideas for fundamental quantum physics. At the Very Long Baseline Atom Interferometer and Einstein Elevator facilities, ultracold atoms are the central element for groundbreaking experiments in atom optics with applications in high-accuracy absolute gravimetry and tests of fundamental physics. Scientists from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) and Durapower Technology Singapore Pte Ltd have developed a cloud-based technology that can greatly enhance the lifespan and safety of lithium-ion batteries. NTU Asst Prof Hung Dinh Nguyen (left) and Durapower CEO Mr Kelvin Lim (right) in the container-sized energy storage solution testbed, which contains DuraPower Li-ion batteries. Asst Prof Hung is holding a laptop showing the cloud-based AI-powered platform jointly developed by NTU and Durapower to predict battery performance, extending the life of Li-ion batteries and lowering the risk of fire. NTU Singapore As the global shift towards renewable energy and electric vehicles (EVs) accelerates, the demand for efficient, safe and sustainable batteries has become a pressing concern. Similarly, with the rise in cloud computing, the demand for energy storage systems for data centres has been growing. Powered by the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), this new solution can help companies and data centres lower the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries, including potential fire hazards, particularly in hot and humid climates like Singapore. Led by NTU Assistant Professor Hung Dinh Nguyen and Durapower CEO Mr Kelvin Lim, this research project is supported by the Energy Market Authority (EMA) and the National Research Foundation, Singapore (NRF), under the Research, Innovation and Enterprise (RIE) 2020 Plan. Over the last four years, the joint team developed a Fire & Explosion Management System (FXMS), which utilises Digital Twin technology where a virtual replica of an actual battery is created to mirror the one in real life offering high-accuracy, real-time monitoring, as well as predictions of battery conditions up to five years. The FXMS can provide regular monitoring of which battery pack is likely to fail and can predict when will be a good time to replace it, with up to 95 per cent accuracy, up to over six months in future. Currently, it is being tested in a container-sized energy storage solution on the NTU Smart Campus. The team estimates that their patent-pending technology can help to extend the lifespan of lithium-ion batteries by more than 50 per cent, significantly reducing carbon emission through the reduction of battery waste, as batteries require a lot of resources and energy to manufacture. Asst Prof Hung Dinh Nguyen, who is the Cluster Director of Renewables Integration & Microgrids at the Energy Research Institute at NTU (ERI@N), explained, Our main aim is to enhance the safety and efficiency of large-scale energy storage systems and Electric Vehicles, as a single faulty cell can spark off a chemical fire that is extremely hard to put out. Since our technology is cloud-based, it is scalable and can easily be adapted for consumer electronics such as mobility devices, laptops and mobile phones, helping the batteries to last longer and in the long run, reduce electronic waste and carbon footprint, Chief Executive Officer of Durapower Group, Mr Kelvin Lim commented, With the global mandate for sustainability, smart mobility, and a carbon neutral future, were seeing widespread adoption of energy storage systems and uptake of EVs. The development of a customisable software platform like FXMS furthers efforts towards robust and comprehensive digital infrastructure based on Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence to capture increasingly complex battery and energy usage in the EV market. The outcomes from this joint initiative with the EMA, NTU and Durapower on FXMS will enable better decisions based on data and analytics, facilitating optimal battery health, performance, and longevity. NTU Vice President (Industry) Professor Lam Khin Yong, said the collaboration between NTU and Durapower demonstrates how new technology in the green economy can be pioneered through a strong academia-industry partnership supported by the Singapore government. NTU has a strong track record in working closely with leading industry players, to develop innovations that can meet the key challenges in their sector. Combining our deep expertise in areas such as sustainability, battery technology and deep tech like IoT and AI, with Durapowers industry knowledge and experience, we can propel innovation quicker and boost the competitiveness of our local SMEs globally in fast-rising industries such as EVs and energy storage systems. Digital Twins, which are virtual replicas of facilities or objects in the real world, are a pivotal development in the Infocomm industry, as it enables more effective and safer decision-making through AI recommendations. It is also a research area strongly supported by the NTU 2025 Strategic Plan, under its Innovation & Entrepreneurship initiative launched earlier this year. In the case of large battery storage systems like those used for renewable energy grids or data centres, the digital twin allows for the direct management of batteries, such as rerouting electrical load to prolong the life of weaker batteries or to temporarily stop the use of a battery pack until it can be replaced. As battery packs age, such as those in EVs, they are commonly used for second-life applications such as energy storage and finally be recycled into new lithium-ion batteries. The ERI@N is currently developing solutions for all aspects of battery storage, from battery management systems to the manufacturing of batteries. Retrospective exhibit at the Cherokee Nation Anna Mitchell Cultural & Welcome Center honors the late Cherokee National Treasure Bill Rabbit. The exhibit is on display from Nov. 17 through May 12. Sara Hill, a former Cherokee Nation attorney general, speaks Nov. 15 to the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee in Washington, D.C., regarding her nomination as a federal judge in Oklahoma. The sale of Cherokee Nation motor vehicle tags benefits schools, roads and law enforcement within the reservation. Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 In northern Britain, archaeologists have unearthed a 5,000-year-old tomb with fourteen skeletons buried inside it. The skeletons were a mix of men, women, and children. Two of them were positioned as if they were locked in an embrace. The tomb consisted of stone walls and was accessed through a long passageway. It was first discovered in 1896 when a farmers son was digging around his familys land in Orkney, a group of islands off the northeastern coast of Scotland. He uncovered traces of walling, a stone mace head and ball, and the remains of eight individuals. The findings were reported in a local newspaper, but the significance of the site went unrecognized, especially since the upper stones of the structure were used to construct a nearby building during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. The building was demolished about a decade ago. In 2020, Dr. Hugo Anderson-Whymark, senior curator of prehistory at the National Museums Scotland, came across the newspaper clipping while doing archival research and was inspired to track down the tomb. He led the excavation at the site, along with Vicki Cummings, a professor of neolithic archaeology at Cardiff University. Over a period of three weeks, researchers dug into the ground of the flattened and overgrown site, slowly revealing the outline of a circular shape connected to a chamber containing six rooms. The tomb was about 49 feet in diameter and was built around 3000 B.C. It has been referred to as a Neolithic feat of engineering. The workers who built the tomb had made the stone walls in such a way that they grew narrower as they reached the top of the structure. The tomb wouldve been an immense feature in the landscape when it was originally constructed, and the stonework inside would have been very impressive, said Anderson-Whymark. Sign up for Chip Chicks newsletter and get stories like this delivered to your inbox. This piece was adapted from Russell Moores newsletter. Subscribe here. If any political idea in American life has proven itself over the past several years, I cant think of a better candidate than the horseshoe theorythe notion that, at their extremes, Left and Right bend toward each other, sometimes as to be almost indistinguishable. One of the ways we can see this is in a bleak and darkening view of the United States of America. The question is not so much whether extremists of the Right or Left seem to hate America these days as much as it is the question of why. Over 15 years ago, then-candidate for president Barack Obamas campaign was rocked by a videotape of sermons from Obamas pastor, Chicago preacher Jeremiah Wright, in which Wright spoke of the September 11 attacks in language reminiscent of that of Malcolm X after the John F. Kennedy assassination, as chickens coming home to roost. Wright denounced the idea of God bless America, replacing it with instead a call of God damn America. The controversy proved to have no staying powernot because most Americans would agree with Wright but because almost no one really believed that Obama himself held to such views. In fact, Obama repudiated his pastor and left the church. Wrights bleak view of America was not unusual for a specific strand of the further reaches of the American Left, at least since the Vietnam era. Counter-culture protesters, after all, once burned American flags and referred to the country as Amerika, equating the United States with an imperialist dictatorship. In more recent years, some initiatives such as the 1619 Project have gone beyond the well-established truth that slavery and systemic racial injustice were the original sin and ongoing struggle of the United States. They argue that slavery is, in fact, what the founding was actually about in the first placetherefore making American racism unaccountable to the ideals of the Declaration of Independence and rendering it irredeemable. If this is a culture war, then one would expect the Right to defend such traditional values as patriotism of the America: Love It or Leave It variety. And yet, we see, if anything, an even bleaker view of America from the more radicalized sectors of the populist Right. Damon Linker detailed the dark worldview articulated by the illiberal intellectuals of the Right, prompting New York Times columnist Paul Krugman to ask, Why Does the Right Hate America? The concept of a Flight 93 view of an American project that should have its cockpit charged and plummeted to the earth is indeed quite a bit of a change from Its Morning Again in America. Article continues below Indeed, the sort of Christian language of the United States as slouching toward Gomorrah or as a new Babylon sounds more fitting for a leftist critique of American imperialism than for those who once heralded a kind of civil religion that seemed to confuse, if not merge, piety with Americanism. I found myself asking not long ago, How did the God and country Christians become so unpatriotic? Why do so many self-proclaimed Christian nationalists seem to hate their own nation? Why do many progressives seem dismissive of any progress? This actually should not perplex us. Psychologists have a category for disordered personalities that idealize and then discard. The person whose spouse is expected to meet all spiritual, emotional, and physical needsto be the perfect soulmateis usually headed for divorce. The parents who build their entire lives around their childrens accomplishments usually end up estranged from them, or even hating them. We cannot love that which is important but not ultimate if we expect it to be ultimate. Thats what idolatry always does. We expect our idols to fulfill meanings and purposes they never can. When they disappoint us, we tend to reject and rage against them before seeking some other idol where we repeat the process. A progressive with a view of an upwardly moving and utopian future will ultimately resent anything short of utopiaeven if it is an engine so uniquely conducive to justice and human flourishing as liberal democracy. And a conservative with an idealized view of a golden age of the past will soon come to resent an era that doesnt live up to the illusion. The Messiahs who dont live up to our expectations of them are quickly tossed aside for the Barabbases whom we believe will. The American founders were not the Christian models that some forms of Christian propaganda (otherwise known as lies) have told us. These same founders were not the cartoon supervillains that other forms of propaganda would characterize them to be either. They were sinners who aspired to something they never lived up toand that we dont live up to either. The genius was that they didnt seek to wipe away those tensions. Article continues below E. B. Whiteauthor of Charlottes Web and Stuart Littletaught an entire generation of Americans grammar and the craft of writing. Many of us had our high-school term papers marked up for deviating from the Strunk and White Elements of Style. In 1936 White argued that not only was the United States Constitution not a sacred document but that it isnt even a grammatical one. White noted that We, the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union is language meant to turn many a grammarians stomach, perfection being a state which does not admit of degree. Something is either perfect or imperfect. It cant be more perfect or less perfect. In this one case, though, White was willing to sacrifice the rules. A meticulous draughtsman would have written simply in order to form a perfect uniona thing our forefathers didnt dare predict, even for the sake of grammar. A Christian view of humanity should free us to differentiate between a claim to perfection and an aspiration to that which is more perfect. Every era is shot through with grace, and every era since Eden falls short of the glory of God. We can love our parents or our children or our spouses not in spite of the fact that they are flawed but precisely because they are not intended to be our gods. We can, those of us who are Americans, love Americawith all of its flaws and failuresprecisely because we dont expect it to be the kingdom of God. Christian nationalism can never end in patriotism because it confuses the ultimate and the proximate. Progressive utopianism can never result in patriotism because it does the same. Genuinely kingdom-first Christianity, though, can and should free us from nationalism, nativism, and perfectionism to truly love God and country, because we know the difference between the two. Russell Moore is the editor in chief at Christianity Today and leads its Public Theology Project. Home Politics Pro-life groups accuse abortion advocates of pushing 'dishonest' ballot proposal in Nebraska Pro-life groups have voiced their opposition to a proposed ballot measure that would establish a constitutional right to abortion in Nebraska, calling it a "dishonest" source of "confusion" that "endangers pregnant women." On Wednesday, language for a proposed constitutional amendment that would establish a right to abortion in Nebraska became public. The amendment would create "a fundamental right to abortion until fetal viability," a point it defines as "the point in pregnancy when, in the professional judgment of the patient's treating health care practitioner, there is a significant likelihood of the fetus's sustained survival outside the uterus without the application of extraordinary medical measures." The Nebraska-based pro-choice coalition Protect Our Rights is working to collect the required signatures for the proposed amendment to make the ballot in time for next year's general election. Coalition members include the ACLU of Nebraska, I Be Black Girl, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Nebraska, the Women's Fund of Omaha and Nebraska Appleseed. The proposal would enable women to obtain abortions after the point of viability "when needed to protect the life or health of the pregnant patient, without interference from the state or its political subdivisions." If approved, it would have the effect of nullifying the current Nebraska abortion law, which bans abortions after 12 weeks gestation. "There are many reasons why someone may make the deeply personal decision to have an abortion," the coalition insists on its webpage. "Most Nebraskans agree that the government should not be involved in personal decisions that are better left to patients, their faith, and their health care providers. Nebraskans deserve the right to make their own decisions about pregnancy and abortion." The pro-life organization Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America contends the developments in Nebraska are part of a "nationally coordinated effort by the abortion industry and their allies to remove all rights from the unborn, health protections for women and parental rights." "Nebraska's law currently allows abortion throughout the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, but that isn't enough for the abortion industry and activists who are trying to write second- and third-trimester abortions into our constitution. This amendment would allow for abortion until the moment of birth," warned Nebraska Right to Life Executive Director Sandy Danek. "This ballot measure is not pro-choice, it's pro-abortion, and it does not reflect the values of Nebraskans." Adam Schwend, western regional director for Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, pushed back on some assertions made by the proposed amendment's biggest proponents. "Right out of the gate, those behind this ballot measure are parroting the lies told by pro-abortion activists in Ohio by saying women are dying without this amendment," Schwend said. "Their claim that Nebraska does not have an adequate life of the mother provision is completely dishonest." "The confusion they're sowing does not just deceive voters but endangers pregnant women in Nebraska who need to know that state law unequivocally allows for them to receive emergency care," he added. Paige Brown, spokeswoman for the Nebraska Catholic Conference, said, "the lie Planned Parenthood is selling that it is in a mother's best interest to end her baby's life at 12 weeks and beyond is appalling and goes against the science, which shows women are increasingly at risk for complications with abortions beyond the first trimester." Brown noted how, in addition to having the ability to determine the sex of the baby and whether or not the unborn child looks more like their mother or father at 12 weeks gestation, "a baby's major organs have formed and his or her heart has beat over 10 million times." Nebraska Family Alliance Executive Director Karen Browning claims the proposed amendment would lead to the "evisceration of parental rights" and should be "something that will concern every mom and dad in Nebraska." "Under this extreme amendment, a girl who is not old enough to get her ears pierced or get a tattoo on her own will be able to obtain an abortion without a parent ever knowing," she said. "Women and children deserve real compassionate care, not lies from the abortion industry." Last week, Ohio voters approved a constitutional amendment establishing a right to abortion in the state constitution. Ohio voters approved Issue 1 in a 57%-43% vote last week, making it the first state that supported Republican Donald Trump in the 2020 presidential election to enact a right to abortion. If approved, Nebraska would become the most Republican-leaning state to have a constitutional right to abortion. While neighboring Kansas voted against a "Value Them Both" amendment that would have removed the right to abortion from the state constitution, voters never approved establishing a right to abortion in the first place. The Kansas Supreme Court determined that the state constitution contains a right to abortion in a 2019 decision. Other states where voters have approved amending the constitution to include a right to abortion voted for President Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential election: California, Michigan and Vermont. Pro-abortion advocates have a long way to go until they find out if proposed amendment will make it onto Nebraska's general election ballot in the 2024 election. According to Ballotpedia, which keeps track of requirements for citizen-initiated referendums in the states that allow them, the number of required signatures in Nebraska is "tied to the number of registered voters in the state as of the deadline for filing signatures." This means petitioners won't know how many signatures are required until signatures are submitted for verification. Advocates have until July 5 to submit the required number of supporting signatures, which must add up to at least 10% of the state's total number of registered voters. The Lincoln Journal Star estimates it will take at least 122,000 signatures to ensure that the pro-abortion ballot measure can appear before voters next year. The outlet clarified that state law requires those spearheading ballot measures to collect signatures from at least 5% of registered voters in at least 38 of Nebraska's 93 counties. Nebraska is one of 25 states that have implemented pro-life protections in some form since the U.S. Supreme Court's Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization decision, which determined that the U.S. Constitution does not contain a right to abortion. In a phone call with members of the media last month, Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America identified Arizona, Florida, Idaho, Missouri, North Dakota, Oklahoma and South Dakota as other states where pro-abortion advocates are working to put ballot questions that would establish a right to abortion before voters. Home Opinion Defending America's priceless heritage by defending the Jews As I write this column, I continue to be profoundly shocked by the malignant eruptions of corrosive anti-Semitism across the landscape of our nation. When I see substantial throngs of Americans chanting Gas the Jews and Globalize the intifada in New York City, or anywhere else for that matter, I am shocked in a way I have personally never been shocked before. If I had not seen it and heard it with my own eyes and ears, I would not have believed it. And frankly, virtually every Jewish friend and acquaintance I am privileged to know feels the same way. And who can blame them? Someone very close to me once told me, Richard, something unimaginable and terrible has never happened to you. It has happened to me when my father was diagnosed with brain cancer and died when I was 17. When it happens to you, you never feel quite the same security again. In the collective memory of every Jew is the 20th centurys Holocaust murder of 6 million Jews. When that has happened to your people, you know the unimaginable can happen. It did! How could this rise in anti-Semitism be happening in America? After all, America, to her credit, has been different in her treatment of Jews. In 1790, even before the passage of the Constitutions First Amendment defending religious freedom, Americas first president, George Washington, visited a Jewish synagogue in Newport, Rhode Island. Subsequently, he wrote a letter to the synagogues membership declaring the right of everyone to worship as they choose, not as a matter of tolerance, but as a fundamental human right. President Washington closed the letter with the following benediction: May the children of the Stock of Abraham, who dwell in this land, continue to merit and enjoy the goodwill of all the other inhabitants; while everyone shall sit in safety under his own vine and fig tree, and there shall be none to make him afraid. Has America been perfect in practice and in principle on this issue? No, she has not always lived up to her noble ideals. However, as former Senator and Vice Presidential candidate Joseph Lieberman observed several years ago: This is a country founded by Christians, a majority whose citizens are Christians. But those rights to life, liberty and a pursuit of happiness, which we have as the endowment of our Creator, have been given to everybody. So, this is a nation that the majority of which is Christian. I will say to you as a Jewish American that I believe in the 5,765 years of Jewish history, there has never been a country, other than Israel during certain times of its history, which has given Jews more freedom. Thats the glory of this country and, frankly, the grace and gift of the Christians who founded the country. (Joseph Lieberman, Faith in America, on Meet the Press, March 20, 2005). This is the glorious heritage bequeathed to us by our forefathers, and it is up to us as Americans to protect it and to pass it on unsullied and undiminished to our children and our grandchildren. As freedom-loving Americans, we must insist that our federal government understand and act upon the fact that the true culprit in the Middle East is the Islamic Republic of Iran. The terrorists who staged the heinous attacks on Israel on Oct. 7 trained for their mission in Iran. The mullahs in Iran are the spiritual and financial sponsors of Hamas, Hezbollah and all the other malicious actors stirring up genocide against the Jews in the Middle East and make no mistake about it, it is genocide. Dr. Quanta A. Ahmed described his experience helping with the orderly handling of the corpses of the victims of Oct. 7th in his commentary The Scenes of Genocide I Saw in Israeli Morgues" in The Wall Street Journal. I examined bodies and ashes, incinerated teeth and bones. I saw toddlers, teens and adults, young and old, many of them bound, tortured and burned alive. One word continually came to mind: genocide. No matter how it emerges, the monster is easy to recognize. As a doctor, I had a rare and panoramic view of the aftermath: the targeted peoples long, agonizing journey to death." Describing the horrors he has witnessed previously in northwestern Pakistan, Kurdistan and other ISIS atrocities, Dr. Ahmed asserted that the Oct. 7 attack was more savage and barbaric than anything before it and that Islamism is a virulent imposter of Islam with intentions anathema to the faith. Israel has no choice. Hamas is committed to the genocide of the Jewish people. How can you make peace when your next-door neighbor is fanatically committed to murdering you and your family? Islamism is the ideology driving this human catastrophe. As Dr. Ed Husain, a professor at Georgetowns School of Foreign Service, pointed out in an op-ed in The Wall Street Journal, Islamism (as opposed to Islam) was incubated in Egypt in the 1920s and departed from previous Islamic traditions. The Muslim Brotherhood formulated the following declaration of faith: God is our objective. The Prophet is our political leader. The Quran is our constitution. Jihad is our method. Martyrdom is our aspiration. As Dr. Husain observed, no Muslim before the 20th century would have belittled his faiths sacred text by regarding it as a political manifesto. Islamism is a blood cult that has arisen within Islam with barbaric embodiments such as Hamas. And this Islamic cult has no compunction about murdering any and all Muslims who reject their heinous vision of the future. In fact, to date, they have killed more of their fellow Muslims than any other group of victims. And Iran is the great enabler. Our government must take the necessary measures to take away Irans ability and will to continue the financing of genocide against the Jews in Israel and anti-Semitism everywhere it rears its malignant head. It is often said, When people tell you who they are, believe them! Irans mullahs and their Hamas clients have shown us who they are by word and deed. We need to believe them and unite to defeat them so they can no longer poison the minds, twist the souls and destroy the bodies of more generations of people in the Middle East Jewish and Gentile. The Israelis are fighting for the fundamental human rights of everyone in the Middle East, including the Palestinians, and we should support them in every way we can. If the Israelis prevail, everyone in the Middle East will have a better future. If the Iranian mullahs win, everyones future will be grotesquely bleak. Home Entertainment Antonio Banderas says 'Journey to Bethlehem' impacted him spiritually, is open to more biblical roles For award-winning actor Antonio Banderas, playing the evil King Herod in the nativity musical Journey to Bethlehem not only allowed him to explore a notoriously biblical dark character but reminded him of the heartbeat of Christianity: love. In an interview with The Christian Post, the 63-year-old Spanish actor and director reflected on the challenges of playing King Herod, who, according to the Gospel of Matthew, ordered the execution of all male infants in Bethlehem in an attempt to kill the baby Jesus, whom he saw as a threat to his throne. In the Journey to Bethlehem version, Herod orders his son (for King and Country's Joel Smallbone) to find and eliminate the unwed pregnant woman carrying the prophesied baby. I tried to understand him from a humanistic point of view, Banderas said. I tried to laugh at myself doing this horrendous man who only believes in himself; he doesnt even believe in his son. He has the power to do bad. He can snap his fingers and kill somebody. Hes the evil side of the movie. Directed by former "Glee" music producer Adam Anders, "Journey to Bethlehem" also stars Fiona Palomo as Mary and Milo Manheim as Joseph, Lecrae as the Angel Gabriel, as well as Geno Segers, Omid Djalili, Rizwan Manji, Moriah and Stephanie Gil. The film follows the origin story of Mary and Joseph as they fall in love and grapple with the challenges that come with God choosing the young virgin to carry His son, Jesus, into the world. A live-action musical retelling of the story of Jesus' birth, the film weaves Christmas melodies with new pop songs. One of the most rousing musical number is Good to be King, performed by Banderas. For the actor, performing in a musical felt natural: He recently founded the musical theater company Teatro del Soho and opened the Teatro del Soho CaixaBank theater in Malaga, which has already produced several musicals. This movie gave me an opportunity to sing, which I love, he said. I love the genre of musical theater, which is what I'm doing these days in my theater in Malaga. And at the same time, it gave me the possibility to do comedy in a movie where that is actually very necessary. Banderas, who has won both Emmy and Tony Awards, said he appreciated the dual tones of the film: the comedic elements that provide relief and the sacredness of the story it unfolds. A devout Catholic, Banderas said participating in a film telling the greatest story ever told impacted him spiritually and reaffirmed to him the central Christian tenet of love. I believe in the simple words of Jesus: love. If you practice that, with everybody in everyday life, the world will be a better place. The actor shared how the warmth of the set, influenced by the film's Christian director and musician brothers Adam and Alex, served as a testament to the genuine faith that permeated the production. Anders previously told CP how he would open every day with prayer, asking for Gods guidance over the film. Theyre very committed Christians, and theyre good people, Banderas said of the filmmakers. They practice that; its not something that they say they are and then they are a completely different way. No, they treat people very beautifully, and the environment in the set was filled with that feeling. And it was a Christmas feeling even if we were shooting actually close to summer. Based on his experience with Journey to Bethlehem, the actor said hes open to starring in more films retelling stories from the Bible. The Bible is filled with amazing stories of every kind, he said. The Bible is one of the most complete books in the world in terms of stories of every color, of every dimension. It talks about hatred, love, betrayal and loyalty. There are a number of different stories in the Old Testament and in the New Testament, so I dont know if I'm called to do something like that. I am interested in it. A father himself, Banderas said hes proud to be part of a film that not only brings to life the story of Jesus birth but gives audiences an uplifting and clean cinematic option during the Christmas season. I enjoy this one very much, he said. Its so joyful, so clean. If my kids were 5, 6 years old, I would love to take them to see something like this on Christmas and take them home with a smile on their faces, and then they can ask questions about it throughout the day. Journey to Bethlehem is now showing in theaters nationwide. Home World Bethlehem cancels Christmas display to honor Palestinian 'martyrs' amid Israel-Hamas war There will be no Christmas display this year in the biblical town of Bethlehem. Festivities have been canceled in the town known as the birthplace of the Savior in the West Bank area in honor of Palestinian "martyrs." "Bethlehem Municipality crews announced the dismantling of Christmas decorations installed several years ago in the city's neighborhoods and removing all festive appearances in honor of the martyrs and in solidarity with our people in Gaza," the Bethlehem Municipality announced on Facebook Tuesday. That means for the first time since modern celebrations began, no Christmas trees or decorative lights will be on display in Bethlehem's Manger Square, said to be the location of the manger of Jesus following His birth. A municipal spokesman told media outlets the decision to dismantle the nativity scene and other customary Christmas decorations was made in light of "the general situation in Palestine" and the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. "People are not really into any celebration," the spokesperson was quoted as saying, according to Jerusalem Post. "They are sad, angry and upset. Our people in Gaza are being massacred and killed in cold blood." Israel has been at war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip since the terrorist organization launched an Oct. 7 surprise attack in southern Israel that killed about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted over 240 others. In response, Israel launched airstrikes and a ground offensive in Gaza, seeking to eradicate Hamas. Hamas has controlled the Gaza Strip since 2007. The Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry claims over 11,000 people, including thousands of minors, have been killed since the war began. The health authorities haven't distinguished between combatants and civilians in their death toll numbers. However, the United Nations World Health Organization voiced concern that women and children are "bearing the brunt" of the casualties. Amid calls for a ceasefire, Israel maintains it has the right to defend itself from further attacks by eliminating Hamas. Israel Defense Forces contend they are doing all they can to prevent civilian casualties and accuse Hamas of using civilians as human shields. A muted Christmas "mass and prayer" service will still be held in Bethlehem, a town of about 25,000 people roughly six miles south of Jerusalem. Over the years, the Christian population of Bethlehem has dwindled. The National Catholic Reporter notes that Bethlehem was 86% Christian in 1950. But in 2016, that figure stood at 12%. According to the Telegraph, the Christmas celebration in Bethlehem dates back at least as far as the early 20th century during British rule in the Palestine region. Journalist Assaf Gibor reports that some Christians in Bethlehem and Jerusalem are "angry at the Palestinian Authority" for the decision to suspend most Christmas celebrations. The Christians in Bethlehem and Jerusalem are angry at the Palestinian Authority after it decided that this year, the traditional Christmas celebrations will not take place as a sign of solidarity with the war in Gaza. In the square of the Basilica of the Nativity, the pic.twitter.com/27Fg4OZ0z0 assaf gibor (@assafgibor) November 15, 2023 The Church of the Nativity and Manger Square are but two popular sites in the ancient land where approximately 1 million pilgrims and foreign tourists come during the Christmas season. During the height of the pandemic, the Church of the Nativity, a site revered by Christians as the birthplace of Jesus Christ, and all other tourism and archaeological sites in the West Bank were shut down at least temporarily. Catherine Salgado, a journalist who contributes to PJ Media and other conservative outlets, criticized the decision to remove Christmas displays in Gaza. "Imagine the outcry if Jerusalem or Rome had sent crews to Muslim neighborhoods before Ramadan to remove Islamic symbols!" she wrote. "But even though Jews and Christians are the most persecuted religious groups and Islam is among the most intolerant of religions, don't expect global backlash and outrage." "What makes this Christmas cancellation so particularly disturbing is that it is in honor of the 'martyrs,' which is Palestinian double-speak for 'terrorists killed by Israelis,'" she continued. "The heinous Oct. 7 Hamas terrorist attack left hundreds of Israelis dead and forced Israeli authorities to come to grips with the reality that Arabs have been refusing peace in favor of trying to destroy Israel for decades, and they're not going to change their minds now." Home U.S. Bishop Lamor Whitehead thanks God for redemption as gunman who robbed church pleads guilty Bishop Lamor Whitehead, who was robbed at gunpoint of at least $1 million worth of jewelry while delivering a sermon at Leaders of Tomorrow International Churches in Brooklyn, New York, in July 2022, is thanking God after one of three suspects involved in the robbery pled guilty in court on Tuesday. The suspect, Say-Quan Pollack, 25, admitted to Judge William F. Kuntz II in Brooklyn federal court that he was an accomplice in the robbery caught on video, The New York Post reported. "I participated in a robbery, took another person's property, with a threat," Pollack said during a court hearing. The 25-year-old, who faced a maximum sentence of up to 20 years, pleaded guilty to one count of federal robbery for which he is expected to serve between 5.25 and 6.5 years in prison if he "clearly demonstrates acceptance of responsibility" for what he did according to court files. A second suspect, Juwan Anderson, who pleaded not guilty and is currently free on bond, could also accept a plea deal. A third suspect, identified as 41-year-old Shamar Leggette, is still on the run. A day after Pollack's sentencing, Whitehead, who faced significant questioning on social media about the robbery, praised God for redeeming him. "First, I just want to thank everybody. I want to thank every single body that has trusted the bishop, has trusted the God in me," Whitehead said in a video statement on Instagram. "Even though when everybody ridiculed me, and they made up all of these theories of how I set the robbery up of my church. One year later, we have a guilty plea," he said. "The young man Say-Quan Pollack, if you all see the video, the tall guy that came in the pulpit, with his gun. That was the first guy," Whitehead told his followers. "He pled guilty to the Hobbs Act robbery. And he pled guilty to coming into the church and robbing myself and my wife with a gun. He had to admit it in order for the judge to accept it. So we're moving forward, you all. God is amazing. And God always shows up and shows out when everybody turns their back on you. God is just amazing." Whitehead was in court for Pollack's plea with the chairman of his deacon board. He said the hearing made him relive the trauma of the robbery. "It was a very difficult time. I was sitting with my deacon, the chairman of the deacon board, Wendell. And he was sitting there with me. And I began to reflect on that day. I began to reflect on that day. And I began to relive that moment. And I thank God for peace," he said. "This has been a very traumatizing time because, as a leader, I watched the video, and I say, I should have did something. I knew that I did the right thing. But me being a leader and a man, I just felt that I could have did more." Whitehead faced criticism in the aftermath of the robbery from onlookers who claimed video of the incident made it feel like a staged event. The bishop, known for his flashy lifestyle, exploded on online media personality Larry Reid and his guest, Genesis Warren. During a Facebook Live interview, Whitehead said, "You can both kiss my a" after they joked that the robbery looked "Tyler Perryish." "It did look kind of Tyler Perryish to me," Warren told Reid, referring to the work of movie producer Tyler Perry. "I'm not saying that the pastor had anything to do with [it]; I don't know. Maybe someone that knows him had him set up because he said in one of the videos that they took one of the chains from him that was inside of his robe. Well, how would someone even know that that was there? So that made me think that it was someone that he knew." Two months after that interview, Whitehead filed $20 million defamation lawsuits against both Warren and Reid, claiming he lost church members and income after they allegedly painted him as a scammer and drug dealer. Home World Franklin Graham prays with Netanyahu; Samaritan's Purse donates 21 ambulances to Israel American Evangelical leader Franklin Graham, the son of legendary evangelist Billy Graham, met and prayed with Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday after visiting several kibbutzim left devastated by Hamas' Oct. 7 attack. Graham, who heads the international Evangelical humanitarian organization Samaritan's Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, told The Christian Post in a statement Thursday that it was a privilege to have met Netanyahu, adding that the prime minister needs prayer. "He is facing the most trying time since the birth of their nation with 1,200 people killed, more than 240 men, women, and children taken as hostages, and many injured in the Hamas attack," Graham stated. "As I spoke with a woman whose husband was taken hostage, the fear and heartache is overwhelming," he continued. "Pray for these hostages and their families, pray for Prime Minister Netanyahu, and pray for the peace of Jerusalem." After Hamas terrorists attacked civilian communities in southern Israel last month, Samaritan's Purse deployed a disaster relief team to the country and is working with more than 50 churches in Israel and Gaza. Samaritan's Purse also supports churches providing Palestinians with food and medicine. Samaritan's Purse says it provided Israel's first response service, Magen David Adom, with 21 ambulances after Hamas destroyed many of these types of vehicles during the Oct. 7 attack. Seven ambulances provided were armored to offer additional protection to medical personnel and patients. Samaritan's Purse is equipping the first response service with trauma supply kits packed with various resources, including a combat application tourniquet, chest tube kit, suture kit and intubation kit. The bags are positioned with first responders in communities at high risk of future rocket attacks, according to a press statement. "To date, Samaritan's Purse has provided hygiene kits, nearly 6,000 food vouchers, 300 food boxes, and 3,800 hot meals for internally displaced families in Israel," the statement said. "In addition to these supplies, we have provided medical equipment including defibrillators to search and rescue teams." Samaritan's Purse has also offered to establish emergency field hospitals in Gaza and Israel. In a Tuesday X post, Graham shared photos of his visit to the Gaza border, where he visited several kibbutzim invaded by Hamas last month. Im in Israel and today we drove up to the Gaza border, visiting several kibbutzim, one where 130 residents were killed and 26 taken hostage in the October 7 Hamas invasion. Now there are only IDF soldiers there, but I met a young woman who was just able to come back for the pic.twitter.com/4okDWLeBP4 Franklin Graham (@Franklin_Graham) November 14, 2023 In one kibbutz, Graham said around 130 people were killed, while 26 were taken hostage. The evangelist revealed that only the Israel Defense Forces occupy the kibbutz now. But he met with a young woman who had returned to the location to retrieve some things from her home. The woman and her kids survived by hiding inside their home, but her husband, a medical doctor, rushed to treat injured people at a nearby clinic. "While he was working to save lives, the terrorists shot their way into the clinic, and he and nearly every other person there were killed only one or two people escaped alive," Graham stated. "She told me that he was the love of her life," he continued. "There are countless untold stories of grief, heartbreak, horror, and trauma and there is great need." Home World IDF finds Hamas hostages dead near hospital accused of being command center Israel Defense Forces say they have discovered the bodies of two Hamas hostages near the Shifa Hospital in Gaza, a complex Israel has accused the terrorist group of using for military purposes. The IDF announced Thursday that it had discovered the bodies of Yehudit Weiss, 65, and Cpl. Noa Marciano, 19. Weiss was a mother of five who worked with kindergarten children before she was kidnapped from Kibbutz Beeri on Oct. 7, the day Hamas launched a surprise attack against southern Israel. The assault left at least 1,200 people dead, mostly civilians, and thousands more injured. Around 240 people were taken hostage. Marciano served in the IDF Combat Intelligence Collection Corps and served at Nahal Oz IDF base when Hamas attacked it on Oct. 7. IDF announced earlier this week that she was killed in Hamas custody. According to an IDF statement Thursday, the troops discovered Weiss' body in a "structure adjacent to the Shifa Hospital in the Gaza Strip." The IDF also found assault rifles and rocket-propelled grenades in the same place where they found Weiss body. Yehudit Weiss was a 65-year-old who worked with kindergarten kids. On October 7, Yehudit was abducted by Hamas from her home in Kibbutz Beeri. Her husband, Shmulik Weiss, was murdered in their home. Yehudit and Shmulik were parents to 5 children. IDF soldiers recovered her pic.twitter.com/Y7tpt8nU3o Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) November 16, 2023 Following an identification process by military medical and rabbinate personnel, the IDF and Israel police representatives informed Weiss family on Thursday. The IDF sends its heartfelt condolences to the family, the statement reads. The national task before our eyes is to locate the missing and return the abducted persons home, the statement continued. The IDF is operating alongside and in full coordination with the relevant national and security institutions in order to pursue these tasks. We will not cease from the mission until it will be completed. The IDF did not disclose the cause or time of Weiss' death. In a social media post, IDF said it also found Marciano's body "adjacent to the Shifa Hospital." 19 year old CPL Noa Marciano was abducted and murdered by Hamas terrorists on October 7. Her body was found and extracted by IDF troops adjacent to the Shifa Hospital in Gaza. The IDF sends its heartfelt condolences to the family and will continue to support them. pic.twitter.com/f7eWBUrzVq Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) November 17, 2023 According to The Times of Israel, Hamas published a propaganda video of Marciano on Monday. The video shows her speaking into the camera and recalling the names of her family members and hometown. The video then cuts to a scene showing her dead body. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said during a Thursday CBS interview that Israel has intelligence suggesting that some of the hostages taken by Hamas on Oct. 7 may be held at the Shifa Hospital. He cited this as one of the reasons for Israels ongoing targeted operation at Gaza's largest hospital, which has drawn criticism from Palestinian rights advocates. The prime minister said he could not provide more details about the intelligence but assured Israel has concrete evidence that Hamas uses the Shifa Hospital for terrorist purposes and that Hamas leaders fled to the location as Israeli forces neared. According to Netanyahu, soldiers found a command post on one of the hospitals lower levels with military communications, coded equipment bombs, weapons, and we also found terror tunnels in the hospital compound. We are doing this very gingerly because were trying to do the moral thing, the right thing, to deprive Hamas of having this safe zone in a hospital, but at the same time to neutralize its use as a command center for terror, he said. And so far, weve achieved that. Israeli forces commenced the raid on Gaza Citys largest hospital earlier this week after informing authorities in the area that they had 12 hours to cease military operations within the hospital, which the IDF says did not happen. 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 in a statement about the operation. The IDF said it remained in contact with hospital authorities and facilitated an evacuation. In addition to searching the area for terrorist infrastructure, the IDF shared photos Wednesday on X of Israeli soldiers delivering humanitarian aid to the hospital. IDF said it discovered weapons and Hamas assets inside the hospital. Home U.S. Mom of 6-year-old who shot teacher gets 21 months in prison After pleading guilty to two federal firearm violations in June, Deja Taylor, the 26-year-old mother whose 6-year-old son shot his first-grade teacher in the chest at Richneck Elementary School in Newport News, Virginia, in January, will now have to spend 21 months in prison. Though she was facing a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison, Taylor, who pleaded guilty to using marijuana while possessing a gun and lying about her drug use when purchasing the gun, was sentenced Wednesday to only one year and nine months in prison, Scripps News reported. Abigail Zwerner, the 26-year-old first-grade teacher shot by Taylor's son, has filed a $40 million lawsuit against school administrators and the school board, claiming they were aware of the boy's "history of random violence" yet did not do enough to address concerns the boy had a gun in his possession on the day she was shot. Zwerner, who testified during the sentencing hearing, talked about how the shooting changed her life. "Not only do I bear physical scars from the shooting that will remain with me forever, I contend daily with deep, psychological scars that plague me during most waking moments and invade my dreams," she said, according to ABC News. Zwerner, who was shot through her hand and chest, also revealed that she has already undergone five surgeries and is getting regular intensive physical therapy to restore motion in her hand. "This permanent damage should never have been allowed to happen to me and would not have happened if not for the defendant's actions or lack thereof," she said. Prosecutors said in the weeks before Zwerner was shot on Jan. 6 that text messages between Taylor and her sons father show that she used the gun to shoot at him after seeing his girlfriend. No one was injured in that shooting but an unreturned U-Haul truck Taylor rented was found with the rear passenger window broken. "Not once, but twice someone nearly lost their lives because of Taylor's offenses of conviction," prosecutors noted in court papers. Days after she was shot, Newport News Police Chief Steve Drew called Zwerner a hero for her bravery in the face of danger because she made sure her entire class was safe before she went to get help for herself. Even as she lay in the hospital trying to recover from her injuries Zwerner remained concerned about her students. In an interview with NBC, Zwerner recalled how terrified her students were after she was shot. They were screaming, she said. I think they knew as well that they had to get out of there, but they were extremely frightened and screaming. Drew said at about 1:59 p.m. on the day of the shooting, police received a call from the school that a teacher had been shot with no other information. Officers from different areas quickly converged on the school and at 2:04 p.m., two sheriffs deputies entered the classroom where the shooting took place and found a 6-year-old male student being physically restrained by a school employee. The child was physically combative and struck the employee that was restraining him, Drew said. Officers then took control of him and escorted him out of the building [and] placed him in a police car with an officer inside and outside of that building. Once that had occurred there was a systematic evacuation of rooms and hallways for safety as they didnt know what they were dealing with, he added. Scripps News Norfolk reported from a police search warrant that immediately after the shooting, Taylors son made disturbing statements as he was being restrained. He allegedly stated, "I shot that b**** dead," "I did it" and "I got my moms gun last night." Taylors family has since stated that her son has an acute disability. Recalling the moment she was shot to NBCs Today show, Zwerner said: "I just will never forget the look on his face that he gave me while he pointed the gun directly at me. Home U.S. Over 100 Harvard faculty say accusing Israel of genocide is not anti-Semitism Over 100 Harvard faculty members signed a letter to the university president declaring that labeling Israel an "apartheid state" and accusing the country of committing genocide against Palestinians should not automatically be considered anti-Semitism. The letter, published on Medium.com on Tuesday, accused Harvard University President Claudine Gay of enforcing a "one-sided" debate about Israel by preventing students and faculty from criticizing the Jewish state. Harvard did not immediately respond to The Christian Post's request for comment. "As Harvard faculty, we have been astonished by the pressure from donors, alumni, and even some on this campus to silence faculty, students, and staff critical of the actions of the State of Israel," the document stated. "It is important to acknowledge the patronizing tone and format of much of the criticism you have received as well as the outright racism contained in some of it." The faculty members wrote the letter in response to Gay's Nov. 9 directive, titled "Combating Antisemitism," which announced the plan to implement a program intended to educate Harvard students and staff about anti-Semitism. In the directive, Gay condemned the phrase "from the river to the sea," noting that the phrase calls for the eradication of Jews and Israel, and is harmful to the Jewish community. In their letter, the faculty members expressed understanding that Gay would want to highlight the importance of language following Hamas' Oct. 7 assault against civilians in Israel that killed over 1,200 people. The terrorist group has called for the murder of the Jewish people, and Hamas members have bragged about the Jews they killed on Oct. 7. While the faculty agreed that certain language merits condemnation, they argued that it is not anti-Semitic to criticize the Israeli government or to compare it to "ethno-nationalist" governments, like dictator Robert Mugabe's government in Zimbabwe. "Nor can arguments that characterize Israel as an 'apartheid' state or its recent actions as 'ethnic cleansing' or even 'genocide' be considered automatically antisemitic, regardless of whether one concurs with such arguments," the letter stated. The letter asserts that the phrase "from the river to the sea, Palestine must be free" is a matter of debate, stating that the history behind the slogan is "complicated." "Its interpretation deserves, and is receiving, sustained and ongoing inquiry and debate," the letter reads. The faculty also cited numbers from the Hamas-controlled Gaza Health Ministry to imply that Israel is committing genocide against the Palestinians. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, over 11,000 people have been killed in Gaza since Israel launched retaliatory airstrikes and a ground invasion seeking to eradicate Hamas, a terrorist group that has controlled the Gaza Strip since 2007. Days before beginning its ground invasion, Israel urged the over 1 million civilians in northern Gaza to flee to the south. Israel maintains it has the right to defend its citizens from the threat of Hamas and is doing all it can to prevent civilian casualties. Israel has accused Hamas of using civilians as human shields. The letter concluded with a list of steps for the Harvard president to support "intellectual freedom" at the university, including the creation of "an advisory group on Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian and anti-Arab racism." The faculty members requested Gay resist calls to suspend the Palestine Solidarity Committee for releasing a statement holding Israel responsible for the violence committed against it last month. Several student groups that signed onto the letter including Amnesty International at Harvard, Harvard College Act on a Dream and the Harvard Undergraduate Nepali Student Association later withdrew their signatures. A spokesperson for Act on a Dream claimed at the time that its board members were unaware that the organization had signed the letter, which does not reflect AOD's views on the situation in Israel. On Oct. 10, Gay released a statement condemning Hamas and its terrorist actions against Israel. She also clarified that the views of students or student groups do not speak for the university as a whole. According to the Anti-Defamation League, a Jewish advocacy group, the phrase "from the river to the sea" calls for Palestine to extend from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea, which would mean the elimination of Israel. The phrase is often heard at anti-Israel rallies, explained the ADF, and calls for the removal of Jews from their ancestral homeland. "Usage of this phrase has the effect of making members of the Jewish and pro-Israel community feel unsafe and ostracized," the ADF stated. "It is important to note that demanding justice for Palestinians, or calling for a Palestinian state, should not mean, as this hateful phrase posits, denying the right of the State of Israel to exist." The Harvard faculty letter contends it's wrong to single out the phrase as "necessarily implying removalism or even eliminationism" when "over a million Palestinians have been forced from their homes and over ten thousand civilians, including four thousand children, have been slain in Gaza." Home Politics Planned Parenthood's southeast chapter names first nonbinary, black CEO Planned Parenthood Southeast has appointed its first nonbinary racial minority to serve as president and CEO as the regional abortion provider has lost ground since Roe v. Wade was overturned in June 2022. PPSE announced Tuesday the appointment of Carol McDonald, a biological female who uses they/them pronouns, as head of the regional chapter. McDonald joined Planned Parenthood of Georgia in the 1990s, working on political mobilization efforts before joining the national staff of Planned Parenthood Federation of America in 2006. She took a leave from the organization to manage political and surrogate relations for Hillary Clinton's 2008 presidential campaign. After rejoining Planned Parenthood, she moved to Washington in 2009 to join its national political office, spending the next decade lobbying for abortion access. "It is only fitting that my journey with Planned Parenthood has come full circle. I began my journey as an organizer in the South, laying a foundation for the work to come," said McDonald in a statement. "As a proud, devoted organizer, and a queer non-binary person raised in the South, I not only plan to bring my lived experiences to the table but the lived experiences and voices of all those continuing to do the work and build this movement." PPSE Board Chair Evelyn Reynolds and Vice Chair Karen Doolittle commend McDonald's "passion and experience." "Through their work at Planned Parenthood and as a small business owner creating innovative social impact strategies, Carol's experience as a leader fighting for women, girls, trans folx, and gender-expansive people is exactly what PPSE and the reproductive health movement need," said Reynolds and Doolittle in a joint statement. McDonald's appointment comes as many southern states have passed more restrictions to legal abortion access after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in June 2022 that abortion is not a constitutional right, striking down the precedents of the 1973 Roe v. Wade and the 1992 Planned Parenthood v. Casey decisions. The high court ruled states can ban abortions before fetal viability. "The Constitution makes no reference to abortion, and no such right is implicitly protected by any constitutional provision," wrote Justice Samuel Alito for the majority. "Roe was egregiously wrong from the start. Its reasoning was exceptionally weak, and the decision has had damaging consequences. And far from bringing about a national settlement of the abortion issue, Roe and Casey have enflamed debate and deepened division." Several states have enacted laws limiting access to most abortions. These policies have led to the subsequent closure of many abortion clinics. Planned Parenthood announced in May that it was cutting as much as 20% of its staff as part of an organizational restructuring. The news of staff cuts prompted an outcry from multiple union chapters within Planned Parenthood, who in May released a joint statement condemning the staff layoffs. "PPFA's leadership claims that the organization's restructuring, and the layoffs it entails, is in service of state affiliates and of the movement for reproductive freedom yet they are pushing out some of our movement's brightest minds," stated the unions earlier this year. "This comes at a time where reproductive freedom is in jeopardy and when our members are struggling under difficult economic conditions, especially in our core locations of Washington, D.C., and New York City." The unions asserted that Planned Parenthood employees "have families to support, loans to pay, and health to tend" and that they "deserve more than empty claims of equity and of supporting our futures." Israeli Forces Invade Gaza's Largest Hospital, Iranians Secretly Translating The Bible, Americans Losing Faith In Science link to download the audio instead. link to download the audio instead. 08:08 08:08 Top headlines for Friday, November 17, 2023 In today's episode, we delve into a controversial Israeli operation at Gaza City's largest hospital, we explore the question of legitimizing military targets amidst humanitarian settings. From the Middle East, we then travel to Iran to take a closer look at the rise of the underground church and the audacious efforts of Bible translators amidst a Muslim-majority population. Shifting gears, we discuss a heated exchange of words within the Daily Wire, as Ben Shapiro suggests Candace Owens' resignation over a theological disagreement. Lastly, we peek into the intriguing evolution of America's perspective on science, revealing an increasing split between trust and skepticism according to a recent study by the Pew Research Center. Subscribe to this Podcast Follow Us on Social Media Get the Edifi App Subscribe to Our Newsletter Links to the News Top headlines for Friday, November 17, 2023 In today's episode, we delve into a controversial Israeli operation at Gaza City's largest hospital, we explore the question of legitimizing military targets amidst humanitarian settings. From the Middle East, we then travel to Iran to take a closer look at the rise of the underground church and the audacious efforts of Bible translators amidst a Muslim-majority population. Shifting gears, we discuss a heated exchange of words within the Daily Wire, as Ben Shapiro suggests Candace Owens' resignation over a theological disagreement. Lastly, we peek into the intriguing evolution of America's perspective on science, revealing an increasing split between trust and skepticism according to a recent study by the Pew Research Center. After Indi Gregory's tragic death, an urgent review of end of life decisions is needed The series of judicial decisions which have led to the tragic death of little Indi Gregory this Monday night have a number of deeply disturbing features. Mr Justice Peel has described the medical evidence as "unanimous and clear" in saying that Indi's condition was hopeless. However, that unanimity and clarity was achieved artificially by excluding any dissenting expert evidence. Indi's father was refused permission to instruct his own medical experts. He and his lawyers nevertheless obtained opinions of several eminent experts, including those with experience and expertise in Indi's extremely rare mitochondrial disease which Queens Medical Centre lacked, and who disagreed with the hopeless prognosis given in Nottingham. Having examined all medical records, a cardiologist expert said that Indi's clinical problems were caused by her treatable heart condition, and could be fixed by a non-invasive, pain-free procedure, a right ventricular outflow tract stent, which would enable her to live without life support. A neurologist the only neurologist who considered the case - agreed that "the existing damage to Indi's brain is not such as to deprive her of a reasonable quality of life". All that evidence was summarily brushed aside. The Courts even refused to admit it, on the grounds that it already had the evidence of the treating consultant, who had widely consulted with those he thought appropriate, so the opinions of any external experts were "unnecessary". This view of fair trial (strongly endorsed by the Court of Appeal while refusing permission to appeal) reduces the role of the Court to a mere formality of rubber-stamping the decision of the treating doctor. Secondly, the Courts have once again usurped the parental right to choose the doctors for their sick child. Nobody was trying to force the doctors in Nottingham to act contrary to their judgment. However, a different and more expert paediatric hospital, Bambino Gesu in Rome, proposed an alternative treatment plan, fully funded by the Italian government, which gave Indi a chance to survive and to improve. The Courts decisively refused that, in favour of withdrawing treatment and an inevitable death in Nottingham. The question raised in the case of Charlie Gard six years ago, and a number of families since, remains unanswered: what right does the British state have to interfere in the parental choice of a hospital for their child at all, let alone to do so with the inevitable consequences of enforcing death? Thirdly again, not for the first time the Court of Appeal has chosen to disregard this country's international law obligations. In Archie Battersbee's case, the Court decided to ignore the interim relief granted by the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and to proceed to withdraw life sustaining treatment without waiting for the UN to consider the case, as required by the UN Convention. This time, the same Court, two of the three judges being the same (Lady Justice King and Lord Justice Moylan), volunteered a derisive attack on the Italian judicial decision to transfer Indi to Rome, and the request made by the Italian authority under the 1996 Hague Convention, which forms part of UK law as well as international law. Indi had been granted Italian citizenship in addition to her British citizenship; an Italian hospital offered her treatment while a British hospital offered her a pathway to death; British and Italian judges had reached opposite conclusions about her best interests. One would think it entirely right and proper to resort to a Convention specifically designed to resolve situations of this kind by cooperation. Yet the Court of Appeal (who did not even have jurisdiction to consider that request) attacked it as "wholly misconceived" and "clearly contrary to the spirit of this important international convention". Is this really upholding the rule of law? Fourthly, the final judgment of the Court of Appeal included what can only be described as an intemperate attack on Indi's father and his lawyers for attempting to challenge the original decision on Indi's best interests in a series of appeals and applications, and the delay in removal of life support resulting from "the parents exercising their legal rights to the very fullest extent, at least". Then there was a thinly veiled threat expressly directed at the lawyers: "The highest professional standards are rightly expected of lawyers practising in this extremely sensitive area. The court will not tolerate manipulative litigation tactics designed to frustrate orders that have been made after anxious consideration in the interests of children, interests that are always central to these grave decisions." Serious allegations of professional impropriety are insinuated here in a very nebulous form; but criticism of this kind by three Court of Appeal judges may amount in itself to serious professional trouble for the parents' lawyers involved. What can be wrong with exercising one's legal rights to the very fullest extent? Most parents defending their child's life would naturally want to do that. Their lawyers' job is to help them to do that. Yet the Court of Appeal is suggesting that, in a case of this kind, high professional standards require parents' lawyers not to persevere but to give up the struggle at an early stage; and makes a threat of severe censure for doing anything different. The 'high professional standards' of the legal profession in fact require lawyers to represent their clients' interests "fearlessly". With these words the Court of Appeal appears to be pressing for the opposite. The 'legal speak' of the judges is carefully chosen and the judges know the impact their words will have on the lawyers in the room. Finally, perhaps the common denominator of all these problems is the extreme haste with which the courts press to conclude every stage of the process. Initially, the NHS Trust tried to persuade the Court to make an urgent decision within just a couple of days after the application was first served on the parents. There followed a series of short adjournments to avoid manifest unfairness of leaving the family without lawyers, and after the decision was made, short 'stays of execution' to enable appeals. Yet, the system appears to begrudge the family every extra day of Indi's life. That is something that does not go well with justice. The system of 'end of life' decision-making in this country has gone terribly amiss, resulting in trauma and injustice to families in one case after another. An urgent and comprehensive reform of that system should now be a priority for the Parliament. Andrea Williams is chief executive of Christian Concern. Anti-Christian hate crimes on the rise in Europe There has been a "strong" increase in the number of anti-Christian hate crimes taking place across Europe, with particular concern expressed about the treatment of Christians in the UK. There were 748 cases recorded across 30 European countries in 2022, up from 519 the previous year, according to a new report by the Observatory on Intolerance and Discrimination Against Christian in Europe (OIDAC) published on Thursday. The figures amount to a 44 per cent increase in anti-Christian hate crimes between 2021 and 2022. Arson attacks on churches saw an even bigger increase in the same period - up from 60 to 105, a rise of 75 per cent. Arson attacks on churches were most prevalent in Germany, followed by France, Italy and the UK. In addition to arson attacks, other instances like graffiti, the desecration of Christian places, physical attacks, insults and threats were recorded. OIDAC said that "more crimes have a clear extremist motivation" than before. The research group's executive director, Anja Hoffmann, said, "While in the past, the motives behind vandalism or desecration of churches largely remained unclear, we now find that more and more perpetrators leave behind messages, which reveal an extremist motive, or even proudly claim the authorship on social media for the committed crimes. "These are often radicalised members of ideological, political or religious groups that follow an anti-Christian narrative." At the same time, "vague" 'hate speech' laws in several European countries, including the UK, are driving the stigmatisation and prosecution of Christians. Hoffmann singled out the UK for particular concern following the dismissal of Christian teachers Ben Dybowski and Joshua Sutcliffe, and school chaplain Rev Bernard Randall, for sharing their Christian beliefs on issues of sexuality or gender identity. Earlier this year, Sutcliffe was banned by the Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) for refusing to use a student's preferred pronouns. "Particularly striking" was the arrest of pro-life volunteer Isabel Vaughan-Spruce for praying silently in her head in an abortion clinic "buffer zone". She was fined again earlier this month despite already being cleared by the courts for similar incidents. Hoffmann said, "The prosecution of Christians for voicing mainstream religious views in public is a highly problematic restriction of religious freedom "Certain 'hate speech' legislation in several countries in Europe uses very vague language or lacks a clear definition altogether. "In our legal analysis we found that the criminalisation of the expression of Christian doctrine on controversial issues was one of the main reasons why Christians were stigmatised and prosecuted." She added, "When Christians are forced to choose between their moral values and their professions, society will face a difficult future." The OIDAC report was released on the International Day for Tolerance and coincided with a separate report into hate crimes published on the same day by the Organization for Security and Co-Operation in Europe (OSCE). According to this report, there were 792 anti-Christian hate crimes in 2022. Responding to OIDAC's findings, Professor Regina Polak, OSCE Representative on Combting Racism, Xenophobia, and Discrimination, called on governments to do more to address the problem. She said: "The increasing number of anti-Christian hate crimes in Europe reported by OIDAC is deeply worrying. It is highly necessary to raise both the governmental and societal awareness for this problem and undertake political measures to tackle and combat it decidedly." On Thursday, the Oakland Police Commission reckoned with a new state law banning the use of excited delirium, amounting to a political rejection of the legal defenses of the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis and the killing of Angelo Quinto in Antioch. Amaya Edwards/Special to the Chronicle Oakland police officers may no longer be trained to recognize excited delirium, a disputed medical diagnosis often cited in police custody deaths involving physical restraint of a suspect. The possibility comes a little more than a month after Gov. Gavin Newsom signed AB360, making California the first state in the U.S. to formally ban excited delirium, a term that has been denounced as scientifically unsound by medical associations and found by researchers to be disproportionately applied to the in-custody deaths of Black and Latino people. In police custody deaths, the diagnosis often downplays the role of physical force in cases of cardiopulmonary arrest, instead ascribing them to other symptoms such as extreme agitation, drug use and hypothermia. On Thursday, the Oakland Police Commission delayed a vote on the Oakland Police Departments special order banning the term from two training bulletins and three sections of the departments manual of policies and procedures. Advertisement Article continues below this ad We will remove the term from documents and as a diagnosis, Anthony Tedesco, police captain for East Oakland, told the commission. Gone completely. Because every police encounter is unique, officers will remove this boilerplate, non-medical term in favor of an individualized description that uses unique language, he said. Excited delirium was found to be the cause of the September 2017 death of Marcellus Toney Jr., tased by an Oakland police officer for resisting arrest after crashing his car in the Fruitvale district of East Oakland. After the crash, Toney told police and bystanders that he was high, and that he was sorry. He resisted when officers tried to arrest him and an officer tased him during the struggle. Causes of death are determined by the county Coroners Bureau, a division of the Alameda County Sheriffs Office. The coroner found that Toney died from a combination of alcohol and meth intoxication and excited delirium syndrome. Toneys family sued the Police Department in 2018, alleging that officers used excessive force. The city and family settled the lawsuit in 2019. The Chronicle was unable to determine the terms of the settlement. Advertisement Article continues below this ad AB360 bans excited delirium from being cited in police reports, autopsy reports, death certificates and civil court cases. It is unclear how often excited delirium has featured in previous Oakland police deaths in custody. The department didnt respond to a Chronicle request for information before publication. The excited delirium term has been invoked in high-profile police death cases involving other agencies, including the 2019 death of Elijah McClain in Aurora, Colo., the May 2020 murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis and the December 2020 death of 30-year-old Angelo Quinto in Antioch. Quinto, who was experiencing a mental health crisis, lost consciousness as police officers restrained the Navy veteran on his mothers bedroom floor. His family became deeply involved in advocating for AB360. The bills author, Assembly Member Mike A. Gipson, D-Carson, credited the Quinto case for bringing the issue to his attention. Defense attorneys for former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin unsuccessfully tried to blame Floyds death on excited delirium, prompting leaders with the American College of Emergency Physicians, which formally recognized excited delirium as a unique symptom in 2009, to disavow the term at Chauvins trial. While deciding it needed more information before voting on the Police Departments special order, the commission did adopt changes to the departments policy on fielding misconduct complaints from the public. The revised policy mandates disciplinary action if an officer refuses to take a report, and also instructs officers what to do when theyre unsure if someone wants to make a formal complaint. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Church of England has 'arrogantly' rejected authority of Scripture Orthodox Anglicans have condemned the decision of the Church of England's parliamentary body to continue on the path to introducing same-sex blessings. Next steps were approved by the General Synod on Wednesday after many hours of debate during which evangelical members pleaded for the plans to be abandoned. The Church of England will now press on to introduce standalone services of prayer and dedication for same-sex couples on a trial basis. Commenting on the outcome, the Anglican Network in Europe (ANiE) expressed its "deep sadness" at the decision. ANiE leaders said that the Church of England had "voted to continue to travel along a road that arrogantly rejects the authority of scripture, the historic teaching of the church from earliest times and the vast majority of Anglicans worldwide". "They have walked away from the life transforming grace and truth of the Lord Jesus Christ," they said. The statement was accompanied by the verse Jeremiah 6:16, "Thus says the LORD: 'Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls. But they said, 'We will not walk in it'" (ESV). The statement was signed by ANiE leaders Andy Lines, Stuart Bell, Tim Davies, Ian Ferguson and Lee McMunn. They ended their statement by saying that they were praying for all faithful Anglicans in the Church of England as they weigh up their future. "For both clergy and laity who cannot travel the road chosen by General Synod, the next weeks and months will mean much heartfelt prayer, seeking the Lord and wrestling in conscience with the implications of what it means for each one to be faithful," they said. "However, we stand with you and we are much in prayer for you." King meets Archbishop and faith leaders King Charles III joined a reception of faith leaders hosted by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, on Thursday. The reception coincided with Inter Faith Week and was attended by over 30 faith leaders. Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis, Aliya Azam of the Al Khoei Foundation, and the head of the Roman Catholic Church in England and Wales, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, were among the faith leaders in attendance. The reception was held at the Lambeth Palace Library in the grounds of the Archbishop of Canterbury's official residence in London. Lambeth described the gathering as an "opportunity for faith leaders to talk to the King and Archbishop Justin about what their communities are experiencing in the light of global conflicts, and how those conflicts far away affect community relations in this country". It was King Charles' first visit to the library since his accession to the throne and the first by a monarch since his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, paid a visit in 2012 coinciding with her Diamond Jubilee. Prior to the reception, the King was shown rare and precious items in the Lambeth Palace Library collection including Qurans, a Hebrew dictionary, historic religious scrolls dating back to the 13th and 16th centuries, and letters of friendship between global faith leaders. Commenting on the visit, Archbishop Welby said it was a "great honour" to welcome King Charles to the library. "These are challenging times for faith communities in the UK, particularly with the ongoing war in the Middle East," he said. "The visit reflects the King's longstanding commitment to supporting all faiths in the UK, which we saw so powerfully at the Coronation. It also continues the exemplary work of Queen Elizabeth II, who championed the Church of England's duty to protect the freedom of all faiths in this country. "Jesus Christ calls us to be peacemakers, and that is especially important right now. I hope this visit by the King inspires the Church of England to continue in our calling to love our neighbours and help bring communities together." A safe and successful Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit could go a long way in helping San Francisco change the narrative that the city is a crime-ridden place. But the short-term, intense public safety measures that fit for APEC shouldnt influence long-term public-safety policy-related decisions in the city. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle World leaders, foreign reporters and tourists are coming to San Francisco for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, and local leaders are determined to make the city shine like a new penny. For the duration of the conference, San Franciscos streets will appear pristine, and the citys dark social and economic problems will be conveniently hidden away. Policing has been ramped up, crackdowns on homelessness and drug crimes have been intensified, and law enforcement is focused more on protecting commercial corridors, all to secure a temporary win in the public relations battle over San Franciscos image. But what happens when APEC ends and the high-profile visitors leave? Advertisement Article continues below this ad This is the time when San Francisco will have to fight the urge to keep using the heavy-handed, short-term safety measures that made sense for an international conference like APEC, but fail to address the underlying issues that lead to homelessness, poverty, drug use and low-level crimes like retail theft. Resisting this urge wont be easy. Socially and politically, moderate San Franciscans are becoming more conservative, especially when it comes to public safety. While the presence of the Secret Service, foreign security agencies and private security details are unavoidable for APEC, the sight of Bay Area law enforcement agencies patrolling and conducting pedestrian and vehicle checkpoints in San Francisco is likely to be welcomed by those who continue to believe, despite decades of data to the contrary, that more police equals less crime. One study that looked at the link between crime and police force numbers came out in 2016 in the Journal of Experimental Criminology, a nonpartisan academic journal that focuses on the development of evidence-based criminal justice policy. The study analyzed data from over a 45-year period between 1968 and 2013 and came to the conclusion that the size of a citys police department has a negative, small, and not statistically significant effect on crime. Catalyst California, a racial justice advocacy group, and the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California put out a report in 2022 that said, contrary to what most people think, California police dont solve many big crimes and dont spend much time trying to stop crime. Advertisement Article continues below this ad So, its not a stretch to say that San Francisco shouldnt waste time or money trying to figure out how to make future public safety policies based on the safety measures used for events like APEC. These policies only further divide San Francisco into two worlds: one of opulence and privilege, shielded from the harsh realities faced by the marginalized, and another of struggle and despair, where individuals fighting for survival on a daily basis are seen as a nuisance. But these truths are hard to hear when an international spotlight is on San Francisco and a critical 2024 election season looms. Mayor London Breed, left, and San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott appear during a news conference at the Department of Emergency Management in San Francisco on Thursday. The city has increased security measures for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit this week, including more officers patrolling the streets and commercial corridors. Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle We want to make sure we put our collective best foot forward, San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott explained during a virtual public safety town hall on Tuesday detailing his departments efforts related to APEC. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Scott also talked about the California Highway Patrol and officers from other Bay Area police departments helping with patrols and pedestrian and vehicle checkpoints in the city. A successful APEC is what we all should want. But moderates shouldnt use it as proof that public safety efforts focusing on the interests of the elite and perpetuating the illusion of a crime-free, prosperous city is the way to a brighter future for San Francisco. Still, the motives behind the great San Francisco illusion this week are clear: The city needs tourism dollars to help prop up its fragile economy, and the city needs to change the prevailing narrative that its a crime-ridden place. The day after Scotts public safety meeting, he joined District Attorney Brooke Jenkins and other community leaders in Union Square for a news conference touting the tougher-on-crime approach being taken in the city. They were talking up how safe the holiday shopping season will be, and it wasnt a coincidence that the efforts were highlighted right before APEC began. At the event, Jenkins said there has been a staggering number of increased arrests for those who have committed retail theft here in San Francisco, thanks to the SFPD. Jenkins also said retail theft has decimated San Franciscos economy. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Many factors have contributed to the decline of the citys economy, including the lingering impact of a pandemic that changed the way people live and work. Yet its the oversimplified, tough-on-crime rhetoric that Jenkins used that often gets cranked up during election cycles, but increasingly by moderate Democrats. That could be because progressive answers to public safety problems that put more emphasis on social programs and less on traditional law enforcement take time to work and are hard to explain in short, catchy sound bites. And talking about crime in binary terms, and offering simplistic solutions, is a good way to gin up support among moderate voters. When it comes to San Francisco, change is desperately needed, not just in the perception of the city, but also in the core values and priorities of its residents and political leaders. San Francisco needs APEC to go well, but that success shouldnt be used as justification for dangerous, heavy-handed public safety decisions in the near future, such as beefing up a historically inept SFPD that either cant or wont fix racial disparities in its use of force. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price speaks at a public safety meeting in Oakland. A former prosecutor accused her of trying to jail a political enemy after she charged him with a misdemeanor in an unusual case. Carlos Avila Gonzalez/The Chronicle A former prosecutor in Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Prices office has accused her of trying to jail a political enemy after she charged him with a misdemeanor in an unusual misconduct case. Amilcar Butch Ford, an outspoken critic of Price who quit in May and now works for San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, is facing one misdemeanor count for allegedly aiding the defense in a case he was assigned to prosecute. On Thursday, Alameda County Superior Court Judge James Cramer ordered Ford to be booked no later than Dec. 20 meaning law enforcement will take his photograph and fingerprints without holding him behind bars. Although Price filed the criminal complaint in July, arguing that Ford interfered with, and may have undermined, a high-profile police-shooting prosecution, Ford said he has not been arrested. Advertisement Article continues below this ad We applaud the courts decision to treat Mr. Ford as it would any other resident and did not give him special treatment, Price said in a statement following the judges order. Ford pushed back, characterizing the misdemeanor which carries a possible six month jail sentence as an attempt to silence him. At every turn, Ive spoken out against her, Ford said. According to the District Attorneys Office, Ford was tapped in 2021 to oversee the prosecution of San Leandro police officer Jason Fletcher, who was accused of unlawfully shooting and killing Steven Taylor at a Walmart in 2020. Fletcher has pleaded not guilty. Ford denied he was in charge of the case. Shortly after taking office in January, Price placed Ford on administrative leave over allegations of prosecutorial misconduct. Ford said he was not told the nature of the allegations, though he believed they stemmed from his vocal disapproval of how Price managed the office. Advertisement Article continues below this ad After Ford contested the allegations, the district attorneys union designated attorney Michael Rains to represent him. Rains, who also works with Fletcher, began building a defense for Ford by seeking documentation of any conduct for which Ford thought he was placed on leave. Ford supplied a complaint he filed with Alameda County Diversity Programs in April, alleging racial discrimination and political retaliation because he opposed Prices election, and for a dispute he had with a top official in the Public Accountability Unit over whether to prosecute Fletcher. Rains used Fords recollection of the dispute to help bolster a motion to disqualify the district attorney from prosecuting Fletcher. In the motion, Rains cited a series of discussions in which Ford allegedly raised ethical concerns about the case. Price has alleged that Ford provided confidential information about the Fletcher prosecution to Rains, including details about the legal strategy, charging options and attorney assignments. Mr. Ford interfered in the seminal prosecution of a police officer following the shooting death of Steven Taylor at Walmart in San Leandro, Price said in her statement Thursday. Mr. Fords misconduct potentially makes it more challenging for this office to hold the officer accountable for his actions. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Articol adaugat de: Adra Moldova Alte articole de la acest autor: Articol adaugat de: America House Alte articole de la acest autor: Call for Expressions of Interest Faith Engagement for Better Care in Moldova Introduction Catholic Relief Services (CRS), acting as prime recipient on behalf of the Changing the Way We CareSM (CTWWC) consortium, is soliciting expressions of interest (applications) from organizations which - with limited financial and technical support - have the capacity and commitment to develop and implement projects and activities focused on faith engagement for better care, that prioritize, promote and sustain safe and nurturing family care for children. The applications will be respectfully reviewed in a process described below. However, submission of an application does not guarantee funding/technical assistance from CRS. This Call consists of the following: Section 1. Program Description Section 2. Award Information Section 3. Expression of Interest Response Information Attachments Attachment A: Scope of Work Attachment B: Application Format Attachment C: Certification of Intention to Comply Program Description Changing the Way We Care Changing The Way We Care (CTWWC), a global initiative launched in October 2018, is designed to promote safe and nurturing family care for children including reducing the risks and vulnerabilities that result in family separation and reintegrating children who have been separated. CTWWC is a consortium led by Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and Maestral International and includes a wide range of global and national partners. CTWWC is currently demonstrating care reform in Guatemala, Haiti, India, Kenya, and Moldova, with influence and advocacy activities at the regional and global levels. The global effort uses learning and evidence from CTWWC demonstration and other countries to influence policies and practice that support family over institutional care. CTWWC/Moldova Recognizing the considerable achievements in Moldovas long process of care reform, and fully committed to enabling local solutions to reforms challenging last steps, CTWWC Moldova supports a collective approach to program planning, implementation, and monitoring. That approach consists of sharing a common agenda (the National Child Protection Program and Plan), coordinating mutually reinforcing activities, and manifesting a continuous communication approach. CTWWC Moldova supports the activities of the collective as a backbone organization, providing coordination and secretariat functions. Infrequently, when expertise is required but not available locally, CTWWC may also act as technical contributor by accessing international experts through its global team. Lastly, CTWWC occasionally acts as a conduit for funding. It is in its capacity as funder that this Call is issued. CTWWCs lead organization in Moldova is Catholic Relief Services, a US non-governmental organization registered in Moldova on December 4, 2020, under No. 457335. Key definitions and concepts to be considered for this Call for Expressions of Interest: Faith-Based Organization and Institutions: Organizations that derive inspiration and guidance for their activities from the teachings and principles of the faith or from a particular interpretation or school of thought within that faith. They comprise a range of religious, charitable organizations affiliated with one or more faith and spiritual traditions, which may include: Religious congregations (such as churches, mosques, synagogues, or temples); Charities sponsored or hosted by one or more religious congregations; Non-profit organizations founded by a religious community or based upon faith and spiritual traditions; and Coalitions that include organizations described above. Organizations that derive inspiration and guidance for their activities from the teachings and principles of the faith or from a particular interpretation or school of thought within that faith. They comprise a range of religious, charitable organizations affiliated with one or more faith and spiritual traditions, which may include: Religious congregations (such as churches, mosques, synagogues, or temples); Charities sponsored or hosted by one or more religious congregations; Non-profit organizations founded by a religious community or based upon faith and spiritual traditions; and Coalitions that include organizations described above. Faith Leader: Individuals with formal affiliation to a religion or spiritual path who play influential roles within their communities and the broader civil society. Examples include priests, imams, rabbis, clerics, monks, nuns, and lay religious leaders. Individuals with formal affiliation to a religion or spiritual path who play influential roles within their communities and the broader civil society. Examples include priests, imams, rabbis, clerics, monks, nuns, and lay religious leaders. Vulnerable children: Individuals under age 18 whose safety, well-being, and/or development is at significant risk due to inadequate care, protection, or access to essential services. Individuals under age 18 whose safety, well-being, and/or development is at significant risk due to inadequate care, protection, or access to essential services. At risk families : Families and children can find themselves as 'at-risk' when they experience violence, abuse, neglect, exploitation and separation from family-based care. Common factors which increase risk and vulnerability include domestic violence, poverty, physical and mental health issues, drug, and alcohol abuse. : Families and children can find themselves as 'at-risk' when they experience violence, abuse, neglect, exploitation and separation from family-based care. Common factors which increase risk and vulnerability include domestic violence, poverty, physical and mental health issues, drug, and alcohol abuse. Family Strengthening: Family strengthening refers to programs, strategic approaches and deliberate processes that seek to strengthen the protective factors that, when present, provide children with safe, nurturing care even when the family is under stress. Family strengthening refers to programs, strategic approaches and deliberate processes that seek to strengthen the protective factors that, when present, provide children with safe, nurturing care even when the family is under stress. Alternative Care : A formal or informal arrangement whereby a child is looked after at least overnight outside the parental home, either by decision of a judicial or administrative authority or duly accredited body, or at the initiative of the child, his/her parent(s) or primary caregivers, or spontaneously by a care provider in the absence of parents. : A formal or informal arrangement whereby a child is looked after at least overnight outside the parental home, either by decision of a judicial or administrative authority or duly accredited body, or at the initiative of the child, his/her parent(s) or primary caregivers, or spontaneously by a care provider in the absence of parents. Capacity Strengthening: the process through which individuals, organisations and societies obtain, strengthen, and maintain the capabilities to set and achieve their own development objectives over time. Award Information Purpose. Scope of Work for this Call is presented in Attachment A, which describes CTWWC objectives and proposed implementation approaches for faith engagement in Moldova. Note: The successful applicant, and the project that the sub-recipient will implement, are subject to approval and potential amendment by USAID. Activities are expected to begin on February 1st, 2024 and continue until August 30th, 2025 at the latest. This Call is issued to organizations with legal registration in Moldova. The total funding for the work described in Attachment A is up to 100,000 US Dollars. Note: Although collaboration among organizations is encouraged, to promote accountability, no joint expressions of interest will be reviewed. See Attachment Cs Certification of Intention to Comply for critical aspects of potential legal relationships. As above, CRS is not obligated to fund or provide a response to all or any respondents. Expression of Interest Response Information All applications should consist of: The following table: Information required To be completed by the applicant Name of Organization Expressing Interest Registration Number and Address Name and Email of the Person Authorized to Make Decisions about Participation Title of the Program to which the Expression of Interest applies Faith Engagement for Better Care List of outputs (as listed in Attachment A: Scope of Work) that the application will focus on Narrative response describing: why the applicant organization is best placed to implement the SOW objectives 3 pages maximum; how the activities will be undertaken for successful and timely delivery of the objectives 3 page maximum. Response Excel including: DIP detailed implementation plan Budget Past Performance Record specifically as applicable to the SOW for which interest is being expressed Certification of Intention to Comply with 2 CFR 200 and substantial involvement requirements as interpreted and applied by CRS (see Attachment C). Expression of Interest Submission Procedures Responses must be written in English or Romanian and submitted in Microsoft Word and PDF formats, with the budget submitted, DIP and Past Performance Record in Excel. The email subject line should follow the following format: CTWWC/MD Organization Name Faith Engagement. Responses should be submitted to ctwwcmoldova@crs.org, which is a limited-access address. Any questions on this Call should be documented and sent to ctwwcmoldova@crs.org by December 4th, 2023. Applications/Expressions of Interest to this Call must be received no later than December 17th, 2023. CTWWC will acknowledge receipt as applications are received and will contact respondents on next steps/outcomes by January 12th, 2024. Expression of Interest Review Information The application will be reviewed by a CRS review committee based on the criteria set out below, information the applicant provides, and other publicly available information. Evaluation criteria used by reviewers will include: Criterion Indicators % Technical Capacity to Implement Record of past performance Experience in care reform in Moldova Alignment between the SoW and applicants ongoing programs Documented existing relationships Credentials of staff presented as leads for implementation Evidence of commitment to documenting and sharing learning 40 Proposed Approach Relevance of proposed activities to program objectives Level of detail in the Detailed Implementation Plan 20 Disposition towards engaging with faith based communities Past performance in activities involving faith-based communities, their leaders, the child protection system and other related activities 20 Cost Effectiveness Reasonableness of proposed costs 20 Where required, the review team will reach out to applicants for clarifications and may request budget and other revisions. CRS will also conduct a due diligence assessment of the selected applicants. Once a successful applicant has been identified, information about the organization and the project it will implement will be shared with the donor for approval, as required under provisions of the USAID cooperative agreement with CRS. Attachment A: Scope of Work CONTEXT Changing The Way We Care (CTWWC) is a global initiative designed to promote safe and nurturing family care for children including reducing the risks and vulnerabilities that result in family separation and reintegrating children who have been separated. CTWWC is a consortium led by Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and Maestral International and includes a wide range of global and national partners. CTWWC is demonstrating care reform and the importance of family care in Kenya, Guatemala, India, Haiti, and Moldova. In Moldova, CTWWC works with a wide range of actors, including government, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), faith-based actors, and those with lived experience to jointly identify, design and implement programming that prioritizes, promotes, and sustains safe and nurturing family care for children. Faith-based engagement in child protection and care Faith communities in Moldova play critical roles in forming, informing, and influencing public opinion and social development of communities. In 2021, CTWWC conducted a national study exploring faith-based engagement in child protection and care in Moldova. The study included the Moldovan and Bessarabian Orthodox Churches, the Catholic Church, Protestant and Evangelical churches, the Jewish community, and other faiths. The study recognized that faith leaders strongly influence social matters, public opinion, and faith-based structures. They reach deep into communities to provide an array of social services including services and programming that support vulnerable children and families. Most recently, the faith-based actors showed their ability to quickly respond and serve with the onset of the war in Ukraine. However, the study also identified that most of this work has been done informally and often outside the formal child protection system and related structures. Faith Engagement Strategy Utilizing the important findings from the report, recognizing that faith-based actors have an important role to play in child protection, and leveraging the experience and relationships of the CTWWC consortium partners, CTWWC Moldova designed a strategy to engage and foster collaboration with key faith-based actors during this critical next phase of care reform in Moldova. The engagement strategy defines how Changing the Way We Care Moldova will help promote the engagement of faith-based actors within the broader care reform effort in Moldova. Specifically and in collaboration with faith based partners, CTWWC will support fostering greater recognition of the important contributions that faith-based actors have and will continue to make in care reform in Moldova. Through intentional collaboration and inclusion of faith-based organizations, CTWWC will contribute to increased knowledge of, participation in, and formal engagement of faith-based actors in the child protection system. The strategy is not intended to reflect a linear process or simple set of chronological steps, but a robust and dynamic form of relational and ongoing development and change. Considering this, CTWWC believes there is a unique and timely opportunity to enhance collaboration and coordination between the two sectors. In partnership with faith-based actors, CTWWC will create opportunities that harness the important work, know-how, and reach of faith-based organizations, especially at the community level, and channel their important contributions into the long-term vision of a family-centered child protection system able to support all vulnerable children. At the same time, creating opportunities for the public sector mandated with overseeing child protection to engage with and gain familiarity with faith-based actors. As part of its strategy and through this Expression of Interest, CTWWC is searching for a partner who will develop a model for effective engagement and participation of faith-based communities, organizations and faith leaders in the prevention of family separation and the reintegration of children from residential care facilities into family-based care. Derived from this main objective, three key outputs have been formulated and are setting expectations for the future partners proposed activities: increased identification, participation of, and referrals (i.e., intentional collaboration) between faith-based communities, organizations and leaders and community social workers, including child protection specialists (where relevant); promotion of family-based care and the importance of family strengthening efforts by faith leaders in their religious communities; strengthened provision of family strengthening programs and where relevant, strengthened provision of family-based alternative care (kinship care, foster care) by faith-based actors reflecting good practice and Moldovas child protection policy priorities and objectives. KEY CONSIDERATIONS Applicants are encouraged to propose project concepts and list of detailed activities, having the 3 outputs in mind, but also relying on their experience in the communities, while highlighting, in the applications, any known gaps or challenges in the current interactions between the faith-based community and child protection system that the applicant would like to address. Further, applicants are encouraged to consider in their proposals some recommended activities for reaching the 3 key outputs: Design a capacity building program for community social workers and their supervisors on effective engagement with faith-based communities and their leaders in the prevention of family separation and promotion of family-based care; Develop and put into practice supervision and guidance sessions with community social workers and their supervisors to support implementation of engagement with faith-based communities and their leaders; Support small scale community initiatives focused on developing practical examples of faith engagement for better care efforts; Document key learnings, including challenges, best practices, case studies, and good practices and develop a Guidance on faith engagement in prevention of family separation and the reintegration of children from residential institutions. The Guidance document will be shared with key stakeholders in Moldova and lay the ground for a national scaling strategy. Linked with other care reform initiatives supported by CTWWC in Moldova, there is a predefined area for the implementation of activities which is Ialoveni region, consisting of 4 raions: Criuleni, Dubasari, Ialoveni, Straseni, however there is no expectation to conduct activities in all raions and all communities. Further, when putting together your application (project concept, detailed activities, budget, etc.), plan for the project duration of February 2024 August 2025, 18 months at a maximum, the last project month, August 2025, should only focus on project close out activities and reporting. Please see Section 1 of this document for additional explanations and key concepts relevant to this Call. Attachment B: Application Format Organizational Information and Narrative: Please supply both PDF and modifiable Word versions. Please see Section 3. Expression of Interest Response Information for instructions. DIP, Budget, Past Performance Record: Please complete CRS Call for EoI Response Templates (attached as separate excel) Certification of Intention to Comply: Please supply PDF signed version of the Certification, Attachment C below. See attached documents to this announcement. Attachment B Response Templates Faith Engagement_EOI_Nov 2023 Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has been urged to engage properly with UK charities to tackle the countrys challenges and avoid mimicking David Camerons Big Society strategy in his upcoming autumn statement. Cameron, who returned to government this week as foreign secretary, introduced his Big Society initiative during his time as prime minister from 2010 to 2016. A new briefing from Pro Bono Economics (PBE) reads that the chancellor has much to gain from recognising the potential of civil society, but that does not mean tapping up the new foreign secretary for his Big Society playbook. The briefing states: Civil society cannot fill any void the state chooses to leave in the name of fiscal prudence, not least because running hot for such a sustained period of time has left the UKs charity sector at risk of burning out. But resetting the governments relationship with the sector, drawing it into genuine partnership alongside the private sector too, has to be part of Jeremy Hunts vision for recovery and renewal. Charities have stepped up Charities have stepped up in an especially impressive way over the most recent period of pandemic and cost-of-living crisis, PBEs briefing adds. PBE notes the number of people referred to food banks and charities for emergency support by Citizens Advice has grown rapidly over the last three years. There were as many people referred in the first seven months of 2023 as in the entirety of 2021, it states. At the same time, PBE emphasised that the charity sectors income has declined, while the pandemic exacerbated the nations long-term decline in volunteering participation, falling from 27% of adults in 2013-14 to 17% in 2020-21. PBE says the autumn statement is an opportunity for the chancellor to create the conditions for the charity sector to thrive. Properly sustained and engaged, the UK charity sector has the potential to do more than mitigate the consequences of the crisis, its briefing says. It might instead support wider national renewal; helping the country break free of the neverending story of stagnation. NCVO publishes open letter This comes as research published by NCVO shows charities are being forced to subsidise underfunded government public services, with 73% of charities surveyed stating they cannot meet demand for the public services they deliver with the funding they receive. NCVOs open letter to the chancellor for charities to sign ahead of the autumn statement calling for increased funding of public services, has reached more than 1,200 signatures. Sarah Vibert, CEO of NCVO, said: The government has relied on charities to deliver vital public services for years, but chronic underfunding, rising costs and increased demand for these public services is pushing many charities to crisis point this winter. It is vital that these contracts are properly funded, so charities can focus on continuing to deliver the services people and communities across the country rely on. This week the sector has come together to call for urgent change, with more than 1,200 charities adding their voices to an open letter to the chancellor ahead of the autumn statement. We hope their voices are heard, and action is taken next week. 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, Income at learning disability charity Mencap declined by 23m last year after its demerger from Golden Lane Housing (GLH), according to its latest annual report . Mencaps income fell by 10% to 216m in the year to March 2023, despite an increase in revenue from its charity shops and more money for its core personal support services. The drop was driven by the charitys separation from GLH, which contributed 27.1m to Mencaps record 239m income in 2021-22 when it was a subsidiary. GLH was created by Mencap in 1998 and became a stand-alone housing association for people with a learning disability or autism in April last year. Mencap also saw a 3.4m decline in fundraising income, with legacies falling from 8.26m to 5.50m. Meanwhile, the charitys expenditure fell by 5% to 222m, meaning it recorded a deficit of 6.42m. Assets transfer Mencap transferred 130m-worth of tangible fixed assets to GLH last year, 115m of which were freehold land and buildings, the accounts show. This contributed to the charitys total fixed assets declining from 157m to 38.4m. With effect from 1 April 2022 Golden Lane Housing ceased to be part of the Mencap group. With effect from this date, fixed assets, debtors, cash at bank and in hand and creditors of the charity were transferred as a going concern to Golden Lane Housing Limited, Mencaps accounts state. Earlier this month, the charity moved 200 employees based at its main London offices at 123 Golden Lane, with the charity aiming to sell its former headquarters for 8.5m. Employees with a learning disability In Mencaps latest accounts, former chief executive Edel Harris is quoted as saying: In the non-social care part of our charity, about 6% of our workforce are people with a learning disability. But we can and should do better. Overall, the charity employed 7,534 people, a 6% annual decline, with 7,041 providing frontline services. The charitys employee costs increased by 3% to 192m, with pay for temporary staff more than doubling to 17.4m. Regarding trustees, Harris said: Though theyre not employed in the same way as staff, we want to have more people on our board with a learning disability. We need to be a charity genuinely led by people with a learning disability. Harriss departure was announced in July , with Jackie OSullivan, Mencaps executive director for communications, advocacy and activism, acting as CEO since August. 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, Joe Garofoli is the San Francisco Chronicles senior political writer, covering national and state politics. He has worked at The Chronicle since 2000 and in Bay Area journalism since 1992, when he left the Milwaukee Journal. He is the host of Its All Political, The Chronicles political podcast. Catch it here: bit.ly/2LSAUjA He has won numerous awards and covered everything from fashion to the Jeffrey Dahmer serial killings to two Olympic Games to his own vasectomy which he discussed on NPRs Talk of the Nation after being told he couldnt say the word balls on the air. He regularly appears on Bay Area radio and TV talking politics and is available to entertain at bar mitzvahs and First Communions. He is a graduate of Northwestern University and a proud native of Pittsburgh. Go Steelers! He can be reached at jgarofoli@sfchronicle.com. One windy night at Elon Musks SpaceX facility in McGregor, Texas, Lonnie LeBlanc and his co-workers realized they had a problem. They needed to transport foam insulation to the rocket companys main hangar but had no straps to secure the cargo. LeBlanc, a relatively new employee, offered a solution to hold down the load: He sat on it. After the truck drove away, a gust blew LeBlanc and the insulation off the trailer, slamming him headfirst into the pavement. LeBlanc, 38, had retired nine months earlier from the U.S. Marine Corps. He was pronounced dead from head trauma at the scene. Federal inspectors with the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) later determined that SpaceX had failed to protect LeBlanc from a clear hazard, noting the gravity and severity of the violation. LeBlancs co-workers told OSHA that SpaceX had no convenient access to tie-downs and no process or oversight for handling such loads. SpaceX acknowledged the problems, and the agency instructed the company to make seven specific safety improvements, including more training and equipment, according to the inspection report. It was hardly the last serious accident at SpaceX. Since LeBlancs death in June 2014, which hasnt been previously reported, Musks rocket company has disregarded worker-safety regulations and standard practices at its inherently dangerous rocket and satellite facilities nationwide, with workers paying a heavy price, a Reuters investigation found. Through interviews and government records, the news organization documented at least 600 injuries of SpaceX workers since 2014. Many were serious or disabling. The records included reports of more than 100 workers suffering cuts or lacerations, 29 with broken bones or dislocations, 17 whose hands or fingers were crushed, and nine with head injuries, including one skull fracture, four concussions and one traumatic brain injury. The cases also included five burns, five electrocutions, eight accidents that led to amputations, 12 injuries involving multiple unspecified body parts, and seven workers with eye injuries. Others were relatively minor, including more than 170 reports of strains or sprains. Current and former employees said such injuries reflect a chaotic workplace where often under-trained and overtired staff routinely skipped basic safety procedures as they raced to meet Musks aggressive deadlines for space missions. SpaceX, founded by Musk more than two decades ago, takes the stance that workers are responsible for protecting themselves, according to more than a dozen current and former employees, including a former senior executive. Musk himself at times appeared cavalier about safety on visits to SpaceX sites: Four employees said he sometimes played with a novelty flamethrower and discouraged workers from wearing safety yellow because he dislikes bright colors. The lax safety culture, more than a dozen current and former employees said, stems in part from Musks disdain for perceived bureaucracy and a belief inside SpaceX that its leading an urgent quest to create a refuge in space from a dying Earth. Elons concept that SpaceX is on this mission to go to Mars as fast as possible and save humanity permeates every part of the company, said Tom Moline, a former SpaceX senior avionics engineer who was among a group of employees fired after raising workplace complaints. The company justifies casting aside anything that could stand in the way of accomplishing that goal, including worker safety. One severe injury in January 2022 resulted from a series of safety failures that illustrate systemic problems at SpaceX, according to eight former SpaceX employees familiar with the accident. In that case, a part flew off during pressure testing of a Raptor V2 rocket engine fracturing the skull of employee Francisco Cabada and putting him in a coma. The sources told Reuters that senior managers at the Hawthorne, California site were repeatedly warned about the dangers of rushing the engines development, along with inadequate training of staff and testing of components. The part that failed and struck the worker had a flaw that was discovered, but not fixed, before the testing, two of the employees said. Cabadas wife told Reuters the company has ignored the familys attempts to find out why he wasnt protected. It would have been nice to get a call from Elon Musk, Ydy Cabada said. But I guess workers are just disposable to them. In all, Reuters interviewed more than three dozen people with knowledge of SpaceX safety practices, including more than two dozen current or former employees. Many of the sources spoke on condition of anonymity, citing concerns about career or legal repercussions. SpaceX did not respond to questions from Reuters and a detailed description of this articles findings. The more than 600 SpaceX injuries Reuters documented represent only a portion of the total case count, a figure that is not publicly available. OSHA has required companies to report their total number of injuries annually since 2016, but SpaceX facilities failed to submit reports for most of those years. About two-thirds of the injuries Reuters uncovered came in years when SpaceX did not report that annual data, which OSHA collects to help prioritize on-site inspections of potentially dangerous workplaces. Reuters unearthed details about the 600-plus injuries by examining court documents in worker lawsuits, employee medical records, state workers compensation claims and emergency-call records. The news agency also obtained, through public records requests, internal SpaceX injury logs that the company turned over to federal and state safety inspectors following serious safety incidents. Such logs are rarely made public. Regulators require companies to keep the records, which include descriptions of individual injuries, and to produce them upon request. After years of failing to report annual injury-and-illness statistics to regulators, some SpaceX sites started filing the data in 2021 or 2022. The data for 2022, which are more complete, reveal injury rates at three major SpaceX industrial facilities that far exceeded the space-industry average. The 2022 injury rate at the companys manufacturing-and-launch facility near Brownsville, Texas, was 4.8 injuries or illnesses per 100 workers six times higher than the space-industry average of 0.8. Its rocket-testing facility in McGregor, Texas, where LeBlanc died, had a rate of 2.7, more than three times the average. The rate at its Hawthorne, California, manufacturing facility was more than double the average at 1.8 injuries per 100 workers. The companys facility in Redmond, Washington, had a rate of 0.8, the same as the industry average. Two other SpaceX facilities in Florida, at Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral, could not be compared to the industry average in 2022. Kennedy didnt report injury data that year. And the company labeled Cape Canaveral as part of a different industry subcategory for which the government doesnt calculate an average rate. The Kennedy site did report injury data for 2016, the first year it was required to do so but hasnt reported since. For that year, the facility reported data amounting to an injury rate of 21.5 injuries per 100 workers, about 27 times the industry average. The facility employed only 50 people at the time; it had just taken over a launch pad from the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Sixteen of those workers were injured, SpaceX reported. By 2021, employment at Kennedy had grown to more than 1,100 workers, NASA said. (See related story below on how Reuters analyzed SpaceXs safety record.) A dozen worker-safety experts said SpaceXs poor safety record underscores the perils of working in the lightly regulated and fast-expanding U.S. space industry. Other major space companies have also failed to report annual injury data to OSHA in some recent years. Reuters reviewed state and federal safety violation records on SpaceX and found no sanctions for its data-reporting failures. For safety violations that inspectors found after SpaceX worker accidents, state and federal regulators levied only small fines, typically ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. In a written response to questions from Reuters, OSHA did not comment on SpaceXs worker safety record or its enforcement decisions involving the company. The agency did not address why it never cited SpaceX for failing to report injury data for many years, saying it would be unfair to draw a conclusion because it didnt know the specifics. Reuters documented the safety reporting lapses using the agencys own records. The agency did say it has recently increased inspections of companies generally and issued more of its stiffest penalties in egregious cases. California OSHA, a state-run workplace safety regulator, did not comment in response to Reuters questions. NASA said it has paid SpaceX $11.8 billion to date as a private space contractor. The agency did not comment on the companys safety record but said it has the option of enforcing contract provisions that require SpaceX to have a robust and effective safety program and culture. SpaceX has defended its safety practices in written responses to OSHA and CalOSHA. In response to an inquiry into the Cabada accident, SpaceX argued to CalOSHA that it shouldnt be held responsible for such injuries because it provides extensive safety training and the malfunction was not reasonably foreseeable. Accountability for such part failures and any resulting injuries falls instead on a cadre of employees known as responsible engineers, or REs, the company wrote. REs are ultimately responsible for all aspects of their components and systems, including safety, the company wrote. Put simply, the RE is the delegated SpaceX representative. Safety specialists dismissed SpaceXs contention that it can off-load the companys duty to ensure worker safety to specific engineers it employs. Jordan Barab, who served as an OSHA deputy assistant secretary between 2009 and 2017, called the notion ludicrous. OSHA told Reuters that employers, not designated employees, are responsible for ensuring a hazard-free workplace. Travis Carson, a former Brownsville welder and production supervisor, said SpaceX generally left staffers in charge of their own safety, with little training or oversight. SpaceXs idea of safety is: Well let you decide whats safe for you, which really means there was no accountability, said Carson, who has worked for more than two decades in dangerous jobs such as building submarines. Thats a terrible approach to take in industrial environments. No Accountability Since Musk co-founded SpaceX in 2002, his free-wheeling entrepreneurism has proved a powerful draw for young skilled workers. Some SpaceX employees described eagerly joining the company as it outpaced competitors and offered perks including in-house medical clinics and private company stock that has shot up in value. The company, which employs 13,000 workers, had an estimated value of $150 billion as of earlier this year. Musk has a 42% stake and 79% of the companys voting power, according to a company filing. SpaceX has achieved major breakthroughs. It was the first private company to send humans into orbit. Its Starlink unit is now the worlds largest satellite operator. Competitors including Jeff Bezos Blue Origin have struggled to keep pace with SpaceXs reusable rockets, which have slashed launch costs. Some SpaceX engineers say they relish collaborating with creative coworkers in an environment with little bureaucracy. Theres a certain amount of red tape that SpaceX avoids, which allows it to move faster than NASA or private competitors, said Chris Cunnington, a former engineer in McGregor, Texas. He said he believed SpaceX struck a good balance between speed and safety. Other current and former employees at the companys Brownsville site, which had the highest 2022 injury rate, said the companys disdain for structured processes came at a high cost to workers. SpaceX started building its Brownsville site in 2014, and it has since become the epicenter of Musks Mars mission. The facility employs more than 1,600 workers on the Texas-Mexico border and combines manufacturing, testing and launching. Its the base of SpaceXs Starship program, a project aiming to build cheaper rockets faster. Brownsville managers, many of them in their 20s, worked grueling hours trying to meet Musks deadlines, according to six current or former employees familiar with the sites operations, including Moline and Carson. Some workers slept overnight at the facility at times so they could work more than 80 hours a week, according to four of those employees. Carson worked at the Brownsville site as a welder in 2019 and 2020 and returned as a production supervisor in 2021 and 2022. He said some employees took Adderall, the stimulant typically used to treat attention-deficit disorder, without a prescription. Others fell asleep in bathrooms, said Carson and three other current or former Brownsville workers. To speed work and cut costs, SpaceX started manufacturing rockets in tents next to an undeveloped Gulf of Mexico beach. Workers welded rocket parts up to 12 hours a day, six days a week, often in temperatures over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, the SpaceX workers said. When overcome by heat, they were given IV fluids and sent back to work. When high winds disrupted the work, supervisors shut the tents, closing off ventilation that is essential for safe welding, according to the six current and former workers. OSHA warns that welding stainless steel can generate a highly toxic, cancer-causing dust. The agency told Reuters it requires companies to assess the danger of such environments through air sampling and to implement a respiratory protection program when needed. One former welder, Phillip Fruge, said he asked managers for respirators commonly used to protect welders lungs, but they werent provided. We could see the clouds of the dust filling the tent, Fruge recalled. Everyone was just breathing it in, day after day. Carson said he pressed superiors for better safety measures but was ignored. He recalled stepping into the interior of a rocket under construction in 2021 on his first day as a supervisor. Another manager, working 20 feet above him, carelessly dropped a nearly 100-pound hoist, barely missing Carson. Thats like a firing offense at other places, but not at SpaceX, Carson said. They needed bodies, and Elon needed stuff done. Carson himself eventually was fired in January 2022 after getting into a scuffle with a boss. Carson, who is African American, said he shoved the manager, a younger man, because he had repeatedly called Carson boy, despite Carsons requests that he stop. Boy is widely considered a racial epithet by Americans when used to refer to a Black man. The supervisor, who could not be reached for comment, was not disciplined, according to Carson. Reuters could not independently confirm how SpaceX handled the incident. SpaceX sometimes rushed to hire workers and regularly failed to properly train or equip new recruits, more than a dozen current and former employees said. Workers with no experience, for instance, were handed welding tools without training, they said. Four of these employees, who were managers fresh out of college, described making tough calls on the safety of dangerous activities with little guidance. In November 2021, two Brownsville technicians were moving square steel tubing weighing 500 pounds, using a crane with a lifting magnet, according to OSHA inspection records. The tubing fell and crushed a workers hand because the crane was only designed to hoist 300 pounds, OSHA concluded. The employee, whose name was redacted in the inspection report the agency gave Reuters, required long-term treatment after surgery, including the partial amputation of the workers ring finger, according to the report. The agency faulted the company for failing to ensure employees tested whether the crane could lift the load. SpaceX appealed the resulting $43,506 fine and got it knocked down to $8,701 after agreeing to remedy the worker-safety problems identified in the report. Florentino Rios suffered a severe eye injury at SpaceXs Brownsville site one summer night in 2021, as he worked about 25 feet off the ground attaching two beams to a launch pad. A crane operator missed a hand signal from Rios and mistakenly tried to move the beams after they were fixed in place, Rios said in an interview. That error caused a chain connecting the crane to the beams to snap and strike Rios in the face. Another worker who was present confirmed Rios account. The team should have had walkie-talkies, Rios said, and had previously asked management for better lighting. As blood trickled down his face, Rios inched along a beam to a platform where he was lowered down, he said. SpaceX employees who examined him at an on-site medical clinic told him he could return to work on the next shift, although he still couldnt see well, said his attorney, Richard Hinojosa. Reuters could not independently confirm the SpaceX medical clinics assessment. Rios went to the hospital that night. A medical scan revealed a traumatic injury in his swollen left eye, according to medical and workers compensation records reviewed by Reuters. He continued to work anyway for a few days. When he sought further treatment, doctors told him he had lost vision in the eye and was legally blind, the records show. Rios, 55, said he can no longer drive or work construction. He sued SpaceX alleging its negligence caused the injury by failing to implement or follow worker-safety procedures. It wasnt safe, Rios said, adding that management never addressed the problems. The company, in court records, argued that Rios own negligence was to blame. The case is ongoing. I used to be someone who didnt like sitting around, said Rios. I worked day and night to give my children what they needed. And now, I cant. Shortcutting Safety On Jan. 18 of last year, part of a Raptor V2 engine broke away during pressure testing at the SpaceX facility in Hawthorne, California. The part, a fuel-controller assembly cover, careened into the head of Cabada, a SpaceX technician. Nearly two years later, the father of three young children remains in a coma with a hole in his skull, family members said. The accident generated news last year but little has emerged until now about the causes. The incident stemmed from several safety lapses at the Hawthorne site, according to Reuters interviews with eight former SpaceX employees familiar with the incident and the testing preparations. Two of the employees said the mishap resulted in part from a simple mistake: An engineer started the test when Cabada was still too close to the engine and unprotected from explosions or flying debris. Senior managers were repeatedly warned for at least a year before the accident that pressure-testing crews were not following standard worker-safety protocols, such as providing protective barriers or clearing personnel from the testing area, according to a former employee familiar with the matter. Such testing should be conducted with a boom box covering the whole engine to protect workers, the employee said. At one point, managers rejected a new training program, written and proposed by pressure-testing staff, on the grounds that it would cause delays, according to the source and a document reviewed by Reuters. Another key contributing factor: SpaceX senior managers, in the months leading up to the accident, had instructed engineers to end or limit the testing of individual rocket parts before they are assembled into an engine, two staffers said. The managers were reacting to Musks demands for faster progress on the Raptor engine program, the workers said. The team normally would have conducted more extensive testing on the cover that malfunctioned and struck Cabada, they said. The limited testing nonetheless revealed a potentially dangerous flaw in the cover, according to two sources familiar with the matter. The component was redesigned to correct the problem, they said, but the new part wasnt ready before the pressure testing that hurt Cabada. Reuters could not determine the precise nature of the flaw. SpaceXs rejection of a more rigorous training program, its moves to limit testing, and the discovery of the covers defect before the accident havent been previously reported. In a written response to CalOSHAs inspection, SpaceX said it had conducted ample analysis and testing of the part before it failed. More than a dozen current and former workers said SpaceXs willingness to cut corners and skip some worker safeguards has helped keep it well ahead of competitors and score lucrative government contracts. SpaceX last year surpassed Boeing to become NASAs second-largest vendor. The company also boosts development speed through a structure that gives managers high levels of autonomy but raises safety risks, the dozen current and former SpaceX workers said. The company is split into three teams: engineering, manufacturing, and testing. The engineering leadership includes the responsible engineers SpaceX designates as accountable for safety in manufacturing. But those engineers have little control of other teams, including the one that stress-tests the engines and parts they develop, according to two staffers with knowledge of the matter. In the case of the test that injured Cabada, this loose structure meant the testing team never coordinated with the responsible engineer team, the workers said. After the Cabada accident, CalOSHA inspectors detailed other safety lapses. One employee involved in the pressure checks told them that the company generally didnt do full safety inspections before such testing, agency records show. Another said the engine should have undergone more testing without personnel around, according to the records. SpaceX pushed back on the agencys finding that the company failed to protect Cabada, the records show. The company blamed a particular responsible engineer, who it said was accountable for the safety of the defective cover through the lifecycle of development, testing and production. SpaceX fired the engineer and a manager on the same team over the incident, according to three employees with knowledge of the situation. Cabadas wife, Ydy, said SpaceX hasnt responded to the familys attempts to find out how he was injured. Michael Sanchez, a Los Angeles attorney representing her, said the company has never answered his inquiries, including a March 2022 certified letter requesting a copy of any surveillance footage of the accident and advising SpaceX to preserve any other relevant records. Ydy Cabada has considered a lawsuit but has not filed one. SpaceX has not returned a single call, Sanchez said. Franciscos sister, Evelyn Cabada, said the accident devastated the family. In addition to the severe head injury, she said, her brother caught pneumonia and meningitis in the hospital. Ydy Cabada said the family still holds out hope hell emerge from the coma. The doctors keep saying nothing has changed, she said. Itll take a miracle for him to get out of that bed. Flamethrowers and Safety Yellow Musk is well-known as a hands-on manager. He was directly involved in handing down sometimes unrealistic deadlines, said current and former employees. Musks heavy involvement in scheduling resulted in significantly more unsafe working conditions than would have existed otherwise, said Moline, the engineer. One former SpaceX executive defended Musk, saying he would listen to employees who were willing to go toe-to-toe with him on safety issues and took them seriously. Another former executive said Musk cared about his workers and was bothered when they got hurt, but that safety was not one of Musks priorities. Musk, the ex-manager said, thought that workers take care of their safety themselves. This former executive said that top company officials knew its injury rates ran high but attributed the problem to employing a largely young workforce in a dangerous industry. SpaceX leaders also believed the company shouldnt be held to the same standard as competitors because SpaceX oversees more missions and manufacturing, the two former executives said. That attitude is a red flag that a company is rationalizing a fundamentally unsafe environment, according to four worker-safety experts interviewed by Reuters, including Barab, the former OSHA deputy assistant secretary. SpaceX shouldnt be exempt from protecting workers from being injured or killed, Barab said, just because theyre doing innovative work. Four SpaceX employees told Reuters they were disturbed by Musks habit of playing with a flamethrower when he visited the SpaceX site in Hawthorne. The device was marketed to the public in 2018 as a $500 novelty item by Musks tunnel-building firm, the Boring Company. Videos posted online show it can shoot a thick flame more than five feet long. Boring later renamed the device the Not-A-Flamethrower amid reports of confiscations by authorities. For years, Musk and his deputies found it hilarious to wave the flamethrower around, firing it near other people and giggling like they were in middle school, one engineer said. Musk tweeted in 2018 that the flamethrower was guaranteed to liven up any party! At SpaceX, Musk played with the device in close-quarters office settings, said the engineer, who at one point feared Musk would set someones hair on fire. Musk also became known in California and Texas for ordering machinery that was painted in industrial safety yellow to be repainted black or blue because of his aversion to bright colors, according to three former SpaceX supervisors. Managers also sometimes told workers to avoid wearing safety-yellow vests around Musk, or to replace yellow safety tape with red, the supervisors said. Workers often walked too close to engine-testing and rocket-building facilities because the company failed to cordon off areas or put up warning signs, said Paige Holland-Thielen, a former operations and automation engineer in Hawthorne. One time I walked out the door of my building, and there was a giant crane there, she recalled. A bunch of people in hard hats started screaming at me to get back inside. Holland-Thielen and Moline, who also worked in Hawthorne, were among nine workers fired in the summer of 2022 after raising workplace complaints in an open letter that was ultimately signed by hundreds of employees. The letter criticized Musks flippant social-media responses to sexual-harassment allegations against him, which he denied. It also criticized a management culture of dismissing employee concerns and unevenly enforcing discipline policies. Eight workers who drafted the letter have since filed a complaint with the National Labor Relations Board against SpaceX alleging unfair labor practices. Moline said SpaceX Chief Operating Officer Gwynne Shotwell told him he was being fired for distracting workers from getting to Mars. Please focus on your job and the mission of SpaceX to get humanity to Mars as quickly as possible, Shotwell told him and Holland-Thielen, among others, in an email reviewed by Reuters. Shotwell did not respond to a request for comment. A Death and a $7,000 Fine SpaceX has faced few consequences from safety regulators for its failure to report annual safety data and to protect workers in incidents reviewed by federal and state inspectors, agency records show. OSHA and CalOSHA have fined the billionaires rocket company a total of $50,836 for violations stemming from one workers death and seven serious safety incidents, regulatory records show. OSHA did not comment on the modest penalties that resulted from inspections of SpaceX. SpaceXs history of injuries and regulatory run-ins in California underscores the limits of worker-safety regulation. Fines are capped by law and pose little deterrent for major companies, experts in U.S. worker safety regulation said. Federal and state regulators also suffer from chronic understaffing of inspectors, they said. OSHA did not address questions about staffing levels but said it focuses its resources on hazardous workplaces. CalOSHA levied a fine of $18,475 for the violation that resulted in Cabadas skull fracture. SpaceX unsuccessfully disputed the agencys classification of the violation as serious and appealed the penalty as excessive, asking for a reduction to $475. In another case, CalOSHA never inspected the company following a serious accident resulting in a leg amputation. But the agency may not have known the accident happened at all: A Reuters review of agency documents indicated it had no record of the 2016 incident. Federal and state law require companies to immediately report all employee deaths, amputations and injuries resulting in hospital admissions. It isnt clear whether SpaceX ever reported the injury. Neither the company nor CalOSHA commented on why the agency had no report on it. If SpaceX didnt report the case, I dont think they have any excuse, said Ann Rosenthal, a former OSHA associate solicitor, who handled legal matters for the agency until 2018. The incident resulted in Steven Trollingers leg being crushed during a mission to recover a rocket that landed in the Pacific Ocean, according to records in a lawsuit Trollinger filed. The accident occurred when he and other SpaceX employees were being transferred between two vessels. SpaceX knew that one of the vessels wasnt properly equipped with a transfer platform designed to ensure the workers safety, but proceeded anyway, Trollingers lawsuit alleges. Trollinger, who declined to comment, settled with SpaceX for an undisclosed sum, court records show. In inspections following two other serious California injuries the amputation of two fingers in 2017 and a serious knee injury in 2021 CalOSHA levied fines of $750 and $5,060, respectively. When a workers finger was amputated this March, inspectors took no action and did not visit the site, records show. After Texas worker Lonnie LeBlanc fell off a trailer and died in 2014, OSHA came to what it called an informal settlement with the company after inspectors found the safety lapses, OSHA records show. The settlement allowed SpaceX to pay a $7,000 fine. LeBlancs brother, Chris Weimer, and an uncle, Ron Weimer, said the family didnt know that OSHA had investigated the death and found violations until Reuters told them. Ron Weimer said the hazardous nature of rocket-building is no excuse for his nephews death. Theres a way to do dangerous work, he said, without people dying. Methodology Reuters documented at least 600 injuries at SpaceX through a variety of public records, including the companys own injury logs at three facilities that were inspected by regulators. Such logs are normally kept private by companies, but they became public record when SpaceX was required to turn them over to inspectors from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and a state-run affiliate in California, CalOSHA. Reuters obtained these logs, which include short descriptions of each injury in a given year, through public records requests. They covered between one and five years at each of the three facilities, in Hawthorne, California; Cape Canaveral, Florida; and Redmond, Washington. Reuters also documented injuries through other public records and employee interviews at those three sites and three other facilities, in Brownsville, Texas; McGregor, Texas; and at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The records included court documents in worker lawsuits, employee medical records, state workers compensation claims, and emergency calls. The six total sites were chosen because they are SpaceXs biggest industrial facilities, engaged in manufacturing, testing or rocket launching. Reuters also calculated annual injury rates for 2022 for some of these facilities using the annual data they have been required to file with OSHA since 2016. Reuters calculated the facilities rates using an OSHA formula that uses the total hours worked at a company to estimate an annual injury rate per 100 full-time workers. The data used to calculate the SpaceX rates also included a small number of illnesses. Before 2021 and 2022, SpaceX facilities usually did not submit the required data, with each site failing to report it for between four and six years. When comparing these rates to the space-industry average, the news organization used an estimated average injury-and-illness rate produced annually by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS derives industry averages by collecting a representative sample of data from companies in a given industry; it cannot by law release data from individual firms surveyed. Like OSHA, the BLS is a division of the U.S. Labor Department, and both agencies collect injury data from companies under the same guidelines. OSHA advises companies to use the BLS average in their industry as a benchmark for their worker-safety performance. SpaceX, when filing injury data to the OSHA, classifies itself as part of the guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing industry, a regulatory data-collection category that is a subset of the larger aerospace industry. The BLS estimated the average injury-and-illness rate for that industry was 0.8 per 100 workers in 2022, a rate that has not changed much in recent years. For one facility, in Cape Canaveral, SpaceX listed a different aerospace industry subcategory for 2022: transportation by spacecraft, freight. That facility couldnt be compared to an industry average because the BLS doesnt produce one for that subcategory. Another facility, at Kennedy Space Center, did not report annual injury data to OSHA for 2022. Top photo: NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, left, and Haley Esparza ride on horses as they visit SpaceXs Starship, April 19, 2023, as its 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) There is hardly a false note in " May December, " an audaciously self-aware, mischievously funny and emotionally complex drama that defies simple categorization. Filmmaker Todd Haynes, working from a script by newcomer Samy Burch, deftly mixes cheesy movie of the week tropes with the psychological depths of Bergman to make this wholly singular piece that never quite lets the viewer relax on solid ground. The set up involves an actor, Elizabeth Barry, played by Natalie Portman, who is spending some time with the real person shes decided to play in a film. That subject is Gracie Atherton-Yoo (Julianne Moore), who, when she was 36, was arrested and imprisoned for starting a physical relationship with a 12-year-old boy. Two decades later Gracie and that boy, Joe (Charles Melton), are married with three kids, one in college and twins about to go. There have been cheap, seemingly exploitative movies made about them before, which we get brief glimpses of. Gracie tells Elizabeth, on their first meeting, that she just wants her to tell the story right. Elizabeth responds that she wants her to feel seen and known. Both Moore and Portman are smiling sweetly, on perfectly polite stranger behavior, but it is also deeply uncomfortable. Is one lying? Are both? Who can we trust? Who do we like? Does it matter? We already knew that Haynes was a master of melodrama, with films like Carol and Far From Heaven, but in May December he gestures to the aesthetics of ripped-from-the-tabloids Lifetime fare. He layers that with a boldly dramatic score, borrowed from the past (the late French composer Michel Legrands theme from The Go-Between) and brilliantly deployed in both comedic and serious ways. Early in the film, Gracie is preparing for Elizabeths arrival and opens her refrigerator when the score dips. We brace for something serious and dramatic as the camera zooms in on Moore: I dont think we have enough hot dogs, she says. Elizabeth isnt just there to watch them eat dinner and ask some questions. She is wildly driven to get to some sort of truth about Gracie, running around town like an investigative journalist interviewing everyone she can. Portman plays Elizabeth as impishly manipulative, utilizing the full power of her characters celebrity and its effect on people to get intimate confessions. It is a deliriously fun and unnerving send-up of both stardom and an actors process. Late in the film, she calls it a story. Joe reminds her that its their actual life. You can almost imagine Elizabeth Barrys deeply untruthful press tour for the film. Gracie is harder to grasp, but she will keep the audience, and Elizabeth, on their toes for the duration. Just when you think you have a handle on something, she subverts it. We are, however, treated to some of her private moments that only Joe sees her fragility, her delusions, her naivete. And Moore and Portman are electric in their scenes together, masterful performers whose characters are similarly performing for one another. Its wonderfully fun to watch what they do, how they can make even the most basic of interactions slyly subversive and catty and how both try to maintain control over every conversation. But that they are great is not the big surprise of the film: Melton is. He will break your heart and not because of any huge Oscar-reel moment, but all the small ones leading up to the very earned tears. Hes the sobering remind that behind all the intrigue and scandal and fun of the quest for truth, if we accept the reality of May December as some sort of reality, then we have to accept the tragedy of Joe. Melton plays this 36-year-old father of three college age kids quietly. His first scenes with Gracie show a relationship that reads more mother-son than wife-husband, and not even just because of the age difference. At times he seems like a shadow of a person, playing the role of beer-drinking, hot dog grilling contented dad with an almost empty nest. He is, in this movie, still becoming, and maybe just now starting to grapple with the truth, as he raises his monarch butterflies and attempts to flirt over text with another person. In fact, Joe, and Melton, might be the biggest masterstroke of May December. Scandalous fun and camp are, you imagine, relatively easy with performers like this. But to give it a soul, too? It makes it monumental. May December, a Netflix release in theaters Nov. 17 and streaming Dec. 1, is rated R by the Motion Picture Association for some sexual content, graphic nudity, drug use and language. Running time: 117 minutes. Three and a half stars out of four. Shira Stein is The San Francisco Chronicle's Washington correspondent, covering national politics and policy with a particular eye to the impacts on California. She was previously a health care reporter and received several awards for her work covering the COVID-19 pandemic for Bloomberg. She also covered the fall of Roe v. Wade, including being the first to report President Joe Bidens consideration of a public health emergency for reproductive rights; the Trump administrations efforts to lower prescription drug prices; and the third legal fight to overturn the Affordable Care Act. She previously interned at the Washington Post, Bloomberg Law, and the Colorado-based Durango Herald. She is a native of the Bay Area and a graduate of American University. She can be reached at shira.stein@sfchronicle.com. President Xi Jinping Meets with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida People's Daily Online) 04:01, November 18, 2023 On the afternoon of November 16 local time, President Xi Jinping met with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in San Francisco. The two leaders reaffirmed the two countries commitment to abiding by the principles and common understandings of the four China-Japan political documents, comprehensively promoting a strategic relationship of mutual benefit, and building a constructive and stable China-Japan relationship fit for the new era. President Xi Jinping pointed out that this year marks the 45th anniversary of the China-Japan Treaty of Peace and Friendship. Codifying the direction of peace, friendship and cooperation between the two countries, the Treaty has become a milestone in China-Japan relations. Over the past 45 years, guided by the four political documents including the Treaty, the China-Japan relations have weathered twists and turns and maintained a development momentum in general, delivering important benefits to the two peoples and contributing to regional peace, development and prosperity. In this world of change and volatility where risks and challenges abound, peaceful coexistence, everlasting friendship, mutually beneficial cooperation and common development of China and Japan serve the fundamental interests of the two nations. China-Japan relations are now in a crucial period of building on the past and planning for the future. The two sides should follow the trend of the times, keep to the right direction, follow the spirit of drawing lessons from history and opening up the future, maintain the common purpose that enabled the normalization of diplomatic relations, view each others development in an objective and rational manner, foster a positive and friendly perception of each other, and constructively manage differences and disagreements. The political consensus that the two countries should be partners, not threats must be translated into concrete policies and actions. President Xi Jinping stressed that major issues of principle such as history and the Taiwan question are vital to the political foundation of China-Japan relations. Japan must honor its commitment and ensure that the foundation of China-Japan relations is not damaged or shaken. As the two countries economic interests and industrial and supply chains are deeply intertwined, attempts to build a small yard, high fences, decouple economies or disrupt supply chains will do no one any good. China is pursuing high-quality development and high-standard opening up, which will bring unprecedented opportunities to Japan and other countries in the world. The two sides should deepen cooperation and contribute to each others success, uphold the global free trade system, and achieve a higher level of mutual benefit and win-win results. The two countries should stand higher and embrace a broader vision, carry forward the Asian values built around peace, cooperation, inclusiveness and integration, practice true multilateralism, promote open regionalism, advance regional integration, and jointly rise to global challenges. President Xi Jinping pointed out that the discharge of Fukushima nuclear-contaminated water into the ocean concerns the health of all humanity, the global marine environment and the international common good. The Japanese side should take seriously the legitimate concerns in and outside Japan and properly handle the issue in a responsible and constructive manner. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida stated that on the important occasion of the 45th anniversary of the Treaty of Peace and Friendship Between Japan and China, the people of the two countries have an affectionate memory of the efforts made by the elder generations of leaders of the two countries in a wide range of areas to promote the development of friendly relations. The international community is at an inflection point in history. Japan, with the future in mind, hopes to enhance high-level communication and dialogue with the Chinese side, increase positive factors in the bilateral relations, and ensure peaceful coexistence. The Japanese side has no intention to decouple from the Chinese economy or sever supply chains, and hopes to expand people-to-people and cultural exchanges and deepen practical cooperation in such areas as digital economy, green development, fiscal and financial sectors, and health and elderly care. It will stay committed to the path of peaceful development, and has not changed its position at all on handling the Taiwan question in keeping with the Japan-China Joint Statement. The two sides spoke positively of the newly established mechanism of export control dialogue. They agreed to maintain dialogue and communication at all levels, hold a new round of meetings of the Economic High-Level Dialogue and High-Level Consultation Mechanism on People-to-People and Cultural Exchanges at an appropriate time, maintain communication and coordination on international and regional affairs, and jointly address global challenges such as climate change. The two sides agreed to work constructively to find a proper solution to the discharge of nuclear-contaminated water through consultation and negotiation. The two sides also exchanged views on international and regional issues of mutual interest. Cai Qi, Director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee, and Wang Yi, Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, among others, were present at the meeting. (Web editor: Wu Chaolan, Sheng Chuyi) Multimillionaire San Francisco developer Sia Tahbazof and his nephew pleaded not guilty to fraud charges in federal court Friday as part of the widening corruption probe of City Hall. Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle A multimillionaire developer and his nephew who are both accused of bribing building inspectors and plan checkers with cash, meals and interest-free loans pleaded not guilty to fraud charges in federal court Friday. Siavash Sia Tahbazof, 72, was charged Nov. 9 with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, as were his business partner, Reza Khoshnevisan and his nephew, Bahman Ghassemzadeh. Ghassemzadeh, 39, appeared in court with Tahbazof on Friday and also entered a not-guilty plea. Khoshnevisan pleaded not guilty at his arraignment on Monday. All three men were ordered released, without supervision, on $25,000 bond. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Judge Sallie Kim warned the two defendants that violating requirements of their pretrial-release conditions would be considered bail jumping and could lead to additional charges. After the hearing, Tahbazof's attorney declined comment. The three are accused of bribing former senior building inspector Bernie Curran and former plan checkers Rudy Pada and Cyril Yu to hasten building permits and obtain favorable building inspections. Yu and Pada face their own federal fraud charges and have pleaded not guilty. Neither still work for the city. If convicted, Tahbazof and his co-defendants face up to 20 years imprisonment and fines of up to $250,000. Tahbazof is one of the most prominent targets in a multiyear federal corruption probe that has toppled a widening ring of prominent businesspeople, developers and the city bureaucrats who enabled them while allegedly enriching themselves in the process. Prosecutors have charged Mohammed Nuru, former chief of San Francisco Public Works. He was sentenced to seven years in prison for fraud. Also convicted earlier this year was Harlan Kelly, former general manager of the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Much of prosecutors activity has focused on ways developers, permit expediters and others tried to circumvent the citys arduous building process. This summer, investigators won prison sentences for structural engineer and expediter Rodrigo Santos on bribery and check fraud charges and Curran, the former building inspector, for accepting bribes from people whose properties he inspected. Curran was sentenced to a year in prison in his federal case and two years in a related case tried in state court. Tahbazof is the founder of design and engineering firm SIA Consulting and the development company SST Investments, and built a real estate empire of hundreds of rental units across San Francisco. Former Mayor Ed Lee showered Tahbazof with praise in 2016 for his efforts to build a 116-unit apartment complex in the Excelsior with half of the units slated for affordable housing units which he developed with help from his close friend, Ahsha Safai, who is now a member of the Board of Supervisors but was not at that time. Safai is now running for mayor. Ghassemzadeh worked for SIA Consulting. He previously served on the Building Inspection Commission's Board of Examiners but resigned in 2021 after he was tied to the scandal. Prosecutors have accused Tahbazof of bribing Department of Building Inspection employees as far back as 2003. They say Ghassemzadehs crimes began no later than 2014. Tower Limited today announces the appointment of Mike Cutter as an independent director to the Tower Board to fill a casual vacancy. Mr Cutter has extensive governance and executive experience in the financial services sector across New Zealand, Australia, Asia and Europe. He is currently the Chair of Arteva Funding, a non-executive Director of Sezzle and Pepper Money and, is a co-founder of credit risk management consultancy, Kadre. Most recently, Mr Cutter served as interim managing director for Bambora Australia and group managing director for Equifax ANZ. Previously, he served a number of Australian-based boards including Womens Cancer Foundation, Ovarian Cancer Institute, Australian Finance Congress, National Insurance Brokers Association and the Australian Retail Credit Association. Prior executive roles include CEO of OAMPS Insurance Brokers (now Gallagher), GE Money Australia and New Zealand and, CRO of ANZ Australia. Mr Cutter is based in Melbourne and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a senior fellow of the Financial Services Institute of Australia. He holds a Bachelor of Science (Hons) from Hertfordshire University. Tower Chair, Michael Stiassny says the Board is pleased to welcome Mr Cutter as a director. Mike brings more than 35 years of financial services experience to Tower, including a strong background in risk management. His skillset is a valuable addition to the Tower Board and business, as we continue to focus on growth and innovation, while managing the insurance industrys changing risk environment, he says. Towers Board has determined that Mr Cutter is an independent director. His appointment will be effective immediately. Tower CEO, Blair Turnbull will also step down from the Board. Mr Turnbull was appointed to the Tower Board as an executive director pending the appointment of a new independent director in March 2023. As required by rule 2.7.1 of the NZX Listing Rules Mr Cutter will retire at the Annual Shareholder Meeting in February 2024 and be eligible for re-election. ENDS Comments from our readers No comments yet Add your comment: Your name: Your email: Not displayed to the public Comment: Comments to Sharechat go through an approval process. Comments which are defamatory, abusive or in some way deemed inappropriate will not be approved. 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Related News: Me Today - Notice of Annual Shareholder Meeting FSF - Director Scott St John to retire from Fonterra Board Greenfern announces change in Chief Financial Officer AIA Provision of Financial Assistance - Employee Share Plan CBD - Recording and Presentation of Investor Call AUCKLAND CAR PARK CONCESSION AGREEMENT - HIGH COURT JUDGMENT CRP - Korella North Mining Lease Lodgement Approved Genesis Energy launches new strategy November 30th Morning Report IFT270 - Interest Rate Reset Google CEO Sundar Pichai speaks in conversation with Emily Chang during the APEC CEO Summit at Moscone West on November 16, 2023 in San Francisco, California. The APEC summit is being held in San Francisco and runs through November 17. Google CEO Sundar Pichai said artificial intelligence is like climate change in that it will proliferate worldwide, and that people across the globe share a responsibility to create guardrails. At the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO summit in San Francisco on Thursday, Pichai was asked by Bloomberg's Emily Chang how to get to a global consensus on "smart AI regulation." Pichai said AI "will proliferate" and that "AI advances will get out to all the countries and so it's naturally the kind of technology that I don't think there's any unilateral safety to be had." Should AI could go wrong in one country, he said, it could impact other countries, making it difficult to regulate locally. "In some ways, it's like climate change and the planet," Pichai said. "We all share a planet. I think that's true for AI." That's why "you have to start building the frameworks globally," he added. Elon Musk, chief executive officer of Tesla Inc., during a fireside discussion on artificial intelligence risks with Rishi Sunak, UK prime minister, not pictured, in London, UK, on Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023. Sunak convened this week's AI summit in an effort to position the UK at the forefront of global efforts to stave off the risks presented by the rapidly-advancing technology, which in the prime minister's own words, could extend as far as human extinction. Photographer: Tolga Akmen/EPA/Bloomberg via Getty Images IBM has paused advertising on X after a report found that the tech company's ads were placed next to antisemitic content on the platform formerly known as Twitter. "IBM has zero tolerance for hate speech and discrimination and we have immediately suspended all advertising on X while we investigate this entirely unacceptable situation," an IBM spokesperson told CNBC in a statement. Media Matters for America published a report Wednesday that said the media watchdog group "recently found ads for Apple, Bravo, Oracle, Xfinity and IBM next to posts that tout Hitler and his Nazi Party on X." X CEO Linda Yaccarino has been attempting to win back advertisers that stopped their campaigns after Elon Musk purchased the company last year. Researchers and advocacy groups have documented a rise of controversial content on X, though the company has disputed those claims. An X spokesperson told CNBC in an email that the accounts that Media Matters said were posting the hateful content would no longer be monetizable. The accompanying content would also be labeled not safe for work, limiting its reach. X's advertising system "is not intentionally placing a brand actively next to this type of content, nor is a brand actively trying to support this content with placement," the spokesperson said. "Groups like Media Matters aggressively search for posts on X and then go to the accounts, and if they see an ad, Media Matter researchers keep hitting refresh to capture as many brands as possible." A spokesperson for Comcast , which owns Bravo and Xfinity and is also the parent of CNBC, said it's investigating the situation. Apple and Oracle didn't immediately respond to requests for comment. IBM's decision to halt advertising on X also comes after Musk on Wednesday boosted and drew attention to an antisemitic X post and issued statements that drew backlash from critics. In one post, Musk criticized the Anti-Defamation League, alleging that the nonprofit "unjustly attacks the majority of the West, despite the majority of the West supporting the Jewish people and Israel." Rep. George Santos, R-N.Y., leaves a House Republican Conference meeting on the speaker of the House discussions in Longworth Building on Tuesday, October 10, 2023. House Republicans who previously opposed efforts to oust GOP Rep. George Santos are now lining up to expel him after a scathing ethics report accused the embattled New York lawmaker of brazen campaign fraud and theft. But it remains to be seen if enough of them will turn on their fellow Republican in order to kick him out of Congress, a move that requires the support of two-thirds of the chamber. The report, released Thursday morning by the House Ethics Committee, found that Santos "sought to fraudulently exploit every aspect of his House candidacy for his own personal financial profit." The 35-year-old freshman "blatantly stole from his campaign," deceiving donors and submitting fake campaign loans while sustaining a "series of lies" about his background and experience, the report alleged. The report also accuses Santos of using money intended as campaign donations to "enrich himself," including by spending more than $4,000 at luxury clothing store Hermes and making purchases on adult cam site OnlyFans. Santos, who was already facing related criminal charges in New York federal court, announced later Thursday that he would not seek reelection in 2024. He has pleaded not guilty in that case, which is scheduled to go to trial next September. "I will continue on my mission to serve my constituents up until I am allowed," Santos wrote on X shortly after the report came out. "I will however NOT be seeking re-election for a second term in 2024 as my family deserves better than to be under the gun from the press all the time." Sierra Space, one of the sector's most valuable private companies, laid off several hundred employees and contractors this week, CNBC has learned. A Sierra Space spokesperson confirmed the company let go of about 165 employees on Thursday, but declined to specify the number of contractors affected. Former Sierra Space employees told CNBC that the layoffs included a significant number of contractors, with the cuts including hundreds of personnel in total. The laid-off employees received two weeks of paid non-working notice, plus four weeks of severance pay and health care benefits through the end of the year. Sierra Space had about 2,000 employees before reducing its workforce, the company spokesperson said. The Colorado-based company, which was recently valued at more than $5 billion, is pushing hard to fly the long-awaited first mission of its Dream Chaser spaceplane. Sierra Space this week shipped the first Dream Chaser, named Tenacity, for pre-launch testing at NASA's Armstrong facility in Ohio. The layoffs began soon after, the Sierra Space spokesperson said, noting the company conducted a surge in hiring this year to complete work on the Tenacity spacecraft. With Tenacity shipped, Sierra Space's spokesperson said the company is realigning to focus on the operations phase of Dream Chaser's first mission, as well as on classified national security work. The latter part of Sierra Space's realignment includes adding nearly 150 employees with security clearances from Sierra Nevada Corp., the aerospace and defense contractor owned by Fatih and Eren Ozmen, which the space company was spun out of two years ago. Sierra Space's spokesperson said the company is creating a national security space team to work on several classified contracts. Sierra Space also recently lost a pair of senior executives before the layoffs: COO Jeff Babione, who retired, and Senior Vice President of Space Destinations Neeraj Gupta. The company said the departures were unrelated. Two months ago, Sierra raised just under $300 million at a $5.3 billion valuation. Dream Chaser has been in development for years with a goal to deliver cargo and eventually crew to low Earth orbit as a reusable vehicle. It resembles a miniaturized NASA Space Shuttle in appearance and is built to launch atop a traditional rocket and land on a runway like an airplane. The first Dream Chaser launch was previously scheduled for late last year, but delays in the development of United Launch Alliance's Vulcan rocket pushed back that timeline. Dream Chaser is planned to launch on ULA's second Vulcan mission, with the first Vulcan launch targeting December. Dream Chaser has won NASA contracts to fly seven cargo missions to and from the International Space Station. Amazon on Friday began laying off "several hundred" people in its Alexa division as part of broader belt-tightening that's been underway since last year, the company confirmed. Daniel Rausch, Amazon's vice president of Alexa and Fire TV, sent a note to staffers informing them of the job cuts, according to a copy of the memo shared by an Amazon spokesperson. "As we continue to invent, we're shifting some of our efforts to better align with our business priorities, and what we know matters most to customers which includes maximizing our resources and efforts focused on generative AI," Rausch wrote in the memo, which was reported earlier by GeekWire. "These shifts are leading us to discontinue some initiatives, which is resulting in several hundred roles being eliminated." Amazon didn't specify which Alexa initiatives it's winding down as a result of the move. The company will reach out on Friday to employees in the U.S. and Canada who were affected. Staffers in India will be notified next week, while timing in other regions is dependent on local regulations, Rausch said. Amazon CEO Andy Jassy has been in cost-cutting mode since last year as the company reckons with an economic downturn and slowing growth in its core retail business. The company initiated the largest layoffs in its history, cutting more than 27,000 jobs, and axed many of its more unprofitable initiatives. Amazon previously cut employees in its devices and services division, which includes Alexa. Since its launch in 2014, Amazon has made big investments in Alexa and assigned top talent to grow the technology, largely at the direction of Jeff Bezos, who first pitched Alexa and strongly believed voice would play a key role in how people interact with computers in the future. At one point, Amazon had 5,000 people working on Alexa and Echo. Alexa and digital assistants like it were once groundbreaking technology, but they face increasing competition from generative artificial intelligence and chatbots like OpenAI's ChatGPT. In September, Amazon teased updates to Alexa that are tied to generative AI, such as composing messages on behalf of users. The unit overseeing Alexa also has a new leader, after longtime devices head Dave Limp left to join Bezos' rocket company Blue Origin. Limp was succeeded by veteran Microsoft executive Panos Panay. Rausch said Amazon remains "encouraged by the progress we're making with Alexa," noting that users have interacted with the virtual assistant "tens of millions of times every hour," and there are more than 500 million Alexa devices in consumers' homes. WATCH: Amazon partners with Snap to feature shopping ads DETROIT Cadillac's new entry-level electric vehicle will be a compact-sized crossover called Optiq, the company said Friday. The General Motors brand said the vehicle, which will be its fourth EV, will slot below the current entry-level Lyriq midsize crossover EV, which starts around $59,000. Cadillac declined to disclose pricing and other specifics of the 2025 Optiq, which is expected to go on sale in the U.S. as early as next year. The vehicle is anticipated to be sold in North America, China, Europe and potentially other markets. A Cadillac spokesman confirmed Friday that the brand still plans to exclusively offer EVs by 2030, despite slower-than-expected demand for the vehicles. Cadillac initially announced the target several years ago. Its parent company, GM, subsequently set a target to exclusively offer EVs by 2035. Cadillac's first EV was the Lyriq, followed by a bespoke $300,000-plus Celestiq sedan and an upcoming all-electric version of the Escalade SUV, which starts at about $130,000. The flag of Japan, host for the upcoming Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games, flies alongside the Chinese flag during the closing ceremony of the 19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 at Olympic Sports Centre Stadium in Hangzhou in China's eastern Zhejiang province on 08 October 2023. (Photo by Noushad Thekkayil/NurPhoto via Getty Images) Chinese President Xi Jinping and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida committed to pursuing mutually-beneficial relations in their first face-to-face talks in a year, a sign that Asia's two largest economies are looking to patch up strained ties. The two leaders also discussed China's ban on Japanese seafood and the high-profile case of a Japanese businessman detained in China during their hour-long talks on the sidelines of the APEC summit in San Francisco on Thursday evening. The countries should "focus on common interests" and reaffirm their "strategic relationship of mutual benefit and give it new meaning," Xi told Kishida as they sat across from one another at a table flanked by their delegations. In a joint statement in 2008, Japan and China agreed to pursue a "mutually beneficial relationship based on common strategic interests" designed to ensure frequent leadership exchanges on issues such as security. But the phrasing has been used less frequently in recent years as the historic rivals have clashed over a series of issues such as territorial disputes, trade tensions and Taiwan, the democratic island that Beijing claims as its own. Kishida confirmed the two sides reaffirmed their commitment to the relationship in comments to press after the talks. "We shared the common view that we will continue to communicate closely on various levels including at the leadership level," Kishida said. Most recently, ties have been tested by China's ban on Japanese seafood following Tokyo's decision to release treated water from its crippled Fukushima nuclear plant into the sea in August. Kishida said he had strongly urged Xi to drop the ban and also sought the swift release of the businessman, which has dealt an outsized blow to their close economic ties. Their meeting followed a highly-anticipated summit between U.S. President Joe Biden and Xi in which the two superpowers agreed to open a presidential hotline and resume military-to-military communications, among other matters. Kishida also met Biden at the summit where they discussed issues including "common challenges" that they share with China. China's push to reaffirm relations with Japan could be partly driven by Tokyo's close ties with its arch-rival Washington, said Rumi Aoyama, an expert on Japan-China relations. "I think there is a desire to drive a wedge between Japan and the United States by establishing a so-called strategic relationship with Japan amid the U.S.-China confrontation," said Aoyama, director of Waseda Institute of Contemporary Chinese Studies. On the sidelines of the APEC summit, Kishida has also met South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in their seventh meeting this year. The pair promised to push for deeper cooperation and discussed shared concerns like North Korea's missile tests. Yoon, Kishida and Biden also held a brief trilateral meeting on Thursday. Leaders from the 21-member Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum are in San Francisco for the 30th summit from Nov. 15-17. People using their mobile phones outside the offices of Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, in King's Cross, London. Joshua Bratt | Pa Images | Getty Images Lauren Wagner knows a lot about disinformation. Heading into the 2020 U.S. presidential election, she worked at Facebook , focusing on information integrity and overseeing products designed to make sure content was moderated and fact-checked. She can't believe what's she's seeing now. Since war erupted last month between Israel and Hamas, the constant deluge of misinformation and violent content spreading across the internet is hard for her to comprehend. Wagner left Facebook parent Meta last year, and her work in trust and safety feels like it was from a prior era. "When you're in a situation where there's such a large volume of visual content, how do you even start managing that when it's like long video clips and there's multiple points of view?" Wagner said. "This idea of live-streaming terrorism, essentially at such a deep and in-depth scale, I don't know how you manage that." The problem is even more pronounced because Meta, Google parent Alphabet , and X, formerly Twitter, have all eliminated jobs tied to content moderation and trust and safety as part of broader cost-cutting measures that began late last year and continued through 2023. Now, as people post and share out-of-context videos of previous wars, fabricated audio in news clips, and graphic videos of terrorist acts, the world's most trafficked websites are struggling to keep up, experts have noted. As the founder of a new venture capital firm, Radium Ventures, Wagner is in the midst of raising her first fund and is investing in startup founders working on trust and safety technologies. She said many more platforms that think they are "fairly innocuous" are seeing the need to act. "Hopefully this is shining a light on the fact that if you house user-generated content, there's an opportunity for misinformation, for charged information or potentially damaging information to spread," Wagner said. In addition to the traditional social networks, the highly polarized nature of the Israel-Hamas war affects internet platforms that weren't typically known for hosting political discussions but now have to take precautionary measures. Popular online messaging and discussion channels such as Discord and Telegram could be exploited by terrorist groups and other bad actors who are increasingly using multiple communication services to create and conduct their propaganda campaigns. A Discord spokesperson declined to comment. Telegram didn't respond to a request for comment. A demonstrator places flowers on white-shrouded body bags representing victims in the Israel-Hamas conflict, in front of the White House in Washington, DC, on November 15, 2023. Mandel Ngan | AFP | Getty Images On kids gaming site Roblox , thousands of users recently attended pro-Palestinian protests held within the virtual world. That has required the company to closely monitor for posts that violate its community standards, a Roblox spokesperson told CNBC in a statement. Roblox has thousands of moderators and "automated detection tools in place to monitor," the spokesperson said, adding that the site "allows for expressions of solidarity," but does "not allow for content that endorses or condones violence, promotes terrorism or hatred against individuals or groups, or calls for supporting a specific political party." When it comes to looking for talent in the trust and safety space, there's no shortage. Many of Wagner's former colleagues at Meta lost their jobs and remain dedicated to the cause. One of her first investments was in a startup called Cove, which was founded by former Meta trust and safety staffers. Cove is among a handful of emerging companies developing technology that they can sell to organizations, following an established enterprise software model. Other Meta veterans have recently started Cinder and Sero AI to go after the same general market. "It adds some more coherence to the information ecosystem," Wagner, who is also a senior advisor at the Responsible Innovation Labs nonprofit, said regarding the new crop of trust and safety tools. "They provide some level of standardized processes across companies where they can access tools and guidelines to be able to manage user-generated content effectively." 'Brilliant people out there' It's not just ex-Meta staffers who recognize the opportunity. The founding team of startup TrustLab came from companies including Google, Reddit and TikTok parent ByteDance. And the founders of Intrinsic previously worked on trust and safety-related issues at Apple and Discord. For the TrustCon conference in July, tech policy wonks and other industry experts headed to San Francisco to discuss the latest hot topics in online trust and safety, including their concerns about the potential societal effects of layoffs across the industry. Several startups showcased their products in the exhibition hall, promoting their services, talking to potential clients and recruiting talent. ActiveFence, which describes itself as a "leader in providing Trust & Safety solutions to protect online platforms and their users from malicious behavior and content," had a booth at the conference. So did Checkstep, a content moderation platform. Cove also had an exhibit at the event. "I think the cost-cutting has definitely obviously affected the labor markets and the hiring market," said Cove CEO Michael Dworsky, who co-founded the company in 2021 after more than three years at Facebook. "There are a bunch of brilliant people out there that we can now hire." Cove has developed software to help manage a company's content policy and review process. The management platform works alongside various content moderation systems, or classifiers, to detect issues such as harassment, so businesses can protect their users without needing expensive engineers to develop the code. The company, which counts anonymous social media apps YikYak and Sidechat as customers, says on its website that Cove is "the solution we wish we had at Meta." "When Facebook started really investing in trust and safety, it's not like there were tools on the market that they could have bought," said Cove technology chief Mason Silber, who previously spent seven years at Facebook. "They didn't want to build, they didn't want to become the experts. They did it more out of necessity than desire, and they built some of the most robust, trusted safety solutions in the world." A Meta spokesperson declined to comment for this story. watch now Wagner, who left Meta in mid-2022 after about two and a half years at the company, said that earlier content moderation was more manageable than it is today, particularly with the current Middle East crisis. In the past, for instance, a trust and safety team member could analyze a picture and determine whether it contained false information through a fairly routine scan, she said. But the quantity and speed of photos and videos being uploaded and the ability of people to manipulate details, especially as generative AI tools become more mainstream, has created a whole new hassle. Social media sites are now dealing with a swarm of content related to two simultaneous wars, one in the Middle East and another between Russia and Ukraine. On top of that, they have to get ready for the 2024 presidential election in less than a year. Former President Donald Trump, who is under criminal indictment in Georgia for alleged interference in the 2020 election, is the front-runner to become the Republican nominee. Manu Aggarwal, a partner at research firm Everest Group, said trust and safety is among the fastest-growing segments of a part of the market called business process services, which includes the outsourcing of various IT-related tasks and call centers. By 2024, Everest Group projects the overall business process services market to be about $300 billion, with trust and safety representing about $11 billion of that figure. Companies such as Accenture and Genpact, which offer outsourced trust and safety services and contract workers, currently capture the bulk of spending, primarily because Big Tech companies have been "building their own" tools, Aggarwal said. As startups focus on selling packaged and easy-to-use technology to a wider swath of clients, Everest Group practice director Abhijnan Dasgupta estimates that spending on trust and safety tools could be between $750 million and $1 billion by the end of 2024, up from $500 million in 2023. This figure is partly dependent on whether companies adopt more AI services, thus requiring them to potentially abide by emerging AI regulations, he added. Tech investors are circling the opportunity. Venture capital firm Accel is the lead investor in Cinder, a two-year-old startup whose founders helped build much of Meta's internal trust and safety systems and also worked on counterterrorism efforts. "What better team to solve this challenge than the one that played a major role in defining Facebook's Trust and Safety operations?" Accel's Sara Ittelson said in a press release announcing the financing in December. Ittelson told CNBC that she expects the trust and safety technology market to grow as more platforms see the need for greater protection and as the social media market continues to fragment. New content policy regulations have also spurred investment in the area. The European Commission is now requiring large online platforms with big audiences in the EU to document and detail how they moderate and remove illegal and violent content on their services or face fines of up to 6% of their annual revenue. Cinder and Cove are promoting their technologies as ways that online businesses can streamline and document their content moderation procedures to comply with the EU's new regulations, called the Digital Services Act. In the absence of specialized tech tools, Cove's Dworsky said, many companies have tried to customize Zendesk, which sells customer support software, and Google Sheets to capture their trust and safety policies. That can result in a "very manual, unscalable approach," he said, describing the process for some companies as "rebuilding and building a Frankenstein's monster." Still, industry experts know that even the most effective trust and safety technologies aren't a panacea for a problem as big and seemingly uncontrollable as the spread of violent content and disinformation. According to a survey published last week by the Anti-Defamation League, 70% of respondents said that on social media, they'd been exposed to at least one of several types of misinformation or hate related to the Israel-Hamas conflict. As the problem expands, companies are dealing with the constant struggle over determining what constitutes free speech and what crosses the line into unlawful, or at least unacceptable, content. Alex Goldenberg, the lead intelligence analyst at the Network Contagion Research Institute, said that in addition to doing their best to maintain integrity on their sites, companies should be honest with their users about their content moderation efforts. "There's a balance that is tough to strike, but it is strikable," he said. "One thing I would recommend is transparency at a time where third-party access and understanding to what is going on at scale on social platforms is what is needed." Noam Bardin, the former CEO of navigation firm Waze, now owned by Google, founded the social news-sharing and real-time messaging service Post last year. Bardin, who's from Israel, said he's been frustrated with the spread of misinformation and disinformation since the war began in October. "The whole perception of what's going on is fashioned and managed through social media, and this means there's a tremendous influx of propaganda, disinformation, AI-generated content, bringing content from other conflicts into this conflict," Bardin said. Bardin said that Meta and X have struggled to manage and remove questionable posts, a challenge that's become even greater with the influx of videos. At Post, which is most similar to Twitter, Bardin said he's been incorporating "all these moderation tools, automated tools and processes" since his company's inception. He uses services from ActiveFence and OpenWeb, which are both based in Israel. "Basically, anytime you comment or you post on our platform, it goes through it," Bardin said regarding the trust and safety software. "It looks at it from an AI perspective to understand what it is and to rank it in terms of harm, pornography, violence, etc." Post is an example of the kinds of companies that trust and safety startups are focused on. Active online communities with live-chatting services have also emerged on video game sites, online marketplaces, dating apps and music streaming sites, opening them up to potentially harmful content from users. Brian Fishman, co-founder of Cinder, said "militant organizations" rely on a network of services to spread propaganda, including platforms like Telegram, and sites such as Rumble and Vimeo, which have less advanced technology than Facebook. Representatives from Rumble and Vimeo didn't respond to requests for comment. Fishman said customers are starting to see trust and safety tools as almost an extension of their cybersecurity budgets. In both cases, companies have to spend money to prevent possible disasters. "Some of it is you're paying for insurance, which means that you're not getting full return on that investment every day," Fishman said. "You're investing a little bit more during black times, so that you got capability when you really, really need it, and this is one of those moments where companies really need it." WATCH: Lawmakers ask social media and AI companies to crack down on misinformation watch now Rep. George Santos (R-N.Y.) speaks with reporters after a vote on Capitol Hill on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023, in Washington, DC. The Republican chairman of the House Ethics Committee on Friday filed a resolution to expel Rep. George Santos from Congress in the wake of a damning report alleging the scandal-plagued GOP freshman committed campaign fraud and theft. Ethics Chairman Michael Guest, R-Miss., said the evidence uncovered through the committee's investigation of Santos "is more than sufficient to warrant punishment." "The most appropriate punishment, is expulsion," Guest said in a statement. "So, separate from the Committee process and my role as Chairman, I have filed an expulsion resolution." That resolution will not come to a vote until sometime after the House returns from its Thanksgiving recess on Nov. 28. Santos has already declared he will no longer seek reelection in 2024, even as he slammed the ethics report as a "politicized smear." On Thursday night, he announced a press conference Nov. 30 on the steps of the U.S. Capitol. The embattled New York lawmaker has survived two prior attempts to oust him over his lies and alleged campaign finance crimes. The House, in which Republicans hold a razor-thin majority, requires the support of two-thirds of the chamber in order to expel a member. But on the heels of Thursday's ethics report, many of Santos' GOP colleagues who previously voted to keep him in Congress declared that they would now support an effort to throw him out. The 56-page report found that Santos, 35, "sought to fraudulently exploit every aspect of his House candidacy for his own personal financial profit." Santos "blatantly stole from his campaign," deceiving donors and submitting fake campaign loans while sustaining a "series of lies" about his background and experience, the report alleged. Santos allegedly used money intended for his campaign to "enrich himself," including by spending more than $4,000 at luxury clothing store Hermes and making purchases on adult cam site OnlyFans. "I did not vote in the past to expel George because I didn't believe there was due process," Rep. Ken Buck, R-Colo., said Thursday on MSNBC, but "I think he's been given the fair due process now." Google parent Alphabet has been among the so-called "Magnificent Seven" stocks that investors have been looking at favorably this year but one analyst has some reservations. "There's nothing structurally broken with Alphabet at all, [but] it is one of those names where the reasonable range of earnings and free cash flow outcomes is just a little bit tighter than it is at Meta or at Amazon," Morgan Stanley equity analyst Brian Nowak told CNBC's " Street Signs Asia " on Wednesday. Speaking at the investment bank's Asia-Pacific Summit 2023 in Singapore, he said that Alphabet has "less significant upside estimates." "Alphabet is slowing down headcount growth, so you are seeing incremental discipline come through the model, but it's happening at a slower rate than what you're seeing at Meta or at Amazon," he added. Like Alphabet, Meta Platforms and Amazon are also on the list of so-called Magnificent Seven stocks. The other companies are Apple , Microsoft and Nvidia . Touching on Alphabet's foray into the artificial intelligence space, Nowak noted tools such as Bard a chat-based tool on Google are "not coming out as quickly." "They're taking I think, an appropriately slow pace of rolling out new tools, rolling out Gemini and rolling out these products that can drive faster [adoption]," he explained. Google's Gemini uses large-language models to do things like power chatbots and summarize or produce text. The way Nowak sees it, Gemini could be a "game changer" once it is launched, possibly in 2024. "It integrates all of Alphabet's search data, YouTube data, that, we think, could be the first sign of changing the way we search, rolling out the potential for a generative AI assistant to help you shop for travel, help you shop for groceries that, we think ultimately will lead to lower friction in offline to online wallets, faster spending moving online, and faster structural online advertising growth," he said. Alphabet's stock is up around 50% in the year to date. GOOGL YTD mountain Year-to-date shares of Alphabet Morgan Stanley has cut its target price on Alphabet by around 3%, citing expectations of higher operating expenses and a dip in revenue from key segments. The investment bank continues to be overweight on the tech giant but now has a price target of $150 giving it upside of 11.4% from its close on Nov. 15. Its previous target price was $155. "Our 2024 revenue estimates [has fallen by] 2%, driven by lower YouTube, Cloud and Network growth. Our 2024 operating expense forecast increases slightly [by] 60 basis points, primarily due to higher depreciation expenses and to a smaller extent higher SBC (stock-based compensation)," Morgan Stanley's analysts led by Nowak wrote in an Oct. 25 note to investors. The bank's bull-case price target for Alphabet of $190 would encompass "better than expected expense discipline and share repurchase leading to multiple expansion and higher earnings power." Meanwhile, its bear case is reflected with a price target of $90 and would follow a slowdown in global ad growth and margin pressures. Of the 56 analysts covering Alphabet, 82% have a buy or overweight call on the stock, at a mean target price of $152.77, according to FactSet. That gives the stock an upside of around 13.5% from its Nov. 15 close. CNBC's Isabella Lok contributed to this report. Every weekday the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer holds a Morning Meeting livestream at 10:20 a.m. ET. Here's a recap of key moments. 1. U.S. stocks edged slightly lower in midmorning trading Friday, with the S & P 500 down 0.08%. But the index is still on track for its third-straight week of gains. Bonds yields were little changed today, with that of the 10-year Treasury hovering around 4.4%. And oil prices jumped more than 2% Friday after West Texas Intermediate crude has lost more than 20% since its September high a pullback that has weighed on Club name Coterra Energy (CTRA), creating a potential buying opportunity. 2. Club holding Danaher 's (DHR) $5.7 billion acquisition of biotechnology firm Abcam (ABCM) is now expected to close on Dec. 6. The transaction is expected to be accretive by about 20 cents per share in the first full year after the deal closes. The deal will give Danaher a presence in the highly attractive protein consumable market, which is used in nearly all biologic research, including drug development. Long term, the business is expected to grow in the high single digits with gross margins greater than 60%. 3. Club holding Eli Lilly confirmed Friday it will build a $2.5 billion manufacturing plant in Germany to expand drug production, including its treatments for diabetes, obesity and Alzheimer's disease. Lilly has now announced investments of more than $11 billion in its global manufacturing footprint over the past three years to support the supply of its medicines. Shares of Eli Lilly are up more than 60% year-to-date largely on the back of the pharmaceutical giant's recently weight-loss drug , which was recently approved in the U.S. (Jim Cramer's Charitable Trust is long CTRA, DHR, LLY. See here for a full list of the stocks.) As a subscriber to the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer, you will receive a trade alert before Jim makes a trade. Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust's portfolio. If Jim has talked about a stock on CNBC TV, he waits 72 hours after issuing the trade alert before executing the trade. THE ABOVE INVESTING CLUB INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY , TOGETHER WITH OUR DISCLAIMER . NO FIDUCIARY OBLIGATION OR DUTY EXISTS, OR IS CREATED, BY VIRTUE OF YOUR RECEIPT OF ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED IN CONNECTION WITH THE INVESTING CLUB. NO SPECIFIC OUTCOME OR PROFIT IS GUARANTEED. A great business idea will never strike you like a lightning bolt out of the blue. That's according to Catalina Daniels and James Sherman, the authors of "Smart Startups: What Every Entrepreneur Needs to Know Advice from 18 Harvard Business School Founders." They wrote the book after interviewing 18 HBS graduates who launched notable startups like Rent the Runway and Blue Apron. One of their top takeaways: There's no such thing as a "lightbulb moment," where a fully-formed idea for a successful business suddenly pops into your head. "There is this myth that as an entrepreneur, you should have a lightbulb moment: You wake up one day [and] see the light: 'This is an idea worth pursuing.' You go after it, you raise funds, you become successful, blah blah blah. Well, our interviews entirely busted that myth," Daniels tells CNBC Make It. Don't miss: Self-made millionaire: If you want a game-changing side hustle or business, study this one CEO very closely Daniels and Sherman, both venture investors, are also Harvard University alumni who've founded businesses. The "lightbulb moment" concept ignores the time and work it often takes to flesh out a successful business idea, they say. "A lot of aspiring entrepreneurs have this romantic view that that's going to happen to them one day, or that it needs to happen," says Daniels. "Well, it didn't happen with [any of] the entrepreneurs we talked to." EU High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell talks to the press as he arrives to attend the European Political Community summit at the Palacio de Congreso in Granada, southern Spain on October 5, 2023. The EU's top diplomat Josep Borrell dubbed the Israel-Hamas conflict a collective "great political and moral failure" for which both Israeli and Palestinian people are now paying a high price, urging a political solution to the war. Speaking in a press briefing with Mohammad Shtayyeh, the prime minister of the Palestinian Authority, in Ramallah on Friday, Borrell said the EU condemns Hamas for its terror attack of Oct. 7 "in the strongest terms" and calls on the Palestinian militant group to "free the hostages, and to give immediate access to them to the Red Cross or the Red Crescent." He also entreated Israel, where Borrell traveled on Thursday, to have a proportionate response in its retaliatory war campaign in the Gaza Strip. "A horror doesn't justify another horror. And the best friends of Israel are the ones who ask them not to be driven by rage," he said Friday. Characterizing the humanitarian needs of the besieged and resource-deprived Gaza enclave as a "gigantic effort," he nevertheless said that "the international community should be able to provide this assistance." In the longer term, only a political solution can truly end tensions between the Israeli and Palestinian people, Borrell said, setting out principles on which lasting peace can be achieved. Echoing some of the views previously expressed by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the EU diplomat envisions this as involving no displacement of Palestinian people out of the Gaza Strip, no territorial changes to the enclave, no dissociation of the Gaza Strip crisis from the overall cause of the Palestinian people, and no "reoccupation by Israel or a safe haven for Hamas in Gaza." Borrell also says that the Palestinian Authority must be able to fully return to the Gaza Strip, while also calling on firmer involvement from Arab countries and the European Union toward building an independent Palestinian state. Ruxandra Iordache Mark Cuban worked hard to amass his net worth currently estimated at $6.2 billion creating multiple successful businesses and investing in promising startups. If he had to start over from scratch, he probably wouldn't be nearly as successful the second time around and the same goes for every billionaire on the planet, Cuban recently told GQ. "Anybody who has a 'B' next to their name, and they tell you they could do it all again, they're lying their ass off," Cuban, 65, said. That's not to say he wouldn't do well for himself: In recent years, he's expressed confidence that in this hypothetical scenario, he'd still rebuild enough wealth to live a comfortable life. But becoming a billionaire isn't just dependent on your sales talent or ability to craft a great business idea, Cuban said. "You've got to have luck," said Cuban. "You got to have timing." Don't miss: Mark Cuban says he doesnt need his billions: Id for sure be just as happy with 1% of my net worth In Cuban's case, timing was crucial. He started his software company MicroSolutions in 1982, just ahead of the digital revolution, and sold it to CompuServe for $6 million in 1990. Then, when his audio streaming service Broadcast.com sold to Yahoo in 1999 for $5.7 billion in stock, he quickly sold most of his shares just before the dotcom bubble collapsed. That was intentional, he told Real Vision in 2020: "In the '80s, I watched PC companies just blow up, just go straight up and then come straight down. I was like, it's going to happen again." Putting yourself in a position to be lucky and making the most of it is what exactly makes people highly successful, according to Richard Wiseman, author of "The Luck Factor" and a psychology professor at the University of Hertfordshire. Lucky people have a few character traits in common, Wiseman wrote: Listening to their intuition Practicing optimism Being resilient Leaping at new opportunities "It is easy for people to exhaust the opportunities in their life. Keep on talking to the same people in the same way. Keep taking the same route to and from work. Keep going to the same places on vacation," Wiseman wrote in a 10-year study, published in 2003. "But new or even random experiences introduce the potential for new opportunities." Cuban echoed that same concept in his GQ interview. "I was really lucky in that I was a tech guy who understood networking when the internet stock market blew up," he said. "And I was an entrepreneur who was willing to invest his own money to try to take this new thing called the internet and see if we could put audio and then video over it." "If I would have been born three years earlier, three years later, we probably would not be having this conversation," Cuban added. Disclosure: CNBC owns the exclusive off-network cable rights to "Shark Tank," which features Mark Cuban as a panelist. DON'T MISS: Want to be smarter and more successful with your money, work & life? Sign up for our new newsletter! Get CNBC's free Warren Buffett Guide to Investing, which distills the billionaire's No. 1 best piece of advice for regular investors, do's and don'ts, and three key investing principles into a clear and simple guidebook. People with the group No Labels hold signs during a rally on Capitol Hill in Washington, July 18, 2011. More than 15,000 people in Arizona have registered to join a new political party floating a possible bipartisan "unity ticket" against Joe Biden and Donald Trump. No Labels, the nonprofit group actively working to field a third party ticket for president in 2024, doubled its annual revenue last year over 2021, collecting $21 million, nearly all of it from wealthy donors who gave $100,000 or more. No Labels is not required to publicly disclose the names of its donors, but CNBC obtained a list from the group of contributions last year that exceeded $5,000. The list did not include names, but it revealed that around 80% of the group's total revenue, roughly $17 million, came from at least 68 individual donors who each gave the group $100,000 or more. The 990 tax return also revealed that No Labels had only one program last year, which it called, "citizen engagement, digital and grassroots movement building and ballot access." "We have developed leadership networks in all 50 states to establish grassroots support among communities across the country who share No Labels' values," the group wrote. The cost of this effort was just shy of $9 million. As No Labels works to gain ballot access in all 50 states next year for a potential third party presidential candidate, the scale of the individual gifts suggest that No Labels has a solid base of very wealthy donors, people it could potentially tap for even bigger donations. But the fact that the group relies so heavily on a relatively small number of wealthy individuals also underscores the limitations No Labels faces, as it struggles to rebrand itself as a grassroots movement, far away from the rarified circles of Wall Street and Washington. Still, without an actual candidate on its ticket, No Labels is still effectively just the idea of a third party, and not an actual alternative to either Democratic President Joe Biden or Republican front-runner Donald Trump. Ryan Clancy, the chief strategist for No Labels, defended the group's refusal to reveal its donors. "No Labels will never run a presidential campaign. No Labels' only job is to get a ballot line," Clancy told CNBC. "Once we offer our ballot line to a unity ticket, that ticket will be obligated to follow all of the relevant FEC [Federal Election Commission] laws that govern candidates and electoral politics, including disclosing the names of their donors," Clancy said. So far, No Labels has managed to secure a line for its candidate in the 2024 presidential election on the ballots of 12 states, according to NBC News. But it has already begun forming a committee to review potential 2024 candidates for its ticket, former Senator Joe Lieberman, the founding chairman of No Labels, recently told Fox News. Outgoing Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., has long been rumored to be among the possible candidates to top a No Labels unity ticket. That speculation soared last week when Manchin announced he would not seek reelection. Manchin also recently told NBC News he "absolutely" would consider running for president. As a tax exempt nonprofit, No Labels is prohibited from directly contributing to a political campaign. But it has an affiliated super PAC that is permitted to do so. That group has raised $1.4 million so far this election cycle, according to Federal Election Commission records. Harlan Crow, a Texas businessman and associate of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, gave $5,000 to the super PAC earlier this year, according to an FEC record. Philanthropist Wilhelmina Robertson and Mark McClain, the CEO of SailPoint Technologies combined to give $125,000 to the super PAC, according to the records. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention expedited the release of more than 77,000 additional doses of a new drug designed to protect infants from respiratory syncytial virus amid an ongoing shortage of the treatment in the U.S. The CDC's move late Thursday to increase the availability of Beyfortus, a monoclonal antibody from Sanofi and AstraZeneca that won approval in August, comes as RSV cases rise in some parts of the country ahead of the holiday season. The drug is one of two available treatments in the U.S. that can protect infants from the virus, which is the leading cause of hospitalization among babies nationwide. Sanofi and AstraZeneca did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the CDC's announcement. Hospitals and pediatricians have been struggling to stock Beyfortus due to what Sanofi has described as "unprecedented demand" for the treatment. The shortage and other issues related to insurance coverage threatens to prevent infants from receiving critical protection against RSV. RSV is a common respiratory infection that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms, but can present as more severe cases in children and older adults. Each year, the virus kills a few hundred children younger than 5, and 6,000 to 10,000 seniors, according to the CDC. RSV also causes around 58,000 to 80,000 hospitalizations among children younger than 5 years old each year, the CDC said. The CDC said the additional doses will be distributed immediately to physicians and hospitals through commercial channels and the Vaccines for Children Program, which covers the cost of the shots for uninsured and underinsured kids. CDC said the agency, along with the Food and Drug Administration, will continue to be in close contact with the drug manufacturers to ensure availability of additional doses through the end of this year and early 2024 to meet demand. "CDC and FDA are committed to expanding access to this important immunization so that more parents have peace of mind during the winter virus season," said the CDC's principal deputy director, Dr. Nirav Shah, in a statement. The U.S. started to see a sharp uptick in RSV cases in the middle of October. Nearly 5,000 cases were detected through testing in the U.S. in the week ended Nov. 4, the highest level since last winter, according to the CDC website. The U.S. suffered an unusually severe RSV season last year. Cases of the virus in children and older adults overwhelmed hospitals across the country, largely because the public stopped practicing Covid pandemic health measures that had helped to keep the spread of RSV low. Russian shelling killed six people and injured at least 10 in various parts of the southern Ukrainian region of Kherson over the last 24 hours, local officials confirmed. Kherson Governor Oleksandr Prokudin announced on Telegram Friday that Russian forces attacked residential areas of the central and Dnipro districts of the region. "Over the past day, the enemy launched 58 attacks, firing 347 shells from mortars, artillery, Grads, tanks, UAVs and aircraft. The enemy fired 43 shells at the city of Kherson," Prokudin said, according to a translation. "The Russian military targeted the residential quarters of the populated areas of the region; administrative buildings and a store in the Kherson district; a medical institution, a shop, gas stations and a car wash in Kherson. As a result of Russian aggression, 6 people died, 10 more were injured, including 1 child." Ravi Menon, managing director of Monetary Authority of Singapore, speaks during the Singapore FinTech Festival in Singapore, on Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023. The festival runs through Nov. 17. Lionel Ng | Bloomberg | Getty Images SINGAPORE Come 2024, Singapore will pilot the live issuance and use of wholesale central bank digital currencies, said Ravi Menon, managing director of the Monetary Authority of Singapore. "We will take our experiments a step further next year," said Menon at Singapore FinTech Festival 2023 on Thursday, without specifying more details on the timeframe. "I'm pleased to announce that MAS will pilot the live issuance of wholesale CBDCs to instantaneously support payments across commercial banks here," Menon said. MAS is the city-state's central bank and financial regulator. Wholesale CBDC is a digital currency issued by a central bank, that's used exclusively by central banks, commercial banks or other financial institutions to settle large-value interbank transactions. It's unlike retail CBDCs which cater to individuals and businesses, facilitating everyday transactions. watch now "Since 2016, the MAS has conducted many experiments with other central banks and the financial industry to explore the use of wholesale CBDCs on distributed ledgers to facilitate real time cross border payments and settlements," said Menon, referring to the database spread across a network that is accessible from several geographical locations. watch now One such pilot project is Project Ubin, which was started in 2016 to explore the use of blockchain and digital ledger technology for the clearing and settlement of payments and securities. Project Ubin was successfully completed in 2021 after five phases of experimentation. Some of the partners included Singapore's largest bank DBS and sovereign wealth fund Temasek. MAS announced Ubin+ in November last year to advance cross-border connectivity with wholesale CBDCs through collaborations with international partners. During the pilot, Singapore's central bank will partner with local banks to test the use of wholesale CBDCs to facilitate domestic payments, said Menon. Banks will issue tokenized bank liabilities in the form of claims in balance sheets. Retail customers can then use the tokenized bank liabilities in transactions with merchants, who will then credit these bank liabilities with their respective banks. Tokenization refers to the process of issuing a digital form of an asset on a blockchain. The CBDC will then be automatically transferred to the merchant as a form of payment during the transaction. "So clearing and settlement occurs in a single step on the same infrastructure, unlike the current system in which clearing and settlement take place on different systems and settlement occurs with a lag," said Menon. watch now A joint Arab-Islamic summit held in Saudi Arabias capital Riyadh on November 11, rejected Israeli claims that the war in Gaza was in self-defense. The participating members instead held Israel responsible for the continuation and aggravation of the conflict and warned of the disastrous repercussions for the states war crime. The Joint Arab-Islamic Extraordinary Summit was held in the city of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, today, Saturday, November 11, 2023, to discuss the Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people. The summit, originally scheduled as a meeting of the Arab League members, was later expanded into a joint summit with members of the Organization of Islamic Countries (OIC). The 57 members of the OIC include 22 Arab countries, Turkey, Iran, Pakistan, Indonesia, and several other Asian and African countries. The joint communique issued after the meeting also reiterated the demand for an immediate end to the barbaric, inhuman and brutal massacre by the colonial occupation government in Gaza and an end to Israels barbaric crimes committed also in the West Bank and Al-Quds Al-Sharif [East Jerusalem]. The summit was called to discuss a joint response to the Israeli war in Gaza. Israel has been carrying out indiscriminate air strikes and land incursions in the besieged Palestinian territory since October 7. The offensive has killed more than 11,000 Palestinians, mostly children, women, and the elderly, and injured over 28,000. Israeli attacks have displaced more than 70 percent of the 2.3 million population of Gaza, destroying residential buildings, hospitals, schools, shelters, and almost all of its civil infrastructure. T-Mobile is once again being accused of failing to protect sensitive consumer data after an employee at one of its retail stores stole nude images from a customer's phone when she came to trade in an old device, according to a lawsuit filed Friday. The incident is similar to at least eight others levied against T-Mobile in the past, according to court records and news reports. The lawsuit comes as wireless companies and other tech giants face increasing pressure from lawmakers to do more to protect customer data. The suit, filed in Washington state court, accuses T-Mobile of failing to properly train its retail workers and "turning a blind eye" when employees use their access to steal customer data under the guise they're helping them with repairs and data transfers. "For almost a decade, T-Mobile customers across the United States have regularly reported, evidenced by news stories and lawsuits, instances of retail store employees stealing their intimate videos, explicit photos, and bank accounts," the suit charges. "Nevertheless, T-Mobile has failed to implement any common-sense security hardware or software to protect consumers from their data and privacy being exploited during ordinary transactions at the T-Mobile store." In a statement, a T-Mobile spokesperson said: "This was an employee of a third-party authorized retailer, and he was terminated. While we are unable to comment on the specifics of this pending case, we want to underscore that we take customer protection and issues like this very seriously. We have policies and procedures in place to protect customer information and expect them to be followed." The victim, who is only referred to as "Jane Doe" in the complaint, states she went to a T-Mobile store at the Columbia Center Mall, about 200 miles southeast of Seattle, last October to upgrade her iPhone XS Max to an iPhone 14 Pro Max. While there, she handed the old device off to an employee so he could transfer her data to the new device. While the worker had the phone, he found nude images of the victim and a video of her having sex with her partner on the camera roll of the XS Max and sent it to himself on Snapchat, the lawsuit states. Once the transaction was finished, Jane assumed her data was wiped from the old phone until later that evening, when she checked her Snapchat and saw that the images had been sent to an unknown account, which police later traced back to the T-Mobile employee. "Anxious and concerned, Jane hastily returned to the T-Mobile store with her mother to speak to the store manager," the lawsuit states. "During this time, while Jane was seeking assistance at the T-Mobile store, the unauthorized person continued to log into her social media accounts on the iPhone XS Max." At first, staff claimed there had been no trade-ins that day, but with help from mall security and local police, Jane's old phone was found in the back room. "Rather than helping Jane out in the face of the sexual privacy crime, the T-Mobile manager said if Jane wanted access back to the old device that had been weaponized against her, Jane would need to pay them the amount that they had discounted her for the trade-in," the lawsuit states. "Jane's mother on Jane's behalf surrendered and paid the amount." The employee was later charged with first degree computer trespass, a felony, and disclosing intimate images, which is a crime in most states, according to the lawsuit. He pleaded guilty last month, the suit says. The lawsuit was filed by Carrie Goldberg and Laura Hecht-Felella at the New York-based C.A. Goldberg firm and Emma Aubrey from the Washington-based Redmond Law Firm. Goldberg, who frequently takes on tech giants for failing to protect consumers, called her latest suit a "classic case of a gargantuan company" chalking off customer injury as a cost of doing business. "T-Mobile has long known that its negligent hiring and absent consumer safety policies will result in at least some of its customers becoming sexually exploited," Goldberg told CNBC. "T-Mobile has big incentive programs to induce customers to upgrade their devices and turn in their old ones. But the ugly truth is that T-Mobile knows that employees sometimes steal customers' most intimate images and videos from the old devices they relinquish," Goldberg added. "This case shows that nobody should feel their privacy is safe at T-Mobile." Members of the United Auto Workers union picket outside the Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Michigan, on Sept. 26, 2023. DETROIT Union members at Ford Motor approved a tentative agreement Friday, concluding contentious contract negotiations between the United Auto Workers and Detroit automakers. UAW-Ford workers were the last of the automakers to ratify their pact after General Motors workers narrowly approved an agreement Thursday and Stellantis workers supported their agreement, according to preliminary vote results published Friday by the union. According to the UAW's vote tracker, which must still be finalized, the Ford deal was supported by 68.2% of the nearly 35,000 autoworkers at Ford who voted. There were still a few smaller facilities left to finalize voting, but there aren't enough employees at those locations to offset the more than 12,600-vote margin. Local UAW chapters representing every Ford plant voted in favor of the pact aside from a small parts facility in Florida and the automaker's massive Kentucky Truck Plant, as of early Friday afternoon. The plant that pushed ratification over the edge was the Dearborn Truck Plant in Michigan, with roughly 2,700 members voting in support of the deal by 78.7%, according to the union's vote tracker. Ford and the UAW didn't immediately respond to requests for comment. The contract ratifications come weeks after the automakers and union reached tentative deals, ending about six weeks of targeted strikes by the UAW. The strikes, which began on Sept. 15, involved targeted work stoppages that expanded plant by plant as a means of ratcheting up pressure on the automakers. Preliminary results at Stellantis showed 68.4% support by hourly workers who voted. At GM, the vote returned 54.7% approval. GM's voting was closer, in part, due to the demographics of the company's workforce. The automaker has the highest number of traditional workers on a percentage basis compared with its crosstown rivals. Such workers have voiced disapproval for the wage increases granted to them by the deals, compared with those offered to newer hires. They were also dissatisfied with pension contributions and retirement benefits. Still, the agreements are record-setting for the union, which was far more confrontational and strategic during the talks than in recent history, as promised by UAW President Shawn Fain, who started leading the union in March. The deals include wage increases of at least 25%, the return of cost-of-living adjustments and other economic improvements. The union said improvements are valued at more than four times the gains from the 2019 contract and provide more in base wage increases than workers have received in the past 22 years. U.S. crude oil prices entered a bear market this week, down 22% from September highs as traders wrangle over whether the spiral is driven by market fundamentals or just speculation. The West Texas Intermediate contrac t for December sold off rapidly Thursday, dropping nearly 5% for the day to settle at $72.90 a barrel, nearly $21 below U.S. crude' Sept. 27 close of $93.68. And the global benchmark Brent crude contract for January threatened to tip into a bear market after settling at $77.42 a barrel Thursday, down nearly 20% from the September close of $96.55 a barrel. U.S. crude and the global benchmark each rose about 4% Friday in what Leo Mariani, senior research analyst at Roth MKM, described as a "dead cat bounce post speculator liquidation." What truly drove the selloff this week is up for debate, with some analysts pointing to the role hedge funds are playing in the market while others say there is a more fundamental supply and demand issue at work. Phil Flynn, an oil market analyst with the Price Futures Group, said hedge funds have piled into short positions. "They have ahold of the market and are driving it lower," he said. The bearish narrative is driven by worries that supply is increasing as demand threatens to slow in U.S. and particularly China if the world's two largest economies dip into recession. China haunting the market U.S. crude inventories rose by 3.6 million barrels last week and the country's production remained at a record 13.2 million barrels per day, according to the Energy Information Agency. Meanwhile, industrial output and manufacturing declined slightly in October due largely to the autoworkers' strike. China has also reported some soft economic data in recent weeks. Beijing's exports fell for the sixth month in a row in October, and refining throughput in the world's second-largest economy slowed 2.8% suggesting domestic demand may be weakening. "This China weakness in particular has been haunting the market," said John Kilduff, partner at Again Capital. There is still some "grind lower" in prices in store unless more positive data comes out of China, he said. Flynn said the bearish sentiment may be overblown. If prices keep falling, the U.S. will slip from record production because shale producers will have trouble making money and stop investing, he said. Distillate stocks are also tight heading into winter, which could create some upward pressure if the weather turns cold, Flynn said. But federal forecasters in the U.S. are predicting a warmer-than-average winter in the northern part of the country. Kilduff said it is game over if that turns out to be the case until the nation heads into summer driving season. Traders are now eyeing whether WTI's 200-week moving average of $70 can provide support to prices moving forward, said Matt Maley, chief market strategist at Miller Tabak. Record production outside OPEC There is a long-term trend at play with supply and demand, according to Daniel Yergin, vice chairman of S & P Global. The world no longer needs to rely on the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries to meet demand. The U.S., Canada, Brazil and Guyana are all producing at a rapid clip, he said. And the upward pressure on prices from China's economic reopening after the pandemic will start to fade over time, Yergin said. "Demand next year will be more tender and you're going to have this continual buildup of supply that really wasn't anticipated a year ago," he said on CNBC's " Squawk Box " on Friday. UBS, for its part, believes the market is still undersupplied with oil inventories falling globally by 55 million barrels in October. Prices will remain volatile in the short-term, but Brent will recover to the $90 to $100 range, according to the bank. One of the more surprising aspects of the market right now is that oil has sold off at a time when there is a major war in the Middle East. Oil is $9 below where it was when the Israel-Hamas war started, demonstrating that there is no geopolitical fear premium built into prices right now, Yergin said. The bar for such premiums to last is high, and they tend to evaporate quickly when reality sets in and it becomes clear supplies are not being disrupted, Kilduff said. The key risk moving forward would be some sort of attack on oil infrastructure in the Persian Gulf, Yergin said. Some 21 million barrels of oil pass through the Strait of Hormuz per day. China would have the most to worry about in such a scenario, he said. OPEC is also holding a key meeting on Nov. 26, and it is an open question whether they will cut production more or wait and see where the market stands later in 2024, Yergin said. The group has blamed speculators for the recent selloff and insisted market fundamentals are strong with China demand healthy. Kilduff said record U.S. production, rather than speculators, is the real thorn in the side of OPEC and its allies: "I've been joking that the Saudis really can't cut their way to prosperity here," he said. CNBC's Pippa Stevens contributed to this report. Elon Musk, chief executive officer of Tesla Inc., during a fireside discussion on artificial intelligence risks with Rishi Sunak, UK prime minister, not pictured, in London, UK, on Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023. The White House on Friday lashed out at Elon Musk for promoting "Antisemitic and racist hate" after the Tesla CEO and X Corp. owner said he agreed with a social media post accusing "Jewish communities" of pushing "hatred against whites." Musk, responding on X, wrote that that post "said the actual truth." White House spokesman Andrew Bates said it was "unacceptable to repeat the hideous lie behind the most fatal act of Antisemitism in American history at any time." Bates appeared to be referring to the mass murder at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh in 2018, in which 11 people were shot to death by a gunman who expressed a belief in the antisemitic "white genocide" conspiracy theory. "We condemn this abhorrent promotion of Antisemitic and racist hate in the strongest terms, which runs against our core values as Americans," Bates said. The White House's statement noted the proximity of Musk's post to the deadly attacks in Israel by Hamas on Oct. 7, which it described as "the deadliest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust." "We all have a responsibility to bring people together against hate, and an obligation to speak out against anyone who attacks the dignity of their fellow Americans and compromises the safety of our communities," Bates said. Spokespeople for Tesla and X did not immediately respond to CNBC's requests for comment on the White House's statement. Musk on Wednesday responded to a post claiming Jewish communities "have been pushing the exact kind of dialectical hatred against whites that they claim to want people to stop using against them." Musk, who has the most popular account on X, replied: "You have said the actual truth." The original post, from an account with fewer than 5,000 followers, has been viewed more than 1.1 million times since being amplified by Musk, who is followed by more than 163 million accounts. Musk in the same X thread criticized the Anti-Defamation League, a Jewish nonprofit advocacy group, and others that he claims are pushing "de facto anti-white racism or anti-Asian racism or racism of any kind." In another post, he claimed that the ADL "unjustly attacks the majority of the West" because they cannot criticize "minority groups who are their primary threat." ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt has responded on X to Musk's post, warning that, "At a time when antisemitism is exploding in America and surging around the world, it is indisputably dangerous to use one's influence to validate and promote antisemitic theories." Musk, the world's richest man, has previously threatened to sue the ADL for defamation, alleging the group "has been trying to kill this platform by falsely accusing it & me of being anti-Semitic." Tacloban City (CNN Philippines, November 17) A South Korean national is the subject of a manhunt after he escaped from a sub-provincial jail in Leyte. The Abuyog Municipal Police Station on Friday identified the jailbreaker as 28-year-old Gim Si-hun, who also carries the alias Kim Si-hon, with a known address at Suit Condo, BGC, Taguig City. He was detained due to estafa charges. The jail personnel conducting a head count learned that Gim was missing at around 6 a.m. on Nov. 16. He was last seen at around 3 a.m. in the kitchen while preparing breakfast, police said. Amazona is a Leyte-based journalist In Ukraine, landmines have once more proved to be the most common cause of armored vehicles being lost. The mines dont destroy the tanks, they damage its track-laying mobility system, rendering the tank unable to move. As any experienced tank user will tell you, the major cause of tank losses is the loss of mobility in combat. The track-laying system is essential for mobility but also a major vulnerability. Even when not in combat, a tank driver can drive through broken terrain and encounter an obstacle like a tree stump or similar items that if not avoided, will cause the tank to throw a track. That means the tracklaying system on one side of the tank fails and a track detaches from the running wheels that keep the tracks, and the tank, moving. The crew will then have to get out and manually reattach the track to the road wheels. Sometimes this requires undamaged tracks to replace damaged ones. Tanks usually carry some spare tracks and one or more road wheels on the outside of the tank. Repairing a thrown track is one of the more tedious and unpopular jobs for a tank crew. Doing this in combat is generally impossible. Unless your forces push the enemy away from where disabled tanks are, the immobilized tanks are not going to get fixed. Another issue is the durability of tank tracks and how long they will last. Sets of tank tracks are generally good for over 2,000 kilometers before replacement is needed. Track life can be reduced by the kind of terrain the tank is moving across. Over the last two decades more durable and easier to refurbish tracks have been developed. This is important because there are not always enough tank transporter trucks available to move immobile tanks long distances. Lighter armored vehicles, like the American M-2 IFVs (Infantry Fighting Vehicle) also run on metal tracks that have rubber pads attached to save wear and tear on roads and give better traction. Naturally, the rubber pads, as well as the entire track, wear out. Normally, a heavily used M-2 might need a new set of tracks once a year. In 2003 there were nearly 700 M-2s in Iraq, and many needed new tracks every few months. A set of tracks is normally good for 1,300-1,600 kilometers of travel. To keep the M-2s in Iraq supplied with replacement tracks, the army's only depot that refurbishes worn tracks, with about 80 percent of the track reused, had had to go from one shift a day, five days a week, to 24/7 production. Even at that, stocks worldwide were nearly depleted by the end of the year. That was one reason for the rush to get more armored Humvees over to Iraq. These don't have tracks and were nearly as resistant to Iraqi attacks as the M-2s are. Actually, in many cases, the M-2s were used in low-risk situations because they are the only combat vehicle available. Meanwhile the army had to face the fact that a larger war, calling on more of the 6,000 M-2s in U.S. service would not be practical. The first combat for the M-2 was in 1991, but that lasted less than a week and gave the impression that all was well. In Iraq, the fighting went on for years and the M-2 got heavier. Eventually the M-2 was found to have a serious weight problem. When the vehicle first appeared in the early 1980s it weighed 25 tons. By 2006 M-2s weighed about 36 tons, which was about what most World War 2 tanks weighed. The increase comes from added equipment and, especially, armor. This makes the M-2 RPG proof, but the extra weight has been hell on the M-2s most vulnerable component, the tracks it runs on. By the time 2003 rolled around, additional weight meant that a set of tracks lasted about 1,400 kilometers. But still more weight was added (more armor), and it got to the point (in 2006) where tracks had to be changed after only 700 kilometers. This meant that M-2s in combat might need several new sets of tracks a year. Changing tracks is hard, sweaty work, especially in tropical Iraq. The crews do most of the work, and they don't like it. By 2006, the army had designed a new set of tracks that was good for about 4,000 kilometers. The refurb included new tracks, as well as replacing other worn out or damaged equipment, and adding new items, usually electronics. By 2011 the army had decided to replace most of the M-2s with wheeled armored vehicles like Stryker, MRAPs and armored Humvees. At that point the army was also undergoing a reorganization, which included converting some mech brigades that normally use M-2s with Stryker wheeled armored vehicles. There were proposals to equip some combat brigades with MRAPs on a permanent basis but that never happened. Thousands of MRAPS were put into storage, just in case. The Strykers and armored hummers were deemed adequate for peacetime training and the initial stages of a war. Most importantly the Strykers cost half the $2.4 million cost of an M-2 and the armored hummers were cheaper still. President Joseph R. Biden Jr. last month laid down a wide-ranging executive order targeting generative AI, dealing with everything from safety and security measures, to issues related to bias and civil rights, and oversight over how genAI is produced. On the surface, the order sounds like a comprehensive and powerful one. But is it really? Microsoft, along with most other big genAI creators, welcomed the order, with Microsoft Vice Chair and President Brad Smith calling it another critical step forward in the governance of AI technology. We look forward to working with US officials to fully realize the power and promise of this emerging technology. He wasnt alone. Other tech execs hailed it as well. Why? The New York Times put it this way: Executives at companies like Microsoft, Google, OpenAI and Meta have all said that they fully expect the United States to regulate the technology and some executives, surprisingly, have seemed a bit relieved. Companies say they are worried about corporate liability if the more powerful systems they use are abused. And they are hoping that putting a government imprimatur on some of their AI-based products may alleviate concerns among consumers. That brings up a basic question: Does Smiths and other tech leaders support for government regulation mean we can feel secure AI will be deployed in a responsible way? Or are they pleased with Bidens action because theyll be left alone to do what they please? To answer that, we first need to look into the details of the order. Biden faces off against unregulated AI Biden was blunt about why he issued the order: To realize the promise of AI and avoid the risks, we need to govern this technology. Theres no other way around it. Presidents frequently use executive orders as a way make it appear theyre taking serious action, while doing little more than scoring political points. This time, its different. The genAI regulations are based on a carefully researched analysis of the many ways in which the technology could go off the rails and cause serious harm if allowed to be developed unfettered. Theyre designed to erect guardrails around it. The standards focus on multiple areas, the most important of which are safety and security, privacy, and equity and civil rights. Among the safety and security strictures are requirements that companies who develop the biggest AI systems think Microsoft, Google, Facebook and OpenAI must safety-test their systems and share the results with the government. That way, the order claims, the government can make sure the systems are safe and secure before theyre released. Additionally, several government agencies, including the National Institute of Standards and the US Department of Homeland Security, will establish red-team testing standards overseeing critical infrastructure, as well as chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and cybersecurity risks, in the words of the order. Also important: standards for watermarking to label genAI content so people can know when something has been created by AI a way to help stop the viral spread of AI-based misinformation. As for privacy, the order calls on the federal government to support techniques to help ensure genAI systems can be trained while protecting the privacy of whatever is in the training data. It would also evaluate the way in which federal agencies collect and use commercial information such as from data brokers, to make sure that personally identifiable data is expunged. Particularly important are the efforts to advance equity and preserve civil rights. The order looks to prevent landlords from using AI to discriminate against renters. It also calls for the development of best practices on the use of AI in sentencing, parole and probation, pretrial release and detention, risk assessments, surveillance, crime forecasting and predictive policing, and forensic analysis. It also aims to protect the labor force and calls for the development of best practices to prevent employers from undercompensating workers, evaluating job applications unfairly, or impinging on workers ability to organize. Theres a lot more, including grants for AI research in healthcare and climate change. It also makes it easier for companies to attract and hire AI talent from overseas. That all sounds impressive and it is. Tim Wu, a Columbia law professor and author, has frequently been a harsh critic of the ways in which he believes the government allows the tech industry to cause serious harm by the spread of misinformation on social media. He thinks it should also be far more serious about regulation, particularly when it comes to antitrust violations. As for Bidens AI action, he wrote in a New York Times opinion piece: Mr. Bidens executive order outdoes even the Europeans by considering just about every potential [AI] risk one could imagine, from everyday fraud to the development of weapons of mass destruction. Microsoft and other tech firms sign onfor good reasons So, does the support of Microsoft and other big tech firms mean Bidens order is just a PR move and not the real thing? No, it doesnt. Its a rare case where tech regulations are not just good for the country, but good for tech companies like Microsoft, too. It means people and businesses might be more willing to accept and use AI because they feel its safe and secure. For tech companies, that means more customers. And that means more profits. Theyre also good for tech firms because theyll cut through the red tape and make it easier for them to attract AI talent from around the world. Of course, keep in mind that the executive order by itself doesnt have nearly as much bite as it you might think. In many cases, it covers only AI use by the federal government. Private companies could still try to evade many of the guidelines and regulations. For it to have the greatest effect, Congress will have to act not a foregone conclusion. You can be sure that if elected officials consider follow-up legislation to give the order more teeth, Microsoft and other bigwigs with AI ambitions will have their lobbyists out in force. As Ive written before, Microsoft President Brad Smith and Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI (in which Microsoft has invested $13 billion), are Congresss favorite tech execs for advice on how to regulate generative AI. So, its no wonder Microsoft is happy with Bidens order. It will help assuage peoples fears about AI and allow the company to hire AI talent from overseas. And if Congress ever gets around to adding serious regulations, the company will have the biggest place at the table and it can make sure it gets the regulations it wants. Applied Materials, the largest US maker of chipmaking machinery, is facing investigations in the US for violating export restrictions to China. In a filing to the US Securities and Exchange Commission, the company said it was under investigation by the US Attorneys Office for the District of Massachusetts for certain shipments to China. In August 2022, we received a subpoena from the US Attorneys Office for the District of Massachusetts requesting information relating to certain China customer shipments. We are cooperating fully with the government, the company said in the filing. This matter is subject to uncertainties, and we cannot predict the outcome, nor reasonably estimate a range of loss or penalties, if any, relating to this matter, it added. The probe, according to a Reuters report, is a result of the company allegedly shipping equipment to Chinas largest chipmaker Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC) via South Korea without proper licenses. The US government contends that the shipments were sent to SMIC from Applied Materials factory in Gloucester, England after SMIC was added to a restricted entity list in 2020. The US first imposed restrictions on exports of chips to China in 2015, extending them in 2021 and twice in 2022. The most recent restrictions were introduced in October. The new restrictions were added to stop the flow of advanced chips to Chinese data centers that house supercomputers and infrastructure that support AI development. Included in the new rules is a worldwide licensing requirement for any company that is headquartered in China, Macau, and any destination subject to the US arms embargo, or whose ultimate parent company is headquartered in those countries, according to a statement issued by the US Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), which operates under the Commerce Department. Chipmakers and other companies involved in chip manufacturing have been trying to find new ways to supply chips to China without breaking any laws. Last week, reports emerged that Nvidia was working on producing three new graphics processing units (GPUs) for sale in China. Despite the new restrictions, Chinese companies continue to access restricted chips through illicit trade. A recent Reuters report highlighted how advanced Nvidia GPUs such as the A100 can still be procured in China, albeit at a higher price. We are now in the third decade of Microsoft's monthly Patch Tuesday releases, which deliver fewer critical updates to browsers and Windows platforms and much more reliable updates to Microsoft Office than in the early days of patching. But this month, the company rolled out 63 updates (including fixes for three zero-days in Windows and Office). Updates to Microsoft Exchange and Visual Studio can be included in standard patch release cycles, while Adobe needs to be included in your "Patch Now" releases for third-party applications. The team at Readiness has provided a detailed infographic that outlines the risks associated with each of the updates for November. Known issues Microsoft publishes a list of known issues that relate to the operating system and platforms are included in each update. This month, that list includes: File Explorer will crash after KB5031354 is uninstalled on Win11 22H2 platforms. Still Active. Using the FixedDrivesEncryptionType or SystemDrivesEncryptionType policy settings in the BitLocker configuration service provider (CSP) node in mobile device management (MDM) apps might incorrectly show a 65000 error. As of now, Microsoft is still working on a resolution. In Skype for Business 2019 and 2015, the Debug-CsIntraPoolReplication cmdlet fails if you use the ConnectionUri parameter during a remote PowerShell session created by using an OcsPowerShell endpoint. If you're lucky enough to receive access to Microsoft's Windows AI Copilot this month, you might experience a display issue with your desktop icons unexpectedly moving from one display to another and then moving back to the original display. Don't worry, there is no ghost in the machine. Oh, wait.... Major revisions At this point, Microsoft has published three major revisions that require attention for this cycle, including: CVE-2023-36008: Microsoft Edge (Chromium-based) Remote Code Execution Vulnerability CVE-2023-36026: Microsoft Edge (Chromium-based) Spoofing Vulnerability CVE-2023-6112: Chromium: CVE-2023-6112 Use after free in Navigation All of these revisions were for informational purposes only, and do not require additional action. Mitigations and workarounds Microsoft published the following vulnerability-related mitigations for this Patch Tuesday release: CVE-2023-38151: Microsoft Host Integration Server 2020 Remote Code Execution Vulnerability. Microsoft has advised that the target system must have installed Microsoft OLE DB Provider for DB2 Server Version 7.0 to be vulnerable. CVE-2023-36397: Windows Pragmatic General Multicast (PGM) Remote Code Execution Vulnerability. The Windows message queuing service, which is a Windows component, must be enabled for a system to be exploitable by this vulnerability. This feature can be verified via the Windows Control Panel. CVE-2023-36028: Microsoft Protected Extensible Authentication Protocol (PEAP) Remote Code Execution Vulnerability. PEAP)is only negotiated with the client if NPS is running on the Windows Server and has a network policy configured that allows PEAP. If you are not running this service, your systems are not vulnerable to this issue. Testing guidance Each month, the team at Readiness provides detailed, actionable testing guidance based on assessing a large application portfolio and a detailed analysis of the Microsoft patches and their potential impact on the Windows platforms and application installations. Microsoft has made a major update to a minor file system management feature this month, with changes to how Storage Sense updates and removes old and temporary files. There is an excellent video explainer, and as Microsoft explains: "(Storage Sense) will run when your device is low on disk space and will clean up unnecessary temporary files. Content from the Recycle Bin will be deleted by default after some time, but items in your Downloads folder and OneDrive (or any other cloud provider) will not be touched unless you set up Storage Sense to do so. Our testing process raises a few concerns when the Windows file system has been updated, so we have included a few additional steps to validate this month's changes: Run Storage Sense (this may be your first time). Delete all temporary files in the following path c:\users, %SYSTEM_PATHS% including nested folders. Confirm that only old files (older than the date set in your Storage Sense settings) are deleted. Confirm that file memory.dmp (older than your set threshold) deletes correctly. The following changes in this month's update are not seen as high risk (for unexpected outcomes) and do not include functional changes: Microsoft DHCP services have been updated. Test your multi-server failover operations by sending a "failover" message to another running server. VPN Update: connect to your enterprise VPN multiple times, with mid-session disconnects. Include basic internet browsing, large file uploads/downloads and video streaming. Your VHD creation process will need a quick test mount/unmount a VHD file with a CRUD test (Create/Read/Update/Delete). BitLocker has been updated. Turn on BitLocker and reboot. Confirm that the reboot sequence has not been affected by this update. There has also been a major update to how Windows handles file compression. Following last months WinRAR security issues, Microsoft now supports archive formats that include tar, .7zip,. rar,.tar.gz. Readiness strongly suggests removing (a full, validated uninstall) WinRAR and other third-party compression utilities. Automated testing will help with these scenarios (especially a testing platform that offers a "delta" or comparison between builds). However, for your line of business apps, getting the application owner (doing UAT) to test and approve the testing results is still absolutely essential. Windows lifecycle update This section contains important changes to servicing (and most security updates) to Windows desktop and server platforms. ESU Year 1 for Windows Server 2012 and Windows Server 2012 R2 started on Oct. 11, 2023. Note : All Security Only and Monthly Rollup packages are now in ESU and require an ESU license. : All Security Only and Monthly Rollup packages are now in ESU and require an ESU license. From now on, Security Only packages will no longer be published for Windows Server 2012 and Windows Server 2012 R2. This is to simplify publishing of ESU packages, align to the cumulative servicing model, and avoid fragmentation problems. You can read more about the recent changes at the Lifecycle update page. Each month, we break down the update cycle into product families (as defined by Microsoft) with the following basic groupings: Browsers (Microsoft IE and Edge). Microsoft Windows (both desktop and server). Microsoft Office. Microsoft Exchange Server. Microsoft Development platforms ( ASP.NET Core, .NET Core and Chakra Core). Adobe (retired???, maybe next year). Browsers Microsoft has adopted the Chromium release schedule and no longer specifically publishes updates on Patch Tuesday. That said, 14 updates to the Chromium project Edge browser were released this month (none critical, and no zero-days for Microsoft or Chromium). For more information on Microsoft Edge security updates refer to the weekly updated Microsoft support page. Add these updates to your standard patch release schedule. Windows Microsoft released two critical updates and 30 patches rated important to the Windows platform that cover the following key components: Windows Hyper-V. Windows Internet Connection Sharing (ICS). Microsoft Bluetooth Driver. Windows Scripting. Windows Kernel. Windows Compressed Folder (see our notes on file compression for context). The real concern this month are the two publicly reported (and exploited) vulnerabilities: CVE-2023-36033: Windows DWM Core Library Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability. This is a real zero-day that requires immediate attention. In the words of the Microsoft security team, "An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could gain SYSTEM privileges. " " CVE-2023-36036: Windows Cloud Files Mini Filter Driver Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability. This is not as bad as 36033, but a successful attack (of which there are many reports) will lead to complete system access on the compromised system. So, yeah. Not good. Here is this month's Windows 11 release video. Otherwise, add this update to your "Patch Now" release schedule. Microsoft Office Microsoft published five low-profile updates rated as important. That said, CVE-2023-36413 (a publicly reported security bypass vulnerability) is a distinctly dangerous security issue that only affects recent versions of Microsoft Office (Office 365 and Office 2019/2021) and will require immediate attention. If you are using older versions of Office, add these updates to your standard release schedule. If you are up to date, then add these Office updates to your "Patch Now" timeline. And, yes we think that this should be the other way around as well. Microsoft Exchange Server Microsoft released four updates to the now-venerable Exchange Server (we wanted to say vulnerable) this month. Though these updates may be a pain for Exchange administrators (no special instructions, but a reboot will be required), but these are fully confirmed fixes for difficult to exploit, non-"wormable" issues. All four issues (CVE-2023-36439, CVE-2023-36050, CVE-2023-36039 and CVE-2023-36035) require full administrator access and as of now have not been reported as exploited or publicly reported. Add these low-profile updates to your standard server release schedule. Microsoft development platforms Microsoft released six updates, all rated important, that affect Visual Studio and .NET/ASP.NET. All currently supported versions of both product groups are affected. These issues could lead to elevation-of-privilege and spoofing attacks. With no critical-rated or remote code execution scenarios to manage, add these developer updates to your standard developer release schedule. Adobe Reader (still here, but not this month) We're starting to get the hang of Adobe's release schedule with this month's anticipated year-end update to their core products including Adobe Reader with the release of APSB23-02. This is a critical-rated update for Reader and will require immediate attention. Given the recent changes to Microsoft's enthusiasm for third-party tools , you have to wonder how long Adobe Reader has before Microsoft decides enough is enough. You have probably seen somewhere online that going out and being one with nature helps with mental and physical health. But how does nature do this exactly? The biophilia hypothesis The biophilia hypothesis explains that as humans, we have an inherent connection to nature. This is not limited by biological connection, for it also encompasses an emotional affiliation with nature. The attention restoration theory The attention restoration theory complements the biophilia hypothesis as it explains how spending time in nature, or even simply looking at it results in better psychological and physiological health. Grounding practices like lying on the ground or swimming in a natural body of water can help us reconnect with nature. In one study, walking barefoot or "earthing" was found to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation and lower stress levels. The recommended "dose" of nature A study from Finland suggests spending at least five hours in nature every month. However, this does not include using mobile phones or any devices while doing so. The goal is to reconnect with and find grounding in nature. Family medicine doctor and promoter of mindfulness practices Dr. Leif Hass recommends spending time in a cabin or a tent once or twice a year, three days at a time. And if you simply do not have the time or resources, living in a city or a highly urbanized area should not stop you. You can visit a park, simply look out the window to appreciate the surroundings, or go for a short walk outside. If this still sounds too much, try using technology to your advantage and watch some videos about nature. Iran continues to be the main threat for neighboring Iraq. There are many reasons for this, some of them quite ancient. For example, Iranians are largely members of the Shia branch of Islam. Only about ten percent of Moslems are Shia. Iranians are also ethnically different then their many Arab neighbors. The Iranians, or Persians, are Indo-Europeans who migrated from Central Asia to the Persian Gulf area thousands of years ago and have been dominating or fighting the indigenous Semites (mainly Arabs) ever since. Being Shia gives the Iranians one more reason to fight their Arab neighbors. The Kurds are a smaller Indo-European group that arrived in the region and did not lose their ethnic and linguistic characteristics. When Islam showed up, most Kurds pretended to convert and that is something else that rankles their Arab neighbors. While the Iranians are a persistent threat to Arabs, the Kurds are more of a curiosity or, at worst, an annoyance. An example of this is the efforts by Iran to gain control of Iraq, which has a large Shia Arab majority. Iran is losing influence inside Iraq. This is mainly because Iran is ruled by a Shia religious dictatorship that condones aggressive interference in neighboring countries. Iraq has long been the main recipient of this meddling. Iran seeks more economic and political influence in Iraq. This is made easier by Iraqs internal problems, which are largely the result of rampant and persistent corruption. Historically, what is now known as Iraq was seen as the most corrupt region in the Middle East, if not the world. According to international surveys of corruption, Iraq is no longer the most corrupt country in the world. For the last 30 years Transparency International has monitored corruption worldwide and reported their findings annually. The corruption is measured on a 1 (most corrupt) to 100 (not corrupt) scale. The nations with the worst score are currently Syria (score of 14), South Sudan (12) and Somalia (12). The least corrupt nations are currently Denmark and New Zealand, each with a score of 88. Iraq does better than you would expect with a corruption score of 23 in 2022, up from 21 in 2020, 20 in 2019, 17 in 2017-18 and 16 in 2013. Iraqs reduction in corruption played a part in convincing a growing number of formerly pro-Iran Iraqis to change their minds about backing Iran. The current Iranian government has been an economic, diplomatic and military disaster for everyone in the area, not just Iranians. Few Iraqis want to emulate Iran, and this now includes Iraqi members of pro-Iran militias. Initially Iran encouraged and maintained pro-Iran attitudes in Iraq by supplying Iraqi militiamen with weapons and regular cash payments. Growing economic problems inside Iran reduced the money available to pay the Iraqi militiamen enough to keep them loyal to Iran. The longer the Iraqi militiamen went unpaid, the less willing they were to serve Iranian interests. How much is left is questionable, but certainly enough that some militias are currently attacking American troops and bases at Iranian orders. Iraqis were also put off by the brutality Iran used to suppress the hijab protests'' that began over a year ago and only began to diminish earlier this year because so many women were simply not wearing hijabs to cover their hair. There were too many of these women for the Iranian government to arrest or otherwise punish. The Iranian government has not given up on enforcing the use of hijabs and is seeking ways to force women to comply. A proposed new law would criminalize failure of women to wear hijabs, but the government is unsure what impact trying to enforce such a law would have. Most women and many men oppose the hijab restrictions and consider these laws another reason to overthrow the religious dictatorship that has misruled Iran for decades. Iraqis see this Iranian obsession over the hijab as odd and scary because this is the sort of thing Iran would try to impose on Iraqis if it could. Iraq and Iran were long known as much less fanatic about this sort of thing than, say, the Saudis. That is changing in Saudi Arabia, as it already has in Iraq and, until recently, Iran. Humpty Dumpty fell off a wall. The king and his men couldnt fix him again. This is a riddle; the reason it was so hard to repair Humpty was because he was an egg. Wow, thats a dumb riddle. There are really a lot of things that cant easily be put back together. You cant put back together buildings that collapse, or stuff that was deliberately destroyed, or things that were specifically designed to be destroyed. And if Humpty Dumpty were a normal living being rather than an object, putting him back together is even harder. Additional manpower (or horsepower) delivered by the king doesnt help. When we do manage to put stuff like this back together, thats the story worthy of a riddle. Were talking about the dramatic reassembly of such items as... 4 A Soviet Missile In 1971, America was looking to tap an undersea cable the Soviets used for secret communications. This came with all sorts of challenges, including simply finding the cable, since the Americans started out with no proof it existed. Then once theyd cleared most hurdles, they needed a cover story to explain what they were doing sniffing around off the coast of Vladivostok. They came up with the following explanation: This was a search and recovery operation, gathering bits of an exploded Soviet missile, the SS-N-12 Sandbox. The story sounded credible; surely the U.S. would want to recover such a missile. However, the chance of America succeeding at finding and doing anything with this debris was so low that the Soviets wouldnt bother interrupting them. Federation of American Scientists The missile already exploded. What they gonna do, explode it again? The U.S. military succeeded at tapping that cable. But also, while sending a bunch of frogmen down into the water ostensibly to recover all that missile debris, they actually did end up recovering all that missile debris. The missile had blown apart into two million pieces, but the Navy managed to put them back together and reverse engineer the missile to learn about Soviet military capabilities. It was the craziest case ever of a Navy cover story coming true until the following decade, when they pretended to be searching for the Titanic and then did find the Titanic. Advertisement 3 The Eiffel Tower Restaurant The Eiffel Tower used to have four restaurants, 500 feet up. In 1937, France removed those and replaced them with two other ones. In the 1980s, they realized even two was too many. The Tower was not meant to hold up that kind of weight, and all those cheeses could bring the whole structure down. The Tower also hadnt been meant to last a century; theyd planned to demolish it after the first 20 years, so if people wanted to keep it around now, they needed to take care of it. Brooklyn Museum Plus, dual restaurants meant lollygagging, limiting how many tourists went up daily. Advertisement A Frenchmen named Georges Lancelin told the city that hed dismantle the restaurant for them. The project involved breaking the restaurant into 11,000 pieces. All Lancelin asked in return was to keep the pieces, which he planned to reassemble and operate as a restaurant again on the ground. Paris let him, but they told him he couldnt name his restaurant after the Eiffel Tower. That kind of ruined his plan. He didn't just want to open a restaurant he wanted to open that restaurant. Advertisement When France fails, America comes to the rescue. Lancelin packed up the pieces into a crate and sold it to someone in New York who sold it to someone in New Orleans named McDonald Stephens. Yes, we got that name right, and you might understand why anyone with that name would have an interest in how things are constructed. By 1986, hed put the pieces back together, and the Restaurant de la Tour Eiffel opened for business. Paris was not able to stop anyone from using that name outside of France. Advertisement The restaurant did not end up as much of a landmark. Turns out New Orleans already had plenty of culture, and plenty of French culture, even without a restaurant that had physically looked over Paris. At the start of this year, the buildings new owners were hoping to convert it to a location devoted to NFTs. Were sure that plan is progressing just fine. 2 Every Single Sponge Living animals are hard to put together from parts, which is why so much controversy surrounded the work of Victor Frankenstein (compared to the work of his brother Dan Frankenstein, who repairs motorbikes). Some animals, however, dont play by the rules. Nick Hobgood Such as this thing. What the hell is this thing? Advertisement While the sponge is officially an animal, it doesnt have nerves and blood vessels the way many animals do. Even plants have vascular systems and organs, but not sponges. Still, the sponge is an animal. It has animal cells, and it produces sperm (sometimes), which is a pretty animalistic thing to do. Advertisement When you cut most animals in two, thats the end of them. When you cut them into many more pieces than that, thats even more certain oblivion. With a sponge? You can squish it through a mesh, or through a cloth, so the entire organism is split into uncountable separate streams of tissue. After that? The cells will join up again. They won't just stick together but will reform into the same configuration as they were in earlier. Fear the sponges. They will outlast us all. Mark Twain once advised, Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great. Kevin Hart clearly won't be belittled by anyone besides God. On Wednesday, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts announced that Hart will be 24th recipient of the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor well, 25th if you count Bill Cosby, which they absolutely do not. Hart will join a short list of comedy giants at a gala performance at the Kennedy Center on March 24th, 2024 where Harts peers, friends and contemporaries will come to celebrate his newly elevated stature. At just 44 years old, Hart will be the youngest ever recipient of the prize and, at 52, the film and stand-up superstar will be the shortest award-winner to date, beating Julia Louis-Dreyfus by just a single inch. If and when The Rock gets a Kennedy Center nod, the onscreen duo will bookend the police lineup should the feds ever suspect that a lauded comedy laureate has committed a heinous crime and Cosbys already incarcerated. Advertisement I've been doing comedy since the inception of this award 25 years ago. To be honored in this commemorative year feels surreal, Hart said of the announcement. Comedy is my outlet for social commentary and observations on lifeI am grateful to the Kennedy Center for recognizing my voice and impact on culture. I cant wait to celebrate! Harts comedy films have grossed over $4.23 billion worldwide, as noted by the Kennedy Center, whose president, Deborah F. Rutter added of the decision to honor the comic, For over three decades, Kevin Hart has been a source of laughter across America and throughout the world with his iconic characters, inimitable physical comedy, and relatable narratives. Advertisement The Mark Twain Prize will further legitimize Hart as a comedy, cultural and kid-sized icon, showing that the underrepresented undersized population can achieve that greatness that Twain once warned would be belittled by small people. Hart's achievement will also undoubtedly be celebrated by the city of Philadelphia, who will add another Mark Twain Prize-winner to their illustrious ranks of awarded natives following Tina Fey's win in 2010 just don't Google what happened in 2009. Researchers warn that a cyberespionage actor that targets government entities in the Middle East and North Africa and is generally aligned with Palestinian interests has changed its infection chain tactics three times in recent months. The group is known for targeting a very small number of organizations in every campaign to deliver a custom malware implant dubbed IronWind. Tracked as TA402 by security firm Proofpoint since 2020, the groups attacks and techniques overlap with third-party reports attributing the activity to Molerats, Gaza Cybergang, Frankenstein, and WIRTE, so these might be different names for the same group. As of late October 2023, Proofpoint researchers had not observed any changes in targeting by TA402, an APT group that historically has operated in the interests of the Palestinian Territories, nor identified any indications of an altered mandate despite the current conflict in the region, the Proofpoint researchers said in a new report. It remains possible that this threat actor will redirect its resources as events continue to unfold. Malware delivered via Microsoft PowerPoint Add-ins, XLL and RAR attachments TA402 attacks start with spear-phishing emails sent from compromised email accounts of legitimate entities. In some of its recent campaigns, the group used an email account from a countrys Ministry of Foreign Affairs to send emails with a lure in Arabic that translates to Economic cooperation program with the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council 2023-2024. The targets were other Middle Eastern government entities. In previous campaigns observed during 2021 and 2022, the groups phishing emails contained links that took users through a redirect script that checked their IP address location. Intended targets were served a RAR archive file that contained a malware program called NimbleMamba while those whose IP address location didnt match the targeted area were redirected to a legitimate news site. In new campaigns seen in July attackers included links in their emails that directed victims to download a malicious Microsoft PowerPoint add-in (PPAM) file from Dropbox. The following month the attackers changed their lure to "List of persons and entities (designated as terrorists) by the Anti-Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Authority and attached an XLL (Excel add-in) file directly to the email. In October the group shifted delivery tactics again and included malicious RAR attachments instead of XLL, while the lure was changed to Report and Recommendations of the 110th Session on the War on Gaza." By Jennifer K. Morita A memoir about a Japanese American familys incarceration during World War II continues to inspire a call to action more than 50 years after it was first published. Now that you know the history, now that youve read the book, what are you going to do? Wendi Yamashita, a Sacramento State Ethnic Studies professor, asked a crowd of students and faculty participating in the Sac State One Book event Nov. 14. Sacramento State Ethnic Studies Professor Wendi Yamashita shared stories about her Japanese American grandparents' experiences of imprisonment by the U.S. government during World War II, while considering the politics of racism. (Sacramento State/Christian Navarro) Yamashita, whose grandparents were among the 120,000 Japanese Americans uprooted from their homes on the West Coast and forced into concentration camps, shared her own familys history during the event. The Sac State One Book Program chooses a book every year and hosts events to spur conversations about social justice issues among faculty, students, staff, and the Sacramento community. This year, One Book partnered with Inclusive Excellence and selected the 1972 memoir "Farewell to Manzanar" by Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston, who was 7 years old when her family had to abandon their fishing business to live in a desert concentration camp, bringing only what they could carry. Yamashita discussed the politics of racism, its devastating impact, and how the Japanese American community broke its silence decades after the war to win a formal apology from the U.S. government. Even today, Yamashita and local community leaders say the work isnt over. Each one of us needs to be vigilant and make sure that we keep our eyes out and our ears open to listen for the trends where civil liberties and civil rights can be trampled on, Josh Kaizuka, co-president of the Florin Chapter of the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) said. As an African American, Im reminded that as a collective, Im also a part of Americas not-so-nice history, said Tina Jordan, Sac State assistant vice president of Strategic Success Initiatives and One Book Program coordinator. But if we all strive for social justice together, we move way more quickly. Two months after Japan bombed Pearl Harbor, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066 excluding anyone of Japanese ancestry from the West Coast. People initially were sent to live in temporary assembly centers including the Santa Anita Racetrack. My grandmother was 10 or 11 years old, and one thing she remembers is the smell because they were living in what were former horse stalls, Yamashita said. It was a very dehumanizing experience as a young child. Ten camps were hastily built in remote areas of California, Idaho, Utah, Arkansas, Wyoming, Arizona, and Colorado, where people lived in tough conditions surrounded by barbed wire fences and armed guards. The government claimed it was for national security because it was impossible to determine who was loyal to the U.S. and who wasnt. We know now that wasnt true, Yamashita said. Intelligence reports from 1941 found that Japanese Americans on the West Coast posed no threat, she said. Forty years after the war, more than 500 former internees testified at congressional hearings, many of them telling their stories for the first time. The bipartisan commission found that the camps were the result of racial prejudice, wartime hysteria, and the failure of political leadership. The camps had devastating consequences for many families, Yamashita said. The so-called loyalty questionnaire issued in 1943 was so confusing, many families didnt know how to answer. People were scared to say yes, they were scared to say no. They didnt know what was going to happen to them, Yamashita said. Josh Kaizuka, co-president of the Florin Chapter of the Japanese American Citizens League, left, and Christine Umeda of Tsuru for Solidarity were among the speakers at the One Book event on Nov. 14. (Sacramento State/Christian Navarro) Her grandfather and his siblings planned to renounce their citizenship to stay together as a family. At the last minute, they changed their minds. I always tell folks I almost didnt exist, Yamashita said. One brother, however, was so angry about what the U.S. had done to its own citizens he refused to change his answer and was sent to Japan. He lived there until his citizenship was reinstated in 1958. He remained very distant from his siblings for the rest of his life, she said. Yamashita also talked about Pat Sakamoto, who never knew her father because he answered no to the loyalty questionnaire. He was sent back to Japan, and she never saw him, Yamashita said. She didnt know what happened to him until much later. The forced removal, the displacement, dispossession, and the destruction of families deeply impacted real people. Japanese Americans remained mostly silent about their wartime experiences for decades. The Civil Rights Movement and rise of Black Power and Chicano Power changed everything. In December of 1969, Japanese American college students organized the first pilgrimage to Manzanar. They got off the bus, and it was freezing. ... They saw the desolation and experienced the cold, Yamashita said. The experience unlocked memories and spurred the community into action. Japanese Americans led a successful campaign for redress and reparations, and today Manzanar is a National Historic Site. The Japanese American Citizens League (JACL), including Sacramentos Florin chapter, actively support reparations for African Americans. Camp survivors formed Tsuru for Solidarity in 2019 to put an end to U.S. detention camps and the separation of children and families. Its our responsibility as Japanese Americans to make sure that when other communities are being attacked, people of color or marginalized communities, we step up and stand up with them, Florin JACLs Kaizuka said. Share This Story email copy url url copied! Related Topics: Anchor University Gov. Kathy Hochul signs the Clean Slate Act, Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023, which will seal many criminal records from the public after a certain number of years if the individual has not been charged with any crimes and has paid their debt to society, in Brooklyn. Nigel Farage is a brilliant signing for I'm a Celebrity. Will this infamous right wing politician try to explain the Maastricht treaty to fellow contestants like Britney Spears' sister? Or debate his plan to ban immigrants from claiming benefits for five years to Tik Tok star Nella Rose- whose family originally came to Britain from the Congo via Belgium? What fun we'll have watching Nigel explain the shortcomings of the single market and the EU to Danielle from East Enders or Nick from Hollyoaks. Sadly, that joy will have to wait. Currently, Nigel has been dumped in a remote area of the Australian bush with This Morning's Josie Gibson and Nella, charged with winning challenges for the rest of the camp mates thousands of miles away in Queensland. All will be revealed on Sunday when Ant and Dec launch the new series. How the Marmite Man of British politics performs in these gruelling opening days surrounded by sand, dust and sweltering heat- not mention millions of flies- will very much affect his relationships with the other contestants. If he fails to get them enough food- things could be tough. You can't just talk food onto your plate out here, and pubs are few and far between. What fun we'll have watching Nigel explain the shortcomings of the single market and the EU to Danielle from East Enders or Nick from Hollyoaks, writes Janet Street-Porter Nigel is set to be telly gold, no matter how inept his bush tucker trials turn out. Each season, producers manage a controversial signing that ensures discord around the campfire and massive viewing figures- hate figures who are chosen to submit to every humiliating trial. We want them to weep, to grovel, to fail- and why not? This is the only legitimate blood sport. The casting criteria for I'm a Celeb's annual villain are simple- they must stand out in a line up of bland second division soap and reality stars or relatives of the famous, all of whom are costing far less. They need a giant ego, a motor mouth, a certainty that they are right about everything. Normally these villains have never heard of any of the other signings- who will show them little or no respect in return. It's a no-brainer for people who've spent their previous lives being taken seriously- like Paul Burrell, Princess Diana's butler, who joined me in the jungle back in 2004. Prissy Paul was more used to drinking out of dainty porcelain tea cups and mopping up Royal Corgi wee than dining on slugs and fighting off cockroaches in his underpants. The Jungle is catnip to anyone fancying a career relaunch, and with the death of Diana, Burrell had a memoir to flog and plenty of gossip to sell (my task was to tease it out of him). In the past, former Tory MPs Nadine Dorries and Edwina Currie tried and failed to win the Jungle Crown and gain our affection. Last year, ex-Health Minister Matt Hancock couldn't resist the massive cash, after clandestine groping on camera in his office turned him into a laughing stock and his wife dumped him. Matt tried to erase his shockingly lacklustre performance during covid by agreeing to eat camels' testicles and swim through bugs, to sob in despair and wet his pants in front of millions of viewers. All to prove he was just like the rest of us- a man 'in love'. Did it work? No matter how much Matt desperately tryied to eradicate that creepy image fondling his assistant's bottom, he only managed a creditable third. Amazingly, many female viewers admitted they 'quite' fancied him after nights spent watching him squirm in shit. Inevitably, the backlash from Covid and grieving relatives did for Matt's chances. Nigel Farage is a brilliant signing for I'm a Celebrity. Will this infamous right wing politician try to explain the Maastricht treaty to fellow contestants like Britney Spears' sister? Pictured: Janet on I'm a Celebrity Since then, Matt's career has not soared in quite the way that he probably hoped. Ritually humiliated all over again on Celebrity SAS, he wasn't chosen for the new season of Strictly. His deadly rival, former Labour MP and economics expert Ed Balls, has been far more successful in a host of reality show disciplines- from ballroom dancing, baking, to conducting an orchestra and tearfully discussing his struggles with a chronic stammer with Gareth Gates on daytime telly. So will Nigel's stint in the jungle- no matter how he fares- follow the route of perky Ed or the lacklustre trajectory of Matt? Farage is a marmite character- one leftwing columnist has already whimpered to her readers 'thousands of you have probably made the decision not to watchas Nigel attempts to fun-wash himself'. Very wrong. Far from being a turn-off, Nigel Farage will be a show-stopper. For starters, Farage is never short of chat, a huge advantage when it comes to blending in. Most campmates never stop talking 24x 7 as I found out during my time there. Sadly, they waffle on about stuff Nigel will never have heard of- social media, fashion, makeup, soap plot lines. Not a mention of treaties or trade deals or import quotas. And when they find out Nigel has been granted regular fag breaks, there will be serious grief from other smokers. He'll need all his legendary (some say smarmy) charm. To most campmates (apart from the Guardian food critic Grace Dent and First Date host Fred Sirieux), Nigel will be an elderly geezer with a posh accent, and I doubt anyone will be interested in his passionate loathing of the European Commission. They'll be more worried about his ability to win stars, not votes. Policies are non-existent in the jungle. It's about surviving on rice and beans, not British pub fare like craft beer, pork chops and steak and kidney pie. Farage has admitted the cash will come in handy, and- with Brexit done- that he needs to reach a different audience (the young) and find a new career. But what's he good at? He's a extremely seductive orator, having persuaded millions of ordinary people to join his various rag bag parties and to vote for Britain to leave the EU. In the process he became the most famous politician in Britain who didn't have a seat in Westminster. Now, he chats for cash by hosting a show on the right wing TV channel GB news, but that's hardly got the same reach as presenting Loose Women or the One Show on a mainstream channel. He's led, and stepped down, from a series of new right wing parties over the last twenty years. Throughout all his successes, though, Nigel has remained curiously resilient. A former City trader and stockbroker, he's like your new mate from the pub, never short of a witty retort. But is he Nice Nigel or nasty Nige? I'm not sure. He jumped ship from UKIP when his backers got too friendly with the far right's Tommy Robinson. In spite of all those votes for his various campaigns to leave the EU over the years, Nigel has failed in his main aim- which is to be in real power in the UK, in Westminster. He says he's patriotic but in 2021- Nasty Nige called the Royal Lifeboat institution a 'taxi service for immigrants'- which saw their donations leap by 3,000% and a new lifeboat funded by Just Giving. Recently, he traded on his reputation as a boozer and earned some cash promoting Cornish Gin. Harmless enough. And isn't he good at rewriting reality? This autumn, claiming he'd been dumped by his bank- Coutts- for his political views. It emerged that the boss of Nat West (who own Coutts) had discussed his account with a journalist. When this became public knowledge, she stepped down and apologised and Nigel was offered his account back. Nice Nigel claimed he'd won a victory for ordinary people whose politics might not be acceptable to their bankmanagers. But the truth is more complicated- Coutts required their customers to have several million pounds' worth of assets as security - and it's probably true that Nigel didn't make the cut. Will any of his new jungle pals recall that in 2014 Nasty Nigel said people with HIV should not be allowed into the UK, and he didn't agree with same sex marriage? And that after Brexit, Nasty Nigel toured the states as warm up man for his new best friend, Donald Trump. But as a showman Farage is supreme. Very few prominent MPs from the main parties can complete with his charisma and ability to pretend he speaking for the underdog. The jungle will present no physical challenge either- he recovered from a serious car crash in 2008 with extensive physiotherapy, a terrible plane crash which saw him hospitalized with spinal injuries in 2010, and cancer in 2009. Farage might be short of a testicle, but that's never held him back. Former winner Harry Redknapp has prophesied- 'he could very well win'. If that happens, will Nasty Nige return to the job he knows best? And cause the Tories even more grief. Keir Starmer hasn't faced a challenge like it since he took control of Labour three years ago. Ten members of his frontbench team have either quit or been sacked for defying his order not to vote for a 'ceasefire' in the war between Israel and Hamas. In total, 56 Labour MPs joined the SNP and Liberal Democrats to demand an end to the fighting on Wednesday night a move that, however appealing it might seem, Israel insists would allow the thugs of the Islamist terror group to plot fresh attacks. To his credit, the Labour leader continues to stand up for the Middle East's only democracy, against a growing weight of pressure from his own party. What a contrast to the dismal Jeremy Corbyn years and the culture of rabid anti-Semitism over which he presided. In 2019, I felt I had no choice but to quit the party of which I had been a member for decades, including as a government minister. I'm sure that parading through the voting lobbies made those Labour rebels feel virtuous this week but it was still an utterly self-indulgent waste of time. What makes ostensibly serious people resign over an issue over which they have no influence at all, and when their party is on the brink of power? Keir Starmer hasn't faced a challenge like it since he took control of Labour three years ago One answer, at least, is clear. There is a strong correlation between the Labour MPs who voted against their leadership and those with large Muslim populations in their constituencies. Rachel Hopkins, until this week a shadow defence minister, represents Luton South where over 30 per cent of the population is Muslim. The same is true for ex-Women and Equalities shadow Yasmin Qureshi, a rebel whose Bolton South East seat also has more than a 30 per cent Muslim population. But this is not the only possible reason for Labour's growing civil war on this issue. Many of the party's MPs are being inundated by emails attacking Israel. Some have cheerfully joined marches at which other protesters have waved banners emblazoned with hateful anti-Semitic slogans, screamed in support of 'intifada' and called for the ethnic cleansing of Jews from the Middle East. MPs of every party should speak out loudly to condemn such racist displays on British streets. It is not the case that everyone calling for a ceasefire wants to see Israel wiped off the map but it is certainly true that everyone who wants to see Israel wiped off the map is calling for a ceasefire. The fact Hamas, Hezbollah and the mullahs of the Iranian dictatorship are calling for a 'ceasefire' should be more than enough to give British MPs pause for thought. Alas no. Instead, some flaunt their credentials all too openly. In total, 56 Labour MPs joined the SNP and Liberal Democrats to demand an end to the fighting on Wednesday night Take Afzal Khan, until this week shadow minister for exports who apologised in 2019 after sharing on social media what appeared to be an anti-Semitic conspiracy. Or Naz Shah, formerly the shadow home office minister, who was suspended in 2016 after claiming Israeli Jews should be 'relocated' to America and posted an article that likened Zionism to Al Qaeda. She said she 'deeply regretted' the posts. Needless to say, the Corbynite wing of the party will always reliably vote against Israel. It was no surprise to see the ultra-Left Richard Burgon rebelling the same MP who denied having said that 'Zionism is the enemy of peace' until a video revealed he had said just that. READ MORE: Labour rebels who defied Keir Starmer to vote for a ceasefire in Gaza could return to his top team Advertisement Former shadow chancellor John McDonnell also has a long history of campaigning against the Jewish state. What makes this mass resignation more shameful is that many of the more supposedly 'principled' MPs will no doubt come crawling back when the time comes. Some of them, like Dan Carden, Mary Foy, Sarah Owen and Hopkins, resigned over a privacy issue relating to another bill in October 2020 and have just done so again. This time, Starmer should stand firm and leave them languishing on the backbenches. If polls are to be believed, he will have plenty new MPs after the election. Others like McDonnell, Burgon and the reliably hysterical Brighton MP Lloyd Russell-Moyle should be barred from standing for Labour at the next election. Voters want strong leadership and that would show the party has moved on from the Corbyn years. If Starmer fails to do so, he will find this civil war escalates beyond his control. Lord Austin of Dudley was Labour's minister for the West Midlands from 2008-10 For a few brief moments the world seemed a safer place after the relatively successful meeting between Joe Biden and Xi Jinping the heads of the two most powerful countries on the planet. But then President Biden gave an off-the-cuff answer to a loaded question posed by a journalist, and once again we were plunged into despair. The leaders had held four hours of talks at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum in San Francisco. And while little progress was made on the burning issues of China's claims over Taiwan and its military build-up in the South China Sea, both sides were able to say that they were talking again for the first time since former House speaker Nancy Pelosi visited the island's capital Taipei in August last year, causing the People's Republic to break off relations. It was something they could build on. Mr Biden's press conference afterwards on Wednesday was supposed to seal months of careful diplomacy, but when he was asked if Xi was a 'dictator', he veered off script. 'He is,' said Biden. 'He's a dictator in the sense that he's a guy who runs a country that is a communist country that's based on a form of government totally different than ours.' President Joe Biden said he still considers Chinese leader Xi Jinping a 'dictator' Joe Biden and Xi Jinping met for the first time in over a year for high-stakes talks on Wednesday It's true, but why say it? As Napoleon's foreign minister, Talleyrand, once advised diplomats: 'If God had meant us to tell the truth, he wouldn't have given us so many words with which to disguise our thoughts.' At least Xi wasn't in the room but Biden's secretary of state Antony Blinken was, and his wince of horror said it all. READ MORE - Biden says he still considers President Xi a DICTATOR but does not expect China to interfere in Taiwan's election Advertisement The high-wire act of superpower diplomacy had been undermined in a moment of stupidity, laying bare the growing and dangerous problem of a doddering head of state who approaches every problem with an open mouth. And when he is meeting the most powerful political actors on the world stage face to face, that can have a devastating effect on global events. This became evident after he met Russia's president Vladimir Putin in Geneva in the summer of 2021, just as the West's military adventure in Afghanistan was unravelling. In a garrulous press conference afterwards, Biden talked of how he had held Putin to account over human rights, cyber warfare and the integrity of Ukraine. Yet Putin clearly came away with the impression not only that Biden had a big mouth but was also a pushover, because just eight months later the Russian leader sanctioned the invasion of Ukraine, seemingly confident that the US would not retaliate. He was wrong, but it's a tragedy that, had Biden projected genuine strength when they met, Putin might have thought twice about military action. President Biden gave an off-the-cuff answer to a loaded question posed by a journalist, and once again we were plunged into despair Mr Biden's press conference afterwards on Wednesday was supposed to seal months of careful diplomacy, but when he was asked if Xi was a 'dictator', he veered off script There is a parallel with John F Kennedy when, shortly after becoming president in 1961, he met the Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev for talks in Vienna. After the encounter, Khrushchev thought Kennedy weak and inexperienced, which emboldened his decision to station nuclear missiles in Cuba, causing a stand-off that threatened to end in nuclear annihilation. READ MORE - Moment Antony Blinken winces and shakes his head when Biden calls Xi a 'dictator' at San Francisco press conference Advertisement Like Biden six decades after him, Kennedy's subsequent resolve had been underestimated by the Kremlin. But this time around, the American President has more than one global crisis to deal with. Biden has to juggle Russia, China and now war in the Middle East, and the signs are it's too much for him. Facing these huge simultaneous challenges, America and the West need a sure hand on the tiller and a respected leader who can be relied on to remain silent and show discretion when necessary. We don't need a leader who shoots from the lip. Yes, his predecessor and hopeful for the next presidency Donald Trump was loudmouthed and unpredictable, but his language was more calculated than Biden's. He derided Kim Jong Un as the 'Rocket Man' in 2017, which was undoubtedly a puerile insult but one which served to unsteady the North Korean leader who is used to more diplomatic approaches. And then Trump caught everyone off guard when he proposed face-to-face talks. Thankfully, Biden isn't set to meet Kim any time soon. But we are stuck with this president until January 2025 at the least. Biden reaches out to Xi's hand at the entrance to the Filoli estate Pictured: Delegates from both the U.S. and China line the negotiating table In the meantime, his team must keep him away from situations where his unfiltered comments could have disastrous effects. World order is on a knife edge and America, its principal policeman, must act with strength and assuredness. The problem is that as he gets older, Biden will only get worse. It isn't as if he isn't aware of the problem. In May last year, he joked: 'Every once in a while, I make a mistake. Like, well, once a speech.' And if that weren't true, it would be funny. His performance on Wednesday came in stark contrast to the solidity of the inscrutable President Xi. In his separate press conference, the Chinese leader was asked if he trusted Biden. The reporter who posed the question, ABC's China correspondent Selina Wang, said Xi took out his translation earpiece, looked at her but didn't respond. It appears, remarked Wang, that 'Xi knows the value of silence'. Don't miss our brilliant new podcast, The Crown: Fact or Fiction with Robert Hardman and Natasha Livingstone. Listen now on Spotify, Apple or wherever you get your podcasts The Duchess of Edinburgh is an under-the-radar royal, but she is trusted With King and Queen in their eighth decades, the monarchy is short-handed While all eyes have been on the state visit to Kenya followed by the celebrations for Charless 75th birthday, some other royal appointments have attracted less attention. Sophie and Edward, in particular, are emerging as under-the-radar royals, taking the strain of important visits many of them long haul while other front-line royals are engaged elsewhere. Last week, Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh returned from a five-day visit to Canada, where she is Colonel-in-Chief of the Lincoln and Welland Regiment and Patron of two Toronto hospitals. Last month found the duchess in Ethopia with little fanfare and no huge entourage. Duchess Sophie, 58, is fast becoming one of the most important members of King Charles's slimmed down monarchy alongside her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh. Pictured: The Duke and Duchess celebrating the 75th anniversary of the NHS at Westminster Abbey in July It has only been eight months since Prince Edward's wife, Sophie. became the Duchess of Edinburgh. She has embraced the role and her ever-growing royal responsibilities. Sophie and Edward are pictured during the Order Of The Garter Service at Windsor Castle in June The new power quartet upon whom King Charles relies: the Prince and Princess of Wales are y Prince Edward and Sophie, Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, as they leave Westminster Abbey after the Coronation. Prince Louis walks between his parents The hard-working Duchess of Edinburgh was the first Royal to visit South Sudan last year Her private secretary Alexander Stonor and her Assistant Private Secretary Annabelle Galletley were the only ones to travel with her. Meanwhile, her husband Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh has his own full itinerary, which has included recent visits to Turkey and Bahrain on official business. They are, in other words, extremely busy - even it its other members of the Royal Family who dominate the nations Instagram feeds. There is plenty to do. In fact, With the Duke and Duchess of Sussex departing for a new life in America and the Duke of York out of the picture, Charles IIIs slimmed-down Royal family is starting to look thinly spread. While the King is in good health, he will nevertheless be celebrating his 75th birthday later this month alongside a 76-year-old Queen who is known to dislike long-haul air travel. Over the course of the next decade their foreign will have to be carefully considered. William and Catherine have youth on their side, but they also have a young family to juggle and are determined to offer the children as normal a childhood as is possible in the circumstances. Thank goodness, then, for Edward and Sophie, who share much of the royal burden, often the less glamorous bits. At 59 and 58, respectively, they still have time on their side. Their children are more independent now theyre older, meanwhile. Lady Louise celebrated her 20th birthday earlier this month; son James, now the Earl of Wessex, is 15. Could there be a future role for Lady Louise once she has finished her University degree? Given her poise and maturity like mother, like daughter we might hope so. For it has only been eight months since Sophie became the Duchess of Edinburgh yet already she has done so much. It is clear that she is fast becoming one of the most important and hardest working members of the Royal family. She doesnt always attract huge publicity for her work and she certainly does seek it, but its of huge value, all the same. Sophie has criss-crossed the globe. She was the first Royal to visit South Sudan and last year she flew to New York to tell the UN that womens rights had regressed in Afghanistan. All this is done with her innate sophistication and elegance. In Canada last week she visited a rehabilitation centre and proved herself to be down-to-earth by slipping off her court shoes and donning a harness in stockinged feet to better understand how medics treat their patients. In an illustration of both good manners and thoughtfulness, Sophie wore a special diamond maple leaf necklace which has been in her collection since 2013. Sophie shows she is a good sport, slipping off her court shoes to try the equipment at the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute in Canada last week Sophie saw the crucial work carried out by UNICEF in the Sabacare IDP Camp in Ethiopia in October The Duches join Prince William to meet global conservation leaders at a private screening of the RHINO MAN earlier this summer in June Her importance at the heart of the Royal family was underlined in June when the duchess was invited to join Prince William to meet global conservation leaders at a private screening of RHINO MAN a feature-length documentary highlighting the fight against the illegal wildlife trade. Such a close connection with the heir to the throne, and an equally warm friendship with his wife the Princess of Wales, will no doubt be crucial in the coming years. Its looking crucial right now. People from around the world have shared hilarious marketing campaigns When marketing is done well it can be a great way to convince customers to spend their hard-earned money and help a business take off. But these marketing campaigns from around the world caught people's attention for all the wrong reasons. Snaps of the hilarious marketing fails, collated by Bored Panda, proved that businesses don't always get it right. The examples include UK toilet paper brand Andrex being sold in Tesco, that wanted to celebrate the King's coronation in London with a (literal) royal flush. Another store, based in the UK, advertised a 'price cut' on their Sangria, which went from 15 to 14.99 - hardly a huge saving. Royal flush! Snaps of some hilarious marketing fails, collated by Bored Panda, prove that businesses don't always get it right. Including a toilet paper brand who wanted to celebrate the King's coronation in London Elsewhere a confused passerby in the US saw a poster advertising Ben and Jerry's ice cream, to be eaten in comfortable pyjamas - but the unfortunate slogan 'BJs in your PJs' made it sound like something very different altogether. While a pretzel brand, in the US, claimed to be able to 'cure anxiety' with the salty snack - which might be a bit of a stretch. Here FEMAIL takes a look at some of the funniest marketing fails that certainly made an impression - but perhaps not for the right reasons... Bargain! A store based in the UK advertised a 'price cut' on their Sangria, which went from 15 to 14.99 Saucy! Elsewhere a community activity poster in the US advertised 'BJs in your PJs' - which gave a slightly different meaning to Ben and Jerry's in your pyjamas Willing to try! A pretzel brand in the US claimed to be able to 'cure anxiety' with the salty snack Lettuce praise him! This church sign sponsored by a tomato ketchup brand left many in stitches in a US town Deal of the day! An unfortunately cut-off sign in a shop window appeared to be advertising 0% off its products False advertising! There appears to be some confusion in this US supermarket, where watermelons are being sold from a box advertising potatoes Genius! This shoe brand appears to have discovered that footwear in the shape of feet are much more comfortable than the hand shaped shoes Sold! This might be a clever marketing campaign to sell as many beds to singletons as possible The irony! The Sliding Door Company, in Canada, has push and pull doors at their headquarters Five a day! Healthy eating must have skyrocketed in this town after a supermarket labelled champagne as salads A woman who splashed out more than 3,500 on her best friend's wedding gift has queried if she can return it because the nuptials have been called off. Taking to Reddit, the woman, from the US, said she bought her friend of 15 years a Herman Miller Eames Lounge Chair to celebrate her marriage. However, after discovering her fiance in bed with someone else a month before the big day, her friend has called the wedding off. 'She has always been into interior designing and has wanted an Eames Lounge Chair for a long time,' she said. 'I found one for $4500 (3,610), which was a good deal, so I got it for her. I'm fortunate to be able to afford this, but it's still quite a lot.' A woman who treated her best friend to an extravagant wedding gift asked Reddit members whether she can demand it back - since the big day has been called off (stock image) 'She was ugly crying when I told her about it and she was extremely grateful for it,' she said. But the woman is now reconsidering the gesture as the wedding is no longer taking place. 'Is it rude to ask for her to return it or at least pay me back for the chair?' she asked. 'I feel like I would be such an a**hole for doing so, but some other friends (who aren't close to her) said she absolutely should at least return it so I can get my money back. 'She's going through a lot now, so I don't want to press her too much and honestly if I never see the money again, that's fine. 'But still, $4500 is a good amount of change that I would be happy to have if possible.' The vast majority of responses said the woman would be in the wrong and selfish for demanding the gift is returned - but her friend should offer to give it back. 'It is absolutely standard etiquette that if the wedding is cancelled, then the gifts are returned,' one person wrote. The Eames Lounge Chair 'brings comfort and style to interiors everywhere', according to the Herman Miller website 'The expectation is for her to give the gifts back, not for you to demand them back. Let your friend have the dignity to offer to do the right thing on her own,' another said. Meanwhile, one individual suggested: 'If you're a close friend of hers why don't you offer to help her by sorting out the return of the gifts, assuming she's received other items before the wedding was due to take place. ' Others believed asking for the gift back might cause a rift in their relationship. 'It is wedding etiquette to give gifts back if the wedding is called off but the gift giver shouldn't really expect that or ask for it,' one comment read. Another person penned: 'She's very close to you and going through a very difficult time in her life, this would be the last thing she needs and will probably drive a wedge in your relationship. 'Consider the money gone - money comes and goes. Quality friendships on the other hand may be once in a lifetime.' One user expressed sympathy, saying: 'I'd certainly give the poor ex bride a month or two, she's probably going through lawyers, sorting out the wedding fees, etc.' However, someone who disagreed queried: 'Some couples divorce a year later, a month later some spouses die. Would you still ask for your chair back?' A woman confessed that she'd graduated high school without a clue Alaska was connected to North America, despite being a 'good student' - and blamed the US education system for the glaring gaps in her geographical knowledge. 'Before you call me a stupid American, I just need you to hear me out, okay?' began TikToker Sabriena Abrre, 25, a native of Utah who now lives in Vancouver with her husband and two kids. 'I was 18 years old, dating my Canadian boyfriend and he was telling me all about where he's working in Canada. 'And the topic of Alaska came up, and I was like, "Wait a minute, you can drive to Alaska?"' Sabriena Abrre, 25, confessed that she'd believed Alaska was an island up until she was 18 - and blamed the US education system for her mistake The Utah native explained that the map that her eighth-grade teacher had displayed in class depicted Alaska in a box off to the side alongside Hawaii 'I graduated high school with A's and B's. I was a good student. This is absolutely criminal!' Sabriena fumed of her education in the US Only then did she realize she'd held a flawed mental picture of world geography up to that point. 'I have so many questions for the US education system!' she exclaimed. 'I graduated high school with A's and B's. I was a good student. This is absolutely criminal! 'The list of things that I didn't know about Canada, about the United States, about geography as a whole, it's just appalling,' she vented. 'And I know what you're thinking: You just must be stupid. You just must not know geography. It must be a "you" thing. No, it's a US thing.' Referencing TikTok influencer Elyse Myers, Sabriena continued, 'Elyse Myers on TikTok also mentioned that she had this realization in adulthood. Her comments are overflowing with people, adults, that have had the same realization after graduating high school.' She went on to say that 'although the curriculum obviously need some help, we need a good revision, an overall of the entire curriculum at this point. Sabriena then revealed her theory as to why so many Americans conceived Alaska as being standalone body of land in the ocean - bringing on to the screen a map of the fifty states on which Alaska and Hawaii were depicted in floating boxes to the side of the continental 48. Sabriena lives with her Canadian husband and their two kids in Vancouver, Canada Thousands took to the comments - with many viewers aghast, but many sympathetic as well 'This is the map that we studied in 8th grade. World geography. When we went over the US of A. We did Canada, a complete separate unit.' She then said that she felt that her school should have taught her about the US and Canada 'in reference to each other.' 'Before you're like, "Sabriena, you really think that it's an island down by Hawaii?" 'No, I know that Alaska is cold. Everybody knows that Alaska is cold. I know that it was northern!' she continued, gesturing upwards. 'But did I know that it was connected by land? No, I did not know that.' Sabriena then went on to admit that she also had believed at one point that Maine was 'all coastal.' Thousands took to the comments section - many aghast, with one writing in shock, 'You dont have globes in school??' Some did commiserate with Sabriena's misunderstandings about geography, however. 'I once asked why Hawaii was so warm and Alaska so cold, when they are right next to each other. In front of the WHOLE 10th grade class,' one admitted. 'As a teacher who has heard this from adults many times, I always tell my students specific that Alaska isn't an island,' someone else offered. But other commenters had less generous takes on the flub. 'It's been said... it's because you don't care about anyone else so none of you have interest to know more,' wrote one cynic. As one self-described-American who wasn't having it wrote: 'As an American, this is embarrassing. I also grew up with a globe and a general sense of curiosity. She failed herself.' Body chains were a popular trend this past summer, with starlets like Kylie Jenner wearing them with bikinis, blue jeans, and everything in between. Surprisingly, the sexy bauble is back and hotter than ever for fall/winter. But how do you wear them in cooler temps while bundled up? The runways of Chanel, Stella McCartney and Chloe, and a number of celebrities show us how it is done. Body chains were a popular trend this past summer, with starlets like Kylie Jenner wearing them with bikinis, blue jeans, and everything in between Back in the 90s, body chains were worn by pop stars like Britney Spears, Mariah Carey, and Christina Aguilera. They were readily available at fun fashion destinations like Claire's, and priced affordably for tweens and teens to get in on the trend. But thanks to high fashion labels like Chanel, Chloe and Stella McCartney giving them a designer upgrade on the runways, the sexy bauble has matured and is attracting a wider audience. The new generation of body chains are made of fine materials, they feature gemstones and can be worn with both everyday attire and formal fashions. Here's how to wear body chains like a cool girl in 2024. Pair it with a V neckline: Chanel sent models down their Cruise 2024 Ready To Wear Fashion Show in incredible looks, many of which were accessorized with body chains With a deep V neckline An evening gown featuring a plunging neckline is the perfect silhouette to show off a daring body chain - as seen at the Chanel Cruise 2024 ready to wear show. Against bare skin and falling between the breasts, the bauble remains the focus and draws the eye down the bodice. The body chain is this season's version of the statement necklace. Treat it as so and you will have no problem incorporating it into your looks. Wear it over a simple dress: Gwyneth Paltrow attended the Swarovski Celebrates SKIMS Collaboration in a strapless white dress boasting a fishtail hem, and matching pointed pumps. The Oscar winner elevated her monochromatic look with a Swarovski x Skims body chain, worn over her dress Over a form-fitting dress Gwyneth Paltrow attended the Swarovski Celebrates SKIMS Collaboration in a strapless white dress boasting a fishtail hem, and matching pointed pumps. The Oscar winner elevated her monochromatic look with a Swarovski x Skims body chain, worn over her elegant dress. Wearing a body chain over a dress can transform even the simplest of garments, whether it's jazzing up a sheath with a gen-encrusted style, or adding a touch of sophistication to a bodycon with a dainty gold chain. Wear it over an evening gown: Ashley Graham was spotted on the streets of New York in a Skims long-sleeve mesh dress, topped by a body chain featuring Swarovski crystals Ashley Graham had no problems accessorizing an already bedazzled look with even more bling. The supermodel was spotted on the streets of New York in a Skims long-sleeve mesh dress that exposed her underpinnings, topped by a body chain featuring Swarovski crystals. When wearing the bauble over a frock, opt for a fitted silhouette so that it lays flat. Layer it under a blazer: A model walked down the Stella McCartney Ready to Wear Fall/Winter 2023-2024 catwalk in Paris donning an oversize light brown style worn as a dress. Under the tailored blazer was a silver multi-strand body chain, proving undershirts are so last year Under a blazer and in place of a shirt Forget an undershirt, wear a bodychain! Blazers in all shapes and sizes have become wardrobe staples for the modern it girls. A model walked down the Stella McCartney Ready to Wear Fall/Winter 2023-2024 catwalk in Paris donning an oversize light brown style worn as a dress. Under the tailored blazer was a silver multi-strand body chain, proving undershirts are so last year. Wear it with menswear-inspired fashions: She added a touch of drama and glamour to her tailored getup with a bedazzled body chain and two choker necklaces With menswear-inspired fashions Lake Bell stunned at the Swarovski x SKIMS event in a fitted suit. The star put an ample amount of cleavage on display in an all black look consisting of a single-breasted blazer and matching slacks. She added a touch of drama and glamour to her tailored getup with a bedazzled body chain and two choker necklaces. Wearing a body chain with a pantsuit offers a feminine twist on traditional men's suiting - the ultimate boss babe outfit! Wear it over a catsuit: Stela's heavy-handed harness style body chain added edge to her zebra print jumpsuit Over a sexy jumpsuit Sleek and shapely, the catsuit is one of the sexiest items of clothing one can own. Hugging the body in all the right places, not much is needed to accessorize the form-fitting garment, but Stela Cole and Emma Roberts figure out how. Stela's heavy-handed harness style body chain added edge to her zebra print jumpsuit, while Emma's bejeweled bauble brought a festive touch to her black one-piece. Experts said the couple may be trying to get back in with Charles Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's phone call to Prince Charles 'smacks of desperation,' a royal expert has claimed. Speaking to Palace Confidential, Daily Mail's Diary Editor Richard Eden said the couple may be attempting to get back into the royal fold in order to exploit the connection for lucrative deals. The Duke of Sussex is believed to have phoned his father on his birthday this week 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, and showed him a video of 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. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's phone call to Prince Charles 'smacks of desperation,' a royal expert has claimed But Mr Eden said that sources close to Harry leaking details of the call 'reeks of desperation'. 'We're talking about two privacy campaigners here, when it comes to other people's privacy, we get the details,' he said. 'To me, it smacks of desperation, of Harry and Meghan wanting to get back into the royal fold. 'We don't see videos of Meghan sending clips to her own father any more - but when it comes to the king they do. 'They seem very keen to maintain their royal connection. It's lucrative.' The couple have previously had multi-million pound deals with Apple, Netflix and Spotify to create content. It comes as 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. 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. Speaking to Palace Confidential, Daily Mail's Diary Editor Richard Eden (pictured) said the couple may be attempting to get back into the royal fold in order to exploit the connection for lucrative deals 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 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. Sarah Vine added that Scobie is 'milking the last drops of cash' from the couple after 'making a career of fuelling the feud within the royal family,'. 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. 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 Omid Scobie's new book is expected to make further attacks on the Royal Family 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'. 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 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. 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 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. Prince William has revealed some unexpected favourites during a quick fire interview in Singapore. The royal, 41, was quizzed by climate journalist Sophia Li following the Earthshot Prize ceremony earlier this month. It was then shared on YouTube, with the conversation showcasing the two discussing the awards as well as some less expected topics. Among the most surprising topics was a question on whether the Prince of Wales, who admitted during the chat that he was feeling tired following the recent Earthshot activity, prefers tea or coffee. The royal paused for just a second, before rather emphatically answering: 'Tea.' Prince William (pictured) admitted during a recent quick fire interview that he prefers tea to coffee - among other questions His next quick fire question appeared to come equally out of left field, when he was asked whether he preferred Spring or Autumn. This answer required a little more thought for the royal, who paused for a moment before revealing: 'Ooooh....Autumn - just.' The rest of the questions were more closely linked to the Earthshot Prize, and related environmental questions. When asked whether ambition or hope were more important when it came to helping to solve some of the crises facing the environment, the prince was unable to pick just one. 'Both,' he answered. 'Can I say both? I have to have ambition and hope together because that's what the Earthshot is about.' The next question, which asked whether nature-based solutions or tech-based solutions are required prompted a similar response. William said: 'You're really challenging me on this. The royal (pictured) who admitted that he was tired following his recent busy schedule, found some of the questions tricky to tackle 'I think for that one you'd have to have both as well. I think we haven't got time. I think you need the nature-based solutions alongside the tech-based solutions. 'I don't think it's an either or, I think we need everything in our arsenal to tackle the environmental challenges.' The release of the interview today comes after the prince visited Manchester yesterday, to mark the launch of the Royal Foundation Community Impact Project as he made the trip to The Hideaway Youth Project - lead partner of the Manchester Peace Together Alliance - in Moss Side. During the engagement, William showed off his compassionate side, as he hugged the mother of a murdered teenager. Climate journalist Sophia Li (pictured) sat down with Prince William to quiz him on a whole range of different topics He was seen hugging Barbara Reid mother of Jessie James, a teenager shot dead in 2006 in a park in Moss Side, after listening to her statement in front of Jessie's Wall. In a touching moment at Moss Side Millennium Powerhouse, William was also seen being given a friendship bracelet by a young girl. William also met another mother who had lost her child to violence, Audrey Preston, 57, whose 21-year-old son was killed three years ago. She said: 'I think it's important he came into Moss Side to listen to our stories. When I was told he was coming I thought 'wow, why would he want to come and listen to me?'. 'Lots of kids get murdered in this area and nobody cares really about the families, we're just left to our own devices, so it's good he came, good for the community.' Viewers have hit out at The Crown for scenes depicting Princess Diana's ghost talking to King Charles and the late Queen Elizabeth. Part one of the Netflix hit's sixth series came out, with the emotional four episodes focusing on the late royal's last few days before her death. However, while many were in tears at how the programme depicted Princes William and Harry's grief - in particular the final phone call they shared with their mother - audiences were largely baffled by the imaginary conversations her non-corporeal spirit had with other royals. The first instance, in episode four, happens when the then Prince of Wales, played by Dominic West, flies to Paris to collect Diana's body. On the flight home, Charles is greeted by Diana's 'ghost' - Elizabeth Debicki - who says: 'Thank you for how you were in the hospital . So raw, broken - and handsome. Ill take that with me.' Viewers have hit out at the Crown for scenes depicting Princess Diana 's ghost talking to King Charles and the late Queen Elizabeth But her ex-husband admits that he's felt 'regret' since her passing, which she reassures 'will pass'. Later, she once again materialises after the Queen has a disagreement on how much the Royal Family should be showing their grief for the late Princess. Diana's ghost appears and takes hold of the Queen's hand. The monarch tells Diana she has started 'a revolution'. She replies: 'It didnt need to be. By making an enemy of me - not of me personally - but of what I stand for, then it starts to look like one.' The spirit then encourages the Queen to show the public she is 'willing to learn'. Many on X - formerly known as Twitter - found the moments 'ridiculous'. 'Watching The Crown and when Ghost Diana appears on the plane with Charles I seriously got Jurassic Park 3 vibes,' one said. 'I think this show has officially lost the plot.' The first instance, in episode four, happens when the then Prince of Wales, played by Dominic West, flies to Paris to collect Diana's body Audiences were largely baffled by the imaginary conversations her non-corporeal spirit had with other royals Another branded it 'crass', claiming it 'takes you out of the episode'. 'They really got ghost Diana saving the monarchy,' a third quipped. 'I'm screaming.' 'First we got Diana on the plane,' the poster later added. 'Now they have ghost Diana say it will be easier with me gone!! This season is wild.' Another remarked: 'I get that they are telling a story, but we didn't need ghost Diana & Dodi.' Some also felt the Princess 'forgiving' Charles was unnecessary, hitting out that they 'did Diana dirty'. However, many were also quick to jump in and defend the choice. 'Diana's "ghost" represents that conversation you have in your head with someone who has just died,' one added. 'The sorrow, the regrets, the final parting word you didn't get.' However, many were also quick to jump in and defend the choice, saying it was never meant to be a ghost 'IT IS NOT DIANA'S GHOST,' another hit out. 'IT IS A FICTIONAL CONVERSATION IN THE CHARACTER'S HEAD WITH HER, Y'ALL ARE STUPID.' The emotional first four episodes cover the tragic car crash in Paris that killed Princess Diana in August 1997 alongside her lover Dodi and their chauffeur Henri Paul and the Royal Family 's reaction to it, as well as the summer holiday Diana and Dodi enjoyed in St Tropez prior to the tragedy. The Paris scenes were shot in the French capital, while a yacht was hired for the St Tropez scenes, although these were actually filmed in Mallorca. For sensitivity reasons the exact moment of Diana's death is not re-created, but there are controversial scenes in which Charles tenderly converses with an imaginary Diana in the cabin of the royal plane as he accompanies her body from Paris to London , and later when she also appears to the Queen. Critics who have seen these scenes called them 'farcical' for portraying Diana as a ghost, but series creator Peter Morgan has insisted that wasn't the intention. 'I never imagined it as Diana's ghost in the traditional sense,' he told Variety magazine. 'It was her continuing to live vividly in the minds of those she has left behind.' The Crown was devised by Morgan after the success of his 2006 film about the Royal Family's reaction to Diana's death, The Queen. And the series which has earned 21 Emmys and dozens of BAFTA nominations, not to mention some criticism for its historical inaccuracies covers the same ground, but using fresh information gleaned in the 17 years since the Oscar-winning movie was made. In fact, the scripts had to be updated all the time as the Royal Family were plunged into headlines throughout the filming period, not only with the Queen's death but also following the release of Prince Harry's memoir Spare. Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron's paths first crossed at an exclusive high school in northern France. The now French President was just 15-years-old when he met Madame Auziere, a teacher who was 24 years his senior, at Lycee La Providence in Amiens. The teacher and her pupil had collaborated on the play The Art Of Comedy, by the Italian writer Eduardo De Filippo, every Friday night for months at the school, adapting it for all the students who wanted to take part. As the audience clapped before the curtain came down, the teenager took a bow and kissed his teacher on each cheek as she smiled with obvious delight. And a glimpse emerged of what was the start of a love affair between Macron and Brigitte. Footage captures the moment a 15-year-old Emmanuel Macron (left) kissed his 40-year-old teacher Brigitte Trogneux (right) in 1993 - two years before he declared he wanted to marry her Macron, the son of two respected local doctors, was adored by staff for his hard work and intelligence. At the time, 39-year-old Brigitte was married to banker Andre-Louis Auziere, with whom she shares three children. The duo would work on the playscript late into the night. Neither had far to go home - the teacher to a house she shared nearby with her banker husband and children, while the pupil walked the short distance to his parents' home in an affluent part of Amiens. It was only when the play was finally staged, in front of proud parents and family, that a glimpse emerged of what was the start of a love affair between Macron and Brigitte. 'Every Friday I went to write a play with her for several hours,' the president of France later revealed. 'We spoke about everything. And I discovered we had always known one another.' As for Brigitte, whose eldest daughter Laurence was in the same class as Macron, she was captivated by his 'exceptional intelligence'. She felt he was so gifted that it was as though 'I was working with Mozart'. The first sign other pupils had that the relationship was more than academic came during the play's closing party at a local restaurant, with one contemporary watching as the pair shared what he described, cryptically, as a 'tender moment'. Their romance blossomed and caused a scandal in the province. Macron's parents then sent him to Paris to attend another school, but his desire to be with his teacher and pursuit of her remained. Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte during King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia's visit to Paris, on 2 June 1015 Macron and Brigitte during the annual Bastille Day military parade on Place de la Concorde square in Paris on 13 July 2015 The couple arrive to attend a state dinner with French President Francois Hollande, Queen Maxima of the Netherlands and King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands at the Elysee Presidential Palace on 10 March 2016 The happy couple walk down the steps at The Sacre-Coeur in Paris on 4 Sep 2016 The duo pose prior to the 32nd annual dinner of the Jewish Institutions Representative Council in Paris on 22 February 2017 Emmanuel and his wife kiss to celebrate after the first round of the French presidential elections in Paris on 23 Apr 2017 The couple visit La Mongie mountain top for a lunch break in the Pyrenees before a meeting on 12 April 2017 Brigitte Trogneux and Emmanuel Macron pose at the Elysee Palace Emmanuel Macron Presidential Inauguration in Paris, France, on 14 May 2017 In an interview with Paris Match magazine, the 70-year-old said that she told herself once Macron was in Paris, he would 'fall in love with someone his [own] age', but that didn't happen. The First Lady continued to explain that she delayed marrying her husband for 10 years for the sake of her three children, who are around the same age as her younger partner. Brigitte's son is three years older than Macron and her daughters, now aged 46 and 39, are of similar age to her second husband. Brigitte finally wed Macron - a civil servant in his late twenties at the time - in Le Touquet on 20 October 2007, after divorcing her estranged husband Andre-Louis Auziere the year before. Almost 24 years later, in 2017, the unlikely romance made global headlines when the couple celebrated victory in the first round of the French elections. On a stage in Paris, Emmanuel Macron turned to thank his wife, who had given up teaching to help his campaign, and told her: 'Always there, and what's more, without whom I wouldn't be me.' After the speech, he and Brigitte headed for the historic La Rotonde restaurant, where they celebrated until the early hours. First lady Brigitte Macron and French President Emmanuel Macron arrive for an official dinner at the Elysee Palace in Paris on 21 June 2017 Brigitte and her husband attend a State dinner at the Elysee Palace, Paris, on 19 March 2018 The duo greet residents while walking along a beach in Le Touquet-Paris-Plage, France, on 23 April 2022 The pair arrive at the Presidential Palace in Vilnius, ahead of a social dinner hosted by on the first day of the 2023 NATO Summit, on 11 July French President Emmanuel Macron and Brigitte Macron at the Elysee Palace on the sidelines of the New Global Financial Pact Summit on 23 Jun 2023 The couple welcome Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for dinner at the Elysee Palace in Paris on 13 July 2023 Queen Camilla, King Charles III, Emmanuel Macron and Brigitte Macron King (L-R) Charles III and Queen Camilla attend State Banquet at the Palace of Versailles, Paris, France on 20 September 2023 Brigitte Macron and her husband French President Emmanuel Macron during the inauguration of the International French Language Centre at the Chateau de Villers Cotterets in Villers-Cotterets, France, on 30 October 2023 President Macron and his wife Brigitte arrive at the dinner in honour of the Heads of State and Government and leaders of international organisations participating in the 6th Paris Peace Forum, at the presidential Elysee Palace on 9 November 2023 Five years later, Brigitte joined her husband for his victory speech on 24 April 2022, having been predicted to beat his far-right rival and secure a second term as president. Discussing the age gap in their relationship, Brigitte told Elle France: 'There are times in your life where you need to make vital choices. And for me, that was it. So, what has been said over the 20 years, it's insignificant. 'Of course, we have breakfast together, me and my wrinkles, him with his youth, but it's like that. 'If I did not make that choice, I would have missed out on my life. I had a lot of happiness with my children and, at the same time, felt I had to live this love as Prevert used to say, to be fully happy.' Despite already being married for 16 years, Brigitte said her husband still manages to surprise and amaze her with his impressive memory and intelligence. 'I had many brilliant pupils and none had his capability. I have always admired him,' she explained. The couple enjoy a quiet life together in the Elysee Palace once the president comes home around 10pm, with Brigitte cooking him breakfast and sometimes dinner. While her husband spends the day concentrating on political matters, France's First Lady teaches adult education for charity and focuses on good causes. Brigitte and Macron do not have children of their own, but the French President is stepgrandfather to his wife's seven grandchildren. Queen Mathilde of Belgium shared a sweet moment with a group of children this afternoon as she read to a classroom of pupils during a school visit. The Belgian royal, who is married to King Philippe, opted for a daring red leather jacket and sleek black wide-leg trousers as as she visited Groenendaal school in Merksem. She layered her chic outfit with a dark grey coat and navy scarf amid chilly temperatures, and accessorised with statement gold earrings. Upon arrival at the school, the royal was greeted by a group of schoolchildren waving Belgian flags - who were also wrapped up warm. The 50-year-old mother's visit comes amid the busy week for the Belgian royals in which they have celebrated King Philippe's 10th year on the throne. Queen Mathilde of Belgium delighted primary school children as she joined them for story time this afternoon On Tuesday evening, the Queen glowed in a black dress with a statement sequin bow as she stepped out with her husband to attend a concert. She wore the fitted floor-length black dress with long sleeves as she arrived at the Royal Band of Guides gala concert at the Palace of Fine Arts in Bozar, Brussels, to celebrate the King's reign. Mathilde paired her dress with black pumps, dazzling drop earrings and a black patent clutch bag - and also carried a posy of flowers with her as she walked alongside her husband, who was dressed in military regalia. The stylish royal wore her hair in a sleek updo, parted at the side and swept away from her face, and opted for a nude lip and a touch of blush. The Belgian royal, 50, visited Groenendaal school in Merksem, where she was greeted by schoolchildren waving Belgian flags The children looked engrossed in the book as Mathilde read to them - although perhaps they were unaware they were also in the presence of a royal The Queen opted for a daring red leather blazer paired with sleek black wide-leg trousers to visit the school Bow-tiful in black! Queen Mathilde of Belgium stunned in a statement black frock as she arrived at the theatre with King Philippe As the royal couple walked into the theatre, they greeted people involved in organising the celebratory concert. A little girl in a stunning royal blue dress, believed to be performing in the concert, delighted the royals as they were introduced to her and beamed while they chatted to her. The celebratory concert, marking 10 years since King Philippe ascended the throne, comes as the couple's daughter, Princess Elisabeth, begins to step up her role as a royal on the international stage. The Belgian royal opted for a black dress with long sleeves and a statement bow covered in sequins The King was flanked by his wife as they arrived at the Palace of Fine Arts for the anniversary celebration The Queen beamed as she accompanied her husband at the event, held to mark his 10th year on the throne The royal couple looked regal as they walked into the theatre, as the Queen carried a posy of white flowers The audience stood for the Belgian national anthem as the performance was about to begin As the royal couple met officials and performers in the concert, they were introduced to a young girl dressed in royal blue Last month, to mark the Princess's 22nd birthday, official portraits were released to mark the occasion. Elisabeth put on a typically stylish display as she posed in her new portraits. Elisabeth donned an elegant 795 embroidered mesh top from Dries Van Noten with a pair of black trousers in the snaps, which were shared on Belgian Royal Palace's official X account (formerly called Twitter). Elisabeth smiled as she looked towards the camera in the photographs, wearing a stunning pair of diamond earrings for the occasion. She opted for a sweep of dark eyeliner across her lids, and a dash of blusher across her cheeks. Princess Elisabeth will ascend the throne after her father. A change in the law a decade ago made it possible for the eldest child, male or female, to ascend the throne in the country. She will become the country's first Queen Regent if she takes up the role. The 22-year-old recently started her third and final year at Oxford University, where she is studying for a bachelors degree in history and politics. Elisabeth is believed to have chosen the course herself, in agreement with her parents, and reportedly consulted with alumni from various universities and made her decision based on what would be most useful to her in her role as queen later in life. According to Belgian newspaper Le Soir, the princess completed a written entrance exam in history 'anonymously' so that her social status would not affect her marks. Last month Elisabeth was also one of several guests from the new generation of European royals to attend Prince Christian of Denmark's 18th birthday. She posed for a stunning photo with the birthday boy, plus three other future European monarchs; Princess Estelle of Sweden, Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway and Princess Catharina-Amalia of the Netherlands. Doctors have named what they believe to be the 'worst thing' a person can do to their body after years in the healthcare industry. Medical professionals were asked to provide just one answer to the question on Reddit, with responses ranging from remaining 'stagnant' for long periods of time to drinking alcohol and smoking a cigarette. Referring to the latter, one doctor said of all the deeply unhealthy habits, he could not think of any that is as 'singularly unhealthy as cigarette smoking'. Others said leaving chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes untreated is a huge mistake, along with ignoring the warning signs of an underlying illness. Doctors have named what they believe to be the 'worst thing' a person can do to their body after years in the healthcare industry 1) Doing 'nothing' 'Being stagnant with your body will literally kill you. Move around. Go walk. Bend your knees. Stretch,' a doctor wrote. 'Working out and moving around has helped so many issues in such a short time. The ole 'sunshine and walks' may be cliche and annoying to hear, but they haven't been prescribing it for centuries for no reason. 'You really do need to smell the after rain scent and watch the leaves move around to have a better day. And you can do it, everyone thinks they can't when they're in such a bad state but there are always ways to refresh your body.' A sedentary lifestyle can cause digestive issues, poor circulation, poor mental health, and bone mass loss. 2) Drinking alcohol Long-term alcohol consumption can cause cirrhosis and ultimate liver failure - which is 'one of the worst deaths I can imagine', a doctor said. 'It's long and slow while you get to think about the consequences of your actions while you lose your mind and/or bleed to death.' 'I have watched so many alcoholic cirrhosis patients die. It was horrible seeing look on their faces when they realised even though they didn't feel sick when they were admitted, they would not be leaving the hospital alive and there was nothing we could do to reverse it,' a nurse added. Another wrote: 'Alcohol and smoking. No question.' According to Australia Wide First Aid, a sedentary lifestyle can cause digestive issues, poor circulation, poor mental health, and bone mass loss 3) Ignoring the signs something is wrong While some diseases are silent killers, many often come attracted with glaring red flags that demand immediate attention. A doctor revealed that it was essential to know when you need to seek medical help. 'Never ignore a clear, concise, and increasing sign that something is going wrong,' he said. 'You have a weird pain in your stomach? Okay, can be anything, no worries. You have a new pain, that stays the same or begins getting worse and worse, and after a long period of time it's still clearly there? Then go get checked.' 4) Smoking A dentist said: 'Smoking leads to bad oral health and mouth cancers. Bad oral health can lead to blood infections, endocarditis, cardiovascular disease, pneumonia, pregnancy complications. Just stop smoking. And yes, that includes the green stuff.' 'Lung cancer is the least of your worries. Smoking destroys arteries. I do cardiac and vascular anesthesia and every day is a parade of hearts that don't work, amputations, disgusting arterial leg bypasses, non-healing leg ulcers,' another wrote. A doctor added: 'It's no secret. Smoking is responsible for the highest number of preventable deaths. 'Beyond that, it also lowers your quality of life badly. It increases your risk of a host of diseases and complicates many many others. Aside from lung cancer, it aggravates the risk of cervix, colon, skin, esophagus, larynx, liver, mouth and throat, pancreatic, stomach, and leukemia cancers. 'So while there are many habits that are deeply unhealthy, I cannot think of any that is as singularly unhealthy as cigarette smoking.' 5) Untreated chronic illnesses Several doctors and nurses said that leaving chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol untreated can cause fatal complications. 'Diabetes is a gateway to some of the worst possible things to experience. From flesh rotting away and dying to going into a coma - anything is possible,' one said. 'Untreated hypertension and diabetes. Oh and cocaine/crack, the coronary vasospasms will do a number on your heart,' another said. Obesity was mentioned by another. 'It's a chronic inflammatory state- a venous thromboembolism risk, a malignancy risk, a risk of obesity hypoventilation syndrome and sleep apnoea, and the risk of non alcoholic fatty liver disease.' he said. 6) Being in constant contact with carcinogenic substances Carcinogens are substances (like foods or high energy light) that directly alter your DNA or lead to your DNA being altered. The mutations can sometimes lead to cells turning cancerous, and while the human body has systems to repair DNA damage, the processes aren't always successful. Carcinogenic activities include sunbathing, bleach, air fresheners, eating burnt food, inhaling mould, asbestos, and more. 'Dumping all of those chemicals into your blood... blood delivers those carcinogens/ chemicals everywhere. It increases risk of pancreatic, kidney, bladder, and a slew of other cancers,' a doctor said. A safety warning at a suburban train station has left commuters fearful and on high alert as they make their way to and from work this month. Like many areas in Australia right now, Richmond station, on Melbourne's Lilydale to City line, has become a nesting hub for vicious swooping magpies and plovers. A clear warning was spotted by a commuter on the digital timetable on their way to work, who took a snap of it and shared it on Reddit to warn others. The sign read: 'Passengers please be aware of birds swooping in the area.' 'Not even the train stations are safe,' the commuter captioned the image. A safety warning at a suburban train station has left commuters fearful and on high alert as they make their way to and from work this month Bird breeding season is from July through November so commuters should be in the clear in a few weeks. Magpies nest their eggs and young in large trees while plovers prefer large open areas like parks, ovals and fields. The post quickly went viral with thousands of commuters commenting on their own outrageous swooping moments. 'I got swooped for the first time at Richmond Station. I had headphones in and the first swooped I had no idea wtf happened. Second one got me and I looked up and the b*stard made eye contact with me,' one man said. 'I got swooped by a magpie at Richmond, little pr**k scratched me on the face,' complained another. 'Come to the eastern suburbs, particularly Cardinia Road Station, and take a walk around the Lakeside car park. That's where I was last swooped,' said another. READ MORE: From walks in the park to play dates in the garden: Meet the woman who struck up a special bond with magpies who sit on her shoulder waiting for a kiss Advertisement And it's not just the typical swoopers either. 'My wife was swooped by a freaking Kookaburra. Saw it with my own eyes, took the chicken schnitzel sandwich straight from my wife's mouth and flew off with it,' one man wrote. Another said he was 'hurt quite a lot' when a kookaburra did the same thing to him. Others made dramatic declarations. 'Nowhere is safe. Everywhere is dangerous. We're entering the end times,' a commenter wrote. 'Look into the beady, soulless eyes of those things and try to tell me Satan is not possessing one at any given moment,' another added. Some referenced the emu war, where birds ran rings around Australia's military. 'The emus won the war, we need to accept our place in Australian society. Birds are our overlords,' said another. World looks forward to seeing 'San Francisco vision' translated into reality: Global Times editorial Global Times) 06:25, November 18, 2023 Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with US President Joe Biden at Filoli Estate in the US state of California, November 15, 2023. (Photo/Xinhua) Whether it is from the Chinese and American sides or the international community, there has been unanimous high praise for the China-US summit held on November 15 in San Francisco, reflecting the epochal significance of this meeting. Against the backdrop of the critical stage in China-US relations and unprecedented global anticipation for the return of bilateral relations to the right track, President Xi Jinping and President Joe Biden engaged in a continuous exchange for four hours during the summit, utilizing simultaneous interpretation throughout and conducting face-to-face in-depth discussions. They established the "San Francisco vision" oriented toward the future, providing direction and outlining a blueprint for the healthy, stable, and sustainable development of China-US relations. This summit is a strategically significant and far-reaching meeting of the heads of state, leaving a unique and profound mark in the history of China-US relations. In this historic meeting, President Xi and President Biden had a candid and in-depth exchange of views, indicating that the communication between the two sides not only did not avoid differences but was also positive, comprehensive, and constructive. It was an important meeting that aimed at building trust and dispelling doubts, managing differences, and expanding cooperation. The two sides reached consensus on more than 20 issues in areas such as politics, diplomacy, cultural exchanges, global governance, and military security on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit. These significant agreements and outcomes further illustrate the wide-ranging common interests between China and the US, reaffirming that mutual benefit and win-win cooperation are fundamental characteristics of China-US relations. Dialogue and cooperation are the only correct choices for both countries. San Francisco should become a new starting point for stabilizing China-US relations. Charting the "San Francisco vision" and turning it step by step from a blueprint into reality is not only in the long-term interests of both China and the US but also the fervent expectation of the international community. During the meeting, President Xi insightfully pointed out that China and the US should jointly develop a right perception, manage disagreements effectively, jointly advance mutually beneficial cooperation, jointly shoulder responsibilities as major countries, and jointly promote people-to-people exchanges. These are the five pillars and the foundation for the stable development of China-US relations. Only with this foundation firmly in place can China-US relations withstand the test of storms. Everyone has seen that the journey from Bali to San Francisco was not easy. San Francisco is a new starting point, and the key to the smoothness of the next journey still lies in the implementation of these consensuses by the US side. This is the uncertainty that China-US relations cannot avoid, and it largely tests the political credibility of the US. The San Francisco meeting has attracted worldwide attention, and the consensus and achievements made are also eagerly anticipated by the world. We hope that the US and China will meet each other halfway, make the correct historical choices, and find the right way to get along with each other. President Xi pointed out in his speech at the Welcome Dinner by Friendly Organizations in the US on the evening of November 15: Are China and the US adversaries, or partners? This is the fundamental and overarching issue. President Xi once again reiterated China's consistent attitude: China is ready to be a partner and friend of the US. This statement has received great attention and has greatly encouraged various sectors in the US, including the business community. In the atmosphere of demonizing China in the US public opinion, it is fair to say that many American companies, which hope to engage with China and cultivate the Chinese market, have doubts. The friendly and open attitude shown by China's top leader in San Francisco is undoubtedly like sunlight piercing through the clouds, allowing those who cherish China-US relations to regain confidence. China's goodwill and sincerity toward China-US relations have always been consistent, as shown in the extensive achievements reached during the San Francisco meeting. Many American media outlets have noticed that both sides will further cooperate on the fentanyl issue. This demonstrates China's goodwill as a partner and friend to help the US solve its domestic problems. Similarly, Washington should also demonstrate the correct way of getting along between partners on issues that the Chinese people care about. We have observed that President Biden reiterated the five commitments made at the Bali meeting, further clarifying that the two economies are mutually dependent; the US is glad to see prosperity in China; it does not seek to contain or suppress China's development or to decouple with China. However, these statements need to be followed up with concrete actions. "The world is big enough to accommodate both countries, and one country's success is an opportunity for the other." The San Francisco meeting marks a new starting point for China-US relations in a new historical period. It has had a good beginning, and China and the US have begun to promote dialogue and cooperation in various fields such as diplomacy, economy and trade, culture, education, science and technology, agriculture, military, law enforcement, and artificial intelligence. We should make the cooperation list longer and the pie of cooperation bigger. Only by doing so can China-US relations be steered toward a healthy, stable, and sustainable direction, injecting certainty and enhancing stability into a world characterized by turmoil and change. (Web editor: Wu Chaolan, Sheng Chuyi) MBABANE The M Nation Foundation will be hosting an annual festival dubbed Limuva Arts Festival from December 14 to 16. The festival will be hosted in different venues around Piggs Peak. Speaking to the founder, M Nation, who is also an award-winning artist, he said the inaugural festival was a platform for the young, energetic as well as experienced local artists. He went on to share that the festival will also give art lovers a chance to see some of the best local art works in that region. The purpose of the festival is to help the creatives of the region to re-connect with their culture as well as influence their buying patterns, he explained. The Limuva lami hitmaker said the festival will have six segments which include; food, fashion and style, short films, awards, comedy, poetry and music. Unforgettable We want to give Piggs Peak patrons an unforgettable experience. We will cater for food lovers, fashion gurus and film lovers. The catch here is that all the content will be from creative artists from all around the region, he said. The venue will soon be announced by this publication. He went on to explain that the festival was an opportunity in waiting, to give Piggs Peak a form of leadership towards peace, talent development, poverty alleviation and socio-economic development. The festival will not only benefit local arts but can be used to reach new markets and re-affirm certain brands, including educating the youth on the effects of climate change, life skills and promoting a change in social behaviour, with focus towards stemming the rising tide of gender based violence (GBV), mental health and HIV/AIDS, he added. Assistance M Nation, who is also known to be the first event organiser to host Durban based stable artists, Afrotainment in his home town Piggs Peak, pleaded for financial assistance for this upcoming festival. The M Nation Foundation is inviting local businesses, organisations, companies and individuals to contribute towards the growing of a homebrew festival to celebrate Piggs Peak. We are appealing for sponsorships to make this dream a reality for the benefit of our country, he said. More information about the festival will soon be shared by this publication. An office worker has been left in a fury after heading to the communal kitchen to heat up his lunch only to find the single microwave was taken. The hangry staffer explained waiting in line to use the microwave isn't usually a problem - but they couldn't believe how long their colleague had put it on for. They snapped a photo which showed the colleague's meal still had 25 minutes and 46 seconds until it was ready and claimed it was in there for 28 minutes in total. The furious man posted his complaint on Reddit and said the colleague had left the kitchen while their meal cooked so he had no choice but to wait. The post was inundated with comments from shocked men and women who declared the microwave hog 'rude'. Furious office worker left in disbelief after their colleague put food in the microwave for 28 minutes 'I don't think I have ever had anything in the microwave for more than 10 minutes,' one woman said. While another asked if there would be 'anything left' after being in the microwave for close to 30 minutes. 'What the hell takes 28 minutes? Are they making a baked potato?,' asked another. Others suggested it was a 'family' lasagne. 'They take 28 minutes exactly.' Most assumed it was a mistake. 'We had fire alarms go off in our dorm once because someone had put popcorn in for 20 minutes,' one person said. 'We had an inter out something in the photo copier once, press okay and walk away. They didn't realise the default setting was 800 copies,' said another. Some people suggested taking the colleague's meal out of the microwave, heating their own and then popping it back in. People were shocked and said the 'unwritten laws' of communal spaces should stop that from happening 'They would never know, problem solved and you'd get to see what on earth they were cooking.' Others admitted their colleagues had done something similar. 'I took it out and cooked mine and they were furious. I told them if hey needed to cook something for 30 minutes they should go home and do it, the rest of us have work to do.' Some people added to the thread the 'do's and don'ts' of using a microwave at work which included not heating up fish, broccoli, or anything which makes a huge mess. They also said nothing should take more than five or six minutes - especially if there's only one microwave in a communal kitchen. Read more: Surgeon shares five lifestyle habits that help prevent cancer Turned out it was a sign of skin cancer Valentina Ferragni is urging others to be diligent with skin checks following a 'terrifying' skin cancer diagnosis. In 2021 the 30-year-old high fashion model from Italy scratched off what she thought was a forehead pimple that had been lingering for a year. It turned out the seemingly innocent spot was skin cancer which doctors removed immediately, along with a large chunk of potentially cancerous flesh beneath it. Valentina shared photos on Instagram to show what the tiny lump looked like to alert others and prevent them from making the same mistake. 'Two years ago I removed a "pimple" that was under my skin for almost one year and started to change one month before I got the surgery,' she wrote. Valentina Ferragni is the younger sister of Chiara Ferragni, 36, and the founder of fine handmade jewellery brand Valentina Ferragni Studio. Valentina Ferragni, 30, scratched off a pesky pimple she noticed on her forehead that wouldn't disappear Valentina shared photos on Instagram to show what the tiny lump looked like to alert others After seeing a doctor she had it cut out immediately. Two years on she's urging others to be diligent with skin checks 'Doctors couldn't tell what was it before the surgery, and they found out it was Basal Cell Carcinoma - a bad cancer of the skin.' Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common and least dangerous types of skin cancer. It tends to grow slowly and is usually found on areas exposed to sunlight. The most deadly form is a melanoma and if left untreated it can be life-threatening. Valentina added: 'Life changed very quickly and now I pay attention of every small detail on my skin, every thing that could change and be something else. 'I can't thank enough all the doctors that helped me during that time, and my mission since two years is to spread attention of the skin cancers, one of the most dangerous but undervalued. Please check yourself and go to the doctor.' While the tiny lump didn't seem like anything sinister to the naked eye, doctors removed a chunk of Valentina's skin. 'I can't thank enough all the doctors that helped me during that time, and my mission since two years is to spread attention of the skin cancers, one of the most dangerous but undervalued. Please check yourself and go to the doctor,' she wrote While the tiny lump didn't seem like anything sinister, doctors had to remove a chunk of Valentina's skin What are the types and signs of a skin cancer? There are three main types of skin cancer: melanoma (including nodular melanoma), basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Melanoma: Most deadly form of skin cancer and if left untreated, it can spread to other parts of the body. Appears as a new spot or an existing spot that changes in colour, size or shape. Basal cell carcinoma: Most common, least dangerous form of skin cancer. Red, pale or pearly in colour, appears as a lump or dry, scaly area. Grows slowly, usually on areas that are often exposed to the sun. Squamous cell carcinoma: A thickened, red scaly spot that may bleed easily, crust or ulcerate. Grows over some months, usually on areas often exposed to the sun. More likely to occur in people over 50 years of age Advertisement After 24 hours thousands flooded the comments to share their own cancer scares. 'I found melanoma on my mother's back. She went to the doctor just to prove me wrong and it saved her life,' one woman commented. 'Basal cell carcinoma is the best option you can get if we talk about tumors. It's the most common skin cancer,' another said. This year alone it's estimated that more than 18,200 people were diagnosed with melanoma in Australia with an average diagnosis age of 65. Australia also has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world due to harsh UV radiation. For best protection it's recommended to wear a hat, use SPF 30 sunscreen or higher, wear clothing that covers as much skin as possible, seek shade and wear glasses when out in the sun. Adults should opt to have a skin check annually. READ MORE: Young nurse's warning to Aussies about why everyone must have a bedframe to prevent dangerous mould Young woman, 30, diagnosed with terminal cancer after feeling 'bloated and tired' reveals how she will spend her final days EXCLUSIVE: NHS claimed it would boost its 'credibility' with minority groups NHS bosses are offering a 100,000 contract for anti-racism consultancy services, MailOnline can reveal. The tender branded 'woke' by critics was posted by NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT), which manages blood supplies and organ donation in the UK. The successful bidder will 'embed intentionally inclusive and anti-racist behaviours across our organisation'. NHSBT wants a 'solution' that includes topics such as 'racial equity, social justice, civility, cultural intelligence, and active bystander and inclusion'. Critics slammed the six-figure spend on 'woke waste' and called for 'every penny' to go towards frontline care instead. The NHS's blood donation and organ transplant body, whose HQ is in Bristol, above, is planning to spend 100,000 hiring an 'anti-racist' consultancy Cash-strapped hospitals are considering scaling back operations this winter to balance the books, despite the waiting list sitting at an all-time high. But NHSBT argued that hiring an anti-racist consultancy would help to tackle backlogs by increasing the organisation's credibility with ethnic minority Brits. It follows allegations of years of racism at the service. A spokesperson said: 'This project contributes to delivering better frontline care and reducing waiting lists, particularly for patients from ethnic minority backgrounds. 'Our staff need to be able to encourage more donors from ethnically diverse backgrounds to donate blood, organs and stem cells. 'This will mean we give more patients the best treatment that saves and improves their lives.' READ MORE: Terrified parents fear their toddlers will never get 'miracle' cystic fibrosis drug, with NHS watchdogs poised to cut off supply due to its 200,000 price-tag Fact-box text Laura Beck, pictured with 19-month-old Florence undertaking her pep mask physio, says it's 'ridiculous' that it 'all comes down to money' Advertisement NHSBT claims that boosting donations from minority groups would reduce the organ transplant waiting list and help prevent Brits with blood disorders needing A&E care, dropping overall pressure on the NHS. In the application document, NHSBT wrote the consultancy was part of its 'vision' to be an 'intentionally inclusive and anti-racist' organisation. NHSBT added the contract will be considered a success when their employees have a greater understanding of 'race equity', they are not disadvantaged by their characteristics, and its recruitment policies are 'intentionally inclusive'. Tom Ryan, policy analyst at the TaxPayers' Alliance campaign group, told MailOnline the public would be dismayed by the spend, adding: 'Taxpayers are sick of seeing vital health funds spent on these right-on initiatives. 'With waiting lists still punishingly long, every penny should be directed at delivering frontline care. 'It's time for the Health Service to put patients first and crack down on woke waste.' The anti-racism contract comes just weeks after ex-health secretary Steve Barclay wrote to NHS leaders slamming them for wasting taxpayer cash on costly diversity officers rather than spending it on frontline care. He wrote: 'Current live adverts include jobs with salaries of up to 96,376, which is above the basic full-time pay for a newly promoted consultant. 'I do not consider that this represents value for money, even more so at a time when budgets are under pressure as we work to tackle the backlog left by the pandemic.' Mr Barclay was sacked last week. His successor, Victoria Atkins, has yet to make a similar commitment to crack down on woke waste in the NHS. A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), which is one of the key funders of NHSBT, said: 'Taxpayers rightly expect value for money from every penny spent in our NHS. 'That is why the NHS and all of the departments arms-length bodies continuously review whether their diversity and inclusion projects are good value for money, and consider ways to improve.' NHSBT has previously been accused of racist practices and attitudes. In October last year, Melissa Thermidor, a marketing executive who worked for NHSBT, revealed she was suing the service for constructive dismissal. NHS claimed the project would boost its 'credibility' with minority groups boosting donations helping Brits avoid a trip to A&E, driving down waiting lists She claimed she was subjected to racist stereotypes such as being a 'shouty' and 'aggressive' black woman. Ms Thermidor also shockingly claimed that colleagues used a disparaging term of 'Tesco donors' to refer to black people who donated blood because that's where colleagues allegedly said black people were most likely to shop. And in 2020, an independent report was leaked which claimed there was 'evidence of systemic racism' at an NHSBT site. The body's six-figure splurge comes as other parts of the Health Service in England have been told they can cancel elective care appointments to help balance their budgets. A wave of unprecedented industrial action by staff created 1.1billion financial black hole, as hospitals had to pay 'premium rates' to for other workers to cover the strikers. Health bosses had hoped to recoup the funds from Government, but Downing Street only gave them 800million. This led to NHS England telling trusts to scale back routine care for the rest of the year in a bid to 'achieve financial balance'. NHSBT is a special health authority sponsored by DHSC, meaning it is separate from the general umbrella of NHS England and other national bodies. Organ and blood donation rates from minority groups in Britain have lagged behind national averages for years. The latest data from NHSBT, for 2022/23, shows only 4 and 2 per cent of deceased donors were from Asian or Black backgrounds, respectively. In contrast, people from Asian backgrounds accounted for 19 per cent of the transplant waiting list, and for Black Brits this was 11 per cent. Blood donation also lags behind need, with only 1 per cent of active blood donors being Black. This is despite 55 per cent of Black people having a blood type that can help treat patients with the blood disorder sickle cell anaemia, a condition that disproportionately affects Black Brits. In comparison, just 2 per cent of the general population have the Ro blood subtype that patients with sickle cell need. Congenital heart disease (CHD) affects 1 in 100 babies born in the UK and US A couple who noticed their newborn 'snoring' discovered the sound was actually caused by a rare heart defect. Charlotte Lake, 23, and her fiance Nathanael Guide welcomed baby Ava-Rose on June 25. The couple, from Annan, Scotland, quickly spotted that she was making snoring sounds when she was breathing, even when she wasn't asleep. Ava was also sleeping more than usual for a newborn baby, which her parents put down to her being a 'great sleeper'. But she was also not gaining weight. After raising concerns with their midwife, Ava was taken to hospital where she was diagnosed with a hole in her heart. Charlotte Lake and her fiance Nathanael Guide welcomed baby Ava-Rose on June 25, but a few weeks later became concerned at her constant sleeping and snoring At just one week old (pictured) Ava was sleeping more than is typical and struggling to gain weight She underwent life-saving open heart surgery at just three months old and is now 'back to being a normal, healthy baby'. Her parents are eager to share their story in the hopes of raising awareness of the signs of heart defects in babies. 'I had said when she was born that she sounded funny like she was bunged up with the cold,' said Ms Lake. 'Doctors thought it was normal, and they told me she would be fine. 'As time went on, it seemed like she was getting worse.' On July 4, just nine days after Ava was born, Ms Lake told their midwife that Ava's breathing was strange. Tests showed her breathing and heartrate were double what was normal, meaning they were dangerously high. WHAT IS CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE? Congenital heart disease (CHD) is a general term for a range of birth defects that affect how the heart works. CHD is one of the most common types of birth defect, affecting almost 1 in 100 babies born in the UK and US. In most cases, no obvious cause of congenital heart disease is identified. But Down's syndrome, the mother having certain infections such as rubella or taking medications such as statins, are all known to increase the risk of the condition. Some of the common defects include: Septal defects where there's a hole between 2 of the heart's chambers (commonly referred to as a 'hole in the heart') Coarctation of the aorta where the main large artery of the body, called the aorta, is narrower than normal Pulmonary valve stenosis where the pulmonary valve, which controls the flow of blood out of the lower right chamber of the heart to the lungs, is narrower than normal Transposition of the great arteries where the pulmonary and aortic valves and the arteries they're connected to have swapped positions Underdeveloped heart where part of the heart doesn't develop properly making it difficult for it to pump enough blood around the body or lungs Symptoms include: Rapid heartbeat Rapid breathing Swelling of the legs, tummy or around the eyes Extreme tiredness and fatigue A blue tinge to the skin or lips (cyanosis) Tiredness and rapid breathing when a baby is feeding Source: NHS Advertisement Within five minutes the midwife had called the paediatric team in Dumfries and an ambulance arrived. At first, Ava's symptoms puzzled hospital medics. They thought she might have an infection in her lungs, or pneumonia. After several tests, staff determined that Ava had a heart defect, urgently sending her to Glasgow's Royal Hospital for Children. 'Doctors eventually said that it seemed like she had a heart murmur. From that point, they sent another ambulance to take us to Glasgow, and I went with her', said Ms Lake. Tests carried out on July 6 revealed that Ava had a hole in her heart a life-threatening heart defect that can cause fast breathing and breathlessness in babies. And her aorta the largest artery in the body that carries blood from the heart to the circulatory system was connected to the wrong place. As a result, her heart struggled to pump blood around her body, making it difficult for her to breathe. Congenital heart disease (CHD) birth defects that affect the way the heart works is one of the most common types of birth defect, affecting almost 1 in 100 babies born in the UK and US. Symptoms include a rapid heartbeat, rapid breathing, extreme tiredness, a blue tinge to the skin or lips and swelling of the legs, tummy or around the eyes, the NHS says. The pair thought they were 'just blessed with a great sleeper'. But after her diagnosis, they realised that Ava was 'exhausted'. After Ava was diagnosed, her weight had to be increased before she could undergo life-saving surgery. Ms Lake said: 'Doctors had asked if she was quite sleepy, and I'd said yes. I thought it was a normal newborn thing but Ava didn't really wake up during the night like a 'normal' newborn.' She added: 'I was just trying to process that my tiny little newborn who wasn't even two weeks old - would need heart surgery. 'We were struggling to get her to gain weight and she wasn't keeping anything down, so she ended up being put on a feeding tube.' Eventually, after being on a feeding tube for about six weeks, doctors told the couple during a check-up on August 18 that Ava was ready for surgery. Ms Lake said: 'It got to a point before surgery where she was maybe awake for under six hours out of the day. 'Her heart was working so much harder than any other baby just to keep her alive.' She was then scheduled for open heart surgery on October 6 to repair the heart defect. Ava pictured in hospital for her open heart surgery. Ms lake said 'putting her to sleep was the most traumatic part' and she feared it could be the last time they saw her The operation on Ava's heart was a success and Ava made a speedy recovery. Now the couple are raising money for the Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity and for the Ronald McDonald House in Glasgow The couple knew 'there was no guarantee that she would make it' through surgery, they also felt there was 'no other choice'. Medics had said Ava wouldn't survive to see school if the operation didn't go ahead. Ms Lake said: 'Putting her to sleep was the most traumatic part she was crying and fighting the mask, trying to push it off her face. 'She was really upset and that was heartbreaking enough.' She added: 'The anaesthetic took hold, and she just went limp that broke my heart. 'We had to leave and say goodbye, knowing that that might be the last time we ever saw her. What if something went wrong? 'The doctors were prepared for every eventuality, but we still had to leave Ava in other people's hands. We didn't know if she was going to make it out alive.' The operation on Ava's heart was a success with Ava making a speedy recovery, she was able to return home just eight days after the surgery. 'Everything went well but the hole was larger than they expected,' said Ms Lake. 'A baby's heart is tiny at that stage I can't imagine how much of her heart was taken up by this hole. 'Now, she's doing amazing. She's slowly gaining weight now she can take a bottle again. 'Apart from her medication and hospital appointments, she's back to being a normal, healthy baby.' The family are now raising funds, via a GoFundMe page, for the Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity and for the Ronald McDonald House in Glasgow. Doctors have revealed the three things you should avoid after getting the updated Covid vaccine and the one thing you should do if you feel under the weather. The updated shots are available for everyone aged six months and over, but a top FDA expert says only those aged 75 years and over really need them. Whatever someone's age though, people can experience adverse side effects like a fever, headache, body aches and fatigue after getting the Covid vaccine. New York-based infectious disease expert Dr Thomas Russo advised against taking the common pain reliever ibuprofen and recommended the first line of defense should be acetaminophen. Several studies have shown the drug can reduce the action of the immune system and cause the production of fewer virus-fighting antibodies. This can make vaccinations less effective because they cannot properly prime the immune system, experts fear, leaving someone more prone to severe infections. Experts say those over 75 years old should prioritize getting the flu and Covid shot this year (stock image) Official data shows that the positivity rate for Covid or the proportion of tests picking up the virus is no longer falling. This suggests infections may again be rising The above shows flu cases that have been reported to the CDC. They are a vast underestimate, however, because only a small subset of patients are tested for the flu Dr Russo told Yahoo: 'I generally recommend avoiding ibuprofen after a vaccination, if possible.' The experts also warned against taking steroids after the shot, which people may be on for arthritis, autoimmune diseases or respiratory problems. Studies show these can also make vaccines less effective by suppressing the immune system. However, Dr Russo said people on those medications should talk to their doctor first: 'Most people on steroids cannot just stop them. 'If you're on a more potent immunosuppressant medication, it's a good idea to have a discussion with your healthcare provider about the timing of your shot.' Other experts also recommended avoiding excessive alcohol intake over the days after getting the vaccination. Dr Amesh Adalja, an infectious diseases expert at Johns Hopkins University in Maryland, warned alcohol would likely 'blunt the immune response to the vaccine if given in the days after vaccination'. Studies already show drinking to excess can suppress the activity of white blood cells critical components of the immune system and slash the production of antibodies, which may make a vaccine less effective. When it comes to what you should do - the experts agreed on an activity to start if you feel sick from vaccination. Dr Russo said: 'It's a great opportunity to snuggle up on the couch with a good book and the clicker to do some binge-watching. 'Keep in mind that these symptoms will go away on their own, even without treatment.' The doctors also stressed the importance of hydration and drinking plenty of liquids. Once recommended to be administered on the same day as the flu shot, there are now concerns getting both vaccines could raise the risk of stroke with some experts instead suggesting patients should get the shots on separate days. The US is rolling out the updated Covid vaccine this year via private insurance plans, which are promising to foot the costs. But surveillance shows barely one in ten Americans have come forward for the vaccine. The latest data up to early November shows 36million adults had gotten the shot, including 3.5million children, out of more than 329million people who are eligible. For comparison, an estimated 91million Americans or 34 percent of the adult population have come forward for the flu vaccine. And 11million people over the age of 60 years, or 13 percent of the age group, have come forward to get the shot against respiratory syncytial virus infection (RSV). This map shows flu activity by state. It reveals activity is highest in Louisiana and Puerto Rico And this graph shows how the number of people admitted to hospital with the flu is starting to tick up as winter approaches On the updated Covid booster, health experts said the numbers were roughly equal to the same time last year showing uptake was not dropping further. But they have warned many Americans are now steering clear of Covid shots because of vaccine fatigue and as they already have immunity from previously contracting the virus. This year's updated Covid booster vaccine was designed to target the BA.4 and BA.5 Covid variants, which were the main versions circulating this summer. But scientists say they should still provide substantial protection against severe disease from HV.1 and EG.5, the newly dominant variants. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data shows there were 3,002 flu infections recorded in the week to November 12, up 60 percent on the same time the previous week. CDC experts say this figure is a vast undercount because most people who catch the flu do not get tested or have their infection recorded. Covid cases are also no longer falling and the test positivity rate percentage of Covid tests that detect the virus has held at about eight percent for two weeks, suggesting cases may again be on the rise. READ MORE: Humans could be gene-edited to fix DNA problems from illnesses An FDA panel is expected to vote on a gene-editing drug for sickle cell disease Health officials are on the verge of approving a first-of-its-kind treatment for tens of thousands of Americans suffering from a debilitating blood disorder. Last month, a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory committee announced it would consider approving the gene-editing drug Casgevy to treat sickle cell disease, a lifelong, excruciatingly painful disorder that deforms blood cells. The drug was recently approved in the UK to treat sickle cell and transfusion-dependent -thalassemia - a shortage of red blood cells that leads to severe anemia. It's expected to cost the UK government approximately 1million ($1.25 million) per patient. If the US committee recommends the drug for sickle cell disease, the FDA will vote on its approval in December. Casgevy would bring new hope to the 100,000 Americans with sickle cell disease, which currently is only approved to be cured by a bone marrow transplant. Sickle cell disease patients, of which there are around 100,000 in the US, do not make hemoglobin properly a substance in red blood cells, which carry oxygen around the body. As a result, their red blood cells become rigid and shaped like a crescent (pictured) instead of a disc, which can cause them to die and become stuck in blood vessels Casgevy, made by Boston-based Vertex Pharmaceuticals (pictured) and Crispr Therapeutics in Switzerland, works by editing the faulty HBB gene behind both conditions in a patient's bone marrow stem cells so the body produces functioning hemoglobin A bone marrow transplant is a procedure in which healthy blood-forming stem cells are transplanted from a donor to replace bone marrow in the patient that is not producing enough healthy cells. Stem cells are the body's 'raw materials,' or cells that are able to develop into many different specialized cell types. They can be used to fix damaged tissues, and researchers believe stem-cell therapies may one day be able to treat conditions like Alzheimer's disease and paralysis. In most cases of a bone marrow transplant, the donor is a sibling, but even a sibling only has a one-in-four chance of being a match for the patient. And, often transplants are not performed due to the risks, which include the transplanted cells attacking other cells in the recipient's body, which can be life-threatening. More than 30 FDA-approved gene therapies are used to treat several different cancers and the blood disorder hemophilia. However, many are largely inaccessible due to high costs. Last year, the US approved the gene-editing drug Hemgenix for hemophilia, a bleeding disorder in which blood does not clot properly. The drug costs $3.5million per dose, making it the most expensive drug in the world. Casgevy is the first medicine to be licensed that uses the innovative gene-editing tool CRISPR, known as 'genetic scissors' that enable scientists to make precise changes to DNA. Its inventors were awarded the Nobel Prize in 2020. Made by Boston-based Vertex Pharmaceuticals and Crispr Therapeutics in Switzerland, the drug works by editing the faulty HBB gene that causes sickle cell disease in a patient's bone marrow stem cells so the body produces properly functioning hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells responsible for delivering oxygen to tissues throughout the body. To do this, stem cells are taken out of a patient's bone marrow and edited in a lab using molecular 'scissors,' which precisely disable the faulty gene. How does Casgevy work? Casgevy, made by Boston-based Vertex Pharmaceuticals and Crispr Therapeutics in Switzerland, works by editing the faulty HBB gene behind both conditions in a patient's bone marrow stem cells so that the body produces functioning hemoglobin. To do this, stem cells are taken out of a patient's bone marrow and edited in a laboratory using molecular 'scissors', which precisely disable the faulty gene. Stem cells are then infused back into the patient, who may need to spend a month or longer in the hospital while the treated cells start to make healthy red blood cells. The results have the potential to be life-long. An ongoing trial of the drug so far shows that 97 percent of sickle cell patients were free from severe pain for at least one year after treatment. In a separate study for -thalassaemia, 93 percent of participants did not need a blood transfusion for at least one year. Among those who did, their need for transfusions fell by 70 percent. Side effects included nausea, fatigue, fever and increased risk of infection. Advertisement Stem cells are then infused back into the patient, who may need to spend a month or longer in the hospital while the treated cells start to make healthy red blood cells. Scientists believe the results have the potential to be lifelong. An ongoing trial of the drug so far shows 97 percent of sickle cell patients were free from severe pain for at least one year after treatment. Sickle cell disease is the umbrella term for a group of inherited conditions that severely affect red blood cells. It affects 100,000 Americans and 15,000 Brits, most of whom are Black. Healthy red blood cells - produced by stem cells within bone marrow - are round, concaved discs that can bend and flex easily. However, in people with sickle cell disease, faulty stem cells produce red blood cells that are crescent-shaped. They are rigid, unable to squeeze through smaller blood vessels and prone to causing blockages that deprive parts of the body of oxygen. John James OBE, chief executive of the Sickle Cell Society in the UK, said: 'Sickle cell disorder is an incredibly debilitating condition, causing significant pain for the people who live with it and potentially leading to early mortality. 'There are limited medicines currently available to patients, so I welcome today's news that a new treatment has been judged safe and effective, which has the potential to significantly improve the quality of life for so many.' Jimi Olaghere, 36, who lives in the Atlanta area in Georgia, has suffered from sickle cell disease since childhood and was hospitalized almost every month. The technology entrepreneur told the BBC the condition felt like 'shards of glass flowing through your veins or someone taking a hammer to your joints. 'You wake up in the morning with pain, and you go to bed with pain.' However, Mr Olaghere became one of the first patients to have the revolutionary new gene-editing treatment as part of Vertex Pharmaceuticals and Crispr Therapeutics clinical trials in the US in 2020. He said he woke up without any pain, and it was 'like being born again.' 'When I look back, it's like, "Wow, I can't believe I lived with that."' If the FDA panel recommends the treatment, the agency will decide whether to approve it on December 8. Scientists say the tool could provide care for people at risk of opioid overdose A new pill-sized device that can safely monitor life-saving vital signs from inside the stomach has successfully cleared the first human trials successfully. The ingestible device has been designed so it can monitor vital signs such as breathing and heart rate from inside the body and transmit data to an external device such as a laptop. Scientists say the tool, described in the journal Device, has the potential to provide life-saving care for people at risk of opioid overdose. The team also hopes it could help people with other health issues like sleep disorders. Lead author Professor Giovanni Traverso, a gastroenterologist at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Massachusetts, said: 'The stomach generally offers some of the best signals, mainly because it's close to the heart and the lungs, but we know that we can also sense them elsewhere. 'The ability to facilitate diagnosis and monitor many conditions without having to go into a hospital can provide patients with easier access to healthcare and support treatment.' Unlike implantable devices such as pacemakers, ingestible devices are easy to use and do not require a surgical procedure, and doctors have been using pill-sized ingestible cameras to conduct procedures like colonoscopies for years The team tested the device in humans by giving it to people being evaluated for sleep apnea - a disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep Professor Traverso says the current version of the VM Pill passes through the body via a bowel movement in about a day, but there are modifications the researchers can make to the device in the future that would allow it to remain in the body longer for long-term monitoring. The device, which contains two small batteries and a wireless antenna to transmit data, has the potential to help tens of thousands of people who overdose on opioids per year. Overdose deaths involving any opioid ballooned to 80,411 in 2021, the highest ever since 1999. Deaths involving prescription opioids hit 16,706 in 2021, just about 320 less than the high of 17,029 in 2017. Unlike implantable devices such as pacemakers, ingestible devices are easy to use and do not require a surgical procedure, and doctors have been using pill-sized ingestible cameras to conduct procedures like colonoscopies for years. Co-author Benjamin Pless, founder of medical device developer Celero Systems, said: 'The idea of using an ingestible device is that a physician can prescribe these capsules, and all the patient needs to do is to swallow it. 'People are accustomed to taking pills, and costs of using ingestible devices are much more affordable than performing traditional medical procedures.' He explained the vitals-monitoring pill, or VM Pill, works by monitoring the small vibrations of the body associated with breathing and the beating heart and the pill can detect if a person stops breathing from inside the digestive tract. The device contains two small batteries and a wireless antenna that would then transmit data to an external device such as a laptop. Lead author Professor Giovanni Traverso said: 'The stomach generally offers some of the best signals, mainly because it's close to the heart and the lungs, but we know that we can also sense them elsewhere' To test the VM Pill, researchers placed the device in the stomach of pigs while the animals were under anesthesia. The team then administered a dose of fentanyl to the pigs that caused the animals to stop breathing, mimicking what occurs in humans when someone overdoses on the drug. The device measured the pigs' breathing rate in real time and alerted the researchers when the animals stopped breathing. The team was then able to reverse the overdose with fentanyl antidotes. The team then tested the device in humans for the first time by giving the VM Pill to 10 people being evaluated at West Virginia University for sleep apnea - a disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. The patients did not show any adverse effects from swallowing the capsule, which passed unnoticed through their digestive tracts. Mr Pless said: 'Given our interest in opioid safety, it came to our attention that sleep apnea has a lot of the same symptoms as opioid-induced respiratory depression.' The device was able to detect when the participants' breathing stopped and it was able to monitor respiration rate with an accuracy of 92.7 percent. Compared with external vital monitoring machines, the pill can monitor heart rate with an accuracy of at least 96 percent. The trial also showed the device is safe, and all participants excreted the device in their stool a few days after the experiment. Co-author Dr Ali Rezai, a neuroscientist at West Virginia University, said: 'The accuracy and correlation of these recordings were excellent compared to the clinical gold standard studies we performed in our sleep laboratories.' He added: 'The ability to remotely monitor critical vital signals from patients without wires, leads, or need of medical technicians, opens the door for monitoring patients in their natural environments versus the clinic or the hospital setting.' The team hopes to upgrade the device so it can deliver drugs to reverse conditions such as an opioid overdose automatically once the device detects symptoms. Professor Traverso added: 'In the future, there are many situations, including opioid overdose and other respiratory and cardiac conditions, that could certainly benefit from this ingestible device.' Former patients are suing the largest healthcare system in Massachusetts after it was revealed they may have been exposed to hepatitis and HIV at Salem Hospital. A class-action lawsuit against Salem Hospital, Mass General Brigham the hospital's parent healthcare system and 10 un-named employees was filed accusing them of negligence and negligent infliction of emotional distress. Mass General Brigham, which runs 16 hospitals in Massachusetts, released a statement this week saying hundreds of patients were potentially infected with HIV and hepatitis at Salem hospital over nearly two years after employees failed 'to follow best practices'. Patients affected say they were told medical staff was re-using needles for intravenous drips instead of throwing them away after each use and using new ones, as is standard practice. In a statement from the healthcare system, the hospital said it was made aware that exposure could have occurred to patients undergoing endoscopic procedures like colonoscopies and gastrointestinal ultrasounds. Nearly 450 patients at Salem Hospital in Massachusetts could have been be exposed to HIV , Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C due to improper procedures administering medication Pictured above is Salem Hospital's CEO Roxanne Ruppel. She became the president and chief operating officer of Salem Hospital in March this year The hospital says the practice was immediately corrected once it was made aware. No infections linked to the exposures have been identified and the local department of health, which conducted an on-site inspection, says the risk of infection was 'very low.' A spokesperson for Salem Hospital said all patients possibly exposed have been notified and 90 percent have either been tested, are scheduled to receive testing or declined free testing. The Mass General Brigham spokesperson said patients who have not been notified do not need to be concerned. The lawsuit, filed at Suffolk Superior Court, was submitted under the name of Melinda Cashman who lives in Amesbury, Massachusetts, The Boston Globe reported. The suit says Ms Cashman underwent an endoscopy a procedure where a doctor puts a tube-like instrument into the body to look inside at Salem Hospital sometime between June 14, 2021 and April 19, 2023. She was recently informed of the error 'and as a result will now have to undergo testing, screening, and evaluation in an attempt to determine whether or not she was infected, a process which can take months or even years,' the suit stated. The suit also alleges Ms Cashman and other patients affected have suffered 'permanent injuries, including additional testing and extreme anxiety and emotional distress and decreased quality of life.' Cashman also asserts in the case, filed by Keches Law Group, the hospital and its employees failed 'to take necessary and appropriate measures' to protect patients. The lawsuit is a class action, meaning it is a legal proceeding in which a group of people with similar legal claims join together to sue another party - though Ms Cashman is the only party named. A trial by jury has been demanded and the patients are seeking damages for the distress and alleged injuries caused. HIV and hepatitis are spread via contact with bodily fluids and it is possible to contract them in a hospital setting if medical equipment has not been cleaned or treated properly in between patients. Geoff Millar, 47, from Salem, who was a Salem Hospital patient to receive a letter, said the hospital blamed the issue on needles for IV drips not being changed. He told the Gloucester Times the drips were administering anesthesia and the hospital thought they had been used for multiple patients. 'It was a little nerve-wracking,' he said. Mr Millar has now been for a blood test at the hospital and the results were negative for both infections. However, health experts warn it could be years before symptoms of HIV and hepatitis are triggered and appear. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) symptoms begin like a very bad cold, but can then disappear for years. The virus preys on cells in the body's immune system, killing them and eventually causing death from complications linked to a weakened immune system such as cancer and infections. Once a death sentence, the disease can now be treated with medications to suppress the virus. Infections with hepatitis B and C can cause inflammation of the liver, with symptoms including jaundice yellowing of the skin and eyes abdominal pain and swelling. Doctors can treat this infection through the administration of drugs to help suppress the infection. The phenomenon of near-death experiences (NDEs) has fascinated members of the medical community for decades, leaving them perplexed by the lack of a scientific explanation. One such doctor is Atlanta cardiologist Dr Michael Sabom, who became fascinated with stories of being about to die while also having out-of-body experiences that allowed people to see what was happening around them without the normal functioning of their senses. Dr Sabom, initially skeptical when he first heard of them in the 1970s, became dedicated to learning more about near-death experiences after meeting a woman who had an aneurysm who, while unconscious in a complicated neurosurgery, was able to later accurately describe her surroundings in the OR. After reviewing the patients medical records, Dr Sabom concluded there was no logical explanation for how she could know what had happened, what the surgical tools looked like, what the doctors were saying during the procedure, or even hear they were playing the Eagles Hotel California in the OR. Near-death experiences are often transformative and occur in conditions of extreme threat, trauma, anesthesia, and a ceasing of brain activity in which no awareness or sensory experiences of any kind should be possible, according to what is known about the way the brain functions He is not the first doctor to have endorsed the validity of patients near-death experiences, even though they cannot be proven by neurological testing. An oncologist from Kentucky, Dr Jeffrey Long, has so far collected more than 5,000 accounts in over 30 languages from people of various religions and cultural backgrounds. Dr Sabom told Insider that a social worker piqued his interest in near-death experiences during his residency in the 1970s. He initially brushed off accounts of NDEs as hogwash, but speaking with the woman who suffered an aneurysm, Pam Reynolds, changed his mind. Dr Michael Sabom is pictured as part of promotion for the movie After Death, in which he appears alongside others who explore viewpoints around the afterlife Ms Reynolds had to travel to Arizona for a surgery no other doctor was comfortable performing due to the severity of her condition. The operation was extremely risky the doctors would lower her body temperature to 60 degrees, drain the blood from her head, remove the aneurysm in her brain, and then reverse the process. Her eyes were taped shut and speakers were molded to her ears which made clicking sounds that allowed the surgeons to measure her brain stem activity and let them know when her blood could be drained. Ms Reynolds soon found herself hovering over her nearly lifeless body looking at nearly two dozen medical personnel working with a device she said sounded like an electric toothbrush. As she heard doctors express concern about her too-small veins while the song 'Hotel California' played in the operating room, Ms Reynolds encountered her dead grandmother and uncle, who then, she says, brought her back to her body. Dr Sabom obtained Ms Reynolds medical records with her permission and was stunned to find that her out-of-body observations about the medical staff, what they said, and the tools they used, were all accurate. He said: Pam's experience was anchored within a well-documented surgery. There was no logical explanation for how she could know what had happened. Speaking with her convinced me that out-of-body experiences were a real phenomenon. Dr Sabom now says that Ms Reynolds' experience made him a firm believer in near-death and out-of-body experiences, adding that it has changed how he cares for patients. While he may not consider the possibility that the patients soul is hovering above them while he is working to restart their heart, he said: But afterward, I wonder. Hearing stories like Pam's convinced me that I could never be entirely sure that a patient couldn't hear me. I was conscious of the fact that an off-hand comment during surgery or resuscitation could be harmful. He added that survivors of near-death experiences often show a greater will to live after their NDE. At the same time, Dr Sabom does not believe that experiences similar to Pams and the rest of the 17 percent of people who nearly die are indicative of an afterlife as there is no research to support that. He said: Our scientific and medical training is based on material proof we want to be able to measure something and hold it in our hands. 'You can't do that with NDEs or the idea that there's consciousness outside the brain, but I've become convinced that doesn't make these phenomena any less real. An estimated 45 percent of near-death experiences include a sense of being out-of-body, in which peoples consciousness is separated from their physical being, according to research by Dr Jeffrey Long. About three-quarters of those who experience this reported wanting to stay in the afterlife because of the immense love and joy that overtook them. More than half report seeing a heavenly realm and around a quarter of them are enveloped in light or mist. Researchers were able to work out the structure of thick filaments in the heart Samples of donated hearts from patients were used to generate 3D pictures A Kentucky researcher has solved a mystery of how the heart functions that has been unanswered for six decades. In a collaboration with the University of Massachusetts, a team used samples of donated hearts from patients to generate 3D pictures of the heart's cardiac thick filaments - which help in contracting the heart while it beats - at the level of individual molecules. For reference, scientists said if the heart is a continent, they were working with single strands of hair. Kenneth Campbell, a professor of cardiovascular medicine at the University of Kentucky, said: 'People have been trying to work out the structure of these filaments for 60 years. 'We [now] know the molecular structure of cardiac thick filaments and we can use that information to try and design better therapies.' The research is particularly pertinent for people in Kentucky because the state is one of the worst in terms of heart disease Mr Campbell added: 'The heart's made up of billions of cells. Cells are made up of structures called sarcomeres, and within sarcomeres, there are things called thick filaments. 'Each filament has roughly 2,000 molecules arranged in a really complicated structure that scientists have been trying to understand for decades.' The discovery of the structure, he said, means the heart muscle can be controlled more precisely than what doctors and researchers had previously thought. The professor added: 'We were also excited to see how myosin binding protein-C, a protein that is linked to genetic heart disease, sits within the structure. It gives us a new level of information about how the molecules are arranged in the heart.' The research is particularly pertinent for people in Mr Campbell's home state of Kentucky because the state has one of the highest rates of heart disease. 'We desperately need better therapies,' he said. Heart disease is the main cause of death in Kentucky, making it one of the top 10 states with the highest death rates from the disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The team used heart samples from the Gill Cardiovascular Biorepository, which Mr Campbell directs. Samples are given to the institute for research purposes from patients who have had cardiovascular treatment at the University of Kentucky. 'With the help of a surgeon at University of Kentucky HealthCare, we started collecting samples of myocardium from organ donors and from patients who were getting cardiac transplants,' said Mr Campbell. Myocardium is the muscular tissue of the heart. He added: 'Now we've built a huge resource with roughly 15,000 samples from nearly 500 people. We also share these samples with research groups around the world.' The research was published in Nature earlier this month. The new team of Cabinet ministers holds great promise, but it is important to keep our expectations in check. We must stay sober to the reality of the obstacles this team will have to overcome in order to record any measure of progress on the tasks laid before them by the King and country. Prior to the appointments, one expressed a wish to see a Cabinet comprised of individuals with a proven track record, leaving little room for trial and error at this critical juncture in our lives, where urgent solutions are required. Yours truly got just that, thereabout, so it is now down to each one of them to prove their worth, since the backbenchers are equally strong contenders for the seats at Hospital Hill, making the prospects of a reshuffle along the way quite viable. Encouraging Judging by the public reactions, there seems to be wide consensus that this team is an encouraging mix of diverse public and corporate experience, with the key positions in Finance, Commerce, Industry and Trade, and Economic Planning and Development enjoying continuity following the return to office of the ministers from the previous term. The Prime Minister (PM), Russell Dlamini, may be new to the political office, but he is well cushioned by a deputy who is a veteran politician in Thuli Dladla. The continuity appointees should complement this combination and give Cabinet the necessary political direction to keep in touch with the general public and, more importantly, with the reality on the ground. This is a team that has been dominating our conversations more for defying predictions than anything else. Lots of bets were lost as those who professed to be familiar with the Kings thinking learned otherwise. Our coffee still runs cold as we continue to absorb the hits and misses that have, once again, put to the fore one of the unique traits of surprise that is engrained in our Monarchical Democracy, which provides individuals with their right to direct representation in Parliament, while preserving the prerogative of appointment to Cabinet in the hands of His Majesty the King. Portfolios Theories abound on how each minister landed in their portfolios, such as at Health, Education and Training, and Justice and Constitutional Affairs, which are occupied by Mduduzi Matsebula, Owen Nxumalo and Prince Simelane, respectively. We may never know, but conspiracies soon show themselves in the actions that follow. What we do know, however, is that these sectors were the most topical at Sibaya and face the biggest challenges. In the case of Prince Simelane, whose appointment has got many jaws doing aerobics, uncertainty lies in how a man who some say is a law unto himself will conduct himself when he now sits in the offices of the law, as it were. He has not been shy about banning street marches or spewing militant rhetoric, in reaction to what he sees as wayward conduct among those professing to be enjoying their constitutional rights. The big test for him, no doubt, is removing the huge boulder of corruption that is placed right in the middle of the new Cabinets path to success. We do recall how the previous Cabinet came in with a major anti-corruption pronouncement that gave hope to discharging the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) from the intensive care unit (ICU), but failed, all because of a court case they found pending at the Supreme Court. It remains there five years later. Will the new Minister for Justice, Prince Simelane, be able to get the judicial wheels moving to ensure that justice is served? The Law Society seems happy with the appointment of the prince and has urged the minister to prioritise the handicap of the ACC, the complaint against the Chief Justice, Bheki Maphalala, which was lodged by the Law Society of Swaziland in terms of Section 158 of the Constitution in December 2022 and the probe into the office of the Master of the High Court with regard to its administrative and financial functions. Women groups are also happy with the appointment of Dladla, a woman, to the second most powerful seat in Cabinet that is responsible for social welfare and gender issues at a time when the country faces an unprecedented gender-based violence (GBV)crisis. Given the job creation deliverables he achieved, which could have been higher had the global COVID-19 pandemic not disrupted his term, the return of Commerce Minister Manqoba Khumalo is also a plus. Aggrieved Finance Minister Neal Rijkenberg may not be everyones favourite, but for good reason. The mice are the most aggrieved over his return, but he is the cat that the country needs to tighten the screws and close the financial leaks that are impoverishing this nation. Much is also anticipated from the new ICT Minister, Savannah Maziya, when she settles down that is. Her multinational experience raises expectations to a very high level. We also seem to be in good hands on food-self sufficiency with our new Agriculture Minister, Mandla Tshawuka, who leads a critical ministry. I could go on about the rest, but one still needs to get to know them better, so time will tell. For now, however, we can only say good luck to the entire team that has been assigned to rebrand the phrase there is no hurry in Swaziland to one of Kutsi Nkwe Eswatini. I Will Find You by Harlan Coben (Penguin 9.99, 416pp) (Penguin 9.99, 416pp) David Burroughs is five years into a life sentence for murdering his three-year-old son, Matthew. He knows he didnt kill his child, but still feels that he deserves to lose his liberty for failing to protect him. For five years, David has refused all visitors, but his ex-wifes sister, Rachel, insists on seeing him. She has brought with her a photograph that will change the course of Davids life. It shows an eight-year-old boy with a birthmark that is a perfect match for one on Matthews face. David knows that he has to break out of jail and investigate. Pursued by the FBI, he is determined to stay one step ahead of recapture until he unravels the truth of what happened to his boy. With plot twists and emotional jeopardy, Cobens thriller keeps the tension taut until the final page. Every Happy Family by Sarah Stovell (HQ 8.99, 384pp) (HQ 8.99, 384pp) A family Christmas is not always a recipe for peace and goodwill, but as Minnies children and grandchildren gather at her Cotswolds home, she is determined that everything will be perfect. Her eldest daughter, Lizzie, is a divorced alcoholic who has embraced a hippyish lifestyle with her Enduring Feminine Ally (but not lover), Tamsin. Lizzies much younger sister, Jess, is about to give birth to her second child with her partner, Anna. And their brother, Owen, is visiting for the first time in years from Australia, bringing his daughter, but not his wife. Then Minnie bumps into Norah, Owens first love from when they were teenagers, who was at the heart of events that fractured the family 30 years ago. Stovells warm-hearted novel considers whether some family rifts are too deep for forgiveness. Dickens & Prince by Nick Hornby (Penguin 9.99, 112pp) (Penguin 9.99, 112pp) Over the years, a varied collection of people have inspired Nick Hornby, including such unlikely pairings as Joan Didion and Thierry Henry, along with Charles Dickens and Prince, the subjects of his latest book. Prince and Dickens might seem to have little in common, except that they both became famous in their 20s and died in their late 50s. But digging deeper, Hornby finds more parallels. Both men had troubled childhoods, which perhaps fuelled their relentless creative drive. Between the ages of 24 and 29, Prince produced five great albums, while Dickens, aged 25, was simultaneously writing Oliver Twist and Nicholas Nickleby. Were they happy? Probably not. Were they crazy? Probably. Their work rate may have contributed to their untimely deaths, but the works of Dickens and Prince live on. Deadly Game by Michael Caine (Hodder & Stoughton 20, 336 pp) (Hodder & Stoughton 20, 336 pp) To write your first novel at the age of 90 is no small feat, but it did not deter movie legend Michael Caine, and the result is hugely entertaining. The story of a metal box crammed with radioactive uranium-235 at a dump in Stepney, East London, has all the charm of many of Caines screen roles think The Ipcress File and The Italian Job. The metal box disappears and the hero, maverick DCI Harry Taylor ex-Army and London born and bred, who leads his own idiosyncratic team from the Met is asked to find it. But the security services are also searching. There are two suspects: one an aristocratic art dealer, the other an oligarch. The action does not flag for a moment as Taylor races to find the uranium and halt a catastrophe. Told with Caines trademark ironic humour, its an old-fashioned delight. The Wolf by Samuel Bjork (Bantam 18.99, 432 pp) (Bantam 18.99, 432 pp) Veteran Norwegian detective Holger Munch is investigating the discovery of two boys found dead in a field not far from Oslo. One boy is completely naked, the other is only partially clothed, and both had been abducted. There is also a haunting parallel. Eight years earlier two boys had been found in identical circumstances, but in neighbouring Sweden. Munch and his team have no clues, but he turns to a 21-year-old trainee at the police academy, who he learns has extraordinary powers to see things that others dont. Her name is Mia Kruger, and it is she who makes this superb story very special indeed. Genuinely gripping and with a wonderful heroine, it is sensational. Unnatural Death by Patricia Cornwell (Sphere 22, 432 pp) (Sphere 22, 432 pp) Chief medical examiner Dr Kay Scarpetta has appeared in 26 bestsellers since she made her debut in Cornwells Postmortem in 1990, but this latest case is one of her most striking. Two dreadfully mutilated bodies are found deep in the woods in Virginia, U.S., near the entrance to an abandoned gold mine and a huge footprint is discovered nearby. Could it mean that both were killed by the legendary Bigfoot? No it cant, for Scarpetta rapidly establishes that both were, in fact, killed by a human with an appetite for savagery. Things turn even more serious when it is revealed that a terrorist group is determined to undermine the state. Add the reappearance of an old nemesis, whom Scarpetta believed was dead, and you have an edge-of-the-seat mystery, packed with twists. The latest in speed camera technology to hit British roads is already under attack as one has been pictured having been chopped down by a vigilante. A Jenoptik VECTOR-SR unit - dubbed the new 'ultra' speed camera - has been photographed with its pole sliced almost in two on New Row in Longdowns, Cornwall, with the incident reportedly taking place overnight. It is the fourth in a string of recent attacks that have seen speed cameras hacked down across this part of Cornwall. The incident comes after it was announced earlier this week that Greater Manchester Police has installed over 100 of the devices across the city in its crackdown on speeding and other motoring offences. Britain's new two-way 'ultra' speed camera under attack: A vigilante has chopped down one of the latest hi-tech roadside cameras in Cornwall Cornwall's speed cameras have been targeted over recent weeks, which has led to police being forced to increase monitoring of speed traps in the area to prevent further damage. Last week, a speed camera also on the A394 at Trewennack near Helston, appeared to have been taken out using an angle grinder. That followed two hacked down a few weeks ago on the A39 at Perranarworthal between Truro and Falmouth. The latest incident involves a VECTOR-SR unit, which is one of the most advanced of its type that is capable of recording more information than a standard camera. The one on New Row had been installed to enforce the 30mph limit in the area. It has reportedly caught hundreds of speeding drivers since it was first installed, some on multiple occasions on the same day, with many ending up in court. The speed camera, which has the ability to monitor drivers in both directions, caught almost 700 speeding motorists in its first full week of operation when it was installed in February 2022. The recently-installed camera has reportedly caught hundreds of speeding drivers since it was first fitted, some on multiple occasions on the same day, with many ending up in court Photos of the felled camera shows its pole sliced almost in half, likely with an angle grinder It is the fourth speed camera to be attacked in the area in recent weeks. Superintendent for local policing, Ian Thompson said: 'We're deeply concerned about the recent surge in criminal damage to average speed cameras in the West Cornwall area' Local, Ryan Moses, said he saw the camera pole had been attacked after 1.40am on Friday morning, telling Apex News: 'I spotted it just after it happened when police just turned up and were searching for whoever did it.' Superintendent for local policing, Ian Thompson said: 'We're deeply concerned about the recent surge in criminal damage to average speed cameras in the West Cornwall area. 'These acts not only endangers the public but also diverts resources from critical police activity, it disrupts the local community and road users, and places a burden on the taxpayers for the repair costs. 'Our investigations continue and we urge the community to report any suspicious activity or share information that might aid our enquiries.' Cornwall Council and Devon & Cornwall Police have erected a number of the bi-directional 'ultra' cameras on routes with a history of problems with collisions and speeding vehicles. Within two weeks of them being installed, 3,280 drivers were issued with tickets - with one camera being activated around 120 per day It has been reported that the damage caused when vigilantes strike speed cameras can amount to 6,000 to 10,000. However, this is the latest in camera technology, which was only approved by the Home Office in 2019. The VECTOR-SR can double for both speed and red-light enforcement, making it one of the most versatile cameras on the market today - which has made it very attractive to cash-strapped police forces and local authorities. It uses a video-based system that works in tandem with an intelligent virtual grid to judge if a driver is speeding. Measurements from its radar technology is then validated by secondary independent and image-based evidence. That means there is no need for road markings - which have typically been one of the biggest tell-tale signs to let drivers know the whereabouts of speed cameras. The system uses infra-red technology which allows images to be captured via still photos and video recordings, which eliminates the need for a camera flash, even at night and in bad weather. The VECTOR-SR uses a video-based system that works in tandem with an intelligent virtual grid to judge if a driver is speeding And because the camera records footage of a driver breaking the limit, any visual evidence showing motorists driving without a seatbelt or using a mobile phone can be used for further offences. Unlike previous cameras which only capture vehicles travelling in left-hand lanes, the new model captures up to three lanes of traffic going in both directions. This means one installation can enforce an entire section of road. It will also be able to identify speeding vehicles and their owners quickly, too, as it has built-in Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) tech. Mabe Parish councillor Peter Tisdale said the latest attack will cause a lot of upset, especially after it had taken 'years and years of campaigning' to have the camera installed on what had been a hazard hotspot. 'The reason we got these cameras in the first place is because there have been quite a few accidents with people turning into the garage,' he said. 'But there's also been couple of children knocked down getting off the school bus trying to cross the road. 'The cameras are not here for fun.' He added: 'We're talking about public money criminal damage, we are going to put them back, they're there for a reason.' US chip designer Nvidia which attempted to buy British rival Arm and is now a major investor in the Cambridge-based company has seen its shares more than triple in value so far this year. This has made it the best-performing stock in the S&P 500. So there will be much interest when it publishes its third quarter results on Tuesday. This includes many British investors who own its shares outright or through popular funds including Bailie Gifford American and Scottish Mortgage Investment Trust. One of the so-called Magnificent Seven alongside fellow American corporate giants Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Meta, Microsoft and Tesla, Nvidia has helped drive a substantial portion of stock market gains in the US this year. As such, expectations are high, with analysts expecting third quarter revenues to come in at around 13billion and profits to hit as high as 7billion. For much of the past 30 years, Nvidia's success has come from computer games, with its chips featuring in the likes of Call Of Duty and Counter-Strike. But its chips are now a favourite for Artificial Intelligence, or AI, and when OpenAI released ChatGPT last year it contained more than 20,000 graphics processors made by Nvidia. And boss Jensen Huang has been bullish about the company's potential. Speaking this week, he said AI would 'be bigger than the internet, by far'. But there are concerns that rivals may flood the market to get a slice of this lucrative pie. Innovation that could profoundly change society has been a prime mover of share prices in 2023. The generative AI (artificial intelligence) breakthrough lies behind the leap in the shares of semiconductor giant Nvidia. In the same way, the Danish pharmaceutical group Novo Nordisk has been boosted by the transformational impact of its diabetes and obesity drugs, Ozempic and Wegovy. Health can bring wealth: Avoid the damage to well-being from sleepless nights Also benefiting from high hopes that the obesity war could be won is Eli Lilly, the US giant behind Mounjaro. This diabetes treatment, now also to be prescribed for weight loss, has been dubbed 'the King Kong of jabs'. But it is Novo Nordisk's Wegovy injectables that have enabled two big beasts of the jungle Boris Johnson and Elon Musk to shed pounds, although not necessarily permanently. Is it too late to take a bet on the outcome of this healthcare revolution? Or is the disruption only just beginning? Novo Nordisk's 334billion (293billion) capitalisation may be almost the same as Denmark's GDP. But the possibility that its treatments could also reduce the incidence of heart attacks and strokes lies behind forecasts that its shares could higher still. Analysts think that demand will be insatiable, some of it fuelled by social media, as Morgan Stanley analyst Mark Purcell explains. Instagram brims over with images of those who attribute their buffed-up bodies to Wegovy. Albert Bourla, chief executive of the American pharma titan Pfizer, says that there could be a $90billion global market in diabetes and obesity drugs by 2030. At last month's Obesity Week convention in Dallas, Texas, it was rumoured that Mounjaro alone may be worth $50billion a year. Some of the excitement arises from other potential applications of these GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide) drugs, with Alzheimers and substance abuse among the conditions cited. In 2022 GLP-1 was a $2.1billion category. Pfizer is now entering the field. So is AstraZeneca, Britain's largest pharma name, which has done a deal with the Chinese group Eccogene for an experimental pill with, perhaps, fewer side-effects than its competitor injectables. These companies are likely to be joined by others, given the potential clientele. About 750million adults worldwide are obese, with another 1.3billion said to be overweight. America should be the most profitable territory since Wegovy costs about $1,350-a-month there, against 199-299-a month online in the UK. Hearing Wegovy and the rest described as wonder drugs may arouse your suspicions that unforeseen issues may emerge to disprove these claims. Big Pharma is no stranger to scandals. But you already have money staked on this new gold rush if you invest in funds like BlackRock Greater Europe, Fidelity European and Fundsmith which own Novo Nordisk. While Baillie Gifford Health Innovation holds Pfizer. Also GLP-1 drugs may have implications for other shares in your portfolio. Analysts say clothing manufacturers could be boosted by slimmed-down customers needing new outfits, while airlines will save on fuel if passengers are lighter. But food companies restaurants may struggle. Morgan Stanley predicts that US calorie consumption could be set to fall by 7 per cent. Sales of healthcare equipment could also decline. But Dani Saurymper of Pacific Asset Management, manager of the Pacific Longevity and Social Change Fund contends that this is speculation, saying: 'We do not believe the world's obesity epidemic has been solved. 'Although obese patients will try GLP-1 drugs, discontinuation rates can be as high as 50-70 per cent within the first 12-24 months. Once patients stop therapy, there is significant risk of regaining the weight.' He also questions the predicted slump in healthcare equipment, arguing that there will still be bariatric surgery, hip and knee replacements and heart valve replacements. Pacific Longevity and Social Change holds Eli Lilly. Saurymper argues that sales and profits from its diabetes and obesity drugs could potentially be double of those of its peers. Wall Street may think that the only way is further up for Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk. But although I want to back innovation, I am also going to be wary. I will look for weakness in the shares of Novo Nordisk, up 69 per cent this year, and Eli Lilly, which has risen by 62 per cent. Pfizer may have scope for improvement. Its shares are at their lowest since March 2020, thanks to lower sales for its Covid vaccines. AstraZeneca may also present an opportunity its shares have tumbled by 13 per cent. But again Ben Ritchie, manager of the Dunedin Income Growth trust urges caution, pointing out that the group's weight loss venture is 'unlikely to make a material contribution to profits or the value of the company in the foreseeable future. The key for the company which is a holding in our trust remains to deliver on its very promising and successful cancer therapies.' Health can bring wealth, but my strategy when investing in the sector is to avoid the damage to well-being from sleepless nights. Oil prices clocked up a fourth week of decline in a row as worries over global demand grew. In a boost for motorists hoping for cheaper prices at the pumps, Brent crude ended the week at around $78 a barrel. That was down from around $81 seven days earlier and followed a 5 per cent slump on Thursday that was only partially reversed yesterday. Downward trend: The price of oil has fallen almost 20 per cent since trading at around $97 a barrel in late September The price of oil has fallen almost 20 per cent since trading at around $97 a barrel in late September. The slump comes just weeks after the World Bank warned the price of crude could top $150 a barrel if the war between Israel and Hamas spirals into full-blown conflict in the Middle East. Drivers have only seen some benefit from the slide in the oil price with the average litre of petrol falling just 4p in the past four weeks to 151.7p. Diesel slid 3.5p to 158.8p a litre over the same period. Simon Williams of the RAC branded the failure of supermarkets and other petrol stations to pass lower prices on 'a scandal'. He added: 'Prices have fallen a bit but they are not where they should be. 'We are calling on retailers to cut prices. Drivers should be paying far less at the pumps.' Oil prices surged in the wake of the invasion of Ukraine by Russia peaking at close to $130 in March last year. But it has fallen, with the latest slide coming as the post-Covid recovery in China falters and the eurozone faces recession, while concerns persist over the outlook in the US and the UK. Jeremy Hunt yesterday announced a 4.5billion funding package to help Britain's manufacturers compete in the global race for investment. Car makers and the aerospace industry will benefit alongside, life sciences and clean energy firms, the Treasury said. The US backs its industries and lures promising overseas companies with hundreds of billions of dollars in subsidies and the EU is also formulating major support packages. Boost: Car makers and the aerospace industry will benefit alongside, life sciences and clean energy firms, the Treasury said That has prompted disquiet that Britain could get left behind especially after a rise in corporation taxes from 19 per cent to 25 per cent earlier this year in the face of a clamour of protest from business. Launching the UK scheme yesterday, the Chancellor said it was 'a significant sum of money' while acknowledging other countries were putting bigger amounts on the table. 'We are not going to indulge in a global race on subsidies,' Hunt said. 'We don't believe subsidies are the best way of attracting investment, but we have to be realistic that we need to offer targeted support.' The Government has already committed hundreds of millions of pounds in one-off support packages to help persuade multinationals to invest in Britain. BMW received a reported 75million bung to build electric Minis in Oxford. A factory in Somerset making batteries for Jaguar Land Rover electric cars will benefit from a 500million subsidy. The package will take effect from the start of Whitehall's next spending round in 2025. It is designed to give firms the chance to plan ahead. 'Manufacturers and clean energy companies are making long term decisions so they want to know what are the government's plans going forward beyond that,' Hunt said. The Treasury said 2billion of the scheme was earmarked for the car industry with 975million for aerospace, 970million for green industries and 520million for life sciences. It will target help at the UK's 'strongest, leading sectors' and acknowledges the transformation needed to take place in the car industry to make zero emission vehicles. Hunt launched the package at ITM Power in Sheffield, a cutting edge UK-listed firm that makes electrolysers machines that split water into hydrogen and oxygen. Hydrogen technology is shaping up to be a key part of the transition away from fossil fuels and ITM's technology could help some of its customers produce it in 'green' form - where renewable fuels are used to power the process. John Harrison, chairman of Airbus UK the British subsidiary of the European aeroplane maker said Hunt's package 'offers greater certainty for long-term investment in sustainable aviation and highly skilled jobs in the UK'. Emma Jones CBE is the founder and chief executive of small business network and business support provider Enterprise Nation. She calls on the Chancellor to support Britain's entrepreneurs and small businesses by introducing more support on technology and bringing in Export Tax Credits. Its the Autumn statement next week, and while its not the Budget, its going to be a key moment for the Chancellor to set out the economic policy thats going to take us into an election year. Emma Jones is calling on the Chancellor to do more for small businesses Its a flashpoint that needs to combine pragmatic fiscal flair with a feel-good factor. And while the statement is clearly not all about business, the UKs entrepreneurs and six million small businesses will be looking for at least a signal that the government has got their back. Its also Global Entrepreneurship Week a chance to celebrate our nations self starters and all the risks they take in pursuit of business. A lot has happened since the last statement, Insolvency Service data released in October 2023 showed companies going under hit the highest levels since the financial crash of 2009. A significant 6,342 companies were registered as insolvent in the three months to the end of June, 10 per cent more compared to the same quarter in 2022. What is abundantly clear is that the UKs small businesses need support now to develop the skills required not just to survive but thrive. I firmly believe that access to support as early as possible in a business owners journey is vital and that it can literally save companies from going under. With economists warning of a persistent deficit pushing into the next decade, we need to be more ambitious for our economy. Small businesses need support to develop the skills required not just to survive but thrive To do that we need a healthy pipeline of innovative businesses to support future economic growth, increase innovation and add diversity to the UKs business community. We need to be ready to support founders to develop the skills and to connect them with experienced business advisers and mentors who can guide based on their own life lessons and journey. I wrote to the Chancellor outlining how we think the right conditions to build an enterprise nation could be achieved. We are willing to play our part in providing a platform that connects businesses to a full range of support that we deem to be an essential component in achieving sustainable business and therefore wider economic growth. One of the key planks of our recommendations was to urgently incentivise and increase tech adoption to boost productivity, competitiveness and resilience to future shocks. While the Government's Help to Grow: Digital programme was closed earlier this year, the problem it was trying to tackle has not gone away. According to the World Economic Forum, the UK ranks 31st in the world for tech and ICT adoption. My company Enterprise Nation recently launched Tech Hub, a major new national initiative designed to scale tech adoption and boost digital investment and skills amongst the UKs small business community and in part designed to replace Help to Grow: Digital as a private sector-led response. Its a step in the right direction towards the boost we need to see in the economy, but we need it to be universally embraced to remove the barriers to tech adoption that currently exist such as confusion about where to go for advice. The Chancellor should incentivise exporting The other key thing the Chancellor could do is to trial an Export Tax Credit or Export Vouchers to incentivise exporting among SMEs. Our own research found that if UK exports had rebounded as strongly as Germanys following the pandemic, we would be exporting $111billion (89.22billion) more than is currently the case. An Export Tax Credit or Voucher would allow businesses to claim a credit on any money it spends in pursuit of exporting activities. Exactly how the Export Tax Credit should work would need to be consulted on, but modelling it on Research and Development Tax Credits would be a sensible place to start. Businesses are already familiar with how this works, and it has proven a successful intervention to date. An alternative form of support could be to trial Export Vouchers, to subsidise the costs of firms that are looking to export for the first time. Voucher-style schemes are a common intervention, and also have recent precedent with regards to helping businesses that trade. Our other recommendations for the Chancellor: Boost start-up access and SME exposure to government contracts as these can act as an accelerator Unleash experienced older workers into the workforce to support entrepreneurial activity Scrap and replace the business rates system to give start-up retailers more access to high street space including pop-ups, benefiting the whole community Stamp out late payments and consider recent measures from the Dutch Government to mandate 30-day terms to larger firms procuring from smaller ones Become a tax innovator and lead the world in virtual assistants and AI to make tax simpler to pay and collect Read Enterprise Nations detailed asks submitted to the Chancellor here. An investigation has been launched after a body was discovered on a beach in the Rockaways in New York City. The NYPD were on the scene at Breezy Point Beach just after noon on Friday following a 911 call about a human torso. The discovery comes only weeks after talented Irish filmmaker Ross McDonnell, 44, disappeared from his New York home. His bike was found at Fort Tilden Beach near Roxbury - just three miles away from Breezy Point Beach. The body was found on Breezy Point Beach just after noon on Friday Ross McDonnell vanished after leaving his home in Brooklyn, New York on the evening of Saturday, November 4 His bicycle was found three days later chained up at at Fort Tilden Beach near Roxbury McDonnell, an Emmy award winner, was last spotted at 8:30pm on Saturday, November 4 at Fort Tilden Beach near Roxbury, where his bicycle was found locked up three days later. Friend Gene Gallerano told The Irish Times that McDonnell appears to have been on the beach but 'went out into the ocean' before disappearing. The identity of the body found on Friday will not be released until the family is notified. The city's Chief Medical Examiner is now looking to establish the exact cause of death. McDonnel is originally from Dublin and won an Emmy Award in 2021 for his camera work on the Showtime series The Trade. He had been living in Taaffe Place near DeKalb Avenue in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn. McDonnel worked extensively across the world including Afghanistan, Ukraine and Mexico and was nominated for another Emmy in 2018 as director of the CNN Films documentary Elian. The Officer of the Chief Medical Examiner was on site Friday to determine the cause of death It is not known whether the body was dumped or had washed up on shore Friends have pleaded for his return and started spreading the word on social media including one who described him as a 'diamond who is in all our hearts'. 'Ross and I worked together many times,' wrote Eoin Butler on X, formerly Twitter. 'He's been missing for a week. We've been given the go ahead to share this image today. Anyone in New York area please share.' 'He is an incredible human and his disappearance has caused indescribable anguish amongst his friends and family,' added Alexander Kellum. McDonnell's first feature film, Colony, debuted at the Toronto International Film Festival and won an Irish Film and Television Award Nomination. Investigators were on site throughout much of Friday afternoon McDonnell's work as a cameraman, director and photographer has taken him across the world from Bolivia to Ukraine and Afghanistan to Mexico He is also a talented photographer and was shortlisted for the world's top photography award the Prix Pictet in 2019 for his work on the theme of 'hope'. McDonnell was wearing a red puffy Northface vest, black Northface backpack, black and white sneakers, and dark colored khaki pants when he disappeared. The New York Police Department appealed for people who may have found his belongings to get in touch. 'You are not in trouble if you picked up his belongings, we just want to locate ASAP for clues to his disappearance,' they said. Whether you love them or hate them, self-serve checkouts are here to stay in Australian supermarkets despite overseas stores going back to old-fashioned customer service. British supermarket chain Booths is the latest company to remove self-serve checkouts in response to customer feedback labelling the technology slow, unreliable and impersonal. Costco in the US has scrapped nearly all of its self-serve machines and put staff back behind counters, while Walmart is also moving away from the controversial technology. As self-serve checkouts spark customer outrage, Daily Mail Australia approached four major supermarket chains along with Costco Australia to ask whether they had any plans to ditch self-serve checkouts. Their detailed answers are below. Some were reluctant to respond to specific questions, including whether more checkouts would be staffed during the Christmas period. IGA appears to be one chain bucking the self-serve trend with its priority still on personalised service. Major supermarkets Coles and Woolworths have no plans to scrap self-serve options and revert back to staffed checkouts Canstar Blue editor-in-chief Christine Seib predicted there would be many 'upset' shoppers if self-serve checkouts were scrapped from supermarkets A recent Canstar Blue survey found the high percentage of Australians who prefer to do their grocery shop in-store are divided on self-serve registers. While 41 per cent of shoppers prefer to be served at the check-out, another 34 per cent find it quicker and more convenient to do themselves. Professor Gary Mortimer, a retail expert from Queensland University of Technology Business School, told Daily Mail Australia self-serve checkouts were now a part of the wider economy, not just supermarkets. 'Department stores and fast food outlets now have them. Even when you check in at the airport or many hotels, there are self-serve kiosks,' he said. Professor Mortimer said he did not see Australian supermarkets following the lead of overseas chains, pointing out that Booths consists of just 27 stores. But he acknowledged that retailers need a combination of self-serve and staffed checkouts. 'There will always be consumers who want a personalised experience and prefer the social interaction while others just want to get in and out,' he said. Canstar Blue's survey of almost 2,880 Aussie supermarket customers found 87 per cent prefer to shop in-store. Of the 34 per cent who preferred self-service checkouts, three quarters said it was faster while one in five did not like the human interaction of a staffed register. Canstar Blue editor-in-chief Christine Seib told Daily Mail Australia it appeared many shoppers were equally happy with self-serve or staffed registers. 'It appears that while some shoppers have preference for one or the other, many are equally happy with either option,' Canstar Blue editor-in-chief Christine Seib told Daily Mail Australia. 'Australian supermarket shoppers tend to focus on price and convenience, with customer service not as high a priority when it comes to choosing which supermarket to visit. 'Shoppers could expect supermarkets to adopt the right combination of those factors for their local market, such as keeping staffed checkouts where they're strongly valued and offering mostly self-serve checkouts in busy shops where customers want to dash in and out with just a few purchases.' Ms Seib agreed with Professor Mortimer that retailers need a mix of register options to meet customer demand. 'While shoppers have some understandable objections to self-serve checkouts - ranging from the impact on jobs to the principle of paying higher grocery prices while also taking on the task of checking-out their shopping - the fact that a third of shoppers would rather use a self-serve checkout means rolling back their use would likely upset a big group of shoppers,' she said. Below are the supermarkets' stance on self-serve checkouts. It's not yet known whether Costco Australia (store pictured) will follow its US counterparts QUT Business School retail expert Professor Gary Mortimer (pictured) says self-serve checkouts aren't going anywhere IGA The independent chain, which consists of 1,300 outlets nationwide, is bucking the trend toward self-serve checkouts. 'Although some of our IGA stores have a self-serve option, the priority is, and always has been, people first in our stores,' a spokesperson said. 'We appreciate that self-service provides convenience, especially when customers are in a hurry or only have a few items. But when it comes to human connection, nothing can replace the experience of a face-to-face interaction at our checkouts.' Some IGA stores have opted with solely staffed checkouts, others offer both staffed and self-serve checkouts in accordance to customers' needs. 'We hear hundreds of stories a week across our network about the unique interactions between various communities and store team members, so we know that a friendly "how is your day going?" can make someones day,' the spokesperson added. 'We also know that whether its a parent trying to juggle their children and their groceries, or an elderly customer who needs a helping hand with their items, the support of our team at the checkouts is a huge help to our community.' While IGA has a self-serve option in some stores, its priority is 'people first' Woolworths A Woolworths spokesperson said: 'We know some customers prefer to be served by a team member and that's why there is always that option in all of our stores. 'Millions of transactions are made using our self service checkouts every single day. 'The use of self service technology is commonplace from airports to railway stations, and customer feedback shows our self-serve checkouts are popular for their convenience and speed. 'Our supermarkets employ more team members than ever before as we expand to cater to a range of different shopping needs - from rapid grocery delivery, to the traditional in-store experience, as well as other convenient options like Direct to Boot. 'We know there's many different opinions on the use of this technology and that's why we have a range of ways for customers to complete their shop.' Millions of shoppers use the self service checkouts every day, according to Woolworths Coles Coles says it remains focused on offering a range of register options for customers. 'Self-service checkouts are a great option for customers because they offer convenience and efficiency when shopping in our stores to help customers check out more quickly and pack their bags the way they like,' a spokesman said. 'Because of this they are the checkout of choice for more than 2 in 3 customers, and we continue to see these numbers increase. 'Over the past year, we have seen greater customer satisfaction and uptake in our self-service options. Of course, if customers prefer to be served by a team member, someone will always be available in the service area to serve them. 'We have never been more committed to supporting Australians with employment opportunities, having recruited an additional 22,000 team members compared to five years ago.' Coles says more than two thirds of its customers prefer the convenience of self-serve checkouts (pictured) Aldi Aldi recently announced its rollout of self-serve checkouts will by ramped up, two years after the first one was installed in inner-Sydney Darlinghurst as part of a trial. By the end of the 2023, about 200 of its 580 stores will have self-checkouts. Aldi sees the technology as a win-win as it is not only efficient for customers but also frees up staff to focus on customer service, stock replenishment and store presentation. Instead of answering questions, Aldi referred Daily Mail Australia to a fact sheet on its website with comments from national store operations director Hayden Pierce. 'Aldi stores will continue to operate with both self-checkouts and staffed checkouts, so customers will still be able to choose the option they prefer,' he says on the website. 'Customers can ask an Aldi employee to open a staffed checkout if there is not one already available.' Around 200 of Aldi's 580 stores across Australia will have self-serve checkkouts by December Costco Costco has 15 stores across Australia. 'One of our priorities at Costco is our members' shopping experience,' managing Directorr Patrick Noone said. 'Our members have responded positively to self-serve checkouts, which are a great way of enhancing convenience in the warehouses. 'We have them in five of our Australian warehouses, Canberra, North Lakes, Adelaide, Marsden Park and Lake Macquarie, with plans to expand to more warehouses in the future. 'Despite this, we believe our staffed checkouts are integral to providing members with a personalised service, so they will remain a large part of the Costco shopping experience.' MANZINI - Womens rights groups have expressed outrage over the harassment of a woman who was photographed wearing torn jeans at the Manzini Bus Rank. They have described the incident as a clear violation of her rights and are calling for an end to the objectification and harassment of women in public spaces. The groups are also urging government to take action to protect womens rights and ensure that they are not subjected to such violations. The woman was walking at the Manzini Bus Rank on Tuesday afternoon, wearing a pair of torn blue jeans and a white top. In a circulating video, she is seen carrying a pack of mealie-meal, while those believed to be public transport workers and possibly members of the public, are screaming and saying unpalatable words. Challenged Others were suggesting that she was psychologically challenged. It is worth noting that some women were also part of those who were booing and photographing her. Women in Law Southern Africa (WLSA) Board Chairperson, Thabisile Mavimbela, was of the view that women were objectified. She said many a times, men wore just as they pleased and nothing was done to them. Mavimbela said women too, were human beings, who deserved the right to dignity and respect, regardless of how or what they were wearing. The Board chairperson alluded to that in ancient times, when there was absence of clothes, women used to reveal their breasts and this was a norm. This is a clear indication of the violation of womens rights and loss of human respect and humanity. It shows the absence of ubuntu. You cant just do as you please with a person who has chosen to dress in a certain way. It shows that we are a sick generation, with no regard for womens feelings, Tsabedze said. Afraid Most of the time, she asserted that women even found themselves being afraid to report such matters because they were also victimised. The Board chairperson further recommended that government should enforce stringent laws to protect women. Tsabedze said womens rights should be made as important as the rights of animals. One Billion Rising Director Colani Hlatjwako condemned those who photographed the woman who found herself being humiliated. She also warned against the circulation of the video. We can imagine the pain she experienced while she was being harassed, as well as the circulation of the video, which essentially doubles the pain. We call upon the law to deal with people who perpetrate violence using social media, because this is becoming prevalent in society and sometimes results in the loss of lives, Hlatjwako said. The director added that such acts portrayed animosity. She said it was clear that society was full of abusers who justified abuse and shifted the blame to women. Abuse "We need to understand that there is no excuse for abuse. In spite of a persons dress code, no one has the right to violate the other. Even babies and elderly women are abused, and this shows moral decay in society, she quipped. Hlatjwako mentioned that although there were laws against violation of people in society and social media, it was high time for those laws to tighten the grip on the perpetrators. She extended sympathy and compassion to the woman who received such treatment at the bus rank. The director also encouraged her to get psychological counselling to deal with the trauma she experienced. She stated that she could access the counselling services at the National Psychiatric Referral Hospital or with One Billion Rising. On the other hand, during an interview with some conductors, they were of the view that they were appalled at the dress code of the woman, claiming that it did not sit well with them. As men, we feel our rights and feelings are not being considred, because, how do you reveal your assets and then expect our bodies not to react? they said. They were of the view that they were provoked and were against the wearing of revealing clothes. Some were of the view that they were making noise and photographing her to teach her a lesson to never appear in public wearing revealing clothes. This is not the first incident to happen, as in 2012, this publication reported about a teenager who was harassed by public transport workers at Nhlangano Old Bus Rank. The public transport workers felt the skirt was very revealing, having stated that they felt disrespected by the teenager. Teenager According to sources who were present at the bus rank, the workers went wild upon seeing the teenager, estimated to be 17 years old, entering the bus rank from the direction of Richfield Restaurant.She was reportedly wearing a checked skirt, a top and black high heel shoes on a Tuesday afternoon. The teenager was reportedly surrounded by the noisy public transport workers, who allegedly used their cellphones to take pictures of her after allegedly trying to forcefully undress her. It was also alleged they produced money in the form of notes and coins and asked the woman how much she was selling her body for. In spite of what the public transport workers said to justify their actions, the womens groups remained adamant that there was no justification for harassing anyone based on dress code. With its general release still a week away, Ridley Scott's new Napoleon biopic has already managed to ruffle some critics' feathers. Reviewers in the French media branded it 'deeply clumsy' and 'boring' this week, and described Joaquin Phoenix's Napoleon as a 'petulant man-child'. But some have also taken issue with the film's inaccuracies, despite the fact that reviews in the UK and US have been largely positive. After watching the trailer, historian Dan Snow pointed out that Napoleon was not present at Marie Antoinette's execution. It was also noted that the fallen queen's hair was shorn - not long and curly as is depicted - when she was guillotined. And Napoleon's escapades in Egypt did not include the targeting of the Pyramids, but the film shows them being fired at with cannons. Below, MailOnline delves into these inaccuracies and more. With its general release still a week away, Ridley Scott's new Napoleon biopic has already managed to ruffle some critics' feathers. Reviewers in the French media branded it 'deeply clumsy' and 'boring' and described Joaquin Phoenix's Napoleon as a 'petulant man-child' Antoinette's hair was cropped when she was executed and she wasn't wearing a black dress The film's trailer shows Antoinette with a shock of frizzy hair as she defiantly makes her way to the guillotine in front of a baying mob. But in fact the French queen had closely cropped hair when she was put to death, after it was shorn by her captors. She is also seen in Scott's production wearing a black dress. Although she had wanted to wear black, she was forced to don a white dress - the colour worn by widowed queens of France. Marie Antoinette - portrayed by Catherine Walker - is seen in Ridley Scott's Napoleon with a shock of curly hair before she is executed Napoleon wasn't at Marie Antoinette's execution In the trailer for the film, Napoleon is seen watching as Marie Antoinette is guillotined in front of a baying crowd in Paris during the French Revolution. In reality, the future French emperor was on the other side of the country at the time. He was taking part in the Siege of Toulon, in which he played a key role in forcing troops led by Britain to withdraw. Antoinette was executed after a trial in which she was accused of incest with her son. Her husband, King Louis XVI, had been guillotined eight months earlier. In the trailer for the film, Napoleon is seen watching as Marie Antoinette is guillotined in front of a baying crowd in Paris during the French Revolution Marie Antoinette likely wasn't defiant as she was put to death Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Today programme yesterday, French academic Dr Estelle Paranque said she was irritated by Scott's feisty depiction of Antoinette. 'It did annoy me a little because he made her kind of fearless and a bit feisty, and at the time honestly she was not,' she said. 'She tried to remain dignified at the end, but I don't think she would have been that bold. And obviously Napoleon wasn't there.' French academic Dr Estelle Paranque said she was irritated by Scott's feisty depiction of Antoinette. 'It did annoy me a little because he made her kind of fearless and a bit feisty, and at the time honestly she was not,' she said Antoinette was executed after a trial in which she was accused of incest with her son Napoleon didn't target the Pyramids The Napoleon trailer also shows the emperor's troops shooting at the Pyramids during his escapades in Egypt. A cannon is seen being loaded, aimed and then fired at the top of the ancient structures. But historian Dan Snow took issue with the scene in a TikTok analysis. He said: 'We are seeing this 12-pound cannon firing at maximum elevation. Can it hit the top of the Pyramids from where they are standing? I very much doubt that. 'And also Napoleon didn't shoot at the Pyramids, and the Battle of the Pyramids, so-called, was not fought at the base of the Pyramids.' The Napoleon trailer also shows the emperor's troops shooting at the Pyramids during his escapades in Egypt Cannon fire hits one of the Pyramids in the trailer for the film. But historian Dan Snow has taken issue with the scene in a TikTok analysis Napoleon didn't come from nothing, or conquer everything A promotional poster for the film includes the defiant strapline 'He came from nothing. He conquered everything'. But Snow pointed out that Napoleon's father was an aristocrat. Carlo Bonaparte and Napoleon's mother Maria lived in their palatial ancestral home on the island of Corsica, where the emperor grew up. Napoleon's father rose to become Corsica's representative in the court of Louis XVI. The Bonaparte family were also descended from Tuscan nobles who emigrated to Corsica in the 16th century. A promotional poster for the film includes the defiant strapline 'He came from nothing. He conquered everything' As for the claim that he 'conquered everything', despite his best efforts Napoleon did not conquer Britain. His planned invasion was never even attempted. Although an invasion force did gather on the French coast, Napoleon's campaigns in Austria and Egypt meant they never departed for British shores. The plans were conclusively shelved in 1802, when the Treaty of Amiens put a pause to hostilities between Britain and France. Napoleon never led a cavalry charge The film also depicts Napoleon careering into battle on his horse. But Snow points out that the French emperor never led a cavalry charge. Napoleon did however order cavalry attacks in various battles and was present when fighting took place. Despite his historic defeats in the Peninsular War and at the Battle of Waterloo, Napoleon was largely successful in battle. Of 60 battles fought by his forces, only seven ended in defeat. The film also depicts Napoleon careering into battle on his horse. But Snow points out that the French emperor never led a cavalry charge French newspaper Le Figaro said in its review that the film should be renamed 'Barbie and Ken under the Empire' and added that Napoleon is portrayed as a 'sentimental brute with a gun in hand and quick to shed a tear'. Canadian French-language newspaper Le Devoir led with the headline 'Not Waterloo, but not Austerlitz either,' referencing Napoleon's futile last stand in Belgium and his tactical 'masterpiece' against the Russians in today's Czech Republic. The article described Phoenix's Napoleon as a 'petulant man-child who doesn't really seem to know what he's doing'. In an interview with the New Yorker, Scott hit back at critics, telling them to 'get a life', adding: 'There are 400 books written about him. Maybe the first one was the most accurate, the next one is already doing a version of the author. 'By the time you get to book 399, guess what, there's a lot of speculation.' He also responded to claims of inaccuracies by critics, telling France Inter Radio: 'My answer to them is, "How do you know? Were you there?"' He added that he was speculating about history, but stuck close to the facts that are known about Napoleon, including by examining his letters. Responding to Scott's defence, historian Guy Walters said: 'Ridley Scott has resorted to that time-dishonoured and lamest excuse for getting his history wrong in his Napoleon film. 'Telling people "you can't know because you weren't there" negates the whole pursuit of historical knowledge, and basically gives you a pass to make it all up. The astrophysicist also revealed that Christopher Nolan is his favorite director and admitted that he lined up for Barbenheimer over the summer Pop astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson has revealed which classic sci-fi movies are scientifically accurate - and which ones completely miss the mark. Speaking exclusively to DailyMail.com, the celebrated astrophysicist called the 2015 film The Martian 'believable.' 'The science is balls-on accurate,' Tyson said of the Ridley Scott film starring Matt Damon and Jessica Chastain. 'It's a sci-fi movie where science itself was a character in it. 'The main character figures out how to stay alive for 400 days on Mars using science!' But of the classic, heart-wrenching film Armageddon, Tyson said while it was 'entertaining,' it 'violated more laws of physics per minute than any movie I had ever seen.' DailyMail.com caught up with astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson who revealed which popular sci-fi films get the science right- and which ones miss the mark Tyson told DailyMail.com that 2015 film The Martian and 1998 movie Deep Impact were the most scientifically accurate films Tyson he said 1998's Armageddon 'violated more laws of physics per minute than any movie I had ever seen' until he saw the 2022 movie Moonfall Armageddon, starring Bruce Willis and Ben Affleck, followed astronauts on their space mission to stop an asteroid from colliding with earth. And while Tyson said it was the least scientifically accurate movie he's ever seen, there was one film that took the cake, in his opinion. That was the 2022 movie Moonfall, starring Halle Berry and Patrick Wilson. 'The moon was hollow and there's a moon creature? Sorry, I can't go there,' Tyson said of Moonfall. However, he gushed over The Martian and the 2011 novel of the same name on which it was based. 'The author [Drew Goddard] was an engineer-turned-novelist. He did all the calculations so the science is accurate. 'The movie is directed by Ridley Scott and has major actors. It's a sci-fi movie where science itself was a character in it. You had them caring about the science!' Tyson, a prolific book author and former director of the Hayden Planetarium in New York, has appeared as a guest on The Big Bang Theory and hosted Cosmos: A Space Odyssey, which won a Critics Choice award for best TV reality show. Tyson said another movie which is scientifically accurate in Deep Impact, starring Elijah Wood and Morgan Freeman. The 1998 movie follows a team of astronauts who attempt to land on a comet and lay explosives to stop it from barreling into earth. 'Deep Impact had good physics in it and had NASA advisors and of course Carl Sagan's [book] Contact,' he said. Tyson revealed he's most impressed by director Christopher Nolan - director of Oppenheimer (pictured on set) Inception and Interstellar Tyson admitted seeing blockbuster Oppenheimer over the summer right before Barbie - the phenomenon known as Barbenheimer Tyson revealed he's most impressed by director Christopher Nolan - director of Inception and Interstellar - and admitted seeing his blockbuster Oppenheimer over the summer right before Barbie - the phenomenon known as Barbenheimer. 'You got to love where Nolan goes with his films. He plays with time and space,' Tyson said. 'He did Oppenheimer - I did Barbieheimer and saw both movies on the same day!' Tyson made a suggestion for the order in which you should see the contrasting movies. 'You got to see Barbie second because it cleanses your system afterwards.' 'I like directors whose portfolio of options are broad because then you can be much more creative than if you just stick in one genre. So check out [Nolan's] movies - all of them!' The scientist hosts live talks where he says he offers topics to the audience and they pick a subject to discuss. 'The talk is about what they pick!' he said. 'One is the search for life in the universe, another one is called Cosmic Collisions, which is everything that goes bump in the night including asteroid strikes on earth, colliding galaxies and colliding black holes. 'I'm a servant of people's curiosity. I'm not trying to ram anything down people's throat.' Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene unloaded on Rep. Lauren Boebert after calling her a 'b****' and the right-wing Freedom Caucus which booted her out in a scathing retelling of her own part in the chaos in Congress. Months ago, Greene was ousted from the nearly 50-member Freedom Caucus - a group of Republicans dedicated to upending business as usual who have become a thorn in the side of establishment GOP. 'I still have never understood why they kick someone like me out and kept Ken Buck,' Greene says in an interview with DailyMail.com ahead of the release of her new book, 'MTG,' out Tuesday. 'Buck is widely hated among Republicans now, especially in the base.' MTG is releasing a new tell-all, available Tuesday, November 21 The removal came after Greene called Boebert, R-Colo., a 'little b***h' on the House floor for copying her Biden impeachment articles over the southern border. Greene claims she tried to be a 'friend' to Boebert for a 'very long time.' 'She always made it very clear that she wanted to keep a distance from me. And I've never understood that,' Greene says. In an exclusive excerpt of the book obtained by DailyMail.com, Greene says the Freedom Caucus held a vote to remove her on June 23, 2023 - after many members had already hopped on flights home for the week and when she was not there to 'defend herself.' Later on the House floor during the final votes of the week, 'not one single HFC member came up to me to tell me,' she said. 'I found out about their vote on Twitter.' Freedom Caucus Chair Scott Perry said at the time he had tried to reach Greene to inform her of the vote, but 'I did not have one single call or text from Scott Perry,' says Greene. Greene had just introduced impeachment articles against President Biden. She asked the Freedom Caucus and Boebert to co-sponsor those articles, but Boebert instead introduced her own. 'She told leadership that she had to do it to help her end-of-quarter fundraising,' Greene writes. Boebert's 2024 challenger, Democrat Adam Frisch, dramatically outraised her in the third quarter: $3.4 million to $854,000. 'I told the media how she had copied my articles of impeachment,' Greene goes on. 'Lauren walked up to me on the House floor, demandingI clarify the comments I had made to the press, at which point I called her alittle b***h to her face. After I told her what I thought of her, I told Lauren to shut up.' The pair of firebrand right-wing women both came to Congress in 2021, but Greene bristles at any comparison of the two. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene tore into Rep. Lauren Boebert and the 50-member right-wing Freedom Caucus that abandoned her in her own retelling of the headline-grabbing scenes she's been a part of Congress 'I called her alittle b***h to her face. After I told her what I thought of her, I told Lauren to shut up,' Greene said of her fight with Boebert 'The only similarity between us is our voting records,' she says. 'We're actually extremely different types of people.' 'She's a serial liar,' Greene adds. 'She's lied about missing votes ... she got caught vaping in front of a pregnant woman and groping her date in a public movie theater, then she got caught lying about that and she also lied about the situation with me.' In September, Boebert was filmed lashing out at theater staff after being booted from a Beetlejuice performance for singing along - with staff claiming she also vaped and took photos during the performance. Between Greene and the Freedom Caucus, there's no love lost. 'I think I'm better off being a free agent without the Freedom Caucus, who I find unfortunately to be hypocrites a lot of the time.' 'Buck is more interested in trying out with interviews for CNN than he is in working hard in Congress and being a real conservative, but Freedom Caucus keeps people like Ken Buck,' she goes on, continuing to reflect on her removal from the caucus of which she was once the most visible face. 'I'm not exactly sure why they did it.' The book spans the entirety of her congressional career with highlights from January 6 when she says Democrats were 'hysterical' and Rep. Clay Higgins, R-La., offered to save her from rioters because he had a gun on the House floor. Boebert is seen on surveillance camera footage giving ushers the finger at a Denver theatre, after she was kicked out She bashes out-of-shape and elderly members of Congress trying to escape rioters who were swarming the floor: 'Just imagine Jerry Nadler trying to run for safety!' She talks of getting kicked off committees under Democrats in 2021 and how she instead tried to make an impact by forcing recorded votes rather than voice votes which delayed the passing of Democrat-led legislation - only to be chastised by senior Republicans who did not want to waste their time. The Republican was kicked off all her committees by Democrats - and 11 Republicans - in 2021 for her previous racist and pro-conspiracy theory statements. She apologized later for her comments, saying on the House floor they 'do not represent' her. Greene says she wrote the book herself to retell her experience in Congress in her own words. 'Ever since I entered Congress in January of 2021, the media has basically created a character of me that doesn't exist,' she said. 'Some people call me, like, the notorious MTG.' 'Ever since I became that person, I've really wanted to tell the real stories and get my own policies and views out there.' As for her future ambitions, Greene is keeping coy. She said she hasn't heard much from former President Donald Trump, despite their regular conversations, about who he might pick as his running mate. 'I will serve President Trump at any capacity that that he would like for me to serve in,' she said. 'But right now, I'm very dedicated to my district.' Dr Coatsworth: We need to be smarter about managing Covid One of Australia's top doctors has issued a brutal message to those still wearing face masks - and hit out calls from the Australian Medical Association to bring back Covid masks. Australia reported 6,550 new Covid cases last week. This surge has led health officials, including AMA Queensland president Maria Boulton, to advocate for the reinstatement of mask mandates in high-risk settings, such as on airplanes, in large crowds, and within medical facilities. However, former Australian deputy chief health officer Dr Nick Coatsworth said Aussies shouldn't be overly concerned about the recent spike during an interview with 2GB'S Ben Fordham. 'The Australian Medical Association has quoted 245 hospitalisations of COVID-19 with this (current) wave in Queensland, but there are over a million admissions to Queensland hospitals every year,' he said. 'The suggestion that this is a wave is probably incorrect.' He also believes reinstating mask mandates would have little impact. 'That's not going to make any difference at the moment,' Dr Coatsworth explained. 'If you say 'Look, wear masks in some situations but not others, don't socially distance and go about your business', then all the masks are doing is polluting the environment.' 'We need to be smarter about how we manage this. Some medical experts have renewed calls for the return of mask mandates in high risk putting setting as Covid cases rise again He also slammed advice from scientists recommending 100,000 concertgoers to mask up when Coldplay performs in Perth this weekend. 'That's just a crazy thing to do,' he said. 'We got to remember just how infectious Omicron is. Just sticking a mask on at a Coldplay concert is unlikely to be protective. 'And number two, the vast majority of people have had Covid, even the people who claim they've never had it. The vast majority of people are also vaccinated. 'COVID-19 is now a milder disease because of what we call herd immunity, we have all been exposed to it. 'Our need to take a chill pill with Covid is getting even greater.' Catching up with friends outdoor is the best way to reduce the risk of getting Covid according to Dr Nick Coatsworth Former Australian deputy chief health officer Nick Coatsworth (pictured) described calls to reinstate mask mandates as crazy Dr Coastworth isn't overly concerned about the latest spike but conceded it puts a strain on hospitals. 'The reason why health departments have put this out is because when we do get an increase in Covid or any respiratory virus, it does puts a strain on hospitals,' he said. 'I work in an hospital and you do see the strain but not because people are getting sick from Covid. 'Very few people are actually getting sick from Covid but it creates an infection control problem where you have to isolate the patients and it created bed pressure. 'But that's going to happen for the next 5-10 years with Covid and respiratory viruses and we have to find ways to cope with that. 'Frankly I was on shift yesterday and we had not a single patient with COVID-19 in our acute medical unit. Dr Coatsworth emphasised that despite a minor increase in hospitalisations, there has been a decline in intensive care admissions from Covid. 'It's important to assure everyone that vaccination is effective.' The chance of getting Covid outdoors 'extraordinary difficult, if not impossible,' according to Dr Nick Coastworth. Pictured are beachgoers at Bondi 'There's creative, innovative ways that will allow the community to get on with its business without constant talk of bringing back things that realistically, public health officials aren't going to bring back.' Dr Coatsworth echoed the health advice to catch up outdoors where the risk of getting Covid is 'extraordinary difficult, if not impossible.' 'It's always been the right advice, I'm not sure why we didn't give it at the start of the pandemic,' he said. 'You would really have to be on top of someone to catch Covid outdoors.' Meanwhile, infectious diseases specialist Professor Peter Collignon has made it clear he opposes people being forced by law to wear masks. 'If at increased risk, or concerned, yes wear a mask. But no mandates.' Professor Collignon, who is a microbiologist at Canberra Hospital, said there was 'little or likely no point' wearing a mask outside. He added that masks will give 'some short term protection' to those who are concerned about short term exposure indoors, but eye protection is also needed. 'What lands in your eyes goes into your nose,' the professor said. Storms hanging off Australia's east coast are set to bring havoc to several areas this weekend. Starting Friday afternoon, severe thunderstorms may move westward across New South Wales and Queensland. 'Southeast Queensland and northern NSW will get some storms today,' Weatherzone meteorologist Brett Dutschke said. 'The greatest chance of severe storms is between Bundaberg and Newcastle with damaging winds, large hail and brief heavy rain with a chance of flash flooding. 'Once we get through to tomorrow, storms will largely be confined to central and inland Queensland and on Sunday, they'll be confined to western Queensland and northern central NSW.' Possibly severe storms are set to hit New South Wales and Queensland from Friday afternoon (pictured, seven-day rainfall forecast to next Tuesday) Brisbane is set to see part of those storms on Friday, with a chance of a thunderstorm developing in the late afternoon to evening. Skies over the Queensland capital will partially clear on Saturday and Sunday before rain redevelops on Monday. Cloudy conditions over Sydney on Friday and Saturday are forecast to turn windy on Sunday, with gusts travelling up to 40km/h. Rain is forecast to move over the city later next week. 'Mid-next week the storm swill swing closer to the east coast,' Mr Dutschke said. 'There's a chance of it being a fairly wet week. There's a chance a lot of districts in NSW will see some rainfall next during the week.' That forecast includes Canberra where showers are expected from Monday. Cloudy weather over Melbourne on Friday is forecast to partially clear on the weekend before developing into showers from Monday through to Wednesday. The rain will start even earlier in Hobart, with wet weather hanging over the city starting Saturday. Storms over the weekend are set to bring much-needed rain to several areas in NSW as firefighters continue to battle several dangerous bushfires. Brisbane will be drenched on Friday while Sydney is set to see thunderstorms from next week Hot and windy conditions have seen fire bans enforced for the NSW North West slopes, including where fires claimed the life of an Rural Fire Service volunteer on Thursday. 'This gentleman made the ultimate sacrifice. His tragic and untimely death is a solemn reminder about the dangers faced by our firefighters,' RFS Commissioner Rob Rogers said. 'Our thoughts are with his family, friends and firefighting colleagues at this terrible time. We are offering every assistance to his family and fellow brigade members.' The heavy rain forecast comes in spite of a strong El Nino indicator, which is known for worsening long dry spells. Mr Dutschke explained increased humidity, a low pressure trough and cooling air in the upper atmosphere have combined to create the storm system which will help slow down bushfires over the weekend. 'It will certainly reduce fire danger ratings. Humidity will be fairly high so any fires already burning will be burning gently,' he said. 'Rain should also go a fair way in controlling the fires and possible extinguish some.' However, the increased of lightning could see more bushfires ignited. 'There's a fair bit of lightning forecast into next week,' Mr Dutschke said. 'With that, there's always a chance of new fires starting.' The rain will control dangerous bushfires, including in northern NSW where an RFS volunteer was killed on Thursday Perth is looking to be the sunniest city this weekend with fully clear skies coupled with high temperatures in the low 30Cs forecast through to next week. Adelaide is looking slightly less sunny with sunny weather turning cloudy from Saturday. Darwin will see a brief pause from its wet season as showers on Friday clear for a sunny Saturday. A man allegedly shot himself to create a case of self-defence after he attacked his secret lover's ex-partner with an axe and left him a quadriplegic, a court has heard. The arrest of Zacharia Josef Bruckner in Brisbane follows academic Lisa Lines being detained on a tiny Pacific Island two years after she vanished following an alleged love triangle bloodbath. Dr Lines, a mother-of-two, is being held on Koror, a lonely speck of land in the Palau archipelago 1,000km east of the Philippines in the western Pacific Ocean. The 43-year-old, who has a PhD in history and ran an academic editing business, disappeared in 2021, sparking an Interpol alert and international manhunt until her arrest this week. Australian academic Dr Lisa Lines has been arrested in the tiny Pacific archipelago of Palau two years after she vanished following a love triangle bloodbath which left her ex-partner a quadriplegic Lisa Lines's onetime lover Zacharia Josef Bruckner is pictured on Friday arriving at Adelaide Airport escorted by detectives after being extradited from Queensland Bruckner, her 36-year-old former lodger and secret lover, was also arrested on Wednesday on a warrant for attempted murder and two counts of conspiracy to murder in South Australia. The arrests follow the re-investigation of an attack on Dr Lines's ex-partner Jonathon Hawtin, 30, at a property in the Adelaide Hills in 2017. Mr Hawtin was struck repeatedly on the neck and head with an axe, suffering devastating injuries including paralysis in all four limbs. He is permanently confined to a wheelchair and requires round-the-clock care. Bruckner was found at the scene suffering a gunshot wound which Mr Hawtin was accused of inflicting after learning he had started a relationship with Dr Lines. Mr Hawtin, who denied shooting Bruckner, was charged with attempted murder but acquitted after a trial in the Supreme Court of South Australia in 2019. Zacharia Josef Bruckner allegedly shot himself to create a case of self-defence after he attacked his secret lover Lisa Lines' ex-partner Jonathon Hawkin with an axe and left him quadriplegic, a court has heard Police now allege Bruckner shot himself to establish a case of self-defence after he and Dr Lines tried to kill Mr Hawkin. Bruckner appeared in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Wednesday when detectives from Adelaide sought his extradition to South Australia. Prosecutor Eddie Fraser told the court police had gathered evidence that Dr Lines coerced Mr Bruckner into trying to murder Mr Hawtin with a hatchet, according to Adelaide Now. Mr Hawtin, the father of Dr Lines's children, was found in a pool of blood outside her home at Littlehampton alongside Mr Bruckner. Mr Fraser said police would allege Dr Lines made another attempt at killing Mr Hawtin by asking a female friend to smother him while he was recovering from the axe attack in hospital. 'The female was stopped by hospital security guards outside Hawtin's room before she fled the scene,' Mr Fraser told the court. Jonathon Hawtin (pictured) the father of Dr Lines's children, was left paralysed from the neck down and is now permanently confined to a wheelchair and requires round-the-clock care He said Bruckner and Dr Lines had conspired to murder Mr Hawtin and his mother Rohnda with a hitman 'between December 2021 and the present day'. Mr Fraser alleged Bruckner had told a person 'known to police' he had struck Mr Hawtin with a hatchet and did not think he would survive. 'Bruckner then shot himself in the hip to create a self-defence case,' he said. 'Bruckner explained that Lines entered the garage upon hearing the gunshot, Lines then called Triple Zero and whilst on the phone in the garage Hawtin made a noise so Bruckner struck him two further times with the hatchet.' The court heard Bruckner, who did not appear in court on Wednesday, had been employed by the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority. He did not oppose the extradition application, which was granted by magistrate Rosemary Gilbert, and is due to appear in Adelaide Magistrates Court on Friday. Mr Hawtin was found in a pool of blood outside her home at Littlehampton alongside Mr Bruckner. A bloodied hatchet (above) was found at the home Bruckner had been living with and working for Dr Lines prior to the axe attack on Mr Hawtin, from whom she had split three months earlier. She was a witness at Mr Hawtin's 2019 trial. During the four-week hearing, it emerged Dr Lines wanted to separate from Mr Hawtin in June 2017, and two months later she started a relationship with Bruckner. She denied wanting Mr Hawtin 'out of the picture' to avoid ongoing shared custody of their children. Dr Lines was no longer dated Bruckner either, she said at the trial. Dr Lines also refuted suggestions she was then involved in a relationship with a woman she met on a dating app. The Supreme Court heard Mr Hawtin went to his ex-partner's home to show Bruckner his gun collection before allegedly shooting him with a rifle. The court was told Mr Hawtin suspected Bruckner had been having an affair with Dr Lines after he had been living with the couple for 'years'. Dr Lisa Lines, 43, is being held on tiny 4km-long Koror, a lonely speck of land making up part of the Palau archipelago, population 18,024, lying 1,000km east of the Philippines and 1,000km north of Indonesia in the western Pacific Ocean The couple insisted they did not begin a sexual relationship until August 2017 and believed they had kept it secret prior to the attack in October. South Australia Police Major Crime Investigation Branch launched a review into the case in 2020 and revealed in 2021 that Dr Lines had vanished overseas with her children. A warrant for her arrest was issued in August 2022 and detectives used overseas police and federal authorities to track Dr Lines down to her remote Pacific hideaway home. Koror is just 4km-long Koror and has a population of about 18,000. A suppression order prohibiting the publication of the details of the case was revoked on Thursday. Thousands of motorists could escape fines from Scotlands first Low Emission Zone because the notices were sent out incorrectly. Dozens of drivers have already appealed the Glasgow LEZ penalties because they were not sent by recorded delivery. All 38 challenges so far have been upheld by the Transport Appeal Tribunal for Scotland. Glasgows LEZ was introduced in June and penalised more than 20,000 motorists in its first four months, boosting the local authoritys coffers by almost 500,000. Now council chiefs are trying to close the legal loophole that could entitle thousands of drivers to have their fines quashed. More than 20,000 motorists have been penalised since Glasgow's Low Emission Zone was introduced Former SNP justice secretary Kenny MacAskill, now deputy leader of the Alba Party, said: This failure is potentially catastrophic. 'Theyll either need to reissue or abandon. What a nonsense, and yet more costs. Under the LEZ, older vehicles are banned from the city centre and owners face a fine of 60, doubling with each subsequent breach, rising to a maximum of 480 for cars and 960 for buses and HGVs. Similar schemes are due to be introduced in Edinburgh, Dundee and Aberdeen next year. Glasgow City Council has now changed how LEZ fines are sent out in light of the tribunal rulings but intends to challenge the decisions. It is appealing to the Upper Tribunal for Scotland against what is described as a key decision. The tribunal rulings are now forcing the SNP-run council to send out all penalty notices using recorded delivery, which will add to the cost of administering the scheme. Glasgows Low Emission Zone came into force in June A city council spokesman said: The Transport Appeal Tribunal decided penalty charge notices should have been served by recorded delivery. All will now be sent by tracked delivery. Our view is those involved in these cases remain liable to pay their fines and we are appealing the decision in these cases to the upper-tier tribunal. 'These decisions do not create an obligation to refund penalties which have been paid. A spokesman for the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service said: At this stage the tribunal has issued 38 decisions in relation to LEZ appeals and all have been allowed. The first appeal was issued on October 11, 2023, and has been identified as a key decision. Glasgow City Council have made an application to the first-tier tribunal for permission to appeal that decision to the Upper Tribunal for Scotland. 'The application is currently under consideration. The council has confirmed it received 2,758 appeals against fines on various grounds up to the end of September, with 876 successful. Scottish Tory transport spokesman Graham Simpson said: These appeals are just the latest example of how badly Glasgow handled the introduction of this scheme. And if thousands of drivers are able to get their fines refunded, it will be the taxpayer footing the bill. Theres almost no aspect of the LEZ fiasco the council hasnt managed to botch, and in every case its ordinary Glaswegians that end up paying the price. Greens senators have condemned both major parties after the Government worked with the Coalition to pass strict new rules for asylum seekers who were freed from indefinite detention by the High Court. In the Senate on Thursday night, Sarah Hanson-Young, Nick McKim, David Shoebridge and Mehreen Faruqi blasted the federal Government for passing the laws. The High Court last Wednesday ruled that Australia's system of indefinite detention was unlawful, freeing 84 asylum seekers, with decisions still pending on up to 340. Those released include a paedophile who raped a 10-year-old boy in Sydney's west and a hitman who blew up a pregnant woman in Malaysia. These criminals have completed jail sentences for their crimes, but could not be deported for various reasons beyond the Government's control. Labor stridently opposed their release from detention, and Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil said as a mother herself: 'If there was anything in [her] power to keep these people in detention, [she] would absolutely do it'. Labor rushed legislation through both houses of Parliament, backing Coalition amendments that hit those released asylum seekers with even tougher rules. Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said the legislation was a 'full-blown attack on refugees in this country' Greens leader Adam Bandt told the House that Labor 'is letting Peter Dutton write anti-refugee legislation' New rules include wearing ankle monitoring bracelets, strict curfews, bans from going within 150m of childcare centres and mandatory minimum sentences of one year should the rules be breached. But Greens senators and the party's leader, Adam Bandt, criticised the legislation. They said Labor was explicitly against mandatory minimum sentences in the party's platform it took to the last election - but had 'caved' to amendments from the Opposition meaning asylum seekers would face such sentences. READ MORE: Home Affairs Minister never wanted High Court to free detainees Advertisement Mr Bandt said: 'Labor is dancing to the Liberals' tune. Labor is letting Peter Dutton write anti-refugee legislation.' Ms Hanson-Young said the legislation was a 'full-blown attack on refugees in this country... It is so sickening to me that you (Labor) have no spine'. She said it was an example of Mr Dutton dictating the agenda for the government. 'It always suits you, doesn't it, when you get to cuddle up with the Opposition, with Peter Dutton holding the whip here. 'Peter Dutton is the one who is whipping this government into the exact path he wants. 'This is all under the whip of Peter Dutton, the leader of the nasty party.' (She later withdrew her comments about Mr Dutton and nastiness). Deputy senator leader Mehreen Faruqi, from Victoria, took a shot at 'white Australia' and the treatment of asylum seekers. Greens Senator Mehreen Faruqi said 'white Australia has never been shy about having one rule it and another for people it regards as second class' 'This will create a subclass of individuals who are judged not by their actions but by their visa status. 'But white Australia has never been shy about having one rule for it and another for people it regards as second class.' Mr McKim, a Tasmanian senator, said: 'It is a dark and shameful day in the history of this parliament when the political duopoly in this place join together... to ride roughshod over the rights of refugees, to demonise refugees, to divide our community and to stoke fear and hatred of refugees in our community. 'It is an extremely sad day.' But Immigration Minister Andrew Giles argued the legislation is a crucial step toward keeping the community safer after the High Court decision. 'This decision has significant implications for immigration compliance, and for the community safety obligations of the Government to which this Bill responds - noting that we still await reasons from the court, and noting that further work will be required to be done in this regard,' he said. 'They allow the Government to provide appropriate and proportionate monitoring of this cohort whilst they are required to be in the Australian community.' Education Minister Jason Clare told Sunrise on Friday that he had never seen the Parliament respond so quickly to a High Court decision. Asked about the cost of ankle monitoring, Education Minister Jason Clare said the measures were about ensuring Australians' safety. 'This is not about money, this is about safety,' he told Seven's Sunrise on Friday. 'The fact is, if these people were locked up in prison, it would cost five times as much. 'If we had our way, these people would still be locked up. But that's not an option.' Mr Dutton said if he had been allowed to do so those newly freed would be back in detention, and criticised the government for not moving faster, citing the pain of victims. 'They're in tears. These are victims of rape, kids as young as 10 who have been sexually molested,' he told Nine's Today show on Friday. 'These are the worst of people and they're not even Australian citizens and that's why they shouldn't be out in the community.' The High Court is yet to release the reasoning behind its decision to overturn a 20-year precedent. The founder of an anti-sex trafficking organization whose work inspired the hit movie Sound of Freedom is being investigated by Utah police for sexual assault. Tim Ballard is facing a criminal investigation after a woman made a report to cops on November 1. The allegation is the first known criminal complaint and follows civil lawsuits by at least six women who claim Ballard sexually manipulated, abused and harassed them during missions with his anti-trafficking non-profit. Exact details of the complaint - including the alleged incident and actions by the police - were not detailed in an initial contact report obtained by the Salt Lake Tribune. But according to the record, 'A meeting was set with a detective for the next day.' The cop added: 'I have forwarded this case to investigations for the interview.' Tim Ballard is under investigation by Utah cops for an alleged sexual assault following a report by a woman on November 1 The allegation is the first known criminal complaint and follows civil lawsuits by at least six women who claim Ballard sexually abused them while working with him on sting operations for his anti-trafficking non-profit Lindon Police Chief Mike Brower also confirmed the existence of the criminal investigation. 'All I can say is that there was an interview,' he told the Tribune. 'The case is ongoing. It's an active investigation.' It is not known if the woman behind the criminal complaint is among the plaintiffs in the civil case. Suzette Rasmussen, their attorney, was also listed as a contact for the woman who filed the police report. She confirmed the contents of the record but would not comment further on a pending investigation. Ballard rose to prominence due to his work founding Operation Underground Railroad which claims to, 'lead the fight against child sexual exploitation and human trafficking worldwide'. His work earned him a spot on a White House anti-human-trafficking board in 2019. His story inspired the popular film Sound of Freedom where he was portrayed by actor Jim Caviezel and he had recently touted a run for Senate. However, the father-of-nine has suffered a major fall from grace ever since the women came out to accuse Ballard of sexual abuse during their time working with him on sting operations for the organization overseas. The women claim they were asked to pose as his wife during these operations to fool sex traffickers into thinking he was a legitimate client. Further details on criminal complaint, including what is said to have happened, have not been released Ballard's supposed anti-trafficking heroics were turned into the hit movie 'Sound of Freedom' where he was played by Jim Caviezel However, Ballard used the setup to grope and sexually assault the women, insisting it was necessary to maintain the 'couple's ruse' tactic, the lawsuit states. The ruse allegedly began with Ballard taking the women to Salt Lake strip clubs to 'test' their 'sexual chemistry' ahead of the trips. They were compelled to partake in massages, escorts, and lap dances all financed by the group, the filings state. Then during the operations, they were subjected to 'coerced sexual contact,' including 'several sexual acts with the exception of actual penetration, in various states of undress,' the lawsuit alleges. The women claim that even in private, 'Ballard would claim that he and his female partner had to maintain the appearance of a romantic relationship at all times in case suspicious traffickers might be surveilling them at any moment.' This resulted in them being coerced into the women into sharing a bed with him or showering together, even though the accommodations were always at designated 'safe houses' which provided separate bedrooms and bathrooms. Ballard is said to have sent at least one woman a photo of himself in his underwear, covered in fake tattoos, and to have asked another 'how far she was willing to go' to save children, according to one source. The lawsuit also states that two marriages ended due to Ballard's actions, with him offering to cover one victim's divorce attorney fees. The women said they felt compelled to remain silent as they were persuaded that revealing any of the unwanted contact could jeopardize their mission. The married father-of-nine, pictured with wife Katherine, has denied the allegations against him in the civil lawsuits but resigned from his non-profit Other allegations include the devout Mormon took ketamine while dictating revelations and believed he would one day become president and usher in the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Ballard resigned from OUR amid the allegations, which he has strenuously denied. The women allege that he used his status within the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and connection to church leaders to persuade them his actions were necessary for the good of the children they were trying to save. Ballard said church President M. Russell Ballard, no relation, permitted him to use the tactic 'as long as there was no sexual intercourse or kissing.' But the religious order has since distanced themselves from the former special adviser, and condemned him for 'unauthorized use' of the church president's name for personal advantage and 'activity regarded as morally unacceptable'. In a video posted to Instagram, Ballard appeared to acknowledge that some of his missions did involve pairing up with fake wives, but he claimed this was a legitimate tactic known as the 'couples ruse' that was deployed to fool traffickers. He claimed it allowed male operatives to turn down offers of underage sex from traffickers by claiming their wife would disapprove, while retaining credibility. Ken Krogue, President of SPEAR Fund, which employs Ballard said:'Mr. Ballard has not been informed of a complaint by any of the women to law-enforcement, nor has he been contacted by any law enforcement agency. 'The fact that a purported criminal complaint has been leaked to the media is even further evidence of the true intent behind this charade. It is designed to stir up a media frenzy, to harm the reputation of Mr. Ballard, and to impede his and others' efforts to fight the sex trafficking industry.' He also said the fact the women reported the alleged abuse after the fact casts doubt on their 'credibility and intentions'. A sales guru who helped a US security firm land a vital $600million contract to stop fentanyl and weapons flooding across the border has killed himself while awaiting trial in a $3million FBI probe into embezzlement claims while at his previous job. George Walther-Meade, 50, took his own life in San Diego, California, on November 6, the city's medical examiner confirmed to DailyMail.com. He had been arrested in February this year over allegations he had defrauded a previous employer. But he went onto help rival firm Rapiscan secure a lucrative deal to provide scanning equipment at the US-Mexico border. The bid was heavily backed by the Biden administration. American sales executive George Walther-Meade, 50, killed himself in San Diego on November 6 while awaiting trial for embezzlement Walther-Meade had been sacked by an engineering firm over accusations he bribed officials to secure international border contracts Yet questions were raised over the contract after it was revealed Rapiscan had been hit with a hefty fine for failing to fulfil its obligations under a previous border contract in Mexico. A spokesman for the Committee on Homeland Security told DailyMail.com in July that the revelations were 'troubling' in the midst of 'an unprecedented crisis raging at the Southwest border'. Walther-Meade had pled not guilty to the charges against him, but co-defendant, Juan Gonzalez Ruiz, recently pled guilty to the conspiracy. The case was not related to the Rapiscan contract. Fentanyl - a cheap synthetic opioid around fifty times more potent than heroin - typically originates in China before making its way to the US border, usually via the Mexico border. Seizures of the drug, which is killing more than 1,000 Americans a week, have risen sharply in recent years. But Washington has complained for decades about the lack of security infrastructure on the Mexican side of the border. When the Mexican government expressed interest in installing modern scanning equipment on its border, US officials immediately presented Rapiscan as one of its three preferred contractors. In May 2022, the US Ambassador to Mexico Ken Salazar even threatened to withhold US cooperation with Mexico unless it awarded the tender to Rapiscan or one of two other US companies, when it appeared officials were leaning towards a Chinese bidder, according to leaked documents obtained by The Washington Post. To bolster its bid, Rapiscan hired Walther-Meade in December 2021 because of 'his experience in the contracting process with the Mexican government', according to local media. But the American had been sacked by rival firm Leidos just three weeks earlier after the firm accused him of 'providing benefits to government leaders or agents of Mexico' to land lucrative contracts, according to court records uncovered by DailyMail.com. The allegations were made public after Walther-Meade sued Leidos for wrongful dismissal and his complaint claimed this was one of the false accusations made by his former employer. Leidos then countersued their former vice president for embezzlement. The US Ambassador to Mexico Ken Salazar backed a bid by Rapiscan to secure a vital Mexico border contract to stop fentanyl flooding the country. Rapiscan hired Walther-Meade, who had business contacts in Latin American, in December 2021 to bolster its bid When Rapiscan secured the contract in March, Ambassador Salazar tweeted his delight at the deal, saying it reinforced a commitment made between Presidents Biden and Obrador at their summit in Mexico City earlier in the year (pictured above) Washington has complained for decades about the lack of security infrastructure on the Mexican side of the border It has meant the seizure of drugs and other contraband has largely been carried out by US authorities after it has entered the country Despite the clouds gathering over Rapsican's new hire, Walther-Meade's experience in the Latin American market seemingly paid off and on March 17 this year, the California-based firm won the $600million contract to install modern scanning equipment on its border. The news came as great relief to Rapiscan, who had fired Walther-Meade just a week earlier following his arrest by the FBI in February. The senior executive had been indicted by a federal grand jury in San Diego over allegations he and a co-conspirator embezzled $3million from Leidos. There was no mention of the bribery accusations that allegedly prompted Leidos to fire him, but the indictment laid in the Southern District of California accused Walther-Meade of engaging a fake vendor to bill the firm for work that 'was never performed' before the pair used the 'fraudulently obtained' funds 'for their own personal use and benefit'. When Rapiscan won the contact, Ambassador Salazar expressed his delight at the deal in a statement, in which he said the US was 'glad' Mexico had awarded the contract to Rapiscan, which would 'deepen our efforts to fight the trafficking of drugs, weapons and people'. Rapiscan's previous $120million contract with the Mexican government expired in 2020 - a year when around 20,000 firearms were seized in Mexico, according to UN data. It is estimated around 200,000 firearms are smuggled across the US-Mexico border every year. Rapiscan was responsible for a large portion of the scanning equipment at this crucial entry point. Separately, the firm was fined around $375,000 (7.5million pesos) for 'non-compliance with service levels' in 2021. Documents seen by DailyMail.com outlining the penalty issued by the Tax Administration Service (SAT) of Mexico do not specify the reasons behind it. But a separate SAT audit said the operation of 'Rapiscan non-intrusive inspection equipment' was discontinued because Rapiscan had not provided customs staff with training to use its equipment as required under its contract. Ajay Vashishat, Vice President of OSI, said 'due diligence was carried out prior to [Walther-Meade's] hiring'. He added: 'At the time, his past activities at Leidos were actively concealed by Mr. Walther-Meade, and held confidential by Leidos 'Once we discovered Leidos' allegations against Mr. Walther-Meade, we placed him on leave, as we had nothing more to go on at that time than allegations and counter-allegations between himself and his former employer. Upon discovering his indictment, we initiated the process to terminate his employment, which shortly thereafter resulted in his formal separation from our company.' He also said its previous contract with Mexico expired on 'the agreed expiration date' and 'all performance targets were met or exceeded'. Christopher Ramey, Walther-Meade's attorney in his civil case against Leidos, previously told DailyMail.com the firm 'fabricated reasons for firing him'. He added that Leidos 'has not produced evidence' to support their embezzlement claim against his client. 'There is also no evidence of any connection between Walther-Meade's termination from Leidos and his hiring at Rapiscan,' Ramey added. MBABANE Today marks the beginning of the race for regional women Members of Parliament amid allegations of bribery. Following the bribery claims during the Senate elections, which are still being investigated by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and police, allegations of bribery have also been associated with the women regional MPs. However, the aspiring parliamentarians have denied any involvement in bribery. Those interviewed yesterday all shared one position - that they had not paid anyone, nor did they receive any cash for votes request from the MPs. Hhohho Region aspiring MP Gabsile Siyaya said she did not pay any legislator but relied on her ideas and what she would bring to the table if she was voted in as a regional MP. Speculation She highlighted that the bribery allegations were there and people were making all sorts of speculations but her conscious was clear. I have confidence in myself and I believe that I have a good vision that is set to carry the country forward. I want to contribute to the countrys growth economically, socially and otherwise, she said. Manzini Region aspiring MP Pauline Bhembe also asserted that she did not pay any MP anything in exchange for votes. With regard to the rumour doing the rounds on bribery, I havent heard anything. All MPs willing to assist me havent spoken to me about money, she said. Hhohho Region aspiring MP Tenele Magagula, who hails from Mbabane, Hilltop, mentioned that she did not believe in paying people to get favours. She asserted that in this instance, she believed that if she pitched her story well and presented her vision to the satisfaction of the MPs, that is all it would take for them to vote for her, not to pay them. There is absolutely no need for me to enhance my vision with bribery. Besides, even if one pays the money, it is the discretion of the MP at the ballot box, paid or not paid. This is not about money but its about the vision one presents and whether it moves the MPs, she said. Busisiwe Lomadlozi Maziya, a Manzini MP aspirant, said she also did not believe in paying bribes to get things done ,but strongly believed in her capabilities. Confident She said she was confident about her capabilities, so much that she saw no need to convince the MPs with bribes to get them to vote for her. Following a communication from the Chairperson of the Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC) Prince Mhlabuhlangene , today, MPs will be sitting for the nomination of the four women members to the House of Assembly according to Act No.9 of 2018 and the sitting is slated for 10am. Clerk to Parliament, Benedict Xaba said for a woman to qualify for nomination, she should have been registered as a voter in terms of the Voter Registration Act of 2013 and qualifies to be a Member of Parliament in terms of Section 96 of the Constitution of Eswatini and has been nominated from umphakatsi in terms of Section 31 of the Elections Act of 2013. The people who are expected to be nominated should come with an acceptance letter, after which they will be vetted and will take pictures for the ballot paper. MPs are expected to nominate a minimum of three women per region and maximum of five women per region, said Xaba. Worth noting, as highlighted by Xaba, is that the 12th Parliament has drastically improved by achieving 25 per cent of women parliamentarians as compared to the 17 per cent from the previous 11th Parliament. Xaba reminded attendees that the dress code was strictly formal or imvunulo, even to those who will be seated in the public gallery, including media personnel. Below are profiles of some of the aspiring MPs: Pauline Bhembe Manzini MP: Im from Mbikwakhe under Kwaluseni Inkhundla and Im married with three children, one boy and two girls. Im currently self-employed, running a griller mobile kitchen. I also have a sugar pre-packing company, which for now is not active due to uncontrollable reasons. I once worked as indvuna yenkhundla for Kwaluseni Inkhundla. To be a Regional MP would put me at an advantage of working with all MPs across the country. The road map/mandate has been spelled by His Majesty to all MPs across the country. Holding hands with other MPs we can also support to uplift and eradicate hunger. I want to support the call to declare GBV a national disaster. The country is continuously losing our lovely sisters, children, mothers through GBV issues. I want to also collaborate with all Manzini Regional MPs and beyond and hold hands with MPs to bring sustainable development. I want to support all government initiatives aimed at fighting unemployment and creation of jobs, especially for young people. If and when I would be elected as the regional member of the august House, I would with the help and assistance of the entire 18 tinkhundla centres within Manzini Region and all 69 tinkhundla centres across the country work in coalition and together to lift both the economy of the country and the general well-being of each and every liSwati from any location. Tenele Magagula Mbabane: I am Tanele Zanele Magagula (Dlamini), 41-year-old liSwati citizen. I am a Teacher and a Preacher at Salvation Explosion International Ministries at Hilltop Mbabane. I served as a teacher for 17 years and worked as a vice chair in National Committee of Eswatini Schools Arts and Culture from 2013 to 2018 working mostly with constituencies in the country. I am highly interested in serving constituencies in all the regions to help introduce infrastructure that will enhance self-development in each and every community. I am passionate about doing activities that will enhance unity and working towards one goal to deal with the ongoing poverty disaster. Another area of focus is mainly involving the society in curriculum writing to improve education in the country. Gabsile Makhosazane Siyaya Mbabane My name is Gabsile Siyaya from Nkwalini Zone 4 Mbabane West. I am single, divorced with children. I completed my High School at St Michaels girls High in 1993 and I obtained AAT level 3 Certificate, obtained a certificate in Public Procurement from the University of Eswatini and also pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities at UNISWA. Politics is my passion. I have a keen interest in changing peoples lives for the better, especially the youth because they are the future of the country. If I am successfully voted into Parliament, I would work collaboratively with the MPs of the region and contribute in projects that they are pushing for the betterment of the nation. I will look into the rights and the welfare of women and I want to contribute in the fight against gender-based violence which is now a big challenge in the country. Ill say this: it was a hell of a performance. The quiver in his voice. The dramatic pauses. The sheer shamelessness of the whole production. Michael Matheson fought for his political career yesterday with everything he had. MSPs had come for answers but they had to settle for emoting, as the Health Secretary sought to portray himself as an ordinary family man whose only error was being too protective of his children. He apologised for the size of the bill he foisted on the taxpayer. Michael Matheson delivers his statement at Holyrood yesterday He admitted he should have given the IT office a heads-up before he skedaddled to Morocco with his family last Christmas. Just as he was in danger of sounding contrite, he pivoted to spread blame like a great glob of jam on an industrial-sized scone. He had contacted Holyroods computer whizzes on his first day in North Africa after finding his parliamentary phone on the blink. They dont have much luck with phones, these people. At least Mathesons mobile didnt delete all his WhatsApp messages. This is where things got interesting. According to Matheson, the techies said his data package was suitable for Morocco and suggested he try removing the sim card and replacing it. The IT department had recommended the equivalent of switching it off and back on again, the one part of his story that sounded entirely plausible. Matheson couldnt fathom why the charges were so high, for he had only used the tablet for constituency business. One might have hoped he would twig that eleven grand was pretty steep for emailing Mrs McSporran about dog mess down the precinct. The network provider was unable to give details of why the bill was so gargantuan. The minister canvassed his family but no one ventured any explanations or admissions. This story had more holes than a Dunkin Donuts factory, but here is one of the bigger ones: why did he ask his family about a parliamentary device in the first place? Unless, of course, he knew they had access to it. This was in fact the line he went with. Last Thursday Mrs Health Secretary had informed him that other members of the family had used the iPad. This translated to his sons, who had gobbled up the data watching a Celtic match. MSPs were listening to this in stony silence. On the Tory benches, Stephen Kerrs coupon was etched in something between incredulity and impatience, like a headmaster being told that not only had Rover eaten the homework but he had done so in order to save it from the killer zombies who were shooting laser beams out of their eyes. Mathesons voice cracked. He paused for an overwrought moment as his eyes dampened, before he took responsibility for his sons actions. Cillian Murphy has been tipped for an Oscar for his role in Oppenheimer but hell have some stiff competition from this fella. Opposition MSPs were permitted to quiz him for a whole ten minutes because Holyrood is nothing if not an accountable parliament. Tory Meghan Gallacher inquired whether his son had access to his iPad password. Matheson said he used the device for hotspotting and it was his son who helped him do that. Hotspotting is not the latest TikTok trend. It means using your mobile data to create a wifi network other devices can connect to. It may sound like techno wizardry but it amounts to pressing a couple of buttons. Matheson was making himself out to be a doddery dad, relying on his Gen-Z boy to help him navigate all these new-fangled gadgets and thingumabobs. And it turns out the little scamp cadged the hotspot to watch the fitba. Kids today, eh? Rest assured hell be getting sent to bed without any supper or taxpayer-funded mobile data. I am a father first and foremost, Matheson said in his moment of anguish, as he took the painful decision to hang his sons out to dry. Scottish nationalisms answer to the American revolutionary Nathan Hale, Matheson regrets that he has but one family to give for his political career. The shamelessness alone was mesmerising. It was the most brazen use of a political offspring since John Gummers infamous photoshoot during the BSE crisis. And at least his kid got a burger out of it. Mayor Eric Adams is being forced to slash New York City's budget to cope with the migrant crisis - after inviting 120,000 desperate people to his 'sanctuary city.' Adams warned New Yorkers on Thursday the migrant crisis would cause 'painful' budget cuts as he announced his administration's budget for next year. The mayor announced a $110.5 billion budget, claiming cuts across all departments were necessary after the city spent $1.45 billion in fiscal 2023 on the migrant crisis. The city is predicted to spend approximately $12 billion on the ongoing migrant crisis within the next two years. The budget cuts would cause NYPD officers to be cut by a fifth, or 13.5 percent, by postponing the next five academy classes, bringing officers below 30,000 - down from 36,000. Education would also take a $1 billion hit over two years and it would cause a delay in the rollout of composting in the Bronx and Staten Island, causing reduced trash pick-ups as well as cuts to the city's pre-K programs. Mayor Eric Adams is being forced to slash New York City 's budget to cope with the migrant crisis - after inviting 120,000 desperate people to his 'sanctuary city' More than 118,000 have flooded New York City, a 'sanctuary city,' since the spring of 2022 putting a strain on city resources. The city is predicting to spend approximately $12 billion on the ongoing migrant crisis within the next two years The New York Public Library, Brooklyn Public Library and Queens Public Library also would need to eliminate Sunday service due to the budget cut. 'Without sufficient funding, we cannot sustain our current levels of service, and any further cuts to the Libraries' budgets will, unfortunately, result in deeper service impacts,' the libraries said in a statement. The cuts would also decrease funding for two children's programs: summer school and universal prekindergarten. Adams has long warned about the potential of budget cuts to help offset the rise in costs for housing migrants. He has pleaded with the federal government for more resources, but they have fallen on deaf ears. Migrants have flooded the Big Apple after overwhelming border cities and being sent on buses by southern governors such as Texas' Greg Abbott and Florida's Ron DeSantis to northern, liberal-run locations. Crowded streets outside NYC's Roosevelt hotel, where migrants are processed, have become the norm as the city's shelter system is stretched to its breaking point with more than 118,000 migrants arriving since spring 2022. 'In the recent months our administration has delivered for you over and over again. Jobs are up, crime is down and everyday we are delivering for working people,' Adams said on Thursday. 'But for months, you've heard me talk about the fiscal challenges the city is facing as the cost of asylum seeker humanitarian crisis have skyrocketed - placing great strain on our budget.' 'At the same time, Covid-19 stimulus funding is sunsetting - we have been clear that without significant, timely action from our state and federal partners, we will be forced to make some tough choices.' A report found New York City mayor Eric Adams' planned yearly $10billion budget cuts for 2024 and 2025 are billions above the cost of the migrant crisis in NYC Adams emphasized that to balance the budget as the law requires, every city agency 'dug into their own budget to find savings, with minimal disruption to services' but the wellbeing of New Yorkers has always been his 'top priority.' He said his office has not only managed tax payer's dollars responsibly and balanced the budget but they have done so by 'minimizing disruption to the services New Yorkers rely on.' 'While we succeeded, make no mistake: we are not out of the woods,' he said. 'We added billions of dollars of care .. we must close a $7 billion budget gap in the coming years. That is the reality we are facing.' If the circumstances don't change dramatically, Adams said city agencies will be forced to reduce city-funded spending by 5 percent two more times within the next two months. 'We cannot afford to be divided as a city in this moment ... I have been in the city through good and difficult time. Despite the challenges ahead of us we will continue to come back strong because that is the New York City way.' Adams speaking with reporters on Thursday at the Borough of Manhattan Community College The budget cuts would cause NYPD officers to be cut by a fifth, or 13.5 percent, by postponing the next five academy classes, bringing officers below 30,000 - down from 36,000 The cuts would also decrease funding for two children's programs: summer school and universal prekindergarten. The New York Public Library, Brooklyn Public Library, and Queens Public Library also would need to eliminate Sunday service due to the budget cut The budget cuts will delay rollout of composting in the Bronx and Staten Island, a pet project of the mayor's since he took office 'The budget cuts proposed today risk doing harm to the wellbeing of all New Yorkers, especially our most vulnerable,' City Comptroller Brad Lander said in a statement. 'City Hall should stop suggesting that asylum seekers are the reason for imposing severe cuts when they are only contributing to a portion of these budget gaps, much of which already existed,' he continued. 'Our administration has a legal and fiscal responsibility to come to the table, balance the budget, and make the tough decisions today to ensure a better tomorrow for New York City,' said First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright. 'We cannot ask New Yorkers to balance their checkbooks without city leaders doing the same. These tough but necessary decisions were made to protect the city's fiscal future while continuing to deliver vital government services. 'However, New York City should not carry this burden on its own. The federal and state government must play their part in delivering long-overdue support, funding, and resources,' Wright continued. 'By law, we're required to balance our budget, and this November Financial Plan Update successfully does that with minimal disruptions to services,' said Chief of Staff Camille Joseph Varlack. 'Our agencies have stretched dollars further than ever before to deliver as many services as possible to New Yorkers while securing our city's financial future, and I'm grateful to the dedicated public servants who will have to do more with less as COVID stimulus dries up, tax revenue growth levels off, and the asylum seeker crisis continues to eat away at our city's finances,' Varlack added. Adams ordered city agencies - including the NYPD, fire department and Department of Education - to slash budgets by 15 percent this fiscal year However, not every group was happy with the mayor's Thursday budget proposal. Chair of the City Councils progressive caucus Lincoln Restler told the New York Times that his group would not cooperate with the cuts proposed by the Democratic mayor. 'Mayor Adamss unnecessary, dangerous and draconian budget cuts will only worsen New Yorks affordability crisis and delay our citys economic recovery by cutting funding for the schools, child care, food assistance and more that help New Yorkers live and raise families in this city,' he said. NYPD police union president Patrick Hendry also ripped the proposal to delay academy classes, saying it will make New Yorkers less safe. The city hasn't had fewer than 30,000 officers since 1984. 'This is truly a disaster for every New Yorker who cares about safe streets,' Hendry told the Times. 'Cops are already stretched to our breaking point, and these cuts will return us to staffing levels we havent seen since the crime epidemic of the 80s and 90s. We cannot go back there.' Adams also said the budget includes a 20 percent cut to migrant services, but did not reveal specifics on which areas would be impacted. Hundreds of refugees slept outside the Roosevelt Hotel in August when the historic establishment was transformed into a migrant camp Migrants were seen sleeping outside The Roosevelt Hotel which has reached capacity since being turned into a designated center for asylum seekers The Roosevelt Hotel, Paul Hotel and Paramount Hotel are among the hotels designated for housing migrants in Manhattan A bus carrying the migrants from Texas arrives at the Port Authority bus station of New York on May 3 New York City's migrant crisis is expected to cost the city $4.7billion this year. Above is a list of some of the landmarks that have been turned into emergency shelters as officials struggle to house nearly 60,000 migrants in the city's care In September, New York City's migrant crisis was said to cost the city more than $4 billion this fiscal year if the situation continues - as mayor Eric Adams warned the influx of asylum seekers could destroy the city. Despite mayor Adams' cries for help from the state and federal government, the city has not received aid to cover the extra costs, so the $4.7 billion would come from the city's budget. That amount is equal to the budgets for the city's sanitation, fire and parks departments combined. City officials have said they expect the number asylum seeker population to reach nearly 33,980 households this fiscal year. The city was paying about $385 a night per migrant family that needs housing and feeding. According to Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, asylum seekers are costing the city roughly $10 million every day. Adams had warned that the city's services will be affected by the incredible additional expenses on the budget. He has previously stated the city is planning on cutting services such as library hours, meals for senior citizens, and free, full-day care for three-year-olds. The White House on Thursday slammed TikTokers who have shared al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden's 'Letter to America,' which the terrorist used to justify the September 11, 2001 terror attacks. In the letter, which was first published in 2002, bin Laden says one of the reasons 9/11 was carried out was because of the U.S.'s support for Israel - as he spewed anti-American, anti-Semitic and homophobic viewpoints. A TikToker named Lynette Adkins appears to be the one who set off the Gen-Z trend, posting a video on November 14 telling followers, 'I need everyone to stop what they're doing right now and go read - it's literally two pages - go read "A letter to America.'" On Thursday, TikTok said it would scrub videos promoting the bin Laden letter, with views upwards of 14 million before the social media site said the content 'violates our rules on supporting any form of terrorism.' 'There is never a justification for spreading the repugnant, evil, and antisemitic lies that the leader of al Qaeda issued just after committing the worst terrorist attack in American history highlighting them as his direct motivation for murdering 2,977 innocent Americans,' White House deputy press secretary Andrew Bates said in a statement to DailyMail.com. 'And no one should ever insult the 2,977 American families still mourning loved ones by associating themselves with the vile words of Osama bin Laden.' A spokesperson for President Joe Biden (pictured) condemned TikTokers who have shared Osama bin Laden's anti-Semitic, homophobic and conspiracy theory ridden 'Letter to America,' indicating it was an insult to the families of the 9/11 victims The trend appears to have started with TikToker Lynette Adkins (left), who posted a video on November 14 telling her followers to read the manifesto, which was followed up by a number of Gen Z TikTokers filming videos about the manifesto 'Particularly now, at a time of rising antisemitic violence in the world, and just after Hamas terrorists carried out the worst slaughter of the Jewish people since the Holocaust in the name of the same conspiracy theories,' Bates continued. 'Like President Biden said this year in remembrance of the Americans who lost their lives because of Osama bin Laden, "it's more important now than ever that we come together" against a "rising tide of hatred and extremism,"' the White House spokesperson added. Around 1,400 were killed when Hamas terrorists crossed into Israel on October 7 and brutalized surrounding communities, including murdering those attending a large-scale musical festival. Hundreds of Israelis were abducted and dragged into Gaza. Since then, Israel has been at war with Hamas and the massive civilian casualties of Palestinians living in Gaza have prompted widespread protests on the American left. In the letter, bin Laden said that the treatment of the Palestinian people needed to be 'revenged' and that the Americans had become 'servants' to Jews, who were controlling the country's media and economy, an anti-Semitic stereotype. 'The American people are the ones who pay the taxes which fund the planes that bomb us in Afghanistan, the tanks that strike and destroy our homes in Palestine, the armies which occupy our lands in the Arabian Gulf, and the fleets which ensure the blockade of Iraq,' bin Laden also wrote. 'These tax dollars are given to Israel for it to continue to attack us and penetrate our lands. So the American people are the ones who fund the attacks against us, and they are the ones who oversee the expenditure of these monies in the way they wish, through their elected candidates,' the letter said. In the 'Letter to America,' Osama bin Laden accused the US of being complicit in the 'oppression' of Palestinians and of spreading AIDS throughout the world Hundreds of members of Generation Z posted videos in which they seemingly confused the hateful diatribe for an intellectual think piece At bin Laden's direction, nearly 3,000 American civilians were killed on September 11, 2001 in New York City, Washington, D.C. and on Flight 93 that crashed in Pennsylvania In the letter, the terrorist leader also called for the 'rejection' of homosexuality' and claimed that AIDS was a 'satanic American invention.' Bin Laden justified the killing of civilians in the name of Jihad. Pro-Palestine Gen-Z TikTokers downplayed the rampant anti-Semitism, homophobia, conspiracy theories and vile rhetoric, treating bin Laden's words like an intellectual think piece. Adkins, who has 177,000 followers, commented, 'I feel like I'm going through an existential crisis right now,' after encouraging people to read the letter, which gained steam after being posted on The Guardian's website. 'Just read it... my eyes have been opened,' one person responded. 'I think this has made a lot of people realize that even "villains" can speak the truth,' another wrote. Another user posted a video and commented, 'Trying to go back to life as normal after reading Osama bin Laden's "Letter to America" and realizing everything we learned about the Middle East, 9/11, and "terrorism" was a lie.' Another user said they were 'lied to.' 'I remember watching people cheer when Osama was found and killed. I was a child, and it confused me. It still confuses me today. The world deserves better than what this country has done to them,' the user said. bin Laden was killed by members of Seal Team Six in May of 2011 at the order of President Barack Obama. READ MORE: Optus CEO Kelly Bayer Rosmarin reveals the reason why she said NOTHING for hours about worst outage in Australian history as she faces Senate grilling A customer has slammed the 'incredibly stressful' experience she had when Optus gave someone else her phone number. Sarah, not her real name, was in 'an almost panic-attack state' when she received an odd message welcoming her to the telco on November 10 - but addressed to a different name. The Melbourne woman had previously transferred her mobile number from Optus to a different provider in May. 'I tried calling Optus but couldn't get through to anyone,' she said. She then started receiving phone calls not meant for her, and being sent verification codes for multiple apps. A customer was left helpless after her phone number was given to another person by Optus on November 10 after switching to a different provider back in May Sarah went in to an Optus store after she was locked out of her Uber account on Monday, with concerns she was being scammed. An Optus staff member told her a new customer had been signed up with her exact same mobile number but they didn't have the authority to shut the new account down. She was told to wait for someone to get in touch. It was when she started receiving verification codes for WhatsApp that she 'started to panic'. 'I realised that my WhatsApp was full of really personal photos and videos of me giving birth,' she told ABC Radio Melbourne. 'I've got two young children I've got a new baby and a toddler while I was trying to call multiple different people to sort this out. 'I had to have my partner come home from work early to help me because I was not coping because no-one was listening to me,' Sarah added. 'I wasn't being hacked; Optus handed out my number.' Sarah said she was in a 'panic-attack like state' after receiving verification codes for a multitude of apps with fears the other person may be able to access her WhatsApp which had personal photos and videos (stock image) The frustrated customer tried calling the telco again on Tuesday, but to no avail - instead being told she needed to wait for a case manager. 'It wasn't until I started firing off emails to Optus executives, trying to contact anyone I could, that someone actually responded to me,' Sarah said. The company cancelled the other person's account and offered her two months of her previous plan as compensation. 'We have reached out to the customer to apologise and rectify the situation,' a spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia. 'We regret that on this occasion a customer's experience hasn't met the high standards that Optus strives to achieve for our customers.' This comes as CEO Kelly Bayer Rosmarin faced a Senate inquiry on Friday over the mass outage on November 8. This comes as CEO Kelly Bayer Rosmarin faced a Senate inquiry on Friday over the mass outage on November 8 Customers nationwide woke up to no service after servers crashed around 4am following a 'routine software upgrade'. Ms Bayer Rosmarin apologised for the outage and addressed criticism accusing her of not publicly responding to the issue on the day. She said she was focused on prioritising the team's 'actual crisis response' rather than addressing the media, ABC reported. 'Given how little information we had about the cause and potential restoration time, that we could at least rule out the possibility of malicious activity to reassure our customers and the nation,' the CEO said. About 8,500 customers and small businesses have reached out seeking compensation, with $36,000 already 'paid out'. Ms Bayer Rosmarin said she would need to 'double-check' whether that would be in cash or other services, such as the additional data packages provided. She confirmed she has no plans to resign as the head of Optus. Emily Hand was snatched from her bed during the Hamas attacks on October 7 A father has told of his pain as his daughter Emily Hand turns nine in Hamas captivity today after being dragged to Gaza by ruthless gunmen. 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. Thomas Hand initially thought his daughter was among the 1,200 killed but later discovered she is in the 311-mile labyrinth of the 'Metro Gaza' - in conditions he compared to the Holocaust. An emotional Mr Hand, 63, told The Sun: 'We will only celebrate when she gets home. 'Then we will throw a massive party with presents and balloons and a cake with all her friends invited.' In a message directed towards Emily's captors, the father said: 'They are not soldiers. They are just children. Please let them go.' Emily Hand (pictured) 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 (pictured), initially thought she was among the 1,200 killed but later discovered she is in the 311-mile labyrinth of the 'Metro Gaza' Mr Hand said: 'Before this, Emily was always smiling. Her real passion was music. She loved Beyonce and would copy her dance moves' He added: 'Before this, Emily was always smiling. Her real passion was music. She loved Beyonce and would copy her dance moves.' Mr Hand travelled to Israel three decades ago to volunteer on a kibbutz near the Gaza border. He married a local woman named Narkis and the pair had two children Aiden, 29, and Natali, 26, before they split. He then had this third child Emily with another partner who died of cancer when she was two. The father's kibbutz had to endure some of the worst tragedies. Mr Hand had rejoiced when he was initially told his daughter was among the 1,400 killed in the attack, given the horrors awaiting the 240 hostages dragged back to Gaza. He fought back tears ahead of her ninth birthday as he admitted he still cannot imagine what she is going through, but 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. '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 today, 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 father 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.' 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.' Megyn Kelly on Thursday condemned the parents of young people who recently 'discovered' Osama bin Laden's 2002 defense of the 9/11 attacks, saying they had failed to educate their children. Discussion of the 'Letter to America' has surged on TikTok in recent days, with young people describing the screed as revelatory and insightful. Bin Laden justified the terror atrocity by arguing that America's support for Israel's right to exist made Americans legitimate targets. TikTok is working to remove the videos using the hashtag, but Kelly said the fault lay with parents. 'To the parents of all of these losers suddenly persuaded by the deranged musings of the man who murdered 3k American innocents: you failed,' she wrote on X. 'You were likely boozing, marching for some L-wing cause and/or simply ignoring your kids. 'You failed to teach wrong from right, a proper moral code, a love of country and perspective on America's role in the world.' She also used her podcast to excoriate the parents. 'Get off your f****** iPhone. Pay attention to your child. Look at your kids lessons,' she said. 'Step down from the Women's March which by the way, it was totally anti-Semitic when we called it out, as did many at the time. 'Do some parenting if you're going to bother having a child and stop indoctrinating your own children to those of you who are on the left in this pernicious woke ideology because this is where it lands. 'I'm very fired up about it. We're forgetting 9/11. And it's, you know what's going to happen? It's going to happen again.' Kelly, who is mother to Edward, 13; daughter Yardley, 12; and son Thatcher, 9, said that she was dismayed her children - who she vowed would be kept off TikTok - would 'have to deal with these cretins who hate America'. 'We have so lost the youth of this country that now 20 years later they want to look back and rewrite the history of Osama bin Laden because Palestine, because deconstructing colonization, because there's been a mind meld on college campuses that has corrupted and infected and toxified an entire generation,' she said. 'Just a note to those morons. Three thousand Americans died on 9/11. Four planes were hijacked, thanks to bin Laden and his evil plan. Children as young as two and a half were murdered on board the aircraft that took the lives of innocents who just went to work that day.' In the 'Letter to America,' Osama bin Laden accused the US of being complicit in the 'oppression' of Palestinians and of spreading AIDS throughout the world At bin Laden's direction, nearly 3,000 Americans were killed on 9/11 in New York City, Washington DC and Pennsylvania With barely-concealed fury, Kelly said their attitude was 'unbelievable', and said it was a damning indictment on American society. 'Their parents failed them, their educators failed them, corporate America continues to fail them, the media continues to fail them, and it's the fight for our lives,' she said. 'If you don't think this is coming to a school near you, or a community near you, you haven't been paying attention.' The White House expressed dismay at the resurgence of interest in the letter. 'There is never a justification for spreading the repugnant, evil, and antisemitic lies that the leader of al Qaeda issued just after committing the worst terrorist attack in American history highlighting them as his direct motivation for murdering 2,977 innocent Americans,' said Andrew Bates, a spokesman for the White House. 'And no one should ever insult the 2,977 American families still mourning loved ones by associating themselves with the vile words of Osama bin Laden. 'Particularly now, at a time of rising antisemitic violence in the world, and just after Hamas terrorists carried out the worst slaughter of the Jewish people since the Holocaust in the name of the same conspiracy theories. 'Like President Biden said this year in remembrance of the Americans who lost their lives because of Osama bin Laden, 'it's more important now than ever that we come together' against a 'rising tide of hatred and extremism.'' TikTok said they will be removing all content invoking the letter. 'Content promoting this letter clearly violates our rules on supporting any form of terrorism,' TikTokPolicy wrote in a post to X, formerly Twitter. 'We are proactively and aggressively removing this content and investigating how it got onto our platform.' The video-sharing platform claims the number of videos on TikTok is 'small' and 'reports of it trending [on the] platform is inaccurate.' The trend appears to have started with TikToker Lynette Adkins who posted a video on November 14 telling her followers to read the manifesto Hundreds of members of Generation Z posted videos in which they seemingly confused the hateful diatribe for an intellectual think piece Smoke still rises from ground zero of the collapsed World Trade Center two days after the attack Clare Baron lays a rose for her cousin Mark Whitford at the National September 11 Memorial during an annual ceremony to commemorate the 22nd anniversary Family members of victims attend a ceremony observing the 9/11 terrorist attacks at the Pentagon 'This is not unique to TikTok and has appeared across multiple platforms and the media,' the post added. Videos with the hashtag 'LettertoAmerica' have been viewed 7.3 million times. Extraordinarily the majority are claiming support for bin Laden's reasoning - without a thought for the freedoms he criticizes. The letter began to gain traction online after UK newspaper The Guardian linked to a 2002 article, which translated it in full, in a piece about the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. It was subsequently deleted, with the outlet explaining to DailyMail.com that it was being shared 'without its original context.' The letter continued to spread on X but was prevented from spreading on Reddit. The Guardian did not explain further as to how the link was made between the current conflict in the Middle East and a verbatim letter from bin Laden that was more than 20 years old. The link to the letter spread, with hundreds of TikTokers posting videos in response to reading it, in which they appear to confuse the hateful diatribe for an intellectual think piece. The letter was originally posted with an article explaining that the original version was in Arabic in a website used by al-Qaeda to 'disseminate messages and 'was sent to hundreds of subscribers to an email list run by Mohammed al-Massari, the UK-based Saudi Arabian dissident.' The message added that the US government was included on the list. The various trending videos about the letter include no context around bin Laden's life as a jihadist. In other sections of his correspondence, bin Laden blames the US government for spreading AIDS throughout the world, described homosexuality as 'immoral' and sought to turn America into an oppressive religious state similar to Afghanistan. The trend appears to have started with TikToker Lynette Adkins who posted a video on November 14. 'I need everyone to stop what they're doing right now and go read - it's literally two pages - go read 'A Letter to America,'' she said. In his infamous letter, Bin Laden ranted that the treatment of Palestinian people had to be 'revenged' and expressed justifications for the killing of civilians in the name of jihad. Bin Laden was killed by US Navy SEALs in a raid on his compound in Pakistan in May 2011. 'The American people are the ones who pay the taxes which fund the planes that bomb us in Afghanistan, the tanks that strike and destroy our homes in Palestine, the armies which occupy our lands in the Arabian Gulf, and the fleets which ensure the blockade of Iraq,' bin Laden wrote. For this reason, the Saudi Arabian terrorist wrote, all Americans and Jewish people were culpable for 'the crimes committed by the Americans and Jews against [Muslims].' Bin Laden wrote that AIDS was a 'Satanic American Invention' and repeatedly made anti-Semitic remarks including suggesting that American society was infiltrated by Jewish people who 'control your policies, media and economy.' In response to the letter going viral, Florida Senator Marco Rubio mocked the TikTok users in a post on X. 'Now trending on social media (especially TikTok) people saying that after reading bin Laden's 'Letter to America,' they now understand terrorism is a legitimate method of resistance against 'oppression' and America deserved to be attacked of 9/11,' wrote Rubio. Meanwhile, The Guardian said in a statement on the removal of the letter: 'The transcript published on our website 20 years ago has been widely shared on social media without the full context. 'Therefore we have decided to take it down and direct readers to the news article that originally contextualized it instead.' The page that greets users who Google: Osama bin Laden letter Bin Laden was killed by US Navy SEALs in a raid on his compound in Pakistan in May 2011 New York City Police Officer Danny Shea, a military vet, salutes at the North pool of the 9/11 Memorial How terrorist Osama Bin Laden was a mass murderer who masterminded 9/11 murdering 2977 people Osama bin Laden was the 17th of 52 children born into an extremely wealthy family in Saudi Arabia. Around 1979, he became radicalized as he joined the Mujahedeen in Afghanistan to repel the Soviet Union's invasion. In 1988, he founded his terror network al Qaeda or The Base. The goal of the group was to wage holy war against the western world. Bin Laden largely turned his hatred towards the US in the early 1990s during the first Gulf War as American troops are stationed close to holy sites in Saudi Arabia. Between 1992 and 2001, bin Laden supported various strikes against the US military in Africa and Middle East. During his period, he was expelled from his homeland and took refuge in Afghanistan. On September 11, 2001, 19 al Qaeda members carry out a series of attacks in the US, flying planes into various buildings, including the twin towers in New York City. Shortly after the devastation of 9/11, bin Laden is named as the prime suspect by US authorities. The US military overruns Afghanistan but he remains on the run. Despite multiple rumors that he died in the intervening years due to a years long battle with kidney disease, bin Laden is finally tracked down to a compound in the Pakistani city of Abbottabad. On May 2, 2011, the mastermind was shot dead by US Navy SEALs on the orders of President Barack Obama. He was given an Islamist funeral and buried at sea. Advertisement The Guardian website page that previously hosted the letter in full now displays a message reading: 'This page previously displayed a document containing, in translation, the full text of Osama bin Laden's 'Letter to the American People,' as reported in the Observer on Sunday 24 November 2002. The document, which was published here on the same day, was removed on 15 November 2023.' A viral TikTok post on the article's removal said that it was a prime example of 'narrative control.' 'Narrative control and censorship are not things you do to a society you want being able to deeply consider the things happening around them,' the user said. The letter's reemergence after all these years comes as Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu refutes allegations that the military has committed war crimes in Gaza, with reports that the death toll in the enclave having surpassed 11,000. The region has been embroiled in conflict since Hamas invaded Israel on October 7, killing 1,200 people. One TikToker said: 'Come back here and let me know what you think. Because I feel like I'm going through like an existential crisis right now, and a lot of people are. 'So I just need someone else to be feeling this too.' That video prompted more than 5,000 replies. 'Just read it... my eyes have been opened,' one person responded. 'I think this has made a lot of people realize that even 'villains' can speak the truth,' another wrote. 'We've been lied to our entire lives, I remember watching people cheer when Osama was found and killed. 'I was a child, and it confused me. It still confuses me today. The world deserves better than what this country has done to them,' another person said. On her TikTok bio page, Lynette Adkins has a link to a fundraising page for 'Palestinian rights.' Adkins followed up her original post with several others. In one she celebrates TikTok's influence on America's youth. 'TikTok is going to save this generation.' Her reasoning is that older people are 'programmed to think a certain way.' In September 2023, Adkins' meteoric rise from lowly Amazon employee to influencer was the subject of a Los Angeles Times feature. In another video, Adkins recommends her followers watch three documentary films, including one, Out of Shadows, which prompted one reviewer to remark: 'The so-called documentary is merely a mask for a hodgepodge of conspiracy theories associated with QAnon and its linear ancestor, Pizzagate.' Another movie promotes 9/11 conspiracy theories, including one that suggest the US was behind the attack. In her latest post, Adkins said that 'America is losing the PR war bad' and that 'they' were trying to shut TikTok down. There is a 'toxic' and 'hostile' culture within the Ministry of Defence, it has been claimed, with allegations women are 'groped' by male colleagues and rated on an Excel spreadsheet by military officers on 'what they thought they'd be like in bed'. Sixty senior women wrote an 'official-sensitive' marked letter to the MoD's permanent secretary David Williams last month alleging sexual assault and harassment within the 'male-dominated' Government department. The women say their 'day-to-day professional lives are made difficult' due to the behaviour of male colleagues which is 'tolerated at the MoD'. It has left them feeling unsafe and uncomfortable to work at the MoD's headquarters in Whitehall, they say. Grant Shapps was said to be utterly appalled by the allegations with a spokesperson for the Defence Secretary saying there was 'no place for this 1970s behaviour'. Defence Secretary Grant Shapps was said to be utterly appalled by the allegations with a spokesperson saying 'no place for this 1970s behaviour' The letter, seen by The Guardian, goes on to list a series of troubling allegations with a woman claiming she was 'groped' at a social function but was advised against complaining. READ MORE: Fury as Foreign Office issues 'pathetic' and 'Orwellian' new guidance saying countries like China, Russia and North Korea should no longer be called 'hostile states' Advertisement Another alleged a senior officer repeatedly touched her on the lower back and legs. He was never punished. 'We are spoken over during meetings, we are subject to pejorative language, we receive unwanted attention and face sexual harassment, including intrusive staring, sexualised comments, running commentary about what we wear, how we look, and how we smell,' the group said in the letter. Military officers where also accused of keeping an Excel spreadsheet which rated female colleagues on how attractive they were and how good they thought they were in bed. One woman told in the letter how a sexual advance from a senior military official had 'shattered my confidence'. 'I hate having to say this, I couldn't help but question whether it was my fault: what is it about me that made this man think he could do this?' she said. The group says women are crying in the bathroom and described being 'sick with fear'. The group of women wrote a letter to the department's permanent secretary David Williams last month in which they say they feel unsafe and uncomfortable to work at the MoD's headquarters in Whitehall (pictured) The MoD said in a statement: 'We are deeply concerned by the complaints made and we are taking action to tackle the issues raised. 'No woman should be made to feel unsafe in Defence and this behaviour will not be tolerated. We also continue to encourage anyone who has experienced or witnessed this kind of inexcusable behaviour, to report it immediately.' The group has called for immediate action to be taken and a 'properly resourced external intervention'. A spokesperson for Mr Shapps said: 'There is absolutely no place for this kind of 1970s behaviour in the modern workplace, and he wants to see the department taking swift and certain action to root it out.' A former pro-motocross rider turned tradie earning $7-an-hour has revealed how he built his clothing company into a mega-successful global business set to be worth $100million. Jason Daniel, 36, from Logan in Queensland is the founder of sportswear brand LSKD, short for the nickname 'Loose Kid' he earned with his fearless riding on BMX circuits as a youngster. Between 2019 and this year the business has seen a meteoric rise with annual revenue surging from $1.6million to $76million - on track for $100million in 2024 - and celebrities like Hailey Bieber and Emily Ratajkowski donning the label. The business began in 2002 as Loose Kid Industries when Daniel was 16 and working as an apprentice carpenter, though he'd been making t-shirts since he was 12 for the local BMX community. His mum bought him the LKI trademark in 2007. Flash forward to this year and the father-of-two kids under 10 has just launched the brand in the massive US market by opening a base in San Diego, the sun-soaked southern California city the perfect match for the brand's surf, skate and streetwear inspired roots. Jason Daniel, CEO of LSKD, pictured with his wife Ally has turned the business into a $100million empire which has recently expanded into the US market Celebrities like Hillary Duff, Zac Efron and Emily Ratajkowski (pictured in LSKD trackpants) are fans of the label After years of the business as side-hustle encouraged by his surfing and BMX mates, Daniel got serious after he finished his carpentry apprenticeship in 2010 and decided it wasn't for him. With a broken wrist also shattering his motocross aspirations that same year, he went 'all in' with his clothing label. 'My career path went from that to going, hang on, maybe this is my calling, to have a sportswear brand... I thought, I actually can do something with this it just snapped in me,' he told QWeekend magazine. The Australian base of the company in Loganholme, south of Brisbane and on the way to the Gold Coast, is a massive warehouse complete with gym and event space and bustling with a hip staff of social-media savvy 20 and 30-somethings. But Daniel explains it was anything but smooth ride to get to this point. His first major purchase was a gamble, maxing out his mum's credit card to buy 1000 blank t-shirts on which he would print his logo. Luckily they sold, and he used that money to buy more stock, gradually grinding away to fill his mum's house - his dad left the picture when he was 17 - with boxes and boxes of stock waiting to be printed or shipped. He said in the early days of the businesses there were a steady stream of knockbacks but that just 'fueled his fire'. Eventually they invested in three shipping containers dropped into their backyard where they could store merchandise out of the way. His mother continued to work for the business handling accounts for more than a decade. Jason and Ally pictured in the early days of the business in 2009 when it was known as Loose Kid Industries The couple have two young children Hendrix, 5, and Freya, 2, and reside in Daisy Hill adjacent to Logan in Brisbane's south During the first half of the 2010s the label, then still known as LKI, was surviving and getting stocked in retailers around the country but it was also, frustratingly, not growing its bottom line. 'The brand wasn't doing well. We were stagnant on the same revenue sitting on about $3million for five years,' Daniel explains. He told the publication that period for him personally was unfocused with his attention fragmented and an unwillingness to take on board advice from his staff. The brand's first expansion into online sales was a $100,000 disaster with Daniel hiring someone against the warnings of an employee to develop the webstore. The venture failed and he later had the website redone using Shopify, though he used the experience as a learning tool and credits it as the moment he realised the success of the company depended on collaborating with his team. That shift, combined with a period of intense personal reflection about what he wanted to achieve out of the business and where he wanted to take it, marked a change of course for the company. He began a deep dive into researching other successful business leaders, like Lululemon founder Chip Wilson, and he met with others, like Penny Skateboards founder Ben Mackay. He read voraciously, motivational books by authors like Simon Sinek among his favourites. By 2016 the company was growing at a rate of 15 to 30 per cent a year and by 2018 he rebranded again to LSKD after more than a decade of trial, error and learning. Two of the hardest moments came in 2018 and 2019 when his brother and mother were made redundant, a move he deeply struggled with, especially considering their early support, but in the end felt necessary to shift the business in a new direction. Since then the company has surfed the wave of the 'activewear' boom, with their 'Rep Tight' one of their most wildly popular items. The company developed it's own 'buttery-soft fabric' garnering it thousands of positive online reviews. The description from the website illustrates the on-trend appeal: 'Whether you're pushing your limits training or just out there crushing the daily to-do list, the Rep Tight will have you sorted.' The brand has built it's success on a combination of a bricks-and-mortar presence in established shops and an online store, more recently venturing into their own stores The Rep Tights are one of the company's best sellers made from a custom 'buttery soft' fabric The business now relies on a dual-channel approach to selling its products with bricks-and-mortar stores giving the brand a visible presence while the e-Commerce side showcases the entire range. This is backed up with a sophisticated marketing strategy involving SMS messages, social media and producing its own video content to build a connected community. Daniel credits the eventual success of the business to a willingness to accept mistakes, learn from them to improve, and to value your team. There were weeks he didn't pay himself to ensure they were paid. 'The last 5 years is something that I didn't think was possible,' he admits. 'It was 10 plus years before the brand actually did anything and making mistakes was the best thing I went through because it helped me keep tweaking and learning and understanding why we're here.' 'When you make mistakes, that's how you get better as a team, and as long as you own those mistakes, you can constantly work on them and improve them.' SpaceX founder Elon Musk's withdrawal from an APEC event on Artificial Intelligence was so abrupt that his stand-in John Kerry wasn't even told the reason for the cancellation. Musk pulled out of a planned on-stage 'armchair conversation' slated for Thursday on the emerging topic despite visiting an event at the San Francisco gathering with Chinese President Xi Jinping Wednesday. Kerry told DailyMail.com he didn't know why Musk had to suddenly withdrawal. 'I have no idea' why he couldn't attend, the former secretary of state said outside the Moscone Center, where President Biden was hosting world leaders Thursday. 'Mark just asked me' to participate, Kerry said of SalesForce CEO Marc Benioff. Musk was in San Francisco Wednesday and attended an event where CEOs including Apple's Tim Cook and Executive Vice President of Boeing Stanley Deal rubbed elbows with XI. 'I have no idea,' former Secretary of State John Kerry told DailyMail.com when asked why Elon Musk suddenly pulled out of a scheduled event at APEC. Billionaire Marc Benioff called Kerry to ask him to stand in for the SpaceX founder The world's richest man was seen shaking hands with Xi on Chinese state TV hours after President Biden said he still considers Xi to be a dictator. He did not leave APEC empty handed. Xi told him he supports Tesla's development in China, according to a statement on the firm's Weibo account. APEC said Musk's name was removed from the 4:45 pm event due to a scheduling issue that prevented him from attending in person. He offered to give the speech online, but the APEC declined. APEC's meeting is a high-profile summit of 21 countries, expected to bring as many as 30,000 people to the Bay Area this week, including China's President Xi Jinping. Elon Musk was in San Francisco and attended a CEO event where he greeted Chinese President Xi Jinping Kerry stood in for Elon Musk at an event with Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit Elon Musk, pictured on November 2 speaking to British prime minister Rishi Sunak. The Tesla founder was meant to be speaking at 4.45pm in San Francisco on a panel about AI and the future - but Musk's name was removed from the docket Musk has been taken off the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO speaker schedule after a scheduling clash, and was replaced with John Kerry APEC CEO Summit 2023 said in a statement: 'The session, A Summit Spotlight 1:1 Conversation on AI and the Future, will now feature Marc Benioff, Chair and CEO of Salesforce, in conversation with John Kerry, U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate. 'Elon Musk had a schedule change that prevented him from joining the APEC CEO Summit 2023. 'Were thankful for his offer to join the session remotely, however it was agreed among all speakers that participation would be in person. 'We look forward to Elon joining us at a future APEC CEO Summit.' Joe Biden hosted a $40,000-per-seat gala last night in San Francisco with Chinese President Xi Jinping as the 'guest of honor.' Among the top leaders at the dinner surrounding the APEC meeting with Xi were Apple's Tim Cook and Executive Vice President of Boeing Stanley Deal. Tesla, SpaceX and X CEO Elon Musk also made an appearance ahead of the gala for cocktail hour drinks where he rubbed elbows with the Chinese dictator amid rising tensions with the West. He departed before dinner began, according to multiple reports. Musk was not on the list of corporate attendees and representatives at the gala, according to a program of the event obtained by DailyMail.com. Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff also greeted Xi during cocktail hour but didn't stay for dinner. Also not on the program but in attendance for Wednesday night's pricey dinner were executives from Pfizer, Nike and FedEx. Former California Gov. Jerry Brown also paid the premium to attend. The soiree was held at the Hyatt Regency in San Francisco, California, with a price tag of $40,000 per seat. Other unlisted business leaders that attended the dinner were executives with Nike, Pfizer and FedEx. Elon Musk stopped by for cocktail hour to rub shoulders with Xi, but didn't stay for dinner On Wednesday, Elon Musk backtracked on his earlier endorsement of an antisemitic post, clarifying that calls for 'a Jewish genocide' were 'unacceptable to any reasonable person.' But he then resumed his long-running series of attacks on the antisemitism watchdog ADL. Musk was accused on Wednesday afternoon of promoting antisemitism after replying to a racist post with the comment: 'You have said the actual truth.' He then, two hours later, wrote: ''decolonization' necessarily implies a Jewish genocide. Thus it is unacceptable to any reasonable person.' Musk, who has been strongly criticized by the Anti-Defamation League and Israel's Foreign Ministry for his past remarks, then attacked the ADL, accusing them of racism. 'And, at the risk of being repetitive, I am deeply offended by ADL's messaging and any other groups who push de facto anti-white racism or anti-Asian racism or racism of any kind,' he said. 'I'm sick of it. Stop now.' Musk sparked the firestorm on Wednesday by responding to a man who posted a screed on X criticizing a Foundation to Combat Anti-Semitism campaign video. In the video, a father is seen talking to his son about the online hatred the son has spewed, and calling him out for his rhetoric. The X user dismissed the video, writing: 'Jewish communties (sic) have been pushing the exact kind of dialectical hatred against whites that they claim to want people to stop using against them. 'I'm deeply disinterested in giving the tiniest s*** now about western Jewish populations coming to the disturbing realization that those hordes of minorities that support flooding their country don't exactly like them too much. 'You want truth said to your face, there it is.' Musk, who has 163 million followers, replied: 'You have said the actual truth.' READ MORE: Volunteer firefighter is killed by falling tree while battling blaze He was killed by a falling tree and leaves behind a wife and two children The volunteer firefighter who was killed by a falling tree has been identified as a father-of-two who spent 13 years with the Rural Fire Service. Captain Leo Fransen was part of a strike team battling the Hudson bushfire near the small north central New South Wales town Walgett, about 100km from the Queensland border, when he was killed on Thursday. The RFS said Capt Fransen was 'an enthusiastic and committed life member' of the Diamond Beach squad, near Taree on the Mid North Coast, since 2010. He was killed by a falling tree on the first day of his team's three-day deployment. Captain Leo Fransen (above) was killed by a falling tree on his first day of battling the Hudson fire in northern NSW READ MORE: El Nino fire threat this summer Advertisement 'He was a very active member of the RFS and obviously our thoughts are with his wife Margaret, his daughter Julia, and his son Paul,' Commissioner Rob Rogers said. 'These things are incredibly difficult for everyone involved. ' Rogers added Capt Fransen's team had been fighting to protect the small mining community of Glengarry and saved several structures. The rest of the team has decided to continue fighting the Hudson fire, believing it's what Capt Fransen would have wanted. Capt Fransen was treated at the scene before being rushed to nearby Lightning Ridge Hospital, where he died. The RFS shared a tribute to the father on Facebook, writing: 'His passing will be deeply felt across the RFS, but Leo's ultimate sacrifice demonstrates the daily risks faced by our firefighters. 'He will continue to inspire his fellow members and form part of our enduring memory. ' The Hudson fire (above) has so far destroyed more than 21,000 hectares of land and six homes Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib added: 'A tragic reminder of the dangers our volunteer heroes put themselves in to protect our communities.' So far, the Hudson fire has destroyed more than 21,000 hectares and six homes. Firefighters, heavy plant and waterbombing aircraft are being used to bring it under control. An evacuation centre has been set up at the Lightning Ridge Bowling Club. MBABANE The Minister of Health, Mduduzi Matsebula, says he will devote himself to interventions that will save lives amid the crisis affecting the delivery of healthcare. The people are dying, the minister said when outlining the priority areas he would attend to in his initial days in office. Matsebula, who is one of 19 Cabinet ministers announced by the Prime Minister (PM), Russell Dlamini, inherits a ministry in shambles, with the shortage of drugs and medical supplies; corruption allegations, exodus of medical staff, a mountain of debts and a generally demotivated workforce. Problems The monumental problems of the ministry are well documented in the Auditor Generals (AG) Report for the year ending 2022, where it was found that funds worth millions of Emalangeni had been unaccounted for, and drugs were purchased, but not delivered. Matsebula said he had arranged a meeting with the Executive Committee (EXCO) of his ministry, where he would ask questions on what led to the current state of the health sector. He said all along, he had been informed about the state of the disintegrating health sector, but the preliminary report he got from the Principal Secretary (PS), Khanya Mabuza, left him stunned and thunderstruck about the deep-seated problems of the ministry. What I found out was more horrifying than what I already knew. How did we get here? EmaSwati are dying out there, he said. The minister said he would ask his officials to work on short and long-term solutions to stabilise the health sector. We have to address these issues head-on. From Friday to Monday, we will be doing consultations with the EXCO. I also want to visit all the health facilities to get first-hand information on the crisis affecting service delivery. I want to reach out even to the facilities in remote areas he said. He named hospitals such as the Mbabane Government Hospital, Raleigh Fitkin Memorial (RFM) Hospital, as well as clinics and health centres, such as Mkhuzweni, Sigangeni, Dvokolwako, among those that he would visit. Minister Matsebula said his three main areas of interest, when seeking a solution to the ailing healthcare sector, would be issues of drug shortages, supply chain management systems and human resources. He said he would also look closely into the budgetary issues around public healthcare sector. We have to work collaboratively with other ministries to stabilise the health sector. We also need the support of all emaSwati to show us where the loopholes are and offer possible solutions, the minister said. The PS in the ministry, Mabuza also concurred that there was a need to apply speed when attending to the health crisis. He said it was better to save lives first. This preliminary investigation led to Funduzi Forensic Services being recruited through the Eswatini Government Tender Board. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping compared presidential vehicles after their meeting on Wednesday, with the American leader complimenting his counterpart's custom car and pointing out his own armored 'Beast.' The two men exited Filoli Historic House after their four-hour meeting. Biden escorted Xi to his waiting vehicle. Both leaders brought their own presidential limos with them to San Francisco for the APEC summit. The Chinese president rides around in a custom-designed Hongqi, codenamed N701 and called 'Red Flag.' It costs at least $700,000 and comes equipped with anti-rocket armor plates, thick bulletproof windows and systems to protect from biological and chemical weapons. President Biden rides around in a 10-ton Cadillac nicknamed the 'Beast,' which is worth $1.5million and boasts night vision cameras, tear gas cannons and eight inches of armor. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping compared presidential vehicles after their meeting Biden, a self-described car guy who loves motorized vehicles, peered inside Xi's custom ride, per a video posted on CCTV. He told the Chinese leader: 'It's a beautiful vehicle.' 'This is our Hongqi sedan, homemade,' Xi said via a translater. He opened the car door and told Biden 'take a look.' The president stuck his head inside and commented: 'It's like that Cadillac we have over there.' He pointed to his own presidential limo off to the side, saying: 'International meetings, they fly those with me. Do you know what they call that car?' 'They're called 'The Beast,'' Biden said, adding, 'thank you.' He and Xi shoook hands and the Chinese leader told him: 'See you tomorrow.' President Biden takes a look inside President Xi's custom car, known as 'Red Flag' Xi shows Biden his custom-designed Hongqi Biden, in return, pointed out his car 'The Beast,' to Xi The two leaders met outside of San Francisco on Wednesday for their first face-to-face meeting in a year before attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in the downtown area on Thursday. Hongqi translates to Red Flag in English and it is a subsidiary of automaker FAW Car Co which is the oldest car manufacturer in China. It was founded in 1959 with the main purpose of manufacturing vehicles for high-level government officials. President Xi's N701, which has been modified from the Hongqi L5, has been described as China's take on the Rolls-Royce Phanton but more exclusive, expensive and imposing. The luxury sedan stretches 18 feet, weighs at least 3.1 tons and is powered by a six-liter V12 turbocharged engine which produces 408 horsepower. It has been heavily modified to protect the Chinese president and comes with a host of special functions. Although many of the specifications are state secrets, the car has anti-rocket armor plates to withstand heavy fire and direct impact from bombs. It also has solid 21-inch rubber wheels which are bulletproof, has systems to protect against chemical and biological weapons and thick reinforced bulletproof glass. The official state car, which debuted during President Xi's visit to Hong Kong on July 1, 2022, can reach speeds of at least 136 miles per hour. The front of the N701 also features Hongqis famed red flag motif stretching across the hood and has two small flag holders on the fenders. Hongqi will only build 50 models over the next 10 years. The L5 was first produced in 2014 and is renowned for being the most expensive Chinese-made car ever available at $700,000. Xi's custom-designed Hongqi, codenamed N701, costs at least $700,000 and comes equipped with anti-rocket armor plates, thick bulletproof windows and systems to protect from biological and chemical weapons But the Chinese vehicle is dwarfed in comparison by President Biden's 10-ton Cadillac which is worth $1.5million and boasts night vision cameras, tear gas cannons and eight inches of armor President Joe Biden in The Beast, being driven through San Francisco Chinese President Xi Jinping arrives in his 'red flag' car for his meeting with President Biden But the N701 pales in comparison to President Biden's Beast. His vehicle's doors weigh as much as those on a Boeing 757 aircraft and its tires are pneumatic run-flats so the vehicle can still drive even if they are deflated. The US President also can use a state-of-the-art communication system that is built into the Beast, which weighs about 20,000 pounds. There is also a secure oxygen system and a supply of the presidents own blood in case of an emergency. The Beast was built to withstand chemical and biological attacks as well as bullets and explosions, with its chassis said to be effectively 'indestructible.' Its windows are said to be three inches thick while the steel-and-ceramic armor is said to be eight inches thick. In the rear compartment of the car, the president and up to four passengers are separated from the driver by a glass partition. The president is the only one who can lower the partition with a flick of a switch. While many features of the Beast remain highly-classified, its boot is also equipped with a firefighting system, tear, and smoke screens. The rear seats have a satellite phone with a direct line to Vice President Kamala Harris and the Pentagon. And the Beasts fuel tank is armor-plated and filled with special foam that prevents it from exploding even in case of a direct hit. The vehicles chassis, which was developed by General Motors, is made of steel while the body of the car is a combination of steel, aluminium, titanium, and ceramic. An experienced and well-known police officer shot dead during a violent confrontation in South Australia has been identified as Brevet Sergeant Jason Doig. The officer and colleagues Constable Rebekah Cass and Sergeant Michael Hutchinson went to a remote property in the rural community of Senior near the Victorian border in the state's south-east about 11.20pm on Thursday to investigate reports that a dog had been shot by a man. They were confronted by an armed suspect and Sergeant Doig, 53, was shot. His colleagues and paramedics attempted to revive him but he died at the scene. Sergeant Doig had been in the police force for almost 35 years and was the officer in charge at Lucindale Police Station, a small town home to 600 residents 125km from Senior. The male suspect, 26, was shot by police and sustained serious life-threatening injuries. Brevet Sergeant Jason Doig (pictured) was tragically killed in the line of duty. He had been in the SA police force since 1989 Police remain at the remote property where two officers were shot during a confrontation He was airlifted to Adelaide for treatment where he remains in hospital under police guard. Sergeant Hutchinson 59, was also shot and sustained non-life-threatening injuries. He rendered first aid to his colleague and the suspect before he too was airlifted to an Adelaide hospital. His Bordertown colleague Constable Cass 31, wasn't physically injured in the incident. She also rendered first aid to her colleagues and the suspect. Major crime detectives, forensic response and internal investigation officers remained at the scene on Friday. The exact circumstances that led up to the tragic incident remain unclear. SA Police Commissioner Grant Stevens is on his way to the scene and has expressed his condolences to Sergeant Doig's loved ones. SA Sergeant Michael Hutchinson (pictured) was also shot. He was airlifted to Adelaide with non life-threatening injuries Brevet Sergeant Jason Doig and police colleagues Constable Rebekah Cass and Sergeant Michael Hutchinson went to the remote property late Thursday night to investigate reports that a dog had been shot by a man Sergeant Doig was highly respected by his colleagues and had been a member of the south-east community for more than 15 years. 'No-one is left untouched by the tragic incident, there wouldn't be one single police officer today who was not thinking about the sacrifice that Jason has made and the risk that is inherent in the role of policing,' Commissioner Stevens told reporters on Friday. 'This was one of those jobs that would be part of the daily routine for police officers. 'You can only imagine during the early hours of this morning the amount of people who were wondering waiting to find out whether it was someone they cared about involved in this incident.' 'Police officers come to work knowing there are risks inherent in the job, but this is a stark reminder of what those risks may result in.' Sergeant Doig's death has rocked the close-knit community of Lucindale where he was stationed. 'We are heartbroken by the devastating news of our police officer Brevet Sergeant Jason Doig who tragically passed away overnight,' the local Country Fire Service brigade posted online. 'Many of us have worked with Jason over the years . Thank you Jason you will be missed.' 'Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those affected by this tragedy, including the two officers who were also injured and the entire SAPOL family.' Two SA police officers and an armed suspect were shot during a late night incident near the Victorian border. Pictured is a medical retrieval helicopter at the scene The fatal shooting unfolded near the South Australian and Victoria border 270km south-east of Adelaide Sergeant Doig is the first SA police officer in 21 years to be killed while on duty. Motorcycle officer Senior Constable Bogdan (Bob) Sobczak was the last, killed in a road crash in 2002. SA police minister Joe Szakacs was in communication with the commissioner through the night. 'A heinous act of violence has taken the life of a SAPOL officer, and seriously injured another,' he posted on X, formerly known Twitter. 'This is unthinkable, tragic and shocking.'. SA Premier Peter Malinauskas has been briefed about the 'terrible news'. The exact circumstances that led up to the tragic incident remain unclear. Pictured is the Senior Road property in Friday Police are investigating a shooting incident at Senior in SA's south-east during which two police officers and a suspect have been shot Foreign Minister and SA Senator Penny Wong said her thoughts were with the slain officer's loved ones and the police community. 'Every day, police risk their lives to keep us all safe,' she posted on X. 'I'm devastated for the family of a South Australian officer killed while protecting our community. 'We hope for the full recovery of his injured colleague.' Federal opposition leader and former police officer Peter Dutton also paid tribute as he urged other Aussies to do the same.' 'A person has died and a family have lost a loved one,' he told Nine's Today Show. 'They've gone to a shift and tried to do the right thing and help people. They've met with somebody who had evil thoughts and outcomes. 'The community should stop and pause again and say thank you to our police officers for the work they do.' Police enforcement on cannabis has been 'pathetically weak' for years despite the 'stink' of the drug on the streets, a police leader said yesterday. Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon and Cornwall, accused forces of ignoring the threat posed by the class B drug. She said officers are too fixated on reducing deaths from class A drugs such as heroin. 'Policing and enforcement of drugs and drug dealing in this country has been pathetically weak on Class B and Class C drugs for years,' she said. 'The focus has not been on tackling that absolute stink on our streets across the country... for decades. There has been a move away from that and an obsession with the public health approach to drugs. Sometimes you need an enforcement approach.' At a National Police Chiefs' Council conference in Westminster, the Tory PCC called for tougher action nationally by police. Police risk assessments traditionally look at drug deaths, which means there is a focus on heroin as causing the highest harm, even though more people are in treatment centres for cannabis use than other drugs. Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon and Cornwall, accused forces of ignoring the threat posed by the class B drug Ms Hernandez has said officers are too fixated on reducing deaths from class A drugs such as heroin (Stock Image) She said: 'That is alarming. And the fact is that cannabis gets ignored in the threat assessments that police do, and that's why we're trying to influence how officers look at this as a problem. There's been too much conversation nationally about the legalisation of cannabis so a lot of people think it has become legal already.' Ms Hernandez is pushing for the classification of cannabis to be reviewed. Chief Constable Trevor Rodenhurst defended force action on drugs. A crackdown on cannabis farms across England and Wales in July saw 1,000 illegal growing sites raided and more than 1,000 people arrested. Police argue that crime gangs involved in cannabis production are also responsible for other crimes including Class A drug smuggling, modern slavery, violence and exploitation. Suella Braverman has called on Rishi Sunak to 'end spin' over Rwanda and said Parliament must amend the Illegal Migration Act to deliver flights next spring. To deliver the Rwanda partnership, 'it demands of the Government an end to self-deception and spin', Braverman wrote in an article for the Telegraph. She added that 'tinkering with a failed plan' would not stop the boats. Braverman said Sunak's Plan B will not work before the election comes around, because it is simply a 'tweaked version of the failed Plan A' that would have to go through a lengthy process via the courts again. Instead, the situation requires an amendment to the Illegal Migration Act, according to the former Home Secretary. To deliver the Rwanda partnership, 'it demands of the Government an end to self-deception and spin', Braverman (pictured) wrote in an article for the Telegraph She said Sunak's (pictured) Plan B will not work before the election comes around, because it is simply a 'tweaked version of the failed Plan A' that would have to go through a lengthy process via the courts again She outlined a five-step plan that she thinks will see migrant flights to Rwanda set off soon: Address safety concerns for migrants brought to Rwanda by taking steps to improve the country's asylum system to verify its safety for removals New plan should exclude 'all avenues of legal challenge' so flights can set off before next election without facing lengthy court battles. This would exclude them from the 'entirety' of domestic and European human rights laws There should be a time limit for migrants arriving in the UK illegally so they can be 'removed' to Rwanda as quickly as possible in a 'streamlined' process Illegal migrants should be detained until they are flown to Rwanda and all legal challenges to this detention should be excluded to not 'burden' the courts Amended act should be introduced within the next month before Christmas so members can be recalled to debate it over the holiday recess period (December 19 to January 8) She added that after Sunak took the first step by saying he would introduce emergency legislation, he would have to follow up by urging MPs and peers to make a decision. They would have to decide between 'properly' controlling illegal immigration via boat arrivals and telling the British public they would have to accept the increasing numbers of illegal migrants due to the overpowering international law. This comes after ministers have admitted that the Tories will lose the next election unless Sunak can get the Rwanda flights going by Spring. Braverman said that 'tinkering with a failed plan' would not stop the boats They would have to decide between 'properly' controlling illegal immigration via boat arrivals and telling the British public they would have to accept the increasing numbers of illegal migrants due to the overpowering international law (file image) Immigration minister Robert Jenrick warned there is no 'path to victory' for the Tories if the PM cannot show voters he has kept his vow to 'Stop the Boats' Immigration minister Robert Jenrick warned there is no 'path to victory' if the PM cannot show voters he has kept his vow to 'Stop the Boats'. The stark message came as Conservatives digested the consequences of the Supreme Court ruling that the policy is illegal - and more Channel migrants arrived on the south coast. A grim poll yesterday underlined the problems for Mr Sunak, showing Labour 27 points ahead. Sunak, visibly angry, staged a Downing Street press conference on Wednesday evening to lay out his 'Plan B' following the ruling. A new Treaty will be drawn up to assuage concerns asylum seekers deported to Rwanda could be sent back to danger in their country of origin, and emergency legislation will be passed declaring Rwanda 'safe'. The premier warned that once those things had been achieved he would not tolerate blocking by 'foreign courts', insisting leaving the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) is on the table. However, in a round of interviews yesterday morning Home Secretary James Cleverly acknowledged that Mr Sunak's ambition of getting flights going by Spring is dependent on 'circumstances'. There are fears of legal challenges and delaying tactics by peers. Meanwhile senior Tories have urged their colleagues to stop talking about leadership challenges and get behind Sunak. Sources on the Tory Right indicated that Mrs Braverman and her supporters plan to step up their attacks on the Government as she tries to build backing as a precursor for a leadership bid. Conservative Party deputy chairman Lee Anderson yesterday said talk of a leadership contest was 'absolute nonsense'. Under party rules, 53 Tory MPs must call for a contest. A man has been charged with the alleged assault and torture of a two-and-a-half month old baby girl earlier this year. Queensland detectives from the Logan District Child Protection and Investigation Unit charged a 28-year-old man following the incident in June at Marsden, in Brisbane's south. On June 18, the baby girl was taken to Logan Hospital with serious head injuries. Subsequent police investigations led to the arrest of the 28-year-old man on Thursday. He has been charged with torture, grievous bodily harm and two counts of assault occasioning bodily harm. It's believed the man knew the child. The man is expected to appear before Beenleigh Magistrates Court on November 17. The son of Profumo affair icon Christine Keeler has revealed that his late mother could finally receive justice 60 years after she was jailed for lying in court. Seymour Platt, 51, is hoping that his mother's conviction could be referred to the Court of Appeal by the Criminal Case Review Commission within a few weeks. He said a 200-page report will ensure that Ms Keeler's conviction is posthumously overturned, a report said. Ms Keeler died in 2017, aged 75. The model was at the heart of Britain's most infamous sex scandal after she and war minister John Profumo had an extra-marital affair when she was 19 years old. Her family has maintained that unrelated charges brought against her were trumped up to discredit her amid the sex scandal which ultimately contributed to the downfall of Harold Macmillan's Tory Government. The son of Profumo affair icon Christine Keeler (pictured in 1964) has revealed that his late mother could finally receive justice ahead 60 years after she was jailed for lying in court Seymour Platt (pictured), 51, is hoping that his mother's conviction could be referred to the Court of Appeal by the Criminal Case Review Commission within a few weeks Model Christine Keeler pictured in 1964 in a bathing suit, after she served a stint in prison The model was at the heart of Britain's most infamous sex scandal after she and war minister John Profumo (pictured in 1962) had an extra-marital affair when she was 19-years-old Ms Keeler was handed a nine-month prison sentence for perjury in December 1963. She said had been attacked by a stalker, Aloysius 'Lucky' Gordon in April 1963, but he won an appeal after it was discovered that she told the court two witnesses were not there. However, her son's legal team, which is led by top human rights barrister Felicity Gerry, say this was not relevant as the court had been told there was no was 'no doubt' that he assaulted her and that she lived in fear of him, the Mirror reports. It was also alleged that Ms Keeler was pressured by the two witnesses who went on to admit they had seen Gordon attack her. Her son told The Mirror that it was 'wrong that she went to prison' and that she was 'exploited and abused by powerful men'. Mr Platt vowed to 'fulfil a promise to tell the truth about her life' and to clear his late mother's name. Ms Keeler was branded a 'prostitute' in the press and as a 'harlot' by then-Prime Minister Harold Wilson after her affair with Profumo and Soviet attache Yevgeny Ivanov in the midst of the Cold War. Staff at the CCRC have been trawling through archived notes from her barrister Lord Jeremy Hutchinson, who begged the judge not the jail her. They are also questioning top KCs who are connected to the case. Mr Platt lives with his wife Lorraine, 49 and daughter Daisy, 15, in Longford, Ireland, said that his mother's case is 'just so sad'. 'She shouldn't have gone to prison and if she shouldn't have gone to prison, she wasn't a liar,' he said. Christine Keeler pictured in 2006 carrying a newspaper under her arm Seymour Platt with a portrait of his mother, Christine Keeler, painted by Fionn Wilson Cliveden House,in Buckinghamshire (pictured in 1963) where Ms Keeler caught Profumo's eye when she swam naked He said the men she was with in 1963 all saw her as 'their property' and exploited her. Mr Platt said the documents prove that his mother was 'beaten up in the street and she went to prison'. He also slammed the accusations of her being a prostitute as 'ridiculous' as she was 'broke' and he went into poverty as she found it impossible to earn money. The dutiful son revealed that his mother wrote in her will that she wanted him to share the truth about her life. She was a dancer based in Soho, London when she met osteopath Stephen Ward, who introduced her into high society. He took her to a gathering at Cliveden House in Buckinghamshire in July 1961 where she caught Profumo's eye when she swam naked. Christine Keeler Christine Keeler on her way to the Old Bailey on June 7, 1963 Crowds outside the Old Bailey surge forward as Christine Keeler leaves court on July 23, 1963 Christine Keeler poses in a swimsuit on a sun lounger on a beach in Cannes in May 1963 After emerged the then 19-year-old Keeler had been sleeping with former Secretary of State for War John Profumo, then 48, at the same time a handsome Russian spy Evgeny Ivanov, Profumo lied to the House of Commons about his affair. He was soon found out and Keeler sold her story to the News of The World for 23,000. In June 1963, he quit in disgrace, amid allegations Keeler had been asked by Ivanov to discover from the War Minister when the West Germans might receive U.S. nuclear missiles to be stationed on their soil. Profumo had been a rising star of the Tory Party, close to Prime Minister Harold Macmillan, a favoured visitor at Buckingham Palace, a war hero and the dashing husband of actress Valerie Hobson, one of the great beauties of her day. The Princes in the Tower may have escaped imprisonment and fled to Europe instead of being killed, bombshell new evidence suggests. This contrasts with the dominant belief that the two boys, 12-year-old King Edward V and his nine-year-old brother Richard, were murdered by their uncle Richard III in his bid become king. Shakespeare dramatises this theory in his famous play about the Machiavellian king, in which Richard sends orders for his young relatives to be killed in the Tower of London. Amateur historian Philippa Langley, who found Richard's remains under a Leicester car park, has now revealed a set of 'extraordinary discoveries' to support her theory that the princes escaped. She will present her findings in a Channel 4 documentary on Saturday. In The Princes in the Tower: The New Evidence, Ms Langley speaks of 'startling discoveries' she has made after seven years of research. She believes that a pair of boys dismissed as pretenders to the throne - Lambert Simnel and Perkin Warbeck - were the real princes. These boys each initiated failed attempts to depose Henry VII near the end of the 15th century. The Princes in the Tower (pictured) may have escaped imprisonment and fled to Europe instead of being killed, bombshell new evidence suggests Ms Langley believes that a pair of boys dismissed as pretenders to the throne - Lambert Simnel (left) and Perkin Warbeck (right) - were the real princes. These boys each initiated failed attempts to depose Henry VII near the end of the 15th century Edward V - who was never crowned - and his brother were the sons of King Edward IV, who died in 1483. After being declared illegitimate heirs by Richard III, then the Duke of Gloucester, the two princes were taken to the Tower of London and then vanished from the historical record. For years experts have wanted to test the remains of four children - two of which were found in the Tower of London in the 1600s and two in the grounds of Windsor Castle in the 1700s - in the hope that some may belong to Edward and Richard. However, the late Queen Elizabeth II was understood to have blocked any investigation on the basis that the bodies have long been interred in royal crypts. Ms Langley said documents pulled out in European archives point to the princes' escape and later bids to invade England. She carried out her investigation with 300 freelance researchers to find out what really happened. For centuries, the dominant belief has been that King Richard III (above) had the boys murdered so he could claim the throne The historian - whose findings are also outlined in her new book, The Princes in the Tower - has discovered key contemporaneous documents which indicate that Edward V and Prince Richard were Warbeck and Simnel. One is an alleged witness statement from Prince Richard, which describes how he was smuggled from the Tower of London by Henry and Thomas Percy. Experts have authenticated it as being written during that period. The account reads: 'They shaved my hair and put a poor and drab shirt on me and we went to St Katharine's [dock].' It goes on to say that he was taken by boat to France before travelling to Portugal. Another is a document from Holland, dated 1483, which appears to bear a royal seal and a signature of a 'Richard, Duke of York'. It promises that Richard will pay 30,000 florins to Duke Albert of Saxony after gaining the English throne. A man claiming to be Richard landed in England with a small army in the hope of gaining the throne. When an initial attempt failed, he fled to Scotland and then launched another bid in 1497. Having been captured, he signed a confession where he declared that he was really Warbeck, a boatman's son, but Ms Langley believes it was likely Prince Richard. Author Anne Wroe expanded on a similar theory about Warbeck being Prince Richard in her 2003 book Perkin: A Story of Deception. A third document identified by Ms Langley is a receipt for weapons given by German king Maximilian I to the 'son of King Edward IV', ahead of Simnel's failed rebellion in 1487. The dominant belief about Simnel is that he claimed to be or actually was Edward, Earl of Warwick. But Ms Langley suggest that Simnel really was the young King Edward. In Shakespeare's play Richard III, the Machiavellian royal sends for his two nephews to be killed in the Tower of London (pictured) in a bid to get closer to the throne It is not clear how the new evidence fits with research Ms Langley was involved in in 2021. That project suggested Richard III may have spared Edward and instead allowed him to live under a false name in a rural Devon village. Academics followed a paper trail including medieval documents that led them to Coldridge, where royal Yorkist symbols are carved into the local church, St Matthew's. The findings hinted at a secret deal struck between the boys' mother and Richard III, that allowed Edward V to live his life under the fake name 'John Evans'. In the church there is also an effigy of 'John Evans' gazing directly at a stained glass window that depicts Edward V, suggesting they were one and the same person. The Princes in the Tower: The New Evidence, which is co-presented by Philippa Langley and Rob Rinder, airs on Channel 4 on Saturday at 8pm. The 12-page guide was published in June this year by Staffordshire Police force A new 'woke' police force guide that warns its own staff to not use the word 'policeman, or risk breaking the law, has been slammed by a Tory MP. Nigel Mills blasted police bosses for banning 'perfectly acceptable, normal language' in the 12-page guide from Staffordshire Police. The guide which was published by the force in June of this year suggests officers 'try not to use the words' such as 'policeman', and to use 'police officer' instead. The recommendations also advise against using gender-biased expressions or expressions that reinforce gender stereotypes, such as 'man up' or 'grow a pair'. Mills, the Conservative MP for Amber Valley, told The Sun: 'You'd think the police have enough on their plate without spending time worrying about which perfectly acceptable, normal language they can and can't use.' The guide which was published by the force in June of this year, suggests officers 'try not to use the words' such as policeman, and to use police officer instead The guide makes further suggestions for the way officers identify individuals by their jobs, adding that 'cleaning lady' should be swapped for 'cleaner', 'spokesman' should be switched to 'spokesperson' and 'statesman' should be replaced with 'official', 'diplomat', 'political figure', or 'leader'. The document makes clear in capital letters, that it was issued as a guide that is 'by no means exhaustive or definitive'. It adds: 'Discrimination through language, whether intended or not, causes offence, patronises and may also be unlawful'. The guidance also covers disabilities and medical conditions, advising officers to try not use terms such as 'diabetic person', 'handicapped', 'confined to a wheelchair' and to definitely not use the term 'dumb' because it often 'used as a derogatory term regarding someones intelligence'. On ethnicity, using the terms 'half-caste', 'mixed race' 'oriental' and 'BAME' are also advised against, with officers being encouraged to 'be specific where you can'. A new 'woke' police force guide from Staffordshire Police warns its own staff to not use the word 'policeman, or risk breaking the law Tory MP Nigel Mills blasted police bosses for banning 'perfectly acceptable, normal language' in the 12-page guide from Staffordshire Police In August, words such as 'policemen' and 'chairmen' were banned in advice handed out by a court industry body. The Magistrates Association told its staff and volunteers to avoid umbrella terms such as 'black, Asian or minority ethnic groups', which can be 'unintentionally divisive'. It also encouraged them to 'describe someone's sexual orientation in the terms they suggest'. Staffordshire Police told The Sun: 'The guidance was produced alongside external consultants to ensure we treat each other and our communities with the utmost courtesy and respect.' A former high-level Australian diplomat has been taken to hospital two weeks after embarking on a hunger strike outside parliament. Gregory Andrews started his protest in early November and vowed not to eat any food until Prime Minister Anthony Albanese 'gets serious' and takes climate action. But on the 16th day of his hunger strike, he reported feeling chest pains and shortness of breath. Paramedics attended to hunger striker Gregory Andrews after he suffered chest pains and shortness of breath Mr Andrews walked unassisted to a waiting ambulance where he was taken to hospital He was attended by two nurses from Parliament House who asked if he would walk before calling an ambulance on Friday. Mr Andrews walked unassisted into the back of the emergency vehicle when it arrived at the Parliament House lawns. He had already lost significant amounts of weight, having dropped 10kg as of Friday. The former diplomat worked with the government for more than 30 years, including as an ambassador to West Africa, threatened species commissioner and Australia's deputy chief climate negotiator at the United Nations. Paramedics discuss Mr Andrews health with him He pointed to Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek's decision to approve four coal mine projects this year as fuelling his drive to take action. Mr Andrews had planned to protest until at least December 13 in the hope Australia will ramp up its climate actions before the UN's COP 28 talks in Dubai. Mr Andrews has given a series of interviews to Daily Mail Australia and other media about his condition. He walked out of one particularly fiery stoush with Sky News host Andrew Bolt last week. Police, prosecutors and ministers must take action to tackle 'unacceptable' low rates of rape case charges, Britain's equality watchdog urged yesterday. The Equality and Human Rights Commission said in its five-yearly monitoring report for Parliament that there has been a 'sharp drop' in the number of allegations of sexual assaults leading to prosecutions. In 2020-21 only 2.6 per cent of rape offences against women recorded by police led to charges, down from 10.5 per cent in 2015-16. Increasing numbers of victims are withdrawing their allegations, the EHRC said. They suggested it could be because many 'report the perpetrator is a partner or ex-partner'. The watchdog also urged police forces and Government to tackle antisemitism and Islamophobia, which were 'major drivers' of hate crime in England and Wales. The Equality and Human Rights Commission said in its five-yearly monitoring report for Parliament that there has been a 'sharp drop' in the number of allegations of sexual assaults leading to prosecutions (Stock Image) In 2020-21 only 2.6 per cent of rape offences against women recorded by police led to charges It cited Home Office figures showing that 42 per cent of religious hate crimes in 2021-22 were targeted against Muslims and 23 per cent against Jewish people - compared with just 8 per cent against Christians. Other demands included telling schools to address the 'underperformance' of boys relative to girls. The NHS was urged to do more about the 'unacceptable' waiting times for transgender people trying to be seen by Gender Identity Clinics, with 11,500 adults seeking appointments in England in May 2022 along with 3,500 children being referred for treatment. Another finding was that twice as many gay and lesbian Britons, 11.3 per cent, had suffered domestic abuse in a year than heterosexuals, 5.1 per cent. Looking at age discrimination, the study said that one in four over-65s do not have access to the internet at home. The NHS was urged to do more about the 'unacceptable' waiting times for transgender people trying to be seen by Gender Identity Clinics (Stock Image) However, it also noted progress including improvements in earnings and a fall in poverty levels. EHRC chairman Baroness Falkner, who recently survived a 'witch hunt' by her own staff for her trans-critical views, said: 'While we welcome the improvements made over the past five years, it is clear that substantial action is required in many areas. 'By addressing disparities that affect specific groups, we can collectively improve services and work towards a fairer society.' The Home Office said: 'Whilst recently published statistics - covering the year to March 2023 - show there has been an overall reduction in hate crimes recorded by police, any instance of hate crime is one too many'. Paramilitary member, 3 IS militants killed in W. Iraq Baghdad, Nov 17 (UNI) A government-backed paramilitary Hashd Shaabi member and three Islamic State (IS) militants were killed on Thursday evening in a rugged area in Iraq's western province of Anbar, a security source said. A Hashd Shaabi force carried out an operation to hunt down IS militants in the Wadi Hauran area in the western desert of Anbar province and clashed with IS militants, leaving three IS militants killed, Col. Mohammed al-Dulaimi from the provincial police told Xinhua. A Hashd Shaabi member was also killed in the clash and another wounded, al-Dulaimi said. She claimed he forced her to have sex with multiple male prostitutes while he watched, masturbated and recorded Music mogul Sean 'Diddy' Combs has been accused of forcing his ex-girlfriend R&B legend Cassie to order male prostitutes with 'large black penises' to fulfil his voyeurism fantasies. She filed a lawsuit in Manhattan's Federal District Court on Thursday in which she accused the rapper, who goes by P Diddy, of rape and repeated physical abuse. Cassie claimed Diddy, 54, controlled and abused her for over a decade as well as plying her with drugs, beating her, and forcing her to have sex with multiple male prostitutes while he watched, masturbated and recorded. He called the alleged sexual exploitation 'freak outs', according to the lawsuit, and they are said to have taken place in various hotel suites including at the Trump International Hotel in New York City. Late on Thursday it emerged that Diddy is being investigated by the New York City Police Department, according to a report. The rapper is the subject of what appears to be a sexual assault case, according to TMZ, although it is not clear who made the criminal complaint or any details. The lawsuit filed by Cassie alleges that she was required to dress up in lingerie, wear white nail polish to contrast with the skin of the black sex workers and cover herself in oil. She called the ordeals 'horrific encounters' and said she had to take drugs to disassociate. The pair met in 2005 when she was aged 19 and split in 2018. Diddy has vehemently denied all of the 'offensive and outrageous allegations.' Music mogul Sean 'Diddy' Combs has been accused of forcing his ex-girlfriend R&B legend Cassie to order male prostitutes with 'large black penises' to fulfil his voyeurism fantasies He called the alleged sexual exploitation 'freak outs', according to the lawsuit, and they are said to have taken place in various hotel suites including the Trump International Hotel in New York City She filed a lawsuit in Manhattan's Federal District Court on Thursday in which she accused the rapper, who goes by P Diddy, of rape and repeated physical abuse Diddy allegedly hired a man and brought him to his home in Los Angeles to engage in the sex acts with Cassie Diddy was pictured in London last week. He can be seen with a cigarette and walking down the street Among the serious allegations is that Diddy sex trafficked Cassie, 37, to male prostitutes while he watched for sexual pleasure. The lawsuit claims she was directed to cover herself with oil and have sex with multiple men - sometimes in masks and costumes. It states that the music executive, who she first met as a teenager, told her it would 'turn him on' if he saw her with 'another d***'. READ MORE: Diddy now faces reported NYPD CRIMINAL investigation over an apparent sexual assault as case is revealed the same day ex-girlfriend Cassie sued him over alleged abuse Advertisement He allegedly hired a man and brought him to his home in Los Angeles to engage in the sex acts with Cassie. 'Mr. Combs directed Ms. Ventura to perform sexual acts with this man while Mr. Combs watched them,' the lawsuit states. 'He masturbated while he directed Ms. Ventura and the man to do specific sexual acts. The entire encounter lasted multiple days.' She claimed Diddy got drunk during a 'freak off' around March 2016 and punched her in the face, leaving her with a black eye. Cassie said she tried to leave the hotel room when he fell asleep but he woke up and began screaming at her. He allegedly grabbed at her, took the glass vases in the hallway and threw them at her 'causing glass to crash around them as she ran to the elevator to escape'. She managed to escape to her apartment but claimed she returned over fears he would be even angrier. 'When she returned, hotel security staff urged her to get back into a cab and go to her apartment, suggesting that they had seen the security footage showing Mr. Combs beating Ms. Ventura and throwing glass at her in the hotel hallway,' the lawsuit states. She alleged that Diddy paid the hotel staff $50,000 for the hallway security footage from that evening. On another occasion in 2013, Diddy allegedly set up a 'freak off' and was charged tens of thousands of dollars in damages by the hotel. Cassie was expected to facilitate the location and hiring of male sex workers for the 'freak offs', according to the lawsuit. The lawsuit states that the music executive, who she first met as a teenager, told her it would 'turn him on' if he saw her with 'another d***' Cassie claimed the 'freak offs' would often take place in hotel suites including The London Hotel in Los Angeles (pictured) The lawsuit stated that the 'freak offs' sometimes took place at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Miami (pictured) The lawsuit claims Cassie was directed to have sex with multiple men - sometimes in masks and costumes - while the music exec watched, masturbated, and filmed Cassie, in the documents, called the ordeals 'horrific encounters' and said she had to take drugs to disassociate during the arrangements She was allegedly instructed to use websites and escort services to find men with 'large black penises'. It alleged that Diddy would insist on the encounters weekly and that he repeatedly told her it was 'our thing' and 'our secret'. Cassie claimed the 'freak offs' would often take place in hotel suites including the Trump International Hotel in Columbus Circle, LErmitage Beverly Hills, The London Hotel in Los Angeles and InterContinental Hotels across the country. His assistants would allegedly help set up the 'freak offs' by providing baby oil and lubricant. The lawsuit states: 'Mr. Combs always supplied Ms. Ventura (and the sex worker) with copious amounts of drugs before and during the FOs. 'Ms. Ventura was given ecstasy, cocaine, GHB, ketamine, marijuana, and alcohol in excessive amounts during FOs, which allowed her to disassociate during these horrific encounters. 'It became common place to get IV fluids in the days after an FO to recover from the excessive substances pushed upon her.' She claimed Diddy would ask her to pour excessive amounts of oil over herself before he instructed her and the sex workers what to do. 'Mr. Combs would say things like, grab that big Black d*** and ask her how does it feel? as he directed her to perform for him,' the lawsuit states. Diddy allegedly used his phone, laptop and tablet to film the 'freak offs' and treated it like a 'personal art project', adjusting the lighting. Cassie said she deleted photographs and videos of the sex acts if they were taken on her phone but claimed Diddy told her he kept many. The lawsuit claims that he raped her in September 2018 and that he forced his way into her apartment after dinner in Malibu, California. He allegedly tried to kiss her before forcibly removing her clothes and unbuckling his belt. 'He proceeded to rape Ms. Ventura while she repeatedly said no and tried to push him away,' the lawsuit claims. Following this alleged incident, Cassie said she took steps to completely separate herself from 'her long-time abuser'. She eventually left the home he paid for and returned the car he purchased for her. But Cassie said she suffers from immense emotional distress from the 'immense trauma endured over a decade with Mr Combs'. Cassie said that although she has 'fully escaped' Diddy the 'harm that the assaults and sexual abuse he caused her to experience for nearly a decade will forever haunt her'. The lawsuit claimed she has required intensive medical and psychological care to recover from 'trauma she lived through'. She is seeking unspecified damages. The lawsuit is brought under the Adult Survivors Act - which is a New York law allowing people to file claims even after the statute of limitations has run out. She claimed that she tried to escape Diddy multiple times but would be found by his 'vast network of corporations and affiliated entities' who told her to return to him Diddy allegedly used his phone, laptop and tablet to film the 'freak offs' and treated it like a 'personal art project', adjusting the lighting The pair met in 2005 when she was aged 19 and split in 2018. Diddy has vehemently denied all of the 'offensive and outrageous allegations' Diddy walking down the street in London last week wearing a yellow jacket and shades Diddy sitting on a bench in a London park last week Diddy in London last week talking while holding a cigarette The suit said: 'With the expiration of New York's Adult Survivors Act fast approaching it became clear that this was an opportunity to speak up about the trauma I have experienced and that I will be recovering from for the rest of my life.' Elsewhere in the lawsuit, Cassie alleged that the music executive blew up rapper Kid Cudi's car around February 2012 and that he dangled an unnamed friend of Cassie's over a hotel balcony. Cassie said she began a brief relationship with Kid Cudi 'during a rough patch' with Diddy. She claimed Diddy went through her phone and found emails between her and the American rapper and became enraged. Diddy allegedly placed a manual corkscrew in between his fingers and lunged at her, according to the lawsuit and she ran away to stay with Kid Cudi, according to the suit. Cassie later returned and the music executive allegedly hit her several times, and then kicked her in the back as she tried to run out the door, the filing claims. During Paris Fashion Week, she claims Diddy told her he was going to blow up Kid Cudi's car and that he wanted to make sure he was home with his friends when it happened. 'Around that time, Kid Cudis car exploded in his driveway,' the lawsuit stated. 'Ms. Ventura was terrified, as she began to fully comprehend what Mr. Combs was both willing and able to do to those he believed had slighted him.' In August 2015, Diddy allegedly picked up Cassie's unnamed friend 'like a child' and dangled her over a 17th-floor hotel balcony while intoxicated at Cassie's surprise 29th birthday party. Ben Brafman, Diddy's lawyer, said: 'Mr. Combs vehemently denies these offensive and outrageous allegations. 'For the past six months, Mr. Combs has been subjected to Ms. Ventura's persistent demand of $30 million, under the threat of writing a damaging book about their relationship, which was unequivocally rejected as blatant blackmail. 'Despite withdrawing her initial threat, Ms. Ventura has now resorted to filing a lawsuit riddled with baseless and outrageous lies, aiming to tarnish Mr. Combs's reputation and seeking a payday.' But her attorney Wigdor told DailyMail.com: 'Mr. Combs offered Ms. Ventura eight figures to silence her and prevent the filing of this lawsuit. She rejected his efforts and decided to give a voice to all woman who suffer in silence. Ms. Ventura should be applauded for her bravery.' Diddy, who also goes by the stage name Puff Daddy, is worth an estimated $1 billion after being one of the star figures in the commercialization of hip-hop in the 1990s. He grew to be one of his generation's most notable music producers - working with names such as Notorious B.I.G. and Mary J. Blige. Diddy founded Bad Boy - his record label - which Cassie was signed to in 2006. Cassie has since married Alex Fine and has two children with him. She was swept up in his luxurious lifestyle and reaped the benefits of having her debut album released under his label. DailyMail.com has contacted Diddy, Trump Hotels, the London Hotel and the Mandarin Oriental Hotel for comment. A Jewish pediatrician has been suspended by the prestigious Johns Hopkins Hospital over offensive tweets in which he branded Palestinians, 'blood thirsty morally depraved animals'. Darren Klugman has been placed on leave from the Maryland facility following outrage over his posts. The doctor is now subject to an investigation by his employers after The Council on American-Islamic Relations filed a complaint against him. Posts from Klugman's X account referred to Palestinians as 'barbaric animals with no concern for life' who 'want nothing short of every inch of Israel and all Jews dead.' He also replied to a post suggesting that Israel's bombardment of Gaza was 'large scale slaughter,' which could displace Palestinians with the word 'G-d willing.' Dr. Darren Klugman has been placed on leave after making anti-Palestinian posts on X which referred to Palestinian people as 'barbaric animals' Klugman is employed by Johns Hopkins hospital in Baltimore. The facility said it is conducting a 'thorough investigation' following the outrage In a statement, Johns Hopkins said: 'We at Johns Hopkins share the concern of many about the deeply disturbing social media posts made by a faculty member in the School of Medicine regarding the ongoing crisis in the Middle East. 'The faculty member who made these statements has been placed on leave, and thus will have no interaction with students or patients while we conduct a thorough investigation under our policies and procedures. 'Johns Hopkins Medicine and Johns Hopkins University are committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for working, learning and patient care for every member of our community and all those we serve. 'Statements that explicitly threaten or extol violence against groups or individuals on the basis of national origin, race or religion violate our policies and do not represent our values.' Colleagues of the Associate Professor of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, who did not want to be identified, told the Baltimore Banner his comments created 'a culture of fear among doctors, staff and patients.' They also questioned his ability to care for Muslim and Palestinian patients. Zainab Chaudry, director of The Council on American-Islamic Relations, said: 'These abhorrent comments reportedly made by Dr. Klugman are deeply troubling and must be addressed swiftly and transparently. 'A doctor who harbors views that any ethnic group is less than human and expresses support for their extermination cannot be trusted to diligently uphold their ethical and moral obligation to serve the medical needs of their patient population to the best of their ability.' Zainab Chaudry, director of The Council on American-Islamic Relations, which lodged a complaint branded the comments 'abhorrent' Following the controversy, Klugman emailed his hospital colleagues an apology for the 'regrettable, hurtful messages' WMAR2 News reports. 'I cannot undo the harm and hurt that those messages caused and I am devastated by the impact it has had on my Hopkins family and others,' he said. His comments came in the wake of the October 7 attack by Hamas on Israel, which killed 1,200 people and has prompted a devastating wave of airstrikes on Gaza in response. Since then, there have been several high-profile cases of individuals being fired for posting anti-Semitic comments online amid criticism of the retaliatory strikes, estimated to have killed at least 11,000 Gazans. Among them was a Sarah Chowdhury, a government employee in Illinois who shared anti-Semitic posts online in the wake of the conflict. She subsequently apologized. The Prince of Wales, 41, busied himself with a visit to Manchester yesterday Prince William said that 'he didn't know' how much money is in his bank account after being tickled by the surprise question from an 11-year-old boy during his visit to a youth club in Manchester. The prince was asked the cheeky question while meeting young people at The Hideaway Youth Project - lead partner of the Manchester Peace Together Alliance - in Moss Side yesterday. 11-year-old Amir Hassan caught the Royal off guard, making him laugh, when he asked: 'How much do you have in your bank account?' The schoolboy later reported that the heir to the throne 'didn't know' how much was in his royal coffers. Prince William is thought to be worth some 1billion, according to The Sunday Times, after inheriting his father's Duchy of Cornwall estate, with the Royal Family boasting a 20billion-plus fortune. The prince was asked the cheeky question while meeting young people at the The Hideaway Youth Project in Moss Side yesterday The royal, 41, marked the launch of the Royal Foundation Community Impact Project with the visit to the youth centre, where he was joined by Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham Prince William hugs Barbara Reid mother of Jessie James, a teenager shot dead in 2006 in a park in Moss Side, after listening to her statement in front of Jessie's Wall Prince William, Prince of Wales (C) poses for pictures with Barbara Reid (R) mother of Jessie James, a teenager shot dead in 2006 in a park in Moss Side, and other relatives The royal, 41, marked the launch of the Royal Foundation Community Impact Project with the visit to the youth centre, where he was joined by Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham to support the initiative with 100,000 of funding. He was seen hugging Barbara Reid mother of Jessie James, a teenager shot dead in 2006 in a park in Moss Side, after listening to her statement in front of Jessie's Wall. In a touching moment at Moss Side Millennium Powerhouse, William was also seen being given a friendship bracelet by a young girl. The Prince of Wales opted for a casual blazer and trousers, teamed with a cerulean blue jumper and brown suede shoes for the visit. William also met a mother who had lost her child to violence. Audrey Preston, 57, lost her 21-year-old son three years ago. She said: 'I think it's important he came into Moss Side to listen to our stories. When I was told he was coming I thought 'wow, why would he want to come and listen to me?'. 'Lots of kids get murdered in this area and nobody cares really about the families, we're just left to our own devices, so it's good he came, good for the community.' Earlier he enjoyed a game of pool and smiled and chatted with volunteers. The Prince of Wales receives a t-shirt during his visit to the Moss Side Millennium Powerhouse, a community hub with a mission to create brighter futures for young people in Manchester This is the adorable moment the Prince of Wales receives a friendship bracelet during his visit to the Moss Side Millennium Powerhouse He looked very focused on a game of pool during the visit as observers looked at his strategic play He appeared in high spirits and looked very focused on a game of pool during the visit as observers took photos. The future King was asked whether he wanted to join the art project, where the children were cutting out hairstyles they thought were empowering and positive, and replied 'I'm literally the last person you should ask. My hair is disappearing.' Elsewhere the Prince laughed along while posing for pictures with young people at the centre. Later, he sat down with some children trying their hand at arts and crafts. The future King was asked whether he wanted to join the art project, where the children were cutting out hairstyles they thought were empowering and positive, and replied 'I'm literally the last person you should ask. My hair is disappearing.' He has joined forces with Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham to support the initiative with 100,000 of funding. William speaks with a member of the community during his visit to the Moss Side Millennium Powerhouse William speaks with children during his visit to the Moss Side Millennium Powerhouse The Prince of Wales showed off some of his best shots on the pool table as he joined in with the session during his visit He was all smiles while chatting with volunteers, sporting a relaxed all-navy ensemble, on the same day Peter Morgan's programme has come out with episodes outlining the last days of his mother's life Elsewhere the Prince laughed along while posing for pictures with young people at the centre yesterday Prince of Wales speaks with a well-wisher as he visits the Millennium Powerhouse, a multi-service youth hub which works with a wide range of local organisations The pot will be used to create an employment, skills and training programme for young people who are at risk of violence. It's a first for the Alliance - a community-led initiative combating the underlying causes of youth violence with targeted mentoring and activities. Mr Burnham expressed his 'delight' to work with the Prince. 'We know that working with partners and communities to provide opportunities for young people to engage in positive activity is the most effective way to ensure young people do not get involved with crime or violence,' he said. 'We're committed to doing all we can to stop crime and violence, and the development of a dedicated employment, skills, and training programme for young people at risk of violence, and partnership between the Alliance, Manchester City Council, the business community and Royal Foundation will certainly support this.' The Prince of Wales opted for a casual blazer and trousers, teamed with a cerulean blue jumper and brown suede shoes He has joined forces with Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham to support the initiative with 100,000 of funding The three-year project has seen the alliance working for the first time with the private sector, which has committed to providing work shadowing, apprenticeships and employment for young people William receives friendship bracelets from children while in Manchester yesterday The Prince of Wales speaks with children during his visit to the Moss Side Millennium Powerhouse, a community hub with a mission to create brighter futures for young people in Manchester Later, he sat down with some children trying their hand at arts and crafts. Pictured in deep conversation William laughed while chatting with people at the centre and observing the impact of it on young people The Prince looked curious as he observed young people enjoying some creative endeavours yesterday Prince William appeared in high spirits as he met with staff and volunteers during his visit to Moss Side yesterday The royal was pictured in conversation with staff and volunteers as he enjoyed a visit to the project yesterday The Prince of Wales arrived yesterday for his visit to The Hideaway Youth Project in Moss Side, Manchester, to mark the launch of Royal Foundation Community Impact Project The royal, 41, marked the launch of the Royal Foundation Community Impact Project as he made the trip to The Hideaway Youth Project Prince William enjoyed a game of pool as he yesterday busied himself with a visit to a Manchester project tackling youth violence William opted for a casual ensemble as he made the visit to the youth project in Manchester The Prince was all smiles while chatting with staff and volunteers yesterday, during the Manchester visit The three-year project has seen the alliance working for the first time with the private sector, which has committed to providing work shadowing, apprenticeships and employment for young people. Julie Wharton, director at the Hideaway Youth Project and a senior member of the Alliance, said: 'All of us at the Manchester Peace Together Alliance are absolutely delighted by the initiative being launched today. 'At the Hideaway we place ourselves at the centre of the community in Moss Side so we can understand the needs of our young people and ensure we are doing all we can to prevent them from being impacted by the devastation that youth violence can bring.' President Joe Biden continues to face negative poll after negative poll in his re-election campaign, with a new survey showing him trailing three GOP rivals by as much as 10 points. Biden, the oldest president in American history, turns 81 on Monday and already saw a poll today showing a majority of Democrats nationally want to see another Democrat enter the race to primary him. A poll from Marquette Law School shows the president trailing his predecessor, Donald Trump, by a 52 to 48 margin. However, Trump's not the only GOP hopeful getting the best of Biden. Former UN Ambassador and South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley leads Biden by a whopping 10 points, 55 to 45. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who many saw as Trump's toughest challenger in the Republican Primary, leads him by a 51 to 49 advantage. President Joe Biden continues to face negative poll after negative poll in his re-election campaign, with a new survey showing him trailing three GOP rivals by as much as 10 points The poll can be seen as a big victory for Haley, as among likely voters, Haley leads Biden by an even larger margin of 56 to 44. DeSantis' lead stays the same among likely voters, while Trump's shrinks by one point to 51 to 49. The problem for both Haley and DeSantis remains a massive margin between themselves and Trump in the GOP primary. The same poll surveyed registered Republican voters, and found that 54 percent still favor Trump for the Republican nomination. DeSantis and Haley were tied for second at 12 percent. None of the other remaining candidates - including Vivek Ramaswamy and Chris Christie - topped 4 percent. The findings are just another in a series of devastating polls for the president. A new Yahoo News/YouGov poll found that 54 percent of Democrats and independents who leaned Democratic answered yes when asked if they'd like to see another challenger enter the race. Twenty-eight percent said 'no,' while 18 percent weren't sure. A poll from Marquette Law School shows the president trailing his predecessor, Donald Trump, by a 52 to 48 margin. However, Trump's not the only one getting the best of Biden Former UN Ambassador and South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley leads Biden by a whopping 10 points, 55 to 45 Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who many saw as Trump's toughest challenger in the Republican Primary, leads him by a 51 to 49 advantage Younger Americans were more keen to have Biden face a fresh primary challenger than older adults, the poll found, suggesting the president's age continues to be a liability. The poll found that 69 percent of 18- to 29-year-olds indicated they'd like to see another Democrat jump in and challenge Biden, while just 43 percent of Americans older than 65 agreed. Among 30- to 44-year-olds, 61 percent said they'd like Biden to gain another challenger, while 49 percent of 45- to 64-year-olds held this view. When the same group of Democrats and independents who leaned Democratic was asked if they'd like to see Biden or someone else as the 2024 nominee, Biden came out ahead - with 46 percent saying Biden and 39 percent saying someone else. On this question, independents were more likely to say they'd like a different option - 50 percent indicating so, versus 36 percent of Democrats. Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents overwhelmingly backed Biden when asked to choose between him and his current two challengers - Minnesota Rep. Dean Phillips, who jumped in the race last month, and self-help guru Marianne Williamson. In that three-way race, Biden received the support of 64 percent of respondents, while Phillips and Williamson received 4 percent each. And Democrats, overall, were more forgiving when asked questions about Biden's fitness for office and his age. The poll also found that Democrats were more forgiving when questions were asked about the nearly 81-year-old president's age and fitness, but some still had concerns When survey respondents, including Republicans, were asked if Biden was fit to serve a second term, 60 percent responded no, while just 24 percent said yes. His numbers were drastically dragged down by Republican sentiment. Just 3 percent of Republicans said he was fit to serve a second term, while 95 percent said he wasn't. A slim majority of Democrats, 54 percent, said he was fit enough to serve four more years, while 25 percent disagreed. Overall, 55 percent of Americans said that Biden's advanced age - he'll be 82 on inauguration day 2025 - was a 'big problem' for them, while another 26 percent said it was a small problem. Among Democrats and Democratic-leaners, just 27 percent considered it a big problem, while another 44 percent rated Biden's age a small problem. Republicans were far more harsh, with 86 percent saying Biden's age was a big problem and 9 percent saying it was a small problem. Former President Donald Trump, Biden's likely challenger, received slightly better marks when Americans were asked if he was fit to serve another four years. Thirty-eight percent said yes - compared to 24 percent for Biden - while 49 percent said no. When Americans were asked which candidate had a bigger problem - Trump's legal drama to Biden's age - the results were a statistical tie - with 41 percent answering Biden's age and 42 percent saying Trump's 91 criminal charges. For the poll, 1,584 U.S. adults were surveyed between November 9 and 13 and it had a margin of error of plus or minus 2.8 percent. His grandchild is a student at the school An 80-year-old man has been rushed to hospital after reversing a car through a private school's window and into its swimming pool. The silver RAV 4 wagon, along with other debris, was floating in a pool at the Haileybury College campus in Keysborough, Melbourne, on Thursday morning. The man reversed the vehicle into the school's aquatic centre along Springvale Rd about 8.15am, with witnesses nearby helping him from the submerged car. An 80-year-old accidentally backed his car through a window and into a private college's pool in Melbourne Emergency services and bystanders helped the man out of the RAV 4. A Haileybury College spokesperson said that the man had a grandchild who was a student Emergency services arrived just before 8.30am, with paramedics transporting the man to Cabrini Malvern hospital. Fire Rescue Victoria crews remained on the scene for the duration to ensure that the students and staff were safe. A Haileybury College spokesperson said the driver of the car was a grandfather of one of the students. 'There were no students around at the time and thankfully no injuries,' the spokesperson told the Herald Sun. Police are yet to determine the cause of the crash and will investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. The post has since been deleted but the NYPD and lawmakers are aware of it A pro-Palestine group has called for 'direct action' to 'globalize intifada' as they shared a map of well-known New York City landmarks on Instagram. The graphic specified famous buildings and companies in the Big Apple that have ties to Israel or are media companies. The page that posted the map goes by the name Within Our Lifetime and has described itself as a Palestinian-led community organization that's said, 'We will free Palestine.' 'Each of the locations on this map reflects the location of an office of an enemy of both the Palestinian people and colonized people all over the world, the group stated, according to the New York Post. 'Today and beyond, these locations will be sites for popular mobilization in defense of our people,' the post read. A City Hall spokesman told The New York Post: 'But to be clear, threatening businesses and organizations and referring to them as the "enemy" is exactly the kind of hateful rhetoric that seeks to divide New Yorkers, but it won't work, because we are better than that.' The map pinpointed notable targets around the city, such as Grand Central Station. DailyMail.com has decided to blur the map. The map itself, which was posted on Wednesday, has since been deleted. The group that also goes by 'wolpalestine' on Instagram has 121,000 followers and posts protest banners and maps multiple times a day. The map itself was titled 'From Palestine to NYC - Globalize the Intifada.' The term intifada relates directly to the Palestine uprising against Israel when they occupied the West Bank of the Gaza Strip in 1987. The group also posted another map to its social media page on Wednesday that remains on its Instagram page. This map was titled 'Funding Colonization: Tax Exempt Zionist "Charities" Funding Settler Organizations in Palestine'. It went on to list and pinpoint specific Israel locations in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Long Island and New Jersey. A pro-Palestine protestor is seen being restrained by NYPD Protesters read names of those killed in Gaza from a paper called 'The New York Crimes Politicians across New York City have responded to the threatening 'direct action' map on social media. Councilman Keith Powers took to X (formally known as Twitter) and said: 'This is an unacceptable invitation to senseless violence. I strongly condemn it & have reached out to local NYPD.' 'Coded calls for violence against Jews are proliferating on social media,' Democratic Representative Ritchie Torres said on X along with a picture of the map. Revered Joseph Potasnik, the executive vice president of the NY Board of Rabbis, told The Post: 'Intifadas are targeted attacks on Jews. The hatred of the heart leads to hatred of the hands.' Wolpalestine also posted a flyer on Thursday about a planned march on Saturday in the Bay Bridge neighborhood of Brooklyn. NYPD officers are seen confronting some of the protesters outside Grand Central station Hundreds of NYC high school students and teachers walked out and marched at Bryant Park They have called it 'Flood Brooklyn for Gaza' and requested that attendees bring flags, keffiyehs and masks. 'In the meantime, spread this like wildfire,' the post said. On November 9, a pro-Palestine group stormed the New York Times building as they criticized the news outlet's coverage of the war. Demonstrators took over the lobby of the building as they waved flags and held up 'Ceasefire now' sings. They then went on to read off names of those killed in Gaza from a paper called 'The New York Crimes.' Earlier that day, New York City high school students, parents and teachers participated in a walkout protest calling for a ceasefire. Organized by groups such as Teachers Unite, NYC Educators for Palestine and Palestinian Youth Movement, the students walked out of class and gathered at Bryant Park. Crowds chanted, 'From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,' a phrase used to call for a Palestinian takeover of the land between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea, which includes Israel. 'We've called on people to walk out of work. We have called on people to walk out of their schools. Many people have responded to that call,' said Munir Marwan of the Palestinian Youth Movement to CBS New York. The group is calling for a ceasefire and an end to what they called Israeli genocide. Palestinians search for casualties at the Magazi Refugee Camp in central Gaza Israel military vehicles and heavy smoke inside the Gaza Strip Israeli forces have continued to pound Gaza for weeks The following day, a mob of masked pro-Palestinian protesters attempted to storm Grand Central station as they kicked in the door and cracked the glass. Though they failed to make it into the closed station that typically sees 750,000 people pass through daily, the NYPD warned people to avoid the area. It has been just over a month since Hamas launched their surprise attack that killed 1,400 Israelis and seized about 240 hostages in the worst attack in the country's history. On Wednesday, President Biden said he had made it clear to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that a two-state solution was the only answer to resolve Israel-Palestinian conflict and said Hamas committed war crimes by storing weapons in a tunnel under a Gaza hospital. Israel has long accused Hamas of hiding its forces among civilian targets. Hamas officials have said more than 10,000 have died in Israel's campaign, although the White House says it cannot verify the figure. A Sydney emergency room hosted a pair of fluffy bunnies after an animal activist was injured on her way to a convention. The Rabbit Rescue Sanctuary founder Kim Cooney was on her way to the Sydney Pet Show to speak about safe adoption on Friday. However, after travelling 10 hours on the train from Grafton, in the state's northeast, to Sydney, Ms Cooney suffered a fall outside her hotel. 'When I went into the hotel in Sydney, I didn't see the steps and fell. The ambulance came and took me to hospital,' she wrote online. Paramedics grabbed Ms Cooney's belongings - including the two bunnies she'd brought for the convention. Animal activist Kim Cooney suffered a fall while on her way to a convention in Sydney (pictured, nurses with her bunnies) Paramedics at the scene grabbed Ms Cooney's belongings, including a pair of bunnies (one above) she was bringing to the Sydney Pet Show 'Doctors and the nurses all loved the bunnies,' she said. 'I am okay, they gave me some pain relief for my knees and lower back.' Many Aussies wished Ms Cooney a quick recovery, and said break with the bunnies could have been the boost hospital workers needed. 'I bet that will be the highlight of their shift, check out those smiles! Hospital staff are really doing it tough post pandemic,' one wrote. 'That sort of positive experience can really help morale and brighten their days.' Another added: 'The nurses and doctors had a great day at work with you coming in with the bunnies.' 'It looks like you made their week,' another wrote. The Rabbit Rescue Sanctuary, based in the outskirts of Grafton, finds new homes abandoned and mistreated bunnies. In the last month alone the organisation has rescued 33 rabbits and rehomed 40. Looking at photos of hospital staff with the rabbits (above), commenters said the bunnies would have 'made their week' with one writing: 'Hospital staff are really doing it tough post pandemic' The grief-stricken grandmother of a young surfer who killed himself has revealed his last tragic words and his plea to relatives in the letters he left behind for his family. The body of Logan Steinwede was discovered by his grandparents on November 6, just weeks after the promising surfer celebrated his 20th birthday on October 1. He was the stepson of NRL star Kieran Foran who married Logan's mother, Karina, in 2018 after she split with Logan's father and motivational speaker Mat Steinwede. At Logan's heartwrenching funeral at EV Church in Erina on the NSW Central Coast on Friday, his nan Karen Coulson revealed the family were still searching for answers. The emotion-charged service was attended by about 1,000 mourners and ended with a powerful Haka-style tribute as the coffin left the church. Standing on stage next to Logan's coffin and his beloved surfboard and didgeridoo, grandmother Coulson relived the awful moment she 'found him early that morning' and said she had had since cried 'oceans of tears'. But she also said his death had brought his family closer, in line with his last wishes revealed in the notes he left for each of his shattered loved ones. At Logan Steinwede's heartwrenching funeral at EV Church in Erina on the NSW Central Coast on Friday, his nan Karen Coulson revealed the family were still searching for answers. His stepfather, footy star Kieran Foran, was one of his pallbearers Logan's mother Karina (pictured centre) - who married Foran in 2018 - after she split with Logan's father and motivational speaker Mat Steinwede Logan's father Mat was accompanied by loved ones at the funeral The emotion-charged service was attended by around 1000 mourners, young and old, and ended with a powerful Haka-style tribute as the coffin left the church The body of Logan Steinwede (pictured) was discovered by his grandparents on November 6, just weeks after the promising surfer celebrated his 20th birthday on October 1 'The big question is, "Why?" What happened? Why didn't we see it?' she said. She revealed that Logan had spent his last day on a fishing expedition with mates who had told the family he seemed fine, apart from breaking the remote control of his car key. 'On Sunday night, he bounced in the door after fishing with the boys,' she told mourners packing out the church's pews for the two hour service. 'He seemed happy and normal and we were watching TV. We had a quick chat about the weekend and then he said he was heading up to bed as he had to be up early. 'He thumped down the stairs and as he ran, he called out his last words to us. He said, "Love you Nan! Love you, Pop!" And we called back, "Love you, Logan!" 'You couldn't say, "I love you too", because he wanted you to say his name. He wanted to hear you say, "I love you Logan". He said he has us trained...' It was the last words they ever spoke. The following morning, they found his body in his room. 'He'd left a note on the table for each member of the family,' she sobbed. 'In it, he said he was grateful for the love and the help he had had - but he had a plea. 'His plea was for that those he loved to be "mutual" - to reconnect, to have each other's back. He used the word "mutual", love - to have each other.' Ms Coulson said Logan's words had already had a huge impact on his family and friends. 'From that day, even though we've all struggled with the sadness, I've seen massive shifts in everybody in the family,' she said. 'People digging really deep, stepping out of their comfort zone, to cross chasms that have been made, to reconnect, to be mutual, to do what Logan wanted.' She said in hindsight, there had been some warning signs all may not have been well with Logan, who was remembered as fearless and loyal by all who knew him. 'Looking back, there were some indicators, but they were woven into our everyday,' she said. 'A conversation where he said some things, voiced concerns. 'When I picked him up on the Tuesday of that week, he sobbed as I drove him home. I said to his Pop, "Logan broke his heart tonight". 'But I just didn't realise how deep it was. We just didn't see the signs through the big happy persona that he had.' Mourners at the funeral heard Logan's death had brought his family closer, in line with his last wishes revealed in the anguished notes he left for each of his shattered loved ones (family members pictured above, including his mother Karina) Logan's nan Karen Coulson revealed her grandson's last tragic words to her Logan's grandmother said she had cried an ocean of tears since finding his body in his room Mourners of all ages attended to pay their last respects to the 'fearless and loyal' surfer Friends and family spoke of their love for Logan and his unwavering love for his friends Logan's devastated mother Karina struggled through her moving heartfelt tribute to her son. She revealed she had visited him in the funeral home on Thursday and shared one last kiss with him. 'I went to see you yesterday,' she said. 'And although I know it wasn't you, I felt you. Your spirit warmed me. 'Your life was so full, but far from complete. A piece of us lost in emptiness. I don't know how to breathe. I don't know how to sleep any more. 'I don't want to wake up. All I want is you. I want to talk to you. I want to feel you come into a room and feel your energy. Logan's father Mat (pictured) recalled some of his son's dangerous exploits as a child, including surfing towering 10m waves when he was just 9 years old 'I want you to throw Kieran over your shoulder like you did and start challenging him to a wrestle! 'I know you're here.... I can feel you in and around the water.' Logan's father Mat recalled some of his son's dangerous exploits as a child, including surfing towering 10m waves when he was just nine years old, and paid tribute to the positive impact girlfriend, Charli Bond, had on Logan. 'It was at this point that Logan suddenly lived life his way, the way he wanted to do it,' he said, struggling to keep his emotions in check. 'He became a man. 'I kept waiting for the call to come from Logan to say ''I've done it - I've got life sorted". But that call never came. 'I've rebuilt many things in my life - marriages, businesses, myself - but I can never rebuild my heart. I cannot rebuild what happened.' The service included musical tributes from Logan's grandfather Chris Coulson and his sister Paris, who sang James Blunt's Monsters. It included the lines: 'I'm not your son, you're not my father, We're just two loved ones saying goodbye...Brother, close your eyes, don't be afraid... 'It's my turn to chase the monsters away.' When the funeral cortege left the church, Logan's mother was supported by Kiwi-born Gold Coast Titans Foran as some mourners performed a powerful Maori haka-style tribute Grieving friends then formed a guard of honour as the coffin was then driven out the church, followed by Logan's parents and his brothers and sisters Mourners then moved to one of Logan's favourite surfing spots at nearby MacMasters Beach for a wake in his honour When the funeral cortege left the church, Logan's mother was supported by Kiwi-born Gold Coast Titans Foran as some mourners performed a powerful Maori haka-style tribute. Grieving friends then formed a guard of honour as the coffin was then driven out the church, followed on foot by Logan's parents and his brothers and sisters. Mourners then moved to one of Logan's favourite surfing spots at nearby MacMasters Beach for a wake in his honour. A further tribute will be held a 9am on Sunday when surfers have been invited to paddle out in his memory at Terrigal Haven. Lifeline: 13 11 14 Suicide Callback Service: 1300 659 467 Mensline Australia: 1300 789 987 Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 A New York City plastic surgeon and husband to a Housewife is trying to use his talents to help those who were victims of the Hamas attack or who have faced antisemitism in its wake. Ira Savetsky is now offering his services - including rhinoplasty costing upwards of $20,000 - completely complimentary to victims of hate crimes or the Hamas terrorist attack on October 7. Savetsky, 39, who is married to former Real Housewives of New York star Lizzy Savetsky, experienced the October 7 Hamas attack firsthand. He was with his wife and three young children in Jerusalem, running in and out of bomb shelters during the tragic day. Upon returning to the US, he decided to contribute by offering his surgical expertise at his Park Avenue office to victims, free of charge. The initiative gained momentum when he received messages about a Jewish individual, Rafi, who was brutally attacked in the Lower East Side. 'Next thing I knew people were sending me messages about a kid who was beat up on the Lower East Side for being Jewish,' Savetsky told Dailymail.com. New York City based plastic surgeon Ira Savetsky is offering his services - including rhinoplasty costing upwards of $20,000 - completely complimentary to individuals who are victims of hate crimes or the Hamas terrorist attack on October 7 At his private Park Avenue practice, Savetsky, 39, has since met with a victim of a brutal hate crime in the Lower East Side as well as a survivor of the slaughtering at the Nova music festival Rafi, who was in a predominantly Jewish neighborhood when someone asked if he was Jewish. When he replied 'yes,' he was viciously attacked by a man who repeatedly punched him in the face. Suspecting a broken nose, friends of the young man reached out to Savetsky for help. Savetsky met with Rafi and offered any assistance necessary. Taking to Instagram, he encouraged others to reach out for free plastic or reconstructive surgery if they had experienced a hate crime. 'Rafi, who unfortunately was a victim of a recent anti-Semitic hate crime. Im grateful I could offer my assistance following this terrible incident,' Savetsky wrote on Instagram. 'If you know someone who has experienced a hate crime and requires plastic or reconstructive surgery, please contact my office. These services will be free.' In addition to Rafi, Savetsky also extended his services to Natalie Sanandaji, a 28-year-old survivor of the October 7 attack - who ran for her life while getting gunned down by terrorists. Concerned about the rising anti-Semitism in New York City and around the world, Savetsky expressed a desire to help those with facial trauma resulting from violent incidents. 'With anti-Semitism skyrocketing in New York City and around the world - with increasingly violent protests, the chance of there being more facial trauma is increasing,' Savetsky said. Concerned about the rising anti-Semitism in New York City and around the world, Savetsky expressed a desire to help those with facial trauma resulting from violent incidents Rafi, who was in a predominantly Jewish neighborhood when someone asked if he was Jewish. He replied 'yes' before getting viciously attacked by a man who repeatedly punched him in the face To expand his outreach, Savetsky compiled a team of physicians, including dermatologists and anesthesiologists, all dedicated to aiding the community affected by hate crimes. Noam Kurtis (left) Savetsky (right) Savetsky's generosity further reached an Israeli woman who, feeling unsafe to travel to Turkey for her scheduled rhinoplasty, was offered the procedure in the US at no cost Savetsky is open to helping all people - including those who have differing views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict 'I wanted to extend my services to anyone with facial trauma - it would be my pleasure to see them free of charge,' he said. To expand his outreach, Savetsky compiled a team of physicians, including dermatologists and anesthesiologists, all dedicated to aiding the community affected by hate crimes. Beyond physical injuries, he addressed concerns such as a college student's request to remove a visible Hebrew tattoo due to safety fears amid increasing anti-Semitic attacks on campuses. The tattoo read 'chai' - the Hebrew word for 'life.' 'It's sad that it comes to a place where people want to hide their Judaism. We want people to be proud of it but if people are worried about their safety, it's completely understandable,' the doctor said. Savetsky's generosity further reached an Israeli woman who, feeling unsafe to travel to Turkey for her scheduled rhinoplasty, was offered the procedure in the US at no cost. Savetsky, who is married to former Real Housewives star Lizzy Savetsky, experienced the October 7 Hamas attack firsthand. He was with his wife and three young children in Jerusalem, running in and out of bomb shelters during the tragic day Savetsky with his daughter at the March for Israel in Washington, DC Savetsky and his wife Lizzy, who is also a staunch Israel supporter on social media, have faced extreme backlash and hate for their open support of the country Despite facing backlash for his and his wife's public support of Israel, Savetsky remains undeterred A rhinoplasty surgery can last three hours and cost upwards of $20,000. Savetsky said it's his 'absolute pleasure' to help anyone impacted by hate - including any race, religion or culture. 'It's really an honor for me to do something nice to someone who is suffering or standing up for others,' he told DailyMail.com. 'What it comes down to is that we want to feel like we are doing something and giving back to everyone in our extended family in Israel,' he added. Savetsky and his wife Lizzy, who is also a staunch Israel supporter on social media, have faced extreme backlash and hate for their open support of the country. 'We both get tons of hate because of Lizzy's activism - they come after my business they write negative reviews, they send nasty messages on social media, they call my office, they harass my staff,' he said. Despite facing backlash for his and his wife's public support of Israel, Savetsky remains undeterred. Reflecting on the past and his grandmother's survival of the Holocaust, he emphasized the need to speak out proudly against hate now more than ever. 'At the end of the day this is not the time to be scare or hide who we are, I think about someone like my grandmother who has survived Auschwitz - she didn't survive Auschwitz so we could be quiet in this moment - I want to do anything I can right now to be vocal to be proud,' the plastic surgeon said. Savetsky is open to helping all people - including those who have differing views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Savetsky invites open dialogue and stands firm in his commitment to assist anyone impacted by hate crimes, regardless of their background or beliefs When asked if he was afraid to lose business for standing up for Israel, Savetsky said 'Im not afraid. Im so proud of my people and my homeland. I hope my work as a plastic surgeon speaks for itself and Im happy to see any patient who comes my way' He invites open dialogue and stands firm in his commitment to assist anyone impacted by hate crimes, regardless of their background or beliefs. 'Anyone that's a victim of a hate crime, it's a terrible thing - I would never turn anyone away,' he said. 'We are all part of humanity - when you show kindness, hopefully people understand and will show kindness back to us. 'It's important to have dialogue because we are often stuck in our own echo chamber and in our algorithm on social media - It's hard to see the other side but it's important to see what the other people are seeing and hearing. 'What's happening is a tragedy for innocent Palestinians in Gaza as well as Israelis - who are all effected by Hamas, he added. 'It's important to have these conversations.' When asked if he was afraid to lose business for standing up for Israel, Savetsky said 'Im not afraid. Im so proud of my people and my homeland. I hope my work as a plastic surgeon speaks for itself and Im happy to see any patient who comes my way.' Loay Alnaji, 50, has been taken into custody on an involuntary manslaughter charge. He is shown at the protest where Kessler was fatally injured Kessler, 69, died after getting into an altercation with Alnaji at a protest in Thousand Oaks earlier this month. An autopsy revealed he'd been hit in the face and died after hitting his head on the concrete sidewalk. Witnesses said Alnaji attacked him, causing him to fall There has been an alarming 135 percent spike in hate crimes since the Hamas terrorist attacks last month, according to the NYPD Last month, journalist Bari Weiss shared anti-Semitic graffiti left outside the NYC offices of the Free Press There has been an alarming 135 percent spike in hate crimes in New York since the Hamas terrorist attacks last month, according to the NYPD. The month of October saw 101 hate crimes - up from the 43 seen in September and 45 in October, 2022, police said on Wednesday. The majority of the crimes - 69 - were against Jews, as anti-Semitic crimes rose 331 percent since September and 214 percent since October of last year. Paul Kessler, 69, was killed after suffering a head injury following an interaction with a pro-Palestinian protester on November 5 in Thousand Oaks, California. A man was charged in connection with the death Kessler, a Jewish protester who was struck in the head with a megaphone by a pro-Palestine protestor. Loay Alnaji, 50, of Moorpark, was arrested Thursday morning in connection with Kesslers death, the county sheriffs office said. Alnaji was then charged with involuntary manslaughter and battery causing serious bodily injury. The order was imposed by Judge Arthur Engoron, who Trump branded 'politically biased' in a scathing post on Truth Social He cited concerns over 'constitutional and statutory rights' after Trump's lawyers said the order infringed on his freedom of speech A gag order put in place by a 'politically biased' New York judge during Donald Trump's civil fraud trial has been overturned. Judge Arthur Engoron - who is overseeing the fraud trial that is ongoing against Trump - slapped a limited gag order on the former president on October 3 after he insulted the judge's principal law clerk in a post on his Truth Social platform. On Thursday, another judge, Associate Justice David Friedman, temporarily lifted the gag order pending a hearing about whether it should be in place amid concerns it could impinge on Trump's freedom of speech. 'Considering the constitutional and statutory rights at issue an interim stay is granted,' the appellate judge wrote. News of the interim stay prompted the former president return to his social media platform once again to decry the 'wicked attack on democracy' by Engoron and his 'Trump hating clerk.' A gag order place on Donald Trump during his New York civil fraud trial has been temporarily lifted amid free speech concerns. The restriction was imposed by Judge Arthur Engoron after Trump insulted him and his clerk in a post on truth social Trump has already been fined $15,000 for violating the gag order imposed during the fraud trial brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James Trump blasted the 'ridiculous and unconstitutional' gag order as well as Engoron who he accused of not allowing him 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.' Engoron previously fined the 77-year-old Trump a total of $15,000 for two violations of the restriction during the trial brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James. James was also targeted by Trump, who called her 'the worst and least respected Attorney General in the United States' and a 'worldwide disgrace.' He fumed: 'The radical and unprecedented actions of Judge Engoron will keep businesses and jobs forever out of New York State. 'I have done nothing wrong my numbers were low, not high, I have a complete disclaimer clause, their star witness admitted he lied and made up this Fake case against me, and the the Attorney General used a Get Trump platform in order to run for A.G. & Governor (she failed!). This wicked attack on Democracy must be ended, now!' Judge David Friedman granted an interim stay on the gag order pending a hearing about whether it infringes on Trump's right to free speech Trump, the frontrunner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, and his two eldest sons are accused of inflating the value of their real estate assets to receive more favorable bank loans and insurance terms. The federal judge set to preside over Trump's March trial in Washington for conspiring to overturn the 2020 presidential election also imposed a partial gag order on the brash billionaire, but that order has also been frozen pending an appeals court hearing to take place on Monday. US District Judge Tanya Chutkan ordered Trump last month not to publicly attack prosecutors, court staff or potential witnesses ahead of his trial. Chutkan's ruling came after special counsel Jack Smith, a frequent target of Trump's vitriol, filed a motion claiming the real estate tycoon's inflammatory rhetoric threatened to undermine his trial for election subversion. Trump was indicted in Washington for allegedly seeking to upend the results of the 2020 election in a concerted effort that led to the violent January 6 attack on the US Capitol by his supporters. Trump also faces federal charges for alleged mishandling of top secret documents after he left the White House, and has been indicted for racketeering in Georgia on accusations that he tried to overturn the 2020 election results in the southern state. 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%. A bikie boss has admitted involvement in the extortion of a woman who owned a gym business with a former top-grade rugby league player. Ian Ronald Crowden is already serving an 11-year jail sentence after pleading guilty in Brisbane Supreme Court last year to 'an array of criminality' dating back to 2014. The 49-year-old was sentenced in the Brisbane District Court on Friday for the extortion of a woman to take over ownership of the gym. The woman had been in a relationship and owned a gym with Anthony 'Chook' Fowler, who had a short NSWRL career in 1994 with the now-defunct Gold Coast Seagulls. A woman who had been in a relationship and owned a gym with Anthony 'Chook' Fowler (pictured), had her father approached by bikies after the couple's relationship ended READ MORE: Tax frauds extorted by bikies Secret recordings reveal how Australia's biggest-ever tax fraudsters were blackmailed into handing over millions of dollars - by being threatened with a bashing by a bikie gang if they refused to do so. Advertisement After the couple's relationship ended, bikie club members went to the woman's father's house wearing black tracksuits and beanies to say she had to 'sign the business over to Chook', court documents state. Fowler engaged Crowden who didn't involve himself in the actual threats but brought others into the extortion, Judge Brad Farr said. 'A purpose was to obtain a benefit for yourself, that being a directorship of the business in question.' It was done through fear, intimidation and threats with Crowden being 'well involved' and party to the offending of others. Last year Crowden pleaded guilty to offences including drug trafficking and an assault, with others, on a fellow gang member who gave a statement to police. After the man was punched and kicked about 50 times, losing consciousness, Crowden picked up a hammer, smashing his hand about three times then hitting his legs, court documents state. Bikie club members went to the woman's father's house wearing black tracksuits and beanies to say she had to 'sign the business over to Chook' (pictured, Anthony Fowler), court documents state During another assault Crowden broke a plastic chair by slamming it into the gang member's ribs. Judge Farr sentenced Crowden on Friday to two years in jail for the extortion, cumulative on the sentence he is already serving. The court heard Crowden used illicit steroids for decades and worked in a crematorium and burial businesses which exposed him to traumatic experiences. He will be eligible for parole in June 2027. Fowler was sentenced to six years' jail last year after pleading guilty to extortion and other charges. Music mogul Sean 'Diddy' Combs is not being investigated by the New York City Police Department as he faces a lawsuit from his ex-girlfriend Cassie over alleged abuse, according to a report. The rapper, 54, was originally reported as being the subject of a police probe, but the NYPD have since clarified that this is not the case Diddy's former girlfriend Cassie filed a lawsuit in Manhattan's Federal District Court in which she accused him of rape and repeated physical abuse. She said the music executive allegedly controlled and abused her for over a decade - as well as plying her with drugs, beating her, and forcing her to have sex with multiple male prostitutes while he watched and recorded. The pair met in 2005 when she was aged 19 and split in 2018. Diddy has vehemently denied all of the 'offensive and outrageous allegations.' Sean 'Diddy' Combs is being investigated by the New York City Police Department as he faces a lawsuit from his ex-girlfriend Cassie over alleged abuse, according to a report The rapper, 54, is the subject of what appears to be a sexual assault case, according to TMZ , although it is not clear who made the criminal complaint It emerged on the same day that Diddy's former girlfriend Cassie (pictured) filed a lawsuit in Manhattan's Federal District Court in which she accused him of rape and repeated physical abuse Law enforcement sources told TMZ that there is an active case with the name 'Sean Combs' - but offered few other details including a possible victim. But an NYPD spokesman told DailyMail.com on Friday there is no such investigation. 'Yesterday, a member of the NYPDs public information office erroneously told a reporter about the apparent existence of an active case file containing the name Sean Combs,' the police department said in a statement. 'There is no such investigation, at present. Further, the release of such information is not consistent with the internal policies of the office of the Deputy Commissioner, Public Information.' Cassie, 37, filed a federal lawsuit on Thursday against her ex-boyfriend Diddy. Among the serious allegations is that he sex trafficked her to male prostitutes to fulfill his voyeurism fantasies in hotels and at his home. The lawsuit claims she was directed to have sex with multiple men - sometimes in masks and costumes - while the music exec watched, masturbated, and filmed. Cassie, in the documents, called the ordeals 'horrific encounters' and said she had to take drugs to disassociate during the arrangements. He called the alleged sexual exploitation 'freak outs,' according to the lawsuit, and they are said to have taken place in various hotel suites including at the Trump International Hotel in New York City. The lawsuit states that the music executive, who she first met as a teenager, told her it would 'turn him on' if he saw her with 'another d***'. He allegedly hired a man and brought him to his home in Los Angeles to engage in the sex acts with Cassie. 'Mr. Combs directed Ms. Ventura to perform sexual acts with this man while Mr. Combs watched them,' the lawsuit states. 'He masturbated while he directed Ms. Ventura and the man to do specific sexual acts. The entire encounter lasted multiple days.' She was allegedly required to dress up in lingerie, wear white nail polish to contrast with the skin of the black sex workers and cover herself in oil. Cassie claimed Diddy got drunk during a 'freak off' around March 2016 and punched her in the face, leaving her with a black eye. She said she tried to leave the hotel room when he fell asleep but he woke up and began screaming at her. He allegedly grabbed at her, took the glass vases in the hallway and threw them at her 'causing glass to crash around them as she ran to the elevator to escape.' Cassie said the music executive allegedly controlled and abused her for over a decade - as well as plying her with drugs, beating her, and forcing her to have sex with multiple male prostitutes while he watched and recorded Among the serious allegations is that he sex trafficked her to male prostitutes to fulfil his voyeurism fantasies in hotels and at his home The lawsuit claims she was directed to have sex with multiple men - sometimes in masks and costumes - while the music exec watched, masturbated, and filmed Cassie, in the documents, called the ordeals 'horrific encounters' and said she had to take drugs to disassociate during the arrangements which Diddy allegedly called 'freak offs' She claimed that she tried to escape him multiple times but would be found by Diddy's 'vast network of corporations and affiliated entities' who told her to return to him She managed to escape to her apartment but claimed she returned over fears he would be even angrier. 'When she returned, hotel security staff urged her to get back into a cab and go to her apartment, suggesting that they had seen the security footage showing Mr. Combs beating Ms. Ventura and throwing glass at her in the hotel hallway,' the lawsuit states. She alleged that Diddy paid the hotel staff $50,000 for the hallway security footage from that evening. On another occasion in 2013, Diddy allegedly set up a 'freak off' and was charged tens of thousands of dollars in damages by the hotel. Cassie was expected to facilitate the location and hiring of male sex workers for the 'freak offs', according to the lawsuit. She was allegedly instructed to use websites and escort services to find men with 'large black penises,' she claimed in the lawsuit. It alleged that Diddy would insist on the encounters weekly and that he repeatedly told her it was 'our thing' and 'our secret'. The lawsuit also claims that he asked Cassie to carry his gun in her purse on at least two occasions. Diddy allegedly plied her with ecstasy and ketamine, and often beat her up. She never told authorities because it 'would merely give Mr. Combs another excuse to hurt her.' Cassie alleged that Diddy blew up Kid Cudi's car around February 2012 after he found out they were in a relationship together. She claimed he went through her phone and found emails between her and the American rapper and became enraged. Diddy allegedly placed a manual corkscrew in between his fingers and lunged at her, according to the lawsuit and she ran away to stay with Kid Cudi. Cassie later returned and the music executive allegedly hit her several times, and then kicked her in the back as she tried to run out the door. During Paris Fashion week, she claims Diddy told her he was going to blow up Kid Cudi's car and that he wanted to make sure he was home with his friends when it happened. 'Around that time, Kid Cudis car exploded in his driveway,' the lawsuit stated. 'Ms. Ventura was terrified, as she began to fully comprehend what Mr. Combs was both willing and able to do to those he believed had slighted him.' In August 2015, Diddy allegedly picked up her friend 'like a child' and dangled her over a 17th-floor balcony while intoxicated at Cassie's surprise dinner for her 29th birthday. Cassie also claims that Diddy would threaten to suppress her music if she did not obey his 'violent' orders. He also paid for her car and apartment, and had access to her personal medical records, the suit claims. She claimed that he raped her in September 2018 and that he forced his way into her apartment after dinner in Malibu, California. He allegedly tried to kiss her before forcibly removing her clothes and unbuckling his belt. 'He proceeded to rape Ms. Ventura while she repeatedly said no and tried to push him away,' the lawsuit claims. Following this alleged incident, Cassie said she took steps to completely separate herself from 'her long-time abuser'. The lawsuit states that the music executive, who she first met as a teenager, told her it would 'turn him on' if he saw her with 'another d***' The pair met in 2005 when she was aged 19 and split in 2018 Diddy has vehemently denied all of the 'offensive and outrageous allegations' She eventually left the home he paid for and returned the car he purchased for her. But Cassie said she suffers from immense emotional distress from the 'immense trauma endured over a decade with Mr Combs'. The lawsuit claims that Diddy 'used his money and power to orchestrate extensive efforts to hide the evidence of his abuse' by forcing Cassie to hide in hotels for days at a time to let her bruises heal. It alleges that he beat her repeatedly in an Escalade by kicking and hitting her following a party with Jay-Z. The lawsuit claims that in January 2009 that Diddy assaulted her after he found out she spoke to another music manager at a party in Los Angeles. 'In the car leaving the club, Mr. Combs beat Ms. Ventura, pushing her into a corner of the vehicle and stomping on her face,' it stated. 'Mr. Combss security staff, Roger Bonds, tried to stop the beating, but was unable to deescalate the situation.' She is said to been bleeding profusely and attempted to run away before being ushered into Diddy's home where she began to throw up. Cassie said that although she has 'fully escaped' Diddy the 'harm that the assaults and sexual abuse he caused her to experience for nearly a decade will forever haunt her'. The lawsuit claimed she has required intensive medical and psychological care to recover from 'trauma she lived through'. She is seeking unspecified damages. The lawsuit is brought under the Adult Survivors Act - which is a New York law allowing people to file claims even after the statute of limitations has run out. The suit said: 'With the expiration of New York's Adult Survivors Act fast approaching it became clear that this was an opportunity to speak up about the trauma I have experienced and that I will be recovering from for the rest of my life.' Ben Brafman, Diddy's lawyer, said: 'Mr. Combs vehemently denies these offensive and outrageous allegations. 'For the past six months, Mr. Combs has been subjected to Ms. Ventura's persistent demand of $30 million, under the threat of writing a damaging book about their relationship, which was unequivocally rejected as blatant blackmail. 'Despite withdrawing her initial threat, Ms. Ventura has now resorted to filing a lawsuit riddled with baseless and outrageous lies, aiming to tarnish Mr. Combs's reputation and seeking a payday.' But her attorney Wigdor told DailyMail.com: 'Mr. Combs offered Ms. Ventura eight figures to silence her and prevent the filing of this lawsuit. She rejected his efforts and decided to give a voice to all woman who suffer in silence. Ms. Ventura should be applauded for her bravery.' Diddy, who also goes by the stage name Puff Daddy, is worth an estimated $1 billion after being one of the star figures in the commercialization of hip-hop in the 1990s. He grew to be one of his generation's most notable music producers - working with names such as Notorious B.I.G. and Mary J. Blige. Diddy founded Bad Boy - his record label - which Cassie was signed to in 2006. Cassie has since married Alex Fine and has two children with him. She was swept up in his luxurious lifestyle and reaped the benefits of having her debut album released under his label. This article originally reported that the NYPD were investigating Sean Combs and has been updated Former President Donald Trump claimed just months after the January 6 mob on Capitol Hill that he would've been 'very well received' and would have gone to stop them from storming the building had the Secret Service not intervened. In new audio of an interview Trump from March 18, 2021 with ABC News' Jonathan Karl, Trump spoke glowingly of what he felt could've been on that day. 'If you look at the real size of that crowd, it was never reported correctly,' Trump said. 'There were it's the biggest crowd I've ever spoken in front of by far. By far.' Karl then noted that Trump - who faces a trial March 4 on allegations of trying to overturn the election in Washington - said he told that crowd that he was headed to the Capitol, which led to Trump's admission. 'I was thinking about going back during the problem to stop the problem, doing it myself. Secret Service didn't like that idea too much,' Trump said. 'I was going to and then Secret Service said you can't, and then by the time I would have, and then when I get back, I saw I wanted to go back,' he said. Former President Donald Trump claimed just months after the January 6 mob on Capitol Hill that he would've been 'very well received' and would have gone had the Secret Service not intervened Trump did not turn up at the riot, which resulted in more than 1,000 people charged over their involvement that day, CNN reported. The audio could be used against Trump at next year's trial. Federal Judge Tanya Chutkan set a March 4 trial date for former Trump to face federal criminal charges in Washington, D.C., setting up a historic court clash before the November elections. Both sides have predicted the trial itself could take four-to-six weeks, a period that could come before the end of the primary process, with around a dozen states yet to hold primaries. That could bring a verdict six months before voters head to the polls in November 2024. Trump is accused of conspiring to obstruct an official proceeding, defraud the government, and disenfranchise voters, in a streamlined indictment stemming from his election overturn effort. The indictment accuses the defeated president and his allies of trying to 'exploit the violence and chaos' by calling lawmakers into the evening on Jan. 6 to delay the certification of Biden's victory. It also cites handwritten notes from former Vice President Mike Pence that give gravitas to Trump's relentless goading to reject the electoral votes. Trump did not turn up at the riot, which resulted in more than 1,000 people charged over their involvement that day, CNN reported Federal Judge Tanya Chutkan set a March 4 trial date for former Trump to face federal criminal charges in Washington, D.C., on allegations Trump tried to overturn the election The indictment accuses the defeated president and his allies of trying to 'exploit the violence and chaos' by calling lawmakers into the evening on Jan. 6 to delay the certification of Biden's victory Pence declined overtures from a House panel that investigated the insurrection and sought to avoid testifying before the special counsel. He appeared only after losing a court fight, with prosecutors learning that Trump in one conversation derided him as 'too honest' to stop the certification. The Trump campaign has called the charges 'fake' and asked why it took two-and-a-half years to bring them. The former president faces multiple indictments that look to impede his progress toward regaining the presidency. Trump still leads potential 2024 rival President Joe Biden 52 to 48 percent in a poll released Thursday. Anthony Albanese has refused to comment on US President Joe Biden calling China's President Xi Jinping a 'dictator' but welcomed renewed military dialogue between the global powers. Speaking at the APEC Summit on Friday, the Prime Minister said he was positive that discussions had progressed between Mr Biden and Mr Xi and raised the easing of leftover trade bans on Australia. But when asked if he agreed with Mr Biden's remarks that China's President was a 'dictator', Mr Albanese was careful to avoid the term. 'China has a different political system from Australia. It's not a democratic state with elections with multi-party elections,' he said. US President Joe Biden called Chinese President Xi Jinping a 'dictator' but Prime Minister Anthony Albanese did not use the same word while in San Francisco for the APEC conference READ MORE: PM jets off days after criminals hit the streets Opposition Leader Peter Dutton called on Mr Albanese to cancel his trip to deal with pressing domestic issues. Advertisement 'The impression that I get was that the discussions (between US and China) were very positive, and breakthroughs on issues like military-to-military discussion and communication is something that has been raised when I was in Washington DC with President Biden and something that I raised with President Xi when I met with him in Beijing.' Mr Biden angered China's Foreign Ministry after he described China's leader as a 'dictator' following a highly anticipated meeting on Wednesday. Later, China condemned the remarks at a press conference with Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning calling Mr Biden's speech 'irresponsible political manipulation'. After a formal talks on Friday, Mr Albanese confirmed he had again raised the prospect of China lifting its leftover trade sanctions on Australian beef, lobster and wine. 'I reiterated to him that the signal that the impediments to trade between our two nations were reducing and being removed were being received positively in Australia,' Mr Albanese said. Mr Albanese instead explained that 'China has a different political system from Australia. It's not a democratic state with elections with multi-party elections' PM's concern for summer Earlier, Mr Albanese expressed serious concerns for Australia's looming summer during high-level climate talks with leaders in the US. The Prime Minister met with both Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin on the sidelines of the APEC summit on Thursday. In an 'informal chat' with Mr Trudeau, both leaders discussed joint efforts to address climate change in the wake of the country's devastating wildfires. 'I'm very proud that Australians were there once again to help Canada, just as Canadians have been in Australia. We are very worried about our upcoming summer,' Mr Albanese said. 'We have all the conditions that were there prior to 2019-20. And indeed, the fact that that period has gone means you've got the growth that's just about the right size, elements, conditions to really be concerned with a very dry, hot period coming up for us.' While at the conference Mr Albanese also met with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau who he had not seen since September Canada has had a record-breaking fire season in 2023, with 65,000 fires recorded across the nation's 13 provinces and territories since March. Earlier, Mr Albanese held his first meeting with Mr Thavisin since the leader's election in August. Mr Albanese said both Thailand and Australia had a lot of progress to work through under Australia's Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040, which was launched in Jakarta in September. Thailand is Australia's third largest trading partner in Southeast Asia, with two-way trade worth more than $24.6bn in 2021-22. 'Australia and Thailand have a great friendship and we are working on our strategic partnership that we have in place between our two great countries,' Mr Albanese said. The Australian leader also took the time to talk one-on-one with Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin who was also in attendance 'There's a large diaspora in Australia with the Thai community. It's very big and a community that's involved in businesses, involved in commerce and spread right around the entire nation.' Mr Albanese signalled a further strengthening of economic ties and said the new agreement was 'pointing towards how our complementary economies can work to create jobs in both of our jurisdictions.' The man who allegedly shot and killed Brevet Sergeant Jason Doig in rural South Australia has been identified, with the accused's family breaking their silence. Sergeant Doig, 53, and his colleagues Constable Rebekah Cass and Sergeant Michael Hutchinson responded to a report a man had shot a dog on a family property in Senior, near Bordertown, at around 11.20pm on Thursday. The trio were allegedly confronted by Jaydn Stimson, 26, upon arrival before a subsequent shootout began where Sgt Doig was fatally shot. Mr Hutchinson suffered non-life threatening gunshot injuries and remains in Flinders Medical Centre, where he is expected to recover from his injuries. Jaydn Stimson has been identified as the alleged gunman who shot and killed a South Australian police officer The 26-year-old was shot by police at the scene and remains in hospital under police guard in Adelaide suffering serious life-threatening injuries Mr Stimson's family broke their silence on Friday, extending their condolences to the families of Sgt Doig and Sgt Hutchinson, The Advertiser reported. 'As a family, our hearts are broken by the incidents that occurred overnight,' they said. 'For now, our thoughts remain with Sergeant Hutchinson and his family while he recovers from his injuries.' 'Our thoughts are also with the South East community who will all be affected by this tragedy,' the statement read. 'At this time, our family requests privacy while we process the events that have taken place.' Police Commissioner Grant Stevens confirmed Mr Stimson was the only one at the property at the time of the shooting The alleged shooter remains in hospital under police guard after he was airlifted to Adelaide for treatment suffering serious life-threatening injuries. Mr Stimson is believed to have been the only person at the property at the time of the fatal shooting, Police Commissioner Grant Stevens said. Aid was rendered to him and Sgt Doig at the scene by the two officers, who were commended for their efforts. 'For those two officers to act the way they did in such difficult circumstances speaks volumes for their courage and their commitment to their duty and to their colleagues,' Commissioner Stevens added. Sergeant Doig had been in the police force for almost 35 years and was the officer in charge at Lucindale Police Station, a small town that is home to 600 residents 125km from Senior. Brevet Sergeant Jason Doig (pictured) was tragically killed in the line of duty. He had been in the SA police force since 1989 SA Sergeant Michael Hutchinson (pictured) was also shot. He was airlifted to Adelaide with non life-threatening injuries His Bordertown colleague Constable Cass, 31, wasn't physically injured in the incident. She also rendered first aid to her colleagues and the suspect. Major crime detectives, forensic response and internal investigation officers remained at the scene on Friday. Sergeant Doig was highly respected by his colleagues and had been a member of the south-east community for more than 15 years. 'No-one is left untouched by the tragic incident, there wouldn't be one single police officer today who was not thinking about the sacrifice that Jason has made and the risk that is inherent in the role of policing,' Commissioner Stevens told reporters on Friday. 'This was one of those jobs that would be part of the daily routine for police officers. 'You can only imagine during the early hours of this morning the amount of people who were wondering waiting to find out whether it was someone they cared about involved in this incident.' 'Police officers come to work knowing there are risks inherent in the job, but this is a stark reminder of what those risks may result in.' Sergeant Doig's death has rocked the close-knit community of Lucindale where he was stationed. 'We are heartbroken by the devastating news of our police officer Brevet Sergeant Jason Doig who tragically passed away overnight,' the local Country Fire Service brigade posted online. 'Many of us have worked with Jason over the years . Thank you Jason you will be missed.' 'Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those affected by this tragedy, including the two officers who were also injured and the entire SAPOL family.' Two SA police officers and an armed suspect were shot during a late night incident near the Victorian border. Pictured is a medical retrieval helicopter at the scene Sergeant Doig is the first SA police officer in 21 years to be killed while on duty. Motorcycle officer Senior Constable Bogdan (Bob) Sobczak was the last, killed in a road crash in 2002. SA police minister Joe Szakacs was in communication with the commissioner through the night. 'A heinous act of violence has taken the life of a SAPOL officer, and seriously injured another,' he posted on X, formerly known Twitter. 'This is unthinkable, tragic and shocking.'. SA Premier Peter Malinauskas has been briefed about the 'terrible news'. Foreign Minister and SA Senator Penny Wong said her thoughts were with the slain officer's loved ones and the police community. 'Every day, police risk their lives to keep us all safe,' she posted on X. 'I'm devastated for the family of a South Australian officer killed while protecting our community. 'We hope for the full recovery of his injured colleague.' The fatal shooting unfolded near the South Australian and Victoria border 270km south-east of Adelaide Federal opposition leader and former police officer Peter Dutton also paid tribute as he urged other Aussies to do the same.' 'A person has died and a family have lost a loved one,' he told Nine's Today Show. 'They've gone to a shift and tried to do the right thing and help people. They've met with somebody who had evil thoughts and outcomes. 'The community should stop and pause again and say thank you to our police officers for the work they do.' A realtor who attacked a woman with a samurai sword and repeatedly punched another while high on a cocktail of drugs and alcohol has been spared time behind bars. Sydney real estate agent Karl Adon Howard was on Friday sentenced to a 27-month intensive corrections order, which he will serve in the community. Judge Antony Townsden placed strict conditions on Howard including that he stay off alcohol and drugs, undergo supervision and complete a domestic violence program. He must also perform 250 hours of community service. Real estate agent Karl Howard, who attacked a woman with a samurai sword and repeatedly punched another while high on a cocktail of drugs, has been spared time behind bars In December 2022, Judge Townsden found Howard not guilty of two counts of grievous bodily harm with intent to murder. The 46-year-old had earlier pleaded guilty to lesser charges of recklessly causing grievous bodily harm and assault. The two women, then aged 27 and 29, were at Howard's inner-west Annandale home in February 2021 for an informal gathering where they were drinking and watching television. Howard forcibly kissed and choked one woman before punching her in the head four times after taking a cocktail of Viagra, cocaine and Valium. He struck the other woman with a samurai sword after she attempted to intervene, leaving her with a deep cut to her arm. Neither woman can be named for legal reasons. Howard was on Friday sentenced to a 27-month intensive corrections order, which he will serve in the community. He is pictured being arrested in February 2021 Defence barrister Matthew Johnston SC on Friday urged the judge not to impose more jail time given Howard had already spent time behind bars, in rehabilitation and on strict bail. '[Howard has] continued to improve and engage, but we accept there is more work to be done,' Mr Johnston said. 'Obviously there is a need for ongoing supervision in relation to drug and alcohol use.' The former principal of Ray White Balmain had made a reparation payment of $225,000 to one of the victims, Parramatta District Court heard. Howard was arrested in February 2021 and remained in custody until he was granted bail almost a year later. Karl Howard is pictured during a bedside interview with police after the attack at his Annandale home in February 2021 He also spent 80 days as an inpatient while undergoing treatment for drug and alcohol addiction. Judge Townsden took that period into account as part of the more than a year Howard spent in pre-sentence custody. He also considered the impact on Howard's mental health and prospects of rehabilitation if he were to be returned to prison and lose access to support services. 'I am satisfied the offender's risk of reoffending is low and his rehabilitation is best served by the conditions imposed by an intensive corrections order,' Judge Townsden said. If Howard breaches any of the conditions imposed while serving his sentence he will immediately be taken into custody. President Joe Biden toasted China President Xi Jinping and other Asian leaders at a dinner in San Francisco Thursday night after protesters shut down the city's Bay Bridge. 'We had a great day,' Biden said. 'Tonight, it's about breaking bread together. And we know one another a little better.' The president hosted the dinner at the Legion of Honor Museum in Golden Gate Park on a rainy San Francisco evening. A tent was raised in the courtyard for the event with the president's fellow leaders crowded at one long table together. President Joe Biden offers at toast at a dinner for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit Demonstrators shout slogans after shuttting down the San Francisco Oakland Bay Bridge in conjunction with the APEC Summit Biden was capping off a day of meetings at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation where he talked about the economy to CEOs, talked trade with his fellow world leaders, and held a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on the sidelines of the summit. The president spent the day at the summit site after spending Wednesday just outside the city of San Francisco, where he held a private meeting with President Xi. But, earlier Thursday, at least 50 pro-Palestinian protesters have been arrested for blocking the San Francisco Oakland Bay Bridge while calling for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war. The world leaders are staying in a fenced-off area and escorted by police in motorcades throughout the city, which is limiting their contact with the hundreds of protesters who have descended on the city. Many of the protesters, who have been lining the major motorcade routes to yell as the leaders' cars race by, have been either in favor or against China. But there also have been several protests calling for a cease fire in Gaza. In one of those on Thursday, protestors blocked all lanes of the vital westbound I-80 on the Bay Bridge, California Highway Patrol said. This afternoon a far-right lane of westbound traffic has since reopened and a second lane is expect to open soon, reported KRON. Highway patrol officials said 50 people have been arrested and at least 15 cars removed from the bridge. Officials said at least another 50 protesters could be arrested following a review of videos of active participants, officials said. About 21 countries attended the APEC summit in San Francisco A protester is seen crying while be arrested after blocking the Bay Bridge demanding the U.S. stop sending military aid to Israel Pro-Palestinian protesters shutdown San Francisco Oakland Bay Bridge Thursday Officials said 50 pro-Palestinian protesters have been arrested while blocking the San Francisco Oakland Bay Bridge The group are demanding a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war that started on October 7 when the terrorist organization launched an attack on Israel that killed 1,400 Israelis and seized about 240 hostages in the worst attack in the country's history. Photos show the demonstrators rolled out signs that say 'no U.S. military aid to Israel' and 'Biden Ceasefire.' Some protesters chained themselves together to block off the roadway and were chanting 'ceasefire now.' Others laid on the ground with sheets over their bodies that said, 'stop the genocide.' The Arab Resource and Organizing Center posted to Twitter that the protesters were there to call out the president. 'Theres a genocide happening in #Gaza and @POTUS is hosting cocktail parties in #SanFrancisco. Bay Area has shut down the Bay Bridge to demand #CeasefireNOW. No more $ for genocide,' the group said. Biden will leave San Francisco on Friday for the East Coast where he'll spend the weekend at his home in Wilmington, Delaware. President Joe Biden appeared confused as he stood with world leaders on Thursday and performed his signature awkward handshake as he walked off stage. RNC Research highlighted the moments on X, formerly Twitter, mocking the President with the caption, 'YIKES: Biden gets VERY confused as he stands among fellow world leaders at the APEC summit.' One man seems to switch places with another while posing for a photo op - while Biden appears bewildered watching the incident unfold. 'Such strength, such vigor,' the account wrote sarcastically, referencing Biden's seemingly weak handshake. The footage of the President's latest gaffe sparked a mixed reaction. President Joe Biden appeared confused as he stood with world leaders at APEC summit and performed his signature awkward handshake as he walked off stage One man seems to switch places with another while posing for a photo op - while Biden appears bewildered watching the incident unfold 'How long will they keep pretending? This is getting serious with all the stuff going on in the world,' one user commented. 'This is how my MIL acts every time we try to take a family photo...' another joked. Others defended the President, 'Actually it looks like the other leaders were confused considering they are the ones in the wrong spot.' This comes after Biden waved the white flag rather than contend with pronouncing the challenging name of a corporate entity during remarks at the APEC summit Thursday. While saluting US corporate innovation, Biden decided to skip over the name of a corporate entity rather than botch its name in remarks about innovation and achievement. 'IBM, Organon, Visa. Look, they make up, they make our region more resilient, make it more secure,' Biden said, reeling off the name of firms. 'Here in this world renowned hub of innovation, leading tech companies like Anthropic and I'm going to mispronounce. I'm not going to even try,' Biden said, stopping himself. The footage of the President's latest gaffe sparked a mixed reaction 'I'm going to mispronounce,' Biden told the crowd during a speech at APEC. He said it was better to skip a company's name in his speech than to mispronounce it 'It's better not to try and not mispronounce than try and mispronounce,' he observed, before continuing on with his remarks. 'Point is small and medium-sized business startups are getting an accent as well,' Biden said. His remark got a warm laugh from the crowd of dignitaries and officials from around the Asia-Pacific region. Biden, who overcame a speech impediment as a child, had moments before botched the name of the cavernous event space where he was speaking in downtown San Francisco. 'The Marcone Center's about as big as my state,' messing up the name of the Moscone Center. It is named after former San Francisco Mayor George Moscone, who was assassinated in 1978 along with San Francisco Supervisor Harvey Milk. On Wednesday, Biden avoided another potentially challenging name, when he didn't try to name CBS White House correspondent Weijia Jiang. Biden, who overcame a speech impediment as a child, even botched the name of the cavernous event space where he was speaking in downtown San Francisco. 'The Marcone Center's about as big as my state,' messing up the name of the Moscone Center. It is named after former San Francisco Mayor George Moscone, who was assassinated in 1978 along with San Francisco Supervisor Harvey Milk. This isn't Biden's first gaffe of the month. Just last week, Biden again referred to his vice president Kamala Harris as 'president' and later bungled the pronunciation of her name. The presidential flubs came as he welcomed the Las Vegas Gold Knights Stanley Cup champions to the White House on Monday and are part of a series of mistakes on his part when it comes to his running mate. 'President Harris is here to make sure we do it the right way,' Biden said as he kicked off the celebratory event. Biden also shuffled into a seven-foot Brazilian flag in September, leaving it teetering as he approached the podium. The president made a rambling speech about his 'economic vision to rebuild our economy from the middle out and the bottom up, not the top down' while Lula watched on from his right flank. Meanwhile, during Lula's speech Biden fumbled with his headset, which he was using to hear a translated version. 'Can you hear me President Biden? This is an historical moment for Brazil, and for the US,' Lula said at the start of his speech. 'President Biden can you hear me?' Lula asked again, appearing to lose patience as Biden grunted in response. 'You can?' he asked, turning to Biden. 'Yes, good.' Biden continued to look confused as he grappled with the headset while Lula went on with his speech. At one point Biden dropped his earpiece and raised his eyebrows in frustration. International Labor Organization Director General Gilbert Houngbo took to the podium after the two world leaders, and Biden stooped to slowly grab a folder from the ground. Houngbo shook hands with Biden and Lula in turn at the close of his speech - but Biden appeared to leave Lula hanging, awkwardly saluting the audience before shuffling off stage. He appeared to be torn between giving a thumbs-up or a salute, and made a sloppy gesture combining the two. As Biden turned his back on the Brazilian president, Lula looked annoyed and made a swiping gesture with his arm. They departed awkwardly from opposite sides. David McBride, who helped expose allegations of war crimes committed by Australian soldiers in Afghanistan, has pleaded guilty to leaking classified information. Originally facing five charges, the former military lawyer pleaded guilty to three offences, including stealing commonwealth information and passing that on to journalists. Whilst serving as an army lawyer in Afghanistan, McBride became concerned by what he believed was the 'over-investigation' of alleged misconduct by special forces troops, the court heard. David McBride pleaded guilty to three offences, including stealing commonwealth information and passing that on to journalists McBride believed the investigations were 'excessive' and undermined the soldiers' safety, the ABC reported. He handed classified documents over to ABC journalists Andrew Clarke, Chris Masters and Dan Oakes which led to a series of reports alleging Australian special forces troops committed war crimes in Afghanistan, titled The Afghan Files. A later inquiry uncovered credible information of 23 incidents of potential war crimes, which involved the killing of 39 Afghans and cruel treatment of two more between 2005 and 2016. The report found 25 soldiers were perpetrators or accessories - some on a single occasion and some on multiple. Whilst serving as an army lawyer in Afghanistan, McBride became concerned by what he believed was the 'over-investigation' of alleged misconduct by special forces troops, the court heard McBride had planned to defend himself against the charges, referencing the oath of service he swore to the Queen when he joined the military with his lawyer, Stephen Odgers, arguing the oath included revealing information if it advanced the interests of the Australian public. However, Justice David Mossop found McBride had no legal right or obligation to breach orders, and his actions were not justified by public interest. McBride's bail will be continued and he will be sentenced next year. A Tennessee college chaplain was slapped down for attempting to organize a 'BDSM 101' workshop for students, complete with a chance to ask questions of a local dominatrix. Rev. Beatrix Weil is an ordained minister of the Presbyterian Church who serves as the chaplain of Rhodes College in Memphis. Rhodes, a private liberal arts college historically affiliated with the Presbyterian faith, is home to about 2,000 students. Weil works as a faith adviser across multiple religions on campus. The chaplain - who holds many events attempting to combine faith with progressive social and racial politics - put out a flier to promote the BDSM-themed event. 'Chaplain Beatrix will host a local dominatrix to share wisdom on how to safely, sanely, and consensually learn about bondage, discipline/domination, sadism/submission, and masochism,' it said. Rev. Beatrix Weil is an ordained minister of the Presbyterian Church who serves as the chaplain of Rhodes College in Memphis 'Chaplain Beatrix will host a local dominatrix to share wisdom on how to safely, sanely, and consensually learn about bondage, discipline/domination, sadism/submission, and masochism,' the invite said BDSM is an acronym for a combination of sex with bondage and discipline, dominance and submission and sadism and masochism. According to National Review, Weil had held a seminar called 'Let's Talk About Sex' with the same dominatrix days earlier. Conservative talk host Todd Starnes wrote critically about the event for Newsmax, calling it part of a change in culture at Rhodes leading it to becoming the 'Berkley of the South.' 'There's no doubt Rhodes College is Presbyterian in name only, but by golly they sure did nail the doctrine of total depravity,' he wrote, noting that donors were considering pulling their funding. In a statement on November 10, the school announced that the event would not be going forward. 'The proposed event was canceled Friday as soon as it came to our attention,' a spokesperson for Rhodes said. 'The event was not vetted through appropriate approval channels. No such event is planned for our campus. We recognize we need to do some work on our event approval processes, so we are reviewing that and will make changes as appropriate.' A student who helped plan the seminar, speaking anonymously to the Commercial Appeal, said there was no harm in the event. Rhodes, a private liberal arts college historically affiliated with the Presbyterian faith, is home to about 2,000 students. Weil works as a faith adviser across multiple religions on campus The chaplain - who holds many events attempting to combine faith with progressive social and racial politics - was set to hold the seminar A senior who helped Weil plan the event believes that were she to face on consequences or even firing for trying to hold the event, she would be backed by the student population 'I just don't see what the big issue is,' she said. 'We're all adults, this is a college campus. It's supposed to be a place where you can reach out and learn new things.' Mike Edwards, a class of 1979 Rhodes alum, however, thought it was a foolish idea, especially on school grounds. 'It really comes down to, not that the workshop was taking place, even though that seems way outside the norm of what we, as adults would normally say was appropriate,' he said. 'The real thing is, it's a chaplain, from the school, on school property.' The senior who helped Weil plan the event believes that were she to face on consequences or even firing for trying to hold the event, she would be backed by the student population. 'There would be a huge outcry,' the senior said. 'She, really, is probably the most beloved faculty member on Rhodes campus.' Weil has yet to comment on the controversy publicly. The son of a man who died in the 9/11 attacks said it is 'hard to watch' TikTok users fawning over Osama Bin Laden's letter to America as he called for Americans to be 'reeducated.' Brett Eagleson was just 15 when his father, Bruce Eagleson, perished inside the World Trade Center. He has since dedicated his life to campaigning for justice in the wake of the terror attacks. The 37-year-old has become the latest high-profile figure to condemn online users re-sharing the Al Qaeda leader's letter, which he used to justify the September 11 attack. In the letter, which was first published in 2002, bin Laden says one of the reasons 9/11 was carried out was because of the U.S.'s support for Israel - as he spewed anti-American, anti-Semitic and homophobic viewpoints. The document has resurfaced in recent days in the wake of the Hamas attack on Israel of October 7, with many TikTokers drawing parallels between bin Laden's justification and those of Hamas. Brett Eagleson, whose father Bruce died in the 9/11 terror attacks, has slammed TikTokers re-sharing Osama bin Laden's 'Letter to America The letter has resurfaced in recent days with TikTok users drawing parallels between bin Laden's justification for the 9/11 attacks and those carried out by Hamas on October 7 'Its hard to watch and hard to believe these TikTokers can be taken seriously,' Eagelson said. 'Perhaps what they dont realize is that the radical terrorists they are giving credibility to wouldnt hesitate a second to take them hostage or kill them or their families based solely on their skin color, religion, nationality or gender preference. We can never stand for that.' A TikToker named Lynette Adkins appears to be the one who set off the Gen-Z led trend, posting a video on November 14 telling followers, 'I need everyone to stop what they're doing right now and go read - it's literally two pages - go read "A letter to America."' Since then it has gained traction on the online community, with many young people praising the letter as insightful. But Eagleson rejected this view and called for greater education on the circumstances around the devastating 2001 attack, which killed nearly 3,000 people. 'Its time to reeducate Americans what happened to us on 9/11, the role the Saudi government played in the attacks, and that we must hold those accountable so such an attack can never happen again on our soil,' he added. 'We need to send a strong message that terrorism can never be normalized, justified or white washed.' His comments come after the White House condemned those re-posting the letter. 'There is never a justification for spreading the repugnant, evil, and anti-Semitic lies that the leader of al Qaeda issued just after committing the worst terrorist attack in American history highlighting them as his direct motivation for murdering 2,977 innocent Americans,' White House deputy press secretary Andrew Bates said in a statement to DailyMail.com. September 11th victim Bruce Eagleson, with his children Kyle, Tim and Brett at a wedding in 1993 The trend appears to have started with TikToker Lynette Adkins who posted a video on November 14 telling her followers to read the Al Qaeda leader's manifesto Eagleson's condemnation came after similar comments by the White House which said: 'There is never a justification for spreading the repugnant, evil, and anti-Semitic lies that the leader of al Qaeda issued just after committing the worst terrorist attack in American history' Eagleson called for Americans to be 'reeducated' on the context of the 9/11 attack 'And no one should ever insult the 2,977 American families still mourning loved ones by associating themselves with the vile words of Osama bin Laden.' Megyn Kelly also slammed the parents of young people who recently 'discovered' the letter, saying they had failed to educate their children. 'To the parents of all of these losers suddenly persuaded by the deranged musings of the man who murdered 3k American innocents: you failed,' she wrote on X. 'You were likely boozing, marching for some L-wing cause and/or simply ignoring your kids. 'You failed to teach wrong from right, a proper moral code, a love of country and perspective on America's role in the world.' TikTok has since said it is working to scrub the videos from its platform, which had upwards of 14 million views. The social media site said it would remove the any post that 'violates our rules on supporting any form of terrorism.' But it claimed the number of videos on TikTok is 'small' and 'reports of it trending [on the] platform is inaccurate.' Vikki Campion has lashed critics who called her wedding to Barnaby Joyce 'trash' and slammed a saboteur who 'leaked' intimate details of her special day. The former political advisor, 38, tied the knot with the former Deputy Prime Minister, 56, in a bush-bash style wedding at their farm in the NSW Northern Tablelands on Sunday. The white and pink themed nuptials were held on the pair's sprawling property in Woolbrook, west of Walcha, with their two young sons acting as pageboys. Ms Campion, 38, used her Daily Telegraph column to defend her choice of wedding - and husband - from naysayers who criticised their big day, saying 'it will always be perfect for us'. 'In the country, they say one man's trash is another's treasure. Well, I found mine,' she wrote. Vikki Campion has lashed critics who called her wedding to Barnaby Joyce 'trash' as she slams the saboteur who 'leaked' the intimate details of her special day (pictured, the pair on Sunday) The former political advisor, 38, tied the knot with the ex-Nationals leader, 56, in a bush-bash style wedding at their farm in the NSW Northern Tablelands on Sunday 'Until it was leaked in an attempt to ruin our day, the wedding was planned to be privately simple. Yet, the carnival was back and it was too late to cancel.' Ms Campion said as the low-key barbecue swelled to a gathering of over 80 people her guests all pitched in to help accommodate the extras. She praised the helpers who set up plastic chairs on either side of the aisle and hand-washed the wine glasses 'through hangovers' the following day. 'When you are getting a lift to a paddock in a Ute, no one sees your Tesla or Bentley or broken Hyundai, and no one cares,' she wrote. 'So call it trash all you like. It will always be perfect to us. 'Our wedding was a public commitment to what we had said in our hearts long ago.' The doting bride then turned her attention to her 'treasured' husband, writing that there is 'a whole lot of Barnaby beyond the lights of the circus'. 'He may never read his diary, and forgets every single interview on the schedule, but he eats whatever I put on the table and never complains unless it is vegetarian. 'He isn't afraid of gross mice and snake jobs, or mice and snake people, believing even kindness in those who delight in their cruelty to him.' Ms Campion, 38, paired her cream strapless dress with black cowboy-style boots with the newlyweds opting to wear matching Akruba's on the special day Joyce (pictured right) was seen jumping out of a Toyota Landcruiser at the property ahead of the ceremony, before guests began to arrive in a convoy of four-wheel drives Vikki Campion puffed on a cigarette with guests at her own wedding reception on Sunday Joyce was seen jumping out of a Toyota Landcruiser at the property ahead of the ceremony, before guests - including former Nationals MP George Christensen - began to arrive in a convoy of four-wheel drives. The groom opted for tan trousers with a brown belt and shoes, paired with a white shirt, navy blazer and tie. On his lapel was a pink and green boutonniere. A new, gold wedding band could be seen on his hand. Meanwhile the bride paired her cream strapless dress with black cowboy-style boots, with the newlyweds opting to wear matching Akrubas on the special day. The gregarious newlywed looked to be thoroughly enjoying the day as she chatted to guests while sipping from a glass of fizz and smoking a cigarette. While the nuptials were a family affair, not all members of the Joyce clan were expected to attend. It is not clear which one of his four daughters, Julia, Caroline, Odette and Bridgette, agreed to join the festivities. However, it was unlikely to be Odette, who once posted a picture of her mum and siblings on Instagram with the caption: 'The real Joyce family #whosbarnaby'. On Saturday night, the evening before her father's wedding, she used Instagram to share a photo of a friend's birthday celebration in the Sydney suburb of Manly - which is about five hours south of Walcha. The girls' mother, Natalie Joyce, was said to have been blindsided by her ex-husband's affair. In December, 2017, Joyce used the parliamentary debate on same sex marriage to confirm he was no longer with his wife of 24 years. Some guests sat out of the sun, under a camping-style gazebo (pictured) Barnaby Joyce is pictured hours before the ceremony, after jumping out of a Toyota Landcruise His affair with Ms Campion, his former political advisor, was then confirmed in February 2018 - when she was two months away from giving birth to Sebastian. Once their relationship was exposed, Joyce resigned as deputy prime minister and Nationals leader. The then-prime minister Malcolm Turnbull slammed Joyce for what he called a 'shocking error of judgement'. Ms Campion has spoken candidly about their affair, previously admitting their relationship 'wasn't perfect' but insisting she doesn't regret the drama. 'Even until the day he said in Parliament that I was his partner, I didn't believe it to be accurate. He said he would be there in the labour ward and I didn't believe that either,' she previously said. 'You swap your job for harsh stares, paparazzi and paranoia, schoolyard rumours cooking up in Ultimo newsrooms, many without a yolk of truth and you stop answering the door,' she went on. 'He has asked me a thousand times: 'Would you go through it all again?' And my answer has always been yes.' Four out of the 20 locations were cities from the Midwest A study done by the hook-up app Ashley Madison revealed the top 20 locations prone to adultery in the US America's cheating hotspots have been revealed and Florida residents have ranked at the top of the list and were found most likely to engage in adultery. As the cold weather has made its way to the US, 'cuffing season' has commenced, but data from an online dating service has suggested otherwise with 'uncuffing season.' Ashley Madison- the online site that is known to cater to married individuals and goes by the slogan 'Life is short. Have an affair' - examined where their members live to uncover 'hotspots across the world when it comes to adulterous behavior.' The site's chief strategy officer Paul Keable revealed to Fox News that 20 US states made the list, and states in the Midwest and multiple cities and Florida have become cheating hotbeds. The top 20 locations in the US prone to cheating based on a study done by Ashley Madison- an app meant for married couples Chief strategy officer for the dating service, Paul Keable said many couples look to spice things up during the cold months Three of the top five spots were from Florida and four out of the 20 total locations were from the Midwest. 'Infidelity is truly universal, and we see people from across the political spectrum joining our site. We have seen research outside of our company that shows that more right-leaning people tend to sign up [for] Ashley Madison. So, it shouldn't come as a surprise,' Keable said. US Locations joining 'Uncuffing season' 1. Miami 2. Orlando 3. Atlanta 4. Las Vegas 5. Tampa 6. Cincinnati 7. Minneapolis 8. Saint Paul 9. Buffalo 10. Pittsburgh 11. Denver 12. Cleveland 13. Tucson 14. Colorado Springs 15. Anchorage 16. Bakersfield 17. Aurora 18. Seattle 19. Washington, D.C. 20. Portland Advertisement Keable added that couples who gravitate more towards uncuffing season are more inclined to look to spice things up in their marriage for the cold seasons. The study was based on where users reside. Though, if it were based on where the infidelities occurred, Keable said Las Vegas would be higher than number four on the list. He shared he was surprised that three cities from Colorado found spots on the list. People from Denver, Colorado Springs and Aurora proved to see some of the most adulterous behavior. Keable said he was surprised that only one city from the Golden State appeared on the list as he said that many might associate the liberal state with cheaters. 'Oftentimes people want to equate the California lifestyle with a lack of morals and ethics. You know, we see cheating scandals in Hollywood,' he said. Though California barely showed out, he said adultery in the state has become somewhat normalized. Keable said: 'And so, for some people in California, they don't require the discretion that Ashley Madison provides.' The chief strategy officer's role at Ashley Madison is to 'talk to people about what's really happening in the world of infidelity' and not to persuade them not to have an affair. With that, Keable also knows that there is more of a negative connotation when it comes to the dating service as some call it an 'immoral company'. In response, Keable said: Listen, if we stopped working today, not a single affair would be stopped. If Ashley Madison didn't exist, adultery would still be as pervasive as it is around the world. 'Uncuffing season' has made its way to the US as the study revealed that more couples have looked to others to feel happy and satisfied in their marriage He actually feels that more people would be caught if they didn't use Ashley Madison's services. Ashley Madison is an online Canadian service that was originally launched in 2002. It gained loads of press in 2015 when the site was hacked, and personal information of millions of users was leaked to the public. The site soon upgraded to a 'morally dubious business model' that is designed for couple that might be 'escaping a sexless marriage, or seeking a mutual relationship that demands sensitivity and privacy.' The nations 92 asylum seekers came to Australia from before they were freed by a controversial High Court decision have been revealed - as well as new details about the crimes that got them locked up. Documents tabled in the Senate show that 18 of the foreigners who were being held in indefinite detention before their release last week came from Afghanistan. A total of 17 came from Iran, 10 made it to Australia from Sudan, while nine were listed as being 'stateless' - meaning they have no nation to return to. The nations 92 asylum seekers came to Australia from before they were freed by a controversial High Court decision have been revealed. Pictured is a resident of a Sydney motel where asylum keepers who have been freed from immigration detention are staying Other countries high on the list were South Sudan, Eritrea and Sri Lanka - while one asylum seeker was originally from New Zealand. The new information also reveals that 27 of the 94 detainees freed were referred to immigration ministers because of the severity of their offending - and explains why they had their visas cancelled on character grounds. Some of those in each category committed their crimes overseas, while some of the offending took place in Australia. The new documents reveal that 21 former detainees were referred to the immigration minister over several years under the category of 'national security, cybercrime, serious and high profile organised or gang related'. More than 50 per cent of the former detainees have been held for more than five years. Six have been immigration detention for more than a decade. Government ministers Andrew Giles and Clare O'Neil have previously refused to detail the crimes that some of the former detainees had committed, though Mr Giles has said that three murderers and a number of sex offenders were included. Documents tabled in the Senate show that 18 of the foreigners who were being held in indefinite detention before their release last week came from Afghanistan. Pictured is a resident of a Sydney motel where asylum keepers who have been freed from immigration detention are staying On Thursday, the government passed legislation in a matter of hours to impose curfews and ankle monitoring devices on the released detainees. The High Court last Wednesday ruled that Australia's system of indefinite detention was unlawful, freeing 84 asylum seekers, with decisions still pending on up to 340. Those released include a paedophile who raped a 10-year-old boy in Sydney's west and a hitman who blew up a pregnant woman in Malaysia. These criminals have completed jail sentences for their crimes, but could not be deported for various reasons beyond the Government's control. Labor stridently opposed their release from detention, and Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil said as a mother herself: 'If there was anything in [her] power to keep these people in detention, [she] would absolutely do it'. Labor rushed legislation through both houses of Parliament, backing Coalition amendments that hit those released asylum seekers with even tougher rules. New rules include wearing ankle monitoring bracelets, strict curfews, bans from going within 150m of childcare centres and mandatory minimum sentences of one year should the rules be breached. But Greens senators and the party's leader, Adam Bandt, criticised the legislation. They said Labor was explicitly against mandatory minimum sentences in the party's platform it took to the last election - but had 'caved' to amendments from the Opposition meaning asylum seekers would face such sentences. Mr Bandt said: 'Labor is dancing to the Liberals' tune. Labor is letting Peter Dutton write anti-refugee legislation.' Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said the legislation was a 'full-blown attack on refugees in this country... It is so sickening to me that you (Labor) have no spine'. She said it was an example of Mr Dutton dictating the agenda for the government. 'It always suits you, doesn't it, when you get to cuddle up with the Opposition, with Peter Dutton holding the whip here. 'Peter Dutton is the one who is whipping this government into the exact path he wants. 'This is all under the whip of Peter Dutton, the leader of the nasty party.' (She later withdrew her comments about Mr Dutton and nastiness). Deputy senator leader Mehreen Faruqi, from Victoria, took a shot at 'white Australia' and the treatment of asylum seekers. 'This will create a subclass of individuals who are judged not by their actions but by their visa status. 'But white Australia has never been shy about having one rule for it and another for people it regards as second class.' Nick McKim, a Tasmanian senator, said: 'It is a dark and shameful day in the history of this parliament when the political duopoly in this place join together... to ride roughshod over the rights of refugees, to demonise refugees, to divide our community and to stoke fear and hatred of refugees in our community. 'It is an extremely sad day.' But Immigration Minister Mr Giles argued the legislation is a crucial step toward keeping the community safer after the High Court decision. 'This decision has significant implications for immigration compliance, and for the community safety obligations of the Government to which this Bill responds - noting that we still await reasons from the court, and noting that further work will be required to be done in this regard,' he said. 'They allow the Government to provide appropriate and proportionate monitoring of this cohort whilst they are required to be in the Australian community.' The transgender boss of an endometriosis charity says she felt bullied, bruised and upset when Woman's Hour presenter Emma Barnett asked why she didn't use the word 'woman' to describe sufferers of the disease. Steph Richards, 71, who caused controversy this week after being appointed to the top job at Endometriosis South Coast, sparked a pile-on against Ms Barnett after appearing on the show. During the interview, the radio host, who is one of 1.5million British sufferers of the painful disease - in which tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows elsewhere in the body - questioned Ms Richards about her suitability for the role. And in an exchange listeners praised as 'defending biological reality', Ms Barnett pressed the chief executive on why she did not use the word 'woman' in a statement referring to those with the condition. The interview prompted Ms Richards to post on X, formerly Twitter: 'Did Emma Bartlett [sic] want to talk about #endo or the word "woman"? 'A missed chance I suspect, to raise awareness of this truly awful disease.' Trans activists then attacked the presenter on social media, claiming the interview was bullying and transphobic. But in a statement from the BBC to MailOnline yesterday, it hit back at Ms Richards and said the CEO knew exactly what the chat would focus on and said it frequently discussed issues such as endometriosis. Today, Ms Richards told the Times she felt bullied in the interview and that it left her 'bruised and upset'. Steph Richards, pictured here campaigning for Labour, is the boss of an endometriosis charity There was a social-media pile-on after Ms Richards posted criticism of the interview on X She said: 'In my statement I included the word "everyone" but that wasn't good enough for Emma. I was surprised at the aggression. She wanted to carry on going back to it all the time. 'I've had loads of messages, emails from women saying, "Why did she do that?" She obviously had an agenda to pick up on such a small point. She was basically looking for problems. I feel sorry for women because I would have loved to be able to explain more about endometriosis. It was a manufactured debate.' A BBC spokesman said yesterday: 'Woman's Hour regularly covers all aspects of women's health, including endometriosis. 'Both contributors understood that the focus of this interview was the widespread criticism of the appointment of Steph Richards, a trans woman, as CEO for a women's health charity. 'This was a fair and robust interview and both Steph and the charity's chair, Jodie Hughes, were given the opportunity to address this criticism in full. Such discussions elicit strong reactions from all sides on social media.' Ms Barnett was lauded by prominent feminists, including Julie Bindel and Kathleen Stock, for robustly questioning Richards after her appointment as head of Endometriosis South Coast. But she was also slated by critics, including Labour MP Ben Bradshaw. The MP for Exeter said: 'Huge respect to you and your colleague for withstanding the appalling presenter bullying and defending inclusive language and services.' Another critic alleged it had been a 'one-person BBC rant against two people doing great work'. And a further complainant claimed it had been 'a disgraceful interview' and was 'bullying... not proper journalism'. The BBC has been asked for comment about the complaints. An estimated 176million women worldwide suffer from endometriosis. In the interview, Ms Richards told Ms Barnett - who has the condition herself - that '29 men' also suffered from it. And in another excruciating moment Richards insisted the widely used slur 'terf' - which stands for a trans-exclusionary radical feminist and is used to attack the likes of author JK Rowling who stand up for women's rights in the face of militant trans demands - was embraced by some people and seen as 'really positive'. Both Ms Richards and Endometriosis South Coast founder Ms Hughes defended the appointment. But the flashpoint occurred when Ms Barnett pointed out that Ms Richards had not used the word woman in a statement about endometriosis. She asked : '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 per cent you say of those assigned female at birth suffer from this awful disease. Is the word you are looking for there "woman"?' Steph Richards, whose appointment as head of Endometriosis South Coast has been described as 'an insult to women' and 'an absolute disaster' by critics Woman's Hour host Emma Barnett, seen attending the Women of the Year lunch and awards at The Royal Lancaster Hotel last month Others, including feminist academic Kathleen Stock, were positive about the interview Ms Richards hit back: 'I look at woman, but also look at the issue of trans men and non-binary people. There's something like 5,000 trans men who have endometriosis who probably feel absolutely rather left out. There's also non-binary people.' Ms Barnett cut in, 'But the vast majority are women', before Ms Richards 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. You'll also know there's 29 cases of endometriosis found in men.' When challenged on her use of the word terf, 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. It's pretty amazing that in five days I've achieved that and the vehicle that's 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 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 - accused her critics of 'transphobia'. In a statement 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, spent 30,000 on treatment to transition Ms Richards' issued a statement on X following the backlash against her appointment as CEO She added: 'CEOs 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 the trans charity 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'. 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.' Kellie-Jay Keen, founder of the 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 Radio, Ms Richards said she 'duly obliged' to take up the the role of leading the Portsmouth 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. 'The trustees decided that the organisation needed an activist with a proven record to drive the charity forward and advocate for women's 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 the Let Women Speak movement, was critical of the language used by Endometriosis South Coast and said it 'ignored women' 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 ten years. He hasn't 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 Endometriosis South Coast was about being 'inclusive', and added: 'If you're a trans man, where do you go unless you've got an inclusive organisation like ours, where do they go for support?' Ms Richards claimed that '5,500 trans men' were thought to be living with the condition in the UK. But pressing Ms Richards on her new charity role, 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. That's 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.' Endometriosis South Coast'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 - biological males who have gender reassignment surgery - do not have a womb and can never suffer from endometriosis. Endometriosis South Coast provoked outrage on social media by announcing trans woman Steph Richards was its 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 it continued to face a 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 woman. 'I think it's doubly insulting they will use female language for him but not for a sufferer of 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 Endometriosis South Coast 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 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 - one of the trans rights organisations that failed 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 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, Endometriosis South Coast said it was 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 a quote about endometriosis next to a photo of Ms Richards came from a person the charity supported rather than Ms Richards herself A critic on social media said they struggled to understand what the charity was thinking It added it aimed 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 been 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 Endometriosis South Coast'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 conman behind a 220,000 parcel scam who won refugee status in the UK from Nigeria after claiming to be gay insists he is bisexual - after having three children with different women since arriving. Saheed Azeez even married one of the women before having a baby daughter with her. He will now face an immigration hearing after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation and plotting to possess criminal property. He faces up to six years in jail. Speaking on the phone from Forest Bank prison, in Salford, where he has already spent 17 months, he told how he had three children, two boys aged seven and six, and a three-year-old girl. Saheed Azeez (pictured) won refugee status in the UK from Nigeria after claiming to be gay insists he is bisexual - despite having three children with different women since arriving Azeez will now face an immigration hearing after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation and plotting to possess criminal property But he insisted he would still be persecuted for his sexuality if he was returned to Nigeria. 'I'm bisexual and in the country I was born, that is not allowed. 'I can't go back, I can't speak out, I can't say anything. I was born in an Islamic country, in Kano, Nigeria. 'If I go back they will send me to jail or stone me to death. There will be people looking for me.' Bolton Crown Court was told his father and two brothers were killed in 1993 as a result of his dad's political activism. He was exploited as a child and teenager before entering a homosexual relationship as an adult. On one occasion he was beaten and tortured. The court was also told his gay partner - who helped arrange his escape from Nigeria - was later killed for helping him leave the country. Azeez said he had been working as a delivery man in the UK and other criminals took advantage of him. Saheed Azeez sought asylum in the UK after claiming he was facing persecution from Boko Haram in Nigeria because he was gay But Azeez went on to father three children with three women in Britain, and ultimately married the third. He went on to help establish a sophisticated fraud racket He also insisted his partners knew of his sexuality. He said one of his sons lives in Somerset and the other children in the Wigan area. He was married to the mother of his youngest child. 'They knew of my situation. 'I was married in the Islamic way, I don't think she would want to talk to anyone. She's not happy with the position, with everything happening now. I've not been sentenced yet. 'When they arrested me I was taking my son to primary school. I had my daughter in the car seat. 'I am involved in my children's lives. I don't have any issues with their mums. But they must move on with their lives. I have let them down, they must have their own freedom.' Azeez masterminded the 220,000 parcel scam shortly after he arrived in the UK. He helped to create a network of strangers and used their homes to receive parcels from online sellers who had dispatched their goods before receiving payment. Victims were convinced to send Azeez their high value electronics without being paid first - and he would pick them up and sell them in his brother's electronics shop (above) Saheed Azeez was operating his own delivery business when he began carrying out 'services' for the fraudsters Lawyers acting for Azeez maintain that he only ever saw a 'small percentage' of the profits and that he was under 'pressure' to be involved in the fraud Azeez would then collect the products, bought on websites including eBay and Facebook Marketplace, and sell them via his brother's electrical shop in Wigan, before taking a cut and passing on some of the profits to his fellow fraudsters using Bitcoin. Up to 272 victims lost a total of 220,000 after being persuaded to send out second-hand items, including smart phones and cameras, they were hoping to sell. The scam took place between September 2020 and November 2021 after Azeez, a former Yodel delivery driver who had set up his own removals company, began providing 'delivery services' for online fraudsters who used Nigerian phones to dupe Facebook Marketplace and eBay users. The court heard that police launched their investigation into his activities after reports of a large and unusual volume of parcels being sent to addresses in north Manchester. The addresses were all linked to Azeez and detectives eventually tracked him down as he was dropping one of his young sons off at primary school. As he was about to be detained he hid three smartphones that had been used in the scam inside the boy's school bag, where they were found by a teaching assistant. Andy Evans, prosecuting, said: 'The phones were accessed and interrogated and clearly showed his role in the online frauds. 'It seems these fraudsters would contact victims in the UK who were selling consumer electronics online on various platforms including eBay, Facebook Marketplace and WhatsApp - and victims were persuaded to provide their items prior to payment being made.' Mr Evans added: 'He accepts he collected the parcels arranged to be sent to those addresses and received a cut himself from the profits. Each occupant of the addresses where the parcels were sent were notified of the fake names in advance whenever the postman called.' Azeez admitted conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation and plotting to possess criminal property. He will be sentenced next week but faces up to six years in jail under sentencing guidelines. Dozens of Pro-Palestine protesters have gathered outside the ABC in protest of the broadcaster's coverage of the conflict between Israel and Hamas. The group held large 'Free Palestine' banners and chanted outside the ABC headquarters in Ultimo, in Sydney's CBD, at about 5pm on Friday. Footage uploaded to Twitter showed supporters waving Palestine flags while chanting 'shame shame Guardian, shame shame SMH, shame shame ABC'. A woman with a megaphone was heard shouting 'shame shame Albanese' while supporters chanted 'in our thousands in our millions, we are all Palestinians'. Twitter group 'ASU members for Palestine' posted footage of the protest to Twitter with the caption: 'I wonder if the ABC will report on the protests outside their studio holding them to account for parroting IDF talking points...' In another post, the same group accused the ABC of allowing the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) a platform where they could post their 'propaganda'. The group held large 'Free Palestine' banners and chanted outside the ABC headquarters in Ultimo, in Sydney 's CBD at about 5pm on Friday (pictured) before moving to Central Station A woman with a megaphone was heard shouting 'shame shame Albanese' while supporters chanted 'in our thousands in our millions, we are all Palestinians' (pictured) 'Anyone can see Israel is deliberately killing civilians, cutting them off from medical aid and communications. Collective punishment and war crimes,' the post read. 'Yet our national broadcaster trots out IDF talking points or let's them go.' unchallenged.' Daily Mail Australia has contacted the ABC for comment. The protesters moved to the Grand Concourse inside Central Station where they called out Anthony Albanese for his government's response to the conflict. A spokesman from NSW Police told Daily Mail police were not alerted to the protest. The protest comes after the ABC aired a controversial episode of Q&A on Monday night discussing the Israel-Gaza War without a live audience. Instead panelists heard questions from members of the audience via video link. Host Patricia Kavelas acknowledged the 'difficult and sensitive discussion' about to take place, given the sensitive topic matter. A 'very significant police contingent' was also stationed outside the ABC Melbourne studios, she told viewers. The protest comes after the ABC aired a controversial episode of Q&A on Monday night discussing the Israel-Gaza War without a live audience (pictured) The discussion became tense as national chair of the Australia/Israel and Jewish Affairs Council Mark Leibler and Australia Palestine Advocacy Network head Nasser Mashni clashed over protests being held in Australia. The panel was asked if a popular chant heard at pro-Palestine rallies: 'From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,' was actually a call to 'eradicate Israel'. Mr Leibler said the saying was a 'racist comment' and implied there was 'no room for a state of Israel'. He accused pro-Palestine protests of celebrating violence, however his comments were immediately criticised by Mr Mashni. Mr Mashni said Mr Leibler was 'besmirching our entire people'. 'We are killed, we're blamed, we're smeared,' he said. 'The reality is what we have is 75 years of oppression, 75 years of denial. Palestinians are human beings, too. 'We have rights like everybody else to live in peace and sanctity.' Israel has since launched a devastating attack in Gaza that has killed more than 11,000 people - including more than 4,500 children (pictured, destruction in Gaza earlier this week) A series of Pro-Palestinian protests have been held across Australia since the start of the war which began on October 7. Thousands gathered on the steps of the Opera House in Sydney last month in chaotic scenes as Palestinian protesters lit flares and chanted 'f*** the Jews'. At one point, there were even chants of 'gas the Jews'. Israel has since launched a devastating attack in Gaza that has killed more than 11,000 people - including more than 4,500 children. It's estimated at least 1,200 people were killed following Hamas' attack against Israel last month. This is the incredible moment a truck driver saves a choking woman when she flags him down on the highway after he learned the Heimlich maneuver following the death of his friend. Jeff Hanus spotted the woman in distress after she pulled over along a Chicago-area highway and said he acted on instinct. Hanus was working at a job site on November 4, pouring concrete for the company Ozinga when the woman drove up to his truck parked near Interstate 55 in the Chicago suburb of Bolingbrook. She exited her car, leaving two children inside, and approached Hanus. Video from Hanus' truck shows the woman leave her car and then coming up to Hanus, who jumps out of his vehicle when he notices her. He then performs the maneuver on her. Video from Hanus' truck shows the woman leave her car and then approach Hanus, who jumps out of his vehicle when he notices her in distress Hanus then performs the maneuver on her before she walks away Once her throat was cleared, the woman returned to her vehicle, where Hanus said two toddlers were in the back. He said the woman didn't speak with him immediately after he helped her, other than indicating that she was now OK. 'It seemed she was pretty shaken up. So I don't think she was in the mood for a conversation,' he said. 'She raises her hands up towards her throat, and that's the international sign for choking, so I asked, "Are you choking?" and she clearly said "yes",' Hanus, a retired Army sergeant from Hazel Crest, told WLS-TV. Hanus spotted the woman in discomfort after she pulled over along a Chicago-area highway and said he acted on instinct. He can be seen approaching the woman after leaving his truck When she starts choking he then has to act quickly to save her Hanus performed the Heimlich maneuver beside her car. He said his interaction with the woman was a reminder of a good friend who died from choking a few years ago He performed the Heimlich maneuver on the woman, twice thrusting his fists into her abdomen before whatever was choking her became dislodged. 'Instinct took over. I try to live my life both from my heart and my gut, and that's what was in control,' Hanus said. Hanus said his interaction with the woman was a reminder of a good friend who died from choking a few years ago. He said he's grateful that the woman found him in a sea of traffic. 'Her angels and my angels got together, and it worked out,' he said. Rishi Sunak has been urged to call a snap general election if the House of Lords tries to block emergency legislation designed to get migrant deportation flights to Rwanda started in the spring. Sir Simon Clarke, who was a cabinet minister under Liz Truss, said the Prime Minister should seek a fresh mandate for his emergency legislation if peers attempt to hold it up. It came as Suella Braverman deepened the Tory civil war over the issue by demanding any new law is exempt from human rights challenges The hardline former home secretary, who was sacked by Mr Sunak this week, used a newspaper article to say legislation should 'exclude all avenues of legal challenge' so that international obligations, such as the Human Rights Act and the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), are 'disapplied'. Writing on X Sir Simon said: 'Suella sets out clear and rigorous tests for new legislation on small boats. We should be crystal clear: half measures won't work. We need the legislation that is brought forward to be truly effective, and if the Lords block it - let's take it to the country.' However, that would represent a high-risk strategy with the Tories a long way behind Labour in most polls. Asked by broadcasters at The Bolsover School in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, whether he could be tempted to call an election in the event the proposal is blocked, Mr Sunak said: 'It doesn't have to take a long time to get legislation through - and that is a question for the Labour Party.' And in a return of fire to Ms Braverman he added that his plan was 'not about over-ruling laws'. Sir Simon Clarke, who was a cabinet minister under Liz Truss, said that half measures won't work and said that if Mr Sunak's planned law is held up by the unelected House of Lords he should consider calling an immediate election to give him a mandate to push it into law. However, that would represent a high-risk strategy with the Tories a long way behind Labour in most polls, with a Techne poll today giving Keir Starmer a 24-point lead The hardline former home secretary, who was sacked by Mr Sunak this week, used a newspaper article to accuse him of planning to 'tinker' with the law and presented her own five-point plan to get the scheme back on track. New legislation should be laid in Westminster to 'exclude all avenues of legal challenge' so that international obligations, such as the Human Rights Act and the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), are 'disapplied', she said. Peer last night vowed to block the PM's efforts to tackle the crisis head-on by reviving the stalled 140million scheme. Before they had even seen it, senior peers said they would vote down the emergency legislation promised by the Prime Minister on Wednesday night. Mr Sunak wants to declare the east African country a safe destination for asylum seekers and so assuage concerns set out in this week's highly damaging Supreme Court verdict. A stalemate now looms, with the legislation going back and forth between the Commons, where the Government has a majority, and the Lords, where it does not. Ms Braverman's article immediately opened a new front in the battle between Tory moderates and the right of the party over the 140million scheme that was ruled illegal by the Supreme Court on Wednesday. Damian Green, who was Theresa May's deputy when she was PM, branded the idea 'the most unconservative statement I have ever heard from a Conservative politician', adding: 'Giving the state the explicit power to override every legal constraint is what Putin and Xi do. We absolutely cannot go there.' But Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg, a Tory former minister, said: 'If the unelected parts of the constitution thwart the will of the British people, that creates a problem. 'Dealing with migration was a manifesto commitment which the Lords must remember. Their role is to scrutinise legislation, not to oppose fundamental policy.' Writing in the Telegraph, Mrs Braverman said Sunak's Plan B will not work before the election comes around, because it is simply a 'tweaked version of the failed Plan A' that would have to go through a lengthy process via the courts again. She outlined a five-step plan that she thinks will see migrant flights to Rwanda set off soon: Address safety concerns for migrants brought to Rwanda by taking steps to improve the country's asylum system to verify its safety for removals New plan should exclude 'all avenues of legal challenge' so flights can set off before next election without facing lengthy court battles. This would exclude them from the 'entirety' of domestic and European human rights laws There should be a time limit for migrants arriving in the UK illegally so they can be 'removed' to Rwanda as quickly as possible in a 'streamlined' process Illegal migrants should be detained until they are flown to Rwanda and all legal challenges to this detention should be excluded to not 'burden' the courts Amended act should be introduced within the next month before Christmas so members can be recalled to debate it over the holiday recess period (December 19 to January 8) She added that after Sunak took the first step by saying he would introduce emergency legislation, he would have to follow up by urging MPs and peers to make a decision. They would have to decide between 'properly' controlling illegal immigration via boat arrivals and telling the British public they would have to accept the increasing numbers of illegal migrants due to the overpowering international law. This comes after ministers have admitted that the Tories will lose the next election unless Sunak can get the Rwanda flights going by Spring. Members of the unelected House of Lords have vowed to block Rishi Sunak in his efforts to tackle the crisis head-on by reviving the stalled Rwanda flights plan A group of migrants are pictured on a dinghy crossing the English Channel in rough conditions yesterday Immigration minister Robert Jenrick warned there is no 'path to victory' if the PM cannot show voters he has kept his vow to 'Stop the Boats'. But Chancellor Jeremy Hunt said last night be could not guarantee the flights would take off before the next election, and Transport Secretary Mark Harper this morning branded it something the government was 'aiming' to do. Former Home Office permanent secretary Sir David Normington said he would not advise the Government to remove the right of asylum seekers to appeal against deportation to Rwanda. Asked what he would advise the Home Secretary to do following the Government's defeat in the Supreme Court over it's Rwanda proposal, the former civil servant told the Today programme on BBC Radio 4: 'I certainly wouldn't advise them to want to try to use Parliament to set aside the law, to override it. 'Suella Braverman is right, in one way, that it is going to be very, very difficult to get people coming across on boats to Rwanda this side of an election, 'Sir David said of the former home secretary. 'I think that anything that is done is going to be subject to legal challenge. 'Therefore, I think there is no option, myself, if they insist on passing the legislation, to take the cases through the court and to fight the cases. I don't think that there is a way of stopping appeals. 'One of the things we keep hearing, and this is Suella Braverman's latest idea, is that we should remove all appeals, that we should close off all routes. '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?' The stark message came as Conservatives digested the consequences of the Supreme Court ruling that the policy is illegal - and more Channel migrants arrived on the south coast. A grim poll yesterday underlined the problems for Mr Sunak, showing Labour 27 points ahead. Sunak, visibly angry, staged a Downing Street press conference on Wednesday evening to lay out his 'Plan B' following the ruling. A new Treaty will be drawn up to assuage concerns asylum seekers deported to Rwanda could be sent back to danger in their country of origin, and emergency legislation will be passed declaring Rwanda 'safe'. Immigration minister Robert Jenrick warned there is no 'path to victory' for the Tories if the PM cannot show voters he has kept his vow to 'Stop the Boats' The premier warned that once those things had been achieved he would not tolerate blocking by 'foreign courts', insisting leaving the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) is on the table. However, in a round of interviews yesterday morning Home Secretary James Cleverly acknowledged that Mr Sunak's ambition of getting flights going by Spring is dependent on 'circumstances'. There are fears of legal challenges and delaying tactics by peers. Meanwhile senior Tories have urged their colleagues to stop talking about leadership challenges and get behind Sunak. Sources on the Tory Right indicated that Mrs Braverman and her supporters plan to step up their attacks on the Government as she tries to build backing as a precursor for a leadership bid. Conservative Party deputy chairman Lee Anderson yesterday said talk of a leadership contest was 'absolute nonsense'. Under party rules, 53 Tory MPs must call for a contest. Nearly 20,000 men have fled Ukraine to avoid conscription since the beginning of the war last February, data shows. Between February 2022 and August 2023, as many as 19,740 fled Ukraine illegally into Romania, Moldova, Poland, Hungary and Slovakia - with dozens continuing to leave daily. More than 21,000 have also attempted to leave the country since Russia's brutal invasion but have been turned back by Ukrainian authorities, according to Kyiv. While most men aged 18-60 have been banned from leaving Ukraine, the BBC has revealed some are even prepared to swim across the border to join family, study or work elsewhere. One, who fled across the Tisa River with a friend, said he left because there were no viable work opportunities in Ukraine, and claimed he was aware of others crossing with smugglers via social media platform Telegram. He told the broadcaster that for 3,472, illegal outfits could draw up a medical exemption certificate, allowing Ukrainians to leave and come back as they pleased. Fedir Venislavskyi, President Zelensky's parliamentary representative, said Ukraine was not overly concerned by people leaving, claiming 'those who try to avoid mobilisation are about 1-5%. They are definitely not critical to the defence of Ukraine.' But he did suggest corrupt military medical commissions were becoming more lenient with exemptions, allowing thousands to get out of serving in the armed forces. A resident cleans up fallen leaves near her destroyed house on October 26 in Avdiivka, Ukraine A Ukrainian armoured vehicle rides on a road near the front line in Donetsk, November 16 A Ukrainian serviceman guards his position in Mariupol, Ukraine, March 12, 2022 In Ukraine, there are exemptions from conscription given to men with health issues, caring responsibilities or with three or more children. But Ukraine's President has warned that there has been a tenfold increase in exemptions since February last year, blaming corruption among medical military commissions. Mr Venislavskyi told the BBC: 'The government realises that this phenomenon is not isolated and that it is widespread. But unfortunately, I would emphasise that corruption is very resilient.' He added that the scale of people seeking to leave Ukraine was also not having an impact on the war. 'I am convinced that the resilience and readiness of Ukrainians to defend their independence, sovereignty and freedom is 95-99%,' Mr Venislavskyi told the BBC. But Ukraine has endured heavy losses in its steady war of attrition with Russia in recent months. In August, the US estimated as many as 70,000 could have been killed - a significant proportion of the 800,000 reported to be in Ukraine's armed forces in September. Neither Russia nor Ukraine reports its number of casualties. Ukraine is currently looking to break the deadlock by establishing a stable landing on the occupied side of the Dnipro river, enabling a stronger line of attack from the south. Ukraine's Marine Corp said Friday that their forces had carried out a series of attacks on the Russian-occupied east bank near the southern city of Kherson. The waterway is the de facto frontline in the south of the country, but Russia conceded for the first time this week that Ukrainian forces had claimed back some territory on the opposing bank. 'The Defense Forces of Ukraine conducted a series of successful operations on the left bank of the Dnipro River, along the Kherson front,' the marines said in a statement on social media. 'In cooperation with other units of the Defense Forces, managed to gain a foothold on several bridgeheads,' the statement added. A group of Ukrainian marines sail from the riverbank of Dnipro at the frontline near Kherson, Ukraine, Saturday, October 14, 2023 Ukrainian service members fire a mortar during an exercise in Kyiv region, November 8, 2023 Firefighters work to put out fire at a house that was hit by shelling in the course of Russia-Ukraine conflict in Donetsk, Russian-controlled Ukraine, October 24, 2023 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. The Russian-installed official responsible for occupied Kherson this week conceded that some Ukrainian soldiers were 'blocked' in Krynky, a small village on the Dnipro's eastern bank of the Dnipro river, and were facing a 'fiery hell' from Russian artillery, rockets and drones. Vlad Sutea, founder and lead analyst at early warning and threatcasting group T-Intelligence, told MailOnline that Ukraine is likely reassessing its intentions in the Dnipro area of operations after the end of its spring counteroffensive. In the past, he said, the aim was to stretch out Russian forces before opening a line of attack in Zaporizhzhia. Now, it is likely Ukraine is looking to exploit a manpower gap in the south as Russia moves troops to fuel offensives in Avdivka, near Donetsk city, and Kupyansk, in the northeast. 'The Russian forces on the left bank of Kherson are also probably the worst-supplied forces throughout the entire frontline. 'They're the farthest away from the south Ukraine land bridge. And Ukraine has been hammering the Russian supply lines and logistics passing through Crimea with Storm Shadow cruise missiles for the past 4 months.' Mr Sutea said that Ukraine's landings were 'promising' but that it was too early to call them a major success. 'It's critical for Ukraine to widen its foothold and actually transform into a bridgehead that could sustain a downpour of equipment and forces into the left bank. 'The Russians are responding, so we will have to watch how it unfolds. If we hear that "they are retreating to better positions," we will know that Ukraine is gaining momentum.' The challenge for Ukraine is to supply troops without ground lines of communication. 'Everything needs to go by boat - small boards to disperse and evade detection,' said Mr Sutea today. 'The same issue goes for reinforcement and expansion, as equipment needs to be hauled across the Dnipro. The swamp certainly does not help and makes maneuver even more difficult.' Russia will likely continue to try to knock Ukrainian forces off balance as they look to insert themselves in occupied territory with regular crossings. 'The Russians are defending for prepared positions while the Ukrainians are vulnerable during the crossing. Therefore, Ukraine cannot conduct a major operation across the Dnipro and must rely on small unit infiltrations, like what we are seeing, which are high-risk but high-payoff gambles. 'Ukraine is definitely speculating well on Kherson. If Ukraine keeps poking holes in Russia's Dnipro defenses, they might eventually crack...' Kaitlyn Creasy in aeon: Although one of the loneliest moments of my life happened more than 15 years ago, I still remember its uniquely painful sting. I had just arrived back home from a study abroad semester in Italy. During my stay in Florence, my Italian had advanced to the point where I was dreaming in the language. I had also developed intellectual interests in Italian futurism, Dada, and Russian absurdism interests not entirely deriving from a crush on the professor who taught a course on those topics as well as the love sonnets of Dante and Petrarch (conceivably also related to that crush). I left my semester abroad feeling as many students likely do: transformed not only intellectually but emotionally. My picture of the world was complicated, my very experience of that world richer, more nuanced. After that semester, I returned home to a small working-class town in New Jersey. Home proper was my boyfriends parents home, which was in the process of foreclosure but not yet taken by the bank. Both parents had left to live elsewhere, and they graciously allowed me to stay there with my boyfriend, his sister and her boyfriend during college breaks. While on break from school, I spent most of my time with these de facto roommates and a handful of my dearest childhood friends. More here. A Fiji man who sexually abused his wife's nine-year-old sister and used a hidden camera to spy on a female colleague in the bathroom will be deported. The 30-year-old man, who is a permanent resident in New Zealand with Fiji citizenship, first began sexually abusing his underage victim in 2015. He has pleaded guilty to one count of indecent assault and attempted rape, two counts of indecent acts and five counts of unlawful sexual connection. The man moved to New Zealand when he was 15-years-old and moved into his wife's family home after they met in high school and got married in 2012. He abused his sister-in-law over a period of four-and-a-half years with the abuse continuing even after the couple moved out - with the young girl staying at their home on weekends and school holidays, Stuff reported. A Fiji man who sexually abused his wife's nine-year-old sister and used a hidden camera to spy on a female colleague in the bathroom will be deported (stock image) In 2019, the then-14-year-old girl opened up to a friend about the abuse, who spoke to her mother who then told the victim's mother-in-law. While the abuse was occurring, the man stole up to $2,000 worth of goods from his workplace, and at another job, planted a hidden camera in the women's bathroom. The tribunal noted that videos of women on the toilet had a 'sexual nature' and that his abuse of his sister-in-law was 'premeditated and required planning'. The man was convicted of both charges in 2018 and received four months in community detention and 60 hours of community service. The New Zealand Immigration and Protection Tribunal heard the man's wife, a New Zealand citizen, has forgiven her husband and has no plans to divorce him. In an application to have his deportation overturned, the man claimed that having a daughter had 'made him realise the responsibilities he has as a father and husband'. He also stated that he was also a victim of sexual abuse when he was a child. The 30-year-old man, who is a permanent resident in New Zealand with Fiji citizenship, first began sexually abusing his underage victim in 2015 (stock image) The tribunal noted that his victim was able to forgive the man after he completed a restorative justice program. He claimed that if he was deported to Fiji, he would have to return to his village where his alleged abusers were 'roaming free'. However, the tribunal ruled that the man did not have to live in the village and 'could seek work and accommodation elsewhere'. In his appeal, the man said he wished to stay in New Zealand to support his wife and daughter and said that he 'wishes that he could rewind time'. His application was denied, with the tribunal stating that while his deportation will be 'harsh' for his family it would not be unjust. A turf war between two rival dog beauticians has led to a 50,000 High Court battle and allegations of a 'vicious' online smear campaign. Dog groomer Laura Thurgood is suing her former business partner Danielle Laight, 28, over rights to use the name 'Wash Wiggle and Wag' as well as claims she has been libelled in a series of texts and social media posts. Ms Thurgood, of Warton, Warwickshire, says she stopped working with Ms Laight in 2020 and claims the latter then smeared her on social media. Ms Laight allegedly wrote that Ms Thurgood's grooming had 'resulted in a number of dogs being injured', leaving owners 'incurring large bills from vets'. Now, Ms Thurgood is seeking an order banning Ms Laight from running her rival business in the same area under the 'Wash Wiggle and Wag' banner, plus libel damages of up to 50,000. Dog groomer Laura Thurgood, who claims she acquired the 'Wash Wiggle and Wag' banner in 2018, while rival Danielle Laight insists she holds the rights to the name Ms Thurgood says she worked with Danielle Laight, 28, (pictured) from 2018 to 2020. After the two ended their business relationship, she claims Ms Laight smeared her on social media Ms Laight standing next to her van (left), also branded 'Wash Wiggle and Wag', and (right) with one of her clients' pets But Ms Laight is defending the case, insisting the rights to the name are hers and arguing her claims are 'substantially true'. In court documents lodged with London's High Court, Ms Thurgood's barrister Ian Silcock says she set up her business in 2018 and claims she acquired the 'Wash Wiggle and Wag' trademark. She ran her mobile grooming salon from the back of a van, operating in a 30-mile radius covering south Birmingham, Solihull and Redditch. In June 2018, she and other family members teamed up with pet groomer Ms Laight to help grow the enterprise, using her as a contractor. Ms Thurgood claims her business began to take off over the next two years pulling in over 700 clients - with Ms Laight carrying out around 2,600 grooming sessions. But in May 2020, the two women's working relationship fell apart and Ms Laight left a letter terminating the partnership in Ms Thurgood's van. Mr Silcock alleged Ms Laight had carried on her canine trade around Redditch while falsely implying that Ms Thurgood was the one using the name 'Wash Wiggle & Wag' under false pretences. She had sent texts to some of Ms Thurgood's customers blackening her reputation, alleged Mr Silcock, with the texts stating: 'After receiving calls from customers it seems the van I was previously using is back in action and covering Solihull areas with a "new groomer". 'The owners Robert, Jim and Laura Thurgood are pretending I am turning up for grooms, then leaving customers no choice with a new groomer on their doorstep. Ms Laight, who denies smearing Ms Thurgood and says her posts on social media are 'substantially true' Ms Laight says she registered the name 'Wash Wiggle & Wag' in good faith as her own trade name four years ago Ms Thurgood, of Warton, Warwickshire, is seeking 50,000 in compensation for the alleged damage to her reputation, plus a judge's ruling on the disputed trade name 'As a result of this I have had injured dogs owners on the phone with large vets' bills now needing to be paid. THIS IS NOT ME AND I NO LONGER WORK WITH THEM! 'PLEASE only use my number and my name if you are wanting to book with me. I will be making sure my name "Wash Wiggle & Wag" is no longer used by them.' Ms Thurgood now seeks 50,000 compensation for the alleged damage to her reputation, plus a judge's ruling on the disputed trade name. The alleged smears led to a dramatic dip in business, said Mr Silcock, with some 40 client bookings being cancelled. 'As a result of the publications Ms Thurgood has suffered and is continuing to suffer significant stress, anxiety, upset, embarrassment, and humiliation,' he added. Ms Laight denies libel and insists Ms Thurgood has carried on her grooming business not under the 'Wash Wiggle and Wag' tag, but using the names 'Doggy Style' and 'Scruffy2Fluffy'. She claims she registered the name 'Wash Wiggle & Wag' in good faith as her own trade name four years ago. In her defence, Ms Laight says the disputed text messages to customers were 'substantially true', claiming to have received messages from several customers complaining about receiving visits from Ms Thurgood's groomers when they had expected to see her instead. 'The customers complained about the treatment provided and that their dogs were injured as a result,' stated her barrister, Robert Whittock. 'One particular complaint concerned a dog called Archie which had required a trip to the vet and incurred a significant vet bill.' Countering that claim, Ms Thurgood's barrister said no dog had ever been injured under her care, but added: 'The claimant accepts that one of the dogs groomed by, for or on behalf of her business suffered a minor allergic reaction and/or minor skin irritation as a result of its grooming session, but it was not injured, and it did not require significant veterinary treatment or expenditure as a result.' Ms Thurgood is suing both Ms Laight and her company, Wash Wiggle & Wag Ltd. Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren called for Israel to cease bombing Gaza shortly after she was confronted by a pro-Palestine activist while out eating dinner with friends amid the ongoing conflict in Israel. A video showing the interaction was posted online by Jewish Voice for Peace Boston on November 10. 'The crisis in Gaza is growing. Israeli airstrikes are destroying residential buildings and public infrastructure. Restrictions on humanitarian aid make life even harder. Stop the bombing NOW,' Warren wrote in a message on X on November 16. The video begins with the unidentified woman walking up to Warren's table in a crowded restaurant in the Boston-suburb of Cambridge. The liberal senator is dining with three other people. The woman identifies herself as a 'refugee from Gaza and a constituent of yours.' Warren attempts to rebuff the woman saying: 'It's nice to meet you, I'm having dinner.' Despite this, the activist persisted. In the video, Senator Elizabeth Warren can be seen out dining with three others when she is interrupted The original video was uploaded by a group named Jewish Voice for Peace Boston Shortly after the interaction, Warren tweeted her demand for an Israeli ceasefire 'Sixty-eight members of my family were killed over the last three weeks. And I just want to know how many more have to die before you're going to call for a ceasefire,' the woman asks. 'How many more of my family has to die for you to call for a ceasefire? I just don't know how much more do I have to say for you to call for a ceasefire. People are calling your office every day asking for a ceasefire and you are refusing to call for a ceasefire,' the woman goes on. She is then moved away by an unidentified man. The clip ends with Warren's office number flashing up on the screen. Palestinian civilians have borne the brunt of Israel's weeks-long military campaign in retaliation for the barbaric Hamas assault on Israel says killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians. Gaza health authorities deemed reliable by the United Nations say at least 11,500 people have been confirmed killed in an Israeli bombardment and ground invasion - more than 4,700 of them children. On Thursday, about 100 protesters stopped traffic on the bridge connecting Boston to Cambridge for more than two hours during the morning rush. They chanted 'cease-fire now!' and held a banner with the words 'Jews say: ceasefire now.' A banner held by the protesters specifically called on Warren to demand a ceasefire. Around 150 people attempted to storm the Democratic Party headquarters on Wednesday, according to police Demonstrations over the war are becoming more disruptive across the U.S. Protesters calling for a cease-fire clashed with police Wednesday outside Democratic National Committee headquarters in Washington, D.C., where representatives and candidates were inside for a reception. Eighty protesters were arrested on the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge and 29 vehicles were towed after demonstrators blocked all lanes on the upper deck, with some drivers tossing their keys into the bay. One person was booked into county jail but the others were cited and released. Also on Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was asked CBS News whether Israel's killing of thousands of Palestinians in its almost six week war against Hamas militants would fuel hatred among a new generation. Israel's attempts to minimize civilian casualties were 'not successful', Netanyahu said, accusing Hamas of preventing civilians from moving to safer locations. 'Any civilian death is a tragedy. And we shouldn't have any because we're doing everything we can to get the civilians out of harm's way, while Hamas is doing everything to keep them in harm's way,' Netanyahu said. 'So we send leaflets, call them on their cell phones, and we say: "leave." And many have left,' he said. Keir Starmer donned a hi-viz jacket in the time-honoured tradition of political leaders in trouble today as he continued to put hundreds of miles between himself and the rowing Labour Party in Westminster. The Opposition Leader donned the neon yellow attire for a visit to a gas facility in Peterhead, almost 600 miles by road from London, where his frontbenchers continue to fulminate against his stance on Gaza. He visited St Fergus Gas Terminal in north east Scotland with shadow environment secretary Ed Miliband and Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar amid warnings more senior MPs could quit over his refusal to back a full ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Ten frontbenchers quit on Wednesday night in order to defy him and vote for a permanent end to fighting that has claimed thousands of lives. But others who obeyed orders to sit out the vote remain restless, with some suggesting they could still walk. However Sir Keir Sir Keir Starmer would not be drawn on whether he feared losing more frontbenchers. Asked about the crisis he told broadcasters: "I'm the leader of the Labour Party. I hope that at the next election, we will be able to form a government. "That is precisely why my focus is on the question of the release of the hostages and precisely on the question of how do we alleviate the suffering on the ground for so many civilians that have lost their lives in Gaza. That is what you would expect from the leader of the Opposition.' The Opposition Leader donned the neon yellow attire for a visit to a gas facility in Peterhead, almost 600 miles by road from London, where his frontbenchers continue to fulminate against his stance on Gaza. He visited St Fergus Gas Terminal in north east Scotland with shadow environment secretary Ed Miliband and Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar amid warnings more senior MPs could quit over his refusal to back a full ceasefire between Israel and Hamas . Ten frontbenchers quit on Wednesday night in order to defy him and vote for a permanent end to fighting that has claimed thousands of lives. Visits involving hi-viz are a common fallback for politicians from across the spectrum. Pictured are PM Rishi Sunak and Levelling-Up Secretary Michael Gove at Taylor Wimpey's Heather Gardens housing development in Norwich in August Then PM Liz Truss and chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng during a visit to Berkeley Modular in Northfleet Kent in September 2022. Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf during his tour of Peterhead Power Station, Aberdeenshire in July. Many Labour frontbenchers who toed the party line have faced protests in their constituencies, including Bethnal Green and Bow MP Rushanara Ali, whose constituency office was targeted. The shadow minister for small businesses has called for a ceasefire but did not vote for one in the division called by the SNP. She told the Guardian on Wednesday night: 'Leaving the shadow government is something I am always willing to do, which is why I completely respect the decisions taken by my fellow MPs today. 'The moment I feel my presence is less positively impactful than my absence, I will do so.' Jess Phillips, the shadow minister for domestic violence, was among the frontbenchers who either quit or were sacked so they could back a ceasefire in a Commons vote. A total of 56 Labour MPs defied their party leader's position of advocating for pauses in fighting so they could support a cessation. Sir Keir, who is on the second day of a visit to Scotland today, has refused to give ground on his backing for time-limited humanitarian pauses in the fighting instead of a ceasefire. But a source told the Guardian: 'We can't lie in bed with the Conservative Party, whom youre saying need to be ousted.' Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer will travel to Aberdeen where he will pledge to make Britain a 'clean energy superpower'. His trip comes after a bruising week for the Opposition leader amid the backdrop if unending fighting in Gaza triggered by Hamas's October 7 terrorist attack. Many who toed the party line have faced protests in their constituencies, including Bethnal Green and Bow MP Rushanara Ali (top), whose constituency office was targeted (above) Since Israel started striking back the Gazan health ministry - run by the Palestinian militant group - says more than 11,470 people have been killed in the territory. Ms Phillips, the shadow minister for domestic violence, was one of those to leave her post to support a ceasefire call in the Commons. The Birmingham Yardley MP has since said that she wants to be 'an asset' to Sir Keir from the backbenches and hinted that he could bring her back onto the front bench. She told The News Agents podcast: 'One of the things Keir Starmer, did say to me yesterday was 'I need people like you to help me deliver the missions that we have coming up with together you and I, Jess'. 'And I said 'Then you have me'.' One activist was airlifted to hospital after the bear attacked him as he fled A camera captured the ironic moment an eco protestor was attacked by a bear in Poland as he tried to demonstrate how foresters had forced animals from their lair. The German had travelled to the Bieszczady Mountains with another activist to check how logging had affected the area, and expected a bear's den to be empty. But they were shocked when a large brown bear emerged and chased them through the woods, apparently surprised by the invasion into its territory. The activist tripped as he tried to escape the bear and was viciously attacked. He was later airlifted to hospital and is said to be in a serious but stable condition. The Wild Carpathians Initiative acknowledged after the incident that its activists should not have disturbed the bear, which was getting ready for hibernation. Cameras set up by the activists showed the huge bear unexpectedly emerging from its lair The activists tried to flee, surprised to have come across a bear living in... a bear's den But one tripped, prompting an attack from the startled bear, likely preparing for hibernation A man was airlifted to hospital after the attack in the woods in the Bieszczady Mountains Micha Gzowski, a spokesman for the Polish forestry service, shared camera footage of the incident on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Wednesday. He wrote: 'A camera trap captured a bear attacking an eco-activist. 'He wanted to prove that the lair was empty because foresters had destroyed his habitat. 'Quite an irony of fate - pseudo-ecologists were attacking foresters, GOPR and policemen, and now these people are saving their lives. 'Will there be a Darwin award?' Mountain rescuers, GOPR Bieszczady, said on Facebook: 'The victim made a mistake or was in the wrong place at the wrong time. We will not judge this. If he made a mistake he/she got a solid lesson. If he was there by chance, he'll have to draw some conclusions. 'For us as rescuers, the most important thing is that we managed to save a man in time. That the whole situation ended with a happy ending for all of us. 'I remind you that this is a post about the rescue operation of a person attacked by a bear and not a post about deforestation or activist activities.' The footage was taken in the Bieszczady Mountains, part of the Outer Eastern Carpathians. Activists are putting increasing pressure on their governments to save the forests covering the Carpathian Mountains, which span Poland, Slovakia, Ukraine, Romania and Serbia. 'This forest should be sacred. We should be protecting such places,' Greenpeace Poland spokesman Marek Jozefiak said in the village of Zatwarnica earlier this year. 'You see that hill? They've already logged it. Like 50 metres [160 feet] from a bear den,' said Jozefiak, noting only some 150 brown bears are left in Poland. As well as bears, the forests are home to bison, lynx, wolves and wildcats, Al Jazeera noted in August. But as little as three percent of the forest is strictly protected in Poland, Greenpeace claims. Jozefiak said the state forestry agency was making a killing cutting down the forests and selling the wood. They are 'trying to dig as much money as they can out of it,' he said. Images shared on Facebook showed mountain rescuers working to airlift the man to hospital The Transfagarasan Road in the Romanian Carpathian Mountains, highlighting the dramatic landscape In 2018, Europe's top court ruled that Poland had broken the law by logging in Bialowieza, Europe's largest surviving primeval forest and a UNESCO heritage site. Authorities have responded to accusations of illegal logging by planting new trees, which activists have said fails to compensate for the damage. Greenpeace is now calling on the EU to fund a plan to protect the Carpathians from future logging. Carol Vorderman was seen cosying up to Bill and Hillary Clinton last night as the American power couple attended an event at Swansea University. The ex-Countdown star posted a series of images on X, formerly Twitter, of her smiling and laughing with the pair and enjoying a sit-down meal. The meeting came after she said she would not be stopped from airing her political views even after she was axed by BBC Radio Wales for speaking out on topical issues. Describing their evening, she wrote: 'I give bursaries to @SwanseaUni for kids from my kind of background - free school meals. Swansea also provides education for young people from war torn countries. 'Hillary Clinton is a great supporter. I might have told a few Tory stories at the fundraiser.' She then posted a clasped hands emoji 'to the Clintons', appearing to thank them for the visit. Mrs Clinton, whose great grandparents were from Wales, has close ties with the university as the law school is named after her and she also launched a global challenges programme for master's degree students. Carol Vorderman enjoys a laugh with former US president Bill Clinton at Swansea University The former Countdown star also posed with Hillary Clinton and Starling Bank founder Anne Boden The broadcaster smiles for a selfie after appearing at the fundraising event at Swansea University It came as her husband, the former US president, called the conflict in Gaza 'heartbreaking' as he had a discussion with Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford. Mr Clinton was in the Oval Office at the time of the Oslo Accords in 1993 and used his presidency to build peace and stability between Israel and Palestinians. READ MORE: Former US president Bill Clinton says war in Gaza is 'heartbreaking' as he gives leadership talk with wife Hillary at Swansea University Advertisement The current conflict was triggered by a wide-ranging Hamas attack in southern Israel on October 7 in which the militants killed more than 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and captured some 240 men, women and children. Israel has responded with a weeks-long air campaign and a ground invasion of northern Gaza, vowing to remove Hamas from power. More than 11,200 Palestinians are said to have been have been killed, two-thirds of them women and children, according to Palestinian health authorities. Speaking at Swansea University, Mr Clinton said: 'It's terrible, heartbreaking for someone like me who worked for eight years for peace in the Middle East. 'I know Gaza, I know the old city of Jerusalem and the West Bank. It's heartbreaking. 'You have every day to make a choice - all of you. 'Do you believe that you can do better together or keep telling each other that it is our differences that all that matter or keep struggling for common ground.' Mr Clinton, who had joined his wife - former US secretary of state Hillary Clinton - at an event discussing leadership for future generations, said the current global unrest was a reaction to the building of democracy and co-operation at the end of the Cold War. Mr Clinton was in the Oval Office at the time of the Oslo Accords in 1993 and used his presidency to build peace and stability between Israel and Palestinians Former US secretary of state Hillary Clinton and the First Minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford, joined Bill Clinton on the panel at Swansea University Mr Clinton said the situation in Gaza was 'terrible, heartbreaking for someone like me who worked for eight years for peace in the Middle East' Mr Clinton said that current instability was a reaction to the building of democracy and co-operation at the end of the Cold War Mrs Clinton warned that there were 'nation states, terrorists and other actors' trying to tell a 'version of reality that is not true' The wide-ranging discussion also touched on climate change, migration, and Wales's efforts to achieve net zero 'It was only a matter of time before people who didn't believe in democracy and didn't believe in the rule of law, and believed that their differences with their neighbours were more important than what they had in common,' he said. 'We are living through a series of reactions, and it will either derail what could be a moment of greatest peace and co-operation and advances in science and technology, human understanding and history, or another one of those disappointing phases that throws us back into something that we would all not want to live through. 'My gut is that we will get through this, and we will resume allowing systematic co-operation to overcome conflict. 'It won't happen unless people stand up for co-operation over conflict, for peace over war and for what we have in common is more important than our interested differences and make it possible for those differences to help us all.' Ms Vorderman also posted pictures of her with Anne Boden, the founder of Starling Bank. She added in her post: 'She and I are both Welsh girls of the same age, both similar backgrounds. Anne is from Swansea, studied maths at Uni all back in the 1970s when girls like us didnt do those things. 'Became first woman to set up a bank in the UK and now she's giving back. You never forget where you're from. Love her.' A baby has been taken to hospital after a fall from a balcony in Sydney's outer-west. Emergency services were contacted about 4pm on Friday after reports the child was injured in a fall from a balcony at an address in Glenmore Park, about 54km west of the Sydney CBD. It's unclear at this stage if the child was injured at a home or elsewhere, and how far they had fallen. The Mounties Care CareFlight Helicopter was called in to transport a specialist doctor to the scene, who, along with paramedics, treated the boy as they travelled by road ambulance to The Children's Hospital at Westmead. It's understood the boy suffered head injuries in the fall, and remains in hospital in a stable condition. A man has been charged with attempted murder after a teenager was stabbed 30 times on a bus in the south west of Sydney. An 18-year-old was found with critical injuries at a bus stop at the intersection of Sackville Street and Barff Road in Ingleburn earlier this week. He was rushed to Liverpool Hospital and is now in a stable condition. A man has been charged with attempted murder after a teenager was stabbed 30 times on a bus in the south west of Sydney (file picture) Police will allege the teenager was stabbed in a random attack. A 22-year-old man was arrested at a bus stop in Macquarie Fields at 3pm on Thursday. He was later charged with attempted murder and will face Campbelltown Local Court on Friday. A huge magnitude 7.2 earthquake has rattled the southern Mindanao region of the Philippines today, sparking fears of devastation in the region. The quake struck off the shore of the Mindanao region, at a depth of 6.2 miles, German Research Center for Geosciences said. Shallow earthquakes are more likely to cause damage on the Earth's surface. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said no tsunami was expected. There were no immediate reports of casualties but the quake was felt across a wide area of the mountainous island. Mindanao is the second largest island in the Philippines and is home to around 26 million people. Philippines' seismology agency said the quake lasted several seconds and advised residents to be on alert for aftershocks and damage. One video showed a crane collapsing from the top of a building, while pictures showed a caved-in ceiling at a shopping centre and the aftermath of a landslide. Damage is seen to the ceiling at a shopping centre in the Philippines after a powerful earthquake hit a large region on the country on Friday A landslide is seen in Malapatan in Sarangani Province today after the powerful quake Radio announcer Leny Aranego of General Santos city in South Cotabato said the strong earthquake damaged walls and toppled some computers from desks. 'We saw how the walls cracked and computers fell,' Aranego told DZRH radio station. Passengers at an airport in General Santos City were evacuated to the tarmac, said Michael Ricafort, was about to board a plane to Manila when the quake hit. 'I think it was the strongest earthquake I've ever experienced,' Keeshia Leyran, 27, told AFP news agency from Davao City, about 200 kilometres from the epicentre. 'People around me were panicking and running to go outside. Amor Mio, police chief of nearby Koronadal city, said there were no reports of casualties but officials were checking a shopping mall reported to have been damaged. 'The employees were ordered evacuated for their safety. According to police in the area, there was extensive damage but we could not ascertain definitely yet the extent,' Mio said by telephone. PHIVOLCS director Teresito Bacolcol told DZRH radio the earthquake's intensity was 'destructive, so we would expect damage'. There are hundreds of people here at the event, so I was more scared of a stampede happening to be honest.' The Philippines lies on the 'Ring of Fire', a belt of volcanoes circling the Pacific Ocean that is prone to seismic activity. A magician who once appeared on Australia's Got Talent under the stage name 'Ghupi' has been jailed for 13 years for the sexual abuse of three boys. Dewald Venter, 29, was once a familiar face in Perth CBD's, where he performed magic tricks and escape routines for passing shoppers. He was found guilty of sexually abusing three teenage boys over a four-year period beginning in 2011 on September 30, WAtoday reports. On Friday, Venter was sentenced to thirteen-and-a-half years behind bars with the court hearing he used magic tricks to get close to his victims. A magician who once appeared on Australia's Got Talent under the stage name 'Ghupi' has been jailed for 13 years for the sexual abuse of three boys (pictured, Dewald Venter) Dewald Venter, 29, was once a familiar face in Perth CBD's where he performed magic tricks as well as holding children's masterclasses across the city (pictured on Australia's Got Talent) State prosecutor Joel Grinceri said Venter approached his first victim, a year eight boy who felt confused about his sexuality, on an online chat forum. Venter told the teen he was looking for 'experimental fun' before meeting him at a skate park. He then drove the boy to a construction site and assaulted him. The abuse continued, once in a public toilet, before the boy contacted police. Venter was acquitted of two charges involving a girl who was 15-years-old at the time of his offending. His sentence was backdated to February 5, 2022. He will be eligible for parole after 11-and-a-hald years behind bars. Venter, who holds world records for his escape routines, also held magic masterclasses for children across Perth and in the United States. Michael Prodger at The New Statesman: Peter Paul Rubens, known in his lifetime as the prince of painters and the painter of princes, is not, perhaps, a figure sympathetic to the modern age. He was by all accounts a charming man with graceful manners who could speak Latin, Dutch, Italian, Spanish, French and German; he was knighted by both Philip IV of Spain and Charles I of England; and employed as a diplomat and spy as well as a painter; he was a man as comfortable in Europes courts as in his studio. As such, he is just a tad too smooth when contemporary tastes run to artists with a bit of grit in the oyster. What is more, as the pre-eminent painter of Catholicism he has never been embraced on these shores, and nor has the drama and movement of the baroque style, with which he was inextricably tied and of which he was the greatest exponent. Meanwhile, his supposed attitude towards women their fleshy amplitude characterised as Rubensian is not just out of favour but frowned on. more here. This is the moment a furious taxi driver crossed the road to avoid a Just Stop Oil protest that was causing problems in London today. The disruptive group, which aims to pressure the Government into abandoning fossil fuel once and for all, took to the streets near Trafalgar Square to march towards Whitehall this morning, blocking the roads and angering motorists, which included an ambulance. One black cab driver clearly did not have time for these eco-warriors and can be seen driving across the footpath onto the other side of the road at the Equestrian Statue roundabout, near the National Gallery. The cabbie manages to go round the picket line and drive away into freedom. The other motorists were not so lucky and can be seen revving their engines and honking their horns in frustration, as the group of 18 protesters, wearing the classic orange Hi-Vis and holding their logo banners, disrupt their everyday lives. The disruptive The disruptive group, which aims to pressure the Government into abandoning fossil fuel once and for all, took to the streets near Trafalgar Square this morning to block the road and anger motorists The other motorists can be seen revving their engines and honking their horns in frustration Police officers are seen telling then group if they don't get off the road they will be arrested under Section 7 of the Public Order Action In the video, a white van driver's patience grows increasingly thin in the clip, as he creeps forward behind the protest that moves across the roundabout at a snails pace. He angrily says out of his window: 'I don't see the point mate. We hate more congestion, we hate more pollution and it's bringing the city to a standstill.' Others members of the public can be heard telling drivers 'to run them over', while some are more supportive and tell the protesters to 'keep it up'. Police officers are seen telling then group if they don't get off the road they will be arrested under Section 7 of the Public Order Act, as they are funneled down the road to Northumberland Avenue. The Metropolitan Police tweeted at 9.27am: 'We are arresting Just Stop Oil activists causing disruption in Whitehall. These arrests are being made swiftly so we can release the traffic, which includes an ambulance.' At 9.44am, The Met confirmed that all 18 activists were arrested and were now on their way to custody. Yesterday, Just Stop Oil protesters were seen in west London for 45 minutes without police showing up. The Met Police confirmed that when they did arrive, all 17 Just Stop Oil activists slow marching in Holland Park Road were arrested. Just Stop Oil is planning to march in Trafalgar Square at midday every day next week, who claim that 'more and more people are refusing to back down' from their fight against the police. Tomorrow, they plan to protest in Jubilee Gardens. Today's march is the latest in a third week of JSO's relentless campaign against motorists In a statement, the environmentalists said: 'The police cannot arrest their way out of this. They should be charging the climate criminals in government with genocide, not arresting people demanding a future.' It is unclear how many Just Stop Oil activists have so far been arrested but the Met said in its most recent update that all of today's Just Stop Oil marchers had been detained, with more than 100 activists arrested. The force said on X: 'All your activists who were slow marching in the road today have been arrested. Your activists showed no inclination to leave the road, the only way they are is in the back of a police van. 'More than 110 activists have been arrested. Londoners continue to face the brunt and cost of this.' A female prison guard accused of being a 'nymphomaniac' who would have sex at work and engage in hot tub orgies with colleagues has denied the allegations made against her, saying she 'has been destroyed' and 'stained for life'. The female officer, identified only as 'S', would allegedly tell staff at Lantin prison in eastern Belgium as early as 6am she wouldn't be able to work if 'she didn't have sex'. She was one of ten prison officers at the prison - Belgium's largest - who would attend X-rated jacuzzi sessions after work, where they would swap coloured bracelets to decide who they would have sex with, it was claimed. 'S' would also use a senior employee's office so she could have sex with staff during the working day while they were supposed to be guarding the inmates inside the mixed prison, reported SudInfo newspaper. But 'S', said to be a local councillor, said she 'had never done anything like what I'm accused of', adding her 'life is destroyed' as a result of the allegations. She told La Derniere Heure newspaper: 'I feel a deep injustice, I am deeply shocked. My life is destroyed, the consequences are absolutely colossal, I have been stained for life.' The female officer, identified only as 'S', would use a senior employee's office so she could have sex with staff during the working day while they were supposed to be guarding the inmates inside the mixed prison, reports SudInfo newspaper. 'S' has denied the allegations Belgium's largest prison has been rocked by an orgy scandal with staff allegedly organising X-rated jacuzzi sessions and swapping coloured bracelets to decide who they would have sex with (file image of Lantin Prison) She added: 'I am shocked by these slanderous denunciations and the proportions they are taking. The image that this sends to my loved ones, to my future employers and colleagues, finally to all those who take the time to know me. 'I've never done anything like what I'm accused of, so I don't know why.' The female prison officer also claimed she had 'never witnessed' other staff members engage in sexual activity. A whistleblower had told SudInfo newspaper that the prison staff would hold orgies and how staff had sex inside the jail. After work, ten prison officers, including three women, would regularly meet up for X-rated jacuzzi sessions at the home of one of the male guards, identified only as 'P'. The staff would strip off during the sex parties and pick coloured bracelets at random, to determine which members of the group would have sex with each other, it has been claimed. 'P', the organiser of the jacuzzi orgies, was also accused of regularly having sex with female inmates at the jail. The source, who described the female prison guard 'S' as a 'nymphomaniac', said: 'As early as 6am, she announced that if she didn't have sex, she wouldn't be able to work.' Governors were told how one manager let 'S' use his office for sex sessions. The female employee was seemingly unfazed by the fact that only a glass partition separated the office from the communal area where other staff worked. The whistleblower claimed that 'S' had been a regular at the jail visiting her brother, who had been jailed for murdering a gay man, before she became a guard - raising further questions about the levels of security and safeguarding within the prison. The whistleblower explained: 'She used to come to see him every day as a visitor, being very friendly with the families of the detainees in the waiting room. She was very arrogant and haughty towards the staff who guarded the visiting room. 'Her admission to Lantin was a bolt from the blue, especially because she went from being a visitor for a year to becoming a colleague overnight.' Her brother has since been transferred to the Huy prison, about 25 miles southwest of Lantin. Now, the governors at the prison have launched an urgent inquiry into the allegations, which 'S' denies. The female prison officer's lawyer Michel Degreve said: 'My client formally contests all the accusations made against her. She never had sex at her workplace. She never participated in orgy parties outside. She has never participated in sex games at her workplace or anywhere else. 'The facts are completely false and the words and actions attributed to my client cause extremely serious and irreversible damage to her reputation. These accusations constitute unprecedented violence against my client. We plan to contact the relevant authorities.' Since October 30, 'S' has been transferred to the women's side of the prison to 'calm her sexual urges' while the guard 'P' has been banned from entering the women's part of the prison, according to reports. Lantin Prison Director Marc Brisy reportedly sent a message to his staff saying: 'I never thought that one day I would have to write e-mails like this.' He went on: 'It appears as if I have to remind you that working in a relaxed atmosphere does not mean turning your workplace into a circus, a 'game without borders' or an amusement park.' He added: 'The establishment is a workplace, not a dating club'. The amateur historian who found Richard III's remains beneath a Leicester car park has unearthed evidence that could upturn the central theory about what happened to the Princes in the Tower. It has long been believed that 12-year-old King Edward V and his brother, nine, were murdered by their uncle Richard III in 1483. But bombshell new documents unearthed by Phillipa Langley suggests that both boys survived their imprisonment in the Tower of London. Her findings indicate that Edward and Richard, the Duke of York, assumed the identities of Lambert Simnel and Perkin Warbeck, who are long known to have launched failed attempts to depose Henry VII in the late 15th century. Edward is believed to be Simnel, who was the central figure in the 1487 Yorkist invasion of England. Warbeck, who had initially claimed to be Richard, failed in a 1497 bid to claim the throne and then signed a confession admitting he was a boatman's son. But Ms Langley's evidence suggests that he really was the young prince. Among four key documents that are set to be presented in a Channel 4 documentary tomorrow is a witness statement said to have been written by him. The 1493 manuscript tells how Richard and his brother were separated in the Tower before two men 'swore by honour and oath to hide me secretly until certain years were past'. In The Princes in the Tower: The New Evidence, which airs on Saturday, Ms Langley - who co-presents the programme with Robert Rinder - speaks of the 'startling discoveries' she has made after seven years of research. The Princes in the Tower, who may have escaped imprisonment and fled to Europe instead of being killed, according to bombshell new evidence Mrs Langley believes that a pair of boys dismissed as pretenders to the throne - Lambert Simnel (left) and Perkin Warbeck (right) - were the real princes. These boys each initiated failed attempts to depose Henry VII near the end of the 15th century Edward V - who was never crowned - and his brother were the sons of Edward IV, who died in 1483. After being declared illegitimate heirs by Richard III, then the Duke of Gloucester, the two princes were taken to the Tower of London and then vanished from the historical record. For years experts have wanted to test the remains of four children - two of which were found in the Tower of London in the 1600s and two in the grounds of Windsor Castle in the 1700s - in the hope that some may belong to Edward and Richard. However, the late Queen Elizabeth II was understood to have blocked any investigation on the basis that the bodies have long been interred in royal crypts. Mrs Langley said documents in European archives point to the princes' escape and later bids to invade England. She carried out her investigation with 300 freelance researchers to find out what really happened. The historian's findings are also outlined in her new book The Princes In The Tower. Among four key documents set to be presented in a Channel 4 documentary tomorrow is a witness statement from 1493 said to be by Prince Richard, Duke of York, who was nine when he disappeared with his brother in 1483. It tells how they were separated in the Tower before two men 'swore by honour and oath to hide me secretly until certain years were past' In The Princes In The Tower: The New Evidence, which is being screened tomorrow, Philippa Langley - who co-presents the programme with Robert Rinder - speaks of the 'startling discoveries' she has made after seven years of research Who is the historian who found remains of Richard III in a Leicester car park and is now debunking myth Princes in the Tower were murdered? Phillipa Langley first came to public prominence in 2012, when she led the research which discovered the remains of Richard III beneath a car park in Leicester. The keen amateur historian had had an interest in the much-maligned king since the late 1990s, when she read a biography which she said 'blew me away'. She took her son to see Shakespeare's play about the monarch and then spent almost a decade pulling together research and professional allies so an excavation could be carried out. Phillipa Langley first came to public prominence in 2012, when she led the research which discovered the remains of Richard III beneath a car park in Leicester She was portrayed by Sally Hawkins in 2022 film The Lost King. However, the film provoked a furore over its portrayal of academics at the University of Leicester, who were contracted to carry out the excavations. Mrs Langley said she felt 'sidelined and marginalised' by the academics, which they denied. In the 12 years since Richard III's discovery, Mrs Langely has continued her research. In 2020 she said she believed the remains of King Henry I were also beneath a car park - at the site of the former Reading Gaol - and a crowdfunding campaign was launched to raise the money needed to carry out excavations. Advertisement The full witness statement is in Middle Dutch - a precursor to the modern language - and is believed to have been copied from an original that would have been in Latin or French. Written in the first person in 1493, it describes how Richard was smuggled from the Tower of London by Henry and Thomas Percy. Experts have authenticated it as being written during that period. It reads: 'I was brought to my brother, who was already there, in the Tower of London. 'We were separated. I was secretly taken into a room in a place where the lions were kept. 'Lord Howard came to me, and encouraged me. 'At last, he ordered the guards to leave and then brought two other men to me. They were called Henry Percy and Thomas Percy. 'They swore by honour and oath to hide me secretly until certain years were past.' It adds: 'They shaved my hair and put a poor and drab shirt on me and we went to St Katharine's [dock].' It goes on to say that he was taken by boat to France before travelling to Portugal. Another document, dated to 1493, is written by a scribe in French from King Maximilian's court. It outlines why Maximilian, the leader of the Holy Roman Empire, believes the young man in the witness statement is Prince Richard. It describes three distinctive birthmarks on the young man's body. The third document is from Holland, dated 1483, which appears to bear a royal seal and a signature of a 'Richard, Duke of York'. It promises that Richard will pay 30,000 florins to Duke Albert of Saxony after gaining the English throne. A man claiming to be Richard landed in England with a small army in the hope of gaining the throne. When an initial attempt failed, he fled to Scotland and then launched another bid in 1497. Having been captured, he signed a confession where he declared that he was really Warbeck, a boatman's son, but Mrs Langley believes it was likely Prince Richard. Author Anne Wroe expanded on a similar theory about Warbeck being Prince Richard in her 2003 book Perkin: A Story Of Deception. The fourth piece of evidence identified by Mrs Langley is a receipt for weapons for the 'son of King Edward IV' for the 1487 Yorkist invasion of England, of which Simnel was the figurehead. The dominant belief about Simnel is that he claimed to be or actually was Edward, Earl of Warwick. But Mrs Langley suggests that Simnel really was the young King Edward. She says in the documentary: 'I said it was job done when we found Richard III's remains, but it actually was not job done. The programme includes an animated dramatisation of the momen the princes were locked in the Tower of London Another document is from Holland, dated 1483, which appears to bear a royal seal and a signature of a 'Richard, Duke of York'. It promises that Richard will pay 30,000 florins to Duke Albert of Saxony after gaining the English throne For centuries, the dominant belief has been that King Richard III had the boys murdered so he could claim the throne 'Did Richard III murder the two Princes in the tower? I don't think they were murdered, I think they actually survived. 'For the last seven years I have been investigating the story of the two Princes. Working with an army of researchers who have made the most startling discoveries which prove what happened to the two Princes.' She adds: 'I put out an SOS call looking for volunteers. I was inundated. I have got over 300 members of the project. 'I asked them to investigate their local archive to see what they could. I want the lot so I could build the jigsaw of what happened in that place and to find facts. In Shakespeare's play Richard III, the Machiavellian royal sends for his two nephews to be killed in the Tower of London (pictured) to get closer to the throne 'The finds they have made have been extraordinary. And if these finds are real then they have the potential to rewrite history. 'If they are right I don't think they Princes were murdered, they actually survived.' It is not clear how the new evidence fits with research Mrs Langley was involved in in 2021. That project suggested Richard III may have spared Edward and instead allowed him to live under a false name in a rural Devon village. Academics followed a paper trail including medieval documents that led them to Coldridge, where royal Yorkist symbols are carved into the local church, St Matthew's. The findings hinted at a secret deal struck between the boys' mother and Richard III that allowed Edward V to live his life under the fake name 'John Evans'. In the church there is also an effigy of 'John Evans' gazing directly at a stained glass window that depicts Edward V, suggesting they were one and the same person. The Princes In The Tower: The New Evidence, which is co-presented by Philippa Langley and Rob Rinder, will be screened on Channel 4 tomorrow at 8pm. Cause of the explosion is yet to be determined and an investigation is underway A man and his friend celebrating his birthday were killed when a beer keg exploded during the party in Brazil. Valdeir dos Santos Ferreira, 38, and Julio Cesar Venancio, 39, were installing the beer keg in the backyard of a home in Sao Joao de Meriti in the state of Rio de Janeiro on Saturday. The keg supplier had failed to assemble the equipment, and the two victims were doing it on their own when it suddenly exploded, according to reports. Ferreira, who was celebrating his birthday that day, died at the scene. Venancio was taken to the Nova Iguacu General Hospital, but died two days later. Valdeir dos Santos Ferreira was celebrating his birthday when the keg exploded Julio Cesar Venancio was taken to the Nova Iguacu General Hospital, but died two days later Specialised draft beer trader Rodrigo Kaminski told local media that a failure of the valve or the barrel's CO regulator may have caused the explosion. He said: 'These two components have a great security value and must be valid. 'From the photos I saw of the case, it seems to me that it was an old keg, which should have already been scrapped. 'It may not even have had a safety valve to prevent excess pressure. 'Perhaps too much CO entered the keg. But only forensics will be able to confirm what actually happened.' The police said that they are investigating the case and the cause of the explosion is yet to be determined. In May, a Dutchman died from his injuries after a steel petanque ball that had been left near a fire pit exploded during a bachelor party. The explosion in the Belgian town of Stavelot, in Wallonia reportedly burned his entire face and embedded metal shards in his skull. A neighbour said that he 'thought that a gas bottle had exploded' in the incident that left the 37-year-old unnamed tourist from Eindhoven seriously injured. It was alleged that the group of tourists, all aged in their mid-30s, placed petanque balls either in or under the fire pit, with one of them becoming so hot that it exploded. The family of a man who died in the back of an ambulance after he was made to wait outside a hospital for three hours have been left devastated. Foster carer and water rank cleaner Wayne Irving, 67, began experiencing chest pains on Thursday around 7.30pm at his home in Coulson, about 80km south west of Brisbane. Mr Irving's wife Barbara called for an ambulance before paramedics arrived around half-an-hour later. Wayne Irving (pictured) died after he waited in an ambulance for three hours to get admitted to a hospital after he began suffering from chest pains on Thursday MMr Irving's wife Barbara (pictured left) called for an ambulance before Mr Irving (pictured right) was rushed to Ipswich hospital where he waited for three hours in an ambulance and died after he went into cardiac arrest a short time later He was rushed to Ipswich hospital where he waited from 9.15pm that night until 12.15am the following morning to be admitted. While he was waiting, his condition worsened to the point that he drifted in and out of consciousness. As he was lowered down a ramp to be taken out of the ambulance, Mr Irving suffered a cardiac arrest and died a short time later. His wife said she was 'completely devastated' by her husband's death. 'We've lost an amazing man,' Ms Irving told Nine News. Queensland health authorities said ambulances sat on ramps across hospitals in the state's south-east for up to six hours. Mr Irving's family said they weren't told that he didn't make it to a hospital bed until they were alerted to the fact by the media, reports the ABC. Mr Irving's daughter Lauren told the broadcaster that she was thankful to the paramedics who battled to save him. He was understood to have had no pre-existing conditions prior to his death. His grieving family took to social media on Friday to reveal the heartbreaking news of his passing as they thanked loved ones for their support. 'It is with much sadness that we write this devastating post,' they said. 'Last night, Wayne passed away unexpectedly. 'We appreciate all the love and messages from everyone.' Ms Irving (pictured left) said she was 'devastated' by the death of her husband Queensland's Health Minister Shannon Fentiman told reporters that her 'heart goes out to Mr Irving's family' and a review has been launched by the hospital into his death. Ms Fentiman pledged her support to the findings from the review and said she had asked health authorities to look into further resources that need to be provided for the hospital. 'I am committed to implementing any recommendations from the clinical review and the coroner,' Ms Fentiman said. 'I have also asked the director-general of Queensland Health to work with Ipswich Hospital to urgently look at what additional resources are needed for this very busy hospital.' Daily Mail Australia contacted the minister for comment. Queensland's Health Minister Shannon Fentiman (pictured) has committed to implementing the findings of a review into Mr Irving's death and said health authorities would look at directing additonal resources to Ipswich Hospital Dominic Tait, acting chief executive of West Moreton Heath at Ipswich Hospital, said further details about ongoing enquiries into Mr Irving's death could not be provided during ongoing investigations. 'This is an unimaginable time of grief for the family, and I cannot provide any more details without breaching the confidentiality of those involved,' Mr Tait said. Queensland's Shadow Health Minister Ros Bates slammed the government's efforts to address ambulance ramping and patient triaging. Ms Bates said the state's health crisis was 'getting worse'. This is the moment thugs flew a helicopter over an uncontacted Brazilian tribe and shouted insults at them - before the indigenous warriors fired arrows back at them. The helicopter passed over the settlement of the isolated Moxihatetea tribe in Yanomami territory in northern Brazil on Friday. As the aircraft hovered at a low altitude above a circular settlement passengers could be heard shouting insults as the tribe members stood in the centre. They retaliated by shooting arrows at the helicopter, according to reports. One of the thugs is said to have called the group a 'bunch of fa****' and 'cannibals'. The helicopter flew over the settlement of the isolated tribe in Yanomami territory in northern Brazil on Friday. As the aircraft hovers above a circular settlement passengers can be heard shouting insults as the tribe members stand in the centre About 22,000 Yanomami live on the Brazilian side of the border, and at least three groups of them have no contact with outsiders, according to Survival International They posted the footage online with the title: 'Cannibal Indians in Roraima,' but removed it on Monday night after it caused outrage. Authorities are investigating and it is not known if the helicopter passengers have been apprehended. The settlement depicted in the video is a Yanomami yano, a large communal house for several families. Each of the square sections of the yano is home to a different family, where they hang their hammocks, maintain fires, and keep food stores. About 22,000 Yanomami live on the Brazilian side of the border, and at least three groups of them have no contact with outsiders, according to Survival International. The helicopter flying at a low altitude above the settlement. The tribe members retaliated to the insults from the passengers by shooting arrows at the helicopter, according to reports There have been clashes in the past between the Yanomami and gold miners. The Haximu massacre in 1993 saw gold miners kill 16 Yanomami and burn their communal house to the ground. In 2016, extraordinary aerial shots captured members of the Moxihatetea outside their settlement. The photographs depicted a tribal community estimated to be home to 100 people. The group could be seen looking up at the aircraft as they stood outside the building. In 2016, extraordinary aerial shots captured members of the Moxihatetea outside their settlement Do YOU know the thrown out passenger? EXCLUSIVE: Jewish cab driver caught kicking out passenger tells why he did it A Jewish taxi driver who went viral after throwing out an 'antisemitic' passenger from his car has today insisted: 'I'm proud of my reaction - I would do it again.' Footage of the moment the furious 58-year-old London black cab driver told his female fare to 'get the f*** out' after she ranted about the 'Jewish machine' has been viewed more than a million times since being posted on X yesterday. Antisemitism campaigners championed the married father-of-two's no-nonsense stance, with former Conservative leadership hopeful Tom Tugendhat MP hailing it 'the correct response to racism' in a tweet in X, formerly Twitter. Speaking to MailOnline, the proud Jew - who asked not to be named for fear of reprisals from pro-Palestine activists - vowed he would do it again in a heartbeat as he today warned the scourge of antisemitism was 'everywhere'. 'I think I was quite restrained on that journey,' he added. 'Im proud of my reaction, It could have been a lot worse. OK, I said get the f*** out of my cab. 'But I would like to say I was professional. I would act exactly the same way again. I have a zero tolerance for any racism. Any racism. I wont stand for it.' Do YOU know the taxi passenger? Please email tom.cotterill@mailonline.co.uk The altercation between the London taxi driver and his passenger was caught on dashcam The man, who has been a taxi driver for 28 years, picked up the woman and two other people from Swallow Street, in Piccadilly, at 10.40pm on Halloween. But 'within seconds' of their journey beginning, the woman launched into her rant, which was recorded on dashcam. The passenger says: 'It's so easy to trigger people nowadays... The Jewish machine is so strong. It doesn't allow you to talk. But again, there are so many examples of me showing you brutalisation of Palestinians.' It's then that her irate driver interrupts and rages: 'Right, you can get the f*** out of my cab. Out. Out.' 'Why,' asks the woman, before the 58-year-old father shouts back: 'The Jewish machine doesn't allow you to talk!?' 'You're an example of that,' replies the passenger as she gets out the taxi and a door slams shut. 'Out you go, out you go. Antisemites out... You're an antisemite,' finishes the furious taxi driver.' The man - who lives in the Greater London area - said he posted his video to Facebook before it then 'blew up and went viral' after being shared by others. In the footage, the driver is heard telling his female fare to 'get the f*** out' Afterwards, the cabbie drives off, leaving the woman in the street Speaking of the footage, he added: 'I wanted people to see that we as Jews are facing ubiquitous antisemitism. Its absolutely everywhere. 'If you dont get up and dont stand up you get trodden on. It was important for people to see that you dont let this kind of behaviour stand.' As well as receiving praise from Tom Tugendhat, the taxi driver was also commended by the Campaign Against Antisemitism. A spokesman told MailOnline: 'Nowhere, it seems, is immune to antisemitism right now. The only way to overcome this horrible trend is to ostracise those who express racist views against Jews. 'This cabbie is right to eject this woman from his taxi. He shouldn't have to listen to racist talk. People like that can walk.' The cabbie said despite the broadly positive reactions, he now feared for violent reprisals from pro-Palestine supporters amid a growing wave of antisemitism in London as the war between Israel and Hamas continues to rage. The driver, whose family has lived in the UK for more than 200 years, added he felt so unsafe he was thinking of fleeing to another country. He said: 'Im not a wallflower but my wife is nervous about our kids and where they travel. Were not far potentially from the point where we might have to get our suitcases out, like the Jews in Europe once did, and get the hell out of Dodge. Its becoming like Germany was in the 1930s with the Nazis. The cab driver's actions were later praised online by MP Tom Tugendhat on X Protests outside the office of the Tower Hamlets Labour Party in Bethnal Green, London on Thursday, in an area represented by Labour MP Rushanara Ali against her stance on the Israel-Hamas war 'She has shown that her career is more important to her than the human rights of millions of people in Gaza,' one protester said 'I dont think were overblowing it. I absolutely dont feel safe. Im not an outwardly Jewish looking guy. I dont wear outwardly Jewish-looking clothes. But you certainly have to be careful. A lot of people have got their heads on a swivel.' In a message to the government, the driver said: 'Jews need to feel safe just as Muslims and black people and Christians need to feel safe Were getting to a point where were feeling unwelcome in our own homes.' He added: 'I dont think theres a safe place in the world for Jews other than Israel at the moment .' The footage comes amid a surge of antisemitism in the capital following the war between Hamas and Israel. There has been a 1,350 per cent increase in hate crimes against Jewish people as the Middle East crisis erupted, the Metropolitan Police has warned. Islamophobic offences in London were up by 140 per cent. Pro-Palestine activists continue to cause mayhem in London following a series of large scale marches. On Thursday evening, protesters surrounded the Labour constituency office of MP Rushanara Ali after she abstained from Wednesday's Gaza ceasefire vote in Parliament, saying she has 'shown her career is more important than human rights'. It came after hundreds of schoolchildren took to the streets of London earlier in the day chanting 'Israel is a terrorist state' in the latest pro-Palestine demonstration to hit the capital. On Wednesday evening, activists from one of the marches sparked outrage after being filmed scaling the Royal Artillery Memorial in London's Hyde Park. Footage shows a policeman in a blue high-vis remonstrating with a demonstrator standing on a ledge of the war memorial just above several wreaths of poppies. Pro-Palestinian protesters have surrounded the Labour constituency office of MP Rushanara Ali after she abstained from last night's Gaza ceasefire vote in Parliament, saying she has 'shown her career is more important than human rights' Protesters descended on the Tower Hamlets offices of Labour MP Rushanara Ali (pictured) after she abstained from last night's Gaza ceasefire vote in Parliament Hundreds of children joined the protest march in London on Thursday afternoon A Met liaison officer in a blue vest was seen appealing for the protesters to come down Footage shows a sea of flag-waving protesters chanting 'free Palestine' as they clambered over the hallowed site But the man ignores him and - when a man in the background shouts 'brother, that's disrespectful' - the yob appears to reply 'yeah it is, that's why I done [sic]'. Another group of officers appeared to simply watch on as the offensive scenes unfolded. The Met expressed its 'regret' for the way officers handled the incident but insisted no laws had been broken. And Met chief Sir Mark Rowley doubled down yesterday, saying: 'What the officer didn't do last night was make up a law that it's illegal to do something and do an arrest which would have been illegal, clearly.' Home Secretary James Cleverly, who served in the Royal Artillery, called the demonstration 'deeply disrespectful' and suggested laws could be changed to give police powers to prevent protesters clambering over war memorials. Downing Street called the incident an 'affront' which will have 'appalled' the public. A spokesman said police already had 'extensive powers available to them' but Rishi Sunak would 'look at what further measures are needed'. Veterans Minister Johnny Mercer added: 'The Met has a lot of powers they can use, and should be using, and I'll work with colleagues to toughen the law. Let's see those thugs dishonouring our war dead in handcuffs.' A group of police officers appeared to simply watch on as pro-Palestinian protesters climbed on the Royal Artillery memorial at Hyde Park Corner The Met expressed its 'regret' for the way officers handled the incident but insisted no laws had been broken However, Tory MP Neil O'Brien suggested the activists could have been arrested under existing laws. Calling the Met 'pathetic', he wrote: 'This is ''disorderly behaviour'' under Section 5 of the Public Order Act 1986 and they should have been arrested. In 2016 Greenpeace protestors who just put an air pollution mask on the statue of Nelson were arrested on suspicion of causing criminal damage.' Earlier, on Armistice Day, hundreds of thousands of protesters clogged the streets of the capital in what was the biggest pro-Palestinian rally in the UK since Hamas attach Israel last month. The rally led to police launching a 'hate crime' probe after multiple demonstrators were pictured carrying antisemitic placards. At least 300,000 protesters marched Park Lane near Hyde Park to the US embassy in Vauxhall as part of the demonstration calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. Police made 126 arrests at the rally and nine officers were left injured. The force said it was also 'actively seeking' two men pictured wearing alleged Hamas-style headbands their balaclava and scarf-covered faces and has vowed to take 'proactive action' once they have been identified. Tens of thousands of people have turned up on the streets of London on Saturday Police officers detain a man in the street close to the 'National March For Palestine' in central London on Saturday Far-right activists also caused mayhem in the capital earlier on Saturday as they attempted to storm the Cenotaph during the Armistice Day service. It led to violent clashes between riot police and some of the protesters. 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'. The Met has shared photos on X of several people wanted for 'hate crimes' committed at the march. Among those wanted by police is a woman who was seen carrying a placard depicting sacked Home Secretary Suella Braverman and Mr Sunak as coconuts, which is a racist term used to imply that someone has betrayed their race. One demonstrator was pictured carrying a sing that showed the Jewish Star of David wrapped around a Nazi swastika with the slogan: 'No British politician should be a "friend of Israel".' One demonstrator was pictured carrying a sing that showed the Jewish Star of David wrapped around a Nazi swastika with the slogan: 'No British politician should be a "friend of Israel"' Police are 'actively seeking' two men pictured wearing alleged Hamas-style headbands their balaclava and scarf-covered faces and has vowed to take 'proactive action' once they have been identified Among those wanted by police is a woman who was seen carrying a placard depicting Suella Braverman and Rishi Sunak as coconuts, which is a racist term used to imply that someone has betrayed their race Also spotted in the crowds were signs with the slogan 'From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free' which the Home Secretary said has become 'a staple of antisemitic discourse'. Others on the march had effigies of dead babies to highlight their demands for a ceasefire. A Palestinian flag was also wrapped around a First World War memorial near London's Wellington Arch, with protesters later seen climbing the statue. Officers detained and arrested scores of counter-protesters at the rally, which the Met said was attended by 300,000 people. Organisers allege the latest estimate was 'more than 800,000'. Huge crowds waved black, red, white and green Palestinian flags and held aloft placards proclaiming 'Stop Bombing Gaza', shouting 'free Palestine', 'ceasefire now' and 'Israel is a terror state'. Do YOU know the taxi passenger? Please email tom.cotterill@mailonline.co.uk Heartbroken mother of Noa Marciano broke down in tears at daughter's funeral Advertisement The heartbroken mother of a soldier held captive by Hamas terrorists today wept over her daughter's coffin after the 19-year-old and another hostage were found dead in Gaza's Al-Shifa hospital complex. Overcome with grief, Adi Marciano broke down in tears as she placed her hand on her daughter Noa's coffin during an emotional service for the soldier in the central Israeli city of Modiin. Adi, crumpling under the weight of her grief, collapsed on top of the wooden coffin where her daughter lay. Noa's friends and fellow comrades sobbed and held each other as they watched the coffin, covered with an Israeli flag, pass through the large crowd of devastated mourners. The heartbroken mother had been told earlier this week that Noa, of the Combat Intelligence Collection Corps, had been killed after Hamas released a horrific video showing what appeared to be the 19-year-old's dead body. Adi, who described Noa as a 'girl of light and love' and beloved big sister to her three siblings, had waited in anguish for news that her daughter's body had been found. That news came today, with the IDF confirming they had found the remains of Noa and another hostage Yehudit Weiss, 64, from a building adjacent to the hospital where Israeli soldiers are searching for a Hamas command centre. Noa was laid to rest today in an emotionally charged funeral service, with her weeping friends and family consoling each other as they paid tribute to the young soldier. Adi, crumpling under the weight of her grief, collapsed on top of the wooden coffin where her daughter lay Noa's friends and fellow comrades sobbed and held each other as they watched the coffin, covered with an Israeli flag, pass through the large crowd of devastated mourners Noa's friends and fellow comrades sobbed and held each other as they watched the coffin, covered with an Israeli flag, pass through the large crowd of devastated mourners The body of Israeli soldier Noa Marciano (pictured) was found in a building close to Al-Shifa hospital, the IDF said The parents of Israeli soldier Corporal Noa Marciano hold each other at their daughter's funeral Noa was laid to rest today in an emotionally charged funeral service, with her weeping friends and family consoling each other as they paid tribute to the young soldier Soldiers carry the coffin of Noa Marciano, a soldier in the Israel Defence Forces, as they walk near photos of her displayed at her funeral on Friday During the hospital raid in which Israeli troops found Noa and Yehudit's bodies, the IDF claimed its forces also found a tunnel shaft used by Hamas terrorists. The IDF released a video it said showed a tunnel entrance in an outdoor area of Al-Shifa hospital, two days after Israeli troops entered its grounds to hunt for a Hamas command centre they say is beneath the medical facility. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed there were 'strong indications' that hostages were held at the hospital but they were no longer there when the facility was raided. 'We had strong indications that they were held in the Shifa Hospital, which is one of the reasons we entered the hospital,' he told CBS Evening News. 'If they were (there), they were taken out.' Israeli troops claimed they found a tunnel entrance and weapons inside a truck located in the compound - but the military has yet to release evidence of a central Hamas command centre that Israel has said is concealed beneath the complex. Hamas and staff at the hospital, Gaza's largest, deny the allegations. IDF troops belonging to the Shaldag Unit, the 7th Brigade, and additional special units are continuing to conduct targeted activity in the Al-Shifa Hospital. On Wednesday the IDF revealed evidence of weaponry which it said proved the hospital was a terrorist base, with spokesman Lt Col Jonathan Conricus showing a duffel bag containing an AK47 assault rifle, grenades and ammunition. It comes as the Israeli military said on Friday its troops had recovered the remains of kidnapped soldier Noa, 19, 'from a structure adjacent to Al-Shifa hospital'. The army had confirmed earlier this week the death of Noa, without giving the cause. Hamas had issued a video of the young soldier alive followed by images of what the terrorists said was her body after she was killed by an Israeli strike. Overcome with grief, Adi Marciano broke down in tears as she placed her hand on her daughter Noa's coffin during an emotional service for the soldier in the central Israeli city of Modiin Overcome with grief, Adi Marciano broke down in tears as she placed her hand on her daughter Noa's coffin during an emotional service for the soldier in the central Israeli city of Modiin Friends and family mourn during Israeli soldier Corporal Noa Marciano's funeral after her remains were recovered near the Al Shifa Hospital during the ongoing Israeli ground operation in Gaza, in Modiin, Israel, on Friday Noa's friends and fellow comrades sobbed and held each other as they watched the coffin, covered with an Israeli flag, pass through the large crowd of devastated mourners Noa's mother and her family walk behind her coffin during her funeral on Friday Members of Israeli military carry the coffin during Israeli soldier Corporal Noa Marciano's funeral after her remains were recovered near the Al Shifa Hospital on Friday Hamas's tunneling infrastructure has been exposed around Gaza's AI-Shifa hospital In the Hamas video, disseminated on social media on Monday, Noa identified herself on camera. She said she had been held in Gaza for four days, indicating it was taped on October 11 - four days after Hamas's October 7 incursion into southern Israel. The video then shows still pictures of a young woman of similar appearance lying, looking sallow and with her eyes closed, on a blood-stained bedsheet. A close-up image shows a bloody head wound. A caption over the video clip - which has been shared widely on social media - said Marciano was killed 'in an air strike by the Zionist enemy' last Thursday. MailOnline has chosen not to show the video. The military statement did not comment on the circumstances of Marciano's death. Meanwhile, on Thursday the army said soldiers near Al-Shifa had found the body of another hostage - Yehudit Weiss, 65. Ms Weiss was kidnapped from her home in the border kibbutz community of Beeri, one of the areas worst-hit by the brutal Hamas assault. Her husband Shmulik Weiss was found murdered in their safe room. The body of Yehudit Weiss, 64, (pictured) who was taken captive by Hamas at Kibbutz Be'eri during the Hamas killing spree, has been found Ms Weiss's husband Shmulik Weiss was found murdered in the safe room The IDF revealed evidence of weaponry which it said proved the hospital was a terrorist base Pictured: Israeli troops and military vehicles during ground invasion of Gaza Troops of the 7th Armored Brigade's 603rd Battalion found the body, along with Hamas military equipment - including assault rifles and RPGs in a building 'adjacent to Shifa Hospital', according to the IDF. The body was brought back to Israel for identification, after which the military and police notified Ms Weiss's family of her death. Three Palestinians die in IDF drone strike in West Bank where 200 people have now been killed by Israel as tensions soar following Hamas's October 7 attack Three Palestinians were killed in an Israeli drone strike early on Friday in the city of Jenin in the occupied West Bank, the head of the Palestinian ambulance service said. The Israeli army confirmed it had carried out an airstrike, saying it had killed at least five militants during fighting in Jenin, a focus of repeated recent clashes as tensions soar against the backdrop of Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza. At least 200 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank since the Oct. 7 attack on Israel by gunmen of the Islamist movement Hamas operating out of Gaza. 'An armed terrorist cell that fired at Israeli security forces was struck by an IDF (Israel Defense Forces) aircraft. Additional terrorists who fired and hurled explosive devices at the security forces were neutralized,' the military said. Hamas and the smaller militant group Islamic Jihad said they had engaged Israeli forces for several hours in the streets of Jenin, unleashing heavy fire and laying ambushes with explosives. The military said that gunmen then fled in vehicles and ambulances toward Jenin's Ibn Sina Hospital, and that troops stopped one of the vehicles at the entrance to the hospital. It released video footage of them searching a car at the hospital and finding M-16 rifles and ammunition. Palestinian health officials said some hospital workers were ordered to exit the hospital, with a verified video showing them walking out of the building, holding up their hands. Separately, the military said Israeli soldiers had shot dead two gunmen who had opened fire at them from a car near the West Bank city of Hebron. Advertisement Israeli officials say around 240 people were taken hostage during the Hamas attacks which killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians. The IDF did not provide further details on Ms Weiss's cause of death, or when she was killed. It is believed she was undergoing treatment for cancer when she was seized by the terrorists. 'The IDF sends its heartfelt condolences to the family,' it said in a statement. 'The national mission is to locate the missing and return the hostages home.' 'The IDF is operating alongside and in full coordination with the relevant national and security institutions in order to pursue these tasks. We will not cease from the mission until it will be completed,' the IDF added. Israel's Defence Forces previously suggested it could take 'a few weeks' to uncover 'the extent' of Hamas's command centre beneath Al-Shifa hospital, as hundreds of commandos continue to search through every building and floor of the complex. Footage 'relating to hostages seized by Hamas' was found on computers at the hospital, the IDF has said, as well as a cache of weapons belonging to the terrorists. The United Nations is now desperately looking into how it could evacuate the hospital, which is the biggest in the Gaza Strip, but says its options are limited by security and logistical constraints, a senior World Health Organization official said. It comes as Netanyahu admitted efforts to prevent civilian deaths were 'not successful' - but blamed Hamas for stopping people from moving to safer places. When asked whether Israel's killing of thousands of Palestinians in its almost six week war against Hamas militants would fuel hatred among a new generation, Netanyahu said attempts to minimise civilian casualties were 'not successful'. 'Any civilian death is a tragedy. And we shouldn't have any because we're doing everything we can to get the civilians out of harm's way, while Hamas is doing everything to keep them in harm's way,' Netanyahu said. 'So we send leaflets, call them on their cell phones, and we say: 'leave'. And many have left,' he said. Meanwhile, Palestinian telecoms provider Paltel said a lack of fuel means all communications services are down across the besieged enclave, which has been subject to a blockade and relentless bombing campaign by Israel for weeks. The communications blackout largely cuts off Gaza's 2.3 million people from one another and the outside world - and paralyzes the coordination of aid, which humanitarian groups were already struggling to deliver because of the fuel shortage. Since the war began, Gaza has received only 10 per cent of its required food supplies each day, and dehydration and malnutrition are growing with nearly all residents in need of food, said Abeer Etefa, a Mideast regional spokeswoman for the United Nations' World Food Program. 'Food production has come to an almost complete halt, markets have collapsed, fishermen cannot access the sea, farmers cannot reach their farms,' she said Thursday from Cairo. 'People are facing the immediate possibility of starvation.' The breakdown of the communications network only worsened the situation. The U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, or UNRWA, said no aid deliveries would be able to enter from Egypt on Friday because of the difficulties coordinating them without phones or internet. 'We have seen fuel and food and water and humanitarian assistance being used as a weapon of war,' said agency spokesperson Juliette Touma. It is 'outrageous that humanitarian agencies are reduced to begging for fuel.' Fuel is needed for electricity generators that run everything from communication systems to water and sewage pumps. IDF troops belonging to the Shaldag Unit, the 7th Brigade, and additional special units continue are continuing to conduct targeted activity in the Shifa Hospital Footage captured the tunnels, which are surrounded by debris Israeli troops during the ground invasion of the Gaza Strip Israeli troops during the ground invasion of the Gaza Strip Israel has barred fuel shipments into Gaza since the beginning of the war, but permitted a limited shipment to UNRWA earlier this week for trucks delivering food after the agency's fuel reservoir ran dry. Israeli forces, meanwhile, have signaled they could expand their offensive toward Gaza's south even while pressing operations in the north. Troops have been searching the territory's biggest hospital for traces of a Hamas command centre the military alleges was located under the building. 'We are close to dismantling the military system that was present in the northern Gaza Strip,' Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzl Halevi said Thursday. Israeli forces dropped leaflets Wednesday afternoon telling Palestinians in areas near the southern town of Khan Younis to evacuate. Halevi said that while 'there remains work to be completed' in the north, more and more places would be targeted in the fight against Hamas. An Israeli official said yesterday that the mission at Al-Shifa hospital 'is shaped by our understanding that there is well-hidden terrorist infrastructure in the complex'. 'During the searches, information and footage pertaining to the hostages abducted from Israel were found on computers and other technological equipment,' an official also said. An Israeli soldier contributes in an operation in a location given as the Port of Gaza amid the ongoing conflict IDF troops belonging to the Shaldag Unit, the 7th Brigade, are continuing to conduct targeted activity in the Shifa Hospital Israeli soldiers carrying out operations inside Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City in a picture released by the IDF IDF spokesperson Lt. Col. Conricus shows weapons and equipment which he says were found at Al Shifa hospital complex The IDF previously shared what it called an 'intelligence-based illustration' of what the alleged command centre under the hospital might look like A laptop the IDF says was found in Shifa Hospital on November 16, 2023, with an image of rescued hostage Pvt. Ori Megidish which was taken before her abduction Weapons and equipment which Israel's army says were found at Al Shifa hospital complex Weapons and equipment which Israel's army says were found at Al Shifa hospital complex Inside a cabinet for medical equipment was another holdall containing a knife, a Hamas emblem, AK47 and ammunition, according to the spokesman In this image taken from a video released by the Israeli Defence Forces, on Wednesday, Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus, an Israeli military spokesman, holds up a bullet proof vest with a Hamas insignia that was found along with weapons the IDF says were found in a medical closet at the MRI center at al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City Israeli soldiers walk at the Al Shifa hospital complex, amid their ground operation against Palestinian Islamist group Hamas The IDF shared a picture of a laptop it said its forces found in the hospital showing a publicly-available image of rescued Israeli hostage Pvt. Ori Megidish, which was taken before her abduction. An official said equipment found in the hospital had been taken for 'further examination and investigation.' After storming the medical facility, the IDF shared evidence of weaponry, with spokesman Lt Col Jonathan Conricus showing a duffel bag hidden behind a hospital MRI machine containing an AK47 assault rifle, grenades, ammunition and a uniform. He also said a backpack contained 'what appeared to be very important intelligence including a laptop', and added that security cameras in one part of the hospital had been taped over. Behind another MRI machine more weapons were said to have been found and in an adjoining room on top of another MRI scanner was a bag containing 'full military kit for one terrorist, including ammunition, a live grenade and AK47 and body armour'. 'These weapons have no business being in a hospital,' Conricus said as he toured the hospital in a clip released by the IDF. Inside a cabinet for medical equipment was another holder containing a knife, a Hamas emblem, AK47 and ammunition, according to the spokesman. News of the IDF hospital raid came around 2am local time on Wednesday. Doctors said they were given 30 minutes' notice of the Israeli operation before at least six battle tanks moved in on the complex. Troops entered the hospital a short time afterwards. The father of a pregnant woman who was murdered by a Malaysian hitman has spoken of his dismay after learning the killer has been freed in Australia after the High Court's controversial ruling on immigration detention. Mongolian mother-of-two Altantuya Shaariibuu, 28, died in 2006 when she was driven to a forest on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur and shot twice in the head by hitman Sirul Azhar Umar as she begged for mercy. Sirul, who who had been a bodyguard for former Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak, then used military explosives to blow up her body. Mongolian mother-of-two Altantuya Shaariibuu, 28, died in 2006 when she was driven to a forest on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur and shot twice in the head Hitman Sirul Azhar Umar (left) killed Shaariibuu Setev's (right) daughter There have long been rumours in Malaysia that Umar was ordered to kill Altantuya to stop her revealing alleged illegal payments made in relation to a $2billion submarine deal on which she worked as a translator. The theory has never been proven and the identity of who paid Sirul to take out Altantuya remains unknown. He fled Malaysia in January 2015 for Australia, where he was arrested and detained indefinitely at Villawood immigration detention centre in Sydney. Sirul, who is now aged in his 50s, could not be extradited back to Malaysia as he would have faced the death penalty. But now, nearly nine years later, Sirul has walked free and is now roaming the streets of Canberra following the High Court decision to free as many as 92 hardened foreign criminals being held in immigration detention. Altantuya's father Shaariibuu Setev, a Mongolian film professor, was not informed that his daughter's killer had been freed and only found out when approached by The Weekend Australian. Sirul has refused to say who he was working for when he killed Altantuya (pictured) Sirul has walked free and is now roaming the streets of Canberra following the High Court decision to free as many as 92 hardened foreign criminals being held in immigration detention READ MORE: Greens lose it over tough new rules for freed asylum seekers Advertisement He said he was 'so disappointed in Australia'. 'I never imagined Australia would release him,' he added. Professor Shaariibuu said Australian officials had not contacted him to let him know his daughter's killer would be freed. 'Where is the human rights for the victim's family? We are right here, we are still alive and suffering,' he said. 'I really wonder why Australia releases a murderer. It makes me think all the murderers of the world can go to Australia, spend time in immigration detention and eventually be released and become free men.' Sirul has refused to say who he was working for when he killed Altantuya, only saying he was on the orders of 'important people'. Former Malaysian prime minister Razak Najib has denied ever meeting Altantuya. In 2018 he said: 'I'm on record to have sworn in a mosque in the name of Allah that I had nothing to do with the case. 'I still maintain that I only knew she died four, five days after the death that was the first time I heard about her. There is no evidence to show I ever knew her.' The identity of who paid Sirul to take out Altantuya (pictured) remains unknown A crucifix lies at the spot where Altantuya was killed After walking free from Villawood, Sirul headed to Canberra where he is living with his son, his lawyer William Levingston said. He previously applied for asylum in Australia in 2019 but this was denied. The High Court last Wednesday ruled that Australia's system of indefinite detention was unlawful, freeing 84 asylum seekers, with decisions still pending on up to 340. Those released include a paedophile who raped a 10-year-old boy in Sydney's west. The criminals have completed jail sentences for their crimes, but could not be deported for various reasons beyond the Government's control. Labor stridently opposed their release from detention, and Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil said as a mother herself: 'If there was anything in [her] power to keep these people in detention, [she] would absolutely do it'. Labor rushed legislation through both houses of Parliament, backing Coalition amendments that hit those released asylum seekers with even tougher rules. New rules include wearing ankle monitoring bracelets, strict curfews, bans from going within 150m of childcare centres and mandatory minimum sentences of one year should the rules be breached. Documents tabled in the Senate show that 18 of the foreigners who were being held in indefinite detention came from Afghanistan. A total of 17 came from Iran, 10 made it to Australia from Sudan, while nine were listed as being 'stateless' - meaning they have no nation to return to. Other countries high on the list were South Sudan, Eritrea and Sri Lanka - while one asylum seeker was originally from New Zealand. The new information also reveals that 27 of the 92 detainees freed were referred to immigration ministers because of the severity of their offending - and explains why they had their visas cancelled on character grounds. Some of those in each category committed their crimes overseas, while some of the offending took place in Australia. The new documents reveal that 21 former detainees were referred to the immigration minister over several years under the category of 'national security, cybercrime, serious and high profile organised or gang related'. More than 50 per cent of the former detainees have been held for more than five years. Six have been immigration detention for more than a decade. A Gen Z influener who became the poster girl for TikTokers enthusiastically sharing Osama Bin Laden's 'Letter to America' is a champagne socialist who quit her corporate job at Amazon to make influencer videos, it has been revealed. Lynette Adkins was among a host of social media users to post their reactions to the letter, which the al-Qaeda leader wrote in an attempt to justify the 9/11 attacks in New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia that killed nearly 3,000. Video creators appeared to equate the terror chief's views on Palestine with showing solidarity with Palestinian people amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, with some responding to his comments by saying: 'My eyes have been opened.' Adkins, from Austin, Texas, was one of the first and most prominent TikTokers to share the letter on her account, which had a following of more than 177,000 but today appears to have been removed. The viral trend then went into overdrive when American journalist Yashar Ali posted a compilation video of TikTokers' reactions, including that of Adkins. The trend appears to have started with TikToker Lynette Adkins who posted a video on November 14 telling her followers to read the manifesto Osama Bin Laden wrote his 'letter to America' in 2002, using it in a twisted attempt to justify the 9/11 attacks At Bin Laden's direction, nearly 3,000 Americans were killed on 9/11 in New York City, Washington DC and Pennsylvania on September 11 2001 The supercut has been viewed more than 32 million times, more than 16 times the total number of views of the original TikToks which used the #lettertoamerica hashtag. The app has since removed this hashtag. Nevertheless, the Gen Z fascination with the letter appears to have been organic, with one influencer telling Rolling Stone she had seen clips encouraging people to read the document as long as a week ago, before they eventually appeared 'all over' her For You page. Adkins told viewers: 'I need everyone to stop doing what they're doing right now and go read 'Letter to America,' I feel like I'm going through an existential crisis right now.' The content creator, who also has more than 36,000 followers on Instagram, became a social media star after she used her platforms to moan about working in a corporate job for Amazon. After less than a year in the role, she quit to become an influencer full-time - documenting the process for all to see - and in one month alone made nearly $9,000 (7,200) through her videos and brand sponsorship. Before hitting the social media big bucks, she began working aged 15 in San Antonio in a bid to ease the financial load on her estate agent father and her mother, who works for an insurance company. Many of her videos denounce corporate culture, and other users who picked up the Letter to America as a result of her sharing it appear to be equating Bin Laden to an anti-capitalist freedom fighter. In an example of her champagne socialism, Adkins said: 'The reason there's so much inequality in this country is not because there's not enough resources. 'It's because there are enough resources, but people at the top, like the 1%, have kept a majority of the world's resources for themselves. And that's why I started realizing that we can have it all, but there has to be change.' The 'Letter to America', which dates back to 2002, a year after the 9/11 atrocities, had been published on the Guardian's website in its entirety, based on a translation it obtained, under a link titled 'Read the Bin Laden letter in full'. But the newspaper has now removed it after people began sharing it in the context of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. TikTok said it is 'proactively and aggressively' removing the content and has launched an investigation into how it appeared on the social media site. Hundreds of Gen Z users posted videos in which they seemingly confused the hateful diatribe for an intellectual think piece The Guardian's website now displays this notice in place of the letter, which had previously been published in full The US continues to hold memorial ceremonies for the victims of 9/11, 22 years after the tragedy (pictured: the US flag is unfurled at the 2023 memorial ceremony) Bin Laden - who was killed by US troops in a Pakistan operation in May 2011 - espoused deeply anti-Semitic views and conspiracy theories in the letter, and said that the American army was 'shamelessly helping the Jews fight against us'. He also sought to justify the indiscriminate slaughter of American citizens because they indirectly fund American military efforts through paying taxes. He wrote: 'The American people are the ones who pay the taxes which fund the planes that bomb us in Afghanistan, the tanks that strike and destroy our homes in Palestine, the armies which occupy our lands in the Arabian Gulf, and the fleets which ensure the blockade of Iraq. 'These tax dollars are given to Israel for it to continue to attack us and penetrate our lands. So the American people are the ones who fund the attacks against us, and they are the ones who oversee the expenditure of these monies in the way they wish, through their elected candidates.' Countdown mathematician Rachel Riley, who is Jewish, said on X, formerly Twitter: 'If social media companies think algorithms popularising this level of terrorist propaganda is OK, prioritising profits over people, then humanity, we have a problem.' Signing off with a 'mind blown' emoji, she added: 'No, Osama Bin Laden is not misunderstood.' Writer Frances Weetman, however, had another take - claiming the Guardian version of Bin Laden's extremist letter, was 'sanitised' to remove the most extreme anti-Semitic elements. She wrote: 'The real question isn't why idiot leftist children indoctrinated on Tiktok are agreeing with Osama Bin Laden but why the guardian had originally published a sanitised version of his words that erases the references to Jewish world power / capital.' Some TikTok users have shared their discomfort at sharing the views of an infamous terrorist leader. One user commented on a video: 'There are literally so many other ways to promote Palestinian liberation than boosting bin Laden.' Other TikTokers took to the platform to hit back at the enthusiastic sharing of the letter Countdown mathematician Rachel Riley hit out at social media firms for 'popularising' terrorist manifestos Writer Frances Weetman claimed that the version of the letter published by the Guardian - which is littered with anti-Semitic, homophobic and racist views - was 'sanitised' A spokesperson for TikTok said: 'Content promoting this letter clearly violates our rules on supporting any form of terrorism. We are proactively and aggressively removing this content and investigating how it got onto our platform. 'The number of videos on TikTok is small and reports of it trending on our platform are inaccurate. This is not unique to TikTok and has appeared across multiple platforms and the media.' In its 2002 article accompanying the letter, The Guardian said the text had been published in Arabic on a Saudi Arabian website used by al-Qaeda to disseminate messages to followers, and was sent to British extremists via email. Visiting the page the letter was published on, the following message is now displayed: 'This page previously displayed a document containing, in translation, the full text of Osama bin Laden's 'letter to the American people', as reported in the Observer on Sunday 24 November 2002. 'The document, which was published here on the same day, was removed on 15 November 2023.' The Guardian said in a statement on the removal of the letter: 'The transcript published on our website 20 years ago has been widely shared on social media without the full context. 'Therefore we have decided to take it down and direct readers to the news article that originally contextualized it instead.' Hong Kong: School delegation visits Guizhou Secretary for Education Choi Yuk-lin today led a secondary school delegation to tour the Baling River Guizhou Bridge Technology Museum and Baling River Bridge in Guizhou. Over 130 students and teachers from Shau Kei Wan Government Secondary School attended a ceremony to mark the first Mainland study tour of the Citizenship & Social Development (CS) subject held outside Guangdong Province. Addressing the kick-off ceremony at Guiyang No.1 High School, Ms Choi said the number of routes for the CS Mainland study tours has been increased to 26 in the 2023-24 school year, including seven routes that last four to five days to cover places outside Guangdong. Apart from Guizhou Province, the other six routes feature the Shanghai and Chongqing municipalities, and Fujian, Hunan, Zhejiang and Shaanxi provinces. Ms Choi emphasised that as an integral part of the subject's curriculum, CS Mainland study tours serve to help senior secondary students gain first-hand knowledge of the country, and experience and appreciate Chinese culture through experiential learning. It is hoped that the tours will enhance the students understanding of the countrys latest developments and achievements, Ms Choi added. After the ceremony, Hong Kong and Guizhou students participated in school activities of different themes such as technology, art and labour practice before having lunch together. Later, the delegation toured the Baling River Guizhou Bridge Technology Museum and Baling River Bridge to learn about Guizhous innovative and technological achievements in bridge construction. They also visited Huangguoshu Waterfall to understand the provinces ecological environment. Yesterday, upon arrival in Guiyang by the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link, the delegation participated in a cultural study tour of the Geological Museum of Guizhou, Jiaxiu Pavilion and the Qingyun Market. Ms Choi also called on representatives of the Guizhou Department of Education to discuss issues of mutual concern. Tomorrow, Ms Choi will visit the National Big Data (Guizhou) Comprehensive Pilot Zone Communication & Experience Center before returning in the afternoon. The delegation will continue its tour. This story has been published on: 2023-11-17. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. South Korea is planning to ban eating dogs by 2027 amid growing awareness of animal rights, a ruling party policy chief said on Friday. 'It is time to put an end to social conflicts and controversies around dog meat consumption through the enactment of a special act to end it,' Yu Eui-dong, policy chief of the ruling People Power Party, said at a meeting with government officials and animal rights activists. The government and ruling party would introduce a bill this year to enforce a ban, Yu said, adding that with expected bipartisan support, the bill should sail through parliament. It is a move animal groups have heralded as a 'historic announcement' as opposition to the practice continues to grow, mainly among the younger generation. Humane Society International said in a statement that the decision was 'a dream come true for all of us who have campaigned so hard to end this cruelty.' Rescue workers from Humane Society International rescue a dog at a dog meat farm in Wonju, South Korea, January 10, 2017 The decision has been welcomed by animal rights groups, urging for legislation to 'close this miserable chapter in Korea's history and embrace a dog friendly future'. JungAh Chae, executive director of Humane Society International/Korea, who attended the meeting, said: 'News that the South Korean government is at last poised to ban the dog meat industry is like a dream come true for all of us who have campaigned so hard to end this cruelty. 'Korean society has reached a tipping point where most people now reject eating dogs and want to see this suffering consigned to the history books.' Elisa Allen, Vice President of Programmes at PETA, told MailOnline: 'Dogs must be seen for the living, feeling beings they are, not as an ingredient in someones meal. 'PETA hopes that one day soon the whole world will realise that all animals are someone, not something. This proposed ban would spare millions of dogs the agony of being caged, bludgeoned, stabbed, hanged, or electrocuted for a fleeting moment of taste. 'The South Korean government should heed the wishes of its citizens the majority of whom have long rejected the dog-meat trade and ban this archaic practice today. In the meantime, PETA encourages everyone around the world to remember that all animals in the meat, egg, and dairy industries suffer, and all deserve to live.' Eating dog meat has been an age-old practice on the Korean peninsula and is seen as a way to beat the summer heat. But data shows the practice's popularity is falling, with just eight per cent of respondents to a 2022 Gallup Korea poll having eaten dog within the last year, down from 27 per cent in 2015. Still, tradition mostly among older people contributes to an economy of about 1,150 breeding farms, 34 slaughter houses, 219 distribution companies, and some 1,600 restaurants serving dog, according to government data. Agriculture Minister Chung Hwang-keun told the meeting on Friday that the government would provide the maximum possible support for those in the dog meat industry to close their businesses. Opposition outside of South Korea has been met with sympathy from First Lady Kim Keon Hee, a vocal critic of dog meat consumption and adoptive owner of stray dogs. The World Dog Alliance (WDA) said just yesterday her actions were helping Korea to get on track to ban the practice by the end of 2023. 'Following a bipartisan letter from members of the U.S. Congress, sent to South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol on Aug. 7, 2023, urging the country to ban the consumption of dog meat, South Korea is making substantial progress towards enacting legislation to ban this barbaric practice. 'Within just one month of the U.S. congressional letter, South Korean First Lady Kim Keon-hee attended a press conference organized by local animal welfare organizations, publicly endorsing legislation to ban dog meat consumption. 'This endorsement underscores the proactive steps being taken by the South Korean government to expedite the legislative process. 'Bills to ban dog meat consumption have received broad support from both the ruling and opposition parties. It is anticipated that this legislation will be passed in early December this year.' Dog bodies are put on the desk for sales at a free market ahead the Yulin Dog Eating Festival in Yulin city, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region on 18th June 2014 Anti-dog meat bills have failed in the past because of protests by those involved in the industry, and worry about the livelihoods of farmers and restaurant owners. But the newly proposed ban will include a three-year grace period and financial support for businesses to transition out of the trade. Colombia began the $10,000-a-pop sterilization of the nation's surprisingly large population of hippopotamuses, descendants of animals illegally brought to the country by drug kingpin Pablo Escobar in the 1980s, this week. Two male hippos and one female underwent surgical sterilization, environmental authorities said. It is part of a larger government effort to control the population of 169 of the mammals that roam around unsupervised in some rivers. The plan includes the sterilization of 40 hippos a year, transfer some of them to other countries and possibly euthanasia. The hippos, which spread from Escobars estate into nearby rivers where they flourished, have no natural predators in Colombia and have been declared an invasive species that could upset the ecosystem. A group of hippos was brought in the 1980s to Hacienda Napoles, Escobars private 7,400 acre zoo that became a tourist attraction after his death in 1993. Most of the animals live freely in rivers and reproduce without control. A handout image from the Colombian government shows the $10,000 sterilization of a male hippo in process Hippos float in a lagoon in the Hacienda Napoles Park in November 2013. On Thursday, the Colombian government announced a plan aimed at controlling the population, which has grown to 169 and could swell to 1,000 by 2035 unless action is taken Pablo Escobar set up his own personal zoo at his Hacienda Napoles estate in the 1980s when he went out and purchased 1,900 exotic and wild animals from a zoo in Dallas. The collection included four hippopotamuses, which today have grown to 169 Sterilization takes time, because spotting and capturing the territorial, aggressive 3-ton animals is complicated, David Echeverry Lopez, chief of the environment office in charge of the plan, said in a video distributed to the press. Rain events around the area have complicated efforts to capture the animals. More grass means 'they have an oversupply of food, so baiting them to capture them becomes even more complicated,' Echeverry said. The government estimates there are 169 hippos in Colombia, especially in the Magdalena River basin, and that if no measures are taken, there could be 1,000 by 2035. When the plan was first announced, the environment ministry said the procedure is expensive - each sterilization costs about $9,800 - and entails risks for the hippopotamus, including allergic reactions to anesthesia or death, as well as risks to the animal health personnel. Nataly Castblanco-Martinez, an ecologist at the University of Quintana Roo in Mexico and who was the lead author of a 2021 group study, told AP at the time that the hippo crisis was 'one of the greatest challenges of invasive species in the world.' They suggested that some of the animals needed to be killed. Experts have said that sterilizing the hippopotamuses may not be enough to stop their growth. In March, the government announced a plan to transfer some of the animals to the Philippines, Mexico and India, where 60 would be sent. 'We are working on the protocol for the export of the animals,' Muhammad said. 'We are not going to export a single animal if there is no authorization from the environmental authority of the other country.' Colombian soldiers stand at the entrance of Hacienda Napoles, the estate built by Pablo Escobar which once featured his own personal zoo Pablo Escobar became interested in having his own zoo at his estate after he noticed the flock of exotic and wild animals that fellow Medellin Cartel leaders Fabio Ochoa, Juan Ochoa and Jorge Ochoa had at their own estate Escobar set up his own zoo at Hacienda Napoles using his fortune from the transnational drug trafficking organization. Puerto Triunfo local officials had shut down his plans for a city zoo because there was already one in Medellin, according to the book 'Pablo Escobar, my father,' penned by his only son Juan Pablo Escobar. The feared drug kingpin was also interested in creating his own zoo after noticing that fellow associates and cartel leaders Fabio Ochoa, Juan Ochoa and Jorge Ochoa had a collection of exotic animals at their own estates. So, the Medellin Cartel boss went out and purchased a collection of 1,900 exotic and wild animals from a zoo in Dallas for $2 million. The capo became bothered at the fact that there was only one hippo a male and told a henchman he needed more. 'You have to buy a hippopotamus because Noah's Ark is wobbling,' Pablo Escobar said. 'Call Miami and ask them to send me a female on a plane now The zoo's hippo collection grew to four, including three females, Some of the animals were transferred to zoos following Escobar's death in 1993, while others fled and multiplied. The daughter of one of Britain's best-known entertainers has lost a High Court battle with the Metropolitan Police after complaining about a detective who said she was 'amazingly hot'. Detective Chief Inspector James Mason, 44, made the comment to Kristina O'Connor, 34, the daughter of late entertainer Des O'Connor, when they met after she reported a crime. Ms O'Connor took legal action against the Police Misconduct Panel, claiming it failed to address Mr Mason's 'predatory and abusive' actions and that the Metropolitan Police had 'failed to properly investigate' her complaint. The Met Police and the misconduct panel disputed her claims. Today, Mr Justice Swift, who considered the arguments at several High Court hearings in London this year, dismissed her application for a judicial review. Kristina O'Connor, 34, took legal action against the Met Police over its handling of DCI James Mason's misconduct investigation after the officer kept his job The musician with her father, the entertainer Des O'Connor, who died in 2020 Lawyers representing Ms O'Connor said they were planning to appeal. Ms O'Connor said after the ruling: 'This has been a frustrating process and it is not the outcome I was hoping for, but I want to keep fighting for justice for women.' Lawyer Nancy Collins, who represents her, said: 'It is very disappointing that the High Court has dismissed Kristina O'Connor's challenge to the police disciplinary process.' She said Ms O'Connor has been 'courageous' and 'brave'. Ms O'Connor was sent numerous inappropriate messages by Mr Mason after he responded to her report of an attempted robbery in October 2011, the judge heard. She had complained about Mr Mason, who was a detective sergeant at the time. A police misconduct panel found that Mr Mason had 'deliberately and repeatedly abused his position for a sexual purpose' and his conduct 'amounted to gross misconduct'. He was given a final written warning. Mr Mason resigned from the Metropolitan Police late last year, the judge was told. In a misconduct hearing on October 5 last year, DCI James Mason (pictured) was found to have breached the standards of professional behaviour on eight counts but kept his job and rank Ms O'Connor, at a London fashion show. She was sent inappropriate messages by Mr Mason after he responded to her report of an attempted robbery in October 2011, the judge heard Ms O'Connor said after the ruling: 'This has been a frustrating process and it is not the outcome I was hoping for, but I want to keep fighting for justice for women' Lawyers representing Ms O'Connor said the force 'failed to properly investigate' the complaint. They said a police misconduct panel failed to address 'predatory and abusive' actions. Lawyers representing the misconduct panel and the Metropolitan Police disputed claims about the way they handled the process. 'I reject the claimant's challenges to the decisions of the (police) commissioner and the panel,' said Mr Justice Swift in a written ruling. 'The application for judicial review is dismissed.' Mr Justice Swift said it was sufficient that the 'steps that were taken' during the disciplinary process were 'both reasonable and appropriate'. Do YOU know the cyclist in the video? This is the moment the owner of an XL Bully confronted a busybody biker who called her pet 'dangerous' - before then backpedalling and admitting he was 'wrong' about that particular dog. Amanda Holloway was walking 12-month Hulk - who was wearing a bright green jacket with 'Friendly' on it - when she encountered the cyclist who said he should be wearing a muzzle. His comments come amid fears over the soon-to-be-banned Bully XL dogs, who have mauled adults and children to death in a series of bloody attacks across the UK. Mrs Holloway - whose animal's breed is soon set to be outlawed under the Dangerous Dogs Act after a series of fatal incidents - captured the altercation on camera as she strolled in Bushy Park, Richmond, west London. Posting the video on Facebook, the mother-of-three wrote: 'So this is the beginning of my walk with the altercation with the biker as you can see he is not bothered by people or dogs he just want to go on his walk with his mumma and his ball.' The clip shows Hulk sitting on the path waiting for his ball to be thrown, as other other people and pets walk past him. Seconds later, a cyclist is heard saying: 'That [dog] should have a muzzle on it.' Do YOU know the cyclist in the video? Email tom.cotterill@mailonline.co.uk Amanda Holloway was walking her beloved 12-month-old pet Hulk - who was wearing a bright green jacket with 'Friendly' on it - when she encountered the male cyclist The male cyclist demanded to know why her 12-month-old pup was not muzzled 'No he shouldn't actually,' said owner Mrs Holloway, who is a stay-at-home mother. 'It's the "powerful dogs act", why shouldn't it? ' retorts the cyclist, in reference to the Dangerous Dogs Act, which from December 31 will make it illegal to have an American XL Bully in public without a lead or muzzle. 'Because he is absolutely friendly and the law isn't until December 31, so educate yourself,' Mrs Holland replies. Speaking of the muzzle, she continues: 'Why does he need one? He hasn't attacked anyone in all his life.' 'Yeah but it's the powerful dogs act,' the cyclist replies. 'And I have complete control over him, absolute control. It's the owner not the dog. So unless you own one, keep your opinions to yourself.' she adds, as she turns back to her Hulk, who is waiting patiently by the park gate. Telling her pup to 'sit', she gloats: 'Oh look, a "dangerous dog" sitting and waiting for the gate to be opened. So dangerous, isn't he?' The cyclist then appears to backpedal, and concedes: 'You're right. I'm saying you're a good owner.' Mrs Holloway says: 'You're saying I'm a good owner but then you told me I should muzzle him? Is he dangerous? Has he done anything?' In the video, Hulk only appears to be interested in the ball carried by its owner 'No, he's not dangerous, no. But what I mean is he is a powerful dog,' the man replies. The woman then says: 'He is a powerful dog - there's a lot of powerful dogs out there. And it's the owners who have control over the dog. So maybe not mention anything when you see people.' 'All right, sorry,' the cyclist is heard saying as the woman walks away with her pet.' The footage comes just weeks before tightened laws about XL Bully dogs will come into force. From December 31, it will be against the law to sell, abandon, breed from or give away an American XL Bully, or have one in public without a lead or muzzle. It will be illegal to own an XL Bully in England and Wales from February 1. Owners of the breed can apply to register their dogs for an exemption before it is banned, though. Dogs on the exempt list will also have to be neutered and microchipped. Those more than a year old on January 31 must be neutered by June 30, while those under 12 months old must be neutered by December 31, 2024. The shift in the law follows a spate of fatal maulings across the UK linked to XL Bully dogs over the past couple of years. Do YOU know the cyclist in the video? Email tom.cotterill@mailonline.co.uk An Icelandic port is in great danger of being destroyed in an impending volcanic eruption, and expert has told local media, amid fears a town may have to be moved. The Nordic country is currently bracing itself for what could be a huge eruption of the Fagradalsfjall volcano, which sits on the southern Reykjanes Peninsula. This week, police decided to evacuate the town of Grindavik after recent seismic activity in the area moved south toward the town. Monitoring indicates that a corridor of magma, or semi-molten rock, now extends under the community, Iceland's Meteorological Office has said. The town of 3,400 is about 31 miles southwest of the capital, Reykjavik. An Icelandic port is in great danger of being destroyed in an impending volcanic eruption, and expert has told local media. Pictured: A police officer inspects a crack in the road in the fishing town of Grindavik, November 15 The Nordic country is currently bracing itself for what could be a huge eruption of the Fagradalsfjall volcano, which sits on the southern Reykjanes Peninsula Volcanologist Haraldur Sigursson has said that if an eruption were to happen, he expects that it could erupt into the nearby sea and says Grindavik needs to be 'reorganised' in order to mitigate the disk of future widespread destruction. 'I'm also worried about the port. It doesn't take much to destroy this port, fill it with lava,' Haraldur told Iceland's Morgunblai (MBL) newspaper. 'There are both cracks there in the harbour and even if the magma comes up somewhere outside, it flows into the harbour, because this is the depression. 'So, in the big picture, this town needs to be completely reorganised,' he added. Asked by MBL's reporter if he envisages a future in which the people of Grindavik can return to their homes, he said: 'What didn't people do in Vestmannaeyjar (a town hit by an eruption in 1973)? I think the town should be reorganised.' By this, MBL says he means that the town could have to be relocated - possibly either to the east or west. 'Just either way. It's nice over there in the west,' he said. His comments came as the Icelandic Met Office warned that Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula could see decades of instability. Earthquakes and the growing fears of a huge impending eruption mark the start of a new 'eruptive cycle', the IMO's Matthew Roberts told the BBC. Eruptions on the Reykjanes Peninsula began again in 2021 after an 800-year hiatus, and thousands of people have now been evacuated. 'We expect to see volcanic eruptions along the peninsula, not just repeatedly in the same location,' Dr Roberts told the British broadcaster. Instability could last decades, he added. A police officer stands by the crack in a road in the fishing town of Grindavik, which was evacuated due to volcanic activity, in Iceland November 15 A member of search and rescue team jumps over the crack in a road in the fishing town of Grindavik, which was evacuated due to volcanic activity, in Iceland November 15 His team made the shocking realisation last Friday that magma was coursing into the ground and fracturing rock over a nine-mile distance. The expert said the magma cut through the ground beneath Grindavik 'almost like an underground freight train.' Images have since shown fissures appearing in the ground, and further damage to buildings and roads is expected. Western parts of Grindavik have also sunk into the ground. Haraldur said that it is now clear that the peninsula has awoken, and can now be considered an active volcanic belt. 'For some reason, Reykjanesi has woken up, and it can be expected that there will be activity here and there on the promontory,' he said, adding that he expects to see small volcanic eruptions that can damage nearby settlements. 'But Icelanders are stubborn, and the smaller the town, the more stubborn it is. So it's difficult to change the structure,' he said, before expressing his hope that a relocation of the town won't be necessary. 'Hopefully this just sinks to the bottom and nothing boils up. But there will be other events in the future. This is not the only one,' Haraldur told the local newspaper. Haraldur has played down fears of a huge eruption, saying that he believes the pressure of the magma is not high enough to come to the surface this time. However, he acknowledges experts are in disagreement, and that other volcanologists have different opinions on where an eruption could occur. 'That's how volcanology works. It should be shut down,' he joked. 'If the corridor is active and is moving to the south - we see that there are earthquakes that reach all the way under the sea, just south of Grindavik - it would be most natural if it would slide to the side and into this system southwest of the town,' Sigursson said. In this way, a new island would be formed south of Grindavik. On his blog, Sigursson even pondered what a new island should be called. Local residents wait in their cars to get access to their homes in the fishing town of Grindavik, which was evacuated due to volcanic activity, in Iceland November 16 Mount Fagradalsfjall volcano spews lava after an eruption in Reykjavik, on July 16, 2023 Looking at recent aerial photographs of Grindavik this week, he said he saw two fissures that run parallel just west of the town, about 200 meters apart. He said old images taken by the US army in 1954 also show the cracks. Nevertheless, the town was built up around them. 'We see it on the aerial photographs of the American army from 1954, and there it is clear. But the district manager has not been thinking about this at the time. It was just old cracks and no reason for them to be wondering about it. It [the town] was just built on top of this,' he told the MBL newspaper. 'That was just the mentality. But now it's a bit more of a problem.' A secondary school in south London has been forced to evacuate after receiving a hoax bomb threat - the day after a practice drill. The Oaks Park High School in Carshalton called police immediately after receiving the threat this morning. Police advised staff and students to leave the building as officers rushed to the scene and carried out a search of the premises. Students were spoken to and reassured before they were sent home, an email to parents seen by MailOnline reveals. A mother who has a 12-year-old daughter at the school told MailOnline that today's incident came after the school yesterday had a practice drill on what to do incase of a threat. Speaking about the drill, the parent said: 'An alarm went off and the kids had to get under tables and be still. Then this happens today which is bizarre.' Police have since said Friday's incident is being treated as malicious communications and they have no wider concerns. The Oaks Park High School in Carshalton called police immediately after receiving the threat this morning (stock image) The mother, who wished to remain anonymous, said parents and guardians received a text from the school at 8.44am today to say there had been an incident, the school had been evacuated, police were on site, and that parents would be updated. The text reassured parents that pupils were safe with staff. 'Then we got another text saying police were advising the school should not be open so the students would be dismissed,' she said. 'The messages were quite vague so a lot of parents were panicking.' Children were collected at around 9am by parents who were told by teachers to 'move away from the school quickly'. The mother added: 'There were a few kids who were upset but the majority of them just walked out confused.' She said the school dealt with the incident well and had got kids away from the school building to a field. An email from school informing parents it was a hoax bomb threat was then sent at 11.50am. The email said: 'Dear Parent/Carer. I am writing to update you regarding an incident at school today. 'Early this morning, the school received a hoax bomb threat. We acted immediately and contacted the police who advised we evacuate staff and students from the school building. 'The police arrived promptly and carried out a search of the school premises. At this point they also advised that students should be sent home. 'We followed police guidance along with our own protocols and dismissed students in tutor groups, so they could be spoken to - and reassured - before they left the school site. 'We are extremely proud of the way our students responded today, with maturity and calmness.' The school will be open as usual on Monday. A Met Police spokesperson told MailOnline: 'Safety cordons were established as a precaution following receipt of a bomb threat at a school on Damson Way, Carshalton at 08:02hrs on Friday 17 November. 'The building was evacuated whilst a search was carried out. Nothing was found and the incident is being treated as malicious communications. 'Officers do not have wider safety concerns. There have been no arrests.' MailOnline has contacted the school for comment. Oaks Park High School is a mixed comprehensive school for students aged 11 to 19. The school website says: 'Our goal is to help young people develop the skills, knowledge and qualifications they need to become adults we can be proud of. 'Our staff are fully committed to students' wellbeing, achievement and progress in all areas.' A man has pleaded guilty to trying to rape an elderly woman at an aged care centre after he broke into the facility to commit the sickening act. Former factory worker Shane Huici on Friday appeared at the County Court in Melbourne and admitted attempting to rape the 90-year-old woman. Huici broke into Tannoch Brae Aged Care centre in St Albans, around 80km south west of Melbourne, in the early hours of August 15, 2021. A man has pleaded guilty to trying to rape an elderly woman at an aged care centre in Melbourne (file picture) During a committal hearing in January 2022, police alleged he entered the woman's room after he climbed in through an unlocked window before he orally raped her on her bed. The court heard the woman allegedly woke up to find the 25-year-old man pinning her to the bed before she scrambled to set off a distress alarm nearby. The woman was later rushed to hospital after she allegedly suffered injuries to her forearm and had multiple cuts to her lip. Courts documents stated that the man unlawfully entered the centre, recklessly caused injury to the woman and stole two keys that belonged to the facility. Dressed in a white shirt and sporting a buzz cut, Huici appeared via video link on Friday before pleading guilty to the lesser charge of attempted rape, as well as aggravated burglary, recklessly injuring the victim, and theft. He will now no longer face trial for rape, which he had pleaded not guilty to. The former forklift driver will front court again on April 3 next year for a plea hearing when the facts of the alleged offences will be mentioned. The FBI searched the homes of another aide of New York City mayor Eric Adams and a Turkish Airlines executive on the same day they raided his top fundraiser's house. Federal agents executed warrants on November 2 on the New Jersey homes of Rana Abbasova, director of protocol in Adams' Office for International Affairs, and Cenk Ocal, an ex-Turkish Airlines executive who was on his transition team. Abbasova, 41, was Adam's longtime liaison to the Turkish community when he served as Brooklyn borough president, The New York Times reports. Meanwhile Ocal was the general manager of the New York office of Turkish Airline until early 2022. The mayor's office had described Abbasova as an aide who 'acted improperly' after the FBI took Adams' electronics as part of the agency's probe into an alleged campaign kickback scheme. Boyd Johnson, the lawyer for the Adams' campaign, said the employee, now known to be Abbasova, had been reported to investigators. He did not identify the person or give details of the alleged improper conduct. Federal agents executed warrants on November 2 on the New Jersey home of Rana Abbasova, director of protocol in the Mayor's Office for International Affairs Cenk Ocal was the general manager of the New York office of Turkish Airline until early 2022 The mayor's office had described Abbasova as an aide who 'acted improperly ' The lawyer said at the time: 'After learning of the federal investigation, it was discovered that an individual had recently acted improperly... In the spirit of transparency and cooperation, this behavior was immediately and proactively reported to investigators.' Abbasova's alleged 'improper' behavior is thought to be related to a FBI investigation into whether Adams' campaign conspired with a Brooklyn construction company and the Turkish government to funnel foreign money into the campaign's coffers. Sources claimed on Wednesday that Abbasova had lied to federal investigators, the New York Post reported. Investigators looking into potential campaign finance violations by New York's mayor have been focusing on a series of text messages discussing a new Turkish consulate in the city. Reyhan Ozgur, the Turkish consul in New York City, asked Adams for his help in obtaining the necessary permits for his new consulate, opposite the United Nations Daniel Nigro, the fire commissioner of New York City, was contacted by Eric Adams and asked for help The New York Post reported that agents are particularly interested in a conversation Adams had in September 2021 - before he was mayor - about work on the Turkish consulate in Manhattan. Reyhan Ozgur, the Turkish consul, told Adams in a text that the new consulate had received the permits needed from the Buildings Department to open, but did not have the Fire Department certificate. It still had to secure a 'temporary certificate of occupancy' from the Fire Department, Ozgur said, and asked Adams if he knew Daniel Nigro, the fire chief, and could help. Adams contacted Nigro and asked him to look into the matter - but did not order him to do anything. Nigro then texted Adams and said the approval was being prepared, and would be ready within days. Abbasova's biography on the City Hall page describes her role as fostering 'closer relationships between the City of New York and the broader diplomatic community'. She also 'manages engagements with foreign dignitaries'. But a source alleges that earlier this year she took on a new role in the mayor's unit of events planning, working as a 'body person' who traveled with the mayor. They said: 'Rana was a quiet, unassuming person.' 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 It comes after the FBI seized the mayor's electronic devices last week - after a raid on the home of his top fundraiser and longtime confidante Brianna Suggs, 25, as part of an investigation into an alleged kickback scheme. FBI agents seized New York City Mayor Eric Adams' cellphones and an iPad after stopping him in the middle of the street. After news of his devices being seized broke, Adams told CNN 'he has nothing to hide.' He said: '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.' The New York Times reported that FBI officials approached the Democrat on Monday night on the street and asked for this security team to step away. The agents then climbed into Adams' SUV and took his devices - at least two cellphones and an iPad. The devices were returned to Adams within a couple of days. The FBI can make copies of the data of seized devices if they have a search warrant. Adams has said he would be 'shocked and hurt' if officials found his campaign had done anything illegal. After the FBI seized his phones and iPad last week, the first-term Democrat reiterated Tuesday that he was cooperating with what he called a 'review' and said he wouldn't speculate on its outcome. Insisting that he didn't want to impede the investigation, he and his chief City Hall lawyer declined to say whether other administration or campaign figures' electronics were turned over, whether the FBI had asked to interview the mayor, or who or what another Adams attorney meant in saying last week that 'an individual had recently acted improperly.' The federal investigation burst into public view on Nov. 2 when agents searched the home of Adams' chief fundraiser during his 2021 mayoral campaign, Briana Suggs. The development prompted Adams to bail out of a scheduled White House meeting and fly home from Washington, later explaining he wanted to be among his staffers because 'a leader needs to be here during those difficult times.' Four days later after the search at Suggs' home, FBI agents stopped Adams as he was leaving a public event, asked his police security detail to step away and took his electronic devices. The U.S. attorney's office in Manhattan, which is overseeing the probe, is declining to comment. A spokesperson for Suggs has also declined to comment. Neither she nor Adams has been accused of wrongdoing. The first police interview with Paul's friend Rogan Gibson was also released, showing Gibson placing Murdaugh at the scene early in the investigation The lead investigators in Alex Murdaugh's double murder trial have revealed the moment they knew the legal scion had killed his wife and son. Breaking their silence for the first time since the prominent South Carolina attorney's trial in March, investigators Brett Dove and David Owen spoke to Dateline NBC, in an episode airing tonight at 9pm, about the discovery of video evidence proving he lied about being at the scene of the crime. The evidence in question was a final cell phone video recorded by Murdaugh's son Paul on the night of the murders, in which a voice believed to be the patriarch could be heard at a time when he claimed he was not at the scene. 'I listened to it three to four times, to make sure I was hearing, because I was in disbelief,' said Dove, as Owen described the moment as 'really exciting.' 'I can prove Alex was lying to me,' he added, and agreed that was the smoking gun that 'blew the case wide open.' Murdaugh was convicted on March 2 of the murders of Paul and his wife Maggie by the kennels at their South Carolina hunting lodge in June 2021. He is now serving life without parole, and is appealing his sentence. Alex Murdaugh was convicted on March 2 of the murders of his son Paul and wife Maggie at their South Carolina hunting lodge in June 2021. He is now serving life without parole, and is appealing his sentence Lead investigators in the case against Murdaugh Brett Dove (left) and David Owen (right) revealed the moment they could place the killer at the scene of the crime Alex Murdaugh (right) was found guilty of executing Maggie (left) and Paul (center) near the dog kennels of their hunting lodge, and then lying about his whereabouts at the time Murdaugh initially claimed in a frantic 911 call that he had discovered the bodies of Maggie and Paul after returning home from visiting his mother, who was suffering from dementia. Placing him at the crime scene became a pivotal aspect to the case for prosecutors, as the state said both Maggie and Paul were shot shortly after 8:49pm, when their 'phones locked forever' within seconds of each other. Murdaugh had denied ever going down to the kennels after he and his family had dinner together, and only found their bodies shortly after 10pm when he returned from his mother's home. But Paul's video would later place him at the scene, as his best friend Rogan Gibson - who the video was shot for as it was of his dog - testified in court he was '100 percent sure' it was Murdaugh's voice in the infamous clip. In never-before-seen footage, police have released their first interview with Gibson early in the investigation where he gave the first indication Murdaugh was lying about his whereabouts on the night of the murders. The interview, informally taken in a van, Gibson said he was boarding his chocolate lab dog at the kennels when he received a call from Paul, just two hours before the killings. 'Paul called me at 8:44pm,' he said, noting that - the same as in Paul's final cell phone video - he heard other people in the background believed to be Alex and Maggie Murdaugh. 'I heard Ms. Maggie, and believed to be what was Mr. Alex in the background,' he said. 'I can't swear that was Mr. Alex, but I believe that it was Mr. Alex.' The kennels where the murders took place: Maggie's body was found a few yards to the right of a doghouse, while Paul's was by the doorway at the end of the kennels When asked how well he knew Murdaugh to be able to recognize his voice, Gibson said he was like 'a third son to him.' 'I'm 99 percent sure that was Mr. Alex talking to me, or talking to them while I was on the phone (with Paul),' he said at the time, later testifying he was '100 percent sure.' In his recent interview with NBC Dateline, Owen said the early interview immediately raised red flags about Murdaugh. 'I was like, 'wait a minute, that's after they had dinner, when Alex told me he stayed in the house while Maggie went to the kennels,' the investigator said. Asked why he would believe Gibson's account over Murdaugh's, Owen added: 'The information he gave us was unsolicited. Nobody prompted him to say that.' Murdaugh's trial has been dubbed South Carolina's 'trial of the century', which also included shocking interview footage of Murdaugh appearing to 'confess' to the killings, and a disastrous appearance on the stand where he testified in his own defense. The killer is now appealing his conviction, and filed a motion for a new trial last month over claims of jury tampering. His attorneys filed for an evidentiary hearing on allegations against Colleton County Clerk of Court Rebecca Hill, who has been accused of improperly counseling jurors to disregard his testimony and pressured them to reach a quick verdict. 'When those facts are proven, the court must grant a new trial,' the motion reads. Murdaugh won a victory from South Carolina's Supreme Court on October 17 after it granted a motion to pause his conviction appeal while he seeks a re-trial over the jury tampering claims. Alex Murdaugh broke down in tears as the prosecutor ended his explosive grilling with proof that the alleged double murderer lied to cops about his alibi Buster, Paul, Maggie and Alex Murdaugh are pictured in a photo presented to jurors during the trial at Colleton County court on Tuesday, February 14 Murdaugh's bid for freedom is set to be decided by a separate judge to the one who sentenced him, however, as judge Clifton Newman recused himself from any post-trial hearings this week. His lawyers called for Newman to step down after giving a controversial TV interview, after they previously sought to block the judge from hearing Murdaugh's request for a new trial. The lawyers had also wanted the Supreme Court to remove Newman from an upcoming case prosecuting Murdaugh over a string of alleged financial crimes that prosecutors say he committed as his life spiraled out of control before the murders. In an interview with NBC News a month after the trial, Newman said he 'felt sorry' for Murdaugh and believed that 'if he had an opportunity to do it over again, he'd never do it.' He also said he was not surprised at the spotlight being placed on him during the blockbuster trial. 'You know, high-profile lawyer. Death of a wife. Death of a child. Accusations of stealing millions of dollars from clients. Allegations of a lawyer hooked on drugs,' Newman said. 'It had all the ingredients for something of major public interest.' Sir Keir Starmer is 'favourable' to returning the Elgin Marbles to Greece but won't publicly raise the matter until after the general election, it has been claimed. The Labour leader is reportedly privately open to handing back the 2,500-year-old sculptures but fears upsetting Tory voters if he speaks about it publicly. Greek newspaper Ta Nea has quoted Labour officials as saying Sir Keir is open to 'finding a legal formula that will allow for the eventual return of the Marbles' to Athens. As reported by The Times, the same sources said Sir Keir will not raise the issue publicly before the general election for fear of dissuading Conservative voters. But Labour pushed back against the Greek media report and said it had no plans to change legislation which prevents the removal of objects from the British Museum apart from in certain circumstances. Sir Keir Starmer is 'favourable' to returning the Elgin Marbles to Greece but won't publicly raise the matter until after the general election, it has been claimed Also known as the Parthenon sculptures, the Elgin Marbles were made between 447BC and 432BC and decorated the Parthenon on the Acropolis in Athens The British Museum is currently pursuing a deal to temporarily return the Elgin Marbles to Greece George Osborne , the ex-Tory chancellor who is now chairman of the British Museum's board of trustees, has expressed his hope that an agreement can be reached with Athens George Osborne, the ex-Tory chancellor who is now chairman of the British Museum's board of trustees, is currently pursuing a deal to temporarily return the Elgin Marbles to Greece. In a speech this week, Mr Osborne expressed his hope that an agreement could be reached with Athens that would see the sculptures sent back on loan to Greece in exchange for 'other treasures' coming to Britain. Also known as the Parthenon sculptures, the Elgin Marbles were made between 447BC and 432BC and decorated the Parthenon on the Acropolis in Athens. Lord Elgin removed about half of the remaining sculptures from the ruins of the Parthenon between 1801 and 1805, before they entered the British Museum. These have since been the subject of a 200-year-old dispute over ownership between Athens and London. Since taking on his role at the British Museum, Mr Osborne has clashed with the Government over his exploration of plans for the artefacts to potentially return to Greece as part of a loan or exchange deal. Cabinet ministers have warned returning the Elgin Marbles to Greece would be a 'very dangerous and slippy road' and voiced fears it could lead to further demands for the return of other ancient artefacts. Downing Street has said it has no plans to amend legislation under which a museum can dispose of objects within its collection only in very limited circumstances. But this would not necessarily rule out a loan of the Elgin Marbles. If Sir Keir replaces Rishi Sunak as Prime Minister after the general election, it could be left to him to approve - or oppose - any deal agreed by the British Museum. A Labour spokesman said the party had 'no current plans' to change laws that prevent the permanent return of ancient artefacts. 'Strong cultural and historical partnerships between countries are important to ensure the British Museum, and other UK cultural institutions, can maintain their world leading status,' they said. 'The next Labour government will hear the case from the British Museum and its chair on any proposed changes to the National Heritage Act 1983 as it stands. 'We've no current plans to change it.' In a speech this week, Mr Osborne expressed his hope that an agreement over the Elgin Marbles could be reached that would not see the British Museum relinquish its claims to ownership or the need for changes to legislation. 'I hope we can reach an agreement with Greece,' he said. 'An agreement that enables these great sculptures to be seen in Athens, as well as London. 'An agreement that allows other treasures from Greece, some that have never left those shores, to be seen here at the British Museum. 'As trustees we look for a partnership with our Greek friends that requires no one to relinquish their claims, asks for no changes to laws which are not ours to write, but which finds a practical, pragmatic and rational way forward.' A Government spokesperson said: 'The UK has cared for the Elgin Marbles for generations. Our galleries and museums are funded by taxpayers because they are a huge asset to this country. 'We share their treasures with the world, and the world comes to the UK to see them. 'The collection of the British Museum is protected by law, and we have no plans to change it.' If you or anybody you know is struggling with suicidal calls, please contact the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline on 988 Disneyland was rocked by yet another tragedy after a 24-year-old man leaped to his death from the Pixar Pals parking garage on Wednesday. Police were called to the scene in the Los Angeles suburb of Anaheim around 9:30pm after receiving a report about a man who had jumped from the structure. The victim was later identified as 24-year-old Jonah Alexander Edwards. His death is being investigated as a suicide. The incident forced the closure of the Pixar Pals lot, reports The Orange County Register. 'All guests coming off trams were being directed to Mickey and Friends parking lot. 'All guests coming off trams were being directed to Mickey and Friends parking lot,' Reddit user Alythestar77 wrote on Wednesday night. The Pixar Pals parking structure, which was built in 2019, provides easy access to the Disney parks nearby In February, an Arizona woman, Marney Schoenfeld, 46, took her own life by jumping from the Mickey and Friends structure, just two months before that, in December 2022, a man who was facing child endangerment charges, Chris Christensen, died after jumping from the same building. The 51-year-old was facing charges of child abuse and endangerment and battery, according to Orange County court records. In a letter he posted on Facebook before he died, he laid the blame at the feet of his wife and mother of his stepchildren, Marlena, claiming that during an altercation last month her 'anger got the best of her' and she called the cops with allegedly false claims of abuse. Since 2010, a total of six people have taken their own lives by jumping from parking structures at Disneyland. The 5,500 Pixar Pals garage has been in operation since 2019 while the Mickey and Friends garage has been open since 2000. The latter is one of the largest parking structures in the world with 10,000 spaces. Around two percent of all suicide deaths in the United States involve jumping or falling. Christensen, 51, is pictured with his wife Marlena. He was the father to three adult children from his first marriage, and stepfather to Marlena's two daughters Marney Schoenfeld, 46, a hairstylist from Scottsdale, Arizona, died by suicide Saturday The seven-story Mickey & Friends garage at the Los Angeles theme park About 49,500 people took their own lives in 2022 in the U.S., the highest number ever. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has not yet calculated a suicide rate for the year, but available data suggests suicides are more common in the U.S. than at any time since the dawn of World War II. Experts caution that suicide is complicated, and that recent increases might be driven by a range of factors, including higher rates of depression and limited availability of mental health services. But a main driver is the growing availability of guns, said Jill Harkavy-Friedman, senior vice president of research at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Suicide attempts involving guns end in death far more often than those with other means, and gun sales have boomed placing firearms in more and more homes. U.S. suicides steadily rose from the early 2000s until 2018, when the national rate hit its highest level since 1941. That year saw about 48,300 suicide deaths or 14.2 for every 100,000 Americans. The rate fell slightly in 2019. It dropped again in 2020, during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Some experts tied that to a phenomenon seen in the early stages of wars and natural disasters, when people pull together and support each other. But in 2021, suicides rose 4 percent. Last year, according to the new data, the number jumped by more than 1,000, to 49,449 about a 3 percent increase vs. the year before. There was a more than eight percent drop in suicides in people ages 10 to 24 in 2022. That may be due to increased attention to youth mental health issues and a push for schools and others to focus on the problem, CDC officials said. The provisional data comes from U.S. death certificates and is considered almost complete, but it may change slightly as death information is reviewed in the months ahead. The CDC is expanding a suicide program to fund more prevention work in different communities. And theres growing awareness of the issue and that its OK to ask for help, health officials say. If you or anybody you know is struggling with suicidal calls, please contact the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline on 988. A security officer accused of plotting to kidnap and murder TV presenter Holly Willoughby will remain behind bars after being denied bail. Gavin Plumb, 36, has pleaded not guilty to charges of soliciting murder and incitement to commit kidnap the former This Morning host. The defendant is accused of planning to assemble a 'kidnap and restraint kit' and encouraging a third party to travel to the UK to carry out the alleged offences. During a short hearing at Chelmsford Crown Court on Friday, Plumb, 36, from Harlow, Essex, who was not present, was refused a bail application. He has a trial date fixed for June 24 next year. The defendant is accused of planning to assemble a 'kidnap and restraint kit' and encouraging a third party to travel to the UK to carry out the alleged offences Holly Willoughby recently quit This Morning after 14 years Gavin Plumb stands accused of plotting to kidnap and murder TV presenter Holly Willoughby Ms Willoughby, 42, was pulled from presenting This Morning on October 5 just moments before going on air after police informed bosses about the alleged plot. The presenter then stepped down as host of the ITV flagship daytime show on October 10, saying on social media it was an 'honour to just be part of its story', but that she felt 'I have to make this decision for me and my family'. She was reportedly left 'distraught' after learning about the alleged plot. Cat Deeley since joined This Morning as a presenter and made her debut with Rylan Clark on Monday. Cat will be replacing Josie Gibson while she jets of to Australia to take part in I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! Jewish celebrities including Amy Schumer, Sacha Baron Cohen and Debra Messing took on TikTok executives in a heated, 90-minute video call on Wednesday over the app's failure to stop rampant antisemitism. Among the stars' complaints was TikTok's indifference to the pro-Palestine phrase 'From The River to the Sea', which they say equates the eradication of Israel. They also took issue with a recent viral video of a teen reading out Osama Bin Laden's 2002 'Letter to America'. The letter spread on TikTok in recent weeks as the conflict between Israel and Palestine continues. The trend sees Gen Z users, most of whom were not born on 9/11, sympathize with Bin Laden and agree with his pro-Palestine remarks. TikTok has already vowed to 'aggressively' remove any videos featuring the letter and investigate how they made their way online in the first place. Jewish stars including Amy Schumer and Sacha Baron Cohen joined a call with TikTok executives on Wednesday. The aim of the call was to discuss ways in which the app can reduce antisemitism, but execs were slammed for their failure to do so thusfar Actress Debra Messing took TikTok to task for allowing the phrase 'From the River to the Sea' 'We recognize this is an incredibly difficult and fearful time for millions of people around the world and in our TikTok community,. 'Our leadership has been meeting with creators, civil society, human rights experts and stakeholders to listen to their experiences and feedback on how TikTok can remain a place for community, discovery and sharing authentically,' a company spokesman said. On the call, Baron Cohen accused the app TikTok of hosting what he called 'the biggest antisemitic movement since the Nazis.' 'Shame on you!' he scolded the executives, telling them to 'flip the switch' to stop the growing antisemitism. The call was with Adam Presser, TikToks head of operations, and Seth Melnick, its global head of user operations, according to The New York Times. They explained that while their moderators to the utmost to prevent hate speech, there is no 'magic button' to entirely erase it or stop it from appearing. Messing implored the execs to ban the phrase 'From The River to the Sea' but they declined, telling her and everyone else on the call that it's open to moderation from the site, and only offensive when used in a violent way. 'Where it is clear exactly what they mean "kill the Jews, eradicate the state of Israel" that content is violative and we take it down. A worrying new trend sees young TikTok users sympathizing with Osama Bin Laden's Letter to America in light of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine In the 'Letter to America,' Osama bin Laden accused the US of being complicit in the 'oppression' of Palestinians and of spreading AIDS throughout the world At bin Laden's direction, nearly 3,000 Americans were killed on 9/11 in New York City, Washington DC and Pennsylvania 'Our approach up until Oct. 7, continuing to today, has been that for instances where people use the phrase where its not clear, where someone is just using it casually, then that has been considered acceptable speech,' Presser, who is also Jewish, said. Messing asked them to reconsider. 'It is much more responsible to bar it at this juncture than to say, Oh, well, some people, they use it in a different way than it actually was created to mean. 'I understand that you are in a very, very difficult and complicated place, but you also are the main platform for the dissemination of Jew hate,' she said, according to the Times' report. All three have been vocal supporters of Israel since the Hamas attack on October 7. There were some 30 people on the call. The 'Letter to Bin Laden' trend has been slammed by Americans including Megyn Kelly, who blasted the youngsters sharing it as 'Gen Z losers.' TikTok insisted it was 'aggressively' removing any videos that feature the harmful letter. New York City's largest police union has slammed budget cuts announced by Mayor Eric Adams, warning they will make the streets less safe by bringing the number of officers down to levels last seen in the 1980s and 1990s. Adams, a former cop, revealed sweeping five percent cuts across services on Thursday, saying the city needs to close the budget gap left by the more than 140,000 migrants who have arrived since last Spring. The Big Apple is predicted to spend approximately $12billion on the ongoing migrant crisis within the next two years. While the cuts will affect city services across the board, the NYPD will see the most dramatic effect - the next five recruiting classes will be cancelled bringing the number of cops patrolling the streets from 33,541 to about 29,000 over two years - the lowest staffing numbers since the 1990s. 'Cops are already stretched to our breaking point, and these cuts will return us to staffing levels we haven't seen since the crime epidemic of the '80s and '90s,' Police Benevolent Association President Patrick Hendry said. 'We cannot go back there. We need every level of government to work together to find a way to support police officers and protect New York City's 30 years of public safety progress.' Mayor Eric Adams announced five percent budget cuts across the board, blaming the migrant crisis that has seen over 140,000 arrive in the city since 2022 Adams ordered city agencies - including the NYPD, fire department and Department of Education - to slash budgets by 15 percent this fiscal year The NYFD, on its part, will have to cut $74million from its 2024 budget. Andrew Ansbro, president of the NYFD union, said the city 'should have taken a different approach with the life-saving agencies like the FDNY and NYPD, which could really affect safety in New York City.' He added: 'Our job being dangerous, we have lot of members who getting physical injured now they are being pushed out the door to early retirement when they have a lot to offer. They are cutting back on people who really help the safety of FDNY and residents of New York City.' If the circumstances don't change dramatically, and the federal government doesn't help the city with the migrant crisis, Adams said city agencies will be forced to reduce city-funded spending by 5 percent two more times within the next two months. The cuts will also see the Education Department's funding slashed by more than 500M in one year, meaning a hiring freeze that could eliminate 37,000 vacant pre-K and 3-K slots. Moreover, free summer classes in a program known as Summer Rising will be cut for middle schoolers. The sanitation department will also be greatly affected by the announced $32million budget cuts - there will be fewer wastebaskets around the city and curbside composing rollout in in the Bronx and on Staten Island will be delayed. 'Cops are already stretched to our breaking point, and these cuts will return us to staffing levels we haven't seen since the crime epidemic of the '80s and '90s,' Police Benevolent Association President Patrick Hendry said The New York Public Library, Brooklyn Public Library and Queens Public Library also would need to eliminate Sunday service due to the budget cut. Adams also said the budget includes a 20 percent cut to migrant services, but did not reveal specifics on which areas would be impacted. NYC Comptroller Brad Lander also slammed the budget cuts - and Adams' assertion that the migrant crisis is to blame. 'The budget cuts proposed today risk doing harm to the wellbeing of all New Yorkers, especially our most vulnerable,' Lander said on Thursday before adding that: 'City Hall should stop suggesting that asylum seekers are the reason for imposing severe cuts when they are only contributing to a portion of these budget gaps, much of which already existed.' City Council will have to approved the announced budget cuts, but members have not yet signaled if they will support the measures. However, not every group was happy with the mayor's Thursday budget proposal. Chair of the City Council's progressive caucus Lincoln Restler told the New York Times that his group would not cooperate with the cuts proposed by the Democratic mayor. 'Mayor Adams's unnecessary, dangerous and draconian budget cuts will only worsen New York's affordability crisis and delay our city's economic recovery by cutting funding for the schools, child care, food assistance and more that help New Yorkers live and raise families in this city,' he said. 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 Adams warned even more cuts could be on the table early next year unless the federal government provides more financial and logistical aid to accommodate the migrants. 'In the recent months our administration has delivered for you over and over again. Jobs are up, crime is down and everyday we are delivering for working people,' Adams said on Thursday. 'But for months, you've heard me talk about the fiscal challenges the city is facing as the cost of asylum seeker humanitarian crisis have skyrocketed - placing great strain on our budget.' 'At the same time, Covid-19 stimulus funding is sunsetting - we have been clear that without significant, timely action from our state and federal partners, we will be forced to make some tough choices.' As mayor Adams deals with the budget and migrant crises, his office is also going through an FBI probe into his campaign fundraising. The Democrat had his phones seized by the FBI after federal agents conducted raids on the homes of two of his aides as part of an investigation in an alleged campaign kickback scheme involving the Turkish government. A Texas woman has been banned from Carnival Cruises for life after she tried to board a ship with CBD gummies to help her sleep. Melinda Van Veldhuizen, 42, from Texas was planning to go on a Carnival Cruise with her family in August to celebrate her 21st wedding anniversary and her son's senior year. The Dallas-based nurse was a cruise ship regular - she even had priority boarding for her ocean-travels departing from PortMiami. But the Carnival Cruise line has now banned her from ever stepping foot on one of their ships again after a steward discovered her CBD sleep gummies - which are banned by the company - during a routine baggage search. 'I have trouble sleeping, so it was just to make sure I could sleep on the trip - so if there were any issues, I could sleep. Ive always traveled with them, no problem,' Van Veldhuizen said. Melinda Van Veldhuizen, from Texas, was planning to go on a Carnival Cruise with her family in August to celebrate her 21st wedding anniversary and her son's senior year The Florida woman was banned from Carnival Cruises for life after she tried to board the ship with CBD gummies to help her sleep Carnival says it lists CBD as against the rules and claims its banned at multiple ports that they depart from When an employee located the gummies in her luggage, she prevented her from boarding the ship. Her family decided they couldn't board without her and didn't end up leaving with the rest of the passengers for the vacation. Van Veldhuizen said: 'To me, it seems like an extreme measure. The Captain finally came down and the man said based on the weight of your gummies you won't be able to board.' Not only did they prevent her from boarding the Carnival ship for her cruise - they also banned her from ever take a trip with the cruise line ever again. A letter was sent to 'confirm' Van Veldhuizen's discussion with Carnival Cruise Lines Carnival Horizon personnel where she was informed that she would be disembarked from the vessel and 'not be permitted to sail onboard any Carnival Cruise Lines vessel' in the future. The paperwork said that the decision was based on her 'actions' on the cruise - when she attempted to bring the non-THC CBD gummies on board in her luggage. Rocco Lubrano, the vessel's Captain, justified the decision because the weed gummies apparently 'interfered with the safety and/or enjoyment of other guests on the ship'. According to a cruise expert, Stewart Chiron, just because a substance is legal at point A doesn't mean you can take it to point B Not only did Carnival Cruises prevent her from boarding the Carnival ship for her cruise - they also banned her from ever take a trip with the cruise line ever again A carnival spokesperson told Local 10 News there are messages about marijuana and related prohibited items pre-cruise and on the cruise lines website Carnival says it lists CBD as against the rules and claims its banned at multiple ports that they depart from. Van Veldhuizen was told that she would be held responsible for her travel expenses and that any future booking would result in cancellation. The Texas woman is now $10,000 out of pocket. Marijuana and marijuana derivatives are against the rules of the ship - but CBD gummies aren't any of those things, says Van Veldhuizen's lawyer - Daren Stabinski. According to a cruise expert, Stewart Chiron, just because a substance is legal at point A doesn't mean you can take it to point B. 'They do have certain items that are not allowed on board the ships,' he told Fox35. 'People need to adhere to those rules in order to keep themselves and everybody else safe.' CBD is an extract of the hemp plant - which is a non-intoxicating breed of cannabis. Manufacturers of CBD gummies claim that the candies are effective at relieving anxiety, depression, pain, inflammation and can help improve sleep. Carnival says it lists CBD as against the rules and claims its banned at multiple ports that they depart from Although states across the U.S. continue to ease penalties for the use of marijuana, cruise lines have reaffirmed their stance on the drug as the number of guests rises to pre-pandemic levels. In August, the Cruise Lines International Association predicted that passenger volume would surpass pre-pandemic levels, with 31.5 million passengers this year. But with more guests comes a higher likelihood that at least a few will break the rules. Travelers may want to think twice about bringing marijuana onboard, as discovery of the drug may lead to fines, arrest and a ban on future trips. At Royal Caribbean International - home to the world's largest cruise ship, Wonder of the Seas - marijuana use is strictly prohibited. A pregnant teenager has died a week after being shot in the head at a Missouri mall as a suspect being charged with murder. Karla Brown, 19, was taken off life support and succumbed to her injuries nearly a week after the shooting at Independence Center, a shopping mall in Independence, Missouri. MarkAnthony Greer, 21, was charged with three counts of unlawful use of a weapon and three counts of armed criminal action, but those charges with be updated following Brown's death, authorities said, Brown enjoyed working at IHOP and was excited to become mother. Her unborn baby Max lost heartbeat a day after the shooting, the Kansas City Star reported. The tragedy took place last Friday afternoon when two groups encountered each other at the mall entrance, leading to an altercation. Independence police responded to a shooting at around 2.20pm Friday near the north entrance of the mall, and found four injured people at the scene. Karla Brown (pictured), 19, died a week after being shot in the head at a Missouri mall as a suspect being charged with murder MarkAnthony Greer, 21, was charged with three counts of unlawful use of a weapon and three counts of armed criminal action, but those charges with be updated following Brown's death The shooting took place last Friday afternoon when two groups encountered each other at Independence Center in Missouri, leading to an altercation The suspect Greer was heading to the mall's north exit with two other people when another group passed by, a probable cause statement submitted by detectives show. The argument between two groups likely started because of Greer's prior romantic relationship with someone in the second group - which included Brown. A person involved in the shooting told police that Greer pulled out gun and fired multiple shots at Brown's group, which prompted the group to ran into the mall and abandon Brown. Surveillance footage reviewed by the police shows Brown did not follow closely with her group when they encountered Greer and started the argument. She was sitting on a bench about 30 feet away from the two group, but was in Greer's 'direct line of fire', authorities said. The rest of Brown's group left the mall in a Ford Taurus, but was stopped by police officers rushing to the scene. The argument between two groups likely started because of Greer's prior romantic relationship with someone in the second group - which included Brown (pictured) Brown was sitting on a bench about 30 feet away from the two group, but was in Greer's 'direct line of fire' Greer was shot in the back, a person in Brown's group was shot in their leg, and another victim shot in the leg had no connection with either group, according to court documents. Greer was charged with three counts of armed criminal action and three counts of unlawful use of a weapon Monday, but those charges will updated following Brown's death, Officer Kelley Rupert told the Associated Press. The 21-year-old suspect is in jail on a $250,000 cash only bond. He has a bond hearing scheduled for next Tuesday. Tina Ellison, a friend of Brown's family, established a GoFundMe page, which has raised more than $5,000 as of Friday. 'At a time when they should be planning for their soon to be grandson Max, Jennifer and Chris are now having to plan their daughters funeral,' Ellison said. She added that the family is donating Brown's organ so that 'she can live on through others'. Ellison said Brown was shopping to prepare for her unborn baby and trying to get to safety before the shooting tragically took her life. The rest of Brown's group left the mall in a Ford Taurus, but was stopped by police officers rushing to the scene The mall does have a substation operated by the Independence Police Department, but it was unstaffed on Friday due to the Veterans Day Holiday Taylor added that officers on duty during holidays would be paid more and said: 'Everybody is forced off because we don't want to pay overtime for that right?' The mall does have a substation operated by the Independence Police Department, but it was unstaffed on Friday due to the Veterans Day Holiday. 'If we were full staffed, we'd have two, but we're running short,' Independence Police Public Information Officer Jack Taylor said in an interview with FOX4 Monday. 'So, we've got one officer there. We've got two supervisors that work out of there that they just use for their offices.' Taylor added that officers on duty during holidays would be paid more and said: 'Everybody is forced off because we don't want to pay overtime for that right?' 'Because that costs a lot more, so we have to look at what's the balance between providing the safety and then not over exceeding costs and things like that. 'That's generally why a lot of our staff is off on a holiday because we just don't pay for everyone to be here.' Rishi Sunak likely thought that his Government's pledge to invest 8.3billion into filling in millions of potholes would be warmly welcomed by Brits. But the Prime Minister was given a bumpy ride when he tried to make light of Britain's pothole plague when he announced the funding on his official social media account. Mr Sunak was mocked online after he tried to show some creative flare by posting a graphic which showed two sentences with indents in them to represent potholes. In the tweet he said: 'We all want to be able to get to where we want to go without disruption. That is why we are investing 8.3billion to fill in potholes and repair our roads.' Social media users were quick to poke fun at the Prime Minister - with one hitting back by turning the graphic into a lewd shape and writing 'Fixed it for ya'. Rishi Sunak was given a bumpy ride when he announced that millions would be invested into fixing Britain's pothole campaign The Prime Minister tried to show some creativity by writing two sentences with 'potholes' in them Social media users were quick to poke fun at the Prime Minister - with one hitting back by turning the graphic into a lewd shape and writing 'Fixed it for ya' 8.3 billion will be spent resurfacing more than 5,000 miles of local roads over the next eleven years Taking inspiration from the comical post, another user also rearranged the graphic to say: 'We all just want a General Election right now.' Another user also questioned Mr Sunak's graphic, writing: 'Express the policy using a meme!' A third wrote: 'Are you 12?' A fourth sarcastically posted: 'This is brilliant, because it looks like potholes in a road except it's a sentence! Great work.' And a fifth joked: 'Did you make this one yourself Rishi?' Others joked that it looked like it had been 'made by a five-year-old' while another said they 'thought it was a parody account'. Mr Sunak has pledged to tackle 'the scourge of potholes' with the money saved from scrapping HS2's Birmingham to Manchester leg. The Prime Minister described the investment, which will be made available to local authorities over 11 years, as 'unprecedented'. AA figures show call-outs to pothole-related breakdowns are at near-record levels. The organisation has received more than 450,000 so far this year. Other social media users also mocked Mr Sunak, with one turning the sentence into: 'We all just want a General Election right now' Town halls in the North West, North East and Yorkshire & Humber regions will get 3.3 billion over the period, 2.2 billion in the West Midlands and East Midlands and 2.8 billion in the East of England, South East and South West. The Department for Transport said 5.5 billion of funding for local roads maintenance between 2020 and 2025 was announced before the Network North plan, which is in addition to that. Mr Sunak said: 'For too long politicians have shied away from taking the right long-term decisions to make life easier for hardworking families - tackling the scourge of potholes being a prime example. 'Well-maintained road surfaces could save drivers up to 440 each in expensive vehicle repairs, helping motorists keep more of the cash in their pocket. 'This unprecedented 8.3 billion investment will pave the road for better and safer journeys for millions of people across the country and put an end to the blight of nuisance potholes.' On a visit to a project tackling potholes in West Horsley, Surrey, Transport Secretary Mark Harper said drivers will 'see improvement straightaway' in road conditions. He said: 'That money is enough to resurface over 5,000 miles of roads, so people will see a step change in the quality of local roads. 'For drivers, for cyclists, for bus users - anyone who uses the roads - this is a real improvement.' Mr Harper said it is up to local authorities how to spend maintenance funding, such as on tackling potholes and resurfacing roads. Potholes will be filled in using savings made from scrapping HS2's Birmingham to Manchester leg He told Sky News: 'We're giving it to local authorities and we want to make sure they're held accountable, so one of the other things we're doing is making sure they have to be transparent about what they're spending the money on. 'Their local electorates can then hold them to account.' The Cabinet minister said reducing the number of potholes is 'a top priority for drivers and road users'. Some 49 per cent of respondents to an RAC survey of more than 2,500 drivers in March said the condition of local roads was their biggest motoring concern, putting it ahead of all other issues. Garage repair data analysed by the RAC shows drivers are paying an average of 440 if their car needs fixing after hitting a pothole for any damage more serious than a puncture. Common vehicle problems caused by potholes include damaged shock absorbers, broken suspension springs and distorted wheels. The cost of bringing pothole-plagued local roads in England and Wales up to scratch has been estimated at 14 billion. RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: 'We hope local authorities will use the money in the most effective way possible by resurfacing the very worst roads, keeping those in reasonable condition in better states for longer through surface dressing, and filling potholes as permanently as possible wherever necessary. 'This should in time go a considerable way to bringing our roads back to a fit-for-purpose state and saving drivers hundreds of pounds in the process from not having to fork out for frustrating repairs to their vehicles.' AA president Edmund King said: 'The 8.3 billion plan can make a considerable difference in bringing our roads back to the standards which road users expect, especially if councils use the cash efficiently to resurface our streets. 'As well as safer roads, eliminating potholes gives confidence to people wanting to cycle, and instils pride of place within local communities.' Darren Rodwell, transport spokesman for the Local Government Association, said: 'Councils want to invest in cost-effective and resilient resurfacing, rather than retrospectively dealing with potholes, and this funding is a significant boost towards improving more of the 186,000 miles of England's local roads. 'We await to see the final details of the full allocation.' He added that it is 'vital' the plan is 'locked in' by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt in next week's autumn statement. The District Attorney's office has begun investigating whether the children were properly supervised or in inherent danger in their family Due to California law, the Santa Cruz Sheriff's Office is not filing any charges against the boy The unidentified young boy stabbed and killed his brother with a kitchen knife after a fight A five-year-old California boy who stabbed his twin brother with a small kitchen knife while they were play fighting will not be charged. Emergency services rushed to the boys' family home in Scotts Valley, Santa Cruz, around 4pm on November 15 to find a child with a knife wound. The five-year-old was rushed to hospital but did not survive his injuries. Following an investigation, Santa Cruz Sheriff's Office found there was no indication of negligence or criminal activity and the child was unaware of the wrongfulness of his actions. Children under 14 are 'not capable' of committing a crime unless 'at the time of committing the act charged against them, they knew its wrongfulness', according to Penal Code 26. California's juvenile court also states that it only hears delinquency cases involving children between ages of 12 to 17. The Santa Cruz Sheriff's Office concluded that there was no indication of negligence or criminal activity and the child was unaware of the wrongfulness of his actions Emergency services rushed to the boys' family home in Scotts Valley, Santa Cruz, around 4pm on November 15 to find a child with a knife wound Former prosecutor Steven Clark said that the District Attorney's office have launched an investigation as to whether the children were properly supervised or in inherent danger as a matter of process. 'The fact that the sheriff's office came out so quickly and deemed this not a negligent situation, suggests that this family was acting appropriately, that this was just a one-off, horrible, tragic event,' Clark told the channel. In a Facebook statement, the Office wrote: 'Just before 4pm on November 15, 2023, deputies were dispatched to the 200 Block of Tucker Road in unincorporated Scotts Valley for a five-year-old victim of a stabbing. 'When deputies arrived, they learned that two five-year-old twins were fighting, as siblings sometimes do. 'Tragically, during the incident, one of the 5-year-olds got a small kitchen knife and stabbed his twin brother.' In a Facebook statement, the Office wrote: 'Just before 4pm on November 15, 2023, deputies were dispatched to the 200 Block of Tucker Road in unincorporated Scotts Valley for a five-year-old victim of a stabbing' The public information officer for the Sheriff's Office, Ashley Keehn, for Scott's Valley (pictured) said that the incident was just a tragic situation While significant attempts to save the boy's life were made, he didn't make it. 'Despite lifesaving efforts by our deputies, emergency personnel, and hospital staff, the 5-year-old passed away at the hospital. 'We are heartbroken for the family of these two young children and share in their grief.' The public information officer for the Sheriff's Office, Ashley Keehn said that the incident was just a tragic situation and no negligence was involved. 'Through investigation and witness interviews, there was no negligence. This ended up being just being a very tragic, horrific situation,' Keehn told ABC7. The devastated parents have asked for privacy and have not released any information about the family. The 'monster' who murdered schoolteacher Ashling Murphy has today been jailed for life after he was found guilty of stabbing her to death in Ireland last year. Ms Murphy, 23, was repeatedly stabbed by 33-year-old Jozef Puska as she went jogging on a canal path in the County Offaly town of Tullamore on the afternoon of January 12, 2022. Puska, a married father of five who came to Ireland from Slovakia in 2015, had pleaded not guilty to her murder. But a jury of nine men and three women quickly reached a unanimous guilty verdict at the Central Criminal Court in Dublin last week. During today's sentencing hearing, her devastated boyfriend of six years, Ryan Casey, turned to Puska as he said: 'Because of you, I will never get to marry my soulmate'. Mr Casey said Puska 'smirked and smiled' during a harrowing three week trial, adding: 'You showed no remorse which sums up the kind of person you are, the epitome of evil.' Ms Murphy's heartbroken mother said her daughter was 'one in a million' and her murder has left 'such a void in our home, I can't bear it.' Mrs Murphy said Puska should never see the light of day again as she described how her 'heart was ripped' from her body the moment she learned her daughter had been murdered. Mr Justice Tony Hunt, after hearing hours of emotional testimony from Ms Murphy's family, handed Puska a mandatory life sentence for her murder, saying it was 'deserved'. He said Puska's evidence had been 'indescribable' and the 'one thing we don't know about this case is the why'. During today's sentencing hearing, her devastated boyfriend of six years, Ryan Casey (pictured together) turned to Puska as he said: 'Because of you, I will never get to marry my soulmate' Jozef Puska, of Lynally Grove in Mucklagh, Tullamore, had pleaded not guilty to her murder at the Central Criminal Court in Dublin. He was jailed today for life Ashling Murphy, 23, was killed by 33-year-old Jozef Puska in the County Offaly town of Tullamore while exercising on a canal path on the afternoon of January 12, 2022 Following his guilty verdict last Thursday, Ms Murphy's heartbroken family (her brother Cathal, centre, mother Kathleen left, father Raymond, right) stood outside the court, overcome with emotion after listening to three weeks of harrowing evidence Following Puska's life sentence today, Garda Chief Superintendent Tony Lonergan (left with Superintendent Eamon Curley outside Central Criminal Court in Dublin today) praised Ms Murphy's family for showing 'courage, dignity and resilience' during the trial Her devastated partner Mr Casey was in tears as he read out his victim impact statement to the court today in front of Ms Murphy's family and friends. He told how the couple, who had been together since 2016, had talked about their plans to marry and have children. Turning to Puska, Mr Casey said: 'You have no idea and will never have any idea of the level of connection and love Ashling and I shared. 'Because of you I have lost my Ashling, because of you, I will never get to marry my soulmate, because of you I will never see her smile again, because of you I have to somehow carry on without her.' 'You smirked, you smiled and you showed no remorse which sums up the kind of person you are, the epitome of pure evil,' Mr Casey said in tears. He said it did not make sense to him that someone could 'completely and permanently destroy someone... who is the complete opposite', describing Ms Murphy as 'a light with dreams, compassion, respect, a person who contributes to society in the best way possible'. The couple met at a disco when Mr Casey was 15 but they broke up in 2014 because they were so young. The two youngsters still kept in touch and in late 2016 they rekindled their romance, with Mr Casey giving Ms Murphy a watch which she never took off. Her mother now wears the watch following her daughter's murder. Mr Casey said in the six years together they had talked about how many children they would have, and imagined they would be 'little hurlers and camogie players and even better - musicians'. Mr Casey said their relationship was 'full with love, trust respect' and 'was quite simply heaven on earth'. Her mother Kathleen said her 'heart broke the moment I heard the bad news Ashling was murdered' in a victim impact statement read out in court. Mrs Murphy said that before her daughter left the house for a job the day she was murdered, she had begged her not to go along the canal, to which Ms Murphy replied 'Ah mum, I'm 23 years old' before giving her mother a hug. She gave her 'a big hug and said 'I love you, you're the best mum in the world' and walked out the door', the court heard. Ms Murphy's older sister Amy Murphy described the 23-year-old as a gifted musician, a passionate teacher, a selfless member of the community and an integral part of their family. 'This country has lost somebody who made a difference,' Amy Murphy said. Amy told Puska that he had told a 'ludicrous set of lies', and that by pleading not guilty her family had to sit through the evidence of the trial, which she said had 'traumatised' the family. She said their nightmare was 'replayed' through CCTV, witnesses' testimonies, descriptions of her wounds, and said that Ashling's blood-soaked GAA jacket, shown in court during the trial, will 'haunt me for the rest of my days'. 'We were totally disturbed by Puska's demeanour,' she said, adding that he appeared to smirk and smile during evidence. She said that in the wake of her sister's murder, deliveries for her arrived and still lie unopened on her bed. 'We will never be the same,' she said. During the trial, the jury heard more than three weeks of evidence, which the prosecution described as 'overwhelming'. They were told that Puska had stabbed the young woman 11 times with a knife on the right side of her neck. The stab wounds damaged her right and left jugular veins, her voice box and her right carotid artery, a post-mortem examination found. Her wounds caused acute blood loss and stopped her heart. Wearing the top of her beloved GAA camogie club Kilcormac Killoughey, Ms Murphy had been out exercising on the sunny January afternoon and had covered 2 miles when she was randomly attacked by Puska, a man she had no connection with. The 23-year-old's fitness tracking app was still on when she was found fatally injured in thick undergrowth in a ditch by the canal path. A necklace with the name Ashling hung around her neck. Her Fitbit smartwatch recorded a sudden erratic movement at 3.21pm, the moment Puska struck. Forensic teams lifted a fingerprint and a DNA sample belonging to Puska from a bicycle found near Ms Murphy's body. Male DNA found under her fingernails also matched two samples taken from the 33-year-old killer. The trial also heard that on January 14, two days after Ms Murphy was found dead, Puska admitted to killing her from his hospital bed in Dublin. Ashling Murphy with her boyfriend Ryan Casey The death of 23-year-old Ashling Murphy sent shockwaves around Ireland and beyond Jozef Puska, 31, is led in to Tullamore District Court where he is charged with the murder of Irish teacher Ashling Murphy on January 19 2022 The brother of murdered teacher Ashling Murphy, Cathal (left), her sister Amy (centre) and boyfriend Ryan Casey (right) condemned 'predator' Jozef Puska after he was found guilty of murder last week. He was sentenced to life in prison today A map showing where Ms Murphy's body was found along the Grand Canal way, also known as Fiona's Way. The route is named in memory of missing woman Fiona Pender - who is commemorated to her in a monument in Tullamore Forensic teams search the murder scene where 23-year-old Ashling Murphy was killed on the Cappincur Canal towpath while out jogging in Tullamore, Ireland Following Puska's life sentence today, Garda Chief Superintendent Tony Lonergan praised Ms Murphy's family for showing 'courage, dignity and resilience' during the trial. 'Ashling, a school teacher, was out for a walk after work when she was attacked and murdered by Mr Puska,' he said. 'This monstrous crime shocked the nation.' 'I want to pay tribute to all the members of An Garda Siochana involved in this investigation, and in particular my colleagues at Tullamore garda station where the investigation was based. Click here to listen to the Mail's new podcast The Trial 'The Trial...' takes listeners behind the headlines and into the courtroom of some of the biggest trials in the world. Our first series, The Trial of Lucy Letby, was a worldwide hit, with more than 13million downloads. Season 2 focuses on the killing of Ashling Murphy, a 23-year-old teacher from Ireland. Follow the trial's evidence, with twice-weekly reports from Deputy News Editor for Mail on Sunday Ireland Nicola Byrne and broadcast journalist Caroline Cheetham. Advertisement 'The investigation team were professional and steadfast in their determination that the person responsible for Ashling's murder would be brought to justice. 'I also want to thank the community of Tullamore, a compassionate, kind, resilient and generous community. They were of invaluable assistance to An Garda Siochana throughout this investigation, providing us in particular with access to CCTV which was instrumental in building the case against Mr Puska, and to achieving a successful prosecution. 'The community also has and continues to support Ashling's family. 'Finally, I would like to pay tribute to Ashling's famly ... the courage, the dignity, the resilience and the strength that they are showing during this ordeal has been exemplary. 'I want to assure them on behalf of An Garda Siochana that we will continue to support them going forward and give them all the support we can where necessary.' Following Puska's guilty verdict last Thursday, Ms Murphy's heartbroken family stood outside the court, overcome with emotion after listening to three weeks of harrowing evidence. Her brother Cathal, shaking with emotion and standing in front of his tearful parents Kathleen and Raymond, said at the time his 'darling' sister was subjected to 'incomprehensible violence by a predator'. He said it was 'imperative' that Puska, who he described as a 'vicious monster', 'can never harm another woman again'. Ms Murphy's boyfriend Ryan Casey choked back tears after the guilty verdict was reached last week as he described the school teacher as a 'vibrant, intelligent and highly-motivated woman' who was a 'shining light in their community'. After Puska was found guilty, the judge, Mr Justice Tony Hunt, told the jury: 'We have evil in this room.' Cathal, flanked by his parents and sister Amy, said last week that while the judicial process 'can't bring our darling Ashling back nor heal our wounds' his family were 'relieved' by the guilty verdict. He said: 'We would like to thank the members of the jury for reaching this verdict. Sitting through the harrowing evidence of this trial was not an easy task and we'll be forever grateful for their patience and resilience throughout this incredibly difficult process. 'Ashling was subjected to incomprehensible violence by a predator who was not known to her. While we do not glory in any conviction, we recognise the importance of holding accountable those who would commit such terrible atrocities. 'The judicial process cannot bring our darling Ashling back, nor can it heal our wounds, but we are relieved that this verdict delivers justice. 'It is simply imperative that this vicious monster can never harm another woman again.' The mother of murdered teacher Ashling Murphy, Kathleen, stands outside court as her son, Cathal, issues a statement to the media following Puska's guilty verdict last week The jury also heard evidence from a woman who had been jogging along the canal on January 12, 2022, at the same time as Ms Murphy. Pictured: Family photos of Ashling released on her funeral During the trial, the jury heard more than three weeks of evidence, which the prosecution described as 'overwhelming' Touching photos of Ashling from through her life were displayed by her family to mourners at her funeral The trial also heard that on January 14, two days after Ms Murphy was found dead, Puska admitted to killing her from his hospital bed in Dublin. He had been brought to the hospital on January 13 with injuries to his stomach which he claimed were a result of being stabbed in Blanchardstown the day before by a man - a claim that he later admitted was a lie. He underwent exploratory surgery but his wounds were not found to be serious. According to Detective Sergeant Brian Jennings, Puska made his admission at 6pm the following day through an interpreter after being told he was a 'person of interest' in a murder investigation. DS Jennings said Puska told him: 'I did it. I murdered. I am the murderer.' According to The Irish Times, Detective Garda Fergus Hogan said Puska told him minutes later in English: 'I'm sorry, I see girl I never see before. Knife I use for chain. When she pass, I cut her, I cut her neck, she panic, I panic.' The trial also heard that on January 14, two days after Ms Murphy was found dead, Puska admitted to killing her from his hospital bed in Dublin. Pictured: Ms Murphy as a child The prosecution has argued that the man seen in the CCTV footage is Jozef Puska, 33, who was charged with the murder of Ms Murphy. (Pictured: CCTV still) A court artist's illustration of Jozef Puska, 33, (left) being questioned by his barrister Michael Bowman SC (right) at the Central Criminal Court in Dublin, where he has been found guilty of killing teacher Ashling Murphy, who was murdered while exercising on January 12, 2022 Mr Hogan said the killer was upset and crying and said he was sorry, asking: 'Will I go for ten years?' He then pointed to his abdomen and told him: 'I did this.' Puska later said he did not recall making the statement and told police he did not 'know anything' about the murder while being interviewed. The Slovakian, who admitted lying to officers on multiple occasions, had told the court that he had tried to help Ms Murphy after they were both attacked by a masked man. It was prosecuting barrister Anne-Marie Lawlor's case that there was no other man involved in the killing on Ms Murphy, as Puska claimed. The jury also heard evidence from a woman who had been jogging along the canal on January 12, 2022, at the same time as Ms Murphy. She told the court she had seen a man in a hedgerow who seemed to be crouched over a person who was kicking out 'like she was crying out for help'. Last week, the judge thanked the jury for their service after they delivered their guilty verdict, saying the killing was particularly difficult given 'the kind of person that she obviously was'. The death of the 23-year-old sent shockwaves around Ireland and beyond. Pictured: Photos of Ashling from through the years that her family displayed to mourners at her funeral The death of the 23-year-old sent shockwaves around Ireland and beyond The indiscriminate stabbing of a young woman who was simply out for some exercise resonated across the globe The judge said the primary school teacher loved children and her GAA top showed her love of sport, particularly camogie, an Irish stick-and-ball team sport played by women The indiscriminate stabbing of a young woman who was simply out for some exercise resonated across the globe. Emotional scenes at vigils in Tullamore, Dublin and other towns and cities on the island of Ireland were replicated in Britain, and as far away as New York and Melbourne as thousands gathered to pay tribute and express revulsion at the killing. The judge said the primary school teacher loved children and her GAA top showed her love of sport, particularly camogie, an Irish stick-and-ball team sport played by women. He told the court that to lose a child was unnatural. Speaking of her family, he said: 'Their position is unenviable. How their child was taken away, to consider what happened here is enough to make you physically ill.' The jury were applauded as they exited the chamber as Ms Murphy's mother - who was dressed in black - held up a framed photograph of her daughter. The judge said he had asked for silence but said the applause was 'understandable'. He said the prompt verdict reflected that it was a straightforward case. He added that he agreed with the verdict and was satisfied it was correct, adding that he was glad the jury didn't spent any more time than they needed to consider Mr Puska's 'nonsense'. 'Quite literally, you made sure nobody got away with murder,' the judge said. However, he said there was no doubt the case was 'difficult and upsetting'. Ms Murphy's parents Kathleen and Ray, her sister Amy, brother Cathal and long-time boyfriend Ryan attended the three-week trial at the Central Criminal Court in Dublin. They listened to horrific details of her final moments as Puska sat largely impassively in the dock. Schoolchildren at Ms Ashling's funeral held photos of her bearing the words: 'Fly high in the sky, our shining light.' Search: A Garda team at the crime scene at the Grand Canal in Tullamore, Co. Offaly Mourners walked beside the hearse carrying the coffin of Ashling Murphy as the cortege arrived for her funeral at St Brigid's Church on January 18, 2022 Pupils from Ashling Murphy's class hold a photographs and a red roses during her funeral Candles at a vigil in memory of Ms Murphy in Tullamore town park Flowers and a note as a tribute for 23-year-old teacher Ms Murphy were laid outside Durrow National School where she taught in Tullamore, Ireland Hundreds of people attended the vigil on January 14, 2022 Jozef Puska (grey top centre) is led to a police van after appearing at Tullamore District Court on December 20, 2022 The Department of Education is set to probe complaints of anti-Semitism and Islamophobia at seven school campuses The Department of Education has launched investigations into seven colleges after complaints of anti-Semitism and islamophobia on campus. The seven schools include Ivy League schools such as Cornell University, Columbia University and the University of Pennsylvania. Five of the investigations are in response to allegations of anti-Semitic harassment, while two are in response to allegations of anti-Muslim harassment. These are the first investigations of their kind following the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, which has prompted protests on campuses across the country. The Department of Education announced the inquiries on Thursday, calling it part of the Biden administration's effort to take 'aggressive action' against discrimination. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona speaks with students during a visit to Towson University to discuss anti-Semitism on college campuses, Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023 The Education Department announced the inquiries on Thursday, calling it part of the Biden administration's effort to take 'aggressive action' against discrimination The schools include one K-12 school, the Maize Unified School District in Kansas, and six colleges. The six are Lafayette College in Pennsylvania, Cornell University in New York, Columbia University in New York, Wellesley College in Massachusetts, The Cooper Union in New York, and the University of Pennsylvania. Once the Department of Education has concluded their investigation, they will be making recommendations to the institutes. Schools found to have violated civil rights law can face penalties up to a total loss of federal money, although the vast majority of cases end in voluntary settlements. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona said: 'Hate has no place in our schools, period. 'When students are targeted because they areor are perceived to beJewish, Muslim, Arab, Sikh, or any other ethnicity or shared ancestry, schools must act to ensure safe and inclusive educational environments where everyone is free to learn.' All of the investigations were opened Wednesday or Thursday. An updated list of investigations will be released each week, the department said. Since the conflict in the Middle East started last month, campuses have seen a rise in tension over the war. The conflict has prompted strong international reactions, ranging from peaceful protests to acts of violent anti-Semitism and Islamophobia. The Anti-Defamation League reported a nearly 400 percent spike in incidents in the US between October 7 and October 23. Earlier this month, Cornell student Patrick Dia confessed to FBI agents that he made heinous threats against Jewish students at the school. In a series of posts on the Greekrank forum, he threatened to shoot, stab and kill 'pig Jews', referring to himself as 'Hamas'. Cornell student Patrick Dai, seen here, confessed to making heinous threats against Jews after FBI agents traced his IP address to campus and his hometown In a series of posts on the Greekrank forum, he threatened to shoot, stab and kill 'pig Jews', one post is seen above The threats rattled the campus, closing the kosher dining hall out of fear for student safety. Dai was taken into custody after the FBI managed to trace his IP address, he is being held in Broome County while awaiting a court appearance. If convicted, he faces up to five years in prison and fines of $250,000, with his parents claiming he is innocent. The posts made by Dai included calls for Palestine to be freed, and threats to target '104 West' - the Cornell campus Center for Jewish Living. Besides students, Cornell Professor Russell Rickford was forced into a leave of absence after proclaiming the Hamas attack on Israel was 'exhilarating'. Rickford, a history professor, later apologized for the remarks saying he was sorry 'for the horrible choice of words that I used'. The university confirmed he would not be teaching for the remainder of the semester. Rickford is an associate professor of history and, according to his Twitter bio, a 'Historian of the Black radical tradition' Outside of Cornell, the University of Pennsylvania came under fire earlier this month after anti-Jewish slogans were projected onto three of the school's buildings. One message splashed across the John M Huntsman hall said: 'From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free'. Slogans projected on Penn Commons read: 'Zionism is racism' and demanded UPenn president Liz Magill call for a ceasefire in Gaza. These projections followed the school increasing security and contacting the FBI over a string of reports of threats against Jewish students. UPenn said that several of its staff members received 'vile, disturbing anti-Semitic emails' threatening violence against Jews on campus. University president Liz Magill also acknowledged 'swastikas and hateful graffiti' at the school. The University of Pennsylvania came under fire earlier this month after anti-Jewish slogans were projected onto three of the school's buildings One message splashed across the John M Huntsman hall said: 'From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free'. In New York City, students at Columbia University who signed a letter blaming Israel for the October 7 attack were openly doxed by a box truck. The truck, sponsored by a group called Accuracy in Media, has shown on a panel screen on its side the faces and names of students beneath the words 'Columbia's Leading Antisemites.' Students signed on a statement saying that the 'weight of responsibility for the war and casualties deniably lies with the Israeli extremist government.' Last week, the University suspended Students for Justice for Palestine (SJP) and Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP) after unauthorized campus protests. The two student organizations are suspended as official student groups through the end of the fall semester. SJP is a network of pro-Palestinian student groups across the US which spread anti-Israel propaganda often mixed with antiemetic, provocative and sometimes violent messaging. The Accuracy in Media 'doxxing truck' paid a visit to Columbia to highlight the names and faces of students who signed a letter blaming Israel for the October 7 terror attack Pro-Israel students take part in a protest in support of Israel amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza, at Columbia University in New York City, October 12, 2023 Pro-Palestinian students take part in a protest in support of the Palestinians amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza, at Columbia University in New York City, October 12, 2023 Immediately following the October 7 many SJP chapters released statements of support, including imagery of the attacks and applauded the rape and murder as Palestinian 'resistance' to Israel. JVP is an anti-Zionist group that supports the international boycott movement against Israel. Suspension means the two student groups will not be eligible to host events on campus or receive university funding until the end of the semester. Columbia also launched an antisemitism taskforce to tackle 'terribly resilient form of hatred' after a number of Jewish-related assaults and harassment on campus. Other incidents at campuses include Jewish students at Cooper Union, also in New York City, being forced to take shelter inside a library on campus to avoid a pro-Palestine mob. Late last month, a group chanting 'Free, free Palestine' held a protest in the lobby of the college near Astor Place in Manhattan. The crowd barged past a security guard and attempted to storm the library, where Jewish students had taken refuge. Those inside were later let out. A pro-Palestine mob is seen making their way past a security guard, yelling: 'Free, free Palestine' At Harvard University, which is not being investigated, the Palestinian Solidarity Committee has been condemned for issuing a letter on October 7. Co-signed by 33 other Harvard student organizations, stating: 'We, the undersigned student organizations, hold the Israeli regime entirely responsible for all unfolding violence.' Some of the signatories have been named and shamed, and billionaire financier Bill Ackman is demanding that companies refuse to hire them. Harvard's president has apologized for the statement, and said it does not represent the views of the university. Earlier this week, three students sued New York University (NYU), which is also not being probed, for failing to protect them against 'festering Jewish hatred'. 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' Pictured: NYU protest on October 25 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. 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. 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. Two boys aged just 12 appeared in court today accused of stabbing a man to death near a primary school and possession of a machete. Shawn Seesahai died at the scene after being attacked while with friends on open land beside Stowlawn Primary School in Wolverhampton, West Midlands, police said. Yesterday the boys peered over the wooden base of the glass-fronted dock as they listened to district judge Graham Wilkinson. The judge said Mr Seesahai died after a 'confrontation' in a park on Monday night, adding that the victim 'appears to have done nothing'. The judge was told the defendants were accused of 'jointly' murdering 19-year-old Mr Seesahai. Shawn Seesahai, a 19-year-old from Anguilla, was stabbed to death in Bilston, Wolverhampton, on Monday night Police at the scene, where teenager Shawn Seesahai was stabbed to death in Bilston, Wolverhampton on November 14 Solicitors for both defendants said their clients each intended to deny the murder charge. One of the youths wore a blue hoodie while the other appeared in a maroon and burgundy zip-up jumper. The pair nodded when asked if they could hear proceedings in the secure dock. One of the boys was seen rubbing his eyes as they were addressed by the judge during the ten minute appearance. They spoke only to confirm their names and addresses. The boys, who cannot be identified because of their age, have also been charged with possessing a bladed weapon - the machete - in Stowlawn Park on the same day. Wolverhampton Youth Court, sitting at Birmingham Magistrates' Court, was told Mr Seesahai died just seven months after he had moved to the UK. No relatives for the victim were in court. At the end of the hearing, District Judge Wilkinson told the two boys to 'go with the nice officer now' as he remanded them into youth detention, to appear before Wolverhampton Crown Court on Monday. As the boys were escorted down to the cells by three dock officers, they each waved at relatives in the public gallery. They defendants arrested at their home addresses on Tuesday night and were charged last night after detectives sought a warrant of further detention from court. A police tent set up in Stowlawn Playing Fields, Bilston, after the stabbing of Shawn Seesahai The teenager was described as a 'much-loved young man' by heartbroken family members Earlier on Thursday, Mr Seesahai's heartbroken mother had paid tribute to the 'courageous, compassionate and confident young soul'. In a statement issued through police, the grieving mother, who was not named, said her son was 'looking forward to accomplish many future plans and ambitions.' She added: 'He cared dearly about his family and friends and he absolutely loved to help people. 'He was a generous person and had a good personality. 'We will always have him in our hearts.' Emergency services were called to Laburnum Road shortly before 8:30pm on the night of the murder, but nothing could be done to save Mr Seesahai and he was pronounced dead at the scene. Earlier this week, residents spoke of their shock at the news children as young as 12 had been arrested over the murder. One homeowner in Laburnum Road, who did not want to be named, said: 'It was obvious something major had gone on. There were so many sirens. There's always kids hanging about up there but nothing like this has ever happened. 'I've no idea what it was all over, but it's terrifying something like this so close to home. 'To learn two young boys have been arrested is just utterly shocking. They are just babies really.' Another local, who wished to remain anonymous, added: 'I'm 80 now and lived here all my life. It's got worse and worse over the years. To hear children might be involved is terrible.' Two 12-year-old boys have been arrested on suspicion of his murder and appeared have since appeared in court A police officer stands guard at a cordon close to the scene where Mr Seesahai was stabbed to death West Midlands Police has urged any witnesses who were in the area from between 6pm and 10pm to get in touch. Officers were seen conducting door-to-door enquiries, speaking to witnesses and trawling CCTV from around the area. Mr Seesahai died a week after two other teenagers died following a shooting in Ladywood, Birmingham, 17 miles from Wolverhampton. Diego Henry, 16, was found with a gunshot wound at an address at 12.30pm on November 5 and died two days later. During the course of the police investigation, officers searching shrubs beside a nearby canal discovered the body of 17-year-old Jaydon Beckford. A gun was also recovered in the same area. West Midlands Police said they were linking the two Ladywood deaths but an initial post mortem examination had failed to establish how Jaydon died. A 17-year-old boy who was arrested on suspicion of Diego's murder was later bailed. Mr Seesahai was from the British Overseas Territory of Anguilla. He had come to the UK with his parents for eye surgery to stop glaucoma that could have made him go blind. It's understood he was staying with a family friend while he recovered. Speaking to MailOnline earlier this week, his uncle Ryan Shiwcharan, who lives in the US, said Shawn had travelled to Britain for surgery to treat the degenerative eye condition. Mr Shiwcharan said his nephew was a 'well-loved young man' and that his heartbroken parents are now desperately trying to get his body back to Anguilla so they can perform his last rites A death row inmate convicted of strangling a five-year old girl and then burning her body after he abducted her from the toy aisle of a Texas Walmart - more than two decades ago- was executed on Thursday evening. David Santiago Renteria, 53, was put to death by lethal injection at the state penitentiary in Huntsville, Texas, for the heinous killing of Alexandra Flores who was brutally murdered November 2001. Witnesses including Flores' relatives entered the death chamber and watched through a window Renteria's final moments. He was pronounced dead at 7.11pm CST. Before the execution, Renteria prayed, sang and asked for forgiveness. 'I'm sorry for all the wrongs I have done. And for those who have called for my death, who are about to murder me, I forgive you,' he said. Flores was out Christmas shopping with her family at the Walmart store in El Paso when she was lured away by Renteria. The little girl's body was found the next day in an alley 16 miles from the store, prosecutors said. Pictured: David Santiago Renteria, 53, was executed on Thursday night - 22 years after the heinous killing of five-year-old Alexandra Flores - who he abducted, strangled and then burned Alexandra Flores was murdered by Renteria between November 18-19 over two decades ago after being kidnapped from an El Paso Walmart where her family had been Christmas shopping On Thursday night in the room known as the 'death chamber,' the child killer stood next to a spiritual adviser as he prayed and chanted hymns in both Spanish and English. Looking at the victims relatives, he said: 'There is not a day that goes by that I do not think about the fateful events of that day and what transpired. 'There are no words to describe what you're going through, and I understand that.' Renteria's sister and a friend, who were also present watched through another window, as he told them he was 'good... strong,' before saying his final goodbyes. 'I love you all, I truly do. I'll see you in the next life,' he said. After he was injected with a lethal dose of the powerful sedative pentobarbital, Renteria began reciting The Lord's Prayer. The drug took about 11 minutes to go into effect. 'Our father, who art in heaven,' Renteria said before he paused and said what would be his final words: 'I taste it.' The little girl's family members emotionally watched on as Renteria was executed, holding photos of Flores After two loud breaths and a snore, his body went limp. At 7.11pm Central Standard Time, he was pronounced deceased. Family members of the slain youngster who witnessed the harrowing event as their sibling's murderer was put to death were emotional. Holding a photo collage of Flores, the youngest of eight children, siblings Ignacio and Sandra Frausto said through tears that they want to keep their baby sister's memory alive. 'I want to recognize her, not forget about her,' Ignacio Frausto said. 'It took 22 years but the time came. It is done. We can finally and really begin to heal - 22 years of wondering what was going to happen.' Renteria's execution proceeded after the U.S. Supreme Court declined two separate defense requests for a stay earlier in the day. One request stemmed from efforts by Renteria's attorneys to gain access to evidence they said could have shown he was not responsible for her death. Another appeal rejected by the high court without comment late Thursday focused on claims the state's supply of pentobarbital, the execution drug, had degraded and would cause him 'terror' and 'severe pain' in violation of the Eight Amendment's ban on cruel and unusual punishment. Authorities said evidence showed Renteria, a convicted sex offender, carried out the abduction and killing alone and that his lawyers did not raise that defense at his trial. Pictured: The gurney used to exectue prisoners at the state penitentiary in Huntsville, Texas, also called the 'Death Chamber.' Renteria, 53 was one of two murders on death row that was scheduled for execution on Thursday Blood found in Renterias van matched the slain girls DNA, according to prosecutors, who added that his palm print was found on a plastic bag put over the girl's head before her body was set on fire. Renteria was accused of patrolling the store for about 40 minutes before zeroing in on the 5-year-old girl. Grainy surveillance video showed her following Renteria out of the store. Renteria was convicted on a capital murder charge and was sentenced to death in September of 2003. Throughout his trial, he argued that a gang had ordered him to kidnap and murder the child. On several occasions, Renteria has appealed his sentence. Each time, the capital murder sentence has been upheld. Speaking with local El Paso news station KFOX14, Carlos Leon - who was the police chief at the time of the murder - remembered the devastating case, saying: 'I think that during my five years as chief that was one of, I think one of the deepest cuts that we had in El Paso, because the entire community was very distraught about what had just happened,' he said. 'I wish I had a button where I would delete a certain memory. And that sure would have been one of them. 'I promised the mom that we would find the killer and the reason I did that was because I had so much confidence in the great detectives we had.' Casey McWhorter, 49, was also executed on Thursday in Alabama in the fatal shooting of a man during a 1993 robbery In August, state District Judge Monique Reyes in El Paso granted a request to stay the execution and ordered prosecutors to turn over their files in the case. The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals later overturned Reyes orders. In 2006, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals threw out Renterias death sentence, saying prosecutors provided misleading evidence that gave jurors the impression Renteria was not remorseful. During a new resentencing trial in 2008, Renteria was again sentenced to death. The execution was one of two carried out Thursday in the United States. Renteria was the eighth inmate in Texas put to death this year. In Alabama, inmate Casey McWhorter received a lethal injection Thursday evening for a murder conviction in the fatal shooting of a man during a 1993 robbery. There have been 23 executions in the U.S. this year, including the two carried out on Thursday. Members of the anti-war feminist group Codepink have firmly rejected claims they secretly take money from Beijing but then refused to condemn the detention of Uyghurs and other human rights abuses in China. House Republicans this week launched a probe into the anti-war progressive group, which calls for Pentagon spending cuts to tackle climate change, pointing to the group's ties to the Chinese Communist Party. DailyMail.com spoke to senior Codepink activists about the allegations. They fervently rejected all claims that they take cash from Beijing, but also appeared unwilling to say anything critical about China's widely-reported abysmal track record on human rights. Code Pink cofounder Medea Benjamin, seen last month interrupting testimony from Sec. Antony Blinken, on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, says claims of CCP influence are 'insane' The group's co-founder, Medea Benjamin, a veteran protestor who has heckled politicians from Barack Obama to Donald Trump, said the CCP allegations were 'nonsense' and 'insane.' Another Codepink stalwart, Cynthia Papermaster, said they were 'libelous, utter garbage.' West Coast Codepink stalwart Cynthia Papermaster praises the 'freedom' in China 'We are a feminist anti-militarism and peace activist group, and I imagine there are those benefitting from the billions spent on militarism and war who want to hurt our efforts,' she told DailyMail.com. But when pressed on human rights issues that Codepink members once discussed frankly, Papermaster appeared to go soft on Beijing. The group in the past vehemently bashed China's treatment of its mostly-Muslim Uyghur minority. When asked, Papermaster said she could not 'recall a Codepink campaign or stance on the Uyghurs.' 'Our campaign is "China is Not Our Enemy",' she said. This was 'in light of the saber-rattling and consequent harm to Chinese Americans resulting from anti-Chinese sentiment,' she added. DailyMail.com pressed Papermaster on the mass detention of some one million Uyghurs in the northwestern province of Xinjiang, which involves forced sterilizations and other abuses. In a series of text messages, Papermaster was unwilling to criticize China's human rights record 'I don't feel qualified to comment on that on behalf of Codepink,' she said. 'I would personally consider it an atrocity, just as I consider the similar treatment of Native Americans, immigrants, or blacks historically by the US government atrocities.' We then asked whether Codepink was concerned more broadly about other abuses in China, from repression to censorship and a lack of political freedoms in the nation of 1.4 billion. 'I think that's controversial,' Papermaster said. 'I've heard that there's repression. I've also heard that there's freedom.' For some, Papermaster's comments show how Codepink focuses on its core anti-war agenda. For others, they indicate an unusually soft attitude to China for a left-wing campaign group. They come after House Republicans this week released a letter addressed to Codepink co-founder Jodie Evans, raising concerns over her husband Neville Roy Singham's ties to the CCP. Jodie Evans, left, pictured with husband Neville Singham, right Singham, a Connecticut-born tech entrepreneur and self-proclaimed socialist and mega-wealthy benefactor of 'far-left causes,' is based in Shanghai, China. The letter, signed by 10 GOP members of the Natural Resources Committee, said they are 'deeply concerned' with Codepink's ties to the CCP, and probing whether it has illegally failed to register as a foreign agent. They requested all communications between Codepink, Singham and the CCP between 2017 and today, as well as any documents related to transactions between Codepink and any foreign entity and proof of whether or not Codepink registered as a foreign agent. A damning New York Times report in August revealed Singham 'works closely with the Chinese government media machine and is financing its propaganda worldwide.' The report tracked hundreds of millions of dollars to groups that 'mix progressive advocacy with Chinese government talking points.' Codepink, meanwhile, has shifted its stance on China since Evans and Singham married in 2017. The group once criticized China's human rights record and treatment of its Muslim Uyghur minority. It now has a campaign listed entitled 'China is Not our Enemy.' 'The US is heading towards a dangerous confrontation with China,' the Codepink site reads. 'Mounting hostilities are stopping us from addressing existential challenges like the climate crisis.' Code Pink protesters raise their painted hands in protest for Gaza against Israel's counter-offensive Evans pictured in 2015 protesting China, before doing an about-face on the CCP Evans, after she married Singham, has adopted a much more pro-China stance Code Pink frequently disrupts congressional proceedings It adds: 'The US believes they can win a nuclear war against China and is preparing for war. One of those preparations is to manipulate the mind of US citizens to support this war, which threatens our society, as much as China and the rest of the world.' Evans, 68, managed the presidential campaign of California Gov. Jerry Brown in 1992 and heavily involved in Democratic circles. After the Iraq War began, she rededicated herself to activism, forming Codepink with Benjamin. She soon became known for donning hot pink outfits and heading to Capitol Hill for disruptive demonstrations that often ended in arrest. And until a handful of years ago, she criticized China without hesitation. 'We demand China stop brutal repression of their women's human rights defenders,' she posted to Twitter in 2015. But since her marriage in 2017, around a quarter of Code Pink's donations, more than $1.7 million, have come from Singham's groups. Evans is now an ardent defender of China. A Code Pink demonstrator holds a sign as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, right, testifies on Capitol Hill Evans at a ceasefire protest Jodie and Neville are pictured at their Bob Marley-themed wedding in Jamaica in 2017. Guests included socialist ice cream behemoth Ben Cohen, of Ben & Jerry's When former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi traveled to Taiwan in 2022, Evans tweeted: 'This would be an irresponsible act of war! The pentagon generals are begging her not to go. Who are 300m US to dictate to 1.5 billion and break a One China agreement? Are you that arrogant?' Singham made his money though his software consulting company, Thoughtworks, which he launched in 1993 in Chicago. He sold it to private equity firm Apax Partners for $785 million. Singham shares an office in Shangai with a Chinese media company called Maku Group, which appears to be dedicated to producing foreign propaganda. Singham claims he does not work with the Chinese government, but a network he owns is co-producing a YouTube show with China's propaganda department and working with a Chinese university to 'spread China's voice throughout the world.' Singham's groups work on behalf of Chinese interests by producing YouTube videos that have wracked up millions of views, meeting with congressional aides, running candidates in African elections and organizing protests. None of Singham's nonprofits have registered under the Foreign Agents Registration Act, as is required for groups that are peddling ideas on behalf of a foreign government. A high-ranking MS-13 leader will go on trial in New York to face accusations he fueled terrorism activities in the El Salvador, Mexico, the United States and elsewhere, a Houston federal court announced Wednesday. Elmer 'Crook de Hollywood' Canales, 47, was arrested November 7 in Mexico where he had been hiding out after he was released from a Salvadoran prison in November 2021, and to the United States on November 10. Canales is accused by the Eastern District of New York of conspiring to provide and conceal material support to terrorists, conspiring to commit acts of terrorism across national boundaries. In addition, he is also being charged with conspiring to finance terrorism and terrorism conspiracy. He is one of the founders of the MS-13 'Twelve Apostles of the Devil' cell and reportedly spread terror for two decades across the region, according to United States Attorney General Merrick B. Garland said: 'Canales bears responsibility for the gang's efforts over decades to terrorize communities, target law enforcement, and sow violence in the United States and abroad. 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.' Salvadoran national Elmer Canales was arrested in Mexico on November 7 and extradited to the United States on November 9. The high-ranking MS-13 gang leader is accused by the U.S. of spreading terrorism from El Salvador to Mexico, the United States and other countries. He will have to stand trial in a New York federal court As a leader within the MS-13 command structure, Elmer Canales (center) allegedly conspired to provide and conceal material support to terrorists and conspired to commit acts of terrorism across national boundaries Canales and 13 other gang members were indicted in December 2020. Along with 14 other high-ranking leaders who were previously charged in the indictment, they allegedly formed part of the MS-13's command and control structure, which included the Ranfla Nacional, Ranfla en Las Calles, and Ranfla en Los Penales. U.S. authorities allege that around 2002, the three gang cells started plotting and executing acts of violence and murder in El Salvador, the US and abroad. MS-13 gang members were underwent training in camps that resembled the military and were provided military-style weapons, including improvised explosive devices and rocket launchers. Approximately in 2012, Canales and Ranfla Nacional members allegedly reached deals with the El Salvador government in exchange for 'benefits and concessions' that were obtained by unleashing a wave of violence that threatened and intimidated civilians while also targeting officials in the armed forces and police, and interfering with elections in El Salvador. Under Canales, the Ranfla Nacional expanded MS-13 operations outside El Salvador's borders and purchased weapons from Mexican criminal organizations, including the Jalisco New Generation Cartel and Sinaloa Cartel, and became involved in human trafficking and smuggling. The United States government approached El Salvador with an extradition request for Elmer Canales in 2021 The United States had requested his extradition from El Salvador in January 2021, but he was released from jail and later illegally entered Guatemala before making it to Mexico. Salvadoran investigative news outlet El Faro reported that Canales played a critical role in an establishing an alleged pact between the MS-13 and the administration President Nayib Bukele in which the gang agreed to limit murders in exchange for reduced sentences and benefits in prison. In December 2021, the United States accused Bukele's government of secretly working with gangs to curb homicide numbers. Osiris Luna Meza, the vice minister of justice and director of the prison system, and Carlos Amilcar Marroquin, head of a major social welfare agency, were sanctioned by the Department of Treasury for holding prison meetings with gang leaders and providing 'financial incentives.' Bukele denied the claims, at the time tweeting: 'How can they put out such an obvious lie without anybody questioning it?' Notorious criminal Curtis Warren has been charged with 11 breaches of a serious crime order. The Liverpool-born gangster, 60, was arrested by the National Crime Agency in July. He was informed of the charges as he answered bail at a police station in Merseyside today. The 11 charges authorised by the Crown Prosecution Service include alleged breaches relating to communications devices, travel, vehicles, business arrangements and finances, all said to have been committed between November 2022 and July 2023. Warren has been bailed and is due to appear before Liverpool Magistrates on 15 December. Notorious criminal Curtis Warren has been charged with 11 breaches of a serious crime order When the Chancellor of the Exchequer rises next week to announce a long-awaited cut in inheritance tax, I can confidently predict that the Left will go more or less bananas. Why THEM, they will shriek. After all the pain the nation has been through the chronic pressure on domestic finances why are we handing government money back to this tiny minority? These are the lucky-sperm club, the relatively rich, people whose parents or grandparents just happened to die leaving estates above a certain value. Why should THEY have first call on the nations generosity? Inheritance tax, or death duties, is currently paid on only 4 per cent of estates. The tax is set at 40 per cent on assets over 325,000 and takes in a total of about 7.2 billion. Of all the taxes that afflict the population, it is hardly the most salient or the most widespread in its impact. Why, the Left will complain, is the Government proposing a pre-election bung for the very people who can most afford it, mainly homeowners in the South-East? They will have support from some respectable free-market Conservatives. Chancellor Jeremy Hunt is set to announce a long-awaited cut in inheritance tax next week It was Adam Smith himself who noted the justice and utility of taxes on estates; and there is in theory a good meritocratic argument in favour of inheritance tax. Inheritance, say some conservative thinkers, is like a drug; it saps the moral fibre. Inherited money weakens the incentive to work; and there are indeed academic studies that seem to show that if a double-income household is hit by a meteorite of dosh, in the form of a legacy, then one of the spouses generally gives up work. The overall effect, therefore, is to rob the economy of human energy. In the words of the Scottish-born tycoon and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, the parent who leaves his son enormous wealth generally deadens the talents and energies of the son and tempts him to lead a less useful and a less worthy life than he otherwise would. The critics of inheritance go further. They say the mere knowledge that you are going to leave huge sums behind, untaxed, may also be bad for the parents. If you think you are going to pass on colossal wealth to your children, it may discourage you from vital parental investment their educational needs, for instance, or emotional investment of every kind. All things considered, they say, it is hard to think of a better or more sensible fiscal measure than inheritance tax. Imagine a tax that does not discourage effort. Imagine a tax that does not punish enterprise, or hard work, or investment. Imagine a tax that does not stop you enjoying a single one of the fruits of your labours, by hand or by brain. Indeed, the tax does not even stop you enjoying the benefits of extra income such as from the increase in the value of your property that you have done nothing at all to deserve. Inheritance tax is the one great anaesthetic tax in the sense that you dont feel it at all; and why not? Because when you come to pay inheritance tax, you are pushing up the daisies. You dont feel a darn thing because you are dead; and since you are dead, the idea that you can be stimulated by a tax cut is totally ridiculous. In the case of many tax cuts, you will see what they call the Laffer Curve whereby a cut in the rate will produce an increase in the overall yield, because people work harder in the knowledge that they will be united with a larger share of the wealth they create. Adam Smith noted the justice and utility of taxes on estates. But while Andrew Carnegie feared that the eternal cascade of his riches would turn his progeny into a load of wastrels and loafers, I see zero risk of that happening in Britain today Cutting inheritance tax will do no such thing. Cutting inheritance tax wont fire up your animal spirits because, sadly, your animal spirits will be extinct. So why not cut taxes for the living? Why not cut taxes on income and business? Wouldnt that be a better and fairer way to encourage growth and investment? As this column has several times remarked, the smart thing for post-Brexit Britain would be to hoist a giant invest here sign by cutting corporation tax to below Irish levels showing the world that things here are different now. All these points will be made scornfully in the days ahead. We Tories will be accused of political opportunism in cutting inheritance tax, and favouring a minority, and so on and yet our critics will be wrong. Cutting inheritance tax will at least do something to address an increasing unfairness. I think I technically belong to the last cohort of baby boomers, in that I was born in 1964. As I look at the younger generations, the Millennials, the Gen Z-ers, I cannot help agreeing with them in their complaints because there is a sense in which we had it easy. When I went to university, I had my entire tuition paid for by the state, for four glorious years; and I had my battels* very largely covered by the generosity of Ken Livingstones Inner London Education Authority. When I left university, I was able to get a mortgage almost instantly thanks to Nigel Lawsons Mortgage Interest Relief At Source (MIRAS). I got my foot on the London property ladder, and I have never looked back. Contrast young people today: they struggle for years to pay back the cost of their university education, and as for living in their own home that great Conservative dream has become steadily more and more unattainable. These young people are not all the scions of tech billionaires. I doubt very much indeed that the younger generation will have their moral fibre sapped their willingness to work simply because they stand to benefit from a legacy. Andrew Carnegie may have feared that the eternal cascade of Carnegie riches would turn his progeny into a load of wastrels and loafers but I see zero risk of that happening in Britain today. A little bit more cash from a grandparents will: it could make all the difference in the world. It might allow a young couple to put down a deposit on a flat that would be otherwise out of their reach; it might help with the cost of childcare, and allow parents to go out to work. It might be absolutely crucial for exactly the hard-working people who need it most. Of course, it is true that you wont personally benefit from a cut in the tax on the wealth you leave behind. But that is precisely why it is a good thing: because the whole point is that the money is not for you and cannot, under any circumstances, be spent or otherwise used by you because youre six feet under. Its for your hard-pushed posterity and a cut in inheritance tax is now overdue because of the deep changes that have taken place in society. We baby boomers had the full-fat pensions; we had the free university; we had the cheap housing. Those benefits allowed us to accumulate phenomenal wealth, as a generation, and in the name of intergenerational fairness it is right that more of that wealth should now be passed on to our descendants. Yes, we should cut taxes on income, and effort, and enterprise. But its now right to cut inheritance tax as well. Dictionary corner *Battels: A college account for food and accommodation expenses (at Oxford University) Her owner's wife Dana Holby has even started taking the pup on five mile hikes again on the Colorado trails - where Finney has become a local legend Finney, the three-year-old dog, lost half of her body weight - weighing only six pounds when she was finally rescued less than three weeks ago A very loyal Jack Russell is on the mend after losing half of her body weight while sticking to her owner's side for 72 days after he died on a Colorado hiking trail. Finney, a three-year-old black and white Jack Russell terrier, accompanied her owner Rich Moore, 71, on a trip to the top of Blackhead Peak in the Colorado mountains on August 19. Moore and the pup didn't return from the hike - prompting a days-long search starting at his vehicle and expanding all the way to the mountain's peak. The initial search efforts were unsuccessful - but on October 30 a hunter found Moore's body with Finney by his side. Finney had miraculously survived after 72 days in the mountains - but lost about half of her body weight leaving her ribs sticking out. Three weeks later, Moore's wife of 34 years Dana Holby told AP that the faithful pup was on the mend: 'Finney is doing well. She has gained almost all of her weight back and her strength is almost where it was. She is the miracle dog.' Finney, a three-year-old black and white Jack Russell terrier, accompanied her owner Rich Moore, 71, on a hiking trip to the top of Blackhead Peak in the Colorado mountains on August 19 Finney had miraculously survived after 72 days in the mountains - but lost about half of her body weight leaving her ribs sticking out Rich Moore, 71, and his black and white Jack Russell, Finney. The pup had accompanied her owner on a hiking trip to the top of Blackhead Peak in the Colorado mountains on August 19 - but they were both reported missing Moore's wife of 34 years Dana Holby shared a picture of Finney now and said that the faithful pup was on the mend: 'Finney is doing well. She has gained almost all of her weight back and her strength is almost where it was' Rich Moore with his wife of 34 years, Dana Holby - who is now taking care of Finney. She says the pup is a 'great companion on hikes' and that the pair have saved each other following her husband's tragic death 'She is now 3, very clingy and will not let me out of her sight. Her ravenous appetite has calmed down, but at first she could not get enough to eat and wanted food at all times of the day and night,' Holby added. Finney - who has since returned to the Colorado hiking trails - has become a local legend on the trails with people recognizing her and asking Holby 'is that Finney?' Holby has started taking Finney on four-to-five mile hikes each day, and says Finney is a comfort to her and 'a great companion on hikes'. 'I know that she was with Rich to the very end and somehow that should be a comfort. I dont know how she did it, but she was there when he needed her,' said Holby. Back in October - rescuers who had come to collect Moore's body were able to coax loyal Finney away from his remains with a can of dog food - after loyally sticking by for three months. The gaunt dog, who had dropped to around six pounds, was still wearing her purple collar with 'Finney' written on the tag, but the personnel said that she was so skinny it was drooping off of her neck. Finney, who had most likely had to fend off other wildlife during the 72 days and nights alone in the mountains, had long scars on her nose. It was only when the team offered starving Finney a can of wet beef dog food that she came close, and was able to be captured in a blanket by Roy Vega, Archuleta County's Deputy Director of Emergency Management. Finney, wrapped in a blanket, moments after being rescued. Her collar can still be seen around her neck Finney has become somewhat of a local legend on the Colorado hiking trails - with his owner's wife Dana Holby getting stopped by fellow hikers to ask 'is that Finney?' Back in October - rescuers who had come to collect Moore's body were able to coax loyal Finney away from his remains with a can of dog food - after loyally sticking by for three months The pup was starving to the point that she gripped on to the can of food with her teeth, refusing to let go and savoring every bite, because she had most likely been surviving on insects and chipmunks for the past three months. The only source of water for Finney to drink from was a nearby spring. Moore's body was found alongside his very loyal four-legged friend in the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado. It was determined that 71-year-old Moore had died from hypothermia during their trip to the summit. Holby said she had not slept in two-and-a-half months when she received a knock at the door from a sheriff telling her the news. In an interview with The Denver Gazette, she said: 'I'm just grateful that she was with him. Rich did not want to get old. He wanted to climb mountains until he couldn't, so here we are.' Holby said that she had often warned her husband to not hike in Blackhead Peak alone. The tiny dog was 'a little light at the end of the tunnel,' Sheriff Mike Le Roux said. Now, Holby lays her husband's clothes all over the house so that Finney can smell him - and she lets the little dog nuzzle her snout on her pillow at night. The two of them, who have 'saved each other from sorrow' go everywhere together. Six Colorado cops who were present when motorist Christian Glass was shot dead after calling 911 for help have been charged for failing to intervene in his killing. Glass, 22, was shot five times last year in Georgetown after refusing to get out of his car during an hour-long standoff because he was 'terrified' and having a mental breakdown. Deputies Andrew Buen and Kyle Gould were indicted on second-degree murder charges last year, and now every other officer on the scene when Glass was killed has also been charged for their role. Earlier this week Gould pleaded guilty to charges of duty to report use of force and duty to intervene in Glass' death - a class 1 misdemeanor. He was sentenced to two years unsupervised probation and ordered to pay a $1,000 fine, and can't work as a police officer in Colorado again. Police have now also charged Georgetown Marshal Randy Williams with two misdemeanor counts - failure to intervene and third-degree assault. Former deputy Timothy Collins, Division of Gaming Officers Christa Lloyd and Mary J Harris, Idaho Springs officer Brittany Morrow, and state trooper Ryan Bennie have been charged with one count of failure to intervene. Six Colorado police officers who were present when distressed motorist Christian Glass, 22, was shot dead after calling 911 for help Georgetown Police Marshal Randolph Williams is seen at the scene. He has been charged with failure to intervene and third-degree assault Colorado Division of Gaming Investigators Mary Harris (left) and Christa Lloyd (right) have also been charged in connection to Glass' death Former Clear Creek County Sheriff's deputy Kyle Gould plead guilty to 'duty to report use of force by peace officers - duty to intervene - a class 1 misdemeanor Gould was not at the scene when Glass was killed but gave the order to break the driver side's window as he watched the incident from a live-streamed bodycam. Former Clear Creek deputy Buen, who was also offered a plea deal, was the one to break Glass' window and shoot him with bean bag rounds before tasing him and shooting him five times in the chest. He has plead not guilty to second-degree murder and is awaiting trial. Both Gould and Buen were fired after they were indicted last year. District Attorney Heidi McCollum said in a statement: 'Law enforcement officers must be held accountable for their actions when performing their trusted public service duties. 'Yesterday, my office filed additional charges against each of the six other officers who were present June 11, 2022, for failing to intervene in the events and actions of Andrew Buen, which led to Christian Glass' death.' Gould negotiated a plea agreement with prosecutors to plead guilty to a lesser charge of failure to intervene, a crime created in police reform legislation passed during protests over the murder of George Floyd in 2020. It is punishable by up to 364 days in jail but the deal called for Gould to get a sentence of probation. Former Clear Creek Deputy Tim Collins, also charged, is pictured at the scene Idaho Spring Police Officer Brittany Morrow has also been charged for her role Former Clear Creek deputy Buen, who was also offered a plea deal, was the one to break Glass' window and shoot him. He is awaiting trial Gould entered his plea and was sentenced as the parents of Christian Glass, Sally and Simon Glass, watched in court in Idaho Springs. A statement released by their lawyers expressed support for prosecutors and noted that Gould had taken responsibility for his role in their son's death. 'The Glass family hopes that the greater law enforcement community learns from this prosecution and makes changes to their policies and cultures to prevent this type of tragedy in the future,' it said. Glass, from New Zealand, had called 911 for roadside assistance while experiencing what his mother described as a mental health crisis in June 2022. He refused to get out of his car because he was 'terrified' and made heart-shaped signs with his hands, and flashed a knife at the deputies. Officers talked to him to try to persuade him to leave the car. After roughly an hour of negotiations, officers decided to breach the car even though there was no indication that Glass posed a danger or was suspected of a crime, the indictment said. Once the window was smashed, body camera footage shows officers peppering Glass with bean bag rounds, then tasing him. Glass brandished a knife in 'a state of complete panic and self-defense,' before twisting in his seat to thrust a knife in an officer's direction, according to the indictment. Buen then fired his gun five times into Glass. At the time Glass's mother Sally said her son suffered from depression, had recently been diagnosed with ADHD and was 'having a mental health episode' and was 'petrified' the night he was killed. Glass' family also said he had two knives, a hammer and a rubber mallet, because he was an amateur geologist. Glass had told 911 he had the knives and police dismissed his attempts to drop the weapons out of his window. At court this week, she said: 'Our son was a nice kid, and they killed a good kid. And I hope that Mr. Gould now, throughout his life, well, to think about being kinder, and more compassionate to people that are in trouble.' Earlier this year, Glass' parents won a $19 million settlement that included policy changes including crisis intervention training for officers responding to people in distress. It comes after a series of previously unseen videos of Alec Baldwin shooting weapons and discussing safety on set in October 2021 have been released Gutierrez-Reed is charged with carrying a firearm in a licensed liquor establishment just weeks before Rust's cinematographer was shot and killed Rust armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed has been indicted on a separate gun charge unrelated to the death of Halyna Hutchins on the set of Rust The weapons expert facing an involuntary manslaughter charge in the deadly shooting of Halyna Hutchins on the set of Alec Baldwin's film 'Rust' is facing a separate gun charge in an unrelated incident. Hannah Gutierrez-Reed was indicted on Thursday in New Mexico on a charge of unlawfully carrying a firearm in a licensed liquor establishment, just weeks before Rust's cinematographer was shot and killed on October 21, 2021. An attorney for Gutierrez-Reed told DailyMail.com the new charge is part of a 'smear campaign' against their client. 'The special prosecutor has now resorted to charging Hannah Gutierrez-Reed with another offense not tied to the 'Rust' set or remotely related to it' attorney Jason Bowles said in a statement. 'Next week it will probably be something else they will dream up,' he said. Weapons expert Hannah Gutierrez-Reed has been charged with a separate gun charge unrelated to the death of Halyna Hutchins on the set of Rust in October 2021 Alec Baldwin can be seen robustly discussing safety with cast and crew, firing guns, and acting in character in the never-before-seen footage from 2021 Adding: 'This is now turned into a complete smear campaign against Hannah Gutierrez-Reed and an attempt by the prosecutor to get any conviction possible because its 'Rust'-related charges against Hannah are so weak.' Gutierrez-Reed's trial for the involuntary manslaughter charge, to which she has pleaded not guilty, is set to being in late February. It comes as a series of previously unseen videos of Alec Baldwin on the set of Rust have been released. In one clip reportedly taken just days before Hutchins death, Baldwin is seen filming in costume with a gun and telling an unknown person 'I don't want to shoot towards you'. Baldwin can be seen robustly discussing safety with cast and crew, firing guns, and acting in character in the never-before-seen footage from 2021. In two of the five videos exclusively obtained by NBC, Baldwin can be heard rearranging crew members after showing concern for their safety. Baldwin was filming a scene inside a church days later when his Colt .45 fired and fatally shot cinematographer Hutchins. The actor has repeatedly maintained in interviews that he did not pull the trigger. Baldwin (second from left) was filming a scene inside a church days later when he pulled the trigger on his Colt .45 and fatally shot cinematographer Hutchins (center) on October 21, 2021 A final picture of Hutchins filming with Baldwin in the chapel where she was shot The new videos, which run for seven minutes, were handed over from producers to prosecutors who are looking at re-charging Baldwin. Special prosecutors dismissed an involuntary manslaughter charge against Baldwin in April, after being informed that the gun in question may have been modified and therefore malfunctioned. However, after new analysis of the weapon prosecutors will ask a grand jury to consider recharging Baldwin. Last month, attorneys for Baldwin said that 'it is unfortunate that a terrible tragedy has been turned into this misguided prosecution,' adding, 'we will answer any charges in court.' In the first of the newly released videos, Baldwin can be seen lying on the ground holding a prop gun and heard saying 'Halyna get out of' before his voice trails off He then continues by asking someone off camera to get on the 'other side of the camera' because 'I don't want to shoot towards you.' In the second video Baldwin asks for a blanket to be placed next to him off-camera, where he can toss the gun aside, using it as a landing pad. The third video shows Baldwin in character repeatedly firing a prop gun before he runs out of dummy rounds. The videos show Baldwin discussing safety in the new footage recorded days before Hutchins (pictured) died after being shot with a live round fired from a prop gun during filming The original armorer hired for the film, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, 26, of Bullhead City, Arizona, is still facing criminal charges over the accident Baldwin is pictured on the phone in the parking lot outside the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office shortly after the fatal shooting Baldwin fired the prop gun (pictured) that killed Hutchins and injured another crew member on the set 'One more, one more, one more. Right away, right away, let's reload,' he says in an attempt to get the scene to keep moving. The clip ends on Baldwin then saying, 'We should have had two guns and both of them reloading.' In the fourth and fifth videos, Baldwin stops filming to check on the safety of a crew member who is walking backwards to film the scene. In one, he can be heard expressing concern about the steepness of a path and asks the crew member to use a safer part of the trail. In the other a cameraman falls and Baldwin is heard repeatedly asking, 'Are you OK?' before filming resumes. The videos are among dozens that special prosecutors requested from Rust Movie Productions LLC and didn't receive until October, a source claimed to the outlet. It remains unclear how much footage prosecutors have reviewed or whether they've reviewed any of the five videos. The five videos could be presented to the grand jury. Three men have been charged with the murder of teenager Simarjeet Singh Nangpal in West London, while a 71-year-old man remains in custody. The 17-year-old died at the scene having been found with stab injuries after police responded to reports of a fight in Burket Close, Hounslow, at 12.15am on Wednesday. Four men were arrested, three of whom - Ammandeep Singh, 21, Manjit Singh, 27, and Ajmeer Singh, 31 - have now been charged with Simarjeet's killing. The men, who are all from Southall, are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court tomorrow, the Met Police said. Two of the suspects were initially taken to hospital due to injuries they sustained before police arrived at the scene. They were later discharged and taken into police custody. A teenager who was murdered in a suspected fight in west London has been pictured and named as Simarjeet Singh Nangpal Police responded to reports of a fight in Burket Close, Hounslow, at 12.15am on Wednesday (stock image) Simarjeet's family continue to be supported by specialist officers, the force said. Detective Superintendent Figo Forouzan said: 'Our thoughts remain with Simarjeet's family at this extremely difficult time. No family should have to go through what they are experiencing. 'This incident will undoubtedly cause wider concern, and I want to reassure the community that we will do everything in our power to find those responsible. In the coming days you will see extra officers out on patrol in your area. Please do speak to them about any concerns you may have.' Detective Inspector Martin Thorpe said: 'We are working around the clock to find those responsible for Simarjeet's murder, as his family struggle to come to terms with their loss. 'Four men have been arrested and our enquiries continue. I would urge anyone with information about how the events unfolded or anyone who may have captured the incident on their phone, dash cameras or doorbell footage to please come forward.' Anyone with information that could assist detectives is asked to call 101 quoting CAD 63/15Nov or to contact Crimestoppers anonymously. The bodies of hostages Noa and Yehudit Weiss were found near hospital, with Hamas claiming they had taken hostages there for 'treatment' due to the 'seriousness of their condition' and to 'save lives' Heartbroken mother of Noa Marciano broke down in tears at her daughter's funeral in Israel today Advertisement Hamas has claimed 'Zionist' hostages were not held captive in hospitals but taken there 'to save their lives' after Israeli forces recovered the bodies of two prisoners in Gaza's Al-Shifa hospital complex. As Israeli forces continued their search of the hospital - where they claim Hamas have an underground command centre - the terrorists said they had taken hostages there for 'treatment' due to the 'seriousness of their condition' and to 'save their lives'. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed earlier today there were 'strong indications' that hostages were held at the hospital - Gaza's largest - but they were no longer there when the facility was raided. It was during this raid that Israeli soldiers found the bodies of Israeli hostages Noa Marciano and Yehudit Weiss, 64, in a building adjacent to Al-Shifa hospital. Today, Noa's heartbroken mother Adi Marciano broke down in tears as she placed her hand over her 19-year-old daughter's coffin during an emotional service for the soldier in the central Israeli city of Modiin. Adi, crumpling under the weight of her grief, collapsed on top of the wooden coffin where her daughter lay. Noa's friends and fellow comrades sobbed and held each other as they watched the coffin, covered with an Israeli flag, pass through the large crowd of devastated mourners. The heartbroken mother had been told earlier this week that Noa, of the Combat Intelligence Collection Corps, had been killed after Hamas released a horrific video showing what appeared to be the 19-year-old's dead body. Adi, who described Noa as a 'girl of light and love' and beloved big sister to her three siblings, had waited in anguish for news that her daughter's body had been found. That news came today, with the IDF confirming they had found the remains of Noa and Weiss, 64, in a building adjacent to the hospital where Israeli soldiers are searching for a Hamas command centre. But Hamas terrorists today claimed, without providing evidence, that they had taken some of the 240 hostages they captured during their horrific rampage that killed 1,2000 people on October 7, to the hospital to 'save their lives'. Adi, crumpling under the weight of her grief, collapsed on top of the wooden coffin where her daughter lay Noa's friends and fellow comrades sobbed and held each other as they watched the coffin, covered with an Israeli flag, pass through the large crowd of devastated mourners Noa's friends and fellow comrades sobbed and held each other as they watched the coffin, covered with an Israeli flag, pass through the large crowd of devastated mourners The body of Israeli soldier Noa Marciano (pictured) was found in a building close to Al-Shifa hospital, the IDF said The body of Yehudit Weiss, 64, (pictured) who was taken captive by Hamas at Kibbutz Be'eri during the Hamas killing spree, has been found The parents of Israeli soldier Corporal Noa Marciano hold each other at their daughter's funeral Noa was laid to rest today in an emotionally charged funeral service, with her weeping friends and family consoling each other as they paid tribute to the young soldier Soldiers carry the coffin of Noa Marciano, a soldier in the Israel Defence Forces, as they walk near photos of her displayed at her funeral on Friday Meanwhile, Noa was laid to rest today in an emotionally charged funeral service, with her weeping friends and family consoling each other as they paid tribute to the young soldier. During the hospital raid in which Israeli troops found Noa and Yehudit's bodies, the IDF claimed its forces also found a tunnel shaft used by Hamas terrorists. The IDF released a video it said showed a tunnel entrance in an outdoor area of Al-Shifa hospital, two days after Israeli troops entered its grounds to hunt for a Hamas command centre they say is beneath the medical facility. Netanyahu claimed there were 'strong indications' that hostages were held at the hospital but they were no longer there when the facility was raided. 'We had strong indications that they were held in the Shifa Hospital, which is one of the reasons we entered the hospital,' he told CBS Evening News. 'If they were (there), they were taken out.' Israeli troops claimed they found a tunnel entrance and weapons inside a truck located in the compound - but the military has yet to release evidence of a central Hamas command centre that Israel has said is concealed beneath the complex. Hamas and staff at the hospital, Gaza's largest, deny the allegations. IDF troops belonging to the Shaldag Unit, the 7th Brigade, and additional special units are continuing to conduct targeted activity in the Al-Shifa Hospital. On Wednesday the IDF revealed evidence of weaponry which it said proved the hospital was a terrorist base, with spokesman Lt Col Jonathan Conricus showing a duffel bag containing an AK47 assault rifle, grenades and ammunition. It comes as the Israeli military said on Friday its troops had recovered the remains of kidnapped soldier Noa, 19, 'from a structure adjacent to Al-Shifa hospital'. The army had confirmed earlier this week the death of Noa, without giving the cause. Hamas had issued a video of the young soldier alive followed by images of what the terrorists said was her body after she was killed by an Israeli strike. Overcome with grief, Adi Marciano broke down in tears as she placed her hand on her daughter Noa's coffin during an emotional service for the soldier in the central Israeli city of Modiin Overcome with grief, Adi Marciano broke down in tears as she placed her hand on her daughter Noa's coffin during an emotional service for the soldier in the central Israeli city of Modiin Friends and family mourn during Israeli soldier Corporal Noa Marciano's funeral after her remains were recovered near the Al Shifa Hospital during the ongoing Israeli ground operation in Gaza, in Modiin, Israel, on Friday Noa's friends and fellow comrades sobbed and held each other as they watched the coffin, covered with an Israeli flag, pass through the large crowd of devastated mourners Noa's mother and her family walk behind her coffin during her funeral on Friday Members of Israeli military carry the coffin during Israeli soldier Corporal Noa Marciano's funeral after her remains were recovered near the Al Shifa Hospital on Friday Hamas's tunneling infrastructure has been exposed around Gaza's AI-Shifa hospital In the Hamas video, disseminated on social media on Monday, Noa identified herself on camera. She said she had been held in Gaza for four days, indicating it was taped on October 11 - four days after Hamas's October 7 incursion into southern Israel. The video then shows still pictures of a young woman of similar appearance lying, looking sallow and with her eyes closed, on a blood-stained bedsheet. A close-up image shows a bloody head wound. A caption over the video clip - which has been shared widely on social media - said Marciano was killed 'in an air strike by the Zionist enemy' last Thursday. MailOnline has chosen not to show the video. The military statement did not comment on the circumstances of Marciano's death. Meanwhile, on Thursday the army said soldiers near Al-Shifa had found the body of another hostage - Yehudit Weiss, 65. Ms Weiss was kidnapped from her home in the border kibbutz community of Beeri, one of the areas worst-hit by the brutal Hamas assault. Her husband Shmulik Weiss was found murdered in their safe room. Ms Weiss's husband Shmulik Weiss was found murdered in the safe room The IDF revealed evidence of weaponry which it said proved the hospital was a terrorist base Pictured: Israeli troops and military vehicles during ground invasion of Gaza Troops of the 7th Armored Brigade's 603rd Battalion found the body, along with Hamas military equipment - including assault rifles and RPGs in a building 'adjacent to Shifa Hospital', according to the IDF. The body was brought back to Israel for identification, after which the military and police notified Ms Weiss's family of her death. Three Palestinians die in IDF drone strike in West Bank where 200 people have now been killed by Israel as tensions soar following Hamas's October 7 attack Three Palestinians were killed in an Israeli drone strike early on Friday in the city of Jenin in the occupied West Bank, the head of the Palestinian ambulance service said. The Israeli army confirmed it had carried out an airstrike, saying it had killed at least five militants during fighting in Jenin, a focus of repeated recent clashes as tensions soar against the backdrop of Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza. At least 200 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank since the Oct. 7 attack on Israel by gunmen of the Islamist movement Hamas operating out of Gaza. 'An armed terrorist cell that fired at Israeli security forces was struck by an IDF (Israel Defense Forces) aircraft. Additional terrorists who fired and hurled explosive devices at the security forces were neutralized,' the military said. Hamas and the smaller militant group Islamic Jihad said they had engaged Israeli forces for several hours in the streets of Jenin, unleashing heavy fire and laying ambushes with explosives. The military said that gunmen then fled in vehicles and ambulances toward Jenin's Ibn Sina Hospital, and that troops stopped one of the vehicles at the entrance to the hospital. It released video footage of them searching a car at the hospital and finding M-16 rifles and ammunition. Palestinian health officials said some hospital workers were ordered to exit the hospital, with a verified video showing them walking out of the building, holding up their hands. Separately, the military said Israeli soldiers had shot dead two gunmen who had opened fire at them from a car near the West Bank city of Hebron. Advertisement Israeli officials say around 240 people were taken hostage during the Hamas attacks which killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians. The IDF did not provide further details on Ms Weiss's cause of death, or when she was killed. It is believed she was undergoing treatment for cancer when she was seized by the terrorists. 'The IDF sends its heartfelt condolences to the family,' it said in a statement. 'The national mission is to locate the missing and return the hostages home.' 'The IDF is operating alongside and in full coordination with the relevant national and security institutions in order to pursue these tasks. We will not cease from the mission until it will be completed,' the IDF added. Israel's Defence Forces previously suggested it could take 'a few weeks' to uncover 'the extent' of Hamas's command centre beneath Al-Shifa hospital, as hundreds of commandos continue to search through every building and floor of the complex. Footage 'relating to hostages seized by Hamas' was found on computers at the hospital, the IDF has said, as well as a cache of weapons belonging to the terrorists. The United Nations is now desperately looking into how it could evacuate the hospital, which is the biggest in the Gaza Strip, but says its options are limited by security and logistical constraints, a senior World Health Organization official said. It comes as Netanyahu admitted efforts to prevent civilian deaths were 'not successful' - but blamed Hamas for stopping people from moving to safer places. When asked whether Israel's killing of thousands of Palestinians in its almost six week war against Hamas militants would fuel hatred among a new generation, Netanyahu said attempts to minimise civilian casualties were 'not successful'. 'Any civilian death is a tragedy. And we shouldn't have any because we're doing everything we can to get the civilians out of harm's way, while Hamas is doing everything to keep them in harm's way,' Netanyahu said. 'So we send leaflets, call them on their cell phones, and we say: 'leave'. And many have left,' he said. Meanwhile, Palestinian telecoms provider Paltel said a lack of fuel means all communications services are down across the besieged enclave, which has been subject to a blockade and relentless bombing campaign by Israel for weeks. The communications blackout largely cuts off Gaza's 2.3 million people from one another and the outside world - and paralyzes the coordination of aid, which humanitarian groups were already struggling to deliver because of the fuel shortage. Since the war began, Gaza has received only 10 per cent of its required food supplies each day, and dehydration and malnutrition are growing with nearly all residents in need of food, said Abeer Etefa, a Mideast regional spokeswoman for the United Nations' World Food Program. 'Food production has come to an almost complete halt, markets have collapsed, fishermen cannot access the sea, farmers cannot reach their farms,' she said Thursday from Cairo. 'People are facing the immediate possibility of starvation.' The breakdown of the communications network only worsened the situation. The U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, or UNRWA, said no aid deliveries would be able to enter from Egypt on Friday because of the difficulties coordinating them without phones or internet. 'We have seen fuel and food and water and humanitarian assistance being used as a weapon of war,' said agency spokesperson Juliette Touma. It is 'outrageous that humanitarian agencies are reduced to begging for fuel.' Fuel is needed for electricity generators that run everything from communication systems to water and sewage pumps. IDF troops belonging to the Shaldag Unit, the 7th Brigade, and additional special units continue are continuing to conduct targeted activity in the Shifa Hospital Footage captured the tunnels, which are surrounded by debris Israeli troops during the ground invasion of the Gaza Strip Israeli troops during the ground invasion of the Gaza Strip Israel has barred fuel shipments into Gaza since the beginning of the war, but permitted a limited shipment to UNRWA earlier this week for trucks delivering food after the agency's fuel reservoir ran dry. Israeli forces, meanwhile, have signaled they could expand their offensive toward Gaza's south even while pressing operations in the north. Troops have been searching the territory's biggest hospital for traces of a Hamas command centre the military alleges was located under the building. 'We are close to dismantling the military system that was present in the northern Gaza Strip,' Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzl Halevi said Thursday. Israeli forces dropped leaflets Wednesday afternoon telling Palestinians in areas near the southern town of Khan Younis to evacuate. Halevi said that while 'there remains work to be completed' in the north, more and more places would be targeted in the fight against Hamas. An Israeli official said yesterday that the mission at Al-Shifa hospital 'is shaped by our understanding that there is well-hidden terrorist infrastructure in the complex'. 'During the searches, information and footage pertaining to the hostages abducted from Israel were found on computers and other technological equipment,' an official also said. An Israeli soldier contributes in an operation in a location given as the Port of Gaza amid the ongoing conflict IDF troops belonging to the Shaldag Unit, the 7th Brigade, are continuing to conduct targeted activity in the Shifa Hospital Israeli soldiers carrying out operations inside Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City in a picture released by the IDF IDF spokesperson Lt. Col. Conricus shows weapons and equipment which he says were found at Al Shifa hospital complex The IDF previously shared what it called an 'intelligence-based illustration' of what the alleged command centre under the hospital might look like A laptop the IDF says was found in Shifa Hospital on November 16, 2023, with an image of rescued hostage Pvt. Ori Megidish which was taken before her abduction Weapons and equipment which Israel's army says were found at Al Shifa hospital complex Weapons and equipment which Israel's army says were found at Al Shifa hospital complex Inside a cabinet for medical equipment was another holdall containing a knife, a Hamas emblem, AK47 and ammunition, according to the spokesman In this image taken from a video released by the Israeli Defence Forces, on Wednesday, Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus, an Israeli military spokesman, holds up a bullet proof vest with a Hamas insignia that was found along with weapons the IDF says were found in a medical closet at the MRI center at al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City Israeli soldiers walk at the Al Shifa hospital complex, amid their ground operation against Palestinian Islamist group Hamas The IDF shared a picture of a laptop it said its forces found in the hospital showing a publicly-available image of rescued Israeli hostage Pvt. Ori Megidish, which was taken before her abduction. An official said equipment found in the hospital had been taken for 'further examination and investigation.' After storming the medical facility, the IDF shared evidence of weaponry, with spokesman Lt Col Jonathan Conricus showing a duffel bag hidden behind a hospital MRI machine containing an AK47 assault rifle, grenades, ammunition and a uniform. He also said a backpack contained 'what appeared to be very important intelligence including a laptop', and added that security cameras in one part of the hospital had been taped over. Behind another MRI machine more weapons were said to have been found and in an adjoining room on top of another MRI scanner was a bag containing 'full military kit for one terrorist, including ammunition, a live grenade and AK47 and body armour'. 'These weapons have no business being in a hospital,' Conricus said as he toured the hospital in a clip released by the IDF. Inside a cabinet for medical equipment was another holder containing a knife, a Hamas emblem, AK47 and ammunition, according to the spokesman. News of the IDF hospital raid came around 2am local time on Wednesday. Doctors said they were given 30 minutes' notice of the Israeli operation before at least six battle tanks moved in on the complex. Troops entered the hospital a short time afterwards. A notorious baby rapist whose minimum jail term of just six years caused a national outcry has lost his eighth appeal to be released on parole. Evil Alan Webster, then 40, was sentenced to life in January 2006 but under the terms of his sentence would have been eligible for parole in 2012, despite the depravity of his crimes. The monster was jailed alongside accomplice Tanya French, 19, who got five years, after he pleaded guilty to several counts of rape against a 12-week-old baby girl. Webster took photographs of himself raping, sexually assaulting and abusing the baby, who was being looked after by French. The attacks took place between February and March 2004. The initial sentence was challenged and in June 2006 a panel of five senior judges at the Court of Appeal, headed by the Lord Chief Justice, Lord Phillips, ruled that Webster's six-year minimum term was too short. Alan Webster, then 40, was sentenced to life in January 2006 after he took photos of himself raping, sexually assaulting and abusing a baby Webster's minimum term was increased to eight years, a decision which was criticised as being too lenient. He became eligible for parole in 2014 and had his latest hearing in May 2023. MailOnline can reveal that Webster, now 57, had his appeal to be released on licence rejected and he will also remain in a high security closed prison. A spokesperson for the Parole Board said: 'We can confirm that a panel of the Parole Board refused the release of Alan Webster following a paper review. '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. 'Parole reviews are undertaken thoroughly and with extreme care. Protecting the public is our number one priority.' The trial of Webster and French, who was aged 17 when the abuse took place, at St Albans Crown Court, heard that the couple abused the baby at their home in Hatfield, Herts. The mother of the baby, who was introduced to French by a friend, agreed to allow her child to be cared for while she decorated her new home. The mother was unaware of the attack on her baby until detectives visited after finding photographs showing the abuse at Webster's home. The court was told that the postal worker was obsessed with child porn after becoming hooked on illicit Japanese websites and babysitting gave him the chance to indulge his perverted fantasies. He persuaded French to join him in his sickening assaults after drawing up a 'wish list' of his dreams. The jury heard distressing details of his attacks, including being shown a photograph in which Webster is in the act of raping the clearly distressed baby while French feeds her with a bottle. The pair were sentenced on the 10th January 2006. French got five years at a young offenders' institution with a further five years on licence. They were told by Judge Findlay Baker: 'These offences were committed against the most vulnerable victim it is possible to imagine. There are no ways to express the abhorrence such offending generates. Your deeds speak for themselves. 'The baby's mother must carry with her for life the terrible knowledge of what you did. The impact was devastating.' In a series of interviews with detectives, Webster admitted to police he was so twisted he could accept no sexual boundaries. The couple photographed the rapes, pasting the pictures in an album so they could relive their vile acts. Prosecutor Viv Goddard said: 'It's quite clear that both the defendants not only carried out their sexual fantasies but also enjoyed taking photographs.' Police raided Webster's home in July 2005 after being told by Operation Ore investigators he had downloaded child porn. Detectives discovered more than 225,000 images on his computer of which 7,000 were indecent. It was only then that shots of the rapes were discovered. The 'souvenir' photo album was found under Webster's bed. The baby's mother said discovering the truth was the worst experience of her life. French's defence said the teenager had been 'groomed and corrupted' by Webster, who admitted being the prime mover. But French was told by the judge: 'The photos depict your part in a rape as it took place. It seems clear you did not shirk away from the acts in which you joined, but that you keenly looked forward to them.' Detective Inspector Keith Tilly, who led the investigation, said outside court: 'Webster's crimes are among the worst I've seen." The NSPCC said: "This is a barbaric case.' The Court of Appeal panel ruled in June 2006 that French's five year term was sufficient and she is understood to have been released from jail some years ago. The decision to only add two years to Webster's sentence and to keep French's term at five years was criticised by the family of the baby girl. Tanya French, who was aged 17 when the abuse took place, was jailed for five years. Her defence she had been 'groomed and corrupted' by Webster They said in a statement at the time: '"The two years added to Webster's minimum term is simply not enough. This man should never even be considered for release.' They added: 'French was as guilty as Webster and it is frightening to think that this woman could be released in just 19 months' time and even if she serves the full term of her sentence, she'll be released in just over four years' time.' Attorney General Lord Goldsmith QC said at the time of the appeal decision it was possible Webster would never be released. Speaking on the Jeremy Vine Show on Radio Two, Lord Goldsmith said: 'He has got a life sentence, he may never come out of prison. 'The most senior judge in the land actually said in the course of his judgement that such was his depravity that it's questionable that he will ever be released and he may die in prison.' It also emerged that Webster had been convicted of a 'serious indecent assault' on a 14-year-old girl three years before he was sentenced for the baby rape offences. A Wall Street banker and his wife who spewed vile anti-Semitic abuse towards a Jewish man while covering up posters of hostages kidnapped by Hamas has issued a groveling apology. Kurush Mistry and Shailja Gupta were blasted for the attack after a two-minute video of the confrontation on 68th Street and Riverside Boulevard was posted online. Mistry, who lost his job, and Gupta wrote a groveling apology after the torrents of backlash - admitting their actions were 'misguided and thoughtless.' 'After taking time to contemplate and reflect on our recent actions, we want to send our sincerest apologies to the Jewish gentleman we yelled at, gestured to, and said unkind things to, as well as apologize to the global Jewish community for our recent actions in NYC,' they wrote. Kurush Mistry and his partner Shailja Gupta have issued a groveling apology after they were embarrassingly caught spewing anti-Semitic abuse at a Jewish man in New York City 'Our behavior was simply unacceptable and we are ashamed of our actions and words. 'We hope to have the opportunity in the near future to speak to the gentleman personally and apologize directly to him.' The couple claim they 'never supported Hamas' and have 'always believed it is a terrorist organization.' The couple revealed it was their 'first time engaging in civic protest' and their goal was 'to emphasize the plight of Palestinian men, women and children, who are also dying and suffering in Gaza.' 'Our way of doing so was misguided and thoughtless. For example, our badly-worded poster was construed to support violence, and we apologize profusely for that,' they continued. 'We fully acknowledge the pain of the Jewish people in the U.S., in Israel and globally, and we regret that our actions added to that pain.' After the callous attack on the Jewish man, Mistry and Gupta said they've received a slew of violent threats. Mistry, who lost his job as a result, and Gupta wrote a groveling apology after the torrents of backlash admitting that their actions were 'misguided and thoughtless' 'We share this knowledge not for sympathy, but to factually tell the whole truth,' they said. 'We have learned a valuable lesson about the need to love all as brothers and sisters instead of highlighting disagreements and causing more pain. 'We unequivocally denounce antisemitism, violence, and terrorism in every form.' Reiterating their plight for redemption, Mistry and Gupta finished by apologizing again. 'Again, we apologize from the bottom of our hearts to all those we have offended and caused pain to, especially the global Jewish community, our fellow Americans, and our fellow Indians,' they wrote. 'We hope that by our future actions and words we will slowly earn back your trust in our good intentions for all humanity, and that you can hopefully see that we are more than our worst actions and mistakes.' In the now viral video, Mistry can be seen sticking a poster to a lamppost with Gupta beside him when they're approached by a Jewish American man who asks: 'What's your name sir? You must be very proud.' As tensions boil over the couple respond by sticking their middle fingers up at the Jewish man, who has not been identified. The man continues: 'You're real proud of yourself.' Mistry can be seen sticking the poster to a lamppost with Gupta beside him. A man asks him: 'What's your name sir? You must be very proud.' The couple respond by sticking their middle fingers up at him Gupta records the man on her phone before getting into an argument with him While looking straight at him, Mistry replies: 'Very proud.' As his partner appears to film the man, Mistry then holds up a note that says: 'Israel is an apartheid state and commits genocide.' After continuing with the act and doing their best to look unfazed, they then try to usher the man away aggressively yelling: 'Go back to your country.' He replies: 'I'm an American.' Noting that he is an American Jew he also adds: 'You also want my country not to exist so where should I go?' Seething with rage, Gupta replies: 'You don't want my f***ing country to exist.' He asks: 'What country is that?' She abruptly responds: 'Palestine.' The number of anti-Semitic incidents has quadrupled in the US since the start of the Israel-Hamas war, according to the Anti-Defamation League, a Jewish advocacy group. Since October 7, there have been an avalanche of disputes posted online involving residents tearing down posters related to the conflict. Mistry had worked at Freepoint Commodities for nine years, according to his LinkedIn page. He has previously been employed at the banks Morgan Stanley, Barclays and Lehman Brothers. Gupta's LinkedIn account says that she has been working as a visual artist, film-maker and emerging tech strategic consultant for the last 29 years. The couple do their best to look unfazed as they continue with the act. They then usher the man off, saying: 'Go back to your country' In a statement after the footage circulated online, Freepoint said it was 'aware of the recent anti-Semitic incident reported on social media, and the individual involved is no longer associated with Freepoint'. Two people familiar with the matter identified the individual in the video as Mistry and confirmed that he was dismissed from the company, according to the Financial Times. Freepoint is involved in energy, metals and agricultural markets and the firm is based in Connecticut. 'We welcome the diversity of views and opinions held by our employees, but Freepoint does not tolerate discrimination and hate speech directed against any group,' the company said. In August, high-profile US executives and financiers expressed fury over a statement issued by groups at Harvard University that held 'the Israeli regime entirely responsible for all unfolding violence'. Law firms have rescinded offers to students over their involvement in groups criticizing Israel over the war and have called on universities to do more to clamp down on student anti-Semitism. Academics from some of the nation's most prominent institutions are set to meet next week to explore ways to defuse the tensions. Home to between 1.6 and two million Jews and hundreds of thousands of Muslims, New York City has been rocked by demonstrations, rallies and vigils in support of the Palestinians and Israel since Hamas' brutal and bloody attack on Israel on October 7. The attack saw around 240 taken hostage by the terrorist group and about 1,200 Israelis have been killed. There have been more than 11,200 Palestinians deaths - two-thirds of them women and minors - since the war began, according to the Health Ministry in Gaza. Mayor Eric Adams, who governs a city of nearly nine million people, including the world's largest Jewish community outside of Israel, has repeatedly assured pro-Israel rallies that Israel's 'fight' is New York's fight too. Former President Donald Trump holds a 28-point lead in New Hampshire, with former U.N. Amb. Nikki Haley in a distant second and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in a far off fifth place, fresh polling shows. A Washington Post-Monmouth University poll released Friday shows the ex-president continuing to dominate the GOP primary field, in a state that some predicted could slow his roll to the 2024 Republican nomination. Trump is the first choice of 46 percent of likely New Hampshire Republican primary voters, while Haley is the top pick for 18 percent of that group. New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who's focused the bulk of his efforts on the Granite State, received the support of 11 percent of likely GOP voters, while entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy is garnering 8 percent. DeSantis, who once was actually leading Trump in New Hampshire, is now only attracting the support of 7 percent of likely GOP primary voters. Former President Donald Trump holds a 28-point lead in New Hampshire , with former U.N. Amb. Nikki Haley in a distant second and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in an embarrassing fifth place, fresh polling shows Since 1980, voters in Iowa and New Hampshire have chosen a different winner for the caucuses and the nation's first primary, respectively, but former President Donald Trump looks likely to win them both in January Sen. Tim Scott - who made the surprise announcement last week that he was giving up on his presidential bid - had been polling at 3 percent. The survey showed that both Haley and DeSantis could grow their support in the state, but it's unlikely they'll be able to beat Trump, who's in a stronger position in New Hampshire than he was in 2016, when he won the Granite State primary, his first primary win. About a third of the New Hampshire electorate, 35 percent, said that Haley was either their first or second choice. And among voters who don't support Trump, 56 percent say Haley is their first or second choice. Additionally, 60 percent of New Hampshire voters said they would be satisfied or enthusiastic if Haley won the Republican nomination. She'd be the first woman and first woman of color to do so. As for DeSantis, 20 percent of likely New Hampshire primary voters rated him their second choice. Former U.N. Amb. Nikki Haley remains a distant second to former President Donald Trump in New Hampshire, but she looks able to expand her base as a third of the state's voters say she's either their first or second choice GOP candidate Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is captured campaigning in Epping, New Hampshire last month. The governor has slipped to fifth place in the Granite State, after one poll showed him beating former President Donald Trump in the nation's first presidential primary When first and second choices are factored together, DeSantis leapfrogs Christie and Ramaswamy into third place garnering 27 percent of the vote. However, when first and second choices are factored in for Trump - his lead extends to 54 percent. Additionally 41 percent of likely voters said they'd enthusiastic for Trump to become the nominee. For Haley that number stands at 20 percent and for DeSantis it's 16 percent. New Hampshire's primary date was finally set this week and it will take place on January 23, eight days after the Iowa caucuses, the first primary contest of the presidential election year. Since 1980, voters in New Hampshire have chosen a different candidate to win the Granite State primary than the winner of the Iowa caucuses, except when an incumbent has been on the ballot. No modern one-term president, however, has tried to recapture the White House four years later, making Trump's effort distinct. In Iowa polling, Trump currently holds around a 30-point lead over DeSantis, who remains in second. Formation was performed by Golani Brigade fighters in the Kativa outpost The IDF used tanks to mark the Star of David onto the floor of a training ground for the Hamas terror group's fighters in Gaza City. The tanks can be seen in footage shared on Friday roaming across the soil with Israel flags on a battle-worn strip of land. They are then shown in a line pumping out blue and white smoke as the symbol is displayed. The formation, performed by fighters from the Golani Brigade in the Kativa outpost, was part of a ceremony in memory of comrades who have fallen since the start of the war, according to IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari, who posted the video on X. Hagari wrote: 'In the parade ground of the 'Kativa' outpost in the heart of Gaza City, where terrorists of the terrorist organization Hamas were trained, fighters of the 13th and 51st Battalions of the Golani Brigade performed a combat ceremony in memory of their comrades who fell in the battles since the beginning of the fighting.' The tanks can be seen roaming across the soil on a battle-worn strip in Gaza City They then form a line pumping out blue and white smoke as the symbol is displayed He said that at the location terrorists from Hamas and GAP held parades and ceremonies, and near it Hamas gunmen set out to massacre Israelis on October 7. Haragri continued: 'The soldiers of the Golani Brigade held a battle formation on the spot as a sign of commemoration and remembrance in memory of the 72 martyrs of the Golani Brigade, their comrades who fell in the battles from the beginning of the fighting. 'In the place where the terrorist organization Hamas organized and trained its forces, Golani's 13th and 51st battalions chose to deliver a clear message to the organization's operatives.' He added that Golani Brigade troops fought Hamas gunmen on the morning of October 7 and suffered many casualties. He said: 'These days, Golani fighters are fighting deep inside the territory of the Gaza Strip in intense battles, thwarting and damaging the terrorist infrastructure of the terrorist organization Hamas.' The tanks could be seen carrying Israel flags during the ceremony in Gaza City They were shown moving along a battle-worn strip of land A line of tanks on the edge of the strip of land where the symbol is displayed. Hagari said that at the location terrorists from Hamas and GAP held parades and ceremonies, and nearby Hamas gunmen set out to massacre Israelis on October 7 A picture taken from the Israeli side of the border with the Gaza Strip shows smoke billowing during Israeli bombardment on the Palestinian enclave on November 17, 2023 A man walks across the rubble after an Israeli attack on Nuseirat Camp in Gaza on November 17, 2023 Hagari also noted that the IDF and the Golani Brigade are helping the bereaved families during this difficult time and that at the end of the war the commanders and fighters will continue to assist the relatives of those who have died. Israel has concentrated its heavy bombardment and ground offensive in Gaza City, announcing this week the seizure of the parliament building, government offices, Hamas police headquarters and a key port. Last Saturday, the IDF said soldiers of its Golani Brigade had led 'significant' battles against the Hamas terror group's Sabra-Tel al-Hawa battalion in the Gaza Strip in recent days. It said the Golani Brigade and the 188th Armored Brigade's 53rd Battalion carried out raids in the southern part of the enclave's Sheikh Ijlin neighbourhood, during which there were 'significant battles with Hamas terrorists'. The troops killed several Hamas operatives and destroyed infrastructure held by the Sabra-Tel al-Hawa battalion, including tunnel shafts, rocket launchers, weapons depots, and observation posts, the IDF said. Israel has vowed to eradicate Hamas in retaliation for the attacks of October 7. Since the start of the war, around 1,200 people have been killed in Israel, mostly during the initial attack, and around 240 were taken captive by terrorists. At least 11,470 Palestinians - two-thirds of them women and minors - have been killed since the war began, according to Palestinian health authorities, who do not differentiate between civilian and terrorist deaths. About 2,700 people are reported missing. An IDF soldier makes a heart with his hands while inside a tank on November 17, 2023 in southern Israel Fighting raged in the Gaza Strip on Friday, nearly six weeks after a shock attack by Hamas sparked relentless bombing and a ground offensive by Israel. The United Nations was forced to stop deliveries of food and other necessities to Gaza and warned of the growing possibility of widespread starvation after internet and telephone services collapsed in the besieged enclave due to a lack of fuel. Israel announced that it will allow for the first time two tanker trucks of fuel daily into Gaza for the UN and communications systems. On Thursday, Israeli forces were searching building to building at Gaza's main hospital as Hamas said the military had 'destroyed' parts of the compound where concern has mounted over the Palestinians trapped inside. Soldiers had raided Al-Shifa since early on Wednesday in the hunt for a command centre that they say the terrorists built below the complex, a charge denied by Hamas and managers at the hospital which has become a focal point of the war. The Israeli military said it found rifles, ammunition and explosives at the Gaza City hospital, as well as computers and equipment containing 'information and footage pertaining to the hostages' taken in the October 7 attack. The body of a woman taken captive in the attack was also found close to the hospital, the Israeli army said. The migration began around mid-October and will continue through December Great white sharks embark on journey to the southeast as temperatures drop A great white shark named Crystal was recently spotted gliding through the waters along Daytona Beach, as the species are making their way to Florida. The juvenile predator was observed by researchers from OCEARCH, a non-profit organization, in the morning of November 2 near St. Augustine, Florida. As the temperatures drop in the northern regions, these magnificent creatures embark on their migration towards the southeast coast. More of these great sharks are anticipated to grace the warm currents off the Florida East Coast and reach the Gulf of Mexico eventually. The migration began around mid-October and will continue through early December, OCEARCH Senior Advisor for Science & Academics Dr. Bob Hueter told News 6. A ten-foot, 460-pound female great white shark named Crystal was recently spotted gliding through the waters along Daytona Beach, as the species are making their way to Florida Crystal was joined by her pal, a 10-foot, 8-inch great white shark Andromache (pictured), named after the Greek character Andromache, who is a famous symbol of maternity, strength and courage As the temperatures drop in the northern regions, these magnificent creatures embark on their migration towards the southeast coast 'It's kind of like winter snowbirds, the sharks start heading south in the fall as the temperatures drop up north,' he said. 'We have probably about a dozen species that are on the move right now.' The great white, the ocean's most feared predator, typically reaches lengths surpassing 21 feet and can weigh over 2,500 pounds. During the winter migration of sharks, great whites become frequent and noteworthy visitors in Florida waters. The striking beauty of Crystal earned her name from North Carolina's Crystal Coast, where trackers were able to sample and tag her in 2022. She was joined by her pal, a 10-foot, 8-inch great white shark Andromache, named after the Greek character Andromache, who is a famous symbol of maternity, strength and courage. The migration began around mid-October and will continue through early December, OCEARCH Senior Advisor for Science & Academics Dr. Bob Hueter said More of these great sharks are anticipated to grace the warm currents off the Florida East Coast and reach the Gulf of Mexico eventually The great white, the ocean's most feared predator, typically reaches lengths surpassing 21 feet and can weigh over 2,500 pounds Researchers pinged Andromache off the coast of Marco Island Thursday, after they spotted her around the same time last year nearly in the same spot. Andromache the shark seems to be taking the lead in this journey, as researchers have sighted her at least six times over the past month navigating the waters around the Florida Keys. The current trajectory of the shark appears to mirror its route from November and December of the previous year. 'The white sharks spend the summer up in these northern areas where they are feeding on high-energy food like seals and tunas. And they start making their break south around mid-October,' Hueter said. 'By early December, they are typically off the southeast coast, off the Florida East Coast, and then a great number of them go all the way around the Keys and into the Gulf of Mexico.' During the winter migration of sharks, great whites become frequent and noteworthy visitors in Florida waters OCEARCH is a non-profit organization conducting research on giant creatures in ocean During the group's expedition, scientists bring great white sharks on board, tag them, and track their activities The organization said the Daytona beach, where Crystal was pinged recently, was the furthest south the scientists have seen she reach OCEARCH is a non-profit organization conducting research on giant creatures in ocean. During the group's expedition, scientists bring great white sharks on board, tag them, and track their activities. How far the creatures stay offshore depends on the age and sex of the individual shark, Hueter said. The distance could range from one to 100 miles. The team met Crystal for the first time on March 14 last year while drifting off of North Carolina. 'She hung out with us for a while, circling the ship a few times, before we were able to study her on the lift,' scientists wrote. The organization said the Daytona beach, where Crystal was pinged recently, was the furthest south the scientists have seen she reach. The 44-year-old traveled from Sao Paulo, Brazil, to meet with businessmen to complete a deal to sell therapeutic goods A Brazilian man has been missing in Switzerland after he traveled there to sign off on a business deal and sent his wife a cryptic message in which he told her he hoped God would keep him 'alive.' Sao Paulo resident Marcio Rodrigues, 44, flew to Zurich the evening of November 7 and connected in Barcelona before he continued to north-central Swiss city, where he landed the following day. Rodrigues, who worked selling therapeutical products, contacted his wife, Ana Cera, on November 8 at 5:45 am local time in Brazil and sent her multiple audio messages along with a video, Brazilian online news outlet G1 reported. At 5:56am, she received a message from husband, who expressed his concerns because he did not speak English. According to Cera, Rodrigues was going to contact a Spanish-speaking person to serve as a translator in Switzerland. Brazilian businessman Marcio Rodrigues has been missing in Switzerland since November 8. The 44-year-old had traveled to Zurich for a business meeting and sent his wife an audio telling her that he feared he had been the victim of a scam before he went missing Prior to going missing, Brazilian native Marcio Rodrigues sent a photo of passengers waiting at the arrivals gate after stepping off the airplane in Zurich, Switzerland One of the last photos that Rodrigues sent his wife was of the airplane parked at the airport arrival gate The couple chatted again at 6:47am and again at 8am and 8:11, when he shared a photo of the airplane in the background. Cera received another message at 8:32 am from Rodrigues, who told her he felt lost because of the language barrier and that he still needed to locate the carrousel number to pick up his two luggage, including one that contained the therapeutic items. Nearly five hours passed before Cera got several audio messages from Rodrigues, who informed her that he had spent four hours at the airport and that his passport had been taken after meeting up with the businessmen. In a message at 1:32pm, he expressed concerns about having been scammed. 'Pray for me, because I think I fell into a trap. My God, in half an hour I'll know what's going to happen to me,' Rodrigues told his wife. They said that in 15 minutes, half an hour, they will bring me my passport. But I've been waiting here for almost four hours. Missing Brazilian businessman Marcio Rodrigues with his wife Ana Cera Cera said that Rodrigues was going to fly to Spain for another business meeting 'I met with them, they took a photo of my face, brought a machine to take my fingerprints and took my passport (to be scanned).' Rodrigues boarded a taxi to his hotel in hopes of recovering the passport and sent another audio to Cera at 1:34pm. It would be the last time she heard from her missing husband. Cera said that after traveling to Zurich, Rodrigues was going to return to Spain to present therapeutic products to a group of businessmen. The Sao Paulo received a missing person's report from Cera and it was relayed to the Federal Police, which notified Interpol. The Zurich Cantonal Police opened an investigation into Rodrigues disappearance, according to G1. An 84-year-old pensioner will die in jail after he was convicted of murdering his neighbour after developing a grudge against him in the months before killing him with a spade. Thomas Dunn battered 60-year-old Falklands veteran Royston Costello over the head as he dozed on the sofa in what has been described as a 'real-life Midsomer Murder', leaving his victim partially paralysed and unable to speak. Dunn, of Oakdene Court, harboured feelings of resentment towards his neighbour prior to the killing, claiming Mr Costello had been making noise, using a fire door and letting his dog off of the lead. He had also been angry that his neighbour had been given a new car under a mobility scheme, and a large 'Z' was scratched into the new car on February 19, prompting Mr Costello to call the police. But a day later, Dunn went further - waking up at 2am and deciding he was going to attack his neighbour, described by his widow Cathy as 'a gentle giant who would always help anyone'. Thomas Dunn is led away in cuffs to begin his life sentence after murdering Royston Costello Dunn will die behind bars after being sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of more than 17 years Royston Costello, who was described by his widow as a 'gentle giant who would always help anyone' Mr Costello's wife Cathy said her husband had been her 'rock' and 'her world' Mrs Costello with her husband's sister Debbie Dunn (no relation to Thomas Dunn) outside Chester Crown Court on Friday Oakdene Court in Sandbach, where Thomas Dunn murdered Roy Costello by battering him over the head with a spade three times Dunn and Mr Costello both lived at the sheltered housing complex, where Dunn's growing resentment of his neighbour over several months led him to commit murder At Chester Crown Court today, Dunn was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 17 years and six months for the attack. He had pleaded guilty to murder last month. The sentence means he will likely die behind bars. The court heard that, following the incident involving the car on February 19, Dunn pilfered a spade from a neighbour's shed, waited until shortly before 10am on February 20 for Mrs Costello to take their dog for a walk. He then crept into his neighbour's flat and battered the veteran over the head with the spade three times as he dozed on his sofa. Mr Costello suffered serious head injuries in the attack. Police say that the malice-driven Dunn deliberately used the edge of the spade to cause the most harm. The attacker then disposed of the spade in a hedge and fled on his electric scooter - leaving Mrs Costello to make the horrific discovery. After Mr Costello was rushed to Royal Stoke Hospital it wasn't long until police identified Dunn as the main suspect in the attack. Dunn was arrested at 2.40pm the same day at a nursing home in Wilmslow around 15 miles away. He was initially charged with assault while his victim lay in hospital. Mr Costello had emergency brain surgery and remained in critical care, partially paralysed and unable to speak, until he died on April 20. He had been recovering well - but died two days after surgery to fit a feeding tube in his stomach. In a heartbreaking statement issued following Dunn's sentencing, Mrs Costello said: 'Roy was a gentle giant who would always help anyone. He was very well loved by all who knew him because of his caring nature. 'Roy and I were very much one unit and we went everywhere and did everything together. Quite simply we were each other's world; we always said as long as we had each other that was enough. 'Roy being taken the way he was by a neighbour who can only be described as an evil coward is something I will never get over. 'I have been left with a big void in my life where Roy used to be and I know life will not be the same. 'I miss Roy each and every day and I now have to live my life a different way. 'I will do my very best to live a life without Roy as I know this is what he would want, but I do not look forward to this and it will not be easy without him, he was my rock. 'I love you Roy and always will and I thank you for the wonderful 23 years we shared together. 'I promise you that not a day will go by when I will not think of you. You will always be with me in my heart and soul, but for now, RIP my darling until we meet again.' Thomas Dunn being led into Chester Crown Court in cuffs last month before he pleaded guilty to murdering Royston Costello Cathy Costello sits on the bench she had made to remember her husband. She says Dunn has left 'a big void in my life' Chester Crown Court, where Thomas Dunn was sentenced to life in prison today for murdering Royston Costello In a previous interview with the Mail, Mrs Costello revealed she had asked managers at sheltered housing operator Anchor to install CCTV after Mr Costello's previous car had also been vandalised. She said: 'I just feel so angry because it should never have happened. We had asked Anchor to install CCTV, but they said it wasn't necessary. 'The police have also told me Dunn has a record for assault, so why was he allowed to move here? 'The scene I came home to that day was absolutely horrendous, it still plays on my mind. Roy was asleep and wouldn't have known what was happening. 'But I am full of what-ifs. What if I had woken him up, what if I hadn't gone out at that time but I can't let myself think like that.' Following Dunn's sentencing, Detective Inspector David Hutcheon, of Cheshire Police, said: 'Dunn's actions that day were horrific. From the moment he awoke he was intent on causing harm to Mr Costello. 'He carefully planned his attack, hitting Mr Costello with a spade from behind as he slept on the sofa, knowing that he had no way to defend himself. 'During questioning Dunn admitted that he knew that he had inflicted serious injuries on Mr Costello following the first blow, but that he went on to hit him a further two times as he wanted to "teach him a lesson". 'As a result of his actions that day, a wife has lost her loving husband, two children have lost their dad and six grandchildren have lost their caring granddad. 'While Mr Costello's family will never be able to forget what happened that day, I hope that the fact that Dunn has now been held accountable for his actions and is likely spend a long time behind bars, will provide them with some closure.' Mr Costello, a grandfather of six, had served in the Royal Engineers for 14 years and survived the bombing of the RFA Sir Galahad in June 1982, which killed 48 soldiers and crew. He later worked as a security guard on the railways before heart problems forced him to retire. The court had been told Dunn had underlying mental health problems, having been assessed by a psychologist. But Peter Wright KC, defending, said these had been 'insufficient' to support a defence of manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility. The White House tore into SpaceX founder Elon Musk for 'abhorrent' promotion of antisemitism after he seconded an antisemitic post and called it 'the actual truth.' The extraordinary condemnation of the world's richest person came in a statement from White House spokesman Andrew Bates on X, the site formerly known as Twitter that Musk owns following a controversial takeover. 'We condemn this abhorrent promotion of anti-Semitic and racist hate in the strongest terms, which runs against our core values as Americans,' Bates said. 'We all have a responsibility to bring people together against hate, and an obligation to speak out against anyone who attacks the dignity of their fellow Americans and compromises the safety of our communities.' His posting came days after Musk commented on a post that echoed 'replacement theory,' writing, 'You have said the actual truth.' He later backtracked on the comment. It follows IBM suspending its ads on X following a report that its adverts had been popping up next to pro-Nazi posts. The White House released a blistering statement in response to SpaceX head Elon Musk's post on X, the social media site he took over 'IBM has zero tolerance for hate speech and discrimination and we have immediately suspended all advertising on X while we investigate this entirely unacceptable situation,' the company said in an announcement of its suspension. The White House statement invoked the Holocaust as well as the Oct. 7 Hamas attack inside Israel. 'It is unacceptable to repeat the hideous lie behind the most fatal act of antisemitism in American history at any time, let alone one month after the deadliest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust,' Bates said. 'Like President Biden said weeks ago memorializing the victims of the Pittsburgh Synagogue shooting, the October 7 "devastating atrocity has brought to the surface painful memories left by millenia of antisemitism;" and under his presidency "we will continue to condemn antisemitism at every turn." The posting that Musk commented on alluded to a conspiracy theory that American Jews have a secret plan to bring in 'hordes of minorities' to dilute the white population. The mass shooter who carried out the shootings at the Tree of Life Synagogue espoused similar views. After posting the initial statement, Bates retweeted a series of press accounts about the White House condemnation, indicating the White House wanted to amplify the message. The White House condemnation comes after the SpaceX founder withdrew from an APEC event on Artificial Intelligence, in a move that was so abrupt that his stand-in John Kerry wasn't even told the reason for the cancellation. Musk pulled out of a planned on-stage 'armchair conversation' slated for Thursday on the emerging topic despite visiting an event at the San Francisco gathering with Chinese President Xi Jinping Wednesday. Kerry told DailyMail.com he didn't know why Musk had to suddenly withdrawal. 'I have no idea' why he couldn't attend, the former secretary of state said outside the Moscone Center, where President Biden was hosting world leaders Thursday. 'Mark just asked me' to participate, Kerry said of SalesForce CEO Marc Benioff. Musk was in San Francisco Wednesday and attended an event where CEOs including Apple's Tim Cook and Executive Vice President of Boeing Stanley Deal rubbed elbows with XI. 'I have no idea,' former Secretary of State John Kerry told DailyMail.com when asked why Elon Musk suddenly pulled out of a scheduled event at APEC. Billionaire Marc Benioff called Kerry to ask him to stand in for the SpaceX founder The world's richest man was seen shaking hands with Xi on Chinese state TV hours after President Biden said he still considers Xi to be a dictator. He did not leave APEC empty handed. Xi told him he supports Tesla's development in China, according to a statement on the firm's Weibo account. APEC said Musk's name was removed from the 4:45 pm event due to a scheduling issue that prevented him from attending in person. He offered to give the speech online, but the APEC declined. APEC's meeting is a high-profile summit of 21 countries, expected to bring as many as 30,000 people to the Bay Area this week, including China's President Xi Jinping. Elon Musk was in San Francisco and attended a CEO event where he greeted Chinese President Xi Jinping Kerry stood in for Elon Musk at an event with Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit Musk has been taken off the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO speaker schedule after a scheduling clash, and was replaced with John Kerry APEC CEO Summit 2023 said in a statement: 'The session, 'A Summit Spotlight 1:1 Conversation on AI and the Future,' will now feature Marc Benioff, Chair and CEO of Salesforce, in conversation with John Kerry, U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate. 'Elon Musk had a schedule change that prevented him from joining the APEC CEO Summit 2023. 'We're thankful for his offer to join the session remotely, however it was agreed among all speakers that participation would be in person. 'We look forward to Elon joining us at a future APEC CEO Summit.' Joe Biden hosted a $40,000-per-seat gala last night in San Francisco with Chinese President Xi Jinping as the 'guest of honor.' Among the top leaders at the dinner surrounding the APEC meeting with Xi were Apple's Tim Cook and Executive Vice President of Boeing Stanley Deal. Tesla, SpaceX and X CEO Elon Musk also made an appearance ahead of the gala for cocktail hour drinks where he rubbed elbows with the Chinese dictator amid rising tensions with the West. He departed before dinner began, according to multiple reports. Musk was not on the list of corporate attendees and representatives at the gala, according to a program of the event obtained by DailyMail.com. Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff also greeted Xi during cocktail hour but didn't stay for dinner. Also not on the program but in attendance for Wednesday night's pricey dinner were executives from Pfizer, Nike and FedEx. Former California Gov. Jerry Brown also paid the premium to attend. The soiree was held at the Hyatt Regency in San Francisco, California, with a price tag of $40,000 per seat. Other unlisted business leaders that attended the dinner were executives with Nike, Pfizer and FedEx. Elon Musk stopped by for cocktail hour to rub shoulders with Xi, but didn't stay for dinner On Wednesday, Elon Musk backtracked on his earlier endorsement of an antisemitic post, clarifying that calls for 'a Jewish genocide' were 'unacceptable to any reasonable person.' But he then resumed his long-running series of attacks on the antisemitism watchdog ADL. Musk was accused on Wednesday afternoon of promoting antisemitism after replying to a racist post with the comment: 'You have said the actual truth.' He then, two hours later, wrote: ''decolonization' necessarily implies a Jewish genocide. Thus it is unacceptable to any reasonable person.' Musk, who has been strongly criticized by the Anti-Defamation League and Israel's Foreign Ministry for his past remarks, then attacked the ADL, accusing them of racism. 'And, at the risk of being repetitive, I am deeply offended by ADL's messaging and any other groups who push de facto anti-white racism or anti-Asian racism or racism of any kind,' he said. 'I'm sick of it. Stop now.' Musk sparked the firestorm on Wednesday by responding to a man who posted a screed on X criticizing a Foundation to Combat Anti-Semitism campaign video. In the video, a father is seen talking to his son about the online hatred the son has spewed, and calling him out for his rhetoric. The X user dismissed the video, writing: 'Jewish communties (sic) have been pushing the exact kind of dialectical hatred against whites that they claim to want people to stop using against them. 'I'm deeply disinterested in giving the tiniest s*** now about western Jewish populations coming to the disturbing realization that those hordes of minorities that support flooding their country don't exactly like them too much. 'You want truth said to your face, there it is.' Musk, who has 163 million followers, replied: 'You have said the actual truth.' A group of self-confessed 'punctuation pedants' have won in a year-long campaign to get the apostrophe on their street sign restored after the local council swapped it with one which was grammatically incorrect. Village residents were left outraged when they discovered the punctuation mark was missing from the new road furniture of St Mary's Terrace in upmarket Twyford, Hampshire. When it was raised with Winchester City Council, locals were astonished to find out that the apostrophe had been deliberately left off as part of a local authority policy to make signs easier to read. 'Clear and unambiguous street and place names are vital for postal and other delivery services and also for the emergency services - and punctuation can make that more difficult,' the council leader told a meeting. However, following the hearing - at which local author Jane Austen's inconsistent use of the punctuation mark was cited - the authority has relented, admitting that the situation in the village was 'confusing'. Sharp-eyed residents of St Mary's Terrace noticed the missing apostrophe when the new sign was put up And after city councillor Sue Cook discovered that the original sign was still in the council dump, it has now been renovated and reinstalled - with the apostrophe in tact. The punctuation row began in November 2022 when the new road sign provoked discontent among residents of the historic country village, where the average house price is almost 600,000. Sharp-eyed local Oliver Gray complained at the time: 'New road signs are going up... and some residents of St Mary's Terrace have been discussing the missing apostrophe. 'There definitely should be one there, firstly for reasons of correctness and secondly because that is the street's name, according to both the Land Registry and the Ordnance Survey.' Mr Gray was baffled to learn that Winchester Council had adopted a 'no apostrophe' policy for signs, describing the decision as 'bonkers'. In February, Councillor Tony Bronk - who represents the village - asked for an explanation at a council meeting. 'Residents of St Mary's Terrace in Twyford were surprised and disappointed to find that when their street name plate was replaced last year it was missing an apostrophe,' he said. 'When this assumed error was questioned, the answer given was that the Council's policy required that all new street name signs must omit any apostrophe formerly shown on such signage. Oliver Gray with the restored sign on St Mary's Terrace in Twyford near Winchester, Hants 'I would appreciate a statement by or on behalf of the Leader to clearly articulate the council (or council's) position on the use of apostrophes on road signs in the Winchester District, including the reason for any omission of apostrophes and when and by whom (or which body) this decision was taken.' Cllr Martin Tod, council leader, replied: 'I'm aware that this is a topic where emotions can run surprisingly high - and where having a clear policy will be helpful in managing this. 'Clear and unambiguous street and place names are vital for postal and other delivery services and also for the emergency services - and punctuation can make that more difficult, particularly with modern computer systems. 'Our default approach is to make signs that use the spelling recorded in the systems used by the emergency services: the National Land and Property Gazetteer.' He said that following guidance from the Ordnance Survey and the Local Government Association new street names did not include punctuation. 'Personally... I believe we should avoid new road or place names having any punctuation at all and avoid new names where the lack of punctuation could cause confusion. 'This would not mean that the council would want to scrap all punctuation in existing street names and places. 'The apostrophe was invented several hundred years after the Mayoralty took responsibility for recording the streets of Winchester and, in common with our most famous local writer, Jane Austen, the Mayor, Corporation and Council have not always used them very consistently. 'However it's not a prudent use of resources to revisit our predecessors' decisions, except in the most unusual cases.' Cllr Tod cited nearby Kings Worthy and Bishop's Waltham as examples of historic place names that he did not want the council to revisit. He said: 'St Mary's Terrace in Twyford is a difficult case - since Ordnance Survey have it listed as St Mary's Terrace - and Royal Mail and the Land and Property Gazetteer (and hence the emergency services) have St Marys Terrace. 'The next door primary school also has an apostrophe - adding to the confusion.' Cllr Tod agreed that the new sign was 'confusing' and 'not in line with residents' wishes'. Following his decision to reinstate the old sign, Cllr Cook, rescued the original sign, which was then restored. Residents of the street repainted it, leaving the apostrophe for Mr Gray to paint black after it was remounted. Speaking after this week's victory, Cllr Cook said: 'The apostrophe has gone back in, as it rightly should. 'It was a tad frustrating to have the sign come back incorrect, especially when it's grammar and there's a school down the road - it had to be right. Mr Gray, a self professed 'punctuation pedant', initially realised the error as he lives nearby 'It was a talking point in the village, let's just say that.' Mr Gray, a self professed 'punctuation pedant', initially realised the error as he lives nearby to the street. 'They left me the apostrophe as I was the one who spotted it in the first place,' the 75 year old said. 'The sign is actually quite pretty, a lot nicer than the other one they put in.' Speaking about the council's justification for returning the apostrophe-free sign, he added: 'That is so bonkers. 'Driving down the road an ambulance isn't going to say 'oh look, there's a an apostrophe'. 'I think there's a national thing where we're trying not to bother with apostrophes, driven by text speech and spell check.' Mr Gray, a former language teacher, added: 'As an ex-teacher, I'm very, very interested in grammar and apostrophes in particular. 'But a surprisingly large number of people get irate about misusing of apostrophes. 'Some people have been moaning that there shouldn't be a full stop after the 'Saint', but I'm not getting involved in that - it's too controversial.' The California professor charged with the death of a Jewish protester who he clashed with at an Israel Palestine demonstration earlier this month has been seen smiling in his mugshot. Loay Alnaji, 50, was yesterday taken into custody on an involuntary manslaughter charge for the death of Paul Kessler. Kessler, 69, died after getting into an altercation with Alnaji at a protest in Thousand Oaks earlier this month. An autopsy revealed he'd been hit in the face and died after hitting his head on the concrete sidewalk. Witnesses said Alnaji attacked him, causing him to fall. At a press conference on Friday, police said they reviewed more than 600 pieces of evidence and interviewed 60 people before charging Alnaji. 'Our task was to search for the truth and to achieve clarity in this case, and that is what we have done. 'This was not an easy undertaking, given the disparate, often-conflicting interpretations and statements, and also the fragmentary nature of the evidence,' Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko said. Loay Alnaji, 50, was yesterday taken into custody on an involuntary manslaughter charge for the death of Paul Kessler. He is shown in his mugshot Kessler, 69, died after getting into an altercation with Alnaji at a protest in Thousand Oaks earlier this month. An autopsy revealed he'd been hit in the face and died after hitting his head on the concrete sidewalk. Witnesses said Alnaji attacked him, causing him to fall Alnaji was taken into custody today by The Ventura County Sheriff's Office. He is being held on a $1million bond. Police continue to appeal to anyone who captured their altercation on video. At the scene, Alnjai was filmed telling a police officer he was trying to hit Kessler's phone away. But witnesses including Kessler's friend, Jonathan Oswaks, say he punched him with his megaphone. 'All of a sudden, I see a punch...the white megaphone flying through the air,' Oswaks, speaking at the scene of the protest last week, said. Oswaks implored the police to act sooner. Alnaji stayed at the scene after Kessler was taken away in an ambulance. He later cooperated with police at his home. Videos taken after he fell show Palestine supporters continuing to chant against Israel, and some making antisemitic remarks about Hitler. DailyMail.com was the first to name Alnaji, who works as a computer science professor at Ventura County Community College. A woman stalked an award-winning author for 15 years after the pair met at a creative writing course, even pursuing the victim to America and threatening to kill her pets. Sarah Stovell, a published fiction writer, became wrongly convinced she was in a relationship with Amanda Hodgkinson. She bombarded Ms Hodgkinson with letters, messages, emails and even followed Ms Hodgkinson to a book reading in America. Stovell also said the author's husband would be 'got rid of', that her friends were 'posh idiots' and also threatened to kill Ms Hodgkinson's pet chickens. Newcastle Crown Court heard that despite the 'one-way' correspondence, Stovell believed Ms Hodgkinson did contact her back - via 'cryptic' and 'coded' messages only she could understand, on her internet channels. Sarah Stovell, a published fiction writer, met Amanda Hodkinson at a creative writing group Stovell was convinced she was in a relationship with Ms Hodgkinson and that she received messages only she could understand Mum-of-two Ms Hodgkinson, who made it clear the feelings were not reciprocated, was left 'exhausted' and terrified she could be in danger. The case is strikingly similar to Stovell's book Exquisite, which was published in 2017 and chosen by The Times as one of the top 40 crime novels of the past 5 years. According to Amazon UK, the plot is: 'When two writers meet at a retreat, the chemistry is instant, and they begin a sinister relationship... or do they?' The book is described as 'a dark and twisted exploration about the nature of women, relationships and obsession'. Newcastle Crown Court heard that Stovell met Ms Hodgkinson in 2005 at a creative writing course and they initially got on well. After the class finished they kept in touch and when Ms Hodgkinson moved to France with her husband and children they corresponded via email. Prosecutor Liam O'Brien said despite the distance, the women would discuss their literary efforts, attempts to secure publishing contracts and when Stovell's marriage broke down Ms Hodgkinson invited her to come to France for a week, which she did, without incident. Amanda Hodgkinson, pictured, was left 'exhausted' and terrified she could be in danger Sarah Stovell was a published and successful writer. Her book Exquisite was published in 2017 and chosen by The Times as one of the top 40 crime novels of the past 5 years The prosecutor said that the first sign that the 'story would not have a happy ending' was in 2006 when Ms Hodgkinson travelled to London for a meeting with a literary agent. Stovell, who then lived in Brighton offered to meet and the women got together. But Mr O'Brien said: 'The complainant was shocked by the appearance of the defendant. 'She had cut her hair short, smelled of alcohol and her clothing looked as though it had been slept in.' Mr O'Brien added: 'The complainant described her as strange, clingy, gazing at her with a strange intensity, not really making sense.' The court heard Ms Hodgkinson eventually returned to the UK from France and received bizarre emails suggesting she loved Stovell, who could 'prove this'. Mr O'Brien continued: 'This simply wasn't the reality of the situation. 'Some of the evidence the defendant put forward was bizarre. 'For example, she suggested the fact the complainant had said her favourite television programme was a documentary about the coast and sea had relevance because of the fact the defendant lived in Brighton, by the sea.' Mr O'Brien added: 'For the next five years the defendant continued to harass the complainant. 'She sent cards and letters in the post, strange messages were sent on emails and online.' In 2011 Stovell received a caution for harassment of Ms Hodgkinson, who had published her first novel. The court heard Stovell contacted Ms Hodgkinson's publisher and asked for a copy of the book and turned up uninvited to a signing, where they had a 'polite exchange'. A week after the signing, Ms Hodgkinson travelled to the United States for a book reading. Mr O'Brien said: 'She described herself as shocked and horrified to realise the defendant had followed her to San Fransico.' The court heard there was a 'bit of a scene' at the signing and Mr O'Brien added: 'She remembers it being very awkward and the defendant glaring at her with utter fury.' When Ms Hodgkinson got back to her hotel she saw she had received emails from Stovell, which were 'threatening in nature' and demanded 3,00 to cover the costs of flights. Mr O'Brien said: 'She stated if that didn't happen she would be sorry, she would make sure the complainant's husband was got rid of and suggested she would kill the complainant's pet chickens.' The court heard between 2014 and 2016 there was a period of 'tranquility' and Stovell's emails dried up. But they eventually started up again, with some described as 'explicit', some 'jovial' and some 'angry'. Mr O'Brien said there were 57 pages of messages in all, which were 'one-way traffic' and not responded to by Ms Hodgkinson. They included the words 'f*** off', 'you have no f****** idea how to care about a person', 'you are a disgrace' and 'you are insane'. One suggested Stovell planned to 'get in my car today to go to Suffolk to beat you up'. The court heard in May 2020, after still receiving no response to her unwanted communications, Stovell sent an email to Ms Hodgkinson's adult daughter. In it, she said she was in a 'deeply dysfunctional yet always hopeful relationship' with Ms Hodgkinson who, although would not reply to her correspondence in a conventional way, would send her 'cryptic' messages on the internet. The court heard after Stovell was arrested and questioned on suspicion of stalking, she told officers she and Ms Hodgkinson communicated in way 'only I understand'. She admitted calling Ms Hodgkinson's friends a 'load of posh idiots' in one email which she said she sent after 'one too many proseccos'. Stovell, 46, of Hexham, Northumberland, later admitted to stalking involving fear of violence between September 2018 and May 2020 on the basis she did deliberately intend to cause fear of violence. In a victim statement, Ms Hodgkinson said she was 'stalked for over 15 years' and during that time has felt the effects 'every single day'. She said she was left 'exhausted' and 'terrified' she could be in danger from Stovell's 'ferocious' behaviour. Mr O'Brien said: 'She believes that the defendant could be capable of inflicting serious harm on her either intentionally or recklessly. 'She feels she will probably fear that for the rest of her life.' Sean Summerfield, defending, said Stovell's offending is linked to her mental health and troubled childhood and she was operating 'under delusion'. The court heard Stovell may have been suffering an erotomanic delusional disorder. This is a psychiatric syndrome in which someone has a delusional belief that they are loved by another person, even someone they may never have met. Mr Summerfield handed in references from people who described Stovell as a 'good person' who 'wears her heart on her sleeve' and is 'struggling to find her way when it comes to relationships'. Mr Recorder Watkin said Stovell was in an 'other world reality' where she had fallen in love with Ms Hodgkinson and believed she was loved back. The recorder said both women are successful authors. Recorder Watkin told Stovell: 'You were deluded in thinking you were in some form of relationship with the complainant Ms Hodgkinson. 'Nothing she said to you could, in any way, have reasonably led you to conclude that. 'You convinced yourself of that other world reality. 'Whatever she did was perceived as directed towards your fictional relationship with her. 'You became overwhelmed by our emotions, you failed to maintain a realistic perspective of the reality and likely real-world consequences. 'It seems clear you had fallen in love with her and convinced yourself, without any foundation, she had fallen in love with you. 'She made it clear she did not reciprocate those feelings.' The recorder said Stovell's mental health problems do not substantially reduce her culpability for what she did but her behaviour meant Ms Hodgkinson had to make important changes to her lifestyle to avoid contact. He added that Stovell has a realistic prospect of rehabilitation. Stovell was sentenced to eight months, suspended for 18 months, with a 12-month community order involving rehabilitation and mental health treatment requirements. She was issued with a lifelong restraining order to keep her away from Ms Hodgkinson and her two daughters. A striking blonde woman has caused a scandal in a sleepy market town - by doing a runner from a series of beauty businesses without paying for treatments. The woman has hit at least three local independent businesses in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, allegedly walking away without paying for botox, a haircut and a facial costing 500. In each case she booked under a fake name of Sophie Brown then having attended her appointment told staff she needed to get her bank card from the car before leaving. Emily Curtis who runs Ooh La La hairdressing says the woman walked out yesterday without paying for a three-hour 160 cut and highlights claiming she needed to get her bank card from her car. She left her handbag which they later discovered was empty and still had a price tag on. The woman (pictured) has hit at least three local independent businesses in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, allegedly walking away without paying for botox, a haircut and a facial costing 500 In each case she booked under a fake name of Sophie Brown then having attended her appointment told staff she needed to get her bank card from the car before leaving Emily said: 'She was perfectly nice but when it came to the bill my stylist Beka tried to take payment which declined then she said she didn't know the pin but wanted to get her other card from her car. 'After five minutes we thought maybe we should look in the bag but there was nothing but tobacco in it and that's when we thought she wasn't coming back. 'It's bad because everybody here is self-employed and we are a close family. Anything like this is just horrible because it's Beka's earnings this girl is taking but we are going to give her what she would have made anyway.' After posting about the woman walking out yesterday afternoon, Emily has been inundated with messages of support with one man visiting to hand them 20 as well as some identifying the woman. She said: 'It's unbelievable somebody can do this to small businesses because we put so much work into our clients. She's like a one woman crimewave. 'It's not really about the money, we've accepted the loss of that but if she's done it to others I want her to not be able to do this to other businesses.' But MailOnline can reveal she has targeted at least two other businesses in the Suffolk town - one just minutes before. Earlier yesterday afternoon the same woman allegedly walked out without paying for 200 botox treatment at Enhanced Faces UK in the town. Sophia Lorenzo, 31, who has owned the business for six years, said: 'She used a fake address and number on the booking form and she looked completely different to her profile picture. 'When she contacted me to book I asked to go online and make a reservation as that's how we take deposits but she said she couldn't as she was dyslexic. 'She sent me a screenshot to prove she had paid the deposit but on the morning of the appointment I noticed the money hadn't come in. 'When it came to pay I told her about the deposit and she said she would get her card from the car to pay. Emily Curtis who runs Ooh La La hairdressing (pictured) says the woman walked out yesterday without paying for a three-hour 160 cut and highlights claiming she needed to get her bank card from her car She left her handbag which they later discovered was empty and still had a price tag on 'I sat there and just had this feeling she isn't coming back and when I went out to the car park she was gone. Losing the money isn't good but it's more I've lost trust in people. As a business it makes you not trust other clients and now I'm thinking of having to take cash up front. 'It's my money and it's my time. It's knocked my confidence a lot. You don't expect to have that.' The woman - wearing all black - is said to have been driven to the shops in a green pickup truck. Several weeks earlier on October 26 'Sophie Brown' is said to have done exactly the same after receiving a 140 hydrafacial treatment at the Hestier Clinic in the town. Clinic owner Lauren Aristotelous, 33, said: 'She had a high-end treatment with all the premium extras and when it came to pay she said she'd forgotten her card but offered to bank transfer. 'She showed me a fake screenshot and I was there on my own so I didn't feel I could do much. I said it's not gone in, have you got other means to pay? She said her phone's not working but would pay by the end of the day. 'We're normally fully booked so she's not just not paid but she's taken the spot of perhaps two other people who would.' Lauren says she reported it to Suffolk Police but was told they wouldn't help because it was a civil matter She added: 'I was shocked when I saw Ooh La La's Facebook post, I recognised her instantly and messaged them. 'I feel bad because it happened to me first but I didn't do anything. Because we're a medical practice I'm terrified of publishing personal details of clients. 'It's the absolute audacity of it, it's so unusual for this area. She has got away with it because we have trust in our customers. She obviously just doesn't care.' A tiny town in Louisiana with a population of 226 people raked in more than a $1 million in a single year - just as much as Louisiana's third largest city that has nearly nine times the population by targeting drivers. Fenton, located in Jefferson Davis Parish, has just one main road, one library, one gas station, one town hall. In June 2022, a staggering $1.3 million was generated through fines and forfeitures, just as much revenue as Shreveport, which has a population of 187,000. The teeny village collected its revenue primarily traffic tickets, more than almost any other municipality in Louisiana in a single year, audits revealed, ProPublica reported. Those who have a gripe with their ticket or fines must appeal to Fenton town's mayor, Mayor Eddie Alfred, Jr., who appears to serve a dual role. He is responsible for the town's finances and also is the town's judge. As the judge, he appoints the prosecutors, and if drivers request a trial, he decides if they are guilty or innocent. The fines were collected through the 'mayor's court'. Its purpose is to process the thousands of speeding tickets that were written up yearly by officers from the Fenton police department. The town of Fenton, located in Jefferson Davis Parish in Louisian, is compromised of approximately twenty blocks. The one-mile stretch of highway is located between central Louisiana and east Texas along U.S. Route 165 A female driver is pictured getting pulled over by an officer (not pictured) with the Fenton Police Department Pictured: Fenton town's mayor, Mayor Eddie Alfred, Jr., who is responsible for the town's finances, who also serves a dual role, as the town's judge The revenue collected reportedly contributes to part of the salaries of the mayor, the clerk, and others, the news outlet revealed. The village located in Jefferson Davis Parish is compromised of approximately twenty blocks. The tiny town has a city hall, a gas station, a church, a library, a dollar store, and some public housing units. Those who drive along the one-mile stretch of highway - located between central Louisiana and east Texas along US Route 165 - are either town residents or those heading to east Texas from central Louisiana. Mike Holmes, Fenton's village attorney told WVUE-TV and ProPublica in an email that the mayor presides over court in a 'neutral, impartial manner' consistent with Louisiana law. He also claimed that tickets are only dismissed at his discretion. However, the village's court records show a different story on how some tickets are handled, and revealed the challenges they faced trying to get answers. The teeny village collected its revenue primarily traffic tickets, more than almost any other municipality in Louisiana in a single year Journalists from WVUE and ProPublica who were trying to find out exactly how the court in Fenton operates visited the town four different times. During those visits, they reviewed court files, town meeting minutes, municipal ordinances and body camera video. They also requested electronic case summaries over a three-and-a-half year period. Though they tried to see the court in action, they reported that they were only able to witness court one time. They also noted that they were only got to speak with the mayor for five minutes. Many officials offered conflicting explanations for the mayor's role, how and why tickets are reduced or dismissed, why the town asks the state to suspend so many drivers' licenses and how often trials are held. Their description of how the town runs its court didn't align with state Judicial College guidance or that U.S. Supreme Court ruling. Joel Friedman, an emeritus professor at Tulane University in New Orleans who has taught procedural law for 46 years, told ProPublica: 'There's no accountability. They can do whatever they want.' 'The mayor who's trying to raise money for the city is in charge of prosecuting these minor criminal offenses and getting fines brought back to the city,' he added. Another attorney, who wrote a book about the matter, agreed with Friedman and told the news outlet that Fenton shouldn't allow the mayor to preside over court. Sir Keir Starmer has told Jeremy Corbyn his 'days as a Labour MP are over' as he reacted with anger to his predecessor's failure to call Hamas a terror group. As he declared that Mr Corbyn will never again represent Labour in the House of Commons, Sir Keir said: 'He won't stand as a Labour MP at the next election or any election.' Sir Keir suspended Mr Corbyn as a Labour MP in 2020 over his predecessor's claim that the scale of antisemitism in the party had been 'overstated for political reasons'. He has since moved to block Mr Corbyn from standing as a Labour candidate at the next general election in action that saw the left-winger branded an electoral liability. Sir Keir's latest condemnation of the former Labour leader follows Mr Corbyn's refusal to acknowledge Hamas as terrorists in an explosive TV interview this week. In a fiery clash with TalkTV host Piers Morgan, Mr Corbyn refused to answer a question on whether Hamas is a terrorist group 15 times. Sir Keir Starmer has told Jeremy Corbyn his 'days as a Labour MP are over' as he reacted with anger to his predecessor's failure to call Hamas a terror group In a fiery clash with TalkTV host Piers Morgan this week, Mr Corbyn refused to answer a question on whether Hamas is a terrorist group 15 times Sir Keir was quizzed about Mr Corbyn's TV interview during an appearance on the The News Agents podcast. Asked whether his predecessor's comments would bar him ever standing as a Labour MP again, Sir Keir said: 'He won't stand as a Labour MP at the next election or any election. His days as a Labour MP are over. We have a changed party. 'I was taken aback and shocked [by the interview] as I think anybody else would have been. 'It reaffirmed in me why it is so important to me and to this changed Labour Party that Jeremy Corbyn does not sit as a Labour MP and will not be a candidate at the next election for the Labour Party. 'That is how far we have changed as the Labour Party.' Sir Keir has faced deep divisions in Labour since Hamas launched a terror attack on Israel on 7 October, which prompted the weeks-long military action by Israel in Gaza. On Wednesday night, Sir Keir suffered a huge rebellion in the Commons as 56 of his MPs defied him and backed calls for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. He also lost 10 frontbenchers after they broke a three-line whip and disregarded Sir Keir's orders not to support an immediate and complete cessation in hostilities. The Labour leader said many of his party colleagues were going through 'emotional turmoil' amid the conflict in the Middle East and were facing 'terrible abuse'. 'There's been intense pressure, I think on lots of us in the last few weeks,' Sir Keir added. 'These were discussions I was having with colleagues on Wednesday, because in addition to the emotional turmoil that those people are going through, some of them rebelled. 'But they're good people trying to deal with a very difficult situation, on top of all that, many of them have been subjected to terrible abuse. 'And that is very difficult and concerns me on behalf of my colleagues that I was talking to trying to persuade to stay with the party line. 'They were facing the most incredibly difficult circumstances. Circumstances they probably haven't faced previously in their public life.' Sir Keir has stuck to a stance of wanting humanitarian 'pauses' - rather than a full ceasefire - during the Middle East crisis, and has repeatedly stated his support for Israel's right to self-defence in the wake of the Hamas attacks. During the podcast, he insisted he was 'undaunted' by potentially becoming Britain's next prime minister. Sir Keir said his 'only concern' was for his family, adding: 'I've always been concerned about them. 'I've got a wife who has her own life and I need to ensure that she can live her life in the way that she wants to. 'I've got two children, I've got a 15-year-old boy, and a 12-year-old girl. And my biggest concern is, about the only concern I have going forward is, asking myself over and over again, particularly at the moment, how do I protect them as we go into this.' * Listen to Sir Keir Starmer's full interview on The News Agents podcast this evening on Global Player Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has picked up 10 endorsements in South Carolina from former backers of Sen. Tim Scott's presidential campaign, who unexpectedly pulled out of the race last week. In a list shared Friday with The Associated Press before its public release, South Carolina state Reps. Bill Taylor and Tom Hartnett Jr. - as well as more than a half-dozen municipal-level elected officials who had backed Scott before he shuttered his bid - are now announcing their support for DeSantis. Both DeSantis and former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley are trying to pick up supporters and donors from Scott's campaign following his surprise departure. 'Ron DeSantis is the leader we need for this exact moment,' Hartnett said. 'He not only is the only candidate who I know can win, but he will be a president who will follow through on his promises to reverse the decline of our country.' DeSantis' campaign argues it is better positioned than Haley to take on former President Donald Trump in early-primary states including South Carolina, which Haley once led as governor. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis picked up 10 endorsements from South Carolina politicians who had previously backed South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott's presidential campaign South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott (right) made a surprise announcement last week that he was suspending his presidential campaign. He did so on Fox News talking to his friend, former South Carolina Rep. Trey Gowdy (left) The campaign also told AP that DeSantis will be back in the state Dec. 1 for a slew of campaign events, as activity in the state picks up for the first-in-the-South Feb. 24 primary. He'll also appear that night at an annual dinner sponsored by The Citadel Republican Society, where DeSantis will receive the Nathan Hale Patriot Award, an honor accompanied by a replica Revolutionary War-era musket previously bestowed on Trump, Haley, Scott, and former Vice President Mike Pence. With DeSantis' total of 68 endorsements from elected officials in South Carolina, he has more than have been announced by any other presidential candidate, his campaign said. Taylor and Hartnett were among dozens of officials whose endorsements Scott rolled out in June, a month after launching his candidacy. DeSantis is now aiming to make inroads in Scott's home state, given the senator's abrupt exit from the race on Sunday. During an appearance on the Fox News Channel show of his close friend, former Rep. Trey Gowdy, Scott said that he was suspending his effort after voters made it 'really clear that they're telling me, "Not now, Tim."' With that announcement - which surprised supporters, donors and even Scott's own staff - he became the second major candidate to leave the race since last month. Pence suspended his campaign three weeks ago, announcing at a Republican Jewish Coalition gathering in Las Vegas that 'This is not my time.' DeSantis is battling it out with former U.N. Amb. Nikki Haley (pictured) for South Carolina endorsements, as she's the former governor of the state and South Carolina holds the first primary in the south Scott and the rest of the GOP field have struggled in a race that has been dominated by Trump. Despite four criminal indictments and many other legal challenges, Trump continues to poll far ahead of his rivals, leading many in the party to conclude the race is effectively over, barring some stunning change of fortune. In South Carolina, that dominance has endured. In January, Trump was endorsed by officials including Gov. Henry McMaster, Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, Sen. Lindsey Graham and several members of the U.S. House delegation. He's also backed by the state House speaker and a number of other legislative leaders. Asylum seekers billeted at a former military base in new Home Secretary James Cleverly's constituency held a protest yesterday over the 'prison-like' conditions. About 40 men demonstrated outside MDP Wethersfield in Essex, complaining they didn't have access to doctors, were freezing due to poor clothing and bedding and were unable to contact their families. They noisily chanted 'Wrong plan, wrong place' and 'It's like a prison' during the protest. Between 400 and 500 asylum seekers are housed in refurbished barracks and portable buildings at the former RAF base a fraction of the 1,700 the government wants to place there. The plan was furiously opposed by residents and Braintree District Council has challenged the site at a judicial review, arguing it is not suitable. About 40 men demonstrated outside MDP Wethersfield in Essex over their living conditions The Wethersfield asylum seekers said the base is 'like a prison' during the protest yesterday Earlier this month the High Court said it was reserving its judgement until a later date, following a two-day hearing. Local resident and campaigner David Price, who runs Wethersfield Protest, told the BBC one man had complained to him: 'It's too cold. We can't live there. We don't have anything, we don't have internet.' The man had not been able to speak to his family for four months, he said, adding many of the protesters had rashes on their bodies. Blake Temperley, who lives nearby, said the men had called for access to doctors. She added: 'They said it felt like a prison. It's freezing and they haven't got the right clothing. Some were wearing flip flops.' The road to the base was blocked during the protest, which started in the morning and ended at about 12.30pm, according to Essex Police. Plans for migrant detention centres at Wethersfield, the former RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire where the Dambusters and Red Arrows used to be based, and a floating hotel, Bibby Stockholm in Portland, Dorset, were unveiled earlier this year. West Lyndsey District Council slapped a temporary stop notice on the Home Office in September, arguing work to prepare the site including moving in accommodation blocks to house up to 2,000 people had broken rules about listed buildings and archaeology. Between 400 and 500 asylum seekers are housed in refurbished barracks and portable buildings at the former RAF base a fraction of the 1,700 the government wants to place there Use of the three-storey barge were delayed because of health and safety issues. The vessel, which has a capacity for up to 500 people, was evacuated in August after the Legionella bacteria was found in the water supply. Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service are understood to have refused a fire safety certificate initially. Residents have campaigned against both facilities. Wethersfield where some migrants have tested positive for tuberculosis, while others had scurvy or scabies, an infectious parasitic infestation - could prove a particularly tricky issue for Mr Cleverly, with a general election due some time next year. Speaking after the High Court hearing, which ended on November 1, Braintree District Council leader Graham Butland said: 'From the moment the decision to use RAF Wethersfield as an asylum accommodation centre was made, the council have been clear that this is not a suitable site for this purpose and the Home Office has failed to secure appropriate planning permission or adequately assess the impact of their proposals.' The fact a judicial review had been allowed indicated the 'High Court felt the council had an arguable case', he added. The Home Office said it provided on-site healthcare, meals and exercise facilities, while asylum seekers were also permitted to go outside the base. A spokesman added: 'The welfare of individuals at the site is of the utmost priority.' Steve Bertolino, who represented Brian Laundrie and his parents, has pushed back against a motion to reveal his private conversations with the killer The lawyer for Gabby Petito's killer Brian Laundrie has asked a judge to deny a request made by her parents to reveal conversations he had with the killer before he committed suicide. The request by Petito's grieving parents has been made as part of a civil lawsuit alleging Laundrie's parents knew their son had murdered Gabby and tried to help him evade justice, as well as intentionally inflicted emotional distress on her family. Pat Reilly, the attorney for Petito's parents, Joseph Petito and Nichole Schmidt, filed the motion to compel Steve Bertolino to answer questions about his conversations. Bertolino insists if his conversations with his client are revealed it would 'would severely compromise the attorney-client privilege'. Bertolino argues if the judge compels him to answer questions about conversations with his client, it would be 'catastrophic to the theory of the law which provides the basis for complete candor when clients communicate with their attorneys.' Steve Bertolino, who represented Brian Laudrie and his parents, has pushed back against a motion to reveal his private conversations with the killer Gabby Petito was murdered by her boyfriend while on a cross country road trip in August 2021 A suit against Christopher and Roberta Laundrie charges the couple knew their son murdered Petito and refused to tell her parents the location of her remains The lawsuit focuses on a September 14 statement that Bertolino issued on behalf of the Laundries, expressing 'hope' that Petito would be found and reunited with her family. The suit alleges the statement is 'outrageous' since the Laundries knew she had been killed. 'I know of no precedent to support this request,' Bertolino told Fox News. Reilly has argued that the communications are no longer protected because Laundrie admitted to killing Petito. A handwritten confession was found by the FBI in a dry bag near Laundrie's body in Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park in September 2021. Petito, 22, vanished after embarking on a cross country journey across America with her boyfriend in June 2021. Laundrie, 23, killed her on or around August 28 in Wyoming. He returned to his parents' home in Florida on September 1 without Petito and her family reported her missing on September 11. Laundrie was named by police as a person of interest in Petito's disappearance and her strangled remains were found in Grand Teton National Park on September 19. Before he could be arrested, Laundrie was found dead in Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park in Florida. A notebook was found in which he confessed to killing her and claimed he did it to end her pain after she fell. Pictured: Gabby Petito crying and visibly distressed as cops questioned her during the traffic stop. The lawsuit claims it was clear the police failed to help the frightened 22-year-old A picture was shared by lawyers for Gabby's family, who are building a lawsuit against police in Moab, Utah, shows bruising Petito sustained before the traffic stop. The since amended suit alleges police failed to deal with the incident properly Joseph Petito and Nichole Schmidt (pictured) originally filed the lawsuit against Chiropter and Roberta Laundrie earlier this year claiming the couple knew that their son murdered Gabby and refused to tell them the location of her remains 'I ended her life,' Laundrie wrote. 'I thought it was merciful, that it is what she wanted, but I see now all the mistakes I made. I panicked, I was in shock.' Before Laundrie's death his mother wrote her son a letter which promised to help him bury a body and escape from jail. Petito's parents claim it is evidence she had helped plot with her son to cover up their daughter's brutal murder. They are suing them over claims they knew about her killing. The undated letter, which Roberta instructed her son to 'burn after reading', revealed she offered to bake her son a cake with a file in it if he was sent to prison. Roberta also offered to help her son dispose of a corpse as evidence of her love for him. 'I just want you to remember I will always Love you and I know you will always Love me. You are my boy. Nothing can make me stop loving you, nothing will or could ever divide us,' Roberta wrote in the letter. Representing the Laundries, Steven Bertolino, filed a proposal to Gabby's parents, Joe Petito and Nichole Schmidt, for an undisclosed amount. The civil lawsuit, which also names Bertolino as a defendant, claims they were aware of Gabby's murder and chose to remain silent, inflicting untold emotional damage on her parents. Gabby's family is also suing Laundrie's parents, alleging they knew Laundrie (pictured with Gabby) killed their daughter after he returned to their Florida home alone - and tried to help him flee Petito, 22, was strangled on a road trip with her boyfriend Brian Laundrie in Wyoming 2021 Steve Bertolino said earlier this year that Christopher and Roberts Laundrie (pictured at their Florida home in September 2021) 'did everything the right way, and they have no regrets' It states that Pratt - a 16-year vet recently promoted to detective - failed to 'recognize the obvious indicators of abuse' during the August 2021 traffic stop, the suit claims Officer Eric Pratt is pictured second from right. The Petito family alleged he had a history as a domestic abuser when serving as an officer and then police chief in Salina, Utah Depositions for the case began in August and a jury trial is set for May 2024. Days before Petito's death, the couple were questioned by police in Moab, Utah after a member of the public called 911 and reported they had gotten into a physical altercation. Authorities separated them for the night but no charges were filed. Petito's parents also filed a $50million lawsuit against the Moab City Police Department for failing to arrest Laundrie after they found Petito bloodied and in distress following a fight days before her death. The suit cited transcripts of an interview between a Moab police officer who pulled over the couple after receiving a call from Petito that claimed she was being attacked by Laundrie. Legal filings name the officer Eric Pratt as a defendant, charging that both he and his department did not uphold their duties as peace officers by failing to an arrest, despite Pratt later telling other cops Laundrie raised 'more red flags than a Chinese communist rally.' A Utah statute requires all officers to make an arrest or issue a citation in all domestic incidents. Upon being questioned about the incident during a recent outside investigation, Pratt conceded to police that he, at the time, viewed Laundrie as a threat to Petito's well-being. IBM, the European Commission and Lions Gate Entertainment have also paused ads on the platform Jewish rabbis and activists called on Apple, Google Amazon and Disney to stop advertising on X Musk sparked a firestorm when he agreed with a post that claimed Jewish people 'promote hate against white people' Apple has paused all advertising on X after owner Elon Musk agreed with an anti-Semitic post on the platform. Musk, 52, sparked a firestorm on Wednesday by responding to a man who claimed: 'Jewish communities have been pushing dialectical hatred against whites.' The billionaire, who has 163 million followers on X, replied: 'You have said the actual truth.' On Friday Axios reported Apple would pause its advertising on the platform after 164 rabbis and activists called on Apple, Google, Amazon and Disney to stop advertising. IBM, the European Commission and Lions Gate Entertainment have also suspended ads on the platform in response to Musk's post. It comes as a crisis public relations guru claimed Musk was endangering his companies with his personal scandals. Apple has paused all advertising on X, formerly known as Twitter , after owner Elon Musk appeared to agree with an anti-Semitic post on the platform The news came just after crisis public relations guru Eric Dezenhall claimed Musk was endangering his companies with his personal scandals Musk, who has 163 million followers, replied to the post with: 'You have said the actual truth' Theres a career deathwatch for Elon Musk has he gone too far? For 52 years, the answer has been no, says Dezenhall Resources Chairman @EricDezenhall on @elonmusk facing accusations of antisemitism. There is danger here. There is danger to X, Tesla, SpaceX. pic.twitter.com/GfNmC2PS52 Squawk Box (@SquawkCNBC) November 17, 2023 'There's an ongoing career death watch for Elon Musk. Has he finally gone too far? And the answer for 52 years has been 'no,' there has not been any sanctions,' Dezenhall Resources Chairman Eric Dezenhall said on CNBC. 'So in terms of what to do, number one is a gut check - does Elon Musk personally feel - the way I'm sure a lot of his executives feel - that there is danger here, there is danger to X, there is danger to Tesla, there is danger to SpaceX? 'If he personally does feel peril, he will have to face what every other company faces - the issue of, do you apologize, when do you apologize, when do you establish policies to prevent this sort of thing... but there is no sign that that's where they are yet.' On Wednesday Musk backtracked on his earlier endorsement of an anti-Semitic post, clarifying that he does not believe hatred of white people extends 'to all Jewish communities.' Musk, who has been strongly criticized by the Anti-Defamation League and Israel's Foreign Ministry for his past remarks, then attacked the ADL, accusing them of racism, saying it 'unjustly attacks the majority of the West, despite the majority of the West supporting the Jewish people and Israel.' 'This is because they cannot, by their own tenets, criticize the minority groups who are their primary threat.' Musk added. Musk doubled down against the ADL hours later, writing: 'I am deeply offended by ADL's messaging and any other groups who push de facto anti-white racism or anti-Asian racism or racism of any kind. I'm sick of it. Stop now.' Over 100 Jewish rabbis and activists had called on Apple, Google Amazon and Disney to stop advertising on X. Apple CEO Tim Cook is pictured IBM said this week that it stopped advertising on X after a report said its ads were appearing alongside material praising Nazis a fresh setback as the platform tries to win back big brands and their ad dollars, X's main source of revenue. The liberal advocacy group Media Matters said in a report Thursday that ads from Apple, Oracle, NBCUniversal's Bravo network and Comcast also were placed next to anti-Semitic material on X. 'IBM has zero tolerance for hate speech and discrimination and we have immediately suspended all advertising on X while we investigate this entirely unacceptable situation,' the company said in a statement. The European Union's executive branch said separately Friday that it's pausing its advertising on X and other social media platforms, in part because of a surge in hate speech. The White House issued a statement on what it called Musk's 'abhorrent' promotion of antisemitism. Media Matters put out a report claiming that it had found ads from big brands including IBM, Apple, Oracle and Comcast's Xfinity and Bravo running next to content 'that touts Adolf Hitler and his Nazi Party' 'We condemn this abhorrent promotion of anti-Semitic and racist hate in the strongest terms, which runs against our core values as Americans,' spokesman Andrew Bates said. 'We all have a responsibility to bring people together against hate, and an obligation to speak out against anyone who attacks the dignity of their fellow Americans and compromises the safety of our communities.' X CEO Linda Yaccarino said X's 'point of view has always been very clear that discrimination by everyone should STOP across the board.' 'I think that's something we can and should all agree on,' she posted on Thursday. The accounts that Media Matters found posting anti-Semitic material will no longer be monetizable and the specific posts will be labeled 'sensitive media,' according to a statement from X. Still, Musk decried Media Matters as 'an evil organization.' The billionaire has a long history of toying with dog-whistle rhetoric about Jewish people, in particular George Soros, who enraged him in May by selling his Tesla stock. X CEO Linda Yaccarino said X's 'point of view has always been very clear that discrimination by everyone should STOP across the board' He has also angered people with his response to the Israel-Hamas war. In the days after the October 7 Hamas terror attack, Musk was forced to delete a tweet which recommended an anti-Semitic account and a promoter of debunked videos as reliable sources of information about the attack on Israel. The owner of X, formerly Twitter, faced a furious backlash after telling his 159 million followers that the accounts @WarMonitors and @sentdefender were 'good' for 'following the war in real time'. Followers were quick to point out that @WarMonitors has repeatedly used 'jew' as a term of abuse on the platform, telling New York supermarket boss Avi Kaner to 'mind your own business, jew'. X isn't alone in dealing with problematic content since the Hamas-Israel war began. On Thursday, TikTok removed the hashtag #lettertoamerica after users on the app posted sympathetic videos about Osama bin Laden's 2002 letter justifying the terrorist attacks against Americans on 9/11 and criticizing U.S. support for Israel. The Guardian news outlet, which published the transcript of the letter that was being shared, took it down and replaced it with a statement that directed readers to a news article from 2002 that it said provided more context. A slain Microsoft executive's ex-wife shared how she sat down with his widow to tell their children he was dead - months before she was charged with orchestrating his killing. Shanna Gardner, 36, described the moment she and Jared Bridegan's widow Kirsten told their children the tragic news 'as a family' in a clip from an interview with Action News Jax recorded just months after the murder in February 2022. 'It was a very quick visit,' Shanna said. 'She came over just because she asked to be there to tell the children. 'And we just wanted it very clear that this is to honor his memory. We didn't want too many details even though we disagreed. I think we all can agree that we love the kids, and they needed to be the priority.' After that visit, Kristen embarked on a mission for justice that lasted over a year but would eventually see Shanna and her current husband, Mario Fernandez-Saldana charged with hiring a hitman to kill Jared. Jared 33, was shot dead in an execution-style killing in front of his then two-year-old daughter as he drove back from dropping off his twins with Shanna at her home in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. Jared had twins with Shanna and two young daughters with Kristen. In a newly revealed clip from a July 2022, a tearful Shanna Gardner-Fernandez, 36, described the moment she and Jared's widow told their children the tragic news 'as a family' Jared is seen with his widow Kristen, their two daughters, and the twins he shared with Shanna Mario Fernandez-Saldana's former tenant Henry Tenon, 62, acted as the gunman in the killing and reportedly confessed to the plot after being arrested for an unrelated crime. In the July 2022 interview, Shanna said Jared's death had been difficult for the twins. 'It's their father,' the alleged killer said. 'They were, I think in shock. They were very emotional. And that was kind of the beginning of their, their journey.' At the time of the murder the former spouses were locked in an acrimonious custody battle that had been raging since their divorce in 2015 and centered on their ten-year-old twins, Abby and Liam. Shanna told Action News Jax she met Jared on a blind date in Salt Lake City and they had a whirlwind romance. 'We married soon after dating. Within a couple of years, we had the twins. And, you know, any time kids come into the mix, it's a lot,' she said about the breakdown of the five-year marriage. When asked about the divorce, she said it was messy but did not provide details. Shanna Gardner-Fernandez, seen here, pleaded not guilty to multiple charges relating to her ex-husband Jared Bridegan's murder Suspected gunman Henry Tenon, 62, (left) has said he is willing to testify that Mario Fernandez-Saldana, 35, and his wife hired him to kill Jared 'We had a really complicated relationship,' Shanna said. 'Out of respect for Jared and his family, it doesn't do any good to air dirty laundry. It doesn't help anybody.' Kristen has said that Shanna cut all contact with the twins after Jared's murder. In an emotional interview, Kirsten, 36, told DailyMail.com of her 'satisfaction' about Shanna's arrest. Shanna's arrest came 547 days after the father-of-four was killed execution style just minutes from his ex-wife's home. Jared was shot multiple times at close range in what police described as an 'ambush' and 'targeted' attack. Speaking at the time Jacksonville Beach Police Chief Gene Paul Smith said that when Jared stepped out of his car he was 'gunned down in cold blood.' Fernandez-Soldana's presence in his children's lives was also a worry to Jared, according to those who know the family. The father was described as a 'devout' Mormon who was working as a software developer for Microsoft. His widow Kristen has said she will support the death penalty if his ex-wife is convicted. Jared was shot multiple times at close range in what police described as an 'ambush' and 'targeted' attack Henry Tenon has pleaded guilty for his role as triggerman in the alleged plot that saw the young father-of-four lured out into the road and gunned down at point blank range while his then two-year-old daughter Bexley was strapped in her child seat in the back of the car. He admitted that he was lying in wait, ready to execute Jared when he stepped out to remove the obstacle from the road. Shanna's parents issued a statement after her arrest, which said: 'Words cannot accurately express the depth of our sadness. Family is our top priority. 'We love our daughter and are focused on supporting her and our entire family as we help our grandchildren navigate this difficult and very confusing time. 'For their sake and all involved, we caution against further speculation and request privacy as the legal process runs its course.' Gardner faces the death penalty and is charged with first-degree murder, solicitation to commit a capital felony, conspiracy to commit murder and child abuse. President Joe Biden is set to press Mexico on the countering the fentanyl epidemic after securing commitments from the Chinese to clamp down on 'precursor' chemicals of the drug that is ravaging the nation. Biden revealed his intention to bring up the sensitive issue during friendly remarks with Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador with Biden even joking that his wife first lady Jill Biden fancies the younger North American leader, 70. Both men also referenced the immigration crisis, with Biden lauding efforts to do with 'enforcing our borders' and both men championing new 'legal pathways' to entry into the U.S. 'We're working side by side to combat arms trafficking, to tackle organized crime and to address the opioid epidemic and including fentanyl, which when we talk privately, I want to tell you about my great conversation with Xi Jinping on that,' Biden told his Mexican counterpart. Their sit down in San Francisco comes two days after the powerful Chinese leader Biden said he still considers a 'dictator' agreed to steps to limit the manufacture in China of precursor chemicals to the powerful drug. Those materials get shipped to Mexico and other Latin American nations where the drug contributes to rising U.S. overdose depths, including some Biden this week said have occurred in his home state. President Joe Biden raised border enforcement and fentanyl production during his one-on-one meeting with Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador in San Francisco Biden raised the sensitive issues of drugs and immigration after complimenting his left-leaning guest with a joke about a banquet at the APEC conference Biden is hosting here in San Francisco. 'I told you, you sat next to my wife you were so captivating I was worried she likes you more than she likes me now,' Biden quipped. Lopez Obrador, known as AMLO, was complimentary toward his host, and kept his remarks uncharicalistically brief as the president prepares to fly home to Delaware. 'And I would also like to express and to say that he is the first president in the United States in recent times who has not built walls. It is true, and we need to continue to support one another so migration is an option and not enforced,' he said. Speaking to the fentanyl issue that is a political vulnerability for Biden, he said: 'Mexico's undertaking is to continue to support so we do not allow the introduction of chemical components and chemical precursors to fentanyl because we're fully aware of the damage it poses to the United States youth. This is a matter of humanism. It's an act of solidarity. We are sincerely committed to continue to assist at our policy capacity to prevent drug trafficking,' he said. 'I was worried she likes you more than she likes me now,' Biden quipped about first lady Jill Biden, who sat with Lopez Obrador at an event The president said he would raise his discussions with China's President Xi Jinping with Lopez Obrador 'privately' 'You have an extraordinary president in the United States. A man with convictions. A good man,' Lopez Obrador said of Biden U.S. officials have described how chemicals make their way from China to Mexico for fashioning into deadly fentanyl production Biden, US First Lady Jill Biden, President of Mexico Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador and his wife Beatriz Gutierrez Muller embrace at the National Palace in Mexico City, Mexico, 09 January 2023 Feeling blue? Biden joked that Lopez Obrador was 'so captivating I was worried she likes you more than she likes me now' He spoke of 40 million Mexicans living in the U.S., and cheered new policies that let Central Americans apply for entry into the U.S. from their home countries as an alternative to illegal crossings through Mexico with 'all the suffering and risks such endeavor poses.' 'It's a humane way to address the migratory phenomenon,' he said. 'He is the first president in recent times in opening legal pathways for migration,' Lopez Obrador said of Biden. He concluded his remarks lauding Biden, who even while in California encountered more concerning poll numbers as he faces reelection next year. 'You have an extraordinary president in the United States. A man with convictions. A good man,' he said. Shocking footage shows the moment a Los Angeles tow truck driver plowed into multiple vehicles and left another motorist with serious injuries. The unidentified truck driver was traveling north on Griffith Avenue through the intersection of Washington Boulevard when it collided with a red Toyota Prius early this morning. As soon as they crashed, a silver Prius collided with them. This caused the tow truck to overturn and crash into multiple parked cars on the side of the South LA road. The massive vehicle then barreled down and landed on its side. It was left mangled in the street. Officials believe that the crash caused damage to nearly 12 vehicles. A tow truck driver crashed into two Toyota Prius cars, causing it to overturn and crash into multiple other cars The unidentified truck driver was traveling north on Griffith Avenue through the intersection of Washington Boulevard in Los Angeles when the crash happened The truck driver and unidentified victim in silver Prius were immediately taken to the hospital for their injuries. Authorities have not released information about their condition. A witness and resident in the area said the crash sounded like an explosion and was very scary. 'I got out of my house because we thought the car was going to go like on fire and explode. It was just so scary,' she said. The tow truck driver was detained on suspicion of driving under the alcohol influence. The name of the suspect has not been released. The Los Angeles Police Department has begun investigating the incident today morning and has not clarified why the crash happened. DailyMail.com has contacted the Los Angeles Police Department for comment. As soon as they crashed, a silver Prius collided with them. This caused the tow truck to overturn and crash into multiple parked cars on the side of the South LA road The massive vehicle then barreled down and landed on its side. It was left mangled in the street Reports of the South LA crash come a few months after state troopers responded to the fiery chain-reaction crash on Interstate 10 in Chandler involving six cars. Danny G. Tiner, 36, was driving a tractor-trailer and was using TikTok on his cellphone seconds before causing a Phoenix-area freeway collision that killed five people in January 2023. He was arrested at his home on multiple charges related to the crash, including five counts of manslaughter. An investigation determined Tiner was driving 68mph in a 55mph construction zone and actively using the social media app on his cell right before the deadly crash. Five people died in the fiery horror crash after two semi-trucks and two other vehicles collided on Interstate 10 in Phoenix, Arizona in January Footage from traffic cameras in the area showed a fiery scene with a semi-truck and several passenger cars destroyed An aerial view from the scene showed a semi-truck engulfed in flames, with the charred remains of vehicles all that remains Tiner's tractor-trailer crashed into a passenger car, pushing it into another semitrailer and two other cars. Most of the victims were trapped inside burning vehicles as the resulting fire from the crash lasted about two hours. Initially, Tiner told police he had received a message on an electronic work tablet and was acknowledging it. He said that when he looked back up traffic was stopped and he could not halt his semi-trailer in time to avoid a collision. Sickening footage shows the moment a surly teenager killed an 82-year-old Army veteran with a single punch after being told off for causing trouble in a Derby bus station. Omar Moumeche, who was 16 at the time, violently attacked beloved Dennis Clarke at Derby bus station after he told off his friends for messing about on an escalator. The 82-year-old pensioner was on his way home from a shopping trip when he suffered a fractured skull as well as a bleed on the brain after being punched by vindictive Moumeche. He sadly died at Queen's Medical Centre, in Nottingham, nine days after the assault on May 6, 2021. Moumeche, now 18, was found guilty of manslaughter in July and was sentenced to two years in youth detention at Derby Crown Court today. Police have now released shocking footage of the attack showing Mr Clarke being surrounded by the group of teens he had earlier challenged at The Eagle Market. Moumeche (pictured), now 18, was found guilty of manslaughter in July and was sentenced to two years in youth detention at Derby Crown Court today The pensioner Dennis Clarke (pictured), 82, suffered a fractured skull as well as a bleed on the brain and died in hospital nine days after the assault on May 6, 2021 The shocking footage showed the former soldier, who served in Singapore in the Sherwood Foresters regiment, being followed to Derby bus station. There, he was surrounded by the teenagers. He was pushed and then viciously punched to the ground. After this, Moumeche fled the bus station but was arrested within minutes. Mr Clarke's 'devastating' death will take his family many years to come to terms with, his nephew Ricky Darvey told the sentencing hearing in a victim impact statement, the Mirror reports. He said about his beloved uncle: 'His death has left a hole in the lives of the whole family and we have just been left with a feeling of emptiness. 'There will forever be an empty chair at Christmas and an empty place on the dancefloor.' He also told how Mr Clarke loved fishing and dancing, was a committed Christian and 'doted on his family'. Detective Inspector Mark Shaw said: 'Our investigation was assisted by the capture of CCTV footage and many witness accounts, all of which were presented during the trial. 'The defendant claimed he acted in self-defence, and the jury on the balance and high threshold required refused to accept his version of events. Omar Moumeche, who was 16 at the time, attacked Dennis Clarke at Derby bus station after he told off his friends for messing about on an escalator (pictured: CCTV captured the teenagers following Mr Clarke into the bus station) Mr Clarke's (pictured) 'devastating' death will take his family many years to come to terms with, his nephew Ricky Darvey told the sentencing hearing in a victim impact statement 'Dennis was a well known and loved friend and family member. 'Dennis' family were present throughout the hearings and have acted with absolute dignity both throughout the trial and including at the time the guilty verdict was returned and I thank them for that. 'The tragic events of that day have had a devastating effect on both the families of Mr Clarke and of the defendant himself. 'Mr Moumeche's actions in that moment will have lasting affects both short term whilst he is serving his custodial sentence, and post sentence as he tries to move forward. 'I hope that this case will demonstrate how important it is to stop and take a moment before resolving any matters and avoid resorting to the level of violence and the consequences seen here. 'I would like to express my thanks to the family of Mr Clarke for the dignity shown throughout the entire criminal process and hope they can look to move forward and now focus on their fond memories of Dennis.' Andrew Baxter, from the CPS, said: 'Dennis Clarke's tragic death was the result of this young person's intimidating and aggressive behaviour, refusing to back down and not knowing when to walk away. The former soldier, who served in Singapore, was then followed to Derby bus station, where he was viciously punched to the ground (pictured: Mr Clarke arriving at the bus station) CCTV captured Mr Clarke (left) being pushed by the teenagers at Derby bus station 'Mr Clarke was within his rights to challenge the behaviour and had then gone about his business, assuming that the incident was concluded. 'Moumeche chose to confront him at the bus station, behaving in an aggressive and intimidating way to a man in his 80s who posed no threat. 'He then threw a punch which led to the death of an elderly and innocent man, and a family grieving a much-loved family member and respected member of the community. 'I would like to offer everyone close to Dennis Clarke every sympathy for their loss.' Judge Shaun Smith KC told Moumeche: 'You could have walked away but you decided to get involved and shortly before you delivered the blow an 82-year-old man was surrounded by three youngsters and you struck him with a deliberate blow.' No further action was taken against two other teenage boys who were arrested at the time in connection with the attack. This comes after another teenage one-punch killer who walked off laughing after an unprovoked attack on his victim was jailed for six years. Kieran Scott, 19, lashed out at defenceless Daniel Thomas, 53, while he was sitting on a bench in Hull on June 14, 2022. Kieran Scott (pictured), 19, lashed out at defenceless Daniel Thomas, 53, while he was sitting on a bench in Hull on June 14, 2022 Kieran Scott (pictured), 19, was locked up for six years following an attack on 'defenceless' victim Daniel Thomas, 53 Hull Crown Court heard that Scott was annoyed at Mr Thomas - known as Mark - for 'getting lairy' with him and being 'cheeky'. Following the attack, Mr Thomas never regained consciousness and died two days later in hospital from a bleed in his brain. Scott, of Sherburn Street, Hull, pleaded guilty to manslaughter. He was originally accused of murder but the prosecution accepted his guilty plea to the lesser offence. Richard Thompson, prosecuting, said that on June 14, 2022, Mr Thomas was sitting on a bench on the corner of Newbridge Road and Sherburn Street, with a can of cider in his hand. A woman was standing and talking to him but he was being 'quite argumentative' with her, the court heard. Two men, including Scott, approached from Sherburn Street and asked Mr Thomas, the woman, and another man if they wanted anything - which they assumed to mean drugs - but they all declined. The men turned and double-backed to the bench but Scott approached Mr Thomas, who was sitting on the bench with his elbows resting on his knees 'in his own world'. Mr Thompson said: 'Without warning, he struck the fatal blow with his right hand to the head of the deceased.' The blow was 'unprovoked and completely unexpected' and landed on the left cheek of Mr Thomas with an 'audible thud', the court heard. Scott and the other man walked away. Mr Thompson said: 'They were both laughing and did not look back. The deceased fell sideways onto the bench and then dropped to the floor.' The Biden administration got a big slap on the wrist by one of its own agencies for failing to put strong anti-fraud safeguards in its original plan to hand out $430 billion in student loan relief. In a blistering report released yesterday, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) exposed shortcomings in Biden's student loan forgiveness plan - which has since been squashed by the Supreme Court - saying it opened the door to fraud. 'We found that Education quickly approved borrowers for debt relief without applying key practices to prevent fraud. For example, it didn't verify certain borrowers' self-reported income before approving them for relief.' In addition, it said that the department approved over 12 million borrower applicants 'without evaluating the accuracy and outcomes of its application process.' And 2 million students were set to be automatically approved based on their self-reported income without the Education Department deploying 'any tools to verify these borrowers' incomes or ensure they were eligible for relief.' Members of Congress were quick to jump on the report and criticize Biden and Education Secretary Miguel Cardona. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona was slammed by Republicans for the blistering report Education Secretary Cardona and President Biden in the Roosevelt Room Sens. Bill Cassidy, R-La., and Rand Paul, R-Ky., accused the Department of Education of 'covering up' the potential fraud risks. The senators said the agency 'misused' the 'Controlled Unclassified Information' designation in an attempt to conceal the information presented by GAO on fraud risks in its student loan cancellation 'scheme.' 'As members of Congress, we recognize the need to protect highly sensitive information from public release when it poses a threat to public safety or is required by statute,' Cassidy and Paul said on a letter to the department. 'When there is no legitimate basis for safeguarding information, however, it is important to ensure maximum transparency for the American people.' 'The Executive Branch should never unnecessarily apply its own designations just to hide material from the public because it is embarrassing or difficult to explain.' The Republican senators went on to blast the department for failing to provide guardrails to verify the income of borrowers in order to establish eligibility for the handout. GAO stated that it conducted the study because 'fraud poses a significant threat to the integrity of federal programs and erodes public trust in government.' Education Secretary Miguel Cardona, domestic policy adviser Neera Tanden and Towson University president Mark Ginsberg meet with students during a visit to Towson University 'Proactively managing fraud risks can help ensure that taxpayer dollars serve their intended purposes.' The Education Department is expected to take the GAO's recommendations into consideration as it works toward a new path for loan forgiveness. A spokesperson for the department defended the administration in a statement to Politico. The department has 'a carefully tailored fraud risk management strategy to ensure that only qualified borrowers would receive relief while also protecting borrowers from scams,' the spokesperson claimed. Hundreds more migrants arrived in Dover after crossing the Channel by small boat yesterday just days after the government's Rwanda policy was ruled 'unlawful'. A total of 356 asylum seekers were intercepted by Border Force officials from seven boats and escorted into Dover, Kent, throughout the day. Around 50 asylum seekers were picked up from an inflatable dinghy off the coast of Dover and brought to shore on Border Force catamaran Hurricane shortly before 10am. The mostly male group, who were clad in hooded jackets and hats after battling chilly conditions at sea, could be seen removing their orange lifejackets as they were escorted along the former jetfoil to be taken for processing. One man appeared to be limping as he linked arms with another migrant. At least 40 more asylum seekers were escorted into the port on a Border Force catamaran shortly after midday, while a similar-sized group were brought in on another of the agency's vessels around an hour later. They appeared cold, wrapping red blankets around their heads and shoulders as they disembarked the boat. A total of 356 asylum seekers were intercepted by Border Force officials from seven boats and escorted into Dover, Kent, throughout the day Four more dinghies carrying migrants were intercepted throughout the day. This comes as the Supreme Court concluded unanimously that the Rwanda scheme to deport arrivals immediately would break the law. 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. The decision immediately sparked Tory demands to loosen protections under the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) so the policy can go ahead. At the time, Tory Party deputy chairman Lee Anderson said the Government should simply 'ignore the laws' and 'just put the planes in the air now and send them to Rwanda'. Sacked Home Secretary Suella Braverman had accused Prime Minister Rishi Sunak of having 'no Plan B' if the policy was blocked by judges. The PM responded to the Supreme Court ruling by pledging a new treaty with Rwanda and emergency legislation allowing Parliament to declare the East African country safe for asylum seekers. And in a nod to the fury of the Tory Right, he insisted if that failed he was ready to ignore the European Convention on Human Rights rather than let 'foreign courts' stand in the way of action. The PM said that planes should start leaving for Rwanda next Spring - although he would not guarantee the timetable. '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.' Just six asylum seekers were rescued from the Channel by French authorities after getting into difficulty while trying to make the crossing on Thursday, according to France's Prefecture Maritime. A French escort vessel was pictured accompanying one of the migrant boats into English waters yesterday In the early hours of the morning, the CROSS rescue centre in Cap Gris-Nez, northern France, was informed that a migrant boat was in difficulty off the coast of Equihen beach. The French Navy boat Rhone picked up six people and dropped them off at the port of Boulogne later on in the morning, where they were taken care of by the departmental fire and rescue service and the border police. A total of 971 people have crossed the Channel in 19 boats this month - an average of 51 people crammed into each vessel. This brings the total number of small boat crossings so far this year to 27,670 in 565 inflatable dinghies. Last year saw a record 45,755 people make the journey across the 21-mile Dover Strait. This is 60 per cent higher than in 2021, when 28,526 asylum seekers reached the UK. The Palestinian death toll in the Israel-Hamas war has hit 12,000, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. Hamas, which has ruled Gaza since 2007, said the death toll includes 5,000 children. Gaza Health Ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qudra said 24 patients at Al-Shifa hospital have died 'over the last 48 hours' - as 'vital medical equipment has stopped functioning because of the power outage'. Israeli forces have been searching the Al-Shifa complex and the surrounding area for Hamas hideouts - with the IDF claiming its forces found a tunnel shaft used by Hamas terrorists. The announcement of the hospital deaths came shortly after Israel agreed to a US request to allow two fuel trucks a day into Gaza, following a UN warning that shortages had halted aid deliveries and put people at risk of starvation. The situation was dire at the Al-Shifa hospital, the largest in Gaza, with Israel's army saying it was searching for a third day for suspected hideouts of fighters from the Islamist movement's armed wing. Hamas rejects an Israeli charge it has a command centre at the hospital, where thousands of people, including wounded patients and premature babies, are believed to be inside. The hospital also denies the claim. It comes as Israel's military said troops recovered the remains of kidnapped female soldier Noa Marciano, 19, 'from a structure adjacent to Al-Shifa hospital' in Gaza city. It confirmed her death this week without giving the cause - with Hamas saying she was killed in Israeli bombing. Yesterday the army said soldiers near Al-Shifa found the body of another hostage, 64-year-old Yehudit Weiss, who was kidnapped from the kibbutz community of Beeri. Palestinians look at the destruction after an Israeli strike on the Gaza Strip earlier today Adi Marciano mourns on the coffin of her daughter, Israeli soldier Noa Marciano, during her funeral today A man walks amid rubble of destroyed buildings after Israeli attack on Nuseirat Camp, Gaza today The Palestinian death toll in the Israel-Hamas war has hit 12,000, according to the Gaza Health Ministry The body of Israeli soldier Noa Marciano (pictured) was found in a building close to Al-Shifa hospital, the IDF said The body of Yehudit Weiss, 64, (pictured) who was taken captive by Hamas at Kibbutz Be'eri during the Hamas killing spree, has been found The heartbroken mother of female soldier Noa today wept over her daughter's coffin after the teenager was found dead in the Al-Shifa hospital complex. Overcome with grief, Adi Marciano broke down in tears as she placed her hand on her daughter's coffin during an emotional service for the soldier in the central Israeli city of Modiin. Adi, crumpling under the weight of her grief, collapsed on top of the wooden coffin where her daughter lay. Noa's friends and fellow comrades sobbed and held each other as they watched the coffin, covered with an Israeli flag, pass through the large crowd of devastated mourners. The mother was told earlier this week that Noa, of the Combat Intelligence Collection Corps, had been killed after Hamas released a horrific video showing what appeared to be the 19-year-old's dead body. Adi, who described Noa as a 'girl of light and love' and beloved big sister to her three siblings, had waited in anguish for news that her daughter's body had been found. A view of Al Luh family's house damaged after Israeli attack on Nuseirat Camp, Gaza today A family looks at the destruction in Gaza amid the Israel-Hamas conflict Hamas, which has ruled Gaza since 2007, said the army's air and ground campaign has now killed 12,000 people - including 5,000 children Noa's friends and fellow comrades sobbed and held each other as they watched the coffin, covered with an Israeli flag, pass through the large crowd of devastated mourners Noa's friends and fellow comrades sobbed and held each other as they watched the coffin, covered with an Israeli flag, pass through the large crowd of devastated mourners The parents of Israeli soldier Corporal Noa Marciano hold each other at their daughter's funeral Noa was laid to rest today in an emotionally charged funeral service, with her weeping friends and family consoling each other as they paid tribute to the young soldier Soldiers carry the coffin of Noa Marciano, a soldier in the Israel Defence Forces, as they walk near photos of her displayed at her funeral on Friday That news came today, with the IDF confirming they had found the remains of Noa and another hostage Yehudit Weiss, 64, from a building adjacent to the hospital where Israeli soldiers are searching for a Hamas command centre. Noa was laid to rest today in an emotionally charged funeral service, with her weeping friends and family consoling each other. During the hospital raid in which Israeli troops found Noa and Yehudit's bodies, the IDF claimed its forces also found a tunnel shaft used by Hamas terrorists. The IDF released a video it said showed a tunnel entrance in an outdoor area of Al-Shifa hospital, two days after Israeli troops entered its grounds to hunt for a Hamas command centre they say is beneath the medical facility. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed there were 'strong indications' that hostages were held at the hospital but they were no longer there when the facility was raided. 'We had strong indications that they were held in the Shifa Hospital, which is one of the reasons we entered the hospital,' he told CBS Evening News. 'If they were (there), they were taken out.' Israeli troops claimed they found a tunnel entrance and weapons inside a truck located in the compound - but the military has yet to release evidence of a central Hamas command centre that Israel has said is concealed beneath the complex. Hamas and staff at the hospital, Gaza's largest, deny the allegations. Overcome with grief, Adi Marciano broke down in tears as she placed her hand on her daughter Noa's coffin during an emotional service for the soldier in the central Israeli city of Modiin Overcome with grief, Adi Marciano broke down in tears as she placed her hand on her daughter Noa's coffin during an emotional service for the soldier in the central Israeli city of Modiin Noa's friends and fellow comrades sobbed and held each other as they watched the coffin, covered with an Israeli flag, pass through the large crowd of devastated mourners Members of Israeli military carry the coffin during Israeli soldier Corporal Noa Marciano's funeral after her remains were recovered near the Al Shifa Hospital on Friday Hamas's tunneling infrastructure has been exposed around Gaza's AI-Shifa hospital IDF troops belonging to the Shaldag Unit, the 7th Brigade, and additional special units are continuing to conduct targeted activity in the Al-Shifa Hospital. On Wednesday the IDF revealed evidence of weaponry which it said proved the hospital was a terrorist base, with spokesman Lt Col Jonathan Conricus showing a duffel bag containing an AK47 assault rifle, grenades and ammunition. On Thursday the army said soldiers near Al-Shifa found the body of another hostage, Ms Weiss. She was kidnapped from her home in the border kibbutz community of Beeri, one of the areas worst-hit by the brutal Hamas assault. Her husband Shmulik Weiss was found murdered in their safe room. Troops of the 7th Armored Brigade's 603rd Battalion found the body, along with Hamas military equipment - including assault rifles and RPGs in a building 'adjacent to Shifa Hospital', according to the IDF. The body was brought back to Israel for identification, after which the military and police notified Ms Weiss's family of her death. Israeli officials say around 240 people were taken hostage during the Hamas attacks which killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians. The IDF did not provide further details on Ms Weiss's cause of death, or when she was killed. It is believed she was undergoing treatment for cancer when she was seized by the terrorists. 'The IDF sends its heartfelt condolences to the family,' it said in a statement. 'The national mission is to locate the missing and return the hostages home.' 'The IDF is operating alongside and in full coordination with the relevant national and security institutions in order to pursue these tasks. We will not cease from the mission until it will be completed,' the IDF added. Ms Weiss's husband Shmulik Weiss was found murdered in the safe room The IDF revealed evidence of weaponry which it said proved the hospital was a terrorist base Pictured: Israeli troops and military vehicles during ground invasion of Gaza IDF troops belonging to the Shaldag Unit, the 7th Brigade, and additional special units continue are continuing to conduct targeted activity in the Shifa Hospital Israel's Defence Forces previously suggested it could take 'a few weeks' to uncover 'the extent' of Hamas's command centre beneath Al-Shifa hospital, as hundreds of commandos continue to search through every building and floor of the complex. Footage 'relating to hostages seized by Hamas' was found on computers at the hospital, the IDF has said, as well as a cache of weapons belonging to the terrorists. The United Nations is now desperately looking into how it could evacuate the hospital, which is the biggest in the Gaza Strip, but says its options are limited by security and logistical constraints, a senior World Health Organization official said. It comes as Netanyahu admitted efforts to prevent civilian deaths were 'not successful' - but blamed Hamas for stopping people from moving to safer places. When asked whether Israel's killing of thousands of Palestinians in its almost six week war against Hamas militants would fuel hatred among a new generation, Netanyahu said attempts to minimise civilian casualties were 'not successful'. 'Any civilian death is a tragedy. And we shouldn't have any because we're doing everything we can to get the civilians out of harm's way, while Hamas is doing everything to keep them in harm's way,' Netanyahu said. 'So we send leaflets, call them on their cell phones, and we say: 'leave'. And many have left,' he said. Since the war began, Gaza has received only 10 per cent of its required food supplies each day, and dehydration and malnutrition are growing with nearly all residents in need of food, said Abeer Etefa, a Mideast regional spokeswoman for the United Nations' World Food Program. 'Food production has come to an almost complete halt, markets have collapsed, fishermen cannot access the sea, farmers cannot reach their farms,' she said Thursday from Cairo. 'People are facing the immediate possibility of starvation.' Donald Trump, his wife Melania and other relatives gathered in New York on Friday to mourn the loss of his elder sister Maryanne Trump Barry, who died at the age of 86. The ex-president was joined by daughter Ivanka and sons Don Jr. and Eric at the Church of St. Ignatius Loyola on the Upper East Side. The 77-year-old former president wore a dark suit and tie, while Melania was dressed in a black coat and sunglasses. Trump's sister, a retired federal judge, died at home on the Upper East Side on November 13. Donald Trump , his wife Melania and other relatives gathered in New York on Friday to mourn the loss of his elder sister Maryanne Trump Barry who died at the age of 86 Trump's sister, a retired federal judge, died on November 13 she is seen pictured with her brother in 2008 Her casket arrived at the Catholic church in a black hearse and was carried inside as the family watched silently. An area around the church was shut down by the Secret Service and police. Inside, the Archbishop of New York led proceedings and a choir sang 'A Mighty Fortress is Our God'. Afterwards, outside the church, Trump spoke with a priest. Following her death earlier this week Trump paid tribute to his 'great sister'. He said: 'A truly beautiful woman, tall and elegant, with a presence like no other, she was also a tremendous student, intellect, and Judge, in charge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, just below the U.S. Supreme Court. 'Her life was largely problem free, PERFECT, until I made it difficult for her when I decided to run for President.' He added: 'The Fake News, and others, went after her mercilessly, and because of the fact that she felt it inappropriate, due to her position, to defend herself, it just never stopped!' An area around he church was shut down by the Secret Service and police Trump said his sister was 'tough and strong' and would be 'truly missed'. Barry was appointed by President Bill Clinton as a senior judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit in 1999. Trump and Maryanne confided in each other and were close in the years he expanded his real estate empire and ran for president. Three of the former president's four siblings have now died. His youngest brother Robert died in August 2020 aged 71, and Fred Trump Jr. died of a heart attack in 1981 at the age of 42. Trump's ex-wife, Ivana Trump, died in 2022 at the age of 73. More than 100 mourners streamed into the church to pay their respects in Manhattan on Friday. Trump posted a brief tribute on his Truth Social on Friday which said: 'Funeral Now. I Love Maryanne. God Bless You. Rest In Peace!' Three days ago Trump revealed his sister had passed. 'While tough and strong, she was made to suffer in those years from 2016 until her Retirement,' he wrote on Truth Social. 'I will never forget the many times people would come up to me and say, 'Your sister was the smartest person on the Court.' I was always honored by that. 'But understood exactly what they meant - They were right! She was a great Judge, and a great sister. She will be truly missed!' Trump did not speak at the funeral and Judge Barry's son, David William Desmond, told the New York Times that the service would be closed to media. 'The service will be private,' he said, 'and we prefer to avoid any press coverage.' Desmond was the only person aside from clergy to deliver a eulogy which was filled with praise of the woman they remembered as courageous and resilient. Barry refrained from criticizing Trump publicly, but a series of surreptitiously-recorded interviews in 2018 and 2019 with a niece, Mary Trump revealed her true feelings. 'He has no principles,' she allegedly said in the recordings. 'None.' She added: 'It's the phoniness and this cruelty. Donald is cruel.' Mary Trump had recorded the remarks while working on the 2020 book 'Too Much and Never Enough: How My Family Created the World's Most Dangerous Man.' The recordings were later shared with the Washington Post. Barry had also criticized Trump for his eulogy at their father's 1999 memorial service. 'Donald was the only one who didn't speak about Dad,' she said. 'I don't want any of my siblings to speak at my funeral,' Judge Barry continued. 'And that's all about Donald and what he did at Dad's funeral. I don't know. It was all about him.' A Marine veteran who was in a famous combat photo in Afghanistan following the terror attacks of September 11, 2001 has spoken out to slam the viral TikTok trend praising terror mastermind Osama bin Laden. In his memoir The Shot, retired Marine Staff Sergeant Bill Bee told how, as a young recruit, he watched the Twin Towers fall from his barracks at Camp Lejeune at the end of his training. At just 19 years old he was thrust into combat as one of the first Americans on the ground in Helmand Province to take on the Taliban in the manhunt for bin Laden and the terrorists responsible for 9/11. 'I've deployed four times to Afghanistan, lost too many friends to count to both enemy action and suicide when they got home. I've received the Purple Heart and a couple other medals,' he told DailyMail.com. 'Yet this s**t I'm seeing on TikTok is causing me to question the worth of defending these clowns,' he added. A Marine veteran who was in a famous combat photo in Afghanistan following the terror attacks of September 11, 2001 has spoken out to slam the viral TikTok trend praising terror mastermind Osama bin Laden The trend appears to have started with TikToker Lynette Adkins (left) who posted a video on November 14 telling her followers to read the bin Laden manifesto After videos praising bin Laden's 2002 letter detailing the former al Qaeda leader's justifications for attacks against Americans went viral on TikTok, the platform said on Thursday it would ban such content. Discussions of the 20-year-old letter have spread on the platform this week in the context of debate over the Israel-Hamas war, with some Gen Z users praising bin Laden's message as a bold stance against capitalism and colonialism. The letter, which offered a twisted motive for the 9/11 attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people, criticized US support for Israel, accused Americans of financing 'oppression' of Palestinians, and contained antisemitic comments. Bin Laden was killed in 2011 in Pakistan by a US military special operations unit. 'I know we have freedom of speech, but we don't get freedom from repercussions for that speech. Someone needs to slap these jacka**es with some reality,' said Bee. 'It seems to me the flood of videos on Tik Tok and other social media consists of individuals consistently pushing the envelope to what's right, merely so their videos can get more views. I don't think these individuals fully comprehend the actual effect of supporting these organizations,' the Marine veteran said. 'I just cannot fathom how these same people that empathize with Bin Laden and Hamas. They literally stand for everything the jihadis hate about our culture' he said. 'So in an effort to be 'unique', these people are professing an 'understanding' of why (bin Laden) chose to attack the United States and our Allies,' he said. Osama Bin Laden wrote his 'letter to America' in 2002, using it in a twisted attempt to justify the 9/11 attacks Bee (pictured second from right) was shot at multiple times and survived multiple close calls with the Taliban during his military career Bee and his wife Bobbie are pictured at their home in Jacksonville, North Carolina, in 2021 'The thing that blows my mind are that these people hold values that are the antithesis of everything fundamentalist Muslims hold. How many LGTBQ groups do you think are tolerated in Gaza, or any Islamic country?' he asked. 'I've seen the head of a dog sewn onto the body of a little girl, just because they thought she gave Marines intel. And yet, these Tik Tok virtue-signallers "Understand" their actions,' he said. Despite his anger, Bee added that he still subscribes to the famous saying: 'I do not agree with what you say, but will defend to the death your right to say it.' 'That still holds to this day,' he said. 'The right to free speech is one of the most precious rights we have, and I would gladly lay down my life to preserve it, even for people so monumentally stupid they would advocate for a man who would sooner see them and their families dead for no other reason than being American.' In 2008, Bee was almost hit by a Taliban sniper, in a moment was captured in a photo shared around the world. In all he served four deployments to Afghanistan. Meanwhile, TikTok has been racing to remove videos praising bin Laden after receiving a wave of backlash. A search for 'Letter to America' on TikTok surfaced no results on Thursday, with a notice that said the phrase may be associated with 'content that violates our guidelines.' 'Content promoting this letter clearly violates our rules on supporting any form of terrorism,' TikTok said in a statement, adding that reports that the bin Laden letter was 'trending' on the platform were inaccurate. A New York landlord who confessed to killing two of his tenants and his own girlfriend was handcuffed in court after being held at Rikers Island. David Daniel, 54, was seen cuffed at his hearing in Queens Criminal Court just days after he killed three people and immediately confessed. He is facing charges of both first and second-degree murder over the deaths of his girlfriend Coleen Fields, 51, and tenants Wayne Thomas, 57, and Evette Sweeney, 55. After being held in jail at Rikers Island for the past three days - Daniel attended court on Friday for his hearing where Judge Novillo ordered him to return on December 2 for a grand jury trial. Exclusive photos obtained by DailyMail.com show the killer wearing a blue surgical mask over his chin and a head-to-toe brown outfit as he was escorted by a security guard into the courtroom. David Daniel, 54, was seen cuffed at his hearing in Queens Criminal Court just days after he killed three people and immediately confessed After being held in jail at Rikers Island for the past three days - Daniel attended court on Friday for his hearing where Judge Novillo ordered him to return on December 2 for a grand jury trial Exclusive photos obtained by DailyMail.com show the killer wearing a blue surgical mask over his chin and a head-to-toe brown outfit as he was escorted by a security guard into the courtroom There has been no formal plea yet - but Daniel confessed to the triple stabbing soon after the crime took place. He told cops on Tuesday he was 'having issues with his tenants' and that 'he did something bad.' He confessed 'that he had problems with his girlfriend and that the two [tenants] in the basement had not been paying their rent.' On Wednesday, a reporter from The New York Post asked Daniel 'Why did you do it?' as people crowded 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 replied in a relaxed tone before he was taken away. 'Pure pressure.' 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 There has been no formal plea yet - but Daniel confessed to the triple stabbing soon after the crime took place He maintained a sense of calm given the circumstances, giving 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. Daniel appeared less calm at his arraignment hearing at the Queens Criminal Court - where he broke down in tears as a judge read off the charges he was facing. 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. 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 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 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 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 Daniel's live-in girlfriend, was found in a second-floor bedroom with her throat slashed and multiple stab wounds, cops said He was held without bail because of the extent of his crimes and taken to Rikers Island to be held until his trial. NYPD Assistant Chief Kevin Williams recalled Daniel's bizarre state of mind after he committed the killing. After he confessed - police proceeded to descend on the single-family, three bedroom home that Daniel had given them the address to at 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. An acclaimed Jewish cancer doctor has sued New York University and its Langone Medical center after being fired for making a pro-Israel post on social media. Dr Benjamin Neel, who led the hospitals' prestigious Perlmutter Cancer Center, has alleged that his contract was terminated without due process. Neel has claimed he was fired last week, November 10, for reposting social media content that 'criticized people who support the violence toward and death of Israelis'. The 67-year-old had originally been suspended on October 31, has alleged that the sacking was 'religious discrimination'. The suit alleges that: 'Jews who speak out in support of their ancestral connection to Israel and care about the survival of the Jewish people are expressing a religious and ethnic component of their Jewish identity.' Dr Benjamin Neel, who led the hospitals' prestigious Perlmutter Cancer Center, has alleged that his contract was terminated without due process Neel has claimed he was fired last week for reposting social media content that 'criticized people who support the violence toward and death of Israelis' Neel is seeking $500,000 in damages and has claimed that his 'previously immaculate reputation' was in 'tatters'. The suit also alleges that Neel was used as a 'sacrificial lamb' due to the hospital needing to justify the removal of Dr. Zaki Masoud. Masoud had been a resident at NYU Langone Winthrop Hospital in Mineola, Long Island, before he was fired over anti-Semitic comments. According to the New York Post, the filing adds: 'Dr. Neel became a political casualty of NYULH's effort to terminate Dr. Masoud and other physicians. 'Dr. Neel was offered up as sacrificial lamb so that NYULH could feign impartiality in its effort to curb political and religious expression.' Neel has also claimed that his posts on X, formerly known as Twitter, were reposts of other people's tweets and were relatively 'tepid and muted'. The retweets were three satirical cartoons including one that took at climate protestor Greta Thunberg after she weighed in on the war. Another showed a cartoon of negotiations between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and a member of Hamas who is holding a piece of paper saying: 'DEMANDS: DEATH TO ALL JEWS.' He had also reposted one that said: 'You dont have a ceasefire with Hitler. You wipe out Hitler. Think people.' Dr. Zaki Masoud had been a resident at NYU Langone Winthrop Hospital in Mineola, Long Island, before he was fired over anti-Semitic comments Neel, pictured here with President Biden, has alleged that the sacking was 'religious discrimination' Another showed a cartoon of negotiations between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and a member of Hamas, seen above One other post is said to have included a list of the names of people who died in Gaza, which had been captioned 'Hamas wrote names on a piece of paper so it's definitely accurate.' The last retweet is said to have been a picture of a protest in Brooklyn, which showed a demonstrator flying a Palestine and LGBTQ+ flag, which Neel described as 'an oxymoron'. In the suit, Neel also included an email from Dr. Robert Grossman, the CEO of NYU Langone, who condemned students who walked out in protest against Israel at NYU. In the email, Grossman replied to Neel saying that the University 'should take away their scholarships.' Due to the posts and his dismissal, Neel alleges he lost a consulting position and a board seat, with several other roles now in 'peril'. Court papers seen by the Post also allege that he fears a zero-interest $1 million loan the hospital gave him will become immediately due. Also in this lawsuit: Emails between NYU Langone CEO Robert Grossman and Benjamin Neel (the cancer center director who was fired) about Israel-Palestine. In one example, in reference to NYU students protesting Israel, Grossman wrote: "They should take away their scholarships" https://t.co/qik64UMiG7 pic.twitter.com/4kpMa2F4j4 Maya Kaufman (@mayakauf) November 17, 2023 Neel has also authored more than 260 primary papers and 35 reviews, and is a member of the Association of American Physicians Attorney for Neel, Milton Williams, said in a statement: 'It is a travesty that after a stellar career fighting the battle against cancer, a long-tenured and world-renowned research scientist can be unceremoniously duped. 'We believe Dr. Neel is the first person to lose their job and have their reputations besmirched for re-posting content on his private social media account that challenged those individuals who are seemingly celebrating the death of innocent people in Israel.' NYU Langone spokesman Steve Ritea told Bloomberg that: 'NYU Langone stands by our decision and looks forward to defending it in court.' Neel has previously took up positions with Harvard Medical School, having served as the Director of the Ontario Cancer Institute at the Princess Margaret Cancer Center. His research has led to form new approaches to tackling cancers including lung and pancreatic. Neel has also authored more than 260 primary papers and 35 reviews, and is a member of the Association of American Physicians. It comes after three Jewish students sued NYU earlier this week after failing to protect them against 'festering Jewish hatred permeating the school'. 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. 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 NYU staff and students are seen here during a walkout and protest in support of Palestine in Manhattan November 9 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.' 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. Hundreds of pupils at a Wimbledon girls' school rated outstanding took part in a banned march in support of Palestine - leaving some feeling 'isolated and threatened'. Footage posted on TikToks shows how streams of uniformed girls aged 11-16 defied a ban on any political event within the school campus on Wednesday afternoon this week - leaving some girls, including some of Jewish backgrounds, feeling unsafe. As febrile demonstrations have swept the country in the wake of the Hamas terror attack on Israel on October 7 - and the subsequent hardline Israeli military response in Gaza - there have been attempts to keep them from spilling over into schools. And at Ricards Lodge Girls School in the upmarket south London suburb pupils had been told that the campus must be a 'safe space' for all - and that political demonstrations were not allowed. But footage posted online shows that hundreds defied the headteacher's order this week and during their lunch hour gathered en masse to protest and wave Palestinian flags. Hundreds of pupils at a Wimbledon girls' school rated outstanding took part in a banned march in support of Palestine - leaving some feeling 'isolated and threatened' Footage posted on TikToks shows how streams of uniformed girls aged 11-16 defied a ban on any political event within the school campus on Wednesday afternoon this week - leaving some girls, including some of Jewish backgrounds, feeling unsafe The footage emerged as Education Secretary Gillian Keegan posted on X that she is 'deeply concerned' about such incidents. She wrote this afternoon: 'I'm deeply concerned that some children are attending political protests during the school day. 'Even more so if they're taking part in, or being exposed to, antisemitic chants. This should be treated with the utmost seriousness - missing school for activism is unacceptable.' There's no suggestion there were any antisemitic chants at Ricards Lodge. But one parent of Jewish heritage, speaking on condition of anonymity, told MailOnline: 'My daughter was left feeling isolated and threatened - despite having told the school would be a safe space. 'These children are too young to understand the complexities of the global political situation. 'They're getting their views from social media where there is a lot of hostility to not just Israel but Jews generally - which can leave children feeling very unsupported if they have Jewish heritage. 'We feel let down that the school didn't do more to stop this. The teachers seem to have just stood by and let it happen.' At Ricards Lodge Girls School in Wimbledon, pupils had been told that the campus must be a 'safe space' for all - and that political demonstrations were not allowed Head teacher Kate Page (pictured) in October had promised there would be no such actions A newsletter to parents from head teacher Kate Page in October had promised there would be no such actions - including the use of flags which were widely visible in this week's action. The letter read: 'The escalation of violence in Israel and Palestine over the past few days has shocked us all. 'I am mindful of the fact that we have students, parents, carers and staff of both Jewish and Palestinian heritage who may have family, friends and community members caught up in this terrible conflict. We all hope for a de-escalation of violence and reconciliation over time. 'Our school values - we are compassionate, we champion equality and we do this together will guide us. 'There have been some reports across London of young people's heightened tension spilling out into the community and into school. 'We want our school to be a sanctuary and safe space for all members of our community and ask all staff, students and parents to be mindful of the emotive nature of this conflict. 'We have reminded our students that there should be no displays of flags or slogans by any member of our school community please, especially during this time.' It's understood that several parents have complained that the demo was allowed to proceed. The school has been contacted. A Muslim man was shot outside a mosque in Rhode Island as he set up a table to sell Islamic clothing on Friday morning. He was bending down to arrange his table outside the Islamic Center of Rhode Island around 11.40am when a suspect in a vehicle opened fire on him and quickly fled the scene. The man, who remains unidentified, sustained a non-life-threatening injury and was rushed to Rhode Island Hospital for treatment, according to authorities. Imam Abdul-Latif Sackor said that the shooter lingered across the street for approximately 20 minutes before discharging a gunshot. He believed that the shooting was a targeted attack, not necessarily directed at the victim, but rather aimed at the mosque and the Muslim community. As of Friday afternoon, the suspect has not been identified, and there have been no arrests made in connection. A Muslim man was shot outside a mosque in Rhode Island as he set up a table to sell Islamic clothing on Friday morning While he was bending down to arrange his table outside the Islamic Center of Rhode Island at around 11.40am, someone in a vehicle opened fire on him and quickly fled the scene The man, who remains unidentified, sustained a non-life-threatening injury and was rushed to Rhode Island Hospital for treatment, according to authorities 'I think it was more directed towards the Muslims,' Sackor said. 'We've been here for years and we haven't had this type of issue until recently,' he added. Sackor told the Boston Globe that the suspect, who wore glasses and a mask, had sat in a sedan with Massachusetts license plates in the parking lot across the street from the mosque. He and others inside the mosque had assumed that the person was early for the prayer services, which was scheduled at 11.30 am. Providence Police Major David Lapatin said the victim is affiliated with the mosque and regularly sells clothing on Fridays at 39 Haskins St. Sackor said the shooting was captured on camera, although there have been no surveillance footage released in connection with the incident. 'He was here before 11.30 am thinking all the Muslims were going to come for the prayer at 11.30am, and he just saw an opportunity,' Sackor said. 'He saw his opportunity and took it. 'We are Muslims here trying to live our lives. We are part of the community in America, all trying to live our lives. 'We've been here for years, and we haven't had this type of issue until recently.' Chief Oscar Perez said: 'It's sad. It's a beautiful day here in the city. I'm pretty good friends with the imam here at the mosque, and so we're here and we'll be providing security throughout to ensure everyone is safe.' A police officer happened to be driving by the area when he heard the gunshots. Detectives have arrived at the scene, talking to witnesses, Perez said. Chief Oscar Perez said a police officer happened to be driving by the area when he heard the gunshots. Detectives have arrived at the scene, talking to witnesses Imam Abdul-Latif Sackor said that the shooter stayed across the street for approximately 20 minutes before discharging a gunshot Imam believed that the shooting was a targeted attack, not necessarily directed at the victim, but rather aimed at the mosque and the Muslim community. Providence Mayor Brett Smiley later released a statement Friday, saying he is 'deeply saddened by this news.' 'While we don't know many details at this time, there is no room for hate in Providence and everyone in our community is valued,' Smiley said. 'Providence Police will work tirelessly to bring this individual to justice so that all our resident feel safe.' The Council on American-Islamic Relations, the nations largest Muslim civil rights organization, called on law enforcement authorities to investigate a possible bias motive for a shooting. CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper said: 'We have witnessed an unprecedented spike in anti-Muslim incidents nationwide in recent weeks, 'We urge local, state and federal law enforcement authorities to investigate a possible bias motive for this attack. Iceland Volcano LIVE: Entire town may have to be moved as lava could fill port A volcanic eruption in the coming days 'is the most likely scenario' as a magma tunnel under southwest Iceland is expanding, experts have said, amid warnings a fishing town could be completely wiped out by lava. Geophysicist Benedikt Ofeigsson said that there were clear signs that huge magma corridor under the Reykjanes Peninsula was expanding, with the Icelandic Met Office detecting more than 1,000 earthquakes on Friday. The area is bracing itself for what could be an eruption of the Fagradalsfjall volcano or one of the fissures which have opened up nearby, with huge chasms ripping apart homes and roads in the deserted town of Grindavik. Evacuated residents have been returning to the town each day to collect belongings, but had to flee on Tuesday after the Met Office said its meters had detected sulphur dioxide. Then, on Thursday, magmatic gas was detected at a borehole in Svartsengi - 2.3 miles north of Grindavik - which experts say is a signal that an eruption is imminent. The port Of Grindavik is bracing itself for what could be an eruption of the nearby Fagradalsfjall volcano or one of the fissures which have opened up in the area. Pictured: Crack across one of its main roads Work continues at the Svartsengi geothermal power plant, near the evacuated town of Grindavik, to protect it from possible lava flows A drone captured pictures of what appear to be fissures in the ground on the Reykjanes Peninsula, near Grindavik An Icelandic port is in great danger of being destroyed in an impending volcanic eruption, and expert has told local media. Pictured: A police officer inspects a crack in the road in the fishing town of Grindavik, November 15 A small volcanic eruption in Mt Fagradalsfjall, Southwest Iceland, in March 2021 An eruption of molten rock from the magma tunnel beneath Reykjanes is likely in the coming days, following weeks of seismic activity there. This is the most likely scenario, the head of the volcano department at the weather service Kristin Jonsdottir told RUV radio station on Friday. Monitoring indicates that a corridor of magma, or semi-molten rock, extends under the community, Iceland's Meteorological Office has said. The town of 3,400 is about 31 miles southwest of the capital, Reykjavik. Volcanologist Haraldur Sigursson has said that if an eruption were to happen, he expects that it could erupt into the sea and says Grindavik needs to be 'reorganised' in order to mitigate the disk of future widespread destruction. 'I'm also worried about the port. It doesn't take much to destroy this port, fill it with lava,' Haraldur told Iceland's Morgunblai (MBL) newspaper. 'There are both cracks there in the harbour and even if the magma comes up somewhere outside, it flows into the harbour, because this is the depression. 'So, in the big picture, this town needs to be completely reorganised,' he added. Asked by MBL's reporter if he envisages a future in which the people of Grindavik can return to their homes, he said: 'What didn't people do in Vestmannaeyjar (a town hit by an eruption in 1973)? I think the town should be reorganised.' This image taken with a drone shows cracks at an intersection in the town of Grindavik, Iceland Volcanologist Haraldur Sigursson has said that if an eruption were to happen, he expects that it could erupt into the sea and says Grindavik needs to be 'reorganised' Grindavik is a town of 3,400 is about 31 miles southwest of the capital, Reykjavik By this, MBL says he means that the town could have to be relocated - possibly either to the east or west. 'Just either way. It's nice over there in the west,' he said. His comments came as the Icelandic Met Office warned that Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula could see decades of instability. Earthquakes and the growing fears of a huge impending eruption mark the start of a new 'eruptive cycle', the IMO's Matthew Roberts told the BBC. Eruptions on the Reykjanes Peninsula began again in 2021 after an 800-year hiatus, and thousands of people have now been evacuated. 'We expect to see volcanic eruptions along the peninsula, not just repeatedly in the same location,' Dr Roberts told the British broadcaster. The Nordic country is currently bracing itself for what could be an eruption of the Fagradalsfjall volcano, which sits on the southern Reykjanes Peninsula A police officer stands by the crack in a road in the fishing town of Grindavik, which was evacuated due to volcanic activity, in Iceland November 15 A member of search and rescue team jumps over the crack in a road in the fishing town of Grindavik, which was evacuated due to volcanic activity, in Iceland November 15 His team made the shocking discovery last Friday that magma was coursing into the ground and fracturing rock over a nine-mile distance. The expert said the magma cut through the ground beneath Grindavik 'almost like an underground freight train.' Images have since shown fissures appearing in the ground, and further damage to buildings and roads is expected. Western parts of Grindavik have also sunk into the ground. Haraldur said that it is now clear that the peninsula has awoken, and can now be considered an active volcanic belt. 'For some reason, Reykjanesi has woken up, and it can be expected that there will be activity here and there on the promontory,' he said, adding that he expects to see small volcanic eruptions that can damage nearby settlements. 'But Icelanders are stubborn, and the smaller the town, the more stubborn it is. So it's difficult to change the structure,' he said, before expressing his hope that a relocation of the town won't be necessary. 'Hopefully this just sinks to the bottom and nothing boils up. But there will be other events in the future. This is not the only one,' Haraldur told the local newspaper. Haraldur has played down fears of a huge eruption, saying that he believes the pressure of the magma is not high enough to come to the surface this time. However, he acknowledges experts are in disagreement, and that other volcanologists have different opinions on where an eruption could occur. 'That's how volcanology works. It should be shut down,' he joked. 'If the corridor is active and is moving to the south - we see that there are earthquakes that reach all the way under the sea, just south of Grindavik - it would be most natural if it would slide to the side and into this system southwest of the town,' Sigursson said. In this way, a new island would be formed south of Grindavik. On his blog, Sigursson even pondered what a new island should be called. Local residents wait in their cars to get access to their homes in the fishing town of Grindavik, which was evacuated due to volcanic activity, in Iceland November 16 Mount Fagradalsfjall volcano spews lava after an eruption in Reykjavik, on July 16, 2023 Looking at recent aerial photographs of Grindavik this week, he said he saw two fissures that run parallel just west of the town, about 200 meters apart. He said old images taken by the US army in 1954 also show the cracks. Nevertheless, the town was built up around them. 'We see it on the aerial photographs of the American army from 1954, and there it is clear. But the district manager has not been thinking about this at the time. It was just old cracks and no reason for them to be wondering about it. It [the town] was just built on top of this,' he told the MBL newspaper. 'That was just the mentality. But now it's a bit more of a problem.' David Cameron's new title has been revealed following his shock return to frontline politics as Foreign Secretary. The former Prime Minister's new title was confirmed on Friday as 'The Rt Honourable the Lord Cameron of Chipping Norton'. He was elevated to the House of Lords after being appointed Foreign Secretary by Rishi Sunak in a reshuffle last Monday, November 13, that saw Suella Braverman sacked as Home Secretary and replaced by James Cleverly. In order to assume the role as Foreign Secretary, he was made a Lord as he is not an elected MP. David Cameron will be known as 'The Rt Honourable the Lord Cameron of Chipping Norton' David Cameron's shock return to politics follows last Monday's reshuffle that Suella Braverman (right) sacked as Home Secretary and replaced with James Cleverly (left) Lord Cameron will be introduced to the Upper Chamber on Monday and then lead a debate on a trade bill on Tuesday. The appointment has proved controversial partly because he will not be able to be questioned in the Commons. Foreign Office minister Andrew Mitchell will take questions in the Commons instead. The former Prime Minister resigned from frontline politics seven years ago in the wake of the Brexit referendum. He was previously MP for Witney before he stood down. The new title confirms Lord Cameron's long-held ties to the Cotswold town of Chipping Norton, which lies within his former Witney constituency. During his time in office the former Prime Minister was known as a member of the so-called 'Chipping Norton set', an elite group who lived in the area and had included News UK chief executive Rebekah Brooks and TV presenter Jeremy Clarkson. Lord Cameron is the first member of the Upper House to hold the role since Lord Carrington in the 1980s, and the first ex-PM to return to Cabinet since Alec Douglas-Home in the 1970s. It comes as Lord Cameron met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. His predecessor James Cleverly had been scheduled to make the visit before being moved to the Home Office in Monday's reshuffle. Lord Cameron is also expected to visit Israel as soon as possible given the turmoil in the Middle East. Speaking in Kyiv he said: 'I wanted this to be my first trip. I had some disagreements with my friend Boris Johnson, but I've known him for 40 years and his support for you was the finest thing he and his Government ever did'. Mr Zelensky made the announcement in a post on the Telegram messaging app, where he posted a short video of the two meeting. It was also shared on Twitter. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, left, speaks with Foreign Secretary David Cameron Zelensky said in a statement on social media, accompanied by images of him and Cameron shaking hands: 'Weapons for the frontline, strengthening air defence, protecting our people and critical infrastructure. I am grateful to the UK for its support.' The war in Gaza also came up in talks. Zelensky said he was grateful for the gesture, which comes amid a conflict in the Middle East. 'The world is not so focused on the battlefield situation in Ukraine, and this dividing of the focus really does not help,' he added. David Cameron's return to politics stunned both the domestic and foreign press. US news site CNN said that 'Cameron comes with a lot of baggage' after calling for a referendum on the UK's membership in the European Union, which 'many in British politics have not forgiven him for', as well as being caught up in a lobbying scandal involving Greensil Capital. Meanwhile, the New York Post said it was 'crushed' that the former Prime Minister selected was not Boris Johnson. The Education Secretary says she is 'deeply concerned' about children taking part in pro-Palestinian demonstrations during the school day. Thousands of children skipped lessons yesterday to take part in 'School Strike for Palestine' rallies in London, Bristol, Manchester, Glasgow and Luton, with pupils calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. In a post on X, Gillian Keegan expressed 'deep concern' about the demonstrations, saying they may be exposing schoolchildren to anti-Semitism, and warned that the protests should be treated with the 'utmost seriousness'. Ms Keegan said: 'I'm deeply concerned that some children are attending political protests during the school day even more so if they're taking part in, or being exposed to, anti-Semitic chants. This should be treated with the utmost seriousness missing school for activism is unacceptable.' Arranged with the help of Left-wing campaign group Stop the War Coalition, those wanting to take part in the strike were told to 'gather a group of dedicated parents/teenagers in your area and create a WhatsApp group' to promote the protest. The Education Secretary says she is 'deeply concerned' about children taking part in pro-Palestinian demonstrations during the school day (Stock image) School students and parents protest at the bombing of Palestine and the voting record of local MP Margaret Hodge at Barking Town Hallon Friday Protesters were encouraged to 'pick a central location in your area to have a rally' and ensured they would be put in touch with 'local activists'. The Stop the War Coalition website also gave parents advice on how to get away with pupil absences, saying: 'We've been assured by those working in schools that while this would count as an unauthorised absence, a child can have up to four days in a row unauthorised and would need ten in a short amount of time to be fined.' It also offers a template letter for parents of 'striking' children to send to their school's headteacher. A video shared on social media showed hundreds of children in school uniform in Redbridge, east London, waving Palestinian flags, holding signs reading 'ceasefire' and chanting 'free, free Palestine'. In Glasgow, photos showed pupils gathered outside the Royal Concert Hall shouting 'ceasefire now' and holding up a large banner which read: 'Students say: End Israeli apartheid.' It came as schoolchildren handed in a petition calling for a ceasefire to representatives at Bristol's City Hall. The signatures were collected by youngsters who have attended the pro-Palestine demonstrations in the city for the past three weeks. Carla Denyer, co-leader of the Green Party and councillor for Clifton Down ward in the city, told pupils and protesters: 'Thank you for taking a stand for Palestine and for calling for a ceasefire. The abhorrent situation in Palestine and Israel must end. 'I know we are all horrified by the Hamas attacks and we all want the immediate release of the hostages. Those atrocities do not in any way justify the level of bombardment of civilians, including many Gazan children, that has shocked the world.' Tory MP Miriam Cates said ahead of a pupil protest in Bristol this month: 'Given the increasingly apparent cost to children of missing out on education, it is hugely concerning. It is especially alarming that children are being drawn into a political campaign against Western values.' Sweat stings my eyes. It pours down my face and gathers in the crook of my shoulder. I have just run into a trench on the frontlines of eastern Ukraine. As I enter, an odour hits me: a combination of cheap deodorant, unwashed bodies and burning debris that has become so familiar. The smell of men at war. The 'zero line' near the city of Kreminna is so close to the Russian forces that the two sides sometimes shoot directly at each other. It is the height of the summer counter-offensive earlier this year and I'm surrounded by Ukrainian soldiers. The sound of shelling is inescapable. Drones zip through the forest around us. One of the officers, Dima, gestures vaguely into no-man's land in front of us: 'just across there,' he says wearily. 'So many Russians. So many mines.' The Ukrainian counter-offensive was supposed to change the course of the war. The Ukrainians, backed by large deliveries of Western weapons, would punch through the Russian lines and move inexorably toward Crimea and victory. It did not happen. War of attrition: Ukrainian army soldiers fire the Pion artillery system near Bakhmut Ukrainian soldiers of the 67th Brigade rest next to a shelter in their fighting position on the frontline, in the direction of Kreminna, Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine on November 15 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (left) welcomes Foreign Secretary David Cameron (right) prior to a meeting in Kyiv, Ukraine, on November 16 Over the past two months, the hopes of Ukraine and its Western partners have shattered against the hundreds of thousands of Russian soldiers and millions of mines that stretch across the line of contact from Kupiansk in the north to Robotyne in the south. The Russians have laid minefields that stretch for ten to 12 miles from the frontline along almost its entirety. In some areas there are up to five mines per square metre. Then there are the tank traps and trenches. In the age of drones and AI, it is the most painful of ironies that old-fashioned Soviet tactics are now proving decisive. Two weeks ago, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Valerii Zaluzhnyi admitted that things had reached a 'dead end'. It was a sobering moment. This year began with so much hope. The Ukrainians had sent the Russians scuttling back over the border in the Kharkiv Oblast region of north-eastern Ukraine. The soldiers on the fronts I reported from were convinced they would win. Almost a year later, things look bleak. Those soldiers fight on, determined to protect their land from Russian aggression. They know they have no choice. They know Russian President Vladimir Putin believes Ukraine is just a geopolitical delusion that he will smash through conquest. They know that if they lose, Ukraine as they recognise it is gone. But the situation is dire. The Ukrainians didn't push on as much as they had hoped over the winter of 22/23, which gave the enemy time to build entrenched defensive lines. The Russians dug in. David Patrikarakos is foreign correspondent for British news and opinion website UnHerd The resulting cost has been horrific for both sides. On November 13, the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence estimated Russia's combat losses since the start of the war to October 13 as 312,550 killed and wounded, with huge losses of equipment, including 5,354 tanks, 322 aircraft and 5,634 drones. U.S. figures claim 120,000 Russians dead and 180,000 wounded. But U.S. officials also claim that the Ukrainians have suffered roughly 70,000 killed and 100,000-120,000 wounded to date and is now losing men at higher levels than ever before. Since the counter-offensive began, Ukraine has advanced a mere ten miles. It lost 20 per cent of its battlefield weapons in the first two weeks of the operation. Brave Ukrainians charged onto positions stuffed with conscripts who faced execution by their own officers if they dared to retreat. The fighting is currently most intense in the city of Avdiivka in the Donetsk Oblast, which Russia is trying to encircle. It is taking huge losses, but just like in their siege of the eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut, this makes no difference to Moscow. It can absorb huge losses without any problems. It is not like Putin and his bolus of thugs are accountable to anyone. In Russia, people are as expendable as vodka and of much less value. As Ukrainian General Yuriy Bereza told me in Kreminna, grinning at me through his long grey beard that he has vowed not to cut until Moscow is defeated. 'The Russians don't pay attention to mines. 'I have no idea how this is possible maybe they are using drugs, it's not normal behaviour.' Either way, they keep pushing forward and it's very dangerous. Ukraine has sent commandos into the Russian-held points along the east bank of Dnipro river, and recently retook a village there, but the Russians claim they will wipe out the incursion soon enough. Either way, military sources tell me that neither side is likely to make any significant territorial gains in the coming weeks. In the meantime, the front is sodden with rain and mud. I know the Ukrainian winter well. It strafes your bones. The mud and frost get into everything: they congeal onto equipment; they clog up tires and tracks. Fog falls like a drape; it gets so thick that you can't see more than a foot in front of you. Using drones becomes almost impossible. When the ground freezes in coming months, the armoured columns will start rumbling again. But for now both sides are bogged down almost literally. Then there is the question of weapons. From the beginning Ukraine has been reliant on deliveries from the West mostly tanks, armoured vehicles, drones and artillery rocket systems such as the M142 HIMARS and MGM-140 Tactical Missile System (ATACMS), which can strike targets up to 300 miles away. But Zaluzhnyi claims that delays in the delivery of ATACMS and tanks allowed Russia to regroup. Ukraine, he says, has been given enough to stem the invasion, but not win the war. Ukrainian military line up during the graduation ceremony of military chaplains in Saint Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv, on October 13 Meanwhile, the Russians are relentless. This industrial land war that we thought would never return to mainland Europe is now largely fought out by artillery often guided by drones as the 20th meets 21st century on the battlefields of the east and will be determined, in large part, by whether Ukraine can sustain its rate of fire. The West is shipping in ammunition daily, but Nato stockpiles are depleting while Moscow continues. Officials tell me that Putin has put 20 per cent of his country's economy behind the war effort. The UK Ministry of Defence estimates Moscow will produce one to two million shells next year. By contrast, Washington says it can produce 336,000. Then there is their cost. Nato member Estonia can manufacture each artillery shell for 4,000-4,800. For Russia, which cares little for paying its labour force properly or giving them any benefits, and anyway has state-owned arms manufacturers, the cost is about 500. No country in the West with voters to consider can compete with this. It is yet one more 'gift' of autocracy that Russia's modern-day Tsar can do things that our leaders in the West, 'cursed' by democratic accountability to their electorates, cannot. And Russia is not alone. An emerging alliance of rogue states is benefiting Putin, as his bloodthirsty peers in Tehran and Pyongyang have stepped in to help bolster his genocide in Ukraine. I have lost count of the number of times in Ukraine my positions have been attacked by Iranian Shahed drones, while North Korea is believed to have sent over 300,000 500,000 artillery shells ready for use. For their part, U.S. officials argue that much of what they have given was sent to the wrong places. Ukrainian soldiers on the front agree, telling me equipment was sent from Kyiv to the wrong units inexperienced brigades who could not effectively use them, while battle-hardened soldiers were left with inadequate equipment. When Putin launched his all-out invasion of Ukraine in February of last year, those who rushed to volunteer were the best Ukraine had to offer: motivated, tough, smart. Many are now dead. Now Kyiv must rely on calling people up which is not always simple. Estimates are that 20,000 men have fled the country since the beginning of the war to avoid being drafted. The reams of conscripts who do fight are often eager and patriotic, but green and often less effective. Of course, they're far better than the thousands of Russians press-ganged into service. But Moscow is happy to keep sending a seemingly endless number of its men to their deaths, and that becomes difficult to stop. As an ex-marine friend of mine remarked to me recently: 'Quantity has a quality all of its own'. It's a phrase mis-attributed to the dictator Joseph Stalin but certainly sums up the Russian approach. All is not lost by any means. Zaluzhnyi says a breakthrough remains possible if Ukraine can improve in five key areas: air superiority, breaching minefields, counter-battery combat, training for reserves, and electronic warfare capabilities. The supply of air defence equipment is an absolute priority. The last time I was in the southern city of Odesa, the Russians were striking almost daily. Downing Street remains staunch. Last month the Government announced a new 100 million support package. Germany has pledged to double military aid from 3.5 billion to 7 billion next year, with the Bundestag Budget Committee expected to officially confirm the decision next week (though it faces opposition from the opposition AfD party). But all eyes now swivel to Washington. It is bad enough for Kyiv that Washington and the world is now diverted by the war between Israel and Hamas. Every dollar of assistance the White House earmarks for Jerusalem is one fewer dollar for Kyiv. The Ukrainians are terrified that a Donald Trump win in the 2024 election will mean the end of US support. Sources inside the UK government tell me they fear the same. Trump has been ambivalent about Ukraine. 'We don't have ammunition for ourselves' he said in May, but he also claimed in September 'no one was tougher on Russia than me'. I also hear talk of rifts over strategy. The Pentagon advised Kyiv to concentrate its forces to break through in one or two strongholds, rather than spreading thinly as they have done, and it is annoyed at being ignored. Politically, the cracks are more obvious. In disputes over the Speaker of the House earlier this year, Republicans were able to completely strip billions of dollars in humanitarian and military aid out of the Stopgap Spending Bill, which eventually passed in September without any additional funding for Ukraine. Back in Europe, things are looking equally gloomy. In November, a Russian prankster released a recording of a phone call with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in which he posed as an African Union official. 'I see there is a lot of fatigue,' the credulous Meloni told him. 'I have to say the truth, from all the sides. We (are) nearing the moment in which everyone understands that we need a way out.' It was Boris Johnson (left with Zelensky) who understood from the beginning the threat Putin (right) poses to us all and he was right. If Putin is not stopped in Ukraine, he will continue to Georgia and Moldova, and then possibly the Nato states on our eastern flank Ukrainian soldiers at a position in a frontline near Kreminna, amid Russia's attack on their nation, on November 2 Ukrainian servicemen fire artillery aiming at Russian positions on the frontline near Bakhmut in Chasiv Yar, Ukraine on March 17 It was a depressing summation of a lot of what I am hearing from various officials and diplomats of my acquaintance. The weariness is real. And it is contagious. But it is an egregious error. Ukraine's fight is our fight. The future of the West is being fought out on its battlefields. It was Boris Johnson who understood from the beginning the threat Putin poses to us all and he was right. If Putin is not stopped in Ukraine, he will continue to Georgia and Moldova, and then possibly the Nato states on our eastern flank. His allies, China and Iran, will become emboldened. These are rogue states with little in common except a near-pathological desire to attack and to challenge the West wherever they can. If we don't confront the threat now, we will have to face a far greater and more costly one later. Never in recent years has the West been under so much threat. Never has 'abroad' been so local. Make no mistake, a front line between us and our enemies is emerging across the world and it runs from Ukraine to the Middle East. Its battlefields are many and varied: from the trenches of the Donbas to the tunnels of Gaza to the streets of Tehran where protesters have repeatedly tried to overthrow their sadistic rulers. The world is changing. The 21st century is bringing forth a new struggle: between the West and all those who seek to destroy it. They scent blood in Ukraine. They think we will give up and abandon the Ukrainians as they think we did the Iraqis and the Afghans. We must prove them wrong. We must hold the line. Our futures depend on it. Emily Hand was snatched from her bed during the Hamas attacks on October 7 On Friday, an Irish-Israeli girl should have been celebrating her ninth birthday surrounded by family and friends at home in Israel. Instead, Emily Hand is believed to be languishing in a Hamas terror tunnel - just one of more than 220 Israelis taken hostage by the ruthless gunmen who stormed across the Gaza border in their brutal October 7 attacks. Emily was snatched from her bed at the Kibbutz Be'eri while visiting a friend for a sleepover, and now her loved ones and many others around the world have been marking the day for her with powerful vigils. Tables with pink cupcakes, party food and balloons were laid out in London and Dublin, while Emily's heartbroken father, Thomas Hand, was in New York - where pictures of her in happier times illuminated a Times Square billboard. Mr Hand, 63, has spoken of the pain he has felt at his little girl passing the milestone while in Hamas captivity, and said the only celebration would be when his daughter is finally brought home. Posters of some of the children taken by Hamas were pinned to the empty seats at the birthdya celebration People gathered for a vigil for Emily gripped onto mocked-up invites - to what should have been her ninth birthday Emily Hand (pictured) 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 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 Balloons and banners calling for Emily and the other hostages to be brought home were put up in London and Dublin Mr Hand said: 'Before this, Emily was always smiling. Her real passion was music. She loved Beyonce and would copy her dance moves' Mr Hand initially thought his daughter was among the 1,200 killed but later discovered she is in the 311-mile labyrinth of the 'Metro Gaza' - in conditions he compared to the Holocaust. An emotional Mr Hand told The Sun: 'We will only celebrate when she gets home. 'Then we will throw a massive party with presents and balloons and a cake with all her friends invited.' In a message directed towards Emily's captors, the father said: 'They are not soldiers. They are just children. Please let them go.' He added: 'Before this, Emily was always smiling. Her real passion was music. She loved Beyonce and would copy her dance moves.' Mr Hand travelled to Israel three decades ago to volunteer on a kibbutz near the Gaza border. He married a local woman named Narkis and the pair had two children Aiden, 29, and Natali, 26, before they split. He then had this third child Emily with another partner who died of cancer when she was two. The father's kibbutz had to endure some of the worst tragedies. Balloons and flowers were put out to mark what should have been a joyous occasion for the nine-year-old Pictures of Emily in happier times illuminated a Times Square billboard on what is her ninth birthday Thomas Hand, 63, looks up at a Times Square digital billboard where a poster of his daughter Emily Hand, 9, is shown on Friday, November 17 Mr Hand had rejoiced when he was initially told his daughter was among the 1,400 killed in the attack, given the horrors awaiting the 240 hostages dragged back to Gaza. He fought back tears ahead of her ninth birthday as he admitted he still cannot imagine what she is going through, but 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. 'I don't want to think of what conditions she's in. Could be like the cattle, train carts in the Second World War. Her father, Thomas Hand (pictured), initially thought she was among the 1,200 killed but later discovered she is in the 311-mile labyrinth of the 'Metro Gaza' Emily, who turns nine today, 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 father 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.' 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.' Since launching last year, Temu has quickly become one of the most popular online marketplaces in the UK. From car accessories to clothes, the site offers shoppers just about any product you can imagine - at bargain prices. Now, an investigation by Which? has revealed a darker side to the site. The consumer champion has discovered several illegal weapons being sold on the site for as little as 4.48. Worryingly, many of these weapons - including knives and axes - have no age checks in place, meaning anyone can buy them. Which? has discovered several illegal weapons being sold on the site for as little as 4.48 Since launching last year, Temu has quickly become one of the most popular online marketplaces in the UK READ MORE: Chinese shopping app Temu could be harvesting phone users' data according to report Advertisement Temu launched in September last year, and has since been downloaded over 38.8 million times worldwide. 'Temu is an online marketplace that connects consumers with millions of sellers, manufacturers and brands around the world with the mission to empower them to live their best lives,' Temu explains on its website. 'Temu is committed to offering the most affordable quality products to enable consumers and sellers to fulfill their dreams in an inclusive environment.' However, an investigation by Which? has revealed illegal weapons being sold on the site. Researchers were able to find illegal weapons such as batons, folding knives, knives disguised as keyrings, and batons. Worryingly, many of these weapons - including knives and axes - have no age checks in place, meaning anyone can buy them Researchers were able to find illegal weapons such as batons, folding knives, knives disguised as keyrings, and batons In total, Which? found six weapons they believed to be illegal, but also spotted dozens of listings with products that looked like they could potentially cause harm READ MORE: Mum buys cute lunchbox notes on Temu for her little girl to brighten her day - but gets a rude shock Advertisement In total, Which? found six weapons they believed to be illegal, but also spotted dozens of listings with products that looked like they could potentially cause harm. To find them, all the researchers needed to do was to search 'weapons', 'hidden knives', and 'hidden weapons'. And it seems that despite being illegal to own, these weapons have proved popular on Temu. For the three listings that stated how many of the products had been sold, sales had hit a staggering 102,000, according to Which?. What's more, the buying process was easy, with many items that legally need to be age-restricted requiring no verification. When Which? received the items, it found that several were delivered with inaccurate labelling. To find them, all the researchers need to do was to search 'weapons', 'hidden knives', and 'hidden weapons' When Which? received the items, it found that several were delivered with inaccurate labelling For example, one of the axes arrived with a label saying it was a 'knife for preparing vegetables'. Based on the findings, Which? is calling on Temu to step up its checks and monitoring, and to remove any dangerous items from its marketplace. Sue Davies, Head of Consumer Protection Policy at Which? said: 'Temu has had a surge in popularity in the last 12 months but our research shows that it appears to be allowing illegal weapons, including folding knives and batons, and age-restricted products to be made easily available to shoppers using its platform. 'Problems with dangerous products are only going to get worse if new tech giants like Temu continue to be held to weaker standards than high-street retailers. 'The online marketplace needs to improve its checks, monitoring and takedown processes, and ensure third-party sellers cannot list these dangerous items particularly to young people under the age of 18.' A Temu spokesperson told MailOnline: 'Temu is committed to complying fully with relevant rules and regulations in all of the markets that we operate in, and we take all reports of violations very seriously. 'After receiving a complaint of a person under 18 purchasing a bladed article from our platform, we immediately removed all related product listings. 'We also initiated a comprehensive investigation and review of our processes to further strengthen our safeguards and prevent similar cases from occurring again.' The first case of 'zombie' deer disease has been reported in Yellowstone National Park after a deer carcass tested positive for chronic wasting disease (CWD). The fatal brain virus leaves animals confused, drooling and uncoordinated, reducing their fear of humans. The US National Park Service has warned patrons to report any sightings of sick or dead wildlife 'as soon as possible' and to 'avoid contact with the animal' as their staff races to prevent further brain disease spread. In recent years, CWD has spread to over 23 US states, two Canadian provinces and even South Korea, according to the US Geological Survey. Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a prion-transmitted disease, similar to 'Mad Cow,' which can cause weight loss, loss of coordination and other eventually fatal neurological symptoms in deer. Above, a deer killed by CWD as identified by Mississippi wildlife officials Chronic wasting disease (CWD) results in 'zombie-like' symptoms that leave creatures confused, drooling and uncoordinated - without fear of humans. CWD has spread to over 23 US states, two Canadian provinces and South Korea, according to the US Geological Survey 'There is currently no evidence that CWD can infect humans or domestic animal species,' the US National Park Service advised in its statement announcing the discovery of the dead mule buck. 'However,' the federal agency cautioned game hunters in particular, 'it is recommended that tissues from CWD-infected animals not be consumed.' Samples from the body of the infected mule deer tested positive for CWD over multiple rounds conducted by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department's (WGFD) Wildlife Health Laboratory. Typical testing of live and dead animals involves sampling a creature's nervous system tissue, either from the central nervous system, like the spinal cord, or peripheral systems, like the retropharyngeal lymph nodes and the tonsils. CWD is a prion-transmitted disease, similar to 'Mad Cow,' which can cause weight loss, loss of coordination and other eventually fatal neurological symptoms in deer and related species. 'Prion diseases,' according to Johns Hopkins Medicine, 'occur when normal prion protein, found on the surface of many cells, becomes abnormal and clump in the brain, causing brain damage.' There is currently no vaccine or cure for CWD, authorities said, and the disease is 100 percent fatal. The US National Park Service (NPS) has issued a warning to park patrons to report any sightings of sick or dead wildlife 'as soon as possible' and to 'avoid contact with the animal' as their staff races to prevent the further spread of the brain disease across Yellowstone Wildlife managers working for the state of Wyoming and Yellowstone National Park have positively confirmed that an adult mule deer buck has died of the fatal brain disease the first ever known case of CWD within Yellowstone's boundaries The infected buck's corpse was tracked down to a peninsula along Yellowstone Lake's southern edge, via a GPS collar outfitted last March for a population dynamics study Park officials at Yellowstone said they are now working with WGFD to monitor the park's deer and other hooved species, both dead and alive, to assess better how far CWD has spread through the national park. READ MORE: Is SOIL driving the spread of 'zombie deer disease'? Scientists discovered cases dropped in areas with higher clay concentration Researchers in Illinois believe that the amount of clay found in soil affects the spread of 'zombie deer disease.' The disease, formally called chronic wasting disease (CWD), causes holes in the brain. According to the Illinois group's study, a high amount of clay in the soil can help stop the illness. Advertisement Yellowstone National Park officials said that the discovery has prompted them to revise the park's 2021 CWD surveillance plan with a new protocol version expected sometime next year. Park spokesperson Morgan Warthin said Yellowstone also plans to increase its collaborative efforts with WGFD to identify which areas of the park are at increased risk from the disease. CWD was first detected in mule deer in Wyoming in 1985 along the state's southeastern region. The following year, the fatal brain disease was discovered in Wyoming elk, according to WGFD. The disease's arrival in Yellowstone marks the end of a decades-long spread westward across the state, reaching the national park's location in Wyoming's northwest corner. Wyoming game officials had been tracking the mule deer buck from March 2023 until October 2023, when its GPS tag indicated it had likely died. Their search for its body took them to a landmass between the south and southeastern arms of Yellowstone Lake, known as the Promontory. North of the park, Montana state wildlife regulators are also assisting in the effort and monitoring game caught by their state's local hunters. A spokesperson for Region 3 of Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Morgan Jacobsen, told the Daily Montanan that many CWD cases have not yet been detected in the state's hunting districts bordering Yellowstone. Jacobsen described the news as a 'data point of interest,' but not one that would radically change Montana's own CWD surveillance plans. 'We're going to continue our monitoring and communication with the park and continue to work with hunters as the primary management tool for CWD in Montana,' Jacobsen said. Forty-eight new species of ground hunting spiders that can be found right across Australia have been discovered. The spiders are part of the Miturgidae family and love a number of differing arid habitats, from deserts and eucalypt forests to coastal heaths. The study by Queensland Museum, which spanned decades, was led by arachnologist Robert Raven who said the discovery of new species wasn't surprising but the number they discovered was a shock. Forty-eight new species of ground hunting spiders that can be found right across Australia have been discovered 'The newly described species have a body length of up to 10 millimetres, and are nocturnal and fast-moving spiders,' he said. 'I was surprised at how many species were described in this paper. I knew there were a lot, but the number was far higher than I predicted.' Former Totally Wild host ranger Stacey Thomson was one of the lucky ones to have a species named after them, the Miturgopelma rangerstaceyae. Ms Thomson worked with Dr Raven in the past on Totally Wild and said it was an honour to have a species named after her. 'I spent many hours filming spider stories over the years with Robert and the team at Queensland Museum and it was always amazing,' Ranger Stacey said. 'I learnt so much about arachnids, their biology and unique behaviours and I hope that these stories helped show children around Australia what incredible creatures spiders are.' German research scientist and arachnologist Barbara Baehr, the Miturgopelma baehrae, and photographer and spider enthusiast Caitlin Henderson, the Miturgopelma caitlinae, were others who had species named in their honour. Former Totally Wild host ranger Stacey Thomson was one of the lucky ones to have a species named after them, the Miturgopelma rangerstaceyae Queensland Museum Network CEO, Jim Thompson, praised the painstaking work done by Dr Raven and his team. 'Our taxonomists are like detectives in the work they do to formally describe new species to science,' he said. 'Quite often species are obtained and become part of the collection, but they may not be formally known to science. That's where the work of our researchers, scientists and honoraries come in. 'Sometimes this process can be quick, but other times, it can take decades and I commend the remarkable work of Dr Raven and his colleagues on this project.' jordan.mccarthy@news.com.au | @JordoMc85 A mysterious crater appeared on the moon following the crash of an object Scientists have solved the case of the 'mystery rocket' that left a 100-foot crater on the moon in March of last year. Researchers at The University of Arizona determined it was a rogue Long March 3C rocket from the China National Space Administration that struck near the Hertzsprung Crater on the moon's far side, which never faces Earth directly. NASA spotted the new addition to the lunar surface in photos taken by the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO), a robotic spacecraft currently orbiting the moon, released in June 2022. Experts previously speculated that the Chinese rocket was responsible for the collision - even though the nation denied responsibility at the time. The conclusion rests on analyzing light reflections off the mystery object, captured by a telescope before the impact. The moon's surface before the impact (left) and after (right). Scientists say whatever formed the double crater probably weighed about the same at both ends Researchers at The University of Arizona determined it was a rogue Long March 3C rocket from the China National Space Administration that struck near the Hertzsprung Crater on the moon's far side, which never faces Earth directly The telescope scientists used did not have high enough resolution to capture details of the flying object clearly, but it did catch the signatures of the light it reflected as it moved. The researchers behind the study said the Long March 3C rocket body tumbled end over end before striking the moon. China previously said that a portion had burnt up on reentry into Earth's atmosphere. So when NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter sent back photos of a new crater, the truth was somewhat murky. The new findings, published Thursday in The Planetary Science Journal, may clarify things. Based on the object's spin and trajectory, it was almost certainly the Long March 3C from China's Chang'e 5 T1 mission in 2014, an instrument-testing run for the 2020 Chang'e 5 mission to collect a lunar sample. The case isn't closed, though. The side-by-side craters suggest that the front end of the rocket, the opposite end from the engines, was weighed down much more than Chinese authorities have disclosed. 'Something that's been in space as long as this is subjected to forces from the Earth's and the moon's gravity and the light from the sun,' said study first author Tanner Campbell, a doctoral student at the University of Arizona, in a statement. The China National Space Administration launched the Chang'e 5 T1 mission in 2014 to test equipment for a future lunar sampling mission 'So you would expect it to wobble a bit, particularly when considering that the rocket body is a big empty shell with a heavy engine on one side. 'But this was just tumbling end-over-end, in a very stable way.' If the rocket's reported payload were accurate, the rocket would have wobbled unevenly, like a boomerang with one end shorter than the other. 'We know the booster had an instrument deck mounted to its top end, but those weigh only about 60 pounds or so,' said Campbell. 'We performed a torque balance analysis, which showed that this amount of weight would have moved the rocket's center of gravity by a few inches it wasn't nearly enough to account for its stable rotation. 'That's what leads us to think that there must have been something more mounted to the front.' He and his colleagues note that the unprecedented double crater was most likely created when the object in question struck the moon's surface dead-on. 'This is the first time we see a double crater,' said Campbell. 'We know that in the case of Chang'e 5 T1, its impact was almost straight down, and to get those two craters of about the same size, you need two roughly equal masses that are apart from each other.' The 2022 impact was not a complete surprise, so there were multiple suspects early on. One was the upper stage of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida, in February 2015. That rocket mission had carried the Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR) Satellite past the moon and toward the sun. In 2015, the rocket's second stage had traveled far enough to launch DSCOVR beyond the Earth-moon system's gravity, where the satellite would monitor for solar storms. The booster gave DSCOVR the proper nudge but spent its fuel before going far enough to escape the Earth and moon's pull. It then spent years in a wonky orbit around the Earth and the moon. Then, in January 2022, just a couple of months before the double crater appeared, astronomer Bill Gray claimed on his blog Project Pluto where he writes about near-Earth objects that the SpaceX hardware was probably about to hit the moon. Soon after, NASA scientists said it wasn't the Falcon 9 booster but the Long March 3C booster. Gray agreed and updated his blog. A new study has revealed the most significant US gender gap in life expectancy since 1996. A team of scientists led by the University of California found women are now living 5.8 years longer than men - 0.2 years shy of the record. The most significant contributor was the Covid pandemic, which took a disproportionate toll on men, followed by unintentional injuries and drug overdoses, accidents and suicide. The team has referred to the four as 'deaths of despair' because they are associated with economic hardships, depression and stress. A team of scientists led by the University of California found women live 5.8 years longer than men. This is the largest gender gap in life expectancy since 1996 The team led by the University of California found the gap is also due to improved medical care for women, such as reductions in cancer and perinatal conditions. 'Differentially worsening mortality from diabetes, heart disease, homicide, and suicide suggest that chronic metabolic disease and mental illness may also contribute,' reads the study published in JAMA Internal Medicine. 'The increase in overdose deaths, homicide, and suicide underscore twin crises of deaths from despair and firearm violence The analysis was conducted from March to July 2023 using mortality data from the National Center for Health Statistics. The team aimed to uncover changes in the gap in life expectancy at birth between men and women from 2010 to 2021, divided by pre and postCOVID19 years. First author Brandon Yan said: 'There's been a lot of research into the decline in life expectancy in recent years, but no one has systematically analyzed why the gap between men and women has been widening since 2010.' A 1998 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows a record 2,314,690 deaths in 1996 and 15 significant causes of death (pictured) The greatest contributor to the current gap was the Covid pandemic, which took a disproportionate toll on men. This was followed by unintentional injuries and poisonings (mostly drug overdoses), accidents and suicide, which the team called ' deaths of despair' The data showed a massive increase in the gap since 2010, which was just 4.8 years. A 1998 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows a record 2,314,690 deaths in 1996 - 2,558 more than the previous high of 2,312,132 deaths recorded in 1995. There were 15 significant causes of death at the time, with heart disease, cancer and cerebrovascular disease, a group of conditions that affect blood flow and the blood vessels in the brain, at the top. Suicide ranked ninth on the list, while unintentional injuries, poisoning and accidents were not among the reasons. The new study determined factors have since changed to those connected to economic hardships, depression and stress. 'While rates of death from drug overdose and homicide have climbed for both men and women, it is clear that men constitute an increasingly disproportionate share of these deaths,' Yan said. Data from the US Census Bureau also shows the toll Covid took on men. 'Between 2019 and 2020, male deaths increased by 296,061 (20.1 percent) and female deaths by 232,830 (16.9 percent), a report reads. 'The trend continued in 2021, with 68,208 (3.9 percent) more male deaths and 12,298 (0.8 percent) more female deaths. 'The growing difference in deaths between males and females in 2020 and 2021 suggests the COVID-19 pandemic had a larger impact on the mortality of males than it did on females.' A weather phenomenon may have given Ukraine a boost to target and attack a Russian warship from 55 miles away, according to a new study. The Russian guided missile cruiser Moskva was attacked on April 13, 2022, and a few days later, official reports confirmed that it had sunk. A team of Swedish physicists determined that Ukraine's victory was due to a capping temperature inversion, which is when warm air traps cold air at a lower altitude This strange incident allowed Ukraine's radar to 'see' farther than designed, allowing it to take out the enemy ship long-range. The Russian cruiser Moskva fell victim to atmospheric conditions that enabled Ukrainian weapons operators to target it from a longer range than usually possible The Russian guided missile cruiser Moskva was attacked on April 13, 2022, and a few days later, official reports confirmed that it had sunk The attack dealt Russia a heavy tactical and symbolic blow in the first months of the war that started in February 2022. Soon after the attack, reports came out that Ukraine had dispatched the cruiser Moskva with two R-360 Neptune anti-ship missiles, but that didn't fully explain the feat. Ukrainian radar and weapons operators should not have been able to get a bead on the ship. At the time of the attack, Moskva was about 80 nautical miles (150 kilometers) south of Odesa and 50 nmi (90 km) off the Ukrainian coast. Ukraine's Neptune missile system operates wit a radar called Mineral-U, a 'search-and-track' radar system that gives a land-based missile launcher the coordinates to attack. 'Given that the Moskva at the time of the missile launch was located far beyond the normal radar horizon of any ground-based radar system, it has been an open question of how the Mineral-U radar was able to detect the warship on 13 April 2022,' wrote the scientists who authored the new study that proposed the temperature inversion theory. The team used meteorological data from the day of the missile strike to model how radar waves would have behaved that day. Normally, radar waves will propagate at least 15 percent farther than the geometrical horizon as they bounce off the atmosphere and back toward the planet's surface Usually, air higher off the ground is colder. A capped temperature inversion occurs when cold air gets locked at low altitudes by a cap of warmer air a reversal of the normal gradient. Two R-360 Neptune anti-ship missiles struck the cruiser Moskva on April 13, 2022. Ukrainian forces achieved this feat with some help from a lucky weather pattern Moskva departed Sevastopol Bay for the final time on April 10, 2022 Meteorological data show that sustained winds off the Ukrainian coast brought warm and dry continental air masses out to the sea over the atmosphere's cool and moist marine layer on the day of the attack. This inversion extended from the land to the Moskva's location. Atmospheric models show that this inversion enabled radar waves to travel even farther than usual, making Moskva appear on the Ukrainian radar. Once it showed up, firing the pair of Neptune missiles and striking the cruiser was simple. 'The results show that atmospheric conditions must be considered carefully, even during warfare,' the scientists wrote, 'as their impact on radar wave propagation can be considerable.' In the wake of the attack, Russian officials initially claimed that the ship was buoyant and being towed back to port in Crimea for repair. They did admit that it had been damaged but claimed an ammunition explosion was responsible. Multiple early and unconfirmed reports proposed explanations for the trick shot. Some claimed that the United States had furnished Ukrainian forces with Moskva's coordinates. Others said that aerial drones had pinpointed the ship's location. The evidence for these claims was missing or incomplete. Ukrainian news reports in late December 2022 confirmed that Ukrainian radar operators had spotted a large target on their radar shortly before firing the Neptune missiles. Mark Palmer says he was 'dead against' the Channel Tunnel in the 1980s There's nothing wrong with changing your mind. Its admitting it which can be awkward, as any politician will tell you. I was dead against the Channel Tunnel in the 1980s when the project was discussed in earnest, and I remained lukewarm when it officially opened in 1994. Forgive me, but I saw it as a loss of our island status, a link too far with our old enemy, the French. And it was on the pricey side, too. Now? Well, I am sitting comfortably on the Eurostar, whizzing through Kent, followed by a short dip underwater before popping up in rolling French countryside. Mark Palmer was dead against the Channel Tunnel in the 1980s when the project was discussed in earnest Mark says that the French capital 'still pulsates with intrigue, its imperious buildings watching over the River Seine with a knowing sense of entitlement' All-in-all, a two-hour journey that brings us to Paris in time for a plat du jour with a side order of humble pie. My wife, Joanna, and I are here to see two exhibitions: Van Gogh in Auvers-sur-Oise The Final Months; and the biggest collection of paintings by Mark Rothko ever assembled, at the Fondation Louis Vuitton. As it happens, our hotel JK Place is 200 yards from where Van Gogh is in residence until February in the Musee dOrsay. Ive wanted to stay in a JK Place hotel (there are currently three of them) ever since calling in for a drink at the one in Capri. The Paris outlet is in a neo-classical building in which the interiors have been completely and triumphantly transformed. There are just 29 rooms. Ours is a blend of high-end French and Italian design: modern but tres chic, with mother-of-pearl cabinets and slinky black bathrooms. Downstairs sits a gorgeous Italian restaurant and a spa with heated pool. Captivating: Mark visits the Musee dOrsay where Van Gogh is in residence until February The atmosphere is in sharp contrast to the torment Van Gogh was going through during the last two months of his life in Auvers-sur-Oise, when he produced no fewer than 74 paintings and about 20 drawings. Booking ahead is essential to avoid a long wait this is a blockbuster show. Van Goghs sinuous lines, peppered with rich colours, capture the village and countryside to thrilling effect. The Rothko exhibition is just as arresting but attracts a more avant-garde crowd. Im not interested in colour. Its light Im after, the artist said, one of many quotes written on the walls. I find this challenging, given that the majority of the paintings are vast rectangles of colour. Its all an acquired taste. For me, its more a case of feeling pleased to have seen them rather than longing for one above my sitting room fireplace. And learning about his complicated life is a revelation. Disturbingly, both Van Gogh and Rothko killed themselves. Mark checks into the JK Place hotel, which has just 29 rooms. He describes his room as 'modern but tres chic' 'The Paris outlet is in a neo-classical building in which the interiors have been completely and triumphantly transformed,' writes Mark. Above is one of the hotel's bathrooms JK Place hotel has a 'gorgeous' Italian restaurant and a spa with heated pool (pictured) Paris is gearing up for next years Olympics. The streets seem cleaner, the taxi drivers grumpier. The mayor is mad; Macron is even madder. France is falling apart, says one. Perhaps, but the capital still pulsates with intrigue, its imperious buildings watching over the River Seine with a knowing sense of entitlement. A friend suggested we eat at Vagenende in Boulevard Saint-Germain for a quintessential French brasserie experience. Decorated in Belle Epoque style, its owned by a mother and daughter who live upstairs. We eat and drink spectacularly well and feast on the theatre of it all. On learning that we are from London, one of the waiters says: A great city but nowhere nice to eat. Why fight the prejudice? The French are masters in believing theyre right when plainly theyre wrong. Its a strangely endearing national characteristic. Advertisement Norse Atlantic Airways has lived up to its billing as 'The Explorer's Airline' - by landing a Boeing 787 Dreamliner in Antarctica. The airline claims that this is a world first - 'a groundbreaking milestone in aviation history'. With Antarctica lacking conventional paved runways, the aircraft instead landed on a glacial 'blue ice runway' 3,000 metres (9,842ft) long and 60 metres (196ft) wide at Troll Airfield, where the average temperature is -25C. It's the largest aircraft ever to land at this airstrip. On board the plane, called Everglades, were 45 passengers, including scientists from the Norwegian Polar Institute and other countries. They were destined for different stations in Antarctica, including the Norwegian Polar Institute's Troll research station. Norse Atlantic Airways has lived up to its billing as 'The Explorer's Airline' - by landing a Boeing 787 Dreamliner in Antarctica The flight also transported 12 tons of essential research equipment crucial for Antarctic exploration. The Dreamliner, contracted by the Norwegian Polar Institute and air broker firm Aircontact, began its journey in Oslo on November 13, stopping in Cape Town before embarking on the 'challenging' Antarctic leg. The 787 touched down at 2am local time on Wednesday at Troll Airfield, located in Jutulsessen in Queen Maud Land. The airstrip, operated by the Norwegian Polar Institute, lies 6.8 kilometres (4.2 miles) from the Troll research station, around 235km (146 miles) from the coast. Ice-olated: With Antarctica lacking conventional paved runways, the aircraft instead landed on a glacial 'blue ice runway' 3,000 metres (9,842ft) long and 60 metres (196ft) wide at Troll Airfield The challenge for pilots landing at Troll Airfield is that there is no radio navigation system to guide the aircraft - and no structures on the airfield to help gauge speed and orientation. Bjrn Tore Larsen, CEO of Norse Atlantic Airways, expressed immense pride in the achievement. He said: 'In the spirit of exploration, we are proud to have a hand in this important and unique mission. It is a true testament to our highly trained and skilled pilots and crew, and our state-of-the-art Boeing aircraft.' Camilla Brekke, Director of the Norwegian Polar Institute, said: 'The most crucial aspect is the environmental gain we can achieve by using large and modern aircraft of this type for Troll. 'This can help reduce overall emissions and the environmental footprint in Antarctica.' She added: 'Landing such a large aircraft opens up entirely new possibilities for logistics at Troll, which will also contribute to strengthening Norwegian research in Antarctica.' The Dreamliner, contracted by the Norwegian Polar Institute and air broker firm Aircontact, began its journey in Oslo on November 13, stopping in Cape Town before embarking on the 'challenging' Antarctic leg The Dreamliner, with its 'impressive' cargo capacity, 'excels at meeting the demands of this mission', said Boeing's Paul Erlandsson Paul Erlandsson, Field Service Representative from Boeing, commented: 'The 787 Dreamliner stands out for its exceptional fuel efficiency, enabling a round-trip flight from Cape Town to Antarctica without the need for refuelling. 'This not only ensures swift turnarounds but also significantly benefits the environment by eliminating logistical complexities of transporting, storing, and handling fuel in Antarctica. 'Paired with the aircraft's impressive 150 cubic metres of cargo capacity distributed across three cargo holds, and a cargo loading system designed for easy handling of pallets and containers, the Dreamliner excels at meeting the demands of this mission.' Although emotions are still raw, they're hoping they can pull through in January The cast reportedly want to pay a public tribute to the late Chandler Bing star Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt Le Blanc and David Schwimmer are said to be in early talks to honor their late Friends costar Matthew Perry at the upcoming Emmy Awards in January. The actors are reportedly keen to share their 'personal memories' of Perry, who played the quick witted Chandler Bing in the seminal 90s sitcom, and give him the tribute he 'rightfully deserves'. The beloved actor was found dead in his hot tub on October 28, aged 54. His cause of death has been deferred, pending the results of a toxicology report. 'When it comes to Matthew's death, emotions are still running high and it is still a very touchy situation, which is totally understandable,' a source told DailyMail.com exclusively. Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc and David Schwimmer are said to be in talks to honor Matthew Perry at the upcoming Emmy Awards in January Perry was found dead in his hot tub on October 28 by his assistant, who had briefly left his home to run errands. He was 54 'But Jen, Lisa, and the rest of the cast want to honor him publicly at some point and give him the tribute he so rightfully deserves - and there have been rumblings to do it at next year's Emmys.' While Perry is likely to feature in the In Memorium segment, the insider claimed Lisa, 60, Courteney, 59, David, 57, Matt, 56, and Jennifer, 54, would also like to share their memories on stage. 'They all would love to get together on stage to speak about him and also have their own unique moment sharing memories about him and telling the world about the man he was in real life,' they continued. 'If they can all agree on a worthy tribute and get the blessing of his family, they will absolutely get together to make that night a special moment for Matthew and all who loved him.' The 75th Emmys are scheduled to take place on January 15 at the Peackcock Theatre in Los Angeles - three months after the original date was scrapped owing to the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes. Perry was nominated for five Emmy awards in his lifetime, including Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series in 2002 for his role in Friends. He was also twice nominated for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series for his appearance in The West Wing in 2003 and 2004. Reports of a public tribute come days after the cast shared their individual memories of Perry in a series of staggered posts on social media. The Friends cast want to make the star-studded Emmys night a 'special moment' for the late actor 'and all who loved him' LeBlanc paid tribute to Perry earlier this week on Instagram. He wrote: 'Matthew. It is with a heavy heart I say goodbye. The times we had together are honestly among the favorite times of my life' Aniston also paid tribute to her late Friends costar with a post that included a text message he sent to her before his death Perry had once texted Aniston saying: 'Making you laugh just made my day' Le Blanc published a throwback photo of him and Perry on the set of Friends, and wrote: 'Matthew. 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. I will always smile when I think of you and Ill never forget you. Never.' He finished: 'Spread your wings and fly brother youre finally free. Much love.' Aniston shared a screenshot of a sweet message that she had received from Perry, in which he told her he relished in making her laugh. 'Oh boy this one has cut deep...' she started on Instagram. '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. She said the cast were a 'chosen family' who 'loved him deeply,' before declaring Perry was a part of their 'DNA'. Aniston also recalled Perry's need to make everyone around him laugh. 'For Matty, he KNEW he loved to make people laugh. As he said himself, if he didn't hear the "laugh" he thought he was going to die. His life literally depended on it,' she wrote. 'And boy did he succeed in doing just that. He made all of us laugh. And laugh hard.' Schwimmer paid a touching tribute to Perry around the same time as Aniston with a still from Friends of him and Perry dressed up like Miami Vice characters Cox played Chandler's true love Monica Geller in the show, reflected on the start of the their onscreen romance with a clip of the two in bed in London Among Anistons post was a short personal message that Perry had sent her via text in the past, though she didn't reveal when the exchange took place. 'In the last couple weeks, Ive been pouring over our texts to one another. Laughing and crying then laughing again,' she admitted. '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).' Cox, who played Chandler's true love Monica Geller, reflected on the start of their onscreen romance by sharing a clip of them in bed in London - when their first tryst was revealed - and a fun outtake. She wrote: 'I am so grateful for every moment I had with you Matty and I miss you every day. 'When you work with someone as closely as I did with Matthew, there are thousands of moments I wish I could share. For now heres one of my favorites.' Schwimmer thanked Perry for 'ten incredible years of laughter and creativity', sharing a picture of the star in a white suit. He wrote: 'I imagine you up there, somewhere, in the same white suit, hands in your pockets, looking around "Could there BE any more clouds?"' Kudrow - who was the fifth and final main castmember to pay tribute - thanked Perry for the numerous ways he had impacted her life. 'Thank you for making me laugh so hard at something you said, that my muscles ached, and tears poured down my face EVERY DAY,' she wrote alongside a picture of the pair. Emily Ratajkowski was once again her own best advert as she promoted her line of bikinis on Thursday. The influencer, 32, displayed her assets as she modeled a skimpy blue bikini with ruffled bottoms. Her bikini range, Inamorata, posted several sizzling shots of Emily modeling the string swimsuit to their Instagram account. She struck several booty-popping angles as she displayed just how it'll look on the beach. Emily was modeling the Rosetta Top and Phoebe Bottom, which are priced at $74 and $85 respectively. Bikini babe! Emily Ratajkowski was once again her own best advert as she promoted her line of bikinis on Thursday The model looked stunning with her brunette hair styled into textured 'do, along with a glossy pout and sultry eye makeup. Emily launched her bikini line in 2017 with her friend Kat Mendenhall, and has rolled out an array of fashionable swimsuits in the years since. 'I think the Inamorata woman is the woman who will wear a bra top out to walk her dog and not even think about it. She is confident and doesnt care what anyone thinks,' Emily said in a Q&A posted to her brand's website. But lately it has been her personal life that has been grabbing attention. Emily has conducted a whirlwind, headline grabbing love life in the wake of the collapse of her marriage to movie producer Sebastian Bear McClard. She has had on-off flings with DJ Orazio Rispo, and in the intervening time has run around with such names as Pete Davidson and Eric Andre. This March she locked lips with Harry Styles in Tokyo, provoking a swirl of criticism on account of the fact she is supposedly gal pals with his ex Olivia Wilde. Va va voom! The influencer, 32, displayed her assets as she modeled a skimpy blue bikini with ruffled bottoms Love life! Emily has conducted a whirlwind, headline grabbing love life in the wake of the collapse of her marriage to movie producer Sebastian Bear McClard. 'Olivia and Emily were friends and this is a betrayal,' a source with inside knowledge exclusively informed DailyMail.com. In a subsequent interview with the Los Angeles Times, Emily dismissed the kiss by saying she was not 'not thinking about guys' but 'sometimes things just happen.' She has most recently been linked to French actor Stephane Bak, and the duo set off a swirl of romance rumors last month after they were caught locking lips in Paris. However an insider quickly informed DailyMail.com that the two of them were just indulging in 'a good time,' not pursuing a serious relationship. '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,' the source explained. Robbie Williams bared his soul to over 38,000 fans at his sold out Sydney concert at Allianz Stadium on Thursday night. The 49-year-old pop icon shared a heartfelt gratitude to Australia for playing a pivotal role in his journey towards happiness. Williams, whose raw Netflix documentary series about his tormented struggles with fame and addiction is at No. 1 this week, opened up about his turbulent relationship with fame and his battles with mental health. Williams recounted the profound impact of his visit to Australia in 2022 to shoot his biopic, Better Man, amidst the global pandemic. The trip, according to Williams, was an 'eye-opening experience' that helped him gain a deeper appreciation for life as he performed to an empty arena in Australia for the film. Robbie Williams bared his soul to over 38,000 fans at his sold out Sydney concert at Allianz Stadium on Thursday night (pictured) The 49-year-old pop icon shared a heartfelt gratitude to Australia for playing a pivotal role in his journey towards happiness 'I came and did a few shows in Oz for Better Man and just became overwhelmed with the fact that these seats get filled with human beings that come to my show,' he explained. 'It made me remember and realise that in those deepest, darkest moments, where this voice was the loudest. 'One of the main things that kept me on the planet was the fact that you guys turned up for me and you think that I'm okay,' Williams continued. 'When there was little to no evidence in my own head, I could see it in your faces.' His experience in an empty arena in Australia, reflecting on the joy his performances brought to others, helped him understand the value of his life and the love he had been given Ending on a note of profound thanks, Williams expressed his gratitude to his audience, whose support had unknowingly helped him through his darkest times. 'Thank you for helping me when you didn't know you were,' he said, acknowledging the silent strength his fans provided him. With unabashed honesty, he admitted, 'I am the happiest I have ever been I f**king love you, Australia.' The star also delved into his past, revealing the persistent negative inner voice that began in his youth and only intensified with the success of Take That in the early '90s. Williams recounted the profound impact of his visit to Australia in 2022 to shoot his biopic, Better Man, amidst the global pandemic. (Pictured in Melbourne in 2019) The star delved into his past, revealing the persistent negative inner voice that began in his youth and only intensified with the success of Take That in the early '90s. (Pictured in 1993) Despite his stardom, Williams described how the inner criticism grew louder, leading him down a path of self-destruction through alcohol and drugs to silence the pain. 'I drank and I took drugs to numb the pain, and also just stop the voice from caving my head to be honest with you because I do drink, and drugs, that was a quick one way trip Into hell and eventually I had to stop drinking. 'I had to stop taking drugs or else I was gonna die...' He confessed to moments where he questioned his will to live despite his success, unable to enjoy it due to his mental health battles His eventual decision to become sober 24 years ago was a turning point, though it left him facing the stark reality of his mental health issues. Williams spoke openly about his struggles with depression, isolation, and various dysfunctions, which he combatted daily for decades. He confessed to moments where he questioned his will to live despite his success, unable to enjoy it due to his mental health battles. 'What happens is, when you stop drinking, you're left with the person that you are. And the person who I really was, was depressed and isolated,' he said. 'I didn't know how to socialise... I didn't know how to be a human.' If you, or someone you know would like to talk to someone confidentially about addiction, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit Reach Out. In an emergency, call 000. Rocker Tommy Lee shocked audiences when he gave his rude version of an iconic Aussie saying this week. Posting a clip from his recent Australian tour to his Instagram stories, the 61-year-old rock star was seen hyping up the crowd with a classic chant. 'Aussie, Aussie, Aussie,' he yelled, to which the audience responded with the customary 'oi, oi, oi.' The Motley Crue drummer then changed things up for the next round. 'Aussie f***ing, Aussie f***ing, Aussie,' Lee screamed before the crowd replied again. It comes as the rocker thrilled local diners when he visited popular Melbourne ribs and burger restaurant Third Wave Cafe in Albert Park this week. Arriving with a party of five, Lee ordered the eatery's famous 'Yabba Dabba Platter' - an enormous plate of ribs and BBQ inspired by classic cartoon The Flintstones. The gigantic meal consists of a full plate of slow smoked beef ribs weighing over six kilograms, grilled bone marrow, chips, mac and cheese balls, corn bread fingers and grilled double tortillas with melted cheese. Rocker Tommy Lee shocked audiences when he gave his rude version of an iconic Aussie saying this week. Posting a clip from his recent Australian tour to his Instagram stories, the 61-year-old rock star was seen hyping up the crowd with a classic chant. Pictured 'Aussie, Aussie, Aussie,' he yelled, to which the audience responded with the customary 'oi, oi, oi.' The Motley Crue drummer then changed things up for the next round. 'Aussie f***ing, Aussie f***ing, Aussie,' Lee screamed before the crowd replied again Tommy Lee thrilled diners when he visited popular Melbourne ribs and burger restaurant Third Wave Cafe in Albert Park this week. He is pictured posing with a fan Speaking to the Daily Mail Australia, the manager of Third Wave Cafe said that Tommy, 61, and his crew were 'really nice' and 'lovely' It is served with several sauces, including corn salsa, pepper sauce, garlic aioli, salsa verde, horseradish sauce, sour cream, tomato salsa and guacamole. The platter is the most expensive item on Third Wave Cafe's menu, costing an eye-watering $390 in total. Lee was said to have finished the meal with his crew, leaving the platter completely clean. Arriving with a party of five, the Motley Crue rocker ordered the eatery's famous 'Yabba Dabba Platter' - an enormous plate of ribs and BBQ inspired by classic cartoon The Flintstones Speaking to the Daily Mail Australia, the manager of Third Wave Cafe said that Tommy and his crew were 'really nice' and 'lovely.' The rock star, who just wrapped up his touring of Australia with Def Leppard, was also very generous with his time, posing for photos with many fans in the restaurant. Motley Crue and Def Leppard recently finished the Australian leg of their joint world tour. The bands took to the stage in Sydney at Sydney Showground's GIANTS Stadium on Saturday night. They then played in Melbourne at Marvel Stadium on November 14. She never puts a foot wrong when it comes to fashion. And Millie Mackintosh turned up the heat in a sexy dress as she attended the Kama Ayurveda dinner to celebrate the brand's UK launch on Thursday. The former Made In Chelsea star, 34, stunned in a slinky red satin maxi dress which showed off her toned figure. She completed the look with strappy gold heels to boost her height and she accessorised with a matching red hair band. Millie wore her honey tresses in loose waves over her shoulders and opted for a natural makeup look to show off hr pretty features. Stunning: Millie Mackintosh turned up the heat in a sexy dress as she attended the Kama Ayurveda dinner to celebrate the brand's UK launch on Thursday The event held at The Belvedere in Holland Park was also attended by the likes of Lady Amelia Windsor and Yasmin Mills. It comes after Millie spoke out on the horrific bullying she faced at school and told how she is 'determined' her daughter will not go through the same trauma. The reality TV star shared a poignant Instagram post in September to mark the beginning of a new school year. She detailed how she and husband Hugo Taylor were in the midst of applying for primary schools for their eldest daughter Sienna, three, but the experience was bringing up some 'emotional trauma'. 'September is flying by, I can hardly believe how quickly this year is going! With the end of summer and Sienna's return to nursery, one thing has been on my mind non-stop... School applications,' Millie began. She went on to explain how she and Hugo had been discussing moving out of their London house and setting up home outside the capital for the benefit of their young family, which also includes daughter Aurelia, 21 months. 'Over the past year, we've been on a bit of a rollercoaster trying to figure Sienna's schooling and the big decision of where we are going to live. Style: The event held at The Belvedere in Holland Park was also attended by the likes of Lady Amelia Windsor (seen) and Yasmin Mills Looking good: Jackie Bansal attends the Kama Ayurveda dinner to celebrate the brand's UK launch Pretty: Yasmin Mills wore a long brown patterned dress which she teamed with black heels to boost her height 'This school application process feels quite intense because it's probably the most significant decision we've had to make since Sienna was born,' Millie explained. 'Should we stay put in London or make the big move out to the countryside? We've explored so many options to try and figure out what's best for Sienna and our family.' 'We've finally decided where to live and it's an area which is special to both of us, which means we can now dive into visiting and applying to schools.' Millie went on to explain how bullying during her own school days has made her even more determined to make the right decision for her eldest daughter. 'This adventure also brings a whole heap of other tasks to tackle and to be completely honest, this process is also surfacing a lot of emotional trauma from my own school days. I'm determined not to let Sienna go through the same.' 'I'm taking time to thoroughly research schools and making sure they have strong anti-bullying policies in place, but the thought of her potentially experiencing anything similar to what I went through is adding so much fear.' 'I know that Sienna is ready for school and she will enjoy it, but there's an element of embracing the unknown as we step into this new chapter.' Millie has previously revealed how her schoolmates once tried to break her nose with a polo stick. Appearing in a 2018 video as part of an anti-bullying campaign, she described how classmates played the cruel prank on her while she was at boarding school. Sexy look: Anita Chhiba attends the Kama Ayurveda dinner to celebrate the brand's UK launch Suave: Influencer Rahi Chadda cut a very stylish figure Attendees: Donna Rooney (right) and actress Manpreet Bambra also attended the event held in London Fashionista: Jasmine Hemsley wore a sparkly silver jacket with a chic black look for the swanky dinner In the video, Millie explained: 'I was at a boarding school and youd share a room with six or eight other girls. 'And they played a prank on me where they had tied a polo stick and made a booby trap so that when I opened the door it would swing and hit me in the face and that was the joke to see if they could break my nose.' Millie also told how she took on the 'joker' role at school as she tried to cope with the bullying, which included comments about her height. The reality star explained how the situation became worse after she began suffering from acne during her teenage years. Advertisement Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore looked stunning at the premiere of May December in Los Angeles on Thursday. The two leading actresses looked stunning in glamorous gowns as they posed on the red carpet for the upcoming Netflix release of their romance drama film. For the special event, Portman, 42, revisited her 2010 Black Swan era, modeling a plunging, sequined minidress with a unique, starburst brooch on the bust. She teamed the eye-catching dress with a black pair of classic, sandal heels and opted out of any other accessories. The Black Swan star who was reportedly 'devastated' after her husband allegedly cheated on her earlier this year left her brunette tresses down in a sleek, straight hairstyle. Glamorous stars: Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore looked stunning at the premiere of May December in Los Angeles on Thursday. The two leading actresses looked stunning in glamorous gowns as they posed on the red carpet for the upcoming Netflix release of their romance drama film Revisiting her Black Swan era: Natalie's dress was a reminder of her look from her iconic 2010 film Dazzling dresses: For the special event, Portman, 42, modeled a plunging, sequined minidress with an unique, starburst brooch on the bust. For the star-studded premiere, Moore, 62, stunned in a vibrant red, strapless gown. She also rocked a soft, glowing makeup look for the event held at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. She looked radiant in a smoky brown eyeshadow look paired with peachy blush and a rosy pink lip. For the star-studded premiere, Moore, 62, stunned in a vibrant red, strapless gown. She opted for dainty, silver jewelry to go with her floor-sweeping, bright dress. She donned classic stud earrings, a sleek bangle bracelet and one diamond-studded ring. Like Portman, she rocked a long, straight hairstyle and wore a light, dewy makeup look to showcase her natural beauty. Her stunning makeup look featured smoked-out eyeshadow teamed with full, fluttering eyelashes as well as a glossy, bubblegum pink lip. On the red carpet, the stylish pair also posed with their costar, Charles Melton, 32. Chic: The Black Swan star left her brunette tresses down in a sleek, straight hairstyle Sultry glam: She also rocked a soft, glowing makeup look for the event held at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures She looked radiant in a smoky brown eyeshadow look paired with peachy blush and a rosy pink lip. Statement dress: To not take away from her dazzling and unique dress, she opted out of any jewelry Classic beauty: For the premiere, she opted for a nude pink manicure and a classic crimson pedicure Natural beauty: Like her costar, Moore rocked a long, straight hairstyle and wore a light, dewy makeup look to showcase her natural beauty Elegant: She opted for dainty, silver jewelry to go with her floor-sweeping, bright dress Glowing: Her stunning makeup look featured smoked-out eyeshadow teamed with full, fluttering eyelashes as well as a glossy, bubblegum pink lip Stylish pair: The pair looked radiant as they posed for photos together to celebrate the upcoming Netflix release of May December Leading stars: On the red carpet, the stylish pair also posed with their costar, Charles Melton, 32 The Riverdale alum looked effortlessly stylish in an all-black, oversize suit. He donned a long blazer jacket teamed with baggy, wide-leg dress pants and chunky dress shoes. Will Ferrell, 56, was also spotted at the premiere, posing on the red carpet in a dapper, denim blue-colored suit. He contrasted the clean blazer and dress pants with a bright red tie. Paying close attention to detail, he wore a gold tie pin, a blue and patterned pocket square and a shiny silver watch. The Elf star also posed with the CEO of Netflix, Ted Sarandos, on the red carpet. Xochitl Gomez, 17, was also spotted at the premiere in an elegant and chic ensemble. The Raven's Home actress donned a baby blue and cream satin button-down blouse with a cropped hemline. Effortlessly stylish: The Riverdale alum looked effortlessly stylish in an all-black, oversize suit Cozy chic: He donned a long blazer jacket teamed with baggy, wide-leg dress pants and chunky dress shoes Castmates: The chic trio star opposite one another as the leading characters in May December which will be available to stream on Netflix on December 1 Dapper: Will Ferrell, 56, was also spotted at the premiere, posing on the red carpet in a dapper, denim blue-colored suit. He contrasted the clean blazer and dress pants with a bright red tie. Suited up: Paying close attention to detail, he wore a gold tie pin, a blue and patterned pocket square and a shiny silver watch Looking sharp: The Elf star also posed with the CEO of Netflix, Ted Sarandos, on the red carpet Stunning: Xochitl Gomez, 17, was also spotted at the premiere in an elegant and chic ensemble. The Raven's Home actress donned a baby blue and cream satin button-down blouse with a cropped hemline She teamed the chic top with a black, velvet midi skirt and sheer tights. She accessorized with a satin bow headband, silver heart locket earrings and a velvet box bag for the premiere. Ashlee Marie Preston was dressed to the nines as she modeled a sparkly, teal wrap top with a dramatic collar and puffy sleeves. She paired the show-stopping top with a plunging black bustier top as well as a thick belt to highlight her figure. To go with her dazzling top, she also wore black, three-quarter length pants and gladiator sandals adorned with massive gemstones. The media personality styled her platinum blonde tresses in a chic updo and wore a simple, black headband. She pulled her look altogether with sparkly blue eyeshadow that matched her top as and finished off her look with a chocolate-color lipliner as well as baby pink gloss. Jane Seymour put on a glamorous display in a vermillion, long-sleeved dress with a wraparound style skirt and nude, stud-lined pumps. Fabulous outfit: Ashlee Marie Preston was dressed to the nines as she modeled a sparkly, teal wrap top with a dramatic collar and puffy sleeves Radiant beauty: Jane Seymour put on a glamorous display in a vermillion, long-sleeved dress with a wraparound style skirt and nude, stud-lined pumps Red carpet ready: At one point, Portman also posed with May December's film producer, Sophie Mas who looked chic in a deep red, velvet suit Group photo: Ferrell and the Netflix CEO also took a group photo on the red carpet with Alex Mechanik, Samy Burch, Jessica Elbaum and Scott Stuber She jazzed up her bright dress with a diamond-encrusted statement necklace and the matching bracelet and ring. For the premiere, she left her fiery red tresses down in soft beach waves and opted for a dewy, natural makeup look to highlight her stunning features. At one point, Portman also posed with May December's film producer, Sophie Mas who looked chic in a deep red, velvet suit. Ferrell and the Netflix CEO also took a group photo on the red carpet with Alex Mechanik, Samy Burch, Jessica Elbaum and Scott Stuber. According to the synopsis of the film, May December follows the story of a married couple about twenty years after their notorious tabloid romance. The couple buckle under the pressure when a Hollywood actress meets them to do research for a film about their past. May December will be released in select theaters on November 17 before streaming on Netflix on December 1. Leonardo DiCaprio sang the praises of his Killers of the Flower Moon costar Lily Gladstone at Variety's Power of Women event Thursday at the Los Angeles restaurant Mother Wolf. The 49-year-old actor was on hand to introduce Gladstone, 37, as she was honored at the event, according to Variety. The Academy Award winner, who celebrated his birthday last week with a number of celebrities in attendance, was clad in a navy blue suit with black button-up shirt at the star-studded industry function. The Titanic star, in introducing Gladstone, noted the stellar work she did in movies such as Certain Women and Fancy Dance; and that she had been 'on the verge of quitting acting altogether' when they initially crossed paths. DiCaprio said that Gladstone's career path when weighed against her talents illustrate the inequities that still haunt Hollywood. The latest: Leonardo DiCaprio, 49, sang the praises of his Killers of the Flower Moon costar Lily Gladstone, 37, at Variety Power of Women event Thursday at the Los Angeles restaurant Mother Wolf Star power: The Departed actor was on hand to introduce Gladstone, 37, as she was honored at the event. 'That an actor of such profound talent has found it a long and hard road to get this recognition speaks to the unfairness that still exists in our industry today,' DiCaprio said. DiCaprio said he 'fervently' hopes 'that we're entering a new era in which actors like Lily, who embody this authenticity and undeniable truth in their own storytelling, take center stage. 'Because Lily's not just an actor, she's also an activist.' DiCaprio called the actress a 'wise, kind and humble soul, a tremendous talent, an incredibly important voice of change.' DiCaprio hailed Gladstone for her efforts toward Indigenous women's rights while working with National Indigenous Women's Resource Center, which focuses on preventing violence against Native women. Gladstone told Variety of the nonprofit organization: 'Their work provides the resources necessary for grassroots cultural organizations to tackle these issues. It is very much designed for Native communities in a culturally-sensitive way that centers women, who are the backbone of sovereignty.' DiCaprio plays the role of Ernest Burkhart in the film, while Gladstone plays Mollie Burkhart. The cast of the ensemble movie also features Robert De Niro, Jesse Plemons, John Lithgow and Brendan Fraser. The event Thursday was attended by a number of stars, including Barbie beauty Margot Robbie, who has shared the screen with DiCaprio in films such as The Wolf of Wall Street and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Also on hand were Oprah Winfrey, Meghan Markle and Dua Lipa, among others. Dapper: The Academy Award winner was clad in a navy blue suit with black button-up shirt at the industry function Speaking out: DiCaprio said that Gladstone's career path when weighed against her talents illustrate the inequities that still haunt Hollywood Aspirations: The Wolf of Wall Street actor said he 'fervently' hopes 'that we're entering a new era in which actors like Lily, who embody this authenticity and undeniable truth in their own storytelling, take center stage' DiCaprio earlier this week briefly addressed his cringe-worthy and controversial rapping video while promoting his latest collaboration with feted filmmaker Martin Scorsese. The actor has come under fire for his rapping skills in a video from his 49th birthday party in Beverly Hills last weekend, where he was seen rapping the 1994 song DWYCK from Gang Starr and Nice & Smooth. Many on social media have compared the video to Kendall Roy's (Jeremy Strong) awkward rap at his father Logan Roy's (Brian Cox) birthday party in HBO's Succession. DiCaprio was discussing Killers of the Flower Moon with Gladstone when the controversial video was brought up in an ET interview. When the interviewer said it's been known that Leo has always been a hip-hop head, Leo stated, 'That is true.' When asked if he was thinking ahead to the next big birthday, Leo stated, 'Got to always think about 50.' As for his music tastes, Leo added, 'I have a range of musical love that goes back to our stuff from the '20s, '30s and '40s with jazz and blues and things of that nature. And then hip-hop, too.' His co-star Gladstone added, 'That's actually one way that we bonded early on, talking about music. We had a way to connect.' Endorsement: DiCaprio called the actress a 'wise, kind and humble soul, a tremendous talent, an incredibly important voice of change' Specifics: DiCaprio hailed Gladstone for her efforts toward Indigenous women's rights while working with National Indigenous Women's Resource Center, which focuses on preventing violence against Native women Jovial: The costars in the forthcoming period piece enjoyed a laugh at the industry event DiCaprio and Gladstone are joined in the cast of the movie by Robert De Niro, Jesse Plemons, John Lithgow and Brendan Fraser DiCaprio added, 'And then we talked about old jazz music too,' and when the interviewer asked about the chemistry between them, Gladstone said, 'I mean, I think we just get along really easy. I attribute it to my dad is a Scorpio so I know how to be around Scorpio men.' When asked about any awards season buzz, DiCaprio said they would both be, 'honored' if it did pick up any Oscar nominations. 'We are very proud of this movie, and I couldn't be more proud of it,' DiCaprio said of the movie, which is currently playing in theaters. The film is DiCaprio's sixth with iconic director Martin Scorsese, who Leo says has been, 'a cinematic father figure to me, much like Mr. De Niro has.' They have previously worked on 2002's Gangs of New York, 2004's The Aviator, 2006's The Departed, 2010's Shutter Island, 2013's The Wolf of Wall Street, with Leo adding he has looked up to both Scorsese and De Niro. He called them both, 'the great duo of my generation, and so to be able to do six films now with Marty and 30 years after my first starring role (in What's Eating Gilbert Grape), doing a movie with the three of them was mindblowing.' DiCaprio had previously praised Lily, who is already garnering Oscar buzz for her performance, and grew up on the Blackfeet Nation reservation in Montana. 'She brought so much not only to her character but to the entire film. She was an amazing partner to have,' DiCaprio said of Gladstone. Gladstone added, 'It's a big responsibility and it's terrifying. It's hard being a Native actor, having this sort of this much that you are, you can audition for. Yeah Marty showed me that it's possible.' Advertisement Eva Longoria Baston joined her fellow L'Oreal Paris ladies Camila Cabello and Dame Helen Mirren for the French personal care brand's 18th Annual Women of Worth Celebration at NeueHouse Hollywood on Thursday. Eva - who became a became a brand ambassador in 2005 - took the plunge in a black chiffon Dolce&Gabbana dress, featuring floral accents, and stilettos heels selected by stylist Maeve Reilly. The 48-year-old ninth-generation Texan - who boasts 9.7M Instagram followers - posted a behind-the-scenes snap of herself getting ready with her considerable glam squad. Longoria's longtime hairstylist/BFF Ken Paves coiffed her stick-straight, middle-parted hair extensions for the beauty bash. The Flamin' Hot director - who 'wears a full face of make-up every day' - had a contoured complexion courtesy of make-up artist Elan Bongiorno. Talented trio! Eva Longoria Baston (L) joined her fellow L'Oreal Paris ladies Camila Cabello (M) and Dame Helen Mirren (R) for the French personal care brand's 18th Annual Women of Worth Celebration at NeueHouse Hollywood on Thursday 'Life is more fun with lashes,' Eva told Vogue on Thursday. Longoria - who just flew in from Spain - completed her evening attire with diamond earrings and a wine-colored manicure by nail artist Kimmie Kyees. Now that the SAG/AFTRA strike is over, the Casa Del Sol Tequila co-founder can get back to executive producing and starring in Apple TV+'s six-episode dramedy Land of Women, which is based on Sandra Barneda's 2014 novel. Eva takes on the role of Gala, who is forced to flee her New York home with her mother and teenage daughter to Northern Spain after her husband implicates the family in financial improprieties Ramon Campos and Gema R. Neira's series - which will film in both English and Spanish - also features Santiago Cabrera, Gloria Munoz, Amaury Nolasco, and Victoria Bazua. Longoria will also play travel writer and married mother-of-two Val Garcia in Marvin Lemus' road trip remake of Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day - which will eventually stream on Disney+. The Mexican-American adaptation of Judith Viorst's 1972 children's book also stars Thom Nemer, Cheech Marin, Cristo Fernandez, Harvey Guillen, Jesse Garcia, Paulina Chavez, and Rose Portillo. Meanwhile, Camila opted for a bondage-inspired black dress, featuring a racy split down the front fastened by rings, with silver stilettos selected by styling duo Mariel Haenn + Rob Zangardi. Cleavage alert! Eva - who became a became a brand ambassador in 2005 - took the plunge in a black chiffon Dolce&Gabbana dress, featuring floral accents, and stilettos heels selected by stylist Maeve Reilly 'On my way!' The 48-year-old ninth-generation Texan - who boasts 9.7M Instagram followers - posted a behind-the-scenes snap of herself getting ready with her considerable glam squad Waist-length mane: Longoria's longtime hairstylist/BFF Ken Paves coiffed her stick-straight, middle-parted hair extensions for the beauty bash Ready for her close-up! The Flamin' Hot director - who 'wears a full face of make-up every day' - had a contoured complexion courtesy of make-up artist Elan Bongiorno 'Life is more fun with lashes,' Eva told Vogue on Thursday Just flew in from Spain! Longoria completed her evening attire with diamond earrings and a wine-colored manicure by nail artist Kimmie Kyees Action! The Casa Del Sol Tequila co-founder will next play travel writer and married mother-of-two Val Garcia in Marvin Lemus' (L, pictured February 15) road trip remake of Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day - which will eventually stream on Disney+ Radiant: Eva showed off her age-defying complexion while sashaying down the red carpet The Cuban-born, Miami-raised 26-year-old - who became a brand ambassador in 2017 - had her fringed French twist coiffed by hairstylist JR Fraser and her moon-inspired manicure applied by nail artist Tom Bachik. Make-up artist Patrick Ta brought out Cabello's rosy cheeks, overlined glossy lips, and white eye shadow for the fashion function. The three-time Grammy nominee - who boasts 67.1M Instagram followers - posted (then deleted) a close-up of her contoured complexion beneath her new favorite red-ribbon filter. Camila (born Karla Estrabao) next voices Viva - the leader of the Putt-Putt Trolls and Poppy's (Anna Kendrick) long-lost sister - in Walt Dohrn's animated three-quel Trolls Band Together, which finally hits US theaters this Friday. Meanwhile, Helen - who became a brand ambassador in 2014 - looked sophisticated in a blue long-sleeve gown selected by stylist Rachel Fanconi. The British 78-year-old - who's only a Grammy away from elite EGOT status - wore her natural white locks down in waves. Mirren (born Mironoff) defined her brows, wore smoky eye, as well as a bright red pout for the glitzy event. The Golda actress currently voices the ruthless blackmailer Lady Milverton in Moriarty: The Silent Order, which debuted November 9 on Audible. Versace? Camila opted for a bondage-inspired black dress, featuring a racy split down the front fastened by rings, with silver stilettos selected by styling duo Mariel Haenn + Rob Zangardi Became a brand ambassador in 2017: The Cuban-born, Miami-raised 26-year-old had her fringed French twist coiffed by hairstylist JR Fraser and her moon-inspired manicure applied by nail artist Tom Bachik Gorge: Make-up artist Patrick Ta brought out Cabello's rosy cheeks, overlined glossy lips, and white eye shadow for the fashion function Sizzling: She looked incredible in the racy gown Now you see it...: The three-time Grammy nominee - who boasts 67.1M Instagram followers - posted (then deleted) a close-up of her contoured complexion beneath her new favorite red-ribbon filter Finally hits US theaters this Friday! Camila (born Karla Estrabao) next voices Viva - the leader of the Putt-Putt Trolls and Poppy's (Anna Kendrick) long-lost sister - in Walt Dohrn's animated three-quel Trolls Band Together Sapphire sensation: Helen - who became a brand ambassador in 2014 - looked sophisticated in a blue long-sleeve gown selected by stylist Rachel Fanconi Barbie narrator: The British 78-year-old - who's only a Grammy away from elite EGOT status - wore her natural white locks down in waves A vision: Helen was beautiful in blue for the bash as she posed alongside her fellow ambassadors Painting the peacock: Mirren (born Mironoff) defined her brows, wore a bit of a smoky eye, as well as a bright red pout for the glitzy event Now streaming! The Golda actress currently voices the ruthless blackmailer Lady Milverton in Moriarty: The Silent Order, which debuted November 9 on Audible 'TFW you realize there's a season 2!' And on February 26, Paramount+ officially renewed Taylor Sheridan's Yellowstone spin-off 1923 - in which Helen portrays matriarch Cara Dutton - for a second season And on February 26, Paramount+ officially renewed Taylor Sheridan's Yellowstone spin-off 1923 - in which Helen portrays matriarch Cara Dutton - for a second season. The talented trio were also joined on the black carpet by L'Oreal Paris brand ambassadors Aja Naomi King and Andie MacDowell. Aja - who became a spokesperson in 2017 - beamed with delight as she posed between Cabello and Longoria. The 38-year-old Lessons In Chemistry actress rocked a vampy red lip to match her cleavage-framing floral frock selected by styling duo Wayman + Micah. MacDowell - who became a spokeswoman way back in 1986 - showcased her natural silver curls, which she famously stopped dying during the coronavirus pandemic. The 65-year-old Golden Globe winner - last seen in Amazon Prime Video's The Other Zoey - wore a silver-sequin plaid three-piece suit over a black pussy-bow blouse and black pumps. At one point, Andie (born Rosalie) placed one hand on the shoulder of Mirren as they proved how beautiful naturally aging can be. On the youthful end of the spectrum, TikToker-turned-reality star Charli D'Amelio donned a plunging black silk gown selected by stylist Carlee Barrow. Hey girl hey! The talented trio were also joined on the black carpet by L'Oreal Paris brand ambassadors Aja Naomi King (2-L) and Andie MacDowell (2-R) Sandwiched: Aja - who became a spokesperson in 2017 - beamed with delight as she posed between Cabello and Longoria Lady in red: The 38-year-old Lessons In Chemistry actress rocked a vampy red lip to match her cleavage-framing floral frock selected by styling duo Wayman + Micah Silver fox: MacDowell - who became a spokeswoman way back in 1986 - showcased her natural silver curls, which she famously stopped dying during the coronavirus pandemic Margaret Qualley's mother: The 65-year-old Golden Globe winner - last seen in Amazon Prime Video's The Other Zoey - wore a silver-sequin plaid three-piece suit over a black pussy-bow blouse and black pumps Icons only: At one point, Andie (born Rosalie) placed one hand on the shoulder of Mirren as they proved how beautiful naturally aging can be Teen dream: On the youthful end of the spectrum, TikToker-turned-reality star Charli D'Amelio donned a plunging black silk gown selected by stylist Carlee Barrow Black-clad couple: The 19-year-old content creator was joined by her bored-looking rocker boyfriend Landon Barker, whose famous father is Grammy-nominated drummer Travis Barker Bronzed mama: Vanderpump Rules alum Brittany Cartwright wore waist-length hair extensions and flaunted maximum cleavage in a pink blazer mini-dress and black strappy stilettos Attendees: Dancing with the Stars pro Witney Carson (L) wore a $109 green SNDYS x REVOLVE maxi-dress, Southern Charm star Madison LeCroy (M) opted for a gold strapless dress, and Daughter of the Bride actress Cara Santana (R) wore a cream-colored pantsuit The 19-year-old content creator was joined by her bored-looking rocker boyfriend Landon Barker, whose famous father is Grammy-nominated drummer Travis Barker. Vanderpump Rules alum Brittany Cartwright wore waist-length hair extensions and flaunted maximum cleavage in a pink blazer mini-dress and black strappy stilettos. Dancing with the Stars pro Witney Carson wore a $109 green SNDYS x REVOLVE maxi-dress, Southern Charm star Madison LeCroy opted for a gold strapless dress, and Daughter of the Bride actress Cara Santana wore a cream-colored pantsuit. On Thursday L'Oreal Paris honored Sophia Kianni, Stephanie Woodward, Judaline Cassidy, Mariya Taher, Samantha Wettje, Estefania Rebellon, Cass Forkin, Shrusti Amula, Tonya Sandis, and Sonia Su. Nicholas Lyndhurst was the breakout star of the latest Frasier episode after leaving fans in hysterics with his bold outfit choice. The Only Fools and Horses star, 62, plays Frasier's old Oxford chum Alan Cornwall in the rebooted sitcom and has been praised by fans for his wit and comic timing. Yet it was his peculiar choice of clothing that delighted viewers in the latest episode, which saw the return of fan favourite Lilith (Bebe Neuwirth). The running gag of the episode was that Lilith could never remember Alan, despite his decades-long friendship with Frasier (Kelsey Grammar) with Alan deciding to wear the same white suit he had worn to their wedding as a 'visual clue to help jog her memory.' Yet Frasier was quick to mock the attire, comparing him to Bond villain Blofeld, Indiana Jones and Jack T. Colton by joking: 'Good lord, what were you doing? Lowering someone into a pit of alligators? Trying to raid a lost ark, maybe romance a stone?' Bit of all white: Nicholas Lyndhurst stole the show as he was compared to Colonel Sanders and Bond villain Blofeld (right) as he donned a white suit and trilby for the Frasier reboot Frasier's son Freddy (Jack Cutmore-Scott) then quipped: 'Surely you recognize the mayor of Key West', to which Frasier replied: 'No, no, hes that chicken magnate from Kentucky.' As Freddy then referred to Alan as 'the simple country lawyer who doesnt have a lot of fancy book learning but knows the good people of this parish', Frasier quipped back: 'Oh, Frederick, please, dont insult the supervillain who squared off against James Bond at the Monte Carlo casino.' Even Lilith got in the action, telling Alan: 'Theyre just joking. I know who you are. So: go ahead and welcome us to Jurassic Park.' Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, fans were left in hysterics at the scene, writing: 'I just laughed so hard at Alan in this suit #Frasier'; 'I absolutely enjoyed Frasier, Lilith, and Freddy shading Alan together as a little family Frasier'; 'Managed to catch the latest episode of #Frasier. Kelsey Grammer and Bebe Neuwirth effortlessly manage to recapture the chemistry they had in the old show. And Lilith not remembering Alan was my favorite running gag from the episode. Great stuff!'; 'That was SUCH a good episode of Frasier today - nice to see Lilith given so much time and Alan (Nicholas Lyndhurst) is just phenomenal. #Frasier'. Alan has become a main character in the Frasier reboot, while gone are Frasiers brother Niles and his wife Daphne, as well as his father Martin, who recently passed away (actor John Mahoney died in 2018). Instead, Frasier finds himself in Boston, back where it all started with Cheers. One to watch: The Only Fools and Horses star, 62, plays Frasier's old Oxford chum Alan Cornwall in the rebooted sitcom and has been praised by fans for his wit and comic timing Making a comeback: Yet it was his peculiar choice of clothing that delighted viewers in the latest episode, which saw the return of fan favourite Lilith (Bebe Neuwirth) Loving it: Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, fans were left in hysterics at the scene as they praised Nicholas for his 'phenomenal' performance His career as a radio and TV shrink is behind him and hes teaching at Harvard University. Hes also attempting to forge a closer relationship with his son Freddy. Yet it soon transpires that Freddy had far more in common with his blue-collar grandfather Martin than he does with his own dad. READ MORE: Nicholas Lyndhurst returns to work for Frasier reboot after tragic death of his 19-year-old son Advertisement Having dropped out of Harvard against his fathers wishes, Freddy now works as a fireman and shares modest digs with his roommate Eve (Jess Salgueiro). And just as Frasier struggled to relate to his father in the original show, the new series sees him attempt to bond with his son. Hes helped, and often hindered, in his quest by his old Oxford chum Alan, now a professor at Harvard. Apathetic and lazy, he couldnt differ more from his uptight friend, yet the two share a bond. Speaking about his role, Nicholas said: I would say that Frasier hasnt had a true friend before. 'But sometimes you have a friend where you can just sit in silence for hours. You dont have to say anything. I think Alan is that to Frasier. Nicholas and Kelsey worked together four years ago in the West End production of Man Of La Mancha and Kelsey personally selected Nicholas for the part. This is a welcome return to our TV screens for Nicholas, who was last seen starring with his son Archie four years ago in the CBBC series So Awkward. The next year Archie died from a brain haemorrhage aged 19, and Frasier dedicated its opening episode both to him and to John Mahoney. Frasier is available to stream on Paramount+ Married At First Sight stars Shona Manderson and Matt Pilmoor have confirmed their secret relationship, after meeting on the show. The duo tied the knot with Brad Skelly and Adrienne Naylor on the show, however their respective romances both ended leading to their union. Speaking to OK!, Shona, who was ejected from the experiment due to the toxicity of her marriage, delightedly revealed: 'We have a really healthy, happy, safe, fun, relationship - I really appreciate Matt, it's what I deserve, we deserve each other'. Matt admitted they 'had to be so careful' to keep their romance secret and while it would have been 'incredible' to be paired together from the start, he conceded: 'I think it happened this way around for a purpose.' Shona went on: 'I'm proud to be his girlfriend and it just works. Matt would be driving and I would be in the back, we would be walking around Nottingham and I'd be all the way over there, we were like secret agents on a mission'. Heating up! Married At First Sight stars Shona Manderson and Matt Pilmoor have confirmed their secret relationship, after meeting on the show Shock: Shona was ejected from the experiment due to the toxicity of her marriage to Brad Skelly Matt added: 'We had to do it, we had to be so careful... We had to do what we had to do, my experience was good but we were meant to go on those journeys to find each other ... Being together from the start would have been incredible but I think it happened this way around for a purpose.' Last month, Shona appeared on the 'Its Not You, Its Them, But It Might Be You' podcast with LalalaletMeExplain. She told the dating expert about some of Brad's behaviour that wasn't shown on the Channel 4 show. Shona started by saying: 'So majority of Bradley's inexcusable behaviour actually happened off camera and there was an incident after our third dinner party which then resulted in the experts intervening and choosing to send us home... 'And I won't share the details because it's just too much. It's too much for me to go into. But something I am happy to share with you is an example of something that didn't make the edit, but it happened in front of people... 'We were at a second CC and my friend, Laura in the cast, has just been called a gold digger by another cast member, luke. 'And a little bit of context, Bradley throughout the experiment, he's done TV before. So he kept being like "don't do this, don't do that, I'm getting annoyed that you're not listening to me and don't rise to drama. We don't rise to drama... 'Your yoga vibes and meditation vibes", blah, blah, blah. And I'm sat there and my heart's going for Laura and I'm thinking I want to stick up for about hate confrontation, anyway, I do. And as soon as I do, Bradley, let's go off my hand... My love: Matt admitted they 'had to be so careful' to keep their romance secret and while it would have been 'incredible' to be paired together from the start, he conceded: 'I think it happened this way around for a purpose' Unfair: Last month, Shona appeared on the 'Its Not You, Its Them, But It Might Be You' podcast with LalalaletMeExplain. She told the dating expert about some of Brad's behaviour that wasn't shown on the Channel 4 show 'And he goes. "What the eff are you doing?" And I just freeze and I come like a deer in the headlights you see it in the edit and I kind of like stumble on my words, my argument is rubbish.' An emotional Shona added: 'I feel really embarrassed. And then he just goes "well done, you made a complete c*** out of yourself there"... 'And I'm just sat there. "Bradley, you can't talk to me like that." I run to the toilet, have a massive panic attack and I have to sit on the couch.' Matt meanwhile clashed with Adrienne with their contrasting views on children - with the former wanting to have kids and the latter not. In the final week of the experiment when the topic of starting a family was brought up as Matt, 29, said: 'Is there a reason why we shouldn't work on the outside? We want to travel, we want to do bits and bobs. I would one day like to have kids.' Getting serious, Adrienne replied: 'I think we are in an amazing place and I think the world of you. 'But it does worry me that you do want kids. I've always said 'don't want them'. And I've never met anybody that's made me want to change that answer.' Looking disappointed, Matt replied: 'Ummm... do you think that it could be changed?' Trouble: Matt meanwhile clashed with Adrienne with their contrasting views on children - with the former wanting to have kids and the latter not Ncuti Gatwa has said a Doctor Who legend will be brought back from the dead as he revealed some series 14 secrets this week. The actor, 31, who is set to make history as the first black male Time Lord, made the admission while attending GQ magazine's Men of the Year Awards on Wednesday. Speaking to The Mirror on the red carpet, he explained: 'I shouldnt say this but I shot a scene, somehow, with the first-ever Doctor, William Hartnell. We end up in the same scene together at some point.' The late William Hartnell was the first Doctor and played the role from 1963 to 1966, starring in 137 episodes. He passed away in December 1975, aged 67, after suffering a series of strokes. The actor last reprised his role as The Doctor in The Three Doctors over Christmas / New Year of 1972. This was his final on screen appearance due to his declining health. Exciting: Ncuti Gatwa, 31, has said a Doctor Who legend will be brought back from the dead as he revealed some series 14 secrets at GQ magazine's Men of the Year Awards on Wednesday On screen: The actor is set to make history as the first black male Time Lord next year Ncuti added: 'To see that history now a Black man as the Doctor! It was just very wild.' Doctor Who has been produced by the BBC since 1963 and when it was first released, was intended to be a regular weekly programme aired on Saturday evenings. It originally ran for 26 seasons from November 23, 1963 to December 6, 1989, it was intended to be an educational show for family viewing to teach its younger audience about history as the Doctor travelled through time with its companions, a history and science teacher. Ncuti became a household name when he starred as gay teenager Eric Effiong in the Netflix comedy-drama series Sex Education. The Rwandan-Scottish star has yet to make his debut as a Dalek-battling Time Lord he has already raked in almost 1million from his acting career. The actor was announced as the next Doctor by the show's screenwriter Russell T Davies last year and has been busy filming for the 2024 series. He will be the 15th actor to take on the full-time role of the Time Lord in the BBC series when he makes his debut later this year. It comes after Ncuti joined the cast of Sex Education for its fourth and final series, which debuted on Netflix earlier this year. Return: Speaking to The Mirror on the red carpet, he explained: 'I shouldnt say this but I shot a scene, somehow, with the first-ever Doctor, William Hartnell' (William pictured as The Doctor) First: The late William Hartnell was the first Doctor and played the role from 1963 to 1966, starring in 137 episodes Career: Ncuti became a household name when he starred as gay teenager Eric Effiong in the Netflix comedy-drama series Sex Education Earlier this year, Jodie Turner-Smith told how she signed on to do the series after actor Ncuti rang her up to pitch the idea. The Queen and Slim star featured on the comedy-drama as 'God' as she appeared to Eric Effiong (Ncuti Gatwa) to make sure he followed his life's calling in a dream. 'First of all all my scenes were with Ncuti Gatwa who I DIE for him and he's my favorite character on the show,' she told Variety. 'So when he called me and asked me to do it I was like, I don't care how much they're paying I'm doing [it].' Diddy attempted to rebrand himself as 'Love' and claimed he'd been on a 'healing journey' in a rambling talk show appearance filmed days before his ex-girlfriend Cassie accused him of rape and repeated physical abuse. The rapper, 54, is the subject of a lawsuit filed in Manhattan's Federal District Court on Thursday in which Cassie, 37, claims Diddy - real name Sean Combs - controlled and abused her for over a decade as well as plying her with drugs, beating her, and forcing her to have sex with multiple male prostitutes while he watched, masturbated and recorded. Last week on Thursday, Diddy was seen out in London, looking downcast on a stroll shortly before filming his appearance on The Graham Norton Show. He was hard to miss in a bright yellow padded gilet but shielded his eyes with sunglasses as he strolled through a park. The following day he was mocked by viewers when his chat show appearance aired as he promoted his first album in 13 years. Sombre: Last week, Diddy was seen out in London on Thursday looking downcast on a stroll in his last sighting before being sued by ex Cassie for rape and physical abuse Confusing: Diddy attempted to rebrand himself as 'Love' and claimed he'd been on a 'healing journey' in a rambling talk show appearance filmed days before the lawsuit came Allegations: Cassie claims Diddy - real name Sean Combs - controlled and abused her for over a decade as well as plying her with drugs and beating her (pictured in 2016) He explained the music, entitled The Love Album: Off the Grid had taken him two and a half years to make and revealed he had rebranded himself as 'Love' as part of his new 'musical frequency.' Diddy has previously been known as Puff Daddy and P. Diddy. Asked by host Graham Norton where 'Love' now fits into his name, he explained: 'I think out here in London you can understand - like David Bowie - I was always a fan of his and he was able to give you different artistic personas. 'But for me my real life is my art. So there's been different eras. 'So there's been the Puff Daddy era, the P. Diddy. era, then I dropped the 'P' and it was the Diddy era and now this is the ultimate goal - I have become 'Love'. As Graham probed, 'But do I call you Love?' Diddy continued: 'See this is where it gets confusing. 'Y'all call me Diddy but when I'm being Love, when I'm in that mood because I have to remind myself we live in a toxic world and it's love versus hate that's what's going on right now.' Growing animated and punching the air he continued: 'I choose love! That's my new name and love wins, love wins, lets go y'all!' He went on to explain the reason for his 13-year break since his last album and revealed he wanted his new tunes to be the soundtrack to 'baby music.' Diddy added: 'I went through a healing journey and I stopped making music. I stopped being creative. 'I was on a low frequency nd then there was one thing missing - RnB music, baby making music. When was the last time you made love to some baby making music? 'This album - you have albums for music frequencies - I'm on a love frequency. so when you want to get on your significant other and you just want to get into that mood, that groove. 'This album is for the strokers - you got to take your time with things and you've got to have a light with a red bulb, it's called a love lamp. So you do that, you lock the door, you lock your kids out and y'all two get it popping. It's the soundtrack to your sex life.' As Diddy made his rambling speech, fellow show guests - actor George McKay, comedians Chris and Rosie Ramsay, and actress Ashley Jensen - looked on in bemusement, while viewers at home were also confused. They wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, 'This Diddy interview is so bizarre on Graham Norton'; 'Just watching The Graham Norton show. Who was that, pretending to be Sean Diddy Combs because thats not him?'; 'Im not being funny but Diddy Puff Daddy or LOVE or whatever his name is is completely embarrassing on the Graham Norton Show.' Out and about: Diddy was hard to miss in a bright yellow padded gilet but shielded his eyes with sunglasses as he strolled through a park Time out: He was seen smoking as he stepped out for fresh air in the capital the day before his rambling talk show appearance aired Low-key: He was seen on his phone as he sat on a park bench while his entourage stood close Strange: On The Graham Norton Show last week, Diddy revealed he had rebranded himself as 'Love' as part of his new 'musical frequency' Confused: As Diddy made his rambling speech, fellow show guests actress Ashley Jensen, actor George McKay and comedians Rosie and Chris Ramsay looked on in bemusement Embarrassing: He was mocked by viewers when his chat show appearance aired as he promoted his first album in 13 years Diddy is now believed to be back in the States, with reports claiming he is being investigated by the New York City Police Department. The music mogul has been accused of forcing his ex-girlfriend R&B legend Cassie to order male prostitutes with 'large black penises' to fulfil his voyeurism fantasies. He called the alleged sexual exploitation 'freak outs', according to the lawsuit, and they are said to have taken place in various hotel suites including at the Trump International Hotel in New York City. Cassie was allegedly required to dress up in lingerie, wear white nail polish to contrast with the skin of the black sex workers and cover herself in oil. She called the ordeals 'horrific encounters' and said she had to take drugs to disassociate. The pair met in 2005 when she was aged 19 and split in 2018. Diddy has vehemently denied all of the 'offensive and outrageous allegations.' Among the serious allegations is that Diddy sex trafficked Cassie, 37, to male prostitutes while he watched for sexual pleasure. The lawsuit claims she was directed to cover herself with oil and have sex with multiple men - sometimes in masks and costumes. It states that the music executive, who she first met as a teenager, told her it would 'turn him on' if he saw her with 'another d***'. He allegedly hired a man and brought him to his home in Los Angeles to engage in the sex acts with Cassie. 'Mr. Combs directed Ms. Ventura to perform sexual acts with this man while Mr. Combs watched them,' the lawsuit states. 'He masturbated while he directed Ms. Ventura and the man to do specific sexual acts. The entire encounter lasted multiple days.' She claimed Diddy got drunk during a 'freak off' around March 2016 and punched her in the face, leaving her with a black eye. Cassie said she tried to leave the hotel room when he fell asleep but he woke up and began screaming at her. Accusation: has been accused of forcing his ex-girlfriend R&B legend Cassie to order male prostitutes with 'large black penises' to fulfil his voyeurism fantasies (pictured in 2015) Lawsuit: He called the alleged sexual exploitation 'freak outs', according to the lawsuit, and they are said to have taken place in various hotel suites including the Trump International Hotel in New York City Filings: Cassie filed a lawsuit in Manhattan's Federal District Court on Thursday in which she accused the rapper, who goes by P Diddy, of rape and repeated physical abuse He allegedly grabbed at her, took the glass vases in the hallway and threw them at her 'causing glass to crash around them as she ran to the elevator to escape'. She managed to escape to her apartment but claimed she returned over fears he would be even angrier. 'When she returned, hotel security staff urged her to get back into a cab and go to her apartment, suggesting that they had seen the security footage showing Mr. Combs beating Ms. Ventura and throwing glass at her in the hotel hallway,' the lawsuit states. She alleged that Diddy paid the hotel staff $50,000 for the hallway security footage from that evening. On another occasion in 2013, Diddy allegedly set up a 'freak off' and was charged tens of thousands of dollars in damages by the hotel. Cassie was expected to facilitate the location and hiring of male sex workers for the 'freak offs', according to the lawsuit. She was allegedly instructed to use websites and escort services to find men with 'large black penises'. READ MORE: Diddy now faces reported NYPD CRIMINAL investigation over an apparent sexual assault as case is revealed the same day ex-girlfriend Cassie sued him over alleged abuse Advertisement It alleged that Diddy would insist on the encounters weekly and that he repeatedly told her it was 'our thing' and 'our secret'. Cassie claimed the 'freak offs' would often take place in hotel suites including the Trump International Hotel in Columbus Circle, LErmitage Beverly Hills, The London Hotel in Los Angeles and InterContinental Hotels across the country. His assistants would allegedly help set up the 'freak offs' by providing baby oil and lubricant. The lawsuit states: 'Mr. Combs always supplied Ms. Ventura (and the sex worker) with copious amounts of drugs before and during the FOs. 'Ms. Ventura was given ecstasy, cocaine, GHB, ketamine, marijuana, and alcohol in excessive amounts during FOs, which allowed her to disassociate during these horrific encounters. 'It became common place to get IV fluids in the days after an FO to recover from the excessive substances pushed upon her.' She claimed Diddy would ask her to pour excessive amounts of oil over herself before he instructed her and the sex workers what to do. 'Mr. Combs would say things like, grab that big Black d*** and ask her how does it feel? as he directed her to perform for him,' the lawsuit states. Diddy allegedly used his phone, laptop and tablet to film the 'freak offs' and treated it like a 'personal art project', adjusting the lighting. Cassie said she deleted photographs and videos of the sex acts if they were taken on her phone but claimed Diddy told her he kept many. The lawsuit claims that he raped her in September 2018 and that he forced his way into her apartment after dinner in Malibu, California. He allegedly tried to kiss her before forcibly removing her clothes and unbuckling his belt. 'He proceeded to rape Ms. Ventura while she repeatedly said no and tried to push him away,' the lawsuit claims. Venue: Cassie claimed the 'freak offs' would often take place in hotel suites including The London Hotel in Los Angeles (pictured) Freak offs: The lawsuit stated that the 'freak offs' sometimes took place at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Miami (pictured) Filings: The lawsuit claims Cassie was directed to have sex with multiple men - sometimes in masks and costumes - while the music exec watched, masturbated, and filmed Following this alleged incident, Cassie said she took steps to completely separate herself from 'her long-time abuser'. She eventually left the home he paid for and returned the car he purchased for her. But Cassie said she suffers from immense emotional distress from the 'immense trauma endured over a decade with Mr Combs'. Cassie said that although she has 'fully escaped' Diddy the 'harm that the assaults and sexual abuse he caused her to experience for nearly a decade will forever haunt her'. The lawsuit claimed she has required intensive medical and psychological care to recover from 'trauma she lived through'. She is seeking unspecified damages. The lawsuit is brought under the Adult Survivors Act - which is a New York law allowing people to file claims even after the statute of limitations has run out. The suit said: 'With the expiration of New York's Adult Survivors Act fast approaching it became clear that this was an opportunity to speak up about the trauma I have experienced and that I will be recovering from for the rest of my life.' Ben Brafman, Diddy's lawyer, said: 'Mr. Combs vehemently denies these offensive and outrageous allegations. 'For the past six months, Mr. Combs has been subjected to Ms. Ventura's persistent demand of $30 million, under the threat of writing a damaging book about their relationship, which was unequivocally rejected as blatant blackmail. 'Despite withdrawing her initial threat, Ms. Ventura has now resorted to filing a lawsuit riddled with baseless and outrageous lies, aiming to tarnish Mr. Combs's reputation and seeking a payday.' But her attorney Wigdor told DailyMail.com: 'Mr. Combs offered Ms. Ventura eight figures to silence her and prevent the filing of this lawsuit. She rejected his efforts and decided to give a voice to all woman who suffer in silence. Ms. Ventura should be applauded for her bravery.' Diddy, who also goes by the stage name Puff Daddy, is worth an estimated $1 billion after being one of the star figures in the commercialization of hip-hop in the 1990s. Exes: The pair met in 2005 when she was aged 19 and split in 2018. Diddy has vehemently denied all of the 'offensive and outrageous allegations' (pictured in 2018) He grew to be one of his generation's most notable music producers - working with names such as Notorious B.I.G. and Mary J. Blige. Diddy founded Bad Boy - his record label - which Cassie was signed to in 2006. Cassie has since married Alex Fine and has two children with him. She was swept up in his luxurious lifestyle and reaped the benefits of having her debut album released under his label. DailyMail.com has contacted Diddy, Trump Hotels, the London Hotel and the Mandarin Oriental Hotel for comment. Elizabeth Debicki looked in good spirits as she stepped out in New York City on Friday amid mounting controversy over the final season of The Crown. The Australian actress, 33, beamed broadly at passersby as she continued to do her promotional rounds for season six of the hit Netflix show, the first half of which was released on Thursday. She wrapped up warm for the outing as she layered a grey midi dress over a semi sheer top and tights, shrugging a camel coat over her shoulders. Elizabeth - who plays Princess Diana in the show - cinched in her slender waist with a thick black belt and boosted her modelesque frame with chunky heels. She completed the look with a pair of cat eye sunglasses, while her golden locks were worn in loose waves that framed her pretty features. Striking: Elizabeth Debicki looked in good spirits as she stepped out in New York City on Friday amid mounting controversy over the final season of The Crown Out and about: The Australian actress, 33, beamed broadly at passersby as she continued to do her promotional rounds for season six of the hit Netflix show Controversial: Viewers have hit out at the Crown for scenes depicting Debicki's Princess Diana 's ghost talking to King Charles and the late Queen Elizabeth Elizabeth's outing comes as viewers have hit out at The Crown for scenes depicting Princess Diana's ghost talking to King Charles and the late Queen Elizabeth. Part one of the Netflix hit's sixth series came out, with the emotional four episodes focusing on the late royal's last few days before her death. However, while many were in tears at how the programme depicted Princes William and Harry's grief - in particular the final phone call they shared with their mother - audiences were largely baffled by the imaginary conversations her non-corporeal spirit had with other royals. The first instance, in episode four, happens when the then Prince of Wales, played by Dominic West, flies to Paris to collect Diana's body. On the flight home, Charles is greeted by Diana's 'ghost' - Elizabeth Debicki - who says: 'Thank you for how you were in the hospital . So raw, broken - and handsome. Ill take that with me.' But her ex-husband admits that he's felt 'regret' since her passing, which she reassures 'will pass'. Later, she once again materialises after the Queen has a disagreement on how much the Royal Family should be showing their grief for the late Princess. Diana's ghost appears and takes hold of the Queen's hand. The monarch tells Diana she has started 'a revolution'. She replies: 'It didnt need to be. By making an enemy of me - not of me personally - but of what I stand for, then it starts to look like one.' The spirit then encourages the Queen to show the public she is 'willing to learn'. Chic: She wrapped up warm for the outing as she layered a grey midi dress over a semi sheer top and tights, shrugging a camel coat over her shoulders Gorgeous: Elizabeth - who plays Princess Diana in the show - cinched in her slender waist with a thick black belt and boosted her modelesque frame with chunky heels Many on X - formerly known as Twitter - found the moments 'ridiculous', with some labelling the scene 'crass'. The emotional first four episodes cover the tragic car crash in Paris that killed Princess Diana in August 1997 alongside her lover Dodi and their chauffeur Henri Paul and the Royal Family 's reaction to it, as well as the summer holiday Diana and Dodi enjoyed in St Tropez prior to the tragedy. The Paris scenes were shot in the French capital, while a yacht was hired for the St Tropez scenes, although these were actually filmed in Mallorca. For sensitivity reasons the exact moment of Diana's death is not re-created, but there are controversial scenes in which Charles tenderly converses with an imaginary Diana in the cabin of the royal plane as he accompanies her body from Paris to London , and later when she also appears to the Queen. Critics who have seen these scenes called them 'farcical' for portraying Diana as a ghost, but series creator Peter Morgan has insisted that wasn't the intention. 'I never imagined it as Diana's ghost in the traditional sense,' he told Variety magazine. 'It was her continuing to live vividly in the minds of those she has left behind.' The Crown was devised by Morgan after the success of his 2006 film about the Royal Family's reaction to Diana's death, The Queen. And the series which has earned 21 Emmys and dozens of BAFTA nominations, not to mention some criticism for its historical inaccuracies covers the same ground, but using fresh information gleaned in the 17 years since the Oscar-winning movie was made. In fact, the scripts had to be updated all the time as the Royal Family were plunged into headlines throughout the filming period, not only with the Queen's death but also following the release of Prince Harry's memoir Spare. Napoleon star Vanessa Kirby suffered a wardrobe malfunction on Thursday as she reunited with her Crown co-star Matt Smith in London. The actress, 35, ripped her delicate semi-sheer top while out for dinner after attending the Napoleon premiere earlier in the evening. Departing Scott's restaurant in Mayfair, she remained undeterred by the hole in her sleeve as she continued to sign autographs for fans who had waited outside. Vanessa was also joined by filmmaker Ridley Scott and his wife Giannina Facio for the outing. Despite the tear, she looked stylish in the satin high-neck top that was paired with a high waisted pencil skirt. Oh no! Napoleon star Vanessa Kirby, 35, suffered a wardrobe malfunction on Thursday as she headed out for dinner after attending the Napoleon premiere in London Disaster: The actress, who plays Napoleon Bonaparte's first wife Empress Josephine in the biopic, ripped her delicate semi-sheer top Pals: She reunited with her Crown co-star Matt Smith for the meal The star topped her look off with a pair of patent stiletto heels and pulled her blonde hair back into a neat pony tail. Matt looked smart in a black trench coat and jeans, as he departed in a taxi with his pal Poppy Delevingne's ex husband James Cook. Earlier in the night, Vanessa joined Joaquin Phoenix at the premiere of their new movie Napoleon at the Odeon Luxe Leicester Square in London on Thursday. The Crown star looked as elegant as ever as she was seen smiling for snaps with her co-star, 49, on the red carpet of the star-studded event. Joaquin stars as Napoleon Bonaparte in the biopic, which depicts the French leader's rise to power, while Vanessa portrays his first wife Empress Josephine. For the glitzy premiere, Vanessa cut a glamorous figure in a stunning one-shouldered red gown with a train that billowed out behind her. She let her outfit do all the talking as she posed up a storm for the camera, making sure all eyes were on her as she stormed the red carpet. Vanessa was also seen smiling for snaps with Joaquin, who cut a suave figure in a black suit for the occasion. Dinner: Departing Scott's restaurant in Mayfair, she remained undeterred by the hole in her sleeve as she continued to sign autographs for fans who had waited outside Headed home: Matt looked smart in a black trench coat and jeans, as he departed in a taxi with his pal, Poppy Delevingne's ex husband, James Cook On screen: Vanessa played Princess Margaret in the Netflix series while Matt portrayed Prince Philip Wow! It comes after Vanessa joined Joaquin Phoenix at the premiere of their new movie Napoleon at the Odeon Luxe Leicester Square in London on Thursday Gorgeous: The Crown star looked as elegant as ever as she was seen posing for snaps on the red carpet of the star-studded event Joaquin was seen sweetly planting a kiss on Vanessa's head as the co-stars posed together for their big night. Also on the red carpet were Rolling Stones star Ronnie Wood and his wife Sally, who looked as loved-up as ever as they posed arm-in-arm for the cameras. Napoleon marks the first time Joaquin has been reunited with director Sir Ridley Scott since starring in Gladiator in 2000. Napoleon Bonaparte, later known by his regnal name Napoleon I, was a Corsican-born French military commander and political leader. 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 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. Beauty: For the glitzy premiere, Vanessa cut a glamorous figure in a stunning one-shouldered red gown with a train that billowed out behind her Pals: Joaquin was seen sweetly planting a kiss on Vanessa's head as the co-stars posed together for their big night Celebrating: Vanessa was also seen smiling for snaps with Joaquin, who cut a suave figure in a black suit for the occasion Stunner: She let her outfit do all the talking as she posed up a storm for the camera, making sure all eyes were on her Incredible: Vanessa was a vision in her all red ensemble as she showed off her stunning garment Fashionista: Vanessa captured attention as she stormed the premiere, which had the colours of the French flag across the floor Getting glam: Vanessa was seen being given a helping hand arranging her stunning gown on the red carpet All smiles: She appeared to be in jovial spirits as she waved for the cameras for the night Star-studded: Vanessa led the stars at the very glitzy affair as she celebrated her movie's release Glitzy: Vanessa added to her features with a smokey-eye make-up palette and lashings of mascara Bombshell: Vanessa kept her accessories minimal as she let her dress do all the talking Amazing: Vanessa showed off her incredible figure in her gown and swept her blonde locks back into a tight up-do Good look: Vanessa added some glitz to her ensemble with silver earrings Kiss: Joaquin sweetly planted a kiss on Vanessa's head as they posed together 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 Speaking about the film, 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.' Ridley's long-awaited Napoleon biopic has garnered glowing reviews in both Britain and the US. However, French critics slammed the film as 'deeply clumsy' and 'boring' ahead of its release on November 22. Historian Patrice Gueniffey, writing in Le Point, slammed the film as 'the film of an Englishman... very anti-French' and criticised the director for having 'wokist biases'. A reviewer for GQ said the film left them 'bored', adding there was something 'clumsy' but 'unintentionally funny' about seeing French soldiers shout 'Vive la France' with American accents. Canadian French-language newspaper Le Devoir led with the headline 'Not Waterloo, but not Austerlitz either,' referencing Napoleon's futile last stand in Belgium and his tactical 'masterpiece' against the Russians in today's Czechia. The article described Joaquin's Napoleon as a 'petulant man-child who doesn't really seem to know what he's doing'. Criticism of the film's direction comes after director Ridley has passionately hit back at claims of inaccuracies from historians including Dan Snow. Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Today Programme, French academic Dr Estelle Paranque acknowledged the film's inaccuracies but insisted that 'it is a movie, it is not a documentary'. Friends: Vanessa was seen smiling and laughing with Joaquin as they socialised at the event Gentleman: Joaquin was seen gesturing for Vanessa to go ahead of him at the event Funny: Vanessa was seen gesturing Joaquin to stand alongside her for pictures Dapper: Joaquin cut a suave figure in a black suit for the occasion Big night: Vanessa and Joaquin also posed with director Ridley Scott at the premiere Leading man: Joaquin takes on the titular role of Napoleon in the hotly-anticipated biopic Milestone: Napoleon marks the first time Joaquin has been reunited with director Sir Ridley Scott since starring in Gladiator in 2000 Smart: Ridley cut a smart figure in an all-black ensemble as he celebrated his film's release Couple: Ronnie Wood looked trendy as he stepped out with his glamorous wife Sally Smitten: The couple, who tied the knot in 2012, appeared to be as loved-up as ever Good form: Sally looked incredible in a white sequinned gown as she posed with her arm around Rolling Stones legend Ronnie Sweet: The couple sweetly held hands as they took to the red carpet together Close: Ronnie looked smart in black trousers, a white shirt and a black waistcoat as he posed with Sally Laughing: Ronnie and Sally gave each other a look of love as they posed holding hands Family: The couple share twins Gracie Jane and Alice Rose, six Fun times: Jon Snow cut a suave figure in a beige suit and a colourful green and yellow tie Vibrant: Strictly's Krishnan Guru-Murthy put on a colourful display in a yellow paisley shirt, black trousers and a grey blazer Debonair: Dan Walker cut a dapper figure in a purple suit, which he teamed with a white shirt Sophisticated: Radio presenter Jenni Falconer looked smart in a black waistcoat and slim-fit trousers, which she styled with pointed heels Stylish: She toted her essentials in a small black handbag to complete her chic outfit Eye-catching: Ria Hebden made sure to turn heads in a cream jewelled dress as she posed with her husband Mark Sparkling: Amber Doig-Thorne showed off her style in a red sequinned mini dress, which she wore with a matching cape Dazzling: Josephine de La Baume cut a quirky figure in a black hooded dress covered with sequins Reviews: Ridley's long-awaited Napoleon biopic has garnered glowing reviews in both Britain and the US (pictured: Joaquin as Napoleon) Cast: Joaquin stars as Napoleon Bonaparte in the biopic, which depicts the French leader's rise to power, while Vanessa (pictured) portrays his first wife Empress Josephine Reality: Napoleon Bonaparte, later known by his regnal name Napoleon I, was a Corsican-born French military commander and political leader But, speaking of the depiction of the execution of Marie Antoinette, she said: 'It did annoy me a little because he made her kind of fearless and a bit feisty, and at the time honestly she was not.' However, director Ridley hit back at accusations of historical 'inaccuracies'. In an interview with the New Yorker, he told a critic to 'get a life' when pressed. 'There are 400 books written about him. Maybe the first one was the most accurate, the next one is already doing a version of the author,' he said. 'By the time you get to book 399, guess what, there's a lot of speculation.' It was a night of the stars at the GQ Men of the Year event on Thursday. And following the festivities, a slew of stars - including Megan Thee Stallion, Paris Hilton, Draya Michele and Karrueche Tran - looked jaw-dropping as they departed the Chateau Marmont after the star-studded bash. Paris, 42, was not to be outdone in the glam stakes as she she wowed in a rhinestone-adorned gown with a cowl neck and a floor-sweeping length. Elsewhere, the WAP rapper, 28, meanwhile was leaving little to the imagination as she emerged from the party with her ample assets on display for all to see. Draya, 38, and Karrueche, 35, were both shunning the cardinal legs-or-cleavage rule by wowing in racy gowns with plunging necks and thigh-high splits. Stunner: Paris Hilton looked jaw-dropping as she headed to the Chateau Marmont following the GQ Men of the Year event on Thursday in LA Wow: Paris looked sensational as she strutted into the venue in her rhinestone-adorned gown with a cowl neck and a floor-sweeping length Hot stuff: Elsewhere, the WAP rapper, 28, meanwhile was leaving little to the imagination as she emerged from the party with her ample assets on display for all to see She IS a stallion! Megan's curvaceous frame was on show for all to see in the racy gown Sizzling: Krrueche, 35,shunned the cardinal legs-or-cleavage rule by wowing in racy gowns with plunging necks and thigh-high splits Wow: She boosted her cleavage with the racy cupped gown and also showed off her lithe legs Legs eleven! Draya looked incredible in the sizzling mini dress as she stepped out Paris, who welcomed her first son Carter in January, looked sensational in her sexy ensemble which made a bold statement thanks to its dazzling nature. She perfectly paired a pair of pewter court shoes with her ensemble, while her dramatic eye make-up gave a flawless finish. Megan left almost nothing to the imagination while smoldering in a sheer dress. The dress had glamorous black beading and dainty black mesh ruffling along the neck. Her silky brunette hair was styled in a voluminous updo. The former GQ cover star, 28, protected her modesty by wearing pasties and nude undergarments. The gentlemen were not to be outdone, with James Marsden looking dashing in a grey suit with a complementary shirt unbuttoned low on his hunky chest. Spiderman star Andrew Garfield went more casual in all black, with a crew neck top, high-waisted trousers and trainers paired with a smattering of designer facial hair. Olivia Jade Giannulli, the daughter of disgraced stars Mossimo Giannulli and actress Lori Loughlin, looked jaw-dropping in a sequin coord with a bra underneath. The two-piece came in a midnight blue and comprised a floor-sweeping duster coat and wide leg trousers while she showed her taut abs underneath. Stunner: The gentlemen were not to be outdone, with James Marsden looking dashing in a grey suit with a complementary shirt unbuttoned low on his hunky chest Hitting the street: Spiderman star Andrew Garfield went more casual in all black, with a crew neck top, high-waisted trousers and trainers paired with a smattering of designer facial hair Wow: Olivia Jade Giannulli, the daughter of disgraced stars Mossimo Giannulli and actress Lori Loughlin, looked jaw-dropping in a sequin coord with a bra underneath Sleek: Patrick Schwarzenegger looked handsome in a black suit with a white shirt and tie Bold: Diplo went for a statement style with bleached locks and snakeskin boots The annual Men Of The Year list has sparked outrage this year after Kim Kardsahian landed the cover of the edition - despite being female. The 43-year-old reality star was one of three cover stars of the US edition ahead of Thursday night's awards, which honoured a selection of people who have shaped culture, fashion, entertainment and sport in 2023. Kim was branded Tycoon Of The Year after launching Skims menswear, and posed in an androgynous suit and tie for the cover spread, taking to Instagram to share: 'Hi! Im the GQ Man of the Year!' She is not the first female to cover the annual edition, following on from Rihanna, Megan Thee Stallion, Jennifer Lopez, Jennifer Aniston and Scarlett Johansson. Yet taking to comments, fans were baffled by the news, posting: 'i just feel like this is taking away from the successful men yk'; 'And this ladies and gentlemen... 'Is why America is now laughed at around the world. Absolutely friggin embarrassing'; 'But like...you're not a man. Hahaha I am confused all the time'. Making an exit: Olivia Rodrigro put her long legs on display as she strutted home Off we go: Seth Rogen was suited and booted for the bash Others added: 'I think this is super insensitive. Here we are as a society fighting for womens rights still, not allowing transgenders in womens sports, nor wanting transgender men to advertise womens clothing and bras... 'But we go and put a woman, Kim K, on for MAN of the year? And somehow thats okay? nah I dont like the double standard; 'Help me understand why she is on the cover of a Men of the Year edition?'; 'Soooooo being a successful business person is a male trait?... 'Weird'; 'All of the dope men of color doing cool things in the world and yall do this?'; 'Weird'; Adding to the disrespect of men is crazy.'; 'Like why'; 'Men of the year issue' In 2018 Rose McGowan became first ever female recipient of a GQ Man Of The Year award, receiving the Inspiration honour for her work on the #MeToo movement. As well as Kim, Jacob Elordi and rapper Travis Scott landed US covers this year. Ouch! Simu Liu was walking in a boot and supported by crutches after a recent accident Low-key: Andrew Garfield made a muted exit from the glamorous awards show Campbell Brown has split with his wife Jess Johnston, according to a new report. The couple, who have three children together, had been together for 19 years and married for ten. The former Hawthorn star, 40, is said to have left his wife 'devastated' and 'blindsided' by the breakup. 'It's all so raw and came out of nowhere,' a source told the Herald Sun on Friday. The pair's eldest son Boston is six years old, and middle son Baker is two. Their youngest, Bailey, was born just three months ago in August. Campbell Brown has split with his wife Jess Johnston, according to a new report. Both pictured The Hawthorn player, 40, is said to have left his wife 'devastated' and 'blindsided' by the breakup. 'It's all so raw and came out of nowhere,' a source told the Herald Sun on Friday The family had lived outside Melbourne at Kangaroo Grounds, where they keep retired racehorses. Daily Mail Australia has reached out for comment. Just last week Campbell seemed on fine form at Flemington as part of SEN's Melbourne Cup coverage. All seemed well in August when the couple welcomed their third child. Campbell shared a gallery of precious baby photos to Instagram introducing the newborn to his fans. One adorable snap showed Campbell kissing the little one's forehead and another captured the youngster resting peacefully in his nursery. The pair's son Boston is six years old, and middle son Baker is two, and their youngest, Bailey, was born just three months ago in August All seemed well in August when the couple welcomed their third child. Campbell shared a gallery of precious baby photos to Instagram introducing the newborn to his fans 'Welcome to the world Bailey Jack Brown,' he wrote next to the photos. Campbell had an additional reason to be happy as Bailey was born on August 28, which also happened to be his 40th birthday. Back in March, Campbell confirmed to the Herald Sun his wife was pregnant with their third child. 'We're excited for another boy and starting our own little footy team. Our eldest son is excited to have another brother to terrorise,' he said. The premiership player played for Hawthorn from 2002 - 2010 and finished his AFL career at the Gold Coast Suns in 2013. He is the son of legendary Australian Rules player Mal Brown, 76. Just last week Campbell seemed on fine form at Flemington as part of SEN's Melbourne Cup coverage Joaquin Phoenix cut a dapper figure as he headed to celebrity spot Chiltern Firehouse after the Napoleon premiere in London on Thursday. The Academy-award winning actor looked serious as he went solo for the evening as his wife Rooney Mara who wasn't pictured with him. Despite supporting her husband on the red carpet at the film's premiere in Paris on Wednesday, she didn't seem to have made it to the London event. Yet her husband, 49, still looked dapper for the event as he kept it simple in a black suit, black tie and white shirt. He completed the look with some shiny black brogue shoes while his hand tattoos peaked out as he walked with his hands in his pockets. Dapper: Joaquin Phoenix, 49, seemed to beflying solo as he headed to Chiltern Firehouse without wife Rooney Mara after the Napoleon premiere in London on Thursday Smart: The Joker star he kept it simple in a black suit, black tie and white shirt Reviews: Ridley's long-awaited Napoleon biopic has garnered glowing reviews in both Britain and the US (pictured: Joaquin as Napoleon) Stunning: Despite supporting her husband on the red carpet at the film's premiere in Paris on Wednesday (pictured), Rooney Mara didn't seem to have made it to the London event Joaquin stars as Napoleon Bonaparte in the biopic, which depicts the French leader's rise to power, while Vanessa portrays his first wife Empress Josephine. His latest film marks the first time Joaquin has been reunited with director Sir Ridley Scott since starring in Gladiator in 2000. Starring alongside Vanessa Kirby in the movie, the pair went their separate directions after the premiere as they continued their night's at different venues. Victoria, who plays Napoleon Bonaparte's first wife Empress Josephine in the biopic, headed to Scott's restaurant in Mayfair for dinner after the event. The actress, 35, suffered a wardrobe malfunction as she ripped her delicate semi-sheer top. Yet the star remained undeterred by the hole in her sleeve as she continued to sign autographs for fans who had waited outside. Vanessa was joined by Ridley Scott and his wife Giannina Facio for the outing. Despite the tear, she looked stylish in the satin high-neck top that was paired with a high waisted pencil skirt. Leading man: Joaquin takes on the titular role of Napoleon in the hotly-anticipated biopic Dapper: Joaquin cut a suave figure in a black suit for the occasion Wow! Vanessa joined Joaquin at the premiere of their new movie Napoleon at the Odeon Luxe Leicester Square Gorgeous: The Crown star looked as elegant as ever as she was seen posing for snaps on the red carpet of the star-studded event Pals: Joaquin was seen sweetly planting a kiss on Vanessa's head as the co-stars posed together for their big night Celebrating: Vanessa was also seen smiling for snaps with Joaquin, who cut a suave figure in a black suit for the occasion Beauty: For the glitzy premiere, Vanessa cut a glamorous figure in a stunning one-shouldered red gown with a train that billowed out behind her The star topped her look off with a pair of patent stiletto heels and pulled her blonde hair back into a neat pony tail. For the glitzy premiere, Vanessa cut a glamorous figure in a stunning one-shouldered red gown with a train that billowed out behind her. She let her outfit do all the talking as she posed up a storm for the camera, making sure all eyes were on her as she stormed the red carpet. Vanessa was also seen smiling for snaps with Joaquin, who cut a suave figure in a black suit for the occasion. Joaquin was seen sweetly planting a kiss on Vanessa's head as the co-stars posed together for their big night. Also on the red carpet were Rolling Stones star Ronnie Wood and his wife Sally, who looked as loved-up as ever as they posed arm-in-arm for the cameras. Napoleon marks the first time Joaquin has been reunited with director Sir Ridley Scott since starring in Gladiator in 2000. Napoleon Bonaparte, later known by his regnal name Napoleon I, was a Corsican-born French military commander and political leader. Milestone: Napoleon marks the first time Joaquin has been reunited with director Sir Ridley Scott since starring in Gladiator in 2000 Funny: Vanessa was seen gesturing Joaquin to stand alongside her for pictures Oh no! Vanessa, 35, suffered a wardrobe malfunction as she ripped her delicate semi-sheer top Dinner: Departing Scott's restaurant in Mayfair, she remained undeterred by the hole in her sleeve as she continued to sign autographs for fans who had waited outside Getting glam: Vanessa was seen being given a helping hand arranging her stunning gown on the red carpet Glitzy: Vanessa added to her features with a smokey-eye make-up palette and lashings of mascara Bombshell: Vanessa kept her accessories minimal as she let her dress do all the talking Amazing: Vanessa showed off her incredible figure in her gown and swept her blonde locks back into a tight up-do Good look: Vanessa added some glitz to her ensemble with silver earrings Kiss: Joaquin sweetly planted a kiss on Vanessa's head as they posed together 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 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 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, 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.' Ridley's long-awaited Napoleon biopic has garnered glowing reviews in both Britain and the US. However, French critics slammed the film as 'deeply clumsy' and 'boring' ahead of its release on November 22. Historian Patrice Gueniffey, writing in Le Point, slammed the film as 'the film of an Englishman... very anti-French' and criticised the director for having 'wokist biases'. A reviewer for GQ said the film left them 'bored', adding there was something 'clumsy' but 'unintentionally funny' about seeing French soldiers shout 'Vive la France' with American accents. Canadian French-language newspaper Le Devoir led with the headline 'Not Waterloo, but not Austerlitz either,' referencing Napoleon's futile last stand in Belgium and his tactical 'masterpiece' against the Russians in today's Czechia. Friends: Vanessa was seen smiling and laughing with Joaquin as they socialised at the event Gentleman: Joaquin was seen gesturing for Vanessa to go ahead of him at the event Big night: Vanessa and Joaquin also posed with director Ridley Scott at the premiere Smart: Ridley cut a smart figure in an all-black ensemble as he celebrated his film's release Cast: Joaquin stars as Napoleon Bonaparte in the biopic, which depicts the French leader's rise to power, while Vanessa (pictured) portrays his first wife Empress Josephine Reality: Napoleon Bonaparte, later known by his regnal name Napoleon I, was a Corsican-born French military commander and political leader The article described Joaquin's Napoleon as a 'petulant man-child who doesn't really seem to know what he's doing'. Criticism of the film's direction comes after director Ridley has passionately hit back at claims of inaccuracies from historians including Dan Snow. Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Today Programme, French academic Dr Estelle Paranque acknowledged the film's inaccuracies but insisted that 'it is a movie, it is not a documentary'. But, speaking of the depiction of the execution of Marie Antoinette, she said: 'It did annoy me a little because he made her kind of fearless and a bit feisty, and at the time honestly she was not.' However, director Ridley hit back at accusations of historical 'inaccuracies'. In an interview with the New Yorker, he told a critic to 'get a life' when pressed. 'There are 400 books written about him. Maybe the first one was the most accurate, the next one is already doing a version of the author,' he said. 'By the time you get to book 399, guess what, there's a lot of speculation.' Deborah Knight signed off on her 2GB afternoon radio show for the last time on Friday. The popular 50-year-old broadcaster hosted the program for the last four years, and was reportedly sacked due to weak ratings. But listeners will still be able to hear Deborah on the Sydney station since she will now move on to a new role as the national host of 2GBs Money News reports The Sunday Telegraph. And her fans, meanwhile, have taken to social media to farewell Deb, with many listeners blaming her axing on what is perceived as a 'boy's club' at the station since almost all of the top-tier on-air talent are men. 'So sorry you are losing your afternoon show,' wrote one listener on Instagram. Deborah Knight (pictured) signed off on her 2GB afternoon radio show for the last time on Friday They continued: 'It just goes to reveal what a boys club 2GB is.' Another messaged: 'I am staggered that this totally male dominated radio station from Friday does not have a female broadcaster on. 'Loved your show Debra. Come on its 2023 for God's sake. Females are now around 53 per cent of the population. When are these ageing dinosaur men going to get it.' Added another fan: 'Deb you were the best, always enjoyed listening to you. Sad to see you go.' The roster of on-air Monday-to-Friday talent on 2GB includes shows hosted by Ben Fordham, Ray Hadley, Chris O'Keefe, Mark Levy, Scott Haywood, John Stanley, and Luke Grant. The popular 50-year-old broadcaster had hosted the program for the last four years, and was reportedly sacked due to weak ratings Taking to Instagram on Thursday, Deborah took a shot at critics who accused her show of poor ratings. 'Thanks so much to all the Afternoons listeners,' she said. 'A good lift in the ratings today to take my show back to Sydneys number 1 talk station.' Last week The Sunday Telegraph reported the news that the broadcaster was 'shattered' by the news that 2GB management had decided to axe her from afternoons. Her salary was rumoured to be $600,000 when she began with the afternoon radio show in 2020 after being sacked from the Today breakfast show. Listeners will still be able to hear Deb on the Sydney station since she will now move on to a new role as the national host of 2GBs Money News reports The Sunday Telegraph. Pictured: Deborah accepts flowers from well wishers on Friday But despite debuting at a stellar 11.4 per cent share results in the ratings, she has since dropped to a record-low 6 per cent market share in the most recent survey. While it's unclear if the TV newsreader will be reabsorbed back into Nine television, contenders have reportedly already lined up for her position at 2GB. Joe Hildebrand, who recently filled in for Deb, is considered a 'favourite', though fellow 2GB presenter Mark Levy may also be a contender for the role. Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Nine Network for comment. Deb took over the coveted afternoon time slot on 2GB and 4BC in 2020 after Steve Price was ousted from his radio gig after almost a decade on air. Khloe Kardashian has set tongues wagging after showcasing her make-up free, unedited face on The Kardashians. The reality star, 39, was seen working out in the gym in the most recent episode of the show's second season, during which she was fresh-faced - in stark contrast to her heavily made-up and often retouched photos. Viewers swarmed social media to comment on how different she appeared, with some commenting on her looking 'overfilled and inflamed'. One fan urged Khloe to 'learn to love herself' amid ongoing discussions over her changing image, which she has herself frequently discussed. In the past, Khloe has been forced to defend her image, after her recent dramatic weight gain and she recently confessed to having a nose job and dabbling with fillers in the past - yet remains coy on any recent touch-ups she has undergone. Changing look: Khloe Kardashian has set tongues wagging after showcasing her make-up free, unedited face on The Kardashians Speaking out: Viewers swarmed social media to comment on how different she appeared, with some commenting on her looking 'overfilled and inflamed' Changes: One fan urged Khloe to 'learn to love herself' amid ongoing discussions over her changing image, which she has herself frequently discussed Viewers flooded Reddit to comment on Khloe's appearance in the latest episode, in which she was seen hitting the gym with sister Kim. Users penned: 'Omg they forgot to apply the filters there... Yikes, she's looking very "cat lady" here... Shes overfilled and inflamed... 'She needs to get it all dissolved and just rock her natural face for a bit. Learn to love yourself girl you werent ugly.There is absolutely no way this is real bro... Thats the real face with no makeup.' Last year, Khloe made the heartbreaking admission that her TV career had knocked her confidence and culminated in her turning to cosmetic enhancements. She said: Ive been torn apart the minute that Ive gone on TV. I didnt look like my sisters, so therefore, its not good enough.... 'And then when I started, whatever, changing my look, you get better makeup, you do fillers, you do whatever, I had a nose job, and theres still people constantly bullying you. Its like, so which one is it? You didnt like me then?... 'You dont like me like I you have to do things for yourself... Were still growing up in front of the camera, for better or worse, regardless of how old we are... 'Were still growing and evolving, and I think its unfair to have so much pressure put on people. I think were all just trying to do our best we can. Changes: Her appearance on Instagram is vastly different to her TV look Huh: Users penned: 'Omg they forgot to apply the filters there... Yikes, she's looking very "cat lady" here... Shes overfilled and inflamed' In 2021, on an episode of Keeping Up With The Kardashians Final Curtain Part 2 Khloe then made an explosive confession about surgery. After Andy Cohen asked The Good American founder to set the record straight on her scrutinised appearance, she finally revealed which procedures she's undergone. 'I've had one nose job-- Dr. Raj Kanodia,' she said, before continuing to share that she's had 'injections,' but 'not really Botox,' after a previous bad reaction. The conversation started as Andy asked if she felt like sister Kim and Kourtney Kardashian received 'preferential treatment because of the way they looked,' to which Khloe said 'Oh 100 percent.' 'We did so many photoshoots where they would receive racks of clothes and I was told by so many different stylists I was given about two or three pieces of clothing, that's it "not to worry because I'd be in the background anyways."' 'It was never a question it was a fact and it was very blatant,' she said as she talked about long standing issues with her body, before the conversation shifted to her face. Khloe did not specify when she had the procedure. Helen Flanagan enjoyed a mother-daughter day out with her daughter Delilah to Winter Wonderland in London on Thursday. The former Coronation Street star, 33, was every inch the doting mum as she watched the four-year-old go round on the merry go round. Helen, who shares three children, Matilda, seven, Delilah and Charlie, two, with her ex Scott Sinclair, snapped some photos of their day out. She put on a very animated display as she waved at her daughter, who flashed a smile from a blue car. The actress wrapped up warm in a black padded coat, with a fleece lined hood and fitted leggings. Cute: Helen Flanagan, 33, enjoyed a mother-daughter day out with her daughter Delilah at Winter Wonderland in London on Thursday Fun: The former Coronation Street star was every inch the doting mum as she watched the four-year-old go round on the merry go round Helen topped off her outfit with a pair of chunky boots and accessorised with a red cross body handbag. The outing comes after she was targeted by cruel mum-shamers after posting her latest slew of sexy snaps on Instagram. The Coronation Street star took to the photosharing site last week to post a trio of stunning shots promoting Miss Pap's Playboy collection - including a snap in a sheer maxi dress and a white crop top, under which she went topless. The images of Helen was met with both adoring comments and cruel slurs. A number of followers accused her of being 'a bad example' to her daughters while others insisted she looked 'cheap and tacky'. The attack is the latest in a slew of unkind comments aimed at the star regarding her choice to share racy snaps while being a mother - after which she hit back, by insisting she 'wants to have fun' following years of 'pregnancy and breastfeeding'. Helen looked stunning in the snaps of the looks, which were unveiled at a raucous bash in Manchester last week with a number of reality stars in attendance. The blonde beauty attended the bash in the sheer mesh look she wore in her Instagram post, which flaunted her sexy lace lingerie underneath. Quality time: They enjoyed the event together Memories: Helen, who shares three children, Matilda, seven, Delilah, four, and Charlie, two, with her ex Scott Sinclair, snapped some photos of their day out Day out: She gave Delilah a kiss on the head as she hopped into a blue car Cosy: The actress wrapped up warm in a black padded coat, with a fleece lined hood and fitted leggings Pop of colour: Helen accessorised with a red cross body handbag Cruel trolls penned: 'Love you but pics have become a bit desperate . You are beautiful dont need to look cheap . You have kids they dont need to see this... 'Respect yourself. Ur choice but tacky. U were doing so well before ur split then another boob Jo . U do u obvs but cheap. MY OPINION ONLY. Sure the lads love it... 'Mom doesn't dress like this... Great example for you kids... A great role model for your daughters - not!... Got to unfollow as not now the influencer Im going to follow as ur on onlyfans. Thought u were an actress? Obvs just for men now. Yay you... 'Think of your eldest daughter and the comments she may get at school etc.' Last month, Helen hit back at trolls who have mum-shamed her over her sexy snaps on Instagram. She often shares raunchy photos on her social media and loves to model daring outfits for her followers. However, Helen has often become the target of mum-shamers, who take to the comments to slam her for showing off her body while being a mother. She has now defended herself against the trolls, saying that she sees her eye-popping photos as 'women empowerment'. Speaking to The Sun at the Pride of Britain Awards, she said: 'Its because I like to dress sexy, its silly. Im very much for women empowerment. I like women to feel confident, and I think women should celebrate ourselves.' Sexy stuff: The outing comes after she was targeted by cruel mum-shamers after posting her latest slew of sexy snaps on Instagram Happy days: Cruel trolls penned: 'Love you but pics have become a bit desperate . You are beautiful dont need to look cheap . You have kids they dont need to see this' Family: She shares children Matilda, eight, Delilah, five, and Charlie, two, with her ex-partner footballer Scott Sinclair Earlier this year, Helen proudly revealed the result of her boob job, after going under the knife to 'feel more confident' after breastfeeding her kids caused her breasts to 'became really saggy'. Speaking about the procedure, she said: 'Do you know what I really needed it. I breastfed for three years. My whole twenties I really did spend it kind of at home really. 'I never went out and spent all my twenties being pregnant and breastfeeding. From 24 to 30 that's what I did so now I do want to have fun.' Helen added: 'Being a mum is really hard. Its really tough, juggling everything. It sounds a bit silly, I know I only work on social media but I feel like you get such mum guilt as well. Even being here tonight." Contact Beat, the UK's eating disorder charity, on 0808 801 0677 or at beateatingdisorders.org.uk Malin Andersson posed in her underwear as she candidly opened up about being her 'own worst critic' in a body positive Instagram post on Thursday. The former Love Island star, 31, sported a plum lace underwear set as the camera panned around her body while she stood in front of a mirror. Billie Eilish's track What Was I Made For? played in the background of the video, while Malin opened up about her body image in an accompanying caption. She spoke about feeling 'pressure' around alcohol and food around Christmas time as she bravely discussed her struggles with an eating disorder. Malin wrote: 'I can be my own worst critic. Especially my inner voice. The one that says I'm not good enough. That the marks on my body aren't appealing. Powerful: Malin Andersson posed in her underwear as she candidly opened up about being her 'own worst critic' in a body positive Instagram post on Thursday Honest: Billie Eilish's track What Was I Made For? played in the background of the video, while Malin opened up about her body image in an accompanying caption 'But I know now that I have to say the opposite of what I feel like saying when I look into the mirror, because I'm so much more than that. I embody love. 'With Christmas coming up we have this weird amount of pressure around alcohol and food. 'For those struggling with eating disorders especially around this time of year where we should be having fun and creating special memories it can be damaged by the obsession over food and restriction.. and we end up suffering silently in our heads when those around us don't know. 'What's your favourite affirmation for loving the skin you're in? 'Let's create some beautiful words in the comments below so we can see it and believe it.' Malin ended the emotional caption with an emoji of two hands forming a heart. Her almost 700,000 followers flooded her comments with support and stories of their own as they praised her for her candid post. One wrote: 'Our bodies are our temples they carry us around and they keep our hearts in our chest '. Another said: 'I had 4 children, my body is definitely different before and after but I wouldn't change a thing! My body miraculously carried 4...FOUR lives of other human beings!!!' Candid: The former Love Island star, 31, sported a plum lace underwear set as the camera panned around her body while she stood in front of a mirror Opening up: She spoke about feeling 'pressure' around alcohol and food around Christmas time as she bravely discussed her struggles with an eating disorder 'My body gave life!!! Gives me life everyday. How lucky am I!' Another said: 'I always thought this when I was slim ..I look back now at nearly 50 And I'd give anything to look like I did 10/15 yrs ago Ans I wasn't happy then' 'We are so quick to forget what our bodies have been through. We are pretty incredible people ' A final fan wrote: 'You should be so proud off your body I would love to be just like that but having a 11lb baby it just don't want to go off me' To which Malin replied: '11lb baby (congrats), but YOU carried them & brought them into the world, your body is magical' The influencer has been open about her struggles with eating disorders in the past, sharing a photo of herself at 18 when she weighed just eight stone. Of the photo, she wrote: 'I stumbled across this when I went through my old photos. In this photo I'm 18, weigh about 8 stone and didn't eat. That sums it up about right. 'As you can see I'm dead behind the eyes, and the only joy that came my way was my grumbling stomach, that control of pounds dropping each day. Hard times: 'For those struggling with eating disorders especially around this time of year where we should be having fun and creating special memories it can be damaged...' Community: Malin's almost 700,000 followers flooded her comments with support and stories of their own as they praised her for her honesty 'These were the days I wanted to start 'modelling' and got lost in beauty pageants. These were also the days where Malin no longer existed and my soul didn't shine. 'You see, I've spoken about my eating disorders, laxative abuse, calorie counting etc.. but the binge eating I feel was the worst for me. It was a vicious cycle of: 'Malin goes to shop, buys a ton of junk food which she deprived herself with, went home secretly to her bedroom, stuffed her face until she felt sick & then went straight to the toilet to throw it up and get it out of her system. 'Malin then weighs herself to make sure all is out, she then feels guilt shame and lack of awareness to the life around her. 'Malin feels depressed goes to sleep hungry wakes up wanting to do it all over again. This. Was. My. Life.' In August this year, Malin was rushed to hospital due to a flare up of her irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). She said: 'I developed IBS in my teenage years, after struggling with my self image I abused laxatives to empty out my body. 'I remember waking up each day with awful cramps and having to go toilet just so I could 'look and feel skinnier'.' Candid: Malin previously opened up about her six-year battle with an eating disorder in the hope of helping others with the same struggle to see their worth 'Back at hospital': Malin was left in 'so much' stomach pain she was forced into A&E in August due to an IBS flare up Malin has spent 2023 focusing on her health and 'internal healing', after welcoming her daughter, Xaya, in January 2022. Her first daughter Consy was born seven weeks premature in December 2018 and was treated at London's Great Ormond Street hospital, but sadly passed away on 22 January 2019. Malin previously revealed the brutal trolling she received on Instagram following her weight loss. The former Love Island star recalled that she has 'never known anything like it' since making a healthy lifestyle change. Richard Curtis and his new wife Emma Freud were spotted in public for the first time since announcing their secret marriage. On Thursday, the 66-year-old Love Actually and Notting Hill moviemaker and his wife, 61, stepped out for a dog walk in west London with their son Spike. The couple, who have been together for 33 years and survived two failed engagements, braced for the cold weather by bundling up in winter wear. Last month, Emma, 61, let the news slip at the Cheltenham Literature Festival in Gloucestershire on Saturday while interviewing actor Richard E Grant, 66. Richard was also pictured at the event with a gold ring on his wedding finger, with which he kept fiddling according to guests. Out and about! Richard Curtis and his new wife Emma Freud were spotted in public for the first time since announcing their secret marriage Emma looked stylish for the outing, as she wore a bright pink scarf and chunky boots while clutching a hot drink. Richard was also bundled up while Spike was casually clad in a khaki jumper with a dog lead draped around his body. News of the marriage came after the Cheltenham Literature Festival, when the marriage was revealed. One onlooker told The Sun: 'Emma confessed she had finally got hitched while interviewing Richard E Grant. She said they'd been married for four weeks.' They added it was clear she wasn't meant to have said anything, as she apparently put her finger to her lips and made a 'funny noise which made everyone laugh' after mentioning she and Richard were married. The source said: 'It's not surprising Emma wanted to talk about it though. They've been together for over 30 years so it was about time they got married.' She was said to have tried to change the subject but it was 'the talk of the festival'. Happy days: On Thursday, the 66-year-old Love Actually and Notting Hill moviemaker and his wife, 61, stepped out for a dog walk in west London with their son Spike, 19 Newlyweds! The couple wed after 33 years and two failed proposals (pictured together in 2022) Strutting their stuff: The family were walking along as the evening drew in Couple: The screenwriter, known for his huge romantic comedies including Love Actually and Notting Hill, has been with presenter and director Emma Freud for over three decades and share four children together Emma has previously twice proposed to Richard twice but neither attempt was successful as he refused the first time around and slept through the second. Richard also revealed at the festival he would never include 'fat' jokes in his films again and regretted they were not more diverse. He made the admissions while being quizzed on stage by his daughter Scarlett, 28, about criticisms he has received over the years that the casts of his rom-coms have been almost exclusively white. Scarlett raised the lack of diversity in his 1999 film 'Notting Hill', despite it being set in one of London's most multicultural areas. Richard said: 'I wish I'd been ahead of the curve. I think because I came from a very un-diverse school and bunch of university friends, I think that I hung on to the feeling that I wouldn't know how to write those parts. Romance: According to reports Emma, 61, let slip about her big day while interviewing Richard E Grant at the Cheltenham Literary Festival (pictured in 2018) Love birds: Movie maker Richard was also at the event and was pictured with a gold band on his wedding finger, which onlookers said he 'kept fiddling with' (pictured in 2019) 'I think I was just stupid and wrong about that. 'I felt as though me, my casting director, my producers just didn't look outwards.' Ms Zellweger told British Vogue in 2016 how she never understood the fascination with Bridget Jones's weight. 'Bridget is a perfectly normal weight and Ive never understood why it matters so much,' she said. 'No male actor would get such scrutiny if he did the same thing for a role.' The character is described as having a 'bottom the size of Brazil' in the film. Curtis also spoke of his regret of not having a black character in Notting Hill and 'not being ahead of the curve', but that his work was never intentionally meant to cause any harm. But he did defend himself by saying he had written a gay couple into 1994 film Four Weddings and a Funeral. Curtis said he felt 'stupid and wrong' for thinking he couldn't write about those parts because of his 'very undiverse school' and 'bunch of university friends'. He said: 'I felt as though me, my casting director, my producers just didnt look outwards.' Curtis was born in Wellington, New Zealand, and had lived in Sweden and the Philippines before moving to Britain aged 11 where he was educated at Harrow. He went on to achieve a first-class Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature at Oxford University. Making a change: Richard also revealed at the festival he would never include 'fat' jokes in his films again and regretted they were not more diverse after being quizzed on the subject by daughter Scarlett (pictured) Changing times: The weight of Renee Zellweger's character Bridget Jones was discussed in the 2001 hit film Last November he admitted that Love Actually's lack of diversity now makes him feel 'uncomfortable' and 'a bit stupid' as he looked back for the film's 20th anniversary. Speaking to host Diane Sawyer for the ABC special The Laughter and Secrets of Love Actually: 20 Years Later, he said the 2003 Christmas classic is 'out of date' in some moments. 'There are things you'd change, but thank god, society is, you know, changing. So, my film is bound, in some moments, to feel, you know, out of date,' he said. 'I mean, there are things about the film, you know, the lack of diversity makes me feel uncomfortable and a bit stupid.' Scarlett has previously spoken about the 'long line of very dodgy men' in her family with relatives on her mother's side being marred by controversy and scandal. Famous footsteps: Scarlett Curtis, 28, this year made her TV writing debut on the second series of Amazon Prime Video's teen romance The Summer I Turned Pretty Moving with the times: Curtis previously admitted that 2003 Christmas classic Love Actually's lack of diversity now makes him feel 'uncomfortable' and 'a bit stupid' 'Theres a long line of very dodgy men in my family,' she said in an interview with the Daily Telegraph in 2019. 'Thats why Im such a feminist, trying to redress the sins of the fathers.' She told how the family avoided speaking about her 'sexist' great-great grandfather Sigmund growing up. She said: 'My grandpa [Clement] had a really complicated relationship and we were banned from mentioning Sigmund because he was so obsessed with making it on his own. Mum wasnt interested. I actively skirted him as a child.' Andie MacDowell has always looked younger than her years. And the former model was at it again on Thursday as she glowed while on the red carpet of the 18th Annual L'Oreal Paris Women of Worth Celebration. The event was held at the trendy NeueHouse Hollywood. The 65-year-old mother-of-three matched her silver locks to her fancy gray three piece suit that had added sparkle. She also had on a black blouse that went to the neck and had a tie while holding a clutch purse. Also at the event were Eva Longoria, Aja Naomi King, Camila Cabello and Helen Mirren who also represent L'Oreal. Striking: Andie MacDowell has always looked younger than her years. And the former model was at it again on Thursday as she glowed while on the red carpet of the 18th Annual L'Oreal Paris Women of Worth Celebration. The event was held at the trendy NeueHouse Hollywood. Sensational in silver: Andie matched her silver locks to her fancy gray three piece suit that had added sparkle. She also had on a black blouse that went to the neck and had a tie Andie has won raves for keeping her hair silver and not dyeing it back to black. Two years ago she told Vogue she was happy with the look. 'Ive never felt more powerful,' she shared. 'I feel more honest. I feel like Im not pretending. I feel like Im embracing right where I am. I feel really comfortable. And in a lot of ways, I think its more striking on my face. I just feel like it suits me.' Last month she looked nothing short of sensational as she took to the runway during the L'Oreal show during Paris Fashion Week. The actress showcased her midriff in a black bra and leather suit as she strutted down the star-studded catwalk with a host of other famous faces. Andie put on an age-defying display in the ensemble as she gave the younger models a run for their money during the prestigious showcase. The Maid star styled her all black look with a pair of towering platform heels, while otherwise going accessory free. She was sporting dramatic Gothic make-up, including a smoky eye and nude lip, while her naturally curly locks were worn loose. Chic: The Four Weddings And A Funeral star held onto a black clutch purse Pretty pals: Also at the event were Eva Longoria, Aja Naomi King, Camila Cabello and Helen Mirren With the Eiffel Tower serving as a suitably dramatic backdrop, celebrity brand ambassadors assembled in the French capital for the Walk Your Worth show - an empowering celebration of womanhood. Andie put on a high-energy display as she waved her arms in the air and made her way down the runway. She was joined by fellow ambassadors Eva Longoria and Cindy Bruna as the group held hands during the finale of the show. Kendall Jenner, Dame Helen Mirren and Elle Fanning were also among the A-listers who walked for the brand. Viola Davis and Bollywood legend Aishwarya Rai Bachchan also made welcome appearances. Accentuating her slender physique in an elegant silver gown, Kendall, 27, inevitably claimed the spotlight as the event got underway. With metallic colours proving to be a dominant theme on the night, Dame Helen, 78, matched the American model in her own sweeping silver gown - complete with tastefully cinched waist. Wow! MacDowell looked nothing short of sensational as she took to the runway during the L'Oreal show during Paris Fashion Week in October Meanwhile actress Elle, 25, commanded attention in a plunging gold evening dress with a semi-sheer detail. Bucking the trend, Four Weddings And A Funeral star Andie opted for an edgy black PVC coat over a matching bralette and high-slung PVC trousers. The actress, 65, rounded off her runway look with a pair of chunky silver heels, while dramatic make-up drew further attention to her delicately proportioned features. Indian actress Aishwarya, 49, was on hand to co-present Sunday's event, and she was appropriately dressed for the occasion in a heavily embellished gold gown with cascading overlays. Eva, 48, was also on hand to add some additional glamour to the catwalk, and the Latina star looked stunning in a layered sheer dress as she joined her fellow ambassadors. George Brown has died at the age of 74. The musician was the key drummer and one of the founding members of the popular 70s band Kool & The Gang which had dozens of hit songs that had heavy radio play. He died from lung cancer at his home in Los Angeles on Thursday night, according to TMZ. The star had been battling stage four cancer for a while and was even in remission for a time before the cancer came back. 'George Brown died November 16, 2023 in Los Angeles after a battle with cancer,' his representative told the site. In addition to being a drummer, he was a songwriter for the hit band that had many classic disco tunes. Some of their top songs were Ladies Night, Too Hot, Jungle Boogie, Celebration and Cherish. Sad loss: George Brown has died at the age of 74. The musician was the key drummer and one of the founding members of the popular 70s band Kool & The Gang which had dozens of hit songs. He died from lung cancer at his home in Los Angeles on Thursday night, according to TMZ; seen in 2019 (L-R) Musicians Dennis Thomas, George Brown, Robert Bell and Ronald Bell attend The 59th GRAMMY Awards at STAPLES Center in 2017 He had battled lung cancer and was in remission and going back to work when the cancer came back. 'George was diagnosed in September of 2021 with very rare form of non-small cell lung cancer, with an EGFR exon 20 insertion mutation,' said Dr. Robert A. Nagourney, MD who met with Brown when he was ill. He wrote about treating the musician for the Nagourney Cancer Institute. 'Although he responded to initial therapy, within the year the tumor came roaring back with metastasis to lymph nodes, lung, pleura and liver. 'His physicians in Los Angeles treated him with every drug they could imagine, from the newest classes of targeted drugs to conventional chemotherapies, to immune and anti-vascular therapies all to no avail. George was in trouble.' He went on to she was 'emaciated and weak' but they treated him and he felt better for a while. The band formed in 1964 in Jersey City, New Jersey and by 1969 had their self-titled first album. The other founding members included brothers Robert Bell (bass) and Ronald Bell (keyboards), Dennis Thomas (saxophone), Robert Mickens (Trumpet), Ricky West (keyboards) and Charles Smith (guitarist). Robert 'Kool' Bell is the only surviving member of the band left. Kool & the Gang have won numerous awards, including two Grammy Awards, seven American Music Awards, and, in 2006, a Music Business Association Chairman's Award for artistic achievement. The star had been battling stage four cancer for a while. 'George Brown died November 16, 2023 in Los Angeles after a battle with cancer,' his representative told the site Honorees of the 2019 Marian Anderson Award George Brown, Robert 'Kool' Bell, Dennis Thomas and Ronald Bell of Kool & The Gang pose on stage with award during the 2019 Marian Anderson Award Honoring Kool & The Gang at The Kimmel Center in 2019 In 2013 the group released a Christmas album Kool for the Holidays. This was the group's 24th studio album. In 2015, the group received their star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Brown is survived by his wife, Hanh Brown, and his five children. A spokesperson for Brown asked that donations be made in his honor to the Lung Cancer Society of America. The Big Brother house sat down for their last supper on Thursday evening. Ahead of Friday night's live final, the remaining stars - Jordan, Henry, Olivia, Yinrun and Noky - weighed in on their time on the show and their future plans. Following their audience-captivating romance, lawyer Jordan coyly revealed his future plans for Henry, as he told the table: 'You're wonderful and I can't wait to spend time with you on the outside, without the cameras.' Henry meanwhile confessed his romance had 'unlocked emotional orifices' and changed his outlook', saying: 'This process has unlocked some kind of, my emotional orifices, and I've been able to be a much better person for it.' Following on from their romantic chat, the duo shared their final kiss before bed prior to Big Brother wishing the house goodnight for the final time. It's love: Big Brother's Jordan revealed his plans for the future with Henry as they shared final bedtime smooch before the final All love baby: Henry meanwhile confessed his romance had 'unlocked emotional orifices' and changed his outlook', saying: 'This process has unlocked some kind of, my emotional orifices, and I've been able to be a much better person for it' Speaking about their own times on the show, Noky said: 'Thank you for the good the bad and everything in between', while Olivia added: 'This is special and for the rest of my life I will remember tonight.' In her own emotional address, Yinrun said: 'You helped me to know myself better.' The final night comes after Matty was evicted from the Big Brother house on Thursday night's dramatic episode leaving the remaining five in the final. The doctor, 24, was sent packing just before the last day in the house. He was told how he would be leaving in a brutal twist at the end of his letter from home that was read out by Yinrun leaving the others in shock. In Friday night's final one of the last five will win a whopping 100,000 in the highly-anticipated live show. Voting for Friday night's live final has now reopened via the Big Brother app, with viewers being asked to vote for the housemate they want to win Big Brother. The vote will close during tomorrow night's show. Off they go: The house is whittled down to five finalists Emotional: The rest of the house was left in tears as Matty said his goodbyes after being evicted Viewers will watch hosts AJ Odudu and Will Best crown the winner of Big Brother 2023, as well as speak to all five finalists in their first live interview since leaving the Big Brother house. Elsewhere the Big Brother house got emotional on Thursday's penultimate episode. The housemates all received their letters from home containing encouraging words from their family and friends - leaving not a dry eye in the house. Housemates were gathered in the lounge as Big Brother said: 'Housemates. Before the gates of heaven close for the day, I wanted to give you all the ultimate heavenly gift - your letters from home.' Reading Noky's letter to her from her sister, Olivia said: 'To my best friend, from the second I was born I have looked up to you in every single way - we were meant to be sisters.' Later reading Henry's letter to him, Jordan said: 'You have been your positive, funny, authentic self throughout the whole time in the house and people love you for you.' BIG BROTHER: LIVE FINAL AIRS TONIGHT AT 9PM ON ITV1, ITV2 AND ITVX Bradley Cooper's latest relationship - with rumored girlfriend Gigi Hadid - seems to be having an impact on his style. The 48-year-old, who spent six years learning how to conduct music for his role in Maestro, was spotted walking through New York City on Thursday looking decidedly hip. It appeared as though the Oscar-winner had been given a cool new makeover by his model girlfriend - as he donned a green varsity jacket from the J. Lindberg x Golden Bear collaboration. Beneath it was a green, blue and black striped cashmere sweater from current flame Gigi's Guest in Residence collection, along with a tanned knit cap. The Nightmare Alley star completed the look with camo cargo pants and Nike sneakers. Hip: Bradley Cooper, 48, looked decidedly hip as he strolled through New York Thursday. The Oscar winner donned a green varsity jacket from the J. Lindberg x Golden Bear collaboration Bradley's beard was neatly trimmed and we wore brown framed glasses. The influencer wore the same sweater in an interview with CBS Sunday Morning in which he surprised the children of the late composter Leonard Bernstein, on whom the film Maestro is based. Bradley has been dating Gigi for the past several months. Before Cooper, Hadid was linked to Leonardo DiCaprio. During the interview the director got a bit teary as he sat on a sofa with with Jamie, Alexander and Nina, admitting he missed the closeness he felt to their late father while working on the film. 'We shared something very special, the four of us. It's hard to articulate,' he said. 'But he was with us, he was with me, certainly, throughout the entire time. His energy somehow found its way to me and I really do feel like I know him.' The actor and director's Maestro co-star Carey Mulligan, 38, had high praise for him in an interview about the film with Variety. Influence: The actor wore a green, blue and black striped cashmere sweater from current flame Gigi Hadid 's Guest in Residence collection, along with a tanned knit cap. The Nightmare Alley star completed the look with camo cargo pants and Nike sneakers Basics: Before going out with model-turned designer Gigi Hadid, Bradley stuck with basic pieces and colors for his everyday look. Since dating Gigi, he has incorporated more patterns into his style (Pictured in New York November 7) Emotional: Bradley wore the same sweater in an interview with the late Leonard Bernstein's children on CBS Sunday Morning. The actor grew emotional explaining that during the film 'His energy somehow found its way to me and I really do feel like I know him' His girl: Bradley has been dating Gigi for the past several months. Before Cooper, Hadid was linked to Leonardo DiCaprio. Seen in September She plays the conductor's wife, Felicia Montealegre Bernstein. 'I will get on set sometimes and just freak out, because I feel self-conscious, or I feel like Im not ready. I never felt like that on this set. I always felt like I couldn't fail. Bradley made it feel like you couldnt, and that was the environment that everyone walked into.' The two-time Oscar nominee said she was impressed with the depth of his preparation for the film for which he also co-wrote the script. Astonishing: Carey Mulligan, 38, stars as the conductor's wife, Felicia Montealegre Bernstein. She had high praise for her co-star and director. 'Ive never seen anyone prep for a character the way that he prepped for Lenny,' she told the outlet, 'It was astonishing' 'Ive never seen anyone prep for a character the way that he prepped for Lenny,' she told the outlet, 'It was astonishing.' 'He was ringing me up in the full dialect a full year before we even got to New York. I mean, it was unbelievable.' 'By the time we were shooting it, it just didnt feel like we had to think very much,' she explained. 'And I think it was the sort of not having to think about it that made it very easy to just respond to stuff.' Maestro opens in theaters November 22, and will begin streaming on Netflix December 20. Kanye West is under fire for rapping about having sex with a 'Jewish b****' one year after Adidas terminated its partnership with the rapper over his anti-Semitic outbursts. Appearing to address the controversy, West, 46, allegedly raps that he 'just f***ed a Jewish b****' and apparently wonders how he can be 'anti-Semitic' on a track from his new album, which he has been recording in Saudi Arabia. Content creator @mansorash shared a snippet of the song on social media as he was vacationing in the Saudi desert near where West is staying and recorded some of what is believed to be the song. DailyMail.com has contacted a representative for West for comment. Late last year, he saw his career implode after a string of anti-Semitic outbursts including a vow to go 'death con 3 on JEWISH PEOPLE.' Controversial: Kanye West rapped that he 'just f***ed a Jewish b****' on the new album he has been developing in Saudi Arabia Late last year: He saw his career implode after a string of antisemitic outbursts, including in an Alex Jones interview where he said 'the Holocaust is not what happened' From October to December last year, West, who revealed years ago that he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, plunged into a spiral of increasingly bizarre tirades. In October 2022, shortly after the 'death con 3' tweet, West told Piers Morgan he only meant to take aim at certain specific Jews who had exploited him. When Morgan argued that West's comments were 'as racist as anything youve been through,' West retorted that 'that's why I said it. I fought fire with fire.' In an interview with Alex Jones in early December, West praised Hitler for his 'redeeming qualities,' maintained that the 'Holocaust is not what happened' and propounded the conspiracy theory that black people are the real Jews. After his precipitous fall from grace, West largely withdrew from the public eye for a time and then reemerged with a new wife called Bianca Censori. Censori, who was the head of architecture at Yeezy, was quickly noted for her striking physical resemblance to Kanye's ex-wife Kim Kardashian. Working together: West's upcoming album is a collaborative effort with Ty Dolla $ign (pictured), who himself recently returned to the United States from Saudi Arabia Married again: After his precipitous fall from grace, West largely withdrew from the public eye for a time and then reemerged with a new wife called Bianca Censori This March, West posted an eyebrow-raising Instagram caption claiming that 'watching Jonah Hill in 21 Jump street made me like Jewish people again.' He added: 'No one should take anger against one or two individuals and transform that into hatred towards millions of innocent people.' The outlandish post concluded: 'No Christian can be labeled anti-Semite knowing Jesus is Jew. Thank you Jonah Hill I love you.' He set off another blizzard of controversy over the summer when he exposed his backside on a boat in Italy with Censori wedged between his legs. This week, insiders exclusively informed DailyMail.com that Censori has traveled without West to her native Australia, where her loved ones staged an 'intervention' and exhorted her to 'wake the f*** up' about his 'controlling ways.' West meanwhile is a co-parent of four children, North, 10, Saint, seven, Chicago, five, and Psalm, four, with his ex-wife Kim Kardashian. The rapper's upcoming album is a collaborative effort with Ty Dolla $ign, who himself recently returned to the United States from Saudi Arabia. The album will be the first West has released since his career went up in flames and his billion-dollar fortune plummeted over his antisemitism scandal. Rylan Clark made sure to get into the Christmas spirit by decking out his Essex mansion with a Christmas makeover. Despite it being five weeks until the big day, the presenter, 35, took to Instagram on Friday to share a glimpse into his very festive house. Presenter Rylan ,who lives in a five-bedroom swanky pad, showed off the decadent door display which had been put up by award-winning luxury florist company, Early Hours Ltd. With an array of glitterballs, silver baubles and foliage, alongside a glamorous door wreath - the star, who has been presenting at Songefestivalfeest full of Eurovision Song Contest artists, proved he was not afraid to go all out with the decorations this year. Rylan showed off the handy work in a slew of snaps to his 2million followers and captioned the picture: 'Its never to early for a glitterball from EARLY! Thanks for this gorgeous Xmas design. You always make Christmas! Xxxx' Too early? Rylan Clarke made sure to get into the Christmas spirit by decking out his Essex home with a Christmas makeover on Friday Home sweet home: Despite it being five weeks until the big day, the presenter, 35, took to Instagram on Friday to share a glimpse into his very Christmassy house While some fans were unsure whether it was too soon, famous friends of Rylan flocked to his comments to gush over the decorations. 'Love it! I def will come and stay and not leave' (sic) wrote Lizzie Cundy. Former Strictly professional dancer Oti Mabuse wrote: 'The actual drama gyal!!!!! Love it' (sic). Fellow Essex resident Ferne McCann said 'Wowwwww' whilst TOWIEs Jess Wright said: 'Obsessed'. EastEnders actress Natalie Cassidy wrote: 'BEAUT'. It comes as ITV fans have called for Cat Deeley and Rylan to be the permanent hosts of This Morning after Holly Willoughby quit the show. The TV personality and actress, 47, who is replacing Josie Gibson while she jets of to Australia to take part in I'm A Celeb, made her debut on Monday alongside Rylan. And on Tuesday - after only appearing on two episodes - viewers have called for new presenting duo Cat and Rylan to be the permanent hosts of This Morning, while Cat is the bookies favourite to stay with 6-4 odds. Strictly business: The archway included an array of glitterballs, silver baubles and foliage, alongside a glamorous door wreath Getting into the spirit: Rylan showed off the handy work in a slew of snaps to his 2million followers and captioned the picture: 'Its never to early for a glitterball from EARLY!' Love it: Famous friends flocked to Rylan's comment section to let him know their thoughts on his festive doorway 'Please keep them!': ITV fans have called for Cat Deeley and Rylan to be the permanent hosts of This Morning after Holly Willoughby quit the show Iconic: Cat began her career as a co-presenter for the ITV children's show SMTV Live, for which she won a BAFTA Children's Award, and its spin-off chart show CD:UK (seen in 2000) It comes after Holly Willoughby left the show last month 'for the sake of her family' after discovering she was the target of a foiled kidnap and murder plot and has since not been replaced permanently. Cat spent four years hosting SM:TV in 1998 alongside Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, which featured a fan-favourite comedy segment called Chums that parodied Friends. The programme also become known for showing the Pokemon cartoon series, the accompanying 'PokeRap', a phone competition called 'Wonkey Donkey' and the sketch segment 'Dec Says'. But it was Chums that was perhaps the most famous part of the show, taking part on a set that mimicked Monica Geller's apartment in the US comedy. Sofia Vergara is looking forward to a fresh start in 2024. The actress, who split with actor Joe Manganiello over the summer after seven years of marriage, spoke about her recent challenges at the launch party for her new Toty sun care product on Thursday in Los Angeles. 'I dont know if Im fresh anymore, but Im just excited,' the actress told People. 'I hope so,' adding 'I dont know if theres such a thing as a fresh start at 51.' The Modern Family alum told the outlet 2023 has been 'a very interesting year.' 'I dont want to say "bad" or anything like that, but its been very interesting and very difficult.' Looking forward: Sofia Vergara said she is looking forward to 2024 after going through a 'very interesting and very difficult' year (Pictured in Los Angeles in September) Divorce: The actress and husband Joe Manganiello, 46, divorced after seven years of marriage (Pictured in Los Angeles in March) The new guy: 'I went through a divorce this year,' she explained, though she did not mention her new beau, orthopedic surgeon Justin Saliman, pictured The America's Got Talent judge continued, maintaining that she isn't the only one in her circle who has gone through a rough patch. 'I went through a divorce this year,' she explained, though she did not mention her new beau, orthopedic surgeon Justin Saliman. The SAG strike went on for so long,' she added referring to the work stoppage over pay and artificial intelligence protections, among other issues that began July 13 and ended November 9. 'Ive seen my friends struggle some had to take their kids out of their schools or had problems with their mortgages, so its been a weird, weird year.' Now that the strike is over and actors are allowed to talk about their upcoming projects, Sofia is looking forward to promoting her new series Griselda. The fact-based drama debuts in January on Netflix. She stars as the title character in the show about a woman who became a notorious drug lord known as the Black Widow. 'I start the world press tour right after New Years, so Im ready for that. Its going to be exciting,' she contended. Launch: Sofia made her comments at the launch for a new product from her Toty beauty line Thursday in Los Angeles Excited: The actress stars as the title character in Griselda, about a woman who became a notorious drug lord known as the Black Widow. 'I start the world press tour right after New Years, so Im ready for that. Its going to be exciting' Sofia also worked as an executive producer on the six episode series. 'I have a lot of projects for next year that hopefully people will love as well,' she said. Getting back to the purpose for the evening, the multi-talented actress said, 'Im excited for Toty.' She launched the beauty line in conjunction with Cantabria Labs over the summer. The company is named for her late brother's childhood nickname for her. The timeless beauty said her new line 'has been doing really well since we started and people are loving it because its such a good quality product.' 'These products are amazing, I swear, and theyre scientifically tested,' she asserted. Big Brother viewers were left raging during Friday night's live final as fan favourite Yinrun Huang came in fourth place - leaving furious viewers claiming the results were 'fixed.' Yinrun had been the bookies' favourite to be crowned the 2023 Big Brother winner until she was knocked out of the top spot at the last minute earlier this week. Despite being favourite to win for weeks, Yinrun came in fourth place during the hotly-anticipated live final, only coming ahead of Noky. Hosts AJ Odudu and Will Best confirmed her eviction and she was beaten by Jordan, Olivia and Henry, much to viewers' shock as they argued she'd been 'robbed'. The live audience seemed to be devastated as they could be heard booing when her eviction was announced and she said goodbye to her fellow housemates. Shocked: Big Brother viewers were left raging during Friday night's live final as fan favourite Yinrun Huang came in fourth place - leaving furious viewers claiming the results were 'fixed' Fix! Viewers were quick to take to X - formerly known as Twitter - to share their fury that she missed out on the crown, insisting she was their real winner Later in the night, when Jordan was crowned as the 2023 winner, the crowds could still be heard chanting Yinrun's name in support of the star. Viewers were quick to take to X - formerly known as Twitter - to share their fury that she missed out on the crown, insisting she was their real winner and claiming the results were 'fixed'. One wrote: 'What the hell is going on with this final? Noky, Yinrun and Henry before Olivia? Nope. Don't buy it. Fix. #BBUK,' while another added: '#bbuk is a con. Yinrun should have won! Such a fix to let Olivia win.' A third commented: 'Yinrun being 4th proves this is a fix #bbuk,' and a fourth fumed: 'Fix. Yinrun was robbed #BBUK.' One said: 'I didnt even want yinrun to win but her losing to olivia is a definite fix #BBUK,' as another added: 'Nah #BBUK is so fixed honestly i don't understand how Yinrun hasn't won it! I'm honestly so fuming! #bigbrotheruk.' Following her eviction, Yinrun caught up with hosts AJ and Will and reflected on her time in the house, admitting she didn't expect to make 'any friends' in the house as she gushed over her now close friendships with her co-stars. After her exit, it was announced that Henry - who memorably got involved in a love triangle with Jordan and Matty - had come in third place. Beloved: Yinrun had been the bookies' favourite to be crowned the 2023 Big Brother winner until she was knocked out of the top spot at the last minute earlier this week After the love triangle drama, Henry and Jordan then shared a very steamy kiss in the hot tub as they grew closer on the show, winning fans over with their connection. Speaking about his bond with Jordan after his exit, he said: 'I couldn't imagine my experience in there without him, he's such a funny person... when he lets you in, it's a wonderful experience.' He also joked about luring Jordan into the hot tub for the smooch, as he said: 'On night one he said he was never going in that hot tub, and he did!' Asked how he felt about the love triangle with Matty, he said: 'I have no idea, at the time Jordan was talking to me in riddles and it was like solving a rubix cube!' Will then asked Henry what was next for him and Jordan, and he confirmed that they have plans to jet around the world together. 'We have so many plans, we have a New York trip planned, we are going to go to Florence... we've got all these plans which I think are going to be great,' he gushed. Appearing in the live audience, Henry's mother confirmed that she approved of his match up with Jordan. Reflecting on his time on the show, Henry added: 'It genuinely has really impacted me and I think I'm leaving a much better person than when I walked in.' Final: After her exit, it was announced that Henry - who memorably got involved in a love triangle with Jordan and Matty - had come in third place Steamy: After his exit, Henry joked about how Jordan said he would never get in the hot tub before their very intense kiss It's over! Meanwhile, Noky came in fifth place and was the first contestant to be evicted from the house in the final and join hosts AJ and Will to reflect on her time on the show Meanwhile, Noky came in fifth place and was the first contestant to be evicted from the house in the final and join hosts AJ and Will to reflect on her time on the show. Speaking about what she thought viewers liked about her, she said: 'I think I kept it real throughout, I had a lot of resistance from my fellow housemates... but I think people probably appreciated that authenticity.' When asked what was next for her, she added: 'I'm really excited to start the next part of my life, I've been in a bubble the past few years, I wanted to learn more about myself... I feel like I wore my heart on my sleeve and I'm very proud of myself.' Big Brother viewers were left cringing after Noky praised former housemate Trish during her exit interview in Friday's final - which saw Jordan declared the winner. The former Miss Great Britain, 26, who finished in fifth place, mentioned her pal when listing the friends she had made on the show - totally unaware Trish had been 'uninvited' from attending the final. Since her eviction, Trish's shocking historic tweets referring to minority groups have since resurfaced - making homophobic, racist and ableist comments. Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, viewers claimed hosts AJ Odudu and Will Best were trying to steer the subject away from the axed constant and mused that ITV bosses must be 's*****g their pants'. With one saying: 'Awkward mention of Trish by Noky lol'. Awkward: Big Brother viewers were left cringing after Noky (pictured) praised former housemate Trish during her exit interview in Friday's final Controversy: The former Miss Great Britain, 26, mentioned the full-time mum, 33, when listing the friends she had made on the show, totally unaware her pal had been 'uninvited' from attending the final (Trish pictured) A second said: 'Noky name drops Trish - ITV execs s*** their pants'. While someone else wrote: 'ITV holding their breath every time Trish is mentioned'. And: 'Watch them shut down the Trish love Instantly'. A fifth typed: 'ITV hearing Noky praising Trish, "Oh my god we need to cut the feeds QUICK ADD THE BIRDSONG"'. While a sixth said: 'All these people are going to come out and name Trish and it's sooo awkward. Feel like it should have been addresses earlier'. It comes amid reports Trish was uninvited from attending the live final by ITV bosses, making her the only housemate absent from the reunion. A source told Metro: Trish was keen to attend but production decided it was best if she didnt come and told her she was no longer invited. They didnt want to look like they were endorsing Trishs opinions and felt it would be a distraction from the final five. Uncomfotable: Since her eviction, Trish's shocking historic tweets referring to minority groups have since resurfaced - making homophobic, racist and ableist comments (Noky piictured) Fuming: Fans took to social media to make their feelings known MailOnline have contacted ITV for comment. Later in the show Jordan was crowned the 2023 winner of Big Brother. The drama-packed series finally came to a close on ITV on Friday with Jordan taking home the life-changing 100,000 cash prize. Hosts AJ and Will confirmed that he had won the series, with Jordan immediately joking that he would pay his council tax with the whopping cash prize. Although many fans were thrilled to see Jordan crowned as the winner, some argued that fan favourite Yinrun had been 'robbed' of victory as she came in fourth place. Even though Yinrun had already been evicted, the live audience could still be heard chanting her name as Jordan was crowned winner. Missing: It comes amid reports Trish was uninvited from attending the live final by ITV bosses, making her the only housemate absent from the reunion (pictured last week) Jordan narrowly beat Olivia to the Big Brother crown as she came in second, with Henry coming in third, Yinrun fourth and Noky in fifth place. Reacting to his win, viewers took to X - formerly known as Twitter - to share their upset that Yinrun didn't win as they argued she was 'robbed' of the victory. One wrote: 'Yinrun in 4th was not something i expected,' another said: 'Yinrun should have won.' A third commented: 'I wanted Yinrun to win sooo bad! I'm gutted,' and a fourth fumed: 'You mean to tell me I just waited 6 weeks of #BigBrother for Yinrun to NOT win.' Winner! Jordan was crowned the 2023 winner of Big Brother later in the show Fuming: Although many fans were thrilled to see Jordan crowned as the winner, some argued that fan favourite Yinrun had been 'robbed' of victory as she came in fourth place One said: 'Yinrun's out that's a shocker!!' and another added: 'YINRUN??? FOURTH??? ARE YOU JOKING???' Yinrun had been the bookies' favourite to be crowned the 2023 Big Brother winner until she was knocked out of the top spot at the last minute earlier this week. However, other viewers took to social media to heap praise on Jordan and said he 'deserved' to win. One wrote: 'So so please and chuffed for him,' while another said: 'Well done Jordan!!, and a third added: 'So chuffed Jordan won.' She's the unknown actress who is about to be catapulted to global superstardom playing the Princess of Wales in the final series of The Crown. But it has emerged that Meg Bellamy's road to acting royalty began with a more humble role in a school production of We Will Rock You. Dressed in black ripped jeans with her hair dyed purple, the then 17-year-old is all smiles as she plays the role of 'punkette' misfit Scaramouche four years ago. She can be seen posing with a leather jacket slung over her shoulder and lashings of red lipstick. Scaramouche, one of the lead characters of the musical set to hits by Queen, could not be more different from the Princess of Wales. Teenage drama queen: Meg Bellamy 's road to acting royalty began with a more humble role in a school production of We Will Rock You Romance: Meg Bellamy and Ed McVey during filming of the Netflix series The Crown The punkish love interest of leading man Galileo is described as a 'sarcastic, cynical character'. In the finale, Scaramouche shows she can play the electric guitar and is unveiled as a reincarnation of Brian May. But versatile Ms Bellamy, 21, has been hailed as the perfect actress to play the future Queen. Other photographs show her as a teenager, larking around at St Crispin's state school in Wokingham, Berkshire just 20 miles from where Kate grew up in Bucklebury. Friends of Ms Bellamy believe she took acting 'seriously' at school, with one saying: 'Meg loved drama and she loved being part of this play. You can see that from the pictures, she got so much joy out of it. 'The practice she got from the play has definitely paid off though. She was great then and now she has landed probably the biggest and highest profile role that has been available for some time.' Young: Kate Middleton, the wife of Prince William, is pictured in 2005. Meg Bellamy is playing Kate in The Crown In The Crown, Ms Bellamy's appearance will be in stark contrast to her school production days. There has been no expense spared creating her wardrobe as production staff tried to emulate Kate's style. Ms Bellamy will also be seen in the famous see-through dress that Kate, now 41, wore in the fashion show at St Andrew's University on the night that Prince William played by actor Ed McVey, 22 fell for her. And their first kiss, which took place when they were both students, will also be portrayed in the final four episodes of The Crown, which are available from December 14. The starlet, who is known to friends and family as Meg Smith, won the role of the Princess of Wales after sending self-taped videos to the casting directors. Producers were so impressed with Ms Bellamy's performance that they invited her to meet them to hand her the role. Since being unveiled as part of The Crown cast, fashion labels have been clamouring to work with her. In the summer she formed a collaboration with French label Dior where she publicised the brand after being invited to attend Paris Fashion Week. She has been plugging various companies on her Instagram page including Jaguar and Cartier. Ms Bellamy is also represented by the same talent company as former Crown stars Emma Corrin and Helena Bonham Carter, as well as Jenna Coleman. Advertisement Charlotte McKinney's model figure was on full display on Friday when she enjoyed a day at the beach in Miami, Florida. The 30-year-old model-turned-actress put on a busty display in a skimpy multicolored string bikini top with matching bottoms as she alternated between soaking up some sun and cooling off in the Atlantic Ocean. Seemingly missing from the seaside outing was her boyfriend Nathan Kostcheck, whom she was seen with on a date night in Santa Monica in September. Charlotte's revealing swimwear emphasized her ripped abs and toned figure. She had on a blue string top with triangular cups and a gradient ranging from teal to pale lavender. Stunner: Charlotte McKinney's model figure was on full display on Friday when she enjoyed a day at the beach in Miami, Florida. The 30-year-old model-turned-actress put on a busty display in a skimpy multicolored string bikini top with matching bottoms as she alternated between soaking up some sun and cooling off in the Atlantic Ocean Colorful: Charlotte's revealing swimwear emphasized her ripped abs and toned figure. She had on a blue string top with triangular cups and a gradient ranging from teal to pale lavender Her string bottoms featured the same lavender color minus the blue tint, and they featured slim white straps. The Fantasy Island actress made sure to block out the piercing sun with a set of stylish slim black sunglasses, and she wore her blond locks in shoulder-length waves. She stayed hydrated with some beverages while sunbathing on a towel-covered beach chair, and she appeared to be snapping some selfies in the perfect light. Later, the 5ft8in beauty strutted into the water for a refreshing dip. The trip to Miami was a homecoming of sorts for Charlotte, who was born in the state's inland area in the tourist-friendly Orlando area. She appeared to spend more time on the West Coast in recent years as her modeling and acting work picked up. However, she shared a short point-of-view video to her Instagram Stories on Friday of herself walking through a clothing store and focusing on the bright-colored outfits. 'Moving back to FL to live out all my fashion dreams,' she wrote, though it wasn't clear if she had actually relocated. After first establishing herself as a model, Charlotte began accumulating a steady string of acting jobs in the mid-2010s. One of her biggest roles was in the pre-pandemic horror film Fantasy Island, and her most recent role was in another horror film, 2020's Phobias. Matching: Her string bottoms featured the same lavender color minus the blue tint, and they featured slim white straps Picture perfect: She stayed hydrated with some beverages while sunbathing on a towel-covered beach chair, and she appeared to be snapping some selfies in the perfect light Blond beauty: The Fantasy Island actress made sure to block out the piercing sun with a set of stylish slim black sunglasses, and she wore her blond locks in shoulder-length waves Cooling down: Later, the 5ft8in beauty strutted into the water for a refreshing dip. The trip to Miami was a homecoming of sorts for Charlotte, who was born in the state's inland area in the tourist-friendly Orlando area Change of venue? She wrote that she was 'Moving back to FL to live out all my fashion dreams' in a video posted Friday to Instagram showing her walking through a clothing store, but it's unclear if she has actually relocated to Florida However, Charlotte doesn't appear to have bounced back with acting work yet since Hollywood productions have gotten back in swing. According to IMDb, her only upcoming acting work is in the comedy Miami Bici 2, which also stars Danny Trejo. The movie is the sequel to a Romanian comedy and is described as a Dumb And Dumberstyle buddy comedy about two Romanian friends visiting the Floridian city. Casting calls for the film indicate that it was shot in April of this year. Charlotte Dawson has hit back at mum-shaming trolls. The daughter of comedian Les Dawson, 30, took to Instagram on Thursday while holding her four-month-old son Jude to slam those who had criticised her parenting skills. Charlotte, who is proud mother to sons Noah, two, and Jude, said: 'It's hilarious, isn't it, Jude, because these people, these weirdos, are saying all sorts, aren't they? 'Guess what?' We don't bloody, chuffing care, OK? My boys are happy, contented. Doesn't matter if one's got a dummy still or one's not potty-trained yet. Is it anything to do with you? Is it?' Trolls beware: Charlotte Dawson hit back at mum-shaming trolls who tore into her for using a dummy and not having her two-year-old son potty-trained Unfazed: The daughter of comedian Les Dawson said: 'I wanted to say that we do not care what people think.' The influencer told her 1.3 million followers: 'I don't comment on your life, do I? So, don't comment on mine. Simple as. Just press the "unfollow": it's not an issue.' Unfortunately, this hasn't been the first time that Charlotte has dealt with horrible comments - and actions - from strangers on social media. The mother-of-two fought back tears in August when she told her fans that she had been reported just two weeks after she welcomed Jude with her fiance Matthew Sarsfield. She was previously left devastated when she was contacted by social services in May after someone accused her of mistreating Noah. Charlotte took to her Instagram Stories to expose another individual who had been leaving cruel mum-shaming comments. The reality star told her followers how she'd used an unmasking service to find their identity. She penned: 'Another troll bites the dust now this is a shocking one. Happily retired in Cyprus? Really deffo not happy doing what your doing & saying the disgusting things you say about me and my family and other people. (sic) 'Evil I hope you're ashamed of yourself. Thank you again @trolls_unmasked finding them all out one by one. Hopefully I'll get my one who's ringing social services soon. I'm deffo getting closer.' Hitting out: Charlotte Dawson has hit out at 'disgusting' mum-shaming trolls, and revealed she is 'getting closer' to uncovering who called social services on her Exposed: The reality star, 30, took to her Instagram Stories on Sunday to expose another individual who had been leaving cruel mum-shaming comments Charlotte admitted she'd felt 'so down' since the troll called social services on her for a second time. Alongside images of herself with baby Jude, older son Noah and her other loved ones, Charlotte told how she was 'made of stronger stuff' and suggested that 'karma' would come to those who wronged her. She penned: 'Hiii my darlings, sorry I've been a bit quiet I just needed a breather & to spend some quality time with my boyos. 'I've had so many messages checking up on me thank you so much for being the best insta fambo, love you all. 'I've been so down but I'm not letting these weirdo freaks win. I'm bloody better than this & made of stronger stuff, they will get karma for what's going on I'm sure. can't wait to find out who you are, anyway enough about that negativeness.' Concentrating on the positive aspects of her life, she went on: 'I took our beautiful Jude out in the balmoral @silvercrossuk pram, so special as it was Noah's & my mum and dad used to take me out in this pram when I was a baby round fairhaven lake. 'Now here I am with our second boyo, precious. Not letting anyone pop our baby bubble.' Earlier this month, Charlotte said she had received another call, as someone accused her of giving her eldest son alcohol and showing him naked on social media. Tough: The mother-of-two fought back tears in August when she told her fans that she had been reported just two weeks after she welcomed her second child, Jude New mum: Charlotte welcomed her second child Jude in August with rugby player fiance Matthew (pictured) She claimed she is being harassed by a troll who is 'trying to ruin her life' by reporting her NSPCC. Charlotte said the report was 'shut down' by the investigating officer once they had spoken to her. The former Ex On The Beach star heartbreakingly admitted the campaign of harassment has 'burst her baby bubble', after giving birth to son Jude in August. Taking to her Instagram Stories, she said: 'Happy Monday my darlings. Chazza has not had a happy Monday. Mine has been horrendous, awful. 'You know they say it comes in threes, bad news doesn't it. I've had three bad news today. One of them is social services again. Saying that Noah is drunk and he's been seen with drink. 'The next one is that they're worried for our sons because there's excessive alcohol. I've not even drank once, I've not even been out of the house. I've been breastfeeding. 'I know you can have a wine when you're breastfeeding. I've not even had any drink, I'm absolutely baffled.' She continued: 'Then the next one. Apparently I'm showing his genitals on Instagram. I'm so baffled. When have I showed, I just don't understand. Literally.' Explaining the impact it was having on her mental wellbeing, she said: 'But it's hilarious. They've got him down as six weeks old. 'Whoever you are he's actually two weeks old and the fact that you rang f*****g social services on me when my son is two weeks old, and I have a two and a half year old.' 'I'm not even in a normal state of mind right now. I'm still really down and low. I'm not in real life, you know when you're in your baby bubble, one minute I'm happy and one minute I'm low. 'Hearing this again, it's making me want to come off Instagram. I don't know what to do, maybe I'm best not showing Noah and Jude, I'm just trying to be a good mum.' about how closures are - or aren't - affecting you Do you still go to the bank or can you manage your finances online? Email Six banks filed to close almost 40 branches last week, with Wells Fargo alone axing 13 locations. Wells Fargo has been a leader in the closure of branches around the country, having closed 160 in the first half of the year, according to data from S&P Global Market Intelligence. And in the latest filings to its regulator, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), it indicated that five would now close in California, three in Florida, and another five elsewhere in the country. A filing from regional bank KeyBank to close ten branches was unique in that nine of those 'branches' were in fact 'charters' that allowed a handful of private customers to make deposits, a spokesperson for the bank told DailyMail.com. (See the full list below to see if your branch is on the chopping block.) Wells Fargo has filed to close five branches in California , three in Florida , and another five elsewhere around the country KeyBank has said the 'branches' it filed to close are actually 'charters' that allow their private banking customers to make deposits 'KeyBank has made the business decision to close out nine charters for Key Private Bank offices,' said spokesperson Meg Lower in a statement to DailyMail.com. 'These charters allowed Key Private Bank to collect deposits from clients in its offices at these various locations. As part of the process of closing the charter, we filed the appropriate notice with the OCC last week which was labeled as a branch closure.' Unlike Wells Fargo, whose branches are scattered among a number of states, KeyBank is limited to a handful in the Northeast and Northwest. Four of KeyBank's closures were in Ohio. Also to notify of closures this week were US Bank, Citizens, Chase and Associated Bank, with seven, three, two and one proposed respectively. Associated is headquartered in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and has 200 branches throughout Wisconsin, Illinois and Minnesota. This year alone a total of 1,144 national and regional banks were closed between January 1 and July 31 across 49 states, according to data from S&P reviewed by DailyMail.com. And these most recent closures come after an exclusive poll by DailyMail.com revealed 51 percent of consumers said they were very or somewhat concerned about the declining number of bank branches. The survey also found that brick-and-mortar services were less accessible to black Americans. While 14 percent of black Americans said they did not have a local branch, that was only the case for 8 percent of white Americans. Associated Bank is headquartered in Green Bay, Wisconsin , and has 200 branches throughout Wisconsin, Illinois and Minnesota US Bank filed to close seven branches last week, according to the OCC's weekly bulletin. Pictured is a branch in Minnesota Between November 5 and 11, Chase reported to the OCC that it would close two branches in Connecticut and Illinois When banks close a branch, they must notify the OCC. In a statement to DailyMail.com earlier this year, a spokesperson said: 'The OCC understands the importance of bank branches and is committed to supporting access to banking services in all communities.' They also noted that although banks and credit unions need to notify their 'primary regulator of closures', the statute that requires them to do so does not allow the regulator to object to the closure. Have bank branch closures been affecting you or are you able to manage your financial affairs online? Write us an email at money@dailymail.com. The US interventions havent paid dividends in most places whereas the Chinese are happy to play the second fiddle and wait for an opportune time to react As per Brown Universitys Institute of International and Public Affairs, the United States is believed to have incurred $2.3 trillion and 6247 war deaths (including Military, Contractors, and Civilians) in the ill-fated War in Afghanistan (2001-2021). This bill does not include future interest payments on borrowings made to fund this war or the associated Veteran care that will be required in the future. The net result of this war is that ultimately the US had to negotiate with the same group for its own exit from Afghanistan, which it had originally come to defeat in Afghanistan i.e., the Taliban. The actual superpower with which Afghanistan ought to have concerns given the contiguity of a shared land border i.e., China, stayed peacefully out of the conflict for twenty years and has gingerly walked in as the only superpower to have a real equation with the government in Afghanistan, today. All without incurring any money or firing a single shot! German research institute, Kiel, has estimated that the United States has directed more than $75 billion in assistance to Ukraine in the form of military, financial and humanitarian aid. This makes Ukraine the top aid recipient of US foreign aid a first-time status for a European country since the Harry Truman Government had sanctioned the rebuilding of the European continent after World War 2. The list includes cutting-edge technology like Abram tanks, coastal defence ships, anti-aircraft missiles, and advanced surveillance and radar systems, yet the Russian-Ukraine war is a stalemate, at best. China which has a 4210 km long land border with Russia and its own axe to grind with the United States thought it best to offer platitudes that seem to blame the US or NATO more than the Russians, yet the Ukrainians strangely seem satisfied with the Chinese indifference. Zelensky, who is propped by the US largesse said incredulously, China has chosen the policy of staying away. At the moment, Ukraine is satisfied with this policy. It is better than helping the Russian Federation in any case. And I want to believe that China will not pursue another policy. We are satisfied with this status quo, to be honest. Again, without investing any resources, firing a shot or committing to a meaningful stand, the Chinese have retained a favourable position with Ukrainians (and obviously with the Russians), even though it is the US that is picking up the tab! The latest global war that has drawn the United States into its ambit is the Israel-Hamas war which has resulted in Washington DC giving at least $14 billion (traditionally the US was providing up to $3 billion worth in military assistance, annually) to Israel to spruce up its air and missile systems, including the much-bandied Iron Dome, amongst other security wherewithal. As the Israeli offensive in the Gaza Strip continues relentlessly at a very steep human and financial cost, it is the US that will pick up a sizeable part of the bill. Yet the Chinese have decided to stay out of the conflict discourse, including taking clear sides. Perhaps it has something to do with the quixotic approach of having robust relations with Israel (including thriving trade and commerce and grantsmanship in technology forays), even as it had maintained a rare semblance of a relationship with the likes of Hamas, Hezbollah et al, earlier. This guarded approach may not endear Beijing to either of the sides in the Israel-Hamas conflict immediately, but it does save China from burning precious money from its treasury and then deciding as to which side to tilt as the dust starts settling in the Gaza Strip. Irrespective of the outcome of the war, the US will have more enemies than it had before the war started and it would have sunk huge amounts in a war that was essentially, someone elses. The above examples of the USs global military intervention do not include the rather substantial investments that it is already committed to in the war-torn Middle Eastern theatre, restive Sub-Saharan Africa etc., Yet nowhere is the US intervention leading to any tangible or long-term improvements in its sovereign perceptions or relations whereas the fleet-footed Chinese who despite all accusations of debt-traps, inconsistent or amoral stands are increasingly getting afforded the sort of expansionism that Beijing desperately seeks. Given that the Chinese have very little to lose and much to gain at the expense of the existing American global footprint and perceptions, it plays a snake-like baiting game of wait and watch, and then strikes when the opportunity offers itself with minimal effort or fuss. The already battered global economy post-pandemic had led to credible talks of an impending recession in the US, yet it continues sinking its fast-depleting resources under the pretext of ensuring American security for generations. Biden is feeding the fear of abstaining from interventions by suggesting that the outcome of these fights for democracy against terrorism and tyranny are vital to the safety of the American people. So far, the US interventions havent paid dividends in most places whereas the Chinese are happy to play the second fiddle with only accusatory statements and saving its resources for the rainy day. Something is clearly wrong in the American admixture of diplomacy as it is fast ceding ground to the penny-pinching Chinese. (The writer, a military veteran, is a former Lt Governor of Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Puducherry. The views expressed are personal) The Modi Government has made unstinted efforts to make the defaulters pay up and also ensured that no new NPAs are created As per the information shared by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in reply to the RTI question, scheduled commercial banks (SCBs) had written off non-performing assets (NPAs) - an acronym for loans that have gone bad - worth over Rs 10,57,000 crore in the last five years. This amount is often cited by the opposition in particular, the grand old party (GOP) to lambast Modi government for having given what they term as loan waiver to big industrialists and businessmen. Has Modi granted favours to the big-wigs? To address this, we need to answer two fundamental questions. When does a loan become an NPA? How does the bank deal with it? A loan account becomes an NPA when interest and/or instalment of principal remain overdue for a period of more than 90 days. The borrower could land in such a predicament under three different scenarios: First, the bank officials have conducted due diligence, carefully assessed the viability of the project or venture for which the loan is considered, convinced themselves about the credibility of the borrower and kept track of the utilization of the funds, functioning of the enterprise, its profitability, generation of cash and so on. The chances of such a loan account becoming NPA are minimal; if at all it happens it could be due to circumstances totally beyond the control of the borrower say, for instance, the impact of the Covid pandemic. Second, the officials have granted loans in a cavalier fashion without conducting due diligence or assessing the project/ventures viability and havent put in place mechanisms to track the utilisation of funds, functioning of the enterprise and so on. There is a greater chance of such a loan turning into an NPA. Third, the banks top brass in utter disregard for due diligence acts with mala fide intent under what is termed a quid pro quo arrangement. Put simply, it approves and disburses loans in exchange for bribes. In this scenario, it is almost certain that the loan would become NPA as it was taken with the sole intention of not returning it. Replying to the debate on the Presidents address during the opening of the budget session of the parliament in February 2018, Prime Minister, Narendra Modi stated that there had been a massive proliferation of loans given by the banks on the directions of the ruling political establishment to favoured industrialists and businessmen. During 2008-2014, loans worth Rs 3500,000 crore were given. The bulk of these loans were given in the second and third categories. Therefore, it was quite likely these would become NPA. This is corroborated by the RBI data on the addition of new NPAs as a percentage of the opening balance of NPAs in that year between 2009-10 and 2015-16. In 2009-10, 2011-12 and 2015-16, the addition of new NPAs was higher than their opening balance. In the remaining years 2010-11, 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2014-15, the addition of new NPAs was at least 90 percent of the opening balance. After 2015-16, this ratio has consistently fallen and it was around 1/3rd in 2020-21 and 2021-22. The impact in the case of public sector banks (PSBs) was more pronounced where the ratio was even lower at 22 per cent during 2021-22. It clearly demonstrates that under the Modi regime, banks in particular, PSBs were more careful in giving loans (category 1) resulting in a much lower ratio. There is another point of differentiation between the UPA regime (2008-2014) and Modi (2014 onward). Whereas, under the former, banks kept NPAs under the carpet by using techniques such as evergreening of loans - fancy nomenclature for the bank giving more loans to enable the borrower to service the previous loan thus making the loan account look normal, under the latter they were forced to truthfully reflect NPAs in the balance sheet (BS). Modi got it done even for the loans given under UPA by asking the RBI in 2015 to conduct an asset quality review (AQR) of all SCBs to identify NPAs. As a result, their gross NPAs scaled to a high of Rs 1036,000 crore as of March 31, 2018. How did the banks deal with these NPAs? Following prudential accounting practice and as per RBI guidelines, they wrote off these loans. It is a mandatory requirement to reflect on a banks true financial health. It isnt a loan waiver (the opposition/GOP want the public to believe that it is) as the bank continues to chase the defaulter including legal courses to recover it. To enable banks to pursue their efforts on the fast track, in 2016, the government enacted the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) superseding subsisting laws. In 2017, it amended the Banking Regulation Act (BRA) giving RBI the power to force banks to act if they dont do it on their own. On February 12, 2018, RBI issued a circular containing the specifics of how it was to be done. The government has made life for willful defaulters (borrowers who can pay back yet decide not to) pretty tough. They are not sanctioned any additional facilities by banks or other FIs, and their unit is debarred from floating new ventures for five years. Additionally, they and companies that have them as promoters/directors are debarred from accessing capital markets to raise funds. Furthermore, under IBC, such promoters cant remain in control of the entity. As per the information given by the Ministry of Finance (MoF) in Parliament, during the last nine years, SCBs have undertaken an aggregate recovery of Rs 10,16,617 crore of NPAs. Out of this, the Central government gave around Rs 300,000 crore as budgetary support to shore up the capital of PSBs during 2016 - 2021. Furthermore, in the budget for 2021-22, it committed another Rs 200,000 crore by way of a sovereign guarantee for the security receipts (SRs) to be issued by NARCL where the majority shareholding is vested in PSBs. After adjusting for Rs 500,000 crore being the contribution of the government, banks still recovered a substantial amount of Rs 516,617 crore from the defaulters. The recovery would have been much more but for the judicial bottlenecks in the insolvency proceedings under the IBC. As such the decisions of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) the designated authority for such matters - are subject to appeal in the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT), the High Court and the Supreme Court (SC) which leads to delays as big defaulters invariably go for appeal. That apart, following a bunch of petitions by defaulting borrowers, in April 2019, the SC declared the RBI circular dated February 12, 2018 this was the cornerstone of the insolvency process shepherded by the banking regulator - unconstitutional. As a result, the RBI was forced to come up with a revised circular dated June 7, 2019, that gave too much leverage to the lenders/banks. It has created a scenario where they are neither under any compulsion nor have any interest in referring the NPA for resolution under IBC. Still, the IBC framework has brought about a fundamental change in the behaviour of the borrower. By instilling a sense of fear that continuing default could result in his losing control over the firm, it has forced a large number of them to clear all their dues. Besides, a series of governance reforms implemented in PSBs have galvanized banks to promptly recognize and report stressed assets and take stringent measures for their recovery. To conclude, far from letting defaulting industrialists and businessmen go off the hook, the Modi government has made unstinted efforts to make them pay up and also ensure that no new NPAs are created. Ancient Indian texts pay tributes to Nature and emphasise the interdependence India, a land of diverse cultures and rich traditions, has a profound connection with nature that transcends time. The Indian scriptures, comprising a vast body of religious and philosophical texts, echo a deep concern for the environment and advocate a harmonious relationship between humans and nature. This article explores the themes of environmental consciousness and reverence for nature embedded in the fabric of Indian scriptures. Vedic Wisdom: The Rigveda, one of the oldest sacred texts in Hinduism, acknowledges the divine essence within nature. It describes various elements of nature, such as rivers, mountains, and plants, as deities worthy of worship. The hymns in the Rigveda emphasise the interconnectedness of all living beings and stress the importance of preserving the balance in the natural order. Upanishadic Philosophy: The Upanishads, philosophical treatises that form the basis of Vedanta, delve deeper into the understanding of the self and its relationship with the cosmos. They advocate the concept of "Brahman," an ultimate reality that encompasses everything in the universe. This interconnected worldview promotes a sense of responsibility towards nature, viewing it as an extension of the divine. Bhagavad Gita: In the Bhagavad Gita, a revered scripture within the Indian epic Mahabharata, Lord Krishna imparts spiritual wisdom to Arjuna. The Gita emphasises the concept of "dharma" or righteous duty, including the stewardship of the environment. Krishna underscores the sacredness of nature, urging individuals to act responsibly and with respect for the delicate balance of the ecosystem. Jainism and Ecology: Jainism, an ancient Indian religion, places a strong emphasis on non-violence (ahimsa) and compassion towards all living beings. Jain scriptures advocate a lifestyle that minimises harm to nature, promoting vegetarianism and environmental conservation. The idea of interconnectedness is central to Jain's philosophy, emphasising the interdependence of all life forms. Buddhism and Environmental Ethics: The teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, include principles that align with environmental ethics. Buddhism emphasises mindfulness and awareness, encouraging individuals to cultivate a deep connection with the natural world. The concept of interdependence (pratityasamutpada) in Buddhism recognises the intricate web of relationships between all elements of existence, promoting a sense of responsibility towards the environment. Hinduism and the Worship of Nature: Several Hindu festivals and rituals are dedicated to nature worship. For example, festivals like Navratri celebrate the divine feminine energy present in nature, and rituals like "prithvi puja" (worship of the Earth) underline the sacredness of the environment. These practices foster a sense of reverence and responsibility, encouraging followers to protect and preserve the Earth. The concern for nature in Indian scriptures is not just a cultural or religious tenet but a profound philosophy that underscores the intrinsic connection between humans and the environment. The ancient wisdom encapsulated in these scriptures provides a timeless guide for fostering a sustainable and harmonious relationship with nature. As the world grapples with environmental challenges, the teachings of Indian scriptures offer valuable insights, reminding us of the sacred bond that unites all living beings with the Earth. (The writer is a spiritual guide; views are personal) Half a dozen terrorists were eliminated by the joint team of security forces without suffering any collateral damage in two back to back operations in the South Kashmir district of Kulgam and Rajouri on Friday. Braving the winter chill, the crack teams waited overnight for the first light to launch a final assault in the Samno area of DH Pora. The security forces also blasted the terrorist hideout after shooting the terrorists. Locals in the close vicinity of the encounter site were also shifted to safer places to prevent any loss of lives during the exchange of heavy firing. Meanwhile, the sixth terrorist was neutralised in the Behrote top, under the jurisdiction of Budhal police station in the Rajouri district. All the killed terrorists in Kulgam were linked with the proscribed terror outfit Lashkar-e-Tayyeba (LeT/TRF). On Wednesday, two terrorists, including a prominent launch commander Bashir Ahmad Malik of Pakistan Occupied Kashmir, were also killed by the security forces in the Uri sector of North Kashmirs Baramulla district. So far around 80 terrorists have been eliminated since January 1, 2023. According to a Jammu and Kashmir Police spokesman, The operation was launched in the area after getting specific inputs about the presence of a large group of terrorists in the Samno area of DH Pora in Kulgam late on Thursday afternoon. During the search operation, as the joint search party approached the suspected spot, the hiding terrorists fired indiscriminately upon them, which was retaliated effectively leading to an encounter in which all the five terrorists were neutralised. The slain terrorists have been identified as Yasir Bilal Bhat @Humais son of Bilal Ahmad Bhat resident of KG RAINA Wanpoh, Danish Hameed Thoker son of Abdul Hameed, Ubaid Ahmad Padder son of Wali Mohd Padder, both residents of Chakoora Shopian, Sameer Farooq Sheikh son of Farooq Ahmad resident of Chak Cholend Shopian and Hanzal Yaqoob Shah @Hanzilla son of Mohd Yaqoob Shah resident of Rawalpora Shopian. As per the police records, the killed terrorists were categorised terrorists and involved in several terror crime cases including attacks on police/SFs and civilian atrocities. They were also involved in a number of attacks on minority pickets. The killed terrorist Sameer Farooq and terrorist Danish Hameed were involved in the attack on a Kashmiri Pandit Sonu Bhat of Chotigam, Shopian. Terrorist Danish Hameed along with terrorist Hanzal Yaqoob Shah were also involved in a terror attack on outside labourers at Shopian. The high-decibel poll in the single phase Madhya Pradesh Assembly elections and the last leg of the second phase in neighbouring Chhattisgarh sealed the fate of the BJP and the Congress on Friday, with a large number of voter turnouts amid sporadic poll-related incidents. The ruling Congress hopes to retain Chhattisgarh, while the party is certain to wrest power from the BJP in MP and increase their tally from the 2018 winning margins. However, the Congress Government collapsed to pave the way for BJP Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan. Amid the high-voltage political battle, one significant aspect was the cracks in the newly formed INDIA bloc of Opposition parties, with Congress, Samajwadi Party, and AAP contesting elections and engaging in verbal duels against the leaders of their respective parties. Until the last filed reports, Madhya Pradesh recorded a voter turnout of 71.16 per cent until 5 pm for the 230-member Assembly. While the tentative voter turnout was 68.15 per cent in Chhattisgarh, until 5 pm, it also reported an ITBP jawan killed in a blast triggered by Naxalites in Gariaband district amid polling for the second phase. The first phase happened in the Naxal belt on November 7. Voting in Naxalite-affected Balaghat, Mandla, and Dindori districts of MP ended early at 3 pm, while it continued until 6 pm in other parts of the State. In Balaghat district, the Baihar Assembly constituency recorded a turnout of 80.38 per cent, Lanjhi 75.07 per cent, and Paraswada 81.56 per cent. There are 2,533 candidates in the fray, including Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and his predecessor and State Congress chief Kamal Nath. The high-decibel campaigning saw top leaders of contesting parties, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, criss-crossing MP and Chhattisgarh, addressing rallies, holding roadshows, trading charges, and making a slew of promises to seek votes for their candidates. 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 BJP and the Opposition Congress. After the 2018 polls, Congress, with 114 seats, emerged as the single largest party 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 Chouhan. On the last day of campaigning, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, his partys 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, Modi addressed three election rallies and held a roadshow in Indore. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday stressed the importance of understanding how artificial intelligence (AI) works as it could be used to create deepfakes and purposefully spread false information, potentially leading to a big crisis in society. He urged the media to spread awareness about the issue. The Prime Minister spoke about the dangers of deepfake technology and mentioned that he had seen a video where he is shown playing garba. He clarified, I have not played garba since school. Even those who love me are forwarding the video, he said in a lighter vein. Addressing the media at the annual Diwali Milan event at the BJP headquarters here, Modi said, Deepfakes should also carry disclosures. There are many other such videos online, he added, amid several cases of deepfake targeting politicians, sports, and film personalities coming to light in recent weeks. In a diverse society like ours, deepfakes can cause a significant crisis and even stoke the fire of discontent as people generally trust anything associated with the media, in the same way, anyone clad in gedua (saffron) tends to get respect from others, he said. A new crisis is emerging due to deepfakes produced through artificial intelligence. There is a very significant section of society that does not have a parallel verification system, the PM told journalists at the programme where he shared views about a few things and sought their support to raise awareness. Deepfake videos are synthetic media in which a person in an existing image or video is replaced with someone elses likeness. The Prime Minister noted that in the past, a movie with controversial comments would come and go, but now it has become a big issue. Even the screening of such films becomes difficult on the grounds that they have disrespected some section of society, irrespective of the huge amount of money spent on making them, he said. Flagging the misuse of AI, the Prime Minister said the media must educate people about this crisis. Modi said, During the times of Artificial Intelligence, it is important that technology should be used responsibly. The deepfake videos on social media, featuring morphed faces of actors Rashmika Mandanna, Katrina Kaif, and Kajol, have caused public outrage, with experts voicing rising dangers of AI manipulations. The BJP has raised concern over a deepfake video of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, where he is purportedly alluding to Congress capability to perform. BJP IT Cell head Amit Malviya alleged Congress hand behind the video, though the latter had denied the charge. The Prime Minister said he had recently suggested to ChatGPT professionals that as products like cigarettes come with health warnings, deepfakes too should carry disclosures. AI-manipulated deepfakes have sent shockwaves internationally, with a fake video of the late American President Richard Nixon announcing that US astronauts Neil Armstrong and Aldrin on the Moon may not be able to return to Earth. In his Diwali Milan address, the Prime Minister also referred to his resolve to make India Viksit Bharat (developed India), saying these are not merely words but a ground reality. He also mentioned that vocal for local has found peoples support. Modi further said Indias achievements during the COVID-19 pandemic have created confidence among the people that the country is not going to stop now. Accompanying the Prime Minister at the party office were Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP national president JP Nadda, making the event a significant gathering for the ruling party close to the ongoing Assembly polls in five States. Modi cited Indias achievements during the COVID-19 pandemic, saying they created confidence among people that the country is not going to stop now. He mentioned that about 130 countries attended a Global South summit hosted by India. A time comes in the life of a nation that can launch it to a higher trajectory, and this is what is happening to India, he asserted, urging the media to give strength to the programme for making the country developed by highlighting the countrys strengths without resorting to any untruth. Ideas related to developed India and economy are going to be at the centre of discourse for the next 25 years, and people are accepting the way the country has been progressing, Modi said. The Supreme Court of Yemen has rejected the appeal against the death sentence of Indian nurse Nimisha Priya. On Thursday, the Delhi High Court requested the Central Government to decide on a request by Priyas mother, Prema Mary, who seeks to negotiate blood money or compensation to save her daughter by traveling to Yemen. Blood money refers to the compensation paid by an offender or their family to the victim or their relatives. Priya, hailing from Palakkad district, Kerala, has been serving a prison sentence since 2017 for the murder of a Yemeni national, Talal Abdo Mahdi. Found guilty, she was sentenced to death by a trial court in 2018, and her family has been advocating for her release since then. With the Yemeni Supreme Court rejecting her appeal on November 13, the decision now rests with the countrys President. Arindam Bagchi, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, stated that the Indian Government is aware of the matter and is providing consular assistance as needed. Following the completion of a nursing training programme, Priya went to Yemen and worked in several private hospitals. In 2014, she reportedly came into contact with Talal Abdo Mahdi, who pledged to assist her in establishing her own clinic. A partnership was necessary as Yemeni law mandates collaboration with a local for starting any business. However, the partnership reportedly ended due to differences between Priya and Mahdi. Despite this, she proceeded to start her clinic with him in 2015. According to local reports, Mahdi began threatening Priya, who was living in Yemen with her spouse Tony Thomas and their daughter. Mahdi allegedly confiscated her passport to prevent her from leaving Yemen. Priya filed a police complaint against Mahdi, leading to his arrest in 2016. However, after his release, he continued to harass her. In 2017, she injected him with sedatives in an attempt to reclaim her passport from his possession. Unfortunately, he died from an overdose. She then turned to Abdul Hanan, the nurse who had assisted her in opening her clinic, for help. Following that, the two reportedly chopped his body and threw it in a water tank. Residents discovered Mahdis body, and the police launched a manhunt for her. In August 2017, Priya and Hanan were taken into custody and sentenced to life in prison. In 2018, Priya was given a death sentence following a year in jail. Priyas family has been fighting to get her justice since 2018. Her mother moved the Delhi High Court earlier this year, seeking permission to travel to Yemen in spite of a travel ban for Indian nationals and negotiate the blood money to save her daughter. On Thursday, the Centres lawyer said according to a notification issued recently, the travel ban may be relaxed and Indian nationals may be allowed to travel to Yemen for specific reasons and durations. The high court had earlier refused to direct the Centre to negotiate the payment of blood money to save the woman, but asked it to pursue the legal remedies against the conviction in Yemen. The High court asked the Centre to make a decision within a week. In her plea, Priyas mother told the court she wanted to negotiate the blood money (compensation paid by an offender or his kin to the family of the victim) to save her daughter. Represented by lawyer Subash Chandaran KR, the woman told the court that the only way to save her daughter from the gallows was to negotiate with the deceaseds family by paying blood money, for which she wanted to travel to Yemen, but due to the travel ban, she was unable to go there. In response, Justice Subramonium Prasad said, In view of the representation, let the present petition be treated as a representation. The respondent is directed to decide the representation within one week from today. The Save Nimisha Priya International Action Council, a group advocating for Priyas release, approached the high court in 2022, imploring the Centre to facilitate diplomatic interventions as well as negotiations with the family of the victim on behalf of Priya to save her life by paying blood money in accordance with the law of the land in a time-bound manner. A businessman in Bijnor district was allegedly robbed and his wife was gang-raped on Wednesday. The robbery took place at the businessmans house while he was out with his mother and his two children to see a doctor. According to reports, five men entered the house, tied up the wife of the businessman and gang-raped her. The robbers consumed alcohol and burnt the woman with cigarette butts. Besides, they also stole 250 grams of gold jewellery, 2 kilogram silver items, Rs 1.5 lakh in cash, a scooter and an LED TV installed in the house. At first, the police attempted to hush up the robbery and gang-rape, but they eventually registered a complaint after the case gained media attention. The businessman claimed that he had been robbed on October 19 as well. During that incident, the robbers had held him hostage and made off with Rs 80,000 in cash. He had filed a complaint at that time and was assured by the police that action would be taken against those responsible for the robbery. Meanwhile, Superintendent of Police Neeraj Jadaun sent station in-charge Vikas Kumar to the lines for being negligent as he allegedly only gave assurances to the businessmen, instead of registering a complaint in the October 19 case. A case has now been registered by the police, under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code related to gang-rape and robbery and further investigations are on. In another incident in Bijnor, a 14-year-old boy, Shaurya Singh, died while bursting firecrackers inside a steel tumbler. The explosion burst the tumbler to pieces and the splinters hit the boy in the stomach and legs. After the freak accident, Shaurya initially tried to hide his wounds from his parents. Once his family came to know about the accident, they rushed him to a local private hospital where he died due to excessive blood loss. Both ruling Bharatiya janata party (BJP and Congress left no stone unturned in wooing the voters of Madhya Pradesh. Since the model code of conduct was imposed in the State. The BJP organised as many as 634 rallies by its top leaders, while the Congress put together 350. While going through thei mpact of both the parties rallies, it still appears to be a touigh fight in BJP and Congress. The BJP's list of speakers was topped by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and comprised BJP chief JP Nadda, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The Congress speakers included party chief Mallikarjun Kharge, and siblings Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and senior leaders KC Venugopal and Randeep Singh Surjewala. State leaders, too, featured prominently in the campaigns of the two parties. Incumbent Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Kamal Nath, the face of the Congress campaign, addressed over a hundred poll rallies each. Prime Minister Modi held 15 rallies, highlighting the advantages of a double engine government and targeting rivals. His rallies were held in Ratlam, Seoni, Khandwa, Sidhi, Damoh, Muraina, Guna, Satna, Chhatarpur, Neemuch, Barwani, Indore, Betul, Shajapur and Jhabua. Home Minister Shah held 21 rallies, some of them in Bhopal, Jabalpur, Khajuraho and Gwalior. He was followed by JP Nadda with 14 and Rajnath Singh with 12 poll meetings. Yogi Adityanath and Himanta Biswa Sarma, popular chief ministers of BJP-ruled Uttar Pradesh and Assam, respectively, were roped in for cavassing for the key polls. Among state leaders, Chouhan held 165 rallies, criss-crossing the length and breadth of the state. On the last day of the campaign, he described how tiring the past few weeks have been. "I would run while getting off the helicopter and also while climbing in. Still I managed just 165," he said. Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, a former Congress leader and a member of the erstwhile royal Scindia family, was assigned as many as 80 meetings to capitalise on his family's local influence. During these meetings, he targeted his former party and stressed on the BJP's achievements in the state and the country. For the Congress, Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Sachin Pilot were among the popular leaders who held rallies. While the Congress chief was at nine rallies, the Gandhi siblings attended 11 poll meetings each. Gandhi Vadra made headlines by taking a swipe at Scindia, branding him "traitor" who "betrayed" the mandate of the people. Speaking at Datia, Madhya Pradesh, she said, "I have worked with him (Scindia) in UP, Actually, his height is a little short but in arrogance, 'waah bhai waah'". "Any worker who used to go to him, said, 'We have to call him Maharaj and if we don't say that, our issues will not get addressed'. He followed his family's tradition well. Many have betrayed, but they betrayed the public of Gwalior and Chamba... he made the government fall," she said, in an apparent reference to the Scindia royal family siding with the British during the 1857 rebellion. Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati on Thursday termed a video showing her advocating the victory of Bharatiya Janata Party and defeat of Congress in the state assembly elections as fake. For the past few days, a video of Mayawati was allegedly going viral on social media, in which she is seen appealing to defeat the Congress party. On the alleged fake video, she said that the Congress was propagating it. Mayawati said that it was unfortunate that Congress was circulating a fake video. In the video, she has been falsely portrayed as saying, even if BJP wins, Congress should not win before the elections in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan. Along with this, she said the video was a symbol of the frustration of the Congress party and this conspiracy was hatched in view of the strong position of BSP. She appealed to the people to be cautious of such tactics. The BSP has decided to contest the upcoming assembly elections in Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh independently. With this step, questions are being raised on the role of the party in these states, because the main contest is being seen between the Congress and the BJP. Mayawati has decided to go into the electoral fray with her traditional support, which includes Dalits, tribals and Other Backward Class (OBC) voters. According to the partys national coordinator, Akash Anand, BSP aims to establish itself as a third front in the elections of Telangana and other states. In the 2018 Rajasthan assembly elections, BSP had secured 4.03 per cent votes and won six seats. In Madhya Pradesh it got 5.01 per cent votes and won two seats, while in Chhattisgarh the party got 3.87 per cent votes and won two seats. It is noteworthy that despite Mayawati offering support to Congress in Rajasthan, all six BSP MLAs joined Congress. Analysts believe that BSPs vote share in these states has remained between 4 per cent and 7.5 per cent for the last two decades. Mayawati will decide on joining the new government after the upcoming elections in Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Telangana. The party aims to establish itself as an important balance of power in these states. The oxygen supply system at Bhopal Memorial Hospital and Research Center (BMHRC) has been further strengthened. To get the oxygen at proper pressure, a pressure regulatory system (PRS) has been installed near the oxygen storage tank located in the hospital premises. Dr. Manisha Shrivastava, Director-in-charge, BMHRC on Thursday, dedicated it to the patients. Also, Oxygen supply will be made available on all 350 beds in the hospital.Dr. Manisha Shrivastava said that during the Covid-19 period, in many hospitals, the number of patients requiring oxygen had increased significantly. During this period, the problem emerged in many hospitals that despite adequate quantity of oxygen being available, it was not reaching the patients at proper pressure. This caused a lot of problems to the patients. However, there was no such problem due to the alternative system in BMHRC. PRS system was introduced to maintain proper pressure. Now it has been installed with the oxygen storage system of BMHRC. There will be two regulators in the system. If one regulator stops working, the other will automatically start working. Dr Anurag Yadav, Medical Superintendent (in-charge), BMHRC said that oxygen supply is available on more than 250 beds of the hospital, and soon it will be made available on all 350 beds.Dr Gaurav Acharya, in-charge, Department of Manifold said that the capacity of oxygen storage tank of BMHRC is 10 kilo litres. Even if, in future, number of beds increases, there will never be any shortage of oxygen and oxygen pressure for the patients. The death toll from the blasts at a Christian religious gathering in nearby Kalamassery in October has risen to six, government sources said on Friday. Malayatoor resident Praveen (24) died at a private hospital on Thursday, authorities at the hospital, where he had been treated, said. "He was in the ICU. He passed away at 10.40 PM on Thursday," a hospital source told PTI. His mother, who suffered serious wounds in the blasts, had died on November 11, while his younger sister Libina had succumbed to injuries on October 30, a day after the blasts occurred at the gathering of the Jehovah's Witnesses. The medical board, responsible for treating those wounded in the incident, is yet to release the medical bulletin indicating the number of patients under treatment following the blasts. The blasts took place during a gathering of Jehovah's Witnesses on October 29. They had gathered for the final day of a three-day-long prayer meeting. Libina had passed away on October 30 at the Kalamassery Government Medical College Hospital, and two women who were part of the gathering lost their lives on the day of the blasts. Subsequently, 61-year-old Moly Joy from Kalamassery died at a private hospital on November 6. During the multiple blasts at the international convention centre in Kalamassery, over 50 people were injured, some seriously. A few hours after the incident, a man named Dominic Martin, claiming to be an estranged member of Jehovah's Witnesses, surrendered before the police in Thrissur district, asserting that he carried out the multiple blasts. The police later recorded his arrest. In addition to Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) (punishment for murder) and Section 3 of the Explosive Substances Act, relevant sections of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) have also been invoked against Martin. Two persons were injured in a clash on Friday during voting in Madhya Pradesh's Dimani constituency where the Union minister Narendra Singh Tomar is contesting, an official said. Morena Superintendent of Police (SP) Shailendra Singh said that a clash between two groups was reported from Mirdhan village over attempts to stop voters from casting their ballots. The SP said some channels ran inaccurate reports claiming that there was firing and subsequent bullet injuries in the village. Two persons identified as Ajay Sharma and Rampratap Sharma were injured by sticks in the fight. The news of bullet injuries is wrong, he said. Meanwhile, the Election Commission said around 12 per cent of votes were polled across the 230 seats of Madhya Pradesh till 9 am. Chief Electoral Officer of MP Anupam Rajan said peaceful polling is underway in all the constituencies. Electronic voting machines were changed at some places during mock polling while technical snags were rectified at some other booths, he said. So, the polling is underway at all places uninterrupted, he said, adding that 11.95 per cent polling was recorded in the state till 9 am. He said 12.1 per cent of those who cast their votes are males, while 11.89 per cent are females. The highest polling at 9 am was recorded in Rajgarh district at 16.49 per cent and it was lowest in Indore district at 6.21 per cent, he added. The UN Security Council has called for urgent humanitarian pauses and corridors throughout Gaza to allow unhindered humanitarian access in the strip, finally overcoming deadlock and adopting a resolution in the month-long Israel-Hamas conflict. The 15-nation Council adopted a resolution on Wednesday that called for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas and other groups, especially children, as well as ensuring immediate humanitarian access. The Malta-drafted resolution was adopted with 12 votes in favour, none against and three abstentions from Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States. The resolution calls for urgent and extended humanitarian pauses and corridors throughout the Gaza Strip for a sufficient number of days to enable, consistent with international humanitarian law, the full, rapid, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access for United Nations humanitarian agencies and their implementing partners to facilitate the continuous, sufficient and unhindered provision of essential goods and services throughout the Gaza Strip. The adoption of the resolution came after four failed attempts last month in the Council to take action on allowing humanitarian access in the Israel-Hamas conflict that broke out after the militant group attacked Israel on October 7. The resolution by the US that would have affirmed the right of member states to defend themselves against threats to peace and security posed by acts of terrorism, was vetoed by Russia and China. Two resolutions by Moscow failed to get sufficient votes in their favour while the Brazil text that would have called for humanitarian pauses to allow full access for aid to the Gaza strip was vetoed by the US. US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield, in her explanation of the vote, said that the text does not include condemnation of Hamas but this is the first time the Council has ever adopted a resolution that even mentions the word Hamas. She said that while Washington fully supports the resolutions call for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas and other groups, 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. UKs Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Barbara Woodward said while the resolution is absolutely necessary, Britain regrets that the first resolution passed by the Council on the issue could not clearly condemn Hamas terrorist attacks of October 7. The barbarity of those attacks should be clear to us all. That is why we have abstained today. But let me be absolutely clear, it was vital and overdue for the Council to speak on this crisis and we strongly support the resolutions purpose: to get aid in, and hostages out, Woodward said. Russias Permanent Representative Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said that Moscow abstained on the draft resolution and could not but respond to calls, including from countries in the region, for the Security Council to adopt at least some humanitarian product. That is the only reason why we turned a blind eye to the many shortcomings of the draft, the main one being the absence of a call for an immediate ceasefire. This was and remains an imperative, the Russian envoy said. He added that any humanitarian action requires an immediate cessation of hostilities. One cannot clear the debris and evacuate people when under fire, and also it is impossible to bring in much-needed fuel, without which Gazas hospitals are about to run out of energy. Acadian Asset Management LLC trimmed its position in Canadian Natural Resources Limited (NYSE:CNQ Free Report) (TSE:CNQ) by 98.0% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 11,800 shares of the oil and gas producers stock after selling 567,508 shares during the quarter. Acadian Asset Management LLCs holdings in Canadian Natural Resources were worth $664,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Canadian Natural Resources by 30.3% during the 1st quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. now owns 13,128 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $814,000 after purchasing an additional 3,055 shares in the last quarter. Private Advisor Group LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Canadian Natural Resources during the 1st quarter worth $403,000. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Canadian Natural Resources by 26.0% during the 1st quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 16,727 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $1,036,000 after purchasing an additional 3,448 shares in the last quarter. BlackRock Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Canadian Natural Resources by 31.5% during the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 896,093 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $55,540,000 after purchasing an additional 214,665 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Raymond James Trust N.A. grew its holdings in shares of Canadian Natural Resources by 2.3% during the 1st quarter. Raymond James Trust N.A. now owns 8,432 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $523,000 after purchasing an additional 191 shares in the last quarter. 73.88% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Canadian Natural Resources alerts: Canadian Natural Resources Stock Performance Shares of CNQ stock opened at $63.95 on Friday. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $64.47 and its 200-day moving average price is $60.30. Canadian Natural Resources Limited has a 12 month low of $48.81 and a 12 month high of $68.30. The firm has a market capitalization of $69.28 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.41 and a beta of 1.52. The company has a current ratio of 0.91, a quick ratio of 0.65 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.25. Canadian Natural Resources Increases Dividend Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 5th. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 8th will be paid a dividend of $0.7203 per share. This represents a $2.88 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.51%. This is a positive change from Canadian Natural Resourcess previous quarterly dividend of $0.67. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, December 7th. Canadian Natural Resourcess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 60.38%. Several analysts have recently issued reports on the company. StockNews.com assumed coverage on Canadian Natural Resources in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating on the stock. Jefferies Financial Group lifted their target price on Canadian Natural Resources from $84.00 to $94.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research report on Monday, August 28th. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their target price on Canadian Natural Resources from $80.00 to $85.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research report on Friday, August 4th. National Bank Financial cut Canadian Natural Resources from an outperform rating to a sector perform rating in a research report on Friday, August 4th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada lifted their target price on Canadian Natural Resources from $95.00 to $96.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, November 3rd. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Canadian Natural Resources has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $90.63. Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on CNQ Canadian Natural Resources Company Profile (Free Report) Canadian Natural Resources Limited acquires, explores for, develops, produces, markets, and sells crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids (NGLs). The company offers light and medium crude oil, primary heavy crude oil, Pelican Lake heavy crude oil, bitumen (thermal oil), and synthetic crude oil (SCO). See Also Receive News & Ratings for Canadian Natural Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Canadian Natural Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board grew its position in shares of Burlington Stores, Inc. (NYSE:BURL Free Report) by 475.0% in the second quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund owned 55,200 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 45,600 shares during the quarter. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board owned about 0.09% of Burlington Stores worth $8,688,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of BURL. Handelsbanken Fonder AB lifted its position in Burlington Stores by 11.4% in the second quarter. Handelsbanken Fonder AB now owns 12,255 shares of the companys stock worth $1,929,000 after buying an additional 1,255 shares during the last quarter. Robeco Institutional Asset Management B.V. lifted its position in Burlington Stores by 14.2% in the second quarter. Robeco Institutional Asset Management B.V. now owns 1,697 shares of the companys stock worth $267,000 after buying an additional 211 shares during the last quarter. Rhumbline Advisers lifted its position in Burlington Stores by 7.0% in the first quarter. Rhumbline Advisers now owns 80,989 shares of the companys stock worth $16,368,000 after buying an additional 5,328 shares during the last quarter. Duality Advisers LP bought a new stake in Burlington Stores in the second quarter worth $501,000. Finally, Boothbay Fund Management LLC lifted its position in Burlington Stores by 562.3% in the first quarter. Boothbay Fund Management LLC now owns 93,476 shares of the companys stock worth $18,892,000 after buying an additional 79,362 shares during the last quarter. Get Burlington Stores alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of analysts recently issued reports on BURL shares. Evercore ISI started coverage on Burlington Stores in a research report on Tuesday, November 7th. They issued an outperform rating and a $150.00 price target for the company. Barclays decreased their target price on Burlington Stores from $213.00 to $211.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Friday, August 25th. Telsey Advisory Group reiterated an outperform rating and set a $225.00 target price on shares of Burlington Stores in a research report on Wednesday. Gordon Haskett downgraded Burlington Stores from a buy rating to a hold rating and set a $137.00 target price for the company. in a research report on Wednesday, September 27th. Finally, TD Cowen decreased their target price on Burlington Stores from $185.00 to $181.00 and set a market perform rating for the company in a research report on Monday, August 28th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have given a hold rating and fourteen have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $208.45. Burlington Stores Stock Performance Shares of Burlington Stores stock opened at $129.93 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $8.43 billion, a P/E ratio of 32.00, a P/E/G ratio of 0.73 and a beta of 1.23. The company has a current ratio of 1.17, a quick ratio of 0.46 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.63. Burlington Stores, Inc. has a 12 month low of $115.66 and a 12 month high of $239.94. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $130.41 and its 200-day moving average price is $152.44. Burlington Stores (NYSE:BURL Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, August 24th. The company reported $0.60 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.43 by $0.17. Burlington Stores had a return on equity of 41.25% and a net margin of 2.92%. The company had revenue of $2.17 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.17 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $0.35 earnings per share. The firms quarterly revenue was up 9.4% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities research analysts expect that Burlington Stores, Inc. will post 5.71 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Burlington Stores Profile (Free Report) Burlington Stores, Inc operates as a retailer of branded apparel products in the United States. The company provides fashion-focused merchandise, including women's ready-to-wear apparel, menswear, youth apparel, footwear, accessories, toys, gifts, and coats, as well as baby, home, and beauty products. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Burlington Stores Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Burlington Stores and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. California Public Employees Retirement System cut its stake in shares of Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE:LVS Free Report) by 5.3% in the second quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The firm owned 621,720 shares of the casino operators stock after selling 35,097 shares during the period. California Public Employees Retirement Systems holdings in Las Vegas Sands were worth $36,060,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other large investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its position in Las Vegas Sands by 1.5% during the first quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 35,537,902 shares of the casino operators stock worth $1,381,358,000 after acquiring an additional 519,620 shares during the period. BlackRock Inc. raised its position in Las Vegas Sands by 1.4% during the first 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 period. State Street Corp raised its position in Las Vegas Sands by 2.9% during the first 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 period. Fisher Asset Management LLC raised its position in shares of Las Vegas Sands by 3.5% in the second quarter. Fisher Asset Management LLC now owns 9,567,353 shares of the casino operators stock valued at $554,906,000 after buying an additional 325,348 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Bank of New York Mellon Corp raised its position in shares of Las Vegas Sands by 8.6% in the first quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 8,391,096 shares of the casino operators stock valued at $482,068,000 after buying an additional 666,588 shares during the last quarter. 39.16% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Las Vegas Sands alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of equities research analysts have recently commented on LVS shares. Bank of America reduced their target price on shares of Las Vegas Sands from $66.00 to $65.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, July 20th. Argus reduced their target price on shares of Las Vegas Sands from $72.00 to $68.00 in a research report on Friday, July 21st. Morgan Stanley reduced their target price on shares of Las Vegas Sands from $68.00 to $64.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Friday, October 13th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their target price on shares of Las Vegas Sands from $71.00 to $64.00 in a research report on Tuesday, September 26th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company reduced their target price on shares of Las Vegas Sands from $71.00 to $69.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, July 20th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and thirteen have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Las Vegas Sands currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $69.68. Las Vegas Sands Trading Down 0.3 % Shares of LVS stock opened at $49.12 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.82, a current ratio of 1.50 and a quick ratio of 1.50. The firm has a market cap of $37.55 billion, a PE ratio of 55.82, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.67 and a beta of 1.19. The company has a 50-day moving average of $47.02 and a two-hundred day moving average of $53.91. Las Vegas Sands Corp. has a 1-year low of $41.42 and a 1-year high of $65.58. Las Vegas Sands (NYSE:LVS Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, October 18th. The casino operator reported $0.55 earnings per share for the quarter, hitting the consensus estimate of $0.55. The company had revenue of $2.80 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.72 billion. Las Vegas Sands had a net margin of 7.81% and a return on equity of 21.05%. Las Vegas Sandss revenue was up 178.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted ($0.27) earnings per share. On average, analysts predict that Las Vegas Sands Corp. will post 1.91 EPS for the current year. Las Vegas Sands Announces Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, November 15th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, November 7th were paid a dividend of $0.20 per share. This represents a $0.80 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.63%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, November 6th. Las Vegas Sandss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 90.91%. Las Vegas Sands declared that its Board of Directors has authorized a stock buyback program on Wednesday, October 18th that authorizes the company to buyback $2.00 billion in shares. This buyback authorization authorizes the casino operator to reacquire up to 5.5% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares buyback programs are usually an indication that the companys board of directors believes its stock is undervalued. Las Vegas Sands 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. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding LVS? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE:LVS Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Las Vegas Sands Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Las Vegas Sands and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Texas Permanent School Fund Corp trimmed its position in Brady Co. (NYSE:BRC Free Report) by 2.0% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 40,609 shares of the industrial products companys stock after selling 824 shares during the quarter. Texas Permanent School Fund Corp owned approximately 0.08% of Brady worth $1,932,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Royce & Associates LP lifted its holdings in shares of Brady by 7.2% during the 2nd quarter. Royce & Associates LP now owns 444,390 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $21,140,000 after purchasing an additional 29,801 shares in the last quarter. Mirabella Financial Services LLP acquired a new position in Brady in the 2nd quarter valued at $2,036,000. Mackenzie Financial Corp bought a new stake in shares of Brady during the 2nd quarter valued at $792,000. Bank of Montreal Can bought a new stake in shares of Brady during the 2nd quarter valued at $217,000. Finally, State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund D boosted its stake in Brady by 13.3% in the second quarter. State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund D now owns 50,248 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $2,390,000 after buying an additional 5,902 shares in the last quarter. 71.30% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Brady alerts: Brady Trading Down 1.6 % NYSE BRC opened at $53.42 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $2.58 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.22, a P/E/G ratio of 1.92 and a beta of 0.73. Brady Co. has a 52 week low of $44.71 and a 52 week high of $58.20. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $54.36 and a 200-day moving average price of $51.37. The company has a quick ratio of 1.35, a current ratio of 2.03 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.05. Brady Increases Dividend Brady ( NYSE:BRC Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 16th. The industrial products company reported $1.00 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.95 by $0.05. The firm had revenue of $331.90 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $342.01 million. Brady had a return on equity of 18.78% and a net margin of 13.13%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 2.9% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $0.84 earnings per share. As a group, equities analysts expect that Brady Co. will post 4 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, October 31st. Investors of record on Tuesday, October 10th were given a dividend of $0.235 per share. This is a boost from Bradys previous quarterly dividend of $0.23. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, October 6th. This represents a $0.94 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.76%. Bradys payout ratio is presently 26.78%. Insider Activity at Brady In related news, Director Nancy Lee Gioia sold 4,250 shares of Brady stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, September 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $55.82, for a total transaction of $237,235.00. Following the transaction, the director now owns 11,456 shares of the companys stock, valued at $639,473.92. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. In related news, VP Bentley Curran sold 6,209 shares of Brady stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, September 25th. The stock was sold at an average price of $55.96, for a total transaction of $347,455.64. Following the transaction, the vice president now owns 15,462 shares of the companys stock, valued at $865,253.52. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, Director Nancy Lee Gioia sold 4,250 shares of Brady stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, September 8th. The shares were 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 in the company, valued at approximately $639,473.92. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 15.60% of the stock is owned by insiders. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of equities analysts have recently issued reports on the company. StockNews.com downgraded Brady from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research report on Saturday, November 11th. Bank of America raised their price objective on Brady from $47.00 to $51.00 in a research report on Wednesday, October 4th. View Our Latest Research Report on BRC Brady Profile (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. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BRC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Brady Co. (NYSE:BRC Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Brady Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Brady and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel waits to cast his vote for the state Assembly election, in his native village Kuruddih, Durg District, Friday, Nov. 17, 2023. (PTI Photo) New Delhi: Clashes between BJP and Congress workers marked the voting for 230 seats in Madhya Pradesh Assembly and 70 seats in Chhattisgarh on Friday. MP, voting in a single phase, recorded 74.98 per cent turnout while it was 70.59 per cent in the second phase in Chhattisgarh. Stones were pelted outside a polling station in Manhad of Mehgaon constituency of Bhind in MP. A BJP candidate and an AAP supporter were injured after unidentified men opened fire in the same constituency. In Chhattisgarh, one Indo Tibetan Border Police personnel died when Maoists triggered a blast at Bade Gobra near Manpur police station in Bindranavagarh (ST) constituency. The incident took place when a polling party, guarded by the ITBP, was returning from the booth with EVMs. Before polling, Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted the first-time voters and urged people of MP and Chhattisgarh to use their franchise, saying every vote is valuable for democracy. He expressed confidence that voters across MP would cast their ballots and add to the "brightness of this festival of democracy." Congress also appealed to voters to come out in large numbers and elect a Congress government that "has the trust of the poor, farmers, women and youth". The party is seeking to retain power in the state. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said in an appeal to voters of Chhattisgarh that they have to help maintain just governance, which is capable of providing development, progress and social security to the state. "Our special welcome and congratulations to our young voters who are voting for the first time. Strengthen democracy, keep the faith. Because its a matter of pride, Chhattisgarhiya self-respect!" Kharge said. In a separate appeal to voters in MP, Kharge said people of the state would win because they are united for change. "We urge the youth who are voting for the first time to participate enthusiastically in this movement for change and vote. New venues of employment are waiting for you and you will be free from the recruitment scams of the state," Kharge said. He added that the valuable vote of mothers and sisters would create a cycle of economic security for women, which would lead them on the path of self-reliance. "Our farmers, farm labourer brothers and sisters, will get better prices for their crops and their loans will be waived off with their one vote. Our Dalits, tribals and people of backward communities will get rid of the daily atrocities and will become strong partners of development in the justice system," the Congress president added. "The power of your one vote can provide important social security to students like financial assistance, right to health and drinking water and free insurance for treatment. So raise your hand on the voting button, and exercise your democratic rights vigorously. Madhya Pradesh will be victorious, our country will become better," Kharge said. Former Congress chief Rahul Gandhi said, "Congress storm is coming in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh - with a huge majority!..Come out of your homes, vote in large numbers today and elect a Congress government that has the trust of the poor, farmers, women and youth," Gandhi said in his appeal to voters on X. However, Madhya Pradesh minister and BJP leader Narottam Mishra in Datia stoked controversy when he said, "When you press the button (on EVM) with the Lotus symbol on it, then celebrations are held in India. If any other political party wins, celebrations will be held in Pakistan. Keeping national interest in mind, the button with the Lotus symbol on it should be pressed." His words triggered a sharp reaction from the Congress, which demanded "strict action" against Mishra for his comments. Senior Congress leader Digvijay Singh claimed the BJP was indulging in violence and said a Congress worker was run over by a BJP leader in Chhatarpur, but the police are yet to take any action into the matter. "An incident has taken place in Rajnagar, Chhatarpur where one of our workers was mowed down by the BJP candidate with his vehicle. The police have neither confiscated the vehicle so far nor has the candidate been arrested. Open hooliganism is taking place. The BJP presidents disciple is contesting the election from there. He has done illegal sand mining there. I have spoken with the Collector-SP. Our party is also giving a report to the Election Commission about the same. No action has been taken yet," Singh said. He further alleged that the police administration was working under pressure. "I condemn the police administration and I allege that they (police administration) are working under pressure," Singh added. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses 'Diwali Milan', at BJP HQ in New Delhi. (Image: PTI) New Delhi: Amidst growing concern over the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) after deepfakes of some celebrities created massive outrage lately, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday cautioned that deepfakes can lead to a big crisis and urged the media to spread awareness about their misuse and educate people. Addressing the media during the BJP's "Diwali Milan'' event at the party headquarters in the national capital, the Prime Minister said that he recently saw a deepfake video of him performing garba, even though he has not done so since schooldays. The Prime Minister also said that during a recent meeting with the representatives of the ChatGPT company, he suggested that there should be a warning or some disclaimer to clarify that the video is a deepfake. Just like health warnings on tobacco products. Raising concerns over the possible misuse of AI and its potential to stoke discontent in society, the Prime Minister said, "In a diverse society like ours, deepfakes can cause a big crisis and even stoke the fire of discontent as people generally trust anything associated with the media in the same way anyone clad in 'gerua' (saffron) tends to get respect from others." "A new crisis is emerging due to deepfakes produced through artificial intelligence. There is a big section of society that does not have a parallel verification system," the Prime Minister told journalists at the programme and sought their support to raise awareness. Deepfake videos are synthetic media in which a person in an existing image or video is replaced with someone else's likeness. The Prime Minister noted that earlier, a movie with some controversial comments would come and go, but now it goes on to become a big issue. As a precautionary measure, he suggested that deepfakes should carry disclosures. After the recent outrage over recent deepfake videos of film actors, the Centre had sent a reminder to social media platforms regarding the creation and circulation of deepfakes, which carry a strong penalty of `1 lakh in fine and three years in jail. Referring to his resolve for "Viksit Bharat" (developed India) by 2047, the Prime Minister said these are not merely words but a ground reality. He suggested the "vocal for local" campaign has found peoples support, noting that a business of around `4.5-lakh crores has taken place in the Diwali week, including those related to Chhath. Indias achievements during the Covid-19 pandemic created confidence among people that the country is not going to stop now, Mr Modi said, adding that about 130 countries attended a Global South summit hosted by India, which he addressed before attending the Diwali Milan programme. "A time comes in the life of a nation that can launch it to a higher trajectory and this is what is happening to India," he asserted, urging the media to give strength to the programme for making the country develop by highlighting the countrys strengths without resorting to any untruth. Ideas related to developed India and the economy are going to be at the centre of discourse for the next 25 years and people are accepting of the way the country has been progressing, said the Prime Minister. Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy. (File Image: Twitter) VIJAYAWADA: Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has directed the housing department to expedite the construction of houses and constantly monitor the status of basic infrastructure in Jagananna colonies. The Chief Minister said 7.43 lakh houses in Jagananna colonies were handed over to beneficiaries in October. Works relating to the ongoing 5 lakh houses should be speeded up to provide shelters to the needy people, he said at a review meeting on housing here on Thursday. He said the official machinery should act in such a way that the problems are identified and solved immediately. Officials informed the Chief Minister that 7.43 lakh houses in Jagananna colonies were handed over to beneficiaries in October. "Works relating to 5 lakh houses are in full swing and these would be completed by February. Basic facilities like water and power supply have been provided in all the colonies where houses were handed over to the beneficiaries. Steps are on to provide magic soak-pits," they said. The Chief Minister said the Navaratnalu-Pedalandariki Illu is the flagship programme of the government aimed to provide shelters to the needy. Completion and the handing over of 7.43 lakh houses to beneficiaries would help the needy to live in their own houses. "Speed up the construction of 5 lakh houses. Audit should be done on the houses for which construction has been completed in all respects to know the status of the basic infrastructure like power supply, drinking water and soak-pits," the CM told them. He asked them to focus on the management of Tidco housing complexes and ensure that the beneficiaries associations are running these efficiently. The handed-over properties should not lose their quality and the surrounding ambience must be hygienic. The officials explained that a loan of Rs 35,000 each was provided to 12,72,143 beneficiaries, amounting to a total of Rs 4,483 crore on 25 paise interest for construction of the houses. "Be ready to pay the balance of interest on the loans provided so far," the CM told them. Housing minister Jogi Ramesh, APSHCL chairman D. Dorababu, chief secretary Dr K.S. Jawahar Reddy, special CS Ajay Jain (housing), Y. Srilakshmi (MA&UD), housing special secretary Deewan Maidin, APTIDCO MD Ch. Sridhar, mines and geology director V.G. Venkata Reddy and others were present. The fighting broke out after a joint team of the Army's 34 Rashtriya Rifles, the J&K police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) launched a cordon-and-search- operation in Kulgam's Samnoo village. Representational Image/PTI Srinanagar: Six militants were killed in two separate gun battles in Jammu and Kashmirs southern Kulgam and frontier Rajouri districts on Friday. The officials said that a huge cache of arms, ammunition and "war-like" supplies was found on the slain militants gunned down in Kulgam. According to officials, the firefight broke out at Samno, a remote village in Kulgam, after a joint team of the Army's 34 Rashtriya Rifles and the J&K police moved in to launch a cordon-and-search operation. When the presence of a heavily equipped group of militants in the hillside village was established, they were also joined by the Army's elite 9 Para Special Force and the Central Reserve Police Forces 18th Battalion to take on the holed-up terrorists, the police sources said. "We had learned that a group of terrorists is hiding in the area. As the joint team of the security forces zeroed in on the suspected spot, the hiding terrorists fired upon it. The fire was returned, triggering the encounter," a police spokesman said here. A statement issued by the police here added, "As the night fell, the operation was due to the darkness kept on hold till early (Friday) morning. But the cordon remained intact throughout the night and, in fact, was strengthened further with the help of the reinforcement." The fighting resumed at the first light on Friday, the police said. A residential house where the militants had been holed up was razed during the fierce gunfight, the locals said. The slain militants have been identified as "The Resistance Front" (TRF) cadres Yasir Bilal Bhat alias Humais, Danish Hameed Thoker, Ubaid Ahmad Padder, Sameer Farooq Sheikh and Hanzala Yaqoob Shah -- all local Kashmiris who had joined the outfit between August 3, 2021 and July 13, 2023, the officials said. The J&K police claims the TRF is a shadow group of the proscribed Lashkar-e-Tayyaba (LeT). The police claimed that Sheikh and Thoker were involved in the attack on a Kashmiri Pandit Sonu Bhat at Chotigam in neighbouring Shopian. Thoker, along with Hanzala, had targeted a group of non-local labourers in Shopians Gagren village on July 13 this year, leaving three of them injured. "Incriminating materials, arms and ammunition, including four AK-series rifles, an equal number of grenades and two pistols and other war-like stores were recovered from the site of encounter," the Army and the J&K police said. Reports from Rajouri said that one militant whose identity is being ascertained was killed in a brief gunfight with the security forces at Behrot in the Budhal area of the district on Friday afternoon. As per the police statistics, about sixty militants were killed in the security forces operations in the J&K hinterland and another 30 along the Line of Control so far this year. The Army says that over a dozen infiltration bids were made along the de facto border during the first ten months of the year, but all these were foiled by the security forces by engaging intruders in gun battles, which led to their elimination or forced them to return to the PoJK. Dr Y.V. Jhala, former dean of Wildlife Institute of India, wildlife and conservation expert. (Image by Arrangement) HYDERABAD: The death of cheetahs at Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh, that were brought from South Africa and Namibia as part of a prestigious cheetah reintroduction project, was the result of arrogance of ignorance, said Dr Y.V. Jhala, renowned wildlife researcher and conservation specialist, who played a key role in the project. Dr Jhala was answering a question on the reasons that led to the death of nine cheetahs six adults and three cubs at Kuno. The former dean of Wildlife Institute of India, who was involved with the project for around a decade and is credited with playing a major role in designing the cheetah project, was in the city to speak at an event organised by the WWF-India on the use of technology in wildlife conservation. Cheetahs, he said, were extinct in India for around 70 years and the country has presently no experts on cheetahs. "We have people who understand carnivores and experts on cheetahs are abroad. Assimilation of the knowledge into field action was the lacuna and that is why we lost the animals," Jhala told Deccan Chronicle. He pointed out that when the project was planned, mortalities among cheetahs were factored in and the project itself is on track. In all, 20 cheetahs were imported into India from South Africa and Namibia. Of them, six adults died along with three cubs that were born in India, after the animals were moved to Kuno. Asked what lessons had been learnt from the Kuno tragedy, Jhala said "what we have learnt from what happened so far is a question for the people, who will implement the project now." Incidentally, Jhala was suddenly dropped from the project this February after his two-year extension at the Wildlife Institute of India as its dean was curtailed after one year. Later in the afternoon, speaking on Infusion of Science in Large Carnivore Conservation, a talk organized by WWF-India as part of its Earth Series: Conservation Matters, initiative, he dwelt about how various sciences were being employed in wildlife conservation and how wildlife technology was evolving. While Madhya Pradesh is set to make a crucial choice between the ruling BJP and the Opposition Congress in a single-phase election, Chhattisgarh gears up for the second and final phase of polling on the day. (Photo: PTI/Representational Image) Bhopal: Voters in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh are all set to exercise their franchise on Friday. While Madhya Pradesh is set to make a crucial choice between the ruling BJP and the Opposition Congress in a single-phase election, Chhattisgarh gears up for the second and final phase of polling on the day. A CISF jawan and a polling official who were deployed in their respective assigned polling booths in Madhya Pradesh died on Thursday. CISF jawan Janral Singh deployed on polling duty in Tikamgarh in the state suddenly fell ill and was rushed to the nearby government hospital, where he died during treatment, officials said. The polling official, Bhim Rao (55), deployed in the Multai Nagar polling booth under the Betul Assembly constituency in MP, died of cardiac arrest, officials said. Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, state Congress president Kamal Nath and three Union ministers -- Narendra Singh Tomar, Prallhad Patel and Faggan Singh Kulaste -- and four BJP MPs are among the 2,533 candidates who are seeking election to the 230-member MP Assembly in the polls. The political parties in the two states have turned to door-to-door canvassing to woo the voters after the campaign for the November 17 Assembly polls ended on Wednesday evening. On Thursday, Mr Chouhan broke bread with some beneficiaries of the "Ladli Behna" scheme, billed as a game changer for the BJP in the polls in Madhya Pradesh, by visiting their homes. "I accepted an invitation from Hemlata to visit her home to have lunch with her family," Mr Chouhan said. He also visited some families in the Sunhari Bag and Tila Jamalpur areas of Bhopal city to share food with their family members and discuss the scheme with them. In the last Assembly polls, the Congress had formed the government in Madhya Pradesh by securing 114 seats, two short of the majority in the house. The BJP had bagged 109 seats. However, the Congress government headed by Kamal Nath lasted only 15 months because of the resignation of 22 Congress MLAs from the party and later from the House in March 2020. They later joined the BJP. The majority of them were re-elected to the House in the by-elections. This paved the way for the BJP to return to power in the state. In the second and final phase of polling in Chhattisgarh, 70 Assembly seats are going to polls on Friday. Chief minister Bhupesh Baghel, BJP national vice-president and former chief minister Raman Singh, state BJP president Arun Sao, who is also a Lok Sabha MP, and BJP MP Vijay Baghel are among the 958 candidates who are seeking election to the 90-member Chhattisgarh Assembly in the polls. The first phase of polling in Chhattisgarh, in which 20 seats went to the polls, was held on November 7. In the last Assembly elections,the Congress stormed to power in Chhattisgarh after a gap of 15 years by securing 68 out of 90 seats. The BJP had bagged 15 seats then. Congress MP Rahul Gandhi. (Image By Arrangement) Hyderabad: Friday is set to be a significant day for the TPCCs poll Assembly campaign as AICC chief Mallikarjun Kharge will release the partys manifesto after which which Congress MP Rahul Gandhi will hold a whirlwind campaign in five Assembly constituencies across three districts on Friday. According to party sources, Rahul Gandhi will land at the Shamshabad airport around 11 am and head to the Pinapaka in Bhadradri-Kothagudem district. He will hold a roadshow and street corner meetings there, and head to Narsampet in Warangal district. After campaigning in Narsampet, the Congress leader will head to the Warangal East constituency by road and hold a padayatra till 4 pm. Later, he will cross over to the Warangal West constituency and campaign there. At 6.30 pm, Rahul will reach Rajendranagar on the citys outskirts by road and address a public meeting, following which he will leave for Delhi. Kharge will arrive at the Begumpet airport from Bengaluru at 10 am and release the manifesto at Gandhi Bhavan at 11 am. Kharge will hold meetings with senior party leaders till 4 pm and address a public meeting at the Quthbullapur municipal ground. He will stay overnight in Hyderabad and leave for Bengaluru on Saturday morning. Union Home Minister Amit Shah. (PTI Photo) Hyderabad: Home minister Amit Shah will release the BJP manifesto here on Saturday and address a series of Sakala Janula Vijaya Sankalpa Sabha meetings, the party said on Thursday. Shah will arrive at about 11 pm on November 17 by a special flight and stay in the city overnight. After the release of the manifesto, Shah will then head to Gadwal in a helicopter and address a public meeting between 12.45 pm and 1.20 pm. He will head to Nalgonda for a meeting between 2.45 pm and 3.20 pm and then to Warangal for another event from 4.10 to 4.45 pm. He will return to the city and meet MRPS leaders between 7 pm and 7.45 pm. He will leave for Delhi by a special flight at 8.15 pm. BJP national president J.P. Nadda, who will arrive on November 19, will address a public meeting in Narayanpet between 1 pm and 2 pm. He will travel by a helicopter to Chevella and address a meeting between 3 pm to 4 pm. He will head back to Malkajgiri and hold a road show from 6.30 pm to 8 pm before returning to Delhi in a special flight. TPCC chief Revanth Reddy takes part in a public meeting in Jawaharnagar on Thursday. (DC Image) Hyderabad: The Congress, which has repeatedly attacked the BRS governments Dharani land portal, is likely to bring in Bhu Bharathi, another portal, in its place if it wins the election. AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge, who will be in the city on Friday to release the partys manifesto for the upcoming polls, is expected to give more clarity on how it would differ from Dharani and what it would do better to safeguard land rights. Besides this, the manifesto is also expected to offer several sops to all sections, sources said. Since its introduction in October 2020, the Dharani portal has been a bone of contention for Opposition parties, who have now turned it into a poll plank, with both the BJP and Congress promising to scrap the portal if they win the elections. The Opposition contends that the ruling party used the portal to grab farmland, besides grabbing assigned land parcels from SCs and STs, allotted by previous regimes. The BRS, on the other hand, is countering these allegations by terming the Dharani portal as a progressive reform that gives farmers control over their land. It has repeatedly stated that in the absence of Dharani, land records and registrations would get lost in a vicious bureaucratic cycle. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, in his Farmers' Declaration released last October in Warangal, announced for the first time that Congress would abolish the Dharani portal if voted to power. Since then, the party has been aggressively campaigning against the portal, with all public meetings addressed by top Congress leaders finding mention of it. However, there are differences within the Congress over naming the new portal Bhu Bharathi, as a project with the same name was launched by the Y.S. Rajashekar Reddy-led Congress government for digitisation of land records in 2005. The project was launched on a pilot basis in the Nizamabad district, but the Congress government failed to complete even the pilot project by 2014, till it remained in power. A section of leaders has suggested that the party leadership scout for a new name, as using the same name would give unnecessary scope for rival parties to attack Congress and accuse it of replacing Dharani "with another failed project." Sops expected in Congress manifesto: 1. 10 grams of gold and Rs 1 lakh cash to BPL families for womens weddings 2. Free Metro rail travel for female students from Intermediate level and above 3. Free internet to students 4. Salaries to ration dealers, along with commission on sales 5. Identity cards for RMPs and PMPs 6. Restoring Abhaya Hastham scheme for women SHGs, to extend monthly pensions 7. Salaries to ward members in gram panchayats 8. Restoring Amma Hastham scheme to provide nine essential food items to ration card holders at subsidised rates 9. Special corporation for MBCs (most backward classes) Rao said he had travelled across half of Telangana and was certain that the BRS will be returning to power for the third time. (Image: By Arrangement) Hyderabad: Chief Minister and BRS chief K. Chandrashekar Rao hit out at the Congress and its manifesto on Friday, targeting it for the promise to scrap the Dharani land registration system and replace it with Bhu Bharathi (since renamed Bhumata), another online system, which the party . Addressing election meetings in Karimnagar, Choppadandi, Huzurabad and Parkal constituencies and stumping for BRS candidates, Rao continued his attack on the Congress and its promises and guarantees. He dismissed the Congress promise to bring back Bhu Bharathi, saying it was the system that was in existence in the past before the formation of Telangana state, but that did nothing for farmers as middlemen and brokers ruled the roost. Speaking in Choppadandi, the BRS president said, "Bhu Bharati was introduced some 30-40 years ago. Dharani is reliable, transparent and only land owning farmers can make any changes in the land records of their holdings. Whether you want Dharani to continue or allow the Congress to throw it into the Bay of Bengal is your choice. The decision whether you want someone who works for farmers welfare or someone who will throw your lives into disarray is yours. If you choose the Congress, then even I cannot do anything after that." "People also have before them a decision to make on whether they want a BRS government that provides 24 hour power supply, or a Congress rule which will give three hours of power. It is for you to decide which of these two you want. We also give Rythu Bandhu which the Congress leaders say is a waste of money," Rao said. Addressing another election meeting in Karimnagar, Rao said he had travelled across half of Telangana and was certain that the BRS will be returning to power for the third time. "The future for Telangana is brighter, and irrespective of who says what about the BRS we are winning. We are definitely winning, we are with the people and the people are with us. And people will spring a surprise for opposition parties who are claiming they are going to win," he said. Rao, across his different meetings, also continued to call on people to use their vote carefully, not get swayed by bombastic promises of the opposition parties. Pay attention to the parties that the candidates belong to, review what their parties have done for the people and the state. Ask yourselves if they care for farmers, and where they will take the state if they are voted to power," he said. Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao. (Twitter) Adilabad, Nizamabad: Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao on Thursday continued to press home his point of importance of regional parties and said it was important that the BRS was not only elected to power in the state polls but also gets all Lok Sabha seats to show its strength in Delhi and safeguard Telanganas interests. Rao also predicted a coalition government led by regional parties at the Centre in 2024, claiming Prime Minister Narendra Modis BJP would not be able to secure a majority. Listing out the alleged failures of the BJP at the Centre, particularly with regard to Telangana, he said: "The coming days belong to regional parties. You can write it down. In the next elections, Modi will not get a majority. A coalition government will come." He said that when Telangana was formed, it was the BRS government that set everything right, given the chaotic situation and migration of people over misapprehensions. Rao appealed to the people not to give a single vote to the BJP, since it did not give a single medical or Navodaya college to Telangana. He said a vote to the BJP would be a waste, and appealed to the people to throw the "communal BJP" into the dustbin. Rao was addressing a series of Praja Ashirwada Sabha meetings in Adilabad, Boath, Nizamabad (Rural) and Narsapur Assembly constituencies on the day. At Adilabad, he started his speech by saying in Gondi, "Sandirkun Ram Ram." Rao asked the people to elect the BRS candidates to protect and continue the Dharani portal, Rythu Bandhu scheme and 24-hour power supply to agriculture, claiming that the "Congress and its leaders Revanth Reddy and Uttam Kumar Reddy were openly opposing these schemes, while Rahul Gandhi was opposing Dharani portal." He said the BRS would protect Telanganas Ganga Jamuni tehzeeb by respecting all communities and working for their welfare. He said Telangana was a guldasta (bouquet) and an example for the country. He appealed to the Muslims to vote for the BRS, accusing the Congress of treating the community as a vote bank. He said: "BRS government spent Rs 12,000 crore for the welfare of the Muslims in the past 10 years, against Rs 2,000 crore by the Congress in 10 years before the creation of Telangana." Rao said that peoples voice was in support of Rythu Bandhu, the 24-hour power supply and the Dharani portal and this was the feedback from during his public meetings, questioning the Congress motive behind opposing these welfare schemes. He said the Dharani portal would protect the land rights, while saying the imminent threat was from the Congress, who were opposing all welfare schemes. "People who have to fight against the Congress and protect their interests," he said. Rao asked the people what they wanted current or Congress, Rythu Bandhu or rabandu eliciting widespread cheers. TPCC chief A. Revanth Reddy. (Image Source: Twitter) Hyderabad: TPCC president A. Revanth Reddy on Friday said that the manifesto is like the Bible, the Quran and the Bhagavad Gita for the Congress and the party will implement all the promises in letter and spirit, if voted to power in Assembly polls. He stated that the Six Guarantees announced by Congress leader Sonia Gandhi in September will be approved in the very first cabinet meeting of the new Congress government on December 9 and ensure that all the Six Guarantees come into force within 100 days of coming to power. Addressing a meeting held at Gandhi Bhavan on the occasion of the release of Congress manifesto for Telangana Assembly polls, Revanth Reddy said, "Sonia Gandhi granted statehood to Telangana in 2014 to fulfil the dreams and aspirations of people of the state. But Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao has shattered the dreams and aspirations of people with his misrule, corruption and family rule in the last nine years. The Congress gave Telangana as a revenue surplus state but Chandrashekhar Rao pushed Telangana into debt trap in nine years. People of Telangana want to get rid of the BRS misrule and are eagerly waiting for November 30 to oust the BRS from power," the state Congress chief said. Claiming that the Congress wave is sweeping across Telangana, Revanth Reddy said people have taken a firm decision to give the Congress an opportunity to form the government in Telangana. CLP leader Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, while terming the Congress manifesto as 'people's manifesto', said it will help in bringing people's government in the state. Bhatti said that in the separate state of Telangana which was made a reality by Congress party and Sonia Gandhi the surplus fund meant to be distributed among people was swallowed by the rulers defeating the very purpose of Telangana. He said if the Congress is voted to power it will do justice to the people in sharing funds, job appointments and water for which people fought for a long time. "BC sub-plan would be brought about for the development and well-being of backward classes," he said. "As advocated by Rahul Gandhi, there is an imperative need of undertaking the OBC census", he said, adding that the Congress immediately after forming the government would order for the OBC census. The CLP leader added that the Congress manifesto was drafted after an enormous exercise on how best the wealth generated in the state could be distributed. "The ongoing elections are between Dorala Telangana and Prajala Telangana", he said, expressing confidence that people's government is going to come after elections. American International Group Inc. increased its stake in PROS Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:PRO Free Report) by 7.8% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 21,526 shares of the software makers stock after buying an additional 1,557 shares during the quarter. American International Group Inc.s holdings in PROS were worth $663,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of PRO. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. lifted its position in shares of PROS by 27.7% during the first quarter. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. now owns 400,130 shares of the software makers stock worth $10,964,000 after purchasing an additional 86,880 shares during the last quarter. New York Life Investment Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of PROS during the first quarter worth $493,000. Brown Advisory Inc. lifted its position in shares of PROS by 5.4% during the second quarter. Brown Advisory Inc. now owns 2,360,377 shares of the software makers stock worth $72,700,000 after purchasing an additional 121,638 shares during the last quarter. ExodusPoint Capital Management LP lifted its position in shares of PROS by 178.5% during the first quarter. ExodusPoint Capital Management LP now owns 101,391 shares of the software makers stock worth $2,778,000 after purchasing an additional 64,988 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Harbour Capital Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of PROS during the second quarter worth $388,000. 94.27% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get PROS alerts: Insider Buying and Selling at PROS In other PROS news, CFO Stefan B. Schulz sold 24,547 shares of PROS stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $33.84, for a total value of $830,670.48. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now owns 258,063 shares in the company, valued at $8,732,851.92. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. 3.90% of the stock is owned by insiders. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several research firms have recently weighed in on PRO. Needham & Company LLC reiterated a buy rating and set a $40.00 target price on shares of PROS in a research report on Wednesday, November 1st. Robert W. Baird lifted their price objective on PROS from $35.00 to $40.00 in a report on Wednesday, July 26th. Finally, StockNews.com assumed coverage on PROS in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Read Our Latest Report on PRO PROS Price Performance PRO stock opened at $35.89 on Friday. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $33.92 and a 200 day moving average price of $32.51. PROS Holdings, Inc. has a 1-year low of $20.32 and a 1-year high of $38.96. The company has a market capitalization of $1.66 billion, a P/E ratio of -26.01 and a beta of 1.14. PROS (NYSE:PRO Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, October 31st. The software maker reported $0.09 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.03 by $0.06. The company had revenue of $77.25 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $75.87 million. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned ($0.30) EPS. PROSs revenue for the quarter was up 9.8% on a year-over-year basis. On average, analysts anticipate that PROS Holdings, Inc. will post -0.66 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. PROS Profile (Free Report) PROS Holdings, Inc provides solutions that optimize the processes of selling and shopping in the digital economy worldwide. The company offers PROS Smart Configure Price Quote that improves sales productivity and accelerate deal velocity by automating common sales tasks; and PROS Smart Price Optimization and Management that enables businesses to optimize, personalize, and harmonize pricing across the complexity of their go-to-market channels in the context of dynamic market and competitive conditions. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for PROS Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for PROS and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. trimmed its stake in Onto Innovation Inc. (NYSE:ONTO Free Report) by 85.7% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 75,184 shares of the semiconductor companys stock after selling 451,832 shares during the period. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. owned 0.15% of Onto Innovation worth $8,757,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of ONTO. Harel Insurance Investments & Financial Services Ltd. purchased a new stake in shares of Onto Innovation in the 2nd quarter worth $31,000. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio increased its stake in shares of Onto Innovation by 51.3% in the 3rd quarter. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio now owns 516 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $33,000 after purchasing an additional 175 shares in the last quarter. Pacer Advisors Inc. increased its stake in Onto Innovation by 637.7% in the 2nd quarter. Pacer Advisors Inc. now owns 391 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $46,000 after buying an additional 338 shares in the last quarter. Point72 Hong Kong Ltd purchased a new stake in Onto Innovation in the 2nd quarter worth $52,000. Finally, CWM LLC increased its stake in Onto Innovation by 16.2% in the 2nd quarter. CWM LLC now owns 646 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $75,000 after buying an additional 90 shares in the last quarter. 94.78% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Onto Innovation alerts: Onto Innovation Stock Down 1.5 % ONTO opened at $135.15 on Friday. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $125.79 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $115.25. Onto Innovation Inc. has a 52 week low of $65.61 and a 52 week high of $147.71. The company has a market capitalization of $6.63 billion, a PE ratio of 42.37 and a beta of 1.35. Insider Activity at Onto Innovation Onto Innovation ( NYSE:ONTO Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 9th. The semiconductor company reported $0.96 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.95 by $0.01. Onto Innovation had a net margin of 18.47% and a return on equity of 12.71%. The business had revenue of $207.19 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $215.20 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $1.35 EPS. The businesss revenue was down 18.5% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Onto Innovation Inc. will post 3.64 earnings per share for the current year. In related news, CEO Michael P. Plisinski sold 31,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, August 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $112.85, for a total value of $3,498,350.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 251,794 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $28,414,952.90. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In related news, SVP Robert Fiordalice sold 7,049 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, September 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $125.19, for a total value of $882,464.31. Following the sale, the senior vice president now directly owns 6,477 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $810,855.63. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, CEO Michael P. Plisinski sold 31,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, August 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $112.85, for a total transaction of $3,498,350.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 251,794 shares in the company, valued at $28,414,952.90. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last quarter, insiders sold 42,523 shares of company stock valued at $4,958,113. Insiders own 0.81% of the companys stock. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of equities research analysts have issued reports on ONTO shares. Benchmark reiterated a buy rating and issued a $145.00 price target on shares of Onto Innovation in a research note on Friday, November 10th. Stifel Nicolaus increased their price target on Onto Innovation from $135.00 to $150.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Friday, November 10th. Finally, StockNews.com lowered Onto Innovation from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note on Tuesday. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has assigned a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Onto Innovation currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $124.17. Get Our Latest Research Report on ONTO About Onto Innovation (Free Report) Onto Innovation Inc engages in the design, development, manufacture, and support of process control tools that performs macro defect inspection and 2D/3D optical metrology, lithography systems, and process control analytical software worldwide. It offers process and yield management solutions, and device packaging and test facilities through standalone systems for optical metrology, macro-defect inspection, packaging lithography, and transparent and opaque thin film measurements; and process control software portfolio that includes solutions for standalone tools, groups of tools, and enterprise-or factory-wide suites. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ONTO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Onto Innovation Inc. (NYSE:ONTO Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Onto Innovation Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Onto Innovation and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. The United States Marine Corps (USMC) has stepped into a new realm of training and preparedness: the metaverse. Partnering with CGI Federal Inc., the USMC aims to leverage this technology to transform defense capabilities. Contrary to Meta Platforms conceptualization of the metaverse, the militarys usage focuses on creating a hybrid reality, bridging the real world and a simulated environment. The integration of logistics systems with digital twins of physical assets in a simulated world environment holds immense promise. This advancement promises enhanced visualization, real-time monitoring, simulation capabilities, and predictive analytics, revolutionizing training, strategy, and operational efficiency for defense organizations. Get alerts: Challenges and prospects While the prospects of this military metaverse are vast, concerns linger. Issues regarding equipment ruggedness, data security, encryption, and power supply in diverse operational environments are pivotal considerations. Despite these challenges, the metaverse presents an unparalleled opportunity for the evolution of defense strategies and preparedness. The advancement of technology continues to shape and redefine the landscape of various industries, and the defense sector is no exception. The emergence of the metaverse, a fusion of physical reality and a simulated environment, is now a focal point for the United States Marine Corps (USMC) and defense organizations worldwide. Bridging reality and simulation In a departure from Meta Platforms conceptualization of the metaverse, the militarys venture involves collaborating with CGI Federal Inc. to delve into this transformative technology. Victor Foulk, CGIs vice president of emerging technologies, highlights the objective as bridging the real and the surreal a little more closely. This entails the development of a hybrid environment that seamlessly integrates real-world mechanics, physics, and geolocation into a simulated realm. The primary goal is to create virtual replicas, or digital twins, of physical assets within a simulated world environment. These digital twins, coupled with military logistics systems, offer enhanced visualization, real-time monitoring, and predictive analytics capabilities. This innovative approach is poised to redefine how defense organizations train, strategize, and prepare for future challenges. Revolutionizing logistics and training Major Jeff Plateen from the Blount Island Command in Florida underscores the need for localized visibility and efficient asset management, especially in dispersed theater settings. The metaverses initial focus lies on logistics, streamlining planning, packing, and deployment of a wide array of military equipment. From Meals Ready-to-Eat (MREs) to vehicles like LAV-25s, these items are transformed into virtual replicas within the metaverse, mirroring their real-world counterparts. The integration of passive RFID tags and tablets for equipment tracking in the real world serves as a foundation for creating honest replications within the simulated environment. This innovation enables remote visualization and planning, eliminating the need for personnel to physically inspect or rely on two-dimensional paper load plans. Concerns over advancement Alongside the promises of this technological leap forward come significant concerns. Marines express worries about the durability of equipment needed to run the metaverse in rugged environments and the potential vulnerabilities in data security and encryption. Scott Prouse, supervisor for the Automated Systems Group at Marine Corps Logistics Command, assures adherence to stringent security protocols but acknowledges the concerns raised. The militarys foray into the metaverse presents a balancing act between embracing groundbreaking advancements and addressing critical challenges. Despite these concerns, the potential to revolutionize defense strategies and preparedness through the metaverse remains a compelling frontier for the USMC and defense entities globally. Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content. Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist. If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider contributing and/or subscribing to our free daily Newsletter . Support our mission and join our community now. Derry City and Strabane has been promised 'a very different' level of engagement from Invest NI going forward as it admits it needs 'to do things differently'. A delegation from Invest NI delivered a presentation to Council to outline its plans going forward following an independent review that found it needed 'profound change' if it is to develop the North's economy. At the Business and Culture Committee last Tuesday, Colm McKenna, Invest NI Chair, said it has established 12 groups to implement 39 recommendations from the recent report. A number of actions were grouped into the following headings: partnership, governance, communication, 10x policy delivery, budget certainty, operational delivery, important leadership and a lot of those things, he said. Through that we developed the Invest NI purpose statement because Invest NI has been around for about 21 years and it's clear from the review that we needed to do things differently. He said Invest NI will create growth by supporting new and existing small to large businesses right across the region. This will in turn increase export sales to drive high value job creation and improve skills. Mr McKenna said he believes criticism that Invest NI is too focused on Belfast is based more on feelings than facts. We will up our game. We know we've got our game in all regions in Northern Ireland, not least the Northwest. I think we have been criticised for being very Belfast-centric and very focused on the greater Belfast area. The stats actually don't bear that out but that's how it feels to people who don't live in Belfast and that is something we need to take on board and address. We've worked very closely with the Department for the Economy as they develop a new sub regional economic strategy for Northern Ireland which they hope to have delivered by the autumn of 2024. I would like to think that you will see a much greater movement in Invest NI in advance of that. Mel Chittock, Invest NI Chief Executive, explained some of the successes Invest NI has had in Derry and Strabane in recent years. In the previous four years, we've assisted circa 2,000 jobs in the northwest. Through just over 800 offers of assistance, offering around 40 million to circa 320-odd companies, so a fairly significant level of activity. If you look at who we've worked with locally, it's everything from the Corgins to GMK to O'Neill's. We've done a lot of work over many years with Seagate. But if I just take this year on its own, we've announced 50 jobs for foods connected in one of the factories on Great Patrick Street. We did the announcement a few days ago with Vertiv circa 200 jobs, and I hope that's the first of many investments by Vertiv. We announced FinTru earlier this year, 300 new jobs in a software development area and we're developing a very strong cluster in software development and financial services on the back of how to in the Northwest. He said Invest NI also had positive engagement with EY at a recent business breakfast. We're very conscious about going forward. We need to work more in partnership. I spent a lot of time at the University of Ulster with local enterprises like Catalyst, the Derry/Londonderry Chamber of Commerce and North West Regional College. Cllr Cusack said she believes Invest NI's plan does not sufficiently address the needs of the Northwest. The findings of the independent review, I believe, are quite scathing. It was good to see that Invest NI has committed to the introduction of sub regional targets and to see that the regional offices of Invest NI will now perform a more strategic role, the SDLP councillor said. However, we are deeply concerned that there is almost a complete lack of any specific mention of the Northwest in this plan. As it stands, the plan will fall short of the change that is needed to restore the confidence of the people here. We are the second city and we need specific, deliberate and targeted interventions. We need explicit targets for Derry, and we need decentralisation of senior staff to the city and district. She said Foyle MLA Sinead McLaughlin has launched a bill that would change how Invest NI does its work. The bill will require Invest NI to develop and publish sub regional targets, and report annually on how it will meet those targets and how its resources will reflect those targets with specific reference to the Northwest and what recommendations it will make to the department on the policy changes needed across government to meet those targets. Mr Chittock said Invest NI would be pursuing the 'principles' of the bill despite it not being able to be passed legislatively with the collapsed Assembly. The principles of what might be in that particular bill are already in the plans that we've outlined within Invest NI. So that greater transparency, greater collaboration, greater activity in all of the regions, absolutely seeing Derry as the second city and the Northwest as a really important region for development. Nice words don't cut it anymore. We get that. So there will be targets and there will be ongoing dialogue. Meetings like this will become the norm rather than a unique event. We are committed to doing things differently. Cllr Cusack asked Mr Chittock to outline the targets Invest NI is exploring for the region. Mr Chittock said all regional offices will be strengthened and most of the actions outlined in the action plan will be implemented in 2024, with a few coming in 2025. There's a lot of talk about export. We do see the Northwest as a tremendous opportunity. And one of the things we probably haven't touched on is the unique special advantage we have with the Windsor Framework and the dual market access that affords. It's probably second nature in this part of the world and because I think you've always exported to you probably don't even consider it an export to Donegal but you've always exported across the border. Cllr Cusack asked about the drafting of the action plan and for details of what it will be focused on. Mr McKenna said they would be meeting with Solace to discuss the development of the plan. We're meeting with Solace on Thursday to begin the conversation around how we develop the sub regional economic plans and what the targets look like? Our economies are different in different parts of Northern Ireland and the asks from the council's are different. We have heard in our conversations with the chief executive of this Council and with Mr Gillespie and Kevin O'Connor we know that you have particular asks of us as an agency and indeed of the department for the economy. Aldeman Derek Hussey asked about cross border collaboration. It has been touched on that this is not just about Derry City and Strabane, it's about the whole North West. So what cognisance of the actual resources available to businesses in Derry and Strabane is taken by Invest NI with human resource and physical resources because a lot of that resource actually comes across the border? the UUP Alderman asked. We found that we can work together while respecting the jurisdiction that exists and I say that as a Unionist. We do that for mutual benefit. Are you just looking at Derry and Strabane or are you looking at the entirety of our area? Mr Chittock said they will be seeking to collaborate with some agencies in the South. The Invest NI of the future will be a very different one to the one of the past. We will be much more transparent and will be much more collaborative, he said. We do work very well with other agencies and particularly Enterprise Ireland. Not so much IDA as IDA see inward investment as they want it for the South and we want it for the North so there's not as close a working relationship between those organisations as you might think. There's a very close working relationship with Enterprise Ireland and with IntertradeIreland on the cross border stuff. Alderman Ryan McCready asked why Invest NI has not had a bigger impact in Derry more than two decades after being set up. After 21 years of Invest NI, when I look at at the Northwest City Region on two counts, firstly, social deprivation we're amongst the highest and secondly social economics, we're statistically the lowest. They're inescapable and indisputable facts, the UUP alderman said. The point you make about moving forward for looking at transparency, openness, and collaboration. Why on earth does it have to take the Lyons reports to come to that conclusion? There's an awful lot of smart and astute people within your organisation at the corporate level so why do you need the Lyons report to tell you what was already clear from the statistics, which have been mentioned by many members in this chamber? Mr Chittock said Invest NI cannot address all economic issues in the area. You referenced a number of things around the statistics for the area. I can quote you the average take home pay for individuals. I can tell you the unemployment rate, which is twice the Northern Ireland average. The economic inactivity rate is 36.6%. It is 10 percentage points higher than the rest of Northern Ireland. Not all of these challenges can be addressed singly by Invest NI. Each region has different challenges that need to be addressed and that's why I think a sub regional strategy, which identifies for this region what the key challenges are going to be around employment levels, quality of jobs as measured by average salaries, but also driving entrepreneurship and exports [will work best]. Alderman Hussey asked about the possibility of setting up regular meetings with Invest NI. He was told Invest NI would be interested in that and that they already meet with DCSDC more regularly than other councils. Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor Patricia Logue, has officially kicked off the City and Districts Christmas celebrations by opening the 2023 Guildhall Craft Fair on Friday. The 27th edition of the annual three day event features 45 crafters and producers who will exhibit to thousands of visitors. The Craft Fair marks the start of a comprehensive programme of Christmas events across the City and District that includes festive processions to turn on the Christmas lights in Derry and Strabane on 24th and 25th of November and the Mayors Countdown to Christmas event in Guildhall Square on Thursday 21st and Friday 22nd December. Speaking at the event opening Mayor Logue urged shoppers to make a special effort to gift local this Christmas. I am delighted and proud that as a Council we can host you here in the beautiful surroundings of our historic Guildhall and give you the platform to showcase our thriving craft and handmade sector, she said. The Craft Fair is renowned within the Irish craft industry for the high standard of artists and crafters it showcases and it gives local shoppers and visitors the opportunity to source bespoke gifts for Christmas. Rising costs mean it can be a real challenge to start up and sustain a small business at the moment so I'd appreciate if people can make a conscious effort get behind our crafters and the economy by supporting this event and gifting local this Christmas. Even the smallest purchase can make a big difference to every young and modest sized business. Opening Times for the Fair are Friday 17th November: 12noon - 8pm, Saturday 18th November: 10am - 6pm, Sunday 19th November: 11am - 6pm. The Fair marks the start of a packed programme of events to celebrate Christmas in Derry and Strabane, visit Derrystrabane.com/Christmas for more. The team at the Tower Museum in Derry are pure lured today after the Derry Girls Experience picked up a prestigious accolade at the IDI Irish Design Awards in Dublin. The competition is judged by an international panel of leading industry lights and the exhibition came out tops in the Experience Design Category, with judges praising the innovation and quality of the experience for visitors. The exhibition was created by Derry City and Strabane District Council, in partnership with Tourism Northern Ireland (TNI) and Visit Derry, who engaged EPIC to design, produce and deliver a flagship exhibition on the Derry Girls Programme, its popularity and legacy. The exhibition launched in July 2023, and since then has attracted record visitor numbers, with fans from around the world flocking to see some of the original set pieces from the series, gifted by Lisa McGee and Hat Trick Productions. Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Cllr Patricia Logue, said the award was a fitting tribute to the creativity and work that has gone into the project. I am absolutely thrilled today to hear that the Derry Girls Experience has been recognised by industry experts for the quality of the design work, which really captures the essence of the Derry Girls series, from its humour to its more serious glimpses of the history of the Troubles. I want to thank all the partners involved in delivering this project, and of course creator Lisa McGee. It has been so significant in the impact its had on our local tourism and the profile of the city and district. Its become an iconic landmark in the cultural and historical legacy of Derry and Strabane, and yet another reason to visit our beautiful city. In their comments the judges noted that the exhibition delivered: An excellent set of experiences that tied together so well. Good consideration of language and hearing barriers. Really strong execution with everything clearly done to the highest standards and with a premium experience for visitors in mind." Head of Culture with Derry City and Strabane District Council, Aeidin McCarter said: When we first secured funding for the exhibition we knew it was going to be a success, but we never dreamt that it would have such an impact. Our Tower Museum team worked closely with EPIC to create an experience that would really resonate not only with Derry Girls fans, but also international visitors piecing together the history of the city. We wanted the experience to be immersive and engaging which we achieved through digital channels and interactive props, while also retaining that retro vibe thats so unique to Derry Girls. We have had so much positive feedback, and now to have the exhibition recognised by leading names in the design industry is just the icing on the cake. Director of Epic Interpretive Design, Dara Lynne Lenehan, said: EPIC are delighted to have been chosen winner in the Connected Experiences category of the IDI Awards 2023, against stiff competition. We thank the judges and the Institute of Design of Ireland. Working on The Derry Girls Experience was a wonderful collaboration between EPIC and the Tower Museum and DCSC teams, we all worked hard to deliver this project. Receiving this award brings great recognition for all the hard work and greatly promotes the city of Derry too. We hope the visitor numbers continue to grow during the exhibition run. You can find out more about the awards at www.idiawards.ie/projects/the-derry-girls-experience-tower-museum HIGHLIGHTS A few pictures of Google Pixel 8a's dummy units are circulating on the internet. The major change we could see in the Pixel 8a will be most likely its edges. The smartphone is said to be slimmer and longer than its predecessor. Google launched the Pixel 8 series last month. The new flagship series features a slight change in design as compared to the Pixel 7 series. Usually, the brand rolls out an affordable version a few months after the launch of its numbered flagship series. Its been one month since the Pixel 8 series debuted in the market. As time passes by, the launch of the Pixel 8a also comes closer. In the latest development, a few pictures of Google Pixel 8as dummy unit are circulating on the internet. These pictures gave us a slight idea of how the smartphone will be in terms of design. Lets check it out. Google Pixel 8a expected design These dummy pictures were leaked by No Name in collaboration with xleaks7 on LinkedIn. The major change we could see in the Pixel 8a will be most likely its edges. The upcoming Pixel 8a is said to have more round edges than its predecessor. Furthermore, the smartphone could feature a punch-hole cutout for the selfie camera. Google Pixel 8a Dummy units front and back Also read: Dont expect the Google Pixel 8a to wow you with a brand new design On the back, I am noticing a change in the camera module. Unlike the Pixel 7a, the Pixel 8a will reportedly feature two camera sensors which are different in size. The Pixel 7a also has a dual camera setup but it has both camera rings of the same size on the back. However, in the Pixel 8a, there could be a big camera ring along with a small one and an LED flash. Speaking of its measurement, this could also see a minor change. The smartphone is said to be slimmer and longer than its predecessor. For the context, the Pixel 7a measures 152 x 72.9 x 9 mm. On the other hand, the Pixel 8a is reported to come with a measurement of 153.44 x 72.74 x 8.94mm. Google Pixel 8a Dummy units right and left panel Also read: Google Pixel 8a renders are out, take a look The rest of the details are the same as its predecessor and other Pixel 8 series smartphones. On the right panel, you will get a power button and volume rockers. Although, the dummy unit didnt show the SIM tray of the Pixel 8a. In the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, the SIM tray is on the left panel. However, in the pictures of the dummy unit, there was no SIM tray. I guess we just have to have some patience now to know more about it. HIGHLIGHTS A tipster has revealed some key specifications of the Honor 100 lineup. The Honor 100 series could feature a 1.5K Oasis eye-protecting screen. All models in this lineup will likely come with 100W charging support. 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. The upcoming lineup will likely consist of both a standard version and a Pro variant. Additionally, there are rumours suggesting the potential introduction of an Honor 100 GT variant alongside these models. Recently, the Honor 100 series made an appearance on the 3C certification. Now, a popular tipster has revealed some key specifications of this lineup. According to tipster Digital Chat Station, the Honor 100 series is expected to come with a 1.5K Oasis display, reports Gizmochina. Also read: Honor 100 Pro to offer SLR-level photography, says executive Credit: Gizmochina This 1.5K Oasis display could feature advanced 3840Hz PWM eye-protecting dimming technology, specifically designed to minimise eye strain. Also read: Here are best 3 features of Honor 100 series design: Revealed along with launch date All models in the Honor 100 series will likely come with the support for 100W charging. While the standard model of the Honor 100 series is expected to pack Qualcomms Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 mobile platform, the Pro model could be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 mobile platform. For photography, smartphones in the Honor 100 series are expected to house a 50MP main camera sensor featuring optical image stabilisation (OIS). A company executive recently shared a statement on the Chinese micro-blogging website Weibo, claiming that the upcoming Honor 100 Pro smartphone model will offer an SLR-level photography experience. Also, the company recently revealed the China launch date of the Honor 100 series. The upcoming 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. HIGHLIGHTS The Realme GT5 Pro smartphone has been spotted on the Geekbench benchmarking platform. The GT5 Pro is expected to pack up to 16GB of RAM. The device scored 1,229 and 4,699 points in the single-core and multi-core tests, respectively. Realme is gearing up to unveil its Realme GT5 Pro smartphone. Through a series of teasers, the company has been gradually unveiling the phones features. Now, the Realme GT5 Pro smartphone has appeared on the Geekbench benchmarking platform. The Geekbench listing of the upcoming GT5 Pro smartphone was spotted by MySmartPrice. Also read: Realme GT5 Pro teaser reveals improved low-light telephoto performance & super-fast charging Credit: MySmartPrice According to the listing, the Realme GT 5 Pro could be powered by Qualcomms Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, boasting a max CPU clock speed of 3.30GHz. Also read: Realme GT5 Pro update: Here are two confirmed features of the upcoming flagship The upcoming smartphone model could come with up to 16GB of RAM and will likely operate on Android 14 out of the box. The device scored 1,229 points in the single-core test and 4,699 points in the multi-core test. Realme has confirmed that the phone will use a Sony Lytia sensor. However, the company didnt specify which exact Sony Lytia sensor it will be. It might be the Sony LYT-808 sensor. This primary Sony LYT-808 sensor is expected to be accompanied by a 50MP telephoto camera module (Sony IMX890 sensor), and an 8MP ultra-wide lens. Recently, Realme CMO Francis Wong shared on the Chinese micro-blogging platform Weibo that the GT5 Pro will usher in a new era of low-light telephoto images, suggesting significant improvements in nighttime telephoto photography capabilities. In a separate post, he mentioned that the company successfully implemented 240W fast charging in the GT5 Pro and that it is now ready to reach a new peak of flash charge with the upcoming GT5 Pro. The Realme GT5 Pro was earlier spotted on the TENAA certification website which revealed that the device is expected to come with a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a 1264 x 2780px resolution. Taiwan looks to floating offshore wind for renewable energy future As Taiwan strides forward in pursuit of its ambitious clean energy goals, the floating wind energy sector emerges as a promising avenue for renewable energy production. Nevertheless, industry experts suggest that Taiwan's local content requirements may need reevaluation for feasibility, considering the rapid development of new technologies. The Taiwanese government aims to demonstrate the feasibility of floating offshore wind through demonstration projects in 2027-2028. These projects will inform policies for larger-scale, sustainable floating offshore wind development from 2031 onward, focusing on Taiwan's deeper seas. Dr. Robin Kennish, Asia Lead of Environmental Resources Management (ERM), emphasizes the importance of Taiwan government support, feasibility studies, and industry engagement in developing floating offshore wind. Long-term planning, risk management throughout the project lifecycle, and stakeholder engagement are crucial elements as well. Projections indicate that 10 GW of floating offshore wind could be deployed globally by 2030, increasing to 70 GW by 2040, with 30 GW in Asian waters. Asian renewable energy is expected to attract over US$10 trillion in investments by 2050. Source: ERM Comparing Taiwan to other East Asian countries in the Asia-Pacific region, Robin Kennish highlights Taiwan's stricter local content requirements. In contrast, countries like South Korea, the Philippines, and Vietnam may not have equally stringent requirements. However, they face unique challenges such as grid readiness and unclear government regulations, increasing risks for developers. On the other hand, the Taiwanese government has provided clear guidelines, offering higher certainty to developers and financial institutions. Floating offshore wind is positioned as the evolution of offshore wind, unlocking deep-water areas unsuitable for bottom-fixed turbines. Its advantages include access to previously unviable deep areas, lower cumulative impact risks due to developments spread over a wider area, and reduced seabed disruption compared to bottom-fixed foundations. Floating costs, while higher than fixed-bottom projects, are gradually reducing. Challenges include grid connection in remote areas, port facility requirements, installation and maintenance of subsea infrastructure, and concept consolidation across the supply chain. Looking ahead, the future forecast for Taiwan's floating offshore wind industry suggests progressive development. Based on ERM's assessment, pre-commercial projects are anticipated in the late 2020s, paving the way for the emergence of utility-scale projects beyond 2030. However, visibility into the industry's trajectory remains challenging, particularly beyond 2025, hinging on the successful scaling and cost reduction demonstrated through demo and pilot projects. According to the Global Wind Energy Council, the global capacity is projected to reach a staggering 180 GW by 2050, with nearly 80% generated by around 13,000 floating turbine units. "The Taiwan Strait's deep waters and high windspeeds are similar conditions to those in our UK projects. Floating presents an ideal solution to meet Taiwan's 20.6GW of offshore wind by 2035," said a representative from Flotation Energy, a British floating offshore wind power company. Moreover, the ongoing development of new and innovative technologies currently being tested in the UK further underscores the readiness and necessity of floating offshore wind energy in the pursuit of a sustainable energy future. Taipei Int'l Logistics and IoT Exhibition 2023 showcase The Taipei International Logistics and IoT Exhibition 2023 and Taipei International Cold Chain Technology Exhibition 2023 were jointly held from August 23 to 26, with more than one hundred cold chain and logistics operators participating in the events. Introduction The Taipei International Logistics and IoT Exhibition 2023 and Taipei International Cold Chain Technology Exhibition 2023 were jointly held from August 23 to 26, with more than one hundred cold chain and logistics operators participating in the events. According to DIGITIMES Research, influenced by the call for net-zero carbon emissions and increasing labor shortages, the cold chain/logistics industry is moving towards smart, highly efficient, and low-carbon solutions. IoT technology is a crucial component in achieving these three primary goals. The concept of the Physical Internet (PI) makes its debut in Taiwan at this exhibition, highlighting temperature and humidity monitoring, carbon reduction, automated warehousing, and fleet management solutions. Fox-Tech and Brocere Technology showcased customized IoT solutions for temperature and humidity monitoring, with more censoring functionalities like carbon dioxide concentration and air quality detection, to be incorporated into related solutions per customer needs. Flutai offers comprehensive planning for cold chain logistics warehousing and vehicle refrigeration equipment, including dual-power refrigeration machines that run on engine or battery power, reducing carbon emissions from logistics transportation. Coretronic Intelligent Logistics (CiLS) is one of the two Taiwanese exhibitors showcasing autonomous mobile robot (AMR) solutions (the other being FARobot). They present self-developed AMR forklifts and handling vehicles and the iMEC intelligent management system, which offers warehousing operators smart management solutions. Hai Robotics introduces the world's first cold storage container-type warehousing robot that can operate safely in temperatures as low as -25?C. Geek+ presents goods-to-person picking robots with smart sorting workstations, enhancing warehouse picking efficiency. OmniEyes, with AI edge computing technology at its core, uses image recognition technology to monitor fleet drivers' behavior, helping improve driver safety and reduce improper driving behavior. Eupfin Technology exhibited two major solutions for fleet management and transportation management systems, covering various application scenarios from driver behavior and vehicle status to cargo control and transportation cost management and providing comprehensive fleet management system services for logistics and fleet management operators. Concept of PI Table 1: Key foundation and base connection architecture of PI Source: DIGITIMES Research, September 2023 As the logistics industry faces labor shortages, cost reduction, carbon reduction demands, and regionalization of the supply chain, the PI concept has become one of the solutions widely discussed for digital transformation in logistics in advanced countries like Europe, the US, and Japan. PI is a concept that transforms the operations of logistics players, drawing inspiration from the Internet. It converts data transmission into physical logistics transport processes, creating a network that integrates global logistics systems. The PI concept advocates using standardized modular and shared logistics resources to achieve more efficient, environmentally friendly, sustainable transportation and logistics systems. Georgia Institute of Technology in the US emphasizes that the key to building PI lies in hyperconnectivity and the interconnection layer. Hyperconnectivity refers to the close interconnection of various components (warehouses, trucks, and containers) and participants (distribution, management, and business personnel) on multiple layers, ultimately creating a network where everything is connected. The interconnection layer encompasses various aspects related to logistics, including data, physical elements, operations, business, legal, and personal factors. IoT technology has become an essential tool for implementing PI, as it can connect data from various logistics nodes and the supply chain. An open logistics platform allows the sharing of logistics resources, such as warehouses, trucks, containers, and shelves, to form a more efficient, sustainable, scalable, and agile logistics system for related supply chains. In response to the need for carbon reduction, energy consumption information can be integrated into the PI framework through the energy monitoring system to build a low-carbon logistics system. The Alliance for Logistics Innovation through Collaboration in Europe (ALICE) has proposed a blueprint for the European PI construction to replace traditional logistics models by 2030. The plan aims to create a standardized, intelligent European logistics network. It is expected to be fully operational by 2040. Table 2: Cold chain and logistics industries demand and solutions Source: DIGITIMES Research, September 2023 According to DIGITIMES Research, with the aging population and labor force transformation, the high-risk working environment, and long working hours in cold storage and logistics, the cold chain/logistics industry faces challenges in recruiting workers and dealing with labor shortages. Additionally, as the cold chain/logistics transportation industry falls under the high carbon emission production category, it is transitioning towards smart, efficient, and low-carbon solutions in line with the global trend of achieving net-zero carbon emissions. Demand for refrigerated and frozen transportation has become more diverse and quality-focused due to emerging fresh e-commerce, transforming convenience stores/supermarkets into fresh food outlets, direct sales of agricultural products, O2O (online to offline) operations, and transportation of medical vaccines. Relevant organizations have also proposed standards and regulations for cold chain logistics, such as the Cold Chain Industry Standard (CCIS) for the food sector and the new ISO 23412 international home delivery standard. The pharmaceutical industry has the PIC/S GDP (Good Distribution Practice) for drugs. While these standards have not yet become legal regulations, businesses in the cold chain industry can develop smart management applications based on these standards, including tracking data such as cargo conditions, temperature control, and transportation processes. Related solutions include IoT temperature and humidity monitoring, cold storage preservation technology, energy-saving systems, and green transportation. Companies like Advantech, Brocere, Elite Semiconductor Microelectronics Technology (ESMT) and Fox-Tech showcased temperature and humidity monitoring solutions. Meanwhile, Taro & TYC exhibited various cold storage containers, and Carrier highlighted integrated display and cabinet solutions for refrigeration and cold storage. Flutai presented solutions for refrigerated and frozen vehicles and cold storage systems. Hotai Development and Panasonic Taiwan exhibited various air conditioning and cold chain equipment. Logistics operators focus on automation and efficiency solutions, including unmanned warehouse systems, automated handling/sorting equipment, smart fleet management systems, and intelligent warehouse planning solutions. Other companies, including Coretronic Intelligent Logistics (CiLS), Geek+, Hai Robotics, Vicstore, Winsonic Mechatronics and 3-Bridge Autotech, highlighted intelligent warehouse and automated handling/sorting solutions. G4 Technology and Sato Taiwan offered labeling and RFID reading system services. Eupfin Technology and OmniEyes showcased fleet management systems. Company showcases Fox-Tech and Brocere Table 3: Product showcases by Fox-Tech and Brocere *Note: FOTA stands for firmware over the air. Source: Fox-Tech and Brocere; compiled by DIGITIMES Research, September 2023 Fox-Tech has come out with an integrated IoT solution named Temphawk, which does not require a power plug. It can automatically monitor and record real-time data such as temperature and humidity to improve operational processes. The Temphawk is packed with temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide (CO2), light intensity, and soil electrical conductivity (EC) sensors. The wireless temperature and humidity sensors use Zigfox low power wide area network (LPWAN) to transmit the collected data to the cloud. Zigfox offers advantages like long-range coverage, low power consumption, and cost-effectiveness, making the Temphawk suitable for monitoring environmental temperature and humidity over broad areas. The sensors have an IP68 waterproof and dustproof rating, making them suitable for harsh environments, including outdoors, low temperature, and humid conditions. They are powered by button-cell lithium batteries with a battery life of up to 10 years, eliminating the need for additional wiring or frequent recharging. The temperature measurement of the sensors ranges from -40?C to 125?C, and they automatically upload data every 10 minutes. Users can remotely monitor temperature and humidity conditions in the field in real-time through a web platform or a mobile app and receive alert notifications in case of anomalies. Fox-Tech can also provide customized remote control solutions for agriculture, food processing, cold chain logistics, and food and beverage industry applications. The Temphawk solutions have reached markets in 26 countries worldwide, with customers including Amazon Japan, Hotai Development, Fwusow Industry and RD&D Cold Logistics. Brocere provides customized IoT solutions. It has developed a building-block type modularized IoT Blockcraft sensor, which allows customers to flexibly select and connect various sensing modules in series, such as temperature, humidity, fine suspended particles (PM2.5), positioning, vibration, and face/voice recognition. The Blockcraft has built-in GPS and G-sensors for real-time tracking and data upload to a logistics and operation monitoring platform. It can be paired with communication solutions such as NB-IoT, LTE-M, LoRa, Sigfox, and low Earth orbit satellites to meet most wireless sensing and remote monitoring needs. It also offers easy installation, calibration, and maintenance. The Blockcraft has an IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating, making it suitable for outdoor use and other harsh environments. The built-in battery can last over a year and be charged using a type-C cable from a mobile power source. Alternatively, a solar module can be added to make the sensor self-sustaining, promoting environmental sustainability and reducing maintenance costs. The Flutai Group Table 4: Product showcases by Flutai Group Source: Flutai Group; compiled by DIGITIMES Research, September 2023 The Flutai Group offers one-stop cold chain services, including refrigeration units and vehicles, ground handling vehicle/equipment, and diagnosis and planning for integrating cold chain services (such as cold chain warehousing planning). The group holds over 80% of Taiwan's airport ground-handling vehicle market. Taiwan's government has set a target to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and has introduced related subsidies to encourage businesses to embrace smart and low-carbon solutions. The transportation industry is the third-largest contributor to carbon emissions in Taiwan. The Taiwan Cold Chain Association has established an ESG Innovation Committee to assist its members in pursuing low-carbon initiatives and securing government support. The Flutai Group also provides low-carbon solutions for cold-chain transportation. The carbon footprint of cold chain transportation includes carbon emissions from conventional diesel vehicles during transport and the electricity consumption required for cold chain operations. Traditional cold chain vehicles use the engine to power the refrigeration compressor, leading to increased carbon emissions when the engine remains running (during idling or loading/unloading). To reduce carbon emissions in the cold chain, relevant vehicles can transition to electric models or optimize the power source for refrigeration and freezing. Cold storage refrigeration units with thermal storage plates installed inside the cargo compartment in a vehicle can be pre-cooled to the target temperature at night before delivery. The delivery products are transferred from the cold storage or freezer to the vehicle in the morning. This approach can significantly save on transportation fuel. However, it has drawbacks, such as reduced cargo capacity due to the space occupied by thermal storage plates and the impact of door opening and closing on the internal temperature, potentially affecting product quality. The refrigerated vehicle with a cold storage refrigerator equipped with a cold storage plate in the carriage can plug in to pre-cool the car to the target temperature the night before delivery. Then, the goods are moved from the freezer or refrigerator to the vehicle for delivery in the morning, which can significantly save transportation fuel. However, the disadvantage is that the cold storage plate takes up space, which reduces the cargo capacity, and the number of opening and closing doors will affect the temperature inside the compartment, which can easily affect the quality of the goods. Dual-purpose refrigeration units, powered by the vehicle's engine and an external power source, can synchronize operation when plugged in, speed up the refrigeration process, or rely solely on plug-in cooling to reduce exhaust emissions when starting the engine. Additionally, they can be plugged in at night to act as a refrigerated/freezer unit, maintaining product integrity and reducing the number of loading and unloading cycles. Dual-purpose refrigerators with batteries and inverters can use battery power to drive the refrigerated unit when no external power supply is connected. The refrigerated unit can support vehicle facilities (such as gullwing doors) to serve as a mobile store when the vehicle is not running. CiLS Table 5: Product showcases by CiLS Source: CiLS; compiled by DIGITIMES Research, September 2023 CiLS, a subsidiary of Coretronic, introduces a highly integrated AMR (autonomous mobile robot) solution, including sled-type transport vehicles, AMR forklifts, trolley carts, and the iMEC intelligent management system. These solutions assist businesses in enhancing warehouse management efficiency and reducing the need for manual labor. CiLS' highly integrated AMR solution links AMR with an intelligent management system. It offers seamless integration with ERP (enterprise resource planning) and MES (manufacturing execution system), allowing for comprehensive control of transport vehicles, peripheral equipment, environmental sensors, and the integration of information flow, financial flow, and logistics. This close integration of IT (information technology) and OT (operational technology) addresses issues like labor shortages, human error, and inefficient warehouse space utilization. The AMR forklifts include tugger-type, pallet-style, forward-moving, and high-lift models. They use 3D SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) for environmental positioning, enabling indoor and outdoor navigation, operation on uneven surfaces, and navigation without markers. Additionally, they utilize AI cameras for pallet and cargo recognition, location recognition, cargo height/width detection and obstacle identification. The AMR transport vehicles consist of lift-type, roller-type, double-layer roller, heavy-duty roller, and sled-type models. They use 2D SLAM navigation and offer features like safety stops, elevator control, obstacle avoidance routing, and the ability to move between floors. They are equipped with AI cameras that can identify and pick up pallets, overcoming the limitations of traditional transport vehicles that can only carry and deliver products on fixed-type warehouse shelves. AMR solutions can autonomously plan operation routes and task schedules based on missions. They have obstacle-avoidance sensing capabilities to ensure the safety of goods and on-site personnel during transport. Implementing CiLS' AMR solutions does not require facility modifications and can be introduced zone by zone. This gradual approach improves warehouse automation levels, space utilization efficiency, and accuracy while reducing labor burdens and the risk of human error, resulting in cost savings and enhanced operational efficiency for businesses. Hai Robotics Table 6: Product showcases by Hai Robotics Source: Hai Robotics; compiled by DIGITIMES Research, September 2023 China-based Hai Robotics primarily focuses on researching and designing autonomous case-handling robot (ACR) systems for warehousing. The company independently develops everything from the robot to the underlying positioning algorithms, control systems, robot scheduling, and intelligent warehouse management systems, amassing over 1,500 global patents. During the exhibition, Hai Robotics showcased the industry's first cold storage ACR (model A42G-LT). It comes equipped with sensors, batteries, lubricants, and control systems capable of operating safely in -25?C low-temperature environments. The A42G-LT features a heat exchange system that dissipates the robot's heat to prevent frost buildup. The A42G-LT can be applied to food, pharmaceutical, and electronics industries in cold storage. It assists businesses in improving cold storage efficiency, accuracy, and safety while reducing the need for prolonged human labor in low-temperature environments. Hai Robotics is a pioneering and leading provider of ACR systems. Its Haipick system has evolved to its fourth generation and was among the earliest systems developed and deployed for commercial use. It enables warehouse automation management, offering intelligent handling, picking, sorting, and customization. The company's stack-type warehouse robot, A3, is suitable for various types of pallets and layer-stacked materials, as well as vehicle cartridges, making it ideal for manufacturing line-side and production-line transport. The ACR series is compatible with various material specifications and height adjustments, meeting the complete needs of the entire production line (warehousing + transport) for raw materials, semi-finished products, line-side operations, production-line transportation, and finished goods. The telescopic lift container robot, A42T, can reach heights of up to 10 meters, which is currently the highest in the industry. It significantly enhances vertical space utilization in warehousing and includes multiple storage back baskets, allowing it to carry up to 9 containers simultaneously, thereby improving picking efficiency. Geek+ Table 7: Product showcases by Geek+ Source: Geek+; compiled by DIGITIMES Research, September 2023 China-based Geek+ specializes in developing intelligent logistics AI robots and provides services in over 30 countries and regions worldwide. The company claims it has held the global top position in the AMR market for three consecutive years. Its clientele includes primary players in the fashion, e-commerce, retail, logistics, pharmaceuticals, electronics, automotive, and cosmetics industries, with customers like Decathlon, Gigabyte Technology and PChome. Geek+ possesses an in-house developed AMR/AGV (automated guided vehicle) robot platform, which includes shuttle cars, goods-to-person picking robots, and the PopPick intelligent warehousing station. It can also provide customized warehousing management solutions. The four-way shuttle car is an access robot that can move horizontally in four directions along a track inside vertical racks. Its narrow body design saves approximately 40% in width compared to traditional forklifts, improving storage efficiency. The goods-to-person picking solution employs the P-series goods-to-person robot, which transports inventory shelves and pallets to picking stations. The P-series robots disrupt the traditional method of people searching for items, reducing the labor intensity for pickers, decreasing the time spent by personnel moving to find things, and increasing accuracy, resulting in more than a threefold efficiency improvement. The goods-to-person picking robot transfers movable shelves to the PopPick sorting workstation, completing tasks such as shelving, picking, restocking, sorting, and inventory checking. Using AI algorithms to predict orders, the robot can perform sorting during the night or idle periods without human intervention, eliminating the need for personnel and facilitating cargo exchange between different shelves. It organizes outgoing products and moves highly related items to the same brackets, optimizing operational efficiency. The PopPick workstation is designed based on ergonomics. It features four picking positions that can flexibly switch between single and double-person modes, resulting in a four-fold increase in picking efficiency. OmniEyes Table 8: Product showcases by OmniEyes Source: OmniEyes; compiled by DIGITIMES Research, September 2023 OmniEyes offers a fleet management solution called MyFleet that primarily utilizes edge AI computing and image recognition technology. MyFleet combines image data with other sensing data to perform driver behavior analysis, vehicle condition monitoring, and fleet management, assisting businesses in improving fleet safety and efficiency. MyFleet's main AI computing functions include Vivid, OmniGuard, and DriveCare. Vivid can instantly detect and warn against driver violations such as running red lights, driving in the wrong direction, rolling stops, and illegal parking in specific areas or on pedestrian crossings. All violations are immediately alerted through image warnings, enhancing safety for both drivers and pedestrians. OmniGuard integrates an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) with critical driver behavior detection from OmniEyes, issuing warnings to alert drivers about their surroundings, including lane changes by other vehicles, pedestrian collisions, and slowing down at intersections. DriveCare offers driver behavior analysis, including distracted driving, fatigue, and failure to fasten seatbelts, providing instant reminders to help drivers avoid road hazards resulting from distraction and fatigue. Users can choose an AI driving recorder or AI car camera as hardware. AI car cameras can use USB/RS232/Bluetooth to connect various sensors, including temperature sensors, altimeters, card readers, and tire pressure sensors. MyFleet's fleet management platform employs edge computing technology to perform real-time AI analysis on cars, with videos of relevant accidents uploaded to the cloud for storage and analysis reports. MyFleet can be integrated with customers' existing management systems through an application programming interface (API). Eupfin Table 9: Product showcases by Eupfin Source: Eupfin; compiled by DIGITIMES Research, September 2023 Eupfin Technology was founded in 2004 and introduced its branded fleet management solution, Satellite Hound, in 2008. The company is dedicated to researching and developing intelligent transportation management and driver safety systems, assisting fleet operators toward digital transformation, energy conservation, and carbon reduction, and providing diverse fleet management solutions for different fleets. Over 90% of tour bus operators in Taiwan use the Satellite Hound vehicle management system. Eupfin has subsidiaries in Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia, offering fleet management services to over 100,000 vehicles globally. Its customers include logistics operators, taxi fleets, and emergency services operators. Eupfin's solutions can be categorized into two primary systems: fleet management and transportation management. The essential features of the fleet management system include real-time GPS vehicle positioning and historical route tracking, instant detection and warnings for driver violations, operational analysis reports, optimal route planning, and cloud-based instant replay of event footage. These features help businesses enhance fleet safety, control fleet costs, and improve vehicle utilization. The transportation management system performs order management and tracking, customer profile buildups and maintenance, online rapid dispatch, and transportation progress tracking. Save my User ID and Password Some subscribers prefer to save their log-in information so they do not have to enter their User ID and Password each time they visit the site. To activate this function, check the 'Save my User ID and Password' box in the log-in section. This will save the password on the computer you're using to access the site. Note: If you choose to use the log-out feature, you will lose your saved information. This means you will be required to log-in the next time you visit our site. Subscriber content preview SEATTLE Local listener-funded public radio station KEXP is purchasing a radio station in the San Francisco area, its CEO Ethan Raup announced in a letter to donors yesterday. The Seattle Times first broke the news yesterday afternoon. . . . The partner of Ashling Murphy has spoken of his heartache at losing his soulmate in a statement delivered to a Dublin court before her murderer was jailed. Ms Murphys mother and her sister described 23-year-old Ms Murphy as a gifted musician, a passionate teacher, a selfless person and an integral part of their family. This country has lost somebody who made a difference, Ashlings older sister Amy Murphy said. They gave their victim impact statements at the Criminal Courts of Justice in Dublin before Jozef Puska was handed a life sentence for Ms Murphys murder in Tullamore, Co Offaly, last January. Puska, 33, of Lynally Grove in Mucklagh, Tullamore, had pleaded not guilty. There is a mandatory life sentence for murder, where an application for parole can be made after 12 years. Mr Justice Tony Hunt said there was only one sentence available, and it was richly deserved. He said Puskas evidence had been indescribable and the one thing we dont know about this case is the why. Mr Justice Hunt said if he had the power to set a term, it would be a very long one, or a whole-of-life sentence would have to be considered if it was available. I dont have it available to me, he said. Detective Sergeant David Scahill told the court that Puska arrived in Ireland in 2012 and moved from Dublin to Tullamore in 2018. Mr Scahill said that Puska lived with his wife, his five children, his two brothers and their families in a house in Mucklagh. He told the court that there was no record of Puska working in Ireland and that he had not come to the attention of gardai previously. He said he also made the necessary inquiries about convictions in other jurisdictions. During parts of their statements given in court on Friday, Ryan Casey and Amy Murphy turned to Puska to address him directly. Mr Casey told Puska Because of you, Ive lost my Ashling. Because if you, I will never get to marry my soulmate. Because of you, I will never see her smile again I will have to somehow carry on without her. Mr Casey said he and Ms Murphy had plans to travel to Dubai together, to build a house, to start a family, and to get married. He said they had talked about how many kids they would have, and imagined they would be little hurlers and camogie players and even better musicians. Mr Casey said his and Ms Murphys relationship was full with love, trust, respect and was quite simply heaven on earth. Mr Casey said that Ireland had lost its innocence with the killing of Ms Murphy, and expressed his anger that someone who was insignificant and worthless could permanently destroy so many peoples lives by taking the life of a person who is the complete opposite a life with meaning, a life with dreams. He accused Puska of smirking, smiling and showing zero remorse throughout this trial. Ms Murphys sister Amy told Puska that he had told a ludicrous set of lies, and that by pleading not guilty her family had to sit through the evidence of the trial, which she said had traumatised the family. She said their nightmare was replayed through CCTV, witnesses testimonies, descriptions of her wounds, and said that Ashlings blood-soaked GAA jacket, shown in court during the trial, will haunt me for the rest of my days. We were totally disturbed by Puskas demeanour, she said, adding that he appeared to smirk and smile during evidence. Amy Murphy also refuted rumours and said that Puska was a predator who was not known to her. (Ashling Murphy) never taught his children and did not report them to Tusla for neglect. These false narratives are both hurtful and damaging. This was a random unprovoked attack. Ms Murphys mother Kathleen said her heart was ripped from her body the moment she learned her daughter had been killed. In a victim impact statement read out in court by Sergeant Lucy McLoughlin, Mrs Murphy said her heart broke the moment I heard the bad news Ashling was murdered. There is such a void in our home, she said. She said that the actions of Puska must have consequences and said he should never see the light of day again. She said that before her daughter left the house, she had begged her not to walk along the canal after work, to which Ms Murphy replied Ah mum, Im 23 years old before giving her mother a hug. She said I love you, youre the best mum in the world and walked out the door, the court heard. Ms Murphys mother Kathleen and father Raymond, and her brother Cathal were in court for sentencing. Speaking outside court, a senior Garda officer praised Ms Murphys relatives for their courage, dignity and resilience during the trial. Garda Chief Superintendent Tony Lonergan said: Ashling, a school teacher, was out for a walk after work when she was attacked and murdered by Mr Puska. This monstrous crime shocked the nation. I want to pay tribute to all the members of An Garda Siochana involved in this investigation, and in particular my colleagues at Tullamore garda station where the investigation was based. I also want to thank the community of Tullamore, a compassionate, kind, resilient and generous community. They were of invaluable assistance to An Garda Siochana throughout this investigation, providing us in particular with access to CCTV which was instrumental in building the case against Mr Puska, and to achieving a successful prosecution. The community also has and continues to support Ashlings family. Finally, I would like to pay tribute to Ashlings famly the courage, the dignity, the resilience and the strength that they are showing during this ordeal has been exemplary. I want to assure them on behalf of An Garda Siochana that we will continue to support them going forward and give them all the support we can where necessary. The Frank and Walters are heading back to Dundalk for an intimate acoustic gig in the Oriel Centre, Dundalk Gaol on Saturday 23rd March 2024. The Frank and Walters originally became world famous on the 90s indie scene and have produced seven studio albums. Thanks to the cult comedy show The Young Offenders, the band captured a whole new audience when their hit single After All featured in the infamous Billy Murphy bus hijack scene. In a recent interview, actor and Peaky Blinders star Cillian Murphy said that in his younger years that he used to be obsessed with The Frank and Walters and used to go to all their gigs. Cillian continues to be a major fan and performed a stirring spoken word verse on the Frank and Walters single Stages. With a back catalogue of hundreds of songs penned over three decades, the band play all the favourites and some long-lost classics in all their acoustic glory. Expect to hear hits such as After All and Fashion crisis hits New York coupled with timeless classics like How can I exist and Landslide. On the night Paul of the Frank and Walters will share some of the stories behind the songs and anecdotes from the crazy world of life in one of Ireland's most enduring bands, a band who still sell out shows all over Europe and America. Tickets are 30 and are available from The Oriel Centre or online www.orielcentre.ie. Minister for Housing, Local Government, and Heritage, Darragh OBrien TD, yesterday visited two new housing developments in Louth, making stops in Dundalk and Drogheda. His first destination was the Coulter Close development site in Dundalk, where he viewed a seven-home development designed to provide long-term accommodation tailored to individuals with specific needs. This supportive living project is a collaboration between Tuath Housing, Louth County Council, HSE, St. John of God Northeast Services, and Inclusion Louth, a local charity supporting families dealing with various intellectual disabilities. The main contractor for this Tuath Direct-Build initiative is CJ Callan Construction Ltd, with funding facilitated through the Capital Assistance Scheme via the Department of Housing. Following this, Minister OBrien proceeded to officially unveil the Ferrard Court cost rental development in Drogheda. This brand-new residential scheme, a partnership between Tuath, Louth County Council, the Department of Housing, Local Government, and Heritage, and The Housing Agency, comprises 34 cost rental homes. The funding for Ferrard Court is a combination of the Cost Rental Equity Loan (CREL) funding from the Department and private finance through the Housing Finance Agency (HFA). The 34-A rated apartments are part of a 70-home development built by CFS Homes Ltd. Ferrard Court represents the inaugural delivery of cost rental homes in Louth under this program, offering secure, affordable housing with rental prices nearly 30% below comparable properties in the area. Tuath's collaboration with Louth County Council dates back to 2007, with the delivery of their first homes in Ardee. Since then, the partnership has thrived, resulting in over 640 homes delivered throughout the county. Nationally, Tuath has provided more than 11,000 homes in every local authority area, accommodating approximately 30,000 people. As a leading provider of cost rental housing in Ireland, Tuath has delivered over 300 cost rental homes since April 2022. Minister for Housing, Darragh OBrien noted, Its great to see Co. Louths first affordable cost rental homes open. The first of many I hope. Cost rental is beginning to take hold across the country with safe and secure long-term tenancies at rates which are approximately 25% less than local market rates. "Turning the sod on the new assisted living homes is a particular joy and I look forward to seeing these delivered. I want to thank Tuath for their continued efforts in delivering top quality homes, they are key partners in our Housing for All plan. Prof. Paddy Gray commented, I would like to pay special thanks to Minister OBrien for taking the time to witness the remarkable work being undertaken in Louth. "I would also like to thank all the elected councilors and staff of Louth County Council for their continued partnership and support. "Tuath are proud to be part of this milestone delivery for the county with the provision of Louths first-ever cost rental homes, while we look forward to the completion of the Coulter Close development in Dundalk, designed to offer specialised accommodation and a supportive, safe and secure place to live for its future residents." Barry OLeary, CEO of the Housing Finance Agency stated I would like to congratulate Tuath Housing on the delivery of these 34 new cost rental homes in Drogheda. "Cost rental is an important tenure of affordable accommodation that provides long-term, secure housing for residents and the HFA remains committed to working closely with Approved Housing Bodies to support the continued delivery of homes like these. Director of Housing at Louth County Council, Ger Murphy said Louth County Council is delighted that the first cost rental in the the County has been delivered by Tuath, an approved housing body that has a longstanding working partnership with the Council. "We look forward to the future delivery of even more homes, including the Coulter Close development in Dundalk, remaining steadfast in our commitment to meeting the varying housing needs of the people of Louth. Louth County Council has issued an appeal for witnesses who may have seen or who know whoever is damaging and destroying lifesaving equipment to report this to An Garda Siochana. This follows the latest incident overnight on Wednesday where Louth Fire Services were called to a burning life ring at Horse Lane Drogheda, which unfortunately was completely destroyed. The incident was reported to the Gardai. This is the 14th reported incident of damage or destruction to life rings in the Drogheda area this year. On 6 June and 13 June 2023, two separate major acts of vandalism led to nine life rings, rope units and containers being extensively damaged at the Skatepark, St Dominic's Park and River Walk at Horse Lane. On four other occasions life rings were thrown into the river or cut up. The destruction of this equipment not only potentially endangers life, but also incurs a significant cost to repair or replace. Water Safety Officer Mark Kimmins has reminded people that on average 105 drownings occur in Ireland every year, and urged anybody who may witness such incidents to report them to their nearest Garda Station. A CORK-BASED midwife has said that midwives need to be shown that they are valued, and that there is a future for them in the Irish health service, amid a recent recruitment pause. Controls in relation to the recruitment of HSE management and administration staff were put in place in recent months, and a recruitment pause for management and administration was implemented in early October. A further recruitment pause was extended across the HSE to other staff categories on November 10, as the target to recruit over 6,000 new posts in 2023 was met before the end of the year. Cork-based midwife and INMO executive council member Lynda Moore said that the decision has been very disappointing for members. In the midst of a global shortage of midwives, when we desperately need to be increasing the number of midwives coming into the service and doing everything possible to retain those who are already working or being trained in Ireland, the Governments decision on recruitment in the past few days has been very disappointing for our members, she said. These midwives need to be shown that they are valued and that there is a future for them in the Irish health service, and that is the opposite of the message that they are getting from their employer. A spokesperson for the HSE told The Echo: Our staff are undeniably our greatest asset, with their dedication, expertise, and passion delivering exceptional service for our patients and service users. The spokesperson pointed out that in 2023 it filled 13,000 replacement posts and had reached its recruitment target. The HSE workforce is at its highest since 2006, which is good news for the public and staff throughout the country, and reflects an expanding health service, they said The Government has made it clear that we must not recruit beyond our agreed target. In a recent INMO survey, 88% of respondents stated they were understaffed most of the time. Recruitment and retention of midwives was also noted to be a challenge for staffing, with 72% of respondents stating they had considered leaving midwifery in the past 12 months, and 48% of those citing workplace stress as the number one reason. Speaking about the survey responses, Ms Moore said it is clear that those providing maternity care are feeling overwhelmed. The challenges facing midwives were also discussed at the annual All-Ireland Midwifery Conference, jointly hosted by the INMO and the Royal College of Midwives Northern Ireland, yesterday. SECONDARY school students will travel from all corners of the country next week to attend the annual STEM South West expo in Cork City Hall. The free-to-attend event takes place on Wednesday, November 22, from 4pm to 8pm and will showcase career opportunities available to students in the world of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM). STEM South West seeks to inspire at least 20% of the 916,000 children and young learners in Irish schools to consider a career in STEM. In support of that effort, it is joining forces with industry and education partners on this live showcase event. Ahead of the expo, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Simon Coveney praised the aim of the event, now in its fifth year. I commend the leadership and long-term view being taken to encourage the STEM champions of tomorrow by STEM South West and its industry and education partners, he said. Our Irish economy is thriving through the direct contribution of a skilled STEM workforce which is integral to our diverse industry sectors. I encourage all students and parents to come along, participate and enjoy the immersive experience. Visitors at this years showcase will get to explore exhibits from some of the biggest employers in the country, including Johnson & Johnson, DePuy Synthes, Gilead Sciences, Plas Engineering, MTU, UCC, Analog, Horner, PepsiCo, Astellas, and many more. The impact of previous events has been noteworthy, with nine out of 10 students expressing an increased interest in pursuing a career in STEM after attending the event, which has been held virtually in recent years. The work that STEM South West is doing is necessary to ensure that our current STEM industry base is secure, that companies continue to locate in Ireland, that our start-ups and SMEs are given the opportunity to thrive, and that the students of today are given the skills to tackle the global challenges of tomorrow, said chair of STEM South West, Marguerite OSullivan. STEM South West is driving a collective response to this by showcasing the incredible range of opportunities that the STEM sector has to offer across the South West. Event organisers are calling on secondary students, their parents and teachers, who have not yet registered for the free event to do so. Teachers and guidance counsellors will have a dedicated section at the event, where they can learn firsthand about the career options now available in the STEM sector in the region. BUSINESSES in Cork city centre have welcomed the news that work is due to commence on the Morrisons Island Public Realm Improvement and Flood Protection Scheme, in 2024. Business owners have said the project will help to put their minds at ease during flood alerts. It follows confirmation from Gerry OBeirne, the director of services of infrastructure development at Cork City Council, that it is anticipated that tender assessments and contractor appointments will be completed in the first quarter of 2024, with works to commence in quarter two and to be carried out for the duration of 20 months. In response to a question submitted to the council by Fine Gael councillor Joe Kavanagh on the status of the flood relief scheme, Mr OBeirne said the scheme, which provides for a complete renewal of the public realm along Morrisons and Fr Matthew Quay, creates an opportunity to provide enhanced flood protection measures to the benefit of c. 400 properties in that part of the city. He said that detailed design and tender documents have been finalised, and tenders are now being sought from the shortlisted main contractors and specialist contractors. It is expected that the scheme, when completed, will be transformative in its impact further supporting the ongoing private sector investment in the area, as well as creating new opportunities for the public to enjoy this riverside location, he said. 'We were nervous during Jazz weekend' Eileen Domiati, of Dulce Bun House on Oliver Plunkett St, welcomed the news and said that the scheme will help to put business owners minds at ease during a flood alert. Weve been open for six years in December and we have been flooded once already. We have obviously invested in floodgates since then, but during the Jazz [Festival] we were very nervous. She noted how water was coming up through the drains, in parts of the city, during the Jazz Festival weekend and said that she believed in addition to the flood relief thats required, they will have to do something about drainage. Cork City Council confirmed to The Echo that the scheme design includes the installation of non-return valves on the surface water drainage outfalls, at both Morrisons Quay and Father Mathew Quay, to address surface water flooding in the area. The Cork city and county chairperson of Vintners Federation of Ireland (VFI), Michael ODonovan, said it is great for businesses on the island to hear this news. What we saw happening on Jazz [Festival] weekend, hopefully, will be something of the past and give businesses confidence about the future, he said. Paul Walsh, who runs the 3 Little Piggies cafe on Union Quay said he is delighted for those businesses in the city centre that are regularly affected by flooding. Thankfully, on my side on Union Quay my cafe does not flood and it's more of a hindrance than anything slowing business to a crawl when it does happen, he said. I am delighted for the South Mall, Oliver Plunkett Street and surrounding areas that have been devastated by floods in the past that this section is going ahead." Residents and businesses deserve protection Cork Chamber chief executive Conor Healy said the appointment of contractors for the commencement of the Lower Lee Flood Relief Scheme is eagerly anticipated. Our city centre businesses and residents deserve the protection from flooding that the scheme will provide. It is all too evident the devastating effects that flooding has on businesses and homes. Speaking to The Echo, councillor Joe Kavanagh said that while there have been an awful lot of false starts on the project, there is now light at the end of the tunnel. Its great to see that measures are now finally going to be put in place, that will actually be of benefit to our city centre dwellers and our city centre businesses, he said. BREAKTHROUGH Cancer Research, together with renowned textile artist Fiona Turley, has launched a collection of Christmas cards with 100% of the proceeds helping fund research for the treatment and prevention of cancer. The Christmas cards come in a set of 10 and feature an assortment of hand-painted original designs by Ms Turley, who has been creating the festive designs for the charity for over 17 years, adding new designs annually to the collection. This year, she created new Christmas berries and Christmas lights designs which will be offered along with a selection of other past favourites. The festive cards have helped Breakthrough Cancer Research to raise over 300,000 to support cancer research in Ireland to date. This year, the charity expects its biggest sales to date as the cards will also be available in Kilkenny Design stores across the country. Speaking about this years Christmas card launch, Fiona Turley, said: Its a huge honour to create bespoke designs each year to help Breakthrough Cancer Research. I hope people will make an extra special effort to send a card to someone they love this Christmas, and we can spread a message of love and hope. CEO for Breakthrough Cancer Research, Orla Dolan, said: We are so thankful to have this ongoing creative partnership with Fiona. She has been incredibly generous with her time and talents over many years. Her card designs are so full of colour and festive cheer and are a real favourite for our supporters. Placing an order for the cards has become part of the Christmas tradition for many and we hope to extend that even further this year. We would also like to thank everyone who regularly supports our Christmas appeal, and we hope you can support us again this year. Cancer touches us all and your support helps us bring life-changing treatments from the laboratory to patients. The cards are available to purchase online at breakthroughcancerresearch.ie, in Fiona Turleys Gallery Studio, in Kilkenny Design stores nationwide or by calling 021 4226655. A TERRIFYING rampage of driving across Cork county and city saw the driver endangering the lives of his wife and six young children one of whom was seen with her hands clasped in prayer imploring the guards to help her. Judge Colin Daly sentenced the driver to four years, with the last year suspended, and the jail term was backdated to when he went into custody on the charges, in September 2022. Detective Inspector Daniel Coholan outlined the background to the 40-minute dangerous driving rampage, from North Cork to Cork city and on to Ringaskiddy and back. The 35-year-old motorist cannot be named as it would lead to identification of victims in the case, including his children and his wife, who had a domestic order against him at the time. His wife moved herself and the children out of the family home a number of weeks before the incident. Immediately prior to the events of endangerment and the false imprisonment of his family, the accused had spent five days in a residential psychiatric facility. He arranged to meet his wife and children on the day he was released. He was on a lot of prescribed medication, but it appeared that he left this meeting with his family and returned to them after taking cocaine and showing a different attitude to his wife. He took over his wifes van and drove in a manner that caused onlookers such concern that they notified gardai. Six cars rammed He drove at high speed on the M8 motorway and rammed garda cars at Dunkettle. He rammed a total of six cars during the escapade. He caused injuries to four gardai. At one stage the van door slid open and he threw out the car seat for the youngest child a five-month-old infant. The children were screaming for help. One garda managed to taser the driver but it failed to stop him from driving. It was not until a stinger device disabled the van, at Carrs Hill, that it came to a halt and gardai were able to rescue the six children and the mans wife. But even when the van was disabled the accused was trying to give his wife his jacket and change places with her, to muddy the picture in terms of who was driving. Judge Daly said: The gravity of offences is at the highest end of the range. Particularly aggravating factors were that children were present very young children unconstrained. His wife and children were held prisoner in the van to the most dangerous extent. Man's wife said they are lost without him The mans wife who was described as the victim of the most serious offences committed by the accused spoke up for him and said she wanted him home. She initially made a statement to gardai about what happened on the night that she and their six children were endangered, but she later withdrew it. I was in shock. I said a lot of words I shouldnt have said in shock. He was a big loss to me bringing the children to school. What happened, happened but he wasnt in his right state of mind. He needs help. I want him home to us. My little girl had a very bad tummy ache [on the night]. He was bringing her to Cork to hospital. He came out of the mental home that day himself. He is a very good father to his children, a very good husband to me. We would like to see him come home. He wasnt in the right state of mind that day. Defence senior counsel Ray Boland said the accused had taken cocaine earlier that day. The defendants wife said: He probably could have, I dont know. She then added: Hes a brilliant father. Without him, I am lost. We need him to come home. He pleaded guilty to charges of endangering life and other charges arising out of the ramming of garda cars in Cork, during a prolonged escapade on September 28, 2022. He also admitted breaching a protection order, putting his wife in fear, and falsely imprisoning her and the children. Iarnrod Eireann has confirmed that a new 6am service from Dublin Heuston to Cork will be in operation from next month. The early service, operating Monday to Friday, will arrive in Kent Station, Cork, at 08:32hrs, giving a pre-9am Intercity arrival from Dublin for the first time. Its envisaged the new service will be particularly popular with business customers travelling to Cork. The introduction of the new service follows a public consultation earlier this year which led to timetable changes from December 10. An extra morning peak service will operate each day between Cork and Mallow (Monday to Saturday), at 07:20hrs Cork to Mallow, and 07:50hrs Mallow to Cork. There will also be additional stops on a number of Heuston/Cork services at Portlaoise, to connect with new Heuston/Portlaoise Commuter services. The company says journey time improvements on many Dublin Heuston to Cork and Limerick services, arising from recent infrastructure works, mean that many non-stop service will take 2 hours 14 minutes. An Iarnrod Eireann spokesperson said we are delighted to be in a position to begin an early 06:00hrs weekday service from Dublin Heuston to Cork, and to introduce a Limerick connection from this service also. We believe this will be a very popular service, with the arrival in Cork well before 09:00hrs, and in Limerick before 08:00hrs, particularly attractive to business customers. "We look forward to bringing these improvements to our services in December 2023, which follow previous expansion of services in December 2022. "Iarnrod Eireann with the National Transport Authority will continue to identify opportunities for further service improvements in the context of post-COVID travel patterns, as demand approaches, and on some routes exceeds, pre-pandemic levels. The purpose of investment in our network, fleet and services is to bring a better service to customers and allow more people make a sustainable travel choice. Full timetables are now available at www.irishrail.ie and the Iarnrod Eireann app, and bookings can be made, including for revised schedules throughout the Christmas and New Year period. A DETECTIVE has said that the actions of a couple, in an alleged passport fraud case, called into question the integrity of both the Irish birth certificate registration system and the Irish passport system. Detective Garda Mark Hennebry claimed, at Cork District Court, that the alleged offences would have serious repercussions for both systems. He outlined the allegations for Judge Mary Dorgan to decide if she would accept jurisdiction for the case. The judge found the allegations too serious and refused jurisdiction. Books of evidence will now have to be prepared so the cases can proceed at Circuit Court level. The parties cannot be identified as it would identify children, whose identity is protected under the Childrens Act. A foreign woman and an Irish man face charges of obtaining a false passport for a child that they said was their son, which enabled the woman to obtain Irish citizenship for the child, herself, and her subsequent children. Background Det Garda Hennebry outlined the background to the garda investigation in relation to a 64-year-old Irish man, who is charged with a total of three offences in relation to the alleged obtaining of a false Irish birth certificate and false Irish passport for a child. He is charged that on July 29, 2009, he provided false information at the Civil Registration Office, Adelaide St, Cork, which he knew to be false claiming that he was the biological father of a seven-month-old boy contrary to the Civil Registration Act 2004. He is also charged with two offences of providing false information, under the Passports Act 2008. The 43-year-old woman is similarly charged that she falsely claimed the man was the biological father of her son, and faces three counts of false information in passport applications in 2009, 2012, and 2017. Det Sgt Keith Cleary gave further related evidence. He said obtaining the false Irish passport for the child gave the woman an immigration advantage, adding that she was subsequently able to apply for an Irish passport for herself and her other children, who were all born here since, and those passport entitled her to claim various social welfare entitlements. Judge Dorgan said that it was a very serious matter and she refused jurisdiction, remanding both of the accused on bail, to appear in court again for the DPPs directions on January 10. AN East Cork man who was caught more than five years ago with child sex abuse imagery has been given a suspended jail sentence following his engagement with the Safer Lives programme. Judge Helen Boyle sentenced him to two years and suspended that sentence in full. Defence barrister Donal OSullivan submitted in a previous application for an adjournment of sentencing that the accused mans attendance at the Safer Lives programme would ultimately better serve the community. Liam Horan, aged 36, formerly of The Woods, Glounthaune, Carrigtwohill, Co Cork, had at his then home on March 15, 2018, child pornography, namely two videos and one image of Category 1 child pornography and 10 images of Category 2 child pornography. He has since moved to Tipperary. He pleaded guilty previously to this charge at Cork Circuit Criminal Court. Detective Garda Aidan DArdis investigated the case which now dates back more than five years. Judge Boyle accepted that the delay in bringing the case to conclusion was in no way caused by the accused man. Judge Boyle said to the accused: You have pleaded guilty. I have read the letter you have written to the court and two probation reports. I have also read a forensic psychological report. In terms of aggravating factors, you were in possession, albeit of a small number of images depicting children being violated by adult males. They were real children being violated by real people. And viewing them is a re-abusing of those children. In mitigation, you pleaded guilty, you co-operated, and you have no previous convictions. This happened in March 2018, and you have not come to Garda attention since. You have engaged in counselling. You are put at a low risk of re-offending. When committing this offence you had little to no empathy, but you are now aware what looking at those images entails. You would benefit from ongoing therapeutic intervention. You destroyed your own marriage. The Defence Forces have confirmed that a 39-year-old sailor died suddenly on board the LE Roisin which was in dock for maintenance in Cork this afternoon. Paramedics were called to the ship after Leading Seaman Conor Kiely was found in an unresponsive state by his colleagues. In a statement issued this evening, the Defence Forces said its Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Sean Clancy, on behalf of the Defence Forces, would like to express his sincere condolences to the family and friends of L/S Kiely and that the Flag Officer Commanding of the Naval Service, Commodore Michael Moore, sends his deepest sympathies to the family and colleagues L/S Kiely. A Cork native, L/S Kiely joined the Naval Service in 2006 and entered the Seamans Branch, qualifying as a Seaman Gunner in 2007. He served in a number of positions ashore and afloat during his career. At sea, he served onboard the LE Aisling, LE Niamh, LE Orla, LE William Butler Yeats and, most recently, as a crew member of LE Roisin. He successfully completed a Potential NCO Course in 2013, and went on to use his skills and experience as an instructor in the Naval College, the Defence Forces statement said. The Officer Commanding Naval Operations Command in the Naval Service, Captain (NS) Kenneth Minehane, moved to express his condolences following the tragedy. The members of the Naval Service have sadly lost a shipmate and friend. Our thoughts and prayers go to his family at this sad time, he said. Our dearly departed colleague will be missed and never forgotten. BUDGET 2024 signalled a shocking but clear message from government - they have thrown in the towel on the health service. For the first time in a number of years, additional spending on health was less than 1billion. The HSE themselves have been clear that this will essentially result in cuts in the health service. The government has refused to listen. They do not want to know. The consequences will be felt widely across all health services in Cork, which will be forced to limp from crisis to crisis again next year. Instead of properly resourcing our hospitals, we are faced with a recruitment freeze. Instead of building a dynamic healthforce, we are faced with a ban on new medicines. And instead of a government with ambition for our health service, we are faced with failed policies and a disastrous budget. The crisis in Emergency Departments will deepen. Patients will continue to languish on trolleys. In October, 1,467 people were left without a bed in emergency Departments in Cork. With 1,034 of these in CUH, it earned the title of second most overcrowded hospital in the state. That is not what the staff, families or most importantly patients in Cork deserve. There will be setbacks across mental health, disabilities, and in key clinical strategies such as cancer, cardiovascular and maternity care. There will be no new money for patients in need of new medicines which become available next year. With three government ministers, and a government party spokesperson on health, in Cork, the situation for our health service has never been worse. Despite huge commitment by staff who are working in hospitals that are on their knees, things continue to get worse. I want to extend our thanks to all the staff in healthcare services across Cork who day after day show up for their patients and do their best in extremely difficult settings. By the end of September, 51,214 people in Cork were on hospital waiting lists. These figures are stark - almost 3,000 people waiting for GI Endoscopy in the Mercy hospital, more than 7,000 people on a waiting list in CUH for longer than 18 months, and more than 41,000 waiting for outpatient procedures. Every single one of these people are in need of healthcare intervention. They have families who are worried. Budget 2024 has effectively abandoned these people to waiting lists. Many of those on waiting lists could be effectively treated in an elective hospital. But we still have no elective hospital in Cork. For years now, the government have made announcement after announcement. The elective hospital, to be built in Glanmire, has been nothing more than an election promise for Fianna Fail and Fine Gael. For more than 50,000 people in Cork, it is a shred of hope in an otherwise dire situation in health. Despite promises in Slaintecare, Blarney, Glanmire and Mayfield are all without Primary Care Centres. People in these areas are forced onto public transport to see their GP. There is no timeline for these facilities. Yet, I am now hearing very credible rumours that there is no doctor based in Southdoc Blackpool. This would be the second time Southdoc have tried to close their Blackpool facility. Thanks to a huge campaign in 2020, we saved the facility, but it appears the HSE are allowing them to follow through with their plan. This will leave the entire of Corks Northside, from Glanmire to Gurranabraher, without an out of hours doctor service. All of that will be on the head of every single member of government and every single TD who refused to support a Sinn Fein motion to reverse this decision. They cannot say they were not warned. And it is further proof, not that we needed it, that this government has thrown in the towel on health, thrown in the towel on patients, and thrown in the towel on healthcare workers. Sinn Fein will never throw in the towel on our health services, those who need to avail of them, or those who work within them. Our Alternative Budget showed that, unlike the Government, we are serious about tackling long waiting times and delivering universal healthcare. Sinn Fein has a plan to fix the health service, starting with a major 1.3 billion investment in the first year. This is part of a multi-year plan to deliver an Irish National Health Service which ends the two-tier health system and removes cost barriers to healthcare. For too long under Fianna Fail and Fine Gael, our health service has lurched from crisis the crisis. We can do so much better. Patients, their families and health staff deserve a health system that works. Its time to start fixing our health service. Its time for change. Commissioners disappointed at MU's delay on sewage plant planning application By Local Democracy Reporter Emma Draper Manx Utilities has announced a delay to the planning submission for its Peel sewage treatment works. The authority was supposed to release the application at the beginning of the month, but this has been moved to later this year. Manx Utilities said on its website: We are working with our consultants to finalise the planning application prior to a formal submission. The final element of the work has been extended to ensure that all comments from consultees, stakeholders, members of the public and local businesses have been considered. We will provide a further update when the planning application is submitted later this year. Chair of Peel Commissioners Hazel Hannan says the board is disappointed at the setback for a sewage plant, especially after the public drop-in sessions. She says theyve also been let down with the lack of communication about the change: Media Engadget has been testing and reviewing consumer tech since 2004. Our stories may include affiliate links; if you buy something through a link, we may earn a commission. Read more about how we evaluate products. The GoPro Hero 12 Black action camera is on sale for $100 off as part of a Black Friday deal. The sales available via Amazon, Adorama and even the manufacturer itself. This deal is for an accessories bundle, so you can get a carrying case, a strap, an extra battery, a mount and other add-ons, in addition to the camera. All told, that brings the price down to $350 from $450. This is the latest and greatest action camera by the company. We admired the Hero 12 in our official review, calling out the improved battery life when compared to the Hero 11, as it allows for 35 minutes of continuous use per charge. Remember, this deal ships with an extra battery, so thats 70 minutes, minus 30 seconds of fiddling with the battery compartment. We also loved the addition of Bluetooth audio streaming, which even works with devices like Apples AirPods Pro earbuds. This means you can easily wear earbuds without calling too much attention to yourself while hosting an impromptu vlog or live commentary of some kind. The latency is barely perceptible, if noticeable at all. This functionally also allows you to control the GoPro from afar, thanks to voice commands. Gone are the days of having to chop off those awkward final seconds of footage featuring you clumsily walking to turn the camera off. The Hero 12 Black boasts a larger image sensor, allowing users to experiment with different aspect ratios using the same footage, in addition to offering an 8:7 mode across every setting. On the downside, this is a modest upgrade of sorts, so many of the remaining metrics remain the same as with the GoPro Hero 11. Your footage will look a bit cleaner, but it wont be a night and day difference. Still, this is a good deal for a full-featured action camera that ships with everything you need to not only get started, but thrive. This is a limited-time offer but theres no set end-date, with the company stating that it will continue until GoPro terminates the program. Your Black Friday Shopping Guide: See all of Yahoos Black Friday coverage, here. Follow Engadget for Black Friday tech deals. Learn about Black Friday trends on In The Know. Hear from Autoblogs experts on the best Black Friday deals for your car, garage, and home, and find Black Friday sales to shop on AOL, handpicked just for you. X says the posts in question are no longer able to be monetized. IBM is pulling back from X after its ads were placed alongside pro-Nazi content on the platform. The company says it has suspended all ads from the network after nonprofit watchdog group Media Matters reported that it found ads for IBM and several other tech giants next to pro-Nazi memes and other posts promoting Hitler. IBM has zero tolerance for hate speech and discrimination and we have immediately suspended all advertising on X while we investigate this entirely unacceptable situation, the company said in a statement. Comcast, whose ads were also highlighted by Media Matters, told the Financial Times it was looking into the situation. An executive at X told Engadget that the posts identified by Media Matters will no longer be monetizable and will appear with sensitive media labels that require users to click through a warning in order to view the content. They added that while we understand it's not an ideal placement for any ad, the post had only racked up about 8,000 impressions. Its not clear how many campaigns are affected by IBMs decision to suspend ads. But another high profile company pulling back from the platform, even temporarily, is another blow to the companys already battered advertising business. In a post on X, CEO Linda Yaccarino said that discrimination by everyone should STOP across the board, though she didnt reference IBM or Media Matters report directly. X has also been extremely clear about our efforts to combat antisemitism and discrimination, she wrote. There's no place for it anywhere in the world it's ugly and wrong. In May 2022, just months before Elon Musk acquired Twitter (now X), the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) hit the platform with a $150 million fine and consent decree that imposed stipulations for safeguarding users' personal data. The ruling was imposed after the FTC found that Twitter had violated a previous consent decree by inappropriately sharing user phone numbers and email addresses with advertisers. After acquiring Twitter, Elon Musk went to court in an attempt to overturn that consent decree, arguing that the FTC had increased scrutiny on X and pressured a third-party assessor to find fault with its security practices. In a post on X at the time, Musk called the FTC's actions "a shameful case of weaponization of a government agency for political purposes and suppression of the truth." However, a federal judge just rejected that motion, ruling that his court lacked the authority to block the FTC's court order, while also blocking Musk's request to avoid a deposition that's part of a separate investigation, The Washington Post reported. In other words, X must still adhere to the strict privacy reporting standards imposed by the FTC last year. The judge listed other issues with X's argument, noting that the FTC had good reason to increase scrutiny on X after Musk took over. "The government says this increase in investigative activity should not be surprising because Musk directed at least five rounds of terminations, layoffs or other reductions in X Corp.s workforce, which affected the security, governance, risk and compliance team," he wrote in the ruling. He added that the third-party assessor said he faced steady delays due to executive turnover at X. Finally, the judge ruled that Musk can't avoid being deposed by the FTC, as "the government argues that the major changes to the company appear to have been initiated by Musk himself." Musk's FTC problems started shortly after his acquisition of X, when key executives on Twitter's privacy and security teams departed. Still, Musk seemed willing to comply with the rules, telling employees at the time that "Twitter will do whatever it takes to adhere to both the letter and spirit of the FTC consent decree." Back in March, though, the FTC stepped up its probe into Musk's actions in an effort to get more information about the companys handling of layoffs, X Premium subscriptions, the "Twitter Files" and other issues. Meanwhile, the platform can't seem to stay out of the news, as IBM recently said it would pull advertising on X after discovering its ads were being placed next to pro-Nazi content. Musk himself faced criticism after he appeared to endorse an antisemitic post on the platform. (Informacion remitida por la empresa firmante) PARIS, Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Sopra Steria, a major player in the European tech sector, working closely with Telefonica, is revolutionising network management and planning with the launch of the Intelligent Network Analyzer (INA). This digital twin solution shows how quantum technology can improve mobile service and make networks more energy-efficient. Leveraging the Azure Quantum solution, Sopra Steria and Telefonica are harnessing the latest breakthroughs in quantum technology to optimise telecoms networks in Germany, showing how they can boost their technological performance while becoming more energy-efficient and sustainable. This quantum simulation, which was successfully carried out with Telefonica's mobile network data, combines real-time mapping and dynamic traffic management within a single system. It speeds up and optimises network planning, which up until now had been handled manually by operators. With millions of possible combinations, mapping the network was a major challenge for classical computers and required a significant amount of computing time. By processing multiple calculations in parallel, quantum computing now offers real-time analysis of network capacity to optimise traffic flow. The INA project will also help to prevent network overload while at the same time reducing the number of unused redundant connections. By identifying potentially superfluous connections and reallocating the load to different parts of the network, INA helps to fully exploit network capacity without the need for hardware upgrades or extensions. INA is set to significantly reduce Telefonica's energy and environmental footprint in Germany, resulting in a more sustainable network, while improving the quality of service for its mobile users. Sven Wimann (Global Industry Lead Telecommunications) at Sopra Steria, commented: "The INA project is more than just a breakthrough in mobile network analysis. It's a demonstration how partners use innovative technology and the power of co-creation to generate a positive and measurable impact in the telecoms industry. In collaboration with Telefonica, we've developed a unique solution that simultaneously boosts the performance, operational efficiency and sustainability of mobile networks. We're extremely proud of this joint accomplishment, which exemplifies our commitment to a more responsible digital world, and redefines the standards of our respective industries." Bernhard Walther (Manager Transport Network Performance) at Telefonica, added: "We can test things and see the effect directly. This is network management of the future, and it's already happening today. Thanks to INA, our network engineers can find the fastest routes for data and they can simulate network configurations and construction activities on the computer. We know what will happen before technicians and crews get to work. This saves time and money, and we improve our service for our customers." About Sopra SteriaSteria Sopra Steria, a major Tech player in Europe with 55,000 employees in nearly 30 countries, is recognised for its consulting, digital services and software development. It helps its clients drive their digital transformation and obtain tangible and sustainable benefits. The Group provides end-to-end solutions to make large companies and organisations more competitive by combining in-depth knowledge of a wide range of business sectors and innovative technologies with a fully collaborative approach. Sopra Steria places people at the heart of everything it does and is committed to putting digital to work for its clients in order to build a positive future for all. In 2022, the Group generated revenues of 5.1 billion.The world is how we shape it Sopra Steria (SOP) is listed on Euronext Paris (Compartment A) ISIN: FR0000050809 For more information, visit us at www.soprasteria.com About Telefonica Deutschland Telefonica Deutschland is one of the leading integrated telecommunications providers in Germany, with more than 44 million mobile telephone lines and 2.3 million broadband lines. We offer mobile and fixed network services for private and business customers as well as innovative digital solutions based on our infrastructure and the analysis of mobile data. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2280154...Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1861938... View original content: https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/with-ina-sopra-steria-and-telefonica-are-propelling-the-telecommunications-industry-into-the-quantum-era-and-revolutionising-network-management-301992053.html A first consignment of fuel has entered Gaza after US pressure on Israel, allowing communications to resume in the territory, where a hospital director on Saturday said 26 people had been killed in a strike in Khan Yunis. A two-day blackout caused by fuel shortages ended after a first delivery arrived from Egypt late Friday, but UN officials continued to plead for a ceasefire, warning no part of Gaza is safe. On Saturday, the director of the Nasser hospital in Khan Yunis said it had received the bodies of 26 people, as well as 23 people with serious injuries, after an air strike on a residential building in the southern region's Hamad city. The Israeli military did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the report. It has been pressing operations in Gaza's largest hospital, Al-Shifa in the north of the territory, searching for the Hamas operations centre it says lies beneath. Israel has vowed to "crush" Hamas in response to the group's October 7 attack, which killed about 1,200 people, most of them civilians, and saw around 240 people taken hostage, according to Israeli officials. The army's air and ground campaign has since killed 12,000 people, including 5,000 children, according to Hamas, which has ruled Gaza since 2007. Israel has imposed a siege on the territory, allowing just a trickle of aid in from Egypt but barring shipments of fuel over concerns Hamas could divert supplies for military purposes. However, on Friday, Israel's war cabinet unanimously agreed to allow two fuel tankers a day "to run the wastewater treatment facilities... which are facing collapse due to the lack of electricity", national security adviser Tzachi Hanegbi said. "We took that decision to prevent the spread of epidemics," he said. A senior US official said Washington had exerted huge pressure on Israel for weeks to allow fuel in. The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) said 70 percent of residents have no access to clean water in south Gaza, where raw sewage has begun to flow on the streets. Under the deal, 140,000 litres (37,000 gallons) of fuel will be allowed in every 48 hours, of which 20,000 litres will be earmarked for generators to restore the phone network, the US official said. Communications have been down for two days after fuel ran out, and a first consignment of some 17,000 litres was earmarked for telecommunications company Paltel. The communications blackout hampered aid deliveries, UNRWA said, with humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths telling the UN General Assembly that fuel supplies to the agency so far were "a fraction of what is needed to meet the minimum of our humanitarian responsibilities". The health ministry in the Hamas-ruled territory said 24 patients had died in 48 hours due to the lack of fuel for generators. Israel has come under scrutiny for operations targeting hospitals in the northern part of Gaza, but says the facilities are being used by Hamas -- a claim rejected by the group and medical staff. Several thousand people, including wounded patients and premature babies, are believed to be sheltering at the Al-Shifa hospital, where Israeli troops began a raid this week. Israel's military says it found rifles, ammunition, explosives and the entrance to a tunnel shaft at the hospital complex, claims that cannot be independently verified. And Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said, without providing details, that there were "strong indications" hostages may have been held at the medical facility. Israel has not recovered hostages at the hospital but said it found the bodies of two kidnapped women not far away. The remains of kidnapped woman soldier Noa Marciano, 19, were found at "a structure adjacent to Al-Shifa hospital" on Friday, a day after the body of 65-year-old Yehudit Weiss was recovered. Weiss's son Omer said news of his mother's death had devastated the family. "The officers knocked on the door and we immediately understood," he told AFP, his eyes filled with tears. "They handed us the notice and the world collapsed." Those held hostage range from infants to octogenarians, and there has been little information on their fate, despite ongoing negotiations mediated by Qatar and Egypt to secure releases. - 'Civilians face starvation' - In Gaza, more than 1.5 million people have been internally displaced, and Israel's blockade has left civilians facing the "immediate possibility of starvation", according to World Food Programme head Cindy McCain. More than half of Gaza's hospitals are no longer functional due to combat, damage or shortages, and people are waiting four to six hours for half the normal portion of bread. Israel has told Palestinians to move south for their safety, but deadly air strikes continue to hit central and southern Gaza. "They said the south was safer, so we moved," Azhar al-Rifi told AFP. But her family was caught in another strike that killed seven relatives, including her five-year-old nephew. "Two weeks ago, his mother died, so my husband decided that he would live with us," she said, saying the boy told her: "I can no longer call anyone mom." "I replied: 'I'm your mother'," she said. "At four in the morning, he was taken away from us." - West Bank violence - Violence in the Israeli-occupied West Bank has surged since the conflict, with Washington urging action to rein in settler attacks on Palestinians. Raids by Israel's military, which says it is responding to "a significant rise in terrorist attacks", have also multiplied and the Palestinian death toll has soared. The Israeli army said Friday it had killed at least seven militants in two separate confrontations in the West Bank. And overnight, the Red Crescent said five people were killed in a strike on the headquarters of Palestinian group Fatah in the West Bank's Balata refugee camp. Israel's military confirmed "counterterrorism activity" in the area without giving details. burs-sah/cwl The United States sent Chinese President Xi Jinping a dissonant message on human rights this week when the Biden administration and California officials rolled out the red carpet for the brutal dictator. Xis 10 years as president are marked by a genocide against Chinas Muslim minority, attempts to wipe out Tibetan culture, and persecution of Christians and followers of Falun Gong not to mention a crackdown on democracy, religious freedom, and civil rights in Hong Kong. Yet, during official and unofficial meetings this week, there was no mention of the long list of atrocities. Instead, Xi received an unusually warm reception. On Wednesday night in the confines of San Franciscos Hyatt Regency ballroom, Americas corporate chieftains gathered to fete Xi as a guest of honor at a banquet drawing nearly 400 attendees. The gala took place on the sidelines of the Asian Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, a gathering of 21 member countries to support free trade and business ties. The executives were so excited to share the room with the Chinese president that they gave him two standing ovations before Xi uttered a word. American titans of business, including Apples Tim Cook and Blackstones Steve Schwarzman, Black Rocks Larry Fink, Boeings Stanley Deal, and Pfizers Albert Bourla, joined Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo to rub shoulders with Xi and a cohort of Chinese officials. Tickets for the banquet started at $2,000 each, with several companies shelling out $40,000 to buy eight seats at a table in the ballroom and one at Xis table. After Xis remarks, attendees provided yet another standing ovation, according to Reuters. Some executives made no attempt to hide their gushing. On the way into the Hyatt, Bridgewater Associates hedge fund founder Ray Dalio told the Financial Times that he was excited to have this relationship [with Xi]. If Dalio entered the hotel from the main lobby, he couldnt have avoided the polar opposite scene and messaging. A Tibetan student activist named Tsela had strapped herself to a flagpole and was waving the Tibetan flag when Xi and his entourage arrived. Other activists from Students for a Free Tibet chanted Murderer at the Chinese leader, Down with the CCP, and Human Rights in Tibet. At one point, a pro-Chinese protester carrying an American and Chinese flag in one hand and a bullhorn in the other drowned out the Tibetan activists voices. An activist promoting democracy in Hong Kong displayed a bleeding wound in one tweet, along with a photo of menacing-looking men in surgical masks carrying long metal pipes. The activist complained that pro-Beijing forces were attacking her group outside the Hyatt Regency. Harassment and assault happening at the protest zone, tweeted Anna Kwok, the executive director of the Hong Kong Democracy Council, Wednesday night. Kwok has a HK$1 million bounty on her head from the Hong Kong government for helping organize the 2019 pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong. While her Twitter accounts did not provide footage of the alleged attacks, she shared several messages threatening her life from pro-China social media accounts. One from an account that goes by @Chinaloverguy threatened to kidnap her, tie her up, and send her back to China. I do want the million dollar reward as i will first to tie you up with ropes then send you to a black market or simply send you back to HK myself, the account warned. Late Thursday afternoon, Kwok shared photos of her and several other Chinese pro-democracy activists meeting with Mark Lambert, the State Departments China coordinator and deputy assistant secretary in the Bureau of East Asia and Pacific Affairs. The meeting took place just blocks from the APEC summit. Well keep speaking up for our people and pushing for concrete action despite the transnational repression, she tweeted. Earlier Wednesday, Students for a Free Tibet complained on Twitter that it was attacked by 20 pro-Chinese counter-protesters in medical masks, whom the activists described as paid Chinese operatives. The alleged assaults occurred after the activists displayed an anti-Xi banner with the words, Dictator Xi Jinping, Your Time is Up! through openings in a garage structure. The activists said the group of pro-Chinese men in surgical masks grabbed the flag through openings on a lower level, pulling the banner and stealing it while nearly dragging the student activists over the ledge where they were holding onto and displaying the banner. Students for a Free Tibet also tweeted footage of a confrontation and scuffle when both groups converged in an elevator trying to leave the scene. This is the CCP. This is China. This is who APEC nations and the world are doing business with, the group stated in the tweet. In another episode of pro-China intimidation, several demonstrators in blue surgical masks carrying Chinese flags harassed a Uyghur woman toting a light-blue Turkmenistan flag now outlawed in China. Members of the pro-China contingent followed her closely, eventually enveloping her flag in a sea of larger Chinese flags. Tibetan activist accounts identified the woman as Tursunay Ziyawudun, a Uyghur refugee now living in the United States who testified to Congress in 2022 that she had been raped and tortured by Chinese police in a re-education concentration camp. In her testimony, she detailed what she described as just one horrific episode in the CCPs systematic targeting of young women for sexual abuse. Even in America, this is the reality of the CCP, Students for a Free Tibet said in its tweet, referring to attempts by pro-Chinese counter-protesters to intimidate Ziyawudun. Inside the summits lecture halls and ballrooms, there was a complete disconnect with the multiple anti-China protests taking place outside and, at times, with reality. There was no mention of genocide or human rights abuses during Xis and Bidens public remarks. Instead, Xi told the crowd he is ready to partner with America, and the world needs the two superpowers to work together. Whatever stage of development it may reach, China will never pursue hegemony or expansion and will never impose its will on others, Xi said in remarks at the Wednesday night dinner. China does not seek spheres of influence and will not fight a cold war or a hot war with anyone. At a press conference in San Francisco on Wednesday, Biden made waves by saying that he still considers Xi a dictator despite progress in reducing tensions in their relationship. On Thursday, however, Biden focused mainly on the positive, pledging not to decouple from China, explaining that the U.S. is instead de-risking and diversifying our economic relations with Beijing. Stable relations between the worlds two largest economies is not merely good for the two economies, its good for the world a stable relationship is good for everyone, Biden said, without acknowledging that his own State Department has officially deemed Xis persecution of the Uyghurs as genocide and has repeatedly placed China on official human rights and religious freedom blacklists. Business and trade analysts argue that Xis speech is unlikely to dramatically shift his approach to bilateral business and trade relations. As the economic and geopolitical rivalry has intensified over the last few years, China has grown more suspicious of U.S. companies, cracking down on American consultancy firms and damaging investor confidence. The Biden administrations decision not to use the opportunity to send a firm human rights message, along with Xis open embrace from top American business executives, has dimmed hopes among human rights groups that Xi will curb his brutal persecutions and arbitrary arrests. Rep. Mike Gallagher, the Republican chairman of the House Select Committee on China, railed against Xis dinner with U.S. business executives. Gallagher sent a letter on Monday to the dinners hosts, the U.S. China Business Council and the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations, demanding a complete list of companies who paid to attend the gala. The U.S. business community needs to remove its golden blindfolds and realize that doing business with the CCP risks the safety of their employees, their shareholders, and the savings of millions of Americans, Gallagher told Fox News Wednesday. $40,000 may buy you a meal with Xi, but it cant buy you a conscience. Other human rights leaders on Capitol Hill were also disappointed with the absence of any reference to Chinas egregious human rights record during the summits official proceedings. Several members of Congress and advocacy organizations had pressed Biden to demand the release of three American citizens who have been held hostage in China for years before the two leaders met. At the very least, they wanted Biden to present to Xi a list of individuals the CCP has arbitrarily detained on false charges. The timing of Bidens meeting with Xi also coincided with several threats in Hong Kong against a group of U.S. lawmakers. Rep. John Curtis, a Utah Republican, was one of four members of Congress included in a Monday petition to Hong Kongs High Court that would enable the territorys law enforcement to arrest them if they travel to and are found in the city. The others are Sen. Dan Sullivan, an Alaska Republican, and Sen. Jeff Merkley, an Oregon Democrat, as well as Reps. Young Kim, a California Republican, and James McGovern, a Massachusetts Democrat. Curtis has introduced several Hong Kong-focused bills, including one that would implement sanctions on several top Hong Kong officials if international commissions determine they have violated international human rights laws. The Utah congressman, who spent three years in Taiwan in the late 1970s, said hes particularly distressed that San Francisco city officials didnt provide greater free-speech protections for human rights protesters outside APEC. Its an obvious attempt to intimidate, not just their own residents, but those of us who enjoy the freedoms we do here in the United States, he told RealClearPolitics Thursday. While Curtis agrees with Bidens efforts to help thaw relations with China, he bristled at reports that American business executives gave Xi a standing ovation. I thought, they dont know this man they dont know what hes doing and all the atrocities that are happening in China. Mule deer buck, Garnet Hill Loop. (Image via NPS / Neal Herbert) Chronic wasting disease has been confirmed for the first time in Yellowstone National Park in a mule deer found dead near Yellowstone Lake, park officials said Tuesday. The mule deer, an adult buck, died mid-October after making its way to the southeastern part of the national park during the past seven months, a Yellowstone National Park spokesperson said. The deer had been captured and collared by Wyoming Game and Fish Department crews in March as part of a population study. Park spokesperson Morgan Warthin said multiple tests confirmed the deer had CWD, which affects the cervid family of white-tailed and mule deer, elk, and moose and is 100% fatal. There is no current vaccine or cure for CWD. The disease is caused by a malformed prion protein, which accumulates in the animals brains and other tissue and leads to neurological and behavioral changes, then emaciation and death. The proteins are shed by live animals through saliva, urine, feces, blood, and antler velvet and spread through direct contact with other cervids. The prions can also last in the environment for up to decades, according to the National Park Service. The disease was first identified in Colorado and Wyoming in the 1960s and 70s but has spread to at least 24 states, two provinces in Canada, South Korea, and some European countries. It was first identified in Montana in 2017 but has spread across most of Wyoming during the past four decades. Yellowstone National Park says about 10-15% of mule deer that live near Cody, Wyoming, and migrate into the southeastern part of the park during the summer are estimated to have CWD. Warthin said the park would revise its 2021 Chronic Wasting Disease Surveillance Plan after the detection of the disease and would complete the revision next year. She said the park will also increase its collaboration and sharing of information with Wyoming Game and Fish to look at areas of the park that are at an increased risk for the disease, bolster monitoring for the disease within the park, and increase investigations of animal carcasses and testing. So far this year in Montana, just 3.5% of more than 2,400 animals tested in Montana for CWD have tested positive all of them either white-tailed or mule deer, and most of them killed by hunters. The largest number of samples (213) have been taken out of hunting district 322 in the Ruby Valley west of the park, which has been a hot spot for CWD during the past six years of testing. For several winters, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks has conducted a CWD management hunt in the district for white-tailed deer to try to better manage the disease in the area. During the 2020-21 hunt, about 25% of the deer taken during the hunt tested positive for the disease. The state aims to keep the prevalence of CWD in the states wild cervid population below 5%, and during 6.5 years of monitoring, samples have turned up a positive rate of 3%. The highest concentrations of CWD over the past six years have been found in the Ruby Valley, the Kootenai National Forest area around Libby, and along the north-central and northeastern borders with Canada. FWP Region 3 spokesperson Morgan Jacobsen said there have been very few detections of the disease in the hunting districts that border Yellowstone. He called the discovery of the disease in the park a data point of interest, but said it does not change FWPs surveillance strategies for the year. Were going to continue our monitoring and communication with the park and continue to work with hunters as the primary management tool for CWD in Montana, Jacobsen said. FWP has Priority Surveillance Areas for the disease in north-central, southwestern, south-central and eastern Montana, where they want hunters to voluntarily submit their harvests for CWD sampling. But hunters statewide can submit animals for sampling at stations across the state. The state covers the cost of testing for hunter-harvested animals. Hunters are asked to leave 2-4 inches of the animals neck to be sure the animals lymph nodes are present for testing. All carcasses have to be disposed of in class II landfills to help prevent the spread of the disease in Montana. People are advised not to eat animals with CWD out of precaution and to report sick animals to FWP in Montana and to National Park Service employees inside YNP so they can diagnose the animal. The post Chronic wasting disease confirmed in Yellowstone National Park for first time appeared first on Daily Montanan. Doug James, attorney for the City of Billings, speaks before Yellowstone County District Court Judge Mike Salvagni on Nov. 16, 2023 in a final settlement hearing for the franchise fees case (Photo by Darrell Ehrlick of the Daily Montanan). More than six years of litigating franchise fees charged by Montanas largest city to its residents resulted in nearly 90,000 pages of documents during the lengthy and complex court case. It has also resulted in a judgment that could see more than 30,000 residents get rebates or checks yet to be calculated for the fees that the city charged, which a court later agreed amounted to an illegal sales tax scheme. Terry Odegard told Yellowstone County Court Judge Mike Salvagni that he had boxes of documents at his home stacked up, the accumulation of years of literally fighting city hall. I am not a lawyer, but when I heard one city council member who wouldnt support the citys budget because of it, I looked into and read the (Montana Supreme Court) Mondak decision. It looked like to me what the city was doing was illegal, Odegard told the court. He and the others began fighting the city on franchise fees even before they found a lawyer. The group was one day shy of the case being settled on the sixth anniversary of the group coming together Nov. 17, 2017. During the six-year journey that included a group of Billings residents, three of the original class-action representatives have died. Odegard told Salvagni the case has been ongoing for 2,180 days by his calculation. For some of our class representatives, said class attorney Matthew Monforton, it was the last thing they did before they died. Theres an old adage that you dont fight city hall, he said. For them, they fought and fought for this decision and there are thousands of Billings residents who will be better off for it. On Thursday, a final hearing was held to finalize the details of the settlement, which includes a $3.6 million award spread among thousands of residents, after the class attorneys fees are subtracted. That figure totals $917,000 in attorneys fees and awards. Because the number of households the large class-action suit involves, it wont be clear for several months the exact dollar amount some should see, but for many who have the City of Billings provide water, wastewater and garbage disposal, they could see either a rebate check or a credit of around $90 total, the lawyers told the court on Thursday. Attorneys for both sides agreed that the original sum that was floated for a settlement was much higher, ranging in the tens of millions of dollars because the city had been charging franchise fees for more than a decade. But during the lengthy court process, that number was winnowed down covering the previous three years from the time the City of Billings stopped charging the fee, on May 14, 2018 two days before the class-action suit was filed in district court. That means only Billings residents who were paying for city services during that three-year period between 2015 and 2018 are eligible for the reimbursement or credit. And, a credit will be applied for residents who are still rate-paying customers in Billings, while those who are no longer customers or have moved will receive a check reimbursement. The order, which will officially mark the end of litigation and the beginning of the settlement process, will be signed before the end of this week, Salvagni told the court. The City of Billings has been represented by Doug James and Bryce Burke of Moulton Bellingham. The City of Billings told the Daily Montanan that through October 2023, the city has paid $985,881 in attorneys fees to the law firm to defend itself in the class-action case. Meanwhile, class attorney Matthew Monforton will receive $892,000 for his work on the six-year case. However, Kristen Juras began the class-action case with him as co-counsel. She left the case to campaign alongside Greg Gianforte as they ran on the Republican ticket and eventually won the governors office in 2020. Juras currently serves as the lieutenant governor. How the proceeds will split between the two lawyers isnt clear; Juras dropped the case early on during its litigation. Originally, the City of Billings argued franchise fees were a fair charge to customers in order to use the publics right-of-way for utilities, and to offset costs associated with delivering utility services to residents. The charge on bills usually represented 3% to 5% of the total, and the class representatives argued the fee was nothing more than a sales tax meant to cushion city coffers. As part of the monetary settlement, the agreement also includes a permanent agreement that Billings will never charge franchise fees again. The City of Billings estimates that it took in roughly $2.5 million per year in franchise fees, according to court documents. It was important for the class representatives that they not be in a situation where theyre right back here again, Monforton said. The post Thousands of Billings residents set to get rebate on franchise fees charged by city appeared first on Daily Montanan. Two men who deliberately started fires on farms across Sussex which caused more than 1 million in damage have been sentenced to prison. Joshua Brinkley, 20, and Connor Luck, 21, set agricultural barns, farmland and haybales alight, causing extensive damage and disruption. The estimated value of the total damage they caused has been calculated at just over 1.1 million. New figures by NFU Mutual show the cost of farm fires shot up by 21% last year, to 83.5m. Lewes Crown Court heard that on 29 August 2021, police were contacted to a large deliberate fire at two outbuildings in Lower Willingdon that contained cylinders and farm machinery. On 2 November 2021, police assisted East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service with a large fire in a barn on farmland off the A26 at Beddingham. The arsonists also set fire to hay bales at a vineyard in Rathfinny, Alfriston, on 4 November 2021, among numerous other incidents. Investigations into each of the fires, which numbered eight in total, were carried out by officers and the causes were confirmed as arson. Following enquiries, Brinkley was arrested and charged with seven counts of arson and Luck was arrested and charged with two counts of arson. At Lewes Crown Court on 30 October 2023, Brinkley was sentenced to three years imprisonment after pleading guilty at an earlier hearing. Luck, who also pleaded guilty, was sentenced to 21 months imprisonment, suspended for two years. He was ordered to undertake 200 hours unpaid work and 25 rehabilitation days and will be on an electronically monitored curfew between 8pam and 6am for three months. Sussex Police's Detective Constable, Emma Arthur-Devennie said the arsons were committed with no consideration to farmers. "The farmers lost a whole seasons worth of feed and bedding for the animals," she noted. The arsons were not targeted, but simply for Brinkley and Lucks own amusement. Fortunately, no one was seriously injured but their actions could have resulted in a far more tragic outcome. I welcome these sentences and I hope they demonstrate that reckless behaviour will not be tolerated in our local communities, and we will continue to work hard to keep Sussex safe. Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne added: The actions of the two offenders have been rightly condemned as senseless and hugely dangerous and its a miracle that nobody was seriously injured. These reckless arsonists left hard working families facing over 1million in damaged property and resulted in hours of emergency service time being used to tackle blazing buildings and vehicles. "I hope this sends a message to criminals who think that there are areas of our county where you wont get caught. Farmers within the 10km temporary control zone (TCZ) set up after an outbreak of bluetongue in Kent are being asked to continue to comply with the legislation and guidance. Defra set up the TCZ around the farm near Canterbury after a single case of bluetongue virus 3 (BTV 3), a notifiable exotic disease, was confirmed in a cow. The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) says it is continuing to undertake further investigations following the outbreak on 11 November. Dr Joseph Henry, chair of the Ruminant Health & Welfare bluetongue working group, has urged farmers within the TCZ to continue to comply with the legislation and guidance. For farms within the zone, he said animal movements will not be licensed within or out of it until APHA has a better assessment of the disease situation. However, specific licences can be applied for if movements are deemed urgent due to a genuine welfare need. "If farmers within the TCZ feel they are in this situation, they must apply to APHA for a specific licence to move animals to a holding within the TCZ," he said. Farmers within the TCZ also need to prepare to be contacted by APHA who will be carrying out surveillance testing on-farm. Dr Henry said: "To prepare for testing, APHA is asking farmers to have their documentation and records up to date, including movement records and medicine use records. It may help to have paper copies of these to hand." BTV 3, a new emerging strain, has been spreading rapidly in European countries in recent months. There is currently no current vaccine for this strain, with Dr Henry pleading with farmers in the UK to remain vigilant. Our advice and recommendations remain centred around supporting affected farmers as quickly as possible, with the main focus on surveillance," he said. Farmers need to beware when buying or moving animals in, take action to report any suspicious clinical signs and prioritise biosecurity, and always, remain vigilant. Surveillance and close monitoring of livestock is key," Dr Henry said. For farmers applying for movement licences, he stated that all applications are reviewed and assessed on an individual basis. He advised that to avoid delays, farmers should ensure all information requested is included in applications. Depending on the nature of the application and the number of applications, you may not have a response for five days. "Its recommended that if you wish to move animals, you should apply promptly as soon as it is indicated that a licence is or likely to become available. A new group of young sheep farmers who want to further their development within the sector are being sought after as part of an industry programme. The Next Generation Ambassador programme, now in its eighth year, offers farmers aged 18-34 a series of technical and personal development sessions. The sessions are aimed to further their experience and understanding of the UK sheep industry. As well as providing the chance to visit varied sheep farming systems and parts of the supply chain, the programme delivers networking opportunities. Young farmers are also given the chance to meet with industry experts and leaders, with the scheme opening doors to new opportunities. Young shepherds from England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are being urged to apply for their chance to become one of 12 ambassadors. The National Sheep Association (NSA), which spearheads the programme, says the application is a simple process. "Interested parties will have to share some information about their own shepherding experience and their hopes for their futures in the UK sheep industry," the NSA says. "We hope to attract a varied group of young sheep farmers; whether you are a first-generation farmer, someone who hopes to one take on their family farm or just starting out in your career. "We are excited to see what you can offer as an NSA Next Generation ambassador, and we are proud of the opportunity that we can provide you and other keen young sheep farmers. Applications opened today (17 November) on the NSA Next Generation website and will close on 12 December. Applications will then be shortlisted by NSA regional representatives before online interviews take place in early January 2024. The programme will commence in February 2024 and will require successful applicants to commit to spending around 10 nights away from home during the year. Theres plenty to see and do just in quick trips out of the Victorian capital of Melbourne in Australia Melbourne is a city with so much to offer that its sometimes tempting to just stay put and experience what this city has to offer. The thing to keep in mind is that it also makes a perfect jumping-off point to explore more of what the state of Victoria has in store for you. So let go of the free tram rides (such an amazing incentive to explore the city) and get onto a train, hire a car and go forth and discover. Regional Victoria continues the commitment seen in Melbourne to showcase creative people crafting one-of-a-kind pieces, fashion, handmade jewellery, homewares and kids stuff often with an emphasis on community, local production and sustainability. All year round, visitors are enticed with festivals and exhibitions, making it obvious very soon why Victoria is known as the state of the arts. And, of course, theres also wildlife, good food, culture and tradition and everything in between on the tourism smorgasbord. In fact, theres plenty out there for every kind of interest and every type of traveller, and theres a very big chance that youll find that every destination on this list interests you. Dont say we didnt warn you Yarra Valley (main image) Set about 51 kilometres away from Melbourne, Yarra Valley is a must-visit. This is Melbourne wine country and youll find plenty of wineries and cellar doors at which you can do tastings and tours. We love the vibe, food and wine at Innocent Bystander (above; dont miss the Frozen Moscato). Take yourself to Yarra Dairy, where you must grab the opportunity to do the cheese tasting (above). Youre sure to want to bring home almost every one of the cheeses you try, and the charcuterie boards are fantastic too. Another wonderful element of Yarra Valley hospitality is that every business supports the other in the valley, so you will usually have a whole selection of local products and produce to choose from at each stop. And, if you want to get a totally laid-back wine experience, Domaine Chandon must be on your itinerary. This Australian outpost of the legendary Champagne maison is perfect to enjoy sparkling spirits in a non-intimidating ambience. Yarra is also a cool place to soar over in a hot air balloon, so bookmark the idea for a celebratory adventure. A word to the wise: Since Yarra Valley is all about tasting superb spirits, it makes sense to get onto one of the many tours out of Melbourne rather than force someone to not drink and be designated driver. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) recently called for adopting a transparent, fair and evidence-based minimum wage determination process for Bangladesh's readymade garment (RMG) sector to ensure a decent living for workers. Expressing concern over demonstrations and violence over wage levels in the sector, it called for calm and restraint to avoid any further loss of life and damage to livelihoods. The ILO recently called for adopting a transparent, fair and evidence-based minimum wage determination process for Bangladesh's garment sector to ensure a decent living for workers. Expressing concern over demonstrations and violence over wage levels in the sector, it called for calm and restraint to avoid any further loss of life and damage to livelihoods. "We strongly encourage all parties involved to engage in constructive dialogue and negotiations with the objective of reaching a consensus on a minimum wage," said an ILO statement. "that not only assures workers of a decent standard of living but also considers the sustainability of businesses within the RMG sector," it said. "We acknowledge the work of the minimum wage board and encourage the parties to continue to discuss in good faith," it said. "and to take into account the concerns of workers and employers alike as part of the confirmation process of the minimum wage," it added. Moving forward, it is imperative for Bangladesh to establish a national wage policy and an evidence-based system for wage determination, said the ILO. "Preliminary discussions in this regard are ongoing, and we welcome the establishment by the government of a committee to explore this avenue," it said. The countrys Minimum Wage Board has already finalised the minimum wage for the garment workers after consulting stakeholders. However, garment workers in some parts are protesting, demanding a hike in their wages, and a group of trade union leaders have submitted a representation in this regard to the authorities. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS) Chinese President Xi Jinping, during his recent visit to the US state of California, called for effectively managing mutual disagreements, which should not be a chasm that keeps the two countries apart. He urged both sides to jointly develop a right perception and build together five pillars for bilateral ties. The two sides should look for ways to build bridges to help them walk toward each other, he said. Xi met US President Joe Biden at the Filoli Estate. Chinese President Xi Jinping, during his recent visit to the US state of California, called for effectively managing mutual disagreements, which should not be a chasm that keeps the two sides apart. He urged both sides to jointly develop a right perception and build together five pillars for bilateral ties. Xi met President Joe Biden at the Filoli Estate. China is consistently committed to having a stable, healthy and sustainable relationship with the United States, and China has interests that must be safeguarded, principles that must be upheld, and red lines that must not be crossed, Xi was quoted as saying by global newswires. Xi hoped that the two countries could be partners that respect each other and coexist in peace. They should have more communication, more dialogues and more consultations, and calmly handle their differences as well as accidents, he added. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS) Sam Bahadur First Review: The highly anticipated biopic, Sam Bahadur, directed by Meghna Gulzar, is set to hit theaters on December 1. The film stars Vicky Kaushal as Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw. Sam Bahadur is based on the life of the first Indian Army officer who attained the prestigious rank of Field Marshal and had a pivotal role in India's victory in the 1971 war against Pakistan, which led to the creation of Bangladesh. The recent release of the film's trailer has only added to the anticipation, and Vicky Kaushal's performance has earned widespread acclaim. As the film's release date approaches, the first review has surfaced, providing insights into the cinematic experience. Here's The First Review Of Vicky Kaushal's Sam Bahadur In a recent post by a news portal's X handle, the first review of Sam Bahadur was shared, which described it as dramatic and stylish. The review further mentions that the film has comparatively less mass appeal, due to its focus on the Indian Army. The tweet read, "#SamBahadurReview : #Sambahadur is more dramatic, more stylish but less massy being a movie on the Indian army.... #VickyKaushal does well in this congested plot... .. Overall one time decent watch... Run time: 150 Mins." #SamBahadurReview : .#Sambahadur is more dramatic, more stylish but less massy being a movie on Indian army.... #VickyKaushal does well in this congested plot... .. Overall one time decent watch... Run time: 150 Mins. pic.twitter.com/Zd27ShW0Yj Always Bollywood (@AlwaysBollywood) November 17, 2023 Vicky Kaushal Shares Behind-the-Scenes Journey Video Amidst the buzz surrounding the film, Vicky Kaushal took to social media to share an endearing video, offering a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes preparation for his role as Sam Manekshaw. In the video, he expresses gratitude to director Meghna Gulzar for the meticulous preparation and describes 'Sam Bahadur' as the toughest and most enriching role of his career. He captioned the video as, "The toughest role I have played... The most enriching and fulfilling journey I have been on as an Actor! Sharing with you'll a snippet of all that went behind the scenes to make it happen. Truly, a team full of BAHADURs!!!" About Sam Bahadur In addition to Vicky Kaushal, the film features Fatima Sana Shaikh as Siloo, Sanya Malhotra as Sam's wife, and also includes notable performances by Neeraj Kabi as Jawaharlal Nehru and Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub as Yahya Khan. Scheduled for a theatrical release on December 1, Sam Bahadur will clash with Ranbir Kapoor's Animal. In a major development in regulating the content on the OTT platforms, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (I&B) has now taken a major step by invoking laws pertaining to vulgarityAccording to a report published in the IndianExpress.com, the I&B Ministry has ordered three OTT platforms to remove obscene and vulgar content failing which they are likely to face strict action. These OTT platforms are - Prime Play, Hunters and Besharams The media reports suggested the content on these OTT platforms was found to be borderline pornographic prime facie. To note, notices were also issued in October regarding violation of the IT Rules, 2021, and other laws related to obscenity and vulgarity, including Sections 67 (publishing or transmitting obscene material) and 67A (publishing or transmitting of material containing sexually explicit act) of the IT Act, 2000. Interestingly, this is the first time that these laws have been invoked against OTT platforms. On the other hand, it is reported that the OTT platforms have taken down the vulgar content and is currently reviewing all the content on the platforms. Meanwhile, the government had also issued a warning to the OTT platforms early this year against the usage of abusive and vulgar language. Talking about the same, the Union minister of information and broadcasting Anurag Thakur that the use of abusive language in the name of creativity will not be tolerated. He emphasised the government is quite serious about the complaints it has received regarding the increase in abusive and obscene content on the OTT platforms and asserted that the platforms have to draw a line in this regard. "These platforms were given freedom for creativity, not obscenity. And when someone crosses a limit, then abusing, rudeness in the name of creativity cannot be accepted at all. Whatever necessary action needs to be taken on this, the government will not back down from doing so," Anurag Thakur was quoted saying during a press conference. Rudri OTT Release: In the Kannada film "Rudri," helmed by Badiger Devendra, Paavana Gowda takes on the role of the central character, depicting a young girl facing exploitation in a village. Thalapathy 68 Update In Conjuring Kannappan First Single Promo By Sathish And Yuvan Shankar Raja The Kannada movie "Rudri" has made appearances at various film festivals and received accolades. Starring Paavana Gowda, the film clinched three honours at the Tagore International Film Festival. Paavana Gowda secured the Best Actress award, Badiger Devendra received recognition as Best Debut Filmmaker, and the movie "Rudri," produced by C. R. Manjunath, was honoured as the Best Narrative Feature Film. Paavana Gowda leads in Rudri, helmed and scripted by Badiger Devendra, showcasing a young girl thrust into the harrowing world of sexual abuse. The narrative centres on her journey through this trauma, shaping the essence of this revenge-based drama. CR Manjunath, the film's producer, notes that Rudri draws inspiration from real incidents of gang rape, including a case from north Karnataka, where the film was shot. Rudri Synopsis Bubbly and carefree Rudri (Pavana Gowda) spends her days at a local tea shop, finding joy in playing with the neighbourhood kids. However, her serene life shatters when she becomes a victim of sexual abuse by a group of men. The story unravels as she navigates the path of seeking retribution in response to this ordeal. Vidaa Muyarchi OTT: Ajith Kumar's Upcoming Action Movie's Digital Streaming Rights Sold For A Substantial Sum Rudri OTT Release Date And Platform Rudri skipped a theatrical release and headed directly to OTT. The film's makers sealed an agreement with Namma Flix, and it commenced streaming on the platform on November 10th. Dr. Rashad Richey Joins Multinational Law Firm Multi-media giant and professor completes law school while simultaneously finishing his Ph.D. in quantum physics ATLANTA, GA / ACCESSWIRE / November 16, 2023 / Dr. Rashad Richey announced today that he will be joining the International Law Group of Human & Civil Rights Attorneys, P.C., also known as The Fairness Firm, with affiliate offices in France, Spain, Canada, and Cape Town, South Africa. The international law firm will bolster its Atlanta-based team by adding Richey as its new Director of Global Legal Operations. Well-known as a multi-media giant and university professor, Richey continues to inspire others by completing his Juris Doctor degree while maintaining his popular daily television opinion news show, 'Indisputable with Dr. Rashad Richey' on the TYT Network, and the award-winning 'Rashad Richey Morning Show'on News & Talk 1380-WAOK & V-103 FM (HD3). "Completing my law degree can be attributed to nothing less than faith, dedication, and the support of countless individuals who believed in my mission and vision to always pursue truth and advocacy for others," said Dr. Rashad Richey. "I am honored to join a firm that is deeply committed to the issues I have championed throughout my career, and I look forward to making an impact both here and abroad." In his role, Richey will coordinate with The Fairness Firm's affiliated international law firms, navigate policy issues, and provide senior-level strategic approaches for complex civil and human rights matters. "The Fairness Firm is thrilled to have Dr. Richey join our team of international advocate lawyers," said Attorney Erica Wilson. "A brilliant strategic legal scholar, Richey will be an invaluable asset to our clients." In addition to his television and radio programs, Richey is the weekend host for the Dr. Rashad Richey Review on SiriusXM Urban View Channel 126, and his podcast, 'Indisputable' is in the top 5% of most listened-to podcasts in America according to The L.A. Monitor. Despite his busy schedule, Richey completed his law degree. That journey started in 2020 at Atlanta John Marshall Law School in Atlanta, Georgia. He eventually transferred to Birmingham School of Law for its unique, adult-centered weekend law school program that allows students to take the same classes as weekday students but consolidated into Saturdays. According to Richey, even though the drive to Birmingham, Alabama, every Friday night for roughly two years was taxing, he persevered, knowing the Saturday schedule was much more congruent to his demanding on-air and business executive demands. At the same time, Richey was also enrolled in the Ph.D. in Quantum Physics research program at Paris Graduate School. During his studies, Richey experienced a breakthrough with his lab team during the preliminary research phase, which showed promising signs that his quantum-based research and technique for neurological brain enhancement may reverse symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, which has no known cure. Richey was granted provisional patent status by the United States Patent & Trade Office for both of his inventions, the Neurological Brain Entrainment Device and the Bilateral Neuronic Hemispheric Harmonization Brain Entrainment Device. Recognizing the continued challenge of directing clinical trials and pursuing both degrees simultaneously, Richey ultimately transferred to the Renaissance University law program. The French and English-speaking university has a cooperative agreement with the Faculty of Law at the University of Montreal and also boasts multiple international partnerships including a framework cooperation agreement with University Rennes 2 in France, a partnership with the Federal University of Rondonia in Brazil, and Madison International Institute & Business School in the United Kingdom to name a few. Richey was able to transfer his previous law courses and completed the remaining credits required as of November 2023. Graduates with qualifying law degrees from internationally accredited and government-recognized universities can sit for the bar in 49 states with varying protocols per state. Additionally, Richey holds multiple advance degrees, including a PhD in political sciences, a Doctor of Law in International Immigration Law, an MBA, a Master of Laws in Humanitarian Law, a Master of Science in Applied Physics & Quantum Mechanics, and a Master of Science in Neuroscience. Dr. Richey has been appointed to various executive-level policy rolesd, and currently serves as a Senior Policy Advisor to The Carter Center, an international peacekeeping NGO founded by former United States President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn. He also dully serves as Chairman of the Georgia Council of International Visitors, a United States Department of State-funded agency dedicated to international diplomacy, cultural awareness, and educational exchanges, making him the first African-American to lead the organization. An active scholar, his lectures include the University of Michigan, Reinhardt University, Mercer University, Morehouse School of Medicine, and the University of West GA. He is a Visiting Scholar at Clark Atlanta University, a Professor of Business at Morris Brown College, both are noted HBCUs and serves internationally as the Professor of Physics and Department Chair at Paris Graduate School in Paris, France. A recipient of the 'Distinguished Alumni Award' from Clark Atlanta University and the youngest inductee into the National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, Oprah Winfrey, and US Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall are all honored past recipients, Richey serves as President of Rolling Out, the largest urban media company of its kind in America. He has been recognized by American presidents, local governments, and NGOs for his leadership and philanthropy. Overcoming street life as a teen, he founded The Rashad Richey Foundation, Inc. to organize mentoring opportunities for gang-affected and gang-affiliated youth. Richey serves on the board for Piedmont Atlanta Hospital and is a member of the American Bar Association, International Bar Association, Delta Theta Phi Law Fraternity, American Society of International Law, International Behavioral Neuroscience Society, National Association of Black Physicists, American Association of University Professors, National Association of Black Journalists, and the Atlanta NAACP. ### CONTACT: Chris Smith Chris.smith@audacy.com SOURCE: Richey Media Group View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/804793/host-of-indisputable-dr-rashad-richey-finishes-law-school-joins-multinational-law-firm Datuk Bernard Francis , Group CEO of PT TransNusa Aviation Mandiri From left to right (from the FA): Novie Herlina (FLIGHT ATTENDANT); Capt Heru Triperwiranto (GM Operations); Bernard Francis (Aviation Group CEO of PT TransNusa Aviation Mandiri); Patria Bayu Adji (GM Pax Service PT JAS); Amran (Director of Technique PT TransNusa Aviation Mandiri); Sarlita Viansi (FLIGHT ATTENDANT) JAKARTA, Nov 17, 2023 - (ACN Newswire) - Southeast Asia's first premium service airline, TransNusa, has made history in Indonesia by becoming the second Indonesian airline to have obtained approvals to operate scheduled flights to China.The airline successfully launched its inaugural flight to Guangzhou from Jakarta yesterday, making Indonesia and Indonesians proud by showcasing its experience, strength, strong safety, and security measures as well as well-equipped flight plans.TransNusa's highly anticipated maiden flight, 8B 860 departed Jakarta at 18.10pm and arrived in Guangzhou earlier today at 12.10am as per schedule, without any delays.TransNusa Group Chief Executive Officer, also an aviation industry expert, Datuk Bernard Francis said that today was not only a historical day for TransNusa but also for the Indonesian aviation industry."As we chart TransNusa's growth plan, we hope to make Indonesia and Indonesians proud of our achievements as we showcase Indonesia's aviation strength as well as our culture to passengers worldwide," Datuk Bernard said, adding that TransNusa is expecting to cater to the business and leisure travellers for this new route.With regard to details of the Jakarta-Guangzhou route, Datuk Bernard said TransNusa will fly the Jakarta - Guangzhou roundtrip route three times a week, with daily flights starting? from the 20th of December 2023.Flights will depart Terminal 3 Soekarno - Hatta International Airport at 18.10 pm on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and arrive at 12.10 am at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport. Flights from Guangzhou will depart at 01.25 am on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays and arrive in Jakarta at 5.40am. Tickets for this new international route will start at $149 ."With the introduction of our Guangzhou route, we have, in eight months, successfully expanded our international route from South East Asia to encompass the Asia Pacific region," said Datuk Bernard.For the Jakarta - Guangzhou route, the premium service provider, will be deploying its Airbus A320, ensuring that its passengers have a comfortable shuttle throughout the 5-hour journey. TransNusa's A320s have been configured with a 174-seat configuration, which allows passengers to enjoy 30-31 inches of legroom."The services we offer for our international flights are above the service level of a low-cost carrier. As such, the flying experience with TransNusa to international destinations will differ from flying with us on domestic routes since TransNusa operates as a low-cost airline business model in the domestic market." Datuk Bernard concluded.TransNusa announced its plans to launch international flights with a new business model in April this year. Within the short span of 8 months, the airline has introduced flights to Kuala Lumpur, Johor and now Guangzhou, China. In addition, on November 20th, TransNusa will be launching its inaugural flight to Singapore.About TransNusa (Revised to include Johor)Established in 2005, TransNusa started its operation by providing chartered flights. It began its commercial flights in 2011. After ceasing operations due to the Covid-19 pandemic, TransNusa relaunched itself in 2021 as a low-cost airline in its domestic market. In 2023, TransNusa introduced a new business model making it the first Premium Service Airline in the region. The new business model will apply only to its international routes. TransNusa introduced its first international route, Jakarta - Kuala Lumpur, in April this year and its second international route Jakarta-Johor, in September, this year.The airline is currently based in Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. Passengers can book their flights on the TransNusa website, transnusa.co.id, through authorized travel agents in Indonesia, or by contacting the airline's customer service centre at, +62216310888.Contact PersonJoshua FredrickPR& Communications ConsultantMy Qaseh Sdn.Bhd+60123928943fredrick@myqaseh.orgSource: TransNusaCopyright 2023 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved. SUZHOU, China, Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- On November 14, Nadja Picard, Partner and Global Reporting Leader at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), accompanied by Mendy Wang, PwC's Partner of Climate Change and Sustainability Partner, spearheaded a delegation's visit to the GCL Energy Centre. The visit facilitated discussions on the latest EU regulatory developments and a range of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) topics with executives from GCL System Integration (GCLSI). The delegation began their visit at the GCL Future Energy Pavilion, gaining a detailed understanding of GCL's corporate growth trajectory and its strategic position in the industry. They explored the significant shifts in the photovoltaic (PV) industry, most notably in terms of technological advancements and product development. Dai Mengyang, Chief Legal Officer at GCLSI, led the tour, highlighting the three aspects of the company's strategic vision: "Technological, Digital, and Green GCL". During the visit, Ms. Nadja Picard expressed her appreciation and recognition of GCL's brand ethos of "Being right the first time." In recent years, GCL has prioritized the pursuit of low-carbon sustainable development, committed to delivering substantial value to society, the industry, and stakeholders. In 2023, aligning with the global shift towards ESG principles, GCL unveiled its "Future+" ESG strategy. This approach emphasized present actions guided by a future-oriented perspective, aiming to shape a better future through these initiatives. Demonstrating its commitment to addressing global ESG concerns, GCLSI has intensified its ESG initiatives and is expanding its international footprint. The company hosted an exchange symposium, inviting Ms. Picard, Ms. Wang and other notable figures to engage in comprehensive discussions on these critical topics. During the symposium, the PwC team provided an in-depth analysis of the global ESG ecosystem, discussing the prevailing trends in carbon reduction and effective strategies for compliance with the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). Looking ahead, GCLSI is set to further strengthen its role in the renewable energy sector, adapting to environmental shifts and bolstering its ESG-focused governance and risk management. Leveraging green technology, GCLSI aims to broaden its carbon reduction initiatives. In collaboration with PwC, the company is committed to driving sustainable social development and catalyzing positive economic and social changes. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/gcl-system-integration-hosts-pwc-for-strategic-dialogue-on-future--esg-strategy-301991540.html HANOI, Vietnam, Nov 17, 2023 - (ACN Newswire) - The 7th ASEAN Ceramic 2023 is set to take place from November 28-30, 2023, at the International Centre for Exhibition (I.C.E.) in Hanoi, Vietnam. The event is organized by Messe Munchen, a leading international trade fair organizer, and is expected to attract thousands of exhibitors and visitors from around the world. Co-organized with the Vietnam Building Ceramic Association, in collaboration with consultants Asian Exhibition Services (AES) Ltd.The three day event is endorsed by Ministry of Construction of Vietnam (MOC) and the Ceramic Industry Club of ASEAN (CICA) and supported by international and domestic government trade and associations, including the Association of Italian Manufacturers of Machinery and Equipment for Ceramics (ACIMAC), China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) Building Materials Sub-Council, Gangneung Science & Industry Promotion Agency, Korea Fine Ceramics Association (KCFA), Thai Ceramic Society (TCS), Bangladesh Ceramic Manufacturers & Exporters Association (BCMEA), Vietnam Consumer Ceramic Association (VCCA), Vietnam Association for Building Materials (VABM), and Vietnam Institute for Building Materials (VIBM).Vietnam, 10 November 2023 - ASEAN Ceramics, Southeast Asia's leading international exhibition of machinery, technology and materials for manufacturing white-ware, heavy clay, bricks and advanced ceramics, will open its doors on Tuesday, 28 November in Hanoi. The conference program features over 30+ conference sessions and panel discussions presented by the leading industry experts from across the globe to address the industry's key challenges, formulate innovative solutions and collaborate on the future of ceramic manufacturing in this region.ASEAN Ceramics Vietnam, known as the central hub in the ASEAN region, is celebrating its biggest event ever with an expected 3,000 ceramic professionals, industry's top buyers and investment decision-makers from more than 30 countries around the world visiting the fair. Sponsorships include ACIMAC - Association of Italian Manufacturers of Machinery and Equipment for Ceramics, IZAWA PIGMENT CO., LTD and Heraeus Tokmak Kiymetli Mad.San.A.S, the upcoming edition of ASEAN Ceramics 2023 is expected to bring together a spectacular reunion of the ceramic industry sector.The 2023 trade fair exhibitors include national and international industry giants - SACMI, SYSTEM CERAMICS, Aokerola Group (USA) LLC, Behn Meyer, Rock Team, VITIS JSC, TQT, 3DCERAM SINTO, Neptune Industries Limited, PCL Ceramics, JD-TECH Adroit Group, Kemei and Sedlecky Kaolin, A.S. The exhibition show will feature international exhibitors from - USA, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, United Kingdom, Czech Republic, Peru, Turkey, Australia, India, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Australia, Malaysia, Singapore and China. The ACIMAC, CCPIT, KFCA will support the exhibition with Italian, China and Korea Pavilion."We have great pleasure in welcoming leading ceramic experts, top manufacturers and suppliers representing all aspects of the ceramics industry from all around the globe to this latest and largest edition of ASEAN Ceramics," said Mr. Michael Wilton, CEO & Managing Director of MMI Asia Pte Ltd, a subsidiary of Messe Munchen GmbH. "This year's event will provide attendees invaluable opportunities to discover the latest product innovations and techniques in the industry through inspiring curated content, networking opportunities, and agenda setting initiatives.""In recent ten years, Vietnam ceramic industry has been developing rapidly, becoming one of the biggest ceramic producing countries in the world, become an attractive destination for suppliers of ceramic machinery and equipment, raw materials" said Mr. Dinh Quang Huy, Chairman of Vietnam Building Ceramic Association (VIBCA). "ASEAN Ceramics 2023 in Hanoi Vietnam this year is a very good platform to connect industry leaders, business owners, decision makers, customers, distributors and agents, consultants, contractors, potential partners in the ceramic manufacturing industry."Apart from the exhibition area, ASEAN Ceramics offers valuable first-hand know-how. The trade fair includes several side events to offer visitors a holistic experience of current technologies, and trending developments in the market. ASEAN Ceramics Factory Tour Visits are hosted by Hao Canh Porcelain Production and Trading Company Limited, Long Hau Ceramics, and Viglacera Thai Binh, the biggest ceramic manufacturers from Vietnam will also be highlighting their success at the manufacturer's gallery. The Department of Silicate Materials Technology, School of Chemistry and Life Sciences, Hanoi University of Science and Technology have partnered with ASEAN Ceramics to launch the Ceramic Job and Education Fair. Major manufacturing companies from Bat Trang Village will showcase a live-demo pottery using clay from our famous invited artists.Conference Program from the Top Industry ExpertsThe ASEAN Ceramics Conference will take place on 28 - 30 November in parallel to the with the trade fair. The conference program features over 30 conference sessions and product highlights presented by national and international experts from ceramic sector across the globe to report on the latest topics under the theme: Building a Sustainable Future, Green Innovation and Production Efficiency through Digitalization, Automation, Alternative Fuels, Energy Recovery, and Losses & Waste Reduction which will underscores the industry's commitment to sustainability and technological progress.Vietnam's Ceramic and Building Materials Industry Towards Sustainable DevelopmentOn November 29th, a seminar organized by the Vietnam Building Ceramic Association (VIBCA) will provide insights from building ceramic industry, outstanding research achievements in the field of ceramics, industrial glass-ceramic industry, ceramic slabs in interior decoration, to changes in the Vietnamese (TCVN) and ISO standards system and technological improvements in brick production.Various ceramic applications and marketable product innovation are to be presented at the event include:Digitalization: Focus on Glazing Line - System Ceramics, ItalyZero-Impact Ceramics Production Processes - SACMI, ItalyShaping Technical Ceramics with 3D Printing Technologies, State of Art - 3DCeram, FranceUtilizing Technological Innovation to Achieve Energy Conservation and Clean Combustion - Foshan City Welkin Technology, ChinaAbout Messe Muenchen GmbHMesse Muenchen GmbH is one of the world's leading trade fair organizers with more than 50 trade fairs for capital goods, consumer goods, and new technologies. Every year, Messe Muenchen organizes more than 200 events in Munich, Germany, and abroad, attracting over 30,000 exhibitors and 2 million visitors. The company's mission is to create innovative, sustainable, and profitable platforms for its customers to do business and connect with their target markets.About MMI Asia Pte LtdMMI Asia is a full subsidiary of Messe Munchen GMBH (MMG) established in 1992 and one of the world largest and leading exhibition organizers. MMI Asia was set up as the regional headquarter and a wholly-owned subsidiary of MMG to promote global trade expansion by facilitating participation of Asian exhibitors in Messe Munchen fairs worldwide. MMI Asia also provides consultancy in professional trade fair and conference management to government bodies, international trade and promotion organizations, and trade associations.About Vietnam Building Ceramic Association (VIBCA)Vietnam Building Ceramic Association is a professional organization, non-governmental, voluntary, established under Decision No. 41/1999 / QD - BTCCBCP dated 04-10-1999 of the Minister, Head of the Organizing Committee Government personnel. Currently VIBCA includes around 100 members are enterprises of different economic sectors, operating mainly in the field of building ceramics, including the associate members are research institutions, investment consulting, manufacturing and mechanical engineering. VIBCA is a member of the Association of Asean Ceramics Industry CICA and intimate relationship with the Association Ceramics of countries in Asean and in the world.Contact:MMI Asia Pte. Ltd.Joey Ng - 65 9734 7946Marketing Executivejoey@mmiasia.com.sgVietnam Building Ceramic AssociationMs Vu Thi Kim Dung - 84 915114000Chief of Foreign Affairsvibcaoffice@gmail.comSource: MMI Asia Pte Ltd (MMI)Copyright 2023 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved. Regulatory News: Not to be published, distributed or circulated directly or indirectly in the United States, Canada, Australia or Japan. This press release is an advertisement and not a prospectus within the meaning of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129. Latecoere (Paris:LAT) (the "Company"), a tier 1 provider to major international aircraft manufacturers, announces today the success of its capital increase with preferential subscription rights for an amount of approximately 124.4 million (the "Capital Increase"), after total exercise of the extension clause. Greg Huttner, CEO of Latecoere declared: "Latecoere has been growing 40% in H1 2023 with 6000 employees around the world working hard to meet the growing volume demands from customers. This growth requires significant investment in operational capabilities and working capital. The company is also working on a plan to restore profitability through a mix of commercial, efficiency and productivity levers. We have a huge opportunity as a company given the significant ramp up in demand for our business in 2024 and 2025 as well as additional potential new business. This capital raise is a critical enabler and puts us on a solid footing from a cash perspective to successfully execute on the plan, drive our revenue growth and restore the company to profitability." Results of the capital increase Following the subscription period which ended on November 14th, 2023, total demand amounted to approximately 125.0 million (including the subscription on a reducible basis of Searchlight Capital Partners), representing a subscription rate of 115.5% before exercising the extension clause: 9,673,818,582 new shares have been subscribed on an irreducible basis (" a titre irreductible ") representing approximately 89.4% of the shares to be issued (before exercising the extension clause); ") representing approximately 89.4% of the shares to be issued (before exercising the extension clause); 2,824,913,664 new shares have been applied for on a reducible basis (" a titre reductible" Thus, in accordance with the terms of the Conciliation Protocol, the Company exercised totally the extension clause. Consequently, the extension clause will be allocated with 1,623,020,560 new shares. The gross proceeds of the Capital Increase (without issue premium) will thus amount to 124,431,576.30 euros, with the issue of 12,443,157,630 new shares at a subscription price of 0.01 per share. The issue, settlement and delivery and start of trading of the new shares on the regulated market of Euronext Paris are expected to take place on November 21st, 2023. The sew shares will immediately entitle their holders to receive dividends declared by Latecoere as from the date of issuance. They will be immediately fungible with existing ordinary shares of the Company and will be traded on the same trading line under the same ISIN code FR001400JY13. The Capital Increase was directed by Societe Generale acting as Global Coordinator and Bookrunner. Impact of the capital increase on the allocation of the share capital As a result of the Capital Increase, the Company's share capital will amount to 124,968,316.65 divided in 12,496,831,665 shares (of which 12,496,777,165 ordinary shares and 54,500 preferred shares 2022). Searchlight Capital Partners (through the company SCP SKN Holding I SAS), which owned before the Capital Increase 74.65% of the Company's share capital, and that irrevocably committed to (i) exercise all of its preferential subscription rights on an irreducible basis (titre irreductible) and to subscribe new shares for a total amount of 80,849,465.76, representing approximately 74.72% of the initial amount (excluding the extension clause) of the Capital Increase on the basis of a subscription price of 0.01 per new share and (ii) to subscribe on a reducible basis to 2,735,190,494 new shares, will hold 10,859,250,748 shares, representing 86.90% of the Company's share capital after the Capital Increase. Lock-up commitments The Company has agreed to a lock-up period starting on the date of the approval by the French Autorite des Marches Financiers (the "AMF") of the prospectus relating to the Capital Increase and expiring 90 calendar days following the settlement-delivery date of the new shares, subject to certain usual exceptions. SCP SKN Holding I SAS has agreed to a lock-up period expiring 180 calendar days following the settlement-delivery date of the new shares, subject to certain usual exceptions. Availability of the prospectus The prospectus approved by the AMF under number 23-453 on October 30th, 2023 and comprised of (i) Latecoere 2022 universal registration document filed with the AMF on June 23rd, 2023 under number D.23-0514 (the "Universal Registration Document" or "URD"), (ii) an amendment to the URD filed with the AMF on October 30th, 2023 under number D.23-0514-A01 (the "Amendment"), (iii) the securities note dated October 30th, 2023 (the "Securities Note") and (iv) the summary of the prospectus (included in the Securities Note) is available on the websites of the AMF (www.amf-france.org) and the Company (www.latecoere.aero). Copies of the prospectus are available free of charge at the Company's registered office (135, rue de Periole, 31500 Toulouse). Risk factors Investors' attention is drawn to the risk factors relating to Latecoere included in chapter 2 "Internal Control and Risk Factors" of the URD as updated in chapter 2 of the Amendment and the risk factors relating to the transaction and the new shares mentioned in chapter 2 "Risk Factors" of the Securities Note. Disclaimer This press release does not constitute an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of ordinary shares in any State or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction. The distribution of this document may, in certain jurisdictions, be restricted by local legislations. Persons into whose possession this document comes are required to inform themselves about and to observe any such potential local restrictions. This press release is an advertisement and not a prospectus within the meaning of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 June 2017 (as amended, the "Prospectus Regulation"). Potential investors are advised to read the prospectus before making an investment decision in order to fully understand the potential risks and rewards associated with the decision to invest in the securities. The approval of the prospectus by the AMF should not be understood as an endorsement of the securities offered or admitted to trading on a regulated market. With respect to the member states of the European Economic Area (others than France) and the United Kingdom (each a "Relevant State"), no action has been undertaken or will be undertaken to make an offer to the public of the securities referred to herein requiring a publication of a prospectus in any Relevant State. As a result, the securities may and will be offered in any Relevant State only (i) to qualified investors within the meaning of the Prospectus Regulation, for any investor in a Member State of the European Economic Area, or Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 as part of national law under the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 (the "UK Prospectus Regulation"), for any investor in the United Kingdom, (ii) to fewer than 150 individuals or legal entities (other than qualified investors as defined in the Prospectus Regulation or the UK Prospectus Regulation, as the case may be), or (iii) in accordance with the exemptions set forth in Article 1 (4) of the Prospectus Regulation or under any other circumstances which do not require the publication by Latecoere of a prospectus pursuant to Article 3 of the Prospectus Regulation, of the UK Prospectus Regulation and/or to applicable regulations of that Relevant State. The distribution of this press release has not been made, and has not been approved, by an "authorised person" within the meaning of Article 21(1) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000. As a consequence, this press release is only being distributed to, and is only directed at, persons in the United Kingdom that (i) are "investment professionals" falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (as amended, the "Order"), (ii) are persons falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) ("high net worth companies, unincorporated associations, etc.") of the Order, or (iii) are persons to whom an invitation or inducement to engage in investment activity (within the meaning of Article 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000) in connection with the issue or sale of any securities may otherwise lawfully be communicated or caused to be communicated (all such persons together being referred to as "Relevant Persons"). Any investment or investment activity to which this document relates is available only to Relevant Persons and will be engaged in only with Relevant Persons. Any person who is not a Relevant Person should not act or rely on this document or any of its contents. This press release may not be published, distributed or transmitted in the United States (including its territories and dependencies). This press release does not constitute or form part of any offer of securities for sale or any solicitation to purchase or to subscribe for securities or any solicitation of sale of securities in the United States. The securities referred to herein have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act") or the law of any State or other jurisdiction of the United States, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration under the Securities Act or pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act. Latecoere does not intend to register all or any portion of the securities in the United States under the Securities Act or to conduct a public offering of the securities in the United States. This announcement may not be published, forwarded or distributed, directly or indirectly, in the United States, Canada, Australia or Japan. About Latecoere As a Tier 1 partner to major industrial OEMs (Airbus, Boeing, Bombardier, Dassault Aviation, Embraer, Lockheed Martin), Latecoere serves the aerospace sector with innovative solutions for a sustainable world. The Group operates in all segments of the aerospace industry (commercial, regional, business, defense, space), in two business areas: Aerostructures (55 of sales as of December 31, 2022): doors, fuselage, wings and empennage, connecting rods and customer service; Interconnection systems (45 of sales as of December 31, 2022): wiring, avionics furniture, on-board equipment, electronic products and customer service. At December 31, 2022, the Group employed 5 918 people in 14 countries. Latecoere is listed on Euronext Paris Compartment B, ISIN Code: FR001400JY13 Reuters: AEP.PA Bloomberg: AT.FP View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231116606141/en/ Contacts: Thierry Mahe Media Relations +33 (0)6 60 69 63 85 LatecoereGroupCommunication@latecoere.aero LONDON (dpa-AFX) - British drug major AstraZeneca Plc. (AZN.L, AZN) announced Friday that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or FDA has approved its Truqap (capivasertib) in combination with Faslodex (fulvestrant) to treat patients with advanced hormone receptor or HR-positive breast cancer. The Truqap in combination with Faslodex approval is for the treatment of adult patients with HR-positive, HER2-negative locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer with one or more biomarker alterations (PIK3CA, AKT1 or PTEN). Concurrently with this approval, the FDA also approved a companion diagnostic test to detect relevant alterations (PIK3CA, AKT1 and PTEN). Following the US approval, Astex Therapeutics is eligible to receive a milestone payment from AstraZeneca on first commercial sale of the drug in the US as well as royalties on future sales. This is in line with the agreement between the two companies. The approval was based on on the results from the CAPItello-291 Phase III trial which showed Truqap in combination with Faslodex reduced the risk of disease progression or death by 50% versus Faslodex alone in the biomarker-altered population. The company noted that eligible patients will have progressed on at least one endocrine-based regimen in the metastatic setting or experienced recurrence on or within 12 months of completing adjuvant therapy. Breast cancer is the most common cancer and HR-positive breast cancer is the most common subtype. Dave Fredrickson, Executive Vice President, Oncology Business Unit, AstraZeneca, said, 'The rapid US approval of Truqap reinforces the important role of the PI3K/AKT pathway in HR-positive breast cancer and the critical need to test patients at the time of diagnosis, as up to fifty per cent have tumours with these alterations. As a first-in-class medicine, this approval provides a critical new option for patients in the US with this specific type of disease and we look forward to bringing Truqap to the many breast cancer patients who can benefit across the globe.' Regulatory applications for Truqap in combination with Faslodex are also currently under review in China, the European Union, Japan and several other countries. For More Such Health News, 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 A Celebration of Heritage and Future FOSHAN, China, Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- On 16 November 2023, LEH International School Foshan proudly celebrated its inaugural Founders' Day, marking a significant milestone in its history. This event highlighted the school's journey from its inception to becoming a beacon of international education in the Greater Bay Area. The day commenced with a Celebration Assembly in the school's theatre, now named the 'Hanbury Theatre' in honour of the long-lasting support and contribution of Mrs Hanbury, former Head Mistress of LEH School. The assembly featured an array of student performances, showcasing the diverse talents within the school. Distinguished guests, including Mrs Hanbury and Mr Berkowitch, Finance Director of LEH International, graced the event, reinforcing the strong ties and shared educational vision between LEH Foshan and LEH London. The LEH London Concert Broadcast further symbolised the connection between the two schools, bringing together the two campuses in a celebration of unity and shared aspirations. As the day transitioned into the evening, the school community gathered for a lively night, an embodiment of the close-knit and supportive environment that LEH Foshan fosters. The evening was filled with delicious food, music, and shared laughter, illustrating the school's ethos of community and inclusivity. Located in the heart of the Greater Bay Area, LEH International School Foshan brings the best of British education that mirrors its sister school and delivers an outstanding British education to students aged 6 to 18. The school is dedicated to providing a rich, diverse learning experience that prepares students for leading universities worldwide and the challenges of an interconnected world. This Founders' Day not only celebrated the school's past achievements but also set the stage for a future of continued excellence and innovation in international education. The event's theme, "Embrace the Legacy, Ignite the Future," perfectly encapsulates the spirit of LEH Foshan - honouring its roots while forging ahead towards an exciting and promising future. About LEH Foshan As a COBIS Patron's Accredited Member School, LEH Foshan provides an outstanding British education in the Greater Bay Area. Serving both day and boarding students aged 6-18, the school focuses on a balanced blend of academic rigour, cultural diversity, and comprehensive development, equipping them for top universities globally. For more information, visit www.leh-foshan.cn or dial +86-(0757)66881881. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/leh-international-school-foshan-celebrates-its-inaugural-founders-day-301991832.html EQS Post-admission Duties announcement: Haier Smart Home Co.,Ltd. / Third country release according to Article 50 Para. 1, No. 2 of the WpHG [the German Securities Trading Act] Haier Smart Home Co.,Ltd.: Announcement on the Progress of A-Share Repurchases through Centralized Bidding Transactions 17.11.2023 / 09:59 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. Announcement on the Progress of A-Share Repurchases through Centralized Bidding Transactions Qingdao / Shanghai / Frankfurt / Hong Kong, 17 November 2023 - Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd. (the "Company" or "Haier Smart Home", D-share 690D.DE, A-share 600690.SH, H-share 06690.HK) yesterday published an announcement in accordance with applicable trading rules of the Shanghai Stock Exchange, and applicable PRC laws in relation to the Progress of A-Share Repurchases through Centralized Bidding Transactions. The announcement is fully available at: https://smart-home.haier.com/en/dggg/P020231117039038977691.pdf IR Contact: Haier Smart Home Hong Kong T: +852 2169 0000 Email: ir@haier.hk Press Contact: CROSS ALLIANCE communication GmbH Sara Pinto Sven Pauly pi@crossalliance.de T: +49 (0) 89 1250903 35 About Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd.: Haier is one of the world's leading manufacturers of household appliances with a focus on smart home solutions and customized production. Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd. develops, produces and distributes a wide range of household appliances. These include refrigerators, freezers, washing machines, air conditioners, water heaters, kitchen appliances as well as small household appliances and an extensive range of intelligent household appliances. The Company distributes its products through leading household brands such as Haier, Casarte, Leader, Candy, GE Appliances, AQUA and Fisher & Paykel. Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd. has launched Smart Home Experiential Cloud, which connects homes, users, enterprises and ecosystem partners, and facilitates the integration of Haier's online, offline and micro-store businesses and supports user interaction to further optimize the user experience. 17.11.2023 CET/CEST The EQS Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases. Archive at www.eqs-news.com RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Al Rajhi Capital, a renowned and multi-award-winning financial services institution dedicated to Shariah-compliant financial products and services, is proud to announce its strategic partnership with AlphaCentrix, a global leader in technology solutions for the financial services sector. Al Rajhi Capital has built a sterling reputation for delivering a diverse range of innovative financial solutions that adhere to Shariah principles. Their Digital Channels serve as a comprehensive platform where individuals can access a wealth of resources related to financial investments and market activities. It offers user-friendly features allowing individuals to open investment accounts online, access daily market reports, explore mutual fund pricing, and stay informed about the latest market news. Under this strategic partnership, Al Rajhi Capital will integrate AlphaCentrix's innovative AlphaInvest software solution into its platform to further enhance and enrich the digital customer experience of its asset management customer base. This collaboration aims to provide Al Rajhi Capital's clients with even more comprehensive and efficient financial services while remaining steadfast in their commitment to Shariah compliance. AlphaCentrix's AlphaInvest solution includes bilingual investment tracking, thrift plans, cash management investor access, middleware, and data warehousing capabilities, enabling an end-to-end platform for onboarding clients, managing investments, and meeting complex custom dashboarding and reporting needs. AlphaInvest is designed to empower investors by providing them with powerful tools to manage their investments, cash flows, and savings plans efficiently. Al Rajhi Capital remains dedicated to delivering the highest quality and Shariah-compliant financial solutions to its clients, and AlphaInvest represents a significant milestone in this commitment. Ahmad Al Rifai, CIO at Al Rajhi Capital, expressed their enthusiasm about this partnership: "We are excited about our collaboration with AlphaCentrix. This partnership will allow us to continue providing our clients with cutting-edge financial solutions while ensuring that all our offerings remain fully compliant with Shariah principles. AlphaCentrix's expertise in wealth management and data management aligns perfectly with our mission to offer innovative financial services." Bilal Alassar, Managing Director at AlphaCentrix, shared his thoughts on the partnership: "We're exceptionally delighted to join forces with another esteemed financial services provider such as Al Rajhi Capital in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Al Rajhi Capital is strategically positioned to harness the remarkable advantages of our powerful Wealth Management and Thrift Plans capabilities offered through AlphaInvest. We are unwavering in our commitment to reinvest aggressively in these solutions and bolster our global delivery team to provide significant operational scale and deliver an even more enhanced client experience to large financial institutions." AlphaCentrix and Al Rajhi Capital look forward to a fruitful partnership that will undoubtedly elevate the financial services landscape in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. About Al Rajhi Capital Al Rajhi Capital is a prominent and multi-award-winning financial services company specializing in providing a diverse range of innovative financial products and services that adhere to the principles of Shariah finance. Its digital channels serve as a comprehensive platform for accessing investment-related resources, potentially opening investment accounts online, and staying informed about market developments. Al Rajhi Capital also offers access to daily market reports, mutual fund price lists, and the latest market news. For more information, please visit www.alrajhi-capital.com . About AlphaCentrix AlphaCentrix (formally Fascet LLC), provides data management, client onboarding and wealth management solutions, application hosting, and professional services that simplify investment operations for the world's leading Investment Managers, Fund Administrators, and Prime Brokers. Founded in 2002, AlphaCentrix is based in Jersey City, New Jersey with offices in Dallas, Texas, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and Mumbai, India. For more information, please visit https://alphacentrix.com/ Press contact: Ahmad Al Rifai alrifaia@alrajhi-capital.sa Tel: +966 01182 84686 Bilal Alassar balassar@alphacentrix.com +966-540-066448 Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2280057/Al_Rajhi_Capital_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/al-rajhi-capital-partners-with-alphacentrix-for-cutting-edge-financial-solutions-301991891.html The sleep brand's flagship store is located in the centre of Cologne. Emma's own stores are a part of the company's broader retail strategy. The store's grand opening will take place on Saturday 18th November. COLOGNE, Germany, Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Emma - The Sleep Company, the world's largest D2C sleep brand, is opening its first German store in one of Cologne's primary shopping streets, Mittelstrae. The project marks a new era of expansion for the sleep company - having already transformed the global D2C sleep industry, Emma is now revolutionising retail with its own stores. The uniquely designed space features Emma's diverse and extensive range of sleep products, including mattresses, pillows and beds. The new store provides a great opportunity for customers to see, touch, and experience these Emma products before purchase. Sleep experts will be on hand to explain the technology behind Emma's acclaimed products, and to help visitors identify which ones suit their needs best. "Opening our first Emma Store in Germany is another exciting milestone in our journey to becoming the world's number one global sleep brand," said Manuel Muller, Co-Founder and CEO of Emma - The Sleep Company. "We have more store openings planned across Europe later this year, and in 2024," added Muller. The Cologne store's grand opening will take place on Saturday 18th November. Alongside Emma's products, visitors can expect to find a wheel of fortune, a photobooth, and the chance to win prizes. For more information about Emma - The Sleep Company, please visit news.emma-sleep.com About Emma - The Sleep Company Emma - The Sleep Company is a founder-managed company and the world's leading direct-to-consumer sleep brand. Founded in 2013 by Dr. Dennis Schmoltzi and Manuel Mueller in Germany, the company is active in more than 30 countries and achieved a turnover of EUR 873 million (USD 948 million) in 2022, a growth rate of 35 percent from the previous year. Emma products are sold via an omnichannel approach, including D2C/online, marketplaces, and more than 3,500 brick-and-mortar stores. Emma successfully collaborates with over 200 retailers. Emma's 1,000+ team members are working across the world, with offices in Frankfurt (Germany), Manila (Philippines), Lisbon (Portugal), Mexico City (Mexico), and Shanghai (China). Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2279599/Emma_Store_Ko_ln_Copyright_Emma_1__1.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/emma--the-sleep-company-opens-the-doors-to-its-first-german-store-301991820.html BEIJING, Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Chinese President Xi Jinping and his U.S. counterpart Joe Biden had a candid and in-depth exchange of views at the Filoli Estate, San Francisco on Wednesday. This much-anticipated summit took place a year after the two presidents met in Bali, Indonesia. During the meeting, President Xi called on the two countries to build together five pillars for bilateral relations and assume a new San Francisco vision facing the future. He stressed that China is consistently committed to having a stable, healthy and sustainable relationship with the United States. At the same time, China has interests that must be safeguarded, principles that must be upheld, and red lines that must not be crossed. China hopes that the two countries can be partners that respect each other and coexist in peace. American economist Jeffrey Sachs said the idea of mutual respect, cooperation, dialogue, and joint problem-solving is "really wise, and of paramount importance," according to Xinhua reports. Admittedly, the two countries still face some strategic disputes. President Xi stressed at the summit that two countries need to jointly manage disagreements effectively instead of letting them become a chasm that keeps the two countries apart. In fact, before, during and after the Xi-Biden summit, the two sides have reached a series of important consensuses on functional issues including climate change, artificial intelligence, counternarcotics cooperation and people-to-people exchanges. China-U.S. engagement and cooperation on these issues are essential to promoting dialogue and understanding between the two sides, and reducing the risks of conflicts and confrontations caused by miscalculations. China-U.S. cooperation is also a manifestation of responsibility toward the international community. During the summit, President Xi called on China and the United States to jointly shoulder responsibilities as major countries, stressing that the problems facing human society cannot be solved without cooperation between major countries. Joseph Nye, a University Distinguished Service Professor and former Dean of the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, emphasized that decoupling is impossible between China and the U.S., as no country can tackle climate change, the pandemic threat, or other transnational problems alone. China, as the largest developing country, and the U.S., as the largest developed country, are vital in promoting global economic growth. In the meanwhile, as permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and important participants in the current global governance mechanism, the two countries also play a crucial role in addressing global challenges From Bali to San Francisco, the giant ship of China-U.S. relations has sailed through hidden reefs and rapids. But San Francisco is not a destination. The city, which has witnessed the century-long history of exchanges between Chinese and American people, is a new starter for the China-U.S. relationship. https://news.cgtn.com/news/2023-11-16/San-Francisco-a-new-starter-for-China-U-S-relations-1oMtcW3ua1q/index.html Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2280047/image_5009787_30551178.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/cgtn-san-francisco-a-new-starter-for-china-us-relations-301991913.html HOOFDDORP, The Netherlands, Nov. 17, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- EZVIZ, a global leading smart home technology company, is excited to announce its highly anticipated Black Friday sale. By slashing prices on some of its most advanced products, EZVIZ is serious about enhancing safety and smartness in every home, with exclusive offers that are hard to resist. From highly rated stylish battery cameras to award-winning video doorbells. EZVIZ reaffirms its mission to make protection more reliable and accessible than ever before, celebrating love, care and peace-of-mind of family during this shopping festival. The enchantment of the sale will last 11 days, from November 17 to November 27. Everyone can grab the chance to choose and pick without stressing too much with a tight schedule. Smart home lovers can hunt for EZVIZ's hot deals on the company's official online stores, Amazon UK, or through its local retail partners. EZVIZ BC1C A hassle-free camera that eliminates the need for complex wiring and expensive video storage subscriptions. Featuring built-in 32GB memory and an impressive 210-day battery life - which can be recharged using a solar panel - the weatherproof BC1C is suitable for outdoor use. Its focus on detecting human motion provides protection around the clock. EZVIZ CB8 Battery-Powered Pan & Tilt Camera - Sale price ?99.99, was ?149.99 A powerful assistant to look after your holiday home or renovation site where electrical limits make installation difficult. The CB8 captures information from all directions in 2K and operates without external power or data cables. Made for next-level-easy security in any home, it runs up to 210 days on a full charge, and supports smart person detection and auto-tracking. EZVIZ DB2 Battery-Powered Video Doorbell - Sale price ?62.04, was ?84.99.99 The ideal video doorbell for those who seek enhanced front-door protection but are not stellar electricians. The wire-free EZVIZ DB2 offers 2K resolution, an ultra-wide field of view, smart human motion detection, and two-way talk - all come with effortless installation. Users can enjoy privacy protection through the voice changer feature and create non-filming zones to monitor only the necessary areas. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9d883874-faa3-453b-9252-20ae6222968c BEIJING, Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Hernan Garces, a grandson of a Chilean cherry planter, is glad to see his family business has become a main cherry exporter to China. Boasting more than 80 percent of its cherries exported to China, Garces, manager of one of the biggest local cherry exporters, attributed his success to the sound business environment in China. "The business environment in China is very friendly and there are endless possibilities," said Garces, who has moved his family to Shanghai to better manage his business. The cherries, spanning the northern and southern hemisphere, have witnessed the constant interdependence and deep integration between China's economy and the Asia-Pacific economy. Openness and common development Chinese President Xi Jinping noted in his speech delivered to the APEC CEO Summit in San Francisco on Thursday that since the first Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting in 1993, the region has experienced deepened economic cooperation and integration. "Over the past three decades, we have stayed committed to open regionalism, opening-up and inclusiveness, learned from each other's strengths, exchanged needs, focused on development and jointly developed 'the APEC Approach' based on the principles of voluntarism, consensus-building and incremental progress, capitalizing on the spirit of partnership featuring harmony without uniformity, and solidarity and mutual assistance," Xi added. The Chinese President said openness, inclusiveness and development for all outshine others on the remarkable journey of Asia-Pacific cooperation. "Over the past three decades, the Asia-Pacific has cut its average tariff rate from 17 percent to 5 percent, and contributed 70 percent of global economic growth," said Xi, adding that in the same period, "per capita income in the Asia-Pacific has more than quadrupled, and one billion people have been lifted out of poverty." Despite different histories and cultures and stages of development, Xi stressed that seeking common ground while shelving differences is the best practice of regional cooperation. Facilitating regional cooperation Pointing out that the world has entered a new period of turbulence and change, Xi said the absence of cooperation is the biggest risk, and that decoupling and supply-chain disruption is not in anyone's interest. He went on to say that APEC economies should "steadfastly advance the building of a Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific." Facts speak louder than words. In recent years, China has continuously deepened economic and trade cooperation with other 20 APEC economies, and continued to contribute China's strength to the construction of the Asia-Pacific economy, according to China's Ministry of Commerce (MOC). Specifically speaking, in 2022, the total import and export volume of China and APEC members was $3,739.08 billion, accounting for 59.7 percent of the total import and export volume of China, according to MOC data. The data also showed in the same year that eight of China's top 10 trading partners are APEC members and China is the largest trading partner of 13 APEC economies. Luo Rong, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Macroeconomic Research, noticed that China's door is opening wider, its capability to use foreign investment continues to grow and its business environment continues to improve. "All those will inject new vitality and impetus into regional economic growth." More measures to invite foreign investment Since China's reform and opening-up 45 years ago, APEC has become the first economic and trade organization that it joined. At the new starting point, Xi said China remains committed to pursuing development with its doors open and will unswervingly advance high-standard opening up and further expand market access, adding that China has announced the removal of all restrictive measures on foreign investment in manufacturing. The Chinese President also said no matter how the international situation evolves, China's resolution to foster a market-oriented, law-based and world-class business environment will not change, adding that its policy for providing equal and quality services to foreign investors will not change. Xi also said the world's largest developing country will also take more measures, such as improving the policies on entry and stay of foreign nationals in China and removing obstacles in financial, medical, e-payment and other services. For example, Beijing has streamlined the process of obtaining work permits and work-type residence permits for foreigners. All foreign talents working in Beijing are entitled to the convenient one-stop application service for the two permits at any of the 15 one-stop service counters across the city. "All this is designed to make it easier for foreign companies to invest and operate in China," said Xi. https://news.cgtn.com/news/2023-11-17/Xi-delivers-written-message-to-APEC-CEO-Summit-1oN7z9BWpoI/index.html View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/cgtn-china-to-uphold-openness-and-common-development-for-better-asia-pacific-cooperation-301991964.html SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Simplilearn, a global digital skills training provider, has been named to the Training Industry's list of the Top 20 IT & Technical Training Companies. Training Industry, the leading research and information resource for corporate learning leaders, prepares their Top 20 reports on critical sectors of the corporate training marketplace to better inform professionals about the best and most innovative providers of training services and technologies. This award adds to Simplilearn's multiple recognition's by Training Industry. Training Industry selected the top 20 companies based on the extent and quality of programs and service offerings, industry visibility, innovation, impact in the IT and technical training market, client and user representation, business performance, and growth. This recognition exemplifies Simplilearn's commitment to providing a highly interactive and seamless learning experience to working professionals in the digital space and empowering them for career advancement. Speaking on the achievement, Anand Narayanan, Chief Product Officer, Simplilearn, said, "I would like to thank all of the folks at Simplilearn for their absolute focus on getting great outcomes for our learners. Awards like these are a recognition of the hard work that goes in day in and day out in delivering joy and success to our learners and when we fail, to learn quickly and improve. I express my gratitude to the Training Industry for bestowing upon us this honor and recognizing our efforts in bringing quality upskilling across the globe." "This year's Top 20 IT & Technical Training Companies are leading innovators in the IT training sector," said Jessica Schue, Market Research Analyst at Training Industry, Inc. "These companies demonstrate high-quality content on topics and skill sets such as cybersecurity, data science/analytics, cloud computing, programming with a wide range of languages, and much more. Utilizing advanced technologies and modalities like artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR), and virtual labs, these companies take an immersive approach to training and work continuously to adapt and keep up with the ever-changing IT market." About Training Industry, Inc. "We make connections." Our company has a passion for making connections. We cultivate high-value conversations for select solution providers and with our highly engaged community of corporate learning and development leaders and decision-makers. These conversations benefit the training industry by surfacing challenges, sharing innovations, and communicating rapidly evolving best practices. Training Industry (https://trainingindustry.com) is the most trusted source of information on the business of learning. Our authority is built on deep ties with more than 450 expert contributors who share insights and actionable information with their peers. Training Industry's courses, live events, articles, magazines, webinars, podcast's, research, and reports generate more than 10 million industry interactions each year. At the same time, the Top 20 Training Companies Lists help business leaders find the right training partners. For a complimentary referral, visit https://trainingindustry.com/rfp Simplilearn conducts more than 3,000 live classes, with an average of 70,000 learners who spend more than 500,000 hours each month on the platform. Programs offered by Simplilearn enable learners to upskill and get certified in popular domains. About Simplilearn Founded in 2010 and based in San Francisco, California, and Bangalore, India, Simplilearn, a Blackstone portfolio company, is the world's #1 online bootcamp for digital economy skills training. Simplilearn offers access to world-class work-ready training to individuals and businesses worldwide. The bootcamps are designed and delivered with world-renowned universities, top corporations, and leading industry bodies via live online classes featuring top industry practitioners, sought-after trainers, and global leaders. From college students and early career professionals to managers, executives, small businesses, and big corporations, Simplilearn's role-based, skill-focused, industry-recognized, and globally relevant training programs are ideal upskilling solutions for diverse career and business goals. For more information, please visit www.simplilearn.com/ Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1100016/Simplilearn_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/simplilearn-is-recognized-by-training-industry-in-the-top-20-it--technical-training-companies-in-2023-301991973.html BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA / ACCESSWIRE / November 17, 2023 / NOA Lithium Brines Inc. (TSX-V:NOAL)(FSE:N7N) ("NOA" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the Company is participating in the upcoming 121 Mining Investment Conference in London, United Kingdom. Gabriel Rubacha, Chief Executive Officer and a Director of the Company will provide a corporate update during 1-on-1 meetings and present the Company's recent and future planned activities on November 21 at 3:00 p.m. (London, United Kingdom Time). 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 program will provide expert commentary and the latest market intelligence on key industry developments. Company's corporate presentation has been updated and is available at our website at www.noalithium.com. This year's 121 Mining Investment Conference in London, United Kingdom is being held on November 20-21, 2023. 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 NOA Lithium Brines NOA Lithium Brines Inc. ("NOA") is a lithium exploration and development company formed to acquire assets with significant resource potential. All NOA's projects are in the heart of the prolific Lithium Triangle, in the mining-friendly province of Salta, Argentina, near a multitude of projects and operations owned by some of the largest players in the lithium industry. NOA has rapidly consolidated a very large and impressive lithium brine claim portfolio, with key positions on three prospective salars (Rio Grande, Arizaro, Salinas Grandes) and totaling over 100,000 hectares. NOA is committed to sustainable and responsible exploration and business activities in line with industry best practices and is supportive of all stakeholders, including the local communities in which the Company operates. On Behalf of the Board of Directors Gabriel Rubacha Chief Executive Officer and Director For Further Information Website: www.noalithium.com Email: info@noalithium.com Telephone: +54-9-11-5060-4709 Alternative Telephone: +1-403-571-8013 Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release may include forward-looking statements that are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties. All statements within this news release, other than statements of historical fact, are to be considered forward looking statements. Forward-looking statements including, but not limited to NOA's future plans and objectives regarding its projects, which constitute forward looking information that involve various risks and uncertainties. Although NOA believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements include fluctuations in market prices, including metal prices, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. There can be no assurances that such statements will prove accurate and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties. NOA does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements except as required under applicable laws. NEITHER TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE. SOURCE: NOA Lithium Brines Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/804520/noa-lithium-brines-announces-participation-in-121-mining-investment-conference-in-london CHATSWORTH, CA / ACCESSWIRE / November 17, 2023 / Chilco River Holdings, Inc. ("Chilco River") (OTC PINK:CRVH), a multi-faceted holding company focused on developing high-growth businesses within diverse industries, announces updates with wholly-owned subsidiary, American Hemp Brands, Inc., flourishing new collaborations with companies specializing in hemp-derived products. Distinguished for its adept white-labeling and manufacturing services for top-tier brands, American Hemp Brands, Inc. ("American Hemp Brands") strategically positions itself for substantial growth, aiming to establish a nationwide and global presence through an innovative range of products. American Hemp Brands, founded in 2018 and now part of Chilco River, is a pioneering corporation specializing in the production of water-soluble legal cannabinoid nano-emulsions. With a commitment to excellence and innovation, American Hemp Brands is poised to revolutionize the cannabinoid market by enhancing the bioavailability and effectiveness of cannabinoid products for both human and pet health. Boasting a diverse portfolio that includes Cartridges, Tinctures, Edibles, Beverages, Extracts, Topicals, and more, American Hemp Brands' production capabilities cater to all legal hemp products, extending beyond the borders of Oklahoma to serve the entire United States. Counted among its prestigious clientele are industry leaders such as Calypso Farms, Calypso Extracts, Major Hemp, AVEINA Brand, Rogue Wolf, and YeeHaw Cannabis. The company takes immense pride in meticulously crafting premium White Label products tailored to each brand's distinct identity and vision. "This strategic approach propels us to the forefront of industry growth, enabling us not only to meet but exceed the expectations of our valued partners," commented Jakob Jorgensen, President of American Hemp Brands, "We're enthusiastic about the opportunities that lie ahead as we continue to innovate and broaden our product offerings." Chief Executive Officer, Will Lovett concluded, "American Hemp Brands remains steadfast in its commitment to maintaining a leadership position in the hemp product manufacturing sector, dedicated to delivering excellence and innovation while fostering enduring partnerships with esteemed brands nationwide. We look forward to quickly expanding our footprint with notable customer brands, as well as that are in our own internal development." About American Hemp Brands: American Hemp Brands is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Chilco River Holdings, Inc. which stands as a leading manufacturer and innovator specializing in hemp-derived products. Recognized for its expertise in white-labeling and manufacturing, the company collaborates with esteemed brands, delivering premium products tailored to their unique visions. With an unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation, American Hemp Brands is dedicated to expanding its reach in the industry while upholding top-tier quality and service. About Chilco River Holdings, Inc.: Chilco River multi-faceted holding company focused on developing high-growth businesses within diverse industries. Website: http://www.chilcoriver.com Forward Looking Statements: This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27a of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and section 21e of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Those statements include the intent, belief or current expectations of the company and its management team. Forward-looking statements are projections of events, revenues, income, future economics, research, development, reformulation, product performance or management's plans and objectives for future operations. Some or all of the events or results anticipated by these forward-looking statements may not occur. Prospective investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. Accomplishing the strategy described herein is significantly dependent upon numerous factors, many that are not in management's control. Contact: Will Lovett Chief Executive Officer Chilco River Holdings, Inc. will@chilcoriver.com SOURCE: Chilco River Holdings, Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/804880/american-hemp-brands-elevates-presence-in-hemp-product-industry-forges-partnerships-with-esteemed-national-brands Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - November 17, 2023) - COELACANTH ENERGY INC. (TSXV: CEI) ("Coelacanth" or the "Company") is pleased to announce its financial and operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023. All dollar figures are Canadian dollars unless otherwise noted. HIGHLIGHTS Completed two Upper Montney wells on its 10-08 pad at Two Rivers West. Drilled five wells on its 5-19 pad at Two Rivers East. Four wells (three Lower Montney and one Basal Montney) are expected to be completed in Q4 2023. Subsequent to September 30, 2023, closed a bought-deal public financing issuing 100.0 million units of the Company ("Units") at a price of $0.80 per Unit for gross proceeds of $80.0 million. Each Unit is comprised of one common share of the Company and 0.33 common share purchase warrants of the Company. Each whole common share purchase warrant entitles the holder to purchase one common share at an exercise price of $1.05 per common share expiring on November 15, 2024. Financial and operational results below present the carved-out historic financial position, results of operations and cash flows of Leucrotta's Two Rivers Assets for all prior periods up to and including May 31, 2022 and the results of operations from May 31, 2022 forward include the results of Coelacanth after assuming the Two Rivers Assets upon close of the Arrangement. FINANCIAL RESULTS Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30 September 30 ($000s, except per share amounts) 2023 2022 % Change 2023 2022 % Change Oil and natural gas sales 679 2,135 (68 ) 2,459 6,157 (60 ) Cash flow used in operating activities (2,553 ) (6,732 ) (62 ) (3,830 ) (9,105 ) (58 ) Per share - basic and diluted (1) (0.01 ) (0.02 ) (50 ) (0.01 ) (0.03 ) (67 ) Adjusted funds flow (used) (1) (773 ) 161 (580 ) (2,083 ) (290 ) 618 Per share - basic and diluted (-) - - (-) (-) - Net loss (1,869 ) (830 ) 125 (5,823 ) (10,438 ) (44 ) Per share - basic and diluted (-) (-) - (0.01 ) (0.03 ) (67 ) Capital expenditures (1) 31,176 3,861 707 39,957 5,028 695 Adjusted working capital (1) 23,516 77,445 (70 ) Common shares outstanding (000s) Weighted average - basic and diluted 426,476 418,556 2 425,685 343,064 24 End of period - basic 426,670 425,106 - End of period - fully diluted 469,781 461,955 2 (1) See "Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures" section. OPERATING RESULTS (1) Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30 September 30 2023 2022 % Change 2023 2022 % Change Daily production (2) Oil and condensate (bbls/d) 39 54 (28 ) 46 65 (29 ) Other NGLs (bbls/d) 7 19 (63 ) 12 19 (37 ) Oil and NGLs (bbls/d) 46 73 (37 ) 58 84 (31 ) Natural gas (mcf/d) 929 1,567 (41 ) 1,208 1,664 (27 ) Oil equivalent (boe/d) 201 334 (40 ) 259 361 (28 ) Oil and natural gas sales Oil and condensate ($/bbl) 99.00 109.62 (10 ) 93.73 120.06 (22 ) Other NGLs ($/bbl) 28.07 51.00 (45 ) 33.97 51.25 (34 ) Oil and NGLs ($/bbl) 88.43 94.55 (6 ) 81.69 104.57 (22 ) Natural gas ($/mcf) 3.60 10.39 (65 ) 3.58 8.32 (57 ) Oil equivalent ($/boe) 36.85 69.40 (47 ) 34.83 62.56 (44 ) Royalties Oil and NGLs ($/bbl) 20.08 30.44 (34 ) 22.51 33.03 (32 ) Natural gas ($/mcf) 0.79 3.14 (75 ) 0.82 2.28 (64 ) Oil equivalent ($/boe) 8.26 21.37 (61 ) 8.82 18.17 (51 ) Operating expenses Oil and NGLs ($/bbl) 18.92 13.11 44 17.68 13.29 33 Natural gas ($/mcf) 3.17 2.15 47 2.95 2.21 33 Oil equivalent ($/boe) 18.98 12.94 47 17.68 13.28 33 Net transportation expenses (3) Oil and NGLs ($/bbl) 2.40 1.65 45 1.86 2.92 (36 ) Natural gas ($/mcf) 1.40 1.38 1 1.36 1.01 35 Oil equivalent ($/boe) 7.05 6.81 4 6.76 5.35 26 Operating netback (loss) (3) Oil and NGLs ($/bbl) 47.03 49.35 (5 ) 39.64 55.33 (28 ) Natural gas ($/mcf) (1.76 ) 3.72 (147 ) (1.55 ) 2.82 (155 ) Oil equivalent ($/boe) 2.56 28.28 (91 ) 1.57 25.76 (94 ) Depletion and depreciation ($/boe) (21.33 ) (15.41 ) 38 (18.24 ) (14.95 ) 22 General and administrative expenses ($/boe) (47.09 ) (36.07 ) 31 (46.70 ) (33.47 ) 40 Share based compensation ($/boe) (34.70 ) (15.99 ) 117 (32.12 ) (93.74 ) (66 ) Gain on insurance proceeds ($/boe) - - - - 6.67 (100 ) Finance expense ($/boe) (9.61 ) (5.77 ) 67 (5.27 ) (3.30 ) 60 Finance income ($/boe) 37.32 16.23 130 29.26 5.98 389 Other income ($/boe) - 1.75 (100 ) - 1.00 (100 ) Unutilized transportation ($/boe) (28.44 ) - 100 (10.95 ) - 100 Net loss ($/boe) (101.29 ) (26.98 ) 275 (82.45 ) (106.05 ) (22 ) (1) See "Oil and Gas Terms" section. (2) See "Product Types" section. (3) See "Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures" section. Selected financial and operational information outlined in this news release should be read in conjunction with Coelacanth's unaudited condensed interim financial statements and related Management's Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A") for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, which are available for review under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. COMMON-CONTROL TRANSACTION On May 31, 2022, the arrangement agreement between Coelacanth, Leucrotta Exploration Inc. ("Leucrotta"), Vermilion Energy Inc. ("Vermilion"), and the shareholders of Leucrotta (the "Arrangement") closed and Vermilion acquired all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Leucrotta in exchange for $1.73 cash for each common share of Leucrotta held. Pursuant to an asset conveyance agreement between Coelacanth and Leucrotta made as of May 31, 2022, and immediately prior to the closing of the Arrangement, Leucrotta transferred approximately $45.1 million cash, net of transaction costs, and certain oil and natural gas assets primarily located in the Two Rivers area of British Columbia ("Two Rivers Assets") to Coelacanth in exchange for one common share of Coelacanth ("Coelacanth Share"), and 0.1917 of a common share purchase warrant of Coelacanth (one whole warrant being an "Arrangement Warrant") for each common share of Leucrotta outstanding. The Coelacanth Shares and Arrangement Warrants were then transferred to the shareholders of Leucrotta. Since the shareholders of Coelacanth and Leucrotta were the same both before and after the conveyance of the Two Rivers Assets (at the time Coelacanth was a wholly-owned subsidiary of Leucrotta), this transaction was deemed a common-control transaction. The financial and operational results below present the historic financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the transferred Two Rivers Assets for all prior periods up to and including May 31, 2022 on a carve-out basis as if they had operated as a stand-alone entity subject to Leucrotta's control. The financial position, results of operations and cash flows from March 24, 2022 (the date of incorporation of Coelacanth) to May 31, 2022 include both the Two Rivers Assets and Coelacanth on a combined basis and from May 31, 2022 forward include the results of Coelacanth after assuming the Two Rivers Assets upon close of the Arrangement. OPERATIONS UPDATE In Q3 2023, Coelacanth continued with development of its Two Rivers project. The Two Rivers project spans Coelacanth's 150 contiguous sections of Montney lands and is divided up geographically into two projects - Two Rivers West ("TRW") and Two Rivers East ("TRE"). Although the overall project has been geologically defined and production tested with vertical and horizontal wells, Coelacanth needed to address infrastructure and egress issues along with developing production type curves incorporating enhanced frac design. During Q3 2023, Coelacanth: Drilled one Upper Montney well at TRE. Completed two Upper Montney wells at TRW (see news release dated October 23, 2023). Drilled five Montney horizontal wells on its 5-19 pad at TRE. Since inception in June 2022, Coelacanth was able to accomplish many goals and objectives furthering its long-term development goals for the Two Rivers project: Secured 60 mmcf/d of firm gas transportation capacity. Signed an agreement with NorthRiver Midstream securing up to 60 mmcf/d of firm processing capacity. Received a license to drill up to 14 wells on the 5-19 pad at TRE. Drilled three Upper Montney horizontal wells at TRW (two completed in Q3 2023). Drilled six Montney horizontal wells at TRE (four to be completed in Q4 2023). Updated its enhanced frac design for completions at both TRW and TRE wells. Completed the engineering and design and secured a site to build a battery capable of handling approximately 20,000 boe/d. Initiated the process of permitting and securing land access to construct the gathering and sales pipelines to connect the 5-19 pad to the NorthRiver Midstream gathering system. Subsequent to quarter-end, Coelacanth secured a frac crew to complete four wells at TRE including three Lower Montney wells and one Basal Montney well on the 5-19 TRE pad. In addition, Coelacanth secured an $80 million bought deal financing and a $1.5 million private placement financing to three key employees that will add additional funds that will have a material effect on the funding of the overall project. We look forward to updating our stakeholders on our progress as we achieve various milestones. OIL AND GAS TERMS The Company uses the following frequently recurring oil and gas industry terms in the news release: Liquids Bbls Barrels Bbls/d Barrels per day NGLs Natural gas liquids (includes condensate, pentane, butane, propane, and ethane) Condensate Pentane and heavier hydrocarbons Natural Gas Mcf Thousands of cubic feet Mcf/d Thousands of cubic feet per day MMcf/d Millions of cubic feet per day MMbtu Million of British thermal units MMbtu/d Million of British thermal units per day Oil Equivalent Boe Barrels of oil equivalent Boe/d Barrels of oil equivalent per day Disclosure provided herein in respect of a boe may be misleading, particularly if used in isolation. A boe conversion rate of six thousand cubic feet of natural gas to one barrel of oil equivalent has been used for the calculation of boe amounts in the news release. This boe conversion rate is based on an energy equivalency conversion method primarily applicable at the burner tip and does not represent a value equivalency at the wellhead. NON-GAAP AND OTHER FINANCIAL MEASURES This news release refers to certain measures that are not determined in accordance with IFRS (or "GAAP"). These non-GAAP and other financial measures do not have any standardized meaning prescribed under IFRS and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other entities. The non-GAAP and other financial measures should not be considered alternatives to, or more meaningful than, financial measures that are determined in accordance with IFRS as indicators of the Company's performance. Management believes that the presentation of these non-GAAP and other financial measures provides useful information to shareholders and investors in understanding and evaluating the Company's ongoing operating performance, and the measures provide increased transparency to better analyze the Company's performance against prior periods on a comparable basis. Non-GAAP Financial Measures Adjusted funds flow (used) Management uses adjusted funds flow (used) to analyze performance and considers it a key measure as it demonstrates the Company's ability to generate the cash necessary to fund future capital investments and abandonment obligations and to repay debt, if any. Adjusted funds flow (used) is a non-GAAP financial measure and has been defined by the Company as cash flow used in operating activities excluding the change in non-cash working capital related to operating activities, movements in restricted cash deposits and expenditures on decommissioning obligations. Management believes the timing of collection, payment or incurrence of these items involves a high degree of discretion and as such may not be useful for evaluating the Company's cash flows. Adjusted funds flow (used) is reconciled from cash flow used in operating activities as follows: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30 September 30 ($000s) 2023 2022 2023 2022 Cash flow used in operating activities (2,553 ) (6,732 ) (3,830 ) (9,105 ) Add (deduct): Decommissioning expenditures 925 475 1,677 654 Restricted cash deposits - 6,432 (784 ) 8,060 Change in non-cash working capital 855 (14 ) 854 101 Adjusted funds flow (used) (non-GAAP) (773 ) 161 (2,083 ) (290 ) Net transportation expenses Management considers net transportation expenses an important measure as it demonstrates the cost of utilized transportation related to the Company's production. Net transportation expenses is calculated as transportation expenses less unutilized transportation and is calculated as follows: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30 September 30 ($000s) 2023 2022 2023 2022 Transportation expenses 654 210 1,250 527 Unutilized transportation (525 ) - (773 ) - Net transportation expenses (non-GAAP) 129 210 477 527 Operating netback Management considers operating netback an important measure as it demonstrates its profitability relative to current commodity prices. Operating netback is calculated as oil and natural gas sales less royalties, operating expenses, and net transportation expenses and is calculated as follows: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30 September 30 ($000s) 2023 2022 2023 2022 Oil and natural gas sales 679 2,135 2,459 6,157 Royalties (152 ) (658 ) (623 ) (1,788 ) Operating expenses (350 ) (398 ) (1,249 ) (1,307 ) Net transportation expenses (129 ) (210 ) (477 ) (527 ) Operating netback (non-GAAP) 48 869 110 2,535 Capital expenditures Coelacanth utilizes capital expenditures as a measure of capital investment on property, plant, and equipment, exploration and evaluation assets and property acquisitions compared to its annual budgeted capital expenditures. Capital expenditures are calculated as follows: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30 September 30 ($000s) 2023 2022 2023 2022 Capital expenditures - property, plant, and equipment 15,785 3,861 22,344 4,572 Capital expenditures - exploration and evaluation assets 15,391 - 17,613 456 Capital expenditures (non-GAAP) 31,176 3,861 39,957 5,028 Capital Management Measures Adjusted working capital Management uses adjusted working capital as a measure to assess the Company's financial position. Adjusted working capital is calculated as current assets and restricted cash deposits less current liabilities, excluding the current portion of decommissioning obligations. ($000s) September 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 Current assets 38,804 67,938 Less: Current liabilities (22,631 ) (8,901 ) Working capital 16,173 59,037 Add: Restricted cash deposits 6,781 7,389 Current portion of decommissioning obligations 562 1,312 Adjusted working capital (Capital management measure) 23,516 67,738 Non-GAAP Financial Ratios Adjusted Funds Flow (Used) per Share Adjusted funds flow (used) per share is a non-GAAP financial ratio, calculated using adjusted funds flow (used) and the same weighted average basic and diluted shares used in calculating net loss per share. Net transportation expenses per boe The Company utilizes net transportation expenses per boe to assess the per unit cost of utilized transportation related to the Company's production. Net transportation expenses per boe is calculated as net transportation expenses divided by total production for the applicable period. Operating netback per boe The Company utilizes operating netback per boe to assess the operating performance of its petroleum and natural gas assets on a per unit of production basis. Operating netback per boe is calculated as operating netback divided by total production for the applicable period. Supplementary Financial Measures The supplementary financial measures used in this news release (primarily average sales price per product type and certain per boe and per share figures) are either a per unit disclosure of a corresponding GAAP measure, or a component of a corresponding GAAP measure, presented in the financial statements. Supplementary financial measures that are disclosed on a per unit basis are calculated by dividing the aggregate GAAP measure (or component thereof) by the applicable unit for the period. Supplementary financial measures that are disclosed on a component basis of a corresponding GAAP measure are a granular representation of a financial statement line item and are determined in accordance with GAAP. PRODUCT TYPES The Company uses the following references to sales volumes in the news release: Natural gas refers to shale gas Oil and condensate refers to condensate and tight oil combined Other NGLs refers to butane, propane and ethane combined Oil and NGLs refers to tight oil and NGLs combined Oil equivalent refers to the total oil equivalent of shale gas, tight oil, and NGLs combined, using the conversion rate of six thousand cubic feet of shale gas to one barrel of oil equivalent as described above. The following is a complete breakdown of sales volumes for applicable periods by specific product types of shale gas, tight oil, and NGLs: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30 September 30 Sales Volumes by Product Type 2023 2022 2023 2022 Condensate (bbls/d) 4 9 6 11 Other NGLs (bbls/d) 7 19 12 19 NGLs (bbls/d) 11 28 18 30 Tight oil (bbls/d) 35 45 40 54 Condensate (bbls/d) 4 9 6 11 Oil and condensate (bbls/d) 39 54 46 65 Other NGLs (bbls/d) 7 19 12 19 Oil and NGLs (bbls/d) 46 73 58 84 Shale gas (mcf/d) 929 1,567 1,208 1,664 Natural gas (mcf/d) 929 1,567 1,208 1,664 Oil equivalent (boe/d) 201 334 259 361 CLOSING OF PRIVATE PLACEMENT The Company is pleased to announce that, further to its press release dated November 15, 2023, it has closed its previously announced non-brokered private placement (the "Offering") to three key employees of 1,875,000 units of the Company ("Units"), at a price of $0.80 per Unit, for aggregate proceeds of $1,500,000. Each Unit consists of one common share in the capital of the Company and one common share purchase warrant. Each warrant entitles the holder to purchase one common share of the Company at a price of $0.80 per share expiring on November 16, 2028. The securities issued pursuant to the Offering are subject to a four month and one day hold period from the date of the closing of the Offering, in accordance with applicable securities laws. READER ADVISORY This document 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", "may", "will", "should", "believe", "intends", "forecast", "plans", "guidance" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements or information. More particularly and without limitation, this news release contains forward-looking statements and information relating to the Company's oil and condensate, other NGLs, and natural gas production, operating expenses, capital programs, and adjusted working capital. The forward-looking statements and information are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by the Company, including expectations and assumptions relating to prevailing commodity prices and exchange rates, applicable royalty rates and tax laws, future well production rates, the performance of existing wells, the success of drilling new wells, the availability of capital to undertake planned activities, and the availability and cost of labour and services. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements and information are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Since forward-looking statements and information address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks. These include, but are not limited to, the risks associated with the oil and gas industry in general such as operational risks in development, exploration and production, delays or changes in plans with respect to exploration or development projects or capital expenditures, the uncertainty of estimates and projections relating to production rates, costs, and expenses, commodity price and exchange rate fluctuations, marketing and transportation, environmental risks, competition, the ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources and changes in tax, royalty, and environmental legislation. The forward-looking statements and information contained in this document are made as of the date hereof for the purpose of providing the readers with the Company's expectations for the coming year. The forward-looking statements and information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws. Coelacanth is an oil and natural gas company, actively engaged in the acquisition, development, exploration, and production of oil and natural gas reserves in northeastern British Columbia, Canada. The Company did not file a material change report in respect of the Offering more than 21 days prior to the closing of the Offering as the Company was unable to announce the Offering until the short form prospectus financing that was announced by the Company on November 15, 2023 had closed, following which time the Company deemed reasonable under the circumstances to close the Offering on an expeditious manner. The Company will file a material change report within 10 days following the date hereof, which will contain all prescribed disclosure relating to this related party transaction in connection with the Offering. Further Information For additional information, please contact: Coelacanth Energy Inc. Suite 2110, 530 - 8th Avenue SW Calgary, Alberta T2P 3S8 Phone: (403) 705-4525 www.coelacanth.ca Mr. Robert J. Zakresky President and Chief Executive Officer Mr. Nolan Chicoine Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer 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/187737 Lebrikizumab is a monoclonal antibody that binds to IL-13 with high affinity, selectively inhibiting its downstream signalling 1-4 Following the European Commission approval, Germany is the first country where lebrikizumab will be available for prescription Lebrikizumab demonstrated early clinical efficacy and maintenance of response up to 2 years in both monotherapy and combination with topical corticosteroids5-8 with monthly maintenance dosing for all patients13 Almirall S.A. (BME: ALM, a global biopharmaceutical company focused on medical dermatology, announced today that the European Commission (EC) has approved EBGLYSS (lebrikizumab) for the treatment of adult and adolescent patients (12 years and older with a body weight of at least 40 kg) with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD), who are candidates for systemic therapy. Almirall will first start the commercial launch in Germany. The company will continue the rollout in further European countries throughout 2024. Lebrikizumab is a monoclonal antibody that binds IL-13 with high affinity to specifically prevent the formation of the IL-13Ra1/IL-4Ra heterodimer complex and subsequent signalling, thereby inhibiting the biological effects of IL-13.1-4 The cytokine IL-13 is key in atopic dermatitis, driving the type-2 inflammatory loop in the skin, leading to skin barrier dysfunction, itch, skin thickening and infection.2,9-12 Lebrikizumab represents a significant step forward in patients with moderate-to-severe AD not controlled with topical therapy due to its selective mechanism of action,2 proven short and long-term efficacy and safety demonstrated up to 2 years5-8 and a monthly maintenance dosing for all patients.13 "The EC approval of lebrikizumab for people suffering with moderate-to-severe AD provides another much-needed treatment option for this challenging disease. We are confident that due to its demonstrated short and long-term efficacy, with monthly maintenance dosing and a consistent safety profile, it has the potential to become a first-line biologic treatment. This regulatory milestone again highlights Almirall's commitment to develop innovative treatments that can make a meaningful difference in the lives of people with skin diseases," stated Dr. Volker Koscielny, Chief Medical Officer at Almirall. "The arrival of novel biologic treatments is marking a new paradigm in the management of atopic dermatitis. The approval of lebrikizumab represents a leap forward in our ability to provide patients with an effective therapeutic option with demonstrated safety profile. For healthcare professionals, it opens the door to improve the management of the disease and create a meaningful impact in the lives of our atopic dermatitis patients, offering new hope and improved prospects for their wellbeing", stated Stephan Weidinger, MD, Ph.D. Professor of Dermatogenetics at the Christian-Albrechts-University and Vice-Head of the Department of Dermatology at the University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Germany. The approval is based on three pivotal Phase 3 studies including ADvocate 1 and ADvocate 2, evaluating lebrikizumab as monotherapy, and ADhere, assessing lebrikizumab in combination with topical corticosteroids (TCS), in adult and adolescent patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis. Lebrikizumab demonstrated early clinical efficacy in monotherapy at week 16,5 reducing disease extent and severity by at least 75% (EASI-75) in almost 6 out of 10 patients. In combination with topical corticosteroids,6 this was achieved in almost 7 out of 10 patients. Nearly 80% of Week 16 responders* who continued treatment with lebrikizumab both as monotherapy and in combination with TCS for up to two years experienced sustained skin clearance, itch relief and reduced disease severity with monthly maintenance dosing.8 The Phase 3 clinical development program also evaluated the safety profile of lebrikizumab. Most adverse events (AE) across the studies were mild or moderate in severity and did not lead to treatment discontinuation. The most common adverse reactions were conjunctivitis, injection site reactions, allergic conjunctivitis, and dry eye. Almirall has licensed the rights to develop and commercialize lebrikizumab for the treatment of dermatology indications, including atopic dermatitis, in Europe. Eli Lilly and Company has exclusive rights for the development and commercialization of the product in the United States and the rest of the world, not including Europe.Almirall expects regulatory decisions for lebrikizumab in moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis in additional European markets, including the United Kingdom and Switzerland. Responders were defined as those achieving a 75% reduction in the Eczema Area and Severity Index from baseline (EASI-75) or an IGA 0 or 1 ("clear" or "almost clear") with at least 2-point improvement and without rescue medication use at Week 16. About lebrikizumab Clinical Development Program The lebrikizumab Phase 3 program consists of five key global studies evaluating over 1,300 patients, including two monotherapy studies (ADvocate 1 and 2), a combination study with topical corticosteroids (ADhere), as well as long-term extension (ADjoin) and adolescent open label (ADore) studies. About Atopic Dermatitis AD is a non-contagious chronic, inflammatory disease of the skin characterized by recurrent inflammation of the skin associated with intense pruritus or itching. Beyond the evident physical manifestations such as dryness, itchiness, redness, and inflammation, this condition exerts profound emotional effects that can significantly disrupt the academic, social, and professional lives of those affected.14 With an estimated prevalence of up to 4.4% among adults in the EU, the incidence of AD appears to have increased in recent decades, with approximately 20-30% of patients having moderate-to-severe disease.15-17 About Almirall Almirall is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on medical dermatology. We collaborate with scientists and healthcare professionals to address patients' needs through science to improve their lives. Our Noble Purpose is at the core of our work: "Transform the patients' world by helping them realize their hopes and dreams for a healthy life". We invest in differentiated and ground-breaking medical dermatology products to bring our innovative solutions to patients in need. The company, founded in 1944 and headquartered in Barcelona, is publicly traded on the Spanish Stock Exchange (ticker: ALM). Throughout its 79-year history, Almirall has focused intensely on patients' needs. Almirall has a direct presence in 21 countries and strategic agreements in over 70, with about 1,800 employees. Total revenue in 2022 was 878.5 MM. For more information, please visit almirall.com Legal warning This document includes only summary information and is not intended to be exhaustive. The facts, figures and opinions contained in this document, in addition to the historical ones, are "forward-looking statements". These statements are based on the information currently available and the best estimates and assumptions that the company considers reasonable. These statements involve risks and uncertainties beyond the control of the company. Therefore, actual results may differ materially from those declared by such forward-looking statements. The company expressly waives any obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements, goals or estimates contained in this document to reflect any changes in the assumptions, events or circumstances on which such forward-looking statements are based, unless required by the applicable law. References Moyle M, et al. Understanding the immune landscape in atopic dermatitis: The era of biologics and emerging therapeutic approaches. Exp Dermatol. 2019;28(7):756-768. Goncalves F, et al. Selective IL-13 inhibitors for the treatment of atopic dermatitis. Drugs Context 2021;10:2021-1-7. Okragly A, et al. Binding, Neutralization and Internalization of the Interleukin-13 Antibody, Lebrikizumab. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2023;13(7):1535-1547. Ultsch M, et al. Structural Basis of Signaling Blockade by Anti-IL-13 Antibody Lebrikizumab. J Mol Biol. 2013;425(8):1330-1339. Silverberg JI, Guttman-Yassky E, Thaci D, et al. Two Phase 3 Trials of Lebrikizumab for Moderate-to-Severe Atopic Dermatitis. N Engl J Med. 2023;doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2206714. Simpson EL et al. Efficacy and safety of Lebrikizumab in combination with topical corticosteroids in adolescents and adults with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis: a randomized clinical trial (ADhere). JAMA Dermatol. Published online January 11, 2023; doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2022.5534. Andrew Blauvelt et al. Efficacy and safety of lebrikizumab in moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis: 52-week results of two randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled phase III trials. British Journal of Dermatology. 2023; ljad022, https://doi.org/10.1093/bjd/ljad022. Guttman-Yassky E, et al. Efficacy and Safety of Lebrikizumab Is Maintained to Two Years in Patients With Moderate-to-Severe Atopic Dermatitis. Presented at the Fall Clinical Dermatology Conference; October 20, 2023. Tsoi LC, et al. Atopic Dermatitis Is an IL-13-Dominant Disease with Greater Molecular Heterogeneity Compared to Psoriasis. J Invest Dermatol. 2019;139(7):1480-1489. Bieber T. Interleukin-13: Targeting an underestimated cytokine in atopic dermatitis. Allergy. 2020;75:54-62. Napolitano M, et al. The hidden sentinel of the skin: An overview on the role of interleukin-13 in atopic dermatitis. Front Med (Lausanne). Apr 18, 2023;10:1165098. Bernardo D, et al. Lebrikizumab for the Treatment of Moderate-to-Severe Atopic Dermatitis. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2023;24, 753-764. EBGLYSS (lebrikizumab). EU Summary of Product Characteristics. Koszoru K, Borza J, Gulacsi L, Sardy M. Quality of life in patients with atopic dermatitis. Cutis. 2019 Sep;104(3):174-177. Barbarot S, et al. Epidemiology of atopic dermatitis in adults: Results from an international survey. Allergy. 2018 Jun;73(6):1284-1293. doi: 10.1111/all.13401. Epub 2018 Feb 13. PMID: 29319189. Silverberg J, et al. Atopic dermatitis in the pediatric population: A cross-sectional, international epidemiologic study. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2021;126(4):417-428. Munera-Campos M, et al. Innovation in Atopic Dermatitis: From Pathogenesis to Treatment. Actas Dermosifiliogr. 2020;111(3):205-221. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231116347732/en/ Contacts: Media contact Almirall Tinkle Laura Blazquez lblazquez@tinkle.es Phone: (+34) 600 430 581 Investors' Relations contact Almirall Pablo Divasson del Fraile pablo.divasson@almirall.com Phone: (+34) 93 291 30 87 Corporate Communications contact Almirall Mar Ramirez mar.ramirez@almirall.com Phone: (+34) 659 614 173 NEW DELHI, Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- BLS International Services, a global leader in outsourcing services for governments and diplomatic missions, has signed an exclusive global visa outsourcing contract for Slovakia in 18 countries with more than 54 offices. According to industry data, 2.64 million tourists visited Slovakia in 2021, and this number is expected to increase in line with travel trends. BLS International's extensive experience in providing exceptional visa services has earned them the privilege of working with the Schengen member countries. With this new contract, BLS International will be entrusted with the responsibility of not only offering Tourist visa services and Business visa services but also national visa services, all with the aim of facilitating seamless travel and immigration procedures. Mr. Shikhar Aggarwal, Joint Managing Director of BLS International Services Ltd., said, "We extend our sincere appreciation to the Slovakia government for entrusting BLS International as their visa outsourcing partner. This collaboration reflects our steadfast commitment to excellence and unwavering dedication to delivering efficient, secure visa services. Aligned with the core Schengen principles, we are eager to enhance the visa application experience for all, setting new industry benchmarks through innovation and customer-centric solutions. As Slovakia emerges as an enticing and fascinating new tourism destination, significantly contributing to the growth of the travel industry, we are keen to play our part. This endeavor harmonizes perfectly with our core values of excellence, efficiency, and security." Notably, this achievement marks a significant addition to BLS International's portfolio of Schengen countries. The company already collaborates with Schengen member states such as Hungary, Portugal, Poland, Spain, Germany and Italy, offering a wide range of visa and consular services. Slovakia's inclusion in this elite group further solidifies BLS International's position as a trusted partner for governments and visa applicants alike. About BLS International: BLS International Services Ltd. is a trusted global tech-enabled services partner for governments and citizens, having an impeccable reputation for setting benchmarks in the domain of visa, passport, consular, citizen, e-governance, attestation, biometric, e-visa and retail services since 2005. The company works with over 46 client governments including Diplomatic Missions, Embassies and consulates. The Company has an extensive network of more than 50,000 centers globally with a robust strength of over 60,000 employees that provide consular, biometrics, and citizen services. BLS has processed over 220 million applications to date globally. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/bls-international-wins-another-schengen-global-visa-outsourcing-contract-for-slovakia-301992014.html PARIS, Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Sopra Steria, a major player in the European tech sector, working closely with Telefonica, is revolutionising network management and planning with the launch of the Intelligent Network Analyzer (INA). This digital twin solution shows how quantum technology can improve mobile service and make networks more energy-efficient. Leveraging the Azure Quantum solution, Sopra Steria and Telefonica are harnessing the latest breakthroughs in quantum technology to optimise telecoms networks in Germany, showing how they can boost their technological performance while becoming more energy-efficient and sustainable. This quantum simulation, which was successfully carried out with Telefonica's mobile network data, combines real-time mapping and dynamic traffic management within a single system. It speeds up and optimises network planning, which up until now had been handled manually by operators. With millions of possible combinations, mapping the network was a major challenge for classical computers and required a significant amount of computing time. By processing multiple calculations in parallel, quantum computing now offers real-time analysis of network capacity to optimise traffic flow. The INA project will also help to prevent network overload while at the same time reducing the number of unused redundant connections. By identifying potentially superfluous connections and reallocating the load to different parts of the network, INA helps to fully exploit network capacity without the need for hardware upgrades or extensions. INA is set to significantly reduce Telefonica's energy and environmental footprint in Germany, resulting in a more sustainable network, while improving the quality of service for its mobile users. Sven Wimann (Global Industry Lead Telecommunications) at Sopra Steria, commented: "The INA project is more than just a breakthrough in mobile network analysis. It's a demonstration how partners use innovative technology and the power of co-creation to generate a positive and measurable impact in the telecoms industry. In collaboration with Telefonica, we've developed a unique solution that simultaneously boosts the performance, operational efficiency and sustainability of mobile networks. We're extremely proud of this joint accomplishment, which exemplifies our commitment to a more responsible digital world, and redefines the standards of our respective industries." Bernhard Walther (Manager Transport Network Performance) at Telefonica, added: "We can test things and see the effect directly. This is network management of the future, and it's already happening today. Thanks to INA, our network engineers can find the fastest routes for data and they can simulate network configurations and construction activities on the computer. We know what will happen before technicians and crews get to work. This saves time and money, and we improve our service for our customers." About Sopra Steria Steria Sopra Steria, a major Tech player in Europe with 55,000 employees in nearly 30 countries, is recognised for its consulting, digital services and software development. It helps its clients drive their digital transformation and obtain tangible and sustainable benefits. The Group provides end-to-end solutions to make large companies and organisations more competitive by combining in-depth knowledge of a wide range of business sectors and innovative technologies with a fully collaborative approach. Sopra Steria places people at the heart of everything it does and is committed to putting digital to work for its clients in order to build a positive future for all. In 2022, the Group generated revenues of 5.1 billion. The world is how we shape it Sopra Steria (SOP) is listed on Euronext Paris (Compartment A) - ISIN: FR0000050809 For more information, visit us at www.soprasteria.com About Telefonica Deutschland Telefonica Deutschland is one of the leading integrated telecommunications providers in Germany, with more than 44 million mobile telephone lines and 2.3 million broadband lines. We offer mobile and fixed network services for private and business customers as well as innovative digital solutions based on our infrastructure and the analysis of mobile data. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2280154/Telefonica_Logo.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1861938/Sopra_Steria_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/with-ina-sopra-steria-and-telefonica-are-propelling-the-telecommunications-industry-into-the-quantum-era-and-revolutionising-network-management-301992053.html BANGKOK, Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- ZTE Corporation (0763.HK / 000063.SZ), a global leading provider of information and communication technology solutions, has inaugurated its annual 5G Summit & User Congress 2023 in Thailand. Themed "Embrace the Digital Nexus," the two-day event brought together telecom regulators, industry alliances, standardization organizations, carriers, think tanks, industry partners, and analysts from GSMA, IMT-2020(5G) PG, IMT-2030(6G) PG, CCSA, TMF, ABI, CCS Insight, and other eco-partners from the worldwide to share valuable insights, perspectives and practical case studies, exploring trends in 5G, future networks, and the digital landscape. Xiao Ming, President of Overseas at ZTE delivered an opening speech at the summit. He pointed out that, "In this interconnected world empowered by 5G-A, where space and earth are linked, between them is the ubiquitous network. Such as the XR and Metaverse are crafting realities previously unimagined. The digital force uplifts all industries, propelling human civilization to break barriers and ascend in these transformative times continuously. Dreamers among us are courageously bringing these to life. Infinite evolution leads to a thriving intelligent century." Xiao Ming underscored ZTE's insights and practices in the digital industry. "Working alongside 110 operators on 5G, we've fostered an ecosystem with over 1000 industry partners," he stated. "Our vision for the future emphasizes digital cohesion, where functionalities are modular, easily accessible, and customizable. Our focus remains on capacity, efficiency, fusion, and green." John Hoffman, CEO of GSMA Ltd., said, "5G networks, 5G Advanced, and the technologies they enable, will revolutionize the world. But we must keep working together to build a sustainable future, where everyone, everywhere can reap the full benefits of connectivity. The ZTE 5G Summit is a great opportunity for the industry to share knowledge and best practices for the future, and we look forward to continuing the conversation at MWC Barcelona 2024!" Rudolf Schrefl, CEO, Hutchison Drei Austria, said, "Embracing 5G stands not just for technological upgrade, but for revolutionizing customer experience-connecting people and devices with unprecedented speed and reliability, turning every digital interaction into a seamless journey, transforming how we live, work, and engage with the world around us." During the event, ZTE showcased its innovative products, solutions, and best practices at Thailand's innovation center, illustrating the interconnected and transformative nature of everything in the digital landscape. In the "Wireless Everything" area, ZTE demonstrated strategies to modernize existing 4G networks for future 5G success. The showcase extended the boundaries of 5G experiences, coverage, and services, emphasizing the importance of enhancing networks with native tools and green energy infrastructure. As a leading player in the all-optical network field, ZTE activated the new value of an all-optical network through an end-to-end product series. This highlights ZTE's commitment to advancing optical network technologies. In the servers and storage area, ZTE contributed to the digital era with full-scenario servers and storage solutions, providing the essential power for the ongoing surge in digital demands. ZTE Mobile Devices adheres to the global brand vision of "Better for All," bringing numerous innovative smart devices to the event. Together with operators as well as industry and ecosystem partners, ZTE aims to build a digital and intelligent ecosystem for shared success and will always play its part in promoting sustainable development. For more information, please visit: https://www.zte.com.cn/global/about/exhibition/5g_summit_2023.html ABOUT ZTE: ZTE helps to connect the world with continuous innovation for a better future. The company provides innovative technologies and integrated solutions, its portfolio spans all series of wireless, wireline, devices and professional telecommunications services. Serving over a quarter of the global population, ZTE is dedicated to creating a digital and intelligent ecosystem, and enabling connectivity and trust everywhere. ZTE is listed on both the Hong Kong and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges. www.zte.com.cn/global FOLLOW US: Facebook www.facebook.com/ZTECorp Twitter www.twitter.com/ZTEPress LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/company/zte YouTube www.youtube.com/@ZTECorporation MEDIA INQUIRIES: ZTE Corporation Communications Email: ZTE.press.release@zte.com.cn View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/zte-hosts-5g-summit--user-congress-2023-in-thailand-unveiling-the-digital-future-with-the-theme-embrace-the-digital-nexus-301992055.html Issuer: Mangrove LuxCo III S.a r.l. / Key word(s): Conference/Quarter Results Mangrove LuxCo III S.a r.l.: Invitation 2023 Investor Day - Extended Registration Period 17.11.2023 / 13:00 CET/CEST The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. NOTICE Mangrove LuxCo III S.a r.l. Societe a Responsabilite Limitee Registered Office: 2, rue Edward Steichen, L-2540 Luxembourg Grand Duchy of Luxembourg R.C.S. Luxembourg B236258 7.775% Senior Secured Notes due 2025 ISIN Code: XS2059543921 / XS2059544655 / XS2059545389 Luxembourg - 1:00 pm, 17 November 2023 We are pleased to invite you to the 2023 Investor Day of Mangrove LuxCo III S.a r.l. in London on Monday, December 11, 2023, 11:30 am London time The presentation will start at 12:00 noon London time Haberdashers' Hall 18 West Smithfield, London, EC1A 9HQ https://haberdashers.co.uk/haberdashers-hall-0 Mangrove LuxCo III S.a r.l. is organizing this Investor Day to give you the opportunity to meet some of the key management team, which will inform you about market situation and trends, as well as current initiatives. Mangrove LuxCo III S.a r.l. will also discuss the bondholder quarterly reports for Q3 2023 and the results of operations of Mangrove LuxCo III S.a r.l. and its subsidiaries (the "Mangrove Group") in respect of such period. An informal get-together with refreshments and snacks concludes the Investor Day, which will then end around 4:00 pm. Please be advised that all participants at Haberdashers' Hall in London must register in advance to the conference: In order to allow for additional time and to accommodate for holidays, the date to confirm your attendance (info@mangrove-investor-relations.com) has been extended until November 28. Please include your details: including name, position, email address & institution. Final guest list confirmation will be sent to you by November 30, 2023. For those who cannot join us in London we will offer the opportunity to participate by webcast or telephone and to follow the presentation (12:00 noon London time, 1:00 pm CET, 7:00 AM EST). We will provide the information how to register for the dial-in well before the Investor Day at the investor website of the Mangrove Group at Syndtrak. If you have any questions regarding the Investor Day, please contact Mangrove Investor Relations (info@mangrove-investor-relations,com). Holders of the Senior Secured Notes, prospective investors, broker dealers and securities analysts that do not yet have access to the investor website of the Mangrove Group at Syndtrak may also contact Mangrove Investor Relations. The Mangrove Group, under its brand Kelvion, is a leading global manufacturer of industrial heat exchangers for a highly diversified range of end markets, such as Data Centres, Food & Beverages, HVAC & Refrigeration, Power & Energy, Chemicals, Oil & Gas, Transportation and Heavy & Light Equipment. In these multiple markets, the Group supports its broad and long-standing customer base through its global sales, service and production network with energy efficient cooling and heating solutions for high and green tech applications. **************** Disclaimer This press release has been prepared by the Mangrove Group solely for informational purposes and does not constitute, and should not be construed as, an offer to sell or issue securities or otherwise constitute an invitation or inducement to any person to purchase, underwrite, subscribe to or otherwise acquire securities in any Mangrove Group entity. Certain statements contained in this press release that are not statements of historical fact, including, without limitation, any statements preceded by, followed by or including the words "targets," "believes," "expects," "aims," "intends," "may," "anticipates," "would," "could" or similar expressions or the negative thereof, constitute forward-looking statements, notwithstanding that such statements are not specifically identified. Examples of forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: (i) statements about future financial and operating results; (ii) statements of strategic objectives, business prospects, future financial condition, budgets, projected levels of production, projected costs and projected levels of revenues and profits of the Mangrove Group or its management or boards of directors; (iii) statements of future economic performance; and (iv) statements of assumptions underlying such statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions which are difficult to predict and outside of the control of the management of the Mangrove Group. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements. We have based these assumptions on information currently available to us, and if any one or more of these assumptions turn out to be incorrect, actual market results may differ from those predicted. While we do not know what impact any such differences may have on our business, if there are such differences, our future results of operations and financial condition, could be materially adversely affected. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which such statements are made. The Mangrove Group expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to disseminate any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made, or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. No representation, warranty or undertaking, express or implied, is made as to, and no reliance should be placed on, the fairness, accuracy, completeness or correctness of the information or the opinions contained herein. Neither the Mangrove Group nor any of its advisors or representatives shall have any liability whatsoever (in negligence or otherwise) for any loss howsoever arising from any use of this press release or its contents. The information contained in this press release does not constitute investment advice. This press release is not for publication, release or distribution in Canada, Japan or Australia. Any failure to comply with this restriction may constitute a violation of securities laws. This press release and the information contained herein are not an offer of securities for sale in the United States or to U.S. persons. Any securities referred to herein have not and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to U.S. persons. Any public offering of securities to be made in the United States would have to be made by means of a prospectus that would be obtainable from the Mangrove Group and would contain detailed information about the Mangrove Group, of any securities and its management, as well as financial statements. No money, securities or other consideration is being solicited, and, if sent in response to the information contained herein, will not be accepted. 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 CANBERA (dpa-AFX) - The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) member nations have signed a landmark Supply Chain Agreement. This is among a number of key deals agreed upon by 14 IPEF nations during the third Ministerial Meeting held in San Francisco, California. IPEF partners - the United States, Australia, Brunei, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Viet Nam - represent 40 percent of global GDP and 28 percent of global goods and services trade. In record time, the United States and its IPEF partners have negotiated first-of-their-kind agreements to help achieve the goals of advancing workers' rights, facilitating high-standard trade and investment, and tackling pressing issues facing these countries, in particular, vulnerable supply chains; clean energy transitions; and corruption, outging APEC chair President Joe Biden said. The IPEF Supply Chain Agreement will help partners promote diversification and resiliency in their supply chains, better identify supply chain vulnerabilities, establish an emergency communications channel to respond to disruptions arising from crises such as the Covid-19 pandemic, and promote high labor standards that respect workers across regional supply chains. The final texts of the agreements will be prepared after domestic consultations and legal reviews by IPEF member countries. The meeing also signed The Clean Economy Agreement and The Fair Economy Agreement. The Clean Economy Agreement will help catalyze the economic opportunities arising from IPEF partners' transitions to cleaner economies and, through cooperative work programs and the mobilization of public and private financing, will drive inclusive investment in the region and greater collaboration with the private sector. The Fair Economy Agreement will enhance IPEF partners' efforts to prevent and combat corruption, including bribery, and support efforts to improve tax transparency and tax administration, which will strengthen the investment climate in the region and ensure the benefits of economic growth are broadly shared. Each of the agreements includes novel provisions to protect labor rights. These provisions include a tri-partite Labor Rights Advisory Board to promote labor rights in supply chains and to help prevent the exploitation of migrant workers. It has also been agreed to establish a ministerial-level IPEF Council. The United States announced a new IPEF Project Preparation Facility run by the U.S. Trade and Development Agency. The IPEF Critical Minerals Dialogue will support U.S. expansion and development of its full critical mineral supply chain. Launched in Tokyo in May 2022, the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity establishes high-standard commitments to create a stronger, fairer, more resilient economy for families, workers, and businesses in the United States and in the Indo-Pacific region. 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 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. WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Vaccine maker Novavax, Inc. (NVAX) announced Friday changes to its executive leadership team designed to enhance focus on its strategic priorities and continue the evolution of the Company's scale and structure announced last week. The company said John Trizzino will take on the newly created role of President and Chief Operating Officer for the Company. He will continue to serve on the Company's executive leadership team. In this role, Trizzino will lead the commercial; chemistry, manufacturing and controls or CMC; and regulatory functions. He will focus on all aspects of successful product delivery, both for the 2023-2024 vaccination season and beyond. Trizzino has broad experience in publicly held companies and over 25 years in the vaccines market. During his 12 years with Novavax, he most recently served as Executive Vice President, Chief Commercial Officer and Chief Business Officer, and has also held the roles of Chief Financial Officer, Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations and Senior Vice President of Business Development. Previously, Trizzino served as Chief Executive Officer of Immunovaccine, and has also held leadership roles at MedImmune, LLC (now AstraZeneca), ID Biomedical and Henry Schein, Inc. The company also said current Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary John Herrmann will retire effective December 8, and Mark Casey will join the Company as his successor effective December 11. Casey will also serve on the Company's executive leadership team. Casey brings more than 30 years of experience in the life sciences sector to Novavax. He most recently served as Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary at Bryn Pharma. He previously served as Chief Legal Officer, Corporate Secretary and Executive Chairman of the Board - Specialty Generics at Mallinckrodt. Earlier in his career, Casey held executive leadership roles at Idera Pharmaceuticals and Hologic and held roles of increasing responsibility at Boston Scientific and EMC Corp. 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 WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Tenet Healthcare Corp. (THC) Friday announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement with Novant Health to sell three of its hospitals and related operations for $2.4 billion in cash. Under the terms of the agreement, Coastal Carolina Hospital in Jasper County, Hilton Head Hospital in Beaufort County, and East Cooper Medical Center in Charleston County, will be sold to Novant Health along with its affiliated physician practices and other related hospital operations. Tenet's ambulatory facilities operated by United Surgical Partners International will continue to remain with the company. For the last 12 months ending September 30, the three hospitals and related operations included in the sale generated revenues of around $552 million, pre-tax income of around $126 million, and Adjusted EBITDA of around $150 million as per Tenet. The healthcare company is estimating a pre-tax book gain of around $1.6 billion as a result of this anticipated sale and will use the proceeds towards the retirement of debt. In pre-market activity, Tenet shares are trading at $59.08, up 1.62% on the New York Stock Exchange. 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. In line with Moroccan authorities' objectives, Falcon Capital Dakhla proudly reveals a strategic collaboration with HDF Energy, an industry leader in green hydrogen, to produce some of the world's cheapest green hydrogen. The White Dunes project, spearheaded by Moroccan enterprise Falcon Capital Dakhla, aims to forge a strategic alliance with HDF ENERGY (mnemonic code: HDF) for the establishment of a green hydrogen production facility in the heart of the Dakhla region. The initial investment for this ambitious endeavor is estimated at USD 2 billion. Embracing Morocco's 14-year experience in clean energy and fostering an innovation-friendly ecosystem, White Dunes aspires to be a pivotal player in the country's renewable energy sector, with the goal of commencing hydrogen production by 2028. Majid Slimani, the founder and president of Falcon Capital Dakhla, underscores the significance of White Dunes in the context of Morocco's green hydrogen landscape. Slimani states, "White Dunes embodies a commitment to the cause of green energy and a dedication to more sustainable future for Morocco. We have devoted nearly two full years to feasibility studies, preliminary project design, and phased planning across a projected area of 150,000 hectares Given the exceptional characteristics of the Dakhla region, the project aspires to achieve a capacity of 10 GW in wind energy, 7 GW in photovoltaic energy, and 8 GW in electrolyzers. For the realization of this project, Falcon Capital Dakhla leverages the expertise of HDF Energy, a renowned player specialized in hydrogen infrastructure development and powerful fuel cell design. HDF Energy also acts as a co-developer of the project, fortifying White Dunes position. For Damien Havard, CEO of HDF Energy, "the collaboration with Falcon Capital Dakhla represents the perfect synergy between two complementary entities, enabling the production of some of the world's most competitive green hydrogen in Morocco About Falcon Capital Dakhla: Falcon Capital Dakhla, based in the heart of the Moroccan Sahara in Dakhla, plans to invest in key sectors, including agriculture, real estate and energy with a specific focus on renewable energy. FCD is committed to large-scale projects to contribute to a more sustainable future for local communities. About Hydrogen de France (HDF Energy): HDF Energy, a key player in hydrogen, develops large scale hydrogen infrastructure and multi-megawatt fuel cells for decarbonizing electricity production, heavy mobility, and industry. In 2024, the group will launch the mass production of its multi-megawatt fuel cells. HDF Energy operates globally and has been listed on Euronext Paris since 2021. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231117678993/en/ Contacts: Serena BONI, ACTUS, +33 (0)4 72 18 04 92, sboni@actus.fr DeepLook Medical's DL Precise application enables one-click measurement and segmentation for regions of interest in FlexView BOSTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / November 17, 2023 / Radical Imaging LLC, an innovative provider of medical imaging viewer solutions, and DeepLook Medical Ltd., a medical imaging company with patented artificial intelligence software for visual enhancement, today announced DeepLook Medical's FDA-cleared DL Precise application is now available as the first commercial extension for FlexView, Radical Imaging's viewer-as-a-service. DL Precise is a plugin that is deployed at runtime in FlexView, enabling one-click segmentation and measurement of masses in medical images. FlexView and DeepLook Medical FlexView and DeepLook Medical "We are proud to collaborate with Radical Imaging, a company dedicated to addressing the foremost challenges in medical imaging. Empowering medical professionals with essential tools for swift and informed decision-making, and dismantling barriers to access important data for oncology patients, are vital steps toward enhancing health outcomes." - Marissa Fayer, CEO of DeepLook Medical. FDA-cleared DL Precise can be used across multiple imaging modalities (Ultrasound, Mammography, CT, MRI). It consistently delineates lesion morphology - even in dense tissue -- with vivid color, powered by DeepLook's patented shape-recognition technology. DL Precise data goes beyond the range of human vision, thereby improving clinician workflow and decision-making. The combination of DL Precise and customers' interfaces usher in a new era in oncological diagnosis and treatment. Implementation is quick and easy - the DL Precise application can be purchased and downloaded to any Windows-based workstation and used with FlexView. FlexView is a professionally supported, SaaS cloud medical imaging viewer created by Radical Imaging that is based on the Open Health Imaging Foundation (OHIF) framework. FlexView is a commercial-grade, production-ready solution that can seamlessly provide the viewing and analysis capabilities for any type of medical image or workflow from anywhere. FlexView adds to OHIF's extensibility model by introducing the ability to deploy plugins at runtime. This is crucial to enable the addition of new features dynamically, without causing disruptions or system down-time. About Radical Imaging LLC Radical Imaging is a software company focused entirely on medical imaging. It offers software system design and planning, contract software development, and consulting to help its partners solve their most challenging medical imaging problems using modern cloud and web platforms like Cornerstone.js and the Open Health Imaging Foundation (OHIF) which it co-developed with Massachusetts General Hospital. In 2023, Radical Imaging released its first product, FlexView. For more information, visit RadicalImaging.com and FlexView.ai. About DeepLook Medical DeepLook Medical, a Connecticut-based software firm, focuses on visual enhancement technology to advance medical imaging. DL Precise is the first in a series of innovative products using the company's unique shape-recognition software to delineate the details of tumor morphology - a key to better diagnosis and treatment of malignancy across the field of oncology. The company is leveraging other complementary AI advances to further the reach and impact of its patented technology. To learn more, please visit: https://www.deeplookmedical.com Contact Information Radical Imaging info@radicalimaging.com SOURCE: Radical Imaging LLC View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/804667/radical-imaging-announces-first-extension-available-for-flexview Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 17, 2023) - Silver Valley Metals Corp. (TSXV: SILV) (OTCQB: SVMFF) ("Silver Valley" or the "Company"), a brownfield exploration Company with two projects comprising silver-zinc-lead located in north Idaho, USA and lithium - potassium (sulphate of potash) located in Zacatecas and San Luis Potosi, Mexico respectively, is pleased to announce the appointment to the Board of Directors, Mr. Miroslav Reba. The Company also announces the resignation of Mr. Clive Massey from the Board of Directors. Silver Valley would like to thank Mr. Massey for his service and contribution to the Company and wishes him well. Mr. Miroslav (Miro) Reba is a partner and co-founder of Tectonic Advisory Partners, which was established in 2012 in New York City, USA. Mr. Reba is a mining finance specialist and has spent over 20 years developing a clientele base through numerous volatile market cycles of the metals market while delivering successful strategic and corporate financing objectives. Mr. Reba has built a network of global relationships spanning major mining investor markets, including Australia, the U.S.A, and Canada. Mr. Reba has been involved in and/or responsible for raising more than half a billion dollars to date. Recently, Mr. Reba has been particularly active in the lithium space, financing and strategically advising several best-in-class lithium projects across different geographies worldwide, including Galan Lithium (ASX: GLN), a world-class high-grade lithium brine deposit at the Hombre Muertos salar in Argentina, and Patriot Battery Metals (TSX:PMET), the world-class hard rock lithium Corvette deposit in James Bay Quebec, Canada. Before Tectonic Advisory Partners, Mr. Reba helped build a thriving mining finance practice for five years at Rodman Renshaw, a New York-based investment bank. Mr. Reba holds an international law degree from the University of Durham, UK, and earned his undergraduate degree from the University of London, UK. Brandon Rook, CEO, states, "We at Silver Valley are energized that Miro has joined the Board at this strategic moment where the Company is poised for strong growth, particularly at its Mexi-Can lithium-potash project, which is anticipated to come back online soon. Miro brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, particularly in the lithium space and especially delivering recently with numerous successful financings and attracting, contributing, and supporting positive and long-lasting partnerships in the mining business. We look forward to a successful 2024 in Mexico and Idaho." Corporate Update: The exploration season in Idaho at the Ranger-Page silver-zinc-lead Project has concluded for the year. A 24-hour-per-day project-wide trenching program targeting numerous prospective areas at the project, which were defined from its inaugural 2022 exploration program was completed in addition to road building for drilling access, drill platform preparations, field mapping, geochemical assaying, and geological modelling. The Company is excited to share results in due course from surface discoveries and several high-priority drill-ready targets recently defined. Due to market conditions and the onset of winter weather the Company made the decision to not raise additional funds to drill Ranger-Page immediately after the conclusion of the phase 2 exploration program this fall. The Company has utilized its treasury over the past 6 months to meet all its financial obligations including multiple option payments at Ranger-Page, and developing Ranger-Page to a drill ready state with well-defined high-priority drill targets. Additionally, there has been continued investment at the Mexi-Can lithium-potassium project in Mexico. This includes behind the scenes geological modeling, evaluating extraction methods for lithium and potassium, defining next steps, budgets, and ongoing discussions with potential strategic investors for the development and future production at the project. The Company believes that there will be a positive outcome for the Mexico project and once it is reactivated it will be the catalyst for the Company to raise funds. As previously disclosed, discussions are active and advancing with LitioMX, the national lithium Company of Mexico. In person meetings in Mexico City and Hermosillo, Mexico have taken place and follow-up meetings continue. Discussions have advanced and from Silver Valley's viewpoint, the Company and LitioMX are "close" to an agreeable and mutually beneficial conclusion. We thank the shareholders of the Company for their patience and support through this period while we finalize an agreement with LitioMX. We have a strong conviction that the project will be Company defining and that the shareholders will ultimately be rewarded as a result of Management's continued efforts to protect the share structure of the Company. Link to Website: http://www.silvervalleymetals.com Social Media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/silvervalmetals X: https://twitter.com/silvervalmetals Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/silvervalmetals Linked-In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/silvervalmetals YouTube: https://youtube.com/@silvervalmetals Qualified person: Timothy Mosey, BSc, MSc, SME, is the qualified person for the company and qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. About: MexiCan Lithium - Potassium (sulphate of potash) Project: Silver Valley Metals Corp. owns a 100% interest in a lithium and potassium bearing salar complex comprising 4,056 hectares on three mineral concessions ("the Mexico-Canada Project" or "Mexi-Can Project") located on the Central Mexican Plateau in the states of Zacatecas, and San Luis Potosi, Mexico. The NI 43-101 inferred mineral resource contains 12.3Mt of Sulfate of Potash (SOP) and 243,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) defined only from surface to an average of 5 metres depth. The salars remain wide open in all directions for expansion. About: Ranger-Page project: The Ranger-Page Project ("The Project") is in the Silver Valley, northern Idaho, USA, 60 kilometers east of Coeur d'Alene and 1 kilometer from the I-90 freeway. In 2020 Idaho was ranked the first in the world in policy perception and 9th best mining jurisdiction (Fraser Institute Annual Mining Survey). The Project borders the famous Bunker Hill Mine to the east and, for the first time, consolidates the western extent of the prolific Silver Valley mining corridor by one operator in the past 100+ years. The Project comprises 6 historical mines on patented claims, without royalties. The largest of these, the Page Mine, was a top ten producer in the Silver Valley yielding over 1.1 billion pounds of zinc and lead and 14.6 million ounces of silver. The Page Mine has high grade silver-zinc-lead historic reserves and remains open at depth and along strike beyond what has been identified to date. Historical mining on the properties have shared underground infrastructure from the larger Page mine to the Blackhawk mine. The Company has underground mining data and surface geological data that supports high grade silver-zinc-lead mineralization present within the other shallow, undeveloped mines. These mines remain open at depth, and laterally along strike. Exploration potential beyond the historic mines is considered significant as modern systematic exploration is being applied to the project for the first time. About: Silver Valley Metals: Silver Valley Metals Corp. is a Canadian exploration company comprised of a group of experienced exploration, mining, and financing specialists focused on the pursuit of mineral discovery and development. We are focused on the advancement of strategic and precious mineral properties including Lithium-Potash in Mexico and Silver-Zinc-Lead in northern Idaho, USA. On behalf of the Board of Directors of Silver Valley Metals, "Brandon Rook" Brandon Rook, President & CEO, Director For further information please contact: 604-800-4710 Email: info@silvervalleymetals.com THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE HAS NOT REVIEWED AND DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE. The information contained herein contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-Looking statements relate to information that is based on assumptions of management, forecasts of future results, and estimates of amounts not yet determinable. Any statements that express predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance are not statements of historical fact and may be "forward-looking statements." Forward-Looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation: risks related to failure to obtain adequate financing on a timely basis and on acceptable terms; risks related to the outcome of legal proceedings; political and regulatory risks associated with mining and exploration; risks related to the maintenance of stock exchange listings; risks related to environmental regulation and liability; the potential for delays in exploration or development activities or the completion of feasibility studies; the uncertainty of profitability; risks and uncertainties relating to the interpretation of drill results, the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits; risks related to the inherent uncertainty of production and cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses; results of prefeasibility and feasibility studies, and the possibility that future exploration, development or mining results will not be consistent with the Company's expectations; risks related to commodity price fluctuations; and other risks and uncertainties related to the Company's prospects, properties and business detailed elsewhere in the Company's disclosure record. Should one or more of these risks and uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. Actual events or results could differ materially from the Company's expectations or projections. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/187810 MANILA (dpa-AFX) - The United States and the Philippines signed a civil nuclear cooperation agreement. Commonly known as a '123 Agreement,' the key deal was signed at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in San Francisco. Upon entry into force, the agreement will facilitate and enhance the two allied nations' cooperation on clean energy security. The signing of this agreement marks the successful culmination of the negotiation process launched by Vice President Kamala Harris during her visit to the Philippines in November 2022. This agreement lays out a comprehensive framework for peaceful nuclear cooperation between the Philippines and United States based on a mutual commitment to nuclear nonproliferation. Under this deal, the United States can transfer nuclear equipment and material for peaceful uses to the Philippines. With access to U.S. material and equipment, the U.S. and the Philippines will be able to work together to deploy advanced new technologies, including small modular reactors, to support climate goals as well as critical energy security and baseload power needs within the Philippines, the State Department said. This agreement also establishes nonproliferation criteria that both governments must uphold such as observing specific standards for covered items used in civil nuclear energy programs, including International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards; physical protection of covered items; and limitations on enriching, reprocessing, and transferring specific items without the other Party's consent. 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. 2023 .ORG of the Year, other award winners, selected from almost 1,000 applicants for impactful work to inspire, support their communities WASHINGTON, Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Public Interest Registry (PIR) , the people behind .ORG, announced the winners of the .ORG Impact Awards , an annual program that honors and celebrates outstanding mission-driven organizations and individuals working to make the world a better place. The seven winners - selected from almost 1,000 applicants from over 70 countries - were announced live at a Washington D.C. awards ceremony hosted by Padma Lakshmi, activist, author, and host/producer of Hulu's Taste the Nation. The annual awards ceremony returned to an in-person event for the first time since the pandemic and awarded a record total of $180,000 in donations to organizations from the global .ORG Community across seven categories: Community Building Quality Education for All Environmental Stewardship Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Health and Healing Hunger and Poverty Rising Stars (leaders, under 25, making a difference in their communities) In addition to the category winners, PIR crowned UK-based nonprofit Hope for Justice the winner of the prestigious .ORG of the Year award, recognizing the organization's work to end modern slavery. The .ORG of the Year will receive a donation of $50,000 USD to support their mission. "We are honored to recognize our 2023 .ORG Impact Award winners, who hail from communities across the globe and tackle incredible challenges with grit, innovation, and commitment to making the world a better place," said Jon Nevett, President and CEO of Public Interest Registry. "These inspiring organizations and individuals work tirelessly to create positive change and improve lives each day. We are thrilled to uplift their efforts and humbled by the work they are doing to build a bright future for us all. Congratulations, and thank you for being a part of our .ORG Community." "I try to use my platform to inspire people from all corners of the world to be vocal and active agents for social change," said Padma Lakshmi to a room full of .ORG Impact Award finalists at the DC awards ceremony. "Being in a room like this is a rare, heartwarming reminder that so many people around the world share that desire. And because of the Internet, because of the .ORG Community, everyone, no matter who you are or where you're from, can have a platform to make the world just a little bit better." "This is an amazing honor for us to receive at Hope for Justice," said Tim Nelson, CEO ofHope for Justice, who accepted the award. "I want to accept this on behalf of all the amazing staff and teams that we have internationally who go to the ends of the earth to try and find individuals, and see those individuals set free from everything that has happened to them." .ORG of the Year - Hope for Justice Donation Amount: $50,000 USD Hope for Justice exists to bring an end to modern slavery by preventing exploitation, rescuing victims, restoring lives, and reforming society. Hope for Justice does more than raise awareness - it focuses on action. A team of investigators with years of law enforcement experience, multilingual outreach workers, accredited trainers, legal experts, social workers, therapists, nurses, policy specialists, campaigners and professionals, Hope for Justice is on the ground in the places that are worst affected by human trafficking and modern slavery. Hope for Justice is also the winner of the 2023 .ORG Impact Award for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Community Building - Kakenya's Dream Donation Amount: $10,000 USD Kakenya's Dream invests in girls from rural communities through educational, health, and leadership initiatives to create agents of change. Kakenya's Dream began as a single primary school, educating 30 vulnerable girls beneath the shade of a tree, and today, the organization operates two world-class boarding schools and several other education, health, and leadership programs that serve thousands across rural Kenya each year. Kakenya's Dream has evolved into a global team building a replicable model of education and empowerment for underserved African communities. Quality Education for All - Seeding Labs Donation Amount: $10,000 USD Seeding Labs works to unleash the full potential of scientists worldwide to fight global diseases, feed our growing population, and protect our planet. Providing the greatest scientific minds overseas with the tools and training they need to respond to local challenges before they become global crises, Seeding Labs is supporting researchers on the scientific frontlines - wherever that may be - to strengthen the entire global community. Seeding Labs equips scientists with the connections they need to be on the cutting edge of global discovery. Environmental Stewardship - CREATE Borneo Donation Amount: $10,000 USD CREATE Borneo aims to equip indigenous youth with the means to preserve their culture while competing in a growing economy and taking responsibility for their environmental stewardship through appropriate technologies. A village-based workshop and training facility, CREATE Borneo educates the next generation of indigenous engineers in renewable energy technologies and allows indigenous communities to develop and harness their resources on their own terms while incentivizing environmental stewardship. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - Hope for Justice Donation Amount: $10,000 USD In addition to receiving the awards for .ORG of the Year, Hope for Justice is also the winner in the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion category. Health and Healing - HERhealthEQ Donation Amount: $10,000 USD HERhealthEQ was born out of a need to reduce the equity gap in access to healthcare for women around the world. What began as a singular donation of a mammogram machine to a Costa Rican hospital, has now grown into an international web of healthcare solutions. The HERhealthEQ team is driven by a desire to see fewer women face the choice between their own healthcare and putting food on the tables of their families. HERhealthEQ works to improve women's health in developing countries by providing access to medical devices & equipment, creating an equitable standard of care. Hunger and Poverty - WHOlives Donation Amount: $10,000 USD WHOlives is committed to bringing clean water to developing communities in a self-sustainable process. WHOlives creates local ownership, economic incentives, and accountability which keeps wells operational. These new water systems are then maintained and operated by local people, ownership and economic viability is established so maintenance and access to clean water is continuous. This initiative is a proven solution that leads to increased education for girls, improved health and sanitation, and greater opportunities for development. Rising Star - Stanley Anigbogu, LightEd Donation Amount: $10,000 USD LightEd is a renewable energy company that focuses on using waste material to build renewable energy solutions that can light up homes and families in rural and some urban communities. Refugees, students, and rural communities often struggle to light their homes and businesses. LightEd powers access to brighter lives through accessible and innovative renewable energy solutions made of recycled e-waste and plastic waste, with the goal of empowering 5 Million+ Africans to live sustainably by 2035. About Public Interest Registry Public Interest Registry (PIR) is a nonprofit that operates the .ORG top-level domain-one of the world's largest generic top-level domains with more than 10.8 million domain names registered worldwide. .ORG is open to everyone, providing a global platform for organizations, associations, clubs, businesses and individuals to bring their ideas to life. PIR has been a champion for a free and open Internet for two decades with a clear mission to be an exemplary domain name registry, provide a trusted digital identity and help educate those who dedicate themselves to improving our world. PIR was founded by the Internet Society (internetsociety.org) in 2002 and is based in Reston, Virginia, USA. Visit www.pir.org for more information. Media contact: pir@berlinrosen.com Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2279935/20231116_PIR_4540.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/897149/4411356/ORG_Impact_Awards_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/public-interest-registry-unveils-winners-of-5th-annual-org-impact-awards-at-dc-ceremony-hosted-by-padma-lakshmi-301991903.html CHICAGO, Nov. 17, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The COVID-19 Monument Commission announces the winner of their global design contest for the COVID-19 Monument of Honor, Remembrance, and Resilience, scheduled to unveil spring 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. Casey Schachner, Assistant Professor of Art in the Betty Foy Sanders Department of Art at Georgia Southern University, has won the $20,000 prize. Her sculpture concept features the dandelion flower as a metaphor for the worldwide pandemic experience. Visually, she references the starburst dandelion's aesthetic affinity to the official CDC renderings of the COVID-19 virus. Metaphysically, her vision embodies beauty through ashes, rebirth, hope, and resilience---seminal emotions which the Commission set out to promulgate. Professor Schachner earned her BFA in Sculpture from Baylor University and her MFA in Studio Art from the University of Montana. She exhibits her work nationally and internationally, ranging from temporary site-specific installations to permanent public artworks. In 2011, she served as an Artist in Residence at the University of Georgia Lamar Dodd School of Art in Cortona, Italy and in 2012 as an Artist in Residence at the Carving Studio & Sculpture Center in Vermont. She was the 2017 Emerging Artist for Blackfoot Pathways, an International Sculpture Park in Lincoln, Montana. In 2018, she received a People's Choice award at the Public Art Exhibition on Hilton Head Island in South Carolina. In 2022, Schachner was one of three recipients of the Georgia Sea Grant for Artists, Writers, and Scholars program. She currently lives in Savannah, Georgia with her husband and 3-year-old daughter, who was born during the first year of the pandemic. Schachner shared the surreal experience of receiving her first ultrasound during her pregnancy in the backseat of her car. These events contributed to her visceral and personal reactions navigating the pandemic in the early lockdown days and resonated in her desire to create a design for the Hektoen COVID-19 Monument competition. The competition ran from April to September of this year and was open to everyone throughout the world over the age of 18. A robust social media campaign encouraged the global citizenry to participate, as according to Commission Chair Dr. Sally Metzler, "The pandemic affected us all; it was 100% inclusive. Every citizen, nation, race, & religion experienced the pandemic. Whether at best, lockdown, or at worst, loss of life or loss of a loved-one, COVID-19 left no one unscathed." The Illinois Medical District (IMD) (https://medicaldistrict.org/) a special-use urban zoning area of 560 acres in Chicago, has generously donated the land for the monument, which will incorporate a park that will harmonize with the nature theme of the dandelion monument. The site will welcome all to reflect on the pandemic as a collective and individual experience. Incorporated into the park will be tributes to frontline workers of all facets and to those who lost their lives in the pandemic's scourge. Embracing over two hundred variegated species, dandelions grow throughout the world, thus the familiarity of the flower, concomitant with the folklore of blowing on a dandelion to fulfill a wish, engender the appeal of Schachner's design. The omnipresence of the dandelion embodies universality and inclusion. Ms. Allyson Hanson, the CEO and Executive Director of the IMD, cited her enthusiasm for Schachner's design visually and for the revered medicinal qualities of the dandelion, as the IMD hosts four premiere hospitals in addition to over 40 healthcare and scientific research facilities. Metzler emphasized the dual nature of the COVID-19 Monument, that of a physical and potent virtual presence. Funding for the monument is a grass-roots effort, and the volunteer-led Commission encourages everyone throughout the world to donate what they can, even $10 will make a difference, directly through the website: (https://covidmemorialmonument.org/). Corporate sponsorships will provide worldwide recognition at the monument site and on the website, which will offer in perpetuity a virtual platform for the global pandemic experience. For those who perished, for those who lost a loved-one, for those who have recovered, and for those who courageously and selflessly served during the darkest and most uncertain days of the pandemic, the COVID-19 Monument will mark an event in history that must not be forgotten. Please visit the website to read more and donate today! (https://covidmemorialmonument.org.) Interested parties are encouraged to follow the monument on social media: https://twitter.com/covidmonument/ https://www.instagram.com/covidmemorialmonument/ For more information: Dr. Sally Metzler, monumentcovid19@gmail.com https://covidmemorialmonument.org/ A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/70f13d98-3811-4537-b430-2db91febb048 A video accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6b287f10-f93d-40f9-8c7f-05315fe4ccf2 WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Agricultural sciences company FMC Corporation (FMC) set forth new growth plan including strategic review of its non-core assets, at its Investor Day held on November 16. The company said it mulls potential sale of its non-crop product line, Global Specialty Solutions. FMC also provided preliminary 2024 revenue outlook of $4.65 billion to $4.85 billion. This compares with average estimate of analysts polled by Thomson-Reuters of $4.68 billion. Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization or EBITDA for 2024 is expected to be $1.025 billion to $1.125 billion. For 2026, the company expects to generate revenue of $5.5 billion to $6.0 billion and adjusted EBITDA of $1.3 billion to $1.5 billion. 'We expect 2024 to be a year of substantial cash generation driven by improved earnings and a release of working capital,' Andrew Sandifer, executive vice president and chief financial officer said. 'Over the next 18 to 24 months we anticipate significant free cash flow and a return to more normal leverage levels with a new average net leverage target of approximately 2 times adjusted EBITDA.' 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 17, 2023 / Blackwolf Copper and Gold Ltd. ("Blackwolf" or the "Company") (TSXV:BWCG)(OTC PINK:BWCGF) is very excited to announce that the Company will be participating in the following upcoming conferences: 121 Mining Investment in London from November 20-21, 2023, Deutsche Goldmesse in Frankfurt from November 24-25, 2023 and Swiss Mining Institute (SMI) Conference in Zurich from November 29-30, 2023. The Company's CEO and Director, Morgan Lekstrom, invites you to attend our presentations, where you will have the opportunity to engage directly with Blackwolf's management team and learn more about the Company's vision. ABOUT 121 MINING INVESTMENT LONDON The 121 Mining Investment global event series is a premier platform that connects portfolio managers and analysts from institutional funds, private equity groups, and family offices with management teams from leading mining companies. The event covers a global portfolio, including London, New York, Cape Town, Las Vegas, Frankfurt, Sydney, Singapore, Hong Kong, and online editions throughout the year. Any investors who would like to attend 121 Mining Investment London can register for a free pass here: https://hubs.la/Q026gbp80. ABOUT DEUTSCHE GOLDMESSE FALL CONFERENCE Deutsche Goldmesse is Germany's largest mining investment conference, based out of Frankfurt- one of Europe's most important financial capitals. The conference brings together leading minds in the industry to foster new business opportunities and facilitate valuable relationships. The exclusive two-day event showcases industry-leading keynote speakers and up to 35 carefully considered companies in a range of commodities and stages from explorers to producers. Hosted by Soar Financial Partners, Deutsche Goldmesse provides a platform where company management can connect with a vast network of European institutional and high net worth investors, retail investors, analysts, influencers, newsletter writers, media, and other local partners. An online registration form is available, and Investors can register to attend at: https://deutschegoldmesse.online/investor-registration-2/. SWISS MINING INSTITUTE (SMI) ZURICH Swiss Mining Institute provides top quality, independent perspectives from experts within the Resources Sector together with presentations from 80 selected mining companies. An online registration form is available at: https://swissmininginstitute.ch/registration-november-29-30-2023/ . About Blackwolf Copper and Gold Ltd. Blackwolf's founding vision is to be an industry leader in transparency, inclusion and innovation. Guided by our Vision and through collaboration with local and Indigenous communities and stakeholders, Blackwolf builds shareholder value through our technical expertise in mineral exploration, engineering and permitting. The Company holds a 100% interest in the high-grade Niblack copper-gold-zinc-silver VMS project, located adjacent to tidewater in southeast Alaska. In addition, the Company holds a 100% interest in five Hyder Area gold-silver and base metal properties in southeast Alaska and an option to acquire an 80% interest in the Harry gold-silver property located in northwest British Columbia in the Golden Triangle. For more information on Blackwolf, please visit the Company's website at www.blackwolfcopperandgold.com. On behalf of the Board of Directors of Blackwolf Copper and Gold Ltd. "Morgan Lekstrom" CEO and Director For more information, contact: Morgan Lekstrom 250-574-7350 (Mobile) 604-343-2997 (Office) MLL@bwcg.ca Liam Morrison 604-897-9952 (Mobile) 604-343-2997 (Office) lm@bwcg.ca Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information This release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company regarding future events. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "intends" or "anticipates", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would" or "occur". This information and these statements, referred to herein as "forward-looking statements", are not historical facts, are made as of the date of this news release and include without limitation, statements relating to the properties located in the Golden Triangle area and the Company's future objectives and plans. Forward-looking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties and actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, market volatility; the state of the financial markets for the Company's securities; fluctuations in commodity prices and changes in the Company's business plans. In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions that the Company believes are reasonable, including without limitation, that the Company will continue with its stated business objectives and its ability to raise additional capital to proceed. Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, forward-looking information or financial outlook that are incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. The Company seeks safe harbor. For more information on the Company, investors should review the Company's continuous disclosure filings that are available at www.sedarplus.ca. SOURCE: Blackwolf Copper and Gold Ltd View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/804883/blackwolf-announces-participation-in-three-european-conferences-121-in-london-duetsche-goldmesse-in-frankfurt-and-smi-in-zurich Thunder Bay, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - November 17, 2023) - Benton Resources Inc. (TSXV: BEX) ("Benton" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that its first pass trenching and prospecting program has returned multiple high-grade copper and gold zones at surface up to 14km north from the Great Burnt Main Zone, all part of the Company's recently acquired Great Burnt Copper-Gold Project in Newfoundland (the "Project"). Multiple surface grab samples located on or near airborne electromagnetic (AEM) conductors have outlined three significant mineralized areas near the north end of the Project, approximately 14km north of the main Great Burnt Main Zone. The surface zones were uncovered by new trenching in the vicinity of 1970's drilling that previously identified copper mineralization. Highlights of selective individual grab samples from three zones were as follows: Zone 1 graded up to 5.51% copper, 5.03g/t gold, 14.6g/t silver and 0.076% cobalt and 5.67% copper, 2.65g/t gold, 12.6g/t silver and 0.063% cobalt. Zone 2, approximately 40m southeast in the same trench, graded 2.74% copper, 6.34g/t gold, 10.4g/t silver and 0.02% cobalt and 4.86% copper, 1.64g/t gold, 11.0g/t silver and 0.030% cobalt. Zone 3, approximately 35m south, graded 1.64% copper, 5.92g/t gold, 2.0g/t silver and 0.023% cobalt. Several other samples have identified highly anomalous copper zones along a 4.0km trend with grades up to 1.26% copper. A table of the significant results (see Table 1) from the three exposed zones is shown below along with a map showing sample locations (see Figure 1 and Figure 2). The Company will proceed to enlarge the exposures of selected mineralized zones to permit geological mapping and channel sampling as much as possible as weather permits. The Company has also increased its ongoing drill program from 4,000m to a minimum of 5,000m and continues its extensive compilation of historical data, ongoing prospecting and soil geochemical sampling to the north of the Great Burnt Main Zone. Table 1: Samples from Prospecting/Trenching Sample # Easting Northing Target Zone Type Cu (%) Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) Co (%) 138772 563709.041 5363900.388 Trench 4 Zone 1 outcrop 2.45 0.05 2.90 0.008 138773 563709.671 5363903.619 Trench 4 Zone 1 outcrop 0.3 0.00 0.50 0.012 138774 563715.318 5363901.459 Trench 4 Zone 1 outcrop 0.1 0.01 <0.2 0.002 138775 563714.79 5363902.343 Trench 4 Zone 1 outcrop 0.19 0.02 0.30 0.006 138776 563716.098 5363897.911 Trench 4 Zone 1 outcrop 2.44 2.82 6.70 0.029 138777 563716.393 5363898.025 Trench 4 Zone 1 outcrop 0.69 0.62 1.60 0.015 138778 563716.245 5363898.024 Trench 4 Zone 1 outcrop 1.75 0.41 3.30 0.013 138779 563721.167 5363894.522 Trench 4 Zone 1 outcrop 2.39 1.35 5.50 0.016 138780 563721.899 5363895.197 Trench 4 Zone 1 outcrop 1.96 0.69 5.60 0.013 138781 563724.15 5363892.443 Trench 4 Zone 1 outcrop 5.51 5.03 14.60 0.076 138782 563724.82 5363892.117 Trench 4 Zone 1 outcrop 4.93 2.20 10.40 0.032 138783 563724.668 5363892.449 Trench 4 Zone 1 outcrop 5.67 2.65 12.60 0.063 138784 563725.347 5363891.234 Trench 4 Zone 1 outcrop 5.81 1.48 12.20 0.031 138785 563725.823 5363888.46 Trench 4 Zone 1 outcrop 1.46 0.64 3.50 0.015 138700 563760.33 5363833.265 Trench 4 Zone 2 outcrop 0.18 0.05 <0.2 0.012 138752 563746.195 5363859.897 Prospecting Zone 2 sub-crop 2.74 6.34 10.40 0.016 138753 563744.921 5363861.328 Prospecting Zone 2 sub-crop 4.86 1.64 11.00 0.030 138787 563747.988 5363851.802 Trench 4 Zone 2 outcrop 0.11 0.35 <0.2 0.010 138788 563747.588 5363854.466 Trench 4 Zone 2 outcrop 0.17 1.71 <0.2 0.010 138789 563749.604 5363852.821 Trench 4 Zone 2 outcrop 0.19 0.18 <0.2 0.011 138794 563755.845 5363843.887 Trench 4 Zone 2 outcrop 0.17 1.35 0.80 0.017 138796 563758.655 5363837.471 Trench 4 Zone 2 outcrop 0.12 2.10 0.20 0.011 138750 563716.379 5363859.784 Prospecting Zone 3 angular float 1.64 5.92 2.00 0.023 138751 563716.97 5363859.902 Prospecting Zone 3 angular float 1.53 5.17 0.90 0.021 Figure 1: Sample Location Map 1 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3657/187818_cc372d2c3433d996_002full.jpg Figure 2: Sample Location Map 2 (Trench 4) To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3657/187818_cc372d2c3433d996_003full.jpg Drilling from 2016 to 2023 at Great Burnt Copper-Gold Project The Great Burnt Main Zone has an NI 43-101 compliant resource prepared in 2022 for Spruce Ridge Resources Ltd. by P&E Mining Consultants Inc. of 667,000 Tonnes (47.2 Mlb) Cu at 3.21% (indicated) and 482,000 Tonnes (25.0 Mlb) Cu at 2.35% (inferred), contained within mining lease 211(10210M). The Copper resource remains open to the south and at depth. Highlights of the previous drill programs and previously released results from the current program include: GB20-05: 27.20 m of 8.06% Cu, including 7.75 m of 16.88% Cu GB20-20: 22.75 m of 6.89% Cu, including 12.55 m of 10.59% Cu GB18-05: 20.94 m of 6.21% Cu, including 6.98 m of 10.71% Cu GB18-06: 9.97 m of 7.45% Cu, including 5.03 m of 11.42% Cu GB16-08: 7.50 m of 9.45% Cu, including 3.00 m of 19.30% Cu GB16-09: 5.75 m of 6.68% Cu, including 1.50 m of 11.70% Cu GB23-01: 3.25 m of 4.13% Cu and 4.30 m of 8.01% Cu (Benton 2023 drill hole) GB23-02: 13.0 m of 8.31% Cu including 3.0 m of 12.80% Cu (Benton 2023 drill hole) Exploration at the South Pond Zone has identified potential for both copper and gold along several kilometers of strike. Highlights of the 2021 drill program include: SP21-01: 1.69g/t Au over 51.00 m, including 3.19g/t Au over 11.00 m, within 10 m of surface SP21-03: 2.36g/t Au over 15.00 m, including 11.33g/t Au over 1.00 m SP21-08: 1.75g/t Au over 21.20 m, including 2.82g/t Au over 10.20 m SP21-11: 1.34g/t Au over 17.60 m, including 2.48g/t Au over 4.20 m SP21-14: 2.06g/t Au over 21.00 m SP21-16: 1.72g/t Au over 10.00 m Note: Widths quoted are core length, true widths are estimated at approximately 70% of core lengths QP Stephen House (P.Geo.), Vice President of Exploration for Benton Resources Inc., the 'Qualified Person' under National Instrument 43-101, has approved the scientific and technical disclosure in this news release and prepared or supervised it's preparation. About Benton Resources Inc. Benton Resources is a well-financed mineral exploration company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol BEX. Following a project generation business model, Benton has a diversified, highly prospective property portfolio of gold, silver, nickel, copper, platinum group elements and, most recently, lithium and cesium assets. In addition, it currently holds large equity positions in other mining companies that are advancing high-quality assets. Whenever possible, BEX retains net smelter return (NSR) royalties with potential long-term cash flow. On behalf of the Board of Directors of Benton Resources Inc., "Stephen Stares" Stephen Stares, President Parties interested in seeking more information about properties available for option can contact Mr. Stares at the number below. For further information, please contact: Stephen Stares, President & CEO Phone: 807-474-9020 Email: sstares@bentonresources.ca Website: www.bentonresources.ca Twitter: @BentonResources Facebook: @BentonResourcesBEX THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE HAS NOT REVIEWED AND DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE. The information contained herein contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking statements relate to information that is based on assumptions of management, forecasts of future results, and estimates of amounts not yet determinable. Any statements that express predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance are not statements of historical fact and may be "forward-looking statements." Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation: risks related to failure to obtain adequate financing on a timely basis and on acceptable terms; risks related to the outcome of legal proceedings; political and regulatory risks associated with mining and exploration; risks related to the maintenance of stock exchange listings; risks related to environmental regulation and liability; the potential for delays in exploration or development activities or the completion of feasibility studies; the uncertainty of profitability; risks and uncertainties relating to the interpretation of drill results, the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits; risks related to the inherent uncertainty of production and cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses; results of prefeasibility and feasibility studies, and the possibility that future exploration, development or mining results will not be consistent with the Company's expectations; risks related to gold price and other commodity price fluctuations; and other risks and uncertainties related to the Company's prospects, properties and business detailed elsewhere in the Company's disclosure record. Should one or more of these risks and uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. Actual events or results could differ materially from the Company's expectations or projections. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/187818 (Front L-R) Fenglin Group Deputy General Manager Mr Pan Taishen and AcroMeta Chairman Mr Levin Lee Keng Weng at the signing ceremony in Shanghai. SHANGHAI, CHINA, Nov 17, 2023 - (ACN Newswire) - ACROMETA Group Limited ("ACROMETA", or the "Company" and together with its subsidiaries, the "Group"), an established specialist engineering service provider in the field of controlled environments serving mainly the healthcare, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, research and academia sectors, today announced that its 70% owned subsidiary Life Science Incubator Holdings Pte Ltd ("LSI") has entered into a strategic partnership with Fenglin Healthcare Industry Development (Group) Co. Ltd. ("Fenglin Group") through a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding ("Fenglin MOU") to develop new business opportunities for co-working laboratory space in the People's Republic of China.China-incorporated Fenglin Group, the administrative arm of the Shanghai Xuhui government in charge of Life Sciences, aims to establish an integrated ecosystem of local and international stakeholders in Shanghai's Xuhui District to accelerate biopharmaceutical innovation and development.Fenglin Group will promote the co-working laboratory space with a focus on overseas biomedical science startups and SMEs planning to develop their business in China. On its part, LSI will use its existing business networks to recommend to Fenglin Group, Singapore and other overseas biomedical sciences companies that intend to have a business foothold in China and need co-working laboratory space. An area of approximately 2,705 sqm is set to be leased by LSI at preferential rates to set up world-class co-working laboratory space at Fenglin Group's Innovation Valley Life Sciences Hub to provide a cost-effective venue with comprehensive laboratory facilities and equipment for research and development.Mr Levin Lee Keng Weng, ACROMETA's Executive Chairman, said,"AcroMeta will continue to capture business opportunities both in Singapore and beyond to grow and create sustainable shareholder value for its investors. The business model for the Group's co-working laboratory space business is scalable and replicable and therefore eminently suitable for international expansion.""China's biopharmaceutical industry has undergone a tremendous transformation to become a thriving innovative life sciences hub driven by investments in research and development. The sector is a key focus of the Chinese government's Made in China 2025 strategy, and we are optimistic about LSI's long-term growth potential in collaboration with local partners."LSI has also signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding ("JV MOU") with three investor parties ("Investor Parties") for the setting up of a Joint Venture company ("JV Company") to define the structure, ownership, and operational aspects of the Fenglin MOU. The expected JV Company will have a paid-up capital of at least S$3 million, with LSI holding a 51% stake. The Investor Parties are all established businessmen with deep connections to China's medical and life science industries and will contribute their business network, expertise, and experience to facilitate the smooth set-up and successful realisation of the Fenglin MOU's objectives.The Fenglin MOU reflects the Group's continued efforts to broaden its revenue stream and capture new regional opportunities. Following the Group's MOU for the supply of high-grade silica sand from Indonesia, AcroMeta has extended its MOU with its Thai partner to jointly pursue the design, construction and operation of a solid waste and sludge testing and certification laboratory.Reference:https://links.sgx.com/FileOpen/PR-AcroMeta%20signs%20two%20MOUs%20for%20Co-working%20Lab%20Space%20Biz%20in%20China.ashx?App=Announcement&FileID=778491About ACROMETA Group Limited (SGX Stock Code:43F)ACROMETA (Previously known as ACROMEC Limited) is an established specialist engineering services provider with more than 25 years of experience in the field of controlled environments.The Group has, over the years, acquired expertise in the design and construction of facilities requiring controlled environments such as laboratories, medical and sterile facilities, and cleanrooms.ACROMETA's business is divided into three main business segments: (i) Engineering, procurement, and construction services, specialising in architectural, and mechanical, electrical, and process works within controlled environments; (ii) Maintenance and repair services of facilities and equipment of controlled environments and their supporting infrastructure. (iii) Co-Working Laboratory business; currently operates 6,500 square feet of co-working laboratory space at The German Centre in Singapore, serving SMEs and startups.The Group mainly serves the healthcare, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, research and academia, and electronics sectors. ACROMETA's customers include hospitals and medical centres, government agencies, research and development companies or agencies, research and development units of multinational corporations, tertiary educational institutions, pharmaceutical companies, semiconductor manufacturing companies, and multinational engineering companies.The Company has been listed on the Catalist Board of the Singapore Exchange since 2016. For more information, please visit www.acrometa.com.Media and Analysts Contact:ACROMETA Group LimitedMs. Cheah Lai MinChief Financial OfficerTel: +65 6415 0574Email: laimin.cheah@acrometa.comWaterbrooks Consultants Pte LtdMr. Wayne KooTel: +65 6958 8008 / +65 9338 8166Email: wayne.koo@waterbrooks.com.sgEmail: query@waterbrooks.com.sgThis media release has been reviewed by the Company's Sponsor, Evolve Capital Advisory Private Limited (the "Sponsor"). It has not been examined or approved by the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited (the "Exchange"), and the Exchange assumes no responsibility for the contents of this document, including the correctness of any of the statements or opinions made or reports contained in this document.The contact person for the Sponsor is Mr. Jerry Chua, 138 Robinson Road, #13-02 Oxley Tower, Singapore 068906, jerrychua@evolvecapitalasia.com.Source: AcroMeta Group LimitedCopyright 2023 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved. VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / November 17, 2023 / Mawson Gold Limited ("Mawson" or the "Company") (TSX:MAW)(Frankfurt:MXR)(OTC PINK:MWSNF) is pleased to announce the mailing and filing of its notice of annual general and special meeting (the "Meeting") of shareholders and management information circular (the "Circular"). Shareholders may download the Circular in connection with the Meeting from the Company's website at https://mawsongold.com/investors/annual-general-and-special-meeting/ as well as under Mawson's profile on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca). Mawson will hold the Meeting on Thursday, December 7, 2023, at 10:00 am (Pacific Time) at Suite 1305 - 1090 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC, V6E 3V7. Shareholders are encouraged to read the Circular and vote their shares as soon as possible. The deadline for voting is at 10:00 am (Pacific Time) on Tuesday, December 5, 2023. The Board of Directors of Mawson recommends that Shareholders vote FOR ALL proposed items. Shareholder Questions Shareholders who have any questions or require assistance with voting may contact the Company's proxy solicitation agent and shareholder communications advisor, Laurel Hill Advisory Group, by telephone at 1 (877) 452 7184 toll-free in Canada or 1 (416) 304 0211 for international calls or by e-mail at assistance@laurelhill.com About Mawson Gold Limited (TSX:MAW, FRANKFURT:MXR, OTCPINK:MWSNF) Mawson Gold Limited has distinguished itself as a leading Nordic exploration company. Over the last decades, the team behind Mawson has forged a long and successful record of discovering, financing, and advancing mineral projects in the Nordics and Australia, including the Rajapalot Au-Co PEA-stage project in Finland, the Skelleftea Au discovery and a portfolio of historic uranium resources in Sweden. Mawson also currently holds 51% of Southern Cross Gold Ltd. (ASX:SXG) which owns or controls three high-grade, historic epizonal goldfields covering 470 km2 in Victoria, Australia, including the Sunday Creek Au-Sb asset. On behalf of the Board, Further Information www.mawsongold.com "Michael Hudson" 1305 - 1090 West Georgia St., Vancouver, BC, V6E 3V7 Michael Hudson Mariana Bermudez (Canada), Corporate Secretary Executive Chairman +1 (604) 685 9316info@mawsongold.com Forward-Looking Statement Some statements in this news release contain forward-looking information or forward-looking statements for the purposes of applicable securities laws. All statements herein, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. Although Mawson believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are 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. Mawson cautions investors that any forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including the successful completion of the Springtide Transaction and matters related to the Transaction, including regulatory and Shareholder approval, the delisting of the Mawson Shares from TSX and their listing on the TSXV, completion of the Springtide Transaction Financing, the receipt of conditional approval of the listing of the common shares of Springtide on the TSXV, and the Company's ability, if at all, to explore for uranium pursuant to anticipated changes to applicable Swedish laws. These statements address future events and conditions and so involve inherent risks and uncertainties, as disclosed under the heading "Risk Factors" in Mawson's most recent Annual Information Form filed on www.sedarplus.ca While these factors and assumptions are considered reasonable by Mawson, in light of management's experience and perception of current conditions and expected developments, Mawson can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, Mawson disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or results or otherwise. SOURCE: Mawson Gold Limited View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/805920/mawson-announces-filing-and-mailing-of-proxy-materials-in-connection-with-the-annual-general-and-special-meeting-of-shareholders WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - New residential construction in the U.S. unexpectedly increased in the month of October, according to a report released by the Commerce Department on Friday. The report said housing starts jumped by 1.9 percent to an annual rate of 1.372 million in October after surging by 3.1 percent to a downwardly revised rate of 1.346 million in September. Economists had expected housing starts to dip to a rate of 1.350 million from the 1.358 million originally reported for the previous month. The unexpected increase came amid a spike in multi-family housing starts, which soared by 6.4 percent to an annual rate of 402,000. Meanwhile, the report said single-family housing starts crept up by 0.2 percent to an annual rate of 970,000 after surging in the previous month. 'Home construction was again resilient in October as the extreme shortage of housing supply has kept demand for new builds solid,' said Nationwide Senior Economist Ben Ayers. He added, 'This dynamic could linger into 2024 even with mortgage rates near the highest since 2000, especially if builders continue to offer rate buydown incentives.' The Commerce Department said building permits also shot up by 1.1 percent to an annual rate of 1.487 million in October after plunging by 4.5 percent to a revised rate of 1.471 million in September. Building permits, an indicator of future housing demand, were expected to decrease to a rate of 1.450 million from the 1.475 million originally reported for the previous month. Multi-family permits jumped by 2.2 percent to an annual rate of 519,000, while single-family permits rose by 0.5 percent to an annual rate of 968,000. The National Association of Home Builders released a separate report on Thursday unexpectedly showing a continued deterioration in U.S. homebuilder confidence in the month of November. The report said the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index slumped to 34 in November from 40 in October, while economists had expected the index to come in unchanged. The housing market index decreased for the fourth consecutive month, falling to its lowest level since hitting 31 in December 2022. 'The rise in starts runs counter to worsening survey data from builders who expressed concerns that new home sale could fade in coming months,' said Nationwide's Ayers. 'This suggests that building activity could decline over the winter, especially with loan rates for builders continuing to rise.' 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 MORGAN HILL, CA / ACCESSWIRE / November 17, 2023 / EMQ, a pioneering force reshaping the automotive industry through state-of-the-art connected vehicle technology, showcased its groundbreaking solutions at Automotive USA 2023, hosted in Detroit from November 8-9, 2023. Automotive USA, a premier industry gathering, invited senior-level OEM leaders to delve into discussions about the future of software-defined electric vehicles, the evolution of the OEM business model, and strategic planning for an autonomous future. EMQ underscored its commitment to shaping the IoT landscape in the automotive industry. Visitors experienced the potency and scalability of EMQX, the world's most scalable MQTT-based IoT messaging platform. EMQ's platform supports vehicle services, including automotive manufacturers, fleet operators, telematics, geolocation, and app-based mobile vehicle controls, for world-class automakers such as Volkswagen, Lucid Technologies, Scania, BMW, and Great Wall Motors. EMQ is at the forefront of proposed additions to the MQTT standard, like MQTT over QUIC, collaborating with automotive R&D labs globally. MQTT over QUIC is an advanced transport protocol seamlessly blending the efficiency of MQTT with the speed and security of QUIC, ensuring a secure and efficient data exchange between connected vehicles and central systems, even in challenging vehicle network conditions. Consequently, EMQ's technology facilitates the reliable real-time movement and processing of IoV data, enabling the creation of a secure, scalable connected car platform supporting advanced applications within the automotive sector. In 2023, EMQ earned acclaim, with over 20 global OEM manufacturers and more than 30 Tier 1 TSP providers choosing EMQX, EMQ's MQTT messaging platform, as their preferred connected car data access solution. Remarkably, over 20 million vehicles worldwide access EMQX commercial products and services, emphasizing EMQ's significant impact in shaping the future of connected vehicles. Dylan Kennedy, CEO of EMQ, shared his reflections on the event, stating, "Participating in Automotive USA 2023 provided us with a valuable platform to engage with industry leaders and showcase the pivotal role of EMQX in the transformation of automotive technology. The discussions and interactions at our booth underscored the growing importance of scalable and efficient IoT messaging solutions in shaping the future of connected vehicles." EMQ remains steadfast in its dedication to driving innovation in the automotive sector, and the success at Automotive USA 2023 reaffirms our commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions for the evolving landscape of connected vehicles. For a deeper dive into EMQ's transformative contributions to the automotive industry, please visit EMQ's Internet of Vehicles Solutions. About EMQ EMQ is the world's leading software provider of open-source IoT data infrastructure. Its core product EMQX, the world's most scalable and reliable open-source MQTT messaging platform, supports 100M concurrent IoT device connections per cluster while maintaining 1M message per second throughput and sub-millisecond latency. It boasts more than 20K+ enterprise users, connecting 100M+ IoT devices, and is trusted by over 400 customers in mission-critical IoT scenarios, including well-known brands like HPE, VMware, Verifone, SAIC Volkswagen and Ericsson. EMQ's global R&D center is located in Stockholm, Sweden. It has 10+ offices throughout the Americas, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region. 305 Vineyard Town Center, Morgan Hill, CA, USA 95037 www.emqx.com | contact@emqx.io Contact: Melanie PR Manager melanie@emqx.io SOURCE: EMQ Technologies Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/804810/emq-attends-reuters-automotive-usa-2023-steering-iot-connectivity The highly anticipated platform for connection, education, guidance, support and advocacy - already securing over 20,000+ pre-registered members - officially launches today and is available for download from the US App Store and Google Play Store. London, United Kingdom--(Newsfile Corp. - November 17, 2023) - Positive+1, an 'all-in-one' style social network set to empower the HIV community launches globally today and is available for download now across the United States. The app is also available for download in Canada, United Kingdom, South Africa, Australia & New Zealand. . Preview of Positive+1's Platform Profile To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10124/187820_a9a95df5841b8a7a_001full.jpg In research, planning and development for over eight years, Positive+1's launch represents a significant milestone in the HIV community, providing a much-needed resource that has been eagerly anticipated. The platform's extensive development period ensures that it is equipped with the necessary features and content to address the diverse needs of those within the HIV community. The launch marks a first of its kind globally - with no other similar resource currently available for the HIV community. By combining both a resource hub and social networking features, Positive+1 will act as a supportive and inclusive online community platform where individuals living with, affected by or working within the HIV space can connect, learn, access valuable resources and build meaningful connections with others who understand their journey. Preview of social networking / in-app chat features To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10124/187820_a9a95df5841b8a7a_002full.jpg With Positive+1, members can access a wide range of resources such as educational materials, drug interaction charts and local support networks based on your location. The platform also allows users to connect with both professionals and peers, fostering a sense of community and facilitating knowledge sharing. The brand has already proven its market value, securing 300,000 GBP (approx 370,000 USD) in funding this year alone, with an additional 640,000 GBP (approx 795,000 USD) already secured for 2024. An impressive network of trusted charity partners and advisers across the UK who fully endorse the platform have also been established; these include San Francisco AIDS Foundation, AIDS United, AHF Pharmacy, Aid for AIDS Nevada (AFAN) and the HIV/AIDS Policy team at The White House. Community professionals are impressed with the platform's offering, highlighting the particular benefits it will have regarding mental health, isolation and loneliness within the community. David Vaughn, Consultant to HHS (United States Department of Health and Human Services) & living with HIV since 2004 explains how; "People with HIV experience stigma due to outdated stereotypes and misinformation. This can often lead to people with HIV feeling isolated and experiencing poorer mental health. Positive+1 is a welcome addition, allowing people with HIV to connect with those sharing similar experiences. I hope the app will be the catalyst for many friendships and a space where people can seek advice and encouragement to stay healthy." Christian Mercer-Hall, Founder & CEO of Positive+1, expressed his excitement and enormous anticipation about the launch, stating, "It feels surreal to say we're finally here. This has been almost a decade in the making and I'm extremely proud of what we have achieved. A resource like Positive+1 is going to make a difference to so many people, on so many levels." The app's launch comes at a time when tolerance, understanding and educating ourselves is arguably needed now more than ever, with Mercer-Hall continuing to state, "For a community that continues to receive a bad reputation and high levels of misunderstanding, I hope Positive+1 is the beginning of a new era for HIV, connecting the community in a way that has not been possible before." Preview of in-app features including educational resource recommendations for members To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10124/187820_a9a95df5841b8a7a_003full.jpg With a team working fully remote in many different locations in and outside of the UK, the initial launch of the platform marks only the beginning of a very exciting journey. Lyle McAdam, Head of Communications explains how "Conversations are already underway to continue building out our platform's expansion - with other locations firmly in the works for 2024/2025." Positive+1 launches today and is available now for download in the Apple app store and Google Play Store. Additional information can be found online by visiting positiveplusone.com. - ENDS - About Positive+1: Positive+1 is the social network empowering the HIV community. An 'all-in-one' platform designed to facilitate connection, education, guidance and support. Contact Information: Lyle McAdam Head of Communications E: lyle@positiveplusone.com | T: +44 (0) 7393 179901 To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/187820 GUIYANG, China, Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Bijie, located in the northwestern part of Guizhou, has a humid subtropical monsoon climate, with a cool summer and mild winter. There are endless mountains, lush forests, blue skies and vast grasslands, which can be seen as a microcosm of the ecology of Guizhou. Every winter, more than 100,000 birds fly to Caohai National Nature Reserve in Weining, Bijie for the winter. Because Bijie has such a good ecological environment, it constantly attracts tourists from all over the world. The short video series "Be My Guest Modern Guizhou", which is originally produced by Guizhou Satellite TV, invites foreign friends to Guizhou in the form of reality shows to demonstrate their real lives in the local area. In this episode, Mohamed Jihad Mohamed, an Egyptian international student who just graduated from the Broadcasting Host major at the Communication University of China, receives an invitation from his friend, the Guizhou travel blogger Yan Jun, to come to Bijie and start his unique graduation trip! During this trip, they went to Huawu Village to admire the clarity of the swimming pool made of mountain spring, rushed to the steppe in Axilixi, camped in Gonglongping National Forest Park, Bijie and experienced the thrill of mountain motorcycles. They went to Weining Grass Sea to watch the migrating birds and listen to the stories of bird protectors. "The scenery of Bijie is so beautiful that I often want to chant a poem against the beautiful scenery." Mohamed Jihad Mohamed lived in China for four years, he loves Chinese traditional culture, and this trip has left him such an unforgettable experience. Mohamed Jihad Mohamed hopes to bring his family to Guizhou next time to experience the ecological beauty of Bijie. Contact: Yu Xiaoying Tel: 0086851-85377412 E-mail: guizhou1gc@163.com YouTube link: https://youtu.be/pRNuOPPIt4s Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1966408/4411770/logo_Guizhou_Satellite_TV_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/guizhou-satellite-tv-unveils-the-hidden-ecological-attractions-in-bijie-guizhou-301992208.html The "Global Healthcare Chatbots Market Size By Component, By Application, By Deployment, By End-User, By Geographic Scope And Forecast" report has been published by Verified Market Research. The report provides an in-depth analysis of the global Healthcare Chatbots Market, including its growth prospects, market trends, and market challenges. JERSEY CITY, N.J., Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Global Healthcare Chatbots Market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 19.16% from 2022 to 2030, according to a new report published by Verified Market Research. The report reveals that the market was valued at USD 194.85 Million in 2021 and is expected to reach USD 943.64 Million by the end of the forecast period. Download PDF Brochure: https://www.verifiedmarketresearch.com/download-sample?rid=39320 Browse in-depth TOC on "Healthcare Chatbots Market" 202 - Pages 126 - Tables 37 - Figures Healthcare Chatbots Market: Paving the Future of Patient Interaction and Virtual Health Assistance In a dynamic landscape driven by technological advancements, the Healthcare Chatbots Market emerges as a transformative force, revolutionizing patient engagement and virtual health assistance. Today, we unveil key insights into this burgeoning market, poised for significant growth and innovation. Healthcare Chatbots Redefining Patient Interaction Cutting-edge chatbot technology, powered by Artificial Intelligence and a robust set of rules, is reshaping how individuals interact with healthcare services. Whether through textual communication or audio output, chatbots serve as indispensable tools facilitating seamless communication between patients and artificial intelligence. These cloud-based or on-premise solutions empower patients to assess symptoms, locate clinics, and schedule appointments with unparalleled efficiency. Driving Factors for Healthcare Chatbots Market Growth The demand for virtual health assistance propels the Healthcare Chatbots Market forward. The industry witnesses constant advancements, technological developments, and collaborative efforts between key players and healthcare providers. A surge in healthcare chatbot usage, coupled with the development of cloud-based models, creates new opportunities, positioning the market for exponential growth. Healthcare Chatbots Market Key Industry Drivers and Challenges As the industry gains momentum, factors such as increasing internet access, smart device penetration, and integration with social networking platforms become pivotal. However, challenges like data privacy concerns, a lack of experience in chatbot development, and misconceptions impede the market's full potential. Despite these obstacles, the incorporation of chatbot services in digital marketing strategies propels the Healthcare Chatbots Market into a rapid expansion phase. The North American Healthcare Chatbots Market emerges as the fastest-growing sector, fueled by the increased use of mobile apps for healthcare information, the popularity of social media-embedded chatbots, and substantial investments by digital healthcare developers. This region stands at the forefront of innovation, driving the market to new heights. Healthcare Chatbots Market Leading Key Players Shaping the Future In this landscape of innovation, major players play a pivotal role in shaping the Healthcare Chatbots Market. Your.MD, PACT Care BV, Woebot, Sensely, Inc., Ada Digital Health Ltd., HealthTap, Inc., Infermedica, Baidu, Inc., Buoy Health, Inc., Babylon Healthcare Service Limited, GYANT.Com, Inc., and Microsoft stand as industry leaders, contributing significantly to the development and innovation within the healthcare chatbot domain. As the Healthcare Chatbots Market continues to evolve, its impact on patient interaction and virtual health assistance cannot be overstated. The future promises not only growth but a paradigm shift in the way healthcare services are accessed and delivered. Stay tuned as the industry unfolds, ushering in a new era of healthcare innovation. To get market data, market insights, financial statements and a comprehensive analysis of the Global Healthcare Chatbots Market, please Contact Verified Market Research. Based on the research, Verified Market Research has segmented the global Healthcare Chatbots Market into Component, Application, Deployment, End-User, And Geography. Healthcare Chatbots Market, by Component Software Service Others Healthcare Chatbots Market, by Application Symptoms Check Appointment Scheduling & Monitoring Medical & Drug Information Assistance Other Applications Healthcare Chatbots Market, by Deployment Cloud-based Model On-premise Model Healthcare Chatbots Market, by End-User Healthcare Providers Healthcare Payers Patients Other End-Users Healthcare Chatbots 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 Browse Related Reports: Chatbot For Banking Market By Product (Bots for Service, Bots for Social Media, Bots for Payments/Order processing), By Application (Banking, Financial Services, Insurance), By Geography, And Forecast Chatbot Market By End-User Vertical (BFSI, Healthcare, IT and Telecommunication), By Platform (Web-Based, Mobile, Stand-alone), By Geography, And Forecast Healthcare Virtual Assistants Market By Product (Smart Speakers, Chatbots), By User Interface (Automatic Speech Recognition, Text-based, Text-to-speech), By End User (Healthcare Providers, Patients, Healthcare Payers), By Geography, And Forecast Intelligent Virtual Assistant Market By User Interface (Text-To-Speech, Text-Based), By Product (IVA Smart Speakers, Chatbots), By Vertical (Healthcare, Government, Consumer Electronics), By Geography, And Forecast 5 Best Telecom Managed Services: Enhancing communication for smarter connections Visualize Healthcare Chatbots Market using Verified Market Intelligence -: Verified Market Intelligence is our BI Enabled Platform for narrative storytelling in this market. VMI offers in-depth forecasted trends and accurate Insights on over 20,000+ emerging & niche markets, helping you make critical revenue-impacting decisions for a brilliant future. VMI provides a holistic overview and global competitive landscape with respect to Region, Country, Segment, and Key players of your market. Present your Market Report & findings with an inbuilt presentation feature saving over 70% of your time and resources for Investor, Sales & Marketing, R&D, and Product Development pitches. VMI enables data delivery In Excel and Interactive PDF formats with over 15+ Key Market Indicators for your market. About Us Verified Market Research is a leading Global Research and Consulting firm servicing over 5000+ customers. Verified Market Research provides advanced analytical research solutions while offering information-enriched research studies. We offer insight into strategic and growth analyses, Data necessary to achieve corporate goals and critical revenue decisions. Our 250 Analysts and SMEs offer a high level of expertise in data collection and governance use industrial techniques to collect and analyze data on more than 15,000 high impact and niche markets. Our analysts are trained to combine modern data collection techniques, superior research methodology, expertise and years of collective experience to produce informative and accurate research. We study 14+ categories from Semiconductors & Electronics, Chemicals, Advanced Materials, Aerospace & Defense, Energy & Power, Healthcare, Pharmaceuticals, Automotive & Transportation, Information & Communication Technology, Software & Services, Information Security, Mining, Minerals & Metals, Building & Construction, Agriculture industry and Medical Devices from over 100 countries. Contact Us Mr. Edwyne Fernandes Verified Market Research US: +1 (650)-781-4080 US Toll Free: +1 (800)-782-1768 Email: sales@verifiedmarketresearch.com Web: https://www.verifiedmarketresearch.com/ Follow Us: LinkedIn | Twitter Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2015407/VMR_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/healthcare-chatbots-market-size-worth--943-64-million-globally-by-2030-at-19-16-cagr-verified-market-research-301991988.html DALLAS, TX / ACCESSWIRE / November 17, 2023 / Mary Kay Inc., a global leader in skin care innovation and sustainability, is honored to announce its inclusion in the 2023 Texan by Nature 20 (TxN 20), a prestigious recognition by the conservation non-profit, Texan by Nature. Founded by former First Lady Laura Bush, Texan by Nature annually celebrates Texas-based companies that demonstrate a strong commitment to conservation and sustainability. This year's recognition underscores Mary Kay's longstanding dedication to integrating sustainable practices into its business operations and its innovative approach to preserving the environment. "Being recognized in the TxN 20 is not only an honor, but a testament to our enduring commitment to conservation and sustainability," said Jeni Wang, Senior Specialist of Corporate Engineering at Mary Kay, who accepted the honor on behalf of the company. "At Mary Kay, we believe in the harmonious coexistence of business and nature, and we continuously strive to implement practices that positively impact our planet." The TxN 20 recognizes industry leaders across 12 sectors in Texas who are at the forefront of conservation efforts and sustainable business practices. With its inclusion in the TxN 20, Mary Kay joins an elite group of companies that are setting the standard for environmental stewardship in the Lone Star State and beyond. 2023 TxN 20 honorees included: Alamo Group Cemex Cirrus Logic CPS Energy Darling Ingredients Desert Door Sotol Dallas Fort Worth International Airport HOLT CAT JP Morgan Mary Kay Microsoft NextEra Energy North American Development Bank rsted Overland Partners PepsiCo Stantec Texas Health Resources Wayne Sanderson Farms WM About Mary Kay Then. Now. Always. One of the original glass ceiling breakers, Mary Kay Ash founded her dream beauty brand in Texas in 1963 with one goal: to enrich women's lives. That dream has blossomed into a global company with millions of independent sales force members in more than 35 countries. For 60 years, the Mary Kay opportunity has empowered women to define their own futures through education, mentorship, advocacy, and innovation. Mary Kay is dedicated to investing in the science behind beauty and manufacturing cutting-edge skincare, color cosmetics, nutritional supplements, and fragrances. Mary Kay believes in preserving our planet for future generations, protecting women impacted by cancer and domestic abuse, and encouraging youth to follow their dreams. Learn more at marykayglobal.com , find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn , or follow us on Twitter. ### Mary Kay Inc. Corporate Communications marykay.com/newsroom 972.687.5332 or media@mkcorp.com Mary Kay was included in the 2023 Texan by Nature 20 (TxN 20), a prestigious recognition by the conservation non-profit, Texan by Nature. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Mary Kay on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Mary Kay Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/mary-kay Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Mary Kay View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/805947/mary-kay-recognized-for-leadership-in-conservation-and-sustainability-in-the-2023-texan-by-nature-20 AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of "a" (Excellent) of Nacional de Reaseguros, S.A. (Nacional) (Spain). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable. The ratings reflect Nacional's balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as very strong, as well as its strong operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management. Nacional's risk-adjusted capitalisation remains at the strongest level, as measured by Best's Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR), primarily supported by modest underwriting leverage. The company's balance sheet strength assessment also reflects its prudent reserving approach, well-diversified investment portfolio and comprehensive retrocession protection covering its domestic and international portfolios, further supported by the Consorcio de Compensacion de Seguros in Spain. AM Best expects the company's prospective capital position to benefit from good organic capital generation, supported by a prudent dividend policy. Nacional's disciplined underwriting approach and relatively modest exposure to natural catastrophes have contributed to consistently strong technical results, demonstrated by a five-year (2018-2022) weighted average combined ratio of 97.1%. Nacional reported a pre-tax profit of EUR 23.5 million in 2022 (2021: EUR 39.8 million). The company's non-life performance deteriorated in 2022, mainly driven by negative results on its international property book. However, these losses were partly compensated by the outstanding performance of its life business, which reported technical profits of EUR 23.5 million (2021: EUR 4.5 million). Nacional maintains a strong competitive position as a leading reinsurer in Spain. Gross written premium increased by 9.0% to EUR 690.0 million in 2022, driven by the company's stable position in Spain's insurance market, and its prudent expansion strategy in other European countries, coupled with price increases due to hardening market conditions. Nacional has expanded its international activities successfully, targeting small- to medium-sized insurers and mutual companies in Europe. In 2022, foreign business accounted for approximately 33% of Nacional's total premium, compared with 27% in 2014, highlighting the improved geographic diversification of the company's portfolio. This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on AM Best's website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see AM Best's Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Guide to Best's Credit Ratings. For information on the proper use of Best's Credit Ratings, Best's Performance Assessments, Best's Preliminary Credit Assessments and AM Best press releases, please view Guide to Proper Use of Best's Ratings Assessments AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specialising in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City. For more information, visit www.ambest.com Copyright 2023 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231117084202/en/ Contacts: Jose Berenguer, CFA Associate Director, Analytics +31 20 308 54 29 jose.berenguer@ambest.com Mathilde Jakobsen Senior Director, Analytics +31 20 308 5427 mathilde.jakobsen@ambest.com Christopher Sharkey Associate Director, Public Relations +1 908 882 2310 christopher.sharkey@ambest.com Al Slavin Senior Public Relations Specialist +1 908 882 2318 al.slavin@ambest.com PARIS, Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- At Huawei Connect 2023 in Paris today, Huawei launched its All-Scenario WLAN Solution, which continuously promotes the application of the Wi-Fi 7 standard technology in the enterprise market and continuously upgrades the network experience of customers in the education, healthcare, retail, and manufacturing industries. Yang Chaobin, Huawei Board Member and President of ICT Products and Solutions said: 'The industry's first commercial Wi-Fi 7 APs support 120 concurrent channels of HD video, and provide ubiquitous 10-Gbps bandwidth'. Huawei AirEngine Wi-Fi 7 All-Scenario APs stand out with ultra-high single-terminal rate and AP throughput. On top of that, Huawei AirEngine Wi-Fi 7 APs draw on many innovative technologies - such as dynamic-zoom smart antenna, Coordinated Spatial Reuse (CoSR) multi-AP coordination, and AI roaming - to offer up to 10 Gbps wireless bandwidth and enable intelligent multimedia scheduling. In this way, a single AirEngine Wi-Fi 7 AP supports up to 120 high-density concurrent users at workplaces, which are free from rate limiting or bandwidth contention from download services. All of these traits make Huawei AirEngine Wi-Fi 7 an ideal choice for high-density office scenarios. Huawei has a strong track record in the enterprise Wi-Fi field and is a major contributor to Wi-Fi 4 through Wi-Fi 7. In the European enterprise markets, Huawei AirEngine products are widely used in education, healthcare, retail, and manufacturing, and other sectors. Huawei has always focused on the experience, requirements, and pain points of customers to build high-quality Wi-Fi networks for enterprises, and has been racking up the accolades. Recently, Huawei has won the "Best Enterprise Wi-Fi Network 2023" Award at the Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA) Industry Awards 2023 for its field-proven High-quality AirEngine Wi-Fi 7 Network Solution. This is the very first award for Wi-Fi 7, reflecting how significantly Huawei AirEngine Wi-Fi 7 APs have been recognized by global enterprise users. 2023 is the first year to witness the commercial use of Wi-Fi 7 APs, marking the first time in which this latest Wi-Fi standard has truly started to serve people in both daily work and life. The accolade signifies the widespread recognition of innovative ideas, field-proven applications, and leadership of Huawei's AirEngine Wi-Fi series products. Moreover, following the trend of Wi-Fi evolution, Huawei already prepared the next trend: Multi-GE campus evolution. As Wi-Fi 7 delivers more bandwidth, campus networks have to afford this traffic which is why a multi-Ge campus evolution is forthcoming. With the transition from 1Ge access switches to 2.5Ge access, this choice is driven by two main reasons: 2.5Ge can afford Wi-Fi 7 traffic and it can support all types of devices using 2.5Ge, 1Ge, 100Mb and 10Mb. Importantly, this also allows customers to keep their current cabling where they cannot replace it immediately, offering the smoothest transition to Wi-Fi 7. Looking ahead, Huawei will continue to dive into enterprise Wi-Fi networks and work with global enterprises to explore more innovative Wi-Fi use cases in enterprise workplaces, production and manufacturing, education, healthcare, and other sectors. The company will further unleash the huge potential of Wi-Fi networks and other innovations to drive the digital transformation of industries. About Huawei Founded in 1987, Huawei is a leading global provider of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure and smart devices. We have 195,000 employees and we operate in more than 170 countries and regions, serving more than three billion people around the world. Our vision and mission is to bring digital to every person, home and organization for a fully connected, intelligent world. To this end, we will work towards ubiquitous connectivity and inclusive network access, laying the foundation for an intelligent world; provide diversified computing power where you need it, when you need it, to bring cloud and intelligence to all four corners of the earth; build digital platforms to help all industries and organizations become more agile, efficient, and dynamic; and redefine user experience with AI, making it smarter and more personalized for people in all aspects of their life, whether they're at home, on the go, in the office, having fun, or working out. For more information, please visit Huawei online at www.huawei.com or follow us on: http://www.linkedin.com/company/Huawei http://www.twitter.com/Huawei http://www.facebook.com/Huawei http://www.youtube.com/Huawei Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1636608/4410243/Huawei_Enterprise_Logo.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/huawei-launches-airengine-wi-fi-7-all-scenario-aps-to-upgrade-the-network-experience-of-customers-in-the-education-healthcare-retail-and-manufacturing-industries-301992290.html Danielle Menture, BMS' vice president of sustainability, answers five questions about what the company is doing to meet its green energy goals. NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / November 17, 2023 / Bristol Myers Squibb Company Photo Credit: National Grid Renewables Originally published on Bristol Myers Squibb News & Perspectives This week, BMS announced a 15-year virtual power purchase agreement (VPPA) with National Grid Renewables for 145 megawatts (MW) of solar at the Texas-based Blevins Project. Combined with the 15-year VPPA with EDP Renewables secured in 2022, this move puts BMS another step closer to realizing its goal of 100% of purchased electricity from renewable sources by 2030. To dig deeper, Danielle Menture, vice president of Environment, Occupational Health, Safety and Sustainability, answers five questions about how BMS is expanding its renewable energy use by investing in VPPAs. What is a virtual power purchase agreement? How does it work? Virtual power purchase agreements, or VPPAs, are longer-term contracts between a large-scale energy purchaser, like BMS, and a developer of a renewable energy project, like National Grid Renewables or EDP, who develop and operate renewable energy assets, including solar. With a VPPA, BMS is supporting the creation of renewable electricity that is provided to the grid. The company receives what are called renewable energy credits or certificates (RECs) that demonstrate we've brought additionality, or new renewable energy generation to the grid. This agreement is good for both parties: On the developer's side, it helps create local jobs and income for the community and provides cleaner energy for residents in the project area. For BMS, it guarantees a fixed rate for electricity once the project is up and running, and it helps offset the direct environmental impact of BMS' operations. It also supports the creation of a more sustainable planet by increasing the amount of available renewable energy and helping to accelerate the transition to a clean-energy economy. What are the expected economic and environmental impacts? Our teams spend a lot of time evaluating the best solutions for BMS. VPPAs are a direct way to add renewable energy to the grid, while offsetting our own carbon footprint. Additionally, they have significant economic benefits to the communities where projects are located. In total, the direct economic impact of this VPPA with National Grid is estimated to be approximately $35 million over the first 30 years of operation, and that includes job creation and tax revenue generation. It will add a total of 270 megawatts (MW) of solar power to the grid, and according to the Environmental Protection Agency, the project is expected to offset approximately 457,300 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually, which is equivalent to taking around 101,700 cars off the road every year. As for our agreement with EDP, that site adds 240 MW to the grid, and the total generation will be equivalent to the average consumption of more than 37,000 Texas homes1 , and an estimated $55 million in taxes will be paid to support local schools and community services . How did you decide on the right VPPA? It's important for us to ensure that the VPPAs we contract are in line with our business priorities. Throughout this process, we worked closely with experts at Edison Energy, who helped us identify and structure the right project to not only create a meaningful impact but also tie back to our environmental sustainability goals. What type of renewable energy is best? There isn't a "best" type of energy. The most popular renewable energies today are wind, geothermal, hydroelectricity, biomass and solar. Both of BMS' VPPAs invest in solar power. Solar power is a strong option for Texas, where our projects with National Grid and EDP are located, because of the abundance of consistent sunlight. How will VPPAs help BMS achieve its renewable energy goals? BMS made a commitment to get 100% of purchased electricity from renewable sources by 2030. I'm excited by the great strides we've made toward this goal, and our VPPA investments are an important part of that. We expect that once both projects start operations - EDP's Cattlemen Solar Park in December 2023 and National Grid's Blevins Project estimated in early 2026 - we will be well on track to hit our 2030 target. To learn more about our latest VPPA agreement, read the press release here . 1. Power generation calculated using a 25% capacity factor; household consumption based on the 2020 EIA Household Data monthly average consumption by state. About Bristol Myers Squibb Bristol Myers Squibb is a global biopharmaceutical company whose mission is to discover, develop and deliver innovative medicines that help patients prevail over serious diseases. As global citizens, we work sustainably and responsibly to create a positive impact in the communities where we live and work. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Bristol Myers Squibb Company on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Bristol Myers Squibb Company Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/bristol-myers-squibb-company Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Bristol Myers Squibb Company View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/806025/how-is-bms-making-progress-on-its-renewable-energy-goals Rightmove Plc - Transaction in Own Shares PR Newswire LONDON, United Kingdom, November 17 17 November 2023 Rightmove plc Share buy-back programme Rightmove plc - transactions in own shares Rightmove plc ('Rightmove'), announces that today it purchased 850,000 of its 0.1p ordinary shares at a volume weighted average price paid per share of 504.145p. The highest price paid per share was 507.000p and the lowest price paid per share was 501.200p. Rightmove purchased these shares through Numis Securities Limited. The number of shares purchased represented 0.1057% of the voting rights attributable to the total ordinary shares in issue prior to such purchase. The purchased shares will be cancelled. Since announcing a share buy-back programme on 28 December 2007, Rightmove has purchased in aggregate 503,682,083 ordinary shares. The total number of ordinary shares in issue (excluding treasury shares) following this announcement is 803,577,708. Rightmove holds 11,794,289 shares in treasury. In accordance with Article 5(1)(b) of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 (the Market Abuse Regulation) as amended by The Market Abuse (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (the 'UK MAR'), the schedule below contains detailed information about the purchases made by Numis Securities Limited on behalf of the Company as part of the buyback programme. Contact: Michelle Palmer, Assistant Company Secretary CompanySecretary@rightmove.co.uk Schedule of Purchases - Individual Transactions Finsbury Growth & Income Trust Plc - Transaction in Own Shares PR Newswire LONDON, United Kingdom, November 17 For immediate release 17 November 2023 FINSBURY GROWTH & INCOME TRUST PLC (the "Company") MARKET PURCHASE OF COMPANY'S OWN SHARES The Company announces that it has today purchased 200,000 of its own shares ("Ordinary Shares") at a price of 811.70 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 23,870,852; 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 201,120,451. The figure of 201,120,451 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 NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / November 17, 2023 / In a remarkable collaboration aimed at tackling food insecurity and advancing sustainable urban agriculture, Teens for Food Justice (TFFJ) and Green Mountain Energy Sun Club (Sun Club) are excited to preview a new, cutting-edge hydroponic farm at the Murry Bergtraum Educational Campus in Manhattan. This groundbreaking made possible from a $148,000 sustainability grant from Sun Club and represents a beacon of hope for food justice advocates and sustainability enthusiasts alike. The TFFJ/Green Mountain Energy Sun Club Farm at the Murry Bergtraum Educational Campus - which will unfold over the next 18 months - will grow a projected 8,000 pounds of produce per year in a 1,500-square-foot space that is adjacent to the campus cafeteria. This produce will be served to 1,400 students in the campus cafeteria and distributed through partnerships with local community-based organizations to food-insecure community members. "We are thrilled to announce this hydroponic farm at the Murry Bergtraum Educational Campus and to continue our partnership with Sun Club," said Katherine Soll, CEO/Founder of Teens for Food Justice. "This project exemplifies our mission and commitment to empowering young people to become advocates for food justice and equity. We believe that by educating and involving students in urban farming, we can help them develop a deeper understanding of the food system and inspire positive change in their communities. The TFFJ farm at the Murry Bergtraum Educational Campus signifies a significant milestone in our mission to provide fresh, locally grown produce to underserved communities while fostering environmental responsibility and youth empowerment. It will serve as a dynamic educational platform, offering students on campus a unique opportunity to engage with sustainable agriculture practices, nutrition, and food justice issues firsthand." The sustainability grant from Sun Club will support all of the TFFJ farm's equipment, consumables, and environmental controls. This is Sun Club's second grant award to TFFJ, having first supported the launch of the TFFJ/Green Mountain Energy Sun Club Farm at the DeWitt Clinton Educational Campus in the Bronx in 2017. "Green Mountain Energy and Teens for Food Justice share a common vision of creating a more equitable and sustainable future," said Mark Parsons, vice president and general manager of Green Mountain Energy. "This hydroponic farm at the Murry Bergtraum Educational Campus is a testament to what can be achieved when organizations collaborate and address critical issues like food insecurity and climate change. We are thrilled to announce this innovative project and its potential to transform the lives of students and community members." Once fully built, the hydroponic farm will utilize state-of-the-art technology to cultivate a wide range of fresh, student-grown produce - including leafy greens, herbs, and other vegetables - while using 90% less water compared to traditional soil-based agriculture and eliminating the need for harmful pesticides. This sustainable farming method aligns perfectly with Sun Club's commitment to supporting environmentally responsible initiatives and is an excellent fit for urban environments like Manhattan. Urban Assembly Maker Academy students are already engaged in TFFJ programming in the lab in room 439 even before their farm is built, using smaller hydroponic towers, DIY grow-kits, and a vine crop system to grow food while also designing a "green wall" to live outside the farm classroom. In total, roughly 300 Urban Assembly Maker Academy students will be actively engaged in STEM-focused farm programming, as well as in TFFJ's afterschool Food Justice Collective, which provides youth with comprehensive nutrition and health education and food justice advocacy training to help them become empowered consumers and changemakers. "This TFFJ farm helps further our mission to cultivate students as problem-solvers who can create positive change in a world where change is the only constant," said Amy Piller, Principal of Urban Assembly Maker Academy. "This hands-on experience will not only enhance our students' knowledge of sustainable agriculture, but also teach them valuable skills for a more sustainable future while instilling in them a sense of empowerment and preparedness for the landscape of the ever-changing 21st century." The preview event for the hydroponic farm at Murry Bergtraum Campus took place November 16, 2023, and the completed farm is scheduled to fully launch in December 2024. For media inquiries and further information about this collaboration and the hydroponic farm, please contact: Aliya Brown Senior Communications & Content Manager abrown@teensforfoodjustice.org 929-224-2108 (mobile) About Teens for Food Justice Teens for Food Justice (TFFJ) operates high-capacity hydroponic farms on six school campuses across four New York City boroughs and in Denver, Colorado. TFFJ students use real-world21st-century science and technology to grow up to 10,000 pounds (per school) of hydroponic produce annually. Through the program, TFFJ's farmers develop a meaningful solution to food insecurity, transform their relationship with the food they eat, and develop cutting-edge STEM skills needed in a new green-sector economy. TFFJ operates five farms in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan, serving 18 schools and 7,000 students and growing nearly 36,000 pounds of produce annually. Four more farms will be operational by Spring 2024, serving nine additional schools and more than 4,000 additional students and bringing TFFJ's total annual production to over 68,000 pounds of fresh produce. About Green Mountain Energy Sun Club Green Mountain Energy is inspiring hope, motivating action through the use of clean energy, and advancing sustainable communities through the work of Green Mountain Energy Sun Club. Since its founding in 2002, Sun Club has donated more than $13 million to 156 nonprofit organizations across Texas and the Northeast. Sun Club collaborates with nonprofit organizations on projects that focus on renewable energy, energy efficiency, resource conservation, and environmental stewardship. To learn more about Green Mountain Energy and Sun Club or to apply for a Sun Club grant, visit greenmountain.com/sunclub. ### Johnny Richardson from Green Mountain Energy Sun Club, Amy Pillar from Urban Assembly Maker Academy, and Kathryn Soll from Teens for Food Justice pose with students at Murry Bergtraum Educational Campus in Manhattan for the preview of the new hydroponic farm. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Green Mountain Energy on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Green Mountain Energy Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/green-mountain-energy Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Green Mountain Energy View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/806138/teens-for-food-justice-and-green-mountain-energy-sun-club-join-forces-to-announce-groundbreaking-hydroponic-farm-at-manhattans-murry-bergtraum-educational-campus Tron DAO TRON DAO Team at Binance Blockchain Week Istanbul 2023 17-Nov-2023 / 19:50 CET/CEST The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. NEWS RELEASE BY TRON DAO Geneva, Switzerland | November 17, 2023 12:58 PM Eastern Standard Time Geneva, Switzerland / November 17, 2023 / - TRON DAO attended as a diamond sponsor at the Binance Blockchain Week in Istanbul, held from November 8 to November 9, 2023. This exciting event gathered a variety of blockchain enthusiasts, sparking pivotal conversations aimed at charting the course for the next billion Web3 users. Featuring Insights from TRON's Thought Leaders Feroz Lakhani, Enterprise Lead at TRON DAO, captivated the audience with his keynote, "A Developer's Guide to TRON," detailing the opportunities the TRON network holds for creators and developers alike. Similarly, David Uhryniak, Ecosystem Lead at TRON DAO, addressed the subject "Crypto: A Global Crossroads," illuminating how TRON is navigating the intersection of global finance and cutting-edge tech to pave the way for innovation. Deepening Connections in Istanbul The TRON DAO team's journey at Binance Blockchain Week extended beyond technical insights, diving into the heart of Istanbul's cultural vibrancy. They explored the city's storied streets, engaging with the energy and traditions of the local community. As TRON DAO bid farewell to Istanbul, they left enriched by the shared experiences and more committed to a vision for an inclusive and decentralized future, energized by the spirit of innovation that thrived throughout the Binance Blockchain Week. About TRON DAO TRON DAO is a community-governed DAO dedicated to accelerating the decentralization of the internet via blockchain technology and dApps. Founded in September 2017 by H.E. Justin Sun, the TRON network has continued to deliver impressive achievements since MainNet launch in May 2018. July 2018 also marked the ecosystem integration of BitTorrent, a pioneer in decentralized Web3 services boasting over 100 million monthly active users. The TRON network has gained incredible traction in recent years. As of November 2023, it has over 195.00 million total user accounts on the blockchain, more than 6.69 billion total transactions, and over $19.18 billion in total value locked (TVL), as reported on TRONSCAN. In addition, TRON hosts the largest circulating supply of USD Tether (USDT) stablecoin across the globe, overtaking USDT on Ethereum since April 2021. The TRON network completed full decentralization in December 2021 and is now a community-governed DAO. Most recently in October 2022, TRON was designated as the national blockchain for the Commonwealth of Dominica, which marks the first time a major public blockchain partnered with a sovereign nation to develop its national blockchain infrastructure. On top of the government's endorsement to issue Dominica Coin ("DMC"), a blockchain-based fan token to help promote Dominica's global fanfare, seven existing TRON-based tokens - TRX, BTT, NFT, JST, USDD, USDT, TUSD, have been granted statutory status as authorized digital currency and medium of exchange in the country. TRONNetwork | TRONDAO | Twitter | YouTube | Telegram | Discord | Reddit | GitHub | Medium | Forum Media Contact Hayward Wong press@tron.network Contact Details Hayward Wong press@tron.network Company Website https://trondao.org/ Dissemination of a CORPORATE NEWS, transmitted by EQS Group. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Mississauga, Ontario and Sacramento, California--(Newsfile Corp. - November 17, 2023) - Bee Vectoring Technologies International Inc. (CSE: BEE) (OTCQB: BEVVF) (CVE: BEE) (the "Company" or "BVT") announces that it has entered into a debt settlement agreement (the "Settlement Agreement") to settle outstanding cash payments owed to a creditor totaling $165,908.34 for legal fees. Pursuant to the Settlement Agreement, the Company has agreed to issue an aggregate of 2,765,138 Common shares at a deemed price of $0.06 per Common share. The Company anticipates closing the Settlement Agreement on or about November 24, 2023. Securities issued pursuant to the Settlement Agreement will be subject to a statutory hold period of four months plus a day from issuance in accordance with applicable securities laws. About Bee Vectoring Technologies International Inc. BVT, an agriculture technology company, is a market disruptor with a significant global market opportunity in the $240 billion crop protection and fertilizer market. BVT has pioneered a natural precision agriculture system that replaces chemical pesticides and wasteful plant protection product spray applications by delivering biological pesticide alternatives to crops using commercially grown bees. BVT's award-winning technology, precision vectoring, is completely harmless to bees and allows minute amounts of naturally-derived pesticides (called biologicals) to be delivered directly to blooms, providing improved crop protection and yield results than traditional chemical pesticides - and improving the health of the soil, the microbiome and the environment. Currently, BVT has 55 granted patents, over 35 patents pending in all major agricultural countries worldwide and has US EPA registration of its Vectorite with CR-7 (EPA Registration No. 90641-2) for sale as a registered biological fungicide for use on the labeled crops. Additional information can be viewed at the Company's website www.beevt.com. To receive regular news updates from the Company, subscribe at www.beevt.com/newsletter. BVT Company Contact: Ashish Malik, President & CEO, BVT info@beevt.com BVT Investor Contact: Babak Pedram Virtus Advisory Group Tel: 416-995-8651 bpedram@virtusadvisory.com The CSE has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release. The CSE does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Certain statements contained in this press release constitute "forward-looking information" as such term is defined in applicable Canadian securities legislation. The words "may", "would", "could", "should", "potential", "will", "seek", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect" and similar expressions as they relate to the Company, "annual revenue potential", are intended to identify forward-looking information. All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking information. Such statements reflect the Company's current views and intentions with respect to future events, and current information available to the Company, and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including: planted acres, selling price of competitive chemical pesticides and the US to Canadian dollar exchange rate. Material factors or assumptions were applied in providing forward-looking information. Many factors could cause the actual results, performance or achievements that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking information to vary from those described herein should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize. These factors include changes in law, competition, litigation, the ability to implement business strategies and pursue business opportunities, state of the capital markets, the availability of funds and resources to pursue operations, new technologies, the ability to protect intellectual property rights, the ability to obtain patent protection for products, third-party intellectual property infringement claims, regulatory changes affecting products, failing research and development activities, the ability to reach and sustain profitability, dependence on business and technical experts, the ability to effectively manage business operations and growth, issuance of debt, dilution of existing securities, volatility of publicly traded securities, potential conflicts of interest, unlikelihood of dividend payments, the potential costs stemming from defending third-party intellectual property infringement claims, the ability to secure relationships with manufacturers and purchasers, as well as general economic, market and business conditions, as well as those risk factors discussed or referred to in the Company's Filing Statement dated August 14,2020, filed with the CSE and securities regulatory authorities in certain provinces of Canada and available at www.sedar.com. Should any factor affect the Company in an unexpected manner, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking information prove incorrect, the actual results or events may differ materially from the results or events predicted. Any such forward-looking information is expressly qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement. Moreover, the Company does not assume responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of such forward-looking information. The forward-looking information included in this press release is made as of the date of this press release and the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking information, other than as required by applicable law. All figures are in Canadian dollars. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/187910 Milestone acquisition for Statkraft, Europe's largest generator of renewable energy (Oslo/Madrid) The acquisition of Enerfin adds 1.5 GW of operational wind power, wind and solar capacity currently under construction plus a sizeable pipeline of projects in development to Statkraft's portfolio. This reinforces the Norwegian company's position as a major international renewable energy player, and significantly strengthens its position in Spain and Brazil. Statkraft, Europe's largest generator of renewable energy and a global player in energy market operations, has reached an agreement for the acquisition of the Spanish renewable energy company Enerfin. Enerfin is a subsidiary of Elecnor Group, a leading Spanish engineering and construction business. The transaction has an estimated enterprise value of 1.8 billion EUR, including equity and debt, subject to customary adjustments at completion. Enerfin's renewable energy platform includes 1.5 GW in operation and under construction, and a solid pipeline of projects at various stages of development. "This is a milestone acquisition for Statkraft. Enerfin is a solid, well-run company with a highly competent organisation and an attractive portfolio that fits well with Statkraft's current activities. The deal will create further value for the customers, our owner and society as it constitutes a major contribution to the green energy transition towards zero emissions", says Christian Rynning-Tnnesen, CEO of Statkraft. The portfolio comes with significant opportunities for the repowering of wind farms, as well as hybridization and battery storage possibilities. In addition, the acquisition enables increased market operations in both Spain and Brazil. "The acquisition reinforces Statkraft's position as Europe's largest producer of renewable energy and places the company among the top ten wind power producers in Spain, complementing our solar projects portfolio there. The acquisition will also position Statkraft among the three largest wind power producers in Brazil, with over 1.5 GW of installed capacity, and increasing our operational scale," says Rynning-Tnnesen. The transaction is dependent on public approvals in the respective countries and is expected to be closed during the first half of 2024. Enerfin employs a skilled team of approximately 170 people, mainly based in Madrid. Statkraft looks forward to welcoming all new employees to deliver on the vision to renew the way the world is powered. About Statkraft Statkraft is a leading company in hydropower internationally and Europe's largest generator of renewable energy. The Group produces hydropower, wind power, solar power, gas-fired power and supplies district heating. Statkraft is a global company in energy market operations. Statkraft has 5,700 employees in 21 countries. www.statkraft.com For further information, please contact: Marte Lerberg Kopstad, Media contact, Statkraft AS +47 99 52 20 26 | martelerberg.kopstad@statkraft.com Adela Varela Lamigueiro, Communication Manager Spain +34 600 349 258 | adela.varelalamigueiro@statkraft.com Mariana Aoad, Communication Manager Brazil +55 21 999 647 681 | mariana.aoad@statkraft.com TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / November 17, 2023 / Theralase Technologies Inc. ("Theralase" or the "Company") (TSXV:TLT)(OTCQB:TLTFF), a clinical stage pharmaceutical company dedicated to the research and development of light and/or radiation activated Photo Dynamic Compounds ("PDCs") used for the safe and effective destruction of various cancers, bacteria and viruses, has commenced a non-brokered private placement of units of the Company ("Units") to raise up to $CAN 1.5 M ("Offering"). In the Offering, each Unit is priced at $CAN 0.22 and consists of one common share of the Company ("Common Share") and one Common Share purchase warrant ("Warrant"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to purchase one Common Share of the Company ("Warrant Share") for a period of 60 months following the Closing Date (as defined herein) of the Offering at an exercise price of $CAN 0.28 per Warrant Share. The Company plans to use the proceeds of the Offering to further the Phase II Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer ("NMIBC") clinical study currently underway and for working capital needs. All securities issued under the Offering will be subject to a four months and one day hold period from the Closing Date under applicable Canadian and US securities laws. The Offering is scheduled to close on or about the week of November 20, 2023 and is subject to the receipt of all necessary approvals, including the approval of the TSXV ("Closing Date"). The Offering is being made to accredited investor subscribers resident in each of the Provinces of Canada, pursuant to applicable private placement exemptions, in the United States or to, or for the account of, U.S. persons, on a private placement basis pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements in Rule 144A or Regulation D of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended or other available U.S. registration exemptions and offshore jurisdictions pursuant to relevant prospectus or registration exemptions in accordance with applicable laws. The Company agrees to pay a finder's fee to eligible finders for subscribers, introduced by such finder, in connection with the non-brokered private placement, as follows: 1) A cash commission equal to 7% of the gross proceeds 2) Non-transferable finder warrants exercisable to acquire that number of Units equal to 5% of the total number of Units issued, at an exercise price of $CAN 0.22. Each finder warrant will be exercisable for one Share at $CAN 0.28 for a period of 60 months following the Closing Date. No other fee or commission is payable by the Company in connection with the completion of the Private Placement. The Company also announces that it has mutually terminated the recently announced brokered Listed Issuer Financing Exemption ("LIFE") financing with Research Capital Corporation. The securities referred to in this news release have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended ("U.S. Securities Act"), or any applicable securities laws of any state of the United States, and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons (as such term is defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act) or persons in the United States unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and any other applicable securities laws of the United States or an exemption from such registration requirement is available. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities offered in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful, including the United States. About Theralase Technologies Inc.: Theralase is a clinical stage pharmaceutical company dedicated to the research and development of light and radiation activated compounds, their associated drug formulations and the light systems that activate them, with a primary objective of efficacy and a secondary objective of safety in the destruction of various cancers, bacteria and viruses. Additional information is available at www.theralase.com and www.sedarplus.ca 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 ("FLS") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the Company's proposed development plans with respect to Photo Dynamic Compounds ("PDCs") and their drug formulations. FLS may be identified by the use of the words "may, "should", "will", "anticipates", "believes", "plans", "expects", "estimate", "potential for" and similar expressions and the negative of such expressions; including, statements related to the completion of the Offering and the timing thereof, the use of proceeds of the Offering, the timely receipt of all necessary approvals, including any requisite approval of the TSXV, the current expectations of the Company's management for future research, development and commercialization of the Company's PDCs and their drug formulations; including: preclinical research, clinical studies, clinical development and regulatory approvals. These statements involve significant risks, uncertainties and assumptions; including, whether the Company is able to: adequately fund and secure the requisite regulatory approvals to successfully complete preclinical and clinical studies in a timely fashion to implement its development plan; successfully commercialize its drug formulations; access sufficient capital to fund the Company's operations, which may not be available on terms that are commercially favorable to the Company or at all; provide preclinical and clinical support that the Company's drug formulations are effective against the conditions tested in its preclinical and clinical studies; comply with the term of license agreements with third parties, not to lose the right to use key intellectual property in its business; protect its intellectual property, the timing and success of this intellectual property and achieve acceptance and approval of regulatory filings. Many of these factors that will determine actual results are beyond the Company's ability to control or predict. Readers should not unduly rely on these FLS, which are not a guarantee of future performance. There can be no assurance that FLS will successfully come to fruition, and as such, FLS involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results or future events to differ materially from the FLS. Although the FLS contained in the press release are based upon what management currently believes to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure prospective investors that actual results, performance or achievements will be consistent with these FLS. All FLS are made as of the date hereof and are subject to change. Except as required by law, the Company assumes no obligation to update such statements. For More Information: 1.866.THE.LASE (843.5273) 416.699.LASE (5273) www.theralase.com Kristina Hachey, CPA Chief Financial Officer khachey@theralase.com 416.699.LASE (5273) x 224 SOURCE: Theralase Technologies Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/806237/theralaser-commences-non-brokered-private-placement-and-termination-of-previously-announced-financing MONTREAL, Nov. 17, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bombardier Inc. ("Bombardier") today announced that it has successfully closed its previously announced offering of US$750 million aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes due 2030 (the "New Notes"). The New Notes carry a coupon of 8.750% per annum, mature on November 15, 2030 and were sold at 100.000% of par. Bombardier intends to use the proceeds of the offering of the New Notes, together with cash on hand, (i) to fund the redemption of all of its outstanding 7.50% Senior Notes due 2025, (ii) to finance the offers to purchase up to $360 million aggregate purchase amount (exclusive of accrued and unpaid interest) of its outstanding 7.125% Senior Notes due 2026 and 7.875% Senior Notes due 2027, and/or for the repayment of other indebtedness, and (iii) for the payment of accrued interest and related fees and expenses. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or buy or the solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any security and shall not constitute an offer, solicitation, sale or purchase of any securities in any jurisdiction in which such offering, solicitation, sale or purchase would be unlawful. The New Notes mentioned herein have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, any state securities laws or the laws of any other jurisdiction, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from such registration requirements. The New Notes mentioned herein were offered and sold in the United States only to persons reasonably believed to be qualified institutional buyers in accordance with Rule 144A under the U.S. Securities Act and outside the United States in reliance on Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act. The New Notes mentioned herein have not been and will not be qualified for distribution to the public under applicable Canadian securities laws and, accordingly, any offer and sale of the securities in Canada was made on a basis which is exempt from the prospectus requirements of such securities laws. The New Notes were offered and sold in Canada on a private placement basis only to "accredited investors" pursuant to certain prospectus exemptions. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS Certain statements in this announcement are forward-looking statements based on current expectations. By their nature, forward-looking statements require us to make assumptions and are subject to important known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which may cause our actual results in future periods to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. For information Every.io, a San Francisco, CA-based provider of a back office stack for startups, raised $9.5M in Seed funding. The round was led by Base10, with participation from Y Combinator, Formus Capital and Rex Salisbury. The company intends to use the funds to expand operations and its business reach. Founded by Rajeev Behera, Every provides bank accounts, corporate cards, bill payments, corporate treasury, HR, payroll, benefits, accounting, and taxes all in one platform, allowing founders to save time and money. Following their launch in YCs S23 batch, it hit $1M ARR in 6 months and grew to 75 customers. Rajeev Behera previously raised $100M for his last venture, Reflektive, in the HR B2B SaaS space, scaling it to 250 employees. FinSMEs 17/11/2023 Handraise, an Austin, TX-based AI company enabling brands to increase the impact of their press coverage, raised $6.4m in seed funding. The funding round was led by Silverton Partners, with additional participation from Floodgate, Bill Wood Ventures, Firebrand VC, Aperiam Ventures, Active Capital, Sputnik ATX VC, Capital Factory, and a handful of angel investors. The company intends to use the funds to develop its platform. Founded in 2023 by Matt Allison, CEO, Handraise provides an AI platform that helps PR and communications professionals deliver business impact through insights and amplification. The company is leveraging large language models to deliver insights without the manual effort. Its NewsAmp product enables users to publish assets derived from press coverage to targeted audiences without the complexity typically associated with building audiences in digital marketing. Allison previously started and built TrendKite into the worlds top media monitoring and analytics platform, which was acquired by Cision in 2019 for $225 million. FinSMEs 16/11/2023 X-Bow Systems, an Albuquerque, NM-based low-cost hypersonics provider, closed an interim funding. The round was led by Lockheed Martin Ventures, the venture arm of Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE: LMT), with participation from Crosslink Capital, Razors Edge Ventures, Balerion Spacen Ventures, Bravo Victor Venture Capital, and Capital Factory. The company intends to use the funds to further fulfil its matching requirements for its $60M STRATFI Program with AFWERX and the U.S. Airforce, selected earlier this year. Led by CEO Jason Hundley, Chairman Mark Kaufman, CTO Max Vozoff, CRO Maureen Gannon, and General Counsel John Leary, X-Bow Systems works for the aerospace industry with cost-effective additively manufactured energetics for the solid rocket motor and launch vehicle market. It is also designing and building a suite of modular solid rocket motors and small launch vehicles for both orbital and suborbital launch services. X-Bow is a privately held company with additional presence in California, Alabama, Colorado, Texas, and Washington, DC. FinSMEs 17/11/2023 Actress Ankita Lokhande who is currently a contestant on Bigg Boss 17 has finally started talking about her relationship with late actor Sushant Singh Rajput. Besides speaking with her co-contestants inside the BB house about her past relationship, the actress also shared how she broke up with the late actor. Recently, in a conversation with BBC Hindi, the actress made some shocking revelations stating that it was hard for her to move on and she also waited more than two years after their break up. Tore his photos and it was the end of everything, Ankita Lokhande on SSR In a conversation with the publication, the Pavitra Rishta actress shared that after breaking up she waited for two and a half years for Sushant to come back. I kept hoping that things would be okay some date. It was on the 31st of January There were so many photos of us in my house. I decided and told my mother to remove all of them. I said this is how it is supposed to be. You have to make space for someone else to come into your life, Ankita recounted. She also shared that she told her mother to remove the photos as she couldnt do it. I just went inside my room. My mother removed the photos and tore them up. I cried that day and that was the end of everything. I waited and did everything. It was after six months that Vicky came into my life, she added. Notably, this is not the first time the actress recently spoke about Sushant Singh Rajput. In the recent Bigg Boss episodes, she was seen sharing how Sushant abruptly broke up with her one day, further adding that he was manipulated a lot after entering the film industry. Ankita Lokhanda-Sushant Singh Rajput relationship For the unversed, Ankita Lokhande and Sushant Singh Rajput started dating each other while working on the popular Zee TV serial Pavitra Rishta. After being together for almost 7 years, the two parted ways in 2016. Having moved on from her relationship, Ankita Lokhande later got married to businessman Vicky Jain who is now also a part of Big Boss 17. However, in a tragic turn of events, the Chhichhore actor was found dead in his apartment in 2020 in a purported case of suicide. Over the years Yash has become a formidable force, captivating audiences not only in India but across the globe. His journey from regional acclaim to pan-India superstardom is a reflection of his extraordinary talent and unique charisma that resonates universally. During the latest episode of the renowned talk show, Koffee With Karan, the spotlight turned to Yashs global appeal. During the rapid fire round when Kareena Kapoor Khan was asked, Which south actor would you like to be paired uo with? Prabhas, Ram Charan, Vijay Deverakonda, Allu Arjun and Yash she expressed her desire to collaborate with the southern sensation and she promptly responded with Yash, proudly declaring herself a KGF girl. Yashs presence on the international stage has transcended geographical boundaries, making him a sought-after figure in the film industry. His meteoric rise, coupled with endorsements from industry peers like Kareena Kapoor Khan, reinforces his status as a true global icon. Yash has etched his name as a formidable talent with global appeal. He is not just a superstar; he is an icon who has united audiences from diverse backgrounds and cultures, proving that talent and authenticity are universal languages that transcend boundaries and create lasting legacies. Leonardo DiCaprio is known for his endeavours that are focused on impacts of climate change and has often been associated with many causes to help bring awareness to the urgent effects of climate change on our planet. All Living Things Environmental Film Festival (ALT EFF) will have the inclusion of two impactful documentary films supported by renowned actor and environmental activist, Leonardo DiCaprio. We Are Guardians, directed by Chelsea Greene, Rob Groman, and Edivan Guajajara, takes center stage at ALT EFF 2023 and will have its India premiere at the festival. This powerful documentary follows Indigenous forest guardian Marcal Guajajara and activist Puyr Tembe as they valiantly battle against deforestation, illegal logging activities, and the encroachment of their territories by extractive industries. This heart-rending story illuminates the courage and determination of those fighting to protect our planets precious natural resources. Path of the Panther will also screen at the festival and is directed by Eric Bendick, offers audiences a unique glimpse into the mysterious world of the Florida Panther. This captivating documentary delves into the fascinating natural history of this endangered species, exploring their survival in an ancient ecosystem. With Leonardo DiCaprios support, Path of the Panther showcases the urgency of preserving the delicate balance of our environment and the importance of coexisting with endangered species. Leonardo DiCaprio, renowned for his tireless advocacy for climate change and environmental conservation, has backed these films as part of his commitment to raising awareness about pressing environmental issues through the medium of cinema. His support highlights the crucial role that storytelling plays in inspiring positive change and fostering environmental stewardship. Speaking of this, the director of We Are Guardians, said, Were so grateful to be a part of ALTEFF, with this incredible opportunity to screen the film in India. We Are Guardians is a story that needs to be heard. The state of the Amazon and the situation for Indigenous peoples in Brazil is extremely urgent. Truly its a matter that concerns the whole world. Its incredible to have Leonardo DiCaprio join our team. He has been a huge advocate for environmental and human rights issues throughout his life and an inspiration in the way he uses his worldwide platform to speak out about whats happening. We hope with his help and support we can bring a lot more attention to the film and to the greater cause. Israel is intent on wiping out Hamas. Since 7 October when the Palestinian militant group unleashed its terror on the people of Israel, Tel Aviv has taken the war to the group. It has unleashed fierce bombardment on the Gaza Strip and even carried out raids at the Al-Shifa Hospital, claiming that it houses a Hamas command centre. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is also engaged in destroying the network of tunnels that lay below Gaza, which is also known as the Gaza Metro. Built by Hamas, this labyrinth of underground constructions house command centres, weapons dumps and stores of food and fuel. It gives Hamass fighters the ability to ambush Israeli troops, and to shelter from bombs and artillery. Claiming that the Hamas militants are hiding there, the IDF is taking all steps necessary to wipe out their tunnel network, and, in turn kill the terrorists too. In fact, on Friday (17 November), the Israeli troops posted a video of a tunnel inside the Al-Shifa Hospital complex. Exposing another layer of Hamas exploitation of three of the largest hospitals in Gaza: Inside the Shifa Hospital complex, a Hamas terrorist tunnel was uncovered. 1/3 pic.twitter.com/uGo4uBdTly Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) November 17, 2023 Tech to find the tunnels Israels military is deploying a complex array of technologies to find Hamas terror tunnels. In absence of spies, Tel Aviv is extensively using surveillance drones to spot the entry of tunnels or patterns of life that give clues as to where the entrances are. Israel has reportedly also been using satellites to detect tunnels. However, Joel Roskin, a geomorphologist who analysed tunnel networks during his time in the IDF, told The Economist that the rubble produced by Israels bombardment of Gaza will have made using satellite data harder. Besides these two methods, Israel is also making use of ground-penetrating radar to identify tunnels below the ground. Tactics to destroy Gazan Metro However, experts say that finding the terror tunnels is just one part of the challenge. Mapping them and then destroying them is a whole other challenge. For the purpose of mapping these deep and long-winding tunnels, the IDF has been using attack dogs and unmmaned vehicles and robots to map out the area. Israel has been avoiding sending its troops into the tunnels without prior mapping, claiming Hamas has left several booby-traps inside. We dont want to go down there. We know that they left us a lot of side-bombs, an Israeli army officer told reporters for outlets including Reuters, referring to improvised explosive devices. I think its more complicated than the New York City subway. Instead IDF has been using innovative and creative methods to seal off the tunnels and then destroy them. One of the ways they are doing this is using exploding gel. Another method that IDF is using to destroy the tunnels is the use of sponge bombs. For the unaware, sponge bombs are munitions that create a sudden explosion of foam that rapidly expands and then hardens. They contain no explosives but are used to seal off gaps or tunnel entrances from which Hamas operatives may emerge. An officer who wished to remain anonymous was quoted as telling Reuters, I think there are other methods being developed. The Israeli military said that 130 shafts had been destroyed until last week, but gave no figure for demolished tunnels. The Gaza Metro of terror Hamas first started constructing these tunnels in the mid-1990s and today the tunnel network is a key reason why Hamas is stronger in Gaza than in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. According to the IDF, the tunnels range from narrow corridors of six feet by three feet to vast passageways that can take cars and even trucks. Most are high enough to allow a man of average height to stand in and often deep enough to avoid the IDFs bunker-busting bombs, which can penetrate up to 130 feet or 40 metres. The tunnels are also laced with wires and cables that carry electricity, internet, telephones and military lines. According to a report by Al Jazeera, Hamas may have observation and detection devices that would let them know where the Israelis are so they can remotely explode charges in that exact spot. With inputs from agencies It has been three nights and Israel continues its raids of Al-Shifa, Gazas largest hospital. It maintains that the medical complex housed an underground command centre for Hamas, a claim rejected by the Palestinian militant group and the Gaza health ministry. It also suspected that hostages taken from Israel were hidden in the tunnels under the facility. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have been posting videos from the hospital a cache of weapons and other proof that Al-Shifa has been a Hamas hub. It now says that it was found the bodies of an Israeli woman, Yehudit Weiss, and a teenage girl, identified as Noa Marciano, near the medical facility. So did Hamas keep the hostages in Al-Shifa? What has the Israeli military found so far? We explain. Has Israel found hostages at Al-Shifa? After the raid, Israel has so far not found any hostages inside the Al-Shifa premises. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday told CBS that there were strong indications that hostages held by Hamas were at Al-Shifa Hospital. However, he claimed that they were no longer there when the Israeli military launched a ground operation earlier in the week. We had strong indications that they were held in the Shifa Hospital, which is one of the reasons we entered the hospital, Netanyahu told CBS Evening News anchor and managing editor Norah ODonnell. If they were [there], they were taken out. According to Netanyahu, his government had intelligence about hostages but he did not divulge details. The less I say about it, the better, he said. BREAKING NEWS: Israeli PM Netanyahu tells me they had strong indications some of the hostages were held in Al-Shifa Hospital. Well have more of our exclusive interview tonight on the @CBSEveningNews pic.twitter.com/xoTD4FdMZC Norah ODonnell (@NorahODonnell) November 16, 2023 However, Israeli forces said that they found two bodies near a building close to Al-Shifa Hospital. One was identified as Yehudit Weiss and the other as CPL Noa Marciano. Who were the hostages? The IDF said in a post on X on Friday that 19-year-old CPL Noa Marciano was abducted and murdered by Hamas terrorists on October 7. Her body was found next to the hospital. 19 year old CPL Noa Marciano was abducted and murdered by Hamas terrorists on October 7. Her body was found and extracted by IDF troops adjacent to the Shifa Hospital in Gaza. The IDF sends its heartfelt condolences to the family and will continue to support them. pic.twitter.com/f7eWBUrzVq Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) November 17, 2023 The teenager is the second hostage who was found killed. On Thursday. the Israeli military said that Yehudit Weiss was a 65-year-old Israeli woman who was also kidnapped on 7 October. Her body was also found near Al-Shifa Hospital on Thursday. The body of Yehudit Weiss, a resident of Kibbutz Beeri, was found by Israeli soldiers in Gaza City and brought back to Israel, the IDF said in a statement. IDF soldiers recovered her body from a building adjacent to the Shifa Hospital in Gaza earlier today. AK-47s, RPGs, and other military equipment were also found where Yehudits body was located, it said in a post on X. Yehudit Weiss was a 65-year-old who worked with kindergarten kids. On October 7, Yehudit was abducted by Hamas from her home in Kibbutz Beeri. Her husband, Shmulik Weiss, was murdered in their home. Yehudit and Shmulik were parents to 5 children. IDF soldiers recovered her pic.twitter.com/Y7tpt8nU3o Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) November 16, 2023 In a televised news briefing, IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari said that Hamas had killed Weiss but did not provide details about the precise cause of her death. Unfortunately, Yehudit was murdered by the terrorists in the Gaza Strip, and we didnt reach her on time, he said. Weiss was a mother of five children. She was kidnapped from her home in Kibbutz Beeri. Her husband Shmulik Weiss was murdered in their home, according to the IDF. Bring Them Homes website describes Weiss as a loving full-time grandmother who loved culture, sports, travelling and baking. Weiss was one of the 240 hostages taken by Hamas during the 7 October attacks on Israel. The fate of the other abducted, Israelis and foreigners, remains unknown. However, negotiations for their release in exchange for a pause in fighting are on. What more has Israel discovered from Al-Shifa? The IDF has also posted a video of what it claims is a Hamas terrorist tunnel inside the Al-Shifa Hospital complex. Today, Hamas's tunneling infrastructure was exposed inside the hospital, the Israeli military said in a statement, which also included a photo and video. The video provided by Israel shows exposed earth revealing a hole in the ground. The side of the shaft appears to be reinforced with concrete. Exposed pipes and cabling can also be seen close to the surface, reports CNN. Exposing another layer of Hamas exploitation of three of the largest hospitals in Gaza: Inside the Shifa Hospital complex, a Hamas terrorist tunnel was uncovered. 1/3 pic.twitter.com/uGo4uBdTly Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) November 17, 2023 The Israeli army said that it had also found that bobby-trapped car close by containing a large amount of weapons and ammunition. Hagari said that the Israeli army engineers were working to expose the tunnel infrastructure. Earlier, Israeli forces said it engaged with several Hamas operatives and killed them inside the hospital. Inside the hospitals MRI building, the Israeli troops found an operational command centre, weapons, and technological assets belonging to Hamas, according to IDF. However, doctors and health officials in Gaza have denied the accusations by Israel. The Hamas-run government media office on Thursday denied using Al-Shifa Hospital as a command and control centre, calling the Israeli claims "baseless lies. Hamas accused Israel of giving false scenarios, fabricated narratives, and distorted information about the Al-Shifa Medical Complex, in a written statement. Meanwhile, thousands continue to be trapped inside the hospital patients, medical staff and others who sought refuge from the fighting. The director of Al-Shifa said that the conditions in the complex are worsening. In a phone interview with Al-Jazeera Arabic, Mohammad Abu Salmiya said displaced children were left without any water or milk at the facility. What has IDF found in other hospitals? IDF soldiers have also reportedly unearthed an operational tunnel at the Al-Rantisi hospital, the only childrens facility, in northern Gaza. It posted images on X. The IDF also claimed to have found weaponry and ammunition at the Al-Quds Hospital, which is the second largest in Gaza. Inside the Al-Quds Hospital, a large amount of weaponry and ammunition were found. This was all found over the past 24 hours. 3/3 pic.twitter.com/ZTvLRfQcCo Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) November 17, 2023 The gunfighting continues in Gaza City. Medics inside the Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in Gaza City say they are unable to reach wounded people outside because of intense fighting in the area, the Palestine Red Crescent Society said in a statement Thursday. With inputs from agencies For Indians, a cup of tea is a cup of peace. A cup of masala chai in the mornings or to keep you going throughout the day may quickly make things better. Indias tea culture is an intricate web of flavours, scents, and customs that have been entrenched in peoples daily lives for many years. The history of the chai that is available at all cafes and tapri at all times of the day dates back thousands of years. True enough, the drink that is now well-known throughout the world has a long history that includes tales of natural medicines and nobility. Lets take a closer look. All creatives designed by News18 Is Israel preparing for an offensive in south Gaza? Thats the speculation as Israels troops continue to search the Shifa Hospital in north Gaza a day after storming the strips biggest infirmary. Meanwhile, the troops said they found the body of a hostage taken by Hamas in a building near Shifa along with assault rifles and rocket-propelled grenades. Yehudit Weiss, 65, the woman whose body was found Thursday, is the third hostage confirmed dead, while four others have been freed and one rescued. But will Israel push into south Gaza next? Lets take a closer look: What is happening? Israel has been continuing with its strikes on south Gaza. On Thursday, a funeral was held for 28 people killed in an overnight bomb that levelled several buildings in the city of Deir al-Balah. This, even as it drops leaflets on south Gaza urging people to evacuate suggesting ground operations in the area are imminent. As per Al Jazeera, Israeli planes dropped thousands of leaflets on the cities of Khuzaa, Abassan, Bani Suhaila and Al Qarara in eastern Khan Younis located in the southern half of the Gaza Strip on Thursday. For your safety, you need to evacuate your places of residence immediately and head to known shelters, the leaflets stated. Anyone near terrorists or their facilities puts their life at risk, and every house used by terrorists will be targeted. Similar leaflets were dropped over northern Gaza for weeks. These towns alone are home to at least 100,000 people and hundreds of thousands of refugees who fled north Gaza. In fact, most of Gazas population is now crowded into southern Gaza, including hundreds of thousands who heeded Israels calls to evacuate to the north to get out of the way of its ground offensive in a mass displacement that many Palestinians fear could become permanent. People displaced from the north have sought refuge there in schools and tents, causing severe overcrowding amid shortages of food and water. Civil servant Mohammed Ghalayini told The Guardian, Theres been a massive influx of people. Its the biggest place and its the place where theres more potential to find somewhere to stay. Theres a massive housing crisis. Every day three people that I know call me saying can you help me find a place? and its really hard, because there are no places. Even if you have the space, its whether it can support people in terms of water and sanitation. Some 1.5 million people driven from their homes have packed into UN shelters or houses with other families. The military says it has largely consolidated its control of the north, though fighting continues there. Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said Wednesday the ground operation will eventually include both the north and south. We will strike Hamas wherever it is. We are in control of the entire area above and below ground in the northern Gaza Strip, and especially in Gaza City, Gallant was quoted as saying by CNN. Gallant said Israel has entered the second stage of the war in Gaza, and that the IDF would keep advancing. He did not give a time frame. Where will they go? If Israel shifts its assault moves into the south, it is not clear where Palestinians would go. Egypt refuses to allow a mass transfer onto its soil. The Israeli military has called on people to move to a safe zone in Mawasi, a town on the Mediterranean coast a few square kilometers in size, where humanitarian aid could be delivered. The heads of 18 UN agencies and international charities on Thursday rejected the creation of a safe zone, saying that concentrating civilians in one area while hostilities continue was too dangerous. They called for a cease-fire and unimpeded entry of humanitarian aid and fuel for Gazas population. We have been absolutely clear that at the current moment, we do not consider any part of Gaza to be safe, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk was quoted as saying by Al Jazeera. Israel has sealed off Gaza since the start of the war, allowing only a trickle of aid from Egypt. It also bars delivery of fuel, saying it will be diverted to Hamas though it allowed a small amount this week for UN trucks to use in delivering aid. The World Food Program said the 447 trucks that have brought food into Gaza from Egypt out of 1,129 relief trucks total since Oct. 21 provide less than seven per cent of the populations daily caloric needs. Bread is scarce or non-existent after fuel shortages shut down most bakeries, and food supply chains have collapsed, it said. The UN human rights chief said on Thursday that outbreaks of infectious diseases and hunger seemed inevitable given the dire living conditions and intensity of crowding. 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. Israel troops continue searching Shifa A day after storming into Shifa, Gazas largest hospital, Israeli troops continued searching the complex. Gazas Health Ministry said the troops searched underground levels of the hospital Thursday and detained technicians who run its equipment. The hospital has not had electricity for nearly a week, and staff say they have been struggling to keep alive 36 premature babies and 45 dialysis patients without functional equipment. One dialysis patient died Thursday, Shifas director, Mohamed Abu Selmia, told Al Jazeera, adding that 650 wounded patients and 5,000 displaced people are in the hospital. Israel said its soldiers brought medical teams with incubators and other supplies, though Shifa staff said incubators were useless without fuel. Gazas Health Ministry said 40 patients, including three babies, died before the raid after the emergency generator ran out of fuel Saturday. During previous days of fighting in the nearby streets, there was no report of Hamas fighters firing from inside Shifa, and no fighting when Israeli troops entered Wednesday. Israel faces pressure to prove its claim that Hamas set up its main command center in and under the hospital, which has multiple buildings over an area of several city blocks. So far, it has mainly shown several caches of weapons. On Thursday, the military released video of a hole in the hospital courtyard it said was a tunnel entrance. It also showed several assault rifles and RPGs, grenades, ammunition clips and utility vests laid out on a blanket that it said were found in a pickup truck in the courtyard. The Associated Press could not independently verify the Israeli claims. For years, Israel has depicted the hospital as the site of a major Hamas headquarters. In recent weeks, it released satellite maps that specified particular buildings as a command center or as housing underground complexes. It released a computer animation portraying a subterranean network of passageways and rooms filled with weapons and fuel barrels. The U.S. said it has intelligence to support Israeli claims. The allegations are part of Israels broader accusation that Hamas uses Palestinians as human shields across the Gaza Strip which Israeli officials say is the reason for the large numbers of civilian casualties during weeks of bombardment. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday said Israel is doing all it can to get civilians out of harms way as it battles Hamas in Gaza, including dropping leaflets warning them to flee, but its attempts to minimise casualties were not successful. Netanyahu was asked by US televisions CBS News whether Israels killing of thousands of Palestinians as it retaliates for the Oct. 7 attack by Gazas ruling Hamas militants would fuel a new generation of hatred. Any civilian death is a tragedy. And we shouldnt have any because were doing everything we can to get the civilians out of harms way, while Hamas is doing everything to keep them in harms way, Netanyahu said. So we send leaflets, (we) call them on their cell phones, and we say: leave. And many have left, Netanyahu said. The other thing that I can say is that well try to finish that job with minimal civilian casualties. Thats what were trying to do: minimal civilian casualties. But unfortunately, were not successful. The war, now in its sixth week, was triggered by Hamas 7 October attack on southern Israel in which the militants killed over 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and captured some 240 men, women and children. Weiss, the woman whose body was found Thursday, is the third hostage confirmed dead, while four others have been freed and one rescued. Israel responded to the attack with a weekslong air campaign and a ground invasion of northern Gaza, vowing to remove Hamas from power and crush its military capabilities. More than 11,470 Palestinians have been killed, two-thirds of them women and minors, according to Palestinian health authorities. Another 2,700 have been reported missing, believed buried under rubble. The official count does not differentiate between civilian and militant deaths, and Israel says it has killed thousands of militants. Fifty-six Israeli soldiers have died during the ground offensive. The war has inflamed tensions elsewhere. In the occupied West Bank, Palestinian gunmen opened fire at a checkpoint on the main road linking Jerusalem to Israeli settlements, killing a soldier and wounding three people. The three attackers were killed, according to police, who said the assailants had assault rifles, handguns and hatchets, and were preparing an attack in Jerusalem. Hamas claimed responsibility for the attack. With inputs from agencies We are deeply concerned with incidents close to our border. Our position on the ongoing situation in Myanmar is very clear we want cessation of the violence and resolution of the situation through constructive dialogue. The Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday issued this statement in reaction to the ongoing violence in Myanmar between the military and anti-junta forces. But why is Myanmars internal strife a cause of concern for India? Moreover, what exactly is going in Myanmar? We take a closer look at the situation unfolding in Indias neighbouring country; India shares a 1,640-kilometre border with a number of northeastern states, including Nagaland and Manipur, and the impact of Myanmars violence being felt in India. Operation 1027 and the juntas response On 27 October, the Three Brotherhood Alliance, comprising Arakan Army, Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, and Taang National Liberation Army, launched Operation 1027 in the northeastern Shan state of Myanmar bordering China. There were also simultaneous attacks in the state of Rakhine. Their demand is for the restoration of democracy which has been eroded since the military seized power in a coup in February of 2021. In fact, they released a statement at the start of the offensive, saying: The operation was driven by our collective desire to safeguard the lives of civilians, assert our right of self-defence, maintain control of our territory, and respond resolutely to ongoing artillery attacks and airstrikes from the Myanmar military. It added that it was dedicated to eradicating the oppressive military dictatorship, a shared aspiration of the entire Myanmar populace. Also read: How Myanmars Junta is facing its biggest threat since 2021 coup According to reports, the Myanmar military has lost control of several towns and over 100 security outposts, leading to the declaration of martial law in eight townships near the Chinese border. On 15 November, the ethnic armed groups reported that an entire Myanmar army battalion in the Shan state had surrendered and they would soon capture Laukkaing, the areas major city. Since launching the offensive, the Three Brotherhood Alliance has claimed widespread victories; with the military government making a rare acknowledgement on 2 November that it had lost control of three towns. However, the Myanmar military has stepped up their counter-attacks against the Three Brotherhood Alliance, with news agency AFP reporting on Thursday that they had shelled a town in western Rakhine state and used helicopters to attack fighters. A resident of the area told the news agency that they could hear almost continuous gunfire and artillery shelling and many in the town had fled. Since the fighting broke out, there have been casualties on both sides; the rebel groups have claimed to kill almost 90 military troops. The United Nations has also said that the violence has led to the displacement of more than 200,000 people. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) said that as of Wednesday (15 November), more than 200,000 people across Shan, Chin, Kayah and Mon states and Sagaing region have been forcibly displaced due to the fighting. The world agency added that at least 75 civilians, including children had been killed and 94 others had been wounded. Indias involvement But how does all this fighting and violence affect India? Picture this: the rebels are fighting close to the Indian border. As recently as 14 November, Angshuman Choudhury, an Associate Fellow at the Centre for Policy Research, posted on X that the rebels in Myanmar had captured two towns along the Indian border Rikhawdar in Chin and Khampat in the Sagaing Region. Anti-junta revolutionary forces in #Myanmar have captured two towns along the Indian border (1) Rikhawdar, Chin State & (2) Khampat, Sagaing Region. Both important border trade & connectivity nodes for #India. Can act east without adapting to this new reality? + pic.twitter.com/VlvNaSCuiD Angshuman Choudhury (@angshuman_ch) November 14, 2023 Both these towns are, as Choudhury writes, important for Indias trade routes. But Indias worry isnt just restricted to the captured towns. Importantly, the offensive is centred around Chin state. The Chin rebellion was backed by locals in Mizoram, in part due to close ethnic ties, and tens of thousands of people from Myanmar sought shelter in the small Indian state, including the ousted state and federal lawmakers. The rebels there share close ethnic ties with the locals of Mizoram. The Mizos have ties with Myanmars Chin community, and that has led to an influx. They are worried that the influx would change the dynamics in the state and further caused strife between the warring Meiteis and Kukis in the state. According to reports, at least 5,000 people from Myanmar have crossed into Mizoram, with the Mizoram Police saying, More than 5,000 people took refuge in two Mizoram villages along the Myanmar border. As many as about 20 are injured. Eight of them are taken to Aizawl for better medical treatment and the rest are being treated in Champhai. On Friday morning (17 November), news agency PTI reported that an additional 29 Myanmarese soldiers had crossed over to Mizoram after their camp in the neighbouring country was overrun by an anti-junta group. With them, a total of 74 Myanmar military personnel had fled to Mizoram due to the recent gunfights. These people fleeing Myanmar join approximately another 6,000 who are already living in Zokhawthar. And now they are seeking asylum, worrying officials in the northeastern state. Moreover, Indian authorities are wary that the escalating violence will cause more people to flee, and take refuge in Mizoram, causing a refugee crisis in the tiny state. While many of those who fled Myanmar choose to stay put in Mizoram, there are some who wish to return and have begun their way back home. With inputs from agencies Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sounded the alarm on deepfakes. Modi, speaking at the BJPs Diwali Milan programme at the partys headquarters in Delhi on Friday, said he recently saw a deepfake of himself singing at a garba festival. Modi said he has not done so since he attended school. A new crisis is emerging due to deepfakes produced through artificial intelligence. There is a very big section of society which does not have a parallel verification system, the prime minister said. Modis remarks come in the backdrop of a series of deepfakes of Rashmika Mandanna, Katrina Kaif and Kajol going viral on social media. The Centre had last week issued an advisory to major social media companies to identify misinformation, deepfakes and other content that violates rules and remove those within 36 hours after being reported. But what is a deepfake? And how do you spot it? Lets take a closer look: What are they? Deepfakes are manipulated media in which a persons likeness either in an image or a video is replaced with someone else. As per The Guardian, they are this centurys version of photoshopping. Deepfakes are created via Artificial Intelligence using deep learning algorithms, as per Indian Express. The word itself is a portmanteau of deep learning and fake. They are made by feeding a computer an algorithm, or set of instructions, lots of images and audio of a certain person. The computer program learns how to mimic the persons facial expressions, mannerisms, voice and inflections. If you have enough video and audio of someone, you can combine a fake video of the person with a fake audio and get them to say anything you want. Most deepfakes cannot be created on standard PCs or laptops. As per The Guardian, they are made on high-end PCs with powerful graphics cards or using cloud computing. Deepfakes came to in 2017 when a Reddit user put the face of celebrities sounds familiar? such as Scarlett Johanson, Gal Godot and Taylor Swift on porn actresses. While criminal gangs are using deepfakes to con people out of their hard-earned money, deepfakes have also been used to target and harass women via revenge porn. In the United States, deepfakes of Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden endorsing Republican Ron Desantis and abusing a trans person respectively have gone viral on social media blurring fact and fiction in the already polarised world of US politics. How do you spot it? While major social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube have made efforts to prohibit and remove deepfakes, their effectiveness at policing such content varies. Experts say deepfakes are not easy to spot. However, MIT spells out a few tell-tale signs including: Looking at the persons face particularly the cheeks, forehead, eyes and eyebrows. Have a look at the glasses in the clip. Keep your eyes peeled for unrealistic looking facial hair Is the person in the video blinking too little or too much? Check out lip movements. Are they in sync? Do they look normal? As per Indian Express, you can also use AI detection tools that are available online. More importantly, it is important to keep yourself up-to-date with current affairs and not share a clip unless you are absolutely sure it is legitimate. A scam that is gaining in popularity is getting a video or audio call from a friend or loved one in dire need of money. A former Coal India employee lost Rs 40,000 after getting such a video call from a friend. As per ZDNet, experts say one way to check if such a caller is genuine is by simply asking to turn their face to one side. This is because deepfake AI models are not yet proficient at recreating side-on views. The website quoted the FBI as saying that sounds that dont concur with what is happening in the video a cough or a sneeze for example are also a giveaway. The website quoted Martin Anderson as writing for Metaphsyics.ai, That paucity of available data makes it difficult to obtain a range of profile images on non-celebrities thats diverse and extensive enough to train a deepfake model to reproduce profile views convincingly. This weakness in deepfakes offers a potential way of uncovering simulated correspondents in live video calls, recently classified as an emergent risk by the FBI: if you suspect that the person youre talking to might be a deepfake clone, you could ask them to turn sideways for more than a second or two, and see if youre still convinced by their appearance. New crisis emerging Modi said in a diverse society like ours, deepfakes can cause a big crisis and even stoke the fire of disaffection in the society as people generally trust anything associated with the media in the same way anyone clad in gedua (saffron) tends to get respect from others. A new crisis is emerging due to deepfakes produced through artificial intelligence. There is a very big section of society which does not have a parallel verification system, the prime minister told journalists at the programme where he aired views about a few things and sought their support to raise awareness. The prime minister noted that earlier a movie with some controversial comments would come and go, but now it goes on to become a big issue. Even screening of such films becomes difficult on the ground that they have disrespected some section of society irrespective of the huge amount of money spent on making them, he noted. Modi suggested that as products like cigarettes come with health warnings, deepfakes too should carry disclosures. Call upon platforms to take decisive action Minister of Electronics and IT Rajeev Chandrasekhar last week said that deepfakes are a major violation and harm women in particular. Safety and trust of our Digital Nagriks is our unwavering commitment and top priority for the Narendra Modi Government. Given the significant challenges posed by misinformation and deepfakes, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MEITY) has issued a second advisory within the last six months, calling upon online platforms to take decisive actions against the spread of deepfakes, Chandrasekhar said. He said that the government takes the responsibility of safety and trust of all citizens very seriously, and more so about our children and women who are targeted by such content. It is a legal obligation for online platforms to prevent the spread of misinformation by any user under the Information Technology (IT) rules, 2021. They are further mandated to remove such content within 36 hours upon receiving a report from either a user or government authority. Failure to comply with this requirement invokes Rule 7, which empowers aggrieved individuals to take platforms to court under the provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the minister said. The Centre today issued an advisory to the significant social media intermediaries to ensure that due diligence is exercised and reasonable efforts are made to identify misinformation and deepfakes, and in particular, information that violates the provisions of rules and regulations and/or user agreements, the Ministry of Electronics and IT (Meity) said in a statement on 7 November. Meity in the advisory has directed that social media companies expeditiously take action against the content that is in violation of the rules and regulations well within the timeframes stipulated under the IT Rules 2021, and users are caused not to host such information, content, deepfakes. Remove any such content when reported within 36 hours of such reporting and ensure expeditious action, well within the timeframes stipulated under the IT Rules 2021, and disable access to the content or information, the statement said. In case of impersonation in an electronic form, including artificially morphed images of an individual, social media companies have been advised to take action within 24 hours from the receipt of a complaint in relation to any content. The intermediaries were reminded that any failure to act as per the relevant provisions of the IT Act and Rules would attract Rule 7 of the IT Rules, 2021 and could render the organisation liable to losing the protection available under Section 79(1) of the Information Technology Act, 2000, the statement said. With inputs from agencies All is not well at US universities and college campuses. Students and even faculty members are seen as divided, engaged in heated debates, rallies, and sometimes in physical clashes since the Israel-Hamas war started last month. As the Israel-Hamas war rages in Gaza, theres a bitter battle for public opinion flaring in the United States, with angry rallies on many college campuses and disruptive protests at prominent venues in several major cities. Among the catalysts are Palestinian and Jewish-led groups that have been active for years in opposing Israeli policies toward the Palestinians and who now demand a cease-fire in Gaza. They have clashed with pro-Israel groups in the past, and are again now. Columbia University, last week, suspended two student groups that organised protests on the Israel-Hamas war that included threatening rhetoric and intimidation. Hundreds of Columbia students had walked out of lectures to attend the protests calling the school to label Israels assault on Gaza a genocide, and demanded the university boycott and divest from Israeli institutions. The groups have roots in a movement known as BDS, which calls for the boycott, divestment and sanction of Israel. Bitter conflicts have also been observed at Harvard, Stanford, and New York University, where professors and administrators have gotten involved into social media arguments gone viral and accusations of Islamophobia, antisemitism, and threats against free speech. That campaign generated heated rhetoric long before Hamas militants attacked Israel on 7 October and Israel launched its counteroffensive. Advocates wrote op-eds for campus newspapers with appeals to protect Palestinian human rights, often accusing Israel of colonialism and racism. Now groups involved in those earlier efforts are playing a key role protesting the latest fighting, with actions on campuses and beyond. Protests have led to disruptions on Capitol Hill, at a major train station in Chicago and New York Citys Grand Central Station. They also helped organise a demonstration Wednesday night outside Democratic National Committee headquarters in Washington which led to clashes between police and protesters. Who are the groups involved? Jewish voice for peace Jewish Voice for Peace, founded in 1996, describes itself as the largest progressive Jewish anti-Zionist organisation in the world. Were organising grassroots, multiracial, cross-class, intergenerational movement of US Jews in solidarity with the Palestinian freedom struggle, guided by a vision of justice, equality, and dignity for all people, the group says on its website. Also Read: In Numbers | The staggering toll of the Israel-Hamas war It claims more than 300,000 supporters, has one million followers on X, formerly known as Twitter, and maintains chapters on many US college campuses. Its Columbia University chapter was suspended Friday for allegedly violating university policies on holding campus events. After the 7 October Hamas attack on Israel, Chicago-based Rabbi Brant Rosen, co-founder of JVPs Rabbinical Council, said he grieved for fellow Jews who were killed, yet maintained solidarity with Palestinians. The Anti-Defamation League, a Jewish advocacy group that frequently speaks out against antisemitism and extremism, assails JVP as a radical anti-Israel and anti-Zionist activist group that advocates for the boycott of Israel and eradication of Zionism. In its 2021 federal tax returns, JVP reported revenue of nearly $2.9 million (Rs 24.13 core); it says the vast bulk of its income is from individual contributions. IfNotNow IfNotNow was founded during the 2014 Israel-Hamas war, when more than 2,000 Palestinians were killed as Israeli forces launched airstrikes and a ground invasion in response to rocket attacks from Gaza into Israel. Young Jews angered by the overwhelmingly hawkish response of American Jewish institutions came together under the banner of IfNotNow, the group says on its website. Its stated goal: Organising our community to end US support for Israels apartheid system and demand equality, justice, and a thriving future for all Palestinians and Israelis. Also Read: Al-Shifa Hospital raid: What has Israel military found? Are patients safe? In the early days of the current Israel-Hamas war, IfNotNow condemned the killings of civilians on both sides, while reiterating its criticisms of Israeli policy. We cannot and will not say todays actions by Palestinian militants are unprovoked, the group said on 7 October. The strangling siege on Gaza is a provocation. Settlers terrorising entire Palestinian villages, soldiers raiding and demolishing Palestinian homes. These are the provocations of the most extreme right-wing government in Israels history. Eva Borgwardt, IfNotNows political director, said the group organised prayer services in some cities for Jews who wanted to mourn both Jews and Palestinians killed in the conflict. The Anti-Defamation League has accused IfNotNow of extreme criticism of the Israeli government and divisive rhetoric, some of which may be offensive to members of the mainstream Jewish community. IfNotNow claims tens of thousands of members and supporters. According to tax forms, its total revenue in 2021 was just under $397,000 (Rs 3.30 crore). Students for Justice in Palestine Students for Justice in Palestine has been on US campuses for decades, with frequent protests urging the liberation of Palestinians and boycotts against Israel. The loosely connected network, known as SJP, says it has more than 200 chapters across the US and Canada. On its website it says its mission is to empower, unify, and support student organisers as they push forward demands for Palestinian liberation & self-determination on their campuses. Last month, it joined calls for a national student walkout on college campuses. The Anti-Defamation League accuses it of anti-Israel propaganda laced with inflammatory and at times combative rhetoric. Increasingly SJP has run afoul of college administrators, including at George Washington University, Arizona State University and Brandeis University. Brandeis president Ron Liebowitz said last week that the secular college, founded by the American Jewish community in 1948, no longer recognised SJPs chapter because of its support for Hamas and call for the violent elimination of Israel and the Jewish people. Several student were arrested during an ensuing protest, leading to a walkout on Monday. In a statement after Hamas attacked Israel, SJP said it was a moral imperative to support the resilience of the Palestinian people who have endured 75 years of oppression, displacement, and the denial of their basic rights, and said that includes armed resistance. The Brandeis move came after Florida governor Ron DeSantiss administration ordered state universities to ban the group, saying it illegally backs Hamas militants who attacked Israel. That effort is stalled amid legal wrangling. Also Read: Why are Yemens Houthis attacking Israel? What threat do they pose in the war in Gaza? Paul Moore, a former US Department of Education official from the Trump administration, wrote an op-ed this week calling on all colleges to ban the group. Meanwhile, attorneys general from 20 states wrote a letter this month mentioning SJP and calling on federal officials to investigate and remove foreign students who have espoused terrorist activity. Other groups Multiple offshoots also are involved in protests. American Muslims for Palestine, which has coordinated protest activities over the years with IfNotNow, organised a die-in over the weekend in downtown Toledo, Ohio. Last month, the Virginia Attorney Generals office announced an investigation into the group over allegations it used funds raised for impermissible purposes under state law, including benefitting or providing support to terrorist organisations. Queens College in Brooklyn is investigating the Muslim Student Association over some of its social media posts. At Brown University this month, 20 students with the group BrownU Jews for Ceasefire Now were arrested after refusing to leave a campus building during a sit-in. The group posted on X that they were calling on the university to promote an immediate cease-fire and a lasting peace as well as the divestment of its endowment from companies that enable war crimes in Gaza. Also Read: Babies dying, bodies rotting: Inside Gazas largest hospital which has stopped functioning Even groups like UNICEF and Amnesty International have faced scrutiny. In Scottsdale, Arizona, a presentation by a high school student group about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza prompted state public education chief Tom Horne to urge schools to kick the two international groups off campus. California governor Gavin Newsom demanded in a letter this month that university leaders do more to protect students. And the Louis D Brandeis Centre for Human Rights Under Law, a Jewish legal rights advocacy group, filed federal complaints alleging the University of Pennsylvania and Wellesley College failed to keep Jewish students safe. With inputs from AP Nimisha Priya, an Indian nurse in Yemen, is counting her last days after she was held guilty for killing a Yemeni national named Talal Abdo Mahdi. The Yemeni Supreme Court has rejected appeals against her death sentence, thus it appears unlikely that she will be able to escape prison alive. The decision was confirmed during a hearing in the Delhi High Court on Thursday. She was sentenced to death by a trial court in Yemen in 2018. About Nimisha Priya Nimisha Priya, a trained nurse from Keralas Palakkad district, resided in Yemen with her spouse Tony Thomas and their daughter. In 2014, her husband and daughter reportedly returned to India because of financial issues. Priya, nevertheless, carried on working in Yemen. Upon her husbands return home, Priya asked her husbands friend Talal Abdo Mahdi for assistance in opening a clinic in Yemen. According to the local legislation, the assistance of a Yemeni national is required in order to obtain the necessary licences to open a business. According to The News Minute, Priya started the clinic on her own in 2015, without Mahdis assistance. Mahdi began to insist on receiving his portion of the income as soon as she began earning revenue. At this point, Mahdi and her relationship starts to deteriorate. Reports state that he faked marriage licences and claimed Priya as his wife to everyone. When I questioned Talal about this, he said he had made the claim so others would not pose problems assuming I am a single woman, Nimisha said, as reported by The News Minute. Priya says he was a substance abuser who frequently abused her physically. In 2016, she also filed a police complaint against him, which resulted in his arrest and eventual release. Mahdi obtained Priyas passport following his release, trapping her in the trouble. The murder In order to get her passport back in 2017, she gave him a sedative injection. But Mahdi quickly passed away from a drug overdose. She then turned to Abdul Hanan, the nurse who had assisted her in opening her clinic, for help. Following that, the two chopped his body and threw it in a water tank. Residents discovered Mahdis body, and the police launched a manhunt for her. In August 2017, Priya and Hanan were taken into custody and sentenced to life in prison. In 2018, Priya was given a death sentence following a year in jail. The latest development Yesterdays court proceedings at the Delhi High Court involved Priyas mother and a domestic help from Kerala, Premakumari requesting permission to visit Yemen, as per The News Minute. Offering blood money as a means of negotiation with the relatives of the deceased, she pleaded, was the only way to save her daughter. In Yemen, a death sentence may be commuted in exchange for payment to the legal heir of the deceased. In response to the appeal, the Delhi High Court ordered the government pleader to give details about who would be permitted to travel to Yemen under such conditions. Although a final sum has not been finalised, talks suggest it can be Rs 70 lakh, which Priya claims she is unable to pay. An organisation in India has started a campaign called Save Nimisha Priya International Action Council to raise money for Premakumari through crowdsourcing. To further complicate matters, the Union government also told the Delhi High Court that the Yemeni President now has the power to overturn Priyas punishment, as per Times Now. Speaking on the subject, the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi, said that the Indian government is aware of the situation and is offering consular support as needed. It cant do much, though, because its a legal matter. The Centre had previously said that although the government would cover Mahdis expenses while she was behind bars, it was unable to provide Mahdis family with the blood money and would not participate in the negotiating process. With inputs from agencies Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden is long done. So why is he being discussed on TikTok and X, formerly Twitter? An old letter written by the terrorist has gone viral on social media networks. The #LettertoAmerica had two million views and TikTok was forced to remove the hashtag. Several young Americans posted videos sympathising with the 9/11 conspirator. The decades-old letter is critical of the United States and its support of Israel and comes at a time when the world is divided over the ongoing conflict between the Jewish nation and Hamas. What is this letter, and how did it resurface? We take a look. What did Osama bin Laden write in his Letter to America? The letter titled Letter to America was written by Osama bin Laden a year after the 11 September 2001 attacks in which more than 3,000 people were killed. The transcript of the 21-year-old letter was published in The Guardian, which has now removed it from its website. In the document, the Al Qaeda chief attempted to justify the targeting and killing of American civilians in the 9/11 attacks. According to NBC News, bin Laden addressed the people of America and asked, Why are we fighting and opposing you? What are we calling you to, and what do we want from you? Reports say that the terrorist criticised the US governments support of Israel and accused Americans of financing the oppression of Palestinians. It also denounced what he described as Western lies, immorality and debauchery. The letter is said to be antisemitic and filled with homophobic rhetoric. Also read: Is TikTok pushing anti-Israel content? How did the old letter resurface? Videos about the letter started recirculating on TikTok earlier this week garnering at least 14 million views by Thursday, reports CNN. The clips, which supported bin Ladens views, urged other users to read the letter. Many of these videos were shared with the hashtag #lettertoamerica, but there were also a few who appeared to be disgusted with the popularity of the document and how it was finding sympathisers. A video posted by a New York-based influencer which encouraged others to read bin Ladens letter had more than 1.6 million views. It can no longer be viewed on the platform. If you have read it, let me know if you are also going through an existential crisis in this very moment, because in the last 20 minutes, my entire viewpoint on the entire life I have believed, and I have lived, has changed, the influencer said, according to CNN. In another video with more than 100,000 views, a TikTok user, who is often critical of the US government, said, If were going to call Osama bin Laden a terrorist, so is the American government. The letter was widely discussed among left-wing creators on TikTok and later made its way to X. Journalist Yashar Ali shared a compilation of TikTok videos with a post which has been viewed more than 36 million times. The TikToks are from people of all ages, races, ethnicities, and backgrounds. Many of them say that reading the letter has opened their eyes, and theyll never see geopolitical matters the same way again, he wrote. Many of them and I have watched a lot say it has made them reevaluate their perspective on how what is often labeled as terrorism can be a legitimate form of resistance to a hostile power. Over the past 24 hours, thousands of TikToks (at least) have been posted where people share how they just read Bin Ladens infamous Letter to America, in which he explained why he attacked the United States. The TikToks are from people of all ages, races, ethnicities, and pic.twitter.com/EwjiGtFEE3 Yashar Ali (@yashar) November 16, 2023 Why are young Americans backing the letter by bin Laden? The platform is largely used by young Americans. Research from the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism published earlier this year found that GenZ is increasingly turning to the video app for news. A majority of Americans under 30 use the app at least once a week, according to a KFF survey. Many who use the app were born after the 9/11 attacks, according to the CNN report. This is also the social media generation which is quick to post and share videos for them, the greatest currency is going viral irrespective of context. After The Guardian decided to bring down a copy of bin Ladens letter, its popularity spiked. Many TikTok videos were posted after and some said that removing the piece was proof of its wisdom and importance, says a report in The Washington Post. The Post also quotes Renee DiResta, a research manager at the Stanford Internet Observatory who has advised Congress on online disinformation, as saying, Dont turn the long-public ravings of a terrorist into forbidden knowledge, something people feel excited to go rediscover Let people read the murderers demands this is the man some TikTok fools chose to glorify. Add more context. While the letter is an extreme example, young Americans are found to be more sympathetic toward Palestine than the older generation. A Harvard CAPS / Harris poll from October showed those aged 18 to 24 registered the highest level of anti-Israel, pro-Palestinian, and pro-Hamas sentiment. On TikTok and other social media, in the US, #StandwithPalestine is far more popular than posts supporting Israel. Also read: How the Israel-Hamas war left US campuses in an uproar What does TikTok have to say about the letter? On Thursday, TikTok said that videos promoting the letter violate its rules against supporting any form of terrorism. It has removed the hashtag #lettertoamerica from its search. TikTok spokesman Alex Haurek said that the company was proactively and aggressively removing videos promoting the letter for violating the companys rules on supporting any form of terrorism and said it was investigating how the videos got onto its platform. The company also said that the number of videos promoting the letter was small, adding that reports of it trending on our platform are inaccurate. According to Haurek, #lettetoAmerica had 274 videos with 1.8 million views on Tuesday and Wednesday before the tweets and media coverage drove people to the hashtag. He said that compared to the letter, #travel videos had 137 million views, #skincare videos had 252 million views, and #anime videos had 611 million views during a recent 24-hour period. How did the US government react? The letter comes amid a growing demand by US authorities to ban TikTok for pushing pro-Palestine content, an accusation denied by the company. A White House spokesman slammed the trend, calling it an insult to victims of the 9/11 attacks. There is never a justification for spreading the repugnant, evil, and antisemitic lies that the leader of al Qaeda issued just after committing the worst terrorist attack in American history, White House spokesperson Andrew Bates said in a statement on Thursday. .@WhiteHouse statement: "No one should ever insult the 2,977 American families still mourning loved ones by associating themselves with the vile words of Osama bin Laden" https://t.co/B8YxQ26n7J Andrew Bates (@AndrewJBates46) November 16, 2023 No one should ever insult the 2,977 American families still mourning loved ones by associating themselves with the vile words of Osama bin Laden Particularly now, at a time of rising antisemitic violence in the world, and just after Hamas terrorists carried out the worst slaughter of the Jewish people since the Holocaust in the name of the same conspiracy theories, it added. With inputs from agencies Huge new challenges are emerging from the conflicts in West Asia and it is time for the countries of the Global South to talk in one voice for greater global good, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. In his address at the second edition of the India-hosted virtual Voice of Global South Summit, PM Modi said New Delhi has stressed on dialogue and diplomacy along with restraint to deal with the situation arising out of the Israel-Hamas war. India condemned the barbaric October 7 terrorist attack on Israel, he said. At the same time, the prime minister said India strongly condemned death of civilians in the conflict between Israel and Hamas. We are seeing that new challenges are emerging from developments in West Asia, he said. India hosted the first edition of the Voice of Global South Summit in January to flag concerns and challenges facing the developing countries. The Voice of Global South is the most unique platform reflecting the changing world of the 21st century, the PM said. The prime minister also called for cooperation under the framework of five Cs consultation, communication, cooperation, creativity, capacity building. I cannot forget that historic moment, when African Union was inducted into G20 as a permanent member with Indias efforts, he said. In a significant milestone under Indias G20 presidency, the African Union in September became the new permanent member of the grouping of the largest economies of the world in the first expansion of the influential bloc since its inception in 1999. Listing achievements for the Global South under Indias G20 presidency, PM Modi said significant seriousness was shown this time on climate finance. There was consensus at G20 on providing finance and technology in easy terms to countries of the Global South for climate transition, he said. India considers that new technology should not increase distance between Global South and North, he said. Madhya Pradesh recorded a voting percentage of 71.16 per cent while the voter turnout in Chhattisgarh was 68.15 per cent AT 5 PM on the 70 seats that went to the polls in the second phase of the election in the state, Voting commenced at 7 am today for 230 Assembly seats in Madhya Pradesh. The election will decide the electoral fates of over 2,500 candidates. A total of approximately 5.59 crore voters are eligible to participate in the election, with 2.87 crore being male voters and 2.71 crore female voters. The election process involves over 5,000 booths managed by women and 183 polling stations specifically run by disabled individuals, officials said. Chhattisgarh has seen 55.31 per cent of voter turnout in the second phase of Chhattisgarh Assembly polls till 3 pm. The turnout in Chhattisgarh was 38.22 per cent till 1 pm. According to the data from the Election Commission, Madhya Pradesh had seen 60.52 per cent voter turn-out till 3 pm in all the 230 assembly seats that went to the polls on Friday. The voter turnout in the state was 45.40 per cent till 1 pm. Chhattisgarh has 90 seats and 20 seats went to the polls on November 7 in the first phase. The timing for polling is from 8 am to 5 pm except nine polling booths in the Naxal-affected Bindranawagarh seat in Rajim district, where voting was held from 7 am to 3 pm. For Chhattisgarh, over 18,800 polling stations have been set up for the second phase of polling. A total of 958 candidates are in the fray across the 70 seats for which polling is being held currently. The main fight in both Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh is between the Congress and BJP. The polls, coming nearly six months ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, are crucial for both the BJP and Congress for various reasons. The counting of votes in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh along with that in Rajasthan, Telangana and Mizoram will be done on December 3. With inputs from ANI. Pakistan is no stranger to human rights crises, and like many others, the current one too is its own making. In October 2023, the Pakistani government announced its plan to arrest and deport hundreds of thousands of unregistered foreign nationals and migrants lacking proper documentation, with a deadline set for November 1, 2023. This decision impacts approximately 1.7 million Afghan refugees in Pakistan, along with members of other persecuted communities, including Chinas Uyghurs and Myanmars Rohingya. While the majority of the over 4 million Afghans residing in Pakistan have been in the country since the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan, an estimated 600,000 to 800,000 Afghans are believed to have arrived in Pakistan after the Talibans assumption of power in 2021. For those Afghans deeply affected by this policy change, Pakistan has been their home for decades, and they now face the prospect of imminent homelessness and loss of livelihood if compelled to leave. Furthermore, specific groups are at significant risk should they be returned to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. As per the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), authorities have been conducting raids and establishing deportation centers to detain individuals who do not willingly return to their country of origin. In early November 2023, it was reported that Pakistan had commenced the arrest and deportation of Afghan refugees who failed to meet the departure deadline. Amnesty International has identified 49 detention centres, also known as holding or transit centres, scattered across Pakistan. Amnesty Internationals report highlights that these deportation centres operate outside the framework of a specific law and exist independently of the legal system. Shockingly, in at least seven of these detention centres, detainees are deprived of fundamental legal rights, including access to legal counsel and communication with family members. This blatant violation of the right to liberty and a fair trial raises serious concerns. Furthermore, the lack of publicly available information makes it exceedingly difficult for families to locate their loved ones caught up in this situation. Pakistan and Afghanistan have had a complicated relationship; Pakistan became a safe haven for thousands of Afghan refugees after the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. Later, when Zbigniew Brzezinski and other US foreign policy advisors decided that they would end the Cold War even at the cost of radicalizing and annihilating generations of Afghan youth, ISI became instrumental in bringing about that plan to fruition. The CIA played a role in coordinating the acquisition of weapons and providing initial training, but the distribution and transport of these weapons to the war zone in Afghanistan were under the control of Pakistans Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). John McMahon, the deputy director of the CIA, sought to limit direct CIA involvement with the mujahidin. Pakistani intelligence tended to favor Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, one of the most militant Islamist mujahideen commanders, in part because he strongly supported the Pakistani-sponsored Islamist insurgency in Kashmir. So what has suddenly prompted Pakistan to wake up to the reality of the illegal immigrants on its soil, if it has been a phenomenon for decades? Cross-border terrorism. While Pakistan is no stranger to cross-border terrorism either; however, for a change, this time it is on the receiving end. Since the Taliban assumed control of the neighboring country in August 2021, Pakistan has witnessed a sharp increase in militant attacks resulting in the loss of hundreds of civilian lives and casualties among security forces. Pakistani officials assert that leaders of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and its members relocated their operational bases to Afghanistan following the Talibans takeover. In this new environment, they enjoy greater freedom of movement. The surge in TTP-led attacks within Pakistan has become the central source of tension between Islamabad and the de facto Taliban rulers in Kabul. There have been allegations that Afghan nationals have participated in some of the recent suicide bombings and other acts of terrorism on Pakistani soil. During the last two years when Afghan Taliban returned to power, terrorist attacks have increased by 60% while suicide attacks increased by 500% in Pakistan. 2,267 Pakistanis have lost their lives in these attacks. We shared all the details with the Afghan interim government, but they did not take action against TTP terrorists who are living in Afghanistan and using that soil against us, state-run Pakistan Television cited the Pakistani premier as saying. Interestingly, with lives of around 1.7 million Muslims at peril, one does not see widespread roars of Islamophobia, genocide and ethnic cleansing against the Pakistan State. There are reports of Pakistani soldiers beating up young Afghan refugee children, the Pakistani government is using threats, abuse, and detention to coerce Afghan asylum seekers and calls for mass deportation have instigated increased police abuse against Afghans, including harassment, assault, and arbitrary detention. Indian civil society strongly reacted to the coming up of detention centres during the Assam NRC and perhaps India also needs to achieve certain socio-economic goals before it can begin to engage in this mass exercise but the way the whole country was held ransom over CAA not too long ago was an obscene display of political demagoguery. It still remains a mystery as to how granting Indian citizenship to Pakistani or Bangladeshi refugees was detrimental to the interests of the Indian Muslims or even how a crackdown on illegal immigrants was akin to Islamophobic ethnic cleansing. Political activists, majority of whom were unable to tell the full form of CAA, went rampaging on the streets, even holding the national capital hostage for months at end. It does seem a little odd that people who waste no time in taking to the streets on what is happening far away in Palestine would be oblivious to the situation in neighbouring Pakistan. This is a serious human rights crisis with millions of Muslim civilian lives at stake, yet, one does not see chants of Death to Pakistan or Stop Afghan Refugee Genocide from the same crowd who will happily sacrifice an important geo-political ally over the situation in Gaza. More importantly, it makes more sense to be at constant vigilance with respect to Pakistan since history has witnessed that problems in that country eventually end up becoming Indias problems too. The writer takes special interest in history, culture and geopolitics. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. There is a case for, and a tradition of, strong leadership in Islamic countries. Several are still monarchies, with strict police-state approaches to law and order, dissent, and debate. Others have thinly veiled dictatorships or military men at the top. Wherever such governments have been toppled, as was the case after the Arab Spring movement, general chaos ensued until another tough leader emerged. Where no such leader emerges, the country is generally ruled by factional warlords that each hold sway over different parts of the country, as in Libya. In Pakistan, from which East Pakistan broke away to form Bangladesh in 1971, democracy has not really taken root, even though it has elections and has a parliament. It is de facto run by the Pakistan Army and its intelligence wing, the ISI. And it has seen its share of political assassinations over the years since its founding in 1947. President Shaikh Hasina escaped harm during the assassination of her father by being in West Germany at the time with her sister Sheikh Rehana. The legendary Bongobondhu Mujibur Rahman, her father, the founder president of Bangladesh, and most of her immediate family were killed by a group of Bangladesh Army personnel on 15 August 1975. It was a bloody coup detat, followed by a series of counter-coups over several years. Sheikh Hasina was barred from returning to Bangladesh immediately. She was given sanctuary by India and was only able to return to Bangladesh on 17 May 1981. On return she inherited the leadership of the Awami League, the political party founded by her father, and came to power after the elections of 1996. Her political rival was and is her erstwhile collaborator Khalida Zia of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Khaleda Zia won her first term in 1991 but resigned to a caretaker government, followed by Sheikh Hasina winning her first term in 1996. The precedent, therefore, for the demand for President Hasina to handover to an impartial caretaker government, comes from this 1996 election. In 2001, Khaleda Zia and the BNP won again for the last time. During 20062008, Sheikh Hasina was in jail on extortion charges. When she was released, she won the elections in 2008 and has been in power ever since. As of 17 November 2023, Sheikh Hasina is the longest-serving female head of government in history. Now at 76 years of age, Sheikh Hasina presides over a rapidly expanding economy and has reined in both Islamic radicalism and a military with a history of meddling in politics. Her rival Khalida Zias BNP is backed by both the Pakistan Army and ISI to boot. However, Sheikh Hasina is walking a tightrope for her staunchly authoritarian ways, criticised by the Left in the West as well as her political rivals. The US has crafted some curious visa restrictions against Bangladeshis who obstruct a free and fair election process. In 2021, the US Treasury sanctioned Bangladeshs Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), implicated in extrajudicial disappearances. Shaikh Hasina sees much of this as the application of double standards that ignore much of the good work her government has done over the years. However, she enjoys the continued confidence of India, a country that was very helpful in the birth of Bangladesh in 1971, and this goes on under the Modi government even today. There are increasing trade, commerce, and transportation linkages between India and Bangladesh that are aiding Indias Look East Policy. The US, as the principal importer of Bangladeshi ready-made garments (the raw materials come from India), at $ 55 billion, 85% of all its exports, and some 16% of its GDP, wants her to hold free and fair elections. There is a wage agitation amongst the garment workers, most likely instigated by the opposition, despite their emoluments being increased from $75 a month to $ 114. The workers want more, but the government has refused further increases in order to maintain the competitiveness of Bangladeshi garment exports. Khalida Zias BNP and other supporting political parties have threatened to boycott the elections (once again, having done so in 2014), unless Shaikh Hasina resigns and appoints a caretaker government. Khalida Zia is gravely ill now and under house arrest for alleged corruption, and other senior leaders are in exile. However, under the circumstances of deep political hostility from the opposition and violent agitations ongoing, this seems unlikely. Shaikh Hasina has survived 19 assassination attempts over the years, as an illustration of the political atmosphere. And the device of the caretaker government at election time, used widely between 1996 and 2008, is no longer necessary following a constitutional amendment in 2011. This was necessitated by a military-backed caretaker government that clung to power for nearly a year from 2006. The elections have just been announced to be held on 7 January 2024 by the Bangladesh Election Commission. A boycott by the opposition despite exhortations to the contrary from the EC will result in a certain victory for the Awami League and Sheikh Hasina. The writer is a Delhi-based political commentator. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. On Wednesday, November 8 this year, Punjab witnessed 2,003 parali or stubble burning fires. Two days earlier, on November 5, that figure was as high as 3,230. Miraculously, on November 9, parali burning incidents had dropped to a new low of 639. What could have been the reason for this drastic reduction? Did the Punjab government suddenly wake up and decide to take action? Or, did the farmers have an unexpected change of heart? Or, was it the Central government that finally decided to take the matter into its own hands and crack the whip? The answer is none of these. It was the Supreme Court (SC) that on November 7 decisively intervened, and passed an order that parali burning should stop forthwith. It didnt stop only with that. It went further and laid out a system to implement its instructions. Local police Station House Officers (SHOs) were held accountable for enforcing the order under the overall personal supervision of the Chief Secretary. By Wednesday the 8th, the Punjab government swung into action. The police and civil authorities worked in tandem to implement the order. At least 251 FIRs were registered against non-compliant farmers under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code (disobedience to order promulgated by a public authority). Fines amounting to almost Rs 90 lakh were imposed on erring farmers. About 1,309 meetings were held by SHOs with farmers to make them aware of the SC order. Commissioners and district police chiefs reinforced this with as many as 269 meetings with farmers. And 638 flying squads consisting of both civil and police officials scoured the state to enforce the ban. Fire brigades were mobilised to put out stubble fires. The results were crystal clear by the next day: the number of straw paddy-burning incidents had plummeted to less than one-third of what they were the previous day. Two lessons from the above are irrefutable. One, that if politicians and administrators want to implement what they have promised, it can be done. If it is not done, it is only because they are inexcusably irresponsible, and lack the will to act. More time is wasted in politicking and acrimonious blame games, state versus Centre sterile finger pointing, appeasement of electorally powerful lobbies, and the sheer laziness that comes from lack of accountability. Two, that in the face of executive incompetence, it is the SC that is actually filling in to fulfil the peoples expectations. When it issues orders, the executive acts, and nothing better illustrates this than the above example. All the measures that authorities took subsequent to the SC ruling were already doable, and did not require the SCs intervention. Why were they not done then? The SC has also become the guardian in constitutional matters. This, of course, is its mandate, and the doctrine of the sacrosanct basic structure of the Constitution, is something that has time and again protected our democratic fabric. A recent example was the rampant and repeated misuse of the powers conferred on Governors. The post of a Governor is a constitutional post, above party politics. But Governors are appointed by the national ruling party, and more than often, for decades now, behave in a partisan manner in Opposition ruled states. Here Governors have sat indefinitely on Bills passed by popularly elected legislatures, noticeably in Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Telanganaall Opposition states. The matter finally came up before the SC earlier this year, and the SC did not mince its words. It said that Governors do not have powers under Article 200 of the Constitution to indefinitely delay Bills, and observed that the Governors, who are not elected representatives, in doing so were playing with fire, their actions a matter of serious concern. Specifically on Punjab, Chief Justice DY Chandrachud observed that we are not happy with what is happening in Punjab. Will we continue to be a parliamentary democracy?. It urged Governors to do some soul searching, in order to preserve democracy. Even in legislative matters, the SC has become the last resort against arbitrary action. As a former parliamentarian, I have great respect for the presiding officers of both the Houses, but when the Speaker of the Lok Sabha indefinitely suspended AAP MP Raghav Chadha on August 11 for moving a motion on the Delhi Services Bill, claiming the support of five proposers who later said that they had not given their consent, Chadha on 30th October sought justice from the SC. The SCs observations were categorical: Indefinite suspension of a member of Parliament has a very serious repercussion on the right of a people to be represented by a person of their choice. He (Chadha) is a member of the Opposition. The exclusion of members from the Opposition of the House is a very serious matter because he is representative of his constituency and of the viewpoint which may not be consistent with the viewpoint of the government. We must be very careful about not excluding those voices from the Parliament. The short point is that in executive, legislative and constitutional matters, the SC is playing a pivotal and indispensable role in ensuring that the legitimate rights and expectations of citizens are ensured, and the basic pillars of a parliamentary democracy are not corroded by the misuse of power. This is not judicial overreach, but in the current circumstances, the need of the hour. The continued independence and impartiality of the highest court has become imperative, and we can only hope that it remains inviolable. The author is a former diplomat, an author and a politician. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. In the ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza, day 41 has witnessed a controversial development the main target being Gaza Citys Al Shifa Hospital. International laws protect hospitals and medical centres, making the choice to target them a subject of global scrutiny. Israel claims that Hamas militants are using Al Shifa Hospital as a base. Video evidence released by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) shows weapons allegedly found within the hospital premises, including AK-47s, grenades and military uniforms. However, these claims are yet to be verified and scepticism exists, especially in the Arab world. Israels decision to target a hospital, a protected facility under international law, raises concerns and demands thorough verification of the allegations. Adding to the controversy, Israel posted two versions of a hospital walkaround video, raising questions about the authenticity of the evidence. The first version was deleted and an updated version was later released, prompting the need for an official explanation. Continued attacks outside Al Shifa Meanwhile, attacks outside Al Shifa continue, with Israel targeting the residence of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh. The airstrikes, however, did not find Haniyeh at home, highlighting the ongoing efforts to dismantle Hamas leadership. As the conflict persists, the people of Gaza are enduring increasing suffering, with the death toll surpassing 11,000, including a significant percentage of children. The collapse of communication and medical services makes it challenging to obtain precise figures, and the situation is poised to worsen. Global response and diplomatic pressure The United Nations Security Council (UNSC), after four failed attempts, finally passed a resolution on day 40 of the war. Backed by 12 members, the resolution calls for humanitarian pauses and corridors. However, three permanent members, including the US, the UK and Russia, abstained, signalling potential limitations in its effectiveness. Israels rejection of the resolution, coupled with the controversial targeting of a hospital, may erode global support. The political fallout intensifies as the conflict deviates from the initially designated areas. Prime Minister Netanyahus warning of reaching all over Gaza contradicts the earlier limited scope of the operation. We were told that we wont enter Shifa we entered. And in this spirit we say a simple thing there is no place in Gaza that we will not reach. There is no hiding, no shelter, no refuge for the murderers of Hamas, said the Israeli prime minister. The global community, especially the United States, is facing pressure to intervene and call for a ceasefire. President Joe Biden, while refraining from endorsing a ceasefire, warned against Israels occupation of Gaza, emphasizing the need for Hamas to lose its capacity for violence. With regard to when is this going to stop, I think its going to stop when Hamas no longer maintains the capacity to murder and abuse and just do horrific things to the Israelis, said President Biden. Beyond military implications, Israel faces internal challenges. Opposition leader Yair Lapid is calling for Netanyahus resignation, seeking a change in leadership within Netanyahus party. The increasing civilian casualties and the plight of hostages add to the mounting pressure on the prime minister. As the conflict unfolds, Israels controversial actions, particularly the targeting of a hospital, have sparked global concern. The situation remains dynamic, with diplomatic efforts and internal pressures shaping the course of events. The potential ramifications for Israels global standing and the well-being of civilians in Gaza add urgency to finding a resolution to the conflict. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. The situation in Myanmar is escalating rapidly with the crisis taking unexpected turns. The military rulers, finding themselves on the back foot, have issued a controversial order that has raised eyebrows globally. Conscription controversy The military rulers in Myanmar have taken an unconventional approach to address the escalating crisis by calling up civilians to serve in the army. Government staffers, including former servicemen, have received instructions, essentially implementing a form of conscription. The military has phrased these orders vaguely, calling for the formation of new units comprising government staff and former military personnel. The junta claims that these units could be called up at any time, especially in the event of an emergency. One notable aspect of the militarys order is the lack of a clear definition of what constitutes an emergency. The juntas statement vaguely mentions that these units might be required to serve in situations such as natural disasters and security threats, leaving the term emergency open to interpretation. Reports indicate that the military is downplaying its losses, but surrenders to rebel forces are becoming increasingly difficult to hide. Recently, an entire battalion surrendered to rebels in the Shan State, a significant blow to the junta. The rebels offensive in the Shan State has inflicted substantial losses on the military, leading to a shift in the balance of power in Myanmars northeast. Rebels in Myanmar, gaining momentum, have released statements and videos showcasing their successes. The Road to Naypyidaw campaign, targeting the capital of Myanmar, suggests a more ambitious operation. Pro-democracy politicians, with links to insurgent groups, are reportedly leading this campaign, posing a significant challenge to the military junta. Increasing exodus to India As the violence continues, more troops from Myanmar are fleeing to India, seeking refuge. The steady influx of military personnel into India, with at least 29 soldiers entering Mizoram recently, raises concerns about the regional impact of the Myanmar crisis. India has already sent back 40 soldiers, but the continuous exodus is displacing locals and creating a humanitarian challenge. The international community, including India, is expressing deep concern over the situation in Myanmar. India, in particular, emphasizes the need for a cessation of violence and a constructive dialogue to resolve the crisis. With more than two million people displaced, the regional impact of the rebellion is garnering attention and calls for a swift resolution. The rebellion in Myanmar has evolved into a complex crisis, with the military resorting to unconventional measures and rebels intensifying their operations. The regional implications, particularly the influx of displaced individuals into neighbouring countries like India, underscore the urgency for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. As the situation unfolds, the international community watches closely, hoping for a swift end to the violence and a return to stability in Myanmar. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. The UKs Rwanda plan was struck down on Wednesday. The plan was to send asylum seekers to Rwanda. The deal was to send anyone arriving illegally in the UK to Rwanda. They would be kept in the African nation. Their asylum requests would be processed by Rwandan authorities. Basically, it was a way to outsource Britains illegal immigration issues. But on Wednesday, Britains Supreme Court killed the plan. They called it unlawful. The court said asylum seekers sent to Rwanda were at risk of refoulement. What does that mean? Being sent back to where they came from. Meaning, refugees may be forced to return to the countries they fled, back to the dangers they escaped. And thats obviously a serious concern. The British Supreme Court recognised this. It said Rwanda was incapable of addressing this issue. 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. 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 reform and may be delivered in the future, but they have not been shown to be in place, said Supreme Court President Robert Reed. So the top court upheld a lower court order. What did the lower court say? It had also blocked the Rwanda plan. On similar grounds, it questioned Rwandas capacity to produce accurate and fair decisions. And on Wednesday, the UK Supreme Court agreed with this. And its problematic. Whether or not you agree with the Rwanda plan, you have to agree with this. This particular reason for striking down the plan is patronising. Its not about the humanitarian argument. Its not about the human rights implications. The British courts have effectively said, The Rwandans have good intentions, but theyre still learning how to do the right thing They arent ready to handle complex problems like this. Its a cringeworthy argument. Not a great look for a country with a horrific coloniser past. Rwanda may not be a former British colony, but this self-righteousness will be familiar to Rwanda and many others across the world. So obviously, Kigali wasnt pleased with the UK Supreme Courts message. So Rwanda accepts, respects this decision, but it does not agree with the point which states that no, refugees or migrants who would be sent to Rwanda would be unsafe, said Alain Mukuralinda, deputy spokesperson for the Rwandan government. It is a bit insulting, but Rwandas objection was not just about the insult. It was also being practical. They did not agree to the deal out of charity. It was a business opportunity for them. Rwanda has received and spent money to get ready for immigrants. At least 140 million poundsaccording to reportsthats about 175 million US dollars. This was just for preparation. Using that money, Rwanda set up facilities to house the asylum seekers. We used the money to prepare locations that would temporarily accommodate the migrants. We are not going to destroy the houses just because the agreement was not accepted by the courts, said Mukuralinda. So the UK isnt getting those 175 million dollars back. But Rwanda was expecting much more. The Sunak government had presented an estimate in June. They were going to spend about 215,000 dollars per deported asylum seeker. Of this, 130,000 dollars would go directly to Rwandas coffers. Again, thats for every person deported. Now, Rwanda isnt the wealthiest country in the world, and that money would have been a boost. Which explains why Rwanda hopes that the deal isnt dead. So if the English government is ready to propose another agreement, of course it will be carefully studied in relation to what happened in court. If there are other countries that are ready to make similar agreements to try to find a solution, Rwanda will be interested, said the Rwandan governments deputy spokesperson. They may be in luck. Rishi Sunak is looking for a way to circumvent the Supreme Court. He is planning to introduce an emergency resolution. 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, said the UKs prime minister. Hes also going to introduce a new migration treaty with Rwanda and somehow make the countrys safety level measurable. It sounds a bit far-fetched, but Sunak seems ready to try anything. It may not be in the best interests of asylum seekers, but if it works, Rwanda, for one, may reap some real benefits. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. In the midst of Bangladeshs election season, a peculiar turn of events has shifted the focus from the traditional narrative of the ruling party versus the opposition to an unexpected player the United States. The announcement of Bangladeshs election dates, scheduled for 7 January, was accompanied by an unprecedented live televised address, breaking from the norm in the country. The controversy surrounding these elections stems from the oppositions demand for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to step down, alleging potential election rigging. Their proposed solution involves appointing a neutral caretaker government to oversee the polls. Sheikh Hasina has firmly rejected the idea, labelling the opposition as terrorists, leaving the opposition with the option to boycott the elections. Recent events in Bangladesh have escalated tensions, with opposition workers marching towards the election office amid tightened security in major cities. Instances of violence have also been reported, adding to the already contentious atmosphere. US involvement Surprisingly, the United States has taken on the role of an election commissioner in Dhaka, uninvited but actively engaging with key stakeholders. The US Ambassador has met with the Chief Election Commissioner and expressed a desire to meet leaders from the ruling party (Awami League), the opposition (Bangladesh Nationalist Party), and an extremist group (Jamaat-e-Islami). The primary goal is to broker peace and encourage the opposition to participate in the elections. The Bangladesh government, however, has expressed dissatisfaction with the US intervention, emphasizing that this is an internal issue between the government and the opposition. The foreign minister dismissed the US mediation bid stating that embassy statements are irrelevant, and no one will be allowed to create barriers to the national election. The standoff raises two critical questions: Can the US leverage its economic ties, particularly in the garment industry, to influence Dhakas political dialogue? And how does India perceive this situation, given its strong ties with both the US and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina? The US holds considerable economic leverage over Bangladesh, being the largest importer of Bangladeshi goods, especially garments, which make up 85 per cent of the countrys total exports. With an export value of around $11 billion, the US has the potential to exert influence, but the question remains whether they will utilise this leverage. India, having good relations with both the US and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina could potentially play a mediating role. However, recent statements from the Ministry of External Affairs indicate that there is no difference of opinion between India and the US on this matter. As Bangladesh navigates through this unprecedented election season, the dynamics involving the ruling party, opposition and unexpected US intervention continue to evolve. The outcomes may not only shape the political landscape of Bangladesh but also test the relationships between key players in the region. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. In the second phase of voting on Friday, seventy seats of Chhattisgarh went to polls, in which along with the Congress and the BJP, Arvind Kejriwals Aam Aadmi Party and a few other smaller parties are in the race. The trick factor is the swing belt of Bilaspur, which has 25 constituencies nearly a third of the states 90 assembly seats. This is where the battle is expected to be fierce. The Congress, which swept the 2018 elections, has failed to make much headway in this region, while the BJP, did well. The tribal vote has traditionally gone to the Congress. But this time, smaller parties may queer the pitch. The Janta Congress Chhattisgarh-Jogi (JCC), the Hamar Raj Party, floated by the Sarv Adivasi Samaj headed by former Congress leader Arvind Netam, and AAP have fielded candidates from the Scheduled Castes and Tribes on general seats. If they corner even a fraction of the votes, it can play into the hands of the BJP. Of the divisions 24 seats in 2018, the Congress won 12 while the BJP won seven. Mayawatis Bahujan Samaj Party won two seats and then Ajit Jogi-led Janta Congress Chhattisgarh (Jogi) won three seats. The Chhattisgarh assembly election will be a test for Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, on whom the Congress is pinning its hopes. In an interview to broadcaster NDTV earlier this week, Baghel declared that the party will win more than 75 seats way more than in 2018. Asked about possible anti-incumbency, he had said the party has worked hard for five years, during the Covid-19 pandemic 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, he had said. The Congress won against the BJP government of Raman Singh in 2018, with 68 of the 90 assembly seats in the state. Baghel, who re-built the party in the state after the 2013 Jhiram Ghati Maoist attack, was credited with the victory. He was picked for the top job by the partys top leadership above three other contenders. This time, the BJP has not declared a Chief Ministerial candidate, choosing to conduct its campaign by projecting Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The partys focus has been the Other Backward Classes and tribals, who comprise a chunk of the population in both Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, which is also going to polls today. The Congress is banking on its track record. On Diwali, Chief Minister Baghel declared that his government will provide Rs 15,000 per year to all women of the state if Congress returns to power. In a move that puts a fresh spin on the term car shopping, Amazon has teamed up with Hyundai in the US to add cars and SUVs to its extensive online marketplace. Get ready to browse for your dream Hyundai Santa Fe or Sonata from the comfort of your couch but dont expect it to be delivered in the iconic gray Amazon van. In this quirky collaboration, Amazon users can peruse Hyundai vehicles through a virtual showroom, thanks to a partnership with the South Korean automaker. However, unlike the usual Amazon Prime experience, your wheels wont roll up to your doorstep overnight. Contrary to the one-click delivery expectations, customers will have to move over to their local Hyundai dealership to pick up their chosen ride. This unconventional approach is due to state laws safeguarding auto dealerships from direct manufacturer-to-consumer sales, a hurdle Tesla and other automakers have faced. Industry analyst Jessica Caldwell from Edmunds.com cautioned against expecting an instant doorstep delivery, emphasizing the need for managing customer expectations. Despite this, Amazon aims to make the car-buying experience as seamless as possible, mirroring their successful online retail model. While Edmunds.com competes in a similar space, connecting car shoppers with dealers, Amazons venture involves partnering with Hyundai dealerships. The online giant plans to provide a comprehensive interface, offering information on financing and facilitating monthly payment calculations. At the Los Angeles Auto Show, Hyundais COO, Jose Munoz, and Santa Monica dealership owner, Mike Sullivan, highlighted that dealerships will remain crucial for explaining vehicle technologies and providing post-sale servicing. Amazon customers can sift through dealership inventories on the website, view vehicle pricing, and hit the purchase button. However, the selection is limited to vehicles already in the dealers inventory. While online vehicle selection isnt groundbreaking, Amazons sheer size and influence make this collaboration a game-changer. This partnership, part of a larger deal between Hyundai and Amazon, also includes data storage services for Hyundai and integration of the Alexa voice assistant in future Hyundai models. While Hyundai dealerships can opt-in, they arent obliged to participate in this unconventional venture. In a celestial mystery that has left scientists scratching their heads, the Moons surface has become the stage for a peculiar crash that has raised questions about undisclosed lunar payloads. On March 4, 2022, an unexpected rocket booster collided with the Moon, leaving behind two equally-sized impact craters and a host of unanswered queries. Initially believed to be a discarded SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from 2015, further investigation unveiled a twist the crash culprit was a booster launched by China in 2014 as part of its lunar exploration program. As scientists probed the collision, the peculiar nature of the impact raised suspicions that there might have been an undisclosed object onboard, turning the lunar crash site into a scientific whodunit. Researchers from the University of Arizona, who had been tracking the objects trajectory for seven years, detailed their findings in a recent paper published in The Planetary Science Journal. The team analyzed the rockets light reflection signature and its movement through space, leading them to propose that the booster carried a mystery payload that met its end on the lunar surface. Tanner Campbell, a doctoral student at the University of Arizona and lead author of the study, noted, This is the first time we see a double crater. The researchers observed that for the creation of two craters of equal size, there must have been two roughly equal masses that impacted the Moon at a distance from each other. The object, initially identified as WE0913A, was first mistaken for a Falcon 9 rocket booster but was later confirmed to be from Chinas Long March 3C rocket, launched by the China National Space Administration, or CNSA. Launched for a future sample return mission test flight, the booster was left in space after completing its mission of propelling its payload into lunar orbit. Using a high-powered telescope, researchers tracked the boosters peculiar behaviour, tumbling end-over-end in a stable manner, suggesting an additional mass mounted to its front as a counterweight to the engines. The subsequent observation of the double impact craters on the Moon further supported the theory of a mystery payload. China, known for keeping mission details confidential, has not disclosed the nature of the undisclosed object. As lunar exploration missions continue, the incident highlights the need for increased transparency in disclosing the payloads carried by various space agencies and industry leaders. The Moon, it seems, holds not only the remnants of past missions but also the enigma of lunar secrets yet to be unveiled. (With inputs from agencies) In a candid revelation at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation conference in San Francisco, Alphabet Inc.s CEO, Sundar Pichai, expressed his anticipation for China to take the lead in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI). Pichai emphasized the necessity for the United States to engage in collaborative efforts with China, not only in terms of AI regulation but also in fostering innovation. Speaking in an on-stage interview with Bloombergs Emily Chang, Pichai lauded the remarkable scale of AI developments in China, stating, In some ways, China is going to be at the forefront of AI, and thats a given. He stressed the importance of a robust working relationship between the two nations, asserting that sustained progress in AI requires deep dialogue between China and the United States. Pichai drew parallels between the collaboration needed for AI and the global cooperation on climate change. He highlighted the interconnected nature of the internet, explaining that if something goes awry with AI technology in one country, it affects everyone online. The CEO argued that all countries have an incentive to ensure the safety of artificial intelligence. As executives from major corporations engage with leaders at the APEC CEO Summit, Pichais remarks underscore the significance of fostering international cooperation in the AI landscape. The CEO noted that discussions between China and the US on AI are integral to the long-term advancement of the technology. On another note, Pichai shed light on Googles upcoming project, Gemini, a substantial language model trained on extensive datasets designed to compete with cutting-edge models in providing natural language responses. Pichai expressed his excitement for the innovation on the horizon and emphasized the companys focus on releasing the initial version of Gemini promptly, with more technically advanced versions to follow. I am extraordinarily excited for innovation coming ahead. We built the company for this moment, Pichai stated, emphasizing Googles preparedness for the evolving landscape of AI technology. (With input from agencies) Chinese companies are reportedly taking advantage of loopholes in Washingtons export controls to continue purchasing US chip-making equipment, as revealed by the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission (USCC). Despite the US implementing restrictions on advanced computing chips used for artificial intelligence and chip-making equipment in 2022, aiming to hinder Chinas ability to develop advanced semiconductors, the USCCs annual report indicates that Chinese imports of American chips and chip-making equipment reached approximately $3.1 billion in the first eight months of 2023. While the restrictions led to a 50 per cent decrease in US semiconductor exports to China since the previous year, the report suggests that some of the exported equipment may include advanced technologies banned for sale. Importers often claim the equipment is used on older production lines, making it challenging to verify that it is not being used for producing more advanced chips, especially given the limited capacity for end-use inspections. The report further reveals that China, faced with US curbs, has increased purchases of advanced chip-making tools from other countries, primarily Japan and the Netherlands, both of which introduced their own export restrictions earlier in the year. For instance, China imported $3.2 billion worth of semiconductor manufacturing equipment from the Netherlands between January and August 2023, indicating a 96.1 per cent annual increase. Despite the curbs, China has seemingly continued technological advancements, with Huawei launching its Mate 60 Pro smartphone in September 2023, equipped with high-end 7-nanometer chips. Some industry experts raise questions about whether China produced these chips using older tools not subjected to export controls. The USCC warns that these advancements in Chinese technology raise concerns about the effectiveness of current export control measures, emphasizing that these restrictions are intended to maintain a technological lead over China. China has criticized US export curbs, asserting that they violate globally recognized market rules. The ongoing manoeuvring between nations in the tech and semiconductor industry remains a focal point of global economic and geopolitical dynamics. (With input from agencies) In his address at the BJPs Diwali Milan programme, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grave concerns over the misuse of artificial intelligence to create deepfake videos. He deemed it a big concern and announced measures to combat the rising threat. PM Modi disclosed that he has directed the ChatGPT team to actively flag deepfakes and issue warnings when such manipulated videos circulate on the internet. During the times of Artificial Intelligence, it is important that technology should be used responsibly, he asserted, highlighting the need for ethical AI practices. I saw a video recently where I was singing. People who like me forwarded it, he said addressing journalists at BJPs Diwali Milan programme at the partys headquarters here. The Prime Minister urged the media to play a role in educating the public about the potential dangers of deepfake technology. He emphasized the responsibility of all stakeholders, including technology developers and media outlets, to ensure the responsible use of AI. The call for caution comes in the wake of a recent controversy involving a deepfake video featuring actress Rashmika Mandanna, Katrina Kaif, and more recently, Kajol. The video with Rashmika Mandanna, which morphed Mandannas face onto another womans body, triggered widespread demands for regulatory measures. In response to the incident, Union Minister for Electronics & Technology, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, labelled deepfakes as a more dangerous and damaging form of misinformation and stressed the obligation of social media platforms to address the issue. Minister Chandrasekhar, citing legal obligations, asserted that online platforms have a duty to prevent the spread of misinformation, especially concerning deepfakes. The Union Minister underscored the governments commitment to the safety and trust of citizens, particularly women and children who are often targeted by such deceptive content. The government has laid down strict penalties for the creation and circulation of deepfakes, imposing a 1 lakh fine and a three-year jail term as deterrent measures. With the Prime Ministers proactive approach and the governments commitment to tackling the issue, efforts are underway to curb the harmful impact of deepfake technology on society. (With input from agencies) Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be conspicuous by his absence when several foreign leaders attend the swearing-in ceremony of the new China-friendly Maldivian president-elect Mohamed Muizzu. While Maldives had invited PM Modi for the oath-taking ceremony of Muizzu, India chose to send Union minister Kiren Rijiju to represent it at the ceremony. Prime Minister Modi had attended the swearing-in ceremony of incumbent President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in September 2018. During the swearing-in ceremony of Solih, Modi was sitting beside former Maldivian presidents Mohamed Nasheed and Maumoon Abdul Gayoom. His visit to the Maldives had laid the foundation for strong ties between the two countries. Widely seen as a pro-China leader, Muizzu defeated incumbent President Solih in the presidential runoff in September. 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 in a statement. It said the 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. 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. The statement came two days after Beijing announced that State Councilor Shen Yiqin will represent China at the event in Male. With Muizzu set to assume office, India will be keenly watching what policies Male will adopt vis-a-vis New Delhi in terms of economic, defence and security cooperation. As part of New Delhis Neighbourhood First Policy, the Maldives is strategically significant to India because of its location in the Indian Ocean. India and Maldives share ethnic, linguistic, cultural, religious and commercial links steeped in antiquity and enjoy close, cordial and multi-dimensional relations. However, regime instability in the Maldives since 2008 has posed significant challenges to the India-Maldives relationship, particularly in the political and strategic spheres. Ties between India and the Maldives deteriorated significantly when Abdulla Yameen served as the President between 2013 and 2018. It was only after Solih came to power in 2018 that ties between New Delhi and Male improved. Solih had been consistently focusing on boosting ties with India and was pursuing an India First policy. Following his election, Muizzu had said that expelling all Indian military personnel present in his Indian Ocean archipelago nation would be his first priority. At the same time, however, Muizzu said that he would not be replacing the Indian security personnel with Chinese personnel. With inputs from agencies US President Joe Biden has said he would keep working to advance a Pacific trade pact, even as his vision for a regional deal to counter Chinas influence stumbled over his bid to strengthen workers rights. Our work is not yet done, Biden told corporate CEOs in San Francisco where he attended a summit of the 21-member Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum. We will continue working to better facilitate high-standard trade that advances workers rights through strong enforcement of labour standards. Biden was also scheduled to take part in an event for the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), a 14-nation group his administration established. Hopes for an IPEF trade deal were dashed this week. Members could not agree on improving labour and environmental standards or compliance, people briefed on the talks said. The United States and its Indo-Pacific partners need to regroup and recalibrate their trade pillar negotiations early next year, Deputy US Trade Representative Sarah Bianchi told the media. Asked how long an IPEF trade agreement could take to conclude, an administration official said most negotiations take years but the White House intended to work on an accelerated timeline. The White House started the IPEF to bolster economic engagement with Asia after former President Donald Trump quit a regional trade pact in 2017. Biden, a Democrat, could face Republican Trump again in next years presidential election, a face-off that could impact U.S. support of multi-lateral groups like APEC or the IMF and trade policy. After a day of meetings, Biden said the leaders signed a supply chain agreement to identify bottlenecks before issues occur, such as during the height of the COVID pandemic. He also said they concluded agreements to accelerate clean energy transitions, as well as an agreement to combat corruption. He also touted the launch of an investment accelerator to bring in private capital for investments in clean energy and technology. Government investment is not enough, he said. We need to mobilize private investment. Before the APEC summit, Biden on Thursday touted investments by U.S. companies in the region including Amazon.com (AMZN.O), Delta Air Lines (DAL.N), PepsiCo (PEP.O), Apple (AAPL.O) and Boeing. (BA. N) He argued that continued U.S. economic growth would buoy the entire world, an assessment challenged by the sluggish global economy. The International Monetary Fund last month cut its growth forecasts for China and said overall global growth remained low and uneven despite what it called the remarkable strength of the U.S. economy. It projects 3.0% real global GDP growth for 2023. Biden said 60% of U.S. exports went to APEC countries, and American businesses were the largest source foreign direct investment in those economies, committing at least $40 billion in 2023. US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said earlier on Thursday IPEF countries had agreed on several pillars of the trade initiative, covering cooperation on clean energy and anti-corruption measures. Ministers also formally signed a previously agreed text of a third pillar, covering supply chain resiliency. The US-backed initiative is not the only game in town. Trade ministers from the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership countries on Wednesday welcomed more members to the bloc if they can meet its standards. An earlier version of that trade bloc was abandoned by Trump, and under Biden, free-trade deals have been placed on the back burner amid pressure from labor groups. APEC members have been closely watching developments between the U.S. and China, the worlds two largest economies and strategic rivals, concerned that ever more intense competition could upset global trade and security. Biden, who held a high-stakes summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday aimed at steadying tense relations, said a stable relationship between the U.S. and China was good for the world. He said he told Xi that he regarded the United States as a Pacific nation that will remain engaged in the region. Biden said the United States was not de-coupling its economy from China, but de-risking and diversifying. A stable relationship between the worlds two largest economies is not merely good for those two economies but for the world, Biden said to applause. Its good for everyone. Richard Adkerson, chief executive of mining company Freeport-McMoRan Inc (FCX.N), with operations in Peru and Indonesia, said he was encouraged by signs of improving relations between the China and the United States, including the presidents meeting. We have to wait and see whether its a watershed moment or not, he said. As Hamas acknowledged several of its fighters were slain in overnight operation, the Israeli army declared on Friday that it had killed at least five militants in the occupied West Bank. In the West Bank, where the Israeli army has increased incursions targeting militant groups, there has been a sharp increase in violence since the Hamas strikes on southern Israel on October 7. Israeli forces carried out an operation overnight Thursday-Friday in a refugee camp in Jenin, a city in the northern West Bank long considered a centre of militant activity. An armed terrorist cell that fired at Israeli security forces was struck by a (military) aircraft, AFP quoted an army statement. Terrorists who fired and hurled explosive devices at the security forces were neutralised, it added. In total, at least five terrorists were killed. The military said terrorists and gunmen fled the area in vehicles and ambulances toward the area of the Ibn Sina Hospital in Jenin in order to hide there, and that a vehicle was stopped at the hospital entrance. It released footage which appeared to show weapons being removed from a vehicle outside a hospital. Israel consistently says Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip are using hospitals as a base for their attacks, a charge the Islamist group routinely denies. Hamas said three of its fighters were killed in Jenin. AFP journalists there saw a funeral procession for three people on Friday morning, trailed by dozens of mourners as well as militants firing into the air. The Hamas movement nearly six weeks ago surged out of Gaza and killed 1,200 people mostly civilians and seized around 240 hostages, according to Israel. In retaliation for the October 7 attacks, Israel launched bombardments and a ground offensive against Hamas in Gaza, which authorities in the Hamas-run territory says have killed at least 11,500 people, mostly civilians. The Palestinian health ministry in Ramallah also said three people had been killed in the Jenin raid and 15 wounded, four critically. The raid was the third major Israeli incursion in Jenin in as many weeks. An incursion last week resulted in 14 Palestinian deaths according to the health ministry in the deadliest single raid in the West Bank since at least 2005, according to United Nations data. With inputs from agencies Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that Global South has geographically always existed but it is getting a voice for the first time due to joint efforts. Addressing the inaugural session of the 2nd Voice of Global South Summit virtually on Friday, PM Modi said, Geographically, the Global South has always existed, but it is getting a voice for the first time and this is because of the joint efforts. We are more than 100 countries but our priorities are similar. Last year, during the G20 Summit, our attempt was to focus on the development, of the people, by the people and for the people #WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing the inaugural session of the 2nd Voice of Global South Summit says Geographically, the Global South has always existed, but it is getting a voice for the first time and this is because of the joint efforts. We are more pic.twitter.com/glpAIU16Y0 ANI (@ANI) November 17, 2023 The Prime Minister said that India organised Voice of Global South for the first time in January and its focus was to give prominence to the priorities of the bloc. In more than 200 G20 meetings held in different states of India, we gave prominence to the priorities of the Global South. As a result, the topics of the Global South were included in the New Delhi Leaders Declaration and we were successful in getting everyones consent. I cannot forget that historic moment when because of Indias efforts, the African Union got permanent membership of the G20, said PM Modi. Talking about the developments in West Asia, he said that new challenges are emerging from the region. #WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing the inaugural session of the 2nd Voice of Global South Summit says We all are seeing that new challenges are emerging from the events in the West Asia region. India has condemned the terrorist attack in Israel on October pic.twitter.com/YZgklZFAo7 ANI (@ANI) November 17, 2023 India has condemned the terrorist attack in Israel on October 7. We have exercised restraint as well. We have given emphasis on dialogue and diplomacy. We also strongly condemn the deaths of civilians in the conflict between Israel and Hamas, said the PM. He said, after talking to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, India has also sent humanitarian aid to the people of Palestine. This is the time when the countries of the Global South should unite for the greater global good, added the Prime Minister. He said that India believes that new technology should not widen the gap between the Global North and the Global South. During the times of Artificial Intelligence, it is important that technology should be used responsibly. To further promote this, next month, India will organise the ArtificiaI Global Partnership Summit, he added. India had earlier hosted the inaugural Voice of Global South Summit (VOGSS) on 12-13 January earlier this year virtually. This unique initiative brought together 125 countries of the Global South to share their perspectives and priorities on a common platform. Throughout its G20 Presidency, the MEA said India worked to ensure that the concerns of the Global South receive due cognisance and that the priorities of the Global South were duly factored in finding solutions to the most pressing global challenges. The 2nd summit would focus on sharing with countries of the Global South the key outcomes achieved in various G20 meetings over the course of Indias Presidency. The challenges posed by global developments are also likely to be discussed. Further, the summit will serve as a platform to discuss ways to sustain the momentum generated towards our common aspiration of a more inclusive, representative and progressive world order, added the MEA. According to MEA, the 2nd summit will be structured into 10 sessions, the inaugural and concluding sessions would be at Head of State / Government level, and hosted by PM Modi. The theme of the Inaugural Leaders Session is Together, for Everyones Growth, with Everyones Trust and that of the Concluding Leaders Session is Global South: Together for One Future. In addition, there will be eight Ministerial Sessions, with the following themes: Foreign Ministers Session on India & the Global South: Emerging Together for a Better Future, Education Ministers Session on Making Human Resources Future Ready, Finance Ministers Session on Financing People-Centric Development, Environment Ministers Session on Sustainable Solutions for Climate Resilience and Climate Finance. It will also include Foreign Ministers Session on Global South and One Development, Energy Ministers Session on Affordable & Inclusive Energy Transition for Sustainable Development, Health Ministers Session on Solutions from the Global South for One Health and Commerce / Trade Ministers Session on Global South & Resilient Supply Chains. With inputs from agencies Chinese President Xi Jinping and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida expressed their commitment to fostering mutually beneficial relations during their first face-to-face talks in a year. The leaders, meeting in San Francisco on Thursday, underscored the importance of shared economic interests amid various diplomatic disputes. In their hour-long discussion, Xi and Kishida addressed challenging issues such as Chinas prohibition of Japanese seafood and the case of a Japanese businessman detained in China over suspicions of espionage. They also announced plans to engage in high-level dialogues on economic matters and welcomed the establishment of a framework for discussing export controls, coinciding with their meeting on the sidelines of an Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. Seated opposite each other at a long table alongside their delegations, Xi conveyed the importance of their countries focusing on common interests. He urged the reaffirmation of a strategic relationship of mutual benefit and suggested infusing it with new significance. In a joint statement in 2008, Japan and China agreed to pursue a mutually beneficial relationship based on common strategic interests designed to ensure frequent leadership exchanges on issues such as security and economic cooperation. But the phrasing has been used less frequently in recent years as the historic rivals clashed over issues such as territorial claims, trade tensions and Taiwan, the democratic island that Beijing claims as its own. Most recently, ties have been tested by a Chinese ban on Japans seafood following its decision in August to begin releasing treated water from its crippled Fukushima nuclear plant into the sea. In comments to the media after the talks, Kishida said he had strongly urged Xi to drop the ban and also sought the swift release of the detained business executive, an issue that has dealt a blow to their trade ties. Xi said Japan should take its concerns over the Fukushima water discharge seriously and the two sides agreed to try to resolve the issue through consultations, according to summaries of the talks. The Chinese summary did not mention the case of the Astellas Pharma (4503.T) executive formally arrested last month. Both sides lauded an initiative to hold regular talks on export controls, an effort to avoid tit-for-tat measures as countries around the world look to limit shipments of sensitive material and technologies abroad. China has recently imposed curbs on the export of chipmaking metals like gallium, and is expected to restrict exports of graphite, used in batteries, in December. Japan has restricted exports of some chipmaking equipment. The leaders meeting followed a highly anticipated summit between U.S. President Joe Biden and Xi in which they agreed to open a presidential hotline and resume military-to-military communications, among other matters. Kishida also met Biden at the summit and they discussed issues including common challenges they share on China. Chinas push to reaffirm relations with Japan could be partly driven by its close ties with Chinas arch-rival Washington, said Rumi Aoyama, an expert on Japan-China relations. I think there is a desire to drive a wedge between Japan and the United States by establishing a so-called strategic relationship with Japan amid the U.S.-China confrontation, said Aoyama, director of Waseda Institute of Contemporary Chinese Studies. On the sidelines of the APEC summit, Kishida has also met South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol for their seventh meeting this year. They promised to push for deeper cooperation and discussed shared concerns like North Koreas missile tests. Yoon, Kishida and Biden also held a brief trilateral meeting on Thursday. Leaders from the 21-member Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum are in San Francisco for its 30th summit from Nov. 15-17. With inputs from Reuters. A cholera outbreak has forced Zimbabwe to declare a state of emergency in its capital city, Harare. The outbreak has already resulted in numerous fatalities, with over 7,000 suspected cases reported. The outbreak mirrors the devastating 2008 epidemic that claimed thousands of lives, a grim memory concerning the local authorities. We have declared a state of emergency because of cholera, Mayor Ian Makone was quoted as saying by local media according to BBC. Efforts to contain the outbreak and provide clean water have faced significant challenges, prompting authorities to appeal for additional support. According to the International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC), health facilities are overwhelmed due to a shortage of medical personnel and necessary supplies to halt the transmission. Zimbabwe has been grappling with this deadly cholera crisis amidst a severe scarcity of access to clean water. The outbreaks focal point resides in Kuwadzana, a densely populated suburb in Harare, which accounts for almost half of the reported cases. Cholera, an acute diarrhoeal infection caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, demands prompt treatment with oral rehydration solutions to replace lost fluids and salts due to diarrhoea and vomiting. The current situation bears striking similarities to the 2008 outbreak, which resulted in over 4,000 deaths and incapacitated essential services across the nation. This crisis prompted then President Robert Mugabe to engage in a historic power-sharing agreement with his long-standing rival, Morgan Tsvangirai. In 2018, Zimbabwe declared another state of emergency following 20 deaths and over 2,000 reported cases of typhoid and cholera. The cholera outbreak has come with vengeance, remarked the Harare mayor on Thursday, emphasising the severity of the situation. As of Tuesday, the Ministry of Health confirmed 7,398 suspected cases, 50 deaths, and 109 individuals hospitalised. Health officials have taken immediate steps to combat the outbreak, including removing street food vendors and distributing safe water. The IFRC has raised concerns about the rapid spread of the disease, affecting 45 out of 62 districts and all 10 provinces in Zimbabwe. It warns of the likelihood of the outbreak crossing borders. Notably, neighbouring countries such as Malawi, South Africa, and Mozambique have also confronted recurrent cholera outbreaks in the past. Union minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday said that he met Joe Biden at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) welcome reception and the US President acknowledge the fact that the countries which were not responsible for creating the environmental degradation in the first place were the countries which were impacted the most. Talking to ANI news agency later, Goyal said, I met him last night and he did acknowledge the fact the countries which were not responsible for creating the environmental degradation in the first place are the countries which get impacted the most. I think thats a very big message, a very big endorsement of what PM Modi and India have been saying at various world forums. #WATCH | San Francisco: On US President Joe Bidens message for PM Modi and the people of India, Union Minister for Commerce & Industry Piyush Goyal says He had conveyed his greetings to PM Modi when I met him last night and he did acknowledge the fact the countries which were pic.twitter.com/7kEbcylUpN ANI (@ANI) November 17, 2023 It clearly shows that Prime Minister Modis consistent stand on climate issues, the positivity with which he engages as well as the clear message that he gives out in all of his engagements has resonated with the world and India and the US have resolved to work closely together, Goyal added. We have launched a new fund today where the governments of both countries are going to actively contribute and we hope that this will act like a catalyst for large pools of capital to now look at and focus on investments in India. he added. US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden on Wednesday, hosted a welcome reception for world leaders attending the APEC Summit. Goyal was invited to attend the APEC Summit in San Francisco. The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation grouping has 21 members. However, India is not one of them. It had made a request to join the grouping in 1991. While a majority of members are in favour of Indias inclusion, some have opposed it, citing the countrys record on economic reforms and claiming that it has protectionist instincts. Another reason for India not being included in the grouping was a membership freeze, which was in force since 1997 but was not extended in 2012. With inputs from agencies Cyprus and Israel are close to reaching an agreement to open a humanitarian aid corridor from the Mediterranean island to war-torn Gaza, Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides said Friday. Under the plan put forward by Nicosia, aid would be collected, inspected, and stored in Cyprus and then sent to the Gaza Strip on ships checked daily by a joint committee including Israel. The vessels would be accompanied by warships to a designated spot identified on the coast of Gaza, from where it would be sent to a safe, neutral area. We are in contact with Israel to implement some final arrangements, Christodoulides told reporters, adding the details were also being discussed with the United Nations. The Cypriot proposal aims to bolster humanitarian relief provided to the Gaza Strip by importing large volumes on ships rather than the limited deliveries of trucks through the Rafah crossing with Egypt. The United Nations warned on Friday that aid deliveries to Gaza had been halted due to a lack of fuel and a near-total communications blackout. Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas, the Islamist movement that rules Gaza, in response to the October 7 cross-border attacks that Israeli officials say killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians. Its retaliatory aerial bombing and ground offensive has killed 11,500 people, including thousands of children, according to the besieged Palestinian territorys Hamas-run health ministry. Cyprus says its proposal for a Gaza aid corridor enhances the role of the European Union as it is the blocs nearest member state to the Middle East. The initiative sends a message (that) we want action, not just words, to show that we are a pillar of security and stability in the region, said Christodoulides. But the Cypriot president, who contacted German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Thursday, gave no time frame for when the corridor could be up and running. What matters is that specific discussions on the initiative of the Republic of Cyprus - an initiative acknowledged by the international community - started on technical details, he said. Cypriot Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos visited Tel Aviv on Thursday to discuss the initiative. The security of the cargo is intertwined with the security of Israel, without whose consent there can be no corridor, he told reporters on Friday. Supplies of water, electricity, fuel and food were cut off to the impoverished and densely populated territory in the aftermath of the 7 October Hamas attacks. Congress has condemned Israels action in Gaza and termed the action as horrific and unprecedented. Israels actions following Hamas condemnable attack on their citizens are genocidal. The targeting of civilians, women and children, hospitals and shelters violates the values of humanity and every international norm of war, Congress senior leader Jairam Ramesh said on Friday. After blockading fuel, power, medicines, anaesthetics and humanitarian aid for weeks on end, hospitals are now being targeted militarily. Over 10,000 people have been killed of which more than half are children. Even premature infants have been deprived of medical care, this is a horrific and unprecedented development even in times of war, he said. Meanwhile, Israeli troops and Palestinian militants exchanged fire in the town of Jenin in the occupied West Bank during an army raid overnight into Friday, which ended at a hospital where the Palestinian Red Crescent said Israeli forces detained and searched paramedic crews. At least 11,470 Palestinians two-thirds of them women and minors have been killed since the war began, according to Palestinian health authorities, who do not differentiate between civilian and militant deaths. About 2,700 people are reported missing. Israel vowed to wipe out Hamas after the militant group launched its Oct. 7 incursion. Some 1,200 people have been killed in Israel, mostly during the initial attack, and around 240 were taken captive by militants. With agency inputs. Accusing Moscow of ushering to the border in recent months, the Finland government said Thursday that it will place barriers at four crossing points on its long border with Russia to stop the flow of Middle Eastern and African migrants. In recent months, Finnish authorities have reported that Russia has begun permitting undocumented travellers to enter the border zone and access crossing stations, enabling them to seek asylum in Finland. The Finnish Border Guard disclosed that migrants, predominantly from Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Turkey, and Somalia, have arrived in the past few days. According to reports from Finnish and Russian media, these individuals have primarily reached the border zone on bicycles, which were allegedly provided and sold to them. Officials noted that for most of these migrants, Russia serves as a transit country, facilitating their entry into Finland and the European Union. As of Thursday, border officials stated that approximately 280 third-country migrants have arrived in Finland from Russia since September. Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo and Interior Minister Mari Rantanen said the southeastern crossing points Imatra, Niirala, Nuijamaa and Vaalimaa will be closed at midnight Friday on the Finland-Russia land border that serves as the European Unions external frontier. It runs a total of 1,340 kilometers (832 miles), mostly through thick forests in the south, all the way to the rugged landscape in the Arctic north. There are currently nine crossing points, with one dedicated to rail travel only. Operations of the Russian border authorities have changed, Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo told reporters, adding that the four crossings would remain closed until Feb. 18. He referred to dozens of migrants, mostly from the Middle East and Africa, who have arrived in the Nordic nation over recent days without proper documentation and have sought asylum after allegedly being helped by Russian authorities to travel to the heavily controlled border zone. In a post on social media platform X, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Russias instrumentalisation of migrants is shameful. I fully support the measures taken by Finland and thanked the Finnish Border Guard for protecting our European borders. Finnish President Sauli Niinisto on Wednesday linked Russias actions to Finlands NATO membership in April after decades of military non-alignment, a move that infuriated Moscow, which has threatened Helsinki with retaliatory measures several times. He noted that Finland, which joined the Western military alliance in the wake of Moscows attack on Ukraine in Feb. 2022, must be prepared for certain malice from Russia. Yes, were constantly being reminded (by Moscow) that Finland has joined NATO, Niinisto told reporters during a visit to Germany. Finlands Foreign Ministry announced last month that the country of 5.6 million has concluded a deal on a new bilateral defense agreement with the United States. Among other things, the so called DCA pact allows Washington to send U.S. troops and to store equipment, weapons and ammunition in agreed locations in Finland. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday when asked about Finland considering the closure of the border crossings that Russian authorities deeply regret that the leadership of Finland chose the path of deliberate distancing from the previously good nature of our bilateral relations. Neighboring Norway, which has a 198-kilometer-long (123-mile-long) border in the Arctic with Russia, said it had so far not recorded a comparable increase in border traffic from Russia at the sole crossing point at Storskog. We are following the situation closely, and it may be appropriate for us to close the border at short notice if necessary, Justice Minister Emilie Enger Mehl told Norwegian news agency NTB. Meanwhile, authorities in Russias Baltic neighbor Estonia, a NATO and EU member, said that eight Somali migrants attempted to enter the country from Russia without proper documents in the border city of Narva on Thursday. Estonias Interior Minister Lauri Laanemets said the migrants were likely helped by the Russian authorities who transported them to the border zone. Its unlikely that these Somali citizens came up with all this (idea) on their own. They shouldnt be able to cross the Russian border without the proper rights, he said, adding that the African migrants were directed back to Russias territory. Estonias Police and Border Guard Board said later Thursday it was ready to close all border crossing points between Estonia and Russia if necessary. With inputs from agencies. The European Union must avoid overly restrictive regulation of artificial intelligence technologies, French President Emmanuel Macron said Friday. The 27-nation bloc has been working all year on its AI Act, with officials hoping for an agreement by the end of the year. Regulation must be controlled, not punitive, to preserve innovation, Macron said of the EUs efforts. He told a start-up event in Paris via video message that the new law should regulate the uses, rather than the technologies themselves. Policymakers around the world are wrestling with the challenges of how to regulate AI. Firms like OpenAI, which makes ChatGPT, claim the technology will revolutionise lives with labour-saving devices and medical breakthroughs. However influential voices from within and outside the industry claim the technology could wreak devastation if it is not properly controlled. Fridays event in Paris saw former Google CEO Eric Schmidt join with French billionaires Xavier Niel and Rodolphe Saade to launch an AI research laboratory. The co-founders say they already have almost 300 million euros ($326 million) of investment for the nonprofit lab, called Kyutai, which will follow the principles of open science by sharing its research. The lab will develop new AI models and new algorithms as it aims to tackle the main challenges of modern AI, according to its mission statement. Yann LeCun, head of Facebooks artificial intelligence laboratory and often labelled a godfather of AI, will be on the scientific advisory board. About 250 Rohingya refugees crammed onto a wooden boat have been turned away from western Indonesia and sent back to sea, residents said Friday. The group from the persecuted Myanmar minority arrived off the coast of Aceh province on Thursday but locals told them not to land. Some refugees swam ashore and collapsed on the beach before being pushed back onto their overcrowded boat. After it was prevented from landing, the decrepit boat travelled dozens of kilometres farther east to North Aceh. But locals again sent them back to sea late Thursday. By Friday, the vessel, which some on board said had sailed from Bangladesh about three weeks ago, was no longer visible from where it had landed in North Aceh, residents said. Thousands from the mostly Muslim Rohingya minority risk their lives each year on long and treacherous sea journeys, often in flimsy boats, to try to reach Malaysia or Indonesia. Were fed up with their presence because when they arrived on land, sometimes many of them ran away. There are some kinds of agents that picked them up. Its human trafficking, Saiful Afwadi, a community leader in North Aceh, told AFP on Friday. Chris Lewa, director of Rohingya rights organisation the Arakan Project, said the villagers rejection seemed to be related to a lack of local government resources to accommodate the refugees and a feeling that people smugglers were using Indonesia as a transit point to Malaysia. It is sad and disappointing that the villagers anger is against the Rohingya boat people who are themselves victims of those smugglers and traffickers, Lewa told AFP on Friday. She said she was trying to find out where the boat went after being turned away but no one seems to know. The UN refugee agency said in a statement Friday that the boat was off the coast of Aceh, and gave a lower passenger count of around 200 people. It called on Indonesia to facilitate the landing and provide life-saving assistance to the refugees. The statement cited a report that said at least one other boat was still at sea, adding that more vessels could soon depart from Myanmar or Bangladesh. The Rohingya refugees are once again risking their lives in search for a solution, said Ann Maymann, UNHCRs head of representatives in Indonesia. A 2020 investigation by AFP revealed a multimillion-dollar, constantly evolving people-smuggling operation stretching from a massive refugee camp in Bangladesh to Indonesia and Malaysia, in which members of the stateless Rohingya community play a key role in trafficking their own people. No proper place Locals in neighbouring Ulee Madon and Cot Trueng villages gave the refugees supplies, including food, clothing and gasoline, before turning their boat around on Thursday, North Acehs Afwadi said. To encourage their departure, locals also repaired the boat after Rohingya on board tried to sink it, he said. Afwadi was among the locals who escorted the vessel away from shore, ensuring it left the area. A village leader from Ulee Madon said residents did not have the resources to accommodate more refugees. We dont have any proper place to house them, Rahmat Kartolo told AFP late Thursday. Its not that we dont care about humanity, but these people sometimes run away. Nearly 600 Rohingya refugees have reached western Indonesia this week, according to local authorities, with 196 arriving on Tuesday and 147 on Wednesday. More than 2,000 Rohingya are believed to have attempted the risky journey to Southeast Asian countries in 2022, according to the UN agency. Nearly 200 Rohingya died or went missing last year while attempting hazardous sea crossings, it estimated. The coalition led by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which secured 64 seats in the November 2022 elections, would see a decline to only 45 seats in the 120-member Knesset if elections were held today, according to a survey published on Thursday. The anti-Netanyahu, so-called change parties would soar to 70 seats, with the Hadash-Taal alliance winning the other five, as reported by Channel 12. According to the survey, Benny Gantzs National Unity party would win 36 seats, surpassing Netanyahus Likud, which is projected to secure 17 seats. The channel acknowledged the unusual timing of conducting an election survey during a war, highlighting that typically, prime ministers receive a boost in popularity during wartime. However, the survey results, in this case, indicate the opposite trend. This week, Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid has called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to resign, saying the Israeli leader has lost the publics trust. This is the first time Lapid has urged Netanyahu to quit since Hamas attacked Israel on October 7. A recent poll reveals a significant decline in support for longtime Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with only 27% of Israelis considering him the right person to lead the government, as reported on Friday. According to the Lazar Research Institutes poll for the Israeli daily Maariv, approximately half of the respondents, or 49%, express confidence in Benny Gantz, leader of the National Unity Party, as the preferred figure to lead the countrys government. Conducted with a random sample of 522 Israeli adults, the poll carries a margin of error of 4.3%. The results indicate a notable decrease in the Likud partys popularity, led by Netanyahu, and a noteworthy increase in support for the National Unity party. The Supreme Court of Yemen has rejected an appeal against the death sentence of Nimisha Priya, an Indian nurse belonging to Kerala, who has been imprisoned in the West Asian country since 2017 for the murder of a Yemeni national. Priya was convicted of killing Talal Abdo Mahdi after she injected him with sedatives in an attempt to retrieve her passport from his possession. The Delhi High Court on Thursday urged the Centre to make a decision within a week on a request from Priyas mother to travel to Yemen. Priyas mother approached the Delhi High Court earlier this year, seeking permission to travel to Yemen despite a travel ban for Indian nationals, put in place since 2017 owing to the ongoing civil war in the Arab nation. The Kerala nurses mother reportedly wants to travel to Yemen to negotiate blood money or compensation with Mahdis family to secure her release. The petitioner, represented by lawyer Subash Chandaran KR, had previously petitioned the court that the only way to save her daughter lies in direct negotiations with the victims family, a process that necessitates her physical presence in Yemen. However, the existing travel ban for Indian nationals has acted as a barrier for the family. On Thursday, the Centres lawyer informed the high court that under a recently issued notification, the travel ban to Yemen may be relaxed, allowing Indian nationals to visit the country for specific reasons and limited durations. In view of the representation, let the present petition be treated as a representation. Respondent is directed to decide the representation within one week from today Justice Subramonium Prasad ordered. The Save Nimisha Priya International Action Council, a group advocating for Priyas release, approached the high court in 2022, imploring the Centre to facilitate diplomatic interventions as well as negotiations with the family of the victim on behalf of Nimisha Priya to save her life by paying blood money in accordance with the law of the land in a time-bound manner. However, the high court refused to issue an order to the Centre to negotiate the blood money to save Priya but asked it to pursue legal measures against her conviction. Internet and mobile services collapsed across the Gaza Strip late on Thursday for lack of fuel, the main Palestinian provider said, bringing a potentially long-term blackout of communications as Israel signalled its offensive against Hamas could next target the south, where most of the population has taken refuge. Israeli troops for a second day searched Al Shifa Hospital in the north for traces of Hamas. They displayed what they said were a tunnel entrance and weapons found in a truck inside the compound. But the military is yet to release evidence of a central Hamas command center that Israel has said is concealed beneath the complex. Hamas and staff at the hospital, Gazas largest, deny the allegations. The military said it found the body of one of the hostages abducted by Hamas, 65-year-old Yehudit Weiss, in a building adjacent to Shifa, where it said it also found assault rifles and rocket-propelled grenades. It did not give the cause of her death. The communications breakdown largely cuts off Gazas 2.3 million people from each other and the outside world, worsening the severe humanitarian crisis in southern Gaza, even as Israeli airstrikes continue there. The UNs World Food Program warned of the immediate possibility of starvation in Gaza as the food supply has broken down under Israels seal and too little is coming from Egypt. The war, now in its sixth week, was triggered by Hamas October 7 attack into southern Israel in which the militants killed over 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and captured some 240 men, women and children. Weiss, the woman whose body was found Thursday, is the third hostage confirmed dead, while four others have been freed and one rescued. Israel responded to the attack with a weeks long air campaign and a ground invasion of northern Gaza, vowing to remove Hamas from power and crush its military capabilities. More than 11,470 Palestinians have been killed, two-thirds of them women and minors, according to Palestinian health authorities. Another 2,700 have been reported missing, believed buried under rubble. The official count does not differentiate between civilian and militant deaths, and Israel says it has killed thousands of militants. The war has inflamed tensions elsewhere. In the occupied West Bank, Palestinian gunmen opened fire at a checkpoint on the main road linking Jerusalem to Israeli settlements, killing a soldier and wounding three people. The three attackers were killed, according to police, who said the assailants had assault rifles, handguns and hatchets, and were preparing an attack in Jerusalem. Hamas claimed responsibility for the attack. Guns found, but so far no tunnels A day after storming into Shifa, Gazas largest hospital, Israeli troops continued searching the complex. Gazas Health Ministry said the troops searched underground levels of the hospital on Thursday and detained technicians who run its equipment. The hospital has not had electricity for nearly a week, and staff say they have been struggling to keep alive 36 premature babies and 45 dialysis patients without functional equipment. One dialysis patient died on Thursday, Shifas director, Mohamed Abu Selmia, told Al Jazeera, adding that 650 wounded patients and 5,000 displaced people are in the hospital. Israel said its soldiers brought medical teams with incubators and other supplies, though Shifa staff said incubators were useless without fuel. Gazas Health Ministry said 40 patients, including three babies, died before the raid after the emergency generator ran out of fuel Saturday. During previous days of fighting in the nearby streets, there was no report of Hamas fighters firing from inside Shifa, and no fighting when Israeli troops entered Wednesday. Israel faces pressure to prove its claim that Hamas set up its main command center in and under the hospital, which has multiple buildings over an area of several city blocks. So far, it has mainly shown several caches of weapons. On Thursday, the military released video of a hole in the hospital courtyard it said was a tunnel entrance. It also showed several assault rifles and RPGs, grenades, ammunition clips and utility vests laid out on a blanket that it said were found in a pickup truck in the courtyard. The Associated Press could not independently verify the Israeli claims. In recent weeks, Israel depicted the hospital as the site of a major Hamas headquarters. It released satellite maps that specified particular buildings as a command center or as housing underground complexes. It released a computer animation portraying a subterranean network of passageways and rooms filled with weapons and fuel barrels. The U.S. said it has intelligence to support Israeli claims. Mohamed Muizzu on Friday took oath as the eighth President of the Maldives at a ceremony which was also attended by Indias Union Minister Kiren Rijiju apart from other dignitaries. According to local media, Chief Justice Muthasim Adnan administered the oath of office to Muizzu, 45. At the ceremony, Hussain Mohamed Latheef also took oath as the vice president of the Maldives, it added. Apart from Rijiju, the ceremony was well attended by several leaders from South Asia, diplomats, and even some former presidents from all over the world. The ceremony was attended by former president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih of the outgoing administration. Muizzu, a close associate of former Maldives President Abdulla Yameen who forged close ties with China during his Presidency from 2013 to 2018, defeated India-friendly incumbent Solih in the presidential runoff held in September. India is looking forward to productive discussions with the new leadership of the Maldives to further enhance the bilateral relationship, High Commissioner of India to Maldives Munu Mahawar said last month when he met President-elect Muizzu and handed over a congratulatory message from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. With inputs from agencies Moldovan President Maia Sandus dog overturned protocol on Thursday by biting visiting Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen on the hand, although Austrias leader was forgiving and later gave the excitable pup a toy. The incident, Moldovan media reported, occurred when the two leaders were strolling in the courtyard of the Moldovan presidential residence and Van der Bellen tried to pet the dog, a rescue named Codrut, or small forest. The dog of Moldovan President Maia Sandu bit the finger of Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen, who arrived in Chisinau. pic.twitter.com/bQA2O7iRHW (@AlbertSam786067) November 17, 2023 Sandu apologised in English and explained that the dog had become frightened by large numbers of people nearby. Van Der Bellen appeared with his hand bandaged at his next meeting, with the speaker of Moldovas parliament. In a video posted to Instagram on Friday, Van der Bellen sympathised with the first pup. Everyone who knows me knows that Im a big dog lover and can understand his excitement, he wrote, adding his meeting with Sandu and other top officials had been very good. Van der Bellen added that he had gifted the dog a small toy on the last day of his visit. The talks in Chisinau, attended by Van Der Bellen and the president of Slovenia, focused on the bid by Moldova, which lies between Ukraine and Romania, to join the European Union. Sandu, who took in the dog after it was hit by a car, posted pictures on social media with her pet and the two presidents. Myanmars junta detained around 50 people and left an unknown number of others feared dead in western Rakhine state after a clash with an ethnic armed group, local media reported on Friday. Arakan Army (AA) fighters launched attacks on security forces in the west of the country this week, opening another front as the military battles opponents in the north and east. On Thursday, junta troops shelled the town of Pauktaw and shot at it from helicopters after AA fighters seized the police station, residents told AFP. The military took control of the town later Thursday, and on Friday, local media cited residents saying that around 50 people had been detained and an unknown number were feared dead. Thousands had already fled the town of around 20,000 people, the residents said. The junta has said its forces have taken control of the town but gave no details on casualties or deaths. AA fighters are also battling the junta across the northern Shan state as part of an alliance of ethnic minority groups that has seized towns and blocked vital trade routes to China. The AA said on Thursday that an unspecified number of civilians of Pauktaw had been killed by the military after troops entered the town. It pledged to retaliate. A ceasefire between the junta and the AA in Rakhine had held until this week, despite the ongoing clashes in the north. The junta on Wednesday said the AA was destroying its Rakhine people and regional development following AA attacks on security forces. President Mohamed Muizzu of the Maldives vowed Friday to expel Indian troops deployed in the strategically located archipelago, in his first speech to the nation after being sworn into power. Muizzu, 45, did not name India but promised he would deliver on his election promises, key among them a pledge to evict some 50 to 75 Indian security personnel. The country will not have any foreign military personnel in the Maldives, Muizzu said after being sworn in before Chief Justice Ahmed Adnan at a televised, open-air ceremony. When it comes to our security, I will draw a red line. The Maldives will respect the red lines of other countries too. Earlier this week, Muizzu told AFP that his intention was not to upend the regional balance by replacing the Indian military with Chinese troops. Muizzu, a former mayor of the capital Male and a construction minister for seven years, had previously promised to cultivate strong ties with China, a key financial backer of his nation. The countrys eighth president since independence from Britain in 1965, Muizzu was elected in September as a proxy for a pro-China predecessor who is jailed on corruption charges. High-level representatives from both China and India were in attendance, as well as from Bangladesh, the Seychelles and Sri Lanka. Primarily known as one of the most expensive holiday destinations in South Asia, with pristine white beaches and secluded resorts, the Maldives has also become a geopolitical hotspot. Global east-west shipping lanes pass the nations chain of 1,192 tiny coral islands, stretching around 800 kilometres (500 miles) across the equator. China was represented at the ceremony by State Councillor Shen Yiqin as a special envoy of President Xi Jinping, who visited the Maldives in 2014 when Muizzus mentor Abdulla Yameen was president. Maldivian media had reported for days that Indias President Droupadi Murmu was expected to attend, but New Delhi announced sending Minister of Earth Sciences Kiren Rijiju instead. Too small to be entangled Maldives is too small to be entangled in geopolitical rivalry, Muizzu said in his interview with AFP. I am not very much interested to engage the Maldivian foreign policy in this. He told the Chinese Communist Party a year ago that he wanted stronger ties with Beijing should his Progressive Party win the 2023 elections. We look forward to returning to government in 2023, with President Yameen at the helm, to script a further chapter of strong ties between our two countries, both domestically and internationally, Muizzu said at the time. Yameen was barred from running in this years election because of a criminal conviction and an 11-year jail term for corruption. He nominated Muizzu as his proxy. Muizzu, a British-educated civil engineer, has attempted to walk a balance between regional rivals India and China. We are going to work together with all the countries, India, China and all other countries as well, he told AFP. Muizzu said he hoped to begin negotiations with New Delhi on the withdrawal of Indian personnel deployed to operate three aircraft gifted to the Maldives. India has traditionally considered the Maldives, a country with a population of about 380,000 Sunni Muslims, to be within its sphere of influence. But during the presidency of Yameen, who borrowed heavily from China for construction projects, New Delhi worried about Beijings expanding footprint. India has a history of entanglements in the Maldives, including the deployment of soldiers to thwart a 1988 coup attempt. But Muizzu also faces an even greater challenge: his nation is one of the countries most threatened by rising sea levels linked to climate change. Eighty per cent of the Maldives is less than a metre (three feet) above sea level. The Russian Ministry of Defence announced on Friday that the countrys section of the international network dedicated to monitoring signs of nuclear weapons tests will be finalized this year. The International Monitoring System, established under the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), is designed to identify seismic shocks or radioactivity associated with any weapons test involving a nuclear explosion. Despite Russia withdrawing its ratification of the CTBT, a decision formalized by President Vladimir Putin on November 2, the country affirms its continued participation in this network. The completion of Russias segment will involve the certification of its 32nd monitoring station, situated on the Pacific island of Sakhalin, as stated by the ministry. It quoted a senior defence official as saying this was indisputable proof of Russias commitment to the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons and to strengthening nuclear stability in the world. No country except North Korea has conducted a nuclear test since the start of the century, but some security analysts say Russias withdrawal of its CTBT ratification could mark a step towards a resumption of testing, which could prompt other nuclear powers to follow suit. Russia says it made the move in order to mirror the position of the United States, which has signed but never ratified the CTBT, and that it will not carry out a nuclear test unless Washington does. With inputs from Reuters. The State Duma, the lower house of the Russian parliament, adopted the countrys largest-ever federal budget on Friday which will see a 25 per cent increase in spending by 2024, with record sums going towards defence. For the first time in recent Russian history, defence spending is predicted to surpass social spending in the upcoming year, just as the Kremlin is keen to back President Vladimir Putin ahead of the countrys March presidential election. Record low unemployment, higher wages and targeted social spending should help the Kremlin ride out the domestic impact of pivoting the economy to a war footing, but could pose a problem in the long term, analysts say. Vyacheslav Volodin, the chairman of the State Duma, citing Russian lawmakers, said that the budget for 2024-2026 was developed specifically to fund the military and mitigate the impact of 17,500 sanctions on Russia. In these difficult conditions, we have managed to adopt a budget that will not only allocate the necessary funds for our countrys defense, but which will also provide all the required funds to guarantee the states social obligations, First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Alexander Zhukov said, according to Russian state news agency Tass. The Russian Communist Party voted against the budget because it provides low pensions and not enough financial support for elderly people, Tass said. The budget will now be passed to the Federation Council the upper chamber of Russias parliament for approval before it is signed by President Vladimir Putin. The draft budget is about getting the war sorted in Ukraine and about being ready for a military confrontation with the West in perpetuity, Richard Connolly, an expert on Russias military and economy at the Royal United Services Institute in London, has said. This amounts to the wholesale remilitarization of Russian society, he said. Russias finance ministry said it expects spending to reach 36.66 trillion rubles (around USD 411 billion) in 2024 with a predicted budget deficit of 0.8 per cent of Russias gross domestic product. Part of the Russian budget is secret as the Kremlin tries to conceal its military plans and sidestep scrutiny of its war in Ukraine. Independent business journalists Farida Rustamova and Maksim Tovkaylo said on their Telegram channel Faridaily that around 39 per cent of all federal spending will go to defense and law enforcement in 2024. In a significant setback, all five public sector hospitals in Islamabad, along with Lahores Shaikh Zayed Hospital, are on the brink of a virtual standstill as the Finance Division rejected a plea from the federal health ministry for an additional Rs 11 billion to sustain their operations, according to Dawn report. The Finance Divisions refusal has already led to the suspension of salaries for several employees, sparking protests by nurses at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) that have persisted for over a week, added the report. The repercussions of the funding shortfall are far-reaching, with laboratory operations in these hospitals expected to grind to a halt as testing kits dwindle. Radiology tests are being declined due to the unavailability of films, and patients are being denied essential medicines as companies await payment from delayed tenders. The affected healthcare facilities include five hospitals in the federal capital, such as Pims, Polyclinic, Federal General Hospital, National Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine (NIRM), as well as dispensaries, basic health units, and ancillary departments of the health ministry and institutes. Shaikh Zayed Hospital in Lahore, reliant on funding from the federal health ministry, is also bracing for the impact of the financial squeeze. The Finance Division, citing International Monetary Fund (IMF) preconditions, has communicated in writing to the health ministry that funds can only be released in the event of a disaster. Last month, the health ministry sought a supplementary grant of Rs 11.096 billion from the finance ministry to ensure the smooth functioning of hospitals, organisations, and ancillary departments. According to a letter from the Finance Division, No supplementary grant for any additional unbudgeted spending over the parliamentary approved level in FY 2023-24 may be allowed until the formation of the new Government (except if needed to respond to severe national disaster). Insiders suggest that this rejection by the Finance Division may lead to a looming disaster in hospitals under the federal ministry, leaving patients without access to even basic medical supplies. A hospital source revealed concerns about an impending shortage of medicines, owing to the inability to pay for tenders and release pending stocks. We currently foresee a severe shortage of medicines as we dont have the amount to pay for the tenders and get the pending stocks released. Moreover, there is also a severe shortage of testing kits in labs, and X-ray films and other radiology tests are also in short supply, Dawn quoted a hospital source as saying. With doctors, nurses, and other staff either not receiving their salaries or facing potential salary stoppages in the coming month due to the fund shortage, the situation is expected to worsen, potentially leading to a severe deficit in healthcare professionals, medications, and essential testing facilities. Despite attempts to reach out to the Ministry of National Health Services, officials could not be reached for comment at the time of reporting. With inputs from agencies In a fresh snag to the Nordic countrys hopes of joining the Western military alliance, Turkeys parliament adjourned the proceedings on ratifying Swedens accession to NATO until a later date without reaching a decision. The meeting was adjourned after legislators from Erdogans ruling party submitted a motion for a postponement because some issues needed clarification and that negotiations with Sweden had not matured enough. Committee chairman Fuat Oktay later told reporters that the Swedish ambassador may be invited to the next session to provide further information on steps his country has taken to address Turkeys security concerns. Chairman Fuat Oktay said the commission, which is controlled by President Tayyip Erdogans ruling party, will hold further talks and may bring the bill back on its agenda next week but he did not set a clear timeline. For all of our lawmakers to approve Swedens NATO membership, they need to be fully convinced. We will discuss all of these in our (next) commission meeting (on the issue), Oktay told reporters after hours of debate. The commission can pass bills by a simple majority. It may invite the Swedish ambassador to brief lawmakers if needed and if parliaments regulations allow, Oktay added. Erdogan said this month he would try to facilitate the ratification process, but added Sweden had not taken enough action on Kurdish militants. For ratification, the bill needs to be approved by the commission before being put to a full parliament vote, which could come days or weeks later. Erdogan would then sign it into law to conclude the process, the length of which has frustrated Ankaras allies and tested its Western ties. Sweden and Finland requested to join NATO in May last year following Russias invasion of Ukraine. Erdogan raised objections at the time to both requests over what he said was the Nordic nations protection of those Turkey deems terrorists, as well as their defence trade embargoes. Turkey endorsed Finlands bid in April but has kept Sweden waiting. Turkey has demanded that Sweden take more steps to rein in local members of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), considered a terrorist group by the European Union and United States. Sweden and Finland abandoned their traditional positions of military nonalignment to seek protection under NATOs security umbrella, following Russias invasion of Ukraine last year. Finland joined the alliance in April, becoming NATOs 31st member after Turkeys Parliament ratified the Nordic countrys bid. Turkeys agreement on Swedens membership has also been linked to Ankaras efforts to acquire new F-16 fighter planes from the United States and to upgrade its existing fighter fleet. However, both U.S. and Turkish officials have insisted that any such deal would not be tied to Swedens NATO membership. With inputs from agencies. The US and its European allies are pushing a plan to establish an international peacekeeping force in the Gaza Strip following the recent conflict, sources familiar with the matter told Bloomberg, adding that the allies are building pressure on Israel to conclude its military operation as civilian casualties continue to rise. The US and European officials acknowledge significant uncertainties regarding the feasibility of such an operation in Gaza, sources told Bloomberg. They also recognize Israels strong scepticism toward the proposed plan. Despite the challenges, the mere discussion of the idea is seen as a potential way to encourage Israel to contemplate concluding the campaign and to consider the subsequent steps. These discussions, primarily taking place within the United Nations Security Council, are in response to increasing international demands for a ceasefire in Israels offensive against Hamas, designated as a terrorist group by both the US and the EU. European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell set out proposals last week for how Gaza should be run after the war between Israel and Hamas, calling on Arab countries to play a greater role in a future Palestinian administration. Borrell, who will travel to Israel, the Palestinian territories and neighbouring countries later this week, said it was vital to think about what happens after the war, even as the fighting rages. He said the international community had failed politically and morally to create a durable settlement to the long-running conflict between Israelis and Palestinians and it was now time to redouble efforts to find a two-state solution. Speaking to reporters after an EU foreign ministers meeting in Brussels, he presented his proposals as saying no to three things and yes to three others. He said no to any forced displacement of Palestinians from Gaza, to a permanent re-occupation by the Israeli military or any change to Gazas size and to a return of Hamas. Meanwhile, A dire lack of fuel in the Gaza Strip shut down all internet and phone networks Thursday, the main Palestinian telecom provider said, effectively cutting off the besieged territory from the outside world. In a signal that Israels ground invasion could soon expand to the south, Palestinians in parts of southern Gaza said they received evacuation notices Thursday. Most of Gazas 2.3 million people are crowded into the south, including hundreds of thousands who heeded Israels calls to evacuate the north to get out of the way of its offensive. At least 11,470 Palestinians two-thirds of them women and minors have been killed since the war began, according to Palestinian health authorities, which do not differentiate between civilian and militant deaths. About 2,700 people are reported missing. Israel vowed to wipe out Hamas after the militant group launched its Oct. 7 incursion. Some 1,200 people have died in Israel, mostly during the initial attack, and around 240 were taken captive by militants. With inputs from agencies. President Joe Biden averted a potential government shutdown by signing a temporary spending bill, setting the stage for an ongoing budget dispute with congressional Republicans into the new year. The bipartisan measure, which passed both the House and Senate with significant margins, ensures that the government remains operational until after the holiday season. The move provides lawmakers with additional time to address their substantial disagreements regarding spending levels for the current budget year. The signing took place on Thursday in San Francisco, where President Biden was hosting the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. The news of the signing emerged late at night, coinciding with the presidents dinner for APEC members at the Legion of Honor Museum. The wartime aid for Ukraine and Israel remains stalled amid this budgetary uncertainty. The spending package keeps government funding at current levels for roughly two more months while a long-term package is negotiated. It splits the deadlines for passing full-year appropriations bills into two dates: Jan. 19 for some federal agencies and Feb. 2 for others, creating two dates when there will be a risk of a partial government shutdown. The two-step approach was championed by new House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican, and was not favoured by many in the Senate, though all but one Democrat and 10 Republicans supported it because it ensured the government would not shut down for now. Johnson has vowed that he will not support any further stopgap funding measures, known as continuing resolutions. He portrayed the temporary funding bill as setting the ground for a spending fight with the Senate next year. The spending bill does not include the White Houses nearly $106 billion request for wartime aid for Israel and Ukraine. Nor does it provide humanitarian funding for Palestinians and other supplemental requests, including money for border security. Lawmakers are likely to turn their attention more fully to that request after the Thanksgiving holiday in hopes of negotiating a deal. With inputs from AP. Uzbekistan on Friday said it would urge the public to save water, as global warming and creaking infrastructure point to a serious crisis in the landlocked arid country. Experts have said streamflows at its two main rivers, the Amu Darya and Syr Darya, are set to drop by up to 15 per cent by 2050. Over 90 per cent of Uzbekistans water is used for agriculture, and leaks on its vast, Soviet-era irrigation network mean that over a third of the water is lost during transportation. The main task should be to instil in the population the idea that water is not free, Uzbek leader Shavkat Mirziyoyev said on a visit to the countrys south, which faces regular droughts. This message will be reinforced together with neighbourhood activists, intellectuals, and the general public, he was quoted as saying by his spokesman. Officials have also been instructed to carry out maintenance works on the irrigation system, including $60 million worth of repairs on the Sherobod canal in the south, his spokesman said. Uzbekistan has few sources of fresh water, and much of if comes from its rivers. Mirziyoyev warned in September that serious water shortages plaguing Central Asian countries had become irreversible and would only get worse amid increased competition. The Israeli military said late on Thursday that it uncovered a Hamas tunnel shaft at Gazas al-Shifa hospital complex. Taking to X, IDF shared the video of the tunnel with the caption, Exposing another layer of Hamas exploitation of three of the largest hospitals in Gaza: Inside the Shifa Hospital complex, a Hamas terrorist tunnel was uncovered. The video showed a deep hole in the ground, littered with and surrounded by concrete and wood rubble and sand. It appeared the area had been excavated; a bulldozer appeared in the background. The army said its troops also found a vehicle in the hospital containing a large number of weapons. Israeli special forces moved into the hospital early on Wednesday morning and continued to search the sprawling complex in the centre of Gaza City on Thursday. Meanwhile, in a statement late on Thursday, Hamas said that claims by the Pentagon and US State Department that the group uses Al Shifa for military purposes is a repetition of a blatantly false narrative, demonstrated by the weak and ridiculous performances of the occupation army spokesman. The United States is confident in an assessment from its own intelligence agencies on Hamas activities in Al Shifa hospital and will neither share nor elaborate on it, White House spokesperson John Kirby said on Thursday. With inputs from agencies Israels land, sea and air assault on the Gaza Strip, triggered by Hamass cross-border attack on 7 October, has brought upheaval and destruction to the Palestinian territory on a scale never before seen in the enclave. Here are the latest estimates from international organisations on the socio-economic impact of the conflict. Housing The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), quoting data from the Palestinian Public Works and Housing Department, said Israeli attacks had destroyed more than 41,000 housing units and damaged more than 222,000 housing units. In all, it said at least 45 per cent of Gazas housing units had reportedly been damaged or destroyed. It was impossible to independently verify the numbers, but Reuters reporters in Gaza say the destruction is on a huge scale. An Israeli reporter who was taken to see the Gazan town of Beit Hanoun by the Israeli military reported on November 12 that barely a single inhabitable building remains standing. More than 52,000 people had lived there before the war. Hospitals and schools In a 15 November report, OCHA said 279 educational facilities had reportedly been damaged, more than 51 per cent of the total, with none of Gazas 625,000 students able to access education. According to Gazas Ministry of Health, as of 16 November, only nine of the enclaves 35 hospitals in Gaza were partially functioning. The rest have shut down formal medical services. OCHA said 55 ambulances in Gaza had been damaged, with critical shortages reported of drugs and blood products. Water and sanitation The UN Palestinian refugee agency (UNRWA) said on 16 November that due to an absence of fuel, 70 per cent of the people in southern Gaza had no access to clean water. The seawater desalination plant in Khan Younis in the south was operating at 5 per cent of its capacity, UNRWA said, while the two water pipelines from Israel were operating. In the north of the territory, the water desalination plant and the Israeli pipeline are not functioning. Most of Gazas 65 sewage pumps were out of service, OCHA said, and raw sewage has started to flow in the streets in some areas. Food security OCHA said in the north of Gaza, no bakeries had been active since 7 November due to the lack of fuel, water, wheat flour, and structural damage. It said the last functioning mill in Gaza was destroyed on 15 November. The situation is catastrophic, OCHA said. Humanitarian aid On average 500 trucks of food and goods entered Gaza each day before the conflict. All imports were halted after 7 October and only resumed on 21 October. Between then and November 14 a total of 1,139 trucks carrying humanitarian aid had crossed into Gaza. Telecoms On 16 November, Gazas telecommunications services shut down after fuel used to run generators ran out. OCHA said several communication infrastructures in south Gaza were hit and damaged on 14 November. OCHA said blackouts jeopardised the provision of life-saving assistance to civilians. UNRWA said that due to the communication shutdown, it could not manage or coordinate humanitarian aid convoys starting 17 November. Economic impact In a joint report, the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) said on 5 November that around 390,000 jobs had been lost since the start of the war. The socio-economic situation of Gaza was already dire before the war, with the poverty rate estimated to have reached 61 per cent in 2020. In a preliminary estimate, the UN agencies said poverty was expected to rise by between 20 per cent and 45 per cent, depending on the duration of the war. They also forecast that the war would cost Gaza between 4 per cent and 12 per cent of gross domestic product in 2023. Judges at the World Court on Friday ordered Azerbaijan to let ethnic Armenians who fled Nagorno-Karabakh in September return and to keep the remaining Armenians in the enclave safe as part of a set of emergency measures. The ruling comes after Azerbaijan in September retook the contested region of Nagorno-Karabakh in a lightning offensive, after decades of enmity between Baku and Yerevan. The military action prompted the mass exodus of most of its 120,000 ethnic Armenians to neighbouring Armenia. Yerevan accused Azerbaijan of ethnic cleansing and asked the International Court of Justice, as the World Court is formally known, to issue emergency measures aimed at protecting the rights of ethnic Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh. Azerbaijan must () ensure that persons who have left Nagorno-Karabakh after 19 September, 2023 and who wish to return to Nagorno-Karabakh are able to do so in a safe, unimpeded and expeditious manner, presiding judge Joan Donoghue said. The court said Azerbaijan must also make sure any ethnic Armenians still living in the enclave are free from the use of force or intimidation that may cause them to flee and ordered that Baku report to the court in two months to show what it is doing to comply with the order. Representatives of Azerbaijan had already told the court in hearings in October that they would allow the return of residents who fled Nagorno-Karabakh and keep all inhabitants of the enclave safe. The measures are part of two competing legal disputes between Armenia and Azerbaijan before the ICJ. Both states accuse each of violating a UN anti-discrimination treaty. No date has been set for the main case and a final ruling is not expected before well into next year. Apple has announced its adoption of the RCS (Rich Communication Services) messaging standard, according to a 9to5Mac report. The update, expected later next year, follows Googles call to the EU Commission to compel Apple to open iMessage for RCS compatibility. After facing pressure from competitors like Samsung and Google, Apple has finally embraced RCS, introducing iMessage-style features for cross-platform messaging between iPhones and Android devices. These features include read receipts, typing indicators, high-quality media sharing, and more. While iMessage remains the primary communication platform for iPhone users, RCS will replace SMS and MMS, operating separately and supporting mobile data or Wi-Fi. iMessage will persist for communication exclusively among iPhone users, with SMS and MMS serving as fallback options when necessary. Recent iOS updates, such as iOS 16 and iOS 17, have improved support for interactions between iPhone and Android users. Notable additions include Tapbacks, threaded replies, and message editing in SMS group chats. Apple aims to collaborate with GSMA members to enhance the RCS protocol, focusing on security and encryption. Unlike competitors, Apple wont add proprietary end-to-end encryption to RCS, concentrating on improving the standard itself. This move aligns with Google, whose end-to-end encryption is integrated into the Android Messages app rather than the RCS specification. In a statement provided to 9to5Mac, an Apple spokesperson mentioned: According to IDC, the traditional PC market in India, including desktops, notebooks, and workstations, reached 4.5 million units in 3Q23, marking a 14% YoY increase, following a decline of 15.3% YoY in Q2 2023. The notebook category grew by 13.1%, while desktops saw a 19.3% growth. The commercial segment remained steady, while the consumer segment experienced a 26.3% YoY growth. The education sector, supported by the Gujarat education project, notably contributed to a 117.5% YoY growth in the education segment. E-tailers bounced back with a 26.4% YoY growth after four consecutive declines, gearing up for festival sales. In the consumer segment, there was a notable uptick in 3Q23, following a challenging past year. In August, the Government of India announced a mandatory import licence requirement for PCs starting October 30th, later put on hold. Vendors proactively shipped channel inventory to avoid potential supply shortages or price hikes, ensuring sufficient stock for festival season sales, according to Bharath Shenoy, Senior Research Analyst, IDC India. Top 5 Company Highlights Q3 2023 in India HP: Led the market with a 29.4% share, dominating both commercial (34.3%) and consumer (25.9%) segments. Growth in education and government sectors contributed to a 33.5% YoY increase in the commercial segment. Lenovo: Secured the second position with a 17% share, experiencing an 8.8% YoY decline in shipments. It outpaced Dell in the commercial segment (21%) but trailed behind Asus in the consumer segment. Lenovo performed well in the desktop category with a 32.5% YoY growth. Dell Technologies: Claimed the third spot with a 14.6% share, witnessing a 3.8% YoY growth. It closely followed Lenovo in the commercial segment (20.8%) and achieved a significant 68.5% YoY growth in the consumer segment. ASUS: Surpassed Acer to secure the fourth position with a 12.5% share. ASUS had its best-ever consumer quarter, shipping over 500k units. The consumer segment grew by 42.9% YoY, and the commercial segment saw a substantial 69.9% YoY growth. Acer Group: Dropped to fifth place with an 11.6% share, despite a strong YoY growth of 20.9%. The commercial segment declined by 6.7% YoY, but the consumer segment showed remarkable growth of 75.7% YoY, driven by increased stock on online channels. Commenting on the outlook, Navkendar Singh, Associate Vice President, Devices Research, IDC India, South Asia & ANZ said: In recent months, there has been a significant channel push in the consumer segment and, to some extent, in the SME segment within the PC market. Vendors are currently emphasizing the augmentation of their local assembly mix, anticipating a preference for locally assembled devices in government and education projects. While this shift may further stimulate growth in the government and education segments, the lack of enterprise orders is worrisome, given expectations of a decline exceeding 20% YoY in the enterprise segment for 2023. Source Microsoft has announced its active efforts to comply with the Digital Markets Act (DMA) in the European Economic Area (EEA). As part of this commitment, the company has released the November 2023 non-security preview update for Windows 11, version 23H2, providing insights into the changes made to meet DMA obligations. Windows Operating System and Apps With the latest update, Windows 11 now distinctly identifies operating system functionality in Settings, Start, and Search, making it easier for users to navigate: Settings: Notable operating system components can be found at Settings > System > System Components. Start Menu: The All Apps list is now labeled as All, with operating system components marked as system. Search: Search results indicate operating system components labeled with system. App Management and Uninstallation All apps in Windows can now be uninstalled, and users have the option to reinstall them from the Microsoft Store or the internet. Noteworthy updates include the ability to uninstall specific apps like Camera, Cortana, Web Search from Microsoft Bing, Microsoft Edge (EEA only), and Photos. Improved Interoperability with Windows Features Microsoft has introduced new interoperability points in Windows, allowing apps to integrate seamlessly. This model benefits both app developers and users, offering a richer experience. In the EEA, two new interoperability points include Feeds in the Windows Widgets Board and Web search in Windows Search. Microsoft Account Data Sync In the EEA, Windows prompts users to sync their Microsoft accounts, ensuring data availability across devices. This feature enables users to restore settings, apps, and passwords from other PCs, syncing pinned apps and preferences. Default App Configuration Windows continues to prompt users to set default apps, providing easy configuration in Settings > Apps > Default apps. Apps can also prompt users to adjust default settings. European Economic Area PCs Certain functionalities are exclusive to the EEA, and Windows uses the chosen region during device setup for DMA compliance. Changes to this region can only be made by resetting the PC. The Copilot in Windows feature is gradually rolling out globally, with plans to include the EEA in the future. Windows 10 Build 19045.3754 (Preview Channel) Windows 10 version 22H2 Build 19045.3754 is released to the Release Preview Channel. Microsoft is introducing Copilot in Windows (in preview) for devices running Windows 10, version 22H2 Home and Pro editions, with a phased rollout in the coming months. The feature will appear on the taskbar and can be experienced by opting for the latest updates in Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and by turning on Get the latest updates as soon as theyre available and checking for updates. Availability Changes will be gradually rolled out to devices in Release Preview over the next few weeks. Microsoft aims to update Windows 10, version 22H2, and Windows 11, version 23H2 PCs in the EEA for compliance by March 6th, 2024. Announcing the updates, Windows Insider Program Team, posted: Welcome to my genealogy blog. Genea-Musings features genealogy research tips and techniques, genealogy news items and commentary, genealogy humor, San Diego genealogy society news, family history research and some family history stories from the keyboard of Randy Seaver (of Chula Vista CA), who thinks that Genealogy Research Is really FUN! Copyright (c) Randall J. Seaver, 2006-2023. Google Maps Gets Three New Features for Android and iOS: All You Need to Know News -Shonit Khanna Google Maps has introduced three new features designed to aid users during the festive season. These features include personalised transit route recommendations, an updated list feature for group planning, and emoji reactions for content. The transit directions feature will be available in over 80 cities globally, making it a comprehensive travel companion. The app also provides real-time information for electric vehicle charging stations, grocery stores, rest stops, and more. As Christmas draws near, Google Maps has announced an update packed with three new features designed to help users plan their trips and activities during the festive season. These features aim to enhance user experience by offering personalized transit route recommendations, updates to the list feature, and the ability to express one's opinion using emoji reactions for photos, videos, or reviews on the app. Transit Route Recommendations The transit directions feature of Google Maps has been updated to recommend the best routes based on factors such as Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA), the number of transfers, and the length of the trip. The app even offers information on the precise location of station entrances and exits, the side of the street they're on, and a clear walking route to and from it. This feature will soon be available in over 80 cities globally, including Berlin, Boston, London, Madrid, New York City, Paris, Singapore, Sydney, Tokyo, and Toronto. Emoji Reaction, Vote on Group Activities Google Maps is making group planning easier with its updated list feature. Users can share a collaborative list by sharing a place in Maps, allowing others in the group to add places they are interested in visiting and react to them with emojis. As pointed out by Google Maps Director of Product Amanda Leicht Moore, these updates take planning out of the group chat and keep it in one helpful place. As part of the update, users can now react to content from the Google Maps community with emojis. This not only adds an element of fun but also helps users make more informed decisions about the content they see, based on how other people have reacted to it. Enhancing the User Experience Apart from the new features, Google Maps also offers a multitude of existing features to aid in navigation. Users with electric vehicles can locate charging stations along their route and see real-time information regarding the charger's compatibility with their vehicle. Other features include finding grocery stores, rest stops, gas stations, hotels, and more along the route, checking fuel prices at nearby gas stations, and making payments for public transit directly from Google Maps. More than just a Navigation App In conclusion, Google Maps continues to innovate and add features that enhance the user experience, making it not just a navigation app but a comprehensive travel companion. Whether you're planning a group trip, finding the best transit routes, or reacting to community content, Google Maps' new updates have got you covered this festive season. FAQ's What are the three new features added to Google Maps in the recent update? The three new features designed to enhance user experience in Google Maps include personalised transit route recommendations, updates to the list feature, and the ability to express one's opinion using emoji reactions for photos, videos, or reviews on the app. How does the updated transit directions feature in Google Maps work? The updated transit directions feature in Google Maps recommends the best routes based on factors such as Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA), the number of transfers, and the length of the trip. It provides detailed information on the location of station entrances and exits, the side of the street they're on, and a clear walking route to and from them. This feature will soon be available in over 80 cities globally. What enhancements has Google Maps made to its list feature? Google Maps has updated its list feature to make group planning easier. Users can share a collaborative list by sharing a place in Maps, enabling others in the group to add places they are interested in visiting and react to them with emojis. What is the new emoji reaction feature on Google Maps? The new emoji reaction feature allows users to react to content from the Google Maps community using emojis. This feature adds an element of fun to the app and helps users make more informed decisions about the content they see, based on how other people have reacted to it. What existing features does Google Maps offer to aid in navigation? Google Maps offers a multitude of existing features to aid in navigation, including the ability for users with electric vehicles to locate charging stations along their route and see real-time information regarding the charger's compatibility with their vehicle. Users can also find grocery stores, rest stops, gas stations, hotels, check fuel prices at nearby gas stations, and make payments for public transit directly from the app. Best Mobiles in India Facebook, To stay updated with latest technology news & gadget reviews, follow GizBot on Twitter YouTube and also subscribe to our notification. Allow Notifications US President Joe Biden listens to a speaker during a meeting with members of the Indo Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders' Week in San Francisco, California Dennis received bachelor's degrees in communication and political science with a TAG degree in Spanish from The University of Akron in Ohio. He grew up in Ohio with 2 sisters and two brothers, one being his fraternal twin. He and his wife have 3 dogs: Duke, Bacio, and Cal. Dennis currently covers natural resource and environmental issues for The Daily Sentinel LAS VEGAS, Nev., Nov. 17, 2023 -- In a comprehensive industry analysis, 3D Chess Media has released a detailed report on the significant shifts occurring in the car extended warranty market, driven by the rapid evolution of electric and autonomous vehicles. This in-depth exploration sheds light on the changing dynamics of automotive warranties in response to new technological advancements. The Associated Press President Joe Biden, left, talks with Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperative summit on Friday in San Francisco. The two leaders agreed to work together to combat fentanyl trafficking into the United States. Christopher Tomlinson/The Daily Sentinel The Christmas lights shine along Main Street in downtown Grand Junction in this 202 file photo. The Wells Fargo Bank Christmas tree is reflected in the Chrome on the Range sculpture. The Downtown Grand Junction Downtown Tree Lighting event is Saturday evening when Santa Claus will officially turn on all the lights on the trees. Sat Saturday 40 /29 More clouds than sun. Highs in the low 40s and lows in the upper 20s. November 15, 2023 Transcript Michael J. McCord, Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller), Holds a Press Briefing on the Results of DOD FY 2023 Department-Wide Financial Statement Audit Michael J. McCord, Undersecretary Of Defense (Comptroller) and Chief Financial Officer STAFF: Okay, good afternoon, everybody. Thank you for being here and to those on the phone as well. I'm Christopher Sherwood, I'll be moderating the press briefing and follow-on discussion. The topic of today's briefing is the department's results of the F.Y. '23 full financial statement audit. Our speaker is the Undersecretary of Defense, Comptroller, and Chief Financial Officer Michael J. McCord. Our discussion is on the record, embargoed until you receive an email from me later this evening releasing the embargo. The Office of the Inspector General sends out the agency-wide results to the Comptroller. Once that happens, I will send an email to you releasing the embargo. For this discussion, we have 30 minutes, and I will provide a five minute warning before that -- end of the time that we have. Please introduce yourselves and your organization and please limit your questions to one and one follow-up. With that, it is my pleasure to introduce the Honorable Michael McCord. (CROSSTALK) MICHAEL MCCORD: Good afternoon. My name's Mike McCord and I serve as the Undersecretary of Defense, Comptroller, and CFO at the Department of Defense. We're here today because we've completed our Fiscal Year '23 agency financial report and the IG, the Inspector General, has completed their financial statement audits of our $3.8 trillion in assets and $4 trillion in liabilities. Here at DOD, we have an enormous responsibility entrusted to us by the taxpayer to defend the nation while being good stewards of their tax dollars. My team and I take this responsibility and mission seriously, both when we formulate the budget as well as in our financial reporting, which is today's subject. That's why I'm here to talk to you about the progress we've made on this front and discuss our efforts underway to continue to keep that progress moving. At the outset, I want to highlight that while we still have much to -- work to do, our work on the audit over the last few years has yielded significant benefits to the department. Our efforts to track, coordinate, and quickly deliver security assistance to our allies and partners in Ukraine and now Israel is closely related to the work across the DOD enterprise on audit readiness. One of the foundational aspects of auditing property holdings is known as existence and completeness. That is knowing where your assets are. Our work on that has helped contribute to our ability to provide this assistance to our partners and oversight of the funds of the assets on the back end. When Hamas launched its brutal attacks on Israel on the 7th, we knew precisely what assistance and materiel we had on hand, where it was, and how to get it to the Israelis quickly, because we'd been already doing that with Ukraine. This was all aided though by the work that is done by not just my team but by people across the department who are responsible for assets. Now, let's get into some details. The DOD audit's comprised of 29 standalone audits of the military departments, different defense agencies, such as DLA and other components, and then there's a consolidated audit, which is what we're here to talk about today. So that makes 30 -- 29 pieces and then the 30th is the entirety. That audit -- these audits are conducted by a mix of independent public accounting firms that we call IPAs, private sector entities -- that is -- and by the DOD IG, who also does some of the auditing. Today, I'm speaking about the overall DOD audit that represents the sum of the 29 parts. But to be clear, as in the past, I'm not speaking for the auditors. The auditors are independent from us and I'm just here representing the management side. Generally, it's not been the IG's practice to do a press event on this day when they release their findings but that's up to them. In coordination with the IG's final report later today, I'll authorize the public release of our annual financial report for Fiscal '23, and at that point, each DOD component is also expected to release their reports. So these reports represent an enormous amount of work over the past year by the entire DOD FM workforce, as well as many other communities, both military and civilian, that respond to auditor questions and for -- on-site visits, requests for information or documentation. These could be logisticians, personnel folks, all sorts of folks across DOD. The results of the sixth annual DOD-wide audit will again be a disclaimer of opinion, which means the auditors could not collect enough information to give us an audit opinion. That was not unexpected. If even one large component of DOD, such as a military department, doesn't have an unmodified or clean opinion, it's mathematically impossible for the entire department to have one. So given where we are, this was not a surprise. For the components undergoing standalone financial audit statements -- these are the 29 things I talked about -- seven received an unmodified opinion and the Medicare-Eligible Retiree Health Care Fund received a qualified opinion, which is a -- the next step down of favorable opinion, the other kind of favorable opinion. The results of three of these audits, three of the 29, are not known yet, the Marine Corps being the one of these unknown audits or incomplete audits because the auditors agreed to give the Marine Corps an extension to mid-February. All other DOD components undergoing standalone audits besides these -- besides these ones that I've named received disclaimers, and this is the same as last year. Let me make some additional comments about the Marine Corps audit cause that's been a big interest of ours. Some of you may know we're very focused on, as a test case for the department and the larger services, such as the Army, Navy, Air Force, the Marines got an extension to mid-February, and the auditors agreed to this because this is a first time audit for them in a new ERP, or Enterprise Resource Planning, system. Whatever the results of that audit may be when we get them -- and again, that might be into February -- I want to commend the Marine Corps and in particular Eric Smith for their leadership and effort on this. General Smith really believes in this effort, getting it done, getting it right. He's been a forceful advocate for the audits during his four years as the ACMC, has frequently spoken to me about them. And I want to join everyone here at DOD in wishing him a full recovery and hope to see him back in the building soon. To summarize, go back to the entire picture here, favorable opinions cover about 50 percent of DOD assets, and -- and then there's -- the other 50 percent is not unaccounted for. We have control of our assets but too many of our financial management systems, such as our property systems of records, still cannot meet auditing standards, which is not the same as not knowing anything. And we are working hard to accelerate the retirement of these older systems and bring more of our asset records up to the accounting standards that we need to. Audit opinions are an easy to understand metric but there are others that are also useful in showing how this team has been working and where we are making progress or not. One of the other things that we track -- and you've heard this before if you -- if you've covered this before -- are known as notices of funding and recommendations, or NFRs. These are specific things that an auditor looks at and says you need to work on that. Our auditors have validated that we closed hundreds of these from last year but they've also given us a new batch to focus on. These are the building blocks of what gets you to -- to your audit opinion overall, which is that big, you know, sort of pass-fail thing that you're familiar with. As of a couple days ago, the start this week, the auditors have validated that we closed 490 findings from last year, and that total will keep changing over the next couple of days until that gets finalized. The auditors so far have issued 2,500 new NFRs , some of which are new and some of which have been reissued or recurring. So there is still a lot of work to do. One step up, if you think about the entire audit per se, the Navy, up here and an individual NFR here, the in-between is a material weakness. That's a category of findings that the -- where the auditors see a pattern of things or a subject matter area that you need to work on that's a material weakness. We took a major step forward this year in resolving Fund Balance with Treasury as a material weakness because we would -- and this was one of Secretary Austin's three priority efforts that we -- he had written in a memo to all of the -- all the services to guide what he wanted us to focus on this year. Fund Balance with Treasury, universe of transactions, and access controls. One of the three priorities, on Fund Balance with Treasury we saw that the only Army Working Capital Fund, the Navy's General Fund, and the Air Force General Fund all downgraded that material weakness this year. So to put that in context, that's about $400 billion that we have brought up to auditing standards because of that progress. So this shows us that we like to think that -- that when we name a priority and then actually make sure that we -- people concentrate on that priority, we can actually move the needle and make some progress and have an impact. That's what we saw in Fund Balance with Treasury this year. The Navy also downgraded another category, material weakness known as Oversight and Monitoring, on both their General Fund and their Working Capital Fund. We also got two done across other components. That said, all the three military departments, despite what I just said about making progress on a big priority on Fund balance with Treasury, all three military departments, Army, Navy, Air Force, still got Disclaimers of Opinion for their entirety. The Army Corps of Engineers received its 16th consecutive unmodified opinion as well. So the operates -- these audits operate on a large scale, but the improvements and changes we're making every day because of these audits are helping us out. We try and look at this progress across a couple of areas. And this -- this will be, I think, similar to what you saw on last year's finance report, the impact on workforce modernization, business operations, quality, decision-makings, reliability, and public confidence. Workforce modernization, probably the big story for us, continues to be saving time through Robotic Process Automations, or RPAs, also known as bots. This allows our team to focus more in analytics and more value-added tasks. So we've saved an enormous amount of labor hours in the Navy and the Air Force, close to 600,000 hours combined this year, hundreds of more saved at DLA and other -- and other DoD entities. This allows us to try and address NFRs more quickly. And -again, I have a number of facts here, I'm not going to read them all to you, about the number of -- of bots deployed and the number of labor hours that we have saved. But, again, it's substantial. On business operations, a good example here is the Marine Corps has reduced unsupported transactions from 2.2 billion to less than 500,000 in less than a year. This is one of the reasons that we're optimistic about what we're going to finally see when their -- when their opinion is done. DLA has also made progress on their warehouse side. They are saving money by -- by deploying a new warehouse management system. So there -- there is examples beneath the pass/fail aspect of this of where we've seen progress, but we know that there's more to do. Data quality efforts are also helping us, data analytics are helping us. We have -- the Navy in particular has reviewed a lot of un-liquidated obligations and validated them and found some funds available to de-obligate because of the progress that we've made here. Retiring legacy systems is something that we have heard, and probably you are aware, that we've heard from Government Accountability Office, GAO. That's a fundamental view of the Comptroller General, that we have to get rid of some of these older systems. We got rid of -- we retired 10 systems last year, two of which were accounting systems used by multiple components. To date, the Navy's decommissioned 11 systems and brought that into their ERP. While the primary burden on DOD financial management team is in my office and then in the Army, Navy, Air Force, the other entities being audited -- we -- we recognize that management is first and foremost responsible for this but we -- we do have a couple of points where we want to just remind that Congress and our industry partners can also help us. First, I would say it's vital that Congress break this cycle that we have been stuck in for a long time of lengthy CRs, or Continuing Resolutions, year after year. New problem -- timely confirmation of our military and civilian leadership, particularly on the military side. We also need Congress's help to allow us to divest costly legacy systems and we need their support of our financial transformation efforts, which they've been giving us. Congress, I want to be clear, has been an advocate of our audit efforts and has supported those audit efforts. We just need that to continue. Where we really need help is on -- is on the appropriations side. Under the FRA, the Fiscal Responsibility Act, as I'm sure you're very aware, failure to pass our budget or any of the 12 funding bills is going to trigger a sequester later on. So I'm glad that we appear to be on track to get a CR before the last minute, as opposed to seven weeks ago, and spare our people the turmoil of a shutdown and spare the taxpayers that kind of dysfunction, but this will be our 14th year now pretty much guaranteed of lengthy CRs out of the last 15, and we've got to do better than that. And CRs, to be clear, are also an inefficient way to use taxpayer dollars. They're not as bad as shutdowns but they're hardly the gold standard. On the defense industry partner side, they can help us by getting -- bringing the property and their possession into audit compliance. This is something we particularly worked on for the Joint Strike Fighter and had a lot of collaboration with our acquisition, A&S, partners on that. So there are many cases where, for good reasons, the contractors have the property but we need to have better work -- working with them on getting that on the records for the auditors to be able to see in a timely way. At the outset, I said that scrutiny of our financial statements is important as ever. I'll just say that we remain a trusted institution and we recognize that we have the obligation and -- to do everything to maintain that trust. We've made a lot of progress to date. I'll look forward to our continued improvement on this -- efforts. I want to thank you all for coming today and your continued interest in results of our audits. We have provided a press release and a fact sheet that Chris would -- that Chris will have, and I think has gotten to you. We'll also have additional details and items I'm speaking on. You should get all of that material today. The IG has given us their information. We have to meld it in with ours and get that out. We believe that's all going to happen today. And with that, I'm happy to answer any questions. STAFF: Thank you, sir. We'll go to Mike Stone, Reuters. Q: Thanks. Thanks for coming down, thanks to your team for coming down and -- and doing all of this work. 29 audits, seven passed last year, seven passed this year. I'm going to push back on your progress. I ... (CROSSTALK) Is there progress there? That's one. I'm going to audit myself. It looks like the total number of site visits versus last year went down, and it was a mix of virtual and on-site. Is that why the cost of the thing went down $30 or $40 million? Is that why the -- I don't know -- can you explain why the site visits went down? Three, explain how the audit created systems -- explain how the audit created systems and processes that located weapons that were shipped to Ukraine. How? And finally, $6.2 billion, that's the amount of PDA that got rejiggered. Can you please tell the taxpayer here is what happened -- someone in Army accounting made a poor assumption that they needed to use replacement -- that they should use replacement value when it's -- when they shouldn't have used depreciated value, and that's how that problem metastasized across all the forces and you get to such a big number? Did you forensically go back -- I'm sorry, I'm using "forensic" in an accounting world -- but did you go back and show any curiosity and figure out what happened there? And can you explain that please? MR. MCCORD: OK. I'm going to tell you that I can't answer your second one off the top of my head, and that may be one we have to get to you about, this number of site visits and -- and its direct relationship to the cost of the audit effort. But we'll take that one for the record, if you will. On the first one, correct, the number of unmodified opinions, which is the largest aggregation, what I call the pass-fail version, is the same. The number of -- the number of disclaimers actually went up because we added two audits this year if... I don't think I explained that upfront. We broke out two defense agencies to have separate audits that were not audited but separated last year, and those two did not get a clean opinion their first time. But yes, what I'm talking about is progress sort of beneath the surface of a pass-fail for the entire Army. That's where we think that fund balance with Treasury and some of these other things are showing progress but it's not enough, to your point and -- and to the Secretary's -- also feels that way, that we need to be doing better at this and moving faster. So we understand that -- that that audit is ultimately a pass-fail kind of metric with the public and with the auditors, for that matter. And on that metric, it was -- it was static from last year, but we still believe that we have seen signs of progress that are going to get us more favorable in the future. On the second -- the -- I mean, the second one, we're going to get back to you on site visits, how they relate to the specific costs of the audits. Third question on the systems that help us locate weapons, the Ukraine effort did not create systems. You know, we were using existing systems to figure out, OK, they're asking us for X rounds of 155 ammunition. We didn't invent new systems that track where our -- we -- we went -- used the existing systems. My point is more that because we already had a lot of practice at that, what did not happen with Ukraine is we didn't know how much 155 we had, we didn't know where it was, we didn't know if it was any good condition or not. We were well along in that effort. What is, you know, maybe more complicated with giving ammunition to a partner or giving a -- a missile or a UAV to a partner is export control questions and other things like that do -- does your partner even have the ability to maintain it, as opposed to not knowing whether you have it or not. So we build off of efforts that have already been underway because of the audit to make sure that we knew where our stuff was, and my point would be that we did not find that they asked for X and we had no idea if we had -- if we had that many or didn't have it or how many we had. So the asset visibility was solid. The valuation we -- your final point -- different point was more -- is a little more esoteric in that -- remember the little pre-Ukraine, which is only two years ago -- but in law, there's a permanent law cap on drawdown authority in a year, $100 million. What have we done in an average year for Ukraine? 100 times that amount, $10 billion or so per year. So first of all, the scale of what we -- has happened since Ukraine started is completely different than what happened prior to that. Second point, when drawdown was -- and is under permanent law, $100 million, the general practice was there was no process for replacing it with a supplemental because $100 million out of the Department is $3 trillion -- you know it was -- it was just something either you didn't replace it or you just -- the next time you built a budget you put it in there. So it didn't have anywhere near this visibility and there was therefore like no -- no practice of how you value draw on this because there was no point, nobody was giving you any money to replace drawdown with prior to Ukraine. Therefore, there was no body of practice of how it was done. There were regulations in place that my team -- you know that were in the financial management regulations but the way draw down works is people basically of what I would call for lack of a better term security cooperation experts work with them and what do they access for. And the way the process works is Ukrainians in this case would first go to European command with request for what they would need. There's a whole process that -- that is run through our policy colleagues and A&S colleagues of whether or not --if they say they need X, what's the best material solution we have to offer for that. You know maybe -- maybe they say they want X but really we think Y would meet their needs and Y would get there quicker. So there's a process of they ask for something, we -- agree or disagree that they -- that we even think they need it. If we think they need it we work what's the best thing we can give them. Run through the policy process. Is there any export control issues. All of that is taking place and then you find those things, you get them on an airplane, you fly them over. Then the process, right, is to take the book value of that and that is where the mistakes were in some cases was writing down the book value instead of the replacement value and even though the vast majority of cases were done correct, the discrepancy between the cost to buy a new one and -- and the book value of an old one was so great in some cases that it led to the other $6 billion discrepancy, which I will -- this wasn't your question exactly but I think this questions been out thereof and assess before. So I'll answer this part as well was to be clear, not a misuse of taxpayer funds. This was counting authority. The only way we can use taxpayer funds is when we buy a replacement item back, that's done with appropriated funds. That by definition is done at the current market price. You don't get to buy things, you know, for -- for less than the market price a vendor charges for them today. So there was never any miscalculation of what we were spending to replace items. There was miscalculations are all on valuing the book value, which is not play into any particular accounting system. And again, so we had rules done in the financial community that really were people that had not had no prior practice of strong working relationships with people who are just making security cooperation decisions and running them through the interagency process, which is required because drawdown authority is not a DOD authority, it's a presidential authority. So it has got a whole interagency piece as well. If I haven't lost you, I'll stop -- I'll stop there with my response on that. STAFF: OK. And we'll go to the -- and staying in the room we'll go over to Noah Robertson. Q: Sure. Noah Robertson, Defense News. I want to drill down a little bit more specifically on the linkage between the practices that should benefit between Ukraine and Israel, are you saying that the two are mutually beneficial and that practice that you had accounting for the different systems capabilities was useful when the war broke out following on October 7? Or are you saying specifically that without that practice and previous use specifically for Ukraine there would not have been that ability to quickly mobilize the -- the relevant materials for Israel? MR. MCCORD: Yeah, I would say that the -- that the one did inform the other because there were -- there are a process -- a group that was meeting weekly or biweekly to go over how we're going to help Ukrainians how to build these packages. So there was a lot of kind of working groups and relationships that build up over the last 20 months or so, and that process transferred easily over to -- to Israel, who had a much more finite list of things they were interested in. And also, as I am sure you know, unlike -- unlike Ukraine we have no supplemental funding for Israel. So the list of the -- the running rule we have to actually help Israel is much more constrained because we don't have any action by Congress yet to, you know, that that has been enacted into law. So they were living in the world sort of existing contracts in some and some -- some different authorities and also smaller list of things they were looking for help with. But yes, I'd say the one did inform me at all the although -- yes, the process, the one that Mike was referring to about the valuation is not specific to either one but -- but the sort of action offset driven processes of how we respond to requests and vet them both inside the department, and interagency as necessary and get things approved and on a plane. Absolutely the Ukraine experience informed the Israeli one and because there was already a lot of good practice build up. Q: (Inaudible) necessarily? MR. MCCORD: Yes. I'm not sure if I -- I hope I'm not misunderstanding your question. I don't -- I don't think your question is necessarily hypothetical like what if Israel had happened and Ukraine had never happened. I -- you know I don't live in that world anyway because the one did happen first. I just -- I just would observe that I have seen a lot of -- a lot of weekly meetings and -- and relationships build up that transfer pretty easily. It's just that it runs through a different combatant commander on the front end, now Central Command vs. European Command. But everything that happens here is many of the same people and many of the same practices that help us get on top of these things is just -- and then the final point is, as I said, is that for Ukraine our issue might be the relatively small amount of funding we have left. But in Israel we don't have any funding, but Israel has had things that Ukrainians don't have like existing foreign military sales contracts, more robust industrial base it is and being hammered by the Russians the way the, you know, Ukrainian economy has been hammered. So a lot of differences, I guess in the -- in the needs and the ability to respond and the amount of self-help that Israel is capable of because their -- of their different situation, but the part that does involve us, I would say there's been a lot of overlap that -- that we'd be able to, you know, build -- been able to build on. Sorry. STAFF: Yes. I'm going to just go to the phones real quick. Tony Capaccio. Q: Hey, sir. A couple quick questions here for all those who do not know what a fund balance with Treasury is, since you've highlighting that is a big improvement, with a layman's explanation, why was that important to fix, basically? And then I had a second question on Ukraine spending but I'll let you answer this one first. MR. MCCORD: OK. Fund balance with Treasury, I mean I -- like layman's explanation is probably all I'm capable of. So I will take a go at it. If -- if I do not agree with my bank on how much money I have in that bank, what -- we're -- we're in a bad place to start with in terms of reconciling my records and their records. And Treasury obviously being all of our accounts flow through them. No money goes from us to anybody without Treasury being in the loop. And to give a reason why that matters, this -- this occurred over a year ago, but it's stuck in my head. There was a fraudulent attempt to create a Treasury account and then have the Treasury pay the fraudulent entity and matching your records is how you find things like that. This one was small by DOD standards, I think, the attempt to, you know, was maybe on the $500,000 range and it strikes me. And, you know, typical thing that you might see a fraud case, someone do a small test transaction. And then if no -- if it looked like nobody noticed, then try for bigger one. The Fund Balance with Treasury process is -- is one of the ways you find, hey, I don't have any record of that transaction on my side, right, that -- that someone is -- is going to you, Treasury, saying, please pay this person. So that's has maybe the best layman's example I could give of why it -- why it matters. And then your second one... Q: OK. MR. MCCORD: ... is coming, right? Q: OK. And this is a short question, kind of a -- a diatribe. How much money is left in terms of authority to buy down PDAs? Is it about $4.9 billion you have remaining? MR. MCCORD: Of authority, that is correct. Q: OK. So in layman's language, the Pentagon now, between now and a supplemental being approved, has $4.9 billion of authority in terms of packages to Ukraine. So this spigot's not totally turned off but it's maybe low -- slowing to a drip. MR. MCCORD: Well, I think -- I think the -- the amount of drawdown going out has slowed somewhat recently. And here's a reason, you know, that we would -- I would be concerned -- I won't say -- well, obviously, I'll speak for myself, or I would be concerned is, drawdown authority is the authority to remove things from our inventory, without funding in place to replace them. It involves taking risk on our part, right, that I'm going to give someone something that I believe that they need, which is I give it to them, but without the assurance that I'll be able to buy it back and restock the inventory of the Defense Department, in this case, mostly the Army's inventory has been at play in Ukraine. And we don't have $4.9 billion of money left to replace -- we have 1 billion left of funding to replace inventory with compared to, as we -- as we just discussed, nearly 5 billion of authority to remove things from our inventory and give them to Ukraine in the hope that we will get this supplemental action by Congress. But -- but, so far, you know, I would say in the last two months we're sort of -- we appear to be 0 for 2 in getting a supplemental acted on. So that's -- that would be the concern is that we do have some running room and some ability to make recommendation to the secretary or the president about things that we could still draw down. But the concern is, you know, we need the funding to make sure that we're not taking undue risk. Q: Totally understand that, but you can -- you can put out $5 billion of PDAs basically over the next month or two until you get more money? MR. MCCORD: The next month or two or -- or longer, I mean, the -- much of that authority has -- has a longer lifespan than a month or two. But however long it is. But that -- but your question itself begs part of the point, is, when it -- when it -- how long would that need to last? Is it -- is the supplement going to be considered soon, separately from this new -- these new deadlines of January 19th and February 2nd, or could it possibly slide that late? That's a long time for our partners to wait for assistance from us. And by the way, it's long time for us to wait for our own base budget, which is, you know, not to be lost in the conversation here. Q: OK. Thank you very much. STAFF: OK. We're going to go back to the room. We've got time for just a couple more questions. Louie, think you had your hand up? Q: Yes, Luis Martinez, ABC News. How long in the short term can the department continue not getting an increase in past audits? And in the long term is it really an issue for the department? MR. MCCORD: I'm going to say the fundamental difference with -- with any federal entity or maybe -- certainly with ours is -- is, as has been evidenced in the past, we don't stop operating if we don't have a clean opinion. We are not like a private sector company who might be de-listed from the stock market and -- and have sort of immediate catastrophic impact. We're expected to do the mission that we're all here to do at DoD. And we're going to keep doing it whether we have, you know, seven unmodified opinions or 12 or 10 or 28 or 30. The larger question might be, you know, what is the expectation of our CEO, our COO, of our Board of Directors and Congress, and -- and what -- what penalties might they impose or actions might they take or not take if we're not getting there or if we don't get there soon enough? I think if you've tracked this year's two defense authorization bills, both of them contain language that would tighten the screws on us for those -- but since you can't see me since I'm not on camera, I was making a motion there -- both of them, I have expressed, in both the House and Senate bills, some desire to pressurize us further because the pace of progress is not -- is not, you know, in their opinion, fast enough, and I think the Secretary shares that view, it's not fast enough. So there are certain -- so part of the answer is, well, what steps do either top management or -- or the Board of Directors take, but as a -- as -- as -- strictly speaking, the lack of a clean opinion would not, you know, relieve us of any of our requirements to do our Title 10 missions and the things that the taxpayers expect our people to do. I -- did you have a second part of that? I'm sure that's a ... Q: I mean, is it detrimental to the organization that you may not get these clean or a higher capacity of clean opinion for quite some time? MR. MCCORD: Yeah, it -- yes, it -- it -- it certainly -- it certainly is -- is not something that we just say "well, it doesn't matter." And -- and -- and I'd hope that my response wasn't -- wouldn't sound like it doesn't matter. I'm just saying as a technical -- as a technical matter, we have to keep doing our job. And this is one of the things we have to get better at and we will get better at but it doesn't relieve us of our other responsibilities in -- in the meantime. STAFF: All right, we're going to take one last question from the phone. Tony Bertuca? Q: Thank you, I appreciate it. Mr. Comptroller, you -- you talked a little bit about the -- the one percent sequester that's going to be triggered in early January because things are still going to be under a CR. Could you talk a little bit about what that drill entails for the department? We know it's around $80 billion but personnel are exempt sort of. It's kind of a wild thing to think of but the department has got to get ready for $80 billion less, right? Could you sort of unpack what that looks like for us? And also, is that just meant to be just a haircut across the top or are you going to try to do eaches or is there an intelligent way to cut that much money from DOD? MR. MCCORD: OK, I'll -- so -- so right, the -- the Fiscal Responsibility Act -- Act set up a sort of slow-moving train wreck where, starting on January 1st, you know, you're sort of put on notice that bad things are going to happen but they won't finally happen until the end of April. So that's a pretty -- you know, like a slow-motion disaster is set in place. We are now on track, it would appear, right, to have CRs that -- that extend past January 1st. So the machinery would, one believe, start cranking. There's a -- there's still things that we don't know, and we need to -- we need to be on the same page with OMB in particular about what exactly the beliefs are about how this would work for every agency, including ours. So there's things that we are trying to explore inside our own management team and there are things that we need to make sure we're on the same page with OMB about because they will ultimately be the final arbiters of how a sequester would be implemented, as has been the case in the relatively few numbers of sequesters that have ever -- have ever happened. OMB is -- is going to be making some final calls. And so we don't have total clarity on all of those yet but a couple of points that -- that I can tell you now. If it were to happen, we've already made a management decision in the department and in the administration that we would exempt military personnel from the sequester. That has been a choice the department has made every single time it has been able to make that choice of an actual or a pending sequester, that we would not subject our personnel and their salaries to that. What that does is pressurize the other 75 percent of the budget to take that part of -- of the cut and -- and -- you know, so if everybody was going to be cut 10 percent and you exempt this part, then let's say everybody else gets cut 12 percent because you're exempting the personnel. So we've -- already know that we're going to do that if it comes to it. And secondarily and related to that is pay raises are scheduled to happen. Pay raises operate under permanent law. So we would have -- actually, our -- our personnel costs would go up starting on January 1st because of pay raises, and that also would be -- contribute -- contribute to the pressurization of everything else. I don't -- I have a different figure than the one you cited about $80 billion. We would -- we would sort of think of it as, compared to what we asked for, more on the nature of 34, 35, compared -- less than what we were planning to get and what we have asked for. But there are some questions in -- right now, for example, we have no money for Ukraine, as I've just been describing. If we did get some in the interim, would it be subject to a sequester also or would it not be? I would need to have someone from OMB be sure I'm on the same page with them on -- about how that works because, you know, there -- there are cases -- and we've seen this in the past -- where what -- what DOD's reading of the law is doesn't necessarily agree with what somebody else's is and we need to make sure we're clear on that. Needless to say, this -- this is going to be a -- a -- would be a really bad outcome for us, and it is a reason why we're not throwing a party at my house, because it looks like we're going to avoid a shutdown this week and get a CR. That's good, but we're also moving into the category now where CRs are extending into that trigger period for a sequester later. So something has to break this pattern of we come up against a deadline, everyone decides that -- that, you know, a CR is better than a shutdown, then nobody disagrees with that, but if you keep doing that, you're going to end up where you -- where -- you're describing, as in a -- in a sequester later on if -- if at some point we don't move off of this track and get a bill done. And so that's what we want to see happen. We want the supplemental done, we want the base budget done so we don't end up in that -- in that place. I was here 10 years ago when we had the last sequester that impacted DOD. It was somewhat similar timing. It was triggered around the end of March, as I recall. So we had half the year to absorb the cut. This one is set up to not really go into effect until the end of April, so even less time left to absorb -- it would be a similar dollar amount as last time but over a bigger base budget but over a shorter period. So we saw a lot of bad things happen last time, and I think that some of those would happen this time as well. Some of them are -- there's only so many choices you have to cut $30-something billion dollars in five months. And -- and I'm not going to go into what those are, but if -- if you look at what happened last time, you'll see -- you'll -- you'll probably have a similar list to me. So yes, we -- we are concerned about that. It is -- there's plenty of time to avoid that kind of outcome. I'm sure that there is good intent. And I would just say specifically we know that there's strong support, I think, for the strategy and for our budget, and we just need to get to a place where we can have -- have that be, you know, up or down voted on. And I would say exactly the same thing about Ukraine in particular -- we still believe that there's pretty strong bipartisan support for that if we can get to the point where there is an up or down vote where -- where we can see if that support is still there, cause we -- we believe it is, but it's -- obviously it's a complex thing that the leadership has to work with over there to try and get to that point. And it's kind of frustrating that -- looks like those -- some of that -- some of those things, especially on our base budget, are now being positioned to not get decided until we're into the new calendar year. Q: Thank you very much. STAFF: OK. Thank you, everyone. That concludes our briefing today. https://www.defense.gov/News/Transcripts/Transcript/Article/3591326/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address SECNAV Announces Future USS Ernest E. Evans (DDG 141) US Navy U.S. Naval Academy Speech by Carlos Del Toro Presented on 15 November 2023 Good afternoon, everyone! Thank you for joining me here at the United States Naval Academy to recognize and reflect upon the incredible contributions of Native Americans in service to our Navy, our Marine Corps, and our nation. Thank you, Rear Admiral Kacher, for hosting today's ceremony here on the Yard, and for your continued leadership of the United States Naval Academy as the acting Superintendent while we wait for the Senate to take action on over 360 general and flag officer nominations, to include yours to lead the United States Seventh Fleet in the Indo-Pacific region. Director Cox, we are pleased that you are able to join us this afternoon, and I would be remiss if I did not commend you and your team at Naval Heritage and History Command for the incredible work you do on a daily basis to capture the history of our Navy and Marine Corps and share it with the American public. I would also like to welcome Mr. PaaWee Rivera, Senior Advisor and Tribal Affairs Director for the White House. Mr. Rivera, thank you for your presence at today's ceremony, and for your dedication to strengthening the bonds between our government and the Native American community across our nation. Secretary of the Interior Haaland, ma'am, we are honored to have you with us this afternoon. Thank you for your many years of public service, and your advocacy for the rights and dignity of all Americans, regardless of race or gender. Finally, I would like to thank all of you, from our Midshipmen to the representatives of the several organizations present, for joining us this afternoon for this ceremony. Since our nation's founding, Native Americans have volunteered to serve in our armed services. From the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, World War I and II, to Korea, Vietnam, and the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, Native Americans have fought with honor and distinction to preserve our union and defend our ideals of freedom and democracy, even during periods when they were not recognized as citizens of our country. In our Navy, we remember Admiral Joseph "Jocko" Clark, a 1918 graduate of the United States Naval Academyour school's first Native American graduatewho commanded carriers and task groups throughout the Pacific during World War II. Commander John Herrington, a naval aviator and NASA astronaut, became the first enrolled member of a Native American tribe to fly in space. Boatswain's Mate First Class James E. Williams, the namesake of USS James E. Williams (DDG 95) and the most decorated enlisted Sailor in our Navy's history, was awarded the Medal of Honor for his leadership and courage under fire during a fierce engagement with Viet Cong forces during the Vietnam War. More recently, Vice Admiral Jeffrey Trussler, a member of the Cherokee nation, served as our Director of Naval Intelligence. The proud legacy of leadership of the Native American community within our Department continues on today, with Rear Admiral Wesley McCall, Rear Admiral Calvin Foster, and Brigadier General Stephen Lightfoot leading Sailors and Marines around the globe. As we reflect upon the leadership, the actions, and the devotion to service that these men and hundreds of thousands of other Native Americans have embodied since 1776, one story in particular stands out to methe actions of Medal of Honor recipient Commander Ernest Edwin Evans, a native of Oklahoma and a member of USNA Class of 1931. Now, Commander Evans' name may sound familiar to many of you, especially if you've read James Hornfischer's "Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors," a perennial inclusion on the Chief of Naval Operation's reading list. If you haven't read this book, I encourage you all to do so, for the actions of our Sailorsin many cases their final acts of service and heroismso eloquently described by Mr. Hornfischer are truly inspiring, and I am grateful that his family is with us for today's ceremony. Commander Evans commissioned as a Surface Warfare Officer upon graduation from the Naval Academy, and went on to serve on several ships in several capacities as our nation sailed towards its entrance into World War II. In 1943, Commander Evans assumed command of the USS Johnston, serving as its only commanding officer. During the commissioning ceremony, Commander Evans reportedly told his crew and the audience assembled, "This is going to be a fighting ship. I intend to go in harm's way, and anyone who doesn't want to go along had better get off right now." And on October 25th, 1944, off the coast of the Philippines, Commander Evans and the crew of the USS Johnston indeed found themselves in harm's way during the Battle of Leyte Gulf. On that day, the USS Johnston and six other destroyers were left to defend our escort carriers covering the Marines ashore, fighting to retake the Philippines. As the world wondered where Admiral Halsey and his fleet were, Commander Evans and his fellow destroyer captains launched an offensive attack against overwhelming odds against a much larger Japanese naval force, with the USS Johnston in the lead. Commander Evans sailed his ship towards the enemy, launching torpedoes and firing every gun his ship had to buy the escort carriers and Marines ashore time to complete their mission. Despite severe damage to his ship and his own wounds from Japanese fire, he repeatedly put the USS Johnston between the enemy and more vulnerable U.S. ships, saving the lives of thousands of his fellow Sailors. Ultimately, the USS Johnston was lost during the Battle of Leyte Gulf, with Commander Evans going down with his ship. For his leadership and selfless service in the face of a superior enemy force, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honorthe first Native American in our Navy to be presented with this award. And I am honored to announce that, in recognition of his heroic actions, our Navy will once again welcome a USS Ernest E. Evans into our Fleet, as his name will adorn our future Arleigh Burke Flight III class destroyer DDG-141. Of note, I would like to thank Director Cox and his team at NHHC for providing the ship's bell from USS Evans (DE-1023) for today's ceremony to serve as the connection between our future USS Ernest E. Evans and the first ship to honor their shared namesake. I am also pleased to announce that the ship's sponsor of USS Ernest E. Evans (DDG-141) will be Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland. Secretary Haaland is the daughter of Veterans, with her mother serving in the United States Navy and her father serving for 30 years in the United States Marine Corps. As a 35th-generation New Mexican, she has dedicated her life to public service, both in service to the Pueblo of Laguna Native American tribe, as well as the people of New Mexico in Congress. As a member of the Biden Administration, she is the first Native American to serve as a cabinet-level secretary. A ship sponsor's role is to serve as the connection between a ship, her crew, and her namesake. And I can think of no better American to be that bond between our Native American community and USS Ernest E. Evans than Secretary Haaland. Secretary Haaland and Commander Evans are just two of the hundreds of thousands of Native Americans who either have served or are currently serving in support of our Nation. As we observe our national Native American Heritage Month, it is imperative that we all take this opportunity to reflect upon the service and sacrifices that the men and women of our Native American communities made in defense of our collective freedom, preserving the ideals of liberty and freedom we hold dear. Again, it is an honor to be with you all this afternoon to celebrate this special moment for our Navy and for our nation. At this time, I would like to invite Rear Admiral Kacher to the podium to offer his reflection on the life and career of Commander Evans. May God continue to bless our country with fair winds and following seas. Thank you. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Fort Cavazos Garrison support sustains Remagen Ready By Janecze Wright, Fort Cavazos Public Affairs November 16, 2023 FORT CAVAZOS, Texas -- Several days of rain provided much needed water to Belton Lake, but also created dense, muddy terrain that was a challenge to maneuver in, let alone conduct the largest combat exercise here in three years. Remagen Ready 24-1 was a blended live and constructive, joint, multi-echelon, division-sized combined arms exercise that included a contested gap crossing. Soldiers participated in a hands-on tactical exercise Oct. 30 - Nov. 9, which tested the brigade's proficiency in navigating a wet gap crossing; moving troops, light and heavy vehicles and supplies from one side of Belton Lake to the other; and reinforced the vital training required to be "ready to deploy, fight, sustain and win in multi-domain operations anywhere in the world," according to III Armored Corps. "It doesn't matter that you have the world's greatest tank ready, if you can't get it to where it needs to be," said Maj. Brian Harris, chief of community relations, III Armored Corps. "The ability to move and not to get bogged down and to advance is so crucial, and so in III Armored Corps, you know, that can't be more important to us. "So, this is one step in the evolution of figuring out how we can use the sort of unique aspects of Fort Cavazos, which includes the fact that we have Belton Lake here and that we own both sides of it," he continued. "And so, we can do something like this which oftentimes at installations you're not able to do." An exercise of this magnitude could not function independently of the many Garrison tenants that provide constructive services and resources support. Nearly 60 civilian team members from across the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security collaborated to provide range operations support, devices and secure and schedule training areas. "It's very important to provide them with training neighbors to assist training units on the installation to be successful," said Chris Hoffman, chief of training for DPTMS. The Fort Cavazos Fire Department arranged emergency medical, water rescue and hazmat response support and was prepared to render first aid and water rescue measures at a moment's notice. Additionally, more than a dozen volunteer personnel from Morgan's Point Dive Team provided additional water rescue support. "The safety of the Soldiers is important," said Andrew Lima, chief of the Fort Cavazos Fire Department. "If we don't have the assets for personnel, then we don't have an exercise. To keep those guys safe at all times, that's why it's very important that we were there." Maj. Edwin Martinez, deputy corps engineer for Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, III Armored Corps, described the partnership as symbiotic. "We could not do an exercise of this scale without working hand in hand with the Garrison entities," he said. "The digital environment, the systems, the hardware, everything enables us to do this. "We are interconnected. Fort Cavazos installation and the Fort Cavazos units, we have to work hand in hand," Martinez continued. "When we all work together for the common goal to train our Soldiers and our armed forces, we train our young men and women to be ready and that's our purpose. We're working together to achieve that goal." Trudging in boot-deep mud, Soldiers from the 74th Multi-Road Bridge Company, 62nd Engineer Battalion, 36th Engineer Brigade, worked to assemble an Improved Ribbon Bridge consisting of ramps and interior bays to create a floating roadway that allows Soldiers, their vehicles and equipment to cross the waterway safely. M30 Bridge Erection Boats attached to the sides of the IRB guided sections into place and kept the fully assembled structure from floating off site due to the current. Soldiers drove Bradley Fighting Vehicles, all-terrain vehicles and fuel trucks, onto the IRB to float the machinery approximately 1,700 meters, or a little more than a mile, to the opposite side of the lake. "It may look like a relatively small gap that they're crossing," Harris said. "(Yet) it's a significant effort to do it right, to do it safely." Soldiers were also tasked with completing the crossing while negotiating obscured vision due to thick smoke emitting from non-toxic fog oil canisters. "It's a representation of the current operating environments, the current battlefield that we foresee, and we have to move, we have to learn to operate in these conditions," Martinez explained. The water crossing began the morning of Nov. 3 and was expected to take a couple of days to complete according to Lt. Col. Tania Donovan, deputy public affairs officer for III Armored Corps. She explained that the wet gap crossing is just one aspect of the exercise. "While this is what we are seeing right now, really the entire Remagen Ready exercise is focused on large scale combat operations," Donovan explained. "It is 24/7 where they test out everything from communication capabilities talking to units all across the battlefield, talking to each other, coordinating, synchronizing. "In order to have and put together an exercise for the Soldiers, we need planners, we need facilities, we need the support to really identify the objective, set it on the map for the Soldiers and also, play the other side," she continued. "In this exercise, we have Garrison capabilities doing that, we have a lot of our civilians focused on the systems that are required to facilitate the training for the Soldiers." More than 100 civilians collaborated with roughly 6,000 Soldiers from 1st Cavalry Division, III Armored Corps Headquarters, 13th Armored Corps Sustainment Command, 11th Signal Brigade, 36th Engineer Brigade, 75th Field Artillery Brigade, 504th Military Intelligence Brigade and 3rd Air Support Operations Group, in the exercise and more than 700 wheeled vehicles and nearly 160 tracked vehicles crossed the wet gap during the nearly two-week training. Harris said the long-term goal is to see if Fort Cavazos can eventually become the gap crossing training headquarters for other installations. "For now, it's training tenant units at Fort Cavazos, but there's a belief that there's other units around the Army that potentially could use this kind of training," he explained. "And so, this is the next step in testing out our ability to do it here; can we get it to the point where we could potentially be able to offer it as an option to units that are deploying. Maybe it becomes a training center that's not just for Fort Cavazos." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address EU Ministers of Defence convened in Brussels to discuss military aid to Ukraine and other current security issues Ministry of Defence & Armed Forces of the Czech Republic Author: editorial staff (ob), MoD Defence Policy and Strategy Division 16.11.2023 Brussels hosted a formal meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) composed of EU Ministers of Defence. The Council was preceded by an informal meeting with the NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and by a meeting of the European Defence Agency (EDA) Steering Committee. The Czech Republic was represented by the Minister of Defence Jana Cernochova. The kick-off meeting with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg included a discussion on the damage caused in October to the gas pipeline and telecommunication cable between Finland and Estonia and the related protection of European critical infrastructure. Its resilience and hybrid threats countering are topics which are traditionally emphasized by the Czech Republic and are also vital in EU and NATO cooperation. The Ministers of Defence then endorsed the revised EU Capability Development Plan and EDA budget which reacts among others to the deterioration of the security environment caused by Russian aggression. The Czech Republic uses EDA expertise in the modernisation of its armed forces and, according to Minister Cernochova, shall continue doing so. The ministers also issued a joint statement in which they made an appeal for the European defence industry to have easier access to both public and private financing. The ministers called on financial institutions to provide loans and investments to European arms factories as the development of a robust defence industry is the prerequisite for our security and prosperity. Minister Cernochova has long been advocating the societal benefits of the defence industry within the EU and the present ministers' statement is the result of a Czech initiative. A more efficient support to Ukraine The main topic of the ministerial meeting was military aid to war-torn Ukraine. The EU is to pledge specific aid including further support provided from the European Peace Facility (EPF). The EU also increasingly focuses on the need to develop the defence industry, both in the EU member states, and in Ukraine itself. Minister Cernochova expressed her appreciation to this approach, especially given the member countries' thinning stocks. The Czech Republic leads by example in strengthening relationships with the Ukrainian defence industry. "Many Czech stakeholders including universities and research centres already cooperate with their Ukrainian partners. Their aim is to meet the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine," said the Minister during the discussion. Regarding the aid to Ukraine, the Minister also emphasized that the Czech Republic continues looking for other ways of supporting the country. "We have become members of the F-16 coalition and the Lithuanian demining initiative. We also intend to increase our engagement in the EUMAM mission in 2024," said the Minister and added that in the future, this training mission should also contribute to the transformation of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The ministers also discussed other security challenges. In relation to the situation in the Middle East, the Minister emphasized the need to stop the conflict from spreading into the wider region. She also called for further discussions on the EU engagement in the Sahel. Minister Cernochova also commented on the intent to establish the Rapid Deployment Capacity (RDC) to which the Czech Republic will adopt a responsible approach. The specific form of Czech engagement shall therefore be closely linked to the finishing of work on the new NATO Force Model. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address November 16, 2023 Release Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Meetings in Jakarta, Indonesia for the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting-Plus Pentagon Press Secretary Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder provided the following readout: Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III concluded his engagements with counterparts in Indonesia today, where he attended the 10th annual ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting (ADMM)-Plus, one year after the United States' elevation of its relationship with ASEAN to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. ADMM-Plus Plenary Session The Secretary emphasized the U.S. commitment to ASEAN centrality as a key pillar of the United States' efforts to uphold a free and open Indo-Pacific and detailed how U.S. security cooperation with ASEAN partners is contributing to a more stable and prosperous region. He discussed U.S. support for a shared regional vision and outlined challenges to that vision, including coercive PRC activities in the South China Sea, the ongoing crisis in Myanmar, destabilizing DPRK proliferation activities, and the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. Engagements with Allies and Partners On the margins of the ADMM-Plus, Secretary Austin participated in a November 15 informal meeting with his ASEAN counterparts. The Secretary detailed U.S. plans to implement the U.S.-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2024 and beyond, including the launch of an Emerging Leaders' Defense Fellowship Program, a Gender Advisors Cooperative Initiative, and continued planning for a second ASEAN-U.S. maritime exercise. Secretary Austin also met with each of his counterparts from the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam. In his November 15 meeting with Philippines Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro, both leaders welcomed the historic momentum in the alliance, reaffirmed their shared commitment to support the Philippines' right to conduct lawful maritime activities, denounced the recent PRC harassment of Philippine vessels, and discussed opportunities to strengthen bilateral coordination, interoperability, and support for the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. In his November 15 meeting with Vietnam's Minister of National Defense, General Phan Van Giang, both leaders celebrated the recent upgrade of the U.S.-Vietnam relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. They reaffirmed their long-standing cooperation on legacy of war issues and discussed opportunities to strengthen their defense cooperation in areas including maritime security cooperation. In his November 16 meeting with Indonesian Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto, both leaders signed a historic Defense Cooperation Arrangement between the United States and Indonesia. They also celebrated the recent upgrade of the bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership by Presidents Biden and Joko Widodo and discussed ways to expand training opportunities, increase educational exchanges, and improve maritime domain awareness. In his November 16 meeting with Thai Minister of Defense Suthin Klangsaeng, Secretary Austin congratulated his counterpart on Minister Suthin's recent appointment, and the two leaders discussed reciprocal access and training, and areas of emerging cooperation, including cybersecurity and space. Secretary Austin's ninth trip to the Indo-Pacific region concludes at a time when the Department of Defense continues to do more than ever alongside allies and partners to deliver on a shared regional vision of peace, stability, and prosperity. Each of the Secretary's stops in India, the Republic of Korea, and Indonesia underscored the longstanding U.S. commitment to strengthening the Indo-Pacific's dynamic security architecture. https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3591791/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address November 16, 2023 Transcript Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III On-The-Record Gaggle in Jakarta With Traveling Press Brig. Gen. Ryder: All right, ladies and gentlemen, just real quick, a couple of ground rules at the top. This will be on the record, which means you may quote the Secretary by name. I will be facilitating, so I'll go ahead and call on you. The Secretary will kick it off with some brief opening remarks. We'll have time for each of you to have a question and then we'll go from there. So without further ado, over to you, sir. SECRETARY OF DEFENSE LLOYD J. AUSTIN III: Again, thanks for -- for being on the trip. And I think you've had a chance to see a -- a wide range of things today and -- and hear us report out on a number of issues. But it's great to be here in Jakarta for the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting-Plus. It really has been a productive couple of days, and this is a bookend to the overall trip here. So a common thread across all of my engagements here in Indonesia and the Republic of Korea and in India has been our shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, and you've heard us talk about that a number of times. We've heard our allies and partners express their support for this goal and we're working closely with our ASEAN friends to promote a regional order based on the rule of law, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. We're advancing some groundbreaking initiatives on defense and security cooperation, and it's been an historic year on -- on that front. So we started 2023 by announcing the expansion of our Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement with the Philippines. And with that announcement, we added four new sites -- four new EDCA sites for a total of nine sites, which was a -- a really significant move forward there. In September, we co-hosted the largest-ever iteration of Super Garuda Shield in Indonesia, and in that exercise, we had seven participating countries with 11 observer nations. And while I was here in Jakarta, Indonesia and the United States signed a Defense Cooperation Agreement that compliments the upgrade of the bilateral relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership. So you've seen us grow the scope and scale of our exercises with partners across south -- Southeast Asia. Now, we've launched a pilot of our ASEAN Emerging Leaders Defense Fellowship, which convenes its inaugural class next spring. And we'll be moving forward with a new gender advisors initiative to support the incorporation of women and women's perspectives in -- into regional security planning and operations. So all these efforts point to this region's increased -- increasing connectiveness, and we're working shoulder-to-shoulder with ASEAN to ensure that we're preparing to address existing and emerging threats. So this week, I had the -- also had the opportunity to speak with counterparts from the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia, to discuss a -- a number of bilateral initiatives. And as you know, we had been open to meeting with the PRC here in Jakarta but we're encouraged by recent news from the White House on the planned resumption of military-to-military communications. You've heard me say before that there is no substitute for consistent and substantive dialogue between senior leaders. So we'll continue to seek practical discussions with the PRC from the senior leader level to the working level. So I want to get to your questions but let me conclude with the bottom line, and that is that our commitment to this region and to ASEAN and ASEAN centrality is unwavering. So we're going to keep working with ASEAN partners and friends over -- in -- all over the Indo-Pacific to deliver a more peaceful, secure, and prosperous future. And so with that, let me take a couple of questions here. Brig. Gen. Ryder: Thank you, sir. We'll go ahead and kick it off with Joe here. Q: Thank you so much for your time, sir. Really appreciate you doing this. I wanted to ask about the return to military-to-military communications. Over the same period that China has refused to engage on a senior leader level, we've also seen an uptick in provocations, irresponsible behavior towards U.S. and allied aircraft and vessels. Does this offer hope that there could be a sort of reset of their strategy or of that behavior? And then secondly, one read of U.S. progress that you've laid out and that we see on display here in the region is that partners in the region are increasingly view -- viewing the U.S. as a credible alternative to China and coalescing around a -- a vision that may not align with China's vision. Another -- you know, that -- stated another way, China is effectively alienating themselves and that's on display. Do you feel like that message is being received in Beijing or are you seeing any sign of that? SEC. AUSTIN: Well, thanks, Joe. First of all, in terms of what the dialogue means, I think -- the potential for dialogue means -- you know, I wouldn't care -- I -- I won't make any predictions about China's future behavior. What I will say is that we will continue to need the -- the mechanisms to manage crises and -- and make sure that -- that, you know, we -- we prevent the wrong things -- of -- we prevent things from spiraling out of control from time to time. That's even more important, as you pointed out, if, you know, activities in the region have increased, if unhelpful things like close intercepts and that sort of stuff, if the numbers of those events have increased, then all the more reason that senior leaders need to be able to talk to each other. So I'm encouraged by the fact that -- that we have -- we will have channels open. But, again, I won't predict -- make any predictions about what this means for China's behavior. We would hope that they would -- they would begin to dial that back, because, again, those types of things have every opportunity of -- of creating a crisis. Whether or not people view us as a credible alternative, I would say, absolutely, what we've done over the last three years, Joe, is we have worked hard to strengthen existing relationships and in some cases build new relationships. And -- and we have demonstrated in all cases that, you know, we have an interest in our partners and where we share values, where we have common values, common goals and objectives, we're going to work together to -- to reach those objectives. The main objective, Joe, is a free and open Indo-Pacific region. You also heard us say we're going to sail the international waterways and fly the international skies in accordance with international law. And -- and so we will continue to do that. But, again, as -- as we have worked with allies and partners to strengthen existing relationships, I think that, you know, countries have been -- been reassured by -- by that. And what they've also seen, Joe, is that we have been out in the region throughout. And even though we're -- we're busy in Europe, we're busy in the Middle East, we're here in -- in the Indo-Pacific. This is my ninth trip to the -- to the region. And, you know, as secretary of defense, I think that sends a pretty powerful message of -- and reassures our allies and partners. Brig. Gen. Ryder: Thank you, sir. All right. Let's go to Ryo, Nikkei. Q: Thank you very much, Secretary, for doing this. Two questions today. The first, on Taiwan, are you still committed to delivering weapon systems and ammunitions to Taiwan as quickly as possible, even after President Biden and President Xi agreed to stabilize the bilateral relationship? And, secondly, on the South China Sea, China continues the unsafe behavior, despite the president's and secretary's strong commitments to defend the Philippines. Do you believe that U.S. deterrence is working? SEC. AUSTIN: Could you say the second part again there? Q: Yeah. The -- China continues the dangerous behavior against the Philippine ships despite the president's strong commitment and the secretary's strong commitment to defend the Philippines. So my question is, the U.S. deterrence is working? SEC. AUSTIN: Okay. In terms of what we are doing and what we will continue to do with -- with respect to Taiwan, as you know, of course with the Taiwan Relations Act, we -- we are committed to doing what's necessary to help Taiwan acquire the means to defend itself. And we've done that for a number of years, and we'll continue to do that. And -- and, again, I don't think that anything that, you know, the president -- that both leaders discussed today would -- would cause that to move in a different direction. Again, we will continue to follow the path that we've outlined for ourselves and with the Taiwan Relations Act. You know, as you said -- well, as you've heard me say, over and over again, I don't think that the conflict with China is inevitable or imminent. And so we have all said that we believe that, you know, a conflict that occurs in the streets would affect the -- not only the entire region but the entire world. So that's something that nobody wants to see happen. We've said, over and over again, that, you know, any unilateral change to the status quo is undesired. So -- so we have maintained our course there, Ryo. That hasn't changed. Brig. Gen. Ryder: Okay. Let's -- Q: What about the other question, on the -- on the Philippines? SEC. AUSTIN: The Philippines? Q: Yeah. SEC. AUSTIN: Yeah, so, you know, we will continue to stick by our allies going forward. You know, we have a mutual defense treaty with the Philippines, and we're serious about our responsibilities there. And -- and, again -- I'll leave it at that. Q: Thank you. Brig. Gen. Ryder: All right. Let's go ahead and bounce around here, a little bit, and we'll go to Alex, Fox. Q: Thank you. Thank you for your time. My first question's almost, like, a point of clarification, because I think the average American sees tensions increasing in Gaza and the number of attacks on U.S. bases in Iraq and Syria, combined with things like the Yemeni drone that was just shot down by USS Thomas Hudner. And I think they wonder how we can maintain that we're deterring wider regional conflict. Does -- does Yemen, Iraq and Syria not count as wider regional conflict? And then, on a different topic, I was also wondering, being that Biden just called Xi a dictator, what is the practicality of expecting mil-to-mil relations with a dictatorship? Does him expressing that sentiment publicly impact your ability to have these conversations? SEC. AUSTIN: Well, I think we have to have the ability to talk to friends; we have to have the ability to talk to adversaries. It's important to have those channels open. Even in -- in the height of all the things that have happened with respect to Russia and Ukraine, I've had the ability to pick up the phone and talk to the minister of defense of Russia. And -- and I think that's a critical capability that we have to maintain, to manage crisis going forward. So it's -- the fact that the leaders have agreed to make sure that those channels are open, I think, is -- is a real benefit. In terms of regional conflict in the Middle East, you know, our goal is to make sure that, if possible, we can contain what's going on in -- with Israel and Gaza to Gaza and not have it cause a -- an all-out regional conflict. There have been incidents of -- of Iranian proxies or Houthis launching weapons or munitions at -- at various -- at various times, but I wouldn't describe that as a -- a wider regional conflict. They're -- they're incidents certainly that -- that we continue to see and you'll probably -- you'll probably see them going forward, but I don't think that's reached the threshold of a -- of -- of wider regional conflict at this point, so. Q: What would reach that threshold? SEC. AUSTIN: I'm sorry? Q: What would reach that threshold for you? SEC. AUSTIN: Well, I mean, if you -- if -- if you saw us in a fight with Iran or if you saw us in a fight with the Houthis, an all-out fight, I think that's -- that's a regional conflict. Brig. Gen. Ryder: Okay, all right, let's go to Lauren, Defense One. Q: Thanks so much for doing this. You talked about how the U.S. has recently expanded military exercises with partners in the INDOPACOM region, specifically with respect to space and cyber. I'm curious about what exactly (the gaps in ?) concerns are there in those capabilities and how basically, like, increased cooperation or exercises would fix those? And in the same vein, how will strengthening those vulnerabilities enhance countries' ability to deter aggression from China? SEC. AUSTIN: Yeah, so we -- we want to make sure -- you know, the -- we -- the way that we operate obviously is, you know, we incorporate capabilities from all warfighting domains -- air, land, sea, space, cyberspace. And what we've done here over the years is incorporate those capabilities into our training. And -- and so as we train with allies and partners, we want to make sure that we're, you know, helping them bring their capabilities along as well. And -- and so they won't all be at the same -- in the same place as we are obviously but we can -- we can begin to help them understand the value of having capability in these -- in these domains and develop those capabilities. Now, cyber, for example, is one of those -- one of those areas where you don't have to be an -- or -- an enormous country with a -- with a significant inventory of -- of armament. You can be -- you can be -- bring capability to the table in the cyber domain even if you're a smaller country with limited capability. And -- and so that can be helpful to, you know, other allies and partners. And in space, I mean, there's a lot of development that needs to happen going forward but -- but certainly, you know, countries are interested in that, countries are interested in sharing, they're interested in learning more about what they would need to do in order to develop a capability. And so I think we're having the right conversations, we're doing the right things with training, and -- and the countries are excited about that. They want a -- they want more of that. Just had a pretty good and in-depth conversation with one of our -- with one of our partners here, and again, very much interested in doing more in the cyber domain and -- and the space domain. Q: Could you say just a little bit more about what needs to come along in the space domain? Cause that's kind of a big area. C2 is electronic warfare, it's a (lot of stuff ?). SEC. AUSTIN: Yeah, in -- in terms of other countries? Q: Yeah, like where you would like to see more development there. SEC. AUSTIN: Well, I mean, you know, it -- when you -- when you speak -- when you talk about space, it's -- none -- none of that capability is cheap, but we can -- there are opportunities for countries to partner with us, to -- to work with each other, and -- and develop nascent capabilities. And it's certainly -- there -- there are terrestrial capabilities that can have impact in the space domain as well. And -- and -- and I'll -- I'll stop there. So yeah. Brig. Gen. Ryder: Thank you, sir. Q: Thank you, sir. Brig. Gen. Ryder: Last question will go to Pete from Bloomberg. Q: Yeah, thank you. So two questions, both on the Middle East. The first one -- given the way that Iran has unleashed its proxies since October 7th, what have Gulf allies, such as Saudi Arabia, asked for in terms of weapons or greater defense collaboration with the U.S.? And the second question is, in light of your personal experience with wars in the Middle East, do you think that Israel can achieve a military victory in Gaza in the absence of clear political objectives? SEC. AUSTIN: Peter, can you say again that last piece there? Q: Yeah. The -- so in the light of your -- your personal experience in the Middle East, do you think that Israel can achieve a military victory in Gaza in the absence of clear political objectives? SEC. AUSTIN: In terms of what Gulf countries are asking for, they really haven't asked for anything, Peter. I -- it -- it -- what you've seen us do, seen me do is make sure that, where we have troops deployed in various places, that we've -- we've strengthened their force protection, in some cases we've put additional Patriot elements in, and that -- and that's where ... and it wasn't because our host asked for that, it's because we felt that there was a need to -- to really increase the protective posture. So, you know, we're not getting a lot of demand for specific capabilities as a -- as a result of increased activity by Iranian proxies. In terms of Israel's objectives and whether or not they can be successful, your -- your question assumes that they don't have any political objectives. And so you -- one could take issue with the question. And -- and so I think the first thing we'd have to do is really kind of look to Israel to explain what its -- what its political objectives are at the end of the day. One of the things that they've said, Peter, is that they -- they want to look -- they -- they look to have a transition to something different in -- in -- in Gaza. It cannot be go back to the status quo. And in order to do that, it's going to require, you know, a number of things. And I think, you know, detailing that and outlining that and resourcing that is the work that lies ahead, but that transition, I think, is pretty clear. You know, it's -- and -- and so whether or not they can be successful militarily, yeah, they can, if -- if that's the goal, and I think that is the goal. Does it mean that you have to defeat or destroy every Hamas operator in the -- in Gaza in order to do that? Maybe not, you know? It's left to be seen, you know, what conditions that -- there -- need to exist before that -- that transition can happen, so. Brig. Gen. Ryder: Thank you very much, sir. Ladies and gentlemen, that concludes our press engagement. Thank you very much. Thank you, Mr. Secretary. (CROSSTALK) https://www.defense.gov/News/Transcripts/Transcript/Article/3591174/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address November 16, 2023 Release Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office Launches Access to Digital On-Demand Learning Platform The Department of Defense (DoD) Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO) announced the launch of "Digital On-Demand" today, an initiative to accelerate artificial intelligence (AI) knowledge by providing access to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Horizon's library of learning resources for the DoD enterprise. The CDAO is opening the MIT Horizon learning platform to all members of the DoD military and civilian workforce providing users with flexible, mobile-friendly options to view the content. "The CDAO is rolling out Digital On-Demand to foster a baseline understanding of AI systems and other emerging technologies," said Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Officer Dr. Craig Martell. "This resource demonstrates to the DoD workforce how they fit into the future of these advancements and further enables their adoption throughout the Department." The CDAO provides this capability through Digital University, a joint venture of the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force, granting straightforward access to best-in-class training content. Digital -On-Demand can be used y to gain foundational knowledge of certain technologies and as an easy reference tool to provide definitions or explanations of terms and concepts. The MIT Horizon on-line platform consists of bite-sized learning assets on AI capabilities as well as on other emerging technologies, including the Internet of Things (IoT), 5G, Edge Computing, Generative AI, Cybersecurity, and Big Data Analytics. One goal of providing this first step of entry level AI knowledge is to establish a common language and understanding to enable better communication across the DoD. "The DoD is on a historical journey of building a digital workforce. When it comes to AI and emerging technologies, it is really important that their employees are all speaking the same language," said Kathleen Kennedy, senior director of MIT Horizon and executive director of the MIT Center for Collective Intelligence. "We are excited to collaborate with DoD on this effort to accelerate AI knowledge and emerging technologies across their entire workforce." Today's launch follows a successful soft launch that occurred earlier this summer to members of the U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) and the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) workforce. Additionally, in August 2022, the CDAO piloted content into a 101-training program for ~1,200 DoD participants. Results of the pilot showed that 91% of participants found that the content broadened their understanding of AI and 97% found the content relevant to their role. To utilize the service, users can visit [digitalu.af.mil], click "Register," create an account with a ".mil" email, and search "MIT Horizon." 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 to enable decision advantage from the boardroom to the battlefield. 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/3590669/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address November 16, 2023 By Jim Garamone , DOD News DOD Official Describes Crucial Role of National Defense Strategy Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III calls the National Defense Strategy the department's "North Star," and officials throughout the world are working to implement the strategy and link the strategy to resources, said Mara Karlin, who is performing the duties of the deputy undersecretary of defense for policy. Karlin just returned from meetings in Australia discussing the trilateral defense agreement between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States. Today, she fought off the effects of jet lag to brief reporters on the trip and to mark the one-year anniversary of the release of the National Defense Strategy. "We continue to see a rapidly changing global balance of military capabilities, an escalation of competitors malign activities, the introduction of emerging technologies, and enduring transboundary challenges that pose difficulties for our collective security for the foreseeable future," she said. "We have seen increasingly risky and coercive military activities in the Indo-Pacific and an unprovoked [and] brutal invasion of Ukraine. And, of course, we have witnessed the harrowing events in Hamas' recent terrorist attacks against Israel." China, Russia, Iran, terrorism and more present daunting difficulties, she said, but the nation remains committed to facing the challenges and maintaining U.S. leadership in the world. The strategy implementation in the Indo-Pacific region has been particularly successful, she said. In addition to the AUKUS security agreement among Australia, the United Kingdom and the U.S., there have been agreements with Japan and South Korea. There are additional opportunities with the Philippines and Papua New Guinea. U.S. military relations with India, Indonesia, Singapore and more have become closer. The efforts in the region are "delivering a U.S. military that is more capable, more forward and more deeply integrated with our allies and partners than ever before," she said. U.S. forces in the Indo-Pacific are receiving new military capabilities, testing new doctrine and operating in more areas. "Being forward [deployed] means being more physically visible and agile in the region," she said. "We're updating our posture from a concentration of large operating bases in Northeast Asia, and our agreements with Australia, Japan, the Philippines and Papua New Guinea are updating our posture and enabling the U.S. military to be more distributed and resilient." Half a world away, U.S. efforts to support Ukraine as it resists Russian invasion also strengthens U.S. deterrence in the Indo-Pacific. "By reinforcing our stance against Russian aggression in Europe, we signal our resolve against all forms of global aggression," Karlin said. "Russia remains an acute threat ..., one that is immediate and sharp. Over the past year and a half since Russia's invasion, we continue to stand with Ukraine. We have moved assistance with unprecedented speed, including more than $44 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since the beginning of the Biden administration." And the United States is not operating in a vacuum, other NATO and partner nations have matched U.S. support also producing tens of billions of dollars of security assistance as Ukraine pushes back the Russian bear. The Hamas terror attack on Israel shows terrorist organizations cannot be ignored, and she said the United States maintains the capabilities to respond to contingencies without major impacts to the European or Indo-Pacific theaters. Secretary Austin is personally involved in overseeing implementation of the highest priority national defense strategy efforts, particularly focusing on the most complex and cross-cutting issues, Karlin said. The secretary routinely meets with DOD leaders to discuss the situation and how they are moving along. Austin has also empowered senior leaders to change their processes, policies and plans to align with the National Defense Strategy. The department has made tremendous progress in "operationalizing" the defense strategy. "Of course, this work is generational in nature, and we have much work ahead of us," she said. "This all marks a major departure from past strategy implementation efforts," she said. That work will require bipartisan support, she said. "I actually see substantial bipartisan agreement across the American public, across our Congress in terms of the need to focus, in particular, on urgently sustaining and strengthening deterrence vis-a-vis the People's Republic of China," Karlin said. She said she believes that most Americans agree "on the need to make sure we have security and stability in the Indo-Pacific and an understanding [of] why the United States needs to play a role working closely with our allies and partners in ensuring that that is a reality." Karlin said U.S. leadership is key to strategic success of the international rules-based order. She said a recent example of the role the U.S. must play is Austin's trip to Europe and the Middle East last month. "It was, in many ways, a spectacular example of the importance of American leadership," she said. On the first day of the trip, the secretary convened the Ukrainian Defense Contact Group with 50-plus allies and partners discussing support to Ukraine. "The next day, he sat in NATO defense ministerial, where there was robust discussion on the tremendous progress that we have seen across NATO, which is getting bigger," she said. The very next day, the secretary traveled to Israel to discuss support to the nation as it reeled from the Hamas terror attack. "It's a role not able to be played by other countries," she said. "[It] very much requires the United States to work very closely with other countries from around the world, and I would argue when we are doing that, we see increased security, stability and peace." Still, there are Americans who believe the nation does not need allies and partners. "I am hard pressed to find examples where it strategically makes sense for us to operate on our own: Go all the way back to our Revolutionary War and the support that we got from the French," she said. "The history of the United States is working with allies and partners in various ways, and the evidence is there of just how much stronger we are together." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Deputy Assistant Attorney General Eun Young Choi Delivers Keynote Remarks at GIR Live: Sanctions & Anti-Money Laundering Meeting Thursday, November 16, 2023 Location Washington, DC United States Sanctions and export control enforcement is a top priority for the Department, so I'm very glad to have this opportunity to tell you a bit about our current work. My name is Eun Young Choi, and I'm the Deputy Assistant Attorney General in the National Security Division (NSD), responsible for overseeing NSD's efforts to counter hostile nation threats, combat foreign malign influence, mitigate foreign investment risks, disrupt nation-state cyber actors, and, as is most important here, enforce sanctions and export controls. Although I've been with NSD for just the past few months, I have had deep ties to the Department's national security work for over a decade, starting my career as an Assistant U.S. Attorney with Andrew Adams in the Southern District of New York, then working on cyber and cryptocurrency issues at the Office of the Deputy Attorney General, and most recently, by serving as the inaugural Director of the National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team. The National Security Division was established in 2006 as a response to the attacks on 9/11, concentrating the Department's efforts to protect our national security into a single division in Washington, dedicated to carry out the Justice Department's mission of combating terrorism, espionage and other national security threats. The primary focus back then was on counterterrorism and combating international terrorist groups like al-Qaeda. And counterterrorism continues to be a core part of our mission - as the events of the past month in the Middle East are a stark reminder that those threats persist to the present day. But over the years, the work of NSD has expanded to respond to the increasing threats we face from nation-state adversaries. Authoritarian countries like China and Iran seek to project power at home and abroad through repression and challenges to international norms. This includes government-sponsored efforts to surveil, harass and intimidate people living in the United States. Russia's unlawful invasion of Ukraine has disrupted peace and stability across Europe and has spurred the creation of illicit supply chains worldwide to fuel Russia's appetite for sensitive technologies that support its war effort. North Korean cyber actors have become increasingly sophisticated, not only in their efforts to target U.S. critical infrastructure, but also in their efforts to generate revenue in contravention of our sanctions regime to support their weapons of mass destruction program. North Korea uses its technical prowess to hack and steal hundreds of millions of dollars of cryptocurrency from decentralized finance, or DeFi, platforms, and also to deploy a cadre of remote IT workers to provide services for companies here and elsewhere who unwittingly employ them, funneling proceeds of their work to the regime. One of the most robust tools we have to counter these types of threats are sanctions and export controls. These authorities allow us to deny our adversaries access to the U.S. financial system to fund their malicious activities, and to protect American technology and innovation from being exploited in ways that threaten our national security and prosperity. Against the increasingly precarious threat landscape, it is no surprise that our partners across the U.S. government have imposed new restrictions in recent months. For instance, within the first year of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) added more than 2,500 Russia-related targets to the Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) list, ranging from senior Russian government officials, including President Putin himself, to high-net worth individuals whose worth is tied to the Russian state, and supporters of the military-industrial complex. Currently, over 80% of Russia's banking sector by assets are under U.S. sanctions, including all top 10 of Russian-owned banks. For its part, Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has taken numerous regulatory actions to restrict Russia's access to items needed to sustain its war effort, resulting in a 50% decrease in total exports to Russia. BIS has also added more than 600 entities to its Entity List in connection with Russia's invasion of Ukraine. In an effort to crack down on intermediaries in third-party countries, more than 60 of the entities designated are located in countries other than Russia or Belarus. When it comes to China, in October 2022, and again in October 2023, BIS tightened controls on advanced semiconductors that can be used in technologies such as advanced weapons systems, supercomputers and artificial intelligence. These new controls restrict the export of semiconductors themselves as well as manufacturing tools and items that the PRC can use to develop its own semiconductor manufacturing equipment domestically. And finally, earlier this week, OFAC imposed a third round of sanctions on a group of Hamas officials, members of a Palestinian Islamic Jihad who worked to transfer money from Iran to Gaza, and a Lebanese money exchange service that facilitates these transfers. To help ensure that these economic countermeasures have their full, intended effect on our adversaries, sanctions and export enforcement is one of NSD's top priority areas right now: to hold criminally accountable individuals and corporations who would seek to undermine our national security by willfully evading these controls. I want to spend some time today to talk in a little more detail about three of our enforcement efforts in particular, which have been touched upon earlier today: Task Force KleptoCapture; the Disruptive Technology Strike Force (DTSF); and our focus on corporate enforcement. These efforts illustrate how we in the National Security Division are evolving our approach to ensure that we are able to effectively counter the threats we are seeing. The Department stood up Task Force KleptoCapture immediately following Russia's unprovoked and unjustified invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The goal of the Task Force is simple: to ensure that oligarchs and other supporters of the Russian regime feel the full impact of the economic sanctions and other economic countermeasures that the United States has levied in response to the Russian invasion. Since its creation, the task force has focused on freezing and seizing assets and bringing prosecutions against those whose criminal acts enable the Russian government to continue its unjust war. Its successes to date include seizing more than $500 million in oligarch assets, including luxury assets, funds and securities, real estate and airplanes. Just last month, the task force brought a civil forfeiture complaint against a 348-foot luxury yacht known as the Amadea. This superyacht is reportedly worth more than $300 million and is believed to be owned by the Russian oligarch Suleiman Kerimov, who was sanctioned in 2022 by OFAC for his support of the Russian regime. The task force has also charged more than 40 individuals, many of whom have been arrested in more than a half dozen countries. The targets of many of these prosecutions are oligarchs who use their personal wealth to fund or otherwise provide support for Russia's unlawful invasion of Ukraine. But the task force has also targeted those who facilitate the illicit conduct of oligarchs - such as lawyers and money managers - as well as procurement networks that supply the Russian military with munitions and other military and tactical equipment. In October, for example, the president of an Orlando-based company pleaded guilty to engaging in unlawful transactions to acquire more than $150 million in metal products such as steelmaking equipment and raw materials owned by a sanctioned Russian oligarch. As part of his guilty plea, the defendant agreed to forfeit more than $160 million in proceeds that he obtained from the illicit transactions. In some instances, the Department is able to transfer these forfeited assets to those who need them the most - the Ukrainians - to help them with their defense against and recovery from Russia's unprovoked attack. Last spring, pursuant to new congressional legislation, the Attorney General authorized the United States's first transfer of forfeited assets to support the rebuilding of Ukraine, totaling millions of dollars. More recently, the Attorney General authorized the transfer to the Ukrainian military of more than one million rounds of ammunition seized and forfeited by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. We also have a related but separate effort specifically aimed at stopping the flow of sensitive technologies to our foreign adversaries. Last February, the Deputy Attorney General announced the creation of the Disruptive Technology Strike Force, an interagency enforcement effort designed to pursue criminal prosecutions and other types of enforcement actions against those who engage in the illicit transfer of emerging technologies in violation of U.S. laws. This effort is co-led by the National Security Division and the Commerce's BIS. The Strike Force consists of 14 local cells across the country - these are local enforcement teams made up of federal prosecutors and agents from FBI, BIS, and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)'s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). These enforcement teams investigate and prosecute companies and individuals who violate U.S. laws governing the transfer of technology. The work of the local cells is supported by an interagency team of data analysts who identify gaps in enforcement and prioritize lines of effort. Since its formation eight months ago, the strike force has been hard at work bringing to bear the collective power of our resources against those who would seek to exploit technology to undermine our national security. At its core, the strike force is an enforcement effort - and we are already seeing results. Last May, we announced our first strike force cases, which were brought by five of the most significant U.S. Attorneys' Offices in the country. Two cases involved dismantling alleged procurement networks created to help the Russian government, including its military and intelligence services, to obtain sensitive technologies in violation of U.S. export laws. The technologies at issue include military tactical equipment, airplane braking technology and quantum cryptography. Two additional cases charged former software engineers with stealing software and hardware source code from U.S. tech companies in order to market it to Chinese competitors. In one of the cases, the defendant was trying to sell the source code to Chinese state-owned enterprises. The stolen code is alleged to be trade secrets used by the U.S. companies to develop self-driving cars and advanced automated manufacturing equipment. And the fifth case charges a Chinese national with violating U.S. sanctions in attempting to sell materials used to produce weapons of mass destruction to Iran. The defendant tried to arrange the sale using two Chinese companies that the U.S. government has sanctioned for supporting Iran's ballistic missile program. We recently charged two more cases involving procurement networks that were set up to send microelectronics and micro-displays used in military equipment to Russia. The technology in these two cases was being routed through intermediaries located in Cyprus, Latvia and Hong Kong. And just earlier this month, we announced two more cases against individuals who were allegedly sending technology to Russia. One of the cases charged three Russian nationals living in the United States and Canada with conspiring to send controlled technology to Russian procurement firms based in Moscow by routing them through intermediary companies in other countries. Some of the items they were allegedly sending to Russia have the same make, model, and part numbers as electronic components found in things like military helicopters, counter missile systems, battle tanks and drones used by Russia against the Ukrainians. These Russia-related cases were brought in partnership between DTSF and Task Force KleptoCapture. Each of these enforcement efforts is unique and serves an important function. And neither would be possible without our ability to come together with both our interagency partners to ensure that we are bringing our collective resources and authorities to bear. As critical as it is for the Department to prioritize enforcing our sanctions and export control laws in this threat environment, it's not something we can successfully do on our own. Both KleptoCapture and the strike force bring together federal prosecutors, agents and analysts from numerous government agencies and with the involvement of offices across the country, allowing us to coordinate lines of effort, develop case leads and prioritize enforcement actions. The investigations that we pursue through these lines of effort are intelligence driven. To be effective in responding to the threats we are seeing, we have to push information collected by the Intelligence Community into the hands of the agents responsible for going after those threats inside the United States. This intelligence helps us to identify gaps and develop case leads. Given the global scale of the threat, international cooperation is also critical. Malicious actors are illicitly moving technology and money through intermediary points - often times multiple - in an effort to evade our sanctions and export control laws. This problem demands an international response. We have been increasingly looking to leverage our international partnerships to enhance and strengthen our enforcement efforts, and our allies are rising to the occasions. We have received assistance from our international partners, including Germany, Italy, France, Estonia and Cyprus, to track down perpetrators and make arrests. And we have joined forces with our allies through work like the Russian Elites, Proxies and Oligarchs (REPO) Task Force to ensure that our respective legal authorities are aligned and to share information to take concrete action, including imposing sanctions, freezing and seizing assets and pursuing criminal prosecutions. Finally, a word on corporate enforcement and compliance. We at the Department of Justice have watched with concern as a trend has emerged in our corporate investigations. Increasingly, these cases are revealing violations of our national security laws, resulting in a growing number of corporate criminal investigations of sanctions and export control violations, across different industries and geographic regions. Corporations that facilitate the evasion of sanctions regimes by terrorist groups or hostile nation-states, or the illicit export of sensitive technologies to further the military advantage of our adversaries, have made the business decision to profit from their crimes at the expense of our collective security and prosperity. Over the past year, we have taken concrete steps to best position ourselves to address this trend. In September, we announced the appointment of our first Chief Counsel and Deputy Chief Counsel for Corporate Enforcement within NSD, who are leading our efforts to investigate and hold accountable corporate actors who violate national security laws. We are halfway through hiring 25 additional attorneys into our Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, or CES: the section at NSD that handles sanctions and export control investigations and prosecutions. In March of this year, we updated our voluntary self-disclosure (VSD) policy, which covers potential violations of export control and sanctions laws. The updated policy is designed to incentivize companies to come forward promptly when they identify or become aware of potential criminal violations in exchange for the ability to reduce - or, in some cases, eliminate - their criminal exposure. And finally, we've been deepening our ties with our interagency partners. Together with our interagency partners at Treasury, Commerce and State, we've issued tri- and quad-seal compliance notes which highlight enforcement trends, convey our collective expectations about compliance and identify red flags and other signs of potential illicit activity in financial and commercial networks. We are also working more closely than ever before with these partners to initiate new investigations from leads developed, for example, by FinCEN's Office of the Whistleblower, or BIS's analytics team. Our focus on corporate enforcement is also reflected in our casework. Over the course of the past year, roughly two-thirds of the Justice Department's corporate criminal resolutions have involved threats to U.S. national security. And the financial penalties from these cases total billions of dollars. These cases include the Department's first-ever corporate conviction for providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization. In that case, Lafarge SA, the world's largest cement manufacturer, pleaded guilty to paying ISIS to protect profits and expand its market share in Northern Syria, and as part of the plea deal, agreed to pay a financial penalty totaling $778 million. And last spring, we announced a corporate resolution with the British American Tobacco (BAT) company and its Asia-based subsidiary for bank fraud and sanctions violations. BAT - one of the largest tobacco companies in the world, which has been in operation for over 120 years - used an offshore subsidiary and third-party intermediary to conduct illicit business in North Korea that propped up the DPRK regime and supported its nuclear weapons program. The resolution in that case resulted in a total of $629 million in penalties. And earlier this fall, the Department announced a guilty plea by a shipping company for conspiring to transport crude oil on behalf of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in violation of sanctions laws. In that action, the government seized nearly one million barrels of contraband crude oil. Our national security cases reach across every walk of corporate life. Even those business operations that may appear far removed from the defense sector - like a cement and concrete manufacturer, or a tobacco company - can pose national security risks if companies are not highly sensitive to high-risk actors, high-risk regions and high-risk activities. Across the full spectrum of the Department's corporate enforcement efforts, we are also working to develop new tools and remedies to address the ever-evolving facets of corporate malfeasance we encounter, including criminal resolutions that, for the first time, include divestiture of lines of business, specific performance as part of restitution and remediation, and tailored compensation and compliance requirements. And the Department has further strengthened its efforts to promote voluntary self-disclosure through the announcement just last month of our new Department-wide mergers and acquisitions (M&A) policy. In our increasingly global economy, companies are on the front line in responding to geopolitical risks. Rather than inadvertently discouraging responsible corporate actors from lawfully acquiring companies with ineffective compliance programs or a history of misconduct, we want to encourage acquiring companies to timely disclose misconduct committed by the acquired entity when they uncover evidence of those crimes during M&A due diligence or post-acquisition integration. To that end, under the Department's M&A policy, acquiring companies that voluntarily disclose criminal misconduct committed by an acquired entity within six months of the completion of a lawful, bona fide acquisition; cooperate with the ensuing investigation; and engage in timely, and appropriate remediation, restitution and disgorgement - generally within one year of the completion of the acquisition - can earn a presumption of declination. Those time periods are subject to a rule of reasonableness and the important exception that companies that detect misconduct involving an ongoing or imminent threat to national security or harm to persons or property must disclose such conduct and act to prevent the threatened harm immediately in order to claim the benefits of the Department's M&A policy. I expect that NSD, along with other Department components, will soon be issuing revisions to its voluntary self-disclosure policy to incorporate the core principles of the Department-wide M&A policy. We at the Department of Justice, along with our interagency and international partners, will continue to address the concerning trend of corporate crime intersecting with threats to our national security by prioritizing our enforcement of laws that protect the U.S. financial system and our technologies from being exploited by our adversaries. But the deterrent value of criminal enforcement is only part of the answer. Our goal is to create incentives for corporations to do their part to prevent, detect, and report corporate misconduct that threatens national security. In our increasingly interconnected world, corporations with international reach should build their compliance programs with sanctions, export control, and national security laws at front of mind. The key to stopping the illicit flow of funds and sensitive technologies is for companies to implement effective and robust risk-based compliance measures as part of their controls. Companies need to invest in compliance now or pay the price later. And these are concrete steps that companies can take to do their part: Review your compliance policies to ensure that they put a premium on national security compliance risks. This is especially true for companies that operate in high-risk industries or who deal in our most sensitive technologies. Take note of the compliance bulletins that we are issuing with our interagency partners and the enforcement trends that we are highlighting. Familiarize yourself with our voluntary self-disclosure policies and know the VSD policies of our regulatory partners at OFAC, BIS and elsewhere. Last but not least, make sure you know who to call in the government if a compliance incident does arise. This will help ensure that you are meeting your reporting obligations and working with us early to mitigate any potential harm. Make sure that you come to us before we come to you. Along with our enforcement efforts, we are putting a premium on collaboration and building strong relationships with the private sector to mitigate national security compliance risks, so that companies do their part to further our collective security against foreign threats to American prosperity. Together, we can safeguard our country's innovation economy and protect our nation's financial investments and development of technologies of the future. Thank you again for having me here today to talk about this important work. Topics:Countering Nation-State Threats Export Control Component: National Security Division (NSD) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Guatemala: Statement by the Spokesperson on continued efforts to undermine election results European External Action Service (EEAS) 16.11.2023 EEAS Press Team The European Union is deeply disturbed by the intensified attempts to undermine Guatemala's election results through selective and arbitrary legal and procedural actions, such as the recent raids and the detention orders for members of the political party Movimiento Semilla. These actions not only risk jeopardising an orderly transition of power to the new government but also Guatemala's overall democratic system and stability. The EU Election Observation Mission highlighted in its final, recently presented report that there was no fraud in the elections, and underlined the extensive judicialisation and abuse of legal proceedings by the office of the Chief Prosecutor (Ministerio Publico). The EU is deeply concerned by the continued misuse of these means to intimidate and criminalise workers of the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE), top officials and magistrates, members of the departmental (JED) and municipal (JEM) electoral boards, polling stations (JRV) and data-entry clerks. We therefore reiterate our call on all Guatemalan institutions and officials to fully respect the integrity of the election results that the TSE certified, and to halt any action that could endanger a peaceful transition process, acting in line with their responsibilities as enshrined in the Guatemalan Constitution, respecting the fundamental principle of the separation of powers and the will of the Guatemalan people as expressed in the ballots. Further actions to overturn the legitimate outcome of the elections and the continued instrumentalisation of judicial and prosecutorial institutions to undermine democracy and the rule of law would inevitably have repercussions on the relations between the European Union and the authorities that are allowing this to happen." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Liberia: Statement by the Spokesperson on the run-off presidential elections European External Action Service (EEAS) 16.11.2023 EEAS Press Team After a largely peaceful 20-days run-off campaign, the people of Liberia confirmed their strong commitment to democracy by casting their votes in a calm and peaceful manner to elect their President for the next six years. The National Elections Commission efficiently managed the first post-conflict general elections solely organised by the Liberian institutions since the end of the civil war in 2003. Following an invitation from the Government of Liberia, the EU deployed an Electoral Observation Mission (EOM) throughout the country. The Mission has now published its preliminary statement, in which it observes that the run-off elections were largely calm and well organised. The EU looks forward to the announcement of the final results, and expects the completion of the electoral process to be peaceful and in full respect of the established legal procedures. The EU EOM will remain in Liberia until the end of the electoral period and will then publish a final report and recommendations for improvements of the electoral framework. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Civilian CSDP Compact: EU holds Annual Review Conference on its civilian response to crises and conflicts worldwide European External Action Service (EEAS) 16.11.2023 The representatives from the EU Member States met today in Brussels for the first Annual Review Conference under the new Civilian Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) Compact. The meeting was hosted by the European External Action Service (EEAS) and the Spanish Presidency of the Council of the EU. Directors from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Ministries of Internal/Home Affairs and Ministries of Justice elaborated on how to foster the effectiveness of civilian CSDP missions through the instruments provided by the new Compact and discussed the establishment of a civilian capability development process. The participants reiterated the crucial need to provide missions with the right capabilities to successfully carry out their mandates. They also pointed out to the need for clear parameters to evaluate each mission's impact on the ground, also to ensure a well-informed decision-making process. Against the backdrop of the evolving geostrategic landscape, the demand for civilian CSDP missions to reinforce the police, rule of law and civil administration in fragile and conflict settings continues to grow. This year, the EU launched two new missions in Armenia and in Moldova as well as a new EU Security and Defence Initiative in support of Gulf of Guinea countries. Background After the release of the first Civilian CSDP Compact in 2018, the new Compact was adopted in May 2023 to keep a high level of ambition in strengthening civilian CSDP in light of the deteriorating security environment. As one of the key deliverables of the Strategic Compass, the new Compact seeks to reinforce the effectiveness, the robustness and the flexibility of the civilian missions to adequately respond to the fast-changing security landscape. The European External Action Service (EEAS), together with Member States as well as relevant Commission services, will jointly work to ensure the effective implementation of the new Compact and its 20 commitments, set to be fully delivered by mid-2027. The European Union currently deploys 13 civilian missions under the framework of the CSDP. They work in crises and conflict areas to preserve peace, promote stability and build resilience by strengthening the rule of law, the police and the civil administration of partner countries. Civilian experts advise and train local partners in Africa, Eastern Europe and the Western Balkans, and the Middle East, namely: in Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, Armenia, Kosovo, Libya, the Palestinian Territories, Niger, Mali, Central African Republic, Somalia and Iraq. Under the EU flag, more than 2,000 staff works in the field. The mandates of the civilian CSDP missions are agreed unanimously by the Member States of the EU, upon invitation of the countries hosting the missions. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UNSC adopts first resolution since escalation calling for pauses in Gaza for 'sufficient days' Global Times By Zhang Han Published: Nov 16, 2023 08:02 PM The United Nations Security Council has finally adopted a resolution calling for "urgent and extended humanitarian pauses and corridors" in Gaza for "a sufficient number of days" to allow full, rapid, safe and unhindered access for UN agencies and partners. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at Thursday's press briefing that as the rotating presidency, China actively promotes the Security Council to take meaningful, responsible actions. China will continue to strengthen coordination with all parties, build consensus, and play a constructive role in promoting a ceasefire and cessation of hostilities, protecting civilians, alleviating the humanitarian situation, and ultimately achieving a lasting and peaceful solution between Palestine and Israel through the "two-state solution," Mao said. China's permanent representative to the UN Zhang Jun called for implementation of the resolution on Wednesday local time. The "sufficient number of days" of pauses and corridors means facilitating 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 enabling urgent rescue and recovery efforts, including for missing children in damaged and destroyed buildings, and the medical evacuation of sick or injured children and their caregivers, per the resolution. "The effectiveness of Security Council resolutions lies in their implementation... It is necessary for the Security Council to establish a necessary mechanism to take follow-up actions to monitor and report on the implementation, Zhang said in an explanation of the vote after the adoption of the Maltese-drafted resolution. Resolution 2712 can only serve as a first step based on minimum consensus. Despite this, the resolution is still significant as it constitutes an initial step toward a ceasefire and a minimum requirement to save lives, and helps avert a greater humanitarian crisis and catastrophe, Zhang said. Resolution 2712 was the first product of the Security Council on Gaza after the October 7 escalation, with 12 members voting in favor, none against and three abstentions (Russia, the UK and the US). The council had failed to adopt four draft resolutions on the situation in a row. Although the resolution was a primary move, it is very important and a sign of international consensus on the urgency and right approach to addressing the dire and worsening humanitarian disaster in Gaza, Chinese analysts said, as the "sufficient number of days" is a sign of progress in comparison to the "pauses of unspecified time and length" Israel earlier promised. However, the international community should closely watch whether the resolution can be implemented and monitor the following situation in Gaza so as to take action accordingly in a timely manner, analysts said. Israeli forces on Wednesday raided the Al-Shifa Hospital, Gaza's main hospital, after hours of bombarding the medical facility, which is full of thousands of patients and sheltering civilians. Israel claimed Hamas has set up its command center in and beneath the hospital, which both Hamas and hospital staff denied, according to media reports. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US continues to woo allies as ASEAN defense chiefs affirm regional peace, stability Global Times By Wang Qi Published: Nov 16, 2023 07:54 PM While defense chiefs from ASEAN members underscored the importance of maintaining regional peace and stability, and called for pursuing peaceful solutions to disputes during the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) in Jakarta, the US continued to promote its "Indo-Pacific" strategy and vowed military support to allies on the sidelines of the ADMM events. Chinese experts said ASEAN's voice shows its pursuit is completely different from the US' "Indo-Pacific" strategy, and that the vast majority of ASEAN members are willing to work together with China to build the region into a peaceful and prosperous one, rather than introducing US' bloc confrontation and repeating the tragedy of the Ukraine crisis. Under the theme "Peace, Prosperity and Security," defense ministers from ASEAN member states discussed the dynamic of geopolitics and defense cooperation in Indonesia on Wednesday. The ADMM-Plus, a platform for ASEAN and its eight dialogue partners including Australia, China, India, Japan, South Korea, Russia and the US, kicked off on Thursday. In a joint statement released after the ADMM, ministers agreed to deepen defense and security cooperation among its members and between the association and its partner countries. Ministers also reiterated the commitment of all parties to "cooperating in a constructive and peaceful manner," making the South China Sea "a sea of peace, stability and prosperity." The statement said ASEAN has noted the geopolitical and geostrategic dynamic shift in the region and the impacts of "major power rivalry" that could threaten stability and peace. In terms of disputes in the South China Sea, ministers agreed to pursue peaceful solutions in accordance with international law. Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, a spokesperson of China's Ministry of National Defense, said in a press release Thursday that during the ADMM, the Chinese side called on all parties to practice genuine multilateralism, uphold a correct concept of security, insist on peaceful consultations and refrain from conflict and confrontation, so as to assume responsibility for the peaceful development of the world. China and ASEAN countries have long maintained good-neighborly relations, cooperated in building the Belt and Road Initiative, actively engaged in military cooperation, and jointly maintained overall stability in the South China Sea, Zhang said. China firmly supports ASEAN's central position in the regional framework, and stands ready to work with the ADMM-Plus members for joint development and cooperation, so as to make positive contributions to regional peace and tranquility, he noted. Li Haidong, a professor at the China Foreign Affairs University, told the Global Times on Thursday that the Asia-Pacific region is at a crossroads between moving toward fragmentation or continued integration and inclusive development. The joint statement reflects the unquestionable preference of ASEAN countries for a stable environment that ensures the indivisibility of prosperity, closer economic integration and security for all countries in the region, Li said. On the sideline of the ADMM-Plus, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin met with Philippine Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro Jr in Jakarta on Thursday. Austin said the US commitment to defending the Philippines' sovereignty is "ironclad." The two officials criticized China in recent South China Sea disputes, and reaffirmed shared vision of "a free and open Indo-Pacific." The regional peace and stability pursued by the ASEAN members is completely different from the concept and practice of the "free and open Indo-Pacific" advocated by the US, which aims to create divisions and bloc confrontation. ASEAN members are willing to work with China to make the region a place of peace, prosperity and hope, Li said. "They do not want a new Cold War, let alone replicate the Ukraine crisis in the region." The Philippines' approach of introducing the US into the region and acting as a US proxy for it is not welcome among other ASEAN members, and it is clear that the Philippines is alone on this issue, Li remarked. "Without peace and stability, it is impossible to attract investment, promote trade or ensure the well-being of our peoples and societies," Indonesian Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto stressed during the gathering, according to media reports. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Press Briefing by IDF Spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari November 16th, 21:00 IDF Press Release Press Briefing 16.11.23 IDF Good evening, IDF troops recovered the body of Yehudit Weiss, z"l who was abducted from her home in Kibbutz Be'eri to the Gaza Strip on October 7th. Yehudit's husband, Shmulik z"l, was murdered by terrorists that same day. Yehudit's body was identified by forces of the 7th Brigade that were conducting searches near the Shifa hospital. They located the body in one of the nearby houses. Weapons belonging to the terrorists who held her captive were found near her body. This is one example of operational activities that our forces are undertaking to rescue those who have been abducted. Unfortunately, Yehudit was murdered by terrorists from Gaza and we did not get to her in time. Yehudit will be buried in Israel. IDF representatives notified the family and we are embracing them during these difficult hours. We promise that every time we have new information regarding the hostages, the families will be updated, and afterwards the public. We will not hide information from the public, but we will inform the public only after we have completely verified the facts. IDF troops continue to fight deeper in the Gaza Strip, and the main effort is to clear the areas that our forces control. We are especially focused on what's underground, including under the hospitals. IDF troops discovered a tunnel shaft in the Shifa Hospital and combat engineering forces are currently unearthing the infrastructure at the site. We also located a vehicle at the hospital that Hamas prepared for the October 7th massacre. It was not used, but it still had a lot of weapons and ammunition inside it. I would like to emphasize this point - a vehicle belonging to Hamas terrorists, with many weapons inside it, was found in the Shifa hospital complex. A vehicle intended to be used in the October 7th massacre, was in a hospital. In parallel, IDF troops continued activity in the Rantisi Hospital and this evening, we will show you pictures from inside the tunnel that was found near the hospital. I saw with my own eyes during a visit. It is a complex and complicated tunnel, like other Hamas tunnels. This is a combat zone. It includes the Rantisi Hospital, where IDF soldiers are still fighting under fire, while simultaneously uncovering Hamas' terrorist infrastructure. In the Al Kuds Hospital, a lot of weapons and ammunition were found and the forces continue to operate in the area. This is a complicated activity that takes time. It is founded on the principle of first ensuring the safety of our forces, and only thenachieving our operational objectives. We need this time to secure our forces. The troops are going from structure to structure and are searching floor by floor in order to identify terrorists and destroy their infrastructure. The Shifa Hospital, the Rantisi Hospital, the Al Quds Hospital and other hospitals - we are revealing Hamas terrorist activities both above and below ground in each of them. It is not a coincidence, this is Hamas' method of operation. The entire world is witness and we will continue to reveal this to the world. Hamas' leadership is under pressure because they know what they are concealing. In the past few days, there have been media reports regarding a significant number of IDF and ISA attacks. At this stage we can say that there have been two significant attacks on two different underground sites. A number of senior Hamas commanders were hiding in one of them, including Ahmed Randor, the head of Hamas' northern Gaza brigade and Hyman Sian, the head of the Hamas rocket brigade. In another underground site that was attacked, senior members of Hamas' political wing, including Raukhi Mushta, who is a very close associate of Yahya Sinwar, Asam Dalyis, head of the Hamas government in Gaza who is close to Ismael Haniyah, and Samech El Sarg, who is also a close associate to Sinwar and other senior Hamas figures in Gaza. Hamas is trying to hide the aftermath of the attack. At this hour I cannot elaborate further, but we can definitely say that the underground areas that they were in during the attacks were significantly damaged. In the north, fighter jets attacked terror targets belonging to Hezbollah, including outposts along the border that were used by terrorists. We are continuing to strike back immediately in response to any attempt to fire from Lebanese territory. At a checkpoint Judea and Samaria, near Jerusalem, IDF and Border Police troops killed three Hamas terrorists from Hebron who planned to carry out a large shooting attack, and strike our troops. The combat soldiers at the barrier were diligent in preventing the attack. An IDF soldier was killed as a result of the attack. Thus far, the families of 373 fallen soldiers, who fell defending Israel, were notified. They are all heroes of Israel and thanks to them, we will win. May their memory be a blessing. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Soldiers of the 188th Brigade and Shayetet 13 have gained operational control of the Gaza harbor IDF Press Release Press Release 16.11.23 IDF In the past few days, in a joint operation, soldiers of the 188th Armored Brigade, and Flotilla 13 ("Shayetet 13"), took operational control of the Gaza harbor, which was controlled by the Hamas terrorist organization. In the operation, in which soldiers of the Combat Engineering Corps and the Air Force also participated, 10 terror tunnel shafts and four structures used for terror were destroyed, and 10 terrorists were killed. All buildings in the harbor area were cleared. The Hamas terrorist organization used the harbor as a training facility for their naval commando forces for planning and executing naval terror attacks. Under the guise of a civilian harbor, Hamas used the area for training and carrying out terror attacks, all the while using civilian and Gaza harbor police vessels. Attached is a video from the activity of the forces of Shayetet 13 in the takeover of the Gaza harbor: https://bit.ly/3uhuuFD Attached is a command given by the Commanding Officer of the 188th Armored Brigade, COL Or Vollozinsky to the soldiers of the brigade: https://bit.ly/3SOz0FA Attached are photos from the activity: NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ismail Haniyeh's residence, which was used as terrorist infrastructure, was struck IDF Press Release Press Release 16.11.23 IDF Ismail Haniyeh's residence, which was used as terrorist infrastructure, was struck as IDF troops continue to operate in the Gaza Strip. Overnight, IDF fighter jets struck the residence of Ismail Haniyeh, the Head of Hamas' Political Bureau, which was used as terrorist infrastructure and often served as a meeting point for Hamas' senior leaders to direct terror attacks against Israeli civilians and IDF soldiers. During the takeover of the Shati camp, IDF troops also located and destroyed a Hamas naval forces weapons cache, containing diving gear, explosive devices, and weapons. In addition, IDF troops struck terrorists and located weapons including explosive belts, explosive barrels, RPGs, anti-tank missiles, comms equipment, and intelligence documents. Attached is a video of the strike on Ismail Haniyeh's residence which contained terror infrastructure: https://bit.ly/3ufmqVL Attached are photos of the weapons located: Attached are photos of the IDF troops' operations: NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hamas official blasts Reuters over spreading lies IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Nov 16, 2023 Tehran, IRNA -- Member of Hamas' Political Bureau Osama Hamdan has criticized Reuters for spreading lies and misinformation about the recent meeting between Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, and Head of the Political Bureau of the Palestinian Hamas resistance movement Ismail Haniyeh. In reaction to releasing misinformation and merely untrue news by Reuters about the meeting between Ayatollah Khamenei and Haniyeh, Hamdan in an exclusive interview with IRNA on Thursday lambasted Reuters for spreading lies instead of real information. He underlined that everyone knows the nature of the relationship between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Hamas, as well as its position in support of the Palestinian cause, the Palestinian people, and its resistance. The meeting between Ayatollah Khamenei and Haniyeh was in line with continued constructive and good ties between Iran and Hamas, he highlighted. He noted, "It is natural to conclude that the publication of such biased news stems from two main reasons. First, the resistance in Gaza has been successful in pressuring the Zionist regime, and everyone has learned the extent of Zionist crimes and its attacks on defenseless women, children, and civilians. Secondly, it shows the effectiveness of the resistance in the field of targeting the Zionist enemy, army, and war machinery." Undoubtedly, the influence of the resistance in the region is increasing, and this is a cause of big concern for the Israeli regime and its supporters, he said, noting that as the resistance advances and its role increases, it will create a concern to the Zionist enemy, as a result, they will use all means of spreading false news and fabricated content. 3266**2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Zionist regime found no evidence of Hamas tunnels under Al-Shifa Hospital: Report IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Nov 16, 2023 Tehran, IRNA -- In the latest Israeli attempt to justify their crimes, Israeli soldiers claimed they found Hamas' military equipment during a raid in Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City, but no evidence yet of a vast tunnel network it claimed was used by Hamas, media reports said. The Zionist regime is under significant international pressure to prove its claims about Hamas' infiltration of the hospital, to justify some of its military decisions which could otherwise constitute a possible serious violation of international humanitarian law, CNN reported. Doctors and health officials in the Hamas-controlled enclave have consistently rejected accusations that the hospital was the site of a command center. CNN is trying to contact the hospital to speak to doctors there, but phone calls are not going through. There is certainly 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. Hamas responded to earlier comments from the Israeli army - that troops had found weapons inside the hospital - as a blatant lie and propaganda. 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 the more than two million Palestinians living there. 3266**2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran FM describes Palestinian resistance as legitimate liberation movement IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Nov 16, 2023 Tehran, IRNA -- Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian has termed the Palestinian resistance as a liberating and legitimate movement against the usurped Zionist regime. Addressing a number of UN officials, humanitarian organizations, religious institutions, university professors, and some foreign ambassadors in Geneva on Wednesday, Amirabdollahian highlighted that "there is no logic and basis for the right to legitimate defense for the occupying regime". Referring to the current situation in the Palestine and Zionist regime's aggression on Gaza, the top Iranian diplomat reiterated that the occupying and apartheid Israeli regime insists on gross violations of international humanitarian law and committing war crimes and genocide against humanity in the Gaza enclave. The Zionist regime's atrocities in Gaza should not make the world inactive, but it should make them more serious about their commitment to make sure of keeping the principles of the Geneva Conventions and prevent a full-scale genocide in Gaza, he noted. He further noted that ignoring the continuous, blatant, and severe violations of humanitarian law is an irreparable blow to the principle of the rule of law and the validity of international law. 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 the more than two million Palestinians living there. 3266**2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Secretary General welcomes Latvian President to NATO for talks on Ukraine support, deterrence and defence NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation 16 Nov. 2023 Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics to NATO Headquarters on Thursday (16 November 2023) to discuss continued support for Ukraine and the ongoing implementation of decisions taken at the Vilnius Summit. Mr Stoltenberg thanked President Rinkevics for Latvia's contributions to the Alliance, including increased defence spending, investments in new capabilities like HIMARS, and contributions to NATO operations and missions in Kosovo and Iraq. Latvia also hosts a Canadian-led battlegroup and will host NATO's Baltic Air Policing Mission next year. The Secretary General welcomed Riga's significant political and military support to Ukraine, saying: "this is even more important now, as the situation on the battlefield is very difficult." He added: "that is not an argument for less support; it is an argument for more support. This matters not just for Ukraine's security, but for our security." The Secretary General emphasised that NATO will become even stronger when Sweden joins, saying: "we look forward to welcoming Sweden as a fully Ally very soon". NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address West's silence on Gaza gives green light to lawlessness: Turkish FM People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 23:44, November 16, 2023 ANKARA, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- The silence of the West over the attack on Gaza implies the approval of lawlessness, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said on Thursday. The silence of the West on Israel's attack on Gaza is tantamount to giving the green light to other lawless activities around the world, Fidan told reporters in a news conference in Ankara. "In order to break down the resistance, the mosques, hospitals, and schools are bombed and we cannot keep our silence regarding those attacks," Fidan added. Turkish foreign ministry on Wednesday criticized Israeli authorities, saying their accusations against Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan are baseless, and they have no right to talk about law while they keep attacking the people in Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday slammed Erdogan for his earlier comments describing Israel as a "terrorist state," saying Erdogan is supporting the "terror state" of Hamas. Israel has been carrying out an all-out attack on Gaza over the past weeks to retaliate against the Hamas attacks on southern Israel on Oct. 7, during which Hamas militants killed about 1,200 people in Israel and took more than 200 hostages. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Palestinian gunmen wound 6 near Jerusalem, killed by Israeli forces People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 20:05, November 16, 2023 JERUSALEM, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Three Palestinian gunmen wounded six people at a checkpoint outside Jerusalem on Thursday before being shot dead by Israeli security forces, according to Israeli authorities. The incident took place on the main road linking Jerusalem to Israeli settlements in the southern West Bank when Israel has been engaged in a deadly 41-day-long conflict with Hamas in Gaza. Israeli police said in a statement that the three assailants were killed and searches for others are underway. United Hatzalah, an Israeli rescue service, reported in a statement that at least six people were injured, including a man in his 20s in critical condition. The others sustained light to moderate injuries. Israeli police chief Kobi Shabtai told reporters at the scene that the gunmen planned to carry out "a major attack," adding "the amount of ammunition they carried indicates that they intended to stay for a long time (in Israel.)" The police found two pistols, two M-16 rifles, clothes similar to Israel Defense Forces (IDF) uniforms, two axes, and about ten cartridges in the assailants' belongings. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel rejects UN Security Council's call for extended humanitarian pauses in Gaza People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 17:01, November 16, 2023 JERUSALEM, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Israel on Thursday rejected the United Nations (UN) Security Council's call for extended humanitarian pauses in the Israel-Hamas conflict. "Extended humanitarian pauses are untenable as long as 239 abductees remain in the hands of Hamas," Israeli Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lior Haiat said in a statement. It called on the UN Security Council "to unequivocally condemn Hamas" for its Oct. 7 surprise attack on Israeli communities which killed about 1,200 people, mostly civilians. The UN Security Council on Wednesday adopted a resolution calling for "urgent and extended humanitarian pauses and corridors throughout the Gaza Strip" to allow urgently needed aid to reach civilians in the besieged Palestinian enclave. At least 11,500 people have been killed by the Israeli attacks in Gaza, including 4,710 children and 3,003 women, while more than 29,000 others were injured, according to the government media office in Gaza. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Statement of the DFA Spokesperson on the 10 November 2023 Ayungin Shoal Incident Republic of the Philippines - Department of Foreign Affairs PASAY CITY 16 November 2023 -- I wish to address the statement of Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin regarding the 10 November 2023 resupply mission in Ayungin Shoal. I wish to make 3 brief points: 1st, the reason presented by China for such challenges and dangerous maneuvers is sovereignty and exercise of lawful enforcement activity over what is allegedly territory. But the law is clear: Ayungin Shoal is not an island; it is a low-tide elevation that cannot be appropriated or subjected to sovereignty claims. Ayungin Shoal is located 106.3 nautical miles from the Philippine island of Palawan. On the other hand, Ayungin Shoal is 423.30 NM from the Paracels, and 617.39 NM from the Chinese mainland - clearly beyond the 200 NM maximum maritime entitlement for an EEZ under UNCLOS. In accordance with UNCLOS and the final and binding 2016 Award in the South China Sea Arbitration, Ayungin Shoal is "within the exclusive economic zone and continental shelf of the Philippines," over which the Philippines has sovereign rights and jurisdiction. China cannot, therefore, lawfully exercise sovereignty over it. China bases its claim on the so-called nine-dashed line. As clearly stated by the 2016 Arbitral Award, UNCLOS superseded any "historic rights" or other sovereign rights or jurisdiction, in excess of the limits imposed by UNCLOS. China cannot claim entitlements in areas of the "nine-dashed line", now "ten-dashed line", that exceed UNCLOS limits. 2nd, the resupply mission to and the upkeep of the BRP Sierra Madre are legitimate Philippine Government activities in our EEZ, and in accordance with international law, particularly UNCLOS. It is difficult to imagine how these activities could be deemed threatening to China. The BRP Sierra Madre is a commissioned Philippine naval vessel permanently stationed in Ayungin Shoal in 1999 to serve as a constant Philippine government presence in response to China's illegal occupation in 1995 of Panganiban Reef, also known as Mischief Reef. This was prior to the signing of the DOC in 2002. Panganiban Reef is a low-tide elevation that forms part of our continental shelf and is within our EEZ. You may all recall that in 1995, when we protested China's construction of a structure in Mischief Reef, China promised that it was only a "fisherman's shelter" and would remain as such. The reef is now a militarized artificial island. So are Calderon Reef, also known as Cuarteron Reef; Kagitingan Reef, also known as Fiery Cross Reef; Burgos Reefs, also known as Gaven Reefs; McKennan Reef, also known as Hughes Reef; Johnson Reef; and Zamora Reef, also kncwn as Subi Reef. Let us not forget that. We call on China to remove all these illegal structures, cease reclamations in the South China Sea, and be accountable for the damages caused by these illegal activities. 3rd, the Philippines has not entered into any agreement abandoning its sovereign rights and jurisdiction over its EEZ and continental shelf, including in the vicinity of Ayungin Shoal. We are being asked to give prior notification each time we conduct a resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal. We will not do so. The resupply missions are legitimate activities within our EEZ, in accordance with international law. The Philippines remains guided by UNCLOS and the Arbitral Award as the twin anchors of our policy and actions in the South China Sea. We reiterate that creating and maintaining a favorable and conducive environment is essential to the peaceful resolution of the South China Sea situation. END NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Gen. Qaani: 'Axis of Resistance' stays united with Gaza fighters Iran Press TV Thursday, 16 November 2023 6:36 PM The head of the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has assured the military wing of Hamas in the Gaza Strip of the solidarity of the "Axis of Resistance" with Palestinian fighters. "Your brothers in the axis of al-Quds and the resistance are united with you, and they will not allow the enemy to reach its dirty goals in Gaza and Palestine," Brig. Gen. Ismail Qaani said in a message Thursday. The Axis of Resistance refers to an alliance among Iran, Syria and anti-Israeli groups in Lebanon, Iraq, Yemen and elsewhere which have hit Israeli and US targets in recent weeks in solidarity with Gaza. Gen. Qaani hailed Operation al-Aqsa Storm by Palestinian resistance fighters on Oct. 7 which caught Israel off guard and shattered the regime's myth of superiority in everything from military to intelligence power. "You created a great epic called the al-Aqsa Storm, which was accomplished with the help of God and by the holy fighters of the al-Qassam Brigades and the resistance in Gaza," he said. "Palestine and the region after the al-Aqsa Storm will not be the same as before," Gen. Qaani stated. "You clearly showed the weakness and fragility of the usurping Zionist regime and you showed in a practical and decisive way that the regime is weaker than a spider's web," he said in another part of his message. The message came after Western media claimed that Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh had got a dressing-down from Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei in Tehran. On Thursday, senior Hamas official Osama Hamdan dismissed claims to this effect as "pure lies and slander", saying the British news agency Reuters "has published worthless lies instead of news". "Everyone knows the nature of the relationship between the Hamas movement and the Islamic Republic of Iran, as well as the position of the country in supporting the Palestinian cause and nation and its resistance, and especially the Hamas movement, and they know the view of Ayatollah Khamenei in supporting the Palestinian resistance. "Therefore, due to the necessity and nature of the relationship between the two sides, it is impossible to believe such content," Hamdan told Iran's official news agency IRNA. Reuters had claimed that Haniyeh had been told that since Tehran was not given prior notice of the October 7 operation, it would offer political support to Hamas, but would not "intervene directly" in the fight. The news agency had also claimed that Haniyeh had been asked to "silence those voices" in Hamas calling for Iran and Hezbollah to directly join the war against Israel "in full force." Hamdan said the publication of such biased news has two main reasons. "First, the resistance in Gaza has been successful in putting pressure on the Zionist regime and everyone has realized the extent of the regime's crimes and its attacks on women, children and defenseless civilians. Second, it shows the effectiveness and efficiency of the resistance in targeting the enemy and its army and war machines." Hamdan said, "The publication of such news is also an attempt to destroy the image of resistance and the axis of resistance, since the influence of the resistance in the region is definitely increasing, and this is causing great concern to the Israeli regime and its supporters, forcing them to use all means available to spread fake news." Hamdan said the only thing he wanted to say about the "positive meeting" between Haniyeh and Ayatollah Khamenei was that it had taken place "in continuation of the good and distinct relationship between Hamas and the Islamic Republic of Iran". NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address IRGC chief: Israel, US facing a 'quagmire' in Gaza Iran Press TV Thursday, 16 November 2023 4:32 PM Chief commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Major General Hossein Salami says Palestinian youths are adapting to new reality in Gaza, where Israel and the US are facing a "quagmire". "Palestinian youth are adapting to the new conditions and have just learned the rules of the war. They have created a quagmire for America and Israel not only on the battlefield but also in politics, intelligence and security," he said in the central Iranian city of Isfahan on Thursday. "Gaza will become a burial ground for the Zionists. They used to fight inside fortifications and behind walls and thought that those walls would protect them from God's wrath, but God's punishment will reach them from where they don't think," he added. "Today, they have crossed the walls and exposed their tanks to Palestinian youths who hunt the tanks and bulldozers from close range, so that 180 of their 1,600 tanks have been destroyed to date, which means more than 10% of them have been wiped out." Gen. Salami said Israel must expect more surprises like Operation al-Aqsa Storm which saw Palestinian resistance fighters overrun occupied territories in the single worst event in the history of Israel. "Just as the al-Aqsa Storm came from a place the enemy did not calculate, they must wait for other storms that will reach them from where they do not figure out," he said. "The Muslims of the world today are more empathetic than ever, and even in the non-Muslim world a world stands against America and its partners," Gen. Salami added. The IRGC chief said arrogant powers have joined hands in "a disgusting and very humiliating show", waging war on children in Gaza which is a sign of the end of their empire. "The Zionist regime, the United States and some European countries have gone to war with babies inside the operating rooms of hospitals in Gaza, and they want to show that they are powerful by occupying the ICUs and CCUs. "Isn't it humiliating that the world's largest apparent empires take pride in killing children and babies and consider the capture of hospital operating rooms as their field of victory? "Isn't it a shame that the world powers have surrounded people in a strip so that they could not get water, fuel and food? They hit fuel tanks and kill patients and revel in their firepower. "This is a sign of the end of their empire because whenever they act frenziedly it is a sign of their inner collapse because some animals make a lot of noise when they die." Gen. Salami said the fear of an early collapse as predicted by Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has "robbed the enemy of strategic logic and even tactical and operational logic". "What do the enemies want to vanquish? Can the will of a country be broken by bombing? - those who hold the body of their martyred children in their hands and thank God and praise the perseverance that the Prophet of Islam (Peace be upon Him) and the verses of the Qur'an emphasize." Gen. Salami said the Palestinians "have learned from the Qur'an that ... the path to happiness passes through the field of defense and patience in the face of adversity, and the promise of God's dawn, conquest, and victory will be fulfilled on this path". "The oppression of the honorable people of Gaza will finally do its job and we think about the days of victory and conquest and see it near and God's victory is nigh," he said. As for Israeli settlers, he added, "confusion, anxiety and fear of the future of a land that is no longer inhabited" has gripped "those who have come from all over the world with the promise of life, but a reverse migration has begun and this story will continue". NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Biden: 'Not realistic' to expect Israel to stop Gaza war Iran Press TV Thursday, 16 November 2023 9:50 AM US President Joe Biden says it is "not realistic" to expect Israel to stop its ongoing war in the Gaza Strip, given that the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has already announced that it will not stop attacking the regime. Biden made the remarks on Thursday, following a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in San Francisco. "Hamas has already said publicly that they plan on attacking Israel again like they did before... So the idea that they're going to just stop and not do anything is not realistic," he said. The US president further noted that Israeli forces had switched from aerial bombardment to more targeted ground operations in Gaza. "It is not carpet bombing. This is a different thing. They're going through these tunnels, they're going into the hospital... So this is a different story than I believe it was occurring before, the indiscriminate bombing," he said. Israel is continuing its attacks in Gaza despite a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution calling for "humanitarian pauses" in the besieged enclave. The occupying regime waged the war on Gaza on October 7 after Hamas carried out the surprise Operation Al-Aqsa Storm into the occupied territories in response to intensified Israeli crimes against the Palestinian people. According to the Gaza-based health ministry, at least 11,500 Palestinians have been killed in the strikes, most of them women and children, and around 32,000 others have been wounded. 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. The United States has backed Tel Aviv's relentless attacks on the Palestinian territory as an instance of "self-defense," and has provided the regime with thousands of arms consignments since the onset of the war. The US even voted against a nonbinding resolution calling for an "immediate humanitarian truce" in the war, which was passed on October 27 at the UN General Assembly, where Washington does not wield a veto power. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran not behind resistance front's decision to attack US-run bases in Iraq, Syria: FM Iran Press TV Thursday, 16 November 2023 9:30 AM Iran's foreign minister says the country has had no role in the recent attacks by resistance groups in Iraq and Syria on US-run bases. "These groups in Iraq and Syria, that are attacking US interests, have made their own decisions," Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian told CBS News in an interview published on Wednesday. Pointing to Israel's genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip over the past 41 days, he expressed Iran's strong opposition to the spillover of the war to other parts of the region. "We really didn't want this crisis to expand. But the US has been intensifying the war in Gaza by throwing its support behind Israel," the top Iranian diplomat emphasized. Amir-Abdollahian dismissed allegations that Iran was responsible for a drone attack in the Red Sea that appeared to be targeting a US missile destroyer. A statement from the Pentagon claimed that the guided-missile destroyer USS Thomas Hudner shot down the drone early Wednesday morning, which originated from Yemen, as it was "heading in the direction of the ship." The Pentagon, however, did not say who it believes fired the drone. "Yemen makes its own decisions and acts independently," Amir-Abdollahian said. In a statement on November 8, Yemen's Armed Forces announced the shooting down of an advanced American drone as the aircraft was operating in support of the Israeli regime. The MQ-9 Reaper drone was brought down using a surface-to-air missile as the aircraft was flying in the airspace over Yemen's territorial waters. The aircraft was struck while carrying out a "hostile espionage" operation within the framework of the United States' military support for the Israeli regime, the statement added. The United States has found its interests in the region coming under repeated attacks, since Israel launched its devestating war on Gaza early last month. US bases in Syria and Iraq have been struck multiple times with drones and rockets, raising fears of regional escalation. Israel has launched relentless air and ground attacks on the coastal territory, targeting hospitals, residences, and houses of worship, since Palestinian resistance movements launched a surprise attack, dubbed Operation al-Aqsa Storm, against the regime on October 7. According to the Gaza-based health ministry, at least 11,500 Palestinians, including 4,710 children, have been killed in the strikes. More than 32,000 others have been injured. 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. The United States, Israel's biggest ally, has provided the regime with arms and ammunition since the initiation of the Gaza war. The US House of Representatives on November 2 passed a standalone $14.3-billion military assistance package for Israel. The legislation, however, is yet to clear the Senate. Washington has also vetoed United Nations Security Council resolutions that called on the occupying regime to cease its aggression. In his interview, Amir-Abdollahian said the resistance fighters' attacks were a response to 75 years of Israeli occupation. "What Hamas did was based on its legitimate right to defend itself," the Iranian foreign minister argued. He also reiterated Iran's opposition to the killing of women and children everywhere. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel raids al-Shifa hospital again despite UNSC resolution calling for 'humanitarian pauses' Iran Press TV Thursday, 16 November 2023 7:02 AM Israel has raided the al-Shifa hospital once again despite a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution calling for "humanitarian pauses" in the besieged enclave. The Gaza health ministry said in a statement on Thursday that the Israeli military had deployed bulldozers at the al-Shifa hospital, the largest medical complex in the blockaded territory, and destroyed parts of its southern entrance. The Israeli military also said its forces are currently operating in and around al-Shifa hospital. Major General Yaron Finkelman, the head of Israeli military operations in Gaza, said in a social media post, "Tonight we conducted a targeted operation into al-Shifa hospital. We continue to move forward." Israeli troops first stormed the hospital on Wednesday, where thousands of patients, staff, and displaced people were trapped, claiming that it had found military equipment and weapons inside the complex during the raid. Palestinian resistance movement Hamas rejected the claim, calling it "nothing but a continuation of the lies and cheap propaganda." Israel has been targeting hospitals in the strip since the beginning of its war on Gaza on October 7, claiming Hamas uses them as command centers. Hamas has dismissed Israel's allegations, saying it runs a vast network of underground tunnels and doesn't need to use hospitals in any manner. The Palestinian resistance group has called on the UN to form an investigative team in order to debunk Tel Aviv's allegations. Thursday's raid came hours after the UNSC adopted a resolution, calling 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 Israeli regime rejected the resolution, with its deputy envoy to the Security Council, Brett Jonathan Miller, saying "Israel will continue to do whatever it takes to accomplish this goal." Separately on Thursday, the Israeli regime carried out air strikes on two residential buildings in Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza, leaving several people dead or injured, according to Palestine's official WAFA news agency. The occupying regime also targeted the vicinity of Gaza's Central Petrol Station, which houses dozens of displaced people, leading to the death and injury of several people, the agency added. Israel also conducted intense raids in the northern city of Beit Lahia and the vicinity of the Indonesia Hospital, located in northern Gaza, but the number of casualties was not immediately clear. The al-Rimal neighborhood of Gaza City was also reportedly hit. However, rescuers were unable to help due to the Israeli siege in the area. Israel waged the war on Gaza on October 7 after 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 11,500 Palestinians have been killed in the strikes, most of them women and children, and around 32,000 others have been wounded. 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Qatar urges int'l probe into Israeli raid on Gaza's al-Shifa hospital Iran Press TV Thursday, 16 November 2023 5:57 AM Qatar has vehemently denounced the Israeli military for storming the al-Shifa hospital in the blockaded Gaza Strip, calling for an international probe into the incursion. In a statement released on Wednesday, the Qatari Foreign Ministry condemned the raid as "a war crime and a blatant violation of international laws," saying the attack caused the tragic death of several patients, including innocent children. It also said that independent UN investigators should be dispatched to Gaza to carry out "an immediate and comprehensive" investigation into the occupying regime's deliberate targeting of hospitals. Earlier in the day, the Israeli military deployed soldiers, tanks and bulldozers inside the al-Shifa hospital, the largest medical complex in Gaza, as part of what it called "a precise and targeted operation." The regime's forces fired at those inside the hospital, where around 7,000 people are said to be sheltering, along with 1,500 patients and medical staff. There were reports of interrogations of Palestinians, restrictions on their movement, and detentions. Israel alleges that Hamas has built its headquarters in bunkers and tunnels under the al-Shifa hospital, a claim strongly rejected by the Palestinian resistance movement and hospital officials. Over the past few days, the al-Shifa hospital has been encircled by the Israeli military and targeted in the regime's bombing campaign. The facility ran out of fuel at the weekend to power generators, leading to the death of dozens of patients, including premature babies. The Qatari Foreign Ministry urged the international community to take "swift and decisive measures" to hold Israel accountable for its crimes against civilians. "The international community's silence on the blatant crimes against humanity committed by the occupation forces against the Palestinian people could embolden Israel to perpetuate more atrocities," it added. "Such a scenario... not only poses a direct threat to regional stability but also erodes trust in the international community and its institutions." Israel waged the brutal war on Gaza on October 7 after Hamas's Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against the occupying entity. Since the start of the war, the Tel Aviv regime has killed at least 11,517 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured around 32,000 others. It has also imposed a "complete siege" on the coastal sliver, cutting off fuel, electricity, food and water to the more than two million Palestinians living there. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Gaza mosque massacre: At least 50 killed, dozens injured in Israeli airstrike on Sabra neighbourhood Iran Press TV Thursday, 16 November 2023 2:30 AM At least 50 people have been killed and dozens of others injured as the Israeli regime's warplanes targeted a mosque in Sabra neighbourhood in the center of the Gaza Strip amid the regime's genocidal war. The attack was carried out during prayers, when the mosque was full of worshipers, reports said on Wednesday evening. Another Israeli strike on telecommunications towers in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip killed at least one child. Israel has encouraged Palestinians to move from northern Gaza to the south for their safety, but Palestinians say Israel bombs everywhere and nowhere is safe now. So far, at least 11,500 Palestinians, including 4,710 children and 3,160 women, have been killed, and around 32,000 others wounded since October 7, when the regime started bringing the blockaded coastal territory. Also on Wednesday, head of the Orthopedic Department at al-Shifa, Gaza's biggest hospital, which was raided by the Israeli forces on Wednesday, said Israeli bulldozers and tanks invaded the facility, and demolished parts of the premises. Earlier, Ahmed al-Makhalati, head of the Burns Unit at al-Shifa, also announced that bulldozers had made their way into the hospital through its southern entrance, saying they had started excavating parts of the facility and destroying vehicles. According to the Gaza-based Palestinian Administration's Information Office, the occupation forces opened fire at anyone, who could try to leave the hospital, saying the facility had turned into a "real graveyard." Speaking to Qatar's Al Jazeera television network, Khaled Abu Samra, one of the hospital's doctors, said the facility's water reservoir had been depleted. The physician also refuted claims that the Israeli army had provided medical aid to the facility. "Moving between the buildings of al-Shifa Complex is very dangerous and may lead to loss of life of whoever tries to do so," he said. The Israeli regime has alleged that the hospital houses a "command center" belonging to Hamas, a charge strongly denied by the Palestinian resistance group. Hamas has called on the United Nations to form an investigative team in order to debunk Tel Aviv's allegations concerning the hospital. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UNSC calls for Gaza 'humanitarian pauses'; Palestinian envoy says resolution failed to condemn Israel Iran Press TV Thursday, 16 November 2023 12:39 AM The United Nations Security Council has called for "extended humanitarian pauses" in the Gaza Strip, breaking its silence after 40 days of an unrelenting genocidal war by the Israeli regime. The resolution, prepared by Malta, was adopted with 12 votes in favor on Wednesday. The United States, Britain, and Russia abstained. It "calls 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. Israel rejected the UN Security Council Gaza resolution. This is the first time that the council broke its silence on the war following repeated vetoes cast by the United States, Israel's biggest and oldest ally, against resolutions calling for cessation of the Israeli regime's aggression. The United States opposed any use of the term "ceasefire," diplomats said. Other terms floated were "truce" and "pause." "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. According to the Gaza-based health ministry, 11,500 Palestinians, including 4,630 children and 3,130 women, have been killed and more than 29,000 others injured since October 7, when the regime launched the war in response to an operation staged by the territory's resistance movements. Russia's UN Ambassador Vasily Nebenzya said "the humanitarian pause" should not replace the ceasefire in Gaza as "the ongoing aggression would hamper delivery of humanitarian aid to the territory." Palestine has written to the Security Council, demanding an "immediate ceasefire" in the Israeli war, he noted, and expressed concern that the "provisions of the resolution that has been passed by the council concerning Gaza might not be implemented in practice." The Palestinian UN envoy, meanwhile, underlined the resolution's shortcomings, saying it failed to condemn Israel's killings of more than 11,000 Palestinians, including some 5,000 Palestinian children, and the UN staff, journalists, humanitarian personnel, doctors, and rescue team members. According to Riyad Mansour, the resolution also fell short of condemning the "indiscriminate attacks by Israel", the regime's assaults on "hospitals and schools," and its arbitrary imprisonment of thousands of Palestinians. Mansour accused the international community of displaying "selective outrage," and asked Security Council members what they intended to do to get Israel to abide by the resolution they just passed. The United States has, however, backed Tel Aviv's ferocious attacks on the Palestinian territory as an instance of "self-defense," and has provided the regime with thousands of arms consignments since the onset of the war. The US even voted against a nonbinding resolution calling for an "immediate humanitarian truce" in the war, which was passed on October 27 at the UN General Assembly, where Washington does not wield a veto power. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hezbollah announces destruction of another Israeli tank 'in support of war-hit Gaza' Iran Press TV Thursday, 16 November 2023 11:13 PM Lebanon's Hezbollah resistance movement has announced the destruction of another Israeli tank in an operation carried out in support of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, who have come under an unrelenting Israeli war. The movement reported the development on Thursday, identifying the destroyed target as an Israeli Merkava tank, and saying it had neutralized the target by firing a surgical strike missile against the Israeli regime's Branit garrison, Lebanon's al-Mayadeen television network reported. Hezbollah also said it had struck the occupying entity's Hermon military outpost and an Israeli infantry force gathering on Karantina Hill near the Hadab Yaron site. "The resistance reported that the Jal al-Alam site was targeted with guided missiles, noting that direct hits were achieved there, in addition to targeting a group of Israeli occupation forces (IOF) in Shtoula, with direct targets achieved," the report added. The Lebanese movement said it had performed the operations in support of "our steadfast Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip and in solidarity with their valiant and honorable resistance." Israel's war on Gaza started after the territory's resistance movements waged a surprise attack against the occupying entity, dubbed Operation al-Aqsa Storm, in response to its decades-long campaign of bloodletting and devastation against Palestinians. According to the Gaza-based health ministry, Israel has killed at least 11,500 Palestinians, including 4,630 children and 3,130 women, and injured more than 32,000 others. Ever since the onset of the war, the Israeli regime has also conducted sporadic attacks on southern Lebanon, which have sparked a firefight between the regime and Hezbollah. In early November, Hezbollah's Secretary-General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah said all options were on the table against Israel, urging the Zionist regime to stop its aggression against Palestinians in Gaza immediately. Hezbollah was ready for all possibilities, Nasrallah said at the time, adding that whoever wanted to prevent a regional war, had to quickly stop the Israeli aggression against the besieged coastal territory. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hamas rejects Israeli allegation about it running 'command center' under hospital Iran Press TV Thursday, 16 November 2023 10:03 PM The Palestinian Islamic resistance movement Hamas has disproven the Israeli regime's allegation about the resistance movement's running a "command center" underneath the Gaza Strip's largest hospital, which the regime has been using to assault the facility. Osama Hamdan, the movement's senior representative in Lebanon, debunked the regime's allegation by presenting damning footage during a presentation in Beirut on Thursday. The footage showed that the regime had been funneling weapons that it had seized during its ongoing war against Gaza across various places into the al-Shifa Hospital, before claiming that it had found them inside the facility. Playing the footage, Hamdan showed that the regime's forces had been taking the weapons into the facility inside cardboard boxes bearing the label of food aid. Israel launched the war on Gaza on October 7 after the territory's resistance movements waged the surprise Operation al-Aqsa Storm against the occupying entity in response to its decades-long campaign of bloodshed and devastation against Palestinians. According to the Gaza-based health ministry, Israel has killed at least 11,500 Palestinians, including 4,630 children and 3,130 women, and injured more than 32,000 others. Hospitals have been the focal point of the regime's deadly raids ever since the onset of the warfare. On Wednesday, the head of the Orthopedic Department at al-Shifa said Israeli bulldozers and tanks had invaded the facility, and demolished parts of the premises. The Gaza-based Palestinian Administration's Information Office has announced that the occupation forces would open fire at anyone, who could try to leave the hospital, saying the facility had turned into a "real graveyard." Attacks on hospitals are against international law and the Geneva Conventions that designate medical facilities as civilian infrastructure. Hamas has called on the United Nations to form an investigative team in order to expose Tel Aviv's allegations concerning the hospital. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Afghan Traders Seek The Release Of Stranded Imports In Pakistan By RFE/RL's Radio Azadi November 16, 2023 Afghan traders are asking Pakistan to release thousands of containers filled with imports stranded at the southern seaport of Karachi after authorities blocked their transit claiming the goods are being smuggled back into Pakistan after they arrive in Afghanistan. Yunus Mohmand, the acting head of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce, said on November 16 that Pakistan's actions are unjust. Islamabad claims it is losing millions of dollars in tax revenue because of the illegal smuggling as the goods are sent to Kabul duty-free. "Creating such illegal obstacles for trade is having a terrible effect on the economy of both countries," Mohmand told RFE/RL's Radio Azadi, noting that new additional taxes on the goods would crush traders. Mohmand said that the imports contain electronics and perishable foodstuffs. On November 14, the minister for the Taliban's de facto Ministry for Industry and Commerce, Nooruddin Azizi, raised the issue with Jalil Abbas Jilani, Pakistan's caretaker foreign minister. "Hundreds of these containers have been parked for several months, while some have been stuck for more than a year," a Taliban diplomat in the northwestern city of Peshawar told the AFP news agency. He said Kabul is seeking to lessen the losses of Afghan importers. Pakistan's blockade of Afghan transit goods is one of several critical issues plaguing relations with neighboring Afghanistan. Since early October, more than 300,000 Afghan refugees have returned to their country after Islamabad announced a drive to deport more than 1.7 million undocumented migrants, most of whom are Afghan. Afghans and ruling Taliban officials have accused Pakistani police and other law enforcement agencies of widespread abuses, including arbitrary arrests, torture, bribes, and harassment of Afghans across the country. To open alternative international trade routes for Afghanistan, the Taliban regime's deputy prime minister, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, secured access to Iran's southeastern Chabahar Port. Since the turn of the century, successive Afghan governments have sought to establish Chabahar as an alternative port to Karachi for their land-locked nation. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/afghanistan-traders- release-imports-karachi-pakistan/32687658.html Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address New U.S. Sanctions Take Aim At 'Russia's Malign Influence' In Balkans By RFE/RL's Balkan Service November 16, 2023 The U.S. Treasury on November 16 imposed a broad set of sanctions on eight people and six entities across the Balkans accused of "perpetuating corruption and enabling Russian malign influence" in the region. Included in the sanctions are Bosnian politicians who are accused of organized crime in Montenegro and firms and executives in North Macedonia tied to sanctioned Russians. "Russia has continued to use its influence in the Western Balkans to stymie the region's integration into international institutions and organizations, as well as leverage key jurisdictions to facilitate its aggressive destabilizing activities," Brian Nelson, undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, said in a news release. Three of the individuals designated for sanctions are Republika Srpska politicians Savo Cvijetinovic, a member of the executive board of Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik's political party; Petar Djokic, the minister of industry, energy, and mining in Republika Srpska; and Dusko Perovic, the long-serving head of Republika Srpska's office in Moscow. Cvijetinovic is a representative of the Republika Srpska-based company BN Inzinjering, which facilitated the illegal transfer of helicopter engines manufactured in Ukraine to Russia, the Treasury Department said. Djokic was sanctioned for his backing of a pipeline from Croatia to a Russian-owned refinery in Republika Srpska, a deal that the Treasury Department said threatens the terms of the Dayton agreement that ended the 1992-95 Bosnian War. The sanctions against Perovic were imposed because he has been integral in arranging interactions between Dodik and Russian officials, the department said. Sanctions also were imposed against Miodrag "Daka" Davidovic in Montenegro, who, according to the department, has laundered money for decades for crime syndicates, and Branislav "Brano" Micunovic, who Treasury said for decades has been a leading figure in organized crime in Montenegro. The Treasury Department also imposed sanctions on three people in North Macedonia -- Sergei Samsonenko, a dual citizen of Russia and North Macedonia and a wealthy businessman; his wife, Irina Samsonenko; and Ratka Kunoska Kamceva. In addition, several entities linked to Kamcev were designated for alleged corruption and ties to Russia. The U.S. State Department on November 16 also announced sanctions involving individuals and entities in the Balkans, accusing them of having connections to "Russia's malign influence in the region and the corruption that enables it." The State Department designated politicians Misa Vacic, president of the Serbian Right Party in Serbia, and Nenad Popovic, who served as a Serbia minister without portfolio from 2017 to 2022 and founded the nationalist Serbian People's Party in 2014. In addition, 12 of their Russia-based business networks were blacklisted. Vacic served as an observer in Russia's sham referenda in 2022 for the purported annexation of the Moscow-occupied regions of Ukraine. Vacic claimed in interviews to be an international observer invited by Russian President Vladimir Putin and advocated for the annexation of the regions by Russia. Popovic owns numerous companies and holdings in Serbia and Russia. Since the 1990s, he has used his Russian-based businesses to enrich himself and gain close connections with Kremlin senior leaders, the Treasury Department said. The sanctions freeze any assets held by the individuals and entities in U.S. jurisdictions and generally bars Americans from dealing with them. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-malign-balkans- influence-us-sanctions/32687909.html Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's answer to a question from RT, Moscow, November 16, 2023 16 November 2023 12:05 2314-16-11-2023 Question: What is your assessment of Egypt's role in resolving the Palestinian-Israeli conflict? Sergey Lavrov: The summit convened by Cairo was the first such event after October 7 and the subsequent developments. It was crucial to demonstrate that the international community will not stand idly by amidst the crisis, but is interested in halting any military action, releasing all hostages, allowing civilians from other countries to leave the area and in ensuring peace and security for the residents of Gaza. It is essential to recall the situation in the West Bank, where formal war has not been declared, yet it faces Israeli army raids. This does nothing to improve the conditions for the start of a peace process and eventually (after all humanitarian problems have been resolved), direct talks on the creation of a Palestinian state. Cairo plays an important role in these processes. Its capabilities as a state and a global player extend beyond the Middle East and the African continent. Egypt is a global player already. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Pentagon Says Shot Down Drone From Yemen Headed Toward US Ship, No Casualties Involved Sputnik News 20231116 WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - A US guided-missile destroyer in the Red Sea shot down a drone launched from Yemen in the direction of the warship, a US Defense Department spokesperson said in a statement to Sputnik. "On November 15th and 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," the statement said on Wednesday. The ship successfully downed the drone and sustained neither damage nor casualties as a result of the incident, the statement said. Last month, another US Navy warship, USS Carney, shot down three cruise missiles and several drones launched by Houthi forces in Yemen. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Secretary Blinken's Call with Jordanian Foreign Minister Safadi US Department of State Readout Office of the Spokesperson November 16, 2023 The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller: Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi to share his deep concern for the Jordanian medical personnel injured outside the Jordanian Field Hospital while providing critical medical care in Gaza. The Secretary reiterated that civilians and medical personnel at hospitals must be protected. Secretary Blinken again conveyed the gratitude of the United States to His Majesty King Abdullah II, the Jordanian Government, and to the Jordanian people for their ongoing provision of essential humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people. The Secretary underscored the commitment of the United States to achieving sustained peace through the establishment of a Palestinian state as part of a two-state solution. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Secretary Antony J. Blinken With Amna Nawaz of PBS NewsHour US Department of State Interview Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State PBS NewsHour San Francisco, California November 16, 2023 QUESTION: Mr. Secretary, welcome back to the NewsHour. Thanks for joining us. SECRETARY BLINKEN: Good to be with you. QUESTION: So one of the key agreements to come from that meeting between President Biden and President Xi was this pledge by China to curb fentanyl. We know they've made that pledge before. Fentanyl deaths in the U.S. have only increased every year since then, so why do you believe they will act on that pledge now when they haven't before? SECRETARY BLINKEN: Well, first, Amna, what's so important about the meeting yesterday is it advanced in very concrete ways really two things that we're trying to drive at in this relationship with China. We've got an intense competition with China - we want to make sure it doesn't veer into conflict - and at the same time, where we can find places to cooperate that really advance the interests of the American people, we're going to do that. When it comes to avoiding conflict, we've had a series of near misses with Chinese planes, Chinese boats coming dangerously close in very dangerous ways to our own. We hadn't had military-to-military contact between our countries in well over a year. We re-established that both at the highest levels and also at the operational level. That's an important way to avoid any mistakes, any miscalculations that could lead to conflict. Second, when it comes to advancing the interests of the American people, what you just alluded to - fentanyl, the number one killer of Americans age 18 to 49 - not guns, not car accidents, not cancer - fentanyl. And what we know is that in recent years, the chemical precursors, the ingredients that go into making fentanyl, are manufactured in China and then sent to our own hemisphere, where it's turned into fentanyl and comes into our country and devastates our communities. So what China has agreed to - QUESTION: And so what leads you to believe they will act now? SECRETARY BLINKEN: So two things. One is they have put out a public notice to all of their companies that engaging in this practice is forbidden; but beyond that, they've taken concrete action going against - we gave them a list of companies that we know to be engaged in this trafficking of chemical precursors, and they've actually taken action to disband these companies. That is very important, and it's, I think, a good demonstration of their seriousness. Beyond that, though, we've set up a group between our two countries to monitor this going forward to make sure that this continues. And as we and others get information about any companies involved, we expect, based on what they've said and based on what they've done, that China will take action. And by the way, this is something that I think China understands is important that it be seen as playing a leading and productive role in dealing with the fentanyl crisis, because it's not only affecting us; it's affecting increasingly countries around the world. We're the canary in the coalmine for fentanyl, but we have synthetic opioids in Asia, we have them in Europe, and China needs to be seen - and wants to be seen - as a responsible actor. QUESTION: I'd like to ask you as well about Israel's war in Gaza. As you know, Israel showed what they said was evidence that al-Shifa hospital was an is a Hamas command center. They released these produced videos that show guns and ammunition and a laptop that they said they found inside. Human Rights Watch has said the Israeli evidence so far is what they call insufficient to show that it was a command center to revoke Shifa's protection, so there is a lot of skepticism around this raid. Why not share more evidence of what you have seen that convinces you this was a command center? SECRETARY BLINKEN: Well, two things. First, if someone can explain why there are assault rifles next to MRI machines, that would be good to know. QUESTION: But is that your definition of a command center? SECRETARY BLINKEN: We have information QUESTION: The presence of weapons? SECRETARY BLINKEN: No, so - but second, with regard to command centers, we ourselves have information that that's exactly what Hamas is doing. And this is an ongoing operation, and I fully expect that as the operation is completed, Israel will show more evidence of what Hamas was doing in these hospitals or under these hospitals, because that's where the tunnels are. What we know across the board is that Hamas embeds itself in civilian infrastructure - in and under apartment buildings, in and under hospitals, in and under schools - and it uses people as human shields. There's been a horrific loss of life in Gaza. And we have to ask ourselves what we would have done in the same situation. Imagine if terrorists had come across our border on October 7th, slaughtered - proportionally - 40,000 Americans, and then retreated and were hiding themselves among civilians in all of the civilian infrastructure. What would we have done? At the same time, Israel has an absolute obligation to do everything possible to avoid harming civilians. And as you know, they've opened up corridors so that people could get out of harm's way. More than a million people have left Gaza City. They put in place some limited pauses to facilitate that. They brought in assistance to the hospitals themselves. But they can, they must, do even more. And this is something that we're on constantly. It's QUESTION: To your point, to your point on the loss of life, the U.S. equivalent of - the Gazan loss of life would be over 1.5 million people. And as you have noted, watching that death toll rise, as you said, watching children pulled from the rubble - that guts you every time. Americans are increasingly feeling that way too. I just want to put to you our latest poll numbers from this week when people were asked about their response, Israel's response to the Hamas attack: 38 percent the Israel - said the Israeli response have been, quote, "about right," but 38 percent also said the Israeli response has been "too much." And that number is up 12 percent from - or 12 points, rather, from just a month ago. So I wonder what you would say to Americans who are increasingly uncomfortable with Israel's conduct in the war and U.S. support of it. SECRETARY BLINKEN: Look, I think so many of us feel the same way. This is incredibly gut-wrenching and it's heartbreaking. But we also have to ask ourselves what would we do, and what would any country do when faced with this terrorist organization that had slaughtered its people and then said very clearly that it intended to do it again and again and again if given the ability to do that, the capacity and the ability to do that. And that's the problem that Israel has to deal with; it's a problem that any of us have to deal with. The other thing is I don't hear the (inaudible) cry for Hamas to respect international humanitarian law; for Hamas to maybe get out of the buildings, to get out of the hospitals, to get out of the schools so that civilians aren't endangered; for Hamas to surrender. That would protect Palestinian civilians immediately. I'm not hearing anyone say that. The dilemma for any country in this situation is what to do to make sure that not only can you - are you defending your people, but you're trying to make sure that this can't happen again. QUESTION: That is the U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken joining us tonight. Mr. Secretary, thank you. Good to see you. SECRETARY BLINKEN: Good to see you too. Thanks. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Secretary Antony J. Blinken With David Muir of ABC World News Tonight US Department of State Interview Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State ABC World News Tonight San Francisco, California November 16, 2023 QUESTION: Mr. Secretary, thank you for being here. In the last 24 hours, U.S. officials told ABC News that there was a potential plan in the works to rescue about 50 hostages - women and children - from Hamas. Last night we were told that negotiators were getting closer. President Biden has said his message to the families is hang in there, we're coming. So how close are we to seeing any of these hostages? SECRETARY BLINKEN: David, what I can tell you is this. We've been working intensely on this from day one to try to bring hostages home, bring Americans home, Israelis home, the other nationalities who are being held by Hamas. But having said that, honestly, the less that I say the better at this moment because we don't want to jeopardize anything that we're doing to try to bring people home. All I can tell you is we're focused on this intensely, and look, I am hopeful that we can bring people home. QUESTION: I know you're aware of what we have reported tonight - Israeli authorities announcing the body of a 65-year-old hostage was actually found near al-Shifa Hospital. Do you have any intelligence? Should the world be prepared that we could learn of more hostages who have not survived this ordeal? SECRETARY BLINKEN: I don't have the information to confirm what you've reported, but look, what we've seen from day one is Hamas endangering everyone, endangering the civilians of Gaza by embedding itself with them in hospitals, in apartment buildings, in schools, in mosques, and of course, endangering the hostages that it's taken by keeping them close to harm's way. So horrifically, that could certainly be one of the results. QUESTION: Let me ask you in particular about al-Shifa Hospital. U.S. officials said they saw intelligence that actually backed up what the Israelis were claiming, that there were tunnels under al-Shifa Hospital. I know the Israelis are showing newer images tonight. Are you confident that there are tunnels, that there is a command center under that hospital, of course filled with patients, with babies when it was stormed? SECRETARY BLINKEN: Yes. And what we know and based on information we have as well as information that the Israelis have is that this has been the practice of Hamas to use these civilian infrastructure, to use hospitals, to use schools, to use mosques, to use apartment buildings to embed their own fighters and to have command posts there, to have commanders there, to have weapons there. Already what we've seen from the operation at al-Shifa Hospital are a huge number of weapons that were recovered, and you have assault rifles found next to MRI machines. So this is one of the monstrous practices that Hamas engages in, and it's, as you know, endangered so many civilians in Gaza. QUESTION: Mr. Secretary, as you know, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told me that after this war with Hamas, quote, "I think Israel will have for an indefinite period the overall security responsibility for Gaza," that Israel will be in Gaza. Does the U.S. support this? SECRETARY BLINKEN: We don't. We've been very clear that there can't be a reoccupation by Israel of Gaza, just as Gaza can't continue to be used as a platform to launch terrorist attacks. We also QUESTION: Have you told the prime minister that you don't agree with this? SECRETARY BLINKEN: Yes, we have. We've been clear about that. Now, there may have to be a transitional period where their security is provided for Gaza. That's something that we have to look at. But when it comes to the future of Gaza, in our judgment, it has to be under Palestinian governance and there has to be security provided as well. It's imperative, in our judgment, if there is going to be lasting peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians alike, that we actually move forward on ensuring that the Palestinians have political rights, that they have the ability to govern themselves, to make decisions for their own future in their own state. QUESTION: I want to ask you about this summit with China's President Xi. President Biden said today that the United States has real differences with Beijing. He said the U.S. will continue strong diplomacy, military communications back up, progress on fentanyl, but you also know that President Biden was asked if President Xi is a dictator. President Biden said he is a dictator. A lot is being made of your reaction in that moment. Do you agree that President Xi is a dictator here? SECRETARY BLINKEN: Well, David, it's not exactly a secret to anyone that we have two very different systems. And President Biden always speaks candidly and he speaks for all of us. But the point you made a moment ago is this summit yesterday, this meeting yesterday, produced real, concrete results for the American people. We have a couple of obligations in this relationship with China, the most consequential of any relationship that we have. We've got a real competition. We want to make sure it doesn't veer into conflict. Yesterday, we got - we restored military-to-military engagement. That's critically important because we've had a series of near misses over the last year where Chinese ships, Chinese planes were driven or flown very dangerously close to our own. Second, fentanyl - the number one killer of Americans aged 18 to 49. We've had a big challenge because the chemicals that are used to make fentanyl, the so-called precursors, the ingredients, made in China by some companies, a handful of companies, then sent over across the ocean to our own hemisphere, turned into fentanyl, they come in and devastate our communities. The agreement we reached with China yesterday that the President reached has China now cooperating, working with us, working with other countries to crack down on this. And they've already taken action. Not only did they publish a notice to all of their companies that this is forbidden, they've actually taken concrete action to take down companies that were engaged in this practice. This is going to have a clear and positive impact on communities across our country. QUESTION: Mr. Secretary, thank you for your time. SECRETARY BLINKEN: Good to be with you. Thanks, David. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The conflict in Sudan is having a catastrophic impact on civilians: UK statement at the UN Security Council Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council meeting on Sudan. 16 November 2023 Thank you President, and thank you also to ASG Pobee for her briefing. And I welcome the participation of the representative of Sudan in this meeting. President, the conflict in Sudan is having a catastrophic impact on civilians. More than six million people are now displaced inside and outside of the country. We pay tribute to the tireless efforts of Sudanese people, UN staff and aid workers who are working to provide support for the millions plunged into starvation and insecurity by the fighting between the Rapid Support Forces [RSF] and Sudanese Armed Forces [SAF]. In Darfur, the recent RSF offensive has been appallingly violent, with credible reports of human rights abuses and atrocities, including ethnically targeted killings, unjust detentions and widespread sexual violence. Continued airstrikes in urban areas by the SAF have led to a heavy loss of life and thousands trapped without access to basic services. And we note with concern the announcement today that signatories to the Juba Peace Agreement have ended their neutrality in this conflict. This can only risk leading to further bloodshed. President, this conflict requires urgent diplomatic action. We are encouraged by the resumption of Jeddah talks and the subsequent establishment of a Humanitarian Forum. We urge both warring parties to act on their commitment to improve humanitarian access through concrete actions. The meeting in Addis Ababa of Sudanese civilian stakeholders is an important step towards establishment of a representative pro-democracy civilian front. We support this effort and underline the need to make the process even more inclusive. We urge the warring parties to recognise that the transfer of power to a civilian administration is the only way forward and to work constructively towards meaningful peace talks. The conflict cannot be ended through military means. Further coordinated action under African leadership, along with other international partners, remains vital. Irrespective of developments over the coming months, there is a clear need for a continued UN role in Sudan, working in concert with the AU and IGAD. We look forward to the Secretary-General's recommendations following the strategic review of UNITAMS. I thank you. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Gaza: UN's Turk calls for political path out of 'horror' 16 November 2023 - UN human rights chief Volker Turk on Thursday welcomed the Security Council call for pauses in the fighting in Gaza where "doctors operate on screaming children without anaesthetic, using mobile phones for light", before appealing directly to the warring sides to lay down their weapons. Speaking in Geneva, the High Commissioner for Human Rights urged the parties to the conflict to "create the political space for a path out of this horror". Mr. Turk condemned the widespread targeting of civilians in the past five weeks of hostilities and urged accountability for gross rights violations. He stressed that attacks directed at "hospitals, schools, markets and bakeries" as well as collective punishment "in the case of Israel's blockade and siege imposed on Gaza" are prohibited under international humanitarian law. So too is "aiming indiscriminate projectiles into southern Israel" by Palestinian armed groups, hostage-taking and the "use of civilians to shield locations from military operations". "I am on the side of every civilian, Palestinian or Israeli, who is harmed, or who lives in fear," he said. Ceasefire now Addressing the desperate humanitarian situation in the enclave after briefing Member States and journalists in Geneva, Mr. Turk highlighted multiple patient deaths at Gaza City's besieged Al-Shifa hospital and the proliferation of attacks on healthcare in the Strip. Since 7 October, 137 such attacks have been documented by UN health agency WHO. The UN rights chief spoke of people forced to move south by Israeli bombardments and fighting on the ground, "carrying elderly family members, and terrified, sometimes wounded children, moving slowly on a bomb-cratered road", and of those unable to move who remain trapped in sealed-off northern Gaza. Putting hostilities on hold to give space to humanitarian action, as called for by Security Council resolution 2712 adopted on Wednesday night, is "critically necessary", Mr. Turk said, urging the parties to the conflict to "give effect, immediately, to the Council's calls". Safe zones 'untenable' The High Commissioner echoed the 10-point plan presented on Wednesday by UN emergency relief chief Martin Griffiths, notably regarding the need to provide fuel to power aid trucks, hospitals, bakeries and desalination plants. In alignment with Mr. Griffiths' comments, Mr. Turk warned that proposals for a so-called "safe zone" are untenable" because the zone is "neither safe nor feasible for the number of people in need". War crimes investigations Speaking to journalists of the need for justice and accountability, he said that documenting and analysing evidence of all violations was a long and necessary process. He stressed the importance of access to both Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory for independent monitoring. Where national authorities "prove unwilling or unable" to carry out investigations, and "where there are contested narratives on particularly significant incidents" an international investigation could be called for, he said. Asked about the case of Al-Shifa hospital, which was the object of an Israeli military raid this week, he said that there were contradictory statements on the developments there, which would warrant an independent international investigation "to find out what is actually happening". The Israeli Defense Forces raided the hospital, making claims of a weapons and explosives cache, and allegations, as yet unproven, that Hamas had established a command centre under the hospital. 'Risk of spill over' Mr. Turk also stressed that the crisis "extends well beyond Gaza", with a "potentially explosive" situation in the occupied West Bank, where settler attacks against Palestinians and the use of military means in law enforcement operations are on the rise. Having returned from a visit to the region last week, the UN rights chief also said that he shared "the deep sense of foreboding of many of [his] interlocutors about the risk of spill over into the wider Middle East region, if the current trajectory continues". He warned against the "trap" of further polarisation, insisting that "every one of us needs to strive to find common ground, and a solution". NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address World News in Brief: Ethiopia food aid resumes, 'Stop the Lies' campaign against big tobacco, Syria ruling, climate action - key to peace 16 November 2023 - In drought and conflict-affected Ethiopia, the UN World Food Programme (WFP) said on Thursday it was restarting food assistance after a thorough review of its operations following reports of large-scale aid diversion earlier this year. WFP food aid in the country, which was suspended in June, will aim to reach 3.2 million people after the relaunch. 'Working around the clock' WFP chief Cindy McCain said that the agency's teams and partners "have been working around the clock to get to this point." The UN agency's new approach will rely on reinforced tracking to follow food movements from warehouses to beneficiaries and a system of community feedback to help report misuse. WFP said that it had successfully tested the new systems in Ethiopia's Tigray province and will now roll them out in Afar, Amhara and Somali regions. Last month, WFP resumed food assistance to nearly 900,000 refugees in camps across Ethiopia, including some 35,000 who have fled the brutal military power struggle in Sudan in recent months. UN Syria Commission welcomes 'landmark' ICJ order The UN Syria Commission of Inquiry has welcomed a landmark order by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) which binds Syria to take "all measures within its power" to prevent acts of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. It also demands that Syrian officials - as well as "any organizations or persons under its control, direction or influence" - not to commit any such acts. "This is a landmark order by the world's top court to stop torture, enforced disappearances and deaths in Syria's detention facilities," said Commission Chair Paulo Pinheiro. "Such violations have been a hallmark of the Syrian conflict for 12 years - and were among its chief root causes." "While we have seen dozens of criminal trials of individual Syrians for war crimes and crimes against humanity, this is the first time that the Syrian State itself is part of a judicial process - required to defend its abysmal record of violations of the Convention against Torture before international justices at the highest level," Mr. Pinheiro added. Preserve evidence In its decision, the Court also ordered Syria to take effective measures to prevent the destruction and ensure the preservation of any evidence related to the allegations of acts falling within the Convention against Torture - such as medical records. "For the tens of thousands who have been arbitrarily detained, tortured, ill-treated, disappeared and killed in Syria's detention facilities, this process has reignited hopes for justice," said Commissioner Hanny Megally. "Our Commission has investigated such violations since 2011. We have seen first-hand the long-term, immense suffering they cause not only the detainees, but also their families", she added. WHO launches 'Stop the Lies' campaign to protect youth from tobacco The UN health agency (WHO) on Thursday launched a new campaign to protect young people from continuing misinformation on the part of the tobacco industry. The Stop the Lies initiative calls for an end to tobacco industry interference in health policy, supported by new evidence published by non-profit watchdogs STOP and the Global Center for Good Governance in Tobacco Control. This shows that efforts to protect health policies around the world from tobacco companies "have deteriorated", said WHO. The campaign will amplify youth voices, expose industry tactics and increase public awareness of the need to defend health policies to curb the use of tobacco products "and protect the health of future generations." Demanding protection "WHO stands with young people globally who have demanded governments protect them against a deadly industry that targets them with new harmful products while outright lying about the health impacts", said Dr. Ruediger Krech, WHO's Director of Health Promotion. "We call on all countries to safeguard health policies from this deadly industry by not letting them have a seat at the policy-making table". The industry tries to interfere with the right to protect health, by taking governments to court or offering financial in-kind incentives to be able to influence tobacco control policies, said WHO. The agency stressed that it supports countries in defending evidence-based control measures, in the face of such interference. Climate action holds key to peace: Young Sudanese activist Young people in the Arab world should keep up the fight for climate action - especially in the face of wars and violence raging in the region. That's the message from Nisreen Elsaim, a climate activist from Sudan who took the floor at the UN in Geneva on Thursday, having seen first-hand how climate change drives hunger, displacement and conflict. She told UN News about her advocacy for increased investment in renewable energy as a strategy for sustainability and peace, at a time of increased competition for natural resources. She also highlighted the key role of youth in climate adaptation and preparedness and stressed that more scientific education is needed to help young people understand the issues and get involved. Despite only being in her twenties, Nisreen has already gained experience in international advocacy as the Chair of the UN Secretary-General's Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change. She shared the stage at the UN in Geneva on Thursday as part of the "Young Activists Summit" with four other outstanding campaigners, from Burkina Faso, Colombia, India and Myanmar, working to build peace in the Sahel, protect the environment, end child marriage and realize the rights of the Rohingya people. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Remarks by UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini on the occupied Palestinian territory (16 November 2023) UNRWA 16 Nov 2023 16 November 2023 PRESS CONFERENCE - AS DELIVERED GENEVA, 16 November 2023 - It has been almost six weeks of hell for the people of Gaza. Six weeks far too many for the Palestinians, for the women, for the children. Six weeks far too long for the hostages and their families. And far too long for the entire region. It has also been six weeks of total disregard for international humanitarian law. I have to say the scale of destruction and loss is just staggering, and this is taking place under our watch. We have just witnessed the largest displacement of Palestinians since 1948. It is an exodus under our watch. A river of people being forced to flee their homes. Some were forced to relive the unlivable: traumas from the past, mostly unhealed. Others, the younger generation, were forced to live through traumas of ancestors or parents. This week, our teams reported people arriving after hours and hours of walking. Coming from the north of Gaza, Gaza City, to the South. They were dehydrated, hungry, exhausted, and shell shocked. Many were just asking "What next?", "Where do I go now"? Unlike in other global conflicts in recent years, the people of Gaza are trapped in a 365 square kilometre enclave with no way out. With no border to be crossed. This enclave has now shrunk by half. Many continue to flock to UNRWA shelters where we are hosting more than 800,000 people. I went recently to one of these shelters. What I saw there will never leave me. I was shocked by the tragic and sudden transformation of a place I have known very well for more than 30 years. Until recently, and I know it is hard to believe, many people in Gaza were living like you and me. With the same kind of dreams, the same kind of aspirations for their children. But suddenly, overnight, their dignity was stripped. When I was in this school, the children were pleading for a sip of water and a loaf of bread. And they were doing this in the same school where many of them used to get teaching and education. We keep talking about the unsanitary living conditions in these overcrowded shelters. First, we see it because there is almost no water in places where you have thousands of people. But then these are places which were never meant to be shelters. Basically, water is not available. There is only one toilet available for 700 people. These are the living conditions. On top of that, most of the people left their homes at the last minute. They left without anything, and many of them basically do not have even the clothes to change their clothes after six weeks. That is what we are talking about when we talk about people being stripped of their dignity. No doubt this kind of rapid deterioration brings us back to a kind of medieval age. The siege that we see is a collective punishment imposed on an entire population. Let me give some of the latest issues of concern and also few issues where I would like to address some misunderstandings or, I would say, misinformation. **1. The first one where I want to be clear and repeat: there is nowhere safe in Gaza. ** Whether in the north, in the south, in the middle. There is none. People have been asked to go from the north to the south but in reality, one third of the colleagues killed have been killed in the south. So, the south is not safe. Even the UN compounds are not safe. Up to 60 of them have been hit. Since the beginning of the conflict, we had more than 60 people killed. We had a hundred people injured. There is no safe place, and I am saying this because you heard certainly yesterday Martin Griffiths talking about safe zones or humanitarian zones. Basically, in a war situation there is no such safe zone or humanitarian zone where people could feel safe. **2. Secondly, we have at least 103 UNRWA colleagues who have been killed. ** This is the number we were able to confirm. The reality is we might have more people who have been killed. And I worry that some of them are still under the rubble. These were UNRWA colleagues. They had absolutely nothing to do with the conflict per se. They were civil servants of the United Nations, dedicated to serving their community. They have now been killed. I know that last Monday, in Geneva and across the world, the UN declared half-mast to remember them. We did it everywhere except in Gaza, where basically our colleague felt very strongly that the best way to honor them is through a message that we will continue to maintain our humanitarian response in the Gaza Strip. 3. Thirdly, because there have been again a number of articles, I want to make it clear again that UNRWA does not teach hatred in its schools. Over the past few weeks and amid a sea of emotions, a targeted and orchestrated campaign was launched against our education system, which in reality is recognized for its excellence. So let me just reconfirm a few facts: UNRWA rejects claims linking its personnel and schools to the abhorrent October 7 attacks in Israel -- attacks that UNRWA has condemned in the strongest terms, and which I will always continue to condemn. I question the motivation of those who make such claims, through large advocacy campaigns -- especially under these current circumstances. I have always been clear on this: UNRWA is committed to upholding UN humanitarian principles, and we have absolutely zero tolerance of hate speech, racism and incitement to discrimination, hostility, or violence. I acknowledge that we are operating in a very emotional and divided environment. This environment has risks, but as the UN when it comes to this, we apply a no tolerance policy. 4. The question of diversion. UNRWA does not let aid be diverted. First of all, we are an agency that directly implements its programmes. We do not have any intermediary. Secondly, whenever we work with suppliers, they are systematically checked against a sanctions list. Thirdly, all our staff on a yearly basis the names are communicated to the host country, and when it comes to the occupied Palestinian territory also to the Occupying state, namely Israel. In reality, we are certainly one of the most scrutinized organizations. I experience this usually when I travel to capitals. Whenever we go to a Parliament, most questions about international aid are in reality directed to UNRWA. **5. UNRWA is now running out of fuel. ** We will not be able to uphold our commitments to provide for the Palestinian people any longer. I do believe there is a deliberate attempt to strangle our operation and paralyze UNRWA operations. For weeks on end, we have pleaded, and I have pleaded three weeks ago at a press conference, warning about the impact of the lack of fuel. We have succeeded in the last three weeks to tap into the remaining fuel in the Gaza Strip, which was not UNRWA fuel, and we always coordinated with the Israeli Authorities. But now we are running out. Yesterday, we received a tiny shipment of fuel, in reality half a truck, and on top of that it was delivered with conditionality meaning that it is to be used only for the trucks collecting the goods arriving at Rafah. Which means this fuel cannot be used for other purposes, which means the fuel is not available anymore for, for example, the desalination water stations, the sewage pumping system, or for the bakeries. As of yesterday, 70 per cent of the population in the south has no access to clean water. And as of today, we have raw sewage starting to flow in the streets. Without the fuel we will not be able to bring the relief we are receiving from Egypt to the people in need. Clearly, if the issue of fuel is not addressed, we run the risk of having to suspend the entire humanitarian operation. I do believe that it is outrageous that humanitarian agencies are reduced to begging for fuel and forced after that to decide who will we assist or not assist, when you have such a large population in a lifesaving situation. **6. Another point I want to raise is the fact that UN facilities are being violated. Over the last six weeks, quite regularly. ** I mentioned before the premises sheltering displaced people. But I would like to tell you that over the last few days I received reports that several of our UNRWA schools (in the north) have been used for military purposes, including reports of an (alleged) recent discovery of weapons in schools and the positioning of Israeli Forces' tanks in at least two UN schools in the north. I reiterate here that UN facilities must never be used for military purposes or political gains and control. This is precisely the meaning of the UN flag. Before I conclude, let me, and I think it is important to always remember the situation in the West Bank. We should not forget the plight of the Palestinians in East Jerusalem and in the West Bank. Long before the October 7 massacre, there was a lot of violence, mainly in the Refugee camps. Today, we have recorded since the beginning of the year more than 400 people killed, which is nearly three times higher than last year, and last year was already the highest number of people killed on record since 2005. I just came back from a visit before coming here in Shufat camp in East Jerusalem where staff told me how they are living in constant fear and worry, amid Israeli Forces' operations. Just after I left the Shufat camp, the school I visited had to evacuate again with 600 girls and boys because of such an operation. In conclusion, just before taking question, I will again reiterate our asks: A ceasefire is now urgently needed if we want to save whatever is left of our humanity. In fact, it is long overdue. I am just receiving the information now that Gaza is again in a total communication blackout. And if it is again in a total communications blackout, it is because there is no fuel. As I told the member states, no fuel no bakery, no fuel no hospital, no fuel no water and here no fuel no communications. No communications are amplifying the anxiety and the panic and accelerating the last remaining civil order we have in the Gaza Strip. First, we need a ceasefire. We need fuel, fuel and fuel. A decision should have been taken a long time ago but the more we wait, the more we will see now the siege taking over and become the main reason why people die and could be killed in the Gaza Strip. The last point, when we talk about unhindered, unconditional and meaningful access of commodities in the Gaza Strip it is not only and just for humanitarian assistance and also to make basic commodities available on the market and for that we need also a flow of commercial movement in the Gaza Strip. **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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address NPS Consortium Advances Innovative Naval Applications of Additive Manufacturing US Navy 16 November 2023 From Matthew Schehl MONTEREY, Calif. -- Conducting applied research in the operating environment, a team based at the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) is quickly becoming a key player in the acceleration of adoption of additive manufacturing (AM) - a technology critical to sustainment in austere, contested environments. The Consortium for Advanced Manufacturing Research and Education (CAMRE) is leveraging NPS' strong AM foundation and innovation ecosystem, bringing together the right expertise in AM technologies and capabilities with students and seasoned faculty to deliver emerging technologies and capabilities to the warfighter. From at-sea and in-flight demonstrations aboard U.S. Navy and Marine Corps platforms, to the coordination and facilitation of testing on U.S. Coast Guard vessels in remote areas of the world, CAMRE and its partners are showcasing the potential of additive manufacturing for expeditionary logistics. For example, in the summer of 2023, the Marine Corps made headlines with the first in-flight 3D printing of a medical cast aboard an MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft during a training exercise in Southern California. NPS and CAMRE worked with partners at the Marine Innovation Unit (MIU) on the demonstration, which highlighted a key component of the Marine Corps' Force Design 2030. "We are just scratching the surface on the capabilities that will come from being able to 3D print in flight," said U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Michael Radigan, liaison to NPS from the MIU. "Dozens of printers being installed in a modular fashion aboard aircraft brings the ability for mobile production at a scale we have not experienced before." Additive manufacturing - or 3D printing, as it's more commonly known - is the computer-controlled process of creating three-dimensional objects by "printing" material, layer upon layer, to build up an item with the finest of detail. Whether creating a child's toy or a sophisticated machine part, it is economical and efficient, employing a minimum of resources with a minimum of labor and time. AM technology is starting to impact industrial production as the world shifts from analog to digital technology. Across the Department of Defense (DOD), 3D printing is recognized as a powerful and versatile tool providing technical advantages across a range of defense applications. In January 2021, the Department of Defense published its first-ever Additive Manufacturing Strategy to "provide a shared set of guiding principles and a framework for AM technology development and transition to support modernization and Warfighter readiness" across the military. NPS has a history of early AM technology adoption, starting in 2009 with the installation of a Stratasys 3D printer on campus, and in recent years has explored AM technologies, such as wire-fed AM, liquid metal jetting, and laser powder bed fusion metal AM - a capability which is of interest to the Navy. Additionally, since 2019 the NPS Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) Department has offered a dedicated graduate-level AM course which has already educated more than 100 officers who will serve in the fleet. "This kind of technology is really critical to maintain the superiority of the Navy, and we aim to have our students ready for the challenges ahead," said NPS Associate Professor Dr. I. Emre Gunduz, the technical lead for CAMRE who has more than 20 years of AM experience. "Their education and training here is crucial, so they can use AM effectively." Now in its second year, CAMRE represents a unified effort at NPS dedicated to the enhancement of AM education for defense applications and integration of AM technologies across the Navy, Marine Corps and joint force. CAMRE proliferates new capabilities, delivering hands-on education and developing talent and technologies through applied research with operational forces. CAMRE is truly interdisciplinary in nature, reaching across eight different departments and fields as diverse as mechanical and materials engineering, computer science, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and defense management. "CAMRE was congressionally directed as part of an effort to accelerate AM adoption across the tri-service maritime forces - the Navy, Coast Guard and Marine Corps," explained CAMRE program manager Chris Curran. According to Curran, success in this mission is accomplished not only by "building on the Z" - referring to the mechanics of 3D printing along all three axes, X, Y and Z - but through education, material sciences advancement, adoption and operational impacts of AM technologies. "NPS allows us to be very impactful in this and not just build on the Z," Curran said. "Our goal is to make sure that every Sailor and Marine who is going to use AM is exposed to it. How are we educating them to understand the baseline? How are we integrating augmented and virtual reality technology? How are we using satellite communications to have open discussions with engineers for reach-back support? How do we ensure there's no counterfeit injected into the system that allows for flaws to be built in by our adversaries? How do we shorten the supply chain? How do we have manufacturing at the point of need? These are the kinds of questions we're asking [at CAMRE]." During the first year of its initial funding, CAMRE looked at how NPS could further optimize student exposure to AM technology through new systems at the NPS campus and collaborated with the Naval Systems Engineering Directorate (NAVSEA 05) to accelerate adoption of AM at sea. NAVSEA 05, which is leading the charge for afloat AM, funded the installation of a Philips hybrid 3D printer aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5). In July 2022, CAMRE partnered with Commander, Naval Surface Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet (COMNAVSURFPAC) to install a liquid metal printer on the amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) during the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise. This was the first time researchers and Sailors were able to test and evaluate a metal printer onboard a ship. Since then, the liquid metal printer has been installed aboard the amphibious transport dock USS San Diego (LPD 22) in preparation for further at-sea testing and evaluation. What's more, the technology used by Marines to conduct 3D printing aboard the Osprey in 2023 was also employed in additional tests facilitated by CAMRE, though in two vastly different environments - the Arctic Circle and the South Pacific. The Advanced Manufacturing Operational System (AMOS), developed at Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Pacific in San Diego, was placed aboard the Coast Guard icebreaker USCGC Healy (WAGB 20) during the vessel's transit through the Arctic in the summer of 2023. At the same time, Marines from Combat Logistics Battalion 11, I Marine Expeditionary Force (I MEF), used AMOS to manufacture a shaped explosive charge, allowing them to destroy a World War II-era 500-pound bomb threatening the state legislature building in Pohnpei, Micronesia. According to Gunduz, the research afforded by these machines continues to be a boon - from fundamental research, ranging from AM of high-performance aerospace aluminum alloys like Al 7075 that are hard to manufacture and application of these materials, to low-density multifunctional metallic structures for autonomous vehicles and energetics. U.S. Navy Lt. Zachary Vrtis, a Ph.D. candidate at NPS, is doing his research under Gunduz's supervision. In addition to research in support of his dissertation, titled "Aluminum Alloy Fabrication Methods Using Liquid Metal Printing," Vrtis is also looking for ways to accelerate adoption of metal AM by the fleet for ship and submarine repair. "As an Engineering Duty Officer with a background in submarine operations and repair, I am very passionate about improving the throughput of the Navy's shipyards in order to increase the operational availability of our fleet," said Vrtis. "The goal of my research is to successfully print aluminum alloy 7075 components with the same material properties as ones produced via traditional methods. From there, the sky is the limit, and I look forward to exploring ways to further improve the strength to weight ratio of components fabricated with Al 7075." After NPS, Vrtis will receive orders to a Navy shipyard, and he is looking forward to continuing his collaboration with Gunduz and the CAMRE team. "In addition to my research, I am working with CAMRE and the naval shipyards and repair activities to look for opportunities in upcoming exercises and repairs to prove the value of metal AM," Vrtis added. "Right now, the Navy is fighting an increasing backlog of maintenance in our shipyards, and I hope to reduce that by finding more and more uses for metal AM." Another notable application is modeling and investigating the elemental physics of hypersonics, according to Garth Hobson, CAMRE director and Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) professor. Drawing extensively on the liquid metal printer and a small powder bed metal printer, NPS engineers are able to fabricate a wide variety of components out of different metals, including aluminum and titanium, predict their performance using computational fluid dynamics, and see how they perform under hypersonic conditions. "We're using the liquid metal printer to print - you name it: brackets, rake probes," Hobson said. For example, U.S. Navy Ensign G. Forrest Dawe, an NPS Aerospace Engineering student, created a device with the liquid metal printer to measure internal conditions to further streamline a newly upgraded wind tunnel. The recently graduated Dawe attended NPS as a Shoemaker Scholar, putting him on a fast track to earn his master's degree in just one year after his undergraduate degree at Boston University and before attending Navy flight training in Pensacola, Fla. According to Dawe, his research measured velocity and pressure along the wind tunnel to characterize airflow. In addition to the research already underway, CAMRE is looking to expand its facilities in the NPS lab annex area, utilizing Building 230 to house additional 3D printers. Another area of focus as the organization enters its second year is the expeditionary aspect of AM, especially cold spray printing. Cold spray technology blasts a supersonic gas stream heated up to a temperature of 800 to 900 degrees Celsius to "print" dense durable parts of metals, polymers, and composite materials. The kinetic energy of the powders is enough to pancake and bond them together without having to melt the material, hence the "cold" spray. "We made a strategic decision and purchased an expeditionary cold spray printer," Curran said. "Strategic subs, Naval Aviation, the Marine Corps and NAVSEA are all interested in cold spray and expeditionary, so buying that one machine means we can still make parts and do research, but we're not limited to a large machine which stays in one room. It can travel." Additionally, the collective interest will yield second-order research funding; as a result, what was programmatically a three-year plus-up now has a seven- or eight-year horizon, with room to grow. "We're being very deliberate because CAMRE's not a program of record," Curran added. "However, adoption of AM is not a problem that will solve itself in three years. You won't get full adoption, let alone how you train, educate, track and certify Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen." Amela Sadagic, CAMRE co-director and an NPS computer science research associate professor, holds a user-centric approach to AM adoption. She works with her students, whom she credits as having the role of change agents, to develop augmented and virtual reality applications for AM technology and cultivate innovation. "AM is likely the only technology where domain users - Sailors, Soldiers and Marines - are empowered by the tools that this technology provides to innovate and provide ideas for parts and tools that never existed," Sadagic said. "So really the only individuals who have knowledge about conditions in their work environments, and what works, what doesn't work and what breaks, are the domain users." "No scientist and no company is privy to that type of information," she added. Sadagic cites the time a Sailor had to bring four different tools up a ladder to maintain a system. He knew that chances were at least one of the tools dropping, so the Sailor came up with the idea of forging one single tool that integrated all four functions. "To me, that was ingenious," she said. "Sometimes when you approach individuals who are educated, they have a way of seeing advances and benefits in a way that things get enabled faster." That, Sadagic continued, is CAMRE's goal: to touch as many Sailors and Marines as possible so that down the road, the way is paved for the adoption of AM technology. "We are growing an army of people who will be informed and able to support innovation in AM," Sadagic said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel Tells Palestinians to Leave 4 Southern Gaza Towns By VOA News November 16, 2023 Latest developments: Israel warns Palestinians to leave four towns in southern Gaza, possibly presaging new Israeli attacks in the area. Israeli forces continue operations around Shifa Hospital in Gaza. The U.N. Security Council passes a resolution calling for the immediate release of all hostages held by Hamas and "urgent and extended humanitarian pauses" in Gaza. Israel says the resolution is "detached from the reality on the ground." Israel ordered Palestinians to leave four towns in southern Gaza on Thursday, signaling a possible expansion of its war against Hamas militants into areas where Israeli officials had told people it was safe to stay. Israel dropped leaflets from aircraft overnight, telling civilians to leave the towns of Bani Shuhaila, Khuzaa, Abassan and Qarara, on the eastern edge of Khan Younis, the main southern city. "For your safety, you need to evacuate your places of residence immediately and head to known shelters," the leaflets said. "Anyone near terrorists or their facilities puts their life at risk, and every house used by terrorists will be targeted." Residents in the area said there was a heavy Israeli bombardment overnight. Hours later, the Israeli military said it had recovered the body of Yehudit Weiss, one of the 240 hostages captured by Hamas in its October 7 attack on the Jewish state. The military said it had found her body near the Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. The 65-year-old woman was the mother of five and was abducted from a kibbutz during the Hamas attack. Her husband, Shmulik Weiss, was found dead in the safe room of their home. Israeli troops continued to search the Shifa Hospital facility, which it raided on Wednesday in the belief it was a Hamas command center. Israel displayed weapons it said it found at the hospital, but Hamas said no arms were found. Israel's army on Thursday released a video of what it said showed a tunnel entrance that Hamas militants used in an outdoor area of Shifa Hospital. The video, which could not be immediately verified, showed a deep hole in the ground surrounded by concrete and sand. In a statement late Thursday, Hamas again rejected claims that the militant group uses the hospital for military purposes as "a repetition of a blatantly false narrative, demonstrated by the weak and ridiculous performances of the occupation army spokesman." If Israel expands its military offensive in south Gaza, it threatens to worsen the already severe humanitarian crisis in the besieged territory. More than 1.5 million people have been internally displaced in Gaza, with most having fled, at Israel's directive, to the south, where food, water and electricity are in diminishing supply. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with Israeli War Cabinet member Benny Gantz about efforts to increase and speed up the delivery of humanitarian assistance into Gaza, the U.S. State Department said Thursday. During their discussion, Blinken also underscored the need to de-escalate tensions in the West Bank, including by addressing increased extremist settler violence, the State Department added. Blinken also spoke with Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shoukry about increasing aid to Palestinians in need, the State Department said. 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. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said Thursday that the United States won't share any Israeli intelligence or elaborate on its own intelligence assessment that Hamas used Shifa Hospital as a command center and potentially a storage facility. Meanwhile, the United Nations Security Council late Wednesday adopted a resolution calling for "urgent and extended humanitarian pauses" in Gaza. Twelve council members voted in favor, while none voted against and three the United States, Russia and the United Kingdom abstained. Hamas has been designated a terrorist organization the U.S., U.K, EU and others. Israel's deputy permanent representative said the resolution was "detached from the reality on the ground." The resolution that passed also called for "the immediate release of all hostages held by Hamas." Negotiations are reportedly under way on a proposed deal under which Hamas would release at least 50 women and children it is holding as hostages in Gaza in exchange for Palestinian women and children held in Israeli prisons. Hamas took an estimated 240 Israeli and foreign hostages during the surprise attack it carried out in Israel on October 7. Hamas said about 650 patients and 5,000 to 7,000 Palestinian civilians have taken shelter on the hospital grounds. After the hospital raid, U.S. President Joe Biden spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about the latest developments in the war. The White House said they discussed at length the ongoing efforts to secure the release of hostages, including nine Americans and a foreign national with U.S. employment rights. As its military incursion advances, Israel has rejected growing and intense international pressure to impose a cease-fire to allow for the delivery of 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. United Nations correspondent Margaret Besheer and White House bureau chief Patsy Widakuswara contributed to this report. Some information for this article came from The Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US Turns to Go-To Tool as Israel Faces Mounting Criticism By Jeff Seldin November 16, 2023 With Israel under increasing pressure due to a steadily rising death toll in Gaza and images of Palestinian suffering flooding social media, the United States turned to a familiar page in its foreign policy playbook: it declassified and released some intelligence. Both the White House and Pentagon on Tuesday announced the U.S. had information backing Israeli claims that Hamas long designated by Washington as a terrorist organization was using Gaza's Shifa Hospital to direct operations against Israel. "We have information that confirms that Hamas is using that particular hospital for a command-and-control node," National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters traveling with President Joe Biden on Air Force One. "They have weapons stored there and are prepared to respond to an Israeli military operation against the facility," Pentagon Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh told Pentagon reporters, adding the Shifa Hospital was just one of several used by Hamas and its ally, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, "to conceal and support their military operations and hold hostages." The tactic of releasing such information known in the White House as a strategic downgrade has increasingly become a go-to tool for the Biden administration when it needs to shape global public opinion. It's most famous and first applications came during the run-up to Russia's February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, when the White House quickly declassified and shared evidence of Russia's military build-up with allies and with the public, galvanizing support for Kyiv. The White House also turned to strategic downgrades to push back against China's claims about its errant spy balloon which traversed much of the continental U.S. earlier this year and, more quietly, to defuse a potential crisis Mali sparked by mercenaries with Russia's Wagner Group. And now, Israel. "We felt it was important for the world to know exactly how Hamas has chosen to embed themselves in the civilian population and use civilians, including those at hospitals, as human shields," a senior U.S. official told VOA, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss the decision-making process. The selection of Shifa Hospital, in particular "as a location to base military operations from," the official said, was "in violation of the laws of war." The announcements from the White House and the Pentagon were met with almost immediate skepticism on social media platforms, with accounts accusing the U.S. of lying to cover for Israel or of basing its assessments entirely on Israel's own claims. Hamas, too, rejected the accusations from Washington. "We strongly condemn and reject the claims," Hamas said in a statement on its Telegram channel late Tuesday. "These statements give a green light to the Israeli occupation to commit further brutal massacres." Hours later, Israeli forces launched what Israel described as "a precise and targeted operation" aimed at Hamas fighters in Shifa. The U.S. official told VOA the timing of the Israeli action, following the statements from the White House and Pentagon, was coincidental. "The downgrade had nothing to do with any operational timing or any decision making by the Israeli Defense Forces [sic]," the official said. "We do not want to see airstrikes or firefights at hospitals, and we believe that patients and civilians must be protected." Other U.S. officials, likewise, pushed back against accusations that Washington's intelligence assessment was based on Israeli intelligence, saying it was based on information collected by multiple U.S. agencies. The Wall Street Journal Wednesday reported that the U.S. assessment Hamas was using Shifa as a base for operations came partly from intercepted communications of fighters inside the hospital compound. Former intelligence officials and analysts who spoke to VOA said they expected the U.S. assessment was likely based on both intercepted communications, known as signals intelligence or SIGINT, and human sources. "The obvious way that you would know something like that would be because you knew that a credible Hamas source had confirmed it, and that could be because you had human intelligence to that effect, or it could be that you had some kind of intercept to that effect," a former Western counterterrorism official told VOA, requesting anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the intelligence gathering. And the U.S. has been in position to intercept Hamas communications. The Pentagon, earlier this month, confirmed it started flying unarmed drones over Gaza on October 7 to help with hostage recovery efforts in the aftermath of the Hamas terror attacks. Larry Pfeiffer, a former CIA chief of staff and former senior director of the White House Situation Room, told VOA the U.S. also has the ability to use satellite reconnaissance and cyber capabilities to help pinpoint how Hamas is directing its operations. "The NSC [National Security Council] and the Pentagon spoke with some certitude," he said. "[That] suggests to me some pretty rock-solid evidence derived from U.S. collection or independently verifiable Israeli collection." Israel, late Wednesday, began releasing images and other evidence from its operation in Shifa that it said proves Israeli and U.S. assessments that Hamas had been using the hospital as a command center showing so-called Hamas "grab and go" bags, with assault rifles, ammunition, grenades and uniforms, as well as other weaponry and equipment. Like the U.S. announcement, the Israeli claims were met with skepticism by some social media accounts, some accusing Israel of planting the evidence. But some of the former intelligence officials who spoke with VOA said the Israeli evidence should not be dismissed. "The IDF video showing weapons recovered at Shifa is certainly significant, as this does demonstrate Hamas utilization of the hospital, which is technically a war crime," said Marc Polymeropoulos, a former senior CIA operations officer who worked extensively in the Middle East. "That said, given the U.S. and Israeli claims that the hospital contained a major command and control node for Hamas, it's probably going to take additional evidence, such as video of the actual tunnels under the hospital, to buttress the intelligence claims and assuage some of the international concerns," he added. Still, Polymeropoulos and other former officials believe the U.S. decision to declassify the intelligence on Hamas' use of hospitals will pay off, even if it takes time. "This is clearly designed to give the Israelis some breathing room," Polymeropoulos said. "The audience is both global, because of the international outrage, but also domestic," he said, noting the Biden administration has faced increasing criticism in the U.S. for its unwavering support of the Israeli campaign. The former Western counterterrorism official also said the U.S. decision to back up the Israeli claims with independent U.S. intelligence may also serve to buy Israel more time with Arab and Muslim governments, whose patience may be wearing thin. "This is perhaps just about the moment in the conflict where people are starting to wobble," the official said. "Declassifying that information clearly helps to tell the story of why the Israelis are having to respond in the way that they have." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hosting Afghans a Huge Burden, Pakistani President Says By Sarah Zaman November 16, 2023 Pakistani President Arif Alvi said his country has carried a huge burden in hosting Afghans for nearly four decades. In an exclusive interview with VOA Urdu, Alvi defended Islamabad's decision to expel Afghans living in Pakistan without proper documents. He said giving refuge to citizens of the neighboring country had deeply affected his own country's economy and culture. "I think that it's a huge burden for Pakistan. We have given refuge to 3.5 million people for 30, 40 years. They are our Afghan, Muslim brothers, and this deeply impacted our economy, our livelihood. Because when all of these people got jobs, Pakistan's workforce is 80 to 100 million, and out of those, 3.5 million are Afghans." Pakistan is a country of over 240 million people. While the South Asian nation has struggled financially for years, it has a large undocumented or untaxed economy that Afghans also participate in as business owners, traders and laborers. "It is said that the Kalashnikov culture here increased with the presence of Afghans," Alvi said, referring to the mass inflow of weapons into Pakistan in the aftermath of the Soviet war in Afghanistan nearly three decades ago. Pakistan hosts over 4 million Afghans of which roughly 1.7 million lack legal documents to stay. According to the U.N. High Commission for Refugees, the country is currently hosting around 1.4 million legally registered Afghan refugees and nearly 900,000 as documented economic migrants. There is also a sizeable population of Afghans born in Pakistan to parents who fled war or poverty in the last four decades. However, many lack proper documents. Citing security concerns, Pakistan in early October ordered people of all nationalities residing illegally in the country to leave voluntarily or face a crackdown after November 1. Since then, over 300,000 Afghans have left the country voluntarily, while a small fraction has been deported. Alvi, who serves a largely ceremonial post, complained that the international community had not provided Pakistan with sufficient support to host one of the world's largest refugee populations. "The world makes promises to cooperate when refugees arrive, but nobody has given any cooperation," he said. Since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in August 2021, nearly 700,000 Afghans arrived in Pakistan seeking refuge. Thousands among them are awaiting resettlement abroad. In this time, Pakistan has also seen a dramatic rise in terror attacks. Islamabad accuses Afghan Taliban of providing a haven to the banned militant outfit Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, responsible for many of the attacks. The de facto rulers in Kabul deny the charge and say Pakistan is blaming them for its internal "failure." Islamabad also claims that Afghan citizens were involved in 14 out of 24 terror attacks in recent months. When asked if the push to expel Afghans was a retaliatory move against the Taliban's alleged inaction against cross-border terrorism, Alvi called the two issues a "concurrent problem." "Pakistan is repeatedly telling the Afghan Taliban to not let infiltration [of terrorists] happen from their side. [That] the anti-state players should not act against us sitting on your side," he said. Alvi said he did not know why the Taliban have not alleviated Pakistan's concerns but noted that military and diplomatic channels of communication are open. VOA Urdu's Ali Furqan contributed to this report. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Regional Countries Mulling Simultaneous Taliban Recognition, Pakistani Envoy Says By Ayaz Gul November 16, 2023 Afghanistan's neighbors, along with Russia, are sustaining ties with its Taliban government under an "understanding" that they will grant it formal recognition simultaneously if certain conditions are met, a regional diplomat said Thursday. Asif Durrani, Pakistan's special representative on Afghanistan, told an international seminar that the regionally developed approach has helped sustain the crisis-hit country economically. "There is an understanding among the immediate neighbors of Afghanistan and Russia that we will recognize the Taliban regime simultaneously and not unilaterally," Durrani said at the annual Margalla Dialogue organized by the state-run Islamabad Policy Research Institute. He noted that the regional consensus enabled these countries to enter into "bilateral trade, currency swap, and barter trade agreements" with de facto Afghan authorities. Durrani said if this were not the case, there would likely be 10 million people fleeing poverty-stricken Afghanistan and seeking refuge in Pakistan. "The positive thing in Afghanistan is that there is less corruption, and [the Taliban] have raised their revenues. There's security in the country, and ... drug or opium cultivation is at its all-time low," the Pakistani envoy said, citing international observations and recent U.N.-backed studies. Durrani dismissed suggestions that Pakistan would be better off dealing with terrorism threats emanating from neighboring Afghanistan by granting diplomatic recognition to the Taliban. "We should be part of the consensus because here we're talking about just not Afghanistan, we are talking about the region and it will also have an impact on your regional policy," Durrani cautioned. He said that Pakistan is not alone in expecting the Taliban to meet conditions such as lifting the ban on Afghan women's right to education and employment opportunities. "They say it is Islamic. It is not Islamic. It may be the [Afghan] tribal or cultural [practice], but it is not Islamic," said the Pakistani envoy. Under its strict interpretation of Islamic law, the Taliban have forbidden female education in Afghanistan beyond the sixth grade and barred women from most public and private sector workplaces, including the United Nations and other aid groups. They have rejected criticism of their policies, saying they are aligned with Islamic law and Afghan culture. While Russia, Iran, and some other regional countries have urged the Taliban to give representation to all Afghan groups in their government to make it more inclusive, Pakistan and China have been stressing the need for allowing women to have a role in the war-shattered country's development. The hardline Taliban reclaimed power from an American-backed government in Kabul two years ago, but no country has recognized their men-only administration over human rights concerns, including restrictions imposed on Afghan women's freedom. A recent independent assessment commissioned by the United Nations has also linked the recognition of the Taliban to compliance with the country's international treaty obligations and commitments, requiring them to remove all curbs on Afghan women's rights immediately. Terror threat Pakistan complains that fugitive militants sheltering on Afghan soil have intensified terrorist attacks in the country since the Taliban returned to power in Kabul two years ago, killing and injuring thousands of Pakistanis, including security forces. Taliban authorities reject the allegation, saying they are not responsible for internal security challenges facing Pakistan, nor are they allowing anyone to use Afghan soil against other countries. The standoff over terrorism-related concerns has prompted Islamabad to unleash a crackdown on hundreds of thousands of Afghans they say are residing unlawfully in Pakistan. The move has fueled mutual tensions, with the Taliban demanding a suspension of the deportation plan or more time for refugee families to enable them to organize their return. Durrani, in his talk Thursday, anticipated bilateral tensions would take time to subside, cautioning that it would be a long and drawn-out process, but that Pakistan is determined to sustain engagements with the Taliban. "If you talk about the recent spat between the two countries, that would continue," he said. "We have to bear with all kinds of ups and downs as far as [the relationship between] Afghanistan and Pakistan is concerned. So, don't expect miracles coming anytime soon." Pakistan was long accused of covertly supporting and sheltering Taliban leaders while they were directing insurgent attacks against the U.S.-led international forces in Afghanistan and their local allies for nearly two decades until they withdrew in August 2021. The Taliban's return to power had generated hopes in Pakistan that the power shift in Kabul would deter fugitive anti-state militants from seeking refuge on Afghan soil and launching cross-border attacks. However, those hopes have since evaporated, with Pakistani officials reporting a 60% rise in terrorist attacks in the country and a 500% increase in suicide bombings. They have blamed Taliban-allied outfits operating out of Afghanistan for the deadly violence, killing more than 2,300 Pakistanis, including security forces. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez Reelected By VOA News November 16, 2023 Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez narrowly won a second term during parliamentary elections Thursday after approving an amnesty deal for Catalonian separatists that polarized the nation but secured him the necessary votes among lawmakers from the country's north. After taking a razor-thin majority in the lower parliament 179 votes of confidence out of a total of 350 lawmakers Sanchez, a socialist, avoided a national election that could have seen him replaced as public opinion of him wanes. Hundreds of thousands of Spaniards have taken to the streets to protest Sanchez's decision to grant amnesty to Catalonian separatists, who last rallied for secession in 2017. Detractors say Sanchez's deal was unconstitutional, but for the prime minister, it was a sure avenue to reelection, settling months of uncertainty over who would lead the nation for the next four years. In July, Spain held national elections. Sanchez's center-right opposition, the Popular Party, received more votes but failed to take power because of its alliance with the hard-right Vox party, which came in third. Thursday's vote in the parliament means that Sanchez can now build a new progressive coalition to advance his pro-European Union policies, which have invigorated the nation's economy. Outside of the building where lawmakers cast their votes, hundreds of right-wing demonstrators chanted and rattled a makeshift barricade. Spain's judiciary has denounced Sanchez's amnesty deal as a violation of checks and balances. The European Union is still considering whether the pact was legal. "I told the president that he had made a mistake, but he is the one responsible for it. The amnesty is the worst way to start the legislature," Alberto Nunez Feijoo, who leads the Popular Party, said after Sanchez received a round of applause from his Socialist boosters for winning. Sanchez's government plans to use the tens of millions of dollars it has left over from the European Union's post-pandemic recovery program to work on green energy projects. If history is an indicator, it will be difficult for opposition groups in parliament to gather enough support for a no-confidence vote to topple Sanchez's government. The only time a no-confidence vote successfully ousted a Spanish prime minister was in 2018, when Sanchez came into office. Some information for this report came from The Associated Press. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Malawi President Suspends Foreign Trips by Officials Over Currency Devaluation By Lameck Masina November 16, 2023 Malawi President Lazarus Chakwera has suspended his foreign trips and those of government officials as part of austerity measures to cushion the impact of the recent 44% devaluation of local currency on the country's economy. In his televised address to the nation Wednesday night, Chakwera ordered a cut by half on fuel allowances allocated to top government officials, including cabinet ministers. The Reserve Bank of Malawi this month announced the devaluation of local currency to align it with the U.S. dollar on the black market. The move resulted in instant price increases for almost all commodities, including fuel and electricity, which increased by over 40%. "I know that this decision has caused a lot of pain," Chakwera said, "and I know that all of us now have to make big adjustments in spending so that we can prioritize those areas that are most productive." Chakwera said that he would be the first to make those adjustments, and that all of his international trips through the end of the fiscal year were canceled. Chakwera also said he was freezing all public-funded international trips for public officers at all levels, including those in parastatals, or state-owned enterprises, until the end of the financial year in March. "In fact, all Cabinet members currently abroad on public-funded trips must return to Malawi with immediate effect," he said. Analyst Victor Chipofya told local radio that Chakwera could have announced measures that would help generate more foreign exchange for the country rather than those that failed in the past. "The country needs to build industries that would be able to export commodities to be able to have foreign currency," he said. "Nothing like that came out from the president." Another political analyst, George Phiri, said Chakwera's address failed to outline how the government will address challenges facing people in rural areas, where over 80% of Malawians live. "The impact of devaluation has affected everyone across the board, whether he is the president or he is an ordinary Malawian in the rural and is not considered for the beneficiary of the [farm input] subsidy," Phiri said. "What happened with those?" However, the Malawi Human Rights Defenders Coalition said in a statement that if well implemented, the measures that Chakwera introduced would likely address the impact of devaluation on the country's economy. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Remarks by President Biden at the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework | San Francisco, CA November 16, 2023 Moscone Convention Center San Francisco, California 4:44 P.M. PST THE PRESIDENT: Sorry to keep you waiting. It's my fault. It's my fault. I was on the phone. Hello, everyone. We just came from a please have a seat a three-hour meeting with all 21 APEC economies discussing how to generate more growth and more opportunity in the region, particularly to deal with climate change. Today, we're announcing progress on the important initiative that we proposed with 13 of my colleagues here and of our of 13 r- APEC partners the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework Australia, Brunei, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and the United States. In May of 2022, we came together in Tokyo to launch negotiations on this so-called framework. We still have more work to do, but we've made substantial progress. In record time, we've reached consensus on three of the pillars of the IPEF. I hate acronyms. I apologize. (Laughter.) The first, we signed a first-of-its-kind supply chain agreement to help identify supply chain bottlenecks before they become the kind of disruptions we saw during the COVID-19 pandemic. We saw what happened then in the United States and elsewhere. But the Unites States' semiconductor supply chains dried up in Asia, and the United States a lot of it shut down. This is an agreement we've been in we put back in place. We could if we had this agreement in place we're talking about today, we would not have had to lay off so many auto workers because lack of semiconductors and many other examples. Second, we've concluded an agreement to accelerate the clean energy transition in the Indo-Pacific region, including by enabling greater U.S. and private sector investment in clean energy, innovation, and infrastructure in our partner countries. You heard discussions today about how there's many opportunities and ideas that have but being able to attract private sector investment and government investment is hard for many of these countries that have great ideas and great opportunities. Well, the solar investments in the Philippines is an example, offshore wind in Thailand and Indon- Indonesia, joint investments between the United States and India on energy storage, and so much more. Third, we've concluded an agreement to combat corruption and improve tax administration to make sure that our trade and investment is clean and transparent and private companies don't have any worry about their investments being used properly. And that's exactly what we've done. Every business leader I've talked to and my colleagues have, they're more likely to invest in a region if there's less corruption, more transparency. And that's exactly what this agreement does and would show them. But as I've said, we have more work to do. We made progress in high-standard trade rules that include strong labor and environmental standards. We've committed to extending our cooperation to challenges like artificial intelligence, energy security, and semiconductors. We're launching a critical minerals dialogue to further strengthen our supply chains and create clean energy jobs. And today, I'm proud to announce that the United States is launching what we'll call the Investment Accelerator through our Partnership for the Global Infrastructure and Investment. The Accelerator is going to bring private capital off the sidelines for major investments in clean energy and high technology. You've heard every one of my colleagues say one time or another that this can't be done without trillions of dollars of private sector investment to get hold of this and get ahold of it quickly to give them confidence to make those investments. That's going to create a pipeline of projects in partner countries and then match private sector financing with these projects. And it's going to give those private sector investors confidence that their investment will be made according to the highest standards. Government investment is not enough. We need to mobilize private investment. And all the steps are going to help unlock this private investment, and which is a necessary ingredient for success and rapid success in the area we're talking about. Put simply, my colleagues and I are driving a race to the top among nations in the Indo-Pacific, driving nations to the top on standards, on transparency, on inclusivity and innovation. And, together, we're going to be forging a better future one where workers get a fair shot and a fair share of the value they create, where high standards and sustainable growth win out, where we harness the full power and potential of our people. We welcome other nations who share this vision for the future to join the 13 of us. Our economies will all be stronger because of it. Now I'd like to turn it over to a leader who has made part- this partnership possible, Prime Minister Kishida of Japan. The floor is yours, Mr. Prime Minister. (Applause.) 4:49 P.M. PST NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Remarks by Vice President Harris at a Welcome Reception for APEC Leaders November 16, 2023 San Francisco, California 7:31 P.M. PST THE VICE PRESIDENT: Good evening, everyone. (Applause.) To our President, Joe Biden, and First Lady, Dr. Jill Biden; to Governor Newsom, Mayor Breed, Speaker Emerita Pelosi, and the many friends and leaders who are here, it is an honor, on behalf of Doug and myself, to welcome APEC to our home state of California. (Applause.) So, the United States is a proud Pacific power, and the Indo-Pacific is critical to the security and prosperity of the American people. It is for that reason that President Joe Biden and I have strengthened our alliances and partnerships, our multilateral relationships in the region, all to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific. As Vice President, I have traveled to Indo-Pacific countries at least four times over the last few years. I have visited American sailors deployed to Japan and American soldiers at the Korean DMZ. I have worked with CEOs in Singapore and Tokyo to strengthen supply chains and witnessed the impressive activism of young leaders in Jakarta, Manila, and Hanoi. And I have spent time with many of the world leaders here today in bilateral meetings and multilateral summits, including at APEC, where I represented the United States in Bangkok last year. All of this has convinced me of the energy and opportunities of the Indo-Pacific. And I remain incredibly optimistic about our future as a region. As we shape that future together, I can think of no better place to convene than San Francisco (applause) a city that looks out at the Pacific. And as many of you here know AUDIENCE MEMBER: Welcome home! THE VICE PRESIDENT: It's good to be home. (Laughter and applause.) On that point, I was born just across the bay in Oakland. (Applause.) And my mother was a scientist at the University of California, Berkeley. (Applause.) And she had two goals in her life: to raise her two daughters and to end breast cancer. She was a breast cancer researcher. So, at a very early age, I learned about the power of innovation that it requires us to question the status quo and think boldly. Innovation is about our ability to see what can be, unburdened by what has been; the ability to not only imagine a better future, but to build it. And I have seen the power of innovation to lift communities, whether I was the district attorney of San Francisco, attorney general of California, a United States senator, and now as vice president of the United States. (Applause.) And as I represent them, our nation around the world, I have seen how so many of the new ideas and technologies that started right here in the Bay Area have moved all of humanity forward. So, we gather this week to continue our work together to improve the human condition. Under our president, Joe Biden, the United States will continue to lead on innovation, economic cooperation, and a shared vision for the future. Together, through APEC, we can grow our economies, unlock industries of the future, and ensure that all people prosper. I look forward to our productive meetings in the days ahead. And, again, to all of our visitors, welcome to San Francisco. Thank you. (Applause.) END 7:35 P.M. PST NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Readout of Vice President Harris's Meeting with Prime Minister Marape of Papua New Guinea November 16, 2023 Today, Vice President Kamala Harris met with Prime Minister James Marape of Papua New Guinea on the margins of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders' Meeting in San Francisco, California. The Vice President underscored the U.S. commitment to the Pacific Islands region, and the Vice President praised Papua New Guinea's role as a regional leader and member of APEC. The Vice President thanked Prime Minister Marape for hosting the U.S.-Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Dialogue in May and attending the September U.S.-Pacific Islands Forum Summit in Washington. The Vice President and Prime Minister Marape discussed avenues to advance bilateral security cooperation ties, building on the new Defense Cooperation Agreement signed by the two countries in May. The Vice President and Prime Minister Marape also discussed strengthening economic cooperation, fostering an environment to enable private sector investment, and increasing cooperation to combat climate change. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Readout of Vice President Harris's Meeting with President Marcos of the Philippines November 16, 2023 Today, Vice President Kamala Harris met with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of the Philippines on the margins of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders' Meeting in San Francisco, California. They reaffirmed the strength of the alliance between the United States and the Philippines and discussed ongoing efforts to deepen our security ties and expand commercial and economic cooperation. They also reiterated their shared commitment to upholding international rules and norms, including in the South China Sea. This is the fifth meeting between the Vice President and President Marcos, and builds on their previous meetings, including: the Vice President's visit to Manila in November 2022; the Vice President hosting President Marcos at the Naval Observatory in May 2023; a bilateral meeting on the margins of the East Asia Summit in Jakarta in September 2023; and a trilateral meeting with Prime Minister Kishida in Jakarta in September 2023. The Vice President and President Marcos discussed strengthening and broadening economic cooperation bilaterally and through the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework. The Vice President and President Marcos also welcomed the conclusion of a historic "123" civil nuclear cooperation agreement, which will deepen our partnership to build a global clean energy economy and strengthen our shared commitment to improving energy security and advancing the global nonproliferation regime. The Vice President announced the launch of the "123" agreement negotiations while in Manila in November 2022 and welcomed the swift conclusion of these negotiations. This agreement will provide the legal basis for U.S. exports of nuclear equipment and material to the Philippines, which will support American workers and businesses. The Vice President also announced a new partnership with the Government of the Philippines to grow and diversify the global semiconductor ecosystem under the International Technology Security and Innovation (ITSI) Fund, created by the CHIPS Act of 2022. This partnership will help create a more resilient, secure, and sustainable global semiconductor value chain. The Vice President and President Marcos welcomed the historic momentum in U.S.-Philippines ties and emphasized their shared intent to grow and modernize our alliance. The Vice President reiterated the United States stands shoulder-to-shoulder in defending the Philippines' sovereign rights and jurisdiction in the South China Sea and reaffirmed the United States' defense commitment to the Philippines under Article IV of the 1951 U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty, underscoring that an armed attack on Philippine armed forces, public vessels, or aircraft in the Pacific, including in the South China Sea, would invoke U.S. mutual defense commitments. The Vice President also emphasized the importance of respect for human rights and labor rights, including safety for trade union leaders. ### NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address On-the-Record Press Call by NSC Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby and Deputy National Security Advisor for International Economics Mike Pyle to Preview President Biden's Day Ahead at APEC November 16, 2023 10:05 A.M. EST MS. REPOSA: Hi, everyone. Thanks for joining us this morning. Today, we have a special guest with us. Joining Kirby, it's Mike Pyle, the Deputy National Security Advisor for International Economics here at the NSC. He has aa few words at the top, and then we'll go into questions. Mike. MR. PYLE: Thank you. Thought I would offer a little bit of perspective on APEC and President Biden's events today around APEC Leaders' Week. So, President Biden is going into APEC Leaders' Week at a moment when this dynamic Asia-Pacific region is looking to the United States as an engine of growth, and that is not an accident. The President has spent nearly three years now strengthening our economic foundations at home and building our alliances and partnerships across the Indo-Pacific. President Biden will make it absolutely clear that the United States will continue to engage, both diplomatically and economically, in this critical region. And he'll make it clear why all this matters for the American people. So, in the morning, the President will deliver remarks at the CEO Summit. He'll talk about the strong economic ties between the United States and other APEC economies ties that are delivering for people and communities across the region. He'll highlight, for example, the fact that thanks to his policies, companies based in other APEC economies have invested more than $200 billion into the United States since the start of the administration. And he'll announce that a number of U.S. companies have also invested at least $40 billion in other APEC economies economies in 2023 alone. He will talk about how this is happening on top of a strong economic foundation. U.S. trade with APEC economies is robust and growing. So, 60 percent of U.S. exports are sent to a fellow APEC economy, and U.S. exports to the region are up 12 percent in real terms since 2016. APEC members have invested $1.7 trillion into the U.S. economy. Those are investments that support 2.3 million American jobs. And the United States is the largest source of foreign direct investment into APEC. In fact, U.S. foreign direct investments into APEC is six times greater than that of than that of the PRC. And U.S. companies, in turn, have invested about $1.4 trillion into APEC economies. And he'll talk about his work to build on top of this strong economic foundation to chart a new chapter of inclusive, sustainable, and resilient growth throughout the Asia-Pacific region. Finally, he'll talk about the importance of promoting workers' rights internationally, just as he has done here at home, and how worker empowerment is key to achieving sustainable growth. After the CEO Summit, President Biden will lead the first APEC session with other leaders focused on sustainability, climate change, and the energy transition. He'll highlight U.S. progress to combat climate change, and he'll call on APEC economies to take collective action. And, of course, he'll underscore this administration's efforts to model how to undertake the clean energy transition while creating good jobs and growing the economy. President Biden will also demonstrate this administration's commitment to deepening economic engagement with the region through IPEF the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework. You'll see that on full display at the IPEF event later today, which will also feature leaders of Japan, Vietnam, and Singapore. Since we announced IPEF a year and a half ago, this framework has always been about tackling pressing, cutting-edge issues that will determine future economic success issues like supply chain resilience and the clean energy transition and the issues that are at the forefront of global economic discussions today. President Biden will spotlight the great progress we've made. This week, ministers will sign the Supply Chain Agreement, and they'll substantially conclude the Clean Economy Agreement and the Fair Economy Agreement. These are first-of-their-kind agreements, concluded in record time. We've also made progress on the trade pillar negotiations, and we'll continue this work in the weeks and months ahead to reach a high-standard trade pillar outcome. Today and throughout this week, you'll also be hearing from several you'll also being several key themes echoed by multiple Cabinet officials and senior administration officials. So, this morning, Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo will co-host an investor forum with White House Senior Advisor on Energy and Investment Amos Hochstein to announce new investment opportunities in the Indo-Pacific. This builds on the work we've led through the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment. They will be joined by CEOs to launch two new IPEF and PGI initiatives in which the United States and IPEF partners will more strategically deploy public capital to promote high-standard investment in the region, including a new IPEF-PGI Investment Accelerator. And they'll announce a green transition credit fund to invest in solar, wind, hybrid, storage, e-mobility, and other green transition projects in India, as well as a number of other significant investments in critical minerals, digital infrastructure, and the energy transition. Second, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, Director of the White House National Economic Council Lael Brainard, and Chair of the U.S. Export-Import Bank Reta Jo Lewis will co-host an event to highlight examples of significant job-creating investments in the United States by companies based in the Asia-Pacific. This "Invest in America" event will highlight a number of high-quality investments being made in communities across the country supporting high-quality jobs, and in huge part because of President Biden's policies which have made America a an incredibly strong magnet for investment from around the world. And last but not at all least, as I mentioned at the top, you'll hear about the important efforts we're undertaking to advance workers' rights internationally. President Biden is the most pro-labor president in history, and he's committed to ensuring high labor standards, bringing workers' voices to the decision-making table, and enforcing rules against unfair labor practices. That's true here at home. That is also true around the world. Last today, the President is expected to take historic steps to advance workers' rights around the world. And today, Secretary Blinken, Ambassador Tai, Acting Secretary Su, and NEC Director Lael Brainard will highlight this bold initiative. This is a critical part of what we are bringing to the table as the United States concludes its APEC host year. In closing, the President and all of us have a busy day ahead of us here in San Francisco with a great set of events and a great set of announcements, all of which will highlight the deep commitment, the deep dynamism of American engagement through the APEC region and the degree to which our engagement in APEC supports economic growth and, importantly, strong, high-quality jobs back here in the United States. And with that, I'm happy to take any questions. MS. REPOSA: Thank you. Our first question, we'll go to Aamer with the AP. Q Thank you, Mike. When you talk about just sort of stepping back a little bit will these the IPEF framework, is that essentially going to be the new normal rather than trade deals being the model? Can we see frameworks like these now being the set for other regions in the world? And if Kirby's on, I was hoping that he could also suss out a little bit more about what the President meant yesterday when he said the war will end when Hamas no longer maintains the capacity to murder and harm Israelis. Essentially, does the President believe it's possible to get a point of zero risk to Israel from Hamas? Thank you both. MR. PYLE: So, on your first question, Aamer, I would say, in my discussions around the world in the President and Cabinet officials, even more to the point, discussions around the world what's clear is that the issues that are front of mind right now are issues like supply chain resilience, issues like the clean energy transition, issues like how do we tackle things like corruption and tax fairness to build a strong, level playing field for the global economy. These are the issues that are front of mind in discussions, front of mind for leaders, front of mind for ministers. And it's where we think we can make tremendous progress in terms of building a more inclusive, more sustainable, more high-growth global economy. And that's reflected in the types of the types of discussions and the types of frameworks that you see that you see here. So, you know, as I said, we expect to see substantial conclusion of pillars in record time around topics like that in IPEF today, and I think that, you know, we've seen issues like this at the forefront of discussions with other key allies and partners. So, for example, if you look back to June, when Prime Minister Sunak was in Washington, we announced a framework there that similarly tackled cutting-edge issues around supply chains, clean energy, much else beside. So, I think IPEF is an ambitious framework that's landing outcomes in record times on these cutting-edge issues. But I think when you look at the UK, you look at other partners, it's fair to say that this approach of tackling the most front-of-mind, most cutting-edge issues in the global economy today is the way the President and other leaders want to advance global economic discussions. MR. KIRBY: Hey, Aamer. As you heard the President say yesterday, certainly, the Israeli and the Defense Forces protecting them, and the have the right and the responsibility to eliminate what is, to them, an existential threat posed by Hamas. I mean, Hamas leaders have come out publicly since October 7th and said that their intention is to attack Israel again and again and again, and they said, quite frankly, that they want to remove that country from the face of the Earth. So, that is the threat that the Israeli people are facing from Hamas. And and that is the threat that they are militarily trying to to minimize and reduce. And what we have learned through our own experience is that that through military and other means you can absolutely have a significant impact on a terrorist group's ability to resource itself, to train fighters, to recruit fighters, to plan and to execute attacks. I mean, look at the the shadow of itself that ISIS is right now. Look at the shadow of that al Qaeda is right now. And that doesn't mean that that the ideology also withers away and dies, but you can absolutely have a practical, meaningful effect on a terrorist organization's ability to conduct and execute its attacks. And that is what Israeli Defense Forces are trying to do. And that is what, as the President said yesterday, we're going to continue to do to that we're going to continue to help them do by continuing to make sure they have the tools and the capabilities to go after it. MS. REPOSA: Thank you. Our next question, we'll go to Justin with Bloomberg. Q Hey, guys. Thanks for doing this. I wanted to ask about IPEF as well. It seems like the delegations were told to expect kind of an early harvest on the on the trade pillar last week, but then, over the weekend, the U.S. pulled that down amid some pressure from congressional Democrats. So, I was wondering, you know, what do you say to countries that feel like this is another reason to question U.S. sincerity or work outside those domestic political concerns. And then, Mike, I know you said there's going to be more work on that in the weeks and months ahead. Does that mean a reasonable expectation that there will be at least that early harvest announcement before next November, or is this really realistically kind of on ice until after the election? MR. PYLE: So, thanks for that, Justin. And I'd say a couple things. You know, one, most trade negotiations take years to complete. But we have said from the beginning that IPEF will be will be negotiated on an accelerated timeline, and I think the results that leaders will announce today reflect that. Like I said, the issues that are front of mind, the issues that are at the cutting edge of the global economic conversation issues like supply chains, clean energy, good government you know, these are first-of-their-kind agreements, and we have struck agreements around them in just 18 months with a full set of IPEF partners. And we're proud of that achievement and proud that the President is going to be standing shoulder by shoulder with other IPEF leaders today to mark that mark that success. With respect to the trade pillar, we're going to, you know, keep at that. There's been progress that's been made. In the weeks and months ahead, we expect to continue putting shoulders against that effort, both here in the United States as well as with another IPEF partners. We're going to do that in a way that continues to consult intensively with leaders on Capitol Hill, with a full set of stakeholders back here in the United States including, importantly, our friends in the labor community. And we're going to keep at this and build on the progress that we've seen. But, again, I would just underscore: This has been 18 months since this was announced. Here we are in November of 2023, and we're announcing the conclusion of of three pillars on the most cutting-edge issues facing the global economy. And that is a significant achievement and one that reflects the the importance of the IPEF grouping and our ability to get things done through it. And we'll continue building on that as we look ahead. MS. REPOSA: Thank you. Our next question will go to Mary with ABC. Q Hi there. Good morning. John, a question for you. Wondering if the President received any assurances from Xi that he will, in fact, use his influence over Iran to try and urge Tehran and their proxies not to try and escalate this, to stop attacking U.S. forces in the region. And, you know, so far, despite America's retaliatory strikes, these drone and rocket rocket attacks against American forces have not been letting up. So, what comes next? I mean, what can you do to try and get this message across just to these militant groups without risking further escalation? MR. KIRBY: Well, it's not just about sending a message, Mary. It's about protecting our troops and our facilities. And if if attacks continue, we're going to respond appropriately. And as I said before, we'll do it in a time and a manner of our choosing. We've already shown that we'll that we'll take action to go at targets that actually get at the support that these groups are getting from the IRGC. Now, on the conversations with President Xi on this issue, I don't have more detail to provide coming out of meetings yesterday. I will say that that we know the PRC has communication channels to Iran that we obviously don't have. I mean, it's not like we can't send messages to Iran, and we certainly have with this regard about escalation. But we know that the Chinese have more more direct lines of communication open to them. And we certainly would encourage them to use those lines to to reiterate to the Iranians that we we don't want to see a deepening or an escalation of the conflict in the region. Q And was that message conveyed yesterday? MR. KIRBY: Yeah, again, I'm not going to go into more detail about the conversations that that we had. But I can tell you that we know they've got we know they have some influence. We know they have some lines of communication, and we certainly would like to see them use it to that effect. Q Thank you. MS. REPOSA: Thank you. Our next question will go to David with Reuters. David, you should be able to unmute yourself. Q Yeah, so sorry about that. Yeah, I've got a couple of questions on the talks yesterday the President and the Chinese leader. We heard that President Xi had outlined some of the conditions for an intervention a Chinese intervention in Taiwan. I was wondering if you could give us any details of what he had said about that. Also, do you have any details you can share on what was agreed specifically on fentanyl? And the the Chinese government has reacted quite negatively to the President's remark off-the-cuff remark at the end of the press conference yesterday, calling Xi Jinping a "dictator." Has that remark undone some of the diplomacy? And is is it regretted in any way? Thank you. MR. KIRBY: The President comes away from the meeting yesterday feeling very good about the the content of the of the discussions over the course of four hours and the progress that we were make able to make on some very significant fronts. You mentioned one: fentanyl. Of course, the other is the military-to-military communications channel being back open. They made progress in terms of getting their two teams to start working together on cooperation on artificial intelligence, particularly when it when it involves national security concerns. So, there was an awful lot they talked about. I won't the Pr- you know, I won't speak for President Xi. I can't do that. But certainly, the issues around the Taiwan Strait came up. And President Biden made it very clear, as he made it clear to all of you last night. He made it clear to President Xi that we don't seek conflict; we we're pursuing peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait that's what we we wanted and still want; that there's no change to our One China policy; that we don't support independence for Taiwan, but that we will, in accordance with the Taiwan Relations Act, continue to provide self-defense capabilities to to Taiwan; and, again, made the point that we don't want to see the status quo changed in any sort of a unilateral way and certainly not by force. On fentanyl, we can try to get you some some more detail. But the the gist of it is that the the chemical ingredients that go into making fentanyl many of them are are produced in China and shipped from China to Latin America, where the cartels get them and then fashion them into fentanyl for then movement out of the region and into the United States, in particular. And the Chinese, for several years now, have not been willing to crack down on the production of these precursor chemicals and/or their export. And now they're willing to do that, particularly in the in the realm of law enforcement and really doing their best to to minimize the the export of these chemicals, particularly to Latin America. One of the things that President Xi told President Biden yesterday was he doesn't want to see another American die because of fentanyl. So, he he places a personal commitment into into to making some progress here. So, we're very hopeful that it will have a very practical, significant effect here over time. And I'm sorry, there oh no, I think no, I think I answered all your questions. MS. REPOSA: Thank you. Our next question will go to Yasmeen with the Washington Post. Q Hi, thanks for taking my question. Kirby, I have two for you. One is: I'm wondering if you have any additional information or comment on what the U.S. knows about how Hamas is using Al-Shifa Hospital. Israel is conducting its raid for the second day and hasn't released more evidence of substantial militant activity in the hospital. And so, I know that there's increasing pressure. I'm wondering if the U.S. is asking them to expedite the raid or produce any more evidence that would sort of quell some of the anxieties. And then my second question is President Xi yesterday indicated that China might send more pandas to the United States. And I'm wondering if you have anything more on that. MR. KIRBY: I I can't add to anything that President Xi said yes- last night at the CEOs dinner about the pandas. He indicated a willingness to think about returning some of them. Look, we we obviously appreciated having them here, and we respect the the sovereign decision that China made to remove some of those pandas. And certainly, should should a decision be made by the PRC to restore some of the pandas, as the United States, we would absolutely welcome welcome them back. But that's got to be a decision that ob- obviously President Xi makes. On the hospital. As I said the other day, we have our own intelligence that convinces us that Hamas is using Al-Shifa as a command-and-control node and and most likely as well as a storage facility and that they were sheltering themselves in a hospital, using the hospital as a shield against military action and placing the patients and medical staff at greater risk. We are still convinced of the soundness of that intelligence. I will, as always, let the Israeli Defense Forces speak to their military operations' progress: what they're learning, what they're seeing. That's really for them to speak to. But as I said the other day, we're confident in our own intelligence assessment about how Hamas is using that hospital. MS. REPOSA: Thank you. Our next question will go to Deepa with NPR. Q Hey, all. Thanks for doing this. I was wondering if you could give an update on Brett McGurk's travel throughout the Middle East and Europe the past couple of days. Where has he been so far? Who has he met with? And can you give any specifics on where he is today and and any deliverables and the meetings he's had? MR. KIRBY: Yeah, we'll get back to you on the the specifics of his agenda. He's been moving around quite a bit. And to be honest with you, I'm I'm not sure what his schedule looks like today. But the trip started in Brussels, and then he went right into the region. And, you know, as he as we announced when he went I mean, multi-pronged effort here: Update NATO and our allies and partners about what we're doing to support Israel and the region and to get humanitarian assistance in, to get the hostages out. And he's having discussions on the ground with our counterparts about all those things certainly with with Israel about the progress of their operations, about the security assistance that they are getting and that they need; and about the importance of continuing the humanitarian assistance. And we we did get more trucks in overnight. And so, that's that's been that's been going pretty well. I mean, obviously not as many as we want to see get in, but but trucks continue to flow. Humanitarian pauses continue to go apace, if not expanded, in some cases, in terms of the hours that they're in place. The Israeli Defense Forces opened up another corridor out of North Gaza here over the last 24 hours that that does appear to be working in terms of people taking advantage of it. And Brett will also be, obviously, heavily engaged in in the ongoing negotiations to get the hostages out and speaking to a range of our partners, including the Qataris, about work work on that front. You heard the President talk about this briefly yesterday. And this is really something we've been working hour by hour, and that's going to be high on Brett's agenda for this week. But in terms of the the actual muscle movements, let us take that question and and get back to you all with with something more specific. MS. REPOSA: Thank you. We have time for one more question. So, we'll go to M.J. Lee with CNN. Q Hi, thank you for doing this. I had a quick question for Mike and then the Admiral as well. President Xi is courting the American business community while he is here and telling them that China is open for business. Does the administration believe that it is safe for American businesses to invest with China? And then for you, John, just back to Al-Shifa Hospital. The President said himself that he was absolutely confident that there is a Hamas command center under the building, and you just pointed to U.S. intelligence showing that. But can you say whether the Israelis have shared with the U.S. any new intelligence since the raid began that has bolstered your confidence? Thank you. MR. PYLE: Thanks, M.J. So, to your question, I mean, obviously, U.S. businesses are going to have to make their own decisions. What I will say is that, you know, when we look at the trade investment data between the U.S. and China, we see, you know, ongoing, strong bilateral trade investment flows. Last year, for example, was the record year of bilateral trade between the United States and China. And those are trade flows, those are investment flows that that we welcome, that the United States welcomes. You know, I think that, as you've undoubtedly seen, there are very specific areas areas around specific like technology sectors that can lead to military modernization, that can lead to surveillance and intelligence modernization, where we have deep concern. And whether it be through export controls or the outbound investment program that we announced in August, we want to take action to prevent that very narrow set of investment flows and of exports. So, broadly speaking, again, you know, last year was a record year of bilateral trade between the United States and China. There continues to be a strong, robust trade and investment relationship between the two countries. And that is something that that we welcome. And and welcome with one last point: You know, we've talked the President has talked about the importance of there not being decoupling between the U.S. and China, but rather the importance of of being sure that we're de-risking our economy. And I think what I just described is a reflection of that fact: strong and ongoing trade and investment flows between the two countries, very narrow target areas of concern where we're using our tools to ensure that there isn't investments with our exports (inaudible) that can compromise our national security. And that's the type of approach that I think is very consistent with this idea that we're not decoupling but de-risking. MR. KIRBY: Hey, M.J. On your other question, I think you can imagine we stay in daily touch with our Israeli counterparts and certainly interested in in their perspectives: what they're seeing, what they're doing, what they're learning. I'm not going to talk about specific intelligence that that may pass between the two of us. I would just go back to what I said before and what I said on the airplane coming out here: Our own intelligence assessment is that Hamas was using is using Al-Shifa as a command-and-control node and potentially as a as a storage facility to support their to support their planning and their execution of terrorist attacks in the region again, placing these people at greater risk, the staff and the patients at that hospital. And we're confident in our own intelligence assessment of that. And I'll let the Israelis speak to to what is, quite frankly, an ongoing military operation. MS. REPOSA: Thank you. And thank you, everyone, again, for joining us this morning. As always, if we weren't able to get to you, feel free to reach out to our distro, and we'll get back to you as soon as we can. Thanks. 10:37 A.M. EST NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China's defense ministry urges Japan not to destabilize South China Sea People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 00:04, November 17, 2023 BEIJING, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- A spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense on Thursday urged Japan not to stir up trouble in the South China Sea. Defense cooperation between countries should not harm the interests of a third party or jeopardize regional peace and security, ministry spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang said at a press conference, commenting on the security cooperation attempts between Japan and the Philippines. Zhang alerted countries in the region and the international community to the fact that Japan has increasingly become a destabilizing factor in the Asia-Pacific region and is attempting to subvert the post-WWII international order. In recent years, Japan has breached its pacifist constitution and its exclusively defense-oriented policy, and has constantly exported weapons and equipment, heading further down the road of military expansion, Zhang noted, adding that it also tried to woo partners to destabilize the situation in the South China Sea. "We urge the Japanese side to speak and act cautiously on military and security matters, and do more to contribute to regional peace and stability," Zhang said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China calls for cease-fire in Sudan People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 13:36, November 17, 2023 UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy on Thursday called for an immediate cease-fire in Sudan. Dai Bing, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, said China is deeply saddened by the continued conflict in Sudan, the suffering of civilians and the country's humanitarian crisis. The two parties to the conflict have returned to negotiations in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. China says it welcomes that the parties have reaffirmed their humanitarian commitments and have agreed to take measures to enhance mutual trust. China supports the participation of the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development in the mediation process and welcomes the efforts of regional countries, including Saudi Arabia, South Sudan, Egypt and Chad, Dai told the Security Council. "Restoring peace and stability in Sudan is the common aspiration of the Sudanese people and the international community at large. China sincerely hopes that the two parties will put the interests of their country and people first, achieve an immediate cease-fire, restore normal order, and work together to safeguard the sovereignty and territorial integrity of their country," said Dai. China has expressed concern regarding the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Sudan. It has praised the efforts of international humanitarian agencies and the neighboring countries for providing substantial assistance to refugees. China also supports the United Nations in playing a coordinating role in humanitarian relief efforts. At present, there is a severe shortage of humanitarian funding in Sudan and its neighbors. Dai said that the international community, especially the traditional donors, should maintain their assistance to prevent the crisis from worsening. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has proposed an independent strategic review of the UN Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan. China said it supports Guterres' work and hopes the review reflects the views of the Sudanese authorities and regional organizations. The review should be conducive to UN-Sudan cooperation and avoid imposing solutions from the outside. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Operation Iron Swords - Day 41 - 16 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 11,500 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 Israeli army reported the death of 371 soldiers and officers, 55 of them were killed since the start of the ground operation in the besieged Gaza Strip. At least 7,771 Israelis were injured. The IDF previously announced that more than 260 soldiers had been injured since the start of the ground operation in the Gaza Strip, including 100 in serious condition. 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. The Palestinian Prisoners' Club announced that the Israeli occupation authorities arrested at least 85 Palestinians in the West Bank last night from various cities and towns, including Jerusalem, bringing the number of Palestinian detainees in the West Bank to 2,735 since last October 7, including 1,050 activists from Hamas. Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian said that the Zionist regime has not allowed progress in humanitarian issues and has foiled Hamas's positive efforts regarding the captives. He said Hamas has shown its goodwill about civilian prisoners and is ready to exchange them, but the Israeli regime is playing with time as its foreign minister is playing the victim by bringing the families of some of the captives to Geneva. Operational Update The Israeli war in Gaza continued for the 41st day, as Israeli stormed the Shifa complex for the second time, while the Israeli bombing continued on various areas of the Gaza Strip. The Israeli army blew up a monument to the Mavi Marmara ship in the port of Gaza. The monument was dedicated to one of the ships of the so-called Freedom Flotilla, which consisted of 6 civilian ships that, with humanitarian cargo on board, tried to break the Israeli naval blockade of the Gaza Strip in 2010. The attempt was unsuccessful; the ships were captured by IDF special forces. On board were about 10 thousand tons of medicines, food and building materials, as well as about 700 passengers and crew members. Passengers of the ship "Mavi Marmara" tried to resist using improvised means, for which 9 of them, who were Turkish citizens, were shot dead. Scholars say the deliberate destruction of cultural heritage during conflict constitutes a war crime. The body of Yehudit Weiss, who was abducted by the Hamas terrorist organization, was extracted by IDF troops from a structure adjacent to the Shifa Hospital in the Gaza Strip and was transferred to Israeli territory. Hamas abducted the 64 year-old cancer patient from her home in Kibbutz Be'eri after murdering her husband Shmulik on October 7th. The Israeli army said that the hostage was "killed by terrorists," indicating that she did not die as a result of the bombing to which Gaza was subjected. In the structure in which Yehudit was located, military equipment including Kalashnikov rifles and RPG's were also found. Following an identification process that was conducted by military medical and rabbinate personnel, together with the Institute of Forensic Medicine and the Israel Police, today (Thursday), IDF and Israel Police representatives informed the family of Yehudit Weiss that she has been declared dead. The IDF sent its heartfelt condolences to the family. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said there were "strong indications" that hostages being held by Hamas were located in Gaza's Al-Shifa Hospital, during an interview with CBS News. "We had strong indications that they were held in the Shifa Hospital, which is one of the reasons we entered the hospital," Netanyahu told Norah O'Donnell, anchor of CBS Evening News. "If they were [there], they were taken out," he added. The Israeli prime minister then said the security forces had "intelligence about the hostages," but could not go into detail, "The less I say about it, the better." Al-Shifa Hospital became a pivotal role in the efforts Israel made over forty days to wrest control of Gaza from Hamas, and Israels seizure of it was an important step that could determine the pace and extent of its war with Hamas, according to the New York Times. The newspaper reported, The seizure of Al-Shifa Hospital, as well as any evidence provided by the Israelis about Hamas military presence there, may affect international sentiment toward the invasion, as well as the ongoing negotiations to release the kidnapped people. A high-ranking Israeli official, who spoke to the New York Times to discuss the ongoing operation, on condition of anonymity, said that the forces were interrogating people inside the hospital and found weapons, but he refused to provide evidence or further details, at a time when the Israeli army had not announced this. Amos Harel wrote in Haaretz "The fact that the Israel Defense Forces conducted searches in Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza on Wednesday was one of the most dramatic developments in the war against Hamas since the ground maneuver began at the end of October. Israel took the risk of a complex maneuver entailing increased contact with Hamas core security infrastructure in the heart of Gaza City. This action has specific goals exposing Hamas use of medical facilities for military purposes and a search for intelligence about Israeli hostage but also symbolic importance.... The IDF wants to signal that even though the current raid has limited goals, there is no place its forces fear to enter and there is no place Hamas can feel safe." In the days leading up to the raid, Israel insisted that Hamas was operating tunnels underground al-Shifa Hospital. It also claimed that the hospital was a command centre and military post for Hamas. The Israeli military released video footage from inside an undisclosed building within the medical complex. The video showed three duffel bags that the military claims were found hidden in an MRI lab, each containing an assault rifle, grenades, Hamas uniforms and flak jackets. Additionally, the army showed assault rifles without ammunition clips and a laptop that it said were found. Israeli military spokesperson Jonathan Conricus said: These weapons have absolutely no business being inside a hospital, adding that he believed the material was just the top of the iceberg. Mustafa Barghouti, the general secretary of the Palestinian National Initiative, said that what Israel had shown in videos from under al-Shifa Hospital so far could easily have been planted by the army itself. All theyve shown is a Kalashnikov and a laptop that they could have put there easily and claim that it was found there, the veteran Palestinian legislator told Al Jazeera. On X, formerly Twitter, the Israeli army first posted a video of Conricus taking viewers on a tour through parts of al-Shifa, which it said was without any edits or cuts. But it deleted that post and then republished a near-identical video, with some tweaks. On social platforms, that further fuelled questions about the veracity of Israels claims. Hamas denied and dismissed the latest statements by the Israeli military. The occupation forces are still lying as they brought some weapons, clothes and tools and placed them in the hospital in a scandalous manner, Qatar-based Hamas senior member Ezzat El Rashq said. He added that Hamas has repeatedly called for a committee from the United Nations, the World Health Organization and the International Committee of the Red Cross to verify Israels claims of Hamas tunnels under Gaza hospitals. Israel renewed its operation at Gaza's largest hospital, targeting what it maintains is a Hamas command centre concealed in a complex sheltering more than 2,000 civilians. "Tonight we conducted a targeted operation into Shifa hospital. We continue to move forward," Major General Yaron Finkelman, the head of Israeli military operations in Gaza, said. Palestinian news agency WAFA reported Israeli occupation forces (IOF) demolished the northern and southern walls of the Al-Shifa hospital. They also bulldozed all roads within a kilometer radius of the complex. The IDF earlier said it found signs of significant underground infrastructure located under Gazas Al-Shifa Hospital, as well as definite information that indicates a connection between Hamas activity in the hospital and the issue of the hostages. Israeli forces were conducting inspections and interrogations with the crews and employees of the Shifa Complex, following Israeli officers announcement that they found rifles, ammunition, protective armor, and other military equipment, inside the largest hospital in the Gaza Strip. Israeli army spokesman for the Arab media, Avichay Adraee, said that the Shaldag commando unit and other special units under the command of the 36th Division are continuing their work in a precise manner in the vicinity of Al-Shifa Hospital, where they are carrying out combing work in search of the infrastructure and terrorist means of the Hamas terrorist organization". According to Adraees post on the Military equipment used by the terrorist organization Hamas. In another section, Adraee says, An operational headquarters and technological means belonging to the Hamas terrorist organization were found, which indicates that the terrorist organization used the hospital for terrorist purposes. After storming it and strengthening control over it, on Wednesday, Israeli forces are conducting inspections and interrogations with the crews and employees of the Shifa Complex, following Israeli officers announcement that they found rifles, ammunition, protective armor, and other military equipment, inside the largest hospital in the Gaza Strip. In a video filmed at Al-Shifa Hospital, Israeli military spokesman Jonathan Conricus showed about 10 Hamas rifles, ammunition, protective vests and military uniforms, some of which he said were behind an MRI machine and others in nearby storage units. For his part, the Israeli army spokesman for the Arab media, Avichay Adraee, said that the Shaldag commando unit and other special units under the command of the 36th Division are continuing their work in a precise manner in the vicinity of Al-Shifa Hospital, where they are carrying out combing work in search of the infrastructure and terrorist means of the Hamas terrorist organization". According to Adraees post on the Military equipment used by the terrorist organization Hamas. In another section, Adraee says, An operational headquarters and technological means belonging to the Hamas terrorist organization were found, which indicates that the terrorist organization used the hospital for terrorist purposes. He continued, "The Israeli Defense Forces is working in the vicinity of the hospital based on available intelligence and in an effort to prevent harm to medical staff and other civilians who have taken refuge in the hospital." He added, "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, which indicates that the terrorist organization is using the hospital for terrorist purposes." Hamas, which has repeatedly denied using the hospital for military operations, issued a statement describing the Israeli allegations as a fabricated story that no one will believe. Israeli media pointed out that the extensive Israeli propaganda following the Israeli forces' incursion of the al-Shifa Medical Complex in Gaza was a disappointment for Israeli settlers who believed that Israel would eliminate the Hamas movement during the assault. The media indicated that the leadership of Hamas remained cohesive even after the incursion of al-Shifa, and its fighters continue to launch rockets toward Tel Aviv and Gaza Envelope settlements. It mentioned that Israeli occupation forces reached al-Shifa but the goal of the operation was not achieved, as the Israeli forces failed to capture Hamas leader in Gaza Yahya al-Sinwar and Commander-in-Chief of al-Qassam Brigades Mohammad Deif. Yair Cherki, the religion reporter for the Israeli Channel 12, said: "I hear about the widespread disappointment in Israel not only from those sitting at home but also from the soldiers who returned from Gaza, who spent about two weeks there." Cherki highlighted "There is great disappointment regarding Israeli prisoners in the Gaza Strip". On his part, Arab affairs analyst on Israeli Channel 13, Zvi Yehezkeli, said that it is clear that there is nothing of real value in al-Shifa Hospital that the Israeli forces stormed, adding that the Hospital matter is a "distraction that Israel has been subjected to for more than a week, and in the end, these distraction stories will produce disappointment among the Israeli public." Palestinian writer and political researcher Hamza Al-Bashtawi stressed that the occupation had failed to create an image of victory in the Shifa Complex in Gaza, stressing the failure of the Zionists to achieve their primary goal of targeting hospitals, which is to displace Palestinians from the Gaza Strip. In an interview with Iranian Al-Alam News Channel for the With Al-Hadath program, he pointed out that not only did the Israeli lies about Al-Shifa Hospital fall, but the supporting American lies fell, which presented a story similar to the Israeli story, as intelligence sources in the White House spoke about the existence of tunnels, prisoners, and leadership centers. And weapons depots in the Al-Shifa complex. He pointed out that prior to this storming, there was a prelude to the media war , where it was portrayed that this center included leaders of Hamas, the resistance, and other things, indicating: All this exaggeration is for the sake of creating an image of victory. This narrative and its amplification by the media paves the way for the Israeli forces to advance to reach what is called an image of victory. . He stressed that: In contrast to this negative and dangerous media war on the Shifa Complex, there were the sick and displaced people inside the Shifa Complex. There is a real and realistic humanitarian narrative inside the complex, which is the medical body, the patients, and the displaced people there who only drink undrinkable water or dates. He added that the occupation brought all its elite forces to storm the complex, as it became clear that all these allegations do not exist and have no basis. Rather, there are only medical staff, patients and displaced people, and this led to the death of a large number of patients. Al-Bashtawi said that the occupation failed to create an image of victory, and when they entered Al-Rantisi Hospital, they showed a picture and said that these were the names of prisoners, but it turned out that they were not the names of Zionist prisoners. He stressed that the primary goal of storming the Shifa complex and targeting hospitals in the Gaza Strip was to extinguish the lanterns of hope among the Palestinian people. While he pointed out that the Zionists want to turn the Gaza Strip into a narrow grave, he stressed that: This fails in the face of high morale. After 40 days of war, we only heard Palestinian voices inside the Gaza Strip confirming that they are steadfast and that their morale is high, in addition to the creativity in heroics and epics from before. Sons of resistance in the face of occupation. Hamza Al-Bashtawi concluded , The main goal is the process of displacing the Palestinians from the Gaza Strip... and it did not happen, and it will not happen. Al Mayadeen's correspondent in Gaza reported that the IDF's tanks renewed their efforts to storm the Al-Shifa Medical Complex from the southern side. The correspondent reported that the occupation forces bulldozed the areas in the vicinity of the maternity section at Shifa Hospital, adding that IOF tanks are opening fire on anyone attempting to leave. He also added that the IOF detained a number of medical workers and technical staff at the hospital. Israeli army spokesman Daniel Gary Mezhwa revealed what he said was evidence indicating that Hamas is using the Rantissi Childrens Hospital in Gaza to detain prisoners of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood . The officer shows a list, which he says is in Arabic and contains details of the military operation launched last October 7 (the Al-Aqsa Flood), and it also includes names. The guards who took turns guarding the people who were here. This clip, including the transformation of the days of the week into the names of prisoner guards, did not go unnoticed on social networking sites and turned into a subject of ridicule. After examining the pictures and visuals, it becomes clear that this list dates to the days of the week. American CNN network published a report repeating the story of the List of Terrorists in Al-Rantisi Hospital, which turned out to be just a calendar that includes the days of the week in Arabic. In a joint operation, soldiers of the 188th Armored Brigade, and Flotilla 13 (Shayetet 13), took operational control of the Gaza harbor, which was controlled by the Hamas terrorist organization. In the operation, in which soldiers of the Combat Engineering Corps and the Air Force also participated, 10 terror tunnel shafts and four structures used for terror were destroyed, and 10 terrorists were killed. All buildings in the harbor area were cleared. The Hamas terrorist organization used the harbor as a training facility for their naval commando forces for planning and executing naval terror attacks. Under the guise of a civilian harbor, Hamas used the area for training and carrying out terror attacks, all the while using civilian and Gaza harbor police vessels. Military expert Majid Al-Qaisi explained what the term operational control means at the military level. Al-Qaisi, a former officer in the Iraqi army, says that there are three types of control over the land during battles, the first of which is operational, then comes tactical control, and then comes administrative control. Al-Qaisi adds that operational control means that the attacking force deployed two or more military divisions in the region and began distributing them, supporting the divisions, and inserting reserve forces into them. However, Al-Qaisi downplayed the importance of the port on the military level, given that Hamas is not using it in the current war. Al-Qaisi points out that the port, from a military perspective, is considered an important location, but it is not tactical or vital at the level of military tactics, because it is small and can be considered a port and not a port in the true sense. Israel has essentially imposed a land, sea and air blockade on the Gaza Strip since Hamas took power there in 2007. During the takeover of the Shati camp, IDF troops located and destroyed a Hamas naval forces weapons cache, containing diving gear, explosive devices, and weapons. IDF troops also struck terrorists and located weapons including explosive belts, explosive barrels, RPGs, anti-tank missiles, comms equipment, and intelligence documents. The Israeli forces that had made advances toward al-Jalaa Street in Gaza City withdrew amid fierce confrontations as the Palestinian Resistance continued to put the Israeli occupation forces through the wringer in close-quarter combat. Israeli military vehicles were mobilized in the al-Rimal area due to the fierce nature of the Resistance they were subjected to as the Palestinian fighters continued to push against "Israel" and counter its bids to invade the Gaza Strip, an Al Mayadeen correspondent reported. Al-Quds Brigades, the military wing of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), issued a brief statement announcing that all of its fighters were engaged in brutal confrontations in the vicinity of the al-Shifa Medical Complex, noting that they were inflicting mass casualties on the invading forces. Al-Quds Brigades also claimed responsibility for the bombing of the Israeli Nir Oz settlement in the Gaza envelope. The National Resistance Brigades, also known as Martyr Omar Al-Qassem Forces, the armed wing of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP), said their freedom fighters confronted the Israeli forces southwest of Gaza using small arms and mortar shells. IDF Chief Spokesperson, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, revealed that two powerful attacks were carried out on two different underground complexes, one of which was used by two senior Hamas terrorists who were hiding, by the names of Ahmed Andor and Ayman Siam. In another underground complex, senior members of the political wing of Hamas, including Moshehi Moshtaha, Asam Da'les and Sameh al-Sarraj, were hiding. "Hamas is trying to hide the results of the attack. It can be said with certainty that the underground where they were was very badly damaged," the IDF spokesperson stated. Military expert Major General Fayez Al-Duwairi, in an analysis for Al Jazeera, said regarding Al-Shifa Hospital that the failure of the occupation army to provide any evidence for its claims regarding the presence of the leadership of the Islamic Resistance Movement ( Hamas ), prisoners, fighters, or weapons inside the complex represents a grave intelligence failure for Israel and the United States, if the intrusion was actually based on Information, not lies," he said. Al-Duwairi said that each country has a National Security Council consisting of senior political leaders that determines the risks that must be confronted with force, and the challenges that can be dealt with in other ways. It is responsible for directing orders to the military command, which relies primarily on the summary of the intelligence situation to determine the final form of dealing with whether to launch an attack or not. Repell him. After determining the type of work, Al-Duwairi adds, a military order is issued to draw up an implementation plan that will be distributed to the participants in the operation to carry out the tasks assigned to them, with each squad leader having the right to determine the method by which he will carry out the task. Al-Duwairi pointed out that intelligence information decreases as it descends from the brigade commander to the company commander to the division commander, until it declines among the group commanders on the ground to what pertains to each groups tasks only. Based on this hierarchy in effect in most armies - the military expert says - Israel - if it was honest - acted based on false information and corrupt sources, because it had confirmed before the storm that the entire Hamas command center was located below the hospital. Al-Duwairi confirmed that all the allegations published before the Shifa storming operation were made with the approval of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his chiefs of staff and intelligence, and all of them bear responsibility for this failure. But at the same time, he stressed that some misleading intelligence information is provided with the aim of building on it and making certain decisions, as the United States did in Iraq when it launched an invasion based on lies that were promoted. Not only that, Al-Duwairi pointed out that the occupation army re-published the video, which he said showed the weapons and equipment belonging to Hamas that had been confiscated inside the Shifa complex, after deleting 20 seconds from it, considering this as evidence that what is happening is nothing but a falsification operation aimed at carrying out certain things. He said that the Israeli occupation forces did not cleanse the Gaza port as they claimed, but rather destroyed it because resistance was not present there, stressing that the size of the vehicles stationed in the port means that the Israelis are facing violent resistance that required providing more support in this area. Al-Duwairi added that Israel is still in the stage of engagement and not control, which means that it has not been able to defeat the resistance, which possesses weapons that are considered modest compared to what the occupation army possesses, but they are nonetheless effective. Even the areas into which military vehicles penetrated are mostly agricultural areas and devoid of population, meaning that they did not require fighting to enter them. However, the incursion into them took 40 days of war, and this is an achievement for the resistance, not for Israel, Al-Duwairi said. The military expert believed that what Israel did in the Gaza port was destruction and not cleansing as it claims, noting that there are only small fishing boats in the port. He said that what the occupation military machine was doing in Al-Shifa Hospital reflected the extent of the military failure it was suffering from, especially since it did not provide one piece of evidence of actual operational achievement. Al-Duwairi said that the pictures published by the occupation army of the operation to control the Gaza port aim to promote a victory that does not exist at all, especially since the port is not more than 30 meters away from Al-Rashid Street - which is under fire besiegement. The military expert concluded that the size of the vessels that were brought to the port confirms that the Israelis suffered heavy losses, which prompted them to send in more forces as support. Regarding the number of dead Israeli officers, Al-Duwairi said that - according to military rules - they are much greater than announced because Israeli officers lead soldiers during operations, meaning they are at the forefront. The resistance is engaged in violent clashes with the occupation forces in the heart of Gaza City, especially in the areas of Al-Saraya, Al-Zaytoun, Sheikh Radwan, Jabalia, and the vicinity of Al-Shifa Medical Complex, which the Israelis stormed at dawn on Wednesday. The Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades , the military wing of the Islamic Resistance Movement ( Hamas ), announced that it was able to damage 33 vehicles belonging to the Israeli occupation forces during the last 48 hours. A statement by the Brigades said that they targeted 5 military vehicles that attempted to infiltrate west of Beit Lahia with Al-Yassin 105 shells, which led to the destruction of two vehicles, one a Wolf model and the other a Defender model, and finishing them off with machine guns from zero range. The Brigades stated, "The Al-Qassam Mujahideen were able to finish off a Zionist force holed up inside a building in Beit Hanoun with 12 Yassin 105 anti-fortified shells, which led to the complete destruction of the building and its collapse on the targeted force, with all of them falling dead or wounded." The Qassam Brigades statement added, "Since this morning, our mujahideen have been able to destroy a house in which the occupation soldiers were barricaded, leaving them dead and wounded, and completely or partially destroying 21 Zionist vehicles in all areas of the incursion into the Gaza Strip." Earlier, Hamas leader Osama Hamdan confirmed that the Al-Qassam Brigades were able to damage 33 enemy vehicles during the last 48 hours. Communications services in the Gaza Strip were completely cut off after the Israeli occupation prevented the entry of fuel into the Strip, according to what was confirmed by the United Nations and the two telecommunications operators, while Human Rights Watch warned of fatal repercussions. The two main telecommunications companies in the sector, Paltel and Jawwal, said Thursday in a statement, All services were disrupted after the entry of fuel was prevented and all backup energy sources were exhausted to operate the main network elements. At the same time, the Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees ( UNRWA ), Philippe Lazzarini, announced that communications with the Gaza Strip were completely cut off again, due to the exhaustion of fuel. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced a next phase of the operation in Gaza, during a situational assessment overviewing the militarys progress, particularly with the latest activity in the Al-Shifa Hospital complex. "I arrived today at the headquarters of the division whose special forces also operate inside the Shifa hospital, Gallant began his situational assessment alongside the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Deputy Chief of Staff and other senior officers. "The more we expand this operation, increase the pressure on Hamas and erode more headquarters, damage more tunnels, eliminate more operatives, and bring down more heads of organizations, the greater the chance of returning our abductees, because this enemy only understands power and we are explaining what power is. IDF issued warnings to residents of neighborhoods in Khan Yunis Governorate , south of the Gaza Strip, to evacuate their homes. According to Anatolia Agency, the Israeli army radio said, For the first time, the army called on residents of some neighborhoods of Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip to evacuate their homes, through leaflets dropped by aircraft on a number of eastern neighborhoods of Khan Yunis. The IDF previously issued warnings to residents of the northern Gaza Strip to head south, before today calling on residents of the south to evacuate their homes. The leaflets stated, For your safety, you must evacuate your places of residence immediately and go to known shelter centers, specifying the neighborhoods of Khuzaa, Abasan, Bani Suhaila, and Al-Qarara. The leaflets also stated that anyone who approaches terrorists or their facilities puts his life in danger, and every home used by terrorists will be targeted. "To the residents of the neighborhoods of Tal al-Hawa, al-Sabra, al-Zaytoun al-Gharbi, al-Daraj al-Tuffah, al-Shujaiya, and Jabalia, we urge you to evacuate your residential areas immediately in order to preserve your safety, via Salah al-Din Road until four oclock (16:00). ) in the evening to reach the south of Wadi Gaza and the humanitarian zone. "We will implement a temporary tactical suspension of military activities during the day today, specifically between ten in the morning (10:00) and two in the afternoon (14:00) for humanitarian purposes in Shujaiya and the Turkmen neighborhood. We invite you to take advantage of this period to reach Salah El-Din Street and move south. Hundreds of thousands of residents of the northern Gaza Strip have moved south in recent days through the humanitarian corridor, on foot or in cars. Do not surrender to the dictates of Hamas, which has lost control over the northern Gaza Strip area and is trying to prevent you from moving south and protect yourselves. If Hamas members block your way, contact us via text messages on the number +97250-341-0322 or on the Telegram account @gaza_saver. We urge you to seize the time and move South!" Neighborhoods in the southern Gaza Strip were also subjected to bombing, killing martyrs and wounded in those areas where the occupation asked the people of the Gaza Strip to seek refuge, in addition to displaced people being bombed on their way to the southern regions, according to several Palestinian sources. Various areas of the West Bank , including the city of Jerusalem, witnessed raids and incursions into villages and towns by the Israeli occupation army, accompanied by confrontations, arrests, and shooting and gas bombs at Palestinians. This came after the martyrdom of 3 Palestinians after carrying out a shooting operation at the military tunnel checkpoint between the cities of Jerusalem and Bethlehem, which resulted in the death of an Israeli soldier and the wounding of 7 Israelis with varying injuries. Israeli forces closed the area of ??the operation south of Jerusalem in anticipation of the presence of a suspicious object. The Israeli police reported that they are currently pursuing other people suspected of participating in the operation. For its part, the " Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades - West Bank" (the military wing of the Hamas movement ) claimed responsibility for the operation. wing of the Hamas movement ) claimed responsibility for the operation. A Qassam statement explained that a group affiliated with the Brigades raided enemy forces at the military checkpoint separating northern Bethlehem and southern occupied Jerusalem, and they were able to kill and wound a number of Zionist soldiers, in retaliation for the blood of the martyrs in Gaza. Jordans foreign ministry said seven staff members at its field hospital in northern Gaza were wounded by Israeli shelling. Israels exposing the hospital and its staff to danger during its bombing of our Palestinian brothers is an unacceptable and condemnable crime and represents a clear violation of international law, Sufyan Al-Qudah, spokesman for Jordans Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said in a statement. The government is awaiting the results of the investigation initiated by the Armed Forces-Arab Army to take the necessary legal and political steps against this heinous crime, he added. More attacks targeted Israeli sites and troops along the border with Lebanon on November 16 with Hezbollah claiming responsibility. Hezbollah announced in six separate statements that its fighters had targeted the Israeli military sites of Misgav Am, Bayad Blida, Metulla, Harmon, Jal al-Alam and the Yiftah Barracks with anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs), rockets and other weapons. In two other statements, the group said that gatherings of Israeli troops were targeted with suitable weapons on the Karantina hill near the site of Hadab Yaron and close to the Shtoula site. The attacks were carried out in support of the steadfast Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip and in support of their brave and honorable resistance, Hezbollah noted in all of its statements. IDF fighter jets carried out strikes on Hezbollah terror targets in Lebanon. The targets included a number of military posts from which Hezbollah terrorists operated. In addition, IDF soldiers struck a terrorist who was operating in Lebanese territory, adjacent to the area of Shlomi in northern Israel. As of November 16, the clashes on the Lebanese front have claimed the lives of seven IDF troops, three Israeli civilians, 74 fighters of Hezbollah, two fighters from the Lebanese Resistance Brigades, one fighter from the Lebanese Resistance Regiments, three fighters from the Hamas Movement, four fighters from the Palestinian Islamic Jihad and sixteen Lebanese civilians. Bystanders South Africa asked the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate the Israeli government for alleged war crimes in Gaza, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced during a two-day visit to Qatar. The claim against Israel, which has not ratified the Rome Statute the treaty establishing the ICC was taken together with many other countries, Ramaphosa said, without specifying which states were involved. Last week, Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced Bogota would request that the court prosecute Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the massacre of civilians in Gaza. Similarly, two Turkish lawyers and a former lawmaker have petitioned Ankara's government to file charges against Israel at the ICC, to which Turkiye is also not a party. The features of the legal battle to try Israel for its crimes began to unfold after a legal army composed of human rights organizations and more than 500 lawyers from all over the world, led by French lawyer Gilles Duver, headed to the International Criminal Court in The Hague. A 56-page lawsuit arrived at the courts public prosecutors office demanded the opening of an investigation into the incidents attributed to the occupation army in the Gaza Strip since October 7th. The text of the lawsuit traces the threads of the case from its beginning, starting from the period of the British Mandate, the Balfour Declaration , and the establishment of the State of Israel, all the way to the various Israeli-Arab wars, the Oslo Accords of 1993, the siege imposed on the Gaza Strip, and Operation Al-Aqsa Flood , then the occupations continuing aggression against defenseless civilians. The defense relies on documented facts and declarations of clear intent by Israeli officials to commit war crimes and genocide against the Palestinian people. The law classifies genocide as the physical extermination of populations, but also the destruction of communities by making life within them impossible, including cutting off water and electricity, reducing food, destroying homes and forced displacement, with speeches that describe populations as animals and dehumanize them, Duffer said. Duffer explained in his interview with Al Jazeera Net, "On this basis, we filed a complaint about genocide because what Israel is doing falls within the framework of all cases that lead to this crime, and we do not lack evidence at all, because the Hebrew state does not hide what it is doing and publishes it in audio and video in public." Obtaining proof is not considered a complicated matter, according to the lawyer, who mentioned the statement of the Israeli Defense Minister, I will cut off water and electricity because we have to treat them like animals, and Netanyahu, who threatened that Palestinian lives would not return to what they were before, in addition to the World Health Organizations recognition of the exposure of ambulances "to attack." Lawyer Abdel Majeed Marari, Director of the Middle East and North Africa Department at the AFDI Human Rights Organization pointed out in an interview with Al Jazeera Net, "This is the first case in the history of dealing with the International Criminal Court regarding the issue of the Palestinian issue regarding genocide, and we relied on the 1948 Genocide Convention and in accordance with Article VI of the Rome Statute establishing the International Criminal Court system." According to Article 51 of the Rome Statute, the Public Prosecutor receives the evidence and gives himself a reasonable period to study it and determine its admissibility in terms of substance and not in terms of form. In this regard, Marari explained, saying: We have settled the matter with the International Criminal Court regarding the issue of admissibility in terms of form, because it extends its jurisdiction over the Palestinian territories, including the West Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza. Meaning that the matter of admissibility in terms of specialization has ended and is no longer relevant in any way. Dover said, The Wests support for the establishment of a Jewish state on the land of the Palestinian people began in 1917 with British and French blessing, and it is support based on denying the peoples right to self-determination, adding: They continue to fund and aid and focus on escape. Of punishment and destruction of the people because they imagine that destroying a strong people like the Palestinian people is possible. He continued by saying, "The Western powers support a crazy bet that requires the liquidation of the Palestinian people on their land, and I regret watching all these countries follow the orders of the lying General Netanyahu, whose hands are stained with blood, and who is also being pursued on charges of corruption." The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, said that it is important to document all the violations that occur in the Gaza Strip and hold those responsible for them accountable, stressing the need for the International Criminal Court to intervene in this matter. He added in an interview with Al Jazeera that he is very concerned about what is happening to the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, especially those trying to escape from the Israeli bombing to the south, as well as the wounded and injured in Al-Shifa Hospital, stressing the need to ensure the application of international humanitarian law, which stipulates the protection of hospitals, medical staff, and patients. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch warned of the continuing power outages in Gaza, resulting from Israel's prevention of fuel supplies. They said in separate statements that its humanitarian impacts were devastating. Amnesty International stressed that the immediate entry of sufficient levels of fuel is essential to enable the healthcare system to provide life-saving services. The organization said that the fuel ban has severely affected the provision of vital services to the remaining dilapidated medical facilities that treat thousands of sick victims of the ongoing attack on Gaza, and also hindered the rescue of the wounded trapped under the rubble of destroyed buildings. Human Rights Watch said that the Israeli government's decision to prevent the delivery of fuel to Gaza will lead to a complete and imminent communications outage unless it is addressed urgently, thus exposing the lives of Gazans to further danger. The organization called on Israel to allow fuel into Gaza and to refrain from deliberately shutting down or destroying telecommunications systems that cause severe harm to civilians. Satellite imagery analyst Matt Korda of the Federation of American Scientists said that the Kyl-Bingaman Amendment exists is indication that "Israel" is treated differently than other countries. A report by National Public Radio shows how the availability of satellite imaging by US satellites is subject to Israeli exceptionalism. This restraint of shielding "Israel" from eyes in the sky has been codified by the Kyl-Bingaman Amendment, according to a report published by NPR. US companies have long been subject to restrictions regarding the quality of satellite pictures they could sell that might put Israeli interests at stake. These restrictions extend to all Israeli-occupied territories, including Gaza. Typically, restrictions are imposed by countries on satellite imagery of sensitive locations within their borders, this law, however, is the only one of its kind that safeguards images of a "country", according to NPR. Under the Kyl-Bingaman Amendment (KBA), the Office of Commercial Remote Sensing Regulatory Affairs (CRSRA), a division of the US' National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), can issue US licenses for collecting or distributing satellite images of "Israel". For over two decades, the quality limit was fixed at 2 meters resolution. In 2020, the CRSRA sharply lowered the KBA's allowed resolution, from 2 meters to 0.40 meters. What this means effectively is that one pixel in a satellite image of occupied Palestine can now depict a square on the ground measuring 40 centimeters by 40 centimeters, the report explained. "This restriction doesn't even apply to the US" homeland and territories, satellite imagery analyst Matt Korda told NPR. "The fact that the KBA even exists is a clear indication that Israel is treated differently than other countries [by the US]" Korda added. Israeli leaders were unhappy with the change in 2020, however. "We would always prefer to be photographed at the lowest resolution possible," said retired Brigadier General Amnon Harari, head of Israel's space programs, at the time. "It's always preferable to be seen blurred, rather than precisely." Axis of Resistance Iran will do whatever it takes to help Hamas in its war with Israel, Irans Quds Force commander Esmail Qaani said in a message to top Hamas commander Mohammed Deif, state media reported. Your brothers in the resistance axis are united with you and will not allow the enemy to reach its dirty goals in Gaza and Palestine, Qaani said in a letter addressed to Deif, leader of the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas. The resistance axis refers to a network of regional militant groups supported by Iran, including Hamas, Lebanons Hezbollah, various militias in Iraq and Syria, and the Houthi militia in Yemen. We stand by our fraternal pledge that unites us and we assure you that we will do whatever it takes in this historic battle, Qaani added in the letter which was shared by Iranian state news agency IRNA. The Quds Force, headed by Qaani, is the foreign operations arm of Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). This came a day after a Reuters report that Irans Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei told Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh earlier this month that Tehran would not go to war with Israel on behalf of the Palestinian group. Earlier on Thursday, senior Hamas official Osama Hamdan dismissed the report as pure lies. Iran has not commented on it. Brigadier General Abdolrahim Mousavi, the Commander-in-Chief of the Iranian Army, said that Operation Al-Aqsa Flood has hastened the deterioration of the Zionist entity. "The Zionist regime, the killer of children, has entered a stage of [sharp] deterioration after Al-Aqsa Flood," he said. "What is happening today in Gaza has unveiled the true face of the United States and the Western supporters of the Zionist regime." He added that this war is evidence that the countries of the region have no choice but to rely on their local capabilities to safeguard their national interests and the dignity of their people. "Iran believes that the victory of the Palestinian people and the demise of Israel [is inevitable]," Mousavi added. He also argued that if the occupation was optimistic about its future, it would not have perpetrated such brutal crimes. "We will surely witness the victory of Al-Quds," he said Operation Al-Aqsa Flood is a marvelous epic whose lines were woven by the Resistance fighters in al-Qassam Brigades, the commander of the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC), Esmail Qaani, the commander of Hamas' armed wing, wrote to Mohammad Deif in a letter. "The resistance has clearly demonstrated the weakness and fragility of the usurping Zionist entity and practically proved that it is weaker than a spider's web," Qaani told the commander of al-Qassam brigades. "The strikes launched by the resistance against the enemy's forces and tanks have shown to everyone that the resistance in Gaza is perfectly capable of taking initiative and decisive action," the IRGC chief added. The region "will not be as it was before al-Aqsa Flood," and this achievement has made the people of the Islamic world increasingly "rally around the choice of jihad" in light of their belief that they were closer than ever to entering al-Aqsa Mosque." Qaani also saw that Gaza is defending today the "honor, pride, and dignity of the Ummah," underlining that "your brothers standing with you in the Axis of al-Quds and Resistance will not allow the enemy and those behind it to dominate Gaza and its people. They will not allow the enemy to achieve its malicious goals in Gaza and Palestine." Moreover, he extended his congratulations to al-Deif, the Palestinian Resistance, as well as the people of occupied Palestine for the significant victory and unprecedented achievements they have made against the Israeli occupation. "We reaffirm the covenant, pledge, and the religious and fraternal commitment that unites us, and we assure you that, within our continued protection and influential support for the Resistance, we will do everything necessary in this historical battle," Qaani stressed in the conclusion of his letter to the renowned Resistance leader. Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian lashed out at the Zionist regime for delaying the exchange of prisoners with Hamas, which he said has proved its goodwill in this regard, noting that Israel is seeking to play the victim and buy time. In a meeting in Geneva, Amirabdollahian and President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Mirjana Spoljaric Egger talked about the current tragic situation in Gaza. The Iranian foreign minister thanked the ICRC and its president for their stance and efforts regarding the human tragedy in Gaza and described the situation in the strip as difficult and complicated. He also outlined the diplomatic efforts of Iran regarding humanitarian issues in Gaza, stressing that Tehran opposes the spillover of the crisis into other parts of the region. Hamas senior official Osama Hamdan said during a press conference in the Lebanese capital of Beirut, Palestinian prisoners in Israeli prisons "will be released, and we will not stop until their liberation," Hamdan underlined, saluting the resistance in the West Bank, which carried out an operation against the Israeli occupation forces in occupied al-Quds earlier in the day. "We are still waiting for the implementation of the Arab summit's decision to break the siege and bring in medicines, food, and medical supplies to the [Gaza] Strip," he added. The Hamas top official addressed the crime committed by Israeli forces in raiding the al-Shifa Medical Complex with tanks, confirming that the occupation, "after 20 hours of attacking all the hospital's facilities, came out with a ridiculous narrative," stating that they "found several rifles and an old shoe." "The occupation may resort to a new fabrication to justify its actions after its narrative was exposed," Hamdan added. "The true scope of the crime in the al-Shifa Hospital is represented by the targets, the premature babies." Additionally, Hamdan affirmed in his press conference that "the lies of the occupation and the US are evident to everyone." Hamdan said, For two weeks, we have been calling for the formation of an international committee to investigate the lies of the occupations story regarding Al-Shifa Hospital and the hospitals of the Gaza Strip. He pointed out that the enemys story regarding the alleged weapons in Al-Shifa Medical Complex is nothing but a scandal to him in all its aspects. He added: It has become clear to everyone that the occupation and America lied about Al-Shifa Hospital, and it is not reasonable to store weapons next to MRI machines in any hospital as the occupation claims, and the occupation soldiers are the ones who brought the alleged weapons in boxes to Al-Shifa Hospital. This is a farce carried out by the occupation and it is a scandal for it as well". Hamdan held the US administration and US President Joe Biden responsible for the crimes committed against the Shifa Complex, given that they provided complete cover for the war crime carried out by the occupation in the Shifa Complex, again calling on international organizations to form a committee to monitor hospitals to expose the falsity of the occupations claims. He said that the occupation's goal in attacking hospitals, bombing bakeries, and destroying vital facilities is to displace the Palestinian people from their land. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, Kataib Hezbollah, praised the patience of the Palestinian people and renewed its commitment to supporting their Resistance until the complete liberation of occupied Palestine. Kataib Hezbollah, part of the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, affirmed its solidarity with the Gaza Strip and the Palestinian Resistance amid Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, stressing its commitment to direct strikes against the enemy, in response to the crimes of the Zionist-American aggression. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq - the Hezbollah Brigades - threatened in a statement by the Zionist entity with severe strikes and harsh slaps until the land of Palestine is liberated. The Brigades said in a statement, The legendary steadfastness of the Palestinian people in the face of the brutality of the Zionists, supported by the latest American military and intelligence machines, as well as the support of England, France, and other Western countries, would not have been possible without their patience and belief in the necessity of regaining their rights stolen from the usurping entity. It added, "Despite the Palestinians being exposed to various types of crimes and genocide, they are still steadfast, seeking to liberate their land and their sanctities. Rather, their patience has increased and their resolve has increased in the battle for existence and confronting enemies." It pointed out that "the American involvement in depriving this people of their rights and freedom has exceeded the crimes of besieging cities, cutting off water, food and medicine from them, destroying buildings, displacing civilians, storming and bombing mosques and hospitals, and killing women and children." It continued, "These crimes shared by the Zionist-American enemy will not pass without deterrence and punishment, and he will receive from us - with God Almighty's help - the harshest blows and the harshest slaps, wherever our hands have reached, in promise and covenant, until the land of Palestine is liberated from the sea to the river." Moroccan philosopher Taha Abdel Rahman saw the Al-Aqsa Flood operation, which was carried out by the Palestinian factions, as a new resumption of civilization and a new revival of the nation. The professor of logic, philosophy of language and ethics - in an interview published by the Center of Civilization for Studies and Research on his website - described the event as a new birth for man, through new values in which a person discovers himself, and new concepts in which he feels his freedom in light of the prevalence of values of enslavement to the Israeli will, and conditions... A new way in which he regains his nature in a reality in which misguided values are widespread. The Moroccan philosopher explained - in his conversation with his academic interlocutor, Mahmoud Al-Naffar - that the Palestinian resistance today writes the history of the nation, and leads humanity towards the light with the minds that are opened by its own creation, and what has happened and will happen as a result of its dazzling action of self-reviews: individual and collective, considering it a rational appeal. For continuous giving, and creative inheritance of renewable energy in the paths of Islamic and human history. The author of The Question of Action - A Search for Practical Fundamentals of Thought and Science (2012) considered that resistance is not a partial action, but rather a comprehensive action, and added, I looked at resistance from an existential perspective, and I mean that there is no meaning to existence without resistance, because existence and life "It is gained from the act of resistance itself." The author of Religious Work and the Renewal of the Mind (1989) believes that the greatest manifestation of the Arab and Islamic mind in the modern era is what was embodied in the Al-Aqsa flood. The author of Modernity and Resistance (2007) said, The vigilant Palestinian resistance man rose to carry this trust brilliantly, and he bore this responsibility with benevolence. He carried it in the best way, and carried it out in the best way. The Moroccan philosopher - author of The Arab Right to Philosophical Difference (2002) and The Islamic Right to Intellectual Difference (2005) - went on to say: I wish I were a young man fighting with them. This is the time that deserves to live, and these are the moments that should be seized". In this context, Abdel Rahman expressed his sadness about the regional situation, saying, The nations failure is heartbreaking, especially the failure of intellectuals. Had it not been for normalization, the occupying state would not have done what it did, and if the normalizing countries had taken a stand, these criminal attacks would have stopped, as he put it. Allied for Democracy Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to step down immediately, amid Israels indiscriminate bombardment of Gaza in response to Hamass October 7 attack. Lapid called for a no-confidence vote in parliament that would allow for the formation of a new government led by another prime minister. Netanyahu should leave immediately We need change, Netanyahu cannot remain prime minister, Lapid said in an interview with an Israeli news channel. Lapid accuses Netanyahu and the security apparatus under his leadership of an unpardonable failure for not preventing the October 7 attack. We cannot allow ourselves to carry out a long campaign under a prime minister who has lost the peoples trust, he said. This is the first time Lapid has called for Netanyahu to step down saying that the situation does not warrant early elections, rather the parties should opt for a national reconstruction with another prime minister from Netanyahus Likud party. In a statement posted to Telegram, Likud immediately rebuffed the call, saying such a proposal in a time of war was shameful. Lapid, the head of the centrist Yesh Atid party, who briefly served as the Israeli PM in 2022, made the call in a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter). Replacing Netanyahu would allow the country to create a broad and stable coalition in parliament, led by the PMs right-wing party, Likud. Together with its minor extreme-right partners, Likund currently controls 64 out of 120 seats in parliament. The time has come we need to establish a national reconstruction government. Likud will lead it, Netanyahu and the extremists will be replaced, over 90 members of the Knesset will be partners in the coalition for healing and reconnection, Lapid suggested. The politician dismissed concerns that it was not the time to replace Netanyahu amid the current conflict in Gaza, which was triggered by the surprise attack launched by Hamas on Israel on October 7. I hear those saying this is not the time. We waited 40 days, there is no more time. What we need now is a government that will deal with nothing other than security and the economy, Lapid insisted, underscoring remarks he made during a televised speech the previous day. The weak link is the government, and especially the prime minister. The coalition funds continue to flow, the treatment of the evacuees and the injured is a disgraceful failure, no one bothers to close the unnecessary government offices, the advocacy is an unfolding disaster, the politician had said in his broadcasted address. Haaretz newspaper said that prominent countries in the West - which publicly supported Israel's war on Gaza - warned Tel Aviv in recent weeks that the continuation of the war in Gaza would greatly harm its relations with the main countries in the Arab and Islamic world, especially with the increasing civilian casualties and Israel's military operations. In hospitals, she therefore wants to see the fighting end within weeks. The newspaper explained - in a joint report between Ben Samuels and Amir Tibon - that American and European diplomats explained to it that the continuation of the war was harmful to their countries, and a European diplomat - whose country supports Israel until now without reservation - said, Our support for Israel has a price in the Arab and Islamic world. Our activity has stopped. "In Islamic countries over the past month, some of our embassies need additional protection. Even in countries whose leaders do not care about the fate of the Palestinians in Gaza, public opinion has turned against Israel and against the countries that support it." The newspaper pointed out that the unconditional Western support, sparked by the attack of last October 7, was followed by more critical voices of Israel that appeared in the past two weeks, with the rising number of civilian deaths in Gaza and images of destruction in the Strip, so that French President Emmanuel Macron called on Israel to refrain from harming women and children, followed by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau , and only the administration of US President Joe Biden remained, but it increased pressure on Israel. Another Western diplomat told the newspaper that Arab and Islamic countries contacted his government and asked it to follow the example of Macrons statement against the killing of women and children in Gaza, adding that Macron said what other Western leaders are thinking, but do not want to say in these circumstances. He added that European countries, and to some extent the United States, fear a situation in which Arab countries will approach Russia and China, which have refused to condemn Hamas and support Israel. He said, "The decision to support Israel at the beginning of the war was correct and justified, but now the price has begun to be determined." Haaretz noted that American officials were disturbed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's public mockery of the international consensus that the Palestinian Authority should assume control of Gaza to unify governance with the West Bank, while other American officials expressed concerns that Israel's actions are hampering negotiations aimed at ensuring possibility of foreign nationals leaving Gaza. The United States expressed deep concern that Jordanian medics were wounded in shelling near their field hospital in Gaza. Jordans foreign ministry said seven staff members at its field hospital in northern Gaza were wounded by Israeli shelling. White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan on Thursday called Jordan a critical ally and said its essential role in the conflict must be protected. We are deeply concerned that Jordanian medical personnel in Gaza were wounded in an attack near their field hospital, and we are profoundly grateful to medical professionals providing critical care to Palestinians in Gaza, he said. The Israeli Broadcasting Corporation reported that Tel Aviv informed Washington of its approval of the idea of deploying international forces in the Gaza Strip after the end of the war, after reports of increasing disagreement between the two sides regarding their perceptions of the future of the Strip on the assumption of ending the control of the Islamic Resistance Movement ( Hamas ) over it. The US envoy to the Middle East, Brett McGurk, who began his regional tour from Israel yesterday, Wednesday, met with senior Israeli officials and discussed with them several issues, including the so-called day after, that is, after the end of the war. The Broadcasting Authority quoted two Israeli sources as saying that the two sides discussed a proposal to deploy an international force in Gaza, and that the Israeli officials whom McGurk met expressed approval of this idea, and stressed that the Palestinian Authority, in its current state, should not control the Strip. The Commission did not provide other details, nor did it clarify which countries might participate in this international force once it is formed. According to what was reported by the Israeli Broadcasting Authority, Israeli officials confirmed to McGurk that Israel does not intend to govern the Gaza Strip civilianly or rebuild the Gush Katif settlements, an Israeli settlement bloc that was in the Gaza Strip before its dismantling and the withdrawal of the occupation forces from the Strip in 2005. The American news network NBC reported - citing current and former American officials - that differences are increasing between the administration of President Joe Biden and the government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the attack on the Gaza Strip and the perception of its political future. The network stated that this dispute relates to crucial long-term issues regarding who will rule the Gaza Strip after the war, and the role of the Palestinian Authority in this regard, in addition to reviving diplomatic efforts for a two-state solution and establishing a Palestinian state. NBC said that this dispute will worsen in the coming months, and that US administration officials are concerned about an idea put forward by the Israeli side regarding the establishment of highly fortified buffer zones in the northern Gaza Strip to protect Israel from any future attack. US administration officials said, "Establishing a buffer zone in Gaza means reducing the area of ??the Strip, which we consider unacceptable." The network stated that President Biden is committed to his approach towards Israel by exercising his influence behind closed doors and preventing the expansion of the war, which officials believe has an impact, but things are not moving as quickly as we would like. NBC confirmed that despite the existing differences, there are no indications that the Biden administration is prepared to withhold military aid provided by Washington to Israel or impose sanctions on it. Sen. Bernie Sanders received a letter from 330 delegates to the Democratic National Convention who backed him during his 2016 and 2020 presidential bids, urging him to introduce a resolution for a ceasefire in Gaza. The delegates also urged him to support an end to the blockade of Gaza, the occupation of Palestinian land, US funding, and the expansion of Israeli settlements. The letter read, Weve progressed beyond the stage of seeking mere condemnations or symbolic gestures, adding: We concur with your assertion that these unspeakable crimes must cease and that the bombs and missiles from both sides should be halted. But Palestinians require more than just a humanitarian pause. This came as Congress was considering a funding request, including over $14.3 billion for "Israel", as part of a national security supplemental package. The bill was intended to be a support bill for the House resolution introduced by Rep. Cori Bush, Rashida Tlaib, Andre Carson, Summer Lee, and Delia Ramirez last month. At least 31 members of Congress, including Sen. Dick Durbin, have shown support for a ceasefire but on condition of the release of Israeli captives. This came in light of a letter sent to Sanders three weeks after hundreds of Sanders' presidential campaign alumni urged him for a ceasefire. Since its release, he has only called for a humanitarian pause; to stop the bombing; and asking Congress, the Biden administration, and the world to take action. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russo-Ukraine War - 16 November 2023 - Day 631 Su M Tu W Th F Sa 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While GlobalSecurity.org takes utmost care to accurately report this news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. On 24 February 2022, Ukraine was suddenly and deliberately attacked by land, naval and air forces of Russia, igniting the largest European war since the Great Patriotic War. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation" (SVO - spetsialnaya voennaya operatsiya) in Ukraine in response to the appeal of the leaders of the "Donbass republics" for help. That attack is a blatant violation of the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. Putin stressed that Moscow's goal is the demilitarization and denazification of the country. The military buildup in preceeding months makes it obvious that the unprovoked and dastardly Russian attack was deliberately planned long in advance. During the intervening time, the Russian government had deliberately sought to deceive the world by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace. "To initiate a war of aggression... is not only an international crime; it is the supreme international crime differing only from other war crimes in that it contains within itself the accumulated evil of the whole." [Judgment of the International Military Tribunal] The UK Ministry of Defence reported that over the last week, Russian forces have continued attacks towards outlying villages of the contested town of Avdiivka, Donetsk Oblast. Russia is almost certainly attempting a pincer movement to encircle the town. Avdiivka has been fought over for nearly a decade and holds political importance to Russia given its proximity to Donetsk city. Recent advances have likely brought Russian forces close to the Ukrainian-held Avdiivka Coke and Chemical Plant, a sprawling industrial complex which produces coke and a variety of chemicals, occupies a key tactical position to the north of the town. The plant dominates the main road into Avdiivka and, if Russian forces were to secure it, resupplying the town would become increasingly difficult for Ukraine. However, the industrial facility provides Ukraine with a localised defensive advantage and Russian forces will probably suffer significant personnel losses if they attempt to assault the facility. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that during the day of November 16, there were 62x combat engagements. Russian forces launched a total of 9x missile and 31x air strikes, 26x MLRS attacks at the positions of Ukrainian troops and various settlements. Moreover, the Russian Federation launched another air strike on Ukraine, using 18x Shahed-136/131 attack UAVs. Air defense forces destroyed 16x attack UAVs. The operational situation in east and south of Ukraine remains difficult. Volyn and Polissya axes: no significant changes. No signs of formation of an offensive group. Certain units of the armed forces of Belarus continue their missions in the areas bordering Ukraine. Sivershchyna and Slobozhanshchyna axes: Russia maintains its military presence in the areas of russia bordering Ukraine. Russia continues its sabotage and reconnaissance activities, shelling Ukrainian settlements from the territory of Rrussia and increases the density of minefields along the state border of Ukraine. Around 20x settlements came under Russian artillery and mortar fire, including Klyusy, Arkhypivka (Chernihiv oblast), Zarichchya, Chuikivka, Bachivs'k (Sumy oblast), Veterynarne, Vovchans'k, Ohirtseve, Nesterne, Dvorichans'ke (Kharkiv oblast). Kup'yans'k axis: Russian forces conducted failed assault operations in the vicinities of Syn'kivka and Petropavlivka (Kharkiv oblast). The Ukrainian defenders repelled 4x attacks in the area. The Russian occupiers launched an air strike near Petropavlivka (Kharkiv oblast). The Russian invaders fired artillery and mortars at more than 10x settlements, including Dvorichna, Syn'kivka, Petropavlivka, Ivanivka, Kyslivka, Berestove (Kharkiv oblast). Lyman axis: Russian forces did not conduct any offensives (assaults). The invaders launched an air strike in the area of Serebryans'ke forestry (Luhansk oblast). The Russian occupiers fired artillery and mortars at around 10x settlements, including Nevs'ke, Bilohorivka (Luhansk oblast), Tors'ke, Verkhn'okam'yans'ke, Spirne, Rozdolivka (Donetsk oblast). Bakhmut axis: Ukrainian defenders repelled 18x Russian attacks in the vicinities of Ivanivske, Klishchiivka and Andriivka (Donetsk oblast). The Russian occupiers launched an air strike near Dyliivka (Donetsk oblast). More than 10x settlements, including Markove, Chasiv Yar, Ivanivske, Klishchiivka, Andriivka (Donetsk oblast) came under artillery and mortar fire. Avdiivka axis: Russian forces conducted failed assault operations east of Stepove, Avdiivka, and Pervomais'ke (Donetsk oblast), where the Ukrainian Defense Forces repelled 15x attacks. Russian forces fired artillery and mortars at more than 15x settlements, including Sukha Balka, Keramik, Tonen'ke, Avdiivka, Netailove, Pervomais'ke (Donetsk oblast). Mar'inka axis: the Russian adversary made unsuccessful assaults with air support in the vicinities of Mar'inka and Novomykhailivka (Donetsk oblast), where Ukrainian defenders repelled 15x attacks. The settlements of Oleksandropil', Krasnohorivka, Heorhiivka, Mar'inka, Pobjeda, Novomykhailivka, Katerynivka (Donetsk oblast) were under artillery and mortar fire of the Russian occupiers. Shakhtars'ke axis: Russian forces conducted assault operations near Staromaiors'ke (Donetsk oblast), to no success. Russian forces launched air strikes near Urozhaine and Staromaiors'ke (Donetsk oblast). Around 10x settlements, including Vodyane, Bohoyavlenka, Prechystivka, Zolota Nyva, Staromaiors'ke, Rivnopil' (Donetsk oblast), came under artillery and mortar fire. Zaporizhzhia axis: the Russian invaders made unsuccessful assaults near Robotyne and west of Verbove (Zaporizhzhia oblast), where Ukrainian defenders 5x attacks. The Russian occupiers launched air strikes in the vicinities of Novodarivka and Mala Tokmachka (Zaporizhzhia oblast). More than 20x settlements, including Temyrivka, Poltavka, Hulyaipole, Novodanylivka, Mali Shcherbaky, Kam'yans'ke (Zaporizhzhia oblast), came under artillery and mortar fire. Kherson axis: The settlement of Ivanivka, Bilozerka (Kherson oblast) and the city of Kherson suffered from Russian artillery shelling. At the same time, the Ukrainian Defense Forces continue their offensive operation on Melitopol' axis and offensive (assault) operations on Bakhmut axis, inflicting losses in manpower and equipment on the Russian occupation forces, exhausting Russian forces all along the front line. During the day of November 16, Ukrainian Air Force launched 2x air strikes on concentrations of troops, weapons and military equipment of the Russian occupiers. The Ukrainian missile troops hit 3x concentrations of troops, weapons and military equipment, 6x artillery systems, 2x command posts and 2x ammunition depots of the Russian invaders. The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that in Kupyansk direction, units of the Zapad Group of Forces supported by aviation and artillery repelled three attacks of the AFU 32nd and 67th mechanised brigades near Sinkovka and Zagoruykovka (Kharkov region). The enemy losses amounted to up to 110 Ukrainian troops, one tank, two infantry fighting vehicles, and one U.S.-made M777 artillery system. In Krasny Liman direction, the Tsentr Group of Forces' units, as well as strikes of helicopters and artillery, repelled one attack of an assault detachment of the AFU 12th Azov Special Forces Brigade close to Chervonaya Dibrova (Lugansk People's Republic). In addition, strikes were delivered at clusters of enemy manpower and hardware near Torskoye (Donetsk People's Republic) and Serebryansky forestry. The enemy losses were up to 175 Ukrainian troops killed and wounded, two pick-up trucks, and two U.S.-made M777 artillery system. In Donetsk direction, units of the Yug Group of Forces supported by aviation and artillery repelled 14 attacks, and inflicted fire damage on AFU manpower and hardware close to Kleshcheyevka, Artyomovo, Georgiyevka, and Novomikhailovka (Donetsk People's Republic). In total, the enemy lost up to 240 troops killed and wounded, one tank, and three motor vehicles in this direction during the day. In course of counterbattery warfare, one U.S.-made M109 Paladin self-propelled artillery gun, two Polish-made Krab self-propelled artillery systems, three U.S.-made M777 artillery systems, as well as one MT-12 Rapira anti-tank gun were neutralised. In South Donetsk direction, units of the Vostok Group of Forces, helicopters, and artillery inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of the AFU 79th Air Assault Brigade and 128th Territorial Defence Brigade near Ugledar and Konstantinovka (Donetsk People's Republic). The enemy losses were up to 70 servicemen, two armoured fighting vehicles, and two pick-up trucks. In course of the counter-battery warfare, one Polish-made Krab self-propelled artillery system and one UK-made FH70 howitzer were destroyed. In Zaporozhye direction, units of the Russian Group of Forces, aviation and artillery inflicted fire damage on manpower and hardware of the 33rd, 116th, and 118th mechanised brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine close to Rabotino, Uspenovka, and Malaya Tokmachka (Zaporozhye region). The enemy's losses in this area amounted to up to 100 troops, two tanks, two armoured fighting vehicles, as well as one Giatsint-B gun. In Kherson direction, up to 70 Ukrainian servicemen and two motor vehicles were neutralised as a result of fire defeat during the day. Also, one U.S.-made M109 Paladin self-propelled artillery system, one U.S.-made M777 artillery system, and Msta-B howitzer were hit during counter-battery warfare. Operational-Tactical and Army Aviation, unmanned aerial vehicles, Missile Troops and Artillery of the Russian Groups of Forces eliminated one command post of the AFU 128th Mountain Assault Brigade near Dmitrovo(Zaporozhye region), as well as manpower and military hardware in 132 areas. Fighter jets of the Russian Aerospace Forces shot down one MiG-29 aircraft of the Ukrainian Air Force close Krasnoarmeysk (Donetsk People's Republic). Air defence systems have shot down two HIMARS MLRS projectiles and one U.S.-made JDAM aerial guided bomb. In addition, 26 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles were shot down close to Kremennaya (Lugansk People's Republic), Novoandreyevka, Lipovoye (Donetsk People's Republic), Mirnoye, Romanovskoye, and Pavlovka (Zaporozhye region). In total, 536 airplanes and 254 helicopters, 8,960 unmanned aerial vehicles, 441 air defence missile systems, 13,426 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,184 combat vehicles equipped with MLRS, 7,121 field artillery guns and mortars, as well as 15,312 units of special military equipment have been destroyed during the special military operation. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address BDS recognized by ICAO, to become globally used satellite navigation system: experts Global Times By Global Times Published: Nov 16, 2023 08:01 PM The BeiDou Satellite Navigation System (BDS), China's domestically developed global satellite navigation system, has been accepted by the UN's International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), following an annex of an international convention including the standard and recommended measures of the BDS, according to the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). BDS' technical standards and recommended measures have been added to the ICAO's existing standard documents in Annex 10 of the Convention on International Civil Aviation, according to the CAAC. The ICAO's recognition demonstrates that the BDS is fully capable of providing safe, accurate and reliable communication and navigation services for the global civil aviation industry, Wang Yanan, chief editor of Beijing-based Aerospace Knowledge magazine, told the Global Times on Thursday. The CAAC submitted an application in 2010 for the BDS to be added to the ICAO standard. The assessment period took more than 10 years and was facilitated by experts from China's top institutes and universities. As one of four global satellite navigation systems recognized by the UN, BDS has served more than 200 countries and regions to date. The US-developed Global Positioning System (GPS) now has a market share of more than 90 percent, said Wang. "The recognition of BDS will provide more options for the international civil aviation sector aside from GPS. Aircraft can access BDS by simply installing a signal receiving module, which means that BDS may not have to deal with issues of compatibility," said Wang. A plane can have both systems installed and shift automatically based on different situations. In addition, as the US is getting involved in more geopolitical conflicts, it may change the accuracy or cut the GPS signals in some regions without notice, and global civil aviation will be disrupted, said Wang. "On such occasions, BDS will be a secure choice for international aircraft operators, plus it is affordable and convenient. The global civil aviation industry has no reason to reject it," Wang noted. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address November 16, 2023 By Joseph Clark , DOD News Austin Encouraged After Biden Secures China's Pledge to Resume Mil-to-Mil Talks Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III said today that he is encouraged by the White House's announcement that China plans to return to military-to-military talks following President Biden's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Austin welcomed the progress while in Jakarta, Indonesia - the final leg of his ninth official visit to the Indo-Pacific. The visit showcased the growing cooperation among the U.S. and its like-minded partners in the region. "As you know, we had been open to meeting with [Chinese leaders] here in Jakarta, but we're encouraged by recent news from the White House on the planned resumption of military-to-military communications," Austin said. "You've heard me say before that there is no substitute for consistent and substantive dialogue between senior leaders," he said. "So, we'll continue to seek practical discussions with [the Chinese] from a senior leader level to the working level." The plan to resume military-to-military talks at senior levels, including between theater commanders, was one of several agreements reached during Biden's meeting with Xi on Wednesday in Woodside, Calif. The two leaders also discussed the resumption of bilateral efforts to combat global illicit drug manufacturing and trafficking, including fentanyl. They also discussed the need to address the risks of advanced artificial intelligence systems and improve artificial intelligence safety. Defense officials have repeatedly raised concerns over China's lack of communication with U.S. military leaders, noting that Beijing has consistently denied or ignored U.S. requests for defense engagements at multiple levels. Those concerns have been amplified as U.S. officials observe increasingly provocative and risky behavior on the part of China's military. Defense officials have noted a steep rise in risky and aggressive intercepts by China's military of U.S. aircraft operating in international airspace in accordance with international law. According to the most recent China Military Power Report, the U.S. has documented more than 180 coercive and risky air intercepts against U.S. aircraft in the region between 2021 and 2023. That is more risky intercepts in the past two years than in the past decade, according to the report. Austin said today that, while it is too soon to tell whether China's pledge to resume military-to-military dialogue signals a broader intent to dial back provocations in the region, it is critical that the two countries maintain open lines of communication. "I won't make any predictions about China's future behavior," Austin said. "What I will say is that we will continue to need the mechanism to manage crises and make sure we prevent things from spiraling out of control from time to time." "That's even more important if activities in the region have increased - if unhelpful things like close intercepts ... have increased" he said. "[That's] all the more reason that senior leaders need to be able to talk to each other." China's increasingly provocative behavior, however, has far from derailed U.S. engagement in the Indo-Pacific as evidenced by Austin's latest trip to the region. Austin visited India, South Korea and Indonesia, where he engaged with counterparts throughout the region and continued what defense officials describe as historic momentum with allies and partners throughout the region. While in India, Austin met with Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh amid what Austin described as a "transformative period in U.S.-India relations" as the two countries expand their defense industrial cooperation and enhance interoperability between their militaries. Those discussions culminated in a new agreement to move forward with the coproduction of armored infantry vehicles, the leaders announced, building upon progress highlighted this summer when the two countries announced they would partner in producing jet engines. The countries also discussed steps to strengthen supply chain security and integrate the distribution of goods from U.S. and Indian firms, Austin said following today's talks. While in South Korea, Austin held talks with South Korean Defense Minister Shin Won-sik and Japanese Defense Minister Kihara Minoru. Those discussions built upon the progress made in deepening the ties among the three countries at the August summit among 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 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 also participated in the inaugural United Nations Command defense ministers' meeting on his final day in South Korea. In Indonesia, he attended the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Defense Ministers' Meeting-Plus. The summit 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. During the forum, Austin held bilateral discussions with his counterparts from the Philippines, Indonesia and Thailand. The secretary also participated in an informal meeting with ASEAN counterparts where he detailed plans to implement the U.S.-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. That partnership includes the emerging leaders defense program and a new gender adviser initiative that the U.S. will support alongside ASEAN partners. "A common thread across all of my engagements here in Indonesia, in the Republic of Korea and India, has been our shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific," Austin said. "We've heard our allies and partners express their support for this goal and we're working closely with our ASEAN friends to promote a regional order based on the rule of law, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity." He added that the engagements mark a continuation of what has been "an historic year" of initiatives to advance defense and security cooperation throughout the region, adding that the U.S. will continue to make progress with like-minded partners throughout the region. "We have been out in the region, throughout," Austin said. "Even though we're busy in Europe [and] we're busy in the Middle East, we're here in the Indo-Pacific." "This is my ninth trip to the region as secretary of defense," he said. "I think that sends a powerful message and reassures our allies and partners." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China, Pakistan hold first joint naval patrol to safeguard China-Pakistan Economic Corridor Global Times By Liu Xuanzun Published: Nov 16, 2023 09:06 PM Amid an ongoing joint exercise, Chinese and Pakistani naval warships are for the first time conducting a joint maritime patrol in the northern Arabian Sea, a move experts said on Thursday is part of the two countries' concrete actions to safeguard the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy's Type 054A frigate Linyi and the Pakistan Navy's F-22P frigate Saif formed a task group and launched the joint patrol in waters around major maritime routes and port channels in the northern Arabian Sea, as the China-Pakistan Sea Guardian-3 joint exercise entered the sea phase on Tuesday, the PLA Navy said in a press release on Thursday. This marks the first time that the PLA Navy and the Pakistan Navy have held a joint maritime patrol, observers said. The joint patrol is an important part of the Sea Guardian-3 joint exercise, which is dedicated to displaying the two countries' common duties and firm determination in safeguarding the CPEC, according to the press release. During the joint patrol, the two sides conducted training that included joint search and rescue operations, formation maneuvering and VBSS (visit, board, search and seizure), effectively enhancing their capabilities in jointly dealing with maritime security threats, the PLA Navy said. During another part of Sea Guardian-3, six warships, including the PLA Navy's Type 052D destroyer Zibo, Type 054A frigate Jingzhou and Type 903 replenishment ship Qiandaohu as well as the Pakistan Navy's Type 054A/P frigate Shah Jahan, formed a task group and launched the sea phase of the drill in the northern Arabian Sea, the PLA Navy said in a separate press release. They practiced multiple training operations including VBSS, aerial photography, air defense, communications and joint anti-submarine training during the first day of the sea phase, with warships from both sides taking turns to act as the command ship, according to the PLA Navy. Kicked off at the Karachi Naval Dockyard on Saturday, the Sea Guardian-3 consists a port phase from Saturday to Monday and a sea phase from Tuesday to Friday. Explaining the differences between the joint patrol and the sea phase of the joint exercise, Song Zhongping, a Chinese military expert and TV commentator, told the Global Times on Thursday that a joint patrol is a military presence that allows fast response to emergencies and safeguards security in a region, while a joint exercise is training with preset goals and targets. The Arabian Sea is important to both China and Pakistan in terms of goods and energy transport, highlighted by the CPEC that connects the two countries' economic activities, so it is important for the two countries to safeguard this sea lane from security threats, Song said. This type of joint naval patrol will likely become routine, Song said. This is the third and the largest edition of the Sea Guardian exercise. The first edition was held in 2020 in the northern waters of the Arabian Sea, while the second edition was held in 2022 in the waters off Shanghai. According to official releases and media reports from both sides, the PLA Navy sent a Type 052D destroyer, two Type 054A frigates, a replenishment ship, a conventional submarine and a submarine support ship, while the Pakistan Navy sent at least two Type 054A/P frigates, two F-22P frigates and an anti-submarine patrol aircraft, plus special forces from both sides. Observers noted that the Pakistan Navy's main combat vessels were developed by China, and the interoperability between the two countries' navies is at a high level. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Future of China-US relations created by people: President Xi Global Times Warmly welcomed speech aims to eliminate misunderstandings, paves way for more trade exchanges By Shen Weiduo, Chen Qingqing, Xie Wenting, Bai Yunyi and Xing Xiaojing in San Francisco Published: Nov 16, 2023 09:37 PM The future of China-US relations is created by the peoples of the two nations, Chinese President Xi Jinping told a gathering of representatives from different communities in the US on Wednesday evening, noting that China is willing to be "a partner and a friend" of the US. The remarks were delivered at a welcoming dinner hosted by friendly organizations in the US, including the US-China Business Council and the National Committee on US-China Relations, with the attendance of US top executives such as Tesla's Elon Musk and Apple's Tim Cook. "The foundation of China-US relations was laid by our peoples, ... the door of China-US relations was opened by our peoples, ... the stories of China-US relations are written by our peoples, ... the future of China-US relations will be created by our peoples," Xi said. "We should build more bridges and pave more roads for people-to-people interactions. We must not erect barriers or create a chilling effect." President Xi's face-to-face talks with the attendees will eliminate some US businesses' misunderstandings of China's policy - which has long been "smeared and misinterpreted" by some foreign media, and will also help to rebuild trust and bridge more cooperation that will benefit both economies, observers said. Moreover, the reception dinner, featuring many from US business communities and coming just hours after Xi's summit meeting with US President Joe Biden, also indicates that trade cooperation with the US as well as a commitment to opening-up remain one of the most "significant agendas" of the Chinese leadership, Gao Lingyun, an expert at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences in Beijing, told the Global Times on Thursday. Warmly welcomed In his speech, Xi said the most fundamental question shaping US-China relations is whether the countries are rivals or partners. "If we regard each other as the biggest rival, the most significant geopolitical challenge and an ever-pressing threat, it will inevitably lead to wrong policies, wrong actions and wrong results," Xi told the audience. "China is willing to be a partner and a friend of the US," he remarked. The speech was applauded many times, suggesting the talk is a success, said attendees of the meeting reached by the Global Times on Wednesday, noting that many in the US knows China through the media, but an interaction like this will help them know the true China - friendly and peaceful rather than "hostile." A great speech and communication like this is very helpful, Ray Dalio, founder of Bridgewater Associates, who attended the dinner, told the Global Times on Wednesday. At the moment, the main thing for China-US ties is "don't be prejudiced, mutual understanding, and co-existence," Dalio said. "I hope China and the US can work together for richer prosperity of the world," Tesla's CEO Elon Musk, who made a trip to China just months ago, said after the dinner, according to a report from the Xinhua News Agency. Others on the guest list also included executive chairman of NIKE, CEO of Pfizer, CEO of Qualcomm, chair of Mastercard, among others. The dinner was very animated among the US company executives. A Bloomberg report said that executives were "scrambling" for seats or to be put on a waiting list for the dinner to meet with the Chinese president, citing people familiar with the situation. "Some on the waiting list even waiting outside of the dinner venue in hopes of securing a last-minute opportunity to dine with the Chinese president," said the above-quoted person, who asked to remain anonymous. Apart from business executives, a group of Chinese President Xi's "old friends" also attended the dinner. For instance, Gary Dvorchak, son of Eleanor and Thomas Dvorchak, the family that hosted Xi during his 1985 visit to Muscatine, was also in attendance. Gary Dvorchak, who is now also doing businesses in the US and China, told the Global Times that Xi sent the message of openness in commerce and economics. He said that the Chinese government definitely has a policy of encouraging investment and trade. According to Dvorchak, his family developed amiable friendship with Xi after his visit in 1985. In his description, Xi will join those old friends in family talks which are not political but shows sincere caring for them. Bumpy road ahead The lively atmosphere at the event makes it difficult to imagine that the economic relationship between the world's two largest economies is currently facing very challenging times. The retaliatory tariffs imposed by the US government against Chinese imports have not been lifted, and there are additional efforts to exert pressure on Chinese high-tech enterprises, citing the so-called national security reasons. Experts also noted that although cooperation and two-way investment is in the interest of willingness of businesses from both sides, challenges remain serious. "The US government should be clear and forceful that it applauds US firms doing trade or investment with China outside national security areas," Gary Hufbauer, a nonresident senior fellow at the Washington-based Peterson Institute for International Economics, told the Global Times. Economic and trade relations in the China-US ties are crucial, Hufbauer said. "By our calculations, US-China trade provides a strong spur to economic growth in both countries. We estimate that a $100 billion increase in bilateral trade results in a $30 billion growth in GDP in each country. Bilateral foreign direct investment generates more gains." Conversely, US congressional "China hawks" who seek to decouple our two economies would make both countries poorer if their goals were realized, said Hufbauer. The trade frictions and barriers established are unlikely to change substantively in the short term, Sun Taiyi, assistant professor of Political Science at Christopher Newport University, told the Global Times on Wednesday. Of course, against this backdrop, there is still room for cooperation that the US and China can jointly explore, especially since the economy is not a zero-sum game, and stabilizing prices and growth are common goals for both, Sun said. "We are in an era of challenges and changes. But it is also an era of hope. The world needs China and the US to work together for a better future. We, the largest developing country and the largest developed country, must handle our relations well. In a world of changes and chaos, it is ever more important for us to have the mind, assume the vision, shoulder the responsibility, and play the role that come along with our status as major countries," Xi said in his remarks at the dinner reception. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Chinese and US leaders' summit 'strategic, historic and directional': Chinese Foreign Minister Global Times By Chen Qingqing, Xie Wenting, Shen Weiduo, Bai Yunyi and Xing Xiaojing in San Francisco Published: Nov 16, 2023 02:14 PM The two heads of state of China and the US had a comprehensive and in-depth summit at the Fioli estate, which was strategic, historic and directional, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told media on Wednesday. The meeting was first of all strategic. US President Joe Biden extended a special invitation to President Xi Jinping for a summit that is distinct from the bilateral meetings arranged during APEC, with the US explicitly referring to it as a "summit," Wang said. This summit's uniqueness, the level of attention from both nations as well as the international community, and the meeting's own importance all contribute to its strategic significance and profound impact, he noted. The meeting, which was historic, took place against the backdrop of a pivotal stage in US-China relations. The international community needs a stable China-China relationship more than ever, the Chinese senior diplomat said. President Xi's visit to the US, his first in six years, and the face-to-face meeting of the two leaders after a year underscore the historic continuity and contemporary value of US-China presidential diplomacy. This will become a milestone in the history of US-China relations and a major event in current international affairs, Wang said. The four-hour meeting, which was fully interpreted and allowed the two leaders to exchange deep insights face-to-face, was also directional, Wang noted. The two leaders offered guiding opinions on establishing mutual understanding, properly managing differences, and advancing dialogue and cooperation on prominent issues. They communicated comprehensively on global challenges such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the Ukraine crisis, climate change, and artificial intelligence. They further explored the proper way for the two major countries to coexist and clarified the major responsibilities shared by the US and China, Wang said. They formed a forward-looking "San Francisco vision," setting the direction for a healthy, stable, and sustainable development of US-China relations and outlining a blueprint for the future. During their meeting, the two leaders exchanged views in an atmosphere of mutual respect on strategic, overarching, and directional issues concerning US-China relations, as well as major issues affecting world peace and development, Wang said. President Xi comprehensively articulated China's authoritative stance on stabilizing and improving US-China relations, most importantly in the following areas: First is to make the correct historical choice. Are China and the US partners or adversaries? Is it mutual cooperation or opposition and confrontation? This is a fundamental question where no catastrophic mistakes can be made, Wang said. President Xi pointed out that history is the best textbook, and reality is the best sobriety check. We hope the two countries can be partners, actively collaborate on agendas that benefit both sides, and positively interact in international and multilateral venues, brightening the prospects for US-China relations, Wang said. Second is to find the correct way to coexist. President Xi noted that despite the different histories, cultures, and social systems, it's untenable not to engage with each other, and it's unrealistic to want to change the other, and conflict and confrontation would be unbearable for everyone, Wang further expounded. The right approach is to adhere to mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation. These three principles are not only important lessons distilled from half a century of US-China relations but also profound insights from historical conflicts among great powers, which should guide both nations' collaborative efforts, the senior diplomat said. Third is to forge the "San Francisco vision." President Xi, with a visionary outlook, pointed out that China and the US should jointly establish correct recognition, effectively manage differences, advance mutually beneficial cooperation, shoulder major country responsibilities, and promote people-to-people exchanges. These "five commonalities" essentially lay down five pillars for the stable development of US-China relations, carving out a new vision for the future of US-China relations, Wang said. In the media briefing, Wang said that many areas of disagreement and sensitive issues were discussed during the meeting between Xi and Biden. President Xi stressed that China is committed to building a stable, healthy, and sustainable relationship with the US. At the same time, China has legitimate interests that must be safeguarded, principles that must be defended, and red lines that must be upheld, Wang said. If the US persists in containing and suppressing China under the guise of competition, China will resolutely protect its sovereignty, security, and development interests, he said. Also, the Taiwan question remains the most important and sensitive issue in China-US relations, and President Xi elaborated in detail on China's principled stance, Wang said. China demands that the US adhere to the one-China principle, oppose "Taiwan independence," stop arms sales to Taiwan, stop interfering in China's internal affairs, and support China's peaceful reunification, Wang noted. In terms of China's position on economic and technological issues, Xi told Biden that the US policy of containment and suppression in the field of economy and technology is not about "de-risking," but isabout creating risks, Wang said. These incorrect practices and the resulting uncertainty in China-US relations have become the greatest risk. Suppressing Chinese technology equates to containing China's high-quality development and depriving the Chinese people of their right to develop, which we will never accept or allow to succeed. Xi also urged the US to take China's concerns seriously, lift unilateral sanctions, and provide a fair, just, and nondiscriminatory environment for Chinese enterprises, said the Chinese Foreign Minister. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China not to fight cold war or hot war with anyone: Xi Global Times By Xinhua Published: Nov 16, 2023 01:14 PM China will not fight a cold war or a hot war with anyone, said Chinese President Xi Jinping here on Wednesday. "Whatever stage of development it may reach, China will never pursue hegemony or expansion, and will never impose its will on others," Xi said at a welcome dinner by friendly organizations in the United States. "China does not seek spheres of influence, and will not fight a cold war or a hot war with anyone," said the Chinese president. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on November 16, 2023 Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China 2023-11-16 18:35 CCTV: The international community has been closely following the summit meeting between President Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden in San Francisco. Could you offer more information on the meeting, including the outcomes? Mao Ning: On November 15 local time, President Xi Jinping held a summit meeting withaUS President Joe Biden in San Francisco upon invitation. The two heads of state had a candid and in-depth exchange of views. They held further discussions about the right way for China and the US to get along, clearly outlined the shared responsibilities of our two major countries, and came up with a future-oriented "San Francisco vision". The meeting identified the direction and drew up a blueprint for the sound, steady and sustained development of bilateral ties. It was a positive, comprehensive and constructive meeting of strategic and far-reaching significance.a President Xi elaborated on China's position on stabilizing and improving China-US relations. He pointed out that both sides need to work together to form a correct perception, effectively manage differences, advance mutually-beneficial cooperation, assume due responsibilities as major countries, and promote people-to-people and cultural exchanges. In this way, we will be building five pillars for the stable growth of bilateral ties and embracing a new vision for our relationship. This major event in international relations today will no doubt go down as a milestone in China-US relations. It was a fruitful meeting with over 20 common understandings in political, diplomatic, cultural and people-to-people exchanges, global governance, military, security and other fields. These important common understandings and deliverables further attest to the wide-ranging common interests shared by China and the US. They also prove that mutual benefit is the defining feature of China-US relations and dialogue and cooperation is the only right choice for both sides. It was an important opportunity for the two sides to build trust, clear up misgivings, manage differences and expand cooperation and an important meeting that adds certainty and stability for a world going through turmoil and changes. San Francisco can be a new starting point for stabilizing China-US relations. Both sides need to make renewed efforts to translate the new vision into reality, further consolidate the foundation of bilateral ties, build pillars for peaceful coexistence, and realize the sound, steady and sustained growth of our relations. Anadolu Agency: After talks in San Francisco, China and the US announced reestablishing military-to-military mechanisms which were canceled after Pelosi's visit last year to Taiwan. I want to ask about what enabled this decision? Has China got any assurances about the Taiwan policy?a Mao Ning: China has always attached importance to China-US military-to-military exchanges. In San Francisco, the two leaders agreed to promote and strengthen dialogue and cooperation between the two countries in various areas, including the resumption of high-level military-to-military communication, the China-US Defense Policy Coordination Talks, and the China-US Military Maritime Consultative Agreement meetings, and conducting telephone conversations between theater commanders on the basis of equality and respect.a Regarding the Taiwan question, President Xi Jinping also set forth China's solemn position. The Taiwan question has always been the most important and sensitive issue in China-US relations. The US side should follow through on its statement of "not supporting Taiwan independence", stop arming Taiwan, and support China's peaceful reunification. Antara: The White House has released an official statement about President Xi and President Biden's meeting. Regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict, the President reiterated US support for Israel's right for defending itself against terrorism and emphasized the importance of all countries using their influence to prevent escalation and expansion of the conflict. But the statement does not mention the violation of international law and international humanitarian law or helping the Palestinian people. Does China have any comment on this? Mao Ning: The two Presidents exchanged views on the international and regional issues of mutual interest. Regarding the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, we have made China's position clear on multiple occasions. China always stands on the side of equity and justice, and works actively for ceasefire, cessation of hostilities, protection of civilians and deescalation. Anadolu Agency: It's been reported that in the San Francisco meeting, the leaders also discussed about the situation in Ukraine and the situation in Gaza Strip. Can you share any information about these exchange? Were there anything new about the positions of both sides? Is there anything that might resemble an agreement or an angle on the conflicts? Mao Ning: Indeed, the two Presidents exchanged views on international and regional issues of common concern including the Ukraine crisis and the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. China's position on both issues is clear and consistent. We stand on the side of equity and justice and remain committed to promoting talks for peace and deescalation. Reuters: What is the latest situation on the China-Myanmar border? Will China evacuate Chinese nationals in Myanmar? Has there been an influx of refugees from Myanmar into China? Mao Ning: China is closely following the conflict in northern Myanmar. We urge relevant parties to cease fire as soon as possible, settle differences in a peaceful way through dialogue and consultation, avoid escalation of the situation, and take effective steps to ensure security and stability at the China-Myanmar border.a Since the outbreak of fighting in northern Myanmar, some people from Myanmar have crossed the border into China to seek refuge from the conflict. Out of humanitarianism and "pauk-phaw" friendship, the Chinese side has taken care of these people and made every effort to treat the sick and the injured. We condemn any action that endangers the lives of those who have fled the conflict and urge the warring parties in northern Myanmar to cease hostilities as soon as possible so that these people can return to their homes at an early date and resume normal life and work. CGTN: It was reported that the UN Security Council adopted a resolution on the Palestinian-Israeli issue on November 15. Can you share more about the content of the resolution and China's position? Mao Ning: On November 15, the Security Council adopted Resolution 2712 on the Palestinian-Israeli issue. This is the first Security Council resolution on the Palestinian-Israeli question since this round of conflict broke out on October 7. China voted in favor of the resolution. The resolution focuses on humanitarian concerns, underlines the protection of children, and calls for urgent and extended humanitarian pauses throughout the Gaza Strip for a sufficient number of days to facilitate the provision of essential goods and services and to enable urgent rescue and recovery efforts. China supports all efforts aimed to promote a ceasefire and restore peace, and welcomes any initiative that helps protect civilians and ease the humanitarian crisis. As this month's president of the Security Council, China actively galvanizes meaningful and responsible actions in the Security Council. China hopes to see, in accordance with the requirements of the resolution, the immediate realization of extended humanitarian pauses, and no hostilities for a sufficient number of days to enable the full humanitarian access for United Nations humanitarian agencies and other humanitarian organizations. China will continue to step up coordination with relevant parties, build up consensus and play an active and constructive role in ceasing the hostilities, protecting civilians, easing the humanitarian situation, and ultimately realizing durable Palestinian-Israeli peace through the two-state solution. NHK: China and Japan are coordinating for a possible summit meeting on November 16. Could you share China's expectation for the talks? Mao Ning: I have nothing on that. Anadolu Agency: Do you think that the San Francisco meeting will be the beginning of a dAtente between the two countries? I mean, after a period of tensions like Cold-War-like incidents, maybe there will be more moderation and diplomacy in the relations? Mao Ning: The summit meeting is of great significance in the sense that it identified the direction and drew up a blueprint for the future development of China-US relations. It was a meeting for the two sides to build trust, clear up misgivings, manage differences and expand cooperation. We hope the US will work with China in the same direction to further consolidate the foundation of bilateral relations and promote the sound and steady growth of our ties. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Biden hails 'most productive' talks with China's Xi yet many critical issues not tackled Iran Press TV Thursday, 16 November 2023 8:50 AM US President Joe Biden has hailed the "most constructive and productive" talks with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on curbing illicit fentanyl and restoring military communications, although the pair did not tackle many critical issues lingering unresolved between Washington and Beijing. Biden and Xi touted agreements they had reached particularly on cutting fentanyl production and resuming military communication after a four-hours-long meeting on Wednesday although both acknowledged that deep differences still remained unresolved on economic competition and global security threats. "I think it's paramount that you and I understand each other clearly, leader-to-leader, with no misconceptions or miscommunications. We have to ensure competition does not veer into conflict," Biden told Xi. The US president also said that they had agreed to pick up the phone and talk during periods of disagreement, hailing the talks as "some of the most constructive and productive discussions we've had." Biden said that Xi had agreed that Beijing would go after companies that produce precursor chemicals to fentanyl. Some reports allege that these chemicals partly come from China to cartels that traffic the narcotic into the United States, which is now struggling with an overdose crisis. "As always, there is no substitute to face-to-face discussions. I've always found our discussions straightforward and frank," Biden noted. The US president again labeled Xi as a dictator, hours after his meeting with the Chinese leader, despite hailing the progress achieved over the course of their face-to-face meeting. When asked whether he still believed that Xi is a dictator after calling him so back in June, Biden responded that he still believed that his Chinese counterpart was a dictator in a sense. "Well, look, he is. He's a dictator in the sense that he's a guy who runs a country that is a communist country that's based on a form of government totally different than ours," Biden said. Xi at one point called on the US to not plan to "suppress or contain" his country, according to a readout released by China's state news agency Xinhua. "China has no plans to surpass or unseat the United States, and the United States should not scheme to suppress or contain China," he told Biden during the meeting, which was held on the sidelines of the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation conference. "Planet Earth is big enough for the two countries to succeed," Xi stressed. "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 has unbearable consequences for both sides," the Chinese president went on to say. The two western and eastern powerhouses currently disagree with each other on just about every major issue, from human rights, Chinese Taipei (Taiwan), the Ukraine conflict, North Korea, and the transfer of technology to the shape and naming of the map. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China's official silence on Li Keqiang's death hides shock and fear Li's fate as sidekick to Xi Jinping's protracted power grab resonates deeply with many officials. A commentary by Cai Xia 2023.11.16 -- Cai Xia, a retired professor of the Central Party School of the Chinese Communist Party, was expelled from the party and had her pension stripped in August 2020 for "serious violations of political discipline" following her criticism of the increasingly authoritarian policies of Xi Jinping, party chief and state president. Xi is meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden this week in California in an effort to stabilize ties between the two powers. In an edited version of an essay published this week by RFA Mandarin, Cai, who has described the ruling party as a political zombie and likened Xi to a "gang boss," shines a light on the reaction within government ranks to the sudden death last month of former premier Li Keqiang: The mysterious death of former Chinese premier Li Keqiang a couple of weeks ago came as a shock to many. As the massive spontaneous mourning activities grabbed international attention, there was relative silence within party ranks. Apart from the official death notice, the funeral notice and the slew of obituaries in state media that only deviated from the official version by one or two words, no commemorative articles have been published from within the ranks of the Chinese Communist Party, while comments under official announcements on social media have been switched off. Yet the death of its once second most-powerful figure in murky circumstances has shocked the Chinese Communist Party throughout its ranks, with a sense of panic and uneasiness plaguing government officials at every level. Everyone is in a cold sweat, watching their back. The crashing silence is the outward manifestation of that shock. "The rabbit dies and the fox grieves," goes the saying. For many Chinese Communist Party officials, Li's tragic death foreshadows their own inevitable fate. The fate of Li stems from the institutional evil of totalitarian rule combined with a personal dictatorship that prevails in today's Chinese Communist Party. And Li's fate could befall Chinese Communist Party officials anywhere in the internal party governance system. After the Chinese Communist Party seized power, officials were largely divided into two key categories: those in charge of party governance and those tasked with running the government. The party governance system controls the inner workings of the party at every level; the government system controls the machinery of state and society at large. Party leadership means total party control over all of the power and resources of the state. In its personified form, it means that party secretaries wield strong and effective control over the People's Congress system, the government and the judiciary at every level. At the Central Committee level, the general secretary tells the premier what to do; at the provincial level, the provincial party secretary tells the provincial governor what to do, and so on, all the way down to the city and county level. In short, party officials are the operatives who party rule into practice, while government officials are just the hired hands expected to maintain it. All of this meant that Li was unable to prevent Xi Jinping from taking his power away. Li's 10-year tenure as premier was nothing short of diligent. One of his former classmates wrote of Li that he "cooperated for 10 careful years without a single achievement to show for it," and that he had "lived in frustration and died in vain." He was right. It was hard for Li to wield any power, as Xi was continually dismantling his independent role, along with the machinery of state, eroding Li's power and taking it for himself. Xi's 'leading groups' For example, soon after he took power, Xi set up a number of "leading groups" in the name of reform, and chaired six of them himself. People who have lived through the Cultural Revolution recognized what Xi Jinping was about -- he was imitating [Mao Zedong's wife] Jiang Qing's leadership of the Central Cultural Revolution Leading Group at that time. According to a recent commentary posted on CPCNEWS "The group is the top of the pyramid in China's political leadership system" and "is actually the body that makes important economic strategic decisions for the country" As the leader of these groups, Xi was appropriating the powers of the State Council, excluding Li and gradually marginalizing him. The Central Financial and Economic Leading Group led by Xi was in charge of economic policy-making. Former vice premier Liu He got an important role, and Li was excluded from core decision-making. Meanwhile, Li never made it into any official news reports on the decision-making and implementation of Xi's Belt and Road Initiative or his "Millennium-plan" city of the future, Xiong 'an New Area." Li's policy blueprint after assuming the premiership was to "promote China's urbanization as part of the process of industrialization," which included a package of measures he hoped would promote reform and economic development. But in December 2013, Xi convened an urbanization work conference of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China in the name of the Party Central Committee that stripped away all of the authority and organizational structures for promoting urbanization that had been under Li's control, integrating the project into Xi's own system of "Leading Groups." This move shifted the entire structure of power and responsibility within the State Council system. Li was left without a role again, because the State Council department in charge of urbanization no longer reported to the premier, but directly to Xi, who was head of the "Leading Group." In February 2018, the Plenary Session of the Central Committee led by Xi decided to carry out a systematic and holistic restructuring of both the party's organizational structure and management system of the Party and of government departments. After little more than a year of institutional mergers and adjustments, all important and key departments of the government were in the hands of the Party Central Committee. The departments responsible for public administration remained under the State Council, but all of the key ministries including the Ministry of Finance, the State Development and Reform Commission and the Audit Office were now led and managed by Leading Groups or by Central Party Committees. Then, all of the departments associated with and having a significant influence on the rule of the Communist Party of China were merged into the central functional organs of the Communist Party of China. For example, the government's Human Resources Department was merged into the party's Central Organization Department, while the General Press and Publication Administration, the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television and China Central Television were placed under the direct management of the party's Central Propaganda Department. Finally, all of the armed forces that for various reasons had been run by government departments were integrated under the party's Central Military Commission, which takes orders ultimately only from its chairman -- Xi. Under that system, all of the nation's military power was now controlled by a single person. More powerful than Mao The "reform of party and government institutions" that happened from 2018-2019 left Xi more powerful than Mao Zedong. Xi had annexed government departments and brought them under the institutional control of the Chinese Communist Party, setting up a preliminary working system through which he could run his party-state. These three moves by Xi directly undermined the power of the State Council, and turned Li into the weakest prime minister since 1978. Economic decision-making was no longer in the hands of the premier. The State Council was no longer the center of decision-making and operational control of the economy, but had been reduced to a system charged with implementing centrally made decisions -- decisions made by Xi himself. This made it hard for Li to propose or formulate major policies affecting China's socio economic development, or even to influence and adjust such policies. Even his attempt at improving the lives of China's poorest people by encouraging street stalls was frustrated by Xi henchmen like Cai Qi. Nevertheless, Li kept trying to promote government reform and economic growth within the limited means available to him. During his 10 years in office, he reinvented the role of government departments, and promoted the streamlining and delegation of government decision-making. He had a firm grasp of what it meant to govern by rule of law, and promoted reforms that would simplify bureaucracy and encourage decentralization, optimizing services. He once said: "Markets can do anything as long as it's not against the law: governments shouldn't do anything unless there is a law allowing it." He also presided over the simplification and abolition of government regulations, systems and documents that didn't measure up to his vision of decentralization. During Li's tenure, the State Council eliminated 61 taxes and fees, reducing the tax burden to the tune of 14 trillion yuan, for the benefit of around one billion people. The number of small and medium-sized companies rose from 14 million to 52 million. When WeChat first appeared, a number of government departments refused to approve its launch. Li resisted that pressure, telling them to take another look at their standards, and WeChat was given the go-ahead. When the express delivery industry was just developing, some cities wouldn't allow such services to operate. Li told them to make way for new ideas, rather than regulating them out of existence. Today, the vast majority of people use WeChat and express delivery on a daily basis. Li was always keen to look after the interests of the people at the bottom of the pecking order, improving their income and their lives. He pushed for more affordable housing to be built, turning shanty towns into more than 59 million affordable housing units, giving 140 million low income people their first fixed abode. After the massive Tianjin explosion of 2015, Li raised the standard compensation payment for temporary workers to 2 million yuan (US$275,862), when previously payments had only ranged from 500,000 to 600,000 yuan (US$68,965 to US$82,760) Totalitarian rule combined with a personal dictatorship Chinese politics increasingly happens behind closed doors, so most people don't know any of this about Li. And even if those on the inside know about it, they're afraid to mention it in casual conversation, let alone in public, for fear of reprisals. So it's wrong to say that Li accomplished nothing during his tenure. He did everything he could, under circumstances that were far from normal. The fate of Li stems from the institutional evil of totalitarian rule combined with a personal dictatorship that prevails in today's Chinese Communist Party. And Li's fate could befall Chinese Communist Party officials anywhere in the internal party governance system. Li was trapped in the role of sidekick within the party system. In such a system, all people can do is play along. When Xi came to power, he weakened the power of the State Council and the premier, placing everything under his top-down command. The power of party secretaries has been massively expanded at every level of the party, from the Central Committee down to the local level, while the power of local governments has been continually eroded. There is no longer an independent administration to manage public services at all. The party controls everything, which means that the party secretaries, its personified form, controls all the power and all of the resources. Xi's chairmanship of the Central Financial and Economic Leading Group means that he controls the country's finances. Whether a sidekick like a provincial governor or a mayor really knows how much money his government has now depends on the tightness of his relationship with the party secretary. Government officials are now finding it hard to administer government affairs independently, let alone wield any decision-making power in public affairs. They are now forced into a position where they carry out the orders of their commanding officers, the party secretaries. who take credit for any achievements, relegating their second-in-commands to the shadows. Government officials who do too well can be looked on unfavorably by their party secretaries, who feel threatened by them. Propaganda departments ensure that news coverage always highlights party leaders over government officials, never allowing the latter to overshadow the former. A government official's chances of promotion depend on how well they have deferred to and accommodated their party secretary, because the commanding officer will be the one evaluating them. 10-year backlog of grievances Government officials are the suffering daughters-in-law of the Chinese political system. Yet if something goes wrong, they are the first to take the blame in any official investigation. If the sheer severity of the incident isn't enough for the party secretary to deflect blame, the second-in-command will inevitably take the heat. When they talk about "unity" within party ranks, this is what they mean. Outsiders know nothing of such things, and insiders daren't talk about them. Li's death triggered an unexpected outpouring of public grief, but also a lot of public comment on his years in power. Objectively speaking, Chinese people didn't think Li had a great record. Yet despite many people not rating him very highly, or even commenting disrespectfully, there was still the public mourning, which is strange. Why? Because widespread public dissatisfaction with Xi's actions had finally found an outlet. Li's lack of achievement reawakened a 10-year backlog of grievances and feelings of helplessness among Chinese government officials, because his story was a more concentrated version of their own. Its moral was that any official who wants to accomplish anything good for the Chinese people will be stymied. Even if they manage to get off to some kind of start, they will eventually wind up chasing their own tails until exhaustion sets in. Translated by Luisetta Mudie. Copyright 1998-2023, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US Congress pushes sanctions on HK pension, judicial issues The moves would further batter the city's reputation, deal a blow to Beijing's credibility, experts say. By Cheryl Tung for RFA Cantonese 2023.11.16 -- In a harsh rebuke to China's tightening authoritarian grip, a new U.S. congressional report has called for sanctions against Hong Kong judges and expanded efforts to protect emigrants' pension funds. The annual report from the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC) on Tuesday recommends Congress-authorized sanctions on members of Hong Kong's judiciary, including foreign nationals serving on the city's Court of Final Appeal. It also urges action to prevent U.S. financial institutions from cooperating with Hong Kong authorities seeking to deny departing Hong Kongers access to their retirement savings. Restrictions on MPF withdrawal Commenting on the situation of Hong Kong immigrants being denied access to their MPF (Mandatory Provident Fund) deposits, the CECC says it believes the practice is the Hong Kong government's way of punishing Hong Kong people who have emigrated overseas by using BNO, or British National (Overseas), status after the National Security Act came into effect. This has resulted in some 90,000 BNO holders being denied access to their MPF deposits, according to the report. The CECC cited the U.S.-based Prudential Group and the U.K.-based Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) for refusing to allow Hong Kong residents to withdraw their MPF deposits after emigrating overseas. Under the Hong Kong Autonomy Act passed in 2020, the U.S. Department of State is required to submit an annual report to Congress on the status of Hong Kong. As such, the CECC has recommended that Congress should direct the Department of State to include in the annual report information on the Hong Kong government's restriction on the withdrawal of MPF by Hong Kong residents abroad. The CECC believes that the authorities may consider imposing sanctions on those involved in restricting the freedom of immigration. It also recommended that Congress take further steps to prevent U.S. financial institutions involved in the management of Hong Kong people's funds from complying with the Hong Kong government's requests to assist in the infringement of immigration freedoms and to withhold lawfully earned pensions from those involved. Simon Lee, senior lecturer at the School of Accountancy of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, said the Hong Kong government not only lacks political advisers, but also a grasp of the global diplomatic struggle. "Now the MPF issue has escalated to the U.S. Congress, complicating the situation. It not only embarrasses the central government, but also affects the free flow of funds in Hong Kong and reduces investor confidence," Lee told Radio Free Asia Cantonese on Nov. 15. "I think it's silly to use all sorts of back doors to restrict MPF withdrawals. If unsure, it's better not to do anything," he said. Instead, Lee suggested that the local authorities should relax the restrictions to avert any potential sanctions, and send out positive signals that will help maintain Hong Kong's status as an international financial center. Judicial independence The CECC also recommends that Congress amend the Hong Kong Autonomy Act to include in its annual report an assessment of Hong Kong's judicial independence, reflecting faithfully whether the city's chief executive, or any other body acting on behalf of the Chinese government, has exerted undue influence on its judicial system in a way that infringes on the right to a fair and independent trial guaranteed by the Basic Law. Based on the assessment results, Congress may impose sanctions on individuals serving in the Hong Kong judiciary, including foreign judges serving in the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal, the report noted. Samuel Bickett, an American lawyer who used to work in Hong Kong, told RFA Cantonese that Hong Kong no longer had judicial independence and the rule of law to speak of, and that every judge and prosecutor involved in trials under the National Security Act had a role to play in undermining the city's autonomy. "I think it's a sign that different parts of the U.S. government, from Congress to the executive branch, have taken note of the need for further sanctions [against Hong Kong] and the failure of the U.S. government to implement them over the last few years," Bickett said. "It's a good sign that the Hong Kong 47 case, the Stand News case, the Jimmy Lai trial, all of these cases are going to get the attention of the United States and add momentum to the actions of the U.S. Congress and the president." The CECC was established by the U.S. Congress in 2000 to study, report and make recommendations on how the U.S.-China trade and economic relationship affects U.S. national security. In the past, Congress introduced bills to sanction Hong Kong judges. Early this month, a bipartisan group of Congress members co-sponsored a bill on sanctions against Hong Kong officials - The Hong Kong Sanctions Act - which involves a list of 49 people and is the first time that a number of Hong Kong National Security Act judges and prosecutors are named in the bill. Translated by RFA Staff. Edited by Mike Firn and Elaine Chan. Copyright 1998-2023, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Analysts: China Prioritizes De-escalation With US Through Xi-Biden Meeting By William Yang November 16, 2023 Following the meeting between U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping in San Francisco on Wednesday, analysts say Beijing is hoping to de-escalate tension with the U.S. by easing its stance and projecting a less confrontational tone. "In the official readout, Xi states China has no plan to surpass or supplant America and he also notes that China doesn't export its ideology, showing a markedly narrower scope of geopolitical ambition," Wen-ti Sung, a political scientist at the Australian National University (ANU), told VOA in a written response. He said the messages are in stark contrast to Xi's previous proclamation that "the East is rising and the West is falling." In the official readout released on Thursday, Xi highlighted the importance for Beijing and Washington to avoid confrontation, saying that "turning their back on each other" is not an option for the two superpowers. "Major-country competition can't solve the problems facing China and the United States or the world," he said. "The world is big enough to accommodate both countries and one country's success is an opportunity for the other." Apart from emphasizing the need to avoid conflict, Xi said China has no plan to "surpass or unseat the United States" and that it doesn't export its ideology. He laid out five principles for Beijing and Washington to manage bilateral relations, calling on both sides to develop a "right perception," jointly manage disagreements, advance mutually beneficial cooperation, shoulder responsibilities as major countries, and promote people-to-people ties. "It is important that they appreciate each other's principles and red lines and have more communications, more dialogues, more consultations and calmly handle their differences as well as accidents," Xi said. Some experts say the points highlighted in the readout and other efforts from Beijing before the meeting all suggest the Chinese government's desire to frame the meeting between Biden and Xi as a success. "I think the overall response [from Beijing] was firm but positive," Amanda Hsiao, senior China analyst at International Crisis Group, told VOA by phone. In her view, the Chinese government wants to project the image that it remains in control of the bilateral relationship but it's also opening up to the U.S. "[Beijing wants to show] that it is extending a gesture out to the U.S. to improve relations but it's doing so from a position of strength," she said. While some analysts view Beijing's messages from the readout as largely conciliatory and positive, others say it still reflects China's reservation about Washington's possible attempt to influence its governance system. "The mention of not changing each other's systems suggests China's suspicion that the United States is out to alter its communist party-dominated system," Ian Chong, a political scientist at National Singapore University, told VOA in a written response. Xi emphasizes 'common interests' Apart from emphasizing the importance of preventing competition from escalating into conflict, Xi also highlighted the need for China and the U.S. to expand cooperation in a wide range of areas, including economy, trade, agriculture, climate change, and artificial intelligence. "The common interests between China and the United States have increased, not decreased," he said, according to the readout. Despite his emphasis on broadening the scope of bilateral cooperation, Xi also urged the U.S. to end export controls and the practice of investment screening, referring to a government executive order that restricts U.S. investments into Chinese companies or Chinese-owned companies engaged in three advanced technology areas. "Stifling China's technological progress is nothing but a move to contain China's high-quality development and deprive the Chinese people of their right to development," Xi said, adding that China's development and growth "won't be stopped by external forces." Sung from ANU said these messages show that Washington's controls risking may be generating enough pressure on China to force Beijing to "pivot back to a more conciliatory posture." "China's economic woes seem to be catching up with its foreign policy rhetoric," he told VOA. As part of the effort to encourage foreign investment in China, Xi told a group of U.S. business leaders that China would be a "friend and partner" of the U.S. while reiterating that Beijing "never bet on the United States to lose." "The world needs China and the U.S. to work together for a better future," he told an audience of business leaders, including Apple CEO Tim Cook and Tesla CEO Elon Musk. "China is ready to be a partner and friend of the U.S." Given the economic slowdown that China has experienced since the start of 2023, Chong in Singapore said Xi would like to encourage foreign investment and technological exchanges, as it "could help foster growth" in the Chinese economy. Attempt to reduce tension over Taiwan Despite the ongoing tension between China and the U.S. over Taiwan, Xi still briefly addressed the topic during his meeting with Biden. According to the readout, he urged the U.S. to "take real actions" to honor its commitment of "not supporting Taiwan independence, stop arming Taiwan and support China's reunification." "China will realize reunification, and this is unstoppable," he said. Compared to previous statements on Taiwan, Hsiao from the International Crisis Group said Xi's remarks on Wednesday were relatively brief. "In the past, you would see a long elaboration of China's position on Taiwan, but this tone is different," she told VOA. In her view, the latest statement from Beijing is more specific about what China is asking of the U.S. when it comes to Taiwan. "I think what we have seen from this readout, as well as from the U.S. side, indicate that the two sides are seeking to de-escalate around Taiwan, particularly because there are elections coming up, which could create unknowns in the relationship and could potentially see tensions flare up," Hsiao said. While the messages from China seem more positive and conciliatory, Hsiao said the essence of U.S.-China relations hasn't changed. "It remains a competitive relationship and even if China continues to say that it believes it's not a competitive relationship, it will continue to see Washington as a key rival in reality," she told VOA. She thinks the biggest achievement of the Biden-Xi meeting is to create some protection against some key events that will take place in the next year, including presidential elections in Taiwan and the U.S. "It's important that this meeting occurred so we have that buffer going into the year where things might get commensurate," Hsiao said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian Government Delegation Leaves Here Korean Central News Agency of DPRK Pyongyang, November 17 (KCNA) -- The Russian government delegation led by Alexandr Kozlov, minister of Natural Resources and Ecology, left here on Nov. 16. It took part in the 10th meeting of the Committee for Cooperation in Trade, Economy, Science and Technology between the governments of the DPRK and the Russian Federation. The flags of the DPRK and the Russian Federation were fluttering at the flagstaffs of Pyongyang International Airport. The Russian delegation was seen off by Yun Jong Ho, minister of External Economic Relations of the DPRK, Im Chon Il, vice-minister of Foreign Affairs, officials concerned, Charge d'Affaires ad Interim Vladimir Topeha and staff members of the Russian embassy here. -0- NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh holds bilateral meetings with his Indonesian & Vietnamese counterparts on the sidelines of 10th ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting - Plus in Jakarta India - Press Information Bureau Ministry of Defence Posted On: 16 NOV 2023 4:28PM by PIB Delhi Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh held bilateral meetings with his Indonesian and Vietnamese counterparts on the sidelines of 10th ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting - Plus (ADMM-Plus) in Jakarta, Indonesia on November 16, 2023. During his meeting with the Defence Minister of Indonesia Mr Prabowo Subianto, the Raksha Mantri appreciated Indonesia's leadership of ASEAN this year, and the excellent organisation of the ADMM-Plus. The two Ministers took stock of the bilateral defence relationship and re-committed to further strengthen cooperation, particularly in the maritime domain. They also reviewed the regular exchanges in the form of training, staff talks & exercises, and discussed avenues for promotion of defence industry collaboration. Both countries have co-chaired Expert Working Group (EWG) on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) for the cycle 2021-2024. Shri Rajnath Singh also held talks with the Minister of National Defence of Vietnam General Phan Van Giang. The two Ministers reviewed the progress in the implementation of the 'Joint Vision Statement on India-Vietnam Defence Partnership towards 2030' signed during the visit of Raksha Mantri to Vietnam in June 2022. They committed to work together for the deepening of the multifaceted bilateral defence ties, spanning across a wide spectrum covering training, capacity building, defence industry cooperation, UN Peacekeeping, bilateral ship visits and exercises. The Raksha Mantri also met with Secretary General of ASEAN Dr Kao Kim Hourn on the sidelines of 10th ADMM-Plus. While reiterating India's continued support to ASEAN Centrality, Shri Rajnath Singh appreciated ASEAN Member States' enthusiastic participation in India-ASEAN activities including the 1st ASEAN-India Informal Defence Ministers' Meeting, maiden ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise, India's Initiatives for Women in UN Peacekeeping Operations and for Marine Plastic Pollution Response. The Raksha Mantri further appreciated ASEAN Secretariat's excellent support in implementation of ASEAN-India projects. They exchanged views on ways and means to further enhance ASEAN-India cooperation in view of advancing the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Earlier in the day, Shri Rajnath Singh attended the 10th ADMM-Plus. He congratulated the Indonesian Defence Minister for the successful chairmanship of ADMM-Plus. During the course of the meeting, the Raksha Mantri welcomed Laos as the new chair of ADMM-Plus and wished them all success for conduct of events in 2024. ***** ABB/Savvy (Release ID: 1977391) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address India committed to freedom of navigation, overflight & unimpeded lawful commerce in international waters: Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh at 10th ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus in Indonesia India - Press Information Bureau Ministry of Defence Calls for active collaboration among ASEAN and Plus countries for peace, prosperity & security in the region "Dialogue & diplomacy way forward for global peace & stability" India's proposal to co-chair Expert Working Group on Counter-Terrorism endorsed by ADMM-Plus Posted On: 16 NOV 2023 11:25AM by PIB Delhi Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh attended the 10th ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting - Plus (ADMM-Plus) in Jakarta, Indonesia on November 16, 2023. In his address, he affirmed the ASEAN centrality and appreciated its role in promoting dialogue & consensus in the region. He also reiterated India's commitment to freedom of navigation, overflight and unimpeded lawful commerce in the international waters in accordance with international laws, including United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982. The Raksha Mantri called for regional security initiatives that are consultative and development-oriented to reflect the larger consensus among various stakeholders. He committed towards nurturing practical, forward-looking and result-oriented cooperation with ADMM-Plus for enhancing maritime security in the region. Highlighting that the conflicts extract a terrible toll in terms of human lives lost and livelihoods destroyed, disturb the stability at regional as well as global level and have adverse implications for food security, energy security etc, Shri Rajnath Singh reiterated India's commitment to work with ASEAN and Plus countries to ensure peace, prosperity and security, which is an apt theme for this year's ADMM Plus. He cited Mahatma Gandhi's famous quote on peace "there is no way to peace, peace is the only way". The Raksha Mantri stressed the role of dialogue and diplomacy to have enduring peace, and in ensuring global stability. He reaffirmed India's message to the world at large, that "this is not an era of war", and spoke about the imperative to give up the "us versus them" mindset. Shri Rajnath Singh appreciated ASEAN Member States' enthusiastic participation in India-ASEAN activities, particularly the Initiative for Women in UN Peacekeeping Operations, and Initiative for Marine Plastic Pollution Response. He also appreciated ASEAN Member States' active participation in the maiden ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise held in May this year, as well as in the Expert Working Group (EWG) on Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster Relief (HADR) activities, of which India and Indonesia are co-chairs in the current 2020-2023 cycle. Recognising that terrorism is a serious threat to international peace and security, including in the ASEAN region, India proposed to co-chair the EWG on Counter-Terrorism. This proposal was endorsed by ADMM-Plus as terrorism remains a serious concern to countries in the region. ******* ABB/Savvy (Release ID: 1977298) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 'No country dares to threaten Iran that enjoys modern military industry' IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Nov 16, 2023 Shahre-Kord, IRNA -- Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi has said that no country dares to threaten Iran that enjoys modern military industry. President Raisi arrived in Shahre-Kord, the capital city of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province on Thursday as part of his regular visits to provinces across Iran to listen to people's demands and inaugurate mega projects. Stressing that Iran stands strong against the domination system, Raisi said that the country's power comes from not only modern military industries and armed forces, but also economic, scientific, technological, and knowledge powers besides the blood of the martyrs and the companionship of people. Condemning the Zionist regime's atrocities in the Gaza Strip, he said that all people in the world are expressing hatred for the domination system, the US, the Zionist regime, and their supporters in the West and Europe. 3266**2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran, Kazakhstan agree to boost cooperation People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 21:28, November 16, 2023 TEHRAN, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Iran and Kazakhstan agreed to strengthen cooperation in various sectors and interactions within regional organizations. The discussions were held between Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Ali Bagheri Kani and Kazakhstan's Deputy Foreign Minister Alibek Bakayev in the Iranian capital Tehran on Wednesday, according to a statement published on the Iranian Foreign Ministry's website on Thursday. The two sides discussed boosting trade, cultural and scientific exchanges, tourism cooperation and parliamentary interactions, the statement said. The Iranian deputy foreign minister said the two countries' cooperation can play an important role in improving multilateral mechanisms, including their interactions within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia. The Kazakh deputy foreign minister stressed his country's firm determination to promote all-out bilateral cooperation and interactions at regional and international levels. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iranian Nobel Laureate Mohammadi Again In Hospital By RFE/RL's Radio Farda November 16, 2023 Prominent Iranian human rights activist and Nobel Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi, who is incarcerated in Tehran's Evin prison, has been taken for a second time in 10 days to a hospital amid a protracted legal and health battle. The decision, announced on Mohammadi's Instagram account, came a day after officials blocked the move to a hospital because of her refusal to wear a compulsory hijab, or Islamic head scarf. The authorities' stance has sparked wide-scale protests from her fellow inmates and supporters. Medical tests conducted on November 8 revealed critical health concerns, including the blockage of two heart arteries and severe complications, such as fluid accumulation around the heart and esophageal inflammation. She was subsequently taken back to prison. In the post on Instagram, Mohammadi's relatives, who run the account, said the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize winner was to have further treatment for her heart. For several weeks, Mohammadi required medical attention outside the prison but was denied a transfer due to her persistent refusal to conform to compulsory hijab rules. In response, Mohammadi embarked on a hunger strike, escalating her protest against the prison authorities' decision. Under increasing international pressure, the Iranian judiciary relented, allowing Mohammadi's transfer to a medical facility. In a defiant statement on her Instagram on November 9, Mohammadi announced that her transfer to the hospital occurred "without a scarf and in a coat and skirt," signaling an end to her hunger strike. A similar scenario played out this week when she was again -- at least initially -- kept from transferring to a hospital over the hijab. Renowned globally as a staunch advocate for the "Women, Life, Freedom" movement, Mohammadi was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize on October 6. For years, Mohammadi has voiced dissent against the obligatory hijab rule imposed on Iranian women, as well as restrictions on women's freedoms and rights in the country by its Islamic regime. Mohammadi's husband, Taghi Rahmani, said last week that the Nobel award had ratcheted up pressure on Mohammadi from officials, with some citing her statements as grounds for indictment. He also noted Mohammadi's steadfast refusal to revert to wearing the mandatory hijab, a stance reinforced since the "Woman, Life, Freedom" protests began after the September 2022 death of Mahsa Amini. The 22-year-old died while in the custody of Tehran's notorious morality police. They had detained her for an alleged head scarf violation. Written by Ardeshir Tayebi based on an original story in Persian by RFE/RL's Radio Farda Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-mohammadi-hospital- prison-nobel-hijab/32687780.html Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with Israel War Cabinet member Minister Benny Gantz Prime Minister of Canada - Justin Trudeau November 16, 2023 San Francisco, United States of America Yesterday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with Minister Benny Gantz, a member of Israel's War Cabinet. Prime Minister Trudeau reaffirmed Canada's longstanding support for Israel and its right to defend itself in accordance with international law, including international humanitarian law, while strongly emphasizing the importance of taking all possible measures to protect civilians and to minimize casualties. He also expressed his unequivocal condemnation of Hamas' terrorist attacks, including the atrocious use of Palestinian civilians as human shields. He underscored that Hamas does not represent the Palestinian people nor their legitimate aspirations. Prime Minister Trudeau reiterated Canada's support for the right of Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace, dignity, and security, and he reaffirmed Canada's enduring support for a two-state solution. In the face of the rise of antisemitic events in Canada and around the world, Prime Minister Trudeau and Minister Gantz condemned antisemitism in all its forms and agreed on the need to address it head-on. Prime Minister Trudeau and Minister Gantz agreed to remain in contact as the situation evolves. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel: Remarks by High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell in the meeting with President Isaac Herzog European External Action Service (EEAS) 16.11.2023 16/11/2023, Tel Aviv EEAS Press Team Check against delivery! Mr President [of Israel, Isaac Herzog], thank you very much for receiving me. It is a great honour and a special responsibility to be here with you and to speak on behalf of the 27 Member [States] of the European Union. It is a great responsibility, and with your permission I will have to support [myself] with the paper in order to be sure that I convey the precise message I want to convey to you. The first one is clear, I do not need a paper to express it: it is a message of solidarity. It is a message of support. It is a message of saying to Israel that the European Union is with you, supporting you in your right to [self] defence in accordance with humanitarian and international law. I have been this morning in the Kibbutz Be'eri. There is a sentence in Spanish that says: "Los ojos que no ven, el corazAn que no siente" - if the eyes do not see, the heart does not feel. And I saw. I see. And it reminded me when I was a young boy and I served in a kibbutz near Be'er Sheva. When I entered in the ravaged rooms of the kibbutz [Be'eri], I had a feeling I felt more than 40 years ago. Mr President, I also had a meeting with the families of the hostages. It has been a difficult meeting, a heart-breaking meeting. I am coming from a country that had been fighting against terrorism that were kidnapping people - ETA. They were kidnapping people, and they were killing them. I know personally what does it mean for the families to have one of your loved [ones] in the incertitude. Where is he? And they asked us to do whatever we can in order to free them - and that is what I promised. We cannot bring [back to] life the people who have been killed, but we can make free the people that have been taken hostages. On that, we are working. Mr President, after watching the horrific events [that] happened near Gaza, I also have to express my concern about the situation in Gaza itself. Today, the United Nations [Security Council] has voted a resolution which I think is important because it is asking to give more support to the people who are suffering in Gaza. They are also the victims of Hamas. I am shocked about the human suffering of the Israeli people, but I am also concerned by the suffering of the people in Gaza. And I want to ask you to do your utmost in order to decrease the level of suffering of the civilians. Because I think that the international community - I include the European Union - has committed a political and moral fault, not taking enough into consideration the problem, the peace in Palestine and Israel. And maybe these tragic circumstances [will bring an occasion] to re-engage with that - because only peace will bring to Israel full security. This is something that we have to do, and I am saying that as a friend of Israel. I am coming from a part of the world - the European Union, Europe - that for years, we had been fighting against each other, devastating, killing, almost committing suicide. And at the end, we make a reconciliation and today, you can travel from Gibraltar to the Artic without crossing any border. The borders, Mr President, are the scars that the history has been carving on the skin on the earth. We have to overcome that. We have to make peace - not only between Israel and the Arab countries, but between Israel and Palestine. Mr President, I have a long history in my relationship with Israel. I was a close friend of [former Prime Minister of Israel] Shimon Peres, and Shimon told me one day: "War is not unavoidable. What is unavoidable is peace." Unhappily, peace is not coming - not yet. Our common endeavour, our common responsibility is to try to fight in order that no more lives get lost. No more human suffering. This is the commitment that I take with me from the European Union: to support you, to support you to defend yourself, to support you in respecting the laws of war and to support you in bringing peace. Thank you, Mr President. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel: Press remarks by High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell after his visits to Kibbutz Be'eri and Re'im with Foreign Minister Eli Cohen European External Action Service (EEAS) 16.11.2023 Israel EEAS Press Team Check against delivery! Thank you, Minister [for Foreign Affairs of Israel, Eli] Cohen. I have not understood when you were speaking in Hebrew, but I have a son who speaks Hebrew quite well, so I am very proud of that. I want to thank you for inviting me. In fact, you invited me in September in New York, but we could have not imagined that when I was going to come to Israel, this visit would take place in such tragic circumstances. And it is good that I have come and you showed me the place where this horror happened. Minister, the world is enduring a moment of profound suffering. I know what a Kibbutz means for the Israelis because, I, myself, when I was young, in 1969 - many years ago - I went to work and I spent a summer in a Kibbutz nearby, in Be'er Sheva, wanting to contribute to the spirit of hope, peace and solidarity of the Kibbutzims. When I entered in this ravaged school, when I entered in these stormed houses, I felt the ambiance [from] more than 40 years ago. I felt the ambiance of what a Kibbutz is, what the Kibbutz has been in the history of Israel, and what the Kibbutz represents today for you. I even found a young woman and married her during my stay at the Kibbutz so, I understand what the family of the Kibbutzims feel when their sons, or their fathers or daughters are kidnapped. Today, Minister, I am here to share your grief, to share your pain and to stress the European Union's solidarity with the Israeli people. Certainly, nothing justifies what the terrorists from Hamas did here and in other places on the 7th of October. Nothing justifies abducting women, children, and elderly people from their homes and taking them hostages into Gaza. Once again, in the name of the European Union, I ask for their immediate and unconditional release. You know, Minister, that the European Union has condemned the action of Hamas in the strongest possible terms, and that we support unequivocally Israel's right to defend itself, in line with international law and with international humanitarian law. We will not be able to bring [to] life [the] dead, but we can give freedom to the hostages. The best homage that we can give to the memory of the victims is to think about how to prevent these horrors to happen ever again. Hamas has to be defeated, but Hamas does not represent the Palestinian people. One thing is Hamas, another thing is the Palestinian people. We know that war is horrible, and what we have seen here is horrible. I am old enough in order to have seen many horrible places in the world [affected] by wars. Not far from here is Gaza. One horror does not justify another. Innocent civilians, including thousands of children, have died in the past weeks. We also know that people are also forced to leave their houses and need assistance. They need food, water, fuel, and protection. Israel has to be defended. And today, even today, another terrorist attack has happened in Israel. So, it is an everyday fight. But one thing is to defend Israel, and another thing is to take care of the people in need. This is why the European Union, together with supporting of the right to defend of Israel, is also asking for humanitarian assistance for food, water, fuel and protection. That is why, the European Union and the United Nations have continued to call for a continued, rapid, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access and aid to reach those in need through all necessary measures including humanitarian corridors and pauses for humanitarian needs. Minister, allow me to say something that does not come from this piece of paper but from the bottom of my heart. I understand your fears and pain. I understand the fears and pain of the people that have been attacked, slaughtered, kidnapped. I understand your rage. But let me ask you not to be consumed by rage. I think that is what the best friends of Israel can tell you, because what makes the difference between a civilised society and a terrorist group is the respect for human life. All human lives have the same value and ultimately, security can only come from peace. I know that you are now consumed by pain and sorrow but at a certain moment, we will have to see how this war ends and how we can create a better future. A future that Israel deserves because the Jewish people deserve to live in security. They have endured too much during centuries. But we have seen that walls, and technology, and soldiers are not enough to make Israel secure. I was talking to an Israeli Reserve Officer who told me: "no army can protect a nation better as peace can do". He was coming back to defend his country, to serve his country, but he was very much aware that our duty is to look for peace. A sustainable solution that can give to Israel the right to live in peace and security, living side by side with others - with the Palestinians and the Arab countries. This is something that has to be remembered today in these tragic moments, together with the pity and sorrow for what I have seen and for the people who have been suffering. I am sure that you will understand my feeling and that we could work together for this endeavour. Thank you. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Secretary Blinken's Call with Israeli Minister Gantz US Department of State Readout Office of the Spokesperson November 16, 2023 The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller: Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with Israeli War Cabinet member Minister Benny Gantz. Secretary Blinken and Minister Gantz discussed efforts to augment and accelerate the transit of critical humanitarian assistance into Gaza. The Secretary and the Minister also discussed ongoing efforts to prevent the conflict from widening and to secure the release of hostages held in Gaza, including U.S. citizens. Secretary Blinken stressed the urgent need for affirmative steps to de-escalate tensions in the West Bank, including by confronting rising levels of settler extremist violence. Secretary Blinken stressed that the United States remains committed to advancing a two-state solution. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Readout of President Biden's Meeting with Prime Minister Kishida of Japan November 16, 2023 President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. met with Prime Minister Kishida Fumio of Japan in San Francisco today to discuss global and regional security issues and to advance bilateral security and economic cooperation. The two leaders condemned Hamas and its appalling acts of terrorism, reaffirmed Israel's right to defend itself, and called for adherence to international humanitarian law, including the protection of civilians. They agreed to work together on delivering urgent life-saving assistance to civilians in Gaza and committed to continue close diplomatic coordination to prevent the conflict from spreading and to work toward a political solution and durable peace. Both leaders underscored their resolve to continue supporting Ukraine to ensure it emerges from its war against Russia as a democratic, independent, sovereign, and secure nation that can deter and defend itself against future aggression. They reaffirmed the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, the Korean Peninsula, and the East and South China Seas. The leaders also discussed their respective diplomacy with the People's Republic of China and committed to continue close coordination. Recognizing the U.S. commitment to the defense of Japan backed by the full range of U.S. capabilities, the leaders resolved to work together closely to address shared challenges and advance their vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific. Building on the historic Camp David Trilateral Summit in August, they agreed to accelerate trilateral cooperation with the Republic of Korea in all areas. They also highlighted increasing economic cooperation, and welcomed significant progress on the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) and the second meeting of the U.S.-Japan Economic Policy Consultative Committee ("Economic 2+2"). ### NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address EU releases 10.5 million in humanitarian aid for people in Myanmar and Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh European Commission Press release 16 November 2023 Brussels Due to the deteriorating humanitarian situation, the EU has released 10.5 million in emergency aid to address the needs of people in Myanmar and of Rohingya refugees and their host communities living in Bangladesh. Out of this new funding, 7 million is allocated for Myanmar, and the remaining 3.5 million for Bangladesh. In Myanmar, as the ongoing conflict is causing a very serious food security crisis, this additional allocation will serve to provide food and nutrition assistance, as well as other emergency aid. EU funding will also support partners providing healthcare and access to other essential services like water and sanitation. In Bangladesh, the new funding will continue to support food and nutrition assistance, as food insecurity in the refugee camps remains a serious concern. It will also contribute to the provision of other basic services such as healthcare, water and sanitation, and education. This new funding brings the total EU assistance to people in Myanmar and Rohingya refugees outside of the country to over 68 million in 2023. Background Following a military coup d'etat in Myanmar in February 2021, the number of people in need of humanitarian assistance has risen from 1 million to over 18 million. Ongoing conflict and violations of International Humanitarian and Human Rights Law keep driving up the number of refugees and internally displaced people. Myanmar has been named a 'hunger hotspot' in a recent report by the UN's World Food Programme and the Food and Agriculture Organization. Meanwhile, more than 6 years after large-scale violence forced hundreds of thousands of Rohingya people to flee Rakhine State in Myanmar, Bangladesh still hosts almost 1 million refugees. Rohingya refugees live in precarious and deteriorating conditions, with the majority located in congested refugee camps in Cox's Bazar, where they are entirely dependent on humanitarian aid. The EU has been providing humanitarian aid to people in Myanmar since 1994, and in Bangladesh since 2002. At the start of this year, the EU had already allocated 43 million to address the humanitarian needs of people in Myanmar, as well as those of Rohingya refugees and their host communities in Bangladesh and across the region. Following cyclone Mocha's impact in Myanmar and Bangladesh, the Commission released 2.5 million in emergency humanitarian aid and supported the Myanmar Red Cross Society to deliver immediate assistance. In June, an additional 12.5 million was released to address the deteriorating situation in Myanmar and increased food insecurity in refugee camps in Bangladesh. Quote(s) As the conflict in Myanmar shows no signs of abating, the EU remains committed to help the population in the country. This new additional funding will bring much needed support to partners working in the field. I insist once again on the importance of ensuring safe access for humanitarian workers, so they can reach everyone in need regardless of where they are. At the same time, we cannot forget the Rohingya refugees and their host communities in Bangladesh, who continue to need our support. Janez Lenarcic, Commissioner for Crisis Management - 15/11/2023 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Myanmar military orders civil servants, veterans to prepare for emergencies Iran Press TV Thursday, 16 November 2023 3:55 PM Myanmar's military rulers have ordered all government staff and those with military experience to prepare to serve in case of emergency after the junta reported "heavy assaults" in several places. On Thursday, Tin Maung Swe, administrative council secretary in Naypyitaw, said, "If necessary, such a unit might be required to go out and serve for natural disasters, and security." "This is a plan to help in the event of emergency." At least 29 soldiers of Myanmar entered India on Thursday fleeing an attack on their military base close to the border, an Indian police official said. Earlier this week, 43 soldiers also entered India's Mizoram state after their military bases came under attack. Nearly 40 were sent back by Indian authorities through a different border crossing point a few hundred kilometers east. A parallel government formed by pro-democracy politicians with some insurgent factions has launched a "Road to Naypyitaw" campaign against the Myanmar military. The campaign aims to take control of the capital. The junta spokesperson Zaw Min Tun said on Wednesday the military was facing "heavy assaults from a significant number of armed rebel soldiers" in Shan State in the northeast, Kayah State in the east and Rakhine in the west. Min Tun said some military positions were evacuated and the insurgents had been using drones to drop hundreds of bombs on military posts. "We are urgently taking measures to protect against drone bomb attacks effectively." The Arakan Army (AA) rebel group fighting for autonomy in Rakhine said on Wednesday dozens of police and military men had surrendered or been captured as its forces advanced. Myanmar has been in turmoil since the 2021 coup, when the military ousted a government led by Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, ending a decade of tentative democratic reform. The military has battled the ethnic minority and other insurgencies for decades but the coup brought unprecedented coordination between anti-military forces that are mounting the biggest challenge to the army in years. The military has been ruling Myanmar for 50 years after seizing power in 1962. The 2021 coup dashed hopes for reform and generated opposition that has united pro-democracy activists in towns and cities with ethnic minority forces fighting for self-determination in hinterlands. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has expressed concern about the "expansion of conflict in Myanmar" and called for all parties to protect civilians, a UN spokesperson said. "The number of displaced people in Myanmar now exceeds two million." Clashes have sent millions of refugees into Myanmar's neighboring countries. UNICEF says more than 960,000 Rohingya Muslims - who fled the massacre led by the military - are mostly in refugee camps in Bangladesh and in desperate need of humanitarian aid. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 12 men in tea shop massacred by junta troops for no apparent reason As Myanmar's civil war rages on, 10 civilians are killed in airstrikes in southern Chin state. By RFA Burmese 2023.11.16 -- A dozen men drinking their morning tea at a shop in central Myanmar were massacred by junta troops on Thursday for no apparent reason, local residents told Radio Free Asia, in the latest spasm of violence in the country's civil war. The victims - between the ages of 30 and 50 - were tied up and shot by column of 70 soldiers passing by the shop in Mandalay region's Madaya township, along the Mandalay-Mogoke highway, a local resident said on condition of anonymity. "These men, including the shop owner, were tied with their hands behind their backs before they were killed," the resident said. The junta troops were mobilized at around 6 a.m. to reinforce soldiers at the Pat Lei Inn outpost near the border of Madaya and Singu township, according to local defense forces. At about 8 a.m., the column arrived at the tea shop, about 800 meters (a half-mile) from a conflict area, from where nearly 500 residents have fled fighting between junta troops and People's Defense Force, or PDF, militia fighters, the resident told RFA. Because soldiers took the mobile phones belonging to the men at the tea shop, the identities of the victims were still unknown, according to the resident. RFA attempted to contact Thein Htay, the junta's minister for economic affairs and the Mandalay regional spokesman, for comment on the tea shop massacre, but he didn't answer phone calls on Thursday. Airstrikes in Chin state kill 10 civilians Also on Thursday, 10 civilians were killed when two junta airstrikes in southern Chin state struck six homes, a local resident said on condition of anonymity for security reasons. "The victims included an entire family and some children," the resident said. "The attack occurred without any battle." After the attack in Matupi township's Vuilu village, the junta cut off mobile phone communications. The village has about 250 people and 70 households. RFA attempted to contact Minister of Social Affairs Kyaw Soe Win, who is also the Chin state spokesman for the military junta, but he couldn't be reached. 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Villagers in Indonesia's Aceh province turn away boat carrying 200-plus Rohingya This happened after two other Rohingya boats landed in Aceh earlier this week. By Pizaro Gozali Idrus for BenarNews 2023.11.16 -- More than 200 Rohingya reached Indonesia's Aceh province in a boat on Thursday, bringing the number of new arrivals this week to nearly 600, but villagers in separate locations forced the latest batch to return to sea, officials said. The foreign ministry said people smugglers had taken advantage of Indonesia's generosity over the years in allowing in members of the stateless and persecuted minority group from Myanmar, while police said that locals were complaining about bad behavior by some among the 1,000-odd Rohingya sheltering in Aceh. The wooden boat, which had been adrift for several days, first made its appearance on Thursday near the shore of Bireuen district, where police and the military tried to persuade villagers to let the refugees land on humanitarian grounds, said a spokesman for the Bireuen police. But the villagers refused, saying they had unpleasant experiences with Rohingya who arrived on previous occasions and had been "troublesome," said spokesman Marzuki, who goes by one name. "We negotiated, but the locals refused to accept them," the police official told BenarNews. The police and the military have the power to override the locals, but Marzuki didn't say why officials did not use that authority. Jolly Ronny Mamarimbing, an intelligence officer for the Bireuen police, said the Rohingya were given food and drinks, and five of them who appeared very unwell were allowed to disembark and stay on in the village. The boat then left and attempted to dock at Lhokseumawe, in northern Aceh, but was met with similar resistance from locals there, said Salman Alfarisi, a local police spokesman. "They were going to [set] sail again, but their boat had engine trouble," he said. This latest group of Rohingya followed the more than 400 others who arrived in Aceh by sea on Monday and Tuesday. The Aceh police and the local fishing community said they provided food, water, medical care and temporary shelter to the people who disembarked from the first two boats. According to fishermen, Rohingya on those boats had sailed from the refugee camps in southeastern Bangladesh. One of the refugees on the boat that was turned away on Thursday, told the Agence France-Presse news agency that its passengers had also left Bangladesh's Cox's Bazar district near the Myanmar border, where the crowded camps are located. The camps host some 1 million Rohingya, nearly 740,000 of whom escaped a military crackdown in 2017, which the U.N. later described as a "textbook example of ethnic cleansing." A Muslim minority, the Rohingya have faced decades of systematic discrimination, statelessness and targeted violence in Buddhist-majority Myanmar. Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim-majority country, has a history of welcoming Rohingya, who are considered one of the most persecuted minorities in the world. In 2015, Indonesia allowed thousands of Rohingya to disembark on its shores, along with migrants from Bangladesh, after they were stranded at sea for months. Indonesia has no legal or practical obligation to host refugees, nor can it offer them a permanent solution, because it is not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention, said Lalu Muhammad Iqbal, a spokesman for Indonesia's Foreign Ministry. "Ironically, many countries that are parties to the convention have closed their doors and even implemented push-back policies against the refugees," he said in a statement Thursday. "Indonesia's kindness in providing temporary shelter has been exploited by people smugglers who seek financial gain from the refugees without caring about the high risk they face, especially vulnerable groups such as women and children," he said. UNHCR ready to assist The U.N. refugee agency (UNHCR) urged the Indonesian government to keep its borders open to refugees. "UNHCR is ready to assist the government, the authorities and the community in carrying out efforts to save the lives of refugees," Mitra Salima, spokeswoman for the agency in Indonesia, told BenarNews. "But we hope they will still provide assistance, considering there are many vulnerable women and children." In January, Jakarta called for regional cooperation to conduct rescue operations for Rohingya stranded at sea, so that Indonesia wouldn't have to disproportionately bear the burden of this task. Indonesia does not grant asylum or legal status to refugees. Refugees who arrive in Indonesia are usually confined to temporary shelters or detention centers, and face an uncertain future, as they have no access to formal education and jobs. Meanwhile, human rights groups have said that the numbers of Rohingya leaving for third countries further highlight the dire conditions at the Cox's Bazar camps and the deteriorating situation in Myanmar after the February 2021 military coup. Many Rohingya have grown desperate because they see no hope of being repatriated to Myanmar, which is convulsed with violence following the coup, human rights advocates and NGOs in the region have said. In Bangladesh, the refugees cannot work or properly educate their children. To flee what feels like a hopeless situation, many undertake perilous journeys by sea, often on ramshackle boats, so they can lead a better life in one of the Southeast Asian nations, where they can access schools and jobs. Last year was the deadliest since 2014 for Rohingya attempting such sea voyages. At least 348 individuals died or went missing at sea, the U.N. refugee agency UNHCR said. BenarNews is an RFA-affiliated online news organization. Copyright 1998-2023, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Myanmar's junta ambushes Rakhine village at night, killing 3 Four children were also injured in the surprise attack. By RFA Burmese 2023.11.16 -- Shrapnel from a shell explosion killed three villagers and injured several others in western Myanmar on Tuesday night, residents told Radio Free Asia. Four children were among the eight injured in Rakhine state as attacks escalate. No fighting preceded the attack, locals said. Junta troops began shooting into Minbya township's Sin Gyi Pyin village late on Tuesday night and the artillery hit two houses. The explosions burned down nearby houses, said a resident who did not want to be named for security reasons. "They died due to the heavy artillery. Two young men died on the spot. Another woman died around 12 am. The artillery dropped when they were sleeping," he said. "Two houses hit by the artillery were also burned. There was no fight. It was just shooting for no reason. They have been shooting like this for two nights." The attack killed Saw Muda, a woman in her 50s, as well as Mar Mauk Arlarm and Swe Yauk Huson, both in their 20s. The victims are all from Sin Gyi Pyin village. Locals claimed that the heavy artillery was fired by the junta's Infantry Battalion-380 based in Minbya, but RFA could not independently confirm this. The injured villagers have been sent to Minbya Hospital, and families of the deceased are preparing to have their bodies cremated in the village. Those hurt in the attack are from three Minbya neighborhoods but the total number of injured people is not yet known. RFA called Rakhine's junta spokesperson Hla Thein for comment on the attacks, but he did not answer the phone. Fighting in Rakhine state resumed on Monday after a year-long ceasefire. Five civilians died on the first day and 18 were injured by heavy artillery explosions and rounds of gunfire by junta troops. The dead are from Kyauktaw, Mrauk-U, Maungdaw, Rathedaung and Minbya townships. Fighting in other parts of Rakhine state killed two more civilians from Ann township on Tuesday night when junta troops fired into Thea Kan Htaung village. 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Intervention by UK and partners in The Gambia v Myanmar ICJ case: joint statement On 15 November the UK and five partners filed a joint declaration of intervention in the International Court of Justice case brought by The Gambia against Myanmar. 16 November 2023 The governments of Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom today issued the following statement: On 15 November, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom filed a joint declaration of intervention in the case brought by The Gambia against Myanmar at the International Court of Justice. In these proceedings, The Gambia alleges violations of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (Genocide Convention). It argues that Myanmar's security forces perpetrate widespread and systemic "clearance operations" against the Rohingya, and that "genocidal acts committed during these operations were intended to destroy the Rohingya as a group, in whole or in part, by the use of mass murder, rape and other forms of sexual violence, as well as the systematic destruction by fire of their villages, often with inhabitants locked inside burning houses". Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom are exercising the right to intervene in this case under Article 63(2) of the Statute of the Court in order to set out their interpretation of the relevant provisions of the Genocide Convention before the Court. They recall that the Genocide Convention requires States Parties to prevent the crime of genocide and hold those responsible to account. Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom further reaffirm their commitment to accountability and the international legal order and stress the Court's vital role in the peaceful settlement of disputes as the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Transcript of the Weekly Media Briefing by the Spokesperson Thursday 16 November 2023 Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs [This is a rush transcript. This copy may not be in its final form and may be updated] Assalam-o-Alaikum, Thanks for joining us for the Weekly Briefing. Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar led the Pakistan delegation at the Joint Arab Islamic Extraordinary Summit held on 11 November 2023 in Riyadh. The summit was convened to address the inhumane Israeli aggression and the dire humanitarian situation in occupied Palestine. The Prime Minister held meetings with Arab and Islamic leaders participating in the conference including the Crown Prince of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah; the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman; the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Anwar Ibrahim; and the President of Palestine, Mahmoud Abbas; and discussed the ongoing ruthless war on the people of Palestine. In his speech at the summit, Prime Minister Kakar addressed the grave violations of international humanitarian and human rights laws, and the war crimes and crimes against humanity being committed by the Israeli occupation forces. He urged the international community to hold Israel accountable for its crimes and emphasized the urgency of a ceasefire, the lifting of the siege of Gaza, and unimpeded humanitarian aid. The Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan's unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian people and their right to self-determination. He also emphasized the critical need for establishing a secure and sovereign Palestinian state based on pre-June 1967 borders with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital. Pakistan welcomes the joint declaration of the Summit that urged the UN Security Council to enforce UN resolutions against Israel; its demand for ceasing export of weapons to the occupying force; and its call for international Criminal Court's investigation into Israeli crimes. Pakistan condemns repeated Israeli attacks on the premises and personnel of UNRWA and other humanitarian agencies, including the headquarters of Qatari Committee for the Reconstruction of Gaza. We join the UN in paying homage to the workers of UNRWA and other humanitarian agencies who lost their lives in Gaza and appreciate their steadfast dedication to the people in need. Pakistan also condemns Israel's war on hospitals in Gaza as hospital after hospital is being targeted by the occupation forces in complete disregard of international law. We are appalled by Israeli incursion into Al-Shifa hospital, placing patients, medical staff and civilians at risk. We join the international community to hold Israeli occupation accountable for its attacks against hospitals. Israel must also be held accountable for deliberately targeting mosques, churches and schools sheltering civilians who have been rendered homeless because of Israel's destruction of their homes. By decimating civilian infrastructure and symbols of self-governance, including the legislative council, Israel is deliberately making Gaza uninhabitable for its civilian population. Backers of Israel must stop Israel from implementing its plans for ethnic cleansing of the Palestinian people. As demanded by the Joint Arab-Islamic summit all countries must also stop exporting weapons and ammunition to the occupation authorities that are used by their military and settlers to kill Palestinian people and destroy their homes, properties and civilian infrastructure. We once again urge the international community to act swiftly, collectively and meaningfully to stop the ongoing aggression by the Israeli occupation forces and hold Israel accountable for the war crimes being perpetrated in the Occupied Palestine. Earlier this week, Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Dr Jamshid Khodjaev Abdukhakomovich and Acting Afghan Minister for Industry and Commerce Nooruddin Azizi visited Pakistan for the first Pakistan-Afghanistan-Uzbekistan Trilateral Meeting on Commerce held on 14 November 2023. The Pakistan side was led by Federal Minister for Commerce and Industries Production Dr Gohar Ijaz. The discussions centered on promotion of trade relations by addressing trade barriers, streamlining customs procedures, and facilitating cross-border and transit trade. The Ministers explored investment opportunities across sectors, promoting joint ventures, public-private partnerships, and enhanced foreign direct investment. They also deliberated on measures to improve transportation networks and infrastructure development to facilitate the movement of goods. Commerce Minister Gohar Ijaz expressed optimism that the trilateral cooperation would spur economic growth in all three countries. While in Islamabad, Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan met with Prime Minister Anwaarul-Haq Kakar, the Minister for Commerce and Industries Production, Minister for Finance and Economic Affairs, Federal Minister for Communications and Railways, Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, and Minister for National Food Security and Research. The focus of these meetings was to expand bilateral cooperation in trade, connectivity, agriculture, transport, and defence. During his visit, the Acting Afghan Minister for Industry and Commerce held a courtesy meeting with Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani. The Foreign Minister reiterated Pakistan's strong commitment to bolstering ties with Afghanistan and highlighted the potential for enhanced trade and connectivity for regional integration. Stressing the inherent connection between security and development, Foreign Minister Jilani called for concrete action by Afghanistan against terrorist groups, particularly the TTP. He also expressed Pakistan's readiness to collaborate with the Interim Afghan Government to this end. The Foreign Minister reaffirmed Pakistan commitment to addressing issues between Pakistan and Afghanistan through constructive engagement and dialogue. Yesterday, Pakistan was re-elected to the Executive Board of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for the term 2023-2027. Pakistan's re-election and readiness to contribute in the Executive Board is a testament to its longstanding support for and its constructive role at the United Nations. As a member of the Executive Board, Pakistan will work for strengthening UNESCO's mandate and contribute to policymaking, development of norms, advancement of global priorities, and effective oversight of programs and activities of the Organization. As an ardent advocate of multilateralism, Pakistan will endeavour to building bridges across regions and forging consensus on key issues for tangible outcomes and impact on ground. The occupation authorities in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) have been systematically dispossessing Kashmiris of their lands. India is engaged in an unrelenting campaign to seal and seize the properties belonging to human rights defenders and political activists. This week, the Indian authorities again seized several properties in Pulwama district of IIOJK, invoking a counter-terrorism law. The seizure of properties is a cruel means of crushing dissent and persecuting human rights defenders. This practice and the brutal Indian occupation that it facilitates must end. Measures must also be taken to implement UNSC resolutions on the Kashmir dispute. Pakistan will continue to extend political, diplomatic and moral support to our Kashmiri brothers and sisters for the just and peaceful settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the UN Security Council Resolutions. The tenth meeting of Pakistan-Russia Joint Working Group to counter international terrorism and other security challenges is being held today in Islamabad. Additional Foreign Secretary (United Nations), Ambassador Syed Haider Shah is leading Pakistan's multiagency delegation while the Russian delegation is led by Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Versinin. The two sides will share respective assessment of the threat of terrorism at regional and global levels. The talks will focus on Pakistan-Russia counter-terrorism cooperation. Thank you! * Question: At a time of conflict in Middle East and reports have emerged that Pakistan has given arms and ammunition to Ukraine. Do you think that this reporting is coincidental or aimed at targeting Pakistan for its position on Palestine? (Adeel Bashir, Roze News) Answer: What is happening in the Middle East and the carnage in Gaza is a crime and injustice. It requires international attention and people with conscience around the world have spoken against this carnage. Pakistan like most of the international community has condemned the ongoing atrocities in Gaza. We believe that drawing comparisons to the ongoing situation in Gaza with any other conflict is not warranted. Question: So, in the past, you and other officials have quite categorically denied that Pakistan has sold weapons to Ukraine or that Pakistani weapons are ending up in Ukraine. After this recent reporting, do you now accept that it is a fact that Pakistani weapons are being used in the Ukrainian battlefield, regardless of whether they went through the US or not? (Sarah Zaman, VOA) Answer: First, of all, I reaffirm what we have said in the past that Pakistan has not sold weapons to Ukraine or to Russia as we have adopted a policy of strict neutrality in this conflict. Secondly, we are not in a position to confirm what weaponry is being used by the parties in the conflict. Thirdly, as I said in the past, Pakistan's exports of weaponry to countries is accompanied by end-user certificates and we expect the parties which import Pakistani weapons to respect those end user commitments. (inaudible) For exact details about which weaponry is sold where, I would advise you to talk to ISPR or the defence officials. Question: Two questions, very quickly. Firstly, reportedly the Russian side has asked Pakistan to hand back its defence equipment that's in use. Would you want to comment on that and confirm or deny these reports? Number two, former UN Refugee Ambassador and prominent Hollywood celebrity, Angelina Jolie, in an Instagram story has criticized Pakistan's decision to deport Afghan refugees and has rather urged the Pakistani authorities to do a review. Would you want to comment on that? (Anas Mallick, Capital TV) Answer: On your first question. The reports that you have referred to are not based on facts, because we are not aware of any requests that have been made by Russia to Pakistani authorities. Secondly, regarding the statement by former UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, we believe that these statements are perhaps rooted in a misunderstanding of the situation. There is a lot of misreporting as well. Pakistan has said and we have reiterated several times that Pakistan's ongoing policy of repatriation of individuals who are currently here in violation of our immigration laws, does not pertain to refugees currently in Pakistan. Question: Yesterday, Pakistani journalist Umar Cheema claimed that more than 160 officials are getting their pensions in foreign currencies. This story was established on the information provided by the Foreign Office to the Information Commission and to the court. Could you tell us who are those officers who are getting pensions in foreign currencies? They are civilian and military officers according to the information provided by the Foreign Office. (Abdullah Momand, Dawn TV) Answer: Yes, we have shared some information with an applicant under the relevant laws on an RTI request which was sent to this Ministry. This information has been shared under the law. The law also authorizes the Ministry and the relevant departments to maintain the privacy of individuals. So, I'm unable to give you the names of those individuals. Supplementary Question: Ma'am as you have said that you have shared some information with an applicant under the law of RTI, Is there any policy of paying pensions in foreign currency to the officials settled abroad? And if there is any policy, can this be reviewed? Would you recommend that? (Naveed Siddiqui, Dateline Islamabad) Supplementary Question: Ma'am there is a policy that everyone has to come back to Pakistan, if he's living abroad, and then the pension is issued. So, how are these people so special? Why they're so lucky to have pension in dollars? (Azaz Syed, Geo News) Answer: First of all, as I said this information was shared under the Right to Information Act with one applicant and the information that we have shared is the number of individuals who are receiving their pension in foreign currency. Since the names were not asked, we did not provide the names. In any case, we believe we have, under the laws, certain obligations to protect the privacy of individuals. With regards to the policy of provision of pensions in foreign currency or while people are living abroad, Ministry of Foreign Affairs is not in charge of the policy. The Accountant General of Pakistan can give you details about the guidelines for issuance of such pension checks. The role of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in this context is that of a courier and we simply send these checks through our Missions abroad. Question: There are reports that Afghan Taliban is reviewing their policy regarding TTP? Are there any contacts between Pakistan and Afghanistan regarding Afghan Taliban reviewing their policy regarding TTP? (Abdullah Momand, Dawn TV) Supplementary Question: Ma'am, Pakistan's special representative on Afghanistan, Ambassador Asif Durrani in an interview has now claimed that Afghan Taliban control the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan. Now this is a departure from Pakistan's position since the fall of Kabul that has been since August 2021. Is this Pakistan's official position? Now that Pakistan really believes that the Afghan Taliban government control the TTP? (Anas Mallick, Capital TV) Answer: Okay, so first, we address these two questions. Pakistan and Afghanistan remain engaged through various channels to discuss issues of concern between our two countries. Our embassies are functional and they are the prime channel of communication between the two countries. Secondly, any positive reports of action against TTP, we hope will result in concrete results, which means that the terrorist incidents in Pakistan perpetrated by TTP elements with hideouts inside Afghanistan will come down and in the end completely eliminated. With respect to the statement by Ambassador Durrani, I would not like to go into the contents of what he has said. But, I would like to reaffirm Pakistan's stance that we are concerned about the threat that TTP poses to Pakistan. And, there is evidence and we have shared that evidence with Afghan authorities of TTP hideouts inside Afghanistan. We have urged the interim Afghan government to take concrete action against these TTP elements, dismantle their networks and prevent terrorist attacks from across the border into Pakistan. We also want them to hold the perpetrators and abettors of terrorist incidents inside Pakistan to account. We remain engaged with Afghan authorities with focus on these goals. Question: Ma'am, as you've said that Pakistan has shared the report containing the details of the hideouts of TTP in Afghanistan, there are also some reports that Pakistan is seriously considering to carry out attack inside Afghanistan, like hot pursuit. So, is it likely or when are we thinking to carry out such attacks to eliminate these kinds of hideouts? (Azaz Syed, Geo News) Answer: I would not like to comment on speculative reporting. As I said just now, our channels with Afghanistan are functional and we are engaged with Afghanistan on these very serious and concerning matters. We expect Afghanistan to take substantive steps and urgent steps against the terrorist outfits and to dismantle their networks and hold to account all those responsible for terrorist acts inside Pakistan. Question: Ma'am my question is, Pakistan is taking steps for repatriation of all illegal foreigners in accordance with domestic and international laws. We are also seeing voices being raised in support of Afghan migrants who are illegally residing here. At the same time, Pakistan has shared evidence that Afghan soil is being used against Pakistan. The question is: Is Pakistan preparing any dossier to show the evidence that these illegal migrants are not only involved in terrorism in Pakistan but also using Afghan soil for it? (Ghazala Noureen, Suno TV) Answer: First of all, I would not like to brand an entire ethnicity or an entire people as terrorists or as responsible for terrorist incidents. Pakistan has concerns that terrorist incidents in recent months have links with terrorist elements which are based in Afghanistan. We have also intelligence that many of these terrorist networks have links with some individuals staying illegally in Pakistan. Our decision to repatriate people who are in violation of our immigration laws is a decision irrespective of any nationality. Pakistan believes that it is our sovereign right to implement our immigration laws under which individuals who are staying here illegally can be deported, as is the case in any country in the world. So, we do not need to provide explanation to countries which have their own immigration laws and that they implement as per their sovereign right. Question: Yesterday, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Mr. Volker Turk said that he was concerned about reports of mistreatment, arbitrary detention and destruction of property of (inaudible) from Pakistan. So, what would you like to say about these reactions? (Muhammet Nazim Tasci, Anadolu Agency) Answer: First, we have said and said again, that Pakistan's repatriation for illegal foreigners will take place in a humane manner, and instructions have been sent throughout the law enforcement agencies. At the same time, the government has said that it will take strict action against individuals who may be involved in harassment of any individual facing deportation. For that purpose helplines have been established, both at the federal level and provincial level. These are 24/7 helplines and any individual whether he's himself a victim, or if they have witnessed a case of harassment are welcome to report such incidents on these helplines and action will be taken in all such cases. Question: Flag bearers of human rights, powerful countries are fully supporting Israel, and international laws are being openly violated. How does Pakistan see the double standards of these countries? And, an Indian soldier has been sentenced to life in prison for killing three Kashmiri civilians. Now, the Indian Armed Forces Tribunal abrogated his punishment. Please comment on it. (Khawaja Nayyar Iqbal, Media Today) Answer: I am not aware of the last case that you have mentioned; I need to find more details. But, Pakistan has said repeatedly that the Indian occupation forces are acting with impunity in suppressing the people of IIOJK and are using counterterrorism laws to suppress the people of IIOJK and are engaged in extra-judicial killings and enforced disappearances. With regards to your first question I can only say that the international community's voice is becoming increasingly louder against the Israeli aggression against the people of Palestine. Pakistan was recently participating in the joint summit of Arab and Islamic countries where the outcome document has outlined its concerns about double standards, which we are witnessing these days. We call upon international community to enforce the international human rights and humanitarian law as we witness carnage and ethnic cleansing in Gaza taking place before our eyes. Question: Ma'am, recently, Cabinet has written a letter to the Foreign Office regarding Shahzad Akbar. Has any action been taken on it? (Ali Hussain, Business Recorder) Answer: I'm not aware of the particular letter that you are referring to, so I need to check before I can comment on it. Question: Ma'am, two years ago, a government was forcibly established in Afghanistan. Does Pakistan still expect something from them? Many terrorist incidents in Pakistan have been claimed by the TTP. Is Pakistan hopeful that Afghan authorities will take action against them? Secondly, can you share the number of Afghans here who have worked with NATO, the UK, America and Canada who have already left Pakistan? (Allah Noor, Mashriq TV) Answer: According to our information, and this information includes individuals who came soon after August 2021 and have left for third countries is 58,368. Some left soon after mid-August 2021 and the others left in the intervening period. On your first question, Pakistan has always said that we would like to have peaceful relations with all our neighbors, including Afghanistan. And we also believe in resolution of differences through dialogue. And yes, we have some serious concerns especially with respect to the terrorist hideouts and sanctuaries inside Afghanistan. These issues are being discussed with Afghanistan and we will continue to work to resolve these issues. Question: Thank you Spokesperson, in the recent visit of the Afghan trade interim minister, Nooruddin Azizi, raised the issue of the smooth transfer of assets of the Afghan refugees, or the illegal immigrants as Pakistan described them, who are being deported to Afghanistan. I understand Pakistan's Interior Minister said that the deportees could take 50,000 rupees, but as assets could be of bigger, you know, amounts, is Pakistan considering any policy for the transfer of assets of these illegal immigrants? Second, Mr. Azizi also raised the question of the transit trade agreement. Reportedly, more than 1000 containers, goods container, which was destined for Kabul are struck in Karachi port and the Kabul Taliban administration is raising this issue again and again. Reportedly, they are there for almost weeks. Your comments please? (Muhammad Jaleel Akhtar, VOA) Answer: Okay, regarding the transit trade, we have said this publicly, and this is what we have told Afghanistan bilaterally as well, Pakistan would continue to facilitate transit trade and bilateral trade with Afghanistan. However, we have concerns about the misuse of transit trade facilities and in that respect, Pakistan has introduced a negative list of products which we believe are luxury items. We have seen concrete evidence that these items were being diverted back to Pakistan after import by Afghanistan, especially when these luxury items have no use in Afghanistan. So, on such items Pakistan's policy is very clear. As a policy, Pakistan will continue to find ways to facilitate transit trade, as it is critical for our vision of connectivity in the region. As far as the businesses or assets of individuals who have been here illegally is concerned. If you know under Pakistani laws, any individual who has to purchase any property has to show documentary evidence of their legal status, including identification documents. So, any business concerns which have been acquired through fake documents, or have been acquired in the name of individuals who are not Afghans, will be treated as per Pakistani law. We have seen that some business concerns have been run through informal or benami arrangements or through acquisition of fake Pakistan CNICs. This is another violation of Pakistani law and these issues will be handled as per Pakistan's laws. I would also like to underline that there is a task force for identification of such assets. It is led by Secretary Interior and they will track and trace properties which were acquired by foreigners through fake identity documents. Once we have further details about the recommendations of this Taskforce, we will share it with the media. Question: Would you like to share with us any figures about those containers? Whether Pakistan do have the authority under the transit trade agreement to stop these containers at Karachi port and to inspect that before they're allowed to transport it to Kabul? (Muhammad Jaleel Akhtar, VOA) Answer: I think there are two aspects to your question. About the number of containers I do not have that information you may ask the customs authorities. With respect to inspection of goods that arrive at our ports, Pakistan has every right to inspect as is the right of every customs authority to inspect goods which arrive on our ports. Question: I just wanted to know, there was a concern that when we were allowing the influx of Afghan back in 2021, probably we were able to register them but we did not have a lot of time to double check the backgrounds on who is coming in Pakistan and who will be eligible to go to third country. So, if I'm wrong, please correct me, majority of those people were related to NDS, Afghan National Army and other agencies and were facilitating the work of foreign forces in Afghanistan. What if people who we are facilitated to go to third country, are wanted in some terrorist activities in Pakistan? If we find a person who was involved in any illegal activity in Pakistan in the process of screening and scanning, but are outbound, can we ask the respective embassies or the missions to hand them over to us to interrogate them or investigate them. Do we have any clear policy? (Sumaira Khan, Samaa News) Answer: Individuals who are slated to go to third countries are on Pakistani territory and are bound by Pakistani laws. Their status does not mean that they are out of the bounds of Pakistani laws. Secondly, our engagement with our partners which have indicated an interest in taking these individuals is ongoing and we will be discussing all such aspects including any concerns that we may have with respect to any individual. Question: The meeting of the OIC and Arab League was recently held, but was limited to gathering, speech, and disburse. Do you think that these are bodies have become irrelevant? Especially OIC, as Pakistan is its member. The UAE, Saudi Arabia, and some other countries could not unite on proposals against Israel. What is your comment on the role of those countries? (Rashida Sial, Abb Takk News) Answer: We believe that OIC is an important platform where the countries of Islamic world come together and develop a consensus which they then project internationally and take it forward including to the United Nations. The Arab-Islamic summit came up with a very comprehensive document condemning the atrocities in occupied Palestine and also gave a roadmap on how the international community must move forward in ending these atrocities and bringing an end to Israeli occupation. We hope that other international organizations and groupings show similar resolve with respect to this barbarity that is going on in occupied Palestine. Question: Thank you so much ma'am. A follow up to what you said earlier, you said in response to the Taliban, the TTP question and I quote, any reports of positive action against TTP which will result in concrete evidence and results unquote. So does that indicate that there is a wider trust deficit and Pakistan would want to see the evidence of any action against the TTP by the Afghan government or is it not just lip service? (Anas Mallick, Capital TV) Answer: What we want to see is concrete action so that this network, which is threatening Pakistan security, is weakened and eventually dismantled. Question: There is a controversy between the Foreign Office and IMPASS that one of your ambassadors stationed in Muscat issued passport to himself and to a wanted alleged terrorist residing there in Muscat. So, what is going on regarding that issue? Is there some kind of inquiry going on? Or do you still think that your ambassadors have the power to issue passports to anybody and including themselves? (Azaz Syed, Geo News) Answer: I do not know the details of this case. So, I will take it back. But, under Pakistan's IMPASS system, all passports are now electronic. You have to apply online and the approval and printing of passports takes place in Pakistan and it does not take place in any embassy. So, I don't want to comment further on this. Question: Ma'am, I'm referring to the statement given by the Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar yesterday. He says that issues with Afghanistan will start to settle down once the legitimate government comes to Kabul. Does Pakistan still consider Afghan Interim Government, I mean Taliban government, as illegitimate? Your comment. (Naveed Siddiqui, Dateline Islamabad) Answer: I have to see the context in which the statement has been made because I am not aware of the statement that you have quoted. What Pakistan has said is that we are engaged with Afghanistan because Afghanistan is our neighbour and it is important for us to maintain dialogue and engagement with our neighbours for the mutual benefit of our peoples. We have also said that our relationship will be strengthened and move forward when we see concrete action against terrorist hideouts and sanctuaries of TTP inside Afghanistan. The people of Pakistan and Afghanistan have historic ties and cultural links and we cannot wish away our neighbours. We have to live with them and we have to work with them for mutual peace and prosperity. Question: Yesterday, the court ordered the completion of the trial of the cypher case against the Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Imran Khan, and former Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi in one month. Do you think that the case of cypher is sensitive enough, or is it a political nature of case? (Abdullah Momand, Dawn TV) Answer: I do not want to go into a case which is sub-judice and comment on its nature. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Soldier, 4 terrorists killed in separate clashes in NW Pakistan People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 19:14, November 16, 2023 ISLAMABAD, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- A soldier and four terrorists were killed in two separate clashes between security forces and the militants in Pakistan's northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Thursday, a military statement said. One of the incidents happened on the outskirts of the provincial capital city of Peshawar, where the security forces conducted an intelligence-based operation on the reported presence of terrorists, the military's media wing Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in the statement. The operation triggered an exchange of fire in which four terrorists, highly wanted by the law enforcement agencies, were killed, the statement added. "Weapons, ammunition, and explosives were also recovered from the killed terrorists, who remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities, including extortion and target killings in the area," the statement said. The other operation was conducted in Dera Ismail Khan district of the province, where a soldier was killed after an intense exchange of fire with terrorists, the ISPR said. "Sanitization of the surrounding areas is being carried out to neutralize any other terrorists found in the area as the security forces of Pakistan are determined to eliminate the menace of terrorism from the country," the statement said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Yoon, Kishida aim for better ties; island issues may constrain Ongoing territorial disputes could hamper full security cooperation, says an expert. By Lee Jeong-Ho for RFA 2023.11.16 -- South Korea and Japan are set to improve their once-strained relations across sectors including security and technology - a development aligning with the U.S. President Joe Biden's strategy to maintain Washington's influence in Asia, amidst ongoing security challenges in Europe and the Middle East. However, ongoing territorial disputes between the two nations may limit the scope of their bilateral security cooperation, an expert noted. South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol and Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida met in San Francisco Thursday, and vowed for further enhancement of the bilateral relations. The latest meeting marked Yoon and Kishida's seventh summit this year. "The reinstatement of the Foreign Ministers' Strategic Dialogue last month marks the complete restoration of all intergovernmental agreements reached during my visit to Japan in March. All arrangements are now fully operational," Yoon told Kishida. "The close cooperation between Japan and Korea in relation to the evacuation of their nationals from Israel is very reassuring," Kishida told Yoon, referring to the incidents where both countries allowed their citizens to use each other's military cargo planes for evacuation from Israel after an attack by Hamas. The cooperation signaled a positive shift in the previously tense relationship between the neighboring states. "The two leaders agreed to cooperate more closely on global challenges," South Korea's Presidential Office said in a statement Friday, adding that the two will work closely on issues such as North Korea and Ukraine. Yoon and Kishida proposed collaboration in a wide range of areas, including advanced science and technology, at a trilateral level including the U.S., the statement added. The relationship between the two countries had deteriorated over historical disputes in recent years. The main points of contention were Japan's practices during its 1910-1945 colonization of the Korean peninsula, particularly the forced recruitment of women into wartime brothels for the Japanese military and the use of forced labor. The tense relations were further exacerbated by their close ties to domestic politics, a sensitive and challenging area to navigate. The prolonged strain adversely affected Washington's strategy in Asia, as it hindered the establishment of open bilateral security relations between these two key U.S. allies. The lack of cooperation between the two American allies in Asia has hindered Washington's efforts to strengthen its presence in the region, particularly in the face of expansionist moves from China and Russia. But the South Korea-Japan relations showed signs of improvement following an initiative by South Korea's President Yoon earlier this year. He proposed the creation of a public foundation aimed at compensating victims of wartime forced labor by Japan, a move intended to ease the strained ties. The enhanced relations and consequent security cooperation could facilitate the containment of potential expansionist moves of non-democratic states in the region. With South Korea and Japan demonstrating their military capabilities, the U.S. could benefit from a more cost-effective approach to containing these authoritarian regimes. It could also sustain Washington's presence in the Asian region as it aims to resolve security crises in Ukraine and Israel. Cheon Seong-whun, a former security strategy secretary for South Korea's presidential office, said the enhanced cooperation would no doubt benefit the Asia strategy of the U.S., although it has its limits. "Cooperation between South Korea and Japan is beneficial for maintaining security order in the region. However, South Korea-Japan security cooperation inevitably has its limits, mainly because Japan raises territorial issues with South Korea," Cheon said. "These countries are officially embroiled in a territorial dispute, and under such circumstances, full security cooperation is not possible." South Korea and Japan are currently disputing over the contested South Korea-controlled island called Dokdo in Korean and Takeshima in Japanese, in the Sea of Japan, also known as East Sea. "It's like asking if there can be proper security cooperation if Canada claimed New Hampshire as its own. For fundamental security cooperation to be possible, territorial issues must be resolved," Cheon added, issuing a warning against being overly optimistic about the bilateral security cooperation to a full extent. Edited by Taejun Kang and Elaine Chan. Copyright 1998-2023, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia loads nuclear-capable ICBM into launch silo: Ministry Iran Press TV Thursday, 16 November 2023 4:07 PM Russia has loaded an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) equipped with a nuclear-capable hypersonic glide vehicle into a launch silo, the defense ministry says, two weeks after Moscow quit a global pact banning nuclear weapons tests. The Zvezda military news outlet, owned by the defense ministry, broadcast a video on Thursday showing the strategic ICBM equipped with the Avangard hypersonic boost-glide vehicle as it was being installed at a facility in the Orenburg province in southwest Russia, near Kazakhstan. As it nears its target, the Avangard glide vehicle separates from the rocket and is capable of maneuvering sharply outside the trajectory of the rocket at hypersonic speeds of up to 27 times the speed of sound (about 21,000 miles per hour or 34,000 kilometers per hour). The video showed the ICBM being transported to a launch silo before gradually raising it into a vertical position and then lowered it into a shaft. Back in 2019, Moscow installed its first Avangard-equipped missile at the same Orenburg facility. The Russian military says the strategic weapon is impossible to intercept by missile defense system. Russia considers them key to maintaining the nuclear status quo of mutually assured destruction. The Kremlin says Washington's withdrawal in 2002 from the ABM Treaty left no choice for Russia but to start developing hypersonic weapons. On November 2, Russian President Vladimir Putin officially signed into law the withdrawal of ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), which kept a lid on nuclear testing for decades. With his signature, the legislation takes immediate effect, at a time of acute tension with the West, particularly over Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine, which has put ties between Washington and Moscow at their lowest level since the 1962 Cuban missile crisis. Now, the last remaining bilateral nuclear weapons treaty between Washington and Moscow is New START, which was extended in February 2021 until February 4, 2026, by US President Joe Biden and Putin. On February 21, Russia suspended its participation in New START. However, it did not withdraw from the treaty, clarifying that it would continue to abide by the limits on the number of nuclear warheads that can be deployed under New START. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address U.S. Imposes Sanctions On U.A.E.-Based Maritime Companies, Vessels For Violating Price Cap On Russian Oil By RFE/RL November 16, 2023 The U.S. Treasury Department has imposed sanctions on three maritime companies based in the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.) and three vessels owned by the companies for shipping Russian oil sold above a price cap imposed by the world's major economies to reduce the amount of oil revenue Moscow has to fund its war in Ukraine. The companies and the vessels are accused of engaging in the export of Russian crude oil priced above the $60 a barrel cap. The department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) said in announcing the sanctions on November 16 that the vessels used "U.S.-person services while transporting the Russian-origin crude oil." The price cap bans Western companies from providing such services, including insurance, finance, and shipping, for Russian seaborne oil exports sold above $60 a barrel. The Group of Seven (G7) leading industrialized countries -- Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United States -- imposed the price cap last year after ruling out an outright ban on Russian seaborne oil in order to keep the commodtity flowing. Australia later joined the G7 in enforcing the price cap. "Shipping companies and vessels participating in the Russian oil trade while using Price Cap Coalition service providers should fully understand that we will hold them accountable for compliance," Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo said in the Treasury Department's statement. The United States is committed to maintaining market stability in spite of Russia's war against Ukraine while at the same time "cutting into the profits the Kremlin is using to fund its illegal war," Adeyemo added. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said the price cap continues to limit the impact of Russia's war against Ukraine on global energy markets. "Since our Coalition implemented the price cap policy, we have been clear in communicating that our aim is to prevent Russia from earning a steep wartime premium on its oil sales while also maintaining global energy market stability," Miller said in a statement. The action freezes any assets in U.S. jurisdiction owned by those targeted and generally bars Americans from dealing with them. The U.A.E.-based firms targeted are Kazan Shipping Incorporated, Progress Shipping Company Limited, and Gallion Navigation Incorporated. The vessels are the Kazan, Ligovsky Prospect, and NS Century, the Treasury Department said. The action comes a month after the Treasury Department imposed the first sanctions on owners of tankers accused of carrying Russian oil priced above the cap. One of the owners is in Turkey, the other is in the U.A.E. With reporting by Reuters Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/us-sanctins-uae-maritime- companies-russian-oil-cap/32687919.html Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's opening remarks during talks with Foreign Minister of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela Yvan Gil, Moscow, November 16, 2023 16 November 2023 12:57 2315-16-11-2023 Mr Minister, Yvan, Colleagues, friends, We are delighted to welcome you to Moscow. I know that you have been to our capital more than once, but this is your first time as Foreign Minister of Venezuela. Our contacts have been on the rise. In 2023, we spoke during my visit to Caracas last April and on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in September. I appreciate our trust-based dialogue. It helps to keep track of the steps taken by various agencies to promote bilateral cooperation across the board on the basis of the agreements reached by our presidents. We also note our truly friendly and productive cooperation at international platforms, primarily at the UN. We see Caracas' energetic and active role in strengthening integration processes in Latin America and the Caribbean. We are grateful for your country's assistance in promoting ties between the Russian Federation and the Latin American region. At the initiative of Venezuela, the regional association ALBA issued a statement on the developments in the Middle East around the Gaza Strip. We note that we hold similar or almost identical approaches. I am confident that today's talks will be useful for promoting bilateral cooperation, exchanging views and planning joint steps when it comes to regional and international issues. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian Deputy Defence Minister Aleksandr Fomin takes part in ADMM-Plus 16.11.2023 Deputy Minister of Defence of the Russian Federation Colonel General Aleksandr Fomin took part in the 10th ADMM-Plus (ASEAN Defence Ministers and Dialogue Partners), which was held on 16 November 2023 in Jakarta (Republic of Indonesia). In his speech at ADMM-Plus, Colonel General Aleksandr Fomin brought Russian approaches to key security issues in the world and the Asia-Pacific region. At the event, the ASEAN countries confirmed their readiness to cooperate with the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation in key areas of mutual interest. Within the framework of the meeting, Colonel General Aleksandr Fomin had bilateral meetings with the heads of the defence ministries of Laos, Brunei, Indonesia, and the Secretary-General of ASEAN. In these meetings, the parties deliberated on matters pertaining to bilateral military cooperation and the potential for collaboration within the framework of regional multilateral formats, primarily ADMM-Plus. Department for Media Affairs and Information NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Corvette Rezkiy of Pacific Fleet conduct anti-submarine exercise in Peter the Great Bay 16.11.2023 The crew of the corvette Rezkiy of the Pacific Fleet held a training exercise on detection and destruction of the mock enemy submarine in Peter the Great Bay. According to the concept of the exercise, signs of an unidentified submarine were found in the water area of the bay. The crew of the corvette, which was at sea at the time, received a command to immediately proceed to the area where the underwater target was being searched. As a result of the search for the underwater object, in cooperation with anti-submarine aircraft, an enemy submarine attempting to evade pursuit was detected. The combat crews of the corvette Rezkiy established constant contact with the submarine and conditionally destroyed it with torpedo weapons. The combat training event was conducted at a maritime training range in Peter the Great Bay in accordance with the concept for the crew of the corvette Rezkiy to pass elements of the second course task K-2. The role of the enemy submarine was played by a diesel-electric submarine of the Varshavyanka project of the Pacific Fleet. Press Service of the Eastern Military District NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Chief of CSTO Joint Staff holds briefing on results of Combat Brotherhood 2023 joint exercise in Moscow 16.11.2023 International Multimedia Press Centre of the Rossiya Segodnya International Media Group hosted a briefing by Chief of the Joint Staff of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) Colonel General Anatoly Sidorov, in the format of a video bridge between Moscow-Yerevan-Minsk-Astana-Bishkek, on the main results of the Combat Brotherhood 2023 joint operational-strategic exercise. As part of this large-scale exercise in September-October 2023 in the Eastern European and Central Asian regions, a set of measures to prevent and resolve military conflicts and post-conflict settlement was practised with CSTO Collective Forces. The Chief of the CSTO Joint Staff also spoke about the main results of the 20-year activity of the CSTO Joint Staff in improving the military component of the Organisation, including the development of the collective security system, the Crisis Response Centre, military-technical cooperation and coordination of training for the Armed Forces of the CSTO member states. Department for Media Affairs and Information NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Commander-in-Chief of Land Forces Oleg Salyukov holds briefing with military attaches from 54 countries 16.11.2023 Today in Moscow, Commander-in-Chief of Land Forces General of the Army Oleg Salyukov held a briefing with representatives of the military-diplomatic corps of foreign states. The event was attended by 80 military attaches from 54 countries. The Commander-in-Chief provided details about the existing and upcoming activities being carried out within the framework of international military cooperation, as well as the state and future prospects for the development of the Russian Land Forces. These briefings are conducted every two years under the supervision of the Commander-in-Chief of Land Forces. Department for Media Affairs and Information NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Boeing E-7A: How Can Russia Counter NATO's New AWACS Aircraft? Sputnik News 20231116 NATO has recently announced its intent to upgrade the military bloc's aging fleet of E-3A AWACS early warning and control aircraft. The construction of six Boeing E-7A aircraft equipped with powerful radars is expected to begin soon, with the first of these planes slated to be ready for service by 2031, according to a recent NATO statement. Commenting on this development, Russian military analyst Dmitry Kornev suggested that this move by NATO likely wasn't meant as some sort of signal to the nations the bloc regards as adversaries. "Their hardware, no matter how you upgrade or retrofit it, has become outdated. The radars are old, the computers are old and heavy," he said, noting that electronics have become much more advanced since these aircraft entered service a few decades ago. "This is just an aircraft replacement program." The new E-7A would allow NATO to "see" deep into Russia's territory (up to 300 kilometers) without entering Russian airspace, and the new upgraded equipment aboard these planes would let NATO officers better identify the types of aircraft and ground units they spy on, Kornev said. "Such planes would see farther, see more targets and identify them more accurately, and it would relay orders and information to all subordinate units. It can call up additional aircraft, it can relay targeting data to missile systems, warships, submarines, etc. Each such aircraft is a powerful airborne HQ that has firsthand access to information," he explained. According to Kornev, there are several ways Russia can counter the deployment of these NATO early warning aircraft near its borders. For example, Russia's military can obfuscate its activities by actively using camouflage and electronic countermeasures to hamper the E-7A's intelligence-gathering activities. Also, if it becomes necessary, Russian forces' formidable surface-to-air and air-to-air missile capabilities afford them the ability to shoot down such planes out of the sky, Kornev suggested. Describing these scenarios as "direct countermeasures," the analyst also mentioned the "indirect countermeasures" that essentially amount to Russia developing a similar aircraft. Having noted that Russia has already "upgraded somewhat" its existing A-50 early warning aircraft, Kornev pointed out that the Beriev Aircraft Company is expected to soon roll out the new A-100, which is expected to succeed the A-50. "It is an aircraft based on the latest model of the Il-76MD-90A transport aircraft. It is a new Il-76 with a fully digital cockpit, with new engines, made completely in Russia," he said. Kornev also remarked that the Russian military is well aware of how foreign countries' signal intelligence works and has been drilled to counter such eavesdropping attempts: "If a satellite passes overhead, hide your hardware under some kind of roof; If a Western aircraft passes nearby, stop all radio communications." "It was a bit easier during the Soviet era when there were fewer satellites in space. Nowadays, there's always some kind of satellite above you, not to mention commercial satellites," he said. "You cannot hide from all of them, but you still need to constantly enact countermeasures. Such activities help tremendously in concealing from enemy intelligence the preparations of our army and navy for any kind of operations." A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UN Syria Commission welcomes landmark ICJ order to Syria to prevent torture and destruction of evidence United Nations Human Rights Council GENEVA (16 November 2023) -- The UN Syria Commission of Inquiry welcomes today's landmark order by the International Court of Justice in The Hague binding the Syrian Arab Republic to take all measures within its power to prevent acts of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, and ensure that its officials - as well as any organizations or persons under its control, direction or influence - do not commit any such acts. "This is a landmark order by the world's top court to stop torture, enforced disappearances and deaths in Syria's detention facilities," said UN Syria Commission Chair Paulo Pinheiro. "Such violations have been a hallmark of the Syrian conflict for 12 years - and were among its chief root causes." "While we have seen dozens of criminal trials of individual Syrians for war crimes and crimes against humanity, this is the first time that the Syrian State itself is part of a judicial process - required to defend its abysmal record of violations of the Convention against Torture before international justices at the highest level," Pinheiro said. In its decision, the Court also ordered Syria to take effective measures to prevent the destruction and ensure the preservation of any evidence related to the allegations of acts falling within the Convention against Torture - such as medical records. "For the tens of thousands who have been arbitrarily detained, tortured, ill-treated, disappeared and killed in Syria's detention facilities, this process has reignited hopes for justice," said Commissioner Hanny Megally. "Our Commission has investigated such violations since 2011. We have seen first-hand the long-term, immense suffering they cause not only the detainees, but also their families. "Millions of Syrians are still searching for disappeared and missing loved ones," Megally said. "The provisional measures handed down today are consistent with recommendations our Commission has made for more than a decade. It is long overdue for the Government to take these measures. Detainees, survivors and their families deserve no less." The Commission's July 2023 report documents severe physical harms among survivors, including impaired bodily functions, chronic physical pain, impotency, miscarriages, as well as multiple forms of mental harm, including post-traumatic stress disorder, sleep disorders, problems focusing, substance abuse, flashbacks, and fear of leaving the home. Both physical and mental harms often resulted in suicides among torture victims. "Women, men, girls and boys in Syrian detention have been subjected to horrific sexual violence, including rape, threat of rape, sexual torture, abuse and humiliation," said Commissioner Lynn Welchman. "Stigma around rape, coupled with a common societal presumption that women detainees were invariably subject to sexual assault, has meant that women and girls continue to suffer long after their release. The Court's order today will mean a lot to them and their families, and they will expect the Government to implement it in full." Background: The International Court of Justice delivered its order after Canada and the Netherlands in June filed a joint application to start proceedings against Syria for alleged violations of the Convention against Torture. The application sought provisional measures "to preserve and protect the rights owed to them under the Convention against Torture, which Syria continues to violate, and protect the lives and physical and mental integrity of individuals within Syria who are currently or are at risk of being subjected to torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment." The full provisional measures ordered by the Court are available here. During the public hearing held at the Court in the Hague in October, the applicants referred to several Commission reports, documenting widespread and systematic patterns of torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, including enforced disappearances, in detention facilities across Syria since 2011. Background on the Commission: The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic, which comprises Mr. Paulo SArgio Pinheiro (Chair), Mr. Hanny Megally, and Ms. Lynn Welchman, has been mandated by the United Nations Human Rights Council to investigate and record all violations of international law since March 2011 in the Syrian Arab Republic. The Syrian Government's decades long practices of arbitrary detention and torture were among the main grievances that triggered the protests in early 2011 when people openly started calling for the release of political prisoners. The brutal response of the Government with mass arrests of demonstrators leading to torture and numerous deaths in detention, quickly spiralled into the bloodiest civil war of this century that still rages on. The Commission Chair Paulo Pinheiro recently told the UN General Assembly that Syria is witnessing the largest escalation in hostilities in four years. More information on the work of the UN Commission of Inquiry on Syria can be found at: https://www.ohchr.org/coisyria NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Taiwan thanks Biden for supporting status quo in meeting with Xi ROC Central News Agency 11/16/2023 03:21 PM Taipei, Nov. 16 (CNA) Taiwan's government on Thursday thanked U.S. President Joe Biden for reiterating Washington's commitment to maintaining the cross-strait status quo during a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping (). Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) spokesman Jeff Liu () told reporters that the ministry "expresses its appreciation and sincere thanks to President Biden for again publicly declaring resolute U.S. support for the maintenance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait." Xi and Biden met for the first time in a year on Wednesday on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit held in California on Wednesday. Citing a White House readout from the four-hour meeting, Liu said Biden reiterated that Washington "opposes any unilateral changes to the status quo from either side" and expected "cross-strait differences to be resolved by peaceful means." Biden also stated that "the world has an interest in peace and stability" and "called for restraint in the PRC's use of military activity in and around the Taiwan Strait," according to Liu. As a responsible member of the Indo-Pacific region, Taiwan will continue to actively strengthen its self-defense capabilities and deepen its security partnership with the United States to jointly safeguard cross-strait peace and stability, ensure a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific, and defend the rules-based international order, Liu said. On Wednesday, Biden told a post-meeting press conference that "what I've said since I've become president, what every previous president of late has said, that we maintain the agreement that there is a 'one China' policy and that I'm not going to change that." Meanwhile, Xi was quoted by Chinese state-run Xinhua news agency that Xi said that China and the United States should manage disagreements and look for ways to build bridges. It is important that Beijing and Washington appreciate each other's principles and red lines and refrain from provocation, Xi said. Speaking with Reuters, an unnamed U.S. senior official said Xi had told Biden that Taiwan was the "biggest, most dangerous issue in U.S.-China ties." The official quoted Xi as saying Beijing's preference was for "peaceful reunification" between Taiwan and China but went on to talk about conditions in which force could be used, according to Reuters. The official told Reuters that Xi was trying to indicate that China is not preparing for a massive invasion of Taiwan, but that does not change the U.S. approach. Biden and Xi are in San Francisco to attend this year's APEC Leaders Summit, which takes place from Nov. 16-17. Wednesday's meeting was the first between Xi and Biden since November 2022, when they met on the sidelines of the G20 meeting held in Indonesia. (By Joseph Yeh) Enditem/ASG NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address War in Ukraine: Switzerland calls for special tribunal Swiss Government Bern, 16.11.2023 -- Switzerland has pledged its support for the establishment of a special tribunal to address the crime of aggression against Ukraine. This commitment was announced today in Berlin, where Switzerland confirmed its membership in the core group of nations advocating for such a tribunal. Switzerland is firmly convinced that the aggression against Ukraine must not go unpunished. The countries advocating for a special tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine have been convening for several months within a core group of nations. Their collective efforts are focused on devising solutions for the practical design of the tribunal, including its format, location and working methods. Over recent months, the initiative has garnered support from 38 countries, including France, Germany, Norway, Guatemala, Japan and Canada. Switzerland officially joined the core group at a meeting in Berlin on 16 November 2023. Ambassador Franz Perrez, head of the FDFA's Directorate of Public International Law (DIL), represented Switzerland. According to the FDFA, the success of such a tribunal will hinge on several factors: it should be integrated into a multilateral framework and enjoy broad international support; it should complement existing mechanisms, particularly the International Criminal Court (ICC); it should have a robust legal basis and adhere to international norms and standards. Lastly, it should be international in nature. Switzerland intends to work actively to ensure that these considerations are taken into account. Switzerland's participation in this core group supplements its support for national and international efforts to prosecute and judge all international crimes committed in Ukraine. These initiatives are in line with Switzerland's long-standing commitment to fight impunity. While the ICC has the authority to prosecute and judge war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Ukraine, it lacks jurisdiction over the crime of aggression in this conflict. This is because the court's jurisdiction over this crime requires both the state of the alleged perpetrators and the state that is the victim of the aggression to have ratified the Rome Statute (the international treaty that established the ICC). As neither Ukraine nor Russia has ratified the Rome Statute, the ICC cannot prosecute this crime. In addition to advocating for the creation of a special tribunal to prevent impunity in this specific case, Switzerland will strive for a revision of the Rome Statute to facilitate the ICC's jurisdiction to judge the crime of aggression in all contexts. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address November 16, 2023 By C. Todd Lopez , DOD News DOD Aims to Ensure Availability of Spare Parts to Sustain Ukraine-Bound F-16s The Defense Department is already participating in providing training to help ready Ukrainian pilots to fly the F-16 aircraft. The U.S. also expects to be ready to make sure spare parts are available for those aircraft. Earlier this year, the U.S. State Department indicated willingness to approve the third-party transfer of U.S.-made F-16 aircraft to Ukraine. The Netherlands, Denmark and Norway have all announced intentions to do just that, pulling aircraft from their own fleets. To ensure the Ukrainians are successful with those F-16s, Ukrainian pilots have been training in the U.S. and Europe on both flight operations and maintenance. Once those F-16s are in the hands of the Ukrainians, however, support will not stop. There will need to be spare parts to ensure they can be sustained and keep flying. The U.S. is prepared to do that as well, said William A. LaPlante, the undersecretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment, during a discussion Tuesday with Washington, D.C. news organization Politico. LaPlante said that with whatever is sent to the Ukrainians a and the U.S. has committed $44.2 billion in hardware and ammunition since February 2022 a it's important also that spare parts be made available to maintain that gear. "Whatever we all deliver to the Ukrainians, provide 90 days of spares, please, please, that's the rule of thumb a 90 days of spares," he said. LaPlante said the F-16 aircraft Ukraine will receive, worth nearly a billion dollars, are no exception to that policy. Those aircraft will need the right spare parts and in the right numbers. "That's what we're going through right now ... to make sure it happens," he said. "They'll have enough when they get there. We want ... it to be sustained. And it's oftentimes the thing that is forgotten." Without spares, he said the F-16s the Ukrainians fly could be grounded in just a few months. "We're not going to let that happen," he said. "And just because other countries provide their airplanes, we have to make sure if they don't provide the spares that we find the spares and provide them." The department isn't alone in its efforts to ensure the Ukrainians will be able to keep their F-16s flying after they take custody of them or in concerns about Ukraine's long-term ability to defend itself. The U.S. and partners, especially though the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, are working together to ensure Ukraine has what it needs and is also able to provide for itself, over the long term. "We're working really hard with U.S. industry and actually with the Europeans and other countries around the world to begin to coordinate these industry days with the Ukrainians," LaPlante said, referring to daylong meetings where industry and military representatives meet to discuss procurement issues. "I think what you're going to see is this pivot for U.S. companies and companies around the world to help the Ukrainians build back what they have." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Speech by President von der Leyen at the Kyiv Investment Forum, via video message European Commission Speech 16 November 2023 Brussels Dear Ministers, State Secretary, Mayor Close, Mayor Klitschko, Let me begin by thanking the City of Brussels for once again hosting the Kyiv Investment Forum. Since the start of Russia's war of aggression, over 60,000 Ukrainians have received their European temporary protection in this city. Brussels has also sent to Kyiv City Hospital over 300,000 euros worth in medical equipment, a powerful generator, and 6 fully equipped ambulances. These remarkable acts of solidarity have been multiplied by cities across our Union, with cities in Ukraine. Like in Lviv, where Brussels and others support the largest care centre in Ukraine for wounded civilians and soldiers. The centre is called "Unbroken". And so is Europe's solidarity and Ukraine's resistance. Today, we're gathered here to discuss the future of Ukraine in the European Union. In particular, the sustainable revival of greater Kyiv. Mayor Vitali Klitschko, your city and its people have become synonymous with resilience. You've sheltered tens of thousands of internally displaced Ukrainians. You've countered Russian missiles against your energy and civilian infrastructure. You were besieged by Russian tanks. In Bucha, I saw the body bags laying on the street. But your city and your nation fought back. You won the Battle of Kyiv, and you will win the war for Ukraine! I saw Ukraine's determination again two weeks ago, during my latest visit to your country. Once again, I was so inspired by Ukraine's confidence in a better future. And while fighting a full-scale war, Ukraine is also passing deep and bold reforms. You have completed almost all of the steps we asked you to take. The constitutional justice reform. The selection of the High Council of Justice. The Anti-Corruption Program. Progress against money-laundering. Important measures to curb the oligarchs' grip on your public life. Just to name a few. The good news is, that the remaining measures are already on their way. Therefore, the Commission recommends the start of accession negotiations to the Council. Your reforms will make Ukraine stronger and more attractive for investors. If you stay the course at your impressive pace, the future of Ukraine is in the European Union. And we want to underpin Ukraine's reforms with European investments. This is why we are working on a 50-billion-euro financial and reform package. It will support Ukraine's National Plan, to rebuild the country. And the Ukraine Plan can also provide guidance and coordination for international donors, both public and private. Ukraine wants to become a hub of green industry and digital innovation. It has the people and the will to make this happen. So let's invest together in their European future. The city of Kyiv is leading this effort to build a better future for Ukraine. I have seen first hand how the city is reimagining itself, as a dynamic, green, and inclusive capital. Kyiv can also be an example for other Ukrainian cities, as well as for cities in the EU. We can learn so much from each other, and help one another. Including through the "mayor's platform", which this forum brought to life last year. Now, with the winter coming, we must all re-double our efforts in support of Ukraine. From healthcare and energy support to protecting Ukraine's rich cultural heritage, every action matters. Europe stands with Ukraine, this winter, and all seasons to come. Slava Ukraini. Long live Europe. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukrainian paramedics complete first-aid training organised by NATO and Romania NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation 16 Nov. 2023 Around 200 Ukrainian medics have completed NATO training that will help Ukraine's healthcare system to cope with the devastating impact of Russia's war. The activity was organised jointly by Romania and NATO's Euro-Atlantic Disaster Response Coordination Centre (EADRCC), and funded by six Allies. The participants are first responders from different Ukrainian agencies, the National Guard, the National Police, the State Emergency Service, the State Border Guard Service, as well as medical units of the Ministry of the Interior. They are involved in rescue operations and provide critical medical services to civilians during Russian missile and artillery strikes. The training was launched following Ukraine's request for NATO assistance to help its medical system, which is under strain from the conflict and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. "This project is already helping Ukrainians receive better medical care, and will increase Ukraine's resilience in the longer term. It's a prime example of what can be achieved when Allies join forces and direct their solidarity and resources through NATO," said Tom Goffus, NATO Assistant Secretary General for Operations. He praised Romania for its staunch support to this project, and expressed gratitude to the Allies whose donations made it possible. The NATO EADRCC managed the programme's implementation and the cost - 442,701 Euro - was covered by donations made by Czechia, Italy, the Netherlands, Slovakia, the United Kingdom and the United States. The Romanian Department of Emergency Situations offered the training classes and practical experience, while the country's International Organisation of Migration also supported the project. Romania also hosted the activities in Oradea and Targu Mures. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address In Kyiv, Zelenskiy, Cameron Hold Talks Focused On Continued Military Support For Ukraine By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service November 16, 2023 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy held talks in Kyiv focused on further British military support for Ukraine with U.K.'s new foreign secretary, David Cameron, Zelenskiy's office said in a message posted on social media on November 16. Cameron, a former British prime minister who was appointed foreign secretary in a surprise move on November 13, visited Kyiv in a show of support for Ukraine as the war in Gaza threatens to draw global attention away from Russia's continued invasion of its neighbor. Zelenskiy's announcement, which came amid a fresh wave of Russian drone attacks on Ukraine, did not say when the visit, Cameron's first trip abroad as foreign secretary, took place. "We had a good meeting focused on weapons for the frontline, strengthening air defense, and protecting our people and critical infrastructure," Zelenskiy was quoted as saying on X, formerly know as Twitter. "The world is not so focused on the battlefield situation in Ukraine, and this dividing of the focus really does not help," he said in a video accompanying his X message. In the video, Cameron said that his visit was meant to reassure Kyiv of Britain's "moral support, diplomatic support, but above all, the military support that you need not just this year and next year, but however long it takes" for Ukraine in its efforts to stave off Russia's aggression. On November 15, Zelenskiy said Ukraine cannot afford a stalemate in the war against Russia. "If we want to end the war, we must end it," he said during an interview with African journalists. "End with respect so that the whole world knows that whoever came, captured, and killed, is responsible." According to Zelenskiy, if the war becomes a stalemate, the next generations of Ukrainians will have to fight because Russia "will come again if it is not put in its place." Ukraine's air defense said in a statement on November 16 that it had shot down 16 out of 18 Iranian-made drones launched by Russia overnight. The statement said that air-raid alerts had been declared in many Ukrainian regions, without specifying the number. In the previous days, Ukraine had twice declared nationwide air-raid alerts. In Ukraine's central region of Khmelnitskiy, the region's deputy governor, Serhiy Tyurin, reported that Ukrainian air defense had been asked to provide protection against possible Russian strikes around the city of Starokostyantyniv, where a military airfield is located. Witnesses described hearing explosions, but there was no immediate information about potential victims or damage. Rescuers working at the site of a Russian missile strike in Selydove in the eastern Ukrainian region of Donetsk have found the body of a third victim under the rubble, Ukraine's Emergency Service said on November 16. Regional authorities said Russian troops used an S-300 antiaircraft system to launch four missiles at the city early on November 15, striking a four-story apartment building. Two bodies were found on November 15, including that of an 85-year-old woman. Several other people were wounded in the strike that partially destroyed the building. In Russia, a military unit in the Volgograd region was targeted by a drone strike that burned down an ammunition depot, the Astra channel reported on Telegram, posting a video purportedly showing the fire. In Moscow, the Defense Ministry said its air defenses had shot down five Ukrainian drones early on November 16. Three drones were downed off the coast of Moscow-occupied Crimea and two unmanned aerial vehicles were destroyed over the western region of Bryansk, the Ministry said. "There were no casualties or damage. Emergency services are working on the spot," Bryansk Governor Aleksandr Bogomaz said on his Telegram channel. Ukraine has not commented on the report, which could not be independently verified. On the battlefield, Ukrainian forces fought 65 close-quarter battles along the front line over the past 24 hours, the Ukrainian military's General Staff said in its daily report. Heavy fighting was under way in the Kupyansk area of the Kharkiv region and around Avdiyivka, in the Donetsk region, which Russian forces have been unsuccessfully attempting to encircle for months, the military said. Ukrainian forces continue to conduct an offensive operation in the Melitopol and Kherson directions in southern Ukraine, the military added, without offering details. With reporting by Reuters and AFP Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-russia- drone-strikes/32686996.html Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia Repels 14 Attacks in Donetsk, Ukraine Loses Up to 310 Soldiers Sputnik News 20231116 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The Russian military repelled the attacks in the past 24 hours, the Russian Defense Ministry stated on Thursday. "In the Donetsk region, units of the Yug Battlegroup in cooperation with aviation and artillery, repelled 14 attacks... In total, in this direction in one day the enemy lost up to 310 military personnel as killed and injured, a tank, three cars," the ministry said in a statement. The ministy added that Ukraine also lost up to 170 soldiers in the Zaporozhye and Kherson areas. The Russian forces launched strikes at the Ukrainian units in the areas of Rabotino, Uspenovka, and Malaya Tokmachka settlements in Zaporozhye. Moreover, the Russian soldiers warded off three attacks from Ukrainian troops in the areas of Sinkovka and Zagoruikovka around Kupyansk. Russian forces also repelled one attack in the area of Chervonaya Dibrova in the Krasny Liman region. The total losses of the Ukrainian troops in the two areas amounted to 285. In addition, Russian fighters shot down a Ukrainian MiG-29 near Krasnoarmeysk (Pokrovsk), as well as intercepting two HIMARS shells and a JDAM bomb during the day. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia is using food as a weapon of war and attacking Ukraine's critical national infrastructure: UK statement to the OSCE Ambassador Neil Holland says that Russia is attacking Ukrainian ports and critical national infrastructure in an attempt to strangle the Ukrainian economy and deprive Ukraine of electricity, heat and water. 16 November 2023 Thank you, Mr Chair. Last week a Russian missile struck a civilian ship entering the Ukrainian Black Sea port of Odesa. A 43-year-old harbour pilot was killed, while three Filipino crewmembers and a port worker were injured. Once again, the UK condemns Russia's unprovoked attacks on Ukraine's port and grain infrastructure. Such attacks achieve nothing but destruction and devastation. Since Russia withdrew from the Black Sea Grain Initiative in July, Russia has conducted hundreds of such strikes against Ukraine's ports. This targeted and relentless campaign of air strikes is not an unfortunate consequence of war; it is a clear attempt by Russia to strangle the Ukrainian economy and prevent Ukraine from exporting its grain, which is crucial to global food security. These attacks on the world's food supply show the maliciousness of Russia's intent, where they are willing to use food as a weapon of war. However, Russia's attempts to hinder Ukraine's exports will not succeed. We continue to work with Ukraine and our partners to ensure Ukraine is able to export its grain, including through the Danube and Ukraine's humanitarian corridor. Mr Chair, not only is Russia continuing its targeting of Ukraine's ports, but as we anticipated, and with temperatures falling, Russian strikes on other areas of Ukraine's critical infrastructure have also intensified. Russia is repeating its strategy from last winter to instil terror, break resolve and deprive Ukrainians of electricity, heat, water, and vital medical services. Without these necessities life becomes unsustainable. However, last winter, Russia failed to shutdown Ukraine's power grid, and with the continued support of UK and international partners, Ukraine can prove resilient once again. Over the last year, the UK has provided over 1000 generators and solar power units to help the Ukrainian people avoid dangerous blackouts and freezing conditions this winter. My Prime Minister announced at the European Political Community (EPC) meeting in Granada last month, an additional A10 million fund for winter resilience and recovery in Ukraine. The UK also provided a A92 million air defence package, which has strengthened Ukraine's ability to protect its critical national infrastructure. The UK is also proud to play a major role in contributing to Ukraine's energy security, by supporting the supply of vital fuel for Ukraine's nuclear power plants through a A192 million UK Export Finance loan guarantee. This will strengthen Ukraine's energy security both in the short term, to enable Ukraine to endure immediate Russian attacks, and in the long term, to secure Ukraine's independence from Russian nuclear fuel. As we approach winter, the unity of the international community will endure. The UK will continue to provide vital humanitarian support to those most in need. At the EPC my Prime Minister also announced a A34 million fund for UN agencies and charities providing shelter and warm clothing, to support Ukraine through the winter months. Mr Chair, the Ukrainian people continue to show an unbreakable spirit and determination in the face of such appalling aggression, but let me reiterate again, that they will not face this threat alone. As my Prime Minister said again this week, 'We will stand with Ukraine until they prevail'. Thank you. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukraine: Foreign Secretary visits Kyiv in first overseas trip The Foreign Secretary has visited Kyiv, where he reaffirmed the UK's unwavering support for Ukraine and met President Zelenskyy and Foreign Minister Kuleba. 16 November 2023 The Foreign Secretary, David Cameron, has travelled to Kyiv for his first overseas visit to underline the UK's steadfast support for Ukraine against Russia's aggression. In Kyiv, Foreign Secretary David Cameron met President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Foreign Minister Kuleba, telling them his support for the country was enduring, as it had been when he was Prime Minister. David Cameron spearheaded the start of Op Orbital in 2015 as Prime Minister, launching the major British Army training programme in Ukraine, which drilled and upskilled more than 22,000 soldiers. The programme was paused last year during Russia's full scale invasion, and replaced by Op Interflex, which is based in the UK. The Foreign Secretary also heard how Ukraine continues to make progress pushing back Russian forces, including in Topoli and heard how Ukraine continues to make remarkable progress in the Black Sea to drive the Russian Navy eastwards. As part of the visit, the Foreign Secretary welcomed the launch of the new 'Unity Facility' between UK company Marsh McLennan and the Ukrainian Government, which will provide affordable shipping insurance for grain and other critical food supplies globally from Ukraine's Black Sea ports. The facility delivers on a pledge made at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in London in June, where Marsh McLennan committed to provide services to the Ukrainian government pro-bono. Foreign Secretary David Cameron said: As Foreign Secretary, supporting Ukraine against Putin's aggression is vital, which is why I am pleased to make this my first visit as Secretary of State. Russia thinks it can wait this war out, and that the West will eventually turn its attention elsewhere. This could not be further from the truth. In my first discussions with President Zelenskyy in my new role, I made clear that the UK and our partners will support Ukraine and its people for as long as it takes for them to achieve victory. As winter approaches, we continue to stand with the Ukrainian people as they resist Putin's illegal invasion. In the last 3 months, they have pushed Russia back in the Black Sea and are opening vital sea trade routes for the Ukrainian economy and global food supplies. The Foreign Secretary also discussed Ukraine's NATO aspirations with Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna. The UK is clear that Ukraine's rightful place is in NATO and is working with Allies to smooth the path to Ukraine's accession by removing the need for a Membership Action Plan. The UK is the second largest donor of military assistance to Ukraine, committing A4.6 billion to the country so far, and most recently announcing a A100 million package that will assist Ukraine's armed forces to clear minefields, maintain its vehicles and shore up defensive fortifications to protect critical national infrastructure. This month UK marks the 30,000th Ukrainian soldier to be trained under Operation Interflex, the largest military training programme of its kind on British soil since the Second World War. The programme has proved game-changing for Ukraine's forces and was first rolled out in Ukraine under David Cameron's leadership in 2015. The Foreign Secretary also held talks on Ukraine's recovery and reconstruction with Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal. The UK is working closely with Ukraine on its reconstruction, having hosted the Ukraine Recovery Conference in June 2023, which saw more than $60 billion being raised towards recovery efforts, including A240 million in bilateral assistance from the UK. The Foreign Secretary also visited Unit City, an innovation and technology hub in Kyiv, where he met young entrepreneurs building the future of Ukraine's economy. Background Ukraine's Ministry of Digital Transformation and its tech sector are playing a crucial role in winning the military campaign, notably through drone technology. They are also crucial for other aspects of the war effort and for winning the peace - through their contribution to economic resilience, innovative delivery of public services, and reform Unit City aims to create a modern city for the future within Kyiv, that promotes innovative entrepreneurship and research, aiming to create Ukrainian start-up companies that are successful in the global market the Ukraine tech sector grew rapidly and emerged as a player in the global IT industry before the full-scale invasion. It has shown tremendous resilience thanks to its relative mobility and Ukrainian talent NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address United News is one of the key stages in the history of invincibility of our state - President during the meeting with representatives of the telethon President of Ukraine 16 November 2023 - 19:50 On the occasion of the Day of Radio, Television and Communication Workers, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held an online meeting with representatives of Ukrainian media involved in the United News telethon. The Head of State congratulated the media on the holiday and thanked them for their difficult and very important work, which can be dangerous. "I believe that United News is one of the key projects that you have created and one of the key stages in the history of the invincibility of our state, one of the key factors in the de-occupation of the territories that have been seized since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion. You helped people to unite - with your unity, your work," he said. Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that today it is important not to lose what has been achieved and to maintain a strong morale in order to preserve Ukraine's internal strength. "This is very important for our people, for the purity of information, the fight against disinformation and any fakes," the President is convinced. According to the Head of State, the media today have the greatest impact on the unity of society. The media provide opportunities for an open dialogue with citizens and responsible discussion of problematic issues that people are currently concerned about. "We must help people fight for Ukraine, stay in Ukraine, work, and think about the future," Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized. The President emphasized the importance of spreading information about Ukraine's successes in this war and stories about the heroism and fight of Ukrainians for their freedom as widely as possible. According to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, as President, he uses all the tools, including Western media platforms, to make Ukraine heard and seen abroad, so that our country is not forgotten and continues to be helped. The parties also touched upon the issue of difficulties in the work of correspondents at the frontline. The President discussed possible formats of work with journalists that would allow maximum coverage of the situation on the battlefield and at the same time meet the requirements of security and non-disclosure of sensitive information. "I am very interested in your work. Because I believe that the only thing that can pierce the veil of news from the Middle East today, that can interest the world, is to demonstrate what is happening on the battlefield. Because it will be unique content," he said. Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that he highly appreciates the work of those who are currently working in Ukraine, both on and off camera. "Thank you for your work. I have noted the pressing issues you raise. We will try to solve them. Information is very important today," the Head of State summarized. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Information should be available to our citizens every day so that they clearly understand what is happening in Ukraine - President during the awarding ceremony on the Day of Radio, Television and Communication Workers President of Ukraine 16 November 2023 - 18:53 On the Day of Radio, Television and Communication Workers, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with media representatives and presented state awards. The Head of State noted that he was pleased to personally congratulate the media workers on their professional holiday, as he highly appreciates the work of each of them. "I have great respect for your work. For all war correspondents, journalists, anchors, cameramen, editors - all those who provide us with information from the front, all those who worked in the media and are now serving in the army. Those who help not to forget about Ukraine every day," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. He emphasized that the existence of the Ukrainian information space is important both for people in the de-occupied territories who need to know that the Ukrainian state is mindful of them, and for residents of all other parts of Ukraine who should not forget about the daily fight of our people against the Russian invaders. "I want to thank you for giving us this information. It is like bread, and everyone should have it every day in order to live in reality and clearly understand what is happening: how difficult it is for us, where we are invincible, where there are questions and how we can still achieve recovery. The full restoration of our state, territory, and peace. Restoration of the world we believe in and build together, for which our soldiers are standing today," the President noted. Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that in the context of a full-scale war, the work of media professionals in Ukraine is often dangerous. Many correspondents, cameramen, and fixers have been killed while performing their professional duties in places where intense hostilities were taking place. The participants observed a minute of silence in memory of all those who died as a result of Russian aggression in Ukraine. "Our task is to remember your colleagues who died because of the war. Ukraine will never forget them. Not just not to forget, but to remember, appreciate, and see it as part of our duties," the Head of State emphasized. The President awarded media workers with state awards for their significant personal contribution to the development of television, radio broadcasting and communications in Ukraine, courage and selflessness in the defense of state sovereignty and territorial integrity of the state, and loyalty to the Ukrainian people. In particular, ten media professionals received the Orders of Merit, III class, from the President, and two more who serve in the military were awarded medals "For Military Service to Ukraine." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Andriy Yermak had a phone call with Acting Secretary General of the National Security Council of Thailand President of Ukraine 16 November 2023 - 13:58 As part of the ongoing dialogue with the countries of the Global South, Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak had a phone call with Acting Secretary General of the National Security Council of the Kingdom of Thailand Chatchai Bangchaud. Andriy Yermak expressed gratitude for the consistent support of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of Russia's ongoing full-scale aggression. Among other things, he spoke about Thailand's support for Ukraine's key initiatives within the UN, as well as humanitarian assistance to overcome the consequences of the Russian invasion, including providing shelter to forcibly displaced Ukrainians. Particular attention was paid to the implementation of the Ukrainian Peace Formula aimed at restoring international law and order and respect for the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. The Head of the President's Office thanked the interlocutor for participating in the third meeting of national security and foreign policy advisors held recently in Malta. Andriy Yermak invited the Thai party to actively participate in the practical implementation of the Peace Formula and join the preparation and holding of the upcoming Global Peace Summit. In the context of the Peace Formula, the interlocutors touched upon the issue of nuclear safety and the role of the IAEA in ensuring compliance with the relevant universal norms. The parties discussed the issue of global food security. The Head of the President's Office emphasized Ukraine's readiness to continue acting as its guarantor and spoke about our country's efforts to ensure the functioning of an alternative "grain corridor" in the Black Sea. Andriy Yermak invited Thailand to join the global humanitarian initiative "Grain from Ukraine" and take part in its second international summit on November 25 in Kyiv. The parties coordinated further steps to intensify bilateral political dialogue between Ukraine and Thailand, as well as cooperation in multilateral formats, including ASEAN. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization deserves to be restarted and revitalized - speech by the President of Ukraine at the PABSEC Summit President of Ukraine 16 November 2023 - 13:40 Ladies and gentlemen! Dear representatives of the Black Sea region! Today, the world already understands the importance of our region - the importance of the Black Sea. This is where one of the foundations of global security lies. And it is our peoples - our countries - together with our partners who are the guarantors of this security. We are capable of adding stability to the world and strengthening peace. And we are already doing it. One of the key elements of Russia's aggression against the rules-based international order was its aggression in the Black Sea. It is here that Russia has been using its military foothold in our Crimea for years to undermine the normal life of different peoples... Russia used the Black Sea for its aggression against Georgia in 2008... To foment war and chaos in the Middle East - in particular, in Syria... It was with the seizure of Crimea that the hybrid war against Ukraine and the whole of Europe began... On February 24, with the outbreak of full-scale war, Russia attempted to turn our region and the Black Sea into a weapon, and not only against Ukraine. The aggressor needed the blockade of our ports and the deliberate destruction of our port and export infrastructure to destroy the global food market and thus provoke new outbreaks of chaos in different parts of the world. Thanks to our cooperation, all of this is being stopped. Please look at what we have achieved together during this time of full-scale war. We managed to show that cooperation between the nations of the Black Sea region, with the support of our partners, can bring stability back to the global food market. And thus, restore the security of normal life for dozens of nations - from Morocco to Southeast Asia. We managed to provide such a level of protection to the western part of the Black Sea, which now allows our maritime export corridors to work. The Danube region, which is also critical to global security, is gaining new significance. We managed to seize the initiative from Russia in the Black Sea and created security conditions that force the aggressor to flee the eastern part of the water area and try to hide warships. For the first time in the world, a fleet of naval drones - the Ukrainian fleet - began operating in the Black Sea. I would also like to point out that now, as one of the key results of our actions, Russia is unable to use the Black Sea as a springboard to destabilize other regions of the world. And I am grateful to all the leaders, states, and peoples whose activity helps protect the international order and guarantees more peace and security for the world. And I thank our neighbors in the region - TArkiye, Bulgaria, Romania, and Moldova - for supporting global security. I am confident that the restoration of a just peace and the dismantling of Russia's aggressive presence, particularly in the Black Sea, will help Georgia restore its territorial integrity and create more guarantees for the national security of all the states of the Caucasus. The situation in the Black Sea region and the development of our cooperation have a direct impact on the growth opportunities for the Balkans and the Baltic Sea region. By overcoming Russian aggression, we are protecting all the peoples of the Baltic-Black Sea-Azov space and neighboring regions. So now - more than ever before - it is obvious that our cooperation in our Black Sea region should only increase. And I am grateful to everyone who adds to the joint results. Ladies and gentlemen! The Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization deserves to be restarted and significantly revitalized. This is the necessary format of work. And we all need it. It is important to create new lines of cooperation. It is important not to remain silent about Russian aggression and to limit the aggressor's ability to put pressure on any of the peoples of our region. It is important to use this platform to bring the restoration of a real and just peace and the reintegration of the entire Black Sea into the global security and economic space closer. We are able to ensure this. But only together. And by restricting the aggressor. I thank you all for your support! Thank you for participating in the PABSEC Summit. And I wish you all peace. Glory to Ukraine! NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address President of Ukraine met with the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs of the United Kingdom President of Ukraine 16 November 2023 - 09:23 President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with David Cameron, the newly appointed Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, who is on a visit to Ukraine. The Head of State congratulated David Cameron on his appointment and thanked him for making his first working visit in the new position to Kyiv. "This is very important, especially now that the world is paying attention not only to the situation on the battlefield in Ukraine. We are grateful for the United Kingdom's unwavering support for Ukraine. We are grateful for the warm welcome of Ukrainian citizens in the UK. And we are glad that you have come to Ukraine," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. The President praised defense cooperation with the United Kingdom that enables the Armed Forces of Ukraine to effectively defend against the aggressor's attack, particularly due to long-range weapons. The Head of State emphasized that another important priority on the eve of the winter period is to strengthen the Ukrainian air defense system to protect citizens and critical infrastructure from Russian shelling. They discussed the security situation in the Black Sea and the further work of the alternative "grain corridor". Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked the British government for its active support for the functioning of this route and joint efforts to introduce insurance for civilian vessels passing through it. The parties coordinated their positions on the implementation of joint multilateral and bilateral initiatives, in particular in the context of promoting the Ukrainian Peace Formula and elaborating security guarantees in furtherance of the Joint Declaration of Support for Ukraine adopted by the Group of Seven at the NATO Summit in Vilnius. Special attention was paid to the Euro-Atlantic integration of our country and the UK's support for Ukraine's progress toward NATO membership. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Thousands of Ukrainian Children Forcibly Taken to Belarus, Yale Research Finds By VOA News November 16, 2023 More than 2,400 Ukrainian children have been taken to Belarus since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, according to new research published Thursday by Yale University. The findings by the Humanitarian Research Lab at the Yale School of Public Health are the most extensive yet about Belarus' alleged role in Russia's forced relocation of Ukrainian children. The report found that Ukrainian children, ages 6 to 17, had been transported from at least 17 cities in Ukraine's Russian-occupied territory. Yale identified more than 2,000 children who were transported to the Dubrava children's center in the Minsk region of Belarus between September 2022 and May 2023. More than 390 children were taken to another 12 facilities, the report said. That's on top of the nearly 20,000 Ukrainian children who were forcibly taken from Ukraine to Russia since the war began, according to Kateryna Rashevska, a legal expert at the Regional Center for Human Rights in Kyiv. Ukraine's war crimes prosecutors are investigating the forced transfer of Ukrainian children as potential genocide. Meanwhile, Russian shelling on Thursday killed two people and wounded at least 12 across southern Ukraine's Kherson region, local officials said. Among the dead was a 75-year-old woman who died in her apartment in the region's biggest town, which is also called Kherson, regional governor Oleksandr Prokudin said. Eight people were injured, he said on the messaging app Telegram. Also Thursday, the United Kingdom's top foreign diplomat, David Cameron, traveled to the Port of Odesa to pledge continued support for the Ukrainian war effort. Cameron's visit is the first the former British prime minister has made since being named to his new role of foreign minister. It also marks the first time a British diplomat has traveled to the port city, a common target for Russian airstrikes during Russia's war in Ukraine. Cameron said the U.K. would continue to provide whatever support was needed to Ukraine, "but above all, the military support that you need not just this year and next year but however long it takes." The visit came as Ukraine faces significant setbacks in the war effort, including attention shifting to the Israel-Hamas war in the Middle East, the European Union's inability to provide all the munitions it promised, and political fighting in the United States threatening additional aid to Ukraine. The U.K. said its $5.7 billion of military aid to Ukraine was second only to the U.S. and that the country had trained 30,000 Ukrainian troops. "Russia thinks it can wait this war out and that the West will eventually turn its attention elsewhere," Cameron said in a statement Thursday. "This could not be further from the truth. In my first discussions with President [Volodymyr] Zelenskyy in my new role, I made clear that the U.K. and our partners will support Ukraine and its people for as long as it takes for them to achieve victory." The Ukrainian counteroffensive has seen little success, and the war appears to be reaching a stalemate, a situation that Zelenskyy has warned would create a "volcano that is sleeping but will definitely wake up." "We cannot afford any stalemate," Zelenskyy told African journalists in Kyiv on Wednesday. "If we want to end the war, we must end it. End with respect so that the whole world knows that whoever came, captured and killed, is responsible." According to the Ukrainian president, if the war becomes a stalemate, future generations of Ukrainians will have to fight, because Russia "will come again if it is not put in its place." Zelenskyy's comments came two weeks after General Valery Zaluzhny, commander in chief of the Ukrainian military, told The Economist that the war had "reached the level of technology that puts us into a stalemate." Zelenskyy acknowledged that the situation on the battlefield remained very difficult but said he does not believe that the war has reached a stalemate. He emphasized that Ukraine will not negotiate with Russia until it completely withdraws from Ukrainian territories. Some information in this report came from The Associated Press and Reuters. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UK's New Top Diplomat Cameron Visits Ukrainian Port City of Odesa By VOA News November 16, 2023 The United Kingdom's top diplomat, David Cameron, traveled to the Port of Odesa Thursday to pledge continued support for the Ukrainian war effort. Cameron's visit marks the first that the former British prime minister has taken since being named to his new role of foreign minister. It also marks the first time a British diplomat has traveled to the port city, a common target for Russian airstrikes during Russia's war in Ukraine. Cameron said the U.K. would continue to provide whatever support was needed to Ukraine, "but above all, the military support that you need not just this year and next year but however long it takes." The visit came as Ukraine faces significant setbacks in the war effort, including attention shifting to the Israel-Hamas war in the Middle East, the European Union's inability to provide all the munitions it promised, and political fighting in the United States threatening additional aid to Ukraine. The U.K. said its $5.7 billion of military aid to Ukraine was second only to the U.S., and the country had trained 30,000 Ukrainian troops. "Russia thinks it can wait this war out and that the West will eventually turn its attention elsewhere," Cameron said in a statement Thursday. "This could not be further from the truth. In my first discussions with President [Volodymyr] Zelenskyy in my new role, I made clear that the U.K. and our partners will support Ukraine and its people for as long as it takes for them to achieve victory." The Ukrainian counteroffensive has seen little success, and the war appears to be reaching a stalemate, a situation that Zelenskyy has warned would create a "volcano that is sleeping but will definitely wake up." "We cannot afford any stalemate," Zelenskyy told African journalists in Kyiv on Wednesday. "If we want to end the war, we must end it. End with respect so that the whole world knows that whoever came, captured and killed, is responsible." According to the Ukrainian president, if the war becomes a stalemate, future generations of Ukrainians will have to fight, because Russia "will come again if it is not put in its place." Zelenskyy's comments came two weeks after General Valery Zaluzhny, commander in chief of the Ukrainian military, told The Economist that the war had "reached the level of technology that puts us into a stalemate." Zelenskyy admitted that the situation on the battlefield remains very difficult but said he does not believe that the war has reached a stalemate. He emphasized that Ukraine will not negotiate with Russia until it completely withdraws from Ukrainian territories. Some information in this report was taken from the Associated Press and Reuters. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address WFP expands its support to the national school feeding programme in Ukraine World Food Programme 16 November 2023 KYIV -- The UN World Food Programme (WFP) today signed agreements with oblasts to support daily school meals for more than 60,000 children in 420 schools across the country. In the last academic year, WFP and the Ministry of Education and Science signed a Memorandum of Understanding and Cooperation on the implementation of the school feeding programme. During this first phase of the programme, WFP supported the preparation of meals for 12,000 children in 58 schools in Kyiv oblast. Thanks to generous funding from the Government of France and private donors, WFP was able to expand the programme across the country this year. During the 2023-2024 academic year, WFP will fund 30% of the daily hot meals for children in schools in Kyiv, Lviv, Zakarpattia, Ternopil, Khmelnytskyi, Chernihiv, Chernivtsi, Cherkasy, Mykolaiv, Odesa, and Poltava oblasts. Schools will utilize the funds received through the programme to improve the quality of the meals or to reduce the fee paid by parents to the canteen. Oblasts were selected on a range of criteria, including food security level, as well as the number of internally displaced persons. WFP operates within the framework of the Government's School Nutrition Reform, in close coordination with the Ministry of Education and Science, oblast and hromada authorities and the schools. "Many children in Ukraine are resuming in-person learning in war-affected regions," said WFP Country Director in Ukraine Matthew Hollingworth. "We are fully committed to supporting them, their parents and their schools by funding daily meals to keep them healthy and focused, as well as relieve some pressure on their families' budgets." "In wartime, it is critically important for us adults to take care of children's well-being. And providing daily hot meals is one of the ways to support them. We are grateful to the UN World Food Programme for the systematic support of Ukrainian children and a significant contribution to their healthy future," said Deputy Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine Andrii Stashkiv. France, whose funding enabled the expansion of the school feeding programme, recently hosted the first global summit of the School Meals Coalition, which strives to ensure every child receives school meals by 2030. School feeding is one of many ways WFP supports Ukrainians affected by the war. WFP also distributes food parcels in areas closest to the frontline, where food is hard to find or very expensive, as well as cash assistance to displaced and vulnerable Ukrainians across the country. WFP is also supporting the safe release of mined agricultural land in the Kharkiv region to help farmers and food producers resume work. # # # The United Nations World Food Programme is the world's largest humanitarian organization, saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Complaints lodged about restrictions on students during brief recesses Education authorities have asked schools to make sure students have 10-minute breaks between classes after hearing complaints that some primary and middle school students are not allowed to leave classrooms during breaks unless they need to go to the toilet to ensure their safety. A middle school teacher in Jinzhong, Shanxi province, recently complained that 70 percent of students do not leave their classrooms during breaks, according to China National Radio. Some students said teachers often wait a few minutes to dismiss their classes, and some start their classes a few minutes before the breaks are scheduled to end, in which case some do not even have time to go to the toilet. A mother of a primary school student in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, said her child's school does not allow students to leave the classroom building during breaks. They are also forbidden to jump, run around or speak loudly. The issue has prompted heated discussion on social media platforms. The hashtag "Primary and middle school students do not have time to go to the toilet during class breaks" has trended on Sina Weibo, garnering more than 270 million views. "Teachers also do not want to supervise students during class breaks. However, if students have accidents, some parents will still hold schools accountable," said one netizen in a comment that received more than 10,000 likes. Another said, "Teachers are also tired, but the school makes such a requirement, and they have to follow." An official from the Ministry of Education told Xinhua News Agency that it is imperative for primary and middle schools to ensure students have time to rest between class breaks, which can help students relax, be healthy and avoid myopia. The ministry attaches great importance to class breaks, the official said. A 2021 guideline from the ministry forbids schools to put restrictions on class breaks. Apart from breaks between classes, schools should also make sure students have a 30-minute break each day for exercise. The ministry will urge local authorities and schools to implement the policies and curb the practice of restricting class breaks in the name of "ensuring students' safety", the official said. A notice issued recently by the Chengdu education bureau in Sichuan province encouraged schools to extend their class breaks and allow students to go outside to get some exercise. Teachers should not teach or place unnecessary restrictions on students during break periods, the notice said. A survey conducted by China Youth Daily of around 1,900 parents of primary and middle school students found that 75 percent of them said the class breaks have become very quiet for their children. In the survey, 58 percent of the parents also said schools do not allow students to speak or laugh loudly during class breaks in classrooms; 46 percent said their children are not allowed to leave the classroom building; and 45 percent said students are not allowed to speak loudly, even outside of the classroom. A primary school teacher in Hebei province told Xinhua that if a student is hurt during class breaks, the school not only has to apologize to parents, it will also sometimes need to pay the medical bills, so it feels compelled to implement such restrictions. Cui Shifeng, principal of Hefei Hupo Mingcheng Primary School in Anhui province, told China Daily that it is not common for schools to restrict students' activities during breaks, and only a small number of schools do so. The reason some schools have such restrictions is because they have outdated education philosophies, while others do so because they have seen previous accidents, he said. It is very important for schools to give students breaks, as they are critical for their overall development, Cui said. Furthermore, parents and society as a whole should also reduce the pressure they place on schools and teachers, he added. Vancouver, November 16, 2023 - Lithium Lion Metals Inc.. ("Lithium Lion" or the "Company") (CSE:LLM) (OTC:GLIOF) (FWB:2BC) announces that it has filed an updated NI 43-101 Technical Evaluation Report (the "Report") prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 - Standards for Disclosure of Mineral Projects for its Mia Li-3 Lithium Project, located in the James Bay region of northern Quebec. The Report is available under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on the Company's website at https://www.lithiumlion.ca/. Qualified Persons The Technical Evaluation Report was prepared by Geologica Groupe-Conseil Inc., and the contents of this news release have been reviewed and approved by: Alain-Jean Beauregard, P. Geo. of Geologica Groupe-Conseil Inc., who is an independent Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101. Mr. Beauregard is responsible for, and has reviewed and approved this news release. Daniel Gaudreault, P.Eng. of Geologica Groupe-Conseil Inc., who is an independent Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101. Mr. Gaudreault is responsible for, and has reviewed and approved this news release. About Lithium Lion Metals Inc. Lithium Lion Metals Inc. is a mineral exploration company actively involved in the exploration of its lithium and precious metals focused portfolio including the Mia Li-3 Lithium, in Quebec please visit: https://www.lithiumlion.ca/. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Mark Haywood Chief Executive Officer Head Office 305-1770 Burrard St. Vancouver, British Columbia, V6J3G7 Telephone +1 (604) 416 0569 Website https://www.lithiumlion.ca/ Email mark@lithiumlion.com The CSE and Information Service Provider have not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the accuracy or adequacy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Often, but not always, forward-looking information and information can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "estimates", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Actual future results may differ materially. In particular, this release contains forward-looking information relating to the Company's expected benefits of the Transaction and opportunities which will arise from the acquisition of the Property. The forward-looking information reflects management's current expectations based on information currently available and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking information. Such risk factors may include, among others, but are not limited to: general economic conditions in Canada and globally; industry conditions, including governmental regulation and environmental regulation; the availability of capital on acceptable terms; the need to obtain required approvals from regulatory authorities; stock market volatility; competition for, among other things, skilled personnel and supplies; incorrect assessments of the value of acquisitions; geological, technical, processing and transportation problems; changes in tax laws and incentive programs; failure to realize the anticipated benefits of acquisitions and dispositions; and the other factors. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include: (i) adverse market conditions; and (ii) other factors beyond the control of the Company. New risk factors emerge from time to time, and it is impossible for the Company's management to predict all risk factors, nor can the Company assess the impact of all factors on Company's business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ from those contained in any forward-looking information. The forward-looking information included in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. Additional information identifying risks and uncertainties that could affect financial results is contained in the Company's filings with Canadian securities regulators, which are available at www.sedar.com. Copyright (c) 2023 TheNewswire - All rights reserved. Vancouver, November 16, 2023 - David H. Brett, President & CEO, EnGold Mines Ltd., (TSXV: EGM) ("EnGold" or the "Company") reports that EnGold accountant Alastair Brownlow has stepped down as Chief Financial Officer of the Company due to increasing time commitments serving his other clients. The Company has commenced a search for a new CFO and has appointed EnGold's Corporate Secretary Leanora Brett as interim CFO to temporarily serve in that role during the transition period. "EnGold's board and management would like to express their gratitude to Alastair for his expertise, hard work, and dedication to the Company since his appointment in 2017," said EnGold President & CEO David H. Brett. "We wish Alastair tremendous success in his career." About EnGold EnGold is a Vancouver-based copper, gold, silver, and magnetite exploration company focused solely on its 100% owned Lac La Hache property in the Cariboo region of BC which hosts the Spout Copper Deposit, the Aurizon Gold Deposit, and the G1 Copper Deposit and other targets within a large porphyry mineralizing system. With world-class infrastructure at its doorstep, Lac La Hache is a great location to be exploring. EnGold Mines Ltd. David Brett President & CEO For further info contact David Brett, 604-682-2421 or david@engold.ca To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/187784 ST HELIER, Nov. 17, 2023 - Caledonia Mining Corporation plc ("Caledonia" or the "Company") (NYSE AMERICAN: CMCL; AIM: CMCL; VFEX: CMCL) announces that Mr. Dana Roets (61) will step down from his role as Chief Operating Officer ("COO") with effect from February 29, 2024. Mr. Roets will remain a director of the Company and various subsidiaries until February 29, whereupon he will also step down from those roles. Mr. Roets joined Caledonia as COO in 2013 and he has been instrumental in the development of the business over the following decade. During his tenure, production increased from 45,000 ounces to over 80,000 ounces in 2022; in the most recent quarter ended September 30, 2023, Blanket Mine achieved record quarterly production of almost 21,800 ounces. Over the same ten-year period, group all-in sustaining costs reduced from $978 per ounce to $878 per ounce. The key element in Caledonia's success over the last ten years is the successful implementation of the Central Shaft project which involved the sinking of a six-meter diameter shaft from surface to 1,204 meters. This project was accomplished under Mr. Roets' direction, using internal financial and technical resources, and was completed and commissioned without any fatality. When the work on the revised investment plan started in 2014 (the main component of which was the Central Shaft project), the expected life of mine was up to 2019. As a result of the Central Shaft project, Blanket's mine-life has been significantly extended. The resumption of deep level exploration at Blanket in early 2023 has resulted in encouraging results (as reported in a news release published on July 10, 2023), which, in due course, are hoped to further extend Blanket's mine life. A process has already commenced to identify a suitable replacement as COO. Commenting on the announcement, Mark Learmonth, Chief Executive Officer, said: "Dana has made an outstanding contribution to Caledonia over the last ten years - as evidenced by the increased production, reduced costs and exploration success which we believe will, in due course, extend Blanket's life of mine. This was achieved against the backdrop of a challenging operating environment and the COVID-19 pandemic which introduced a new set of unanticipated operational challenges. "Dana is leaving the business not only having seen Blanket Mine hit its long-term target of 80,000 ounces (in 2022), but also with an operational solar plant providing around a quarter of Blanket Mine's daily electricity requirements, thereby reducing our dependence on diesel generators. More recently, he has overseen the construction of the first phase of a new tailings storage facility which, when fully built, is expected to serve the mine for at least the next fourteen years at the current production rate. "Along with the board and his colleagues, I would like to thank Dana for his contribution and we wish him well in his future endeavours." Enquiries: Caledonia Mining Corporation plc Mark Learmonth Camilla Horsfall Tel: +44 1534 679 800 Tel: +44 7817 841 793 Cavendish Capital Markets Limited (Nomad and Joint Broker) Adrian Hadden Pearl Kellie Tel: +44 207 397 1965 Tel: +44 131 220 9775 Liberum Capital Limited (Joint Broker) Scott Mathieson/Kane Collings Tel: +44 20 3100 2000 BlytheRay Financial PR (UK) Tim Blythe/Megan Ray Tel: +44 207 138 3204 3PPB (Financial PR, North America) Patrick Chidley Paul Durham Tel: +1 917 991 7701 Tel: +1 203 940 2538 Curate Public Relations (Zimbabwe) Debra Tatenda Tel: +263 77802131 IH Securities (Private) Limited (VFEX Sponsor - Zimbabwe) Lloyd Mlotshwa Tel: +263 (242) 745 119/33/39 Note: The information contained within this announcement is deemed by the Company to constitute inside information under the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) No. 596/2014 ("MAR") as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 and is disclosed in accordance with the Company's obligations under Article 17 of MAR. Cautionary Note Concerning Forward-Looking Information Information and statements contained in this news release that are not historical facts are "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation that involve risks and uncertainties relating, but not limited, to Caledonia's current expectations, intentions, plans, and beliefs. Forward-looking information can often be identified by forward-looking words such as "anticipate", "believe", "expect", "goal", "plan", "target", "intend", "estimate", "could", "should", "may" and "will" or the negative of these terms or similar words suggesting future outcomes, or other expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions, intentions or statements about future events or performance. The forward-looking information contained in this news release is based, in part, on assumptions and factors that may change or prove to be incorrect, thus causing actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by forward-looking information. Such factors and assumptions include, but are not limited to: the successful implementation of mine plans, the establishment of estimated resources and reserves, the grade and recovery of minerals which are mined varying from estimates, success of future exploration and drilling programs, reliability of drilling, sampling and assay data, the representativeness of mineralization being accurate, success of planned metallurgical test-work, capital availability and accuracy of estimated operating costs, obtaining required governmental, environmental or other project approvals, inflation, changes in exchange rates, fluctuations in commodity prices, delays in the development of projects and Caledonia's experience of project development in Zimbabwe and other factors. To the extent any forward-looking information herein constitutes a financial outlook or future oriented financial information, any such statement is made as of the date hereof and included herein to provide prospective investors with an understanding of the Company's plans and assumptions. Security holders, potential security holders and other prospective investors should be aware that these statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those suggested by the forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: risks relating to estimates of mineral reserves and mineral resources proving to be inaccurate, fluctuations in gold price, risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining, risks relating to the credit worthiness or financial condition of suppliers, refiners and other parties with whom the Company does business; inadequate insurance, or inability to obtain insurance, to cover these risks and hazards, employee relations; relationships with and claims by local communities and indigenous populations; political risk; risks related to natural disasters, terrorism, civil unrest, public health concerns (including health epidemics or outbreaks of communicable diseases such as the coronavirus (COVID-19)); availability and increasing costs associated with mining inputs and labour; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development, including the risks of obtaining or maintaining necessary licenses and permits, diminishing quantities or grades of mineral reserves as mining occurs; global financial condition, the actual results of current exploration activities, changes to conclusions of economic evaluations, and changes in project parameters to deal with unanticipated economic or other factors, risks of increased capital and operating costs, environmental, safety or regulatory risks, expropriation, the Company's title to properties including ownership thereof, increased competition in the mining industry for properties, equipment, qualified personnel and their costs, risks relating to the uncertainty of timing of events including targeted production rate increase and currency fluctuations. Security holders, potential security holders and other prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. By its nature, forward-looking information involves numerous assumptions, inherent risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, that contribute to the possibility that the predictions, forecasts, projections and various future events will not occur. Caledonia undertakes no 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. This news release is not an offer of the shares of Caledonia for sale in the United States or elsewhere. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of the shares of Caledonia, in any province, state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such province, state or jurisdiction. VANCOUVER, Nov. 17, 2023 - Ultra Lithium Inc. (TSX-V: ULT OTCQB: ULTXF) ("Ultra Lithium" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that Kiki Smith and Graham Adria have been appoint to the Company's board of directors. Graham Adria was appointed to the board of directors on November 15, 2023. Graham Adria has extensive experience as a corporate lawyer and currently works for an international law firm in Beijing. He is experienced in cross-border transactions in the resources sector, particularly on small and mid-cap mining transactions into Africa and Asia. Graham received his Bachelor of Arts (Honors) in Political Science from the University of Alberta and his Juris Doctor from Osgoode Hall. Graham is called to the bar in Ontario. Kiki Smith was elected to the Company's board of directors at the annual general meeting of shareholders on May 24, 2023. Kiki holds a CPA designation and has over 20 years of experience in the mining, technology and food services sectors. Kiki currently serves as a director and CFO of various issuers. Mr. Weiguo Lang, CEO stated, "Kiki Smith has served as the Company's CFO since 2015 and we are pleased to have her take on this additional role. We also welcome Graham Adria whose international experience will be a valuable asset to the Company." Mr. Shaoguo Cao did not stand for re-election at the Company's annual general meeting. The Company would like to thank Mr. Cao for his contribution and wishes him well in his future endeavours. The Company's officers and directors are: Weiguo Lang, CEO, Chairman Kiki Smith, CFO, Corporate Secretary, Director, Audit committee member Andrew Lee Smith, Independent Director, Audit committee member Graham Adria, Independent Director, Audit committee member About Ultra Lithium Inc. Ultra Lithium Inc. is an exploration and development company with a focus on the acquisition and development of lithium, gold, and copper assets. The Company holds a brine lithium property in Argentina, hard rock spodumene type lithium properties at the Georgia Lake / Forgan Lake area in northwestern Ontario, Canada, and a brine lithium property in the Big Smoky Valley, Nevada, USA. The Company also holds other gold and base metals properties in Argentina. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS "Kiki Smith" Kiki Smith, CFO, Director For further information, please contact the Company at: Attention: Kiki Smith Telephone: 778 968-1176 Email: kiki@ultralithium.com Website: www.ultralithium.com or view the Company's filings at www.SEDAR.com. Cautionary Statement Regarding "Forward-Looking" Information Some of the statements contained in this press 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 "plans", "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. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulations Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Vancouver, November 17, 2023 - Dynasty Gold Corp. (TSXV: DYG) (FSE: D5G1) (OTC Pink: DGDCF) ("Dynasty" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has completed approximately 1,320 meters of 2023 Phase two drilling at its Thundercloud property in the Archean Manitou-Stormy Lakes Greenstone belt, 47 kilometers southeast of Dryden in northwestern Ontario. This program was set to delineate near surface mineralization outside the Pelham resource and test the continuation of the high-grade mineralization encountered in 2022 drill program. A total of 5 holes were drilled. Four step-out holes targeted IP anomalies from 75 meters north of and 175 meters south of the Pelham zone resource. One definition hole was drilled below Hole DP22-03 (8.42 g/t gold over 73.5 meters) targeting a Footwall zone to the west of the high grade interval in Hole DP22-02 (115 g/t gold over 1.5 meters) where there has been no previous drilling. Ivy Chong, the President and Chief Executive Officer, stated: "The goal of this drill program was to step out of the Pelham resource area to obtain new data to evaluate other parts of the Property that have not been previously drilled. These data will help us to define new drill targets for future drill programs. We consider these areas our new frontier and look forward to assessing the new data." "I have been working with the Dynasty group since my first visit in June 2023. I am very optimistic that we are dealing with an Archean hydrothermal system and that the property has the potential to host multiple deposits," commented James Rogers. The technical information in this release has been reviewed by James Rogers, P.Geo, an independent consultant and a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101. About Dynasty Gold Corp. Dynasty Gold Corp. is a Canadian mineral exploration company currently focused on gold exploration in North America with projects located in the Manitou-Stormy Lake greenstone belt in Ontario and in the Midas gold camp in Nevada. The Company is currently advancing its Thundercloud gold resource in northwest Ontario. A NI 43-101 Independent Technical Report, dated September 27, 2021 can be found on the Company's and SEDAR websites. The 100% owned Golden Repeat gold project in the Midas gold camp in Elko County, Nevada, is surrounded by a number of large-scale operating mines. For more information, please visit the Company's website www.dynastygoldcorp.com. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF Dynasty Gold Corp. "Ivy Chong" Ivy Chong, President & CEO For additional information please contact: Vancouver Office: Ivy Chong Phone: 604.633.2100. Email: ichong@dynastygoldcorp.com This press release contains certain "forward-looking statements" that involve a number of 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. The TSX Venture Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/187813 Manhole cover ruins opening Las Vegas action The highly-anticipated opening session amid the glittering lights of Las Vegas was called off after mere minutes - when two cars were badly damaged by a manhole cover. Carlos Sainz Ferrari Going into the session, and amid the backdrop of drivers' complaints about the 'show' elements of the race weekend, it was thought the newly-iconic 'Sphere' venue might distract the drivers. As a result, colours the same as the critical warning flags - red, blue and yellow - were banned from the Sphere for the actual track sessions. Max Verstappen joked that only seeing his face on the Sphere would be a distraction. I'd probably smash the car straight into the wall, the world champion laughed. Mercedes' George Russell agreed that a bigger concern is the layout itself. I understand the thinking for overtaking, but I don't think it will be a great track for the drivers, he said. "But I think it's only long-time fans who appreciate the importance of historic circuits like Silverstone or Monaco. Times are changing and we need to embrace it. But will this be good for the racing? I'm sceptical. Ultimately, though, it wasn't the Sphere or the cold temperatures or the layout that brought opening practice to a halt late on Thursday - but a manhole cover. The floor of Carlos Sainz's Ferrari has been badly damaged, reported Speed Week. The suspension is broken and the survival cell may also be damaged. Esteban Ocon's Alpine then suffered a similar fate, bringing out the red flags - permanently. The FIA reports that it's actually torn out of the asphalt, Auto Motor und Sport declared in its live track commentary. Alpine tells us that they need to change the chassis because of the damage. The German publication continued: All the other manhole covers now need to be inspected. They then need to discuss with the local engineers how long it will take to find a solution and what impact this will have on the schedule. Formula 1's governing body then confirmed: A concrete frame around a manhole cover has failed and all of the other manhole covers need to be checked. Alpine boss Bruno Famin said it's possible the second planned practice session at midnight could be increased to one and a half hours to compensate. I heard that this is being discussed, he said. I believe the FIA ??understands what needs to be done in such a situation, and I have no doubt that they are doing it. Ferrari boss Frederic Vasseur says Sainz's car is also a write-off. This is totally unacceptable, he charged. "The monocoque is badly damaged, as is the engine and the battery. That costs a fortune. We certainly won't be able to take part in the second practice session. Auto Motor und Sport's Tobias Gruner commented: "This is a disaster for Formula 1. No race weekend has ever been accompanied by such hype and the organisers at Liberty Media have invested hundreds of millions of dollars. The pressure is high to find a quick solution. Otherwise we are facing a complete farce. At the time of writing, the situation appears dire - as it emerges that the problem with the offending manhole cover is actually not an isolated case . Oil prices dive on big US crude stock build, record output Reuters Business News Nov - 16 - 2023 , 11:22 Oil prices tumbled more than 1.5per cent 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 per cent, at $81.18 a barrel. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude (WTI) fell $1.60, or 2 per cent, 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. 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. Court strikes out suit against Black Sheriff for lack of jurisdiction Yaa Kuffour Senyah Showbiz News Nov - 17 - 2023 , 13:08 The court case between Ghanaian musician, Black Sherif [Mohammed Ismail Sharrif] and Cruise People Limited following the cancellation of a cruise ship performance in Athens has been struck out. The Adenta High Court struck it out on Thursday, November 16, 2023, declining jurisdiction. A dispute resolution clause in the contract stipulated that any dispute arising out of the contract shall be settled exclusively in the United Kingdom. Based on this, counsel for Black Sheriff drew the court's attention to it and argued that the case cannot be litigated in Ghana. The court agreed with Black Sheriff's argument and struck out the case. Background The case was based on an alleged breach of a performance contract by Black Sheriff. Cruise People Limited and Black Sheriff had entered into an agreement for a performance on a cruise ship in Athens, Greece on August 19, 2023. However, before the scheduled date for the show, the contract was terminated. The promoter, Daniel Vanderpuje of Cruise People Ltd alleged publicity breaches and demanded a refund of the deposit of US$20,000 from Black Sheriff. Black Sheriff resisted the refund on the grounds that the contract was terminated by Cruise People Ltd and rather asked for compensation for the unilateral termination of the contract. The Promoter, Daniel Vanderpuye, instituted the court action for; a refund of the deposit paid, interest on the said amount, compensation for loss of revenue and profits, general damages for breach of contract, and costs. Black Sheriff entered a conditional appearance and filed an application to strike out the suit on grounds that the dispute resolution clause in the contract stipulated that any dispute arising out of the contract shall be settled exclusively in the United Kingdom. Black Sheriff insisted that the subject matter of the dispute was not closely connected to Ghana. On October 19, 2023, the court ordered the parties to file written submissions, within two weeks, and adjourned the matter to November 16, 2023 for ruling. The court ruled that that, the parties for all intents and purposes, wanted all disputes arising thereto to be resolved in the UK, and therefore struck out the case stating that the action had been commenced in the wrong forum. Related articles December in GH: Ghana Bloggers Association teams up with GTA to promote activities Graphic Showbiz Showbiz News Nov - 16 - 2023 , 22:29 The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has endorsed the Ghana Bloggers Association's agenda to blog and promote activities and events leading up to this year December in Ghana (GH). The Ghana Bloggers Association had previously launched an activation, urging social media users and bloggers to focus on sharing positive news about December in GH in line with the Ghana Agenda touting the tourism potentials of the initiative. At the launch, President of Ghana Bloggers Association, Andre Mustapha NiiI Okai Inusah, also known as Attractive Mustapha, emphasised Ghana's uniqueness in the celebration of Christmas as a tourism tool. He encouraged Ghanaians to take pride in showcasing and touting Ghana as a major tourism score being located at the Center of the world with abundant natural resources, and widely regarded as most peaceful country in Africa. Attractive Mustapha disclosed plans for a Ghana tour and a global promotion campaign set to commence in December to further promote Ghana. Today, on the association's official social media pages, it was announced that the Ghana Tourism Authority has endorsed the promotion of the Ghana Agenda. In the coming days, they will collaborate with the authority to market Ghana globally. The Association also shared pictures of their meeting with the CEO of Ghana Tourism Authority, Mr. Kwasi Agyemang, discussing the projects. They urged Ghanaians to promote the good things about Ghana, especially in December, as it is a time when the eyes of the world is on Ghana. I have worked for this country, Nigerians should help me Actor Hanks Anuku cries out Graphic Showbiz Showbiz News Nov - 17 - 2023 , 10:39 Seasoned Nollywood actor Hanks Anuku has in a passionate plea called on Nigerians and the Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, to come to his aid. The silver screen stars plea comes on the heels of a viral video that surfaced, showing him working as a fuel attendant at a gas station in Delta State. (Nollywood Actor Hanks Anuku raises concerns with distressed appearance in latest video) In the video message circulating on social media, Anuku expressed his frustration at being jobless for an extended period despite his status as a Nollywood legend. "I have worked for this country. I have attained the height of being a legend. But I've had no job for, God knows, how many years. And I expect that Nigerians will also know that I did it all for them," Anuku stated in the video. The actor, who has contributed significantly to the Nigerian film industry over the years, revealed that he has been living from hand to mouth despite his legendary status. Seeking assistance, he made a direct appeal to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his fans to support him during these challenging times. "I just gonna ask Governor Sheriff [Oborevwori] to please send support to me. And my fans who truly love and appreciate the works I've done for them, if you think you truly love me, may God help you all to help me," Anuku passionately pleaded. The viral video has sparked discussions on social media, with fans and well-wishers expressing their concern for the Bishop stars well-being. Transgender Jay Boogie in critical condition after failed BBL, urgently requires kidney transplant Graphic Showbiz Showbiz News Nov - 17 - 2023 , 11:05 Popular Nigerian transgender Jay Boogie is facing a critical health crisis as both of his kidneys have failed, necessitating an urgent transplant to save his life. The dire situation follows a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) surgery gone wrong. (Video: Crossdresser Jay Boogie is fighting for his life after failed cosmetic surgery) Read also: All my life savings have gone into buying diapers, transgender Jay Boogie cries out after failed BBL) Several weeks ago, Jay Boogie took to Instagram Live to share the complications he experienced after undergoing another BBL surgery. The procedure, intended to enhance his appearance, took an unfortunate turn, leaving him struggling with difficulties in urination and other health issues. The severity of his condition came to light through an update provided by activist Dr. Loveth, who has been actively rallying for support on Jay Boogie's behalf. Dr. Loveth disclosed that the transgender activist's health has deteriorated to the point where both kidneys have failed, emphasizing the critical need for a transplant to sustain his life. Sharing an update on the current condition of Jay Boogie, Dr. Loveth stated, "At this stage, Jay Boogie needs a Kidney Transplant! Both kidneys have failed! We prayed and wished it never got to this stage, but this is it!!! I will drop other updates soon!!!" Working in silos? Brig Gen Dan Frimpong (Rtd) Opinion Nov - 17 - 2023 , 17:11 Delivering the keynote address on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, at a function in Accra, former Chief Justice (CJ) Sophia Akuffo advised the youth, as future leaders, to not work in silos in their organisations. What did she mean by advising them to avoid working in silos? Before that, the event was the introduction, or outdooring to Ghanaians, of the first batch of a cohort of 20 young men/women selected out of 1,500 applicants to undergo a one-year training in Leadership. The brainchild of Capt PK Amoabeng (Rtd) of Unique Trust fame, the PK Amoabeng Scholars Programme aims at creating a new generation of leaders with a mindset which will change the current negative narrative of African leaders as corrupt, tribalistic, incompetent, greedy and, above all, without integrity. So what are silos, and what does working in silos, as referred to by Justice Sophia Akuffo, mean? Silos Silos are used in agriculture to store fermented feed known as silage, not to be confused with a grain-bin, which is used to store grains. Silos are commonly used for bulk storage of grain, coal, cement, carbon-black, woodchips, food products and sawdust. (Wikipedia) What does working in silos mean? Working in silos is an organisational condition wherein a team (or group of teams) intentionally insulates itself from other teams or the entire organisation. The practice typically involves hiding information, not collaborating well or simply doing work misaligned with company goals. (Wikipedia) Former Chief Justice Akuffo emphasised the importance of teamwork over individualism if any organisation is to succeed. She stated that no organisation will succeed if the leaders vision is not clearly articulated, with secrecy rather being the hallmark of the organisation. She emphasised that leaders must be open, and selfless, putting the organisations interest above all other considerations. Beyond the advice to eschew working in silos, the former CJ also advised them to avoid mushroom management! Mushroom management Mushroom management is the management of a company where the communication channels between the employers and the employees do not work effectively, and where employees are 'kept in the dark' by management regarding business decisions that affect their work and employment. The term 'mushroom management' alludes to the stereotypical view of mushroom cultivation: kept in the dark and fed with cow dung. Additionally, mushroom management is a style of management in which the personnel are not familiar with the ideas or the general state of the company, and are given work without knowing the purpose of this work, in contrast with open-book management. Mushroom management means that workers' curiosity and self-expression are not supported. The employees often have no idea what the company's overall situation is, because the leaders tend to make all the decisions on their own, without asking anyone else to give their opinion. (Wikipedia) In his submission, Capt Amoabeng (Rtd) said his vision for the Scholars Programme was motivated by his desire to change the existing negative narrative of the African leader being a greedy and selfish individual who thinks only of himself, and not of his organisation, country or the continent. The PK Amoabeng Foundation has, therefore, carefully selected the maiden cohort of twenty people from all regions in Ghana. The training, which would take one year, would include a weeks introductory military training. Keynote In her keynote address, the former CJ, Sophia Akuffo, told the group that every good organisation must have systems, processes and procedures which must be clearly stated, laid out and known by all. Perhaps, this resonated with President Obamas statement on a visit to Ghana in 2009 that, Africa does not need strong men; it needs strong institutions! Unfortunately, in many African organisations, the emphasis is more on strong individuals than on strong institutions. This invariably creates a toxic environment in which leaders do as they please in the organisation. Combining her discussion on the two leadership/Management styles, she advised the group to avoid working in silos as well as mushroom management, as those lead to organisational dysfunction and self-destruction. Because subordinates are deliberately kept in the dark and fed on cow dung/manure, they lack roots and soon peter out, leading to the collapse of the organisation. Relating this to the situation in Ghana, she stated that individual ministries must work as a team in the national interest, and not operate as individual fiefdoms, with each minister jealously guarding his/her territory. She exhorted the cohort to demonstrate the traditional leadership qualities of Vision, Loyalty to the organisation, Courage, Selflessness, Knowledge and Humility, among others. She emphasised the quality of integrity as paramount, as it encapsulates and underpins all the other attributes. Without integrity, one cannot succeed as a good leader. Cooperation In reminding the cohort of the importance of cooperation/communication in Leadership, the CJ referred to the old saying that you do not shine by dimming the light of others. On the contrary, one shines from the reflection of those one has helped to shine as a leader. Before introducing the 20 scholars, Ms Elizabeth Dansoa Osei gave a beautiful poetry recital on how the pessimism expressed by Capt Amoabengs grandfather and his father about the Ghanaians ability to rule himself had galvanised him with the passion to change the narrative into a positive one. A representative of the Scholars Programme thanked the PK Amoabeng Foundation for giving the 20 young men/women a unique opportunity to improve their leadership skills and change the prevailing negative mindset about African leadership into a positive one. He promised they would live up to expectations. Tuesday, November 7, 2023s programme was a success and ended with an interaction by all participants. For the cohort of twenty selected from 1,500, Sophia Akuffos advice to them to not work in silos or indulge in mushroom management was their take-home. Leadership, lead! Fellow Ghanaians, wake up! The writer is former CEO of the African Peace Support Trainers Association, Nairobi, Kenya/Council Chair Family Health University College, Accra. 24 Students in GREL operational areas receive scholarships Dotsey Koblah Aklorbortu Education Nov - 17 - 2023 , 07:02 The Ghana Rubber Estates (GREL) has presented scholarship packages to 24 students in three regions to pursue further studies at the tertiary level. Two beneficiaries were selected from each of the three traditional councils in the Western, Central and Eastern regions, which are the companys operational areas. The Corporate Affairs Manager of the company, Perry Acheampong, said the award, which is the 12th edition of its scholarship package, was an improvement over the previous support. 400 students Mr Acheampong said since the inception of the scholarship scheme, more than 400 students had benefitted from it, adding, Apart from providing infrastructure for the people which covers wide areas, raising the educational standard is our priority. The focus, he said, was to ensure the support extended to the beneficiaries would raise new generational leaders, who would return to their respective communities and impact lives, as well as serve as motivation for others. He said the focus was not only on students entering the tertiary levels but also on children in the basic schools within the companys catchment areas. Recently, we provided essential needs such as school uniforms, books and bags to our young ones to relieve some of the burden on the parents and guardians, he said. The Chairman of ACLANGO, Nana Kwesi Agyeman IX, commended the company for its continuous support for the communities within its operational areas. He said naturally, educational scholarships provided an opportunity for many people to go to school and actualise their dreams and support society. The contribution The contribution of GREL, he said, was a great feat towards societal change and skills development drive of the country, and for our children to enter the workforce and contribute towards the development of society. One of the beneficiaries, Blessed Nyamakye Ackah Baidoo, who is currently at the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) on behalf of his colleagues, expressed appreciation to GREL for their immense support. KPASEC@70: Need for national policy on education First Sky Group Chairman Alberto Mario Noretti Education Nov - 17 - 2023 , 06:56 The Executive Chairman of the First Sky Group, Eric Kutortse has said that basing educational policies on political party manifestoes and campaign promises will only impede the quality of education the nation yearns for. Our focus should rather be on a national policy on education to strictly adhere to no matter the political party in power, he said. Mr Kutortse, who was speaking at the climax of the 70th anniversary of the Kpando Senior High School (KPASEC) at Kpando, said it was, therefore, crucial for governments to prioritise education by committing adequate funds and infrastructure, creating effective policies and ensuring access to quality education for all children equitably, irrespective of their socio-economic background. Collective responsibility The climax, which was marked with a durbar was on the theme: Quality education A collective responsibility. The chairman of the First Sky Group, who is also an old student of the school, pointed out that the community at large also had a significant role to play in ensuring quality education by monitoring children in and out of their school environment. He observed that the role of teachers was fundamental and pivotal in attaining quality education since it was teachers who fostered critical thinking, curiosity and creativity in students. It is, therefore, imperative for teachers to be adequately remunerated and motivated to have enough time to train and mould our future generation, Mr Kutortse maintained. He called on parents to make conscious and sustained efforts to create a conducive learning environment at home for their children and support them to learn smoothly, saying that parents were undoubtedly the first teachers in a childs life. Sustained image The Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES), Dr Eric Nkansah, commended KPASEC for maintaining a sterling image among educational institutions in the country over the decades, saying the school did not only stand for learning but also served as a beacon for inspiring generations. KPASEC has been a place where knowledge blossoms, friendships flourish and dreams take flight, he noted. Dr Nkansah said the commitment of the staff, the dedication of the students, and the unwavering support of the community had collectively shaped KPASEC into a shining institution. He entreated the students to study diligently towards a bright future and said their education was not just a privilege but a powerful tool that could impact the world around them. The Headmaster, Charles Evans Apreku, said KPASEC, which took off on a humble note in 1953 with nine students and two teachers, now had a student enrolment of 3,498 and a staff strength of 235. Challenges On challenges, the headmaster said there was an urgent need for a new boys dormitory with decent toilets to ease congestion. The Akpinifia, Okpekpewuokpe Dagadu IX, who chaired the function, urged all stakeholders to invest in the professional development of teachers and to help provide them with the necessary resources and support to deliver quality education. Ambulance case: I was absent from Ministry when contract was executed Anemana Justice Agbenorsi Nov - 17 - 2023 , 06:41 A former Chief Director at the Ministry of Health has testified that he was absent from the ministry at the time steps were being taken to procure 200 ambulances for the state. Sylvester Anemana, together with a former Deputy Minister of Finance and now the Minority Leader in Parliament, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, and Richard Jakpa, a businessman, have been charged for allegedly causing financial loss of 2.37 million to the state in a deal to purchase 200 ambulances for Ghana between 2014 and 2016. They have, however, pleaded not guilty to five counts of wilfully causing financial loss to the state, abetment to wilfully cause financial loss to the state, contravention of the Public Procurement Act and intentionally misapplying public property. The prosecutors have specifically charged Mr Anemana with one count of abetment of willfully causing financial loss to the state and one count of contravention of the Public Procurement Act. Testimony Giving his evidence-in-Chief after Dr Forson had closed his case, Mr Anemana testified that he witnessed the signing of the final agreement with Big Sea Trading on December 19, 2012. That was after he had written to Big Sea Trading to provide the ministry with information needed for Value for Money(VFM) audit to be undertaken based on the then Attorney-Generals advice leading to the revised draft agreement. He added that as soon as the government took over the administration of the country on January 7, 2013, a time when he was still taking steps to procure the 200 ambulances, he was transferred to the Ministry of Environment Science and Technology as the Chief Director, adding that he handed over to Salamatu Abdul Salam as the acting Director of the Health Ministry. He further added that at the time of his transfer, Dr Forson was not a Deputy Minister of Finance. I must say that from the February 19, 2013 when I left MOH, whatever steps were taken by my predecessors' to procure the 200 ambulances for the Republic of Ghana within the stipulated time stated in the agreement was unknown to me during my two years absence from the ministry. Whatever might be the reasons why the agreement could not be executed during my absence from the MOH for two years can rightly be answered by my predecessors, he said in his statement to the court presided over by Justice Afia Serwah Asare-Botwe He further testified that he did not see any financial loss caused to the state under a contract which was still valid and binding the parties, as the parties were still negotiating the terms under the contract. Prosecutions facts Per the A-Gs facts accompanying the charge sheet, in 2009, while delivering the State of the Nation Address, the then President, Prof. John Evans Atta Mills, indicated that new ambulances would be purchased to expand the operations of the National Ambulance Service. Jakpa, who is a local representative of Big Sea General Trading Ltd, a company based in Dubai, subsequently approached the Ministry of Health with a proposal that he had arranged for finance from Stanbic Bank for the supply of 200 ambulances to the government. Parliament approved the financing agreement between the government and Stanbic Bank. According to the facts, on November 19, 2012, Dr Anemana wrote to the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) seeking approval to engage Big Sea through single sourcing for the supply of the 200 ambulances. They added that on August 7, 2014, Dr Forson wrote to the Bank of Ghana for Letters of Credit covering 3.95 million for the supply of 50 ambulances in favour of Big Sea. The Letters of Credit were accordingly released to Big Sea. Asantehene charges traditional leaders to hold govt accountable Emmanuel Baah, KUMASI Nov - 17 - 2023 , 08:18 The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has charged his sub chiefs to take interest in ongoing projects in their jurisdictions, to ensure their successful completion. He said as traditional leaders, it was their responsibility to, among others, supervise government funded projects to put the government on its toes to help complete all projects as scheduled. Otumfuo was addressing the 2023 Annual General Meeting of the Ashanti Regional House of Chiefs (ARHC) in Kumasi last Wednesday. Annual General Meeting The meeting was in accordance with Section 11 of the Chieftaincy Act, which stipulates that the Regional Houses of Chiefs would meet two times each year. The Asantehene also admonished the sub chiefs who, instead of seeking the general progress and development of their communities and Asanteman, were rather seeking their parochial interest from government. You think I dont know that some of you here go to the Jubilee House to seek personal gains, he told the chiefs, and that they should rather use such opportunities to follow up on ongoing projects within their jurisdictions, as it was incumbent on chiefs to monitor closely, all developments in their jurisdictions which are in trust for the people. You should at any given time be abreast of what is going on with projects within your area and not always sit aloof and watch government officials come to tell us what they have achieved, Otumfuo stressed. The Asantehenes statement followed an update the Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei-Mensah, made to the house with regard to some projects ongoing in the region. He mentioned the nearly completed Kumasi International Airport, as well as the Phase II of the Redevelopment of the Kejetia/Central Market project, which had all stalled for lack of funds to complete these much-anticipated projects. The Regional Minister said the government was working closely with its funding agency to release the remaining funds to help complete and hand over the facilities to the people. Mr Osei-Mensah, again, on behalf the Minister of Health, Kwaku Agyemang Manu, who should have come to brief the house on health situation in the region, outlined some successes and challenges of the sector. On Agenda 111, the minister noted that all the hospital projects were at various stages of completion, except that of Asokore Mampong, which had not taken off as scheduled because of some litigations surrounding the site allocated for the project, and appealed to the Asantehene to personally intervene. That notwithstanding, he said the ongoing 250-bed Kumasi Regional Hospital at Sawua in the Bosomtwe District was completed, but had still not been opened to the general public because of lack of access road. As we speak, government has contracted Kofi Job Construction Limited to construct the road, he said, and that it was expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2024. Roads Still with regard to roads, he said though there were still some roads which needed to be refurbished, the government had been able to complete majority of the road projects in the region since it took office in 2017. On the construction of the Suame Interchange, Mr Osei-Mensah said the government was currently through with the payment of compensations to those affected by the reconstruction, and that the facility would soon take shape. He seized the opportunity to appeal to residents to bear with the contractor, since the ongoing road project had heightened the already traffic-prone Suame-Makro stretch. The Ashanti regional minister also briefed the house on illegal mining activities in the region, and the security situation, describing the latter as calm, as compared to the past years where highway robberies, and Fulani herdsmen invasion were a threat and a grave source of concern for residents. Cuba grateful for Ghanas support Vice President Valdes Mesa Chris Nunoo Nov - 17 - 2023 , 07:09 The Cuban Government has commended Ghana for the support it has always given her in the fight against the US blockade. It said Ghana was the first in the African Union (AU) which voted 14 times to support Cuba for the lifting of the blockade and also in the United Nations (UN). The Cuban Vice-President, Salvador Valdes Mesa, who made this known, also thanked Ghana for her support in multilateral affairs. Mr Mesal, who spoke through an interpretor, was addressing a function when he called on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo at the Jubilee House in Accra last Tuesday. Thank you for the support Ghana has always given us in our fight against the blockade. First in the AU that has been voting 14 times for us, for the lifting of the blockade and also in the UN. I will also like to thank Ghana for her support in multilateral affairs, he said. Support Mr Mesal, who was in the country for the first time, also acknowledged all the support that Ghana had been giving to Cuba during the presidency of G77 in China. He also thanked President Akufo-Addo for his presence during the G77 Summit in Havana last September as well as his contribution to the debate and the outcome of the summit. He further expressed the hope that President Akufo-Addo would be present in the UAE in November 28 to December 2, 2023 for the next summit which, he said, would be in the frame work of Cop 28. Ghana-Cuba relations President Akufo-Addo traced the relations between Ghana and Cuba to the independence era and to the era when scholarships were given to several young Ghanaians. He said Cuba was a good friend of Ghana and that the Cuban doctors, who have worked in Ghana, had been a very important part of the medical outreach of the country. Our support for Cuba on the blockade is a support based on principle and consistently supported resolutions demanding the lifting of the blockade and will continue to be the policy of the Ghana Government, President Akufo-Addo stated and said it was the same basis on which we have also supported the membership of Cuba for the human right council. The Cuban Vice-President is on a four-nation African tour that will end on November 22. With Ghana as his first stop, he is also expected to visit Guinea Bissau, Rwanda, and Ethiopia. The official Cuban delegation also includes First Deputy Health Minister Tania Margarita Cruz Hernandez and Deputy Director General of Bilateral Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Angel Villa Hernandez. On the second day of the Cuban Vice-Presidents visit, he laid a wreath at the monument of Kwame Nkrumah, the first president of Ghana. Before meeting President Akufo-Addo yesterday, Mr Valdes MesaI met with the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, and some Members of Parliament (MPs). He also visited former President Kufuor to commiserate with him over the death of his wife and former First Lady, Theresa Kufuor. GNPC spends $100m on Voltaian Basin seismic data Emmanuel Bonney & Emelia Ennin Abbey Nov - 17 - 2023 , 08:03 The Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) has spent close to $100 million over the last six years to acquire seismic data on the Voltaian Basin Officials of the GNPC are now analysing the data. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the GNPC, Opoku-Ahweneeh Danquah, disclosed this in Accra yesterday during a panel discussion at an Upstream Petroleum Data Workshop in Accra. The discussion was on Enhancing Exploration & Production Activities in Ghana Accelerating Exploration and Production through the utilisation of Petroleum Data Organisers The two-day workshop is being organised by the Petroleum Commission, Ghana, regulator of the upstream petroleum industry. The programme brought together players in the oil and gas industry, among other personalities. Data has been identified as the lifeblood of hydrocarbon exploration and production as it provide informed decisions as to whether to drill in certain areas or not. Mr Danquah, who was responding to a question, said it had taken some time to drill in the Voltaian Basin because of the nature of the basin, as it was too big. He explained that for instance, putting all the corporations offshore basins in the western, central and Keta Basins together would still not fit into the Voltaian Basin since it was huge. The GNPC CEO explained that the corporation was very certain that there were commercial quantities of oil in the basin but unfortunately, drilling a well would be like finding a needle in a haystack. Needle However, Mr Danquah said in order to find that needle in the haystack, what you have to do is you have to take each straw of the hay and put it down before you can find the needle and that may take years and we have already taken years. So we are acquiring data, we would never ever in our lifetime get a complete set of data for the Voltaian Basin, it is not possible, he said. Mr Danquah explained that was not possible because there were other basins like the Gulf of Mexico and the North Sea where seismic data was still being acquired. He said at the conception stage of the exploration of the basin, the GNPC had limited data and that we are hoping to drill with the data that we have, it is still not enough data for us though we have to make a decision. Expensive exploration Contributing to the discussion, the CEO of the Petroleum Commission, Egbert Faibille Jnr, said the GNPC had done a good thing by venturing into the Voltaian Basin Project. Exploration, he said, was very expensive and that to drill one well offshore, it cost between $50 and $70 million, adding that it was imperative that the GNPC had gone on the path that it had taken. At least, it shows that before the energy transition comes in, Ghana, through its national oil company has put its money where its mouth is by acquiring some data. So I would commend the GNPC for this, he said. Mr Faibille Jnr said the financial outlay that had been put in by GNPC was quite significant and commendable. People are very expectant and I know that the men and women at GNPC have all that it takes to make this Voltaian Basin move on to the next level. But let me tell you my friend, Petroleum Commission is getting impatient, we want to come in there and start marketing the rest of the basin, he said. Responding to a question on her experience with regard to accessibility to legacy data, the Deputy Operations Manager of Tullow Ghana Limited, Dr Lina Sowah, said there was a challenge there in terms of data quality and storage. She said it was key to have a good and quality data that was useful. Judiciary, Police deepen collaboration Emmanuel Ebo Hawkson Nov - 17 - 2023 , 07:49 The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr George Akuffo Dampare, has paid a courtesy call on the Chief Justice, Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo, as part of efforts by the police and the judiciary to deepen collaboration for effective justice delivery. Dr Dampare, who was accompanied by members of the Police Management Board (POMAB), had an interaction with the Chief Justice and the top hierarchy of the judiciary last Wednesday. Present at the meeting were some Justices of the Supreme Court - Justices Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, Mariama Owusu, Avril Lovelace Johnson, Issifu Omoro Tanko Amadu, Prof. Henrietta Mensa-Bonsu, Emmanuel Yonny Kulendi, Barbara Ackay-Yensu, Samuel Kwame Adibu-Asiedu, George Kingsley Koomson and Ernest Yao Gaewu. Agenda Issues of mutual interest discussed at the meeting included delays in the prosecution of cases, enhancing the capacity of police prosecutors, enhancing security for court premises and judicial officers, supervision of police orderlies and shortage of court warrant officers and police prosecutors in certain regions. Speaking at the opening ceremony before the closed-door meeting, Justice Torkornoo said the police were integral to the work of the judiciary and crucial to the justice delivery system. She said it was therefore important for all players in the justice delivery chain to talk and collaborate for the best possible outcome in their quest to serve the people of the country. The target we are hoping to achieve to further improve the justice delivery system will not be achieved except all the players collaborate and are on the same page, and we close our rank from the practices and postures that will not help us, she said. Collaboration The Chief Justice noted that there was the need for the judiciary and the police to deepen collaboration on training to enhance prosecution, especially in the area of evidence gathering and preservation. Another key area of collaboration, she said, was security for court premises and judicial officers to enhance the effective administration of justice. Let me touch on deepening the security around the court. In recent times, we have heard of attacks on judges and court personnel. We can also be looking at little steps to ensure that those attacks totally stop. Our work leads to peace, and if we do not have a court functioning in the community then we are creating more distractions, rather than more solutions, she said. Justice Torkornoo lauded Dr Dampare for his effective leadership as the IGP and his efforts to change the image and outlook of the police for efficient service delivery to the public. I have found your leadership of the police extremely inspirational. You have achieved a lot in such a short time to rebrand the image of the police and reinforce that the police is a source of integrity, help and protection rather than a source of distraction, the Chief Justice added. IGP For his part, the IGP congratulated Justice Torkornoo on her appointment as the Chief Justice and wished her Gods favour in her endeavours as the Head of the third arm of government. Dr Dampare said irrespective of their functions, the police and other state institutions were all part of the process of making the country a better place for sustainable development, peace and stability. In view of that, he noted that the police would continue to collaborate with all state institutions in the interest of the country. Ghana our beloved country is only one and we the people must also be one, except that we happen to be functioning in different areas; but we must come together in our diversity to make the nation Ghana a trailblazer in Africa and beyond, he said. The IGP said the police were ever ready to engage with all stakeholders to enable the service to understand peculiar problems and find policing solutions that met the expectations of people. SALL votes in 2024 elections: EC begins process - A-G Daniel Kenu & Nana Konadu Agyeman Nov - 17 - 2023 , 12:00 The Electoral Commission (EC), with the support of the Office of the Attorney-General (A-G) and Minister of Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, has taken fruitful steps to ensure representation for the residents of Santrokofi, Akpafu, Likpe and Lolobi (SALL) traditional areas in Parliament. Addressing Parliament on the development, the Attorney-General said the commission had started the process for the creation of a new constituency for the Guan District. For instance, he said, the EC had held consultative meetings with stakeholders in the new Guan District for a proposed name and headquarters of the new constituency. Mr Dame disclosed that the stakeholders unanimously agreed on a constituency name - Guan constituency, with the headquarters being Likpe-Mate. Legislation Besides, he said further to a pre-laying meeting held on June 7, 2023, to consider the Representation of the People (Parliamentary Constituencies) (Amendment) Instrument, 2023, and the District Electoral Areas and Designation of Units (Amendment) Instrument, 2023, signed and dated copies of the instruments were submitted by the A-G to the Clerk-to-Parliament for laying under the cover of correspondence, dated August 16, 2023. By correspondence, dated November 2, 2023, Parliament has indicated that the instruments have indeed been laid in Parliament on October 31, 2023. The District Electoral Areas and Designation of Units (Amendment) Instrument, 2023, seeks to realign the Jasikan and Guan districts, placing the electoral areas in the SALL traditional areas within the Guan District, he said. The minister was responding to a question posed by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) MP for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, regarding the governments legal position on the plight of the people of SALL as they did not have representation in the current eighth Parliament. Way forward Mr Dame said presently, even if the Representation of the People (Parliamentary Constituencies) (Amendment) Instrument, 2023, and the District Electoral Areas and Designation of Units (Amendment) Instrument, 2023, came into force, in accordance with Clause 7 of Article 11, the creation of a new Guan constituency, consisting of the SALL areas, shall only come into effect upon the next dissolution of Parliament on January 6, 2025. That was the effect of Article 47(6) of the Constitution. Alternatively, he said if representation of the people of SALL in Parliament in this term of Parliament was desired, the way to go was to have a revocation of L.I. 2416 establishing the Guan District, which would imply that the residents of SALL would remain under the Jasikan District. Besides, he said, was an annulment of the 2020 parliamentary election organised for the Buem constituency to allow residents of the four SALL communities to be qualified to vote under Article 42 of the Constitution to exercise their right to elect a Member of Parliament to represent them since C. I. 128, used for the conduct of the 2020 parliamentary elections, had already placed the SALL areas under Buem constituency. A recognition of the current status of the SALL areas as part of the Buem constituency (within the Jasikan District) and an annulment of the Buem parliamentary election in order to allow the residents of SALL to vote for a Member of Parliament in the Buem constituency will cure the mischief of lack of representation of the SALL people in Parliament for this term of Parliament, until the new C. I. seeking to create the new Guan constituency, comes into force, he said. He cited a case pending in the High Court in Hohoe, where a suit is challenging the validity of the election of Kofi Adams as a member of Parliament for the Buem constituency on account of a denial of the SALL people the right to vote in the December 2020 Buem parliamentary election. Tracing the origin of the problem, Mr Dame blamed both Parliament and the EC for contributing to the issue. He said the issue was the result of a series of constitutional anomalies which the EC sought to cure, following the placement of the four areas within the Buem constituency in the Jasikan District in the Oti Region. He said it would, therefore, be misplaced for anyone to consider the solution to the problem as residing in the bosom of the government. It is really as a result of a decision of this honourable House to allow for the Local Government (Guan District Assembly) (Establishment) Instrument, 2020 (L.I. 2416) to pass on Monday, November 9, 2020, less than a month before the December 2020 election, he said. He said until the enactment of the Representation of the People (Parliamentary Constituencies) Instrument, 2020 (C.I. 128) for electoral purposes, the traditional areas of SALL were part of the Hohoe Constituency and also part of the Hohoe District. Administratively, those areas were in the Volta Region. On February 15, 2019, by Constitutional Instrument No. 112, the boundaries of the Volta Region were altered after due recourse to the mandatory procedures stipulated in Article 5 of the Constitution, resulting in the creation of the Oti Region. The traditional areas of SALL ceased to be part of the Volta Region as they were included in the territories constituted by law into the Oti Region. The formation of the new Oti Region had the further consequence that even though, administratively, Hohoe District remained in the Volta Region, parts of the Hohoe Constituency (specifically the SALL areas) had become a part of the Oti Region by dint of C.I. 112. The SALL areas, he explained, were placed under the Jasikan District in the Oti Region, which was a clear constitutional violation, was imminent as per Article 47(2) of the Constitution which provides that no constituency shall fall within more than one region. Mr Speaker, this situation necessitated the enactment of a new constitutional instrument to alter the boundaries of the Hohoe constituency as the continued placement of SALL within the Hohoe constituency was going to be a flagrant violation of Article 47(2). Following a Supreme Court ruling on June 24, 2020, in suit No. J6/01/2020 titled Valentine Edem Dzatse Vrs. Henry Ametefe and others, he said the EC, in accordance with the decision of the Supreme Court, set out to realign the boundaries of the Hohoe Constituency and place the SALL areas within a constituency in the Oti Region. He pointed out that a new C.I. 128 was enacted, placing the SALL areas within the Buem Constituency with its headquarters being Jasikan in the Oti Region. This situation should not have created any problem at all and should have ensured a due exercise by the people of SALL of their right to participate in the parliamentary election in the Buem constituency in the December 2020 elections. The SALL people began in November, 2020, when Parliament allowed the Local Government (Guan District Assembly) (Establishment) Instrument, 2020 (L.I. 2416), for the creation of the Guan District, which had been laid before Parliament on Tuesday, October 6, 2020, to come into effect. On Monday, November 9, 2020, less than a month before the December 2020 election, L.I. 2416 came into force after having satisfied the constitutional prerequisite of being laid before Parliament for 21 sitting days and same had not been annulled by Parliament. It is pertinent to note that the areas carved into the Guan District by L.I. 2416 were hitherto, part of the Jasikan District, he said. Consequent on the enactment of L.I. 2416, the four traditional areas were placed under the new Guan District and ceased to be part of the Jasikan District, he said. This development necessarily required the EC to create a new constituency for the SALL areas (called the Guan constituency) as the commission took the view that to allow for them to remain within the Buem constituency would unleash another constitutional anomaly of having the MP for Buem being a member of both the Jasikan and Guan District Assemblies at the same time. He argued that presently, even if the Representation of the People (Parliamentary Constituencies) (Amendment) Instrument, 2023, and the District Electoral Areas and Designation of Units (Amendment) Instrument, 2023, came into force in accordance with clause 7 of Article 11, the creation of a new Guan constituency, consisting of the SALL areas, shall only come into effect upon the next dissolution of Parliament on January 6, 2025, in line with Article 47(6) of the Constitution. Alternatively, he said if representation of the people of SALL in Parliament in this term of Parliament was desired, a revocation of L.I. 2416 establishing the Guan District, which would imply that the residents of SALL would remain under the Jasikan District. Stop diverting NHIL to other sectors Osagyefo Agyeman Badu Biiya Mukusah Ali Nov - 17 - 2023 , 08:11 The President of the Bono Regional House of Chiefs, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyemang Badu II, has urged the government to refrain from diverting the National Health Insurance Levy to other sectors of the economy. I can say without fear that more than 70 per cent of the funds are diverted to other areas, he said. He explained that the situation was negatively affecting quality health delivery. Osagyefo Agyemang Badu, who is also the Omanhene of the Dormaa Traditional Area, was speaking at the third Annual General Conference of the Private Health Facilities Association of Ghana (PHFAoG) in Sunyani in the Bono Region last Wednesday. The conference was organised on the theme: Addressing the human resources gap in the private health facilities towards achieving Universal Health Coverage; the role of PHFAoG and the state. Osagyefo Agyemang Badu appealed to the government to, as a matter of priority, to ensure full disbursement of amount accrued by the fund to the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) to enhance quality health delivery. He said although previous governments were at fault, the situation is getting worse under this administration. Court action Im sending a warning to the government that if such practice is not stopped, I will go to court to ask for clarification as to whether the amount of money meant for the NHIA can be diverted". If that happens, no one should say I am a trouble maker; rather I want to make sure that there is improvement in health delivery, Osagyefo Agyemang Badu said. He appealed to the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders to equip the countrys health facilities with the appropriate medicine, medical tools and equipment to avoid the situation where citizens were rushed to other countries for treatment. Abandoned projects Osagyefo Agyemang Badu expressed concern about the numerous abandoned hospital projects scattered across the county. He explained that some of the projects had been abandoned for several years and no one had given the reasons why work had stalled. Osagyefo Agyemang Badu, therefore, appealed to successive governments to complete projects initiated by previous governments to avoid huge losses. He asked the government to improve health facilities in rural communities since health care was crucial in the lives of every citizen. Agenda 111 Osagyefo Agyemang Badu, however, commended the government for initiating the Agenda 111 hospital projects in districts and municipalities without hospitals. It is a good initiative. I will like to tell citizens to commend the government for the initiative, he said. Osagyefo Agyemang Badu said private health facilities had been contributing significantly towards the achievement of targets set out in the heath sector and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG three. Private sector He said services rendered by the private sector in its entirety complimented the government's effort to achieve the objective of building a robust and resilient economy. Osagyefo Agyemang Badu said the increasing number of private health facilities had contributed to the improvement of the economy and reduced the number of unemployed nurses and midwives. Challenges For his part, the President of the PHFAoG, Dr Samuel Kwame Buabeng-Frimpong, called on the government to help address human resource challenges of private health facilities to improve the overall health care quality. We appeal to the government to help reduce the human resource challenge confronting us, we continue to witness the exportation of the needed staff to countries such as Barbados, the UK, US and Canada, he said Dr Buabeng-Frimpong said PHFAoG had a role to play but the government of the day had a greater role to ensure unquestionable access to quality health care in the health facilities. He also mentioned the apparent scarcity of healthcare professionals and the delay in reimbursement of the NHIA claims as some of the challenges facing the private sector. Dr Buabeng-Frimpong said while the private health facilities struggled to get the professionals to work in their facilities some public health institutions were overstaffed. He, however, gave the assurance that despite those challenges they would not relent in their effort to support the government towards achieving targets in the health sector. I have been so moved by the generosity of Ghanaians - Ablakwa Zadok Kwame Gyesi Nov - 17 - 2023 , 08:43 The North Tongu Member of Parliament (MP), Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has commended Ghanaians for their show of love towards the victims of the Akosombo Dam spillage in his area. He said the level of generosity people had shown to the victims of the dam spillage had confirmed the hospitable nature for which Ghanaians are known for. For him, he is overwhelmed by the love that people had demonstrated over the period towards the victims of the dam spillage. The North Tongu MP was speaking on StarChat programme hosted by Accra based Star Fm. A number of communities in South Tongu, Central Tongu and North Togu districts have experienced severe flooding following the spillage of the Akosombo and Kpong dams by the Volta River Authority (VRA). Several thousands of people have been displaced along the lower Volta Basin. The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) has confirmed that the spillage by the Volta River Authority (VRA) has disrupted economic activities, stripped communities of their livelihoods and left many people needing emergency help in food, water and health care. Speaking on StarChat programme, Mr Ablakwa said: "I have been so moved by the generosity and compassion of Ghanaians." Jurors to resume work after Chief Justice assures arrears payment Dickson Worlanyo Dotse Nov - 17 - 2023 , 15:56 Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo has convinced jurors in the Ashanti Region to return to court after they suspended their services earlier this month over unpaid allowances. Their strike had resulted in a halt in murder cases in the Ashanti Region amounting to a backlog of cases. Initially owed 13 months of arrears, the government released funds on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, covering only three months (October to December 2022). The jurors, however, lamented that the released funds were insufficient and vowed to abstain from duties until the government settled the remaining 10 months arrears for this year. Related articles; Use Alternative Dispute Resolution - CJ encourages court users Speaking in an engagement with the jurors in Kumasi, Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo implored them to be fair and appreciate all the state was doing on their behalf. She explained that they were getting paid in their respective professions and were also getting paid for their duties are jurors. Ghana is paying you for being there and Ghana will give you more money for coming here and you say you wont work because you have got that one but you havent got this one, she said As for justice, its scales. We weigh and weigh. I put it to you that this is not fair. If anybody here thinks this is fair, Ill give you the microphone and youll tell me why, the Chief Justice stressed further. The head of the nations judiciary also urged them take into account the plight of remanded prisoners and the trauma of having to keep coming to court. I know youll tell me that most of you are staying closer to where your jobs are but with all due respect, you would have gone to your jobs five days a week , are you here five days a week? She said. The Chief Justice therefore assured them the government will sort out their arrears and urged them to return to court on Monday, November 20, 2023. In November, Ghana will put money in your account so come back to work on Monday. As for your allowances, none of you has been able to tell me that youve been living without your allowances forever. It came, it just came late. Im going to do everything I can to make sure your allowances stop coming late, she stressed. Resuming work The General Foreman for Jurors in the Ashanti Region, Albert Ackah, said expressed satisfaction over the Chief Justices assurance and pledged to reach out to his colleagues to return to court on Monday, November 20, 2023. Thats our mother. She has asked us to return to court and we have agreed. As she promised shell make sure our allowances come on time. So come Monday, why not. This is what w were expecting long ago and she has shown that she respects jurors in Kumasi so on Monday we are coming, he said After meeting Chief Justice, we have resolved everything so Monday we are coming to court. Ill speak to my people both those who were here and those who werent that on Monday we are coming to court to perform our duties as assigned by the state, Mr Ackah. Pass an Act to prohibit mining in all forest reserves - 2 groups to Parliament Zadok Kwame Gyesi Nov - 17 - 2023 , 09:22 Two pressure groups, OccupyGhana and the Media Coalition Against Galamsey, want Parliament to as a matter of urgency pass an Act that prevents all forms of mining in forest reserves and biodiversity areas in Ghana. In a statement, the two groups stated, "We believe that Ghana needs a simple legislative fiat that says WE DO NOT MINE OR DRILL IN OUR FOREST RESERVES. OccupyGhana and the Media Coalition Against Galamsey believe that passing an Act that forbids the grant of any mining or drilling permit, licence or lease or any other associated activities in all forest reserves and significant biodiversity areas will help to prevent mining activities in such areas of national importance. The two groups issued their statement following some reports that some mining right had been granted or recognised over the Kakum forest. The Minerals Commission came out with a release that even though they received an application for mining activities in the Kakum forest, they rejected it. This is the statement of OccupyGhana and the Media Coalition Against Galamsey; FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE JOINT PRESS STATEMENT: URGENT CALL FOR LEGISLATION TO PROHIBIT MINING IN ALL FOREST RESERVES AND BIODIVERSITY AREAS REVOKE LI 2462 & EI 144 Like several well-meaning Ghanaians, OccupyGhana and the Media Coalition Against Galamsey were considerably concerned at the news that some mining right had been granted or recognised over the Kakum Forest. We have noted the Minerals Commissions undated letter, which said that indeed they had received such an application but had rejected it. That Press Release did not say whether the application was for a reconnaissance or prospecting licence or a mining lease, or whether this High Street Company had acquired other permits from either the Forestry Commission or the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Minerals Commissions rejection of the application and assurance that no mineral right...shall be considered or granted in the Kakum National Park, gives us little or no comfort because mining operations have taken place in Ghana and in our forest reserves behind the Minerals Commission, by persons who claim to have obtained other permits from the Forestry Commission and/or EPA. We believe that Ghana needs a simple legislative fiat that says WE DO NOT MINE OR DRILL IN OUR FOREST RESERVES. We therefore invite Parliament, as a matter of urgency, to pass an Act that forbids the grant of any mining or drilling permit, licence or lease or any other associated activities in all forest reserves and significant biodiversity areas. This would mean revoking the so-called Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) Regulations (LI 2462), and the power it gives to the President to give written approval to a mining company to undertake mining activity in a globally significant biodiversity area in the national interest. We believe that the sheer existence of this LI is what emboldened the current application. And to ensure that Government does not evade the aims of the proposed law by simply revoking the status of current forest reserves, we recommend that any decision on the cessation of forest reserves should be, first, on the advice of the Forestry Commission and Lands Commission, and, second, with the approval of Parliament after a public hearing and engagement with the chiefs and the people of the area in question. This would require the amendment of the Forest Act, 1927 (Cap 157) to take away the power of the President to do this simply by issuing an Executive Instrument. To this end we also demand the express revocation of the ill-fated Forests (Cessation of Forest Reserve) Instrument (EI 144 of 2022), which purported to revoke the forest reserve status of the Achimota Forest. Issued by: Media Coalition Against Galamsey and OccupyGhana Rotary Club of Accra-Airport Enclave joins Rotary family with charter Kweku Zurek Nov - 16 - 2023 , 16:09 In a momentous occasion held in Accra last Saturday, November 11, 2023, the Rotary Club of Accra-Airport Enclave received its charter, marking its official recognition as a club in District 9104. The event was attended by distinguished guests, including Past District Governors, Assistant Governors, Past Assistant Governors, Presidents, Past Presidents, the Rotary family, partners in service, and esteemed sponsors. District Governor David Osei Amankwah delivered a heartfelt goodwill message, expressing his excitement at witnessing and supporting the charter presentation of the latest Rotary Club in District 9104. Notably, the Rotary Club of Accra-Airport Enclave holds the distinction of being the first club chartered under the new dispensation of District 9104, achieved within an impressive two months. District Governor Amankwah commended the efforts of the Rotary Club of Accra-Airport, particularly acknowledging their instrumental role in this achievement. He emphasized the core values of Rotary, focusing on key areas such as fighting disease, supporting the environment, education and literacy, maternal and child health, water and sanitation, and disease prevention and treatment. He lauded the enthusiastic membership of the newly chartered club, recognizing their potential to undertake impactful projects. The District Governor urged the leadership and board to channel this enthusiasm towards achieving common objectives, emphasizing the importance of increasing membership and service impact within the district. The fundraising ceremony held in conjunction with the charter presentation aimed to complete phase two of their charter project and to undertake a solar vaccine shelter project. District Governor Amankwah encouraged attendees to generously contribute to this initiative, highlighting the significance of addressing common needs within local communities. Quoting PRIP Vincente Giay, District Governor Amankwah emphasized the importance of combining vision with action, praising the Rotary Club of Accra-Airport Enclave for embarking on a project aligned with multiple areas of focus. He concluded by congratulating the club and extending a warm welcome to the Rotary family. Charter President Andrew Fiifi Simpson shared his reflections on his Rotary journey, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to lead the newly chartered club. He highlighted the Four-Way Test as his guiding principle and recounted impactful Rotary stories that inspired his passion for community service. President Simpson shared a touching story of a 13-year-old boy from Tamale whose life was transformed through Rotary International's partnership program, underscoring the power of Rotary to make a difference in the lives of the disadvantaged. He urged fellow Rotarians to contribute in their own ways to the well-being of society, whether in health, education, climate change, or other areas. Closing his address, President Simpson expressed his commitment to making the Rotary Club of Accra-Airport Enclave one of the most vibrant clubs in District 9104. He thanked club advisor Assistant Governor Afua, District Secretary Alice, IPP CC, and PAG Theresa for their unwavering support throughout the process. Street Academy inaugurates health post Emmanuel Quaye Health Nov - 17 - 2023 , 06:28 The Street Academy, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) that takes care of street children, has inaugurated a GH100,00 health post to take care of the health needs of the children. Situated at the Arts Centre in Accra, the facility would enable easy access and proper health care for children and residents of the community. It has units that would take care of the mental health and nutritional needs of children and pregnant women in the community, as well. Speaking at the function, the General Manager of Movenpick Ambassador Hotel, Deborah Sivertsen, said last year she paid a visit to the school and saw the dilapidated wooden structure the schools clinic was operating in. She said this informed the decision of her outfit to organise a Christmas bazaar with the German Embassy in Accra to raise funds to support the construction of a health post for the school. Ms Sivertsen said they raised an amount of GH68,000, from the bazaar to support the project. Some of the beds at the clinic The Director of the School, Ataa Lartey, said the provision of the facility was to take proper care of the children and enable the residents to access quality healthcare at their doorstep. He thanked Zenzero Ghana and other partners for their contributions towards the success of the project. Mr Lartey said some medical officers, both in Ghana and abroad, have volunteered to assist the clinic by visiting there frequently. They would organise a fundraising activity to equip the clinic with a modern laboratory. He said currently, the academy has 80 children who are being prepared to enter mainstream education in the public schools. The President of Zenzero Association, Jane Lepori, said the construction of the health post would go a long way to improve the childrens healthcare and that of the community at large. The Kokomlemle Mantse, Nii Tetteh Obroni, and the Deputy Director at the Centre for Peace and Reconciliation, Diana Hopeson, appealed to the people to maintain the health facility to provide proper healthcare for the community A nurse at the academy thanked the authorities for the new health post for the school and community, saying it would help reduce health issues in the community, and appealed to other stakeholders to come to their aid and put a smile on the faces of the children by improving their health care system. WHO declares loneliness a global public health concern The Guardian Health Nov - 17 - 2023 , 16:10 The World Health Organization has launched an international commission on loneliness, which can be as bad for peoples health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared loneliness to be a pressing global health threat, with the US surgeon general saying that its mortality effects are equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. WHO has launched an international commission on the problem led by the US surgeon general, Dr Vivek Murthy, and the African Union youth envoy, Chido Mpemba of 11 advocates and government ministers, including Ralph Regenvanu, the minister of climate change adaptation in Vanuatu, and Ayuko Kato, the minister in charge of measures for loneliness and isolation in Japan. It comes after the Covid-19 pandemic halted economic and social activity, increasing levels of loneliness, but also amid a new awareness of the importance of the issue. The WHO commission on social connection will run for three years. [Loneliness] transcends borders and is becoming a global public health concern affecting every facet of health, wellbeing and development, said Mpemba. Social isolation knows no age or boundaries. The health risks are as bad as smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day, and even greater than those associated with obesity and physical inactivity, according to Murthy. While loneliness is often seen as a problem for developed countries, Murthy said the rates of one in four older people experiencing social isolation are similar in all regions of the world. In older adults, loneliness is associated with a 50% increased risk of developing dementia and a 30% increased risk of incident coronary artery disease or stroke. But it also blights the lives of young people. Between 5% and 15% of adolescents are lonely, according to figures that are likely to be underestimates. In Africa, 12.7% adolescents experience loneliness compared to 5.3% in Europe. Young people experiencing loneliness at school are more likely to drop out of university. It can also lead to poorer economic outcomes; feeling disconnected and unsupported in a job can lead to poorer job satisfaction and performance. Mpemba said that across Africa, where most of the population is made up of young people, challenges around peace, security and the climate crisis, as well as high levels of unemployment, are contributing to social isolation. We believe its important to redefine the narrative surrounding loneliness particularly for vulnerable populations excluded by the digital divide, she said. Murthy added: These issues dont affect one country [Loneliness] is an underappreciated public health threat. NPC, other stakeholders call for end to politics of religion Daily Graphic Politics Nov - 17 - 2023 , 05:57 The National Peace Council (NPC) and other stakeholders have expressed concern about some recent insinuations and publications on electronic and social media seeking to inflame religious passions as the nation prepares towards the 2024 general election. The other stakeholders are the Christian Council of Ghana (CCG), the Office of the National Chief Imam and the Catholic Bishops Conference. The institutions have urged all individuals and groups engaged in such insinuations and publications to desist from such actions as it tended to destroy the countrys long-cherished pluralistic friendly society. They further urged all Ghanaians to expose such characters who had embarked on this mission to whip up religious sentiments ahead of the 2024 general election. This was contained in a statement issued and signed by the Chairman of the NPC, Rev. Dr Ernest Adu Gyamfi; the Chairman, CCG, Rev. Dr Hilliard Dela Dogbe; the Spokesperson, Office of the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Armiyawo Shaibu, and the President of Catholic Bishops Conference, Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi. Diversity As the National Institution responsible for peace in the country, the NPC and our partners wish to remind all Ghanaians of the admirable manner by which we have lived together in peace, despite our religious, political and ethnic diversity. We have a duty as a people to continue to co-exist and tolerate our diversity. Article 21(1) (c) of the 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana recognises and protects the right of all persons to freely practise any religion and to manifest such practice. Besides, Article 21(3) provides for and protects the rights of all Ghanaians to freely form or join political parties and to participate in political activities subject to the qualifications and laws as are necessary in a free and democratic society and consistent with the Constitution, it said Context The concerns by the NPC and the other bodies are the result of a creeping new phenomenon of politics on religious lines emanating from the different religious persuasions of the flag bearers of the New Patriotic Party and the National Democratic Congress. Some politicians have started using the religious differences between the two personalities to campaign, which the Council and other stakeholders believe if not nipped in the bud, might affect national cohesion. Support Asenso-Boakye for another term in Parliament - President appeals to Bantama Constituency Emmanuel Baah Politics Nov - 17 - 2023 , 06:12 President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has urged the people of Bantama Constituency in the Ashanti Region to retain Francis Asenso-Boakye as their Member of Parliament in the 2024 general election. He said looking at the level of commitment and competence showed by Mr Asenso-Boakye when he served as Deputy Chief of Staff and currently as the Minister for Works and Housing, it would hurt if the MP was not retained. It will hurt me so much if the people of Bantama throw him away. Give him the opportunity to represent you again, and he will come and continue the good job he has been doing, President Akufo-Addo said last Wednesday during the inauguration of a modern library and technology hub in the Bantama Constituency named after the President. The new library at Bantama is the 127th library in the country. The Akufo-Addo government has so far built 66 libraries across the country. Speaking at the inauguration of the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo Community Library and Technology Hub, the President praised Mr Asenso-Boakye for his contribution at the Jubilee House as Deputy Chief of Staff, stating that the Bantama MP was seen as a hardworking man during his service at the seat of government. Nana Akufo-Addo said he was appreciative of the efforts of Mr Asenso-Boakye and the decision to name the project after him (the President). He stressed that he was even more happier because the project named after him was an educational one. ''Thanks for grooming Asenso-Boakye for me. He does things best, the President added. He, however, urged Ghanaians to eschew ethnocentric and religion-based politics, stressing that his competence as a candidate was what mattered. He expressed the hope that the New Patriotic Partys flag bearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, would be an excellent president. NPP ends vetting of parliamentary aspirants in orphan constituencies - Contest promises to be keen in parts of Greater Accra Region Samuel Duodu Politics Nov - 17 - 2023 , 05:48 The governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) yesterday concluded the vetting of its aspiring parliamentary candidates in constituencies where the party has no Members of Parliament (MPs), often referred to as the orphan constituencies, across the country. The four-day exercise which begun last Tuesday, November 14 and ended yesterday, Thursday, November 16, 2023 will be crowned with the election of the aspirants on December 2, 2023. Those who will emerge as winners of the internal party contest will become the parliamentary candidates of the ruling party in the 2024 parliamentary election. The partys National Director of Research and Elections, Evans Nimako, told the Daily Graphic that the exercise had been smooth, and that the party was awaiting the report of the various vetting committees that were set up for the exercise. We are urging the rank and file of the party to respect the partys constitution and the decision that will come from the National Executive Committee after the submission of the reports by the vetting committees, he said. Mr Nimako stated that the recommendation would be in line with the 1992 Constitution, specifically Article 94, which spelt out the criteria of becoming an MP, the partys constitution and the rules and regulations fashioned for the conduct of the parliamentary primaries in the orphan constituencies. Recall In September, this year, the party held constituency delegates conferences to acclaim some parliamentary aspirants of the party who went unopposed in some orphan constituencies in the Upper East, Greater Accra and Northern regions In a statement issued by the General Secretary of the party, Justin Frimpong Kodua , last Friday, to announce the date for the parliamentary primaries in the orphan constituencies on December 2, the party put on hold elections in six of the orphan constituencies but no reasons were assigned. They were Ketu North and Akatsi North in the Volta Region; Yilo Krobo in the Eastern Region; Jomoro in the Western Region; Fomena in the Ashanti Region and Bawku Central in the Upper East Region. Meanwhile the Daily Graphic has learnt that the contests in some of the orphan constituencies are heating up, especially in the Greater Accra Region. Contest Key among the orphan constituencies where the elections would be keenly contested in the Greater Accra Region are Adenta, Ablekuma Central, Odododiodio, La-Dade Kotopon, among others. The candidates for the Adenta Constituency are a former Public Relations Officer at the Ministry of Energy, Kwasi Obeng-Fosu, popularly known as Baba Tauffic, a polling station chairman for British International polling station A and B; Winfred Nartey Obimpeh, popularly known as O.B. Nartey, who also describes himself as the grassroots person, and a Deputy Director of the National Youth Authority, Akosua Manu. The Ablekuma Central Constituency also has a Deputy Director of Communication at the Office of the President, Jefferson Sackey; a businessman, Collins Amoah, who has also described himself as a grassroot person; a former MP, Gilbert Nii Narh Nartey, and Samuel Brako-Amoafo. In the Odododiodio Constituency it is going to be a two horse race between Nii Lantey Bannerman and Mannaf Sowah. Property tax initiative could cut funding for education, county An initiative gathering signatures around Sweetwater County and Wyoming is designed to lower property taxes, but could also lower funding for local education and county services. The "People's Initiative to Limit Property Tax in Wyoming through a Homeowner's Property Exemption" is a ballot initiative looking to cut property taxes in half by making 50% of the assessed value of a primary property exempt from property taxation. However, there are concerns regarding the ways the initiative is being explained and its potential repercussions. Sweetwater County Assessor Dave Divis spoke about the initiative during the public comment section of the November 7 Board of County Commissioners meeting to inform both the board and the public about the initiative and to make sure people understand what they're doing if they choose to sign it. "There's a lot of misinformation out there on this initiative," Divis said. He explained that a woman gathering signatures for the initiative was saying that one of the reasons behind it was because the Wyoming legislature is holding onto reserves and the people know better than the legislature what to do with their money. "She's implying that the revenue that comes from your property taxes goes to the state. It does not," Divis said. "What I want to make sure is clear is that two thirds of your property tax money on your property tax bills goes to schools, local schools. Twelve mills of that goes to the Foundation Fund. That money is taken by the Department of Education and redistributed from the wealthier counties to the poorer counties to help provide education. But that's the only part of that tax dollar that goes to the state in any form. Everything else goes to provide local services." Divis explained that local school districts receive 25 mills from property taxes, and another portion goes to Western Wyoming Community College. The majority of the rest of the funds goes towards county services, from fixing roads through the Road and Bridge Department to providing public safety through the Sweetwater County Sheriff's Office. "What people need to understand is they may be reducing the tax that they're paying on their primary residence but they're going to be forsaking services that are in place through local governments if that takes place," Commissioner Robb Slaughter added. "You're basically putting money in one pocket and taking it out of the other if that's the case. Or if that's not the case, at least reducing services in that situation." "And I think that's the more likely response to this is services will be cut," Divis responded. Considering the effect of the initiative on the state as a whole, Divis also pointed out that it would impact other counties even more drastically. Mineral counties like Sweetwater that can rely on mineral valuations for a portion of their revenue might be able to handle the loss of funds from the initiative for a while, Divis said. However, other counties that don't have mineral resources and smaller counties around the state would lose a large portion of their funding. Divis explained that some counties rely on property taxes for 50-60% of their total valuation. "So take that out of their equation, and how do they function?" he asked. Divis acknowledged that people around Wyoming are both mad about rising property tax rates and frustrated by the legislature holding onto reserves in the "rainy day" fund, but he again pointed out that these situations aren't necessarily connected in the way people think. "I think the people signing the initiative are thinking their local property tax dollars are going to the state, and again, that's just not true," Divis said. He also pointed out that the initiative was a "knee-jerk reaction" to the legislature not doing much to address property taxes, but said he thinks it was "pulled out of the air" by a few individuals and isn't a good solution. "I don't think they thought it through well enough," Divis said. "It's a really poor tax policy." Divis discussed several potential downfalls of the initiative, including the fact that it has a short residency requirement compared to other exemptions and that it's a "one size fits all" policy. Divis explained that the initiative would allow people to receive an exemption if they've been in their home for one year. Contrasted with other exemptions that are in place, this is a relatively short time period. Divis pointed out that an exemption for veterans requires being a Wyoming resident for three years and the property tax refund program requires being a resident for five years. "I think it's disproportionately helping those people who are coming in from out of state who are buying the high-dollar value homes, and I don't think that's the intent of what we're looking at," Commissioner Slaughter said. Divis also explained that it's the people coming into the state paying "exorbitant" prices for property that are driving the value up in the first place. The initiative also would favor the people who pay more for property since it's a "one size fits all" policy. For comparison, a $500,000 house would receive a $1,700 exemption, while a $200,000 would get about $680, according to Divis. "So in that situation you're giving a bigger adjustment to someone in a much more valuable property who probably doesn't need the help," he said. "I would argue the person in the smaller house with the lower value probably needs more help than the person in the big house." When it comes to finding better solutions to rising property taxes, Divis said the County Assessors Association has been involved in a tax cap project that would cap the increases in residential property values. While the number for the cap hasn't been determined yet, a recently proposed number was 5%. While Sweetwater County faced an 8.5% residential property tax increase from 22 to 23, this was the lowest increase in the state. Lincoln County, one of the more extreme examples, had increases of 14%, 35% and 28% in the last three years. "What we're trying to do with this cap legislation is just limit that," Divis explained. However, any changes like the cap project will be dependent on a constitutional amendment going through in the next general election to change the way residential properties are categorized. While much of the discussion around legislative changes will continue into the future, Divis hoped to at least provide more clarity on the People's Initiative to Limit Property Tax and its potential effects. "I'm not telling people what to do, but just know the ramifications," he said. The Sweetwater County Sheriff's Office, in partnership with the Rock Springs Police Department, served a search warrant Tuesday afternoon at a downtown Rock Springs massage parlor as part of a months-long human trafficking investigation. Sheriff's office spokesperson Jason Mower said, "Earlier this year, we began investigating the alleged performance of sexual acts at an Asian massage parlor in the 600 block of Broadway in Rock Springs." Mower said that during the investigation, detectives developed information indicating those involved with the purportedly legitimate business are, in fact, likely human trafficking victims. "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," Mower said. Lead detective on the case, Lieutenant Michelle Hall, said, "Illicit massage parlors are often hidden in plain sight, putting on a facade of legitimacy to conceal their criminal activity and avoid detection by law enforcement." "This is a known issue and growing trend. These businesses operate in every state nationwide. Unfortunately, many of those engaged in commercial sex as part of these types of operations are actually labor and sex trafficking victims," Hall said. Hall credited a cooperative effort among the sheriff's office, Rock Springs Police Department, and local FBI and HSI agents for Tuesday's search warrant operation. Hall also thanked the YWCA of Sweetwater County and the Asian Pacific Development Center of Aurora, Colorado, for their support in providing services to assist trafficking victims as part of this investigation and Tuesday's operation. Mower said that, given the case's complexity, no arrests have been made yet, and the investigation remains active and ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to please contact Lt. Hall at (307) 922-5331. CHEYENNE State lawmakers advanced a bill draft on Monday that aims to ban all hemp-products containing any psychoactive properties, including delta-8, without providing a distinction between synthetic and naturally occurring properties. Members of the Legislatures Joint Judiciary Committee were divided in their opinions of the bill. Some members said the draft was a necessary step toward protecting youth, while others hesitated over the bills broad language. Committee co-Chairman Rep. Art Washut, R- Casper, said the bill was not ready for prime time. I made it a point in the past to support legislation coming out of committee that is ready for primetime, Washut said. We need a bill that were really comfortable with, and, unfortunately, I dont think were there. Rep. Ember Oakley, R-Riverton, insisted the proposed ban on delta-8 was a necessary step forward. The committee has worked on the bill since April, she said, hearing endless testimony from the states crime lab, law enforcement and representatives from the hemp industry. In the end, the concept isnt that difficult, Oakley said. This closes a hole that were hearing about delta-8 being abused, and, specifically, from younger people. State lawmakers have long expressed concern over found traces of delta-8, a psychoactive compound extracted from the Cannabis Sativa plant, in hemp products. As they discovered in their September meeting, however, the biggest challenge is testing the difference between naturally occurring traces of delta-8 and synthetic. Officials from the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation told lawmakers during their last meeting that traces of delta-8 occur naturally in hemp products, and that there is no way for DCI to test the difference between what is natural and what is synthetic. Lawmakers narrowly advanced the Hemp-limitations on psychoactive substances bill by a vote of 8 to 6. The bill, as written, would prohibit the addition of synthetic substances, or other additives, to hemp products, as well as the production or sale of hemp with more than 0.3% THC. The definition of THC was expanded in the bill to include similar psychoactive substances, such as delta-8. Shane England, with Hemp Industries Association, warned lawmakers against changing the definition of hemp from delta-9, which federally distinguishes it as marijuana, to a total THC ban, which is a definition that hasnt stood up in a single court case. When we start prohibiting full spectrum hemp products ... it just doesnt work, England said. We need to look at safety, we need to look at compliance. What counts as psychoactive? Rep. Ken Chestek, D-Laramie, pointed out that psychoactive was not defined in the bill, and wondered whether this created potential issues. Im thinking about somebody who says I use CBD because it helps me relax. Is being relaxed psychoactive? Chestek said. Brian Fuller, with the Legislative Service Office, said there was no current definition of psychoactive in any current hemp statutes and noted it was a worthy question for the committee to consider. Senior assistant attorney general Kellsie Singleton agreed that a definition of psychoactive would help in clarifying which substances are included under the expanded definition of THC. We did look at some case law to see if there was something out there. The closest thing we could find was impairing a persons physical or mental functioning, Singleton said. If a person is taking a CBD product and not experiencing an altered mind state, Chestek asked, then whats the point? Im getting back at the problem of whats psychoactive and whats not psychoactive, Chestek said. If its not psychoactive in some manner, why do people use it? The scientific effects of CBD on the human body were not known to Singleton, nor Sarah Barrett, senior forensic analyst for the Wyoming State Crime Laboratory. You hear on the news that it has some benefit, and that people are getting relief from it, Barrett said. Im not necessarily in the business of determining what that is. My job is specifically to test and see what kind of substance is in an item. The bill was advanced without an added definition of psychoactive, which Oakley suggested could be amended further down the line. Hemp industry urges lawmakers to regulate, not ban delta-8 Nearly all who testified during the public comment portion urged lawmakers not to advance the bill, warning it would do more harm than good. Paul Yohe, who spoke on behalf of The Green Room in Casper, said the bill was too broad. Instead, what lawmakers should focus on is the regulation of THC in products, he said, rather than a full-on THC ban. With more regulation comes more accountability. Then well be able to actually see what people are using in their products, Yohe said. Marcus Jones, the operations manager for Plant Hemp Co., said delta-8 in hemp products has helped Wyomingites with issues of anxiety, depression and sleep. So the staff knows exactly whats in it, Plant Hemp Co. requires a certificate of analysis for its consumable hemp products, which is done by a third-party lab. Were going about this all the wrong way, Jones said. We should be regulating packages, how much of the psychoactive components can actually be in a product, instead of banning a product completely that has proven now over two years to help quite a few of Wyoming citizens with their ailments. There is no current federal regulation that requires COAs on hemp products, Jones said. Theyre not legally required to tell you how much is in the bottle, he said, adding that COAs should become a standard for all shops. Cheyenne resident Max Esdale said he had never consumed a hemp product a day in his life, nor did he intend to. But after seeing the wondrous effects the product had on his father, who battled cancer, Esdale asked lawmakers to reconsider a full ban on delta-8. Weve largely found that the Legislature has been an unreceptive audience to anything but bans, Esdale said. As you go forward with this bill, please provide the time and opportunity to present scientific research on the medical value of cannabinoids. Allen Leroy Alexander, 80, passed away Saturday, November 4, 2023 at his home in Rock Springs, Wyoming. He was a resident of Wyoming for the last 50 years, and a former resident of Colorado. Allen was born August 31, 1943 in Golden, Colorado; the second son to William Franklin Alexander and Elsie Madge Bretthauer. He proudly served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War, as a Second Gunners' Mate, on the heavy cruiser USS St. Paul CA-73. His favorite stories to tell about Vietnam was that he could not swim, and his mom told him to just sink to the bottom and "run like hell." Their cruiser was used in the 1965 film "In Harm's Way" starring John Wayne and Kirk Douglas. In the beginning of the movie, Allen can be seen jumping into his gun. Allen also had the honor of having breakfast with John Wayne. Allen, nicknamed Alien, or Alien XXX Van Zander worked at PP&L for over 25 years as a maintenance mechanic. After retirement, he was known by many people who saw him taking his daily 2-mile walks, twice a day every day no matter the weather. During the Summer for 10 years his back yard, Alien's garage, became demolition derby vehicle time with his son-in-law Dj, grandson David and daughter Stephanie. That was a wonderful time for the family. Survivors include his twin daughters, Renae Alexander - Chrisman and husband Ron of Rock Springs, Wyoming; Stephanie Allman and husband Dj of Rock Springs; three grandsons; David, Tanner, Nikolas; as well as several nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and cousins. Allen was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles. His older brother, Francis Alexander; younger brother, Jimmy Alexander; older sisters, Lou Cummins; Susie Granzella, and younger sister, Laura Clawson. In his later years dementia set in. Things may have changed but we were blessed that it never changed his personality and he never forgot past experiences or his family. The family wants people to know, keep going, never stop, and enjoy life. Following Cremation, there will be no services at his request. Condolences may be left at http://www.vasefuneralhomes.com. Bertha "Sue" L. Roderick Palmer, 75, passed away peacefully with her daughter by her side Friday, November 3, 2023 at her home in Jamestown, Wyoming. She was a life-long resident of Green River, Wyoming. Sue died following a courageous battle with oral cancer that began in 2018. Sue was born March 24, 1948 in Rock Springs, Wyoming; the daughter of Fred Wilmer Hall and Wanda Louise Mengel. She and her siblings were raised by their maternal grandfather, George Elias Mengel. She attended schools in Green River, Wyoming and obtained her GED in 1970; later she earned an Associate Degree in Business Administration from Western Wyoming Community College. She married Donald R. Abercomby November of 1963 in Idaho; from this marriage they had one daughter and he preceded her in death in May 1969. Sue married David M. Roderick May 23, 1982 and he preceded her in death in October 1998. She then married Gerald J. Palmer May 3, 2003 in Rock Springs, and he preceded her in death August 10, 2023 in Rock Springs. Sue worked for Fairmont Supply for 15 years until her retirement in 1998 in Inside Sales. Throughout her life she worked as everything from a hotel maid to a small business owner. She served on the Jamestown Rio Vista Fire District Board, Flaming Gorge Days Committee, Trona Valley Federal Credit Union Board, the Sweetwater County Planning and Zoning Commission, and was a past member of the Green River Racing Association. Sue was a loving mother; grandmother; great-grandmother and she loved spending time with her family and her fur baby Joey. She enjoyed reading, traveling, gambling, and in her younger years she raced stock cars, played soft-tip darts, and enjoyed hunting. She lived life to the fullest, had many adventures and made friends wherever she went. Survivors include one daughter, Kandy R. Frink and husband Mike of Green River, Wyoming; one brother, George F. Hall of Green River, Wyoming; one grandson, Jeffry M. Frink and wife Kristin and their children; Weston R. Frink and Kylie B. Frink; one bonus daughter, Heather Palmer of Clinton, Utah; three bonus sons, David Palmer and wife Lori of Green River, Steve Palmer and wife Dru of Lander, and Jeff Palmer of Bountiful, Utah; three bonus grandchildren, Ashton Visser-Palmer, Cooper Palmer, and Alex Palmer; five bonus great-grandchildren, Oakley Visser-Palmer; Aspen Visser-Palmer; River Visser-Palmer; Layne Palmer and Carter Palmer as well as several cousins, nieces and nephews. Sue was preceded in death by her parents, maternal grandparents, paternal grandparents, great-grandson, Landon J. Frink and sister, Dolores Bragg. Following Cremation, no services will be conducted at her request. The family respectfully requests donations be made in Sue's name to Hospice of Sweetwater County, 333 Broadway Street, Suite 220, Rock Springs, Wyoming 82901. Condolences may be left at http://www.vasefuneralhomes.com. Dear Editor, I recently wrote and sent a letter to Vice President Kamala Harris inviting her to Wyoming to witness a recitation of the Gettysburg Address. I dont know whether she will receive the letter. But as Wyoming is the Equality State and she is our first female and Black vice president, I believe it is an important issue and wanted to invite her. Democracy is all about communication. And the Gettysburg Address is relevant to our country today. Lincoln knew we needed to overcome slavery to move on in our country. Have we moved on? He had a perspective of strength and determination which is unheard of anymore. The following is my letter to Vice President Harris: By respectful request An open letter of cordial, definitive invitation Dear Ms. Vice President Harris, Over 55 years ago I was quite privileged to recite Abraham Lincolns Gettysburg Address with children present at the base of his revered monument there in Washington. Since then, on several rather conspicuous occasions and in various places as well, I have continued to share from memory his legacy in this respect. Presently, I would like to take this time of opportunity to personally invite you to Wyoming, the Equality State (1890), to witness Lincolns determined overall intrinsic understanding of the necessity to overcome the deeply manifested challenge and untold anguish of slavery once and finally in our country. Unity and equality have always been lasting benchmarks throughout ensuing American history. As a note on an ongoing tribute, battlefield nurses of adversity are also to be acknowledged and proactively revealed with passionate purpose. Perspective, without enduring precious compromises, imperatively speaking: Thank you for your dignified representation and most respectful consideration. Timothy Laboria A citizen Green River Apple announced Connected Cards with the arrival of iOS 17, and now the United Kingdom is the first country where the feature is officially available after several weeks of beta testing. The service essentially brings regular bank accounts into the Apple Wallet through the countrys Open Banking API. The initial trial included Barclays, Lloyds, and HSBC, and it shows transactions, current balance and other basic info. Connected Cards allows users to nominate one or more cards that are associated with specific accounts in British banks. A similar system is expected to come to the United States, but the US Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is still working on an equivalent to Open Banking API. According to the Apple website, there are mentions of the service in America within the Terms and Conditions for the United Kingdom, meaning Apple is ready; its the regulator that has to step forward to allow the service. Via Today OnePlus has announced the release of the stable Android 14 update for the OnePlus 11. This is rolling out already, but only in India for now. It will be pushed first to those users who participated in the closed beta and open beta programs, and after that will be gradually making it to more units out there. The new version is labeled as build CPH2447_14.0.0.201(EX01). Before you update, your phone needs to be on either CPH2447_13.1.0596(EX01) or CPH2447_13.1.0595(EX01), and apparently the download requires 5GB of free storage space. The company also advises you not to start the update process if you have less than 30% battery left. Here's the full changelog as published by OnePlus: Pantanal Service Adds Fluid Cloud, a way of interaction with morphing forms that allows you to view up-to-date information at a glance. Adds cross-device support for Fluid Cloud. Now you can check the connection status of devices on your account at a glance. Smart efficiency Adds File Dock, where you can drag and drop to transfer content between apps and devices. Adds Content Extraction, a feature that can recognize and extract text and images from the screen with one tap. Adds Smart Cutout, a feature that can separate multiple subjects in a photo from the background for copying or sharing. Cross-device connectivity Improves Shelf by adding more widget recommendations. Security and privacy Improves photo and video-related permission management for safer access by apps. Performance optimization Improves system stability, the launch speed of apps, and the smoothness of animations. Aquamorphic Design Upgrades Aquamorphic Design with a natural, gentle, and clearer color style for a more comfortable color experience. Adds Aquamorphic-themed ringtones and revamps the system notification sounds. Improves system animations by making them even smoother. User Care Adds a carbon tracking AOD that visualizes the carbon emissions you avoid by walking instead of driving. Source The OnePlus Open unveiled last month has eSIM support, but it wasn't enabled in India. That changes now since the Chinese brand has rolled out a software update expanding the eSIM functionality to India. The update has firmware version 13.2.0.116 and requires a download of about 300MB. It's still based on Android 13 but brings system and camera improvements to the OnePlus Open. You can check the screenshots below for the update's changelog. OnePlus Open OxygenOS 13.2.0.116 update's changelog The OnePlus Open is OnePlus' first foldable smartphone. It features a 7.82" 120Hz folding display and a 6.31" 120Hz cover display. The smartphone is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC, runs Android 13-based Oxygen OS 13.2 out of the box, and has 16GB RAM and 512GB of storage onboard. Fueling the entire package is a 4,805 mAh battery with 67W wired charging. You can read our detailed OnePlus Open review to learn more about it or watch the video review linked below. Source | Via The Guam International Airport Authority is conducting a review of the alleged assault of a man at the airport who was returning to Guam from Chuuk this week. The A.B. Won Pat International Airport Authority, Guam takes any and all allegations of airport police misconduct seriously. Although no report has been filed, we have taken the alleged incident under review, a statement from airport management said. GIAA is committed to the truth and after its review, additional information will be released to the public, the statement said. The Office of the Governor was aware of the review but reserving comment until GIAA completes its own review of the alleged incident, according to Adelup spokesperson Krystal Paco-San Agustin. In general, and without question, each of Guams law enforcement officials are expected to treat their fellow citizens with dignity and respect. These are basic values that are owed to all and for that reason, every allegation of this kind is taken seriously, she said. Alleged incident The Pacific Daily News on Thursday spoke to family of a citizen of the Federated States of Micronesia who allegedly was held down and beaten by unidentified law enforcement officers at the airport on Nov. 14. The man had a warrant out because he had failed to appear in court for a civil dispute with his old landlord, according to his family and prison records. The mans relative asked that their identities be concealed over concern for their safety. Airport management Thursday verified that U.S. Customs and Border Patrol had notified the airport of the mans arrival and his warrant, and that Airport Police had arrested the man and transferred him to the Hagatna Detention Facility. GIAA said no complaint had been received at the time. According to the release from the airport Friday, when individuals with a warrant are arrested by Airport Police and the courts are closed, they are transported to the Guam Police Department Central Precinct in Sinajana for booking and processing as a matter of procedure. Processing includes fingerprinting and photographing. Airport police officers then transport the arrested individual to the Hagatna Detention Facility where custody is transferred to the Department of Corrections, the release stated. Prior to obtaining custody, DOC asks if the arrested individual needs medical attention and also conducts an examination. According to DOC Maj. Antone Aguon, on Friday no injuries were reported when the man was confined on Friday. The FSM Consulate Office on Friday confirmed that they were fully aware of the case. It is an unfortunate situation and we are in communication with the family. We have also reached out to DOC and Airport police yesterday and we are awaiting a pending response, the office stated. Attorney General Doug Moylan Friday did not verify whether any investigation into law enforcement at the airport was ongoing, but said he did not have direct knowledge of any such investigation. His office does have jurisdiction to investigate allegations against police and at the airport, he noted, and victims alleging criminal actions against themselves could email him directly at dbmoylan@oagguam.org. The allegations also rise to the level of possible Federal Civil Rights violations that can be reported to the FBI, he said. Senators weigh in Local lawmakers have also voiced calls for more investigation into the allegations. Sen. Roy Quinata in a statement said he was deeply troubled by the alleged events reported by the PDN. It is alarming that a man was allegedly subjected to such a harsh treatment, that too, over a civil matter. I am calling on the Guam International Airport Authority and all other law enforcement entities involved to immediately conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into this incident, he said. It is crucial for public trust in our institutions that we understand how these events transpired and to ensure accountability. There is no room in our government for abuse of authority by officials meant to uphold the law. We must send a clear message that such actions, if proven true, are unacceptable and will be dealt with utmost severity, Quinata stated. Legislative public safety chair Sen. Chris Barnett said he would be asking for more information on the alleged incident. We deserve all the facts so we can hold everyone involved accountable, Barnett said. As the Chair of Public Safety, I know these types of allegations strike at the very heart of the public trust. In order to protect and repair that trust, we must be open and transparent in how we deal with allegations of brutality. Barnett said that Chief of Police Stephen Ignacio had assured him that the Guam Police Department was not involved in the incident. Editor's note: This story has been updated to reflect that the airport was notified by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol that a man with an outstanding warrant had arrived. The family of a man who was arrested Tuesday night right after returning from a trip to Chuuk is seeking justice for their father who they said was brutalized by law enforcement officers who apprehended him at the A.B. Won Pat International Airport. The mans daughter asked that their identities be concealed, out of fear for their safety. She sat down with the Pacific Daily News on Thursday afternoon for a recorded interview and agreed to share pictures of her fathers injuries, provided his face and other identifying marks were not included. According to the mans daughter, he was held down, had his chest stomped on, and was struck multiple times on the body and in the head by unidentified law enforcement officers at the airport on Tuesday, before being transferred to the Hagatna Detention Facility. She said he had no memory of being moved, after blacking out. He was recovering from his injuries Thursday, and unwilling to go to the hospital, or speak with the PDN, she said. He was a national of the Federated States of Micronesia, and she was planning to bring the issue to the FSM Consulate. Airport spokesperson Rolenda Faasuamalie said the airport had not received any formal complaint regarding the mans arrest, but confirmed that he was apprehended at the airport. Records from the Department of Corrections Central Processing Center show he was confined at the Hagatna lockup on Tuesday for an outstanding warrant in a civil case and ordered to be released on Wednesday afternoon by Magistrate Judge Benjamin Sison. The mans warrant was vacated. A call notifying family that the man was released from confinement came at about 10:15 p.m. on Wednesday night, his daughter said. He was unable to call them, and had walked over to the nearby house of a relative, where he was found at about 11 p.m. According to the mans daughter, her father had missed a court date for a civil dispute with their former landlord over unpaid rent. She said her dad did not have a criminal history to her knowledge, besides a traffic ticket. He doesnt drink. He doesnt like drama. He doesnt like trouble. And all he does is support his family. He works. No day off, the daughter said. The Office of the Attorney General on Thursday said they had not received any criminal complaint against the man, though he did have a warrant out. His daughter said he and her mother had arrived at the airport around 6 p.m. on Tuesday, following a trip to Chuuk for a family event. Both parents were expected to come home on Sunday, and she was surprised to get a call from her cousin on Tuesday night, telling her her father was in chains at the airport. Both of her parents were pulled aside, the daughter said, but her father was eventually separated and her mother was allowed to go free. Her father was transferred away from the officers that had first arrested him, and brought by a female officer to what looked like a locker room or a break room. The daughter referred to the officers that first apprehended her father as marshals and said they were ok. It was the second group of officers that assaulted her father. When two big cops came in, they just went and started punching, kicking, hitting, stomping him, the daughter said, beginning to tear up as she spoke. According to the mans arrest record, he is 57 and 160 pounds. He was unsure what law enforcement agency the officers were with, according to his daughter. She said her fathers English was not very good, and he had trouble understanding what was going on throughout the arrest. My dad knows how to speak, its just not that much...so when they did that to him, he said he doesnt know, she said. He was not drunk and was not acting angrily, according to his daughter. The alleged assault was so bad that his head was like cracked and blood had entered his eye. She said he lost consciousness and was unaware of how he arrived at the Hagatna lockup. He said, I dont know why, why they did that to me. I feel like they just did that to me, because and just because I dont know how to speak. No marshals from the Judiciary of Guam were present for the arrest, according to court director of Policy, Planning, and Community Relations, Sarah Elmore Hernandez. A warrant was issued for the individuals arrest on October 30, 2023. The Judiciary was informed that the individual had been arrested by airport police and was transported to DOC. The individual was brought before the judge on November 15th for a hearing on the warrant, she told the PDN. According to airport spokesperson Faasuamalie, the airport was notified by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol that a man with an outstanding warrant had arrived. Airport Police took the individual, identified as the father, into custody and transferred custody of him to DOC in Hagatna, she said. The Pacific Daily News sent an email inquiry to Chief of Airport Police Vicente M.C. Naputi regarding the alleged incident, and asking whether any investigation was underway. A message was left with staff at his office. He did not return the email or answer follow-up calls as of press time Thursday. When asked whether any further comment on the alleged assault would be provided, Faasuamalie repeated that no formal complaint had been received, and only a social media post detailing the alleged incident. The PDN on Thursday morning provided law enforcement agencies with a social media post detailing the allegations from the mans daughter, and on Thursday afternoon, confirmed the identity of the man. The Guam Police Department is not involved with that incident, GPD spokesperson officer Berlyn Savella said, when asked about the arrest. The daughter said she planned to file a complaint with local authorities, but was unsure of the process. She said she wanted to share her story because she felt that others may have experienced the same treatment. I feel like they treated my dad like an animal or criminal he was wondering, why would they do such a thing to him like that? Over a small claim, like what? Missing his court hearing? Because I know for a fact my dad wouldnt even do such a thing. She said she was still trying to convince her father to go to the hospital for treatment on Thursday, but he was severely affected by the arrest, and did not want to go anywhere. Guam Power Authority applied the first $5.27 million in funding for the October 2023 energy credit to all active residential and commercial accounts on Nov. 29, 2023. Guam projects focusing on invasive species removal, forest restoration, indigenous knowledge and little fire ant eradication will receive more than $3.4 million in federal grants though the 2023 America the Beautiful Challenge. Guam Department of Agriculture will run three of the programs, while one will be conducted by Guam Community College, according to an announcement from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. A grant for $1,096,700 has been awarded to Guam Department of Agriculture to restore degraded forests and badlands on Guam. The program will restore native habitats harmed by fires, clearing and off-roading, which allowed non-native plants to become established. The project will involve mapping, identifying plants and planting native species, especially those that support and take advantage of the Mariana fruit bat and other native faunas natural ability to disperse seeds and perpetuate native forest, according to the announcement. Agriculture also has a $750,000 grant for a project to improve the ecosystem, community health and food security by removing invasive species on the island. That project calls for using traps, veterinary management techniques and other eradication methods to get rid of feral and invasive species in forested areas and nearby communities. It will help reforestation efforts by building local capacity, engaging the community in voluntary stewardship, reducing the risks to public health and safety and advancing the success of habitat restoration for at-risk species. A $587,600 planning grant, meant to build capacity for future projects, was awarded to GCC to develop conservation professionals grounded in Indigenous knowledge. The announcement said the program will develop Indigenous methodologies and capacity to effectively navigate the threats to biodiversity and advance restoration efforts in the Mariana Islands. It will involve a field school, internship program and graduate fellowship rooted in Indigenous knowledge, to produce the next generation of capable, creative collaborative conservation practitioners and leaders. Agriculture also received a $1,006,300 grant in the sentinel landscape category, awarded for projects in areas that preserve or enhance military readiness. The program calls for eradicating little fire ants on priority sites on Guam where treatment will support military mission, protect at-risk species, address community concerns and protect local industry, including subsistence and small-scale agriculture. The project will apply pesticides across 150 acres through credentialed pest managers, drones or other means. Comprehensive outreach will be conducted to help private landowners contribute to little fire ant eradication. America the Beautiful Challenge grants encourage applicants to develop projects that address conservation and restoration needs and help fish and wildlife. This year, 74 new grants totaling $141.3 million were awarded throughout the nation. When two children were diagnosed with leprosy in 2021, health officials knew theres active transmission going on involving the biblical-time skin disease that many have thought has already been wiped out. But certainly not on Guam. Theres been 149 known cases of leprosy on Guam in the past 10 years, making the islands leprosy incidence rate higher than that of the U.S. national level, according to Chima Mbakwem, manager of the Guam TB/Hansens Disease Program of the Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services. Leprosy, officially called Hansens disease, is one of the so-called neglected tropical diseases, Mbakwem said. Now, DPHSS and its partner entities from the public and private sectors have started working on a Guam-specific roadmap and action plan to reduce, if not zero out, leprosy cases. If this road map and action plan works well, or not, other islands and countries should be able to learn from the Guam experience, local health officials said during Wednesdays workshop organized by DPHSS and Todu Guam Foundation. Guam health officials want to keep the number of leprosy cases low to prevent them from reaching alarming levels, acting DPHSS Chief Medical Officer Dr. Bob Leon Guerrero said. Having just one leprosy case, he said, is cause for concern, but Guam has 149 cases and continues to see new ones. Wednesdays workshop at Hyatt Regency Guam brought together stakeholders like DPHSS, Todu Guam Foundation and others for the final review of the leprosy situation on Guam and developing a Zero Leprosy Roadmap and Action Plan. What Guam is doing, we are developing a country-specific world map on how we can stop leprosy transmission on Guam, Mbakwem told the Pacific Daily News at the workshop. Its an all-inclusive plan for the community. Its going to be a community-owned strategy. From outer islands Most leprosy cases on Guam involve those from other Pacific islands such as the Federated States of Micronesia, Mbakwem and Leon Guerrero said. Guam has a higher incidence rate than the U.S. because of the part of the Pacific we are in. We are surrounded by hyper-endemic countries, which means they have very high numbers of leprosy but its not a pandemic. So, and these countries have access to Guam, which is why were seeing a lot of cases coming from off-island. Were tracking those cases and were also working with the health departments of these islands, collaborating with them on treatment, and education and then also looking out for contacts for those cases, Mbakwem said. If you have a high volume of a disease in one country, and individuals from that country moves to another place like Guam, then Guam could expect to see cases. So they were infected somewhere else, and then gets identified as a case on Guam. That's also been the case with other diseases such as tuberculosis, he said. Leprosy is an airborne disease. "The basic thing we encourage is to understand the basic symptoms of the disease so that individuals can seek help when appropriate," he said. "What we try to do is increase awareness for the physicians to do an assessment to identify this because there's so many skin diseases and we need somebody who's trained to be able to identify what it is and make referral to Public Health." The World Health Organization, he said, provides treatment and medication for leprosy, free of charge to the patients. Ongoing transmission Health officials said many in the community thought that leprosy does not exist on Guam. But what has happened is that with the data from Public Health and data from some of the islands, we know that it is here on Guam. So in 2021, we had two children with cases of leprosy, which is an indicator that it is an ongoing transmission within that period. So thats what intensified our effort to develop this, Mbakwem said. In older people, it takes up to 15 years for one to develop leprosy when theyre infected. "But if you start seeing leprosy in children under 15, that means that infection is recent so that is an indicator that we should intensify surveillance, case detectionso that is what we have been doing here," he said. Besides working with other health agencies on Guam and the FSM, DPHSS has also been working with Todu Guam Foundation, both members of the Global Partnership for Zero Leprosy. Todu Guam Foundation, which has been working closely with the community through health outreach programs, is the local secretariat. Mbakwem said DPHSS and its partners would need to agree on what measurable objectives they can have, whether to focus on prevention or treatment, increase awareness and education. The undertaking involves health care, community, policy and financing. Living a full life Besides addressing reduction and elimination, stakeholders are also trying to help eliminate the stigma attached to having leprosy. At least three leprosy patients who are receiving treatment from DPHSS spoke in front of workshop participants, sharing their challenges, experiences and successes in living a full life even with the disease. One of them spoke about not knowing anything about leprosy until a diagnosis, after having skin rashes. Another urged everyone to have their skin rashes checked right away, to be sure what it is so they can get treatment. Health officials and patients at the workshop said leprosy is treatable with medicine. "Like any communicable disease, you got to understand how it spreads. Practice good handwashing, wear mask if you're coughing simple tings that were really enforced in the beginning of COVID," DPHSS' Leon Guerrero said. He also commend Mbakwem for his continued leadership in addressing not only Hansen's disease, but also tuberculosis. Mbakwem was named a 2021 TB Elimination Champion by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. He's one of 19 TB Elimination Champions across the U.S. and was recognized for his work in contributing to preventing and controlling tuberculosis in the United States. A tropical disturbance is expected to pass near Guam, bringing heavy rainfall with strong winds and possible flooding this weekend, according to the National Weather Service and the Offices of Homeland Security and Civil Defense. The National Weather Service Guam Weather Forecast Office continues to monitor a tropical disturbance, Invest 98W, centered near 7 degrees north latitude and 152 degrees east longitude. Latest model guidance continues to show this circulation developing slowly over the next few days as it approaches the Marianas. It is expected to move through the south of Guam, though this is subject to change as the circulation develops. What to expect There is a possibility this disturbance could become a tropical depression by the time it passes near Guam late Saturday. 98W is currently rated LOW for development by the Joint Typhoon Warning Center. This means that the potential for development into a significant tropical depression in the next 24 hours is unlikely, according to NWS. This disturbance is expected to bring increased showers and thunderstorms to the Marianas, especially Guam and Rota, over the weekend, with wet conditions likely Saturday into Sunday morning. Current rainfall estimates are for 2 to 4 inches of rain falling between Saturday and late Sunday night. Locally heavy showers could lead to urban and small stream flooding. Flash flooding is also possible Saturday into Sunday. Marine conditions are also expected to become hazardous, with wind gusts as high as 35 knots, and seas of 9 to 11 feet possible during the closest passage to Guam in the Saturday through Sunday timeframe. GHS/OCD encourages those living in flood-prone areas to take action now; clear drainage areas and unblock storm drains to minimize flooding. For the latest advisory information: For more information, contact GHS/OCD Public Information Officer Jenna G. Blas at (671) 489-2540 or via email at jenna.g.blas@ghs.guam.gov. The Coast Guard is no longer searching for a Louisiana man who went missing aboard the Carnival Glory cruise ship this week. According to a news release on Thursday, the Coast Guard announced it had suspended the search for Tyler Barnett, 28, of Houma, Louisiana. Barnett was initially reported as unaccounted for by Carnival Cruise Line, and last seen aboard the Carnival Glory cruise ship by a security camera in the early morning hours on Monday. In a statement sent to Gulflive.com on Thursday, Matt Lupoli, senior manager of public relations, said that after going over the security footage, the Carnival Glory security team can confirm that it appears that the guest reported missing on Monday, jumped from the ships Deck 4 at approximately 1:40 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 13. In the video we showed to his family, he can be seen intentionally opening a gate, walking into a restricted area, and jumping from a lifeboat located there, Lupoli said. Only on Tuesday were we advised of the possibility of him wearing a different shirt, which allowed our security team to change the profile of the guest as we searched onboard video. Coast Guard aircrews conducted extensive searches over an area covering approximately 5,625 square miles without any trace of Barnett. Following Carnivals updated timeline which they received on Tuesday, they focused their search about 30 miles offshore of Southwest Pass, Louisiana and issued urgent marine information broadcasts to alert commercial vessels and recreational boaters in the Gulf of Mexico. Our crews battled severe weather conditions for multiple days and made every effort to find Mr. Barnett., Lieutenant Commander Sean DiGeorge, who coordinates search and rescue operations for Coast Guard District Eight, said in a news release. Suspending an active search is never a decision we make lightly, and we offer our most sincere condolences to Mr. Barnetts family and friends. Barnett was accompanied on the cruise by family members who remain onboard. The 7-day Caribbean cruise departed from New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, Nov. 12 and is scheduled to return to port Sunday, Nov. 19. Family member disputes cruise line claims In a Facebook post on Thursday, Caitlin Barnett, who identified herself as Tyler Barnetts cousin, disputes he jumped from the ship and stated there was no actual jump caught on video. He was on unsecured lifeboats, walking on the closed tops, in mid-step when a wave hit, she wrote. Tyler fought hard for his kids and the life he had and from the family that has seen the footage they agree Tyler was seen opening the gate below the lifeboats and walking on top mid step when a wave crashed the ship and he was just gone but because the footage is not so clear that is unfortunately how they labeled it. She went on to say the family doesnt know what led him to the lifeboats but comments issuing fault or blame arent needed. We are aware he shouldnt have been there but that does not matter because a son, brother, father, nephew and cousin is lost at sea, and on behalf of my family, this is the story we would like everyone to remember. Professor documents hundreds of overboard events since 2005 For over two decades, Ross Klein, an academic and associate dean at Memorial University of Newfoundland, has operated a website dedicated to the cruise industry. On this platform, he meticulously tracks the sector and maintains an ongoing log of passengers and crew who have been reported overboard on cruise ships and ferries. According to Kleins data, so far this year, worldwide, 15 passengers or crew have gone overboard on cruise ships including Barnett. Of those two were rescued and two bodies have been recovered. ProPublica is a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative newsroom. Sign up for The Big Story newsletter to receive stories like this one in your inbox. The village of Fenton, outside the oil and gas town of Lake Charles, covers only about 20 blocks. Theres City Hall. The library. One gas station. A small public housing complex. A Dollar General. A grain elevator. A Baptist church. Drivers headed to east Texas from central Louisiana go right through town, passing it all in under a minute. In many ways, Fenton is like other small towns in Louisiana. But it is remarkable in one way: This village of 226 people collected more money in a single year through fines and forfeitures, primarily traffic tickets, than almost any other municipality in Louisiana, according to audits. In the year ending in June 2022, Fenton brought in $1.3 million that way. The fines were collected through whats known as a mayors court: a little-known type of small town court found only in Louisiana and Ohio. In Fenton, its primary function is processing the thousands of traffic tickets written annually by a few police officers. Here, the mayor is also the judge, appointing the prosecutor and, if drivers ask for a trial, deciding their guilt or innocence. The mayor runs the village with revenue primarily made up of those fines. The bulk of the salaries of the people in the courtroom everyone from the mayor to the clerk comes from fines and fees collected by the court. This arrangement is so ripe for conflict of interest that the fairness of mayors courts has been challenged several times. One case resulted in a 1972 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that curtailed the power of mayors who take in a lot of money through their court. Fenton village attorney Mike Holmes, in an email to WVUE-TV and ProPublica, said the mayor presides over court in a neutral, impartial manner consistent with Louisiana law. But the villages court records suggest something else about how it handles some tickets: Case summaries include curious notes from village employees and police officers. Some say not to fix tickets or reduce charges for drivers who had a bad attitude. Others suggest that the police chief and others have had a hand in dismissing charges, although Holmes said tickets are dismissed only at his direction. Getting clear answers to how Fenton operates its court, and how fairly, has been difficult. Over four visits, journalists from WVUE and ProPublica reviewed court files, town meeting minutes, municipal ordinances and body camera video. We asked for three and a half years of electronic case summaries. We tried, several times, to see the court in action and to meet with the mayor, eventually observing court once and speaking with the mayor for five minutes. Village officials offered conflicting and confusing explanations for the mayors role, how and why tickets are reduced or dismissed, why the town asks the state to suspend so many drivers licenses and how often trials are held. Their description of how the town runs its court didnt align with state Judicial College guidance or that U.S. Supreme Court ruling. Such irregularities demonstrate the problems inherent in this unique court system in place across Louisiana, said Joel Friedman, an emeritus professor at Tulane University in New Orleans who has taught procedural law for 46 years. The mayor whos trying to raise money for the city is in charge of prosecuting these minor criminal offenses and getting fines brought back to the city, he said. Theres no accountability, he added. They can do whatever they want. A few people well-versed in mayors courts, including an attorney who was intrigued enough to write a book about them, said Fenton shouldnt allow the mayor to preside over court. Small Town, Big Budget Fenton is not unusual among small towns in Louisiana in administering justice through its mayors court. Courts like this, which likely have been around since before Louisiana was a state, were carried over into the states modern judicial system when its constitution was updated in the 1970s, according to attorney Floyd Buras, who wrote that book on mayors courts. Now, they function as an informal way to handle minor offenses in about 250 municipalities, mostly small towns and villages. Mayors courts operate in a gray area of Louisiana law. Like municipal courts, they handle violations of local ordinances. Municipal judges must hold a law degree and pass the bar; a mayor can preside over court without meeting any qualifications. Yet, like a municipal judge, a mayor can impose fines or sentence people to jail. Mayors courts must ensure defendants have fair trials. But unlike other courts in the state, they arent subject to rules like the Code of Criminal Procedure that are supposed to ensure courts are run fairly and properly. They sort of operate in the shadow of the law, said Eric Foley, an attorney with the MacArthur Justice Center, a law firm that litigates for civil rights in criminal justice. Fentons court is the main reason the towns revenue for the year ending in June 2022 was about five times as high as the average Louisiana municipality its size. This tiny village collected about as much through fines and forfeitures as Shreveport, the states third-largest city, with a population of 187,000. (The state provides no official definition of fines and forfeitures, but it generally refers to penalties for breaking the law and associated fees.) The average municipality in the U.S. gets 1.7% of its revenue from fines and forfeitures, according to the Urban Institute, a Washington, D.C.-based think tank that promotes equity. In Fenton, its 92.5%. Thats the highest percentage of any municipality in Louisiana, according to a survey by WVUE and ProPublica of audits on file with the state. Its also one of the highest percentages in the whole country. In a frequently cited review of local government data by the news outlet Governing in 2019, Fenton ranked second-highest for its share of revenue that came from fines and forfeitures. Governing said nearly 600 jurisdictions in the U.S., including 70 in Louisiana, collected at least 10% of general fund revenue through fines and forfeitures. Advocates for the poor say a reliance on fines, which they call taxation by citation, distorts the role of police departments. Its almost impossible to generate that much of your revenue without doing pretty abusive things, said Joanna Weiss, co-executive director of the Fines and Fees Justice Center, which promotes what it calls equitable fees in the justice system. Holmes, the attorney for Fenton, said fines make up an outsized share of its revenue because, like many other small towns, it doesnt bring in much money from sales or property taxes. While revenues fluctuate from year to year, Village of Fenton Police Department has long had an active traffic enforcement policy, he wrote. That enforcement is particularly active on the north side of town, where U.S. Route 165 shifts from a divided highway to a five-lane road. Just before drivers reach a welcome sign, the speed limit drops from 65 mph to 50. Police cruisers often wait nearby, in a stand of trees across from a small roadside cemetery. Thats where Nikki Cross got her ticket last year. She was returning to Bridge City, Texas, about 70 miles away, to pick up her son after meeting a client north of Lake Charles for her sales job. Cross said she braked when she saw the speed limit drop. She was ticketed for driving 61 mph in a 50 mph zone. I told them I was slowing down at the time; I just didnt slam on my brakes to get to the speed I needed to be at, Cross said in a text message to WVUE and ProPublica. Her fine: $210.00. Mayor, Judge and Jury Legally, theres nothing improper about a town like Fenton collecting so much of its revenue through its mayors court. But when it does, court rulings say, the mayor shouldnt both hold the towns gavel and sign its paychecks. In a 1972 case, a driver contesting two $50 traffic tickets in Monroeville, Ohio, argued that he had been denied a fair trial because the mayor who ruled against him was responsible for law enforcement and for producing revenue for the town. At the time, Monroeville generated 37% to 51% of its annual revenue from its mayors court, much less than Fenton. The case, Ward v. Monroeville, went to the U.S. Supreme Court. In a 7-2 decision, Justice William Brennan Jr. wrote that the issue turned on whether the Mayor can be regarded as an impartial judge. He cant, Brennan wrote, if he presides over court and also manages the towns finances, and if the court generates a substantial part of the towns revenue. A week later, the Louisiana attorney generals office followed up with an opinion instructing Louisiana towns with mayors courts to assess whether they were in a similar situation as Monroeville. Subsequent rulings have cited that Supreme Court opinion. In 1995, a federal judge in Ohio ruled that a mayor could be considered biased on the bench if just 10% of the towns revenue came from its mayors court. In 2019, the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that a judge in Orleans Parish Criminal District Court had a conflict of interest when setting bail bonds because the court collected a fee based on the amount of each bond. A training video on mayors courts released this year by the Louisiana Judicial College, the educational arm of the state Supreme Court, addresses this conflict of interest. It advises mayors to appoint an attorney to preside over their court if it brings in more than 10% of the towns revenue. Some towns, including many in the New Orleans area, have done that. But we found at least nine other municipalities in the state where staff confirmed that the mayor presides over court even though collections make up anywhere from 18% to 79% of the towns annual revenue. Bobby King, the prosecutor for the mayors court in Walker, near Baton Rouge, led that Louisiana Judicial College video training. In an interview, he said he would advise Fenton, or any municipality in its position, to appoint a magistrate. You cant be fair and impartial, he said, if youre wanting to spend money on a park and a big part of that money comes from fines and fees. Yet it was not easy to determine who presides over court in Fenton. In a phone call in June, Eddie Alfred Jr., who has been the villages mayor since 2009, was eager to talk about its traffic ticketing system. But he said he doesnt preside over court. Instead, Alfred said, defendants talk to Holmes, the prosecutor. If someone pleads not guilty, Holmes shows the driver a video of their violation. After that, Alfred claimed, not one person has maintained their innocence since he has been mayor. If they did, he said, they would go to the district court in Jennings, the seat of Jefferson Davis Parish. When we visited Fenton in September to observe court, Judge Alfred, as he is referred to in court records, donned a black judges robe, walked down the hall from the mayors office and sat at the bench. No one was waiting to have their cases heard. After Holmes noted for the record that several people had missed their court date, Alfred said, Court is now adjourned. Afterward, he refused to speak with us and went back to his office. Holmes later confirmed that Alfred does preside over court; when asked about the mayors statement to the contrary, Holmes said it must have resulted from misunderstanding or miscommunication. Asked why the mayor serves as judge when the village collects so much money from the court, Holmes said, He is authorized to do so by law. Four lawyers who spoke with us the law professor, the author of the book on mayors courts, the civil rights attorney and the prosecutor who led the Judicial College training said they believe Fenton is violating the Supreme Court ruling. Even if you cant point to the mayor actually being on the record saying, I have to keep up these prosecutions to maintain this funding, the fact that the average person put in that mayors shoes might feel that temptation thats kind of enough, Foley said. Actually, Fentons mayor has said something quite similar. In a recording made in September and obtained by WVUE and ProPublica, Alfred can be heard telling village employees that there could be layoffs due to financial problems. Our main income is traffic tickets, and they aint getting written, he said, according to one person who was in the meeting and another village employee who identified the voice on the recording as the mayors. They asked not to be named for fear of retribution. We need to write more traffic tickets. Holmes, who handled our inquiries, did not respond to our request for comment on that statement. The Cost of Being Rude Fentons court records paint a picture of a justice system in which some people are punished for how they act while others are rewarded for who they know. We found a dozen court records that include notations from officers and village employees saying not to help people or fix their tickets because drivers were rude. On a ticket for driving 71 mph in a 50: Refused phone number, driver was very disrespectful no help. Fine: $305. A ticket for 81 in a 50: Very bad attitude. Do not fix. Fine: $490. Video from an officers body camera during one traffic stop shows a woman, stopped for driving 62 mph, asking the officer to show her the radar reading and to let her go with a warning. What else do you guys do around this town? she asked the officer after he handed her a ticket. Protect and serve, he responded. Her file reads, Bad attitude. She was fined $215. Holmes said notes about drivers behavior have nothing to do with how cases are decided. A defendant is not punished for rude behavior during a traffic stop, but rather for objective, provable violations of law, he told WVUE and ProPublica. Besides, he said, the vast majority of drivers decide to pay their tickets. (We spoke to several drivers with such notations in their files. Of those three, two said they didnt contest their charges; the third said he couldnt remember.) Fourteen court files include notations saying a charge was dismissed after someone, often in law enforcement, had intervened. Dismissed per Chief Alfred, said the record for a ticket issued to someone who, according to the notation, knew a village employee. Luther Alfred, the chief, said he sometimes gets requests to dismiss tickets and passes them on to the judge or prosecutor. Though he acknowledged that he has written Dismiss on paperwork and signed his name, he said he doesnt dismiss charges himself and doesnt have that authority. Phillip Hattaways file for a speeding ticket he received in 2022 says, Ivy Woods asked to dismiss per OQuinn. Woods is the sheriff of Jefferson Davis Parish, and Sgt. Vernon OQuinn is Fentons police sergeant. In an interview, Hattaway said he contacted people he knew in law enforcement, asking for help. His ticket was dismissed. It was short and sweet, Hattaway said. They just got it taken care of. OQuinn said the department was asked if we could provide any assistance, and he advised he didnt have a problem with it and recommended to the prosecutor for dismissal. Asked why his name appears on court records, Woods said many people ask if he can get tickets reduced to nonmoving violations. Youd be surprised how many tickets Fenton writes, he said. Theyre pretty tough they like their money. But he didnt acknowledge calling in any favors, saying that the village might be covering their butts, saying the sheriff asked. Although he offered to elaborate later, he didnt respond to subsequent phone calls. In response to questions for this article, Holmes said, Requests for consideration to amend or dismiss charges are received from myriad sources. He didnt answer a question about how the village decides which requests to act on. We reached out to more than 100 drivers, including about 40 whose files said something about their behavior or why a ticket had been dismissed, and interviewed about 35. Several said they felt like they had been caught in a speed trap or said they had heard from others about Fentons reputation for traffic enforcement. Fenton most certainly does NOT operate a speed trap, Holmes wrote to WVUE and ProPublica. Speed limits are well marked, police officers are stationed in the open, and tickets are rarely issued unless drivers are going more than 11 mph over the limit, he said. Several drivers said they had been threatened with license suspensions or even arrest, both of which are allowed under state law. When April Dugas called to ask for leniency on a ticket for driving 65 in a 50 mph zone, she said she was told Fenton issues warrants for unpaid tickets. I was living in Texas in my car with no money for gas to go back, said Dugas, who now lives in the central Louisiana city of Alexandria. My grandma had to pay the ticket, so I wouldnt have warrants out for my arrest. Holmes didnt respond to a question about whether village employees threaten drivers with arrest if they dont pay. He did say the village sometimes issues an arrest warrant to compel someones appearance in court, typically when they dont show up for trial, but its fairly rare. For those who miss court and dont pay, the consequences can be severe. Fenton sent the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles about 750 requests to suspend drivers licenses between 2018 and June, a number on par with much larger municipalities in the state. Asked why Fenton does this, Holmes at first said state law requires municipalities to notify the state when someone doesnt show up for court. He later acknowledged thats not true and cited a two-year deadline under state law to request a suspension. The village has asked the state to suspend some drivers licenses over a single unpaid speeding ticket, records show. Thats what happened to Santina Griffin, a hairdresser in New Orleans who was stopped for driving 74 mph in a 50 mph zone on her way back from a funeral. She said she meant to ask the judge for leniency because she was lost at the time. But as a student and a single mom, she couldnt make it back to Fenton for her court appearance. She was surprised to hear the judge was also the mayor: Sounds like a monopoly to me. Court Is In Session In a town the size of Fenton, visitors are conspicuous. We were especially so four journalists toting notebooks and a video camera, driving around town, flying a drone overhead, watching police officers wait for speeders. After checking out the town, we went to its small City Hall, where we encountered Luther Alfred, the police chief and uncle of the mayor, and OQuinn, who came up to us to chat. We had been driving around recording video for a couple of hours by then, and they mentioned some places we had been. OQuinn chuckled about a man who had warned us to keep our drone away from his house about 15 minutes earlier. The people of Fenton care about three things, OQuinn said: Christ, family and the Fenton Police Department. We wanted to see how the court handled tickets written by that police department, but we saw the mayor handle cases just once in the four times we went to court. Over the summer, Alfred had promised to talk to us when we came for the August court session. That was the first time we made the three-hour trek from New Orleans. But the mayor skipped our interview and canceled court without notice, surprising us and a few defendants waiting at City Hall. When we went back in September, no defendants showed up. A court staffer later told us that few people come to court. Before the October hearing, we called ahead to arrange a time to review some files. A few days beforehand, court was canceled without explanation. Last week, we gave it one last shot. This time, as our reporter pulled up to City Hall, she was surprised to see cars parked along the road. She took the only open spot, a patch of grass outside a utility building. As a dozen defendants filtered in, Holmes, the prosecutor, fetched some chairs from the kitchen to accommodate them. He described what would happen. Tonight, he said, they were in whats called a mayors court. This was an arraignment, where they would each enter a plea. He spent about 20 minutes describing their rights: You have the right to appeal to district court. You have the right not to incriminate yourself. Holmes had told us that he offers plea deals to many drivers, and he did just that, telling them to meet him in the kitchen if they were interested. Then he called the judge in. Alfred, wearing his judges robe, sat at a large wooden desk emblazoned with the village seal. Holmes called up each driver to answer to their charges before the judge. Most pleaded no contest, which means they didnt admit guilt but accepted punishment. When a driver wants to contest a ticket, Holmes had told us, the driver or a lawyer shows up in court, pleads not guilty and is told to return later. A trial is conducted with all care to ensure each defendant receives due process and is treated fairly before the court, he said. Thats not what happened with one case that night. One man, facing a charge of failing to use his turn signal, insisted he was innocent. The mayor told him to wait so OQuinn could find video of the stop and play it in court. The video was inconclusive, however, and the driver maintained his innocence. Holmes said if the officer were called to testify, he likely would say the driver had broken the law. But he suggested the charge be dropped, and the mayor agreed. Under state law, mayors courts are required to keep a record of all trials, but we had been told there was none and that there hadnt been a trial since at least 2018. Holmes had told us the mayor is rarely called upon to pass judgment at trial. Afterward, our reporter went up to ask Holmes more questions. The mayor called her into the kitchen. He wanted to make sure she had noticed how lenient the court had been with defendants. Were not without compassion, Holmes said. Alfred said he believes hes a fair judge, despite all the money he collects through court. But, he said, wed been asking a lot of questions. Now, he said, we have to hire someone. That was the topic of discussion a week later, when the three members of the board of aldermen held their monthly meeting in the same kitchen where Holmes had arranged plea deals. The mayor cant be the judge, Alfred said, which to me does not make sense. A man named Hugh Cunningham, who presides over mayors court in a nearby town, stood up and described how he would run the court if hired. Board members objected. We have to pay somebody to be the judge when he was judging for nothing, said one board member about Alfred. For about 15 minutes, Holmes laid out why the town should appoint a magistrate: the Supreme Court ruling, attorney generals opinions, the possible appearance of bias. Under the law, Holmes said, its up to the mayor to appoint a magistrate; the board votes on that decision. It didnt take long for Alfred to make up his mind: I think we should put it off because I think this court is fair. Read this article on ProPublica and support their journalism with a donation. Haiti - FLASH : The Kenyan Parliament approves the sending of 1,000 police officers to support the PNH, BUT... Thursday, November 16, 2023, the Kenyan Parliament (the National Assembly and the Senate) approved the deployment of a thousand police officers in Haiti as part of the Multinational Security Support Mission (MMSS), announced Gladys Shollei, the Deputy Speaker of the Kenyan National Assembly. Despite the controversy this initiative generated and the temporary blockade ordered in October by the Nairobi High Court following a complaint from opponent and former presidential candidate Ekuru Aukot who declared "Our parliamentarians are disobeying a court decision [...] Our Parliament sold its soul to the United States, which wants to clean up the disaster they caused in Haiti" to which Shollei responded that the deputies of the National Assembly had not disobeyed because he had not never received the judicial request from the Nairobi High Court ordering last month the temporary blocking of the deployment of the Kenyan Police in Haiti... The vote was also opposed by several opposition MPs, but the ruling coalition of President William Ruto, which has a majority in the National Assembly, was not disturbed. But, at the same time, the High Court of Nairobi Kenya after hearing the arguments of representatives of the Government and the opponent Ekuru Aukot decided to extend the orders blocking the deployment of police officers in Haiti, even though Parliament had just approve the deployment of 1,000 police officers to Haiti. High Court Justice Chacha Mwita, said he would deliver a decision on January 26, 2024. The plaintiffs argue that Kenya's Constitution limits police deployment to operations within the country and that only members of the Kenya Defense Forces can be deployed outside the country. Government lawyer Eric Gumbo explained that Kenya, having ratified the United Nations charter in 1963, was obliged to support the Peace initiative, recalling that the decision to deploy police officers in a foreign country will be determined by Constitutional bodies. Should be noted that whatever the High Court decides in January 2024, it may be appealed, meaning there could be a prolonged battle over sending troops to Haiti... Also read the international force led by Kenya : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-40961-haiti-insecruity-the-kenyan-parliament-demands-answers-before-authorizing-the-mission-in-haiti.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-40937-haiti-flash-more-details-on-the-multinational-mission-of-at-least-2-600-men.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-40817-haiti-news-zapping.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-40708-haiti-security-recruitment-criteria-for-the-1-000-kenyan-police-officers.html See also: https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-40701-haiti-politic-the-high-court-of-kenya-suspends-for-2-weeks-the-deployment-of-the-mission-in-haiti.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-40690-haiti-security-soldiers-from-guyana-will-participate-in-the-multinational-force-to-assist-the-pnh.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-40642-haiti-flash-the-security-council-approves-the-intervention-of-a-multinational-force-in-haiti.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-40604-haiti-flash-12-countries-have-confirmed-their-participation-in-an-intervention-mission-in-haiti.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-40598-haiti-security-kenyan-police-take-french-lessons.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-40593-haiti-crisis-spain-reiterates-its-participation-in-a-multinational-intervention-mission-in-haiti.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-40588-haiti-flash-the-united-states-and-kenya-sign-a-defense-agreement-before-possible-deployment-in-haiti.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-40568-haiti-un-kenya-asks-world-not-to-leave-haiti-behind.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-40566-haiti-un-high-level-meeting-on-the-establishment-of-a-multinational-intervention-mission.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-40549-haiti-politic-haiti-and-kenya-establish-diplomatic-relations.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-40361-haiti-news-zapping.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-40333-haiti-pnh-pm-back-on-the-working-day-with-the-kenyan-delegation.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-40315-haiti-flash-first-meetings-with-the-kenyan-delegation.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-40269-haiti-flash-confirmation-of-american-commitment-in-support-of-the-intervention-in-haiti.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-40201-haiti-crisis-why-kenya-have-the-support-of-the-usa-canada-and-france.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-40187-haiti-news-zapping.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-40184-haiti-politic-declaration-on-the-multinational-force-to-support-haiti.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-40175-haiti-crisis-to-date-5-countries-are-involved-in-the-international-intervention-in-haiti.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-40173-haiti-flash-jamaica-is-preparing-to-send-troops-to-haiti.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-40165-haiti-un-flash-the-usa-is-preparing-a-resolution-to-authorize-an-intervention-in-haiti-led-by-kenya.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-40161-haiti-flash-the-united-states-congratulates-kenya-and-pledges-to-support-the-intervention.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-40157-haiti-flash-the-bahamas-promise-to-join-kenya-in-the-international-intervention-force.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-40149-haiti-un-flash-antonio-guterres-urges-the-states-of-the-region-to-join-kenya.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-40141-haiti-flash-first-reactions-to-kenya-s-announcement-to-support-the-pnh.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-40134-haiti-flash-kenya-agrees-to-deploy-1-000-police-officers-in-haiti.html SL/ HaitiLibre Published on 2023/11/16 | Source Actors appearing in historical dramas are embroiled in a series of miscasting and 'acting controversy'. The actors on the chopping block are Ahn Eun-jin of the MBC drama "My Dearest", Cho Yi-hyun of the KBS 2TV drama "The Matchmakers" and Kim Dong-jun of the KBS 2TV drama "Korea-Khitan War". Advertisement On the 11th, the "Korea-Khitan War" which invested 27 billion won in production, was broadcast for the first time. The "Korea-Khitan War" is the story of King Hyeonjong of Goryeo, who brought Goryeo together with tolerance leadership and led the war against the Khitan to victory, and Kang Gam-chan, his political teacher and commander-in-chief of the Goryeo army. In the drama, Kim Dong-jun plays Wang-soon, the only dragon son of Goryeo who was kicked out of the palace because of Empress Cheonchu. Kim Dong-jun, who even shaved his head for this role, expressed a strange life of being chased by assassins, living like a monk, and hiding in the mountains. However, right after the broadcast, Kim Dong-jun was under controversy over his acting skills and miscasting. His Western appearance, which is not suitable for a historical drama, and his regretful tone that has not yet been applied to a historical drama tone were pointed out. However, compared to the controversy, the prevailing assessment is that the character was well-played. There are also opinions that it is too early to evaluate something in just two episodes. "Korea-Khitan War" is an epic 32 episodes, so it will not be too late to watch and judge until the middle part. Cho Yi-hyun, who appeared in "The Matchmakers", was also embroiled in a controversy over her acting skills, as she was criticized for not being able to do historical dramas. "The Matchmakers" is a story about the Joseon Dynasty's widowed husband Sim Jeong-woo and a widowed wife named Jeong Soon-deok who join forces to marry single men and women in the Joseon Dynasty. Immediately after the broadcast, Cho Yi-hyun was brutally evaluated by viewers for reducing immersion. In addition, there was a review that the widow left her husband early and went through a mid-air war, and the character of "The Matchmakers" seemed too much. Her excessive makeup is also being criticized. Cho Yi-hyun was also criticized for her awkward historical drama tone, which is considered difficult, and was labeled as 'controversy over her acting skills' by the filmography she had accumulated so far. But it is still too early to judge. Ahn Eun-jin, who appeared in "My Dearest" was also embroiled in controversy at the beginning, but in the second half, she received favorable reviews and played a role as a driving force for ratings. In "My Dearest", a human historical melodrama about the love of lovers and the vitality of the people during the Manchu War of 1636, Ahn Eun-jin has established herself as an all-around actress who can perfectly digest historical dramas by showing off her strong acting skills that she has accumulated since previous works. The initial concern was neatly washed away. Like Ahn Eun-jin, there are many cases where the sense of heterogeneity that was felt for a while at first becomes natural as the episode melts into the character. Viewers cause controversy based on 'miscasting' and 'performance' because it's something they're just not used to seeing. Kim Dong-jun and Cho Yi-hyun in the recently launched "Korea-Khitan War" and "The Matchmakers" also seem to be among the examples. As a result, attention is being paid to whether the two, who received unfortunate results in the beginning, will be able to remove the label of controversy by succeeding in a historical drama challenge like Ahn Eun-jin. Login or sign up to follow actresses, movies & dramas and get specific updates and news Login Sign Up New Ad-free Subscriber Login Email Password Password Username Subscribe to our daily NewsLetter Your E-mail will only be used to retrieve a lost password or receive our NewsLetter. Stay logged in Lost password Contact Havre Police Department Jess T. Kirkaldie of Hays, 25, was arrested on charges of disorderly conduct and obstructing a peace officer or other public servant after a 10:15 a.m. Thursday caller reported a man underdressed for the weather and in "rough shape" walking along U.S. Highway 2 East. -- Arlene Cheri Parrish of Lodge Pole, 40, was arrested on a charge of driving with a suspended or revoked driver's license after a vehicle a stop Thursday at 2:35 p.m. on First Avenue. -- Mayme Jean Healy of Dodson, 59, was arrested on a charge of driving with a suspended or revoked driver's license after a vehicle stop on Second Street Thursday at 3:10 p.m. -- A caller asked officers Thursday at 4:14 p.m. to perform a welfare check on someone on Third Avenue, and officers made a transport to the hospital. -- A past theft was reported at 4:23 p.m. Thursday at a First Street business. -- Neal Wayne Anderson of Havre, 65, was arrested on a trespass to property charge after a 15th Avenue caller reported Thursday at 5:46 p.m. returning home to find a man laying in the caller's bed. -- A Thursday 6:35 p.m. caller on First Street reported their car had been backed into. Hill County Sheriff's Office A two-vehicle crash reported Thursday at 9:34 a.m. on U.S. Highway 2 Northwest was referred to Montana Highway Patrol. -- A caller at a U.S. Highway 2 West business reported at 11:50 a.m. Thursday that four tires had been stolen. -- Krystyna Daychild of Havre, 30, was arrested on nine Justice or City court warrants served after a caller at a U.S. Highway 2 West business reported at 12:01 p.m. Thursday seeing a woman with outstanding warrants. -- A theft was reported at a U.S. Highway 2 West business at 2:38 p.m. Thursday. -- A residential break-in was reported at 7:09 p.m. Thursday in Box Elder. Havre Fire Department Emergency medical technicians responded to seven calls Thursday and one call early this morning. -- Firefighters responded to a vehicle crash on U.S. Highway 2 East Thursday at 9:42 a.m. Havre Fire Chief Nathan Courtnage said two patients were looked at but neither required transport. -- Firefighters also assisted with rescuing a cat stuck in an attic on 10th Avenue Thursday at 10:07 a.m. Courtnage said the cat was lured out into the open with food. -- Firefighters also responded to a report of a gas leak on Fifth Street at 1:39 p.m. Thursday. A small leak was found near the furnace and the scene was turned over to NorthWestern Energy crews. -- Tuesday, EMTs responded to six calls and firefighters responded to a fire alarm on the 10 Block of Third Street West that turned out to be burnt food and the alarm was reset. Havre Animal Shelter This morning the animal shelter held two 6-month-old kittens and five cats all of unknown gender, three female cats, three male cats, and six kittens between 11 weeks and 6 months old. -- Also this morning, the animal shelter held five female mixed-breed dogs, 11 puppies between 11 and 18 weeks old, and a female German shepherd. Former Havre administrator and Superintendent Dennis Parman was awarded the 2023 G.V. Erickson Award by School Administrators of Montana, SAM announced in a press release. "Mr. Parman has a long and successful career as a Montana educator," SAM Executive Director Rob Watson said in the release. "With his varied experience, his institutional knowledge is unmatched. Mr. Parman has approached each of his roles with professionalism and kindness. We are excited to have the opportunity to honor Dennis with this award, the highest award we give at SAM." Parman received the distinguished honor at the annual Montana Conference of Education Leadership held Oct. 18-20, presented by Director of Great Divide Education Services and President of SAM Sara Novak. The award, the most prestigious award a Montana school administrator can receive, is given to a SAM member who has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to the advancement and betterment of public education in Montana The award is named in honor of Mr. G.V. Erickson, a school administrator who dedicated his career and life to education and the children of Montana. Parman has been a driving force in education since 1981, leaving an indelible mark as a teacher, principal, superintendent and advocate. With a career spanning over 40 years, he has distinguished himself as a highly respected pillar of Montana public education. Parman's remarkable career in education, from teacher to superintendent, to his role as deputy superintendent at the Montana Office of Public Instruction and executive director of the Montana Rural Education Association, has made him one of the most influential figures in Montana's public education landscape. His ability to build relationships, inspire collaboration, and achieve tangible results underscores his immense value to the organizations he has served. "Parman is an outstanding educator with a vast understanding of school curriculum, educational opportunities, operations, policy development, child development, and the role higher education plays in preparing education leaders," the release said. "While serving as the deputy superintendent at the OPI, Mr. Parman was instrumental in facilitating the review and modernization of accreditation standards and educator licensure. "Parman is well-known in the education community for his outstanding ability to analyze data and implement research-based strategies in compelling ways that influence action in the best interest of all students," it continues. "His ability to research and communicate state legislative and congressional actions connected to education has been outstanding and has enhanced Montana education. His leadership on both district and state levels has been instrumental in driving important initiatives forward. His commitment to public education has contributed to collaborative efforts that drive positive change." At the conference, SAM presented Powell County High School/Deer Lodge Elementary School Districts Superintendent Rick Duncan with the the 2023-24 Montana Superintendent of the Year. My friend Jim from Glasgow sent me a short video clip of the Little Rockies, Three Buttes, Snake Butte and the Bear Paws. Immediately, I yearned, homesick. I shared the video with friends. This is my beautiful country. Their response, not unexpected, Ah, yes. Uh huh. Beautiful, as they looked for an exit. Which brought on this following chain of thought. To some this will sound as though I am describing two foreign countries, and I am. Both countries have disappeared. My earliest years were spent in Indiana, not far from the Ohio River, a mile wide, where often we sat on a bank and watched tugs push three, four and five barges laden with coal or ore or other goods. Uncle Jim came to visit. He and Dad talked late into the night. Not long after my Uncle left, Dad came upstairs and sat on the edge of my bed one night. How would you like to go to Montana? Where Uncle Jim lives? Oh, yes! I thought Dad meant a visit, a vacation. By the time I figured out we were moving, I was horrified. Not that I had any voice in the matter. I was ten. During the Great Depression, Uncle Jim had gone to work on a family friends wheat ranch south of Chinook. He never looked back. Dad had worked for the same man, before the War. Montana had burrowed under his skin, into his heart. By the time we moved, Jim owned a Valley farm and a partnership in an implement dealership in Harlem. Dad was going to buy the farm. We had our farm sale on a sunshine April Fools Day, green grass, daffodils waving their silly heads. The following day, our car already packed, we left for Montana, in the rain, an omen if ever there was one. I left an entire family of aunts and uncles with cousins my own age. (Uncle Jims children were older.) I left an excellent school which encouraged students to find ways to illustrate lessons, left all my friends, and everything I knew. I left my rock collection, the geodes, all my toys, yes, toys. When I was ten, we were still children. I was allowed to take one toy. I chose my books. On a cold afternoon, April 5, we drove into Harlem on the old highway, along a deeply rutted dirt street, icy and banked with drifts of dirty snow. Id never seen a more desolate, ugly town, although we had been driving through the same towns all day. Thaw was a couple weeks away. On my birthday, I climbed on the school bus for my first day at Harlem Elementary, terrified. At lunch, a girl grabbed my hand, Come with us. Sally and Sylvia (classmates) are going to fight in the park. Now I was terrified and horrified. Fight, they did, actual fisticuffs with blood. Girls! In my country, boys wrestled in play but Id never seen a real fight. By the end of the first week in my new school, my classmates hated me. Nobody told me you werent supposed to have ideas. I was yet to discover gumbo mud which stole rubber boots from my feet, mosquitoes so thick they covered my skin. Drought. Wind. Temperatures over 100 degrees and under minus 40. A different country, harsh, a different culture, hard. I cried myself to sleep every night that first year, remembering a softer, gentle life. When I was 13, my Dad put us on the Empire Builder and sent us home to Indiana for the summer, a truly wonderful summer, with cousins and school friends. Nothing had changed. Everything had changed. There were all the remembered friends, flowers and fruit. Along with red clay dirt. And chiggers. (At least mosquitoes are visible and dont burrow.) Copperheads in the weeds and slithering through the blackberries. Humidity which made 75 seem 105. I had to reconnect with friends. Or not. Nothing was recognizable. People I had idolized grew pimples. Or warts. (Metaphorical.) Depending on age. On our old farm, house, barn and my swing tree had been razed to the ground to make way for a sprawling brick ranch-style house. At summers end, we climbed aboard the Monon, transferred to the Empire Builder in Chicago, and returned home. Home. Home to Harlem, where the streets were still dirt, but home. Nothing had changed but me. I could see with different eyes, could measure on a scale more balanced. I never lost my love for Indiana, but I knew my home. Ive learned to make my home in many different places. But Home will always be that harsh, hard country I love. Sondra Ashton grew up in Harlem but spent most of her adult life out of state. She returned to see the Hi-Line with a perspective of delight. After several years back in Harlem, Ashton is seeking new experiences in Etzatlan, Mexico. Once a Montanan, always. Read Ashtons essays and other work at http://montanatumbleweed.blogspot.com/. Email [email protected]. The government announced yesterday it will close the border-crossing points in Imatra, Niirala, Nuijamaa and Vaalimaa as of Saturday, 18 November 2023. The closures mean applications for international protection will only be accepted at the more northern border-crossing points of Salla and Vartius. THE GOVERNMENT of Prime Minister Petteri Orpo (NCP) has decided to close parts of the eastern border in response to an increase in asylum applicants. The decision will remain in force until 18 February 2024. Orpo stated in a press release that the government decided to act decisively and swiftly in order to prevent the escalation of the border situation, utilising powers introduced to the border guard act during the previous parliamentary term precisely in anticipation of situations such as the current one. Section 16 of the border guard act enables the government to close border-crossing points on a fixed-term or indefinite basis in order to prevent a serious threat to public order, national security or public health. These tools have now been used, said Orpo. The government reminded in the press release that there are indications that foreign authorities or other actors have had a role in facilitating illegal entry into Finland. The Finnish Border Guard has reported of rising number of asylum applicants at the eastern border. Between Monday and Wednesday, for example, the total number of asylum applicants arriving at the border stood at 147, accounting for more than half of the total since the last day of July. YLE on Thursday revealed that 26 asylum seekers arrived the four border-crossing points to be closed by 11.53pm on Thursday. Another 18 had arrived at the border-crossing point in Vartius. The closing of border-crossing points at the eastern border will stop illegal entry into Finland. The government is prepared to take even stronger measures if necessary, added Minister of the Interior Mari Rantanen (PS). Also Finnish citizens are required to use open border-crossing points. Helsingin Sanomat on Thursday reported that opposition parties are supportive of the decision to close the border-crossing points with some minor reservations. Antti Lindtman, the chairperson of the Social Democrats, stated to STT that it appears clear that the recent increase in asylum applicants is a consequence of a hybrid campaign. Thats why Finland shouldnt give up in the face of such pressure but act decisively and react swiftly, he commented to the news agency. Annika Saarikko, the chairperson of the Centre, stressed that despite attempts to steer the publics attention to underwater gas pipelines and asylum seekers at the eastern border, the most serious and condemnable situation is still Russias war of aggression in Ukraine. We have to be careful not to take our eye off the [war] and make sure our support is unwavering even if were faced with influence attempts, she remarked. Chairpersons Li Andersson of the Left Alliance and Sofia Virta of the Green League reminded Helsingin Sanomat that while Finland has an obligation to monitor its own borders, it also has the obligation to make sure the right to apply for asylum is realised. Andersson added to Helsingin Sanomat that Finland has been well aware of the possibility that asylum seekers can be used as part of a hybrid campaign. Finnish authorities, she underlined, also have the opportunity to increase their readiness and ramp up their capacity to process asylum applications at a faster-than-usual rate. It cant be that the system ends up in crisis because thats exactly what the hybrid campaign is seeking to accomplish, she said. Its now crucial to keep a cool head and make sure that Russia doesnt succeed in creating the chaos and confusion its hoping to create, Virta echoed in a message to Helsingin Sanomat. Aleksi Teivainen HT In a move that has sparked national and international criticism, Finland has finalized a 317 million deal with Israel for the Davids Sling air defense system, despite growing outrage over Israel's military actions in the Gaza strip and other palestinian territories. This agreement, involving the transfer of sophisticated military technology, raises questions about the ethical implications of international arms deals in the context of human rights controversies. The signing event, held at Israel's Defense Ministry, was attended by key Israeli and Finnish officials, including Israels Defense Ministry Director General Eyal Zamir and Finlands Ambassador to Israel Nina Nordstrom. The presence of top executives from Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, the manufacturer of Davids Sling, underscores the deal's importance in Israel's defense export strategies. Davids Sling, operational in Israel since 2017, is designed to intercept a range of airborne threats. Its integration into Finlands defense system is said to enhance the country's capability to counter various aerial attacks, including those from ballistic and cruise missiles, aircraft, and drones. The system however failed to shoot down missiles fired from Syria two years ago and the only real life success has been in shooting down primitive home made rockets of Islamic Jihad in the ongoing conflict. David's Slings only real world success has been against primitive, unguided Islamic Jihad rockets However, this arms deal comes at a time when Israel faces severe international criticism for its bombardment of civilians and military operations in Gaza. Reports of civilian casualties, with over 11,000 Palestinians reportedly killed in the last month alone, one third of them children, have led to accusations of human rights violations and ethnic cleansing. These allegations position the arms deal as a potential contributor to the resources of an army currently engaged in widely condemned actions. Finland's decision to proceed with the deal, despite Israel's contentious military conduct, has raised ethical questions about the responsibilities of nations in international arms trade. Critics argue that such agreements implicitly endorse the military practices of the supplier nation, in this case, Israel, whose actions in Palestinian territories have been a subject of global concern. The Finnish Ministry of Defence, while acknowledging the complexities of the situation, has stated that the political tensions in Israel have not influenced their decision. This stance, however, does not alleviate the apprehensions of those who view the deal as indirectly supporting an ongoing conflict marked by severe humanitarian concerns. Critical commentators complain of being censored by YLE The news of the deal being closed in this situation, sparked a flurry of comments on YLEs news pages. A significant portion of these comments reflect criticism not only of the deal itself but also of YLE's moderation policies, with accusations of censoring critical views on Israel's human rights record. - Sa-rah expressed frustration over the perceived censorship, stating, "It's useless to open comments if the moderators are going to delete all the messages criticising the deal and Israel's record on human rights." This comment suggests a concern about the lack of open discourse on the issue. - Melanie Hall from YLE, responding to Sa-rah, acknowledged the sensitivity of the topic and the challenges in moderation. She noted that while many comments breached the guidelines, the moderation team strives to be objective, balancing freedom of speech with their established guidelines. - Sillihai echoed Sa-rahs sentiment, stating they were also censored in the same thread. Sillihai criticised the Finnish state for financing Israel, drawing parallels to criticisms of deals with Russia during its invasion of Ukraine. They highlighted the importance of freedom of speech in a democracy and urged YLE to reconsider its stance on political-based censorship. - Antti_Toinenmies expressed disapproval of Israels military actions but noted the inherent complexities of the military industry. They posed a rhetorical question about the ethics of purchasing arms, suggesting that the source of the arms might be less significant than the act of buying them itself. - Sillihai, in another comment, expanded on Antti_Toinenmiess point, highlighting the challenges of adhering to principles in the messy realm of global politics. They suggested that maintaining a consistent ethical stance often leads to hypocrisy, as principles are selectively applied. Critics of Isreals actions have noticed not only being censored or shadow banned on big tech platforms, but also national main stream media in Finland where comment sections are often swamped with fanatic pro-Isreal comments. HT Halla-aho was the only of the eight main candidates to disagree with the statement that a higher degree of diversity and multiculturalism is good for Finland. JUSSI HALLA-AHO (PS) stands out as the most national conservative and Li Andersson (LA) as the most leftist liberal green candidate in the race to succeed President Sauli Niinisto, reveals a presidential election compass produced by Helsingin Sanomat . Andersson, meanwhile, was the only candidate to estimate that the interests of the environment should take precedence over job creation and economic growth in circumstances where the two clash. The most right-leaning candidate is Harry Harkimo (MN). Harkimo in his responses to the newspaper expressed his opposition to tax hikes and support for reducing the ownership stakes of central and local governments in businesses. Mika Aaltola, who is the only candidate without a background in politics, leans slightly to the left on the right-to-left spectrum and lands in the middle of the national-conservative-to-liberal-green spectrum, his answers reveal. Aaltola estimated, for example, that it would be preferable to raise taxes than cut public services and social security benefits. The president doesnt meddle in day-to-day politics, but Im a proponent of the Nordic welfare state. You have to provide encouragement to minorities and people in vulnerable positions, and defend everyones right to a dignified life, he argued. He also disagreed with the statement that the state should interfere more in the functioning of markets. Aaltola is on campaign leave from his position as the director of the Finnish Institute of International Affairs. Half of the presidential candidates landed close to the centre of the political compass. Sari Essayah (CD), Alexander Stubb (NCP) and Olli Rehn (Centre) are all leaning slightly to the right on the leftright axis. While Essayah cannot be described as either national conservative or liberal green, both Rehn and Stubb lean slightly toward the liberal-green end of the spectrum, the answers indicate. Pekka Haavisto (Greens) is clearly a liberal-green politician and leans slightly to the left on the traditional left-to-right spectrum. Haavisto agreed party with the statement that central and local governments should reduce their stakes in businesses but declined to comment on whether the environment should take precedence over job creation and economic growth in circumstances where the two clash. Aaltola, Haavisto and Rehn are all the candidate of a constituency association, despite the latter twos long-standing ties to the Green League and Centre Party, respectively. Aleksi Teivainen HT According to Robertson, independence represents the most feasible path for Scotland to reclaim the advantages of being part of the EU. In a significant development , a new paper authored by External Affairs Secretary Angus Robertson presents the case for an independent Scotland rejoining the European Union. As the seventh installment in the 'Building a New Scotland' series, the paper outlines the multitude of benefits that EU membership would bring to Scotland and its people. This move would mark Scotland's direct representation in the EU for the first time, opening up various opportunities for its economy and citizens. Key benefits highlighted include: Access to the Largest Single Market: Scotland would enjoy reduced trade barriers, free data flows, and less bureaucracy as part of the world's largest single market. Expanded Labour Market: Open access to a broader EU labour market would allow unrestricted employment of EU citizens in Scotland, bolstering businesses, universities, communities, and public services. Trade Agreements and Negotiations: Scotland could benefit from the EU's extensive network of favorable international free trade agreements and have a say in market access issues, food production standards, and future regulatory requirements. Digital Economy Participation: Scotland could leverage its expertise in sectors like gaming, AI, and data science, to fully engage with the EUs digital economy. Educational Opportunities: The Erasmus+ program would offer students the chance to study and work abroad, just like previous generations. Agricultural Policy Benefits: Scottish farming and rural businesses would gain from the multi-year funding security provided by the Common Agricultural Policy. Enhanced Law Enforcement Collaboration: EU law enforcement tools would strengthen Scotlands ability to tackle cross-border crime and threats. Robertson also emphasizes Scotlands potential contributions to the EU, citing its strengths in renewable energy, research, innovation, and a commitment to human rights and international law. The paper argues that Scotland's knowledge, shared values, and close alignment with EU laws position it strongly for EU membership. Robertson envisions a Scotland that not only benefits from but also contributes significantly to the EU, while fostering a new and improved relationship with the UK. He urges widespread reading and discussion of the proposals within Scotland, looking forward to continued debate and the prospect of an independent Scotland closely collaborating with the EU for a better future. HT Serial rapist sentenced to two life sentences after jury finds him guilty David B. Pressley sits with his defense team in Henderson County Superior Court earlier this week. A Superior Court judge Thursday evening sentenced a Henderson County man to two life sentences without the possibility of parole after a jury found him guilty of raping a young woman in 2022 in the home she shared with her father. Judge George Bell, of Mecklenburg County, sentenced 56-year-old David B. Pressley, of Fletcher, to the two consecutive life sentences without parole after a jury in Henderson County Superior Court found him guilty of first-degree forcible rape and first-degree forcible sexual offense in the case. The jury found Pressley not guilty of first-degree burglary and larceny after breaking and entering in the case. Jurors deliberated for about two hours before reaching a verdict shortly after 5 p.m. on Thursday. The jury took just seven minutes to also find Pressley guilty of being a violent habitual felon after the rape and sex offense verdicts were reached. Donna Rainwater, a special prosecutor from the N.C. Conference of District Attorneys who tried the states case against Pressley, said after court ended Thursday that she was happy with the verdict and the sentence. Im very happy the jury saw the evidence of guilt and found him guilty of the rape and sex offense. Jurors have a difficult job. We respect the jurys decision, she said. Now we know he will never victimize another woman again. Attorney Beth Stang, who served as a standby attorney for Pressley, declined to comment. Pressley chose to represent himself about halfway through his trial and fired Stang and other members of his legal team. He told the judge he intended to appeal his conviction shortly before sheriffs deputies led him away from the courtroom in handcuffs Thursday. Pressley, who was a twice convicted sexual offender before Thursdays verdict, stood trial this week on charges he raped the young woman, who had just turned 18, in the home she shared with her father off Howard Gap Road while her father was away at work at a nearby Ingles grocery store. Pressley, an acquaintance of the girls father, arrived unannounced at their home earlier that day in January 2022, the girl testified. Pressley returned to the home later that night and knocked on the door. He said he had left some items on their couch, the young woman testified. She testified she did not remember what happened after turning to look at the couch. But when her father returned later to check on her, she was suffering from physical injuries, including two broken toes, bruises across her body and redness on her neck. She also felt soreness and bleeding that indicated she had been raped. The father and daughter also testified that her cell phone and bank card were missing when her father arrived. Her father called 911 and reported Pressley as the suspect in his daughters assault, according to testimony and evidence presented at the trial A nurse who specializes in collecting evidence from rape victims testified during the trial that she collected samples from the victims body after she arrived at Pardee Hospital and prepared them in a special kit for rape victims. Those samples from the rape kit were later analyzed at the states crime lab in Edneyville. A DNA expert testified during the trial that samples taken during the girls stay in the hospital confirmed the presence of Pressleys semen and his DNA in the girls body to within octillions of a possibility that it could have been anyone else on Earth. ER doctor testifies An emergency room doctor who treated the young woman testified that her physical injuries were likely the result of an assault and that a loss of oxygen from choking or having her airway restricted during the assault could have caused her memory loss. The jury also heard testimony during the trial from a probation officer and a Henderson County Sheriffs Office detective who investigated the 2022 case involving Pressley. The probation officer testified he took Pressleys cell phone in December 2021 after finding more than one search for rape videos. Sheriffs Detective Scott Aly testified he obtained a search warrant for the phone after he began investigating the rape case a month later in January 2022. Aly said he discovered internet searches on the phone for rape, teenage sex and inflicting pain through sex. Rainwater reminded the jury about the phones search history and rape videos the probation officer and detective found on Pressleys phone during her closing argument to jurors. As soon as he looked at it, he saw a very concerning web history, Rainwater said of the probation officer. It was a specific type of violent pornography. Very specific, very violent. ... This is what the defendant had on his mind just a few days before raping (the victim), Rainwater told the jury. She also reminded the jury that results from the DNA analysis of the evidence taken from the young womans body proves Pressley had forcible intercourse with the victim. Rainwater cautioned the jury to not believe Pressley if he tried to tell them during his closing argument that he had consensual sex with the young woman. The only thing he can argue is that this was a consensual encounter, Rainwater told the jury. She was a child. She had just turned 18. There is nothing to suggest this was consensual. Pressley, who was representing himself, did not present evidence to the jury or testify in his defense. In his closing argument to the jury, Pressley repeatedly tried to suggest he had a consensual encounter with the young woman and Rainwater repeatedly objected to his statements. Bell sustained each objection and instructed the jury to disregard Pressleys assertions because nothing presented as evidence during the trial supported his comments. Pressley also had the court replay a neighbors surveillance video that showed him arriving at the young womans home, leaving with her father and then returning shortly before 10 p.m. while she was home alone. The video also shows him leaving again after 1 a.m. In the 911 call, the young woman can be heard correcting her father when he gives the wrong number for their homes address. Pressley said that proved she did not have memory loss. If she was alert and conscious enough to do that, where was the memory loss? he asked the jury. After jurors convicted Pressley of rape and sexual assault in the case, they returned to the courtroom to hear evidence in the indictment that charged Pressley with being a habitual felon. The prosecutor did not deliver an opening statement in that case and Pressley said only, Im not guilty. Rainwater told the jury Pressley was convicted in 1995 of raping a woman in Henderson County in 1993. After serving time in prison for that conviction, he was again convicted of sexually assaulting a woman in the county in 2002. The victim from the 1993 case testified in the recent trial of the 2022 case and faced cross examination from Pressley after she testified about what happened the day he violently raped her in 1993. Pressley did not offer evidence in the violent habitual felon case. Theres nothing to say, he said. The jury returned to the courtroom minutes later to announce it had convicted Pressley of being a violent habitual felon. The jury chose to remain in the courtroom to hear Bell sentence Pressley. Today, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra issued the following statement in response to President Bidens announcement that he intends to appoint Dr. W. Kimryn Rathmell to be the next Director of the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Cancer touches every American in some way, and is a leading cause of death in America. The President and First Lady reignited the Biden Cancer Moonshot to dramatically accelerate progress in the fight against cancer and mobilize a national effort to end cancer as we know it. Dr. Rathmell is an extraordinary physician-scientist with decades of experience helping to advance research and drive innovation to improve care for patients. She will be a visionary leader of NCI and I look forward to working with her to help prevent, detect, and treat cancer to make sure Americans are living longer, healthier lives. Aquarius (20th January to 18th February) Daily Horoscope Prediction says, You love challenges Check the daily horoscope to know that the day is productive in terms of love and job. Minor issues exist in the financial status but health is good today. Aquarius Daily Horoscope, November 18, 2023: Minor issues exist in the financial status but health is good today. Enjoy the romantic life today. No serious issue will occur and there is a free flow of love in the life. Utilize the opportunities at the workplace to prove your mettle. No major financial decisions should be made today. However, no major health issue will disturb you. Aquarius Love Horoscope Today You are fortunate in terms of love today. The relationship is intact and this will also contribute to happiness in the personal life. Stick to one partner and do not stray around today. Married Aquarius men should stay out of extramarital affairs as their spouse will catch them red-handed in the evening. Some Aquarius natives will also come across the ex-lover which will rekindle the old affair. However, married men must not indulge in this as the family life will be compromised. Aquarius Career Horoscope Today You will professionally bring in good success. And this will boost your reputation in the workplace. You may also get interview calls that promise a better package. Some Aquarius natives will be keen to travel abroad for jobs and new opportunities will be there. Be cordial with the team members and do not be apprehensive to express your opinions at team meetings. Businessmen can also expand their territories as this is a good time to invest in new areas and locations. Aquarius Money Horoscope Today No major financial decision should be made. The day is not positive in terms of wealth. You may have challenges in raising big funds to expand your business. However, normal life will be unaffected and you can buy essentials for your home or even renovate the house. Some Aquarius natives will resolve the financial dispute with a friend today. Your spouse will also be financially supportive. Aquarius Health Horoscope Today You are fortunate in terms of health today. No major illness will trouble you. However, some children may develop bruises while playing and may also have minor infections on the throat, skin, and nose. Those who are traveling to hilly terrains must be careful to carry all medicines today. Avoid alcohol today and also be careful while driving at night. Aquarius Sign Attributes Strength: Tolerant, Ideal, Friendly, Charitable, Independent, Logical Weakness: Disobedient, Liberalistic, Rebel Symbol: Water carrier Element: Air Body Part: Ankles & Legs Sign Ruler: Uranus Lucky Day: Saturday Lucky Color: Navy Blue Lucky Number: 22 Lucky Stone: Blue Sapphire Aquarius Sign Compatibility Chart Natural affinity: Aries, Gemini, Libra, Sagittarius Good compatibility: Leo, Aquarius Fair compatibility: Cancer, Virgo, Capricorn, Pisces Less compatibility: Taurus, Scorpio By: Dr. J. N. Pandey Vedic Astrology & Vastu Expert Website: https://www.cyberastro.com E-mail: caresponse@cyberastro.com Phone: 9717199568, 9958780857 Aries: Today, you and your partner might experience a pleasant surprise, such as a job promotion. Sharing these moments of joy can strengthen your bond and solidify your relationship. On the other hand, if you're single, you may feel lonely or disconnected. Consider going to a movie with friends or colleagues to share some enjoyable activities. Alternatively, reaching out to loved ones for a gathering can fill your day with warmth and companionship. Daily Love and Relationship Horoscope 2023: Find out love predictions for November 17. Taurus: If you and your partner are looking for a new adventure, why not start a project together? It could be as exciting as launching a business or as fulfilling as renovating your home. Sharing these experiences can create strong bonds and leave lasting memories. For those who are single, don't underestimate the potential for unexpected encounters. You never know when you might meet your soulmate. Gemini: If you're in a serious relationship for long, now might be a good time to have an honest conversation with your partner about the possibility of marriage. It's an opportunity to explore each other's desires and aspirations for the future. Use this moment to deepen your connection and understanding of one another. For those who are single, there's a chance of forming a strong emotional bond with someone new. Cancer: It's possible that today, you and your partner may experience feelings of insecurity towards each other. It's essential to communicate these emotions and provide reassurance of your love for each other. Remember, you are a team, and it's crucial to trust one another. For those who are single, it's not uncommon to dream about finding their future soulmate. These dreams can offer valuable insights into what qualities to seek. Leo: Today, it's possible that you may experience a desire for control. It's important to remember that each person in a relationship deserves their space and independence. We can't own another person, so if you find yourself struggling with controlling tendencies, take a moment to reflect on why you might be feeling this way. On the other hand, if you're single, today holds promising romantic prospects. Don't hesitate to ask out someone special who catches your interest. Virgo: Both you and your partner might find themselves being critical of each other today. Instead of focusing on the negatives, highlight the positive aspects of your relationship and avoid unnecessary criticism. After a series of arguments, couples may finally experience some moments of peace. For those who are single, there is a chance of meeting someone who seems charming and charismatic. Libra: Today, be diplomatic and tactful with your partner. Be mindful of your words and actions, and be careful not to offend your partner. Your concepts of love are likely to align with the person you encounter today. There's a strong possibility of a meaningful connection where mutual growth is fostered. You'll find someone whose personality compliments your own. Conversely, committed individuals may need to discuss some plans. Scorpio: You need to inject passion and intensity into your relationships. Show your love and desire for your partner by expressing it through actions like whispering sweet words in their ear. For single individuals, there may be moments of discouragement about finding the right person. It's important to stay persistent and invest effort in meaningful interactions, as promising connections can arise from those experiences. Sagittarius: If you and your partner are feeling restless or bored, consider exploring new and exciting activities together. This could involve trying out a different restaurant or going on a scenic hike. This will bring out your adventurous streak. For singles, there might be a chance for a romantic meeting. If you feel attracted to a stranger, take the opportunity to embrace that feeling cautiously. Take it one step at a time. Capricorn: Have a serious conversation with your partner to discuss any unresolved issues or concerns. Consider the possibility of investing in a joint venture, such as starting a business or purchasing a rental property together. Collaborating on investments can help build wealth and establish shared goals for the future. For single individuals, being kind-hearted may attract supportive and caring individuals into their lives. Aquarius: Your partner may be feeling insecure in the relationship today and have fears of losing you. Understanding the underlying reasons behind these feelings is crucial for addressing them together. It's also important to reassure each other of your love and commitment. Single individuals might encounter disagreements with someone they're interested in, which could potentially jeopardise their connection. Pisces: You might feel a surge of unexpected passion in your relationship. Use this opportunity to strengthen your connection by going on a trip or engaging in new experiences together. Even if minor disagreements arise, accept them as opportunities for growth and understanding. For those who are single, today is the perfect day to gather the courage to ask someone special out, even if their response doesn't meet your expectations. ---------------------- Neeraj Dhankher (Vedic Astrologer, Founder - Astro Zindagi) Email: info@astrozindagi.in, neeraj@astrozindagi.in Url: www.astrozindagi.in Contact: Noida: +919910094779 BharatPe co-founder Ashneer Grover said on Friday that he is not a flight risk. His remark came after he was stopped by the Delhi Police's Economic Offences Wing (EOW) from flying out of the country. Ashneer Grover is married to Madhuri Jain Grover. Grover and his wife, Madhuri Jain, were stopped at Terminal 3 of the Indira Gandhi International Airport. Earlier this week, a lookout circular (LoC) was issued by the EOW in relation to the BharatPe alleged fraud case. I found it strange as I have travelled 4 times internationally since FIR filed in May - never been a problem and I had not even been summoned once, said Grover, who also appeared as investor in Shark Tank India season 1. He said that a lookout notice was delivered to him only Friday morning. I was scheduled to be in the US from November 16 to 23. During immigration, I was informed about the presence of an LoC, he wrote in the X post. No drama. LOC hatane ka process hai (there is a process to remove LoC) - I am not a flight risk - easy to prove, he said, adding that he will cooperate fully with the investigation. Also read: Setback for Ashneer Grover, wife in Delhi HC in 81-crore BharatPe fraud case Why were the Grover couple stopped at the airport? Sindhu Pillai, joint commissioner of police (EOW), said that the couple was travelling to New York and were stopped before security check. They were asked to return to their Delhi residence and join the probe at the EoW office at Mandir Marg next week, she said. The EOW investigation reportedly exposed recruitment firms associated with Ashneer Grover using backdated invoices to divert funds. In December 2022, BharatPe filed a criminal complaint accusing Grover and family of a 81.28 crore fraud, including 7.6 crore allegedly paid to HR consultants between 2018 and 2021. Senior BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal on Friday said the party should not become a part of one family, in an apparent reference to the appointment of B Y Vijayendra, son of veteran leader B S Yediyurappa, to the post of Karnataka state unit president. BJP shouldn't be a family's party: Senior K'taka MLA on Vijayendra's appointment Neither the BJP nor Hindu activists will accept it if it becomes a party of one family, the Vijayapura MLA said, striking a discordant note ahead of the Legislature Party meeting where opposition leaders in the Assembly and Council are slated to be chosen later on Friday. Also Read - Two Indira canteens to come up at Bengaluru airport: Report He also put forth a demand that the leader of the opposition in the Assembly should be from North Karnataka. Yatnal was speaking to reporters after Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, BJP national general secretary Dushyant Kumar Gautam and Karnataka BJP general secretary (organisation) Rajesh G V met him at his residence here ahead of the meeting. Yatnal, a former Union Minister, said all of them sat together and discussed about the developments that have taken place in the last six months in the Karnataka unit of BJP. He said he told them in great detail about those who "got adjusted" (played "adjustment politics") and who betrayed the party in the May Assembly elections where the party suffered a debacle, and the way the party has become "centralised to just one class of people". "They were not aware of many truths. While others are scared, I explained to them what had happened in Karnataka because I firmly believe in justice, ethics in politics, and have interests of the party...I told them that BJP should not become a party of one family. We will not accept it. Neither the BJP workers nor the Hindu activists will accept it," Yatnal, who is a strong critic of Yediyurappa, said. To a question whether he would welcome the newly elected BJP state chief Vijayendra, the firebrand MLA, who is not known to mince words, preferred not to react. He said he will attend the meeting this evening to present his point. Noing that he is not scared of anyone or functioned under compulsion, Yatnal claimed that attempts were made to buy him.' "Yesterday an agent had come to buy me. I told that chap that I have the capacity to buy 10 people like him. Such cheap things are done." To a question whether it was Vijayendra who had sent the 'agent' to him, he said he will disclose when "the time comes." Regarding attempts made by Vijayendra to speak to him, he said: "I am not the one who spoke to everyone. I speak to those who respect me". When asked whether any blackmailing happened in the selection of the state president, Yatnal said, "What else is it? Our honest Hindu workers are getting killed. A fear is created by jailing people for a single Facebook post. What's the reason? All this is happening because of their (certain BJP leaders) 'adjustment politics'." The BJP leader stressed that the BJP was in power when the KG Halli riots happened in Bengaluru, a Hindu activist (Harsha) was killed in Shivamogga and a police station in Hubballi was attacked. "Wasn't our government in power then? Why you did not kill people in encounter as is done in Uttar Pradesh. Why the BJP reached the stage of 66 seats? We would have got 133 seats," he pointed out. Asked about his stand if the demand -- that a legislator from north Karnataka be made leader of the opposition -- is not fulfilled, he said, "Then people and we will decide. We will not sit idly. This is not my nature to tie hands and say 'Jee Huzur.'" He claimed that he has many MLAs with him. The 59-year-old leader said he wants Narendra Modi to become the Prime Minister again. According to the MLA, if Hindus want India to survive, the country needs Narendra Modi to win the the 2024 elections. Its not about Narendra Modi but for the survival of the country, he said. "Today after seeing Israel and Hamas, we feel that if Narendra Modi does not come back then India will not survive." The Karnataka transport department has extended the deadline to fix the mandated high security registration plates (HSRP) for all those vehicles which were registered before April 2019. Earlier, the transport department had announced that the process must be finished before November 17, 2023 but it has now been postponed to February 17, 2024. Deadline to install mandatory HSRP for vehicles in Karnataka extended. Details Also Read - In a first, owners of 10 vehicles fined for HSRP violation in Noida Speaking to reporters, Karnataka transport minister Ramalinga Reddy said, There are some legal issues going on with the installation of HSRPs for the vehicles in Karnataka. So, we decided to extend the deadline by another three months. No penalty will be levied until then. Reddy also alerted the vehicle owners about fraudsters who are posing as authorized HSRP dealers. There are complaints about overpricing and fake HSRPs by fraudsters in the state. Strict action will be taken against those who do not follow the guidelines set by the transport department, added the transport minister. What are high security registration plates (HSRP) HSRP is a number plate which is made with aluminum and fixed on a vehicle with two locks which are non-usable. On the top left corner of the plate in both front and rear plates, a chromium hologram of Ashoka Chakra that comprises of 20 mm x 20 mm in size is applied by hot stamping. This process is followed as a process to be protected from counterfeiting. How to get HSRPs in Karnataka? Visit the website of Karnataka transport department - https://transport.karnataka.gov.in OR www.siam.in and click on Book HSRP. Choose your vehicle manufacturer and fill the basic vehicle details asked. Then Choose dealer location as per your convenience for affixation of HSRP and proceed to paying HSRP fee online. No payment to be made in cash. An OTP will be generated and sent to the mobile of vehicle owners. The owner can select the date and time of affixation as per his/her convenience and the website. The owner should then visit his/her vehicle manufacturer or dealer for affixation of HSRP. A few manufacturers are also providing the HSRP service at the doorstep of houses and offices. The Karnataka government discussed 16 issues including the establishment of the Indira canteen and the slow pace of the investigation into the illegal mining activities during its cabinet meeting held on Thursday. Minister of Law and Parliamentary Affairs HK Patil.. (PTI) ALSO READ | Video of Siddaramaiahs son triggers transfer racket row in Karnataka Speaking to ANI, Karnataka Minister HK Patil, who was also a part of the meeting said, "In today's cabinet, we have discussed in detail, almost 16 issues regarding the establishment of CCTV cameras to be adopted for warehousing, activities regarding Under Ground Drainage (UGD) which are to be strengthened with an additional grant." "Cabinet has also taken note and expressed its concern for slow investigation and for non-filing of chart sheets. It is decided that we should review at the earliest and see what actions we should initiate," he added. ALSO READ | Karnataka seer released from jail after 14 months in Pocso case He also said that the cabinet discussed the slow pace of investigation going on in mining illegal activities. Cabinet has taken note of illegal mining activities which took place from 2008 to 2011 and cases were filed in 2013, 14, and 15. There is a slow pace of investigation in it. We have decided to have another 188 Indira canteens and 4G exemption is being accorded. The Karnataka cabinet on Thursday expressed serious concern over the delay in the release of drought relief funds to the state, by the central government. Congress leader HK Patil.(ANI) Briefing reporters about cabinet decisions, Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H K Patil urged the Centre to be "equally sensitive" and address the state's concerns immediately. He also called the delay in release of funds as "injustice" to Karnataka. The Karnataka government has declared 223 out of the total 236 taluks in the state as drought hit. "The cabinet discussed drought management. The Centre has not provided any assistance till now. We have expressed our serious concern about it," the Minister said. READ | Karnataka CM writes to Union Min Tomar, requests early release of NDRF funds Pointing out that a total of 46 lakh hectares of crop loss has been estimated in the state, he said even the rabi season seems to be a concern. Urging the union government to expedite the process, and release the funds at the earliest, Patil said, "Maybe if they don't take any further action in a week or so, the Government of Karnataka may take some decision...the Government of India will have to be equally sensitive. When we are expressing our concern, shouldn't they respond?" The CM and concerned Minister are pursuing the matter with the Centre, he said, "all measures such as inspection by the central team of officers is over, they were convinced about the situation in the state and have submitted their report to the union government." "After all this, if they (central government) remain quiet, one must understand their mentality. Karnataka cannot tolerate this step motherly attitude," the Minister said. READ | Congress Karnataka unit to be revamped after 5 assembly polls: Jarkiholi Asked whether the state government is contemplating holding any demonstration against the Centre as a mark of protest, he said, "the state government has not yet decided, let them (Centre) be sensitive, it is the duty of the central government to at least give a minimum response in a federal system." Politics should not be a reason for the delay, he further said and hit out at state BJP and its 25 MPs for not doing enough in getting the drought relief funds released. "Instead, they are doing a drought study tour in the state," he chided. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had on Wednesday written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar to expedite the process of releasing the drought relief funds to the state. The cabinet today also gave its approval to extend the tenure of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed under the Karnataka Lokayukta to look into cases of mining related illegalities up to June 30, 2024, while expressing serious dissatisfaction about the progress of investigation and action. Noting that in the last five years in 172 cases even preliminary investigation has not taken place, and in 10 criminal cases filed -- the investigation is still pending, the Minister said the cabinet took serious note of it, as he said charge sheets have not been filed in several cases. At the meeting, discussions also took place on ensuring faster disposal of about 59 such illegal mining related cases that are pending before courts, he said. "The Chief Minister will review things, and the government will look at ensuring positive action for the progress of investigation, and further filing of cases," he added. The cabinet also approved 12.24 crore for installation of CCTV cameras at wholesale warehouses in the state. To provide financial and social support to specially-abled persons, the cabinet has today approved to call a tender for motorized bicycles that will be provided to around 4,000 registered beneficiaries, at the cost of 30 crore. Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) is planning to enter the logistics business in the state and the department has reportedly purchased 20 trucks to make services operational. This main aim of Karnataka government through this service is to generate revenue for the department which is already running Shakti scheme, the free bus travel for women. KSRTC to set its foot into dedicated logistics services, buys 20 trucks. Details Also Read - Six-year-old boy among six killed after car hits KSRTC bus in Gadag Speaking to news agency PTI, Karnataka transport minister Ramalinga Reddy said that KSRTC is expecting to generate an annual revenue of 100 crore through the logistics business. He said, We have approximately 8,000 state run buses belonging to KSRTC and every bus has a space for luggage. Earlier, they used to call for tender and allot the luggage space on these buses to a private player who would in turn charge a fee for customers using the space. This way, the corporation (KSRTC) earned 3 crore a year. As there is room to boost the corporations revenue through the dedicated logistics services instead of just depending on KSRTC buses, the transport department decided to buy 20 trucks in the first phase. The corporation suggested buying 10 trucks, but I suggested they start with 20 trucks in the first phase. So, each of these trucks would cost us about 17 lakh. The KSRTC will have 20 trucks which will be delivered to them by December 10 from Pune, added Reddy. The minister also said that people can book logistic services, just like they book the bus tickets. People book tickets through apps and soon they can even book for parcel services in a similar way. In the beginning, the service will only be available within Karnataka, he further said. BHOPAL/CHHATARPUR: A 34-year-old Congress corporator in Chhatarpur district was run over by a vehicle in Rajnagar area during a confrontation between Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers ahead of voting in Madhya Pradesh on Friday. A police officer stands guard as women voters wait in queue to cast their votes at a polling booth during Madhya Pradesh Assembly elections, on the outskirts of Bhopal. (PTI) Congress legislator Vikram Singh alias Nati Raja, who is seeking re-election from the Rajnagar assembly segment, accused workers of the rival BJP of killing the corporation Salman Khan, a charge that was denied by the BJP. Chhatarpur superintendent of police Amit Sanghi said Salman Khan died after a clash between the two sides but the preliminary investigation indicated his death was an accident. The clash happened between supporters of Congress and BJP. Later, corporator Salman Khan died. The body has been sent for post-mortem... Prima facie, the reason for death seems to be an accident with a car, the district SP said. Vikram Singh said he and Salman Khan were travelling to Akonsa village to investigate reports that liquor was being distributed in the area ahead of voting. On the way, Singh alleged, supporters of BJP candidate Arvind Pateriya attacked them on the way, pointed a gun at him and later, thrashed Salman Khan. They mowed down Salman with a vehicle. He was rushed to hospital where he died, Singh said. Pateriya rejected the accusation: The Congress MLA is lying. He is politicising an accidental death for political advantage. I have nothing to do with it. As many as eight heritage items from Chandigarh were auctioned for 45.09 lakh in the US on November 15. Earlier, on October 26, 11 artefacts from Chandigarh were sold for 1.24 crore in the US. (Getty Images/Purestock) The artefacts, designed by Pierre Jeanneret, included a set of three stools, a set of four office chairs, a bench, a set of four dining chairs, a desk and chair, a folding screen, a daybed and an armchair. Earlier, on October 26, 11 artefacts from the city were sold for 1.24 crore in the US. Also designed by Jeanneret, the auctioned items included a pair of committee chairs, a floor lamp, a desk and an armchair, a desk and a stool, a pair of armchairs, benches, stools, dining chairs and a daybed. During another auction held on October 5, as many as 20 heritage furniture items from Chandigarh were auctioned in France for a total of 3.81 crore, the highest so far this year. The naked bodies of a Russian couple were found in a hit water pool on the banks of the Parvati River near Police confirmed that the deceased are Russian nationals and arrived Manikaran on October 14 (Istock) Manikaran town in Kullu district. The bodies found in Tagri bore injury marks and police said that though it appeared to be suicide, they were not ruling out murder. Police confirmed that the deceased are Russian nationals and arrived Manikaran on October 14. A note asking for their belongings to be sent to the embassy has been recovered from their room, police said. According to additional superintendent of police Sanjeev Chauhan, although there were injury marks on the hands and neck of the man woman and the man, respectively, they were not deemed fatal. The exact cause of death will be determined after a post-mortem report, he added. The bodies, which were sent to a regional hospital in Kullu for post-mortem, were then referred to the medical college, Mandi. Police said the faces of the bodies were swollen. A blade, mobile phone and drugs, suspected to be charas, were recovered from the scene. A forensic team has been called and cops are checking the hotels, homestays and other accommodations to collect details about the deceased , police said. The residents of Delhi yet again woke up inhaling toxic air as the capital's air quality index remained in the severe category on Friday morning as unfavourable meteorological conditions hindered the dispersion of pollutants. Residents of Delhi-NCR have started wearing masks to protect themselves from pollution and smog in the morning in Noida. (Sunil Ghosh/HT Photo) According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), places like Anand Vihar, RK Puram, IGI Airport and Dwarka reported AQI figures crossing the 400-mark at 5am. Delhi-NCR air pollution: Latest updates The average AQI in Anand Vihar was recorded at 447, the CPCB data showed at 5am, with PM2.5 remaining the prominent pollutant. The AQI clocked at 465 in RK Puram, 467 at the IGI Airport and 490 in Dwarka, the CPCB data showed. In some respite for the residents of Noida and Greater Noida in Uttar Pradesh, the air quality stayed in the 'very poor' (still very unhealthy) category, the data showed. The CPCB website showed Noida Sector-125's AQI of 352, while the AQI was recorded at 314 in Knowledge Park - III in Greater Noida. In Haryana's Gurugram, there seems to be no respite in sight for the residents as the AQI stood at 444 in Sector-51 at 5am, the CPCB data showed. Delhi's 24-hour average AQI, recorded at 4pm every day, stood at 419 on Thursday. It was 401 on Wednesday, 397 on Tuesday, 358 on Monday and 218 on Sunday, 220 on Saturday and 279 on Friday. Neighbouring Ghaziabad (376), Gurugram (363), Greater Noida (340), Noida (355) and Faridabad (424) also recorded very poor to severe 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. Recent findings from a joint project by the Delhi government and IIT-Kanpur found that vehicular emissions accounted for about 38 per cent of the capital's air pollution on Wednesday. This reduced to 25 per cent on Thursday. Calm winds and low temperatures are allowing accumulation of pollutants and relief is unlikely over the next few days, an official at the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said. An improvement in the wind speed November 21 onwards might bring air pollution levels down, he said. Despite the Delhi government implementing stringent measures, including a ban on construction work and the entry of diesel-guzzling trucks into the city, to control pollution, the city's air quality dropped over the last few days. According to IQAir, a Swiss company that specialises in air quality monitoring, Delhi was the most polluted city in the world on Thursday, followed by Baghdad and Lahore. But on Friday, Delhi was ranked at 4, while Lahore was the most polluted city. The concentration of PM2.5, fine particulate matter that can penetrate deep into the respiratory system and trigger respiratory problems, exceeded the safe limit of 60 micrograms per cubic metre by six to seven times in these areas. According to doctors, 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. On Thursday, the Delhi government set up a six-member special task force to ensure strict implementation of the Centre's air pollution control plan GRAP in the national capital, environment minister Gopal Rai said. Lieutenant governor VK Saxena came down heavily on the AAP governments in Punjab and Delhi on Thursday, alleging that the former is playing "truant" on the issue of stubble burning and the latter involved in "over-hyped events" like the odd-even road-rationing scheme, while the national capital is gasping for breath due to alarming levels of air pollution. Setting the stage for a fresh confrontation between the LG's office and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) dispensation in Delhi, Saxena asserted that blaming others for the pollution problem will not help and the solution lies within the city itself. (With inputs from agencies) The economic offences wing (EOW) of Delhi Police on Thursday late night stopped BharatPe co-founder Ashneer Grover and his wife Madhuri Jain at terminal 3 of the Indira Gandhi International Airport as a lookout circular (LoC) was issued this week against the two by the EOW, officials said on Friday. The couple was travelling to New York and were stopped before security check. (Ashneer Grover) Sindhu Pillai, joint commissioner of police (EOW), said that the couple was travelling to New York and were stopped before security check. They were asked to return to their Delhi residence and join the probe at the EoW office at Mandir Marg next week, she said. Also Read: Ashneer Grover takes a jibe at 12 sharks in Shark Tank India Season 3: Wish quantity solves for quality The joint CP also said that the LOC was only to stop them from travelling abroad. Reacting to the developments, Grover posted about the sequence of events on his official X (formerly Twitter) account. So facts: 1. I had not received any communication or summon from EOW since FIR in May till 8 AM today 17 morning (7 hours after returning from airport). 2. I was going to US from 16-23 November 3. At immigration they said LoC laga hua hai sir - EOW se check kar ke batate hai 4. I found it strange as have travelled 4 times internationally since FIR filed in May - never been a problem and I had not even been summoned once 5. Flight left in meantime anyways - EOW folks directed Immigration to let us out so that we can return home 6. Today morning EOW summon was home delivered - will cooperate as always, he wrote. He added that the process of removing the LoC is underway. No drama. LOC hatane ka process hai - I am not a flight risk - easy to prove hai, he wrote. The number of stubble blazes in Punjab continued to swell on Wednesday as farmers set fire to vast swathes of paddy fields ahead of the rabi sowing season, in blatant defiance of the Supreme Courts directives. Punjab recorded 2,544 farm fires, a sharp jump from 1,776 on Tuesday and 1,624 on Monday. (ANI) Punjab recorded 2,544 farm fires, a sharp jump from 1,776 on Tuesday and 1,624 on Monday. Wednesdays count took the states stubble fire tally this season to 30,661, still nearly 20,000 short of last years count. Of the 49,992 farm fires last year, 6,703 were reported between November 16 and 30. In 2021, this number was 4,284 out of 71,304 cases. Barring a dramatic turnaround in cropping patterns or an unlikely intervention by state authorities, it is likely that more fires will burn over the next few days and push clouds of pollution towards the national capital. Police officers blamed the failure of enforcement on a shortage of logistics on the ground and a lack of cooperation from residents. Read | Delhis air quality remains severe, no immediate respite in sight A Punjab deputy superintendent of police said, Even as station house officers (SHO) directed sarpanchs to furnish information of stubble fires in their respective villages, nothing came of it. Moreover, there is no scientific system that can provide us with immediate reports of farm fires in real-time in an area so that instant action could be taken, said the officer. Still, the simmering paddy fields fly in the face of orders by Indias top court, which last week ordered the governments of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh to put a halt to all stubble fires. Delhis choked air is resulting in complete murder of our young people, the court said during its hearing last Tuesday. Also Read | Can only seek their mercy: Delhi LG as farms smoulder in Punjab Twenty districts in the state recorded farm fires, with Bathinda on top with 356 cases, followed by 318 in Moga, 264 in Barnala, 262 in Sangrur, 253 in Ferozepur and 225 in Faridkot. Muktsar district recorded 180 active farm fire incidents followed by 179 in Fazilka and 144 in Ludhiana. Three districts, SAS Nagar, Rupnagar and Pathankot, didnt report a single case of stubble burning. Punjab government officials on Wednesday said they registered 83 first information reports against farmers caught burning paddy stubble. Still, over the entire course of the stubble burning season, the police have filed only 336 cases against violating cultivators. Arpit Shukla, Punjabs special DGP (law and order) and nodal officer tasked with curbing farm fires, said the state police has taken strict measures to implement the apex court directions and apart from registering cases, have conducted meeting at all levels exhorting the farmers to shun stubble fire. The first stage of the Graded Response Action Plan (Grap) was enforced in Delhi on October 6 this year. As the air quality in the Capital continued to deteriorate, owing to an array of factors including farm fires in neighbouring states and meteorological conditions, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked the fourth and final stage of Grap on November 5 rolling out heavy diesel-based restrictions, including a ban on diesel-run light commercial vehicles (LCVs) registered outside Delhi and those not conforming to BS6 emission norms from entering the Capital with immediate effect. New Delhi, India - Nov. 15, 2023: Smoke rises from the smoldering fire of burning garbage near Anand Vihar Metro Station, in New Delhi, India, on Wednesday, November 15, 2023. (Photo by Sanjeev Verma/ Hindustan Times) (Hindustan Times) As part of Grap, enforcement agencies are required to focus on road dust and ensure construction sites cover their loose soil and construction material, while also aggressively tracking the open burning of garbage. Read here: Delhis air quality remains severe, no immediate respite in sight However, things looked alarming on the ground during HTs spot checks on Friday, wherein several areas lacked proper enforcement and oblivious from the fact that the national capital was undergoing a health emergency. Constructions continue unabated The largest of construction projects, be it highways, roads, or the laying of pipelines were halted on November 5, three days after private construction work was stopped. During its spot check, HT was able to find both these violations easily. In a busy bylane in east Delhis Vinod Nagar, construction work on a house was in full swing, not only missing wind-breakers required to cover any construction site but the material also lying in the open. A cement mixer churned fresh cement as labourers worked at the site, unaware of the ban. At Mandawali, HT spotted an open drain being built, also banned under Grap. The area of the road was covered with a green cloth which failed to do its job even as dust flew around. Atul Goyal, who heads United Residents Joint Action (URJA), a consortium of more than 2,500 resident welfare associations (RWAs), said they have been receiving inputs from RWAs regarding private construction. At some places, work is going on discreetly, particularly on the inside of under-construction houses. However, construction material is found lying uncovered, said Goyal. Roads replete with dust The Delhi government had on Tuesday also launched a special sprinkling drive across the city to bring down pollutants and dust and deployed 215 mobile anti-smog guns. However, at busy stretches like Daryaganj, road dust floated in the air every time a vehicle passed by. At Shastri Park, mounds of uncovered soil were blowing away dust onto the main road. A source apportionment study by IIT Kanpur in 2016 showed that dust from roads, digging, and agriculture accounts for the highest suspended particulate matter (PM) sources in Delhi, contributing 38% of PM2.5 and 56% of PM10 in Delhi. Waste burning adding to PM2.5 Grap measures require teams to ensure municipal solid waste is lifted regularly and that the prohibition on waste burning is enforced. However, violations were discovered on this front too. HT saw open waste being burnt near the Anand Vihar ISBT. Anand Vihar is one of Delhis 13 identified pollution hot spots and had an average AQI of 406 (severe) at 4pm on Friday. Similarly, waste pickers were also seen setting waste on fire atop the Bhalswa landfill site, setting out plumes of smoke in the air. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi did not respond to HTs queries regarding the open burning of waste. Vinod Kumar, 56, RWA president, DDA Flats Anand Vihar, said several RWAs in the area complain about waste not being lifted regularly. This leads to waste accumulation in the area which is often set on fire, he said. Prohibited vehicles still plying in Delhi On Friday, environment minister Gopal Rai carried out a surprise inspection at the Sarai Kale Khan ISBT and found that some BS3 and BS 4 buses had entered the Capital despite a ban. Private buses were also found parked illegally at the ISBT, with the minister instructing the transport department to run a special campaign to check this. Grap mandates no BS3 petrol or BS4 diesel four-wheelers ply in Delhi. There is a ban on LCVs registered outside of Delhi, a ban on entry of trucks as well as medium goods vehicles and heavy goods vehicles. The Delhi government had on November 9 announced that its cabinet ministers would personally oversee the implementation of Grap and they had found trucks were still entering Delhi, particularly through the smaller border points. A surprise inspection was conducted at Sarai Kale Khan ISBT to ensure strict adherence to GRAP 4 rules. The buses coming from outside were checked there and we found that some BS-III and BS-IV private buses are still entering Delhi. The transport department was instructed to run a special campaign for this, Rai posed on X. Interestingly, HT saw that roads were being washed and water was being sprinkled at the RRTS Sarai Kale Khan site, ahead of the ministers visit. Rai, a day earlier, had formed a six-member special task force to oversee proper implementation of Grap. The task force, headed by the environment special secretary, is aimed at giving the governments fight against pollution special impetus, Rai said. Read here: Can only seek their mercy: Delhi LG as farms smoulder in Punjab A member of the task force, requesting anonymity, said their role was to influence departments to enhance actions during stage 4. Enhanced actions during Grap 4 dont mean cleaning the city overnight of systemic issues. People should come forward to lodge complaints through the Green Delhi app. Air pollution is just a symptom of bad urban governance, which should not be raked up by citizens who become sensitive only during November and December alone, said the official. The Delhi government did not respond to queries seeking comments. Dipankar Saha, former head of the Central Pollution Control Board air laboratory said Grap was an emergency level plan and requires action with similar priority. Until the measures are enforced on the ground, we cannot see its impact. Such violations only point to the need to strengthen enforcement and fix accountability, he said. Gurugram: Local traders on Friday kept markets shut as fresh tension gripped Nuh district in Gurugram after three women were injured when unidentified suspects, said to be children, allegedly pelted stones at a religious procession organised by a family in Pandu Ram Chowk area of the town on Thursday night, police said. Traders protest against the alleged stone pelting incident in Nuh. (ANI) Traders, a large number of them Hindus, did not open shops and commercial establishments on Friday in protest against the incident, demanding police action against the stone pelters. Police said the procession was part of a Kuan Pujan (well worship) ceremony, which was organised by a local resident Ram Avatar and his family. Avatars family and relatives had stepped out from their home to walk down to a nearby Shiv temple when the incident occurred. Police said when the group of around 20 people was passing a local madrasa in the area, the suspects, mainly minors, allegedly pelted stones at them. It was soon after 8 at night. The procession broke up in chaos as the participants looked for shelter but not before at least three were injured. Investigators said that the three injured women were taken to Nuhs community health centre for treatment. A large number of police personnel were deployed in the area soon after as a precautionary measure. No incident has been reported from the area since then. Also Read: Haryana CM Khattar visits Nuh 2 months after communal riots Narendra Bijarnia, superintendent of police, Nuh, who went to the spot to oversee law and order, said the cleric of the madrasa said a few students of the school were involved in the incident but denied they pelted stones. Krishan Kumar, Nuh polices public relations officer (PRO), said the madrasa staff accepted that a group of minors made a mistake but said they were playing with slippers. They (the madrasa staff) said that the children were playing and hurling slippers at each other, which (then) fell on the procession. But, those in the procession have alleged that stones were pelted, on the basis of which an FIR (first information report) was registered. We are looking into every aspect, Kumar said. On Avatars complaint, an FIR was registered against unidentified suspects under sections 148 (rioting, armed with deadly weapon), 149 (unlawful assembly), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 341 (wrongful restraint) of the Indian Penal Code and Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act at City Nuh police station on Thursday night. Officials said that no arrests have been made yet. Also Read | After Nuh violence, Congress MLA holds Bhaichara Sammelan A meeting was held between local members of the Hindu and Muslim communities in the aftermath of the incident, Kumar said, adding that the situation remains under control. The latest incident comes in the backdrop of the communal violence, which broke out in Nuh on July 31 in which at least six persons including two home guards were killed. The earlier bout of violence had broken out when suspects had pelted stones at the annual religious procession taken out to mark the Brijmandal Jalabhishek Yatra. At least 88 persons including several police officers were injured in the violence. Two persons were killed while 26 others got injured on Friday after a bus carrying passengers from Lucknow to Etawah collided with a truck near Sabli Kheda village on the expressway, police said. A total of 26 injured individuals were rushed to Bangarmau Hospital, with two fatalities confirmed. (Representative file image) The bus carrying 40 passengers, including catering supplies for a religious event in Etawah, collided with the truck around 4am. The impact caused the bus to overturn and crash into the divider. Also Read: Biker killed in crash with pick-up truck in Mohalis Lalru Emergency responders swiftly transported the injured to the hospital in Bangarmau. The deceased were identified. Mohit (25) succumbed to his injuries upon reaching the hospital while another driver, Lal Bahadur, a resident of Sahi Kheda, Lucknow, was also pronounced dead on arrival. A total of 26 injured individuals were rushed to Bangarmau Hospital, with two fatalities confirmed, the police said. Among the injured, two remain in critical condition. A 25-year-old woman revenue administrative official has accused her male colleague of the same rank of attempting to rape and molest her after barging into her official residence in Basti district, said senior police officials here on Friday. (Pic for representation) Confirming the allegations, Gorakhpur zone additional director general (ADG) Akhil Kumar said the woman naib tehsildar, an assistant collector 2nd grade, has accused naib tehsildar (sadar) Ghanshyam Shukla of attempting to rape and molest her after barging into her house on night of November 12 between 1am and 2.30am. The ADG said the complainant mentioned in her complaint that the accused forcefully entered into her house when she did not open the door even after repeated knocks in the midnight hours. She further alleged that the accused attacked her with an intent to molest and rape her. He said the complainant also alleged that the accused tried to kill her and insulted her following which she was living under fear for past 2-3 days. He said she mentioned that she had gathered the courage to register the FIR in the matter after three days. He said the FIR has been registered on the complaint of the woman officer under Indian Penal Code section 452 for criminal house trespass, 323 for voluntarily causing hurt, 354 for using criminal force on woman, 307 for attempt to murder, 376/511 for rape attempt and 504 for insulting. Further probe into the matter is on and action will be initiated as per the findings and evidence during the course of investigation, he said. A 40-year-old man was arrested for his alleged involvement in the death of a one-month-old baby during a scuffle at a village arbitrate meeting in Tripura, police said. The baby succumbed to its injuries on Tuesday. (Representative file image) The meeting was called for the infants father who was accused of stealing a book on occult practices at a village in Tripuras south district. The baby succumbed to its injuries on Tuesday and the same day Rina Akhter (25), the mother, lodged a complaint at Santirbazar police station against five persons accusing them of causing grievous injury leading to death of the baby. Of the five, one person, Faruk Islam (40) was arrested. Also Read: 2-day-old Covid-19 positive baby dies in Tripura, its youngest fatality We registered a case under Section 325 (voluntarily causing grievous hurt), 506 (criminal intimidation), 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) and 34 (common intention). We arrested Faruk Islam last night. He will be taken to court today (Friday), said assistant inspector general of police (Law and Order) Jyotisman Daschowdhury. Police said that Najrul Islam, a daily-wage labourer and his wife Rina, residents of Manpathar Madhya Tilla area, was called to attend the arbitrate meeting conducted at one persons house on November 6 for questioning about his alleged stealing of the book. In the meeting, a few people allegedly assaulted them and kicked Rina due to which her one-month old baby fell down from her lap and suddenly stopped crying. Rina rushed to the South Tripura District Hospital for treatment where the doctors said that the baby might have difficulty in breathing due to grievous injuries, said police. Rina also stated in the complaint that her house was attacked on November 8 night after they were assaulted in the meeting. The Jejuri police have arrested a cop assigned to the Pune rural police headquarters in connection with motorcycle thefts. Two more persons have been apprehended in the case. The Jejuri police recovered eight stolen motorcycles from the accused. (REPRESENTATIVE PHOTO) The accused policeman has been identified as Vinod Maruti Namdar, and his associates as Aslam Mulani and Pruthviraj Thombare, for purchasing the stolen motorcycles. The Jejuri police recovered eight stolen motorcycles from the accused. According to the police, Namdar allegedly exploited his position within the police force to engage in criminal activities. Namdar was not only involved in the theft of motorcycles, but also collaborated with a network of individuals to sell the stolen vehicles. Police said, during the last few months, there was a sudden spike in motorcycle theft cases in the Nira region of Pune district. As per instructions from seniors, a team from Jejuri police station initiated a probe in the case. During technical analysis, police found that a man from the police department was involved in the crime. The police arrested Namdar last week and the court granted him judicial custody. Inspector Bapusaheb Sandhbhor said, Probe revealed that one of the accused confessed to Namdar carrying the criminal activities when he visited his native place. More people are likely to be involved in the case. Two staff of Pune city police department, already facing suspension, were arrested on Friday in drug dealer Lalit Patil escape case. The arrests were made on charges of criminal negligence while discharging their duty at the Sassoon General Hospital on October 2 when Patil escaped before being re-arrested after a few days. Patil, an undertrial accused of supplying banned substances and part of a drug racket, escaped from Sassoon Hospital on October 2. Patil was admitted at ward number 16 of the hospital for four months before he gave the security cover a slip. (HT FILE PHOTO) The arrested personnel have been identified as Natharam Bharat Kale who was working as a police naik and constable Amit Auresh Jadhav. The duo was deputed at Sassoon hospitals ward number 16 where Patil was undergoing treatment for tuberculosis and hernia treatment. A senior police official said, On Friday, two police staffers were arrested by the crime branch unit 2 under charges of criminal negligence while discharging their duty at the Sassoon hospital, adding that the arrested duo was among the nine cops suspended after the escape of Patil from the hospital. Kale and Jadhav were arrested under Section 223 (escape from confinement or custody negligently suffered by public servant) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Patil, an undertrial accused of supplying banned substances and part of a drug racket, escaped from Sassoon Hospital on October 2. Patil was admitted at ward number 16 of the hospital for four months before he gave the security cover a slip. Pune city police had suspended nine police personnel, including assistant police inspector Ramesh Janardan Kale, sub-inspector Mohini Dongre, head constable Adesh Sitaram Shivankar, constables Vishal Baburao Topale, Swapnil Chintaman Shinde, Digambar Vijay Chandanshiv, Navnath Bharat Kale, Pirappa Dattu Bansode, Amit Auresh Jadhav and police naik Natharam Bharat Kale. A preliminary inquiry found that the cops were negligent while discharging duty. The anti-narcotics unit 2 of the Pune city police busted a drug racket by arresting two persons near Sassoon Hospital. The police seized 1.71 kg and 53 milligrams of mephedrone worth 2.14 crore in the market from their possession. According to the police, Patil, the prime accused admitted at Sassoon Hospital, had given the drugs to Subhash Mandal via accused Rauf Sheikh who was working at the hospitals canteen. The Pimpri-Chinchwad police in October 2020 busted a drug racket in Chakan by arresting 21 people involved in the production and sale of MD weighing at least 150 kg. The arrested included Patil who was lodged at Yerawada jail. Mandal was Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) accused in a robbery case registered at Rajgad Police Station in 2017. The National Testing Agency (NTA) has added Abu Dhabi as an examination city for the Joint Entrance Examination (Main) 2024. The detailed notice is available on the official website of NTA at nta.ac.in. The JEE Main 2024 registration process is underway. The deadline for submission of the application form for JEE (Main) 2024 is November 30. NTA includes Abu Dhabi as an examination city for JEE (Main) - 2024 As per the notice, Candidates who already submitted the application form have a chance to change their JEE Main 2024 city of examination during the correction period. The schedule of the correction period will be intimated in due course. Based on the request of the Ambassador of India, Abu Dhabi to support the student community of Abu Dhabi, it has been decided to add Abu Dhabi as an Examination City for the JEE (Main) 2024. Here it may be noted that the cities of Dubai and Sharjah are already examination Cities for the JEE (Main) 2024, reads the official notification. Candidates can email jeemain@nta.ac.in or call 011 - 40759000 or 011 - 69227700 if they are having issues applying for JEE (Main) - 2024. For more information, candidates can visit the NTA website at nta.ac.in. National Testing Agency, NTA has released an important notice for Tamil Nadu students who will apply for JEE Main 2024 Exam. Candidates based in Tamil Nadu can check the notice on the official website of NTA at nta.ac.in. JEE Main 2024 Exam: Important notice for Tamil Nadu students out, details here As per the notice, a few representations were received from the candidates of Tamilnadu state who have passed their Class 10 or Class 12 examination in the year 2021. Due to the COVID outbreak, no examinations were conducted for the 2021 batch of Class 10, so accordingly no marks were given on the marksheet and pass is printed in all subjects. To support these students, the Agency has decided that during the filling up of the online Application Form of JEE (Main) - 2024, when candidate selects Passing year as 2021 with School Board as Tamilnadu State Board of School Examination (Secondary), the Result Mode field will be disabled and the associated fields for Marks / CGPA will be invisible for Tamilnadu State Board candidates who have passed their Class 10 in year 2021. For those candidates who have already filled out the application form, the same rule will be applied i.e. field Result Mode will be disabled and the fields Total Marks, Obtained Marks, and Percentage of Marks will remain invisible in the online Application Form of JEE (Main) - 2024. For more related details candidates can check the official website of NTA. Kerala Pareeksha Bhavan will close the registration process for KTET October 2023 on November 17, 2023. Candidates who want to apply for Kerala Teacher Eligibility Test can do it through the official website of KTET at ktet.kerala.gov.in. KTET October 2023: Kerala TET registration ends today, direct link here (HT FILE) The last date to take the final printout is till November 18, 2023. To apply for the examination, candidates can follow the steps given below. KTET October 2023: How to apply Visit the official website of KTET at ktet.kerala.gov.in. Click on the registration link and enter the registration details. Fill the application form and make the payment of fees. Click on submit and download the page. Keep a hard copy of the same for further need. The application fees is 500/- for all categories except for SC/ST and Differently abled. SC/ST category candidates will have to pay 250/-. The fees should be paid through online mode only. For more related details candidates can check the official website of Kerala Pareeksha Bhavan. The admit card will be released on December 20 and the examination will be conducted on December 29, 30, 2023. KTET examination will be conducted in two shifts on both days- first shift from 10 am to 12.30 pm and the second shift from 2 pm to 4.30 pm. For more related details candidates can check the official website of KTET. Union Public Service Commission has released UPSC IFS Mains Admit Card 2023 on November 17, 2023. Candidates who want to appear for Indian Forest Service (Main) Exam 2023 can download the admit card through the official website of UPSC at upsc.gov.in. UPSC IFS Mains Admit Card 2023 releasing today, heres how to download Union Public Service Commission will be conducting the Indian Forest Service (Main) Examination, 2023 from November 26, 2023 all over India. The examination n will be held from 09:00 AM to 12:00 PM and the afternoon session will be held from 02:30 PM to 05:30 PM will be conducted in two sessions- forenoon session. As per the official notice, candidates n as the same are uploaded on the website. The e-Admit Card must be preserved till the declaration of the final result of the Indian Forest Service Examination, 2023. No paper Admit card will be issued for this Examination. UPSC IFS Mains Admit Card 2023: How to download To download the admit card, candidates can follow the steps given below. Visit the official website of UPSC at upsc.gov.in. Click on UPSC IFS Mains Admit Card 2023 link available on the home page. Enter the required details and click on submit. Your admit card will be displayed on the screen. Check the admit card 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 UPSC. November 17 (ANI): Comedian Dana Carvey's son Dex Carvey passed away at the age of 32 due to "accidental drug overdose", reported The Hollywood Reporter, a US-based media outlet. Dana Carvey and Dex Carvey (Twitter) Dex passed away on Wednesday Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Dana Carvey shared a statement on Friday which reads, "Last night we suffered a terrible tragedy. Our beloved son, Dex, died of an accidental drug overdose. He was 32 years old. Dex packed a lot into those 32 years. He was extremely talented at so many things--music, art, film making, comedy--and pursued all of them passionately. It's not an exaggeration to say that Dex loved life. And when you were with him, you loved life too." "He made everything fun. But most of all, he loved his family, his friends and his girlfriend, Kaylee. Dex was a beautiful person," the statement continued. "His handmade birthday cards are a treasure. We will miss him forever. To anyone struggling with addiction or who loves someone struggling with addiction, you are in our hearts and prayers. Dana & Paula." According to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office, Dex was pronounced dead at home. TMZ said his girlfriend, Kaylee, had called paramedics after he had apparently locked himself in the bathroom. An official cause of death has not been determined, as per The Hollywood Reporter. Like his father, Dex was a comedian; he opened for his father's 2016 Netflix special 'Straight White Male' and also appeared in the 2013 miniseries 'The Funster' and 'Joe Dirt 2: Beautiful Loser', reported The Hollywood Reporter. (ANI) Twitter reacts on Dex Carvey's death Many turned to social media to mourn the parents who lost their child. Some expressed gratitude that he was fully vaccinated and boosted, acknowledging that the situation could have been much more severe. An internet user wrote Why do they keep saying accidental? There is nothing accidental about knowingly taking a drug that can alter your life, either temporarily or permanently. I am sorry for the family's loss & being a parent, it is always a fear but it's no accident. Others said Anyone on here hear that Dana Carveys 32 year old son, Dex Carver, a comedian also was found dead from an accidental overdose? My daughter said its all over but Ive seen nothing until I googled.. Sad. BTS Permission to Dance On Stage is set to release digitally, as revealed by Bighit Music. Unlike the earlier Busan versions, this time, the agency is introducing concert versions from Los Angeles and Las Vegas. BTS: Permission to Dance on Stage - LA took place at the SoFi Stadium around the end of 2021. Moreover, Allegiant Stadium hosted the show in Las Vegas on April 8 and 9. Popular English-language songs by BTS include "Dynamite" and "Butter"(YONHAPNEWS AGENCY/picture alliance) BTS Permission to Dance On Stage in the US release date BIGHIT MUSIC is releasing the concert series in three formatsDVD, Blu-ray, and digital code. The digital versions have a total duration of approximately 8 hours, 41 minutes, and 59 seconds (variable). PERMISSION TO DANCE ON STAGE is expected to be released in the United States on November 27, 2023. BTS Permission to Dance On Stage in the US digital copy price Pre-orders for the copy will be taken beginning on November 17, in line with Korean Standard Time. The long director of photography is anticipated to cost $69.08, while the short director of photography will probably cost $63.69. The first section has live recordings of Jimin, V, Jungkook, RM, Jin, SUGA, J-Hope, and other performers from the concerts held in Las Vegas and Los Angeles. More about the digital copy of PTD US Exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes footage with the members will be included in the digital version of the stage show. The members' vlogs highlighting their shared moments and experiences from the Los Angeles and Las Vegas concerts will take center stage in the third portion. The fourth section will feature making-of films and behind-the-scenes material, giving fans an intimate look at BTS's complex creative process behind the scenes of their riveting performances. Being one of the most commercially successful concerts in music history, BTS Permission to Dance started on October 24, 2021, in Seoul, South Korea, and ended on April 16, 2022, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Nani has been travelling across the country to promote his upcoming film, Hi Nanna. A statement from one of his recent interactions is all anyone can talk about, but it has nothing to do with the film. In a recent round table meet organised by India Today, the actor was asked what he would do if he were to receive a call from Karan Johar to appear on his controversial show Koffee with Karan. (Also read: Nani reveals what his son Arjun asked after watching Hi Nanna teaser: 'Why is the girl calling you Nanna?') Nani would rather speak with Karan Johar personally than appear on his talk show. The actor expressed reservation about appearing on Koffee With Karan, given how private he keeps his personal life. He said that while hed be open to discussing films with the filmmaker, appearing on the show is something he would turn down. He said, I will definitely say no to Koffee with Karan. I would say that very politely to him, but I will definitely go and visit him personally and talk. Karans talk show Karan Johars talk show is in its eighth season, with the format remaining unchanged as the show shifted from television to OTT. The shows latest season has seen Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, Sara Ali Khan, Ananya Panday, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Alia Bhatt as the guests so far. Interactions of the host with the guests often go viral on social media, with some of the statements made in the past even being deemed as controversial. Nanis upcoming projects Nani will soon be seen in debutant Shouyuvs Hi Nanna. The film is slated to hit screens in December and also stars Mrunal Thakur in the lead role. The romantic drama will be released in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam and Hindi. Hi Nanna se ems to tell the heart-warming story of a father and his daughter, apart from the woman he falls in love with. Nani has also said yes to working with Vivek Athreya again for Saripodhaa Sanivaaram, which will see Priyanka Arul Mohan and SJ Suryah as his co-stars. He is called the male lead who makes his female co-stars shine. His easy going personality and boyish charm have made Park Hyung Sik a crowd favourite on and off the screen. When he, along with co-star Park Bo Young made a special appearance, reprising their roles as Ahn Min Hyuk and Do Bong Soon in Strong Girl Nam Soon, a spin off of their 2017 hit Strong Woman Da Bong Soon, the ratings saw a spike. (Also read: Exclusive interview with Korean star Lee You Mi: On love for 3 Idiots, Strong Girl Nam-soon and Squid Games' success) Park Hyung Sik loves tandoori chicken and 3 Idiots. The actor sat down for an exclusive interview with the Hindustan Times from Seoul. When asked about revisiting their much-loved characters of Min Hyuk and Bong Soon once again, he says it was also a wonderful opportunity to meet up with his co-star Park Bo Young. "I met Park Bo-young again after a while. I felt that she was still cute and lovely, but also a more mature and deepened person. In the six years that passed, she portrayed Do Bong-soon so perfectly that it made the passage of time seem meaningless. I could journey back to the past along with her, it was truly an enjoyable time. Park Hyung Sik is one of those actors who have quietly yet consistently worked their way up. He made his debut as a member of the K Pop group ZE: A in 2010. His first screen role beyond a cameo came in I Remember You (2012). From being part of the ensemble cast in The Heirs in 2013, it was him as the burdened crown prince in Hwarang and the playful CEO of Strong Woman Do Bong Soon in 2017, which remains a point of recall for many of his fans. Over the years, his mature and nuanced performances in the legal drama Suits and as a detective trying to avert a crisis in the apocalyptic thriller Happiness, as well as the distressed crown prince under a mysterious curse in Our Blooming Youth, have won him critical acclaim. His reserved and stoic characters are a part, it's also his not shying away from parts alongside strong female leads, which have won hearts. He is candid when he says When I choose a piece of work, the criteria may vary depending on the circumstances at that time. However, I emphasise how immersed, empathetic, and entertained I am when reading a script. Further adding, he said, "Since the K-drama The Heirs, I have been learning and gaining insights. As time goes by, it seems the naturally accumulated experiences are reflected in my acting. I want to become a profound and good actor, showing many aspects of life, he responds in all earnestness. So is there a favourite genre or a dream role? I also want to try genres like noir or fantasy. However, if a fun and good part which is enjoyable comes along, that would take priority, rather than sticking to what I want to try," he said. He has had a busy last few months as he tours across Asia for several fan meetings. With the one scheduled in Seoul on Nov 26, he says it overwhelms him to see the love and support coming his way. It amazed me and is also very memorable every time I meet fans from all around the world. Despite different nationalities, I always feel that the love in their hearts is the same. They always bring happiness to me. Whenever I have fan meetings, they often surprise me or touch my heart. I sometimes find myself wiping my tears. I appreciate you, my fans, he responds gratefully. With a viewership of K Dramas on an exponential rise in India, Park Hyung Sik reveals he is a fan of Indian food and movies, and would love to visit the country someday. "I would like to visit India. If I have the opportunity, I want to go! I love Indian food, especially curry and tandoori chicken. I enjoyed watching the movie 3 Idiots. The actor will be seen next in the medical romantic comedy, Doctor Slump opposite Park Shin Hye, scheduled for early next year. What are his expectations from 2024? My wish for the next year is for everyone to be healthy and happy. I do hope for everyone to always be in good health and filled with love," is his heartfelt response. The Crown Season 6 Part 1 kicks off with a man walking his dog in Paris, when he hears a car crash. Yes, the infamous car crash that killed Princess Diana and her boyfriend Dodi Fayed. It's followed by events in flashback that led to the present day. While The Crown is a show that's best viewed through a retrospective lens, the new instalment makes for a rewarding watch that succinctly sets the past, the present, and the future in context. The Crown Season 6 Part 1 documents events leading up to Princess Diana's death (Also Read: The Crown creator Peter Morgan on show's criticism: Judi Dench probably feels rather stupid) Comment on paparazzi culture The new season of The Crown trains its lens on the pervasive and persuasive paparazzi culture. It introduces the paparazzi like blood-thirsty sharks circling the Dodi yacht, which is hosting Diana. She poses in a swimwear in close proximity for them so that they leave her and her kids alone for once, but tasting the blood only makes them hungry for more. Diana tends to attract the paparazzi because for what her therapist describes to her a penchant for drama. The harmless posturing turns into relentless hounding before she can realise. It's no secret that Diana's car crash took place when the photographers were following her. Hence, director Alex Gabassi, cinematographer Sophia Olssen, editor Richard Graham, and composer Martin Phipps treat all the chase sequences like they're from an escape thriller. Diana and Dodi run away from the paparazzi as if they're after their life. Ironically, that's exactly what happens. The best glimpse into this culture is captured in the second episode through a juxtaposition of an ace Italian paparazzo and the official portraitist of the British royal family. Both are introduced and profiled at the start of the episode, with each of them explaining why they do what they do, directly addressing the camera as if in a documentary, yet another form of photography. While the former claims the paparazzi are hunters, and believe in being as famous as their subjects, the latter wants to stay in the shadows and maintain the dignity of his royal subjects. While one represents the tabloid princess," the other symbolises the broadsheet prince. The scene where the Italian paparazzo captures Diana and Dodi kissing on his yacht is also conceived as one straight from a murder mystery. He's commissioned to capture Diana and Dodi red-handed from the latter's father as if he's a hired assassin on duty. When he aims his long lens from a faraway boat on the couple, it feels like he's a sniper ready to take his shot. And when he develops those reels in a lab soaked in red light, it feels like he has blood on his hands. Loss of privacy is treated at par with loss of life here. Creator and writer Peter Morgan also uses the media and fan culture to comment on the gender divide on empathy. While women reporters ask Diana at a press conference only whether she'd ever marry again, the men grill her with questions like, Is he a good kisser? Similarly, the girls on the streets request Diana for a picture, while the boys demand a kiss. Time capsule The timeless perils of the paparazzi culture may lend The Crown contemporary relevance, but the show also serves as an evocative time capsule. From the placement of Nokia cellphones to Panasonic television sets, production designer Martin Childs pays attention to detail in order to establish the timeline of events concisely. He even establishes the difference in space, by juxtaposing the regal yet intimidating palaces and vintage rotary dial phones of the British royal family against the open and isolated yacht and cordless cellphones of Diana and Dodi. Pop culture references like George Michael's music and a family screening of Jumanji also help to put a finger on the chronology. Retrospective lens In the opening few minutes of The Crown Season 6, a British royal family official refers to William as the next king. That rings a bell given the imminent coronation of Prince Williams as the king of England. The new season also projects William as an heir apparent, but also as a shy 15-year-old boy struggling with his parents' separation, and eventually, his mother's sudden demise. By positioning Mohammed Al-Fayed Dodi as the malicious engineer of Diana and Dodi Fayed's relationship, The Crown depicts the late movie moghul in evil colours. In fact, he even pitches his dialogues like he's the mastermind villain in a Hollywood movie. But it's to the credit of actor Salim Dau's terrific nuance and Peter Morgan's inclusive call to not treat Dodi as a collateral damage in his narrative that lends a lot of heft and dignity to this track. One can't say whether it's owing to Queen Elizabeth II's death that The Crown Season 6 doesn't go all guns blazing on the Firm. Sure, Elizabeth and Prince Philip are shown as dismissive of Diana's ways and decidedly cold in the aftermath of her death, there are ample instances that make the queen cut an empathetic figure. She takes time, but does turn around to genuinely mourn for Diana at the fag end of Season 6 Part 1. Even a regret-wrecked Charles insists that he may have let Diana down in life, he wouldn't do so in death. But the sincerity and depth of Dominic West can't save the rather forcefitted prophecy of him saying Diana's death is an enormous event that would change everything. One can say that like the princess, Peter Morgan and the writers room of The Crown have a penchant for drama. But if that allows for winks like these, one would rather not complain: When Diana tells Dodi she wants to run away, he suggests she moves to California, the land of movies that carved his identity. Decades later, a certain Hollywood actor Meghan Markle would complete that unfinished business by relinquishing royal duties to relocate to Los Angeles, California with her husband Harry, the younger son of Princess Diana. Oh, and they also have a producing deal with Netflix. The Crown Season 6 Part 2 will premiere on Netflix on December 14. Entertainment! Entertainment! Entertainment! Click to follow our Whatsapp Channel Your daily dose of gossip, films, shows, celebrities updates all in one place. Fresh fighting erupted between the military junta and resistance forces on November 13 in the border regions displacing around 5,000 persons into India. The resistance forces are challenging the military junta on multiple fronts, considerably testing regimes capabilities to maintain control over the country. The India-Myanmar shared border region has also been troubled due to ethnic conflict in Manipur between the Meitei and trans-border Kuki communities. This photo taken on November 7 shows a man watching smoke rising from the direction of a Myanmar military base in Lashio township.(AFP) Increasing tensions in this region due to escalating crisis in Myanmar and continued ethnic conflict in Manipur pose grave security threat to Indias national security, with possibilities of greater destabilisation by insurgent groups. A recent statement by Indias ministry of defence reaffirms that peace and stability in Myanmar is of utmost importance to India. A calibrated approach may be required to resolve issues in this border region, and a nuance in New Delhis Myanmar policy can be the first step. Indias stake in Myanmar is complex and multifaceted. The terrain at India-Myanmar border is particularly vulnerable due to insufficient military infrastructure. Border security is the primary driver of New Delhis relationship with the military junta. India-Myanmar military cooperation sought to keep insurgent groups in check, but the juntas control over Myanmars side of border areas has lately declined. The insurgent groups have seemingly re-emerged, and porous borders have allowed them to escape security personnel. As the conflict intensifies in Myanmar and resistance forces emerge as security stakeholders in the border region, it may be important to take them into consideration. New Delhi seeks to counter Beijing in Myanmar, which exercises a carrot and stick policy by maintaining close relationships with Ethnic Armed Organisations (EAOs) apart from its ties with the junta. India also has other interests in the country, such as connectivity infrastructure. The Kaladan multimodal project will boost Indias trade with Southeast Asia and also counter-balance the China-backed Kyaukpyu port nearby. The first node in the project is now functional, but further connectivity from Paletwa in Chin state to Zorinpui in Northeast Indias Mizoram via roadways will be contingent on the political situation in the Chin state, where Chin resistance forces largely control the territory. The attacks by Chin forces on November 13 have extended their control to junta bases at Rikhawdar of Falam township, and Khawmawi township along the Indian border. Earlier, it took over the trade town of Khampat in Tamu district, also along the border. The resistance seeks to eliminate the junta from two more camps in a bid to gain more control of the border region. The Operation 1027 in Shan state by Brotherhood Alliance, which included Rakhine states Arakan army, drove out the military from more than 100 camps across several cities in late October. The junta may resort to disproportionate use of firepower and crackdown against the opposition in Rakhine state close to India and Bangladesh borders. The animosity between Chins and Myanmars largely Bamar military goes back to at least World War II. Chins fought alongside British and Indian military officers against the Japanese invading forces, and saw Bamars as collaborators of an occupying enemy. The martial races were selectively recruited from frontier areas like Chin state by the British, which fueled distrust among Bamar independence leaders against hill ethnicities. Chins have posed fierce resistance to the junta, which has resorted to airstrikes due to lack of any effective control over large parts of Chin territories. A number of Chin resistance forces have come together with the Chin National Front (CNF) in the fight against the junta, including some Indian ethnic groups, attracting aerial attacks deeper and closer to the border like CNF headquarters at Camp Victoria. Heavy bombing in Chin states strategic Thantlang town has driven the entire population into nearby relief camps and Indias Mizoram state. New Delhis relationship with the junta may not witness a drastic change given the regimes superior military capabilities compared to the opposition, but harsh crackdown on dissidents and indifference to critical humanitarian situation will continue to attract heavy international criticism for the junta regime. Even as economic sanctions fail to deter it, they can be expected to continue and amplify, thereby shrinking the space for diplomatic engagements. A dialogue with Naypyitaw should highlight that avenues of cooperation may therefore become more restricted in the coming time. Given multiple security stakeholders in Myanmar, depending on a single player may not be suitable for Indias long-term interests. A shared past during the British rule uncovers a comprehensive relationship, laying grounds in the present for revival of key strategic engagements. There are more possibilities of local resistance, such as the Chins, gaining more control of the borderlands, and unlikely for them to be completely pacified. New Delhi can foster versatile independent equations with EAOs in the Chin state to stabilise security in the border region, and open useful channels of communication as the situation unfolds. This article is authored by Akash Sahu, leading an independent policy and strategy consulting practice from New Delhi. The horrors of World War II were so immense that the international community decided to have frameworks and mechanisms to ensure the loss of lives on the scale that was witnessed, never takes place again. About 75 million people lost their lives in World War II, including about 20 million military personnel and 40 million civilians. Loss of civilians lives were not just in the direct war between the nation states at war, but also because many civilians died of deliberate genocide, massacres, mass bombings, disease and starvation. For the purpose of ensuring the peace and stability of the international order, in which the protection of human lives becomes paramount the United Nations (UN) came into existence on October 24, 1945. As stated in the Charter of the UN itself, the protection of the civilian population is a basic element of humanitarian law. Civilians and all those not taking part in the fighting must on no account be attacked and must be spared and protected. Despite this, the reality continues to remain that civilian populations suffer most from the consequences of armed violence. Security officials look on as the United Nations flag flies at half-mast to mourn the lives of UN workers lost during the war between Israel and Hamas, at the United Nations Office Nairobi (UNON)(AFP) In 2023, at least 30 countries in the world are engaged in different forms of war. These types include direct military conflict between countries, civil wars, drug wars, terrorist insurgencies, ethnic violence and political unrest, to name a few. In the Russia-Ukraine war which rages on for more than a year now, as verified by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, a total of 9,614 people have lost their lives, and 17,535 people have been injured, as of September 2023. In October this year, Hamas launched an unexpected and brutal terrorist attack on Israeli civilians, in which more than 1,400 Israelis were killed and more than 240 taken hostage. The ministry of health in Ramallah has stated that more than 10,000 Palestinians have died in the military campaign launched by Israel in response to decimate Hamas and the number is going up by the day. In the Nagorno-Karabakh region, the situation is equally grim, as more than 53,000 people or about 45% of Nagorno-Karabakhs population of 120,000 had left the region for Armenia. Nagorno-Karabakh officials said earlier that at least 200 people, including 10 civilians lost their lives and over 400 were wounded in the fighting. In Myanmar, where a civil war rages on, the estimated casualties in the year 2022 stood at 13,646. In Mexico, a drug war rages on between the Mexican government and multiple powerful and violent drug cartels, an estimated 350,000 deaths have taken place with more than 72,000 people still missing for the period between 2006 and 2021. In Sudan, a war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), rival factions of the military government of Sudan, began in April this year. As of October this year, about 10,000 people have lost their lives and up to 12,000 others injured. According to a Human Rights Watch report that was published in January 2021, the official figures of Uyghurs put through the internment camps, which China calls vocational education and training camps is 1.3 million. Waterboarding, mass rape and sexual abuse are among the forms of torture used in the internment camps. In 2023, UN experts had even sought a clarification about nine imprisoned Tibetan human rights defenders. Thus, wars keep raging on, and civilian lives continue being lost due the various formats in which wars continue to take place. As compared to the drastic changes in which violence gets perpetrated against civilians, the UN charter has been amended just five times since 1945. In 1965, article 23 of the UN charter was amended to enlarge the Security Council from 11 to 15 members. Article 27 was also amended in 1965 to increase the required number of Security Council votes from seven to nine. Article 61 also underwent an amendment in the same year and the Economic and Social Council was enlarged from 18 to 27 members. The charter underwent two more changes in 1968 and 1973 respectively, when Articles 109 and Article 61 were amended respectively to change the requirements for a general conference of member states for reviewing the Charter, and to further enlarge the Economic and Social Council from 27 to 54 members. What has been missed out in all these amendments is the fact that the loss of civilian lives continues. In fact, in the list of wars in 2023, two of the permanent members of the UN Security Council- China and Russia have engaged in brutal killings of civilians. With every new war, irrespective of which format it in, the credibility of the UN only receives a further blow, and this will continue as it has since 1945 unless reform is seriously considered. This article is authored by Sriparna Pathak, associate professor, Chinese Studies and International Relations, OP Jindal Global University, Sonipat. NEW DELHI: The COP28 Presidency expects the G20 outcome on climate change, particularly the commitment on tripling renewable energy capacity globally by 2030, reflected in the COP28 outcome. In an interview on critical issues of climate negotiations ahead of COP28, COP28 Director General, Ambassador Majid Al Suwaidi who is in India this week to meet Indian negotiators said the COP28 Presidency cannot say now that the $100 billion has been delivered. There is time for that, he said. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) said on Thursday that the rich nations have likely met their old promise of mobilising $100 billion every year from 2020. Edited excerpts: COP28 Director General, Ambassador Majid Al Suwaidi (Photo courtesy: Ambassadors office) Has the long promised $100 billion per year since 2020 been delivered by developed parties? The OECD said yesterday that they have likely delivered it last year. We as COP 28 presidency cannot say now that the $100 billion has been delivered. That from our point of view is something that should change. We have called all the alarm, the COP28 President, Sultan Al Jaber has said several times that we need to see that $100 billion that was promised to be delivered. We understand that there are challenges to that. But we still think that there is time but in finance there is time for many things. There is time for replenishment of Green Climate Fund (GCF), for early pledges of Loss and Damage, there is still time for doubling of adaptation finance.There is still time for developed countries to step up and deliver on these old promises. Lets not forget what Loss and Damage is about. Its about how we help people in vulnerable communities, how we help those in the poorest nations who have contributed the least, how we allow people in the developing world to lift people from poverty. Is there a way to verify if that $100 billion has come through? It is not our job as presidency to check these things. We have called on those parties to show us how they can deliver on the $100 billion but as I said there is still time to do that. What is the progress on global stocktake (GST)? How do you think differences in the approach of developed and developing nations to the GST particularly on equity and historical responsibility can be reconciled? The GST is a really critical part of this COP, not only because its the first GST and sets the precedence on how we move forward but also because we know we are off track. We feel that already we had some success on this front. When we started at the beginning of the year there was like a huge difference of opinion on what the GST even would be. From some people who thought it should be a one line that noted the report and from others who wanted to be a giant, detailed thing. What we have managed to do so far is to get parties much closer together. I think we have got acceptance on the forward looking components that it needs to say something about what we are going to do now. Thats what makes it a really powerful moment.There is no doubt that it is going to be a challenging part of the outcome. It needs to say how do we get back on track to keep global warming within 1.5 degree C; what are the things we are doing to get there and how are we doing that collectively. Also Read: World failing to get a grip on the climate crisis, says UN chief on new report Are we likely to see any consensus language on phasing out/down all fossil fuels? Or will it be cushioned as phase out of unabated fossil fuels in the outcome from Dubai? We know that this is a complicated issue for all parties. We have said from the beginning that this is a party driven process, our job is to get parties together to discuss and find consensus and we will see how that is addressed in the text. Its not our job to see what the COP should or shouldnt be. Whats also important to think about is how we are addressing the issue of keeping global temperature rise under 1.5 degree C and the 22 GT emissions reductions needed; how do we get to where we want to be in a practical, realistic, honest and equitable way. How do we provide the finance for it? How do we make it about people and lives and livelihoods? For so long we have had exclusive conversations with certain subsets very focused on ideological principles and look where we are. This is a COP about the next 7 years so this cannot be a COP on points of principle but it should be about practical action. The US has objected to the outcome on operationalising the Loss and Damage fund. Do you think the matter will be reopened at COP28? We had a fantastic outcome from the Transitional Committee (on Loss and Damage) 5 meeting in Abu Dhabi. For us, it was a moment to celebrate. At the end of TC 4 everyone was convinced that this was not going to work and then our COP President, Sultan Al Jaber stepped in and said we are not going to let this happen. We are going to call for an exceptional extra meeting in Abu Dhabi...we delivered a result and these results are always challenging no matter what. Parties have the right to express their concerns or objections. In our subsequent conversations with the parties we felt they are much more comfortable now than they were and we think that agreement can be landed at COP28. Anything is possible at COP and we are not naive. Anything can be opened but we hope parties can rally together. We are focused on getting early pledges, early contributions so that we start to build that trust. What are your key challenges at COP28? Last year there was much debate on who pays for climate impacts with developed countries keen on expanding the donor base to include emerging economies. This is always going to be a part of the conversation. We need to mobilise capital at scale. We know that there are studies that say we need to get to USD 2 to 4 trillion of annual investment and think that where possible many countries are stepping up and providing that finance. You can make a huge pot of money but if it cannot flow to where it needs to get to then its not serving our purpose. Lets focus on the problem which is availability, accessibility and affordability of finance. The GCF for example takes years to deliver, 7 years in some cases. By then economics of those projects would have changed. We need to have those conversations. What are your plans in India during your visit? A. India is a key partner for us. India is the first country we went to visit after we got the Presidency and hopefully the last country that I am going to visit before COP28. Its really about our strong ties and relationship with India. We feel very proud to have been a part of your G20 success story and we congratulate our Indian brothers and sisters on the really successful outcome. We think that we need to see some of that transferred to COP particularly on tripling of renewables and climate outcomes. I am engaging with our Indian counterparts to see how we can make COP a success. We hope India takes a leadership position at COP28 showing the amazing, innovative things happening here. Do you think the perception of UAEs image as a major fossil fuel producer and hence incapable of ambitious action on climate change has changed now? What I really hope is that the global community comes to the UAE and sees that the UAE is not what they expect. We are diverse. We have more than 200 nationalities. We are embracing a new future but we did not come to that yesterday. We have had a zero flaring policy since 1978. Our founding father was an advocate of sustainable development. We have grown our country from the oil and gas sector. But our leadership has understood from day 1 that this is a natural resource that we need to use for the betterment of people. We were pearl divers before moving to oil and gas. We lost the economy when Japan invented the artificial pearl. Those same people who founded our country and know dependence on a natural resource can be lost due to technology. So they have invested in diversification. When we said we want to have a tourism industry in Dubai everyone criticised us and look at Dubai today. Around 70% of our economy today is non-oil and gas. When we said we want to have a renewable energy company and now MASDAR is one of the largest investors in renewables globally. When we said we wanted to host the COP, everyone criticised us (laughs). We are not the first fossil fuel country to host a COP, there have been many in the past. We are a vulnerable country, our climate, the fact that we have to get food from around the world, the fact that we have water scarcity. We understand issues of developing countries clearly because 50 years ago our citizens were living in the same vulnerable situation. A 12-year-old girl was allegedly kidnapped and raped by a man when she was walking home from school in Rewa district of Madhya Pradesh, police said on Sunday. The girl, a Class 5 student, was walking home from school when the accused offered her a lift to her village. (File) The police on Saturday arrested the accused Anjani Kevat (23) in connection with the assault that took place on Friday, Rewa superintendent of police Vivek Singh said. The girl, a Class 5 student, was walking home from school when the accused offered her a lift to her village, the official said. Kevat, however, took the girl to a deserted place and raped her. He later dropped the girl off near her village, which is close to the Uttar Pradesh border, he said. The girl told her family members about the assault, following which she was taken to a hospital and the police were notified, the official said. According to the police, the girl sustained injuries to her private parts but is said to be out of danger. A case under relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code and Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act has been registered against the accused, he said. Hyderabad Monthly financial assistance of 2,500 for women, LPG cylinders at 500, 200 units of free electricity for all households and 2 lakh crop loan waiver are among the six guarantees announced by the Congress in its manifesto for the Telangana assembly elections. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge addresses a gathering after releasing the party's manifesto, in Hyderabad, Friday. (PTI) Read here: Congress releases manifesto, lists out 6 guarantees Releasing the 42-page manifesto titled Abhaya Hastam in Hyderabad on Friday, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said the party has a comprehensive plan for the development of Telangana. We have sensed the peoples need for a change in the government. To ensure that we form the government, we have launched this manifesto that covers the needs of every section of the society, he said. Elections in the state are scheduled for November 30, the last in the crucial clutch of assembly polls across five states, with results to be declared on December 3. In its manifesto, the Congress has categorised the six guarantees as Mahalakshmi, Rythu Bharosa, Gruha Jyothi, Indiramma Indlu, Yuva Vikasam and Cheyutha. Under the section Mahalakshmi, the party has announced several sops for women, including 2,500 monthly assistance, gas cylinders for 500 and free travel in RTC buses. The Rythu Bharosa promises 15,000 annual investment assistance to farmers and 12,000 to farm labourers; while a monthly pension of 4,000 will be provided to senior citizens, widows, disabled, beedi workers, single women, weavers, AIDS and Filaria patients and kidney patients undergoing dialysis under Cheyutha scheme. The Yuva Vikasam guarantees financial assistance cards of 5 lakh to students pursuing college education. Free internet through Wi-Fi facilities will be provided to all students, it said. The Gruha Jyothi scheme promises 200 units of free electricity to every household; while Indiramma Indlu guarantees 250 sq yard plot to activists of the Telangana statehood movement and 5 lakh aid for the homeless. The manifesto also promises to increase the reservation of Schedule Castes to 18%, proportionate to the SC population and the implementation of the Ambedkar Abhaya Hastam a scheme to provide financial assistance of 12 lakh per family for SCs and STs within five years. Under a section called the Kamareddy Backward Classes (BC) declaration, the manifesto promises to increase BC reservations based on the caste census and submission of the BC commission report within 6 months of assuming power. The document also promises to increase the backward class reservations to 42% from the existing 23% in local bodies. To counter the ruling Bharat Rashtra Samitis Telangana statehood pitch, the Congress has vouched to identify those that died during the movement, along with a government job to one person in the family, and an honorary pension of 25,000 to their dependents. We will implement all of these six guarantees and the other schemes listed in the manifesto within days of coming to power, chairman of the manifesto committee, D Sridhar Babu, said. Taking a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao, Kharge said: Today, I can challenge and say no matter what Modi and KCR try together, Congress will certainly come to power. Read here: Telangana polls: KCRs statehood battle plank finds few takers this election Reacting to the manifesto, Telangana home minister and BRS leader Mohd Mahmood Ali told news agency ANI: You can compare the work we (the BRS government) have done in the past 9 years and 4 months and the Congresss work in the last 50 years. KCR is a great leader with a vision. What vision does the Congress have? Their manifesto is a manifesto of lies. A BRS leader, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said: The Congress manifesto is a copy of BRSs manifesto and they are trying to be in power by emulating us. Jaipur: Rajasthan chief minister and Congress leader Ashok Gehlot on Friday mocked Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the latter's 'Bajrang Bali' reference in the Karnataka Assembly elections, saying Lord Hanuman didn't listen to his pleas because he said "hollow things". Ashok Gehlot was referring to PM Modi's Bajrang Bali remarks. (File)(PTI) In the run-up to the Karnataka Assembly elections in May, PM Modi invoked 'Bajrang Bali' (Lord Hanuman) on several occasions The Congress in its manifesto has decided to lock up Lord Hanuman. Initially, they locked up Prabhu Shri Ram (Lord Ram). And now they want to lock up people who say Jai Bajrang Bali," he had said on one such occasion. The Congress party won the Karnataka polls. "PM Modi's 'Bajrang Bali' remark did not work in Karnataka...God did not accept his words. God understood that he (PM Modi) was saying hollow things and he was using Bajrang Bali's name when he was losing election (in Karnataka)," Gehlot said today. Voting for the Rajasthan Assembly elections will take place on November 25. The Congress party has been accusing the BJP of misusing central agencies to attack Opposition leaders. It has also accused the ruling party of attempting to polarise elections. Also read: PM Modi chants Jai Bajrang Bali in all campaign meetings in Karnataka in a counter to Congress Meanwhile, Congress MLA Sachin Pilot said making Congress strong was important for the INDIA bloc's performance in 2024. Today, people are seeking an alternative, and the Congress is that alternative to the BJP. If the Congress becomes stronger, the INDIA alliance will also strengthen. Therefore, it is crucial to win elections in different states to bolster the Congress, he said. Union minister Pralhad Joshi said the Congress has never fulfilled its poll promises. "Congress has not fulfilled its promises, made fake promises wherever it is ruling be it Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh or Rajasthan. They indulge in corruption. On the other hand, whatever promises PM Modi had made, he has not only fulfilled them but has done more work. People of Rajasthan believe in PM Modi's leadership," said Joshi. Counting of votes will take place on Friday. With inputs from PTI, ANI New Delhi: The Supreme Court has approved the administration of Guwahatis Kamakhya temple by the Bordeuri Samaj families of priests that traditionally ran the temple for over a hundred years as it took on record the Assam governments assurance regarding proper management of the temple affairs and infrastructure development of the area in a big way so as to improve the pilgrimage experience for devotees visiting one of Indias most important centres of Shakti cult. Kamakhya Temple is one of the key centres of Shakti cult. (PTI) Taking on record the affidavits filed by the Assam government, a bench of justices Abhay S Oka and Pankaj Mithal okayed the administration and day-to-day affairs of the temple by the Bordeuri Samaj, which the state submitted, was being carried out suitably. Doloi Samaj is satisfactorily managing the affairs of the temple in close coordination with the local administration and the current system may continue, the bench on November 10 recorded from the states affidavit, further noting that following a meeting chaired by Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in August to discuss the development of the Maa Kamakhya Corridor and related aspects, it was decided that the Doloi Samaj should continue running the affairs of the temple administration. Families of the priests of the main temple call themselves Bordeuris, while families of the priests of subsidiary temples are known as Deuris. The head priest of Kamakhya is called Doloi. The Doloi is elected by members of the Bordeuri Samaj and other priests who run the other nine temples in the Nilachal Hills (on which Kamakhya stands). Following the election held in 2021, Kabindra Prasad Sarma currently holds the post of the head priest (Doloi). In its order, the top court further recorded that the government of Assam is taking the development activities of Maa Kamakhya Temple, under the PM DevINE Scheme, which contemplates a dedicated corridor to develop infrastructure and tourism facilities around the temple complex in Guwahati. As announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in April this year, the corridor project includes construction of a new road, a ropeway, a food park and a helipad among other infrastructure facilities. We take on record the assurance of the state government that it is taking up development activities of Maa Kamakhya Temple in a big way under the PM-DevINE Scheme. The said assurance shall be abided by the state government in its true letter and spirit, the court order said. The state government was represented by states advocate general Devajit Saikia and advocate Shuvodeep Roy. The bench was hearing a petition against the orders passed by the Gauhati high court in 2015 and 2017, directing the deputy commissioner (Kamrup) to receive the donations given by the devotees for the development activities of the Kamakhya temple. The impugned orders (of the high court) need not operate now, and we direct that instead of the impugned orders, what is recorded in the aforesaid affidavits of the state government and the prevailing arrangement of managing the affairs of temple shall continue, held the bench while disposing of the petition. The right to manage the Kamakhya temple witnessed a long power struggle in the 1990s when a rival group comprising individuals from the families of the priests, as well as representatives of sections who have traditionally not had a role in running the temple, formed the Kamakhya Debuttar Board, which took over the rights and privileges of the Bordeuri Samaj. While the Bordeuri Samaj alleged that the Debutter Board had manipulated its way to power in 1998, the board said they stepped in because the Samaj was running the temple in an undemocratic manner. By an interim order in 2012, the Supreme Court split responsibilities at Kamakhya, asking the Debuttar Board to run the temple administration, while restricting the role of dolois (priests) to religious activities. Finally, in July 2015, the Supreme Court restored the traditional rights of the Bordeuri Samaj while directing that periodical elections to the post of chief priest and other posts must be conducted. In October 2022, the top court remarked that the temple was not being maintained properly, adding there should not be any compromise on the hygiene standards in the place of worship. At the time, the state government as well as the Doloi Samaj had assured the court that hygiene as well as infrastructure development around the temple complex were being taken up on priority. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday flagged the misuse of artificial intelligence for creating 'deepfakes', and said the media must educate people about this crisis in making. Deepfake videos are synthetic media in which a person in an existing image or video is replaced with someone else's likeness. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday flagged the misuse of artificial intelligence Modi's statement comes days after a deepfake video of actress Rashmika Mandanna, that was suspected to be made with the help of artificial intelligence, went viral on social media. The original video was stated to be of a British-Indian influencer, whose face had been edited with Mandanna's face. Addressing journalists at Bharatiya Janata's Diwali Milan programme at the party's headquarters in New Delhi, Modi also referred to his resolve to make India 'Viksit Bharat' (developed India), saying these are not merely words but a ground reality. He also said that 'vocal for local' has found people's support. Modi further said that India's achievements during the Covid-19 pandemic created confidence among the people that the country is not going to stop now. He also said that Chhath Puja has become a 'rashtriya parva' (national festival) and it is a matter of great happiness. The video of Mandanna had led to widespread calls for regulation of the technology. Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Union minister for electronics and technology, had said on the social media platform X that deepfakes are the latest and a more dangerous and damaging form of misinformation that need to be dealt with by social media platforms. He also cited the legal obligations of social media platforms and IT rules pertaining to digital deception. IT ministry's letters to social media platforms Earlier this month, the Union ministry of electronics and IT on directed social media platforms to ensure that they act to weed out misinformation and deepfakes as mandated by Indian law. The ministrys two letters, dated November 6 and 7, were issued by the cyber laws division of the ministry as follow-ups to the advisory on deepfakes sent in February. They reminded the social media platforms of their obligations under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code), 2021. The letter dated November 6 did not give a timeline to remove such content or cite specific rules. It, however, cited Section 66D of the Information Technology Act, 2000, under which anyone who uses a communication device or a computer resource to cheat by personating can be punished with three years in jail and a fine of up to 1 lakh. In the case of this particular deepfake, section 66D may not be applicable since the element of cheating as understood under the Indian Penal Code, or acting dishonestly to gain an advantage is hard, if not impossible, to establish, Priyadarshi Banerjee, partner at Delhi-based Banerjee & Grewal Advocates, said. The letters also warned that the platforms could lose their safe harbour in case of non-compliance. To be sure, only courts can determine if an intermediary can lose its safe harbour protection. Deepfakes need to be removed within 36 hours of being reported, the ministry said in a separate statement on Tuesday. It is a legal obligation for online platforms to prevent the spread of misinformation by any user under the Information Technology (IT) rules, 2021. They are further mandated to remove such content within 36 hours upon receiving a report from either a user or government authority, the statement quoted junior electronics and IT minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar as saying. To be sure, the law mandates intermediaries to remove violating content within 36 hours only after receiving a court or government order to that effect. When a user, or someone on behalf of the user, raises a grievance, the earliest it needs to be resolved is 72 hours. Five members of Bajrang Dal were issued externment notices in connection with their alleged involvement in multiple cases, including the charges of moral policing, in Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka, people familiar with the matter said on Thursday. According to the notices, the accused has been asked to appear before the SDM on November 22 (Getty Images/iStockphoto) The Puttur sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) Girish Nandan in Dakshina Kannada district issued the notices to the Bajrang Dal members. According to the notices, the accused has been asked to appear before the SDM on November 22 to defend themselves as to why they shouldnt be banished for their acts. The HT has verified the copy of the notices. A police officer based in Putur who is familiar with the developments said: Owing to their (the Bajrang Dal activists) previous involvement in communal cases, we requested for their banishment. The request aimed to maintain law and order only in the region and not any other issues, said the officer, requesting anonymity. Police identified the accused as Lathesh Gundya, Prajwal Rai, Nishant Pujari, PradeepRai and Dinesh Pujari. Latesh Gundya serves as the coordinator of Bajrang Dal in Puttur taluk, and the other four work under him as office bearers of Bajrang Dal, said police. The notices have been issued under Section 55 of the Karnataka Police Act, 1953, citing their alleged roles in communal riots, cattle rustling, and moral policing. Four out of the five activists have only one case against them, said the officer quoted above. The banishment requests have been filed from Puttur Town police station and Sullia police station. The police are considering banishing Latesh to Bellary district and Prajwal to Bagalkote district, and an official banishment order may be issued for up to one year. In July 2023, similar notices were served against three Bajrang Dal activists from Mangaluru, but a court granted a stay on it. Reacting to the notices, Pejavara mutt pontiff Vishwa Prasanna Swami expressed his dissatisfaction with the governments move to target one community. The governments use of banishment against coastal Hindu activists is not appropriate in lines of equality and fairness, he told the reporters. Meanwhile, MP Nalin Kumar Kateel met Puttur SDM Girish Nandan in connection with the notices. What is the measure to banish the Bajrang Dal workers? Even for people who have just one case against them you have served a notice. So you banish me first. Why are you banishing the activities of Bajrang Dal? Before taking out an order please verify. Do not carry out orders due to some pressure, he said. The MP also targeted Congress over hate politics. Speaking to reporters, Nalin said, Congress is playing hate politics. They are banishing workers of Bajrang Dal by slapping false cases against them. This is not right. I condemn this move. I have taken the concerned officer to task. A banishment notice has been served to those who have just one case against them. We will not allow this to happen. After the Congress assumed power, two murders have taken place in Puttur itself. Four people have been murdered in one home in Udupi. What was the intelligence doing? Their hands are tied. Goonda elements are benefiting after chief minister Siddaramaiah has taken charge. District DCC president K Harish Kumar refuted the allegations and said: The police action came as they were observing their activities since years... the Congress government came just five months ago. It is not the decision of the government. He said, The law enforcement agencies are doing their work and party has no role in it. NEW DELHI: The Global South should focus on self-reliance by diversifying production, building reliable supply chains and promoting local solutions to overcome the perils of dependence...on far away geographies, external affairs minister S Jaishankar said on Friday in a thinly veiled swipe at China. External affairs minister S Jaishankar virtually addresses at the first Foreign Ministers' Session of the 2nd Voice of the Global South Summit, in New Delhi on Friday. (PTI) Addressing a session for foreign ministers at the virtual Voice of Global South Summit, Jaishankar said there continues to be resistance to a greater role for the Global South in finding solutions to contemporary challenges despite wide-ranging changes to the world order. Read here: Global South must work towards self-reliance by diversifying production: Jaishankar Though Jaishankar didnt name any countries in his remarks, the reference to China was obvious when he brought up issues such as ensuring the reliability of supply chains and transparency of development projects. During Indias G20 presidency, the country sought to project itself as the voice of developing countries, many of which had earlier been wooed by China through its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The Global South, Jaishankar said, needs to work towards self-reliance to mitigate our vulnerabilities vis-a-vis economic concentrations, since the Covid-19 era was a stark reminder of the perils of dependence for basic necessities on far away geographies. We need to not only democratise and diversify production but build resilient and reliable supply chains and promote local solutions. Only then can the Global South secure its future, he said. Jaishankar emphasised Indias commitment to the Global South by pointing to an extensive range of development projects taken up by New Delhi in 78 countries. These projects are demand-driven, outcome-oriented, transparent and sustainable. I assure you that this will only expand in its scale and scope in the times ahead, he added. India will have the Global South at the centre of international partnerships as it embraces digital delivery, promotes green growth and ensures affordable health access. He also highlighted the growing stress on the global economy, saying that long-standing structural inequities were aggravated by the pandemic and that the situation was worsened by the fuel, food and fertiliser crises arising from the Ukraine conflict. Resource challenges, financial constraints, disrupted trade and climate events have added to our burdens. As a result, growth prospects are as daunting as the SDG (sustainable development goals) landscape is grim, he said. Jaishankar noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that Indias priorities for its G20 presidency would be shaped in consultation with not just G20 partners but also the Global South, whose voice often goes unheard. He said: India has since walked the talk, by hosting the first Voice of Global South Summit in January...to elicit and deliberate on the key concerns and priorities of the Global South. This, in turn, informed our approach to the G20 discussions throughout the year. He emphasised key outcomes of the G20 Summit, including efforts to accelerate progress on SDGs through an action plan, a green development pact for a sustainable future, voluntary principles on green hydrogen, the Deccan principles on food security and nutrition, and the stress on digital public infrastructure (DPI). Perhaps, the most satisfying outcome of our G20 presidency was the inclusion of the African Union as a permanent member. By doing so, we have given voice to 1.4 billion people of Africa, Jaishankar said. Addressing a second session for foreign ministers later in the day, Jaishankar said the Global South served as the anchor for Indias G20 presidency by inspiring priorities and galvanising a path-breaking consensus in a very diverse grouping. Read here: Canada never got back with proof on Hardeep Nijjar killing: Jaishankar The G20 Summit hosted by India brought the groupings focus back to its original mandate of sustainable development. This is demonstrated by the consensus on the G20 Green Development Pact that envisages achieving major global agendas in an interconnected manner, he said. The endeavours under Indias G20 presidency will not end with the conclusion of its term on November 30. With your support, it will continue to be heard as we work to realise our vision for a world where truly no one is left behind anywhere in the world, Jaishankar said. Kolkata: A day after a 42-year-old man died after being called at a police station in Kolkata in connection with theft of a mobile phone, his family on Thursday moved the Calcutta high court, seeking transfer of probe to other agency and accusing the police of torture. HT Image Police have denied the torture allegation, saying the deceased, identified as Ashok Shaw, a native of Bihar residing in Patuatola Lane area in Kolkata, had a sudden bout of seizure and collapsed. We have demanded the release of CCTV footages of the police station during the time of the incident and transfer of investigation to any other agency as the family has levelled allegations of torture against the police, Priyanka Tibrewal, the petitioners counsel said. On Wednesday, Shaw was summoned to the Amherst Street police station and asked to bring with him the second-hand phone he was using. Police officers told him it was a stolen phone. Later, when his family members reached the police station, they found him lying on the floor of the police station with blood oozing out of his nose. The man was declared brought dead after being taken to Kolkata Medical College and Hospital. Following the incident, the family members of the deceased held a protest outside the police station and blocked the College Street for at least an hour. Denying the allegation of torture, a senior police officer said, There was no incident of any beating... he experienced a sudden bout of seizure and collapsed on the ground. Tibrewal, who is also a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, submitted before the high court that the police were in a haste to conduct the post-mortem examination at a state-run hospital without the presence of his family member. The prosecution counsel, however, informed the court that the family did not send any member to the post-mortem examination despite being offered by the police. It is very difficult to go and witness a post-mortem and especially when your kith and kin is one the table. It is very easy to argue but it is a very sensitive thing, the division bench headed by chief justice TS Sivagnanam observed. The court is likely to hear the matter further on Friday. The incident, meanwhile, triggered a political slugfest with BJP councilor Sajal Ghosh demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe. The BJP has also claimed that the deceased was a relative of a party worker. Whenever there have been doubts on any post-mortem, a second autopsy was conducted. We hope the high court will consider our prayer. The post-mortem [examination] in the state-run hospital was conducted by doctors from the state health department. The police are also under the state government. When the allegation is against the police, an autopsy conducted by doctors in a state hospital is bound to be questioned, Ghosh alleged. The ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) hit back, accusing the BJP of doing politics over death. Any death is unfortunate. They (BJP) have no other work and hence they are doing this. They are playing politics over death, TMC legislator and state minister Firhad Hakim told reporters. Five terrorists were killed in the ongoing encounter with security forces in the Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir, police said on Friday. The operation is in its final stage, the police said, adding the identity of the slain terrorist is being ascertained. Army soldiers near the encounter site in Samno in Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir. (Waseem Andrabi/Hindustan Times) South Kashmir DIG Rayees, speaking to press said, Contact was established with the terrorists of the Lashkar-e-Taiba who were hiding in some residential houses of the village. In the encounter, 5 terrorists of the proscribed terror outfit, Lashkar-e-Taiba, were neutralised. The five terrorists have been identified as Sameer Ahmed Sheikh of Shopia, Danish Thokar of Shopia, Ubaid Patr of Shopia, Hanzara Shah of Shopia and Yasif Bhatt of Kulgam. He added that during the operation four AK series rifles, two pistols, four grenades and other arms and ammunition were recovered. This operation has come after a lot of synergised effort of all the security forces that operate in the area and it is a big success because these terrorists have been in a number of attacks on minorities. "Day 2: Five terrorists neutralized by Kulgam Police, Army, and CRPF. Incriminating materials were recovered. Operation in the final stage; area being sanitized," the Kashmir Zone Police wrote in a post on X. Rayees identified the attacks last year in Shopia Kashmiri Pandit Sonu Bhatt was attacked, minority picket in Herpora Batagund in Shopia was attacked, Earlier this year, non-local labourers were attacked in Shopia in which the five militants were involved. The encounter broke out on Thursday afternoon at the Samno pocket of the DH Pora area of Kulgam district, according to Jammu and Kashmir Police. The police, earlier, confirmed that the exchange of heavy fire between the security forces and the terrorists from across the border was still ongoing. The joint operation against the terrorists involves the Army's 34 Rashtriya Riffles, 9 Para (elite special forces unit), police, and the CRPF. The village was further surrounded during the night and lights were installed near the encounter site. While the security forces maintained a tight cordon around the area where the terrorists were trapped, the operation was suspended overnight, officials said. Gunshots were exchanged early Friday after a night-long lull at Samno in Nehama area of Kulgam, the officials told news agency PTI. The house where the terrorists were hiding caught fire in the exchange of fire this morning, forcing the militants to come out. This is a major anti-insurgency operation in South Kashmir since the September 13 operation in the Garol forests of Anantnag in which four security forces personnel and two terrorists were killed in a week-long operation. Earlier, an infiltration bid was thwarted along the Line of Control in the Uri Sector on November 15, Wednesday, the army said. The army and Jammu and Kashmir Police neutralised the infiltrators during a joint operation named 'Operation Kali'. This was the second infiltration bid in the same region. The Army said of the two infiltrators killed was Bashir Ahmed Malik, an important cog in the Pakistan-enabled cross-border terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. His 17-year-old face is tired and haggard; he hasnt slept in six days. Aakash Negi arrived in Silkyara at midnight on November 13, hours after he first received a frantic call that his father was one of the 41 workers trapped inside the caved in tunnel on the Brahmakhal-Yamunotri National Highway. Since then, his eyes have never left the entrance, staring into the debris, willing 51-year-old Gabbar Singh Negi to emerge. Inside, his father is battling to survive. Outside the tunnel, Singhs faith is now wavering. Around 41 workers are feared trapped after an under-construction tunnel in Uttarkashi district collapsed on November 12. (AP) Read here: Uttarakhand tunnel collapse: Auger machine installed as rescue ops enter day 5 Negi looks at the bevy of rescue workers and equipment that work frenetically at intermittent intervals, stopping ever so often when a new challenge emerges. His patience is running out. They initially said it would take just 24 hours with the new high-performance auger machine. Now they have a new timeline which is not certain either while my father and the other workers are trapped inside. For how long can we stay brave, Aakash said. For the past six days, Negi has lived in the small one room tenement that his father lived in at the construction site of the 4.5km tunnel. His uncle, who travelled with him from their village in Pauri Garhwal doesnt even return at night. He stays outside the tunnel all the time, Negi said. Every few hours, they field worried calls from home. Every few hours, they tell them their father will emerge tomorrow. I have been lying to my mother. She asks about his well being for the last six days. And everyday, I tell her the same thing. They bring new machines every day, one after another. Who knows what is happening inside, Negi said. Fifteen of the trapped workers 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 identity of one of the workers was yet to be ascertained. Read here: Uttarakhand tunnel collapse: Rescue op hits another hurdle on day 6 of ordeal Indrajeet from Jharkhand, who arrived at the spot on November 13 and is the brother of trapped labourer Vishwajeet Mahato said that while it was difficult to stay calm, he has been able to speak to his brother inside the collapsed tunnel, and has continued to funnel him with positivity. Every time I speak to him through the pipe, I tell him to stay positive, and that I will take him home for Chhat Puja. He asked me how everyone is doing at home, and I tell him all will be okay, he said. The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Friday quashed the Manohar Lal Khattar's government law providing 75% reservation in the private sector to state job seekers who have a domicile certificate. The Punjab and Haryana high court building.(File) The order was passed by a bench of Justices GS Sandhawalia and Harpreet Kaur Jeewan. The bench was hearing petitions filed by multiple industry bodies, including the Gurgaon Industrial Association, in 2021. The law, Haryana State Employment of Local Candidates Act, 2020, provided 75% reservation to local youth in private sector jobs that offer a monthly salary of less than 30,000. It covered private companies, societies, trusts and partnership firms. The law was to remain applicable for 10 years. The industry bodies had argued that the law was unconstitutional and against the basic principle of meritocracy that acts as the foundation for businesses to grow and remain competitive. The petitioners contended that it would affect the productivity, industrial competitiveness and post-recovery of industries after the coronavirus pandemic in the state. The Khattar government, on the other hand, had argued that the law merely makes a geographical classification which is well permitted under the Constitution. It is to protect the right to life/livelihood of people domiciled in the state and to protect their health, living condition and their right to employment, it said. A detailed copy of the judgment is awaited. The Punjab and Haryana high court on Friday struck down a Haryana law that reserved 75% private sector jobs, paying up to 30,000 a month, for local candidates and found it unconstitutional, delivering a setback to the Manohar Lal Khattar government less than a year before assembly polls. The Punjab and Haryana high court building.(File) A two-judge bench of the high court quashed the 2021 law as unconstitutional and violative of Part III (fundamental rights) of the Constitution. The judges held that notions about individual rights have to be in accordance with the text and spirit of the Constitution and not popular or majoritarian notions. Read here: Haryana govt's 75% quota for locals in private sector quashed by HC The state cannot direct the private employers to do what has been forbidden to do under the Constitution of India. It cannot as such discriminate against the individuals on account of the fact that they do not belong to a certain state and have a negative discrimination against other citizens of the country, the 83-page verdict by justices GS Sandhawalia and Harpreet Kaur Jeewan said. The state, thus, was acting with a telescopic vision and the statute as such is liable to fall foul of the principles laid down by the constitutional judgments of the apex court and the Constitution itself. The concept of constitutional morality has been openly violated by introducing a secondary status to a set of citizens not belonging to the state of Haryana and curtailing their fundamental rights to earn their livelihood, the bench said. The court also cautioned that the Haryana law could lead to similar pieces of legislation in other parts of the country. It observed that it was beyond the purview of the state to legislate on the issue and restrict a private employer from recruiting from the open market. The court cannot see any reason how the State can force a private employer to employ a local candidate as it would lead to large scale similar state enactments providing similar protection for their residents and putting up artificial walls throughout the country, which the framers of the Constitution had never envisaged, it observed. Haryana deputy chief minister Dushyant Singh Chautala told a news channel that the state government will move Supreme Court after examining the detailed judgment. Industry owners and associations across the state on Friday welcomed the verdict, calling the law an anti-business move with the potential to kill entrepreneurship. JN Mangla, former president of the Gurgaon Industrial Association, said the court had upheld the fundamental rights of workers and industry owners. As a private entrepreneur, one should be free to hire a worker, and we had approached the high court as this law infringed on our rights. The court has validated our submission that every person from across the country has the right to work in Haryana. There can be no discrimination, he said. Passed in 2021, the Haryana law provided reservation for a local candidate defined as someone domiciled in the state of Haryana. Under the law, every employer was required to employ 75% local candidates for posts where the gross monthly salary was not more than 30,000. The Act, which covered private companies, societies, trusts and partnership firms, came into force from January 15, 2022. The law was made applicable for 10 years, but was stayed by the high court last year. In the judgment, the court said that the Constitution barred discrimination against citizens employment on the basis of places of birth and residence. The underlying object of the legislation, as has been succinctly put by counsel for the petitioners, is to create an artificial gap and a discrimination qua the citizens of India, the verdict said. Such a brazen act of impunity, thus, cannot be swallowed by the constitutional courts, the bench said, adding the Act imposes unreasonable restrictions regarding the right to move freely throughout the territory of India or to reside and settle in any part or the territory of India. The petitioners which included a clutch of industry bodies argued that the act is unconstitutional on account of being excessively vague, arbitrary, and also against the basic principle of meritocracy that was the foundation for businesses to grow and remain competitive. It will affect productivity and industrial competitiveness, the pleas said, adding that the government by introducing this policy of sons of the soil wants to create reservation in the private sector, which is an infringement of constitutional rights of the employees and citizens of India. The Haryana government rejected this argument in court, saying the law was necessary to protect the right to life and livelihood of the people domiciled in the state and to protect their health, living conditions and their right to employment. The government maintained that the law does not discriminate against any person on grounds of place of birth or residence, but provides employment to local candidates on the basis of domicile. Read here: Gurugram industries say HC order welcome, needed A major electoral promise of the Chautala-led Jannayak Janta Party (JJP), the domicile reservation law was billed as a game changing move by the BJP-JJP coalition government, which used the law to signal to local communities that it will protect their interests. Haryana was also one of several states that have enacted laws in recent years to provide reservation for local residents in the private sector. These include Maharashtra (up to 80% quota), Karnataka (75%), Andhra Pradesh (75%) and Madhya Pradesh (70%). But the validity of most of these laws has been challenged before the Supreme Court and high courts. Reacting to the judgment, Congress Rajya Sabha MP Deepender Hooda questioned the framing of the law and the governments efforts in defending it. It has also become clear that the real BJP-JJP agreement was not about 5100 pension and 75% reservation, but about openly engaging in corruption together, he told media. The Congress on Friday issued a new statement on the Israel-Hamas war and condemned Israel's actions terming them genocidal. The top Israeli leadership are making statements making the genocidal intent clear and PM Benjamin Netanyahu himself called for turning parts of Gaza "to rubble", the Congress statement noted, urging the Indian government to pressurise the governments of the US, Israel and the EU to stop the violence. Congress issued a fresh statement on the Israel-Hamas war on Friday.(PTI) In a statement issued by Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh, the party said it is shocking that many influential countries are lending their "unstinting support" to Israel's actions. "The double standards being applied in Ukraine and in Gaza is apparent," the statement said. "The need of the hour is to de-escalate and to declare a ceasefire immediately. The world cannot watch in silence as a second Nakba unfolds and the ethnic cleansing and dispossession of the Palestinians, as was done in 1948, is carried out once again with impunity," the statement read. Before Friday's statement, the Congress issued at least two statements on the Israel-Hamas issue after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7. In its first statement, Congress condemned the attack on Israel and said violence never provides any solution. After a Congress Working Committee meeting, the party issued another statement in which it underlined its support of the Palestinian people's right to "land (and) self-government, and to live with dignity and respect". Friday's statement came Gaza's largest hospital Al Shifa hospital was bombed and the Israel Defense Forces started raiding the hospital suspecting a command centre of the Hamas underneath the hospital. The IDF claimed it had uncovered a Hamas tunnel shaft and a vehicle with weapons at the Al Shifa hospital complex. Gaza health ministry said 24 patients died in the hospital in the last two days owing to power cuts as the IDF was combing through the hospital looking for Hamas hideouts. PM Modi condemned the October 7 attack on Israel and assured Palestine of India's long-standing principles position on the Israel-Palestine issue. At the Global South Summit on Friday, PM Modi said, "India has condemned the horrific terrorist attacks in Israel on October 7. Along with restraint, we have also emphasised on dialogue and diplomacy. We strongly condemn the deaths of civilians in the conflict between Israel and Hamas". Hyderabad Income Tax officials on Thursday conducted searches at the residence of Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) lawmaker from Miryalguda assembly constituency, Nallamothu Bhaskar Rao, and the companies of his close associates on the suspicion of hoarding of huge cash meant for distribution during the November 30 assembly elections in Telangana, people familiar with the matter said. Nallamothu Bhaskar Rao (Ani) Around 40 teams of the I-T department began the search operations at three different places Hyderabad, Nalgonda and Miryalguda, simultaneously, since early hours of Thursday. The operations are likely to go on till late in the night. Rao is contesting as the BRS candidate from Miryalguda for a third term. A BRS leader familiar with the development said the searches were conducted at the MLAs residence at Sakhapuram village of Nidamanuru block and the residences of his sons and relatives, besides at Mukundapuram solvent oil mill in Tripuraram Mandal and Mahendra oil mill at Nehru Ganj in Nalgonda. Searches were also conducted at the residence of the MLAs close follower Sridhar Rao and that of three other relatives of Rao in Hyderabad. The MLA is believed to have made huge investments in real estate and infrastructure companies, the party leader quoted above said. The Income Tax department raids were carried out based on the tip-off that a huge amount of unaccounted cash was stored with him for election spending. Bhaskar Rao, however, refuted the reports that the Income Tax authorities had raided his house in his village. I understand, the I-T department officials are conducted searches in some of the rice mills and other companies of my associates. They havent contacted me. If any such raids are happening, how can I be among the people campaigning in the villages? he asked, while speaking to reporters at Vemulapalli village. The MLA accused the opposition parties of spreading false propaganda against him. If I have any black money or am in possession of unauthorised cash, I will surrender it to the I-T department, he said. Meanwhile, unconfirmed reports from Chennur in Mancherial district said the flying squads of the Election Commission had confiscated 50 lakh cash from the employees of the firms belonging to former MP G Vivek, who is contesting as Congress candidate from Chennur assembly constituency. The money is suspected to be meant for spending in the elections on behalf of the Congress candidate. Neither the EC nor the police have issued any statement confirming the seisure of the cash yet. Earlier on November 13, the Income Tax officials had conducted searches at the residence of state education minister Sabitha Indra Reddys relatives in Hyderabad. Union minister Piyush Goyal met US President Joe Biden at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) welcome reception on Thursday. Union minister Piyush Goyal meets US President Joe Biden at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) welcome reception on Thursday. "It was an honour meeting @POTUS at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) welcome reception yesterday," the Union commerce and industry minister wrote on social media platform X. Later, Piyush Goyal told news agency ANI that Joe Biden had conveyed his greetings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and he acknowledged that the countries which were not responsible for creating the environmental degradation in the first place are the countries which get impacted the most. I met him last night and he did acknowledge the fact the countries which were not responsible for creating the environmental degradation in the first place are the countries which get impacted the most. I think that's a very big message, a very big endorsement of what PM Modi and India have been saying at various world forums. It clearly shows that Prime Minister Modi's consistent stand on climate issues, the positivity with which he engages as well as the clear message that he gives out in all of his engagements has resonated with the world and India and the US have resolved to work closely together, Goyal told ANI. "We have launched a new fund today where the governments of both countries are going to actively contribute and we hope that this will act like a catalyst for large pools of capital to now look at and focus on investments in India." he added. US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden on Wednesday, hosted a welcome reception for world leaders attending the APEC Summit. Goyal was invited to attend the APEC Summit in San Francisco. The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation grouping has 21 members. However, India is not one of them. It had made a request to join the grouping in 1991. While a majority of members are in favour of India's inclusion, some have opposed it, citing the country's record on economic reforms and claiming that it has' protectionist instincts'. Another reason for India not being included in the grouping was a membership freeze, which was in force since 1997 but was not extended in 2012. Piyush Goyal meets US secretary of treasury Janet Yellen Meanwhile, Goyal also met US Secretary of Treasury Janet Yellen. In a post shared on X, Yellen stated, "Wonderful to meet the US Secretary of the Treasury, @SecYellen." Goyal, who is on a four-day visit to the US, held a meeting with Peru's Minister of foreign trade and tourism Juan Carlos Mathews. The two leaders discussed the progress of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations between India and Peru. "Met H.E. Juan Carlos Mathews, Minister of Foreign Trade & Tourism, Republic of Peru. Discussed the progress of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations between India & Peru," Piyush Goyal wrote on X. Goyal also met Qualcomm Technology Licensing and Global Affairs President Alex Rogers. "Met Mr Alex Rogers, President, Qualcomm Technology Licensing & Global Affairs. Discussed the vast opportunities for collaboration that India's rapidly evolving semiconductor ecosystem & robust innovation landscape offers," the Union minister posted on X. He also met Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders' Meeting 2023. He also attended the Partnership for Global Infrastructure Investment (PGII), and IPEF Investment Forum. Modi congratulated US commerce secretary Gina Raimondo and senior advisor to US President Amos Hochstein for the initiative. Goyal said, "Delighted to join leaders, colleagues from Indo-Pacific, and doyens of global finance at the Partnership for Global Infrastructure Investment (PGII), IPEF Investment Forum. Many congratulations to US Commerce Secretary @SecRaimondo and Senior Advisor to the US President @Amoshochstein for this important initiative." "It has facilitated fantastic discussions filled with great enthusiasm. I am optimistic of positive outcomes for India and the region. Glad to see that the world is looking up to India as an avenue for global investment. It is a recognition of PM @NarendraModi ji's transformational efforts in enhancing ease of doing business, ushering in transparency in business regulatory ecosystem and delivering sustainable growth & development. I welcome the announcement of the US-India Green Transition Fund of US Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF). I am confident that this catalytic fund will help achieve India's ambitious goals on renewable energy generation," he added. Chitradurga Murugharajendra Bruhan Mutt former pontiff Shivamurthy Sharanaru, who has been in judicial custody since 14 months facing charges under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act was released from jail on Thursday, police said. A case against the seer was registered on August 26, 2022, at Nazarabad police station in Mysuru (HT File photo) The seer who was released at 12.40 pm on Thursday, accompanied by his devotees, left the prison premises and proceeded to Davangere, adhering to the Karnataka high courts directive that restricted his entry in Chitradurga district. The high court had granted bail to the seer on November 8 in two cases related to the sexual assault of two high school girls. The release order was issued by the second additional district and sessions court in Chitradurga on Wednesday after examining the conditions imposed by the HC and verifying the documents but due to a delay in reaching the jail, the release process was completed on Thursday. On Thursday morning, a plea filed by the government counsel on behalf of the prosecution sought to convert the body warrant issued against the seer in the second Pocso case into a judicial custody order, essentially seeking to stop his release from jail. During the hearing, the prison superintendent, MM Marakatti, sought the judges opinion on the legal complexities surrounding his release while a petition seeking judicial custody was underway. In response, the judge instructed the prosecution to provide a written communication regarding the demand for judicial custody in the second case and adjourned the hearing, allowing the release process to take place. A case against the seer was registered on August 26, 2022, at Nazarabad police station in Mysuru for allegedly sexually assaulting two minor students under the Pocso Act and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The case was subsequently transferred to Chitradurga rural police station, leading to his arrest on September 1. After his release, the seer refrained from commenting on the case, stating, I will not talk about this case for now. He reiterated the advice from his legal counsel to remain silent on the matter. Considering the courts stipulation that the seer cannot reside in Chitradurga, he was moved to Davangere Viraktha Mutt after leaving jail, people familiar with the matter said. The courts conditions for his bail include refraining from visiting Chitradurga until the trial concludes, providing surety, attending court proceedings through video conference, submitting a bond surety of 2 lakh, surrendering the passport to the court, and refraining from threatening witnesses or engaging in repeated offences. Meanwhile, KV Stanley convener of Mysuru-based NGO, Odanadi Seva Samsthe that filed the complaint against the pontiff expressed disappointment over the seers bail saying his release would impact the survivors. Muruga Shrees bail was granted due to the investigating officers mistakes. Only if a high-level investigation agency had been involved, the release would not have occurred so easily, Stanley said. The release of the accused will potentially impact the affected children. Swamijis devotees have raised slogans outside the jail... this will cause fear among the victims. Odanadi will continue the legal battle for the cancellation of his bail, Stanley added. PRAYAGRAJ: The Allahabad high court on Thursday reserved its order on an application seeking appointment of a court-monitored advocate commissioner to survey the Shahi Eidgah premises, adjoining the Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi temple in Mathura. HT Image The application was moved by the Hindu side in the pending suit that seeks removal of Shahi Eidgah, claiming it was built on a Hindu temple. After hearing both parties, Justice Mayank Kumar Jain reserved the order. The application in suit number one, titled Bhagwan Sri Krishna Virajman Vs Uttar Pradesh Sunni Central Board, was moved on behalf of plaintiffs, including the deity, for appointment of the court-monitored commissioner to inspect the disputed property. The petitioners have claimed that the birthplace of lord Krishna lies beneath the mosque and that there are a number of signs that establish the building in question is a Hindu temple. There is a pillar having a lotus-shaped top which is a classic characteristic of Hindu temples and the image of Sheshnaag [Hindu mythological serpent] one of the Hindu deities who protected Lord Krishna on the night of his birth, advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, the counsel for the plaintiffs, contended before the court. The application further requested that a commission may be appointed with specific directions to submit its report after conducting a survey within some stipulated time period. A further direction was sought for photography and videography of the entire proceedings. The Muslim side opposed the application, with the Sunni Central Board contending that no order was required to be passed at this stage as their objection regarding the maintainability of suit was pending. In May this year, the Allahabad high court transferred to itself all the suits pending before the Mathura court praying for various reliefs pertaining to the Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Eidgah dispute. Madhya Pradesh home minister and BJP candidate Narottam Mishra on Friday said pressing the Lotus button (symbol of the saffronn party) will bring happiness to India, however, celebrations in Pakistan will ensue if any political party other than BJP wins the ongoing state assembly election. He gave the remarks after casting his vote in Datia assembly constituency. BJP leader Narottam Mishra (L). Congress leader Kamal Nath (R)(ANI/PTI) In Madhya Pradesh, pressing the Lotus button is seen as a signal for the army to reinforce border security. The prospect of PM Modi winning has left Pakistan disappointed. The Kamal button is seen as a deterrent to terrorists, instilling fear in them, Mishra told PTI. The Congress has denounced the minister's remarks saying his claim has no fact or truth. Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) chief and party's candidate Kamal Nath said, "Let Narottam Mishra himself win first and then talk about Pakistan." He further said that the BJP is making such remarks because it is not left with anything. They are saying such things out of frustration, he added. A total of 64,626 polling stations have been set up in the state. Among these, 64,523 are main booths and 103 associate (sahayak) stations, where the number of electors is more than 1,500, CEO Anupam Rajan said. As many as 5,60,58,521 voters, including 2,87,82,261 males, 2,71,99,586 females and 1,292 third gender persons, are eligible to exercise their franchise. The total number of voters also includes service and overseas electors, Rajan informed. A new and more powerful drilling machine was finally pushed into service in the third attempt by rescue officials to create a passage large enough to evacuate 40 workers who have been trapped behind a 70-metre-thick wall of debris inside a 4.5km-long tunnel in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand for more than 100 hours as of late Thursday night. Heavy machinery moves outside the tunnel in Uttarkashi. (REUTERS) The new state-of-the-art auger machine was able to drill through nine metres in the first six hours of its operation which started at 10.30am on Thursday morning, National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) officials said. At this pace, it will take at least another two days to reach the workers, they said at a time when concerns over the safety and health of the workers trapped with low oxygen and scant nourishment is mounting. As of midnight on Thursday, the workers were trapped in the tunnel behind a cave-in for 114 hours, even as NHIDCL officials assured the families of those trapped that all were alive and were being provided supplies through a water pipe. Meanwhile, the size of the debris has increased from 50-55m initially to 65-70m after repeated cave-ins, said a Railways official who is involved in the rescue operation and did not wish to be identified. A portion of the under-construction tunnel from Silkyara to Dandalgaon on the Yamunotri National Highway (NH) collapsed at around 5.30am on Sunday, trapping 40 workers around 260m from the tunnel entrance at the Silkyara end. After four days of wait, 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 working fast enough to rescue the trapped men. The rescue operation is being managed by the National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF) and Uttarakhand Disaster Management Authority, while the drilling is being done by NHIDCL. NDRF officials at the spot said they are awaiting the completion of the drilling after which they can enter and bring back the workers. In the first four days of operations, two rescue attempts to cut through the wall of rock blocking the tunnel had failed to the despair of the families and colleagues of the workers. In the first attempt, rescue workers tried to dig through the rubble 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 air). However, loose rock and sand kept collapsing, rendering the strategy unsuccessful. In the second attempt, they tried to create a hole using an auger machine and fitting in large pipes inside which workers can crawl out of. This plan failed as the drilling machine was rendered useless as it was damaged after the drill hit a boulder on Tuesday night. Now, a state-of-the-art American-made auger machine, which officials said is more capable and powerful than the one used previously was requisitioned in three parts that were flown in from Delhi on Wednesday evening. The machine started drilling early on Thursday. While the previous 35HP (horse power) auger machine had a capacity to penetrate at the rate of 1m per hour, the new 175-200HP machine can cut through rock at 5m per hour, officials said. Col Deepak Patil, an official of NHIDCL and in charge of the drilling operation, said, We have started the drilling process using the high performance auger machine to rescue the trapped workers. On the possibility of failure of the current plan, he said: The equipment and machines for an alternative plan is already on wheels. But there are high chances that the current plan will succeed. We are going ahead more cautiously so that we shouldnt damage the equipment... there could be twisted metal lattice girders and ribs in the rubble and impediments inside. However, there chances of boulders in the debris are less. Aakash Negi (17), the son of trapped worker Gabbar Singh Negi (51) of Kotdwar, said he once again spoke to his father through a pipe on Thursday morning. Every time we speak to him, he says he is fine. But I know he is living in a difficult situation. Hope he is taken out by the rescuers very soon. Had the rescuers brought the bigger machine much earlier, it would have saved precious time, he said. Officials, however, have been unable to deliver on their timelines so far, blaming lack of proper geological inputs on how to work in a soft mountain range prone to landslides. We cant predict the timeline when the auger machine will be over and trapped labourers will be rescued. We dont have machines that can see inside the rock. The speed of drilling could increase or decrease as per the circumstances, Patil said. Officials familiar with the matter said that they are also faced with the possibility that one of the excavators may be under the rubble, and if the drilling machine hits that, then it may be another hurdle. On this possibility, Patil said that the excavators are generally parked on the far side. The probability of vehicles coming in the way of drilling machine is very low... unless the vehicles toppled and fell towards the centre... which is also unlikely, he said. Union minister General VK Singh (retired) also visited the site and spoke to the trapped labourers. The new machine is faster and powerful. We are aiming to complete the task in two-three days. It could be done sooner... but we have set an outer limit so that obstructions can be addressed, he said addressing a press conference. All efforts are being taken to rescue the trapped labourers. I have spoken to labourers. Their morale is high. Meanwhile, an earthquake of magnitude 3.1 struck Uttarkashi district in Uttarakhand at 2.01am on Thursday, the National Centre for Seismology said. While rescuers initially feared a disruption in the rescue operation, they said they were able to continue without any hindrance. The Capital once again struggled to shrug off the grey sheet that has shrouded it for five days, with waves of smoke from Punjabs burning paddy fields pushing Delhis air quality index (AQI) deeper into the severe zone on Thursday. A blanket of haze shrouds Lodhi Garden on Thursday. (Arvind Yadav/HT Photo) Delhi has been shackled in a pollution hot box since Diwali, with farm fire smoke feeding the citys bad air crisis, and still winds doing little to free the air of pollutants. This run was extended on Thursday, when Delhi clocked an AQI of 419 at 4pm, a reading firmly in the hazardous severe zone, according to the Central Pollution Control Boards (CPCB) official bulletin. By 10pm, this number surged to 440. Delhis AQI was severe on Wednesday too, with a reading of 401 according to CPCBs initial bulletin. But the agency later revised this number to 398 (very poor), citing a faulty reading. However, a difference of three AQI points is no more than a technicality. The air is just as filthy in both cases, with devastating long-term health impacts for people across ages. Thursdays pollution was driven largely by farm fire smoke, with authorities in Punjab failing to get a grip on the uncontrolled burning of paddy fields as the rabi sowing season nears. While the number of fires in the agrarian state dipped to 1,271 (from 2,544 a day ago), stubble smoke usually takes between one or two days to travel from Punjab to Delhi, depending on the direction and speed of high transport winds, said Mahesh Palawat, vice-president, at Skymet, a private weather forecaster. If the wind speed is strong up to 10-15km/hr it takes around 24 hours or even less. If it is slower, it can take up to 36 hours, he said, adding that the impact of farm fires recorded the previous day reflects in Delhis air the next day. So, the Capital is now feeling the combined effects of a rise in farm fires in the agrarian state and northwesterly winds over the previous six days. Punjab has now recorded 31,932 fires between September 30 and November 16 this year. The count at the same time last year was 46,822. According to local officials, around 95% of states paddy fields have been cleared or harvested. After almost stopping on the two days before Diwali November 10 and November 11 due to a censure by the Supreme Court, farm fires in Punjab have been back to the levels seen earlier this month from November 12. On November 11, Punjab logged 106 farm fires, which jumped to 987 the next day and further to 1,624 on November 13. The surge continued with 1,776 on November 14 and 2,544 a day later. For much of Thursday, just like previous two days, winds blew in from the northwest, helping this noxious smoke travel hundreds of kilometres and settle over the national capital. However, the direction of winds switched to northeasterly later in the day, with forecasters predicting that Delhis pollution levels will, as a result, drop marginally over the next few days. Still, the AQI will likely remain very poor over the weekend and the initial parts of next week, the predictions said. Delhis air quality is likely to be in the very poor category from Friday till Sunday. The outlook for the subsequent six days shows the air quality is likely to remain in the very poor category, said the forecast by the Union ministry of earth sciences Early Warning System (EWS). CPCB data also showed that the first half of November ended with an average AQI of 376 for the city, an increase from 345 in the corresponding period last year, but less polluted than 2021 (385), 2020 (387) and 2019 (376). Delhis blushes were saved by the spell of between November 9 and 10, which pushed the AQI below 300. Without those three days the AQI was 279 on November 10, 220 on November 11 and 218 on November 12 Delhis average for the first fortnight of November would be 410. The grey tint across the city also impaired visibility, especially in the morning. The visibility dipped to 200 metres in parts of the city at 7.30am, said the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the inaugural session of the Second Voice of Global South Summit, said India strongly condemned the deaths of civilians in the ongoing conflict between Israeli forces and Hamas militants. Prime Minister Narendra Modi (ANI) Modi said new challenges are emerging from the situation in western Asia. "...We all are seeing that new challenges are emerging from the events in the West Asia region. India has condemned the terrorist attack in Israel on October 7. We have exercised restraint as well. We have given emphasis on dialogue and diplomacy. We also strongly condemn the deaths of civilians in the conflict between Israel and Hamas," Modi said at the summit. Modi also said after speaking to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, India has sent humanitarian aid to the people of Palestine. This is the time when the countries of the Global South should unite for the greater global good, the prime minister said. On the occasion, Modi called for cooperation under the framework of five Cs - consultation, communication, cooperation, creativity, capacity building. Modi also said India believes that new technology should not widen the gap between the Global North and the Global South. "During the times of Artificial Intelligence, it is important that technology should be used responsibly. To further promote this, next month, India will organise the ArtificiaI Global Partnership Summit...," he said. Ministry of external affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi earlier said the summit would be held in virtual mode and the inaugural session would be led by Modi. Bagchi said the opening segments of each of these sessions will be live-streamed. The MEA earlier said that throughout its G20 Presidency, India has made an effort to guarantee that the issues facing the Global South are given the attention they deserve and that their objectives are taken into account when developing answers to the world's most urgent problems. The 2nd VOGSS would focus on sharing with countries of the Global South the key outcomes achieved in various G20 meetings over the course of India's Presidency. The challenges posed by global developments are also likely to be discussed. Further, the summit will serve as a platform to discuss ways to sustain the momentum generated towards the common aspiration of a more inclusive, representative and progressive world order. The second VOGSS will be structured into 10 sessions. The inaugural and concluding sessions would be at the head of state/government level, and hosted by Modi. The theme of the inaugural leaders' session is "Together, for Everyone's Growth, with Everyone's Trust" and that of the concluding leaders' session is "Global South: Together for One Future", the MEA said. The summit, in addition, will also have eight ministerial sessions with the following themes:* Foreign Ministers' Session on "India & the Global South: Emerging Together for a Better Future" (With inputs from agencies) AAP convener and Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday said he has been discussing with party MPs and MLAs on whether he should resign from his CM post or whether he should run the government from jail if he is arrested in connection with the ongoing liquor probe. "I don't have any lust for power. I resigned from the post on the 49th day. Nobody asked for my resignation. But we have to ensure that we don't get trapped in BJP's conspiracies," Kejriwal said urging his party workers to take Delhi people's opinion on this. "Go to every house in Delhi and take people's opinion on this. But BJP should not get one Lok Sabha seat from Delhi this time -- even if I am in jail," Kejriwal said. Delhi chief minister and AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal addressing a party workers' congregation on Friday. "There is no liquor scam in Delhi. Liquor scams are there in Gujarat, Haryana. But the BJP has understood that it can't win an election against AAP unless it puts top AAP leaders in jail. But today I am telling you to arrest me and see AAP win from jail," Kejriwal said addressing a congregation of the party workers. AAP is the third-largest party in the country, Kejriwal said congratulating the party workers. "They now know that they can do whatever in Delhi but they will not win in Delhi. So now they have come up with sharab ghotala. ED, CBI have no evidence and this was raised by the Supreme Court. They have arrested Manish Sisodia, Satyendar Jain, Sanjay Singh, Vijay Nair and now they want to arrest me," Kejriwal said. "AAP is the fastest-growing party in the world, not the country. We should ask the Guinness Book of the Record whether they are putting our names. First Delhi and Punjab and then we did well in Goa and Gujarat. We became a national party, the third-largest party in the county. My heart says AAP will leave the BJP and the Congress behind soon and will rule the country. Big conspiracies will be hatched now against you," Kejriwal said to his party workers. Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh would get bail in 24 hours if they joined the BJP, Kejriwal said adding that all leaders of the regional parties would be targetted ahead of elections so that they can't campaign. "They have plans to arrest Mamata Banerjee, Tejashwi Yadav and Hemant Soren -- so that the BJP can sweep in these states," Kejriwal said. Early this month, Kejriwal was summoned by the ED in connection with the liquor probe. Kejriwal rejected the summons while an alternative plan was ready in case Kejriwal would have been arrested. "We don't get scared by jail. It's like an ornament for us. I have spent 15 days in jail. Arrangements there were fine. You also don't get scared if you are ever arrested. If Bhagat Singh could stay in jail for so many years, Manish Sisodia could be there for eight months and Satyendar Jain for over a year, what do I have to fear in arrest?" Kejriwal said. NEW DELHI: Senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Alok Sharma was on Friday appointed as director of the Special Protection Group (SPG), the elite security unit responsible for the security of the Prime Minister. The SPG is responsible for the security of the Prime Minister (FILE PHOTO) A government order said Sharmas appointment had been approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet. Alok Sharma, an Uttar Pradesh cadre IPS officer, is currently the additional director general of SPG and has been overseeing the force after SPG director Arun Kumar Sinha died at a Gurugram hospital on September 6. Sinha was the longest-serving chief of the SPG (2016-2023). Fridays order does not stipulate the duration of Sharmas new assignment. It said he would continue till further orders. The Congress on Friday released its manifesto for the Telangana assembly elections. The party listed out a total of six guarantees, Abhaya Hastham, which will ensure realising the dream of Bangaru Telangana. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge with Telangana Congress president A Revanth Reddy and AICC Telangana in-charge Manikrao Thakare(PTI) "The manifesto is like the Gita, Quran or the Bible for us. We will implement it," Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said adding that all the six guarantees will be implemented in first cabinet meeting, if it comes to power in the state. Kharge said his party is determined to provide social justice, economic empowerment and unbridled progress to the people of Telangana. Declarations by Congress in the manifesto: The party promised giving 2,500 monthly financial assistance, gas cylinder at 500 and free travel for women under the Mahalakshmi scheme. 200 units of free electricity will be provided to all households under 'Gruha Jyothi' if it comes to power in the state. Housing sites will be provided to families not owning a house and 5 lakh will be given towards the construction of the house under the Indiramma Indlu scheme. Students will be provided 5 lakh assistance under the Yuva Vikasam scheme. All Telangana movement fighters will be provided with a 250 sq yards housing site, as per the Congress election manifesto. A pension of 4,000 per month will be provided to senior citizens, widows, disabled, beedi workers, single women, today tappers, weavers, AIDS and Filaria patients and kidney patients undergoing dialysis under the Cheyutha scheme. Congress also assured providing 10 lakh worth of health insurance. Kharge to BJP, BRS; public understands scams here Taking digs at both the BJP and ruling BRS, Kharge said, No matter how much PM Modi and KCR (K Chandrashekar Rao) make efforts together, still, Congress will come to power because the public understands the scams here. He also said KCR's days of retirement are close. Meanwhile, Union minsiter Amit Shah is expected to release the BJP's manifesto tomorrow during his visit to the state to attend election rallies in Gadwal, Nalgonda and Warnagal. Telangana will go to polls on November 30. The counting of votes will take place on December 3. (With agency inputs) Three people were arrested for allegedly attempting to derail a train near Nanjangud in Mysuru district of Karnataka, police said on Thursday. Later, the accused were handed over to the Mysuru Railway Police for further investigation (Getty Images) The accused had allegedly placed a wooden log and steel sleeper on the railway track between Nanjangudu and Kadakola railway stations, an official from Railway Protection Force (RPF) said on the condition of anonymity. The potential disaster was averted as the loco pilot of Chamarajanagar- Mysuru Express (train number 06275, travelling noticed the log and slammed the brakes in time, said the official quoted above. The loco pilot has been identified as Ashwini Kumar, said officials. After getting information, officials from the RPF and the Government Railway Police (GRP) started the investigation into the matter. Providing details, RPF assistant commissioner MNA Khan said, Soon after receiving the information from the loco pilot, a police team rushed to the spot and caught one of the accused Somay Marandi ,22, on suspicion. The accused was standing near the railway track. During investigation, Marandi confessed to his involvement in the incident and revealed about his aides. The other two accused are Bhajanu Murmu, 28,and Dasamat Marandi, 32. All the three are residents of Odisha, said Khan. The accused used to work as labourers in paper mills in Nanjanagudu, the official added. The accused deliberately placed iron sleepers and wooden blocks on the railway track at km no. 19/200-300, forcing the immediate stoppage of train carriage No. 06275, said Khan. A police official while quoting the accused said that they had in an inebriated state recorded a video of the act... but were unaware that this could have claimed the lives of passengers. The accused were consuming liquor and had placed the log and steel sleeper for amusement. They wanted to make a video clip of train wheels passing over the log, the official quoted above said. Later, the accused were handed over to the Mysuru Railway Police for further investigation, said another official . A case has been registered against the accused under Section 150(1)(A) (maliciously attempting to wreak havoc on a train) of the Railway Act-1989, said police. Due to the incident, the train was temporarily halted for 10 minutes, said the official. Meanwhile, Mysuru divisional railway manager Shilpi Agarwal lauded the timely action of the loco pilot and commended the security forces for their prompt response. The railway administration later issued a stern warning urging people to refrain from engaging in activities that pose great danger to passengers and can lead to loss of life. Strict action will be taken against anyone found guilty of such malicious activities on the tracks, said the notification. New Delhi The University Grants Commission (UGC) may soon provide postgraduate students greater flexibility in choosing subjects irrespective of what their education stream or discipline was at the undergraduate level, according to a draft document prepared by the commission. HT Image The body is also proposing to allow more online programmes, give students the facility to pursue two postgraduate courses simultaneously, and for work experience to be equated with academic credits. These changes are listed in a draft document, Curriculum and Credit Framework for Postgraduate Programmes, which has been prepared in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasises on multidisciplinary education with entry and exit options at both undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) levels. UGC has already released the framework for four-year UG programmes that has been adopted by over 100 universities across the country this year. According to the draft document, a copy of which was seen by HT, three kinds of postgraduate programmes will be offered a two-year programme with the second year devoted entirely to research for those who have completed the three-year UG programme, a one-year programme for those who have completed a four-year UG course, and an integrated five-year Bachelors/Masters programme. Highlighting the features of the new framework, the document said that it will provide flexibility to move from one discipline of study to another. Let us say a student is majoring in physics and minoring in economics in a four-year UG programme.Under the new norms, this student will be eligible for admission to a PG programme in physics or economics. In fact, the student will be eligible for admission in courses which are not related to the major and minor disciplines they had during their graduation. They will have to qualify entrance tests such as CUET-PG, UGC chairperson M Jagadesh Kumar told HT, explaining one of the key proposals in the draft. This is the flexibility we want to provide the students to move from one field in UG to a completely different area in PG. This multidisciplinary education fosters a well-rounded understanding of the world and encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills, he said, adding that the draft will be released in public domain for stakeholders feedback in the next few days. According to the new draft norms, students will be given the option to exit after one year. For the PG programme, there shall only be one exit point for those who join a two year PG programme. Students who exit at the end of 1st year shall be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma, the document stated. It also provides a provision for an entirely online programme. It will allow students to participate in the programme along with their current responsibilities. This makes earning a postgraduate degree while continuing to work easier and more accessible to individuals, the document added. The draft further said that creditisation of relevant work experience is another initiative to make education more holistic. This is in line with a National Credit Framework (NCrf) released by UGC in April that enables the assignment of credits for the experience attained by a person after undergoing a particular educational programme. Under the new framework, students will also have the flexibility to pursue two academic programmes simultaneously, something that was announced by UGC last year. Needs quotes from experts and educationists -- one positive and one contrary view. Silkyara (Uttarkashi): Rescuers who have been racing against time to evacuate the 40 workers trapped inside the tunnel for over 130 hours faced another setback on Friday after the high-power auger drilling machine stalled after drilling 22 metres through the debris after its bearings were damaged. Heavy machinery moves outside a tunnel where 40 road workers are trapped after a portion of the tunnel collapsed in Uttarkashi.(Reuters) The drilling couldnt make any progress after 9 am in the morning and remained stalled at 22 metres, at the time of writing the copy. The machine was pressed into service on Thursday at around 10.30 am after the previous machine got damaged after a boulder came its way. It was able to make progress of three metres in half and hour of its operation, nine metres in first six hours, 12 metres in nine hours and 22 metres in 20 hours. Meanwhile, rescuers have also called for an additional auger machine as a backup, which is being airlifted from Indore and is expected to arrive at the accident site by Saturday morning. The machine has capacity to penetrate through the rubble at 5 metres per hour, however, the impediments on its way is now allowing it to operate at the standard pace. Rescue and relief operations underway after a portion of a tunnel under construction between Silkyara and Dandalgaon on the Brahmakhal-Yamunotri national highway collapsed in Uttarkashi.(PTI) In a press release, the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation (NHIDC) said, As of now 22 metre pipe-pushing has been completed. Positioning of Fifth pipe is under progress. The machine is not able to push further as the machine is getting lifted and bearings of machine are getting damaged. Now they are anchoring machines to the platform by providing anchors. The progress of work is being monitored by experts... The NHIDC director Anshu Manish Khalkho said rescuers havent been able to make any progress since early afternoon because they were clearing rocks, which have come in the way of the machine. Khalkho mentioned that as part of plan C, a group of geological experts was exploring the option of creating a parallel entrance to the tunnel by drilling from the outside. However, he emphasised that their primary focus remains on the current plan, and they are only considering the third plan as a potential alternative. A survey team is currently assessing the area to determine suitable locations for potentially creating either a parallel vertical tunnel followed by a horizontal one or vice versa. Once the survey data is available, we will incorporate it into our plans. Initially, we did not conduct this survey as we believed we could navigate through the 60 meters of debris, Khalkho said. Security personnel stand guard during a rescue and relief operation after a portion of an under-construction tunnel between Silkyara and Dandalgaon on the Brahmakhal-Yamunotri national highway collapsed, in Uttarkashi district.(PTI) However, based on a previous survey, we identified that a minimum drill depth of 103 meters would be required for Plan C. Implementing a 103-metre vertical drill poses risks as it may lead to additional debris falling. Nevertheless, if the current plan proves ineffective, we may consider exploring this alternative option, he said. Also Read: Ukhand tunnel collapse: Workers trapped for 120 hrs as rescuers battle against time The length of the section of the tunnel where debris had caved in has increased from 50-55m initially, to 60-70m after repeated cave-ins, said a Railway official who didnt wish to be named. On the rescue operation being delayed, an NHIDCL official, who also did not wish to be named, said trapped workers have been supplied food, oxygen, and water. A person can survive six days without food. But, the trapped workers are getting regular food and water and are mentally strong. We are constantly talking to them, he said. Asked about the slow pace, Khalkho acknowledged the fact but expressed confidence that as the workers gain more experience, the pace will naturally increase. To expedite the process, four-five welders are concurrently deployed, he said, adding that they want to be extra cautious and ensure that the pipes are not misaligned by even by a centimetre. Read | New drilling machine pressed into service as fears over health of 40 trapped workers rise In the current process, the rescuers will drill through the piled up debris to push 800 mm and 900 mm diameter pipes one after the other to create a passage through which trapped workers can come out. The pipes, each 6 meters in length, are aligned on the machine and pushed forward, with the auger efficiently drilling through debris and pushing muck backward. While this part of the process is relatively quick, the complexity arises during the alignment and welding of the pipes. The meticulous approach is intentional to prevent any misalignment, even for a centimetre, he said. Khalkho said they were expecting a breakthrough after drilling using the machine for around 35 more metres We have the consideration in mind that machine runs on diesel and it is being operated in an enclosed space. In this scenario, continuous ventilation through a compressor is mandatory, he said. Diesel machines ideally shouldnt operate in such confined spaces but there is no other option . The vibrations from the machine and the need for continuous ventilation pose a risk to the equilibrium. Thats why it is important to operate at an optimal speed without rushing,: he said. In the first four days of operations, two rescue attempts to cut through the wall of rock blocking the tunnel had failed to the despair of the workers families and colleagues. In the first attempt, rescue workers had tried to dig through the rubble 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 air). However, loose rock and sand kept collapsing, rendering in the strategy unsuccessful. In the second attempt, they tried to create a safe passage using an auger machine and fitting in large pipes inside which workers can crawl out. This plan failed as the drilling machine being used was rendered useless as it got damaged after the drill hit a boulder on Tuesday night. Thereafter, the more powerful machine was flown in Indian Air Force aircraft from New Delhi. India has identified three health priorities as part of its commitment to address challenges faced by countries in the Global South, Union health minister Mansukh Mandaviya said on Friday. Union minister of health and family welfare Mansukh Mandaviya acknowledged unprecedented challenges facing countries of the Global South (ANI) Read here: G20 underlined importance of climate finance: Bhupender Yadav The three priorities are health emergencies prevention, preparedness and response, strengthening cooperation in the pharmaceutical sector, and digital health innovations, he added. The Union minister was delivering the keynote address at the Health Ministers Session during the second edition of the Voice of Global South Summit 2023. Building upon the momentum generated by the First Voice of Global South Summit, India has identified three key health priorities, that is, health emergencies prevention, preparedness and response, strengthening cooperation in the pharmaceutical sector, and digital health innovations and solutions which reflects a continued commitment to addressing the unique challenges faced by countries in the Global South, thereby, infusing inclusivity in global health discussions and solutions, he said. The health minister acknowledged unprecedented challenges facing countries of the Global South and emphasised Indias commitment to seeking reforms in global governance structures, to make them more responsive to contemporary realities and global challenges of the 21st century. He also underlined the importance of the One Health concept, adding that it is recognized as an effective approach to complex public health problems involving multiple disciplines, closely linking human health, animal health, and environmental health. Read here: Eye on China, Jaishankar asks Global South to focus on self-reliance, supply chains The recently-launched National One Health Mission adopts an integrated approach to observe the interconnected aspects of humans, animals, and environment to monitor and prevent diseases. Mandaviya also said that the inadequacy and fragmentation of efforts in the health sector leaves populations to fend for themselves and it is deeply concerning that the ongoing crises have exacerbated unequal access to health care and education. The developments in West Asia are throwing up new challenges and the time has come for countries of the Global South to speak in one voice for the greater global good, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday even as he condemned civilian deaths in the Israel-Hamas conflict. Modi made the remarks in his televised opening address at the second virtual Voice of Global South Summit. (PTI photo) Modi made the remarks in his televised opening address at the second virtual Voice of Global South Summit, a mechanism created by India to bring together developing countries and to seek their recommendations for the countrys G20 presidency. Modi largely spoke on the achievements of the G20 presidency but referred to the crisis triggered by the October 7 terror attacks by Hamas. For global progress, sabka saath, sabka vikas (with everyone and progress for everyone) is necessary but we are all seeing that new challenges are emerging from the incidents in West Asia, he said, speaking in Hindi. India had condemned the horrific terror attacks in Israel on October 7 and called for restraint along with dialogue and diplomacy, he said. We strongly condemn the death of civilians in the conflict between Israel and Hamas, he added. Also Read: Arm aid to Ukraine decreased after Israel-Hamas war: Zelensky Modi said that following his phone conversation with President Mahmoud Abbas of the Palestinian National Authority, India sent humanitarian assistance for the people of Palestine. This is the time when countries of the Global South must talk in one voice for the greater global good, he said. In keeping with the theme of one earth, one family, one future for Indias G20 presidency, all countries should move forward with 5Cs consultation, cooperation, communication, creativity and capacity building, Modi said. India had initially backed Israels right to defend itself, but it has since adopted a more nuanced approach by calling for observance of international humanitarian law and avoiding of civilian casualties. While the Hamas attacks intense killed 1,200 people, Israels intense bombardment of northern Gaza has killed more than 11,400 people, including some 4,400 children. Modi also spoke about forward movement on several initiatives unveiled at the first Voice of Global South Summit in January. He inaugurated Dakshin, a centre of excellence for the Global South that will focus on development and knowledge sharing. During the G20 Summit, on behalf of India, I had proposed to launch a weather and climate monitoring satellite for the Global South. We are working rapidly on this, he said. He described Voice of Global South as a unique platform for the changing world of the 21st century that gives a voice to developing countries for the first time. When India became the chair of the G20 last December, it adopted the responsibility of taking forward the issues and concerns of the Global South, he added. The result of this was that we had success in getting the agreement of everyone on the issues of the Global South in the New Delhi leaders declaration, Modi said. He highlighted several achievements of the G20 that are important for the Global South, including the inclusion of the African Union as a full member of the grouping of 20 largest economies, agreement on major reforms of multilateral development banks and the focus on sustainable finance for developing countries. An action plan to speed up implementation of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) will strengthen poverty reduction programmes in the Global South, and there was agreement on providing climate transition finance and technology to developing countries on easy terms. The launch of the Global Biofuel Alliance was very important for the Global South. We hope that you will all join this, Modi said. India also believes that new technologies should not become a way to increase the divide between North and South, and that there is a great need for responsible use of technology in the era of artificial intelligence (AI). To take this forward, the AI Global Partnership Summit is being organised in India next month, he said. The digital public infrastructure (DPI) framework adopted by the G20 will help with the last mile delivery of essential services and increase inclusivity, while India is creating a DPI repository to share its capabilities with the Global South. Several heads of state and government joined the inaugural session of the virtual summit, including Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasona, Indonesian President Joko Widodo and Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth. The central government has informed the Delhi high court that the Supreme Court in Yemen on November 13 had dismissed the appeal of Malayali nurse Nimisha Priya against the death sentence imposed on her for murdering a Yemeni national. The final decision now lies with the President of Yemen, the government told the high court on Thursday. Malayali nurse Nimisha Priya The court was hearing a writ petition filed by the mother of Nimisha Priya seeking permission to travel to Yemen to negotiate with the victims family by paying blood money. The Delhi high court asked the Centre to take a decision within a week on a request to travel to Yemen from the mother. Who is Nimisha Priya? Nimisha Priya has been convicted of murdering Talal Abdo Mahdi, who died in July 2017 after she injected him with sedatives in order to get her passport from his possession. It was stated that Nimisha Priya injected Talal Abdo Mahdi with sedatives so that she could take her passport from him while he was unconscious. However, he died of an overdose. Priya's mother moved the Delhi high court earlier this year, seeking permission to travel to Yemen in spite of a travel ban for Indian nationals and negotiate the blood money to save her daughter. Blood money refers to the compensation paid by an offender or his kin to the family of the victim. Priya and her colleague Hanan, a Yemini national, reportedly chopped Mahadis body before disposing of it in a water tank. Priya was awarded capital punishment in 2018. Hanan was sentenced to life imprisonment. A mother of an eight-year-old child, Priya worked in Yemens Sanaa since 2011. On Thursday, the Centre's lawyer said according to a notification issued recently, the travel ban may be relaxed and Indian nationals may be allowed to travel to Yemen for specific reasons and durations. The petitioner, represented by lawyer Subash Chandaran KR, had told the court earlier that the only way to save her daughter from the gallows was to negotiate with the deceased's family by paying blood money and for which she has to travel to Yemen but due to the travel ban, she is unable to go there. The "Save Nimisha Priya International Action Council" approached the high court last year, seeking a direction to the Centre to "facilitate diplomatic interventions as well as negotiations with the family of the victim on behalf of Nimisha Priya to save her life by paying blood money in accordance with the law of the land in a time-bound manner". The high court had earlier refused to direct the Centre to negotiate the payment of blood money to save the woman, but asked it to pursue the legal remedies against the conviction in Yemen. In the earlier petition, it was alleged that Mahdi had forged documents to show that he was married to Priya and had subjected her to abuse and torture. (With inputs from agencies) 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. On the "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 Cuban writer Maria Cristina Garrido Rodriguez. (Also read: Surviving artwork from Hamas attack displayed at Israel Museum, symbolizing resilience in the face of war) Journalists are frequently murdered in Mexico, one of the most dangerous places in the world to ply your trade as a writer (Luis Barron/Eyepix/ipa/picture alliance ) 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. Catch your daily dose of Fashion Health , Festivals, Travel Recipe and all the other Latest Lifestyle News on Hindustan Times Website and APPs Like all other Indian foodies, I am delighted by the news that Michelin has awarded stars to three Indian restaurants in America. Frankly, the choice of the restaurants is not any kind of surprise. Indienne in Chicago had long been expected to get a star. Tara Sutaria is a total fashionista who loves to slay fashion goals like a pro. Tara is currently busy promoting her film Apurva and her back-to-back head-turning looks are a visual treat for fashionistas. Earlier, the actress donned a stunning orange lehenga and this time a sheer embellished gown, she definitely rules the charts when it comes to fashion and style. Tara is quite active on social media and her Insta-diaries filled with stylish looks are nothing short of a treasure trove of fashion inspiration for all her followers. Whether it's a mini dress or a pantsuit, the diva knows how to turn heads. Her latest look is no exception and is sure to leave you in awe. (Also read: Tara Sutaria's anarkali and jacket set will transform you into regal goddess this festive season. Are you taking notes? ) Tara Sutaria takes the internet by storm in a stunning sheer embellished gown(Instagram/@tarasutaria) Tara Sutaria stuns in a sheer embellished gown On Friday, Tara gave her fans a sweet surprise as the diva took to Instagram and uploaded a series of pictures accompanied by the caption: "APURVA premiere night... Never felt more fabulous :) This week has been overwhelmingly amazing. Over the moon with the response from critics and audiences alike. Tomorrow night we also bring in what will be a VERY special birthday... :) What a week!". Her pictures quickly went viral on social media garnering more than 109k likes and several comments from her adoring fans who couldn't stop gushing over her look. Let's take a moment to admire her beauty. Tara's stunning outfit is from the shelves of luxury fashion brand Sabina Bilenko's Spring 2023 collection. Her nude-coloured gown features silver detailing and embellishments throughout, a body-hugging fit that perfectly accentuates her stunning curves, and an embroidered band at the neck for the perfect touch of glamour. With the help of celebrity fashion stylist Meagan Concessio, Tara styled her glamorous look with a pair of floral stud earrings, multiple diamond rings adorning her fingers and a pair of high heels. With the assistance of make-up artist Shraddha Inder Mehta, Tara was dressed in nude eyeshadow, winged eyeliner, mascaraed lashes, contoured cheeks, luminous highlighter and a shade of glossy nude lipstick. With the help of make-up artist Zoe Quiny, Tara styled her lustrous locks into a neat bun that perfectly complemented her head-turning look. Chhath Puja 2023: One of the largest festivals of the country is here. Every year, Chhath Puja is celebrated with a whole lot of pomp and grandeur all over the country. Mainly observed in the states of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, West Bengal and in some parts of Nepal. During this time, devotees keep fast and pray to the sun god. The prayers are offered to Chhathi Maaiya and Surya Dev devotees thank the god for bestowing on them bountiful of blessings, prosperity, wealth and longevity. The four-day festival started on November 17 and will go on till November 20. On the first day of the festival, Nahaye Khaye is observed, and Lohanda and Kharna are observed on the second day. On the third day, Sandhya Arghya is offered to the setting sun and on the last day of the festival, devotees offer their Usha Arghya to the rising sun. Chhath Puja 2023: City-wise Sandhya Arghya timings in Delhi, Patna and other cities(AP Photo/Bikas Das) Chhath Puja started with a lot of pomp and grandeur this year. As we gear up to celebrate the festival, here's all that you need to know about Sandhya Arghya the rituals of the third day of the festival. ALSO READ: Chhath Puja begins with Nahay Khay; rituals, significance, sunset-sunrise time We're now on WhatsApp. Click to join Rituals: The morning of the third day of Chhath Puja is spent gathering and making arrangements for offering. Then in the evening, the vratti and the family members visit a nearby river or pond and offer their prayers to the setting sun. Devotees stand waist-deep in water and offer their prayers to Surya Dev with flowers, fruits and sweets. City-wise Sandhya Arghya timings: Take a look at the city-wise Sandhya Arghya timings for this year: Delhi: 5:27 PM Kolkata: 5:00 PM Patna: 5:00 PM Chandigarh: 5:25 PM Kanpur: 5:28 PM Prayagraj: 5:15 PM Hyderabad: 5:40 PM Bhopal: 5:35 PM Bhagalpur: 4:54 PM Lucknow: 4:52 PM Gaya: 5:02 PM Ranchi: 5:03 PM The four-day festival of Chhath Puja, one of the biggest in Bihar and UP, begins today (November 17) with Nahay Khay as Chhathi Maiyya devotees take a holy dip ahead of the 36-hour arduous 'Nirjala' fast. Observed on the sixth day of Shukla Paksha of Kartik month of Hindu calendar, Chhath Puja is observed by devotees, mostly women, to get blessings from Surya Bhagwaan (Sun God) and his sister Chhathi Maiyya. After three days of elaborate rituals including Nahay Khay, Kharna and Lohanda (November 18), and Sandhya Ghaat (November 19), the festival concludes on the fourth day with Usha Ghaat (November 20) or morning arghya to the rising sun, post which the fast comes to an end and vratis finally do Parana with ginger water before an elaborate meal. (Also read: Chhath Puja 2023 begins with Nahay Khay; date, rituals, significance, sunset and sunrise timings for all days) Chhath Puja, a much revered fast, popular since ancient times, is observed to please the Sun God and Chhathi Maiyya, and falls roughly six days post Diwali. (istockphoto) Chhath Puja, a much revered fast popular since ancient times, is observed to please the Sun God and Chhathi Maiyya, and falls roughly six days post Diwali. Considering the fast has to be observed with utmost hygiene, every nook and corner of the house and surrounding areas have to be cleaned thoroughly. The preparation thus begins right after Diwali. Taking a daily morning bath is mandatory by not just vratis during the four days of the festival but also by their family members and others who are helping in Prasad making and other preparations for Puja. Here are all the rules that have to be followed during four days of Chhath festival. Dos for Chhath Puja fasting 1. Post Diwali preparations: Chhath Puja has elaborate rituals that require intense cleaning of the house and surrounding areas, besides making arrangements for puja samagri and prasad samagri. Thus the preparation should ideally begin right after Diwali. 2. Prasad making: Chhath Puja prasad has to be made with utmost hygiene and while making the prasad, one should not just take bath early in the morning but wash hands and feet every time one re-enters the puja area. The prasad should not be touched with salty or dirty hands. 3. Shopping list: There is an elaborate list of samagri and food items that need to be bought in advance to avoid any inconvenience. Some of the puja items that need to be purchased before Chhath Puja is camphor (kapur), cotton balls (batti), deepak (lamp), ghee, fruits, idols of Lord Surya and Lord Ganesha, incense sticks (agarbatti), kumkum (roli), khajur (dates), matchbox, betel leaf or paan, puja thaali, chandan, akshat, supari, and vrat katha book. 4. Washing and drying of wheat: One of the Chhath Puja prasad essentials is thekua prasad which is also known as tikri, khajuriya, and other such names. To make thekua prasad, whole wheat grain is used. Wheat needs to be properly washed and dried in sun before it is used to make prasad. The same must be done on priority for prasad making. 5. Sandhya Ghat and Usha Ghat rules: On the day of Sandhya Ghat and Usha Ghat when evening arghya and morning arghya have to be offered respectively in a water body like pond or river, vratis as well as all those who would accompany them for puja must take a bath and wear new clothes. While worshipping Lord Surya, women seek blessings for their children and family. Prasad items are carried to the ghat in a soop and the same is offered by the vrati to the Sun God while standing waist-deep in the water. Don'ts for Chhath Puja fasting 1. Do not touch puja items without washing hands: All the puja samagri and the prasad items meant to be used during Chhath Puja must remain pure, clean and hygienic. For this, it's important that your hands and feet are thoroughly cleaned before you make prasad or touch any puja samagri. 2. Do not eat salty items: During Chhath Puja festivities, eating or touching salty items is prohibited, from the day of Kharna. On the first day of Chhath during Nahay Khay a prasad of kaddu-bhaat-chana dal is made which is eaten by vratin and all the other family members. However, post that nothing salty can be touched or eaten. 3. Do not eat non-vegetarian food: Even if you are not fasting on Chhath Puja, one must not consume non-veg food if one of your family members is fasting. One should stick strictly to satvik food. 4. Do not wear previously worn clothes: It is important to wear only clean clothes while participating in Chhath puja activities. In a landmark development for world health, on November 9, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first chikungunya vaccine for use in adults aged 18 and above who are at an increased risk of chikungunya virus exposure. The vaccine, developed by Valneva Austria GmbH, offers hope for those living in or travelling to regions where the chikungunya virus is a persistent threat. Chikungunya has been without a vaccine and treatment options are limited. This approval by the FDA represents a significant stride in addressing the rising tide of chikungunya infections which number at least 5 million over the past 15 years. The disease, transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito, poses the highest risk in tropical and subtropical areas of Africa, Southeast Asia, and parts of the Americas, but has been expanding its geographical reach, leading to a global surge in disease prevalence. The vaccine contains a live weakened form of the chikungunya virus and is designed to be administered in a single dose via muscle injection. The vaccine is sufficiently weakened to prevent disease while stimulating an immune response in recipients. Its safety profile was evaluated through clinical studies in North America, involving approximately 3,500 participants. The most common side effects were found to be mild headache, fatigue, muscle pain, joint pain, fever, nausea, and injection site tenderness, However, there were instances of severe chikungunya-like symptoms in 1.6% of vaccine recipients. Chikungunya, derived from the Makonde language of Tanzania meaning to become contorted, describes the debilitating joint pain the virus causes. Initially identified in Tanzania in 1952, the virus has spread globally, affecting over 110 countries in Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas. The virus is transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which also spread dengue and Zika viruses. These mosquitoes breed in standing water and are primarily active during daylight hours. Humans serve as the primary reservoir for the virus, facilitating its spread when a mosquito bites an infected person and then transmits it to others. Mosquito control is a crucial aspect of managing the disease. Prevention also involves avoiding mosquito bites. The transmission cycle involves an uninfected mosquito feeding on an infected person and then transmitting the virus to new hosts. Symptoms typically appear 48 days after infection. Chikungunya's hallmark is intense joint pain, often leading to a stooped posture in affected individuals. Other symptoms include muscle pain, headache, nausea, and rashes. Children, however, may exhibit milder or no symptoms. Although most patients recover, joint pain can persist, requiring pain relief and anti-inflammatory therapy. Reinfection is rare, as the disease appears to confer lasting immunity. Diagnosis during the first week of illness can be achieved using reverse transcriptionpolymerase chain reaction (RTPCR), while antibody detection tests are used after the first week. Confirmatory tests can help to distinguish it from dengue. Most patients recover fully, but severe cases can lead to eye, heart, and neurological complications, with newborns and the elderly at greatest risk. The first chikungunya outbreaks in India occurred in 1963, 1965, and 1973, with sporadic cases continuing in the next century. Then, chikungunya dramatically re-emerged in 2005-2006 (as part of a broader global trend), thirty-five years after its last major outbreak! The increased frequency and extent of outbreaks since 2004 are partly due to viral adaptations that enhance its transmission by the Aedes albopictus mosquito. Climate change will also expand the range of mosquitoes that harbour the virus, bringing infections to places that have never had major outbreaks before. According to the National Centre for Vector Borne Disease Control, there were 57,813 suspected and 9,756 confirmed cases of chikungunya in India in 2018. In 2022, there were 148,587 suspected and 8,067 confirmed cases of chikungunya. Based on provisional data through the middle of September, there will likely be more than 100,000 suspected cases this year, with confirmed cases ranging in the thousands. A more detailed analysis of the data shows very wide ranges in numbers reported by state, perhaps indicating variance in prevalence. The fluctuations could also be due to differences in testing and reporting from each state. What is undeniable is that chikungunya continues to be a public health concern in India and that the country will benefit from the distribution of a vaccine that could prevent this mosquito-spread viral disease. The approval of the Valneva vaccine bodes well for the many other chikungunya vaccine candidates at various stages of clinical trials. In India, Bharat Biotech may be close to a breakthrough with its inactivated virus candidate for chikungunya. This vaccine, which will be administered in two doses, was in advanced clinical trials as of late August. All in all, it is a time to hope for a safe and effective chikungunya vaccine that will be widely available in India to prevent this debilitating, modern disease. Anirban Mahapatra is a scientist by training and the author of COVID-19: Separating Fact From Fiction. He is currently finishing up his second popular science book. The views expressed are personal The most common password was "123456" and a hacker would probably take less than a second to crack it, according to a study conducted by NordPass, a software company that helps users organise their passwords. Passwords are often hacked to infringe the security of device leaking personal data.(Photo by FLY:D on Unsplash) The password "123456" was held by about 45 lakhs accounts, the study found in partnership with independent experts specialising in researching cybersecurity incidents, according to the Panama-based company's website. The second and the third most popular passwords were "admin" and "12345678", used in about 40 lakhs and 13.7 lakhs accounts, respectively, the study findings on the website show. In India, the most common password was "123456", kept in around 3.6 lakhs accounts, followed by "admin", used in around 1.2 lakhs accounts, according to the website. The research team analysed passwords from a 6.6 Terabyte-database, which were stolen by employing various stealer malware, such as Redline, Vidar, Taurus, Raccoon, Azorult, and Cryptbot, it said. Malware logs included both passwords and the source website and the researchers' database included data from up to 35 countries. The researchers classified the data into various verticals, which allowed them to perform a statistical analysis based on countries, NordPass's website said. NordPass exclusively received only statistical information from the researchers, which gives no reference to internet users' personal data, it said. Further, no personal data was acquired or purchased by NordPass to conduct this study, the website said. "Streaming lovers seem to be strong password haters," NordPass said, referring to users who enjoyed streaming online content. The study found that compared to other popular websites, people choose the poorest credentials to secure accounts on this platform category. The website also acknowledged "123456" to be the "world's worst password" as it was ranked the most common password 4 out of 5 times, while "Password" held this title once throughout the lifetime of the study. NordPass quoted the researchers while saying that "while passwords are getting harder to breach due to rapidly evolving technologies, malware attacks are still seen as a prominent threat for account security." The password manager company advised account holders to use complex passwords that were at least 20 characters long and included a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and special symbols. NordPass also asked password users to desist from reusing the same password across multiple websites or services, as compromising one account could risk the safety of all the other accounts. Further, it called for a "regular" assessment of the passwords for their health and improving them for a "safer online experience", in addition to advocating the use of password managers such as itself. Five countries, including South Africa and Bangladesh, on Friday called for an International Criminal Court investigation into the Israel-Hamas war which has left thousands of dead, its chief prosecutor said. A view of damaged buildings in Gaza,, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas, (REUTERS) Amid international concern over the growing toll, the demand was made as families of some of the Israelis taken hostage by Hamas in their October 7 attacks that unleashed the war also sought ICC action. ICC chief prosecutor Karim Khan said South Africa, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Comoros and Djibouti -- all ICC members -- had sought an investigation of "the situation in the state of Palestine". Khan said in a statement that an investigation into events in the Gaza Strip and the occupied West Bank started in March 2021 now "extends to the escalation of hostilities and violence since the attacks that took place on October, 2023." Khan, who recently went to the main crossing point between Gaza and Egypt, said his team had collected a "significant volume " of evidence on "relevant incidents" in the war. He appealed for more evidence to be submitted and added: "I will also continue my efforts to visit the state of Palestine and Israel in order to meet with survivors, hear from civil society organisations and engage with relevant national counterparts." Israel is not an ICC member and Khan said: "I call upon all relevant actors to provide full cooperation with my office." Israel says that 239 people from several countries were seized by the Palestinian militant group when its fighters staged the October 7 attacks in which some 1,200 people, mainly civilians, died. The hostage plight has become a major issue in Israel as it has pursued an air and ground campaign which the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza says has left 12,000 dead. Just as lawyers for the families of some of the Gaza Palestinian dead have sought ICC action, families for the hostages demanded that Khan issue warrants for Hamas leaders. "The inquiry is advancing," Francois Zimeray, a lawyer for nine of the families, told AFP after the meeting. He said he submitted a dossier on behalf of some of the families who want warrants issued for war crimes and genocide. Any person or group can make a request to the ICC but it is not obliged to take up a case. Legal experts have told AFP that Hamas and Israel could face war crimes charges over the conflict. The ICC inquiry started in 2021 was into alleged war crimes by Israeli forces, Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups. Even though Israel is not an ICC state party, Zimeray said: "We have Israelis who trust the court, the sincerity of the prosecutor and the professionalism of his team. That contributes to showing them that the court is capable of bringing justice for the crimes they have suffered, that their family has suffered. About 250 Rohingya refugees in an overcrowded wooden boat have been turned away from western Indonesia and sent back to sea, residents said Friday. Ethnic Rohingya disembark from their boat upon landing in Ulee Madon, North Aceh, Indonesia, Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023.(AP) The group from the persecuted Myanmar minority arrived off the coast of Aceh province on Thursday but angry locals told them not to land the boat. Some refugees then swam ashore and collapsed from exhaustion on the beach. After they were forced back the decrepit boat travelled dozens of kilometres to the coast of North Aceh, where the refugees landed on a beach. But locals again sent them back to the boat and out to sea late Thursday. By Friday, the vessel, which some on board said had sailed from Bangladesh about three weeks ago, was no longer visible from where it had landed on North Aceh's shores, residents said. Thousands from the mostly Muslim Rohingya minority risk their lives each year on long and expensive sea journeys, often in flimsy boats, to try to reach Malaysia or Indonesia. "We're fed up with their presence because when they arrived on land, sometimes many of them ran away. There are some kinds of agents that picked them up. It's human trafficking," Saiful Afwadi, a traditional community leader in North Aceh, told AFP on Friday. Rohingya Muslims walk through waters after they are temporarily allowed by locals to land in Ulee Madon beach, North Aceh, Indonesia, November 16, 2023.(Reuters) Chris Lewa, director of Rohingya rights organisation the Arakan Project, said the villagers' rejection seemed to be related to a lack of local government resources to accommodate the refugees and a feeling that they were being taken advantage of by people smugglers. "Rohingya smugglers do indeed take advantage, using Indonesia as a transit to Malaysia. But, at the same time, no other country would let them in," Lewa told AFP on Friday. "It is sad and disappointing that the villagers' anger is against the Rohingya boat people who are themselves victims of those smugglers and traffickers." Lewa said she was trying to find out where the boat went after being turned away but "no one seems to know". A 2020 investigation by AFP revealed a multimillion-dollar, constantly evolving people-smuggling operation, stretching from a massive refugee camp in Bangladesh to Indonesia and Malaysia, in which members of the stateless Rohingya community play a key role in trafficking their own people. No proper place Locals in neighbouring Ulee Madon and Cot Trueng villages gave the refugees supplies, including food, clothing and gasoline, before turning their boat back to sea on Thursday, North Aceh's Afwadi said. In an effort to encourage their departure, locals also repaired the boat after Rohingyas on board tried to sink it, he said. Afwadi was among locals in boats who escorted the Rohingyas' vessel away from the shore, ensuring it left the area. A village leader from Ulee Madon said residents did not have the resources to accommodate more refugees, adding that Rohingyas had disappeared from temporary shelters provided in the past. "We don't have any proper place to house them. From experience, these people are unruly," Rahmat Kartolo told AFP late Thursday. "It's not that we don't care about humanity, but these people sometimes run away." Nearly 600 Rohingya refugees have reached western Indonesia this week, with 196 arriving on Tuesday and 147 on Wednesday. UN refugee agency spokeswoman Mitra Salima Suryono told AFP many wanted to reunite with their families who are already in Malaysia, while others just sought protection. "Many of them said it didn't matter where they were going. The most important thing for them is they will get safety, security, and livelihood," said Suryono. More than 2,000 Rohingya are believed to have attempted the risky journey to Southeast Asian countries in 2022, according to the UN agency. Nearly 200 Rohingya died or went missing last year while attempting hazardous sea crossings, it has estimated. US president Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping met on Wednesday to ease friction between the two world powers over a host of issues like avoiding military conflicts, drug-trafficking and artificial intelligence. In his opening remarks, Biden said the United States and China must ensure that competition between them "does not veer into conflict". Biden said the two sides agreed on calling one another if they had a concern. However, he later called Jinping a dictator. Chinese President Xi Jinping waves as he walks with US President Joe Biden at Filoli estate on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, in Woodside, California.(Reuters) Is the US-China meeting an indication of an attempt to reset the relationship? The world had a sigh of relief when the Power Number 1 (the United States) met the Power Number 2 (China). There is a conflict which is going on in Ukraine, there is a conflict in Gaza. The world cannot afford a third conflict, where the two main powers confront each other. The talks are a stabilizing factor for the world. But to say that there is a reset in their relationship is tantamount to exaggerating the scenario. What has actually happened is that the two sides have decided that they will avoid accidental collisions. They will avoid further destabilizing the world, they will talk to each other -- and reduce the chances of any accidental collisions. One must understand that the optics of the exercise were good, but at the end of the day, US President Joe Biden called China's President Xi Jinping a dictator, which is actually a statement of fact. Saying that it is a reset of relations is wrong. The world is a better place to live as far as any future wars are concerned. On Joe Biden's dictator comment Joe Biden called spade a spade. It wouldn't have gone down very well. It is a fact because the Communist Party of China is a single party ruling China. Joe Biden wasn't wrong in qualifying or calling Xi Jinping a dictator. Agreements on US-China talks It is very important for the theatre commanders to talk to each other, so that there is no accidental firing or any accidental collision. If you read the statement that has come out of White House, President Biden has come out very clearly on where the United States stands, what it wants from China, and under no circumstances, if you read the statement, there is any concession. There are only two things that have come out of it which is good for the global good. One is narcotics, which is the production of fentanyl. Where are the drugs coming from? 99 percent of meth tablets are coming to India from Myanmar. These come from the Myanmar state that is held by China-sponsored militias. So it is important that the world actually takes action against synthetic drugs. What is the other thing? The other thing is climate change. Both sides have decided to actually join hands on climate change for concrete action. That obviously can have political overtones because if the two sides gang up together to force a third side to take a particular climate change action -- that could be a possibility. But what is important in this entire thing for the world to look at is -- the Taiwan elections just coming up in January. Now what is happening is that the current dispensation is locking horns with a united opposition, which is not so anti-China as the current DPP is. If there is a change of regime, it will help China. Rather than conquering Taiwan, it can actually engineer change within Taiwan. This is something that has to be watched. A jury in Canada has found a 22-year-old guilty on four counts of murder and one of attempted murder, in a case that horrified the country when he ran over a Muslim family out for an evening stroll in June 2021 in the town of London in Ontario. HT Image At the end of the trial on Thursday which lasted ten weeks, Nathaniel Veltman was found guilty on the charge of first-degree murder, as four of the family had died when Veltman drove a black pickup truck on to a sidewalk and ran them over. They were identified as Talat Afzaal, 74, Madiha Salman, 44, Salman Afzaal, 46, and Yumnah Afzaal, who was just 15. A nine-year-old male boy survived the attack. The Afzaals were originally from Pakistan. At the time of the tragedy, London Police underscored the motivation, saying, Investigators believe that this was an intentional act and that the victims were targeted because of their Islamic faith. There is evidence that this was a planned, premeditated act, motivated by hate. In a statement issued by the family after the verdict came, Madiha Afzaals mother Tabinda Bukhari described the attack as one which wasnt just a crime against the Muslim community, but rather an attack against the safety and security of all Canadians. Soon after the Islamophobic incident occurred, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he was horrified with what had occurred. To the Muslim community in London, and to Muslims across the country, know that we stand with you. Islamophobia has no place in any of our communities. This hate is insidious and despicable and it must stop, he added in a post on X. On Thursday, following the verdict, Doug Ford, Ontarios Premier, said that justice was served. Veltman is expected to be sentenced at a hearing on December 1. The first-degree charges against him mean he will get the life sentence without the option of parole for 25 years. Because of the media coverage of the crime, the trial had been moved from London to the city of Windsor. In a statement, the Mayor of London Josh Morgan said, While this represents an important step towards closure for the Muslim community, and our city at large, it is by no means the end of that journey. Israel claimed its soldiers have found a tunnel shaft used by Hamas militants at Gaza's Al Shifa hospital, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his countrys forces had discovered a command centre under the hospital along with bombs and weapons. An Israeli officer points at what he describes as weapons discovered at the Al Shifa hospital complex, amid the Israeli military's ground operation against Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, (REUTERS) Hamas, however, said in a statement late on Thursday that claims by the Pentagon and US State Department that the group uses Al Shifa for military purposes is a repetition of a blatantly false narrative, demonstrated by the weak and ridiculous performances of the occupation army spokesman. Top updates on Israel-Hamas war in Gaza: The Israeli Army released a video it said showed a tunnel entrance in an outdoor area of Al Shifa, Gaza's biggest hospital. The video, which HT could not verify, showed a deep hole in the ground, littered with and surrounded by concrete and wood rubble and sand. It appeared the area had been excavated; a bulldozer appeared in the background. The Israeli Army also said its troops found a vehicle in the hospital containing a large number of weapons. In an interview on the CBS Evening News on Thursday, Netanyahu said terrorist chieftains and terrorists had fled the hospital grounds as the Israeli military approached. Now were doing this very gingerly, because were, were trying to do the moral thing, the right thing, Netanyahu was quoted as saying. To deprive Hamas of having this safe zone in the hospital but at the same time to neutralise its use as a command centre for terrorists, he said. The United Nations voiced concern no aid would be delivered to Palestinians on Friday via the Rafah crossing with Egypt. The two telecoms companies in Gaza said all energy sources supplying the network had run out and therefore all services in the territory were down. Israel refuses fuel imports, saying Hamas could use them for military purposes. With communications out and in the absence of fuel, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, said it was impossible to coordinate humanitarian aid truck convoys. Ashraf al-Qudra, the spokesman for the health ministry in Gaza, said thousands of women, children, sick and wounded are in danger of death as Israel continues its raid on al-Shifa for a third night, Al Jazeera reported. President Joe Biden defended Israels military operation at Gazas largest hospital, standing behind the US ally in the face of international criticism of the raid. Biden said Hamas headquartered their military operations underneath Al Shifa hospital, an act he labelled a war crime, and added that Israel had taken precautions to limit civilian casualties in the incursion. Palestinian civilians have borne the brunt of Israel's weeks-long military campaign in retaliation for an October 7 attack by Hamas that Israel says killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians. Gaza health authorities deemed reliable by the United Nations says at least 11,500 people have been confirmed killed in an Israeli bombardment and ground invasion - more than 4,700 of them children. Israeli officials said Hamas held some of the 240 hostages taken by gunmen on October 7 in the hospital complex. The body of a woman hostage was recovered by troops in a building near Al Shifa on Thursday, the army said. (With inputs from agencies) Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said on Friday that the body of 19-year-old corporal, Noa Marciano, was recovered from the Gaza Strip. Palestinians look for survivors after an Israeli strike on Rafah, Gaza Strip. (AP) IDF said that soldiers from the 603rd Battalion of the 7th Armored Brigade recovered Marciano's body on Thursday from a building near Al Shifa Hospital. The body was taken to Israel for identification, and Marciano's funeral is scheduled on Friday. Marciano served in the Combat Intelligence Collection Corps of the 414th Regiment in the IDF and was an army spotter at Kibbutz Nahal Oz. Marciano was one of 240 people taken hostage by Hamas. According to the 19-year-old's mother, Adi Marciano, who travelled to the United States to raise awareness about the hostages, her daughter was hiding inside a bomb shelter in the Nahal Oz kibbutz in southern Israel when she was taken by Hamas. On October 7, Noa reportedly called her mother from the bomb shelter where she was seeking refuge from the gunfire after Hamas attacked Kibbutz. Top updates on Israel-Hamas war in Gaza: Israel-Hamas war: Israeli soldiers found a tunnel shaft used by Hamas at Gaza's Al Shifa hospital, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said efforts to prevent Palestinian civilian casualties were "not successful" because Hamas stopped people moving to safer places. An Israeli soldier takes position during the ongoing ground operation of the Israeli army against Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, at a location given as Gaza, in this picture released on November 17, 2023.(Reuters) Israel says Hamas has stored weapons and ammunition and is holding hostages in a network of tunnels under hospitals like Al Shifa, using patients and the thousands of displaced people taking shelter there as human shields. Hamas denies it. Netanyahu was asked by US television's CBS News on Thursday whether Israel's killing of thousands of Palestinians in its almost six-week war against Hamas militants would fuel hatred among a new generation. Israel's attempts to minimise civilian casualties were "not successful", Netanyahu said, accusing Hamas of preventing civilians from moving to safer locations. "Any civilian death is a tragedy. And we shouldn't have any because we're doing everything we can to get the civilians out of harm's way, while Hamas is doing everything to keep them in harm's way," Netanyahu said. Palestinians stand at the site of an Israeli strike on a house, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, November 17.(Reuters) "So we send leaflets, call them on their cell phones, and we say: 'leave'. And many have left," he said. The army released a video it said showed a tunnel entrance in an outdoor area of Al Shifa, Gaza's biggest hospital. The video, which Reuters could not immediately verify, showed a deep hole in the ground, littered with and surrounded by concrete and wood rubble and sand. It appeared the area had been excavated; a bulldozer appeared in the background. The army said its troops also found a vehicle in the hospital containing a large number of weapons. Hamas said in a statement late on Thursday that claims by the Pentagon and US State Department that the group uses Al Shifa for military purposes "is a repetition of a blatantly false narrative, demonstrated by the weak and ridiculous performances of the occupation army spokesman." The United States is confident in an assessment from its own intelligence agencies on Hamas activities in Al Shifa hospital and will neither share nor elaborate on it, White House spokesperson John Kirby said on Thursday. Israeli officials had said Hamas held some of the 240 hostages taken by gunmen on Oct. 7 in the hospital complex. A view of damaged buildings in Gaza,, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas, November 17, 2023. REUTERS/Alexander Ermochenko(REUTERS) On Friday, the Israeli military said soldiers retrieved the body of a female soldier, who had been held captive, in a building near Al Shifa. The military had confirmed her death on Tuesday after Hamas issued a video of her alive followed by images of what it said was her body after she was killed in an Israeli strike. On Thursday, troops recovered the body of another woman hostage, also in a building near Al Shifa. Hamas's Al-Quds Brigades in the Palestinian city of Jenin in the West Bank, a separate landlocked enclave, said in a statement on Friday they had engaged Israeli forces for several hours, unleashing a "torrent of fire" and laying ambushes with explosives. Israel's military said that aircraft struck militants in Jenin who had opened fire on Israel Defense Forces (IDF) troops and had used explosives. It said that at least five of the militants were killed. Last week, Israeli forces raided Jenin and fought an hours-long battle with gunmen in which 14 people were killed, one of the heaviest clashes in the occupied West Bank in months. At least 178 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank since the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel. The mounting death toll in the West Bank has underscored fears that the territory seized by Israel in the 1967 war could spiral out of control amid the conflict in Gaza. The Israeli military's chief of staff said Israel was close to destroying Hamas' military system in the northern Gaza Strip and there were signs the army was taking its campaign to other parts of the enclave of 2.3 million people. Israel distributed pamphlets telling civilians to leave four towns in southern Gaza, areas Gazans had been previously told would be safe. Palestinian civilians have borne the brunt of Israel's weeks-long military campaign in retaliation for an Oct. 7 attack by Hamas that Israel says killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians. Gaza health authorities deemed reliable by the United Nations say at least 11,500 people have been confirmed killed in an Israeli bombardment and ground invasion - more than 4,700 of them children. Human Rights Watch said 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 said. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, on his first visit to Israel since the Oct. 7 Hamas attack, called on Israel to do more to protect civilians in Gaza. "I understand your rage but let me ask you not to be consumed by rage," Borrell said. Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen said Hamas was to blame not only for the Oct. 7 attack but also for the current plight of Palestinians in Gaza. US President Joe Biden pressed Friday for the immediate release of hostages seized by Hamas in Israel during talks with the leader of Qatar, which has relations with the militants. President Joe Biden(AP) Biden, in San Francisco for an Asia-Pacific summit, in a telephone call with Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani "discussed the urgent need for all hostages held by Hamas to be released without further delay," a White House statement said. Biden also raised Israel's decision to let two tankers of diesel each day into the war-torn Gaza Strip, following pleas from the United States. Biden and the emir "discussed ongoing efforts to increase the flow of urgently needed humanitarian assistance into Gaza and Israel's decision to resume fuel deliveries for life-saving aid," the White House said. Biden two days earlier had told reporters that he was "mildly hopeful" of reaching a deal to free the hostages, believed to include about 10 US citizens. Fighters from Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip, on October 7 infiltrated Israel and killed about 1,200 people, most of them civilians, and took about 240 hostages, according to Israeli officials. Israel's subsequent air and ground campaign has killed 12,000 people, including 5,000 children, according to the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza. The militants, who are backed by Iran's clerical state, maintain a political office in Qatar, which nonetheless is a close US partner. Qatar has in recent years rejected moves by other Gulf Arab monarchies toward normalizing relations with Israel. The Metropolitan police have identified the British Sikh teenager who died due to stab injuries after a street fight in south-west London as Simarjeet Singh Nangpal. The specialist crime unit detectives said that they are still trying to piece together the events that led to Nangpal's tragic death. (File) The London Police said that four men aged 21, 27, 31, and 71 are in custody after they were arrested on the suspicion of the 17-year-old Simarjeet's murder, which happened in London's Hounslow area in the early hours of Wednesday, PTI reported. The specialist crime unit detectives said that they are still trying to piece together the events that led to Nangpal's tragic death along with reassuring the community to bring the ones responsible for the murder to justice. Detective Inspector Martin Thorpe said, We are working around the clock to find those responsible for Simarjeets murder, as his family members struggle to come to terms with their loss. He also urged the public to come forward in case they have any information about the incident. Four men have been arrested and our enquiries continue. I would urge anyone with information about how the events unfolded or anyone who may have captured the incident on their phone, dash cameras or doorbell footage to please come forward. The police were called and informed of reports of a fight breaking out at Burket Close, Hounslow. Nangpal was found with stab injuries. Head of CID in West London Detective Superintendent Figo Forouzan said, Our thoughts remain with Simarjeets family at this extremely difficult time. No family should have to go through what they are experiencing. He added, This incident will undoubtedly cause wider concern, and I want to reassure the community that we will do everything in our power to find those responsible. In the coming days, you will see extra officers out on patrol in your area. Please do speak to them about any concerns you may have. All the four suspects in the case were arrested on the spot. Two of them were initially taken to a hospital, before the arrival of the police, as they sustained injuries but after discharge, they have been in custody. Pope Francis will meet separately next week with relatives of hostages held by Hamas militants and with a delegation of Palestinians with family members in Gaza, the Vatican said on Friday, confirming a Reuters report. Pope Francis (AP) "With these meetings, which are of an exclusively humanitarian character, Pope Francis wants to show his spiritual closeness to the sufferings of both," Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said in a statement. The meetings will be held on Wednesday in the Vatican. Three sources who spoke to Reuters earlier on Friday about the meetings did so on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to discuss papal plans. One source said 12 relatives of Israeli hostages would meet the pope early on Wednesday morning before his weekly general audience. That source said they would be a mix of relatives who met with Italian leaders last month as well as others who were not among the first group. One of the two sources who spoke about the Palestinian meeting said the pope wanted to hold the meetings as a "humanitarian gesture to hear the grievances on both sides". The Vatican's number two, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, said earlier on Friday the Holy See believed the release of the hostages and a ceasefire - which Israel has so far ruled out - were two "fundamental points" to resolve the crisis. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a conference in Rome, Parolin said the Vatican was working on a meeting between the pope and relatives of the hostages but gave no time frame. "We are working on it and hope to realise it as soon as possible," he said. He did not mention the Palestinian meeting. "The release of the hostages is one of the fundamental points for the solution of the current situation, taking into consideration the humanitarian aspects of those who are being held - men, women, children, newborns, pregnant women," said Parolin, the Vatican's Secretary of State. About 240 hostages were taken by Hamas gunmen when they stormed into southern Israel on Oct. 7. Francis has made numerous appeals for their release and for a ceasefire. "The other (fundamental point) is a ceasefire, taking into consideration the humanitarian aspects that come with it - the arrival of aid, curing the injured and other aspects," Parolin said. U.N. aid deliveries to Gaza were suspended again on Friday due to shortages of fuel and a communications shutdown, deepening the misery of thousands of hungry and homeless Palestinians as Israeli troops battled Hamas militants in the enclave. Russian officials said Friday they are seeking a ban on the "international LGBT public movement," building on a crackdown against liberal-leaning groups that has intensified since Moscow deployed troops to Ukraine. LGBT activists wave their flags during a rally to cancel the results of voting on amendments to the Constitution in Moscow(AP) Russia's justice ministry said it had "lodged an administrative legal claim with the Supreme Court to recognise the International LGBT public movement as extremist and ban its activity in Russia." The ministry did not specify whether it was seeking the closure of any specific groups or organisations, or if the designation would apply more broadly to the LGBTQ community, causes and individuals. The proposed ban is the latest in a long-standing crackdown against LGBTQ people in Russia, which has escalated since Russia launched its offensive on Ukraine last February. Russia has used the extremist label against swathes of rights organisations and opposition groups, opening up their members to criminal prosecution. The justice ministry accused the "LGBT movement operating on the territory of the Russian Federation" of "various signs and manifestations of extremism, including incitement to social and religious hatred". It did not specify what exactly it meant by that movement, but said a court hearing was scheduled for November 30. The head of the Sphere human rights group, which advocates for the Russian LGBTQ community, criticised the announcement. "Russian authorities are once again forgetting that the LGBT community are human beings," said Sphere head Dilya Gafurova, who has left Russia. Authorities "don't just want to erase us from the public field: they want to ban us as a social group," Gafurova added. - 'Life in silence and fear' - "It's a pretty typical move for repressive non-democratic regimes -- the persecution of the most vulnerable," Gafurova said. "We will continue our fight," Gafurova added. Amnesty International's director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, Marie Struthers, denounced a "deeply cynical move aimed at dehumanising and persecuting the entire LGBTI community." "Life in silence and in fear of humiliation and imprisonment -- this is the price that the state wants to impose on countless LGBTI people in Russia," Amnesty added. Since launching the Ukraine offensive -- often portrayed as an existential fight against Western liberal values -- Russia has accelerated its campaign against LGBTQ groups. In July lawmakers banned medical intervention and administrative procedures that allowed people to change gender. Lawmaker Pyotr Tolstoy then said the bill was about "erecting a barrier to the penetration of Western anti-family ideology". Activists said they feared for the safety and well-being of transgender people in Russia. Last November, Russian lawmakers also approved a bill banning all forms of LGBTQ "propaganda", a move with far-reaching consequences for book publishing and film distribution. Russia has for years been an inhospitable environment for anyone whose views differ from the hardline interpretation of "traditional values" promoted by the Kremlin and the Orthodox church. The country passed a notorious ban on so-called "gay propaganda" in 2013. Initially only applying to content available to children, it has since been expanded. Same-sex marriage was also effectively outlawed in 2020 by a constitutional amendment stipulating marriage is a union between a man and a woman. Out of 49 European countries, the Rainbow Europe organisation ranked Russia third from bottom in terms of tolerance of LGBTQ people. Sudan has informed the UN chief of the "immediate" end of the United Nations political mission in the war-torn country, according to a letter circulated in the Security Council. Chadian cart owners transport belongings of Sudanese people who fled the conflict in Sudan's Darfur region, while crossing the border(REUTERS) In an official letter in Arabic dated Thursday, accompanied by an English version from the Sudanese ambassador to the UN, Foreign Minister Ali Elsadig Ali informed Antonio Guterres of "the decision of the government of Sudan to terminate the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS) with immediate effect." The mission has employed hundreds of civilian workers in Sudan since 2020. According to the English version, UNITAMS had aimed to "assist the transitional government of Sudan after the December 2018 revolution," but the government said the mission had proven "disappointing." However, Khartoum said it would continue to work "constructively" with the United Nations. In an address to the Security Council on Thursday, the UN assistant secretary general for Africa, Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee, denounced the spread of the conflict to other parts of Sudan, which already has the largest number of displaced people in the world. "Sudan is facing a convergence of a worsening humanitarian calamity and a catastrophic human rights crisis," she said. After almost seven months of fighting between the Sudanese army, led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhane, and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), led by General Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, almost 25 million people need humanitarian aid in Sudan, UN humanitarian operations chief Martin Griffiths said Monday. The civil war, which started on April 15, has left more than 10,000 dead, according to an estimate by the NGO Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (Acled), a figure that is widely considered an underestimate. UN aid deliveries to Gaza were suspended again on Friday due to shortages of fuel and a communications shutdown, deepening the misery of thousands of hungry and homeless Palestinians as Israeli troops battled Hamas militants in the enclave. Palestinians queue as they wait to buy bread from a bakery, amid shortages of food supplies and fuel, as the conflict between Israel and Palestinian Islamist group Hamas continues in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza on November 17.(Reuters) The United Nations' World Food Programme (WFP) said civilians faced the "immediate possibility of starvation" due to the lack of food supplies. With the war about to enter its seventh week, there was no sign of any let-up despite international calls for a ceasefire or at least for humanitarian pauses. Palestinian news agency WAFA said a number of Palestinians were killed and others injured in an Israeli strike that hit a group of displaced people near the Rafah border crossing between the Gaza Strip and Egypt - the transit point for aid. Al Jazeera TV cited sources as saying that nine people were killed in the strike. Al Jazeera also said that at least 18 Palestinians were killed after an Israeli strike hit a house in the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza. There was no comment from Israel on the reported incidents and Reuters could not verify them. Israel's military, which has concentrated its assault on northern Gaza, said its troops and war planes were keeping up pressure on Friday. Overnight they took control of an Islamic Jihad commander's stronghold, it said, and also killed Hamas fighters inside a school where they found a large number of weapons. Hospital still in focus Earlier, Israel said its troops had found a tunnel shaft used by Hamas at Al Shifa hospital in the north of the Gaza Strip. The hospital, packed with patients and displaced people and struggling to keep operating, has become a major focus of global concern. Israel says Hamas has stored weapons and ammunition and is holding hostages in a network of tunnels under hospitals like Shifa, using patients and people taking shelter there as human shields. Hamas denies this. Tents and shelters used by displaced Palestinians stand at the yard of Al Shifa hospital during the Israeli ground operation around the hospital, in Gaza City November 12, 2023.(Reuters) The conflict was triggered by a cross-border raid by Hamas militants on Oct. 7 that killed about 1,200 Israelis, mostly civilians, in the deadliest day in the state's 75-year-history. More than 11,500 Palestinians, at least 4,700 of them children, have now been killed in Israel's retaliatory military assault on Hamas-ruled Gaza, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry - a toll that far surpasses previous bouts of conflict in recent years. Israel has vowed to wipe out the militant group. Whole neighbourhoods of Gaza have been flattened in air and artillery strikes, hundreds of thousands of people have been forced to flee their homes, and the humanitarian situation is catastrophic, aid agencies say. At the Indonesian Hospital in North Gaza, people wounded in Israeli strikes lay in the hallways. "Yesterday we went to the mosque to pray at sunset. We kneeled the first time and suddenly... I was under a load of rocks and other people were under the rubble," said one young boy. "There were cut-up hands and legs and we didn't know if someone would come and save us. The civil defence came." The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), quoting Palestinian data, said Israeli attacks had destroyed or damaged at least 45% of Gaza's housing units. The United Nations said there would be no cross-border aid operation on Friday due to fuel shortages and a communication shutdown. For a second consecutive day on Thursday no aid trucks arrived in Gaza due to lack of fuel for distributing relief. An Israeli official said later on Friday that Israel's war cabinet had approved letting in two fuel trucks a day into Gaza to help meet UN needs, following a US request. Humanitarian crisis Nearly the entire Gazan population is in desperate need of food assistance, said WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain. "With winter fast approaching, unsafe and overcrowded shelters, and the lack of clean water, civilians are facing the immediate possibility of starvation," she said in a statement. A UN human rights official said Israel must allow water and fuel into Gaza to restart the water supply network otherwise people would die of thirst and disease. Israel's actions were a breach of international law, Pedro Arrojo-Agudo said. The World Health Organization said it feared the spread of disease, including respiratory infections and diarrhoea. The Israeli military's chief of staff said Israel was close to destroying Hamas' military system in the north of the coastal enclave of 2.3 million people. The army released a video it said showed a tunnel entrance in an outdoor area of Al Shifa hospital. The video, which Reuters could not verify, showed a deep hole in the ground, littered with concrete and wood rubble and sand. It appeared the area had been excavated. A bulldozer appeared in the background. The army said its troops also found a vehicle in the hospital containing a large number of weapons. Reuters journalists have been unable to reach anyone inside Shifa hospital for more than 24 hours. Hamas said on Thursday that U.S. claims that the group uses Shifa for military purposes was "a repetition of a blatantly false narrative". Israeli officials had said Hamas held some of the 240 hostages taken by gunmen on Oct. 7 in the hospital complex. On Friday, the Israeli military said soldiers retrieved the body of a female soldier who had been held captive, in a building near Shifa. On Thursday, troops recovered the body of another woman hostage, also in a building near Shifa. In the Israeli-occupied West Bank, Hamas' Al-Quds Brigades said they had engaged Israeli forces for several hours in the city of Jenin overnight. Israel's military said war planes struck militants in Jenin who had opened fire on Israeli soldiers and at least five militants were killed. At least 178 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank since Oct. 7. The violence there has underscored fears that the territory, seized by Israel in the 1967 Middle East War, could spiral out of control in tandem with the conflict in Gaza. Almost two years after the global shutdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, companies are starting to put an end to the work-from-home era. Although many employers are still offering both remote and hybrid modes of working to ease off some pressure, things are getting quite serious at Amazon. The E-commerce giant is stringent on its return-to-office mandate. According to CNBC, employees who violate the company's policy, which requires a minimum of three days at the office will face dire consequences. FILE - In this Feb. 14, 2019, file photo people stand in the lobby for Amazon offices in New York. Amazon is kicking off its annual security-focused cloud computing conference on Tuesday amid a slowdown in its profitable cloud business Amazon Web Services, or AWS. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan, File)(AP) ALSO READ: When is Black Friday? Here are some early deals to snag ahead of holiday sales Managers own the promotion process, which means it is their responsibility to support your growth through regular conversations and stretch assignments, and to complete all the required inputs for a promotion, an Amazon post according to the aforementioned outlet reads. It adds, If your role is expected to work from the office 3+ days a week and you are not in compliance, your manager will be made aware and VP approval will be required. In accordance with Amazons overall approach to promotions, employees are expected to work from their office 3+ days/week if that is the requirement of their role, a separate post on Amazons internal career platform for employees says. It also reveals that managers will be working in compliance with the human resources group to monitor the employee's adherence to the mandate, which will continue as they evaluate promotion readiness. A spokesperson for Amazon, Brad Glasser told the outlet, Promotions are one of the many ways we support employees growth and development, and there are a variety of factors we consider when determining an employees readiness for the next level. Like any company, we expect employees who are being considered for promotion to be in compliance with company guidelines and policies. As Harvard University grapples criticism over alleged antisemitism on campus its professors have broken silence. Over 100 faulty members have now sent a letter to the university president Claudine Gay, condemning her for issuing a statement opposing antisemitism on campus. The open letter accuses her of bowing to the interests of wealthy donors and alumni, and was infringing on the free speech of students. Flowers are left on a list of names of those killed in Palestine as Harvard Law Students participate in the National Day of Action organized by Law Students for a Free Palestine, a coalition of students from 38 law schools around the country, at Harvard University(REUTERS) As Harvard faculty, we have been astonished by the pressure from donors, alumni, and even some on this campus to silence faculty, students, and staff critical of the actions of the State of Israel, the letter claims. It is important to acknowledge the patronizing tone and format of much of the criticism you have received as well as the outright racism contained in some of it. Even as the letter condemns hate speech incidents on the campus, Derogating other members of the community in racist, xenophobic, sexist, homophobic, or transphobic language merits condemnation. It claims, There must, however, be room on a university campus for debate about the actions of states, including of the State of Israel. It has urged the university to affirm its commitment to the freedom of thought, inquiry and expression in light of the extraordinary pressure being brought to bear upon critics of the State of Israel and advocates of the Palestinian people. It defends the phrase "from the river to the sea, Palestine must be free" saying, it has a complex history and is subject to significant ongoing discussion and debate. Critics argue that it implies forced removal or elimination, especially considering the displacement of over a million Palestinians and the death of thousands, including children, in Gaza. It compares it to Holocaust, quoting historian Omer Bartov, who suggests it might constitute crimes against humanity with genocidal intent. The authors argue that singling out this phrase is imprudent for university policy and morally questionable. Seeking to clarity from management on its definition of antisemitism before proposing policies they have urged Harvard to resist calls to suspend or decertify the Palestine Solidarity Committee. Gay told more than 200 Jewish students and their family members last month that antisemitism has a very long and shameful history at Harvard, referring to past anti-Israel acts before the war even broke out, including a 2018 incident in which a swastika was found on a school bulletin board. In her statement earlier this month, Gay condemned the use of the phrase From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free, which many see as calling for the elimination of Israel. Joe Biden campaign is privately considering the use of Chinese-owned social media platform TikTok to reach out to prospective young voters, according to a report by Fox News. However, the report also highlights that a spokesman for the president's re-election has downplayed a story on the matter by Axios. U.S. President Joe Biden (REUTERS) Taking to X(formerly Twitter), Alex Thompson who is national political correspondent at Axios tweeted on Friday, "Scoop: Bidens re-election campaign has privately been weighing whether to join TikTok to help reach more young voters, per 2 ppl familiar with the conversations. No final decision made." .In reply to Thompson's post, TJ Ducklo who is a part of Biden's campaign team wrote, "Lol this is not a scoop. Campaigns talk about a bunch of stuff and some we do and a bunch we dont. Something some outlets who know better choose to ignore for cLicKs. If we have news to share well let yall know!". This news of Biden campaign considering joining TikTok is very surprising for many people in the US. Notably, Biden government banned the use of Chinese-owned TikTok on federal devices, earlier this year. However, Biden is already taking help of TikTok influencers amid his re-election run. The Democratic National Committee has also joined the platform. Risks of Biden campaign using TikTok TikTok is owned by the Chinese company ByteDance. The ruling Chinese Communist Party's cybersecurity law allows the government to access the companies' data. ALSO READ| Grotesque: Princess Diana's friend Paul Burrell calls out The Crown for depicting her death Here is how netizens on X(formerly Twitter) reacted to the news of Biden campaign considering joining TikTok "Nice. Has Xi convinced him in San Francisco?," a user took a sarcastic dig. "They wont win if they dontI am not on Tik Tok but young people are," wrote a second user. "They should. They can't fight the disinfo and propaganda from the right without engaging on the site where it's disseminated. Even if they have to use separate phones for security purposes, they need to do this now," opined a third person. An illegal Chinese-owned biolab in California was found storing thousands of vials of biological substances including some labeled HIV and a freezer marked Ebola, according to a House committee report released on Wednesday. Representational picture(Shutterstock) The illegal lab was operational in Reedley, California and the risks posed by it, were discovered in December 2022 by an observant code enforcement officer named Jesalyn Harper. Interestingly, the warehouse in which the lab was functioning from was thought to be vacant for more than a decade. Harper became suspicious after she saw a green pipe sticking out of a hole in the side of the warehouse. Inside the lab, Harper found laboratory equipment, medical-grade freezers, lab mice and vials which were labeled in Mandarin, English and in a code that is yet to be deciphered. She also met several individuals wearing lab coats who identified themselves as Chinese nationals. Harper's discovery alarmed city officials who started an investigation. According to the House committee report, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and FBI initially refused to investigate the matter. The House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party launched its own investigation in September and came up with a 42-page report. Local officials spent months repeatedly trying to obtain assistance from the CDC, highlights the report. The report also notes the CDC refused to speak with them and, on a number of occasions, it was reported by local officials that the CDC hung up on them mid-conversation. Local officials were similarly unable to get any help from other federal agencies, congressional investigators found. As per the report, FBI informed local officials that it had closed its investigation because the Bureau believed that there were no weapons of mass destruction on the property. Later, the House panel found that with the exception of Ebola, the labeled vials of presumed pathogens found at the Greeley biolab are inconsistent with the operation of a bioweapons program. The Reedley bio-labs owner and founder was identified as Jia Bei Jesse Zhu. Dr. Benjamin Neel, who led New York University Langone's Perlmutter Cancer Center, has filed a lawsuit against the university for firing him in order to appear impartial on the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict. According to Benjamin, he was unceremoniously dumped from the institution for his social media posts supporting Israel in the wake of the October 17, Hamas terrorist attack. According to Benjamin, he was unceremoniously dumped from the institution for his social media posts supporting Israel in the wake of the October 17, Hamas terrorist attack. In the civil suit filed in New York State Supreme Court, Benjamin, 67, claimed he was fired from his job leading the Perlmutter Cancer Center as the medical centre aimed to appear impartial in how it sanctioned employees who made social media posts related to the conflict. Reportedly, the doctor shared a series of posts on X (Formerly Twitter), including one that compared Hamas to Hitler. A post re-shared by him read: "You dont have a ceasefire with Hitler. You wipe out Hitler. Think people." Another was a repost of a cartoon that showed an image of well-known environmental advocate Greta Thunberg, chasing a man who is holding a butchers knife in one hand and a plastic garbage bag labeled Israeli babies in the other, the suit states. "Thunberg is shown yelling: HOW DARE YOUUSE PLASTIC BAGS?? WE NEED TO SAVE THE WORLD!'" Since then, Benjamin's account has been set to private. As per the lawsuit filed on Thursday, November 16, 2023, the issue began when the university removed Dr. Zaki Masoud from Winthrop Hospital in Mineola, Long Island. This was because he shared pro-Palestinian content on his Instagram account on October 31, 2023. Dr Zaki called for Palestine supporters to encourage Palestinian resistance in an Instagram post made by him, where he wrote, Its time to be bold with you words. Dont hesitate to openly state your support of Palestinian resistance. Be loud & proud youre on the side of justice. Additionally, the lawsuit claims that the university took issue with Benjamin's post as it feared backlash for firing Masoud. The doctor alleged that NYU terminated his directorship in an effort "to appear impartial." A petition has been launched to support reinstating Dr. Zaki on change.org which has been signed by 88,000 since it's launch on October 31. In his defence, Benjamin states in the suit that he re-shred the posts as he sought to satirize people who appeared to be celebrating or marginalizing the Israeli and Jewish suffering. He also added that he has taken balanced positions about the conflict on social media. He is suing for breach of contract and discrimination and is seeking $500,000 in damages and a jury trial. An attorney of the doctor said in a statement: It is a travesty that after a stellar career fighting the battle against cancer, a long-tenured and world-renowned research scientist can be unceremoniously dumped." 9/11 mastermind, Osama bin Laden, is back to haunt the Americans after his Letter to America resurfaced to stir the hornet's nest and attracted praise by many TikTokers in the country. 2 decades after the attacks a two-page document intended to expose US and explain the reason behind the dastardly attack that killed thousands is being liked and shared by many. Sadly, at a time when the population is extremely polarised on the back of ongoing Isarel-Hamas war the letter has only widened the gap. A letter to Americans written by 9/11 mastermind Osama bin Laden has gone viral on Tiktok and garnered praise by many Osama bin Ladens views are so true' Reportely, TikTok has removed the hashtag #lettertoamerica from its search function after it amassed over 5 million views. Many American users feel that the Al Qaeda founders document gives an alternative perspective about the U.S. involvement in conflicts in the Middle East. After reading Osama Bin Laden letter everything he said there is true, USA are bombing and killing innocent children and then they blame the terrorist. Arab countries are fighting for their rights but to US that's being rebellious! one of the users commented. You are on the wrong side of history!!' However, appreciation for Osama bin Laden soon after many backed Hamas hasn't gone down too well with many, who are posting, You are on the wrong side of history!!' Dani Buller, an Israeli Tiktok influencer, called out the glaring disinformation being spread by the letter and broke it down in a detailed video. What does Osama bin Laden's letter say In the letter, addressed to Americans Bin Laden has sought to answer the following questions: Why are we fighting and opposing you? and What are we calling you to, and what do we want from you? The letter includes antisemitic language and homophobic rhetoric as well. Navy Seal condemns praise of Osama bin Laden Robert O'Neill, a former US Navy Seal, who claimed to be in the squad that killed Osama Bin Laden lashed out at the TikTokers who have shown solidarity with world's most hated terrorist. "The new Tik Tok fad is the positive reaction from gen Z after reading "Letter to America" by Osama bin Laden. Deceit is a mask the Devil puts over the eyes of useful idiots," he posted on X (formerly known as Twitter) Letter only widens divide after Hamas-Palestine polarisation Bin Laden's 20-year-old letter has unfortunately become relevant in current American discourse, polarizing opinions between pro-Palestine and anti-Hamas ideologies. This letter, which is fueling anti-Israel and anti-US sentiments by claiming that the 9/11 attacks were a response to the "unbearable oppression and tyranny of the American/Israeli coalition against our people in Palestine and Lebanon." The younger generation is using this letter to validate their views, overlooking the writer's background and the potential for lies and propaganda in the content. Republican Presidential Candidate Vivek Ramaswamy addressed Donald Trump's vermin remark in a recent interview. On Wednesday, the GOP hopeful criticised CNN anchor Abby Phillip for asking him to comment on Trump's viral comment. Picking on some word that Donald Trump said on a certain day and asking me for a comment, give me a break, he said. Though Ramaswamy slammed Phillip for pressing him into addressing the former president's choice of words, he himself labelled the homeless and drug addicts on San Francisco streets as vermin. MIAMI, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 08: Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy speaks during the NBC News Republican Presidential Primary Debate at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County on November 8, 2023 in Miami, Florida. (Getty Images via AFP) The CNN Newsnight anchor asked, That language, they live like vermin, do you believe that that is, as your Republican colleague Chris Christie has said, neo-Nazi rhetoric? To this, Ramaswamy said, This is a classic mainstream media move, pick some individual phrase of Donald Trump, focus on literally that word without actually interrogating the substance of whats at issue. When Phillip noted that the word vermin was chosen for a reason, the American entrepreneur expressed his concerns over a cultural war in the US. He added, Well, you know what? Its actually describing a series of behaviours. You have Antifa and other related groups that have been burning down cities for the last three years in this country. However, the commentator then asked him whether he would describe them as vermin. To this, he declared that the vocabulary of the vermin or not is not whats important. After being pressurized by Phillips once again whether he would use that language himself, Ramaswamy went on to give a lengthy statement. He said, You know whats vermin? Whats running around San Francisco on a given day before Gavin Newsom cleaned it up on a dime to roll up the red carpet for Xi Jinping. If he could do that for Xi Jinping, he could have done it on an ordinary day, and yet were here sitting and talking not about the substance of that but on one word Donald Trump said in some speech in Miami, Ramaswamy added. He then criticised the mainstream media and said, Focus on the substance and lets have an actual policy debate rather than talking to a presidential candidate instead of the policy substance of whats actually going on in the country. Christmas and New Year celebrations are just around the corner. That means that you need to endure sleepless nights because of parties, family gatherings, and other social events. Although you may not feel it during the first sleepless night, the following all-nighters will take a toll on your body and mind. If you haven't prepared for sleepless nights this holiday season, here are some tips on how you can survive them. Sleepless Nights on Christmas and New Year Celebrations Numerous studies already debunked the belief that adults need eight hours of sleep per day. One of these experts is internal medicine specialist Dr. Suchismitha Rajamanya. She clarified that adults only need six to seven hours of sleep if they want to be well-rested and re-energized every other day. "Adequate sleep is required for the body to support various vital functions and to promote optimal physical and mental performance. During this time, the body undergoes essential restorative processes, such as tissue repair, and muscle growth," she explained via Health Shots. This is because having more than one sleepless night can negatively affect your physical and mental health. Dr. Rajamanya said that although you will sleep more than eight hours after a sleepless night, your body still needs to make up for that all-nighter for a few days. Numerous studies explained that having 17-19 hours of no sleep is similar to having 0.05% blood alcohol content in the body. Because of this, having no sleep for more than one day can negatively affect how you normally function. Read Also: Peeing Too Much at Night? New Study Claims It Could Be Sign of Prostate Cancer How to Survive Sleepless Nights Although many people already know how sleepless nights can negatively affect their body and mind, some of them can't avoid going on all-nighters since Christmas and New Year are just around the corner. If you are one of these individuals, here are the things you can do to survive a sleepless night: Make sure you drink plenty of water after an all-nighter because having no sleep can make you dehydrated and lead to more concentrated urine. If you can, try taking 10-15 minutes of sleep time (power nap), especially if you have work after an all-nighter. Only eat light meals since your stomach and other internal organs may not work properly after a sleepless night. Now that you know the DOs after a sleepless night, Spine Health provided the DON'Ts, such as the following: Don't drink coffee so you can sleep once the day is over after an all-nighter. Avoid making important decisions about your work, relationship, or family since your mind will not work properly after a sleepless night. After a sleepless night, try avoiding doing strenuous activities, such as going to the gym, lifting heavy objects at the house, etc., because you are more at risk of injury since you have no sleep. Never drive after a sleepless night since your focus is not as efficient as the day when you have enough sleep. Related Article: Halloween 2023: How to Protect Kids' Teeth From Candies-Here Are Some Tips From Dentists @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The Vatican's doctrine office released a document on Wednesday (November 15) reaffirming its position that Catholics are discouraged and forbidden from becoming Freemasons. In a document signed by Pope Francis and Vatican doctrine chief Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernandez, the Catholic Church responded to a concern raised by a bishop from the Philippines regarding what EWTN reported as "the growing number of Catholics in his diocese who are taking part in Freemasonry." The bishop - identified as Julito Cortes of Dumaguete in the central Philippine island of Negros - also asked the Holy See for suggestions on how to respond in a pastoral manner. The Philippine Star revealed that Cortes's concern was rooted in 2020 after Freemasons in his city broke ground for a Masonic obelisk dubbed the "Dumaguete Tower" on a public park opposite the cathedral. The cathedral's parish council petitioned the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) to disallow the construction of the 18-story tower, which the Manila-based commission considered. NHCP chair Rene Escalante was quoted by local media saying that the commission already declared "all Spanish and American colonial period plazas and public squares in the country as national historical sites." Recommendations from the Vatican The Vatican's response - dated November 13 and available in English and Italian - called for a "coordinated strategy" involving all of the members of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) to promote catechesis "in all parishes regarding the reasons for the irreconcilability between the Catholic faith and Freemasonry." The Freemasons are the largest worldwide oath-bound secret society which was founded in England in 1717. Freemasonry promotes ideas and rituals incompatible with the Catholic faith, including indifferentism, or the position that a person can be equally pleasing to God while remaining in any religion, and a deistic concept of a "Great Architect of the Universe." The society also swears oaths of secrecy, fellowship, and fraternity among members and has accumulated a vast catalog of rituals, ceremonial attire, and secret signals between masons, as well as using Christian imagery for non-Christian rituals, Fox News reported. The document from Rome effectively reaffirmed the Vatican's position that "those who are formally and knowingly enrolled in Masonic Lodges and have embraced Masonic principles" fell under the church's 1983 "Declaration of Masonic Associations," which was signed by then-Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, who later became Pope Benedict XVI. In part, the declaration said that Catholics who enrolled in Masonic associations were "in a state of grave sin and may not receive holy Communion." Cardinal Fernandez's office added that the declaration also applied "to any clerics enrolled in Freemasonry," and urged Filipino bishops to consider making a public statement on the Vatican's stance on Freemasonry. "Membership in Freemasonry is very significant in the Philippines; it involves not only those who are formally enrolled in Masonic Lodges but, more generally, a large number of sympathizers and associates who are personally convinced that there is no opposition between membership in the Catholic Church and in Masonic Lodges," the document said. "On the doctrinal level, it should be remembered that active membership in Freemasonry by a member of the faithful is forbidden because of the irreconcilability between Catholic doctrine and Freemasonry." Read Also: Vatican Grants Philippine Bishops' Conference Request to Ordain Married Men as Deacons Filipino Connection to Catholicism and Freemasonry The Catholic Church's prohibition on Freemasonry could be traced back to Pope Clement XII, who formally condemned it in the papal bull "In eminenti apostolatus" in 1738. The Philippines, despite its deep Hispanic Catholic roots since the 16th century, had a Masonic underside due to the affiliation of some of the nation's key revolutionary and republican figures at the tail-end of the 19th century and the turn of the 20th. In particular, many reckon that the ophthalmologist and key Filipino intellectual named Jose Rizal was a Freemason until he allegedly retracted his affiliation to the forbidden society - at the behest of his Jesuit mentors - prior to his execution in 1896. In the early 1900s, American Catholic soldiers who were stationed in Manila founded the first council of the Knights of Columbus, a Catholic society founded in New Haven, Connecticut in 1882 by the Rev. Michael McGivney as a mutual aid society for Catholic men in the New England region in the aftermath of the American Civil War. Subsequently, the organization became the Catholic response to Freemasonic societies in the US, Canada, Mexico, and beyond. McGivney was beatified by Pope Francis in 2020. Since then, the Knights of Columbus flourished as a key Catholic men's society in the country. At four jurisdictions strong, the Philippines has the largest membership outside North America. Earlier this year, UCA News reported that Filipino Catholics raised concerns that some of the participants in the diocesan and national consultations of the recently initiated Synod on Synodality were Freemasons, which some reported had created confusion regarding the church's teaching on the matter. Last March, the CBCP issued a clarification declaring that bishops in the Philippines have "always maintained and defended the official Catholic (magisterial) position on the unacceptability of Masonry, given its serious errors both in doctrine (philosophical tenets) and practices." Cardinal Fernandez also recommended Cortes refer to the CBCP's 2003 pastoral guidelines on the matter. According to the Vatican's 1983 Code of Canon Law, it stated that a person joining an association "which plots against the Church" would be punished with a "just penalty," and those promoting or taking office in such associations were to be "punished with an interdict," which banned the individual to participate in certain Catholic rites, including the Mass. Related Article: Pope Francis Fires Texas Bishop Joseph Strickland @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The first truck carrying fuel into Gaza since the beginning of Israel's war against Hamas crossed from Egypt via the Rafah crossing on Wednesday (November 15) to deliver diesel to the United Nations outposts inside the strip. While humanitarian aid supplies have been allowed to cross into Gaza - and dual nationals and a limited number of the sick and injured into Egypt - since late October, the fuel run was only allowed at this point of the war as an early fuel run could embolden Hamas to intercept and fuel trucks and use the supplies to withstand a siege by Israeli forces. A humanitarian source told Reuters, on the condition of anonymity, that the delivery was made possible by Israel giving its approval for 24,000 liters of diesel for two days to be allowed into Gaza for UN aid distribution trucks, but not for hospital generators. "This is not enough for anything - not for hospitals, not even for aid deliveries," the source added. "It's meant to be enough only to bring some of the aid that has been outside - and got rained on for example - indoors to the warehouses." Two other fuel trucks were on standby on the Egyptian side of the Rafah crossing, but it was unclear when they would be allowed to enter. Read Also: Israel Raids Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza Following Gunfire at Gates UNRWA: Approved Fuel Run Not Enough In addition, UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) director Tom White said the fuel run would do little to prevent relief efforts in the area, which has already been running on fumes since the war broke out. "This is only 9% of what we need daily to sustain lifesaving activities," he wrote on X, formerly Twitter, also confirming that just over 23,000 liters - or half a tanker - had been received. "Our entire operation is now on the verge of collapse," UNRWA commissioner Philippe Lazzarini added. "It is appalling that fuel continues to be used as a weapon of war." Aside from relief distribution, aid workers said that the fuel was also vital for hospital generators, provision of water, sewage treatment, and keeping communication lines open. The lack of such, they added, contributed to what they deemed as a sharp deterioration of conditions for Gaza's 2.3 million residents. The UN had warned in the past few days that it would soon have to halt humanitarian operations as its fuel stocks became fully depleted. This was in addition to the closure of hospitals and other vital facilities due to the fuel shortage. UN Asks Israel to Speed Up Aid into Gaza On Tuesday (November 14) 91 trucks carrying food, medicine, bottled water, blankets, and tents entered Gaza from the Rafah crossing, but the UN maintained that the total supply run of 1,187 trucks since October 21 could only meet a fraction of the strip's needs, with distribution grinding to a halt since fuel ran out. In response, the UN has called on Israel to open its Kerem Shalom crossing to allow in larger quantities of aid. Related Article: Several Polls Say US Support for Israel Declining as Siege of Gaza City Continues @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. (Photo : Kena Betancur/Getty Images) NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 31: NYPD officers respond after reports of multiple people hit by a truck after it plowed through a bike path in lower Manhattan on October 31, 2017 in New York City. According to reports up to six people may have been killed. Maine's yellow flag law, designed to restrict access to guns during mental health crises, has seen increased utilization. The updated figures, released during a recent law enforcement training session, reveal that the yellow flag law has been invoked at least 13 times since the deadly incident on October 25th, making it a total of 94 times since its implementation in July 2020, as per The Independent. Maine's Yellow Flag Law Addresses Mental Health, Firearms The yellow flag law allows law enforcement to respond to warnings about individuals who may pose a threat due to their mental health condition. An officer visits the individual in question and assesses whether temporary protective custody is warranted. If deemed necessary and approved by a judge, this process can result in a 14-day weapons restriction. Furthermore, a full court hearing could extend these restrictions for up to a year. What makes this situation even more perplexing is that some individuals whose guns were temporarily removed under the yellow flag law referenced the name of the Lewiston gunman, Robert Card, responsible for the mass shooting. Four individuals either mentioned Card's name or expressed intentions to become the "next mass shooter." These alarming statements underscore the importance of proactive measures to address potential threats and protect public safety. The October 25th mass shootings in Lewiston were the deadliest in Maine's history, claiming the lives of 18 individuals and injuring 13 others. The gunman, Robert Card, was an Army reservist who opened fire at a bowling alley and a bar. The incident triggered a massive law enforcement response, with tens of thousands of residents ordered to shelter at home. At the same time, hundreds of officers conducted a search that ultimately ended with the discovery of Card's body in nearby Lisbon. An autopsy later confirmed that he had died by suicide, according to Fox News. Read Also: Israeli Military Releases Video Allegedly Showing Evidence of Hostages in Gaza Hospital The Lead-up to the Lewiston Mass Shootings Before the mass shootings, there were warning signs concerning Card's mental health and access to firearms. Family members and fellow reservists had expressed concerns about his well-being, with one reservist even messaging, "I believe he's going to snap and do a mass shooting." Despite these red flags, when deputies visited Card's home in Bowdoin about a month before the tragedy, he did not respond to their attempts to contact him. At the time, law enforcement did not possess the legal authority to enter his residence forcibly. The chain of events leading up to the mass shootings remains unclear. However, it is known that the sheriff's office had issued a statewide alert seeking help locating Card, which was subsequently canceled a week before the devastating rampage. The implementation of the yellow flag law in these cases highlights the critical need for proactive measures to address potential threats related to mental health and access to firearms. The law seeks to strike a balance between individual rights and public safety, and its recent use underscores the importance of early intervention to prevent tragic incidents like the Lewiston mass shootings, ABC News reported. Related Article: Canadian-Israeli Peace Activist Vivian Silver Found Dead, Killed in Hamas Attack @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Las Vegas authorities announced the arrest of eight high school students who were allegedly involved in the fatal beating of a 17-year-old boy who was trying to protect his friend from a group of bullies. The suspects' ages range between 13 and 17 and Las Vegas police homicide Lt. Jason Johansson said that investigators are still working to identify two more students. They believe that they also participated in the Nov. 1 fight that occurred over a pair of wireless headphones and a vape pen. Las Vegas Police Arrest 8 High School Students The law enforcement official said that the local Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) office helped with the initial arrests on Tuesday morning. He added that the two outstanding students will also face murder charges. Authorities have not yet identified the high school students because they are juveniles and Johansson said that he and his team were working with the local district attorney's office to determine whether or not they will be charged with murder as adults, as per the Associated Press. He noted that the 17-year-old victim was identified as Jonathan Lewis Jr. who remained hospitalized following the beating with severe "head trauma" and other injuries. He was declared dead after a week of trying to recover. The Las Vegas coroner's office ruled the beating of the teen a homicide. Johnasson said that the fight had been pre-arranged after the headphones and vape pen were stolen from Lewis Jr.'s friend. He said that investigators believe that the victim originally was not supposed to be involved in the fight but had accompanied his friend to a nearby alleyway. That was where the brawl was scheduled to take place after classes ended for the day at Rancho High School located in eastern Las Vegas. Following the teen's death, his father, Jonathan Lewis Sr. said that his son was attacked while standing up "for one of his smaller friends." Law enforcement officials said that the 10 students immediately swarmed the victim, pulled him to the ground, and began kicking, punching, and stomping on him in the alley. After the brawl, he said that a citizen in the area found the victim badly beaten and unconscious in the alleyway and carried him back to campus, where school staff immediately called 911, according to USA Today. Read Also: Georgia Couple Arrested in 1988 Death of Toddler Found Encased in Concrete Brutal Beating of 17-Year-Old Video footage of the incident was later shared on social media platforms that police officials called "extremely disturbing" and "void of humanity." Investigators used the videos to identify eight of the 10 suspects. Johansson added that clothing worn by the teenagers during the brawl and cellphones were recovered during the arrests. Las Vegas police will later release photos of the two other suspects and urged the public to assist investigators in identifying them. Lewis Sr. said that his son was a "loving, kind, and protective young man who cared deeply about his friends and family." He added that the teenager was a hero who was only trying to help one of his smaller friends who was being bullied. In a statement, the Clark County School District said that the entire school district "grieves the loss of every student." It added that District leadership and School Police were working with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and the District Attorney's office in the case, said CNN. Related Article: Denver: Motorcycle Bar Shooting Suspects Finally Identified @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley has ignited a new controversy with her proposal to require all social media users to be verified for "national security" purposes. During a recent appearance on Fox News, the Republican presidential candidate vowed to make social media companies reveal their algorithms and insisted that every user should be identified by their real name, as per Fox News. Nikki Haley's Controversial Social Media Policies While she argues that this move would enhance national security and promote civility, critics have vehemently condemned the idea, calling it dangerous and unconstitutional. Haley's assertion that unveiling social media algorithms is necessary for transparency has been met with skepticism. Many see it as a thinly veiled attempt to gain insight into the inner workings of tech giants like Facebook and Twitter, raising concerns about government overreach and potential censorship. The demand to "let us see why they're pushing what they're pushing" has been interpreted by some as an infringement on the freedom of expression and a dangerous precedent. However, Haley's call for mandatory user verification has triggered the most passionate responses. While she argues that it's essential for national security and combating foreign bot activity, critics believe it would have a chilling effect on free speech. Journalist Yashar Ali labeled the proposal "outrageous and dangerous," asserting that it would stifle dissident voices, particularly those opposing authoritarian regimes in countries like Iran, China, and Russia. Haley's Republican presidential rivals, Ron DeSantis and Vivek Ramaswamy, quickly condemned her ideas. DeSantis, the current Florida governor, criticized the proposal as "dangerous and unconstitutional," emphasizing that anonymity in political discourse has a long history, citing the Federalist Papers' authors as examples. Ramaswamy accused Haley of promoting censorship, arguing that allowing the government to use private tech companies as a "censorship bureau" violates the Constitution. The debate over anonymity on social media platforms as a fundamental aspect of free speech has also emerged, according to Mail Online. Read Also: Statement from Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre Announcing the Next White House Tribal Nations Summit Kirk Defends Anonymity Amidst Haley's Social Media Plan Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, emphasized that anonymous speech is a core element of free expression, drawing parallels to the Founding Fathers, who often wrote anonymously. He argued that Haley's proposal could undermine the foundations of democratic discourse. Amid this controversial proposal, Nikki Haley is actively campaigning to secure her position as the top alternative to Donald Trump in the upcoming Republican caucuses. While Trump still leads the field significantly, Haley has gained traction in Iowa, where she is tied for second place with Ron DeSantis. Her recent endorsements from prominent Iowa figures and business leaders reflect a growing support base in the state. As the race intensifies, Haley's campaign invests heavily in advertising to overtake DeSantis, who recently received an endorsement from Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds. The clash between the two candidates is becoming increasingly fierce, with both camps aggressively vying for the Republican nomination. The proposal put forth by Nikki Haley to mandate social media user verification is a subject of considerable controversy in a political environment marked by polarization and intense rivalry. Contrary to her assertion that preserving civility and national security is imperative, detractors contend that it may infringe upon the freedom of expression and result in excessive governmental intervention. With the escalation of the campaign season, Haley's position on this matter will continue to be a central subject of deliberation and contention within the Republican Party, USA Today reported. Related Article: New York Gov. Kathy Hochul Increases NYPD Funding To Expand Social Media Surveillance Amid Rising Hate Crimes @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Accused killer Rex Heuermann has transferred his Long Island home to his estranged wife, Asa Ellerup. This move comes as Heuermann, 60, remains incarcerated, facing charges for the murders of three women over a decade ago. Heuermann and Ellerup, married for over two decades, have found themselves at the center of a case gripping the nation. On September 22, Heuermann filed paperwork to make Ellerup the sole owner of their Massapequa Park house, which they initially shared with their two adult children and bought from Heuermann's parents, as per New York Post. Unusual Property Transfer in Gilgo Beach Case Interestingly, the transfer was made without financial exchange, raising eyebrows among observers and legal experts. This property, acquired by Heuermann in 1994 for $170,000 and now valued at around $530,000, has been more than just a family home. Over the summer, it became a focal point of the police investigation into the long-unsolved murders, drawing attention from media and residents alike. The house has been scrutinized for any potential evidence that could link Heuermann to the crimes he is accused of, including the deaths of Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman, and Amber Lynn Costello, who disappeared between 2009 and 2010. Heuermann is also a prime suspect in the killing of Maureen Brainard-Barnes. Amidst these developments, Ellerup's actions have also come under scrutiny. She visited Heuermann in jail last week, a move confirmed by her attorney, Robert Macedonio. Macedonio stated that Ellerup intends to attend her husband's trial, seeking to witness the proceedings firsthand and form her own opinions, separate from the media narrative and speculations by others, including John Ray, a lawyer for the families of two victims, according to Mail Online. Read Also: 3 Indian Cities Listed as Part of 10 Most Polluted Areas Worldwide After Celebrations of Diwali Festival Controversy in Gilgo Beach Case The property transfer has been subject to controversy. Attorney John Ray has accused Heuermann and Ellerup of concocting a 'scam' to defraud creditors, potentially including families of the victims. Ray says this could be an attempt to shield assets from legal claims. He has even called for an investigation into Ellerup, questioning her role and innocence. Ellerup, meanwhile, appears to be maintaining a semblance of everyday life. She was recently seen at the home, now legally hers, along with her children and a television or production crew. Reports suggest she may be working with a primary streaming service on a documentary about the case. Macedonio's attorney has spoken on her behalf, emphasizing her resilience and adjustment to new circumstances since Heuermann's arrest. He highlighted that Ellerup's recent jail visit, her first since the day before Heuermann's arrest, was conducted under standard procedures and did not indicate special treatment. Heuermann's next court date is set for Wednesday as the case unfolds, although no hearings are expected. This case, with its blend of mystery, legal maneuvering, and public interest, continues to evolve, leaving many questions unanswered. The focus now shifts to the trial, where more details are anticipated to emerge, shedding light on this complex and intriguing saga, Newsday reported. Related Article: UK's Post-Brexit Chemical Regulations To Be Loosened @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Russian oil is reportedly penetrating the US Pentagon's supply chains, posing a significant challenge to the efforts of curtailing Russia's economic capabilities amidst its invasion of Ukraine. This intriguing development, highlighted by a Washington Post analysis, uncovers a complex global trade scenario that raises questions about the effectiveness of sanctions against Russian energy products, as per Yahoo News. US Military Supplier's Russian Oil Concerns At the core of this situation is the Motor Oil Hellas refinery in Greece, an essential fuel supplier to the US military. The refinery had declared a shift to alternative fuel sources after the West imposed a ban on Russian oil exports. However, an analysis of shipping data by the Washington Post suggests a different story. The data indicates that Russian oil was rerouted and changed hands multiple times, being initially shipped to Dortyol, a Turkish storage terminal, and then forwarded to Greece. The extent of Russian-origin crude oil acquired by the US military is unknown. However, since the onset of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict in 2022, the Department of Defense has awarded Motor Oil Hellas contracts nearing $1 billion, marking a significant increase compared to previous years. This information comes from the Project on Government Oversight, a watchdog group investigating the issue. The investigation revealed that at least 56% of oil shipments to Motor Oil Hellas came from Dortyol, and about 69% of Dortyol's shipments were of Russian origin. This convoluted supply chain places the Pentagon in a paradoxical position. On the one hand, the US government is actively supporting Ukraine with military aid against Russian aggression. On the other hand, it seems to be inadvertently buying products containing Russian fossil fuels, a significant economic driver of Russia's military endeavors, according to Business Insider. Read Also: Georgia Couple Arrested in 1988 Death of Toddler Found Encased in Concrete; 'Baby Jane Doe' Identified as Kenyatta Odom Russia's Clever Tactics to Evade Energy Sanctions This situation suggests that Russia has effectively thwarted the West's attempts to limit its war revenue by circumventing restrictions on its energy trade. Reports indicate that Moscow has established a secret fleet of "shadow tankers" to disguise the origin of its oil. Furthermore, some financial analysts believe that Russian crude is being sold significantly above the West's imposed price cap of $60 per barrel, attributed to the shadow fleet and inflated shipping costs that mask the actual amount paid by the buyers. The implications of these revelations are multifaceted and significant. They underscore the complexities and challenges in implementing and enforcing economic sanctions, particularly in a globalized and interconnected world. The use of intermediaries and transshipment points, as seen in the case of Dortyol, complicates the tracking of the trustworthy source of oil supplies, thus undermining the effectiveness of sanctions. As the conflict in Ukraine continues, the international community, and particularly the United States, faces the critical task of tightening enforcement mechanisms. This is essential to ensure that sanctions against Russia remain effective and do not inadvertently support the entity they intend to weaken. The findings also call for a reassessment of the global oil trade and supply chain dynamics, emphasizing the need for increased transparency and accountability in international trade, especially in sectors crucial for geopolitical stability and security, Markets Insider reported. Related Article: UK's Post-Brexit Chemical Regulations To Be Loosened @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. today held a Summit with President Xi Jinping of the People's Republic of China (PRC), in Woodside, California. The two leaders held a candid and constructive discussion on a range of bilateral and global issues including areas of potential cooperation and exchanged views on areas of difference. President Biden emphasized that the United States and China are in competition, noting that the United States would continue to invest in the sources of American strength at home and align with allies and partners around the world. He stressed that the United States would always stand up for its interests, its values, and its allies and partners. He reiterated that the world expects the United States and China to manage competition responsibly to prevent it from veering into conflict, confrontation, or a new Cold War. READ ALSO: Readout of National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's Meeting with Prime Minister Kallas of Estonia The two leaders made progress on a number of key issues. They welcomed the resumption of bilateral cooperation to combat global illicit drug manufacturing and trafficking, including synthetic drugs like fentanyl, and establishment of a working group for ongoing communication and law enforcement coordination on counternarcotics issues. President Biden stressed that this new step will advance the U.S. whole-of-government effort to counter the evolving threat of illicit synthetic drugs and to reduce the diversion of precursor chemicals and pill presses to drug cartels. The two leaders welcomed the resumption of high-level military-to-military communication, as well as the U.S.-China Defense Policy Coordination Talks and the U.S.-China Military Maritime Consultative Agreement meetings. Both sides are also resuming telephone conversations between theater commanders. The leaders affirmed the need to address the risks of advanced AI systems and improve AI safety through U.S.-China government talks. The two leaders exchanged views on key regional and global challenges. President Biden underscored the United States' support for a free and open Indo-Pacific that is connected, prosperous, secure, and resilient. The President reaffirmed the United States' ironclad commitment to defending our Indo-Pacific allies. The President emphasized the United States' enduring commitment to freedom of navigation and overflight, adherence to international law, maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea and East China Sea, and the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. President Biden reaffirmed that the United States, alongside allies and partners, will continue to support Ukraine's defense against Russian aggression, to ensure Ukraine emerges from this war as a democratic, independent, sovereign, and prosperous nation that can deter and defend itself against future aggression. Regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict, the President reiterated U.S. support for Israel's right to defend itself against terrorism and emphasized the importance of all countries using their influence to prevent escalation and expansion of the conflict. President Biden underscored the universality of human rights and the responsibility of all nations to respect their international human rights commitments. He raised concerns regarding PRC human rights abuses, including in Xinjiang, Tibet, and Hong Kong. On Taiwan, President Biden emphasized that our one China policy has not changed and has been consistent across decades and administrations. He reiterated that the United States opposes any unilateral changes to the status quo from either side, that we expect cross-strait differences to be resolved by peaceful means, and that the world has an interest in peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. He called for restraint in the PRC's use of military activity in and around the Taiwan Strait. President Biden also raised continued concerns about the PRC's unfair trade policies, non-market economic practices, and punitive actions against U.S. firms, which harm American workers and families. The President emphasized that the United States will continue to take necessary actions to prevent advanced U.S. technologies from being used to undermine our own national security, without unduly limiting trade and investment. The President again emphasized that it remains a priority to resolve the cases of American citizens who are wrongfully detained or subject to exit bans in China. The two leaders reiterated the importance of ties between the people of the United States and the People's Republic of China, and committed to work towards a significant further increase in scheduled passenger flights early next year, in parallel with actions to restore full implementation of the U.S.-China air transportation agreement, to support exchanges between the two countries. The two leaders also encouraged the expansion of educational, student, youth, cultural, sports, and business exchanges. The two leaders underscored the importance of working together to accelerate efforts to tackle the climate crisis in this critical decade. They welcomed recent positive discussions between their respective special envoys for climate, including on national actions to reduce emissions in the 2020s, on common approaches toward a successful COP 28, and on operationalizing the Working Group on Enhancing Climate Action in the 2020s to accelerate concrete climate actions. President Biden stated that the United States stands ready to work together with the PRC to address transnational challenges, such as health security and debt and climate finance in developing countries and emerging markets. Building on the November 2022 meeting in Bali where they discussed the development of principles related to U.S. - China relations, the two leaders acknowledged the efforts of their respective teams to explore best practices for the relationship. They stressed the importance of responsibly managing competitive aspects of the relationship, preventing conflict, maintaining open lines of communication, cooperating on areas of shared interest, upholding the UN Charter, and all countries treating each other with respect and finding a way to live alongside each other peacefully. The leaders welcomed continued discussions in this regard. The two leaders agreed that their teams will follow-up on their discussions in San Francisco with continued high-level diplomacy and interactions, including visits in both directions and ongoing working-level consultations in key areas, including on commercial, economic, financial, Asia-Pacific, arms control and nonproliferation, maritime, export control enforcement, policy-planning, agriculture, and disability issues. READ MORE: Statement from Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre Announcing the Next White House Tribal Nations Summit @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Google is launching its new personal search experience by testing community-sourced search results with a new follow button, personalized rankings, and other new features. The tech giant seeks to show searchers more information about what they actually care about directly in the search results. This is being done by adding several new features, including search results tailored to users, perspectives results updates, creator snippets, and others. Google's New Features The new follow button in Google Search aims to keep users up to date on topics that they want to keep coming to search for. The Senior Director of Engineering at Google Search, Brad Kelle said that the new feature allows searchers to practically subscribe to certain topics where Google can show them the content of that topic. In order to subscribe, you would have to do a search and when you see the "Follow" button, you need to click on it. Then, Google will tell you that are following that particular topic and you can "look for updates in your home feed and when you revisit this search, as per Search Engine Land. Additionally, the tech giant will enable notifications that if you are using the Google App, would push new content to you regarding the topic that you followed. Users will always have the option of unfollowing and unsubscribing from topics. One thing to note is that the new feature does not work for "sensitive" topics and would first launch in the U.S. English search results within the Google App and mobile search results in the following weeks. Google may also opt to add a section named "News for you" that shows users news topics and new content around the particular topic that they followed. This would include an update on how the perspectives feature works in that section. There would also be a new "Notes" feature where users can add their own annotations to search results that they find. The experimental feature, which launches on Wednesday, will be an opt-in feature through Search Labs, according to The Verge. Read Also: China Allegedly Harassing Americans Using World's Largest Disinformation Scheme Adding Personalized Notes For those who have opted in for the Notes feature, buttons to add and see notes will appear under search results and under articles on Discover in the Google app. Whenever users create a note, they can add creative fonts and images. Google showed a note for an article about different kinds of frosting that had green text, an image of a cake, and a heart sticker. Also, at the bottom of the note was a link to the article that the note was about. Google VP Cathy Edwards said during an interview that if users post a note, it should show up "within minutes" unless it is flagged for human review. When users look at all of the notes for a certain link, they will be dynamically ranked based on things such as the user's query and a note's relevance to the content of the page. The tech giant said that it would be using a "combination of algorithmic protections and human moderation" to ensure that notes are safe, helpful, and relevant. This comes as concerns have risen due to the age of rampant misinformation and trolling, said Edgadget. Related Article: Microsoft Releases New Patch in Response to Dozens of Reports of Security Gaps, Zero Day Vulnerabilities @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Kari Lake's campaign for a Senate seat in the 2024 elections has the Arizona Republican seeking to shore up support from GOP colleagues by tapping moderate lawmakers. The GOP lawmaker has given up the fire-and-brimstone approach that she has taken in her failed gubernatorial bid last year. She has now adopted a different track in her current Senate campaign; diplomacy. Kari Lake's Senate Campaign The Arizona lawmaker has also started to reach out to Republicans whom she attacked last year and is trying to repair the relationships that she broke. However, the prospect of her successfully doing so, or if her attempts to do so could simply anger her loyal base, may be the determining factor in how she fares in a potentially three-way race for Sen. Kyrsten Sinema's seat. Lake's biggest attempted detente so far is regarding Karrin Taylor Robson, who is her 2022 primary opponent. She was the one whom she once strongly insinuated was a gold digger using her husband's money to try and buy Arizona's governorship, as per Politico. The two lawmakers previously met in October to discuss putting their 2022 race behind them and agreed to stay in contact with each other. Two people familiar with the discussions talked about the meeting and remained anonymous because they were not authorized to speak about it. An individual close to Lake also described the conversation as "productive" while another person close to Robson said it was "cordial." The move is a sharp reversal after a brutal midterm where Lake bragged after her primary win. She said that she "drove a stake through the heart of the McCain machine. Lake's shift to a play-nice approach could pay off if it at all weakens Sinema's appeal with the more moderate wing of the GOP. The latter has not yet decided whether she will run in the Senate race. However, she has strong relationships with centrist Republicans in the state, particularly those in the mold of the late Sen. John McCain. Read Also: House Passes Bipartisan Bill To Fund Government, Averting Potential Shutdown Winning Over Moderate Republicans House Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik said that Lake is a proven conservative fighter who will work to secure the border, reduce the cost of living, protect values, and save America, according to Fox News. Stefanik added that control of the Senate and the fate of the Republicans will be determined in the state of Arizona. She expressed her price in fully endorsing Lake for Senate, making her the first E-PAC Senate endorsement of the 2024 cycle. In response to the endorsement, Lake said that she was "humbled" and praised Stefanik as a "proven conservative warrior and leader for the American people." She said that the chair has stood in the breach against the Radical Left over various issues, including the impeachment attempt against former President Donald Trump. Republican consultants, including Barrett Marson, argued that Lake has a lot of work to do if she wants to win over moderate Republicans such as Robson and others. She added that the Arizona lawmaker has previously said awful things about them and even to independent voters who leaned to the right, said AZ Family. Related Article: Nikki Haley Branded 'Fascist' After Urging Social Media Users To Verify Identity Over National Security Concerns @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Billie Eilish requested a restraining order after a man named Shawn Christopher McIntyre, 53 years old, sent disturbing messages to her family and friends. Eilish has grown worried for her safety, along with her family and friends, who have received a series of threats. Billie Eilish Requests Restraining Order Against Dangerous Fan According to TMZ, the legal documents noted that McIntyre has been sending hundreds of messages to her and her family since September. McIntyre also professed his love for Eilish, and his brother, Finneas, also received violent threats. Eilish has requested a restraining order from a judge requiring McIntyre to stay away from her family and friends for at least 100 yards away. The man was also prohibited from contacting her close friend, Zoe Donahoe, on her social media accounts. According to the court documents, McIntyre said in the messages, "I'm hunting your brother and his friends." He sent disturbing profession of his love through voicemails and threatened to kill her brother and Elon Musk. He also apologized for what could have happened to his brother, and he said he tried, and she knows what it means. Eilish also claimed that McIntyre have been stalking her outside her home and even to her family's home. She said she was extremely worried that the pattern of harassment would continue if he were not restrained. She said she was more worried that he would act on his threats and go to even more extreme lengths to act upon his wild fantasies that could endanger her, her family, and friends. Read Also: Magnitude 3.6 Earthquake Struck Northern Illinois, Police Department Receives Voluminous Amount of 911 Calls Eilish Suffers From Emotional Injury Eilish admitted that she suffered from severe and substantial emotional injury. She was scared for the safety of her family and friends and continued to suffer from loss of peace, tranquility, and personal space resulting from the repeated instances of harassment. "It is also particularly distressing to me that (he) knows where I maintain a private residence and has visited my residence (and apparently my parents' home as well) attempting to find me," Eilish said. Furthermore, McIntyre also knows where Finneas and Zoe live. On November 4, McIntyre showed up at her house in Los Angeles and rang the intercom bell several times around 2:12 a.m. Eilish said that she saw McIntyre waiting outside her house, wandering in front of the driveway gate while talking to someone on his phone, and eventually sitting in front of the gate. Around 3:04 a.m., the City of Glendale Police Department arrived, talked to the stalker, and searched his pockets and bag. The police sent him away, and Eilish's security team also interacted with the police and revealed that the stalker personally visited her. She lamented that her success has resulted in random individuals previously unknown to her stalking, harassing, and threatening her and also personally contacting her that could potentially harm her. The judge decides to turn the request into a permanent restraining order. Related Article: Benedict Cumberbatch's Home Attacked by Former Chef Armed With Knife @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The court approved the death sentence of David Renteria, a Texas inmate convicted for the November 2001 abduction and suffocation of a five-year-old girl, Alexandra Flores, and scheduled for execution on Thursday evening. The prosecutors reported that Flores was strolling at a Walmart store with her family for Christmas shopping when Renteria abducted her. Flores' body was found the next day in an alley 16 miles (26 km) from the store. Court Approves Renteria's Death Sentence In August, state District Judge Monique Reyes in El Paso permitted a request to reschedule Renteria's execution and ordered prosecutors to turn over their files in the case. The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals later repealed Reyes' orders. On Tuesday, the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles voted 7-0 against reducing Renteria's death sentence to a lesser penalty. Board members also voted and rejected granting a six-month acquittal. Renteria's attorneys filed an appeal asking the state and federal court to terminate the execution. However, the appeal was unsuccessful, and the execution was already set for Thursday at the state prison in Huntsville. The attorneys argued that they had been denied access to the prosecution's file on Renteria, which they discussed violated his constitutional rights. The legal team said that the trial hindered the investigation into proving Renteria's claims that gang members were responsible for the girl's death. Renteria was accused of patrolling around the store for about 40 minutes before aiming to abduct the girl, which was shown in the surveillance video that he followed Renteria out of the store. Read Also: Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson Says Political Parties Ask Him To Run for US President in 2024 Election Renteria's Delayed Execution in 2006 The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals junked Renteria's death sentence in 2006 due to the prosecutors providing misleading evidence that gave jurors the impression Renteria was not remorseful. Renteria's attorneys argued that Renteria was remorseful and said that Renteria expressed his sympathy towards the girl's family. He said that the death of the girl was a tragedy that should have never happened. The appeals court recognized the statement of Renteria as remorseful, which minimized his responsibility for the offense. Furthermore, Renteria claimed that a member of the Barrio Azteca gang named "Flaco" forced him to take the girl by making threats to his family and said he did not kill the girl. However, prosecutors found blood in Renteria's van that matched the girl's DNA. Renteria's palm print was also found on a plastic bag that was used to cover the head of the girl before she was burned to death. The prosecutors said that Renteria was already convicted as a sex offender during the killing of the girl. In 2008, a resentencing trial occurred, and Renteria was again sentenced to death. Renteria would be the eighth inmate in Texas to be put to death this year. Furthermore, Renteria would receive a lethal injection execution, which resulted in 23 executions this year in the US. Related Article: Texas Man Sentenced to Life After Sexually Assaulting, Impregnating a Girl at Party @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Myanmar junta admits to facing "heavy assault" from insurgents in three separate states as rebel forces claim to have captured towns and outposts. The anti-coup forces were said to have staged a coordinated offensive at the end of last month and made claims that they had recaptured border areas and dozens of military bases. In a statement, spokesperson Zaw Min Tun said that military troops were being sieged by a significant number of armed rebel soldiers. Myanmar's Regional Conflict These attacks were being conducted in Shan State in the north, Kayah State in the east, and Rakhine State in the west. The rebel forces were also said to have used "hundreds" of drones to drop bombs on several military outposts and the official said that some sites were forced to order evacuations. The Asian country was plunged into a crisis when the nation's generals seized power from the elected government of civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi in a coup that was held in February 2021. Millions of people took to the streets to protest the coup and called for the restoration of democracy, as per Aljazeera. However, when the military responded to the demands with force, some civilians subsequently took up arms and joined forces with ethnic armed groups. The latter have long been fighting for self-determination. There were at least 4,185 civilians and anti-coup activists who have lost their lives in the violence since the start of the regional conflict. The statistic was released by a Myanmar non-profit organization, the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners which is tracking the crackdown. The rebel forces' latest offensive code-named Operation 1027 started in Shan State located near the border with China on Oct. 27. It was led by the Three Brotherhood Alliance, which is a grouping of the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), and Arakan Army (AA). Read Also: Taliban's Recognition of Afghan Women's Rights Illegitimate, UN Assessment Claims Fighting Against the Military Junta Zaw noted that they were quickly taking measures to protect against the drone bomb attacks effectively. Government staff in the capital, Naypyidaw, were ordered to form units to respond to "emergency" situations. The order was announced by Naypyidaw Council secretary Tin Maung Swe who denied that it was in response to the security situation, according to Reuters. Tin said that it was a plan that was made in case of an emergency, particularly providing natural disasters as an example. On the other hand, a parallel government that was formed by pro-democracy politicians to oppose the military has launched a "Road to Naypyidaw" campaign. This was done in alliance with some insurgent factions within the country that they said sought to take back control of the capital. The military's State Administration Council (SAC) said in an order on Wednesday that all individuals with basic military training should be prepared to go and serve. On that same day, the commander in chief of the armed forces Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing called a meeting of the defense and security council. He said that the military had already lost control of three towns in Shan State, said the New York Times. Related Article: Vladimir Putin Restricts Media Coverage Ahead of Russia's 2024 Presidential Election @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. An anti-Muslim Canadian man killed three family generations just to send a fearful message to Muslims. This is what prosecutors said in their closing argument with the accused murderer. The man was identified as Nathaniel Veltman, who allegedly killed four people on the evening of June 6, 2021. The 22-year-old Canadian resident has been charged with four first-degree murder charges, as well as one count of attempted murder. Here are other details shared by prosecutors handling Veltman's case on Wednesday, Nov. 15. Anti-Muslim Canadian Man Kills Three Family Generations According to Independent UK's latest report, Nathaniel Veltman told prosecutors that his crime was a message to Muslims that they should leave Canada. Law enforcement officials said that Veltman is trying to inflict fear among Muslims, warning them that if they don't leave the country, then they could be the next ones dying. They added that Nathaniel "made the conscious choice" to fill himself with hate towards Muslims and to do a murderous terrorist attack against an innocent family. The three Muslim family generations that he killed were 15-year-old Yumnah Afzaal (a high school student), 44-year-old Madiha Salman, and 46-year-old Salman Afzaal (the student's parents), as well as 74-year-old Talat Afzaal (the family matriarch who was an artist and a teacher). Aside from these innocent Muslims, Veltman's murderous attack also injured a 9-year-old boy, who luckily survived. Read Also: PM Narendra Modi's Party Tied to Most Muslim Hate Speech Incidents in India: Report Anti-Muslim Man Admits He Was on Drugs BBC News reported that during his testimony to defend himself, Nathaniel Veltman admitted that he had consumed a large quantity of magic mushrooms 40 hours before killing the Muslims. He used this information to argue that he was in a "dream-like" state when he "accidentally" ran over his victims in London, Ontario, while the family was going on an evening walk. However, Veltman admitted that after taking the drugs, he thought of running over Muslims several times. The killer confirmed that when he saw the Muslim family, he couldn't stop his urge to run over them. Veltman testified that the drugs he was taking likely exacerbated his existing "mental health conditions," forcing him to kill the three generations of the Muslim family. Nathaniel's lawyer Christopher Hicks argued that he should not be charged with first-degree murder, but he is guilty of manslaughter. "He is responsible for the deaths of these people. He's guilty of homicide - of manslaughter. If there is a death but the death is not intended, he's guilty of manslaughter," said a defense lawyer. Related Article: Jewish Organization Requests Resignation of Montreal Anti-Racism Commissioner, Denounces Inexcusable Behavior @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The U.S. Capitol Police clashed with pro-Palestine and pro-Israel protesters during a rally outside the Democratic National Committee (DNC) headquarters in Washington. The incident happened on Wednesday evening, Nov. 15. What was supposed to be a peaceful demonstration turned to a violent protest after some police officers in riot gear clashed with dozens of protesters. Protest organizers claimed that they weren't violent, but the U.S. Capitol Police officials say the opposite. US Capitol Police Vs. Pro-Palestine, Israel Protesters The protest, which was organized by three advocacy groups, was held near the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. Since the demonstrators were rallying just outside the DNC, lawmakers who were inside the headquarters had to be evacuated by the police. But, pro-Palestine and pro-Israel demonstrators decided to link their arms in front of the DNC's entrance, blocking the way of U.S. officials. While doing this, some of them were singing "Which side are you on?" The U.S. Capitol Police pushed and pulled protesters to clear a path. One protester was even shoved down a staircase leading to the entrance. ABC News reported that the police had to keep around 150 protesters, who they claimed were illegally and violently protesting outside DNC headquarters. However, only one arrest was made by law enforcement. The protester who was detained allegedly assaulted an officer during the protest. "One person has been arrested for assault on an officer," said the Capitol Police via The Guardian. Read Also: North Dakota Judge Rejects Plea to Temporarily Suspend Gender-Affirming Care Ban for Minors DNC Protest Leads to Violent Clash The U.S. Capitol Police claimed that six of their officers were injured after protesters cut, pepper sprayed, and punched them. Since the situation on Wednesday was very chaotic, responders had no choice but to treat the injured cops on the scene. But, people who organized the protest outside the DNC denied the allegations that demonstrators were violent. What they claim is very different from what U.S. officials shared. One of them is Congressman Sean Casten, who confirmed that protesters blocked all modes of ingress and egress. "We were rescued by armed officers who did not know the protesters' intent; they knew only that Members of Congress were inside, could not leave, and that protesters would not let police through," said the American lawmaker. Related Article: March for Israel: Jewish Groups Gather in Washington DC To Call Out an Antisemitism @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Florida's flooding leaves hundreds of thousands of residents without power. As intense rain flooded some parts of the state, many roads became rivers. The extreme rainfall partnered with strong winds now concerns millions of residents, especially since the National Weather Service (NWS) announced that the heaviest rainfall was expected to happen late Wednesday, Nov. 15, to early Thursday, Nov. 16. If you are living in Florida, here are the latest details you need to know about the intense flooding. Florida Flooding Leaves Hundreds of Thousands Without Power NBC News reported that the heavy rainfall in Florida is caused by the slow-moving storm system over the Gulf of Mexico. The affected areas include Melbourne, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, and Miami. NWS warned that the state could experience 1-3 inches of rain and localized 4-6 inches of rain by the coast. When it comes to strong winds, the weather forecast provider said that wind gust of 25-35 mph-with possible gusts exceeding 40 mph in coast areas-is expected. NWS further stated that the weather system and scattered intense rainfall are expected to move towards Florida's Atlantic coast by Nov. 16, as reported by USA Today. As of writing, residents in Florida (estimated to be around 7 million) are advised to plan ahead. Officials also said that people in affected urban areas must ensure that they have multiple ways to receive weather alerts. Read Also: China Flood: At Least 20 Dead, 27 Others Missing After Days of Heavy Rain What's Happening in Florida Because of heavy rainfall, extreme winds, and intense flooding, Florida's officials decided to close schools since over 108,000 residents already have no power at their residences. Here are flooding situations in some areas of Florida that citizens need to know about: Cache (9.35 inches) Miami (4.90 inches) Coral Gables (7.58 inches) Plantation (8.30 inches) Some parts of Ford Lauderdale (2.48-5.85 inches) Because of these floods, Broward County Schools announced that classes were closed on Thursday. Meanwhile, the Metromover transit system in Miami-Dade County was out of service. Instead, a free bus shuttle service was provided in the area to help residents who need to evacuate. However, other modes of public transportation were experiencing delays because of the heavy rainfall and flood. These are just some of the happenings in Florida during the intense rainfall. You can click this link to learn more. Related Article: [VIDEOS] New York Extreme Weather Causes Floods, Airport Delays, and Subway Chaos @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The Biden Administration recently announced a major crackdown against pharmacy middlemen. Now, the government is taking its first step by implementing limits against pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). For those who are not familiar with them, these people are the ones who act as the price negotiators in the drug industry. Although the intent of the U.S. government is good, many pharmacists claim the crackdown might not work. Some of them even warned that the pharmacy middlemen crackdown is already backfiring. Here's what they explained. Why Biden Admin's Pharmacy Middle Men Crackdown Might Not Work According to the Fortune, PBMs have been taking fees from pharmacies weeks or months after a drug is released; these fees are called "clawbacks." Statistics showed that the clawbacks of PBMs in the U.S. have increased from $9 million in 2010 to a whopping $12.6 billion in 2021. This is not a small increase if you look at these numbers. The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission, an agency that advises Congress on the program for 65 and older patients (including those with disabilities), said that performance fees of PBMs also make prescription costs more expensive. Because of this, CBS News reported that a new rule, which governs Medicare's drug program, will soon be implemented by the Biden Administration (specifically on January 1, 2024). This new regulation will require pharmacy benefit managers to take most of their clawbacks at the time prescriptions are filled. However, pharmacists said that the major crackdown might not work because of the workaround that PBMs discovered. Read Also: Fake Ozempic? Austria Reports Multiple Hospitalizations Linked to Suspected Counterfeit Diabetes Medication PBMs' Response Will Make Crackdown Useless Numerous pharmacy organizations, that support the new Medicare rule, said that they were not expecting a response from pharmacy benefit managers. They said that PBMs now demand that pharmacies accept new contracts with draconian cuts to their payments for dispensing drugs. National Community Pharmacists Association's Vice President Ronna Hauser explained that if pharmacies refuse the new contracts offered by PBMs, they will likely lose their Medicare customers. As of writing, pharmacy benefit negotiators are considered to be at the center of the U.S. medicine supply chain. They are the ones who tell what the patients owe to the pharmacy after a prescription has been filled. PBMs are the ones who will aggregate payments and send checks to pharmacies. However, they commonly deduce performance fees from small pharmacies. "When you're filling the prescription, the PBM tells you the patient pays $20 for this drug, we'll pay you $100," said NCPA CEO Doug Hoey. "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,'" he added. Related Article: Mental Health Problems Among Healthcare Professionals Is Becoming More Prevalent, CDC Warns @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Japanese Police have arrested a 53-year-old man named Shinobu Sekiguchi after he rammed his car into a barricade near the entrance of the Israeli embassy in Tokyo on Thursday morning (November 16). According to Reuters, the suspect, a member of a local right-wing group, sped through the barriers near the embassy, which has been the site of several pro-Palestinian demonstrations in the Japanese capital in recent weeks. A police officer in his 20s was injured during the incident. In response, Israeli Ambassador to Japan Gilad Cohen said on a social media post that he was "shocked" by the events and said local police are investigating the matter. "I would like to express gratitude to the Japanese government and Tokyo Police for their commitment to ensuring our security," he added. "Wishing a speedy recovery to the injured police officer." Read Also: First Fuel Convoy Enters Gaza, but UN Says Supply Not Enough A Man involved with an Extremist Japanese Right-Wing Organization has reportedly been Arrested in Tokyo, Japan after he Rammed his Car into a Barrier near the Israeli Embassy in the City, resulting in the Injury of at least 1 Police Officer. pic.twitter.com/LiUnMQd7Cs November 16, 2023 Israel-Hamas War Reverberating Across Asia Since October 7, police have stepped up security in the area, including the erection of the barricades. There were also similar incidents of pro-Palestinian action across Asia. A month ago, a staffer at the Israeli embassy in Beijing was assaulted in a knife attack and was eventually taken to hospital for treatment. Meanwhile, pro-Palestine protesters in the Philippines, mostly from progressive and left-wing youth groups, gathered outside the US embassy in Manila to protest against American support for Israel earlier this week. Related Article: 6 Injured After 3 Gunmen Attack West Bank Checkpoint Near Jerusalem @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Elon Musk started another debate on X (formerly known as Twitter) after he agreed to an antisemitic post. The billionaire said that what the X user said about Jewish communities in the U.S. is the "actual truth." Because of this, many X users condemned the billionaire for his statement. However, there are also those who agreed with the tech executive. Here's what the X user said about Jews in the United States and why Elon Musk claimed he is spitting facts. Elon Musk Agrees to Antisemitic X Post, Claiming It's 'Actual Truth' Charles Weber, a Jewish conservative in South Florida, posted a video about people who are saying that "Hitler was right." If you watch the video, the father was lecturing his son about his post, saying that if will claims that Hitler was right, then he should say it in front of Jews in the U.S. According to Forbes, the video was created by the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism. However, X user The Artist Formerly Known as Eric said that just like antisemitic people, Jewish communities are also spreading hatred against white individuals. Okay. Jewish communties have been pushing the exact kind of dialectical hatred against whites that they claim to want people to stop using against them. I'm deeply disinterested in giving the tiniest shit now about western Jewish populations coming to the disturbing November 15, 2023 "Jewish communities have been pushing the exact kind of dialectical hatred against whites that they claim to want people to stop using against them," said the X user. "I'm deeply disinterested in giving the tiniest shit now about western Jewish populations coming to the disturbing realization that those hordes of minorities that support flooding their country don't exactly like them too much," he added. What The Artist Formerly Known as Eric said got the attention of the platform's owner. After reading what he said, Elon Musk simply replied that the X user "said the actual truth." Read Also: US Capitol Police vs. Pro-Palestine Protesters: DNC Protest Leads to Violent Clash Is Elon Musk Correct? Netizens Share Their Opinion Some X users wish Elon Musk "good luck" since they expect Jewish supporters will now focus on the billionaire. One of them was quite neutral, saying that Musk should let it go. The netizen added that now is the time to support and embrace Jewish people in the U.S. and that Americans should not let old grudges from "left-wing segment" affect their relationship with one another. But, there are those who also agree with Elon Musk. Some netizens said that many Jews are not taking a stronger stance against their fellowmen who spread anti-white hatred. To prove their point, one of them even posted a video showing two Jews discussing that whites are the "worst enemies" of Jewish communities. Related Article: Elon Musk Has 24 Hours to Handle Israel-Hamas War Propaganda, Disturbing Footage on X @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The Ventura County Sheriff's Office has arrested a 50-year-old Moorpark man in connection to the death of 69-year-old Jewish man Paul Kessler last week. Loay Abdelfattah Alnajii was charged with involuntary manslaughter after he allegedly hit Kessler with a megaphone during dueling protests in Thousand Oaks on November 5 before the Jewish man slipped and hit his head on the pavement. Kessler eventually died in hospital the next day. Alnajii, a computer science professor at the Ventura County Community College, has been detained before facing trial at a later date. He is currently being held in custody on a $1 million bail. The Daily Mail was the first to name Alnajii as the prime person of interest in the incident. Read Also: California: Elderly Jewish Man Killed in Competing Pro-Israel, Pro-Palestine Protests in LA Remembering Paul Kessler The New York Post reported that Kessler's close friends remembered him as a proud Jew. "He was not a closet Zionist - he wore it like a badge of honor. He was a proud Jew and proud Israel supporter," Kessler family friend Justin Cohen said. It was previously reported that coroners from Ventura County ruled Kessler's death as a homicide, with the cause of death being a blunt-force head injury. The charge was upgraded to involuntary manslaughter. Related Article: Suspect in Death of Elderly Jewish Man 'Cooperative' in Homicide Investigation @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. South Korea claims that having nuclear-capable submarines in its arsenal is necessary against China, Russia, and North Korea. However, this may be difficult for the Asian country to achieve because it is still under the ROK-US nuclear agreement. Because of this, two major parties of South Korea are now requesting to revise the nuclear agreement with the U.S. If the Biden Admin accepts their requests, it could allow SoKor to obtain nuclear submarine capabilities. South Korea Says Nuclear-Capable Submarines are Needed Admiral Kim Myung-soo, the new SoKor military's Joint Chief of Staff chairman, said that the country needs to have nuclear submarine capabilities (SSN). "While those capabilities are needed, there are clear limitations as to what South Korea can do due to the current ROK-US nuclear agreement restricts the use of nuclear materials in military use," said the South Korean admiral via Naval News. SSN capabilities are no longer new to South Korea. However, it is expected that Myung-soo will ask for more since North Korea's threat is getting more intense; both in qualitative and quantitative ways. Many experts agree that SSN capabilities are definitely essential to South Korea. One of them is Prof. Jeeyong Kim at the South Korean Naval Academy. He explained that Korean nuclear submarine capabilities (K-SSN) are "second to none," claiming that this military technology will be an effective deterrent against threats posed by North Korea, China, as well as Russia. Jeeyong Kim further stated that if the ROK Navy gets a sizable fleet of nuclear-capable submarines, then North Korea will have a hard time threatening their country. As of writing, multiple South Korean admirals, as well as the Minister of Defense himself, expressed their interest in getting more K-SSN capabilities. However, since restrictions are still imposed by the ROK-US nuclear agreement, the SSN effort of SoKor still has a long journey ahead. Read Also: US, Japan, South Korea to Begin Real-Time Data Sharing on North Korean Missiles Upon Conclusion of Multi-Year Drill North Korea's Nuclear Arsenal Intensifies While SoKor is having a hard time expanding its K-SSN, The Japan Times reported that North Korea successfully tested new solid-fuel engines for its IRBMs (intermediate-range ballistic missiles). This just shows that NoKor's nuclear arsenal is intensifying further. Because of this achievement, many military experts shared their concerns regarding the country's expanding nuclear capabilities. Some of them said that the successful test could be a sign that the next step of North Korea is to conduct a flight test of the new IRBMs. Related Article: North Korea Successfully Tests Solid-Fuel Engines for Intermediate-Range Nuclear Ballistic Missiles @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. SpaceX has been planning to launch its second-ever test flight of its giant Starship rocket on Friday (November 17) after receiving its permit to fly from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The flight test was approved after the explosive first attempt last April after the FAA determined that SpaceX "met all safety, environmental, policy and financial responsibility requirements." As a result, public notices were issued to mariners indicating that there was a backup launch window from November 18 to 20 should Friday's launch attempt be scrubbed. The Starship spacecraft and its Super Heavy booster - launching out of Starbase, SpaceX's facility in Boca Chica, Texas - is a vital part of the company's plans to eventually put humans on Mars, and in the short-term, ferry humans back to the Moon after Apollo 17 more than 50 years ago. Read Also: Elon Musk Agrees to Antisemitic X Post, Claiming It's 'Actual Truth' How the Launch Would Happen According to Space.com, liftoff is scheduled to occur during a two-hour window that opens at 08:00 Eastern Time (13:00 UTC). SpaceX would begin its webcast 30 minutes before launch (07:30 Eastern/12:30 UTC), followed by a sequence where all of its engines would begin to chill ahead of ignition. Ten seconds before the launch, the Starship launch pad would activate its water deluge system to dampen the power of Super Heavy's 33 Raptor engines, as well as protect the launch mount and surrounding infrastructure. The flight plan for Friday's launch was reportedly similar to the previous flight test last April, which involved the Super Heavy falling into the Gulf of Mexico. As for Starship, it would be expected to almost complete a full orbit of the Earth before re-entering and - if it survives reentry - splash down off the coast of Hawaii in the Pacific. The said flight plan did not happen in April's flight test since the rocket failed to accurately meet flight milestones, prompting SpaceX to intentionally detonate the vehicle four minutes after liftoff. Starship and Super Heavy were designed to eventually be fully reusable, similar to SpaceX's current workhorses, Dragon capsules, and Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy first-stage boosters, respectively. "This rapid iterative development approach has been the basis for all of SpaceX's major innovative advancements, including Falcon, Dragon, and Starlink," The company's mission description stated. "Recursive improvement is essential as we work to build a fully reusable transportation system capable of carrying both crew and cargo to Earth orbit, help humanity return to the moon, and ultimately travel to Mars and beyond." Related Article: Heavy Metal Ride: NASA Launches Space Probe to Metallic Asteroid Psyche @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Russia is allegedly putting Ukrainian children in military training, as well as re-educating them. This activity was revealed by the Yale School of Public Health's Humanitarian Research Lab (HRL). Involved experts said that thousands of deported Ukrainian kids were seen being sent to Belarus. They claim that this has been happening ever since the Russia-Ukraine war began in February 2022. HRL further stated that Russia is working in tandem with the Belarusian government to organize the deportations. Russia Allegedly Putting Ukrainian Children in Military Training According to Business Insider's latest report, HRL researchers studied open-source research, as well as some high-resolution satellite images. Based on the laboratory's observations, at least 2,445 Ukrainian kids have been deported to Belarus since Russia's invasion of Ukraine began. HRL said that Belarus and Russia have been coordinating to transport children between the ages of six and 17 from Ukraine to Belarus. Experts claim that most of these innocent kids are subjected to military training and re-education. Based on the study, Ukrainian kids are being deported in Belarus and taken to at least 13 facilities; eight of these facilities have re-education programs, which allegedly brainwash children to serve the political interests of Belarus. HRL believes that some of these facilities even have military training programs, claiming that around nine groups of Ukrainian children were forced to undergo military training and re-education programs. This means that deported Ukrainian kids have to handle firearms, endure wearing heavy body armor, as well as watch military lectures, parades, and combat demonstrations. Aside from military training and re-education, HRL experts also claimed that Ukrainian kids were also given medical treatment; with some Belarusian hospitals forcing them to participate in group psychological correction and exercise therapy classes. Read Also: Russia Recruiting Wagner Veterans to Fight Ukraine-Allegedly Offering New Contracts Russia Also Using Ukrainian POWs Russia has been accused of taking advantage of Ukrainians for its invasion of their own home country. Aside from deporting children, the Associated Press recently reported that Russia also sent Ukrainian POWs (prisoners of war) on the front lines. People familiar with this matter claim that some Ukrainian soldiers who were captured swore allegiance to the Russian government. Meanwhile, other military experts said that the Kremlin is just forcing them to join their troops. "Russian authorities might claim they are recruiting them on a voluntary basis but it's hard to imagine a scenario where a prisoner of war's decision could be taken truly voluntarily, given the situation of coercive custody," said Human Rights Watch senior researcher Yulia Gorbunova. Related Article: Russia Allegedly Sending Ukrainian POWs to Front Lines Against Ukraine's Troops-Forcefully or By Choice? @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has been re-elected for another term as he plans to form a new government following two failed attempts from right-wing opposition leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo. Sanchez leads the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) and he was able to win 179 votes in favor and 171 votes against with no abstentions. The development marks the end of a four-month political deadlock following the inconclusive general elections that were held in July. Pedro Sanchez Wins Prime Minister Re-Election It was the time when Feijoo's People's Party won a 136 majority of seats while the Socialists were able to get 121 seats. The prime minister himself had called for the vote after his party experienced heavy losses in regional and municipal elections that were held in late May. Despite Feijoo's party's victory at the snap polls, it failed to garner parliamentary support over two vote attempts to form a new government. This was primarily because of its alliance with the hard-right Vox party, whose views include opposing abortion rights and denying climate change, as per CNBC. The prime minister's own mandate could prove to be fractious as he has granted numerous concessions in negotiations with parties from Catalonia, Galicia, the Basque Country, and the Canary Islands. These include a deal for a controversial amnesty law for Catalan separatists that was demanded by political parties Junts and Esquerra. It would absolve hundreds of Catalan separatists who were found to be at fault after the region's secession attempt in 2017. Former Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont, who was in self-imposed exile in Belgium, would stand to benefit from the amnesty law. However, it has triggered widespread protests in Spain by those who do not agree with it. Hundreds of thousands of Spanish residents took to the streets in order to oppose Sanchez's plan with the Catalan separatists. Detractors have argued that the prime minister's deal was unconstitutional. But for Sanchez, it was a guaranteed path to getting re-elected as prime minister. Spanish courts have also criticized the proposed amnesty law as a violation of the separation of powers. The situation has prompted European Union officials to watch the developments in Spain nervously. Read Also: EU Proposes Additional Sanctions Against Russia, Targeting Kremlin's Military, Tech Sectors Controversial Amnesty Law In a statement, Feijoo said that he had previously told the Spanish President that he had made a mistake and that he was responsible for his decisions. He argued that the amnesty law is the worst way to begin the legislature, according to the Voice of America News. On the other hand, Sanchez's government is planning to use tens of millions of dollars that it has left over from the European Union's post-pandemic recovery program to work on various green energy projects. Roughly two-thirds of Spaniards oppose the amnesty law, as shown in polls and demonstrated by the massive and largely peaceful protests throughout the nation. However, Vox politicians have attended violent protests peppered with extremists outside Socialist Party headquarters. Feijoo said that Sanchez is the problem, including the latter's supposed inability to keep his word, his lack of moral limits, and his pathological ambition. The opposition leader said that as long as the prime minister is around, the nation will be condemned to division, said the New York Times. Related Article: David Cameron Visits Ukraine, Promises Additional Military Support for War-Torn Nation @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The families situated in Deir Al-Balah retrieved thousands of buried bodies with bare hands in Gaza' graveyard' streets. The debris has continued to block the bodies, and the smell has been sickening in Gaza. Families Retrieve Thousands of Buried Bodies Hundreds of people scrape through tons of wreckage daily with shovels, iron bars, and bare hands. The families were looking for their parents, children, and neighbors. The families believed that the corpses of their loved ones were just right there in the endless acres of destruction, who were killed in the Israeli missile strikes. Gaza streets were now more like graveyards, counting to more than five weeks into Israel's war against Hamas. Gaza officials admitted that they do not have the proper equipment, workforce, or force to search and rescue the survivors and the dead. According to Toronto City News, the victims who were often found every day were Palestinians, and many have yet to be found. Omar al-Darawi and his neighbors, residents in Gaza, have been searching for weeks for the ruins of a pair of four-story houses in central Gaza. Thirty-two people were killed in the forty-five people who lived in the homes, and 27 bodies were recovered in the first days after the attack. However, five of al-Darawi's cousins were still missing. Amani, a 37-year-old stay-at-home mother, died with her husband and four children. Another Amani died with her 14-year-old daughter, while her husband and their five sons survived. "The situation has become worse every day," a former college journalism student said. He also added that the smell has become unbearable. He said that they could not stop looking for their families' bodies, and they just wanted to find and bury them properly before the bodies were gone entirely in the rubble. The search has become difficult in northern Gaza as the Israeli ground forces have continued battling Hamas militants. Furthermore, Mahmoud Bassal, the spokesperson of the Palestinian Civil Defense department, Gaza's primary search-and-rescue force, has reported that more than two dozen workers have been killed and over 100 injured since the conflict started. Bassal said their vehicles mostly ran out of fuel and had been damaged by the airstrikes. "At least five large bulldozers are needed just to search a series of collapsed high-rise buildings in the coastal town of Deir al-Balah," he added. He said that they were more focused on rescuing areas with many survivors. Read Also: Billie Eilish Requests Restraining Order After Man Sent Disturbing Messages to Family, Friends Missing Bodies in Gaza According to the Health Ministry in Hamas-run Gaza, the attacks have killed more than 11,200 people, two-thirds of them women and children. The UN Humanitarian Affairs Office reported that there were about approximately 2,700 people, including 1,500 children, were missing and believed buried in the wreckage. According to AP News, most Muslims were missing, which adds to the pain of the families in Gaza. Islam demanded that the dead be buried quickly, within 24 hours if possible. The authorities at the gravesite said that family members would wash the body with soap and scented water and prayers for forgiveness. According to Bassal, Deir al-Balah's victims recorded ten corpses, which were still lost in the al-Salam Mosque, two dozen bodies were missing in a destroyed home, and ten were missing in another mosque attack. Related Article: Colorado: Funeral Home Offering "Green Burials" Found with Nearly 200 Bodies in Decay @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The Zleep Hotels brand continues its international growth in Europe: guests can now experience Scandinavian simplicity, Danish design, and quality where it matters at the new Zleep Hotel in Prague. A good night's sleep is a sure bet in the 166 rooms thanks to the especially high-quality, extra-long beds. Each room has its own private bathroom with a rain shower. A stylish interior reflecting a Nordic influence with natural materials such as wood create a warm and cozy atmosphere. Travelers can enjoy smart TV and free Wi-Fi in their rooms, as well as guest terminals for self-check-in. The product is rounded off by a stylish lobby with breakfast and lounge area, a bar, and a terrace beckoning guests to get together and relax. During wintertime, travelers benefit from a special offer at Zleep Hotel Prague: up to 35 percent off the Flex Price excluding breakfast. The Winter Special is bookable online until 24 February 2024 for travel between 27 November 2023 and 3 March 2024. For further information and reservation:www.hrewards.com The hotel opens its doors in the new Waltrovka quarter in the southwest of the Czech capital. The city center, the congress center and Prague's Vaclav Havel Airport can be reached quickly and easily by public transportation: Radlicka metro station and U Trezorky bus stop are just a few minutes' walk from the hotel. Prague is the Zleep Hotels brand's third location outside Denmark, following Upplands Vasby, near Stockholm in Sweden, and Madrid in Spain. Deutsche Hospitality, to which the brand Zleep Hotels belongs, is thereby celebrating its entry into the Czech Republic market. Further Zleep Hotels brand openings slated for 2024 include Lausanne-Chavannes, Hillerd and Zurich-Kloten. Zleep Hotel Prague is operated by Deutsche Hospitality in its capacity as leaseholder. The project was managed by the Czech project development company Penta Real Estate. Hotel website Another local talent, Antonio Giovanni Artale, Director of Food & Beverage, takes the helm after serving as Director of Food & Beverage outlets at The Chartler Hotel, CURIO Collection by Hilton in Seattle, Restaurant General Manager at Afuri Izakaya in Oregon, and Restaurant General Manager at The Porter Hotel, CURIO Collection by Hilton in Portland. In addition to managing hotel fine dining in the United States, Artale has experience leading fast-paced restaurants and popular bars in Sicily. The Laylow, Autograph Collection is pleased to announce the appointment of Kelly Kitashima as its new Director of Sales and Marketing. With her local roots and deep ties to the community, Kitashima brings a fresh perspective to The Laylow, an urban oasis perched above the hustle and bustle of Waikiki on Oahu. Frequently named one of the top hotels and resorts in Hawaii, Kitashima will lead strategies designed to take the award-winning guest and event experience to an even higher level. Kitashima brings over 20 years of hospitality experience to The Laylow. She has held several Director of Sales positions at notable hotels in Hawaii including Highgate Hotels, 1Hotel Hanalei Bay, Residence Inn, Hyatt Waikiki, The MODERN Honolulu and Starwood Hotels and Resorts Waikiki. Adding to her repertoire of achievements, Kitashima has been awarded several accolades including Pacific Business News' Pineapple Award Honoree and Hospitality Leadership Recipient from Pacific Edge Magazine. In her new role, Kitashima will be responsible for developing and strengthening relationships to drive revenue and achieve property-wide goals and implement strategies to develop campaigns, promotions and collateral. Kitashima is passionate about upholding Hawaiian culture, values and practices. She is the president of Ulu A'e Learning Center, which is dedicated to delivering culture and place-based education for keiki and families through volunteer workdays, community programs and student days. She is also involved in empowering Hawaii's youth through her role as Vice President of Women Speaking Out. Kitashima graduated from Kamehameha Schools and attended the School of Travel Industry Management at University of Hawaii at Manoa. She later graduated from University of Nevada, Las Vegas specializing in Hotel Management. Herbert Laubichler-Pichler is a hospitality veteran with life-long experience making guests feel welcome at hotels and resorts in Europe and Asia. Austrian-born Mr Laubichler-Pichler is currently the Managing Director of Alma, a new 30-hectare resort overlooking Long Beach on Vietnam's Cam Ranh peninsula, with 14 food and beverage outlets and a cascade of 12 beachfront swimming pools. Mr Laubichler-Pichler's work in Vietnam includes management of some of the country's most acclaimed properties such as Anam, that also fronts Long Beach, Ho Chi Minh City's Reverie Saigon and Nam Hai in Danang. His experience in Asia also includes overseeing the opening of Raffles Hainan in China, working for Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts in mainland China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines, and managing GHM (General Hotel Management) properties in Malaysia. Born into a hotelier family, Mr Laubichler-Pichler started out in the industry working at his parents' guesthouse in his native Austria as a bellboy at 10 years of age during the summer season. He later studied hotel management at the Hotel and Catering College Schloss Klessheim and became a certified chef before steadily rising through the ranks to become the general manager at properties in Austria, Germany and Cyprus. We sat down with five key leaders to discuss our best-in-class digital customer journey program, a key milestone in our Groups digital transformation. Better engaging and interacting with our clients, empowering our regions and teams, and contributing to business growth, this wide-scale program transforms the way we work and enhances our client experience at every step of their journey across all channels, through a seamless, personalized experience. In this video, you will hear insights from Alix Boulnois, Chief Digital Officer; Didier Zapparata, SVP Engineering, Direct Channels, Loyalty & Customer Engagement; Myriam El Harraq, SVP Brands, User Experience & Innovation; Yassine Hachem, SVP E-Commerce & Customer Engagement; and Charline Boccara, VP Digital, Distribution & Loyalty South East Asia, Japan & South Korea. Discover the video: Building a Best-in-Class Digital Client Experience Reaching a Key Milestone in our wide-scale Digital Transformation Our digital client experience program is a massive transformation for our Group, embarking our entire organization and reshaping our ways of working. It's a massive transformation for a Group, involving teams from business, technology, data, regions, and much more. We've been on this journey for two years now, with very successful results, thanks to all this expertise combined. This transformation is not only about technology: its also about rethinking our strategy, how we work, our processes, our tools, how we interact with guests Its a transformation on a large scale, like we've never done before. Alix Boulnois, Chief Digital Officer Delivering Value to all our Stakeholders through an Innovative Omnichannel Program Thanks to this program, we deliver value to all our stakeholders. We deliver the right message, to the right client, at the right time, through the right channel. And for our regional teams, it is a game-changer, transitioning from an email-centric approach to an omnichannel strategy. This program is a powerful enabler to build closer relationships with our clients and to better serve their unique, constantly evolving needs, with a seamless, personalized experience, and to deliver value to our stakeholders. Didier Zapparata, SVP Engineering, Direct Channels, Loyalty & Customer Engagement We always put the client at the heart of what we do, without compromising the importance of the business value. Myriam El Harraq, SVP Brands, User Experience & Innovation Driving Business Growth and Opportunities To build this innovative program, we have partnered with leading partners Adobe and Salesforce to deliver best-in-class tools for our teams to manage their business according to their specific local needs. We have now one common website platform to build and manage websites for our brands, and one common marketing automation solution to create personalized omnichannel marketing campaigns, driving business growth and opportunities. Thanks to the abilities that we have with this program, we are better engaging with our clients, allowing us to do cross-fertilization of brands, upsell and cross sell. I think one of the biggest successes of this program is the fact that it has been well adopted all over the world by the teams in the regions and at the brand level, elevating the customer experience globally. Yassine Hachem, SVP E-Commerce & Customer Engagement Regional teams can now target clients with the most relevant local channel. Better targeting of clients, more autonomy, more efficiency, more personalization: the perfect digital environment to drive performance and business growth. What we see here in Asia for example is really impressive. We have a higher basket, conversion rate, revenue, and better understanding of our clients. Charline Boccara, VP Digital, Distribution & Loyalty South East Asia, Japan & South Korea To discover more about our program in our new video, click here. About Accor, a world-leading hospitality group Accor is a world leading hospitality group offering experiences across more than 110 countries in 5,500 properties, 10,000 food & beverage venues, wellness facilities or flexible workspaces. The Group has one of the industry's most diverse hospitality ecosystems, encompassing more than 40 hotel brands from luxury to economy, as well as Lifestyle with Ennismore. Accor is committed to taking positive action in terms of business ethics & integrity, responsible tourism, sustainable development, community outreach, and diversity & inclusion. Founded in 1967, Accor SA is headquartered in France and publicly listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange (ISIN code: FR0000120404) and on the OTC Market (Ticker: ACCYY) in the United States. For more information visit group.accor.com or follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok. In celebration of the 20th anniversary, Valencia Hotel Group is excited to announce a rebranding to Valencia Hotel Collection (VHC). As the travel and leisure industry evolves, VHC plans to continue its innovative approach to hospitality and feel this new moniker is a reflection of how the independent hotel groups portfolio and mission has transformed since launching 20 years ago. We are incredibly proud to be celebrating twenty years of Valencia Hotel Group and felt that now was the perfect time to rebrand to Valencia Hotel Collection, said Doyle Graham, Jr., Founder, President, and CEO of Valencia Hotel Collection. With seven independent hotels currently operating and substantial growth on the horizon, we believe the name Valencia Hotel Collection better reflects where our portfolio stands today. As we look ahead to the future of Valencia Hotel Collection, we remain committed to our mission of providing guests with an unmatched level of service, comfort, and experience. In conjunction with the rebrand, VHC has been diligently focused on leveraging its teams unique perspective on development and property management to expand its footprint. Restructuring amongst its leadership team has seen the appointment of Roy Kretschmer to Chief Operating Officer, Wendy Norris to Vice President of Sales, Marketing & Revenue Optimization, and Trent Freeman to Vice President of Operations each of whom have played an integral role in the independent hotel groups continued growth. Looking ahead, Valencia Hotel Collection intends to expand its portfolio to new markets and broaden its property management services. 20 YEARS OF INDEPENDENT HOSPITALITY Since 2003, Houston-based Valencia Hotel Collection has been providing luxurious accommodations and outstanding service to locals and visitors across Texas and California. A leading hospitality owner, operator, and management company, known for immersing guests in the culture and lifestyle of the cities they call home. The collections first hotel, Hotel Valencia Riverwalk, opened its doors along San Antonios famed River Walk in January 2003, closely followed by Hotel Valencia Santana Row in San Jose, California in July. Throughout the years, VHCs portfolio has continued to blossom across Texas, welcoming four boutique court-concept hotels and an additional luxury property to its collection. Austins Lone Star Court was the brands first court-concept hotel, providing a one-of-a-kind motor-court inspired experience and embodying an aesthetic thats authentically Austin. College Station-based Cavalry Court and The George opened in 2016 and 2017, a nod to founder Doyle Graham, Jr.s alma mater. Expanding its Texas footprint, VHC welcomed Irvings Texican Court in early 2019 and the brands latest addition in fall 2020, Cotton Court in Lubbock. About Valencia Hotel Collection Houston-based Valencia Hotel Collection is a fully integrated hospitality company that provides management, development, branding, and repositioning services for independent and full-service hotels. Exceptional service, style, and location have earned the portfolio national and international recognition for their distinctive designs, amenities, and settings. Each Valencia Hotel Collection destination is one-of-a-kind and combines the nature of an independent hotel brand and the local culture of each respective city, allowing guests to feel rooted beyond each property, curious to discover more from their travels than just the amenities in a guest or conference room. For more information, please visit www.valenciahotelcollection.com. Today, Nathan Blecharczyk, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer at Airbnb, wrote to European leaders welcoming progress made on EU short-term rental rules. For more about Airbnbs work supporting EU rules visit the EU Hub here. Dear European Leaders, Over two years ago, we asked the EU to consider introducing an EU-wide approach to regulating our industry that is more clear, simple and consistent across the bloc. Today, this hope is closer to becoming a reality and we thank the EU for its leadership on this matter. Airbnb began in 2008 when two of our co-founders could not afford their rent. To help earn some extra money, they opened their San Francisco apartment and welcomed the first guests on Airbnb. Today, more people share their homes on Airbnb in the EU than anywhere else in the world. For many European families, hosting is an economic lifeline, and nearly half say the additional income helps them afford the rising cost of living. As with other innovations, Airbnbs growth over the last 15 years has sometimes outpaced local rules which have been unclear or outdated. We have always sought to grow in collaboration with communities and we are proud of our work with individual governments to date: around 80% of our top 200 markets globally have some type of regulation in place today. Within the EU, we saw the challenges that arose from rules evolving simultaneously and independently across the region. In the absence of clear regional guidance, how to write effective local rules, get access to data, protect housing, and comply with EU rules has, at times,been unclear. In some cases, historic and burdensome local rules which were typically designed for hotels exclude many everyday Europeans from the economic and social opportunities offered by hosting. We welcome new EU-wide rules as a watershed moment for Airbnb and our industry. The new rules will serve as a global example of how to regulate short-term rentals, and give clear guidance to platforms and authorities on important matters, including how to share data and make local rules work for everyone. With clear rules of the road in place, our priority is to expand our work with cities and governments to protect housing, support everyday families who host and contribute to a sustainable tourism future for Europe. We want to be good partners and take this opportunity to kickstart a new chapter in our collaborations. We will continue to be proactive in our work with you and your teams across the region to make the new EU rules a success for everyone. Yours sincerely, Nathan Blecharczyk Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer, Airbnb About Airbnb Airbnb was born in 2007 when two Hosts welcomed three guests to their San Francisco home, and has since grown to over 4 million Hosts who have welcomed more than 1 billion guest arrivals across over 220 countries and regions. Travel on Airbnb keeps more of the financial benefits of tourism with the people and places that make it happen. Airbnb has generated billions of dollars in earnings for Hosts, most of whom are individuals listing the homes in which they live. Among Hosts who report their gender, more than half are women, and one in five employed Hosts are either teachers or healthcare workers. Travel on Airbnb also has generated more than $4 billion in tax revenue around the world. Airbnb has helped advance more than 1,000 regulatory frameworks for short-term rentals, including in 80% of our top 200 geographies. In late 2020, to support our continued expansion and diversification, we launched the City Portal to provide governments with a one-stop shop that supports data sharing and compliance with local registration rules. We continue to invest in innovations and tools to support our ongoing work with governments around the world to advance travel that best serves communities. About Airbnb.org Airbnb.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to facilitating temporary stays for people in times of crisis around the world. Airbnb.org operates independently and leverages Airbnb, Inc.'s technology, services, and other resources at no charge to carry out Airbnb.org's charitable purpose. The inspiration for Airbnb.org began in 2012 with a single host named Shell who opened up her home to people impacted by Hurricane Sandy. This sparked a movement and marked the beginning of a program that allows Hosts on Airbnb to provide stays for people in times of need. Since then, the program has evolved to focus on emergency response and to help provide stays to evacuees, relief workers, refugees, asylum seekers, and frontline workers fighting the spread of COVID-19. Since then, Hosts have offered to open up their homes and helped provide accommodations to 100,000 people in times of need. Airbnb.org is a separate and independent entity from Airbnb, Inc. Airbnb, Inc. does not charge service fees for Airbnb.org supported stays on its platform. Airbnb Press Airbnb Press Office Airbnb LOS ANGELES, Calif. Springboard Hospitality, the award-winning hospitality management company, today announced the addition of Hotel Erwin in Los Angeles, California to its portfolio of 47 independent and branded properties across 13 states in the U.S. Situated on the world-famous Venice Beach Boardwalk, the 119-room hotel has been family-owned for over 50 years and long welcomed locals, out-of-towners, and Southern California day-trippers to High Rooftop Lounge overlooking Venices seaside scene that dazzles with beachfront comfort, artistic flair, and the friendliest staff in town. When in LA, I always find myself back at the Hotel Erwin and the High Rooftop Lounge, so we are very pleased to welcome this iconic Venice Beach property to the Springboard portfolio. Hotel Erwin has always offered guests an experience like nowhere else in Venice. We look forward to carrying on the hotels artistic personality and providing a memorable experience for travelers visiting West LA. Sean Williams, Chief Development Officer, Springboard Hospitality Located directly across from the Pacific Ocean, Hotel Erwin sits in a prime location bordering the famous Muscle Beach, Windward Avenue, Venice Canals, and Abbot Kinney Boulevard where noteworthy brands Farm Rio, Aviator Nation, Scotch & Soda, and more reside. The hotels High Rooftop Lounge offers craft cocktails, stunning views of Los Angeles coastline, and spectacular sunsets. The vibe is easy with oversized couches and fireplaces to keep guests warm after the sun goes down. The hotel houses Venice Way Pizza in its lobby, offering a quick slice for those on-the-go, and Erwins General Store for artisanal coffees and sandwiches. Hotel Erwin offers spacious single and double classic king and queen-bed rooms and large one- and two-bedroom apartment-sized suites, with separate living and dining areas. Rooms are available from $309/night. To explore Hotel Erwin or to book a stay, please visit www.hotelerwin.com. About Springboard Hospitality Springboard Hospitality is a premier third-party hotel management company, dedicated to transforming people, properties, and communities. Currently operating 47 hotels and resorts across 13 states, Springboard is a leader in lifestyle hotels in urban and resort markets. Led by technology entrepreneur Ben Rafter, Springboard specializes in creating customizable management and quantifiable returns on investment. The company offers a full spectrum of hotel services with expertise in operations, capital planning, marketing, revenue management, sales and human resources. The Springboard Hospitality team is committed to going above and beyond with high-touch, personalized service in every aspect of its operations, from its interactions with guests to its relationships with owners. For more information, please visit www.springboardhospitality.com. Chicago - First Hospitality, a national hotel operating and development company, assumed management of Hotel Indy in Indianapolis, Indiana. The property marks First Hospitalitys first hotel with owner group KennMar. Since opening in 2021, Hotel Indy has become a cornerstone of luxury and hospitality in the heart of Indianapolis, with 90 keys, two restaurants, The Hulman and The Cannon Ball Lounge, and 1,200 square feet of state-of-the-art meeting space. The Hulman is open daily and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The Cannon Ball Lounge is the newest rooftop bar in the area and serves Indy-inspired cuisine and cocktails, craft brew, and coffee. The addition of Hotel Indy to our property portfolio is a meaningful step in our Indianapolis presence. We value our owner relationships, and look forward to this new partnership with KennMar, while growing our Indianapolis-based team, and further fostering our relationship with the Marriott brand. First Hospitalitys experience with F&B will prove fruitful with the hotels on-site restaurant & bar experiences. David Duncan, president and CEO of First Hospitality With an expanding footprint in the Indianapolis market, brings additional job and growth opportunities to further develop First Hospitalitys world-class talent. First Hospitality is committed to a people-first culture and expanding their mission of Our Journey Together into new communities. The property is blocks away from Lucas Oil Stadium, Gainbridge Field House, Hilbert Circle Theater, and numerous other Indianapolis staples. For more information about First Hospitality and its portfolio of hotels, please visit: firsthospitality.com. About First Hospitality First Hospitality is a top-ranking development, investment, and third-party operating company with a portfolio of branded and independent properties throughout the United States. Founded nearly 40 years ago, the organization fosters opportunities for associates, investors, owners, and partners to prosper together. The foundation of First Hospitality's success is built on an individualized approach that puts people first, encourages a strong ownership culture, and consistently demonstrates astute business acumen. The company and its hotels are frequently recognized by the industry and media for high guest service and associate satisfaction, including accolades from Forbes, Conde Nast, TripAdvisor, and AAA. For more information, visit www.firsthospitality.com. CBRE has appointed Brett McCracken to lead its Management Rights Hotel Valuation & Advisory Services team. Mr McCracken is rejoining CBRE to take on the director role, bringing with him 20 years of valuation experience in the commercial real estate industry. He is registered in Queensland and Western Australia and has his CPV accreditation, meaning he will bring national management coverage rights with him to CBRE. He also brings rent roll valuations as a specialisation to the team. CBRE is further strengthening its Management Rights team with the appointment of Associate Director, Ekaterina Ivandikova. Ms Ivandikova worked at CBRE as an assistant valuer in 2014 before further developing her skills and experience in commercial property. Shes rejoining CBRE with over 10 years experience in the industry, primarily in management rights. CBREs Management Rights Hotels team specialise in the valuation of revenues received from short-term holiday lettings in apartment buildings. The newly appointed duo will be servicing clients nationwide, based on the Gold Coast and in Brisbane. CBREs Hotel Valuation & Advisory Services Pacific Regional Director, Troy Craig said, Brett and Ekaterinas appointments further strengthen our full-service offering across the hotels sector. Their management rights specialist skills and extensive industry contacts along with being a strong cultural fit within the CBRE Hotels team make them the perfect additions. Their presence expands our suite of services in hospitality real estate valuations and reinforces CBREs undisputed position as the largest, most experienced team in the sector. Whilst they will be based in our Gold Coast and Brisbane offices, Brett and Ekaterina will help us actively expand our valuation presence on a national basis in what is a fast growing, dynamic sector. Leveraging the Essence of Luxury for Effective Marketing Strategies Luxury has always been associated with high-end brands and products, with marketers utilizing this association to promote their offerings effectively. Luxury is not just about price tags and exclusivity, but an intricate web of storytelling, consumer psychology, and brand identity. This piece delves into how luxury can be a precious tool for powerful marketing strategies across various industries. Discover the essence of luxury! Luxury lifestyle as a marketing catalyst: strategies for success The luxury sector, a central element within the more extensive luxury industry, has exhibited commendable resilience amidst challenging circumstances. In 2019, the luxury goods industry accounted for global revenues approximating g $1.4 trillion. After the pandemic, forecasts remain optimistic, with expectations for the luxury market to recuperate to levels observed prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, as per insights provided by Deloitte. What factors underlie this robustness? The luxury sector thrives owing to its distinctive capacity to proffer not merely products, but also experiences and emotions. Unveiling the psychology of luxury: A look inside consumer behavior Owning a luxury product is not just a purchase; it's an event, an emotional experience. The luxury industry excels at making the very act of shopping in a luxurious setting be it a plush physical store or an elegant online interface give consumers a heightened sense of importance. The experience is designed to make them feel exclusive and privileged. The luxury market has honed its ability to tap into the aspirational fantasies and social psychology of consumers. Luxury brands skillfully utilize storytelling to build worlds that consumers want to be a part of. These narratives often include elements of heritage, craftsmanship, and superior quality, which instigate a sense of achievement and self-worth among high-end clients. In today's digital age, the endorsement of a product by a trusted celebrity or influencer can catapult a brand into the luxury stratosphere. The idea here is not just product placement but association. When a consumer sees a respected or admired individual endorsing a luxury product, the brand itself becomes part of a desirable lifestyle. Luxury goods also leverage the Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) by introducing limited-time offers or limited-edition products. When consumers believe they might miss out on a unique or beneficial experience, they are more likely to make a purchase impulsively. In conclusion, the resilience of the luxury sector is no accident; it's the result of meticulously crafted strategies and a profound understanding of consumer psychology. Those who aim to delve into the intricacies and complexities of the luxury field will find that gaining a comprehensive understanding of these factors allows marketers to craft strategies that not only endure but flourish, regardless of the challenges they face. Luxury sector resources transcending boundaries The luxury sector's marketing arsenal contains a wealth of tools that are easily adaptable across different industries. From leveraging exclusivity and scarcity to intelligent use of celebrity endorsements, these strategies create a paradigm that transcends the limitations of traditional marketing. The adaptability of the luxury industry's techniques can be seen in sectors beyond high-end fashion and goods. For example, in the luxury fashion industry, brands like Gucci and Hermes have employed the concept of scarcity brilliantly. Limited edition collections, waitlists, and "drops" compel consumers to act swiftly, making them yearn for products that appear hard to get. This urgency can be adopted in other sectors, from tech gadget releases to premium content in digital platforms, thereby creating a sense of exclusivity and high demand. Celebrity endorsements are another tool that amplifies luxury brand identity and value. While these endorsements may come naturally to the fashion and beauty sectors, they are also making waves in industries like tech and home goods. An A-list actor endorsing a smart home product suddenly makes it an item of aspirational value. Industries mastering luxury marketing strategies The hospitality industry has always been a natural partner to luxury, but what's surprising is how other sectors, such as technology and automotive, have successfully adapted these elements. For instance, Apple's collaboration with Hermes for the Apple Watch Hermes collection seamlessly marries technology with fashion. It signifies the convergence of functional necessity with aesthetic desire, thus creating a unique market niche that resonates with a more discerning consumer base. Tesla is another example, where luxury isn't just about the product but about the overall experience - high-end electric cars, sleek showrooms, and unmatched customer service. Tesla is redefining what it means to be a 'luxury' car, beyond just leather seats, and a prestigious badge. Navigating challenges in the competitive luxury market Confronting the imposter syndrome: Transitioning to a luxury brand When a brand endeavors to transition into the luxury arena, its akin to walking on a tightrope. The label of 'luxury' is not just a marketing ploy but a luxury lifestyle, often handed down from one generation to the next. This brings us to the elephant in the room: Imposter Syndrome. Many marketers engaged in luxury brand management ask themselves if their brand truly qualifies to be in the luxury echelon. To transition successfully, companies must first engage in comprehensive market research to gauge the potential for luxury positioning within the luxury goods industry. It's not just about slapping a higher price tag on products; its about understanding luxury market trends and what elementswhether it's unique craftsmanship or a compelling brand historycan be leveraged to build a luxury narrative. Brands can combat imposter syndrome by first running pilot campaigns aimed at showcasing their luxury potential. Through exclusive events, influencer partnerships, and limited editions, they can assess luxury consumer behavior before fully diving into luxury repositioning. Storytelling becomes vital at this stage. A brands history, ethical stance, or unique selling proposition can become a cornerstone in building a luxurious image. Balancing resource limitations: Luxury marketing with impact In the journey to establish a brand as a luxury name, resource limitations often come to the fore. True luxury demands a certain level of craftsmanship, quality, and customer serviceeach of which requires investment. Smaller and emerging brands may not have vast budgets but still desire a seat at the luxury table. How can they strike a balance? The solution lies in innovation. Some brands partner with established luxury industry brands for collaborative releases, lending them a certain prestige they couldn't achieve on their own. Strategic collaborations can go a long way in luxury brand positioning. Limited editions also create a sense of scarcity and exclusivity without necessarily requiring a long-term commitment to luxury production standards. Seasonal luxury lines or capsule collections can generate buzz and test the waters without overwhelming available resources. Exclusive membership clubs or loyalty programs also offer a pathway. These create a tiered system of access to products or services, making even regular customers feel part of an exclusive club. This can go a long way in setting up a luxury image, particularly for brands in sectors like hospitality and lifestyle. Earning credibility in luxury: strategies for brand trustworthiness Establishing credibility is a Herculean task in the luxury sector. High-end clients look beyond mere labels; they look for a legacy or a level of sophistication that aligns with their lifestyle. This means your brand must be more than just a logo and a product; it must embody a culture of luxury. The allure of celebrity endorsements is compelling, and while a celebritys face can bring immediate attention to the brand, it may not guarantee long-lasting credibility. The modern luxury consumer has evolved. They are likely to scrutinize, cross-verify, and look for authentic consumer experiences before making a purchase. Thus, brands should focus on 'social proof'reviews, testimonials, and user-generated content that showcases real people enjoying the product or service. This form of validation can often be more impactful than even the most high-profile celebrity endorsement. Additionally, staying updated on luxury market trends and seeking certifications, awards, and third-party evaluations can provide the much-needed objectivity and validation to boost the brands credibility. Leveraging storytelling to present a transparent and consistent brand image is also crucial. Stories around sustainable practices, artisan craftsmanship, or heritage can resonate with today's conscious luxury consumer and become your ultimate credential. Navigating the world of luxury is like walking a tightrope; it requires balance, finesse, and an understanding of the complex psychology that underpins luxury buying. With these insights, the task becomes more approachable and success more achievable. Contact Veronika on LinkedIn. This article originally appeared on EHL Insights. InterContinental and Kimpton Brands to Debut in Chiang Rai, Thailand IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) and Asset World Corp Public Company Limited (AWC) extend their long-standing partnership with an agreement to open two new luxury hotels in Chiang Rai, Thailand. Opening in 2025, InterContinental Chiang Rai Golden Triangle Resort will offer 68 one- and two-bedroom pool and plunge pool villas. Kimpton Chiang Rai Golden Triangle, which currently operates as The Imperial Golden Triangle Resort, will undergo an extensive renovation and convert to the Kimpton brand with 68 suites, along with a range of facilities. These luxury destination resorts will mark IHGs entry into Thailands Golden Triangle, an area that is popular with travellers for its rich history, immersion into Lanna culture and the scenic mountain and river landscape which borders Laos and Myanmar. Rajit Sukumaran, Managing Director, South East Asia and Korea, IHG Hotels & Resorts said: On the back of the recent opening of InterContinental Chiang Mai The Mae Ping, this signing is another milestone in IHGs and AWCs more than 10-year relationship and will provide travellers with the opportunity to explore more of northern Thailand. We remain on track to grow our luxury and lifestyle portfolio in Thailand by 50%, and its fantastic to be expanding the InterContinental and Kimpton brands into new destinations. The luxury boutique and design-forward Kimpton brand has enjoyed a huge period of growth since it debuted in Thailand three years ago, and now has six open or pipeline properties in market, including two operating and much-loved hotels in Bangkok and Koh Samui. Globally we continue to grow across our six brands in the luxury and lifestyle space and this segment represents 14% of our system and 22% of our pipeline, which is around twice the size from five years ago. Mrs. Wallapa Traisorat, Chief Executive Officer and President, Asset World Corp Public Company Limited (AWC) said: Chiang Rai is a unique destination in Thailand that showcases the beauty in nature and the arts as well as many beautiful temples, hilltribes and local villages, offering different organic and cultural sustainable experiences for travellers. This partnership with IHG will put this most northern province of Thailand top of mind for many local and global tourists. It aligns perfectly with our vision to transform Chiang Rai into a luxury ecotourism destination, with both hotels ideal for the cultural and natural explorer and for couples and families who seek wellness and a luxury lifestyle resort experience. With the special riverfront location, these two hotels will offer restaurant and bars by the river as well as lifestyle cruise experiences linking Thailand, Laos and Myanmar. These hotels will not only elevate the hospitality landscape in Northern Thailand but also contribute to sustainable tourism, showcasing the rich Lanna nature and heritage. The two destination resorts are adjacent while having individual guest journeys and wellness stay experiences that showcase the brand attributes, providing travellers choices based on the occasion. They elevate Chiang Rai as a global travel destination, while helping to create long-term value, and enriching the surrounding communities and society. An hour away from Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai International Airport and 90 minutes drive from Chiang Rai city, the resorts are located amidst mountain ranges and an unspoiled jungle setting with a wonderful vantage point overlooking the Mekong River and its calm waterways, as well as expansive views of Laos and Myanmar in the distance. Established as a wellness destination, guests will be able to enjoy sustainably sourced and organic culinary experiences to nourish and energise as well as try a plethora of Lanna wellness experiences. Theres so much to discover including coffee plantations, hill tribe visits and scenic dining cruises in additional to learning the art of batik and traditional craftmanship. With 34 hotels across nine brands and 39 hotels in the pipeline, Thailand continues to be a strong growth market for IHG and the business is on track to double the size of its estate within the next three to five years. Crowne Plaza Saint John Harbour View Hotel IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) recently celebrated the opening of a new Crowne Plaza hotel in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada, following a conversion and extensive renovation. Located minutes from Saint John Airport, and within walking distance to downtown Saint John, Crowne Plaza Saint John Harbour View offers guests coastal allure and unrivaled views of the port city. Crowne Plaza Saint John Harbour View provides guests a range of spaces and amenities whether travelling for business or leisure from the 135 premium guest rooms that provide a comforting, yet productive environment, to the 5,500 sq. ft of meeting spaces and business centre. The pet-friendly property also includes a heated indoor pool and hot tub, a fully equipped fitness centre and an arcade. An on-site restaurant, Harbourvue Horizon, celebrating local and international flavours, is open for all-day dining and is suitable for both intimate dinners and casual get-togethers. Guests will also be conveniently located near attractions such as The New Brunswick Museum, Rockwood Park, Tin Can Beach, Reversing Falls, Harbour Passage, Fort Le Tour, Fort Howe and more. Jonathan Lund, Regional Vice President of Operations, Company Managed Premium Hotels, and Head of Canada, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: "This opening marks the beginning of a new era for the Crowne Plaza brand in Canada. Introducing another hotel to this growing market is an exciting milestone, and we are so proud to expand Crowne Plaza and welcome a sixth Canadian property to the family. We're excited to work with Devansh Group of Hotels to bring another premier IHG property to the East Coast." IHG collaborated with owner and manager Devansh Group of Hotels for the conversion and renovation to the Crowne Plaza Saint John Harbour View. Headquartered in Ontario, Devansh Group of Hotels scope extends from real estate management to the acquisition and development of hospitality enterprises across various provinces in Canada. Dev Patel, Founder & CEO at Devansh Group of Hotels, said: We are thrilled to work with IHG Hotels & Resorts and welcome guests through the doors of Crowne Plaza Saint John Harbour View. The extensive IHG One Rewards loyalty programme and global market presence are just some of the reasons we decided to bring this property to life. Crowne Plaza is a premium, world-renowned hotel brand, and were confident we will deliver exceptional experiences for guests traveling to Saint John. Chicago, IL (60637) Today Periods of rain. High 46F. Winds ESE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall around a half an inch.. Tonight Cloudy with occasional light rain...mainly this evening. Low 39F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%. Subscribers to Register-Star or The Daily Mail are eligible to receive full access to HudsonValley360. If you have an existing print subscription, please make sure your email address on file matches your HudsonValley360 account email. Sidewalks Considered for Orchard Road Project in Dalton DALTON, Mass.The town is considering including sidewalks in the reconstruction of Orchard Road. Selectmen John Boyle announced during the Select Board meeting on Monday that the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) may have grant funding available to fund sidewalks on Orchard Road. Boyle, the town's representative on the MPO, said the town can apply for Complete Streets funding through the MPO. To be considered, the town has to submit an application before April 1. If the town is approved the money will be available in the summer. DPW Superintendent Bud Hall and Town Manager Tom Hutcheson will be working on applying for the grant. In addition to this grant funding, the town can also use blacktop to create the sidewalks instead of concrete to keep the costs down, Boyle said. The town has also discussed sidewalk repairs with residents before the last town meeting where it was approved to add $10,000 to the sidewalk repair budget. The road is used by some students who attend Wahconah Regional High School. The Select Board said during a September meeting that the town should first focus its repairs on sidewalks near the schools to improve student safety in high-traffic areas. More information on sidewalks can be found here. "I didn't even realize it myself but there are six feeder streets that go into Orchard Road. And they serve all the students in that northeast section of town that walk to [Nessacus Regional Middle School] and [Wahconah Regional High School]," Boyle said. "I think it's really important and from a handicap point of view, you know we have a lot of interest there from various residents." Despite interest from residents and officials, installing sidewalks on Orchard Road was originally deemed not feasible, this grant would change that. The project was delayed for many years due to lack of funding. Over the years, the town applied for grants but was not approved. A few years ago, the town allocated funds for the project, which was utilized to complete the project's engineering and design. They are finalizing the designs now. The town was approved for a state MassWorks grant of $1 million so it can address the street's drainage issues. Addressing the street's drainage issues will utilize all of the funding received from this grant. The drainage project will be from Pease Avenue to the bridge. The blacktop on the other side of the road, near Wahconah Country Club, and from the Massachusetts Public Works building to Route 9 will also be replaced. During the meeting on Monday, the Select Board voted to add a letter to Hall's personnel file, praising him for his efforts in securing a grant. Vertiv, a global provider of critical digital infrastructure and continuity solutions, joined Globe Telecom in formally opening its new 5G-ready data center located in Tiaong, Quezon Province. The TIA 942, Tier-II modular data center supports Globe Telecoms mission to build a consistent communications network in preparation for growing customer demands for faster connectivity and data applications. Project aims to support Globes strategic direction to ensure consistent network connectivity across the archipelago Globes newest data center facility in Tiaong improves digital connectivity by widening availability and strengthening reliability of its mobile and fixed network services, resulting in better customer experience. Globe was keen to optimize construction time, while also prioritizing energy efficient operation. Ultimately, this challenge was resolved by Vertivs integrated modular solutions, which include Vertivs full suite of power, thermal and IT management solutions, and the support of its in-house expertise in prefabricated data center infrastructure. The Tiaong data center employs a unique construction model, combining a brick-and-mortar approach with Vertivs integrated modular solutions. The project build followed a parallel timeline where the on-site construction was run simultaneously with the fabrication of the modules on an offsite location, greatly reducing build timelines. This method allowed for a compact and fully utilized space that addresses current requirements, while allowing for possible expansion efforts should future demand increase. Present at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Globe Telecom was James Lim, vice president for the Network Technical Group, Jaime Pagcaliwagan, director for Core Facility Engineering, Patrick John Magsajo, assistant director for Core Project Delivery and Rey Salvador, director for Core Operations. Vertiv was represented by Jason Lim, country manager, Philippines, Anna Dionne Chua, sales manager for telecom, and Albert Corpuz, project manager. As we continue to expand our network and realize increased traffic, we need additional data centers in strategic areas to meet this demand. We found the right partner in Vertiv, whose expertise and energy efficiency ensured our data centers are among the best in its class, said James Lim, Globe Telecoms vice president for Core Planning, Engineering & Implementation. We are excited to witness this unique project unveiled in the Philippines, where a traditional build approach remains as the prevalent methodology. Vertivs integrated modular solutions take into consideration specific customer requirements, and our collaborative approach with Globe allowed for a more energy-efficient, environmentally-sound design compared to traditional build, while supporting consistent network connectivity to Filipinos across the country, said Jason Lim. Learn more about Vertivs modular solutions by visiting https://www.vertiv.com/. The Office of the Ombudsman has tapped leading finance super app GCash, as a cashless payment partner, enabling it to accept fees for its legal services hrough GCash Scan-To-Pay QR in all its offices. From left: Ombudsman Hon. Jose M. Balmeo, Jr., deputy ombudsman Hon. Cornelio L. Sumido, special prosecutor Edilberto G. Sandoval, ombudsman Samuel R. Martires, GCash AVP and head of public sector and partnerships Cathlyn Dolor M. Pavia and head for national government Mara Karmela Q. Duterte A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed at the Office of the Ombudsman in Agham Road, Quezon City. Representing the Office of the Ombudsman during the MOA signing were Ombudsman Samuel Martires, Deputy Ombudsman for Military and Other Law Enforcement Offices Hon. Jose Balmeo, Deputy Ombudsman for Luzon Hon. Cornelio Sumido, and Special Prosecutor Edilberto Sandoval. Joining them were GCash AVP and Head of Public Sector Cathlyn Dolor Pavia, and Public Sector Head for National Mara Karmela Duterte. "The Office of the Ombudsman shares a common goal with GCash in making government services safer, faster and more inclusive, all of this while ensuring transparency in every digital transaction under this partnership, said Ombudsman Samuel Martires. The Office of the Ombudsman plays a pivotal role in ensuring the integrity of public office. With a history of safeguarding the interests of the Filipino people, the Office of the Ombudsman remains steadfast in its mission to maintain good governance and fight against corruption. The partnership marks a milestone in financial technology, demonstrating GCash's dedication to building and upholding the trust and confidence of the government and the nation at large. "GCash is honored to become a partner of the lead agency against corruption. This shows the trust of our government in our capability to provide accountability and transparency through financial technology. We hope that the general public, especially our users, will continue to give their trust in us, said Gilda Maquilan, vice president and head of corporate communications of GCash. GCash has been proactive in establishing partnerships with government agencies to promote financial inclusion and strengthen the public's trust and confidence. The collaboration between the Office of the Ombudsman and GCash is a testament to their shared vision for a more transparent and accessible government-citizen relationship. For more information, visit https://www.gcash.com. Sign up to Roisin OConnors free weekly newsletter Now Hear This for the inside track on all things music Get our Now Hear This email for free Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Roisin OConnors email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} If fans miss the old Drake, well, thats too bad. The perpetually jilted softboy known for wearing his heart on his cable-knit sleeve is long gone. For the first time, though, he at least wants to try explaining his hardened veneer. Just weeks after the Canadian rapper dropped his long-awaited eighth album, For All the Dogs, he returns with a surprise project despite having announced a year-long hiatus from music due to health reasons. Written in just five days, Scary Hours 3 shakes off some of the toxic sludge Drake has been wading through of late. His grievances on For All the Dogs seemed exclusively directed at women, causing some to wonder whether wed ever see a return to his puppyish, boy-next-door type. Scary Hours 3 isnt that, but it does even the playing field somewhat, not least by praising the women in his life and castigating the men. Taylor Swift the only n**** that I ever rated/ Only one could make me drop the album a little later, he raps on Red. His acknowledgment of Swift lands in the same space in which he calls out their mutual sparring partner, Kanye West: Every time that Yeezy called a truce, he had my head inflated/ Thinkin we gon finally peace it up and get to levitatin. On The Shoe Fits, Drake delivers some of his best bars in years over sumptuous, woozy beats. Here, the women are out searching for their Cinderella story, something better than their jealous loser boyfriends. For once, Drake doesnt blame them: You boys becoming detectives but aint in no trench coats, he mocks. I would never guessed that you n****s is this crazy/ She took d*** in Ibiza, you turned into Dick Tracy. Hes in deep, introspective mode on Stories About My Brother as he champions a ride-or-die while reflecting on his own less appealing traits: Beware of the dog, deep in my character flaws/ Humble back in 2012, now I give arrogant bars. Again, though, this former romantic insists he is jaded for a reason: F*** all the settling down / These boys married and lost/ I go for dinner they wife is there/ She starin across/ God forbid I take her and they suffer a terrible loss. Its a far cry from his bitter outbursts of recent years. Whether he was dabbling in Afrobeats, trap or UK drill, Drake seemed to channel his charisma into increasingly dark spheres, with little room left for any real insight or remorse. People got a heavy misread on my disposition, he defends himself now. Wick Man is an especially vulnerable turn, on which he wrestles with faith and doubt following the death of his friend, British-Tanzanian model Nadia Ntuli. Nadia died in Dubai/ I waited on a spirit to come by for like 17 months/ That s*** didnt visit me once, he fumes. Drake has never had much success when he tries to emulate his much younger peers, but its a delight to hear him refer to Ntulis ex-boyfriend as a munch the contemptuous slang term popularised by Gen-Z hip-hop princess, Ice Spice. EP closer You Broke My Heart offers a neat summation of the album that precedes it: Drake isnt cold; hes hurt. Australian production duo FNZ and Drakes frequent collaborator Vinylz weave orchestral-style flourishes in with stuttery trap beats, against which he sings in an auto-tuned howl: Bunch of feelings I just couldnt shake/ Disrespect that I just shouldnt take/ You just couldnt see the good in Drake. Come the bridge, it descends into a dose of catharsis: a refrain of F*** my ex. On a six-track EP, Drake tells us more than hes managed to in years. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} South Korea is planning to introduce a ban on dog meat, the countrys ruling political party said on Friday, putting an end to a controversy over the ancient custom that has divided generations. Eating dog meat is neither banned nor explicitly legalised in South Korea. Consumption has dwindled in the country over the years due to criticism from animal rights groups and the younger generation's dying appetite for the meat. "It is time to put an end to social conflicts and controversies around dog meat consumption through the enactment of a special act to end it," Yu Eui-dong, policy chief of the ruling People Power Party, said at a meeting with government officials and animal rights activists on Friday. He said the government would introduce a bill to enact the ban before the end of this year, and that it would be expected to sail through the parliament. The bill, if passed this winter, will allow a three-year grace period to phase out the industry, which would effectively end the consumption of the animals by 2027. We will provide full support to farmers, butchers and other businesses facing closure or transition due to this law, Mr Yu said. He added that compensation would be provided only to legally registered dog meat farmers, traders, slaughterers and restaurant owners. South Korean animal rights activists hold likenesses of dead dogs during a protest against the dog meat trade (AFP/Getty Images) Agriculture minister Chung Hwang-keun told the meeting that the government would implement a ban quickly. Nearly one million dogs are "farmed and killed for human consumption" in a year, according to Humane Society International. "With so many dogs needlessly suffering for a meat that hardly anyone eats, the governments bill delivers a bold plan that must now urgently be passed by the Assembly so that a legislative ban can be agreed as soon as possible to help South Korea close this miserable chapter in our history and embrace a dog-friendly future," JungAh Chae, executive director of Humane Society International, said in a statement following the meeting. Anti-dog meat bills have failed in the past because of protests by those involved in the industry, and worries about the livelihoods of farmers and restaurant owners. Eating dog meat has been an age-old practice on the Korean peninsula and was traditionally seen as a way to beat the summer heat during the Bok Nal season between July and August. While the younger generation has largely rejected the practice, it still holds importance among the older generation and is served in restaurants. A poll conducted in 2020 found that 84 per cent of South Koreans have never consumed dog meat and 59 per cent of citizens support banning consumption. South Korean president Yoon Suk-Yeol and first lady Kim Keon Hee are known as animal lovers and have adopted stray dogs. The first lady has been a vocal critic of dog meat consumption. There are about 1,150 dog breeding farms, 34 slaughter houses, 219 distribution companies, and some 1,600 restaurants serving dog, according to government data. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A public sector bank in India is racing to recover around Rs 8.2bn (80m) that was mistakenly issued to account holders in "erroneous" transfers. United Commercial Bank (UCO) explained that an error in its online transfer services meant the bank paid out to customers for transactions initiated by customers of other banks, despite UCO not actually receiving the funds themselves. The bank said that it was investigating the internal technical issue that impacted the Immediate Payment Service (IMPS) from 10 to 13 November, and in the meantime it has disabled IMPS. UCO said on Thursday it has recovered 62m or 79 per cent of the amount that was mistakenly credited to accounts. IMPS is used to send and receive money instantly through phone apps or internet banking. The platform is operated by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). By taking various proactive steps, the bank blocked the recipients accounts and has been able to retain and recover around Rs 6.49bn (62m) out of Rs 8.2bn (80m), which is about 79 per cent of the amount, the bank said in its stock exchange filing. The bank said it has initiated actions to recover the remaining amount and reported the incident to law enforcement agencies for "necessary action". The bank reiterates and assures that all other critical systems are operational and available. The bank continues to provide safe and secured services to customers. "The financial impact, if any, due to the aforesaid is yet to be ascertained and the bank will endeavour to intimate the same on ascertainment, it added. The bank reported a 20 per cent decline in its net profits to Rs 4.02bn (38.9m) for the quarter that ended September 2023 as compared to Rs 5.05bn (48.9m ) in the corresponding quarter a year ago, according to news agency PTI. The bank is headquartered in Indias eastern city of Kolkata. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Authorities in Malaysia have captured two critically endangered Malayan tigers after they were blamed for an unprecedented spree of deaths among villagers. Tiger traps have been set up in the remote jungles of northeast Kelantan state following a spate of apparent attacks that have resulted in at least four deaths. The latest victim of a suspected tiger attack was a man who is believed to have been mauled in a rubber plantation in Gua Musang, Kelantan, on Saturday, just days after a Myanmar national was found dead in the same area. Body parts believed to be of Lalu Sukarya Yahya, 42, an Indonesian migrant worker, were found with marks suggesting an animal attack. Kelantans deputy chief minister Mohamed Fadzli said efforts to trap the animals running wild in rubber plantations have been ramped up, as he blamed mating season for the attacks on humans. Since it is mating season, the tigers are roaming around looking for a mate and food. Some tiger packs are also teaching their cubs to hunt, these are the reasons that these animals are attacking humans, Mr Fadzli said, according to South China Morning Post. There were two earlier deaths in October, the first involving a man named Pisie Amud, 25, who had gone fishing near the forests of Pos Pasik in Kelantan. Another man from an indigenous community, Halim Asin, 27, was found dead two days later. Authorities have called the spate of deadly incidents unprecedented, saying that only four tiger attacks in total, two of which were fatal, were recorded in five years between 2017 and 2022. The Department of Wildlife and Nature Parks (Perhilitan) in Kelantan on Monday said that they have snared a tiger in the area and are investigating if the animal was behind the two fatalities. They said another was trapped in September and the two have been sent to a wildlife sanctuary. State Perhilitan director Mohamad Hafid Rohani said traps and camera traps were being set up in Kelantan in the wake of the attacks. He called on plantation workers to avoid working alone and provoking wildlife in the area. At least one of the victims, however, was not working alone. The Myanmar national who died this month, identified as Ahka Soe Ya, 22, was found in the same village as Lalu in Kampung Meranto in Gua Musang. The rubber plantation worker was working with his wife when he was fatally injured in the attack and died at the hospital after fatal injuries to his neck. The hospital confirmed the victims death following emergency treatment. The autopsy results indicated that the cause of death was severe head injuries due to a tiger attack, district police chief Sik Choon Foo said. Malayan tigers are a critically endangered subspecies of the big cat family that inhabit the lush rainforests of Malaysia. Known for its striking appearance, the Malayan tiger boasts a vibrant orange coat adorned with characteristic dark stripes, and has been designated the national animal of Malaysia. Only 200 individuals remain in the wild due to habitat loss and poaching, with intensive conservation efforts underway to protect and preserve this unique subspecies. Sign up to IndyEat's free newsletter for weekly recipes, foodie features and cookbook releases Get our Now Hear This email for free Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the IndyEats email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Thanksgiving is only days away, and families all across America are in the midst of building their dinner menus for the feast. While youre heading to the grocery store to pick up your turkey and sweet potatoes, theres one aspect of Thanksgiving thats important to consider while planning out the big day: When will dinner be served? Over the years, Americans have opted to host their dinners at different times, with many families starting the meal at 3pm on the fourth Thursday in November. On the other hand, some people decide to eat dinner as they normally would, by hosting Thanksgiving at 6pm or 7pm. The question of when to have your Thanksgiving dinner may be tied to one major factor - that large meals can make you a bit sleepy. Theres constant discussion surrounding the star of Thanksgiving, turkey, and how it makes you tired. Turkey contains tryptophan, an amino acid in our bodies that helps make melatonin to regulate sleep schedules, according to the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Theres no arguing that eating a Thanksgiving meal full of turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes would make anyone ready for a nap. Still, the question remains as to whether the chemicals in turkey actually make us susceptible to tiredness, or whether other factors are at play in our post-meal slumber. Speaking to The Independent, professional chefs have discussed the drowsiness that comes from eating a hefty meal, and how that feeling can affect your upcoming Thanksgiving plans. According to the Cleveland Clinic, tryptophan is an essential acid thats found in food containing high levels of protein, such as chicken, eggs, cheese, and fish. Since theres tryptophan in turkey, the amino acid can affect our bodys levels of both melatonin and serotonin, neurotransmitters that control our moods. Speaking to The Independent, California-based chef Brendan Collins acknowledged that the tryptophan in turkey is an amino acid that affects our sleep schedule. However, he clarified that turkey isnt the reason for the drowsiness, and rather our eating habits on Thanksgiving could be the culprit. I think the truth is that we can end up overeating on Thanksgiving, in comparison to our normal eating schedule, and we get food comas, he explained. We need to sleep because of that. Not because of the small amount of tryptophan found in the turkey itself. (Getty Images/iStockphoto) John Carpenter - an executive chef at Signature Restaurant at La Cantera Resort and Spa in Texas - agreed that stuffing our faces with food on Thanksgiving may be more likely to blame for our tiredness. He noted that its easy to feel sleepy after a big meal and specified that a range of foods and beverages can contribute to the drowsiness, from pumpkin pie to wine. Thanksgiving dinner is quite heavy, between stuffing and large amounts of meat we eat, whether that be turkey or ham, he explained. Its also usually surrounded by friends and family, and theres some alcohol drinking usually involved, which isnt exactly known to keep us awake. With the side effects of eating a big Thanksgiving meal in mind, chefs have shared their advice on when to plan your dinner. Its important to note that the day before Thanksgiving can be relatively busy, from buying your ingredients to decorating your home. In addition to managing physical tasks, Carpenter said theres another routine he usually takes on to prepare for the holiday - changing up his eating habits. For me personally, I definitely prefer to change my eating schedule, leading up not only the day of Thanksgiving, but also a couple of days before, he said. I always eat a little bit lighter, leading up in anticipation of a big meal. And personally, I normally dont even eat breakfast on Thanksgiving because I know Im going to eat so much. The morning of Thanksgiving tends to be quite hectic, so Collins urged families to give themselves enough preparation time before dinner. He recommended giving yourself a good two and a half to three hours of cooking time, when you can prepare all your vegetables while the turkey is in the oven. So, when is the best opportunity to serve the food to your guests? Professional chefs recommend the daytime, rather than evening, as the best time to host your dinner, taking both meal preparation time and drowsiness into account. Normally for me, its early in the afternoon or early in the day, Carpenter explained. I have two children so I prefer earlier because it gives us the rest of the day for them to wind down from a big meal and all that. And then you have more time during Thanksgiving day to be with your family. (Getty Images/iStockphoto) When you decide to host your Thanksgiving dinner is entirely up to you, but Collins acknowledged that the age of your guests is another factor to consider. He noted that children are generally accustomed to having their meals earlier in the day, even though that might not be the case for adults. I think if theres a lot of children under 10 years of age, having your dinner at 2pm or 3pm would be good, Collins said. If its more towards the adult scene, then I think its more of an early dinner, late lunch kind of thing. Id personally go for 4pm or 5pm. Thanksgiving aside, studies have found that late-night dinners may not be the best idea. In a 2022 study published in peer-reviewed journal Cell Metabolism, researchers examined 16 patients who were overweight and obese as they ate the same exact meals on two schedules - one group eating as late as 9pm. Results showed that eating later had a large effect on how patients regulated their energy intake, expenditure, and storage. Since theres so many different types of food served on Thanksgiving, eating dinner on the earlier side could ultimately be better for your physical health. Personally, I know you shouldnt be eating a huge meal later at night, especially the size of a normal Thanksgiving meal, Collins added. So definitely give yourself the time for your food to settle down. Although there are various factors to consider when planning the timing of your Thanksgiving dinner, its important to remember not to let the stress of it ruin the day. Dont stress out too much about the food, Collins said. I know sometimes Thanksgiving is one of the first times youve seen friends or family in a long time. So I think the idea is that its celebratory, and make sure you do that. Buy really good wine or champagne and enjoy yourself. Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Lifestyle Edit email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} King Charles met with religious leaders from across the country to mark Inter Faith Week amid challenging times. The monarch, who also celebrated his 75th birthday earlier this week, attended a reception with more than 30 faith leaders and community representatives on Thursday. The event, held at Lambeth Palace Library, was also attended by Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis and Aliya Azam from the Al Khoei Foundation. The Palace said this was an opportunity for faith leaders to talk to The King about their communities and what they are experiencing in the light of global conflicts and how these conflicts affect community relations in this country. Honouring Charles visit, Mr Welby said it was a great honour to welcome King Charles adding: These are challenging times for faith communities in the UK, particularly with the ongoing war in the Middle East. The Archbishop of Canterbury said the visit was a means of encouraging communities to be united in partnership and friendship. Archbishop of Canterbury showed King Charles different religious artefacts at the library (PA) The monarch was also shown different religious artefacts at the library, including an English translation of The Quran from 1734, a Talmud, which is nearly 500 years old and a Bible from 1808. Mr Welby showed Charles a Coronation Bible and the King signed the librarys visitors book. Thanking the staff on his way out, the monarch said: Well done for all the marvellous things you do. I hope opening the blinds hasnt caused too much damage it would be all my fault, he quipped. This was the Kings first visit to Lambeth Palace Library since his accession and his first time to Lambeth Palace since Queen Elizabeth II visited in 2012 to mark her Diamond Jubilee. The royal familys official X/Twitter account also shared pictures from The Kings visit, with the caption: This afternoon, The King joined more than 30 faith leaders @LamPalLib to mark #InterFaithWeek. His Majesty has worked for many years to promote tolerance and greater understanding between different faiths and communities. At Lambeth Palace Library, His Majesty viewed an exhibition of interfaith items from its historic collection. Amongst the items were documents relating to Project Spire: ongoing research on the links between the Church of Englands endowment fund and transatlantic slavery, the account added. Meanwhile, in Glasgow earlier this week, The Princess Royal attended a forum hosted by Interfaith Glasgow. Her Royal Highness joined a discussion on the importance of interfaith dialogue and the valuable contribution diverse faith communities make to our society, the royal family wrote on X. Inter Faith Week began on Remembrance Sunday (12 November) and will end on Sunday 19 November. Inter Faith Week.org has said on its website that the additional Sunday provides the opportunity for other weekend events to take place as well as those linked to Remembrance Sunday. Remembrance Sunday was chosen as a start day to encourage people to remember together the contributions of all faiths and none, and to consider how best to create a just, peaceful, and harmonious world. The week is set out to highlight the work done by local faith groups as well as teaching people about different spaces and backgrounds. The organisation has said its three aims for the week are to strengthen good inter faith relations at all levels, increase awareness of the different and distinct faith communities in the UK and bring about understanding between people of religious and non-religious beliefs. Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Lifestyle Edit email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} As The Crown returns for its sixth and final season, the Duchess of Sussex is busy writing the next chapter of her own Hollywood tale. Meghan made her red carpet return as she appeared at the Variety Power of Women event in Los Angeles on Thursday evening; an event that highlights the accomplishments of women in the film industry. The duchess said she was thrilled to have returned to her on-screen roots where she and the Duke of Sussex hope to position themselves as Hollywood producers. She told Variety that she wants to create things that make people feel as well as create a sense of community. Speaking about what she has in store for the future, the duchess said: We have so many exciting things on the slate. I cant wait until we can announce them, but Im just really proud of what were creating. My husband is loving it too, which is really fun, she added. Her appearance at the event threatened to eclipse the launch of the final series of The Crown. It was also the first time she has been seen since extracts from a new book detailing Prince Harrys alienation from his family laid the ground for a new royal rumble. While the sixth and final season of The Crown covers the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, and the subsequent fallout, Omid Scobies book Endgame, published on 28 November, describes new palace drama. Meghan poses on the red carpet in Los Angeles on Thursday (Getty) According to the books synopsis, it dives deep 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. The book claims Queen Elizabeth IIs death ruptured the already-fractured foundations of the House of Windsor, and 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 of Endgame (Web Summit/CC BY 2.0) Endgame further details the difficult sibling relationship between the Prince of Wales and Harry in the wake of Harrys marriage to Meghan something Scobie claims worsened in the hours leading up to the Queens death in September 2022. Extracts that have been obtained by People Magazine, include the allegation that Harry found out his grandmother, the late Queen, had died after receiving a BBC News app alert announcing the news. It is claimed by 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. Scobies book is said to aim to pull back the curtain on an institution in turmoil to show what the monarchy must change in order to survive. Harry and Meghan stepped away from their royal duties in 2020. At the time Harry said there was no other option in a speech referring to the powerful force of the media. Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Lifestyle Edit email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A young woman found a kidney donor after she posted a funny video on TikTok about her dire health situation. University of Oklahoma student Katie Hallum was diagnosed with IgA Nephropathy, an incurable disorder, and was informed by her doctors that she needed a kidney transplant. I went into kidney failure and I had a massive seizure at the hospital and I was hospitalised for eight days, Katie Hallum told KOCO. She made light of her diagnosis by posting a clip of her dramatically entering a room along with overlaid text that read: POV: I overhear you say you have an O blood type and healthy kidneys. The clip was paired with a sound bite from Disney+s The Mandalorian, lipsynching Pedro Pascals dialogue, saying: You have something I want. She joked in the caption, Haha jk, unless? I posted a few videos kind of mocking my situation, Ms Hallum told ABC News. But it was the video with the Mandalorian audio that ended up going viral on the platform, with thousands viewing it - including a nursing school student from Topeka, Kansas named Savannah Stallbaumer, who ended up commenting, How do I get tested? At first, Ms Hallum was uncertain about the Kansas natives offer, Theres a possibility her kidney could die in me and she told me as long as it bought me a few years off of dialysis. She didnt care. She wanted to do this. Ms Stallbaumer explained to the outlet that she was eager to help someone in need, saying: Imagine I actually can, like, help this girl, and I didnt do anything about it? She ended up undergoing testing and learned that she was Hallums perfect match. Ms Stallbaumer surprised Ms Hallum in person with her family at a restaurant. The nursing school student told the outlet that it was a priority for her to tell Ms Hallum the news in person. She delivered the news by holding up a sign that read BREAKING NEWS: Youre getting a new kidney, referencing Ms Hallum's gig as a reporter for her local station. The sign also revealed that the transplant was scheduled for 17 August 2023. Ms Hallum reportedly found it humbling how the nursing school student was willing to help a stranger in need. To know that Savannah, who only knew me from the internet, was so willing to give up a part of herself, it was incredibly humbling, Hallum said to the outlet. It definitely does not feel like something life-changing has happened, even though it has. And I think theres a certain beauty to that. The radio station reporters kidney transplant went as planned in August, and her doctors are reportedly happy with the progress shes made with her recovery. Because of the experience, Ms Hallum and Ms Stallbaumer have become friends, with Ms Hallum saying that her family even invited her donor over for Christmas this year. Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Lifestyle Edit email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Zahara Jolie-Pitt dropped her father Brad Pitts surname during in her sorority introduction at Spellman College. When the 18-year-old Spellman undergraduate declared herself at her Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority induction ceremony this week, she reportedly shouted Zahara Marley Jolie, notably not including her fathers last name, according to a video obtained by Essence. The daughter of former Hollywood power couple Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt - famously referred to with the portmanteau, Brangelina - joined the Mu Pi Chapter of the first historically Black sorority in the nation. Alpha Kappa Alpha was founded in 1908, and the Mu Pi chapter was established in 1979. She was seen dancing alongside her fellow sorority sisters before introducing herself, My name is Zahara Marley Jolie. And [I] landed all the way from the Golden State in the city full of angels: Los Angeles, California. Zahara reportedly enrolled at Spellman in the fall of 2022, with her mother, Jolie, seen by fellow parents throughout move-in activities in August of that year. The Oscar winner recently took to Instagram to celebrate her daughters induction into the sorority, excitedly writing beneath a snap of Zahara and her new Spellman sisters: Zahara with her Spelman sisters! Congratulations to all new students starting this year, she added. A very special place and an honor to have a family member as a new Spelman girl. Last year, Pitt told People that he thought it was really beautiful that Zahara would be attending Spellman College, but after her declaration was posted online, many users on X, formerly known as Twitter, found it to be a blatant snub of her famous father. I wasnt gonna say anything, but I definitely peeped that Zahara left Pitt off her last name, one user wrote on the platform, while another added: She said Zahara Marley JOLIE. Put some respect on that name. Some believed that the snub was well deserved, with one user writing: Zahara shouting her last name Jolie with all her might and stopping is so pleasing to me, we love to see it. She is raised by a single woman and that abuser did not deserve a mention, they added, referring to the 2016 airplane incident in which Pitt and his wife became embroiled in a heated argument. The FBI investigated the incident and the heavily redacted report was made public record during the pairs contentious divorce proceedings. According to the report, Pitt allegedly grabbed her by her head, grabbed her by the shoulders, shook her, pushed her into the bathroom wall and yelled various things at her, including Youre f***ing up this family. The pair were allegedly in a private room together while two of their children - who were both minors at the time and went unnamed in the report - were crying outside of the door asking if she was okay. The Inglorious Basterds star reportedly replied, No, mommys not ok. Shes ruining this family. Shes crazy. Its not her, its you, you p***k, one of the children responded, according to the report, allegedly enraging the actor. Jolie, who feared that he was about to attack one of the children reportedly put her then-husband in a chokehold. After the incident, Jolie discussed the merits of pursuing an investigation with the FBI, and provided photos of injuries and handwritten testimonies from their children, but ultimately, Pitt was neither arrested nor charged. He was cleared of allegations of verbal and physical abuse against one of the couples children after an investigation by the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services and the LAPD. Jolie filed for divorce from Pitt in 2016 after a decade of dating and two years of marriage. In an interview with Vogue India, Jolie hinted at the catalyst for their separation, saying: I separated for the well being of my family. It was the right decision. I continue to focus on their healing. The former couple shares Zahara as well twins Vivienne and Knox, 15, as well as Shiloh, 17, Pax, 19, and Maddox, 22. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A book about a fire that ravaged a Canadian city and has been called a portent of climate chaos won Britains leading nonfiction book prize on Thursday. John Vaillants Fire Weather: A True Story from a Hotter World was awarded the 50,000 pound ($62,000) Baillie Gifford Prize at a ceremony in London. Chair of the judging panel Frederick Studemann said the book tells a terrifying story, reading almost like a thriller with a deep science backdrop. British Columbia-based writer Vaillant recounts how a huge wildfire that engulfed the oil city of Fort McMurray in 2016. The blaze, which burned for months, drove 90,000 people from their homes, destroyed 2,400 buildings and disrupted work at Albertas lucrative, polluting oil sands. Studemann called Fire Weather, which was also a U.S. National Book Award finalist, an extraordinary and elegantly rendered account of a terrifying climate disaster that engulfed a community and industry, underscoring our toxic relationship with fossil fuels. Founded in 1999, the prize recognizes English-language books from any country in current affairs, history, politics, science, sport, travel, biography, autobiography and the arts. It has been credited with bringing an eclectic slate of fact-based books to a wider audience. Vaillant beat five other finalists including best-selling American author David Granns seafaring yarn The Wager and physician-writer Siddhartha Mukherjees The Song of the Cell. Sponsor Baillie Gifford, an investment firm, has faced protests from environmental groups over its investments in fossil fuel businesses. Last years prize winner, Katherine Rundell, gave her prize money for Super-Infinite: The Transformations of John Donne to a conservation charity. The judges said neither the sponsor nor criticism of it influenced their deliberations. Historian Ruth Scurr, who was on the panel, said she did not feel compromised as a judge of the prize. I have no qualms at all about being an independent judge on a book prize, and I am personally thrilled that the winner is going to draw attention to this subject, she said. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} One of two Colorado law enforcement officers accused of needlessly escalating a standoff that led to the death of a 22-year-old man suffering a mental health crisis pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor on Thursday and was sentenced to two years of probation. Kyle Gould pleaded guilty to failing to intervene to stop the the unlawful use of force against Christian Glass, who was shot and killed by a sheriff's deputy, Andrew Buen, under Gould's command in 2022 after Glass called for help when his SUV got stuck. Gould was not at the scene but was the shift supervisor and watched what was happening using live body camera footage, according to his indictment. Prosecutors alleged Gould gave permission for Buen to remove Glass from his vehicle even though he was not suspected of having committed any crimes. Gould, who worked as a sergeant for the Clear Creek Sheriff's Office, was indicted last year on charges of criminally negligent homicide and reckless endangerment in Glass' death, which drew national attention and prompted calls for police reforms focused on crisis intervention. Both Gould and Buen were fired after they were indicted last year. Gould negotiated a plea agreement with prosecutors to plead guilty to a lesser charge of failure to intervene, a crime created in police reform legislation passed during protests over the murder of George Floyd in 2020. It is punishable by up to 364 days in jail but the deal called for Gould to get a sentence of probation. Judge Catherine Cheroutes had the final say on his punishment and, while she said jail time could be appropriate, she said she would impose two years of probation to resolve the case. Gould will also give up his certification to work as a police or security officer in Colorado, she said. Gould entered his plea and was sentenced as the parents of Christian Glass, Sally and Simon Glass, watched in court in Idaho Springs. A statement released by their lawyers expressed support for prosecutors and noted that Gould had taken responsibility for his role in their son's death. The Glass family hopes that the greater law enforcement community learns from this prosecution and makes changes to their policies and cultures to prevent this type of tragedy in the future, it said. Earlier this year, Glass' parents won a $19 million settlement that included policy changes including crisis intervention training for officers responding to people in distress. Buen has pleaded not guilty to charges of second-degree murder, official misconduct, and reckless endangerment. Glass called for help after his SUV became stuck on a dirt road in the mountain town of Silver Plume, telling a dispatcher he was being followed and making other statements which the indictment said showed he was paranoid, hallucinating or delusional and experiencing a mental health crisis. He refused to get out of the vehicle after law enforcement officers from several agencies arrived. Officers body camera footage showed Glass making heart shapes with his hands to officers and praying: Dear Lord, please, dont let them break the window. After roughly an hour of negotiations, officers decided to breach the car even though there was no indication that Glass posed a danger or was suspected of a crime, the indictment said. Once the window was smashed, body camera footage shows officers peppering Glass with bean bag rounds, then tasing him. Glass brandished a knife in a state of complete panic and self-defense before twisting in his seat to thrust a knife in an officers direction, according to the indictment. Buen then fired his gun five times into Glass. The grand jury found that at no point was the other officer in imminent danger of being stabbed by Mr. Glass. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A federal judge in Nevada has dealt another legal setback to Native American tribes trying to halt construction of one of the biggest lithium mines in the world. U.S. District Judge Miranda Du granted the governments motion to dismiss their claims the mine is being built illegally near the sacred site of an 1865 massacre along the Nevada-Oregon line. But she said in last week's order the three tribes suing the Bureau of Land Management deserve another chance to amend their complaint to try to prove the agency failed to adequately consult with them as required by the National Historic Preservation Act. Given that the court has now twice agreed with federal defendants (and) plaintiffs did not vary their argument ... the court is skeptical that plaintiffs could successfully amend it. But skeptical does not mean futile, Du wrote Nov. 9. She also noted part of their case is still pending on appeal at the 9th U.S Circuit Court of Appeals, which indicated last month it likely will hear oral arguments in February as construction continues at Lithium Nevadas mine at Thacker Pass about 230 miles (370 kilometers) northeast of Reno. Du said in an earlier ruling the tribes had failed to prove the project site is where more than two dozen of their ancestors were killed by the U.S. Cavalry Sept. 12, 1865. Her new ruling is the latest in a series that have turned back legal challenges to the mine on a variety of fronts, including environmentalists' claims it would violate the 1872 Mining Law and destroy key habitat for sage grouse, cutthroat trout and pronghorn antelope. All have argued the bureau violated numerous laws in a rush to approve the mine to help meet sky-rocketing demand for lithium used in the manufacture of batteries for electric vehicles. Lithium Nevada officials said the $2.3 billion project remains on schedule to begin production in late 2026. They say it's essential to carrying out President Joe Biden's clean energy agenda aimed at combating climate change by reducing dependence on fossil fuels. Weve dedicated more than a decade to community engagement and hard work in order to get this project right, and the courts have again validated the efforts by Lithium Americas and the administrative agencies, company spokesman Tim Crowley said in an email to The Associated Press. Du agreed with the government's argument that the consultation is ongoing and therefore not ripe for legal challenge. THe tribes argued it had to be completed before construction began. If agencies are left to define when consultation is ongoing and when consultation is finished ... then agencies will hold consultation open forever even as construction destroys the very objects of consultation so that agencies can never be sued, the tribal lawyers wrote in recent briefs filed with the 9th Circuit. Will Falk, representing the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony and Summit Lake Paiute Tribe, said theyre still considering whether to amend the complaint by the Dec. 9 deadline Du set, or focus on the appeal. Despite this project being billed as `green,' it perpetrates the same harm to Native peoples that mines always have, Falk told AP. While climate change is a very real, existential threat, if government agencies are allowed to rush through permitting processes to fast-track destructing mining projects like the one at Thacker Pass, more of the natural world and more Native American culture will be destroyed. The Paiutes call Thacker Pass Pee hee muhuh, which means rotten moon. They describe in oral histories how Paiute hunters returned home in 1865 to find the elders, women, and children" slain and unburied and rotting. The Oregon-based Burns Paiute Tribe joined the Nevada tribes in the appeal. They say BLMs consultation efforts with the tribes were rife with withheld information, misrepresentations, and downright lies. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The judge in Donald Trump 's civil fraud case denied his bid for a mistrial Friday, rejecting claims from the former president's lawyers that the proceedings are infected with political bias. Trumps lawyers had urged Judge Arthur Engoron on Thursday to stop the case immediately, arguing he had irreparably harmed Trumps right to a fair trial through astonishing departures from ordinary standards of impartiality. They cited his rulings against their client, the prominent role of the judges chief law clerk, the clerk's political donations and the judge's sharing of articles about the case with fellow alumni of his high school. My principal law clerk does not make rulings or issue orders I do, Engoron wrote, adding that my rulings are mine, and mine alone. As for publishing a high school newsletter in which he has included links to articles about himself and the case, none of this has anything to do with, much less does it interfere with, my presiding fairly, impartially, and professionally over the instant dispute, which I have now been doing for more than three years, and which I intend to do until its conclusion, he wrote. Trump attorney Alina Habba released a statement saying: As expected, today the Court refused to take responsibility for its failure to preside over this case in an impartial and unbiased manner. We, however, remain undeterred and will continue to fight for our clients right to a fair trial. Messages seeking comment were sent to state Attorney General Letitia James' office, which brought the civil case now on trial. The lawsuit alleges that Trump, his company and top executives exaggerated his wealth by billions of dollars on his financial statements, which were given to banks, insurers and others to secure loans and make deals. Trump and the other defendants deny any wrongdoing. Last week, Engoron spurned the defenses request to end the trial through whats known as a directed verdict. Trump, the front-runner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, has long complained about James, Engoron and the judge's principal law clerk, Allison Greenfield. All are Democrats. Its a bench trial, meaning Engoron will decide the verdict. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Education Secretary Gillian Keegan has said she is deeply concerned over the sight of children taking part in pro-Palestinian demonstrations during the school day. School Strike for Palestine rallies have take place across the UK, with images on social media showing events in cities including London, Bristol and Glasgow. In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Ms Keegan expressed concern about the protest and warned it should be treated with the utmost seriousness. A number of school walkouts have taken place in recent weeks, with some schoolchildren adding their voices to calls for a ceasefire amid the escalating conflict. Ms Keegan said: Im deeply concerned that some children are attending political protests during the school day even more so if theyre taking part in, or being exposed to, antisemitic chants. This should be treated with the utmost seriousness missing school for activism is unacceptable. Earlier, schoolchildren handed in a petition calling for a ceasefire to representatives at Bristols City Hall. The signatures, many written in felt tip pen, were collected by youngsters who have attended the school strike for Palestine outside over the past three weeks. Carla Denyer, co-leader of the Green Party and councillor for Clifton Down ward in the city, collected the petition during the event on Friday morning. Speaking in Bristol, Ms Denyer told pupils and protesters: Thank you for taking a stand for Palestine and for calling for a ceasefire. The abhorrent situation in Palestine and Israel must end. I know we are all horrified by the Hamas attacks and we all want the immediate release of the hostages. Those atrocities do not in any way justify the level of bombardment of civilians, including many Gazan children, that has shocked the world. The war, now in its sixth week, was triggered by Hamass October 7 attack in southern Israel, in which the militants killed more than 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and captured some 240 men, women and children. According to Palestinian health authorities, at least 11,470 Palestinians have been killed since the war began while about 2,700 people are reported missing. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} School children have handed in a petition calling for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war to representatives at a city council. The signatures, many written in felt tip pen, were collected by youngsters who have attended the School Strike for Palestine outside Bristols City Hall over the past three weeks. Carla Denyer, co-leader of the Green Party and councillor for Clifton Down ward in the city, collected the petition during the event on Friday morning. The protest was among School Strike for Palestine rallies which took place across the UK, with images on social media showing similar events in cities including London and Glasgow. Speaking in Bristol, Ms Denyer told school children and protesters: Thank you for taking a stand for Palestine and for calling for a ceasefire. The abhorrent situation in Palestine and Israel must end. I know we are all horrified by the Hamas attacks and we all want the immediate release of the hostages. Those atrocities do not in any way justify the level of bombardment of civilians, including many Gazan children, that has shocked the world. Ms Denyer described how a child at the first School Strike for Palestine had told told her: I dont have to lie in bed wondering if the roof is going to come down on my head, like children in Gaza do. She told the children gathered at the protest: That broke my heart. None of you should ever have to imagine that happening. The war, now in its sixth week, was triggered by Hamas October 7 attack in southern Israel, in which the militants killed more than 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and captured some 240 men, women and children. According to Palestinian health authorities, at least 11,470 Palestinians have been killed since the war began while about 2,700 people are reported missing. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Ashling Murphy was a humble, selfless, musical person who was one in a million, her family and partner have said. The 23-year-old schoolteacher, murdered along a canal path in Tullamore, Co Offaly last January, was described in court before her killer Jozef Puska was jailed. Ms Murphys mother Kathleen, older sister Amy and boyfriend Ryan Casey spoke of their heartache while also paying tribute to her. Ms Murphy loved to play traditional Irish music with her sister, was an avid camogie player with her club Kilcormac Killoughey, and led a busy life. We often discussed how many kids wed love to have and how theyd all be mighty little hurlers or camogie players and even better musicians Ryan Casey, Ms Murphy's boyfriend Mr Casey, who met Ms Murphy at a disco when they were 15, said even then he knew there was something so special about her. He said she had a beautiful and warm personality and they spoke for hours on the phone as they simply couldnt get enough of each other. They went their separate ways before becoming an official couple at the end of 2016, and he said that during their time together they did not have a single disagreement or one single little argument. He said they had planned to move to Dubai for a year or two, which he said was Ashlings dream, before building a house in Ireland. He said they had discussed getting married and Ms Murphy wanted Can You Feel The Love Tonight from The Lion King to be their wedding song. We often discussed how many kids wed love to have and how theyd all be mighty little hurlers or camogie players and even better musicians, he said. One thing Ashling used to always say to me was that if we were lucky enough to have a little boy someday, she wanted to call him Rian, which is Irish for Ryan. Kathleen Murphy said her daughter was one in a million and their house was alive with music every night as she played her fiddle. Mrs Murphys statement, read in court by Garda Sergeant Lucy McLoughlin, described her daughter as someone who was grounded and humble though she had accomplished so much at such a young age. She always thought about everyone else before herself, she said. She said she loved teaching music to younger students and playing music with her father and sister. Mrs Murphy said Ms Murphy was the chief organiser of the family and the thoughtful one. She brought herself, Amy and myself on a day out at the spa. She brought us to see Westlife twice and booked a family day out to the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin as a Christmas present to us all a week before she was taken from us, she said. She said Ms Murphy had a special relationship with her late grandfather Paddy, who had lived next door, and the red car she drove to the canal on the day she died had been his car. She had just graduated less than three months previous and the world was her oyster Amy Murphy, Ms Murphy's older sister Amy Murphy told the court her younger sibling had a zest for life and was the glue that bound our tightly-knit family together. She said her sister was generous with her time and her talents, with musicians of all ages welcomed into their home every week to learn and absorb her passion for music. As a primary school teacher, Ms Murphy was sometimes late home as she thought of creative elf on the shelf ideas for her first-class pupils and baked gingerbread men for them at Christmas. Ms Murphy also loved shopping, Amy said, adding that there were multiple Zara deliveries to her house the week after her death that now lie unopened on her bed. Ashling was a vibrant, outgoing 23-year-old just merely starting out on her career as a primary school teacher, she said. She had just graduated less than three months previous and the world was her oyster. All her hard work up to this point had paid off and she was reaping the rewards of life. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A man has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Irish schoolteacher Ashling Murphy, stabbed to death while jogging along a canal. Jozef Puska, 33, was found guilty of murdering Ms Murphy, 23, whose random killing sparked widespread shock across Ireland and the UK, with vigils taking place calling for an end to violence against women. There is a mandatory life sentence for murder. Puska stabbed Ms Murphy, described by her partner as a woman with dreams, compassion and respect, 11 times in the neck as she ran along the banks of the Grand Canal near Tullamore in Co Offaly on 12 January last year. Ashling Murphy, a primary school teacher in Tullamore, died in January (PA Wire) After the life term was handed down at Dublins Central Criminal Court on Friday, Judge Tony Hunt said there was only one sentence available, and it was richly deserved. He said Puskas evidence had been indescribable and the one thing we dont know about this case is the why. The court heard that Puska - of Lynally Grove in Mucklagh, Tullamore - and Ms Murphy were not known to each other and had never met before he murdered her. Puska, a Slovak national, appeared for his sentencing dressed in a grey suit and white shirt with no tie. He showed no emotion and made no comment as his life sentence was read out to him through a translator. Jozef Puska was sentenced to life at Dublins Central Criminal Court on Friday, (PA) Ryan Casey, Ms Murphys partner, described in a victim impact statement how the pair simply couldnt get enough of each other when they first met as teenagers. He said their relationship was full with love, trust respect and was quite simply heaven on earth, describing how they they had plans to travel together, to build a house, start a family, and get married. He said that he ad Ms Murphy, a talented folk musician, had talked about how many kids they would have, and imagined they would be little hurlers and camogie players and even better musicians. Mr Casey added that it didnt make sense to him that someone who is a burden to society can completely and permanently destroy someone who is the complete opposite, describing Ms Murphy as a light with dreams, compassion, respect, a person who contributes to society in the best way possible. Ms Murphys parents at a previous hearing (PA) Ms Murphys mother described how her heart was ripped from her body the moment she learned her daughter had been killed. In a victim impact statement read out in court by a detective Garda (Irish police), she said her heart broke the moment I heard the bad news Ashling was murdered. There is such a void in our home, she said. She said that the actions of Puska must have consequences and said he should never see the light of day again. She said that before her daughter left the house, she had begged her not to go along the canal, to which Ms Murphy replied Ah mum, Im 23 years old before giving her mother a hug. She gave her a big hug and said I love you, youre the best mum in the world and walked out the door, the court heard. Ashlings mother Kathleen, holds a framed photograph of her daughter (PA) During Puskas trial, the court heard how he admitted to killing Ms Murphy while speaking to Gardai while receiving treatment at Jamess Hospital in Dublin two days after he carried out the murder on 14 January. Puska initially told medics at the hospital he had been stabbed in a separate incident in Blanchardstown on the outskirts of Dublin. In the hours before his surgery, Puksa was composed enough to spin a detailed year to the medics treating him. Gardai attended the hospital to investigate and became suspicious of Puskas story and later connected him to the killing of Ms Murphy. He later confessed to the murder but claimed he did not mean to hurt the school teacher and did so out of panic. Floral tributes near the Grand Canal in Tullamore (PA Archive) A few days later he claimed he had no recollection of the incident, blaming the medication he had taken after the stabbing. But a Slovak translator heard the confession. He was praised by the judge for his clarity and independence when giving evidence. The investigation found his DNA under Ms Murphys fingernails. The murder sparked vigils across Ireland and the UK, with people showing up to remember Ms Murphy and to call on the Irish government to do more to tackle violence against women. Thousands of people gathered in the late afternoon in Tullamore, Dublin and Belfast as well as in many other towns on 14 January last year. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A paedophile who abducted a young girl as she walked home and sexually abused her for 27 hours has been granted leave to appeal against his sentence. Andrew Miller, 53, who also uses the name Amy George, was dressed as a woman when he offered the primary school-aged child whom he had never seen before a lift in February. He took the girl back to his house in the Scottish Borders and subjected her to repeated attacks, which a judge described as every parents worst nightmare. At the High Court in Edinburgh last month, Miller was handed a 28-year extended sentence, comprising 20 years behind bars and a further eight spent on licence under supervision in the community. At the same court in May, Miller had pleaded guilty to charges of abduction, sexual assault, watching pornography in the presence of the child under the age of 13, and possessing 242 indecent images of children. The Court of Criminal Appeal in Edinburgh confirmed on Friday that Miller has been granted leave to appeal against the sentence. The appeal hearing will take place on December 5. Sentencing Miller on October 18, judge Lord Arthurson described Millers crimes as brazen and chilling and uniquely appalling. He said the offences were abhorrent crimes of the utmost deviance and depravity which were the realisation of every parents worst nightmare. The court was told Miller is transitioning into a woman. The child was locked in Millers home for 27 hours, during which time she was repeatedly touched, and also forced to watch pornography. She eventually managed to dial 999 while Miller, who was wearing womens underwear, was asleep. After his arrest, three laptops were seized from his property and a total of 242 indecent images of children were found. Miller, who had run a butchers shop, has been placed on the sex offenders register. He has been held in the male prison estate following a row over the jailing of transgender rapist Isla Bryson who was sent to a female prison in February. Bryson was later moved to the male estate. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A security officer accused of plotting to kidnap and murder TV presenter Holly Willoughby will remain behind bars after being denied bail. Gavin Plumb, 36, has pleaded not guilty to charges of soliciting murder and incitement to commit kidnap the former This Morning host. The defendant is accused of planning to assemble a kidnap and restraint kit and encouraging a third party to travel to the UK to carry out the alleged offences. During a short hearing at Chelmsford Crown Court on Friday, Plumb, 36, from Harlow, Essex, who was not present, was refused a bail application. He has a trial date fixed for June 24 next year. Willoughby, 42, stepped down as presenter of ITV flagship daytime show This Morning on October 10, saying on social media it was an honour to just be part of its story, but that she felt I have to make this decision for me and my family. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has indicated that his steadfast stance on refusing to back calls for a ceasefire in Gaza is about showing his credentials to be the next prime minister. Sir Keir said that working with our international allies to free hostages taken by Hamas and push for pauses in the fighting so Palestinians can find safety is what you would expect from someone who wants to form the next government. His party has backed the UK Government in lobbying for humanitarian pauses in the Israel-Hamas war but not gone so far as to demand a ceasefire a position that aligns with the US, one of the UKs closest allies. During a visit to Aberdeenshire on Friday, Sir Keir described the position of pushing for pauses to get aid in and people out of the Gaza Strip as a stepping stone to a cessation to the fighting. And he looked to play down splits within Labour on the issue, insisting that there was complete unity in the party on wanting to alleviate the suffering of Gazans, free Hamass captives and find a pathway to the two-state solution. My focus is on the question of the release of the hostages and precisely on the question of how do we alleviate the suffering on the ground, for so many civilians that have lost their lives in Gaza Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer It has been suggested that Sir Keir is keen to show Washington that the Labour Party, should it win the next general election, will remain solid on foreign policy, even when there are internal ruptures. The splits became clear to see on the issue of a ceasefire in Gaza this week, with Sir Keir suffering a major rebellion in the Commons. He had put Labour MPs on a three-line whip not to vote for a Scottish National Party (SNP) motion calling for an immediate ceasefire but 56 of his lawmakers defied the order. Ten shadow ministers and parliamentary aides quit or were sacked in order to vote for the failed amendment to the Kings Speech on Wednesday. The Guardian reported that there could still be further frontbench resignations, citing sources who said some would be willing to walk away from their positions if Sir Keir does not push Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to take a tougher line on Israels military retaliation in Gaza. Since Israel started striking back at Hamas after its deadly raids on October 7, the Gazan health ministry run by the Palestinian militant group says more than 11,470 people have been killed in the territory. The assault on Israel by Hamas last month saw 1,200 people killed and about 240 taken hostage. Sir Keir would not be drawn on whether he feared losing more frontbenchers over his partys stance when pressed on it by broadcasters in Scotland as he insisted the party was united in its position on Gaza. He said: Im the leader of the Labour Party. I hope that at the next election, we will be able to form a government. That is precisely why my focus is on the question of the release of the hostages and precisely on the question of how do we alleviate the suffering on the ground for so many civilians that have lost their lives in Gaza. That is what you would expect from the leader of the Opposition. That is what you would expect from someone who wants to form the next government working with our international allies to ensure that we can get those hostages released, we can alleviate the situation on the ground, the killing of so many innocent civilians, women and children included. That is where my focus is. That is where I think anybody watching this would expect the focus to be of the leader of the Opposition, not on questions of party management. He did not say whether he had lined up replacements for those who had left the front bench following the Gaza vote, telling reporters he was not going to manage collective responsibility in the party live on air. Instead, the human rights barrister said he would be continuing to ask the question of how can we make a material difference on the ground in Gaza. He said conversations with allies and world leaders would continue to ensure that we have a credible plan to ensure that where there are pauses and humanitarian aid can get in, that they become longer so more aid can get in. Any pauses need to be a stepping stone to a cessation to the fighting, which is going to be needed, and also a stepping stone to a political pathway to the two-state solution, Sir Keir added. Jess Phillips, the shadow minister for domestic violence, was one of those to leave her post to support a ceasefire call in the Commons. The Birmingham Yardley MP has since said that she wants to be an asset to Sir Keir from the back benches and that there was no animosity between the pair. She also hinted that he could bring her back onto the front bench, telling The News Agents podcast that the party leader had told her he needed people like you to help me deliver the missions that we have coming up. Sir Keir has spent the past year laying out the five so-called missions of his potential premiership, with Labour currently significantly ahead of the Conservatives in opinion polls. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Hundreds of Afghan refugees have been dumped in UK military bases while ministers figure out where to house them, in a move condemned as the governments latest betrayal of asylum seekers. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) is scrambling to evacuate 3,000 people with links to the British armed forces who have been languishing in hotels in Pakistan where some have waited years to be brought to safety after Islamabad announced a crackdown on immigrants without visas. While some relocated families have been moved into forces accommodation, hundreds have been placed behind the constraints of 7ft-high barbed wire fences in military barracks in Loughborough, Gloucestershire, Blackpool and Staffordshire. Some say they are unable to leave and have been given little in the way of information about starting their new lives in Britain, such as how to claim benefits or find a GP. The revelation comes after The Independent revealed the scandal of abandoned Afghans who were promised safe haven in the UK, and as the government is under fire for its treatment of migrants following the failure of its plan to deport them to Rwanda. General Sir John McColl, a former deputy supreme allied commander in Europe, praised the MoD for bringing people to Britain but warned that the government had questions to answer on the help being given to these families, while shadow armed forces minister Luke Pollard said Afghans would face even more uncertainty. One refugee on a base in Garats Hay said they had been forced to rely on help from a charity volunteer to call 111 to obtain antibiotics when they were struggling to access medical help. Rishi Sunak has been forced to start relocating Afghans from Pakistan to the UK after the delay was challenged in the UK courts (Getty) The refugee was brought to the UK with his family under the MoDs Afghan relocations and assistance policy (Arap) because his father worked alongside British forces in Camp Bastion in Helmand province as part of his service in the Afghan National Army. He said of the military base where they are living: There is no way to leave. No one can come in, and no one can leave the base. Weve not been told anything about how long were going to be here, they just put us here for an unknown period of time. Theres nothing to do here. We are just staring at the walls right now. He said refugees had been told not to leave and that they had no money to pay for transport even if they could. The relocation plan, dubbed Operation Lazurite named after the blue mineral found in the precious stone lapis lazuli, which has been mined in Afghanistan for more than 6,500 years has seen charter flights bring hundreds of Afghans to the UK since the end of October. The rushed evacuations came after Rishi Sunaks government was forced to relocate Afghan refugees from Pakistan in response to numerous legal challenges over the delay in transferring those who are eligible to come to the UK. The operation is being run by the armys regional command, based in Aldershot, with armed forces minister Johnny Mercer overseeing the relocation of refugees to suitable accommodation. Some families have been moved into homes owned by the UK armed forces, but Mr Sunak has not ruled out the use of hotels. It is understood that MoD Garats Hay, a base in Loughborough usually used for military training and conferences, is being used as an initial holding facility, with families waiting weeks before they are moved to another base or more permanent armed forces accommodation. Some Afghans are being housed temporarily at Weeton Barracks (Google) While staying at Garats Hay, the refugees are unable to leave, and they cannot get council support to set up universal credit claims and register with the NHS until they are moved on. Other Afghans have been moved to Swynnerton Camp, a 560-acre base in Staffordshire used for military training. Some have been placed at Weeton Barracks near Blackpool, in housing usually reserved for soldiers and their families, while Beachley Barracks in Gloucestershire is also being used. Afghans have been told they will be at the barracks for six weeks before they are found more permanent homes. General McColl, who served in Afghanistan, said that while the MoD had made good progress in clearing the backlog of people stranded in Afghanistan and Pakistan, there were still questions over where they would live in the longer term. A lot of them are being moved into service family accommodation. The question then to be asked is what happens when that is full. That question hasnt been answered yet. I would also like to know more about the Home Offices role in funding councils to help them receive these families. What next, is the question, he said. Labours shadow armed forces minister Luke Pollard said: The government failed to deal with the ballooning backlog of Arap applications, left Afghans in limbo in hotels, and repeatedly put them at risk from the Taliban. And now, Afghans are being moved to military bases to face even more uncertainty. Ministers must fix their failing Afghan schemes. Steve Smith, the CEO of refugee charity Care4Calais and a former army colonel, said the government had let down Afghans who served alongside UK forces in Afghanistan. He added: To dump the small number of Afghan veterans they have brought over from Pakistan in military barracks, segregated from their new community, is the latest betrayal from this government. These Afghan veterans and their families should be living in communities, starting their new life here in the UK with hope, not held in military barracks. General Sir Richard Dannatt, a former head of the army, said the MoD was working hard to find homes, adding: A combination of putting them in MoD accommodation and local authority accommodation around the country is the right thing to do not leaving them in hotels to languish for many months. A government spokesperson said: The UK has made an ambitious and generous commitment to help at-risk people in Afghanistan and, so far, we have brought around 24,600 people to safety, including thousands of people eligible for our Afghan schemes. We continue to honour our commitments to bring eligible Afghans to the UK, with new arrivals going directly into settled accommodation where possible. A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said: We are committed to providing the best possible care for eligible Afghan families upon arrival to the UK, which includes access to a 24-hour support network, deployed Medical Liaison Officers and interpreters. We are working closely across government to support their resettlement. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} An emergency warning has been issued over the state of a prison where inspectors criticised squalid cells, soaring rates of violence and self-harm, and the escape of an inmate who should have been under constant supervision. HMP Bedford had the highest levels of violent assaults on staff and the third highest rate of self-harm incidents across all mens prisons in England and Wales, while prisoners were spending up to 23 hours a day locked up in the rat and cockroach-infested jail. HM Chief Inspector of Prisons Charlie Taylor said that many of the issues we found at Bedford reflect wider problems across the estate and said it was damning indictment of the state of prisons. He handed the all-male category B Bedford prison an immediate improvement notice requiring ministers to come up with an emergency action plan. It is fifth warning of its kind to be issued to jails in the past year in an ever-growing sign of the the shocking state of the crumbling and overcrowded system. Mr Taylor said there were not enough staff at the prison and those working there were inexperienced and failed to deal with low-level behaviour. He added: We found examples of excessive use of force and abuse of prisoners. Staff, prisoners and managers also told inspectors they had witnessed racism. Prisoners at HMP Bedford spent the majority of their time locked up in their cells (PA) He also criticised management over a prisoner escape in July 2022 that saw the fleeing inmate cycle 40 miles to London before he was recaptured. The prisoner managed to escape from the visits area of the jail and was eventually caught on the A1 on a bicycle he had stolen from the repair workshop at the jail. Mr Taylor said the prisoner had almost unbelievably managed to escape when he was supposedly under constant supervision. The inspection found many prisoners were locked in their cells for up to 23 hours a day, with 67 per cent of inmates reporting spending less than two hours out of their cell each day. The prison, which has an operational capacity of 400, also had a problem with cockroaches and rats. Cells were in poor condition, with mouldly walls, broken windows and graffiti. Just under three-quarters of the population were in overcrowded cells, inspectors added. Self harm had risen by 84 per cent since the last inspection in 2022 and there had been 533 incidents of self-harm in the last 12 months. Pia Sinha, chief executive of the Prison Reform Trust, said the inspection revealed problems that were symptomatic of a wider crisis in staff retention, prison capacity and underinvestment. Andrea Coomber, at the Howard League for Penal Reform, said the report was devastating. Exactly 250 years ago, John Howard visited Bedford prison and was so horrified by the conditions that he devoted the rest of his life to reform. It is scandalous that we are having the same conversation today. The Independent revealed in September that thousands of the most experienced prison officers had quit the service in the past five years. There were over 11,000 prison officers who had served for 10 years or more in the service in 2017. This has now fallen to just 6,681 in the statistics from June this year. The number of staff who have less than three years of experience has also been increasing 36.3 per cent of officers had less than three years of service in 2023, compared with 27.2 per cent in June 2017. A record 88,225 people are currently in prison leading to increased overcrowding and the population is expected to rise further to between 93,100 and 106,300 by March 2027. In response to the urgent notification, Prisons Minister Edward Argar said: The findings of this inspection are unacceptable which is why we are taking immediate action to address the concerns raised. He added that extra staff will be deployed to enhance safety and the Ministry of Justice will publish an action plan with next steps. He added: Across the estate we are boosting officer numbers with almost 1,500 more employed over the last year and have increased starting salaries to more than 30,000 which is helping to improve retention. We are also pressing ahead with our plans to deliver the biggest prison expansion since the Victoria era by investing 4 billion to build 20,000 new places. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A British explorer is on a mission to be the first man in history to visit all eight of the Earths poles of inaccessibility. Chris Brown, 61, a tech entrepreneur from Harrogate, North Yorkshire, began his quest in 2019 and has so far ticked off five of the continental poles. Poles of inaccessibility (PIA) are points on the map that are the furthest from the sea in any direction or, in the case of an oceanic pole, the furthest from land in any direction. Chris, who details his adventures on TikTok (@chrisbrownexplores ), successfully completed a risk-laden mission to the Southern PIA in Antarctica earlier this year with his son Mika, after a failed attempt and being stranded for 28 days the previous year. Chris Brown with Buzz Aldrin (Jam Press/Chris Brown) The marketing tycoon also became the first person ever to reach the African PIA in December 2021 amid an extremely dangerous expedition to the Central African Republic. He has also visited PIAs in North America, South America and Australia. Only Eurasia, the Arctic and the Oceanic PIAs remain for him to conquer. Chris, who hit the headlines in June when it emerged he was one of the first people to pay a deposit on the doomed Titanic sub trip, said: Each of these Poles of Inaccessibility pose their own risks. Chris Brown in the jungle near the African Pole of Iinaccessibility. (Jam Press/@ChrisBrown) The danger in Africa was all man-made with us having to avoid bandits, corrupt police, evil warlords, The Russian Wagner Group and even ISIS. Whilst the danger in Antarctica was from the elements and terrain. At the PIA the average temperature is -58 C and it lies at an altitude of 3700m. On our first attempt we were met with wounds gusting up to 120 mph. Chris Brown on a previous trip (Jam Press/Chris Brown) Chris, who is hoping to inspire young people to outside and take a few risks exploring, added: When I was a kid, we used to take small risks all the time. Now adults are stopping their children climbing trees in case they fall out and not letting them play outside when it is raining in case they get wet. But to me thats part of growing up and part of learning. You definitely dont have to be in Africa or Antarctica to go exploring, and you definitely dont need to involve helicopters or soldiers to do it. Chris next major expedition will be to the Oceanic PIA in the Pacific Ocean known as Point Nemo located at 4852.6 south latitude 12323.6 west longitude, it is 2,688km form the nearest land (Easter Island). Chris Brown with Richard Branson (Jam Press/Chris Brown) He said: Point Nemo is so remote that the nearest human settlement is actually the International Space Station which is only 415km away. The expedition is scheduled to take place next March starting from a port on the West coast of Chile and ending in French Polynesia. Chris has already made several attempts to reach the Northern PIA in the Arctic but these have been thwarted by the weather and the Russia-Ukraine war. Russia has claimed sovereignty over half of the Arctic circle including the pole. The adventurer also recently competed in one of the worlds greatest open water challenges, swimming from Asia to Europe across the Bosphorus and has a World Record for race diving. And he has been to the regular South Pole with astronaut Buzz Aldrin - the second man on the moon. In June this year, Chris told how he pulled out and asked for his deposit back when the Titan Submersible was in its development stage, amid safety fears and a feeling the risks were simply too high. His close friend, and fellow polar-explorer Hamish Harding, tragically perished on the tourist sub when it imploded during the mission before reaching the wreck of the Titanic. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The daughter of late-night entertainer Des OConnor has lost a High Court battle with the Metropolitan Police after she complained they failed to address the predatory and abusive actions of a detective who called her amazingly hot. Kristina OConnor, who is in her thirties, was sent numerous inappropriate messages by James Mason after he responded to her report of attempted robbery in 2011, the court heard. She complained about Mr Mason, who was a detective sergeant at the time, and a police misconduct panel found that he had deliberately and repeatedly abused his position for a sexual purpose. His conduct amounted to gross misconduct and he was given a final written warning. Mr Mason resigned from the Met late in 2022. Lawyers representing Ms OConnor said the force failed to properly investigate the complaint. They said a police misconduct panel failed to address predatory and abusive actions. Lawyers representing the misconduct panel and the Met disputed claims about the way they handled the process. Mr Justice Swift, who considered arguments at High Court hearings in London earlier this year, on Friday dismissed her application for a judicial review. The judge said it was sufficient that the steps that were taken during the disciplinary investigation were both reasonable and appropriate. He added in a written ruling: While this was a case of sexual harassment, the panel was entitled to have in mind precisely what the harassment had comprised. The judge said the disciplinary panel was entitled to attach weight to the fact the complaint was made many years after the misconduct had occurred and to Mr Masons previous record of good service. Lawyers representing Ms OConnor said they are planning to appeal. Ms OConnor said after the ruling: This has been a frustrating process, and it is not the outcome I was hoping for but I want to keep fighting for justice for women. Lawyer Nancy Collins, who represents her and is based at Hodge Jones & Allen Solicitors, said: It is very disappointing that the High Court has dismissed Kristina OConnors challenge to the police disciplinary process. She said Ms OConnor has been courageous and brave. At a previous hearing, Ms OConnors lawyers said that allegations about Mr Masons behaviour at work had been made by a senior female police officer and emerged since the trial. The officer worked in a Metropolitan unit headed by Mr Mason over a decade ago and said he made inappropriate comments frequently, lawyers told the judge. Mr Mason was overly interested in what he deemed to be attractive female Pcs and had once been seen scanning the office life a wolf, the court heard. Additional reporting by PA Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A father whose family died in a tragic housefire has paid tribute to one of his daughters killed in the blaze. Aroen Kishens wife Seema Ratra, three children Riyan, Shanaya and Arohi and another two adults from the same family are all feared dead after investigators entered the ravaged west London home for the first time. Mr Kishen was seen by neighbours screaming my kids, my kids when he discovered they were still trapped inside the burning terraced home in Channel Close, Hounslow, at around 10.30pm on Sunday. He was rushed to hospital with serious burn injuries. Aroen Kishen with his family (Supplied) From his hospital bed, Mr Kishen posted a picture of his daughter smiling broadly to the camera as his Facebook cover picture as others mourned her death. It is believed the family, who have links to Afghanistan, moved to west London in July last year from Brussels, Belgium. The other two unnamed adults were visiting the family for Diwali, a festival marked by the Hindu, Sikh and Jain faiths. It came as firefighters made the grim discovery of a sixth body only after the walls were shored up, the roof removed and the property was declared safe to enter days after the fatal inferno. Metropolitan Police Chief Superintendent Sean Wilson with London Fire Brigade's Jonathan Smith (PA) Individual bunches of flowers for the three children were placed at the scene on Tuesday on behalf of Springwell School, Hounslow. Tributes attached to the flowers read: Rest in peace sweet child. A tribute left on behalf of a Mrs Sheldon said: Words cannot even begin to express our sorrow at hearing the loss of three beautiful souls. Forever in our hearts! Good night and God bless. Another tribute left on behalf of year 6 read: Dear Riyan. I am so sorry that this has happened to you. All crying today and missing you today. You are still part of our family. We will never forget you, and you will always be in our hearts. May God grant you eternal life in heaven. The roof has now been completely removed (Barney Davis) A letter sent to parents from Westbrook Primary School said that formal identification of the bodies had not yet taken place. The letter ended with a tribute stating: Our hearts and thoughts go out to the family. Forever in our hearts, from all who knew and loved you. Neighbours reported the fire breaking out amid hectic Diwali celebrations with a huge firework display shrouding the neighbourhood in smoke. Sayed Arfeem, 80, said: There were so many fireworks at our windows that night the loudest we have ever heard it in 22 years. Then it was police and firefighters everywhere and the ambulances started coming. It is very sad. I cant believe it. How was it so quick? We dont know if the fireworks were coming from their house. The scene in Hounslow (Barney Davis) Another neighbour broke into tears as she said: I saw the blue flashing lights. I came outside with my daughter. It was so foggy and smoky you couldnt see how bad the fire was. There were so many fireworks we thought one may have misfired or hit a tree. We could see the fire behind the trees. It was a big celebration for Diwali and it turned tragic. The senior investigating officer DCI Garth Hall said: These deaths are still being treated as unexplained and we are liaising closely with the Coroner. We understand that family and communities will be looking for answers, but this will be a thorough investigation and we will not rush to any judgement, but follow where the evidence leads. Any witnesses or anyone with any information is asked to call police on 101 or contact via X (Twitter) @MetCC. Please quote Operation Hamalton. To give information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} British Muslims and a coalition of mosques have condemned Labour MPs who failed to vote for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war. On Wednesday, 125 MPs voted for a ceasefire while the vast majority either voted no or abstained. A number of members of Parliament are facing particular criticism for having appeared to support a ceasefire in public statements but then either abstaining or voting against in the whipped vote. Hundreds of students marched to the office of Rushanara Ali on Thursday, after the MP for Bethnal Green did not vote for a ceasefire despite making multiple statements in support of one. Keir Starmers stance on a ceasefire in Israel has attracted criticism (PA) Later in the evening, a crowd gathered outside her constituency office in east London chanting Rushanara Ali, shame on you and holding placards saying Not my MP. Blood on your hands. Explaining her actions on Twitter, Ms Ali wrote after the vote: I have long supported a ceasefire. Tonight I have abstained from voting for the SNPs motion. Labours Rushanara Ali abstained in the vote (KATE PETERS) Leaving the shadow government is something Im always willing to do, which is why I completely respect the decision taken by my fellow MPs today, she continued. The moment I think my presence is less positively impactful than my absence, I will do so. MP for Preston Mark Hendrick is another Labour member facing criticism for abstaining on Wednesdays vote. Mukhtar Master, Muslim Faith Representative at Preston City Council, and organiser of the Preston mosques coalition said: The mosques of Preston feel let down and betrayed by our MP Mark Hendrick. After the mosques reached out to Hendrick he wrote a compelling letter to Keir Starmer calling for a ceasefire. However... he actually abstained in Parliament at yesterdays vote, he continued. The Muslim community are done with Hendrick now and we will never trust this individual ever again. Nothing is more important to Muslims right now than this issue. Mr Hendrick issued a statement addressing his position on his website, as he backed a Labour amendment to the ceasefire proposal. Local leaders say nothing is more important right now than this issue" (PA) Whilst the [Labour] amendment doesnt go quite far as I would like on the issue of a ceasefire, it does offer a good compromise, he wrote. The Labour amendment, apart from calling for the cessation of fighting as soon as possible it does, unlike the SNP amendment, mention the situation in the West Bank in terms of illegal settlements and Settler violence; and calls for humanitarian assistance on a scale to meet the desperate needs of the people of Gaza... I believe this to be the more practical and realistic process towards a ceasefire, which we all hope will one day lead to a two-state solution. But for many Muslims in Britain, the decision to not call for a ceasefire outright is unacceptable. For Mubin Dawood, who leads Noor mosques food bank, the compromises are not good enough. He feels Labours leadership is tarnishing the reputations of its members. When you stand under a banner, you represent that banner, he said. You need another banner if youre powerless. Mr Dawood said there was unprecedented hurt in the community, with a tsunami of Muslims ready to show it at the next election. These are not the mosques of twenty years ago, he added. These are not little brown sahibs. People are educated, they know how things work. Shadow minister for domestic violence Jess Phillips quit after backing a ceasefire in Gaza (PA Archive) One mosque leader told the Independent Muslims felt disgusted by Labours position in not calling for an immediate ceasefire, and that it signified a line drawn in the sand. The Imam said: Our community is a very peaceful community, it is one of compassion and empathy towards the unsheltered, victims of natural disasters and so on. For us not to have an aching heart and an emotional drive about what we see as blatant human rights violations against people being shredded to pieces across our screens, its like theyre not human beings, its impossible. There would be more outrage in the west if a zoo with innocent animals was being bombed every day. This is why we cant turn away when we see our brothers and sisters being killed mercilessly. This is about saying not in my name. More than 50 Labour councillors have resigned over the Gaza crisis with Labour losing control over both Burnley and Oxford Councils in the process. Eight shadow ministers quit over the ceasefire vote on Wednesday and two parliamentary secretaries. In a blow to Keir Starmer, 56 MPs defied the whip to vote in favour of the SNP amendment in support of a ceasefire. Since the vote, Sir Keir said he was more focused on the plight of people in Gaza than managing the splits within Labour. Of course I want us to move forward as united as we can as a party, but you wouldnt expect me to stand here today and say my concern is the Labour Party management rather than the hostages and the innocent civilians and children that are dying in Gaza, he told ITV News. My focus and attention is there, and thats where it is and where it will always be. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A British military drone has taken off and landed on an aircraft carrier for the first time, in what the Royal Navy says paves the way for the next generation of UK air power. The aircraft, which has a 55ft (17m) wingspan, launched from HMS Prince of Wales in a trial off the coat of Virginia, US on 17 November. The remotely operated drone, weighing more than 1.5t tonnes and 30ft (9m) in length, codenamed Mojave, was the first of its size to fly from an aircraft outside the US. The success of this trial heralds a new dawn in how we conduct maritime aviation and is another exciting step in the evolution of the Royal Navys carrier strike group into a mixed crewed and uncrewed fighting force, Rear Admiral James Parkin, Royal Navy Director Develop, whose team planned the trial. The Royal Navys Second Sea Lord, Vice Admiral Martin Connell, said embracing autonomy was the next logical step to ensuring that the Royal Navy can continue to fight and win in an increasingly-complex operating environment. He added: With so many international partners interested in the results of these Mojave trials on board HMS Prince of Wales, I am delighted that we are taking the lead in such exciting and important work to unlock the longer-term potential of the aircraft carrier and push it deep into the 21st Century as a highly-potent striking capability. Pilotless aircraft have been flying from Royal Navy vessels for around two decades but the Mojave a version of the MQ1C Gray Eagle aircraft is much larger and more complex than other models. The drone is capable of carrying out several long-endurance missions from medium altitudes. The drone took off from and landed back on HMS Prince of Wales in a trial off the coat of Virginia, US on Friday (MoD/Royal Navy) It is from the same family of aircraft as the Royal Air Forces new Protector RG Mk1 aircraft, such medium altitude long endurance remotely piloted aircraft are capable of conducting long-range surveillance and strike missions over many thousands of square miles. Months of planning by experts from the Royal Navy, General Atomics and HMS Prince of Wales crew went into the trial one of several involving crewless aircraft and F-35s this autumn to push the boundaries of operations involving the UKs two carriers. My team and I are excited and proud to be the first to launch and land a Mojave from an aircraft carrier, said Commander Martin Russell, in charge of air operations aboard HMS Prince of Wales. During a deployment centred around experimentation and expanding the envelope of the Queen Elizabeth class, this is one of the highlights. Integrating the Navy Develop and General Atomics personnel into the Prince of Wales team was key to enabling such a large Remotely Piloted Air System to operate from the deck during this trial, with the capability feeling like a glimpse into the future of these ships. HMS Prince of Wales is now conducting intense training and trials activity with the US Marine Corps before returning home to Portsmouth next month. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The Met Office has issued new weather warnings for torrential rain for parts of the UK this weekend. Heavy downpours are set to batter the southeast of Northern Ireland on Friday night into Saturday, though the region is still recovering from the latest storm to batter the island. Rain will spread quickly northeast across much of Northern Ireland this evening, but is expected to be heaviest across parts of south Down, and especially south-facing slopes of the Mournes, the Met Office said. The warning is in place from 9pm Friday until 3pm on Saturday. A yellow warning for rain has also been updated for parts of Wales and southwest England and will now come into effect from midnight Friday until 10am Saturday. Upto 50mm of rainfall could fall around the hills of southwest Wales and the southern slopes of Dartmoor, the Met Office said, as localised flooding is also expected. It comes as frosty weather is expected in the northeast of Scotland on Saturday as Met Office meteorologist Aidan McGivern said: For the start of Saturday, we keep the cold conditions at first across parts of central and eastern Scotland, so there will be a touch of frost in the northeast of Scotland and some snowflakes over the hills and mountains, as the rain bumps into that cold air. The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for rain on Friday through to Saturday (Met Office) The fresh weather alerts come after Storm Debi left the UK reeling as it unleashed widespread flooding and devastating winds across many parts of the country this week, particularly in Northern Ireland. Severe gales caused power cuts across the island of Ireland, with around 100,000 homes and businesses left without electricity. Gusts of 77mph were recorded in Gwynedd, 74mph at Killowen in Northern Ireland and 68mph on the Isle of Man as the low pressure system moved across the Irish Sea. UK 5-day forecast Tonight: Dry with clear spells in the east, perhaps with some early frost and fog in places. Cloud and rain pushing steadily eastwards. Winds strengthening. Mild, particularly in the south. Saturday: Cloud and rain spreading north and east throughout the day. Some heavy bursts in places. Sunny spells and showers following from the west. Windy, particularly near coasts. Outlook for Sunday to Tuesday: Sunny spells returning on Sunday with the risk of blustery showers which will continue into Monday. Most places becoming dry on Tuesday. A touch of frost possible in the north. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Police are investigating an attack on a senior Labour MPs constituency office after she abstained on the Gaza vote. Jo Stevens office in Cardiff was sprayed with red paint and posters were put up accusing her of having blood on her hands. The incident at the Cardiff Central MPs office in Albany Road took place on Thursday evening where an emergency vigil was also held by supporters of a ceasefire in Gaza. A police spokeswoman said: South Wales Police is investigating criminal damage to a property on Albany Road. A number of items have been seized for examination and enquiries are on-going. The shadow Welsh secretary supported a three-line whip by Labour to abstain on an SNP amendment to the Kings Speech calling for a ceasefire and instead back party leader Sir Keir Starmers position of longer humanitarian pauses. Sir Keir faced a major rebellion as 56 Labour MPs including 10 shadow ministers and parliamentary aides defied the whip and supported the SNP. Ms Stevens said: Unlike those involved in this so called vigil I dont require them to agree with my view on how an urgent cessation of violence in Gaza and Israel can best be practically achieved to immediately alleviate innocent civilian suffering. The constituency office of Labour MP Jo Stevens in Albany Road, Cardiff, which was sprayed with red paint (PA) I unequivocally support the right to protest. But this goes way beyond that. This is criminal damage. It is intimidation and incitement. This is a workplace and my staff team and I, as well as my constituents who come to my office every day for help, should be able to do so without fear and in safety. Naz Shah, one of the shadow ministers to resign in order to support the ceasefire motion, said she had received Islamophobic hatred that she had reported to the police. She told Times Radio that the vandalism to her colleague Ms Stevens office was appalling. Clearly Im concerned about all the people getting this vile abuse, she said. Im concerned for my staff. Im concerned for every MP right now who is getting the emails, the telephone messages, the abuse on telephone messages. All the people who are having to stay indoors because there are threats flying around and police are having to drive around their homes. It is worrying, it is frightening. And it is not a nice place for any MP, anybody who is on the receiving end of the abuse. The Bradford West MP said Labours own amendment on the Gaza conflict tabled on Wednesday didnt go far enough and that she felt compelled to vote for a ceasefire after seeing horror after horror unfold in the Middle East. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Another 25 Irish citizens and dependants are expected to be able to leave Gaza, Irelands deputy premier has said. Tanaiste and minister for foreign affairs Micheal Martin said they should be able to cross the Rafah border crossing into Egypt, bringing the total number of citizens and dependants leaving to 51. He previously said he hoped that all Irish citizens who are in a position to travel would be out of Gaza by Sunday. The development comes as the family of an Israeli-Irish girl believed to have been taken hostage by Hamas said they are remaining positive that they will see her again. A birthday party was held at St Stephens Green in Dublin for Emily Hand, who turned nine on Friday. A birthday cake and balloons with Emilys name were unveiled, as well as a poster saying Bring her home now. Mr Martin said he remains deeply concerned about the situation of hostages in Gaza and called for their immediate and unconditional release. He said: Today Emily Hand will turn nine. This loving and talented young girl needs to be returned to her family immediately. My department will leave no stone unturned in pursuing that outcome. Mr Martin visited two towns in southern Israel on Thursday which had been attacked by Hamas in October, including Kibbutz Beeri where Emily was believed to have been taken hostage. He also met Palestinian Authority prime minister Mohammad Shtayyeh in Ramallah. The Tanaiste described those who have left Gaza in recent days as deeply traumatised by their experience. As they return to Ireland in the coming days, they will need all of our support as they begin to restart their lives, he said. He also described the high number of civilian casualties in Gaza in recent weeks as shocking, and repeated his call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and an urgent scaling up of rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access. Ireland has been clear that international humanitarian law applies in all conflicts, in all circumstances, to state and non-state actors alike, he said. We cannot see this violence, destruction and displacement continue. Emily was initially thought to be dead in the aftermath of the attack on Israeli citizens on October 7, but more recent information indicates that she is now held hostage Gaza. Emilys father, Tom Hand, has met Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and the Hand family have appealed for the Governments help in securing her release. Anna Byrne, a cousin of Emilys father, attended the birthday party in Dublin on Friday. She said it had been a horrific time for the family, but they are staying strong and positive. We are so thankful to the organisers of today, the whole family is so thankful for keeping Emily in everybodys hearts and minds, she said. Especially today. It is quite sad today because we were hoping to have her home for her birthday. We dont know what type of birthday she is having. I just thought I would come today to represent the family and to be here for Emily and to wish her a happy birthday. She added: We are trying to keep strong and positive. We worry about Tom, he is doing so much and it is hard for him to keep going. It is a horrific time so we just try to give as much support as we can and send our love and best wishes, but it is hard. You feel useless, not being able to do anything, and they are so far away. None of us can go to Israel so it is very hard but we are keeping positive and just praying and hoping. The family are so positive, that is the thing that is keeping us all going, the positivity that we are going to see Emily. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A convicted gangster who spent 13 years in jail has been charged with breaching an order imposed upon his release. Curtis Warren, 60, is alleged to have breached his serious crime prevention order on numerous occasions, the National Crime Agency said. The gangster, who has featured on the Sunday Times Rich List, was arrested by the agencys officers at Boldon Colliery in South Tyneside in July. He was informed of the charges as he answered bail at a police station in Merseyside on Friday. The agency previously said the the order came into force after his release from prison for drug trafficking offences. The 11 charges authorised by the Crown Prosecution Service relate to communications devices, travel, vehicles, business arrangements and finances and the alleged offending is said to have been committed between November last year and July this year. Warren, from Liverpool, has been bailed to appear before the citys magistrates court on December 15. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Boris Johnson has demanded a cut to inheritance tax in the upcoming Autumn Budget, claiming that it is fair the colossal wealth accrued by the elder British generations is passed down to their children. The former prime minister issued his plea after sources confirmed to The Independent that cutting inheritance tax and taxes for small businesses is under consideration. Chancellor Jeremy Hunt will make his Autumn statement next Wednesday amid reports that there is more money in the budget than expected. Higher tax revenues and lower borrowing costs have given Mr Hunt more than 20bn extra, according to reports, which is over triple the amount in Marchs budget. The chancellor will get final forecasts from the Office for Budget Responsibility on Friday night and make a final decision at the weekend ahead of Wednesdays statement. Jeremy Hunt could squeeze the welfare budget while cutting inheritance tax (Hannah McKay/PA) (PA Wire) Mr Johnson, 59, speaking from the cabin of a plane about to take-off, said that as older generations head heavenward, it is incumbent on the current government to facilitate them with the ability to pass down inheritance without being heavily taxed. The tax level is currently charged at 40 per cent on estates worth more than 325,000, with an extra 175,000 allowance for estates passed on to children or grandchildren. The Treasury is reportedly considering cutting the rate to 30 per cent, as well as increasing the threshold at which it kicks in. Mr Johnson said: We had cushy pensions, we had free university education, we had cheaper mortgages, we were able to buy our homes. Things are so much harder for those who come after us in the UK. Isnt it right, therefore, that of the colossal wealth we have been able to accumulate, we should be able to leave a little bit more behind? Thats why Im calling for a cut to inheritance tax. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} 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. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Hungary's government on Friday released a set of questions for an informal survey it will send to voters on a number of divisive issues including migration, LGBTQ+ rights and support for Ukraine, including a proposal to block further European Union assistance to Kyiv unless the bloc releases frozen funds to Hungary. The survey, which the government calls a national consultation, contains 11 questions and strikes a combative tone toward the EU, which it accuses of trying to force policies on Hungary. One question asks whether Hungary should block an EU plan to provide a four-year, 50 billion euro (nearly $53 billion) aid package for Ukraine unless the bloc unfreezes billions in assistance to Hungary that it has held up over concerns that the government of Prime Minister Viktor Orban has failed to uphold rule-of-law and human rights standards. They are asking Hungary for additional support (for Ukraine) even as our country has not received the EU funds due to it, says one segment of the survey. We should not pay more to support Ukraine until we have received the money we are owed, one possible answer says. Hungary's national consultation surveys, conducted numerous times by Orban's right-wing populist government since it took power in 2010, have been widely criticized by pollsters and opposition parties as propaganda tools that are manipulative in their phrasing and highly suggestive of desired answers. Orban's government says the surveys strengthen its bargaining position on the European level by demonstrating a national consensus on political issues. The surveys are sent by mail to every Hungarian of voting age, but bear no legally binding relevance. They generally receive responses from fewer than 20% of Hungarian adults, yet the responses reflect up to 99% agreement with the government's position. One question released Friday says the EU wants to create migrant ghettos in Hungary and asks whether respondents think Hungary should "accept Brussels' migration plans, or prevent the creation of migrant ghettos. Another says the EU wants Hungary to repeal a contentious law that bans the availability of LGBTQ+ content to minors and warns of aggressive LGBTQ propaganda targeting children. The survey includes other questions about Ukraine, including a proposal that the EU cease military aid to Kyiv and opposition to talks over Ukraine eventually becoming an EU member. Hungary's government has refused to supply Ukraine with weapons since Russia launched its invasion in February 2022 and has opposed EU sanctions on Moscow for its aggression. In the last national consultation, which concluded in January, the government said 97% of Hungarians opposed sanctions against Russia though fewer than 1.4 million people returned the survey in a country of 9.7 million. The surveys can be returned until Jan. 10, 2024, but the government in the past has extended such deadlines to increase participation. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Senior Tories have condemned plans to strip the right to free prescriptions from benefits claimants who dont look for work, warning that the government risks descending into the politics of hate. Former deputy prime minister Michael Heseltine said ministers should not use the health service as a sanction. Doctors leaders also hit out, accusing the government of holding peoples health to ransom. The furious reaction erupted after the government announced a new crackdown that will see those who coast on benefits and refuse to take a job lose access to free prescriptions and dental treatment among other things. The chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, said the move, which is one plank of a wider back to work plan expected in next weeks autumn statement, is necessary to stop anyone choosing to coast on the hard work of taxpayers. But it sparked a backlash from senior Conservatives, including former health ministers. Tory grandee Lord Heseltine said he was all for persuading people to go back to work, but that the last thing anyone should do is attack people on health grounds. In a warning to the government, he added: Im wary of zealots interests welling up into hate politics they need to be careful. Former health secretary Stephen Dorrell said that all governments face the difficult question of who should receive benefits, but making a virtue of withdrawing healthcare support from people who by implication need it is deliberately unpleasant. He also predicted that the plans could be subject to legal challenge. It wouldnt surprise me if there isn't some clause in one of the human rights pieces [of legislation] that could be used to at least make this arguable in front of a court, he said. Another former Tory health minister, Steve Brine, said he was concerned because while there are always those who abuse the system, there are many in between who could simply fall further into the margins and drive health inequalities. Dr Latifa Patel of the British Medical Association said the government should not hold peoples health to ransom, especially when their poor health may be the very reason they are unable to work in the first place. Removing peoples access to the medication that they need would not only be cruel, risking real harm, but also counterintuitive, she said, as unwell people would pile further pressure and expense onto an already overstretched NHS. Shadow health secretary Wes Streeting said there were already sanctions for those taking the mick, but he added: I dont see how limiting peoples access to healthcare is going to be effective or ethical. The plans will not affect anyone with a long-term health condition or disability, or anyone who has children, sources at the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) said. The measures are expected to affect tens of thousands of people out of more than a million universal credit claimants. They will kick in if someone is judged to have been disengaged for six months. As well as losing the right to free prescriptions, they would also lose access to cheaper mobile phone packages, help from energy suppliers, funeral costs and travel discount schemes. Tase Oputu, the chair of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society in England, said the society was deeply concerned about the inequalities that already exist in relation to prescription charges and access to medicine. No one should be faced with a financial barrier to getting the medicines they need, regardless of their employment status, she said. Being unable to afford your medicines leads to poor health, lost productivity, and costly and avoidable hospital admissions. The DWP has been approached for comment. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Sacked home secretary Suella Braverman has launched a fresh attack on Rishi Sunak and said his plan to revive the Rwanda deportation scheme will fail unless he implements her five-point plan. Mrs Braverman, who was sacked in a reshuffle this week, said Mr Sunaks tinkering of the plans to overcome the Supreme Courts verdict that it was unlawful would culminate in yet another defeat for the government. Writing in The Telegraph, she said the prime ministers proposals would likely get bogged down in the domestic and European court system. She has proposed introducing emergency legislation to amend the Illegal Migration Act that should meet five key tests. We take a look at those points below: Address concerns raised by the Supreme Court about Rwandas asylum system Ms Braverman said the government must tackle the issues raised by the five senior judges about Rwandas asylum and legal system. It can do this by embedding UK observers and independent reviewers of asylum decisions. These commitments should then be embodied in an amended memorandum or a new treaty which would ensure that Rwandas safety could be credibly confirmed. Flights must take off before the next general election The former home secretary said that any amendments must exclude all avenues of legal challenge. Any of the UKs domestic or international obligations - for example, the European Convention on Human Rights - need to be made invalid using notwithstanding clauses. Common law challenges or Judicial Review must also be expressly excluded. She added: Individuals would, however, be given the chance to demonstrate that they had entered the country legally, were under 18, or were medically unfit to fly but Home Office decisions on these claims could not be challenged in court. Suella Braverman has outlined a five point plan to revive the Rwanda deportation scheme (Joe Giddens/PA) (PA Wire) Removal of migrants must be fast Ms Braverman said those who arrive on small boats across the channel should be removed in a matter of days rather than months. This means that migrants due to be moved to Rwanda are mandated under the duty to remove, with strict time limits which will have the benefit of streamlining the process for the Home Office. Exclude legal challenges to detention Ms Braverman said that any legal challenges to detention must be excluded to avoid burdening the courts, making it clear that detention is mandated until removal. Getting the Rwanda deportation scheme running should be considered an emergency The MP for Fareham said any changes should be introduced by Christmas recess and parliament should be recalled to sit and debate it over the holiday period. Close Santos wont seek re-election after critical ethics report Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A top aide to George Santos has quit after the House Ethics Committee issued a damning report about the actions of the freshman Republican congressman. Gabrielle Lipsky resigned as communications director on Friday, the day after the report found that the 35-year-old had violated ethics guidelines, the rules of the House and criminal laws, and that he had been aware that he was crossing the line. House Ethics panel chairman GOP Rep Michael Guest of Mississippi filed a motion for Santos expulson on Friday. The chamber can take up the motion on 28 November upon lawmakers return from Thanksgiving recess. Santos claimed that hes the victim of dirty politics after announcing that he wont seek re-election in 2024. Mr Santos wrote on X that he wouldnt be seeking a second term in 2024 as my family deserves better than to be under the gun from the press all the time. He later complained that he has suffered a year from hell and claimed that hes a victim of the poison from the ethics committee. Lamenting that he was just trying to serve my country by running for Congress, he claimed that his rights had been taken from him. Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Late-night show hosts seized the moment to give George Santos a huge roasting after a damming ethics report that revealed he spent campaign money on Botox and OnlyFans. Mr Santos, who believes the report was a dirty biased act and one that tramples all over my rights, now faces a fresh motion to expel him from the House after his indictment of 23 federal charges in October as well as the new report. Following the release of the document, the GOP New York representative announced in a series of tirades on X that he would not run for re-election in 2024. In the report, the House Ethics Committee accused the politician of lying about loaning personal money to his 2022 congressional campaign, then paying himself back for those fake loans with actual money. He is also alleged to have spent donor money on personal indulgences such as Botox, Hermes merchandise, trips and an OnlyFans subscription. Something that caught guest The Daily Show host Leslie Jones eye was the report noting Mr Santos lavish trips to Atlantic City. Have you been to Atlantic City? she inquired. A lavish trip there just means you dont go home with bed bugs. However, it was the Botox that bewildered Ms Jones co-host, Jordan Klepper, who pointed out Mr Santos relatively young age, 35. Hes the youngest member of Congress by 1,000 years, according to Mr Klepper. You dont get Botox just stand next to Mitch McConnell. Exactly, Ms Jones agreed. He doesnt need Botox. But the rest of them old-a** congressmen do. Santos, or rather comedian Nelson Franklin impersonating him, appeared on Jimmy Kimmels show in a bizarre skit pretending the politician was getting Botox before performing wild antics like stealing a cash register, hiring a hit man to break Mr Kimmels legs and flying a DeLorean to break himself out of prison in the year 2045. US Representative George Santos faces a new motion to expel him from the House (Getty) Stephen Colbert also chimed in on the recent report, called the politician a slug under a rock you just turned over and announced that if there are any fans of stupidity and corruption out there, you have joined us on the right night. Mr Colbert then cut to a clip of an interviewee asking Mr Santos what he felt about the House Ethics report that was to be revealed, to which he said he had no premeditated feelings about it. No premeditated feelings, exactly what a sociopath wouldnt say, Mr Colbert chuckled. Today we bid farewell to grandma, the late-night show said, impersonating Mr Santos. Let me just say to all of you I have not had a chance to Google the correct emotional reaction, but rest assured, like all of you, I am angry? Its hard to tell because of all the Botox. Comedian Nelson Franklin mocks George Santos in an impersonation of him stealing a cash register (Jimmy Kimmel/YouTube) Seth Myers also got in on the roasting action, saying that Mr Colberts list of possible purchases was that of a lesser Kardashian. Hes got the shopping list of a 98-year-old oil tycoons 20-year-old wife, Mr Myers quipped. Despite the reports release on Thursday and Mr Santos announcement that he will not seek reelection, he has so far refused to stand down from Congress. The expulsion motion can be taken up by the Chamber on 28 November, when lawmakers will return from Thanksgiving recess. Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} IBM has pulled advertising from Elon Musks X after adverts for the computing giant appeared alongside pro-Nazi posts. On Thursday, Media Matters, a left-leaning non-profit group, published a report that said it had found adverts from big brands including IBM, Apple, Oracle and Bravo running next to pro-Hitler and antisemitic content. IBM has zero tolerance for hate speech and discrimination and we have immediately suspended all advertising on X while we investigate this entirely unacceptable situation, a spokesperson for the technology firm told The Independent. IBM has come under fire several times for its links to the Nazi party during the Second World War. An account called @xDaily, which posts news about the platform, put up its analysis of Media Matters findings. It believes the watchdog was scrolling down on user profile of antisemitic accounts until they see an ad. The account blamed Xs automated Ad Adjacency tools that cannot determine if a post is antisemitic, as well as users now being able to monetise on advertisements that run on their profiles. Mr Musk relaxed moderation policies and cut many staff involved with safety on the platform when his $44bn acquisition closed last year. Mr Musk did not have anything to say in response to the antisemitic posts, apart from commenting under @xDailys analysis to say: Media Matters is an evil organisation. An X spokesperson told CNN that the brands did not specifically target the pro-Nazi accounts in the watchdog report, nor did the company intentionally place their advertising there. The spokesperson said they have reviewed the accounts in the report and said they will no longer be monetisable, meaning advertising can no longer run on their profiles. While we understand its not an ideal placement for any ad, the post itself had about 8,000 impressions, the spokesperson added about one of the posts in the report where an IBM advert had appeared. While the X news account and Mr Musk may challenge Media Matters research, the left-leaning watchdog pointed out a promise X CEO Linda Yaccarino made to companies about advertising staying away from hate discourse on X. She promised brands that they were now protected from the risk of being next to the proliferating toxic content on X, as new content controls would apparently reduce this risk, according to CNBC. Ms Yaccarinos boss, Mr Musk, may have different ideas after continuing evidence of his endorsement of antisemitic conspiracy theories surfaced on his platform. On Wednesday, Mr Musk, the self-described free-speech absolutist, responded You have said the actual truth to a tweet where a social media user appeared to push the great replacement conspiracy theory on X, claiming that Jewish communities have been pushing the exact kind of dialectical hatred against whites that they claim to want people to stop using against them. Im deeply disinterested in giving the tiniest s*** now about Western Jewish populations coming to the disturbing realisation that those hordes of minorities that support flooding their country dont exactly like them too much. You want truth said to your face, there it is, the post added. Mr Musks response received praise from white nationalist Nick Fuentes while prompting widespread backlash from dozens more online. Mr Musk later backtracked on his initial post, writing that decolonisation necessarily implies a Jewish genocide; thus, it is unacceptable to any reasonable person. Ms Yaccarino reiterated her previous callouts on antisemitism in another post on Thursday, a day after Mr Musks actual truth tweet. X has also been extremely clear about our efforts to combat antisemitism and discrimination. Theres no place for it anywhere in the world its ugly and wrong, she wrote. The CEO and other X staff have reportedly been scrambling to put out the fires being lit by Mr Musk, according to The New York Times. The outlet said they have seen messages by X sales employees asking what they could say to their clients, who have been allegedly calling in about Mr Musks recent remarks and advertising showing up next to antisemitic posts. This is not the first time the business magnate has been accused of dropping himself into the centre of content that promotes antisemitism. In the days after the 7 October Hamas terror attack on Israel, Mr Musk was impelled to delete a post where he amplified an account widely accused of antisemitism and of promoting debunked videos as reliable sources of information about the attack. In September, he threatened to sue the Anti-Defamation League, a century-old NGO that describes itself as the leading anti-hate organisation in the world after the organisation accused him of antisemitism. Since Mr Musks takeover of the platform, X has also seen the reinstatement of far-right accounts, most recently the British anti-Islamist activist Tommy Robinson. An executive from X told The Independent in a statement that they did a sweep on the accounts that Media Matters found and they will no longer be monetisable and that the specific posts will be labeled Sensitive Media. The X executive also pushed back on Media Matters saying that they aggressively searched on accounts and hit refresh to capture as many brand advertisements as possible. They also argued that X is not intentionally placing brands next to this type of content and brands are not actively trying to support this content either. The Independent has contacted IBM and the other companies that appeared in the Media Matters report. Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Austin yoga teacher Kaitlin Armstrong has been found guilty of murdering professional cyclist Anna Moriah Wilson. The verdict over the May 11 2022 murder of 25-year-old Wilson came after just two hours of deliberations on Thursday. Wilsons family members in the courtroom cried and embraced each other while Armstrong remained emotionless as the verdict was read. The two women had become involved in a love triangle with Armstrongs then on-and-off boyfriend and Wilsons fellow cyclist Colin Strickland. Following the murder, Armstrong had fled the country, remaining at large for 43 days before being apprehended by authorities. Armstrong Defense attorney waves bike around in court during closing arguments After the guilty verdict was returned, the court moved to sentencing immediately. Victim impact statements were given by Wilsons friends and family. Caitlin Cash, with whom Wilson had been staying in Austin, said she held a lot of guilt for not protecting her friend, and recalled giving her over 100 chest compressions in an attempt to revive her. Ms Cash said she had texted a picture of Wilson to the cyclists mother on 11 May 2022, writing ...your girl is in safe hands here in Austin. The recollection prompted an audible sob from Wilsons mother in the courtroom. Wilsons brother, Matthew Wilson, broke down when describing how he had learned of his sisters death, telling the court he felt his pain had been different to that of his parents. My sister was my closest confidant. My only sibling. Only person in the world that I could talk to about certain experiences that only she could understand. She was a really, really good listener, he said. My sister had her life taken from her. For no reason at all. Shell never ride a bike again. Shell never take a 20-minute break from work to bake banana bread in her kitchen. Verdict returned in the murder trial of Kaitlin Armstrong (Gannett) Shell never get married. Shell never buy a home or have kids. Shell never meet someone she loves. I will never be able to see that all happen and see her enjoy her life and build her life. Over the course of two and half weeks jurors heard testimony from Mr Strickland, friends of 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 Armstrong to the crime, and asked jurors to ignore the rabbit holes the defence had asked them to go down. Assistant District Attorney Rick Jones told the jury: Ive never seen so much evidence in my life against one person. The last thing Mo Wilson did was scream in terror, Mr Jones said. She stood over her after she shot her in the head twice and put another bullet in her heart ... you heard the medical examiner. That third bullet was in her heart. Mr Jones said the evidence against Armstrong was among the most damning he had seen in his career, noting that two of Ms Armstrongs friends testified she told them she wanted to, or could, kill Wilson. Vehicle satellite records, phone-tracking data and surveillance video from a nearby home showed Armstrongs Jeep driving around the apartment and parking in an alley shortly before Wilson was killed. Defense Attorney Rick Cofer told the jury that Armstrong had been caught in a nightmare of circumstantial evidence. The 35-year-old was questioned by police just three days after the killing but once freed, she fled to Costa Rica leading the authorities on an intensive manhunt. Kaitlin Armstrong has been found guilty of mudering Moriah Mo Wilson (Gannett) During the trial the court heard that she had made efforts to disguise her identity with dyed hair and plastic surgery. Armstrong was brought back to the United States and charged with first-degree murder. She pleaded not guilty in July 2022 and has been held at the Travis County Correctional Complex in Texas on a $3.5m bond. On 11 October 2023, Armstrong attempted to escape for a second time during a scheduled to attend a medical appointment which required transport to a physician. As she left the facility with a corrections office she took off running. In a video that captured the incident, and shown at court, she could be seen running across a yard toward a brown wooden fence. The corrections officer pursues, but slips and falls in the grass. The court heard how Wilson, a competitive gravel and mountain bike racer from Vermont, had been found dead her friends Austin, Texas apartment. On the day of her murder she had arranged to meet fellow pro-cyclist Mr Strickland, with whom she had an on-again, off-again relationship with when he and his then-girlfriend Armstrong were on a hiatus. In evidence shown at court, three gunshots and a womans scream could be heard. Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Five and a half years ago, Princess the pomeranian was stolen from a family in Arizona who never thought they would see their beloved pup again. Yet a surprise call from a local vet last week told the Gonzales family that their little local celebrity had returned. In May 2018, the family went out to brunch in downtown Phoenix for Mothers Day with their four-pound pomeranian, who they always took out with them wherever they went, whether that was by lead, stroller or handbag. Princess was well known around town, especially for her extravagant fashion choices and bedazzled collars. Daisy Gonzales said she was inside the bar getting drinks with a friend when her mother rushed in, panicked, as no one could see where Princess had gone, reports Fox10. The family believed that this cute little dog was stolen; they put up posters around town and on social media, went to every animal shelter looking for her, and even offered up a reward. They believe Princess was targeted because shes a good-looking dog and that everyone wants a small dog. Princess, the Pomeranian was living up to her name in her luxury life until five years ago when she was allegedly snatched from her family (AZ Family) After no luck, Ms Gonzales thought that she would never see her furry friend again. I did think she was gone forever, Ms Gonzales told AZ Family. She was part of the family. She went with us everywhere. My parents took her to the casino. I took her to the movies and dinner We were all devastated. However, on 7 November, the Gonzales family had a shocking call from a local vet clinic in Suprise, who said they scanned Princess microchip and had been found. Daisy said she was so happy to have been reunited with her pooch after all these years (Fox 10) I was just so happy, Ms Gonzales told the outlet. I called my mom. She always had hope and knew wed get her back one day. I lost hope after a few years. I just hoped she was with a great family, but I was very excited we found her. Im at a loss for words. Apart from some dental problems, the family said Princess is doing well and is now happy. Princess would have never been reunited with her family if it were not for her microchip. If it wasnt for Princess microchip, she may have never been found (Fox 10) It is not known how little Princess ended up at the clinic, apart from that a good samaritan bought her in, but the family are overjoyed to be reunited with their now nine-year-old pomeranian, who is now back in her clothes and custom collar the family have been saving all this time, Fox10 said. Unfortunately, dog kidnapping is not uncommon, with around two million dogs stolen a year in the US, according to the World Animal Foundation. Pets are often stolen in order to make money; the more desirable the pet is, the more cash someone can make by flogging the animal to a new owner, PAWS, an animal and wildlife shelter organisation, states. Dogs are also stolen to be sent to puppy mills for breeding, trained as fighting dogs, or sell them to animal testing laboratories. Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Loved ones of slain cyclist Anna Moriah Wilson opened up about their loss in heartbreaking victim impact statements after Kaitlin Armstrong was found guilty of her murder. Following two-and-a-half weeks of trial at the Blackwell-Thurman Criminal Justice Center in Austin, the jury returned a guilty verdict after just two hours of deliberations. Armstrong, 36, fatally shot Wilson on 11 May 2022 after the two women reportedly became involved in a love triangle with Armstrongs then-boyfriend Colin Strickland. Wilsons family embraced each other and became tearful as the verdict was read, according to NewsNation Correspondent Alex Caprariello. Moments later, they delivered heartfelt victim impact statements. Caitlin Cash was the first to address the court and recounted how she found Wilsons dead body lying in a pool of blood in her apartment. Ms Cash said just hours before the murder, she had sent a picture of Wilson to the cyclists mother with the text, ..your girl is in safe hands here in Austin. Every time I park my car and I walk up my stairs, I have to talk myself into doing it, Ms Cash, who still lives in the apartment where Wilson was killed, said, per NewsNation. I have to tell myself that there is nothing thats scary on the other side of the door. Every time I go to put in a load of laundry, I see the dent that the bullet left when she was shot in the head. Moriah Mo Wilson (Instagram/Mo Wilson) Ms Cash said now she cant look at ambulances, stains or hear sirens because she gets triggered and has panic attacks. Ms Cash said she spent 10 minutes giving CPR to Wilson without realising she was dead. Wilsons mother Karen Wilson described her as a strong, independent and delicate woman. The day she gave birth to Moriah, Ms Wilson said, she screamed so loud because her daughter had been born wanting to climb and live but was trapped in the body of a newborn. When you love somebody so much, and if any of you are parents, you understand what that means... when you love someone that much, and its taken from you, the depth of the joy of that love is equal to the depth of the pain you have to live with, Ms Cash said. She continued: I just miss her so much and nothing here can bring her back and I knew that coming down here. I would have done anything to stand in the way of that bullet and I wasnt there to protect her. And she died all alone on the floor of her friends house. She did not deserve a death like that. Wilsons brother Matthew Wilson opened up about his struggle with depression, and how his sister had made it her mission to be there for him. Wilson had suggested theyd text each other their three favourite things about their day, every day. The grieving brother also recounted the moment he learned about his sisters murder. Caitlin Armstrong, Moriah Wilson and Colin Strickland (Supplied) He said, we lost Moriah. And I just freaked out. I ran out of the building and ran up the stairs into the street, punching walls... my mom looks at me crying and Im crying and she says, it gets worse, Matthew Wilson said. I thought maybe something happened to Cash, too. She looks at me and she says, she was murdered. The slain cyclists father Eric Wilson also said he was very close to her and was very proud of the woman she became. Its so hard to watch [Karen and Matt] go through this, Mr Wilson said. She was a beautiful girl, a beautiful young woman. She was just coming into her own really as a cyclist in that last year and I knew that she wanted to be a professional cyclist. And she achieved that dream. In a tearful statement after the verdict was returned, Armstrongs sister Christine Armstrong said her heart was broken for the Wilson family. Christine held an I love you sign towards her sister as she approached the stand, which Armstrong reciprocated without smiling. Armstrongs defence attorneys had urged the jury to find reasonable doubt in what they called an inadequate and sloppy investigation. They accused investigators of tunnel vision in quickly identifying Armstrong as the suspect. Armstrongs lawyers noted there were no witnesses to the shooting or video surveillance that captured it. They questioned why police did not strongly consider as suspects Colin Strickland, Armstrongs boyfriend who was with Wilson the day she died, or two other male acquaintances. But investigators said they quickly eliminated Strickland and the others and that the evidence pointed solely to Armstrong. Investigators said Armstrong tracked Wilsons location through a fitness app, and they found deleted digital maps to the garage apartment where she was killed. Armstrongs Jeep was seen near near the apartment around the time Wilson was shot and bullet casings found near Wilsons body matched a gun Armstrong owned. Two of Armstrongs friends testified that she had previously said she wanted to, or could, kill Wilson. Jury sentencing deliberations are set to begin on Friday morning, Close Related video: Jewish leader Samantha Woll laid to rest Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A suspect arrested over the killing of Samantha Woll has been released by police in Detroit without charge, his attorney says. Detroit police announced the suspects arrest last week, the first major development in the investigation since Woll was found brutally murdered at her home in Detroits Lafayette Park neighbourhood on 21 October. The unnamed man, who reportedly knew Woll, was released on 10 November, his attorney Allison Kriger told the Detroit Free Press. An ambiguous statement the suspect made to police is being probed by investigators, according to the Detroit News. Under Michigan state law, criminal suspects must be charged within 72 hours of their arrest. Now, Detroit police are offering a $15,000 reward for information leading to an arrest. Authorities believe Woll was attacked inside her home and then stumbled out before collapsing on the sidewalk. Police have said they have not found any evidence linking the shocking killing to antisemitism. Detroit Police Chief James White stressed earlier this week that the arrest did not represent the conclusion of our work in this case. Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Hundreds of small animals that were shipped from California to Arizona for adoption likely ended up frozen as snake food, officials have confirmed. More than 300 rabbits, Guinea pigs, rats and hamsters were moved from the San Diego Humane Society to the Humane Society of Southern Arizona in August because of overcrowding. Officials at the San Diego shelter became concerned when the shelter in Tuscon refused to confirm that the animals were safe, reported The San Diego Union-Tribune. The Arizona shelter told its counterparts that the 323 animals had been adopted out through a private rescue group that wished to remain anonymous. Now the San Diego shelter says that the animals ultimately ended up with brothers Trevor and Colten Jones. The newspaper reported that Colten Jones is a reptile breeder who also sells live and frozen animals for reptile food. The Humane Society of Southern Arizona says that Mr Jones returned 62 animals to the group, leaving the fate of around 250 still unknown. According to KVOA in Tucson, the day after the animals were transported to Arizona, Colten Jones sent a text message asking for help in processing a high volume of animals for food. Do you have the ability to freeze off a bunch of guinea pigs and or rabbits? I dont have the manpower or labor to be able to do it in time for the show and its too much for me, the message read, reported the news station. The station says that the show was a reptile show in Pomona, California, a few days later. Robert Garcia, chair of the Tucson organisations board of directors, told reporters on Thursday that Mr Jones had denied any improper action. The information (in the text) surely tells us what the intention was with the animals, and weve asked repeatedly for Mr Jones to provide information to the contrary, and he has not, he said. Dr Gary Weitzman, the San Diego shelters president and CEO, called the incident a real tragedy. That very damning text from Colten Jones just honestly brought me to my knees, Dr Weitzman told The Union-Tribune. Its not definitive, but it certainly gives us some pretty serious insight into the intentions of the recipient of the animals, and that was just devastating to see. He said that he had hoped knowing what happened would give some closure. But it doesnt its really just a real tragedy, he added. Giving them the answers does not necessarily make anybody feel any better. Its still very raw and disheartening. Tucson police are investigating the incident after a report was filed with them on 2 November, but no charges or arrests have been made. The San Diego shelter has hired a private investigator to look into the situation, and a report from the Tucson shelter is expected to be released next month. The Arizona shelter last month fired its CEO and accepted the resignation of its chief programs officer. In an October reply to a Facebook post, Mr Jones claimed that the animals had all found homes He who is perfect let him cast the first stone because no good deed goes unpunished, he wrote. As I have said before, they all found homes. Due to these aggressive messages and accusations, all adoptive families are terrified to come forward. There has been proof of life from families brave enough to subject themselves to these attacks sent to legal parties. After the animals were adopted out, they were legally no longer my possessions, so what those families choose to do with them is up to them. Out of respect for those families choices up to this point, i refuse to release any of their information. I am currently being advised by legal teams to disclose no more than that. Sorry to disappoint you. Close Trump zips his lips to camera after leaving New York court during civil fraud trial Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A state appeals court in New York has reinstated a gag order in Donald Trumps fraud trial after a wave of death threats and abuse targeting members of the court staff. Justice Arthur Engoron put the gag order in place to protect his chief clerk and others from the former presidents posts and subsequent menacing messages that have flooded his office. Mr Trump has now posted about the judges wife. Meanwhile, Mr Trump has lashed out at globalist foes in the traditional conservative establishment for their support of his Republican primary rival, former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley. In the firing line were Americans for Prosperity Action, a Charles Koch-controlled donor network; the Wall Street Journal, and proprietor Rupert Murdoch; and JP Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon, who implored even liberal Democrats to help Ms Haleys campaign to give the GOP a choice other than Mr Trump. Meanwhile, Newsweek published an op-ed by the former president in which he appeals for the votes of young people by playing on their financial concerns saying many have had to put their lives on hold. A Gen Z voter group has vigorously pushed back on the former presidents assertions. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} An Australian whistleblower who exposed allegations of war crimes in Afghanistan has pleaded guilty to leaking classified information. Former military lawyer David McBride pleaded guilty to three charges of stealing and unlawfully sharing secret military information, which was then passed on to journalists at ABC News. McBride told the media outside the courtroom: Ill say one thing, and that is, I stand tall, and I believe I did my duty ... and I see this as the beginning of a better Australia. His admission of guilt comes after the Australian Capital Territorys Supreme Court decided to uphold a Commonwealth intervention to withhold crucial evidence due to its potential to jeopardise the security and defence of Australia if disclosed. ABC News used the information provided by McBride in 2017 as the basis for its investigative series The Afghan Files, which provided an unprecedented insight into alleged war crimes committed by Australias elite special forces in Afghanistan. Conducted over four years, the landmark Brereton inquiry subsequently uncovered credible information about 23 incidents of potential war crimes, including the killing of 39 Afghans and the cruel treatment of two others between 2005 and 2016. Just days before his trial was due to start, the ex-military lawyer entered a guilty plea after Justice David Mossop rejected his attempt to argue to a jury that while he disobeyed orders, he had a duty to act in the public interest. The judge also rejected a request from McBrides legal team for access to confidential information held by the Commonwealth. That was a fatal blow to us, McBrides lawyer Mark Davis said. He added that Mr McBride had no option but to enter a guilty plea. That limits what we can say to the jury on his behalf, in terms of his duty as an officer and the oath he took to serve the interests of the Australian public, Mr Davis said. Former Australian senator Rex Patrick, who founded the Whistleblower Justice Fund, called it a dark day for democracy in Australia. The attorney-general could have stopped this but refused to, and now we have a whistleblower facing years in jail, he said. This week, attorney-general Mark Dreyfus told parliament that his intervention in cases was reserved for exceptional circumstances and said that intervening in McBrides case might risk politicising the proceedings. McBride is expected to be sentenced early next year. Im not giving up hope. Hes done the right thing. Ive said that from the beginning, his wife Sarah McBride said outside the court. Truth and justice will prevail and Im incredibly proud of him, as are his two girls. Please dont give up on him now. Greens senator and spokesperson David Shoebridge said it was a brutal outcome for David McBride and for every potential whistleblower in the country. Whistleblowers who bring information to light must not be subjected to a public show of prosecution under the guise of national security, or be censored because their story may cause embarrassment or cost to those in power. This case proves yet again that whistleblowers are not adequately protected in Australia, the New South Wales Council for Civil Liberties said in a statement. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Watch as Greek people march in Athens on Friday, 17 November, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of a bloody 1973 student uprising that helped topple the then-military junta. The march is frequently used as a focal point to protest against current events, and for the right to freedom and democracy. People march to the embassy of the United States, which many Greeks accuse of supporting the 1967-1974 military dictatorship. On 17 November 1973, there was a bloody clamp-down on protesters at the Athens Polytechnic when tanks smashed through the gates to crush the revolt that heralded the end of the junta. The next year, the junta unravelled after public outrage over a coup they instigated in Cyprus that in turn triggered triggering Turkeys invasion of the island. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Residents from a small Icelandic town under threat from a volcanic eruption have described their 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. Andrea varsdottirs whole life is in Grindavik and she has no idea if or when she will be able to return (Provided) 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. The mother was getting ready to go into Reykjavik to celebrate her son Bjorgvin Hrafnars 16th birthday when their house started to shake on Friday. Some of them [the earthquakes] were like a big truck had driven past your house, the bigger ones were like the same truck had hit your house, she said. Everything was shaking so bad, the floors were going up and down. The family planned on staying overnight at her mothers home, but they were alerted en route that they were going to be evacuated so only had their overnight bags and had left their cats behind. Ms varsdottir made the difficult call to return home to get her cats and medication but was stopped at a checkpoint on the main road Grindavikurvegur. Fortunately, the mother was granted special permission to return to collect her tablets and three pets before heading back. Ms varsdottir is living with her two sons Bjorgvin Hrafnar and orgeir Ulfar in her mothers two bedroom apartment (Provided) Like other Grindavik residents, Ms varsdottir was allowed to return home on Monday to collect her belongings but had to obey a 10-minute time limit. She is now living with her 16 and 14-year-old sons in her mothers cramped one-bedroom apartment. Describing the surreality and sadness of leaving her home, she said: I was crying non-stop when we got to Grindavik, we were allowed to drive into town. We had ten minutes, you dont have the mental capacity to think, I was in panic mode, I just grabbed what I could see. I grabbed all of the clothes I could think of but I left one of the packed suitcases behind. A police officer pulls a barrier to block the road leading to the fishing town of Grindavik, (REUTERS) The children do not yet have to return to school as they recover from the shock, but it remains unclear where they will go, explained the mother. The distraught mother works as the director of a local and public school library and explained the families entire existence is in Grindavik. Her home of eight and a half years is still standing but some have fallen to the ground due to the strong quakes. It was really hard to see the state of some of the houses and streets. My house seemed fine but this area is really unstable. The familys three storey home (Provided) Now the mother has to decide whether she wants to eventually move back to the town, if it isnt destroyed by the volcanic eruption. She says residents have accustomed to living with earthquakes, but living on an active volcano fissure is a different story. I love living in Grindavik, its a really nice close-knit town but now comes the fear if we get to move back, do we want to move back? she said. This area is really unstable. Do we want to experience evacuation again? Siggeir varsson, 38, is another Grindavik resident who does not know if he will be able to return to his family home. Siggeir varsson had just forked out thousands to renovate his kitchen (Provided) The teacher had planned to meet his brother and sister-in-law but after the earthquakes stuck on Friday his brother-in-law urged them to come sooner. Ive seen a lot Earthquakes but this is something Ive never felt before. The sources were 2km away from our house. Things were falling down from shelves, I was standing in the kitchen I thought, can I even put pans on the stove. Alongside his wife and youngest daughter, orgunnur Julia,10, they grabbed their two cats and left. Siggeir varsson and his wife Soffia Sveinsdottir are trying to remain positive despite not knowing if they will be able to return home (Provided) The 38-year-old says he and his wife, Soffia Sveinsdottir, 39, have been fortunate as his sister-in-law has a spacious house with spare rooms. Mr varsson was allowed to return on Sunday and was able to fill two cars with their items. It was like going into an apocalyptic movie. The town was empty and lifeless. There were cracks everywhere. It was very weird to walk into the house, it looked exactly the same the lights were still on. Other houses are cracking in two, my house was fine, but a few metres up the road they are ruined. Siggeier and Soffia with their children Emilia Snros, 16 and orgunnur Julia, 10 (Provided) As a born-and-bred Grindavikian, the fatherof-two is trying to remain positive and not think about lava flowing through his home. Im trying to think of this as extension of a holiday, Im watching movies, drinking beer and trying to stay positive and keep my mind from things I have no control over. Close Huge cracks appear on roads in Icelandic town at risk of volcanic eruption For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Around 120 earthquakes have rocked the areas surrounding the town of Grindavik as they await a likely eruption, report the Icelandic Met Office. It comes as the exact location for an eruption has been revealed by the Icelandic Met Office, which says it is still considered likely. Experts at the Icelandic Met Office have issued a key update after a study of data from GPS stations and satellite images showed an uplift continues in the area of Svartsengi, north of Grindavik. The Met Office stated that the eruption is still considered likely as the magma inflow continues, adding that the highest likelihood for an eruption is in the middle part of the dike between Hagafell and Sylingarfell. Earthquake activity has also led to the deepening of the port at Grindavik, according to RUV. The change in depth is because of the earthquakes impact, said the port manager Sigurur Arnar Kristmundsson. He told RUV: The docks seem to have sunk by 20-30 centimeters when we measured about 10 days ago and then there is a chance that, yes, the bottom has sunk accordingly. A fortnight ago, Grindavik was evacuated after magma-induced seismic activity tore vast chasms through the streets. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A volcano close to erupting in Iceland could explode like a can of fizzy drink, an expert has said. Icelands Met Office has said magmatic gas has been detected at a borehole in Svartsengi, signalling an imminent eruption of the Fagradalsfjall volcano over the coming days, with the town of Grindavik most at risk. The small fishing town has already been evacuated following thousands of mini earthquakes across the Reykjanes peninsula, southwest Iceland, over the past week. Magma has been building underneath Iceland and Margaret Hartley, a senior lecturer in Earth sciences at the University of Manchester, said an eruption was a case of when,not if. View more "I do think an eruption will take place, but the big question is when that might happen," she told Live Science. An eruption would take place when an open fracture connecting the magma dike to the Earths surface opens up. The most likely way to create this fracture is that a pressure build-up of gas bubbles in the dike will force magma towards the surface, breaking the crust apart," she said. "The process is a bit like shaking up a can of fizzy drink as soon as a crack opens in the top of the can, the drink escapes with lots of frothing." Last Friday, thousands of Grindavik residents were ordered to leave as the town was rocked by a series earthquakes. The town, about 34 miles from Reykjavik, is home to the famous tourist attraction the Blue Lagoon. A police officer stands by the crack in a road in the fishing town of Grindavik (REUTERS) A member of search and rescue team jumps over the crack in a road in the fishing town of Grindavik (REUTERS) Many have been unable to return to th e 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. The mother was getting ready to go into Reykjavik to celebrate her son Bjorgvin Hrafnars 16th birthday when their house started to shake on Friday. Some of them [the earthquakes] were like a big truck had driven past your house, the bigger ones were like the same truck had hit your house, she said. Everything was shaking so bad, the floors were going up and down. Iceland is highly susceptible to earthquakes and volcanoes 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. 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. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Thousands of children from Ukraine aged between six and 17 years old have been forcefully transferred to 13 facilities across Belarus since Russia's invasion last year, a study by Yale University has found. The Humanitarian Research Lab at Yale School of Public Health found that the transfer of 2,442 children was "directly overseen" by Belarusian president Aleksandr Lukashenko a key ally of Russian president Vladimir Putin. The International Criminal Court in The Hague issued an arrest warrant for the Russian president in March, accusing him and Russias Childrens Rights Commissioner, Maria Lvova-Belova, of the war crime of illegally deporting hundreds of children from Ukraine. The new 39-page report, released on Thursday, said children had been transported from at least 17 cities in Ukraine's Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia regions in what Yale researchers described as an ongoing practice. The children from parts of Russia-occupied Ukraine were first taken by train to Rostov-on-Don in southern Russia and then by train to Belarus, the study found. More than 2,000 children were allegedly transported to the Dubrava children's centre in Belarus's Minsk region between September 2022 and May 2023, it said, while 392 children were taken to 12 other facilities. "Russia's systematic effort to identify, collect, transport, and re-educate Ukraine's children has been facilitated by Belarus," the report said. "Russia's federal government and Belarus's regime have been working together to coordinate and fund the movement of children from Russia-occupied Ukraine through Russia to Belarus." Transports to Belarus through Russia were "ultimately coordinated" between Mr Putin and Mr Lukashenko, it added. The children have been subjected to military training and re-education and the president approved the use of state organisations to transport children from Ukraine to Belarus and finance their transportation, the report claimed. Kyiv suspects that Belarus was involved in the forced transfer of more than 19,000 identified children from Russian-occupied territories since the conflict ensued. Russia has said previously that it is offering humanitarian aid to those wishing to flee Ukraine voluntarily and rejects accusations of war crimes. Belaruss state media this year published photos of dozens of Ukrainian children arriving in the country from Ukrainian territories for what the authorities called a "three-week holiday". Taking children under the age of 18 across a border without the consent of a parent or guardian is prohibited under international humanitarian law. Ukraine's war crimes prosecutors have said they are investigating the deportations as potential genocide. The Genocide Convention a treaty adopted by the UN General Assembly in the wake of the Holocaust specifies five acts that could each constitute the crime, if committed with genocidal intent, including forcibly transferring children out of their group. Additional reporting by agencies Close Kyiv suffers largest ever drone attack by Russia leaving five wounded For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Ukrainian president Volodmyr Zelensky has vowed that his countrys forces will not back down despite a difficult counteroffensive and a recent spate of Russian attacks. Russian defence minister Sergei Shoigu claimed this morning that Russia was advancing in all directions on the frontline. While the claim cannot be verified and is likely to be exaggerated, it speaks to a fear among western military experts that Russia could begin to make gains in 2024 owing to a deeper arsenal of weapons and personnel compared with Ukraine. Over the past month, Russia has launched a large mechanised assault on Avdiivka in eastern Ukraine in the first signs of their renewed assault, though they have made negligible territorial gains. In an interview on Thursday, Mr Zelensky admitted that he was not satisfied with Western support and that Ukraine didnt get all the weapons we wanted. He said: We are losing people, I'm not satisfied. We didn't get all the weapons we wanted, I can't be satisfied, but I also can't complain too much. Look, we are not backing down, I am satisfied. We are fighting with the second (best) army in the world, I am satisfied. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Ukrainian troops have pushed Russian soldiers out of positions on the eastern bank of the River Dnipro in the occupied Kherson region, Kyivs military said on Friday. Crossing the Dnipro and transporting heavy military equipment and supplies over the river could allow Ukrainian troops to open a new line of attack in the south on the most direct land route to Crimea, which was seized and annexed by Russia in 2014. The Ukrainian marines said that they had had a series of successes, established several bridgeheads and conducted other operations on the rivers eastern side. Russia conceded for the first time this week that Kyivs troops had crossed the Dnipro. Units of the Ukrainian armed forces managed to knock out the Russians from their positions on the left bank of the Dnipro and consolidate there, general staff spokesperson Andriy Kovalyov said. One of the main goals of this combat work is to push the enemy as far as possible from the right bank to protect the Ukrainian civilian population, in particular Kherson, from constant Russian shelling, he added. Kherson, once a bustling city of 300,000 that has emptied as it has found itself on the front line, has been pounded by Russian artillery for months; dozens of civilians have been killed. The Ukrainian military retook the city and the area around it on the western bank of the Dnipro in November 2022. The river, a formidable natural barrier, became the dividing line on much of the southern front. A Ukrainian serviceman of the 123rd Territorial Defense Brigade stands guard on a position next to the Dnipro River (AFP via Getty) Russia made no immediate statement in reaction to the Ukrainian reports. Both Russia and Ukraine say they have inflicted heavy losses on the other side during operations in the area. Reuters could not independently verify the reports. President Volodymyr Zelensky posted images from the area on Friday, showing the military using drones and operating on speedboats on the Dnipro. Our warriors. Thank you for your strength, for moving forward! he said on Telegram. Mr Kovalyov said that Ukrainian troops were conducting sabotage and reconnaissance actions to discover and disrupt logistics for Russian ammunition and food supplies. He said the Russian military was mounting heavy resistance and had brought in reinforcements. Very bad weather was another obstacle to Kyivs operations, Natalia Humeniuk, spokesperson for the southern military command said. We must be aware that in very bad weather conditions, they are complicated. This not only complicates a physical advance but also aerial reconnaissance. Because there is a thunderstorm warning, she said in televised comments. On the other hand, she added, the weather would not allow Russian troops to use their tactical aviation as much as earlier, something the Ukrainian military was using to consolidate success. According to Ukrainian military bloggers, Ukrainian forces crossed the Dnipro in small groups in the summer to create an initial foothold around a railway bridge near Kherson, and then sought to expand their presence in nearby villages on the east bank, including Krynky. The news comes months into Ukrainian counteroffensive operations in the southeast and east that have not produced a major breakthrough. Ukrainian officials have blamed extensive Russian minefields and defensive lines, and delays in supplies of weapons from the West. Russian forces, which occupy around 17 per cent of Ukraine, are now again on the offensive in the east in the Kyiv-held town of Avdiivka, near the Moscow-held city of Bakhmut, and in other areas. The Ukrainian military said in its daily update that fighting was raging along the entire frontline from the south to the east, reporting 72 combat clashes in the last 24 hours. The fiercest battles were around Avdiivka, Marinka and Bakhmut in the eastern Donetsk region, it said. Vitaliy Barabash, head of Avdiivkas military administration, said on television that Russian forces were making a big push towards the towns industrial zone near a vast coal plant, and bringing in reinforcements. Elsewhere, Finland will erect barriers at four crossings on its border with Russia from midnight, officials said on Friday, in a bid to stem an increase in asylum seekers and migrants that Helsinki says has been orchestrated by Moscow. Finland has accused Russia of retaliation to its decision to increase defence cooperation with the United States in light of Moscows invasion of Ukraine, an assertion dismissed by the Kremlin. Barriers will go up at four of the nine crossings with Russia, at Vaalimaa, Nuijamaa, Imatra and Niirala in its southeast, the Finnish border guard said. The Kremlins spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, said that Finland was making a big mistake by choosing a path of confrontation with Russia, state news agency TASS reported. [One can] only express deep regret that the Finnish authorities have taken the path of destroying bilateral relations, TASS quoted Peskov as saying. Some 300 asylum seekers, mostly from Iraq, Yemen, Somalia and Syria, have arrived in Finland this week, according to the border guard. Nearly 100 had entered Finland from Russia by midday on Friday alone, officials said. Reuters For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The wife of a British-Russian national held in a Krelimn prison says she fears time is running out, and has called for the UK to take more urgent action to free him. Vladimir Kara-Murza survived two near-fatal poisonings, in 2015 and 2017, which resulted in organ failure and polyneuropathy, a condition that causes nerve damage. The Vladimir Putin critic was jailed for 25 years in April this year on charges of treason and spreading false information about Russias war in Ukraine. Vladimir Kara-Murza hears the verdict on his appeal at the Moscow City Court in July (AP) In September, despite Russian law preventing the detention of prisoners with polyneuropathy, Mr Kara-Murza was moved to IK-6, a maximum security penal colony in the Siberian city of Omsk. Although the British government has spoken out on his case, applying sanctions on at least five of the judges and prosecutors involved in his trial, his wife Evgenia Kara-Murza has claimed such measures have only been taken because she has pushed and pushed and pushed to make them happen. Speaking to The Independent, Ms Kara-Murza claimed the government is showing no initiative in helping free her husband, noting that when she met her case officer this Tuesday at the headquarters of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), she found out that the consular advisor had been replaced with some who had no idea who Vladimir is. It was the third case manager I have seen so far, she said. They have all been lovely ladies and they try to keep in contact with me. But this is the third I have seen. There is no continuity here, no continual dialogue. She will have to read up on Vladimir. She will ask me questions and I guess I will have to tell her the whole story yet again for a third time. Rishi Sunak was accused of a belated response to Vladimir Kara-Murzas arrest by his wife (PA Wire) While Ms Kara-Murza has said she is grateful for the British governments efforts, she also expressed frustration that comments made by Rishi Sunak in August calling the detention unjustifiable were belated. It took the prime minister over a year to make a statement about the illegal detainment of a British national, she said. I am grateful for the statement that appeared eventually but it could have been done earlier. The same goes for the sanctions. Ms Kara-Murza says she is greatly concerned for Vladimirs life and that as a year in Siberian solitary confinement could be life-threatening, there is no time. Based on the recommendations of the main neurologist of the Moscow prison system, who saw Mr Kara-Murza before he was sentenced, any hope of calming the symptoms of his polyneuropathy rests on his ability to exercise regularly and enjoy access to fresh air. But since her husbands relocation to Siberia, he has been kept in a punishment cell that is just 10ft by 5ft. Due to his condition, he says he is unable to feel his feet. Mr Kara-Murza was imprisoned for criticising Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine (AFP/Getty) His condition is only going to deteriorate because there is no way that he can get fresh air or take walks, his wife said, adding that she didnt know whether to laugh or cry when she first read the Moscow neurologists recommendations. There is no way he is going to receive the proper medical care in a punishment cell in a maximum security prison in Siberia, she said. The authorities are also trying to isolate him to the maximum and this is why I have great concerns for his life. Ms Kara-Murzas calls have, in the past, received cross-party support from MPs including Labours Sir Chris Bryant and Tories Bob Seely and Alicia Kearns, chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee. Tory MP Alicia Kearns said the UK governments approach to Mr Kara-Murzas detention by the Kremlin had been appalling (PA Media) In June, Ms Kearns said whether the Foreign Office could keep British citizens safe and get them home when it needed to was a test of its fundamental effectiveness. The UKs response to the illegal detention of Vladimir has been appalling. For complex cases like this where the charges are politically motivated, we need someone who can cut through Whitehall bureaucracy and get our people home, she said. She has called for the creation of a director for arbitrary and complex detentions within the Foreign Office to lead on hostage negotiations and streamline efforts to free illegally detained British nationals. Last month, shadow foreign secretary David Lammy promised that he would create a special envoy for hostages should Labour get into power next year. An FCDO spokesperson said: The politically motivated conviction of Vladimir Kara-Murza is deplorable. We reiterate the prime ministers call on Russia to release Mr Kara-Murza immediately and unconditionally. We regularly raise his case with the Russian authorities and will continue to do so at every available opportunity. We have sanctioned 11 individuals in response to his sentencing and appeal as well as two individuals involved in his poisoning. Our staff are providing tailored support to Mr Kara-Murzas family as they continue to highlight this gross injustice. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} United Nations experts have warned that the international community is failing to prevent genocide in Gaza as Israels ongoing offensive has caused more than 11,000 deaths, mass displacement and the destruction of infrastructure. More than a dozen UN Special Rapporteurs said there was evidence of increasing genocidal incitement from Israeli officials regarding war plans for Gaza and an intent to destroy the Palestinian people. Many of us already raised the alarm about the risk of genocide in Gaza, the experts said in a statement released by the UN. We are also profoundly concerned about the support of certain governments for Israels strategy of warfare against the besieged population of Gaza, and the failure of the international system to mobilise to prevent genocide, they added. The experts said that a failure to urgently implement a ceasefire risks this situation spiralling towards a genocide conducted with 21st century means and methods of warfare. This occurs amidst Israels tightening of its 16-year unlawful blockade of Gaza, which has prevented people from escaping and left them without food, water, medicine and fuel for weeks now, despite international appeals to provide access for critical humanitarian aid. As we previously said, intentional starvation amounts to a war crime, the experts said. Special Rapporteurs are independent experts who produce reports for UN member states as part of the UN Human Rights Council. The UN describes them as independent of any government or organisation and serve in their individual capacity. The letter was also signed by other UN experts. Israels war on Gaza was launched in response to an attack by Hamas that killed more than 1,200 people in southern Israel on 7 October. Since then, Israel has killed more than 11,000 Palestinians in Gaza, according to local officials, including more than 4,700 children. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said last week that the war had turned Gaza into a graveyard for children. In addition, almost 200 medics, 102 UN staff and 41 journalists have also been killed, according to the UN. The letter comes as the World Food Program warned that Gaza citizens face an imminent risk of starvation without urgently needed food and water supplies. Cindy McCain , director of the UN WFP, warned that supplies of food and water are practically non-existent, while only a fraction of what is desperately needed is crossing into Gaza borders during Israel s siege. With winter fast approaching, unsafe and overcrowded shelters, and the lack of clean water, civilians are facing the immediate possibility of starvation, she said in a statement through the agency on Thursday. There is no way to meet current hunger needs with one operational border crossing. The only hope is opening another, safe passage for humanitarian access to bring life-saving food into Gaza. On Friday, after barring the entry of fuel since the start of its war against Hamas , Israels war cabinet announced it would allow up to two fuel trucks per day into Gaza for minimal support for water, sewerage and sanitary systems. The United Nations was forced to stop deliveries following yet another collapse of communications services from fuel and power outages on Thursday, which have paralysed aid coordination among humanitarian groups already struggling to enter the region. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The director of Gazas largest hospital said patients were screaming from thirst as its water and oxygen supplies have run out. Muhammad Abu Salmiya said Israeli forces had blown up the Al Shifa Hospitals main water line. He described conditions inside the hospital as tragic. Israel is still conducting search operations inside Gazas largest hospital having sent troops inside on Wednesday. Israel claims Hamas is operating a command centre in tunnels beneath the health facility, allegations which have been denied by doctors and the Gaza health ministry. The conditions are tragic and those in the hospital are screaming from thirst, Mr Abu Salmiya told the BBC. Sniping operations continue, no one can move from one building to another, and we have lost communication with our colleagues, said Mr Abu Salmiya. Israels military earlier said the body of one of the hostages, kidnapped by Hamas after the groups 7 October attacks, was found in a building near the hospital. Late on Thursday the IDF released videos and photographs of what it described as an operational tunnel within the Al Shifa Hospital complex, as well as footage of a vehicle containing weapons. Earlier it released videos of duffel bags with guns that it said were found inside the hospital. Hamas said the earlier video was staged, while other Palestinians said that even if they were real they show nothing like the militant command centre claimed by Israel to justify raiding the hospital. These are weak pretexts. There is nothing for the resistance inside medical institutions, said Dr Nahed Abu Taaema, the director of the Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, who said medics were alarmed for their colleagues at Al Shifa after losing contact with them since Wednesday. The health ministry in Gaza said Israeli bulldozers damaged portions of the southern entrance to the medical complex. Ashraf al-Qudra, a spokesperson for Gazas health ministry, said thousands of women, children, sick and wounded are in danger of death as Israeli military raids on the hospital have continued. The World Health Organisation has joined other humanitarian organisations, including Doctors Without Borders, to demand an end to assaults on healthcare facilities in Gaza and have called for an immediate ceasefire. This comes as Israeli airstrikes continued throughout Gaza on Thursday, and the enclave experienced a widespread communications blackout due to the depletion of fuel for the generators of the primary telecommunications provider. All telecom services in the Gaza strip were out of service, according to statements from the two major Palestinian mobile networks Jawwal and Paltel on Thursday, as all energy sources sustaining the network have been depleted, and fuel was not allowed in. On Thursday, Israeli forces said they found the body of 65-year-old Yehudit Weiss, who was abducted from Beeri kibbutz near the Gaza border by Hamas on 7 October. Weisss body was found in a building near the al-Shifa hospital, said officials of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). She had been receiving cancer treatment, according to Israeli forces. The body of Yehudit Weiss, who was abducted by the Hamas terrorist organisation, was extracted by IDF troops from a structure adjacent to the Shifa hospital in the Gaza Strip and was transferred to Israeli territory, said a spokesperson. In the structure in which Yehudit was located, military equipment including Kalashnikov rifles and RPGs were also found, said the spokesperson. Weisss husband, Shmulik, was reportedly among the estimated 1,200 Israelis killed during the 7 October Hamas terror attack across southern Israel. According to the Bring Them Home Now group, Weiss was without her medication when she was taken hostage by Hamas. Unfortunately, Yehudit was murdered by terrorists in Gaza and we did not get to her in time, the IDF spokesperson told the media. Since 7 October, at least 11,470 Palestinians have been killed in retaliatory strikes by Israel on Gaza. Reports said this figure has not been updated for a few days due to the collapse of the Gaza Strips health system amid Israels constant bombardment. Meanwhile, it was reported that Israel has dropped leaflets in southern Gaza, advising Palestinian civilians to evacuate four towns situated on the eastern periphery of Khan Younis city in southern Gaza. Israel had initially told civilians to flee northern Gaza, and tens of thousands of Palestinians had migrated to UN-run shelters and family homes in recent weeks. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The UN was forced to suspend delivery of aid to Gaza on Friday thanks to shortages of fuel as it warns citizens face an imminent risk of starvation without urgently needed food and water supplies. Aid agencies say a humanitarian crisis for the 2.3 million residents of Gaza is heading for a new, more dire phase as the war enters its seventh week. The UN said its trucks could not move, and it could not coordinate deliveries thanks to a communications blackout. Palestinian network operators said they could no longer power the phone and internet systems, also due to a lack of fuel. Such shortages have essentially shut down water treatment and sewage systems, leading health authorities to warn about the spread of infectious diseases. The UN agency for Palestinian refugees, known as UNRWA, wont be able to bring in aid as long as the communications disruption continues, according to spokesperson Juliette Touma. "An extended blackout means an extended suspension of our humanitarian operations in the Gaza Strip," she said. Cindy McCain, director of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), warned that supplies of food and water are practically non-existent, while only a fraction of what is desperately needed is crossing into Gaza borders during Israels siege. With winter fast approaching, unsafe and overcrowded shelters, and the lack of clean water, civilians are facing the immediate possibility of starvation, she said in a statement. There is no way to meet current hunger needs with one operational border crossing. The only hope is opening another, safe passage for humanitarian access to bring life-saving food into Gaza. Israel imposed a strict blockade on all goods entering Gaza when it launched a military campaign in response to the Hamas attack inside Israel on 7 October, in which 1,200 people were killed and around 240 were taken hostage. Israel has also been bombarding Gaza from the air, while it has ramped up ground operations in recent weeks that are centred around northern Gaza, particularly Gaza City. Officials in the Hamas-run territory say 12,000 people have died inside Gaza, including 5,000 children. On Friday, after barring the entry of fuel since the start of its war against Hamas, bar a small amount earlier this week, Israels war cabinet announced it would allow up to two fuel trucks per day into Gaza for minimal support for water, sewerage and sanitary systems. Israels national security adviser, Tzachi Hanegbi, said at a news conference that the fuel would also be for Gazas communications system. He said the aim is to prevent the spread of disease without disrupting Israels ability to continue its war against Hamas. The decision is said to have come after a request from the US administration of President Joe Biden. A US State Department official, offering more details to Reuters, said Israel had committed to allowing in 120,000 litres (31,700 gallons) of fuel every 48 hours for UNRWAs trucks and other needs like desalinisation of water, sewage pumping, bakeries and hospitals in the south of Gaza. An additional 20,000 litres every two days would be allowed in to power generators of telecoms company Paltel, the official said. The agreement to deliver the fuel drew strong opposition from some members of Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahus hard-right coalition. The amount is well below what the UN says it needs to conduct lifesaving functions for hundreds of thousands of people in Gaza, including fuelling water systems, hospitals, bakeries and its trucks delivering aid. Of the 1,129 aid trucks that entered Gaza since the opening of the Rafah border crossing with Egypt last month, only 447 carried food, according to the WFP. That pace remains woefully inadequate, with only enough supplies to support 7 per cent of Gaza residents minimum needs, the agency said. The amount of aid were getting into Gaza right now is not meeting the need, not even by a long shot, Tom White of UNRWA told BBC News. This is now being compounded by the fact that we dont have fuel to aid our operation, let alone provide basic services to the whole population. The WFP also announced this week the closure of the only remaining bakery that was operating in partnership with the agency, as fuel shortages upend critically needed bread production across Gazas 130 bakeries. The collapse of food supply chains is a catastrophic turning point in an already dire situation, where people have been stripped of basic necessities, according to a statement from Samer Abdeljaber with the WFP. Without access to fuel, our ability to provide bread or transport food to those in need has been severely compromised, essentially bringing life in Gaza to a standstill. People are going hungry. Of the 1,129 aid trucks that entered Gaza since the opening of the Rafah border crossing with Egypt last month, only 447 carried food, according to the WFP (AFP/Getty) International focus has been on Gazas largest hospital, al-Shifa, in recent days as the compound in Gaza City was raided by Israeli forces. The hospital contains hundreds of patients and even more displaced people. Israel says that Hamas operates both a command centre and a network of tunnels under the hospital. Hospital officials and Hamas deny this. The Israeli military has said its troops have found a vehicle with a large number of weapons and an underground structure it called a Hamas tunnel shaft. Israel says it also found the bodies of two hostages taken into Gaza during the Hamas attack both near al-Shifa. The military said that 65-year-old Yehudit Weiss was discovered in a house near the hospital complex in Gaza City, adding that her family had been informed, and her body would be returned to Israel. The Israeli military said on Friday morning that it had also recovered the body of 19-year-old Israeli corporal Noa Marciano from a structure adjacent to the Shifa Hospital. Corporal Marcianos death was confirmed earlier this week. The funeral for Corporal Marciano was held on Friday in the central Israeli city of Modiin. Today were asking for your forgiveness ... You protected us, but we failed to protect you, her weeping mother said. You are resting now, but we will not stop. We wont forget or forgive. Fears are now growing for people crowded into the south of the Gaza Strip, as Israels military appears to be preparing to step up operations beyond northern areas.UN agencies have also criticised Israels calls for Gaza civilians to evacuate to so-called safe zones in southern Gaza. A statement signed by more than a dozen humanitarian chiefs at the United Nations, including Ms McCain, World Health Organisation director Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and Unicefs Catherine Russell, rejected calls for safe zones declared by only one side of the conflict, unless fundamental conditions are in place to ensure safety and other essential needs are met and a mechanism is in place to supervise its implementation. Under the prevalent conditions, proposals to unilaterally create safe zones in Gaza risk creating harm for civilians, including large-scale loss of life, and must be rejected, they wrote on Thursday. Concentrating civilians in such zones can raise the risk of attack and additional harm, they added. No safe zone is truly safe when it is declared unilaterally or enforced by the presence of armed forces. Airstrikes continue in southern Gaza, where most of the territorys population is now sheltering. The Israeli militarys chief of staff, Lieutenant General Herzl Halevi, said on Thursday that Israel was close to dismantling the military system" that was in the north. More and more regions will be targeted to eliminate Hamas, he said. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Israel says it has found the bodies of two hostages taken into Gaza during the Hamas attack both near the territorys main al-Shifa hospital. The military said that 65-year-old Yehudit Weiss was discovered in a house near the hospital complex in Gaza City, adding that her family had been informed, and her body would be returned to Israel. Ms Weiss was kidnapped from her home in Be'eri near the Gaza border during the attack on 7 October, during which 1,200 people were killed and around 240 people were taken hostage. The Israeli military said on Friday morning that it had also recovered the body of 19-year-old Israeli Corporal Noa Marciano from a structure adjacent to the Shifa Hospital. Corporal Marciano's death was confirmed earlier this week. Israel military spokesman, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said that intelligence had led them to the location of Corporal Marciano's body near al-Shifa. The funeral for Corporal Marciano was held on Friday In the central Israeli city of Modi'in. Noas mother, Adi Marciano, said on Thursday: Its hard to talk about Noa in the past tense... Noa is a girl of light and love, with kind eyes that tell a story of giving, of a smile that is never-ending. During the funeral on Friday, she wept over her daughters coffin. Rear Admiral Hagari added that the military "share in the family's grief and will continue to work together with its partners in the security system to locate and return the abductees home." The mother of Israeli soldier Corporal Noa Marciano during her funeral (Reuters) Ms Weiss was hailed as a "loving full-time grandmother" according to the Bring Them Home Now group, which represents the families of hostages. She had been recovering from breast cancer when Hamas launched its deadly attack, but was without her medication when she was taken, according to the group. Ms Weiss worked in her kibbutz's kindergartens, managed the dining room and specialised in nursing before she retired, the group said, adding she had a love for culture, sports, travelling and baking. Her husband, Shmulik, a rabbi, was killed in the Hamas assault. In its statement, the Israeli army said that Kalashnikov rifles and rocket-propelled grenades were among the weapons discovered where her body was located. It comes as the families of Israeli hostages and thousands of supporters marched towards Jerusalem on Friday, ramping up pressure on the government to secure their release nearly six weeks after Hamas militants abducted them and took them into Gaza. The procession left Tel Aviv three days ago and at this point stretched a few kilometres. Police blocked off parts of the main highway as the marchers began to ascend the foothills leading to Jerusalem. They held up pictures of their loved ones, waved Israeli flags, and chanted "We won't give up, we demand the hostages' release!" The funeral for Corporal Noa Marciano (Getty Images) In other developments, Israel said its troops had found a tunnel shaft used by Hamas at al-Shifa. The hospital, which contains hundreds of patients and displaced people, has been a major focus of global concern this week. Israel says Hamas has stored weapons and ammunition and is holding hostages in a network of tunnels under hospitals like alShifa, using patients and people taking shelter there as human shields. Hamas denies this. Israel has vowed to crush Hamas in the wake of the attack across the border with Gaza. 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 accused Hamas of preventing people from heading to the south of the Gaza Strip, which the militant group denied. Smoke rises during an explosion following an Israeli air strike on the northern part of the Gaza Strip (EPA) The army released a video it said showed a tunnel entrance in an outdoor area of al-Shifa. The video showed a deep hole in the ground, littered with and surrounded by concrete and wood rubble and sand. It appeared the area had been excavated. A bulldozer appeared in the background. The army said its troops also found a vehicle in the hospital containing a large number of weapons. The United Nations said there would be no cross-border aid operation into Gaza on Friday due to fuel shortages and a communication shutdown. For a second consecutive day on Thursday, no aid trucks arrived in Gaza due to lack of fuel for distributing relief. World Food Programme (WFP) Executive Director Cindy McCain said nearly the entire population was in desperate need of food assistance. "Supplies of food and water are practically non-existent in Gaza and only a fraction of what is needed is arriving through the borders," she said in a statement. "With winter fast approaching, unsafe and overcrowded shelters, and the lack of clean water, civilians are facing the immediate possibility of starvation," Ms McCain added. Reuters and Associated Press contributed to this report Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Simon Calders Travel email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A cruise holiday isnt always about setting sail across vast oceans. For an alternative type of break on the water, winding your way inland might sound similar but its a vastly different experience. From crossing deep into the untouched areas of the Amazon rainforest to exploring some of Europes finest cities, the river cruise experience is one that allows tourists to get to grips with the history, culture and tradition of a destination in a slow, immersive fashion. This could be in the form of sampling Creole cuisine in Mississippi or discovering historic sites in Vietnam, but whatever it is, theres plenty of choice across Europe, Asia, South America and North America. Read on for a selection of the best cruises, from the Mississippi to the Mekong. The Danube The Danube rises in the mountains of Germanys Black Forest (Getty Images/iStockphoto) Europes second longest river and arguably its most famous river takes you through amazing capital cities and host of charming towns, as well as plenty of scenic countryside in Austria, Hungary, Slovakia and Romania. Cruises along the Danube can vary from a handful of days to almost three weeks, giving you time to explore the elegance of cities like Vienna, Budapest, Bratislava or Belgrade. Emerald Cruises lets you see the best of the Danube with the addition of a hefty dose of traditional German culture in Munich. Leaving the Bavarian capital, youll travel to Passau before a quick cross-border trip to the Unesco-listed Czech city of Cesky Krumlov. Vienna is the next city, replete with opulent architecture, before a quick overnight stay in Bratislava on the sixth night. Guided tours and hikes around the castle are included, before you get three nights to explore Budapest, the Hungarian capital that is blessed with picturesque buildings, relaxed thermal baths and a buzzing nightlife scene. From 2,211pp, including nine nights accommodation, full board, tours of Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest and airport transfers. Departing 7 May 2024 or 20 October 2024. Read more on Europe travel: The Amazon The Amazon basin has an area of around 2.7 million square miles (Getty Images/iStockphoto) This famous river runs for over 4,000 miles throughout South America and is a major part of the eponymous rainforest, one of the most biodiverse and important natural areas on the planet. A river cruise remains the best way to reach deeper into the jungle, with many cruises beginning in the northern Brazilian city of Manaus or in the Peruvian city of Lima. Start in Perus enchanting capital with the Peruvian Rivers and Rainforest Discovery cruise from Uniworld. Youll fly to Iquitos, the largest city in the Amazon as your next stop, before delving into some of the most remote areas in the world as you take to the waters. From here, nature takes centre stage, with a variety of experiences including jungle walks and kayaking on a lake added to the enjoyment of natural features such as giant lilies, towering barrigona trees and around 10 per cent of the worlds known animal species. From 8,799pp, including 10 nights accommodation, full board, return flights from London, domestic flights and various excursions. Departing regularly from 17 January until 6 November 2024. The Nile The Nile starts in the Mediterranean and runs through as far south as Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya (Getty Images/iStockphoto) Start in Cairo and make your way down to Aswan over the course of a few days (though many shorter route operate between Aswan and Luxor only). For a relaxing way to take in riverside scenery and some of Egypts most important historical sites, a river cruise is the ideal choice. AP Tourings Treasures of Egypt and the Nile trip takes you from Luxor to Aswan. Youll cross thousands of years of history, starting off with the Great Pyramids near the Egyptian capital before a flight down to Luxor and the sights of landmarks such as the Valley of the Kings or the temples of Karnak and Philae. The scenery along the route is exceptional, too, with palm trees, green spaces and mini oases dotted in between the yellow-hued rock. From 2,795pp, including seven nights accommodation, B&B plus five lunches and four dinners) return flights from London Heathrow, domestic flights within Egypt and activities in each destination. Departing regularly from 19 January to 19 April 2024. The Rhine The Rhine is the busiest waterway in Europe (Getty Images/iStockphoto) Exploring this land of castles and fairytales is a worthwhile European trip, with tours often starting in the pretty Dutch capital of Amsterdam and weaving across the German and French countryside, with the route broken up by cities such as Cologne, Dusseldorf and Strasbourg. Many of the towns located on the banks of the Rhine, such as Koblenz, are incredibly picturesque, with a range of medieval castles and natural sites like the Black Forest also featuring. Ama Waterways provide a seven-night cruise that runs from Basel to Amsterdam. Get your cultural fix at either end of your trip in either of these two cities, before admiring the vistas around the Rhine Valley, the medieval castles that loom over towns like Heidelberg and the timber-framed buildings that line the streets of Riquewihr and Strasbourg. Stops in both Freiburg and Dusseldorff are also included, as well as an optional excursion to Cologne. From 1,672pp, including seven nights accommodation, full board and tours in each destination. Departing regularly between 18 February and 28 December 2024. The Douro The Douro Valley is supposedly the oldest demarcated wine-growing region in the world (Getty Images/iStockphoto) The views around the Douro Valley are some of the best in Portugal, whether youre sitting by the banks in Porto or admiring the verdant hills and vineyards around Pinhao. This region, well-known for its port production, has cruises lasting roughly one week that usually begin and end in Porto where the river meets the Atlantic Ocean with a brief crossing over into Spain and Salamanca. The Riviera Travel package offers an affordable eight-day Douro option starting and ending in Porto, with two nights to explore Portugals magnificent second city (and to go on a guided tour of a well-known port producer). Days three and four take you to sleepy Castelo de Rodrigo and the historic Spanish city of Salamanca (with guided tours and time to explore at your leisure) before traversing the cascading vineyards of the valley on your way back to Porto via the beautiful Peso de Regua (and a local wine tasting). From 1,699pp, including seven nights accommodation, full board, flights from a London airport, one excursion one each day and airport transfers. Departing regularly from 7 April 2024. The Mississippi At least 260 species of fish 25 per cent of all fish species in North America live in the Mississippi River (Getty Images) Discovering the Deep South is often done by car, but with new routes recently from Viking Cruises, exploring Louisiana, Mississippi, Minnesota and Tennessee has never been more idyllic. The famed cities of New Orleans and Memphis can bookend your tour, with lesser-known locations such as Baton Rouge, Natchez and Darrow making up the other stops. Opt for Vikings Heart of the Delta cruise to if you really want to immerse yourself in the Deep South. The cruise begins with a few days exploring the French influences and Creole cuisine of New Orleans, before moving on to Baton Rouge a haven of Creole and Cajun culture and then onto Natchez, the oldest city on the river. Youll travel through other towns on the Mississippi complete with walking tours or excursions to to the Atchafalaya Swamp basin before reaching Memphis, the atmospheric home of blues music. From 5,595pp, including 12 nights accommodation, full board, return flights from London and one excursion per destination. Departing weekly from March 7 until 13 June, with additional departures on 7 November and 13 November. The Mekong The Mekong River is also known as the Mother of Water (Getty Images/iStockphoto) The Mekong flows through a host of Asias most fascinating countries, including Vietnam, Thailand, China and Cambodia. Most cruises only take in parts of Vietnam and Cambodia, though this mix of floating fishing villages, traditional markets and the two capitals of Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh will be enough for most travellers. With Avalon Waterways, youll combine energetic, modern cities with some of the most vibrant culture in Asia and a history that is equal parts sobering and fascinating. It starts in Siem Reap, site of the Angkor Wat temple, before moving on to the Cambodian capital, where you can learn about the dictatorship of Pol Pot and visit several must-see landmarks. After this, Vietnam beckons, with a visit to the dizzying Ho Chi Minh City to see its admirable architecture. Visits to markets, old Vietnam War tunnels, temples and cooking classes are dotted in between these city trips for good measure, with stops at characterful towns like Vinh Long, too. From 3,239pp, including seven nights accommodation, full board and activities on each day of the trip. Departing regularly from 15 January to 11 March and from 12 August to 2 December 2024. Read our reviews of the best hotels in Europe Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Simon Calders Travel email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A Russian artist and musician has been jailed for seven years for replacing supermarket price tags with anti-war slogans in what fellow critics of Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine have decried as a deeply tragic and frustrating illustration of the state of Russia today. Sasha Skochilenko, 33, a self-described pacifist, appeared in a St Petersburg court on 17 November after 19 months of pre-trial detention. She was charged last April with discrediting Russias armed forces and spreading misinformation about the special military operation. Standing behind bars, the artist blew kisses and made a love symbol with her hands during her final hearing as crowds applauded from outside. She was dressed in a tie-dye t-shirt with a peace sign on the front. Her seven-year sentence was handed down in the same week that former Russian detective Sergei Khadzhikurbanov, who murdered Kremlin-critic Anna Politkovskaya in 2006, was pardoned by Putin for spending a year fighting in Ukraine. He had served less than half of his sentence, having been imprisoned in 2014. Sergei Khadzhikurbanov was pardoned by Vladimir Putin on Monday (Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) It was also revealed this week that Vladvislav Kanyus, who killed his 23-year-old girlfriend Vera Pekhteleva in 2020, was no longer paying damages to the family of his victim due to being pardoned for his own participation in the special military operation. Ms Skochilenko, meanwhile, was sentenced to seven years in prison for writing slogans such as Russian conscripts are being sent to Ukraine. Lives of our children are the price of this war. Another of her slogans read: "The Russian army bombed an arts school in Mariupol. Some 400 people were hiding in it from the shelling. Sasha Skochilenko made the sign for love with her hands during her trial on Thursday (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) Evgenia Kara-Murza, the wife of a Russian opposition figure currently serving 25 years in a Siberian colony for speaking out against the war in Ukraine, said the sentencing of Ms Skochilenko against the backdrop of Khadzhikurbanovs presidential pardon was a very good illustration of the situation in Russia. She told The Independent: People who stand up and speak out against the criminal oppressive war against Ukraine, against the oppressive regime of Russia, are being portrayed as criminals, traitors, spies or insane people. But actual murderers, actual rapists, are now walking the streets of Russia as free people committing the same types of crimes, and are being portrayed as heroes of the noble war against Nazis in Ukraine. And this is all because they went to Ukraine and killed innocent people there. That is deeply tragic and frightening. It is also a very good illustration of the situation in Russia in general. Evgenia Kara-Murza, the wife of Russian opposition figure Vladimir, said Ms Skochilenkos sentencing was deeply tragic (REUTERS) Ms Skochilenko was arrested a month after Russia adopted a law effectively criminalising 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. Nearly 750 people have faced criminal charges for their anti-war stances, and over 8,100 faced petty charges of discrediting the army, punishable by a fine or a short stint in jail. It is not known how many presidential pardons have been issued for participation in the war in Ukraine, but the numbers of ex-convicts recruited directly from prisons to fight in the special military operation is known to be in the tens of thousands. Ms Skochilenko has not denied replacing the price tags with her anti-war slogans but rejects the accusation of spreading knowingly false information. Addressing the judge on Thursday, she said: Everyone sees and knows that its not a terrorist youre trying. Youre not trying an extremist. Youre not trying a political activist, either. Youre trying a pacifist. Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Simon Calders Travel email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Tens of thousands of airline passengers are caught up in travel chaos at Doha airport after a severe thunderstorm stopped operations from 10.25pm to midnight on Thursday night. At least 18 inbound flights were diverted overnight to seven different airports including the Saudi capital, Riyadh over 300 miles away. Dozens of outbound departures were severely delayed. From 9.45pm local time on Thursday evening to 5.15am on Friday morning, not a single plane departed punctually: around 120 outbound flights were held up. Qatar Airways links to Edinburgh, Manchester and two flights to London Heathrow were all over two hours late. Doha is second only to Dubai among Gulf airports in terms of passenger numbers. More than 100,000 travellers pass through every day. Most passengers are in transit, with connections as short as 45 minutes. It appears that Qatar Airways may have prioritised earlier delayed passengers, denying boarding to later travellers even if they had a valid boarding pass. Hugh Davison, a passenger travelling inbound from Tokyo via Doha to London Heathrow told The Independent: When we arrived there was chaos at the airport. The backlog is immense. We had boarding passes for the onward flight, but nobody on the incoming flight warned us that we would have to rebook for it. We went to board our flight back to the UK but were turned away at the gate. He then began queuing at the Qatar Airways desk for a later flight, and reported: We have stood in a queue for three hours, and so far four people have received tickets. Mr Davison was initially re-routed via Bahrain to London Heathrow, but it now appears he may be able to get a direct flight. He said: I have lost flights at other airports but never seen anything as bad as this. The Independent has asked Qatar Airways for a response. Thursdays British Airways flight from London Gatwick to Doha operated normally and entered Qatar airspace on schedule at 11.30pm. But the Boeing 777 then circled over Qatar for half-an-hour before diverting to Bahrain. Flight BA2033 later flew on to Qatar, where it touched down over three hours late. By this time many of the passengers had missed connections, adding to the crowds waiting to be reassigned on later flights. Going places? Flightpath of British Airways BA2033 from London Gatwick to Doha, which diverted to Bahrain after a storm prevented it from landing at the Qatar hub (Flightradar24) The inbound BA flight to Gatwick was in turn three hours and 20 minutes late arriving at the Sussex airport. Disruption is likely to continue into the weekend. The storm triggered long delays on departures from UK airports to Doha on Friday, which could result in further missed connections at the Qatar Airways hub. Because Doha is outside the European Union and Qatar Airways is a non-EU carrier, the familiar air passengers rights rules do not apply: there is no automatic right to care, nor compensation if a traveller is turned away from a flight they are booked on. Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Simon Calders Travel email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The mother of a 28-year-old cruise ship passenger who allegedly jumped overboard has criticised the cruise line, claiming it failed to tell her that her son was missing. Tyler Barnett, from Louisiana, is believed to have gone overboard the Carnival Glory on Monday. He was first reported missing a day after leaving New Orleans for a weeklong cruise to Grand Cayman in the Cayman Islands and Cozumel, Mexico, Carnival Cruise Line said in a statement. He was on board the cruise ship with his sister and uncle and was last seen at about 11.40pm on Sunday going to his room after visiting the ships casino. The Coast Guard has now launched two aircraft to search a 200-mile area near where the ship sailed into the Gulf of Mexico to find the missing 28-year-old. His mother, Elisha Reid, has criticised Carnival Cruise Line, telling Business Insider she found out her son was missing from a family member, not the company. While Mr Barnetts mother is hopeful he is still alive, a Carnival Cruise Line spokesperson said surveillance footage reviewed by the company appeared to show the 28-year-old jumping from the ship at about 1.40am on Monday, Business Insider reported. He can be seen climbing on a lifeboat and jumping from there, the spokesperson said. Carnival Cruise Line said they informed Mr Barnetts family of the surveillance footage, while Ms Reid said the footage shows her son slipped from the ship, rather than jumped. They hit a wave and he went down off the lifeboat, she said. Tyler was my only son, my firstborn. He was my everything in life! He was the air I breathed. He was the beat of my heart. I feel as if my heart no longer beats. She added that Carnival initially told her daughter who is on the ship there was no footage of what happened to her son. The company said they are helping the family members of Mr Barnett, who are still on board the ship. Our Care Team will continue to do all they can to support the family in this difficult time, a spokesperson said. The ship has been cleared by the US Coast Guard to continue with the cruise. Speaking about her son, Ms Reid said: I have my moments where I break, but Im keeping the faith. Whats important to me is to know where hes at and to have him home, whether hes alive or not, I want his body to be home, she said. She added that her son grew up around the water and absolutely breathed being on the river and the sea, working on a tugboat. My only peace is Tyler loved the water and to fish, Ms Reid said. How ironic that he is where he always loved to be. At least nine other people have gone overboard on cruise ships this year, only two of whom survived. The Princess of Wales has revealed that her son, Prince Louis, has a sweet method to help describe his feelings. Louis and his classmates are using a feelings wheel at school to help them express their emotions. The princess detailed how his class are using the wheel as she delivered a keynote speech at the Design Museum in London. Louis class, they came back with a feelings wheel - its 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, Kate explained. There is a real keenness in school particularly to get involved in conversations. Antony Blinken appeared to react with a visible flinch and a disapproving shake of the head as Joe Biden described Xi Jinping as a dictator. The US president made the off-the-cuff remark on Wednesday soon after a rare summit with the Chinese president on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meet in San Fransisco. Look, he is. Hes a dictator in the sense that hes a guy who runs a country that is a communist country thats based on a form of government totally different than ours, Mr Biden said responding to a question from reporters. Chinas foreign ministry described the comments as wrong and irresponsible. It should be pointed out that there will always be some people with ulterior motives who attempt to incite and damage US-China relations, they are doomed to fail, Mao Ning, spokesperson for the Chinese foreign minister, said on Thursday. Fort Lauderdale airport was inundated by floodwater after a storm, which started on Wednesday (15 November) dropped almost 14 inches of rain from Key Largo to the coastal city. Wind gusts of up to 86 mph hit the area, the US National Weather Service said on Thursday. More than 86,000 homes and businesses had no electricity on Thursday afternoon in areas of Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties, down from more than 100,000 late on Wednesday. The storm should move north to the Carolinas into Friday, David Roth, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, told Reuters. In retrospect, it may turn out to have been the most significant encounter not just of this week, but of this month and this year. It took place neither in the Middle East or Ukraine the two regions that currently dominate the Western news media but about as far from these conflict zones as it was possible to be. In a meeting confirmed only at the last moment, the president of China, Xi Jinping, crossed the Pacific for talks with the president of the United States, Joe Biden, at a country estate on the edge of San Francisco. It was the first time the two leaders had met for a year, but a years interval between national leaders is nothing uncommon. What made this a landmark event were the doubts that it would happen at all, Xis willingness to travel to the United States, and the considerable shifts in the dynamics of global power that have taken place over that year. Dublin-based transatlantic fibre-optic cable owner Aqua Comms has for the first time warned in its accounts that sabotage to its network is one of the risks its business faces and that security of its assets has been beefed up. The warning comes amid concerns that Russia could damage such cables, with the countrys warships having already entered the Irish exclusive economic zone this year. Ireland is a major international junction for high-speed cables that traverse the North Atlantic, connecting North America and Europe. They are essential for the smooth operation of modern economies. Aqua Comms is part of the London-listed Digital 9 Infrastructure group, which acquired the Dublin-based firm in 2021, giving it an enterprise value of $215m (198m). Aqua Comms owns a number of fibre-optic cables that cross the Atlantic, while it also has cables connecting Ireland and the UK, a line connecting the UK with the Nordics, and a new cable that links Europe with the Middle East and India. That latter system is due to be operational by 2025. Its third transatlantic cable AEC-3 was due to come on stream this year. Aqua Comms has noted that in line with its strategy to become a global capacity provider, it will continue to invest in additional routes in the short to medium term. The group will continue to seek attractive developments globally, diversifying away from the Atlantic over time, its directors have noted. But the threat posed by Russia, which Nato already believes has already used its warships to accurately map fibre-optic cables around Ireland, means that such assets now face additional risks. Subsea cables are at risk of ecological threats, threats from commercial fishing and also the risk of sabotage, Aqua Comms directors point out in the companys newly-filed accounts for last year. Web Summits CEO Katherine Maher speaks during the closing ceremony in Lisbon. Pic: REUTERS These cables are designed and constructed to withstand the ecological threats, they add. There has also been increased security around the global subsea network in an effort to reduce the threat of sabotage. Earlier this year, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said Ireland would consider seeking assistance from the EU, and even Nato, to defend the undersea cables off the coast. He said the Government would consider joining a marine defence scheme for such vital cables, linking Ireland to the EU and USA. This security scheme may be led either by the EUs defence cooperation regime or Nato. Because we are an island nation, our seas are seven times greater than our land area, and going through those seas are a lot of really important infrastructure and communications cables that connect Ireland to the world and Europe to North America, Mr Varadkar said. Ireland, Austria and Malta are the only three militarily neutral members in the EU. The latest accounts for Aqua Comms show that it generated revenue of $34.5m (31.8m) last year, compared to $32.7m in 2021. Its operating profit halved last year, however, to $1m. The accommodation booking engine has been told to discontinue the practice of requiring too many photos, which is contrary to the GDPRs data minimisation rule Airbnb has been given an official reprimand by the Data Protection Commissioner for requiring too much personal information from customers seeking to book places to stay. However, it has not hit Airbnb, the European headquarters of which are based in Dublin, with any fine. The case involved a German who was trying to book accommodation in Vienna in 2019. Airbnb asked the person for multiple forms of photo ID and rejected the booking on the basis that one of the photos wasnt clear enough. The Irish regulator found that this was more than GDPR allowed for and that Airbnb could have processed the booking safely and securely without so many photos involved. In its defence, Airbnb said that the photo requirement was associated with what hosts of the properties being booked were asking for. The company says that it has now discontinued the additional host-requested photographic requirement. Airbnbs requirement that the complainant verify his identity by submitting an unredacted copy of his photographic ID constituted an infringement of the principle of data minimisation, pursuant to Article 5 of the GDPR, said the Irish DPC in its ruling. The regulator said that it had instructed Airbnb to revise its internal policies and procedures to ensure that the seeking of photographic ID and supplemental photographs in the verification process for users is used only where necessary, proportionate and in accordance with the GDPR for the purpose for which the personal data is collected and processed. The Irish DPC has hit big technology firms such as Meta and Google with fines totalling almost 3bn over the last two years. Earlier this week, Helen Dixon announced that she would step down as the Data Protection Commissioner on February 19th of next year, after almost 10 years in the role. Ms Dixon will then take up an an appointment as one of three commissioners at the Irish telecoms regulator, Comreg. The Minister announced the appointment of Helen Dixon as a Commissioner to the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg), following an open competition run by the Public Appointments Service on Thursday, a day after she confirmed shell stand down as Data Protection Commissioner in February. Helen Dixon will bring considerable national and international experience to this role, particularly in an evolving regulatory and legal framework where telecoms and postal sectors have seen rapidly accelerated digitalisation. ComReg is facing into a challenging period and this appointment brings the Commission to its full complement of three Commissioners, the Minister said. Helen Dixon spent the first ten years of her career in the IT industry, followed by a stint as Irish Registrar of Companies, where she led regulatory enforcement of compliance with the filing provisions of the Companies Acts. She was appointed as Data Protection Commissioner for Ireland in 2014 and reappointed for a second five year term in 2019. On Wednesday Helen Dixon announced she planned to stand down from the DPC role in February, seven months before her second five year term in the role is due to end. Recruitment was already underway for two additional Commissioners for what was to be an expanded agency next year and as part of a that a panel including candidates to replace Helen Dixon is being put in place. Its understood three new commissioners will now be appointed. In her 10 years in the role Helen Dixon has overseen major developments including implementation of the general data privacy regulation (GDPR) which put her in the forefront of policing the European arms of numerous tech giants headquartered in Ireland. Shes levied massive fines on some companies including Meta and TikTok as well as policing data protection domestically but faced criticism from campaigners and some European peers for what some have regarded as a relatively soft regulatory approach. " " Some of the largest cat breeds, such as this Maine Coon, are described as "gentle giants." Others are more of a handful, due to their wildcat heritage. Ekaterina Vasileva-Bagler / Getty Images Humans have long been fascinated by cats; in 2004, archeologists discovered a cat buried next to a 9,500-year-old human skeleton in Cyprus. The biggest cat breeds remind us of their wild ancestors, from the African serval descendants to scaled-down bobcats. If you've ever tried to boot one of the largest domestic cat breeds from the couch, you know that they have big hearts and even bigger attitudes. Before adopting or buying one of these large cat breeds, do some research to make sure you're providing the right forever home for these feline friends. Also reviewed this week: Thanksgiving and So This is Christmas Saltburn (16, 131mins) There may be reviews written about this film that dont mention Brideshead Revisited, but not many I suspect. Emerald Fennells structural debt to Evelyn Waughs novel is so obvious that she has a character casually drop his name early on: shes borrowing his idea, but has different plans for it. No postwar traumas here, no posh Catholics languidly bemoaning their loss of faith: the nobs in Saltburn are vacuous and variously obnoxious, impossible to like. In fact, theres no one at all to like in Ms Fennells film, which may undermine its aspirations to moral seriousness. But its a bit of a laugh, especially early on. Saltburn | Official Trailer Oliver Quick (Barry Keoghan) has come to Oxford on a scholarship, but struggles to fit in. Hes short, forgettably dressed, speaks in a broad Liverpool accent and is avoided like the plague by the champagne-swilling toffs who dominate the universitys common rooms, corridors and parties. But Oliver has a steely determination and becomes besotted (platonicly, perhaps) with Felix Catton (Jacob Elordi), a sun-kissed and effortlessly well-connected adonis. When Oliver sportingly lends him his bike, Felix takes a shine to the shy and awkward lad, and invites him into his inner circle. Oliver is bright, and helps Felix with his studies, but saddens him too with stories of his dysfunctional childhood and the tragic death of his drug-addicted father. So when summer comes and term ends, Felix invites Oliver to stay at his familys sprawling country estate, Saltburn. There, Oliver meets Felixs extended family: his aloof and dreamy father Sir James Catton (Richard E Grant); his ethereal, sharp-tongued mother Elsbeth (Rosamund Pike) and neurotic, over-sexed sister Venetia (Alison Oliver). These are people who take wealth and privilege for granted, and initially treat Oliver like a well-behaved spaniel. But he is watchful and a quick learner, adept at figuring out peoples needs and pandering to them. When Venetia starts prowling by night beneath his bedroom window, they begin a sexual relationship which has mutual benefits but is bound to turn sour. Oliver, besides, seems more interested in Felix, whom he spies on from adjoining bedrooms. Is he in love with Felix, or with Saltburn and its air of jaded privilege? For its first hour or so, Saltburn is a superbly handled comedy of manners bad manners, mostly. The Cattons are a dreadful bunch, arrogant, entitled, societally tone-deaf. They look through their servants as though theyre not there and gather every evening for stultifying dinners during which family grievances are passive-aggressively aired. Glamorous matriarch Elsbeth Catton is a past master at this, and her icy put-downs are always accompanied by a blinding smile. Rosamund Pike gets most of the films best lines and knows exactly what to do with them. While mortifying the assembled with an account of how she experimented with lesbianism before deciding it was not for her, she concludes with a shudder, It was all so wet. Rosamund Pike has some of the best lines as Elsbeth Catton in Saltburn. Photo: Prime Carey Mulligan delivers a hilarious cameo as a house guest who will not leave, Alison Oliver is excellent as the fatally damaged Venetia and Richard E Grant plays Sir James like something out of PG Wodehouse. Saltburn is at its best in its early stages, when Emerald Fennells effortless flair for satire is to the fore. But as the plot unfolds, it becomes evident theres not much underneath. In Promising Young Woman, Ms Fennell managed to blend humour and horror with powerful commentary on male entitlement and the issue of consent. Here though, were presented with a rather cartoonish upper-crust family and asked to concur that they might deserve whats coming to them. Their characterisations do not run deep. As for Barry Keoghans Oliver, he remains an unknowable ellipsis till the very end, as his author no doubt intended. And Keoghan is the one who holds this film together by force of presence: his stillness as an actor is remarkable but late on, when huge physical demands are placed on his performance, he responds to the challenge brilliantly. Ken Wardrops So This Is Christmas is an utterly compelling documentary So This is Christmas (12A, 86mins) For almost 20 years now, Portarlington filmmaker Ken Wardrop has been training his lens on smalltown Ireland to gain insights into peoples hidden lives. He has a telling eye for detail and an extraordinary way with his subjects, but hes less playful than usual in this heartfelt exploration of yuletide angst. As So This is Christmas opens, a group of teenage children watch unimpressed while a priest tries to connect the traditions of Santa Claus with Catholic liturgy. But kids are not the focus of this film: rather, it explores the stories of people for whom Christmas is not a time of wonder, but an ordeal. A woman explains why she has never married and discusses how the death of parents can alienate siblings. Another woman ponders her profound isolation, which is felt most keenly at Christmas. A middle-aged man tries to stay cheerful but is clearly struggling to cope in the years after his mothers death and a younger man pulls out the stops to make Christmas special for his two sons, a year after the death of their beloved mother. Sometimes Wardrops film is not an easy watch, but the honesty of his subjects and the respect with which he treats their stories, make this documentary utterly compelling. Rating: Five stars Nell Verlaque stars in the gratuitously gory Thanksgiving. Photo: TriStar Pictures Thanksgiving (18, 106mins) In 2007, as part of Quentin Tarantinos deeply unpleasant Grindhouse project, Eli Roth created a fake trailer for a slasher movie called Thanksgiving. Sixteen years later, he has turned that sliver of an idea into this production, a no-frills horror set in the historic town of Plymouth, Massachusetts. Site of the Mayflower colony and the first Thanksgiving feast, Plymouth holds a unique place in American history but has now fallen foul of hyper-capitalism. In Thanksgivings opening scenes, a bargain-crazed crowd rushes into a giant discount department store on the eve of Black Friday, causing several deaths. A year later, the chains super rich manager (Rick Hoffman) has distanced himself from the event, but as another Thanksgiving looms he, his daughter Gabby (Addison Rae) and her obnoxious friends are about to be targeted by a masked slasher. Mr Roth, who created the Hostel franchise, has a lot to answer for, and is true to form here as he orchestrates a series of gratuitously gory death scenes. We are, I think, expected to find these funny. But not being a sociopath, I found this a challenge. Otherwise, Thanksgiving is tired stuff, glib and nasty. Scooby Doo with sadism. Rating: Two stars Ryan Tubridy praises agent Noel Kelly and rules out return in first interview since leaving RTE Ryan Tubridy has said RTE is in his rear-view mirror and praised his agent Noel Kelly as the best in the business in his first interview since he left the national broadcaster. The former Late Late Show host yesterday revealed he will host a new morning show on Virgin Radio in the UK and a dedicated Irish weekend show following his dramatic departure from RTE earlier this year. In a sit-down interview with The Irish Sun, Tubridy said his agent Noel Kelly negotiated the best deal in the move and he is the best in the business and always was. Tubridys new employer Virgin Radio UK is owned by Wireless, which was acquired by News UK (whose newspaper titles include The Times, The Sunday Times and The Sun) in 2016. Tubridy said the NK Management boss got on extremely well with the management at Virgin, adding: Ive had a bunch of people around me, advising me in the last few months and they have been spectacular. Tubridy confirmed there is no question that Kelly will remain his agent, also describing him as a friend and the best in the land. "And thats what its all about loyalty, and trust and standing by who and what you believe. And look at that today, here I am starting a new career in London. He also ruled out any return to RTE, despite Director General Kevin Bakhurst telling the Irish Independent this week that the door is not shut on talented broadcaster Tubridy. When asked about the possibility of a future return, the ex-Radio One host said: In a word, no. Tubridy called Virgin Radio his new home but admitted that he does miss his team at RTE, adding: I dont see any reason to go back there because I am starting a new beginning here. Ryan Tubridy. Photo: Andres Poveda He said he had a lovely experience of 20 years of television in Ireland and he worked with the best in the business at RTE. But he said; I have a new start in a new city with new colleagues. On the ongoing issues at the national broadcaster, Tubridy said: I feel that RTE is in my rear-view mirror. He added that he does feel for his former colleagues who are the real stars of broadcaster and who he hopes are doing OK. He also confirmed he will soon make the move from Ireland to the UK for his new job. It comes as actor Russell Crowe hailed the career change for Tubridy as a genius move. Big news for my man Ryan Tubridy, he told followers on social media platform X/Twitter. "In a genius move Virgin Radio UK have signed him to follow Chris Evans show from January. Two of the best broadcasters ever. A massive 1-2 combination. I love how radio in the UK is so potent. The former Late Late Show host will take over the 10am to 1pm slot on the station from January 4. He will broadcast live from London and simultaneously be heard on Dublin station Q102. Virgin Radio presenter Chris Evans, left, and Ryan Tubridy, right, with agent Noel Kelly. Tubridy will present a new daily radio show on Virgin, starting early next year He will also present a dedicated Irish weekend show on Dublins Q102, Corks 96FM, Live 95 in Limerick and LMFM, which are owned by Virgin Radios parent company, the Murdoch-controlled Wireless Ireland. Back in September, Tubridy made his first return to the airwaves with Evans following the RTE payments controversy, which broke in June. Yesterday, Tubridy said that he couldnt be more excited to start his new chapter. "I love radio and what a joy to be following the legendary Chris Evans every morning! Its been a pleasure getting to know my new friends at Virgin Radio, all of whom have been warm, engaging and very entertaining. And big thanks to the London Irish who have made me feel so welcome in recent weeks. On a personal note, this is a big day for my wonderful family who I hope to make proud, and also the people who advised me so well recently and got me to this moment. To the listeners, wherever they might be, I urge you to join us on this adventure every weekday morning, there is much fun to be had! Angus Woods: We need to keep evolving the suckler herd and the new BDGP indices will help its important to keep updating the indices to reflect the changing economic and political environment we farm in 'Suckler cows have evolved over the years, and will continue to do so'. Photo: Roger Jones Angus Woods Fri 17 Nov 2023 at 06:00 Suckler farming is the most diverse and divided sector in Irish agriculture. Trying to develop a policy direction for the national suckler herd that would receive support from across the board is impossible. That does not mean that we should not try. Minister for Agriculture Charile McConalogue said the deer population is 'out of control' and he is in favour of a cull. Image: EU The level of bovine TB outbreaks on farms across the country is unsustainable, and hard decisions may need to be taken, Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue has said. It comes as the number of TB reactors increased again in the third quarter to 25,915, with herd incidence rising 4.73pc up from 3.51pc in 2018. Addressing the ICMSA AGM today, Minister McConalogue conceded it had been a 'very challenging year' in relation to bovine TB outbreaks and said the sector needed to look at how trends can be reversed. Through the TB stakeholder group, he said, the sector needs to look at the full suite of scientific tools and evidence that can be brought to bear to see an 'actual reduction' in TB outbreaks on farms. "It's important that we all look at the steps we can take collectively that are implementable. "It has been a frustrating situation for everyone to watch what happened over the last year, and it's not sustainable for anyone, particularly farmers who are affected," Minister McConalogue said, describing the situation as "it's pure torture for everyone involved". Some 'hard decisions' may be required, he said, but he promised that where they are, they will be guided by farmer representatives. When asked about the growing deer population nationwide, which has been linked to the spread of TB, he agreed that there are 'far too many deer'. "They're getting out of control and yes, we do have to do a cull. "There is no doubt that particularly in Wicklow and in many other parts of the country as well, there are no controls in place, so there is no surprise that numbers are growing and that is damaging," he said. It comes as ICSA Animal Health and Welfare chair Hugh Farrell that a mooted regionalisation proposal regarding different TB rules for different regions was flatly rejected by ICSA and other farm organisations at the recent TB forum. The proposal emanated from the TB Forums Scientific Working Group, based on a suggestion from the Department, but ICSA made it clear, both at a bi-lateral meeting attended by ICSA, Department and scientific group members and at the TB Forum that it was completely unworkable in an Irish context, he said. In fact, there was no doubt at all at the TB Forum that this was not acceptable to the farming representatives. In our view, the chair of the TB Forum accepted the opposition and as far as we are concerned the proposal is already dead in the water. Vicky Phelan kept everyones feet to the fire: The lessons learned from the CervicalCheck scandal Ireland is on target to "eliminate" cervical cancer by 2040, according to a new pledge delivered by Health Minister Stephen Donnelly yesterday. The aim is to have fewer than four cases per 100,000 women making cervical cancer rare and reaching a stage where it will no longer be a public health problem. The target can be met by increasing HPV vaccination rates for girls up to age 15 from 80pc to 90pc by 2030. Ireland will continue to need to have cervical screening coverage by CervicalCheck at or above 73pc. And the number of women receiving treatment within the first year of diagnosis must be at or above 97pc. The announcement, on Cervical Cancer Elimination Day, a global initiative, comes in the week of the first anniversary of the death of CervicalCheck campaigner Vicky Phelan, who died of the disease. Mr Donnelly said: Today is a significant day, not just for womens health, but for the health of our population. We can now say that babies born today will reach adulthood in an Ireland where we expect to have eliminated cervical cancer. HPV vaccination for boys and girls is a game-changer on our road to elimination, and Im proud that Ireland was one of the first countries to introduce HPV vaccination through the national immunisation programme in 2010, as well as being among the first to adopt HPV cervical screening in 2020. "We are now in a strong position to exceed the WHO global targets by announcing 2040 as the date on which we expect to achieve elimination in Ireland. Achieving elimination of cervical cancer requires immense effort, and we must ensure we increase HPV vaccination and screening coverage. "Immense credit is due to all who have worked tirelessly to get us to todays announcement, and I extend my gratitude to all involved in the delivery of screening, vaccination and treatment services, to our passionate patient advocates and to all the partnership stakeholders for their commitment in working together towards elimination. A new roadmap charting Irelands next steps to elimination starts with a national public consultation next year to develop an action plan. Among the new initiatives to be examined is HPV self-sampling where a woman takes a sample herself at home with a special kit which is then sent off for a lab test. Preliminary findings by the Department of Health Womens Health Fund show that this method of testing has the potential to increase screening participation in Ireland, benefiting eligible women who have never attended cervical screening and those who dont attend regularly. HSE chief clinical officer Dr Colm Henry said there has been a marked decline in the number of people with cervical cancer since the introduction of the cervical screening programme in 2008. "Recent research shows the positive impact the HPV vaccine has had in reducing the rate of serious pre-cancer cervical disease, he said. He also paid tribute to the late advocate Laura Brennan. Most of the herbal cannabis found in the EU is grown locally, the report says. Photo: Getty Cannabis products are becoming increasingly potent and diverse, while collaboration between criminal groups is creating new security risks in Europe, a report has revealed. The warning comes in an analysis from the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction and Europol. The Irish College of General Practitioners has recently described cannabis as a dangerous drug and a serious public health concern. The report says the cannabis market is estimated to be worth at least 11.4bn and is the largest drug market in Europe. Estimates suggest 22.6 million people aged 15 to 64 in the EU have used cannabis in the last year. In 2021, seized quantities of herbal cannabis and cannabis resin in the EU reached their highest levels in a decade at 256 tonnes and 816 tonnes respectively. In addition, over 4.3 million cannabis plants were intercepted. The report found most of the herbal cannabis in the EU is grown locally. The western Balkan region also remains a source, but less so than in the past. Some cannabis products, including herbal cannabis, are now smuggled into the EU from North America. As for cannabis resin, Morocco is still the largest supplier to Europe, but there are signs that resin production within the EU may be on the rise, the report says. Latest data reveals a significant increase in the potency of cannabis products. The average potency of herbal cannabis in the EU rose by about 57pc between 2011 and 2021, while the average potency of cannabis resin increased by nearly 200pc in the same period, raising additional health concerns for users. The report said that while cannabis herb and resin still dominate the market, cannabis products in Europe are increasingly diverse and include a range of natural, semi-synthetic and synthetic cannabinoids available in many different forms. These include oil, a variety of other high-potency extracts known as concentrates, vaping products and edibles. Increasingly, at the retail end, commercial marketing strategies are being used both offline and online to advertise and sell products, it added. The report found the cannabis trade in Europe involves a broad range of networks, comprising both EU and non-EU criminals. These networks are highly co-operative, particularly at the wholesale level, sharing resources, building partnerships and providing services from production to distribution. Some criminal networks act as service providers to traffickers. Examples include networks that specialise in supplying boats to cannabis resin traffickers, while others provide aerial drones and helicopters, it added. Last month, the Citizens Assembly concluded six months of discussion, and significant changes to laws governing the possession of drugs for personal use, amounting to an effective decriminalisation, were recommended. The body agreed 36 recommendations aimed at producing a new Irish model of legislation, policy and service to reduce the harm caused by illicit drug use. 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? Tributes have been paid to a 39-year-old sailor who died suddenly while on board a vessel he was serving on in Cork on Friday afternoon. In a statement, the Defence Forces said Leading Seaman Conor Kiely, a native of Cork, passed away while aboard the LE Roisin, which was in dock for maintenance in Cork on Friday. A Defence Forces spokesperson said: Paramedics were called to the ship, after Leading Seaman Conor Kiely was found in an unresponsive state by his colleagues. The Chief of Staff of the Irish Defence Forces, Lieutenant General Sean Clancy, on behalf of the Defence Forces, expressed his sincere condolences to the family and friends of L/S Conor Kiely. Flag Officer Commanding of the Naval Service, Commodore Michael Moore, also sent his deepest sympathies to the family and colleagues of L/S Kiely following the news. L/S Kiely joined the Naval Service in 2006 and entered the Seamans Branch, qualifying as a Seaman Gunner in 2007. "He had 17 proud years of service with the Defence Forces, a spokesperson said. During his career in the Defence Forces, he served in a number of positions ashore and afloat. At sea, he served onboard the LE Aisling, LE Niamh, LE Orla, LE William Butler Yeats and most recently as a crew member of LE Roisin. He successfully completed a Potential NCO Course in 2013, and went on to use his skills and experience as an instructor in the Naval College. The Officer Commanding Naval Operations Command in the Naval Service Captain (NS) Kenneth Minehane said the members of the Naval Service have sadly lost a shipmate and friend. Our thoughts and prayers go to his family at this sad time. Our dearly departed colleague will be missed and never forgotten. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam dilis, he added. The Irish Government believes Emily is being held by Hamas in a tunnel under Gaza Dozens of people gathered this afternoon outside St Stephens Green in Dublin to mark the ninth birthday of the Irish-Israeli girl, Emily Hand, believed to be held hostage by Hamas. Emily was originally feared dead after the Hamas assault on Kibbutz Be'eri in Israel on October 7. However, it is now believed that she is being held in a tunnel under Gaza, the Taoiseach told the Dail on Wednesday. Among those in attendance at St Stephens Green was Anna Byrne (60), first cousin of Emilys father Thomas Hand. Ms Byrne said: We are thankful that we are able to organise this for Emily today. She should be home to celebrate her birthday but shes not. We will have a huge party when she comes home. Were all so positive that Emily is going to come back home it's the only thing keeping us going. Emily Hand turns nine today Ms Byrne, who lives in Gorey, Co Wexford, described the child as someone who is always dancing or smiling. I hope shes still able to smile and dance wherever she is and that she knows her dad is waiting for her, she added. The main thing is to give love and support to Tom. We worry about him, we look at him and he looks exhausted but we know that hes not going to give up until Emily is home. We need Emily to be in everyone's heart and mind until she comes home. Thomas Hand, originally from Dun Laoghaire in Dublin, spoke at a press conference in Dublin on Monday. She's eight years old at the moment and will be nine on the 17th. Her birthday will be in the tunnels of Hamas. There will be no cake, no party, no friends, he said. "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. Birthday cake for Emily Hand On October 7, Hamas killed 1,200 Israeli civilians, as well as taking an estimated 200 hostage to Gaza in Palestine. Israel has responded with missile attacks and a blockade on the war-torn enclave, as part of an operation to target Hamas's leaders and operations. More than 11,000 people have been killed in the region and aid agencies have warned that low supplies of food, water and medicines are creating an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. The gathering today marked Emilys birthday with balloons, a birthday cake and sweets. One of the organisers, Shely Ben Joseph (33), who is originally from Israel, said the predominant colour at the celebration was pink because Emily is a girl and any nine-year-old shouldnt be a captive in a tunnel. Shely Ben Joseph - member of the Israeli community living in Dublin Ms Joseph added: Her only hope is that her family will bring her back, but she might not even know if her family is alive. This is unbearable for the community. Its not about politics there are no symbols here of any country. We just want the hostages back. YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 17, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has met with Minister of Defense of Georgia Juansher Burchuladze, who is on an official visit in Armenia. The Armenian Prime Minister said that relations with Georgia continue to develop dynamically and that expansion of cooperation is taking place in various areas, which is of great importance and a priority for the Armenian government, the Prime Ministers Office said in a readout. Juansher Burchuladze thanked for the warm reception and spoke about partnership with the Armenian Ministry of Defense. The Georgian Defense Minister said hes impressed by the ongoing reforms in the defense sector in Armenia. Issues related to cooperation and exchange of experience in security and defense, as well as regional peace and stability were also discussed. The Co Tyrone teenager was abducted, killed and secretly buried by the Provisional IRA in 1975 Dympna Kerr, sister of Columba McVeigh, at Bragan Bog near Emyvale in Co Monaghan (Liam McBurney/PA) Columba McVeigh was murdered and secretly buried by the Provisional IRA (Family handout/PA) Justice minister Helen McEntee said she had hoped the latest search would have discovered Columba McVeighs remains (Brian Lawless/PA) Justice Minister Helen McEntee has expressed her sadness as the sixth search for disappeared teenager Columba McVeigh ended without success. The 19-year-old from Donaghmore, Co Tyrone was abducted by the Provisional IRA, killed and secretly buried in 1975. The Independent Commission for the Location of Victims Remains (ICLVR) has now conducted six unsuccessful searches at Bragan Bog in Co Monaghan since 1999, covering more than 26 acres. A fresh appeal for information has been made in a bid to narrow down where he may have been buried. Mr McVeighs sister Dympna Kerr said she is totally heartbroken, adding: I dont know how many more times I can go through this. All we need is for people to come forward with the correct information there is nothing for them to fear, she told the BBC, adding she cannot give up hope that one day her brother will be found. Dympna Kerr, sister of Columba McVeigh, at Bragan Bog near Emyvale in Co Monaghan (Liam McBurney/PA) Ms McEntee said she had held out hope that the latest search would find Mr McVeigh, despite extremely challenging conditions at the isolated Bragan Bog site. I am saddened that, in spite of the substantial efforts of the commission, the remains of Columba have not been located at Bragan Bog, she said. I want to acknowledge the unwavering and sustained determination of the Commission to locating Columba since the first search at Bragan Bog was conducted in 1999. I would like to thank the investigators, forensic archaeologists and machine contractors for their painstaking and sensitive work. Today, my thoughts again are with the family of Columba who have endured this particular cruelty for so many years. She added: Irelands national Missing Persons Day will fall on December 6 this year and at this time we think of all families of The Disappeared who still await the return of their loved ones remains. Columba McVeigh was murdered and secretly buried by the Provisional IRA (Family handout/PA) The role of the commission is a critical humanitarian one: to support these families who have suffered the devastating loss of their loved ones. This government remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting the ongoing work of the commission. Seventeen people were disappeared by republican paramilitaries during the Troubles. The remains of Mr McVeigh, former monk Joe Lynskey, British Army captain Robert Nairac and Seamus Maguire, who was in his mid-20s and from near Lurgan, Co Armagh, have never been recovered. The ICLVR can be contacted by telephone: 00800-55585500 International: +353 1 602 8655, email to Secretary@iclvr.ie or by post to: ICLVR PO Box 10827. Childrens Health Ireland is marking World Prematurity Day by publicising the benefits of close contact between newborns and parents When pre-term baby Destiny Baldo was born in the Coombe Hospital in Dublin at just 25 weeks, she was so small and fragile she weighed only 475 grams. Her mother, Sharia Malabanan-Baldo from Maynooth in Kildare, had preeclampsia, a serious blood pressure condition. She recalled: I felt so devastated that my body couldnt keep her to full term and I had let her down. Destiny was placed in the Coombes neonatal intensive care unit before she was transferred to the neonatal high-dependency unit in Temple Street Hospital. It was a long 21 days after the babys birth before her mother was able to hold her and have skin-to-skin contact. This form of contact was encouraged by Temple Street staff, who have seen its benefits. It was the best thing that ever happened to me after she was born, said Ms Malabanan-Baldo. Its like we were making up the lost time we could have had if she was still in my womb. We spent two hours of just sitting together, praying for her, singing her my made-up song, adoring her, loving her, and appreciating her toughness and resilience. I would be lying if I told you I didnt cry. I couldnt help but cry the whole time that this tiny baby, just the size of my palm, was on my chest calmly breathing and sleeping soundly. I wouldnt trade her for the world. Ms Malabanan-Baldo was speaking as Childrens Health Ireland (CHI), which oversees the childrens hospitals, marked World Prematurity Day, which falls today. CHI did this by highlighting the positive impact of skin-to-skin care for babies and their parents. It is popularly known as kangaroo mother care. Anna OLoughlin, neonatal clinical nurse specialist at Temple Street, said: We encourage our mums, dads and guardians to do as much skin-to-skin contact with their babies as they can. Its a great way to lower stress levels for everyone and strengthens family bonding. It is one really beneficial way to put the family in the centre of all of our neonatal and maternal care, which is so important to us. Immediate skin-to-skin contact after birth improves thermal regulation, prevents infection, enhances breastmilk supply, has positive physiological, behavioural, psychosocial, and neurodevelopmental effects, and reduces the risk of neonatal mortality by 40pc. Destiny is six months old and doing well. Her mother said: I honour all the premature babies fighting every day to defy all the challenges thrown at them, [and] babies who fought so hard but gained their wings. And also parents who strongly believed in their babies and were their number-one advocates. Around 460 premature and sick neonates are admitted under the care of neonatology to CHI each year. The service looks after newborns with surgical or complex medical needs. It is the premier neonatal centre for Ireland. Young babies are transferred to CHI from neonatal units throughout the country. The service includes special care, high-dependency care and intensive care, with staff highly qualified to provide a family-centred, holistic approach to looking after infants. Neale Richmond said businesses will be helped to absorb additional costs. Photo: Collins Paid sick leave will increase from three to five days on January 1, as part of the Governments plan to raise it to 10 days by 2026. Any unused sick leave will expire at the end of a calendar year. The statutory sick leave entitlement will be paid at 70pc of gross earnings, up to a cap of 110 per day. Paid sick leave is an important workers right which provides protection to employees who are genuinely unable to work due to ill health or injury, said Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise Neale Richmond. Lower-paid workers who cannot afford to miss work when sick stand to benefit the most from this increase to five days paid sick leave. This gradual increase in paid sick leave gives employers time to adjust and to plan for its introduction, but also gives workers certainty about their own rights. Once an employee has used up their employer-paid sick leave they should move on to illness benefit, if they are eligible. Under the Sick Leave Act 2022, which came into effect last January, part-time workers will also be able to avail of five days sick leave however, their sick leave pay may be calculated differently. Workers are entitled to sick leave once they have completed 13 weeks service for their employers. They are paid statutory sick leave only when they send in a valid medical certificate from a registered medical practitioner. Mr Richmond said there would be supports for businesses absorbing these additional costs. Although the Government is acutely aware that small businesses are concerned with the overall cost of doing business, the solution is not to dilute workers rights but to provide targeted measures to support businesses. The Increased Cost of Business Scheme, announced in Budget 2024, will provide direct financial support to small businesses who are most impacted by increased costs. While sick leave is currently provided to around half of all employees in Ireland through their terms and conditions, there is a gap between entitlements for public versus private sector workers. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, in his time as enterprise minister, previously said the pandemic had shown the different treatments of public and private sector workers when it comes to sick leave. Rural pubs should be protected as part of Irelands cultural heritage, the chair of the Oireachtas Tourism Committee has said. The Department of Tourism should audit rural areas and find potential candidates for Unescos Intangible Cultural Heritage list, as well as the National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage, a report from the committee states. This means rural pubs would be better protected as heritage institutions. Ireland gets one nomination for the Unesco Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity each year. Speaking at the launch of the committees report, its chair, Fianna Fail TD Niamh Smyth, said pubs should have their cultural value recognised and protected. Evidence provided to the committee emphasised the role of pubs in Irelands tourism offering, both as hospitality outlets and as tourism attractions in their own right, with a cultural value that should be recognised and protected, Ms Smyth said. Carina Conyngham, who runs Slane Castle and Rockfarm Slane, raised concerns about allowing the Office of Public Works (OPW) to manage tourism businesses. As a rural tourism business owner, I would be hesitant about getting Unesco world heritage designations without addressing how these destinations are managed, she said at the reports launch. There are issues around for the management, and Im not sure as a tourism business owner that it makes sense to put the management of these destinations in the hands of the OPW. I think the OPWs one and only remit is the preservation of monuments it is not a tourism destination manager. The committee said Tourism Minister Catherine Martin should engage with cabinet colleagues and develop appropriate accommodation strategies for tourism in rural areas that balance the needs of local communities with those of their visitors. The EU Commission has put the brakes on the Governments plans to clamp down on Airbnbs until next month, as it found the proposed rules to be too restrictive because they did not discriminate between urban and rural short-term lets. Planning rules will now be changed so rural Airbnbs in towns of less than 5,000 people will not have to abide by the strict rules the Government wants to introduce. The committee said there cannot be a one-size-fits-all approach on short-term lettings. Ms Smyth said rural short-term lettings pick up the accommodation slack, especially in areas where local hotel spaces are being used to accommodate refugees. There was huge concern within small towns that perhaps they were the one and only accommodation venue they had, she said. We cannot have a one-size-fits-all when it comes to Airbnb and rental properties. We dont want to discourage people from being a part of the solution in the tourism sector. We dont want to overcomplicate it either so that it turns people off. She said the Government and Ms Martin have a duty to ensure that the environment, provisions and supports are there for those in the tourism sector to provide badly needed beds and not to displace tourists coming to Ireland. Fianna Fail senator Malcolm Byrne said everyone wants to see a registration system in place for Airbnbs, but the new rules should not unfairly target short-term lets. The main problems are in urban areas, but in addressing it we shouldnt unfairly target rural short-term lets, he said. Failte Ireland told the committee that specific schemes to incentivise accommodation development in rural locations should be introduced. However, these would be on a geo-targeted and time-limited basis so the market is not distorted. Repurposing accommodation and infrastructure, as well as modular housing, should also be used. Independent volunteer group Give Us The Night told politicians modular housing could play a role in providing more tourist accommodation. Camping, caravanning and non-traditional tourism accommodation have seen increased interest, the committee heard. Latest | Tanaiste Micheal Martin says up to 25 additional Irish citizens and dependents should be able to leave Gaza today Tanaiste says this will bring the total number of citizens and dependants assisted to depart Gaza by consular staff to 51He is conscious that citizens will need support to restart their livesMr Martin says no stone will be left unturned in returning Emily Hand to her family Tanaiste Micheal Martin visited the region over recent days (Niall Carson/PA) Cian O Broin Fri 17 Nov 2023 at 19:21 Tanaiste Micheal Martin has said he is delighted that up to 25 additional Irish citizens and dependants should be able to cross the Rafah Border Crossing today from Gaza into Egypt. History exacts a heavy price on leaders who take the limits of their own vision to be the limits of the world. Entrenched positions offer no space to move beyond. If truth is the first casualty of war, the ability to see a way out of it is often the second. Thus, after his visit yesterday to the site of the mass-acre by Hamas at Beeri kibbutz, it was not surprising to hear Tanaiste Micheal Martin stressing the need for perspective. Clearly saddened by the tremendous, terrible brutality, he said it had to be recognised and condemned. He also emphasised the need to understand the psychology and the perspectives from the Israeli side. Mr Martin thanked Israeli foreign minister Eli Cohen for his assistance in helping Irish citizens to leave Gaza. Through dialogue, the use of back channels and skilful negotiation, most of the Irish citizens who had been trapped in Gaza since the bombardment began can soon leave. Is it too much to wish that such means might also be used to halt the bloodshed? EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell appealed yesterday to the Israeli government to avoid being consumed by rage, declaring: One horror does not justify another. I understand your rage, but let me ask you not to be consumed by rage. I think thats what the best friends of Israel can tell you. Speaking last month, UN secretary general Antonio Guterres put it succinctly in both condemning the collective punishment of Palestinians while also saying their grievances could not be grounds for justifying Hamass massacre. All the right cannot be assumed by one side, nor all the wrong ascribed to another. The wretchedness of the situation on the ground cannot be exaggerated, with medicine, water and food running out. Innocent people, including infants, have been killed in hospital. Irish-Palestinian Ahmed Alagha, who said 44 members of his extended family have died during Israels attacks, summed up the scale of the devastation. It is no surprise, because in the Gaza Strip there are no safe locations to hide out, to make an attempt to keep your family safe, he said. The fate of Emily Hand one of the 240 hostages taken by Hamas has yet to be determined. Maximum pressure must be put on her captors to release her. Israel has announced a daily pause in fighting of four hours, but this is insufficient. On its fifth attempt, the UN Security Council has finally approved a resolution calling for urgent and extended humanitarian pauses. However, Mr Martin held out little prospect of a breakthrough. Israel thinks it can wipe out Hamas militarily, he said. It is a view neither he nor the EU share. A political horizon at the end of the day in terms of how you resolve the overall situation has to be possible, he said. But eyes and minds must open first. Tanaiste Micheal Martin visits the Kibbutz in Southern Israel where kidnapped eight-year-old Emily Hand was living before she was abducted by Hamas On 7 October, 240 people were kidnapped in Israel and taken into Gaza. One of them was 8-year-old Irish girl Emily Hand. One month on there is no sign of Emily or a ceasefire in Gaza. As Tanaiste Micheal Martin toured the Middle East seeking to broker a political breakthrough in the situation, his team were forced to stop and seek shelter when an air raid siren rang out across Israel. Back in Ireland there were tense and highly fraught scenes in the Dail as TDs debated several issues, including the expulsion of the Israeli ambassador. Ellen Coyne is joined on the Indo Daily podcast by Philip Ryan, Political Editor of the Irish Independent live from Cairo, and Hugh O'Connell, Deputy Political Editor of the Irish Independent, to ask if Irelands stance on Gaza is making us a political outlier on the world stage. Rents in Cork County have increased by 11.7 per cent to nearly 1,500 a month compared to this time last year according to the Daft.ie Rental Price Report for Quarter three of 2023. Picture Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin Rents in Cork County have increased by 11.7% to nearly 1,500 a month compared to this year time last year according to the Daft.ie Rental Price Report for Quarter three of 2023, which was published this week. In Cork County market rents were on average, 11.7% higher in the third quarter of 2023 than a year previously, with the average listed rent now at 1,458. Rents in Cork city have soared close to 2,000 a month, which represents an increase of 10.2% over the past year, and the average rent is now 1,882. The latest Daft.ie report states that the average market rent nationwide in the third quarter of this year was just under 1,825 per month. This is Cork Newsletter Enter your email address below and click 'Sign Up' to receive the This is Cork newsletter direct to your inbox. Please check your inbox to verify your details Socialist Party TD for Cork North Central Mick Barry criticised the Government for their refusal to freeze rents. "Landlords should not be allowed to keep on raising rents when they are at such sky high rates. Nearly 2,000 a month to rent in Cork city is obscene. Any decent Government would use their powers to freeze rents, but Fianna Fail and Fine Gael are the parties of the landlords and they are choosing to back the people that charge the rent rather than the people that pay it, he said. Deputy Barry added that the national supply of rental properties is only half what it was in the 2015-19 period and that the country is crying out for a major increase in the building of social housing. Associate professor in economics at Trinity College Dublin and author of the Daft.ie report, Ronan Lyons, gave his thoughts on the latest report: There were almost 1,800 homes available to rent on November 1, a 64% increase compared to the same date a year previously. However, having just 1,800 homes on the rental market for a country that has at least 330,000 households in the private rental market is far too little. The solution to high rents remains the construction of large volumes of new rental housing around the country, he added. Hong Kong: Deputy SJ concludes SZ visit A delegation of young lawyers led by Deputy Secretary for Justice Cheung Kwok-kwan concluded a visit to Shenzhen today and departed for Foshan. Mr Cheung called on the Justice Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality and met its Director Jiang Xiaowen to discuss co-operation between Hong Kong and Shenzhen, including on foreign-related legal services and the nurturing of international legal talent. He said he hoped both sides would make good use of the Co-operative Arrangement on Legal Matters, which the Department of Justice (DoJ) renewed with the Shenzhen Municipal Government in April, and continue to promote connectivity between legal systems in the Greater Bay Area. Noting that Hong Kong Legal Week 2023, held last week, attracted over 11,000 participants from more than 50 jurisdictions, Mr Chan highlighted that the event featured a bay area-themed forum and exhibition booths for the first time. He added that he hoped Legal Week stakeholders in the bay area would deepen co-operation and jointly contribute to the development of rule of law in the region. The delegation also gained a better understanding regarding the latest developments in promoting rule of law education in Shenzhen, and exchanged views with the Justice Bureau on how young lawyers can join efforts to take rule of law education forward. Mr Cheung said the DoJ is preparing to launch the first phase of its Rule of Law Education Train-the-Leaders Programme and would like young legal professionals from both places to be proactive in promoting the rule of law. The delegation also visited the Shenzhen Qianhai Cooperation Zone Peoples Court and toured its Alternative Dispute Resolution Center for International Commercial Disputes, the Litigation Service Center, the E-courtroom and the Technology Court in Shenzhen. The lawyers held an exchange session with Qianhai Court President Bian Fei. In addition to understanding how lawtech has improved efficiency in the handling of cross-jurisdictional cases in the Qianhai Court, the delegation discussed ways of strengthening engagement by young Hong Kong talent in foreign-related civil and commercial cases, including areas of work requiring the application of Hong Kong law. Additionally, the delegation visited the Shenzhen Court of International Arbitration and was briefed by its Vice President An Xin on the courts latest developments. The discussions covered topics including the promotion of smart arbitration and the strengthening of professional collaboration on legal and dispute resolution services in Shenzhen and Hong Kong. Mr Cheung said Qianhai is not only a national strategic platform for Shenzhen-Hong Kong co-operation but also serves as a bridgehead for national technology development and a pilot zone for allowing Hong Kong-invested enterprises to adopt Hong Kong law. The deputy legal chief also referred to Hong Kongs development of the eight centres as outlined in the 14th Five-Year Plan. To consolidate the citys status as a centre for international legal and dispute resolution services in the Asia Pacific region, the DoJ has been pursuing the extension of two measures one allowing Hong Kong-invested enterprises to adopt Hong Kong, the other allowing Hong Kong-invested enterprises to choose for arbitration to be seated in Hong Kong to the whole bay area. Mr Cheung said he believed these measures would not only provide sound legal services and safeguards to help foreign investors use Hong Kong as the gateway to the Mainland while enabling Mainland investors to use it as a platform to expand overseas, but would also be conducive to the overall development of the legal professions in the two places. The delegation then visited Tencent's headquarters in Shenzhen and Mindray Biomedical Electronics Co, Ltd to ascertain how legal services can support the development of different industries involved in leveraging innovation and technology. This story has been published on: 2023-11-17. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 17, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyans advisor and Chairman of the Council on National Minority Affairs Artashes Tumanyan has expressed concern over the November 15 alleged attempted arson targeting a synagogue in Yerevan. Law enforcement agencies are now investigating the incident. Tumanyan told Armenpress that the attempted arson is concerning especially as it wasnt the first such incident. Tumanyan said that law enforcement agencies are investigating, and if the investigation reveals that the incident was indeed arson, then the Armenian authorities will unequivocally condemn it. I am sure that the Armenian societys attitude will be such as well. There are no manifestations of religious, ethnic or other kinds of xenophobia in our country. There is prevailing atmosphere of tolerance and mutual respect for national minorities in our society. Moreover, representatives of national minorities are involved in all sectors of public life, Tumanyan said. The official expressed hope that law enforcement agencies will reveal circumstances of the incident. Empower Her Voice Dublin challenges harassment culture with ChalkBack campaign Incidents of cat-calling are reported and then chalked on the street where they happened Empower Her* Voice Dublin is inspired by a similar campaign in New York The ChalkBack campaign aims to challenge the culture of cat-calling on the streets of Dublin A movement inspired by a New York-based campaign against street harassment is hoping to challenge the culture of cat-calling on the streets of Dublin. A non-profit, community-based platform called Empower Her Voice Dublin, dedicated to women and people of marginalised genders, is taking to the streets of Dublin to raise awareness of harassment through the ChalkBack campaign. Founder Esme Dunne (21) told the Irish Independent that the inspiration stemmed from a social media campaign called Catcalls of NYC. Members of Empower Her Voice Dublin have a Google form on their social media for people to submit details of any street harassment theyve experienced, including what was said and where in Dublin. The campaigners go to the locations of the cat-calling incidents and quote the harassment in chalk on the ground to raise awareness. Ms Dunne said she was not surprised by the commonality of cat-calling incidents in the capital. I think the more we spoke about it among our group, the more we realised that every time an incident of street harassment happens, I dont necessarily tell anybody because I feel like if I did, maybe thats all Id speak about, she said. Esme Dunne, founder of Empower Her* Voice Dublin I was a little surprised by how many responses we got in such a short space of time, and that people trust us with this information as much as they do. I mean, we had roughly 10 responses 10 days ago, and now we have 80; its crazy. Im grateful that people want to share their stories with us because we can highlight this issue, she added. Ms Dunne also said that some of the responses submitted through the anonymous form can be hard to read and can often times be too awful to say out loud. One of the community groups widely shared posts detailed an incident outside Wigwam, a nightclub in Dublin. A member of the campaign group reported being groped to the venues security, but no action was taken. Commenting on the incident, Wigwam said: We are aware of an incident that occurred outside our venue last month. We are upset with how this was handled. After meeting with @empowerhervoicedublin, we plan to improve our safety policy. New security and safety training and updated policies will be implemented for all late-night workers, security and event organisers. Increased visibility will be put in place, and we plan to work with the Ask Angela campaign. We are also planning meetings with An Garda Siochana and local authorities for better policing and management. Empower Her* Voice Dublin is inspired by a similar campaign in New York Training and the appointment of a new role at our club, Late Night Safety Officer, focused on safety and welfare, will also be implemented. This will be the go-between for staff and security. We want to tackle these issues head-on. We will continue to improve, bring in more improvements over time and do our best to ensure your safety in our venue, they added. Ms Dunne, who originally joined the movement at a school society, described the response as positive. I hope that the attitude changes. Were so proud of driving these changes and we really hope to see more changes across Dublin clubs, she said. Hopefully, we can make it apparent how embedded it is in our culture, and that street harassment is not okay at all. Gardai seized a vehicle from a Kerry driver who was stopped and found to have no documentation for the vehicle. Sebastian Zybura (32) of 6 Millbrook Village, Milltown came before Cahersiveen District Court on several charges under the road traffic act including driving without a licence, driving with no insurance and driving with no tax. He pleaded guilty to all offences. Failing to display an NCT was also taken into consideration. The court heard that he was stopped at a checkpoint at Kilcolman, Milltown on April 10, 2023. Sgt Stephen OBrien said he Mr Zybura had nothing for the vehicle His solicitor Padraig OConnell said that the vehicle was in fact seized by gardai and he is now without any vehicle. He is working the court was told. Judge David Waters convicted and fined him 200 for driving without a licence, 300 for driving with no insurance and a further 200 for driving without tax. Sgt OBrien said he did not know what the loss of revenue for having no tax on the vehicle amounted to. A public meeting is to take place in Killarney over plans to house 70 international protection applicants on the Muckross road. A march has been organised for Saturday afternoon between Fair Hill car park and Muckross Road, Killarney, in response to plans to open a new direct-provision centre in the town. The plans would see the 22-bedroom Kingscourt/Harmony Inn guesthouse on Muckross Road housing 70 male International Protection Applicants. Almost 300 people took part in a public meeting on the matter at the Killarney Avenue Hotel on Sunday night. The main concerns raised by the public included that the town does not have the services particularly medical services required to house a further 70 IPAs. Public representatives, including Education Minister Norma Foley, addressed the meeting. A message circulating on social media, seen by The Kerryman, has said that a silent march will begin at 2pm from Fair Hill car park and will finish at the Harmony Inn on Muckross Road tomorrow, Saturday, November 18. The message said that Killarney has welcomed enough IPAs and cannot accommodate any more. The message said that no chanting, no loudspeakers, no posters, will be permitted at the event. This is a peaceful quiet march. Individuals with political or non-peaceful agendas are not welcome, it adds. It does not provide precise detail as to who organised the march. When contacted, a number of local officials confirmed they are aware of the march and that it will take place, but they said they were not involved in organising the event. The message also claimed that the march has received Garda approval, although the Garda Press Office told The Kerryman that no such approval is required. There is a constitutional right to the freedom of assembly and freedom of speech, subject to statutory provisions, Gardai said in response to queries from this newspaper. An Garda Siochana respects the right of citizens to exercise their constitutional rights and to carry out peaceful protest. An Garda Siochana has no role in permitting or authorising public gatherings, there is no permit / authorisation required for such events. Any Garda response in relation to evolving events is in keeping with a community policing model and graduated policing response taking into account relevant legislation and public safety. South Kerry Kerry soprano singer Mary Culloty OSullivan preps for two festive concerts in aid of local charity Killarney soprano singer Mary Culloty OSullivan is gearing up for not one but two festive concerts over the course of the next few weeks with the first of the two shows taking place on Wednesday December 6 at the Listowel Arms Hotel while the Kildare motorist has pleaded not guilty to dangerous driving causing the death of woman A professor who specialises in treating diabetes has told a jury that the driver of a car could have been in and out of consciousness due to low glucose levels when he caused a fatal car accident on a Dublin motorway. Gerry Daly (57) Derby Lodge, Brownstown, the Curragh, Kildare, pleaded not guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to dangerous driving causing the death of Jacqueline Griffin (39) at junction five of the M50 on January 24, 2019. The jury heard on Thursday from Sergeant Patrick McElroy, who at the time was a Forensic Collision Investigator. His role was to attend the scene of fatal and life-altering collisions. He was tasked with examining the scene where the fatal collision took place. When he arrived at the location, he began to photograph and document the scene. Sgt McElroy examined CCTV footage obtained by gardai and examined the vehicles involved in the accident. After examining all available information, including witness statements, he compiled a report. Reading from his report, Stg McElroy outlined that three vehicles were involved and multiple barriers were struck. He said that Mr Dalys car mounted the kerbside and then made contact with the rear of a Scania lorry, which resulted in the Auriss wing mirror breaking off. The car then collided with the rear of Ms Griffins VW Polo. The jury heard that the force of this impact threw Ms Griffin into the back of her car. The angle of the impact resulted in the VW Polo rotating and colliding with a barrier. It then rolled up on the barrier and back onto the motorway. These movements resulted in Ms Griffin suffering catastrophic injuries. The report said Mr Dalys car continued to travel, colliding with the nearside and offside barrier, as well as causing damage to a Toyota Avensis. The jury heard that Sgt McElroy had undertaken additional education to allow him to analyse the speed of a vehicle travelling using CCTV footage. Sgt McElroy said that he used road markings such as continuous white lines and CCTV from a camera positioned at Junction 5. It was his evidence that Mr Dalys car was travelling at a speed of somewhere between 138-151km per hour at the time of the accident. Garda Aidan McHugh gave evidence to the court that he interviewed Mr Daly by appointment on Jan 28, 2019. Mr Daly gave a voluntary interview to the gardai and was cooperative. He described the day of the accident as getting up in the morning, checking his blood sugar levels, what he had to eat and his morning at work. The court heard that Mr Daly had a phone call with a colleague at 10.30 am on the morning of the fatal accident. He described his phone call as cloudy in his interview with gardai. He said he left his place of work and ended up on the M50. He described the weather on the day as being bad and said he couldnt get off the M50 and that he hit a barrier. When the crash occurred, Mr Daly thought his car was on fire as there was a lot of smoke. Paramedics arrived at the scene and gave him glucose. He was taken to Connolly Hospital in Blanchardstown. Mr Daly told gardai that he held a full Irish driver's licence, and his insurer was aware of his diabetes. Gda McHugh asked Mr Daly if he remembered driving at high speed on the M50, to which he replied, I remember driving erratically but not sure where. Mr Daly was charged with dangerous driving causing death on December 17, 2019. Gda McHugh agreed with Roderick OHanlon SC, defending, that Mr Daly cooperated fully and assisted with this tragic accident. The garda also agreed that Mr Daly has no previous convictions. Mr OHanlon said his client indicated in his interview that he frequently drives on the M50, and there were no other incidents like road traffic matters that have come to the gardai attention, which Gda McHugh agreed with. Professor Simon Heller, who is a Professor at Sheffield University and has a clinical practice in Sheffield, is a specialist in the treatment of diabetes, with an area of interest in hypoglycaemia. Prof Heller outlined that Type 1 diabetes is a result of the destruction of cells in the pancreas. He told the jury that the normal levels of blood sugar for people with Type 1 diabetes is between 4-8. Mr Garnet Orange SC, prosecuting, asked Prof Heller if the onset of a hypo event would have warning signs, to which he replied, Yes, at the lower range of four, the body would release stress hormones and adrenaline. This would cause the body to sweat and have a pounding heart. He noted that these symptoms can diminish over time, and other symptoms described as not feeling right and blurred vision could occur. The court heard that Mr Daly uses an app on his phone and a sensor on his arm to check his blood sugar levels. Prof Heller said he studied the data from his app and said that when Mr Daly checked his blood sugar levels upon waking, they were 9.3, which he said is just above normal. When Mr Daly arrived at work, he checked the levels again, and they were 7.3 and 7.0, which are normal levels. Prof Heller said that the glucose levels dropped again to 5.2 later in the morning but said this is still within the normal level. At 8.30 am, another measurement is taken with a reading of 3.8. By 9.30 am, the levels had reached 3.3. At this level, Mr Daly would be cognitively impaired, said Prof Heller. As Mr Daly drove on the M50, Prof Heller said his glucose was now well below what we would consider brain dysfunction, and said, Mr Daly could have been in and out of consciousness. Prof Heller agreed with Mr OHanlon, defending, that the app Mr Daly was using to monitor his diabetes was revolutionary. He also agreed that Mr Daly was endeavouring to take all possible steps to ensure he maintained his blood sugar. Mr OHanlon said to Prof Heller that he had described how a patient might feel prior to an event like sweating, but over the long term, the warning signs can diminish, which he agreed was true. Prof Heller also outlined that Mr Daly had shown some warning signs in the year before this event. Counsel said, It seems that from before Mr Daly got into the car up until after the accident, his range was at a severe level, which the Professor agreed with. Mr OHanlon asked Prof Heller if he would be concerned with what Mr Daly could say immediately after the accident which he replied, studies show that it can take up to 45 minutes to recover from the cognitive impairment. The trial continues before Judge Elma Sheahan on Monday. Some 30 businessses on the Waterford road outside New Ross need drainage connections A joint plan to pressure Uisce Eireann into providing main drainage connections to around 30 businesses and some residences on the Waterford road outside New Ross is being advanced over the coming weeks. Highlighting the matter at a joint meeting of New Ross and Callan-Thomastown municipal districts on Wednesday, New Ross chairman, Cllr Anthony Connick said: We are trying to get businesses on the Waterford Road connected with Irish Water (Uisce Eireann). There are around 300 people employed, with 200 in the industrial estate and around 100 in businesses in and around it. New Ross director of services, Eamonn Hore said it has been agreed between the two councils to submit joint motions at their respective December county council meetings. Its an environment and its a jobs issue. This is specifically to support businesses out there. He provided councillors with a draft motion which reads: This council calls on Uisce Eireann to extend the New Ross main drainage scheme from its current waste boundary at the former Albatros site, to service the many properties, businesses and commercial premises along the Waterford Road (R723), including the Waterford Road Business Park.Cllr John Fleming: That would be of huge benefit. Cllr Michael Doyle said the response he got from Uisce Eireann was that a connection request application has been received and is under review. Sergeant Alan Commons, Garda Tom Currid and Garda Paul Mannion were awarded a rescue appreciation award at Water Safety Irelands National Annual Awards Ceremony at the Printworks Event and Exhibition Centre, Dublin Castle on Tuesday November 14. Three heroic Gardai have been honoured for their actions which led to the rescue of a man from the water in County Leitrim. Sergeant Alan Commons, Garda Tom Currid and Garda Paul Mannion have been awarded a rescue appreciation award at Water Safety Irelands National Annual Awards Ceremony at the Printworks Event and Exhibition Centre, Dublin Castle on Tuesday November 14. In June of this year, at Carrick-on Shannon, Gardai were alerted to a man in distress in the water. Upon arriving to the area, Sergeant Commons decided to enter the reed bank, and all three Gardai waded in where visibility was very poor. After some searching, Sergeant Commons observed bubbles rising and noticed a faint outline of human body beneath the surface of the water. All three Gardai managed to lift the person out of the water to safety. Minister of State at the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media (Sport and Physical Education), Thomas Byrne acknowledged the fifty-five recipients of the Seiko Just in Time Award and rescue appreciation awards for saving twenty-nine lives at risk of drowning. It is an honour to pay tribute to the courageous and deserving award recipients being recognised at Water Safety Irelands National Awards Ceremony. "I want to commend the valiant efforts of these individuals who save others from drowning and to also pay tribute to the ongoing work of Water Safety Ireland volunteers who teach swimming and water rescue skills, said Mr Byrne. Water Safety Ireland CEO Joanne Walsh stated, We all know that safety is a small investment required for the delivery of a rich future and in order to make this happen we need everyone to be water safety aware and water safety conscious. "Drownings can happen quickly and silently but with the right knowledge, skills and attitudes everyone can avoid the hazards and take responsibility for their own safety, said Ms Walsh. Anord Mardix to expand its physical footprint in key market within the data centre industry Situated close to its sister site (Tanola House), D2 is located on IDA Business & Technology Park and will boast an impressive 11,150 sq. metre (120,000 sq. ft) production space, which will be completed over two phases. The first phase is expected to be operational in the first three months of 2024. The 27 million investment not only includes the construction of the new facility, but also will involve an upgrade of the original facility and reflects the firms continued ambition for expansion and growth in the North East. The two Irish sites will work together to further support clients and customers in the critical power industry both on the island of Ireland and around the world. The D2 site will be the assembly hub while the original D1 location will house fabrication and sub-assembly. The D1 venue will also see existing equipment upgraded to state-of-the-art fabrication machinery, which will improve and facilitate product fabrication for the existing team. The expansion will create up to 200 new jobs adding to the more than 380 who are currently employed in Dundalk. A wide variety of job positions will be available in a broad spectrum of disciplines, such as production and manufacturing roles, office-based engineering roles, key management positions, as well as facilities and operations staff. James Peacock Managing Director, Anord Mardix said: The expansion of our operations in Dundalk comes at an exciting time for the business. We are experiencing global commercial growth at an exponential rate. This expansion will only strengthen the Groups capability to meet demand for our market-leading critical power products and services, both in Ireland and around the world. Also commenting, Rachel Hughes, Senior HR Business Partner at Anord Mardix said, The creation of hundreds of jobs is great news for Dundalk and the surrounding communities of the North East. This expansion would not be possible without the hard work of all our current employees, it is a reflection of their dedication to the business and we look forward to expanding our highly skilled team in Dundalk. We are excited to open our new building, expanding our operation in Dundalk and the challenges and opportunities that will bring. Iman Shittu and Claudine Mulihano in Chongwe, Zambia, visiting the Starke Ayres project as part of Self Help Africa. Three Dundalk students have returned from a study visit to Africa, almost two years after winning the trip as a prize at the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition. Jona Garcia, Claudine Mulihano and Iman Shittu all former students of St Louis Secondary School in Dundalk travelled with a group of winning young scientists to far off Zambia, where they visited projects, communities, and met student peers, on a visit that was organised by Irish development charity, Self Help Africa. Jona, Claudine and Iman were the 2022 winners of the Irish Aid sponsored Science for Development Award, which includes a travel bursary that is presented annually at the BT Young Scientist Expo, in Dublin. They won the award for creating a renewable and electricity-free cooling system for food refrigeration. Organised by Self Help Africa development education unit to encourage student scientists to think about issues and challenges confronting people in poorer countries of the world when they design their BT projects, the three Dundalk students winning entry used salt and sunlight to help preserve food. In poorer countries in the world people live without electricity, so there is no opportunity for them to keep their food fresh in a refrigerator, Jona Garcia explains. By using items that are easy to access we believe that our device could have a role to play. All three girls have since finished school and are studying at university Jona and Iman in Dublin, and Claudine in Galway but the trip to Zambia brought them back together, and united them with a number of other winners of the Irish Aid sponsored travel prize. While it was Iman and Jonas first visit to Zambia, for Claudine it was a chance to return to a country where she had lived, earlier in her life. When I was young my family moved from Democratic Republic of Congo and lived for five years in Zambia. I lived here until my family found our new home in Ireland, she said. In many ways it was like coming home. We visited communities and projects that Self Help Africa is implementing in the country, and also met with Zambian schoolchildren, with whom we shared stories, she recalls. It was a very special experience. Dorothy Jacob, Development Education programme co-ordinator at Self Help Africa said that the recent visit brought a group of students that included four years of winners of the Science for Development Award, to Zambia. The winners of the Science for Development Award would traditionally travel with us as part of schools study visit that we arrange annually for students and teachers, but because of the COVID-19 pandemic this trip has not happened for the past number of years. As a result, the winners of the Irish Aid bursaries from 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023 travelled on this visit, she said. Our schools visits are arranged as an immersive experience for young people, and provide them with an opportunity to learn more about the country that is visited, participate in workshops and presentations with their student peers, visit development projects, and hopefully develop a better understanding of the lives of people in sub-Saharan Africa, she added. Passengers on trains who feel in danger from anti-social behaviour or criminals will be getting full support from a joint Garda/Iarnod Eireann initiative. For, Operation Twin Tracks was unveiled yesterday in a nationwide campaign designed to let passengers countrywide that they are not alone. Superintendent Barry Doyle joined local community gardai for Thursdays information day at Sean Mac Diarmada train station in Sligo. Outlining the background, Superintendent Doyle said Operation Twin Tracks was a joint initiative between An Garda Siochana, Irish Rail and the Luas in Dublin. This is a day of action and there are a number of objectives to it and the man one is community engagement with passengers who are using these services. It is engaging with the passengers providing personal safety advice, crime prevention advice and information about other services that we offer. But it is also there to target any anti social behaviour that may happen on trains. it needs to be targeted and this is one of the responses. He added that members were being encouraged to go on the train and have a presence on the train in conjunction with Irish Rail. And just to provide passengers with a feeling of safety, as anti social behaviour and other criminal activity can be very stressful for passengers. It is important that we have a presence on trains and depending on resources, we would hope to have a presence on trains on a monthly basis. It is certainly something I will be encouraging our members to get on the train and stay on it until it leaves the Sligo/Leitrim Division. It is also a chance for us to engage with the people who are using the train and we can also give them some literature on this and there is also information that is helpful on line. When people who are on the train have concerns about their own safety-they can talk to gardai who are on the train as well and they will be highly visible. The message is to make it safe for those who travel on the trains. This has been going for the past few years and we found it to be very beneficial in identifying issues that passengers may have on the Sligo to Dublin. There have been gardai on trains all over the country today. It is to show that the gardai are there and if people have issues on trains the most direct way to report it to us is through 999. And we will have a member at the next stop. We are also very keen to tackle the problem of anti-social behaviour. The eight intercity routes involved in the campaign are: Mayo/Roscommon/Longford: Ballyhaunis, Claremorris, Manulla Junction, Foxford, Ballina, Castlebar and Westport stations Galway: Galway, Oranmore, Athenry, Attymon, Woodlawn, Ballinasloe and South from Athenry, Craughwell, Ardrahan and Gort Sligo/Leitrim: Sligo, Colloney, Ballymote, Boyle, Carrick on Shannon, Dromod, Longford and Edworthstown Kildare/Carlow: Newbridge, Kildare, Monasterevin, Athy and Carlow stations Wicklow/Wexford: Bray, Greystones, Wicklow, Rathdrum, Arklow, Gorey, Enniscorthy, Wexford, and Rosslare stations Limerick and Tipperary: Limerick, Limerick Junction, Castledonnell, Birdhill, Nenagh, Cloughjordan, Roscrea, Ballbrophy, Templemore, Thurles, Tipperary, Cahir, Clonmel and Carrick on Suir Cork City, North and West: Charleville, Mallow, Banteer, Millstreet, Rathmore, Glounthane, Cobh and Midleton stations. YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 17, ARMENPRESS. On November 17, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Vahe Gevorgyan had a meeting with Assistant Secretary-General for Europe, Central Asia and Americas of the United Nations Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Miroslav Jenca. The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs presented the situation resulting from Azerbaijan's policy of ethnic cleansing and continuous use of force in Nagorno-Karabakh, emphasizing the importance of addressing the security, humanitarian and social-economic issues of more than 100,000 forcibly displaced Armenian refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh, the foreign ministry said. In this context, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs stressed the imperative of the involvement of the international community, especially the relevant UN agencies, in order to address the primary and long-term needs of the forcibly displaced refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh, to restore their fundamental rights and ensure their right to dignified and safe return to their homeland. During the meeting, the interlocutors also touched upon the prospects of lasting stability and peace in the region. Enniscorthy Allotments were awarded Best Community Environment Initiative 2023 at the Keep Wexford Beautiful Awards Enniscorthy Community Allotments were honoured at this year's Pride of Place Awards Enniscorthy Community Allotments was honoured at the annual Pride of Place community awards recently in Armagh City. The allotments came runner up in the Community Wellbeing Initiative: Holistic category and was one of two Kilkenny projects to receive nominations for the awards. The allotments lost out to Banteer Community Groups, County Cork. The awards, hosted by UTVs Pamela Ballentine, took place in in front of 400 community volunteers from across the island. The awards were delivered in partnership with Armagh, Banbridge, and Craigavon Borough Council. Sponsored by IPB Insurance, the Pride of Place competition was initiated 21 years ago though a Co-operation Ireland programme to acknowledge the invaluable work undertaken by volunteers and those involved in local community development. It has grown into the largest competition recognising community development achievements on the island of Ireland. President Michael D. Higgins, Joint Patron of Co-operation Ireland, said the awards played an important role in community development projects. The Pride of Place awards are a most important initiative, reminding us that creating societies that are ethical and inclusive is a task for all of our citizens, of all ages and circumstances, he said. Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge, and Craigavon, Alderman Margaret Tinsley, shared her delight to host the awards in Armagh. We were delighted to host this year awards to celebrate and recognise the wonderful work voluntary people and organisations make to community life. Congratulations to all award winners, and thank you to everyone who played their part in organising this fantastic event, she said. Pride of Place founder and Chairman Tom Dowling shared his pride to see the awards thrive 21 years after they were founded. I am very proud after 21 glorious years of celebrating so many wonderful Pride of Place communities to be at another Gala Awards night, excellently hosted by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, he said. All our communities recognise the importance of their place and people and are constantly seeking to make it better. These awards are now even more important as communities face ever increasing challenges and are responding to them with energy, positivity, and commitment. "The communities deserve their well-earned recognition and all participants are truly winners, he added. The team at Enniscorthy Community Allotments also had some great success locally this week winning Best Community Environment Initiative 2023 on Monday night at Ferrycarrig Hotel in Keep Wexford Beautiful Competition 2023 hosted by Wexford County Council. Enniscorthy Community Allotments Chairman, Michael Devereaux shared his delight over the teams success. "Enniscorthy Community Allotments are overwhelmed by our success in the all-island Pride of Place Awards to be awarded runners up winners in a very competitive category Holistic Community Wellbeing Initiative. Sincere thanks to all of our hard-working committee and allotment members and staff, he said Hopefully this resource will go from strength to strength in the months and years ahead, he added. Minister James Browne speaking at the Bangadeshi Family & Friends Get Together in Marshalstown Community Centre. Minister James Browne with members of the Bangadeshi Community at the Bangadeshi Family & Friends Get Together in Marshalstown Community Centre. Mohammed Mostofa, Minister James Browne, Nazrul Kazc Opu and Syed Amran Hosen at the Bangadeshi Family & Friends Get Together in Marshalstown Community Centre. Minister James Browne with a Bangadeshi family at the Bangadeshi Family & Friends Get Together in Marshalstown Community Centre. Tiabia Howlader, Nawshin Hossain and Tanha Howlander at the Bangadeshi Family & Friends Get Together in Marshalstown Community Centre. Maleha Alum, Erana Ahamed and Faria Hossain at the Bangadeshi Family & Friends Get Together in Marshalstown Community Centre. Wexford Bangladeshi Community hosted a family and friends get together party recently in Marshalstown Community Centre. Minister James Browne TD was the chief guest and was presented a bouquet of flowers from Nawshin Hossain. The Minister shared his joy in attending the get together as the chief guest and shared good wishes for Wexford Bangladeshi Community. It was wonderful to attend the recent gathering of the Bangladeshi community in County Wexford. It was a great occasion with young and old members of the Bangladeshi community coming together to celebrate Bangladeshi traditions, he said. "Our county is diverse with many communities contributing to the social and cultural life of the county. I want to wish continued success to the Bangladeshi community in County Wexford in celebrating their roots, he added. The programme was presented by Kazi Nazrul Islam Opu who is the president of the Wexford Bangladeshi Community and the days events were coordinated by Mohammed Munir Hossain Duke. Many Bangaldeshi people from different counties attended the party. People travelled from counties including Wexford, Waterford, Carlow, Kilkenny, Cork and Dublin. There was lots of amazing Indian food at the party and the food and catering service was provided by Shahidul Islam and Khurshed Alam, who own Anar Khali Indian Restaurant Enniscorthy and the food was funded by Syed Amran Hossain Ujjol who owns Wild Spice Indian Restaurant Gorey. There were some fun activities at the party organised by Jabil Ahmed, Syed Nazrul, Mohammed Niaz and Mohammed Humayoun. There were games for men, women and children with prizes including flasks and perfume and complementary prizes for everyone else competing. Wexford Bangladeshi Community member and the partys organiser, Mohammed Munir Hossain Duke, shared his delight that the event was a huge success. Our community had a fantastic time and everyone enjoyed the party including the children, who had a fun day as well, he said. Cheryl and Alan Poole from Ballyowen, Gorey, Co. Wexford pictured in UCC. Twenty Tirlan dairy farmers are the first to graduate from the Tirlan and Baileys Sustainable Farming Academy with a Diploma in Environment, Sustainability and Climate from University College Cork. The year-long, fully-funded programme was designed to provide them with the most up-to-date knowledge, skills and know-how needed to farm even more sustainably into the future. Twenty Tirlan dairy farmers are the first to graduate from the Tirlan and Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur Sustainable Farming Academy with a Diploma in Environment, Sustainability and Climate from University College Cork. The year-long, fully-funded programme was designed to provide them with the most up-to-date knowledge, skills and know-how needed to farm even more sustainably into the future. Included are: Carol Power (Senior Key Account Manager, Tirlan), Alan Poole (Ballyowen, Gorey, Co. Wexford), Belinda Gascoigne (Programme Director, UCC) Kenneth Bray (Delvin, Co. Westmeath), Aine Kavanagh (Marketing Manager, Baileys ) Twenty Tirlan dairy farmers are the first to graduate from the Tirlan and Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur Sustainable Farming Academy with a Diploma in Environment, Sustainability and Climate from University College Cork. The year-long, fully-funded programme was designed to provide them with the most up-to-date knowledge, skills and know-how needed to farm even more sustainably into the future. Included are Linda Cliffe, Kiltegan, Co. Wicklow and Rory Hammel Kilmuckridge, Gorey, Co. Wexford. Twenty Tirlan dairy farmers are the first to graduate from the Tirlan and Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur Sustainable Farming Academy with a Diploma in Environment, Sustainability and Climate from University College Cork. The year-long, fully-funded programme was designed to provide them with the most up-to-date knowledge, skills and know-how needed to farm even more sustainably into the future. Included are: Rory Hammel (Kilmuckridge, Gorey, Co. Wexford), Alan Poole (Ballyowen, Gorey, Co. Wexford) and Sean Condren (Castletown House, Gorey, Co. Wexford) Twenty Tirlan dairy farmers are the first to graduate from the Tirlan and Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur Sustainable Farming Academy with a Diploma in Environment, Sustainability and Climate from University College Cork. The year-long, fully-funded programme was designed to provide them with the most up-to-date knowledge, skills and know-how needed to farm even more sustainably into the future. Included are: Anne Marie, Rory and Alanna Hammel, Kilmuckridge, Gorey, Co. Wexford. Twenty Tirlan dairy farmers are the first to graduate from the Tirlan and Baileys Sustainable Farming Academy with a Diploma in Environment, Sustainability and Climate from University College Cork. The year-long, fully-funded programme was designed to provide them with the most up-to-date knowledge, skills and know-how needed to farm even more sustainably into the future. Included are Darren Barcoe, (Head of Global Sales, Tirlan; Cheryl and Alan Poole, Gorey, Co. Wexford, and Robert Murphy, (Head of Global Supply, Baileys. Wexford graduates, Alan Poole from Ballyowen in Gorey, Rory Hammel from Kilmuckridge in Gorey and Sean Condren from Castletown House in Gorey were among the 20 Tirlan dairy farmers that graduated from the Tirlan and Baileys Sustainable Farming Academy on Wednesday, November 8. This is the first Sustainable Farming Academy class to graduate with their Diploma in Environment, Sustainability and Climate from University College Cork (UCC) which delivered the accredited and fully-funded Level 7 Diploma. The sustainability landscape continues to evolve, on-farm, in our co-op and in the market place. Our farm family suppliers that are graduating with their Diplomas once again demonstrate the willingness of our suppliers to adopt to the sustainability challenges. Were proud to support Irish farming communities in addressing environmental, economic and social challenges. Our farm families remain committed to their on-farm sustainability journey, as part of our Co-op wide Living Proof sustainability strategy, said Darren Barcoe, Head of Global Sales at Tirlan congratulated the first cohort of graduates. It was great to learn not only from the lecturers but from my peers. Its quite remarkable how you can have 20 different people doing the same thing but all a little bit different, yet all achieving the best they can on their family farms. Ive learnt a lot from the course and the real serious issues we have. I can do small things to help and if we all do our little bit, it will make a big difference, said graduate Amanda Mooney. This is Wexford Newsletter Enter your email address below and click 'Sign Up' to receive the This is Wexford newsletter direct to your inbox. Please check your inbox to verify your details This year long course was designed to provide students with the most up-to-date knowledge and skills needed to farm more sustainably. Modules studied included Earth Science, Climate Change and Sustainable Development as well as Ecology, Applied Geographical Information Systems, Environmental Protection and Practical Environmental Management. The course is tailored to fit in with each farmers full-time, on-farm responsibilities and the academy is also aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Our long-established strategic partnership with Baileys has always centred on working closely together to ensure we deliver a world-class product and service and were delighted to see an eager group of new undergraduates enhance their sustainability journey and begin their studies with us. Were proud Tirlan partners since 1974 and it makes sense that we would work together to upskill and educate farmers in sustainable farming practices, so that together we can drive positive change and shape the future of farming in Ireland. We believe the Sustainable Farming Academy can drive fundamental changes in farming practices and we are immensely proud to support this initiative and to acknowledge this first class of graduates. Together, we are working for change, said Robert Murphy, Global Supply Director for Baileys. We are proud to partner with Tirlan and Baileys to support the Irish farming community and empower them on their sustainability journey. A unique aspect of this programme was that the ACE at UCC team undertook an RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) process which evaluates the students' existing knowledge and experience and as a result, Tirlan Co-op members were granted exemptions towards the Diploma. This allowed them to graduate with a Diploma in a way that best matched their needs and interests, and enabled them to continue to meet their full-time, on-farm responsibilities," Belinda Gascoigne, ACE Centre Manager and Programme Director for UCC. Eamon Sheehan said graduating from the Sustainable Farming Academy gave him a strong educational grounding. There is a great sense of achievement, a greater grounding and education in environmental sustainability. Its an area we would always have been very passionate about at home on our farm. Its great to now have an educated opinion going forward. Rita Fenlon memorial vintage run. From left: Margaret Doran from Goolin, Ava and Noely and Doyle from Maley and Keelan O'Carroll from Templenabow. Photo: Mary Browne Rita Fenlon memorial vintage run. From left: Mathew Doyle from Newtown, Cillian and Moling Grennan from Newtown and Paul Nolan from Borris. Photo: Mary Browne Rita Fenlon memorial vintage run. From left: Laura Fenlon from Balliverra, Brena Kennedy from Borris, Michelle and Ellie Fenlon and Abbie Nolan from Ballylyng. Photo: Mary Browne Rita Fenlon memorial vintage run. From left: Mary Ryan from Bahana, Ciara Hayden from Marley, Breda Murphy from Graignamanagh, Sally and Mary Fenlon from Marley and Laura Fenlon from Balliverra. Photo: Mary Browne The third annual Rita Fenlon Remembrance Tractor Run took place recently, raising thousands of euros for cancer support services, as the event, to date, has raised 29,000 for charity. Rita (nee Hayden) from Marley, Graiguenamanagh, who died in October 2019 following a brave battle with illness, was a wonderful wife, mother, daughter, sister and valued member of the local community. This fantastic event is going from strength to strength each year. Located in the beautiful countryside of St Mullins and Graiguenamanagh, participants in the run were treated to an extra special route this year. The day started out a little damp, however the weather didnt dampen the enthusiasm of well over 200 tractor drivers that gathered at the Fenlon family farm. Some brave men and women without the luxury of a cab even put on their oilskins and an enthusiastic smile for the event. Setting out on the 40km route shortly after 11a.m. the skies brightened as did the smiles of the hundreds of onlookers at the junctions and cross roads of this carefully planned run. The convoy climbed up and out of the picturesque town of Graiguenamanagh and into Gorlnigh Wood at the foot of Brandon hill. The 8km long convoy moved seamlessly through the countryside once again passing the Hayden Family farm in Raheendonore, Ritas family home. On arrival back at the Fenlon family farm warm soup and sandwiches greeted all the participants and marshals alike. Close to 50 spot prizes donated by local businesses ranging from tools to ton bags of firewood were handed out to the lucky participants in a complimentary raffle. To date the Rita Fenlon remembrance run has donated 29,000 to the Oncology ward in University Hospital Waterford, 6000 to the Irish Cancer Society night nurse service, 8,000 to Eist cancer support centre and 8000 to Solas cancer support centre. And the good work is set to continue into the future. Wexford County Council has some big shoes to fill after it emerged that Heritage Officer Catherine McLoughlin is to leave the role. An archaeologist with qualifications from Queens University Belfast and Trinity College Dublin, Ms McLoughlin's appointment back in the summer of 2021 was considered a major coup for Wexford County Council as she came with a wealth of experience from the private sector. Independent councillor Leonard Kelly described Ms McLoughlins departure as a huge loss to the local authority and he said that the council will struggle to find someone with the same experience and enthusiasm as the outgoing Heritage Officer. Director of Services Liz Hore agreed. "Catherine will be a huge loss to us here as she leaves to take up a new role within the Department, she said. We will begin advertising for a new Heritage Officer this week and we wish Catherine all the very best in her new role and thank her for her work. The closing date for applications for the role of Heritage Officer with Wexford County Council is November 30 and more details can be obtained by visiting the job vacancies section on the Wexford County Council website. Wicklow TD and Higher Education Minister Simon Harris marked Science Week as he visited primary schools in Greystones on Friday, November 17, to launch the Little Book of Irish Research in Wicklow Schools . Science Week is always a very exciting time for people of all ages but especially young children who are beginning to get curious about the world that surrounds them, Minister Harris said. I am delighted to be here in two schools in Greystones to celebrate Science Week as the Minister for Science. To mark this week I am launching the Little Book of Irish Research in these two schools but all schools will have access to this little book. Last year I asked Irish people what their priorities were in the area of research and science. Describing the new book, which aims to address and digest the big issues for children, Minister Harris continued: "This little book tries to capture those priorities and tells us what we are doing in the area of research and science to tackle the challenges of today and tomorrow. "Our young people are very concerned about climate change and this is reflected in this book. Some children wanted us to examine how to protect bees from extinction and the book tells us a little bit about what it takes for bees to survive and what we need to do to protect them. "Today is about including everyone is Science Week but particularly young children who are passionate about science and how it impacts their everyday lives," he concluded. The Little Book of Irish Research, launched as part of Science Week, has its origins in the Government's Creating Our Future' initiative. In 2021, the general public was asked what researchers in Ireland should explore to create a better future. Following over 18,000 submissions from people all over Ireland, the Creating Our Future Committee identified 16 main themes which are covered in the book. The Wicklow Branch of the Social Democrats have formally selected Bray resident Aaron McAllorum to contest the 2024 local elections in the Bray East Electoral Area. Aaron is parliamentary assistant to the former co-leader of the Social Democrats, Catherine Murphy TD, and has been working with the party and Wicklow TD Jennifer Whitmore since its early stages. Aarons candidacy brings almost 20 years of experience on the civil and political side of public service. Originally from Blanchardstown, he has made his home in Bray and is raising a young family in the town. Speaking after the selection convention, Aaron said: I am honoured to be given the opportunity to represent the Social Democrats as a candidate for the next local elections. The party are very progressive when it comes to their policies on housing provision, public services, healthcare and transport. The fundamental ethos of the Social Democrats can take our country to a fairer and more sustainable place to live and prosper instead of people just getting by. I am proud to live in Bray and I look forward to engaging further with the community in order to bring badly needed political change and fresh perspectives to our town. Commenting on Aarons selection, Deputy Jennifer Whitmore said: I am very proud to see Aaron selected to run in Bray East for the Social Democrats. We have worked together on local issues in Bray for years and I know that Aaron will be a wonderful representative for the area. Having lived here for years and being active in the community, he knows what people in the town are concerned about. His commitment to making positive local change in Bray and his proactive nature will prove to be indispensable if he is elected as a councillor. I wish him every success with his campaign in the months ahead. The 2024 Irish local elections are scheduled to be held in all local authorities in Ireland in June 2024. The date will be set by order of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage on the same day as the 2024 European Parliament election. R&B singer Cassie is suing her ex-partner Sean Diddy Combs, accusing the rap mogul of rape and repeated physical abuse over the course of a decade. The pair reportedly ended their relationship in 2018 after 10 years together. In the suit, filed in Federal District Court in Manhattan on Thursday, Cassie, whose real name is Casandra Ventura, alleges that Combs introduced her to a lifestyle of excessive alcohol and substance abuse and forced her to have sex with numerous male prostitutes while he filmed the encounters. Ventura said in a statement: After years in silence and darkness, I am finally ready to tell my story, and to speak up on behalf of myself and for the benefit of other women who face violence and abuse in their relationships. With the expiration of New Yorks Adult Survivors Act fast approaching, it became clear that this was an opportunity to speak up about the trauma I have experienced and that I will be recovering from for the rest of my life. In response, a lawyer for Combs, Ben Brafman, told The New York Times: Mr Combs vehemently denies these offensive and outrageous allegations. "For the past six months, Mr Combs has been subjected to Ms Venturas persistent demand of $30m, under the threat of writing a damaging book about their relationship, which was unequivocally rejected as blatant blackmail. Despite withdrawing her initial threat, Ms Ventura has now resorted to filing a lawsuit riddled with baseless and outrageous lies, aiming to tarnish Mr Combss reputation and seeking a payday. Douglas Wigdor, a lawyer for Ms Ventura, said the parties had spoken before the suit was filed. Mr Combs offered Ms Ventura eight figures to silence her and prevent the filing of this lawsuit, he claimed. She rejected his efforts. More to follow.. Our fashion editor rounds up the latest style news and fashion trends Statement tailored tuxedo in an abstract vibrant French jacquard (1,300) worn with matching tailored trousers (750) from Carolyn O'Sullivan's Not Another White Dress label. Picture: Patrick McHugh Its always great to chat to Irish designers and creatives who are trying to break the mould and do things differently, their way, adopting a modern approach and to hell with conventions. Designer Carolyn OSullivan set out her stall very distinctly when she named her business Not Another White Dress. She has attracted brides who dont want to play it like their mothers, and indeed their friends have by wearing white. Now based in Co Clare, OSullivan has been attracing international brides and recently took on board the desires of the wedding guests as well as clients buying for special occasions. The tuxedo jacket worn over silk top (350) and skirt (600). Picture: Patrick McHugh I always say, for the bride there are no rules, but for the wedding guest there is still one rule I will not break, and that is not wearing another white dress, she says. Across my bridal and occasionwear, its all about statement dressing for those who dont want to blend in The designer says it was always in her plan to make styles for wedding guests and now is finally the time. Across my bridal and occasionwear, its all about statement dressing for those who dont want to blend in. In an exciting new eight-piece collection, OSullivan has delivered statement tailored pieces to mix and match after the occasion. Theres the core tuxedo jacket in a French jacquard with abstract print (1,300) which you can wear with matching trousers (750) or work it again with a mini skirt (350) and all three will find service dressed down with casual separates. This is a slow-fashion, made-to-order businesss, with a delivery time of six weeks. OSullivan also has some gorgeous silk seperates in turquoise and navy with top (350) and the midi length skirt (600) that has a great kick for dancing. Her 100pc silk dresses cost from 900 and OSullivan can create sizes on request. notanotherwhitedress.ie Here the tuxedo jacket is worn with matching mini skirt (350). Picture: Patrick McHugh Collective talents The dynamic Flanagan sisters, Jane and Ruth, have organised another Design Collective store on the back of the success of earlier stores on Dublins Exchequer Street. This year they have moved the pop-up to the top floor of the Powerscourt Townhouse Centre where the stylish venture has just opened and runs until December 24. The Co Meath sisters have been steadily building their Style Ignite knitwear brand and each week at this seasonal pop-up store, the idea is to welcome guest brands such as Styled by Sarah Rickard, the stylist who has her own online fashion boutique. It also features Happy Days, the phenomenally successful clothing rental company founded by Rachel Hennessy in 2021. Rachel is a perfect example of following your gut in fashion. An accountant in KPMG, she saw the potential for renting occasionwear to Irish women and after selling her Google shares to fund it, her website and store in Leopardstown have become a go-to for occasionwear rental, offering brands such as Olivia Rubin, Spice Vintage, Ganni, Kitri, Sezane, Celia B and Maje. The Design Collectives line-up includes some of my favourites such as Caoimhe Murphy, whose tinsel-flecked clothing I covet and whose bow glass bead earrings I happily own. Theres also the sustainable, vintage-inspired clothing brand FeRi and Cobblers Lane, whose recent Peacock Collection features sleak silhouettes in striking, glossy satins in sophisticated hues ideal for the party season. Dubliner Laura Chambers is there with her latest cashmere collection including the flattering Madonna batwing sweater and nautical stripes. Youll find Nicki Hoyne shoes and boots, Grainne Mullins Gra chocolates, Caroline Duffys scarves and bags from Julie Peelo. An absolute favourite of mine that is on sale now at the Design Collective is the organic cotton pyjama from Moon + Mellow sleepwear. The brand is run by Cliona OBrien, who I finally had the pleasure of meeting in person after years of speaking on the phone and emailing each other. We met when Cliona was manning her stand at the Gather store in Kildare Village. Its a vibrant space full of lifestyle creatives supported by the Kildare Local Enterprise Board. At this time of the year when so many people are actively trying to shop local and buy Irish, I really appreciate how the creatives come away from their studios and businesses to spend time meeting customers. Of course its a two-way street. They can learn so much about what the customer wants. I think it adds to the whole retail experience and theres nothing as nice as telling the recipient of your gift all about the person who designed/made it. I cannot wrap up my piece on the Design Collective in Dubin without mentioning Nunaia skincare. Ive made no secret of being an enormous fan of Nicola Connollys brand. In the week thats in it, when the spotlight is on inspired Irish gifting, I cannot recommend the Nunaia Superfood Cleansing Balm more highly. It costs 59 a jar from nunaia.com, and believe me, people will thank you for introducing them to it. The United States continues to support the peace talks between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Matthew Miller, Spokesperson of the US Department of State, stated this during Thursdays Department press briefing, commenting on Azerbaijan's refusal to participate in the meeting between the foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan. November 17, 2023, 10:00 US State Department comments on Azerbaijan's refusal to meet with Armenia in Washington STEPANAKERT, NOVEMBER 17, ARTSAKHPRESS: "We continue to support peace talks to resolve the issues between Azerbaijan and Armenia. We would encourage the two parties to engage in those talks, whether they are here, whether they are someone elsewhether they are somewhere else, and thatll becontinue to be our policy," Miller said. Azerbaijan has declined to attend the meeting, which was supposed to take place on November 20 in Washington D.C., at the level of the foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan. US president Joe Biden gives a thumbs-up as he walks with Chinese president Xi Jinping at Filoli estate on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation summit, in Woodside, California, this week. Photo: Reuters Chinese leader Xi Jinpings meeting with US president Joe Biden was an unmitigated success, according to the Chinese version of events, as state media made an about-face so abrupt it caused whiplash on social media. After months of criticising the United States for trying to contain Chinas growth, state-controlled Chinese websites were filled with reports on the positive, comprehensive and constructive talks between the leaders of the worlds two largest economies. Teddy bears representing Ukrainian children affected by Russia's invasion at an event in Brussels to mark the first anniversary of the invasion. Photo: Nicolas Maeterlinck, AFP More than 2,400 children from Ukraine aged between six and 17 years old have been taken to 13 facilities across Belarus since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, research published by Yale University said on Thursday. Ukraine's 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. Ukraines naval drones seize initiative from Russians in Black Sea Zelensky David Cameron reaffirms UK support to help Kyiv win the war Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky (left) welcomes UK foreign secretary David Cameron to Kyiv yesterday. Photo: Reuters Olena Harmash Fri 17 Nov 2023 at 03:30 President Volodymyr Zelensky says Ukraine has seized the initiative from Russia in the Black Sea and forced Russias naval fleet and warships to pull back, thanks to Kyivs use of naval drones. LATEST | Israel to allow two fuel trucks a day into Gaza, official say as internet and phone communications down Israel's war cabinet approves two fuel trucks a day into Gaza Palestinians in parts of southern Gaza received evacuation notices on ThursdayResidents say bread is scarce and supermarket shelves are bareCentral electricity and running water have been out for weeksAid workers say it hampers humanitarian operations and hospitals People search through buildings, destroyed during Israeli raids a day earlier, in the southern Gaza Strip on November 17, 2023 in Khan Yunis, Gaza. (Photo by Ahmad Hasaballah/Getty Images) Independent.ie Newsdesk Fri 17 Nov 2023 at 13:23 Israel's war cabinet has approved letting in two fuel trucks a day into Gaza to help meet UN needs, an Israeli official said on Friday. Meet the firm behind our content. Visit their website to see how their services can help your business succeed. Image Courtesy: Khalsavox.com The referendum called by radical Sikh separatist group Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), seeking support for an independent nation carved out of the Punjab state of India, has been dubbed as a farce and a move by the Khalistanis in the West to make a show of force, by participating Sikhs, media reports said. The truth in these allegations is evident from the lack of Sikh participation in the voting held in British Columbia's Surrey, forcing the SFJ to call for a revote on October 29 after an initial vote on September 11. The referendum organisers have not yet released the turnout numbers, apparently to conceal the fact that the so-called Khalistani activists have been rebuffed by the community, whose rights it claims to safeguard. According to a report by the The National Telegraph (TNT), the voting procedures, atmosphere, and voter security at the traveling Khalistan referendum were anything but democratic. The individual, the news organisation spoke to, requested anonymity, citing reprisal by the radical Sikh separatist group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), which organised the referendum. The individual said around five to seven thousand people showed up in the first round of voting, based on the size of the line throughout the day. This was miniscule compared to the 154,000 Sikh population in Surrey, British Columbia. This further reasserts the fact that most of the Sikhs are not interested in the SFJs push for a separate nation, laced with hate propaganda and threats against India. Only a minority of the Sikh population came to vote despite wide promotion for the event, the report said, citing sources, and added that there has been much pressure on the community to turn out. The Sikhs For Justice asserted that 100,000 individuals participated in the initial voting round, a claim that appears far from the truth, given that the vote took place at a single Gurdwara. There is no visual evidence, such as photos or videos, depicting a crowd anywhere near the six-figure mark, which SFJ should have produced along with reliable data to substantiate the 100,000 figure. Instead, it resorted to half-truths to emphasise that it holds massive sway over the Sikh community in Canada. If, indeed, 100,000 people attended in Surrey back in September, why would additional voting rounds be considered necessary? He said the environment around the referendum voting stations was an exceedingly partisan atmosphere. Describing the atmosphere of the event, the individual told TNT, There were a lot of Khalistani flags and there was a lot of repetitive audio plated from speakers chanting What do we want? Khalistan! There were pictures displayed of the 1984 Sikh genocide. And pictures portraying Modi as an enemy and pictures of Hardeep Nijjar. He told TNT that he went to the event to meet someone and one of the individuals, who went there, said that he was more for Sikh rights than the idea of separatism. When this person proceeded to vote in the referendum he was surprised by the lack of security or necessary steps that are fundamental to ensuring voter integrity in any voting process that seeks true outcome. You have to show your ID, they don't check you off a list like normal elections here in Canada. I had a volunteer look over my voting barrier. I made a mistake where I put down an X instead of checking and I asked him if it was okay. He said not to worry but did reconfirm with me that I voted no. In terms of exploitation, it was an echo chamber, he told TNT. Here's what I noticed..... When you vote for any level of government election, they highlight or cross off your name so you can only vote once in every cyclical election. At this referendum, you show your ID but they don't cross off your name but put a mark on your fingernail using a marker. This means you can come back on a different referendum voting day and vote again and nobody would ever notice, he added. The referendum exercise appeared to be aimed at mobilising individuals sympathetic to Khalistan. The outcomes of the referendum vote lack significance, and no international authority should acknowledge what Sikhs For Justice asserts their results indicate. It is a mockery and should be regarded as such, the news organisation noted. To vent his frustration over the poor show by the Sikhs in the much-advertised referendum,SFJ leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun released a two-minute, 30-second video on September 12. He made a hate speech against Indian leaders but claimed that "lakhs of Sikhs participated in the referendum" despite being snubbed by a huge number of Sikhs. It is well known that the referendum is SFJ's attempt to push the UN to exert pressure on India for a Khalistan plebiscite in Punjab, an endeavour that threatens India's societal unity. It advocates for a violent separatist movement that lost popularity in the country decades ago. Outlawed Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), its legal counsel Gurpatwant Singh Pannun and the World Sikh Organization are trying hard to revive the violent movement from their bases in the US and Canada. Photo courtesy: UNI Srinagar/UNI: The anti-militancy operation in Jammu and Kashmirs Kulgam district entered its second day on Friday as a fresh exchange of fire took place between militants and security forces this morning. The encounter began on Thursday afternoon after security forces launched a joint operation in the Samno, Damhal Hanjipora area after receiving information about the presence of militants there. ..During the search operation, as the joint search party approached towards the suspected spot, the hiding terrorist fired indiscriminately on searching parties, which retaliated effectively leading to an encounter, officials said. The joint forces maintained a tight cordon during the night in the area and intermittent exchange of fire took place between the two sides. Officials said the operation to flush out militants, started at first light on Friday and there was a fresh exchange of fire this morning. The operation is still on, officials said. This is the second gun battle in Kashmir since Wednesday. On Wednesday, two militants including top launching commander- Bashir Ahmed Malik -were killed in a gun battle close to the Line of Control in Uri sector of Baramulla district. Army on Thursday said Malik was active for over three decades and was an important cog in the Pakistan-enabled cross-border terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. He was an important terrorist launch commander for terror organisations from Leepa in the north to the areas in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir, opposite Rajouri in the south, commanding officer of armys 8 Rashtriya Rifles Colonel Raghav said during a media briefing on Thursday. United States Congressman Frank Pallone has commended the Senate passing of the Armenian Protection Act which aims to block all U.S. military assistance to Azerbaijan by removing the U.S. President's authority to waive Section 907 of the FREEDOM Support Act for Fiscal Years 2024 and 2025. November 17, 2023, 17:42 There must be real consequences for Aliyev's aggression toward Armenia Congressman Pallone STEPANAKERT, NOVEMBER 17, ARTSAKHPRESS: I applaud the Senate for passing the Armenian Protection Act, Pallone said on X. Now, the House must follow and pass my bipartisan bill, H.R. 5683, which will repeal Section 907 and ban U.S. assistance to Azerbaijan. There must be real consequences for Aliyev's aggression toward Armenia. Photo Courtesy: UNI Security forces shot dead five unidentified militants in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmirs Kulgam district that entered the second day on Friday, officials said. The encounter began on Thursday afternoon after security forces launched a joint operation in the Samno, Damhal Hanjipora area after receiving information about the presence of militants there. During the search operation, as the joint search party approached towards the suspected spot, the hiding terrorist fired indiscriminately upon them, which was retaliated effectively leading to an encounter, the official said. A tight cordon was maintained in the area during the night. Officials said the operation to flush out militants, started at first light on Friday and in the ensuing encounter, five militants were killed, Five terrorists neutralized by Kulgam Police, Army, and CRPF. Incriminating materials recovered. Operation in final stage, Kashmir Zone Police posted on X. The identity and the group affiliation of the slain could not be established. Police said the area was being sanitized. This is the second gun battle since Wednesday in Kashmir. On Wednesday, two militants including top launching commander Bashir Ahmed Malik were killed in a gun battle in Uri sector of Baramulla district. Army on Thursday said Malik was active for over three decades and was an important cog in the Pakistan-enabled cross-border terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. He was an important terrorist launch commander for terror organisations from Leepa in the north to the areas in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir, opposite Rajouri in the south, commanding officer of armys 8 Rashtriya Rifles Colonel Raghav said during a media briefing. (With UNI inputs) Photo Courtesy: UNI Srinagar, Nov 17 (UNI) For the sixth consecutive Friday, congregational prayers were not allowed at Kashmirs historic Jamia mosque. The Chief Cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who is also the Hurriyat Conference head was placed under house arrest, the managing body of the mosque said. Anjuman Auqaf, termed the administrations decision to disallow Friday prayers for the sixth consecutive Friday at the grand mosque and placing Umar Farooq under continued house detention as incomprehensible and greatly disturbing. The grand mosque is being repeatedly targeted under the pretext of the ongoing conflict between Palestine and Israel, the Anjuman said in a statement. It also criticised the authorities for detaining Mirwaiz. The Anjuman said that while prayers have been banned in Al-Aqsa Mosque by the Israeli state since it launched a war against Palestinian people, locking down Jama Masjid in Kashmir belies the claims of normalcy by the administration here. The continuous ban on Friday prayers at Jamia Masjid, and undue restrictions on the activities of Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir hurt the religious sentiments of the Muslims of Kashmir and negate the claims of normalcy. So the authorities should revise their decision and allow prayers at the grand mosque and let Umar Farooq Sahib carry out his religious duties as the Mirwaiz of Kashmir, the Auqaf said. Since October 13, the Friday prayers have not been allowed at Jamia mosque as authorities apprehend that there could be protests in support of Palestine. (With UNI Inputs) A trail of destruction in Gaza/Photo courtesy: UNI As West Asia (or the Middle East, if you will) slides into yet another fit of the spasmodic violence that has plagued it for the better part of a century, the world has found itself scurrying to form opinions and take sides. True to form, nowhere has this trend been more pronounced than in the media and among the self-appointed paragons of virtue in the commentariat. Politicians, activists, and social media users from across the globe have also thrown their lot with one side or the other, taking maximalist positions appropriating victimhood for their side and condoning any degree of cruelty that is visited upon the other side as just deserts. Polarized discourse Zionists, even supposedly moderate ones such as Israels centre-left president Isaac Herzog, have argued that the depravity of the Hamas terrorist attack on Israeli civilians justifies the brutally heavy-handed means the Israeli military uses in Gaza. Herzog was blase enough to have suggested that the people of Gaza are collectively responsible. Other Israeli leaders have ventured farther, with a minister from the extremist Otzma Yehudit party going so far as to advocate the use of nuclear weapons on Gazas defenceless people. Many progressive scholars and civil society groups have adopted an equally absolutist view, effectively in support of the killing, maiming, and abduction of Israeli civilians by Hamas. They have sought to deflect attention to the oppressive Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories as if the Palestinians suffering and victimization at the hands of the State of Israel makes Israeli civilians (and citizens of other countries in Israel) fair game for Palestinian wrath and retribution. Both these positions rely on a logical fallacy known colloquially as whataboutism, or responding to an accusation of wrongdoing by claiming that an offence committed by another is similar or worse. In other words, any discussion on the moral and legal wrongs committed by the side one identifies with is deflected and dismissed offhand by an appeal to the perceived injustice that the other side is supposedly to blame for. Whataboutism and international humanitarian law As a legal justification for illegal conduct, whataboutism is untenable. Innocent individuals cannot be punished for crimes allegedly committed by others belonging to the same national, ethnic, or religious group. All people have the right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty, and collective punishments are prohibited under international humanitarian law (IHL). Article 50 of the Hague Regulations annexed to the Hague Convention (II) of 1899 provides, [n]o general penalty, pecuniary or otherwise, can be inflicted upon the population on account of the acts of individuals for which they cannot be regarded as jointly and severally responsible. Art. 33(1) of the Fourth Geneva Convention (GC IV), accepted universally, is more unequivocal, stating, [n]o protected person may be punished for an offence he or she has not personally committed. Collective penalties and likewise all measures of intimidation or of terrorism are prohibited. This prohibition means that the violence unleashed by Hamas on October 7 cannot be justified on the grounds that Israeli civilians are collectively responsible for the actions of the government they elected. By the same coin, any assertion that the Palestinians deserve to be punished collectively deserves our opprobrium. IHL governs the conduct of armed conflict. The four Geneva Conventions form the bedrock of this body of law. They are supplemented primarily by Additional Protocol I (AP I) for international armed conflict and AP II for non-international armed conflict. In addition to these written instruments, a substantial portion of IHL is uncodified and exists as customary international law. Article 48 of AP I lays down the maxim of limited warfare based on the customary requirement of distinction. Parties to an armed conflict must at all times distinguish between the civilian population and combatants and between civilian objects and military objectives. Operations must only be directed against military objectives. Palestine is a State party to the Geneva Conventions and AP I. As an armed group claiming to wage a war of national liberation on behalf of Palestine against alien occupation, Hamas cannot shirk adherence to the law of armed conflict. Rocket attacks launched indiscriminately at civilian population centres without due regard to the principle of distinction run afoul of IHL. Israel, for its part, would do well to respect its legal obligations and avoid recourse to hiding behind technicalities and sophistry. Although not a party to AP I, Israel is bound nonetheless by the Geneva Conventions and customary IHL. Couching its military operations in the grammar of counter-terrorism does not absolve it of blame for its violations of IHL. Israels stance that GC IV is not applicable to the territories occupied in 1967 has been rejected by all other states parties to the Geneva Conventions and by the International Court of Justice in its 2004 Advisory Opinion on the Legality of the Wall. International crimes like genocide, war crimes, and wars of aggression cannot be justified by pointing out that the other side has done worse in the past. The legitimacy and righteousness of a cause cannot afford legal cover to illegal means employed in pursuit of otherwise laudable objectives such as national liberation or the suppression of terrorism. Implications for the international order Admittedly, whataboutist critiques may provide the impetus for self-reflection by opening space for constructive debates about discrepancies and double standards. For instance, some comparisons in the case of post-2022 Ukraine have shed light on problematic aspects of Western power. Whataboutism in the study of international law on the use of force has engendered new debates on international law's functions and double standards. It has also shed light on the laws relationship with imperialism and colonialism. Similarly, in migration governance, whataboutist comparisons have highlighted differentiated applications of refugee law by powerful States and the implicit racial biases underpinning these decisions. Whataboutism, as long as it is not used to justify wrongdoing, is not harmful in itself. However, the tendency to use whataboutism to legitimise egregious criminal violence is repugnant to democratic values and an anathema to the rule of law. Warring sides in protracted ethnic conflicts seldom believe they are not on the right side of history. Both Israel and Hamas are convinced that the ends they pursue are just, and it would be quite beside the point of this article to suggest otherwise to either party. No amount of hair-splitting on the legal and ethical underpinnings of their respective causes can do away with the fact that the law should apply universally. One shudders to think of the consequences of whataboutism in an ever-so-volatile global political climate. Consider South Asia as a hypothetical example. In 2002, India could have, like Israel in 2023, used the unspeakable inhumanity of the perpetrators of the Kaluchak Massacre (when Indian families and children were targeted) as a whatabout to justify carpet bombing Pakistani homes in retaliation. Mercifully, it did not. But the alarming rate at which whataboutism is becoming the norm in the global public discourse, brooks little reason for optimism. If Hamas can justify targeting civilians by branding them settler colonists, could Baloch nationalist armed groups not justify an indiscriminate slaughter of Pakistani migrant workers by resorting to whataboutism and terming their victims Punjabi settler colonists out to dispossess the Baloch with the backing of the occupying Pakistani military? Two wrongs dont make a right, as the old adage goes. Mahatma Gandhi rejected the idea that a just cause can be pursued by any means, however immoral, available at ones disposal. He resolved, correctly, in my view, that evil means can never lead to good ends. An eye for an eye will only make the world blind. A lesson that world leaders and opinion-makers alike must imbibe. The world would rapidly descend into unbridled chaos if all countries and non-state actors were permitted to do what they please, as long as they believe in the legitimacy of a cause and their enemies have employed (or continue to employ) the same or worse means and methods. All hope of salvaging a just, peaceful, and prosperous world will be lost if whataboutism becomes the norm in our approach to contemporary and future conflicts. Condemning one sides war crimes and simultaneously justifying equally criminal acts perpetrated by the other side is the thin edge of an ideological wedge that may one day imperil the very existence of a rules-based international order. [Varun Nambiar is a PhD candidate at South Asian University (SAU). He writes on international strategic affairs and legal issues. The opinion expressed in the article is of the writer who can be reached on varunnambiar10@gmail.com.] Photo Courtesy: IDF X page The Israeli Defence Forces on Friday (November 17, 2023) said they have recovered the body of a 65-year-old hostage, who was abducted by Hamas members on October 7, close to the Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza. The hostage was identified as Yehudit Weiss. IDF posted on X: "Yehudit Weiss was a 65-year-old who worked with kindergarten kids." Yehudit Weiss was a 65-year-old who worked with kindergarten kids. On October 7, Yehudit was abducted by Hamas from her home in Kibbutz Beeri. Her husband, Shmulik Weiss, was murdered in their home. Yehudit and Shmulik were parents to 5 children. IDF soldiers recovered her pic.twitter.com/Y7tpt8nU3o Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) November 16, 2023 "On October 7, Yehudit was abducted by Hamas from her home in Kibbutz Beeri. Her husband, Shmulik Weiss, was murdered in their home. Yehudit and Shmulik were parents to 5 children," the defence body said. IDF said its soldiers recovered her body from a building adjacent to the Shifa Hospital in Gaza. "AK-47s, RPGs, and other military equipment were also found where Yehudit's body was located," IDF posted on X. She was one of the 240 persons taken as hostages by Hamas during the October 7 attack. Meanwhile, the head of the UN agency that assists Palestine refugees, UNRWA, said on Thursday (November 16, 2023) that lack of fuel is jeopardizing the entire architecture of the humanitarian response in Gaza, where raw sewage is now flowing in the streets. In a wide-ranging briefing to journalists in Geneva, UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini reiterated calls for a ceasefire and addressed misinformation targeting the agency, including claims that aid is being diverted. He said he has also received reports of UN schools being used for military purposes. During the briefing, Lazzarini said he had received reports that Gaza was under a communications blackout due to the lack of fuel. He repeated his earlier warning that UNRWA is running out of fuel, thus putting lifesaving support to 2.2 million in Gaza at risk. Everything from aid delivery, to water supply, to even accessing cash from ATM machines will be impacted. We will not be able to uphold our commitment to provide for the Palestinian people any longer, he said. I do believe there is a deliberate attempt to strangle our operation and paralyse the UNRWA operation. Former MasterChef finalist Paul Douglas Frost jailed for sexually abusing children. Photo Courtesy: Paul Kang X page A finalist of the popular cooking show MasterChef Australia, who had sexually abused 11 children he coached at a swimming school, has been sent to prison for a minimum of 24 years. Paul Douglas Frost, 48, was sentenced on Thursday (November 16, 2023) four years after he was arrested. Judge Sarah Huggett sentenced Frost - who starred on the Network Ten show's first season - to a maximum term of 32 years for committing 43 offences over more than a decade against children as young as 10, reported Daily Mail. Judge Huggett said Frost was sexually attracted to pubescent children and his offending was marked by its 'escalating gravity and brazenness'. "He moved from one victim to the next as and when he so desired," she was quoted as saying by the newspaper. On June 14, Frost was found guilty of sexually abusing 11 former swimming students which included 10 boys and one girl in the 1990s and 2000s. The youngest victim was aged nine or ten at the time of the abuse. The oldest was 16 years old at the time of abuse. Frosts earliest possible release date is June 3, 2047, reports news.com.au. Body of 19-year-old Israeli soldier recovered from Gaza. Photo Courtesy: IDF X page The Israel Defence Forces on Friday (November 17, 2023) said the body of a 19-year-old Israeli soldier, who was kidnapped by Hamas members on October 7, has been found adjacent to the Shifa Hospital in Gaza. The IDF also shared an image of the slain soldier on its X page. The soldier was identified by IDF as Corporal Noa Marciano. IDF wrote on X, "19 year old CPL Noa Marciano was abducted and murdered by Hamas terrorists on October 7." "Her body was found and extracted by IDF troops adjacent to the Shifa Hospital in Gaza. The IDF sends its heartfelt condolences to the family and will continue to support them," the force said. The Israeli Defence Forces earlier in the day said they have recovered the body of a 65-year-old hostage, who was abducted by Hamas members on October 7, close to the Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza. The hostage was identified as Yehudit Weiss. IDF posted on X: "Yehudit Weiss was a 65-year-old who worked with kindergarten kids." 19 year old CPL Noa Marciano was abducted and murdered by Hamas terrorists on October 7. Her body was found and extracted by IDF troops adjacent to the Shifa Hospital in Gaza. The IDF sends its heartfelt condolences to the family and will continue to support them. pic.twitter.com/f7eWBUrzVq Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) November 17, 2023 "On October 7, Yehudit was abducted by Hamas from her home in Kibbutz Beeri. Her husband, Shmulik Weiss, was murdered in their home. Yehudit and Shmulik were parents to 5 children," the defence body said. IDF said its soldiers recovered her body from a building adjacent to the Shifa Hospital in Gaza. Yehudit Weiss was a 65-year-old who worked with kindergarten kids. On October 7, Yehudit was abducted by Hamas from her home in Kibbutz Beeri. Her husband, Shmulik Weiss, was murdered in their home. Yehudit and Shmulik were parents to 5 children. IDF soldiers recovered her pic.twitter.com/Y7tpt8nU3o Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) November 16, 2023 "AK-47s, RPGs, and other military equipment were also found where Yehudit's body was located," IDF posted on X. She was one of the 240 persons taken as hostages by Hamas during the October 7 attack. A displaced family carries their belongings in Kandahar, Afghanistan. Photo Courtesy: UNOCHA/Sayed Habib Bidel UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk said today 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. 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. 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 Pakistans decades-long tradition of hosting, generously, Afghan refugees in vast numbers, Turk said. 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. 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. Arbitrary arrests and detentions are contrary to Pakistans obligations under international law, Turk added. The right to liberty of 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 Afghanistans 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. Afghan refugees takes shelter in a tent after being displaced by the monsoon flooding in Nowshera District, Pakistan.Photo Courtesy: UNHCR/Usman Ghani Several Afghan refugees, who have been expelled from Pakistan, claim that they suffered psychologically due to harassment by the Pakistani military. Officials at the health camp in Spin Boldak district of Kandahar say that many refugees deported from Pakistan are struggling with depression due to torture by the Pakistani military, reported Tolo News. A large number of Afghanistani nationals, who are suffering from depression due to mistreatment and torture by Pakistani soldiers, are visiting the camp for counseling and medicine. "They suffered from lots of problems during their return. We have services for depressed patients. During the two or three days that we came, 150 to 200 patients who have depression came to us," Azad Afghan told Tolo News, head of special health camp for returnee refugees. They also criticised the treatment they faced from Pakistani army. "The government of Pakistan was harassing and beating. Women and children were all by the side of the roads, this all has an affect," Abdulsamad, an expelled refugee, told Tolo News. More than 90,000 Afghans have been deported from Pakistan to Afghanistan in more than a month period. They had entered the country through Spin Boldak crossing. Photo Courtesy: Pixabay A Pakistani political figure named Rana Iftikhar and four others were killed when they were attacked by four bike-borne attackers in Gujranwala city on Wednesday. The police believe old enmity to be the reason behind the attack. According to reports, Iftikhar was returning after attending a court hearing in Gujranwala city when the attack took place. As soon as his car reached along Kashmir Road, four people riding two motorbikes ambushed the car with indiscriminate firing, killing Iftikhar, his driver Boota, and three guards - Abu Sufian, Rajab, and Qasib. The assailants fled the scene, reported Dawn News. A spokesman for Gujranwala police stated that a case had been registered against the suspects belonging to the Mehar group, a rival party of the deceased Rana Iftikhar, the newspaper reported. The deceased Iftikhar used to contest the union council chairman elections, and he had announced contesting the next elections from PP 59. In a historic operation, authorities in Manhattan seized a massive collection of counterfeit goods, marking the largest such bust in U.S. history. Where did the raid happen? Stored in boxes and on shelves at Gotham Mini Storage, the stash of phony designer merchandise, valued at $1.03 billion, included fake handbags, shoes, clothes, and accessories. Two men were arrested in connection with the operation. When was the operation held? In a joint investigation by Homeland Security Investigations agents and the NYPD, approximately 219,000 fake items were recovered. Who was operating the raid? Allegedly operated by Adama Sow, 38, and Abdulai Jalloh, 48, the black-market scheme ran out of a Manhattan storage facility from January to October. According to prosecutors, Jalloh faces additional charges for selling counterfeit goods from another off-site location in Manhattan. As alleged, the defendants used a Manhattan storage facility as a distribution center for massive amounts of knockoff designer goods, U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said in a statement. justice.gov The seizures announced today consist of merchandise with over a billion dollars in estimated retail value, the largest-ever seizure of counterfeit goods in U.S. history. Images from the U.S. Attorneys Office revealed storage units packed with counterfeit high-end handbags in various colors and designs. In one room, clothes were hanging from pipes, while another photo displayed multiple unopened boxes on pallets in a separate space. Adama Sow, residing in Queens, and Abdulai Jalloh, based in Manhattan, were charged with trafficking in counterfeit goods. Ivan J. Arvelo, the special agent-in-charge of Homeland Security Investigations, New York, emphasized the potential harm of purchasing knockoff luxury brands during the arrests. One purse might seem harmless, but the production and sale of imitation products is far from a victimless crime, Arvelo said. We will not allow opportunists to convert public warehouses into their illegal shopping centers or to wreak havoc on the streets of New York City, nor will we relent in our efforts to combat transnational criminal organizations smuggling these items through our borders. If found guilty, the duo could be sentenced to 10 years. Unsplash The trafficking of counterfeit goods is anything but a victimless crime because it harms legitimate businesses, governments, and consumers, NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban said in a statement. Todays indictments show how seriously the NYPD and our federal partners take this offense. For more trending stories, follow us on Telegram. A local council has begun taking down a series of controversial street murals after they were branded "anti-Semitic". The government-funded mural by well-known artist Mic Porter shows a series of "grotesque" faces painted across the upper facades of shops along Carlisle Street in Balaclava, Melbourne. It sparked immense backlash from some who said the faces show physical attributes that can be likened to a degrading, well-worn trope of Jewish people. The City of Port Phillip council recently debuted the artwork as part of their "People of Balaclava" project. "The artworks are depictions of many of the characters of Carlisle Street," the council said in a recent Facebook post promoting the mural before they decided to remove it. But the series' project manager, another artist called Bailer, defended the work, slamming suggestions they are intentionally offensive. He told Yahoo News that calling Porter anti-Semitic is "ridiculous". "It's a blatant lie," he shared. "[Mic] has lived in the area for over 40 years and his artwork has been featured heavily on a large scale throughout the area for over 20 years". Mic Porter's recent work on Carlisle Street as part of the City of Port Phillip's 'People of Balaclava' project. Source: X After reaching out to Port Phillip Council, Mayor Heather Cunsolo confirmed to Yahoo News that after discussions with Coles Balaclava, they decided to start removing the portraits. "When Council was first made aware that the artists figures could be interpreted as anti-Semitic, we reached out to several Jewish community leaders for advice. Whilst no concerns were raised, the current conflict has understandably heightened sensitivities and Council has no desire to add to the pain and distress many of our community are already feeling," Cunsolo said. "We realise that regardless of the artists intentions, the portraits have deeply upset and divided members of our community and for that we apologise". Some agree the art is anti-Semitic Researcher and executive director of John Curtin Research Centre, Nick Dyrenfurth, shared online that he has "no words" after seeing the mural. Story continues "And if we want to inquire as to the potential motivations of the artist, Mic Porter. He posted this video at the October 29 Melbourne protest," Dyrenfurth shared on his X account on Thursday alongside screenshots from Porter's recent video at a peaceful pro-Palestinian rally. Others, including members of the Jewish community and government figures, have also shared their disapproval of the art. One official, City of Port Phillip Councillor Marcus Pearl, publicly asked that the council remove it immediately. "I have received a significant number of complaints from members of our community who find these murals deeply offensive," he told the Herald Sun. Zionism Victoria executive director Zeddy Lawrence said that after looking at Porter's work online, he can appreciate that this may be his style. "If thats the case, its just incredibly unfortunate that his comically grotesque images, which are redolent of monstrous anti-Semitic caricatures, appear as street art in such a notable Jewish neighbourhood," he told the Herald Sun. Artist known for his 'caricature' portraits for years Profiles of the artist on gallery websites and art websites across the internet all describe his art as "grotesque" self-portraits that represent himself, his brothers, and his emotions. "His style is provocative, with his pieces often taking on grotesque and otherworldly qualities: pock-marked figures resembling fungus, street murals bearing gnarly and sinister caricature," Urban Canvas Melbourne says of the work. Some of Mic Porter's previous art. (Left) a painting of Porter's from 2019 and (right) the 'Vault' mural by Porter in St Kilda which has since been damaged by protesters and painted over in some places. Source: Instagram Due to his recognisable style, others have followed in Bailer's footsteps, hitting back at online claims that Porter's art is antisemitic. "You are really reaching here. Michael Porters images are almost all self-portraits and portraits of his dead brother. Do your homework," one person replied on Dyrenfurth's X post with many others sharing the same sentiment. Escalating conflict in the Middle East fuelling increased tension Australia has been experiencing increased tension as the Israel-Hamas conflict continues to escalate. On Wednesday, an Australian business owner came under fire after rejecting a Jewish high school's application to lease a jumping castle. Since Hamas's surprise attack on Israel on October 7, reportedly over 1200 Israelis have been killed and more than 12,000 Palestinians the majority of which are civilians, including over 4000 children. Around 30,000 Palestinians have been injured, and an estimated 1.5 million Palestinians in Gaza have been displaced. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. Employees are expressing frustration with phrases like "quiet quitting," "rage applying," and "great resignation," reflecting their struggles during the pandemic. According to Forbes, as employees return to the workplace, they become more deliberate with their time use, spawning the "coffee badging" trend. What is Coffee Badging? The "coffee badging" trend involves employees coming to the office, having coffee, chatting with colleagues, and then leaving, essentially earning a symbolic "badge" for attendance. It plays on the idea of physically being present at work, swiping the ID badge to confirm attendance, and then going out for coffee with coworkers. After this ritual, employees promptly leave the office and go home. The "coffee badging" trend is considered a form of resistance against recent return-to-office mandates. According to Owl Labs' 2023 State of Hybrid Work report, a yearly power struggle for returning to the office is happening again this fall. Big companies like Zoom, Meta, Salesforce, JP Morgan, and others are urging or even compelling their employees to return to the workplace. Employees are resisting the return to the office for various reasons, as per the Owl poll. Many are reluctant to spend time and money on regular commutes, and some companies still need to improve their work environment to make it more inviting, efficient, and stress-free, encouraging employees to return willingly. What do experts have to say about 'Coffee Badging'? Frank Weishaupt, CEO of Owl Labs, said, "People don't want to spend time and money on frequent office pilgrimages if they're just going to be sitting on the same video calls they'd be doing in the comfort of their own homes or on tasks that they feel less productive doing from the office. The data shows that many companies have more work to do to provide an attractive, productive, and stress-free office environment that makes employees want to gather." Does 'Coffee Badging' have a Negative Impact on the work culture? Yet, the "coffee badging" trend may have significant downsides, highlighting a negative aspect of work culture. Employees might start viewing going to the office as a chore to be avoided, potentially causing tension among coworkers. Those who spend the entire day in the office might grow frustrated if they perceive their colleagues taking advantage of hybrid work policies. Moreover, badging coffee may lead to shorter team meetings and undermine efforts to foster a supportive workplace environment. Unsplash In an interview with Fox News, career expert Greg Giangrande expressed that he wouldn't recommend the practice of coffee badging to prospective employees. "If you're a coffee badger and you're only showing up for an hour or two, your employer is going to know that. And I don't think they're going to accept that as showing up for the day for very long," he added. For more trending stories, follow us on Telegram. The Federal Government has disclosed that 48 million Nigerians still practice open defecation, and many people still use the bush and water bodies as their regular means for excreta disposal. Speaking on Thursday at the joint press briefing organised by the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, in commemoration of World Toilet Day in Abuja, the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas noted that many institutions do not have sanitary facilities and where they exist, they are either not functioning or misused. Abbas stressed that most urban areas do not have sewerage systems and safe collection of sewage, hence disposal becomes a huge challenge. The WTD is commemorated on November 19 to raise awareness of the billions of people living without access to safely managed sanitation. This years theme Accelerating Change underscores the need for every sector and every Nigerian to play a role in tackling the sanitation crisis. This years WTD commemoration presents an opportunity to bring to our consciousness that with just seven years left, the world has to work, on average, five times faster to meet the sanitation target of SDG six on time. This therefore should stimulate and spur the government and the citizenry to action to improve and change the narratives. Toilets are a foundation stone of public health and they play an important role in protecting the environment. They effectively and hygienically remove human waste away from the home, reducing the exposure our loved ones have to human waste and diseases. Unfortunately, toilets and the sanitation systems that support them are underfunded, poorly managed or neglected in many parts of the world including Nigeria with devastating consequences for health, economics and the environment particularly in the poorest and most marginalized communities. Right now, about 4.2 billion people in the world live without safe toilets and about 48 million Nigerians still practice open defecation, as many people still use the bush and water bodies as their regular means for excreta disposal. Many institutions, public and private, do not have sanitary facilities and where they exist they are either not functioning or misused. Most urban areas do not have sewerage systems and safe collection of sewage. Therefore, disposal becomes a huge challenge as many of the water bodies including rivers and streams become a repository for sewage and wastewater. The Minister said the sanitation crisis poses a threat to the environment and the health of citizens, particularly women, girls and other vulnerable groups. According to him, one of the major consequences of poor excreta and sewage disposal is the high rate of diarrhoea disease which is the second cause of high morbidity and mortality rates among children under the age of five. The persistent re-occurrence of annual incidences of cholera outbreaks in some of our states are also manifestations of inadequate toilet facilities. Yet this could also be prevented through safe excreta disposal by every individual, he added. He, however, said the government is committed to addressing the sanitation challenges in the country and ensuring proper management of excreta. READ MORE: Global Diabetes Cases To Double To 1.3bn By 2050 Research Corroborating, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev over 40 percent of wastewater is discharged into the environment without treatment. Utsev said some of the untreated wastewater is being used in irrigation farming and the produce consumed with the attendant risks. Utsev said, In Nigeria, over 100 million persons lack access to basic sanitation while an estimated 48 million practice open defecation which puts the country among the countries with the highest number of people involved in this practice. The government recognises that access to adequate Water, Sanitation and Hygiene services is a critical factor for the socio-economic development of any nation with implications for human capital outcomes such as early childhood survival, health and educational attainment. In addition, the practice of open defecation due to the dearth of sanitation facilities is directly correlated with sanitation-related diseases, poor educational outcomes and loss of productivity. This is besides such as other consequences such as the concomitant lack of dignity, inconvenience and violence experienced by women and girls when practicing open defecation. He said the government has initiated interventions through the WASH programmes and projects to accelerate progress towards national targets within the context of the global commitment. Appreciable progress is being made towards the attainment of the Open Defecation Free status in communities and Local Government Areas across the country. In this regard, it is noteworthy that 105 Local Government Areas and over 40,000 communities have achieved the ODF status. Despite this encouraging development, we need to do much more in order to attain the 2025 target date of ending open defecation in Nigeria, he stated. The Court of Appeal in Abuja has upheld the ruling of the Election Petitions Tribunal sacking Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State. The panel upheld the Tribunals verdict led by Justice Oluyemi Akintan Osadebay, which sacked Yusuf on September 20, 2023. Recall that in the March 18, 2023 election, Governor, Yusuf of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) was declared the winner by the Independent National Electronic Electoral Commission (INEC) with 1,019,602 votes, surpassing Nasiru Gawunas 890,705 votes. However, the All Progressives Congress (APC) took the matter to the Tribunal, alleging electoral malpractice. Subsequently, a three-man panel, including Justice Oluyemi Akintan Osadebay, along with two other judges, removed Yusuf from office on September 20, 2023, after declaring 165,663 of his votes invalid due to the lack of signatures or stamps from the Independent National Electoral Commission. As a result, the governors votes were reduced to 853,939, while Ganuwas 890,705 votes remained. Yusuf immediately rejected the Tribunals decision, calling it unfair and a miscarriage of justice, and appealed the ruling. At the court, Wole Olanipekun, SAN, lead for Yusuf, asked that the Tribunals judgement be set aside. READ MORE: Appellate Court To Hear Case On Kano Governorship Election Saga On Monday Kicking against the ruling on ballot papers, the senior lawyer said that was the first time in history that a tribunal would annul an election over non-signing of the back of ballot papers. He added that it was the first time that a political party would file a matter without joining its candidate as a party in the petition, and the candidate was declared winner of the polls. Umar Damagum, National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has alleged that a cabal in the Presidency is planning to overthrow the democratic rights of Nigerians. Speaking at a media briefing at the Partys National Secretariat in Abuja on Thursday, Damagum said the cabal was determined to overturn the will of Nigerians to favour the All Progressives Congress (APC). According to him, there is an ongoing design by APC to cripple democracy, overthrow the democratic rights of Nigerians, suppress the rule of law and downgrade our nation to a fiefdom run by the whims of a cabal. READ ALSO: 2027 Polls: No Merger Plan With PDP, NNPP, Others LP Denies Claims He said it has become necessary to alert Nigerians that the country is fast sliding into totalitarianism following the activities of a cabal in the Presidency, which is out to emasculate institutions of democracy, especially the judiciary, in the desperation to subvert and overturn the expressed will of Nigerians in the various election matters across the country. This is coming after the PDP spokesman, Debo Ologunagba, accused the cabal in the Presidency of trying to slide Nigeria into anarchy and totalitarianism. Ologunagba claimed that the cabal in the Presidency was trying to use the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the judiciary to throw Nigeria into anarchy. A Federal High Court, sitting in Abuja, has ordered the remand of the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, in Kuje Correctional Centre. The presiding judge, Justice Hamza Muazu, gave the order on Friday and adjourned the ruling on the bail application filed by the former CBN boss till November 22, 2023. It was gathered that Emefiele was arraigned by the Federal Government on a six-count charge bordering on procurement. The original charge, which was 20 counts of N6.5 billion, has been reduced to six, to N1.6 billion. In the amended charge sheet, FG alleged that Emefiele illegally bought 43 vehicles between 2018 and 2020 worth N1.2 billion. The former CBN Governor, who is the only defendant in the new charge, was accused of awarding a contract for the procurement of 37 Toyota Hilux Vehicles valued at N854 million. READ MORE: Court Grants Emefiele Bail, Orders Immediate Release After 151 Days In the first count, he was accused of using his position as the CBN Governor to confer a corrupt advantage on Saadatu Ramallan Yaro, a staff of the Central Bank of Nigeria, by awarding a contract for the supply of 37 Toyota Hilux Vehicles at the cost of N854,700,000 only to, a company in which the said Saadatu Ramallan Yaro is a director and thereby committed an offence. In the second count, Emefiele was April 1616 Investment Ltd accused of using his position to corruptly confer an advantage on Yaro, a staff of the apex bank by awarding a contract for the supply of one Toyota Avalon at the cost of N99,900,000 only to April 1616 Investment Ltd, a company in which the said Saadatu Ramallan Yaro Director and thereby committed an offence. In the third count, the former CBN boss was also accused of conferring a corrupt advantage contrary to Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000 by awarding a contract for the supply of one Toyota Landcruiser V8 April 1616 Investment Ltd., in 2019 at the cost of N73 million. In the fourth count, Emefiele was accused of illegally awarding a Toyota Landcruiser V8 valued at N73,800,000 to April 1616 Investment Ltd. Professor Emeritus, Uche Azikiwe, the widow of the late first President of Independent Nigeria, Nnamdi Azikiwe, has urged Nigerians to stop migrating abroad in the face of the nations challenges. According to her, Nigerians must think of rebuilding their country by staying back to make it work instead of abandoning it. She noted this on the sideline of the 4th Ziks Annual Award Lecture 2023, held in Abuja. While advising wives of leaders in the country to have something to do for themselves, she called on them to bring up their children in the best way so that they will love Nigeria. I would advise the wives of our leaders to have something to do and to be able to bring up our children in the best way so that they will love Nigeria as my son said earlier, they are not leaving Nigeria. READ ALSO: Disclose Degree Of Deficit Inherited From Buhari Peter Obi Tells Tinubu No matter the way Nigeria goes, we must live in Nigeria, so that no child would Japa tomorrow or next. Let us stay in Nigeria and turn Nigeria to the best we can, the professor said. She furthered that the family sometimes feel bad when it hears some persons say some negative things about her late husband, given that the things said are not true When we hear these social media people say nonsense, we feel bad but with something like this (Annual Award Lecture), we know that Zik is still alive, she said. Responding to criticisms that have trailed some of her late husbands actions in some quarters, she said: He wasnt a saint. Even Jesus Christ was crucified by people, so we dont feel all that bad when people criticize him or feel bad because some people say he did this or that. There is no worry about that, he was a human being. Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has approved the suspension of Adepele Ojo from office as chief judge of the state. In a statement issued by the Governors spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, on Thursday, stated that the Governor approved the resolution of the House of Assembly asking the Chief Judge to step aside over the allegation of misconduct. The statement partly reads: The Executive Governor of Osun State, Governor Ademola Adeleke, has approved the resolution of the Osun State House of Assembly asking the Osun State Chief Judge, Adepele Ojo, to step aside, pending the investigation of allegations of misconduct, abuse of power, corruption, and disregard for rule of law against her by the House of Assembly. READ MORE: Gov. Adeleke Orders Suspension Of Foreign Trips For Top Govt Officials For The Rest Of 2023 Governor Adeleke, therefore appointed Justice Olayinka David Afolabi as the acting Chief Judge of the state, with immediate effect. The announcement was made by the Governors spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, in a statement released yesterday. In the wake of the Governors approval of the House resolution, the Deputy-Governor has been instructed to officiate the swearing-in ceremony of the Acting Chief Judge of Osun State. The ceremony is scheduled for tomorrow at the Executive Lounge, Governors Office, Osogbo, the statement read in part. Veteran actor, Hanks Anuku has pleaded for financial assistance from Nigerians, having had no job for a long time. As seen in a viral video, Anuku explained his struggles with unemployment and called on his supporters to help him through the difficult period. According to the actor, hes worked tirelessly for his country and attained the height of being a legend. He however appealed to his fans and the Governor of his State, Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, to send him financial aid. READ ALSO: Portables Wife Files Complaint With Police Against Dj Chicken For Claiming To Have Bedroom Video Of Her With Another Man His words: Well, Im going to address my fans and those who truly love me, including my Governor, Sheriff. I have worked for this country, I have attained the height of being a legend. Ive had no jobs for God knows how many years and I expected Nigerians to also know that I did it all for them. Im going to ask the Governor. Sherry, please send support to me and my fans who truly love and appreciate the works Ive done for them, Ill send my account number. May God help you all. Help me. Socio-political commentator, Shehu Sani has posited that a merger between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) will not work. The former Kaduna Central lawmaker made this known on Thursday in a post via X. Recall that on Tuesday, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar beckoned on opposition parties to enter a merger that will dislodge the All Progressives Congress from power come 2027. READ ALSO: LP Okays Atikus Call For Merger Against APC; NNPP Says Its Medicine After Death; APC Defiant The former Vice President warned against the likelihood of Nigeria slipping into a one-party state. The former lawmaker likened the planned merger between PDP and LP to fixing a Ferrari engine into a Peugeot car. Merging PDP with the young, agile and restless Labour supporters will be like fixing a Ferrari engine into a Peugeot, he posted. A distressed mum has delivered a terrifying warning online after discovering that her teenage daughter was allegedly being "groomed" through the popular app TikTok, swapping explicit conversations for gifts. Beki Giunta was alerted to the situation when an Uber Eats delivery arrived at her doorstep and aroused her suspicions. When asking her 16-year-old about it, she learned that "someone" had ordered the food for her daughter and sent it to their Queensland home. Sensing something didn't add up, and getting a coy response from her daughter, she went looking through the teen's phone. And that's when she found the messages. Beki discovered that an unknown person had been requesting the teen to send "nasty" things to them and in return they would buy her things. "[I was] sick to my stomach, honestly, I was terrified," Beki told Yahoo News Australia. Mum Beki Giunta was terrified after discovering her daughter was being groomed by a stranger via Tiktok. Source: TikTok It turned out her daughter had come across the stranger from another teen who, according to Beki, shared his information during a TikTok live video, telling others "if you say nasty things to him, he'll buy you things". Police immediately notified After discovering the conversations, Beki instantly blocked the person and went straight to the police station to report the incident and seek guidance on her next steps. "I was very scared that someone was going to come to our house," she said. The police advised Beki to install cameras around the home and spent "almost two hours" educating her daughter on online safety, sharing just how dangerous this situation is something that scared the "living crap" out of the young teen. "My daughter has autism so shes very literal and these conversations can be very difficult," Beki explained. "She didn't think it was that serious at the beginning, but we were there for almost two hours and by the end it really instilled in her head [how] dangerous [it was]". Story continues Beki shared that police then let them know there wasn't any more they could do at the time because it can take over 18 months for them to even get permission to search someones Facebook account let alone another social media account. 'Teenagers are still children' Since reporting the incident, Beki has been focused on education and continued communication with her daughter. "[Teenagers] are still children and [are] still learning every single day what we can do is educate them as much as possible". They now have in place important guidelines to follow to stay safe online: They make sure location settings are turned off and that her daughter will not give out personal information in the future. They both 'stagger post', which means they do not post a photo of where they are at the time of being there, but share it later so people following them don't know exactly where they are. Beki will continue to have open communication with her daughter and know what she is doing on her social media accounts. Online grooming explained According to the E-Safety Commissioner website, online grooming is when an older person tricks someone under 18 into thinking they're in a close relationship so they can sexually abuse them. The process of grooming commences when an adult takes a particular interest in someone underage with the intent to form a bond to persuade or encourage the child to engage in sexual activity. They may do this by directly speaking to the child about sexual matters or exposing them to indecent matters including pornographic material. In Queensland, grooming is considered under the same umbrella as sexual assault, and it is an offence to groom a child under the age of 16. Tips to help prevent unwanted contact Professor of Cyber Security at Monash University, Nigel Phair, told Yahoo that "parents need to parent". "They need to be across issues and have conversations with the young people in their lives," he said. Tim Falinski, Managing Director at Trend Micro, told Yahoo its important for parents to investigate the parental controls offered by social media companies. "Today, some social media apps offer parent pairing features, allowing a parent to link their account to their childs account," he said. Phair also insisted that the E-Safety Commissioner's website had valuable information for parents and teens. Below are just some tips from the site for preventing unwanted contact online. Make social media accounts private. Delete contacts or followers they dont really know. Report and block those who send unwanted contact. For more online safety tips, check out the E-Safety Commissioner website. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. Aisha Yesufu, human rights activist has posited that political and religious rulers are in a symbiotic relationship. According to the social critic, while religious rulers need bad governance to sell cheap miracles, political rulers need the citizens to be subdued. I have always told you people that the political rulers and the religious rulers are in a symbiotic relationship. The religious rulers need bad governance to sell cheap miracles, while political rulers need the citizens to be kept subjugated. On the Muslim side, they will tell you that the suffering here does not matter as your reward is in heaven, so protest is haram. READ ALSO: Two Die As Fire Razes Over 1,000 Houses At Borno IDP Camp (Photos) Expect more extremist behaviour from hisbah which will be used to indicate it is because they are trying to establish Islamic ways that things are hard. On the Christian side, they will tell you to focus on your personal miracle and not be bothered about government, after all, any government can favour you. Expect more miraculous miracles that defy reasoning from pastors, which will be used to indicate if you focus on your personal miracle you can get more than government can give you. As for traditional religions, they always have witches, old people, uncles, and mothers-in-law to blame, she wrote via X on Thursday. The Association of Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has urged banks to prioritise the payment of their Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) debt. ALTONs Chairman, Gbenga Adebayo, said this during the first telecoms stakeholders meeting with Aminu Maid, Executive Vice-Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), in Lagos State. According to Adebayo, the debts owed by banks had increased to N200 billion. Information Nigeria reports that in September, Umar Danbatta, the former Executive Vice-Chairman of NCC said the debt was N120 billion. He said although there had been talks on the issue, no action was taken on the part of the banks. Adebayo said the debt must be paid in total, noting that telcos would not hesitate to block debtor banks from accessing the service anytime soon. READ ALSO: Ajaero: DSS Arrested, Detained Me When I Was NLC President Oshiomhole Condemns Nationwide Strike In spite of all appeals, meetings and interventions by the ministry of communications, innovation and digital economy, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and NCC, mainly during the last administration, the banks have kept mute over payment. If operators had to shut down their services, bank customers would no longer be able to carry out transactions such as fund transfers through shortcodes, check bank details and account balances, among others, through their mobile phones, he added. The chairman added that the value of the debt would keep rising based on the foreign exchange challenges in the country. Adebayo said the matter needed to be resolved as fast as possible to avoid the collapse of the sector, adding that the debt was not allowing operators to further expand services. Godswill Akpabio, Nigerias Senate President has disclosed why he has never smoked cigarettes or taken alcohol. According to him, his parental guidance prevented him from smoking and drinking. He revealed this at the grand finale of the National Quiz Competition organised by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies for secondary school students in Enugu. The Senate President also said the side effects of such substances prevented him from smoking and drinking. READ ALSO: Sanwo-Olu Hails Appeal Court Ruling, Recommits To Greater Lagos Agenda You should strive to become visionary leaders in future by abstaining from things that would truncate your dreams and goals. In my own case, I have never smoked cigarettes or taken alcohol before. This is because, growing up, I listened to parental guidance. As a kid, I usually saw a man who would stagger on the road and fall into the gutters. I asked my mum, who told me it was because he was drunk. Some people would drink alcohol and drive home, while others would drink and drive to paradise. A Delaware County used car dealership failed to tell some customers about faulty cars and didnt provide them with the proper title documents, according to a lawsuit filed by Attorney General Michelle Henry on Wednesday. The complaint was filed in the Court of Common Pleas of Delaware County and alleges that the dealership, Real McKoy Auto Sales LLC, and its owner violated automotive and consumer protection laws. Pennsylvanians are spending thousands of hard-earned dollars for a vehicle they can rely on; they should not be left stranded shortly after the purchase, Henry said in a statement. Some customers purchased used vehicles that shortly afterward broke down or were deemed unsafe to drive, according to the lawsuit. Advertisement One customer cited in the lawsuit said they bought a 2007 Chevy Equinox for $5,600 before taxes and fees, and the next day the car overheated. A mechanic identified a hole in the engine that was poorly repaired. Another customer said they paid $4,500 for a 2005 Kia Sorrento before taxes and fees in March 2021. When their car broke down around two weeks after purchasing it, they took it to the dealerships mechanic and were told the engine had a problem that would cost $1,300 to repair. Unable to pay for the repair, the customer later went to a different mechanic who said the car frame was rusted out. Ultimately, the customer decided to sell the car to a junkyard for $35, they said. Other customers did not receive the appropriate title documents, according to the lawsuit. One customer cited in the suit said she bought a Hyundai Tucson from the dealership for $3,000 before taxes and fees. As part of the sale, the dealership would process the title and registration for the car, but months later she still didnt have the title. Recently, her car was towed by the Philadelphia Parking Authority, and she said she cant retrieve it without the proper registration. Another customer who experienced mechanical issues with his car wanted to sell it, but he didnt have the appropriate title to do so months after purchasing it. The attorney generals lawsuit is seeking to bar the dealership from selling cars in the state, obtain restitution payment for the affected people, and impose fines for the violations. In 2016, the Office of the Attorney General filed a lawsuit against the company and its owner for allegedly selling used vehicles without the proper licenses to do so. A consent agreement was reached in 2017 with the company that required them to pay $3,000 in fees and fines. The company could not immediately be reached for comment. The city school board on Thursday voted on a $6.9 million sexual-abuse settlement, heard about an application for a new charter high school, and listened to members of the public who want voter education mandated in the Philadelphia School District curriculum. Heres a rundown of Thursdays school board meeting: READ MORE: 50 days to fix a Philly school bathroom; 20% of teachers lack certification: Welcome to the school boards Goals and Guardrails meeting Sexual-abuse settlement The school board voted to pay a former student $6.9 million over reported sexual abuse that happened in a district school. The student, whose name was withheld, was repeatedly abused at Parkway Center City High School by a teacher between 2006 and 2010, according to a suit filed in federal court. Advertisement The district and then-Parkway principal Catherine Blunt, the suit says, knew that Larry Perry was using his authority and power as a teacher to sexually abuse minor-female students such as Jane Doe but despite this knowledge, the defendants continued to employ and certify Mr. Perry as a teacher thereby allowing him to commit his horrific acts and abuse against Jane Doe. Perry, a popular English and social studies teacher, struck up a relationship with a 13-year-old through flirtatious emails and text messages, according to police records. Once she turned 15, Perry began driving her to his home in Willow Grove, where they had sex. He also gave the girl a prepaid cell phone and solicited nude photographs of her, according to the lawsuit. The district failed in a myriad of ways to protect the student, the lawsuit states. Teachers who associated with Perry knew about his relationship with the victim, the suit says, but did nothing despite being mandated reporters. A noontime aide once saw Perry driving the victim on I-95. A school police officer began noticing Perry spending significant amounts of time with the victim and brought his concerns to the school principal, who responded by bringing the police officer to a meeting with her and Perry. The principal told the school police officer that Perry had been investigated previously regarding similar allegations, and that nothing happened to him. The principal took no further action, the suit says. The district had been warned about Perry before in 1998, Perrys then-girlfriend discovered him naked with another underage student at their home. She kicked him out of the apartment and reported the inappropriate contact to Parkway Center City officials, handing over letters and cards Perry wrote to the girl. The school system conducted no meaningful investigation at the time, the suit said; Perry was removed from the classroom for a few days but no notation was made in his personnel file. In effect, the district allowed and permitted a predator with an insatiable appetite for minor female students to roam the halls of Parkway School, in the guise of a teacher, so that he could continue to prey upon vulnerable, minor female students, according to the legal filing. The students entire life has been upended and permanently damaged, the suit says. Perry, 55, is currently serving up to eight years in state prison. He pleaded no contest to charges of statutory sexual assault and corruption of a minor. The board made no comment about the legal payout, but voted unanimously to endorse it. In board documents, the settlement was described by the Office of General Counsel as a fair and appropriate resolution of contested litigation. Another try for a proposed new charter school Charter chief Peng Chao told the board that it had received an application for one new charter school. The Global Leadership Academy International Charter High School would open in 2024 and eventually serve 600 students in grades 9 through 12. READ MORE: Math, Civics and Sciences charter board voted privately to close the school, violating the Sunshine Act No other details were forthcoming, but though the application is new, the name is not. Naomi Johnson-Booker, a longtime district educator who founded and runs Global Leadership Academy and Global Leadership Academy Southwest, has twice applied to open a Global Leadership Academy high school. Both applications were denied. The 2023 denial drew sparks; board members Lisa Salley and Cecelia Thompson said at the time that they believed the denial was based on personal bias, a notion that was roundly rejected by other board members. A recent independent investigation of alleged racism and bias in charter authorization and evaluation found no overt bias on the part of the school board or charter office, though it did enumerate multiple issues, including conflicts of interest, a lack of transparency, and no training on implicit bias and antiracism, all of which contributed to concerns of racial bias and inequity, the Ballard Spahr report said. Hearings will be held on the proposed new GLA High School in December and January, with the board voting on the application soon after. A call for voter education Students, a teacher and community members urged the board to make voter education a part of the school systems curriculum. Thomas Quinn, a teacher at Central High, said that efforts to increase voter registration and civic engagement among district students have been so successful that voter turnout among 18-year-olds in Philadelphia has jumped by 157%. Who says teens dont care? Quinn said. Justin Villere, who coordinates civic engagement for the nonpartisan Committee of Seventy, said the district was in a position to make meaningful change by codifying voter education. We believe learning how to be a voter is a core principle of well-rounded student learning, Villere said. Southwark Elementary, the South Philadelphia school temporarily closed because of damaged asbestos, is on track for a Nov. 27 opening, officials told the community this week. I am delighted to share that the district has made significant progress in addressing environmental concerns with your schools attic and house fan, Victoria Flemming, the Philadelphia School Districts executive director of environmental management and services, told Southwark families in a Nov. 15 letter. The ventilation system has been reconfigured and new vents are being installed in classrooms and other areas served by the house fan. Air testing has consistently shown no sign of asbestos fibers, Flemming wrote. More tests were to be conducted Thursday, with results available Friday. If the news continues to be good, teachers can begin packing up their temporary classrooms Friday afternoon. READ MORE: Asbestos closed Southwark Elementary School. Most students will relocate to South Philly High. Advertisement Southwark closed in late October after environmental teams checking the schools house fan to prepare for cooler weather found dust and debris in the attic, where floors are made of plaster-containing asbestos. Officials feared that turning the house fan on would circulate the dust throughout the school. Students learned virtually for a week and, since Nov. 6, have been split up in two locations, learning in temporary classrooms. Most students are occupying space at South Philadelphia High School on South Broad Street, and the remainder are at Childs Elementary in Point Breeze. READ MORE: Here are the 24 sites Philly plans to use for students when displaced by asbestos In preparation for the planned move back to Southwark, on South Ninth Street, classes will be virtual on Monday and Tuesday. Students will have a half-day on Wednesday, with students learning asynchronously, meaning that students and the instructor sign on at different times and work at their own pace, to give teachers time to unpack their classrooms at Southwark. Students will have Thursday and Friday off for the Thanksgiving recess, as planned. Nov. 27 will be report card conference day, with no school for students and parents attending conferences at Southwark; students and staff will be back in the building, if all goes according to plan, on Nov. 28, a Tuesday. Thank you for your patience during this important work for the health and safety of the Southwark community, Flemming wrote. We wish you and your families a joyful Thanksgiving holiday. Southwark is the first Philadelphia School District building to close in the 2023-24 school year. Six schools closed in the 2022-23 year because of damaged asbestos. Temple University Health System plans to convert six of its primary-care doctors offices into a type of federal health center that gets better Medicare and Medicaid rates under a program to increase access to health care in low-income communities and in neighborhoods underserved by doctors, Temple officials said this week. Temple did not identify which of its primary-care offices will become federally qualified health centers on Jan. 1. In an interview, Temple CEO Mike Young called the change beneficial to both Temple and the community. For starters, local residents will have more input on what happens there, because the centers must have boards of directors that are one-third patients, he said. Its really good for the community, because now you have community input in the local primary-care office, Young said. And its good for us, because if we have that primary-care office on the corner were subsidizing it, and now we wont have to subsidize it because its paid a little better. Advertisement Most physician groups owned by health systems lose money, but they help with the flow of patients to hospitals, which are more likely to be profitable. READ MORE: Temple faced a $26 million operating loss in its most recent quarter. It was better than last year. How the health center conversions will help Officially, the Temple centers will be designated FQHC look-alikes because unlike stand-alone federal clinics, they wont be completely independent. They will use Temples system for electronic health records, for example. Temple got the idea to convert the primary-care offices into federally qualified health centers from Lehigh Valley Health Network, Young said. Lehigh Valley Health, which is based in Allentown, made the change in 2021 at eight practices. The conversion is attractive because the health centers then qualify for enhanced Medicaid and Medicare rates that are based on actual costs as opposed to fees negotiated with insurance companies, according an announcement of the Lehigh Valley conversion. The centers are also eligible for discounted drugs under the 340B program. The look-alike centers do not receive direct funding from the federal Health Resources and Services administration, which regulates federally qualified health centers. Young did not immediately have an estimate of how much extra revenue the clinics would receive, but he said the money would stay at the health centers, and not be funneled back to the health system. Philadelphia has 40 federally-qualified health centers and look-alikes, according to the citys Department of Public Health. At least one other Philadelphia health system employs physicians who staff a federally qualified health center. Physicians from Penn Medicines Department of Family Medicine and Community Health staff the PHMC Health Center on Cedar in West Philadelphia, as well as several others in the city. Chinese President Xi Jinping hinted that Beijing could send new pandas to the United States, days after three beloved pandas who for years lived in the Smithsonian National Zoo were repatriated to China. In a Wednesday night speech in San Francisco, Xi acknowledged how difficult it has been for Americans to say goodbye to the three pandas - Mei Xiang, 25, Tian Tian, 26, and their 3-year-old son, Xiao Qi Ji. "I was told that many American people, especially children, were really reluctant to send them off," Xi said. "I also learned that the San Diego Zoo and Californians very much look forward to welcoming pandas back." Xi was speaking at a gala dinner hosted by the U.S.-China Business Council and the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations and featuring CEOs of some of America's biggest companies. Xi's remarks about the pandas were first reported by the Associated Press. Advertisement The Chinese leader - who met with President Biden for the first time in a year earlier that day - was referring to the San Diego Zoo's decades-old tradition of hosting pandas. In 2019, the zoo sent its last two pandas back to China: Bai Yun, who had lived in San Diego for 23 years, and her then-6-year-old son Xiao Liwu. Gao Gao, Bai Yun's mate, was sent back in 2018. "Pandas have long been envoys of friendship between the Chinese and the U.S.," Xi said in his Wednesday remarks. "We are ready to continue our cooperation with the United States on panda conservation, and do our best to meet the wishes of the Californians so as to deepen the friendly ties between our two peoples." Speaking to reporters in San Francisco, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said that, if China decides to restore some of the pandas to the United States, "we would absolutely welcome them back." "But that's got to be a decision President Xi makes," Kirby said. San Diego Zoo President Paul A. Baribault, in a statement Thursday, said the zoo is "excited to hear of President Xi's commitment in continuing the giant panda conservation efforts between our two countries, and his attention to the wish of Californians and the San Diego Zoo to see the return of giant pandas." The Smithsonian National Zoo declined to comment on Xi's remarks. Panda fans in the United States were left heartbroken earlier this month when pandas Mei Xiang, Tian Tian and Xiao Qi Ji, left the D.C. zoo for China on Nov. 8, making Washington panda-less for the first time in 23 years. The trio's November departure was the fourth time members of the zoo's giant panda family have departed for China but, before, there had always been giant pandas who stayed behind when the others left. This year, the giant pandas were escorted out of the zoo in three large shipping crates and boarded a freight plane at Dulles International Airport. The trio's departure followed a wave of goodbyes: a nine-day "Panda Palooza" celebration, final visits by generations of panda fans, and one couple's return to the scene of their 2016 engagement at the zoo's panda house. The three pandas were among eight that had lived at the zoo since 1972 when, following a visit from President Richard M. Nixon and first lady Pat Nixon to China, Premier Zhou Enlai gave the United States two 18-month-old pandas, Ling-Ling and Hsing-Hsing. Ling-Ling died suddenly in 1992, and an ailing Hsing-Hsing was euthanized in November 1999. The zoo was then without giant pandas until December 2000 - a gap of just over a year - when Tian Tian and Mei Xiang arrived. Aside from Xiao Qi Ji, Mei Xiang and Tian Tian produced three surviving cubs. Zoogoers from Washington and around the country have had the chance to experience D.C.'s giant pandas, and 10 presidents have held office since they came to town. Xi's talk of pandas came on the heels of his face-to-face meeting with Biden in which the leaders agreed to restore communications between the two countries' militaries. The meeting helped lower tensions between the two superpowers, which also agreed to strengthen counternarcotics cooperation in the hopes of lessening the United States' fentanyl crisis. The two agreements - and Xis hint at the possibility of more pandas - are a rare sign of cooperation between the worlds two most powerful countries, which have been at odds over trade, cyber- and maritime security, human rights, and a range of other pressing issues Local imams and other Muslim faith leaders place a symbolic dead body at the door of Sen. Bob Caseys office building to call for a cease-fire in Gaza. Read more Hundreds assembled in Center City on Thursday evening outside U.S. Sen. Bob Caseys office to hold a protest and recite a funereal prayer for those killed in Gaza. It was the latest in a string of demonstrations in Philadelphia, urging local elected officials to support a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war. But it was also a gesture of grief, as imams recited the janazah, a traditional Islamic prayer said at funerals, to mourn over 11,400 people killed in Gaza since the war began. For Omar Mussa, a speaker at the rally who said he was a Philadelphia resident, the prayer was also a call to unite and keep speaking out against the bloodshed. This janazah is a departure for the deceased and a lesson for the living, he told the crowd, standing on the bed of a pickup truck at 20th and Market Streets. I beg this is a call to action that we put to rest and we bury every single thing that keeps us separated. Advertisement Mussa said Casey met with Pennsylvanians whose family members had been killed in Gaza. They implored him to support a cease-fire, he said, but the senator declined to do so. A spokesperson for Casey declined comment on the demonstration and referred to the senators Oct. 29 statements, in which he reaffirmed the U.S. position to stand with Israel and its right to protect itself from terrorists while also protecting innocent civilian lives in Gaza. Like most of his Senate colleagues, Casey has shown near-unconditional backing for Israel and its military siege in the Gaza Strip since the Hamas terrorist attack on Oct. 7. But the prayerful protest on Thursday was the first demonstration to specifically target the Pennsylvania Democrat, while protesters have spent weeks pressuring U.S. Sen. John Fetterman outside his Philadelphia office to back a cease-fire. Fettermans position has not changed. Organizers noted that thousands more civilians are killed in the blockaded Gaza Strip each week as Israel expands its ground siege and airstrike campaign. Its a catastrophe, said Nicolas ORourke, a pastor and member of the progressive Working Families Party who was elected to Philadelphia City Council this month. Flanked by Christian, Jewish, and Muslim faith leaders, ORourke led chants of Free Palestine as the crowd marched down Chestnut Street toward Caseys office, while demonstrators processed like pallbearers holding up a wooden casket. A nearby resident waved a white keffiyeh from a third-story window as the crowd passed. Outside of Caseys office, located at 2000 Market St., demonstrators placed a symbolic dead body in the casket at the door of the building. The crowd spread across the intersection as imams recited the invocation in Arabic. People bowed their heads and crossed their arms as the prayer echoed off the high-rise office buildings. In lulls between the prayers phases, the rush-hour street fell almost silent, save for the distant hum of rerouted traffic and a news helicopter whirring overhead. Those who could read Arabic took turns with the microphone and read aloud the names of children reportedly killed by the Israeli military. (Gazas Ministry of Health published the names of over 6,700 Gazans it said had been killed as of late October, after President Joe Biden questioned the reliability of the casualty figures coming from the war.) For more than half an hour, speakers listed the names. At one point, a woman choked while reading and wept loudly into the microphone. Organizers said the names they read represented only a fraction of the slain children. Mohammad Elshinawy, a Muslim community leader in Allentown, drove to Philadelphia with his 13-year-old son for the prayerful protest. During a speech, he criticized elected officials for their failure to intervene as the Palestinian death toll climbed, and urged people of all faiths to stand on the side of those suffering in Gaza. Elshinawy said he has relatives in Gaza. He said public events such as this kept him focused on taking action, but as the names were being read aloud, he remembered the paralyzing pain and the fear that has become a daily reality for so many touched by the war. When Im home, in the dark, its difficult, he said. I cant keep it together. City Council members on Friday released new details about the Philadelphia Reparations Task Force and called on Black city residents to apply to join the effort. The task force, which will launch in February, will study and develop reparations proposals and programs for Black Philadelphians whose ancestors endured chattel slavery and Jim Crow in the United States, according to the office of Councilmember Jamie Gauthier, who coauthored the legislation that led to the creation of the task force. For generations after the Civil War, General Order No. 3, and the 14th Amendment, lawmakers right here in Philadelphia and across the nation enacted and encouraged policies that subjugated Black residents to second-class citizenship, Gauthier said at a news conference in City Hall. While there is no way to truly eradicate past wrongs, the task force will recommend concrete steps, financial and otherwise, the city state and federal government can take to eradicate the lingering chokehold American slavery has on society. READ MORE: City Council could explore reparations for Black Philadelphians Advertisement The task force will have 10 volunteer members, including cochairs Rashaun Williams and Breanna Moore, who are the leaders of the Philadelphia chapter of the National Coalition of Blacks for Reparations in America. Williams and Moore are seeking eight more members, and they are encouraging people to apply at rep215.com. The eight seats each have specific roles, such as economic justice coordinator and health and wellness coordinator. Board members must be descendants of enslaved Africans in the United States, the descendants of Black, Negro, or Colored Americans since 1865, and/or the descendants of Freedmen emancipated from slavery, according to Gauthiers office, and they must have lived in Philadelphia for at least 10 years. Gauthier said the task force could produce recommendations such as cash payments to descendants of enslaved people, criminal justice reform measures, or housing subsidies. They will likely require action or funding at the city, state, and federal levels. Councilmember Kendra Brooks coauthored the legislation, which passed Council unanimously in June. Everyday we see the ongoing impact of slavery and racist policies on the people of Philadelphia, Brooks said. As a practitioner of restorative justice, I believe that we cannot escape the cycle of poverty and violence without addressing the original cause. Councilmember Cindy Bass and Councilmember-elect Nicolas ORourke also attended Fridays announcement. Although several cities have studied reparations, only Evanston, Ill., has enacted a program that involves financial benefits, with payments of up to $25,000 going to victims of housing discrimination or their descendants. A woman has pleaded for her local council to install bicycle racks after she was slapped with a seizure notice for parking her bike on the side of her suburban street. Natasha was left fuming after returning to her bike on Wednesday only to find a bright yellow sticker on its back wheel, and was quick to point the blame at nearby residents who complain. So my bicycle just got a seizure notice because its tied up here to the North Sydney Council property, but theres nowhere to park my bike, she vented on TikTok. So how am I supposed to get from A to B? North Sydney Council resident Natasha has pleaded for bicycle racks in the area after receiving a seizure notice. Source: TikTok Natasha said that despite the numerous car spots available at Folly Point in Cammeray, there are no bicycle racks in the area, and therefore no parking for her. You have to tie it up somewhere, she lamented. And apparently all the people who live around here complain because its, like, disrupting their well being or whatever. I just think it's ridiculous. Nearest bicycle parking 'at least a 20 minute walk away' The woman said she called the North Sydney Council to ask them where she can park her bike and they pointed her to a map on their website that outlines the locations of all the legal rails. And its like a 20 minute walk at least from my door, Natasha said. So whats the point of being able to have a bicycle to take you from your home to where youre going if youve got to then walk like 20 or 30 [minutes] doesnt make any sense. Cyclist returns to find car illegally parked As the icing on the cake, when the woman returned back to the area where she had received the notice after finding her bike its new home, she discovered a Volvo SUV illegally parked in the same spot not only across a zebra crossing, but also blocking part of the road. Story continues The audacity, a stunned Natasha said. So North Sydney Council, itd be really lovely if you could add a bike rack to Folly Point and also maybe also let this Volvo know that if bikes cant park there, neither can he. While some viewers agreed the seizure notice was silly, many questioned why she didt just keep her bike on her property or in her home. Yahoo News Australia has contacted the North Sydney Council for comment. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. Families of hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip since Oct. 7 and their supporters march from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem in Ramle, Israel, on Wednesday. Read more TEL AVIV, Israel The moment one arrives at Ben Gurion Airport, the burden of the nation after the atrocities of Oct. 7 comes into sharp focus. Along the ramp to passport control, there are glass panels overlooking the tarmac. These days there are nothing but planes from El Al Israels national carrier; all other airlines have stopped serving Tel Aviv. Sitting on a ledge at the base of the windows are placards bearing the faces of those kidnapped during the attacks faces that I would later see on T-shirts, on posters, on billboards, and projected onto the walls of buildings. The seemingly ever-present portraits of so many smiling faces around Tel Aviv delivered an eerie, silent, and familiar message Let my people go! As on the tarmac, Israelis bear the burden to bring its people home. Two weeks ago, a small group of local rabbis went on an emergency solidarity mission to Israel led by the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia. During our 56 hours on the ground, we found a nation in mourning for the 1,200 souls who were murdered by Hamas, but also a nation that was also working hard to heal itself. We heard from family members of the kidnapped and shared their anguish in not knowing the fates of their loved ones, we visited aid centers where volunteers worked to provide everything from mental health counseling to food and supplies to those who survived the terror, and we were given a rare briefing by an elite Israeli Defense Forces team that is still sorting through evidence and other forensic data from Oct. 7. The team, Unit 504 the soldiers responsible for interrogating terrorists told us about the Hamas kidnapping manuals, which they said included explicit instructions to commit atrocities with sadistic savagery. Advertisement The manuals made clear that their authors, Hamas leadership, many of whom are comfortably ensconced in foreign countries, sought to trigger Holocaust trauma and provoke the Israeli government into a response that would catalyze world opinion against Israel and inflame the Arab street. Similar motives account for Hamas positioning their military operations in and under hospitals to ensure either a military victory, if not attacked, or a public relations coup if they are. Hamas ideology is one of Islamic supremacy: Only faithful Muslims can rule in dar-al-Islam, the abode of Islam the lands where Muslim sovereignty once prevailed. Fortunately, their fundamentalist mentality is not shared by all in the region. READ MORE: A week in a warzone | Opinion When Arab states have acquiesced to Israels existence, Israel has made peace or normalized relations with them: Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan. Hamas recent brutality was prompted by the news that Saudi Arabia was poised to normalize relations with Israel. Hamas couldnt tolerate that because Hamas cant tolerate the existence of a Jewish state in what was once the abode of Islam. The sin of Islamic supremacy is, in theory, no worse than the sin of Jewish supremacy, which exists among some political parties in Israels governing coalition and the sin of white Christian supremacy, which exists in some quarters of Americas politics, especially the extreme wing of the Republican Party. Theyre equally pernicious, although not equally bloodthirsty. Our solidarity mission heard plenty of horror stories, but we also experienced the inspiring unity of Israelis, both Jewish and Muslim. In addition to providing mental health care, a resiliency center in the southern city of Netivot had begun collecting and distributing food, medicine, clothes, and hygiene products thanks to dozens of volunteers. Roughly 360,000 Israelis have been called to reserve duty, leaving many parents alone with their children. Another quarter million Israelis have been evacuated from their homes. Volunteers, from Israel and abroad, are opening schools in evacuation centers, providing after-school activities, harvesting neglected fields, and cooking and delivering food. Foreign firefighters have volunteered to cover two-week-long shifts so their Israeli counterparts can join their military reserve units on the battlefield. This is an all-hands-on-deck moment, and so many people are stepping up. The seemingly ever-present portraits of so many smiling faces around Tel Aviv delivered an eerie, silent, and familiar message Let my people go! The hope expressed by Israeli Jews and Israeli Muslims reminds me of the words of our collective prophet whether he be called Moses, Moshe, or Musa who issued a challenge to us that echoes through the generations. I have put before you life and death, blessing and curse, the prophet said. Choose life if you and your descendants would live long upon the land that God swore to your fathers Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The children of Abraham Jews, Christians, and Muslims must choose life and abandon ideologies that deny the divine image of the other. That image should serve as a reminder to us all of every true religions unifying message that the lives of each and every member of the human family is equally precious. Shai Cherry is the rabbi of Congregation Adath Jeshurun in Elkins Park and was previously on the faculties of Vanderbilt University, University of California, Los Angeles, and the University of San Diego. Former District Attorney Katayoun "Kat" Copeland speaks in front of the Delaware County Courthouse in 2019. Read more The Republican primary for Pennsylvania attorney general, already a messy affair, will add a new contender come Monday, Clout hears. Katayoun Kat Copeland, a career prosecutor and former Delaware County district attorney, is expected to declare her candidacy then. Copeland on Thursday afternoon registered with the Pennsylvania Department of State a political action committee called Kat Copeland For PA, saying she intends to run for attorney general. The PAC listed former acting Attorney General William H. Ryan Jr. as chair. Clout wonders: Is a Delco DA rematch in our future? Advertisement Copeland worked as an assistant district attorney from 1992 to 2011, when she became a federal prosecutor in Philadelphia. She was appointed district attorney in 2018 by the Delaware County Board of Judges to fill a vacancy when John J. Whelan became a judge. Copeland lost her 2019 bid for a full four-year term to Jack Stollsteimer in a blue-wave election that saw Democrats take control of the county government. Stollsteimer, who just won a second term last week, is considered an imminent candidate in the Democratic primary for attorney general. Copeland, who did not respond to Clouts hails, went back to work as a federal prosecutor after the 2019 election. A spokesperson for the U.S. Attorneys Office told Clout Copeland resigned her post in the National Security and Cybercrime unit on Wednesday. We hear Brian Nutt, a political consultant who ran Tom Corbetts campaign for attorney general, will be helming her bid. Corbett, a Republican, went on to serve one term as governor. Copelands one-time boss, former U.S. Attorney Bill McSwain, had been considering a run for attorney general but told Clout this week that he is staying out of the race. McSwain, who ran for governor in last years Republican primary, said he did not know Copelands plans but offered this: I think there will be several strong candidates in the Republican primary, but I know that Kat Copeland would be a terrific Attorney General. Republican AG association backs Dave Sunday We call the GOP primary for attorney general messy because of a fight that broke out in late September about a purported looming endorsement from the Republican Attorneys General Association. That group on Monday endorsed York County District Attorney Dave Sunday after a rhetorical tussle with State Rep. Craig Williams. RAGA called Pennsylvania an excellent opportunity to flip the post. Democrats have controlled the office since 2013. RAGA has demonstrated, through strategic and early investments of the last few election cycles, its ability to flip seats from blue to red, Peter Bisbee, RAGAs executive director, wrote in the endorsement. Bisbee was incensed in late September when Williams, who represents parts of Delaware and Chester Counties, emailed Republican State Committee members ahead of the partys fall meeting to describe his meeting with RAGA and confidence that the group would endorse him. Bisbee wrote his own email to committee members, knocking Williams as very moderate, unprincipled and opportunistic, while suggesting he had closed off a shot at an endorsement. Williams chalked that up at the time to Harrisburg and Washington, D.C. insiders those who continue to lose elections. He told Clout on Monday he still plans to enter the race but had not heard about the RAGA endorsement. Sunday, in a statement about the endorsement, said he and RAGA share the common goal of protecting the Constitution, freedom, and ensuring opportunity for future generations. Four Democrats State Rep. Jared Solomon of Philadelphia, former Bucks County Solicitor Joe Khan, former Auditor General Eugene DePasquale, and former Philadelphia top public defender Keir Bradford-Grey are also seeking the office. Chris Rabb exploring run for Congress State Rep. Chris Rabbs long-running fight with establishment Democrats in Northwest Philadelphia quietly entered a new phase last month when he registered an exploratory committee for a potential U.S. House run next year. That could put Rabb on a collision course with U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans, who served 36 years in the state House before winning a seat in Congress in 2016. Rumors have been swirling about Evans not seeking a fifth term. Evans told Clout this week hell be on the ballot next year. Redistricting last year drew Rabb into a primary with former State Rep. Isabella Fitzgerald, a former Evans staffer who took his seat in the House when he moved up to Congress. Rabb prevailed, despite support for Fitzgerald from Evans, building trades unions and the local Democratic Party. Rabb was happy to talk about progressive wins in Philly this year but declined to comment on what motivated his new congressional committee. He got an early jump on his campaign for a fifth term in the Houses 200th district, declaring his candidacy in September. This was specifically to help fellow progressives and to remind folks that Im not complacent in my efforts for reelection, Rabb said. I cant afford to be flat-footed as folks might consider challenging me. Evans was Evans about it, barely acknowledging Rabbs existence. Anybody has the right to do what they want to do, Evans said while rattling off a list of policy and political priorities wars in Ukraine and Israel, the economy, helping President Joe Biden win a second term. I have done everything I can to focus on whats important. Staff Writer Gillian McGoldrick contributed to this article. Clout provides often irreverent news and analysis about people, power, and politics. Democrats and Republicans are eying congressional districts across the state in hopes of flipping them in their favor in 2024. Read more Now that the 2023 election has wrapped up, all eyes are on 2024. The attention of the nation will be on Pennsylvania, watching which way the state swings for president and whether Sen. Bob Casey will hold onto his seat against David McCormick as Democrats defend a slim majority in the Senate. And across the state, a number of congressional seats will be hotly-contested. While most races in the Philadelphia region arent very competitive, there are a number of races across the state in which Democrats or Republicans think they can flip a seat. Those swing districts will also be battlegrounds that help determine statewide contests. Advertisement Key races to watch will be in Bucks County, the Lehigh Valley, and Northeastern, Central, and Western Pennsylvania. Competitive races to watch across Pennsylvania: The Lehigh Valleys 7th District Republicans have their eye on the 7th District, where U.S. Rep. Susan Wild, a Democrat, won by just under two percentage points in the 2022 midterms. Wild has represented the district since a November 2018 special election. The district includes Lehigh, Carbon, and Northampton Counties, as well as party of Monroe County. The Cook Political Report described this race as one of the most competitive in the country. Four Republicans are already vying for their partys nomination. Heres who is running: State Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, who represents part of Lehigh County. Maria Montero, an attorney and former executive director of the Pennsylvania Commission for Women and Pennsylvania Latino Commission. Kevin Dellicker, a small business owner and veteran who lost the 2022 Republican primary by less than three points. Allen Issa, a Penn State law student who has worked as a congressional intern and legal fellow. Northeastern Pa.s 8th District Republicans are also trying to flip the 8th District, another highly competitive race in a district that former President Donald Trump won twice. Rob Bresnahan, a businessman, is seeking the Republican nomination to challenge U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright, a Democrat who won by just 2.4 percentage points in 2022. Republicans hope to highlight Bresnahans community connections and paint Cartwright as a D.C. insider in contrast. The district includes Wayne, Pike, and Lackawanna Counties, as well as part of Luzerne County. Central Pa.s 10th District Democrats are lining up to challenge U.S. Rep. Scott Perry, a leader of the conservative Freedom Caucus and a longtime Trump ally. Democrats saw local wins in the 2023 general election, when they flipped control of the Dauphin County Board of Commissioners and won competitive school board races, as a hopeful sign. Perry easily held onto his district in 2022 despite intense opposition from Democratic constituents. The district includes Dauphin County and parts of Cumberland and York Counties Heres who is running: Western Pa.s 17th District Republicans are hoping to flip the 17th District, which is currently represented by U.S. Rep. Chris Deluzio, a Democrat. Deluzio has only been in Congress for about a year. He was elected to the seat after former U.S. Rep. Conor Lamb mounted an unsuccessful run for Senate instead of running for reelection. State Rep. Rob Mercuri, who represents parts of Allegheny County, and Jim Nelson, a pastor, former Allegheny County deputy sheriff, and veteran, have both launched campaigns for the Republican primary. The Cook Political Report determined that while this race will be competitive, Democrats have an advantage. Both parties touted local wins in the 2023 general election. The district includes Beaver County and parts of Allegheny County. Congressional races in the Philly Region: Bucks County-based 1st District The 1st District is currently represented by U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, a Republican. Ashley Ehasz, a Democrat who lost to Fitzpatrick by nine points in 2022, is planning to challenge him again in 2024. Fitzpatrick is a well-known incumbent who has represented the district since 2017 and managed to hang on even in years that have been tough for Republicans in the state. Democrats, however, won 2023 Bucks County races for county commissioner and school board and see opportunity in the rematch. Ehasz, a former military helicopter pilot, also has the benefit of running for a second time and so far, a clear Democratic primary field. The district includes all of Bucks County and part of Montgomery County. The Cook Political Report lists the race as likely a Republican hold. The National Republican Congressional Committee which supports incumbents in primaries has another battle to face in the meantime. Mark Houck, a Catholic anti-abortion activist who is no stranger to headlines, will challenge Fitzpatrick in the primary. 2nd District in Philadelphia Salem Snow, a social worker who unsuccessfully ran for the district in 2020 and 2022, plans to challenge U.S. Rep. Brendan Boyle, a five-term incumbent, in the Democratic primary. The district includes much of Philadelphia east of Broad Street, encompassing the Northeast, Kensington, Fishtown, Northern Liberties, and part of Center City. 3rd District in Philadelphia U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans, a Democrat, is running for reelection in the 3rd District, which includes most parts of Philadelphia west of Broad Street, as well as parts of South Philadelphia. He has served in Congress since 2016, and before that served in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for 35 years. Montgomery County-based 4th District Erik Bonnett, a constable, plans to challenge incumbent three-term U.S. Rep. Madeleine Dean in the Democratic primary. Republican David Wrinkler, a combat veteran, has also declared candidacy. The district includes most of Montgomery and Berks Counties, and is likely to remain Democratic given the makeup of its voters. Delaware County-based 5th District Democratic U.S. Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon, who has represented the district since a 2018 special election, is running for reelection. The district includes Delaware County and parts of South Philly and southern Montgomery County, and is likely to remain Democratic. Chester Countys 6th District U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, a three-term Democratic incumbent, is running for reelection in the 6th District, which includes Chester County and part of Berks County. Gov. Josh Shapiro speaks during a press conference in June. He announced appointments to the state board that oversees charter school appeals this week. Read more HARRISBURG Gov. Josh Shapiro nominated new members this week to the state board responsible for reviewing charter school appeals, shaking up the little-known panel with a move that could potentially lead to more school choice options in Pennsylvania. The seven-member Charter Appeals Board is responsible for reconsidering charter school applications that are denied by local school districts. In Pennsylvania, charter schools are funded by their school districts, creating tension when new charters seek approval from school boards to open. The board has been controversial: Traditional public school advocates object to its ability to circumvent local school board decisions, while charter advocates see it as essential to ensure due process. Yet Republicans and charter school advocates have criticized the Charter Appeals Board, often called the CAB, in recent years for its inefficiency. The board had a number of vacant seats, two due to a dispute between former Gov. Tom Wolf and Senate Republicans, and three more left open by expiring terms. Some of Shapiros appointees, who must be approved by the GOP-controlled Senate, appear to be open to charter schools. His picks will also fill out the board, allowing it to hear more cases. Advertisement Shapiro, a Democrat, was the center of a school-choice controversy earlier this year, after he vetoed a private-school voucher program he helped design with Senate Republicans. Shapiro has been a proponent of allowing students to attend whatever school public, private, or charter works best for them. Thats a stance thats more popular with the GOP than the governors own party, but hes said that position makes sense because the state is in the process of redesigning a school funding system that a judge ruled unconstitutional. The appointments come a few months after Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward (R., Westmoreland) told The Inquirer that Senate Republicans struck a deal with Shapiro to change the makeup of the Charter Appeals Board, convincing her to end the state budget impasse that began over the vetoed voucher program. Manuel Bonder, Shapiros press secretary, said in a statement Thursday that the governor believes all boards and commissions, including this one, should operate efficiently and at full capacity. The new appointees are: Carol Aichele, of Malvern, who serves on the state Board of Education and was Pennsylvanias secretary of state during former Gov. Tom Corbetts administration. Don Alexander, a teacher at Carlynton School District outside of Pittsburgh. Lisa Kennedy, vice president of the city of York school board. Helena Liddle, an academic adviser at the Community College of Allegheny County. Thomas Killion, a former Republican state senator from Delaware County, who is being appointed to a second term on the board. Jennifer Faustman, the CEO of Belmont Charter Schools in Philadelphia, will remain on the board, since her term doesnt expire until 2025. Pennsylvanias Education Secretary Khalid Mumin is the seventh member. Shapiro did not renominate Lancaster County public school teacher Stacey Marten or former Central Bucks School District board member Jodi Schwartz, whose terms expired last year. Anne Clark, the CEO of the Pennsylvania Coalition of Public Charter Schools, said she was encouraged by the appointment. She said the group was cited by the U.S. Department of Education as part of monitoring for a federal grant to expand charter schools because of the boards vacancies and a backlog of appeals cases. If youre the district and theres not a full CAB you may say No to everyone that applies, regardless if its a quality charter or not, Clark said. The charter appeals process is broken. My greatest hope is that now that theres a full CAB, our local authorizing districts will do a better job of being really fair and equitable. An ongoing debate over charter schools in Pa. All of Pennsylvanias charter schools are public schools, meaning they receive money from their school districts. Some traditional public school advocates have argued that this drives much-needed resources away from school districts to sometimes ineffective learning institutions, such as cyber charter schools, which often have the lowest test scores. School choice is a complicated issue for Democrats, who often get support from teachers unions and ideologically oppose diverting tax dollars to private or charter schools. Its even more complex for some Democrats in Philadelphia, where student achievement ranks near the bottom of all urban districts nationwide, and where some politicians see charter schools as a means of helping students have the opportunity to succeed. Each appointee needs to be approved by a majority of the GOP-controlled Senate. Sen. Lindsey Williams (D., Allegheny), the Democratic chair of the Senate education committee, said shes requested meetings with each of the appointees to inform her vote and will keep an open mind about each of them. In a September letter to Shapiro, nine public education advocacy groups asked Shapiro to reappoint all existing members to additional terms. Susan Spicka, the executive director of Education Voters of Pennsylvania and one of the letters signers, said in a statement Thursday that it was disappointing Shapiro did not reappoint those who have been doing good, hard work ensuring that the CAB is functioning at a high level. If during the vetting process it becomes clear that any nominee has an ideological agenda, that persons name should be immediately pulled from consideration, Spicka said. Any appearance that this board is being rigged to favor the charter industry would undermine the integrity of the entire board and the decisions it issues. Ward, the top Republican in the state Senate, said in a statement that she was optimistic about Shapiros choices for the board, and noted that conversations are still ongoing to address the educational needs of Pennsylvania students. Staff writer Maddie Hanna contributed to this article. City Council President Darrell L. Clarkes efforts to place strict new controls on construction continued Thursday, as a new overlay limiting building heights on residentially zoned land and banning roof decks in swathes of North Philadelphia unanimously passed City Council. The bill affects an area defined as the Brewerytown-Sharswood/Celestial Community, which stretches from Cecil B. Moore Avenue to the north and Poplar Street to the south, and from Fairmount Park east to Ridge Avenue and 19th Street. It requires that the maximum height allowed be equal to the tallest building on any abutting lot. If there is no building on an abutting lot, the limit will be 35 feet, or a height equal to the majority of the buildings existing within that block. Clarke is one of the strongest advocates of such overlays. These laws essentially create carveouts within the citys larger zoning code to establish hyperlocal rules in response to neighborhood concerns or to advance a councilmembers goals in a way that would be difficult to achieve at a citywide level. Advertisement The Brewerytown Sharswood overlay legislation is a continuation of our ongoing efforts to ensure that community residents voices are clearly heard in determining the character and shape of their neighborhood, said Clarke in a statement to The Inquirer. Clarke has long been a critic of the new zoning code the city created in 2012, which he believes allows too much density and requires too little parking in rowhouse neighborhoods. Some of his efforts to change the larger code have failed, but overlays specific to his district are a tool that play into the tradition of councilmanic prerogative and are therefore almost guaranteed to pass. Bespoke zoning codes across the city Councilmanic prerogative is the unwritten tradition that gives district council members deference over zoning and streets bills that only effect their own territory. Votes on such narrowly cast bills usually pass unanimously, or at least with a veto-proof majority, allowing overlays like this one to be enacted with little fuss. Critics of City Councils traditions argue that overlays effectively create a patchwork of mini-zoning codes across the city, which complicates development and effectively privileges real estate companies with local knowledge, political ties, and the money to hire good zoning lawyers. Its also faster and easier for City council members to write a new subset of rules to placate a neighborhood group than to analyze the zoning maps and make changes within the existing rules to achieve similar ends. Thats why youre doing overlays, because youre trying to tailor it to a certain constituency without having to overthink it, said Greg Pastore, a former member of the Zoning Board of Adjustment. Youre doing something, but without the hard work of learning the code, planning, and applying it. Pastore isnt the only critic of Clarkes new overlay. The citys Planning Commission, which is largely advisory, unanimously voted to not recommend the bill. The commissions staff also noted several errors in the first version of the bill, including a missing western geographic boundary for the overlay that made it unenforceable. They also noted that parts of the bills map overlap with the previously existing Strawberry Mansion neighborhood conservation overlay, which regulates height in a different way. (Clarkes office since amended the bill to address those issues.) We dont believe its going to work on the Girard Avenue and Ridge Avenue commercial corridors, said David Fecteau, a city planner, at the Planning Commissions October meeting. We also believe that its going to cause some problems both for Girard College and with the housing authoritys many larger buildings. While the overlay wouldnt cause immediate problems for the two institutions, which have many buildings in the area covered by the bill, it does mean they would have to seek relief from the Zoning Board of Adjustment if they ever want to expand. Clarkes bill has the support of the Brewerytown Sharswood Community Civic Association, which spoke in favor of the bill at a City Council hearing in October. These regulations are essential for maintaining our communitys unique character and feel, said Julia Mollner, a member of the community organizations zoning committee. These regulations balance the need for growth with the preservation of our unique character. The Kenney administrations perspective on the overlay is not immediately clear, but the bills unanimous passage would make a veto a purely symbolic gesture as Clarke clearly has the votes to overturn it. Renters are aghast after spotting an available propertys list of exclusions, including two of the stoves cooktop burners and heating in the living room. The charming three-bedroom Adelaide home with character is up for lease for $620 per week and features an open plan kitchen, dining and living room with access to the backyard, two bathrooms, a covered outdoor entertaining area and big storage shed. However, the rental also has a series of less than admiral traits, which are listed as exclusions in its description on realestate.com.au. Despite being close to all amenities including shopping centres and schools, the home has two non-working stove elements, no exhaust fan above the stove, a manual roller door, and no heating in the living room or split air conditioning in one of the bedrooms. The Adelaide rental home has only two working stove cooktop burners and no working fan above. Source: realestate.com.au Aussies criticise rental home's deficiencies Given the cost-of-living and rental crisis facing the country, many potential tenants were quick to criticise the rental for not offering the bare minimum. Interesting house exclusions on a property for rent in Adelaide good luck during the extreme temps with no heating or cooling, a Reddit user posted with a photo of the homes listing. And wtf with the no exhaust fan above the stove. Thats disgusting. Fix your bloody house before putting it up for rent, another person commented, while someone else said the description was an interesting way of saying were not going to fix anything ever. Our minimum standards are from the dark ages along with our rental protections, an Adelaide local chimed in. What they have done is perfectly ok in South Australia. Some described the list of exclusions as 'ridiculous'. Source: realestate.com.au Minimum rental house standards in SA RentRight SA a free housing advice and advocacy service declined to comment on the listing to Yahoo News Australia, instead pointing to the Australian Housing Standards by the SA Housing Safety Authority. Story continues To meet the minimum standards according to the SA Government a rental home must have a continuous supply of electricity, with each gas or electrical installation compliant with the law and maintained so not to present a fire hazard. Properties should also be free of materials like asbestos that is harmful to residents, free of mould or moisture, have effective drainage and effective structural support. When it comes to the minimum requirements specifically for a kitchen, a rental must have a kitchen sink, an oven and cooktop, adequate bench space and a food storage or cupboard on a ratio of 1:10 residents. A kitchen must also have drinkable water from the sink, have a capable drainage system and at least one electric light fixture and be adequately ventilated. Yahoo News Australia contacted the homes real estate agent for comment. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. At a time when we're seeing incredible population growth, more interstate road-based tourism, and preparing for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Queensland needs more investment, not less, said RACQ general manager advocacy Joshua Cooney. We're still examining the detail, but to us right now, this decision smacks of the Federal Government passing the buck to the state government and disadvantaging regional Queenslanders. I think proactively, particularly with a lot of the data and AI [artificial intelligence] work that's going on looking at data sets, we can understand the dynamic risk profiles and the residual risk profiles, said Fitzsimmons. The challenge is how do we convert that to a customer interface that allows considered decisions so that when it comes time for processing claims, people don't get unfairly angry with the insurance industry, when they've found theyre being done in terms of their insurance package, even though they've taken it out in good faith. After three years establishing the institutional business for Allianz Retire+, I'm privileged to be asked to take on an exciting new challenge in the health insurance sector. Whilst it was a tough decision to move away from the superannuation sector, I'd like to thank everyone who helped and supported me during my time at Allianz, he said. Coverys Insurance Services is a highly regarded agency whose deep healthcare expertise provides significant opportunities for growth in the region, said J. Patrick Gallagher Jr., chairman, president and CEO of Gallagher. I am very pleased to welcome the Coverys Insurance Services team to Gallagher. At WRM Group, we believe in relationships with our employees, with our clients and with our neighbors, Wright said. The letters in our name literally stand for Where Relationships Matter. Maintaining those close-knit relationships is just as important to us as building our bench strength and accessing new services. With Higginbotham, we get to do both. Eight months after it ruled that medical marijuana is covered under workers compensation, a Pennsylvania appeals court has concluded that an injured workers cost of CBD oil is also reimbursable. A Commonwealth Court has found that CBD oil qualifies under the states workers compensation law as a medicine and a supply for reimbursement. In a 5-2 opinion rejecting arguments against qualifying CBD, the court strongly affirmed the role of workers compensation judges as exclusive fact-finders in claims reviews and stressed that neither the Workers Compensation Board nor the court has authority to reweigh the evidence. The court rebuked the WC Board for overstepping its authority when it overturned a judges ruling that was in favor of the injured workers CBD oil claim. The injured worker, Mark R. Schmidt, sued his employer, the Schmidt, Kirifides and Rassias law firm, and the WC Board, over their rejection of his request for reimbursement of the costs for CBD oil that he used for a work-related back injury. Medical research has been limited but some studies indicate CBD, or cannabidiol, may help with insomnia, chronic pain, inflammation due to arthritis, and anxiety. It does not produce a high effect in users. Schmidts doctor prescribed CBD along with Oxycodone and other treatments and medications for his back injury. The CBD eased his pain, obviated the need to increase his dosage of painkillers, and helped him avoid back surgery. Schmidt did not actually use his doctors prescription for CBD; instead he bought his oral and topical CBD over the counter at a natural therapy store. Claims Denied His employer refused to reimburse for the CBD, arguing that buying unregulated CBD oil at an unlicensed health food store did not qualify as medical treatment or medicines and supplies as the law requires. The firm also argued that reimbursing for CBD oil would violate Federal Drug Administration (FDA) policy. After a review of the claim, a workers compensation judge in the Springfield district ruled in Schmidts favor, finding that the employer was liable to pay for Schmidts CBD oil because it qualified as a medical supply under the statute and was part of his reasonable and necessary medical treatment. On appeal, the WC Board reversed the workers compensation judge and sided with the employer. In reversing the judges decision, the WC Board concluded that CBD oil cannot be a reasonable and necessary medical treatment because it did not come from a medical provider and an insurer or employer cannot be required to pay for it since the FDA has warned firms marketing CBD products about violating federal law. The WC Board also theorized that adoption of CBD oil would open the floodgates for employees to present personal receipts for homeopathic remedies for reimbursement. Appeal Schmidt appealed that WC Board decision to the court. In his appeal, Schmidt argued that a workers compensation judge has exclusive authority to act as fact-finder in such situations and that the WC Board went beyond its authority by disregarding the judges findings of fact. He said the board also failed to answer whether CBD oil is a medicine or supply under the law. Schmidt contended that nothing in the act restricts compensable medicine and supplies to items which can only be obtained through a pharmacist, nor is there any statutory language prohibiting reimbursement for medicines and supplies obtained over the counter. In its ruling, the Commonwealth Court stressed, as Schmidt had, the well-settled law that the workers compensation judge has exclusive authority to act as fact-finder, determine credibility of witnesses, and weigh the evidence. Furthermore, the judges findings are not to be disturbed if they are supported by substantial, competent evidence. In the opinion written by Judge Anne E. Covey, the court sided with Schmidt on classifying CBD oil and quoted the workers compensation judge that since the workers compensation act is remedial in nature and intended to benefit the worker, it must be liberally construed to effectuate its humanitarian objectives. Thus it liberally construed medicine and supply to include CBD oil. The court seconded Schmidts criticisms of the WC Board. Instead of addressing the legal issues, the Board has completely disregarded the judges findings of fact, which are supported by substantial evidence, and proceeded to do its own fact finding to support its preferred conclusions, the court stated. As for the concern over the FDA warning, the court commented that FDA approval of a treatment is not a requirement under the state statute and the fact that some CBD marketing may contain unsubstantiated therapeutic claims or otherwise violate federal law does not make an employees use or employers reimbursement for CBD oil illegal. The court added that in the case of medical marijuana, the employer is not prescribing marijuana, but rather reimbursing the claimant for lawful use and thus the employer is not in violation of federal law. The court also noted that the laws utilization review process is the appropriate place for disputes over whether treatments are reasonable and necessary. While the employer in this case did not pursue this remedy until the case was already before the courts, a utilization review came to the same conclusion that CBD qualifies for reimbursement. Topics Workers' Compensation Talent Energy Oil Gas Pennsylvania Cannabis A Newburyport, Massachusetts pharmaceutical and chemical manufacturer and its parent company could have prevented an employees death from an explosion but lacked the required safeguards in a chemical manufacturing process, an Occupational Safety and Health Administration investigation found. OSHAs investigation of the May 4 explosion at PolyCarbon Industries Inc./SEQENS SAS identified numerous deficiencies in the facilitys process safety management program for highly hazardous chemicals for the production and drying of a chemical product called Dekon 139 and for combustible dust hazards. During the process, a pressure vessel exploded causing an employees fatal injuries. OSHA has cited the firm for 11 violations and proposed $298,254 in penalties. OSHA investigators said that f\among its alleged failures, the company did not determine the combustibility hazards of materials used in the production process, exposing employees to fire and explosion hazards from combustible dust, failed to include safe upper and lower temperature limits to prevent the decomposition of Dekon 139 and did not review a November 2022 compliance audit report with all affected personnel whose job tasks are relevant to the report findings. SEQENS SAS operates 24 manufacturing plants and three research and development centers in North America, Europe and Asia. Formerly named PCI Synthesis, the Newburyport site is a chemical-processing facility engaged in the manufacturing, drying, packaging and testing of active pharmaceutical intermediates and custom synthesized chemicals The requirements of OSHAs Process Safety Management standard are stringent and comprehensive because failure to comply fully can have a severe or catastrophic impact on employees that, in this case, cost a worker their life, said OSHAs Area Director Sarah Carle in Andover, Massachusetts. Employers must rigorously, completely and continuously scrutinize, update and maintain each element of the process properly to identify and minimize hazards and protect workers safety and health. PCI/SEQENS SAS has 15 business days to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA or contest the findings. On the day of the explosion in this coastal city north of Boston, fire crews battled heavy fire conditions for approximately one hour. Five employees were in the building at the time. One worker, identified as 62-year-old Jack OKeefe, was found dead; the other four workers were treated at a local hospital and released. The tragedy has raised questions about the future of the plant that has a history of health, safety and environmental problems. This explosion was the third at the plant since 2020. It moved to the Newburyport plant in 2005 from a facility in Leominster, where there had been two explosions. Newburyport Mayor Sean Reardon has questioned whether the plant should be allowed to reopen. Photo: Crews on-scene at hazardous materials explosion in Newburyport, Mass. on May 4,2023. (Photo Courtesy Newburyport Fire) . Topics Workers' Compensation Massachusetts Manufacturing A Springfield, Massachusetts man pleaded guilty Tuesday in federal court in Boston to his role in a regional organized theft crew that officials say stole catalytic converters from more than 490 vehicles as well as from bank automatic teller machines and jewelry stores. Zachary Marshall pleaded guilty to conspiracy to transport stolen property in interstate commerce and interstate transportation of stolen property, U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy reported. U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin scheduled sentencing for Feb. 7, 2024. Marshall and six other men were arrested on April 12, 2023, and charged with offenses related to the theft, transportation and sale of stolen catalytic converters taken from over 490 vehicles during 2022 and 2023. Catalytic converter theft became a nationwide problem across a multitude of state, local, and federal jurisdictions due to the high-valued precious metals they contain. As metal prices have dropped, thefts have also declined. For Arrested Ringleader, Stealing Catalytic Converters Is Full-Time Job, Police Say Marshall was a member of an organized crew that allegedly stole catalytic converters from at least 492 vehicles across Massachusetts and New Hampshire in 2022 and 2023 alone. Marshall participated in thefts of catalytic converters from 107 vehicles over the course of 10 separate instances between Jan. 19, 2023 and April 6, 2023 most of which targeted vehicles in more than one municipality over the course of a single night. Officials believe that a significant number of additional thefts have not been identified or were not ever reported to law enforcement. New Massachusetts Law Aims to Thwart Catalytic Converter Thieves Law enforcement officials allege that the crew was led by Rafael Davila, who they allege was responsible for the planning and transportation around each targeted theft. Marshall also admitted to breaking into to a self-storage facility in Northborough, Massachusetts on February 2, 2023, and stole items from storage units, and a truck containing approximately $13,000 worth of power tools. Four other men have pleaded guilty in the catalytic converter thefts. Charges against Davila and another suspect remain pending and they are presumed innocent until proven guilty. More than 70 local police departments in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Connecticut contributed to the investigation through the submission of their investigations of catalytic converter thefts in their jurisdiction. Topics Fraud Massachusetts Christmas season has officially begun with the decorations out, carols playing at local shops, and fruit mince tarts filling bakeries across the country. And now Australian kids can call the North Pole directly to have a chat with Santa. On Wednesday this week, phone lines to Santa's personal number opened up and parents can visit any of their local Telstra payphones nationwide to speak with the old man himself something many parents had no idea about. "Why has no one ever told me about this?" Celina McMahon said on TikTok while filming her son heading to a phone booth. One Aussie mum shared how excited her son was to call Santa and was surprised she didn't know about it earlier. Source: TikTok In its third year, many parents could not believe they didn't know about this either. "You can do that?" one person questioned. "What!!! I'll be doing this with the girls this year, thanks," another said in excitement. How to call Santa from a payphone Right up until Christmas Eve, Aussie kids can call Santa for free by dialling # HO HO HO (#46 46 46) from a Telstra payphone anywhere in the country. "This year is the most interactive Santa experience yet and children can ask Santa questions from asking about the weather in the North Pole, to what the reindeers like to snack on before their big Christmas Eve adventure," Jana Kotatko, Telstra Retail Executive, told Yahoo News Australia. Adults eyes only: What's the secret? Telstra shares they have already received "a huge surge in calls" and for those inquisitive adults who want to know how they do it, it's an interactive Santa AI experience that shapes the conversation. Though, Santa has asked that we don't reveal any more of the magic from behind the scenes. Do you have a Christmas story? Contact reporter Laura Koefoed at laura.koefoed@yahooinc.com Story continues Kids can also send Santa a letter through Australia Post Australia Post also help kids across the country to write to Santa. Letters need to be addressed to 'Santa, North Pole, 9999' with a 65c Christmas stamp affixed to the front of the envelope. Include a name and return address on the back so Santa knows where to send his reply. Parents and children who have low vision can opt to receive a large text reply from Santa by sending their letters to 'Santa Mail (large text), North Pole, 9999'. This year, you can send a letter up until Sunday, December 24, 2023, but letters sent by Friday, December 1 will get a reply before Christmas Day Santa will respond to the others as soon as he can. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced a legislative proposal to improve safety within the limousine industry. The bill includes provisions requiring that stretch limousines be equipped with enhanced safety features and prohibiting the operation of a stretch limousine that is more than 10 years old or has milage exceeding 350,000 miles. Hochuls proposed Stretch Limousine Passenger Safety Act is based on reforms recommended by a limousine safety task force that require statutory changes. The Passenger Safety Task Force was originally established in 2020 as a response to limousine crashes in Cutchogue in 2015 and Schoharie in 2018. In the fall of 2022, the task force released its report. Limit on Limousines Miles Is Among New York Safety Panels 16 Recommendations Hochul said the Departments of Transportation and Motor Vehicles have made progress administratively, including overhauling the vehicle registration and change of ownership process, increasing the number of reviews of limousines, increasing the level of coordination between states, and increasing enforcement actions against those who fraudulently register and operate limousines. The Stretch Limousine Passenger Safety Act addresses the legislative recommendations of the task force including: Requiring a minimum $10,000 fine for operating a suspended stretch limousine and authorizing the Department of Transportation to collaborate with law enforcement to seize license plates of offenders driving passenger vehicles subject to their jurisdiction. Requiring that stretch limousines to be equipped with enhanced safety features including window break tools, fire extinguishers, improved emergency egress, and roll-over protection. Prohibiting the operation of a stretch limousine that is over 10 years old or has milage exceeding 350,000 miles, whichever occurs first. Improving data availability on limousine operators. Mandating that all stretch limousine passengers be given a pre-trip safety briefing. In May, a limousine service manager was convicted of manslaughter in a 2018 crash in Schoharie, a village west of Albany. Seventeen passengers, the driver and two bystanders were killed. State Inspector General Lucy Lang released a report echoing federal regulators who concluded in 2020 that the state regulators fell short in their oversight of the limousine. In 2015, four women were killed and four others seriously injured in a limousine crash in Long Island wine country. Topics New York The U.S. on Thursday imposed sanctions on maritime companies and vessels for shipping Russian oil sold above the G7s price cap, as Washington seeks to close loopholes in the mechanism designed to punish Moscow for its war in Ukraine. The U.S. Treasury Department in a statement said it slapped sanctions on three United Arab Emirates-based companies and three vessels owned by them in the action, accusing the vessels of engaging in the export of Russian crude oil priced above the $60 a barrel cap. It said the vessels used U.S.-person services while transporting the Russian-origin crude oil. The U.S., other Group of Seven (G7) countries and Australia imposed the cap last year, seeking to reduce Russias revenues from seaborne oil exports as part of sanctions for its invasion of Ukraine. Update: Ukraine Launches Grain Insurance Program With Marsh McLennan, Lloyds While the cap on crude has been in place for around a year and is aimed at restricting the Kremlins oil revenues, robust global oil prices this year and Moscows growing usage of shadow tankers fleet have meant that much Russian oil has traded above the cap. The cap bans Western companies from providing maritime services, including insurance, finance and shipping, for Russian seaborne oil exports sold above $60 a barrel, while seeking to keep oil flowing to markets. Caps also were imposed on Russian fuel exports. Shipping companies and vessels participating in the Russian oil trade while using Price Cap Coalition service providers should fully understand that we will hold them accountable for compliance, Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo said in the statement. We are committed to maintaining market stability in spite of Russias war against Ukraine, while cutting into the profits the Kremlin is using to fund its illegal war and remaining unyielding in our pursuit of those facilitating evasion of the price cap. Russias embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment and the Kremlin was not immediately available for comment. It has repeatedly dismissed the Western sanctions as illegal, saying it would act in its own interests despite the restrictions. Thursdays action freezes any U.S. assets of those targeted and generally bars Americans from dealing with them. The UAE-based firms targeted are Kazan Shipping Incorporated, Progress Shipping Company Limited and Gallion Navigation Incorporated. The Liberian-flagged ships hit with sanctions are the Kazan, Ligovsky Prospect and NS Century, according to the Treasury Department. Global oil prices LCOc1 have risen to around $85 a barrel in recent months on production cuts and thin world spare production capacity. That has helped limit the efficacy of the cap, but the coalition can toughen enforcement to make it more effective, according to people who advised the Treasury. Russian crude and oil product exports dropped by 70,000 barrels per day in October to 7.5 million barrels per day, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said in a report on Tuesday. It added that estimated export revenues fell $25 million to $18.34 billion, while Russian crude and product prices were mainly above the G7 price cap. Thursdays action comes after the U.S. in October imposed the first sanctions on owners of tankers carrying Russian oil priced above the cap, one in Turkey and one in the United Arab Emirates. A senior Treasury official warned at the time that Washington would take action in the coming weeks and months in an effort to increase Russias costs and weaken Russias ability to sustain the war in Ukraine. (Reporting by Daphne Psaledakis, Laura Sanicola, Ismail Shakil and Susan Heavey; editing by Chizu Nomiyama, Marguerita Choy and Cynthia Osterman) Photograph: An oil tanker. Photo credit: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg Topics USA Energy Oil Gas Russia Washington Italys top insurer Generali stuck to 2024 targets on Thursday after posting a 29.6% rise in nine-month adjusted net profit despite rising claims from natural disasters which it said would also weigh on this quarter. The impact of extreme weather on Italys fragile topography has been posing a growing challenge to insurers there. Floods and hailstorms in Italy, Greece and central eastern European countries inflicted a 3.7-percentage point hit to Generalis combined ratio in the nine months through September. This measure of profitability for the property and casualty division which also tracks capital strength and stands below 100 when claims and any related expenses borne by an insurer lag the premiums it earns came in below expectations. Generalis combined ratio stood at 94.3% at the end of September, improving from 97.4% a year earlier. But excluding a discounting effect from claim reserves, the ratio stood at 97.9%, worse than analysts consensus forecast of 97.4%. Generali shares were down 1.5% at 0951 GMT, bucking a 0.7% rise in Italys blue-chip index .FTMIB and a similar gain in the European sector .SXIP. Premiums and profits are running marginally ahead of consensus, and remain on track to exceed targets, Jefferies said, adding the solvency ratio was disappointing and the undiscounted combined ratio also worse than expected. Generali forecast a loss of 50-100 million euros ($54-109 million) from October-November storms in Italy and France, finance chief Cristiano Borean told a post-results briefing. Gross premiums rose 4.7% to 60.5 billion euros in the nine months, driven by strong growth in the non-life business (up 11.4%), while the life segment proved resilient. Nine-month adjusted net profit came in at 2.98 billion euros, while operating profit, a figure closely watched by the market, rose 16.7% to 5.1 billion euros. Both figures were broadly in line with market expectations. Generali remains fully on track to successfully achieve all the targets of its 2024 strategic plan, Borean said. Its solvency ratio, which measures the companys financial strength, was 224% at the end of September, below analysts consensus forecast of 227%. It stood at 222% at the end of last month due to a negative market trend, Borean said. ($1 = 0.9217 euros) (Reporting by Gianluca Semeraro; editing by Federico Maccioni and Mark Potter) Topics Trends Profit Loss Claims Verlingue has launched Verlingue London Markets following the rebranding of specialist Lloyds and London market wholesale broker NBJ London Markets. The business also has made a number of senior hires to expand its access to markets and expertise for its broker panel. NBJ London Markets, which specializes in placing difficult risks for motor fleet, property, and liability, serves both parent broker Verlingue UK, and a number of independent community brokers across the UK. Barry Reynolds, who has over 35 years London market insurance experience will be joining as executive director from the Jensten Group, where he led the UK and EEA Lloyds Broking businesses. Prior to this role he co-founded the Tasker Group in 2000 after having spent 12 years in broking and underwriting roles in the London market. Verlingues other senior hires to join the team recently are: Lucy Colleran broking manager who joined from Citynet Simon Clegg head of Broker Development who joined from Lonmar Global Risks Marc Smart head of Motor who joined having held senior motor underwriting roles at Zego and Covea The new hires will join Grant Pye, head of Property, and Andi Turner, head of Casualty, on the senior management team. NBJ London Markets is a well-known and respected part of our operation, and this rebrand is part of our overall strategy to build an exciting and capable business for our broking partners, commented Verlingues UK CEO Mike Latham. It was a natural next step to bring the name more in line with our UK and European brand whilst retaining its distinct specialty. The name change is only a small part of the overall expansion of our business, as we have also made several new senior hires to further enhance our access to markets, technical capability, and exceptional service provision, Latham added. Our broker partners have repeatedly told us that they have seen a significant erosion in service levels across London market wholesale brokers in recent years, he said. Their request was simple deliver high levels of ongoing service and access to market expert brokers and we would have something very different from everyone else right now. So, thats exactly what weve done. Weve rebuilt, reshaped, and relaunched our proposition and were delighted with the caliber of professionals who have chosen to join us on this exciting project. Source: Verlingue Topics London Arch Insurance International has launched an intangible assets team, which joins from Aon following an agreement to acquire certain assets of its intellectual property (IP) liability MGA business. Led by Ian Lewis as head of Intangible Assets, the five-person underwriting team will offer a range of insurance solutions that provide comprehensive protection to businesses for the fast-evolving intangible asset environment. Coverage will be provided to organizations of all sizes for a broad range of risks, including intellectual property infringement exposures, contractual liabilities, invalidation and business interruption. Lewis will report to Duncan Smith, head of Professional Lines. With more than 30 years of insurance market experience, Lewis has worked primarily in the intellectual property and intangible risk arenas. Most recently, he was global head of Intellectual Property Underwriting Solutions at Aon. Prior to Aon, Lewis held roles at Tokio Marine Kiln, Samian Underwriting Agency and Miller Insurance Services. Based in London, the underwriting team also includes Justyn Hardcastle, senior underwriter; Carys Bickmore, underwriter; Ben Kemsley, underwriter and Chris Sclimenti, a U.S.-based senior underwriter who will work closely with the London team. Sclimenti will also be responsible for spearheading Archs life sciences practice. The launch of our intangible assets team is a natural progression for Arch as we continue to expand our professional lines offerings. We see significant opportunities for growth in this class and are well positioned to offer our brokers and mutual clients comprehensive solutions to respond to the evolving risks to their intangible assets, commented Hugh Sturgess, chief executive officer, Arch Insurance International, in a statement. By bringing on board an established and respected team led by Ian, we seek to establish Arch as a lead market in the intangible assets space, Sturgess added. We are very proud of the underwriting team and how they have helped Aon continue to develop the IP liability insurance market over the last few years, according to Lewis Lee, CEO of Aons Intellectual Property Solutions. In an innovation-driven growth economy, solutions involving IP assets represent a significant opportunity for Aon and the insurance industry globally. We will continue to focus on broking the full mix of IP solutions for our clients which includes continuing to grow our IP liability business, Lee continued. Source: Arch Insurance International Topics New Markets Companies that allow remote work have experienced revenue growth thats four times faster than those that are more stringent about office attendance, a new survey shows, adding fuel to the debate over productivity and performance in todays workplaces. The analysis of 554 public companies that employ a collective 26.7 million people found that fully flexible firms which are either completely remote or allow employees to choose when they come to an office increased sales 21% between 2020 and 2022, on an industry-adjusted basis. That compares with 5% growth for companies with hybrid or fully onsite workforces. The study, by flex-work advisor Scoop Technologies Inc. and Boston Consulting Group, included companies across 20 sectors, from technology to insurance. Revenue growth was normalized against average industry growth rates so that employers in better-performing areas would not skew the findings. Among the companies that did require at least some office attendance, those that came in a few days a week boosted sales at twice the rate of those in the office full-time, according to the survey. The better growth rates for more remote-friendly companies could be due to their ability to hire faster and from a wider geographic area, along with higher employee retention, according to Scoop co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Rob Sadow. At insurer Allstate Corp., for example, 84% of its new US hires over the past year dont live near one of its local offices, and remote-friendly jobs receive twice as many applications, according to Lauren DeYoung, who works across departments to oversee the companys flexible-work arrangements. This starts to be a more compelling case for CFOs and CEOs to not be five days in the office, Sadow said. People ask if revenue growth is the best proxy you could also look at shareholder returns. There is no perfect answer, but we felt this was a first step in the right direction. The survey is one of the first broad-based looks at how different work arrangements impact corporate performance. To date, most research comparing remote and office workers has been narrow in scope, looking at, say, data-entry workers in India or call-center workers in China. Business leaders at companies such as Amazon.com Inc. and JPMorgan Chase & Co., meanwhile, rarely cite financial data when imploring or demanding that workers return to their desks, arguing instead that on-site work bolsters collaboration and culture. Of the 5,565 companies in Scoops database, the share that require full-time in-office work has declined to 38% as of October from 49% at the start of the year. Return-to-office advocates have some fresh data to bolster their position, though. A separate survey of 4,505 full-time US employees from workplace consultant Mercer found that those who were in the office four days a week reported the highest levels of motivation and belonging. They were also most likely to recommend their company as a good employer, and felt most strongly that their career goals could be met. A similar Mercer survey last year, however, found that those working just one day on site were the most engaged. Mercer senior principal Lauren Mason said the results from her firms latest study surprised her, and could be due to remote employees feeling marginalized inside their organization even if they are satisfied with their work arrangement. Thats one theory we have, she said, adding that those sentiments are often more prevalent among women, who engage in flex-work at higher rates than men. And its not a good thing. Among companies that require a certain number of days in the office, just 6% require four days in, with most requiring two or three, the Scoop-BCG survey found. Previous research from Harvard Business School associate professor Prithwiraj Choudhury found that just one or two days in the office is the ideal setup for hybrid work, as it provides workers with the flexibility they crave without the isolation of going fully remote. A good practice, according to workplace experts, is to provide individual teams with some autonomy on when and where they work, rather than the CEO mandating a firm-wide attendance policy that rarely works for everyone. Teams that set their hybrid policy together have the highest employee engagement, according to Gallup. Im talking to more companies these days that have weakly-enforced hybrid guidelines but havent come out with a policy yet, said Debbie Lovich, a BCG senior partner who leads the consulting firms workplace efforts. They are looking for data to figure out what to do. Photo: Photographer: Stefan Wermuth/Bloomberg Copyright 2023 Bloomberg. Topics Profit Loss A federal appeals court on Monday struck down a major air pollution permit issued by Texass environmental regulator, arguing that the state allowed improperly high emissions limits for Port Arthur LNG, a gas liquefaction and export terminal currently under construction on the Gulf Coast. In a 17-page opinion, a three-judge panel at the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality acted arbitrarily and capriciously under Texas law when it declined to impose certain emissions limits on a new natural gas facility. The judges remanded the permit for Port Arthur LNG back to the TCEQ for correction. I hope this goes out and sends a message to the rest of the companies that are looking at us and want to make us a sacrifice zone, said John Beard, a retired refinery worker and community activist in Port Arthur who first challenged the permit. Were going to attack every single one of them and were going to take them down where we can. The courts decision follows three years of arguments and appeals since Beard, a former industrial firefighter and founder of the Port Arthur Community Action Network, first challenged the proposed permit, which would have authorized the $13 billion facility to release 3,200 tons of carbon monoxide, 1,900 tons of nitrogen oxides, 7.7 million tons of carbon dioxide and more every year. Beard, who was represented by the nonprofit law firm Lone Star Legal Aid, argued that lax emission limits allowed Port Arthur LNG and its parent company, Sempra Energy, to cut corners on pollution control technology. In a statement on Wednesday, Sempra said it would continue construction on Port Arthur LNG under existing permits while it reviewed its options. The issue in question is a narrow technical matter, the company said. The court did not mandate the adoption of any specific emission limit in its decision and also noted that the TCEQ is not obligated to abide by the nonbinding guidance when issuing or reviewing the permit. The TCEQ declined to comment. The argument revolves around whether TCEQ required Port Arthur LNG to use the highest standard of pollution control technology in its facility. Federal law requires state environmental regulators to verify that major new pollution sources employ the best available control technology to reduce emissions. That assessment should include a review of pollution control systems used or proposed for the same or similar applications. Lone Star Legal Aid commissioned its own technical review of the TCEQs proposed permit and found that another recently approved gas terminal in Texas, Rio Grande LNG, had laid out plans in its application to operate the same equipment with substantially less pollution than what Port Arthur LNG promised. That was basic analysis, said Amy Dinn, attorney for Lone Star Legal Aid. The TCEQ should have considered that themselves. Both companies had applied to install the same type of turbines. Rio Grande LNG proposed to run each machine with emissions of nitrogen oxides at 5 parts per million and carbon monoxide at 15 parts per million. Port Arthur LNG proposed to run the same machines with emissions of 9 parts per million of nitrogen oxides and 25 parts per million of carbon monoxide. We made comments to the TCEQ about this situation and they were just ignored throughout the process, Dinn said. Dinn asked the agency why the facility was not required to employ Selective Catalytic Reduction technology, or SCR, like other nearby gas terminals had proposed. In response, TCEQ Executive Director Toby Baker wrote that Port Arthur LNG, in its application, had included an economic analysis purporting to demonstrate that certain control technologies (including SCR) while technically feasible, are too costly for the proposed project. When two state administrative law judges reviewed the draft permit in 2021, they disagreed with the TCEQ. It is undisputed that using SCR technology is technically feasible; Applicant contends however, that it is not cost-effective, the judges wrote. The ALJs find that the preponderance of the evidence established that the use of SCR control technology is cost effective. The judges recommend the TCEQ lower emissions limits for the compression turbines to 5 parts per million for nitrogen oxides and 15 parts per million for carbon monoxide, consistent with Rio Grande LNG. TCEQs Baker objected. Because Rio Grande LNG was yet to be constructed, he wrote in June 2022, its proposed emissions limits had not been demonstrated in practice. There is no way to verify whether Rio Grande LNG will be able to attain its estimated emissions, Baker wrote. Three months later, the TCEQ commissioners voted to reject the recommendation and issue the permit as initially proposed. Appealed and overturned Typically, state courts hear complaints about state-issued pollution permits. But Port Arthur LNGs permit was eligible for review in federal court, Dinn said, thanks to the 1938 Natural Gas Act which put certain gas infrastructure under federal jurisdiction. Federal courts rarely get a chance to review a TCEQ permit, said Ilhan Levin, associate director of the Environmental Integrity Project in Austin. For Texas, this legal opinion is a clear message to stop bending over backward to accommodate the whims of fossil fuel corporations. In its ruling, the three-judge panel wrote that the TCEQ declined to impose certain emissions limits on a new natural gas facility that it had recently imposed on another such facility. In doing so, it contravened its policy of adhering to previously imposed emissions limits, but it did not adequately explain why. It therefore acted arbitrarily and capriciously under Texas law. For Beard, the ruling marked a major triumph. He started PACAN in 2017, after he retired from the nearby ExxonMobil refinery, to improve living conditions in Port Arthur, a small Gulf Coast city flanked by massive petrochemical plants. Forty-three percent of Port Arthur residents are Black, more than three times the statewide average. Despite the abundance of multi-billion dollar industries, median household income is 37% less than Texas as a whole while its poverty rate is nearly double. Much of the city is in the 95th percentile nationally for both the volume of toxic air pollution released and resulting cancer risk, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Were bombarded left and right and its unjust. Somebody has to fight for people to breathe clean air, Beard said. Its a blessing to be impactful on this kind of scale. This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune at https://www.texastribune.org/2023/11/16/texas-air-pollution-permit-overturned-tceq-federal-court-lng-terminal/. The Texas Tribune is a member-supported, nonpartisan newsroom informing and engaging Texans on state politics and policy. Learn more at texastribune.org. Photo: Over land gas pipeline system LNG tank storage at natural gas station Topics Texas Pollution JACKSON, Miss. (AP) Recent rain has helped improve drought conditions enough for Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves to partially lift a statewide burn ban. Reeves, the Mississippi Forestry Commission and the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency said the burn ban will be lifted as of Thursday for all but 27 counties. It is up to the Board of Supervisors in those counties to either lift their burn ban, allow it to expire on the predetermined deadline, or extend the ban, Reeves said in a news release Wednesday. The burn ban was ordered during the extreme drought that hit the state this year, prohibiting residents from burning yard waste, lighting campfires and any other activities that could ignite a dangerous blaze. From Aug. 1 to Nov. 14, the commission`s wildland firefighters responded to 1,506 wildfire calls that burned nearly 22,000 acres (8,903 hectares) throughout the state. The extent of damage would have been higher without the ban in place, Reeves` office said. The counties with burn bans enacted by supervisors are: Attala, Calhoun, Carroll, Chickasaw, Clay, Grenada, Humphreys, Itawamba, Kemper, Lafayette, Lee, Lowndes, Marshall, Monroe, Montgomery, Noxubee, Oktibbeha, Panola, Pontotoc, Sunflower, Tallahatchie, Tate, Tishomingo, Union, Webster, Winston and Yalobusha. Even though you may be getting rain, people will need to be careful once this burn ban is lifted, warned State Forester Russell Bozeman in an interview with WAPT-TV. Conditions may still be ripe for a wildfire if you try to set a fire. Copyright 2023 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters Wildfire Mississippi FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) Why has it been raining so much in south Florida? Experts say the latest windy, rainy storm system seen this week has nothing to do with hurricane season. The storm system that formed over the Florida Keys this week and dumped up to 9 inches (23 centimeters) of rain across parts of South Florida has moved into the Atlantic Ocean, bringing clearing skies to the region on Thursday, the National Weather Service in Miami said. While hurricane season doesn`t officially end until Nov. 30, this storm wasn`t associated with a tropical system, according to Luke Culver, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Miami. It`s not considered a tropical system because of the way it formed, Culver said, noting that the system developed more like a nor`easter, which are more common in the northeastern United States. Heavy rain started falling across South Florida on Tuesday night, continuing into Wednesday before mostly ending early Thursday. High winds accompanied the rain, with some areas along the South Florida coastline experiencing gusts up to 70 mph (112 kph), Culver said. The potential for flooding led officials with the Broward County school system to cancel classes on Thursday. The district is the nation`s sixth largest, with more than 251,000 students. Schools in neighboring Miami-Dade County remained open on Thursday. During a 24-hour period beginning Wednesday mornings, some areas in Miami received between 5 and 9 inches (12 to 23 centimeters) of rain, while the Fort Lauderdale area recorded between 4 and 7 inches (10 to 18 centimeters), Culver said. It`s the second time this year that Fort Lauderdale has experienced heavy rainfall during a one-day period. In mid-April, a storm system that stalled over South Florida dumped up to 25 inches (63.5 centimeters) of rain on parts of Fort Lauderdale, causing neighborhoods to flood. The fast-rising water left dozens of motorists stranded on flooded streets and forced Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport to close. I think it`s almost more of a bad luck kind of thing, Culver said. That one event (in April) was obviously very historic, on the extreme end of the scale, where this is more of an event that occurs every few years. It just happened to be that they were both in the same year. Floridas chief financial officer on Thursday shared links for filing flood insurance claims and other insurance resources. Photo: Bernadette Romero Eden walks her dog Pitaya on a flooded street in Oakland Park, in south Florida, on Thursday (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun-Sentinel via AP) Copyright 2023 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Florida Flood A house fire in northeast Georgia that killed three people last week was found to be accidental in nature, linked to a clothes dryer that was running overnight. And a blaze that burned a 180-year-old, historic home in Stone Mountain Park also was determined to be accidental, caused by a faulty electrical conduit, authorities told local news outlets. The home fire in Elbert County on Nov. 11 trapped three occupants. Firefighters found the house engulfed in flames when they arrived early that morning. After the fire was contained, firefighters entered the home in search of victims, only to find that all three occupants had succumbed to the fire, Georgia Insurance Commissioner John King said in a news release. He reminded residents to turn dryers off before going to bed or leaving home and to clean the lint trap before each load of laundry. In Stone Mountain, near Atlanta, a fire at an antebellum home inside the park was initially believed to be the result of arson. But investigators found it was electrical-related, said the Stone Mountain Department of Public Safety, according to the Decaturish.com news site. The Dickey House was under renovation when the fire broke out on Tuesday. Fire Capt. Jaeson Daniels said the home is a total loss. Photo: The historic home at Stone Mountain Park is a total loss after a fire this week. (John Spink/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP) Topics Georgia New York has awarded two grants totaling more than $2 million to the Cayuga County Soil and Water Conservation District for soil health projects on local farms. A $1,410,562 grant will allow eight farms to plant cover crops and use other practices, including crop residue and tillage management, over 21,390 acres. According to the state Department of Agriculture and Markets, the project will reduce nutrient runoff and improve water quality within the Cayuga and Owasco lake watersheds. A separate $769,812 grant will support a three-year project to plant 8,770 acres of cover crops and 600 acres of deep tillage on 12 farms. This project will address soil erosion, rEduce runoff and sequester carbon in the Cayuga and Seneca lake watersheds. The grants will largely fund both projects, which will cost more than $2.7 million. Doug Kierst, executive director of the Cayuga County Soil and Water Conservation District, told The Citizen they support voluntary conservation efforts through the state's Agricultural Environmental Management program instead of a carrot-and-stick approach. "We're always a fan of the carrot and the state has recognized a need to help the farms and protect water quality," Kierst said. "We have some really good farmers here in the county and they are willing to step up to the plate and work with us on these practices and implement these practices because they recognize it, too." The funding for Cayuga County was provided in the seventh round of the state Climate Resilient Farming Grant Program. Gov. Kathy Hochul announced this week that nearly $16 million was awarded to county soil and water conservation districts for projects on 116 farms. The projects will reduce carbon emissions by an estimated 64,000 metric tons. Since the program's inception, the state has awarded nearly $36 million for 386 farms. "New York's agricultural industry is too often faced with severe challenges associated with our changing climate, from flooding to droughts that impact their crops and their livelihood," Hochul said. "The Climate Resilient Farming Grant Program is addressing these challenges head on, helping our farmers to implement projects that prevent weather-related damage and also ensure our farmers are part of the solution to climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and reducing their environmental footprint." There are three different ways the soil and water conservation districts can use the state funding. For Cayuga County, the grants were provided through the Healthy Soils NY track. Other projects across New York will focus on livestock management for methane reduction or helping farms protect against extreme weather. A jury in Oregon has awarded a man more than $3.1 million after a police officer accused him of trying to steal a car he was fixing and allegedly used excessive force when arresting him. That jury award included more than $2 million in punitive damages to Christopher Garza for false arrest, battery and the use of excessive force in the 2021 incident at a tire store in Salem. Garza alleged in the lawsuit that on Sept. 17, 2021, Salem Officer David Baker grabbed him, shoved him onto the roof of his police car and handcuffed him with no justification for his arrest. Well, I feel vindicated, Garza told Portland television station KGW-TV. I feel good that justice has prevailed. Trevor Smith, a spokesperson for Salem, said in an email Monday to The Associated Press that the city was evaluating the jury`s decision and had no comment. Garza, a barber, lives next to the tire shop. He was with two other men and working on a car when Baker arrived and accused him of trying to steal the vehicle, according to the lawsuit. Garza said he suffered injuries to his neck, chest, wrists and left hand. He said he also underwent shoulder surgery for injuries suffered during the arrest, and that he thinks they might not fully heal. I went through one surgery, and I need another surgery, Garza said. My arm probably wont work the same ever again. Copyright 2023 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Auto Oregon Source: Ron Struthers November 17, 2023 (Investorideas.com Newswire) Recently, Greenbriar Capital Corp. shared news that has Ron Struthers of Struthers Resource Stock Report giving it a Strong Buy rating. Greenbriar Capital TSXV:GRB OTC:GEBRF Recent Price - $1.11 Entry Price - $1.15 Opinion - Strong Buy Greenbriar Capital Corp. (GRB:TSX.V; GEBRF:OTC) announced that their 995-home sustainable entry-level residential subdivision, Sage Ranch in California, has received Planning Commission approval for the Precise Development Plan ("PDP") at the November 13, 2023 Planning Commission meeting. Wow! This is huge news we have been waiting for. Just consider it lucky that this development was not in Canada because it would have probably taken another two years to get approved. Construction will soon start, and Greenbriar will sell around 140+ plus homes per year for about six years. I can give a more solid revenue projection when we see what the first homes sell for, but some simple round numbers of $100,000 profit per home on 140 homes is US$14 million per year revenue. Greenbriar only has 35 million shares out, so a measly $39 million market cap. Jeff Ciachurski CEO of Greenbriar, says: "The City has requested our team meet with the city staff within the next day or two to get everyone moving forward to obtain the necessary construction permits. Sage Ranch was purchased by the company 12 years ago, and today marks a huge milestone to have a 995-home project approved in the State of California. We congratulate city staff, the Planning Commission, the City Council, and our Greenbriar engineering, building, and architectural teams for this gold medal effort." From an environmental standpoint, Sage Ranch will be a low-carbon showcase. Nowhere in the subdivision will any resident be more than a short three (3) block walk to either elementary, middle, or high schools. Match this with State-mandated solar roofs, smart meters, optional battery storage and EV charging, smart appliances, and energy-efficient building techniques; Sage Ranch amounts to an exceptional model of environmental planning and carbon reduction. Greenbriar is also named as one of the top performers on the TSXV Venture Exchange. The 2023 TSX Venture 50 celebrates the strongest performances on the TSXV over the last year. The Top 50 ranking is selected from 1,713 TSXV public companies. It is great the stock is among the top, but in reality, GRB stock is about even on the year or down a bit, proving how bad the TSXV has been. 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That's all it takes to get an article published on Investor Ideas - Learn More Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue hasn't appeared to reassure many concerned dairy farmers on Friday about the future of their enterprises, telling them that the nitrates derogation outcome is "entirely" out of Ireland's "control". This comes as the Environment Commissioner Virginijus Sinkevicius is due to visit Ireland next Thursday, November 23, on a nitrates-focused trip. Government will be among those to make a case to the commissioner on the need for Ireland to retain its nitrates derogation at 250kg organic nitrogen per hectare. Farmers are already receiving letters this week from the Department of Agriculture advising them that they must reduce from 250kg to 220kg from January 1, 2024. Difficulties "This is an issue which has created significant challenges, uncertainty, and difficulty for farmers this year," Mr McConalogue told Friday's Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association AGM. "We continue to seek any flexibility that may be of help to us. "While continuing that engagement with the commission, it is prudent we continue to prepare for the move to the lower stocking rate. Most will have already commenced this process by speaking with their advisors and assessing their own individual circumstances. "My officials have written to farmers to advise how their land will be categorised next year in terms of the maximum derogation stocking rate." He told farmers that there is no lack of ambition by the Government in retaining the derogation at 250kg; but that the outcome is "entirely out of our control" and is up to the European Commission's decision-making. He stated that "we certainly don't want any forced cull" of cows in the country, and "we didn't want the situation that's facing us at the moment where almost 3,000 farmers between 220kg and 250kg" are facing the challenge of either reducing their cow numbers or taking in more land to comply with the rules. Family farm viability Derogation is the topic dominating discussion at the AGM. ICMSA president Pat McCormack said that along with this, loss of income this year is one of the biggest concerns of farmers, adding that dairy markets "were in free fall in 2023". "We won't fully blame the politicians for that," Mr McCormack said, however, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Minister Eamon Ryan who are attending the event "will take the brunt" of the criticism today, he admits. The "viability of the family farm model" is at threat, Mr McCormack told the Irish Examiner, with the ICMSA president saying that the "mood around the country at various county AGMS is that the model is being undermined by every Government and EU decision". "The time has come to stop undermining. We need support to put in place the measures where we can meet our 25% target from an emissions perspective and indeed improve water quality," Mr McCormack said. "We need a structure in place to support best practices that farmers can deliver." Food security Mr McCormack said that food security is a "huge issue". Irish milk production in volume terms is "in decline; thats a reflection of the constraints that are coming, its probably a reflection of the impact of cow banding as well in 2023 as well as the challenges associated with the market", Mr McCormack said. He added: "If you look at the age profile of farmers, its becoming very hard to get young people coming into the industry and we need to have an industry that provides an economic sustainability. "Theres a lot of talk about sustainability out there and at times, the economic element is left out and thats the most critical. If we have economic sustainability, we can deliver." US rapper Playboi Carti has cancelled the European leg of his tour, which was due to kick off in Dublins 3Arena on Sunday. The 27-year-old was set to take his Antagonist tour to London, Manchester, Amsterdam and more but cancelled the European leg just days before the first gig in Dublin. According to the MCD website, the Dublin tour date has been postponed while a statement released through US media said: Playboi Carti UK and Europe dates rescheduled. Playboi Cartis official press release for his rescheduled UK/Europe Tour and new album pic.twitter.com/byCy1Kq8BM Masters Of The Underground (@MastersOfTheUG) November 16, 2023 Irish fans due to see the rapper in the 3Arena on Sunday received a message from Ticketmaster on Thursday evening to say that the concert had been rescheduled. The event organisers have been in touch to let us know that the show on 19 November 2023 has been rescheduled and will no longer be taking place on this date, it read. The event organisers are working hard to arrange a new date and as soon as we get any update on this, well be in touch to let you know. Your tickets will still be valid for this date. At the time of writing, Playboi Carti whose real name is Jordan Carter has yet to comment on the decision to cancel his European dates and no reason has been provided for the cancellation. While tickets will still be valid for a new date, fans are also entitled to a seek a refund from Ticketmaster. Playboi Carti last played in Ireland at Longitude in 2022. Book a last-minute flight for less with Aer Lingus Aer Lingus' Black Friday sale offers up to 25% off European destinations this winter including Dublin to Paris, Tenerife, Malaga, Lisbon and more, plus Cork to Amsterdam, Lyon, Munich, Lanzarote, and more. Offers end at midnight on Monday, November 27. They are also offering a 100 discount on flights to North America. For all deals, you must travel between December 1, 2023 and March 24, 2024. aerlingus.com Get the Dyson Airwrap multi styler for 270 You can get a refurbished Dyson Airwrap multi-styler at a 40% discount at ebay for Black Friday You won't want to miss this one. Ebay's Dyson Outlet is offering 40% off everything for Black Friday. We have it on good authority these refurbished machines are as good as new, so it's the perfect way to make a more sustainable choice while treating yourself to that haircare tool you've been pining over for months, or years... Of course the Dyson Airwrap is the big one here, and it will be 269.99 in the sale (RRP 449.99). Sale ends November 30. ebay.ie/str/dysonoutletireland The perfect weekend bag for 19.99 at Aldi Avenue Weekend Bag, 19.99, Aldi Not a Black Friday deal, but well worth a mention, the 19.99 Avenue Weekend Bag in Aldi stores this Sunday, November 19, available in brown and olive is the perfect secret Santa gift for the man in your life. aldi.ie Treat yourself to a 69 Hydrafacial Therapie Clinic is offering a special, speedy 20-minute Hydrafacial for 69 for Black Friday Black Friday is just around the corner, and we're already making the most of the sales for sorting our Christmas List. But, it's also a great opportunity to treat yourself! One offer we will definitely be availing of is the 69 glow express Hydrafacial Therapie Clinic has announced as a Black Friday exclusive. The popular TikTok facial is usually at least 99 and can cost a lot more depending on the salon you go to and add-ons you book. But in our experience, the simple 4-step process is enough to give our skin a deep clean and that post-facial glow, so this 20-minute version will do the trick and fit into our lunch break. therapieclinic.com Indulge in a day in the spa for less Spas.ie gift voucher Black Friday also offers a great opportunity to treat yourself to a day in the spa, with spas.ie offering 15% off its vouchers, and many hotels launching voucher sales that can be used in their spas. The Choice Hotel Group, for example, is offering 20% off monetary vouchers and has the g hotel in its directory. That means you could buy a voucher for 100, with a retail value of 125, which would get you a 55-minute Sweedish massage at the 5 star Galway hotel's spa. choicehotelgroup.ie Get premium haircare gifts for less at Millies and Cloud10 Beauty K-18's next-level repair gift set is down to 84.60 at Millies.ie for Black Friday. If you have a beauty fiend in your life, there are some great gifting options at Millies.ie and Cloud10Beauty.com, two Irish retailers. For haircare lovers, one great set at Millie's is the K18 Limited Edition Next Level Repair Trio gift set which will go down a treat with anyone who cares about the quality of their hair. It includes the brands' detox shampoo (250ml), a 50ml bottle of their outstanding leave-in molecular repair hair mask, and a 10ml try-it-and-see bottle of their repair hair oil. We've used all three and couldn't recommend more. Worth 135, the set is down to 84.60 for Black Friday. millies.ie Kerastase sets are on sale for Black Friday at Cloud10 Beauty Over at Monaghan-based Cloud10 Beauty, Kerastase's Shine Essentials: Color Treated Hair Chroma Absolu Trio gift set would be a safe option for any secret Santa with coloured hair, with an 80ml bottle of the Chroma Absolu Bain Riche Chroma Respect Shampoo, 75ml Chroma Absolu Fondant Cica Chroma Strengthening Conditioner and a 45ml Chroma Absolu Serum Chroma Thermique (use for heat protection, to combat frizz and to detangle). For Black Friday, it's down to 30.36 (RRP 37.95). cloud10beauty.com With both retailers, a range of gifts and individual products from Irish brands such as KASH Beauty, Pestle & Mortar, Sculpted by Aimee, and SOSU by Suzanne Jackson are also on sale for Black Friday now. 7am Shower, breakfast, and get my 10-month-old daughter ready. She has just started in creche, so we are experiencing all the 10 to 12 viral illnesses children can get in a year. It can be a challenge. 8.30am Teams meeting with Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control (AMRIC) and Irish College of General Practitioners (ICGP) colleagues to discuss any concerns regarding infection prevention and antibiotic use in general practice and the community. 9am I review antibiotic guidelines being updated for discussion in our expert antibiotic stewardship advisory groups. Members of these working groups are colleagues from hospital and community specialities who work together to develop HSE guidelines for appropriate antibiotic prescribing. 11am With World Antibiotic Awareness Week (WAAW) starting on November 18, I meet with colleagues to discuss the information being distributed to GPs and the public. WAAW is a campaign to improve awareness and understanding of antimicrobial resistance, which is a threat to humans, and to animals, plants, and the environment. We work closely with our One Health Partners in agriculture and the environment. By 2050, the UN estimates that up to 10m deaths could be caused by superbugs and antimicrobial resistance, matching the annual global death toll from cancer. Dr Edel Doorley, HSE Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control (AMRIC) advisor and GP Rowan Family Practice, Dublin 2pm Meeting with the AMRIC team to discuss some exciting projects were developing to review antibiotic prescriptions in the out-of-hours GP settings. AMRIC is committed to reducing antimicrobial resistance in Ireland and we have a great team working to deliver the HSE 2022-2023 AMRIC action plan. 2.30pm Meeting with the AMRIC antibiotic working group to review updated guidelines for the HSE website Antbioticprescribing.ie. This is a working group attended by GPs and community antimicrobial pharmacists to update antibiotic guidelines in line with clinical guidelines. Its a resource I use on a daily basis to ensure I treat my patients appropriately. 4pm I start my clinical GP session in my practice in Churchtown, Dublin. I see patients with a variety of acute and chronic illnesses. As its winter season, we have a late clinic for flu and covid vaccines. 6.30pm I complete the paperwork and head home. Fortunately, my husband is on pickup duty for our daughter, so my only job is cuddles before bedtime. Marina Wild woke up one night with a stabbing pain in her chest while she was on a night away with her husband. As she didnt want to go to A&E, she put up with the pain until it passed and went back to sleep. The following morning she felt fine but made an appointment to see her GP. Although she wasnt too concerned at the time, she is forever grateful to her doctor for referring her for an X-ray because despite being young she was 34 fit, healthy, and a non-smoker, tests revealed that she had lung cancer. The two weeks waiting for results were the longest of my life, she says. She didnt cry when she was told she had cancer: I was too exhausted and shocked. Marina had to wait another fortnight to see how far the cancer had spread. She found the experience surreal as she had always had a healthy lifestyle and never smoked, but now, was a lung cancer patient and the youngest by decades in the waiting room. Lung cancer continues to claim more lives annually, among both men and women, than any other cancer, with 1,850 people dying from the disease in Ireland each year, according to the Marie Keating Foundation. Marina, who is originally from Germany and lives in Co Galway, was told that she had ALK+, a rare form of lung cancer which would require a specific treatment path. Its not hereditary, the majority of ALK patients are non-smokers, about half are under 50, and the majority are women, Marina says. Most patients are already stage IV at diagnosis, particularly in younger patients, as their symptoms are often dismissed. She underwent concurrent chemo and radiotherapy and at the end of August 2018, had a middle lobe resection. My family in Germany requested a second opinion from Heidelberg, and their protocol was pretty much identical, which was reassuring, she says. I also used complementary therapies, which made me more hopeful and helped me cope mentally and also with side effects. The now 40-year-old found treatment very tough, lost a lot of weight and was extremely weak. But once it was over, she bounced back quickly, thanks to the support of family and friends and the medication which helped her to cope with the pain. Issues of fertility around treatment Because she was a young woman, the question of fertility was raised and as freezing eggs wasnt an option because it would have delayed the start of chemo, she was prescribed a course of treatment which would hopefully aid her chances of getting pregnant in the future. To be honest, having a baby was the furthest thing from my mind after hearing the words lung cancer, but my oncologist put me on Zoladex injections, which shut down the ovaries and induce temporary menopause, she says. She explained I would possibly be able to get pregnant in the future. But other doctors said it wouldnt be possible with my diagnosis one even suggested that we get a dog. She was very nice and meant well, but when it comes to cancer or any life-threatening illness, doctors should be aware that ultimately no one knows what is going to happen with each individual case. And to our surprise, I became pregnant as soon as we had the green light to try again, which was two years after treatment we now have a healthy two-year-old girl and I am very aware of how lucky we are. Lung cancer patient Marina Wild pictured with her toddler May at their home in Spiddeal. Photo: Ray Ryan Following the birth of May she underwent several scans which showed up clear. But in July 2022, further scans revealed a recurrence in three places and she was diagnosed as stage IV. I always knew there was a very high risk of recurrence and while nothing will equal the complete disbelief and horror I felt at the initial diagnosis, the news still came as a shock, she says. I am doing my best to accept that it is officially incurable, but I wont give up hope for a breakthrough in research or some form of radical remission. I started oral targeted therapy in August 2022, taking eight capsules daily. It is an amazing development and has extended the life expectancy of lung cancer patients significantly. There are side effects, but they are manageable and a small price to pay. Eventually, the cancer will develop resistance to the drug, but there is another TKI (tyrosine kinase inhibitor) available for when that happens, which I pray will also work, and a new drug is currently in a clinical trial. I am doing well on my drug Alectinib and recently had another set of stable scans. The main side effect I struggle with is fatigue. But I have a great oncologist and team and assembled my own team of healers and therapists, who have all gone above and beyond the call of duty for me. More funding for further research Marina, who is on sick leave from her role as an art teacher, advises people to be aware of the symptoms of lung cancer and seek advice on any concerns. If something doesnt feel right, get it checked out and insist on further tests if your doctor doesnt instigate them, Marina says. Sadly, lung cancer is insidious, and there is currently no screening for it. I didnt have any symptoms apart from the chest pain, which was [caused by] the tumour burrowing into the pleura. There are no pain receptors inside the lungs, which is one of the reasons for the absence of symptoms. I wish people realised that not all lung cancer patients are old smokers as the stigma is a huge problem and lung cancer patients get less empathy. I still tell every healthcare professional that I never smoked, as I want to address that assumption many people have, even some in the medical field. Up to 20% of lung cancer patients are non-smokers. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths, yet it is the cancer that isnt talked about. We need more funding for further research which will bring new, improved treatments, more life, and hopefully one day a cure. Since her diagnosis, she says, life is more beautiful and her priorities have been refocused. I appreciate the simplest pleasures more, do my best to live in the present, and take it one day at a time when you are living from scan to scan it is hard to make any long-term plans, she says. On the one hand, I dont worry as much about small things, but on the other hand, sometimes small things can upset you more because you are already dealing with so much and just dont have the bandwidth. I try to make day-to-day life as normal as possible for my family and create memories. Life is so fragile my father died of pancreatic cancer when I was 18, and a few months after my initial treatment in 2018, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer thankfully, she is still in remission. Some days, the fear and despair can hit me, but there have been a lot of good times as well. It takes two to three years to process and adjust to a life-changing traumatic event, and while I am glad that I am here, every cancer patient knows that nothing is the same post-diagnosis and you cannot just return to who you were before. Hollywood actor Russell Crowe has congratulated Ryan Tubridy on his move to Virgin Radio, describing it as a genius move. On Thursday, Virgin Radio UK revealed that the former Late Late Show host would be joining its weekly line-up. Tubridy will helm the mid-morning show on the station from Monday to Friday, starting on January 4. He will be broadcasting live from London and will be moving to the city. The presenter, who stepped down as host of the Late Late Show earlier this year said it was a big day for his family who he hopes to make proud. Speaking to his new colleague Chris Evans on air, Tubridy reminisced about his 14 years as Late Late Show host, naming Ed Sheeran and Russell Crowe among his favourite guests. Following the news, Gladiator star Russell Crowe took to social media to show his support for Tubridy, who he described as one of the best broadcasters ever. Big news for my man Ryan Tubridy. In a genius move @VirginRadioUK have signed him to follow Chris Evans show from January, he said. Two of the best broadcasters ever. A massive 1-2 combination. I love how radio in the UK is so potent. In May, the New Zealand native also paid a special tribute to his mate during a gig in Melbourne after Tubridy bid farewell to the Late Late Show. Big news for my man Ryan Tubridy. In a genius move @VirginRadioUK have signed him to follow Chris Evans show from January. Two of the best broadcasters ever. A massive 1-2 combination. I love how radio in the UK is so potent. pic.twitter.com/k405HgPEiZ Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) November 16, 2023 Crowe was not the only familiar face to wish Tubridy well. After he shared a teaser video to his Instagram about the big news that was to come, friends, and colleagues took to the comments section to share their support. Here he goes!!!! Knock em dead Ryan. They got a good one, wrote fellow RTE star Kathryn Thomas. 2FMs Doireann Garrihy said: Go on Ryan while TV presenter Lucy Kennedy described the news as very exciting. While he continued to host his radio show after his time on the Late Late Show came to an end, Tubridy left RTE after being at the centre of the broadcasters pay scandal. In a statement following the news of his move to Virgin, Tubridy said: I couldnt be more excited to start this new chapter with Virgin Radio. New city, new station, new beginnings. I love radio and what a joy to be following the legendary Chris Evans every morning." A woman whose husband was killed in a crash in Co Clare said the best monument to his memory would be improvements to the road where he died. Bridget Fogartys 57-year-old husband Michael died in June 2018 as he took the turn-off for Ennis, at Junction 13 on the M18 southbound. In December 2021, a suspended 12-month jail sentence was imposed on Paul Van Tamlin, of Lough Ramor Camping Caravan Park, Virginia, Co Cavan, for careless driving causing the death of Mr Fogarty from Crusheen, on June 5, 2018. A four-year driving ban was also imposed by the sentencing judge. Mr Fogarty, a milkman and father of three adult children, was driving his Ford Transit van when it was struck from behind by a Volvo articulated truck being driven by Mr Van Tamlin at the exit from the Galway to Limerick motorway at Tulla, outside Ennis. During the sentencing hearing, concerns were raised by Judge Brian OCallaghan about the design of the turn-off of the motorway at Junction 13. This was again highlighted at the inquest into the death last year. Mrs Fogarty met with the Minister of State at the Department of Transport Jack Chambers last week in Clare, and accompanied him to the site of the accident to highlight her concerns about the junction. I never had any interest in putting up a monument at the side of the road where he was killed but it would be a monument to him if something was done," she said. She said her husband used the road where the accident occurred up to three times a day on his milk rounds. He often came home to me saying someone would be killed at the junction. He was one of the people who used it very often. She said there was not enough of a deceleration area leading into the junction, and added the acceleration zone for the northbound exit onto the motorway at the same junction was also too short. Fianna Fail TD Cathal Crowe recently raised the case in the Dail, after Mrs Fogarty raised the issue with him after the Road Traffic Measures Bill was given approval for drafting last month. Bridget Fogarty said the high number of road deaths to date this year was 'heartbreaking'. The legislation includes powers being granted to vary the number of penalty points during specific times when road safety risks are higher. I didnt notice anything in it about dangerous motorways," Mrs Fogarty said. Mr Crowe raised the issue in the Dail, saying: The coroner said that the acceleration zone for joining the motorway at that junction is half of what it should be and the deceleration zone for exiting the motorway is also half of what it should be. The road was built to dual carriageway minimum specifications, but afterward, it became a motorway. The configuration of the junction is entirely inappropriate. Ms Fogarty said getting something done at the junction where her husband lost his life will save other families from going through the grief and the horror. She recalled teaching a class when gardai came to the school where she worked to tell her about Michaels death. She spoke to the Irish Examiner ahead of the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims. She said the high number of road deaths to date this year was heartbreaking. A spokesman for Transport Infrastructure Ireland said: A report recommending an engineering intervention at Junction 13 on the M18 is currently being finalised. It is anticipated that any recommended changes will be implemented in 2024, subject to any necessary consents and available funding. More Irish citizens are leaving Gaza via the Rafah crossing into Egypt on Friday. Irelands Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed that 26 citizens had left the enclave on Wednesday and Thursday. A DFA spokesman said a number of citizens and their families were in the process of crossing on Friday. Irish-Palestinian man Khalid El Estal, who lives in Co Kildare, has said his two young children Ali, four, and Sara, one, crossed into Egypt on Friday. Mr El Estals wife and the childrens mother Ashwak was killed in the Israeli bombardment of Gaza. Mr El Estal told RTE News on Friday: They are at the Egyptian side of the border with an Irish official. They are being processed there now. This is great news. Tanaiste Micheal Martin has held talks with senior Israeli, Palestinian and Egyptian representatives on a visit to the region over recent days. On Thursday, Mr Martin said he had been given assurances by Israeli foreign minister Eli Cohen that the majority of Irish citizens still in Gaza will be able to leave within days. Mr Martin visited two towns in southern Israel on Thursday that had been attacked by Hamas in October. They included Kibbutz Beeri where Irish-Israeli girl Emily Hand was believed to be taken hostage by Hamas. Mr Martin has used his visit to the Middle East to press for the release of Emily, who turned nine on Friday. A spokesman for the DFA said: Twenty-six Irish citizens and dependants were able to cross from Gaza into Egypt on Wednesday and Thursday and are receiving support from the Irish embassy in Cairo. Embassy staff are at the border today again. A number of Irish citizens and their families are in the process of crossing. We hope to be able to confirm more details later in the day. An agreement between President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping to combat the flow of fentanyl from China to the United States is the product of a meeting between Xi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer in October. After meeting with Xi Wednesday, Biden announced China and the United States will be "restarting cooperation" on counternarcotics, specifically reducing the fentanyl chemical ingredients and pill presses that are shipped from China. Fentanyl overdoses have spiked in recent years. The Drug Enforcement Administration announced in 2022 that fentanyl "is killing Americans at an unprecedented rate." The agency cited data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that found more than 105,000 Americans died of drug overdoses over a 12-month period from 2020 to 2021, with two-thirds of those deaths due to fentanyl and other synthetic opioids. "It's going to save lives, and I appreciate President Xi's commitment on this issue," Biden added. Biden also praised Schumer and a bipartisan congressional delegation for raising the issue while meeting with Xi in Beijing. Schumer led the delegation to China in October. On a conference call with reporters Thursday, Schumer recalled telling Xi he would improve his reputation in the U.S. if he took action on fentanyl. China, Schumer said, is "aiding and abetting fentanyl coming into this country." He explained that the precursor chemicals are shipped from China to Mexico, where drug cartels turn those into the final product that is smuggled into the U.S. Schumer is encouraged by the agreement between Biden and Xi. In his travels across New York, he's heard from families affected by fentanyl overdoses. "This is a great first step, but we must make sure it's enforced," Schumer said. Any Irish citizen who wants to leave Gaza will be able to do so over the next couple of days, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said. Speaking to reporters in Limerick this evening, Mr Varadkar said more than 25 Irish citizens were able to leave Gaza in recent days. Today, there were 27 Irish citizens who received permission to leave Gaza via the Rafah crossing. We anticipate over the course of the next couple of days that any Irish citizen in Gaza that wants to leave will be able to leave. [I] really want to recognise the work done by our Department of Foreign Affairs officials on the ground and also the cooperation from the Egyptian, Israeli, and Jordanian authorities who have assisted us with this," said Mr Varadkar. Very conscious, of course, there is one young girl who turned nine today, Emily Hand, who we believe is being held hostage by Hamas in Gaza." Emily Hand's second cousin Anna Byrne from Wexford marks her birthday at the entrance of Stephen's Green Park in Dublin today. "Unfortunately, shes not free to leave because shes being held hostage and were still very much working on that case. As recent as yesterday, I spoke with the president of the International Red Cross in Geneva, just to see if there's anything that can be done to get more information about her whereabouts, about what condition she's in, whether she's safe, and to see if there's anything we can do to facilitate her release. Earlier today, members of the Israeli community in Ireland held a vigil for Emily Hand outside St Stephen's Green in Dublin city centre. Speaking at the vigil, Anna Byrne, a cousin of Emily's father Thomas Hand, said it was a sad day. It is quite sad because we [the family] were hoping to have her home for her birthday. We dont know what kind of birthday shes having. Were keeping positive and just praying and hoping, Ms Byrne said. "That is the thing thats keeping us all going, the positivity that were going to see Emily. There were 25 Irish citizens and dependents permitted to leave Gaza today. It is understood that 20 people had already arrived in Egypt at the time of going to print, with the remaining five currently being processed at the border. This brings the total number of Irish citizens who have received permission to cross the Rafah crossing in recent days to 51. In a statement, Tanaiste Micheal Martin said that the Government would continue to work consistently with the relevant authorities on additional cases where these arise and to assist in instances where other Irish citizens and dependents wish to exit Gaza. I am conscious that many of those who left Gaza over the last few days have been deeply traumatised by their experience. As they return to Ireland in the coming days, they will need all of our support as they begin to restart their lives. I also remain deeply concerned about the situation of hostages in Gaza, and call for their immediate and unconditional release. Today, Emily Hand will turn nine. This loving and talented young girl needs to be returned to her family immediately. My department will leave no stone unturned in pursuing that outcome. Anna Byrne, cousin of Emily Hand's father Tom, at the entrance to St Stephen's Green in Dublin to mark Emily's birthday. Picture: David Young/PA Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said that he spoke with the President of the International Red Cross about Emily Hand, as part of efforts to secure her release. Just to see if there's anything that can be done to get more information about her whereabouts, about what condition she's in, whether she's safe, and to see if there's anything we can do to facilitate her release, Mr Varadkar said. Earlier today, the Israeli community in Ireland held a birthday party in honour of Emily Hand, who remains missing following the October 7 attacks by Hamas. Speaking at the vigil, Anna Byrne, a cousin of Emily's father Thomas Hand, said it was a sad day. It is quite sad because we [the family] were hoping to have her home for her birthday. We dont know what kind of birthday shes having, Ms Byrne said. Were keeping positive and just praying and hoping that is the thing thats keeping us all going, the positivity that were going to see Emily. Earlier today, the Tanaiste defended his visit to the Middle East, saying that he had been shocked at criticism that he received on social media. A birthday spread on a table at the entrance to St Stephen's Green for Irish-Israeli girl Emily Hand. Picture: David Young/PA Wire I was a bit shocked about it actually. I think that it is a reminder that we need to create a context for genuine debate and discussion, Mr Martin said. Some of the black and white simplistic vitriol that I looked at myself last evening I just couldnt believe. It is very important in situations like this that we seek to understand where people are coming from. If you dont understand that, you have very little chance of making a meaningful contribution to resolving issues. And that is our objective, to contribute to the resolution of issues." Efforts to evacuate the remaining Irish citizens come as the Israeli Defence Forces continue to search Gazas largest hospital for signs of a Hamas command centre, which the army alleges is underneath the building. One Cork TD, Fine Gaels Colm Burke, has heavily criticised Israels actions, labelling them as equivalent to state terrorism. There are powerful voices in Israel including prime minister Netanyahu calling for vengeance and the elimination of Hamas. "Other Israeli politicians are advocating the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians from Gaza and from the West Bank, Mr Burke said. There will be no peace or security for Israelis without peace and security for Palestinians. Even in their darkest hours, they remember the light she brought. When she entered a room. When she smiled. When she laughed that infectious laugh. Her positivity, her humour, her hope. This was their Ashling Murphy. This is how they remembered her how they want us to remember her. Not as a victim, but as a loving daughter, a devoted sister, a girlfriend who dreamed of marriage, a talented musician, a passionate teacher. Her mother Kathleen described Ashling as "one in a million". "Everyone wanted to be in her company," she said. I miss her smiling face coming home after her day's work in school. Ashling and I never had a row. She was too nice. You could never have a row with her. Ashling used to love cooking and always prepared the dinner on a Friday while I was in town grocery shopping. In return I would always bring her home a bar of chocolate. Ashling was every mum and dad's dream daughter." Ashling Murphy, centre, with her brother Cathal, father Ray, mother Kathleen, and sister Amy. She said she misses going to Ashling's camogie matches and music concerts and the "many wonderful places" they visited and people they met. Her sister Amy recalled how she spent years "listening, watching and adoring over the young girl, my sister, who grew up to become the soil that kept our family and friends nourished with positivity, humour and hope". "Our lives were enormously enriched because of Ashling. She was charismatic, compassionate and her infectious laugh could light up any room. As siblings do, she could roast myself or Cathal with some of her best one-liners. However, she never sought to be centre of attention. She had the ability to strike up conversation with anyone, irrespective of their age, and made them feel like they genuinely had a friend in her. "Her zest for life was palpable to anybody that was in her company." In her victim impact statement at Jozef Puska's sentence hearing, she told how Ashling had taken up a post as a primary school teacher in Durrow National School three months before her death and was "reaping the rewards" of her hard work. Ashling Murphy's mother Kathleen said she 'missed her smiling face'. Picture: Ashling Murphy Memorial Fund/Facebook She was like "a second mammy" to her 28 students and "immersed herself in all things the school life had to offer, helping out with the school choir and music groups whenever she could, always encouraging the children with genuine affection and enthusiasm". "Our parents instilled a strong work ethic in Ashling and she knew the value of a pound," she said. "They taught her that nothing is handed to you in this life and if she wanted something she would have to earn it and that she did." Ryan Casey, Ashling's boyfriend since she was 15, told how they had charted their future lives together, from planning to move to Galway in the late summer of 2022 to travelling later to Dubai for two years where Ashling dreamed of teaching before returning home to build their home and start a family. We often discussed how many kids wed love to have and how theyd all be mighty little hurlers or camogie players and even better musicians. During his victim impact statement Mr Casey turned directly to face Puska, telling him: "Because of you, I've lost everything I've ever wanted in life. I'll never get to marry my soulmate. I will never hear her voice again. I will never see her smile again. I will have to somehow carry on without her. I will have to remember her longer than I've known her. "You have no idea, nor did you ever and will never have any idea, the level of connection and love that Ashling and I shared." Ashling Murphy's boyfriend Ryan Casey told Puska, 'because of you, I've lost everything I've ever wanted in life'. Picture: Collins Courts Kathleen Murphy told the court her motivation and love for life are gone and she is no longer able for big crowds or small-talk. "I used to go for a walk or jog after dinner on a Sunday with Ashling and Amy," she said. "I will not go for a walk anymore as I am too afraid of that monster. His actions will always be in the back of my mind. "People say you are doing great but underneath I am just barely existing from day to day." She added: "Why someone could go out and brutally murder a young woman who they have never met before is totally incomprehensible. His actions must have consequences. He should never see the light of day again." As he handed Puska the mandatory life sentence for the murder of the 23-year-old, Mr Justice Tony Hunt said it was "richly deserved". He said that if he had the power he would set "a very long" minimum sentence and if whole-life orders were available "this is the kind of case where that would have to be considered". Ashling Murphy's boyfriend fought back tears this afternoon as he told his girlfriend's killer Jozef Puska, "Because of you I've lost everything I've ever wanted in life. Because of you, I'll never get to marry my soulmate." Ms Murphys mother and her sister described 23-year-old Ms Murphy as a gifted musician, a passionate teacher, a selfless person and an integral part of their family. This country has lost somebody who made a difference, Ashlings older sister Amy Murphy said. They gave their victim impact statements at the Criminal Courts of Justice in Dublin before Puska was handed a life sentence for Ms Murphys murder in Tullamore, Co Offaly, last January. Ryan Casey said that Ashling represented everything that is good about Irish society but her life was taken by an "insignificant, lowest of the low waste of life". At the end of his lengthy address, Mr Casey turned towards Puska to tell him: "I don't care where you end up or what happens to you after today. But you smirked, you smiled, and you showed zero remorse throughout this trial, which sums up who you really are, the epitome of pure evil but one thing is for sure, you will never ever harm or touch another woman ever again and when your day of reckoning comes, may you be in hell a whole half hour before God even knows youre dead." Ashling's heartbroken mother Kathleen wrote a statement which was read to the court by Garda Sgt Lucy McLoughlin. Mrs Murphy revealed that she had "begged" Ashling not to go to the canal that day. She said: "It has always made me feel ill-at-ease and I asked her to go jogging out near home. She responded, "Ah mum, I am 23 years old." She gave me a big hug as she said, "I love you, you're the best mum in the world" and walked out the door." Before handing down the mandatory life sentence for murder, Mr Justice Tony Hunt said it is "long past time that judges should have some say in setting what the minimum terms should be" in murder cases. He said there may be proposals out there and they "might come to fruition" as he criticised the "one size fits all" approach to murder sentencing. He said murders are "not all the same" and "this case is so far up the scale of gravity and well beyond most of the things we come across." The brother of murdered teacher Ashling Murphy, Cathal (left), her sister Amy (centre) and boyfriend Ryan Casey (right). He said that if he had the power he would set "a very long" minimum sentence and if whole-life orders were available "this is the kind of case where that would have to be considered". The judge then ordered Puska to stand before telling him there is only one sentence, which is "richly deserved", of life imprisonment. Despite Puska going into custody in January of last year, Mr Justice Hunt backdated the sentence only to last week when the verdict was returned. "I have discretion," he said. "And the backdate should be entirely academic anyway. Any rational system considering your release would have to take into account that we dont know the why, and unless that becomes known it seems to me, unless you are enfeebled by disease or old age, the question of your safe return to society will be or should be a very open one. Very well, you may take him away." Six prison officers led Puska to the cell area. He will first be eligible to apply for parole after serving 12 years in prison. Puska (33), with an address at Lynally Grove, Mucklagh, Co Offaly, had pleaded not guilty to murdering Ms Murphy at Cappincur, Tullamore, Co Offaly on January 12, 2022. A jury at the Central Criminal Court in Dublin convicted him of the murder last week, finding that he stabbed Ms Murphy 11 times in the neck and slashed her once with the edge of a blade before leaving her to die in the thick thorns and brambles by the side of the canal towpath between Tullamore town and Digby Bridge, where a monument in her memory is now placed. The mother of murdered teacher Ashling Murphy gave a victim impact statement (PA) In a lengthy statement to the court, Mr Casey frequently had to stifle sobs and drink from a bottle of water as he described his love for Ashling and the life they planned to build together. He said he never knew there was a pain as severe as the "physical and emotional pain that comes with losing the most important person in your life, and especially in such a horrific, senseless, and just beyond evil act by such an insignificant lowest of the low, waste of life." Mr Casey told the court about his first meeting with Ashling aged just 15 and how he immediately knew there was something special about her. They started dating in late 2016 and fell in love. They planned to move to Galway in late summer of 2022 and to travel later to Dubai for two years where Ashling dreamed of teaching before returning home to build their home and start a family. They knew where they would build the house and were planning to meet an architect to begin the planning process. He said: We often discussed how many kids wed love to have and how theyd all be mighty little hurlers or camogie players and even better musicians. They planned their wedding day, what engagement ring he would buy for her, her dress, who would be in the bridal party, the church, the reception, "even down to what our wedding song would be, which Ashling always wanted to be "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" from the Lion King." He said: "I would have married Ashling a long time ago if I could and I wish I had, but we just didnt get the chance to reach that part of our plan." Mr Casey said he had lost his partner in life and his closest and best friend. "Ive lost my parents-in-law, a sister-in-law, a brother-in-law, the privilege of marrying into the Murphy and Leonard family, a role model for my little sister, future grandchildren for my parents and Ashlings parents and great grandchildren for my grandparents. "Everything that I ever wanted in life, every single plan that I had in life is now gone and cannot be brought back. Ashling was simply everything to me, and this is what Ive lost, Ive simply lost everything, Ashling was just everything." The parents of murdered teacher Ashling Murphy, Kathleen (left) and Raymond (right) and her sister Amy (centre) stand outside court (PA) Describing his "heaven on earth" relationship with Ms Murphy, he said it was "filled with nothing but so much love, happiness, joy, adventure, trust and most importantly, respect." They had grown up together, "experienced so much" and "made so many beautiful memories". "Honestly, Ashling knew me better than I knew myself," he said. "She could literally read me like a book, know exactly what mood I was in and knew exactly what to do or say to cheer me up and I know for a fact this went both ways and there was nothing I loved more than cheering her up when she was having a bad day. In the entire time that we were together, we never had one single disagreement or one single little argument which is something I loved about our relationship. I like to think that it was down to the fact that we both loved and respected each other too much to even consider having an argument. He said his mind keeps going back to the last time they met on January 10, two days before the murder. She called to his house to deliver some shopping but they couldn't share a hug as he was isolating due to an outbreak of covid among his family. He said: "There was brief moment where I was standing beside her, and she was standing at her car door just before she sat in, where we just stood looking into each others eyes for about 3 to 4 seconds until we both just pouted from not being able to give each other a hug and a kiss then laughed and said our goodbyes and said to each other what we always have said to each other every single night for five years straight, I love you. And I ask myself each and every time, why didnt I just give her a huge hug and never let her go." He said it makes no sense to him that somebody "so insignificant, worthless, the lowest of the low, a burden to society and overall, a waste of life, can completely and permanently destroy so many people's lives by taking the life of a person who is the complete opposite." Ashling's life, he said, was filled with meaning, dreams, love, compassion, respect. She was "a person who contributed to society in the best ways possible". Chief Superintendent Tony Lonergan speaks to the media outside the Central Criminal Court in Dublin (Brian Lawless/PA) She had more life and love to give, Mr Casey said, and was "taken from us far too soon". He said he is sickened that Puska was "fully supported in terms of social housing, social welfare, free medical care for over 10 years" yet never having held down a job and "never once contributing to society in any way shape or form can commit such a horrendous evil act of incomprehensible violence on such a beautiful, loving and talented person." Ashling, by contrast, worked for the State as a teacher, "educating the next generation and she represented everything that is good about Irish society." Mr Casey said we have to put the safety of "everybody in this country who works hard, pays taxes, raises families and overall contributes to society first". The "horrific, senseless and completely evil taking of Ashling's life is our life sentence," he said. "A sentence in which there is no parole." Turning to face Puska, Mr Casey said: "You have no idea, nor did you ever and will never have any idea, the level of connection and love that Ashling and I shared." He said Puska has no idea what he stole from them and how much Ashling meant to the people who loved her. Because of you, I've lost everything I've ever wanted in life... I'll never get to marry my soulmate... I will never hear her voice again... I will never see her smile again... I will have to somehow carry on without her... I will have to remember her longer than I've known her. Amy told the court that she spent years "listening, watching and adoring over the young girl, my sister, who grew up to become the soil that kept our family and friends nourished with positivity, humour and hope." Ashling, she said, was the glue that bound the family together. She took after their mother with her warm smile and her dad with her "cheeky wit and wink". "Ashling brought the best out of us. Our parents instilled a strong work ethic in Ashling and she knew the value of a pound. They taught her that nothing is handed to you in this life and if she wanted something she would have to earn it and that she did." Despite being the youngest, Ashling was everybody's role model. "She had such an endearing personality and was so generous with her time, her love and her talents, giving so much of herself to others." "Musicians of all ages were welcomed into our home every week to learn and absorb Ashling's talent and passion for music and listen to her stories, hanging onto her every word. The eerie quietness that now remains in the house is deafening." 'A second mammy' Ashling had taken up a post as a primary school teacher in Durrow National School three months before her death and was "reaping the rewards" of her hard work. She was like "a second mammy" to her 28 students and "immersed herself in all things the school life had to offer, helping out with the school choir and music groups whenever she could, always encouraging the children with genuine affection and enthusiasm." During the trial, a pink bobble hat that Ashling wore when she died was mentioned frequently by witnesses and by gardai reviewing the CCTV that showed her last movements. Amy revealed that the hat was a gift from their grandfather, with whom Ashling shared a special bond, on his last Christmas alive. She said: "Our lives were enormously enriched because of Ashling. She was charismatic, compassionate and her infectious laugh could light up any room. As siblings do, she could roast myself or Cathal with some of her best one-liners, however she never sought to be centre of attention. "She had the ability to strike up conversation with anyone irrespective of their age and made them feel like they genuinely had a friend in her. Her zest for life was palpable to anybody that was in her company." Kathleen Murphy described her daughter as "one in a million". "She was loving, caring and always had a gentle big smile for everyone. She always thought about everyone else before herself." Despite all her achievements at such a young age, Kathleen said Ashling was "grounded and humble" and never wanted to be the centre of attention. She said she misses going to Ashling's camogie matches and music concerts and the "many wonderful places" they visited and people they met because of Ashling's talents. 'Dream daughter' "Everyone wanted to be in her company. I miss her smiling face coming home after her day's work in school. Ashling and I never had a row. She was too nice. You could never have a row with her. "Ashling used to love cooking and always prepared the dinner on a Friday while I was in town grocery shopping. In return I would always bring her home a bar of chocolate. Ashling was every mum and dad's dream daughter." Mrs Murphy spoke of the heartbreak since Ashling's murder, "like having a stroke, my heart was ripped from my body." She said her motivation and love for life are gone and she is no longer able for big crowds or small-talk. She said: "I used to go for a walk or jog after dinner on a Sunday with Ashling and Amy. I will not go for a walk anymore as I am too afraid of that monster. His actions will always be in the back of my mind. People say you are doing great but underneath I am just barely existing from day to day." She added: "Why someone could go out and brutally murder a young woman who they have never met before is totally incomprehensible. His actions must have consequences. He should never see the light of day again." Speaking outside court, a senior Garda officer praised Ms Murphys relatives for their courage, dignity and resilience during the trial. Garda Chief Superintendent Tony Lonergan said: Ashling, a school teacher, was out for a walk after work when she was attacked and murdered by Mr Puska. This monstrous crime shocked the nation. I want to pay tribute to all the members of An Garda Siochana involved in this investigation, and in particular my colleagues at Tullamore Garda Station where the investigation was based. I also want to thank the community of Tullamore, a compassionate, kind, resilient, and generous community. They were of invaluable assistance to An Garda Siochana throughout this investigation, providing us in particular with access to CCTV which was instrumental in building the case against Mr Puska, and to achieving a successful prosecution. The community also has and continues to support Ashlings family. Finally, I would like to pay tribute to Ashlings famly the courage, the dignity, the resilience and the strength that they are showing during this ordeal has been exemplary. I want to assure them on behalf of An Garda Siochana that we will continue to support them going forward and give them all the support we can where necessary. The opening of Corks newest pedestrian and cycle path over the citys busy N40 is tangible proof of the Green Partys commitment to spend 1m a day on active travel projects, the partys leader said on Friday. Eamon Ryan was speaking as he joined the Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr Kieran McCarthy to officially open the Vernon Mount Bridge which spans the South Link Road to link Grange and Frankfield to Tramore Valley Park, and onwards to Douglas and the city centre. Funded by the National Transport Authority (NTA), the four-metre wide, 63-metre long bridge and its one-kilometre southern approach pathway, is accessible for people with restricted mobility needs and includes environmentally sensitive public lighting. Cork City Council also acquired 13-acres of woodland as part of the project to increase the overall biodiversity and green park area within the city. The bridge name was chosen through a public naming submission process run by the council earlier this year which attracted almost 600 suggestions. Those entries were then whittled down to the six most popular, and were voted on by city councillors last July. The name was chosen because the bridge is located close to the former Georgian stately home, Vernon Mount House, which now lies derelict. Read More Pedestrian and cycle works planned for roads linking Cork city to airport and Douglas Mr McCarthy described the bridge as a strategic transport project that the people in Grange and Frankfield, many of whom can see Tramore Valley Park from their homes but who were separated from it by the N40, have been waiting a long time for. Its a huge bonus to the community here. Now they can safely travel on foot or by bike to and from Grange, Tramore Valley Park, Douglas and the city centre without having to get in their cars. It will go a long way to improving the quality of our environment and indeed the quality of life for the people who will use this new route, he said. Transport Minister Eamon Ryan said: When we [the Green Party] came into government and committed to spend 1m a day on active travel it was a number on a page but now, through projects like this, we can see what that commitment looks like for people, for nature and for the future of our cities, towns and villages. Cork City Council chief executive Ann Doherty said the project supports people wanting to make more sustainable transport choices which will help reduce car dependency and ease traffic congestion in the city. The CEO of the NTA, Anne Graham, said the bridge is one of a number of exciting active travel projects that it is working on with the city council for delivery in the coming months. (Left to right) Minister Michael McGrath, Tanaiste Micheal Martin, Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr Kieran McCarthy, Minister Eamon Ryan and Minister Simon Coveney at the opening of Vernon Mount Bridge. Picture: Clare Keogh The bridge project was originally commissioned and brought to planning stage by Cork County Council but following the 2019 city boundary extension, the project was developed and completed by the city council. The bridge was built by Thompsons of Carlow, the company which also made the Mary Elmes Bridge in Cork City, and was lifted into place using a 650-tonne crane in April. The construction works on site were carried out by Jons Civil Engineering. Instead of using concrete retaining walls, the engineers decided to use 25,000 reinforced earth bags sown with grass seed to create geo-strengthened embankments. Each bag had to be individually placed by hand, and the construction of the embankments took about five months. A housing estate on the northside of Cork City was sealed off on Friday morning for garda searches in response to an ongoing feud in the city. Access to and from Glenfields Park estate in Ballyvolane was restricted by gardai as they mounted searches of two adjoining properties in the housing estate. One of the homes has been boarded up and unoccupied for over a year. Gardai used an angle grinder to cut through a locked gate which leads to the rear of the property. While gardai would not comment officially on the operation it is believed that the searches were mounted in direct response to an ongoing feud involving several families who are members of the Traveller community which has escalated in recent weeks. Shots were fired at a house in the Ballyvolane area last weekend. No one was injured and Garda investigations into that incident are ongoing. Two separate incidents occurred earlier this week which are also believed to be linked to the feud. In one incident, a group of men wielding axes attacked a car near the Spring Lane halting site. Later, a car carrying a woman and child was also attacked as it tried to leave the halting site. Gardai are investigating reports that a shot was fired during that incident. Again no one was injured. 'Call-out' videos Several so-called call out videos have also been posted on various social media platforms, including TikTok, in which members of rival families have issued violent threats against the others. In another video, a number of men armed with axes, and what appears to be a shotgun, are seen travelling in a car with claims that they are out looking for named individuals. Local community leaders have appealed for calm. Concerns were heightened even further earlier this week, when gardai intercepted a suspected stolen car in Blackpool. Two men were arrested after gardai rammed the car to a stop. Gardai requested the services of the defence forces Ordnance Explosive Unit to the Thomas Davis Street area to inspect a suspicious device found in the back of the car. It is understood that it may have been a homemade weapon known as a slam-gun. While gardai have not commented on the detail of this incident, sources have confirmed that it is completely unconnected to the feud situation. Would-be motorists in Cork are waiting up to eight-and-a-half months for a slot to sit their driving test, according to newly-released figures. As of October 31, some 4,602 eligible applicants were waiting to take their driving test at the test centre in Wilton in Cork City. According to the Road Safety Authority (RSA), the next available test slot at the centre was June 17, 2024. At the same centre, 3,043 drivers have had their application for a test date 'paused', meaning they had been issued an invitation to book a test but had not used it within 10 days. A further 1,830 drivers who applied for their exam were deemed to not have met the eligibility criteria to sit it. 1,132 text applicants had been given a scheduled test date at the centre. In Skibbereen, applicants were informed they would be waiting 32 weeks for their driving test, with the next available date set for June 2, 2024. In Mallow, wait times were somewhat shorter, with the next available test date set for March 25 of next yearequating to a 22-week wait time. Nationally, the longest wait times as of the end of last month were found at the Government Buildings test centre in Kilkenny and at the test centre in Mulhuddart in Dublin. At both, applicants were facing a 45-week wait for a test date. The next-highest wait times were found in Dun Laoghaire/Deansgrange (40 weeks), Tallaght (39 weeks), and Dungarvan in Waterford (38 weeks), where the next available test dates were, July 29, July 22, and July 15, 2024, respectively. Conversely, the shortest wait times were at the Maple House centre in Mulhuddart, where it was just two months. According to the RSA, the next available test date there was for December 18 of this year. The next shortest was the centre in Athlone, where applicants were expecting to wait 11 weeks until the next free test date of January 8. Sinn Fein TD for Cork North Central, Thomas Gould, to whom the figures were released, said the wait times, particularly those in Cork, were shocking. To have over 4,500 eligible learner drivers waiting for a test date in Wilton alone is shocking, he said. It is almost 7,000 when those across Cork city and county are included." Mr Gould said it was likely that many of the learner drivers waiting to sit their test needed their car for work, or to drop their children to school. For many, public transport is not always an option; including those doing shift work and those living in rural areas, he said. These long delays are keeping people out of the workforce and adding barriers to education." Sinn Fein local area representative for Ballincollig, Joe Lynch, said that despite the promise of more testers in previous years wait times were still not falling in any substantial way. The government need to get serious about this, he said. He said it was simply unacceptable that Cork drivers were paying for a test now, and not being offered until the middle of next year. Cork now has one of the highest wait times for a driving test in the State, he added. Yet again, Cork is drawing the short straw when it comes to basic services. A sailor has died suddenly while aboard a navy ship docked in Cork on Friday. 39-year-old Conor Kiely was found in an unresponsive state by his colleagues on the LE Roisin on Friday afternoon. Paramedics were called to the ship but he was pronounced dead a short time after. Leading Seaman Kiely was a Cork native. He joined the Naval Service in 2006 and entered the Seaman's Branch, qualifying as a Seaman Gunner in 2007. He served in a number of positions ashore and afloat during his career. At sea, he served onboard the LE Aisling, LE Niamh, LE Orla, LE William Butler Yeats, and most recently as a crew member of LE Roisin. He successfully completed a Potential NCO Course in 2013, and went on to use his skills and experience as an instructor in the Naval College. The Officer Commanding Naval Operations Command in the Naval Service, Captain (NS) Kenneth Minehane said: The members of the Naval Service have sadly lost a shipmate and friend. Our thoughts and prayers go to his family at this sad time. Our dearly departed colleague will be missed and never forgotten. Lieutenant General Sean Clancy, Chief of Staff of the Irish Defence Forces, and Commodore Michael Moore, expressed their condolences to the family and friends of Mr Kiely. President Michael D Higgins extended his sympathies to the family and friends of the deceased. It is with great sorrow that members of the Naval Service will have heard of the passing of Leading Seaman Conor Kiely, "L/S Kiely will be remembered by all those with whom he served on a number of the Irish vessels, including the LE Aisling, LE Niamh, LE Orla, LE William Butler Yeats and LE Roisin," he added. The housing minister has slammed Sinn Fein for trying to block progress in a systemic way by criticising housing policy and blocking planning applications. Darragh OBrien referenced quite a stark example in recent weeks when a Sinn Fein politician objected to building 208 social homes, two miles from his own home. If we're serious about delivering social homes don't object to that, he said. I would ask those who continue to object to homes being built, particularly at a political level, to desist from doing so, to allow us to proceed with building homes. Sinn Fein TD Aengus O Snodaigh had objected to plans for social housing in his Dublin South Central constituency on the grounds that it would overshadow neighbouring homes. A Fine Gael report published earlier this year also claimed that Sinn Fein had voted against 6,000 homes being built in a number of Dublin developments. Sinn Fein representatives have said that objections to planning were due to too low a percentage of social and affordable homes in some developments. Mr O'Brien insisted the Government was not losing the battle against homelessness, despite record figures. Darragh O'Brien said the Government was 'not losing the battle' against homelessness, despite record figures. Picture: Gareth Chaney/Collins Homeless figures for September, the most recent available, show 3,904 children were in emergency accommodation that month. This is the highest number of children in homelessness ever recorded. Some 12,827 people were listed as being homeless in September with the figure reaching record levels in July when 12,847 people were recorded as using emergency accommodation. Homelessness is our number one priority, Mr O'Brien said after a meeting with Cork Chamber of Commerce today. Increasing housing supply, particularly social housing, was key to tackling homelessness, he said. Last year we built more new social homes than we've done since 1975. And we will build more again this year. We will have a record-breaking year in relation to social housing delivery. What I've got to make sure as minister for housing is that those who fall into homelessness are supported through emergency accommodation and have good services in place to help to exit them out. We're going to, this year, spend around 300m in that space. Mr OBrien stood over the Governments record on housing, saying that between 2011 and 2016, 30,000 homes were built. Last year, 30,000 new homes were built in 12 months, he said. This year, I can confidently predict that we will build more than that again, Mr OBrien said. We are playing catch-up; there is a pent-up demand there for both private and public homes. We're starting to address that now." He added that "we're seeing 500 first-time buyers every single week now buying homes" and said schemes such as the First Home scheme and Help to Buy are working. Darragh O'Brien said any criticism of the vacant property refurbishment scheme was 'simply for political reasons'. Picture: iStock He also said the vacant property refurbishment scheme is working, despite the Irish Examiner reporting this week that just 21 grants were drawn down since the scheme came into effect last year. Figures show that 4,640 applications have been made for the grant, with 1,975 being approved since the scheme came into effect in July 2022. The vast majority of these drawdowns have taken place between July and September this year, with 16 being provided in the three months. Mr O'Brien said any criticism of the scheme was simply for political reasons. Through the scheme, buyers need to initially pay to renovate the homes and the State will then pay back up to 50,000 to renovate vacant homes or up to 70,000 for derelict buildings. Mr O'Brien defended this, saying that taxpayers money could not be handed out in grants before work had been completed and checked. He said that homebuyers paying for the work themselves initially has not been a barrier to the take-up of the scheme. Are violent men born violent? Or do they become violent? How might we prevent that violence from happening? This questioning is one of the things I admire most about Claire Keegans recent story, So Late In The Day. The story, if you havent read it, gets to the source of one mans misogyny. The protagonist, Cathal, is struggling in his relationship with Sabine. He thinks back on a very specific memory. In this memory, his mother, in her sixties at the time, is preparing himself, his brother, and his father pancakes. Having served the three grown men at the table, she goes to sit down with her own pancake. The brother pulls the chair from under her. While she picks up the pancake, and the bits of broken plate, the three men laugh heartily, then carry on enjoying their meal. As readers, we dont excuse Cathals emotionally abusive behaviour towards Sabine in the story, but we understand it more with the inclusion of this memory and understanding is not agreement. I dont believe that people are born violent. Or, at least I believe that such people are very rare. I also know for certain that the childhood experience plays a huge role in defining the adult. Research released in The Lancet in 2017 found that men who faced physical or sexual violence as children, and men who faced multiple types of child maltreatment, were even more likely to perpetrate violence later in life than men who experienced only emotional abuse or neglect. The study further showed that mens witnessing abuse of their mother was both directly and indirectly associated with physical intimate partner violence. The announcement of tougher sentencing laws for violence against women, delivered recently by Minister Helen McEntee, is good news when there seems to be little of it around. With the 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence coming up on November 25, its one thing to celebrate. But when male violence and, in particular, domestic violence is so hard to prosecute and police, is reacting to violence with tougher sentencing enough? International research on the effectiveness of lengthy imprisonment to prevent future crime is sketchy at best. So, what else should be done? Prevention is one of the pillars of Irelands new Domestic Violence Act, and it is in this area that Professor Louise Crowley of UCC does most of her work. Not taking from the significance of Irelands stricter laws, which she describes as welcome and overdue, Crowley believes there is a danger of creating a revolving door, with men going back into the same relationship or new relationships to abuse again. We see it all the time. Women go back to abusive men because they love them; they just dont want to be hurt by them. Often, a woman files for a barring order but it takes 14 days notice and a full hearing before it can be granted. Often, she changes her mind before the 14-day period is up, or doesnt attend the hearing. Often, she goes back to him and the cycle starts again. Professor Crowley accepts that there may be some men beyond help, but contends that if there is even a possibility of changing a small percentage of the cohort, we should do whatever we can to facilitate that change. The academic, hugely involved in the prevention of male violence through her Bystander programme, is adamant that the area of prevention and rehabilitation is not getting enough attention. We must have a holistic approach. Some of these men will be dads forever. We need them to learn and we need to offer some possibility of change. She points out that judges here have the option of advising a perpetrator to complete a programme but in other jurisdictions these are mandatory. 'We must understand the behaviour to prevent it' Research fellow at University of Limerick, Jane Mulcahy refers to a common saying in trauma circles: You repeat what you dont repair. If we are putting all our eggs in the legal basket, were not going to get the necessary behaviour change that we need. We need a multi-modal, brain-aware, trauma-informed response to violence prevention. Violence is often an adaptive response to a very dangerous situation. This is not about excusing behaviour, not at all. But punishment cant be our only answer. We must understand the behaviour to prevent it from happening again. No Feart in Scotland offers us an interesting example of a healing-centred approach, for instance. Mulcahy is also concerned with the pressures the new tough on crime measures will have on an already stressed system, with garda recruitment at a low and prisons already beyond capacity. It costs roughly 80,000 to keep a person in prison for a year. We need to properly resource rehabilitation services and improve timely access to them. We need appropriate programmes in prisons and in the community. This is not about making excuses for appalling behaviour, it is about breaking the cycle. John Doyle, Director of Service with the Mens Development Network, supports the zero tolerance approach and the tougher sentencing where appropriate but believes a good system includes both a custodial sentence and opportunities for change for men who show that willingness to change. These men will come out and often they will return to their partners. If there is no intervention, and the earlier the intervention the better, the cycle repeats. We offer services to men but also to their partners. We get the greatest feedback from partners who report back to us whether or not their home life has changed. The uncomfortable truth is that murderers and rapists are humans with human stories. We find it easier to consider mitigating circumstances for men who attack or kill their wives or partners in their home. We seem to feel some compassion for the perpetrators of murder/suicides because their humanness gets in the way. They are fathers and husbands and sons. For the random killers, it is easier to label them monsters. The truth is, the difficult truth, is that they are all human. Until we get to the root causes of violence in the home and beyond it, get right into those messy human stories in the home and beyond it, gender-based violence will continue. We must develop the capacity to simultaneously punish crimes and help perpetrators change. Tougher sentencing is good but it is not good enough. We must not miss opportunities to prevent the most horrendous crimes from happening in the first place, or indeed, from happening again. And again. And again. - If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please click here for a list of support services. Before leaving for the Thanksgiving recess, U.S. Reps. Claudia Tenney and Brandon Williams voted to avoid a government shutdown and opposed referring a resolution to impeach a Cabinet secretary to the House Homeland Security Committee. There was bipartisan support for a continuing resolution that funds the government through at least mid-January. The short-term spending bill passed by a 336-95 vote, with Tenney, R-Cleveland, and Williams, R-Sennett, among 127 Republicans and 209 Democrats who supported the legislation. The opponents included 93 Republicans, many of whom are conservatives who want deeper spending cuts, and two Democrats. The House also voted on a motion to refer an impeachment resolution to the House Homeland Security Committee. U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Georgia Republican, attempted to force a vote on impeaching Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. Republicans have criticized Mayorkas for his handling of the situation at the southern border. The motion passed 209-201, with eight Republicans breaking with their party and joining 201 Democrats in supporting the referral. Tenney and Williams opposed referring the impeachment resolution to committee. Other bills or resolutions the House passed this week: The Debbie Smith Act passed by a 405-0 vote. Tenney and Williams supported its passage. The bill would reauthorize the Debbie Smith DNA Backlog Grant Program through the 2029 fiscal year. According to the legislative summary, the program provides grants for collecting and analyzing DNA evidence. The program is named for Smith, who survived an attack at her home. DNA was used to identify her attacker. A bill to rename a Department of Veterans Affairs' outpatient clinic in Hinesville, Georgia, passed by a 409-0 vote. Tenney and Williams supported the legislation. If the bill is signed into law, the clinic will be named in honor of John Gibson, Dan James, William Sapp and Frankie Smiley. Gibson and Smiley were Marines, while James and Sapp served in the Army. The four were killed during the Vietnam War. THE fall-out in criminal terms from the recent An Bord Pleanala controversy reached a conclusion this week as former deputy chair Paul Hyde appealed against a prison sentenceimposed on him in the district court. He had pleaded guilty to failing to declare interests, contrary to the law as it pertains to the members of the planning board. A prison sentence of two months on each of two counts had been imposed at the district court. At Cork Circuit Court, Judge Colin Daly increased the length of sentence to three months for each count but fully suspended it. He also imposed fines totalling 6,000. Afterwards, Mr Hyde walked from the court a free man, his reputation battered, his former job gone, but as a free man, which wasnt a bad result for him. While Mr Hyde might now reach for closure on the matter, the fall-out for the board from the controversy, in which he was a principal figure, continues. The controversies that dogged the body and ultimately saw the departure of many of the senior management have elicited a response from Government. One plank of the reform, as it is being billed, is to rename An Bord Pleanala in the forthcoming planning bill. This week it was reported that there is resistance to the proposed name change to An Coimisiun Pleanala, Gaeilge for the planning commission. It was necessary to use the Irish form since, as Bearla, it might be confused with the equivalent body north of the border, the Planning Appeals Commission. In this respect the name change appears to have lacked any imagination. In every respect it smacks of desperation. Resistance to name change Within An Bord Pleanala, resistance to the name change has been expressed to the minister by both management and staff. Their case appears to be based on the premise that the move is throwing the baby out with the bathwater. The recent controversies, which involved alleged conflicts of interest, unorthodox composition of decision boards, and alleged biases towards development, were, to a greater extent, the result of loose management. The former chairman, Dave Walsh, was not tainted with any allegation of personal impropriety. Nobody within the organisation had a bad word to say about him. Yet theres no getting away from the reality that he was manning the bridge while others apparently took liberties that culminated in the various controversies and inquiries. So why has the minister deemed it necessary to change the name now in order to distance the body from a past that until recent years was largely exemplary? The board came into being in 1977 to ensure that planning appeals would no longer be tainted by politics. Since then, through the exposure of the shortcomings and even incompetency of so many arms of State and regulatory infrastructure, An Bord Pleanala managed to keep its nose clean. On the back of a few bad years, An Bord Pleanala's brand is believed by the minister to be tarnished to the point that it must be wiped. Picture: Niall Carson/PA Wire Corruption in planning was uncovered. Shortcomings in various regulators were shown to be financially fatal. Political interference was a constant theme. Yet, An Bord Pleanala was never laid low. In particular, its independence was largely accepted, which in this country in particular was quite an achievement. Now, on the back of a few bad years its brand is believed by the minister to be tarnished to the point that it must be wiped in the name of going forward to pastures new. If that is the prevailing approach to dealing with controversies what should they call RTE following its recent tenure in the stocks? Perhaps there is some hope in Government that the name change may deflect from bigger issues that continue to dog the planning body. Twelve months ago, around the time Mr Walsh took early retirement, the compliment of board members making decisions was down to five. Within months, a number of individuals were seconded from the civil service to ramp up the board to 15 members. That is as it stands now and full-time posts have been advertised. For the last year, the majority of board members are seconded civil servants. While there is every reason to believe that they take seriously their duty of independence from the Government, it might well be asked whether it is possible to completely do so. In their previous roles, doing the Governments bidding was ingrained into the working lives of these people. And it is to there they shall return, some perhaps in the coming months. Yet they are expected to banish any such programmed inclination as they perform independent functions at An Bord Pleanala. Is that really possible? The board is also still grappling with a backlog of cases. Some estimates put this as high as 3,000 and it is having to deal with other matters such as appeals against the vacant site levy. With such issues continuing to impact on the functioning of the body it is no wonder that the minister wants to have a rebranding in the absence of simply getting the work done. Meanwhile, the new planning bill, which contains details of the changes to An Bord Pleanala, has yet to be published six weeks after receiving Cabinet approval. You would hope there are no plans to rush it through the Dail before it is properly parsed and scrutinised by all and sundry. Renewable energy is a term we hear bandied about every day of the week. We know its important. According to the United Nations, cheap electricity from renewable sources could provide 65% of the world's total electricity supply by 2030. More, it could decarbonise 90% of the power sector by 2050, massively cutting carbon emissions and helping to mitigate climate change. As results go, these are massive. So massive, theyre hard to fathom. Sometimes to get a clearer picture, you have to go to the source. Statkraft is Europe's largest generator of renewable energy. In October of this year, it celebrated five years in Ireland. Being the Norwegian stated-owned companys Project Delivery VP for northern Europe, Conor Calnan is as good a source as you can get. Asked why renewable energy is so important, he replies: I believe very strongly that it is fundamental to human existence. Conor Calnan, Project Delivery VP for Northern Europe, Statkraft. What he says is entirely fathomable and cant be denied. Everything that happens depends on energy, he continues. But the problem is that conventional energy whether coal, oil, natural gas or whatever generates and emits greenhouse gases. These emissions contribute to climate change which impacts on and degrades the environment in many ways. Its reassuring to know that much work is being done by Statkraft and others to protect the planet and all thats on it from climate change. Since 2018, when Statkraft acquired the Irish and UK wind development businesses of the Element Power Group, the number of employees in Ireland has more than tripled to nearly 130. In that same period, Statkraft invested approximately 450 million here, with the result that its Irish business is now one of the largest renewable energy developers in this country. It currently has over 600 MW of projects in construction and has more than 4 GW of pipeline in onshore, offshore, solar, battery and grid services projects. Corkonian Conor Calnan is among the biggest players in this phenomenal ongoing success story. In his capacity as VP Project Delivery Northern Europe, the Rosscarbery native spends his working days doing what he can to secure a better future for all of us. If that sounds like a big task, it is. But he, with the help of his team, is managing fine. He feels good about the work he and his Statkraft colleagues are doing. Describing the organisations approach to renewable energy as very holistic, he continues: Were in the business of building wind and solar, but were also taking the wider view. Looking at system stability in the grid and building infrastructures to support that. From a wind point of view, Statkraft has built three projects coming to 85 MWs in the last number of years, he says. In construction, as we speak, we have about 110 MW. So, we are moving along well. Also, we have a future pipeline of around 1.5 GWs. Wind, solar energy key to decarbonisation Onshore wind has been key to the countrys decarbonisation journey since the early 1990s, when the first wind farm was built, he explains. Today, there are nearly 400 wind farms across the island, and onshore windfarms are still the primary workhorses from the renewable energy generation point of view. The numbers speak for themselves. According to Wind Energy Ireland, Irish wind farms provided 32% of the islands electricity over the first eight months of this year. The benefits of offshore wind are also on the horizon, Calnan adds. Statkraft was one of four companies to secure contracts in May, in the countrys first State offshore wind auction for its North Irish Sea Array (NISA) project, which is earmarked for the coastline off counties Dublin, Meath, and Louth. We were delighted to secure 500 MW for NISA, says Calnan. Its a very exciting time to be involved in offshore, especially when you think about the potential for Ireland not just for our own energy security, but also when you consider the possibility of the country eventually becoming a net exporter of energy. And surprising as it might seem, Ireland could become a global leader in solar power. We have about 500 MWs constructed and waiting for final commissioning, Calnan says of solar. Statkraft plans to double that in the next five years. Statkraft has already invested significantly in solar energy in Ireland, with plans for further projects also in the pipeline. Those solar projects include Irelands largest solar farm in Co. Meath, where construction recently finished. At 200 MWp (a measure of the maximum potential output), it has the capacity to power the equivalent of 40,000 homes. Its safe then to conclude then that Statkraft is investing a lot of money and building a lot of projects. Large-scale battery storage projects Calnan also shares that Statkraft was the first company in Ireland to build the first grid-scale BESS (Battery Energy Storage System) here. This was an 11MW battery project, he says. It was built back in 2020 in an innovative way, in that it was co-located beside one of our windfarms. It wasnt the last one. In April 2021, we finished another 26MW BESS project. We have a future pipeline of these projects, and we are currently building another BESS project, a 20-megawatt four-hour battery project, co-located with our 50MW windfarm at Cushaling, in County Offaly. On the importance of grid services, he says: Renewable projects are at times, delivered quicker than the required grid reinforcements which can affect the grid operation. "Renewable energy sources are intermittent and variable as they depend on when the wind is blowing, and the sun is shining. That means that their output depends on natural resources that are not always predictable. Calnan explains that the idea behind grid services is that you build an infrastructure and distribute that throughout the grid. Sensibly located, these projects can ease congestion and provide the critical services and ensure the stability of the grid, he says. By doing this, money is saved, and emissions significantly reduced. It also facilitates the further penetration of renewables on to the system, making the system more robust. He talks then about synchronous condensers devices that generate or absorb reactive power to help stabilise voltage and frequency on the grid power. Statkraft has already built two in the UK and has plans to build some in Ireland, Calnan says. While asserting that Ireland has been a great beneficiary of Statkrafts investment in renewables around the world, Calnan references the abundance of their projects being built here. On his responsibility for Statkrafts northern Europe market, he says Ireland has seen the most action in terms of construction. While Calnans workplace spans wide across the planet, he and his wife Emma and their sons are Cork based. When he talks with love and pride of his wife and their two sons, I imagine they must be proud that he dedicates his days to making our climate change-impacted world a safer place going forward. I try to explain to them what Statkraft is doing to make the world a better place, he replies. One in which we can survive going forward. I say to my kids that Statkraft is a very responsible employer. One thats very much focused on people. One that has a primary goal of building renewables, to renew the way the world is powered. I tell them that at Statkraft we are doing something very positive in terms of trying to deal with climate change and the problems the world is facing. Because Statkraft invests significant money in renewable energy, the outcome is that we are safeguarding our future. The more renewable energy we have, the fewer greenhouse gases we emit and the better the world will be. www.statkraft.ie/careers The transition to a low carbon economy and achievement of a 51% reduction in emissions by 2030 across all sectors of the economy constitutes a whole-of-society challenge. However, while businesses are aware of the need to make changes, some do not feel fully versed in how to make this happen and this is where Enterprise Ireland comes in, as it offers a number of supports to assist Irish businesses on their sustainability journey. Regardless of what sector you are in, having a robust sustainability plan has become a critical part of any companys growth strategy and businesses need to be able to show their customers and consumers that they are embracing the sustainability challenge if they want to win big in global markets, says Alexa Toomey, department manager for sustainability, renewable energy and agritech at Enterprise Ireland. In some sectors, having a strong sustainability plan in place is already essential; in others, it will help you to stand out. So it is clear that sustainability is imperative as investors, partners, customers and the future of the planet depend on it. Enterprise Ireland recently launched a new campaign to help build awareness across Irish businesses of the supports available to help them meet the costs of their decarbonisation journey. Welcoming the new campaign, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Simon Coveney said: Reducing carbon emissions and embedding sustainability is vital for the long-term future of all Irish businesses. I welcome the fact that the new Enterprise Ireland campaign focuses on the positives that embarking on a sustainability journey can bring to every Irish business. In terms of attracting and retaining talent, winning new customers, and being prepared for the opportunities of the new low-carbon economy, there are huge benefits for Irish business. Enterprise Irelands Alexa Toomey added: We are committed to helping firms of all sizes meet the costs of their decarbonisation journey and continue to embed sustainability into their future planning and strategy. We have a broad suite of practical measures to help small to medium-sized firms (SMEs) to develop and fund their sustainability plans and stay competitive in the market, including consultancy advice, capacity-building supports and financial grants for projects that reduce carbon emissions. Our colleagues in the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) have a very similar offering for micro businesses so our message is that we are here to help. Alexa Toomey, department manager for sustainability, renewable energy and agritech at Enterprise Ireland. Enterprise Ireland is also aware that making necessary changes may not be straightforward and is often costly, so it is keen to reassure businesses that they are not alone and help is at hand to assist companies in looking to review waste, increase the reuse of materials and minimise energy outflows. Businesses face so many costs today so using inputs as efficiently as possible leads to gains on the cost side too, said Toomey. Joanne Sheahan, senior executive, sustainability, renewable energy and agtech with Enterprise Ireland, agrees and says while the transition to a low-carbon economy and greener future requires a whole-of-society approach, and is increasingly important for businesses in order to remain agile and competitive, it is important to remember that this is a journey. While most, if not all, entrepreneurs and managers are aware of their responsibilities and the need to decarbonise and make their business more sustainable, there are also increased expectations from stakeholders and customers around sustainability, she said. The green transition journey will not happen overnight, but it is increasingly important for businesses to take those important first steps, and Enterprise Ireland is ready to work with the companies we support as they explore their sustainability options. Sustainability Kickstarter Workshop As part of its commitment to supporting companies on this journey, it has developed the new Sustainability Kickstarter Workshop, which is free and open to companies which are supported by Enterprise Ireland or a Local Enterprise Office. Delivered online over three hours, this workshop is suitable for companies from all sectors. It will not only give attendees an overview of the sustainability journey and where to start, but it has also been designed to enable each participant to leave with a straightforward action plan to help them progress towards having a sustainable business strategy. After completing the Kickstarter Workshop, participants will be able to recognise the critical role that sustainability and environmental, social and governance (ESG) play in the success and resilience of SMEs and articulate a clear link between sustainability and their companys business strategy, identifying specific opportunities for improvement. It will also help them to understand how to measure, monitor and report on ESG performance, initiate meaningful stakeholder engagement to support sustainability initiatives, and develop an action plan to integrate sustainability and ESG principles into their business operations and decision-making processes. There is also an increased focus on this legislatively, with some pieces on the way which will eventually mandate certain sustainability actions and commitments for all companies, says Sheahan. For example, the European Unions Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive will require all large companies and listed SMEs to publish regular reports on their environmental and social impact activities from the start of 2026. Toomey said the sustainability journey starts with a first step, and simple changes can make a huge difference. If you want to stay competitive, be ready to meet the sustainability demands of your customers and contribute to Irelands national effort to reduce emissions, Enterprise Ireland is here to help, she said. For information on the Enterprise Ireland supports available to put your sustainability plan in place and progress on your sustainability journey visit: enterprise-ireland.com/sustainability Minister Eamon Ryan, TD, Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, outlines how a plan-led approach to offshore wind energy will give Ireland the best opportunity to achieve its climate action goals Eamon Ryan, TD, Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications. The sense of urgency to deliver ambitious climate action has never been higher the world is currently in a race to keep the global average temperature rise to within 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels. Extreme weather records continue to be broken. Climate scientists have reported that last October was the hottest October on record globally, with temperatures 1.7 degrees above what they were thought to have been during the average October in the late 1800s. Reports also highlight that 2023 is on track to be the warmest year on record. In Ireland, the recent flood damage caused by Storm Babet shows just how vulnerable we are here to extreme weather conditions. From an energy security perspective, Russias invasion of Ukraine has also brought about new challenges for the security of energy supplies and underpins how important it is that we switch to at speed and at scale to our own indigenous renewable energy sources. We are at a tipping point and the challenges ahead are considerable. However, I believe that we have the political will to respond to these challenges and provide a sustainable way of life for future generations. The recent announcement of a new 3.1bn climate and nature fund is further evidence of this. The fund will allow strategic investment to address the worsening climate and biodiversity crises and it shows just how seriously all of government is taking the future investment needs for climate. Irelands offshore wind ambitions is driven by a plan-led approach Ireland is a key emerging market in the offshore renewable wind energy space. The scale of our resource is huge our sea area is seven times that of our land area. The opportunities which this presents cannot be overlooked. Maximising renewable wind energy is a significant priority for this government. This is matched by an ambition which includes one of the most significant projects of our generation. When our current government was formed, it signed up to an ambitious programme for government which included the delivery of 5 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind by 2030. We have now ensured that that programme goes beyond this, with a further 2GW earmarked for the production of green hydrogen and other non-grid uses and by developing a framework for the delivery of 30GW of offshore wind by 2050. The challenges ahead are considerable, but so are the possibilities. In monetary terms, it will require investment in the region of 100 billion, or almost a third of our GNP, and will take 30 years to develop. To deliver our climate and offshore wind energy ambitions, we have moved to a plan-led approach. This will ensure that development of offshore renewable energy is delivered through a number of overlapping phases in a planned, strategic, economical and sustainable way, which will also guide investment within this sector. Reform of our Marine Planning System In order to establish the foundations to underpin the emerging offshore energy sector, Ireland has had to undergo the most extensive reform of marine governance since the foundation of the Irish State. The Maritime Area Planning (MAP) Act was signed into law on at the end of 2021 and it provides an entirely new legislative framework and streamlined development consent process for activities in the maritime area. This framework includes bespoke forward planning, permitting and enforcement regimes as well as introducing a new State agency, MARA, as the Maritime Regulator. Whereas under the old Foreshore regime, you might have to wait up to two years for a site investigation licence, the new regime has brought that down to 90 days or less in most cases. A new directorate has been established in An Bord Pleanala dedicated to consideration of Climate and Marine infrastructure applications and this too will further buttress the efficiency of the new planning system. Traditionally, any development of Ireland's natural resources has been led by developers and regulated by certain departments and agencies. However, increased development demands and the challenge of achieving the targets set out in Ireland's Climate Action Plan, which include offshore renewable generation of electricity from wind, means that we need a new approach to ensure the development of Ireland's marine resources is sustainable. The MAP Act contains provisions for forward plans called Designated Maritime Area Plans or DMAPs. With the approval of Government, my Department has accelerated this forward planning regime and has published the States first DMAP Proposal. When complete in early 2024, the DMAP will act as a management plan for a specific area of our marine waters in this case off Cork, Waterford and Wexford and designate areas suitable for offshore wind along with supporting grid infrastructure. What this means in practice is that the State, in cooperation with local communities and key stakeholders, and with consideration for other maritime activities including fishing and seafood production, will determine the appropriate location for offshore renewable energy developments. We will continue this accelerated approach with more DMAPs over the next number of years. These plans will go through rigorous environmental assessment and will guide decision-making and investment decisions within the area they cover. It will make for a more transparent, efficient, and democratic planning system where people know well in advance where projects will be sited and plan accordingly. All-of-Government approach being taken to deliver offshore wind ambitions As part of this plan-led approach, a cross-Departmental Offshore Wind Delivery Taskforce has been established to drive delivery and capture wider and longer term economic and business opportunities associated with the development of offshore renewables in Ireland. This includes the identification of supporting infrastructure development and supply chain opportunities as Irelands offshore wind industry is developed. As part of their work on the cross-departmental Offshore Wind Delivery Taskforce, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment is developing a National Industrial Strategy for Offshore Wind. This will involve identifying measures to build a capable and resilient supply chain and ensure that our strong research, development and innovation ecosystem extends to the offshore wind sector. In the longer term, it will aim to ensure that Ireland achieves the greatest economic impact possible arising from the routes to market for our abundant renewable energy, as well as assessing opportunities for strategic spatial development in our coastal areas and around our ports. Our plan-led approach will streamline future offshore wind energy developments and is underpinned by a robust legislative path. This way forward offers the best opportunity to match our growing offshore ambitions. Irelands first offshore wind auction a breakthrough moment The landmark results of ORESS 1, our first offshore wind auction, earlier this year underscored these ambitions and was the clearest signal yet that Ireland can become a renewables powerhouse. Over 3GW of capacity has been procured from four offshore wind projects, which will deliver over 12 Terawatt hours of renewable electricity per year. This is the largest volume of renewable energy Ireland has ever procured at auction. It is also enough to power over 2.5 million Irish homes with clean electricity and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over 1 million tonnes in 2030. These developments come under Irelands Phase One approach to offshore wind energy developments. Our second offshore wind energy auction, ORESS 2.1, is set to launch in 2024. ORESS 2.1 will be the first auction to take place in Phase Two and will procure up to 900 Megawatts of capacity from a State-selected provisional designated area a Designated Maritime Area Plan (DMAP) off Irelands south coast. As well as helping to meet our climate goals, these processes, along with subsequent offshore development, will have a transformational impact on investment, regional communities and on sustainable jobs creation. Electricity interconnection plans We have also made very significant developments in our electricity interconnection plans. Our new interconnection policy, published in July, will see Ireland increase its electricity interconnection capacity and explore new interconnection opportunities with Spain, Belgium and the Netherlands. In November, Ireland and France marked the commencement of construction on the Celtic Interconnector project, a high-voltage subsea power cable that will link the electricity grids of both countries, with a visit from a French Government Delegation. Ireland and France also signed a joint declaration of intent on energy transition cooperation, which has laid out a framework for the decarbonisation of both nations energy systems. Increased electricity interconnection will be a key enabler in our growing use of renewable energy will also help lower energy prices and play a central role in Irelands journey to a net zero power system. It will also better integrate European electricity markets, and by using more diversified energy markets it will improve our electricity security and resilience. There are also plans for further connections to the UK, a development which again highlights the importance of the close partnership between the two States. To sit alongside our plan-led approach to offshore wind, we are pivoting to a plan-led approach to interconnection, so projects are complementary, with generation and transmission aligned. A Future Framework for offshore wind Work is also continuing on a longer-term offshore energy resource assessment of our sea area. This strategy will form a key building block of the future, long-term model for the offshore renewable energy sector in Ireland. This long-term model and vision for offshore renewable energy in Ireland is called the Future Framework. This policy will be published in early 2024 and will set out a framework for the delivery of 30GW of offshore wind by 2050. This vision for achieving our renewable energy goals is shared across government and the regulatory framework we have put in place will ensure that the economic, environmental and societal benefits are realised for all our citizens and stakeholders, now and into the future. Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications A lack of fuel in the Gaza Strip shut down all internet and phone networks on Thursday, the main Palestinian telecom provider said, effectively cutting off the besieged territory from the outside world. In a signal that Israels ground invasion could soon expand to the south, Palestinians in parts of southern Gaza said they received evacuation notices on Thursday. Most of Gazas 2.3 million people are crowded into the south, including hundreds of thousands who heeded Israels calls to evacuate the north to get out of the way of its offensive. Nearly every single person in the Gaza Strip does not have enough food, and more than two out of every three people do not have clean drinking water, the United Nations said on Thursday. Smoke rises after an Israeli strike on the Gaza Strip on Thursday (Leo Correa, AP) Residents say bread is scarce and supermarket shelves are bare. Central electricity and running water have been out for weeks. At least 11,470 Palestinians two-thirds of them women and minors have been killed since the war began, according to Palestinian health authorities, which do not differentiate between civilian and militant deaths. About 2,700 people are reported missing. The general manager of Palestine telecommunications company, Paltel, said he has urged international bodies to persuade Israel to allow fuel to enter Gaza in order to restore phone and internet to the besieged enclave. We asked all international bodies to intervene with Israel in order to allow the entry of fuel, Abdulmajeed Melhem told The Associated Press. Earlier on Thursday, Paltel announced all communication services landlines, mobile phones and internet connections were down due to a lack of fuel. Since the outbreak of the war, there has been no electricity, therefore we have relied on alternative sources to operate the generators, Mr Melhem said. If they (Israel) allow the entry of fuel, this problem will be solved. Palestinians inspect the rubble of destroyed buildings following Israeli airstrikes on the town of Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip (Mohammed Dahman, AP File) Gazas fragile communication network has broken down several times during the conflict because of bombardment or shutdowns by Israel, but each time Gaza authorities were able to quickly get it back working. Previous blackouts have traumatised Palestinians, leaving them unable to call ambulances or reach dispersed family members to ensure they are alive amid the bombardment. Aid workers say it hampers humanitarian operations and hospitals. The blackout also largely cuts Gaza off from the outside world, making it even harder for international media to cover events on the ground. Israel vowed to wipe out Hamas after the militant group launched its October 7 incursion. Some 1,200 people have died in Israel, mostly during the initial attack, and around 240 people were taken captive by militants. "In #Gaza this week, I visited a hospital in Khan Yunis where children & civilians shelter, while doctors and UNICEF staff work to save and sustain lives, including babies on ventilators. I was affected to my core. 1M children are suffering unimaginable horror. Over 4,700 pic.twitter.com/2CcWY9n4bE UNICEF (@UNICEF) November 16, 2023 Israel responded with a weeks-long air campaign and a ground invasion of northern Gaza. Meanwhile, The White House said it believes Israel can dramatically reduce the threat from Hamas, but that eliminating the group and its ideology is likely impossible. National security council spokesperson John Kirby pointed to the US efforts to disrupt al-Qaida and the Islamic State group, a day after US President Joe Biden said Israels war on Hamas in Gaza would only end once the militant group was no longer a threat. Communications systems in the Gaza Strip are down for a second day, causing aid agencies to halt cross-border deliveries of humanitarian supplies amid warnings people could soon face starvation. Israel has been pushing deeper into Gaza City, and its troops have been searching Gazas biggest hospital, Shifa, for traces of a Hamas command centre the military alleges is located under the building. They have displayed images of what they claimed to be a tunnel entrance and weapons found in a truck inside the compound, but do not yet have any evidence of the command centre. Hamas and Shifa staff deny such a command centre exists. A student takes part in a protest against the conflict in San Francisco (San Francisco Chronicle via AP) The war, now in its sixth week, was triggered by Hamas October 7 attack in southern Israel, in which the militants killed more than 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and captured some 240 men, women and children. Abeer Etefa, a Middle East regional spokeswoman for the United Nations World Food Programme, said Gaza is now receiving only 10% of its needed food supplies daily, and dehydration and malnutrition are growing with nearly all of the 2.3 million people in the territory needing food. People are facing the immediate possibility of starvation, she said from Cairo. With few trucks entering Gaza and no fuel to distribute the food, there is no way to meet the current hunger needs, she added. The existing food systems in Gaza are basically collapsing. The breakdown of the communications network, which is crucial for coordinating aid deliveries, means the situation has worsened. The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) said no aid deliveries would be able to enter southern Gaza from Egypt on Friday. We have seen fuel and food and water and humanitarian assistance being used as a weapon of war, said agency spokeswoman Juliette Touma. Fuel is needed for generators that run emergency communication systems, hospitals, desalination plants and other critical infrastructure in Gaza. Israel has barred fuel shipments into Gaza since the beginning of the war, but permitted a limited shipment to UNRWA earlier this week for trucks delivering food after the agencys fuel reservoir ran dry. Ms Touma said that is outrageous that humanitarian agencies are reduced to begging for fuel. Following the surprise attack by Hamas, Israel responded with a weeks-long air campaign and a ground invasion of northern Gaza, vowing to remove Hamas from power and crush its military capabilities. On Friday, the military said it had found the body of another hostage taken by Hamas, identifying her as a soldier, Cpl Noa Marciano. Like the body of another hostage found Thursday, 65-year-old Yehudit Weiss, Marcianos remains were recovered in a building adjacent to Shifa, the military said. Four hostages taken in the initial Hamas attack have now been confirmed dead, while four others have been freed and one rescued. More than 11,470 Palestinians have been killed, two-thirds of them women and minors, according to Palestinian health authorities. Another 2,700 have been reported missing, believed buried under rubble. The official count does not differentiate between civilian and militant deaths, and Israel says it has killed thousands of militants. Israel faces pressure to prove its claim that Hamas set up its main command centre in and under Shifa hospital, which has multiple buildings over an area of several city blocks. So far, it has mainly shown photos of weapons caches which it says its soldiers found in the hospital. On Thursday, the military released video of a hole in the hospital courtyard it said was a tunnel entrance. It also showed several assault rifles and RPGs, grenades, ammunition clips and utility vests laid out on a blanket that it said were found in a pickup truck in the courtyard. The Associated Press could not independently verify the Israeli claims. Most of Gazas population is crowded into southern Gaza, including hundreds of thousands who heeded Israels calls to evacuate to the north to get out of the way of its ground offensive. Some 1.5 million people driven from their homes have packed into UN shelters or houses with other families. If the assault moves into the south, it is not clear where refugees would go, as Egypt refuses to allow a mass transfer onto its soil. The Israeli military has called on people to move to a safe zone in Mawasi, a town on the Mediterranean coast a few square miles in size, where humanitarian aid could be delivered. The heads of 18 UN agencies and international charities have rejected the proposed safe zone, saying that concentrating civilians in one area while hostilities continue is too dangerous. They called for a ceasefire and the unimpeded entry of humanitarian aid and fuel for Gazas population. Around 240 Rohingya Muslims, including women and children, are afloat off the coast of Indonesia after two attempts to land were rejected by local residents. Officials said the boat most recently tried to land in Aceh Utara district, in Indonesias Aceh province, on Thursday afternoon, but left a few hours later. It is the fourth boat to reach Indonesias northernmost province since Tuesday. Three others arrived in a different district and were allowed to land. Residents of the Ulee Madon beach in Muara Batu sub-district said they would not accept the latest group as Rohingya have have come to the area several times and caused discomfort to the residents. Local residents and newly-arrived ethnic Rohingya gather on the beach in Ulee Madon (AP) Saiful Afwadi, a traditional leader at Muara Batu sub-district said on Friday: From a humanitarian perspective, we are concerned, but from another perspective, they are causing commotion. We provided shelter to them, but we also cannot accommodate them. Rahmat Karpolo, a head of village, said that the residents do not want to accept the refugees because based on past experience, the Rohingya run away from the shelters. More than 700,000 Rohingya Muslims fled from Buddhist-majority Myanmar to refugee camps in Bangladesh after an army-led crackdown in August 2017. They say the camps are overcrowded and they must leave again in search of a better life. This boat left again a few hours later following the rejection (AP) Most of the refugees who left the camps by sea have attempted to reach Malaysia, but many have ended up in Indonesia along the way. Indonesias foreign affairs ministry said in a written statement on Thursday said that Indonesia is not a party to the 1951 Refugee Convention. Therefore, Indonesia does not have the obligation or capacity to accommodate refugees, let alone to provide a permanent solution for the refugees. Some 240 Rohingya Muslims, including women and children, are afloat off the coast of Indonesia after two attempts to land were rejected by local residents (AP) Accommodation has been provided solely for humanitarian reasons. Ironically, many countries party to the convention actually closed their doors and even implemented a pushback policy toward the refugees, spokesman Lalu Muhamad Iqbl said. He added that Indonesias kindness in providing temporary shelter has been widely exploited by people-smugglers who seek financial gain without caring about the high risks faced by refugees, especially vulnerable groups such as women and children. In fact, many of them were identified as victims of human trafficking, Mr Iqbal said. Ukraines troops have secured multiple bridgeheads on the eastern bank of the Dnieper River in the Kherson region in fighting that the countrys marine corps described as having left nearly 3,500 Russians killed or wounded and dozens of ammunition depots, tanks, armoured vehicles and other weaponry destroyed. The Marine Infantry Commands claims were the first to come directly from the Ukrainian military about advances across one of Russias most significant strategic barriers. Earlier this week, Andriy Yermak, the head of the presidents office, confirmed for the first time that Ukraine had established a foothold on the eastern side of the river. The wide river is a natural dividing line along the southern battlefront, and Moscows forces have used it since leaving the area around the city of Kherson in November 2022 to prevent Ukrainian troops from advancing farther toward Russian-annexed Crimea. The Kherson region's left bank. Our warriors. I thank them for their strength and for moving forward. Glory to everyone who restores freedom and justice to Ukraine! pic.twitter.com/5Da2key0KA Volodymyr Zelenskyy / (@ZelenskyyUa) November 17, 2023 Troops are trying to push Russian forces away from the Dnieper to stop shelling that has routinely struck civilian areas on the Ukrainian-held west bank, the general staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces said in a report. Western intelligence officials said Ukraine has portions of three brigades across the river and is expected to make small gains as the Russians have so far been unable to repel them. The Ukrainians have seen an opportunity there and taken it, one official said. What weve not seen is the Russians being able to push them back from that position. The Associated Press could not independently confirm the Ukrainian reports of establishing a foothold on the rivers eastern bank or the marine commands battlefield claims. Ukraine did not disclose the number of its own casualties. Ukraine provided no timeline for how long it took to establish its position across the Dniper River. Its forces have crossed the river in small groups since the summer to create a beachhead near the Kherson bridge, and more recently sought to expand their presence in nearby villages on the east bank. Mr Zelensky hailed his countrys troops (AP) The gains that could open up a path to Crimea are considered small in the overall ground war, which intelligence officials said was essentially at a standstill despite a Ukrainian counter-offensive that earlier in the year had been expected to alter the momentum. Neither side is currently capable of mounting decisive offensive operations on the land in the foreseeable future, one official said. Ukraine is struggling off the battlefield for support from allies as the worlds attention has turned to Israels war against Hamas militants on the Gaza Strip. A US funding package passed on Thursday included no additional aid for Ukraine, and the European Union has said it cannot deliver the munitions it promised. In a meeting with Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron on Wednesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky lamented that the divided attention on two wars in the world had not helped his cause. Lord Cameron was in Kyiv on his first diplomatic trip to show his support for Ukraine. But the visit came with no additional military funds. The geography of our cooperation to strengthen Ukraines air shield is very wide. Not everything can already be revealed, but one thing is certain: Ukraine is constantly getting stronger. Our air defense capabilities are increasing. Of course, they do not yet provide complete pic.twitter.com/2NKbc5eKJG Volodymyr Zelenskyy / (@ZelenskyyUa) November 16, 2023 Ukraine said its troops killed more than 1,200 Russian soldiers and wounded more than 2,200 in a series of operations to establish its position on the eastern riverbank. It said it destroyed 29 ammunition stores, two dozen tanks, four dozen armoured combat vehicles, 89 artillery systems, watercraft, command posts and other vehicles. Mr Zelensky posted photos on social media Friday of troops in small motor boats reaching the eastern side of the river. The Kherson regions left bank. Our warriors, Mr Zelenskyy wrote. I thank them for their strength and for moving forward. When news of Ukraines advances across the river were reported earlier in the week, the Moscow-appointed governor for the Russia-occupied part of the Kherson region, Vladimir Saldo, said Ukrainian forces are facing a fiery hell in fighting in the village of Krynky and are being destroyed on a large scale. Mr Saldo said on Telegram that Ukraine had lost up to two battalions crossing the river and trying to maintain their hold on the east bank. Those claims could not be independently verified. The United Nations was forced to stop deliveries of food and other necessities to Gaza on Friday and warned of the growing possibility of widespread starvation after internet and telephone services collapsed in the besieged enclave because of a lack of fuel. Israel announced that it will allow two tanker trucks of fuel daily into Gaza for the UN and communications systems. The amount is half of what the UN said it needs to conduct lifesaving functions for hundreds of thousands of people in Gaza, including fuelling water systems, hospitals, bakeries and its trucks delivering aid. Israel has barred entry of fuel since the start of the war, saying it would be diverted by Hamas for military means. It has also blocked food, water and other supplies except for a trickle of aid from Egypt that aid workers say falls far short of what is needed. The communications blackout, now in its second day, largely cuts off Gazas 2.3 million people from one another and the outside world. The UN agency for Palestinian refugees, known as UNRWA, could not bring in its aid convoy on Friday because of the communications cut-off and will not be able to as long as it continues, said spokesperson Juliette Touma. An extended blackout means an extended suspension of our humanitarian operations in the Gaza Strip, Ms Touma told The Associated Press. Israeli forces have signalled they could expand their offensive towards Gazas south even while continuing operations in the north. Troops have been searching the territorys biggest hospital, Shifa, for traces of a Hamas command centre Israel alleges was located under the building a claim Hamas and the hospital staff deny. On Friday, the military said it found the body of another hostage, Corporal Noa Marciano, in a building adjacent to Shifa, like that of another hostage found on Thursday, Yehudit Weiss. Hundreds of mourners, many carrying Israeli flags, attended Cpl Marcianos funeral on Friday in her home town of Modiin. The war, now in its sixth week, was triggered by Hamass October 7 attack in southern Israel, in which the militants killed more than 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted some 240 men, women and children. More than 11,400 Palestinians have been killed in the war, two-thirds of them women and minors, according to Palestinian health authorities. Another 2,700 have been reported missing, believed buried under rubble. The count does not differentiate between civilians and militants, and Israel says it has killed thousands of militants. After an American request, Israel agreed to let a very minimal amount of fuel into Gaza each day, national security adviser Tzachi Hanegbi said. COGAT, the Israeli military body responsible for Palestinian affairs, said it would amount to 60,000 litres (15,850 gallons) a day for the UN. A man evacuates a wounded girl after Israeli bombardment in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip on November 17, 2023, amid ongoing battles between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas. Photo: Said Khatib / AFP via Getty Images. For the communications network, Israel also agreed on another 10,000 litres a day (2,640 gallons), a US State Department official said. UNRWA and other humanitarian groups need at least 120,000 litres (31,700 gallons) a day to run lifesaving functions, Ms Touma said. Gaza has received only 10% of its required food supplies each day in shipments from Egypt, according to the UN, and the water system shutdown has left most of the population drinking contaminated water, causing an outbreak of disease. Dehydration and malnutrition are growing, with nearly all residents in need of food, said Abeer Etefa, a Middle East regional spokeswoman for the UNs World Food Programme. People are facing the immediate possibility of starvation, she said from Cairo. Israeli officials previously vowed fuel would not be let in until Gaza militants release the hostages. The government has been under heavy public pressure in Israel to show it is doing all it can to bring back the men, women and children abducted in Hamass attack. Thousands of marchers including families of more than 50 hostages embarked on Friday on the fourth leg of a five-day walk from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, chanting, Bring them home! They are marching to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office, calling on his war cabinet to do more to rescue their loved ones. They have urged the cabinet to consider a ceasefire or prisoner swap in return for the hostages. Hamas has offered to exchange all hostages for some 6,000 Palestinians in Israeli jails, which the cabinet has rejected. With Israeli troops fanned out around the Shifa hospital complex, doctors spoke of horrifying conditions inside. Electricity has been out for nearly a week, leaving incubators for infants and ventilators for ICU patients defunct. Nearly 7,000 people are trapped there with little food, including patients, staff and civilian families. Hospital director Mohammed Abu Selmia told Al-Jazeera television that 52 patients have died since fuel ran out up from 40 reported before Israeli troops stormed in on Wednesday. He said staff were amputating limbs of some injured to avoid infection spreading because of shortages in medicines. More were on the verge of death as their wounds are open with maggots coming out of them, another doctor, Faisal Siyam, told Al-Jazeera. Dr Ahmad Mukhalalti said most of the 36 premature infants suffer from severe diarrhoea because there is no clean water. He said Israeli troops had taken away all the bodies from the mortuary and from a mass grave that staff dug days earlier in the courtyard. The Israeli military had no comment on the report. The doctors accounts could not be independently verified. 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. Nearly a dozen civilians, including eight children, were killed in a Myanmar military aerial assault on Wai Luu Village in Matupi Township, Chin State on Wednesday that destroyed religious buildings, schools and civilian houses, the township administration reported. Two Myanmar military fighter jets bombed the village at 7.30 p.m. on Wednesday, killing six boys and two girls between the ages of 5 and 12, along with their teacherwho had been participating in the Civil Disobedience Movementand two villagers. Four female civilians were wounded. The Matupi Township administration said the terrorist military attacked civilian targets and strongly condemned the aerial massacre. The regional revolutionary forces have conducted an emergency response and rescue operation, the Matupi Township administration said. Wai Luu Village is around 80 km from Matupi Town, and there were no clashes between resistance forces and the Myanmar military there, according to the Chin Defense Force-Matupi. There are no camps of resistance forces [there]. The attack deliberately targeted the people, a representative of Matupi CDF told The Irrawaddy. Normally, it takes two days to get to Wai Luu and there is no phone line to the village, he added. We are outraged by the military councils actions in attacking civilians. We will fight until the end, he told The Irrawaddy. The junta has carried out frequent air strikes in Chin State since fighting broke out there in May 2021. In March 2023, eight civilians including two children were killed in a Myanmar military air strike in Kwarpho Village in Chin States Thantlang Township. Another nine civilians were killed and four seriously injured in a Myanmar military air strike in Waibula town in Chin States Falam Township in April. While the ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) and Peoples Defense Forces (PDFs) have sped up their attacks on military bases around the country and control some townships, urban residents say they want the resistance forces to conduct attacks in large cities, so that the revolution can succeed more quickly. After the Myanmar military staged a coup in February 2021, people in the regions and states formed the PDFs and fought back against Myanmar junta troops. Ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) like the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), the Karen National Union (KNU) and the Arakan Army (AA) have provided assistance to the PDFs. Furthermore, armed groups in Chin, Kachin, Karenni (Kayah), Karen and Rakhine states have also launched attacks on Myanmar junta troops. On Oct. 27, the ethnic Brotherhood Alliance, comprising the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), the Taang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and the AA, launched Operation 1027, attacking and seizing six towns in northern Shan State on the border with China. Urban people support Operation 1027 and have celebrated the seizure of Myanmar military camps by EAOs. Yangon resident Thazin said she felt encouraged by the capture of the militarys camps in northern Shan State and in other states. It would be great if the attacks on the Myanmar military could expand to Yangon, she added. We know the negative effects of war, but we have to face it if we want the revolution to succeed, she told The Irrawaddy. She said that while urban people regularly go to cinemas and enjoy nightlife, people in rural areas are sacrificing their lives and rebelling against the dictator. I want them [urban people] to know how rural people feel. I want equality, Thazin told The Irrawaddy. The resistance offensive has spread to upper Sagaing Region, where the KIA, AA and PDFs seized the district-level town of Kawlin on Nov. 6. Elsewhere, in support of the offensive, Karenni resistance forces launched Operation 1111, attacking junta bases in Kayah States Loikaw and Mese, and southern Shans Moebye town. The revolution will be stronger if the cities take part in the fighting against the junta, said Ko Min Lwin, who lives in Mandalay. I want the fighting to spread to large cities like Yangon, Mandalay and Naypyitaw. If so, the people will be more motivated, Ko Min Lwin told The Irrawaddy. He said the people are happy to see the Myanmar military failing, as it took power illegally, violently arresting and killing people around the country. While nobody wants war, urban residents hope to see the clashes spread to the important cities in order to end Myanmars crisis sooner. U Win Naing, a resident of Yangons Sanchaung Township, said he wants the anti-regime operations to spread, even though he is afraid of war. He explained that he doesnt want it to be the case that the military must always win. It is like praying for a cyclone because the weather is so hot, U Win Naing told The Irrawaddy. The military is privileged in Myanmar and it has treated the people however it wished throughout history, he added. Currently, under military rule, people in urban areas also face social insecurity and a general crisis. Ma Wathan, who lives in a township in downtown Yangon, said she would prefer not to see war anywhere, but in order for the next generation to live in good conditions, the dictatorship must be rooted out. Even if we die during the war, those who survive will have peace, she told The Irrawaddy. Currently, fighting is occurring in Chin State, Rakhine State and Mon State, in addition to the places where Operation 1027 and Operation 1111 are in effect. Furthermore, surrenders of Myanmar military units are being reported continuously in ethnic areas amid the resistance offensive. The EAOs have first seized the towns in their territory, where they have the support of their people. It is natural to move first in areas where they have gained public support, though those places are not strategically important enough to cause the revolution to succeed within a short period of time, said U Than Soe Naing, a political and military affairs expert. In the end, this movement will spread all over the country. Finally, the movements will gradually surround the cities such as Yangon, Mandalay, Naypyitaw and Mawlamyine. The storm of revolution will sweep over these cities in the future because they are the decisive factor of the revolution, U Than Soe Naing told The Irrawaddy. A Yangon resident said if the military council were to give up power now, many lives could be spared. Otherwise, if a nationwide revolution is required to defeat the military dictatorship, all the people will have to join it until it succeeds, he added. If the battles come to the cities in order to bring about the [success of the] nationwide revolutionary struggle, we have to accept that, he told The Irrawaddy. According to the UN, more than 200,000 people from Shan, Chin, Kayah and Mon states and Sagaing Region have been displaced since the ethnic armed groups launched the offensive last month. A resident of northern Shan States Muse Township said he was prepared for the worst regarding the current situation. We are ready and waiting. Only then will the revolution succeed quickly, he said. A cyber-scam ringleader wanted by China reportedly took his own life while being arrested in Laukkai, Kokang region, near the Chinese border on Thursday, while his son and granddaughter were arrested. Myanmars junta announced on Thursday night that Ming Xuechang shot himself while he was being arrested and died later while getting treatment. Hours before the announcement, the regime stated that Ming Xuechang, his son Ming Xiaoping (aka Ming Guoping), and his granddaughter Ming Zhen Zhen had been arrested in Laukkai and would be handed over to Chinese authorities. China issued arrest warrants for the trio and Ming Julan, Ming Xuechangs daughter, on Nov. 12, accusing them of involvement in online scams in Kokang. Northern Shan States Kokang, which adjoins China in the northeastern tip of Myanmar, is notorious for hosting Chinese-run telecom scams run by trafficked workers. The border area is governed by the junta-backed Kokang Administrative Committee. The scams anger Beijing, a major ally of the junta, and China has repeatedly told the military to crack down on the industry, which analysts say is worth billions of dollars a year. Ming Xuechang, 69, is a former member of Kokang Self-Administered Zone and used to represent the regimes proxy Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) in the Shan State parliament. He is the owner of Crouching Tiger Villa, a telecom scam compound in Kokang, where workers including Chinese nationals were gunned down by guards while trying to flee on Oct. 20. According to some estimates, more than 60 Chinese nationals were killed or wounded in the massacre. Ming Xuechang is believed to have gone into hiding following the massacre, prompting Chinese authorities to issue the arrest warrants. The Myanmar regime followed up by issuing an arrest warrant for Ming Xuechang and his family members on Wednesday. Ming committed suicide on Wednesday night while Myanmar authorities were hunting him down, Chinese state media said, citing Chinas Ministry of Public Security. The ministry said Chinese police investigations found the gang headed by Ming Xuechang had made huge illicit profits from telecom and online fraud targeting Chinese citizens and was suspected of violent crimes including murder and unlawful detention. The reports said Ming Xiaoping (aka Ming Guoping), Ming Julan, and Ming Zhenzhen were apprehended and handed over to Chinese authorities on Thursday. However, the juntas announcement made no mention of the arrest and handover of Ming Xuechangs daughter, Ming Julan. More than 150 civilians have been killed in Myanmar in junta shelling, airstrikes and massacres since Operation 1027 was launched on October 27 in northern Shan State, according to rights groups. Reports by the media, human rights groups and the civilian National Unity Government (NUG) have recorded deaths in northern Shan, Kayah, Chin and Rakhine states and Sagaing and Mandalay regions. The United Nations on Friday reported that around 70 civilians and people incapable of fighting have been killed, over 90 wounded and more than 200,000 people displaced since October 27. Over 150 junta positions and around nine towns, including towns on the Chinese and Indian borders, have fallen since the start of Operation 1027. On Friday morning, two junta fighter jets bombed Wai Luu village in Matupi Township, Chin State, destroying religious buildings, schools and houses, according to the township peoples administration. The airstrike killed six boys and two girls aged five to 12, along with their teacher, who had joined the nationwide civil disobedience movement, and two other villagers. Four more civilians were wounded. On Thursday, junta Mi-35 helicopters and gunboats attacked Pauktaw town in Rakhine State, where regime police and administrative staff had surrendered to the Arakan Army. Videos show hundreds fleeing the town as regime helicopters attacked. Later around 100 regime troops entered the town and shot dead around 20 civilians at a community building, according to media reports. The AA vowed to retaliate. In Madaya Township, Mandalay Region, troops shot dead 12 civilians in a raid on a teashop. Nine customers, two owners and a pedestrian were reportedly killed. The Irrawaddy could not independently verify the reports. After resistance attempts to seize Tigyaing town in Sagaing Region, junta fighter jets bombed six villages outside the town from Sunday to Tuesday, killing 17 civilians, including three children aged between two and six, and a pregnant woman, and injuring 26 others, according to the NUGs human rights ministry. The civilian ministry said junta troops and Pyu Saw Htee militia allies raided Pyar village in Myingyan Township, Mandalay Region, on November 7 and killed six detainees after a clash with resistance forces near the village. The Taang Womens Organization reported that at least 37 civilians, including children, were killed and 65 others injured by junta shelling and airstrikes across the northern Shan State between October 27 and November 11. Clashes have increased in Kayah State since Saturday after several resistance groups, including the Karenni Nationalities Defense Force and Karenni Army, began Operation 1111, attacking regime bases. They are currently attempting to occupy the state capital, Loikaw. Junta airstrikes and shelling are defending Loikaw with around 48 civilian deaths reported on Thursday by the Karenni Human Rights Group. On Tuesday, 19 civilians were killed by airstrikes and two in shelling, while three people were shot dead in Loikaw as fighting continues. Two more people were killed by junta airstrikes in Loikaw on Thursday and rescue groups said they found a tied-up body. Antonio Guterres, the UN secretary-general, said on Wednesday that civilians should be protected under international humanitarian law and that those responsible for violations should be held accountable. The Portuguese statesman called for humanitarian access. Clashes have been reported across the whole country, except in Ayeyarwady Region. More than 2 million people have been displaced in Myanmar since the February 2021 coup. More junta bases were seized and clashes continued to intensify over the last three days as Peoples Defense Force groups (PDFs) and ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) stepped up attacks on regime targets and junta bases across the country. Incidents were reported in Mon, Shan and Rakhine states and Sagaing and Mandalay regions. The Irrawaddy has collected the following reports of significant attacks from PDFs and EAOs. Some military casualties could not be independently verified. Militarys Southeast Command HQ bombed by kamikaze drones in Mon Two regime soldiers were killed and at least four battalion commanders were reportedly seriously injured in Mawlamyine town, Mon State on Thursday evening when the drone unit of the Karen National Defense Organization (KNDO), the armed wing of the Karen National Union, and other resistance groups used two fixed-wing kamikaze drones to attack the headquarters of the militarys South East Command, according to local media reports. The resistance group told the media it targeted an event commemorating the 62nd anniversary of the founding of the South East Command attended by several battalion commanders, local businessmen and junta border guard forces. After being bombed, regime forces responded indiscriminately with firearms, local media reported, citing residents. Two junta bases seized in northern Shan The Taang National Liberation Army (TNLA) claimed to have seized a pro-regime militia camp and another junta position in Hseni and Namkham townships, northern Shan State on Thursday morning as part of Operation 1027. Two additional clashes between junta troops and the TNLA broke out in Muse and Kyaukme townships on the same day. The TNLA said it managed to seize ammunition and medicine dropped by junta transport aircraft intended for the Mine Kyat junta outpost in Lashio Township, the capital of northern Shan and home to the militarys North East Command. Clashes continue in Rakhine The ethnic Rakhine armed group Arakan Army (AA) said it continued to attack two strategic junta strongholds in Paletwa Township, Rakhine State for a fourth day amid heavy rain on Thursday. AA troops also attempted to seize the Done Nyo junta outpost in Maungdaw Township amid heavy rain on the same day. The junta used a fighter jet to defend the base. The junta also used helicopter gunships and gunboats to attack Pauktaw town, where its police forces and officials from the junta-run general administration office surrendered to the AA. Police station occupied in Sagaing The Defense Ministry of the civilian National Unity Government (NUG) said its armed units managed to attack and seize the police station in Kyar Tat Village in Salingyi Township, Sagaing Region on Wednesday. After being attacked, junta soldiers and police officers abandoned the police station. Salingyi Special Task Force (SSTF) said in order to seize the station, it conducted guerrilla attacks and drone strikes, besieging the stronghold for months. On Sunday, the SSTF and other resistance forces ambushed 15 soldiers and policemen including the chief of the police station from close range while they were looking for food in Kyar Tat Village. In the ambush, seven regime forces including the police chief were killed. During the shootout, the junta troops shot dead a villager nearby. Meanwhile, other resistance forces used drones to bomb the police station. A PDF video shows junta troops in a street being shot from close range by resistance fighters taking up positions in houses and on a street. Junta-appointed administrator killed in Mandalay The urban resistance group Generation Z Power (Mandalay) said it and Patheingyi PDF jointly shot dead junta-appointed Nyaung Kone Village administrator Nay Myo Aung, who was also a member of a pro-junta Pyu Saw Htee militia, in Madaya Township, Mandalay Region on Tuesday. The resistance group said it seized two improvised firearms from Nay Myo Aung. Friday, Nov 17th, 2023 (12:01 am) - Score 11,080 Some existing and former customers of TV, phone and broadband provider Virgin Media (VMO2) are complaining that the ISP is continuing to hit them with wrongful Netflix subscription charges, which is despite those impacted having either never taken the service or cancelling it months ago. The problem has gone unresolved for months. The situation, which appears to have been going on since earlier this year and possibly longer, first came to our attention last week after a number of the providers customers reported problems to ISPreview regarding phantom Netflix bills. NOTE: Netflix is a popular internet video streaming service, which Netflix is a popular internet video streaming service, which Virgin Media can sometimes bundle as part of specific packages or special offers. The customers complained that they were being billed 15.99 per month by Virgin Media for a Netflix service they didnt have (even on some accounts that dont have TV services), which they then had to constantly get the ISP to correct every single month. Meanwhile, others say they started getting billed for Netflix months after theyd cancelled the service. At this point we decided to check if we could find any other complaints online and, needless to say, it wasnt too difficult as theyre spread across social media and Virgin Medias own Community Forum (examples here, here, here, here and here etc.). Weve pasted below some extracts from a few of the complaints ISPreview received directly last week: Example Complaint 1: I have been a Virgin Customer for years when it was taken over from NTL in fact! I have to call Virgin every single month that has been for the the last 8months as I am being billed for 15.99 Netflix every month that I dont have. My bill should be 83 but now it can be anything from 106 and upwards. Nobody answers the phone or is capable of correcting the issue. Example Complaint 2: I started getting billed for Netflix from Virgin 3 months after I left them! Had to ring up and wait on hold for ages to get them to cancel bill. They insisted I had signed up to Netflix from their TV box in the 3 months after the service had been cancelled how that is possible I dont know. Example Complaint 3: I have had the very same problem since March 2023 after they issued me a 360 controller since then I have been charged 15.99 every month for Netflix. I call them every month they promised they have sorted it but they still charge me the following month, this month they gave me another refund of 147 to cover the over charging for Netflix. Part of the problem may stem from the fact that Virgin Media are acting as somewhat of a middle man (i.e. limited oversight of Netflix itself) and normally just give customers the option to add the service to their bills. Clearly, something is going wrong at one or both ends of that agreement for some customers. However, other customers have continued to be billed correctly, so its certainly not impacting everybody. Nevertheless, Virgin Media is still the one responsible for taking the payments, and thus ensuring they get it right should be paramount. A Virgin Media spokesperson told ISPreview: We apologise to the small number of customers who have experienced an issue with their bill. Our team is working hard to resolve this issue and care agents are on hand to support customers. Sadly, the operator could not say when the problem will be resolved, although we understand from sources within the operators staff that its a known frustration for them too. In the meantime, customers will have to just keep raising the issue with Virgin Medias support staff in the hope that, eventually, they may be able to implement a more permanent solution. The other concern here is with respect to those customers who might be suffering from this without even realising (so far weve only heard from those that spotted it), since we know that many consumers dont keep a close enough eye on their bank accounts and regular bills. Wed advise anybody with a Virgin Media account to just do a quick check to see if youre being correctly billed. Finally, Ofcom dont investigate individual complaints, but they arent particularly fond of providers that suffer persistent billing errors either, thus its sometimes worth reporting such issues to the regulator directly (here). SIDE NOTE: For a bit of fun, we decided to use AI to auto-generate an image for this article. The result, when examined close up, looked like a drunken fever dream, but also produced a not insignificant amount of laughter. So naturally, we kept it. Beijing (Gasgoo)- The Auto Guangzhou 2023 kicked off on November 17, the Landian E5, the first mid-size plug-in hybrid electric SUV under SERES Group's Landian brand, was on display at the event with a starting price of 99,800 yuan. Photo credit: Landian SERES Group's Landian E5 Changxiang Edition, the brands first mid-size plug-in hybrid electric SUV priced at 99,800 yuan, was on display at the event. Beyond its competitive pricing, the Landian E5 redefines SUV ownership costs. Equipped with the FinDreams Powertrain hybrid system, integrating a 1.5L plug-in hybrid engine and the DHT300 electric hybrid system. Leveraging BYD FinDreams Powertrain's plug-in hybrid system, the Landian E5 delivers an exceptional electric driving experience, ensuring smooth power delivery, seamless handling, and luxury-grade NVH suppression. With a maximum engine power of 81kW and electric motor power of 130kW, the E5 accelerates from 0-50km/h in just 2.91 seconds, offering a swift and responsive driving experience. Measuring a 4,760mm in length, the E5 boasts an impressive 3,144mm of effective space, catering to various spatial needs for daily commutes and family getaways, while maintaining remarkable energy efficiency. Beijing (Gasgoo)- Dongfeng Motor Corporation (DFMC) showcased its three major product lineups under its wholly-owned brands, namely, Dongfeng Aeolus, e, and Dongfeng Nammi, at the Auto Guangzhou 2023 on November 17. Photo credit: Dongfeng Motor Among these, Dongfeng Nammi displayed its first electric coupe sedan, the Nammi 01, and initiated its pre-sale during this auto exhibition. Coming with two range options of 330km and 430km, the Nammi 01 presents choices in four body color optionsPure White, Joyful Yellow, Serene Blue, and Fantasy Purple. The model features a pre-sale price range of 79,800 yuan to 109,800 yuan, accompanied by various pre-sale benefits. Nammi 01; photo credit: Dongfeng Motor The e brand presented its inaugural product, the e007, which had its first unveiling on November 10 in Wuhan. At the Auto Guangzhou, it was displayed to the public again, revealing its innovative features. e007; photo credit: Dongfeng Motor Positioned as an elegant electric coupe, the e007 embodies the core values of es technology, taste, and reliability. The model boasts the exclusive Dongfeng SOA smart cabin, L2+ intelligent driving capabilities, and an impressive energy consumption of just 11.9kWh per 100km. Haohan E-Sports Edition; photo credit: Dongfeng Motor In addition, Dongfeng Aeolus made a dazzling appearance with its product lineup, including the debut of the Aeolus Haohan E-Sports Edition, and the display of the Haohan DH-i, and the SKY EV01. The Haohan E-Sports Edition represents Aeolus's evolution based on user demands, emphasizing Dongfeng Aeolus's commitment to a user-centric approach. 1371138342::cfb49c8e-2422-11e5-99a3-d7f5c6e8b241 A weekly review of the best and most popular stories published in the Imperial Valley Press. Also, featured upcoming events, new movies at local theaters, the week in photos and much more. Beijing (Gasgoo)- On November 17, 2023, Changan Automobiles new energy vehicle brand Deepal made a remarkable appearance at the Auto Guangzhou 2023, showcasing its flagship models, the SL03i and S7i, alongside the launch of the Deepal Super Range Extending Technology. Photo credit: Deepal Deepal said the Super Range Extending Technology pioneers the resolution of the fundamental contradiction between driving performance and low fuel consumption, thanks to the innovative advancements in the Force Super-Integrated Electric Drive system and the Force Intelligent Range Extender. Force Super-Integrated Electric Drive; photo credit: Deepal The Force Super-Integrated Electric Drive system serves as the powerhouse for the super range, deeply integrating multiple high-voltage systems across the vehicle, positioned in rear-wheel drive configuration. Innovatively, it incorporates technologies like condition-adaptive efficiency optimization and real-time dynamic temperature forecasting, achieving system efficiencies exceeding 95% and a maximum power output surpassing 190kW. Force Intelligent Range Extender; photo credit: Deepal The Force Intelligent Range Extender acts as the energy replenishment station, equipped with dedicated engines and generators utilizing a high compression Atkinson cycle. Remarkably, with this system, 1 liter of fuel can generate around 3.3 kWh of electricity, said Deepal. As of November 17, deliveries of the Deepal SL03 and S7 ranged extened vehicles have exceeded 107,590 units. Analyzing user driving data, it's found that 90% of city usage and 80% of overall driving distance are under battery-power alone, with no fuel consumption. Additionally, within the remaining 20% fuel-driven distance, Deepal users' real-world hybrid fuel consumption averages as low as 5.2L/100km. Riding on the EPA1 all-electric digital platform, specifically tailored for electric vehicles, the Deepal Super Range Extending Technology intelligently manages energy based on factors such as battery levels, driving habits, and road conditions. Utilizing local algorithms and cloud-based big data, it analyzes road conditions and user needs, enhancing power, economy, and comfort through intelligent start-stop range extension systems. Moreover, it adapts power generation strategies based on environmental factors like temperature and altitude, ensuring optimal power output and a battery-powered driving experience across various scenarios. The Deepal Super Range Extending Technology adopts Gold Shield (translated from Chinese name Jin Zhong Zhao) batteries supervised by the iBC digital battery steward, implementing 24-hour comprehensive battery monitoring through two types of digital pre-control management technologies and seven types of digital temperature control management technologies. With an IP3X short-circuit prevention design surpassing national standards by fivefold, the battery pack's overall domain ensures safety under the unique battery sentry mode, conducting real-time U/T inspections to ensure battery safety during driving, charging, or stationary states. The multi-dimensional system safety design ensures fire prevention and effectively mitigates thermal runaway risks. 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United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe 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. Changan Auto unveils Changan 'Lieshou' super range extended pickup at Auto Guangzhou 2023 On November 17, the opening day of the Auto Guangzhou 2023, Changan Auto introduced its first super range extended pickup model, the Changan Lieshou (translating to Hunter), which the company said features a combined CLTC-rated range of up to 1,031km and a combined fuel consumption of 1.3 liter per 100km. Photo credit: Changan Auto IM Motor to launch IM L6 model in Q2 2024 At the Auto Guangzhou 2023, which kicked off on November 17, IM Motors, the premium EV brand jointly held by SAIC Motor, Alibaba Group, and Zhangjiang High-Tech, announced its fire new model, the IM L6 all-electric four-door sedan, will be officially launched in the second quarter of next year. Photo credit: IM Motors Chery Holding Group showcases 16 NEV models at Auto Guangzhou At the Auto Guangzhou 2023, Chery Holding Group displayed 16 new energy vehicle (NEV) models across its four brands, namely, Chery, EXEED, JETOUR, and iCAR. Photo credit: Chery Holding ARCFOX T5 makes debut at Auto Guangzhou 2023 At the Auto Guangzhou 2023, ARCFOX, the NEV brand under BAIC BluePark New Energy Technology, officially debut theT5 all-electric SUV, which features a range of up to 660km thanks to the 79.2kWh battery pack. Photo credit: ARCFOX Changan Auto launches battery-dedicated development plan at Auto Guangzhou 2023 The 21st Guangzhou International Automobile Exhibition, which was inaugurated on November 17, 2023, witnessed a significant stride as Changan Auto unveiled its battery business development plan, marking a solid step towards transforming into a technology company for intelligent and low-carbon mobility under the Shangri-La Plan dedicated to new energy vehicle business. Deepal launches Super Range Extending Technology at Auto Guangzhou 2023 On November 17, 2023, Changan Automobile's new energy vehicle brand Deepal made a remarkable appearance at the Auto Guangzhou 2023, showcasing its flagship models, the SL03i and S7i, alongside the launch of the Deepal Super Range Extending Technology. GAC Group to install full-solid-state batteries into vehicles in 2026 At the Auto Guangzhou 2023, GAC Group outlined its commitment to such battery technologies as solid-state battery, cobalt-free battery, low-cobalt battery, and sodium-ion battery. Of particular note, the breakthrough in solid-state battery technology, achieving a remarkable energy density of 400Wh/Kg, is set to meet safety and reliability standards under extreme conditions, with plans for deployment in vehicles by 2026. Dongfeng Nissan introduces PATHFINDER to China market at Auto Guangzhou 2023 The Auto Guangzhou 2023 commenced on November 17, witnessing Dongfeng Nissan's proactive stance as it showcased its impressive lineup, signaling a diversified and revitalized strategic approach. The company emphasized its commitment to three power pathways: oil-fueled, electric, and hybrid. SAIC Motor's Rising Auto puts 2024 Rising R7, Rising F7 Urban Edition onto market As the Auto Guangzhou 2023 raised its curtain on November 17, Rising Auto, an electric passenger vehicle brand self-owned by SAIC Motor, put two refreshed modelsthe 2024 Rising R7 and the Rising F7 Urban Editiononto the market. Dongfeng's Nammi 01 EV begins pre-sale at Auto Guangzhou 2023 Dongfeng Motor Corporation (DFMC) showcased its three major product lineups under its wholly-owned brands, namely, Dongfeng Aeolus, e, and Dongfeng Nammi, at the Auto Guangzhou 2023 on November 17. Chery's EXEED launches pre-sale of STERRA ES at Auto Guangzhou 2023 The Auto Guangzhou 2023 kicked off on November 17. Chery's EXEED brand officially started pre-sale of the STERRA ES with a price range between 248,000 yuan and 358,000 yuan. VOYAH's Zhuiguang PHEV begins pre-sale at Auto Guangzhou 2023 At the Auto Guangzhou 2023 on November 17, VOYAH commenced pre-sale of its inaugural plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) sedan, the Zhuiguang PHEV, with a starting price of 266,900 yuan. Leapmotor unveils globally-oriented C10 at Auto Guangzhou 2023 On November 17, Leapmotor showcased its inaugural global-oriented model, the C10, at the Auto Guangzhou 2023, marking its China debut following its global premiere in Munich. BYD Sea Lion 07 EV makes world debut at Auto Guangzhou 2023 On November 17th, the 21st Auto Guangzhou opened its doors, featuring the global premiere of BYD's latest addition to the Ocean family the "Sea Lion 07 EV," touted as a "brand-new midsize urban smart electric SUV". Geely Auto debuts Galaxy E8 all-electric sedan at Auto Guangzhou 2023 On November 17, at the Auto Guangzhou 2023, Geely Auto's Galaxy new energy vehicle range offered the public the first glimpse of its inaugural all-electric sedan model, the Galaxy E8, which is also the first full-electric sedan model to ride on Geely's SEA (Sustainable Experience Architecture). NETA Auto introduces Shanhai Platform 2.0 at Auto Guangzhou 2023 On November 17th, at the Auto Guangzhou 2023, Chinese new energy vehicle maker NETA Auto introduced its cutting-edge Shanhai Platform 2.0, showcasing advancements across platform, architecture, comfort, intelligence, and core components. The automaker said this platform boasts six major advantages: high safety, intelligence, scalability, individuality, accessibility, and environmental friendliness. ZEEKR 007 starts at 229,900 yuan in presale On November 17, the opening day of the Auto Guangzhou 2023, ZEEKR, the premium electric vehicle brand under Geely Auto Group, officially commenced pre-sales of its fourth model, the ZEEKR 007, with prices starting at 229,900 yuan. A deposit of 1,000 yuan entitles buyers to a 6,000-yuan deduction from the final payment, effectively bringing the starting price down to 224,900 yuan. Gotion High-Tech, China Three Gorges Corporation ally on photovoltaic, energy storage integrated project On November 15, Gotion High-Tech and China Three Gorges Corporation ("CTG") held a signing ceremony to jointly invest in an integrated photovoltaic and energy storage project in Huai'an Industrial Park, Jiangsu Province. SERES Group showcases Landian E5 PHEV at Auto Guangzhou 2023 The Auto Guangzhou 2023 kicked off on November 17, the Landian E5, the first mid-size plug-in hybrid electric SUV under SERES Group's Landian brand, was on display at the event with a starting price of 99,800 yuan. Li Auto's Li MEGA starts blind pre-orders at Auto Guangzhou 2023 Li Auto's Li MEGA MPV made its debut at the Auto Guangzhou 2023 on November 17, and kicked off blind pre-orders with a deposit of 5,000 yuan. Presale of Wuling Xingguang sedan kicks off at Auto Guangzhou 2023 Today, at the Auto Guangzhou 2023, SAIC-GM-Wuling announced the official start of pre-sales for its first super A-segment sedan under the Wuling brand, the Wuling Xingguang. Boasting an impressive combined range exceeding 1,100km, the model offers two variants: the 70 Standard Edition and the 150 Advanced Edition, priced at 93,800 yuan and 109,800 yuan, respectively. Shanghai (Gasgoo)- Today, at the Auto Guangzhou 2023, SAIC-GM-Wuling announced the official start of pre-sales for its first super A-segment sedan under the Wuling brand, the Wuling Xingguang. Boasting an impressive combined range exceeding 1,100km, the model offers two variants: the 70 Standard Edition and the 150 Advanced Edition, priced at 93,800 yuan and 109,800 yuan, respectively. Photo credit: SAIC-GM-Wuling As Wuling brand's inaugural super A-segment sedan, the Wuling Xingguang achieves exceptional energy efficiency, with a power consumption of 3.98L/100km (WLTC) and a remarkably low cost of 33.5 yuan per 100 kilometers. It features the "Wuling Lingxi Hybrid System," which attains a high thermal efficiency of 43.2% for the engine and an impressive 96.8% for the electric motor. Built on an entirely new native energy architecture, the Wuling Xingguang's chassis combines a MacPherson independent front suspension with an E-type multi-link independent rear suspension. It introduces its second-generation electromagnetic hybrid-specific gearbox, delivering seamless and responsive performance throughout the speed range, with a rapid 0.1s response time for immediate power delivery. In terms of battery safety, the Wuling Xingguang incorporates the pioneering "Wending Technology" in the Shenlian battery, ensuring leak-proof, fire-proof, and explosion-proof characteristics. Utilizing the MUST structure for high integration, strength, and multifunctionality, coupled with dual BMS intelligent coordination from both the vehicle and the cloud, the system undergoes continuous safety inspections. Photo credit: SAIC-GM-Wuling With a body 76.4% made of high-strength steel and reinforced with aluminum alloy crash beams at the front, the Wuling Xingguang provides comprehensive protection. Its advanced three-horizontal-three-vertical hot-formed ultra-high-strength steel chassis structure, combined with energy-absorbing zones designed for side impact on the battery, undergoes rigorous high-standard electrical safety collision testing. In terms of driving functions, the Wuling Xingguang is equipped with ESC (electronic body stability) system, AUTO HOLD, electronic handbrake, 360 high-definition panoramic imaging, adaptive cruise control, and other active safety assistance configurations. Photo credit: SAIC-GM-Wuling Leveraging a 2,800mm extended wheelbase, the new model maximizes spacious driving and storage areas. The unique "reclining chair design" allows the front seats to lie flat with the rear seats, creating a reclining chair. With a rear aisle width of 390mm and a maximum legroom of 1 meter, the car offers flexible resting spaces. The dual-layer multifunctional auxiliary dashboard, combined with a 540L storage capacity in the trunk, caters to diverse loading needs. Photo credit: SAIC-GM-Wuling Furthermore, the Wuling Xingguang supports both fast charging and AC charging modes. Under normal conditions, fast charging from 30% to 80% takes only 30 minutes. With a range of practical features such as one-touch window up-and-down, heated and electrically folding rearview mirrors, remote car control, keyless entry and start, automatic LED headlights, and a built-in 15.6-inch intelligent screen with the Ling OS, the Wuling Xingguang provides a sophisticated driving experience. The new model caters to a variety of needs with 14 storage spaces throughout the car, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, rear air vents, ISOFIX child safety seat interfaces, and other considerate configurations. Reddit Email 160 Shares Chicago (Special to Informed Comment; Feature) Disguised as a mild-mannered Clark Kent, Mike Johnson is a raging theocrat under his tailored suit, who believes his ascension to the speakership was ordained by God. The formerly invisible but now made manifest Christian Nationalist from Louisiana was elevated to power unanimously, following three weeks of vindictive, internecine warfare in the GOP-controlled House. The vote shows that all Republicans are the same MAGA extremists and craven capitulators who all voted to be led by an abortion-banning, xenophobic, Trump-blessed Christian bigot who wants to foist his extreme religious beliefs on everyone. Staunchly against bodily autonomy for women, Johnson supports a nationwide ban on abortion which he considers, a holocaust. This inexperienced, soft-spoken Ned Flanders suggested that abortion activists want to kill babies that are half way out of the birth-canal, and voted against Americans having access to purchase legal contraception. The most powerful Republican in Washington insisted that, if only women would bear more able-bodied workers, he wouldnt be forced to cut trillions of dollars from Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security. Hostile towards gay and transgender people, Johnson called them dangerous and deviant threats to the American way of life and defended laws that criminalized homosexual relations between consenting adults that he called inherently unnatural. He warned that same-sex marriage was a dark harbinger of chaos and sexual anarchy that could doom even the strongest republic. Last year, Johnson introduced legislation that would prohibit the use of federal funds for providing education to children under 10 that included LGBTQ topics a national version of Floridas Dont Say Gay law. He also is working to overturn Obergefell v. Hodges, the Supreme Court decision that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide in 2015. Johnson is a virulent Christian Nationalist, an ideology modeled on Hungarian president Victor Orbans program of illiberal democracy, and defense of Christendom against Muslims, progressives, and the LGBTQ lobby. Johnson pushed all kinds of hateful anti-LGBTQ bigotry while at Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), a Christian Nationalist legal outfit that wants to drag this country back to the 5th century, warns Andrew L. Seidel, civil rights attorney and author of The Founding Myth: Why Christian Nationalism Is Un-American. For nearly twenty years, Johnson served as senior legal counsel and spokesman for the ADF. Designated as a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center, the ADF is a legal advocacy organization that not only supported re-criminalization of sexual acts between consenting LGBTQ adults, but has also defended state-sanctioned sterilization of trans people and contended that LGBTQ people are more likely to engage in pedophilia. Johnson and the ADF claim that a homosexual agenda will destroy Christianity and society. Politicon: James Carville explains everything about Mike Johnson The ADF, according to the New York Times, is the largest legal force of the religious right. They would go on to successive Supreme Court victories, most notably rolling back abortion rights in the Dobbs decision, undermining LGBTQ rights in the (purported) same-sex wedding website case 303 Creative, allowing employer-sponsored health insurance to exclude birth control, and twelve other cases related to curtailing the civil rights of women and LGBTQ people. Johnsons rise to the speakership is best understood in terms of the ongoing white Christian nationalist takeover of the American government through MAGA rather than, as the mainstream press suggested, the quirky, exhausted and embarrassed result of a bickering caucus. Since the rise of the Tea Party, the primary driver for both the GOPs dysfunction and its incipient fascism is the political might of organized right-wing Christianity, successfully redeployed especially in primaries, to wrest control from establishment Republicans in Name Only (RINOs). As the former political director of the AFL-CIO Michael Podhorzer wrote, the political muscle provided by white Christian nationalisms extensive church-based infrastructure in congressional districts, and its national reach through Christian broadcasting and national organizations, has turned MAGA into a ruthlessly successful RINO-hunting machine. Still, Johnsons loathsome ideology and religious zealotry were not the main reasons for his elevation to the speakership most Republicans share his repulsive worldview. Rather, the MAGA cult embraced his tireless advocacy on behalf of despotic Donalds seditious attempt to subvert the 2020 presidential election. Most House Republicans voted to back the Fabricators lies about the election; but few had worked as diligently as Johnson to foist fraudulent conspiracy theories, such as rigged Dominion voting machines, on Americans. A constitutional lawyer who uses the law to subvert democracy, Johnson enlisted dozens of fellow-members to support a sham Texas court case seeking to cancel the election results in battleground states. Johnsons role, neglected at the time, was such that the Times later called him the most important architect of the campaign to block congressional certification of the Electoral College results and thus overturn Trumps defeat. Circulating his hollow rationale to the party, Johnson reminded them that Trump anxiously awaited their support. Proudly exhibiting a bizarre religious devotion to the Un-Christian Trump, Johnson helped plot the Jan. 6 attempted coup while calling the insurrection a peaceful protest and defending the Seditionist at both of his impeachment hearings. At a time when Trumps co-conspirators, probably including his Chief of Staff, admitted they lied about the election being stolen, House Republicans handed the reins of power to someone who showed no hesitation to help overturn American democracy. Johnson was given a powerful government position by people in the government who dont believe in government and installed an unrepentant election-denier leader two heartbeats away from the presidency. In his first major initiative as House speaker, Johnson pushed through a bill to provide $14 billion in military assistance to Israel. Before the vote, he declared, Israel doesnt need a cease-fire. However, Palestinians do. Israels aerial and ground offensive, ostensibly targeting Hamas infrastructure, has killed over 11,000 people while those who managed to flee Israels attack in northern Gaza now encounter a scarcity of food and medicine in the south. Residents wait hours for a gallon of brackish water that makes them sick, reported the Times of Israel. Scabies, diarrhea and respiratory infections rip through overcrowded shelters. In addition, Johnson engineered the House censure of Rep. Rashida Tlaib, the only Palestinian serving in Congress. The censure resolution is rife with propaganda, fake history, and racism, said Juan Cole on Informed Comment. In his first public appearance, the newly-elected Christian Zionist told a crowd of Jewish Republicans in Las Vegas: We are going to stand like a rock with our friend and ally, Israel. He boasted that his first act as speaker was passing the pro-Israel resolution in spite of no votes from several democrats, including Rashida Tlaib, Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez, and Ilhan Omar. Their opposition was due to the bills failure to recognize Palestinian victims and call for a cease-fire. Johnson maliciously and deceitfully blamed their defiance on an alarming trend of antisemitism enabled by academia and the mainstream media, and fringe government figures. The evangelical Christians rise to power is the biggest political victory for the evangelical movement to date and his connections to Israel reflect the movements deep ties to the Israeli far right. God is not done with Israel, said Johnson cryptically. He gushed that his 2020 visit to Jerusalems Temple Mount was the fulfillment of a biblical prophecy. This remark references the Christian Zionist end-times belief, derived from a literal reading of the Bible, that Israel is Gods chosen nation and that its 1948 creation will lead to the Second Coming of Christ. In the real world, they rabidly support the state of Israel and its policies, especially regarding the expansion of settlements, the annexation of territories in the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem, and the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians. In the biblical narrative, Christ will defeat Evil, or the Antichrist, in an apocalyptic battle that will take place in Israel at Har Megiddo, or Armageddon. Along with Christian believers and converts who have ascended to heaven in the Rapture, Christ will rule from the Temple Mount in Jerusalem for a thousand years. Fueled by these fantasies of a cataclysmic war in the Middle East, Christian Zionists maintain that literal war is not something to be avoided, but inevitable, desired by God, and celebrated. These zealots condemn those that oppose Israeli occupation as being evil, aligned with the Antichrist. The Bible becomes a script for those millennial Christians in power, like Mike Johnson a self-fulfilling prophesy of violence and destruction that portends an apocalyptic foreign policy. In some warped minds, the current battle in Israel may be hastening the coveted dooms-day of reckoning. In a bizarre twist to the end-times prophecy, those Christian Zionists who are the most passionately pro-Israel also believe that those Jews who do not convert to Christianity will not be raptured, and if they dont convert during the horrific cataclysm at Har Megiddo, they will be condemned to suffer eternally in the lake of fire. Eager to visit the Christian holy land, Johnson traveled to Israel with his pal Gym Jordan. Jordan, who was considered an aggressive and confrontational jerk, was rejected by his party for the speakership. Yet Jordan apparently served as a spiritual mentor to Johnson, who has guest-hosted Jordans national radio show Washington Watch, and praised Jordan as a great friend and leader and a guiding light on his podcast Truth be Told with Mike and Kelly Johnson. Along with their wives, Jordan and Johnsons week-long pilgrimage was sponsored by the New York-based 12Tribes Film Foundation, a small outfit that that describes itself as online warriors for truth about Israel and the Jewish people. The organizations CEO Avi Abelow an arch-Zionist lives in the West Bank settlement of Efrat. Johnsons first stop on his Abelow-organized visit was to receive a briefing from the Kohelet Policy Forum, a far-right Israeli think tank that would later help cultivate the Netanyahu administrations despised plan to weaken the countrys judiciary. The itinerary included meetings with Israeli military officials, business owners, and political leaders including Netanyahu, current Israeli U.N. envoy Gilad Erdan, and other members of the far right Likud Party. At the Golan Heights, the pair posed and smiled in front of a sign for Trump Heights, the name of an Israeli settlement honoring Trump for moving the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem. Located in occupied territory claimed by Israel, it is widely considered to violate international law. Johnson also visited the Temple Mount compound the Palestinian Aqsa Mosque complex alongside Abelov, a Temple Mount activist, and Yehudah Glick an Orthodox rabbi and former Likud lawmaker, who has led the fight to change the legal status quo and permit Jewish prayer at this Palestinian national symbol, the third holiest shrine in the Muslim world, and one of the most sensitive flashpoints in the world. In 2023 during Ramadan, Israeli forces repeatedly invaded the sacred al-Aqsa Mosque, in an act of state terrorism, where they beat and expelled Palestinian worshipers on behalf of Jewish extremists. This visit to Israel, led by right-wing extremists, influenced the future speakers views regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. During a video made of the trip, Johnson declares without traveling to Gaza or meeting with Palestinian leaders or activists that the Palestinian and Israeli people were working well together and that there was a great cohesion of the people in the West Bank. He blamed activists and the leftist groups for pushing the narrative that there was conflict, implying that Palestinians enjoyed life under Israeli occupation. Johnson called Netanyahu, in his first talk with a foreign leader, during which he echoed the premiers comments that Israels war is one of good vs. evil and light vs. darkness. I assured the prime minister of our own unwavering support of Israel and the people in our Congress and under my leadership, we will be there until the end, we will be there until the end of this conflict. He opposes basic human rights for Palestinians as well as many Americans. In an appearance with Fox News Sean Hannity, Johnson described himself as a Bible-believing Christian and said that to understand his politics, one only need to pick up a Bible off your shelf and read it. Thats my worldview. This is cultish nonsense that threatens democracy. Democracy means that the candidate ordained by God, in Johnsons view, lost an election, so he forsook his oath to the Constitution to keep a corrupt, seditious demagogue in power. Democracy also leads to abortions and gay marriage. Under democracy, Johnson also believes that white Christians are being replaced by immigrants, by Muslims, by trans kids, by drag queens, and by a whole litany of scapegoats. So, perhaps, the only way to save the U.S. and white Christians is to end democracy. In a potentially horrifying scenario, suppose Trump loses the 2024 election but again claims he won and the GOP demands his victory to be certified, House speaker Johnson is positioned to do so. A devout apostle to the Pagan Coup Plotter, MAGA Mike is prepared to subvert democracy in deranged obedience to Trump and his biblical fanaticism. Shanghai (Gasgoo)- As the Auto Guangzhou 2023 rose its curtain on November 17, Rising Auto, an electric passenger vehicle brand self-owned by SAIC Motor, put two refreshed modelsthe 2024 Rising R7 and the Rising F7 Urban Editiononto the market. 2024 Rising R7; photo credit: Rising Auto The 2024 Rising R7 comes with three trim levels, which are priced between 189,900 yuan and 229,900 yuan. The 2024 Rising R7, measuring 4,900mm/1,925mm/1,655mm in length, width, and height, introduces a streamlined design with a drag coefficient of 0.238Cd. Its aerodynamic features, including the forward-leaning design at the front and rear-wing panel ventilation holes, effectively minimize wind resistance, and creating a dynamic and sporty appeal. The wheelbase of 2,950mm ensures stability and comfort during drives. 2024 Rising R7; photo credit: Rising Auto The 2024 Rising R7 features the first-time application of the Rising Bach Cockpit, which is equipped with the Rising Bach Master steering wheel and immersive vector sound technology, promising an experience where "sound direction aligns with the user's attention direction at all times", said the automaker. Complementing this is the Huawei's AR-HUD, which is seamlessly integrated with intelligent cockpit and driving information. Internally, the 2024 Rising R7 also boasts a range of cutting-edge features, including the 43-inch triple-screen setup, 360 panoramic imaging, 256-color linear ambient lighting, 1.855-square-meter integrated panoramic glass roof, streaming rearview mirror, and full-function SPA seats. Under the hood, the 2024 Rising R7 is equipped with an electric motor at the rear axle, delivering a maximum power of 250kW, peak torque of 450Nm, and a 0-100 km/h acceleration in 5.8 seconds. The vehicle houses a 77kWh/90kWh ternary lithium battery, providing an impressive CLTC range of 570km/670km. Rising F7 Urban Edition; photo credit: Rising Auto During the auto show, the Rising F7 Urban Edition also went on sale with a starting price of 189,900 yuan. Rising Auto emphasizes that thanks to the energy management optimization of the Rising Wan Yu System, the CLTC range of the R7 series sees a substantial increase of up to 28km, reaching up to 670km. The F7 series achieves an increase of 36km, with its CLTC range rising to 702km. Reddit Email 78 Shares Committee on Academic Freedom of the Middle East Studies Association. Minouche Shafik President, Columbia University officeofthepresident@columbia.edu Provost Dennis Mitchell dml48@cumc.columbia.edu . . . Dear President Shafik and colleagues: We write on behalf of the Middle East Studies Association of North America (MESA) and its Committee on Academic Freedom to express our concern about Columbia Universitys decision to suspend the universitys chapters of Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) and Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP) for the remainder of the fall semester, thereby rendering them ineligible to receive funding or hold campus events. This decision, made in contravention of established rules of university governance and discipline, strikes us as a violation of your universitys avowed commitment to defend and respect the free speech rights and academic freedom of its students, faculty and staff. It is also contrary to your obligation to foster a campus culture in which students and other members of the Columbia University community are able to freely express and debate a broad range of opinions. MESA was founded in 1966 to promote scholarship and teaching on the Middle East and North Africa. The preeminent organization in the field, the Association publishes the prestigious International Journal of Middle East Studies and has nearly 2,800 members worldwide. MESA is committed to ensuring academic freedom and freedom of expression, both within the region and in connection with the study of the region in North America and outside of North America. As we understand it, the two student organizations were suspended, at least in part, for what university officials characterized as threatening rhetoric and intimidation. However, to our knowledge, Columbia has not explained which specific speech acts or actions allegedly justified the suspension. Moreover, we understand that the decision to suspend these two groups was not made in conformity with Columbias normal policies and procedures but by a newly established Special Committee on Campus Safety. In addition, the SJP and JVP chapters have apparently yet to be told precisely what they need to do to be reinstated as recognized student organizations according to the universitys rules. It is difficult to avoid the impression that university rules were altered and a new committee secretly created precisely in order to suspend two student groups that were voicing viewpoints the university leadership disfavored. The suspension thus represents the usurpation of unilateral and unaccountable power by the central administration in violation of fundamental academic values of shared governance. Moreover, it violates Columbias commitment to its own avowed values, embodied in its Rules of University Conduct, Section 440 : A principal reason why universities have endured and flourished over centuries is that they provide a place for ideas to be tested, for values to be questioned, and for minds to be changed with as few constraints as possible. Like society at large, but even more so, the University has a vital interest in fostering a climate in which nothing is immune from scrutiny. And Columbia, in particular, has a long tradition of valuing dissent and controversy and in welcoming the clash of opinions onto the campus. In these fraught times university leaders have a heightened responsibility to protect the freedom of speech and academic freedom of all members of the university community. As MESAs Board of Directors put it in a statement dated 16 October 2023: We call on university leaders and administrations to affirmatively assert and protect the rights to academic freedom and freedom of speech on their campuses. We reaffirm that there can be no compromise of the right and ability of students, faculty, and staff at universities across North America (and elsewhere) to express their viewpoints free of harassment, intimidation, and threats to their livelihoods and safety. We therefore call on you to promptly rescind the arbitrary decision to suspend Columbia Universitys SJP and JVP chapters. We further call on you to protect all of the universitys students, faculty and staff in the exercise of their right to freedom of speech and of association, without fear of threat, harassment or intimidation. Finally, especially in these troubled times, we urge you to resolutely defend the principles of academic freedom which are so essential to the intellectual and educational missions of our institutions of higher education and to a democratic society. We look forward to your response, Sincerely, Asl U. Bali MESA President Professor, Yale Law School Laurie Brand Chair, Committee on Academic Freedom Professor Emerita, University of Southern California VANCOUVER, British Columbia / Nov 17, 2023 / Business Wire / New Found Gold Corp. (New Found or the Company) (TSX-V: NFG, NYSE-A: NFGC) is pleased to provide an update on surface trenching at the Keats Zone at its Queensway Project. New Founds 100%-owned Queensway project comprises a 1,662km2 area, accessible via the Trans-Canada Highway, 15km west of Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador. Trench Highlights: Excavation of the Keats trench began in mid-August and is now complete , exposing a 200m long by 70m wide area roughly corresponding to the known surface expression of the high-grade segment of the Keats-Baseline Fault Zone, which includes a plethora of veins and vein sets that make up the Keats Zone (Figure 1). , exposing a 200m long by 70m wide area roughly corresponding to the known surface expression of the high-grade segment of the Keats-Baseline Fault Zone, which includes a plethora of veins and vein sets that make up the Keats Zone (Figure 1). One particularly notable vein called the East-West Vein (E-W Vein) has been uncovered over a 100m long surface expression including a 25m segment that is host to a significant amount of visible gold as shown in Figures 1 & 2. Through drilling, the E-W Vein has been intercepted over a strike length of 300m and down to a vertical depth of 150m, forming an important constituent of the Keats-Baseline Fault Zone. This particularly well-mineralized vein is associated with several key previously disclosed intercepts, shown below in Table 1. Prior to the Keats trench, the Keats Zone had only been observed through drill core and modelled in 3D, forming the basis of the Companys geological model. A high-level first pass mapping program has been completed, broadly confirming the original interpretation but with added structural details not previously recognized in drill-core. This initial phase of work has enhanced the Companys understanding of the Keats Zone and the controls on high-grade mineralization as seen in the E-W Vein as one example. A phase II program of detailed trench mapping and sampling will commence in the spring of 2024, which will lend further validation to the geological model, as well as provide critical insights into the genesis of the Keats Zone and assist in future targeting along the Appleton Fault Zone. The Keats Zone starts 3m below surface at bedrock and has been drill-defined over 1.1km of strike and to a depth of 400m. The shallow portion of Keats demonstrates robust grades over significant thicknesses, a hallmark characteristic of the zone. Greg Matheson, COO of New Found, stated: Now that the trench is fully excavated, we can see the vein network of this portion of the Keats-Baseline Fault exposed in its entirety. The E-W Vein was one of the last areas to be revealed and provides one of the best demonstrations of gold deposition at Keats. This exposure of the E-W Vein is notable; the consistency and amount of visible gold mineralization found throughout this 25m long segment provides good validation of our model and explains the encouraging results encountered along the vein at depth (Table 1). This vein is well mineralized across its 300m strike length yet forms just a small portion of the overall Keats Main Zone. For reasons we dont yet understand, the 25m long segment of the E-W Vein highlighted today is particularly enriched and with additional study work, we aim to garner additional insights into why knowledge that will sharpen our ability for continued successful targeting at Queensway. Hole No. From (m) To (m) Length (m) Au (g/t) Zone NFGC-20-231 82.65 124.00 41.35 22.3 Keats Main Including 93.65 108.2 14.55 57.4 Including 93.65 94.00 0.35 1120 Including 101.80 104.40 2.60 140.8 Including 118.85 123.40 4.55 15.2 NFGC-20-372 9.00 19.30 10.30 25.0 Keats Main NFGC-20-412 11.70 22.10 10.40 22.5 Keats Main Including 13.00 16.70 3.70 58.9 NFGC-20-592 38.65 43.30 4.65 131.1 Keats Main NFGC-21-801 49.45 88.50 39.05 25.8 Keats Main Including 62.70 72.80 10.10 58.5 Including 78.65 88.50 9.85 39.5 Table 1: Keats E-W vein associated intervals Note that the host structures are interpreted to be steeply dipping and true widths are generally estimated to be 170% to 95% and 240% to 70% of reported intervals. Infill veining in secondary structures with multiple orientations crosscutting the primary host structures are commonly observed in drill core which could result in additional uncertainty in true width. Composite intervals reported carry a minimum weighted average of 1 g/t Au diluted over a minimum core length of 2m with a maximum of 2m consecutive dilution. Grades have not been capped in the averaging and intervals are reported as drill thickness. Full details of drill holes previously released: NFGC-20-23 (see press release October 27, 2020); NFGC-20-37 (see press release February 11, 2021); NFGC-20-41 (see press release January 11, 2021); NFGC-20-59 (see press release May 4, 2021); NFGC-21-80 (see press release March 10, 2021). Qualified Person The scientific and technical information disclosed in this press release was reviewed and approved by Greg Matheson, P. Geo., Chief Operating Officer, and a Qualified Person as defined under National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Matheson consents to the publication of this press release dated November 17, 2023, by New Found. Mr. Matheson certifies that this press release fairly and accurately represents the scientific and technical information that forms the basis for this press release. About New Found Gold Corp. New Found holds a 100% interest in the Queensway Project, located 15km west of Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador, and just 18km from Gander International Airport. The project is intersected by the Trans-Canada Highway and has logging roads crosscutting the project, high voltage electric power lines running through the project area, and easy access to a highly skilled workforce. The Company is currently undertaking a 500,000m drill program at Queensway and is well funded for this program with cash and marketable securities of approximately $71.4 million as of November 6, 2023. Please see the Companys website at www.newfoundgold.ca and the Companys SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Contact To contact the Company, please visit the Companys website, www.newfoundgold.ca and make your request through our investor inquiry form. Our management has a pledge to be in touch with any investor inquiries within 24 hours. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statement Cautions This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation, relating to surface trenching at the Keats Zone, excavation of the Keats trench, the detailed mapping and sampling program, and the timing and benefits of same; exploration, drilling and mineralization on the Companys Queensway gold project in Newfoundland and Labrador; the interpretation of drilling and exploration results, the results of the drilling program, mineralization and the discovery of zones of high-grade gold mineralization; plans for future exploration and drilling and the timing of same; the merits of the Queensway project;; future press releases by the Company; and funding of the drilling program. 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, interpreted, intends, estimates, projects, aims, suggests, indicate, often, target, future, likely, pending, potential, goal, objective, prospective, possibly, preliminary, 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 they involve a number of risks and uncertainties. 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. Except to the extent required by applicable securities laws and the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements if management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. Factors that could cause future results to differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements include risks associated with possible accidents and other risks associated with mineral exploration operations, the risk that the Company will encounter unanticipated geological factors, risks associated with the interpretation of exploration and drilling programs, the possibility that the Company may not be able to secure permitting and other governmental clearances necessary to carry out the Company's exploration plans, the risk that the Company will not be able to raise sufficient funds to carry out its business plans, and the risk of political uncertainties and regulatory or legal changes that might interfere with the Company's business and prospects. The reader is urged to refer to the Companys Annual Information Form and Managements discussion and Analysis, publicly available at SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca), the Canadian Securities Administrators national system that all market participants use for filings and disclosure, for a more complete discussion of such risk factors and their potential effects. Highlights: Approximately 4,000 metres of drilling is currently underway at Beschefer, with 1,590 metres planned for the Central Shallow and Deep Zones The second-best result to date in terms of metal factor was encountered in the Central Shallow Zone during the 2021 drill program with 4.92 g/t... Read More The Israeli army's raid on Gaza's biggest hospital, Al-Shifa, targeting the militant group Hamas, has sparked a torrent of international condemnation, with Qatar branding it a "war crime". Israel has denied the accusation, saying its operation falls within the boundaries of international law. AFP looks at whether hospitals can be considered a legitimate military target, and under which conditions. - Usually safe, but some exceptions - The Geneva Conventions, adopted in the aftermath of World War II, form the core of international humanitarian law and "are particularly protective of civilian hospitals", according to Mathilde Philip-Gay, an expert in international humanitarian law at Lyon-3 university in southeast France. "It is forbidden to turn recognised civilian hospitals into a conflict zone. It is also forbidden to use civilian populations, the sick or the injured as human shields, it is a war crime, as is fighting from inside a hospital," Philip-Gay told AFP. Article 8 of the Rome Statute, which established the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, defines a long list of war crimes including "intentionally directing attacks against buildings dedicated to religion, education, art, science or charitable purposes, historic monuments, hospitals and places where the sick and wounded are collected". But it makes an exception if the targets are "military objectives". Philip-Gay said that "if a civilian hospital is used for acts harmful to the enemy, that is the legal term used", the hospital can lose its protected status under international law and be considered a legitimate target. - 'Proportional' response - But "the other party must take all precautions to avoid intentionally targeting civilians", she said. Even if the hospital is used for "acts harmful to the enemy", Philip-Gay said, the other party "does not have the right to bombard it for two days and completely destroy it", citing the need under international law for the response to be "proportionate". She added that the other party must give advance warning of its response and that evacuation procedures must be put in place for patients and health workers. Alternatively, they can be asked "to isolate themselves in a part of the hospital", she said. But during any military operation against the site, "there have to be doctors to take care of the patients", she said. - Recurring target - Hospitals have been repeatedly targeted in recent conflicts, from Syria and Yemen to Afghanistan and Ukraine. In March 2022, five people, including a pregnant woman, were killed in a Russian airstrike on a maternity ward and paediatric hospital in the southern Ukrainian city of Mariupol. Ukraine accused Russia of a war crime over the attack, while Russia said the building was shielding members of Ukraine's Azov battalion. The ICC, which was set up in 2002 as a war crimes court of last resort, is investigating a range of crimes carried out during the war in Ukraine, and has issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin. Israel is not a member of the court, but the ICC says it has jurisdiction in Gaza and the West Bank because Palestine is a state party to the court, a claim disputed by Israel. In 2019, a report by the British NGO Child Rights International said Latin America was experiencing a "third wave" of revelations about abuse of minors in the Catholic Church, following the first wave in 2002 triggered by revelations in the United States newspaper Boston Globe and the wave that swept through several European countries, starting with Ireland in 2009. In this study documenting sexual abuse in the Church in Latin America, the NGO proposes that, to deal with such widespread and systematic crimes, inspiration could be drawn from "the truth commissions set up after periods of dictatorship to probe human rights violations". While no commission of this kind yet exists on the continent, the NGO Ending Clerical Abuse (ECA) - the first transnational organisation focusing on international justice and accountability for sexual abuse in the Catholic Church - has been making the same plea since 2017. "One of the problems linked to clergy abuse is that -- and this is very common in Latin America -- the Church moves its priests to other countries to protect them. It is essential that we have independent commissions, made up of experts who understand how the Church works," explains Mexican lawyer Adalberto Mendez Lopez, ECA founder and coordinator of legal issues. Chile and Argentina, where numerous scandals involving the Church have come to light, symbolise two of the continent's disappointed hopes, he said in an interview with Justice Info. The most damning cases concern Peru and Mexico. Relative hope has come from Bolivia. In Europe, the most spectacular revelations of this systemic, global scourge took place in Portugal, Spain and Switzerland. Chile On our world map published in September 2020, we note that the office of Chiles national prosecutor had announced that probes into sexual abuse committed or concealed by members of the Church had risen from 38 to 119 during the summer of 2018. That year, the 32 Chilean bishops submitted their resignations to Pope Francis when they were summoned to Rome. At the time, Chile was the first country in Latin America to set up an independent Church investigation commission. A total of 158 people - bishops, priests or lay people linked to the Church - are or have been under investigation for sexual abuse in Chile since the 1960s. Since then, no progress seems to have been made, and confidence in the Church is reported to be waning in Chile, "especially as sexual abuse revelations have continued to rise after 2018. People are speaking out: more than half the complaints recorded by the Church were made between 2018 and 2019," according to an account published in the French daily La Croix. Argentina In November 2019, two clerics working in a specialised institute in Argentina were sentenced to 42 and 45 years in prison for sexually abusing deaf and hard-of-hearing children. In February 2020, victims travelled to Rome to request a meeting with the Pope. In 2022, the priest Gustavo Oscar Zanchetta, bishop of the Oran diocese from 2013 to 2017, was sentenced to four and a half years in prison for sexual abuse of two minors who were seminarians in the parish of Puerto Santa Cruz between 2009 and 2012. Peru In January 2018, the Vatican put Peruvian Catholic lay movement Sodalitium Christianae Vitae, under its supervision after its founder Luis Fernando Figari, a refugee in Rome, had been accused of sexual abusing minors. Four other members were suspected of sexually abusing and kidnapping 19 minors between 1975 and 2002. The Sodalitium Christianae Vitae affair is the country's biggest sexual abuse scandal: between 1970 and the early 2000s, dozens of people, including minors, were abused within this institution. However, it was not until July 2023 that the Vatican appointed a commission of experts in the capital Lima to investigate these abuses. Archbishop of Malta Charles Scicluna and Spanish priest Jordi Bertomeu, recognised as some of the best clerical investigators of paedophile crimes in the Church, were put in charge of the inquiry. Mexico In 2006, the country was rocked by the case of Marcial Maciel, founder of the Legionaries of Christ, who was publicly accused of sexual abuse and ill-treatment of minors between 1956 and 1997. In 2021, following internal investigations by the Catholic Church, twelve bishops were implicated for their handling of sexual abuse cases. "In Mexico, in 2020, there was an attempt to create a truth commission to investigate all the crimes committed by the clergy, and I was the lawyer who proposed the initiative to the senators," says Adalberto Mendez Lopez. "What happened? The government literally did everything it could to stop these commissions. The Church and politics are too intertwined in our countries; the institution has very powerful relations with governments. It can go far, he stresses. "The former Mexican president [Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador] said publicly that he wouldn't fight the Church because he didn't wish to." Bolivia The only hope for such a commission came from Bolivia. In May 2023, in a letter addressed to Pope Francis, the Bolivian president asked that "all files, registers and information concerning allegations or facts of sexual abuse" committed in Bolivia be handed over to his country's justice system. "Nothing like this has ever been undertaken on the continent," says Mendez Lopez. This official request comes after revelations of abuse in the Bolivian Church by Spanish daily El Pais in April 2023. The Spanish Jesuit priest Alfonso Pedrajas, who died in 2009, was alleged to have abused more than 80 minors when he ran the John XXIII school in Cochambamba, in the centre-west of the country. Following these revelations, 35 members of the Catholic Church were reported to the Bolivian justice system by 17 alleged victims of sexual assaults, and are currently under investigation. On 24 May 2023, the Bolivian bishops set up a National Listening Commission and a National Commission of Inquiry to shed light on the alleged cases. "We really thought that Bolivia would be what we needed in the region," says Mendez Lopez. But according to his information, these commissions remain partial: "What I have learned recently is that the Bolivian state does not want the victims to be part of the commissions. This is unacceptable, so they will certainly not see the light of day. As in Peru, the Pope has sent the priest Bertomeu to report on programmes to prevent sexual abuse. Brazil In May 2019, Pope Francis accepted the resignation of the Brazilian bishop of Limeira, Monsignor Vilson Dias de Oliveira, who was being investigated by the Brazilian civil justice system on suspicion of covering up sexual abuse. At the end of May 2023, a book by two Brazilian journalists on paedophilia in the Church revealed that 108 priests and Catholic leaders had faced legal proceedings in Brazil since 2000. An internal Vatican report dating from 2005 estimated that one Brazilian priest in ten was involved in cases of abuse, i.e. some 1,700 clerics. United States In April 2023, a report by the Maryland State Prosecutor revealed that at least 600 children had been abused by at least 150 members of the Catholic clergy between 1940 and 2002. The US justice system denounced the "complicity of the Church". This investigation into the Archdiocese of Baltimore was opened in 2018 following revelations by the Pennsylvania prosecutor that at least 1,000 children had been victims of paedophilia by more than 300 priests, covered up by the Church. Portugal On 13 February 2023, the Portuguese Independent Commission, commissioned by the Bishops' Conference and made up of six experts, published its report. It found that 4,815 victims had been sexually abused by members of the Portuguese Catholic Church over the past 70 years. Of the 500 testimonies collected by the Commission, 25 have been referred to the public prosecutor for investigation. Among other things, the experts recommended a change in the law that would extend the statute of limitations to 30 years after the event. On the release of this report, the president of the Bishops' Conference confirmed the creation of a support body for victims and possible financial compensation. Spain On 27 October 2023, the first independent Commission of Inquiry into paedophile crimes in the Spanish Catholic Church, mandated by the Spanish Parliament, revealed in its report that more than 440,000 people - including 200,000 minors - had been victims of assaults by members of the clergy between 1970 and the present day. The report is based on a survey of 8,000 people. It found that 0.6% of Spaniards aged between 18 and 90 said they had been assaulted by a member of the clergy when they were minors. While the Spanish Bishops' Conference apologised to the victims, it described as "surprising (...) the extrapolation of the data obtained (...), which does not correspond to the truth, nor does it represent all priests and members of religious orders". Belgium On 19 October 2023, a new commission of inquiry into sexual abuse in the Church in Belgium was set up, unanimously called for by the Flemish political parties. Thirteen years after the first parliamentary committee was set up to investigate sexual abuse in the Church, its aim was to assess the attitude of the Catholic hierarchy towards potential victims who had since been reported, and evaluate the results obtained by victims following the first report. This commission comes after a television programme was broadcast on Flemish public television revealing through dozens of testimonies the extent of sexual abuse against minors. Switzerland On September 12 this year, a report released in Zurich revealed 1,002 cases of sexual abuse committed by members of the Swiss Church since 1950. Commissioned by the Church, this ground-breaking pilot study was conducted by researchers at the University of Zurich. Using mainly archive material, the study identifies 921 victims of sexual abuse perpetrated by 510 perpetrators, the vast majority of whom were priests. 74% of the abuse was committed against minors and 14% against adults. The Church has announced the creation of a national body to receive and listen to victims and wants to set up an ecclesiastical criminal and disciplinary tribunal. This initial study should be extended over the next three years. Shanghai (Gasgoo)- The 21st Guangzhou International Automobile Exhibition, which was inaugurated on November 17, 2023, witnessed a significant stride as Changan Auto unveiled its battery business development plan, marking a solid step towards transforming into a technology company for intelligent and low-carbon mobility under the Shangri-La Plan dedicated to new energy vehicle business. Photo credit: Changan Auto Under the new battery plan, Changan Auto envisions establishing a self-developed battery brand, "Jin Zhong Zhao" (translating to "Golden Shield"). The strategic battery plan focuses on addressing user pain points and overcoming limitations in travel scenarios, with a primary emphasis on breaking through technological bottlenecks in battery core technology. In this initiative, Changan Auto is set to upgrade liquid batteries, enabling rapid energy replenishment. Through R&D in battery materials (phosphate iron lithium, ternary-lithium), the company aims to continuously enhance battery energy density, achieve a charging rate of 3C in practical applications, popularize 5C, and explore 7C in R&D, ultimately realizing a 400-kilometer range with a 7-minute charging session. This transformation aims to make electric vehicle charging as convenient and worry-free as refueling conventional vehicles. Photo credit: Changan Auto Delving into semi-solid-state and solid-state batteries, Changan Auto aspires to achieve high efficiency and extended range. The plan includes advancing the development of new electrolyte materials and critical processes, with a target to achieve a weight energy density of 350-500Wh/kg and a volume energy density of 750-1,000Wh/L no later than 2027. Gradual production and application are anticipated, with the goal of widespread adoption by 2030. Addressing thermal insulation performance, Changan Auto adopts a new type of thermal insulation material meeting military standards, improving thermal insulation performance by 30% compared to industry standards, achieving 100% heat suppression, and elevating the usage temperature by more than 200 over conventional materials. Utilizing micro-core high-frequency pulse heating technology adaptable to all temperature ranges and scenarios, Changan Auto ingeniously integrates the battery and electric drive system. This inventive solution effectively addresses the battery warming challenge in low-temperature conditions, enabling users to enjoy unrestricted driving across a wide temperature spectrum. Simultaneously, through real-time calculations using cloud-based big data, Changan Auto ensures comprehensive protection throughout the battery's entire lifecycle, achieving millisecond-level safety risk perception and 100% prevention of safety risks. Photo credit: Changan Auto In terms of developing new types of batteries, Changan Auto is currently engaged in the prototype design of lithium-sulfur batteries, metal batteries, and other innovative battery technologies. The company anticipates breaking through the energy density barrier, aiming for 1,300-1,500Wh/kg, and strives to implement these advancements in applications by 2035. Photo credit: Changan Auto Built on these technological advancements, Changan Auto is set to introduce a series of new battery products. By 2030, the company plans to launch eight self-developed cell products, including liquid, semi-solid-state, and solid-state variants, amassing a battery capacity of no less than 150GWh. The first standard cell is slated to roll off the production line at the factory jointly built by Changan Auto and CATL, with the inaugural CTV technology scheduled for mass production in 2024, achieving a group efficiency of 86%. Regarding talent reserves, Changan Auto has already established the Advanced Battery Research Institute, boasting a team of over 1,200 battery R&D personnel, including 125 senior experts and top academic talents. Future plans include an investment of 10 billion yuan, with the goal of expanding the battery team to 3,000 members by 2024. Veteran actor Jung Woo Sung detailed his friendship with Lee Jung Jae and how they ended up being involved in gay rumors. Keep on reading to know what happened Jung Woo Sung Talks on His 25 Years of Friendship With Lee Jung Jae In the recent episode of Shin Dong Yeop's "Zzanbro," which aired on November 16, he welcomed prominent stars Jung Woo Sung and Hwang Jung Min, two of the legendary actors in their generation. During the show, host and comedian, Shin Dong Yeop asked Jung Woo Sung about the milestones he achieved for being in the acting industry for more than a decade and his close ties with award-winning actor Lee Jung Jae. Before he even answered, the assistant host, Jung Ho Chul, recalled: "I remember Jung Woo Sung receiving the director's award for Lee Jung Jae at the premiere of the Blue Dragon Film Awards." He added that despite being friends for a long time, Jung Woo Sung and Lee Jung Jae still use honorifics to each other. Jung Ho Chul saw it during the awards night as Jung Woo Sung called the "Squid Game" actor while accepting his award on stage. YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Jung Woo Sung Reveals He Almost Declined Lee Jung Jae's Offer in 'Hunt' - Here's Why Shin Dong Yeop butts in and gets curious if they only do it in front of the cameras for formality. To clarify, Jung Woo Sung answered: "Mostly, we use honorifics when talking to each other and we also use honorifics to text each other. We don't have expectations for each other and only respect each other." He explained the number one secret to keeping their 25 years of friendship. Jung Woo Sung & Lee Jung Jae Involved in Gay Rumors Due to Closeness Jung Woo Sung also revealed for the first time the reason why he and Lee Jung Jae were involved in gay rumors before. "If we drink together for five hours, the conversation would be less than 10 minutes. We drink and look at each other and only say 'Shall we have another drink?'" Shin Dong Yeop smiled and said: "That's why you got such rumors." To recall, the two were dubbed as Cheongdam couple because of their closeness, and issues of a gay relationship between them circulated. Lee Jung Jae explained himself about this during his appearance in the travel variety show "Healing Camp" in 2013 Jung Woo Sung is just a close friend who understands what he thinks even without saying a word. Meanwhile, the two have been friends for more than two decades and already worked a couple of times on different projects. In fact, they even co-partner in establishing an agency called Artist Company, in which they also handle artists who are pursuing a career in acting. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Jung Woo Sung's New Drama Responds to Complaint Over Neglected Trash on Set What can you say about Jung Woo Sung and Lee Jung Jae's friendship? Share your thoughts/replies in the comments! For more K-Drama, K-Movie, and celebrity news and updates, keep your tabs open here at KDramaStars. KDramaStars owns this article. Shai Collins wrote this. A Saskatchewan Party MLA has been kicked out of caucus and stripped of his appointments after being charged for obtaining sexual services. Premier Scott Moe says when he learned Ryan Domotor was charged, he took immediate action. Moe speaks during a press conference in Regina, on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Heywood Yu Rana Nassrawi sits in her home in Mississauga, Ont., Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023. Nassrawi is finally home from a harrowing journey after a trip to visit family in Gaza with her two youngest sons was interrupted by the outbreak of war. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Cole Burston PHOENIXA jury in the trial of Michael Lacey, co-founder of Backpage.com, convicted him of international money laundering on November 16. On 84 other counts against Lacey, the jury was deadlocked, forcing a mistrial. In total, there were 100 charges levied against Lacey, but he's only been convicted of one. This is the second mistrial in the effort by federal prosecutors to convict Lacey and his co-founder, the late James Larkin, on a wide range of crimes, including charges related to prostitution and violations of the Travel Act. U.S. District Judge Diane Humetewa of the District of Arizona declared a mistrial after the jurors deliberated for days. According to the Associated Press, Laceys first mistrial was in 2021, when a federal judge found that prosecutors made prejudicial references to child sex trafficking when no one at the timeLacey, Larkin, and other Backpage execsfaced such charges. Prosecutors spent two years developing a case against Lacey and Larkin that involved at least 85 charges for those two alone. Larkin's charges were dismissed after he committed suicide on July 31, AVN reported. Laceys jury conviction in the immediate case could carry a maximum of two decades in prison. Counsel representing Lacey, criminal defense lawyer Paul Cambria, told AVN the money laundering charge could be vacated. The one count out of 100 he was convicted on requires concealment, Cambria said, but there was no concealment. He reported the trust in question to the [Internal Revenue Service] and Department of Treasury according to the rules; therefore, no crime of concealment, Cambria declared. Observers of the trial saw the conviction and mixed verdict as bittersweet with regard to First Amendment concerns. The fight continues, and there is more work still to be done, said journalist Stephen Lemmons on X (formerly Twitter). Lemmons previously worked for newspapers owned by both Lacey and Larkin and has covered the years-long persecution of the founders and former senior executives of Backpage.com at the Frontpage Confidential website. This injustice will not stand, and there are many issues unresolved, like the governments unseemly Brady violations, Lemmons added, referring to the act of prosecutors suppressing favorable or helpful evidence to the defense. Corey Silverstein, a criminal defense and First Amendment attorney based in Michigan, told AVN that the federal government failed to deliver a compelling case and relied on a faulty view of the First Amendment online. I still find this entire prosecution against Backpage a conservative witch hunt and a blow to free speech, Silverstein told AVN. The evidence presented by the defense demonstrated that the defendants weren't acting criminally but quite oppositely were working hand in hand with law enforcement to help...legitimate victims of human trafficking." "This entire ordeal is a shame; hopefully, the court of appeals will see these charges for what they really are," he added. Other former executives for Backpage were either acquitted or convicted. Sentencing is not expected for a few months. Lacey and other convicted defendants are under supervised release pending sentencing and additional hearings that resulted in late-in-the-game potential Brady violations put on by federal prosecutors. There is no indication yet that charges against Lacey will be refiled and if yet another federal trial will play out. Lacey is 75 years old. President Museveni has cautioned the youth against sexual abuse, drugs, and alcoholism among other habits. The President, who was speaking during the passing out of joint patriotic corps from different schools in Kampala at Kololo Independence Grounds on Thursday, urged the bazukulu (youth) to stay away from what he called social deviances such as prostitution, drugs and substance abuse among others. If you start taking alcohol, you will ruin yourselves. Alcohol is very dangerous for your body, Museveni said. He also noted that part of his success as a long-serving leader is because he chose to stay away from alcohol/drugs and other bad habits. I am now going to be 80 years old, and I hear you are asking me to continue leading the war. This is because I am fit, I am not sick. If I was sick in a wheelchair, you could not be disturbing me. I dont take alcohol, I dont smoke cigarettes, let alone the other poisons which I hear some of you and colleagues take, Mr. Museveni said. Are you inspectors of private parts? Sex was created by God for a purpose. It was created so that you can produce other people which means sex should remain disciplined, and deliberately used to produce new human beings, not as a pleasure item, he added. He stressed that patriotic citizens stay away from such acts and instead focus on growth and hard work, which will accelerate the socio-economic transformation of the country. The president further encouraged the students to study hard, exercise, and fear God for a better prosperous life. A Stephen A. Smith meme on Snoop Dogg giving up smoke. (Stephen A. Smith on Twitter.) There are many running bits with ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith. And Smiths social media accounts have embraced some of those, including the infamous TAke a look, yall: IMG_4346.jpeg tweet from 2015. But its quite particularly unusual and funny to see Smiths Twitter account chime in on marijuana, something hes been famous for opposing in professional sports. And his account did so in response to a tweet from famed pot aficionado Snoop Dogg: The original meme Smiths account is referencing here is of Nintendo character Wario, first seen on Tumblr in 2014: This is interesting considering all of the times that Smith has yelled about Stay off the weeeeeeddddd! Here are a few of those: Stephen A. Smith went on an epic "stay off the weed!" rant while discussing Aldon Smith: https://t.co/kyFCaiVIFH pic.twitter.com/Npprsqh8UW Complex (@Complex) July 25, 2016 Happy Monday! Stephen A. Smith says stay off the weed. pic.twitter.com/Rseo8mhn92 Crossing Broad (@CrossingBroad) June 13, 2022 Patrick Beverley mocked Stephen A. Smith with his own stay off the weed catchphrase https://t.co/lU7oYvrb46 pic.twitter.com/8N4zxW05kf Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) May 22, 2022 @cheetah Stephen A told you ,on national TV ,to stay off the weed!!! but the only thing you're smoking are DBs.. Continue to make history ???? #finsup pic.twitter.com/udDT8zWmJI D1 Tu-Jitsu ? 6-3 (@D1Chosen2) October 30, 2022 As seen there and beyond, theres quite the history of Stephen A. ranting about weed. So its interesting to see his Twitter account posting a meme thats seemingly perhaps showing less objection to it. However, there are a couple of important caveats to that. For one, not every tweet posted to Smiths social media account is necessarily expressing his personal views. Many prominent personalities hire others to run their social media accounts, and that seems to be the case with Smith given the tweets that get posted while hes actually on-air. Now, granted, those tweets are still seen as representing him, so anything he would strongly disagree with likely isnt going up there. But this wasnt necessarily his own thought to chime in in this particular way. Beyond that, Snoop Doggs comment here is notably not about giving up marijuana altogether. Indeed, the man has several notable lines of edible products containing THC. So this isnt necessarily him drastically changing course either. Even with those caveats, though, this was still amusing to see. Especially given all Smiths past Stay off the weed! lines. [Stephen A. Smith on Twitter] RTE Late Late Toy Show fans don't have long to wait to watch Patrick Kielty's first festive special at the helm of the long-running chat show. Details are being kept under wraps but social media star James Doyle managed to get a sneak peek behind the scenes at RTE during the week. The RTE Late Late Show social media channels shared a clip of James reliving his childhood in Donnybrook as he road-tested some of the ride-ons that may be featured on this year's show. The clip has been viewed thousands of times and viewers try to piece together clues or what or who might appear on the Toy Show on November 24. The post was captioned: "Dreams do come true #ToyTesterForADay View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Late Late Show (@latelaterte) The theme of this year's Toy Show has not yet been revealed, nor have any of the special guests. One performer was confirmed on the Late Late Show a few weeks ago when nine-year-old Bonnie O'Meara from Beaumont, Co Dublin was informed live on air that she would be on the show. The youngster jumped around her living room surrounded by her family and said she was excited to be on the Toy Show. In a post, the RTE Late Late Show said the "countdown is well and truly on" but beyond Bonnie's performance, the details of the show remain a big secret. Viewers will have to tune in on Friday, November 24, to see the rest of the performers, toy testers and specials guests. As the school Halloween mid term fades into the distance, and we all get back to work and classes, youve probably been asked did you do anything nice over mid term? The mid-term break is a chance for students, especially, to stop and catch a breath after a hectic first few months of learning. But its also become a very popular time for families to take a break from the daily grind together. One of the nicest things to do is get away and have fun, see new places and have new experiences. In recent years how we do this has changed, and it seems to be changing again. Im going back a little bit in time, but the Celtic Tiger brought with it a trend for proper holidays at mid term time. As a more affluent society we started to go abroad, fly off on package holidays to somewhere with a bit of winter sun. Mid terms became as popular as summer time for family holidays, and, in a way, it made sense to stay at home in Ireland during the months when we had a decent chance of nice, warm weather, then fly south when we could really appreciate a sunny day. Majorca at the end of October was a far cry from holidays for kids of the 1980s. Family and friends were the accommodation resource, spare rooms in grandparents and cousins homes were the destination, and mattresses on the floor were our beds. And we loved it. It was great fun. But then again, so is flying south. Or even north to see the Northern Lights, or west to see the States. And then along came Covid. Once we were allowed to travel past our 2km and 5km limits holidays at home in Ireland became the thing to do. There was a huge boom in motorhome and caravan ownership and rentals, camping had a renaissance, and all over Ireland the hotel rooms that werent able to welcome foreign visitors were filled with Irish families. As a country we took the Failte Ireland catchphrase to heart - we discovered Ireland. And for a few years there was a happy balance in that, as people realised they could have really good holidays at home. The trend to staycation lasted past the end of travel restrictions. Now that seems to be changing again. I had a lovely midterm break. Striking out south from Kilkenny, I explored County Kerry for a few days. It was glorious. Storm Ciaran bypassed us, the scenery was stunning, we were well fed and, most importantly, we got a warm welcome. It was chatting to the manager of one hotel where it was pointed out to me, however, that this midterm there were not as many Irish families around the tourist spots as in recent years. It seems were striking out further again. Hopefully the balance of that is people in other countries are doing the same and coming to see us. On my travels I had the conversation every Irish person has when holidaying at home. Id get a week in Spain for the price of two nights in an Irish hotel. And, you know, I probably could. If I searched for a low price Spanish hotel and compared it to a nice Irish hotel. But then I started to think about what I get with my Irish holiday. I love a foreign holiday, I love discovering new sites, tasting new food, a bit of sunshine. On my trip to Kerry though I got something else, something more. A real, warm, personal welcome. For as long as I can remember the land of a thousand welcomes, the cead mile failte is what generations of Irish tourist campaigns have been based on. You experience that when your breakfast is served and the lady remembers you from last year, or when you walk into a county museum in a small town for the first time and youre greeted like an old friend, or you go for coffee in a tourist spot and the girl behind the counter has a smile and chat and you really feel like she enjoys meeting you. I hope when people visiting Ireland from other countries come here they feel that warm welcome. Its special, you dont get it everywhere. Its the spirit of the time when holidays were spent bunking up at your cousins and we might not have had aqua parks or adventure zones, but we were all family. You cant always put a euro price on what a holiday in Ireland gives you, sometimes you have to sit back and enjoy all the hidden extras wrapped up in that time honoured cead mile failte. Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this article do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication. Get all the essential market news and expert opinions in one place with our daily newsletter. Receive a comprehensive recap of the day's top stories directly to your inbox. Sign up here! (Kitco News) The uranium market is having a breakout year, with prices rising more than 50% year-to-date, reaching the highest levels in 15 years. According to Rick Rule, President and CEO of Rule Investment Media and former CEO and President of Sprott, the rally has a lot more room to run. This surge in uranium prices is reminiscent of the environment before the 2011 Fukushima disaster, with uranium outperforming gold and the S&P 500. This renewed interest is spurred by the need for energy diversification, especially after the Russian-Ukrainian conflict and the global push away from fossil fuels. Russia's significant role in the uranium sector and recent disruptions in Niger, another key uranium source, complicate the current market dynamics, Rule told Michelle Makori, Lead Anchor and Editor-in-Chief at Kitco News, on the sidelines of the New Orleans Investment Conference. "The price of uranium had to go up to the point where producers cover their cost of production, including cost of capital. It was absolutely inevitable," Rule said. "What made it imminent was the Japanese began to restart their nuclear fleet, which at once increased demand for uranium and reduced supplies. That happened in 2023." The 'easy money' has been made, what's next? In terms of uranium stock performance, the juniors have outperformed the seniors. However, that is about to reverse, said Rule. "I suspect frankly that the easy money in uranium has been made. That first move where it goes from just absolutely despised to being tolerated is a good move," he noted. "I believe there's big money ahead, big speculative money ahead." The market is now at a stage where more prominent names will outperform, including Cameco and Kazatomprom. Cameco is already up more than 90% year-to-date, with Rule projecting more gains ahead as the generalist investor enters the market. "The bigger names will outperform for two reasons. They have large amounts of material they can bring back into production that's already permitted and built. All they need to do is turn the mines on, and the structure of the market has changed," Rule explained. "My suspicion is for the next 18 months, the wind is in the sails of the Camecos and the Kazatomproms of the world." The second reason is the new pricing mechanism currently used in uranium. For Rule's breakdown on how it works and its impact on the market, watch the video above. Rule also gives his top investment picks. Watch the video above for names and price predictions. Gold demand to quadruple With the U.S. facing rising debt and surging deficits, Rule said he sees gold demand quadrupling. "I don't own gold because it might go from $1,925 to $2,100. I own gold because if things go wrong, it triples and quadruples in price," Rule said. Rule projects that demand for gold will revert to its 40-year mean, meaning that demand for the precious metal in the U.S. would increase fourfold. For a breakdown of why this will happen and what it means for gold, watch the video above. Special coverage of the New Orleans Investment Conference is brought to you by Discovery Group. Get all the essential market news and expert opinions in one place with our daily newsletter. Receive a comprehensive recap of the day's top stories directly to your inbox. Sign up here! (Kitco News) - According to the Ministry of Energy and Mines of Peru (MINEM), copper production in Peru, the worlds second largest copper producing country, amounted to 235,178 tonnes in September 2023, up 2.5% compared to September 2022 (229,490 tonnes). MINEM said that higher copper production in Peru in September was achieved primarily due to the improved performance at Anglo American Quellaveco (+44.1%), Minera Las Bambas (+18.2%) and Marcobre (+22.4%). At the company level, Freeport-McMoRans Sociedad Minera Cerro Verde retained first place with a 17.8% share of total copper production in Peru, followed by Compania Minera Antamina (15.5%; jointly owned by Glencore (33.75%), BHP (33.75%), Teck (22.5%), and Mitsubishi (10%)) and Southern Peru Copper (13.4%). MINEM added that at the regional level, Arequipa is first with an 18.0% share in the countrys total copper production, followed by Moquegua (16.8%) and Ancash (15.8%). According to the report, in January-September 2023, Peru produced 2,005,957 tonnes of copper, which is an increase of 16.0% compared to January-September 2022 (1,728,967 tonnes). Anglo Americans new Quellaveco mine continued to contribute to the overall increase in copper production in Peru. In January-September 2023, the mine produced 225,334 tonnes of the red metal, which is more than tenfold increase compared to January-September 2022 (20,262 tonnes). SARAJEVO, Nov 17 (Reuters) - Swiss miner ARCORE said on Friday its exploration in eastern Bosnia had found mineral deposit rich in lithium carbonate, magnesium and other minerals that are in demand in Europe. The company said it has a strategic partnership with Canadian-German company Rock Tech Lithium to secure a reliable and long-term supply of lithium products from the Lopare mine to Rock Tech Lithiums European converter operations. "ARCORE is confident that it will be able to mine the raw materials in an environmentally and socially responsible manner from the end of 2026," it said in a statement. "The Lopare project has the potential to become one of the largest mines of its kind in Europe," it added. The company said that after working with local and international authorities and mining and sustainability experts, it had completed the exploration that lasted since acquiring the licence in 2018. It plans now to apply for a concession to mine the deposit, foreseeing investment of several hundred million euros over the next few years, it said. The deposit, located about 140 km north of the Bosnian capital Sarajevo, in the countrys autonomous Serb Republic, was scientifically estimated and confirmed by expert reports in 2022, and also by the regional mining and energy ministry this year, the company said. It said that several European raw materials institutes and the European Lithium Institute (eLi) supported the project, as well as the German Mineral Resources Agency (DERA). ARCORE said that international estimates and technological tests showed the total mineral resource base of the Lopare project at 1.5 million metric tons of lithium carbonate equivalent, 14 million tonnes of boric acid, 35 million tons of potash and 94 million tons of magnesium sulphate. It said that its partnership with Rock Tech Lithium will be an important building block in the development of a regional and domestic value chain for electric vehicle batteries in Europe. It also said that it will use the latest technology and the highest safety standards to minimize the environmental impact on air, soil and water. People living in the region of Lopare deposit are suspicious of the project after protests just across the border in Serbia succeeded in 2022 on environmental grounds to revoke the licence granted to Rio Tinto for the Jadar lithium project. (Reporting by Daria Sito-Sucic; Editing by David Evans) Messaging: daria.sito-sucic.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net)) The city of Billings wants Yellowstone County to be its partner in curbing crime. The city is offering an initial $500,000 next year to help with overcrowding at the county-run jail and inefficiencies in the local criminal justice system. Billings leaders put together a proposal to build a temporary lockup that would hold people who are arrested for misdemeanor offenses while they wait for their first court appearance. City Administrator Chris Kukulski sent a letter to Yellowstone County commissioners and the sheriff last week outlining ideas to consider. The city has $500,000 in the 2024 budget to put toward building a temporary or modular structure to house low-risk inmates awaiting arraignment. Billings officials are open to negotiating the amount it might contribute for the coming 3 to 5 years, based on an estimated annual operating cost of $700,000 to $800,000, according to Kukulskis Nov. 7 letter. If the county agrees, the sheriffs office would be responsible for building and running the lockup. The city included with the letter an estimate for a 7,750-square-foot structure from a company specializing in tensioned membrane buildings. The quote from Sprung Structures showed a purchase price of $409,602. It also included rental options for $9,559 to $6,840 a month, depending on the length of the lease term. City officials see the plan as a stop-gap measure to address the immediate need for housing criminal offenders until a more permanent solution is in place, Kukulski wrote. Billings Mayor Bill Cole, Sheriff Mike Linder and Justice of the Peace Jeanne Walker urged commissioners to get on board during a meeting Thursday. The problem, of course, is that when people are picked up on misdemeanors, 'theres no room at the inn, Cole told the commission, noting the county lockup was built for 434 but regularly holds 500. The mayor said law enforcement officers often dont bring people to the jail, even when they think they should be locked up, because the jail is already so overcrowded. And, even when they do bring them in, theyre often turned away. Misdemeanors grow into felonies and we need consequences for bad actors, Cole said. Sheriff Linder agreed with the mayor and recommended commissioners bring in professionals to help the county make plans to move forward with the citys proposal. Hire somebody to come down and tell us what we can do, where we can do it and how it should be done, he said. The three-member commission agreed to consider it. Its a great proposal, well take a look at it, Chairman John Ostlund said. In addition to building the short-term lockup, Justice Walker suggested the county set up an arraignment court to help move people through the justice system more efficiently. Ostlund asked her to work with the finance department to put together a proposal for the county to consider. A Yellowstone County jury convicted a woman of endangering the lives of Billings Clinic staff after she brought a gun into the hospital. Panda Emily Aradia, 37, was found guilty Thursday of assault with a weapon and criminal endangerment. The verdict came nearly a year after Aradia entered Billings Clinic during a mental health crisis. When she drew a handgun, that crisis escalated to Aradia being shot twice. Aradia fired one round, which struck her abdomen. Less than 20 seconds later, an officer with the Billings Police Department shot her in the face. Senior Deputy County Attorney Autumn Thompson-Irish said Aradia was not on trial because she felt suicidal that day, and she was not shot by police because she felt suicidal. (Aradias) mental health did not justify her criminal conduct, Thompson-Irish said. 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 was later identified as Aradia. She came to the hospital because she had been having suicidal thoughts. A hospital staff member brought Aradia into a private triage room. While she was speaking to a nurse about her mental health, she pulled a gun out of a satchel she carried with her. Aradia, with the gun pointed at the nurse and her finger on the trigger, told the nurse he had three minutes to get help or she would shoot. That nurse later testified in court the gun was pointed at him anywhere from three to 10 seconds. The nurse left the triage room and alerted security. Security guards who testified during the trial told jurors they stood just outside the door to the triage room after learning Aradia had a pistol. Before police arrived, one guard asked if she would give up the gun. Aradia said she would not. That same guard, Seth Rudolph, also testified that Aradia gave them a countdown to when she would shoot, first saying they had five minutes, then one minute. Bodycam footage taken from the officer who shot Aradia, Officer Blaine Lane, showed that he fired at Aradia less than two minutes after walking inside the hospital. The footage showed Lane entering Billings Clinic with a group of officers. Within seconds of entering the hospital, a gunshot is heard. That was the sound of Aradia shooting herself in the torso. Seconds later, Lane was in view of the triage room, where Aradia was kneeling on the ground. A handgun was 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. At nearly the same time that Aradia pushed the gun away from her, Lane fired a single round. Aradia, now wounded twice by gunfire, then laid flat on the ground with her hands above her head. Billings Clinic doctors treated her wounds, and she was charged in district court in November 2022. Since then, she has been in custody at Yellowstone County Detention Facility. Yellowstone County District Judge Jessica Fehr presided over the four-day trial, which included testimony from hospital staff, police and Aradia. Aradia knew that bringing a gun into Billings Clinic would put people at risk, and she planned on it, said Thompson-Irish. Aradia brought a loaded handgun into a busy emergency department and purposefully fired a shot. That shot pierced Aradias side, went through a wall and into an adjoining room, she said. Attorneys representing Aradia did not dispute that she carried a handgun into the hospital inside her satchel. The pistol belonged to Aradia, which she bought for protection. It was while explaining to that triage nurse, Carter Klatt, that the pistol was a part of her suicidal ideation that Aradia pulled it out of her satchel. In the following moments, Aradia never threatened to shoot Klatt or security guards who approached her in the triage room, said defense attorney Montana Funk during her closing statement to jurors. The bullet fired by Aradia was an accident, she said. Funk asked jurors to focus on the elements of the two charges. Aradia did not commit criminal endangerment by just bringing the gun into the hospital. A Billings Clinic security guard said during the trial he had secured dozens of firearms brought into the hospital by patients. Nor did Aradia assault Klatt with a weapon by causing him to fear serious injury at the sight of the weapon, Funk said. Aradia denied ever pointing the pistol at him. In the subsequent standoff with security guards and police, Aradia said she would have handed over the gun, if asked. The handgun Aradia used was only loaded with a one bullet, Funk said, and she never specifically threatened to shoot any staff members or police. Aradia went into Billings Clinic for help, she said, and instead was shot twice. Her intent was never to harm anyone, Funk said. And Panda doesnt blame hospital staff or officers for reacting the way they did. In a rebuttal to Funks closing statement, Yellowstone County Prosecutor Benjamin J. Langford said as soon as Aradia took the gun out of the satchel she turned herself into a time bomb that could go off at any moment. Aradia, under the watch of a Yellowstone County detention officer, appeared throughout her trial dressed in street clothes. Jurors deliberated for about 40 minutes before reaching their verdict, after which detention officers led her out of the court room and back into custody at Yellowstone County Detention Facility. A sentencing date for Aradia will be scheduled within the next 45 to 60 days. For assault with a weapon, the more serious of the two charges, she faces up to 20 years in prison. Thirty state inmates have already been transferred to privately operated Saguaro Correctional Center in Arizona, the Department of Corrections said Thursday. Those are the first phase of 120 inmates expected to be transferred to the CoreCivic-run prison in Eloy, Arizona, as part of a temporary solution to capacity issues that have long plagued the state's prison system. "This first transfer of inmates to the correctional facility in Eloy, Arizona went smoothly thanks to the hard work of everyone involved," DOC Director Brian Gookin said in a press release. The state's contract with CoreCivic was made available Thursday, with a term running from Nov. 1 to Oct. 31, 2025, with an option to renew the contract every two years. The rate in the initial contract is $90 per bed per day on a monthly billing basis. The Legislature appropriated $3.9 million a year for the two-year term. CoreCivic's role is supplying 120 medium-, minimum-, or high-security prison beds services for Montana inmates. The contract states the inmates will be held by CoreCivic to ensure safety and security while capital projects around the state prison near Deer Lodge are underway, to address capacity issues within the existing Montana prison system, or to otherwise manage the state prison population. The state said in its previous estimates that minimum- and medium-security inmates would be transferred to the out-of-state facility. Per the contract, CoreCivic must allow the state access to any records necessary as a matter of ensuring compliance with the agreement. As with other vendors who do business with the Department of Corrections, the secure contract facilities bureau effectuates oversight in these arrangements with on-site visits and audits. Montana is able to terminate the contract for CoreCivic's failure to meet the services or conditions required in the agreement if notice of a failure doesn't lead to correction after 30 days. The corrections department said Thursday a team worked to ensure services available to inmates at the Arizona facility were comparable to those in Montana facilities, including health care needs, treatment resources, inmate communications with family and friends, educational opportunities and vocational training. The inmates already transferred to Saguaro were selected by several factors: volunteers who may have family closer to the Eloy, Arizona area; custody level; those with more than two years until parole eligibility; participation in treatment and other programming; and health or mental health needs. The state Legislature approved the transfer in a bill that totaled $228 million, largely for infrastructure needs. The largest component of those capital projects will be completely replacing the low-security housing at Montana State Prison. Dr. Martens plc (OTCMKTS:DOCMF Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant decline in short interest in October. As of October 31st, there was short interest totalling 739,900 shares, a decline of 16.1% from the October 15th total of 882,000 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 10,900 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 67.9 days. Dr. Martens Trading Down 1.3 % Shares of OTCMKTS DOCMF traded down $0.02 during mid-day trading on Thursday, reaching $1.45. 100 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 14,455. Dr. Martens has a twelve month low of $1.35 and a twelve month high of $3.51. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $1.64 and a 200 day simple moving average of $1.78. Get Dr. Martens alerts: About Dr. Martens (Get Free Report) See Also Dr. Martens plc designs, develops, procures, markets, sells, and distributes footwear in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Americas, and the Asia-Pacific. It offers originals, fusion, kids, and casual, as well as accessories. The company offers its products under the Dr. Martens brand name. Dr. Martens plc was founded in 1945 and is based in London, the United Kingdom. Receive News & Ratings for Dr. Martens Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Dr. Martens and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. EDP Energias de Portugal, S.A. (OTCMKTS:EDPFY Get Free Report) was the target of a significant increase in short interest in October. As of October 31st, there was short interest totalling 23,900 shares, an increase of 14.9% from the October 15th total of 20,800 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 143,500 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.2 days. EDP Energias de Portugal Trading Up 1.5 % EDP Energias de Portugal stock traded up $0.68 during midday trading on Thursday, reaching $46.56. 19,267 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 32,622. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $42.25 and its 200-day simple moving average is $46.40. EDP Energias de Portugal has a 1 year low of $37.25 and a 1 year high of $57.63. Get EDP - Energias de Portugal alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets Separately, Morgan Stanley assumed coverage on EDP Energias de Portugal in a research report on Tuesday, September 5th. They set an overweight rating for the company. About EDP Energias de Portugal (Get Free Report) EDP Energias de Portugal, SA engages in the generation, transmission, distribution, and supply of electricity in Portugal, Spain, France, Poland, Romania, Italy, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Greece, Colombia, Brazil, North America, and internationally. It operates through Renewables, Networks, and Client Solutions & Energy Management segments. Read More Receive News & Ratings for EDP - Energias de Portugal Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for EDP - Energias de Portugal and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Energizer (NYSE:ENR Get Free Report) released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday. The company reported $1.20 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.13 by $0.07, RTT News reports. The business had revenue of $811.10 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $794.64 million. Energizer had a return on equity of 136.42% and a net margin of 4.75%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 2.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $0.82 EPS. Energizer updated its Q1 guidance to $0.50-0.60 EPS and its FY24 guidance to $3.10-3.30 EPS. Energizer Trading Down 3.9 % Shares of NYSE:ENR opened at $32.36 on Friday. Energizer has a 12-month low of $27.68 and a 12-month high of $37.89. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $32.37 and its 200-day simple moving average is $33.55. The company has a market capitalization of $2.32 billion, a PE ratio of 16.68 and a beta of 1.04. The company has a current ratio of 2.12, a quick ratio of 1.11 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 15.81. Get Energizer alerts: Energizer Announces Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, December 14th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, November 29th will be given a dividend of $0.30 per share. This represents a $1.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.71%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, November 28th. Energizers dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 61.86%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several equities analysts have weighed in on the company. Royal Bank of Canada cut Energizer from an outperform rating to a sector perform rating and cut their price target for the company from $40.00 to $38.00 in a report on Wednesday. Barclays lowered their price objective on Energizer from $40.00 to $34.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, October 12th. Morgan Stanley lowered Energizer from an equal weight rating to an underweight rating and set a $33.00 price objective for the company. in a research note on Wednesday. Truist Financial raised their price objective on Energizer from $35.00 to $40.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday. Finally, StockNews.com lowered Energizer from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, October 13th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, four have given a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $35.86. View Our Latest Report on Energizer Institutional Inflows and Outflows Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Ancora Advisors LLC purchased a new position in Energizer during the 1st quarter worth $37,000. Captrust Financial Advisors grew its stake in Energizer by 107.4% during the 1st quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors now owns 2,014 shares of the companys stock worth $62,000 after buying an additional 1,043 shares during the last quarter. Belpointe Asset Management LLC grew its stake in Energizer by 42.4% during the 1st quarter. Belpointe Asset Management LLC now owns 1,836 shares of the companys stock worth $64,000 after buying an additional 547 shares during the last quarter. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio grew its stake in Energizer by 11.6% during the 3rd quarter. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio now owns 3,919 shares of the companys stock worth $99,000 after buying an additional 408 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Tower Research Capital LLC TRC grew its stake in Energizer by 114.7% during the 2nd quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 4,052 shares of the companys stock worth $136,000 after buying an additional 2,165 shares during the last quarter. 83.74% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. About Energizer (Get Free Report) Energizer Holdings, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures, markets, and distributes household batteries, specialty batteries, and lighting products worldwide. It offers lithium, alkaline, carbon zinc, nickel metal hydride, zinc air, and silver oxide batteries under the Energizer, Eveready, and Rayovac brands; primary, rechargeable, specialty, and hearing aid batteries; and handheld, headlights, lanterns, and area lights, as well as flashlights under the Hard Case, Dolphin, and WeatherReady brands. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Energizer Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Energizer and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. iShares S&P/TSX 60 Index ETF (TSE:XIU Get Free Report) declared a quarterly dividend on Wednesday, November 15th, Zacks reports. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, November 22nd will be given a dividend of 0.252 per share on Thursday, November 30th. This represents a $1.01 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.28%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, November 21st. This is a boost from iShares S&P/TSX 60 Index ETFs previous quarterly dividend of $0.25. iShares S&P/TSX 60 Index ETF Stock Performance iShares S&P/TSX 60 Index ETF stock opened at C$30.72 on Friday. The stocks 50 day moving average price is C$29.81 and its 200 day moving average price is C$30.35. iShares S&P/TSX 60 Index ETF has a 1-year low of C$28.49 and a 1-year high of C$31.87. Get iShares S&P/TSX 60 Index ETF alerts: iShares S&P/TSX 60 Index ETF Company Profile (Get Free Report) Further Reading iShares S&P/TSX 60 Index Fund seeks to provide long-term capital growth by replicating, to the extent possible, the performance of the S&P/TSX 60 Index through investments in the constituent issuers of such index, net of expenses. The Index is comprised of 60 of the largest (by market capitalization) and liquid securities listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX), selected by Standard & Poors (S&P) using its industrial classifications and guidelines for evaluating issuer capitalization, liquidity and fundamentals. Receive News & Ratings for iShares S&P/TSX 60 Index ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares S&P/TSX 60 Index ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Oarsman Capital Inc. lowered its holdings in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY Free Report) by 1.4% during the second quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 22,829 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after selling 313 shares during the quarter. Oarsman Capital Inc.s holdings in Bristol-Myers Squibb were worth $1,460,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. True Wealth Design LLC purchased a new stake in Bristol-Myers Squibb in the 4th quarter worth $26,000. Northwest Capital Management Inc purchased a new stake in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb during the second quarter worth about $26,000. Coppell Advisory Solutions Corp. acquired a new position in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb during the 4th quarter worth about $31,000. Live Oak Investment Partners purchased a new position in Bristol-Myers Squibb in the 4th quarter valued at about $33,000. Finally, Strengthening Families & Communities LLC boosted its holdings in Bristol-Myers Squibb by 90.0% in the 1st quarter. Strengthening Families & Communities LLC now owns 475 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $656,000 after buying an additional 225 shares during the last quarter. 74.98% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Bristol-Myers Squibb alerts: Bristol-Myers Squibb Trading Down 0.3 % Shares of BMY traded down $0.14 during trading on Friday, reaching $50.70. 3,205,201 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 9,630,051. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $55.79 and a 200-day simple moving average of $61.06. The stock has a market cap of $103.16 billion, a PE ratio of 12.92, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.62 and a beta of 0.38. Bristol-Myers Squibb has a twelve month low of $49.49 and a twelve month high of $81.43. 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 Dividend Announcement Bristol-Myers Squibb ( NYSE:BMY Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, October 26th. The biopharmaceutical company reported $2.00 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.76 by $0.24. Bristol-Myers Squibb had a net margin of 18.44% and a return on equity of 51.59%. The firm had revenue of $10.97 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $10.96 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $1.99 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was down 2.2% on a year-over-year basis. On average, analysts anticipate that Bristol-Myers Squibb will post 7.56 earnings per share for the current year. The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, November 1st. Stockholders of record on Friday, October 6th were given a dividend of $0.57 per share. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, October 5th. This represents a $2.28 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.50%. Bristol-Myers Squibbs dividend payout ratio is presently 57.87%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth BMY has been the topic of several research reports. Barclays decreased their target price on Bristol-Myers Squibb from $60.00 to $51.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, October 27th. TD Cowen dropped their target price on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb from $80.00 to $66.00 and set a market perform rating for the company in a report on Friday, September 15th. Atlantic Securities decreased their price target on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb from $90.00 to $85.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, July 28th. Bank of America dropped their price objective on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb from $85.00 to $80.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Friday, July 28th. Finally, Cantor Fitzgerald lowered shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb from an overweight rating to a neutral rating and decreased their target price for the stock from $68.00 to $55.00 in a research note on Wednesday. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, fourteen have assigned a hold rating, four have assigned a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $63.59. View Our Latest Stock Report on BMY Insider Activity In other Bristol-Myers Squibb news, EVP Ann Powell sold 17,986 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, August 24th. The shares were sold at an average price of $61.25, for a total transaction of $1,101,642.50. Following the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 27,868 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,706,915. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this link. Insiders own 0.09% of the companys stock. Bristol-Myers Squibb Profile (Free Report) Bristol-Myers Squibb Company discovers, develops, licenses, manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells biopharmaceutical products worldwide. It offers products for hematology, oncology, cardiovascular, immunology, fibrotic, and neuroscience diseases. The company's products include Eliquis, an oral inhibitor for reduction in risk of stroke/systemic embolism in NVAF, and for the treatment of DVT/PE; Opdivo for anti-cancer indications; Pomalyst/Imnovid indicated for patients with multiple myeloma; Orencia for adult patients with active RA and psoriatic arthritis; and Sprycel for the treatment of Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BMY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Bristol-Myers Squibb Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bristol-Myers Squibb and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Uranium Energy Corp. (NYSEAMERICAN:UEC Get Free Report) CFO Pat Obara sold 4,877 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, November 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $6.07, for a total transaction of $29,603.39. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 788,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,783,160. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Pat Obara also recently made the following trade(s): Get Uranium Energy alerts: On Tuesday, November 14th, Pat Obara sold 37,755 shares of Uranium Energy stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $6.05, for a total value of $228,417.75. Uranium Energy Stock Performance Shares of UEC stock traded up $0.26 during trading hours on Thursday, hitting $6.17. 8,456,700 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 6,857,082. The firm has a market cap of $2.38 billion, a PE ratio of -617.00 and a beta of 1.85. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $3.62. Uranium Energy Corp. has a 12-month low of $2.30 and a 12-month high of $6.17. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Uranium Energy Analysts Set New Price Targets Several hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Creative Planning raised its holdings in Uranium Energy by 7.5% in the third quarter. Creative Planning now owns 34,428 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $177,000 after buying an additional 2,406 shares during the last quarter. Toroso Investments LLC increased its position in shares of Uranium Energy by 8.8% during the third quarter. Toroso Investments LLC now owns 88,597 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $456,000 after acquiring an additional 7,160 shares in the last quarter. Royal Bank of Canada raised its holdings in Uranium Energy by 46.5% in the 3rd quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 208,876 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $1,076,000 after acquiring an additional 66,262 shares during the last quarter. Sei Investments Co. lifted its position in Uranium Energy by 418.4% in the 3rd quarter. Sei Investments Co. now owns 83,228 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $429,000 after acquiring an additional 67,172 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Legal & General Group Plc lifted its position in Uranium Energy by 5.5% in the 3rd quarter. Legal & General Group Plc now owns 345,712 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $1,780,000 after acquiring an additional 18,098 shares in the last quarter. 49.03% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. A number of analysts recently commented on the company. Roth Mkm raised their price target on Uranium Energy from $6.00 to $6.75 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 10th. TD Cowen started coverage on Uranium Energy in a research report on Wednesday, September 13th. They set a speculative buy rating and a $6.00 price objective on the stock. HC Wainwright increased their target price on Uranium Energy from $8.00 to $8.25 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday. StockNews.com upgraded Uranium Energy to a sell rating in a research report on Sunday, October 8th. Finally, TD Securities started coverage on Uranium Energy in a report on Wednesday, September 13th. They issued a speculative buy rating and a $6.00 price objective for the company. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating and four have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $6.75. Check Out Our Latest Analysis on UEC About Uranium Energy (Get Free Report) Uranium Energy Corp., together with its subsidiaries, engages in exploration, pre-extraction, extraction, and processing uranium and titanium concentrates in the United States, Canada, and Paraguay. It owns interests in the Palangana mine, Goliad, Burke Hollow, Longhorn, and Salvo projects located in Texas; Anderson, Workman Creek, and Los Cuatros projects situated in Arizona; Dalton Pass and C de Baca project located in New Mexico; Roughrider, Shea Creek, Christie Lake, Horseshoe-Raven, Hidden Bay, Diabase, West Bear, JCU, and other project located in Canada; and Yuty, Oviedo, and Alto Parana titanium projects in Paraguay. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Uranium Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Uranium Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and his Peruvian counterpart, Dina Boluarte, agreed Thursday to strengthen cooperation in the defense industry and the minerals sector, Yoon's office said. The two leaders met on the sidelines of an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit and reaffirmed that their countries are comprehensive strategic partners sharing core values, the presidential office said in a press release. Korea and Peru marked the 60th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations this year and Thursday's summit was the first between their leaders in eight years. "The president noted the defense industry cooperation that has taken place between the two countries thus far in diverse areas, including KT-1P turboprop trainers and naval vessels, and said he is aware that the Peruvian government is pushing to introduce wheeled armored vehicles and new fighter jets," the presidential office said. "(Yoon) asked for Peru's interest and support for our companies' armored cars and FA-50s that have proven their excellence," it added. Yoon additionally voiced hope for increased cooperation in the minerals sector, given that Peru is one of the world's largest producers of copper, silver and zinc. He also sought Peru's support for Korea's bid to host the World Expo 2030 in its southeastern city of Busan. Boluarte said she hopes to continue defense industry cooperation with Korea, and to see the active participation of Korean companies in various infrastructure projects being pursued in Peru. The two leaders promised close cooperation ahead of Peru's APEC chairmanship next year and Korea's chairmanship in 2025, to ensure the forum contributes to prosperity and sustainable growth within the APEC region. (Yonhap) A Casper woman pleaded guilty to criminally negligent homicide in the death of her 366-day old boy, as part of an agreement with state prosecutors. Elizabeth Sterkel also pleaded guilty Thursday morning to one felony count of child endangerment in Natrona County District Court. She faces up to six years in prison for both charges. The maximum sentence for criminally negligent homicide is one year, while felony child endangerment carries a maximum of five years. The "autopsy conducted on the child showed fentanyl exposure," District Judge Catherine Wilking said in court Thursday. The theory is that fentanyl was crushed up in the kitchen, and there were traces of meth in the sink. Sterkel's friend is believed to have made a bottle for the child and put him down for bed after handling the drugs. Sterkel mostly delivered one-word answers in response while the judge and state prosecutors laid out the factual basis for her guilty plea. As part of the agreement, Sterkel's sentence in another case a third strike felony drug possession will run at the same time as the sentences in this case. State prosecutors could still argue for the maximum sentence because it was not negotiated in the deal. "It's a criminally negligent failure of a parent," Assistant District Attorney Blaine Nelson said in court Thursday. Casper police responded to a report of a dead toddler on the evening of May 18, 2022, the affidavit in the case states. There were no obvious signs of trauma on the child. Authorities found drug paraphernalia that appeared to be used in the consumption of meth, the affidavit states. Many items were sent to the Wyoming State Crime Lab for testing including two baby bottles shown to contain traces of meth. There was fentanyl and meth detected in the child's blood samples, the affidavit states. An "autopsy showed that [the child] had been exposed to the Fentanyl well before he was found to be deceased, the affidavit states. It is believed [he] died within 1/2 to 1 hour after his exposure to the fentanyl. 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. Kendallville, IN (46755) Today A steady rain this morning. Showers continuing this afternoon. Morning high of 52F with temps falling to near 40. 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%. aespa has achieved an impressive feat with their newest comeback "Drama." Read more of their achievement here! aespa Becomes 1st K-pop Girl Group to Exceed 1 Million First-Week Sales with 3 Releases in Hanteo History On November 17, a Korean news outlet disclosed that aespa's newest mini album "Drama" had sold a total of 1,130,379 copies during its first week, which is from November 10 to 16. This led aespa to become the first-ever K-pop girl group in Hanteo history to exceed 1 million copies of three different albums on each content's first week of release. Prior to this achievement of "Drama," aespa had achieved the feat from previous albums "MY WORLD" (1.37 million) and "Girls" (1,126,068 copies). YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN: aespa 'Savage' Attains Third Highest First-Day Sales on Hanteo among Girl Group Albums This 2021 Outside of Hanteo, "Drama" is also continuing its domination across music charts in China. On QQ Music and KuGou Music's digital album sales charts, the album secured the No. 1 spot, proving its successful release. Moreover, its title track of the same name also claimed No. 1 on QQ Music's rising chart, as well as its music video chart. YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: IVE Joins aespa and BLACKPINK as the Only Girl Group to Achieve This First-Week Sales Record with a Debut Album Congratulations to aespa for this impressive feat! MYs Express Thrill on aespa's Cinematic Music Video for 'Drama' On November 10, shortly after the release of the "Drama" MV, the K-pop community experienced a surge of enthusiastic fans, who raved about aespa's explosive return to the music scene. This led netizens to establish a forum online and discuss the song. Fandom MYs were ecstatic about the group's new music and even considered that "Drama" was aespa's strongest title track yet in their discography. They also praised the song for not over-mentioning Kwangya in the lyrics and for bringing back the iconic "SM bridge." Here's how they reacted: "This song is aespa's strongest track. The concept, music video, everything was so well put. It also showed improvement in their performance and expressions." "It was straight-up good for me. I love that they've stopped mentioning Kwangya in their lyrics. But I think this is still a Kwangya concept." "I love how SM groups are bringing back the real bridges nowadays. 'Drama' is such a bop, and it's also longer than 2:20, which is a blessing to the ears." READ MORE HERE: TXT, TWICE, aespa and More: Gaon Chart Releases the Batch of Artists Whose Albums and Songs Have Been Certified in January 2022 aespa released "Drama" on November 10, alongside with the music video for its title track. The fourth mini album also contains other side tracks such as "Trick or Trick," "Don't Blink," "Hot Air Balloon," "YOLO," "You," and "Better Things." Watch the MV for "Drama" here: For more intriguing K-pop news and exciting updates, keep your tabs open here at KpopStarz! IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: SM Entertainment Reveals Third Quarter Sales and Profit + Expectations in the Fourth Quarter based on NCT and aespa's Activities KpopStarz owns this article Written by Riely Miller Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. The McCullough Peaks wild horse roundup is pointless, wasteful, and harmful to one of Wyomings premiere wild horse herds. After over 6,000 people wrote in to the BLM expressing their concerns about this needless roundup and love for the McCullough Peaks wild horses, the BLM ignored the public and announced they were moving forward with their scheme to remove one-third of the herd. To make matters worse, they plan to use Gonacon, known to permanently sterilize mares. There are already a number of aged stallions and mares in this herd, as the herd has been managed by dedicated wild horse advocates for years. A herd kept this small is in danger of inbreeding, heightening the chances of bringing this unique and stunning herd to extinction levels. This roundup started on Nov. 15. Just east of Cody, public lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management rise into badlands and sage-covered swells. Here, the McCullough Peaks wild horses live out their untamed and natural way of life that has remained relatively unchanged as long as anyone can remember. This herd, uniquely accessible to visitors bound for Yellowstone, is characterized by multicolored paints, some of whom, like the stallions known to the public as Washakie and Thor, have earned nationwide followings. The herd has attracted some of the nations most talented nature photographers, and has earned a supporting role in the full-length documentary film Wild Beauty, presently being considered for an Oscar. But all is not peaceful for this wild horse population, which is presently threatened with a bait trap roundup that could whisk away a third of its numbers to faraway private holding, losing their freedom forever. In some cases, there are concerns that wild horses might overgraze fragile desert ecosystems. Not here. On the same range that carries the McCullough Peaks wild horses, the Bureau of Land Management leases grazing for 6,191 Animal Unit Months of cattle, the equivalent of 516 wild horses grazing year-round. In other words, there is almost three times the grazing pressure from cattle as wild horses, at their present populations, on the wild horse Herd Management Area set aside for the benefit of wild horses. Clearly, if there is an overpopulation of a large herbivores at McCullough Peaks, its an overpopulation of cattle, not wild horses. People come from all across the country to view and enjoy the unique spectacle of wild horses coursing across the West. Domestic cattle, not so much. If there is too much grazing pressure on the land it is the cattle numbers that should be reduced. Wild horses are beloved by a large proportion of the public, and contribute significantly to the tourism economy of northwestern Wyoming; public lands livestock grazing contributes only to the financial well-being of their owners. So what is fair? In the 11 percent of western public lands that have any wild horses at all, cattle outnumber wild horses based on federal grazing leases. Federal regulations specify that the authorized officer may close appropriate areas of the public lands to grazing use by all or a particular kind of livestock. But this happens far too seldom. More commonly, when rangelands sustain more grazing than is ecologically healthy, wild horses are rounded up and removed, while domestic livestock are kept at their previous levels. Few of the horses removed from public lands get adopted, and some get siphoned into the slaughter pipeline by their unscrupulous new owners. Rarely ending well for a once-wild creature. The vast majority of horses removed will be held in long-term holding, at a cost to the taxpayer of $60 a horse per month. The absurdity is that the captive wild horses, sterilized to rob them of their natural, wild behaviors, will displace cattle from higher-rainfall areas in the Midwest where cattle are ecologically well-suited. All to shove more cattle into fragile, arid western public lands where they do tremendous damage, spread invasive weeds, and rob the soil of its carbon resources. Let wild creatures be wild and free. It is more than enough that federal officials intervene in the natural order of things. The McCullough Peaks Bait Trap roundup is a giant waste of time and taxpayer dollars, and should be canceled. 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. Validating your browser . . . Please turn JavaScript on and reload the page. Please enable cookies and reload the page. This may take up to 5 seconds Event ID: 93799258247864583216039978591875597087 PRNewswire New Delhi [India], November 17: Sungrow, the global leading PV inveter and energy storage system supplier, reached a significant milestone in India, having shipped a cumulative total of 20GW of photovoltaic inverters in the region. This achievement highlights Sungrow's position as a leading provider of clean energy solutions in India. Also Read | Delhi Air Pollution: AQI Hits Alarming Level in National Capital as Residents Continue to Reel Under 'Severe' Air Quality. India, a country with vast solar energy potential, has long been a key market for Sungrow. Sungrow entered the Indian market in 2014 and established an Indian branch, along with three offices in New Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. It is worth noting that Sungrow also established its India manufacturing facility with 10 GW in annual production capacity, and has completed five years of manufacturing in India, which displays the positive impact of Sungrow participation in the "Make in India" initiative and offering more local job opportunities. Sungrow's 20GW milestone is a testament to the Company's strong commitment to meeting India's growing demand for clean energy. Sungrow's photovoltaic inverters are at the forefront of solar technology, efficiently converting solar energy into electricity to power homes and businesses across the country, for instance, the innovative "1+X" modular central inverter and the new generation 320kW string inverter etc. have quickly increased Sungrow's market share. Also Read | Amazon Partners Hyundai To Start Selling Cars On Its Website in Second Half of 2024. "At Sungrow, we hope to create a sustainable world by providing innovative and reliable clean energy solutions," said Sunil Badesra, Country Head of Sungrow India. "We are proud of our achievements in India and look forward to continuing our partnership with local enterprises and communities to promote clean energy and reduce carbon emissions." Sungrow has been actively engaged in India's burgeoning solar energy sector. It has already reached several GW of partnerships with Indian power giants, such as TATA Power, Adani Green, Renew Power, Azure Power, O2 Power, Mahindra, ACME, S&W, L&T, and others. In addition, Sungrow actively participates in the formulation of renewable energy policies and standards within Indian government departments, conducting extensive research and development in clean energy technology in collaboration with local universities and scientific research institutions, as well as other public service activities, according to Sunil. Sungrow remains committed to expanding its presence in India and other global markets. The Company will continue to innovate and offer advanced clean energy solutions tailored to meet each region's specific needs. Sungrow will also help India achieve 50% renewable energy electricity by 2030, a substantial increase from 38% in 2020 with partners. About Sungrow Sungrow Power Supply Co., Ltd. ("Sungrow") is the world's most bankable inverter brand with over 405 GW installed worldwide as of June 2023. Founded in 1997 by University Professor Cao Renxian, Sungrow is a leader in the research and development of solar inverters with the largest dedicated R&D team in the industry and a broad product portfolio offering PV inverter solutions and energy storage systems for utility-scale, commercial & industrial, and residential applications, as well as internationally recognized floating PV plant solutions, NEV driving solutions, EV charging solutions and renewable hydrogen production systems. With a strong 26-year track record in the PV space, Sungrow products power over 150 countries worldwide. For more information about Sungrow, visit www.sungrowpower.com. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) PNN Jaipur (Rajasthan) [India], November 17: Renatus Wellness, a trailblazer in the health and wellness sector, proudly announces the recognition of its Founder Leader, Tapas Biswas, and his wife, Angita Biswas, at the Indo Global Business Awards. The power couple was honored by the esteemed actress Madhuri Dixit for their outstanding contribution as the Best Direct Selling Leader. Also Read | Tom Ellis Birthday: 5 Goofy Pictures Of The Lucifer Actor We Adore. Tapas Biswas, known for his unwavering commitment to promoting self-employment and fostering opportunities for a better life, received accolades from Madhuri Dixit for his exemplary leadership in the direct selling industry. Renatus Wellness recognizes the profound importance of well-being in today's fast-paced world. The company is dedicated to promoting not only physical health but also mental and emotional well-being. Tapas Biswas firmly believes that a healthy and balanced life is the foundation for personal and professional success. Also Read | iPhones 2024: Apple Announces That iPhones Will Support 'Rich Communication Services' Messaging Standard in Later 2024. By prioritizing well-being, individuals can unlock their full potential, contributing positively to their families, communities, and the world at large. The firm remains committed to providing products and opportunities that enhance overall well-being, aligning with its mission to create a healthier and happier society. In his acceptance speech, Tapas Biswas expressed gratitude to Dr. Subrata Dutta and the entire Renatus Wellness team for their support and dedication, emphasizing that success is the result of hard work and honesty. He considers himself a Network Marketing Maverick and a transformational leader, embodying the principles of resilience and determination. Tapas Biswas's journey from adversity to triumph serves as a source of inspiration for many. Despite facing personal challenges, including a broken home and a mother battling cancer, Tapas Biswas has not only become a millionaire himself but has also played a pivotal role in making others millionaires. His story reflects the triumph of the human spirit and serves as a testament to the power of determination and courage. Tapas Biswas, often referred to as a Phoenix, symbolizes resilience and the ability to rise from adversity. His story is one of transformation and success, demonstrating that hard work and unwavering determination can lead to remarkable achievements. Dr. Subrata Dutta, a mentor and supporter, has been instrumental in Tapas Biswas's journey, contributing to his success in the direct selling industry. Renatus Wellness is a leading name in the health and wellness industry, committed to promoting well-being and self-employment opportunities Leading by Tapas Biswas, the company focuses on creating a positive impact on individuals' lives through its innovative products and business model. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) New Delhi [India], November 17 (ANI): Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, expressed delight at participating in the Partnership for Global Infrastructure Investment (PGII), Indo-Pacific Economic Forum (IPEF) investment forum in San Francisco, US. He congratulated US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and Senior Advisor to the US President Amos Hochstein for their pivotal roles in the initiative. Also Read | Delhi Air Pollution: AQI Hits Alarming Level in National Capital as Residents Continue to Reel Under 'Severe' Air Quality. The forum witnessed dynamic discussions among global leaders, Indo-Pacific colleagues, and finance experts. Minister Goyal shared his optimism about the positive outcomes expected for India and the region from this significant initiative. In an interaction with ANI, Minister Piyush Goyal said, "The one thing that I observed in all my interactions with world leaders was that they are very much looking forward to greater engagement with India. They hold India in very high esteem as a nation whose voice matters. The respect that I got clearly demonstrated that almost all the world leaders are very fond of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. They had huge respect for him. Everybody was inquiring about him and I can clearly see that India's position on the world stage has significantly changed. We are now being recognized as a very powerful voice and a consensus builder, a country and a leadership you can trust." Also Read | Amazon Partners Hyundai To Start Selling Cars On Its Website in Second Half of 2024. The minister said that the dialogue had been engaging as the leaders were committed to find a faster pathway to a sustainable world. "The meeting today was around sustainability and climate action and the focus was entirely on working together to see how we can make the world a better place to live in and leave behind a better future for our children and clearly there was a lot of talk about what different nations are doing, what needs to be done, there was recognition that we all need to be more active. India's own contribution in terms of the LiFE mission which we discussed and raised at the forum was picked up in terms of the recognition that sustainable consumption, should be a focus of our effort to bring down emissions and reduce waste. It was a very engaging dialogue and clearly the collective wisdom of all the leaders in the room was towards working as friends, as partners, and finding a faster pathway to a sustainable world" Piyush Goyal told ANI. Highlighting India's growing prominence as an investment destination, Goyal credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for transformative efforts in improving ease of doing business, enhancing transparency in the regulatory ecosystem, and fostering sustainable growth and development. Welcoming the US-India Green Transition Fund by the US Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF), Goyal expressed confidence in the fund's catalytic role in supporting India's ambitious goals in renewable energy generation. Goyal reflected on the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) meeting, noting that world leaders are keen on greater engagement with India. He emphasized India's elevated position on the global stage, recognized as a powerful voice, consensus builder, and a trustworthy nation under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Power couple Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone, popularly known as 'DeepVeer' recently jetted off to Brussels, Europe to celebrate their fifth wedding anniversary. On Friday morning, the duo was snapped at the Mumbai airport returning from their anniversary celebrations. Ranveer and Deepika were seen walking hand-in-hand at the airport. The Befikre actor wore a black printed hoodie layered with a green coat and denim jeans. His head was covered with a hoodie and he also had a black face mask on. He completed his look with dark sunglasses. Deepika, on the other hand, opted for a black hoodie with matching track pants, and layered the outfit with a long grey trench coat. Ranveer and Deepika marked their 5th wedding anniversary on November 14. On Wednesday, Ranveer took to Instagram to share a photo of himself with his wife during their vacation in Europe, which he captioned, "5 of (infinity symbol emoji)!". Ranveer Singh Is in His 'Rocky Era' and His New Photo From the Gym Will Leave You Drooling! (View Pic). In the picture, Deepika can be seen planting a kiss on Ranveer on the cheeks. He hugged her while smiling at the camera. Ranveer wore a patterned black t-shirt, black trousers and a black coat. Deepika chose a grey coat over her black pants. The couple was standing on a bridge above a canal, surrounded by lovely homes. Ranveer-Deepika tied the knot on November 14, 2018, at Italy's Lake Como after dating for six long years and the duo never fails to shower love on each other on social media. They first met on the sets of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's romantic drama film Goliyon Ki Rasleela Ram-Leela and later also starred in Bajirao Mastani and Padmaavat. Ranveer Singh Opens Up On Bond With Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani Director Karan Johar, Says 'We Have Dilli Ki Aunty Within Us'. Check Out Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone Back Home After Brussels Anniversary: Deepika and Ranveer Singh return to Mumbai post celebrating their anniversary pic.twitter.com/fJ6YKpQV9V Team DP Malaysia (@TeamDeepikaMY_) November 17, 2023 View Ranveer Singh's Post: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ranveer Singh (@ranveersingh) Meanwhile, on the work front, Deepika will be seen in the sci-fi action film Kalki 2898 AD opposite Prabhas and in director Siddharth Anand's aerial action thriller film Fighter opposite Hrithik Roshan. She also has Singham Again in her kitty. Ranveer will be next seen in director Farhan Akhtar's upcoming action thriller film Don 3. North Dakota legislators are out of sync with their voters on the states strict abortion law and decidedly independent on topics such as property taxes and ballot measures expected to be a focal point during elections a year from now, according to results from the first North Dakota Poll. With abortion access becoming protected in an increasing number of states, the poll indicates legislators may get stronger pushback during upcoming elections against restrictions placed on abortion earlier this year, according to results of the poll conducted by the North Dakota News Cooperative. The poll found that 48% of North Dakotans are opposed to the recent changes in the law, which creates a near total ban on abortions with limited exceptions. Exceptions include rape and incest up to six weeks' gestation, and abortions to treat some medical emergencies such as ectopic pregnancies at any stage of pregnancy. The law makes it a felony to perform abortions after six weeks unless the health or life of the mother is at risk. Forty-four percent support the law. The poll shows legislators are out of step with the people of North Dakota, said Amy Jacobson, executive director of progressive group Prairie Action. She said an important takeaway from the polling data is the opposition from women to a restriction that mainly impacts their choices. The majority of women want to make sure they are able to secure their freedom to control their own bodies and safely make decisions for their future, she said. The poll also showed that 65% of women between the ages of 18 and 54 oppose the ban, with 56% of all female voters opposing it. At 61%, opposition was strongest among self-identified independents, voters who make up a third of the electorate. The biggest support for the strong restrictions came from men over the age of 55, a demographic likely not fathering and raising many children. The law was passed last winter by 84% of state House members and 89% of senators, and it was signed into law by Gov. Doug Burgum. State Sen. Janne Myrdal, R-Edinburg, a strong pro-life Republican and a primary architect/sponsor of the bill that led to the stronger restrictions, said she and her colleagues have seen whats happening around the country with states moving to protect abortion. My frustration is that were not good at communicating love them both, she said, referring to being both anti-abortion and supportive of women who find themselves in an unplanned pregnancy. We have work to do, and even though Dobbs was overturned, and thats wonderful, that creates more work, she said, referring to the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that overturned the constitutional right to an abortion. The crisis of a woman finding herself in an unwanted pregnancy isnt over just because the law was overturned. Myrdal said shell continue working on increasing expenditures for alternatives to abortion, more tax breaks for those providing such services, and other policies to make North Dakota a welcome life state. While 71% of Republican voters strongly support the new abortion law, according to poll results, opposition from Democrats and independents should make the issue extremely concerning to Republican candidates and officeholders, said Trevor Smith of WPA Intelligence, the firm that conducted the NDNC survey. Republicans have a problem on the abortion issue, said Smith. Property tax The North Dakota Poll also surveyed attitudes on whether voters want to eliminate property taxes or retain local control over property tax decisions. The issue may appear on the ballot in November 2024 as an initiated constitutional amendment under the North Dakota Prohibit Property Taxes Initiative. A plurality of voters, 49%, want property tax decisions to remain under local control, the survey found, while 38% want property taxes eliminated in favor of requiring the state Legislature to replace lost revenue with other state funds. A sizeable portion, 13%, chose not to answer, possibly signaling a need for further education on the potential impacts of a change. The figures also show Republican voters are not looking at the issue in partisan terms, with an even split of 45% in favor of eliminating property taxes to 45% who want them to remain under local control. A majority of Democratic voters support retaining local control, with 70% in favor, while independents also favored local control by a slightly smaller margin with 47% compared to 39% of independents who want to do away with property taxes. The deadline for signatures in support of the North Dakota Prohibit Property Taxes Initiative, which needs a total number of signatories equal to 4% of the population of the state, is July 8, 2024. 'Pass it twice' The North Dakota Legislature in April placed a constitutional measure on the ballot in next years election that will require future measures initiated by citizens to pass twice to become law -- first in the primary election and again in the general election. A large percentage of voters polled -- 46% -- are opposed to the pass it twice measure, according to North Dakota Poll data. The biggest takeaway perhaps is that 33% strongly oppose the measure, compared to only 14% who strongly support the rules change. Smith of WPA noted that the intensity of opposition is a real problem for this measure and should serve as a warning sign to those who want to pass this into law. Republican support for the measure also appears soft, with 46% in favor and 37% opposed. Independents oppose the measure by a 55% to 30% margin, and Democrats opposed it by a 55% to 25%margin. A large segment of voters -- 18% -- declined to respond to the question. State legislators were much more supportive when voting to put the measure on the ballot earlier this year, with 80% of those in the House and 96% of those in the Senate in favor of the measure. Poll info The poll surveyed 517 North Dakotans between Nov. 5-7, 71% of whom plan to vote in the 2024 elections and 59% of whom have voted in the past four general elections. It has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.3 percentage points. Overall, 45% of the respondents consider themselves Republicans, 17% Democrats, and 34% independents. The first North Dakota Poll, which plans to be a quarterly venture, was sponsored by Forum Communications Co., the North Dakota Broadcasters Association and the North Dakota Petroleum Council. WPA Intelligence, which conducted the polling, is a leading national provider of survey research, predictive analytics, and data management technology to assist in survey design, representative sampling, programming, fielding and data analysis. New Delhi, November 17: Madhya Pradesh recorded a voter turnout of 45.40 per cent while neighbouring Chhattisgarh saw 38.22 per cent polling in the second phase till 1 pm on Friday, the Election Commission informed. Polling for the 230-member Madhya Pradesh Assembly and 70 seats for the 90-member Chhattisgarh House is underway currently. While polling for all seats in Madhya Pradesh is being held in a single phase currently, voting for 20 seats in the first phase of the Chhattisgarh polls was held on November 7. Polling for the second phase in Chhattisgarh began at 8 pm and will continue till 3 pm. However, voting in nine polling stations of Bindranavagarh Assembly constituency is being held from 7 am to 3 pm. Assembly Elections 2023: Madhya Pradesh Records 27.62% Polling, Chhattisgarh Sees 19.65% Turnout Till 11 AM, Says EC. For Chhattisgarh, over 18,800 polling stations have been set up for the second phase of polling. A total of 958 candidates are in the fray across the 70 seats for which polling is being held currently. The voters can cast their ballots until 6 pm, except in the Baihar, Lanji, and Parswara assembly seats of Balaghat district and some booths in Mandla and Dindori districts, where voting will be held until 3 pm. Meanwhile, voting for 230 Assembly seats in Madhya Pradesh began at 7 am on Friday. BJP is seeking to retain power in the state where it has ruled for almost 18 of the past 20 years and Congress is keen to oust the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government. Webcasting has also been made available at about 42,000 polling stations. Assembly Elections 2023: Madhya Pradesh Records 11.19% Polling, Chhattisgarh Logs 5.71% Till 9:30 AM, Says EC. Nearly 700 companies of the central forces and two lakh police personnel of the state have been deployed for security during the poll. The election will decide the electoral fates of over 2,500 candidates. Nearly 5.59 crore voters are eligible to exercise their franchise. It includes 2.87 crore male and 2.71 crore women voters. There are over 5,000 booths run by women and 183 polling stations run by the disabled, officials said. The polls, coming nearly six months ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, are crucial for both the BJP and Congress for various reasons. The counting of votes for the five states including Rajasthan, Telangana and Mizoram will be done on December 3. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Latur, Nov 17 (PTI) Several hundred lecturers of government polytechnic colleges on Friday claimed they had to celebrate a "dark Diwali" due to non-payment of salaries. Of the 45 such colleges in Maharashtra, two, for women, are in Latur and Tasgaon in Sangli district. Also Read | West Bengal Shocker: Man Arrested for Raping Minor, Sharing Video of Heinous Act With Victim's Mother in Durgapur. These colleges have 30-40 visiting lecturers who are appointed on 11-month contract on salaries ranging from Rs 30,000 to Rs 35,000, an official said. A lecturer from the Government Women Polytechnic in Latur claimed he and his colleagues have not received salaries for the past eight months. Also Read | Uttar Pradesh Fake Rape Case: Married Woman, Lover Stage Fake Gang-Rape and Loot in Bijnor, One Person Arrested. Visiting lecturer Sudhir Salunke said he and others were forced to celebrate 'dark Diwali" due to dearth of funds and rued the lack of support from the government. "We have EMIs, insurance premium payments etc but we are not getting any help," he said. "Colleges are expected to pay salaries from the PLA (personal ledger account), which has funds from admission fees and other forms of revenue. For this (salary disbursal), principals must get permission from the joint director," said lecturer Shivprasad Birajdar. Umesh Nagdeve, joint director of Technical Education, Regional Office, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, said colleges concerned must approach the government in connection with salaries of lecturers. "We have meagre funds in the PLA. We are personally taking initiative to pursue the government for salaries of these lecturers," Principal KM Bakwad of Government Women Polytechnic College said. VD Nitnawre, Principal of Puranmal Lahoti Government Polytechnic College in Latur, said 50 per cent salaries were given as per official guidelines before Diwali. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], November 17 (ANI): Congress President Mallikarjun Khrage on Friday promised six guarantees to the people of Telangana while releasing its election manifesto for the southern state going to polls on November 30. The party named the six guarantees as 'Abhaya Hastham'. Also Read | Hyderabad Shocker: Couple Hangs 4-Year-Old Daughter to Death Before Committing Suicide. Under the 'Mahalakshmi' scheme, the party will give Rs 2,500 monthly financial assistance to women. Gas Cylinders at Rs 500 and free travel for women in TSRTC buses across the state. The party said it will also provide financial assistance of Rs 15,000 per acre to farmers, and tenant farmers; Rs 12,000 to agricultural labour will be provided every year; a bonus of Rs 500 for paddy per quintal will be provided under 'Rythu Bharosa'. Also Read | Global South Summit 2023: PM Narendra Modi Kicks Off Summit With Call for Dialogue, Restraint in Israel-Hamas War (Watch Video). The party will provide 200 units of free electricity for all households under 'Gruha Jyothi' if it comes to power in the state, as per the election manifesto. Under the 'Indiramma Indlu' scheme, the party promises to provide a house site for families not owning a house and Rs 5 lakh financial assistance towards the construction of the house. Under 'Yuva Vikasam' a financial assistance card worth Rs 5 lakh, will be provided to students which can be used in payment of college fees, read the Congress manifesto.All Telangana movement fighters will be provided with a 250 sq yards house site, as per the Congress election manifesto. And under the 'Cheyutha', a monthly pension of Rs 4,000 will be provided to senior citizens, widows, disabled, beedi workers, single women, today tappers, weavers, AIDS and Filaria patients and kidney patients undergoing dialysis. The party said health insurance of Rs 10 lakh will be provided. The manifesto was launched amid the polling in Madhya Pradesh where voting for the 230-member assembly is underway. Polling for the 70 seats of the 90-member assembly began today at 8 am on Friday. Voting for the first phase in Chhattisgarh for 20 seats was held on November 7. Polling will continue till 3 pm while voting in nine polling stations of Bindranavagarh Assembly constituency is being held from 7 am to 3 pm. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said that the 6 guarantees of Congress would help the people of Telangana realise their dreams. "Congress party is determined to provide social justice, economic empowerment and unbridled progress to the people of Telangana. We created Telangana and we will not let the struggle and sacrifice of the movement go in vain due to the Commission Raj & loot of BRS. Our 6 guarantees shall help realise the dream of Bangaru Telangana" the Congress President said in a post on X. After launching the manifesto, Congress took to its official Twitter handle, reiterating that it had fulfilled all its promises in Karnataka, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh & Chhattisgarh. "Just as we fulfilled all our promises in Karnataka, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh & Chhattisgarh, we are similarly committed to fulfilling our promises to the people of Telangana," Congress posted on X Assembly elections in Telangana will be held on November 30. The counting of votes for the Telangana Assembly will be held along with those of four other poll-bound states on December 3. In the previous Assembly election in 2018, the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), previously known as Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS), won 88 of the 119 seats, hogging 47.4 per cent of the total vote share. The Congress came in a distant second with just 19 seats. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Nuh, Nov 17 (PTI) A case was registered on Friday against unidentified persons in connection with a stone-pelting incident in which three women suffered injuries when they were on their way for 'kuan (well) poojan' ceremony on Thursday night, police said on Friday. Police are questioning three teenagers in the presence of their parents, who were present at the spot during the incident, they said. Also Read | Cyrus Poonawalla Suffers Cardiac Arrest in Pune; Stable After Angioplasty. At least three women suffered injuries after some unidentified persons hurled stones at them allegedly from a mosque in Nuh on Thursday night, police had said. The FIR has been registered under sections 148 (rioting), 149 (unlawful assembly), 323 (causing hurt), 341 (wrongful confinement) of the Indian Penal Code and the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act at the city police station here. Also Read | CM Ibrahim Suspended From JDS: HD Deve Gowda Suspends Ex-Karnataka Unit Chief for Anti-Party Activities. The case was registered on the basis of a complaint filed by Ramotar, a resident of ward 11, Nuh, who said that he held a 'kuan poojan' ceremony for his younger brother's son on Thursday. During the arrival and departure of the kuan poojan yatra, stones were pelted at the women of our family and community from the madrasa and the Badi Masjid and insulted with caste-related words because we belong to the scheduled caste. Strict action should be taken against the culprits so that such incidents do not happen again, Ramotar said in his complaint. Nuh Superintendent of Police Narendra Bijarnia said that after the incident at night, people of both communities had gathered there. Police team reached and sent them back to their homes, he said. On Friday morning, a meeting of both communities was called and they were instructed to maintain brotherhood without paying attention to any kind of rumour, said police. An appeal was made to the general public to avoid objectionable posts on social media, otherwise strict legal action will be taken, he said. Although no one has suffered any serious injury, eight women reached hospital and got their MLR (medico-legal reports). Three teenagers who were at the scene at the time are being questioned on the basis of a video and CCTV footage, said the SP. All allegations made by the women were being investigated and whoever is guilty will be arrested soon, said Bijarnia. The SP said the situation is completely under control. Tension had gripped the area following the incident, which took place months after six people, including two home guards and a cleric, died in communal clashes that erupted here when the Vishva Hindu Parishad's Braj Mandal Yatra was attacked by a mob on July 31. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Validating your browser . . . Please turn JavaScript on and reload the page. Please enable cookies and reload the page. This may take up to 5 seconds Event ID: 435159152194304757617224978345080385585 Validating your browser . . . Please turn JavaScript on and reload the page. Please enable cookies and reload the page. This may take up to 5 seconds Event ID: 411282465494981589211464933548014115114 Validating your browser . . . Please turn JavaScript on and reload the page. Please enable cookies and reload the page. This may take up to 5 seconds Event ID: 502238933801642149010515149781215529145 Validating your browser . . . Please turn JavaScript on and reload the page. Please enable cookies and reload the page. This may take up to 5 seconds Event ID: 142330069181074874672272010493141173766 Kulgam (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], November 17 (ANI): The exchange of heavy fire between security forces and terrorists that broke out in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam district last evening is still continuing, police said on Friday. There were, however, no reports of any casualties on either side. Also Read | Chhattisgarh Assembly Election 2023 Second Phase Polling: In a First, Women Shoulder Entire Poll Process in All 201 Booths of Raipur North Seat. The encounter between security forces and terrorists broke out on Thursday afternoon at the Samno pocket of the DH Pora area of Kulgam district, as per Kashmir police. It is being jointly carried out by Army's 34 Rashtriya Riffles, 9 Para (elite special forces unit), police, and the CRPF. Also Read | Delhi Air Pollution: Air Quality Close to 'Severe Plus' Category in National Capital, Odd-Even on Anvil. More details are awaited. Meanwhile, a terrorist infiltration bid was thwarted along the Line of Control in Uri Sector on November 15, the Army said. The Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police successfully executed a joint operation named 'Operation Kali'. This was the second bid to infiltrate in the same region. The Army said two infiltrators were killed included Bashir Ahmed Malik, an important cog in the Pakistan-enabled cross-border terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Rajouri, November 17: One terrorist was killed in the Budhal area of Rajouri district in Jammu and Kashmir on Friday in an encounter with security forces, officials said. The exchange of fire started after the security forces moved towards the targeted house. "Based on specific information, a joint operation was launched by Rajouri Police, Army, SF and CRPF in the general area Behrote top, PS Budhal this morning. While moving towards the target house, the terrorists started firing on the operation parties from inside. The exchange of fire continued for some time and during the ensuing operation, one terrorist was killed," J-K Police said. Jammu and Kashmir Encounter: Gunfight Breaks Out Between Terrorists and Security Forces in Budhal Area of Rajouri District (Watch Video) However, the identity of the killed terrorist is being ascertained. As per the police official, a huge cache of arms and ammunition was recovered from the encounter site. "1 AK 47, 3 magazines, 3 grenades and 1 pouch have been recovered during the operation so far," he added. Jammu and Kashmir Encounter: Three Terrorists Killed in Gunfight With Security Forces in Kulgam (Watch Video) Jammu and Kashmir Encounter Visual from Rajouri encounter site where one Pakistan sponsored Terrorist hoorified in ongoing encounter. pic.twitter.com/Uz1SrWw8lA Baba Banaras (@RealBababanaras) November 17, 2023 "Area is under cordon and search is going on," the police said. Further details are awaited. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week in Bismarck brought out local and state leaders to speak about challenges and the status of homelessness in the area. "We must address the root causes of homelessness," Lt. Gov. Tammy Miller said during an event Thursday at the Dream Center in Bismarck. "That's why we have focused on behavioral health and addiction. And that's why that is one of the governor's five strategic initiatives." Miller read a proclamation from the governor proclaiming Nov. 11-18 as Hunger and Homelessness Awareness week in North Dakota. The Missouri Valley Coalition for Homeless People has held events all week to raise awareness of the issue. The Missouri Slope Areawide United Way's Center for Opportunity, which opened in April in Bismarck and is the only shelter open 24 hours a day, is sheltering more than 140 homeless men, women and children, according to United Way Executive Director Jena Gullo. "We always used to have around 50, so ... it has dramatically increased," she told the Tribune earlier this month. "We now can shelter families, so that has contributed, as well." A January study found that there were over 30 unsheltered homeless people in Bismarck, City Commissioner Anne Cleary said Thursday. There are many more people who are considered sheltered homeless. Homeless coalition President Mark Heinert said nearly 400 students in Bismarck schools are homeless. Bismarck in May awarded $17,000 to Ministry on the Margins and $8,000 to the Heartview Foundation through its Better Bismarck Campaign that it launched last November to combat the root causes of homelessness. The effort raised money through text-to-give donations, which the city matched dollar for dollar. Ministry on the Margins used its award to assist with operating its low-barrier coffee house. The coffee house launched in early 2022 and provides a safe place for people to rest and get out of the elements. The Heartview Foundation, a nonprofit alcohol and drug treatment center, used its award to purchase a methadone pump, which is used to treat opioid addiction and dependence. "We are not enforcing our way out of this problem or arresting our way out of this problem," Bismarck Police Deputy Chief Randy Zeigler said. Kulgam, November 17: Three Lashkar-e-Toiba terrorists have been gunned down in the ongoing firefight with security forces in the Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir, sources said on Friday. However, the operation is still in progress, sources informed. The police, too, confirmed that the exchange of heavy fire between the security forces and the terrorists from across the border was still ongoing. The encounter broke out on Thursday afternoon at the Samno pocket of the DH Pora area of Kulgam district, according to Jammu & Kashmir Police. Jammu and Kashmir Encounter: Three Terrorists Killed in Gunfight With Security Forces in Kulgam (Watch Video). The joint operation against the terrorists involves the Army's 34 Rashtriya Riffles, 9 Para (elite special forces unit), police, and the CRPF. Earlier, an infiltration bid was thwarted along the Line of Control in the Uri Sector on November 15, Wednesday, the army said. Uri Encounter: Security Forces in Jammu and Kashmir Recover Arms and Ammunitions Cache After Neutralising Two Terrorists (Watch Video). Encounter Between Terrorists and Security Forces: #WATCH | J&K | Joint operation by security forces against terrorists continues for the second day at Samnoo area of Kulgam. Army's 34 Rashtriya Riffles, 9 Para (elite special forces unit), Police and CRPF are carrying out the operation. (Visuals deferred by unspecified time) pic.twitter.com/2gymTKFMA2 ANI (@ANI) November 17, 2023 The army and Jammu and Kashmir Police neutralised the infiltrators during a joint operation named 'Operation Kali'. This was the second infiltration bid in the same region. The Army said of the two infiltrators killed was Bashir Ahmed Malik, an important cog in the Pakistan-enabled cross-border terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh) [India], November 17 (ANI): Union minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate for Madhya Pradesh assembly polls, Narendra Singh Tomar cast his vote and said that there was a wave of the BJP in the state. Tomar made the remark while talking to the reporters in Madhya Pradesh's Gwalior district on Friday after casting his vote for the state assembly polls. Also Read | Karnataka Shocker: 23-Year-Old Man Arrested for Killing Girlfriend by Slitting Her Throat With Knife Over Argument in Hassan District. "There is a wave of the BJP in Madhya Pradesh. The atmosphere is in favour of the BJP. People are liking the schemes and development works of the Central Government and State Government. On the basis of it, I can say with confidence that the BJP will form the government with a clear majority in the state. I have cast my vote and here also the atmosphere is in favour of the BJP," Tomar said. Tomar is in fray from Dimani assembly seat in Morena district in the state assembly polls. Also Read | Chhath Puja 2023: Over 1000 Ghats Readied Across Delhi for Chhath Celebrations, Says Revenue Minister Atishi (Watch Video). Taking about Dimani seat, the BJP leader said, "Dimani's picture is also good and its fortune is also good. Madhya Pradesh recorded a voter turnout of 27.62 per cent while neighbouring Chhattisgarh saw 19.65 per cent polling in the second phase till 11 am on Friday, the Election Commission informed on Friday. Voting for Madhya Pradesh's all 230 assembly seats began at 7 am today. The voters can cast their ballots until 6 pm, except in the Baihar, Lanji, and Paraswada assembly seats of Balaghat district and some booths in Mandla and Dindori districts, where voting will be held till 3 pm. BJP is seeking to retain power in the state where it has ruled for almost 18 of the past 20 years and Congress is keen to oust the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government. The webcasting facility has been made available at about 42,000 polling stations. Nearly 700 companies of the central forces and two lakh police personnel of the state have been deployed for security during the poll. The election will decide the electoral fate of over 2,500 candidates. Nearly 5.59 crore voters are eligible to exercise their franchise. It includes 2.87 crore male and 2.71 crore women voters. There are over 5,000 booths run by women and 183 polling stations run by the disabled, officials said. The counting of votes for the five states of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Telangana and Mizoram will be done on December 3. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Validating your browser . . . Please turn JavaScript on and reload the page. Please enable cookies and reload the page. This may take up to 5 seconds Event ID: 40952088539203082962382750434757936074 Validating your browser . . . Please turn JavaScript on and reload the page. Please enable cookies and reload the page. This may take up to 5 seconds Event ID: 53703355853450105032029473937520701103 Nilgiris (Tamil Nadu) [India], November 17 (ANI): A male wild elephant was electrocuted and found dead in the Gudalur area of Nilgiris district, officials said on Friday. The carcass of the elephant was discovered by the forest officials. Also Read | Karnataka Shocker: 23-Year-Old Man Arrested for Killing Girlfriend by Slitting Her Throat With Knife Over Argument in Hassan District. As per reports from Rajesh Kumar, a veterinary assistant surgeon, the elephant died due to electrocution. According to Forest Range Officer, Gudalur Division, the elephant died after it came into contact with an electric board line installed in the area. Also Read | Chhath Puja 2023: Over 1000 Ghats Readied Across Delhi for Chhath Celebrations, Says Revenue Minister Atishi (Watch Video). "The tusker pushed the tree and came in contact with the EB line, after which he got electrocuted and died in the agricultural patta land in Gudalur," said the forest officer. A post-mortem investigation has been arranged and it will be conducted by Dr Rajesh Kumar, veterinary assistant surgeon in the presence of NGOs. A proper inspection is underway by the District Forest officer in the field. A detailed report into the death of the animal will be submitted after conducting the post-mortem. Further details into the matter are awaited. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Validating your browser . . . Please turn JavaScript on and reload the page. Please enable cookies and reload the page. This may take up to 5 seconds Event ID: 25957027657355058015553126011123126659 Bhopal, November 17: Union Minister Prahlad Patel on Friday urged voters to come out in record numbers and exercise their franchise in Madhya Pradesh. Polling for the 230-member Madhya Pradesh Assembly got underway at 7 am on Friday. Voting is also underway for 70 seats of the 90-member Chhattisgarh Assembly and will continue till 3 pm. However, polling in nine stations of Bindranavagarh Assembly constituency in Chhattisgarh will be held from 7 am to 3 pm. While the single-phased polling for Madhya Pradesh is currently underway, voting for the first phase in Chhattisgarh for 20 seats was held on November 7. Madhya Pradesh Assembly Election 2023: Voting Begins in All 230 Seats, BJP, Congress Contend for Power in High-Stakes Battle (Watch Video). The Union Minister exuded confidence that the BJP will come to power for the consecutive fifth time in Madhya Pradesh with an absolute majority. Speaking to ANI, Patel, who is contesting the Narsinghpur Assembly seat on a BJP ticket, said, "I urge all the people of Madhya Pradesh to record 100 per cent polling today. I urge them to take part in this democratic exercise for the sake of development. I am confident of the BJP returning in Madhya Pradesh with an absolute majority." The BJP has fielded its three Union Ministers and four Lok Sabha MPs in the ongoing Madhya Pradesh Polls. The three Union ministers are Narendra Singh Tomar (agriculture), who also heads the BJP state election management committee, Prahlad Singh Patel (MoS food processing and jal shakti) and Faggan Singh Kulaste (MoS steel and rural development). Madhya Pradesh Assembly Elections 2023: When Is Voting and Result? How To Vote, Check Name in Voter List? How To Find Polling Station? Know Everything Here. Lok Sabha MPs, Rakesh Singh, a former state BJP chief, Ganesh Singh, Riti Pathak and Uday Pratap Singh, are also in fray. The voters in Madhya Pradesh can exercise their franchise till 6 pm, with the exception of Baihar, Lanji, and Parswara assembly seats of Balaghat district and some booths in Mandla and Dindori districts, where polling will be held till 3 pm. BJP is seeking to retain power in the state where it has ruled for almost 18 of the past 20 years and Congress is keen to oust the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government. Webcasting has been made available at about 42,000 polling stations. Nearly 700 companies of the central forces and two lakh police personnel of the state have been deployed for security during the poll. The election will decide the electoral fate of over 2,500 candidates. Nearly 5.59 crore voters are eligible to exercise their franchise. It includes 2.87 crore male and 2.71 crore women voters. There are over 5,000 booths run by women and 183 polling stations run by the disabled, officials said. The polls, coming nearly six months ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, are crucial for both the BJP and Congress for various reasons. The counting of votes for the five states, also including Rajasthan, Telangana and Mizoram, will be done on December 3. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Uttarkashi (Uttarakhand) [India], November 17 (ANI): The International Tunnelling and underground space association has offered assistance to the Indian rescue team engaged in the evacuation operation of 44 labourers trapped after a tunnel collapse in Uttarkashi. A portion of the tunnel that is being constructed between Silkyara and Dandalgaon on the Brahmakhal-Yamunotri National Highway collapsed in the early hours of November 11 following a landslide, trapping 40 workers inside. Also Read | Uttar Pradesh Shocker: Alcoholic Man Pawns His Wife During Gambling Session in Jhansi; Arrested. Continuous operations have been going on in the area to rescue the labourers. Anshu Manish Khulko, the Tunnel Project director of National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) said that at present the teams from Norway and Thailand have been kept an standby too, for the rescue operations. Also Read | Assembly Elections 2023: Madhya Pradesh Records 45.40% Polling, Chhattisgarh 38.22% Till 1 PM, Says Election Commission. Speaking to the media, NHIDCL Director Anshu Manish said "The work of pipe pushing with the help of auger machine is in progress to safely take out the workers trapped in the Silkyara Tunnel. So far, a distance of 24 metres of pipe has been laid inside the debris. To increase the retention capacity of the rescue operation, arrangements have also been made to airlift one more auger machine from Indore for backup so that the rescue operation continues uninterrupted". Earlier, Heavy auger drilling machines were airlifted from Delhi to ease rescue operations at war footing. Rescuers had prepared a platform for the auger drilling machine to insert large-diameter steel pipes into the debris-filled tunnel, that aims to create a passage through which labourers could be brought out safely. "American augur machine is a highly advanced machine. Its work is going on in full swing. As per the latest update, four pipes have been inserted and the welding of a fifth one is underway. We can say that the auger machine is going well. If there are no hindrances by the debris, we will be able to make the tunnel and rescue them at the earliest...We can't give you a deadline as to when will the operation be complete but the technical workers are working hard round the clock and this will conclude at the earliest. All of them will be rescued" Uttarkashi SP Arpan Yaduvanshi said. There have been sporadic outside the Silkyara-Barkot tunnel in Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi as workers remain concerned over the delay in rescuing 40 wowkers who have been trapped inside after a portion of the under-construction tunnel collapsed. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Gurugram (Haryana) [India], November 17 (ANI): Pawan Kumar, state president of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) claimed that the police version about stones pelted at some women in Haryana's Nuh district by some children from a madrasa is a "well-thought-out conspiracy". "A Vishwa Hindu Parishad delegation met the victim's family in Nuh. The police told the delegation that some children threw stones by mistake. However, this is a well-thought-out conspiracy," Pawan Kumar, the VHP state president, said on Friday in a press conference. Also Read | Telangana Assembly Elections 2023: BRS Leader KTR Asks Voters in Jubilee Hills Constituency To Play Cricket With Mohammed Azharuddin, but Don't Vote for Him (Watch Video). Pawan Kumar alleged that the police is trying to hush up the matter and registering a case under less stringent charges. "The police administration is trying to hush up the matter by registering a case under lighter sections. The negative attitude of the police administration is coming to light," he said. Also Read | Bengaluru Shocker: Objected Body Shaming at Gym, Youth Attacked by Three in Hebbal, One Accused Arrested, Search on For Two. The VHP state president said that earlier during the Jalabhishek Yatra, there was a similar attack, which was a "well-planned conspiracy" in which several people lost their lives. Earlier, violence had broken out in Nuh during a procession by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad on July 31 this year. Six people were killed and a cleric died in an attack on a mosque in adjoining Gurugram. Questioning the silence of Dalit organisations, Kumar said, "There were atrocities against Dalits in 2020. Now, after atrocities on Dalits again, these Dalit organisations are silent." The VHP state president said that the madrasa from where stones were pelted was "illegally built" on municipal land and there has been a request to the government to demolish the madrasa and register a case against the madrasa's mufti. "The madrasa from where stone pelting took place is built illegally on municipal land. There is a request to the government that the illegal madrassa should be demolished and a case should be registered against the mufti of the madrassa," Kumar said. Police on Thursday said a complaint was received that stones were pelted at some women in Haryana's Nuh district, following which an FIR was registered. "Some females were going for 'Kuan Poojan' and there has been a complaint that stones were pelted by some children from a madrasa," Narendra Singh Bijarniya, Superintendent of Police, Nuh, said. The police appealed to people to maintain peace in the aftermath of the alleged incident. "People from both communities gathered here in this regard...FIR is being registered...We appeal to the people to maintain peace. Relevant action will be taken. There have been no major injuries," the Superintendent of Police 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) Validating your browser . . . Please turn JavaScript on and reload the page. Please enable cookies and reload the page. This may take up to 5 seconds Event ID: 3472641587830971742998819120536328945 Editors note: This is the third part in a series of stories about a Dunseith manufacturing facility that has become shadowed in controversy. A partnership between Hoefer RV and a soon-expanding Career and Technology Education center at Dunseith High School has potentially fallen apart due to pushback from some in the community against the newly arrived recreational vehicle company. The partnership would have created the first Level Two RV technician program at a high school in North America. It also was meant to be a pipeline for training students so they could directly work for Hoefer RV after training and certification. The pay rate was expected to be $2 higher than the normal starting wage at the facility, according to Charles Hoefer, chairman and CEO of the company. The biggest losers appear to be students potentially certified to work for a company expected to be a cog for employment in the community. Caught in the middle is the superintendent of public schools in Dunseith, who has had to walk a tightrope between pushing the program forward at the same time staff at his high school are entwined in disputes with Hoefer. Lauded by the local government and state officials in mid-2022, the partnership was referenced by Gov. Doug Burgum as one of the states accomplishments in an end-of-the-year news release last year, referring to it as a major workforce step to revitalizing Dunseith. Rolette County, where Hoefer RV purchased its facility in early 2022, has the highest rate of unemployment in the state. The rate hovers close to 9%, according to data from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, much higher than the three surrounding counties where rates are 2% or below. Things fall apart In June 2022, a community event was held for the groundbreaking on a new CTE center where the partnership was announced and lauded as a boon for the town. The situation deteriorated just a month later when William Tuttle of Dunseith left his position at Hoefer RV, where he worked from April to July 2022. Hoefer said he fired Tuttle on July 19, 2022 as site manager, and granted a request for Tuttle to perform two weeks of maintenance work until Aug. 3. A relative of Tuttle says he left on his own accord after giving that notice. Shortly after leaving, Tuttle took a job as a business teacher at the high school. Tuttles son is employed as a building trades teacher in the CTE program and other relatives also hold positions at the school. In August 2022, Hoefer RV notified Dunseith Public Schools Superintendent David Sjol that it had terminated Tuttle and would not continue a relationship with him. When first contacted by NDNC in early October, Sjol said Hoefer had pulled out of the potential partnership because he wanted to do all the RV training in-house at his facility. Were just moving in a different direction, Sjol said. I believe hes going to start his own training center. E-mails from May 2, 2023, between Sjol, Hoefer and Jessica Tooke -- North Dakota Development Fund CEO at the Department of Commerce -- however, show discussion between Tooke and Sjol concerning community pushback against the partnership. As you are aware there is some community pushed (sic) back with the district partnering in any way with the Hoefer Group because of the recent legal action, Sjol wrote to Tooke in an e-mail that was eventually passed along to Hoefer in a chain of messages. The recent legal action refers to a lawsuit filed by Hoefer against Tuttle in April. That lawsuit was finally dismissed by Hoefer on Oct. 19. In those e-mails, Sjol requests documents outlining the due diligence process Commerce conducted on Hoefer before his company bought the Dunseith facility in early 2022. Sjol told NDNC that Commerce provided the documents, but they were heavily redacted. The North Dakota News Cooperative has also requested the same due diligence documents from Commerce, but they had not been released at the time of this writing. Hoefer has been in a legal tangle in the past relating to Global Caravan Technologies in Indianapolis. In an earlier RV initiative, Hoefer became CEO of Earthbound RV in Marion, Indiana, in 2011, a company co-founded by his father and an industry group in 2008. The city issued a $2 million loan to Earthbound in 2010, predating Hoefers employment, and the project failed to make headway. The loan issues were resolved without litigation, with the city recovering around $700,000 and restructuring the rest into a 25-year bond. Knowledge of some of those past tangles appears to have fostered mistrust within the community about Hoefers intentions and how long the company would last. That mistrust only appears to have grown over the months as Hoefers facility sat mostly idle. No RVs have been produced since he purchased the facility in early 2022. On hold No further communications appear to have taken place with the school district after Hoefer sent a message to Sjol on May 3, 2023, stating that the plans would be on hold until the school system could deliver the program, and that Hoefer RV would transition to in-house training in the meantime. Hoefers message came after Tooke notified him of the due diligence request. Tracey Laducer, principal at the high school, referred questions about the partnership back to Sjol. The (RV) business itself hasnt picked up, she said. I dont know if its starting at all. Ive seen no action going on at the plant. Jimmy Nadeau, who runs the auto body CTE program at the school, said that he could not say exactly why the partnership dissolved, and Career Advisor Bonnie Nadeau, when asked if students had expressed interest in RV training, declined to comment. Hoefer said that no one at the school passed on resumes for students potentially interested in working at the facility or going through the RV training program. It was his understanding that the program was supposed to have started in January 2023, Hoefer said, but that curriculum certification was never passed by the school to the North Dakota Department of Career and Technical Education. There were never any timelines, Sjol said. Everything was being done according to when we were able to do it. We made no promises about anything. Wayde Sick, state CTE director, said he was unsure what happened with the RV program and that the Department has not been involved or kept up to date with this project. Sick said that general descriptions about the content of the program were shared with his office, but that he didnt believe the actual curriculum was passed along. A school can offer a program without our approval, that is their choice, Sick said. It does need to meet our requirements and be approved by us in order for us to provide funding and additional technical assistance. The state CTE department has not provided funding for the center. Alleged threats Days before the email exchanges this May between Hoefer, Tooke and Sjol, Hoefer was scheduled to speak at an April 27 community event held at the local firehall to talk about the RV training program. Hoefer said he was warned by someone at the school not to come or there might be a physical confrontation. The alleged threat came about two weeks after Hoefer filed the initial civil lawsuit against Tuttle related to activities conducted at the Dunseith facility between 2015 and up into the time Tuttle temporarily worked for Hoefer RV. That lawsuit was amended and refiled in August. Commerce appears concerned enough that it sent Tooke up from Bismarck to replace Hoefer as a speaker at the event. Asked again later by NDNC about why community pushback potentially sidelined what could have been an important part of improving the workforce opportunities in the area, Sjol said it was related to a woman who expressed concerns about doing business with Hoefer RV. Sjol added that requesting the due diligence report would be a good piece of evidence to back this district decision to be in a potential partnership with Hoefer RV, should any other public concerns be raised. Shayden Akason, deputy director of Economic Development & Finance at Commerce, told NDNC that the failure to advance the RV training program had undoubtedly made it more difficult for Mr. Hoefer to procure trained workforce. Akason added that Hoefer advised Commerce that efforts to more the program forward at the CTE facility were being sabotaged but that he wasnt aware of the details other than what Hoefer provided. Having received this information I believe I or others at Commerce suggested that if Mr. Hoefer had exhausted all efforts to stand up the training program and it wasnt getting anywhere, he may need to focus his efforts elsewhere to get the trained workforce he needs, Aakason said, adding that those efforts to train workforce couldnt come to a halt because of the difficulties with the partnership. The dispute between Hoefer and Tuttle emanates from alleged thefts outlined in the lawsuit against Tuttle, as well as potentially sensitive aerospace and military components and documents discovered during renovations at around the time Tuttle left the company, according to Hoefer. A U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division team collected over 20 boxes of materials from the facility in June this year and has confirmed an active investigation is ongoing. Teams from the Internal Revenue Service and Federal Aviation Administration also collected evidence earlier this year, but both agencies declined to confirm or deny any official investigations. Tuttle had operated a company called Chiptronics Inc. at the facility Inc. while the city owned it after a previous company, Benchmark, moved its local operations to Rochester, Minnesota, in 2015. Asked whether being notified about the allegations surrounding Tuttle at that time and whether that factored into decisions about the partnership, Sjol said, I do not know if Bill (Tuttle) had anything to do with Hoefers decision to do his own training on their end. Bill made no difference on our end. New CTE center The partnership was also expected to be part of a new $16.9 million CTE center being built at the school, according to recent school board meeting minutes. It is scheduled to fully open in 2024. Architects from Minot helped design a portion of that building for use for RV tech training. Much of the funding for the new center appears to come from Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund assistance provided under the $190 billion federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act. Dunseith public schools received about $7.7 million in ESSER funding in the final round, $3.4 million the previous year, and $800,000 the year before that. Documentation shows that for the final round of funding, $6.145 million went directly toward school facility repairs and improvements, with the rest to supplemental learning, needs for at-risk populations, and mental health support, as well as $250,000 to staff development. At least 20 percent of ESSER funding is required to go toward addressing learning loss. (Jason Nordmark, publisher and editor of the Turtle Mountain Star in Rolla, contributed to this story.) Validating your browser . . . Please turn JavaScript on and reload the page. Please enable cookies and reload the page. This may take up to 5 seconds Event ID: 37753900672166535876358271710181661249 Validating your browser . . . Please turn JavaScript on and reload the page. Please enable cookies and reload the page. This may take up to 5 seconds Event ID: 162103333304595924761500980678053197389 Validating your browser . . . Please turn JavaScript on and reload the page. Please enable cookies and reload the page. This may take up to 5 seconds Event ID: 90379680389048850806997696180865614064 Tel Aviv, November 17: Hamas and Israel are reportedly engaged in preliminary discussions aimed at reaching a deal for the release of hostages. The proposed agreement specifically focuses on the potential release of around 50 women and children among the 240 hostages currently held by Hamas in Gaza, The Washington Post reported citing an Arab diplomat familiar with the negotiations. Israel is said to be evaluating the proposal, which entails a three-to-five-day halt in fighting, an increase in humanitarian aid to Gaza, and the release of an unspecified number of women and children held in Israeli prisons. Israel-Hamas Conflict: US President Joe Biden Says War Wont End Until Theres Two-State Solution. Significant attention from US officials, including President Joe Biden, has been directed towards these negotiations, with President Biden expressing cautious optimism during a news conference after his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Biden emphasised his deep involvement in the negotiations, stating that military involvement is not being considered, and his efforts are concentrated on facilitating the release of hostages and achieving a substantial pause in hostilities, according to The Washington Post. "I am mildly hopeful," President Biden said. In response to a question, he said he was not considering any US military involvement in rescuing the captives. Instead, Biden said he was "working on how I can be helpful in getting the hostages released and have a period of time where there's a pause long enough to let that happen." However, those familiar with the talks have cautioned that the current arrangement being discussed is delicate and could potentially fall apart, mirroring challenges faced in previous negotiations. Previous proposals outlined similar parameters but with varying numbers of hostages involved and conditions for their release. The current outline has only been agreed upon "in general terms," The Washington Post cited an anonymous Arab diplomat as saying. Israel-Hamas War: Israeli Government Rejects UNSCs Call for Extended Humanitarian Pauses in Gaza. Anticipation is high for a response from Israel, with expectations that a positive response would lead to swift action, while a rejection would necessitate a return to negotiations. The overarching hope is that an agreement on some aspects of the hostage release could pave the way for broader discussions about the release of all captives. Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and members of his war cabinet, have refrained from commenting on the potential hostage deal. Meanwhile, Netanyahu, speaking from a military post in southern Israel, said, "I've been talking with the people involved every single day. I believe it's going to happen." The situation in Gaza has become increasingly complex since the hostages were taken during Hamas's attack on October 7, resulting in substantial casualties. Complicating matters is the lack of direct communication between Israel, the United States, and Hamas, with negotiations conducted indirectly in Doha, Qatar. Despite challenges, progress was reportedly made during indirect talks between CIA Director William J Burns, Mossad Director David Barnea, and Hamas's political leaders in Doha, as reported by The Washington Post. The ongoing conflict in Gaza has garnered international attention, with the UN Security Council approving a resolution calling for urgent humanitarian pauses and the release of all hostages. The lack of media access to Gaza has limited outside observers' understanding of the situation, with reports suggesting that the conflict has led to a severe humanitarian crisis. The conflict has also seen attempts to encircle al-Shifa Hospital, the largest medical facility in Gaza, raising concerns about potential civilian casualties. Hamas has indicated challenges in determining the location and control of all hostages, some of whom may be held by Palestinian Islamic Jihad. As President Biden and US officials work towards securing a significant pause in hostilities and the release of hostages, the situation remains fluid, with the potential for developments in the coming days, The Washington Post reported. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Male [Maldives], November 17 (ANI): Union Minister Kiren Rijiju discussed the "multifaceted partnership" between India and Maldives, acknowledging the "tremendous progress" achieved in recent years under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and outgoing Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. Minister Rijiju landed in Maldives on Thursday to attend the swearing-in ceremony of President-elect Mohamed Muizzu. Also Read | Israel-Hamas Conflict: US President Joe Biden Says 'War Won't End Until There's Two-State Solution'. Following his arrival, Rijiju called on the outgoing Maldivian leader Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. "Privileged to call-on President H.E. @IbuSolih. Discussed #India-#Maldives multifaceted partnership which saw tremendous progress in the last few years under the leadership of Hon'ble PM @NarendraModi and HEP @ibusolih," posted Rijiju on social media platform X. Also Read | Israeli President Isaac Herzog Accuses Iran of Orchestrating October 7 Attacks To Derail India-Middle East- Europe Economic Corridor, Israel's Inclusion. The swearing-in ceremony of President-elect Mohamed Muizzu is going to be held in Male on November 17. Upon his arrival, the union minister was received by senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Maldives and the Office of the President-elect. "Minister of Earth Sciences of India, Kiren Rijiju arrived in the Maldives to attend the Presidential Inauguration 2023. The Minister was received by senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Office of the President-elect," posted the Maldives Ministry of Foreign Affairs on X. The Indian High Commission in Maldives said it is pleased to welcome Rijiju to Maldives to represent India at the inauguration ceremony. "Pleased to welcome H.E. Mr. @KirenRijiju, Minister of Earth Sciences @moesgoi India, to Maldives to represent India at the inauguration ceremony. Looking forward to constructive engagements over the next two days," as per the Indian High Commission in Maldives' official handle on 'X'. Rijiju will represent India at the oath-taking ceremony of Maldivian President-elect Mohamed Muizzu. Rijiju is on a two-day official visit to the island nation at the invitation of the President-elect of the Maldives, Mohamed Muizzu. The Maldives notably holds a significant position in the Prime Minister's vision of "SAGAR" (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and the "Neighbourhood First Policy," thus making it India's principal maritime neighbour in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). According to MEA, this high level of ministerial representation from India at the inaugural ceremony underscores India's commitment to further deepen substantive cooperation and robust people-to-people ties between the two countries. India had received an invitation for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the oath-taking ceremony of Maldives president-elect Mohamed Muizzu, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Thursday. Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) candidate Muizzu won the Maldivian presidential elections last month. 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 Solih's 39 per cent. PM Modi had also congratulated Muizzu on his victory. "Congratulations and greetings to @MMuizzu on being elected as President of the Maldives. India remains committed to strengthening the time-tested India-Maldives bilateral relationship and enhancing our overall cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region," PM Modi posted on scial media platform X. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Tallinn, Nov 17 (AP) More than 2,400 Ukrainian children aged 6-17 have been taken to Belarus from four regions of Ukraine that are partially occupied by Russian forces, a study by Yale University has found. The study, released on Thursday by the Humanitarian Research Lab of the Yale School of Public Health, which receives funding from the US State Department, found that Russia's systematic effort to identify, collect, transport, and re-educate Ukraine's children has been facilitated by Belarus," and is ultimately coordinated between Russia's President Vladimir Putin and Belarus' authoritarian leader Alexander Lukashenko. Also Read | Israel-Hamas War: UN Stops Delivery of Food and Supplies to Gaza As Communications Blackout Hinders Aid Coordination. "Belarus' direct involvement in Russia's forced deportation of children represents a collaboration" between the two, with various pro-Russia and pro-regime organizations facilitating the deportation of children from Ukraine, the research said. According to the study, at least 2,442 children, including those with disabilities, were taken to Belarus from 17 cities of the Donestk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions of Ukraine between Feb. 24, 2022 and Oct. 30, 2023. The effort has been described in great detail in the 40-page report. Also Read | Ukraine Horror: Mother Makes Video of Herself Beating Crying Toddler To Extort Maintenance Money From Ex-Husband. From the occupied Ukrainian regions, the children were taken to the Russian southern city of Rostov-on-Don, and then put on a train to Belarus. The transportation was funded by the Belarusian state, and state organizations were involved per Lukashenko's approval. A total of 2,050 of them were taken to the Dubrava children's centre in the Minsk region of Belarus, while the other 392 were brought to 13 other facilities across the country. There, the children were subjected to re-education and military training, including with Belarus' law enforcement and security services, the report said. It also named several key players involved in the effort, including Belarusian public figure Alyaksei Talai, Belarus' state-owned potash producer Belaruskali, the Belarusian Republican Youth Union, and pro-Russia ultranationalist motorcycle clubs. Ukrainian authorities have said that they're investigating the deportations as possible genocide. Ukraine's Prosecutor General said Belarus' role in forced deportations of more than 19,000 children from the occupied territories is also being investigated. Earlier this year, the International Criminal Court indicted Putin and his children's rights commissioner Maria Lvova-Belova for their alleged involvement in crimes connected to the deportation of children from Ukraine and issued arrest warrants for them. Belarusian opposition has been seeking a similar indictment for Lukashenko. Pavel Latushka, a former Belarusian minister turned opposition leader in exile, said he has handed evidence to the ICC implicating Belarus' president. Latushka told The Associated Press on Friday that the Yale report complements the data he and his team have gathered with additional horrible details and raises the question of international criminal prosecution of the main Belarusian criminals that organized unlawful transfer of Ukrainian children to Belarus." Democracy wins when there is accountability, and Lukashenko and his associates commit thousands of crimes against Belarusians and Ukrainians, Latushka said. The US State Department in a statement announcing the Yale report on Thursday said Washington will continue to pursue accountability for actors involved in abuses connected with Russia's war against Ukraine. (AP) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Validating your browser . . . Please turn JavaScript on and reload the page. Please enable cookies and reload the page. This may take up to 5 seconds Event ID: 93667660879604864314291390706890500950 Islamabad, Nov 17 (PTI) The Pakistan government on Friday filed an intra-court appeal in the Supreme Court against the apex court verdict nullifying the trial of civilians by the military courts. Attorney General Mansoor Awan filed the appeal a day after the Sindh caretaker government and Balochistan Shuhada Forum filed appeals against the five-member bench judgment of October 23, praying to set it aside. Also Read | Israel-Hamas War: UN Stops Delivery of Food and Supplies to Gaza As Communications Blackout Hinders Aid Coordination. The Supreme Court had on October 23 declared the trial of civilians in military courts as null and void and ordered authorities to conduct the hearing of the cases of former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Imran Khan's supporters arrested for their involvement in the May 9 violent protests in ordinary criminal courts. Pending the decision on Appeal the operation of the Impugned Order/Judgment may graciously be suspended. Any other relief that this Hon'ble Court deems fit and proper may also be granted, the federal government stated in the appeal. Also Read | Ukraine Horror: Mother Makes Video of Herself Beating Crying Toddler To Extort Maintenance Money From Ex-Husband. Separately, the provincial governments of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan as well as the Defence Ministry filed appeals against the judgment declaring as null and void the trial of civilians by the military courts. Earlier on November 13, the Senate adopted a resolution urging the apex court to reconsider its verdict that nullified the military trials of civilians arrested after May 9 violent demonstrations. Two days later, scores of senators from three major political parties in Pakistan staged a protest in the Senate against what they described as the hasty passage of the resolution and called for its immediate withdrawal. The government had identified over 100 civilians involved in attacks on military installations and handed them over to army authorities for trial under military regulations. The decision to use military courts was taken by the government of Shehbaz Sharif, who has since completed his term in August and handed over to a caretaker government to oversee the general elections to be held on February 8. However, the court ordered that their trial should be held under civil laws in ordinary courts, which was considered a setback for the government which was pushing for strict punishment for those involved in attacks on military buildings. Hundreds of Khan's supporters had stormed military and government installations, and even torched a general's house, following the former prime minister's brief arrest by the Punjab Rangers on May 9. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Jakarta [Indonesia], November 17 (ANI): Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held a meeting with his Timor-Leste counterpart Rear Admiral Donaciano Do Rosario da Costa Gomes in Jakarta on Friday and reaffirmed India's support for the development needs of the country. The two ministers also discussed potential areas for future collaboration, including the supply of made-in-India defence equipment, capacity building and training, according to the Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) press statement. Also Read | Israel-Hamas War: UN Stops Delivery of Food and Supplies to Gaza As Communications Blackout Hinders Aid Coordination. The Timorese counterpart welcomed India's decision to open an Embassy in Timor-Leste also known as East Timor and offered his Ministry's support. He also thanked Singh for India's support to Timor-Leste's efforts to become a full member of ASEAN. Taking to X, Singh shared about his meeting saying, "Was pleased to meet the Defence Minister of Timor-Leste, Rear Admiral Donaciano Do Rosario da Costa Gomes in Jakarta. We discussed potential areas for future collaboration including the supply of Made-in-India defence equipment, capacity building and training." Also Read | Ukraine Horror: Mother Makes Video of Herself Beating Crying Toddler To Extort Maintenance Money From Ex-Husband. Later, the Union Minister interacted with the members of the diverse and vibrant Indian community in Jakarta, including the leaders and members of various Indian organisations in the country and appreciated their deep-rooted and close connection with India, said the Ministry. He also highlighted India's achievements in past decade including Digital India, New Education Policy, Women empowerment, Jal Jeevan Abhiyaan, Rural road connectivity, Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana- Gramin etc. Singh also visited Shiva Temple at Pluit, Jakarta and offered prayers. Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is currently on a visit to Indonesia to attend the 10th ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) in Jakarta. Singh held bilateral meetings with his Indonesian and Vietnamese counterparts on the sidelines of the 10th ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting - Plus (ADMM-Plus) on November 16. Singh, during his visit, also met with Secretary General of ASEAN Kao Kim Hourn on the sidelines of the 10th ADMM-Plus. "While reiterating India's continued support to ASEAN Centrality, Rajnath Singh appreciated ASEAN Member States' enthusiastic participation in India-ASEAN activities, including the 1st ASEAN-India Informal Defence Ministers' Meeting, the maiden ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise, India's Initiatives for Women in UN Peacekeeping Operations and the Marine Plastic Pollution Response," according to the statement. Meanwhile, Defence Minister Singh appreciated the ASEAN Secretariat's excellent support in the implementation of ASEAN-India projects.They exchanged views on ways and means to further enhance ASEAN-India cooperation in view of advancing the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Raipur, November 17: A voter turnout of 19.65 per cent was recorded till 11 am in 70 assembly constituencies for the second phase of the Chhattisgarh elections that began on Friday under a thick security blanket of police and paramilitary personnel, a poll official said. Polling in 70 constituencies began at 8 am and will conclude at 5 pm, except in nine polling booths in the Naxal-affected Bindranawagarh seat in Gariaband district, where voting began at 7 for security reasons, a poll official said. The booths in Bindranawagarh where voting will be held from 7 am to 3 pm are Kamarbhaudi, Amamora, Odh, Bade Gobra, Ganwargaon, Gariba, Nagesh, Sahbinkachhar and Kodomali. Chhattisgarh Assembly Election 2023 Second Phase Polling: Nearly 6% Voter Turnout Recorded in 70 Constituencies Till 9 AM. Till 11 am, 19.65 per cent turnout was recorded in 70 constituencies, he said. State ministers Ravindra Choubey (Saja seat), Anila Bhedia (Dondilohara) and Jai Singh Agrawal (Korba) and state assembly speaker Charan Das Mahant (Sakti), who are Congress candidates from their respective segments, were among those who cast their votes early. State BJP chief and MP Arun Sao, who is the party candidate from Lormi seat, voted in Bilaspur segment. State's Chief Electoral Officer Reena Baba Saheb Kangale also cast her vote at a polling booth in Dharampura in the capital. Meanwhile, residents of Thenthaguddi village in Raigarh district have not turned up to the polling booth. They have decided to boycott voting alleging that no road has been constructed in their village. Chhattisgarh Assembly Election 2023: Voting Begins for Second Phase of Vidhan Sabha Polls, Over 950 Candidates in Fray. Sonu Pradhan, a resident of the village, told reporters, There are more than 330 voters in the village and everyone has decided not to exercise their franchise. We have already said that till our demand for the construction of a road in the village is not fulfilled we will not take part in the electoral process. The second phase of polls will decide the electoral fate of political heavyweights like Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, his deputy TS Singh Deo, eight state ministers, and four members of Parliament. The first phase was conducted on November 7. Votes will be counted on December 3. The North Dakota Ethics Commission will meet this month to discuss potential rules for government officials to follow when spending money on out-of-state travel. Ethics Commission Executive Director Rebecca Binstock told The Forum that the board plans to discuss rules for out-of-state travel that would apply to elected and appointed officials at their Nov. 29 meeting at 9 a.m. Commissioners will look at what other states do, as well as what North Dakota law currently says about the matter. An agenda will be posted later this month, she said. We may look at all travel, she said. The effort to create rules for officials to follow stemmed from an opinion sought by the North Dakota Soybean Growers Association in May. The North Dakota Soybean Council wanted to invite farmer legislators to attend an educational tour in Portland, Oregon. The trip raised questions about whether ethics rules applied to out-of-state travel paid for by an organization or with taxpayer money. Lobbyists are not allowed to give gifts to public officials, and officials cannot accept gifts from lobbyists. The North Dakota Soybean Council is a state agency and not a lobbyist group, according to the opinion published in August. The Ethics Commission determined the trip would not be used to lobby legislators. Therefore, paying travel expenses for lawmakers attending the out-of-state event would not be prohibited by North Dakotas gift rules, the opinion said. However, the ruling raised questions about government officials using state dollars, lobbyist funds and grants from sources outside of taxpayer money, Binstock said. The meeting also will come amid questions about lawmakers using state funds to travel abroad. Former Sen. Ray Holmberg, R-Grand Forks, used taxpayer money to travel to Prague in the Czech Republic at least three times in the 2010s, including a June 2011 trip that fell into the timeframe laid out in a federal indictment alleging Holmberg traveled to Prague to have sex with a minor. The indictment also alleged he received or attempted to receive child porn. Holmberg has pleaded not guilty to the charges. The Ethics Commission will accept public comment on potential rules for spending money on out-of-state travel. They can be submitted by emailing to ethicscommission@nd.gov or by calling 701-328-5325. The state Ethics Commission was formed after voters approved an initiated measure in 2018 that called for its creation. It can adopt rules related to government transparency, corruption, elections or lobbyists. The commission only can review an issue if a complaint is submitted, Binstock said. For information on how to submit a complaint, go to www.ethicscommission.nd.gov. Bhopal, November 17: A corporator was allegedly killed during a clash between the BJP and Congress supporters in the early hours of Friday ahead of voting in Madhya Pradeshs Chhatarpur district, said police on Friday. The deceased, identified as Salman Khan, a resident of Manzoor Nagar village of Khajuraho, was run over by vehicles purportedly associated with BJP candidate Arvind Pateria and his supporters. At the time of incident, the victim was accompanied by Congress candidate from Chhatarpur seat, Vikram Singh Natiraja. As per a report, the incident took place in the Rajnagar Assembly constituency around 2 a.m. As per the police, initial investigation revealed a confrontation between two groups that started after a dispute over giving passage during their respective campaigns. Madhya Pradesh Assembly Election 2023: Voting Begins in All 230 Seats, BJP, Congress Contend for Power in High-Stakes Battle (Watch Video). The verbal altercation between the supporters of Congress candidate Natiraja and those allied with BJP candidate Arvind Pateria took a violent turn when one group allegedly used multiple vehicles to run over the Congress worker, resulting in his death. Allegations have surfaced that the assailants specifically targeted Natiraja and Khan, initiating an attack by deliberately ramming a vehicle into them and subsequently firing gunshots in air. This assault not only claimed the life of Salman Khan but also left Congress candidate Vikram Singh Natiraja traumatised. Assembly Elections 2023: Madhya Pradesh Records 27.62% Polling, Chhattisgarh Sees 19.65% Turnout Till 11 AM, Says EC. Similarly, a man was injured in a gun firing at a polling booth in Dhimni Assembly seat of Morena district while the polling was underway on Friday morning. Union Minister Narnedra Singh Tomar is contesting the election from Dhimni against Congress Ravindra Tomar. In another incident in Harda district, a person reportedly died of electrocution at a polling booth. While in Indores Mhow Assembly seat, BJP workers attacked Congress supporters with swords. Similarly, in Chhindwara, the BJP workers created a ruckus when MPCC president Kamal Naths son and Chhindwara MP Nakul Nath went for an inspection at a polling booth on Friday. The BJP workers allegedly tried to stop Nakul Nath from entering the polling booth, however, the situation was normalised with intervention of security forces deployed at the polling booth. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 17, 2023 01:10 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). Guwahati/Imphal, November 17: National Human Rights Commission Chairperson Justice Arun Kumar Mishra (retd) on Friday said that the panel has asked Manipur government to pay compensation in pending cases of those who lost their lives within four weeks and compensation for reconstruction of houses within six weeks. After a two day camp sitting of NHRC in Guwahati, Mishra said that the Commission has heard the Manipur cases. Issues of highway blockade, and a road map from the government to restore normality were discussed, he told the media and said for 93 persons, who have died in various incidents in Manipur an ex gratia of Rs 10 lakh paid already to the next of kin. "The state government has said that about 180 persons have died, and we have asked that in those cases where compensations are pending, the government needs to pay within the next four week. Compensation for reconstruction of houses must be paid within six weeks." NHRC held a National Conference on 'Advancing Human Rights through Local Self Governments in Guwahati on Thursday to sensitise local self-governments on various aspects of human rights. Mishra also shared his concern over the ethnic conflict in Manipur, which has contributed to social and political tensions in the region. Manipur Violence: 175 Killed, 1108 Injured and 32 Missing in Span of Four Months Thge NHRC earlier stated that it received Action Taken Reports (ATRs) in many cases from the Manipur government in response to its notices in various cases relating to incidents of violence since May 3. It has stated that many steps have been taken relating to the incidents of violence in the state, including reinforcement in the law and order machinery and security, setting of relief camps and a peace committee, relaxing curfew, reinstating internet and banking services in a measured manner, announcing ex-gratia for the families of the dead, compensation packages for the injured, and rebuilding of damaged houses. It has also been informed that the Centre has constituted a Commission of enquiry to arrive at the causes of the conflict and that six FIRs have been transferred to the CBI for investigation independently. The NHRC had registered 18 cases related to human rights violations in connection with the incidents of violence in Manipur after the ethnic strife broke out over six months ago. In its camp sitting in Guwahati, it heard 56 cases in the presence of officers concerned of several northeastern states and the complainants. Manipur Violence: Life Cripples in Churachandpur District After Tribal Body Calls Indefinite Shutdown in Protest Against Arrest of Four Kuki-Zo People The cases include human rights violation cases in Manipur. With the intervention of the Commission, Rs 3.55 crore relief was paid or in the process of being paid to the victims of the different northeastern states. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 17, 2023 10:16 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). Validating your browser . . . Please turn JavaScript on and reload the page. Please enable cookies and reload the page. This may take up to 5 seconds Event ID: 182408113082983852433027201174834177105 Varanasi, November 17: In a major development, the Varanasi Police Commissionerate has busted a criminal gang allegedly involved in coercing teenage girls and women into donating their eggs for financial gain. Four persons -- including Anmol Jaiswal, 29, from Sonbhadra; Anita Devi, 34, from Khojawan in Varanasi; and the couple Seema Devi, 30, and Ashish Kumar, 35, from Jaitpura, Varanasi -- have been arrested so far. The arrests were made on Thursday after a complaint was filed on October 29 by a woman who alleged that her daughter, under the influence of Seema Devi, had been made to donate eggs at an IVF centre in Varanasi in exchange for a promised amount of Rs 30,000. However, the victim received only Rs 11,500. Uttar Pradesh Shocker: Four Arrested Video of Them Misbehaving With Women Tourists and Thrashing Their Family in Agra Restaurant Goes Viral. A thorough investigation led to the registration of a case against the accused under various sections of the IPC, including kidnapping, cheating, forgery, exploitation of a trafficked person, as well as sections of the Aadhaar Card Act (2016) and the Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Act (2021). Assistant commissioner of police, Kotwali, Amit Kumar Pandey, directed the women police station to handle the inquiry. Inspector Nikita Singh, heading the Women Police Station, discovered that Seema and her husband had coerced a 17-year-old girl into donating eggs by promising her Rs 30,000. To disguise her age, Anmol Jaiswal fraudulently altered the girls Aadhaar card, while Seema and Ashish dressed her as a married woman to avoid suspicion during the visit to the IVF centre. Uttar Pradesh Shocker: 24-Year-Old Man Arrested in Ballia on Charges of Abduction, Rape of 19-Year-Old Woman. Further probe uncovered the involvement of three additional individuals, leading to the arrest of all four accused. Deputy Commissioner of Police, Kashi Zone, RS Gautam, said that the gang targeted economically weaker teenage girls, luring them with promises of money for egg donation. Subsequently, the gang produced fake documents and took the victims to a prominent IVF centre in the city, where they donated eggs that were later sold to childless couples at exorbitant prices. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 17, 2023 09:39 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). Validating your browser . . . Please turn JavaScript on and reload the page. Please enable cookies and reload the page. This may take up to 5 seconds Event ID: 39465486643131294517747380808037009739 Validating your browser . . . Please turn JavaScript on and reload the page. Please enable cookies and reload the page. This may take up to 5 seconds Event ID: 140959527084095079003597284369125506145 Validating your browser . . . Please turn JavaScript on and reload the page. Please enable cookies and reload the page. This may take up to 5 seconds Event ID: 98382709401903066377480274955517373333 Jerusalem, November 17: Israeli forces have continued to comb Gaza's largest hospital, Al-Shifa, expanding their searches for hostages and militant activity to other hospitals in the area, while all communications have collapsed across the besieged enclave due to the depletion of fuel. During the searches on Thursday, "an underground tunnel shaft has been found beneath the hospital", Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesman Daniel Hagari said in a press briefing on Thursday night. He said a vehicle with "many ammunition" was also found below the medical centre, reports Xinhua news agency. Beneath the Rantisi Hospital, "a complex web of tunnels was found". "This is a combat area, where our forces are still fighting (with militants,)" said Hagari, adding that "many weapons" were also found at the Al-Quds Hospital. Israel-Palestine War: Hamas Terrorist Tunnel Uncovered in Al-Shifa Hospital Complex in Gaza, Says IDF (Watch Video). At the briefing, he presented photos showing automatic weapons, hand grenades and rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs). Earlier, the army announced that the remains of Yehudit Weiss, an Israeli woman who was abducted by Hamas militants on October 7, were extracted by IDF troops from "a structure adjacent to the Al-Shifa Hospital". The body was transferred to Israeli territory. It was the second time that Israeli forces raided Al-Shifa Hospital. On Wednesday, the army released photos of some automatic weapons, RPGs and hand grenades that they said were found in the building but have not provided evidence for a central Hamas military headquarters, which Israel repeatedly claims is concealed below the medical compound. Al-Shifa's Director Muhammad Abu Salamiya told Al Jazeera TV news that snipers surrounding the hospital had prevented medical staff from moving between the buildings. Troops stormed the hospital's departments, where there were more than 650 inpatients, 500 medical personnel, and 5,000 displaced people seeking shelter. Hamas and Israel Nearing Agreement on Release of Hostages, Palestinian Detainees Held in Israeli Jails and for Halt in Fighting: Report. At least four patients who urgently needed dialysis were in "a critical condition" due to the damage to medical services. Gaza is in desperate need of medical supply as Israel cut off the enclave from electricity, water, food and fuel. The Hamas-controlled enclave's main telecom provider Paltel announced on social media platform X a total blackout, including all internet and telephone services, after "all energy sources sustaining the network have been depleted, and fuel was not allowed in". Also on Thursday, Hamas's armed wing al-Qassam brigades claimed responsibility for a deadly shooting attack in the morning at a checkpoint between Jerusalem and the West Bank. Three gunmen opened fire at Israeli security forces, killing an armed police officer and wounding five others, before being shot dead by other forces, Israeli police said. The police found in their vehicle two automatic rifles, two guns, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, 10 magazines, and two axes. The IDF said Israeli warplanes on Thursday struck the residence of Hamas politburo head Ismail Haniyeh that was allegedly used as "terrorist infrastructure" and often served as a meeting place for Hamas' senior leaders. The Israeli forces also took over the Al-Shati refugee camp and Gaza's harbour, the military said. Meanwhile, the Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS) said on Thursday it was unable to respond to hundreds of calls to help and evacuate the wounded or those trapped under the rubble, while people fleeing from the northern strip are reporting the presence of dead bodies in the streets. The PRCS also said that the Israeli army imposed a siege on the Al-Ahli Arab Hospital using tanks and military vehicles, preventing ambulance teams from reaching the wounded. According to the Red Crescent, the hospital is the only one still operating in Gaza City and its northern areas. As of Friday morning, the death toll in Gaza stood at 11,078, of whom 4,506 were said to be children and 3,027 women. In Israel, more than 1,200 people have died, while the fatality toll in the West Bank has increased to 198. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 17, 2023 11:55 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). On 16 November Guatemalas attorney generals office (AG), which is headed up by US-sanctionedpresented a request to strip president-electof his immunity from prosecution. End of preview - This article contains approximately 616 words. Subscribers: Log in now to read the full article Not a Subscriber? Choose from one of the following options The House Ethics Committee has now released the results of its investigation into New York Republican Rep. George Santos and found that he used campaign funds for personal use. These include using it for items like Botox treatments and lavish trips to Atlantic City, New Jersey with his husband. The investigation into Santos was a bipartisan effort as the embattled New York congressman has his own critics in the Republican Party, especially his fellow New York Republicans. The bipartisan effort found "substantial evidence" that George Santos violated federal criminal laws, which could mean that it may trigger another attempt to expel him from the House, likely from other New York Republicans. The report did not just show that Santos used campaign funds to pay for his lavish lifestyle but also his efforts to obscure his money trail while trying to build a "fictional" financial narrative on official records, per Politico. "At nearly every opportunity, he placed his desire for private gain above his duty to uphold the Constitution, federal law, and ethical principles," the bipartisan Ethics Committee report found. "Santos sought to fraudulently exploit every aspect of his House candidacy for his own personal financial profit." However, the House Ethics Committee stopped short of recommending any sanctions against the embattled New York Republican. Ethics Chair Michael Guest, a Mississippi Republican, did admit that evaluating and recommending sanctions "would have taken several more months." The report was unanimously adopted by all members of the panel, who publicly condemned George Santos's actions and found that his conduct was "beneath the dignity of the office and to have brought severe discredit upon the House." What Did New York Republican Rep. George Santos Use Campaign Funds On? Travel took up the most significant portion of George Santos's expenses using funds donated by supporters for his campaign. These included flights, Uber, and meals. The committee found that these trips did not have any political or campaign purpose. READ MORE: Marjorie Taylor Greene Calling Lauren Boebert a Wh*re to Other Republicans According to CNN, one witness told the panel that Santos traveled at least once a month and added that they were "worried about the look of the campaign spending all this money on ... all these dinners and travel outside of the district." These trips included a Las Vegas trip that was charged to the campaign credit card, as well as a trip to Atlantic City worth $2,281.52. Another staffer told the Ethics Committee that Santos also spent thousands of dollars of campaign money for spa, cosmetic services, and "smaller purchases" at Only Fans, Sephora, meals, and parking. He also spent $4,127.80 at Hermes and thousands of donor dollars in Botox. George Santos Says He Will Not Seek Re-Election Anymore After House Ethics Committee Findings Shortly after the report came out, George Santos reacted to it on X and announced he would not seek re-election anymore. However, he still tried to remain defiant and denounced the investigation, calling it a "biased report." "It is a disgusting politicized smear that shows the depths of how low our federal government has sunk. Everyone who participated in this grave miscarriage of Justice should all be ashamed of themselves," he wrote on the site formerly known as Twitter. "I will however NOT be seeking re-election for a second term in 2024 as my family deserves better than to be under the gun from the press all the time." READ MORE: George Santos Denies Being a Drag Queen in Brazil This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Rick Martin WATCH: Breaking down the scathing George Santos ethics report - CBS News An attorney for a citizen group fighting to save the Bismarck-Mandan Rail Bridge over the Missouri River argued before the North Dakota Supreme Court on Thursday that a state agency didn't follow the law in issuing permits allowing the structure's replacement. An attorney for the state argued that the Friends of the Rail Bridge nonprofit didn't follow the proper process to challenge the permits. FORB is challenging a state district judge's ruling in June that upheld a decision by the state Department of Water Resources in April to grant BNSF Railway two sovereign lands permits -- the final hurdle the railroad needed to clear to launch construction of a modern bridge it says is needed for safety and commerce, and raze the current structure once the project is done. Sovereign lands of North Dakota are defined as areas lying within the ordinary high-water marks of navigable lakes and streams. FORB believes the state owns not just the riverbed but also any permanent fixtures that were attached at the time of statehood, which would include the rail bridge. The group cites the Public Trust and Equal Footing doctrines, which include in part the principle that the government owns and protects certain natural resources for public use. FORB attorney Bill Delmore told justices that Water Resources did not get necessary approval from the State Historical Board before issuing the permits. The group maintains that two State Historical Society directors have deemed the bridge to be a historical resource. "They did not follow the law," Delmore said of Water Resources, telling justices later that If you dont think the agency followed the law ... remand it to the agency for full review." The State Historical Board during a March meeting discussed whether it had the authority to block destruction of the bridge under state law. Attorney General Drew Wrigley informed the group that it did not have that authority, since the bridge is privately owned. BNSF also maintains it holds clear title to the bridge. FORB in a related action had earlier asked the Supreme Court to decide the matter of bridge ownership, but justices in September declined. BNSF attorney Evan Nelson on Thursday told justices that the matter before the high court comes down to just one issue -- "whether the district court was correct in dismissing this appeal." South Central District Judge Jackson Lofgren in June dismissed the appeal on technical grounds without ruling on any of its claims. Lofgren noted in his opinion that under state law someone "aggrieved by an action or decision" of Water Resources must request a hearing before the department within 30 days. The law says that only after a hearing is held or denied can the matter be appealed to district court. FORB maintained that a December 2022 letter it sent the department requesting a hearing on the then-proposed permits, along with public gatherings that were held by the state in February and March, fulfilled that requirement. FORB maintains the gatherings were hearings, while the state maintains they were meetings held to gather public input. Lofgren noted that FORB's letter and the public gatherings occurred before the department's decision to grant the permits -- not after the alleged aggrieving action or decision. "As such, no adjudicative hearing was ever held in this matter," the judge said. FORB has maintained that asking for a hearing after the permits were issued would have been tantamount to wiping out the comments from the two hearings and hundreds of pages of comments submitted to Water Resources, and starting over. Delmore on Thursday again maintained that the two public gatherings were the actual hearings regarding the permit, and that FORB does not have standing for an adjudicative hearing as it was not an aggrieved party, but rather representing the public. Assistant Attorney General Erik Wallevand, representing Water Resources, told justices that FORB failed to exhaust its administrative remedies before turning to the courts, as is required by law. "FORB did not follow this clear process set out in statute, and made a conscious decision not to request an appeal" to Water Resources, he said. Justices will rule later. The bridge was built in 1883, with the spans replaced in 1905. BNSF has already started building a new bridge just to the north of it, with plans to have it operating in late summer 2026. The current bridge will then be dismantled, a process expected to take about a year. FORB has said it does not oppose a new bridge -- it wants to see the existing one turned into a pedestrian bridge tourist attraction. A 2019 feasibility study conducted by North Dakota State University estimated the cost to do that at just under $7 million. FORB has said it has not raised any money for that purpose. Delmore at times on Thursday turned from legal arguments to historical ones, touting the bridge's place in history and its role in helping open the West. President Cleveland went across it, a young Teddy Roosevelt went across it, and surprisingly Sitting Bull went across it on its first trip. That is clearly something which is iconic, he said. A California college professor, Loay Abdelfattah Alnaji, has found himself amid a criminal investigation after the death of a 69-year-old Jewish man, Paul Kessler, during simultaneous pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian demonstrations on November 5, according to Fox News. Alnaji, 50, faces serious charges, including involuntary manslaughter and battery causing great bodily injury, both carrying "special allegations that Alnaji personally inflicted great bodily injury," said the press release from the Ventura County Sheriff's Department. The incident unfolded during heated demonstrations, showcasing the complex and emotionally charged nature of the Israel-Palestine conflict even on American soil. Kessler, a pro-Israel demonstrator, tragically lost his life, allegedly after a physical altercation involving Alnaji. He fell backward, striking his head on the concrete, leading to fatal brain hemorrhaging. Kessler passed away on November 6, a day after the protest. Details surrounding the incident remain somewhat veiled, as the Ventura County Sheriff's Department has been cautious with releasing information. "We're not providing any additional information at this moment in time; however, there will be additional information released later today," said Sgt. Rob Yoos when contacted by Fox News Digital. The investigators claim that Alnaji, who serves as a computer science professor at Moorpark College, was responsible for causing Kessler to fall and injure his head. The nature of the physical altercation and the events leading up to it have not been fully disclosed. The district attorney has not yet explained the evidence supporting the charges, promising more information in a news conference scheduled for Friday. READ NEXT: Illinois Man Fatally Stabs Palestinian American Boy, Faces Hate Crime Charges Jewish Man's Death The incident occurred during a protest that was advertised as a peaceful gathering to support Palestinians, AP reports. Kessler, among a group of pro-Israel demonstrators, met a tragic end, raising questions about the escalation of tensions and violence within the context of these demonstrations. Sheriff Jim Fryhoff previously mentioned on November 7 that Kessler fell backward and hit his head on the ground, but video footage did not offer a clear view of the altercation preceding the fall. The investigators appealed to the public for additional footage to shed light on the events leading to Kessler's death. At the time, the possibility of a hate crime had not been ruled out, and the sheriff emphasized the challenges faced due to conflicting witness accounts from both sides. The arrest of Alnaji indicates a significant development in the case, but questions remain regarding the evidence that prompted the charges. The autopsy results revealed that Kessler suffered non-lethal injuries on the left side of his face and injuries to the back of his head consistent with a fall, CNN noted. Dr. Christopher Young, the chief medical examiner for Ventura County, stated that Kessler's injuries were "consistent with and typical of injuries sustained from a fall." The cause of death was determined to be blunt force head trauma, classified as a homicide, a medical term indicating that the death occurred at the hands of another person. The California College Professor In response to the incident, Moorpark College placed Alnaji on administrative leave, and the Ventura County Community College District issued a statement emphasizing their commitment to cooperating fully with law enforcement, per KTLA 5. "VCCCD remains committed to cooperating fully with law enforcement as they continue their investigation. We will also ensure that our college communities have access to the necessary support and resources during this challenging period," the statement said. The California college professor's bail has been set at $1 million by the Ventura County Sheriff's Office. As for legal representation, it remains unclear whether Alnaji has secured legal counsel at this time. The incident occurred against the backdrop of numerous protests across the United States, either supporting Israel or expressing opposition to its retaliation for the October 7 Hamas attacks, which claimed more than 1,200 lives. READ MORE: Joe Biden Urges Israel to Implement Humanitarian Pause This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Bert Hoover WATCH: Jewish man dies after confrontation with pro-Palestinian protesters in California - From ABC 7 Chicago An Allentown man faces charges in a stabbing inside Wind Creek Bethlehems parking garage that left the victim bleeding profusely, police said. Bethlehem police were called about 3:35 p.m. Wednesday for the report of a male victim with multiple stab wounds on the garages seventh floor, according to court records. Police applied a tourniquet to the victim, and he was taken to St. Lukes University Hospital in Fountain Hill and admitted, the records state. Investigators stopped a silver Chrysler van in the vicinity of the incident, with two male occupants and a visible amount of blood in the rear passenger seat of the vehicle, according to police. The victim told police a man who brought him to the casino told him to get out of the van and, when he declined, the man pulled out a knife and stabbed the victim, police said. The description of the assailant matched that of the suspect, 50-year-old Diosadado Melendez, police said. The other occupant of the van corroborated that a physical altercation took place between the suspect and the victim, and police said this other occupant did not fit the description of the assailant provided by the victim. Surveillance video from the casino shows the victim and other two van occupants arrived together. Upon returning to the van about 3:30 p.m., the video shows the victim getting into the back seat, the suspect exiting the drivers seat and proceeding to the rear passenger seat, then after a short period re-entering the drivers seat and pulling away, police said. The victim is then seen on video staggering, with blood trails located by police matching the path of the victim after the van drove off, court records say. Melendez was arraigned Wednesday night before District Judge Sandra McClure on felony counts of aggravated assault, in addition to misdemeanor possession of an instrument of crime, simple assault and reckless endangerment. The suspect was sent to Northampton County Prison in lieu of $150,000 bail and faces a preliminary hearing tentatively scheduled Nov. 29 to determine if there is sufficient evidence to send the charges toward trial in the Northampton County Court of Common Pleas. Court records were not immediately updated with an attorney for Melendez. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts students held a full-dress rehearsal Thursday for their annual Dance Soup concert. This year the Southside Bethlehem school celebrates its 20th anniversary putting on their Dance Soup show. The concert showcases students skills and talents learned from their improvisation and dance compositions classes. We give them a lot of freedom for this concert to really explore the whole world of dance, and they really get the chance to express their individual voice and specialties, said the schools artistic director of dance, Jennifer Weaver. The audience will enjoy a mix of 26 solo and group performances from various genres of dance including modern, jazz, hip-hop, Afro-contemporary dance, and ballet with wide-ranging music selections and themes that will keep them fully engaged, she said. Interested in checking out the show? Public performances are scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 17-18, with a matinee show set for 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18. All shows will be held in the Charter Arts Main Theater, at Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts, 321 E. Third St. in Bethlehem. Check out the gallery below from Thursdays dress rehearsal. 50 1 / 50 2023 Dance Soup dress rehearsal Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Saed Hindash may be reached at shindash@lehighvalleylive.com. Calling it a victory for free speech and religious liberty, the American Civil Liberties Union announced Thursday a Lehigh Valley school district settled a federal lawsuit over the After School Satan Club. The club organizer, the Satanic Temple Inc., sued the Saucon Valley School District, alleging district officials had improperly blocked the club from meeting in school facilities. A federal judge in May had granted a preliminary injunction request that cleared the way for the club to meet at the districts middle school. That ruling indicated the district had likely violated the First Amendment when it prevented students and families from gathering on school grounds in connection with the club, according to the ACLU of Pennsylvania. Under the settlement approved Thursday by the school district, the district must give The Satanic Temple and After School Satan Club the same access to school facilities that other comparable organizations receive, according to the ACLU. The agreement also prohibits the district from retaliating against the club, its parent organization, and its volunteers and members based on their viewpoint or the exercise of their First Amendment rights, the ACLU said in a news release. The district also agreed to pay $200,000 in attorneys fees and costs to The Satanic Club attorneys, according to the release. We are pleased that this matter has been resolved and that the school district has agreed to stop all discrimination against us, June Everett, director of The Satanic Temples After School Satan Club programming, states in the release. Thanks to the courts order, we were able to hold ASSC meetings at the Saucon Valley Middle School, and the kids who attended were overjoyed. Its for them that we took on this legal fight in the first place, Everett added, and we wont hesitate to do so again if other school districts continue to enact discriminatory policies. The Saucon Valley School District maintained it believes the club violated school board policy governing the use of district facilities when it applied in February for permission for the club to meet. Saucon Valley allows non-school organizations to use its facilities after school, including the Good News Club, a Christian organization. District policy and a U.S. Supreme Court ruling dictate that if the district allows one outside organization to use its facilities, it must open up the schools to every outside organization. District officials alleged social media advertising about the After School Satan Clubs startup in search of members claimed the district was hosting the club, in violation of district policy. The district rescinded the clubs approval after what Vlasaty called chaos that included an anonymous threatening voicemail left with the district that forced the shutdown of all district campuses and after-school activities one Tuesday evening in February and cancellation of classes and activities the following day. Authorities quickly charged a North Carolina man for allegedly threatening to come in there and shoot everybody after voicing displeasure with the district for permitting the club to meet on school property. Saucon Valley schools Solicitor Mark Fitzgerald in a statement Thursday night said: This afternoon, the District resolved litigation brought by The Satanic Temple Inc. and the After School Satan Club. The District denies that it discriminated against the TST, the ASSC, or the approximately four students who attended ASSCs three meetings last spring. As always, the Districts priorities are the education of its students and the safety of its students and staff. By enforcing its policies regarding the use of facilities, the District maintained a safe educational environment for its students in the face of credible threats of violence that had already caused closure of the schools and panic in the community. The Districts agreement to pay a portion of TSTs attorneys fees and costs, which included the work of three attorneys from the ACLU and two attorneys from Dechert LLP, will be paid by the Districts insurance coverage as opposed to the taxpayers of Saucon Valley. The District is pleased that this matter has resolved and that all organizations will be following the Districts Facilities Use Policy in the future. The Satanic Temple promotes freedom, science, justice and even compassion, Everett has said. It does not promote devil worshipping or a supernatural Satan, just the ideals that Satan stood for, which include opposition to tyranny and individual rights, she said previously. We are pleased that the district is providing the ASSC equal access to school facilities in accordance with the courts decision and has agreed to settle the case, stated Sara Rose, deputy legal director of the ACLU of Pennsylvania, which represented The Satanic Temple along with the national ACLU and Dechert LLP. As the court recognized, when a public school opens up its facilities to community use, it cannot discriminate based on religious beliefs or other viewpoints. This settlement sends a powerful reminder to all school districts that the First Amendment protects the viewpoints and beliefs of all people and faiths, and we will take action when they forget or ignore this lesson. Editors note: This article was updated with a statement from the Saucon Valley School District solicitor. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Workers at more than 200 U.S. Starbucks locations walked off the job Thursday in what organizers said was the largest strike yet in the 2-year-old effort to unionize the companys stores. The Workers United union chose Starbucks annual Red Cup Day to stage the walkout since its usually one of the busiest days of the year. Starbucks expects to give away thousands of reusable cups Thursday to customers who order holiday drinks. The union said it was expecting more than 5,000 workers to take part in its Red Cup Rebellion. Workers were expected to picket for part of the day and visit non-union stores the rest of the day, the union said. Around 30 stores also staged walkouts on Wednesday. Juniper Schweitzer, who has worked for Starbucks for 16 years, said she loves the company and its ideals but believes its not living up to them. They have promised the world to us and they have not delivered, said Schweitzer, who was picketing outside her Chicago store on Thursday. Frequent promotions like Red Cup Day or buy-one-get-one-free offers put added stress on workers, who she said have no ability to switch off mobile orders or otherwise control the workflow. I mean, you can imagine the Starbucks orders. Decaf grande non-fat, three-and-a-half Splenda mocha with no whip. Multiply that by 100 and you have just drink, drink, drink, drink, drink, drink, drink, she said. We just have basically an infinite amount of drinks and were understaffed and were underpaid and were sick of it. Edwin Palmasolis, a Starbucks employee for more than two years, joined the picket line Thursday in front of his New York store. His store voted to unionize last year, but so far Starbucks and the union havent started bargaining. He thinks a contract would help improve working conditions at his busy Manhattan store. Its been more of a downgrade than an uphill for us. Its been exhausting trying to deal with their retaliation and not much of a change has been made in the past year, he said. Thursdays strike was the fifth major labor action by Starbucks workers since a store in Buffalo, New York, became the first to unionize in late 2021. Workers at 110 stores walked out last year on Red Cup Day; most recently, a strike in June protested reports that Starbucks had removed Pride displays from its stores, with workers at Starbucks in Lower Nazareth Township joining the fight. But the strikes have had little impact on Starbucks sales. For its 2023 fiscal year, which ended Oct. 1, Starbucks reported its revenue rose 12% to a record $36.0 billion. Starbucks said Thursday that many of the stores with striking workers remained open, staffed by supervisors, managers and employees who chose not to strike or visited from nearby stores to pick up additional hours. We have nearly 10,000 stores open right now delighting our customers with the joy of Red Cup Day, the company said. At least 363 company-operated Starbucks stores in 41 states have voted to unionize since late 2021. The Starbucks effort was at the leading edge of a period of labor activism that has also seen strikes by Amazon workers, auto workers and Hollywood writers and actors. At least 457,000 workers have participated in 315 strikes in the U.S. just this year, according to Johnnie Kallas, a Ph.D. candidate and the project director of Cornell Universitys Labor Action Tracker. Starbucks opposes the unionization effort and has yet to reach a labor agreement with any of the stores that have voted to unionize. The process has been contentious; regional offices with the National Labor Relations Board have issued 111 complaints against Starbucks for unfair labor practices, including refusal to bargain. Starbucks says Workers United is refusing to schedule bargaining sessions. Starbucks noted that it has started bargaining with the Teamsters union, which organized a Starbucks store outside of Pittsburgh in June 2022. But the two sides have not reached a labor agreement. An employee answering the phone at the store Thursday said it wasnt participating in the strike. Relations between Starbucks and Workers United have grown increasingly tense. Last month, Starbucks sued Workers United, saying a pro-Palestinian post on a union account damaged its reputation and demanding that the union stop using the name Starbucks Workers United. Workers United responded with its own lawsuit, saying Starbucks defamed the union by suggesting it supports terrorism and violence. But on Thursday, most strikers were focused on work issues and pay. Moonie Atchley, who works as a mixologist at a Starbucks store in the companys hometown of Seattle, was picketing outside a non-union store near Pike Place Market, where the first Starbucks opened in 1971. Atchley said she often struggles to pay her rent and buy food on her Starbucks paycheck, even though she lives outside the city. The union is fighting for a better Starbucks. We want the best for this company, she said. By DEE-ANN DURBIN Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Authorities say the operator of a Moore Township animal rescue and an assistant were negligent in their care of two Australian shepherd-type puppies, which led to the deaths of the animals. Pibbles Paws Safe Haven operator Stacey Elizabeth Kellner, 53, of Hellertown, is charged with two counts of felony aggravated cruelty to animals and one count of misdemeanor cruelty to animals. Her co-defendant, Virginia J. Harwood, no age provided, of Heidelberg Township, is charged with two counts of felony aggravated cruelty to animals. Pibbles Paws is listed as a nonprofit organization. Court records say Kellner is also an animal control officer. Both Kellner and Harwood were arraigned Thursday before District Judge Robert Hawke and sent to Northampton County Prison in lieu of $25,000 bail each. Both are due back in court for a preliminary hearing tentatively scheduled for the afternoon of Dec. 4 to determine if there is sufficient evidence to send the charges toward trial in the Northampton County Court of Common Pleas. No one answered the phone Thursday at Pibbles Paws Safe Haven, which is listed in online records as temporarily closed. No attorney information was immediately listed in court records for Kellner or Harwood. The case against Kellner and Harwood began early last month when a Humane Society police officer with the Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) reportedly received a complaint against the pair. The officer learned on Oct. 3 from Northampton County Dog Warden Kathy Andrews there were 48 dogs in Kellners care that recently came from a transport in Tennessee, according to court records. The animals were lined up side-by-side in unsanitary wire crates at Pibbles Paws Safe Haven, authorities said. Andrews reported 10 dogs were sent directly to foster homes prior to being vetted or quarantined. That left 35 puppies and two adult dogs allegedly crated at the site. A dog warden inspection Oct. 3 found poor conditions, including food and water bowls empty or turned upside down, and some with animal waste inside, court records say. Crates also had feces both inside and outside, contaminating the carpet, according to court records. A Pibbles Paws volunteer reported the dogs came to the rescue the night before. The animals were awaiting to be vetted and sent to foster homes, she stated, according to court records. Authorities said the volunteer had no methods to protect against contamination or prevention during a cleaning process as she touched one dog then another. The Humane Society police officer then relayed concerns to the Pibbles Paws volunteer about parvovirus, an illness that can be fatal in dogs and transmitted through feces contamination, according to court records. The volunteer stated all the dogs would be examined by the rescues regular veterinarian, court records state. Harwood told the Humane Society officer she would send a medical report of all the animals and address her concerns with a veterinarian, court records state. Authorities say animal officials never received the proper documentation about the dogs. The Humane Society officer on Oct. 16 began reaching out to Harwood via phone and email but did not hear back, court records say. She then contacted the rescues veterinarian, who reported she was never advised to send any documents to the officials, only performs basic services for the rescue and would advise them on what to do if something requires more care, court records state. The veterinarian reported to authorities not being at the site for two weeks, but she planned to go on Oct. 17. She also didnt test any of the dogs for parvovirus, court records stated. The Humane Society police officer on Oct. 16 reportedly received another complaint from a Pibbles Paws foster. The foster confirmed there would be another transport in two weeks and reported two animals had since died from parvovirus, court records state. The foster reported Kellner allegedly had two new dogs at the facility, including one brought in from where she served as an animal control officer, and was planning to take in two more owner-surrendered dogs. Kellner allegedly also planned to shampoo the carpet against parvovirus, which the Humane Society police officer states in court records does not kill the virus from the environment. Authorities on Oct. 16 reportedly confirmed from two separate clinics the two puppies had died. The remains of both animals were taken into evidence in the case. Two days later, the Pibbles Paws Safe Havens veterinarian reported another dog at the facility tested positive for parvovirus and she provided a treatment plan at that time, court records say. The foster later brought the puppy to the vet. Kellner met her there, chose not to hospitalize the animal and instead gave the animal to Harwood because she had the puppys litter mate, who also was symptomatic, court records state. Another former foster and rescue volunteer reported to authorities never being advised by Kellner or anyone else at Pibbles Paws about the dogs potentially having parvovirus, according to court records; she reported seeing multiple puppies and dogs stacked in crates with symptoms of the virus. The former foster on Oct. 14 and Oct. 15 additionally reported Kellner was sending the pups to various community events, in hopes of gaining adoptions at $400-$600 each, court records state. In an interview with authorities on Oct. 19, Kellner agreed to provide medical documents for the animals and admitted the two puppies had died, court records state. When asked about the care of the the pups prior to their death, Kellner stated one animal was treated by the rescues vet clinic and the other was tested for parvovirus by Kellner and Harwood, according to court records. The Humane Society officer the next day received information over text message from Kellner about the two deceased puppies, but Kellner had trouble locating the records for the other dogs, court records state. Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust. Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. I am reading with fascination all the news articles summarizing how Republicans are losing key election battles because they cant get their messaging right on abortion. Gov. Glenn Youngkin of Virginia was probably the slickest, trying to convince Virginia voters that a 15-week ban was a reasonable alternative to a six-week ban. What he and most other Republicans fail to realize is that after the conservative Supreme Court justices overturned Row v. Wade, folks are not necessarily voting for abortion rights, they are now voting for womens rights. And, theres no other side to that argument. Women had the right of control over their own bodies and the archaic male justices took those rights away to the glee of most Republicans. All the wordsmithing the Republicans try to think up will never change that simple fact. And it will not change in 2024 or ever, I would argue. This is what Republicans fought so hard for and now they are shocked... shocked that folks arent happy. Well, live and dont learn, I say to them. James V. Gruber Washington New Jersey State Police seized significant quantities of drugs some of it scattered amongst the toys of a 3-year-old from a home during a search warrant execution Tuesday in Phillipsburg, authorities said. The childs parents who lived in the home in the 300 block of Prospect Street were both arrested and are charged with first-degree maintaining or operating a controlled substance production facility, second-degree child endangerment and related offenses. Included in those related offenses are possession of a destructive device and prohibited weapon; three half-sticks of dynamite and a collapsable baton were discovered in the raid, according to a news release Thursday from the Warren County Prosecutors Office. The release from the prosecutors office listed the following drugs that allegedly were also discovered: 102 grams of fentanyl with a street value of about $10,200; 46 grams of methamphetamine with a streets value of $1,380; 28 grams of cocaine with a street value of $1,820; more than three dozen narcotic pills and five transdermal fentanyl patches. Also allegedly in the home were materials for packaging, marketing and distributing drugs. The release identified the suspects as Craig S. Jones, 28, and Alicia F. Trembler, 34, both of whom have a listed address at the Prospect Street home. Both were being held in Warren County jail pending a detention hearing, the prosecutors office said Thursday. It was not immediately clear if either had an attorney. While being processed at the jail, an additional quantity of narcotics were found secreted into the body cavity of Jones, the prosecutors office said in the release. The release did not specify the custody status of the suspects child. It also didnt indicate what triggered the investigation into alleged criminal activity at the home. Nick Falsone is editor of lehighvalleylive.com. He can be reached at nfalsone@lehighvalleylive.com. A roundup of conversations we're having daily on the site. Subscribe to the Reckon Daily for stories centering marginalized communities and speaking to the under-covered issues of the moment. Thousands of Starbucks workers are striking across the U.S. today. Dubbed the Red Cup Rebellion, approximately 500 actions are being staged on Starbucks biggest sales day of the year. Workers hope it will bring the coffee giant to the table for contract negotiations with more than 9,000 workers represented by the Starbucks Workers United (SBU) union. Each year, Starbucks kicks off the holiday season with Red Cup Day, a promotional event where customers receive a free limited edition cup. Its an absolutely brutal day for workers, former Starbucks employee William Suarez said. The 31-year-old endured 11 Red Cup Days at the Starbucks in Hialeah, Florida but was fired shortly after workers at the location lost their union election in 2022. The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) is reviewing his termination. Today, he stood alongside workers picketing at the Miami Springs, Florida Starbucks. Workers there have called on the company to address low wages, understaffing and repair broken equipment. The store became the first in the state to unionize last year, despite Starbucks relentless union busting campaign, Suarez said. The NLRB has found Starbucks guilty of a slew of labor violations, including worker intimidation, discriminatory rules and unlawful discipline and termination of union organizers. The NLRB ordered Starbucks to provide back pay to several employees this year after the company granted raises and other benefits to its non-union employees. A federal labor judge ordered the company to reinstate seven workers and to reopen a shuttered location in March, after finding the company violated labor laws hundreds of times' during a unionization campaign in Buffalo, New York. Theyve been waging the most disruptive union busting campaign in a generation, Suarez said. Other corporations now look to Starbucks to learn how to unionbust effectively. Its disheartening. Todays rebellion coincides with growing calls to boycott the company over its retaliation against SBU after the union issued a statement in solidarity with Palestine on social media site X last month. Starbucks sued the union, saying the statement damaged its reputation and put workers at risk. The company demanded the union remove the post and stop using the companys name, logo, and intellectual property. SBU responded with its own lawsuit, accusing Starbucks of defamation for suggesting the union supports terrorism and violence, and asked a federal court in Pennsylvania to rule that SBU can continue to use Starbucks name and a similar logo. Other organizers within the labor movement, including those with the United Auto Workers, Teamsters, Amazon employees and hospitality workers, have sent messages of encouragement and solidarity to Starbucks workers as they press for a strong contract. A Starbucks spokesperson disputed SBUs claim that the company is delaying bargaining and accused the union of delaying negotiations. As we join together to celebrate the joy of the holiday season, they said. We call on Workers United to come to the bargaining table and do the work of negotiating a first contract on behalf of the partners they represent. The Gardai and Portlaoise Community Policing Unit have launched a new Business Watch Scheme in conjunction with Laois Chamber Alliance. The official launch took place on Friday 10th November, in the Council Chambers of Laois County Council. This crime prevention programme is designed by An Garda Siochana is similar to the Neighbourhood Watch and Community Alert scheme, whereby the Gardai and the community come together to prevent and reduce crime. The Portlaoise Business Watch schemes focus is the business community in and around the town of Portlaoise. The town has been divided into five different districts for Business Watch, with each district having a dedicated member of An Garda Siochanas Community Policing team allocated to it. Presentations were given at the launch about crime prevention by Garda Sergeant Graham Kavanagh, and on fraud prevention for businesses by Sergeant Siobhan Moore. Caroline Hofman, CEO Laois Chamber Alliance, spoke afterwards. Laois Chamber Alliance is delighted to support this new Business Watch Scheme in collaboration with An Garda Siochana. This is an opportunity for local businesses to share any concerns or issues they might have, and to become the extra eyes and ears for the prevention of crime in Portlaoise. I would like to commend the work of the members of An Garda Siochana in Portlaoise, and in the wider Laois-Offaly division, who have been working diligently to make the launch of this Business Watch scheme happen, she said. This new Business Watch Scheme provides a unique opportunity for businesses to meet a dedicated Garda. Any business interested in getting involved or finding out more about the scheme can contact the Portlaoise Community Policing Unit at portlaoise.community@garda.ie or 057 867 4100. At last night's APEC welcome reception in San Francisco, President Joe Biden "joked" about a future presidential run by California Governor Gavin Newsom. "I want to talk about Gov. Newsom. Want to thank him," Biden said. "He's been one hell of a governor, man. Matter of fact, he could be anything he wants. He could have the job I'm looking for." From SF Gate: Stradbally's Ballykilcavan Brewing Company has won another big prize, this time for sustainability. David and Lisa Walsh-Kemmis of the Laois brewery were on hand to collect the Small and Medium Business award at The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) Energy Awards 2023. The couple and their brewing team are no strangers to success and awards and are more than happy to win another. We're absolutely delighted to win this hugely prestigious award. Energy is one of biggest costs in the brewery and the whole team has been working really hard to reduce our energy use and to integrate our new solar panel systems with our existing processes. It's fantastic to see those efforts recognised with this award," David told the Leinster Express. SEAI said brewer uses 100% Irish barley grown on their own farm to create their beer. It says the sustainable energy activities of the brewery focus on decarbonising the beer production process with the primary goal of reducing cost and achieving zero scope 1 and 2 emissions by the end of 2024. To achieve sustainability they have installed solar panel arrays, increasing power generation by 306% and reducing energy imports from the grid by 32.7% per litre of beer produced. Switching to a 100% renewable energy supplier, SEAI say the brewer has had a 77% reduction in the overall carbon footprint of the brewery compared to the previous year. The impact on the business is said to have led to significant cost savings, with energy expenditure reduced to 40% of previous levels. The success of this project is motivating them to plan for the next phase with the hydro installation. This year, there were 114 applications to the SEAI Awards, 40 finalists, who collectively reduced energy consumption by 16% saving 50 million in energy spend. The renewable energy produced by the 2023 entrants is equivalent to powering over 400,000 homes per year. More below picture. Pictured: The Walsh-Kemmis clan pick up the Gold medal won at the Blas na hEireann food and drink awards 2023. Hosted by journalist Sinead Ryan, this years ceremony saw a total of thirteen awards presented to individuals, businesses, communities, and public sector organisations in recognition of their commitment and dedication to sustainable energy and climate action. Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan TD, said congratulated the entrants and winners for their commitment to sustainable energy and their role in fighting for a cleaner energy future. "The finalists indeed all the applicants this year give an insight into the technical capacity, the innovation, the drive, and the vision that is powering an energy transformation right across the country, in businesses and in communities. The calibre of individuals and organisations that have taken part in this prestigious event over the past 20 years gives me great confidence when it comes to meeting our ambitious but achievable climate targets," he said. CEO of SEAI, William Walsh, said there has been incredible innovation and momentum in sustainable energy over the past 20 years. MORE BELOW PICTURE. Pictured: David Walsh-Kemmis and some of the brewing team. "We are celebrating the achievements of entrants and their contribution to a sustainable energy future. We are here to recognise those leading the energy revolution in their respective sectors, providing exemplary leadership in reducing Irelands dependence on fossil fuels, he said. Other 2023 SEAI Energy Award winners include; Ahascragh Distillers Ltd (Innovative Deployment of Renewable Energy) Lidl (Large Business) Inland Fisheries Ireland (Leadership in public sector decarbonisation and energy efficiency) University of Galway (Energy in Buildings) Bus Eireann (Transport) SSE Airtricity Energy Services/Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council (Residential Energy Upgrades) Symphony Energy (Sustainability via Digital Technologies in Construction and Buildings). For full details on all winning projects, visit www.seai.ie. A man who was jailed for assaulting a female doctor near Portlaoise hospital appeared in court via video link. Dean Gray, 35, of No Fixed Abode, Ballymun, Dublin 9 appeared at Portlaoise District Court for an incident connected to the assault on the doctor in February near the Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise. He was accused of trespass at a house on the Dublin Road in Portlaoise on February 17, 2023. Solicitor Philip Meagher said the offence of trespass was connected to the assault on the doctor which had been heard in the higher circuit court. This is an element of an incident which has been dealt with in the circuit court, he said. Mr Gray received a sentence in respect of the primary offence, aggravated assault, said Mr Meagher. Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby agreed that it was connected to the assault which had occurred at night. A lady doctor was assaulted. Then he went into the back of a house, said Sgt Kirby. He said the man was seen looking in a window at the rear of the house with a shovel in his hand. Judge Andrew Cody said he would make no order as the matter had already been dealt with in the circuit court. The man had been sentenced to seven years in prison with the final year suspended for the assault on the doctor earlier this year. Israel should be referred to the International Criminal Court by the Irish Government for 'war crimes' in Palestine, according to Sinn Fein TD Brian Stanley. The Laois Offaly TD made the call in the Dail where his party tabled a motion seeking the Government's intervention - a demand that was rejected by the Coalition parties. Deputy Stanley told fellow TDs what has happened over the past six weeks in the Middle East "has shocked all decent people". "I condemn the actions of Hamas on 7th October and its attacks on Israeli civilians. In particular, I extend my sympathy to the family of Kim Damti. She is related to the Cooper family in Coolrain near where I come from in south Laois. They have been through a terrible trauma," he said. However, he reserved most of his comments for the response to Hamas in Gaza. "The actions of Israel are shocking and horrific. This did not start on 7th October. Palestinians have been driven off their land, murdered, tortured, treated as subhuman, forced to live under an apartheid system, humiliated day in, day out and treated as refugees in their own land for the past 75 years. "The slaughter of the past five weeks is unprecedented. Whole neighbourhoods have been blown apart. Nowhere is safe in Gaza hospitals, schools, prayer houses, creches or homes. Refugees are being bombed and murdered as they flee for their lives. Water, food and medicine are denied. War criminals are doing this. The State of Israel is a war criminal Israel is not listening. The ambassador is simply disseminating propaganda on behalf of the Israeli Government and the army carrying out these horrific actions. Anyone who criticises Israels actions is branded antisemitic. What a load of rubbish. They seek to defend and justify the war crimes committed by their state. "Does Israel really believe that it will be safer after all of these actions? That would be ludicrous. Its borders will not be more secure. It is making the whole Middle East, including itself, less secure. It is time to refer Israel to the International Criminal Court. The TD was insisted that Israel should be charged before in court internationally for its actions. Ukraine modular home builders in Laois have met with the Minister responsible deliver the Rathdowney project and hundreds of others around Ireland for people who have fled the Russian war. Minister of State Patrick O'Donovan travelled to the site on Thursday, November 16, of the houses which are soon due to be completed for refugees, albeit well behind schedule. The Office of Public Works posted photos of the Minister visiting the site where he met employees of the contractors Sisks. He was given a tour of the inside of houses and the general surrounds of the temporary estate that was built on publicly owned lands without the involvement of Laois County Council. The OPW said Minister Donovan met with the contractors to view progress on the homes. It said: "handover is envisaged in the coming weeks". The Leinster Express / Laois Live asked if there was a statement to accompany the pictures. It said the visit was "impromptu" and no press release was issued. MORE BELOW PICTURE. Laois County Council updated councillors on the project at the end of October. It said the new Laois estate of 42 semi-detached two-bedroom prefabs are expected to house 168 war-displaced Ukrainians. The homes will include a kitchen-dining-living area combined, a bathroom, a small bedroom and a large bedroom. The homes are said to be highly energy-efficient, durable units with a 60-year lifespan. Councils have been told that could be used as public housing when no longer needed by the Ukrainians. Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth Roderic O'Gorman told TDs recently that the first phase of seven sites would see the completion of 700 rapid-build homes on State-owned land around Ireland. Each unit measures in the region of 45 square metres in area and costs approximately 145,000 to construct. Some estimates have put the cost of the houses higher at 165,000. The OPW told the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) previously that 700 modular homes project would cost some 150 m to build. By Claire Henry A professor who specialises in treating diabetes has told a jury that the driver of a car could have been in and out of consciousness due to low glucose levels when he caused a fatal car accident on a Dublin motorway. Gerry Daly (57) Derby Lodge, Brownstown, the Curragh, Kildare, pleaded not guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to dangerous driving causing the death of Jacqueline Griffin (39) at junction five of the M50 on January 24, 2019. The jury heard yesterday from Sergeant Patrick McElroy, who at the time was a Forensic Collision Investigator. His role was to attend the scene of fatal and life-altering collisions. He was tasked with examining the scene where the fatal collision took place. When he arrived at the location, he began to photograph and document the scene. Sgt McElroy examined CCTV footage obtained by gardai and examined the vehicles involved in the accident. After examining all available information, including witness statements, he compiled a report. Reading from his report, Stg McElroy outlined that three vehicles were involved and multiple barriers were struck. He said that Mr Dalys car mounted the kerbside and then made contact with the rear of a Scania lorry, which resulted in the Auriss wing mirror breaking off. The car then collided with the rear of Ms Griffins VW Polo. The jury heard that the force of this impact threw Ms Griffin into the back of her car. The angle of the impact resulted in the VW Polo rotating and colliding with a barrier. It then rolled up on the barrier and back onto the motorway. These movements resulted in Ms Griffins head becoming exposed and her head became severed. The report said Mr Dalys car continued to travel, colliding with the nearside and offside barrier, as well as causing damage to a Toyota Avensis. The jury heard that Sgt McElroy had undertaken additional education to allow him to analyse the speed of a vehicle travelling using CCTV footage. Sgt McElroy said that he used road markings such as continuous white lines and CCTV from a camera positioned at Junction 5. It was his evidence that Mr Dalys car was travelling at a speed of somewhere between 138-151km per hour at the time of the accident. Garda Aidan McHugh gave evidence to the court that he interviewed Mr Daly by appointment on Jan 28, 2019. Mr Daly gave a voluntary interview to the gardai and was cooperative. He described the day of the accident as getting up in the morning, checking his blood sugar levels, what he had to eat and his morning at work. The court heard that Mr Daly had a phone call with a colleague at 10.30 am on the morning of the fatal accident. He described his phone call as cloudy in his interview with gardai. He said he left his place of work and ended up on the M50. He described the weather on the day as being bad and said he couldnt get off the M50 and that he hit a barrier. When the crash occurred, Mr Daly thought his car was on fire as there was a lot of smoke. Paramedics arrived at the scene and gave him glucose. He was taken to Connolly Hospital in Blanchardstown. Mr Daly told gardai that he held a full Irish driver's licence, and his insurer was aware of his diabetes. Gda McHugh asked Mr Daly if he remembered driving at high speed on the M50, to which he replied, I remember driving erratically but not sure where. Mr Daly was charged with dangerous driving causing death on Dec 17, 2019. Gda McHugh agreed with Roderick OHanlon SC, defending, that Mr Daly cooperated fully and assisted with this tragic accident. The garda also agreed that Mr Daly has no previous convictions. Mr OHanlon said his client indicated in his interview that he frequently drives on the M50, and there were no other incidents like road traffic matters that have come to the gardai attention, which Gda McHugh agreed with. Professor Simon Heller, who is a Professor at Sheffield University and has a clinical practice in Sheffield, is a specialist in the treatment of diabetes, with an area of interest in hypoglycaemia. Prof Heller outlined that Type 1 diabetes is a result of the destruction of cells in the pancreas. He told the jury that the normal levels of blood sugar for people with Type 1 diabetes is between 4-8. Mr Garnet Orange SC, prosecuting, asked Prof Heller if the onset of a hypo event would have warning signs, to which he replied, Yes, at the lower range of four, the body would release stress hormones and adrenaline. This would cause the body to sweat and have a pounding heart. He noted that these symptoms can diminish over time, and other symptoms described as not feeling right and blurred vision could occur. The court heard that Mr Daly uses an app on his phone and a sensor on his arm to check his blood sugar levels. Prof Heller said he studied the data from his app and said that when Mr Daly checked his blood sugar levels upon waking, they were 9.3, which he said is just above normal. When Mr Daly arrived at work, he checked the levels again, and they were 7.3 and 7.0, which are normal levels. Prof Heller said that the glucose levels dropped again to 5.2 later in the morning but said this is still within the normal level. At 8.30 am, another measurement is taken with a reading of 3.8. By 9.30 am, the levels had reached 3.3. At this level, Mr Daly would be cognitively impaired, said Prof Heller. As Mr Daly drove on the M50, Prof Heller said his glucose was now well below what we would consider brain dysfunction, and said, Mr Daly could have been in and out of consciousness. Prof Heller agreed with Mr OHanlon, defending, that the app Mr Daly was using to monitor his diabetes was revolutionary. He also agreed that Mr Daly was endeavouring to take all possible steps to ensure he maintained his blood sugar. Mr OHanlon said to Prof Heller that he had described how a patient might feel prior to an event like sweating, but over the long term, the warning signs can diminish, which he agreed was true. Prof Heller also outlined that Mr Daly had shown some warning signs in the year before this event. Counsel said, It seems that from before Mr Daly got into the car up until after the accident, his range was at a severe level, which the Professor agreed with. Mr OHanlon asked Prof Heller if he would be concerned with what Mr Daly could say immediately after the accident which he replied, studies show that it can take up to 45 minutes to recover from the cognitive impairment. The trial continues before Judge Elma Sheahan on Monday. Eight primary schools in Meath and Kildare are participating in an evidence-based anti-bullying programme as part of a wider initiative that gives children equal access to a brighter future through education. At an event on Monday 20 th November 2023, in Scoil Mhuire Junior in Newbridge, the KiVa Anti-Bullying Programme was launched as part of a wider initiative led by Archways. There was a sense of celebration with the real stars of the day being the children who took part. Monday 20th November is World Childrens Day so it was very apt that the event took place to mark the day. The initiative is being coordinated and delivered by Archways with funding support from basis.point. Archways has collaborated with basis.point since 2014 across a number areas throughout Ireland. This latest stage of that collaboration sees the work focus on Kildare and Meath. Archways were also delighted this year to receive funding through the Community Foundation of Irelands Toy Show Appeal. The KiVa Anti-Bullying Programme is an evidence-based initiative developed at the University of Turku in Finland. It is innovative and substantial and implemented in twelve countries across Europe, South America, and New Zealand. The goals of the KiVa Anti-Bullying Programme are to prevent bullying, to effectively tackle bullying cases, and to minimise the negative effects of bullying. The eight schools participating in the programme are: Scoil Mhuire Junior, Newbridge, Co Kildare St. Patricks Church of Ireland NS, Newbridge, Co Kildare St. Oliver Plunkett NS, Killina, Co Kildare St. Conleths NS, Derrinturn, Co Kildare St. Annes Loreto Primary School, Navan, Co Meath Kilmainhamwood NS, Co Meath Duleek BNS, Co Meath Duleek GNS, Co Meath Speaking at the event were representatives from the funders, the participating schools, the University of Turku in Finland and Archways. The highlight of the event though was the colourful and joyous input from children in the participating schools. Edel OMalley, CEO of basis.point said: We are delighted to partner with Archways to launch the new KiVa Anti-Bullying Programme. We believe that investing in programmes that develop skills to maintain good mental health is key to helping young people navigate their educational journey. The digital era brings new challenges for young people and teaching them soft skills such as empathy and respect will better equip them to flourish. Denise Charlton, Chief Executive, Community Foundation of Ireland congratulated all involved: Ending bullying must involve educators, parents and most importantly children themselves. Archways are showing vison by expanding the KiVa programme to eight new schools in Meath and Kildare. The suite of support resources and materials offer accessible information and awareness raising which has an ability to transform the approach taken to remove bullying for good from the classroom, playground and sports. The work which is being undertaken would not have been possible without the generosity of viewers to the RTE Toy Show Appeal. Now that generosity is being turned into action. Hugh Doogan, CEO with Archways said: We are grateful to our funders basis.point and the Community Foundation of Irelands Toy Show Appeal. Without their support we could not offer these programmes free of charge to the schools. We have worked with basis.point for almost ten years and in that time, we have supported over 20,000 children. The latest initiative in Kildare and Meath includes programmes we have delivered with their support across the county such as the Incredible Years Parent Programme, the Incredible Years Teacher Classroom Management Programme and a series of webinars to support parents support their children with anxiety and social and emotional wellbeing. It also includes a new programme to help schools implement a structured evidence-based programme to address bullying. The KiVa Anti-Bullying Programme builds on the good work schools already do in this area. We are delighted to welcome colleagues today from Finland to see the great work being done in schools in Kildare and Meath. Think what you will about former Trump-sycophant Chris Christie, but as the only Republican candidate who consistently hammers Donald Trump and MAGA propaganda, he sure is fun to have around. Especially since, as a former federal prosecutor (and Republican bully himself), he knows how to clobber hard, as he did yesterday when he punched the stuffing out of far-right Newsmax host Eric Bolling. (See video below, posted by Republican Accountability.) The heated exchange began when Christie predicted that the four-times indicted Trump would be convicted by this April, to which the foolish Bolling pushed back, saying, "By who? By a bunch of liberal Democratsbecause they fear him." "No, no, not by a bunch of liberal Democrats! No, no, I'm not going to put up with you saying that!" Christie responded. "He's going to be convicted by Mark Meadows, a founder of the Freedom Caucus and his chief of staff, who he called the next James Baker," Christie shouted, shooting down Bolling's MAGA rhetoric with perfect aim. "That guy is now testifying, and will sit 20 feet away from Donald Trump in a courtroom, taking an oath and saying he committed crimes, that 'he directed others to commit crimes, including me.' That's what he's going to say," Christie continued, as a visibly flattened Bolling nodded in defeat. "And that's not some woke prosecutor, that's not some group of liberals, that's a guy who founded the Freedom Caucus in the House, a Republican from North Carolina, and his choice for chief of staff, Eric." "I'm not a numbers guy, I'm a character guy, and when Mark Meadows gets on that stand, everything I've been saying about Donald Trump that you've been making fun of me about for months is going to wind up being true," Christie concluded, before adding, "The truth is coming, baby. The truth is coming." Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is in Maynooth tomorrow to attend a Fine Gael special conference on rural Ireland. The opportunities and challenges facing rural Ireland and the agriculture sector will be discussed at the event in the Glenroyal Hotel ahead of the Fine Gael Ard Fheis next April. The Taoiseach will be joined by ministers, members of the parliamentary party, councillors and Fine Gael members to debate on how the party can deliver for rural Ireland. Themes up for discussion include: Stronger, Safer Communities, Farming and the next Generation, Thriving Rural Ireland and EU and Food Security. The debates will feature farmers, business and community leaders and academics. The Taoiseach said: This Saturdays Special Conference is a fantastic opportunity for our members, councillors and parliamentary party members to come together to listen and engage on issues facing rural Ireland and the farming and food sectors. Delivering for rural Ireland is one of my partys priorities and central to that is ensuring that rural communities are vibrant places to live, work and raise a family. One of my first actions as Taoiseach was to establish the Department of Rural and Community Development, which has grown and expanded since and remains led by a Fine Gael Minister. The Taoiseach added that Brexit and the war in Ukraine has created a unique challenge for the Irish farming sector. In Government our party has done its utmost both at home and at European level to mitigate the most severe effects of issues around market access and input costs unique challenges that were caused by Brexit and the war in Ukraine. The inaugural AGM of the Fine Gael Womens Network will also be held at the conference. Sean Fleming TD, Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, has launched the prestigious 2024 Our World Irish Aid Awards. This will see primary students across the county mark 50 years of Irelands aid programme and efforts to tackle hunger and climate change. This years Our World Irish Aid Awards will focus on the theme of Food For Life, reflecting the work Ireland does to help end world hunger and poverty, tackle climate change and make sure everyone in the world has equal access to education, clean water and healthcare. By taking part in this years Awards, primary school students will learn about Agroecology. Agroecology is a farming practice that helps to reduce the impacts of climate change, protect nature and wildlife while also helping local communities to work in a way that suits their area and environment, taking into account their social and cultural values. Inviting primary school students to take part, Minister Fleming said: Everyone in the world needs healthy and nutritious food. Climate change is one of the factors that means too many people in the world do not have access to the food they need. Agriculture is part of Irelands DNA. Students taking part in the Our World Irish Aid Awards will learn how Irish Aid is working with villages in Uganda to promote sustainable agriculture. This helps people to grow enough food while also protect the environment for future generations. It is so important for young people to learn about the world they are growing up in and what they can do to make it a better place. I encourage schools across Ireland to enter into this years Our World Irish Aid Awards. Specially created curriculum-linked teaching and learning materials have been delivered to all primary schools in Ireland, helping teachers and students learn more about this years theme Food for Life, the Global Goals for Sustainable Development (SDGs), and Irish Aids focus countries. The materials include a colourful student magazine packed with information, quizzes and questions; lesson plans, activity sheets and online games. All materials are available in English and as Gaeilge in print and digital format. Minister for Education, Norma Foley T.D., added her endorsement, saying: The Our World Irish Aid Awards are a wonderful cross-curricular learning opportunity for our primary school students. The Awards help young people to discover more about the lives of people in other countries and how Ireland is supporting them. The Awards include a range of specially-created lesson plans, interactive games and an informative pupil magazine. This is a really important and inspiring learning opportunity that has the potential to change peoples lives for the better. I encourage our primary school teachers to include the Awards as part of their teaching plans. Schools are invited to express their ideas and understanding of the issues in writing, song, film, artwork or in another way. This years Our World Irish Aid Awards will include a series of Global Goal Getters online multi-media magazines featuring projects submitted by students around Ireland as a way of showcasing learning, creativity and actions nationwide. Submissions are now being accepted. The closing date for early submissions, which are in with a chance to win a box of sustainable art materials, is Friday 19th January 2024. The final closing date for entries is Friday 8th March 2024. About Our World Irish Aid Awards Now in their 19th year, the Our World Irish Aid Awards are the Department of Foreign Affairs flagship global citizenship award scheme for primary schools. The Awards form an important part of Irelands commitment to overseas development and global citizen education, helping to reinforce the importance of the global development work carried out by the Government on behalf of the people of Ireland. This year, students will learn about how 78-year-old farmer, mother of five and grandmother of 11 has been helped by Irish Aid, through Trocaire, to gain the skills to teach other people about the importance of wild plants grown on her smallholding. The programme has already seen 858 women and 533 men adopt agroecological practices which includes mapping, preserving and recovering wild and traditional foods as well as developing a seed bank. Students will also learn about the pilot Gender Action Learning system which sees women come up with their own solutions to problems, empowering them as they make positive changes within their households. As part of the programme men participate in household chores and farm work and women have a greater say in decision making. Irish Aid is the Governments overseas assistance programme that is marking 50 years of work to reduce global poverty, hunger and humanitarian need. Irish Aid funds programmes in over 130 countries, with a particular focus on sub-Saharan Africa and South East Asia. For further information see https://www.ireland.ie/en/ irish-aid/ For more information on how to take part in the Our World Irish Aid Awards 2024 and the Global Goals for Sustainable Development please visit www.ourworldirishaidawards.ie THE table will always be set for five in the Murphy household, Ashling Murphy's sister Amy told the sentencing hearing this morning. In one of three emotionally charged victim impact statements as Ashling's killer Jozef Puska received the mandatory life sentence, Amy said the job herself, her murdered sister and their brother Cathal always had to do at home as kids was to set the table for five for dinner. We as a family will continue to set the table for five, she declared, as her brother and her parents Ray and Kathleen listened in the courtroom. Speaking of how Ashling had been taken away from the family for ever, she said that unlike her killer, for the family there would be no parole, no emails or no visits. She said she would no longer think about Puska but instead her thoughts would be with Ashling. Turning in the witness box to address Puska directly in the dock, Amy Murphy told the packed courtroom: He shall not live rent free in the back of my mind. She spoke of how the kitchen table was not just a place where the family ate but was also where she and Ashling played music, placing their instrument boxes underneath. Her pink fiddle case now lies at home in dust. The first victim impact statement was made by Ryan Casey, Ashling's boyfriend, who outlined how they first met at a rugby club disco when they were both 15 in September 2013. He sent her a text the following day and in 2014 he met Ashling's family for the first time, describing them as the best family you could ever meet. Ryan broke down as he revealed a watch which had had given Ashling as a present in December 2018 was now being worn by her mother Kathleen. He said he and Ashling were soulmates who helped each other through the Leaving Certificate and college and said of the few years after 2018: It was quite simply heaven on earth. They were going to move in together in Galway where he was going to work and then live in Dubai for a couple of years. Ashling knew me better than I knew myself. She literally could read me like a book. He described them both as planners and they had picked out a site, hoped to build a house and start a family of hurlers of camogie players or even better, musicians. Ryan said Puska was insignificant, the lowest of the low and the last 22 months had been the toughest of his life. He said he now hated knives, even when he needed to use one to eat. I constantly find myself missing her presence. He last saw her on January 10, 2022 at his house when she dropping off some shopping. His family were isolating at home and he and Ashling were due to fly to Manchester on January 21 and did not want to jeopardise the trip. They spent three to four seconds looking into each others eyes because they could not hug or kiss and he now asked himself every day why he did not give her a hug. He said the horrific, senseless, and completely evil taking of Ashling's life is our life sentence, a sentence in which there is no parole. She was still so young, she had so much more life and love to give; she was taken from us far too soon. He described Puska as an absolute indescribable waste of life should be sentenced to the absolute maximum number of years possible. It sickened him to the core that someone could come to Ireland, be fully supported with social housing, social welfare, and free medical care for over 10 years, never hold down a legitimate job and never once contribute to society in any way shape or form and commit such a horrendous, evil act of inconceivable violence on such a beautiful, loving and talented person who in fact, worked for the State, educating the next generation and represented everything that is good about Irish society. He said he felt Ireland is no longer the country that Ashling and he grew up in and had officially lost its innocence when a crime of this magnitude can be perpetrated in broad daylight. This country needs to wake up, this time things have got to change. He said we have to start putting the safety of not only Irish people but everybody in this country who works hard, pays taxes, raises families and overall contributes to society, first. He concluded by turning to Puska and saying: You will never, ever harm or touch another woman ever again and when your day of reckoning comes, may you be in hell a whole half hour before God even knows you're dead. A victim impact statement on behalf of Kathleen Murphy was read by Sergeant Lucy McLoughlin. Ashling's mother spoke of how much she misses her daughter, saying their house was alive with fiddle music every night and they were always going to camogie matches and concerts. A week before her murder, Ashling had treated her parents to a trip to the Guinness Storehouse. The statement said: Ashling and I never had a row. She was too nice. Remembering the day of the murder, Kathleen said Ashling told her she would go for a job on the canal line after work. She said she begged her not to do so and Ashling replied: Ah Mam, I'm 23 years old. She hugged her mother and told her she loved her. The mandatory life sentence was imposed by Mr Justice Tony Hunt on the 33-year-old who had denied the murder of Ashling Murphy on the bank of the Grand Canal at Cappincur, Tullamore on January 12 last year. Mr Justice Hunt explained that he could only impose a life sentence and could not specify a term. But he added: If I had the power to set a term it would be a very long one. Indeed, it would be a whole of life sentence because the murder Puska had committed was so far up the scale of gravity. The judge said. I don't have that power. An 18-day trial at the Central Criminal Court had heard that Puska, a father of five who was living at Lynally Grove, Mucklagh, stabbed the 23-year-old teacher 11 times in the neck. His claim that both he and Ashling had been attacked by a man in a mask, and that he had then gone to help the woman before fleeing, was dismissed as nonsense by Mr Justice Hunt. THE Court of Appeal has overturned a High Court ruling that quashed a District Court judge's refusal to hear the cases of three people accused of publishing information online identifying the teenage boys who murdered Ana Kriegel in 2018. We do not consider that there was any unfairness to the respondents, or breach of their rights to constitutional justice, said Mr Justice John Edwards today, this Thursday, vacating a ruling by the High Court in which Ms Justice Siobhan Phelan quashed a decision by Judge John Hughes to refuse jurisdiction in the case. Edel Doherty, aged 48, of Rory OConnor House, Hardwicke Street, Dublin, appeared before Dublin District Court in October 2020 accused of posting photos on Facebook of two teenagers, known as Boys A and B, who were both convicted of the murder of Ana Kriegel following a trial in 2019. Kyle Rooney, aged 26, of Rathfield Park, Raheny, Dublin, was charged with the posting of photos of the two boys on Twitter. Declan Corcoran, aged 30, of Williams Place Lower, Dublin, was accused of both naming the boys on Twitter and of posting images of them. Ana Kriegel, 14, was murdered at a disused farmhouse in Lucan, County Dublin, in May 2018, by the boys when they were both 13 years old. They could not be identified by order of the trial judge and under a provision of the Children Act that prohibits the identification of minors accused or convicted of a criminal offence. The three accused were among ten people charged with similar breaches of the Children Act who were initially told by Judge Brian O'Shea in October 2020 that jurisdiction was accepted and that their matters could be heard at the District Court level. However, when the matter returned to the District Court on December 2, 2020, Judge Hughes deemed the offences as being too serious for the District Court and ruled that they should be sent to the higher Circuit Court, where penalties upon conviction can be more severe. The three accused then brought a successful judicial review to the High Court challenging the decision, where Ms Justice Phelan decided that the matter should be sent back to the lower court for "reconsideration". Ms Justice Phelan quashed Judge Hughes' decision saying the manner in which the judge approached the issue of jurisdiction was unfair because he did not address the cases individually or give reasons for the change. The State subsequently appealed this decision, submitting to the Court of Appeal that the return of the matter to the District Court was made in error by the High Court and that "no breach of natural justice had been made" by Judge Hughes. In delivering the Court of Appeals judgement, Mr Justice Edwards said that at least one judge must give consideration to whether these are minor offences, and if decided, a second judge is entitled to reconsider the matter of jurisdiction. We do not see how a judge in such a position could be bound by the ruling of a colleague which was based on evidence that they have not personally heard, said Mr Justice Edwards. He said that up to the point that a person is found guilty or enters a guilty plea, a decision by a judge of jurisdiction is not a determination set in stone. For all anyone may know, the decision by the first District Court judge could well have been a finely balanced one, resulting in that judge opting by a narrow margin to come down on one side of the jurisdictional line. However, a subsequent judge, hearing the same evidence, might perfectly legitimately opt to come down on the other side of that line, he said. He said the fact that Judge O'Shea accepted jurisdiction did not bind Judge Hughes, who was entitled to ask for an outline of the alleged facts. Mr Justice Edwards said that the Court of Appeal rejected the assertion that the manner by which Judge Hughes dealt with the proceedings gave rise to a reasonable apprehension that he was dissatisfied with the previous determination of a colleague. We have been provided with no reason to believe that District Court Judge Hughes was motivated other than to conscientiously fulfil his constitutional duties, said Mr Justice Edwards. He said that in the District Court, the legal representatives for the accused raised objections with the judge concerning the revisitation of jurisdiction, however, nobody complained about a collective ruling being given or about a lack of clarity as to the judges reasons. Mr Justice Edwards said that the Court of Appeal disagreed with the High Court judges assertion that it would have been unrealistic to have required the legal representatives to engage with the judge about his reasons. The legal representatives would have been perfectly entitled to ask him to elaborate on such reasons. They did not do so, he said. He went on to say that the court was strongly in agreement with the submission by the State that the mere fact that the Judge of the District Court ruled on jurisdiction in a single collective or rolled up ruling does not imply a failure on his part to give individual consideration to each of the respondents respective cases. There was no failure to meet the requirement that not only should justice be done but that it should be seen to be done, he said. We do not consider that there was any unfairness to the respondents, or breach of their rights to constitutional justice. Mr Justice Edwards said that the Court of Appeal was vacating the orders of certiorari granted by the High Court and the consequential orders remitting these matters to the District Court for a plea or a date in each case, and the High Courts orders regarding costs. He said that these matters will subsequently be remitted back to the District Court to ascertain whether the DPP is consenting to the respondents being sent forward for trial. He adjourned any issues as to costs or possible recommendations under the Legal Aid Scheme to December 1 next. More Irish citizens are leaving Gaza via the Rafah crossing into Egypt on Friday. Irelands Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed that 26 citizens had left the enclave on Wednesday and Thursday. A DFA spokesman said a number of citizens and their families were in the process of crossing on Friday. Irish-Palestinian man Khalid El Estal, who lives in Co Kildare, has said his two young children Ali, four, and Sara, one, crossed into Egypt on Friday. Mr El Estals wife and the childrens mother Ashwak was killed in the Israeli bombardment of Gaza. Mr El Estal told RTE News on Friday: They are at the Egyptian side of the border with an Irish official. They are being processed there now. This is great news. Irelands deputy premier Micheal Martin has held talks with senior Israeli, Palestinian and Egyptian representatives on a visit to the region over recent days. On Thursday, Tanaiste Mr Martin said he had been given assurances by Israeli foreign minister Eli Cohen that the majority of Irish citizens still in Gaza will be able to leave within days. Mr Martin visited two towns in southern Israel on Thursday that had been attacked by Hamas in October. They included Kibbutz Beeri where Irish-Israeli girl Emily Hand was believed to be taken hostage by Hamas. Mr Martin has used his visit to the Middle East to press for the release of Emily, who turned nine on Friday. A spokesman for the DFA said: Twenty-six Irish citizens and dependants were able to cross from Gaza into Egypt on Wednesday and Thursday and are receiving support from the Irish embassy in Cairo. Embassy staff are at the border today again. A number of Irish citizens and their families are in the process of crossing. We hope to be able to confirm more details later in the day. Mr. F. Garofalo Agrees To Join Goldbank Board Of Directors VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 16, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Goldbank Mining Corporation ("Goldbank") (TSX.V-GLB) is very pleased to announce Mr. Frank J. Garofalo, B.Sc. (MIT), M.Sc., MBA (Harvard), of Boston, Massachusetts, has agreed to join Goldbank's board of directors. Mr. Garofalo brings to Goldbank more than three decades of experience as a Management Consultant and Corporate Finance Advisor on special assignments for Chief Executive Officers and boards of directors, assisting companies of up to over $10 billion in size in technology driven markets across the U.S. and Europe. Mr. Garofalo's experience in strategic, competitive and market analysis with an emphasis on positioning companies for maximum equity valuation is a welcome addition to Goldbank as it advances exploration and development of its Leota Gold Project in the Yukon's historic and prolific Klondike Goldfields. Mr. Garofalo's professional career includes serving as Senior Vice President in the Investment Banking division of PaineWebber (now UBS) where Mr. Garofalo's assignments included dozens of corporate development and finance projects featuring equity financings, mergers, acquisitions, divestitures and the establishment of joint ventures and strategic alliances. Mr. Garofalo earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, a Master of Science degree in Computer Systems Engineering from the University of Michigan and a MBA from Harvard University. Mr. Garofalo is a member of the MIT Venture Mentoring Service. Goldbank Mining Corporation is a Canadian exploration company actively exploring for gold at its Leota Gold Project located in the historic Klondike placer Goldfields near Dawson City, Yukon, Canada. For further information please e-mail [email protected]. GOLDBANK MINING CORPORATION PER: "James Boyce" Suite 702 ? 889 West Pender Street Vancouver, BC CANADA V6C 3B2 JAMES BOYCE Telephone: 604.683.3288 President & CEO Toll Free: 1.888.880.2288 ? Email: [email protected] The TSX Venture Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or the accuracy of this release. Cautionary Note to US Investors: This news release may contain information about adjacent properties on which we have no right to explore or mine. We advise U.S. investors that the SEC's mining guidelines strictly prohibit information of this type in documents filed with the SEC. U.S. investors are cautioned that mineral deposits on adjacent properties are not indicative of mineral deposits on our properties. This news release may contain forward-looking statements including but not limited to comments regarding the timing and content of upcoming work programs, geological interpretations, receipt of property titles, potential mineral recovery processes, etc. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. 16 november 2023 at 14:35 News published onand distributed by: Cyxtera Receives Court Approval for Sale to Brookfield and Plan of Reorganization Cyxtera (OTC: CYXTQ) ("the Company"), a global leader in data center colocation, interconnection services, and digital infrastructure, today announced that the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey has approved the sale of substantially all of the Company's assets to Brookfield Infrastructure Partners L.P. (NYSE: BIP, TSX: BIP.UN) and its institutional partners (collectively "Brookfield") and will confirm Cyxtera's Plan of Reorganization. "We are pleased to be moving forward with our sale to Brookfield, which will provide Cyxtera with additional financial flexibility and enable us to benefit from Brookfield's global infrastructure expertise," said Nelson Fonseca, Cyxtera's Chief Executive Officer. "Demand for our innovative data center services remains high, and we see significant opportunities ahead with our customers as we enter this next phase of growth." As previously announced on November 1, 2023, Cyxtera entered into an asset purchase agreement ("APA") with Brookfield for a sale of substantially all of the Company's assets. In connection with the APA, Brookfield entered agreements with certain of the Company's landlords to purchase the real estate underlying seven of Cyxtera's U.S. data centers. Additionally, Cyxtera amended the terms of its leases at three U.S. sites and three international sites to allow it to exit those sites in 2024. Collectively, these transactions will strengthen and optimize Cyxtera's data center portfolio, better positioning it for the long term. Fonseca continued, "Our partnership with Brookfield will strengthen our business, and we remain committed to ensuring the transition is as seamless as possible for all our stakeholders. We appreciate the continued support of our customers and partners throughout this process, and we thank our employees for their unwavering commitment to serving our customers." Cyxtera expects to complete the transaction with Brookfield, subject to regulatory approval and the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, and emerge from the court-supervised process in the first quarter of 2024. Additional Information Additional information regarding the Company's court-supervised process is available at www.CyxteraRestructuring.com. Court filings and other information related to the proceedings are available on a separate website administrated by the Company's claims agent, KCC, at www.kccllc.net/cyxtera; by calling KCC toll-free at (877) 726-6510, or (424) 236-7250 for calls originating outside of the U.S. or Canada; or by emailing KCC at [email protected]. Kirkland & Ellis LLP is serving as legal counsel to Cyxtera, Guggenheim Securities, LLC is serving as financial advisor, and AlixPartners, LLP is serving as restructuring advisor. Moelis & Co. is serving as exclusive financial advisor to Brookfield on the acquisition of Cyxtera. Wells Fargo and TD Securities are serving as joint financial advisors to Brookfield on the acquisition of the real estate underlying seven Cyxtera data centers and the pro forma combined entity, and are providing committed debt financing for the broader transaction. Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP is serving as Brookfield's legal counsel. About Cyxtera Cyxtera is a global leader in colocation, interconnection services, and digital infrastructure. With IT infrastructure becoming increasingly hybrid, complex, and distributed, Cyxtera continues to expand its portfolio beyond space and power to deliver more cloud-like and flexible infrastructure solutions across its global data center platform and robust partner ecosystem. Today, Cyxtera provides more than 2,300 enterprise and government customers with the technology solutions they need to scale faster, achieve financial goals, and gain a competitive advantage. For more information, please visit www.cyxtera.com. Forward-Looking Statements This press release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Because forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of Cyxtera's control. Actual results and conditions (financial or otherwise) may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and conditions to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the risk that the transactions contemplated by the APA will not be consummated, or if they are consummated, that the transactions will not close within the anticipated time period or that the expected benefits of the transactions will not be realized when expected or at all; the risk that one or more conditions to closing under the APA cannot be satisfied; the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the right of Cyxtera or Brookfield to terminate the APA; the possibility that the transactions may be more expensive to complete than anticipated; risks and uncertainties relating to Cyxtera's Chapter 11 cases (the "Chapter 11 Case"), including, but not limited to, Cyxtera's ability to obtain Bankruptcy Court approval with respect to motions or other requests in the Chapter 11 Case, the effects of the Chapter 11 Case on Cyxtera and on the interests of various creditors, stockholders and other constituents; Bankruptcy Court rulings in the Chapter 11 Case and the outcome of the Chapter 11 Case in general; the length of time the Company will operate under the Chapter 11 Case; risks associated with third-party motions in the Chapter 11 Case; the potential adverse effects of the Chapter 11 Case on the Company's liquidity or results of operations and increased legal and other professional costs necessary to execute the reorganization; uncertainty associated with evaluating and completing any strategic or financial alternative as well as Cyxtera's ability to implement and realize any anticipated benefits associated with the alternative pursued; the impact of any challenge by creditors or other parties to previously completed transactions; the consequences of the acceleration of the Company's debt obligations; and any other statements regarding plans, objectives, expectations and intentions and other statements that are not historical facts. The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the "Risk Factors" disclosed in Cyxtera's filings with the SEC from time to time. There may be additional risks that Cyxtera does not presently know of or that it currently believes are immaterial that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements reflect Cyxtera's expectations, plans or forecasts of future events and views as of the date of this press release. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements in this press release. Neither Cyxtera nor any of its affiliates assume any obligation to update this press release, except as required by law. 16 november 2023 at 17:10 News published onand distributed by: Green Dot Appoints Dave Harden as Chief Technology Officer Green Dot Corporation (NYSE: GDOT) today announced the appointment of Dave Harden as Chief Technology Officer supporting the company's ongoing effort to become a more streamlined, efficient and powerful technology company focused on building and delivering seamless and scalable banking and payment tools for consumers and businesses. As Chief Technology Officer, Harden will be responsible for overseeing the ongoing development and delivery of Green Dot's technology platforms supporting the company's direct customers and growing list of banking as a service (BaaS) partners. Harden has been a member of Green Dot's executive team since February 2022, most recently serving as SVP of Product Development responsible for overseeing the migration of Green Dot cards to a modern cloud-based card management platform. "Dave is a proven technology leader and strategist who brings the right knowledge, skills and instincts to this important role as Green Dot pivots to focus on stability and growth," said George Gresham, Chief Executive Officer, Green Dot Corporation. "The team will benefit from Dave's calm and confident leadership style, and ability to efficiently and effectively navigate through change and growth." Prior to joining Green Dot, Harden was managing director and head of core banking technology transformation at Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG), where he worked from 2017 to 2022. Prior to MUFG, he held several technology leadership roles at Bridgewater Associates from 2011 to 2017. "Being part of Green Dot's mission to provide flexible financial services to our customers has been deeply rewarding, further enhanced by our processor conversion," said Harden. "I'm excited to strengthen our customer relationships and help lead Green Dot through our next phase of evolution." Green Dot recently announced the completion of its processor conversions, a comprehensive multi-year initiative to transform the company into a more efficient, nimble and powerful platform that unlocks new capabilities and scalable growth for the company's direct bank and banking as a service (BaaS) partners. The company also recently announced the addition of PLS, Stockpile and Credibly to its growing list of partners. "As the demand for digital banking and embedded finance continues, Green Dot will be well-positioned to serve and enable more consumers, both directly and through our valued partners, and achieve scalable long-term growth," continued Gresham. "Dave's appointment marks an important milestone in our path toward becoming a more streamlined and powerful team and platform." For more information, visit https://ir.greendot.com. About Green Dot Green Dot Corporation (NYSE: GDOT) is a financial technology and registered bank holding company committed to giving all people the power to bank seamlessly, affordably, and with confidence. Green Dot's technology platform enables it to build products and features that address the most pressing financial challenges of consumers and businesses, transforming the way they manage and move money and making financial empowerment more accessible for all. Green Dot offers a broad set of financial services to consumers and businesses including debit, checking, credit, prepaid, and payroll cards, as well as robust money processing services, tax refunds, cash deposits and disbursements. Its flagship digital banking platform GO2bank offers consumers simple and accessible mobile banking designed to help improve financial health over time. The company's banking platform services business enables a growing list of the world's largest and most trusted consumer and technology brands to deploy customized, seamless, value-driven money management solutions for their customers. Founded in 1999, Green Dot has served more than 33 million customers directly and many millions more through its partners. The Green Dot Network of more than 90,000 retail distribution locations nationwide, more than all remaining bank branches in the U.S. combined, enables it to operate primarily as a "branchless bank." Green Dot Bank is a subsidiary of Green Dot Corporation and member of the FDIC. For more information about Green Dot's products and services, please visit www.greendot.com 16 november 2023 at 17:50 News published onand distributed by: Serial liar George Santos is facing expulsion yet again after yesterday's scathing House Ethics report that summed up the outrageous lawmaker as someone who "cannot be trusted." The motion to expel comes even after Santos had already announced yesterday that he would not run for reelection in 2024 because at least for some in Congress, removing the New York fraudster can't come soon enough. The 56-page report described Santos as someone who deceived and stole from his donors, set up bogus loans, and used campaign funds to pay down credit cards and make luxury purchases such as Botox and Hermes products. The resolution to expel Santos from Congress was filed this morning by Republican Rep. Michael Guest (MS), according to The Washington Times, which makes this the second such motion against the lawmaker in a month. (The first motion failed in early November with a vote of 179213.) "The evidence uncovered in the Ethics Committee's Investigative Subcommittee investigation is more than sufficient to warrant punishment and the most appropriate punishment, is expulsion," Guest said in an attached statement. From The Washington Times: Santos, who declared after the report's release that he would not run for reelection in 2024, continued railing against the Ethics Committee and his fellow lawmakers in a lengthy social media post Thursday night. He called his time in office "My year from Hell" and said he would hold a news conference on the steps of the U.S. Capitol on the morning of Nov. 30 conceivably when he could already have been expelled, if Guest's motion is successful. The motion to expel Santos would require two-thirds of the House members to vote for it to pass. By filing the expulsion motion himself, Guest adds credibility to the resolution after lawmakers were hesitant about voting to expel Santos earlier this month when the question was brought forth by fellow New York Republicans. That effort failed, with 182 Republicans and 31 Democrats voting against it, fearing that it would establish a precedent to oust lawmakers without due process. However, after the release of the House Ethics Committee report Thursday, several lawmakers who had voted against expelling Santos earlier this month publicly stated that they now would support a motion to kick him out of Congress. Rep. Susan Wild (D-Pa.), the ranking member of the Ethics Committee, previously voted present on the expulsion resolution as all Ethics Committee members did also said Thursday she would now be in support of expelling Santos. The motion to expel Santos earlier this month failed on a 179-213 vote, with 19 lawmakers voting present and 22 not voting at all. For Guest's motion to pass, dozens of lawmakers who voted either no or present before or who did not vote will have to vote yes. Congress will be able to consider the motion after the Thanksgiving Holiday, on Nov. 28. The BGL Industrials Insider -- Industrial Distribution M&A Strong Amid Overall M&A Market Slowdown CLEVELAND, Nov. 16, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Value-added Industrial Distribution remains resilient despite a lull in the broader M&A market, with major sector sub verticals seeing consistent deal activity, according to a new industry report released by the Industrial Distribution investment banking team from Brown Gibbons Lang & Company (BGL). High-quality deals are getting done, with capital availability keeping buyers and lenders active. Read the BGL Industrials Insider?Industrial Distribution M&A Strong Amid Overall M&A Market Slowdown: https://bit.ly/bglIndustrialDistributionInsider Notwithstanding a mixed macroeconomic environment, industrial distribution companies continue to perform as supply chain disruptions have eased and price increases have moderated. Acquisitions remain a priority for capital deployment and are an important growth lever for product line and geographic expansion, enabling acquirors to take advantage of enhanced operating leverage and buying power achieved through increased scale. Capital availability is keeping the industrial distribution M&A pipeline active across the major distribution subsectors as strategic and financial buyers display a robust appetite for new platforms and add-on acquisitions, which has carried through the year. While lenders remain cautious and borrowing criteria have tightened, lenders are continuing to seek opportunities to deploy capital, and high-quality industrial distribution businesses are viewed as attractive borrowers given their fragmented markets, low capital expenditures, and attractive free cash flow characteristics. About Brown Gibbons Lang & Company Brown Gibbons Lang & Company (BGL) is a leading independent investment bank and financial advisory firm focused on the global middle market. The firm advises private and public corporations and private equity groups on mergers and acquisitions, capital markets, financial restructurings, business valuations and opinions, and other strategic matters. BGL has investment banking offices in Chicago, Cleveland, Los Angeles, and New York, and real estate offices in Chicago, Cleveland, and San Antonio. The firm is also a founding member of Global M&A Partners, enabling BGL to service clients in more than 35 countries around the world. Securities transactions are conducted through Brown, Gibbons, Lang & Company Securities, LLC, an affiliate of Brown Gibbons Lang & Company LLC and a registered broker-dealer and member of FINRA and SIPC. For more information, please visit www.bglco.com. SOURCE Brown Gibbons Lang & Company 16 november 2023 at 17:53 News published onand distributed by: Al Rajhi Capital Partners with AlphaCentrix for Cutting-Edge Financial Solutions RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Al Rajhi Capital, a renowned and multi-award-winning financial services institution dedicated to Shariah-compliant financial products and services, is proud to announce its strategic partnership with AlphaCentrix, a global leader in technology solutions for the financial services sector. Al Rajhi Capital has built a sterling reputation for delivering a diverse range of innovative financial solutions that adhere to Shariah principles. Their Digital Channels serve as a comprehensive platform where individuals can access a wealth of resources related to financial investments and market activities. It offers user-friendly features allowing individuals to open investment accounts online, access daily market reports, explore mutual fund pricing, and stay informed about the latest market news. Under this strategic partnership, Al Rajhi Capital will integrate AlphaCentrix's innovative AlphaInvesttm software solution into its platform to further enhance and enrich the digital customer experience of its asset management customer base. This collaboration aims to provide Al Rajhi Capital's clients with even more comprehensive and efficient financial services while remaining steadfast in their commitment to Shariah compliance. AlphaCentrix's AlphaInvest solution includes bilingual investment tracking, thrift plans, cash management investor access, middleware, and data warehousing capabilities, enabling an end-to-end platform for onboarding clients, managing investments, and meeting complex custom dashboarding and reporting needs. AlphaInvesttm is designed to empower investors by providing them with powerful tools to manage their investments, cash flows, and savings plans efficiently. Al Rajhi Capital remains dedicated to delivering the highest quality and Shariah-compliant financial solutions to its clients, and AlphaInvest represents a significant milestone in this commitment. Ahmad Al Rifai, CIO at Al Rajhi Capital, expressed their enthusiasm about this partnership: "We are excited about our collaboration with AlphaCentrix. This partnership will allow us to continue providing our clients with cutting-edge financial solutions while ensuring that all our offerings remain fully compliant with Shariah principles. AlphaCentrix's expertise in wealth management and data management aligns perfectly with our mission to offer innovative financial services." Bilal Alassar, Managing Director at AlphaCentrix, shared his thoughts on the partnership: "We're exceptionally delighted to join forces with another esteemed financial services provider such as Al Rajhi Capital in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Al Rajhi Capital is strategically positioned to harness the remarkable advantages of our powerful Wealth Management and Thrift Plans capabilities offered through AlphaInvest. We are unwavering in our commitment to reinvest aggressively in these solutions and bolster our global delivery team to provide significant operational scale and deliver an even more enhanced client experience to large financial institutions." AlphaCentrix and Al Rajhi Capital look forward to a fruitful partnership that will undoubtedly elevate the financial services landscape in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. About Al Rajhi Capital Al Rajhi Capital is a prominent and multi-award-winning financial services company specializing in providing a diverse range of innovative financial products and services that adhere to the principles of Shariah finance. Its digital channels serve as a comprehensive platform for accessing investment-related resources, potentially opening investment accounts online, and staying informed about market developments. Al Rajhi Capital also offers access to daily market reports, mutual fund price lists, and the latest market news. For more information, please visit www.alrajhi-capital.com . About AlphaCentrix AlphaCentrix (formally Fascet LLC), provides data management, client onboarding and wealth management solutions, application hosting, and professional services that simplify investment operations for the world's leading Investment Managers, Fund Administrators, and Prime Brokers. Founded in 2002, AlphaCentrix is based in Jersey City, New Jersey with offices in Dallas, Texas, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and Mumbai, India. For more information, please visit https://alphacentrix.com/ Press contact: Ahmad Al Rifai [email protected] Tel: +966 01182 84686 Bilal Alassar balassar@alphacentrix.com +966-540-066448 Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2280057/Al_Rajhi_Capital_Logo.jpg 17 november 2023 at 04:06 News published onand distributed by: Thanksgiving Cost Analysis: While Turkey & Gas Prices Dip, Alcohol, Dinner Roll & Canned Veggie Prices on the Rise Turkey prices lowest since 2021, but other rising costs could stretch holiday budgets, according to analysis by Alliant Credit Union CHICAGO, Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- With Thanksgiving right around the corner, consumers nationwide can expect a mixed bag of relief at the grocery store but can be thankful for a welcome break at the pump for holiday travel. A consumer price analysis by Alliant Credit Union finds that while Turkey prices are the lowest they've been since 2021 ($1.25 a pound) and gas prices are decreasing, those cost savings may be offset by rising costs for other items like baked goods, alcohol and canned vegetables. Turkey prices are holding steady at $1.25 a pound (down forty-three cents from earlier this year reaching a 2-year low), according to the United States Department of Agriculture. Potatoes saw a 1.5% per pound increase to just over $1 a pound ($1.006), contrasted by a 6% decrease in the cost of butter. Some of the higher cost increases include staples such as baked goods, up 4.4% over last year, and dinner rolls, weighing in with a whopping 5.7% national average price hike over 2022. Consumers can also expect to pay more for canned vegetables such as cranberries, up 3.2% and, alcoholic beverages, which jumped 3.7%. There is, however, good news at the pump, gas prices are finally on the decrease, unleaded gasoline prices are down 5.8% this year ($3.78 per gallon) compared to last October; mid-grade gas costs have decreased 2.6% ($4.25); while premium unleaded is down 4.33% ($4.7%). Those driving diesel-fueled vehicles saw the greatest price decrease, 12.7% (from $5.23 to $4.56) per gallon, based on Alliant's analysis of recent US Bureau of Labor Statistics data. "While there are a few items at the grocery store that will cost less this Thanksgiving, consumers should remain vigilant regarding increasing costs in other areas when planning their holiday budget," remarked Mark Lau, Chief Financial Officer at Alliant Credit Union. "With the cost of living on an upward trajectory, household budgets will be challenged this holiday season, but being savvy with your money and planning your budget ahead of time can make a world of difference." To assist consumers in getting the most from their holiday dollars, Alliant recommends people: Plan and Budget: Map out a detailed budget for holiday expenses, including meals, gifts, and travel, and adhere to it diligently to avoid overspending. Shop Smarter: Look out for seasonal deals, discounts, and coupons, and consider purchasing non-perishable items in advance when prices are favorable. Explore Alternatives: Consider alternatives to traditional holiday meals or decorative items, such as opting for different protein sources or DIY decorations, to reduce costs without compromising on festivities. Bulk Buying: When possible, purchase items in bulk to benefit from volume discounts, especially for non-perishable goods. Utilize Loyalty Programs: Take advantage of loyalty programs and rewards offered by retailers to earn discounts and points for future purchases. Save: Put the money you save to work for you in a savings account or high-rate certificate, your return will be higher! About Alliant Credit Union: Alliant Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial cooperative with more than 800,000 members and more than $19 billion in assets. Alliant was just named one of CNBC's Top Credit Unions for November 2023 and one of Money.com's Best Banks for America. Headquartered in Chicago and founded in 1935, Alliant is the largest credit union in Illinois and one of the largest credit unions in the United States. As an all-digital credit union, Alliant's mission is to provide members with a tech-forward banking experience coupled with consistent, superior financial value, while simplifying and enabling how people save, borrow, and pay. Media Contacts : David Irwin, [email protected] Natalie Symonds, [email protected] SOURCE Alliant Credit Union 17 november 2023 at 06:00 News published onand distributed by: X Financial to Hold Annual General Meeting on December 22, 2023 SHENZHEN, China, Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- X Financial (NYSE: XYF) (the "Company" or "we"), a leading online personal finance company in China, today announced it will hold its 2023 annual general meeting of shareholders at 7/F ? 8/F, Block A, Aerospace Science and Technology Plaza, No. 168 Haide Third Avenue, Nanshan District, Shenzhen 518067, China on December 22, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. local time. No proposal will be submitted for shareholder approval at the annual general meeting. Instead, the annual general meeting will serve as an open forum for shareholders of record and beneficial owners of the Company's Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares to discuss Company affairs with management. The Board has fixed the close of business on November 30, 2023 as the record date (the "Record Date") for determining the shareholders entitled to receive notice of the annual general meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof. Holders of record of the Company's Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares at the close of business on the Record Date are entitled to attend the annual general meeting and any adjournment or postponement thereof in person. Beneficial owners of the Company's ADSs are welcome to attend the annual general meeting in person. The Company has filed its annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on April 27, 2023. The annual report can be accessed on the Company's investor relations website at https://ir.xiaoyinggroup.com as well as the SEC's website at https://www.sec.gov. The Company will provide a hard copy of its annual report containing the audited consolidated financial statements, free of charge, to its shareholders and ADS holders upon request. Requests should be directed to the Company by emailing X Financial Investor Relations at [email protected]. About X Financial X Financial (NYSE: XYF) (the "Company") is a leading online personal finance company in China. The Company is committed to connecting borrowers on its platform with its institutional funding partners. With its proprietary big data-driven technology, the Company has established strategic partnerships with financial institutions across multiple areas of its business operations, enabling it to facilitate and provide loans to prime borrowers under a risk assessment and control system. For more information, please visit: https://ir.xiaoyinggroup.com. Safe Harbor Statement This announcement contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "potential," "continue," "ongoing," "targets," "guidance" and similar statements. The Company may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Any statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements that involve factors, risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such factors and risks include, but not limited to the following: the Company's goals and strategies; its future business development, financial condition and results of operations; the expected growth of the credit industry, and marketplace lending in particular, in China; the demand for and market acceptance of its marketplace's products and services; its ability to attract and retain borrowers and investors on its marketplace; its relationships with its strategic cooperation partners; competition in its industry; and relevant government policies and regulations relating to the corporate structure, business and industry. Further information regarding these and other risks, uncertainties or factors is included in the Company's filings with the SEC. All information provided in this announcement is current as of the date of this announcement, and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update such information, except as required under applicable law. For more information, please contact: X Financial Mr. Frank Fuya Zheng E-mail: ir@xiaoying.com Christensen IR In China Mr. Eric Yuan Phone: +86-10-5900-1548 E-mail: eric.yuan@christensencomms.com In US Ms. Linda Bergkamp Phone: +1-480-614-3004 Email: linda.bergkamp@christensencomms.com SOURCE X Financial 17 november 2023 at 06:00 News published onand distributed by: Osino Releases Sustainability Report VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 17, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Osino Resources Corp. (TSXV:OSI) (NSX:OSN) (FSE:RSR1) (OTCQX:OSIIF) ("Osino" or "the Company") is pleased to announce the release of its Sustainability Report for 2022, which summarises the company's social, environmental and economic performance and outlines plans for the ongoing integration of sustainability into the design of the Twin Hills Gold Mine. The Twin Hills Gold Project, located near Karibib in Namibia, is on track to create approximately 1,000 permanent new jobs in the region and has, since inception, attracted C$56 million (N$634 million) in foreign direct investment for the Namibian economy, as detailed in Osino's 2022 Sustainability Report. Report Highlights: Foreign direct investment in Namibia During 2022, Osino's Namibian procurement spend was C$9.5 million (N$124 million) Additionally, Osino paid C$2 million (N$27 million) in wages and C$221k (N$3 million) to the Namibian government (social security, PAYE, workman's compensation and training levy) Since 2017, Osino has invested a total of C$56 million (N$634 million) in Namibia Prioritising local employment 92% of Osino employees are Namibian nationals and 38% are from local communities around the Twin Hills Gold Project Equal pay for equal positions applies throughout the company 22% female employees in a male-dominated industry Approximately 1,000 jobs likely to be created with local and national employment prioritized, subject to skills availability Strengthening local communities and relationships 79% local procurement spend in Namibia, of which a quarter was within 75km of Twin Hills Ongoing support of strategic socio-economic development projects through the Twin Hills Trust Well-attended public engagement meetings held in Windhoek, Karibib and Omaruru in November 2021. Meetings with local authorities are ongoing Rigorous compliance approach Completed environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA) for the Twin Hills Gold Project to establish baseline and identify potential impacts Completed environmental and social management plan (ESMP) for the Twin Hills Gold Project to guide management of current and future impacts Completed the Pre-feasibility Study (PFS) in 2022 and Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) in July 2023 Received Environmental Clearance Certificate in November 2022 A focus on environmental performance Zero significant environmental incidents recorded Reduced energy and emission intensity per metre drilled Ongoing investigation into carbon-reducing technologies and strategies for the Twin Hills Mine, e.g. the planned solar PV plant that will provide about 37% of the mine's electricity needs Heye Daun, Osino CEO and President, commented, "Being a responsible corporate citizen is central to how we do business and we are working towards our purpose of ?building value for all stakeholders' ? the best outcome for all stakeholders ? by embedding sustainability in as many aspects of our business as possible. The release of the sustainability report underscores Osino's goal of becoming another strong advocate for responsible gold mining in Namibia. This commitment draws inspiration from several global frameworks and guidelines, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the Mining Principles set forth by the International Council of Mining and Metals, the Reporting Standards of the Global Reporting Initiative and the Namibian Best Practice Guide to Mining." Showcasing positive environmental and social impact to date The 2022 Sustainability Report showcases Osino's substantial positive impact on the Namibian economy and local communities and details the company's plans to minimise its impact on nature and the environment. As part of its commitment to the economy of Namibia, Osino has a policy to buy, where possible, from local companies. In 2022, the company spent C$9.5 million (N$124 million) on procurement with Namibian suppliers, of which 26%, C$2.4 million (N$32 million), was spent on suppliers located within 75 km of the Twin Hills Gold Mine Project. Of all Osino employees, 90% are Namibian and of all employees in Namibia, 98% are Namibian. Of these, almost 40% come from the host communities surrounding Twin Hills, which are areas grappling with high unemployment rates. Twenty-two percent of employees in a male-dominated industry are women, and Osino aims to increase this number. Osino also supports several strategic socio-economic development initiatives in its immediate vicinity, including early childhood development of over 600 children in Karibib and Omaruru. It has also contributed to developing low-cost, serviced plots and upgrading and installing basic sanitation infrastructure in an informal settlement in Karibib. These projects are managed by local NGOs in collaboration with town councils and the Twin Hills Trust and are already having a positive ripple effect on the local economy. The company's strong focus on environmental performances is demonstrated by Osino's motivation to design the future mine to minimise water consumption and carbon-emissions, and to also minimise other environmental impacts. For its exploration activities, there have been zero significant environmental incidents since inception. Definitive Feasibility Study lays groundwork for sustainable future Osino recently completed its Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) for the Twin Hills Gold Project, which included the results and recommendations of a series of social and environmental studies and plans to lay a strong foundation for minimising the potential negative impacts and expanding on the positive potential of the Twin Hills Gold Mine. "Our commitment is to make sure we contribute to good environmental stewardship and to the socio-economic development of Namibia, and particularly to that of our host communities," says Daun. "We are, for example, planning to build a solar PV plant that will generate up to 37% of the required electricity, we are exploring a dry-stack tailings facility to significantly reduce water losses, and we are investigating opportunities to prioritise local hiring, skills development and small business development." The DFS has also de-risked the project, which allows Osino to move forward with the development of the mine. Construction is expected to start in 2024. Daun concludes: "As we transition to mine development and operations, we continue to focus on and expand our commitment to responsible mining practices and we are very pleased to be formally reporting on this for the second time, through our Sustainability Report for the year 2022. We are proud of the company's positive contributions to the local economy to date and excited about the opportunities ahead." Read more about Osino's sustainability performance and plans in the report on the company's website: https://osinoresources.com/responsibility/ About Osino Resources Osino is a Canadian gold exploration and development company focused on the fast-tracked development of our wholly owned, Twin Hills Gold Project in central Namibia. Since its grassroots discovery by Osino in August 2019 the Company has completed more than 240,000m of drilling and has completed a suite of specialist technical studies culminating in the recently published Twin Hills Definitive Feasibility Study ("DFS") dated effective June 12, 2023. The DFS describes a technically simple and economically robust open-pit gold operation with a 13-year mine life and average annual gold production of over 169,000oz per annum. Osino has a commanding ground position of over 8,000km2 located within Namibia's prospective Damara sedimentary mineral belt, mostly in proximity to and along strike of the producing Navachab and Otjikoto Gold Mines. The Company is actively exploring a range of gold prospects and targets along the belt by utilizing a portfolio approach geared towards discovery, targeting gold mineralization that fits the broad orogenic gold model. Our core projects are favourably located north and north-west of Namibia's capital city Windhoek. By virtue of their location, the projects benefit significantly from Namibia's well-established infrastructure with paved highways, railway, power and water in close proximity. Namibia is mining-friendly and lauded as one of the continent's most politically and socially stable jurisdictions. Osino continues to evaluate new ground with a view to expanding our Namibian portfolio. Further details are available on the Company's website at https://osinoresources.com and under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. On Behalf of The Board of Directors Heye Daun, President & CEO CONTACT INFORMATION Osino Resources Corp. Yaron Conforti Corporate Development +1-604-687-2038 [email protected] Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, without limitation, statements regarding the use of proceeds from the Company's future plans or prospects of the Company, including prospects for economic recoverability of mineral resources. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to business, market and economic risks, uncertainties and contingencies that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Other factors which could materially affect such forward-looking information are described in the risk factors in the Company's most recent annual management's discussion and analysis which is available on the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. The Company does not undertake to update any forward- looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. 17 november 2023 at 07:00 News published onand distributed by: This Week in Environment News: 11 Stories You Need to See A roundup of the week's most newsworthy environment industry press releases from PR Newswire, including the TIME100 Climate List and Southwest's new sustainability goals. NEW YORK, Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- With thousands of press releases published each week, it can be difficult to keep up with everything on PR Newswire. To help journalists covering the environment industry stay on top of the week's most newsworthy and popular releases, here's a roundup of stories from the week that shouldn't be missed. The list below includes the headline (with a link to the full text) and an excerpt from each story. Click on the press release headlines to access accompanying multimedia assets that are available for download. Read more of the latest environment-related releases from PR Newswire and stay caught up on the top press releases by following @PRNenv on Twitter. Helping Journalists Stay Up to Date on Industry News These are just a few of the recent press releases that consumers and the media should know about. To be notified of releases relevant to their coverage area, journalists can set up a custom newsfeed with PR Newswire for Journalists. Once they're signed up, reporters, bloggers and freelancers have access to the following free features: Customization: Create a customized newsfeed that will deliver relevant news right to your inbox. Customize the newsfeed by keywords, industry, subject, geography, and more. Create a customized newsfeed that will deliver relevant news right to your inbox. Customize the newsfeed by keywords, industry, subject, geography, and more. Photos and Videos: Thousands of multimedia assets are available to download and include with your next story. Thousands of multimedia assets are available to download and include with your next story. Subject Matter Experts: Access ProfNet, a database of industry experts to connect with as sources or for quotes in your articles. Access ProfNet, a database of industry experts to connect with as sources or for quotes in your articles. Related Resources: Read and subscribe to our journalist- and blogger-focused blog, Beyond Bylines, for media news roundups, writing tips, upcoming events, and more. About PR Newswire PR Newswire is the industry's leading press release distribution partner with an unparalleled global reach of more than 440,000 newsrooms, websites, direct feeds, journalists and influencers and is available in more than 170 countries and 40 languages. From our award-winning Content Services offerings, integrated media newsroom and microsite products, Investor Relations suite of services, paid placement and social sharing tools, PR Newswire has a comprehensive catalog of solutions to solve the modern-day challenges PR and communications teams face. For 70 years, PR Newswire has been the preferred destination for brands to share their most important news stories across the world. For questions, contact the team at [email protected]. SOURCE PR Newswire 17 november 2023 at 07:02 News published onand distributed by: China-U.S. cooperation contributes to rapid development of Port of Los Angeles BEIJING, Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- A report from People's Daily: Along the west coast of the U.S., the Port of Los Angeles is a hive of activity, with massive container ships constantly coming and going. Mark Wheeler, 70, retired 4 years ago from his position as vice president of the West Basin Container Terminal (WBCT) at the Port of Los Angeles. Although he now lives in South Carolina, Mark still cares deeply about the port where he worked for decades. Whenever he talks about his career, one exciting scene always comes to mind ? a visit to the port by Xi Jinping, who serves as the Chinese President today. It was on Feb. 16, 2012. Xi, then vice president of China, had a tour to a terminal of China's shipping giant COSCO at the Port of Los Angeles. According to Wheeler, he was serving as the terminal operations manager back then and witnessed a story of mutual benefit and win-win cooperation between the U.S. and China. Wheeler said he never thought that a leader of a major country could be so approachable, adding that Xi shook hands with everyone and waved enthusiastically to crew members on cargo ships. It was like meeting an old friend, he noted. The Port of Los Angeles is the largest container port in the United States and serves as the first stop for Chinese goods entering the United States across the Pacific Ocean. In 2001, a COSCO subsidiary became a shareholder of the port, holding partial equity stakes in the WBCT at the Port of Los Angeles and the Pacific Container Terminal at the Port of Long Beach. This marked the beginning of rapid development for the Port of Los Angeles. By 2012, the WBCT's annual container throughput reached 1.5 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), accounting for 10 percent of the total at the Port of Los Angeles and contributing $100 million in direct tax revenue to the federal and local governments. Since 2012, COSCO has always adhered to the principles of practical cooperation and mutual benefit in serving the trade sector, and continuously expanded its shipping routes, capital investment, and technological input in the entire Los Angeles. For many years, the Port of Los Angeles has played an important role in U.S.-China trade, said Wheeler, attributing the development of ports in the Los Angeles area to mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries. So far, COSCO has directly created about 2,400 jobs in the United States. Through partnerships with trucking companies, railways, tugboat services and other suppliers, COSCO's terminals have generated around 15,000 additional jobs in the country. "COSCO actively promotes local economic and social development at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, striving to meet customers' transportation needs. Especially when supply chains get tight, we strive to tackle problems like insufficient capacity and port congestion," said Gu Quanlin, vice president of COSCO SHIPPING (North America). According to Gu, during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, COSCO terminals in the country utilized multimodal transportation to swiftly deliver essential medical supplies to customers in the Midwest through the Port of Long Beach. This made a significant contribution to the local population's response to the pandemic. Additionally, COSCO Shipping has strengthened management around ship speed reduction, shore power usage, near-shore emissions, and equipment emissions. This aligns fully with the Californian government's long-standing promotion of green principles. Among all the terminals at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, COSCO terminals have always been at the forefront of protecting the ocean environment and marine life, said Paul Nazzaro, executive vice president of COSCO SHIPPING (North America). The 130-km long Santa Barbara Channel by the Port of Long Beach is a major shipping lane, as well as one of the world's most important destinations for migrating blue whales. It is visited by many blue whales, humpback whales and fin whales from July to November each year. Excessive ship speeds would severely impact the whales. Since 2018, COSCO has actively implemented the project of Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies. So far, it has carried out relevant eco-friendly operations on 111 voyages, making effective safety nets for marine life and lowering greenhouse gas and suspended particulate emissions. From 2020 to 2022, COSCO won the top award of the "Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies" project, the "Sapphire Prize," given by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for three consecutive years. Brian Peck, Chair of the Los Angeles Regional Export Council, stated that China is California's largest trading partner, and one-third of U.S.-China trade passes through the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. California attracts more Chinese investment than any other U.S. state and is home to the largest population of Chinese students and visitors. The close ties between California and China reflect the intertwined interests of the United States and China and demonstrate the mutually beneficial essence of U.S.-China economic and trade cooperation. Wheeler told People's Daily that he sincerely hopes that the two largest economies, the United States and China, can find more common ground and write more stories of cooperation and win-win outcomes through exchanges and dialogues. SOURCE People's Daily 17 november 2023 at 08:40 News published onand distributed by: Government of Canada launches new initiative to support Indigenous tourism New funding stream will offer direct support to Indigenous tourism businesses VANCOUVER, BC, Nov. 17, 2023 /CNW/ - The growth of Indigenous tourism is both an important element of reconciliation and a major opportunity for First Nations, Inuit and Metis communities. Indigenous People have a rich tapestry of stories, traditions and landscapes to share with visitors, who are increasingly looking for authentic tourism experiences, sustainable practices and eco-tourism offerings. To help support the small businesses at the heart of the industry, the Government of Canada created the $20 million Indigenous Tourism Fund (ITF) announced in Budget 2022. The Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, today announced the launch of the ITF's Micro and Small Business Stream (MSBS). The $10 million MSBS, which will be rolled out in partnership with the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) and provincial and territorial Indigenous tourism organizations, will offer direct support to small businesses. The ITF's MSBS will support Indigenous tourism in several key areas. First and foremost, it will provide financial assistance to Indigenous tourism operators. Authenticity is at the heart of Indigenous tourism, and the MSBS will help ITAC deliver and promote The Original Original Accreditation Program, which provides a mark of excellence for businesses offering high-quality authentic experiences. Finally, the MSBS will leverage the expertise of provincial and territorial Indigenous tourism organizations to maximize its positive impact on Indigenous communities and the tourism industry. The MSBS will be rolled out in partnership with ITAC and provincial and territorial Indigenous tourism organizations, except in Ontario where details regarding the administration of the program will be announced shortly. Through this Indigenous-led approach, qualifying micro and small Indigenous tourism businesses and organizations will have access to non-repayable contributions of up to $25,000. Indigenous tourism creates jobs and opportunities across the country, which is why the government is working with leaders and communities to encourage its growth in a way that is culturally appropriate and socially responsible. Supporting Indigenous tourism is also a central part of the government's broader work to help Canadian tourism grow and thrive, and it is among the key priorities of the new Federal Tourism Growth Strategy. Most importantly, Indigenous tourism plays an important role in accelerating self-determination for communities and advancing reconciliation. Quotes "As travellers crave authentic experiences, Indigenous tourism businesses are perfectly positioned to thrive in the years to come. That's why the growth of Indigenous tourism is one of my top priorities as minister. Today's announcement means new, concrete support for the small businesses at the heart of this industry. We'll keep working with First Nations, Inuit and Metis stakeholders to support Indigenous tourism because it creates jobs, advances self determination and helps us walk the road of reconciliation, together." ? The Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec "The Government of Canada's selection of ITAC to support the growth and recovery of Indigenous tourism micro and small businesses after the COVID-19 pandemic marks a noteworthy milestone in our collaborative efforts to foster the development of Indigenous tourism in Canada. Through the Indigenous Tourism Fund's Micro and Small Business Stream, operators can enhance their services and elevate their enterprises to offer unparalleled authentic experiences to visitors in Canada. Furthermore, this stream aligns with The Original Original Accreditation Program to pinpoint areas where Indigenous tourism operators can improve their offerings and provide authentic experiences to visitors." ? Keith Henry, President and CEO, Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada Quick facts Before the pandemic, Indigenous tourism was the fastest-growing segment in the Canadian tourism market, posting significant gains in job creation and contributions to Canada's GDP. GDP. The Indigenous tourism industry was particularly hard hit by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and has been slower to recover. Budget 2022 dedicated $20 million to the Indigenous Tourism Fund (ITF) to aid the industry's recovery from the pandemic. to the Indigenous Tourism Fund (ITF) to aid the industry's recovery from the pandemic. In addition, at least 15% of the Tourism Growth Program from Budget 2023 will be invested in Indigenous tourism attractions. Associated links Stay connected Find more services and information at Canada.ca/ISED. Follow Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada on LinkedIn. Follow @cdntourism on social media: X (Twitter), Instagram. Follow Canada Business on social media: X (Twitter), Facebook, Instagram. SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada 17 november 2023 at 13:47 News published onand distributed by: The man who attacked the husband of top US lawmaker Nancy Pelosi with a hammer in the couple's California home was found guilty on Thursday, November 16, in a San Francisco federal court. Jurors convicted David DePape of assault for the attack in which he fractured Paul Pelosi's skull. He was also found guilty of attempting to kidnap Pelosi, the then speaker of the House of Representatives, who was not at home at the time. "A federal jury has convicted David Depape of Attempted Kidnapping of a Federal Officer or Employee and Assault on the Immediate Family Member of a Federal Official," said US prosecutors in a statement. "DePape faces a maximum sentence of up to life in prison." The jury deliberated for less than a day and returned a unanimous verdict, the San Francisco Chronicle reported. At the time of the October 2022 attack, Democrat Nancy Pelosi was second in line to the presidency and a regular target of far-right conspiracy theories. Jurors heard how DePape a Canadian former nudist activist who supported himself with occasional carpentry work had initially planned to target Nancy Pelosi, planning to smash her kneecaps if she did not admit to her party's "lies." On arriving at their home armed with rope, gloves and duct tape, DePape instead encountered her then-82-year-old husband and kept asking, "Where's Nancy?" During what DePape told officers was a "pretty amicable" conversation with Paul Pelosi, the husband managed to call for help from law enforcement. But moments later, in scenes captured by police bodycam, DePape bludgeoned Pelosi with a hammer before officers rushed at him and took the weapon away. Pelosi was knocked unconscious and spent almost a week in a hospital, where he underwent surgery. DePape told jurors Tuesday that Paul Pelosi "was never my target and I'm sorry he got hurt." 'Courage' DePape sat quietly beside his lawyers for the verdict and did not outwardly react to the decision, according to the Los Angeles Times. He now awaits sentencing and also faces separate state charges. DePape had pleaded not guilty to the charges. While not denying the attack, his defense rested on contesting federal prosecutors' claims that he had targeted Nancy Pelosi in her capacity as a federal official a key factor in their charges. Instead, his lawyers argued that DePape was driven to target several prominent liberal figures, due to his exposure to a web of obscure conspiracy theories. In social media posts, DePape shared QAnon theories and false claims that the last US election was stolen. The trial heard how DePape did not intend to stop his supposed anti-corruption crusade with Pelosi, and had drawn up a list of other targets including a feminist academic whom he accused of turning US schools into "pedophile molestation factories." Other personalities the defendant admitted wanting to attack included California Governor Gavin Newsom, President Joe Biden's son Hunter and actor Tom Hanks. Read more Article reserve a nos abonnes Attack on Pelosi's husband deepens fears over safety of US politicians Jurors rejected DePape's explanation of the attack, which took place just a few days before the US midterm elections. DePape's attack itself became politicized, with some members of the Republican party mocking the incident. A spokesperson for Nancy Pelosi said in a statement following the verdict that the family was "deeply grateful for the outpouring of prayers and warm wishes," and said Paul Pelosi "continues to make progress in his recovery." "The Pelosi family is very proud of their Pop, who demonstrated extraordinary composure and courage on the night of the attack a year ago and in the courtroom this week," they said. Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov during a joint news conference with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock following their talks in Baku, Azerbaijan, Saturday, November 4, 2023. AZIZ KARIMOV / AP Azerbaijan on Thursday, November 16, refused to participate in normalization talks with arch-foe Armenia that were planned in the United States this month over what it said was Washington's "biased" position. Baku and Yerevan have been locked in a decades-long territorial conflict over Azerbaijan's Nagorno-Karabakh region, which Baku reclaimed in September after a lightning offensive against Armenian separatists. Internationally mediated peace talks between the ex-Soviet republics have seen little progress but both countries' leaders have said a comprehensive peace agreement could be signed by the end of the year. Read more Article reserve a nos abonnes Nagorno-Karabakh: The fall of an enclave born of the disintegration of the USSR "We do not consider it possible to hold the proposed meeting on the level of the Foreign Ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia in Washington on November 20, 2023," Baku's foreign ministry said in a statement. The move followed a hearing in the US House Foreign Affairs Committee on Wednesday, where, the ministry said, Assistant Secretary of State James O'Brien made "one-sided and biased remarks" about Azerbaijan. 'Unilateral approach' O'Brien told the House Committee that "nothing will be normal with Azerbaijan after the events of September 19 until we see progress on the peace track." "We've canceled a number of high-level visits, condemned (Baku's) actions," he added. The Azerbaijani foreign ministry said: "Such a unilateral approach by the United States could lead to the loss of the United States' mediation role." Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said on Thursday that Yerevan's "political will to sign, in the coming months, a peace agreement with Azerbaijan remains unwavering." Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev have held several rounds of talks under EU mediation. But last month, Aliyev refused to attend a round of negotiations with Pashinyan in Spain, citing France's "biased position." French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz had been scheduled to join EU chief Charles Michel as mediators at those talks. So far, there has been no visible progress in EU efforts to organize a fresh round of negotiations. Read more Article reserve a nos abonnes Ukraine, Gaza and Nagorno-Karabakh: Three interacting wars Decades before Fox News altered the media landscape, Linda Ronstadt, a star known more for her melodies than her media critiques, delivered a powerful warning. In a 1983 Australian TV interview 13 years before the launch of Fox News she spoke out against Rupert Murdoch's sensationalist newspapers with astoundingly accurate foresight: It's amazing to me that people read, you know, stuff in People Magazine or the National Enquirer. Your press down there is really I mean, you gave us Rupert Murdoch Thanks a lot, you guys. Take him back. We don't need him here He's very responsible, too, you know. I mean, you see these screaming headlines in his newspapers about politics or about a shooting or killing that are only made to inflame, you know, terror and horror. It just drives me crazy. It's just It's plain old, irresponsible. That's all it is, you know. It's bad for journalism. It's bad for journalism. It's bad for the responsible journalists that are out there. Decades later, Ronstadt's words resonate with eerie accuracy. Her criticism of Murdoch's approach sensationalism over substance, fear over fact seems almost prophetic. It wasn't just about bad journalism; it was a warning about how Murdoch intended to steer the course of history through lurid, fearmongering disinfotainment. People hold up placards during a demonstration against the visit of Emmanuel Macron and Alain Berset to the University of Lausanne (UNIL) in Lausanne, Switzerland, Thursday, November 16, 2023. CYRIL ZINGARO / AP French President Emmanuel Macron admitted Thursday, November 16, that Europe was divided over the war between Israel and Hamas, as pro-Palestinian protesters demonstrated against his stance during his state visit to Switzerland. Despite the "position of unity" displayed by the European Union, "there are many differences on this subject between the countries," Macron admitted, stressing that positions on the war were a matter of diplomacy and of domestic politics. Macron was outlining his vision for Europe during a visit to the University of Lausanne, before debating with students. Outside, around 200 pro-Palestinian demonstrators denounced his position on the war, chanting "Macron: complicit!" and brandishing banners reading "stop genocide" or "free Palestine". There were brief moments of tension with the police. Police walk past protesters holding up placards on the situation of the Israel-Hamas war during a demonstration during the visit of French President Emmanuel Macron and Swiss President Alain Berset to the University of Lausanne (UNIL), Switzerland, Thursday, November 16, 2023. CYRIL ZINGARO / AP CYRIL ZINGARO / AP No flags or banners were allowed inside, where Macron reiterated his position, which has raised criticism both within France and internationally. "Israel's right to defend itself does not justify bombing civilians or to have children, families killed in these bombardments," he said. "It cannot be total war, without rules." Macron urged an "immediate truce leading to a humanitarian ceasefire," but admitted that "there is not a united position, to be honest, at the European level". 'Europe is the answer' Israel has vowed to eradicate Hamas in retaliation for the attacks of October 7, which killed 1,200 people, most of them civilians, and saw about 240 people taken hostage, according to Israeli officials. But with the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza saying the death toll from the offensive has now topped 11,500, including thousands of children, calls for a truce are mounting. Read more Article reserve a nos abonnes Amid heavy fighting, Gaza hospitals are collapsing While the EU project has long been presented as a guarantor of peace in a continent previously ravaged by conflicts, "war is returning to our doorstep everywhere" in Ukraine, in the Caucasus and in the Middle East, said Macron. "Faced with all the risks of being torn apart, of a return to nationalism Europe is the answer," he insisted, saying that returning to conflict and nationalism "would be a catastrophe". "And so we have, even more fundamentally than before the return of war on our soil, a need for unity," he concluded. Such unity, according to Macron, involves enlarging the EU beyond its current 27 members, but also bringing in other countries which do not wish to join, such as Switzerland, into broader association agreements. Ties between Brussels and Bern have been strained since Switzerland suddenly decided in May 2021 to end years of discussion towards a broad cooperation agreement with the bloc. But Macron has pleaded for accelerated talks on reaching a framework agreement during his two-day state visit. Read more Article reserve a nos abonnes 'A perfect storm is brewing for Ukraine and its allies. Negative developments everywhere are converging' The White House on Friday, November 17, condemned the owner of social media platform X Elon Musk, for "abhorrent promotion" of anti-Semitism. The White House was reacting to a post by Musk in which the controversial Tesla and SpaceX tycoon replied to a post on X with the words: "You have said the actual truth." The original post has been perceived by the White House as a reference to a longtime conspiracy theory among White supremacists that Jews have a secret plan to bring in illegal immigrants to weaken white majorities. Most notoriously, the idea was promoted by the man who carried out a mass shooting at a synagogue in Pittsburgh in 2018, killing 11 people. The post Musk replied to read as follows: "Jewish communities have been pushing the exact kind of dialectical hatred against whites that they claim to want people to stop using against them." "We condemn this abhorrent promotion of anti-Semitic and racist hate in the strongest terms, which runs against our core values as Americans," Bates said. "We all have a responsibility to bring people together against hate, and an obligation to speak out against anyone who attacks the dignity of their fellow Americans and compromises the safety of our communities." "It is unacceptable to repeat the hideous lie behind the most fatal act of anti-Semitism in American history at any time, let alone one month after the deadliest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust," Bates said, referring to the October 7 assault by Palestinian militant group Hamas on Israel. TWO YOUNG women from the region have been awarded third-level bursaries by a Limerick-based engineering company. Limericks Anna Carr, who is studying mechanical engineering at the National University of Ireland in Galway has been accepted onto Kirby Group Engineerings third-level bursary programme, which was launched by the company last year. She is joined by Alannah OConnell from Clare, who is studying renewable and electrical engineering at the Technological University of the Shannon. Bursaries have also been awarded to three other students, as part of Kirbys drive to promote the sector among female students. Kirby Group was founded in Limerick by brothers Tom and Michael Kirby in 1964, and is headquartered in the Raheen Industrial Estate. The company, which also operates across Ireland, Britain, mainland Europe and South Africa, directly employs more than 1,400 people. The bursary programme which Ms O'Connell and Ms Carr are now on was open to females studying electrical, mechanical or building services engineering at third level institutions in Ireland. This years winners were chosen following a selection process by Kirby management. The recipients will receive a full scholarship to cover the academic year 2023/24, as well as paid professional placements on Kirbys engineering projects. The students will also benefit from professional mentorship from senior engineers. The other three students are Leah McElvaney from Monaghan, Ciara McMillan from Wexford and DuEllie Fox from Dublin. THE PROPRIETOR of a popular County Limerick store is once again in the prizes. Padraig Broderick has seen his Spar shop in Croom win a top industry award. He was presented with a Checkout National Grocery Retail Award for retail store of the year, in the small supermarket category. It came at an awards ceremony held at Dublins Radisson Blu Royal hotel over the weekend. The awards are designed to honour the owners of best in class retailing across Ireland. Spar sales director Colin Donnelly said: I want to offer my wholehearted congratulations to Padraig and his team in Spar Croom on this prestigious award and national recognition. The whole team is so very deserving of this accolade, and they are great champions for the Spar brand, he added. He was also a finalist in Irelands best food to go offering. Mr Broderick heaped praise on his team, saying: It's a super achievement for the team and great recognition of all our hard work. Our goal of making Broderick's Spar Croom a fresh food destination is becoming a reality. Our fresh meat business has always been the backbone of the shop but now it's very well complimented with our new bakery. We are very proud to see Croom in the national final and its very heartwarming to hear the reaction of all our customers. The National Grocery Retail Awards are one of the most eagerly anticipated events in the Irish grocery retail calendar and those honoured are recognised as being true industry standard bearers. LIMERICK camogie players will embrace the cold as they take the plunge as part of a charity drive for Focus Ireland. The event, aptly titled Take The Plunge for Focus Ireland, will see participants brace cold Irish seas at several locations across the country, with the first of the events on Saturday, November 25. The final plunge will take place on Saturday, December 2, in partnership with Limerick Camogie at Ringmoylan Pier, Pallaskenry. Those who want to partake, but are unable to reach the allotted locations at the given times, are invited to join the cause by taking the plunge at their local beach and making a donation. According to Marian Quinn chairperson of Limerick Camogie, Focus Irelands three-year Partnership with Limerick Camogie began on December 2021, and will run until December 2024. Last year Limerick Camogie raised a total of a whopping 26,000 from their Dip in December at Ringmoylan Pier, with 50% of Donations going to Focus Ireland. We hope to surpass this amount this year and are looking forward to being a part of Take the Plunge For Focus Irelands fundraising campaign, Ms Quinn added. Cully & Sully, the Cork-based soup makers, are supporting the event and will provide a well-deserved hot snack for all participants on the day. They will also provide swim hats for the first 50 registrations in each area. Lorraine Toner, Head of National community fundraising at Focus Ireland, expresses her enthusiasm for the event, stating, This event is not just about taking a plunge into the sea; it's about taking a plunge for change. It's a call to action to end homelessness and make a real impact on the lives of those in need. By participating in 'Take The Plunge for Focus Ireland,' you're not only embracing the cold waters but also the opportunity to create a brighter future for individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Ireland. Join us in this inspiring movement, and together, we can turn the tide on homelessness and bring warmth and hope to those in need, she added. According to figures from Focus Ireland, there are there are 12,827 individuals, including 3,904 children, experiencing homelessness across Ireland. A TRIBUTE to beloved Limerick author Lorraine OByrne (nee Barry) will take place this weekend at the unveiling of her final book. Lorraine, who passed away last February after battling with breast cancer, grew up in Dromkeen, Co Limerick. Her final book, I Will Find You, will be launched this Saturday, November 18 at 6.30pm at the Killaloe Hotel, where her husband and guest speakers will pay tribute to her work. A donation from the sale of the book will be contributed to Milford Care Centre. Inspired by Disney and animals, Lorraine, saw her passion for writing blossom during her childhood. Her childrens stories featured talking animals and a host of magical creatures. Lorraine consistently emphasised the importance of nurturing childrens reading habits and the incredible value of using their own imaginations. In 2002, she met her husband, Donal. Their shared interests and deep connection forged an inseparable bond. With persuasive charm, Lorraine convinced him to embark on journeys, and together, they explored 16 countries. Their home quickly became a sanctuary for an assortment of animals, including chickens, ducks, cats, dogs and a horse. Lorraines compassion for animals shone through, even in her final days, when she attempted to rescue a dog at Kilfinane Animal Welfare. In 2004, she published her first adult fiction book, The Wrath of Voodoo, followed by the release of her debut childrens book, The Hippity Dippity Witch in 2012. With her final creation, Lorraine delved back into the realm of adult fiction. I Will Find You tells the story of a young Irish woman, Louisa, compelled into the Galway Magdalene Laundries Asylum nuns due to the societal scandal of unwanted pregnancy. Her newborn daughter is unjustly taken from her, prompting her lifelong quest to find and reunite with her child. Decades later, real estate agent Carrie feels lost. But soon, she discovers the heartbreaking truth about her parents and what they kept from her. Inspired by the heartbreaking reality of life for unmarried mothers in Ireland, this gripping novel will capture your heart and leave you longing for more. I Will Find You tells the story of how one womans determination leads to the others salvation. Lorraine had a personal connection to this story, as she was close to an elderly lady who had lived through this traumatic chapter of Irish history. Despite facing a terminal illness, Lorraine successfully completed her Masters in Creative Writing at the University of Limerick with first class honours in 2021. Her tutor during this program was the author Donal Ryan, who will be a guest speaker at the book launch. Right to the very end, Lorraine's determination and enthusiasm served as a powerful testament to her resilience and a profound inspiration for all who knew her. While this is the final chapter of Lorraines writing career, her inspiration and books will live on forever, continuing to touch the hearts and minds of many. THE FANTASTIC 4: The epic journey of Limerick hurlers four-in-a-row a must-read for fans of the mighty Treaty men has hit shop shelves. Produced by the team at the Limerick Leader / Limerick Live, the publication celebrates the magnificent four-in-a-row triumph achieved by the Limerick senior hurlers. The Fantastic 4 isnt just a chronicle of matches and scores, instead, through lively storytelling, captivating anecdotes from players, management and fans coupled with heart-warming imagery, readers are taken on a magical journey through this teams historical milestones over the past four years. Beginning with the summer of 2023 when the green giants brought home the hurling jewel, the Liam MacCarthy Cup on July 23, for the fourth year in succession, the 128-page publication, continues through this unparalleled era in Limericks hurling history with the three-in-a-row in 2022 and the back-to-back success of 2021. And who can forget the December 2020 Fairytale of Croke Park when, during the depths of the Covid crisis in a near-deserted stadium, the boys in green made it a Christmas to treasure, bringing the MacCarthy Cup back to Shannonside after a brief hiatus when 'Liam' went wandering in Tipperary for 12 months in 2019. We are very fortunate in the Limerick Leader to have a treasure trove of information, content and imagery gathered over the past four years which has helped enormously in producing this publication, said Aine Fitzgerald, managing editor of the Limerick Leader / Limerick Live. This is the perfect stocking filler for Christmas and is a book which, I think, will be pored over by many hurling fans in sitting rooms across the city and county and indeed around the world after the Christmas dinner has settled, she remarked. While the players naturally take centre stage, there is a huge volume of photos of fans, be they at the matches, the big screens in TUS Gaelic Grounds and Pery Square, at the homecomings in the city centre, Patrickswell and Adare or around the globe during Covid, she added. Other highlights in the publication include an interview with Cian Lynch on how you have to be able to switch off to switch on; Darragh ODonovan on how he and girlfriend, Cork camogie star Ashling Thompson, share a winning mentality but differ when it comes to talking GAA on their downtime; and behind-the-scenes photos from the various celebrations over the past four years. A Christmas feast for Limerick hurling fans, The Fantastic 4: The epic journey of Limerick hurlers four-in-a-row, which is priced at 9.95, is currently on sale in local stores across the city and county with a limited supply available at the Limerick Leader office at 29 Glentworth Street in Limerick city. You can pick up your copy from the shops below: Melinda Van Veldhuizen, a 42-year-old nurse practitioner from Dallas, received a lifetime ban from Carnival Cruise Line for having non-psychoactive CBD gummies in her luggage. The contraband was discovered during a routine security check at the Port of Miami, after an X-ray scanner detected metal nail clippers in her luggage, reports The Washington Post. Van Veldhuizen, who said she packed the gummies for sleep issues, told The Post that she was detained for three and a half hours. "During this time," reports The Post, "she said security weighed the gummies and asked if she had a license to possess them. She was eventually told she would not be allowed on the cruise." Captain Rocco Lubrano of Carnival Cruise Line wrote her a followup letter informing her of a lifetime ban for violating the ship's rules. "This decision was based on your actions on the current cruise, which were a violation of the ship's rules, interfered with the safety and/or enjoyment of other guests on the ship, or caused harm to Carnival," said Lubrano's letter. Adding insult to injury, the cruise fare of $5,586 was charged to her account. From The Post: CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a compound found in marijuana and can be derived from "hemp or from non-hemp plants," according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Hemp would be considered any part of the cannabis sativa plant that has less than 0.3 percent of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive ingredient that produces a high. The unpredictability of compounds found within CBD products makes it harder and more confusing to regulate. Although Congress legalized hemp products in the 2018 Farm Bill, CBD can derive from both hemp and cannabis. CBD-infused candies are still considered illegal under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, overseen through the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Daren Stabinski, Van Veldhuizen's attorney, described the emotional impact of Van Veldhuizen's ordeal as grueling and embarrassing. They are considering legal action against Carnival if their internal claim does not result in a satisfactory resolution. A former RTE broadcaster has expressed concern that the radio landscape in Ireland will be changed "forever" due to Ryan Tubridy's return to Irish radio. Damien Tiernan, who fronts WLR-FM's flagship programme Deise Today, made the comments on X yesterday morning (Thursday November 16) after news of the former Late Late Show host's new deal with Virgin Media broke online. Tubridy will reportedly helm weekday mid-mornings on Virgin Radio UK from the News Building in London, and this will be broadcast live simultaneously on Dublin's Q10. He will also present a dedicated Irish weekend show across Wireless Ireland stations on Dublins Q102, Corks 96FM, Live 95 in Limerick and LMFM. Commenting on X, Tiernan said, "Tubridys news is one thing. BUT the next is the fact that a programme from outside of this country is going to be broadcast live simultaneously here; and the implications for local radio are massive, opening a big can of worms and change the broadcasting landscape forever here." In response to a commenter who stated "It's great that we will have so much choice", Tiernan claimed listeners will actually have less choice and diversity "if things go and continue to go this way". Tubridys news is one thing. BUT the next is the fact that a programme from outside of this country is going to be broadcast live simultaneously here; & the implications for local radio are massive, opening a big can of worms and change the broadcasting landscape forever here. Damien Tiernan (@damienwlr) November 16, 2023 Some social media users agreed with Tiernan's view, with one person stating it was "very unusual" while another said it was "a very worrying development for all of Irish radio". One person commented: "Im with you on this one Damien, wish the man all the best personally but huge implications for here especially local and locally made radio." Another user said, "Only a matter of time before all local stations are owned by a few big companies, it's happening at present where some stations simulcast the same show. Add AI into the mix it'll be a big cost saver. Video didn't kill the radio star, monopoly will." Concern appears to stem from the belief that Irish presenters at home may lose work or find their slots reduced if such syndicated programming becomes popular, leading to a smaller local offering. However, other commenters believe Tiernan is worrying for no reason. One person said, "Virgin Media is already available on satellite to my freeserve satellite dish. I can also listen to Graham Norton on BBC Radio 2 but I don't listen to either. Their programs are directed at a British radio audience. Radio is different to TV and Audiences are different." Another said, "Will it change it that much? I don't think it will!" Meanwhile, Tubridy said he "couldn't be more excited" to get started in his new role. He said, "New city, new stations, new beginnings. I love radio and what a joy to be back. Its been a pleasure getting to know my new friends at Virgin Radio, all of whom have been warm, engaging and very entertaining. It will be great to be back on the radio in the UK and across Ireland. "And big thanks to the London Irish who have made me feel so welcome in recent weeks. On a personal note, this is a big day for my wonderful family who I hope to make proud, and also the people who advised me so well recently and got me to this moment. "To the listeners, wherever they may be, I urge you to join us on this adventure every weekday morning - and across Ireland at the weekend. There is much fun to be had!" Tubridy will make his debut in early January. THE GERMAN student who was missing in Limerick has been found dead. The 23-year-old who studied European Studies at the University of Limerick had been missing from Castletroy and was last seen on Sunday, November 5 in the Dromroe Village area. Robert's parents met with UL Global about a week ago. His classmates had been organising searches for him around campus. Announcing the sad news, UL president, professor Kerstin Mey, said: "It is my very sad duty today to inform you of the death of a much loved member of our community Robert Funke from Germany who was in his first year of an MA in European Studies." She continued: "Our sincerest condolences go to Robert's parents, Sebastian and Monika, and to his brother Julius. Our sympathies go out to all of Robert's classmates and lecturers, to his housemates, friends and fellow UL students. We think also of his friends and family in Germany who will be devastated by his loss. Ruhe in Frieden Robert." May he rest in peace. An organisation founded and led by scientists - over the past 35 years, Regeneron has become renowned for following the science to find solutions to insurmountable problems in human health. Regeneron came to Limerick in 2014 and the biotech leader is now the biggest employer in the mid-west region. STEM outreach is a critical element of the companys commitment to giving back, and to mark Science Week 2023 Regeneron has supported a number of initiatives that will spark an enthusiasm and a passion for all things STEM in a wide and diverse range of students, across all sectors of the community. We are committed to igniting a passion for STEM subjects in students of all ages, they will be our scientists of the next generation. Through our many initiatives that support STEM outreach in the community we hope to help sculpt a future where curiosity knows no bounds said Niall OLeary, Senior Vice President and Site Lead IOPS Raheen, Limerick. Throughout the academic year the Regeneron STEM Academy is delivered on a weekly basis at Thomond Community College. To compliment this initiative, and to mark Science Week 2023, a hugely successful STEM Expo was delivered where over 100 students got hands on experience and even got to explore all the possibilities that virtual reality (VR) technology encapsulates. Science events like this are critically important in helping students make astute subject choices for their senior cycle, while at the same time steering them to consider the many career opportunities that exist in the whole STEM sphere. Regeneron employees assembled over 1000 STEM kits which were given to 10 schools across the region. They also collaborated with Learning Hub Limerick to run their first STEM camps, educational events that were open to both primary and post-primary school students. All year-round Regeneron partners with Junior Achievement Ireland to deliver content to students of all ages, where again the objective is to encourage a mindset of curiosity and to foster an enthusiasm in STEM subjects. Over the past six years Regeneron staff, through the JAI programme, have engaged with over 2,500 students. The tailored programme fosters a real appreciation for science and indeed brings it to life in a very fun way. This commitment to encouraging and shaping our scientists of the future is further demonstrated through the companys sponsorship of SciFest Regional Fairs and sending winners to the ISEF, the worlds largest international pre-college science competition. Through these many initiatives it is envisaged that Regeneron will encourage and nurture the scientists of the future, which is necessary if we are to continue finding cures for serious diseases. In this season of Thanksgiving, Im sure Im not the only one who is taking the time to reflect on the incredible journey of the last year. Together, we as a University have much for which we can be thankful, and it is with a spirit of gratitude that I send you this note of heartfelt appreciation for your dedication to Lincoln University. This academic year so far has presented us with many reasons to celebrate both the shared and individual milestones that continue our progress forward. While challenges will always exist, our Lincoln University continues to thrive as a testament to the strength of our community. Its increasingly evident that the heart of this University persists within the collective spirit of our students, faculty, staff and alumni. Each day, a new journey begins as we invite and welcome students to our campus and into the Blue Tiger Family. Together, our dedicated faculty and staff collaborate to ensure students can thrive on our campus and beyond by creating a culture of learning, growth and success. I am so proud of the amazing things each of you do to help the University fulfill its mission and to assist our students in achieving their goals. To our students, you are the essence of Lincoln University, and it is an honor to be part of your educational journey. Your dreams continue to extend the rich legacy of our University, and I am truly grateful you have chosen us to play such an important role in preparation for your future. For our alumni, this institution is greater because of how you transmitted it to us. Your ongoing support serves to increase us from the Lincoln University you remember to an institution beyond our collective imagination. I thank you for your commitment to the growth and excellence of your alma mater. As I stated earlier, Im certain I am not the only one with a heart and mind filled with gratitude always, but especially at this time of year. We would love to hear what you are most thankful for in these moments. Please share what you are thankful for most about Lincoln University (click here to share). During this season, however you celebrate, my wife Crystal and our daughter Jillian, and I extend our warmest wishes to you all. May your holidays be filled with joy, blessings, and moments of reflection on the positive impact we collectively create at Lincoln University. Abbey Tauchen | At Lincoln University of Missouri, the ROTC program thrives as a close-knit and resilient community. With a 14-person class that exemplifies the power of togetherness, these dedicated individuals are poised to make a significant impact. This years class stands as the largest LU has seen in five years, a testament to their unity and determination. Join us as we celebrate the accomplishments of the 2023-2024 ROTC class and meet two proud Lincolnites who are not only shaping their own destinies but also positively transforming their communities through their unwavering commitment to ROTC. Charla Dean Charla Dean (middle) leads a group of ROTC cadets in a run. Nursing major Charla Dean joined ROTC to better serve her country, gain valuable leadership skills and learn how to be the best nurse she can be. She chose Lincoln University to guide her through the college experience. In colleges/universities, students are known as a number, Dean says. Going to Lincoln, I am known by my name if I need help. Attending LU and joining ROTC has had a positive impact on Deans life by providing her with opportunities to develop leadership skills, build strong relationships with fellow cadets and engage in meaningful service for her country. It has given me a sense of direction, and it has helped me become more disciplined and focused on my studies and other areas of my life, Dean says. Being part of ROTC has opened doors to unique experiences, such as participating in leadership training exercises and attending military events. ROTC has enriched my college experience and prepared me for future challenges and opportunities. Through ROTC, Dean hopes to achieve the goals of serving her country, developing strong leadership skills and making a positive impact on the lives of others. She aims to gain valuable experience that will benefit her career as a nurse. Dean says the sense of community and camaraderie among ROTC cadets is incredible. Were like a tight-knit family, always supporting and motivating each other, she says. We train together, face challenges together and celebrate each others successes. Its a bond that goes beyond the classroom and creates lifelong friendships. Its truly a special community to be a part of. Dean crosses an obstacle course. Post-graduation, Dean hopes to work as a trauma nurse and then attend medical school through the army to become a trauma surgeon. Being a part of ROTC has had a tremendous impact on my personal growth and character, Dean says. It has helped me become more disciplined, resilient and focused. ROTC has shaped me into a more confident, capable and well-rounded individual. I am excited to see where this journey takes me. Nathan Allen Nathan Allen climbs the rope. Computer science major Nathan Allen says ROTC has influenced his understanding of teamwork, growth, character and leadership. ROTC has helped me stay in shape, build a better mindset, trust others as family, and it has really helped me be more disciplined, Allen says. To balance the demands of ROTC and academics, Allen employs an early morning workout routine, which sets the tone for a productive day filled with classes and homework. He enjoys that the ROTC cadets are close-knit and welcoming. Were a small group of hard workers that seem to be close because were all suffering together, so it makes it easier to get the job done. Through team building and leadership skills, Allen says hes learned to keep himself and others accountable as a team, so they can improve together. Allen crosses the rope course. It has influenced my growth and character because I am learning how to be more of a leader and a team player, Allen says. It has really just helped me understand that every choice is like two sides of a coin, and its always easier to choose as a team rather than alone. Post-graduation, Allen plans to serve his time in the military and then work at General Motors with his mom to remain close to his family. Allen and Dean take part in an ROTC obstacle course. Stock Market News BAY Headlines - Vietnams Quang Ninh Province welcomes first air passengers from Hokkaido 17-11-2023 00:45 Stock News headlines are gathered from financial news sources around the web. Views and opinions on each item are from their respective authors and website. They are not opinions of LiveCharts.co.uk Sam Altman thinks humanity is on a path to self destruction as a species right now," he said. The OpenAI Inc. chief executive officer offered artificial intelligence as the solution. We need technology if we want to flourish for tens or hundreds of millions, or thousands of millions of years," Altman said on a panel Wednesday at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in San Francisco. Altman joined other tech executives Meta Platforms Inc. Chief Product Officer Chris Cox and Google Senior Vice President James Manyika. Both Meta and Google have products that compete with OpenAI. Altman said that big regulatory changes werent needed for current AI models, but would be soon. We dont need heavy regulation here or probably for the next couple generations," he said. But at some point when a model can do the equivalent output of a whole company, or a whole country, or a whole world, maybe we do want some collective supervision around that." Altman has previously called for regulation of very powerful AI models, which some technologists fear could become uncontrollable by their creators. Earlier this year Altman told Congress that the US and other governments should consider imposing regulation on products above a crucial threshold of capabilities." Cox said that Meta had worked with a variety of people including at the White House when developing its artificial intelligence large language model, Llama 2. I think all of those steps are necessary," he said. You cant jut say trust us." Cox also said that the company was focusing quite seriously on our role in elections," and noted that while AI could exacerbate some misinformation problems, it would also be very useful in detecting harmful content before it spreads. Milestone Alert!Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed. Mumbai, Maharashtra, India Business Wire India MullenLowe Lintas Group India has recently been included in the esteemed list of the "100 Best Companies for Women in India" by Avtar and Seramount. This recognition underscores the Groups unwavering commitment to gender equality and highlights the company's efforts to create an equitable and empowering workplace, especially for women. This accolade uniquely places MullenLowe Lintas Group as the only advertising agency from India, in the company of other admired corporations like Bayer, Aditya Birla Group, HP, Mondelez and Accenture. All these corporations, share a commitment to advancing gender diversity in the workplace, and some of them who also happen to be the agencys clients. Congratulating the agency on this big moment, Kristen Cavallo, CEO, MullenLowe Global said, Its no surprise the team in India has been recognized as one of the Best Companies for Women. Its a place where smart thinking is highly regarded, creativity thrives, and people feel valued. Im really proud of the leadership in India and its an honor to share this acknowledgment with other great companies." Avtar, Indias premier Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion solutions firm along with Seramount, a strategic professional services and research firm dedicated to supporting high-performing, inclusive workplaces in the United States, conducted the eighth successive edition of the Best Companies for Women in India (BCWI) study in 2023. The application form with close to 300 questions, required applicant companies to provide data of high-order granularity on their practices, programmes and policies to ensure gender inclusion at their workplaces. Sharing his pride over the recognition, Subbu, Group CEO, MullenLowe Lintas Group said, At MullenLowe Lintas Group, we have won many awards over the years. Awards of every kind for creative and strategic excellence, across all countries. But this is an award we will cherish the most. It is the first of its kind won by an advertising company in India, making it a truly wow moment for all of us. It is a real tribute to all the brilliant women who have graced us with their skill, intellect, and talent. For us, this award celebrates all the women who have ever walked the halls of MullenLowe Lintas Group. And we vow to make it a place where women can find peace, prosperity, and an environment to unleash their infinite potential." MullenLowe Lintas Group India has consistently championed diversity and gender equality through a range of initiatives and policies. The company's commitment to providing equal opportunities, promoting women's leadership, and nurturing a supportive work environment has been pivotal in securing this prestigious recognition. Garima Pant, Group HR Director, MullenLowe Lintas Group said, Our people practices are designed to support women in the unique challenges they face while balancing and excelling at various roles in and outside the office. Being part of this list reinforces our standing as an employer of choice," she further added Our focus is to continuously work towards improving on our own efforts. We participated in this study because we want to measure ourselves with the best in the industry." Over the last 8 decades the agency has built an inclusive, diverse, and admirable environment. With over 39% female representation among the networks employees, it continues to play an active role in the dialogue on gender equality. The organisations Apex DEI Council, Women of the Future and Gender Neutral Parental Leave Policy are some of the noteworthy initiatives positioning itself as a coveted employer in the industry. The Group provides its employees universal primary caregiver leave (26 weeks maternity leave), preferential parking for expectant and new mothers, mothers room, and coverage of OPD for vaccinations. They have assessed policies across the employee life cycle to build more equity in practices. In addition, the Group has some one-of-a-kind policies in securing mental and physical well-being with people-friendly initiatives such as scheduled downtime, holiday homes and holiday travel reimbursement. Commenting on the occasion, Dr. Saundarya Rajesh, Founder-President, Avtar Group said, Its great to see an advertising organisation be a part of this list for the very first time. Creativity flourishes when perspectives flourish and by fostering an environment where women can thrive, MullenLowe Lintas Group is not just changing the game, theyre also creating a more vibrant, innovative, and equitable future for advertising, one idea at a time. Inclusion is an ongoing commitment; constantly innovating, focusing on growth aspirations of diversity talent, must be part of leadership priorities, always!" Apples one of the biggest Chinese component manufacturers, Luxshare, has reportedly decided to invest in Vietnam instead of India, citing the political tensions between the two countries. According to a report by Business Standard, after three years, Luxshares move to make investments in Vietnam is a result of many failed attempts to expand its operations in India. Those who do not know, Luxshare is Apple's primary supplier for AirPods and could be an upcoming supplier for iPhones. As per the reports from the publication, the company now aims to shift their investment worth $330 million to Vietnam's northern province of Bac Giang. Moreover, the report highlights that the Vietnam government has cleared the license for Apples manufacturer last week. This has raised the total investment in Vietnam to $504 million. Notably, this can result in loss for India, especially when Apple was planning to add Indian moguls like the Tatas into their supply value chain network, highlights the report. Previously, Mint reported that so far, Apple has been heavily dependent on China for meeting its manufacturing demandnow, industry stakeholders say that Apples move shows an increasing sense of intent from the worlds most valuable company. On 16 August, Mint reported that Apple, through Taiwanese manufacturer Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. Ltdknown better as Foxconncommenced assembly of its iPhone 15 lineup in India. However, two senior industry officials told Mint that Apple only assembled its non-Pro iPhone 15 models in the countrythe manufacturing of its flagship iPhone 15 Pro series remains away from India. A senior industry consultant for the technology sector, who works with various companies as well as the Centre, said, requesting anonymity, That Apple has diversified its assembly of the latest generation iPhones to India doesnt come as any surprise. India as a nation has plenty of assembly capacity, and making its phones here gives it decent leverage to meet its expected demand. While this does show that Indias impact on the global technology supply chain is gradually increasing, a bigger step would have really come through if Apple would have brought the assembling of its more sophisticated Pro iPhones to India." Milestone Alert!Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. New Delhi: Eversource Capital-backed Radiance Renewables Pvt. Ltd has mandated Rothschild & Co. for the sale of the platform that serves commercial and industrial (C&I) customers in a deal having a potential equity value of about $150 million, two people aware of the development said. Radiance currently has an operational portfolio of 500 megawatts (MW), and plans to build capacity to 2 gigawatts (GW) over three years. Investors in Radiance Renewables include Indias quasi sovereign wealth fund National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) and the UK governments Foreign, Commonwealth Development Organisation (FCDO). The sale process is to be launched shortly," said one of the two people on the condition of anonymity. Indias C&I segment has attracted strong investor interest, driven by the nations projected green energy trajectory, as well as rules allowing large power users to source energy from the open market rather than the costlier grid. C&I projects are also shielded from risks such as power procurement curtailment by state-run power distribution firms. Recently, Amplus founder Sanjeev Aggarwal and I Squared Capital joined hands to set up Hexa Climate Solutions to cater to C&I sector, wherein the New York-based private equity fund will invest around $500 million. Also, NIIF and private equity firm Actis Llp are among four firms in fray to acquire Macquarie Asset Managements Green Investment Group (MAM-GIG)s platform Vibrant Energy that has a 1.5-GW C&I portfolio. An external spokesperson for Radiance Renewables didnt respond to emailed queries. We will not be able to make a comment on the story," an Eversource Capital spokesperson said in an emailed response. We do not comment on market speculation," a British International Investment Plc spokesperson also said in an emailed response. Queries emailed to the spokespersons of Rothschild & Co. and NIIF remained unanswered till press time. NIIF is sponsored and anchored by the government of India, which holds 49% interest in it. It primarily focuses on investing in core infrastructure sectors, such as transportation, energy and digital. It manages over $4.3 billion of equity capital commitments across its three fundsMaster Fund, Fund of Funds and Strategic Opportunities Fund. British International Investment Plc is also a shareholder in Ayana Renewable Power that is looking to sell a stake of as much as 100% in the green energy company, targeting an equity valuation of around $2 billion. The shareholders are also seeking to raise an additional $400 million to finance the companys growth, as reported by Mint earlier. Milestone Alert!Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. The owner of Braymiller Market says business has picked up since the downtown store made changes to the types of food and other products that it carries. But while city officials say they are encouraged by the uptick in sales and approved a forgivable $561,000 loan to bail out the business from its pandemic woes they also warned that more improvement still is needed for the troubled market to be able to stand on its own. Sign up for the Buffalo Next free newsletter The News' Buffalo Next team covers the changing Buffalo Niagara economy. Get the news in your inbox 5 days a week. The downtown market, adjacent to the new affordable housing apartment building at 201 Ellicott St., was in the spotlight for much of the spring and summer as officials debated whether to grant the financial assistance Braymiller owner Stuart Green said was essential to keep the store open. Since the bailout was approved, Green said more people have been coming into the store, not only from downtown but in surrounding neighborhoods. We know people living in East Buffalo use Braymiller Market, and we know people in West Buffalo use Braymiller Market, and we have a growing downtown community that we want to continue to grow, Mayor Byron W. Brown said Thursday. To win the subsidies, the city prodded Green to change some of the products he sells from the more expensive brands to less expensive, more generic brands, said Lisa Hicks, the citys director of development. Such products are more affordable to more people, particularly those coming from low- and moderate-income neighborhoods. For example, Green realized that he has a significant number of food stamp customers, who arent able to use the benefit for hot prepared foods like rotisserie chicken. So hes selling the same meals to them cold, so they can qualify. He also switched from national brands to generic labels. Braymiller Market gets its lifeline as Common Council approves funding to keep downtown store open The Common Council voted in favor of giving Braymiller market $562,000 in pandemic-related funding Thursday, but the downtown market has not crossed the finish line with the money yet. Weve been making those changes since Day One, Green said, citing a 15% increase in annual sales at Braymiller from its first year of operation through September 2022 to its most recent year. Its a brand-new project, never been done before. So we change every day, and we ask our customers what they are looking for every day, and thats what were always trying to fill, Green said. Even so, Hicks added, theres more work that Green needs to do through marketing and technology initiatives before the store can be profitable, and the city expects him to follow through. Some of the publicity around this has caused more people to go into the store, she said. I do believe there has been an increase in sales and revenues for the market, but not enough for it to be sustainable at this point. Thats why city officials said Braymiller still needs the $561,317 forgivable loan from the city that received final approval Thursday from the Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency, which controls the federal Community Development Block Grant money for micro-enterprise funding that will be used to support the market. That money will be used as working capital for day-to-day business expenses such as utility bills, inventory, technology, marketing and communications, but not to pay Green. Green said it will fund the investments that he wants to make but has not been able to do until now, because he had to devote his money to keeping the business afloat and paying his employees. It essentially reimburses him for money weve already spent, while freeing up funds for future use to make the business better and more profitable, he said. We have figured out what the landscape looks like, who our target customer is going forward, and we needed the money to do that, he said. Theres a marketing plan, a new business plan that includes some new technology, and other things and product offerings that we havent been able to make because weve been trying to dig ourselves out of a hole that was created in the pandemic. The loan ultimately a grant if Green complies with all terms was recommended by the Brown administration, which had worked with Ciminelli Real Estate Corp. several years ago to lure Braymiller to the project. The loan was also previously approved by the Common Council, but only after the mayor and Council agreed to allocate another $3 million to help other small businesses who were harmed by the pandemic. It was also matched with a $500,000 investment from Ciminelli owner Paul Ciminelli. And Green noted that he has $9 million invested in the store property, which he owns, with a $5.5 million mortgage from Evans Bank and a $1.5 million forgivable loan from the state Rural & Urban Community Investment Fund. Ciminelli pledges $500,000 to aid Braymiller, but some Council members remain skeptical On Monday, developer Paul Ciminelli offered to invest another $500,000 into Braymiller Market on Ellicott Street if the Council agrees to allow the city to allocate $562,000 in pandemic-related funds to keep the downtown Buffalo market afloat. Stuart Green took a huge risk, and I think he deserves this, said Council President Darius Pridgen, who has represented downtown Buffalo for over a dozen years, and was involved in the search for an urban grocer. Nobody would come in, nobody. None of our local grocery stores, nobody would come to downtown. And he took a risk. had reservations. Im not in total support of this. Im very afraid of this loan, he said. But at the end of the day, small businesses across the city will benefit from this. He also stressed that Green needs to advertise in the surrounding areas, not just downtown. If were not going to market in an African American community, then I think weve missed the boat, he said. The two-year loan, at 9% interest, will be secured in part by Greens Hamburg store, which was appraised at $900,000, although theres already a $300,000 mortgage on that property. No payments will be due unless Green defaults on the terms. Under the forgiveness terms, Green must own and operate the store for at least two years, must keep it open regular hours and must continuously employ or create at least seven full-time jobs for low- and moderate-income workers. He also agreed to implement a series of initiatives to boost profits within 12 months, and worked with the city on marketing, business and community benefits plans. Hicks said the city will not be paying for Greens marketing initiatives for his own store, but the Buffalo Urban Development Corp. will kick off an overall marketing campaign for downtown Buffalo, including Braymiller. The key is to bring people back downtown, she said. The State Bank of India will release the results for SBI PO Prelims Result 2023 very soon. As per the official notification, SBI PO Prelims Result 2023 will be announced in November/December 2023. Candidates who have appeared for the preliminary examination can check the results through the official website of SBI at sbi.co.in. The online preliminary examination was conducted in November 2023. Those candidates who will qualify for the prelims exam will be eligible to appear for the main examination. This recruitment drive will fill up 2000 posts in the organization. Follow the blog for the latest updates on results, scorecards, and other details. SBI Clerk Recruitment 2023: Notification for 8283 posts out State Bank of India has released the SBI Clerk Recruitment 2023 notification. The Bank has invited applications for Junior Associate posts. Eligible candidates can apply online through the official website of SBI at sbi.co.in. This recruitment drive will fill up 8283 vacancies of Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales) in the clerical cadre. The registration process will begin on November 17 and will end on December 7, 2023. SBI PO Prelims Result 2023 After the release of the results, the candidates can check their results by clicking on the official website of SBI at sbi.co.in. How to download SBI PO Prelims Result 2023? -Go to the official website of SBI -Click on the notice published on the homepage -Click on the SBI PO Prelims Results 2023 -Now login with your registration number and password -Click on the login button -The result will open on the screen -Check all the details -Download and save the PDF for future reference. Once the SBI releases the SBI PO prelims result, it will release the admit card for the main examination. Meanwhile, SBI will soon launch its banking mobile app Yono Global in Singapore and the US, offering digitalized remittance and other services to its customers, Vidya Krishnan, Deputy MD (IT) told news agency PTI BANK OF INDIA More Information Milestone Alert!Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Chhattisgarh Election 2023 Phase Two: The second and last phase of voting for the Chhattisgarh Assembly Election 2023 ended at 5 pm on Friday. As the polling concluded, a voter turnout of 67.48 per cent was recorded till 5 pm across 70 assembly constituencies of the state. As per the data released by the Election Commission of India on the Voter Turnout App, the Dhamtari district recorded the highest voter turnout at 79.89 per cent, while the lowest turnout was recorded in the Raipur district. The second phase of the Chhattisgarh election began on Friday morning under a thick security blanket of police and paramilitary personnel. Follow MP, Chhattisgarh Assembly elections 2023 voting LIVE updates here Polling in 70 constituencies began at 8 am and concluded at 5 pm, except in nine polling booths in the Naxal-affected Bindranawagarh seat in Gariaband district. Voting in the nine booths of Bindranawagarh Kamarbhaudi, Amamora, Odh, Bade Gobra, Ganwargaon, Gariba, Nagesh, Sahbinkachhar and Kodomali began at 7 am, and concluded at 3 pm. Till 3 pm, 55.31 per cent turnout was recorded in 70 constituencies, the Election Commission of India's data showed. The second phase of the Chhattisgarh polls will decide the electoral fate of political heavyweights like Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, his deputy TS Singh Deo, eight state ministers and four members of Parliament. The first phase of the Chhattisgarh Election was held on November 7. As many as 20 seats went to polls in the first phase of voting. The election results for all the 90 assembly constituencies in Chhattisgarh will be declared on December 3. In the 2023 Chhattisgarh polls, the main fight is between bitter rivals the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress. However, a three-way contest is on the cards in several seats of the Bilaspur division. In this division, former Chief Minister Ajit Jogi's party and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) have pockets of influence, news agency PTI reported. ALSO READ: Chhattisgarh Election Phase 2 voting: Check key candidates, constituencies and poll issues Here's all that happened during the phase two voting for the Chhattisgarh polls: Key leaders cast vote Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, Governor Biswabhusan Harichandan, Deputy Chief Minister TS Singh Deo, state ministers -- Ravindra Choubey, Anila Bhedia, Amarjeet Bhagat and Jaisingh Agrawal - and state assembly speaker Charandas Mahant were among those who cast their vote on Friday. State Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief and MP Arun Sao also cast his vote in Bilaspur segment. BJP MP and Union Minister Renuka Singh voted in Premnagar segment in the Surajpur district. ALSO READ: Assembly election 2023: Heres how to find your polling booth THESE villages boycotted polls Residents of Thenthaguddi in Raigarh district decided to boycott the polls alleging a road had not been constructed in their village, news agency PTI reported on Friday. The report cited a village resident, Sonu Pradhan, as saying, "There are more than 330 voters in the village and everyone has decided not to exercise their franchise. We have already said we will not take part in the electoral process till our demand for the construction of a road in the village is fulfilled." ALSO READ: Chhattisgarh Election: Religious conversion will be prohibited if BJP comes to power, says Rajnath Singh Similarly, residents of Manikpur Dhenka village panchayat in the Masturi segment in Bilaspur district also refused to cast their vote. They alleged a lack of development, including the absence of roads in the area. Bilaspur Collector Awnish Sharan said the local Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) was at the village to hold discussions and further details were awaited. Eco-friendly polling booths Eco-friendly polling stations were set up in Chhattisgarh to "carry the message of sustainable lifestyle along with the importance of voting to the electorate", the Election Commission said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and party chief Mallikarjun Kharge launched a scathing attack on Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao (KCR) while campaiging for the assembly elections on Friday. While Gandhi took a dig at KCR for making "a rule of one family", Kharge said the chief minister's "retirement days are also close". "...his (KCR's) retirement days are also close. He said this himself that he'll retire after this...He has made all the arrangements in his farmhouse. He'll go and sit there...." Kharge said during a public rally in Telangana's Hyderabad. Kharge even alleged a collusion between KCR party's Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). "...I challenge that no matter how much PM (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi and KCR make efforts together, still, the Congress will come to power because the public understands the scams here," he said. ALSO READ: Friends and foes in Telangana election 2023: Which political parties support BJP, Congress and BRS Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi took potshots at KCR, saying the chief minister "made a rule of one family". Gandhi said, "All the portfolios that generate income are in the hands of your CM's family...Land, Liquor... all three portfolios are with your CM's family..." Reponding to KCR's question on "what did the Congress do in the last sevev years", Gandhi said, "The school and the college in which you studied, KCR, was developed by the Congress." He added, "Chief Minister, the Hyderabad that you stole from for the last 10 years round the clock, was made the IT capital of the world by Congress party." Voting for the Madhya Pradesh Assembly Election 2023 was held on Friday, November 17. All the 230 assembly constituencies in the state went to polls in a single phase. A total of 71.26 per cent voter turnout was recorded across these 230 seats till 5 pm, as per the data revealed by the Election Commission of India. Madhya Pradesh's capital Bhopal recorded 59.19 per cent of voter turnout, while Chhindwara recorded 78.85 per cent. The turnout in Damoh was recorded at 73.83 per cent and in Dhar, it was 72.35 per cent. Meanwhile, Dindori recorded 78.30 per cent polling, Datia 69.66 per cent polling, Indore 64.95 per cent polling and Jhabua saw 73.10 per cent polling on Friday. Follow MP, Chhattisgarh Assembly elections 2023 voting LIVE updates here The Agar Malwa district recorded the highest voter turnout at 82 per cent, while the lowest turnout was recorded in the Alirajpur district (56.24 per cent). "Districts like Bhopal, Alirajpur, and Gwalior recorded the lowest voting percentage so far," Madhya Pradesh Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Anupam Rajan was quoted by news agency PTI as saying while giving details of the elections after 3 pm. Madhya Pradesh had seen 60.52 per cent voter turn-out till 3 pm in all the 230 assembly seats, and till 1 pm, the voter turnout in the state was recorded at 45.40 per cent. ALSO READ: Madhya Pradesh Assembly election 2023 voting on November 17: Key contenders, constituencies, other details The voting for the Madhya Pradesh Election began at 7 am and concluded at 6 pm. However, the voting at three polling centres in Balaghat and at four polling stations in Dindori was held between 7 am and 3 pm. There are three districts that are Naxal-affected in the state which include Balaghat, Mandla and Dindori. Violence reported during Madhya Pradesh polls Incidents of violence was reported at polling booths 147-148 of Dimani Assembly constituency in Mirghan of the Morena district as the voting was under on Friday. News agency ANI reported a person sustained injuried after stones were pelted in the area. Reacting to the incident of violence in Morena, senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh said, "I spoke with the SP and Collector. An incident occurred there but the SP says that it is peaceful there now and voting is taking place smoothly." Besides this, Digvijaya Singh claimed that one of the Congress workers was mowed down by a BJP candidate in Chhatarpur. ALSO READ: Madhya Pradesh Election voting today: From poll timings to key parties and promises; check details here Singh said, "An incident has taken place in Rajnagar, Chhatarpur where one of our workers was mowed down by the BJP candidate with his vehicle. Police have neither confiscated the vehicle so far nor has the candidate been arrested." The Congress leader further alleged that the police administration was working under pressure. Key things to know about MP Election 2023 > Of the 230 assembly seats across 52 districts, 47 are reserved for Scheduled Tribes and 35 for Scheduled Castes. > There are 2,533 candidates in the fray, including Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and state Congress chief Kamal Nath. > The main battle for power is between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition Congress. Both the parties field candidates in all the constituencies in Madhya Pradesh. While the BJP fights to retain power in MP, the Congress hopes to get elected again in the state. > In the last election (2018), the Congress emerged as the single largest party by winning 114 seats. It formed the government with the help of the BSP, the SP and independent MLAs under the leadership of Kamal Nath. However, the Kamal Nath-led government 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 counting of votes in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh along with that in Rajasthan, Telangana and Mizoram will be done on December 3. Milestone Alert!Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. The Congress released its poll manifesto for the Telangana Assembly Election 2023 on Friday, promising six guarantees which will "help realise the dream of Bangaru Telangana", party chief Mallikarjun Kharge said in a post on X. These six guarantees were categorised as "Mahalakshmi", "Rythu Bharosa", "Gruha Jyothi", "Indiramma Indlu", "Yuva Vikasam" and "Cheyutha". What's in store for farmers, women and the youth under these guarantees ? Check out below: 1.Mahalakshmi: Under this scheme, women of Telangana will receive: > 2,500 every month > Gas cylinders for 500 > Free travel in RTC buses 2. Rythu Bharosa: This scheme is for the farmers of Telangana. Under this scheme, farmers will be provided: > 15,000 per acre for farmers, tenant farmers every year > 12,000 per year for agriculture labour > Bonus of 500 per year for paddy crop ALSO READ: Friends and foes in Telangana election 2023: Which political parties support BJP, Congress and BRS Meanwhile, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said in Warangal, Telangana, on Friday, "I would like to tell the farmers of Telangana that the Congress government will give you a guarantee of free electricity...Farmers will not have to pay a single penny for electricity...If the Congress comes to power, you'll get gas cylinders for 500." 3. Gruha Jyothi: > Under the scheme, Congress promised to provide 200 units of free electricity to every household 4. Indiramma Indlu: Under this scheme, the Congress promises > 250 sq yards plot for all Telangana movement fighters > House site and 5 lakh for people not having their own house ALSO READ: Telangana Assembly Elections 2023: BJP announces final list of 14 candidates. Check details here 5. Yuha Vikasam: This scheme is for the youth of the state. It includes: > Vidya Bharosa card worth 5 lakh for students > Setting up Telangana International Schools in every mandal Cheyutha > 4,000 monthly pension for senior citizens > 10 lakh under the Rajiv Arogyasri insurance Announcing the Congress's poll promises in the Telangana Election, Kharge said the Congress "is determined to provide social justice, economic empowerment and unbridled progress to the people of Telangana". Many environmentalists are understandably skeptical about a climate gathering that will be led by the chief executive of the United Arab Emirates national oil company. But the meeting, which begins Nov. 30 in Dubai, could have a positive outcome if the oil and gas industry makes a verifiable commitment to cut methane pollution. Reducing methane pollution is the most effective way to slow the rate of global warming in the short term, according to the United Nations Environment Program. Cutting carbon-dioxide emissions is important for long-term climate health, but reducing methane pollution now will result in lower global temperatures than wed otherwise see in the next decade. Methane can trap 80 times as much heat as carbon dioxide in the first 20 years after its release into the atmosphere, before it is chemically broken down. The methane released this year will cause as much warming over the next decade as all the CO2 emissions from all fossil fuels burned this year, according to estimates based on peer-reviewed studies. These climate talks are the industrys chance to show it is ready to be part of the climate solution. Recent actions are worrisome: Exxon and Chevron are spending billions to buy other oil and gas companies, BP and Shell have weakened their commitments to reduce climate pollution, and a new report predicts an increase in fossil-fuel production through 2030. The industry must shift its course and commit to serious methane reductions. Investor-owned and national oil companies should pledge to keep methane emissions below 0.2% of natural-gas production, an ambitious target but one that some operations have already achieved. For some companies, that would mean cutting methane pollution by 80%. Because global temperatures are rising and cuts to methane pollution could help counteract that, the fossil-fuel industry should meet these targets by 2030, not 2050. Accountability should back up the industrys commitments. Companies should sign up for the U.N. Environment Programs Oil and Gas Methane Partnership, which requires participants to submit their emissions data for independent verification. Also, my organizationand others with similar programswill soon launch satellites into orbit to monitor methane pollution around the world. Much of the emissions data collected will be open-source and available to all, including scientists and activists. If companies fail to meet their commitments, we will know it. Cutting methane isnt the only action the industry needs to take. It must embrace the goals of the Paris climate agreement, ramp up investment in renewable energy, and support electrification of vehicles and buildings wherever possible. It should also accelerate the development and deployment of the low- and zero-carbon fuels and feedstocks needed to help ships, planes and heavy industry become less dependent on fossil fuels. The result of these climate talks must be more than words on paper. Diplomatic agreements are important, but we also need significant short-term action. An industry agreement to cut methane pollution would be a huge and verifiable accomplishment. Mr. Krupp is president of the Environmental Defense Fund. Shares of Delhivery , the country's largest fully integrated logistics services provider, tumbled 3.70% in early trade on Friday, reaching 398.50 apiece. This downturn came after 1,74,57,113 shares of the company changed hands in a block deal window on Friday. The total worth of the transaction was around 722.18 crore. The buyers and sellers, however, were not known immediately. Earlier, it was reported that Japans SoftBank Group Corp. would sell shares worth $154 million (4% stake) in Delhivery in a block deal on Friday, Moneycontrol reported on Thursday, citing sources. Following the sale, the investment firm is expected to retain a 1011% stake in the new-age logistics firm. Also Read: SoftBank likely to sell stake worth $150 million in Delhivery: Report SoftBank, through its subsidiary SvF Doorbell (Cayman), owned a 14.5% stake in the logistics firm as of September 30. Earlier, the group had offloaded 3.8% of its stake in March. The Japanese investment firm had offloaded a stake worth 954 crore in March this year. Also Read: Delhivery bets on improving H2 demand to deliver earnings The bulk deal transaction, which took place in March, was joined by investors like the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority, City of New York Group Trust, Societe Generale, BNP Paribas Arbitrage, Morgan Stanley Mauritius, Baillie Gifford Emerging Markets Equities Fund, etc. Before SoftBank, Tiger Global had sold 1.2 crore shares in Delhivery at 335 apiece. SoftBank has been selling stakes in publicly held companies from its portfolio, such as Zomato, Paytm, and Delhivery. Last month, it mopped up 1,020 crore from a 1.1% stake sale in Zomato. In terms of financials, Delhivery net losses narrowed to 103 in Q2FY24 crore as compared to a net loss of 254 crore in the corresponding period last year. Also Read: Delhivery Q2 Results: Net loss narrows 59% to 103 crore, revenue up 8% YoY The revenue from operations in the second quarter of the current fiscal year stood at 1,914 crore, registering a growth of 8% compared to 1,796 crore in the year-ago period. Following the company's Q2 performance, domestic brokerage firm ICICI Securities maintained its 'buy' rating on the stock with a target price of 500 apiece. At 11:45 PM, the stock was trading with a drop of 2.80% at 402.25 apiece. Disclaimer: The views and recommendations given in this article are those of individual analysts. These do not represent the views of Mint. We advise investors to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions. Milestone Alert!Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Non-resident Indians (NRIs) frequently express frustration with the challenges they face when attempting to invest in their home country, citing obstacles such as the intricate account opening procedures, notarization requirements, and the associated international courier expenses. Nithin Kamaths analogy, shared on X (formerly Twitter), drawing parallels between the NRI account opening process and the pre-digital era of retail broking, underscores the cumbersome and outdated nature of the current procedure. The insistence on physical forms, multiple signatures, and prolonged timelines needlessly complicate the process for NRIs looking to open an account and invest in India. Kamath is the Founder and CEO of Zerodha. The current generation is blissfully ignorant of the manual account opening process in the pre-digital era of retail broking. Investors were required to complete paper forms, submit multiple document copies, and personally visit a broker's office to sign and submit the paperwork. This procedure was frequently time-consuming and inconvenient, particularly for investors residing at a distance from a broker's office. Emphasizing the severity of the obstacles encountered by NRIs in their investment endeavours in India, Kamath underscores the striking similarity between the current NRI account opening process and the pre-digital era of retail broking. NRIs still contend with the necessity of completing physical forms, supplying multiple document copies, and personally visiting a bank or brokerage firm to sign and submit paperwork. This procedure can be particularly protracted and inconvenient for NRIs residing abroad. In a LinkedIn post, Kamath shared, NRI account opening reminds me of how retail broking worked before it became digital, thanks to Aadhaar, e-Sign, and Digilocker. Physical applications, couriers back & forth, ~30+ signatures, & more reasons to drop off." The intricacies of the NRI account opening procedure serve as a significant deterrent for NRIs contemplating investments in India. The perceived difficulty and time-consuming nature of the account opening process may cause hesitation among NRIs, potentially causing them to miss out on valuable investment opportunities in the country. Presently, the onboarding procedure encompasses KYC verification and authorization through a signature. Tagging the Finance Ministrys official handle, Kamath tweeted, An NRI with an NRE/NRO bank account will already have the updated KYC, accessible to other financial intermediaries through CKYC. NRIs may not have an Aadhaar or one linked to an Indian mobile number to e-sign. Now that we are allowing UPI for NRIs mapped to their international numbers, what if we use that to authorize (e-sign) and open a trading and demat account online?" How do NRIs invest in Indian stocks? At present, Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) have two primary choices for investing in India: The Portfolio Investment Scheme (PIS) and the non-PIS route. Kamath shared the same on X too. India, with its rapid digital transformation, has witnessed a significant rise in cyber threats and attacks in recent years. With the increasing digitization of various sectors and the expanding use of technology, individuals and corporations are becoming more exposed to the risks of cybercrimes. In this context, cyber insurance has emerged as an essential tool for safeguarding against financial and reputational damages caused by cyber attacks. When it comes to taking risks, there are just have three options Accept the risk, mitigate the risk using technology and transfer the risk to an insurance company. If the risks are not mitigated or transferred, youve accepted them and their costs. For individuals, it's focussed primarily on protecting the theft of funds, extortion and online shopping frauds amongst others," Sarthak Dubey, Co-Founder of Mitigata says. Lets delve into the significance of cyber insurance and provide insights into how you can protect yourself. Understanding the threat landscape The evolving threat landscape in India demands a proactive approach towards securing digital assets. Cyber attacks, such as ransomware, data breaches, and phishing attacks, have become more sophisticated and targeted. These attacks can lead to financial losses, customer data breaches, regulatory penalties, and reputational damage, making it crucial for individuals and corporations to adopt measures to protect themselves. Also Read: Fintech apps: As money moves without changing hands, extra caution needed The role of cyber insurance Cyber insurance acts as a safety net, allowing to transfer some of the risks associated with cyber attacks to an insurance company. This insurance coverage protects against a range of cyber risks and provides financial assistance in the event of a breach or attack. It encompasses various aspects such as legal expenses, notification costs, forensic investigations, data restoration, and business interruption. By providing financial protection, cyber insurance helps individuals and corporations mitigate the potential losses caused by cyber incidents. Benefits of cyber insurance The benefits of cyber insurance are manifold. Firstly, it provides financial protection against the costs associated with investigating and managing a cyber attack. Secondly, it covers legal expenses, including potential regulatory fines and penalties. Thirdly, cyber insurance can provide assistance in customer notification and credit monitoring services in the event of a data breach. Finally, it helps businesses recover from a cyber attack by covering the costs of business interruption and reputational damage. Implementing cyber insurance To effectively protect themselves, individuals and corporations need to carefully consider their cyber insurance policies. Here are some key considerations: 1. Assess your risks: Understand your specific cyber risks and identify potential vulnerabilities. This will help determine the coverage needed in your policy. 2. Choose the right insurance provider: Look for insurance companies with expertise in cyber risk and a track record of effectively handling cyber claims. Research their reputation, financial stability, and customer reviews. 3. Customize your policy: Tailor your cyber insurance policy to meet your specific needs. Consider coverage for data breaches, business interruption, cyber extortion, legal expenses, and public relations services. 4. Regularly review and update: The cyber threat landscape is constantly evolving, necessitating regular review and updates to your cyber insurance policy. Stay informed about emerging threats and ensure that your policy remains relevant and effective. 5. Implement robust cybersecurity measures: While cyber insurance provides a safety net, it should not be relied upon as the sole method of protection. Implement robust cybersecurity measures such as firewalls, encryption, multi-factor authentication, and employee training to minimize the risk of cyber incidents. Milestone Alert!Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. In a tragic incident, an Air India pilot died after suffering a cardiac arrest at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International (IGI) airport on Thursday. Air India in its statement expressed grief over the loss of life. We are saddened at the passing of our colleague, Captain Himmanil Kumar, today. Captain Kumar was a Senior Commander, who visited our Operations office at T3 Delhi Airport as part of a routine procedure,"Air India said, ANI reported. The airline further informed that Captain Himmanil Kumar showed sudden signs of discomfort at the office, and was immediately assisted by his colleagues. He was then rushed to the hospital in the airport premises, where he passed away. "Captain Kumar was not on active flying duty and was undergoing conversion training to operate wide-body aircraft. The Air India team stands together in grief with Captain Kumar's family," said Air India in its statement. This is the third such incident in recent months where a young pilot lost his life. In August, an IndiGo pilot collapsed at a Nagpur Airport boarding gate while preparing to board a flight to Pune. Despite receiving first aid and being promptly taken to a hospital, he could not be saved. The day before, an ex-SpiceJet captain, now with Qatar Airways, passed away while travelling as a passenger from Delhi to Doha. In other news, The Tata Group-backed Air India will add 30 aircraft to its fleet by March as it aims to ramp up weekly flights by more than 400 over the next six months. The airline currently has a fleet of 120 aircraft. Meanwhile, domestic air passenger traffic in the country recorded an annual growth of nearly 11% to 1.26 crore in October, according to official data released on Thursday. "Passengers carried by domestic airlines during January-October 2023 were 1,254.98 lakhs as against 988.31 lakhs during the corresponding period of the previous year thereby registering annual growth of 26.98 per cent and monthly growth of 10.78 per cent," the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said, PTI reported. Milestone Alert!Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Months after the collapse of Bitwise Industries and just days after its founders were charged with fraud in federal court developer Douglas Jemal has found a tenant to take up the East Side industrial warehouse that the California workforce development entity was supposed to occupy. The Buffalo Center for Arts & Technology has signed a lease for two-thirds of the 32,698-square-foot building at 368 Sycamore St., giving it significantly more space to expand its offerings of workforce and afterschool arts and technology programs for adults and high school students. Sign up for the Buffalo Next free newsletter The News' Buffalo Next team covers the changing Buffalo Niagara economy. Get the news in your inbox 5 days a week. The organization, known as as BCAT, will occupy the second and third floors of the building at the corner of Sycamore and Mortimer streets, totaling 21,000 square feet. That will double the number of classrooms BCAT has available to it, enabling it to offer more than 15 adult workforce programs to more than 100 participants, while maintaining its programs for youth. And it will be able to open a large public community gallery, with added space for events or other gatherings. The move will also give BCAT an opportunity to serve students within their own community, while boosting economic development in the neighborhood. This new location on Buffalos East Side confirms our commitment to our community, said Gina Burkhardt, president and CEO of BCAT. Our goal is to work closely with the neighborhood to become part of the positive change that is happening in Buffalo. Currently located at 1221 Main St., BCAT is a 10-year-old organization that provides educational and career-oriented initiatives designed to motivate high school students to stay in school and plan for future careers in arts and technology, while mentoring and helping adults on new career paths. Its grown from two classes when it started a decade ago to over 17, while securing additional funding to deliver its programming. For adults, the center has focused on training for health care fields, particularly medical coding, phlebotomy and pharmacy tech, but has evolved to include medical billing and insurance, information technology, customer service and landscape maintenance. For youth, BCAT offers classes in fine arts, 3D design and printing, music production and digital arts, and also has a mural club. The lease, arranged through CBRE Upstate New Yorks Buffalo office, marks a quick reversal of fortune for a property whose future seemed secure at the start of the year, only to fall into limbo six months ago. Bitwise Industries was a high-flying and fast-growing worker training initiative that was founded as a coding bootcamp in Fresno, Calif., in 2013. Funded with venture-capital money, it sought to develop scalable technology economies in under-represented cities and among marginalized communities. In March 2022, it announced its intention to expand to Buffalo, along with eight other cities. it was targeting for expansion It trained more than 60 people locally, and unveiled plans in summer 2022 to occupy Jemals building as its new Buffalo training campus. The wheels suddenly came off in late May, when the company abruptly furloughed its entire staff of 900, just as 70 new students were slated to begin their classes. Last week, its founders, Jake Soberal and Irma Olguin Jr., were charged with defrauding individuals and businesses out of more than $100 million. Both pleaded not guilty. Jemals Douglas Development Corp., which had acquired the building from Concept Logistics in March 2022 for $615,000, had begun renovations for Bitwise but suspended that work when the companys troubles became public. It will now finish renovating the space for BCATs needs. The organization said it hopes to be in its new space by spring 2024. The first floor of the building is still available for lease. New Delhi: The government has asked 112 companies across electronics, farm equipment, automobiles, and white goods sectors to ensure that consumers enjoy the right to repair their products, a top official said. The move aims to tackle the corporate malpractice of making products artificially obsolete. The list of companies includes Volkswagen Group Sales India Pvt. Ltd, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd, MG Motor India Pvt. Ltd, TVS Motor Co. Ltd, Havells India Ltd, Philips India Ltd, Voltas Ltd, Whirlpool of India Ltd, John Deere, Sonalika Tractors, Escorts Ltd, New Holland Agriculture, (Royal Enfield) Eicher Motors Ltd, Blue Star Ltd, BPL Ltd, Godrej & Boyce Manufacturing Co. Ltd, and Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals Ltd. The move seeks to prevent the practice of some companies stopping supply of spare parts and servicing to force consumers to buy new products. Planned obsolescence as a trade practice is adopted largely by makers of electronic devices. An electronic product that cannot be repaired, or falls under planned obsolescence, not only becomes e-waste, but also forces consumers to spend unnecessarily, the official quoted above said on the condition of anonymity. You (manufacturers) are making money because of consumers. So, take care of their interests. We are starting with electronics, farming equipment, automobiles and white goods. These are the sectors in which consumers face trouble the most," the official added. Many consumers face issues in service and repair of their products, including non-availability of spare parts, exorbitant prices of such parts, and denial of repair service. Hence, there is a need to ensure that when a consumer buys a product, she has full ownership of the product and in case of repair, the legal rights of consumers are not restricted, the official said. The Union consumer affairs department on Tuesday wrote to these companies to join a government initiative to check the practice of artificially limiting the useful life of products. Prior to the latest drive, 41 companies, including Hyundai Motor India Ltd, Bajaj Electricals, Havells, Samsung India Electronics Pvt. Ltd, and Apple India Pvt. Ltd, had joined the right to repair" initiative. The departments Right To Repair portal launched last December provides easy access to information for the repair and service of the products, with the objective of replacing the prevalent use-and-dispose economy with a circular economy through the reduce, reuse, and recycle (R3) concept. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had launched Mission LIFE (Lifestyle for the Environment) which envisions mindful and deliberate utilization instead of mindless and wasteful consumption. It also stipulates the R3 concept, Union consumer affairs secretary Rohit Kumar Singh explained, in response to a query from Mint. The Prime Minister in the recent B20 Summit said that a profitable market can be sustained when there is a balance in the interests of producers and consumers. Hence, making all the stakeholders equal partners in the Right to Repair campaign is the best way forward," Singh said. Getting products repaired in a timely way is a consumer right that is broadly covered under the existing legal framework. However, enforcing it is a challenge. What adds to the complexity is the unequal bargaining power individual consumers have against the original equipment manufacturer in getting their rights honoured. Given that consumers are widely dispersed, giving power back to the consumers by consolidating their voice requires the involvement of grass roots level consumer organizations," explained Amol Kulkarni, director of research at CUTS International, a non-profit, non-governmental organization working on public interest issues. More companies on the Right to Repair portal will enable consumers to be better informed with regard to the repairability of their products and reduce e-waste, but also strengthen the strategic partnership with all stakeholders. The government will later approach more companies across different sectors to be part of the initiative that will promote a less carbon-intensive and circular economy while reducing e-waste. There were no formal response to queries sent on Thursday to the companies till press time. Commencing on November 17, Chhath Puja begins with Nahay Khay, marking the onset of the four-day festival. This first ritual sets the tone for the challenging 36-hour fasting period that follows. Here is all you need to know about Chhath Puja 2023. Chhath Puja 2023 Date Chhath Puja, a four-day festival, is scheduled to be observed from November 17 to 20. Arghya, offerings to the setting sun and the rising sun, will be presented on November 19 and November 20, respectively. Also Read: Chhath Puja 2023: Heartfelt wishes and messages to share joy with loved ones Chhath Puja 2023 History Chhath Puja, rooted in Indian mythology, is dedicated to the Sun God and his sister, Chhathi Maiyya. This festival entails thorough preparations, including cleaning homes, obtaining puja necessities, such as soops, and gathering prasad items. Also Read: Punjab: Hundreds of passengers vandalise Sirhind railway station after Chhath Puja special train got cancelled In Mahabharata times, Suryaputra Karna is renowned for presenting arghya to the Sun God while standing in the water. Another tale involves the Pandavas, who, confronted with a food shortage during their forest exile, heeded the counsel of Dhoumya Muni. The Dharmraj Yudhishthir worshipped Lord Surya and received a divine copper vessel that could prepare four varieties of food for them. Four days of Chhath Puja 2023 Nahay Khay On November 17, as the sun will grace the horizon with its first light at 6:45 am, marking the beginning of a new day, devotees preparing for the Nahay Khay ritual are immersed in the sacred act of cleansing. The ritual, observed with devotion, involves taking a dip in holy water bodies. In Bihar's Patna, devotees throng at Digha Ghat to offer prayers on the occasion of Chhath Puja. After being restricted at Delhi airport from flying out of the country, BhartPe co-founder Ashneer Grover said that he is not a flight risk, and there is a normal process to remove the look-out circular (LOC). The former Shark Tank India judge and his wife, Madhuri Jain, were stopped by the Delhi Police's Economic Offences Wing (EOW) at the Indira Gandhi International Airport when they were about to board a flight abroad. They were stopped at the Terminal 3 of the IGI airport. Earlier in the week, a lookout circular (LoC) was issued by the EOW about the BharatPe alleged fraud case. I found it strange as I have travelled 4 times internationally since FIR filed in May - never been a problem and I had not even been summoned once," wrote Grover on X. In his post, Grover also lashed out at the media for the coverage of EOW's investigation against him. Also Read: Ill be last man standing', says Ashneer Grover amid EOW probe in BharatPe case Baaki aapko jo chhaapna hai chhaapo. Picture chal rahi hai free mein - maze lo! Baaki premature obituaries bahut baari log likh chuke hai - Jatt mareya tad maniye jad terami howe ! Dont pronounce me dead till 13 days after youve burned me at the pyre," he wrote on X. Also Read: Ashneer Grover, Deepak Shenoy trade barbs on social media amid EOW probe in BharatPe case In his social media post, Grover explained that he was unaware of the recent summon released by the Economic Offence Wing. He claimed that he didn't receive any communication or summon from EOW till Friday. He shared that he was travelling to the US from 16-23 November. While describing the whole incident that took place at the airport, Ashneer Grover wrote that he was informed at the immigration about the Look-out circular issued against him. As the couple was sorting things out, EOW officials informed the immigration to ask them to return home. The couple was travelling to New York and they were stopped before security check, said Sindhu Pillai, joint commissioner of police (EOW). They were asked to return to their Delhi residence and join the probe at the EoW office at Mandir Marg next week," she said. Earlier, Mint had reported that recruitment firms linked to BharatPe co-founder Ashneer Grover and his family members used backdated invoices to siphon off funds for work they never did for the company. Nearly a year ago, BharatPe had filed a criminal complaint against Ashneer Grover, accusing him and his family of a 81.28 crore fraud, including 7.6 crore allegedly paid to HR consultants. Milestone Alert!Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Haryana police said they have registered an FIR in connection with the stone-pelting incident in Nuh and are interrogating three boys to understand the motive behind the incident. Eight women sustained injuries after a few children pelted stones during a religious procession in the Nuh district of Haryana on Thursday, police said. Haryana police said on Friday they registered an FIR in connection with the matter and are interrogating three boys "to understand why the incident happened". What happened in Nuh According to police, some children from a madrasa allegedly pelted stones at women going for 'Kuan Poojan' in the area. "Some females were going for 'Kuan Poojan' (well worship) and there has been a complaint that stones were pelted by some children from a madrasa," Narendra Singh Bijarniya, Superintendent of Police, Nuh, was quoted by news agency PTI as saying. The religious procession was organised by a family in the Pandu Ram Chowk area of the town on Thursday night, the Hindustan Times reported. It cited police as saying that when a group of around 20 people was passing a local madrasa in the area, the suspects, mainly minors, allegedly pelted stones at them. Chaos erupted after the incident as the participants rushed to look for shelter. FIR registered Police said an FIR was registered in connection with the incident. "Eight women have registered the FIR, and they have minor injuries..., Nuh SP Narender Singh Bijarniya said on Friday. He added that police identified three boys based on footage from the madrasa. "All three of them have been rounded up, and now they will be presented in court...," he said. "We are interrogating all three boys to understand why this incident happened... All three children are minors... We will investigate all the allegations made by the women. The situation is in control, and leaders from both communities were called in the morning...," he said in a video message. The FIR was registered against unidentified suspects under sections 148 (rioting, armed with a deadly weapon), 149 (unlawful assembly), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 341 (wrongful restraint) of the Indian Penal Code and Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act at City Nuh police station on Thursday night. Officials said that no one has been arrested yet. Police appeal for peace Police also appealed to people to maintain peace in the aftermath of the alleged incident. "We appeal to the people to maintain peace," the Superintendent of Police was quoted as saying. He assured that relevant action will be taken in the matter. Madrasa staff reacts Krishan Kumar, Nuh polices public relations officer (PRO), was quoted by the Hindustan Times as saying that the madrasa staff accepted that a group of children made a mistake but said they were playing with slippers. They (the madrasa staff) said that the children were playing and hurling slippers at each other, which (then) fell on the procession. However, those in the procession have alleged that stones were pelted, on the basis of which an FIR (first information report) was registered. We are looking into every aspect," Kumar was quoted as saying. Markets shut Local traders kept markets shut on Friday as fresh tension gripped the Nuh district, the Hindustan Times reported. It said traders, most of them Hindus, did not open shops and commercial establishments on Friday in protest against the incident. They demanded police action against the stone pelters. The Punjab and Haryana High Court on 17 November quashed a Haryana government law that provided 75 percent reservation in private sector jobs to the residents of the state. The High Court verdict was pronounced by Justices G S Sandhawalia and Harpreet Kaur Jeewan. One of the counsels for the petitioners, senior advocate Akshay Bhan said the bench quashed the complete act. He added the petitioners argued that the Haryana State Employment of Local Candidates Act, 2020 violated Articles 14 and 19 of the Constitution. "...we are of the considered opinion that the writ petitions are liable to be allowed and The Haryana State Employment of Local Candidates Act, 2020 is held to be unconstitutional and violative of Part III of the Constitution of India and is accordingly held ultravires and the same is ineffective from the date it came into force," PTI quoted the court order. ALSO READ: 'Stone-pelting' in Haryana's Nuh: 8 injured, markets shut, three minors quizzed | 5 things know so far The court had admitted multiple petitions against the implementation of the act that provided 75 percent reservation in jobs in the private sector to candidates from the state. It came into effect on January 15, 2022. It covered jobs offering a maximum gross monthly salary or wages up to 30,000. Representing the Faridabad Industrial Association, advocate Bhan said several industrial associations had moved in court against the law. He contended the state did not have legislative competence under Article 35 for enacting this law. As per details, the act applied to private sector companies, societies, trusts, limited liability partnership firms, partnership firms, and any person who employed 10 or more persons on salary, wages, or other remuneration for manufacturing, carrying on business, or rendering any service in Haryana. Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya had given his assent to the Haryana State Employment of Local Candidates Bill in March 2021. Providing 75 percent reservation in private sector jobs for state-domiciled candidates was a key poll promise of the Jannayak Janta Party at the time of the 2019 assembly polls. After the polls, the JJP extended support to BJP and formed a government as the saffron party fell short of attaining a simple majority on its own. With agency inputs. Milestone Alert!Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. India Thursday said it is hopeful of a positive outcome" to the appeal filed against the death sentence of eight former Indian Navy personnel by a Qatari court on undeclared charges, reported PTI External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said the Indian government is engaged with the Qatari authorities over the matter and is providing all legal and consular assistance to the Indian nationals. The eight Indian nationals, including decorated officers who commanded frontline warships in the Indian Navy, were on October 26 given death sentence by Qatars Court of First Instance. The Indian government described the ruling as deeply" shocking and vowed to explore all legal options in the case. This is a sensitive case and the case is currently in a legal process there. As we have mentioned, an appeal has been filed in Qatars Court of Appeal," Bagchi told a regular media briefing. Also Read | India granted second consular access to former Navy officers sentenced to death in Qatar We are also engaged with the Qatari authorities on the matter, and we will continue to extend all legal and consular assistance," he said. "The appeal process is underway and we would hope for a positive outcome," Bagchi said during the media briefing. Bagchi said he was not aware of any decision by the Court of Appeal. Also Read | IMD forecasts heavy rain in THESE states for next 2 days as Cyclone Midhili moves northwards I would again urge everyone not to engage in speculation considering the sensitive nature of the case, as well as the fact that the judgement in the entire process has been made confidential by the Qatari side," the MEA spokesperson added. The arrested Indians were identified as Captain Navtej Singh Gill, Captain Birendra Kumar Verma, Captain Saurabh Vasisht, Commander Amit Nagpal, Commander Purnendu Tiwari, Commander Sugunakar Pakala, Commander Sanjeev Gupta and Sailor Ragesh all ex-Indian Navy. The eight sentenced Indian nationals were employees of a subsidiary of Oman-based Dahra Engineering & Security Services that provided training and other services to Qatars armed forces and security agencies. The subsidiary was shut down in May. The men were believed to have been overseeing the induction of Italian-made midget stealth submarines into the Qatari Navy. Milestone Alert!Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Indian investigators are seeking to restart a probe into Adani Group for alleged overvaluation of coal imports and have asked the Supreme Court to allow them to collect evidence from Singapore, a step they say the company thwarted for years, legal documents show. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence since 2016 has been trying to procure transaction documents related to Adani's dealings from Singapore authorities. The agency suspects many of the group's coal shipments imported from Indonesian suppliers were first billed at higher prices on paper to its Singapore unit, Adani Global Pte, and then to its Indian arms. Adani Enterprises and its subsidiaries, led by billionaire Gautam Adani, have successfully mounted repeated legal challenges in India and Singapore to block the documents' release, court papers show. Adani has denied wrongdoing, saying that Indian authorities assessed its coal shipments before releasing them from ports. In an Oct. 9 legal filing, which Reuters is reporting for the first time, the revenue intelligence agency asked India's Supreme Court to quash a previous lower court order that allowed Adani to block authorities from collecting evidence from Singapore. The Indian officials dispute Adani's arguments that the agency did not follow "due process", saying in the filing it had approval to seek information from the Southeast Asian city-state under a mutual legal assistance treaty. "Permission for following this route was obtained from the Ministry of Finance as well as (the) Ministry of Home Affairs," the 25-page filing states, adding that the investigation "is completely in compliance". In a statement to Reuters, Adani Group said it had "fully co-operated" with the authorities by providing details and documents sought more than four years ago and that "no deficiency or objection" was communicated by investigators thereafter. The Indian revenue agency did not respond to Reuters' queries. The effort to revive the coal probe comes amid wider regulatory scrutiny of Adani since Hindenburg Research in January accused the tycoon and his conglomerate of improper use of tax havens and stock manipulation. Despite Adani's denials, the short seller's report triggered a $150 billion plunge in the group's stocks. India's Supreme Court is also overseeing the market regulator's probe of Hindenburg's allegations. Amid the fallout and ahead of India's 2024 election, political opponents have increased pressure on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration, accusing it of favouritism toward Adani in government decisions. Modi and Adani, who both hail from Gujarat, have denied impropriety. The revenue agency began looking into Adani's imports as part of a broader investigation into 40 companies that started in 2014. Investigators alleged the companies importing Indonesian coal were overinvoicing deliveries by showing bills of shipments routed through intermediaries in Singapore and elsewhere. Indian authorities reviewed 1,300 shipments involving Adani and alleged in court filings that it "grossly overstated" or "artificially inflated the import value of coal" as compared with the export value from Indonesia, "with the objective of siphoning off" funds to tax havens and charging higher power prices in India. The sums involved may run into billions of rupees, according to the agency, which has not identified any Indonesian supplier. BATTLE IN SINGAPORE The evidence India is seeking from Singapore authorities, which includes transaction documents from 20 of Adani's banks there, could help establish a financial trail in the case, a person with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters. If India's Supreme Court allows the agency's latest request, it would then need to seek an order from Singapore's Court of Appeal to release the material. The Singapore court declined requests from Reuters last month to inspect related case documents, saying in written responses that the files were sealed. But a Reuters review of hundreds of pages of Indian court filings and orders reveal a tussle between India and Adani that stretched from Mumbai to New Delhi to Singapore in recent years. In 2019, on Adani's challenge, the High Court of Mumbai cited procedural lapses in quashing the request by Indian investigators to collect evidence against Adani. Days later, the agency appealed to the Supreme Court, which put the Mumbai verdict on hold "until further orders", which the agency contended in a subsequent Supreme Court filing meant "the investigation could be continued". But the Singapore court in late 2020, after Adani's request, said the documents should not be released for now because India's top court had not reached a final decision, according to two people with direct knowledge of the matter and a Reuters review of legal orders. In a statement to Reuters, the office of Singapore Attorney-General Lucien Wong said the Singapore court had not opined on the merits of Adani's appeals and the case was still pending. The stance adopted by Adani's companies in Singapore "created impediments" and the investigation "remains stalled", the revenue agency told India's Supreme Court in 2021 filings. The case was not heard for around two years, until the agency told the Supreme Court in July that it wanted to update judges about certain events in Singapore, without elaborating. It then lodged its October filing in a fresh bid to obtain evidence. The next hearing is scheduled for Feb. 6. Milestone Alert!Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday virtually addressed the Voice of Global South Summit and said that the use of artificial intelligence for creating 'deepfake' is problematic, while also urging the media to educate people. Deepfake a big concern, asked ChatGPT team to give deepfake warning in content," said the Prime Minister while addressing the inaugural session of the Voice of the Global South Summit. He said, India believes that new technology should not widen the gap between the Global North and the Global South. During the times of Artificial Intelligence, it is important that technology should be used responsibly. To further promote this, next month, India will organize the ArtificiaI Global Partnership Summit." "This is the time when the countries of the Global South should unite for the greater global good," PM Modi added. He also highlighted that the topic of the Global South was also included in the New Delhi G20 Declaration, saying that India's priority was to make the G20 "inclusive and human-centric." He said that India gave prominence to the priorities of the Global South in more than 200 G20 meetings held across India during the year. "Last year in December, when India accepted the presidency of G20, we took it as our responsibility to raise the voice of the Global South. Our priority was to make the G20 inclusive and human-centric. We tried to make the development of the people, by the people and for the people, the focus of the G20. It is with this objective that we organized the Voice of Global South Summit for the first time in January this year," PM Modi said. The Second Voice of Global South Summit is taking place in a virtual mode. The Second Voice of the Global South Summit would focus on sharing with countries of the Global South the key outcomes achieved in various G20 meetings over the course of India's Presidency. Milestone Alert!Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. New Delhi: External affairs S. Jaishankar on Friday said there continues to be resistance to countries in the Global South shaping solutions to global challenges. As we look ahead, our vision of everyones growth, with everyones trust, is far from accomplished. While change is the natural order, there continues to be a resistance for a greater role for the Global South in shaping solutions for the key issues of our times," Jaishankar said at the second edition of the Voices of the Global South summit. The summit was held first in January this year to accommodate developing country views into Indias G20 Presidency. Leaders from Bhutan, Bangladesh, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan and Nauru, among others, attended the summit. The New Delhi Leaders Declaration will be remembered for bringing back the G20 focus on the real and serious concerns of the Global South," Jaishankar added. He also urged developing countries to build up self-reliance. We also need to work towards self-reliance to mitigate our vulnerabilities vis-a-vis economic concentrations. The covid era is a stark reminder of the perils of dependence for basic necessities on far-away geographies," Jaishankar argued. He highlighted the need to democratize and diversify" production and to build resilient supply chains. The minister also pointed to concrete breakthroughs for the Global South during Indias G20 Presidency by highlighting the African Unions entry into the G20 as a permanent member. Milestone Alert!Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Uttarakhand tunnel collapse: The rescue operations to evacuate 40 workers trapped under the rubble of the collapsed tunnel on the Char Dham route in Uttarakhand has entered sixth today on Friday. A heavy-duty drilling machine began the process of digging through the debris of the collapsed tunnel and rescuing the trapped workers. Officials said that a six-meter section of a steel pipe had been inserted into the bored passage. Another section was being welded into it. The plan is to insert 800 mm- and 900 mm diameter pipes one after the other -- with the help of the giant drill till an escape passage is created for the workers stranded beyond the collapsed portion of the under-construction tunnel. Here's a 10-point guide on Uttarakhand tunnel collapse 1) Given the precarious condition of the mountains where the collapsed tunnel is located, experts from Norway and Thailand were taken into consideration and believed that around 50 meters of debris needed to be penetrated to insert the tubes for evacuation, India Today reported. 2) If a smaller drilling machine failed to do the job, IAFs C-130 Hercules planes brought the US-made auger machine, in parts, from Delhi to an airport 30 kilometers away on Wednesday. The 25-tonne piece of equipment was installed overnight, as per PTI reports. 3) Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways V K Singh, who visited the rescue site, set two or three days" as the outer limit" for the new machine to get the job done. 4) Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that all tunnel projects in the state will now be reviewed, appearing more optimistic. 5) I have been told that the new drilling machine has already penetrated five to seven meters through the debris. We hope it would soon reach the trapped workers, drilling at the rate of five to 10 meters every hour," Dhami told the media persons. 6) The chief minister also directed the state administration to collaborate with central agencies and conduct round-the-clock rescue operations. The administration has provided telephone numbers to ensure ongoing contact and communication with the families of the workers trapped in the tunnel. 7) Navayuga Engineering Company's spokesperson G L Nath informed that the trapped workers are safe, and being supplied with oxygen, medicines, food items, and water through pipes, PTI reported. 8) However, Dr. Ajay Agarwal, director of Internal Medicine AT Fortis Hospital in Noida said that the victims might experience panic attacks because of being trapped in closed spaces for a long. 9) The new auger machine was flown in after the first drilling machine turned out to be too slow and technical issues developed, officials said. 10) At the entrance of the tunnel on the Brahmakhal-Yamunotri National Highway, workers expressed their discontent through slogans, protesting the perceived sluggishness of the operation to rescue their colleagues who had been trapped inside for over 72 hours. (With inputs from agencies) Milestone Alert!Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. A confused and terrified teenage boy was molested in his dormitory room at least 100 times in the 1990s by a former administrator at the private Gow School, his attorneys said. Those incidents led to a jury verdict of almost $4.8 million this week in a Child Victims Act lawsuit in State Supreme Court. As state courts reopen, new Child Victims Act cases filed Child Victims Act suits claim child sex abuse by a former Gow School assistant headmaster, a former School 29 principal and a former Lafayette High The jury found Michael Holland, a former assistant headmaster and teacher at the school, 67% liable for the sexual attacks, and Gow School 33% liable, according to Brian Melber and Laurie Baker, attorneys for the victim. The verdict on Monday followed a two-week trial before State Supreme Court Judge Deborah A. Chimes. The accusations against Holland were made by Tarek Adam, now 45, whose parents sent him from Winnipeg, Canada, to attend the prestigious school in the Town of Wales when he was 14 years old. Night after night, Adam testified, Holland would come to his dormitory room, reach up to his upper bunk bed, and use his hands to molest him. Ohio man alleges being raped while attending Gow School in 1990s A former Gow School student said a teacher raped him in his dormitory room after the two had discussed the students sexuality earlier the same day. Tarek testified for several hours. It was graphic and disturbing. It was brutally difficult and emotional for him, Melber told The Buffalo News. The jury certainly believed him. Gow officials understand and accept Mondays jury verdict in a Child Victims Act case involving a former student from the early 1990s, and offer our deepest sympathy for what Tarek Adam experienced, John R. Munro, head of school, said in a statement sent to The Buffalo News on Thursday afternoon. As the leaders of the school today, we must take responsibility for what happened, even if it was many years ago. Our priority then, as it is now, is to ensure the well-being and safety of all our students. Former Gow School administrator charged with possession of child sexual abuse images Matthew Fisher, 50, of South Wales, appeared Tuesday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and was being held pending a detention hearing Friday. The verdict is the latest challenge faced by the school. It came one day before federal prosecutors announced that former Gow administrator Matthew Fisher had been arrested on a charge of possessing child sexual abuse images. Prosecutors said the images possessed by Fisher appear to include some taken by a covert camera in a bedroom believed to be on the Gow School campus, although Munro said no Gow students were in the images. A judge Friday ordered Fisher to remain in custody as federal officials launched a public outreach effort to find anyone who may have been victimized by him. Hes been an administrator at the Gow School for five years, and information that has developed from this ongoing investigation has led us to believe that there may be victims that we dont know about, U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross said at a news conference. And we want to make sure that all victims are heard and receive the services that they will need and deserve. To give information to the FBI, anyone affected by the case can call 833-609-1736 or 716-843-5797. Authorities also set up an email account: usanyw.gowvicasst@usdoj.gov. Were concerned that victims in this case might not have had the opportunity to come forward or know that they should come forward for this, FBI Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia said of the outreach effort. Obviously, someone that works at a school does get us a little bit more concerned. And it just has a possible broader pool of victims, so we felt this was the best way to get that out to make sure everyone knows. While Fishers case proceeds, the school continues to deal with the fallout of five Child Victims Act lawsuits. Holland was named as an abuser in one of the five. Gow School report finds former faculty actions 'inexcusable' The Wales school found no patterns of conduct or systemic failures, according to the report posted to its website At trial, Gows attorneys did not deny the improper actions taken by Holland, but took the position that school officials were not aware of the incidents at the time. We took the position that they certainly should have known of his conduct, Melber said. Gow is a private, co-ed college-prep school in South Wales that specializes in teaching students in grades six through 12 who have dyslexia and other language-based learning disabilities. About 90% of the schools students live at the school, according to the schools website. Adam claimed in his lawsuit that Holland started touching him inappropriately in 1992 and 1993, when Adam was a 14-year-old freshman living in a dorm supervised by Holland. The touching escalated to criminal sexual abuse and assault, including sodomy, according to court papers. Melber and Baker said their client filed the suit to expose what happened to him at the school and protect other children who had no way to fight back against adult sexual predators. The attorneys said school officials should have been aware of rumors that Holland had acted improperly with students. Former Gow School student alleges he was sexually abused by teacher A former Gow School student has filed a Child Victims Act lawsuit against the South Wales school, alleging that a teacher there repeatedly sexually abused In March 2020, the school released a report by attorney Julia Hilliker that detailed accusations against four faculty members and a nurse reported to have occurred more than 20 years ago. The report said accusations included student bullying; inappropriate, but nonsexual, verbal exchanges with teachers; and inappropriate or forced sexual interactions. Holland, who left Gow in the late 1990s, was one of the accused faculty members mentioned in the report. According to Munros statement on Thursday, the 2020 report resulted in improvements in the schools security procedures, and more stringent background checks for employees. That Mr. Adam suffered what he did at our school is something we work diligently every day to make sure is never repeated, Munro said. The jury heard all of the evidence and found that the majority of liability was attributable to the former teacher responsible for the abuse. The jury got it right, said Hugh M. Russ III, trial attorney for the school. The News reported in 2020 that Holland got into trouble after he left Gow School and found work at another school in New England. Holland was headmaster at Linden Hill School in Northfield, Mass. The Associated Press reported that state child welfare officials investigated Holland after he was accused of sexually assaulting a student on a school trip to New York City. Holland denied the accusations and was suspended from his job, the AP reported. Holland was not present for the recent trial in Buffalo, and Melber said Holland, to his knowledge, no longer lives in the United States. News Staff Reporter Patrick Lakamp contributed to this article Hamas and Israel are getting close to a settlement on the hostages' release, subject to Israeli confirmation, according to a report by ANI. Qatari mediators on November 15 attempted to negotiate a deal between Hamas and Israel that involved the release of around 50 civilian hostages from Gaza in return for a three-day ceasefire, an official briefed on the discussions told Reuters. A significant amount of attention has been paid to these negotiations by top US officials, including President Joe Biden, who expressed cautious optimism following his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. According to The Washington Post, Joe Biden has been very involved in the negotiations, stating that military involvement is not being considered, and his efforts are aimed at facilitating the release of hostages and achieving a substantial pause in hostilities. Also Read | Israel-Hamas War LIVE Updates: Internet, phone networks collapse in Gaza; Blinken asks for 'urgent' action I am mildly hopeful," President Biden said. In response to a question, he said he was not considering any US military involvement in rescuing the captives. Instead, Biden said he was working on how I can be helpful in getting the hostages released and have a period of time where theres a pause long enough to let that happen." Also Read | Israel-Hamas war: UN says Gaza civilians facing starvation, food and water become practically non-existent It has been cautioned by those familiar with the talks that the current arrangement is delicate and may fall apart, reflecting challenges in past negotiations. Similar parameters have been outlined in previous proposals, but the number of hostages involved and their release conditions vary. A Washington Post report quoted an anonymous Arab diplomat as saying that the current outline is only agreed upon "in general terms." Also Read | Israel-Hamas War updates: 'Violent attack' on Gaza's Al-Ahli hospital underway, says Red Crescent Israelis are eagerly anticipating a response, with expectations that a positive response will lead to swift action, and a rejection will force a return to negotiations. It is hoped that an agreement on some aspects of the hostage release could pave the way for broader discussions about the release of all captives. There have been no comments from Israeli officials on the potential hostage deal, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Speaking from a military post in southern Israel, Netanyahu said, "I've been talking to the people involved every day I believe its going to happen." Hamas' attack on Gaza on October 7, which resulted in substantial casualties, has caused the situation in Gaza to become increasingly complex. Israel, the United States, and Hamas do not directly communicate, with negotiations taking place indirectly in Doha, Qatar. The Washington Post reported that indirect talks between CIA Director William J Burns, Mossad Director David Barnea, and Hamas' political leaders in Doha led to progress despite challenges. A resolution calling for an urgent humanitarian pause in Gaza, as well as the release of all hostages, was approved by the UN Security Council in response to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. It has been difficult for outside observers to understand the situation in Gaza due to a lack of media access, with reports suggesting a severe humanitarian crisis has resulted from the conflict. Concerns have also been raised about potential civilian casualties as al-Shifa Hospital is being enclosed, Gaza's largest medical facility. It appears that Hamas has difficulties locating and controlling all hostages, including those held by Palestinian Islamic Jihad. It remains fluid, with the potential for developments in the coming days, as President Biden and US officials work to secure a significant pause in hostilities. (With Inputs from ANI) Milestone Alert!Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. On November 16, the US government concluded the evidentiary phase of its court case against Google . The company is accused of monopolistic practices in the online search sector. The U.S. Justice Department claims the company uses its market position for gain. A high-stakes antitrust lawsuit started on September 12. It has seen the US government striving to establish that Google has monopolised the search engine market. The tech giant has also abused this position, it is alleged. This case is the first in a series of major legal challenges aimed at curbing the power of tech giants. There are subsequent cases against Meta, Amazon and a second one against Google itself. During the trial, MIT economics professor Michael Whinston played a pivotal role. The US government's final witness challenged Google's assertion of facing competition from Microsoft for pre-installation deals on smartphones. He argued that Google's hefty payments, amounting to $26.3 billion in 2021 to companies like Apple, were essentially monopolistic profits distributed to its partners. Whinston also highlighted Google's ability to hike advertisement rates without losing clientele. It is supported by internal experiments conducted by the company. He contended that Google's dominance, with nearly 90% market share in the US, has led to a lack of incentive to enhance service quality. It ultimately impacted the consumer experience, he argued. Google's defence Google's defence, however, focused on the legality and competitive nature of these payments. Lawyer John Schmidtlein argued that these were standard revenue-sharing agreements. Those were essential for ensuring that wireless carriers and smartphone manufacturers conduct necessary updates and maintain user data security, according to him. Schmidtlein emphasised Google's popularity being a result of its superior quality, referencing instances where consumers expressed dissatisfaction with competitors like Microsoft's Bing. Judge Amit Mehta earlier acknowledged the complexity of the decision ahead. "I have no idea what I'm going to do," Reuters quoted the judge as saying in early May. (With Reuters inputs) Milestone Alert!Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Google Doodle is celebrating Czech Republic Freedom and Democracy Day 2023 on Friday, November 17. Thousands of people joined Czechoslovakian students to protest against the Nazi occupation of their country in 1939. A memorial march against communism led by students fifty years later gave the Czech people even more reasons to cherish this day. It sparked the Velvet Revolution, a wave of demonstrations that spread throughout Czechoslovakia and signaled the beginning of the country's democratic transition. Due to their crucial contribution to the attainment of freedom, this date is also recognized as International Students Day. People across the nation will wear the blue, white, and red colors of the country and wave flags similar to the ones in today's Doodle. Some people go to patriotic concerts like the Concert for the Future and lectures about the meaning of freedom. They are lining up at memorials honoring those who fought for government reform, placing wreaths or lighting candles as a show of support for those nonviolent protestors. Meanwhile, Google Doodle is also celebrating Slovakia Freedom and Democracy Day today. Every year, Slovakians all over the world remember the turning points that led to their independence. A series of non-violent protests organized by Czechoslovakian students in November 1939 was one of these pivotal moments. Thousands came together to call for their liberation from Nazi rule. Despite their initial failure, the protests served as a catalyst for the "Gentle Revolution" fifty years later. The second round of nonviolent protests was organized by students and artists and took place in Bratislava and Prague. Their acts of civil disobedience on this day in 1989 compelled the autocratic government to consent to a nonviolent handover to democracy. To commemorate this historic occasion, thousands of people jingled their keysa symbolic act of opening democracy that activists continue to use in protests today. This day serves as a potent reminder to many that civil disobedience can result in amazing change. Milestone Alert!Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Google Doodle on Friday marked Slovakia Freedom and Democracy Day, honouring the annual occasion when people of Slovakian descent globally observe the pivotal events that led to the establishment of their nation as a free and independent state. According to the description, In November 1939, Czechoslovakian students organised a series of nonviolent demonstrations, drawing thousands of participants who rallied to express their demand for liberation from Nazi occupation. Also Read: Google Doodle celebrates Father's Day with illustration in honour of fatherhood Despite the initial lack of success, the protests served as a catalyst for the "Gentle Revolution" that unfolded fifty years later. In 1989, a new wave of nonviolent demonstrations, led by students and artists, occurred in Prague and Bratislava. On this specific day in 1989, their acts of civil disobedience compelled the authoritarian government to acquiesce to a peaceful transition to democracy. Also Read: Veterans Day 2023: Google Doodle pays homage to military veterans Numerous individuals commemorated this crucial historical moment by jingling their keys, symbolizing the unlocking of democracya gesture that activists continue to employ in contemporary demonstrations. For many, this holiday serves as a potent reminder that acts of civil disobedience have the potential to bring about significant and positive transformations. Milestone Alert!Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. The Israel-Hamas war , which has now stretched over a month and continues to escalate, is prompting travelers heading to Egypt, Jordan, or Lebanon this winter to rethink their plans. After violence erupted in the region on the first week of October, the US State Department immediately issued an alert urging citizens in specific Middle Eastern countries to exercise caution. A few days later came a worldwide travel advisory that further expanded the guidelines. The advisory cautioned people to remain vigilant, adhere to local government advice, and avoid of areas near demonstrations. As expected, different travelers responded differently! Some opted to postpone plans till next year or till the situation stabilizes, while others persist with their arrangements. Under the current circumstances, what should be the best plan of action? Israel-Hamas conflict impacts international air travel revival The recent conflict has not only impacted travel plans in the Middle East but also caused a massive global aviation slowdown, according to travel data analytics company ForwardKeys, reported by Scheneganvisainfo.com. ForwardKeys data cited, that since last month, flight bookings globally witnessed a 5-percentage-point decrease compared to pre-pandemic levels. While Africa is steadily recovering, other regions experienced a slowdown, with the Americas down by 6 p.p., Europe by 3 p.p., Asia Pacific by 1 p.p., and the Middle East by a significant 26 p.p. Israel, within the Middle East, bore the brunt, facing a staggering 155 p.p. decline in flight bookings since the conflict erupted, the report said. Should you travel to Jordan, Egypt and Lebanon now? Jordan: The U.S. State Department has maintained Jordan at "Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution" since July 13. This means, people should avoid traveling near Syrian and Iraqi borders, refugee camps, and areas that have safety concerns. Despite ongoing tours to popular destinations like Petra and Wadi Rum, there's been a significant decline in hotel reservations, with a 50% cancellation rate in October and 60% for November. However, travel providers like Red Savannah, El Camino Travel, and Intrepid Travel continue operations, a Conde Nast report said. Egypt: The State Department's alert level, unchanged since July 13, stands at "Level 3: Reconsider Travel." Tourists should continue to avoid travel to the Sinai Peninsula, the land bordering Israel and Gaza and to the east of Cairo, as it is a particularly dangerous area" according to the department. Lebanon: Travel warning to Lebanon was raised to "Level 4: Do Not Travel" last month. Citing the unpredictable security situation, particularly regarding rocket exchanges, the advisory authorized the voluntary departure of U.S. Embassy Beirut family members. The State Department advisory said that it has authorized the voluntary, temporary departure of family members of U.S. government personnel and some non-emergency personnel from US Embassy Beirut due to the unpredictable security situation." As the violence has continued, the State Departments travel warnings have become more stringent for the country. The State Department recommends that US citizens in Lebanon leave now, while commercial flights remain available, due to the unpredictable security situation," says a security alert from the US Embassy in Beirut issued on November 4. What do experts say? Experts are of the view that it is better to postpone the trip or rebook to another region than canceling altogether. Matt Berna, president, of The Americas, for Intrepid Travel told Conde Nast, "More than ever the world needs intrepid travelers. We want travelers to do and see incredible things, and for those experiences to have positive social and economic impacts and the host communities they visit." First, it's important to understand that every person has their own level of risk tolerancethe level of risk that they are willing to take for the activity they want to pursue," Dave Dennis, a risk management consultant who works with El Camino. What's reasonable for one person might not be the same for another." Milestone Alert!Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Israeli soldiers found a tunnel shaft used by Hamas militants at Gaza's Al Shifa hospital, the army said. Following this, the United Nations voiced concern no aid would be delivered to Palestinians on Friday via the Rafah crossing with Egypt. The Israeli army released a video that showed a tunnel entrance in an outdoor area of Al Shifa, Gaza's biggest hospital. Reuters could not immediately verify the video that showed a deep hole in the ground, littered with and surrounded by concrete and wood rubble and sand. The army said its troops also found a vehicle in the hospital containing a large number of weapons, according to a report published by Reuters. Israel-Hamas War: Here's a 10-point guide on this big story 1) Hamas on Thursday said claims by the Pentagon and US State Department that the group uses Al Shifa for military purposes "is a repetition of a blatantly false narrative, demonstrated by the weak and ridiculous performances of the occupation army spokesman." 2) White House spokesperson John Kirby said the United States is confident in an assessment from its own intelligence agencies on Hamas activities in Al Shifa hospital and will neither share nor elaborate on it. 3) On the other hand, the two telecom companies in Gaza stated that all energy sources supplying the network had run out and therefore all services in the territory were down. Israel refuses fuel imports, saying Hamas could use them for military purposes, Reuters reported. 4) The UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, said it was impossible to coordinate humanitarian aid truck convoys. 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." 5) Palestinian civilians have borne the brunt of Israel's weeks-long military campaign in retaliation for an October 7 attack by Hamas that Israel says killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians. 6) Gaza health authorities deemed reliable by the United Nations said at least 11,500 people have been confirmed killed in an Israeli bombardment and ground invasion - more than 4,700 of them children. 7) Israel was close to destroying Hamas' military system in the northern Gaza Strip and there were signs the army was taking its campaign to other parts of the enclave of 2.3 million people, said the Israeli military's chief of staff. 8) The US State Department on Thursday said that Israel needs to ensure protection for civilians as it looks to expand military operations in Gaza. 9) "Civilians in Gaza were facing starvation because food and water had become "practically non-existent" due to the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas," said the UN's World Food Programme (WFP). 10) It added that bread was now "scarce or non-existent" and that it was impossible to "meet current hunger needs with one operational border crossing". (With Reuters inputs) Milestone Alert!Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Canada Trade Minister Mary Ng said that trade talks with India will remain on hold due to the investigation pending into the Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar murder case, Bloomberg reported. Youve heard me and the government talk about how important it is that that investigation happens, given that we had a Canadian killed on Canadian soil," Ng told reporters on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in San Francisco, Bloomberg reported. So well let that happen." My job as the trade minister is to make sure that that the supports and the tools that are there to support Canadian businesses and investors in India continue to be available to them," she said at the briefing late Wednesday. So thats what were doing for now." A diplomatic row erupted between India and Canada earlier in September following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegations of "potential" involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen, in British Columbia on June 18. India has rejected the allegations as "absurd" and motivated". The India-Canada ties have been reeling under some strain for the last few months given increasing activities of the pro-Khalistani elements in the North American country. India believes the Trudeau government is not addressing its genuine concerns. Speaking at the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit (HTLS), minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal said that Free trade agreement (FTA) discussions between India and Canada were halted due to baseless misconceptions, a move that will hurt Canada more than India. "They stopped the talks with us. There are some misconceptions among some Canadian politicians, which are baseless," Goyal said. They will lose out (from halting the talks), India will not lose out. The Indian market is bigger, and our country offers (more) opportunities." The cessation of the India-Canada FTA discussions, which had only recently restarted after ten years. -With agency inputs Milestone Alert!Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Days after several reports cited that Taiwan may hire 100,000 workers from India, Taiwanese Labor Minister Hsu Ming-chun said that the news is inaccurate. However, she admitted that the two countries are in talks but have yet to finalize the matter. A Bloomberg report last week said, India is forging closer economic ties with Taiwan with a plan to send tens of thousands of workers to the island as early as next month. The report further cited that, people close to the development said, these 100,000 Indians would be hired to work at factories, farms and hospitals. The two sides are expected to sign an employment mobility agreement by as early as December." However, Hsu says that reports suggesting the entry of 100,000 Indian migrant workers are inaccurate. She says she suspects intentional manipulation of figures to spread misinformation and create unwarranted panic. Hsu added that negotiations regarding the number of migrant workers to be accepted are still ongoing Last week, Arindam Bagchi, a spokesperson for Indias Ministry of External Affairs, in a similar note said, The India-Taiwan jobs pact is now in the final stages of negotiation" Taiwans aging society Taiwans aging society means it needs more workers, while in India, the economy isnt growing fast enough to create enough jobs for the millions of young people who enter the labor market every year. Taiwan is projected to become a super aged" society by 2025 with elderly people forecast to make up for more than a fifth of the population. However, the employment deal is likely to ramp up geopolitical tensions with China, which opposes any official exchange with Taiwan, a self-ruled island that Beijing claims as its own. China is separated from Taiwan by a narrow body of water and shares a Himalayan border with India. Its also been Indias top source of imports for the past two decades. (With agency inputs) Milestone Alert!Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Days after Indian nationals were sentenced to death in Qatar, an Indian nurse is now facing capital punishment in Yemen. Hailing from Kerala, Nimisha Priya has tried all ways to change the death sentence imposed on her for murdering a Yemeni national. Also Read: India hopeful of positive outcome: MEA on appeal to free ex-navy men in Qatar Her last hope is her mother, who is trying hard to seek approval to travel to Yemen and negotiate with the victim's family members by paying blood money. Also read: India granted second consular access to former Navy officers sentenced to death in Qatar While hearing the writ petition filed by Nimisha's mother seeking permission to travel to Yemen, the Delhi High Court was told by the centre that the Supreme Court in Yemen, on November 13, had dismissed the appeal of a Malayali nurse against the death sentence. Nimisha's mother is fighting hard to save her daughter and bring her back to India. Here is all you need to know about the Indian nurse fighting for her life in Yemen. The Delhi High Court asked the Centre to decide within a week on a request to travel to Yemen from the mother. Also read: After Canada and Palestine, Indian hackers launch cyber attacks on Qatar to avenge death penalty of former Navy officers All you need to know about Nimisha, the Indian nurse facing death sentence in Yemen -Nimisha Priya has been convicted of murdering Talal Abdo Mahdi, a Yemen national. Talal died in July 2017 after she injected him with sedatives to get back her passport from possession. -Priya worked in Yemen's Sana since 2011. Also Read: Israel-Gaza War Day 39: Biden talks to Qatari emir; EU condemns Hamas for using civilians as human shields. Top points -According to media reports, Nimisha Priya tried to get back her passport after she injected Talal Abdo Mahdi with sedatives. However, Talal died of an overdose. -On Thursday, the centre's lawyer cited a recent notification and said that the travel ban might be relaxed and Indian nationals may be allowed to travel to Yemen for specific reasons and duration. -Earlier this year, Priya's mother moved to the Delhi high court to receive permission to travel to Yemen and make a final attempt to save her daughter. Currently, there is a travel ban for Indian nationals to the country. -If granted permission to travel, Nimisha's mother would travel to Yemen and negotiate with the victim's family by paying them blood money" to save her daughter. -Blood money is the compensation paid by an offender or his family to the victim's family. -After mistakenly killing Talal, Priya and her colleague Hanan, reportedly chopped Mahadi's body before disposing of it in a water tank. However, Priya was caught by the police and was awarded capital punishment in 2018. However, Hanan, a Yemini national was awarded life imprisonment. Milestone Alert!Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. India has signed an agreement with the US and 12 other member nations of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) to reduce dependency on China and mitigate risks of economic disruptions from the supply chain, reports Mint , quoting a commerce ministry statement. The global narrative on the risk high dependence on Chinese imports represents to global supply chains started with the US red-flagging it, especially for times of emergencies such as during the covid-19 pandemic when any disruptions could have ramifications across the world. But even before that, the US had embarked on a trade war with China, imposing high tariffs on nearly 60% of imports from the country in the last five years. And yet, as the US itself is seeing the hard way, reducing these dependencies hasnt been easy, given that China is integral to global supply chains. The realization in fact is reflected in the evolving US vocabulary: What was initially supposed to have been a policy for decoupling" with China has now become one of reducing dependence". An analysis of US trade data published by the World Bank this month is instructive. The publication, Is US trade policy reshaping global supply chains?, finds that, While the US-China decoupling in bilateral trade is real, supply chains remain intertwined with China." Heres what happened: between 2017 and 2022, Chinas share of US imports fell from 22% to 16% due to the US tariff policy, and the imports from China were replaced with imports from large developing countries. However, the countries replacing China in the US imports basket arent decoupled from China. They are in fact deeply integrated into Chinas supply chains and are experiencing faster import from China, especially in strategic industries." What this shows is, the paper concludes, that to replace China on the export side (for imports into the US), countries must embrace Chinas supply chains. The end result is that despite significant reshaping of the supply chains, China remained the top supplier of imported goods to the US in 2022, even after five years of a high-tariff policy. And although there is some evidence of nearshoring, it is exclusive to border nations. It is against this backdrop that Washington has made the move to get the IPEF nations, including India, to reduce their dependency on China, a logical extension then of the US policy that has so far shown limited results, as the papers findings also show, in dislodging China from global supply chains. As the US' dependence on Chinese imports is now indirect, via third countries, it wants to tackle it by getting these countries to wrest from China greater proportions of global supply chains. If a country like India, that does not as yet have a large and globally competitive industrial base (the share of manufacturing in total GDP is not even 20%), has to reduce its dependence on imports from China, and replace China in the global supply chains, then it has to scale up its manufacturing prowess significantly. That calls for a drastic improvement in the ease of doing business, which despite improvements over the years has a long way to go if India is to outcompete China as a low-cost, world-class manufacturing destination. Any expansion in the domestic consumption market can quicken this process with larger assured volumes changing the cost structures and calculus. The task is clear then for Indian policymakers at the Centre and in the states: from assured, continuous and low-cost power supply to labour policies and contract enforcement, improving ease of doing business has got to be the mantra. Attorneys for six social media platforms argued Friday that a judge should dismiss a lawsuit claiming they bear some legal responsibility for the self-avowed white supremacist who became radicalized online and then killed 10 Black people at a city supermarket last year. Though the online content consumed by the shooter was racist, hateful and violent, federal law gives YouTube, Meta, Amazon, Reddit, Snap and Discord immunity when publishing third-party content, under Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, the attorneys argued. Son of Buffalo mass shooting victim, 16 Tops workers and customers file lawsuits One of the suits alleges that unlawful and irresponsible actions taken by numerous bad actors enabled the shooter to commit a hateful massacre. The First Amendment also protects them, they argued, from liability for the actions by the Broome County man in prison for the rest of his life for the mass shooting at Tops Markets on Jefferson Avenue. The shooter, 18 at the time he committed the mass shooting on May 14, 2022, wrote in an online diary that the fringe message board 4chan introduced him to white supremacist ideas, while other platforms allowed him to plan his attack and later broadcast it to an audience of millions, a report released last year by the state Attorney Generals Office concluded. The lawsuit claims that the companies helped to radicalize the killer by incorporating algorithms that provided violent, racist and antisemitic content, and that pushed him down a rabbit hole of increasingly hateful content. Families of 5/14 victims file lawsuit against social media companies The state Supreme Court lawsuit accuses the social media companies of feeding the shooter "a steady stream of racist and white supremacist propaganda and falsehoods." Other legal principles and law also protect the companies in other ways, which the attorneys argued provided the basis for the judge to dismiss other claims in the lawsuit: Claims under the categories of product liability should not be allowed to proceed because the internet companies are services, not products, the attorneys argued. The companies did not legally cause the plaintiffs injuries because there were other things that happened between when the shooter consumed the online content and when he committed the violence. The companies were not negligent here because they had no legal duty to prevent minors or young adults from becoming radicalized. State Supreme Court Justice Paula L. Feroleto reserved decision on the motions to dismiss. Different judge, same ruling: Prosecutors not required to share Tops shooting evidence with victims' families Public defenders for the man who killed 10 people in a racist mass shooting at a Tops grocery store lost another bid Monday for a court order to force federal prosecutors to share evidence against him with lawyers hired by the victims' families. Plaintiffs in the suit, filed in May, are the families of Katherine Kat Massey, Andre Mackniel and Heyward Patterson, three of the victims killed in the mass shooting, as well as Latisha Rogers, a survivor of the attack. The suit names 18 defendants, which also include the gun store where Payton Gendron bought the rifle he used, the manufacturer of the body armor he wore, the maker of a gun part that allowed his rifle to have a detachable magazine and Gendrons parents. Gendron streamed the massacre live on Twitch, the Amazon-owned livestreaming site. Attorneys for the plaintiffs argued that their lawsuit should be allowed to move forward. The focus of our lawsuit is to keep our community safe and keep these companies from profiting at the expense of our safety, attorney Kristen Elmore-Garcia said after arguments in court Thursday. Wrongful death suit filed in 5/14 massacre at Tops: 'Nobody should have to live like this' The families of Katherine "Kat" Massey, Andre Mackniel and Heyward Patterson and Latisha Rogers, a survivor of the massacre, filed a wide-ranging 142-page wrongful death suit in New York State Supreme Court. In support of the defendants requests, there is well-established legal precedent that no matter how abhorrent or worthy of condemnation some speech is, the provider of that information is not responsible for another persons subsequent bad acts, said attorney Brian M. Willen, a lawyer for Alphabet, Google and YouTube. Willen said despite the plaintiffs claims that their lawsuit is content neutral that it is not the specific type of content Gendron consumed that is at issue that is obviously not true. He pointed to a heading in the plaintiffs complaint: White Replacement Theory Caused Payton Gendron to Murder Ten Innocent Black People. The protections given to the companies under Section 230 was a public policy decision made by Congress that prioritized a free and robust internet over being liable for publishing third-party content, said Jacob M. Heath, attorney for Meta Platforms Inc., the owner of Facebook. These types of allegations under Section 230 are barred, Heath said. Public defenders press court to let victims' families see evidence from Buffalo mass shooting The families' lawyers would like access to a portion of the evidence for lawsuits they are pursuing against gun and body armor manufacturers and social media platforms among others. An attorney for 4chan asked the judge to dismiss the lawsuit against that company because the court lacks jurisdiction over it, he said. 4chan may be accessible to people in New York State, but it doesnt just show up people have to go and access it themselves, said attorney Ross B. Hofherr. The shooter went outside New York to access 4chan, Hofherr told the judge. 4chan did not come into New York. Feroleto questioned the attorney about whether jurisdiction would be established if the plaintiffs could show 4chan was making money from advertisements seen by users in New York. There is no claim in the lawsuit that Gendron saw any ads on the site, Hofherr said, and the company would have not earned any advertising revenue unless Gendron clicked on an ad. Buffalo mass shooter's lawyers want magistrate judge off federal case while awaiting death penalty decision Lawyers for Buffalo mass shooter Payton Gendron want a magistrate judge replaced in his federal case, saying they want their motions, if any, to wait until U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland decides whether to pursue the death penalty. In arguing that the court has jurisdiction, Matthew P. Bergman, one of the plaintiffs attorneys, told the judge that, based on their number of users and where the companys ad revenue comes from, it would be reasonable to presume 3% of the companys ad revenue is derived from its activities in the state of New York. On Thursday, an attorney for Mean LLC, the Georgia company that manufactured a gun part in Gendrons weapon that allowed it to take a detachable magazine and thus allowed him to fire more bullets in a shorter amount of time argued for the judge to dismiss the case against it. Attorney Christopher Renzulli argued that the company is protected by a federal law crafted to specifically shield the firearms industry from civil lawsuits, known as the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act. The plaintiffs attorneys argued the claims are valid based on an exception allowed in the law. The company includes with that gun part instructions on how to remove it. They argued the gun part what they called an easily removable optional accessory made the rifle more attractive to the shooter. The lawsuit claimed the company also engaged in false advertising and marketing of its product, which they told customers was made to make illegal guns legal. Mean knowingly lied and opened the door to this atrocity, Elmore-Garcia said. The day before Diwali, I was rushing to Delhi airport to catch my return flight to Ahmedabad. It was late afternoon. As I looked through the car window, I noticed a full moon on the horizon! In the Indian subcontinent, culture, agriculture and markets have been in harmony with nature. Festivals fall either on a full-moon day, asthami, or a new moon day. Diwali, signifying a celebration of the kharif harvest, is on a new moon day. So, how did I see a full moon? The fault lies not in our stars, but in ourselves! It was the Sun, ominously effaced by the stubble-smoke-fed pollution. Year after year, stubble burning by farmers in Punjab, Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh (UP) creates seasonal pollution in northern India. Despite the government and Supreme Court banning it, paddy residue burning has stubbornly continued. A few cosmetic remedies have been tried without success. Policy politics to end hunger haunts the effort, but we need a sustainable solution that aids the poor and also ends pollution. The problem arose because of unnatural intervention in agriculture by assuring farmers minimum support prices (MSP) for wheat and rice, apart from subsidies on fertilizers and pesticides. States like Punjab have also been giving its tillers free electricity. The benefits are mostly reaped by rich farmers in Punjab, Haryana and western UP who have fertile farms. It is no surprise that over the decades, pulses like chana and masur and oilseeds like mustard and sunflower got replaced with wheat and rice in these states. Farmers in north-western India have heavily been drawing groundwater to grow water-intensive rice in the kharif season. They are left with not much time between their rice harvest and the sowing of winter crops, within which they must rid their land of knee-high rice stubble. Many farmers use harvest combines, but paddy residue does not get removed by these. Moreover, the labour and machines required to remove this stubble in that short span are expensive. So, the most cost effective way is to burn it. The result: the environment gets heavily polluted. There is an absolute urgency to address this negative externality affecting north India. For the market to remain harmonious with the environment and the sustainable use of water and land, rice production should move to Indias southern states and wheat to the Gangetic plains. But when farmers, traders and commission agents have been incentivized to maintain a particular cropping pattern for years on end, we cannot expect a quick-fix solution. A structural adjustment programme (SAP) will have to be initiated for such a move. First, an integrated direct benefit transfer (DBT) has to be thought of in lieu of MSPs and input subsidies. Next, we must let market prices send signals to farmers on the right choice of crops. A production-switching DBT scheme can also be considered to incentivize the production of pulses, oilseeds, millets and horticultural crops. A robust DBT system would cover more farmers than market interventions, as it will help poor farmers as well and could be kept free of leakages and delayed payments. Currently, there are about 7,000 APMC markets across India. Their annual revenues run into thousands of crores of rupees. An integrated DBT along with reforms to allow contract farming and create a national market for produce will threaten the monopsonist APMC lobby. Therefore, there may be a need to guarantee APMC revenues for a few years. To finance and execute such a SAP, India does not have the luxury of a Planning Commission anymore and the Niti Aayog does not have funds of its own to allot for it. Another institutional mechanism will have to be created for 5 to 7 years. While creating such a mechanism, one must remember that India has a federal structure. Both the Union and state governments are intertwined in agricultural policy. If the MSP and fertilizer subsidies are given by the Union government, irrigation and power subsidies come from states. If crop insurance is shared by both governments, farm-loan waivers are mostly absorbed by states. If the governance of APMC markets is influenced by states, the responsibility of the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana lies with the Centre. This scheme may consider the distribution of millets and pulses as well, which would have implications for food stocks. Thus, any institutional arrangement must honour the principle of cooperative federalism between the Centre and states. The Goods and Service Tax (GST) Council is an example. Similarly, an Agricultural and Food Marketing (AFM) Council could be set up under the aegis of the Niti Aayog. It may be chaired by the Union minister of agriculture and its members could include the agriculture ministers of all states and Union territories, as well as representatives of political parties. The public postures of lawmakers may differ depending on whether theyre with the ruling party or the opposition. However, closed-door meetings of the Council can hold frank discussions on pertinent issues in a collegial setting. The Council could consult experts and civil servants and facilitate negotiations among states and between the Centre and states, before a bill is tabled in Parliament. Such a process will turn out to be a non-zero sum game with a high rate of success. Lets hope that the Sun does not look like a full moon in Delhi next Diwali! For a relationship so strained that even the act of a phone call made by one and taken by the other is news worthy, one may have expected more discretion. But soon after US President Joe Biden and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping met on Thursday, Biden, at the risk of setting back whatever progress might have been made, touched a raw nerve, again. Look, he is. Hes a dictator in the sense that hes a guy who runs a country that is a communist country thats based on a form of government totally different than ours," Biden said. Beijing was displeased, calling his comment extremely wrong and irresponsible political manipulation". What made the US leader say it can be debated. Whats clear is the Cold War II vibe. The summits achievements only reflect how badly ties have frayed. The two agreed to resume military dialogue, snapped off since a 2022 Nancy Pelosi visit to Taiwan, but the standoff over this island is no closer to easing. The two leaders would also pick up the phone and call one another and well take the call," Biden said. An agreement to jointly fight an opioid crisis that has menaced American youth sounds like a US win, but Xi may have his own story for the masses back home. The conflict in Myanmar has intensified, with resistance groups dealing significant blows to the nation's military, which seized power from the elected government in 2021. Amid this turmoil, India has preserved a close relationship with Myanmar's military forces, despite the latter's international censure. Mint unpacks what is going on. Background of the conflict After Myanmar's military ousted the elected government in February 2021, arresting leaders including Aung San Suu Kyi, the country plunged into civil war. This upheaval has led to over a million internally displaced people. The military is now contending with the National Unity Governmentan exile governmentand various ethnic armed organizations. India's stance on Myanmar's military India has abstained from imposing sanctions on Myanmar's military and continues to engage with the regime. This includes a visit by India's Deputy National Security Adviser to Myanmar and meetings with Senior General Ming Aung Hlaing. Additionally, India has provided substantial military support--$51 million worth of arms--as noted by the UN rapporteur for human rights in Myanmar. Indias reasons for engagement include concerns over China's influence and a need for stability along its border, which is plagued by illicit drug and arms trafficking. Criticisms of India's approach Critiques of India's position come from analysts and Myanmars resistance, who note that the military regime supports insurgent groups that operate against India. Resistance entities like the National Unity Consultative Council have lamented limited engagement with India. Given the widespread unpopularity of the military regime, Indias association with it could hurt its standing among Myanmar's populace. What is the situation now? The Myanmar military is currently facing setbacks, with resistance forces, some close to the Indian border, gaining ground. This has led to a surge of refugees toward India. As the military loses territory and influence, Indian diplomacy faces pressing challenges in recalibrating its approach to Myanmar. New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday made plain his views on the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, stating India strongly condemns civilian deaths arising from the devastating war. Speaking at the second edition of the Voice of Global South Summit in New Delhi, which saw leaders of Mauritius, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Ethiopia, Kenya and Kyrgyzstan, among others, in attendance, Modi said: India has condemned the heinous terror attacks in Israel on 7 October. We have urged restraint along with dialogue and diplomacy. In the conflict between Israel and Hamas, we strongly condemn the death of civilians. After speaking with (Palestinian) president Mahmoud Abbas, we have sent humanitarian aid to the people of Palestine." The Global South itself has been divided in its response to the West Asian crisis, which erupted on 7 October, when Hamas militants launched a series of terror rocket attacks across Israel, killing more than 1,200 people, and abducting several Israelis. While some countries voted for a recent UN General Assembly resolution calling for a ceasefire in the conflict, several countries including India abstained. Others, such as Pacific island countries Nauru and Fiji, voted against the resolution. At the Voice of Global South summit, Modis main focus during his remarks was Indias advocacy for the interests of the group, particularly through its Presidency of the G20. He cited the progress made on accelerating reform of the multilateral development banks (MDBs), climate finance, sustainable development goals and digital public infrastructure. He also pointed to the African Union joining the G20 as a permanent member as a key success. Geographically, the Global South has always been there. But it is receiving a voice in this manner for the first time. This has been possible due to our joint efforts. We are more than 100 different nations. But our interests and our priorities are similar," Modi told the leaders. Milestone Alert!Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. No one enjoys waiting in long lines at airport security or suffering through a departure delay. Some airports do a better job of making those miseries less miserable. LaGuardia Airport in New York and Orlando International Airport in Florida are infamous among travelers for their problems with on-time arrivals and departure delays. The reasons are largely the same: Both are located in highly trafficked airspace and manage inclement weather and air-traffic control issues. But in a survey The Wall Street Journal commissioned as part of this years ranking of the best and worst U.S. airports, LGA and MCO scored well on measures tied to comfort, convenience and value. Airport officials say those scores show that travelers are noticing their efforts to improve the passenger experience. A happier time in the terminal can do plenty to diminish peoples anxiety when traveling, research shows. Everything from the layout of an airport to its aesthetic appeal play a role, says Anil Bilgihan, a professor at Florida Atlantic University who has studied the relationship between airport design and passenger satisfaction. Even the fabric they use on the seatingit all makes a big impact on the traveler," Bilgihan says. Orlando and LaGuardia have recently opened new or renovated terminals with luxe amenities, making the airports themselves a destination (to an extent). Orlando offers visitor passes for its new Terminal C that allow people to explore the terminal even if they arent flying anywhere. The new LaGuardia Christina Preis was shocked to find herself pausing in the middle of LaGuardias Terminal B to take photos and FaceTime with her husband during a trip. The Long Island, N.Y., native, who lives in Fort Mill, S.C., described the overhaul of LaGuardia, an airport she once avoided, as mind-blowing. There is no more dread," Preis says. To be honest, I would give myself more time so that I can actually spend a little time here at LaGuardia Airport. Who would ever say that?" On a recent Friday afternoon, dozens of travelers stopped to take in the 25-foot-tall water feature in the redesigned Terminal B. Every 15 minutes, it puts on special shows featuring music. Construction on Terminal B was completed in 2022. The new Terminal C also opened to passengers last year, though parts remain under construction. The projects were part of an overhaul for a facility that President Biden once cited as an example of Americas poor infrastructure. Some factors that have long contributed to travelers frustrations when flying out of LaGuardia are out of the airports control. It sits within some of the most crowded airspace in the world, and the New York region continues to face a shortage of air-traffic control staff. Delays and cancellations easily pile up at the regions airports, particularly during bad weather. For LaGuardia, there was nowhere to go but up. We were building off the perception of LaGuardia as the worst airport in the country," says Rick Cotton, executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which oversees the regions airports. We were committed not only to changing that, but actually to be at the other end of the spectrum [and] to dazzle travelers," he says. Among large airports, LaGuardia received top marks in the WSJ survey conducted by Dynata for its lounges and shopping, and scored highly for food and drink options. It finished 15th overall, impeded by its reliability scores. But it can claim to be the best airport in New York; the areas other two big airports scored lower. LaGuardias terminals house outposts of New York businesses, like the Strand bookstore and restaurants like Juniors. When Norbert Hennessy flies out of LaGuardia, he enjoys grabbing a drink and people-watching at Bar 212 in Terminal B. When Im traveling, I will go in early, and I will hang out and relax," the 72-year-old from Scarsdale, N.Y., says. Family fun at MCO Like LaGuardia, 17th-ranked Orlando International Airport is hampered by reliability. Floridas airspace is also quite busy, and the region frequently sees thunderstorms that can shut down flights for hours. Still, passengers rated MCO highly for its amenities in the Journals survey, particularly its facilities geared to families and childrenimportant given how many vacationing families land there en route to Disney World and other attractions. The Terminal A and B main concourse and the new Terminal C have massive gift shops tied to each of the areas theme parks. MCO also connects many travelers taking cruises out of the nearby Port Canaveral. The terminal link is your first ride if youre headed to Walt Disney World," jokes Marsha Simpson, a Kentucky-based adviser with Wishful Wanderings Travel, a travel agency. She appreciates the spacious terminals, which provide families with room for children to move around and work out some energy before a flight. It is common for travelers to arrive at the airport many hours before flights home. Unlike many other U.S. airports, many of MCOs shops and eateries are located before security checkpoints so these visitors can occupy their time. It goes back to understanding your customer, understanding what their needs are and then providing those amenities," says Kevin Thibault, chief executive officer of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, which runs the airport. For Terminal C, airport officials considered families needs in the design, adding family restrooms and pet-relief areas. An especially popular feature of MCO is the Hyatt Regency in the main terminal building. The hotel has an outdoor pool, and visitors can access rooms with day passes. Thats such a luxury if you have an early-morning or late-night flight," says Heather Barilla, an agent with Magical Moments Vacations outside of Chicago. (See the full results of this years large-airport and midsize-airport rankings.) Sign up for the new WSJ Travel newsletter for more tips and insights from the Journals travel team. Write to Jacob Passy at jacob.passy@wsj.com View Full Image The Airports Where You Wont Mind Being Stranded (Too Much) View Full Image The Airports Where You Wont Mind Being Stranded (Too Much) At first, educators thought the plummeting attendance rates experienced during the pandemic were a Covid-19-related anomaly. Illness kept many students out of school, and families were wary of catching the disease. Now, more than two years after most schools resumed in-person classes, absences are still skyrocketing. Covid-19 has mostly faded as a concern, but it has left behind a changed attitude about going to school every day. Frequent absences have become the norm in many schools. This fundamental thing has shifted and we cant quite get it back," said Liz Cohen, the policy director at FutureEd, a think tank at Georgetown University. Its troubling." For lower-income families, the reasons students miss school are similar to those faced before the pandemic, but amplified: transportation issues, unstable housing and family obligations such as having to care for younger siblings. Other families, educators say, are more likely than before to pull children out of school for vacations or let children stay home if they dont feel like going. I can provide the best quality of education, the best teachers, small group instruction, a band, an orchestra," said Claudia Vela, an elementary school principal in Los Angeles. But if I dont have the students there, were not going anywhere." Vela said attendance is her biggest concern. This school year, districts are trying, sometimes desperately, to win back students. Schools are rolling out marketing campaigns trumpeting the importance of being in class, sending staff to visit homes and even offering teachers financial incentives. Districts are encouraging families to send children to school even with a sniffle or cough, a reversal of the pandemic-era emphasis on staying home when sick. Educators are eager to reduce the rates of chronic absenteeisma commonly used metric of those who miss at least 10% of school, typically 18 daysbecause students who miss class are falling behind academically and, in many states, schools receive funding based on attendance. Math and reading scores on federal tests, known as the Nations Report Card," fell in 2022 to the lowest levels since the 1990s for fourth-grade students, who are at an age seen as a crucial indicator. The intense focus on attendance appears to be working. Rates began to improve last school year from record-high numbers in 2021-22, but states and districts are still seeing stubbornly high metrics compared with those from before the pandemic. Around one in four students nationally was chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, according to an analysis of 24 states with available data compiled by FutureEd. Before the pandemic, the nationwide average was closer to one in seven students. Rates range from New Mexico, where 39.2% of students were chronically absent, to Idaho, with 17.1%. The school district in Victoria, Texas, is giving teachers financial motivation to improve attendance. If the district logs above a 94% attendance rate, the baseline to hit its budget, teachers and staff will share in the increased funds, superintendent Quintin Shepherd said. So far, the attendance in the districtwhich has 13,000 studentsis at 92.7%, compared with 91.9% last year. Many districts are resorting to the age-old tactic of knocking on families doors to figure out whats keeping students from attending school. Baltimore City Public Schools has a contract to pay up to $18.7 million over four years to Concentric Educational Solutions to visit the homes of truant students and provide mentoring. Chronic absenteeism was high there even before the pandemic: 42% in 2018-19. It rose still higher during Covid-19, hitting 58% in 2021-22 before decreasing to 54% last school year. Concentric staffers knock on hundreds of doors a week, said Aaris Johnson, the companys home visits director. The aim is to understand why a child is missing school and to help connect families with services. Lack of transportation is a typical barrier, and some older students work to support their families instead of going to school, he said. Some parents say they didnt know their child was absent. Johnson said he warns families of possible legal consequences, but much of his message focuses on the benefits of getting a high school diploma. One visit can save a childs life and change the perception of how much the school cares," Johnson said one recent afternoon as he crisscrossed West Baltimore with a list of six students. Johnson knocked on door after door until it got dark outside, but didnt find anyone at home. That is common with unannounced visits, but Johnson said the team keeps trying, going back repeatedly and leaving letters. Concentric employee Raiana Davis said after months of virtual instruction, many youths saw no point in going to school. Davis likes to FaceTime students she notices are absent. Some people will just be in bed," she said. One student Davis worked with was Chaela Johnson, 21. She had to repeat 11th grade after almost never logging on for virtual school, and says she felt unmotivated to attend class when in-person instruction resumed. Davis regularly visited her in English class last spring, she recalled, and stressed the need to be at school every day. It made me realize they really see something in me that I dont see myself, and I really have potential to be something in life. And I cant get there without education," said Johnson, who graduated in June and is studying fashion design at a community college. Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent Alberto Carvalho has joined district employees in making 17,000 home visits since last school year in the district of nearly 400,000 students. Carvalho recently visited the home of Ventura and Veronica Sanchez, who have two elementary-age children. Their son, Damian, missed more than 40 days of his third-grade year and around 20 last year. Now in fifth grade, he has been in school most days. Ventura Sanchez said the sudden death of his father-in-law from Covid-19 and a job loss from a back injury sent him and his wife into depression a few years ago. Some days, it was hard to get out of bed, let alone send Damian to school. We had to fight it off for our children," he said. Their local elementary school, where Vela is the principal, connected the parents with counseling, and Ventura found a job as a city bus driver. Now, Damian and his younger sister love going to school, their father said. LAUSD cited an improvement in chronic absenteeism this school year of around 10 percentage points, compared with last years 36.5%. In Beaverton, Ore., outside Portland, a strong attendance effort has led to some pushback that were being almost too aggressive," school superintendent Gustavo Balderas said. Balderas tries to impart that missing class means missing valuable lessons that will be hard to make up. Going to school every day, he said, truly is habit forming." Write to Sara Randazzo at sara.randazzo@wsj.com and Scott Calvert at scott.calvert@wsj.com View Full Image To Coax Kids Back, Schools Have to Innovate View Full Image To Coax Kids Back, Schools Have to Innovate View Full Image To Coax Kids Back, Schools Have to Innovate View Full Image To Coax Kids Back, Schools Have to Innovate Milestone Alert!Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. ON JULY 24TH a buoy in the Manatee Bay off Floridas southern tip measured a record-breaking sea-surface temperature of more than 101F (38C). Normally, youd need to take a bath to immerse yourself in water of that temperature. Beachgoers may not mind the warm waters now present off the coast of Florida and in many other places, but they are terrible for marine wildlife. Many underwater creatures will move to colder waters. For plants and animals that can move less freely, including corals, the high ocean temperatures are life threatening. View Full Image Florida Keys Accmmulated Heat Stress According to Americas National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which monitors coral heat stress by satellite, parts of the ocean off the coast of Florida are experiencing the worst heat stress since records began in 1985. In the Florida Keys water temperatures have risen to dangerous levels for corals much earlier than in previous years, too (see chart). The NOAA has issued its highest alert level, signalling that strong bleaching events are likely, for large parts of the Caribbean (see map). The longer corals are in hot waters, the more likely they are to bleach and eventually to die. Bleaching events have already occurred this year off the coast of Central American countries, including El Salvador and Panama. Corals are essential to marine life and support jobs. They provide breeding grounds, food or shelter to about a quarter of all marine species at some point in their lives, even though they cover less than 1% of the ocean floor. Reefs also break waves and protect shores from erosion. The fish they attract provide livelihoods to fishermen. Coral-related tourism generates about $36bn of spending each year. As the climate warms, bleaching events are becoming more common and last longer. Reefs have already shrunk by half since 1957. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, a UN body, projects that they will decline by a further 7090% with 1.5C of warming above preindustrial levels. More than 99% could be lost in a scenario of 2C of global warming. This year El Nino, a natural climate phenomenon that temporarily warms the planet, will increase the risk to coral reefs. Strong El Ninos can lead to severe marine heatwaves and bleach reefs across the tropics. The last time this happened was between 2014 and 2017. The NOAA forecasts that the marine heatwave will spread in September and October this year, by which time 50% of the worlds oceans could be experiencing extreme heat, up from 44% now. Scientists and conservationists are racing to help save them. Divers from the Coral Restoration Foundation, a charity that works with the NOAA and aims to preserve Floridas coral reefs, have evacuated 2,500 corals to tanks on land. This effort may save some endangered species, but it is just a tiny fraction of the total. Conservation groups in Florida are also considering proposals to save coral reef nurseries"where corals are grown on land and at sea to restock wild reefsby temporarily shading them. The evacuated corals will eventually return to their waters. But if the average ocean temperature continues to rise as a result of climate change, they may not be safe for long. For more coverage of climate change, sign up for the Climate Issue, our fortnightly subscriber-only newsletter, or visit our climate-change hub. Apple has reportedly announced support for RCS (Rich Communication Services messages) in iPhones. So far, Google has asked the California based tech giant to support its Rich Communication Services messages. Those who do not know, RCS chat is considered as the successor to SMS. According to a report by 9to5Mac, Apple said in a statement that later next year they will be adding support for RCS Universal Profile which is the standard as per the GSM Association. We believe RCS Universal Profile will offer a better interoperability experience when compared to SMS or MMS. This will work alongside iMessage, which will continue to be the best and most secure messaging experience for Apple users," told Apple to the publication. Moreover, the report highlights that the California tech mogul is expected to show RCS messages in green colour. Notably, messages sent from iPhone were represented in blue colour. It was ideally done to indicate that Apples iMessage is the safest to communicate with. It is believed that the blue colour bubbles in iMessage represent a cultural status and differentiate Android users from iPhone users. As per a report by HT Tech, the green vs blue debate has triggered pressure over the tech companies and somehow Android users felt a need to switch to iPhones. Reportedly, RCS offers a wide array of features to carrier-based messaging that includes support for group messaging, photos , messaging over WiFi and more. Meanwhile, Apple has extended the free access to its life-saving Emergency SOS via satellite service for existing iPhone 14 users for an additional year. Initially launched on all iPhone 14 models in the U.S. and Canada, this technology has now been expanded to the iPhone 15 lineup in 16 countries and regions. Interestingly, the service allows users to text with emergency services even when outside cellular and Wi-Fi coverage. Milestone Alert!Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Since Apple 15 users suffered from heating issues, several rumors surfaced online indicating that Apple is reportedly planning to introduce its iPhone 16 with a new cooling system. After Apple users started to complain about the heating issues, Apple released an update fixing the iOS. Leaks from Kosutami indicated that Apple is planning for a significant thermal design for the iPhone 16, reported HT Tech. It is likely that the California based tech giant is developing a graphene thermal system for the upcoming iPhone 16 lineup. Moreover, the report adds that the Pro model from the iPhone 16 lineup might incorporate metal battery casings in order to avoid overheating issues. Previously, Ian Zelbo from 9to5Mac had reported issues with high temperatures. He even said that it was almost difficult for him to hold the smartphone without its case. However, Apple denied any flaws in its hardware. The company attributed a bug in iOS 17 and also blamed a few third-party apps that strained the processor. Apple then released a fresh software update labeled as iOS 17.0.3, which includes release notes specifically addressing the issue of iPhones experiencing higher-than-anticipated temperatures. In a security update detailing the fixes included in this patch, Apple identified and resolved two vulnerabilities that affected both iOS and iPadOS. The initial vulnerability was related to a kernel exploit that could potentially be abused by an attacker who had physical access to the device. Meanwhile, Apple has also reportedly announced support for RCS (Rich Communication Services messages) in iPhones. So far, Google has asked the California based tech giant to support its Rich Communication Services messages. Those who do not know, RCS chat is considered as the successor to SMS. According to a report by 9to5Mac, Apple said in a statement that later next year they will be adding support for RCS Universal Profile which is the standard as per the GSM Association. We believe RCS Universal Profile will offer a better interoperability experience when compared to SMS or MMS. This will work alongside iMessage, which will continue to be the best and most secure messaging experience for Apple users," told Apple to the publication. Milestone Alert!Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. There are infinitely many large numbers, but some of the biggest non-infinite numbers are still so big they can't be represented by standard mathematical notation. Big numbers are everywhere, from the cells in the human body to the size of the universe. But once numbers edge past the realm of the physical, the human mind can struggle to grasp the sheer awesome scale of these numbers. Even infinity can seem easier to understand in comparison it just goes on and on. And once numbers start to get large enough, everything starts to blur together, the late Jon Borwein, who was an applied mathematician at the University of Newcastle in Australia, told Live Science in 2013. "We don't understand numbers on this scale," Borwein said. From the humble trillion to Graham's number, here are some of the most mind-boggling numbers there are. Big is relative This still from an animated fly-through of the new universe map created by the Sloan Digital Sky Survey-III shows the positions of galaxies mapped in 3D space. (Image credit: Miguel A. Aragon (Johns Hopkins University), Mark SubbaRao (Adler Planetarium), Alex Szalay (Johns Hopkins University), Yushu Yao (Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, NERSC), and the SDSS-III Collaboration) When thinking about a personal budget, a $31.4 trillion debt ceiling is pretty inconceivable. But on the scale of the atoms in the universe, it looks absolutely paltry in comparison, Scott Aaronson, a computer scientist formerly at MIT and now at the University of Texas at Austin, told Live Science in 2013. Related: How many atoms are in the observable universe? To try to understand huge numbers, most people rely on analogies of scale. For instance, Carl Sagan famously likened the age of the universe to a calendar year, with humans only showing up in the last few hours of New Year's Eve. Riemann hypothesis The Riemann zeta function. Anyone who solves the Riemann hypothesis, which states that any non-trivial zero of this equation is 1/2, will win a $1 million prize. (Image credit: Furfur) First stated in 1859, the Riemann hypothesis is one of the greatest unsolved conjectures of mathematics, and whoever solves it will nab a $1 million prize. The hypothesis is that the real part of every non-trivial zero of a specific function, aptly named the Riemann zeta function, is 1/2. "This is the biggest open question in mathematics, the one that will guarantee your name is known in 10,000 years," Borwein said. The hypothesis, if true, has important implications for the distribution of prime numbers, which aren't divisible by anything other than themselves or one. To test the hypothesis, mathematicians look for extremely large primes those bigger than about 10 raised to the power of 30, he said. That may sound abstract, but it has many real-world implications, Borwein said. "Primes are embedded in everything we use for encryption," he said. "That all relies on stuff where the algorithms are designed using properties of primes that we think are true but don't know." The universe NASAs James Webb Space Telescope has produced the deepest and sharpest infrared image of the distant universe to date. The universe is thought to contain 10^ 82 atoms, research suggests. (Image credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, and STScI) As far back as Archimedes, philosophers have wondered how many tiny particles could fit in the universe. Archimedes estimated that about 10 to the power of 63 grains of sand could fill the universe. He used a series of extremely rough estimates the poppy seeds that make a grain of sand, the grains of sand that would cover the length of a stadium, and the stadia lengths between Earth and the sun, said Henry Mendell, a classical historian at California State University, Los Angeles. Despite his crude measures, he wasn't too far off. Current estimates put the total number of atoms in the universe at about 10 to the 82. Cosmological fudge factor The galaxy cluster Abell 1689. A study of Abell 1689 reveals something about how dark energy shapes the universe, a key element of the cosmological constant discrepancy. (Image credit: NASA, ESA, E. Jullo (JPL/LAM), P. Natarajan (Yale) and J-P. Kneib (LAM)) When Einstein conceived of his equations of relativity, he included a small constant, called the cosmological constant, to account for the fact that the universe is stationary. Though he later scrapped the constant when he learned the universe is expanding, it turns out the genius may have been on to something: Scientists believe the cosmological constant, which amounts to just 10 raised to the minus 122 power, reveals clues to the dark energy that is mysteriously accelerating the universe, Aaronson told Live Science in 2013. The cosmological constant has been a huge headache for scientists because predictions differ from measurements of the constant by 120 orders of magnitude, and over the years, physicists have tried to explain away this discrepancy by tweaking other elements, such as how particle mass changes over time, Live Science previously reported. Hercules and the Hydra A 19th-century illustration of Hercules slaying the hydra. This myth inspired a riddle about how quickly the number of Hydra heads will grow if multiple sprout every time Hercules cuts off one. (Image credit: Getty Images) Sometimes things have to get big before they get small. In 1982, mathematicians Jeff Paris and Laurie Kirby posed a riddle: Imagine Hercules fighting a Hydra that grows heads like a tree. If he cuts off one head, the mythic monster simply grows back a certain number of heads governed by a few rules. Amazingly, Hercules will always prevail against the Hydra eventually and chop off all of the Hydra's heads. But even if Hercules is clever and chooses the most efficient strategy, the Hydra will first grow more than a googolplex of heads (or 10 raised to the power of 10 raised to the 100 power). Mersenne prime Marine Mersenne was a 17th century monk and polymath who is perhaps best known for describing a sequence of prime numbers, now named after him. (Image credit: ilbusca/Getty Images) The Mersenne Primes are a class of numbers that get big in a hurry. These prime numbers are equal to 2 raised to the power of a prime number minus 1. While the first few start out small 3, 7, 31 they blow up to become incredibly large extremely quickly. Until about 1951, only 12 of these primes were known, but by this year, 48 were known. To power through these gigantic numbers, scientists use the Great Internet Mersenne Primes Search (GIMPS), which uses the computing power of thousands of Internet users to search for the elusive prime numbers. The largest known prime number was discovered in 2018 by a computer run by Florida-based IT professional Patrick Laroche. The number, 2^(82,589,933) minus 1, possesses a whopping 24,862,048 digits, more than 1.5 million digits more than the previous record holder, which also discovered by GIMPS. A trillion triangles Right triangles in which the sides are all integers or fractions are known as congruent triangles, and the area of said triangles are known as congruent numbers. These numbers can get huge very, very quickly. (Image credit: Background: Eskay Lim / EyeEm via Getty Images) Around 1000 years ago, Persian mathematician Al Karaji first asked how many congruent numbers existed. But just what are congruent numbers? The numbers are the area of right-angle triangles with integer or fraction length sides. So a triangle with sides of length of 3,4 and 5 would have an area of * 3*4 = 6, making 6 a congruent number. It took another millennia before the first hundred congruent numbers were discovered. By 2009, however supercomputers had discovered the first 3,148,379,694 congruent numbers. Some of these numbers are so enormous that if their digits were written out in decimal form, they would stretch to the moon and back. Gigantic numbers have interesting implications in data storage, because they are so huge that a stray gamma ray could disrupt the bits in these numbers and make them wrong, Borwein said. Graham's number This illustration shows a black hole emitting jets of fast-moving plasma above and below it, as matter swirls around in an orbiting disk. (Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech) All these numbers pale in comparison to Graham's number, a number so large that simply trying to remember all the digits would turn your head into a black hole. The number, which at one point was the largest number to ever be used in a math proof, arose in response to a simple riddle about how to allocate people to a certain set of committees with a few constraints. While mathematicians are confident that at least 13 people are needed to solve the problem, in the 1970s mathematician and juggler Ronald Graham deduced that the number of people had to be lower than Graham's number. Simply computing the number would take 64 steps, and involves multiplying an insanely huge number of 3s. There is no way to write the number out using scientific notation, and instead it must be written with a series of up-arrows that denote towers of exponents. Later on, Graham showed that the upper bound to for this riddle is much much smaller than Graham's number, but still huge. TREE(3) A sequence of rooted trees with three labels (red, green and blue). The nth tree in the sequence contains at most n vertices, and no tree is inf-embeddable within any later tree in the sequence. TREE(3) is defined to be the longest possible length of such a sequence. (Image credit: LightbulbMEOW; Wikimedia Commons; (CC BY-SA 4.0) While Graham's number was one of the largest numbers proposed for a specific math proof, mathematicians have gone even bigger since then. In 1998 the logician Harvey Friedman of The Ohio State University proposed a riddle asking how long a sequence of letters needs to be given certain parameters of repeating stretches of letters. While the answer isn't infinite, it's absolutely massive. The number Friedman derived, TREE(3), is calculated by creating increasingly massive towers of twos raised to the power of two using something called Ackerman functions. To give a sense of the scale, the fourth Ackerman functions involves raising two to the power of 65,536 twos. But TREE(3) is massively, massively larger than that so massive that it makes Graham's number look like the tiniest fleck of dust in comparison. "These higher levels of largeness blur, where one is unable to sense one level of largeness from another," Friedman wrote in his paper. Editor's Note: This article was originally published in 2013 and updated on Nov. 17, 2023 to note new information on the largest prime, atoms in the observable universe and the cosmological constant. A judge Friday ordered Matthew Fisher, a former administrator at the Gow School, to remain in custody on a charge of possessing child sexual abuse images as federal officials launched a public outreach effort to find anyone who may have been victimized by him. "He's been an administrator at the Gow School for five years and information that has developed from this ongoing investigation has led us to believe that there may be victims that we don't know about," U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross said at a news conference. "And we want to make sure that all victims are heard and receive the services that they will need and deserve." To give information to the FBI, anyone affected by the case can call 833-609-1736 or 716-843-5797. Authorities also set up an email account: usanyw.gowvicasst@usdoj.gov. "We're concerned that victims in this case might not have had the opportunity to come forward or know that they should come forward for this," FBI Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia said of the outreach effort. "Obviously, someone that works at a school does get us a little bit more concerned. And it just has a possible broader pool of victims, so we felt this was the best way to get that out to make sure everyone knows." Gow School, former administrator hit with $4.8 million Child Victims Act verdict A confused and terrified teenage boy was molested in his dormitory room at least 100 times in the 1990s by a former administrator at the private Gow School, his attorneys said. Those incidents led to a $4.7 million jury verdict this week in a Child Victims Act lawsuit in state Supreme Court. Fisher, 50, of South Wales, was arrested Nov. 12 at Buffalo Niagara International Airport upon his return from a work trip to Singapore. He was employed as the Gow Schools associate director of admission until the school fired him after his arrest. He appeared Friday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy, who heard a prosecutor suggest a more serious charge of child pornography production may be forthcoming. "This was not a mistake, not a one-time (incident) but deliberate actions carried out over a long period of time by a depraved individual," Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Cantil said during the hearing. "This defendant absolutely needs to be detained," Cantil said. McCarthy denied a request from Fisher's public defenders that he be released on home detention at his mother's Geneva, Ohio, home. McCarthy said he does not usually detain defendants based on charges that may be forthcoming. "This is an exceptional situation," McCarthy said, noting Fisher will likely be charged with production of child pornography on top of the possession charge he already faces. "I'm greatly concerned about the danger to the community," McCarthy said. Miraglia of the FBI said the outreach effort that he and Ross announced Friday is available to any victim even if they are not related to the current Fisher investigation. "We're here today to help the victims of Matthew Fisher," Miraglia said. "We are not just here for his victims, however. We're here for all victims of sexual abuse, all victims of sexual assault. So if you believe that you are a victim or you know someone who's a victim of Matthew Fisher or of other sexual abuse, we implore you to reach out to us and contact us." Victims should not feel left alone or unheard, Miraglia said. "We will not only be here to help the U.S. Attorney's Office prosecute this case and continue our investigation into Mr. Fisher, we also are here to provide you victim services," he said. "We don't want you to think this is just for Matthew Fisher. This is for everyone, anything you need. Please reach out to us." The Gow School is a private, coed college-prep school in South Wales that specializes in teaching students in grades six through 12 who have dyslexia and other language-based learning disabilities. About 90% of the schools students are boarding students, according to the schools website. Gow's Head of School John Munro issued a statement saying school officials continue to cooperate with the FBI and U.S. Attorneys Office. "Todays disturbing revelations strike at the core of what Gow is as a school and our mission to educate and care for our students," according to Munro's statement. "We are deeply concerned for the impacted children and their families. And we are concerned about the impact this case has had on our students, their families and our faculty and staff. We have been transparent in our communications with these groups by sharing updates as we have received them from law enforcement, and we will continue to do so. We have also provided on-campus counselors to help members of the Gow community understand and cope with what is transpiring." The U.S. Attorney's Office said some of the images that Fisher is accused of possessing appear to be from a covert camera and depict clothed, male children in a bedroom believed to be on campus of the Gow School. The images include timestamps ranging from January 2019 through September of 2023. Federal prosecutors said the investigation began Oct. 15 when Fisher turned in his school-issued laptop to the IT department because he said the keyboard wasnt working properly. Former Gow School administrator charged with possession of child sexual abuse images Matthew Fisher, 50, of South Wales, appeared Tuesday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and was being held pending a detention hearing Friday. On Oct. 24, an IT employee recovered files with links to Neverland and lost boys. One of the web pages showed naked boys under the age of 10 conducting sexual acts on each other, according to Cantil. The IT worker copied the files to a thumb drive, which was eventually turned over by the school to the FBI and Western New York Regional Computer Forensic Laboratory. Fisher admitted possessing the images when FBI agents arrested him at the airport, including on electronic devices he had in his backpack at the airport, Cantil said Friday. When an FBI agent asked him to explain the covert camera in a bedroom believed to be on the Gow School campus, Fisher replied, "voyeurism" and "it was fetish," according to Cantil. One camera was disguised as a USB charger. The investigation remains ongoing and there is "ample evidence" to likely charge Fisher with production of child pornography, Cantil told the judge. "A lot of times with these cases, the goal is to get the alleged subject off the street as quickly as possible," Miraglia said. "So we have a lot of evidence that we're still going through that will be turned over to the U.S. Attorney's Office. So we will see where that evidence takes us, and other charges are possible. But we need to go through that first before we can comment on what is likely, what's not likely, and what those charges would look like." The spectacular colors of this sunset cover only half the sky. A large, distant cloud below the horizon shadows the other half. A recent sunset photo stunned viewers on social media. An unusual optical effect made the sunset resemble a split-screen image showing two very different skies side by side. On the photo's right side is a horizon saturated with hues of red and yellow. But on the left side, the sky is darker and drabber. Uma Gopalakrishnan captured the photo in Charlotte, North Carolina, on July 13 at 8:55 p.m. local time, sharing the unaltered pictures and video on Instagram and Twitter. Though it looks unnatural, the so-called split sunset wasn't created with filters or Photoshop. Rather, it was caused by the shadow of a large cloud below the horizon that prevented sunlight from striking the clouds that were closer to viewers on the ground. [Image Gallery: Sunrise and Sunsets] "I had never seen something like this before. And I couldn't believe it when I did see it that night!" Gopalakrishnan told Live Science in an email. Sunsets and sunrises produce spectacular colors because, with the sun sitting low on the horizon, the light has to travel farther through Earth's atmosphere (compared with other times of the day) before we see it, according to the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Because of this long journey, more of the blue light in the electromagnetic spectrum gets scattered, so the light that reaches our eyes appears reddish, NOAA explains. And if the setting sun's light has to travel through particles in the air, such as volcanic ash or pollution, blue light gets scattered even more, and red hues become more vivid. But what caused this weird "split-screen" effect? When a large cloud lies between the sun and clouds that are closer to the ground, the big cloud casts a shadow. This blocks direct sunlight and keeps it from striking the other clouds, creating what looks like a vertical barrier dividing two different skies, according to Universities Space Research Association. When the remarkable sunset emerged, Gopalakrishnan was at home, scrolling through Instagram and looking at stories about another awe-inspiring cosmic phenomenon: Manhattanhenge. (During this twice-annual event in New York City, the setting sun touches down at the horizon while staying perfectly aligned in the center of streets running from east to west.) From her seat on the couch, before she took her photos, Gopalakrishnan saw what looked like a normal sunset. But when she leaned back, she noticed that only half of the sky was illuminated. "That's when I got up, went to my balcony and captured those photographs and videos. I was completely awestruck," she said. Science writer Joe Hanson tweeted a visual explanation for the phenomenon on July 16, using emojis. His diagram traces layers of clouds, showing how a large cloud can partially block the sun and cast a shadow on clouds closer to viewers. The "split sunset" is even more intense in a second photo that Gopalakrishnan took a few minutes later in the evening; in this shot, the left half of the sky has darkened to a deep purple, while vibrant sunset colors glow on the right. Originally published on Live Science. Friday morning, on the anniversary of the first of two major winter storms that paralyzed Western New York at the end of last year, Buffalo Mayor Byron W. Brown and his commissioners gathered the local media to the Buffalo Fire Department garage to show off the newest additions to the citys snow-fighting arsenal: five snowmobiles, a tracked utility task vehicle and a brand new aerial truck for Ladder 5 in the Larkinville District. He also introduced the citys new emergency services manager, Thomas Luby, a former New York City Fire Department captain with decades of experience in emergency management, and new fleet manager, James J. Cross, who will oversee the citys vehicles and equipment. The equipment and the new hires were part of the citys new plan for responding to an extreme winter storm such as the deadly blizzard that claimed 47 lives in the region over Christmas weekend. During the news conference, it was raining and warm 60 degrees with no sign of winter. But that is expected to change fast and just in time for another major holiday when lots of people are traveling or trying to get home. While forecasts are still uncertain, meteorologists were sounding the early warning that significant lake effect snow was possible toward the end of next week around Thanksgiving Day. Travel for the holiday could be impacted, the National Weather Service office in Buffalo said in a hazardous weather outlook, an alert meant to signal to the public that they should keep close tabs on weather news. There is still large uncertainty in the placement of where the heaviest snow bands will develop and how persistent they will be once they form. Continue to monitor for later forecasts and statements. Gov. Kathy Hochul urgently warned New Yorkers, especially in Buffalo and Watertown, to rethink traveling right around the Thanksgiving holiday. Were heading into the busiest travel season of the year, Hochul said. And, of course, Mother Nature is preparing to slam us with a massive snowstorm right here in New York at the prime peak time for holiday travel next Wednesday into Thursday. ... And I wanted everyone to know that were taking this very seriously. ... Do not make next Wednesday be your main day to travel, or else youll get stuck. Youll be either stuck at home not able to travel, or worst case there, you could be stuck on one of the roads or the New York State Thruway. It was too soon to know Friday where lake-effect snow bands might set up or when. But Buffalo officials said the new pieces of equipment are the kinds of things they wish they had. Is Buffalo too late in planning for next blizzard? Buffalo Mayor Byron W. Brown filed his snow plan for the 2023-24 winter season two days shy of the Nov. 1 deadline. A Buffalo Common Council member and the leaders of the police and fire unions said Wednesday it is all happening too late. Last year, the Buffalo Fire Department only had two snowmobiles and one tracked ATV, but the ATV was under repair at the time of the December blizzard. Multiple fire trucks got stuck in the heavy snow as firefighters tried in vain to get to 911 calls. Now, they have five more snowmobiles, donated by Delaware North, which operates a large snowmobile tour company in Colorado, and a new UTV, which can hold up to six passengers. On UTVs, tires can be swapped with caterpillar-like tracks that can traverse over heavy snow. They are now waiting on three more UTVs, as well as trailers to haul them to the locations they are needed. Buffalo police are also awaiting six UTVs of their own. Its another tool in our tool box, and a very important tool, Buffalo Fire Commissioner William Renaldo said. It will be used for a variety of purposes: Search and rescue, recon for looking at the narrower roads to see what kind of accessibility we have. ... This gives us greater freedom to retrieve patients and victims and transport them to waiting ambulances. United States gets D+ grade for high preterm birth rate for second year in a row Federal charges added for Georgia jail escapee and woman accused of helping him Federal prosecutors have filed new charges against one of four men who escaped from a central Georgia jail last month and a woman accused of helping him Atlanta police said they arrested a man suspected of stealing a vehicle, after officers chased him to a hospital and one of them fired his gun HCSO deputies respond to fight at courthouse between families of suspect, victim in homicide case Local residents from both the Jewish and Muslim communities are expected to attend a rally in support of ending the war in Gaza starting 3 p.m. Saturday in Buffalos Niagara Square. The rally will be led by the Muslim Public Affairs Council of WNY and the Buffalo chapter of Jewish Voice for Peace, in collaboration with several other organizations. 'Violence perpetuates violence': Israeli-Hamas war vigils become more common in WNY As the Israeli-Hamas war rages in the Middle East, hundreds of people gathered for vigils and demonstrations in Western New York during the last week alone, calling for an end of the violence and a greater emphasis on a lasting, peaceful end to hostilities. The groups are demanding a cease-fire in the war between Israel and Hamas that began with the Oct. 7 attacks by Hamas on Israeli civilians. Israels military operation in response has led to about 11,500 deaths, the displacement of 1.6 million people and left parts of Gaza without vital necessities like water, power, food and critical life-saving medicines. Saturdays rally in Buffalo follows growing mass actions around the country and the world demanding a cease-fire. Protesters clashed with police on Wednesday outside Democratic National Committee headquarters during a demonstration for a cease-fire. The rally in Buffalo will feature multiple speakers across a range of faith and social justice organizations and include a call for prayer and peace. Mike Petro Deputy McRae has since requested to be reassigned from his position as a school resource officer. The NAACP is set to meet with the sheriff and the superintendent this week to discuss the incident. U.S. President Joe Biden holds a Cabinet meeting at the White House on October 2, in Washington, DC. Biden held the meeting to discuss economic legislation, artificial intelligence, and gun violence. SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico The tiny Caribbean island of Dominica is creating the worlds first marine protected area for one of earths largest animals: the endangered sperm whale. Nearly 300 square miles of royal blue waters on the western side of the island nation that serve as key nursing and feeding grounds will be designated as a reserve, the government announced. We want to ensure these majestic and highly intelligent animals are safe from harm and continue keeping our waters and our climate healthy, Dominica Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit said in a statement. Scientists say the reserve not only will protect the animals, but it will also help fight climate change. Sperm whales defecate near the surface because they shut down non-vital functions when they dive to depths of up to 10,000 feet. As a result, nutrient-rich poop remains along the ocean surface and creates plankton blooms, which capture carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and drag it to the ocean floor when they die. And sperm whales in Dominica are believed to defecate more than whales elsewhere, said Shane Gero, a whale biologist and founder of the Dominica Sperm Whale Project, a research program focused on sperm whales in the eastern Caribbean. Its unclear why sperm whales seem to defecate more in Dominica. Gero said it could be theyre eating twice as much, or maybe theres something particular about the type of squid theyre eating. In some respects, sperm whales are fighting climate change on our behalf, Gero said in an interview. Fewer than 500 sperm whales are estimated to live in the waters surrounding Dominica, part of a population that moves along the Lesser Antilles chain, swimming as far south as St. Vincent and north into Guadeloupe. Unlike sperm whales elsewhere in the world, the ones around the eastern Caribbean dont travel very far, Gero said. He noted that sperm whales are a matrilineal society, with young males leaving and switching oceans at some point in their lives. As a result, protecting the species is key, especially if few female calves are born, he said. One calf being entangled can mean the end of a family, he said. Sperm whales can produce a single calf every five to seven years. In waters around Dominica and elsewhere, sperm whales have been hit by ships, entangled in fishing gear and affected by agricultural runoff, limiting their survival. In the pre-whaling days, an estimated 2 million sperm whales roamed the Earths deep waters before they were hunted for oil used to burn lamps and lubricate machinery. Now, some 800,000 are left, Gero said. The government of Dominica said the reserve will allow sustainable artisanal fishing and delineate an international shipping lane to avoid more deaths of sperm whales, which have the largest brain in the world and can grow up to 50 feet. Once the reserve is created, the prime minister said his administration will appoint an officer and observers to ensure the area is respected and that whale tourism regulations are enforced. Visitors can still swim with sperm whales and see them from a boat, but in limited numbers. The move was praised by scientists and conservationists including Enric Sala, an explorer-in-residence at National Geographic. The government of Dominica has realized that the sperm whales, which were probably here before humans, are also citizens of Dominica, he said. These whales will spend most of the year offshore the island. So, they are taking care of some of their citizens in a way that few nations have ever done before. An estimated 35 families of sperm whales spend most of their time in waters surrounding Dominica. Gero said some are likely more than 60 years old, and they communicate via clicking sounds in a vocalization known as codas. Thats kind of like asking, Im from Dominica, are you? Gero said. Its a symbolic marker. Gero and his team of researchers also have named individual whales. One is dubbed Snow because one scientist was reading a Margaret Atwood book with a character named Snowman." Another sperm whale was nicknamed Fruit Salad because a researcher happened to be snacking on that at the time. That whales calf was named Soursop, in keeping with the theme. Landmark law saved whales through marine industries change Twenty-four farmer directors and business leaders within Irish co-operatives, including Longford's John Payne from Moydow and Aurivo Co-operative Society, have completed the Diploma in Corporate Direction provided by UCC and ICOS Skillnet, the Continuing Professional Development and training arm of the Irish Co-operative Organisation Society. The diploma programme, which runs every two years, was first offered in 2013. It had to be temporarily deferred during the pandemic and was re-initiated last year. The programme is designed to improve and support the capabilities of directors and managers in the area of corporate governance and in a rapidly changing agri-business environment. It has a new and specific focus on sustainability across all modules this year. In the last decade, ICOS Skillnet has provide training and education to over 10,000 co-operative staff across 140 distinct programmes. Billy Goodburn, Head of Learning and Development for ICOS Skillnet, said: The key aim of the Diploma in Corporate Direction is to support and develop the leadership capabilities of directors and management within Ireland's co-operative food companies. This is geared towards strategic direction and corporate governance for overall organisational success. Goodburn also noted the sector's need for strategic vision and robust leadership in the face of sustainable development challenges. In a volatile, highly competitive, globalised marketplace, skills enhancement, particularly in sustainability, climate action, and decarbonisation is crucial. The programme encourages co-op leaders to refine and expand their skills in strategy, governance, compliance, and communication through an interactive setting, with guidance from academic and industry experts. With the growing complexity of operations and regulations, there is a heightened need for skills development. The diploma caters specifically to co-op directors, aligning with the unique democratic structure and economic objectives of their organisations. ICOS Skillnet is funded by Skillnet Ireland and Irish co-operative member companies. Skillnet Ireland is funded from the National Training Fund through the Department of Further & Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. ICOS (the Irish Co-operative Organisation Society) represents co-operatives and organisations in Ireland including the Irish dairy processing co-operatives and livestock marts - whose associated businesses have a combined turnover in the region of 16 billion, with some 175,000 individual members, employing 12,000 people in Ireland, and a further 24,000 people overseas. In total, there are some 1,000 co-ops in Ireland, and the largest 100 organisations employ approximately 40,000 people. RYAN Tubridy is not a regular viewer of Patrick Kieltys Late Late Shows as his diary is always busy on Friday nights. Ryan told The Irish Sun; Gay was right. The truth of the matter is, when you do Friday nights for 14 years the last thing you want to do is watch TV on a Friday night. I have been studiously working my way through my diary to meet people on a Friday night. I havent watched the Late Late and its not out of any badness. Make sure you print that, because its not that at all. I respect Paddy, I think hes a great broadcaster, and I presume he is doing great and I wish him all the very best. I feel its Patricks time to shine, its me, and I dont want to be looking over the wall. Im not giving him any advice, he will do his own thing. Tubridy told The Irish Sun he too did try to revamp the show during his time in RTE. I said for the last three years to shorten the Late Late, to have less parts, and they did eventually do that. Ryan will be lighting up Clifden, Galway on toy show night as he is set to make a very public appearance on the same night as Kietly's first ever Late Late Toy Show. The former RTE star said he was "honoured" at being selected for the task on Friday November 24 in what he called his "favourite town". Virgin Radio UK announced Thursday morning that the former RTE presenter will be joining the weekday lineup on the station next year for the 10am -1pm mid morning slot. His new show, launching early January 2024 will be broadcast live from London simultaneously on Dublins Q102, marking Ryan's return to Irish radio. He is also set to present a dedicated Irish weekend show across a number of local radio stations in the Wireless Ireland group - including Live95, Dublins Q102, Corks 96FM and LMFM in the north-east, all of which are owned by Virgin Radio UK's parent company, News Corp. Crime By Chris Boyle Published: November 17 2023 Eric Diaz Pleaded Guilty in October to Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument. Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced that Eric Diaz, 43, of Brentwood, was sentenced to two to four years in prison after he pleaded guilty in October to possessing multiple fraudulent NYPD identification cards and impersonating a police officer in order to receive a discount while shopping at a store in Bay Shore. When individuals attempt to impersonate law enforcement officers, they damage the credibility of the honest men and women who are the true enforcers of the law and risk their lives every day as part of their duties, said District Attorney Tierney. This defendant attempted to wrongfully benefit from the public service of our sworn law enforcement members and now hes going to benefit from our correctional facilities as an inmate. According to the investigation and the defendants admissions during his guilty plea allocution, between April 1, 2023 to May 31, 2023, Diaz identified himself as a police officer and displayed what appeared to be a police badge, handcuffs, and handgun while attempting to obtain a police discount at a retail store in Bay Shore. When Diaz was later stopped by police, he was found to be in possession of a holstered electronic stun gun and multiple fraudulent law enforcement identification cards, including a fake NYPD Sergeant identification card. Pursuant to subsequent searches of Diazs vehicle and home, police recovered numerous fraudulent items of police attire, imitation pistols, a gun belt, a bulletproof vest, and handcuffs. On August 15, 2023, Diaz was arrested by Detective Charles Gambino of the Suffolk County Police Departments District Attorneys Squad. On October 11, 2023, Diaz pleaded guilty before Supreme Court Justice Richard Ambro, to Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument in the Second Degree, a Class D felony. On November 13, 2023, Judge Ambro sentenced Diaz to two to four years in prison. He was represented by the Suffolk County Legal Aid Society. This case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Katharine DAquila of the Public Corruption Bureau, with investigative assistance from Detective Charles Gambino of the District Attorneys Squad. Five Indicted For Conspiring To Smuggle Fentanyl Into The Suffolk County Correctional Facilty Crime By Chris Boyle Published: November 17 2023 The Fentanyl was Allegedly Sprayed onto Sheets of Paper That the Defendants Attempted to Disguise as Legal Papers. Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney and Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr, today announced that JYZIR HAMILTON, ALYSSA BRIENZA, JANIAH WILLIAMS, ERIC FREEMAN, and ARNOLD FOSTER, were indicted for conspiring to smuggle fentanyl-infused paperwork into the Suffolk County Correctional Facility. This group not only allegedly attempted to smuggle deadly fentanyl into the Suffolk County Correctional Facility, but they also attempted to use an unsuspecting defense attorney to deliver it. Had any of the fentanyl from the laced sheets of paper been ingested in any way, through touch or otherwise, the results could have been deadly, said District Attorney Tierney. Fortunately, the Suffolk County Sheriffs Office thwarted this alleged conspiracy before anyone was hurt. Drug dealers will continue to come up with elaborate schemes like the one alleged here in order to peddle lethal drugs, all while the current New York State law remain non-bail eligible. Our state legislators must act now in order to keep fentanyl dealers off the street in order to save lives. If these criminals were successful in their attempt to smuggle more than $20,000 of deadly fentanyl into the jail there is no doubt that tragedy would have followed, said Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr. This discovery of attempted drug trafficking could not have been made without the intelligence gleamed from our newly established Corrections Intelligence Center who were able to work with neighboring jurisdictions to get prudent information that aided the investigation and ultimatel led to an arrest, said Sheriff Toulon. This case is another stellar example of collaborative law enforcement and the partnership between the Sheriffs Office and the District Attorneys Office has once again stopped drugs from getting into the wrong hands. HAMILTON, 35, of Hauppauge, was indicted for: One count of Conspiracy in the Second Degree, a Class B felony; Two counts of Attempted Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third, ClassC felonies; One count of Attempted Promoting Prison Contraband in the First Degree, a Class D felony; One count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree, a Class A misdemeanor; and One count of Promoting Prison Contraband in the Second Degree, a Class A misdemeanor. BRIENZA, 30, of Calverton, was indicted for: One count of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree, a Class A felony; One count of Conspiracy in the Second Degree, a class B felony; Two counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third, Class B felonies; One count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third, a Class B felony; One count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fourth Degree, a Class C felony; One count of Criminal Use of Drug Paraphernalia in the Second Degree, a Class A misdemeanor; and One count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, a Class A misdemeanor. WILLIAMS, 24, of Central Islip, was indicted for: One count of Attempted Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree, a Class A felony; One count of Conspiracy in the Second Degree, a Class B felony; Two counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, Class B felonies; and One count of Attempted Promoting Prison Contraband in the First Degree, a Class D felony. FREEMAN, 48, of Huntington Station, was indicted for: One count of Conspiracy in the Second Degree, a Class B felony. FOSTER, 33, of Centereach, was indicted for: One count of Conspiracy in the Second Degree, a Class B felony. The Suffolk County Correctional Facility monitors and records various types of communications initiated by inmates. The inmates at the Suffolk County correctional facilities are notified of the monitoring. According to the investigation, on August 22, 2023, deputy sheriff investigators received information from Suffolk County Correctional Facility correction officers that HAMILTON, an inmate at the jail, was allegedly planning for WILLIAMS, his girlfriend, to deliver fentanyl laced papers to him through his defense attorney, who allegedly had no knowledge of the plan. HAMILTON was incarcerated in Suffolk County for a number of pending criminal charges, including Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree. HAMILTON then allegedly placed a series of calls to ALYSSA BRIENZA where he asked BRIENZA about obtaining fentanyl. BRIENZA then allegedly spoke to FOSTER, who, at the time, was serving a prison sentence at the Green Haven Correctional Facility in Stormville, New York, for a conviction of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree. During his conversations with BRIENZA, FOSTER set the price for the fentanyl to be sold to HAMILTON. Once HAMILTON learned of the cost from BRIENZA, he then allegedly spoke to WILLIAMS who was to arrange for the delivery of the fentanyl to the Suffolk County Correctional Facility. On August 19, 2023, BRIENZA allegedly delivered four blank pages to WILLIAMS that were sprayed with a liquid laced with fentanyl. HAMILTON then allegedly instructed WILLIAMS to contact an attorney representing FREEMAN. FREEMAN had informed his attorney that someone would be delivering legal documents to him. FREEMAN then asked his attorney to pass the documents, delivered by WILLIAMS, to him. On August 23, 2023, after contacting the attorney and advising him that she was on her way, WILLIAMS was then arrested by deputy sheriffs as she entered the Arthur M. Cromarty Court Complex building in Riverhead. Deputy sheriffs allegedly found a manilla envelope containing four pages with legal terms printed on them in WILLIAMS possession. The four pages were submitted to the Suffolk County Crime Laboratory for testing. The laboratory analysis revealed the presence of fentanyl. On October 3, 2023, BRIENZA was arrested, and law enforcement allegedly found one-eighth ounce of cocaine, $1,130 in cash, and a scale inside her vehicle. Also, inside BRIENZAs vehicle at the time was her four-year-old child. On November 15, 2023, at his arraignment on the indictment, Supreme Court Justice, the Honorable Richard Ambro ordered HAMILTON to be remanded during the pendency of his case, which is awaiting sentencing on previous charges of Conspiracy in the Fourth Degree and Possession of a Weapon in the Fourth Degree. HAMILTONs charges under this indictment are not bail eligible. He is being represented by Jon Manley, Esq. His next court date is on December 18, 2023. FREEMAN is remanded without bail on charges pending before Acting Supreme Court Justice Richard I. Horowitz, including Attempted Rape in the First Degree. Freeman is a persistent eligible violent felony offender, which makes him eligible for bail on this indictment. On November 15, 2023, at his arraignment on the indictment, Justice Ambro ordered FREEMAN held on $500,000 cash, $2 million bond or $5 million partially secured bond. FREEMAN is being represented by John Halverson, Esq. His next court date is December 18, 2023. BRIENZA, FOSTER and WILLIAMS are scheduled to be arraigned on November 27, 2023, before Acting Supreme Court Justice, the Honorable Richard I. Horowitz. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Dennis Wouters of the Narcotics Bureau, with investigative assistance from the Criminal Investigation Bureau, Corrections Intelligence Center, and Internal Security, all with the Suffolk County Sheriffs Office in addition to the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS). The International Maritime Security Construct issued a warning for vessels traveling thru the vital Bab al Mandeb Strait and the Red Sea just two days after the Houthis threatened to attack international shipping. The approaches to the Bab al Mandeb continue to be an area of concern, the International Maritime Security Coalition (IMSC) Coalition Task Force Sentinel said in an advisory issued on Nov. 16. When choosing routes, orient toward creating maximum feasible distance from Yemeni waters, the IMSC continued [the emphasis is in the original IMSC advisory]. Recommend transiting at night when possible. This will reduce the likelihood of visual identification by malign actors. The IMSC did not identify any of the malign actors, but it is clear the warning was issued in response to threats from Ansar Allah, the Iranian-backed militia that is also known as the Houthis and controls a large portion of Yemen, including the capital of Sanaa. We will sink your ships, the Houthis declared in Arabic, English, and Hebrew on a graphic released on Nov. 14 showing an Israeli commercial vessel in flames. The Bab al Mandeb Strait is a strategic maritime chokepoint that connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden, permitting vessels to transit from the Indian Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea. Millions of barrels of oil flow through the strait daily. According to some estimates, roughly 9 percent of total seaborne-traded petroleum passes through the Bab al Mandeb. IMSC, which was established in 2019, seeks to provide reassurance to merchant shipping in the Middle East region through the contribution of a multinational force of ships, personnel and advanced capabilities. Current members include Albania, Bahrain, Estonia, Jordan, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Focusing on the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab al Mandeb, Coalition Task Force Sentinel attempts to maintain freedom of navigation, international law and the free flow of commerce to support regional stability and security of the maritime commons. The Houthis have raised the stakes in the Red Sea since Hamas brutal Oct. 7 terror attack on Israel. The Houthis have fired cruise and ballistic missiles toward Israel several times. U.S. warships, as well as Israeli air defenses and aircraft, have intercepted Houthi missiles over the Red Sea. Around Oct. 19, the U.S. Navys guided-missile destroyer Carney, intercepted four cruise missiles and 19 drones. In addition to the actions of Carney, Saudi Arabia intercepted a fifth cruise missile, according to The Wall Street Journal. The Houthis shot down a U.S. military MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicle earlier this month as it was operating near Yemen in international airspace. The U.S. military has yet to respond to the Houthi provocations. Although, in an apparent act of self-defense on Nov. 15, the USS Thomas Hudner, a naval destroyer sailing near the Bab al Mandeb, shot down a drone heading toward the ship. The Houthis have threatened international shipping and U.S. naval vessels several times over the past decade, launching dozens of attacks in the Red Sea since 2015. The Houthis fired anti-ship cruise missiles at a U.S. Navy destroyer, the USS Mason, in 2016 while it was operating in international waters near Yemen. In 2018, the Houthis, under the direction of Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, attacked two Saudi oil tankers. In 2020, Saudi Arabia intercepted several Houthi suicide speed boats, while the Houthis deployed hundreds of mines in the southern part of the Red Sea. These threats to shipping by Tehrans proxy are part of a larger strategy of the Islamic Republic of Iran. In fact, from January 2021 to July 2023, Iran perpetrated at least 26 harassments, attacks, or seizures of commercial and U.S. naval vessels. The IRGC increasingly co-opted the Houthi movement since its formation in the 1990s. The IRGC has provided the Houthis with weapons, training, and financial support. The Trump administration listed the Houthis as a Foreign Terror Organization in Jan. 2021, but President Biden revoked the designation just weeks after he entered office. However, Abdul Malik al-Houthi, the groups overall leader, Abd al-Khaliq Badr al-Din al-Houthi, and Abdullah Yahya al-Hakim remain listed as Specially Designated Global Terrorists. The Houthis are estimated to have 100,000 fighters under arms. The official motto of the Houthis is: God is great, death to the U.S., death to Israel, curse the Jews, and victory for Islam. Iran is leveraging its network of militias and terrorist groups in Yemen, Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon to put pressure on Israel as well as the United States. Irans proxy groups, including the Houthis, as well as the Iraqi and Syrian militias which number in the hundreds of thousands, enable Tehran to attack its adversaries while displacing the consequences to others. Many of these militias are battle-hardened by years of fighting the U.S. in Iraq as well as against Al Qaeda and the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. Bradley Bowman is the senior director at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies Center on Military and Political Power (CMPP). Bill Roggio is a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and the Editor of FDD's Long War Journal. Are you a dedicated reader of FDD's Long War Journal? Has our research benefitted you or your team over the years? Support our independent reporting and analysis today by considering a one-time or monthly donation. Thanks for reading! You can make a tax-deductible donation here. It seems flagrantly disingenuous to explain to readers, in the Another Voice column from Nov. 10, that the Diocese is adhering to all the legal steps to protect victims rights. Those being protected were not the victims. Appeal says ministry's decision to no longer accept applications from single men under Dublin status is illegal and discriminatory Several single male asylum seekers had to sleep in a makeshift camp under the Pont Adolphe following a change of policy by the ministry for immigration and asylum Several single male asylum seekers had to sleep in a makeshift camp under the Pont Adolphe following a change of policy by the ministry for immigration and asylum Photo credit: Christophe Olinger Several single male asylum seekers had to sleep in a makeshift camp under the Pont Adolphe following a change of policy by the ministry for immigration and asylum Photo credit: Christophe Olinger Former foreign minister Jean Asselborn may have left the international stage to a flurry of good wishes this week, but his policy on asylum seekers in Luxembourg has left four associations with a bad taste and ready to take the government to court. Amnesty International Luxembourg, Medecins du Monde, Passerell and Ryse have launched a legal challenge to Asselborn's decision on 20 October that the Grand Duchy would no longer welcome single male asylum seekers who have already made an application for refugee status in another EU country. This decision resulted in some 30 men at risk of sleeping rough on the streets. Passerell, which helps asylum seekers, gave the men food vouchers and assisted them with applications for accommodation. The association also provided tents, sleeping bags and warm clothing purchased via donations, which enabled the men to create a makeshift camp under the arches of the Pont Adolphe. Also read: Administrative hurdles complicate refugees finding shelter But Passerell and the other associations say that it is "intolerable that the minister is not granting all applicants for international protection the reception conditions they deserve." In a letter published on Friday, they even point out that Asselborn acknowledged on 1 November that his policy turn two weeks earlier was illegal and ran "contrary to Luxembourg's international and European commitments." The letter goes on to say that there has been an enormous lack of clarity on the part of the authorities. "Those in the field, who have direct contact with rough sleepers, are groping for answers," the associations say. As well as the legal challenge to the ministry's new policy, they have also launched a petition (available only in French) demanding that the authorities "put an end to this inhumane and illegal practice." Asylum seekers in Luxembourg must have access to the same material reception conditions, regardless of age, gender, nationality or administrative situation, the associations say. "There can be no justification for discrimination." Asselborn had cited overcrowded asylum seeker shelters for the decision to no longer take in so-called Dublin-status refugees who are single and male. The minister said that shelters housed women, children and families and that there had been security issues with some of the single arrivals. Under Dublin rules asylum seekers who have started their procedure in one EU country but then move on to another can be transferred back to the place they first made their request. Also read: Luxembourg puts refugees on streets as shelters full Billa was suspended on suspicion of offences against drugs and weapons laws A Luxembourg school director suspected of illegal possession of drugs and weapons broke his silence on Friday, refuting claims that he broke the law. Jean Billa, the director of Lycee Edward Steichen in Clervaux, through a lawyer denied all allegations made against him as well claims of embezzlement of public and private funds. Billa's lawyer emphasised the importance of maintaining the secrecy of the investigation and respecting the presumption of innocence. Various statements resulted in "sensational" press articles damaging his client's reputation, the lawyer told the Luxemburger Wort. The investigation into Billa's activities began with information provided by the Ministry of Education, prompting the Diekirch public prosecutor's office to look into potential violations of drugs laws. The results of these investigations are still pending. During searches at both the director's workplace and private residence in October, police discovered weapons that can be distinguished in two categories. Possession and use of category A weapons are strictly prohibited for civilians in Luxembourg, while category B weapons require a permit. Suspicions of violations of the Weapons and Ammunition Act of 2022 were raised during the investigation. A week later, a separate investigation was launched by the Ministry of Education following another complaint, focusing on the alleged embezzlement of public and private funds. Subsequent house searches at Lycee Edward Steichen and Billa's private residence have been conducted as part of this ongoing investigation. Billa has been director of the Lycee Edward Steichen since it opened its doors in 2018. It is one of six accredited international schools in the Grand Duchy that follow the same system as the European Schools. (This article was first published on the Luxemburger Wort. Edited by Haneyl Jacob.) Manchester, VT (05254) Today Partly cloudy skies this morning will give way to cloudy skies and rain during the afternoon. High 48F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%.. Tonight Rain showers this evening with overcast skies overnight. Low 36F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%. News / Local by Staff reporter THE trial of five Bulawayo Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) activists and two party legislators accused of defacing campaign posters ahead of the August elections has been deferred to December 5.This was after the State said it was not ready to prosecute the matter.Tshabalala-Pelandaba legislator Gift Siziba (30) is being charged together with Bulawayo Central MP Surrender Kapoikulu (51), party members Earnest Rafomoyo (55), Tendai Masocha (48), Simbarashe Dube (39) and Lovewell Mwinde.They appeared before magistrate Tendai Ndokera.The complainant in the case is Soneni Moyo, a CCC losing candidate in the August 23 elections.It is the State case that on August 16 at 12 noon, the suspects went to Pelandaba shops and removed Moyo's campaign posters which were plastered on walls and Zesa poles.The court heard that Moyo reported the matter to the police at Western Commonage, leading to the accused's arrest. A unique vintage item from a wicked cool place in Massachusetts was recently featured on a Pawn Stars spinoff. The item came from Innovintage Place in Greenfield. The owner, Skye Wellington, believed it was a tea urn from Faneuil Hall Square. Its old and junky. And its amazing that it has lasted the test of time, Wellington said in the Pawn Stars Do America episode. Read more: Out with the new and in with the old But Corey Harrison of Pawn Stars said he believes its not a tea urn and that part of it was made much later than Wellington was told. Now, its cool, Harrison said, adding that it isnt a tea urn though. Wellington was hoping to get $500 for the item. Harrison offered a wicked $100. Ive never seen somebody go through such lengths to make something that made such little sense in my entire life, Harrison said. Wellington turned down the offer. Instead, fans of the show can come see the item in her shop. Were open tomorrow and our copper pot from Faneuil Hall Square as seen on the History Channel will be on display, the stores Facebook post stated. Pawn Stars Do America filmed at six stops in Boston and Providence, Rhode Island over the summer. Pawn Stars Do America follows Rick Harrison, Harrison and Austin Chumlee Russell of the world famous Gold & Silver Pawn Shop in Las Vegas, Nevada as they leave their shop to connect with fans in different cities in search of items of historical, monetary or collectible value. Those selected to attend one of the tapings brought a cool and unique item with them, which OS LA Productions said guests could get the chance to sell on the spot for cash. News / Local by Staff reporter The High Court is anticipated to deliver a verdict in the case of Pius Jamba Mukandi, who stands accused of the brutal murder of Moreblessing Ali, an activist from the Citizens Coalition of Change (CCC), in June of the previous year.Originally scheduled for Thursday, the judgment day was rescheduled to allow the State to present its closing arguments.Jamba vehemently denied the charges during his trial, despite the testimony of seven witnesses, including his mother Lina Mukandi and sister Mercy.While maintaining that on the day of Ali's murder, he had pre-planned a journey to his mother's rural home and had informed her, his mother contradicted his statement, stating she was unaware of his whereabouts.Jamba also refuted the accusation of killing Ali, asserting that he was sacrificed to alleviate political tensions in the Nyatsime area following the activist's death. He claimed to have been coerced into confessing to the crime and denied any knowledge of Ali.The court heard that Ali was last seen on May 24, 2022, at a Night Club in Nyatsime, allegedly having an altercation with Jamba."On May 24, 2022, around 22:20, the accused was at Chibhanguza Night Club, Nyatsime, Beatrice, where the now-deceased Moreblessing Ali was with Kirina Mayironi."The accused, armed with a catapult, alleged that the deceased's dog was hindering his movement and responsible for the loss of his money," the court was told.It is alleged that Ali and her friend Mayironi left the Night Club, and as they were heading home, Jamba attacked Ali. Mayironi tried to intervene, but Mukandi struck her with a stone propelled by a catapult, causing an open wound.Mukandi then positioned himself near the Night Club, throwing stones and bricks to prevent anyone from approaching or rescuing Ali."He pelted stones from the catapult and threw bricks directed at the night club so that nobody would manage to apprehend him or rescue the now-deceased," the prosecutor alleged.The State contended that Jamba took Ali to an undisclosed location, where he caused her death by striking her with an unknown instrument and strangling her with her trousers. Subsequently, he dismembered her body and disposed of the parts in a disused well on Plot 321 Dunnotar Farm, Beatrice, owned by his mother Laina Mukandi.Jamba then went on the run, and Ali's dismembered body was discovered on June 11, 2022, by Mukandi's mother due to a strong odor emanating from the well.High Court Justice Esther Muremba is presiding over the case, with Michael Mugabe and Terrence Mukuze serving as prosecutors, and Jamba being represented by his lawyer, Garikai Mhishi. Renters in Brookline may soon be protected from unexpected rent hikes after Town Meeting members narrowly passed a home rule petition that would establish rent control in the town for the first time since the 1990s. The warrant article, which was approved 112-107 with 13 abstentions, will cap annual rent increases in multifamily buildings at the change in the consumer price index plus 3%, with a maximum of 7%. It would also establish protections against evictions without just cause. One in five residents of Brookline are facing serious displacement pressures due to housing costs, with a disproportionate impact falling on seniors, residents of color and low- and middle-income households, said Town Meeting Member Alec Lebovitz, who filed the warrant article with fellow Town Meeting Member Kimberley Richardson and resident Johnathon Card. (The article) is very much a safety net program that will provide immediate and lasting relief and stability for low- and middle-income renters in Brookline. It will reduce displacement pressures, prevent evictions and create a healthier, more resilient, more diverse community. The petition provides exemptions for buildings newer than 15 years old and properties with four or fewer units which the owner also uses as their primary residence. Before it is implemented, the bylaw has to pass approval by the state Legislature. Rent control was prohibited in Massachusetts in 1994 by a statewide ballot question. Brookline was one of the handful of communities that had rent control and lost it then. Susan Granoff, a town meeting member who said she grew up in a rent-controlled apartment in Manhattan and later moved into another in Brookline as an adult, said it gave her stability growing up by ensuring she would remain at the same schools and have the same community around her for support. As an adult, having the stability of knowing how much her rent would be allowed her and her husband to save to purchase a home in town. Rent control helped change the trajectory of my life, she said. For too long, I believe weve viewed building more and more housing in Brookline as the only possible solution to Brooklines affordability crisis. Its time to broaden our vision and to return to a tried-and-tested solution. Opinions were split on the measure. The towns Select Board voted 4-1 not to approve the article, worrying it could prevent the development of more housing in Brookline. Select Board Member Michael Sandman pointed out that earlier this week, Town Meeting passed an overhaul of the towns zoning code to allow for more multifamily residential development in compliance with the 2021 MBTA Communities Act. We did that based on the principle that if we increase supply, prices will stabilize once we start to satisfy demand, he said. But if rent control discourages new rental construction, well, which is it? Do we want more rental units, or do we want price controls that discourage the construction of more units? Sandman and other town meeting members also expressed concerns that landlords would preemptively raise rents in preparation for the new rent-control measure, and that it would lower the tax value of rental properties, placing more burden on homeowners to make up the difference. Brookline is not the only community discussing the possibility of a return to rent control. Boston, too, passed a home rule petition in March that would cap rent increases at a maximum of 10% per year, and there are currently multiple bills before the Legislature that would give a local option for municipalities across Massachusetts to enact rent stabilization measures. The likelihood of any of these bills or petitions coming to fruition is up in the air, however. Top legislators have not indicated support for the idea, and last week, supporters of a proposed ballot question for the 2024 election that would have brought back rent control ended their campaign. SPRINGFIELD A man who was once at the center of a bail reform case in the states highest court had his bail increased fivefold Thursday after being sentenced to 15 years in prison for a 2020 home invasion. After robbing a bank in 2014, Springfield resident Jahmal Brangan challenged a high cash bail set by a judge all the way to the states Supreme Judicial Court. His appellate lawyers argued high bonds were unfair to Brangan and others like him mostly defendants of color who cant possibly afford them. SPRINGFIELD In most years the Police Departments annual blue light event honors the 17 city officers who died in the line of duty, but this year families of those who were killed also recognized an officer who is very much alive. Maura Schiavina, Doris Beauregard-Shecrallah and other family members joined together to present Police Superintendent Cheryl C. Clapprood with flowers and a plaque to show their appreciation of her long support for them. We will miss you, said Schiavina, a retired State Police officer herself and the sister of Michael Schiavina, who was shot and killed with his partner Alain Beauregard during a routine traffic stop in 1985. Clapprood will be retiring in the spring when her contract expires. She promised to return to the ceremony even after she is no longer the police superintendent. The Blue Light is so important because it helps us remember the names on the monument so their deaths are not forgotten or taken in vain, she said. We will never forget. Every year police, politicians, families and others gather to recognize Project Blue Light, a nationwide program that asks people to remember police who have been killed on duty by putting a blue bulb in their outside light or a blue candle in their window. Springfield held its formal program on Thursday in front of the Police Department memorial that honors the 17. We ask our communities to display a blue light. In doing this it brings comfort and joy knowing that others actually take the time to remember them and not only them but our firefighters, our EMS workers and all those who serve the public, Schiavina said. Mayor Domenic J. Sarno thanked the officers who currently work for the department as well as the families of the 17 who were killed and said policing is still an honorable, although difficult, profession. We live in an increasingly violent country where unfortunately people settle their differences with guns, he said. But Sarno closed on a positive note. There is plenty more good in our world and our country and our state and our city of Springfield, he said. The following are the 17 men who died on duty and the dates they were killed: Adelbert St. Marie, Aug. 31, 1934; Carl Rolf, Nov. 2, 1938; John P. Sullivan Sr., Feb. 2, 1940; Thomas F. Murphy, Feb. 2, 1940; Raymond Moriarty, Sept. 2, 1946; John W. Connors, Feb. 20, 1953; Leo Hamel, Oct. 31, 1955; Francis W. Sears, Sept. 11, 1967; Walter C. Juskiewicz, June 21, 1969; William R. Berte, Jan. 8, 1973; Richard D. Vigneault, April 11, 1973; Paul F. Mawaka, Oct. 30, 1973; Michael Schiavina, Nov. 12, 1985; Alain Beauregard, Nov. 15, 1985 and Kevin Ambrose, June 4, 2012. Wellesley College is one of seven educational institutions under federal investigation following a complaint that the school failed to properly address hostility toward Jewish students in the wake of Hamas attack on Israelis last month and the subsequent war, U.S. Department of Education officials said Thursday. Two Jewish organizations filed the complaint against Wellesley College last week, spurred by an email sent by resident advisors to a campus dormitory on Oct. 19, declaring that there should be no space, no consideration, and no support for Zionism within the Wellesley College community. Wellesley is permitting a hostile environment to develop and persist ... by allowing students to marginalize and exclude Jewish students for whom Zionism is integral to their Jewish identity, the Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law and the Jewish on Campus organization said in a letter to the Education Department last week. After students complained that the message was antisemitic, the resident advisors followed up with a second email expressing regret, though one dorm staff member later posted a message on a personal Instagram page that the apology was sent with a gun to my head, the organizations said. In a statement, a Wellesley College spokesperson said the school responded quickly and decisively to the incident and [made] clear antisemitism has no place at Wellesley. The complaint also alleged that a panel hosted a week later by Wellesley College faculty about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict only fueled anti-Jewish hostility on campus. The panelists minimized the atrocities committed by Hamas against innocent Israeli civilians on October 7, by claiming that only a small extremist faction of Hamas are terrorists, that Hamas shouldnt be demonized, and that Hamas is not anti-Semitic because they only want to kill Zionists, the letter said. The Wellesley College spokesperson said faculty who participated in the event disputed the allegations. Wellesley has been committed to addressing issues of antisemitism on our campus and will continue to work to create an environment that supports free expression and rejects all forms of hate and discrimination, the spokesperson said. Hamas, the Palestinian militant group that rules the Gaza Strip, is designated as a terror organization by the United States. Its cross-border attack on Oct. 7 killed more than 1,200 Israelis, mostly civilians, and ignited a war. Since then, more than 10,000 Palestinians have been killed in the Israeli counterattack. In the U.S., the conflict has led to weeks of demonstrations, including on college campuses, where there is a long history of intense debate surrounding Israel and Palestine. Wellesley College, an elite womens liberal arts school in suburban Boston, was one of six colleges named in federal Title VI probes announced by the Education Department on Thursday, which focus on discrimination based on race, color or national origin. Federal officials said the investigations are aimed at combatting an alarming rise of antisemitism and Islamophobia on school campuses since the Hamas attack. Also under investigation are the University of Pennsylvania, Cornell University, Columbia University, Lafayette College and the Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art, in New York City. One K-12 school district in Kansas, the Maize Unified School District, is also being investigated. Hate has no place in our schools, period, U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona said in a statement. When students are targeted because they are or are perceived to be Jewish, Muslim, Arab, Sikh, or any other ethnicity or shared ancestry, schools must act to ensure safe and inclusive educational environments where everyone is free to learn. November is officially designated as National Native American Heritage Month. It celebrates the traditions, language and stories of Native Americans, Alaska Natives, Hawaii Natives and Puerto Rico Natives. President George H. W. Bush approved a resolution designating November as National American Indian Heritage Month in 1990. Proclamations under similar names have been issued each year since 1994. President Joe Biden made his proclamation on Oct. 31 and stated We recognize the invaluable contributions of Native people that have shaped our country and honor the hundreds of Tribal Nations. Read more: Indigenous Peoples Day offers a reminder of Native American history Biden acknowledged the troubled history between colonists and Native people. Throughout our history, Native peoples cultures, identities, and governments were not always seen as a part of this Nation but as a threat to it, Biden stated. Native people were pressured to assimilate, banned from practicing their traditions and sacred ceremonies, and forced from their homes and ancestral homelands. Biden noted that despite centuries of violence and oppression, Native people are essential to the fabric of the United States, and highlighted the many ways Native people are represented in American life. He noted that Native Americans serve in the United States Armed Forces at higher rates than any other ethnic group and that they continue to contribute to science, humanities, arts, public service and more. Deb Haaland, the Secretary of the Interior, is the first Native American to serve in that role. The Massachusetts Center for Native American Awareness recommends several ways to celebrate the rich and diverse culture of Native people, but to also learn about the unique challenges Native people have faced historically and in the present. Read a book or listen to a podcast by a Native American. Visit one of the many Native American museums, heritage centers, or historical sights. Try cooking a Native American recipe. Watch a movie or documentary about or by a Native American. Play or watch a game of lacrosse. Follow Native American activists, educators or organizations on social media. Attend one of the many seminars, performances, or events honoring Native American culture near you. Research a Native issue in your area and take action. Massachusetts has two federally recognized tribes the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah). Nipmuc Nation is a tribal group occupying the central part of Massachusetts, northeastern Connecticut and northwestern Rhode Island. It is a state-recognized tribe with about 600 enrolled members, according to its website. The Massachusett Tribe at Ponkapoag are the descendants of the original people that the English colonists first encountered in what we now call the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This tribe is where the state got its name and members continue to live as Massachusett people through the retention of their oral traditions, according to their website. The Wampanoag territory encompasses lands in southeastern Massachusetts, including Cape Cod and the islands, and extends into eastern Rhode Island. Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) received federal acknowledgment as an Indian Tribe in 1987 which established a government-to-government relationship with the U.S. government, according to the tribes website. The Mashpee Wamponoag, which have inhabited the land in Massachusetts and eastern Rhode Island for more than 12,000 years, were re-acknowledged as a federally recognized tribe in 2007. In 2015, the federal government declared 150 acres of land in Mashpee and 170 acres of land in Taunton as the tribes initial reservation, on which the tribe can exercise its full tribal sovereignty rights. The Mashpee tribe currently has approximately 3,200 enrolled citizens, according to their website. Your guest commentator recently referred to Enrique Tarrio as a Boy Scout on steroids (Some Questions Democrats Cant, or Wont, Answer, by Dan Oleksak, The Westfield News, Sept. 14). This is a lie metastasized from the Big Lie. Tarrio is the Miami leader of an armed militia called the Proud Boys. The only reason he was not able to lead the 1/6 insurrection at the Capitol was because the D.C. police caught him defacing BLM property and threw him out of Washington a day or two prior. Whats more dangerous to our democracy than people like Tarrio are the educated, well-spoken people that cover, support and protect them. Being well aware of the above facts, you chose to cast him in an innocent light. Tarrio is a convicted seditionist sentenced to 22 years in prison. Which proves my point. Tarrio is no Boy Scout. For two of the 27 children adopted on National Adoption Day Friday in Worcester, siblings Riyuu and Kira finally have the same last name as their parents. Riyuu and Kira are officially Lemieuxes. The young siblings were living separately in 2020 when Donya and Chad Lemieux came into their lives and reunited them under their familys roof in North Attleborough, joining the couples son, Nathan. Four years later, the familys adoption process was finalized by a judge Friday, along with 21 other families at a special event put on by the Court Appointed Special Advocates. This is the first full-sized event since after COVID-19, CASA Executive Director Julie Bowditch told MassLive at Worcester District Court Friday. We held an abbreviated one last year, but it couldnt quite have all the bells and whistles. So, this is the first real one back to how it was years prior. Parents-to-be and their families walked the halls of the courthouse Friday, waiting their turn to officially and legally unite their families. Among them, Worcester Red Sox mascot Smiley and Railers mascot Trax walked around for photos. Children could draw, while families met each other. Mayor Joseph Petty also visited to meet and congratulate families. Im a big supporter of CASA and Julie Bowditch and the work that she does, he said. She works with the youth here in the city of Worcester and Worcester County, and makes a difference in peoples lives. This is a great day for her and her organization. Sometimes it can be a long process (for families), so its going to be a great day for a number of kids here, which is great for the city. Read more: These are the best middle schools in Massachusetts Similar events happened in Springfield and Boston, with 17 children adopted in Springfield and 21 adopted in Boston, according to the Massachusetts Adoption Resource Exchange. Overall, 116 children were adopted on Friday. Flyers at the event produced by MARE said there are 2,460 children awaiting adoption with no relative or other potential adopter. Meet the Lemieuxes Donya and Chad Lemieux started the process of fostering a child in January 2020 through the help of a friend in Worcester, but the pandemic hit and working with the foster system became all virtual after that March, Chad Lemieux said. We met families and found that siblings were something we were interested in, he added. They had each other. Once the couple learned about Riyuu, they soon discovered he had a younger sister also in the system but they had been separated for a year. They, with the help of their case worker, were able to connect with Kira, and the Lemieuxes knew they had a family that wed love to bring together. We have a unique situation where Riyuu was in a foster home with family that was friends with my sister, Chad Lemieux said. We had found probably later in 2020 that Riyuus goal had been changed from reunification to adoption. Kira joined the family on Dec. 21, 2020, with Riyuu joining them on Jan. 24, 2021. From there, the couple focused their efforts on legally adopting the two. During that time, the siblings went to school with Donya, where she works as a teacher at Hyman Fine Elementary School in Attleboro. After 18 years as an only child, the couples son, Nathan, a freshman at Worcester State University, said it was an experience for him, too. Despite being away at college, hes home every weekend with his new siblings. I felt like I was settling into something, too, Nathan told MassLive. Its been great and its amazing to put them in a better situation where theyre happy and have a family forever where its not a constant rotation. Making it official After a short wait Friday morning, the family made its way into one of the courtrooms to meet with Judge Anthony Marotta, who sat down in the center of the courtroom with the family. Relatives and friends watched the adoption process be completed. When Riyuu said he liked karate, Marotta asked if he would do a demonstration. Kira said she liked it too, with the judge joking about having the kids have a showdown in court. Im changing (Donya and Chads names) today to Mommy and Daddy, Marotta said, signing Riyuus documents first before signing Kiras. When Donya started to cry, Marotta grabbed a packet of tissues, saying They gave me 30 packets of tissues and I dont think Im going to be crying, so help yourself. You never know, which was met with laughs. When the process concluded, Marotta handed two goodie bags to Riyuu and Kira, along with cookies, foam toy gavels and two Build-A-Bears. Riyuu slammed a real gavel to signify the adoption was made final, while Kira used her foam gavel. After their adoption, Donya said the plan was to eat lunch at The Fix Burger Bar with the 20 family members who joined them at the courthouse on Friday. The real celebration is on hold for the spring when the weathers warmer. For now, what mattered most is the family now all shares the same last name, Chad said. At this moment, Riyuu shot his thumbs up. Ryuu and Kira were given foam gavels, cookies and Build-a-Bears on the day of their adoption at the Worcester Courthouse. Ryan Mancini/MassLiveRyan Mancini They have been telling everyone they see that theyre getting adopted, Donya said. Its been a positive process. The children were happy, too. Though they had little to say, Donya noted Kira had been telling people about how she was going to get adopted. Riyuu chimed in to add hes also been telling everybody. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) initiative reaches a new milestone today as it expands its global partnership to include four new partners the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the World Bank and the World Health Organization (WHO) and establishes a High Level Executive Committee (HLEC). These new partners possess a wealth of experience and knowledge, which will greatly benefit the IPC global initiative. The expanded partnership will be critical when it comes to informing evidence-based strategies to tackle the root causes of protracted food crises and address chronic food insecurity, said Hassan Ali Ahmed, Chair of the IPC Global Steering Committee and Action Against Hungers representative on the committee. By harnessing the collective knowledge of experts from diverse fields, the IPC aims to provide decision makers with the tools they need to make informed choices that lead to lasting food security solutions, he added. The expansion of the IPC global partnership comes against a backdrop of escalating conflicts, unpredictable weather patterns and fluctuating food prices all of which are likely further intensifying the challenges surrounding food and nutrition security. Food crises are health crises. Disease and malnutrition form a vicious cycle, each increasing the risk of the other and threatening the health of affected populations, particularly children said Dr Mike Ryan, Executive Director of WHOs Health Emergencies Programme. He further emphasised: With millions facing acute hunger across the world, we must scale up action to tackle malnutrition and disease to save lives and protect peoples health. The World Bank affirms that strengthening international partnerships will fortify an effective and coordinated global response. High food prices have triggered a global food and nutrition crisis that is driving millions more into extreme poverty and threatening to erase hard-won gains in development, said Martien van Nieuwkoop, World Banks Global Director for Agriculture and Food. Conflicts and climate change will continue to drive the number of people facing hunger. In responding to a crisis, the value of data in decision-making becomes more apparent. It allows us to act faster and collaborate more effectively, he added. For UNDP, the IPC Chronic Food Insecurity scale represents an opportunity to advance sustainable food systems and bolster community resilience. UNDP remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering sustainable food systems, advancing global food security, and building resilience among vulnerable communities. By collaborating with the IPC, UN and relief agencies, UNDP aims to create impactful, lasting solutions to address the pressing global food crisis, said Devanand Ramiah, UNDPs Crisis Bureau Deputy Director (a.i.). The IPC was founded nearly 20 years ago and is now being implemented in over 30 countries informing more than US $6 billion in food crisis response decisions annually. With still rising global food insecurity, IPCs work is more important than ever. We need sound and accurate early warning systems to adequately inform preventative action to end hunger and malnutrition. It is IFPRIs mission and obligation to support IPC fulfil this immensely important duty for humanity, said Dr Johan Swinnen, Director-General of IFPRI. Drs Swinnen (IFPRI) and Ryan (WHO) and Mr Nieuwkoop (World Bank) are representatives on the newly formed IPC High Level Executive Committee. The IPC High Level Executive Committee Coinciding with the expansion of the IPC global partnership is the establishment of a High Level Executive Committee (HLEC). The newly formed HLEC is the highest decision-making body in the IPC global governance structure. It comprises high-level representatives from IPC global partner organizations, including the newly joined organizations. The HLEC is responsible for positioning the IPC on the global agenda and assisting the IPC initiative to overcome challenges in countries facing major food and nutrition crises. The IPC High Level Executive Committee is a beacon of collaborative power, driving the global effort to address the food and nutrition crises facing the world today. With its diverse expertise and the unwavering commitment of the IPC partners, the HLEC will bolster the IPC initiative in fulfilling its mandate as the global standard for food security and nutrition analysis, said Mr Ahmed. The role of the HLEC will complement that of the IPC Global Steering Committee (composed of senior officers representing the 19 IPC global partner organizations), which will continue to provide the overall strategic direction to the IPC initiative and is responsible for its oversight and regular functioning. Motorola Solutions proudly rang the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange, celebrating its continued, purposeful transformation centered on safety and security. The company announced its new brand narrative, Solving for safer, which highlights its sharpened focus on solving for safer communities, safer schools and safer businesses. 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. Indias leading education service provider, Career Launcher, and Mauritius-based overseas education consultant, Campus Abroad, through its associate Company CA Counselling Services, have entered into a tie-up to support Mauritian students in leveraging educational opportunities overseas and powering their aspirations to study abroad. First, Career Launchers President and CBO Sujatha Kshirsagar will make a detailed presentation on Career Launchers offerings in Mauritius, followed by Tony Malik who is on the board of CA Counselling Services and will unfold the value proposition that this tie-up is expected to bring to local students. It may be noted that Tony Malik, who recently retired as partner at Deloitte, Mauritius, is a founding President of the Indian Business Council based in the island economy. Finally, the presentation will be followed by cocktails and dinner to allow participants to exchange views and to network. Commenting on the upcoming event and the key offerings that Career Launcher plans to bring to students in Mauritius, Sujatha Kshirsagar, President and CBO, Career Launcher, said: CL Educate Africa is delighted to start our Career Launcher operations in Mauritius in partnership with Campus Abroad. Based on our experience of 28 years, four continents and 200 plus centres, we believe we can make a significant contribution to the career aspirations of the youth of Mauritius. For his part, Tony Malik highlighted the implications of this partnership for the local student community, noting that: CA Counselling Services Ltd ( CACS ) stands at the forefront of education, dedicated to shaping the future of students by providing unparalleled guidance, personalised mentoring, and a suite of services that transcend traditional boundaries. At CACS, we believe in the transformative power of education and the immense potential of every student. Our commitment is not just to facilitate study abroad experiences but to empower individuals with the tools, knowledge, and confidence needed to thrive in a globalised world. We are proud to be a catalyst for success, unlocking doors to endless possibilities for students as they embark on their academic and professional journeys. With CACS, education is not just a destination; its a transformative journey, and we are honoured to be a part of each students extraordinary story. Career Launcher is a company based in India, where Campus Abroad will work with them on a franchise basis. Indeed, since its inception in 1995, Career Launcher has established itself in the field of test-prep for exams such as GMAT, GRE, TOEFL and SAT, enabling thousands of individuals to realise their potential and make their career dreams come true. Meanwhile, Campus Abroad was established in the year 2001 with a view to help and guide students from Mauritius to access overseas education. News / Local by Staff reporter Opposition CCC's interim Secretary General Sengezo Shabangu has issued a recall for Kwekwe Mayor Henry Madzorera, Deputy Mayor Melody Chingarande, and another councilor, Simon Machisvo.This move follows the recent expulsion of 13 additional CCC MPs and five senators. However, a High Court interdict has been implemented to halt further expulsions of elected opposition members.Shabangu, labeled an impostor collaborating with Zanu-PF by the CCC, asserted that the ousted councillors were no longer affiliated with the opposition, a consistent justification in all his "recall" correspondences.Acting Local Government Minister Daniel Garwe, in a letter dated November 13 and addressed to the Kwekwe City Town Clerk's office, stated, "I wish to inform you that I am in receipt of a letter from the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) stating that the following councillors have ceased to be members of the Citizens Coalition for Change political party."The letter further explained that the recalls were based on section 278 (1) of the country's constitution, "as read with Section (1) (k)," and declared the mentioned wards as vacant. Garwe instructed, "In terms of Section 121 of the Electoral Act, please proceed to inform the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission of these vacancies." JOYCE Country and Western Lakes (JCWL) Geopark has moved one step closer to become the geopark in Connacht to gain UNESCO World Heritage status. The geopark has received a deferral - which is quite common with new applicants after getting feedback from UNESCO evaluators following their in-depth tour of the region this summer. The geopark must now follow up on a range of recommendations and report back to UNESCO next year with an update. Gaining UNESCO Global Geopark status has the potential to energise 20 communities in north Galway and southwest Mayo by supporting local enterprise and jobs. The villages of Ballintubber, Partry, Tourmakeady, Finny, Leenane, Recess, Maam, Maam Cross, Kilmilkin, Clochbhreac, Cornamona, Oughterard, Cong, Clonbur and The Neale are all included in the geopark area, as well as all of Loughs Carra and Mask, and around half of Lough Corrib. There are currently 170 geoparks with World Heritage Status in 44 different countries. Of these, the three located in Ireland include The Burren and Cliffs of Moher; the Copper Coast in Waterford and The Marble Arches Caves in Fermanagh. The assessment process for JCWL began in spring 2023 and could see the geopark awarded UNESCO status by autumn 2024. A desktop review concluded the JCWL area has the most complex geology in Ireland, with geological links with Scotland, Norway and the east coast of North America. Besides reviewing the geological heritage, the French and Spanish UNESCO evaluators also observed: a rich local cultural heritage; strong opportunities for development of sustainable tourism and employment, along with broad-based education and learning; a solid governance and management structure, with a professional multi-disciplinary staff; and a strong grass-roots connection with the Geopark communities and local business. Their feedback recommended the instillation of more signage, a stakeholder-led education programme, more long-term funding and to reinforce the strong role of women in the geopark. A GROUP campaigning for mixed secondary school education in Westport has accused the Department of Education of playing a game over Rice Colleges application to become a co-educational school. Co-ed for Westport have hit out at news that the all-boys school would not be accepting girls in September 2024, accusing the department of passing the buck on the issue. The group cited correspondence they received from Minister for Education, Norma Foley, which said the status of existing schools, including whether they are single or mixed gender, belongs to the Patron, subject to the agreement of the Department. Responding to a parliamentary question from local TD Michael Ring this week, Minister Foley said that Rice Colleges application had not been refused but would need to be carefully managed to ensure there would be sufficient places for each student. Rice College have invested heavily in their facilities in recent years and have added nine extra classrooms and toilet blocks. The school currently has an enrolment of over 525. Some students from Rice College and the neighbouring all-girls Sacred Heart School, are currently attending classes in the other school for subjects which arent offered in their school. If the transition were not carefully managed there would be a real risk of there being a deficit of post-primary school places for boys in the town. In that context, my Department is working with the patron to gain a full understanding of the implications for school places and any required solutions, Minister Foley said. Given the complexities it will not be possible to approve a change of status to coeducational for the 2024/25 school year. Nevertheless, my Department is committed to continuing to work with the schools patron to facilitate a future change of status to co-educational for the school. Minister Foley added that her Department received six other applications for change of status to co-educational since that application was received. Of these, five have been approved and one remains under consideration. Co-ed for Westport have hit out at the decision not to grant Rice College co-educational status in 2024, saying that the school had done everything in their power to obtain this status. The dept are playing a game we have become very familiar with in the course of our campaign for Co-ed - Passing the buck, stated group member Claire Kenny. This active non-decision making means that in the meantime families; parents, pupils and the public at large are waiting for their preferred form of education to be available, added Rita McNally. Surveys conducted by Co-ed for Westport indicate that over 90 percent of parents of Sixth Class students support co-education being made available in Westport. The town currently has a number of mixed-sex primary schools but just one all-girl secondary school and one all-boys secondary school. A number of students are currently travelling from Westport to avail of mixed secondary school education in Louisburgh and Castlebar. Rice College Principal, Michael Rabette, says pictured outside of Rice College in Westport (Pic: Conor McKeown) Rice College Principal, Michael Rabbette, has said the school is incredibly disappointed that they will not be able to enrol girls in September 2024. The Board of Management, our teachers, our students, our parents and the local feeder primary school parents are all hugely in favour of a change of status for Rice College. The data which we have presented to the Department indicated both an appetite and an expectation of coeducation in September 2024. We felt the time was right for this move, Mr Rabbette said. A POPULAR Westport bar has scooped the Best Outdoor Space at the 2023 Irish Pub Awards. The Towers Bar and Restaurant received the accolade at an awards ceremony at Dublins Mansion House which acknowledged excellence in the Irish pub trade. Nestled by the shores of Westport Harbour, the pubs outdoor space proved very popular with patrons during the Covid-19 pandemic during a period when restaurants could only operate outdoors. Speaking to The Mayo News, proprietor Tom Bourke said he was delighted to see the establishment recognised nationally. Its great for Westport, Mayo and Connacht. We were the only Connacht winners, so it keeps the flag flying, he said. We were up against some pretty impressive places. Dublin, Cork, Galway, to come out on top certainly is a great reward. Capable of seating up to 300, the bars outdoor space has proved popular for after-wedding parties since they added a weather-proof astro turf, as well as a stretch tent and heating system. Extra glass panels to shield from the wind to shield from the wind have also been installed. When youre down there it feels five degrees warmer. Its cosy, said Mr Bourke, who attributed their success to a team effort. It doesnt happen on its own. Its a team effort, from chefs, barmen, waitresses, back office, its a testament to everyone that works there, he said. The Towers Bar and Restaurant has also hosted the local Ukrainian communitys Independence Day celebrations for two years in a row since Russias full-scale invasion in February 2022. CONCERN has been expressed for Clare Island residents after islanders were left without running water for extended periods six weeks after the lifting of a boil water notice. The disruption commenced on Tuesday November 7 for sporadic periods until 12pm on Wednesday November 8 when the water supply was cut off from these parts of the island. The supply interrupted sporadically after Uisce Eireann formerly known as Irish Water began conducting step testing following suspected leaks. This resulted in parts of the island being left without water for prolonged periods. The utility had described this disruption as short interruptions and supplied a pallet of water to residents on Monday one week after the supply was first cut off. Joanne Carroll, Community Development Coordinator for Cliara Development Company DAC, described the lack of running water as a huge concern for residents on the island which had a population of 138 in the 2022 Census. Speaking to The Mayo News today (Friday), Ms Carroll said that one resident had been unable to take a shower prior to sailing off the island recently. "Our remote location leaves us very vulnerable in an already under resourced (for fire equipment) small community. No running water is a huge risk. Any businesses operating during this period also carries higher risk on their insurance, as running water is necessary at all times," said Ms Carroll. Ms Carroll said that islanders had not received prior notification of the disruption from Uisce Eireann until she requested an update on Monday (November 13). The island has had persistent issues with water quality and has been issued with five boil water notices and two water outages in the past two years. Despite appeals to Uisce Eireann to provide contingency water supplies to the island and to be proactive for further water outages, this has not been yet fulfilled, according to Ms Carroll. When asked to provide a timeline for upgrade works to commence to the Clare Island water supply network the utility said that such projects take anywhere from 18-24 months to complete. Ms Carroll described this timeline as abysmal and shockingly unacceptable. "Clare Islands population consists partly of vulnerable people in the elderly, pregnant women and infant children, not to mention young families and convalescents," she said. "Uisce Eireann outline its purpose is to rise to the challenge of delivering transformative water services that enable communities to thrive. In the case of Clare Island, Uisce Eireann has failed to rise to any challenge and have not delivered even close to a transformative water service to the Clare Island community," she added. Ms Carroll said that some part of the island had no running water for ten consecutive days as a result of the disruption. However, a spokeswoman for Uisce Eireann denied that this was the case after The Mayo News contacted the utility for a statement. "Uisce Eireann was made aware of an interruption to the water supply on Clare Island this Tuesday, November 14 and immediately began working to identify the issue. "Difficulties were encountered in restoring supply to all parts of the network and dedicated crews worked through the issues in recent days with water restored to all homes by Thursday, November 16. Uisce Eireann regrets the inconvenience caused to the community," concluded a statement from Uisce Eireann. News / Local by Staff reporter Members of Parliament from the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) criticized the government for the sluggish progress in investigating the escalating cases of alleged abductions and murders of opposition figures.The opposition has raised concerns about a surge in alleged abductions, accusing the government of suppressing dissenting voices.Recently, a CCC activist, Tapfumaneyi Masaya, was reportedly abducted and later found dead.Despite accusations of a lackadaisical approach to investigating such cases, the government has consistently pledged to initiate inquests.Fadzayi Mahere, MP for Mt Pleasant, asserted that the government had failed in its constitutional duty to protect citizens and demanded thorough investigations into alleged abductions."Section 219 (1) (c) obliges the Police Service to secure the lives of Zimbabwean people. Section 48 of the Constitution guarantees the right to life, and Section 53 guarantees that no person may be subjected to physical or psychological torture or cruel, inhuman, degrading treatment or punishment. Over the last four weeks, we have seen an escalation in abductions, enforced disappearances," Mahere stated before being interrupted by Zanu-PF MPs.In response, Ziyambi Ziyambi, the leader of the government in parliament, emphasized that individuals with information about the abductions should report to the authorities."We have a policy that informs what the laws must be, and we have a Constitution that clearly indicates that we must protect the right to life. We have a Constitution that prohibits enforced disappearances. So, the policy of government is already there. What is needed is, if there is anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of these individuals that they are alleging abducted' or did whatever they did, they must provide the investigating officers with that information so that they can investigate fully and ensure that they are prosecuted," said Ziyambi.Last month, former MP James Chidhakwa was allegedly abducted and later found with injuries. Legislator Takudzwa Ngadziore was also reportedly abducted by unknown armed individuals and later left in Mazowe.Kuwadzana West MP Johnson Matambo questioned the Minister of Home Affairs, Kazembe Kazembe, on the legality, use, and safety of firearms in light of incidents such as kidnappings and killings. News / Local by Staff reporter Former President Jacob Zuma has cited Chief Justice Raymond Zondo's recent public remarks about him in his latest bid to legally challenge the appointment of Zondo as the Head of the Judiciary.Zuma filed a supplementary affidavit in the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria on Wednesday, stating that Zondo's remarks indicate, among other things, that he is "unfit to hold office" and that he "unnecessarily indulges in political commentary".The former President approached the High Court earlier this year in a bid to have Chief Justice Zondo's appointment reversed. Zondo was appointed Chief Justice in April 2022 following interviews with the Judicial Service Commission.This was despite the JSC recommending then Supreme Court of Appeal Judge President Mandisa Maya for the position.In the latest court papers, the former President includes recent utterances by the Chief Justice at the National Anti-Corruption Dialogue and a television interview as well as the subsequent condemnation that followed.Zuma argues in papers that the conduct of the Chief Justice is ongoing and "likely to be repeated" unless the relief he seeks is granted.He goes on to state that lodging a complaint to the Judicial Service Commission, which is chaired by the Chief Justice, has "proven to be a futile exercise".Zuma first launched the challenge through the Jacob Zuma Foundation in May.President Cyril Ramaphosa, who appointed Justice Zondo to the high seat, filed a notice to oppose the application on September 26.This was while the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) filed a notice that it would abide by any ruling the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, would hand down over the matter.In a statement released by the Zuma Foundation on Thursday, spokesperson Mzwanele Manyi said Ramaphosa and the JSC eventually produced "an incomplete record" of the documents."Some startling revelations have emerged from the record which put into serious doubt the rationality of President Ramaphosa's decision to appoint Judge Zondo ahead of Judge Mandisa Maya in particular. She was the candidate highly recommended by the JSC and leaders of political parties representing the vast majority of public representatives."It has also emerged that Judge Zondo received only three votes, compared to 19 votes for Judge Maya, making him the worst performer. He was also the only candidate to receive a serious adverse character comment from the JSC, which remarked that efficiency and discipline did not appear to be his strengths'," Manyi stated.The Foundation further accused Ramaphosa of violating the Constitution, which specifically prohibits gender discrimination. The President is compelled by the Constitution to consider "the need for the judiciary to reflect broadly the racial and gender composition of South Africa", which the Zuma Foundation said Ramaphosa's decision to overlook Judge Maya "in spite of her far superior credentials, performance, and suitability for the position" represented a "clear case" of gender discrimination."This legal challenge will give him the opportunity to justify his conduct, failing which it must be declared unconstitutional and set aside," Manyi said.The Foundation also wants Justice Zondo to pay back the money he earned as Chief Justice.Manyi said they also intend on asking the court to refer Zondo's "ongoing aggravating conduct of crossing the line" by dabbling in political commentary to the JSC for investigation and disciplinary action."We therefore look forward to the President's answering affidavit and hope that, for once, justice will be done in a case involving President Ramaphosa," Manyi said. News / Local by Staff reporter POLICE in Kabwe have arrested a radio caller Chalwe Kaume who complained to the Central Province Permanent Secretary Milner Mwanakampwe for the UPND's failure to fulfill campaign promises.This happened on Thursday when Mr Kaume called on Cloud FM radio programme where Mr Mwanakampwe was featured and started by narrating how he and his family nowadays have to ration meal limes.Mr Kaume complained that the economy under the UPND had become so harsh that he and his family were being forced to preserve leftovers to survive the following day. But Mr Mwanakampwe did not take kindly to the complaints and immediately went ballistic using vulgar and harsh language, forcing the moderator to curtail the conversation.Mr Mwanakampwe claimed the PF had messed up the economy and that the UPND was working hard to clean up, forcing the moderator with no option but to fade away the conversation. by Laurie Sullivan @lauriesullivan, November 16, 2023 Sundar Pichai didnt like the optics of Google being the only search engine in the Apple Safari browser years before he became the CEO at Alphabet and Google. While overseeing Googles Chrome browser business in 2007, Pichai wrote an email to Google co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin, among other executives. It explained the companys insistence on being the default, but added: I think we should also encourage them to have Yahoo as a choice in a pull down or some easy option. He didnt think it would produce a good user experience. Nor did he like the optics for Google to be the only provider in the browser, according to The Wall Street Journal. The antitrust case against Google that began on September 12, hit a milestone this week when Pichai, the Justice Departments last scheduled witness, concluded his testimony on Tuesday. He is expected to be called as a witness by Googles lawyers later in the trial. advertisement advertisement Sridhar Ramaswamy, Neeva founder and a former head of Googles ad business, answered questions on the stand about why his search engine shut down and failed to take on Google, and why Google pays billions of dollars annually to maintain its default status on smartphones. Google, per the WSJ, is likely to highlight testimony in its closing arguments that shows competitors dont need a large share of the market to deliver useful search results and compete with Google. Ramaswamy told U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta that most users just use the default settings on a device. He also testified that Neeva would have been able to profitably deliver high-quality search results if it only had a 2.5% market share in search. Microsoft really wanted to become the default search engine. The companys CEO, Satya Nadella, testified it would be willing to incur losses of $15 billion a year to make Bing a default search engine on Apple devices. Mikhail Parakhin, CEO of advertising and web services at Microsoft, testified that he thought Apple used Microsoft as a bargaining chip because the threat of them switching allows them to extract better conditions from Google." The United States may require Google to go the way of Europe, where users choose a search engine from a screen on a new device. This is called a choice screen. It designates a search engine and a browser when consumers power up a new phone, computer, laptop and tablet. Europe announced the process in April 2019, based on a mandate to comply with the European Commission's ruling the year prior. The European Union (EU) fined Google, saying it had an unfair advantage by pre-installing its Chrome browser and Google search app on Android smartphones and notebooks. It was adopted in Europe the following year. A first-price sealed-bid auction" helped to select the other general search providers that appeared in the choice screen. It ran on a per-country basis from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020. Following the initial round of auctions, any subsequent rounds occurred once per year. That was the plan for Europe and may become the plan for the United States. by Steve McClellan @mp_mcclellan, November 17, 2023 Publicis Groupe has appointed Loris Nold, current CEO of its Europe, Middle East and Africa operations, as its global chief financial officer starting February 2024. Nold will replace Michel-Alain Proch who will step down in February (following the publication of the 2023 full-year financial results) to take on a new role outside of the company. advertisement advertisement Succeeding Nold in the EMEA CEO spot will be Demet Ikiler, currently COO of the region. With a finance background as a former investment banker in New York and London, Nold joined Publicis Groupe in 2003, overseeing mergers & acquisitions and later business improvement. Since then, he has taken on operational leadership and P&L responsibilities for some of the groups key operations around the world. As CEO of Publicis APAC, he led the groups transformation in the region, implementing the country model and driving significant performance improvement. More recently, as CEO of EMEA, he established a regional infrastructure while recording what the company called a strong financial performance in the region. I am a long range biker and love going on challenging bike routes that offer breathtaking views. This time I chose to cover the Rann of Kutch for my next adventure bike tour. In this article, I am going to share: How did I prepare for the Rann of Kutch bike tour My complete day-wise itinerary Pro-biking tips for long tours If you have a passion for travel, a love for bikes, then you should add the 'Rann of Kutch' to your motorcycle tour bucketlist. Ready to hit the road? Let's get started. Preparing & Gearing Up for the Rann of Kutch Bajaj Dominar It's important that you do the pre-ride checks before going on a long-range bike tour. Here are all the things I did before going to this bike tour: Mechanical check up on my motorcycle Packing the Travel Essentials for my bike tour My 8 Point Mechanical Check-Up for Bikes Suspension Check - The bike's suspension has to face varying terrains. So I always make it a point to inspect it for any signs of leakage or wear. A well-maintained suspension is key to a comfortable ride. Rear Swing-Arm Bush Inspection - Overlooking the rear swing-arm bush can lead to instability. I check for wear and tear, and replace it if necessary. Chain and Sprocket - The chain and spocket are vital for smooth acceleration and deceleration. I replece them if they show significant wear. Clutch Adjustment - Ensure the clutch is properly adjusted. Any drag or slip could hamper your riding experience, especially on challenging terrains. Battery and Earthing Connections - The demanding terrains require a robust electrical system. I always make it a point to check the battery and ensure all connections are secure. Cable Inspection - Frayed or rough cables can be a safety hazard. I replace them for a smoother operation. Fuel Consumption Note - I always plan my fuel stops well in advance of my bike tour. I check the motorcycle's fuel efficiency to plan my fuel stops effectively. Tyre Check - The bike tyres are the primary contact with the road. I always ensure they are in good condition, with adequate tread and no signs of wear. Essential Packing List Personal and Safety Gear Documentation - I ensure that my papers and documentations are in order. Things like the driver's license, vehicle registration, insurance, and PUC must be kept handy. I ensure that my papers and documentations are in order. Things like the driver's license, vehicle registration, insurance, and PUC must be kept handy. Riding Gears - I invest in a high-quality helmet, riding jacket, pants, gloves, and boots. Always prioritise gear with CE-approved armour for maximum protection. Luggage Tips Packing Smart - With limited space, I mostly pack light. You can use a duffel bag or a rucksack that can be securely strapped to your bike. With limited space, I mostly pack light. You can use a duffel bag or a rucksack that can be securely strapped to your bike. Waterproofing - I always ensure that my luggage has waterproof covers. You should too. You never know when you might encounter a sudden downpour. Health and Hygiene First-Aid Kit - I carry a basic first-aid kit along with any personal medication. I carry a basic first-aid kit along with any personal medication. Hygiene & Safety Kit - This includes the face masks, gloves, and hand sanitizers. The Complete Unfiltered Tour Experience with My Full Day-wise Itinerary of the Rann of Kutch Bajaj Dominar Day 0 - "Ahmedabad - Meet and Greet - Debriefing" My Rann of Kutch Motorbike Tour flagged off in Ahmedabad, with adventurers from various walks of life converging, united by a single passion - the love of motorbiking and the thirst for exploration. The day began with an atmosphere charged with excitement and anticipation. This meet and greet session isn't just about introductions; it's about forming a connection, a team that will ride together, face challenges together, and create memories together. For new bikers and motorcycle enthusiasts, this is also a time of learning, absorbing tips and insights from more experienced riders, whose tales of past adventures are both inspiring and instructive. Day 1 - "Ahmedabad to Little Rann to Bhuj - The Journey Begins" gujarattourism Total Travel Distance: 331 Km 331 Km Time to Reach: 6 Hours 6 Hours Major Stops: Bhuj I started my trip to Bhuj along the Little Rann, which is a beautiful path. This part of the trip is more than just a ride, it's more of a change from the busy city to the peace and quiet of nature. I was able to see the Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary in Little Rann, which is known for its salt ponds. It's really exciting to see wild pigs, pink flamingos, and other migrating birds in their native environment. As I kept going towards Bhuj, I saw a scenery full of historical sites. Bhuj is a place with a lot of history that shows off in India's diverse culture. The city's strength in the face of natural tragedies is impressive, and its architectural gems, such as the Aina Mahal and Prag Mahal, show how great it used to be. My day's ride ended here, giving ne a chance to rest and think about what I covered today. Day 2 - "Bhuj to White Rann and Back - A Surreal Landscape" rannutsav Total Travel Distance: 87 Km 87 Km Time to Reach: 2 Hours 2 Hours Major Stops: White Rann My ride to the famous White Rann was truly amazing. The White Rann, a huge area of white salt desert, has a surreal look that draws every rider in. The most beautiful part of this stretch is the sunset. A once-in-a-lifetime event is seeing the sun go down below the horizon and colour the salt painting orange and pink. I used this view and time to think my life, how I have changed over the years. I was amazed by the beauty of nature. After watching the sun go down, I rode back to Bhuj with memories that will last a lifetime. Day 3 - "Exploring the Cultural Riches of Kutch to Dhordo gujarattouristguide Total Travel Distance: 347 Km 347 Km Time to Reach: 8 Hours 8 Hours Major Stops: Naliya, Koteshwar, Lakhpat, Dhordo My Day 3 was dedicated to exploring the cultural heart of the Kutch region. When I rode through Naliya, Koteshwar, and Lakhpat, I could see how these places still follow customs that are hundreds of years old. The weave and cloth business in Naliya gave me a look into the region's artistry. Koteshwar, with its old temple, watches over the Arabian Sea from the westernmost point of India. Everyone who comes to Lakhpat, a dead town with a long history, is interested. It was once a busy port, but now it just stands there as a warning of how temporary things are. The fort walls, tombs, and empty homes tell stories of a different time. In Dhordo, I got an up-close experience of the tribal Bhungas, traditional Kutchi mud houses, known for their unique architecture and intricate decorations. The day ended with an exploration of local handicrafts, including the famous Kutch embroidery. Day 4 - "Dhordo to Indus Valley Civilization Excavation Point to Dholavira - Riding Through History" Travel and Leisure Asia Total Travel Distance: 297 Km 297 Km Time to Reach: 8 Hours 8 Hours Major Stops: Surkotada, Indus Valley Civilization, Dholavira Day 4 was like going back in time on the way to the Surkotada dig site. Surkotada is an important historical site of the Indus Valley Civilization. It is a unique chance to see the remains of one of the oldest societies in the world. When I stood in the ruins and thought about how busy life must have been here in the past. It was a humbling experience. It's incredible how time passes by, the cities/places stay where they are as anchors of how times have changed. It was just as exciting to drive on the new highway to Dholavira. Dholavira is another important site in the Indus Valley that shows how smart the people who lived there were at building cities and planning cities. This part of the trip was more than just a ride; it's also a way to learn about our old past. Day 5 - "The Homeward Bound - Dholavira to Ahmedabad" Expedia Total Travel Distance: 328 Km 328 Km Time to Reach: 7.5 Hours 7.5 Hours Major Stops: Ahmedabad (Final Stop) The last part of my road trip was a mix of thoughts. You feel like you've accomplished something as you slow down and head back to Ahmedabad. I had finished a difficult but a satisfying trip. The memories of the places I saw, the people I met, and the friendships I made along the way will stay with me forever. On the way back, I thought about whatever I covered, replayed the memories in my head, and really felt thankful and blessed to had the means and resources to finish this trip. It was also a chance to enjoy the ride on My Dominar 400. I felt how my bike responds as I rode over different terrains, and enjoyed the beauty of the route one last time. Selecting the Right Bike for Your Adventure Bajaj Dominar When preparing for a bike tour as thrilling as the Rann of Kutch, choosing the perfect motorcycle is crucial. You'll need a bike that's reliable, rugged, and comfortable for those long journeys across varying terrains. My experience with the Dominar 400 was near perfect. With its potent 373cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine delivering a steady 35PS of power, the Dominar was well-suited for both highway cruising and off-road exploration. Its upright riding position and comfortable seat made sure that those extended long rides were enjoyable. Rest assured, no matter what challenges you face in the Rann of Kutch, I am sure you can count on the Dominar 400 as a trusted companion that won't disappoint you. Bottomline Bajaj Dominar I hope you enjoyed reading about my Rann of Kutch Motorcycle Tour. If you've ridden these routes or have experiences to share, feel free to comment below. And if you're planning an adventure like this, consider a quality touring bike like the Bajaj Dominar. The Rann of Kutch tour offers breathtaking landscapes, riding with a legend, and lifelong memories. Prepare your bike, pack smart, and embrace this transformative journey. Escape the ordinary, answer the call of the open road, and explore Kutch's beauty and culture. For more such articles for bike riders, checkout our New Bikes category page. A Navy warship in the Red Sea on Wednesday again shot down a threatening drone when it got too close and forced the crew to take defensive actions, according to the Pentagon. The drone came from Yemen and was heading in the direction of the USS Thomas Hudner destroyer, which was in international waters, when the shoot-down occurred, the Pentagon said in a released statement. It was the latest in a series of confrontations in the region as the U.S. military deployed forces to deter a regional conflict amid the Israel-Hamas war. Another destroyer fired on drones and missiles from Yemen last month, and there have been near daily drone and rocket attacks by Iran-backed groups on U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria that have caused traumatic brain injuries. Read Next: Soldier and Family Found Dead in Home at Fort Stewart, Army Investigation Underway "Our assessment right now is that the intended target was not the Hudner, but that the drone got so close to the crew that the commander did feel it necessary to engage and shoot down the drone," Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh told reporters Thursday. Singh said she could not confirm whether the drone belonged to the Houthis, an Iran-backed rebel group that has waged civil war in Yemen for years and more recently waged strikes on Israel as it wages war on Hamas. "We're still doing an assessment of the ownership," she said. Singh said she didn't know how close the drone actually got to the ship, and she wouldn't say what weapons the crew used to take it out. A Navy official told Military.com that the Hudner is now in the Gulf of Aden. The incident comes just over a month after another guided-missile destroyer, the USS Carney, shot down four missiles and 15 drones over the Red Sea that were launched by the Houthis in Yemen, as well as an ever-growing rate of drone and missile strikes on U.S. bases across the Middle East that the Pentagon has also attributed to groups aligned with Iran. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told reporters while traveling in Indonesia Thursday that he expects to see more of these incidents -- both attacks in Iraq and Syria as well as Houthi weapons launches. The two at-sea, shoot-down incidents shared a strong resemblance. Neither ship was explicitly targeted but rather found itself along the flight path of drones that may have been headed elsewhere, according to the Pentagon's description. The missiles and drones shot down by the Carney were launched north along the Red Sea and not directly at the ship but "potentially toward targets in Israel," the Pentagon said in October. Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder, the Pentagon's top spokesman, also later clarified that the assessment was based largely on the direction of the missiles' flight rather than a deeper understanding of their range and capabilities. Ryder also wouldn't say whether the threat they posed was to the ship or Israel at the time. Meanwhile, land attacks against U.S. forces in the region continue. The Pentagon said it was a total of 58 since Oct. 17, despite three retaliatory U.S. airstrikes against Iranian-backed militia targets in Syria meant to deter the activity. "Is deterrence working? We feel that it is. We have not seen this war spread into a wider regional conflict," Singh told reporters Tuesday. Austin said that the current attacks hadn't reached the threshold of a wider regional conflict. Pressed by reporters, Austin added that, "If you saw us in a fight with Iran or if you saw us in a fight with the Houthis, an all-out fight, I think that's a regional conflict." -- Konstantin Toropin can be reached at konstantin.toropin@military.com. Follow him on X at @ktoropin. Related: Navy Shoots Down Missiles, Troops in Iraq and Syria Face Drone Attacks as Israel War Inflames Tensions A family of four was found dead in their on-post home at Fort Stewart, Georgia, Wednesday in what authorities are calling an isolated incident. A soldier, her spouse and their two children were found deceased by authorities at approximately 2 p.m., according to a press release from the installation that was released on Thursday. The soldier's unit requested a welfare check and Fort Stewart military police responded to the scene, the base said. The individuals were pronounced dead at 5:30 p.m. on the day they were found. Fort Stewart law enforcement and the Army's Criminal Investigation Division are investigating the deaths. Read Next: Veteran Suicides Ticked Upward in 2021 Following 2 Years of Decline, Latest VA Statistics Show The press release did not state how the individuals died. Per policy, the installation will not release the identities of the deceased until next of kin are notified. "This is an isolated incident; there is no threat to the Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield community," the press release said. "As the investigation is in progress, no additional information can be provided at this time." Kevin Larson, Fort Stewart's chief of public communications, told Military.com that there would be an update, but did not say when it would be released or if the next of kin had been notified as of Thursday afternoon. The welfare check was requested the same day that the family was found deceased. As to when exactly and why the welfare check was requested, Larson said those details would not be released yet as they are "part of the investigative process." Fort Stewart is a sprawling installation -- roughly 288,000 acres -- located in the town of Hinesville just southwest of Savannah, Georgia. It is home to the Army's 3rd Infantry Division. The installation also claims Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah, which "plays a critical role in the post's deployment capabilities," according to Fort Stewart's website. Between the airfield and the installation, Stewart-Hunter employs over 25,000 people, including 21,200 soldiers. Nearly 20,000 military retirees live in the community. Last year, a medical evacuation pilot was killed in a helicopter crash at Fort Stewart. It involved two Black Hawks and the incident was ruled a suicide, according to previous reporting by Military.com. In 2019, three soldiers were killed at the installation when their Bradley Fighting Vehicle rolled over and submerged into a stream, officials at the time said. -- Drew F. Lawrence can be reached at drew.lawrence@military.com. Follow him on X @df_lawrence. Related: Soldier Crashed Helicopter Before Running to and Crashing a Second in 2022 Suicide, Investigators Find News / Local by Staff reporter The upcoming mayoral elections in Masvingo are posing a fresh challenge for Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa as the party seeks to determine a successor for the shortest-serving former mayor, Shantiel Chiwara.The elections, scheduled for Friday, November 17, are expected to see the appointment of a placeholder' mayor, with Chiwara poised to take over after a by-election in December.Chamisa's decision-making process during Chiwara's initial election was notably protracted, eventually declaring Chiwara as the candidate in the 11th hour.While this choice was welcomed by many party supporters, discontent led to councilors having to take pictures of their ballots as a precautionary measure to prevent defiance, as witnessed in 2018 when former mayor Collen Maboke ascended without party approval.Sources reveal that Chamisa is now considering the election of a councilor perceived as weaker, who would step down after the December 09 by-election, facilitating Chiwara's anticipated victory.According to an inside source, the preferred candidate for this strategic role is Ward 9 Councilor Bernard Muchokwa, deemed easily controllable."Amongst the councilors, Muchokwa is believed to be a greenhorn who will not cause headaches when asked to step down and pave the way for Chiwara. On the other hand, he is also believed to be able considering his level of education, unlike other newbies Tafara Masimba and Maxwell Madhuna. Others like (deputy mayor Daniel) Mberikunashe (ward 5), Alec Tabe (ward 4), and Richard Musekiwa (ward 8) are considered strongmen who could refuse to step down if the need arises," explained the source.The mayoral contest appears intense, with four or five out of 12 CCC councilors eyeing the top post, and unless strict measures are implemented, there is a potential defiance against orders to impose a mayor."Four or five people are currently warming themselves for the seat. Mberikunashe and Muchokwa are possible party favourites, while two best friends, Richard Musekiwa of Ward 8 and Alec Tabe of Ward 4, have decided to put their friendship aside and lock horns if the situation allows. On Tabe's faction Sitemere could also throw in his hat and one of them would be mayor and the other deputy," added the source.Mberikunashe's chances are heightened as he is the current deputy mayor, and is regarded as mature politician having served the same council since 2013 although concerns arise if he contests and loses both the mayoral and deputy mayoral posts.Tabe's vocal nature positions him as a potential mayor, but trust issues with top leadership may impede his candidacy though he seems to have support from a sizable number of councillors including two from Zanu-PF.Musekiwa, with experience in council, lacks charisma and a comparable education level, presenting a contrasting contender in the mayoral race.As Masvingo prepares for the mayoral elections, CCC navigates a complex terrain, balancing party preferences with individual capabilities.Other sources said a meeting held Thursday (November 16) in the afternoon with all CCC councillors, local leadership and national director for elections Farai Chinobva failed to yield a meaningful resolution and the party position will be announced just before elections to avoid scheming.The source went on to say the likely scenario will see councillors being forced to take pictures of their ballot paper after voting unless they are saved by Zanu-PF councillors as they almost did last time. A Navy veteran who touted his military service throughout his trial on a range of charges stemming from his role in the Jan. 6, 2021, siege at the Capitol was sentenced to nearly five years in prison in federal court on Thursday. Kenneth Joseph Owen Thomas, 41, was sentenced to four years and 10 months of jail, followed by three years of probation as well as a $20,000 fine and $2,000 of restitution, after being found guilty on seven charges that included assault against police officers and disorderly conduct offenses. Jurors also acquitted him of two counts that included obstructing a congressional proceeding and deadlocked on two other counts. Thomas was filmed physically and verbally attacking police officers who were trying to keep the massive throng of protesters from entering the U.S. Capitol that day. Then, after he was charged, prosecutors said he "acted as a one-man misinformation machine," not only denying the events of that day but fundraising off his status as a defendant and offering a platform to other deniers. Read Next: Veteran Suicides Ticked Upward in 2021 Following 2 Years of Decline, Latest VA Statistics Show On the day of the riot, Thomas, who lives in Ohio, came to Washington, D.C., with his wife and child, court documents say. After attending the "Stop the Steal" rally at the Ellipse, Thomas and his family started to march down Pennsylvania Avenue toward the U.S. Capitol building. The veteran testified in court that as they got close to the compound, his wife said, "Something [is] not right, and then she asked me, you know, please leave right now." Thomas sent his wife and child to safety but testified that he told them, "I can go and help ... That's what the military trains you to do, is you go towards the danger and provide any sort of aid that you can." Once he arrived, however, video captured him hitting and punching officers and egging on the mob. Prosecutors said that he shouted chants like "Police stand down" and "this is our house." "Thomas joined a 'back the blue' chant, but then also joined in when the crowd began yelling, 'TRAITORS, TRAITORS, TRAITORS' at the same police line," a court document said. He also yelled at the police that "we all took the same oath, I'm a veteran, I took the same oath you took," prosecutors alleged. Thomas' attorneys argued in a sentencing memo that he was "brutally aware of the seriousness of his conduct" on the day of the Jan. 6 riot and is taking "full and complete responsibility for his actions." "None of the officers contacted by Mr. Thomas on Jan. 6 reported any physical pain or injuries attributed to Mr. Thomas," the memo argued. After his arrest, Thomas noted his Navy service to his probation officer, but prosecutors pointed out in a sentencing memo that he misled them about the nature of his service. According to records provided by the Navy to Military.com, Thomas enlisted in the service in June 2000 but served for only three years, separating in October 2003 as an E-2 apprentice airman. His only duty station was Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 213 in Oceana, Virginia, and his awards include two Sea Service Deployment Ribbons, suggesting he spent at least three months at sea on two occasions. However, on his fundraising campaign page, Thomas described himself as "a Navy veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom [Afghanistan] & Operation Iraqi Freedom [Iraq]." Records provided by the Navy, however, do not show medals that would typically be awarded for participating in those operations. Prosecutors noted in one filing that "Thomas actively misled the probation officer during his presentence interview, particularly regarding his dismissal from the Navy," telling them he had one "non-judicial punishment for an unspecified offense" when he actually received three non-judicial punishments and was "ultimately dismissed in connection with his misconduct." That filing noted that those three punishments were over making "provoking speech and gestures" at a fellow sailor, being absent without permission, and using methamphetamines and marijuana. Overall, the Navy busted Thomas down in rank, put him in the brig for a month and gave him a general discharge over the span of the three offenses. After his discharge, Thomas continued to have run-ins with the law, including a domestic battery and felony burglary conviction. After he was charged, Thomas took to leveraging his status as a Jan. 6 defendant, explaining away his conduct and the conduct of other rioters on livestreams, podcasts and in-person appearances like the "Jan. 6 Truth and Light Freedom Festival." All that activity helped raise "over $77,607 in charitable contributions," according to court filings. Those efforts included setting up a raffle where one of the prizes was a "USA v THOMAS Trial Transcript, signed by the defendant and attorneys," the prosecution noted. At the time of publication, Thomas' GiveSendGo campaign page shows he raised just over $80,000 in funds. Prosecutors had asked for a prison term of just over nine years and argued for a fine of $77,607, arguing that he "should not be permitted to keep a single cent of this money because doing so would allow him to 'capitalize' on his crime." Thomas now becomes the latest in a line of military veterans, and even some active-duty service members, who have been charged for their part in the assault on the U.S. Capitol building that day. According to the George Washington University's Project on Extremism, more than 115 Jan. 6 defendants have some form of military background. -- Konstantin Toropin can be reached at konstantin.toropin@military.com. Follow him on X at @ktoropin. Related: 3 Active-Duty Marines Who Work in Intelligence Arrested for Alleged Participation in Jan. 6 Riot There are countless movies about or set in the Roman Empire, but it sometimes feels like Hollywood forgot about Hannibal Barca, the Carthaginian general who terrorized Rome in its early years. Not anymore. Deadline reports that Denzel Washington is reteaming with director Antoine Fuqua ("Training Day," "The Equalizer 3") for an as-yet untitled take on Hannibal's story for Netflix. Screenwriter John Logan, who was on the team that brought us "Gladiator," rounds out an all-star squad that should give any war movie fan goosebumps. And with good reason: Hannibal's story is so incredible, even the Romans admitted it. Imagine building a statue of your childhood bully in recognition of all the terrible ass-kickings he delivered before you finally punched him in the face. Sure, Rome's empire might have been one of the longest-lived and most powerful empires in 5,000 years of recorded history, but it was so beaten and humiliated by Hannibal that Rome eventually built a statue for him. If Hannibal doesn't seem thrilled it's because he knows how the story ends. Centuries before the BC-AD changeover, Rome and the North African city of Carthage engaged in a series of wars that spanned almost 80 years. There were three of these Punic Wars (named for the ancient Greek word for Phoenician, from which people of Carthage we descended), each shorter than the one before it. They were so epic (literally and figuratively) that historians still pour over things like "Fabian Strategy," double envelopment and unified command -- even at the U.S. Army War College. Back in 264 BC, Rome was a shadow of what it would one day become and Carthage was the regional powerhouse. The two first went to war over control of Sicily that year, which was mainly fought at sea. The Romans won control of the island and pressed on to invade North Africa. It was there the two engaged in the Battle of Cape Ecnomus, which featured almost 300,000 combatants, making it the largest naval battle in history by the number of troops involved. Carthage would sue for peace and pay reparations to end the war. But that's what led to Hannibal's rise. In 221 BC, Carthaginian general Hasdrubal the Fair, viceroy of Iberia (what is today Spain), was assassinated, bringing his brother-in-law, Hannibal Barca, to prominence. The Second Punic War began after Hannibal, then 26 years old, laid siege to the Roman-allied city of Saguntum in Spain and sacked it. Rome demanded Hannibal be sent to Rome for punishment. Instead of that, they went to war. In 218, Hannibal famously crossed the Alps in 15 days with 20,000 troops, 6,000 cavalry and some elephants. Rome's army had already gone into winter quarters, allowing Hannibal to absolutely crush every Roman force in Northern Italy. What's worse for Rome was that Hannibal wasn't losing troops, but in fact was gaining them as more Roman allies defected. The Second Punic War saw Hannibal deliver the worst defeat by any army against another in recorded history at the Battle of Cannae. Hannibal's troops killed 70,000-80,000 of Rome's 86,000 soldiers, making it the most lethal day of warfare until World War I. Carthage kicked Roman armies around for nearly a decade after Cannae. It wasn't until 210 BC, when Roman general Scipio began to turn the tide. Denzel Washington: any time, any era, any soldier. Scipio took the fight first to Carthaginian Iberia and then to Carthage itself. Carthage's allies began to defect as a large Roman army landed in North Africa. Hannibal was recalled to defend the city, met Scipio's army at Zama and was soundly beaten by an inferior Roman force. Hannibal escaped, but Carthage would never be the same. Scipio earned the title "Africanus" after forcing Carthage into a humiliating peace that subjected the city-state to Roman oversight. Hannibal would eventually become a fugitive, attack Roman allies for different nations and eventually kill himself after being cornered by Roman troops. Despite his untimely end, he was so terrifying to Romans that, for centuries after his death, they would still shout "Hannibal ad portas" ("Hannibal is at the gates") to describe emergency situations. Now that Washington, along with the creators who made "Training Day" and "Gladiator," is turning the story into a movie, the rest of the world will learn why. There's no release date set for it, but it is rumored to be in 2024. -- Blake Stilwell can be reached at blake.stilwell@military.com. He can also be found on Facebook, X or on LinkedIn. Keep Up With the Best in Military Entertainment Whether you're looking for news and entertainment, thinking of joining the military or keeping up with military life and benefits, Military.com has you covered. Subscribe to the Military.com newsletter to have military news, updates and resources delivered straight to your inbox. How to use the mindat.org media viewer Click/touch this help panel to close it. Welcome to the mindat.org media viewer. Here is a quick guide to some of the options available to you. Different controls are available depending on the type of media being shown (photo, video, animation, 3d image) Controls - all media types Zoom in and out of media using your mousewheel or with a two-finger 'resize' action on a touch device. Use the mouse or your finger to drag the image or the view area of the image around the screen. < and > at the left and right hand side of the screen move forwards and backwards for the other images associated with the media you selected. Usually this is used for previous/next photo in a gallery, in an article or in search results. Keyboard shortcuts: use shift + the left and right arrow keys. < and > in the bottom center are used for switching between the photos of the same specimen. Keyboard shortcuts: use the left and right arrow keys. > in the bottom center, raises the information box giving details and further options for the media, < at the top of this box then hides it. 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Summary of all keyboard shortcuts News / Local by Staff reporter Political activist Sybeth Musengezi who is facing allegations of using a fake address to join Zanu-PF structures has made an application for temporary release of his passport.He indicated that he wants to travel to South Africa for business arrangements.Musengezi told the court that he is in the construction business and wanted to travel to South Africa to buy an excavator.Prosecuting, Ms Dzidzai Josiah opposed the application saying the court should consider whether this application is in the interest of justice.Ms Josiah also submitted that in this case, the accused person intends to travel for business purposes.She also indicated that Musengezi was also a flight risk.The matter was postponed to November 21 for ruling.Allegations are that sometime in 2012, Musengezi, acting in common purpose with Allen Chisuko and Taurai Mutimbanyoka, misrepresented to Zanu-PF that he stayed at No. 4315 Hatcliffe Extension, Harare for him to join as a member of the ruling party's Muzinda 1A District.It is said that he was then registered and became a member. In 2019, Musengezi allegedly connived with Mutimbanyoka and misrepresented that he was within the cells of Zanu-PF's Mai Chitepo Branch, Muzinda 1 District. The court heard that Musengezi also became eligible for elections to a Zanu-PF branch position or post a preserve only for Zanu-PF political party members who would be appearing in the cell structures.Musengezi was then elected as the Zanu-PF Mai Chitepo branch Muzinda H District Youth Wing vice chairperson. It is alleged that Musengezi deprived the ruling party of its good reputation and good administration. He also allegedly participated in Zanu-PF political elections and programmes which he was not entitled to and which he would not have enjoyed if he was not a member. WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI -- A 43-year-old man was fatally stabbed at an Ann Arbor-area hotel early Thursday morning. Officers from the Pittsfield Township Police Department were called to Days Inn by Wyndham Ann Arbor, 2380 Carpenter Road in Pittsfield Township around 4:30 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 16, according to a release from the department. When they arrived, officers found an unconscious male victim with a stab wound to the chest. The man was taken to Trinity Health Ann Arbor Hospital, but later died of his injuries, police said. The suspect, a 40-year-old woman from Ypsilanti Township, was taken to the University of Michigan Hospital for evaluation, police said. She is being held at the Washtenaw County Jail pending review by the prosecutors office. The Days Inn could not be reached for comment. Police did not immediately release any additional information. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Pittsfield Township Police Department at 734-822-4958. Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page, the Ypsilanti-area news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Ann Arbor daily newsletter. ANN ARBOR, MI -- Two people were injured in an early-morning stabbing in downtown Ann Arbor. A 55-year-old man and 39-year-old woman were injured in a stabbing around 4:15 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 17, in the 200 block of E. Huron Street, according to Chris Page, spokesperson for the Ann Arbor Police Department. The woman suffered injuries to her forearm, while the man had injuries to his leg, Page told MLive/The Ann Arbor News. Both were taken to the hospital and are expected to survive, police said on social media around 11:20 a.m. The stabbing, which is being investigated as a domestic incident, occurred inside a room at the Embassy Hotel Ann Arbor, 200 E. Huron Street., police said. There is no known threat to the public, police said. Residents are asked to avoid the area, police said on social media. The area outside of the Embassy Hotel Ann Arbor was blocked by police around 7 a.m. and cleared around 11:30 a.m., police said. Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page, the Ypsilanti-area news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Ann Arbor daily newsletter. ANN ARBOR, MI Another piece of old Ann Arbor may be razed to make way for new development. Following the trend of high-rise housing replacing small commercial buildings along the South University Avenue strip next to the University of Michigan, a developer is proposing a 17-story, mixed-use building to replace the Galleria building that houses Pinball Petes and other businesses. A newly unveiled rendering by Myefski Architects shows plans for a tower with 211 apartments above 2,000 square feet of ground-floor commercial space at 1208 South University Ave. The 17-story high-rise proposed for 1208 South University Ave. in Ann Arbor.Myefski Architects Pinball Petes co-owner Mike Reynolds said Friday, Nov. 17, he was still learning about the plans and unsure what the future holds for his business in Ann Arbor at this time. The popular arcade has been in business for more than 40 years in Ann Arbor and East Lansing and has called South U home for many years now in its current location since the 1990s. Ive been around for a while now and its interesting to watch all the changes here, and I live in East Lansing, so I see all the changes there, and I understand all of it, Reynolds said. And its progress and thats just part of the deal. Pinball Pete's arcade in the Galleria building on South University Avenue in Ann Arbor on Nov. 17, 2023. (Ryan Stanton | MLive.com)Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News In addition to Pinball Petes, the existing building includes a Starbucks coffee shop, Pancheros Mexican Grill, a U.S. Post Office, the University of Michigans Program on Intergroup Relations, an Amazon hub and Vape City. Its sandwiched between two popular campus-area bars that also have been around many years: the Brown Jug and Blue Leprechaun. OK, now theyve gone too far. Fans react to potential demolition of Pinball Petes The first-floor plan for the high-rise now proposed includes a small amount of retail space, a residential lobby and leasing area, bike storage and garage parking. Floors two through 17 would have apartments, with interior and exterior amenity spaces for tenants on the top floor. Plans also include a sidewalk extension and streetscape improvements. Pinball Pete's arcade in the Galleria building on South University Avenue in Ann Arbor on Nov. 17, 2023. (Ryan Stanton | MLive.com)Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News The building thats proposed to be demolished was built in 1957 and is owned by an entity called Ann Arbor Galleria Associates LLC, city records show. Before development plans are finalized and submitted to the city, the development team is inviting residents to attend a citizen participation meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 5, at the downtown library on Fifth Avenue. The meeting is a chance for residents to learn about the proposal, ask questions and submit comments. The developer will utilize your input to inform the advancement of design solutions, the meeting invite states, adding a report of the meeting will be prepared by the developer and submitted to the city with the site plan proposal. Pinball Pete's arcade in the Galleria building on South University Avenue in Ann Arbor on Nov. 17, 2023. (Ryan Stanton | MLive.com)Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News Reynolds said he hasnt had any talks with the development team about carving out a space for Pinball Petes in the new development. The arcade had previous locations on William Street and Packard Street before moving to South U. Well see, Reynolds said of whether it could continue at another new location in Ann Arbor. We have a following, he said, indicating the business is still sustainable and operating in the black. During COVID, it was iffy and we did a GoFundMe and that was helpful. Post-pandemic, its not business as usual, he said, but the arcade has adapted to the new normal. Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Ann Arbor daily newsletter. WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI - It cost nearly a million dollars to demolish the Gault Village Shopping Center this fall, capping the yearslong decline of the vacant Ypsilanti Township commercial hub. All thats left is an empty parking lot, but township officials are still in court with the propertys owner, who is on the hook for $948,430.26 in costs the township incurred to complete the demolition, according to a township memo. Read more: Ypsilanti-area shopping center coming down after years of decline Washtenaw County Trail Court Judge Carol Kuhnke, the third judge to oversee the seven-year legal case brought by the township over blight issues at Gault Village, ordered property owner GV, LLC to reimburse the costs during a Wednesday, Nov. 15 hearing. Kuhnke also authorized a judicial lien for the sum to be recorded with the Washtenaw County Register of Deeds and serve as a notice of any prospective purchaser of the property that the demolition money is owed, according to an Ypsilanti Township legal filing and township Attorney Dennis McLain. Gault Village Shopping Center in Ypsilanti Township pictured on Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2023. Jacob Hamilton | MLive.comJacob Hamilton | MLive.com At the hearing, Ronald Reynolds, an attorney for GV, LLC said he and McLain had been negotiating over the costs, and he could only sign off on the form of the court order, but not the substance. It is consistent with past rulings, Reynold said, which authorized the demolition and allowed the township to seek to recover costs. During the summer, crews with Homrich, one of the states largest demolition contractors and the firm responsible for the surgical removal of the Michigan Stadium press box and other high-profile projects, got to work at the vacant shopping center, south of I-94 along Ford Lake. They removed asbestos and then gradually brought the roughly 145,000-square-foot complex down, a demise some residents trace back to a downturn beginning decades ago with the 1971 closure of the nearby Grove Road access to I-94. In recent years, Ypsilanti Township has battled various property owners in court, issuing more than 1,000 pages of code violations as the last tenants left the once-bustling shopping plaza, which at various points housed a hardware store, supermarket, restaurants, offices and other businesses. Gault Village Shopping Center in Ypsilanti Township pictured before demolition on Thursday, June 29 2023, left, and during demolition on Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2023, at right. Jacob Hamilton | MLive.comJacob Hamilton | MLive.com With the demolition complete, the legal action over the costs of the project comes amid some uncertainty over the propertys ownership. According to the township legal filing, officials have learned that GV, LLCs primary operating member, Kentucky-based retail developer Robert Hull, may divest the company of its ownership interest in the former shopping center as part of a divorce settlement. Hulls company purchased the property in 2018 and pitched a plan to redevelop it that ultimately never proceeded. In an email, a representative for Hull said if his ex-wife is the new owner of the property, she may do with it as she pleases. If any sale takes place, the lien on the property will ensure the buyer is aware of the demolition bill, according to the township. McLain said at the Wednesday hearing the township would pursue a money judgement for the sum, but the law requires a multi-week process to do so, and officials wanted to ensure nothing happened in the meantime. Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page, the Ypsilanti-area news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Ann Arbor daily newsletter. SALINE, MI -- Recent incidents involving hate speech have Saline High School students calling for tougher punishments for discriminatory behavior. A Nov. 5 Instagram post from the Saline Black Student Union addresses two recent incidents of graffiti at Saline High where the n-word was written on the wall in a high school boys bathroom. In the post, BSU members took issue with school administrations response to the graffiti, stating the words were reported and erased without investigation. Saline has a very high tolerance for racism, the post reads. It takes away the comfort for minorities who attend their schools. We need change. Saline Black Student Union President Aliyah Corrao spoke about the incidents during the public comment segment of the Saline School Boards Nov. 14 meeting. Corrao outlined several suggestions the student group has compiled as potential measures to take to combat racist behavior from students. Among BSUs suggestions was more extensive investigations into hate speech incidents, in addition to heavier discipline. Corrao also suggested the students found responsible in graffiti incidents receive a more severe punishment to account for the vandalism. Youre not only writing on a wall, but youre writing a racial slur, so can receive two punishments for that, which students are not receiving, Corrao said. Theres higher punishment for if there is a vape found in your backpack -- students receive 10 days (suspension) -- but theyre not receiving that for saying a racial slur, a racial comment, or making other students feel uncomfortable in a school building where they should be comfortable. Looking into the handbook, heightening the punishments and working with the punishments would be a very powerful thing. During the Nov. 14 meeting, Superintendent Steve Laatsch said he and fellow administrators have been listening to student feedback on their experiences, with Laatsch himself meeting with the BSU on Oct. 18. What I heard from the vast majority of attendants was that theyve been supported by their teachers, administrators and -- for the most part -- their fellow students, Laatsch said. However, they certainly did talk about their concerns of some continued racism at the high school. Laatsch said district administration currently is working on strengthening its response policies for hate speech and discriminatory language in order to be better supportive of the student body. Laatsch said he plans to meet with BSU to discuss other ways the district can move forward. We wouldnt accept that we have kids that feel unsafe at the high school, and well continue to work on that, Laatsch said. Speaking during an extended comment section at the board meeting, Saline High School Principal Theresa Stager said school staff take steps to address matters like the graffiti incident immediately once they are brought to their attention. In addition to following up on all reported incidents, Stager said high school staff currently are working to implement additional measures to quell hate speech. One of these steps will be to proactively check student bathrooms several times throughout each day, Stager said. Due to student privacy concerns -- no cameras (being allowed) in bathrooms -- we may not be able to pinpoint a responsible party 100% of the time, but we are paying attention to trends and continue to follow all disciplinary guidelines when the individuals can be identified, Stager said. This trend is not only disheartening, but goes against the core values of our school community. Families play a pivotal role in shaping the attitudes of students, and she called on parents in the community to talk with their children about these issues and the importance of respect and empathy. Saline Area Schools has grappled with how it handles racist incidents in recent years. The district has hosted numerous community listening sessions in an effort to understand how students and families have experienced harm, bias or discrimination. If you would like more reporting like this delivered free to your inbox, click here and signup for our weekly newsletter: Michigan Schools. Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page, the Ypsilanti-area news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Ann Arbor daily newsletter. FLINT, MI It isnt uncommon for Pete, 7, to look up at his grandmother and asking the same question. Grandma, who did this to me? DeMaryus, who goes by Pete, is still trying to understand what happened to him on the morning of May 8, 2021, when his life changed forever. For a long time, he was afraid something else would happen to him. But Verlin Hamlett, his grandmother, reassures him that hes an unintended victim of a crime. On May 8, 2021, around 4:40 a.m., Pete was critically injured during a drive-by shooting when he was sleeping in a house on the 3000 block of Prospect Street in Flint. Pete, who was injured in the shooting when he was five years old, is now paralyzed from the waist down. He requires round-the-clock care as a result of his injuries. Surveillance video from the area captured the suspects 2006-2013 body style Chevy Impala, but the case remains unsolved. Hamlett and Pete told their story during a news conference at the Flint Police Department on Thursday afternoon. Pete was decked out in all Sonic the Hedgehog gear, including three plushies of Sonic, original Sonic and Shadow that he let Hamlett and Julie Lopez hold during the gathering. He told reporters that his other favorite superhero, Spider-Man, would web the people who shot at his home that night years ago. Hamlett asked the community to come forward with any information that could lead to an arrest in the case. Crime Stoppers of Flint & Genesee County is offering a cash reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest in the shooting. She also had a message for whoever is responsible for permanently injuring her grandson. I hope that when they close their eyes, they think about what they did to this little boys life, Hamlett said. Hamlett pleaded with the community to put the guns down. Its a cowardly move, Hamlett said. Anybody that shoots through four walls and does not care who is on the other side. It could be a mother, grandmother, grandparent to shoot blindly behind four walls -- that is a coward. This little boy was in the bed sleeping, in his comfort zone. He wasnt out in the streets. He wasnt bothering anybody. It just happened. And it happens far too often. Hamlett is the sole care provider for Pete, who gets help from her son around the house. They live on the second floor of a three-floor building that doesnt have an elevator. Just to get in and out of the car, Pete needs to be lifted. Hamletts son typically does the lifting, but hes not always available. For example, Pete missed out on several Halloween events around the community simply because theres no accessibility accommodation in the house and Hamlett doesnt have a wheelchair-accessible van. The two normally start their days around 5 a.m., before the bus picks Pete up at 8:15 a.m. Hamlett goes to work at 8 a.m., but spends every minute up to that point preparing for the day. Pete takes eight medications every morning, eats breakfast, needs bathing and has to go through several breathing treatments. Despite his injury, Pete has the same recognizable energy as any 7-year-old. He was excited to share his interests, which includes reading signs while Hamlett drives. Today, he saw one that read no smoking, he recalled. A lot of times he will tell me, I cant. I tell him, We have to erase that from your vocabulary. You cant use that word. You have to try. You can do anything -- it just might not be the way I do it, Hamlett said. Pete wants to work in law enforcement when he grows up. Flint Police Officer Cameron Riddell, who met Pete for the first time since the incident at Thursdays news conference, was the first officer to respond to the shooting scene. He remembered making conversation with Pete about his Spider-Man themed pajamas while he treated his wounds. Seeing that Pete has survived the shooting and is doing well is a highlight of Riddells young career, he said. Ive always thought about this case. And Id always be like, Man, I wonder how that kid is doing, Riddell said. ... This interaction will stay with me for life. Ill always remember this and hopefully hell remember it too. Pete has an active GoFundMe page that was set up when the incident originally took place and remains active. Hamlett assured that Pete is well taken care of, but any help goes a long way for the family. Anyone with information about the incident but wants to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers of Flint and Genesee County at 1-800-JAIL(5245), on the P3 Tips mobile app or online at crimestoppersofflint.com. Want more Flint-area news? Bookmark the local Flint news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Flint daily newsletter. FLINT, MI -- A federal judge has granted a motion for preliminary approval of an $8 million settlement between Flint residents and Lockwood Andrews & Newman, an engineering firm accused of professional negligence in pending civil lawsuits tied to the citys water crisis. U.S. District Judge Judith E. Levy made the ruling in an opinion and order on Wednesday, Nov. 15, saying the settlement was reached after hundreds of discussions between the parties and after an independent expert examined LANs financial statements before concluding the settlement was consistent with the companys ability to pay while maintaining its operations. Levys 40-page opinion and order says the settlement would prevent a situation where LAN is unable to satisfy a judgment should the cases against it go to trial. Plaintiffs rightly consider the financial condition of defendants when evaluating whether to settle and how much to settle for; otherwise, they risk a pyrrhic victory where the defendant cannot satisfy a judgment, the judge wrote. LAN had initially agreed to settle pending cases against it nearly a year ago after a bellwether trial brought by four Flint children lasted nearly six months and ended in a mistrial in federal court. By settling the pending lawsuits, LAN will avoid the expenses tied to additional high-profile trials, including a case brought by thousands of Flint residents, property owners and business owners that is scheduled to begin in February 2024. If given final approval by Levy, the $8 million from LAN would be added to a $626-million water crisis settlement fund, which has to date been paid for by other settling defendants in the civil cases -- the state of Michigan, the city of Flint, McLaren-Flint hospital and Rowe Professional Services. If final approval of the settlement is granted, Veolia North America and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency would be the only remaining non-settling defendants in pending court cases that allege damage from lead in Flint water. Veolia said in a statement to MLive-The Flint Journal earlier this month that government officials caused the Flint water crisis, which was reaffirmed during the first bellwether trial. VNA will not capitulate to the desperate attempts by trial lawyers to scapegoat our company and our people to further profit off the Flint water crisis, the statement -- issued after the LAN settlement was proposed -- says. Both Veolia and LAN were defendants in the bellwether trial that ended in a mistrial in August 2022. The companies separately worked as paid consultants to the city of Flint during the water crisis and attorneys for residents have maintained they were professionally negligent in advising the city about its water system and partially responsible for injuries their clients suffered, including brain damage. During the first bellwether trial, the companies questioned the extent of injuries sustained by four children who sued them and said government officials were solely responsible for the water crisis. Jurors in the first bellwether case reported they were deadlocked after six days of deliberations and told the court that continuing the trial would affect their physical and emotional health. OTTAWA COUNTY, MI After Ottawa County appeared to backtrack on its $4 million offer to get rid of its administrative health officer Adeline Hambley, her attorney wants a court to enforce the offer. A Muskegon County Circuit Court judge at 10 a.m. Monday, Nov. 27, will hear arguments whether to enforce the settlement and could make a ruling that day. The county board of commissioners on Nov. 6 voted to accept a recommendation from its attorneys to offer Hambley a $4 million payout if, in exchange, she dropped a wrongful termination lawsuit against the county and resigned from her job. The offer also would have included $125,000 for the deputy health officer Marcia Mansaray, who would also need to resign. But that offer appeared to be off the table on Tuesday, Nov. 14, when commissioners spent nearly seven hours in closed session trying to negotiate a settlement between attorneys. Related: No termination, no $4M settlement finalized: Ottawa County still debating future of health officer County commissioners with Ottawa Impact, the ultraconservative faction on the board that holds a majority, has been trying to replace Hambley since they were seated in January. Hambleys attorney, Sarah Riley Howard, told reporters Tuesday she thought they had come to an agreement with the $4 million deal but that county leaders backtracked. In a court document filed Thursday, Howard said she wants a judge in Muskegon County whos been overseeing the wrongful termination lawsuit to enforce the settlement deal that was on the table last week. Now (county commissioners) have remorse and want out of the deal, Howard wrote in the motion. According to Howard, the agreement was put in writing on Nov. 6 and is legally binding. She said the first indication that commissioners might want to back out of the agreement came a day after news broke about the settlement amount. Howard claimed the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners decided to backtrack on honoring the settlement agreement because the board didnt notify the countys insurer before negotiating or agreeing to the deal. ... They had since learned of potential negative consequences as a result, and so (county commissioners) wished to start again with negotiations for different terms to resolve the litigation and termination hearing, Howard wrote. Related: Proposed $4 million settlement with Ottawa County health officer leads to another closed session Howard did not outline the potential negative consequences, but she did say that she received an email from county attorneys stating they had run in to problems on how to fund the proposed settlement. Hambley sued the board in February after they tried to remove her without cause and a termination hearing as required by state law. Her suit also alleged the board interfered with her statutory duties. A termination hearing was held for Hambley over two days in late October based on allegations of incompetence and misconduct against her by Moss, who leads Ottawa Impact. Moss has delayed a vote to fire Hambley several times now, with these latest meetings of the board on Nov. 6 and Nov. 14 entailing hours of closed session for the settlement talks instead of deliberations on whether to fire Hambley. Moss charges of incompetence, misconduct and neglect of duty against Hambley stem from Hambley publicly voicing concerns during the budget process about proposed, sizable cuts to her departments funding that she said wouldve closed the department and forced the state to intervene. County leaders later walked back the severity of the cuts but said Hambley made false representations to the public about the budget process. GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- As a child, I accompanied my parents to many city and school meetings about proposals that would affect our family of eight. My parents and their close friends never missed an opportunity to speak up when the officials sought public input. So, if residents were being hit with higher costs, they needed to understand why and have faith in how the city decided the increases and believe that the school board did their due diligence. They relied heavily on the local newspaper to keep them informed about big issues. Like today, the demand for transparency from public bodies is high. MLive/The Grand Rapids Press reporters Michael Kransz and Melissa Frick, who cover local government and schools, respectively, had sobering news this week about proposed higher water and sewer rates in Grand Rapids and 10 schools recommended for closure. The city of Grand Rapids and the Grand Rapids Board of Education are soliciting feedback in person and virtually. My mother often said talking to your family, friend, co-worker, or neighbor wont make a bit of difference, when she and dad were out trying to urge others to join them at meetings. Water main replacements in Grand Rapids, investments at the citys Lake Michigan Filtration Plant, operational costs are among the factors cited requiring the water hike, while sewer main investments in the city and capital improvements at the citys wastewater plant were major drivers for the sewer system. For the average user in the city of Grand Rapids, the quarterly cost for water and sewer is projected to be $257.82, a 3.74% increase from the current quarterly average of $248.52. Grand Rapids Public Schools, with enrollment having declined to under 14,000 kids, expects to save $63 million in deferred maintenance costs, and over $2 million annually in routine maintenance costs by closing the low-enrollment schools. Leaders say money from right-sizing would be funneled back into teaching and learning and new programming, but closing neighborhood schools is always challenging and emotional. West of Grand Rapids, reporters John Tunison, Audra Gamble and Michael Kransz continue to keep residents in the loop about the actions of the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners, dominated by members of the ultraconservative group Ottawa Impact ,and their efforts to oust the county health officer. It was standing room only Tuesday when county commissioners reconvened for the fifth time since a termination hearing began on Oct. 24 for Adeline Hambley. However, Instead of firing her, commissioners are considering settling the wrongful termination lawsuit she filed for $4 million, prompting many residents to ask how we got here. For those who lost track in all the the back forth. Board chair and Ottawa Impact co-founder Joe Moss cited incompetence, misconduct and neglect of duty for the firing, after Hamley was vocal about proposed major budget cuts to the health department, saying they would force its closure and state intervention. Anyway, there was no vote to terminate or settle this week, rather commissioners will revisit the issue Nov. 28. Meanwhile, taxpayers also learned Hambleys attorney is asking a judge to enforce the offer Nov. 27. This year, there has been lots of public comment at their county commission meetings. Those are some headlines that caught our eye in the Grand Rapids area this week. Take a look at those, and others, below. Monica Scott is the editor for MLive/The Grand Rapids Press, who previously was a reporter that covered the city, county and schools in the community. See how much Grand Rapids-area water, sewer rates likely will increase in 2024 Were a community: Grand Rapids parents disappointed in possible closure of their kids schools What to know about the 10 Grand Rapids schools that could be on the chopping block No termination, no $4M settlement finalized: Ottawa County still debating future of health officer Meijer announces Black Friday deals Vote on $4 million Ottawa County health officer settlement expected Tuesday. How we got here. High-maintenance guests, more regulations cause headaches for short-term rental owners Short-term rentals line Lake Michigan. Who maintains all of them? Man long involved in far-right politics hired as deputy Ottawa County administrator 10 Grand Rapids schools recommended for closure in new district overhaul plan LG Energy Solution to lay off 170 employees in Holland Historic Grand Rapids building transformed into veteran owned coffee shop West Michigan manufacturer plans 30 new jobs, $6M investment Man accused of kidnapping, killing Kentwood teen dies awaiting trial News / National by Staff reporter A UNITED STATES think-tank, Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), says the failure by regional leaders to intervene and address the Zimbabwe crisis was perpetuating impunity, especially on human rights violations, by State actors.CFR said Southern African Development Community (Sadc) leaders missed an opportunity to intervene after election observer missions flagged the August elections as not credible.The think-tank said this has prolonged the crisis in Zimbabwe.."At a time when African citizens are clearly signalling their frustration with manipulated elections and democratic window-dressing serving as cover for corrupt and authoritarian leadership, Sadc leaders bury their heads in the sand," CFR said."It's certainly not because the post-election trend line in Zimbabwe is positive, or because "quiet diplomacy" is bearing any fruit. Political violence still persists."Several election observer missions cited a number of malpractices such as the intimidation of voters, saying this dented the credibility of the polls.Opposition leader Nelson Chamisa has refused to accept the election results, which saw President Emmerson Mnangagwa being declared winner. He has described the August polls a "gigantic fraud".CFR said failure to address Harare's problems had led to an increase in human rights abuses as well as deepening the long running socio-economic crisis."(President Emmerson) Mnangagwa and his inner circle believe they can act with near-total impunity. While Southern African leaders bemoan the way Zimbabwe's protracted crisis leads to politically explosive migration and dampens investor enthusiasm, they are unable or unwilling to confront the problem."It's the same failure of leadership that has plunged other African regions into dangerous instability."The ruling Zanu-PF party, however, insists that Mnangagwa won the polls fairly and has shot down demands for a re-run.Zanu-PF went as far as accusing Sadc election observer mission head, Nevers Mumba, of being an opposition supporter. KENT COUNTY, MI Sheriffs deputies arrested two suspects after two women had purses snatched Thursday, Nov. 16, at area grocery stores. The first incident happened Thursday afternoon. A 43-year-old Grand Rapids woman was loading groceries into her car at Sams Club on Alpine Avenue NW when a robber stole her purse. She fell to the ground during the struggle and suffered minor injuries. In less than 30 minutes, her credit card was used at the Meijer store on 10 Mile Road NE in Algoma Township. The robbers left the store and drove to the nearby Meijer gas station where a masked robber opened the car door of a 50-year-old Rockford woman and stole her purse, police said. A sheriffs detective who heard a police broadcast about the purse snatchings spotted the suspects vehicle on the U.S. 131 S-curve and contacted other area law enforcement. Wyoming police attempted a traffic stop when the vehicle pulled into a restaurant. One of the occupants, a 16-year-old, fled on foot but was soon caught. The driver crashed into the detectives car and drove away. The vehicle, which was stolen, was later recovered unoccupied in Grand Rapids. During the investigation, police identified a 20-year-old Grand Rapids man as a suspect and arrested him on unrelated charges. Police believe that two others were involved. In previous incidents, teens wearing hoods and masks have driven stolen cars through parking lots looking for potential victims, police said. Read more: Woman who claimed self-defense convicted of murder in boyfriends killing West Michigan manufacturer plans 30 new jobs, $6M investment About 10 injured when Amtrak collides with vehicle stuck on tracks Check out the new way to talk to the University of Michigan regents OTTAWA COUNTY, MI - There is a vacancy on the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners due to one of its Republicans resigning. Commissioner Kyle Terpstra submitted his resignation on Nov. 16. County board chair Joe Moss confirmed on Facebook Thursday night that he accepted it. Terpstra is resigning due to significant changes in his personal and professional life, he said in a Nov. 16 press release. Related: Health officer asks judge to force Ottawa County to uphold $4M settlement offer It is with a mix of gratitude and reflection that I announce my resignation from the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners for District 6, he said in the release. The board will appoint someone to replace Terpstra within the next 30 days to serve the district through the end of the term that ends Dec. 31, 2024, said Moss. Terpstra is not part of the county boards majority faction, which is comprised of members of the ultraconservative group, Ottawa Impact, co-founded by Moss. I am thankful for Commissioner Terpstras years of service to the people of Ottawa County and wish him and his family the best, Moss said on Facebook. Another Republican in Roger Bergman announced Nov. 15 that he would not run for reelection. He is not a part of the Ottawa Impact group. The decision to step down was not made lightly, Terpstra said, thanking the residents of Ottawa County and his districts Georgetown Township for their support during his campaign and tenure. It has been an honor and privilege to serve this community, Terpstra said. The outgoing commissioner had excused himself from recent meetings, including the termination hearing for administrative health officer Adeline Hambley, in which a $4 million settlement offer was proposed. A Muskegon County Circuit Court judge will hear arguments at a Monday, Nov. 27 hearing to possibly enforce that settlement offer. Read more: Health officer asks judge to force Ottawa County to uphold $4M settlement offer Terpstra did not reference recent events in his release, instead saying it is best for him and his family at this time. I believe it is the best course of action given the current circumstances, Terpstra said. GRAND RAPIDS, MI Cascade Die Casting Group, a business that makes components for the automotive, appliance, and consumer electronics industries, plans to add 30 new jobs and a $6 million capital investment at its factory in Sparta to meet demand from new customers and markets. The expansion was announced Thursday, Nov. 16 by regional economic development group The Right Place and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). The MEDC is providing the company with a $180,000 business development grant as part of the expansion. GRAND RAPIDS, MI A jury rejected a womans claim that she shot her boyfriend in self-defense and found her guilty of first-degree murder. Sakina Muhammad, 23, faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison without parole in the March 13, 2022, killing of Kwan Andre Winston Jr., 27, at the couples Wyoming apartment. The verdict came Thursday, Nov. 16, after three days of testimony. Related: Murder or self-defense? Trial for woman accused of killing boyfriend begins This was a difficult case, Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker said. He said that assistant prosecutors Kim Richardson and Angela Curtis did an outstanding job presenting the case to the jury. We are very thankful they listened to the evidence, considered it carefully, and returned the verdict they did. The couple had a volatile relationship, with frequent arguments reported by others in the four-unit apartment on Taft Avenue SW. Wyoming police responded to the apartment around 10 p.m. March 13, 2022, after Muhammads mother reported hearing her daughter and Winston arguing while she talked to her on the phone. Police found Winston shot in the head, slumped against the door at the bottom of the stairwell. Muhammad had left the apartment with her young daughter after the shooting. She turned herself in the next day and told police that Winston had been choking her when she shot him in self-defense. Related: No, bro, youre dead, woman allegedly told boyfriend before fatal shooting The two were living together but Winston was not supposed to be there after pleading no contest to two charges of aggravated assault domestic violence. Prosecutors told jurors that a half hour before the shooting Muhammad posted on social media that she was Single as a mf (mother------). Muhammad told police that Winston choked her before the shooting and feared she would be killed. Witnesses said they heard the couple arguing before Winston began begging for his life. Muhammad allegedly said, No, bro, youre dead, before the shot was fired. Sakina and her family did everything they could to control the narrative, Curtis told jurors. Muhammad will be sentenced later by Kent County Circuit Judge Paul Denenfeld, who presided over the trial. Read more: West Michigan manufacturer plans 30 new jobs, $6M investment About 10 injured when Amtrak collides with vehicle stuck on tracks Check out the new way to talk to the University of Michigan regents JACKSON COUNTY, MI Lane closures are being extended through the weekend in Jackson County. The Michigan Department of Transportation is extending the highway lane closures on westbound I-94 from W. Michigan Avenue to M-60, starting at 9 a.m. Friday, Nov. 17, for concrete barrier work. Work is expected to be complete by 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, officials said. Motorists on the highway should expect traffic backups and delays. The work is being done to provide increased mobility in this area of I-94, officials said, adding that closing lanes during this type of work is necessary to provide the safest work area possible for crews and motorists. The work is part of the $162-million I-94 Jackson project rebuilding nearly 13 miles of I-94 in the Jackson, Albion and Parma areas. Funding comes from Gov. Gretchen Whitmers Rebuilding Michigan program to rebuild state highways and bridges that are critical to the states economy. The full project is expected to be complete in November 2024. Want more Jackson-area news? Bookmark the local Jackson news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Jackson daily newsletter. Ten states plus the District of Columbia allow physician-assisted suicide, when a person can request medical aid to die. Michigan would be state No. 11 if bills introduced by Senate Democrats last week become law. All individuals have a fundamental right to dignity, Sen. Veronica Klinefelt, D-Eastpointe, said in a statement. This legislation will finally provide Michiganders facing terminal illness with the freedom they deserve to write the final chapter of their own story with grace. Senate Bills 678-681, dubbed the Death with Dignity Act, would allow terminally ill patients 18 years and older to request and use prescribed medications to end their lives on their own terms. Requests would be made both orally and in writing. Since Oregon first legalized medically assisted suicide in 1997, more than 5,300 Americans have chosen to die that way, according to research published last year in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. Safeguards in Michigans legislation include: A required medical determination that the patient is terminally ill with fewer than six months to live. Ensuring the patient is voluntarily making the decision to die. A minimum 15-day waiting period. Access to insurance coverage in treatment and benefits in death. Licensing requirements, limitations and protections for prescribing physicians. Criminal penalties for non-compliant physicians. Forging someones request for assisted suicide or coercing them into it, for example, would be a felony of up to 20 years in prison and/or a fine up to $375,000. The bills do not allow physicians to end patients lives by lethal injection or mercy killing, which typically involves giving them large doses of painkillers. From Senate Bill 681, this is a proposed example of a written request for physician-assisted suicide. (Screenshot | Michigan Legislature)Screenshot | Michigan Legislature Legislation sponsors include Majority Floor Leader Sam Singh, D-East Lansing, and a handful of cosponsors, all Democrats. Sponsors argue patients suffering will ease because theyll be allowed to die peacefully when they want. Granting individuals the autonomy to choose dignified end of life care is not just an act of compassion but a testament to the value of personal freedom, Singh said in a statement. Early opponents of these bills include Right to Life of Michigan and the Michigan Catholic Conference, which people may recognize from anti-abortion advocacy. Related: One year after Michigan approves abortion access, Right to Life sues to overturn it A statewide ballot initiative failed in 1998 attempting to legalize physician-assisted suicide. At the time, Michigan doctor Jack Kevorkian eventually imprisoned for murder was a nationally controversial figure. More than 7 in 10 voters voted against that proposal, but two decades later its supported nationwide. In 2018, 72% of Americans told Gallup pollsters that doctors should be able to help terminally ill patients end their lives. Also, 54% said physician-assisted suicide is morally acceptable. Support for the practice crossed gender, age and political lines, with 89% of liberals and 54% of conservatives approving of it. One demographic in the poll people who attend church weekly opposed it, 60% to 37%. Michigans new bills were introduced on the last day of session this year. When hearings would take place next year is unknown, as leaders have not announced a return date. The House, which like the Senate began this year with a two-seat Democratic majority, now has a partisan tie after two representatives in Democrat-leaning districts were elected mayors last Tuesday. Special election dates to replace them are not yet set, and the legislature which usually begins in January may delay its return. Even before Dan Kildee announced his plans to not seek re-election in 2024 for his congressional seat, his district encompassing Flint and Saginaw was being targeted by Republicans. But now, following the Flint Democrats announcement on Thursday to retire from Congress at the end of his term, that seat just became to the top target in the country, a Republican operative told MLive. More: Kildee wont seek re-election to Congress, says cancer gave him new perspective Republicans and Democrats are now scrambling to decide if they might be the one best positioned to succeed Kildee in the newly wide-open race for Michigans eighth congressional district. The congressional district has skewed more Republican since 2020, after redistricting introduced new borders that incorporated more of the tri-cities region. And shortly after Kildees announcement the Cook Political Report moved the districts rating from leaning Democratic to a toss-up. Democrats are in shambles as their list of swing-district Democrats who are racing for the exits continues to grow, Mike Marinella, spokesman for the National Republican Congressional Committee, said in a statement. Republicans are looking forward to flipping this seat red. For some Democrats. it could represent an opportunity. Pamela Pugh, the Democratic State Board of Education president whos months into a campaign for Senate, didnt rule out a pivot to Congress lower chamber. She told MLive she spoke to Kildee the day of his announcement and is fielding calls urging her to run. These are huge decisions and my desire is to serve the people and carry out the agenda that I know will be critical to the people of Michigan, Pugh said. Martin Blank, a trauma surgeon and Saginaw resident announced himself as the clear frontrunner among Republicans to win the seat. He announced his campaign in October. And Paul Junge, a largely self-funded political outsider who lost to Kildee by more than 10 percentage points in 2022, announced a third campaign for Congress on Friday morning. Other more prominent Republicans are also weighing their options. Former Michigan House Speaker and attorney general candidate Tom Leonard is mulling a campaign, according to a source with knowledge of his thinking. Leonard no longer lives in the district, but since narrowly losing to Attorney General Dana Nessel in 2018, Leonard has maintained about $523,000 in his campaign account, money that would be available to him in for congressional run. State Rep. Bill G. Schuette - the son of the former Attorney General, has a recognizable name and represents Midland, but remained noncommittal in a statement to MLive. Im committed to making sure Mid-Michigan is represented across the ticket by commonsense Republicans who will deliver results to our region, he said. Dennis Lennox, a Michigan political consultant, said Schuette could clear the field by locking down all the money. Its just a question of whether he wants to risk his sure thing in Lansing for a potential loss that would be a repeat of his father in 1990, Lennox said. Genesee County Democrats are talking about a long list of potential candidates to defend Kildees seat, including former state Sen. Jim Ananich of Flint; current state Sen. John Cherry, D-Flint; Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson; state Sen. Kristen McDonald Rivet, D-Bay City; Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley; and Dr. Bobby Mukkamala, a Flint head and neck surgeon. Swanson, Neeley and Ananich said they are considering the congressional opening while Cherry, serving his first term in the state Senate, said he hasnt had the chance to consider a potential candidacy or the best path to secure quality representation for our community in Congress. MLive could not immediately reach McDonald Rivet, a former Bay City commissioner who represents Saginaw, Bay City and surrounding areas in the state Senate. McDonald Rivet flipped the newly redrawn district from Republican to Democrat in the 2022 election. Neeley, who is serving his second term as mayor of Flint, said Friday, Nov. 17, that hes weighing his options but was surprised by the Kildee announcement on Thursday and is still assessing the race. Ananich, who served as Senate minority leader, was prohibited from seeking re-election because of term limits. Hes currently the chief executive officer of the Greater Flint Health Coalition. Im going to consider it but I like my life pretty well, he said Friday. Swanson, who made national headlines when he took off his police helmet and joined a march to protest the killing of George Floyd in 2020, said in a message to MLive that hewill make a statement about his intentions next week. The sheriff has flirted with the idea of running for governor in 2026 when Gov. Gretchen Whitmer will be term-limited and Democrats will be looking for a new party standard-bearer in the state. Mukkamala said in a message Friday that hes considered running for elected office previously and certainly considered it based on yesterdays news. But the physician said he is already an uncontested candidate for president-elect of the American Medical Association, a three-year commitment that would be incompatible with serving in Congress. When my leadership at the (AMA) ends in a few years I will reconsider it, he said. Since 2015, a pair of bipartisan state senators have been trying to bring an open records law to Michigans legislature and the governors office. Sens. Ed McBroom, R-Vulcan, and Jeremy Moss, D-Southfield, have introduced and reintroduced FOIA expansions for several legislative sessions, but the bills have always been blocked before getting a vote in the full Senate. They hope that will soon change. Michigans Freedom of Information Act, known as FOIA, is a 47 year-old law and a crucial tool for the public to request public records from their government. Local and state government departments are subject to FOIA requests, but the legislature and governors office were excluded when the law was written. For the last several years here specifically, its always been the Senate majority leader who has blocked these bills, Moss told reporters last week, referring to former Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey, a Republican. Moss said current Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks, D-Grand Rapids, supports the legislation. They introduced two new bills that aim to finally open all state government branches to open records requests. The legislature has adjourned for 2023 but the senators hope to take up the bills in 2024. More: Success, division and whats next: Dems proud of shorter but busy 2023 In the past, Moss and McBroom had sought to appease skeptical colleagues by creating a separate process, deeming it the Legislative Open Records Act. Moss noted their new proposal is contained within FOIA citizens can go to court to appeal the denial of a legislative FOIA request, instead of a panel chosen by legislators. Ever since I was first approached on this issue in 2011, with a bill both parties used for partisan gamesmanship, I have labored for the genuine article, McBroom said in a statement. While there is still much work to do and issues to work out, these bills once adopted can help rebuild the trust and faith our citizens need to have in their state government. Still, the expansion has some major carve-outs for the legislature and governor. They wouldnt have to disclose records relating to a whole host of things, including: internal investigations; budgetary decisions; inmate pardons; and judicial appointments. While communications with constituents would be excluded, communications with registered lobbyists would be subject to open records requests. For years, Michigan has been at the bottom of national lists ranking good government practices. Michigan was tied for last in the Center for Public Integritys 2015 transparency ranking, and 47th out of 50 states in the coalition for integritys ranking of state anticorruption measures. Democrats, who control state government, last week passed voter-mandated personal financial disclosure legislation. The legislation was criticized for leaving out some of the largest perks lawmakers enjoy, such as free travel paid for by representatives of special interest groups and gifts from anyone other than a registered lobbyist. Both Attorney General Dana Nessel and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson had called for those disclosure requirements, along with a requirement that politicians spouses also disclose their assets. An Accra High Court has dismissed a lawsuit filed against award-winning musician Mohammed Ismail Sherif, known professionally as Black Sherif, over an alleged breach of a performance contract. Cruise People Limited had dragged the artiste to court, demanding compensation for a cancelled performance onboard one of its cruise ships in Athens, Greece in August 2023. The company accused Black Sherif of failing to honor the agreement, leading to its termination before the scheduled date. It claimed this resulted in financial losses and prayed the court retrieve amounts totalling over US$100, 000 from the reigning Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMAs) Artiste of the Year. However, lawyers for Black Sherif - led by Domnic Brenya-Otchere of Sam Okudzeto and Associates - argued the court had no jurisdiction to determine the case. They held that the contract stipulated any legal disputes were to be settled exclusively in the United Kingdom. The court, presided over by Justice Mariama Sammo, agreed and granted an application by the defence team to strike out the suit. In her ruling on Thursday, November 16, Justice Sammo said none of the addresses provided in the contract was located in Ghana. This left the court with no option but to dismiss the suit, having found it was commenced in the wrong forum, according to the terms agreed in the contract. The plaintiff, who was represented by lawyer Godwin Edudzi Tamekloe of the National Democratic Congress, has thus lost the case against the award-winning musician. News / National by Staff reporter THE Emerged Railways Properties (ERP), a company constituted by National Railways of Zimbabwe and Zambia Railways is calling for proposals for contractors that can help carry out maintenance work on the Victoria Falls Bridge.The process of constructing the bridge started in 1904 following the arrival of the railway. It was built in three parts from either side of the gorge and was finally joined on April 1, 1905, with the official opening by Professor George Darwin, son of English naturalist and geologist Charles Darwin on September 12, 1905.The iconic bridge is jointly owned by NRZ and Zambia Railway and managed by ERP.It is an important infrastructure providing passage to the region and was once closed at the height of the liberation struggle in 1969 and reopened in 1980.In 2013, in the build-up to hosting the United Nations World Tourism Organisation ( UNWTO) general assembly, Zimbabwe and Zambia hosted a joint event on the bridge.ERP now wants to rehabilitate sections of the bridge and is calling for proposals for the provision of landscaping and restoration services.In a statement, the company said a compulsory pre-bid site visit will be held on 24 November at the bridge."Tenders are invited for the provision of landscaping and restoration services at the Victoria Falls Bridge and its approaches."A compulsory pre-bid site visit is scheduled for the 24th of November 2023 to be held at the Victoria Falls Bridge starting at 10:30am," read the statement.The meeting will take place at the big tree near the bridge.Tender documents are available at the office of the joint company secretary at NRZ headquarters in Bulawayo or Kabwe in Zambia.Submission of tenders will close on December 8 at 4pm and no late submissions will be taken.Tenders received will be opened on the same day in the presence of bidders who would have chosen to attend.The bridge is a crucial facility, not only in the transport sector but also for tourism as visitors flock to the structure to walk through and view the Mighty Victoria Falls blanket of falling water.Bungee jumping and zipline activities are also done on the bridge.A few years ago, both Zimbabwe and Zambia introduced toll fees for heavy vehicles using the bridge while light vehicles including those used for tourism purposes with a gross weight of up to two tonnes, are exempt. Britain on Thursday said a new treaty to send migrants to Rwanda could be ready for ratification within "days" after a court blocked an earlier and controversial agreement as unlawful. The new treaty, which would then take at least three weeks to be approved by UK lawmakers, follows a Supreme Court ruling Wednesday that the current deal between the two countries should not go ahead. It was a major setback for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who is under pressure to reduce irregular immigration to Britain. Sunak immediately vowed to persevere with the controversial plan by securing a new treaty with Kigali. It will also need to be ratified by the Rwandan parliament. Five judges at the UK's highest court had unanimously sided with an earlier Court of Appeal decision that the policy to deport asylum seekers and refugees to the African nation was incompatible with Britain's international obligations. The panel agreed it was not a safe third country and there were "substantial grounds" to believe it could forcibly return migrants to places where they could face persecution. Alongside the treaty, Sunak has announced plans to introduce "emergency legislation" to parliament to designate Rwanda a safe country to end the "merry-go-round" of legal challenges. "We will bring forward legislation to make clear Rwanda is safe," his spokesman told reporters Thursday, saying it would build on work done with Kigali over the last 15 months. The new treaty -- to be unveiled in the "coming days" -- would reflect "the upgraded assurances we have secured to address the court's concerns," he added. 'Stop the boats' "The treaty would be clear that they would not be sent on to another country, regardless of the outcome of the asylum process," Sunak's spokesman noted, with the "vast majority" of migrants set to remain in Rwanda. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has promised to stop small boat crossings of the Channel from northern France. By Leon Neal (POOL/AFP) "There will be an exceptionally high bar for people coming back to the UK," he added. 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. 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 injunction prevented any deportations, prompting the further 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". The Supreme Court decision has exposed rifts in the ruling Conservative party over the issue, and is set to prompt a renewed push from right-wingers for withdrawal from the ECHR. Sunak said Wednesday that if the court "chooses to intervene against the express wishes of parliament, I am prepared to do what is necessary to get the flights off". But in interviews Thursday, interior minister James Cleverly noted that Britain's "preferred option" was to remain in the ECHR. "We don't think we're going to need to (leave)," he told Sky News. Major oil and gas companies such as Aramco, ExxonMobil and Shell could have paid for their share of the damage caused by climate change and still earned trillions of dollars in profit, researchers said on Thursday. Their conclusions were released ahead of the UN's Cop28 climate negotiations later this month in Dubai, where developing countries not responsible for most carbon emissions are expected to push for governments and firms to pay more for their role in global warming. If the top 25 oil and gas companies had been held accountable for their role in global warming in recent decades, they would still have made $10 trillion dollars in profit, according to the report published by thinktank Climate Analytics. The estimated damage caused by carbon emissions from the 25 companies cost $20 trillion from 1985 to 2018 -- but during that time they earned $30 trillion, the report said. The research looked at private oil and gas giants as well as state-owned companies. State-owned firms contribute to huge sovereign wealth funds in countries such as the United Arab Emirates, the host of this year's Cop28 talks. "This fossil wealth is here to stay while the world suffers from the devastating consequences of climate change for centuries to come," the report's lead author Carl-Friedrich Schleussner told journalists. The contrast was particularly striking last year, the authors of the report said. As energy prices sky rocketed due to Russia's war in Ukraine, major oil and gas companies posted record profits. The $161 billion profit of Saudi Arabia's state-owned Aramco in 2022 was "probably the highest net income ever reported in the corporate world," its CEO Amin Nasser has said. Aramco was one of seven companies that posted profits almost twice the amount of the estimated damage caused by their emissions, according to the report. 'Flaunting their profits' The researchers calculated damages for the world's biggest emitters by using estimates for the social cost of carbon from 1985-2018, which amounted to $185 per tonne of carbon dioxide. They compared this number with company profits from the same period. The researchers then split the damages in three to account for the responsibility of governments and consumers. State-owned oil companies in Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iran, China and the UAE showed both the most damaged caused -- and the largest financial gain. ExxonMobil topped the list for private companies, followed by Shell, BP and Chevron. Half of the sovereign wealth fund of Cop28 host the UAE could cover the climate damage from its fossil fuel industries and still have $700 billion left over, the report said. At last year's Cop27 talks in Egypt, nations agreed to set up a dedicated fund to help vulnerable countries cope with "loss and damage" from climate disasters such as extreme weather. The details have yet to be worked out, however, and the fund will be a key point of negotiation at this year's COP28 talks. Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, whose Caribbean island nation is threatened by rising sea levels, has called for a 10 percent tax on the profits of oil and gas companies to go into such a fund. The UN estimates that developing countries will need over $300 billion per year by 2030 to combat the impacts of climate change. The COP28 talks will be held during what is widely expected to be the hottest year on record. "Oil and gas companies are meanwhile unabashedly flaunting their profits, some even walking back on their climate commitments," said report co-author Marina Andrijevic. Employment and Labour Relations Minister Ignatius Baffour Awuah has urged the country's youth to venture into entrepreneurship with passion rather than just seeing it as a means to survive. The Minister delivered this message at the opening of the third Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship (YEE) Global Forum held in Accra from Tuesday, November 14 to Wednesday, November 15. "Green innovation is gradually dominating entrepreneurship and employment among Ghanaian youth," Mr. Awuah said in a keynote address delivered on his behalf. He charges the youth: "Do not venture into entrepreneurship just for the zeal of seeking a decent job opportunity but with passion." Barbara White Nkoara, Country Director of SNV Ghana, highlighted their Boosting Green Employment and Enterprise Opportunities in Ghana (GrEEn) project which drives system transformation in partnership with various stakeholders. Barbara White Nkoara, Country Director of SNV Ghana, delivering a welcome address at the forum The Minister's passion-driven message to young entrepreneurs reflects the forum's goal of nurturing the next generation of sustainable business leaders committed to driving social progress through innovation and collaboration across Africa. The YEE Global Forum, organised by SNV Netherlands Development Organisation in partnership with the European Union and others, brought together over 100 participants including policymakers, NGOs and private sector players. The event aimed to promote sustainable entrepreneurship and employment opportunities for African youth, especially in green sectors. It provided a platform to discuss strategies for creating an enabling environment. The Ghana Web report this morning on Koforidua court remands two Jubilee House soldiers, immigration officer for alleged robbery does not surprise me after the Government sponsored military brutalities and armed robbery of phones, money, and other properties in the Garu and Tempane Districts supervised by Albert Kan-Dapaah, the Minister of National Security. Myjoyonline.com also carried a similar rendition of the same report this morning. The accused persons are Sergeant Mensah Dominic and L/Cpl Tetteh Wayo, both enlisted military men stationed at the Jubilee House, and L/CPL Nyarko Bernard from ABF at Tamale command Unit, and PTE/ Eric Anim from the 11 Mechanised Infantry Battalion in Accra (currently on leave) who were picked for the robbery operation at Pokuase. The other accused persons are L.C.O/ Richard Okyere, an immigration officer at the Ministry of Interior, and Kelvin Marfo, a private security man at the 5th Hour Mining Company in Akyem Akwatia. The mastermind of the robbery operation is the immigration officer at the Ministry of the Interior, L.C.O./ Richard Okyere, who orchestrated the robbery using a Government owned Mitsubishi L200 with registration number GS 1116-11. This operation, like the dawn joint operation in Garu and its environs on 29 October 2023, also took place at dawn on 11 November 2023 with the accused reportedly armed with military rifles and in military uniforms. They invaded the home of the complainant, a cocoa purchasing clerk, and demanded GH100,000.00 from him on pain of violence to his person, but eventually settled for a 5-gram gold ore valued at GH29,000 in his possession and fled. The accused persons were arrested this time round by the Ghana Police Service and not the Ghana Armed Forces. A complaint to the Akwatia Police Commander and a police officer at Osenase resulted in the suspects arrest at the Osenase police checkpoint. Two military rifles, four magazines, sixty-two rounds of live ammunition, and a helmet were recovered upon a search. The Ghana Police did not brutalize the suspects or rob their phones and other private property. The accused persons, in my view, are presumed innocent until convicted by a court of law. The value of the media report of the proceedings in the Circuit Court, Koforidua, is that the Ghana Police Service which is responsible for internal security has once again proved its traditional capacity and civility in handling suspected crimes. It also proves the lie that the Garu and its environs operation needed soldiers and a helicopter of the Ghana Armed Forces to execute. But it further proves the butterfly effect of the capriciousness of the military brutalities and robbery in Garu and its environs coming back to haunt the Jubilee House, and Albert Kan-Dapaah. The National Security Minister could not control only two military personnel in the Jubilee House and two other military personnel in Pokuasi, and an immigration officer in the Ministry of the Interior. Albert Kan-Dapaah was, however, able to mobilize soldiers to brutalize and rob the civil population in Garu and its environs on 29 October 2023 instead of using the Ghana Police Service, and has gotten away with it, with the blessings of Parliament. Exposed! God does not sleep or slumber! Martin A. B. K. Amidu 16 November 2023 Aggrieved Customers of Gold Coast Fund Management have urged the Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, to refrain from conditioning the payment of their locked-up funds on the outcome of any court case and to proceed with the disbursement. This follows Mr. Ofori-Attas indication during the budget presentation on Wednesday that a provision of GH4 billion has been made in the 2024 budget to address National Investment Bank (NIB) SDIs, and other outstanding legacy challenges in the Financial Sector. Notwithstanding the ongoing litigation commenced by shareholders Blackshield Capital Management Limited (formerly Gold Coast Securities Limited), the SEC will continue to engage the Official Liquidator and the client of defunct Blackshield to reach a consensus on a framework for a bailout intervention and an amicable resolution of the impasse. In a statement issued on Thursday, the Aggrieved Customers of Gold Coast Fund Management explained that the pending litigations challenging the revocation of the operational license of Blackshield Capital Management Limited (Gold Coast Fund Management) did not legally impede the disbursement of the Parliamentary approved bailout package. The group emphasized that there was no need for further frameworks that would deliberately prolong the already delayed payment of their locked-up funds, which had been almost six years. The Finance Ministry should proceed with the payment using the same bank accounts that were created in the names of individual beneficiaries at the various branches of GCB across the country for the payment of the Partial Bailout, they added. The group further urged the Finance Minister to clarify the significant ambiguity surrounding the statement captured in the budget. We emphatically state that even without considering the other mentioned institutions, namely NIB and SDIs, this allocation of GH4 billion is insufficient to pay the outstanding balances of the validated claims of Customers of Gold Coast Fund Management, they added. citinewsroom Introduction to Correspondent Banking Correspondent banking may sound like a term straight out of a financiers dictionary, but its implications ripple through the entire economy, touching the lives of both businesses and individuals. Essentially, its the process by which banks provide services to each other, including cross-border transactions and large-scale currency exchanges. Think of it as a global network of financial institutions collaborating to facilitate international trade and business. For a country like Ghana, whose economy is increasingly integrating with the global market, correspondent banking is not just a convenience but a necessity. It enables local businesses to expand beyond borders, allows for the inflow of foreign investment, and supports the countrys developmental initiatives by ensuring that international trade is executed smoothly. Moreover, the remittances sent home by Ghanaians working abroad, which significantly contribute to the countrys GDP, are also processed through these channels. Thus, correspondent banking isnt just a cog in the wheel of commerce; its the very axle on which the wheel turns, driving economic growth and prosperity in Ghana. The Data-Driven Approach In a world where data is king, the financial sector is no exception to its reign. In correspondent banking, data isnt just numbers and figures; its a narrative that tells a story about risk, trust, and opportunity. By adopting a data-driven approach, Ghanaian banks can scrutinise their correspondent relationships and transactions with unprecedented precision. Using data allows international banks to gauge the financial crime risk posed by their local counterparts. This is not just about compliance but about safeguarding the institution's financial health. By employing sophisticated analytics, banks can discern patterns that may indicate risky behaviour, such as money laundering or fraud. Furthermore, standardised risk scoring is a common language, equipping banks to compare notes with peers and regulators. Such scores can transform subjective guesswork into an objective assessment, enabling banks to make informed decisions about whom to do business with and on what terms. This is critical in a world where financial crimes are not just local but part of a complex global tapestry. Building Trust Through Transparency Transparency in banking is akin to daylight in architecture; it reveals the structure's integrity. For correspondent banks, transparency is the cornerstone of trust. Local banks can securely and efficiently share information on their operations, governance, and risk management practices through regulated and standardised risk scoring as a common language. This allows local banks to solidify partnerships and attract international business. Case studies around the globe have demonstrated the power of transparency. For example, banks that have embraced open and standardised communication have seen an upswing in investor confidence and customer loyalty. They have also managed to easily navigate regulatory scrutiny, avoiding the pitfalls that befall opaque institutions. In Ghana, where the banking sector is rapidly evolving, transparency is not just a best practice but a strategic advantage that can set institutions apart in the fiercely competitive global marketplace. Its about building a reputation that crosses oceans and borders. Risk Management in Correspondent Banking In the intricate web of global finance, managing risk in correspondent banking is akin to navigating a ship through a sea of uncertainties. For Ghanaian banks, identifying and mitigating financial crime risks is paramount to maintaining not just their own safety, but the financial security of the nation. Foreign banks that act as correspondent banks to our local banks do the same. It involves meticulously pricing the risk of each correspondent relationship, a task that calls for both precision and foresight. Banks must employ strategies that include rigorous due diligence, ongoing monitoring, and the application of advanced analytical tools. By doing so, they can detect early signs of potential risks, from money laundering to terrorist financing, and act swiftly to prevent them. Implementing these strategies ensures compliance with international standards and secures the reputation of Ghanas banking sector as a citadel of integrity in the global financial arena. And that is why it is so crucial for our local banks to adopt standardised risk scoring as a common language. This will eliminate the subjective guesswork of some, if not most, correspondent banks that lead to unfairly higher corresponding banking fees. Regulatory Compliance and International Standards Regulatory compliance in the financial sector is not just about ticking boxes; its about upholding standards that maintain the sanctity of the global financial system. Ghanas adherence to international compliance standards showcases its commitment to fighting financial crime and fostering a stable economic environment. The Ghanaian regulatory landscape is shaped by local oversight and international mandates, creating a robust framework for banks. This comprehensive regulatory tapestry ensures that Ghanaian banks are not just local players but are also credible actors on the international stage, capable of attracting and conducting global business with confidence and integrity. The Role of Technology and Innovation The banking sectors evolution is being propelled by technology and innovation, particularly in Ghana, where digital transformation is rewriting the rules of finance. Advancements in financial technology are providing banks with tools to enhance security, improve customer experience, and expand their services. In Ghana, where mobile phone usage is widespread, banking has leapt from the traditional model to one accessible with just a few taps on a smartphone. This has increased financial inclusion and opened up a new realm of possibilities for banking services. The future of banking in Ghana looks both technologically advanced and more inclusive, with technology as an enabler for broader economic participation. As previously detailed, a regulated, standardised language is essential to lowering correspondent banking fees and removes guesswork from foreign banks assessing the risk of doing business with local banks. When privately engaged, some companies I collaborate with offer regulated and standardised financial crime risk ratings, intelligence, and analytical tools to small, medium, and global banks. In a tech-heavy Ghanaian financial sector, it is prudent to internally apply data-driven analysis to rate your local banks' financial crime risk profiles through industry-wide standardised scoring and bring the credit-risk approach to financial crime risk. If one were to, say, engage for regulated and internationally standardised ratings products, it's a win-win. If you score high, you now KNOW you don't need to pay that extra on correspondent banking fees that you've been paying. If you score lower, you KNOW what to do to reduce the correspondent banking fees you've been paying. There's no downside. Besides, conversations with a bank in, for instance, Japan, will go a lot smoother when correspondence is via an industry-wide standardised and regulated language. Fostering Inclusivity and Diversity in Finance A financial sector that mirrors the diverse tapestry of society is not only just but also robust. Inclusivity and diversity are more than buzzwords; they are essential to a resilient banking system. Ghanas financial sector recognises the value of different risk management and decision-making perspectives. By encouraging a culture of inclusivity by efficiently engaging correspondent banks all around the globe, banks can tap into a wider pool of talent and ideas, fostering innovation and creativity. This approach helps design products and services catering to a broader demographic, ensuring that finance serves the entire community and not just a select few. In a world where diversity is strength, Ghanas banking sector stands to benefit immensely from such a progressive stance. The Numerical Landscape of Ghana's Banking Sector Diving into the numbers offers a fascinating glimpse into the strength and potential of Ghanas banking industry. Here are some compelling facts and figures: GDP Contribution : The financial services sector contributes significantly to Ghanas GDP, indicating its pivotal economic role. : The financial services sector contributes significantly to Ghanas GDP, indicating its pivotal economic role. Mobile Connections : Since one person can use numerous networks simultaneously, Ghana recorded 44 million mobile connections in January 2023, down from 45 million the previous year. This represents 140% of the country's entire population. : Since one person can use numerous networks simultaneously, Ghana recorded 44 million mobile connections in January 2023, down from 45 million the previous year. This represents 140% of the country's entire population. Mobile Money Transactions : With over 80% of Ghanaians owning mobile phones, mobile money transactions have seen an exponential rise, accounting for a substantial portion of all financial transactions in the country. : With over 80% of Ghanaians owning mobile phones, mobile money transactions have seen an exponential rise, accounting for a substantial portion of all financial transactions in the country. Banking Penetration : The percentage of Ghanaians with bank accounts has been steadily increasing, a testament to the growing trust and expanding reach of the banking sector. : The percentage of Ghanaians with bank accounts has been steadily increasing, a testament to the growing trust and expanding reach of the banking sector. Digital Infrastructure Investment : Investment in digital banking infrastructure has surged, with millions allocated to fintech solutions, enhancing the customer experience and security. : Investment in digital banking infrastructure has surged, with millions allocated to fintech solutions, enhancing the customer experience and security. Financial Inclusion: Efforts towards financial inclusion have decreased the unbanked population, bringing more citizens into the formal banking fold. Moving Forward with Resilience As we chart the course of Ghanas correspondent banking sector, the journey is marked by embracing data-driven decision-making, steadfast adherence to regulatory compliance, and the innovative spirit of technological advancement. The sector is poised to meet international standards and set new benchmarks in financial integrity and inclusion. The path ahead is one of resilience and adaptability, with banks leveraging technology, transparency, and inclusivity to shape a dynamic and robust financial landscape. This forward momentum is critical in fostering a banking sector that is resilient in the face of global challenges and responsive to the needs of a diverse clientele, driving economic growth and stability in Ghana. I hope you found this article to be an enjoyable read. Your feedback is highly valued and appreciated. I welcome your suggestions for topics you want me to address or provide insights on. You can schedule a meeting with me at your convenience through my Calendly at calendly.com/maxwellampong. Alternatively, you may connect with me through various channels accessible on my Linktree page at https://linktr.ee/themax. Wishing you a highly productive and successful week ahead! 17.11.2023 LISTEN Ashanti Regional Minister Simon Osei Mensah has confirmed to Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II that due to government lack of funds to pay road contractors in the region, majority of them have abandoned the sites. He stated that the government has awarded plenty of road contracts in the region noting that if 60% of them are completed, Ashanti will be boasted of good road networks in the country but the government has failed to honour its part of the agreement. Simon Osei Mensah made the confirmation when addressing the Ashanti Regional House of Chiefs end-of-year meeting in Kumasi on Wednesday, November 15, 2023. When the members asked him how soon the contractors would return to site, the regional minister could not give a specific timeline. "Otumfuo and Nananom I cant promise or give timeline because the issue has to do with money and the government doesnt have it now. We can only pray for the best in the coming days. "I feel shame anytime I pass through these abandoned roads. How I wish I would have ended my term of office with the completed construction of roads in the region, but all these have to do with funds, he added. The Hopexchange Medical Center at Santasi-Apire in Kwadaso Municipality of the Ashanti Region with the help of the United States through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has cut sod for the construction of a state-of-the-art maternal unit. The three-storey building maternal facility which is fully funded by the US government is estimated to cost over one million dollars. The state-of-the-art maternity block would boast of amenities such as a labor and delivery suite, neonatal and pediatric intensive care units, in-patient and out-patient wards, an adolescent clinic, laboratory center, pharmacy, and offices for nurses and doctors among others. The General Manager of the Hospital, Mr Dominic Osei Kofi during the groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday, November 16, 2023 disclosed that the project will be completed in 18 months. He emphasized that the facility will help improve access to quality health care for mothers and children in the Kwadaso Municipality and Ashanti Region in general. He expressed his gratitude to the government of the United States of America for funding the project. The occasion was graced with the presence of the US Ambassador to Ghana, Her Excellency Virginia Parmer. Addressing the gathering at the groundbreaking event, H. E Virginia Parmer said the project was part of efforts by the U.S. government to improve healthcare systems in Ghana. She added that delivering quality medical care in Ghana was dear to the heart of the US government hence the construction of the facility. She revealed that the facility will be fully equipped with machines and the necessary equipment when completed. She pledged the US government's unwavering support to Ghana in the health, agriculture, education and other important sectors of the economy. "The United States is Ghana's largest bilateral development partner, and in 2022 alone our assistance to the country was in excess of 150 million dollars, she stated. Richard Ahiagbah, NPP National Communications Director[left] and former President John Dramani Mahama 17.11.2023 LISTEN The National Communications Director of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), Richard Ahiagbah, has said former president John Dramani Mahama must provide details on how he intends to implement a 24-hour economy if elected in 2024. In a post on social media on Friday, November 17, Mr Ahiagbah argued that simply touting a 24-hour economy is not enough without an outline of the necessary enabling policies and factors. "Until we see JM's enabling policy plan, his 24-hour economy idea remains a populist stunt akin to a student who vows to score straight A's but is known to be such a student or does not have a study plan that demonstrates how he/she would arrive at the desired result of straight A's. It is just talk at this point," Ahiagbah wrote. He questioned why Mahama did not implement a 24-hour economy during his 2012-2016 tenure. "A 24-hour economy cannot happen in a vacuum. First, JM must start by discussing his enabling factors plan that will give impetus to the 24-hour economy," Ahiagbah stated. The NPP communications director urged Ghanaians to keep faith in the incumbent party, arguing it has "the answers" and will deliver economic recovery." Former President John Dramani Mahama 17.11.2023 LISTEN The New Patriotic Party's (NPP) National Communications Director, Richard Ahiagbah has questioned why former President John Mahama did not implement his proposed 24-hour economy policy during his first term in office from 2012 to 2016. In a post on social media on Friday, November 17, Mr Ahiagbah argues that a 24-hour economy is not a new idea originated by Mr Mahama, as he claims. "When JM was Vice President in 2009, Kenya constituted a National 24-hour Economy Steering Committee to explore the idea. JM became President in 2012-2016, why did he not implement the 24-hour economy because the idea was available to him to copy?" the NPP communicator quizzes. He added, "a 24-hour economy cannot happen in a vacuum" and requires "enabling factors" like industrialization, manufacturing, energy and tourism policies to support it. "First, JM must start by discussing his enabling factors plan that will give impetus to the 24-hour economy." Until we see JM's enabling policy plan, his 24-hour economy idea remains a populist stunt akin to a student who vows to score straight A's but is known to be such a student or does not have a study plan that demonstrates how he/she would arrive at the desired result of straight A's. It is just talk at this point. Populism as always," Mr Ahiagbah wrote. Opinion / Columnist THE problem we have in Zimbabwe is we have a new generation of people who think they are educated and thus they don't acknowledge that Zimbabwe is a sacred country, nyika ine varidzi (a country with a creator and spiritual overseers).They fail to appreciate that these spirits will never accept or forgive children of this nation who have partnered with enemies of the nation and our colonisers to impose sanctions on innocent people, women, children, mothers, fathers, grandparents, widows, orphans, the vulnerable and disabled, to coerce them to vote for the opposition so that they can reverse land reform and give the country back to colonisers.It took the children of Zimbabwe to be filled by the spirit of Murenga (a revered ancestral figure who inspired Zimbabwe's fight for freedom from colonialism) for them to sacrifice their lives, spill their blood, and fight (undertake ChiMurenga/Umvukela) for the liberation of Zimbabwe.So by trying to reverse this predetermined and ordained sacrifice, the opposition of Zimbabwe CCC/MDC have called for a curse upon themselves and future generations.All the turmoil you see in the opposition of Zimbabwe (both MDCT and CCC) and their leaders, is a manifestation of the spirit of confusion brought about by their impure and evil hearts that keep destroying their bloodsucking talisman that they are trying to build.You have also seen how the same opposition has attracted another group of cursed people who come from Nyika ye Ruwomo yakauraya Chaminuka (the people from the dry land where they killed Chaminuka). It's not a coincidence but it is the curse of treachery that unites two groups of cursed people who undertook covenants to serve imperialists.Yes, I may sound mad but trust me, no matter which culture you come from, you are bound to be cursed when you trouble and terrorise the elderly, widows, orphans and the disabled for your own material benefit, and worse when you trick them into believing that their problem is their liberators.Vanhu ve nyika ye ruwomo (the people from the dry land) also played victim after trying to destroy our nation and till today, nothing ever works for them, no matter where they go because they will remain cursed until varipa (they atone through spiritual ritual).Cursed are the Tsvangirai, Chamisa, Biti, Kagoro, Mutambara, Mahere, Siziba, Mwonzora families and others who chose to kill, separate, disperse and destroy the lives of Zimbabweans by sanctions for political power.Is Zanu-PF perfect, no! They have made their own mistakes. There are many scattered bones of the children of Zimbabwe that they have not collected from where they died during the war. They have not undertaken post-war rituals they were instructed to undertake.They never atoned for innocent blood spilt along the path of liberation, but one thing they did is they followed the call to rise as the bones of Nehanda and liberate the nation, give its people land and their resources even though land has not been correctly restored to the kings and clans it belongs too.Ultimately, we all have to atone, even me, I have done many wrong things, but we owe different levels of atonement and some levels of betrayal have no atonement.Many of you hate me for what I do for Zimbabwe but I succeed at what I do because I am being led by something bigger than me to fulfill the calling of a higher power, to keep the land, nation and people of Zimbabwe free from recolonisation, invasion and civil war.We are Africans and at some point we need to recognise, atone and remember where we come from, to restore the Mutapa Empire. But no matter what, Zimbabwe will never be ruled by the traitors who called for Westerners to punish their people by sanctions because it is to resist such foreign infiltration, that the spirit of Murenga is poured out upon the chosen for them to resist invasion.l Rutendo Benson Matinyarare is the chairperson and spokeperson of Zimbabwe Anti-Sanctions Movement (ZASM). Before joining he co-founded Zimbabwe Unite Against US War Sanctions. Matinyarare is also the CEO of Frontline Start Marketing Consultancy. He is also a brand architect, marketing strategist and communication specialist. Dr. Ato Forson 17.11.2023 LISTEN It must be hypocritical on the part of the Minority Leader, Dr. Ato Forson, to describe the Budget Statement and Economic Policy of the Government presented to Parliament last Wednesday by the Finance Minister, Mr. Ken Ofori-Atta as empty. That must have explained the reason why when the Deputy Majority Leader, Mr. Alexander Afenyo-Markin got on his feet he screamed, Eiiii, Ato, is that you, when you had the opportunity to serve as a Deputy Minister of Finance under John Mahama what did you do? It was during your tenure that we experienced about five years of dumsor. We are wondering whether in this competitive political game, our politicians would seek some consensus around the national economy such that we can agree to disagree and thus make better progress than we are making now as a country. An economy projected to grow beyond two percent in 2024, GDP of one trillion cedis for the same period and expenditure of over 200 billion cedis cannot be said to be on a stretcher. There are other incentives such as eight tax reliefs, salary adjustment for public sector workers and support for flood victims across the country. Someone too from beverage producers association said ignorantly that when we need food the government is talking about tax relief for electric car imports. Such a person may not have heard about the global demands of energy transition that requires that as a country we prepare towards that imperative in the energy sector. As Parliament gears up to debate the budget, we make a plea. And that is simple. For once both sides of the divide must give praise where it is due and criticise the government where it has failed, but they should not end with the problems. They must prescribe the solutions to take us out of the woods and make life more comfortable for all Ghanaians. We must set a better tone from this budget for a better engagement of the Majority and Minority. To achieve that too, we need an umpire who sits in the middle to steer affairs in the national interest. It is the people who suffer when our MPs focus on the next elections instead of the public good. What the NPP government has done so far, cannot be said to have set the economy on an exponential growth path. But its efforts cannot be said to be for want of trying. The economy is growing and that is what the Finance Minister alluded to when he said the countrys GDP has risen from a little over 200 billion Ghana cedis to one trillion Ghana cedis next year. The economy is challenged, but it is not a failed economy. As the debate kick-starts in the days ahead, we expect the NDC to tell us the reasons for John Mahamas decision to seek policy credibility from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in 2015. We are not going to allow the NDC to throw dust into the eyes of the people, but we would encourage the people to demand the comparison based on the evidence on the ground. The debate on the economy would not be mere propaganda. It would be based on facts and figures to help the voters to make informed decisions in 2024. The government has turned the corner to provide Ghanaians with much-needed relief. -Daily Guide Some residents in the Cape Coast (Oguaa) Metropolis have expressed disappointment about the silence of the 2024 budget on the governments pledge to construct a cargo airport and harbour in the historic city. The proposed Cargo Airport, with a focus on tourism and aviation excellence, aims to become Africa's leading centre for large-scale aircraft repair and personnel training. It would also facilitate rapid responses during emergencies. This initiative aligns with the governments economic transformation agenda to bolster intra-Africa trade through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCTA). Reacting to the budget statement presented to Parliament by Mr. Ken Ofori-Atta, Minister of Finance on Wednesday, the aggrieved residents reminded the government to come clear on the promise because they were eagerly waiting for it. In separate interviews through the Ghana News Agency on Thursday, the residents in a seemingly unanimous conviction recollected what they said were emphatic statements by the Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia that the Party's Second term in office will bring that promise to fruition. However, following the budgetary blackout of the projects, the residents were surprised and skeptical about the governments ability to deliver the bold promise before December 2024 as promised. Vice President, Dr. Bawumia at the launch of the New Patriotic Party's (NPP) 2020 manifesto in Cape Coast, promised to construct a harbour and an airport in Cape Coast should Ghanaians renew their mandate to run the affairs of the country for the second term. The NPPs promise underscored the importance of an airport and harbour as critical in boosting tourism and fishing to accelerate development across the Region. For the people of Cape Coast, I have good news for you, we are building a new harbour in Cape Coast and a new airport. It is very critical that we do that. An airport makes a lot of sense in Cape Coast. It is a real tourist hub and between Greater Accra and Kumasi, you have a triangle that really is a hub for economic activities, you can build railway lines between them, and it is a major growth pole if we put an airport here to drive infrastructural growth, he added. Since then, government officials have reiterated their commitment to the project, assuring the people of Cape Coast that it will indeed materialize. Speaking on behalf of a group of fishmongers at Anaafo fish market, Madam Grace Adobah expressed grave disappointment in the government for not commencing the construction of the facility after almost four years. The government deceived us into voting for them in the 2020 election with those two projects that had failed to see the light of day, she stressed. Mr. Foster Bentil Otabil, a taxi driver, said the facilities would necessitate the development of supporting infrastructure, such as improved roads and transportation networks, thereby enhancing the overall quality of life in rural areas. Praying on the government to redeem its promise, he said, the airports establishment is expected to aid increased tourism, leading to the growth of the local tourism industry. Mr. Daniel Dadzie, an Electrical Engineer from Nkanfoa told the government to make its stand now on the feasibility of the two giant projects. He indicated that the economy has had a nosedive for the government to cough up the huge amount to commence the projects; however, it was politically prudent to inform the public about the intention of the government. The government urged on us to vote for them to deliver the two projects, but having done our bargain, the government is feet-dragging its part. This is not politically good for this administration considering the fact that the party would come around to canvas for votes in the December 2024 election. They have to explain this with no ambiguity, else they would have themselves to blame in the 2024 election, Mr. Dadzie cautioned. GNA Drivers and Traders at the Techiman central business area have expressed disappointment in the 2024 budget provisions since it did not meet the provision of the basic needs of the people. Some Drivers of the transport unions such as the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), Private Road Transport Association (PROTOA) and traders in the central business area express worry about high cost of living due to high taxations on goods and services. The people in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) Techiman noted that government in the budge did not consider the bad road network leading to the rural communities, high cost of petroleum and spare parts for vehicles adding that the cost of travelling to remote communities for goods and services to be transported to urban centers has worsen. Mr Ken Ofori- Atta Minister of Finance presented the 2024 Budget yesterday under the theme: Pursuing Growth and Development within a stable macroeconomic Environment. Mr Samuel Asante Boateng, a driver bemoaned over the high cost of foodstuff because all the items got rotten at the farms due to farmers' inability to transport them to the town for sale because of bad roads and cost of transportation. Mr Boateng explained that the major problem contributing to this factor is the poor road network, as vehicle owners refuse to ply on such roads, but the few drivers' transport owners who decide to transport the goods on such roads come with high charges which farmers could not afford. Mr. Boateng in his view urged the government to have a second look at the issue of such nature and consider developing the road network in the farming communities. Mr Issah Mahamed, a 43-year-old local manufacturer of sandals seller called on government to provide funds that would soften the local economy as things were getting bad and lamented that since morning, he has not sold any of his products but has to feed the family. Miss Patience Amponsah, a bread seller said she sold only two loaves of bread for the past two days because people do not have money to purchase. Miss Amponsah commended government for the reduction of taxes on the locally made sanitary pads, as it would go a long way to support young women who could not afford to buy sanitary pads every month. GNA. 17.11.2023 LISTEN All the 20 aspirants of New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary primaries in orphan constituencies in the Upper West Region have been cleared for the contest after a two-day vetting exercise. Dr Daniel Dawda Tanko, the Upper West Regional Secretary of the NPP, revealed this to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Wa after the vetting. The NPP had eight orphan constituencies in the Upper West Region with a total of 21 aspirants. However, the Nadowli-Kaleo constituency had a candidate going into the primaries unopposed and was thus vetted and cleared earlier. The Sissala West had three aspirants, three in the Lawra and two in Jirapa constituencies; two in the Daffiama-Bussie-Issa, four in the Wa West, three in the Wa East and three in Wa Central Constituencies. These numbers are made up of four females, one each in the Sissala West, Wa West, Jirapa and Wa Central Constituencies while 17 were males. The number also included all sitting Municipal and District Chief Executives (MDCEs) except the DCE for Nadowli-Kaleo who did not file to contest in the primaries. Dr. Tanko explained that all the aspirants had proved their capabilities and qualification to contest in the primaries. He said bearing no issues arising after the vetting, all the candidates had been cleared to go about their campaign towards the election. We did not receive any petition against any of the aspirants, so the vetting committee has passed all the aspirants to go about their campaign unless something comes up between now and December 2 and if nothing comes up all of them stand that chance of representing their constituencies, he explained. Dr Tanko urged the aspirants to conduct their campaign with decorum to ensure the party remained united to execute the party's agenda of Breaking the 8 in the 2024 general election. Meanwhile, some of the aspirants, who spoke to the GNA after the vetting, expressed their abilities to wrestle their respective constituency seats from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in 2024 if they were elected as the parliamentary candidates. Dr Stephen Yir-Eru Engmen, an aspirant in the Lawra Constituency, said complacency caused the NPP to lose the Lawra Constituency parliamentary seat to the NDC in the 2020 general elections. Dr. Engmen, a former Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Northern Development Authority (NDA), added that misunderstandings within the NPP in the constituency also contributed to the loss of the party in 2024. He said he would leave no stone unturned to ensure the party was united to reclaim the seat from the NDC if he was elected the parliamentary candidate for the party in the Lawra constituency. I know that I am coming against a veteran politician (Mr Bede Ziedeng) who is on the seat now. "At least I will be the last person who will want to underestimate what the incumbent is capable of doing, Dr Engmen asserted. GNA Olam Food Ingredients Ghana Limited (OFI Ghana), a Licensed Buying Company (LBC) in Ghanas cocoa sector and exporter of cashews in the industry has donated GHS300,000 to the Okomfo Anokye Teaching Hospital. The donation according to the company formed part of efforts to support the "Heal Komfo Anokye Project" project launched by the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II. The company was on Thursday, November 16, 2023 led by the Head of Stakeholder Relations at the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Foundation, Mr Kwabena Owusu Ababio to present the money to the Chief Executive Officer of KATH Professor Addai-Mensah. The Head of Procurement for (OFI), Madam Silvia Araba Amo Asare, during the presentation, commended the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and the leadership of the Okomfo Anokye Teaching Hospital for the initiative. She revealed that Olam Food Ingredients Ghana Limited has provided timely support to individuals, agencies, groups and communities where they operate as part of their corporate social responsibility. She added that, thee donation was part of the many interventions they offer to their development partners. "We have taken an important role in helping to build a cocoa sector that provides long-term, positive support for cocoa farmers to, their communities and the environment in which they operate and this is no exception," she stressed. She however pledged the company's continuous support in developmental projects in the regions they operate. Appreciation Receiving the dummy cheque from Olam Ingredients Ghana Limited, the CEO of KATH, Professor Addai Mensah thanked the company for supporting the project He noted that the donation will go a long way to make the "Heal Komfo Anokye Project " a reality. He called on well-meaning Ghanaians and corporate organizations to emulate what OFI has done and contribute their quota to the project. Accra, the capital city of Ghana, will host a pivotal gathering aimed at catalyzing innovation and growth across Africa's digital economies. The 3iAfrica Summit is slated for May 13-15, 2024, where over 2,000 leaders from over 80 countries will converge in the Ghanaian capital to ignite new partnerships and solutions. With the theme "Unleashing Africa's FinTech and Digital Economic Potential", the collaborative summit is a strategic initiative jointly organized by the Bank of Ghana, Development Bank Ghana and Singapore's Monetary Authority through the global FinTech platform Elevandi. According to Dr. Maxwell Opoku-Afari, First Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana, "We look forward to the 3iAfrica Summit becoming a beacon for financial technology and a turning point in Africa's digital revolution. The conversations and collaborations that will start here are set to chart a new course for the continent's economic landscape." Programmed with plenaries, workshops and policy discussions featuring global figures, the event also promises an innovation exhibition displaying the latest in African-grown digital financial products and services. Kwamina Duker, CEO of Development Bank Ghana, in a press release dated Friday, November 17, noted the summit will "facilitate this global platform where Africa's innovative FinTech solutions will take centre stage, inviting and fostering strategic partnerships." On his part, Sopnendu Mohanty, Chief FinTech Officer of Monetary Authority of Singapore and Elevandi Board Chairman, added that "The 3iAfrica Summit symbolizes a bridge connecting the vibrant tech ecosystems of Africa and Asia. We're excited to support a space where sustainable and revolutionary financial sector initiatives can flourish." Taking place in Ghana's capital, the Summit aims to showcase the region's digital potential to investors while enhancing cooperation between African and Asian finance. It provides a pivotal opportunity for businesses, innovators and policymakers to engage, form partnerships and be at the forefront of the continent's digital transformation. Dr. Kwabena Donkor, Pru East Member of Parliament (MP) 17.11.2023 LISTEN The Ranking Member on Parliament's Employment Committee Dr. Kwabena Donkor has waded into a viral video showing some staff at the Finance Ministry cheering the sector minister, Ken Ofori-Atta after the 2024 budget presentation in Parliament. Speaking to Accra-based Joy News, Dr. Donkor said heads must roll to stamp out such partisanship by civil servants, which goes against their oath of political neutrality. "The Chief Director of the Ministry of Finance must issue a stern warning to such civil servants," said the Pru East MP. He added "It is inappropriate for civil servants to adopt partisan positions contrary to their oath of service." Dr. Donkor reiterated that civil servants swear an oath not to display their political colours in line of work. "When you have civil servants being reduced to cheerleaders, it is most unfortunate," he remarked. The legislator warned that partisan behaviour by paid bureaucrats would seriously hinder good governance. "We must not countenance this. This partisanship displayed by paid civil servants goes against the state," Dr. Donkor stated. He appealed to Ghana's Head of Civil Service to address the issue, saying "I call on the Head of the Civil Service to stamp out this behaviour." The video in question depicted Finance Ministry staff engaged in a praise session when Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta returned from Parliament after presenting the 2024 budget on Wednesday, November 15. Jurors in the Ashanti region have called off their strike after meeting with the Chief Justice. Justice Gertrude Torkornoo has assured them of taking measures to avoid undue delay of their allowances. The jurors absent themselves from court since November 6 to demand for payment of their 15 months' allowance arrears. Addressing the jurors at the Court of Appeal complex in Kumasi , Justice Torkornoo noted whilst it is not unusual for allowances in public service to come late, we will take steps to do whatever we need to do to make sure that we don't allow it to come later. The Chief Justice however implored the jurors to appreciate the burden of the country and serve to expedite justice delivery. For those of you who work in the public sector, you're receiving your salaries. Ghana is paying you for whichever institution you're working then Ghana will give you more money for coming here, and ypu say you won't come here because your allowance has delayed? I put it to you that this is not fair. We should do some balancing and be fair to our nation. Think of the remand prisoners. Think of the cost in bringing people to court. Think of those who are on bail, the trauma of having to keep coming to court. Think of all these people. So, come back to work tomorrow Foreman General of jurors in Ashanti, Albert Ackah told the media after the engagement that we have agreed to resume our services. We are excited with her resolve to ensure our allowances are paid on time. This was what we were expecting long ago. For travelling all the way to Kumasi to engage us, that alone is a relief. So on Monday, we are coming to court -3news.com Parliament must revoke L.I. 2462 & E.I. 144 to ensure that all mining activities are prohibited in forest reserves, civil society groups OccupyGhana and the Media Coalition Against Galamsey have proposed. In a joint statement, the two groups said their advocacy is bolstered by a redent alarming news that a company called High Street, had been granted some mining right over the Kakum Forest. "We believe that Ghana needs a simple legislative fiat that says, We do not mine or drill in our forest reserves. We, therefore, invite parliament, as a matter of urgency, to pass an Act that forbids the grant of any mining or drilling permit, licence or lease or any other associated activities in all forest reserves and significant biodiversity areas", the two groups advocated. "This would mean revoking the so-called Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) Regulations (LI 2462), and the power it gives to the president to give written approval to a mining company to undertake mining activity in a globally significant biodiversity area in the national interest. We believe that the sheer existence of this LI is what emboldened the current application", the joint statement noted.. And to ensure that the government does not evade the aims of the proposed law by "simply revoking the status of current forest reserves", the two groups recommended that "any decision on the cessation of forest reserves should be, first, on the advice of the Forestry Commission and Lands Commission, and, second, with the approval of Parliament after a public hearing and engagement with the chiefs and the people of the area in question". "This would require the amendment of the Forest Act, 1927 (Cap 157) to take away the power of the President to do this simply by issuing an Executive Instrument." "To this end, we also demand the express revocation of the ill-fated Forests (Cessation of Forest Reserve) Instrument (EI 144 of 2022), which purported to revoke the forest reserve status of the Achimota Forest". Read the full statement below: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE JOINT PRESS STATEMENT: URGENT CALL FOR LEGISLATION TO PROHIBIT MINING IN ALL FOREST RESERVES AND BIODIVERSITY AREAS REVOKE LI 2462 & EI 144 Like several well-meaning Ghanaians, OccupyGhana and the Media Coalition Against Galamsey were considerably concerned at the news that some mining right had been granted or recognised over the Kakum Forest. We have noted the Minerals Commissions undated letter, which said that, indeed, they had received such an application but had rejected it. That press release did not say whether the application was for a reconnaissance or prospecting licence or a mining lease, or whether this High Street Company had acquired other permits from either the Forestry Commission or the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Minerals Commissions rejection of the application and assurance that no mineral right...shall be considered or granted in the Kakum National Park, gives us little or no comfort because mining operations have taken place in Ghana and in our forest reserves behind the Minerals Commission, by persons who claim to have obtained other permits from the Forestry Commission and/or EPA. We believe that Ghana needs a simple legislative fiat that says WE DO NOT MINE OR DRILL IN OUR FOREST RESERVES. We, therefore, invite parliament, as a matter of urgency, to pass an Act that forbids the grant of any mining or drilling permit, licence or lease or any other associated activities in all forest reserves and significant biodiversity areas. This would mean revoking the so-called Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) Regulations (LI 2462), and the power it gives to the President to give written approval to a mining company to undertake mining activity in a globally significant biodiversity area in the national interest. We believe that the sheer existence of this LI is what emboldened the current application. And to ensure that Government does not evade the aims of the proposed law by simply revoking the status of current forest reserves, we recommend that any decision on the cessation of forest reserves should be, first, on the advice of the Forestry Commission and Lands Commission, and, second, with the approval of Parliament after a public hearing and engagement with the chiefs and the people of the area in question. This would require the amendment of the Forest Act, 1927 (Cap 157) to take away the power of the President to do this simply by issuing an Executive Instrument. To this end, we also demand the express revocation of the ill-fated Forests (Cessation of Forest Reserve) Instrument (EI 144 of 2022), which purported to revoke the forest reserve status of the Achimota Forest. Issued by: Media Coalition Against Galamsey and OccupyGhana 17 November 2023 -classfmonline The majority of voters in all regions have expressed their belief that Ghana is headed in the wrong direction. This was contained in the latest October 2023 polls conducted by Global Info Analytics. This raises concerns about the trajectory of the country as it approaches the 2024 elections. In the North East Region, the proportion of those who feel Ghana is on the wrong path has seen a significant decline of 44 per cent. Bono East, Upper West, and Western North regions also experienced a modest decrease of around 4 per cent, offering a nuanced perspective amidst the prevailing unease. However, the overall trend suggests a worsening situation in key regions. Bono, Northern, and Western regions have witnessed a substantial increase in the proportion of voters who believe the country is heading in the wrong direction, with jumps of 46 per cent, 17 per cent, and 22 per cent, respectively. This data underscores the depth of concern among citizens in these areas. With the 2024 elections on the horizon, the October 2023 polls are emerging as crucial indicators that could shape the political landscape. For the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), there is a pressing need for these poll numbers to move in a positive direction if they are to secure victory in the upcoming elections. The public sentiment reflected in these polls will likely serve as a barometer for the party's chances in the 2024 electoral race. As the nation grapples with divergent views on its direction, political analysts and party strategists will closely monitor these trends to understand the pulse of the electorate. The outcome of the 2024 elections could be heavily influenced by the ability of political leaders to address the concerns voiced by citizens across the regions. -classfmonline FILE PHOTO: View of the Cobre Panama mine, of Canadian First Quantum Minerals, in Donoso, Panama, December 6, 2022. REUTERS/Aris Martinez (Reuters) -The union for Canadian miner First Quantum's unit in Panama said on Thursday that it reached an agreement with the company to guarantee salaries as protests and blockades against the miner prevent them from working. Protests have raged for weeks against First Quantum's contract for a $10 billion copper mine, with some protests blocking access to the mine. The blockades "put at risk the daily bread of some 7,000 workers who are also Panamanians who have not been able to return to our posts to make a living in a dignified way," the union said in a statement. "We have signed agreements with the company to guarantee salary for the workers," the statement added. First Quantum's local unit, Minera Panama, did not immediately reply to a request for comment. (Reporting by Valentine Hilaire; Writing by Brendan O'Boyle; Editing by Isabel Woodford) In a bid to strengthen the New Patriotic Party's (NPP) position in the Volta Region, the 3rd Vice Chairman, Alhaji Masawudu Osman, has called for unity among the 29 aspirants who have successfully cleared the party's parliamentary primaries in the orphan constituencies. Alhaji Osman, who led the NPP National Parliamentary Vetting Committee in the Volta Region, emphasised that peace and unity are pivotal elements for the party in breaking the eight-year cycle. He urged the aspirants to conduct a clean campaign, stressing the significance of party unity as they prepare for the parliamentary primaries scheduled for December 2, 2023. The 3rd Vice Chairman urged the contenders to focus on winning more seats for the NPP in the Volta Region, emphasising the party's need for increased representation in the area. Highlighting the commitment to a fair process, Alhaji Osman disclosed that further consultations would be conducted to address issues concerning the vetting of aspirants in the Ketu North and Akatsi North constituencies. These areas have witnessed delays in the vetting process, and efforts are underway to ensure a resolution before the upcoming parliamentary primaries. A total of 29 aspirants, comprising six females and 23 males, have successfully undergone vetting for the parliamentary primaries. The vetting process, which took place from Tuesday, 14 November to Thursday, 16 November 2023, covered 13 constituencies out of the 17 orphan constituencies in the Volta Region. The exercise was conducted at the NPP Volta Regional Office in Ho. The Anlo and North Dayi constituencies experienced unopposed declarations, with aspirants there standing unopposed and subsequently declared candidates through popular acclamation. However, the vetting process for aspirants in Ketu North and Akatsi North has been temporarily put on hold, pending further consultations and resolution of outstanding issues. The parliamentary primaries in December are anticipated to shape the NPP's prospects in the region in the upcoming general elections. -classfmonline. Photo caption: Staff at Westfield Primary School and councillors from City of York Council welcome the pilot In a landmark decision, the City of York Council's Executive has endorsed a pioneering Universal Free School Meals Pilot Project, focusing on Key Stage 2 children. This resolution, reached at the council meeting on November 16, represents a significant advancement in addressing educational inequity and the escalating cost-of-living crisis. Commencing in January 2024 and spanning the entire year, the pilot will provide free school lunches to Key Stage 2 pupils at Westfield Primary School. This is a crucial addition to the existing national program that offers free lunches to younger students in Reception and Key Stage 1. The project is a tangible manifestation of the Council's commitment, as detailed in the Council Plan agreed in September, to evolve into an anti-poverty city within the next decade. An additional element of this initiative is the potential expansion to include breakfast for Burton Green Primary School's Key Stage 2 students, conditional upon securing extra funding from the York Community Fund. The cost for this breakfast program is projected to be 1 per child. This initiative is supported by approximately 100,000 in Council funding, earmarked specifically for this pilot. Councillor Bob Webb, responsible for Children, Young People and Education, underscored the project's alignment with the Council's four core commitments. He highlighted the multifaceted benefits of the program, including promoting the human right to education, reducing health inequalities, tackling childhood obesity, improving dental health, and contributing to environmental sustainability through reduced food waste and enhanced energy efficiency in school kitchens. Councillor Claire Douglas, Leader of the City of York Council, expressed optimism about the council's new partnership-driven approach, foreseeing an extension of the program to more primary schools in the future. The University of York will play a crucial role in evaluating the pilot, focusing on aspects such as meal uptake, nutritional impact, school attendance, and student readiness to learn. This evaluation is a part of their broader "Fix Our Food" project. Lamara Taylor, Headteacher at Westfield Primary Community School, shared her enthusiasm about the pilot's potential to make a significant difference for children and the broader community. She emphasized the school's long-standing commitment to addressing nutritional needs, especially in light of the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. The project also opens avenues for public involvement. Donations to support the Free School meals pilot can be made through the York Community Fund, a collaborative effort between the City of York Council and Two Ridings Community Foundation. This fund serves as a vehicle for sourcing independent funding to support vibrant community action and improve the wellbeing of people in York. This ambitious project by the City of York Council marks a proactive step in addressing critical social issues such as food insecurity, educational disparities, and the cost-of-living crisis. It not only aims to provide immediate relief in the form of nutritious meals for children but also seeks to gather valuable insights for potential future expansions and improvements in the city's educational and social welfare systems. President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has launched Creation Africa Ghana, an initiative in the creative arts and culture that seeks to equip entrepreneurs in the industry to create wealth and grow the economy. An initiative of the French Embassy in Ghana, Creation Africa Ghana, is also aimed at empowering and equipping entrepreneurs in the culture and creative industries space, as well as promoting cultural diversity between France and Africa. Speaking at the launching ceremony at the residence of the French Ambassador in Accra, President Akufo-Addo said Ghana was privileged to have been selected as the first to launch such an initiative. The dynamic, viable and strong creative industry in Ghana, the President explained, culminated in the selection of the country as the first to commence the initiative. "Creation Africa, which is taking Ghana as its first port of call, is something that we in Ghana should be proud of and accept. Ghanas cultural and creative arts viability and dynamism, according to President Akufo-Addo, has always been visibly shown as Ghanaian musicians, artists and painters have done so much work to refine and redefine the industry to become an important vehicle for job and wealth creation. The French Ambassador to Ghana, Mr Jules Armand Aniambosou, on his part, said the initiative seeks to bridge the gap between artistry and entrepreneurship and inject more vitality into the sector. Mr Aniambossou invited aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators to submit their projects for a chance to receive mentorship, resources and money. Other countries that will benefit from the initiative are South Africa, Benin, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Guinea, Kenya, Madagascar, Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Senegal, Tanzania, Chad and Togo. Creation Africa Ghana aims to empower entrepreneurs involved in the creation, development, production and distribution of goods, services and activities with cultural, artistic, and/or heritage content, particularly architecture, designs, books and publishing, music, cinema, audiovisual content, digital creations, museums and heritage, media, visual arts, video games, fashion and luxury goods and performing arts. In recent years, France's foreign policy has shifted towards promoting innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly within the Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs) space. These industries have significant untapped potential in Africa, as indicated by a UNESCO study conducted between 2020 and 2021. President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has cautioned Ghanaians not to pay attention to the fresh promises made by former President John Dramani Mahama as the country approaches the 2024 elections. The president asserted that Mahama, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer, failed to deliver during his term when he had the opportunity to govern the country. During a visit to the Bantama Constituency in the Ashanti Region, President Akufo-Addo expressed doubts about Mahama's claims of being a changed person and emphasised the need for voters to critically assess the track record of the former president before making a choice. We are going into elections again, and the person who failed to deliver has come back claiming to be a changed person who needs to be considered. You failed when you were offered the opportunity, and now you are claiming to be a changed person. What shows you are indeed a changed person? It is pure deception, and we wont agree. Will you agree? questioned President Akufo-Addo. The president cautioned against falling for tribal and religious politics, urging voters to prioritise competence and qualifications when making their decision. He urges voters to vote for Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia to succeed him, emphasising that factors such as one's origin or religious beliefs should not be the primary considerations. Where you are from or what you worship is not important. What is important is your skillset and what you have to offer, President Akufo-Addo stated. Photo caption: Cllr Michael Pavlovic visits Duncombe Square to see the Passivhaus homes being built In an ambitious move to address housing affordability and sustainability, City of York Council, in partnership with social housing entities, has announced a significant expansion in the availability of affordable, energy-efficient homes across York. This initiative, part of the new Council Plan 'One City, for all', aims to double the number of affordable homes at Ordnance Lane Passivhaus site in Fishergate and introduce new energy-efficient dwellings at the former Willow House site on Walmgate. The drive for 100% affordable housing is a response to the growing disparity between home costs and average earnings in York. Councillor Michael Pavlovic, Executive Member for Housing and Safer Communities at City of York Council, highlighted the urgency of this issue: The average home in York currently costs 10.9 times the average earnings, rents have risen 10% in the last year, and energy costs continue to rise. To tackle this, a core commitment of the new Council Plan One City, for all, is to increase the supply of good quality, affordable housing with high energy efficiency and low emissions. In addition to Ordnance Lane, around 40 new homes are planned for the Walmgate site, previously occupied by Willow House. These homes, alongside neighbourhood improvements, will adhere to stringent energy efficiency standards, reflecting the Council's commitment to sustainability. Furthermore, the Council has joined the York and North Yorkshire Housing Partnership to influence the development of affordable homes in the city and region. It is also working alongside the co-owners of York Central to further this goal. The initiative extends beyond just providing homes. It includes measures to tackle homelessness, with plans to purchase ten homes using the Local Authority Housing Fund. These homes will assist former rough sleepers in transitioning to independent living and provide housing for Afghan refugees. Other sites earmarked for development include the former 68 Centre in Heworth and the former Woolnough House care home site. These will be offered to registered social landlords for the development of 100% affordable housing, aiming to meet the emerging Future Homes Standard. The Council's report on this significant housing initiative was discussed at the Executive meeting on 16 November. Further details and a video of the meeting are available on the City of York Council's website. Scrubbing a worn-out t-shirt at a public wash house in Madagascar's capital of Antananarivo a day after a hotly disputed presidential election, Germaine Razafindrakala, 77, has little doubt about who the winner will be. "The next president is Rajoelina," she says without flinching, referring to the outgoing President, who was seeking re-election in Thursday's vote. Many others agree, feeling no need to wait for the official results. Since the election was boycotted by most opposition candidates, victory for Andry Rajoelina, 49, always seemed a foregone conclusion. Andry Rajoelina casting his ballot on Thursday. Early projections show the President winning more than 70 percent of the vote. By MAMYRAEL (AFP) Indeed, early projections released by electoral authorities show the President winning more than 70 percent of the vote, with less than 10 percent of votes counted. But that is unlikely to appease his opponents, who have disowned the vote and vowed to continue protesting until a fair election is held. Weeks of opposition protests preceded the election. By MAMYRAEL (AFP) The overcrowded capital city returned to its normal bustling life on Friday, after a calm vote that was preceded by weeks of protests. In a narrow, sloping street, a uniformed police officer whistles to the traffic, frantically waving through vans, mopeds and old taxis. Only a few days ago the same street was covered in orange umbrellas bearing the image Rajoelina, that were distributed to street vendors by the president electoral campaign. "They reduce sales," said a mango seller, who preferred to remain anonymous. 'Life is hard' Garlic sausages and cuts of Zebu, a local cattle breed, hung from metal hooks at a wooden hut housing the local butcher's shop. A little further down the road, Risse Nampona, 22, sells cigarettes individually for a few cents. He has also folded away the orange umbrella. Map of Madagascar, where s presidential elections took place on Thursday.. By (AFP) "Having a political colour doesn't interest me," he explained, taking a break from a "Law and Management" textbook -- and his dream of leaving the country. "For us, it will be the same: life is hard and that doesn't change." Ten of the 12 opposition candidates for the presidency had urged voters to shun the ballot complaining of an "institutional coup" in favour of Rajoelina. On Thursday, they pointed to what they said was the lowest turnout in the electoral history of the Indian Ocean island, claiming they had the backing of most of the electorate. "We do not recognise these elections and the Malagasy population in its great majority does not recognise them either," Hajo Andrianainarivelo, 56, told a press conference, speaking on behalf of the opposition group. Only about 39 percent of the 11 million people who were registered to vote did so, according to early estimates by the electoral commission, which critics accuse of lacking impartiality. But two senior sources at the electoral body speaking to AFP on condition of anonymity, on Thursday evening put the real figure is much lower, at less than 20 percent. Results should be announced on November 24. Successive crises Madagascar is the leading global producer of vanilla but also one of the world's poorest countries. It has been shaken by successive crises since independence from France in 1960 -- so the latest one has hardly caused any panic among Antananarivo residents. "We hope that they will be able to come to an agreement," Rakotonirna Omnisoa, 48, says of the president and his opponents with little conviction. "People fight to survive and avoid getting involved in politics," she adds, before returning to sell packets of instant noodles and bulk sugar in her modest grocery store. 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. From October, the opposition grouping, including two former presidents, has led near-daily, largely unauthorised protest marches. Police have regularly dispersed them, firing tear gas. Rajoelina first took power in 2009 on the back of a coup, then skipped the following elections only to make a winning comeback in 2018. A West African regional court on Friday dealt a severe blow to detained Senegalese opposition leader Ousmane Sonko's chances at running for president, with his political fate now resting with Senegal's Supreme Court. In the latest twist of a long-running legal battle, the Economic Community of West African States court in Nigeria's capital Abuja said the "state of Senegal did not violate any of (Sonko's) rights." Lawyers for Sonko -- who came third in the 2019 presidential election -- took his case to the ECOWAS court in order to challenge his removal from the electoral lists following his conviction in June. The delisting made the 49-year-old firebrand politician ineligible to stand in Senegal's February 2024 presidential election. The West African court ruling comes on the same day that Senegal's Supreme Court is due to rule on whether to reinstate Sonko on the electoral roll. It is widely considered to be Sonko's last chance to contest the election. "The ECOWAS Court of Justice gives (Senegalese President) Macky Sall the go-ahead to destroy his opponent," Juan Branco, one of Sonko's lawyers, said on social media. The hearing in Senegal's capital Dakar opened early Friday under a heavy police presence, an AFP journalist saw. Lawyers from both camps as well as opposition activists were present in the courtroom as the hearing continued around midday. Call to 'resist' Sonko, a political thorn in Sall's side, has faced a series of legal woes over the past two and a half years. His conviction in a moral corruption case in June triggered the deadliest clashes the West African nation had seen in years. He and his lawyers say the court cases are part of a plot to torpedo his political career. He is popular among the under-20-year-olds, who make up half the population, for his pan-Africanist rhetoric and tough stance on former colonial power, France. Late on Thursday, Sonko called on people in the country to "resist", claiming the "nation's destiny" was at stake. "We must stand up for fair, free and independent justice, for the right to live in a country without fear of being arrested and imprisoned without justification," he declared on social media. Dakar remained calm on Friday morning. The interior ministry has refused to issue Sonko the necessary sponsorship forms for his candidacy. Sonko was on June 1 convicted in absentia of morally corrupting a young person and sentenced to two years in prison. He was arrested in late July and detained on other charges, including fomenting insurrection, criminally associating with a terrorist body and endangering state security. He has periodically been on hunger strike since then. French senator Joel Guerriau was taken into police custody Friday on suspicion of drugging an MP with a view to assaulting her. Prosecutors and sources familiar with the case told the French press agency AFP that Guerriau, a centrist senator from western France, was being held for administering to a person, against their knowledge, a substance that could alter their discernment or the control of their actions in order to commit a rape or sexual assault. While the prosecutors named the victim as "a woman who filed a complaint", several sources familiar with the case told AFP she was an MP in the National Assembly. She allegedly felt strange after accepting a drink on Tuesday night at the 66-year-old senator's Paris home. Prosecutors said the two were not in an intimate relationship. Tests revealed that she had ecstasy in her system, investigators added, prompting her to file the criminal complaint. Guerriau was arrested and held in custody under caught-in-the-act rules allowing police to override his parliamentary immunity, prosecutors said. Broadcaster RMC, which first reported the story, said that police had searched his office and home, where prosecutors confirmed they found ecstasy. 'Far from indecent' Guerriau's lawyer, Remi-Pierre Drai, said the truth of the case was "very far from the indecent interpretation that could be deduced from reading the initial press reports". He added that he was "outraged" to see information from the investigation in the press". "I'm amazed that the victim's name has not been leaked, unlike my client's," he added. Originally a banker, Guerriau has been a member of the Senate since 2011, and is deputy head of its foreign and military affairs committee. Environment Minister Christophe Bechu, a leading figure in the Horizons party of which Guerriau is a member, on Friday told broadcaster FranceInter the senator would not be able to keep his position if there was "the slightest doubt" about his guilt. Party chiefs were to hold a meeting early Saturday to discuss this situation. Horizons is led by former prime minister Edouard Philippe, now mayor of northern city Le Havre and one of France's most popular politicians. The party is allied with but not part of the ruling Renaissance party of President Emmanuel Macron. Philippe is widely tipped to run in 2027 to succeed Macron, who will not be able to stand for a third time due to term limits. The former prime minister joined Guerriau on the campaign trail for senatorial elections earlier this year. (with newswires) The Executive Director of the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), Sulemana Braimah, has commended the National Media Commission (NMC) for its recent monitoring exercise of television stations in Ghana. The NMC, together with the National Communications Authority (NCA), conducted a two-week community monitoring initiative from October 31 to November 15 where citizens logged 318 complaints about unacceptable content on some TV stations. Issues reported included money doubling schemes, money rituals, fake lotteries, occultic practices and pornography aired on stations such as Asomafo TV, Adwenpa TV, Eagle TV, Best TV, Energy TV and Diamond TV. In a statement on X today, Friday, November 17, Mr. Braimah stated, "Great to see the NMC in action. The conduct of the said media houses, is actually inimical to the fight for press freedom. The MFWA boss promised his outfits support for the NMC's proactive approach to sanitizing the country's media space through its community-powered monitoring. We will continue to support the NMC to ensure the highest journalistic standard as required of it by the constitution, he noted. Following the monitoring, the NMC issued warnings to the television stations, asking them to cease airing pornographic, occultic, money laundering and other unacceptable content or face severe consequences. George Sarpong, Executive Secretary of the NMC, praised citizens for their role in the exercise. "It is their productive investment that has made this possible. We also commend the active citizens who demonstrated their commitment to quality broadcasting by taking time to make the recorded complaints," he said. Mr. Sarpong warned broadcasters that the regulatory body will brief the public on its decision regarding the stations listed in the report. The monitoring initiative, according to the NMC, empowers citizens to participate in media oversight. The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection has set 20th November 2023 to mark World Children's Day. The Day is celebrated to promote the ideals and objectives of the UN Charter and the welfare of children around the world. In a press statement issued by the Ministry on Friday, it announced that the occasion will also provide a platform for the 5th Session of the Children's Parliament to dissect issues affecting them and suggest some solutions. The discussions will also highlight the achievements of the Ghanaian Against Child Abuse (GACA) social drive and draw inputs to shape and co-create the next phase of the GACA campaign for social behavioural change on child protection, it added. It noted that child parliamentarians will be trained in the use of the Child Protection Toolkit to ensure that they are well-armed in advocating for children. According to the statement, the celebration of World Childrens Day sets out to meet the objective of enhancing the active participation of children and their reflection on the theme towards proposing innovative ways of expanding the reach of the GACA campaign. It will also attempt to draw the public's attention to different stigmas confronting girls, pregnant teens, teen mothers, children with disabilities, and children in emergencies and advocate stakeholders for conscious and intentional steps to achieve progress in addressing these challenges and finally, pool media support towards the elimination of all forms of discrimination against vulnerable groups. It emphasized. The theme for the 2023 World Children's Day is For every child, every right." The Ghana Police Service has called for the postponement and relocation of three planned protests by pressure groups citing security concerns. In a statement released on Friday, November 17, the police said they had received notices of planned demonstrations by Democracy Hub, Patriotic Hub and Patriotic Forum for Accountable Governance between December 1, and 31, at the forefront of Jubilee House. However, police spokesperson Superintendent Juliana Obeng noted that "the three special events, if held around if or at the forefront of the Jubilee House, and at the given time-lines, especially around the Christmas and New Year Festivities, may endanger public safety, public defense, public order, the running and delivery of essential services and violate the rights and freedoms of other persons among others." She added that "The Police Command undertook a security threat assessment of the proposed common destination, overlapping timelines and conflicting objectives for the three planned demonstrations." According to the statement, the police engaged with organizers and "conveyed the security challenges and concerns with the proposed location" and "urged the Organizers, in the interest public safety, public defense, public order, among others, to postpone the holding of their respective special events to any date after 5th January 2024." However, the organizers "disagreed with the Police Command's request to postpone the special events to any date after 5th January, 2024. They also disagreed with the Police on the location and insisted on holding the special events around or at the forefront of the Jubilee House." As a result, Superintendent Obeng said "Considering the disagreement on the matter, and the worrisome situation of there being three different groups intending to demonstrate at the same place, within the same time-frame and having conflicting objectives the Police Command, acting in accordance with the Public Order Act, resolved to refer the matters to the appropriate institution, to settle the disagreements and provide direction to the Police as well as the various Organizers." The police have now taken the matter to the High Court for a ruling on prohibiting the planned protests at the stated time and location pending first hearing on Tuesday, November 21. Thus, on 15th November 2023, the Police Command filed an application at the High Court seeking an order to prohibit the holding of the special events and successfully served the various Organizers with the Court process. The application is slated for hearing on Tuesday 21st November, 2023, said the security body. Organizers of the second edition of #OccupyJulorbiHouse protest, Democracy Hub, have declared their intent to push ahead with planned demonstrations in December, despite an injunction filed by Ghana Police. In a statement on Friday, November 17, the conveners of Democracy Hub said their protest comes off with or without police approval. They affirmed that a calendar of events for the December protests will soon be released. The police had sought to halt three separate protests scheduled between December 1 and 31, over security concerns. This included a 31-day demonstration organized by Democracy Hub to call for President Akufo-Addo's resignation. "While we respect the legal process and review the implications of this injunction, we wish to inform the public that the December protests will continue as planned," the group said in its statement. Police spokesperson Juliana Obeng explained that assessments found that the overlapping timelines and locations of the three events "may endanger public safety." She said police "conveyed security challenges" to organizers but they "disagreed with the police command's request to postpone." 17.11.2023 LISTEN Over 800 cybersecurity experts, professionals, high-level leaders, the international development community, and innovators from across the world will converge in Ghana this year to attend the inaugural Global Conference on Cyber Capacity Building (GC3B), scheduled for November 29 to 30, 2023, at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra. Under the auspices of the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation through the Cyber Security Authority (CSA), the conference is co-organised by the Global Forum on Cyber Expertise (GFCE), the World Bank, the Cyber Peace Institute, and the World Economic Forum (WEF). The event which is organised under the theme Cyber Resilience for Development, will serve as a platform for actionable dialogue and the exchange of innovative ideas among policymakers and industry leaders that is expected to contribute to the advancement of cyber capacity building on a global scale. Ghana's selection to host the GC3B demonstrates the country's hard work and dedication to building a safe and resilient digital ecosystem. This is also due to the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation's efforts, through the CSA, to secure Ghana's cybersecurity environment through international cooperation. Ghana has co-organised and hosted several significant conferences in recognition of its cybersecurity readiness, including the Freedom Online Conference in 2020, the Africa Cyber Experts Kick-off Committee Meeting, and the Global Internet Forum to Counter Terrorism (GIFCT)-Tech Against Terrorism (TAT) workshop in 2022. The countrys current score of 86.69% on the Global Cybersecurity Index shows major progress from the previous ratings in 2017 and 2018 of 32.6% and 43.7%, respectively, placing Ghanas cybersecurity readiness in third place on the African continent behind Mauritius and Tanzania. The conference sessions are anchored on four pillars: Making international development cyber-resilient Collaborating to secure the digital ecosystem. Cyber capacity building for stability and security. Operationalising solutions. The conference, among other things, is expected to catalyse global action to elevate cyber resilience and capacity building in the international development agenda and in national development plans and investments as key enablers of sustainable development, inclusive economic growth, and social prosperity for all. A major highlight of the conference will be the announcement of the Accra declaration: a global framework for collaborative initiatives to help countries increase their cyber resilience. Asian Television Network International Limited (CVE:SAT Get Free Report) shares rose 16.7% on Tuesday . The stock traded as high as C$0.14 and last traded at C$0.14. Approximately 25,000 shares were traded during trading, an increase of 60% from the average daily volume of 15,655 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.12. Asian Television Network International Price Performance The stock has a market cap of C$2.81 million, a P/E ratio of -4.17 and a beta of 0.85. The company has a quick ratio of 0.63, a current ratio of 0.60 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 241.64. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is C$0.12 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is C$0.14. About Asian Television Network International (Get Free Report) Asian Television Network International Limited engages in the specialty, pay television broadcasting, and advertising primarily for the south Asian community in Canada. It operates approximately 50 premium pay specialty television channels in 9 languages. The company provides its flagship ATN-HD general interest service; and various Bollywood movie channels with approximately 100 movies a month, as well as various channels that include sports, news, music, lifestyle, spiritual, and regional language channels. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Asian Television Network International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Asian Television Network International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. The Green Organic Dutchman Holdings Ltd. (TSE:TGOD Get Free Report)s share price traded down 2.9% on Tuesday . The stock traded as low as C$0.17 and last traded at C$0.17. 19,704,275 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 642% from the average session volume of 2,656,874 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.18. Green Organic Dutchman Price Performance The firm has a market cap of C$89.95 million and a P/E ratio of -0.65. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 16.77, a current ratio of 1.28 and a quick ratio of 0.50. The business has a 50-day moving average of C$0.17. About Green Organic Dutchman (Get Free Report) The Green Organic Dutchman Holdings Ltd., through its subsidiaries, produces and sells organic cannabis in Canada. It offers organic cannabis products, such as cannabis plants, cannabis plant seeds, dried cannabis, fresh cannabis, cannabis oils, cannabis topicals, cannabis extracts, and edible cannabis to retailers or distributors, and federal licensed entities. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Green Organic Dutchman Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Green Organic Dutchman and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Airtel Africa Plc (OTC:AAFRF Get Free Report)s share price traded up 1.1% during trading on Tuesday . The company traded as high as C$1.44 and last traded at C$1.44. 3,399 shares changed hands during trading, a decline of 87% from the average session volume of 26,500 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$1.42. Airtel Africa Price Performance The company has a 50-day moving average of C$1.47 and a 200 day moving average of C$1.45. About Airtel Africa (Get Free Report) Airtel Africa Plc, together with its subsidiaries, provides telecommunications and mobile money services in Nigeria, East Africa, and Francophone Africa. It offers prepaid and postpaid wireless voice, international roaming, and fixed line telephone services; data communication services, including 2G, 3G, and 4G; and mobile money services, such as digital wallet payments systems, microloans, savings, and international money transfers. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Airtel Africa Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Airtel Africa and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Alterna Wealth Management Inc. decreased its stake in shares of Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC) by 5.4% in the second quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 11,369 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 650 shares during the quarter. Alterna Wealth Management Inc.s holdings in Wells Fargo & Company were worth $485,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Principal Financial Group Inc. raised its stake in Wells Fargo & Company by 1.3% during the first quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. now owns 4,664,647 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $174,365,000 after buying an additional 58,249 shares during the last quarter. Pegasus Partners Ltd. purchased a new position in Wells Fargo & Company during the second quarter valued at $226,000. Atria Investments Inc raised its stake in Wells Fargo & Company by 18.2% during the first quarter. Atria Investments Inc now owns 185,306 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $6,927,000 after buying an additional 28,551 shares during the last quarter. Deltec Asset Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Wells Fargo & Company in the second quarter worth $224,000. Finally, Wayfinding Financial LLC raised its stake in shares of Wells Fargo & Company by 5.1% in the first quarter. Wayfinding Financial LLC now owns 7,421 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $277,000 after purchasing an additional 363 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 72.47% of the companys stock. Get Wells Fargo & Company alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several research analysts have recently weighed in on WFC shares. StockNews.com started coverage on Wells Fargo & Company in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft restated a buy rating and issued a $44.00 price target on shares of Wells Fargo & Company in a research note on Friday, September 22nd. Jefferies Financial Group decreased their price target on Wells Fargo & Company from $48.00 to $43.00 in a research note on Tuesday, October 10th. UBS Group boosted their price target on Wells Fargo & Company from $51.00 to $53.00 in a research note on Thursday, October 12th. Finally, Morgan Stanley boosted their price target on Wells Fargo & Company from $49.00 to $52.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, August 1st. Nine analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, seven have given a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $48.31. Wells Fargo & Company Stock Performance NYSE:WFC traded up $0.01 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $42.54. 3,078,697 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 19,362,094. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $40.88 and its 200-day moving average price is $41.68. Wells Fargo & Company has a one year low of $35.25 and a one year high of $48.84. The company has a quick ratio of 0.87, a current ratio of 0.87 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.17. The firm has a market cap of $154.49 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.19, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.83 and a beta of 1.17. Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Friday, October 13th. The financial services provider reported $1.39 earnings per share (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 business had revenue of $20.86 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $20.09 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $1.30 earnings per share. Wells Fargo & Companys revenue for the quarter was up 6.6% on a year-over-year basis. Research analysts anticipate that Wells Fargo & Company will post 5.06 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Wells Fargo & Company Dividend Announcement The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 1st. Shareholders of record on Friday, November 3rd will be issued a dividend of $0.35 per share. This represents a $1.40 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.29%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, November 2nd. Wells Fargo & Companys dividend payout ratio is presently 30.24%. Insider Buying and Selling at Wells Fargo & Company In related news, Director Richard K. Davis purchased 3,500 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, November 9th. The stock was acquired at an average price of $41.22 per share, with a total value of $144,270.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director now owns 4,244 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $174,937.68. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. 0.07% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. 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. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding WFC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Wells Fargo & Company Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Wells Fargo & Company and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Barr E S & Co. raised its stake in The Charles Schwab Co. (NYSE:SCHW Free Report) by 7.7% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 697,412 shares of the financial services providers stock after acquiring an additional 50,084 shares during the period. Charles Schwab makes up about 3.0% of Barr E S & Co.s portfolio, making the stock its 10th biggest holding. Barr E S & Co.s holdings in Charles Schwab were worth $39,529,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Great Lakes Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Charles Schwab by 28.5% during the 2nd quarter. Great Lakes Advisors LLC now owns 91,727 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $5,199,000 after acquiring an additional 20,323 shares during the period. Trustmark National Bank Trust Department raised its position in Charles Schwab by 5.0% during the second quarter. Trustmark National Bank Trust Department now owns 13,117 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $743,000 after purchasing an additional 620 shares in the last quarter. Cary Street Partners Investment Advisory LLC lifted its stake in Charles Schwab by 30.0% during the second quarter. Cary Street Partners Investment Advisory LLC now owns 86,945 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $4,928,000 after purchasing an additional 20,076 shares during the last quarter. Quantum Financial Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Charles Schwab in the 2nd quarter valued at $210,000. Finally, Truvestments Capital LLC acquired a new position in shares of Charles Schwab during the 2nd quarter worth $85,000. 81.61% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Charles Schwab alerts: Charles Schwab Trading Up 1.4 % Shares of SCHW traded up $0.78 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $56.45. 2,005,678 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 15,453,769. The stock has a market capitalization of $100.01 billion, a PE ratio of 18.56, a PEG ratio of 2.48 and a beta of 0.94. The Charles Schwab Co. has a 52 week low of $45.00 and a 52 week high of $86.63. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.87, a quick ratio of 0.66 and a current ratio of 0.66. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $54.07 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $56.15. Charles Schwab Dividend Announcement Charles Schwab ( NYSE:SCHW Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Monday, October 16th. The financial services provider reported $0.77 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.75 by $0.02. Charles Schwab had a return on equity of 24.58% and a net margin of 30.14%. The firm had revenue of $4.61 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.62 billion. During the same period last year, the company posted $1.10 EPS. The businesss quarterly revenue was down 16.3% on a year-over-year basis. On average, analysts predict that The Charles Schwab Co. will post 3.16 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, November 24th. Shareholders 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 of this dividend is Thursday, November 9th. Charles Schwabs payout ratio is 33.33%. Insider Transactions at Charles Schwab In related news, CFO Peter B. Crawford sold 3,114 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, November 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $56.19, for a total transaction of $174,975.66. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now owns 41,611 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,338,122.09. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. 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 transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, 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 value of $174,975.66. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer now owns 41,611 shares in the company, valued at $2,338,122.09. The disclosure for this sale 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 currently owned by company insiders. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several research firms recently weighed in on SCHW. UBS Group reduced their price objective on Charles Schwab from $80.00 to $72.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, October 16th. Barclays lifted their price target on shares of Charles Schwab from $55.00 to $57.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Tuesday, October 17th. JMP Securities reiterated a market outperform rating and set a $77.00 price objective on shares of Charles Schwab in a research report on Tuesday, October 17th. Morgan Stanley cut their target price on shares of Charles Schwab from $71.00 to $64.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, October 11th. Finally, StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Charles Schwab in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a sell rating for the company. Three analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, two have issued a hold rating and eleven have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $69.91. Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on SCHW About Charles Schwab (Free Report) The Charles Schwab Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a savings and loan holding company that provides wealth management, securities brokerage, banking, asset management, custody, and financial advisory services. The company operates in two segments, Investor Services and Advisor Services. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Charles Schwab Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Charles Schwab and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Beazer Homes USA, Inc. (NYSE:BZH Get Free Report) was the target of a large growth in short interest in the month of October. As of October 31st, there was short interest totalling 1,560,000 shares, a growth of 5.4% from the October 15th total of 1,480,000 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 435,800 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 3.6 days. Approximately 5.6% of the companys shares are short sold. Institutional Trading of Beazer Homes USA A number of hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. Denali Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of Beazer Homes USA by 59.9% in the 2nd quarter. Denali Advisors LLC now owns 80,100 shares of the construction companys stock worth $2,266,000 after buying an additional 30,000 shares during the last quarter. Raymond James & Associates purchased a new stake in shares of Beazer Homes USA in the second quarter worth $220,000. Mackenzie Financial Corp bought a new position in shares of Beazer Homes USA during the second quarter valued at $595,000. Arizona State Retirement System purchased a new position in shares of Beazer Homes USA in the 2nd quarter worth about $224,000. Finally, Bank of Montreal Can purchased a new position in shares of Beazer Homes USA in the 2nd quarter worth about $1,095,000. Institutional investors own 79.07% of the companys stock. Get Beazer Homes USA alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes A number of equities research analysts recently commented on BZH shares. Sidoti upgraded shares of Beazer Homes USA from a neutral rating to a buy rating and set a $36.00 price target for the company in a report on Wednesday, August 23rd. StockNews.com assumed coverage on Beazer Homes USA in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Wedbush reaffirmed a neutral rating and set a $32.00 price target on shares of Beazer Homes USA in a research report on Friday. B. Riley lifted their price objective on Beazer Homes USA from $28.00 to $38.00 in a research report on Friday, July 28th. Finally, Zelman & Associates raised Beazer Homes USA from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Monday, July 31st. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Beazer Homes USA currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $35.33. Beazer Homes USA Stock Down 10.2 % BZH traded down $3.07 on Friday, hitting $27.17. The company had a trading volume of 1,475,149 shares, compared to its average volume of 365,653. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $25.51 and a 200-day simple moving average of $25.86. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.94, a current ratio of 15.28 and a quick ratio of 2.55. The firm has a market capitalization of $851.51 million, a P/E ratio of 4.39 and a beta of 2.33. Beazer Homes USA has a 52-week low of $12.29 and a 52-week high of $35.93. Beazer Homes USA (NYSE:BZH Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, November 16th. The construction company reported $1.80 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.39 by $0.41. Beazer Homes USA had a return on equity of 18.66% and a net margin of 7.94%. The company had revenue of $645.40 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $627.29 million. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $2.82 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was down 22.0% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities analysts expect that Beazer Homes USA will post 4.74 EPS for the current fiscal year. Beazer Homes USA Company Profile (Get Free Report) Beazer Homes USA, Inc operates as a homebuilder in the United States. It designs, constructs, and sells single-family and multi-family homes under the Beazer Homes, Gatherings, and Choice Plans names. The company sells its homes through commissioned new home sales counselors and independent brokers in Arizona, California, Nevada, Texas, Indiana, Delaware, Maryland, Tennessee, Virginia, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Beazer Homes USA Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Beazer Homes USA and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Blackstone Mortgage Trust, Inc. (NYSE:BXMT Get Free Report) saw a large growth in short interest in October. As of October 31st, there was short interest totalling 32,870,000 shares, a growth of 11.7% from the October 15th total of 29,430,000 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 2,970,000 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 11.1 days. Analysts Set New Price Targets BXMT has been the topic of a number of research analyst reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price objective on shares of Blackstone Mortgage Trust from $18.50 to $21.00 in a report on Monday, July 24th. StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of Blackstone Mortgage Trust in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Finally, Citigroup increased their price objective on Blackstone Mortgage Trust from $17.00 to $22.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, July 27th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and one has assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $21.25. Get Blackstone Mortgage Trust alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on BXMT Blackstone Mortgage Trust Price Performance Blackstone Mortgage Trust Announces Dividend Shares of NYSE BXMT traded up $0.29 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $22.19. The companys stock had a trading volume of 2,224,744 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,696,862. Blackstone Mortgage Trust has a one year low of $16.60 and a one year high of $25.73. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $21.54 and its 200-day simple moving average is $20.81. The stock has a market cap of $3.82 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 19.21 and a beta of 1.40. The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, October 13th. Shareholders of record on Friday, September 29th were paid a $0.62 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, September 28th. This represents a $2.48 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 11.18%. Blackstone Mortgage Trusts payout ratio is presently 217.54%. Insider Activity In related news, CEO Katharine A. Keenan sold 2,274 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, August 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $21.98, for a total transaction of $49,982.52. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 153,719 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,378,743.62. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. In related news, CEO Katharine A. Keenan sold 2,274 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, August 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $21.98, for a total transaction of $49,982.52. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 153,719 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,378,743.62. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, CEO Katharine A. Keenan sold 1,160 shares of Blackstone Mortgage Trust stock in a transaction on Wednesday, September 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $22.75, for a total value of $26,390.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 152,559 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,470,717.25. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last quarter, insiders have sold 7,101 shares of company stock worth $160,704. Corporate insiders own 1.02% of the companys stock. Institutional Trading of Blackstone Mortgage Trust Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. increased its holdings in Blackstone Mortgage Trust by 14.1% in the first quarter. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. now owns 60,571 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $1,926,000 after purchasing an additional 7,506 shares during the last quarter. US Bancorp DE increased its stake in shares of Blackstone Mortgage Trust by 11.8% in the 1st quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 18,508 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $588,000 after acquiring an additional 1,957 shares during the last quarter. Cetera Advisor Networks LLC raised its position in shares of Blackstone Mortgage Trust by 43.2% in the 1st quarter. Cetera Advisor Networks LLC now owns 12,607 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $401,000 after acquiring an additional 3,802 shares during the period. MetLife Investment Management LLC boosted its stake in Blackstone Mortgage Trust by 50.6% during the 1st quarter. MetLife Investment Management LLC now owns 82,945 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $2,637,000 after acquiring an additional 27,873 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Moors & Cabot Inc. acquired a new position in Blackstone Mortgage Trust during the first quarter valued at approximately $200,000. Institutional investors own 52.89% of the companys stock. About Blackstone Mortgage Trust (Get Free Report) Blackstone Mortgage Trust, Inc, a real estate finance company, originates senior loans collateralized by commercial properties in North America, Europe, and Australia. The company, together with its subsidiaries, originates and acquires commercial mortgage loans and related investments. It operates as a real estate investment trust for federal income tax purposes. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Blackstone Mortgage Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Blackstone Mortgage Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Cary Street Partners Asset Management LLC increased its position in shares of Shell plc (NYSE:SHEL Free Report) by 0.8% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 55,728 shares of the energy companys stock after buying an additional 436 shares during the quarter. Cary Street Partners Asset Management LLCs holdings in Shell were worth $3,365,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of SHEL. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. boosted its stake in shares of Shell by 2.4% in the 2nd quarter. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. now owns 104,254 shares of the energy companys stock worth $6,295,000 after buying an additional 2,467 shares during the last quarter. HCR Wealth Advisors purchased a new position in shares of Shell in the 2nd quarter worth about $216,000. US Bancorp DE raised its position in Shell by 0.9% in the second quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 318,115 shares of the energy companys stock worth $19,208,000 after acquiring an additional 2,702 shares during the period. Nwam LLC increased its stake in shares of Shell by 24.5% during the 2nd quarter. Nwam LLC now owns 10,977 shares of the energy companys stock worth $663,000 after purchasing an additional 2,161 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Checchi Capital Advisers LLC lifted its stake in Shell by 24.7% in the second quarter. Checchi Capital Advisers LLC now owns 19,917 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $1,203,000 after purchasing an additional 3,947 shares during the last quarter. 9.23% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Shell alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Separately, Royal Bank of Canada dropped their price objective on shares of Shell from 28.00 to 27.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Friday, August 11th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have issued a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Shell currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $1,806.20. Shell Price Performance Shell stock traded up $1.22 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $65.82. 1,734,291 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 4,889,491. The firm has a market cap of $218.72 billion, a PE ratio of 7.65, a PEG ratio of 0.85 and a beta of 0.63. Shell plc has a 52 week low of $52.47 and a 52 week high of $68.74. The companys fifty day moving average is $65.53 and its 200-day moving average is $62.27. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.37, a quick ratio of 1.17 and a current ratio of 1.48. Shell Announces Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, December 20th. Shareholders of record on Friday, November 17th will be issued a $0.662 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, November 16th. This represents a $2.65 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.02%. Shells payout ratio is currently 31.40%. About Shell (Free Report) Shell plc operates as an energy and petrochemical company Europe, Asia, Oceania, Africa, the United States, and Rest of the Americas. The company operates through Integrated Gas, Upstream, Marketing, Chemicals and Products, and Renewables and Energy Solutions segments. It explores for and extracts crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids; markets and transports oil and gas; produces gas-to-liquids fuels and other products; and operates upstream and midstream infrastructure necessary to deliver gas to market. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Shell Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Shell and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Cary Street Partners Asset Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF (BATS:EFG Free Report) by 1.9% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 51,777 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 946 shares during the quarter. iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF accounts for approximately 0.9% of Cary Street Partners Asset Management LLCs holdings, making the stock its 27th largest holding. Cary Street Partners Asset Management LLCs holdings in iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF were worth $4,940,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Mcmillion Capital Management Inc. bought a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF during the second quarter worth $26,000. Northwest Capital Management Inc acquired a new position in iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF in the 2nd quarter worth $27,000. AlphaCore Capital LLC bought a new position in iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF during the 2nd quarter worth about $28,000. Ruedi Wealth Management Inc. bought a new position in iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF during the 1st quarter worth about $29,000. Finally, Concord Wealth Partners raised its stake in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF by 108.4% in the 2nd quarter. Concord Wealth Partners now owns 323 shares of the companys stock valued at $31,000 after purchasing an additional 168 shares during the period. Get iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF alerts: iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF Trading Up 0.0 % Shares of EFG stock traded up $0.02 on Friday, hitting $90.35. 901,221 shares of the stock were exchanged. The firm has a market capitalization of $12.11 billion, a P/E ratio of 18.69 and a beta of 0.89. iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF has a fifty-two week low of $67.58 and a fifty-two week high of $85.81. The business has a 50-day moving average of $86.82 and a 200 day moving average of $91.72. iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF Company Profile iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares MSCI EAFE Growth Index Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the MSCI EAFE Growth Index (the Index). The Index is a subset of the MSCI EAFE Index and constituents of the Index include securities from Europe, Australasia (Australia and Asia), and the Far East. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EFG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF (BATS:EFG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. CBRE Group, Inc. (NYSE:CBRE Get Free Report) CFO Emma E. Giamartino sold 1,064 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, November 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $76.53, for a total value of $81,427.92. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer now owns 53,685 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,108,513.05. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. CBRE Group Price Performance Shares of CBRE Group stock traded down $0.55 during trading hours on Thursday, reaching $78.05. The stock had a trading volume of 1,822,919 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,693,078. CBRE Group, Inc. has a twelve month low of $64.63 and a twelve month high of $89.58. The company has a current ratio of 1.19, a quick ratio of 1.19 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.33. The stocks 50 day moving average is $73.84 and its 200 day moving average is $78.22. The firm has a market capitalization of $23.79 billion, a PE ratio of 41.47 and a beta of 1.39. Get CBRE Group alerts: CBRE Group (NYSE:CBRE Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Friday, October 27th. The financial services provider reported $0.72 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.65 by $0.07. CBRE Group had a net margin of 1.89% and a return on equity of 13.88%. The firm had revenue of $7.87 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $7.50 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $1.13 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 4.5% on a year-over-year basis. Equities analysts expect that CBRE Group, Inc. will post 3.7 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Analysts Set New Price Targets Several hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of CBRE. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich raised its position in shares of CBRE Group by 98,156.9% during the 2nd quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 220,922,882 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $17,830,686,000 after purchasing an additional 220,698,040 shares during the last quarter. Norges Bank purchased a new stake in CBRE Group during the 4th quarter valued at about $255,749,000. London Co. of Virginia purchased a new stake in CBRE Group during the 1st quarter valued at about $126,917,000. Harris Associates L P grew its stake in CBRE Group by 9.6% during the 2nd quarter. Harris Associates L P now owns 14,735,255 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,189,282,000 after acquiring an additional 1,292,532 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Wellington Management Group LLP grew its stake in CBRE Group by 97.7% during the 1st quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 2,201,526 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $160,293,000 after acquiring an additional 1,087,893 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 96.71% of the companys stock. Several equities research analysts have commented on CBRE shares. Citigroup restated a buy rating and issued a $98.00 price objective on shares of CBRE Group in a research report on Monday, September 18th. Raymond James lowered their price target on shares of CBRE Group from $100.00 to $95.00 and set a strong-buy rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, October 4th. TheStreet cut shares of CBRE Group from a b- rating to a c+ rating in a report on Wednesday, October 18th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods decreased their price objective on shares of CBRE Group from $93.00 to $85.00 in a research report on Tuesday, October 3rd. Finally, StockNews.com began coverage on shares of CBRE Group in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Three analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, three have assigned a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, CBRE Group currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $91.33. Get Our Latest Analysis on CBRE About CBRE Group (Get Free Report) CBRE Group, Inc operates as a commercial real estate services and investment company worldwide. It operates through three segments: Advisory Services, Global Workplace Solutions, and Real Estate Investments segments. The Advisory Services segment provides strategic advice and execution to owners, investors, and occupiers of real estate in connection with leasing of offices; industrial and retail space; property sales and mortgage services under the CBRE Capital Markets brand; property and project management services, including construction management, marketing, building engineering, lease administration, accounting, and financial services for owners of and investors in office, industrial, and retail properties; and valuation services that include market value appraisals, litigation support, discounted cash flow analyses, and feasibility studies, as well as consulting services, such as property condition reports, hotel advisory, and environmental consulting. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for CBRE Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for CBRE Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. CC Japan Income & Growth (LON:CCJI Get Free Report) crossed below its 50-day moving average during trading on Wednesday . The stock has a 50-day moving average of GBX 167.74 ($2.06) and traded as low as GBX 167 ($2.05). CC Japan Income & Growth shares last traded at GBX 168.50 ($2.07), with a volume of 136,776 shares. CC Japan Income & Growth Trading Up 1.5 % The firm has a market cap of 227.02 million and a price-to-earnings ratio of 1,906.03. The firm has a 50-day moving average of GBX 167.55 and a two-hundred day moving average of GBX 164.71. About CC Japan Income & Growth (Get Free Report) CC Japan Income & Growth Trust plc is an equity mutual fund launched and managed by Coupland Cardiff Asset Management LLP. It invests in the equity markets of Japan. The fund invests in stocks of companies operating across the diversified sectors. CC Japan Income & Growth Trust plc was formed in 2013 and is domiciled in the United Kingdom. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for CC Japan Income & Growth Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for CC Japan Income & Growth and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Crawford & Company (NYSE:CRD-A Get Free Report)s stock price rose 3.8% on Tuesday . The company traded as high as $10.80 and last traded at $10.78. Approximately 34,187 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, The stock had previously closed at $10.39. Crawford & Company Price Performance The stocks 50-day moving average price is $9.60 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $9.85. Crawford & Company Company Profile (Get Free Report) Crawford & Company provides claims management and outsourcing solutions for carriers, brokers, and corporations in the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, Canada, Australia, Asia, and Latin America. The company operates through four segments: North America Loss Adjusting, International Operations, Broadspire, and Platform Solutions. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Crawford & Company Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Crawford & Company and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Dana Incorporated (NYSE:DAN 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 5,420,000 shares, a growth of 12.2% from the October 15th total of 4,830,000 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 1,260,000 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 4.3 days. Currently, 3.8% of the companys shares are sold short. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several research analysts have recently issued reports on the company. Wells Fargo & Company reduced their price target on Dana from $17.00 to $16.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, October 3rd. Oppenheimer decreased their target price on Dana from $21.00 to $17.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Monday, October 9th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their price target on Dana from $19.00 to $21.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, July 20th. UBS Group began coverage on shares of Dana in a research note on Tuesday, September 12th. They set a neutral rating and a $17.00 price objective on the stock. Finally, StockNews.com downgraded shares of Dana from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, October 16th. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $17.43. Get Dana alerts: Read Our Latest Analysis on Dana Dana Stock Up 2.4 % NYSE DAN traded up $0.30 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $12.99. 852,649 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,299,792. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.56, a quick ratio of 0.94 and a current ratio of 1.58. The company has a market capitalization of $1.87 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -18.00 and a beta of 2.50. The companys 50-day moving average is $13.48 and its two-hundred day moving average is $15.10. Dana has a one year low of $11.10 and a one year high of $19.75. Dana (NYSE:DAN Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Friday, October 27th. The auto parts company reported $0.30 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.10 by $0.20. The company had revenue of $2.67 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.70 billion. Dana had a negative net margin of 0.96% and a positive return on equity of 7.16%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 5.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $0.24 earnings per share. On average, analysts forecast that Dana will post 0.78 EPS for the current fiscal year. Dana Announces Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 1st. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 10th will be issued a $0.10 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, November 9th. This represents a $0.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.08%. Danas dividend payout ratio (DPR) is -55.55%. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the company. Versant Capital Management Inc bought a new stake in Dana in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $26,000. Captrust Financial Advisors boosted its holdings in Dana by 121.5% during the second quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors now owns 5,502 shares of the auto parts companys stock worth $77,000 after purchasing an additional 3,018 shares during the last quarter. Essex Investment Management Co. LLC grew its position in Dana by 15.7% in the first quarter. Essex Investment Management Co. LLC now owns 7,866 shares of the auto parts companys stock valued at $118,000 after purchasing an additional 1,068 shares in the last quarter. Cornerstone Investment Partners LLC acquired a new stake in Dana in the 2nd quarter valued at $189,000. Finally, Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky bought a new stake in Dana during the 3rd quarter worth about $335,000. 96.60% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. About Dana (Get Free Report) Dana Incorporated provides power-conveyance and energy-management solutions for vehicles and machinery in North America, Europe, South America, and the Asia Pacific. It operates in four segments: Light Vehicle Drive Systems, Commercial Vehicle Drive and Motion Systems, Off-Highway Drive and Motion Systems, and Power Technologies. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Dana Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Dana and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Edinburgh Dragon Trust plc (LON:EFM Get Free Report)s stock price passed above its 50 day moving average during trading on Wednesday . The stock has a 50 day moving average of GBX 400.50 ($4.92) and traded as high as GBX 402.36 ($4.94). Edinburgh Dragon Trust shares last traded at GBX 400.50 ($4.92), with a volume of 296,613 shares changing hands. Edinburgh Dragon Trust Price Performance The company has a current ratio of 0.27, a quick ratio of 0.27 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 4.76. The firms 50-day moving average price is GBX 400.50 and its two-hundred day moving average price is GBX 400.50. The stock has a market cap of 513.41 million and a PE ratio of -17.34. Edinburgh Dragon Trust Company Profile (Get Free Report) Edinburgh Dragon Trust plc is an investment trust. The Companys objective is to achieve long-term capital growth through investment in the Far East with the exception of Japan and Australasia. The Companys assets are invested in a diversified portfolio of securities in quoted companies spread across a range of industries and economies in the Asia Pacific region, excluding Japan and Australasia. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Edinburgh Dragon Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Edinburgh Dragon Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Employers Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:EIG Get Free Report) was the target of a significant decrease in short interest in the month of October. As of October 31st, there was short interest totalling 247,900 shares, a decrease of 7.0% from the October 15th total of 266,500 shares. Currently, 1.0% of the shares of the stock are sold short. Based on an average trading volume of 121,900 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 2.0 days. Employers Price Performance Shares of EIG stock traded up $0.06 during trading hours on Friday, hitting $37.99. The company had a trading volume of 142,291 shares, compared to its average volume of 131,474. The companys fifty day moving average is $39.41 and its 200 day moving average is $38.48. Employers has a fifty-two week low of $35.43 and a fifty-two week high of $46.73. The stock has a market capitalization of $977.10 million, a PE ratio of 8.64 and a beta of 0.24. Get Employers alerts: Employers (NYSE:EIG Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, October 25th. The financial services provider reported $0.68 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.63 by $0.05. The company had revenue of $203.50 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $214.70 million. Employers had a net margin of 14.13% and a return on equity of 10.56%. The firms quarterly revenue was down .4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $0.56 EPS. Equities analysts forecast that Employers will post 3.45 earnings per share for the current year. Employers Dividend Announcement Institutional Investors Weigh In On Employers The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, November 22nd. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, November 8th will be issued a dividend of $0.28 per share. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, November 7th. This represents a $1.12 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.95%. Employerss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 25.34%. A number of hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. increased its position in shares of Employers by 13.6% in the 3rd quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 2,516 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $101,000 after purchasing an additional 302 shares during the last quarter. Advisor Partners II LLC grew its position in shares of Employers by 1.9% in the 1st quarter. Advisor Partners II LLC now owns 17,452 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $728,000 after buying an additional 317 shares during the last quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD grew its position in shares of Employers by 7.3% in the 1st quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 5,127 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $214,000 after buying an additional 349 shares during the last quarter. Carolina Wealth Advisors LLC grew its position in shares of Employers by 0.5% in the 2nd quarter. Carolina Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 80,130 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $2,998,000 after buying an additional 383 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Swiss National Bank grew its position in shares of Employers by 0.7% in the 3rd quarter. Swiss National Bank now owns 59,100 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $2,361,000 after buying an additional 400 shares during the last quarter. 78.57% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Analyst Ratings Changes Separately, StockNews.com cut shares of Employers from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, October 27th. Check Out Our Latest Analysis on EIG About Employers (Get Free Report) Employers Holdings, Inc, through its subsidiaries, operates in the commercial property and casualty insurance industry primarily in the United States. The company operates in two segments, Employers and Cerity. It offers workers' compensation insurance to small businesses in low to medium hazard industries under the Employers and Cerity brands. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Employers Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Employers and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Thompson Siegel & Walmsley LLC increased its position in Evergy, Inc. (NYSE:EVRG Free Report) by 3.4% in the second quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The fund owned 1,342,248 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 44,393 shares during the period. Evergy comprises approximately 1.2% of Thompson Siegel & Walmsley LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 21st biggest holding. Thompson Siegel & Walmsley LLCs holdings in Evergy were worth $78,414,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. raised its stake in shares of Evergy by 1.3% in the first quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 14,198 shares of the companys stock worth $969,000 after purchasing an additional 179 shares during the last quarter. BOKF NA increased its holdings in Evergy by 0.6% in the 1st quarter. BOKF NA now owns 30,794 shares of the companys stock worth $1,882,000 after buying an additional 188 shares during the period. Raleigh Capital Management Inc. raised its position in Evergy by 3.6% during the 1st quarter. Raleigh Capital Management Inc. now owns 5,475 shares of the companys stock worth $335,000 after buying an additional 188 shares during the last quarter. Scissortail Wealth Management LLC acquired a new stake in Evergy during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $1,041,928,000. Finally, Clear Street Markets LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Evergy by 92.7% in the 1st quarter. Clear Street Markets LLC now owns 451 shares of the companys stock valued at $28,000 after acquiring an additional 217 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 82.82% of the companys stock. Get Evergy alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes EVRG has been the subject of several recent research reports. Barclays started coverage on shares of Evergy in a report on Wednesday, August 23rd. They set an equal weight rating and a $56.00 target price for the company. Wolfe Research cut Evergy from an outperform rating to a peer perform rating in a report on Monday, September 11th. Wells Fargo & Company lowered their target price on Evergy from $65.00 to $56.00 in a research note on Monday, October 2nd. Guggenheim reduced their price target on Evergy from $62.00 to $54.00 in a research report on Monday, October 9th. Finally, Bank of America upgraded Evergy from an underperform rating to a neutral rating and lowered their price objective for the stock from $52.00 to $49.00 in a research report on Tuesday, October 3rd. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating and five have given a hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Evergy currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $56.17. Evergy Price Performance Shares of NYSE:EVRG traded down $0.26 during trading on Friday, reaching $50.07. 412,515 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,537,141. The firm has a market cap of $11.50 billion, a PE ratio of 17.05, a P/E/G ratio of 3.25 and a beta of 0.55. Evergy, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $46.92 and a fifty-two week high of $65.39. The company has a quick ratio of 0.24, a current ratio of 0.39 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.95. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $50.57 and a 200-day simple moving average of $55.87. Evergy (NYSE:EVRG Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, November 7th. The company reported $1.88 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.84 by $0.04. The company had revenue of $1.67 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.63 billion. Evergy had a return on equity of 8.59% and a net margin of 12.16%. During the same period last year, the company earned $2.01 earnings per share. As a group, analysts predict that Evergy, Inc. will post 3.58 earnings per share for the current year. Evergy Increases Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, December 20th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, November 22nd will be given a dividend of $0.6425 per share. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, November 21st. This is a boost from Evergys previous quarterly dividend of $0.61. This represents a $2.57 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 5.13%. Evergys dividend payout ratio is currently 82.77%. Evergy Profile (Free Report) Evergy, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the generation, transmission, distribution, and sale of electricity in Kansas and Missouri, the United States. The company generates electricity through coal, hydroelectric, landfill gas, uranium, and natural gas and oil sources, as well as solar, wind, other renewable sources. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EVRG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Evergy, Inc. (NYSE:EVRG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Evergy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Evergy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Experian plc (LON:EXPN Get Free Report) declared a dividend on Wednesday, November 15th, Upcoming.Co.Uk reports. Shareholders of record on Thursday, January 4th will be given a dividend of $0.18 per share on Friday, February 2nd. This represents a yield of 0.54%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, January 4th. The official announcement can be seen at this link. Experian Trading Up 0.6 % Shares of Experian stock opened at GBX 2,922 ($35.88) on Friday. Experian has a 52-week low of GBX 2,366 ($29.06) and a 52-week high of GBX 3,160 ($38.81). The stock has a market cap of 26.85 billion, a PE ratio of 4,270.59, a PEG ratio of 2.11 and a beta of 0.54. The firm has a 50-day moving average of GBX 2,682.56 and a 200-day moving average of GBX 2,799.73. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 107.44, a quick ratio of 0.76 and a current ratio of 0.78. Get Experian alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several equities analysts have weighed in on EXPN shares. Shore Capital reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Experian in a report on Wednesday. Jefferies Financial Group reaffirmed a hold rating and issued a GBX 2,880 ($35.37) price target on shares of Experian in a research note on Wednesday. Finally, Bank of America reiterated a buy rating and set a GBX 3,700 ($45.44) price objective on shares of Experian in a research note on Wednesday. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have given a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of GBX 3,071.67 ($37.72). Experian Company Profile (Get Free Report) Experian plc, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a technology company in North America, Latin America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. It operates in two segments, Business-to-Business and Consumer Services. The company collects, sorts, aggregates, and transforms data from various sources to provide a range of data-driven services. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Experian Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Experian and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. A 70-year-old Elk Mound woman has been identified as the driver killed in a crash with a semi near Elk Mound on Monday night, according to a press release from the Dunn County Sheriff's Office. Around 8:30 p.m., Debra Bice was driving a pickup truck westbound on Wisconsin Highway 29 and attempted to turn south onto 970th Street but failed to yield to an eastbound semi that was hauling pigs. After colliding, both vehicles went off the road down a steep embankment and hit several trees. Upon arrival, deputies located Bice, who was unresponsive. She was later pronounced dead at the scene by the Dunn County Medical Examiner's Office. Both vehicles only had one occupant, and the semi driver had no apparent injuries. The semi also remained intact, and no pigs were released at the scene. The crash remains under investigation by the Dunn County Sheriff's Office, Wisconsin State Patrol and the Dunn County Medical Examiner's Office. Great Lakes Advisors LLC reduced its position in ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP Free Report) by 5.4% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 966,016 shares of the energy producers stock after selling 54,803 shares during the quarter. ConocoPhillips accounts for approximately 1.0% of Great Lakes Advisors LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 22nd largest holding. Great Lakes Advisors LLC owned approximately 0.08% of ConocoPhillips worth $100,089,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in COP. Jackson Grant Investment Advisers Inc. raised its position in shares of ConocoPhillips by 398.1% in the 1st quarter. Jackson Grant Investment Advisers Inc. now owns 269 shares of the energy producers stock worth $27,000 after acquiring an additional 215 shares in the last quarter. Northwest Bank & Trust Co purchased a new position in ConocoPhillips in the second quarter valued at about $29,000. Fairfield Bush & CO. bought a new position in ConocoPhillips in the first quarter worth about $31,000. NewSquare Capital LLC lifted its position in shares of ConocoPhillips by 335.4% during the first quarter. NewSquare Capital LLC now owns 344 shares of the energy producers stock valued at $34,000 after buying an additional 265 shares during the last quarter. Finally, HHM Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in shares of ConocoPhillips by 91.4% in the 1st quarter. HHM Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 402 shares of the energy producers stock valued at $40,000 after buying an additional 192 shares in the last quarter. 80.36% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get ConocoPhillips alerts: Insider Transactions at ConocoPhillips In related news, Director Timothy A. Leach sold 44,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, November 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $114.64, for a total value of $5,044,160.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 578,748 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $66,347,670.72. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. In other news, Director Timothy A. Leach sold 44,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, November 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $114.64, for a total transaction of $5,044,160.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 578,748 shares of the companys stock, valued at $66,347,670.72. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, SVP Andrew D. Lundquist sold 30,800 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, September 27th. The shares were sold at an average price of $123.83, for a total transaction of $3,813,964.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president now directly owns 5,937 shares in the company, valued at $735,178.71. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 646,049 shares of company stock valued at $78,636,116 in the last ninety days. 0.37% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of research firms recently commented on COP. Truist Financial increased their target price on shares of ConocoPhillips from $151.00 to $160.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Monday, September 18th. Bank of America increased their price objective on ConocoPhillips from $145.00 to $150.00 in a report on Wednesday, September 27th. Jefferies Financial Group boosted their target price on ConocoPhillips from $141.00 to $143.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Monday, October 2nd. Johnson Rice initiated coverage on ConocoPhillips in a research note on Tuesday. They issued an accumulate rating and a $135.00 price target for the company. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada boosted their price target on ConocoPhillips from $130.00 to $135.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Tuesday. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, sixteen have assigned a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $136.35. Get Our Latest Stock Report on ConocoPhillips ConocoPhillips Stock Performance COP stock traded up $2.11 during trading on Friday, hitting $114.10. 1,137,094 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 5,679,515. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.38, a current ratio of 1.66 and a quick ratio of 1.53. The company has a market cap of $135.48 billion, a PE ratio of 12.24, a P/E/G ratio of 0.70 and a beta of 1.28. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $119.85 and its 200 day simple moving average is $112.23. ConocoPhillips has a 1 year low of $91.53 and a 1 year high of $130.55. ConocoPhillips Increases Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 1st. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, November 14th will be given a $0.58 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, November 13th. This represents a $2.32 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.03%. This is an increase from ConocoPhillipss previous quarterly dividend of $0.51. ConocoPhillipss dividend payout ratio is 25.36%. ConocoPhillips Company Profile (Free Report) ConocoPhillips explores for, produces, transports, and markets crude oil, bitumen, natural gas, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and natural gas liquids in the United States and internationally. The company's portfolio includes unconventional plays in North America; conventional assets in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia; various LNG developments; oil sands assets in Canada; and an inventory of global exploration prospects. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for ConocoPhillips Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ConocoPhillips and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. PIMCO Municipal Income Fund III (NYSE:PMX Get Free Report) Director Alan Rappaport purchased 4,000 shares of PIMCO Municipal Income Fund III stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, November 14th. The stock was bought at an average price of $7.04 per share, for a total transaction of $28,160.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 4,000 shares in the company, valued at $28,160. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. PIMCO Municipal Income Fund III Trading Up 2.9 % NYSE:PMX traded up $0.20 during mid-day trading on Thursday, hitting $7.17. The company had a trading volume of 285,530 shares, compared to its average volume of 107,151. PIMCO Municipal Income Fund III has a fifty-two week low of $6.09 and a fifty-two week high of $9.94. The businesss fifty day moving average is $6.62 and its two-hundred day moving average is $7.39. Get PIMCO Municipal Income Fund III alerts: PIMCO Municipal Income Fund III Announces Dividend The business also recently declared a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 1st. Stockholders of record on Monday, November 13th will be paid a $0.033 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, November 10th. This represents a $0.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 5.52%. Institutional Inflows and Outflows PIMCO Municipal Income Fund III Company Profile Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Wolverine Asset Management LLC grew its holdings in PIMCO Municipal Income Fund III by 267.9% during the second quarter. Wolverine Asset Management LLC now owns 49,500 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $398,000 after purchasing an additional 36,045 shares during the period. Robinson Capital Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of PIMCO Municipal Income Fund III in the 2nd quarter valued at $1,410,000. Van ECK Associates Corp grew its holdings in shares of PIMCO Municipal Income Fund III by 1.5% in the 2nd quarter. Van ECK Associates Corp now owns 129,273 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $1,041,000 after buying an additional 1,880 shares during the period. Cetera Investment Advisers increased its position in shares of PIMCO Municipal Income Fund III by 5.4% in the 2nd quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 37,162 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $299,000 after buying an additional 1,913 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Guggenheim Capital LLC raised its stake in PIMCO Municipal Income Fund III by 0.9% during the 2nd quarter. Guggenheim Capital LLC now owns 729,805 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $5,875,000 after buying an additional 6,333 shares during the period. (Get Free Report) PIMCO Municipal Income Fund III is a closed-ended fixed income mutual fund launched and managed by Pacific Investment Management Company LLC. The fund invests in fixed income markets of the United States. It seeks to invest in stocks of companies operating across diversified sectors. The fund primarily invests in in municipal bonds that pay interest that is exempt from federal income tax. Read More Receive News & Ratings for PIMCO Municipal Income Fund III Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for PIMCO Municipal Income Fund III and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Five Point Holdings, LLC (NYSE:FPH Get Free Report) major shareholder Luxor Capital Group, Lp sold 14,500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, November 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $2.59, for a total transaction of $37,555.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 67,397 shares in the company, valued at approximately $174,558.23. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Large shareholders that own 10% or more of a companys shares are required to disclose their transactions with the SEC. Luxor Capital Group, Lp also recently made the following trade(s): Get Five Point alerts: On Monday, November 6th, Luxor Capital Group, Lp sold 5,000 shares of Five Point stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $2.60, for a total value of $13,000.00. On Monday, October 2nd, Luxor Capital Group, Lp sold 45,500 shares of Five Point stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $2.92, for a total value of $132,860.00. On Friday, September 22nd, Luxor Capital Group, Lp sold 37,456 shares of Five Point stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $2.92, for a total value of $109,371.52. Five Point Price Performance NYSE FPH remained flat at $2.57 on Thursday. The company had a trading volume of 54,346 shares, compared to its average volume of 75,462. Five Point Holdings, LLC has a twelve month low of $1.88 and a twelve month high of $3.74. The stock has a market capitalization of $380.72 million, a PE ratio of 5.04 and a beta of 1.42. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $2.71 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $2.76. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Five Point Five Point ( NYSE:FPH Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 19th. The company reported $0.09 earnings per share for the quarter. Five Point had a net margin of 33.57% and a return on equity of 1.95%. The company had revenue of $65.92 million for the quarter. Several hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of FPH. Lazard Asset Management LLC purchased a new position in Five Point in the first quarter worth $37,000. Elkhorn Partners Limited Partnership increased its position in shares of Five Point by 70.0% during the 4th quarter. Elkhorn Partners Limited Partnership now owns 17,000 shares of the companys stock valued at $40,000 after purchasing an additional 7,000 shares during the last quarter. Aristeia Capital LLC bought a new stake in shares of Five Point during the 3rd quarter worth $54,000. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS purchased a new position in shares of Five Point in the 1st quarter worth about $62,000. Finally, Renaissance Technologies LLC bought a new position in Five Point during the first quarter valued at about $62,000. Institutional investors own 29.40% of the companys stock. About Five Point (Get Free Report) Five Point Holdings, LLC, through its subsidiary, Five Point Operating Company, LP, owns and develops mixed-use and planned communities in Orange County, Los Angeles County, and San Francisco County. The company operates in four segments: Valencia, San Francisco, Great Park, and Commercial. It sells residential and commercial land sites to homebuilders, commercial developers, and commercial buyers; operates and owns a commercial office, research and development and medical campus, and other properties; and provides development and property management services. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Five Point Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Five Point and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF (BATS:HEFA Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Friday . The stock traded as high as $30.90 and last traded at $30.88, with a volume of 616661 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $30.64. iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF Stock Up 0.8 % The stocks 50-day moving average price is $30.01 and its 200 day moving average price is $30.22. The firm has a market cap of $3.57 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.08 and a beta of 0.70. Get iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF alerts: Institutional Investors Weigh In On iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF Institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. United Capital Financial Advisers LLC increased its stake in iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF by 4.8% in the second quarter. United Capital Financial Advisers LLC now owns 10,517,230 shares of the companys stock valued at $326,034,000 after acquiring an additional 481,932 shares during the period. Partners Capital Investment Group LLP grew its stake in shares of iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF by 48.1% in the 2nd quarter. Partners Capital Investment Group LLP now owns 5,593,841 shares of the companys stock valued at $173,409,000 after purchasing an additional 1,817,110 shares during the period. Bank of New York Mellon Corp raised its holdings in shares of iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF by 60.3% in the 3rd quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 2,135,029 shares of the companys stock worth $64,264,000 after buying an additional 803,201 shares in the last quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. lifted its position in shares of iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF by 2.8% during the 3rd quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 1,224,921 shares of the companys stock worth $36,872,000 after buying an additional 33,012 shares during the period. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted its stake in iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF by 111.4% in the 3rd quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 839,638 shares of the companys stock valued at $25,524,000 after buying an additional 442,509 shares in the last quarter. iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF Company Profile The iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF (HEFA) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in total market equity. The fund tracks a market cap-weighted, USD-hedged index of large- and mid-cap stocks from developed countries outside the US and Canada. HEFA was launched on Jan 31, 2014 and is managed by BlackRock. See Also Receive News & Ratings for iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Legacy Capital Group California Inc. raised its holdings in McKesson Co. (NYSE:MCK Free Report) by 1.4% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 2,199 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 31 shares during the period. Legacy Capital Group California Inc.s holdings in McKesson were worth $940,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the business. Covestor Ltd increased its position in McKesson by 72.3% during the first quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 81 shares of the companys stock worth $25,000 after buying an additional 34 shares in the last quarter. Mine & Arao Wealth Creation & Management LLC. increased its position in McKesson by 313.3% during the 2nd quarter. Mine & Arao Wealth Creation & Management LLC. now owns 62 shares of the companys stock worth $26,000 after purchasing an additional 47 shares in the last quarter. Live Oak Investment Partners purchased a new position in McKesson in the 4th quarter valued at about $30,000. Capital Advisors Ltd. LLC boosted its stake in shares of McKesson by 1,700.0% during the 2nd quarter. Capital Advisors Ltd. LLC now owns 90 shares of the companys stock worth $38,000 after purchasing an additional 85 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Altshuler Shaham Ltd purchased a new stake in shares of McKesson during the second quarter worth about $41,000. 82.69% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get McKesson alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several research analysts have weighed in on the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price target on McKesson from $495.00 to $514.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Friday. Mizuho upped their target price on McKesson from $427.00 to $450.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, November 3rd. Credit Suisse Group raised their price target on McKesson from $450.00 to $485.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, August 11th. Morgan Stanley boosted their target price on shares of McKesson from $459.00 to $480.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, November 2nd. Finally, Evercore ISI upped their price objective on McKesson from $485.00 to $490.00 in a report on Wednesday, October 11th. One analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, eight have assigned a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus target price of $472.83. McKesson Stock Down 0.1 % Shares of McKesson stock traded down $0.33 during trading hours on Friday, hitting $450.45. 321,119 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 871,249. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $446.61 and a 200-day simple moving average of $420.26. The company has a market cap of $59.94 billion, a PE ratio of 17.81, a PEG ratio of 1.56 and a beta of 0.56. McKesson Co. has a twelve month low of $331.75 and a twelve month high of $473.18. McKesson (NYSE:MCK Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 1st. The company reported $6.23 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $6.11 by $0.12. The company had revenue of $77.22 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $76.03 billion. McKesson had a negative return on equity of 241.79% and a net margin of 1.20%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 10.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $6.06 earnings per share. As a group, equities research analysts predict that McKesson Co. will post 27.23 EPS for the current year. McKesson Dividend Announcement The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, January 2nd. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 1st will be given a dividend of $0.62 per share. This represents a $2.48 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.55%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, November 30th. McKessons dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 9.80%. Insider Transactions at McKesson In related news, CEO Brian S. Tyler sold 25,246 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, September 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $422.58, for a total transaction of $10,668,454.68. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 92,654 shares of the companys stock, valued at $39,153,727.32. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. In other news, CEO Brian S. Tyler sold 25,246 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, September 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $422.58, for a total transaction of $10,668,454.68. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 92,654 shares in the company, valued at approximately $39,153,727.32. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, EVP Leann B. Smith sold 660 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, November 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $461.26, for a total transaction of $304,431.60. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 1,325 shares in the company, valued at $611,169.50. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last 90 days, insiders have sold 69,082 shares of company stock valued at $30,258,690. Corporate insiders own 0.21% of the companys stock. McKesson Profile (Free Report) McKesson Corporation provides healthcare services in the United States and internationally. It operates through four segments: U.S. Pharmaceutical, Prescription Technology Solutions (RxTS), Medical-Surgical Solutions, and International. The U.S. Pharmaceutical segment distributes branded, generic, specialty, biosimilar and over-the-counter pharmaceutical drugs, and other healthcare-related products. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MCK? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for McKesson Co. (NYSE:MCK Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for McKesson Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for McKesson and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Legacy Capital Group California Inc. bought a new position in shares of Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE:YUM Free Report) in the 2nd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The fund bought 7,264 shares of the restaurant operators stock, valued at approximately $1,006,000. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the stock. HighMark Wealth Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Yum! Brands by 108.0% during the second quarter. HighMark Wealth Management LLC now owns 233 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $32,000 after acquiring an additional 121 shares during the period. Clear Street Markets LLC lifted its holdings in Yum! Brands by 28,400.0% during the 4th quarter. Clear Street Markets LLC now owns 285 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $37,000 after purchasing an additional 284 shares during the last quarter. Vestor Capital LLC boosted its stake in Yum! Brands by 303.5% in the 2nd quarter. Vestor Capital LLC now owns 2,163 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $41,000 after purchasing an additional 1,627 shares during the period. Fred Alger Management LLC acquired a new position in Yum! Brands in the 4th quarter valued at $44,000. Finally, True Wealth Design LLC bought a new position in Yum! Brands during the 4th quarter worth $50,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 80.17% of the companys stock. Get Yum! Brands alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several equities analysts recently commented on the stock. Redburn Atlantic restated a neutral rating and issued a $115.00 price target on shares of Yum! Brands in a research note on Friday, October 20th. Barclays lowered their price objective on shares of Yum! Brands from $140.00 to $126.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Monday, October 23rd. Royal Bank of Canada increased their target price on shares of Yum! Brands from $136.00 to $139.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a report on Thursday, November 2nd. TD Cowen reaffirmed an outperform rating and set a $160.00 target price on shares of Yum! Brands in a research note on Wednesday, September 20th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft assumed coverage on Yum! Brands in a research note on Thursday, October 19th. They issued a hold rating and a $131.00 price objective for the company. Ten research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $145.21. Insiders Place Their Bets In other news, CEO David W. Gibbs sold 3,507 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, October 16th. The stock was sold at an average price of $117.55, for a total transaction of $412,247.85. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 57,325 shares in the company, valued at approximately $6,738,553.75. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. In other Yum! Brands news, CEO David W. Gibbs sold 3,804 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, September 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $131.23, for a total transaction of $499,198.92. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 57,325 shares in the company, valued at $7,522,759.75. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, CEO David W. Gibbs sold 3,507 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, October 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $117.55, for a total value of $412,247.85. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 57,325 shares in the company, valued at $6,738,553.75. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 20,638 shares of company stock valued at $2,603,751 over the last 90 days. Insiders own 0.31% of the companys stock. Yum! Brands Price Performance NYSE YUM traded up $0.06 during trading on Friday, reaching $127.89. The companys stock had a trading volume of 385,423 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,583,544. The stock has a market capitalization of $35.85 billion, a PE ratio of 24.30, a P/E/G ratio of 1.94 and a beta of 1.04. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $123.39 and a 200 day moving average of $130.56. Yum! Brands, Inc. has a one year low of $115.53 and a one year high of $143.24. Yum! Brands (NYSE:YUM Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, November 1st. The restaurant operator reported $1.44 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.26 by $0.18. The business had revenue of $1.71 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.77 billion. Yum! Brands had a net margin of 21.32% and a negative return on equity of 17.45%. Yum! Brandss quarterly revenue was up 4.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the firm posted $1.09 earnings per share. Research analysts expect that Yum! Brands, Inc. will post 5.29 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Yum! Brands Dividend Announcement The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 8th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, November 28th will be given a dividend of $0.605 per share. This represents a $2.42 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.89%. Yum! Brandss payout ratio is 46.01%. Yum! Brands Profile (Free Report) Yum! Brands, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, develops, operates, and franchises quick service restaurants worldwide. The company operates through four segments: the KFC Division, the Taco Bell Division, the Pizza Hut Division, and the Habit Burger Grill Division. It operates restaurants under the KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, and The Habit Burger Grill brands, which specialize in chicken, pizza, made-to-order chargrilled burgers, sandwiches, Mexican-style food categories, and other food products. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding YUM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE:YUM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Yum! Brands Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Yum! Brands and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Legacy Capital Group California Inc. lifted its position in M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:MDC Free Report) by 2.7% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 17,633 shares of the construction companys stock after acquiring an additional 459 shares during the period. Legacy Capital Group California Inc.s holdings in M.D.C. were worth $825,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other large investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Signaturefd LLC grew its position in M.D.C. by 8.5% during the 2nd quarter. Signaturefd LLC now owns 2,669 shares of the construction companys stock worth $125,000 after purchasing an additional 208 shares in the last quarter. Kendall Capital Management grew its holdings in shares of M.D.C. by 0.8% during the second quarter. Kendall Capital Management now owns 35,330 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $1,652,000 after buying an additional 280 shares in the last quarter. Arizona State Retirement System raised its position in M.D.C. by 2.8% during the first quarter. Arizona State Retirement System now owns 16,519 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $642,000 after buying an additional 457 shares during the period. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS lifted its stake in M.D.C. by 0.8% in the 1st quarter. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS now owns 61,485 shares of the construction companys stock worth $2,390,000 after acquiring an additional 470 shares in the last quarter. Finally, First Republic Investment Management Inc. boosted its position in M.D.C. by 1.2% during the 1st quarter. First Republic Investment Management Inc. now owns 42,579 shares of the construction companys stock worth $1,655,000 after acquiring an additional 507 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 88.08% of the companys stock. Get M.D.C. alerts: M.D.C. Stock Up 0.7 % MDC stock traded up $0.29 during trading hours on Friday, hitting $44.36. The companys stock had a trading volume of 88,023 shares, compared to its average volume of 602,035. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $40.89 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $43.87. M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. has a 12 month low of $30.59 and a 12 month high of $51.94. The company has a market capitalization of $3.31 billion, a PE ratio of 9.26 and a beta of 1.46. The company has a quick ratio of 3.79, a current ratio of 9.50 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.49. M.D.C. Announces Dividend M.D.C. ( NYSE:MDC Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 26th. The construction company reported $1.40 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.18 by $0.22. M.D.C. had a net margin of 7.50% and a return on equity of 11.35%. The firm had revenue of $1.09 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.13 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $1.98 earnings per share. M.D.C.s revenue for the quarter was down 22.8% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities research analysts expect that M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. will post 5.11 earnings per share for the current year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, November 22nd. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, November 8th will be issued a dividend of $0.55 per share. This represents a $2.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.96%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, November 7th. M.D.C.s dividend payout ratio is 45.83%. Insider Activity at M.D.C. In other M.D.C. news, Director David E. Blackford sold 2,771 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, September 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $48.04, for a total transaction of $133,118.84. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 19,734 shares of the companys stock, valued at $948,021.36. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. 23.30% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of equities analysts have recently weighed in on MDC shares. StockNews.com started coverage on M.D.C. in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Raymond James increased their target price on shares of M.D.C. from $55.00 to $60.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, August 3rd. Wedbush boosted their price target on shares of M.D.C. from $28.00 to $51.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Monday, July 31st. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut their price objective on M.D.C. from $41.50 to $39.50 and set an underweight rating for the company in a report on Thursday, November 2nd. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have assigned a hold rating and one has assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $50.17. Read Our Latest Analysis on M.D.C. M.D.C. Company Profile (Free Report) M.DC Holdings, Inc, through its subsidiaries, engages in the homebuilding and financial service businesses. Its homebuilding operations include purchasing finished lots or developing lots for the construction and sale primarily of single-family detached homes to first-time and first-time move-up homebuyers under the Richmond American Homes name. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MDC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:MDC Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for M.D.C. Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for M.D.C. and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Molina Healthcare, Inc. (NYSE:MOH Get Free Report)s share price dropped 3% on Friday . The company traded as low as $353.92 and last traded at $354.39. Approximately 170,884 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 63% from the average daily volume of 466,215 shares. The stock had previously closed at $365.35. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several research analysts have issued reports on the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their target price on Molina Healthcare from $367.00 to $392.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Friday. Cantor Fitzgerald reaffirmed an overweight rating and set a $359.00 price target on shares of Molina Healthcare in a research note on Thursday, September 14th. Stephens reiterated an equal weight rating and issued a $350.00 target price on shares of Molina Healthcare in a report on Tuesday, October 3rd. StockNews.com raised shares of Molina Healthcare from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Thursday, October 12th. Finally, Bank of America boosted their price objective on shares of Molina Healthcare from $340.00 to $350.00 in a research note on Thursday, July 27th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have given a hold rating, six have issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Molina Healthcare has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $348.45. Get Molina Healthcare alerts: View Our Latest Report on Molina Healthcare Molina Healthcare Stock Performance The firms 50 day simple moving average is $339.40 and its 200-day simple moving average is $312.98. The company has a market cap of $20.67 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 22.38, a PEG ratio of 1.20 and a beta of 0.57. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.61, a quick ratio of 1.47 and a current ratio of 1.47. Molina Healthcare (NYSE:MOH Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, October 25th. The company reported $5.05 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $4.87 by $0.18. The business had revenue of $8.55 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $8.24 billion. Molina Healthcare had a net margin of 2.80% and a return on equity of 34.85%. The businesss revenue was up 7.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the company posted $4.36 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts predict that Molina Healthcare, Inc. will post 20.83 EPS for the current year. Insider Buying and Selling In other Molina Healthcare news, CAO Maurice Hebert sold 692 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, September 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $328.15, for a total value of $227,079.80. Following the transaction, the chief accounting officer now owns 8,528 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,798,463.20. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. In other news, CAO Maurice Hebert sold 692 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, September 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $328.15, for a total transaction of $227,079.80. Following the sale, the chief accounting officer now owns 8,528 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,798,463.20. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, Director Steven J. Orlando sold 1,134 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, October 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $325.96, for a total transaction of $369,638.64. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 19,299 shares in the company, valued at $6,290,702.04. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 1.10% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Molina Healthcare Large investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD increased its position in Molina Healthcare by 59.5% in the 1st quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 3,787,368 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,013,084,000 after acquiring an additional 1,413,257 shares during the period. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its position in Molina Healthcare by 18.4% in the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 6,449,375 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,151,448,000 after buying an additional 1,001,372 shares during the last quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP increased its stake in Molina Healthcare by 40.4% in the 1st quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 2,603,321 shares of the companys stock valued at $696,362,000 after buying an additional 749,696 shares during the period. Norges Bank purchased a new position in Molina Healthcare during the 4th quarter worth $214,801,000. Finally, Durable Capital Partners LP acquired a new stake in shares of Molina Healthcare in the 1st quarter worth $214,363,000. 98.11% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. About Molina Healthcare (Get Free Report) Molina Healthcare, Inc provides managed healthcare services to low-income families and individuals under the Medicaid and Medicare programs and through the state insurance marketplaces. It operates in four segments, Medicaid, Medicare, Marketplace, and Other. The company served in across 19 states. The company was founded in 1980 and is headquartered in Long Beach, California. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Molina Healthcare Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Molina Healthcare and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Hormel Foods Co. (NYSE:HRL Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant growth in short interest during the month of October. As of October 31st, there was short interest totalling 12,990,000 shares, a growth of 5.8% from the October 15th total of 12,280,000 shares. Currently, 4.5% of the shares of the company are short sold. Based on an average trading volume of 2,790,000 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 4.7 days. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of brokerages have weighed in on HRL. The Goldman Sachs Group reduced their target price on Hormel Foods from $33.00 to $29.00 and set a sell rating on the stock in a report on Friday, October 13th. Piper Sandler decreased their target price on Hormel Foods from $41.00 to $35.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, October 13th. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Hormel Foods in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased their price target on shares of Hormel Foods from $36.00 to $31.00 and set an underweight rating on the stock in a report on Monday, October 16th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating and five have assigned a hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $40.00. Get Hormel Foods alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on HRL Hormel Foods Trading Down 0.4 % Shares of HRL stock traded down $0.14 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $32.52. The companys stock had a trading volume of 3,706,508 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,291,304. The company has a market cap of $17.77 billion, a PE ratio of 20.29, a P/E/G ratio of 3.79 and a beta of 0.28. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.31, a quick ratio of 0.65 and a current ratio of 1.40. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $34.94 and its 200-day simple moving average is $38.20. Hormel Foods has a 52 week low of $30.70 and a 52 week high of $49.73. Hormel Foods (NYSE:HRL Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, August 31st. The company reported $0.40 earnings per share (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 company had revenue of $2.96 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.04 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $0.40 EPS. The firms revenue was down 2.3% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities research analysts expect that Hormel Foods will post 1.64 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Hormel Foods Dividend Announcement The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, November 15th. Shareholders of record on Monday, October 16th were paid a dividend of $0.275 per share. The ex-dividend date was Friday, October 13th. This represents a $1.10 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.38%. Hormel Foodss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 68.32%. Insiders Place Their Bets In other news, SVP Pierre M. Lilly purchased 1,454 shares of Hormel Foods stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, September 6th. The stock was acquired at an average cost of $37.25 per share, for a total transaction of $54,161.50. Following the purchase, the senior vice president now directly owns 1,454 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $54,161.50. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. In other Hormel Foods news, SVP Pierre M. Lilly acquired 1,454 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, September 6th. The stock was acquired at an average price of $37.25 per share, for a total transaction of $54,161.50. Following the purchase, the senior vice president now directly owns 1,454 shares of the companys stock, valued at $54,161.50. The acquisition was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, SVP Kevin L. Myers sold 5,200 shares of the 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 in the company, valued at approximately $1,204,321.41. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Company insiders own 0.81% of the companys stock. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Ameritas Advisory Services LLC purchased a new stake in Hormel Foods in the 1st quarter valued at $26,000. Global Retirement Partners LLC lifted 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 valued at $35,000 after purchasing an additional 331 shares in the last quarter. Exos TFP Holdings LLC boosted its holdings in 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 purchasing an additional 702 shares during the last quarter. Janiczek Wealth Management LLC grew its position in Hormel Foods by 62.9% in the 3rd quarter. Janiczek Wealth Management LLC now owns 1,028 shares of the companys stock worth $39,000 after purchasing an additional 397 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Point72 Hong Kong Ltd purchased a new stake in Hormel Foods in the 1st quarter valued at about $41,000. 41.15% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Hormel Foods Company Profile (Get 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. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Hormel Foods Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hormel Foods and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Lithium Americas Corp. (NYSE:LAC Get Free Report) was the target of a significant decrease in short interest in the month of October. As of October 31st, there was short interest totalling 13,750,000 shares, a decrease of 7.9% from the October 15th total of 14,930,000 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 2,950,000 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 4.7 days. Lithium Americas Stock Up 3.5 % Shares of LAC traded up $0.24 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $7.19. 928,107 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 2,787,387. The company has a market capitalization of $1.15 billion, a P/E ratio of 31.00 and a beta of 1.46. The company has a current ratio of 12.43, a quick ratio of 12.43 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.16. Lithium Americas has a 52 week low of $6.32 and a 52 week high of $12.38. The companys 50 day moving average is $11.70 and its two-hundred day moving average is $17.08. Get Lithium Americas alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several equities analysts have recently weighed in on the company. B. Riley initiated coverage on Lithium Americas in a research report on Monday, October 16th. They set a buy rating and a $14.00 target price on the stock. Scotiabank began coverage on shares of Lithium Americas in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a sector outperform rating and a $20.00 target price on the stock. Eight Capital set a $16.50 target price on shares of Lithium Americas and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Thursday, October 19th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft restated a hold rating and set a $7.00 target price (down previously from $25.00) on shares of Lithium Americas in a research report on Wednesday, October 18th. Finally, Stifel Canada reiterated a buy rating on shares of Lithium Americas in a report on Thursday, October 5th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nine have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Lithium Americas presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $23.61. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Creative Planning boosted its position in Lithium Americas by 5.4% during the third quarter. Creative Planning now owns 177,257 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,015,000 after purchasing an additional 9,054 shares in the last quarter. Townsquare Capital LLC lifted its position in Lithium Americas by 19.0% during the third quarter. Townsquare Capital LLC now owns 76,053 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,294,000 after purchasing an additional 12,134 shares during the period. Scotia Capital Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Lithium Americas by 2.5% in the third quarter. Scotia Capital Inc. now owns 376,609 shares of the companys stock worth $6,397,000 after buying an additional 9,130 shares during the last quarter. Seven Eight Capital LP acquired a new stake in shares of Lithium Americas during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $411,000. Finally, Legal & General Group Plc increased its holdings in shares of Lithium Americas by 57.8% during the 3rd quarter. Legal & General Group Plc now owns 156,766 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,676,000 after purchasing an additional 57,400 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 27.28% of the companys stock. About Lithium Americas (Get Free Report) Lithium Americas Corp. engages in the exploration and development of lithium properties in the United States and Canada. It holds a 100% interest in the Thacker Pass project located in northern Nevada, as well as investments in exploration properties in the United States and Canada. The company was incorporated in 2023 and is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Lithium Americas Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Lithium Americas and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. On Oct. 25, 2021, the Schuyler Police Department in cooperation with the Colfax County Sheriff arrested 31-year-old Mainor Escobar Marroquin of Schuyler for the offenses of fifth offense driving under the influence of alcohol (over .15), driving under 15-year revocation, violation of ignition interlock device, and possession of an open alcohol container. Escobar Marroquin was contacted as the driver involved in a single-vehicle accident. His blood/alcohol test result was .250. On Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2023, Escobar Marroquin appeared in the District Court for Colfax County and was sentenced for the offense of fourth offense driving under the influence of alcohol (over .15). He received a sentence of four to eight years at the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services. Driving under the influence of alcohol presents a public safety threat in our communities, Colfax County Attorney Bruce Prenda said in a media release. It is particularly concerning that the behavior is recurring, and the intoxication levels are trending higher. The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS Get Free Report) was the target of a significant increase in short interest in October. As of October 31st, there was short interest totalling 3,610,000 shares, an increase of 5.6% from the October 15th total of 3,420,000 shares. Currently, 1.1% of the companys stock are sold short. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 1,930,000 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 1.9 days. Insider Activity In other news, major shareholder Goldman Sachs Group Inc sold 72,874 shares of The Goldman Sachs Group stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $0.71, for a total transaction of $51,740.54. Following the sale, the insider now owns 397,954 shares in the company, valued at $282,547.34. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Insiders own 0.54% of the companys stock. Get The Goldman Sachs Group alerts: Institutional Investors Weigh In On The Goldman Sachs Group A number of institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Fairfield Bush & CO. purchased a new position in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group during the 1st quarter valued at $66,000. Candriam Luxembourg S.C.A. increased its position in The Goldman Sachs Group by 1,505.1% in the 1st quarter. Candriam Luxembourg S.C.A. now owns 41,300 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $13,633,000 after purchasing an additional 38,727 shares during the last quarter. Baird Financial Group Inc. raised its stake in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 18.5% during the 1st quarter. Baird Financial Group Inc. now owns 118,609 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $39,153,000 after purchasing an additional 18,540 shares in the last quarter. Zions Bancorporation N.A. lifted its holdings in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 79.4% during the 1st quarter. Zions Bancorporation N.A. now owns 827 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $273,000 after buying an additional 366 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Covestor Ltd grew its stake in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 118.3% in the 1st quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 310 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $102,000 after buying an additional 168 shares in the last quarter. 69.06% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. The Goldman Sachs Group Price Performance NYSE:GS traded up $2.52 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $339.19. 1,392,689 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 2,379,303. The company has a quick ratio of 0.77, a current ratio of 0.77 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.11. The company has a market capitalization of $110.61 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.42, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.98 and a beta of 1.43. The Goldman Sachs Group has a 12 month low of $289.36 and a 12 month high of $389.44. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $318.79 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $326.73. The Goldman Sachs Group (NYSE:GS Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, October 17th. The investment management company reported $5.47 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $5.42 by $0.05. The business had revenue of $11.82 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $11.15 billion. The Goldman Sachs Group had a return on equity of 7.37% and a net margin of 7.77%. The Goldman Sachs Groups revenue was down 1.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $8.25 earnings per share. Sell-side analysts expect that The Goldman Sachs Group will post 22.98 EPS for the current fiscal year. The Goldman Sachs Group Announces Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, December 28th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, November 30th will be given a $2.75 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, November 29th. This represents a $11.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.24%. The Goldman Sachs Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 53.24%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several equities analysts have recently commented on the stock. StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating on the stock. Credit Suisse Group reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $410.00 price target on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group in a report on Thursday, July 20th. UBS Group raised their price objective on The Goldman Sachs Group from $385.00 to $400.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Monday, July 24th. BMO Capital Markets boosted their target price on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group from $407.00 to $411.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, July 20th. Finally, Oppenheimer raised their price target on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group from $447.00 to $468.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday. Seven research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $393.76. Read Our Latest Analysis on The Goldman Sachs Group The Goldman Sachs Group Company Profile (Get Free Report) The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc, a financial institution, provides a range of financial services for corporations, financial institutions, governments, and individuals worldwide. It operates through Global Banking & Markets, Asset & Wealth Management, and Platform Solutions segments. The Global Banking & Markets segment provides financial advisory services, including strategic advisory assignments related to mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, corporate defense activities, restructurings, and spin-offs; and relationship lending, and acquisition financing, as well as secured lending, through structured credit and asset-backed lending and involved in resale agreements. Read More Receive News & Ratings for The Goldman Sachs Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for The Goldman Sachs Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Southeast Asset Advisors Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Free Report) during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm purchased 519 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $244,000. Other large investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Guyasuta Investment Advisors Inc. increased its stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 4.6% in the second quarter. Guyasuta Investment Advisors Inc. now owns 3,024 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,418,000 after buying an additional 132 shares during the period. Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria S.A. raised its position in Eli Lilly and Company by 4.8% during the 1st quarter. Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria S.A. now owns 82,966 shares of the companys stock worth $28,449,000 after purchasing an additional 3,768 shares during the last quarter. Baystate Wealth Management LLC lifted its holdings in Eli Lilly and Company by 688.2% during the 2nd quarter. Baystate Wealth Management LLC now owns 3,736 shares of the companys stock worth $1,752,000 after buying an additional 3,262 shares during the period. Simon Quick Advisors LLC grew its position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 13.0% in the 2nd quarter. Simon Quick Advisors LLC now owns 1,874 shares of the companys stock valued at $879,000 after buying an additional 215 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Martin Capital Partners LLC bought a new position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company during the second quarter worth about $234,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 81.38% of the companys stock. Get Eli Lilly and Company alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of analysts have weighed in on LLY shares. Royal Bank of Canada increased their target price on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $490.00 to $580.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Tuesday, August 8th. Truist Financial lifted their target price on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $525.00 to $600.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 9th. StockNews.com raised shares of Eli Lilly and Company from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Friday, November 3rd. Argus increased their price target on Eli Lilly and Company from $470.00 to $620.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, September 5th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group raised Eli Lilly and Company from a hold rating to a buy rating and boosted their price objective for the company from $408.00 to $615.00 in a research note on Tuesday, August 8th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have given a hold rating and twenty have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $557.00. Eli Lilly and Company Stock Up 0.7 % Shares of NYSE:LLY traded up $4.12 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $592.87. 818,407 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 3,096,320. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $577.87 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $507.38. Eli Lilly and Company has a 12-month low of $309.20 and a 12-month high of $629.97. The stock has a market cap of $562.82 billion, a P/E ratio of 106.66, a P/E/G ratio of 3.57 and a beta of 0.33. 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 Dividend Announcement The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 8th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, November 15th will be issued a dividend of $1.13 per share. This represents a $4.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.76%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, November 14th. Eli Lilly and Companys dividend payout ratio is 81.88%. Insider Transactions at Eli Lilly and Company In related news, CAO Donald A. Zakrowski sold 670 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated 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 directly owns 4,708 shares in the company, valued at $2,688,738.80. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In related news, CAO Donald A. Zakrowski sold 670 shares of Eli Lilly and Company 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 directly owns 4,708 shares in the company, valued at $2,688,738.80. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, EVP Alonzo Weems sold 1,148 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, September 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $590.98, for a total value of $678,445.04. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 7,760 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,586,004.80. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 536,138 shares of company stock worth $20,881,627,358 in the last quarter. 0.13% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Eli Lilly and Company Profile (Free Report) Eli Lilly and Company discovers, develops, and markets human pharmaceuticals worldwide. It offers Basaglar, Humalog, Humalog Mix 75/25, Humalog U-100, Humalog U-200, Humalog Mix 50/50, insulin lispro, insulin lispro protamine, insulin lispro mix 75/25, Humulin, Humulin 70/30, Humulin N, Humulin R, and Humulin U-500 for diabetes; and Jardiance, Trajenta, and Trulicity for type 2 diabetes. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding LLY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Eli Lilly and Company Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Eli Lilly and Company and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Trustmark National Bank Trust Department raised its holdings in Parker-Hannifin Co. (NYSE:PH Free Report) by 132.2% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 8,621 shares of the industrial products companys stock after purchasing an additional 4,909 shares during the quarter. Trustmark National Bank Trust Departments holdings in Parker-Hannifin were worth $3,363,000 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. Norges Bank purchased a new stake in Parker-Hannifin in the 4th quarter worth approximately $519,286,000. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich boosted its holdings in Parker-Hannifin by 97,325.1% during the second quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 1,233,402 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $481,076,000 after buying an additional 1,232,136 shares in the last quarter. FMR LLC grew its position in Parker-Hannifin by 55.0% during the first quarter. FMR LLC now owns 3,208,980 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $1,078,570,000 after buying an additional 1,138,583 shares during the period. AMF Tjanstepension AB purchased a new position in Parker-Hannifin in the second quarter valued at $200,042,000. Finally, Ameriprise Financial Inc. raised its position in shares of Parker-Hannifin by 16.0% in the first quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 3,702,940 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $1,244,593,000 after acquiring an additional 511,658 shares during the period. 82.25% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Parker-Hannifin alerts: Parker-Hannifin Price Performance Shares of NYSE:PH traded up $3.29 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $429.73. The company had a trading volume of 80,653 shares, compared to its average volume of 808,330. Parker-Hannifin Co. has a twelve month low of $281.19 and a twelve month high of $434.04. The stock has a market cap of $55.21 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 23.68, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.57 and a beta of 1.49. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.81, a current ratio of 0.89 and a quick ratio of 0.50. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $393.31 and its 200-day simple moving average is $382.60. Parker-Hannifin Announces Dividend Parker-Hannifin ( NYSE:PH Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 2nd. The industrial products company reported $5.96 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $5.33 by $0.63. Parker-Hannifin had a return on equity of 29.56% and a net margin of 11.92%. The business had revenue of $4.85 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.88 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $4.74 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was up 14.5% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, research analysts predict that Parker-Hannifin Co. will post 23.14 earnings per share for the current year. The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 1st. Stockholders of record on Monday, November 13th will be paid a $1.48 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, November 10th. This represents a $5.92 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.38%. Parker-Hannifins dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 32.87%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of equities analysts recently weighed in on the company. Wells Fargo & Company reduced their price target on Parker-Hannifin from $465.00 to $425.00 in a report on Monday, October 9th. Argus increased their target price on Parker-Hannifin from $390.00 to $460.00 in a research report on Friday, August 4th. Stifel Nicolaus reissued a buy rating and issued a $470.00 price target on shares of Parker-Hannifin in a report on Wednesday, October 11th. Barclays increased their price objective on shares of Parker-Hannifin from $425.00 to $470.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Friday, August 4th. Finally, StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Parker-Hannifin in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They set a buy rating for the company. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $450.71. View Our Latest Research Report on PH Insider Activity In related news, CFO Todd M. Leombruno sold 5,002 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, August 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $416.11, for a total value of $2,081,382.22. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 11,656 shares in the company, valued at $4,850,178.16. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. In other Parker-Hannifin news, CFO Todd M. Leombruno sold 5,002 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, August 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of $416.11, for a total transaction of $2,081,382.22. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer now owns 11,656 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,850,178.16. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. Also, Director Joseph Scaminace sold 1,660 shares of Parker-Hannifin stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, September 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $409.91, for a total transaction of $680,450.60. Following the sale, the director now owns 5,487 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,249,176.17. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Corporate insiders own 1.03% of the companys stock. Parker-Hannifin Company Profile (Free Report) Parker-Hannifin Corporation manufactures and sells motion and control technologies and systems for various mobile, industrial, and aerospace markets worldwide. The company operates through two segments: Diversified Industrial and Aerospace Systems. The Diversified Industrial segment offers sealing, shielding, thermal products and systems, adhesives, coatings, and noise vibration and harshness solutions; filters, systems, and diagnostics solutions to ensure purity and remove contaminants from fuel, air, oil, water, and other liquids and gases; connectors used in fluid and gas handling; and hydraulic, pneumatic, and electromechanical components and systems for builders and users of mobile and industrial machinery and equipment. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Parker-Hannifin Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Parker-Hannifin and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Truvestments Capital LLC boosted its position in shares of Lockheed Martin Co. (NYSE:LMT Free Report) by 5.0% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 697 shares of the aerospace companys stock after purchasing an additional 33 shares during the period. Truvestments Capital LLCs holdings in Lockheed Martin were worth $321,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in LMT. Edmond DE Rothschild Holding S.A. boosted its position in Lockheed Martin by 100.0% in the 1st quarter. Edmond DE Rothschild Holding S.A. now owns 60 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $28,000 after buying an additional 30 shares during the period. Coppell Advisory Solutions Corp. purchased a new stake in Lockheed Martin in the 4th quarter valued at about $31,000. Cascade Investment Advisors Inc. purchased a new stake in Lockheed Martin in the 1st quarter valued at about $35,000. Alaska Permanent Fund Corp purchased a new stake in Lockheed Martin in the 2nd quarter valued at about $35,000. Finally, KB Financial Partners LLC purchased a new stake in Lockheed Martin in the 1st quarter valued at about $35,000. 74.26% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Lockheed Martin alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several equities research analysts have issued reports on LMT shares. UBS Group started coverage on shares of Lockheed Martin in a research report on Tuesday, October 10th. They issued a neutral rating and a $470.00 price objective for the company. Wells Fargo & Company raised shares of Lockheed Martin from an underweight rating to an equal weight rating and set a $440.00 price target for the company in a research report on Monday, September 18th. Citigroup lowered their price target on shares of Lockheed Martin from $555.00 to $540.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, October 18th. Jefferies Financial Group decreased their target price on shares of Lockheed Martin from $505.00 to $455.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, October 4th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut their price target on shares of Lockheed Martin from $495.00 to $481.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, October 18th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, ten have assigned a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Lockheed Martin currently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $484.07. Lockheed Martin Stock Performance LMT opened at $445.59 on Friday. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $432.25 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $446.17. The company has a quick ratio of 1.16, a current ratio of 1.36 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.86. The company has a market cap of $110.55 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.28, a PEG ratio of 1.90 and a beta of 0.60. Lockheed Martin Co. has a 52-week low of $393.77 and a 52-week high of $508.10. Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 17th. The aerospace company reported $6.77 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $6.67 by $0.10. The firm had revenue of $16.88 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $16.73 billion. Lockheed Martin had a net margin of 10.29% and a return on equity of 75.46%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 1.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the firm posted $6.87 earnings per share. Equities analysts anticipate that Lockheed Martin Co. will post 27.19 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Lockheed Martin Increases Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 29th. Investors of record on Friday, December 1st will be given a dividend of $3.15 per share. This is a boost from Lockheed Martins previous quarterly dividend of $3.00. This represents a $12.60 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.83%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, November 30th. Lockheed Martins dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 43.84%. About Lockheed Martin (Free Report) Lockheed Martin Corporation, a security and aerospace company, engages in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration, and sustainment of technology systems, products, and services worldwide. It operates through four segments: Aeronautics, Missiles and Fire Control, Rotary and Mission Systems, and Space. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Lockheed Martin Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Lockheed Martin and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Usinas Siderurgicas de Minas Gerais S.A. (OTCMKTS:USNZY Get Free Report) passed below its 50-day moving average during trading on Wednesday . The stock has a 50-day moving average of $1.27 and traded as low as $1.26. Usinas Siderurgicas de Minas Gerais shares last traded at $1.40, with a volume of 11,200 shares. Analysts Set New Price Targets Separately, The Goldman Sachs Group downgraded Usinas Siderurgicas de Minas Gerais from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, August 30th. Get Usinas Siderurgicas de Minas Gerais alerts: Check Out Our Latest Report on USNZY Usinas Siderurgicas de Minas Gerais Stock Down 0.6 % Usinas Siderurgicas de Minas Gerais Company Profile The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $1.27 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $1.41. The stock has a market capitalization of $838.16 million, a P/E ratio of 2.08, a P/E/G ratio of 2.46 and a beta of 1.59. (Get Free Report) Usinas Siderurgicas de Minas Gerais SA manufactures and markets flat steel products in Brazil and internationally. The company operates through three segments: Mining and Logistics, Steel Metallurgy, and Steel Transformation. It extracts and process iron ore, such as pellet and sinter feed and, granulated iron ore; provides storage, handling, and road cargo transportation services; and operates highway and railway cargo terminals. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Usinas Siderurgicas de Minas Gerais Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Usinas Siderurgicas de Minas Gerais and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Vertical Aerospace Ltd. (NYSE:EVTL Get Free Report) shares were down 1.1% during mid-day trading on Tuesday . The stock traded as low as $0.76 and last traded at $0.78. Approximately 378,715 shares changed hands during trading, a decline of 15% from the average daily volume of 443,569 shares. The stock had previously closed at $0.79. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Separately, Canaccord Genuity Group restated a hold rating and set a $1.85 price objective on shares of Vertical Aerospace in a report on Friday, September 1st. Get Vertical Aerospace alerts: Check Out Our Latest Research Report on Vertical Aerospace Vertical Aerospace Price Performance Hedge Funds Weigh In On Vertical Aerospace The companys fifty day moving average is $1.13 and its two-hundred day moving average is $1.51. Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. JPMorgan Chase & Co. acquired a new position in Vertical Aerospace in the 1st quarter worth approximately $198,000. Polar Capital Holdings Plc acquired a new stake in shares of Vertical Aerospace during the 1st quarter worth approximately $154,000. ExodusPoint Capital Management LP acquired a new stake in shares of Vertical Aerospace during the 4th quarter worth approximately $121,000. Legal & General Group Plc acquired a new stake in shares of Vertical Aerospace during the 4th quarter worth approximately $81,000. Finally, HRT Financial LP acquired a new stake in shares of Vertical Aerospace during the 4th quarter worth approximately $73,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 2.67% of the companys stock. About Vertical Aerospace (Get Free Report) Vertical Aerospace Ltd., an aerospace and technology company, engages in designing, manufacturing, and selling zero operating emission electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for use in the advanced air mobility in the United Kingdom. It offers VX4, an eVTOL aircraft. The company was founded in 2016 and is headquartered in Bristol, the United Kingdom. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Vertical Aerospace Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Vertical Aerospace and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. The Schuyler Police Department is investigating a child abuse incident that took place at a residence located in the 900 block of East 16th Street in Schuyler. On Nov. 16, at about 9:46 a.m., the Columbus Police Department was dispatched to the Columbus Community Hospital on a report of suspected child abuse. Information provided at that time was that a 5-week-old infant from Schuyler had been brought into the hospital by a family member with injuries consistent with child abuse. The infant was taken by life-flight to Childrens Hospital and Medical Center in Omaha for treatment. The Schuyler Police Department conducted further investigation and arrested the father of the infant, Ernesto Roque Diaz, 39, on suspicion of child abuse resulting in serious bodily injury. The investigation has been forwarded to the Colfax County Attorney and remains ongoing. The Schuyler Police Department encourages anyone with information about this incident to call 402 352-2415 or the Colfax County Communication Center at 402-352-8527. USER CONSENT We at Moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist with navigation and your ability to provide feedback, analyse your use of our products and services, assist with our promotional and marketing efforts, and provide content from third parties. Your use of Moneycontrol is subject to your agreement with the following conditions: *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies and cookies from third parties which may be used for personalisation and determining your location. By clicking on Continue, you accept the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our Cookie Policy *I agree to the updated privacy terms and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age. *I agree to the processing of my personal information for personalized recommendations, personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites. I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS. (Optional). Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept , a flexible workspace provider, has taken another step towards its long-term growth and. The company has recently signed lease agreements for two new buildings, Manyata Redwood located in Bengaluru and RMZ Spire situated in Hyderabad.Two new buildings are set to open in the next few months, located in thriving tech hubs. According to the company, these buildings will redefine the workspace experience for professionals and businesses alike. Together, they will offer over 4,000 desks spread across approximately 272,000 square feet, adding to the existing portfolio."With the addition of Manyata Redwood and RMZ Spire, we are reaffirming our commitment to providing businesses with cutting-edge, flexible workspace solutions", Arnav S. Gusain, Head of Real Estate, Product, and Procurement, WeWork India, said in a statement."We are focused on meeting the industrys increasing demands through a superior workspace experience, built upon WeWork Indias principles of flexibility and community", he added. Both buildings will be equipped with an array of modern amenities, including a community bar, conference rooms, phone booths, pantry, F&B market, mothers room, and game room.The company announced that it is expanding into more micro markets following its success in these markets. WeWork India's expansion into Manyata Redwood and RMZ Spire demonstrates the brand's reliability and strong relationships with all stakeholders, including landlords, IPCs, and members, according to the company. Bithumbs Ex-Chair Faces Eight-Year Jail Term as Prosecutors File Appeal 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. South Korean prosecutors have filed an appeal in the alleged fraud case involving Lee Jeong-hoon, the former chair of local cryptocurrency exchange Bithumb. According to the report from Seoul Economic Daily, prosecutors are once again advocating for an eight-year jail term for Lee in connection to a case centered around the proposed October 2018 takeover of Bithumb. Lee Was Acquitted Earlier This Year The latest appeal follows Lees prior acquittal earlier this year, where he was found not guilty despite prosecutors initially seeking an eight-year sentence. The case involves Lee and Kim Byung-kun, chair of BK Medical Group and a cosmetic surgeon, with allegations of fraud-related wrongdoings amounting to at least 110 billion won ($85.2 million). The appeal judgment is scheduled for January 18, 2024, as reported by local media. The legal proceedings add a new chapter to the ongoing saga surrounding Bithumbs former chair. Coincidentally, this legal development emerged shortly after reports indicated that Bithumb is exploring plans for an initial public offering (IPO) in Korea. Recent news from Edaily revealed that Bithumb selected Samsung Securities as its underwriter last month, signaling a potential IPO on Kosdaq in the second half of 2025. An outsider looking in is bound to be baffled by the odd shape of the Carlisle Area School District. Carlisle Borough and North Middleton Township roughly form a rectangle teetering on top of a second rectangle called Dickinson Township. And out there, floating to the east, is the borough of Mount Holly Springs, an island unto itself surrounded by the South Middleton School District. For 70 years, Mount Holly Springs has had its own elementary school feeding generations of students into the Carlisle school system. But a school board decision, pending this winter, could close that school within a few years and draw Mount Holly children away from their community to other schools miles away. The combination of an aging building and declining enrollment in the south part of the district prompted Superintendent Colleen Friend to recommend the board shutter the school. It is part of an initiative touted as an effort to restructure grades K-8 to equalize class sizes, improve efficiencies and head off an anticipated enrollment increase in the north end of the district. Borough identity The origins of Mount Holly Springs as something of an island go back much further than the 1952 agreement that joined the four municipalities into the Carlisle Area School District. The root cause is an independent streak that Mount Holly celebrated this spring. This year marks the 150th anniversary of the incorporation of Mount Holly Springs into a borough, split off and separated from South Middleton Township. For the celebration, local historian and former Sentinel editor Fred Burgess was on a committee that put together a sesquicentennial history booklet. A Mount Holly native now living in Carlisle, Burgess found in his research a reference on the website newspapers.com that sheds some light as to why his hometown decided to break away from the municipality that surrounds it. Burgess came across a Mount Holly Correspondence published in the Feb. 1, 1872 edition of the Carlisle Evening Herald. The column mentioned something printed in the Mountain Echo, a weekly newspaper in Mount Holly. The gist of the column was that Holly residents felt that their tax money should be applied to Holly roads and schools rather than benefit more rural areas of the township, Burgess said. At the time, the village probably had the largest concentration of people in South Middleton Township, he said. The amount collected of us annually in the shape of school tax is sufficient to give us three schools, with a term of eight months, instead of two schools with a six-month term, the column reads. The writer predicted that the borough could operate for half the sum that village residents pay in road tax revenue spent elsewhere in the township. The column prodded Mount Holly residents to take an active role in the process that culminated in an April 10, 1873, incorporation ceremony at what was then a school at 100 Chestnut St. From the beginning, a public school has been part of the boroughs identity. The Chestnut Street School pre-existed the incorporation, said Jim Burgess of Dillsburg, the younger brother of Fred Burgess and a former Carlisle school district elementary school principal. For years, he has been involved in the Heart and Soul Project and other initiatives designed to build up Mount Holly Springs as a community and to celebrate its past. According to the history booklet, the Chestnut Street School was built in stages starting in the 1870s, with the south wing being constructed first and north wing finished about five years later. In June 1901, the Mount Holly school board decided to build a two-story addition that connected the two wings and brought the number of classrooms up to six. District origins Carlisle was the first chartered public school district in Pennsylvania dating from August 1836, said Kevin Wagner, a social studies teacher at Carlisle High School. This was made possible by the Free Public School Act of 1834. When school systems were starting in the 1830s, districts were limited to town boundaries, Wagner said. Each township or borough has its own system. Beginning in the 1850s, the Pennsylvania General Assembly pushed to have schools try to consolidate, which didnt go well. The government didnt lay out any groundwork. That changed in 1947 when the state General Assembly passed a law that required districts to draw up plans for consolidation, Wagner said. The first attempt to join Carlisle schools with nearby municipalities failed in 1950, but gained momentum a year later after state lawmakers attached financial incentives to the push, he said. [Superintendent] David Swartz was a go-getter, a force to be reckoned with, Wagner said. Our school system became the Carlisle Area School District on July 7, 1952. It was all related to post World War II America, Jim Burgess said. Soldiers coming back from the war had access to the GI Bill. They were looking to get an education, buy homes. The place was booming, particularly in Cumberland County, but all over. At that point in Pennsylvania, there were a lot of one-room school houses, he said. The Chestnut Street School was all-in-one. There were primary school kids there as well as high school kids, but they were becoming quickly overrun with families. Facilities were deteriorating. The Mount Holly school board was looking for a solution. Realizing the potential of a joint school district, the Mount Holly board engaged in negotiations with the Carlisle board. These talks also included school board representatives from the townships of Dickinson, North Middleton and South Middleton townships. An agreement was drafted in which each local system would build elementary schools within their municipal boundaries and contribute to the construction costs of a new high school to be centrally located within the joint school district. Today, that building is the McGowan portion of Carlisle High School. South Middleton folks balked at that [provision] because they already had a high school in Boiling Springs, Jim Burgess said. They didnt really want to build another because their building would sit relatively empty. That was the deal breaker. As a result, the South Middleton system became its own school district that matched the boundaries of the township. Since Mount Holly was no longer part of the township, the borough became an island. Mount Holly schools Shortly after its formation, the joint Carlisle school system floated a $240,000 bond to finance the construction of the Mount Holly Springs Elementary School. Built in 1954 on 11 acres purchased from Emelyn Trine, the building consisted of four classrooms, a library, a principals office, a small kitchen and a gym with locker rooms. It operated jointly with the Chestnut Street School until that building was declared unsafe for use as a school by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry in early 1959. Rather than alter the Chestnut Street building, the Mount Holly Springs Elementary School was expanded. Construction bids were opened on Aug. 3, 1961, and the addition was completed about a year later at a cost of about $142,043. The addition consisted of four more classrooms, a special education room, a kindergarten and a teachers lounge. The Chestnut Street School is now the home of Citizens Fire Company No. 1. Further alternations were made to the Mount Holly Springs Elementary School in 1989 and 2009. Modular classroom units were added last school year. Elmo Mentzer, a Newville native, graduated from Carlisle High School in 1943 and served as an elementary school principal in the district from 1957 to 1982. During that time, he earned a doctorate in education from Penn State University, where his dissertation was A History of the Public Schools in Carlisle 1750-1976. The Burgess brothers used this paper in their research during the lead-up to the sesquicentennial celebration earlier this year. Mere hours before Charlottesville High School was to begin another day of classes, it sent a message to parents. School is closed. Due to an unusual number of staff absences & limited available substitutes, classes at Charlottesville High School are canceled today, Charlottesville City Schools wrote on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, Friday. It did not provide an explanation as to why there were so many staff absences nor a specific number of absences. School district spokeswoman Beth Cheuk did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Daily Progress. It remained unclear Friday morning why so many staff were out and whether they would be returning next week. Shannon Gillikin, president of the Charlottesville teachers union, also did not immediately respond to a request for comment. But the vice president of the neighboring Albemarle County teachers union suggested that a large group of teachers called out sick in an act of protest. I believe we are seeing the first sick-out in local history, and I 100% stand with my Cville neighbors, Mary McIntyre wrote on X. If Albemarle County thinks this could never happen here, they are sadly mistaken. We are closer than ever before to our breaking point. CHS made the announcement shortly after 6 a.m. The night before, CHS counselor David Wilkerson took to Facebook and alluded to something having happened in the school on Thursday. There are kids and adults who are going to need a counselor at Charlottesville High School tomorrow, he wrote. The post received many comments, including one from Wilkerson. It is time that more educators shared their experience, he wrote, before outlining various issues hes seen in the school. Wilkerson wrote that some students walk the halls during class time, and when an administrator engages them, they insult the administrator and continue on. Student emphatically declares that the adult should perform an anatomically inconvenient sex act, Wilkerson wrote. In his telling, the administrator walked away because the Virginia Department of Education has seen a correlation between punishing students and a poor graduation rate. Without consequences, student misbehavior increases and faculty morale plummets, he wrote. Today, we had roving bands in search of the next fight, multiple fights from which to choose, and hundreds of kids filming and cheering, his Thursday post reads. In the meantime, the 95% of kids whose behavior is impeccable suffer because they and their teachers are traumatized, exhausted, and highly distracted, Wilkerson wrote. We are infantilizing the kids who have neither the personal discipline nor the support from home to make healthy decisions and setting them up for horrific consequences in the near future. One person wrote to Wilkerson asking what could be done to solve the problem. If school is canceled anyway, lets schedule a town hall meeting, he responded. The abrupt decision to cancel classes comes roughly a week after another unexpected announcement: CHS Principal Rashaad Pitt had resigned. Charlottesville City Schools Superintendent Royal Gurley informed parents of the news, writing that Pitt was leaving in order to focus on his family and health. Pitts last day is expected to be Nov. 21. Little explanation was provided beyond that, and school spokeswoman Beth Cheuk, again, did not respond to a request for comment from The Daily Progress. It has left many parents and people outside of the school system forced to speculate about what is happening within CHS. The school has received unwanted attention over the past year for a number of large student brawls that were caught on video and disseminated by other students. Wilkersons Facebook post suggests the fighting has not stopped. On X, Charlottesville City Schools wrote that the cancellation only applied to CHS and that all other schools in the district would follow regular schedules. The division has not said whether or not CHS will also cancel school on Monday and Tuesday. School will not be in session from Wednesday to Friday due to the Thanksgiving holiday. The Quaker Run Fire in Madison County, what was the largest active wildfire in Virginia, was totally contained as of Thursday evening, according to officials. Local, state and federal crews have been leaving the scene of the fire that had burned nearly 4,000 acres of public, private and Shenandoah National Park land over the course of more than three weeks. Those same crews were being dispatched to other nearby fires, including the Matts Creek Fire in Bedford County that had burned through nearly 3,000 acres and the Royal Orchard Fire on Afton Mountain in Nelson County that had burned dozens of acres as of Thursday evening. "I do think weve turned the corner," Christopher Richardson, senior wildland firefighter for Shenandoah National Park, told The Daily Progress on Thursday. No residences or other structures were ever reported damaged by the Quaker Run Fire despite its size. Richardson said that the private land currently within the fire area would likely be relinquished to private landowners soon. "Ive seen a lot of confidence in our incident management team that a lot of it will be turned back to the private landowners soon," he said. Richardson has been working the Quaker Run Fire since it ignited near the village of Syria in Madison County on Oct. 24. There were 134 personnel on the scene of the fire Thursday, significantly less than the 200-plus that had been working the blaze days prior. The bulldozers and helicopters that had been helping battle the blaze had disbanded Thursday, like departed personnel to go fight other fires in the commonwealth. Richardson said the severe drought affecting the western half of Virginia has made it especially prone to fires this year. That combined with high winds and low humidity in general has transformed much of central and southwest Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley into a tinderbox. I would say this is an unusually large fire and unusual fire behavior compared to previous years, and a lot of that is due to the drought we are in right now. We havent had significant rainfall in quite a while, and weve been experiencing really low relative humidity recently combined with some pretty high winds at times, which really serves to promote more active fire behavior, he said. Richardson said firefighters across the state are optimistic that there is a potential for rain on Friday and a more significant chance of rain Tuesday. Even the few days of rain over the Quaker Run Fire last week helped contain the fire, he said. But given how extreme the drought is now, there needs to be much more to bring down the fire risk across Virginia, he added. Isolated smoke as well as smoldering, creeping or ground fire could be seen in and near the fire area for several days even though the fire is contained, officials have said. The National Park Service has said that much of the smoke spotted in the area this week was the product of other nearby fires and not Quaker Run. Although the fire is contained, trails and camps remain closed. 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 (though access to the falls is still open). The lower Rapidan Fire Road beyond the portion open to cyclists. Graves Mill Trail, from the intersection of the Staunton River Trail to the Rapidan Fire Trail, as well as the Whilhite Wagon Trail remain closed. The Rapidan Tract of the Rapidan Wildlife Management Area is also closed. The temporary flight restriction over the area has been lifted. The Byrd Visitor Center near Big Meadows is open. The visitor center is running on generators after power was cut to the Big Meadows area weeks ago for firefighter safety. Debbie Beard, incident commander for Southern Area Gold Complex Incident Management Team, thanked the surrounding community for its support while crews were battling the blaze. "We know this has been an incredibly stressful time for everyone in the community, yet you have dedicated your time and energy to help everyone work on this fire," she wrote in a Thursday letter. "Church members provided meals to firefighters, people greeted us with smiles and Southern hospitality wherever we went, and throughout it all we have felt welcome, supported and appreciated." The cause of the Quaker Run Fire remains under investigation. State Sen. Bryce Reeves of Spotsylvania has previously suggested the flames were first ignited by a lightning strike on or near Double Top Mountain. The Virginia Department of Forestry, however, has not verified that claim and has continued to emphasize that escaped burning debris is the leading cause of wildfires in Virginia. A vehicle fire on Interstate 64 Thursday sparked a brush fire on Afton Mountain that had spread into Shenandoah National Park by press time Thursday evening. Local, state and federal authorities, including some from the nearly contained 4,000-acre Quaker Run Fire in Madison County, were on the scene working to limit the spread of what was being called the Royal Orchard Fire late Thursday. The fire had grown to 20 acres by press time Thursday evening, according to the Virginia Department of Forestry. National Park Service officials could not say how far the flames had spread, only that they hoped to contain it as soon as possible, given the severe drought in the area that has transformed the area into a tinderbox. Albemarle County Fire Rescue said career and volunteer firefighters were dispatched to reports of a vehicle fire near mile marker 100 on I-64 at around 12:28 p.m. Thursday. Motorists driving past the blaze captured footage of a white pickup truck towing a Winnebago trailer engulfed in flames on the westbound shoulder of the interstate Thursday afternoon. Large plumes of smoke could be spotted from Greenwood in Albemarle County coming off of the mountaintop throughout the afternoon. The air quality in Charlottesville quickly plummeted, 11.6 times the World Health Organization annual air quality guideline value by press time Thursday evening. Officials said the fire had spread from the vehicle into the park but could not estimate the exact size of the fire at press time Thursday. Park officials were not willing to provide an exact estimate but state officials were saying 20 acres. National Park Service spokeswoman Claire Comer told the Waynesboro News Virginian that crews from the Virginia Department of Forestry and the Department of Emergency Management had joined Albemarle firefighters on the scene. They were accompanied by a helicopter that had previously been working the Quaker Run Fire, which started conducting water drops on the Afton fire Thursday afternoon. Westbound traffic on I-64 in the area was backed up for several miles throughout Thursday afternoon and evening, with the westbound right lane and shoulder entirely closed off. Nearby Skyline Drive was also closed from Loft Mountain at mile 79.5 to Rockfish Gap at mile 105, according to the park service. Motorists who could avoid the area were being detoured off I-64 at exit 107. The Augusta County Sheriff's Office was warning residents Thursday to avoid using Route 250 over Afton Mountain if at all possible. "You need to use Interstate 64," the sheriff's office said in a statement Thursday afternoon. "Rt. 250 is closed from the Waynesboro City limits through Augusta County to Rt. 151 in Nelson County as a result of this fire." Fires have been igniting across the western half of the commonwealth since the start of autumn. While the Quaker Run Fire in Madison, the largest active wildfire in Virginia, was nearing full containment this week, another fire was ignited in Bedford County. That fire, called the Matts Creek Fire, was nearing 3,000 acres Thursday afternoon. Burn bans are now in effect for the entire Shenandoah Valley and several counties in Central Virginia. Daily Progress staff contributed to this story. As artificial intelligence (AI) systems are getting more integrated into our daily life, there is a growing tendency among users to get hold of free AI tools. Cybercriminals have rightly spotted this weakness as an opportunity to spread malware capable of stealing users' login credentials. Earlier this week, Google filed a lawsuit in the northern district of California, US, against three people for using false advertisements for Bard, Google's generative AI chatbot. They were allegedly tricking users into downloading malware that gave the fraudsters access to login credentials. Halimah DeLaine Prado, general counsel of Google, says in a blog post , "The fraudsters created social media pages and ran ads that encouraged people to 'download' Bard, our freely available generative AI tool that does not need to be downloaded. The ads, instead led people to download malware that compromised their social media accounts. Since April, we have filed roughly 300 takedowns related to this group of bad actors." According to the lawsuit, the scam has been showing up in ads, pages and posts on Facebook- including 'Google AI', 'AIGoogle' and 'AIGoogleBard' - that use Google logos and a photo of Sundar Pichai, the chief executive officer (CEO) of Google. "The malware-linked ads seek to confuse Facebook users because Google itself has advertised its Bard product on Facebook," the lawsuit says. The lawsuit by Google is the first action by a major technology company on the growing number of AI-related online scams. However, the only issue, in this case, is the scammers are based in Vietnam, which is out of the jurisdiction of the US district court, and the US does not have any extradition treaty with that country. So, it would be interesting to see how the case progresses. Ms Prado from Google says, "Just as AI fraudsters hope to fly under the radar we believe that appropriate legal action and working with government officials puts scammers squarely in the crosshairs of justice, promoting a safer internet for everyone." While the rules, regulations, and legal action are all the way to go, safeguarding common users remains an arduous task for everyone. Before we learn about protecting ourselves from increasing cyber fraud, let us first understand malware. Malware is a term used to describe malicious software that is designed to harm or exploit computer systems, personal devices and networks. Malicious code or techniques exploit security vulnerabilities in software or operating systems of computers or personal devices. Malware encompasses a wide range of harmful software types, each with its own specific purpose and method of operation. Here are some common types of malware: Viruses: These are programs that can replicate themselves by attaching to other legitimate programs of software. Viruses can spread through infected files and cause damage to the host system or corrupt files and data. Worms: They are similar to viruses, but worms can self-replicate to spread across networks or devices without needing a host file. Worms often exploit vulnerabilities in network protocols to propagate. Trojans: Unlike viruses and worms, trojans do not replicate themselves. Instead, they disguise themselves as legitimate software or files to trick users into downloading and executing them. Once activated, Trojans can perform various malicious actions, such as stealing data or providing access to the system to fraudsters. Ransomware: This is malware that encrypts a user's files or locks them out of their system, demanding a ransom payment in exchange for restoring access. Ransomware attacks have become a significant threat, targeting individuals and organisations. Spyware: These are programs designed to secretly gather information about a user's activities, such as keystrokes, browsing habits and personal information. This information is often sent to a remote server without the user's knowledge or consent. Adware: These programs display unwanted advertisements on a user's computer or device. While not always malicious in intent, adware can be disruptive and may compromise user privacy by collecting and transmitting data about browsing habits. Rootkits: These are malicious software that enables unauthorised access to a computer or network. Rootkits often hide their presence from detection by modifying or replacing core system files. Botnets: These are networks of compromised computers (bots) that are controlled by a single entity, usually for malicious purposes. Botnets can be used for activities such as distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, spam distribution, and other forms of cybercrime. Keyloggers: This includes software or hardware that records the keystrokes of a user, capturing sensitive information such as login credentials, card numbers, banking and personal details. Protecting against malware involves a combination of security measures, such as using antivirus software, keeping software up-to-date, practising safe browsing habits, and being cautious about email attachments and downloads. Regular system scans and backups are also essential to a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy. Here are some general tips to help protect yourself from malware 1. Use good quality antivirus or anti-malware software and update it regularly. 2. Ensure that your operating system, browsers and all software are up-to-date with the latest security patches. Use automatic updates whenever possible. 3. Download software, files and applications only from reputable sources. Avoid downloading cracked (pirated) software or installation files (for example, Android package kit or apk files) from unofficial websites, as they may contain malware. 4. Use strong, unique passwords for all your accounts. Avoid using the same password across multiple platforms. Also, use multi-factor authentication, if possible. 5. Regularly review your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorised transactions. 6. Be cautious of social engineering tactics, such as phishing scams, where attackers try to manipulate you into divulging sensitive information. By adopting these practices, you can significantly reduce the risk of malware infections and enhance the overall security of data on your computer and personal devices. Stay Alert, Stay Safe! As many as four non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) and two housing finance companies (HFCs) have surrendered their certificates of registration (CoR) to Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for various reasons. Separately, RBI has cancelled the registration of two NBFCs, New Delhi-based Todays Holdings Pvt Ltd and Tamil Nadu-based Integrated Finance Co Ltd. Following its merger with HDFC Bank, Housing Development Finance Corp Ltd (HDFC) surrendered its registration as HFC. While the central bank has not given any specific reason, in a statement, RBI says, "...in the exercise of powers conferred on it under section 45-IA (6) of the RBI Act, 1934, has cancelled the certificate of registration...As such, the two companies shall not transact the business of a non-banking financial institution (NBFI), as defined in clause (a) of Section 45-I of the RBI Act." NBFCs who have surrendered registration certificates include Tamil Nadu-based Ford Credit India Pvt Ltd, Rajasthan-based Acoustic Commercial Pvt Ltd, Assam-based VSG Trade Pvt Ltd and Maharashtra-based Centrum Microcredit Ltd. HFCs which surrendered their registration include Maharashtra-based HDFC and Tamil Nadu-based National Trust Housing Finance Ltd. According to RBI, two NBFCs and one HFC surrendered their registration certificates after deciding to exit from the non-banking finance business. While one NBFC and HFC each ceased operations following corporate actions such as amalgamation, dissolution, merger or voluntary strike-off. One NBFC has surrendered its registration certificate because it does not require registration under the criteria prescribed for an unregistered core investment company (CIC). Tamil Nadu-based Ford Credit India Pvt Ltd and Rajasthan-based Acoustic Commercial Pvt Ltd surrendered their registration certificate. RBI issued an order to cancel their registration on 10 October 2023 and 19 October 2023, respectively. RBI says the registration certificate of VSG Trade Pvt Ltd from Assam is cancelled from 3 October 2023. Maharashtra-based Centrum Microcredit Ltd's registration certificate is revoked on 25 October 2023. The central bank issued another order to cancel the registration certificate of HDFC on 26 October 2023 while National Trust Housing Finance's registration was cancelled from 21 September 2023. Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Thursday said that it has imposed a penalty of Rs 90.93 lakh on Axis Bank for breach of norms. The breach relates to directions issued by RBI on Know Your Customer (KYC) norms, 'Loans and Advances Statutory and Other Restrictions', 'Guidelines on Managing Risks and Code of Conduct in Outsourcing of Financial Services by banks' and 'Code of Conduct for Opening and Operating Current Accounts'." The RBI carried out the Statutory Inspection for Supervisory Evaluation of the bank was conducted by RBI with reference to its financial position as of March 31, 2022. A scrutiny was also conducted by RBI involving an account. In addition, the bank failed to preserve records pertaining to the identification of customers and their addresses in certain cases. "Made persistent calls to some of the customers, failed to ensure appropriate behaviour of recovery agents with some of the delinquent borrowers and failed to ensure a tape recording of the content/text of the calls made by the recovery agents to some of the customers," the RBI statement said. Disclaimer: Information, facts or opinions expressed in this news article are presented as sourced from IANS and do not reflect views of Moneylife and hence Moneylife is not responsible or liable for the same. As a source and news provider, IANS is responsible for accuracy, completeness, suitability and validity of any information in this article. Holding that the entire responsibility for unauthorised withdrawals from the account of the complainant has to be taken by the State Bank of India (SBI), the national consumer disputes redressal commission (NCDRC) has directed the lender to refund, with 9% interest, Rs80,000 withdrawn illegally from an automated teller machine (ATM) with an additional litigation cost of Rs20,000. Setting aside the order of the Punjab state consumer disputes redressal commission and upholding the order of the Hoshiarpur district consumer disputes redressal forum, the NCDRC bench of Dr Inter Jit Singh (presiding member) says, "After careful consideration of all the facts and circumstances of the case and perusal of copies of relevant records, we are of the considered view that complainant is not at all at fault in the instant case and he took immediate action to report the unauthorised transactions to police, producing the ATM card in original before them and the Bank." "The complainant was physically at Dasuya in Hoshiarpur district, Punjab and unauthorised withdrawals took place from Mumbai, miles away, while the original ATM card was in his physical possession at Dasuya. Even closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage showed that money was withdrawn by some other persons and not the complainant. Hence, as per Reserve Bank of India (RBI) circular dated 8 April 2002, which was in force during this period, SBI has to compensate the complainant," NCDRC says. Pankaj Kumar Singh from Randhawa village in Dasuya tehsil had filed the appeal. On 4 April 2014, he received alerts about withdrawals of Rs1.05 lakh from various locations in Mumbai. Out of these eight transactions, two transactions worth Rs25,000 were reversed. Mr Singh immediately visited the ATM of SBI to verify the authenticity of the alert messages and took a mini statement. He also visited Dasuya police station and filed a complaint. He also showed the police his ATM card. On the same day, Mr Singh visited the SBI branch at Dasuya and informed about the fraudulent transactions. The branch office sent a message on his mobile stating that his complaint was closed and the ATM branch had confirmed the transaction was successful, though he had not done any. Mr Singh reiterated that he had not shared or disclosed his ATM details with anybody. When asked, SBI did not provide him with the CCTV footage of the ATM from where the money was withdrawn using his ATM card. Aggrieved by the unauthorised withdrawal of Rs80,000, Mr Singh filed a complaint before the district forum. On 25 June 2015, partly allowing the complaint, the Hoshiarpur district directed SBI to refund Rs80,000 with 9%pa (per annum) interest from 4 April 2014 and pay Rs10,000 as compensation and Rs5,000 as litigation costs. SBI challenged the order before the state commission, which, while allowing the appeal, set aside the district forum order. Mr Singh then approached NCDRC. He submitted that the ATM card was in his possession and was never given to anyone. His counsel says, "Someone had fraudulently withdrawn money from Mr Singh's account and that too from Mumbai, which is almost 1,800km away from Dasuya and it is impossible to go to Mumbai which is almost 1,800km away and come back to Dasuya within six hours, since all the fraudulent transactions took place between 11.37pm on 3 April 2014 and 12.23pm on 4 April 2014, while the ATM card was in Mr Singh's possession throughout and, therefore, these transactions have been carried out using some other device fraudulently." Counsel for SBI argued that the CCTV footage shows that money was withdrawn without any tampering with the ATM machine from three different ATMs but by using the ATM card and inserting the associated ATM personal identification number (PIN), which is possible only because Mr Singh may have informed and had compromised his ATM PIN details to someone. "It is strange as to how Mr Singh knew well in advance as to from which ATM machine locations the transactions were made, more so, when the alleged mini statement did not give any information on the location of the ATM machine, therefore, it creates strong suspicion on him. It is further argued that once he alleges cheating, fraud and collusion, it is the civil court or the criminal court which could investigate the matter after undertaking a detailed investigation, documentation and evidence and such matters cannot be decided by the consumer form in a summary manner and it is for this reason that banking ombudsman disposed of Mr Singh's complaint," the counsel for SBI contended. After hearing both sides, Dr Singh from NCDRC observed that the district forum had given a well-reasoned order and the state commission went wrong in setting aside the same without giving any valid, convincing reasons. The bench also referred to the RBI circular issued on 6 July 2017 and 8 April 2002 on limited liability of customers in unauthorised electronic banking transactions. The 8 April 2002 circular states: "With a view to redressing the grievances of the customers in this regard, we have reviewed the position and advise that (i) in cases where banks are at fault, the banks should compensate customers without demur, and (ii) in cases where neither the bank is at fault nor the customer at fault but the fault lies elsewhere in the system, then also the banks should compensate the customers (upto a limit) as part of a Board approved customer relations policy." "After careful consideration of all the facts and circumstances of the case and perusal of copies of relevant records, we are of the considered view that Mr Singh is not at all at fault in the instant case," NCDRC ruled. While increasing the litigation cost to Rs25,000 from Rs5,000, it directed SBI to implement the order issued by the Hoshiarpur district forum within 30 days. (Revision Petition No163 of 2017 Date: 15 November 2023) This story was originally published by ProPublica. States have passed hundreds of laws to protect people from wrongful insurance denials. Yet from emergency services to fertility preservation, insurers still say no. In North Carolina, lawmakers outraged that breast cancer patients were being denied reconstructive surgeries passed a measure forcing health insurers to pay for them. In Arizona, legislators intervened to protect patients with diabetes, requiring health plans to cover their supplies. Elected officials in more than a dozen states, from Oklahoma to California, wrote laws demanding that insurance companies pay for emergency services. Over the last four decades, states have enacted hundreds of laws dictating precisely what insurers must cover so that consumers arent driven into debt or forced to go without medicines or procedures. But health plans have violated these mandates at least dozens of times in the last five years, ProPublica found. In the most egregious cases, patients have been denied coverage for lifesaving care. On Wednesday, a ProPublica investigation traced how a Michigan company would not pay for an FDA-approved cancer medication for a patient, Forrest VanPatten , even though a state law requires insurers to cover cancer drugs. That expensive treatment offered VanPatten his only chance for survival. The father of two died at the age 50, still battling the insurer for access to the therapy. Regulators never intervened. These laws dont apply to every type of health plan, but they are supposed to provide protections for tens of millions of people. AHIP, a trade group that used to be known as Americas Health Insurance Plans, said new mandates are costly for consumers and states, tie insurers hands and limit plan innovation by requiring specific benefits. Nevertheless, its members take steps to make sure they are following these mandates, the trade group said. State insurance departments are responsible for enforcing these laws, but many are ill-equipped to do so, researchers, consumer advocates and even some regulators say. These agencies oversee all types of insurance, including plans covering cars, homes and peoples health. Yet they employed less people last year than they did a decade ago. Their first priority is making sure plans remain solvent ; protecting consumers from unlawful denials often takes a backseat. They just honestly dont have the resources to do the type of auditing that we would need, said Sara McMenamin, an associate professor of public health at the University of California, San Diego, who has been studying the implementation of state mandates. Agencies often dont investigate health insurance denials unless policyholders or their families complain. But denials can arrive at the worst moments of peoples lives, when they have little energy to wrangle with bureaucracy. People with plans purchased on HealthCare.gov appealed less than 1% of the time, one study found. ProPublica surveyed every states insurance agency and identified just 45 enforcement actions since 2018 involving denials that have violated coverage mandates. Regulators sometimes treat consumer complaints as one-offs, forcing an insurer to pay for that individuals treatment without addressing whether a broader group has faced similar wrongful denials. When regulators have decided to dig deeper, theyve found that a single complaint is emblematic of a systemic issue impacting thousands of people. In 2017, a woman complained to Maines insurance regulator, saying her carrier, Aetna, broke state law by incorrectly processing claims and overcharging her for services related to the birth of her child. After being contacted by the state, Aetna acknowledged the mistake and issued a refund. That winter, the woman gave birth to a second child, and Aetna did it again. She filed another complaint. This time, when the state made Aetna pay up, it also demanded broader data on childbirth claims. Regulators discovered that the insurer had miscalculated claims related to more than 1,000 births over a four-year period. Aetna issued refunds totaling $1.6 million and agreed to pay a $150,000 fine if it failed to follow conditions listed in a consent agreement It was a rare victory. The potential fine, though, constituted less than .002% of the $6.63 billion in profit recorded by Aetnas parent company, CVS Health, that year. Leilani Lujan signs a document Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023, at the U.S. District Court of Guam during her private swearing-in ceremony to be the federal public defender, as Chief Judge Frances Tydingco-Gatewood looks on. Guam Fire Department personnel responded to a major crash along Route 10 Thursday afternoon. The crash involved three vehicles and six occupants in total. Man accused of robbing woman he was ordered to stay away from Former Louisville police detective Brett Hankison poses for a booking photograph at Shelby County Detention Center in Shelbyville, Kentucky, U.S. September 23, 2020. Bahamas Telecommunications Company vice chairman Valentine Grimes said a portion of the cash raised by parent company Liberty Latin America in its recent tower deal, could be used to deploy 5G in the Bahamas. The vice chairman told the Tribune, that the intent of the Bahamian government and its current administration to take some of the US$407 million raised from Phoenix Tower International (PTI), could be used to upgrade BTCs network and ascend to 5G. The deal with PTI reportedly involves 345 towers from BTC and also includes towers in the British Virgin Islands and Barbados. Head of the Bahamas Communications and Public Officers Union, Sherry Benjamin, criticised the deal, telling the Tribune: We already got a bad deal with the sale to Cable & Wireless Communications (CWC) in the first place. That was a horrible deal. This deal theyve entered into: is it going to further sink us or pull us out of the hole we are in? I think the Bahamas, the Bahamian people, need some answers to that. We sold a cash cow and are not even getting whole milk. We are getting treated milk; milk mixed with something else. We need to get whole milk from the cow. AP PHOTOS: The faces of pastoralists in Senegal, where connection to animals is key AP PHOTOS: The faces of pastoralists in Senegal, where connection to animals is key View Photo FETE FORROU, Senegal (AP) The Fulani people also known as the Peuhl are believed to be the largest seminomadic ethnic group in the world, with communities stretching from Senegal to the Central African Republic. While some men in this Muslim ethnic group have attended Quranic school, most prepare for their future by learning the ways of animal herding alongside their elders. Its a profession, but its also an inherited tradition, says Amadou Altine Ndiaye, 48, who began tending to his familys flock when he was 8. Its a source of pride. Now hes working alongside his son-in-law, Moussa Ifra Ba. I love pastoralism to the core, the 28-year-old says. Ba has grown especially attached to the familys flock of sheep: Its a real friendship between you, and the male animals cry when they move away from you. If you give a ram a name, after a month it remembers that name and as soon as you call it, it will come and join you. ___ EDITORS NOTE This story is part of The Protein Problem, an AP series that examines the question: Can we feed this growing world without starving the planet? To see the full project, visit https://projects.apnews.com/features/2023/the-protein-problem/index.html By LEO CORREA and KRISTA LARSON Associated Press Japan and China agree to work on stable relationship, though only vague promises in seafood dispute Japan and China agree to work on stable relationship, though only vague promises in seafood dispute View Photo TOKYO (AP) Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed Friday to build a stable and constructive relationship, but achieved only a vague agreement on easing a dispute over a Chinese ban on Japanese seafood, officials said. Kishida told reporters after a 65-minute meeting with Xi on the sidelines of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in San Francisco that they agreed to find ways to resolve the dispute through meetings and dialogue in a constructive manner. He said they would convene a meeting of scientific experts but gave no details, and told reporters later Tuesday that timing of a possible lifting of the ban was unforseeable. Kishida had demanded that China immediately lift its ban on Japanese seafood, in place since the crippled Fukushima nuclear power plant began discharging treated radioactive wastewater into the sea on Aug. 24. The ban has badly hurt Japanese exporters of scallops and other seafood. Japan says the wastewater is much safer than international standards and that the International Atomic Energy Agency has concluded the environmental and health impact of its release is negligible. China calls the discharge nuclear-contaminated water. Chinese state broadcaster CCTV alsosaid China and Japan agreed to find a way to resolve the Fukushima water issue through consultations and negotiations. Xi, calling the discharge a global health and marine environment issue, told Kishida that Japan should take domestic and international concerns seriously and handle them in a responsible and constructive manner, CCTV said in an online report. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, speaking Friday in Beijing, said all countries have the right to ensure food safety and protect public health. Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno praised the talks as extremely meaningful because Kishida and Xi confirmed their mutual goal of building constructive and stable Japan-China relations from a wide perspective. But a series of disputes dominated the talks. Kishida asked Xi to remove all marking buoys that Beijing has placed inside Japans Exclusive Economic Zone in the East China Sea, and to quickly release a Japanese businessman who was formally arrested in October on spying allegations. Kishida said he raised grave concern about Chinas increased military activity around Japan, including joint exercises with Russia. He stressed the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, where China regularly dispatches military ships and planes to threaten Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its own territory. Kishida also held talks on the sidelines of APEC with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol. They also attended a roundtable with technology startups and joined an event at Stanford University to discuss possible cooperation in investment and development in semiconductor, quantum, AI and other technologies another move underscoring deepening ties between the two countries. Kishida said he has high expectations for a three-way cooperation with the United States and South Korea in the area. He said that a nation cannot achieve resilience of innovation and supply chain on its own and that he could imagine a future of our cooperation among the three countries. Yoon said at the Stanford event that innovation is borderless and that South Korea supports promising startups regardless of their nationalities or where their startups are based. As the competitiveness of startups in both South Korea and Japan is excellent, we can create great synergies by expanding cooperation between the countries, Yoon said, pledging that the two countries will together support the innovations by younger generations. Kishida also briefly met with Biden and discussed the Middle East, Ukraine, the Indo-Pacific, China and North Korea, the Japanese Foreign Ministry said. The three leaders also held a separate meeting together. Yoons office said the three leaders talked for about 10 minutes about security and economic cooperation. Biden expressed gratitude to Yoon and Kishida for easing his burden as he performs his duties as the president of the United States, Yoons deputy national security director, Kim Tae-hyo, told South Korean reporters. Japan and South Korea, which share security concerns in the Indo-Pacific, have rapidly repaired and strengthened their ties that had long been strained over historical issues involving Japans colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula, thereby bolstering three-way security ties with the United States. In their meeting, Kishida and Yoon expressed satisfaction over the positive trends in bilateral relations and the expansion of government consultations on diplomacy, security and economy, Yoons office said. ___ Associated Press writer Kim Tong-hyung in Seoul, South Korea, contributed to this report. By MARI YAMAGUCHI Associated Press French commission wants to remove statute of limitations for sexual violence against children PARIS (AP) A French commission examining sexual violence against children called Friday for removing all time limits on the prosecution of people suspected of raping or sexually assaulting minors. The Independent Commission on Incest and Sexual Violence against Children, which is known by its French acronym CIIVISE, also recommended defining sexual abuse of children as a separate offense under the law when it happens within families. Frances statute of limitation for sexual crimes against children is 30 years from the time the victim legally becomes an adult at age 18. The commission said in a report issued Friday that removing the time limit is necessary because it can take decades for victims to be able to speak out. The commission of independent experts was established two years ago after child abuse accusations involving a prominent French political expert unleashed a massive social media campaign in which hundreds of people shared accounts of how how they were sexually abused as children. Every year 160,000 children are victims of sexual violence in France, according to the reports findings. Its conclusions and recommendations were based on 27,000 victims accounts that were analyzed by experts over two years. On average, the victims cited in the report were 8 years old when the sexual abuse began, and 80% of them were abused by a family member. The current statute of limitations prevents three-quarters of these survivors from seeking justice in court, the report said. In French, the word inceste is widely used to refer to any sexual act between members of the same family, including abuse of children, stepchildren and younger siblings. The 2021 accusations against top political expert Olivier Duhamel launched a debate about Frances response to child abuse within families. A book written by Duhamels stepdaughter, Camille Kouchner, accused him of abusing her twin brother during the late 1980s, when the siblings were 13 years old. Until 2021, French law accepted the possibility that a minor was capable of consenting to sex, leading to cases in which adults convicted of sexual assault received lighter prison sentences than they would have if they had been prosecuted for rape. Sexual assault carries a maximum 10-year prison sentence and a fine of 150,000 euros, ($163,000), while rape is punishable by up to 20 years in prison. The French government eventually proposed a law stating that a child under age 15 cannot consent to sex with an adult, effectively shutting that legal loophole. Some child protection groups still want to see statutory rape made a criminal offense. Many activists have also advocated for removing the statute of limitations for child sexual assault or rape. The World Health Organization say international studies show that one in five women and one in 13 men report having been sexually abused before they turned 18. as a child aged under 18. Experts say sexual abuses are likely to be underestimated amid secrecy often surrounding the issue. Sonora, CA The California Public Utilities Commission this afternoon unanimously approved significant electric and gas rate hikes for Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) to pay for wildfire protections. Customers will pay an average of more than $32 per month over the next year so the utility can bury more of its power lines to reduce the chances of starting wildfires. Initially, the company had asked regulators for more than a $38 per month hike to bury 2,100 miles of power lines in areas that are at high risk for wildfires. At Thursdays meeting, a lesser amount was granted, resulting in a typical bill increasing by about $32.50 next year, followed by a $4.50 increase in 2025, before decreasing by $8 per month in 2026, according to PG&E. Additionally, the commissioners decided to let PG&E bury 1,230 miles of power lines, which would be $1.7 billion cheaper than PG&Es proposal. The company noted that 85% of the increase was to improve safety in its gas and electric operations. The Utility Reform Network, an advocacy group for ratepayers, says PG&Es residential rates have more than doubled since 2006. The US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) has awarded a feasibility study grant to Malaysias Hexa Capital Consultancy to develop what would be the first subsea cable system directly connecting Malaysia and the US. Malaysia currently connects to 18 international subsea cable systems, but of those, only the Asia-America Gateway (AAG) club cable connects to the US. Hexa says that the MYUS cable is expected to be just over 19,220 km with six landing stations in Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. MYUS will also have three landing stations in US states and territories across the Pacific. No details have yet been given about the MYUS cable in terms of planned capacity. Hexa has already selected T Soja & Associates to conduct the study, which will provide Hexa with detailed plans to guide the projects implementation. USTDA director Enoh T. Ebong said in a statement that the MYUS cable would add cost-effective digital connectivity capacity and increase access to reliable and affordable digital services across Southeast Asia, including remote and underserved areas, while creating a secure communications link between the region and the United States. Hexa CEO Dr. Abang Azhari Hadari added that the MYUS cable would help to "support the implementation of 5G wireless services and further investment in data centres. The grant was announced on the sidelines of the APEC CEO Summit in San Francisco. Missing hiker Ann Herford -- CCSO photo View Photo Arnold, CA Calaveras County Sheriffs officials are updating their efforts to find a hiker who went missing on the Arnold Rim Trail. As reported here earlier this week, 66-year-old Ann Herford, pictured in the image box, was reported missing on Tuesday while hiking the trail. Calaveras County Sheriffs officials report that the search and rescue teams have expanded the search to locate Herford. Persons in the area of the Lakemont Pines subdivision that surrounds the Arnold Rim Trail and is north of Highway 4 are being asked to check their immediate property and outbuildings for any possible signs of Herford. However, they are not giving specifics as to why they have targeted this area. Herfords current whereabouts are not known, and she remains a missing person. Other resources assisting in the search from across the state include the California Office of Emergency Service, searchers from the California Rescue Dog Association, Bay Area Mountain Rescue Unit, Contra Costa County Sheriffs Office, Nevada County Sheriffs Office, Marin County Sheriffs Office, Tuolumne County Sheriffs Office, Santa Clara County Sheriffs Office, United States Forest Service, Calaveras County Sheriffs Office Search and Rescue, and air assets from the California Highway Patrol. Sheriffs officials noted that a total of more than 64 searchers, 3 canine teams, 2 UAVs (drones), and 9 e-bikes have been deployed in this continuing search. The public is asked to call the sheriffs office at 209-754-6500 if they have seen or know the whereabouts of Herford. US sanctions Iran-backed militia members in Iraq conducting strikes against American forces View Photo WASHINGTON (AP) The U.S. on Friday imposed sanctions on six people affiliated with the Iranian-backed Iraqi militia Kataeb Hezbollah, which is accused of being behind a spate of recent attacks against U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria following the October 7 attacks by Hamas against Israel. Included in the sanctions are the militias foreign affairs chief, a member of its governing council, its military commander and a media spokesman. The sanctions block access to U.S. property and bank accounts and prevent the targeted people and companies from doing business with Americans. A spate of drone attacks hit U.S. bases in Iraq as recently as Friday, as regional tensions have flared up following the bloody war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Two U.S. defense officials confirmed three additional attacks on U.S. military facilities in Iraq and Syria on Friday, bringing the total number of attacks on U.S. and coalition military facilities in Iraq and Syria to at least 60. The three bases attacked as of Friday included: a one-way drone targeted Al Harir air base in Erbil, with no casualties reported, but an infrastructure damage assessment was still ongoing; an attack by multiple one-way drones at Al Asad air base in Iraq that resulted in no injuries or infrastructure damage; and another multiple one-way drone attack at Tall Baydar, Syria, that resulted in minor injuries to one service member who was able to return to duty, one of the defense officials said. Iranian-backed militias in Iraq have threatened to attack U.S. facilities there because of American support for Israel. Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control says Kataeb Hezbollah is supported by Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Quds Force. And the State Department has previously designated it as a terrorist organization. Brian E. Nelson, Treasurys under-secretary for terrorism and financial intelligence said the U.S. is fully committed to security and stability in the Middle East and are steadfast in our efforts to disrupt these destabilizing activities. At least 11,470 Palestinians two-thirds of them women and minors have been killed since the war in Gaza began, according to Palestinian health authorities, who do not differentiate between civilian and militant deaths. About 2,700 people are reported missing. Some 1,200 people have been killed in Israel, mostly during the initial attack, and around 240 were taken captive by militants. By FATIMA HUSSEIN and TARA COPP Associated Press Maine lobsterman jumps from boat to help rescue a driver from a car submerged in a bay Maine lobsterman jumps from boat to help rescue a driver from a car submerged in a bay View Photo PORTLAND, Maine (AP) A lobsterman in Maine jumped from a boat into the water to help save a driver trapped in a sinking car, police said. The car drove into Casco Bay shortly after noon on Thursday, according to police in Portland, Maine. Police and fire crews were able to force entry into the vehicle while it was underwater. The lobster boat was nearby. Manny Kourinos, who was on board, jumped in and helped pull out the driver, police said. The water temperature was about 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius). Ive been diving for 20 years now and never been in that circumstance where I had to recover someone from underwater, Kourinos told WCSH-TV. The 33-year-old driver was listed in stable condition after being taken to a hospital, police said. Police are investigating and said the vehicle was reported stolen out of South Portland earlier in the day. Biden and Lopez Obrador have talked fentanyl and US-Mexico migration. They pledged solidarity View Photo SAN FRANCISCO (AP) President Joe Biden and Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador pledged Friday to work side-by-side to confront illicit fentanyl trafficking into the U.S. and to manage the growing number of migrants traveling north to the border between their nation. Nothing is beyond our reach in my view if Mexico and the United States stand together and work together, Biden said. Bidens relationship with Lopez Obrador has at times been tense, in part because of Bidens willingness to criticize Mexico on topics such as fentanyl production and the killing of journalists. And Lopez Obrador isnt afraid to snub the U.S. leader. He skipped a Los Angeles summit last year where leaders tackled the issue of migration because the U.S. didnt invite Cuba, Nicaragua or Venezuela. He also initially said he would skip this years APEC conference, but changed his mind. The two men were all smiles and compliments before the press on Friday, with Biden telling Lopez Obrador: I couldnt have a better partner than you, and the Mexican leader calling Biden a good man and an extraordinary president. They were in San Francisco for the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation conference, where Biden has held a series of face-to-face meetings with other leaders, including Chinas President Xi Jinping and the leaders of Japan and South Korea, as he seeks to reassure the region that the U.S. and China are competitors, not zero-sum rivals. Biden and Lopez Obrador set to work talking migration as the U.S. strains to manage a rising number of southern border crossings. They also discussed deadly fentanyl trafficking, particularly after Biden secured an agreement with Xi to curb the illicit opioid. Mexico and China are the primary sources for synthetic fentanyl trafficked into the U.S. Nearly all the chemicals needed to make it come from China, and the drugs are then mass-produced in Mexico and trafficked via cartels into the U.S. I want to tell you about my great conversation with Xi Jinping on that issue, Biden told Lopez Obrador. The issues of fentanyl and immigration are related. Human smuggling over the border is a part of cartel operations that also include drug trafficking into the U.S. Were working side-by-side to combat organized crime, Biden said. The powerful opioid is the deadliest drug in the U.S. today. More than 100,000 deaths a year have been linked to drug overdoses since 2020 and about two-thirds of those are related to fentanyl. The annual death toll is more than 10 times the level in 1988, at the height of the crack epidemic. Were aware of the damage it poses to the United states youth, Lopez Obrador said through an interpreter. And migration challenges facing the U.S. are growing increasingly intractable. Democratic leaders at the state and local level are begging for federal assistance to help care for migrant families living in squalid shelters and sleeping in police stations. Republicans are loudly critical of Bidens border policies as too lax. And Congress has not passed an immigration overhaul in decades. Biden asked for $14 billion from Congress for border security but the temporary spending bill he just signed did not have funding for the border, Ukraine aid or Israel. There are rising numbers of migrants at the border. Arrests for illegal crossings along the U.S.-Mexico line were up 21% to 218,763 in September, and Biden has repeatedly said Congress should act to fix outdated immigration laws. But in the meantime, his administration has developed policies that aim to deter migrants from making a dangerous and often deadly journey while also opening up new legal immigration pathways. Mexicos support is critical to any push by the U.S. to clamp down at the southern border, particularly as migrants from nations as far away as Haiti are making the trek on foot up through Mexico and are not easily sent back to their home countries. Lopez Obrador said the administrations policies of cracking down on illegal crossings while opening up other legal pathways for others to come to the U.S. lawfully was a humane way to address the migration phenomenon. Earlier this year, Mexico agreed to continue to accept migrants from Venezuela, Haiti, Cuba and Nicaragua who are turned away at the border, and up to 100,000 people from Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador who have family in the U.S. will be eligible to live and work there. According to data on asylum-seekers in Mexico, people from Haiti remained at the top with 18,860 so far this year, higher than the total for the whole of 2022. Meanwhile, the U.S. is accepting 30,000 people per month from the four countries for two years and offering them the ability to work, as long as they come legally, have eligible sponsors and pass vetting and background checks. Guatemala and Colombia will open regional hubs where people can go to make asylum claims in the hope of stopping them from traveling on foot. But Mexico has so far refused to allow the U.S. to set one up. Lopez Obrador also used Fridays meeting with Biden to take up the case for Cuba and urged the U.S. president to resume a dialogue with the island nation and end U.S. sanctions. __ Associated Press writer Christopher Sherman in Mexico City contributed to this report. By COLLEEN LONG and AAMER MADHANI Associated Press K-pop star Rose joins first lady Jill Biden to talk mental health View Photo SAN FRANCISCO (AP) K-pop superstar Rose said Friday at a mental health awareness event hosted by first lady Jill Biden that its important for the world to understand that famous people grapple with emotional struggles, too. I think that would be very great, for everybody who works under the public eye, she said, perched on a slate gray couch at the Apple Park campus in Cupertino after hugging the first lady, who thanked her for coming. Rose, a part of the supergroup BLACKPINK, said having a large social media following makes her feel vulnerable, particularly when people are critical. I do feel like some of the things I do is just never enough, and no matter how hard I work on something, theres always gonna be somebody who has their own opinion or who enjoy taking control of the narrative, she said. And so, that comes to me as a sense of loneliness. She said it was important to talk about such things, however difficult it may be. Just as we feed ourselves for better health and fitness, mental health can only be maintained equally if not more intentionally as our physical well being. The discussion was part of several events hosted by Jill Biden for the spouses of Asia-Pacific leaders in California this week for the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum. People who are older we never, ever spoke about mental health, Biden said. There was shame attached to it. But what I find as a teacher and having my own younger grandchildren in their twenties I think theyre much more open to talking to one another, I think theres far less shame. The event was moderated by Surgeon General Vivek Murthy. Apple CEO Tim Cook opened the event but blanked briefly when the teleprompter went out. Dont you hate that. I hate that, Biden said. Cook recovered, telling the crowd hed go ahead and ad lib, then thanked everyone for coming and introduced the first lady. Cook later defended his tech companys privacy standards when Wan Azizah binti Wan Ismail of Malaysia mentioned how artificial intelligence and manipulation can affect mental health, asking the CEO about protections on technology to protect peoples private information. If youve ever had an Apple watch, you are being watched all the time, she said. Absolutely not actually, Cook responded. We believe that privacy is a fundamental human right. Kim Keon Hee, the first lady of South Korea, Rachael Marape, the spouse of the prime minister of Papua New Guinea, and Louise Araneta-Marcos, the first lady of the Philippines, also attended. By COLLEEN LONG Associated Press Turkish and German leaders air deep differences on the Israel-Hamas war View Photo BERLIN (AP) Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Friday aired deep differences over the war between Israel and Hamas as the Turkish leader made a brief and tensely anticipated visit to Berlin. Erdogan was invited to visit Germany months ago after his reelection, but recent weeks have been marked by discomfort in Berlin over his increasingly strident stance against Israel. Turkey has long been viewed as an awkward but essential partner in Germany, home to more than 3 million people with Turkish roots. Its a NATO ally that also is important in efforts to control the flow of refugees and migrants to Europe, an issue on which Scholz faces intense domestic pressure, but there have been frequent tensions in recent years. Most recently, a chasm has opened between the countries stances on events following Hamas Oct. 7 attack on Israel. Germany is a staunch ally of Israel and has opposed calls for a cease-fire, while pushing for aid to civilians in Gaza, advocating humanitarian pauses and seeking to keep open channels of communication with other countries in the region to prevent the conflict spreading. Erdogan this week called Israel a terrorist state intent on destroying Gaza with all of its residents. He described Hamas militants as resistance fighters trying to protect their lands and people. Hamas is considered a terrorist organization by Israel, the United States and European Union. Those and similar comments have appalled politicians across the spectrum in Germany. Scholz has described Erdogans accusations against Israel as absurd. Its no secret that we have, in parts, very different views on the current conflict, Scholz said at a brief news conference alongside Erdogan before their talks. But particularly at difficult moments, we need to speak directly to each other. Hamas attack means that Israel must protect itself and must be able to defend itself, he said. It cannot remain the case that a terror organization that rules this region undertakes such activities from there again and again with unbelievable military force. That must end, and that is an aim that one must support we do, in any case. At the same time, Scholz said it is important to do everything to keep the number of civilian victims as small as possible, and stressed that the suffering of the Palestinian civilian population in Gaza also depresses us. Scholz said that Turkey and Germany share fears of a wider conflagration in the region and would discuss how to prevent one. While Scholz again advocated repeated pauses in the fighting, Erdogan said: If we can establish a humanitarian cease-fire together with Germany, we will have the opportunity to save the region from this ring of fire. As of now, 13,000 Palestinian children, women and elderly have been killed, he said. There is almost no place named Gaza anymore, everything has been destroyed. Erdogan suggested that Germany was unable to criticize Israel because of the Holocaust. I speak freely because we do not owe Israel anything. If we were indebted, we could not talk so freely, he said. Those who are indebted cannot talk freely. We did not go through the Holocaust, and we are not in such a situation. Israel recalled its diplomats from Turkey last month after Erdogan accused Israel of committing war crimes. Turkey later also recalled its ambassador from Israel. Another possible source of tension emerged ahead of Fridays visit when Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler said Turkey plans to purchase 40 Eurofighter Typhoon jets, but Germany was impeding the sale of the warplanes produced by Germany, the U.K., Spain and Italy. Guler told members of the Turkish parliaments defense committee that Spain and the U.K. favored selling the jets to Turkey and were working to persuade Germany. Germany can sell them or not sell them, Erdogan said Friday. Is Germany the only country that produces warplanes? We can procure these from many other places. Scholz didnt address the issue, and other German officials had no immediate comment. ___ Suzan Fraser in Ankara, Turkey contributed to this report. By GEIR MOULSON Associated Press MERIDEN Roccos Village Bakery has found a second lease on life on South Meridens Main Street. The bakery, which occupied a location in New Haven for 40 years, closed in June after the owners Antonio and Anna DiBenedetto decided to retire, unable to keep up with the work demands at their age. Their son Ferdinando DiBenedetto, the lead baker in the establishment for 30 years, however, saw the opportunity to continue the family business in a new location 121 Main St. in South Meriden. Having planned to open the location just before the pandemic, DiBenedetto and his family had to delay their launch until July just after the New Haven locations closure, bringing the same Italian-style pastries back to Meriden. DiBenedetto is running the business alongside his wife Dorothy, 19-year-old son Antonio, and several other close associates who have known the family for many years with help from their 12-year-old daughter Sophia. The business has a full suite of Italian pastries, offering dozens of different rolls, breads, cakes, and other desserts. The community has quickly embraced Rocco's Pastry Shop and Bakery and business has been brisk, Dorothy DiBenedetto said. Patrons streamed in and out of the South Meriden shop on Thursday and the phone was ringing with inquiries. So many people say it's nice to have a bakery here in the village again, she said, noting that she was thankful for the community showing so much enthusiasm since their opening. It's great. I mean, everybody's been wonderful, and everywhere I go, somebody mentions that they enjoy whatever they got, she said. So it makes us feel good that people are happy to have us here next in the community. People have even been coming from outside of Meriden to get some of the pastries being sold at Roccos. Dorothy DiBenedetto noted that several people came from New Haven and another came from Simsbury just to pick up their bread. While the Record-Journal interviewed the owners on site Thursday, past employees of the New Haven location stopped in to purchase treats as well. Time has flown by since opening the bakery, Dorothy DiBenedetto said, and with the current season, many more people are coming in for the holidays. The bakery is offering several limited-time offerings like pumpkin and coconut custard. Italian cream pies are another favorite this time of year. Employee Tiffany Ehmka has known Dorothy for many years, with their children having attended high school together. Its been great, working for Dorothy is amazing, Ehkma said. The DiBenedettos are looking to continue the tradition of the family-owned business. Their son Antonio now works alongside his father in the bakery full-time and is learning the craft. Its a little stressful at times, but pretty good overall, Antonio DiBenedetto said. Im new to this for the most part, so its definitely a little nerve-racking. [But] I enjoy it. It's fun. It's a good change of pace. It makes it better that I'm working side by side with my husband and my kids, Dorothy DiBenedetto added. My husband and I are building a legacy for our kids. It's a good feeling, and knowing that they want to help us. Dorothy DiBenedetto has been a longtime presence on South Meridens Main Street, and opened the Gift Box gift shop out of the first floor of her home in 2014. The store, next door to the bakery, officially closed Nov. 1 so that she and her family could focus their attention on the bakery full-time. Though the bakery at the location has newly opened, the front of the building has borne the family name for some time. The original owners, Antonio and Anna DiBenedetto, purchased the property in 1996 and used it as a commercial bakery for a number of years. Operations quietly ceased sometime after a 2008 lawsuit was filed against the owners by 10 undocumented immigrants employed at the New Haven location citing workplace abuse. In 2016, the property changed hands to Ferdinando DiBenedetto. Dorothy DiBenedetto said the location and current management was not at all involved in the lawsuit or allegations and that the current bakery is an entirely new outfit. The case was eventually settled in 2014. Dorothy DiBenedetto said she and her family are thankful for all the support, and that they are looking to be a long-term fixture in South Meriden. Thank you to everybody that has taken the time to stop in and try something and all the customers that have come back because they've enjoyed what they've gotten, Dorothy DiBenedetto said. And I just hope to see all our current customers and new faces and, just thank you for welcoming us. The business doesnt yet have a website, but is open from 9 a.m to 5 p.m, Wednesday through Sunday. Customers can call 203-238-0483 for orders or inquiries. MERIDEN The Meriden Senior Center held its fourth annual Celebration of Life this week, honoring members of the center who died during 2023 in an event that was both somber and hopeful, as reflected by butterflies. Eight members were recognized, with speakers reciting poems and telling the assembled seniors that the best way to remember those who passed was through cherishing shared memories on the departed. Allison Sanders, a funeral director from the John J. Ferry & Sons Funeral Home, offered a special reading to the modest group of assembled seniors in attendance ending with a petition to remember those whod passed. The names of the eight honored members were: Patricia Crane-Kay, Nancy E Flagg, Carolyn Gress, Theresa Niemiec, Zulema Aguiar, Jose Rivera, James Rochette and Ramon Santiago. We believe their legacy deserves to be cherished, and we are hopeful that reflecting on their lives and the memories you have made with them will never be forgotten, said Liz Parra, the Senior Center recreation coordinator, during the ceremony. Representatives from the Cove Center for Grieving Children and Hunters Ambulance were also in attendance to provide resources for members to grapple with their time of loss. The Cove provided butterfly crafts for seniors to write upon as a way of raising awareness for Childrens Grief Awareness Day, which fell on the same day. The butterflies were a significant symbol for this years celebration, presenters said, as a symbol of hope and new life growing out of the old. Once the seniors finished putting names on them, they were to be hung up around the center. Students from Meridens Success Academy were also there to assist staff, providing cookies and concessions which they passed around alongside small bags containing butterfly charms and Forget Me Not seeds to plant in the spring. At the end of the ceremony, the names of the departed residents were added to the Memorial Tree in an alcove outside the centers cafeteria. The tree is dedicated to every member of the senior center who had died since its inception, with a book to write memories inside. The tree is painted on the wall and has leaves added during each Celebration of Life toward the end of the year. It was given to the center by John J. Ferry & Sons Funeral Home in 2019. Some members in attendance became emotional during the proceedings and needed comfort from the staff. Losing someone is hard, probably one of the hardest things you'll experience, Sanders said. But even though you've lost someone who you've deeply loved, a part of them is always going to be with you. We have to try to be strong and always remember that the thing they want most for us is to be happy and to celebrate their life. Cherish the moments you have now. Because one day those moments will become a memory. And when they become a memory, it is important to keep your loved ones alive and share their stories with others. According to Parra, what makes the ceremony so important is that the senior center has a close-knit community. Holding the Celebration of Life, she said, gives everyone a collective time to remember and support each other during a grieving period. We are just like a big family here. So we get to know each other's stories, who we've lost, who we've gained in our life, things like that, Parra said. And right before the holidays when everyone's kind of gathering and remembering their list of people who they invite, that's when I think we start thinking about those that we lost probably the most. So that was kind of the start of this to kind of help soothe and tell everybody that you have people here that can relate. The obituaries for the eight members are available online on the John J. Ferry & Sonss website: www.jferryfh.com/. cmetzger@record-journal.com An additional 110,000 Connecticut residents had their personal data compromised during a six-week cyberattack of three Prospect Medical Holdings hospitals in the summer, according to a letter from their attorney to the state. Initially, Prospect believed the data breach affected only 63 Connecticut patients, along with 24,000 employees. In a two-page letter to the state attorney generals office, attorneys representing the California-based hospital chain wrote that they have sent notifications by mail to 109,728 Connecticut residents, most of whom are patients. For patients, the information varied, but included: patient names, addresses, dates of birth, diagnosis, lab results, medications, and other treatment information, health insurance information, provider/facility name, dates of treatment, and financial information, attorney Sara Goldstein of the Philadelphia-based law firm BakerHostetler wrote. For individuals affiliated with Prospect Medical, including vendors, this information may have included their names and Social Security numbers, Goldstein said. Goldstein said Prospect Medical is offering vendors and employees whose Social Security numbers were involved two years of complimentary credit monitoring and identity protection services through a company called IDX. Prospect officials said a very small number of vendors were among the 110,000 involved in the data breach. They did not provide an estimate of how many people working for vendor companies may have had their information stolen. On November 13, 2023, Prospect Medical began mailing letters to patients whose information may have been involved in the incident, Prospect officials said in a statement. For patients whose information may have been involved in the incident, Prospect Medical recommends reviewing the statements they receive from their health care providers and contacting the relevant provider immediately if they see services that they did not receive. Prospect Medical takes this incident very seriously and sincerely regret any concern this may cause. To help prevent something like this from happening again, Prospect Medical has implemented additional safeguards and technical security measures to further protect and monitor its systems. The company launched a toll-free incident response line to answer questions about the breach. People who may have had their information stolen can call 888-979-0012 Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Pacific Time. Prospect is required by state law to update the attorney generals office periodically after a cyberattack occurs. The Office of the Attorney Generals Privacy Section is reviewing the supplemental notification just provided by Prospect as well as its information security practices, spokeswoman Elizabeth Benton, spokeswoman for the attorney generals office, said Wednesday. The cyberattack occurred in early August and lasted nearly six weeks, crippling services at Manchester Memorial Hospital, Rockville General Hospital and Waterbury Hospital. The cyberattack forced the hospitals to divert ambulances away from their emergency rooms, caused havoc with reading X-rays and electrocardiograms and crashed their payment system forcing them to seek a one-time $7 million upfront Medicaid payment from the state. This is the fourth update that company has given the attorney general, although the last one was on Sept. 23. At that time Prospect believed about 24,000 Connecticut residents may have had their data stolen although at that time the company believed most of them were current or former employees. Prospect also told the attorney generals office at the time 63 Connecticut residents who were patients at Prospect hospitals in California may have had their information breached, including patient names, health insurance and financial information. Of those breaches, 13 had Social Security numbers involved, according to the Attorney Generals office. In an internal email to employees in September, Prospect said the investigation so far showed that an unauthorized party gained access to our IT network between the dates of July 31 and August 3 The unauthorized party accessed benefits administration files that contain information pertaining to current ECHN and Waterbury HEALTH employees and certain former employees. Prospect said its investigation of the cyberattack is still ongoing and the company has hired Kroll, a New York City based cybersecurity firm, to conduct it. The Office of the Attorney Generals Privacy Section is reviewing the supplemental notification just provided by Prospect as well as its information security practices, Benton said. This story originally appeared on the website of The Connecticut Mirror, www.ctmirror.org. Available live in multiple languages on the NATO website, CCTV, on EBU Worldfeed, to EBU news exchange, as well as on NATOs YouTube channel. Video, photos and transcript will be available afterwards on the NATO website, and on natomultimedia.tv. NATO Assistant Secretary General for Emerging Security Challenges David van Weel concluded a successful three-day visit to Japan on 15 November 2023. Deepening NATO-Japan cooperation on cyber defence, cutting edge technologies and defence against hybrid threats was at the core of all discussions with representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Security Secretariat, the Ministry of Defence, including the Chief of Staff, the Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency, as well as with Japans scientific community and academia. On 13 November, Mr van Weel participated in the NATO-Japan Symposium 2023 co-hosted by NATO, Tokyo University, Denmark and the EU. The event addressed the global and interconnected challenges of strategic competition and instability, hybrid threats and economic security. On 15 November, Mr van Weel joined key decision-makers and experts from the Euro-Atlantic and the Indo-Pacific communities to discuss key geopolitical and security trends in the Indo-Pacific region and their implications for Alliance security. Discussions were part of a two-year Bridging Allies initiative supported by the NATO Science for Peace and Security (SPS) Programme. The President of the National Institute for Defence Studies Takeshi Ishikawa also took part in the event. Later that same day, Mr van Weel, together with Mr Masashi Nakagome, Director General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, opened an SPS information day, during which scientists and subject-matter experts from NATO and Japan were briefed on current and future work under the SPS programme, and discussed ideas for future project proposals. The event was co-hosted by NATO, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Defence. At the Vilnius Summit in July, NATO and Japan sealed a new partnership programme that will further enhance cooperation in a wide range of areas, including emerging security challenges and innovation, arms control, maritime security, space, supply chains and resilience. Over the past ten years of its participation in NATOs SPS programme, Japan co-led 13 activities on topics such as the rapid healing of skin wounds, technologies for radiation detection, approaches and challenges to cyber defence and devices for demining operations. Researchers from Japan, the Indo-Pacific region, as well as NATO and other partner nations are welcome to participate in SPS activities and share proposals for new research and development projects in the context of the newly launched SPS call for proposals. From 19 to 22 November 2023, the NATO Secretary General, Mr Jens Stoltenberg, will visit Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Serbia and North Macedonia. On Sunday, 19 November, the NATO Secretary General will travel to Bosnia and Herzegovina, where he will have a working dinner with the members of the Presidency. On Monday, 20 November, Secretary General Stoltenberg will meet the High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mr Christian Schmidt. He will also meet the Chairlady of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ms Borjana Kristo. Mr Stoltenberg will visit NATO Headquarters Sarajevo and have meetings with military leaders and representatives of the international community. On the same day, the Secretary General will continue his trip to Kosovo, where he will have discussions with Ms Vjosa Osmani-Sadriu and Mr Albin Kurti. He also visit NATOs KFOR Camp Nothing Hill, where he will meet KFORs Commander Major General Ulutas, and address the troops. He will also meet with the Director of the NATO Advisory and Liaison Team, Brigadier General Hammerstein. On Tuesday, 21 November, the Secretary General will be in Belgrade. He will have meetings with the President of Serbia, Mr Aleksandar Vucic and the Prime Minister, Ms Ana Brnabic. Mr Stoltenberg will also engage with Serbian scientists who will present technology developed in the context of NATOs Science for Peace and Security projects. Later that day, Mr Stoltenberg will travel to the Republic of North Macedonia to meet with President Stevo Pendarovski and the Prime Minister, Mr Dimitar Kovacevski. The Secretary General will also meet the President of the Assembly of North Macedonia, Mr Talat Xhaferi, and give a speech to the parliament. On Wednesday, 22 November, the Secretary General will participate in a meeting with Allied leaders from the region. The Prime Minister of Albania, Mr Edi Rama; the President of Croatia, Mr Zoran Milanovic; the Prime Minister of Montenegro, Mr Milojko Spajic; and the Prime Minister of Slovenia, Mr Robert Golob, have been invited to attend. Media Advisory Bosnia and Herzegovina 20th November, 09:15 (CET) Joint press conference by the Secretary General with the Chairwoman of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina Kosovo 20th November, 16:10 (CET) Joint press conference by the Secretary General with Ms Osmani-Sadriu of Kosovo Serbia 21st November 09:50 (CET) Joint press conference by the Secretary General with the President of Serbia Republic of North Macedonia 21st November 16:30 (CET) Joint press conference by the Secretary General with the Prime Minister of North Macedonia Joint press conference by the Secretary General with the Prime Minister of North Macedonia 21st November 17:20 (CET) Address to the Assembly of the Republic of North Macedonia by the Secretary General Address to the Assembly of the Republic of North Macedonia by the Secretary General 22nd November 09:28 (CET) Doorstep statements by the NATO Secretary General and the Prime Minister of North Macedonia Doorstep statements by the NATO Secretary General and the Prime Minister of North Macedonia 22nd November 11:40 (CET) Joint press conference by the Secretary General with regional Allied leaders. Media Coverage The Secretary Generals press conferences, as well as his doorstep statements with the Prime Minister of North Macedonia and his address to the Assembly of North Macedonia, will be streamed live on the NATO website. Transcripts of the Secretary Generals engagements, as well as photographs, will be available on the NATO website after the events. For more information: Contact the NATO Press Office Follow us on X (formerly Twitter) @NATO, @jensstoltenberg and @NATOPress Belgian deputy prime minister calls for SANCTIONS against Israel for its indiscriminate BOMBING of civilians in Gaza Belgian Deputy Prime Minister Petra De Sutter has called for sanctions against Israel for the country's indiscriminate bombing campaign in Gaza. In an interview with the Flemish newspaper Het Nieuwsblad on Nov. 8, De Sutter said the European Union (EU) must take immediate action. "We cannot look away while children are killed every day in Gaza. It is time for sanctions against Israel," she said. "The rain of bombs is inhumane. It is clear that Israel does not care about the international demands for a ceasefire." The high-ranking Belgian official's call for sanctions comes as the current conflict in Gaza takes the lives of over 11,000 Palestinians. Her primary demand is for the EU to immediately suspend its association agreement with Israel, an agreement which improves economic and political cooperation between it and the bloc. Along with sanctions, De Sutter has demanded that Belgium and the EU impose a total import ban on products made by Israeli settlers in the occupied Palestinian territories in the West Bank and known violent settlers, racist politicians and members of the Israel Defense Forces known to have committed war crimes should be banned from entering the bloc. More condemnations coming for Israeli war crimes De Sutter also wants the International Criminal Court to conduct an investigation into the deliberate bombing of Gazan hospitals and refugee camps under the claims that they contain Hamas command centers. Furthermore, De Sutter called for additional funding to be assigned to the court to be able to conduct these investigations and subsequent trials. (Related: Israel lays siege to Gazas largest hospital, claims it houses Hamas' HQ.) Finally, De Sutter noted her desire for Hamas to be cut off from all funding, calling the group a "terrorist organization" which also needs sanctions placed against it and on the companies and people who serve as Hamas' financial backers. Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo has similarly condemned Israel's indiscriminate bombing of refugee camps, warning that the situation in Gaza is "going too far." "If you bomb an entire refugee camp with the intention of eliminating a terrorist, I don't think that's proportionate," said De Croo, referring to the recent bombing of the Maghazi refugee camp that killed over 40 civilians. "This is going too far." De Croo stressed that the decades-long struggle for Palestinian self-determination should not be forgotten, and that the only way for a long-term solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict is through political dialogue. On Hamas, De Croo said that the psychological impact of Hamas' initial assault on the Israeli population, which killed over 1,200 civilians in southern Israel, should similarly not be underestimated, and that a "logical" solution to the Hamas problem that does not involve wiping out civilians should be found. De Croo reiterated his call for a ceasefire, for the release of the remaining hostages held by Hamas and for Belgium to not take sides in the conflict but continue to advocate for an immediate end to the violence. Follow Chaos.news for more news about the ongoing Israel-Hamas War. Watch the video below about the Belgian Deputy Prime Minister calling for sanctions against Israel. This video is from the Vigilent Citizen channel on Brighteon.com. More related articles: John Moore: Escalation of Gaza conflict could lead to the ELIMINATION OF ISRAEL. Hospitals in Gaza filled with sick patients, including ICU babies, who face "inevitable death" at least 22 hospitals and 49 medical centers now closed or DESTROYED since October 7. Corporations like McDonald's, Starbucks that support Israel are receiving massive backlash, boycotts over support for genocidal bombings of Gazans. Gaza becomes "graveyard for children" as civilian death toll hits 10,000. PROTESTERS: Boeing is complicit in war crimes against humanity by rushing bombs to Israel for slaughtering Palestinian civilians. Sources include: GreatGameIndia.com Reuters.com NewsNationNow.com BrusselsTimes.com Brighteon.com Turkish President Erdogan labels Israel a terror state Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has stepped up his criticism of Israel, characterizing it as a "terror state" amid the ongoing conflict with the Gaza Strip. Erdogan denounced Israel's military campaign against the Palestinian armed group Hamas, alleging it involved "the most treacherous attacks in human history" with unwavering support from Western nations, particularly the United States. "With the savagery of bombing the civilians it forced out of their homes while they are relocating, it is literally employing state terrorism," Erdogan said. "I am now saying, with my heart at ease, that Israel is a terror state." In a parliamentary address on Wednesday, Nov. 15, he called for Israeli leaders to be prosecuted for war crimes at the International Court of Justice in The Hague. Erdogan reiterated Turkey's position that Hamas is not a "terrorist organization" but a political party that won the 2006 Palestinian legislative elections. He expressed strong disapproval for those supporting and legitimizing Israeli actions, singling out the United States and other Western allies. In a pointed remark, Erdogan urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to disclose whether Israel possesses nuclear weapons, suggesting that Netanyahu's departure from office is imminent. Erdogan also announced that Ankara would take measures to categorize Israeli settlers in occupied Palestinian territories as "terrorists." Netanyahu swiftly rejected Erdogan's comments, asserting that he won't accept moral lectures from the Turkish leader and accusing Erdogan of backing "the terrorist state Hamas." The exchange has further strained relations between Turkey and Israel, with both nations recalling their ambassadors and suspending official contacts. These developments transpire just days before Erdogan's scheduled meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who has faced criticism for hosting the Turkish president. Germany, historically supportive of Israel, has aligned itself with the United States in not advocating for an "immediate ceasefire" in Gaza. Scholz emphasized the need for "humanitarian pauses" instead. Meanwhile, the entry of Israeli troops into the Shifa hospital complex in Gaza has drawn an unprecedented wave of international condemnation. (Related: Israel lays siege to Gazas largest hospital, claims it houses Hamas' HQ.) The global condemnation from Arab and Western governments raises questions about the sustainability of Israel's offensive amid declining international support. The United States distanced itself from the military takeover of the hospital, emphasizing that it had not authorized the Israeli decision. UN describes Gaza situation as carnage The United Nations (UN) described the situation in Gaza as carnage, prompting Israel to announce that it would allow an unlimited number of aid convoys through the Rafah crossing on the Egyptian border, addressing previous limitations. The crisis surrounding the hospital takeover led to a breakthrough at the UN, where the Security Council passed a resolution calling for urgent and extended humanitarian pauses in the fighting between Israel and Palestinian Hamas militants. The resolution emphasizes the situation of children and calls on all parties to respect their obligations under international law, particularly regarding the protection of civilians. Global leaders, including Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and French President Emmanuel Macron, expressed strong condemnation of civilian bombings, urging respect for international law and humanitarian principles. The crisis puts Israel under pressure to provide evidence supporting its claim that the hospital basement was used as a Hamas headquarters. As tensions rise, Israel faces challenges in maintaining its narrative in some countries. A Reuters/Ipsos poll indicates eroding US public support for Israel's war, with a majority favoring a ceasefire. Concerns from the UN, aid agencies and global leaders highlight the humanitarian impact of the hospital raid, further intensifying international scrutiny. Despite Israel's approval for a UN fuel shipment into Gaza, shortages continue to hamper relief efforts. The delivery, representing only nine percent of daily needs for life-saving activities, underscores the ongoing challenges in addressing the humanitarian crisis. Watch Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan call Israel a "terror state." This video is from the Contrarian channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Israel to consider civilians 'terrorist accomplices' if they stay in North Gaza. Israel admits willingness to inflict mass civilian casualties in Gaza GENOCIDE is the endgame. Israel agrees to 4-hour daily pauses in Gaza fighting to allow civilians to flee. Sources include: Aljazeera.com TheGuardian.com Brighteon.com 1.8M fraudulent transactions led banks to close accounts of innocent customers without warning or explanation Multiple suspicious activity reports (SARs) in banks most likely led to the eviction of customers' accounts, and federal laws have little to say about the trigger for account cancellations. Reuters reported that in 2022, banks filed over 1.8 million SARs. This marked a 50 percent increase in just two years. This year, it is expected to hit nearly two million. The New York Times examination of over 500 cases of customer account terminations by their banks showed the chaos and confusion that ensue when banks decide on their own to cut people off. These situations are what banks refer to as "exiting" or "de-risking." Some bank customers get a letter in the mail saying their institution is closing all of their checking and savings accounts. This happens with debit and credit cards as well, and they are usually provided only with vague explanations. Worse, some of them do not even receive a notice and just discover when payments do not go through while they are shopping, availing services, or trying to withdraw money from automated teller machines. Of course, they would confront the banks, where customer service representatives are given instructions to just empathize and promise to "do whatever we can to fix this." Only to eventually tell them that, "per your account agreement, we can close your account for any reason at any time." Once customers have moved on, "they don't know whether there is a black mark somewhere on their permanent record that will cause a repeat episode at another bank. If the bank has filed a SAR, it isn't legally allowed to tell you, and the federal government prosecutes only a small fraction of the people whom the banks document in their SARs," a Times writeup included. "You feel like you're walking around wearing this scarlet letter," said Caroline Potter, whose Citibank accounts were shut down abruptly last year. But banks won't admit their real reasons. "We want to build long-term relationships with our clients, which is why accounts are closed only after appropriate review and consideration of the facts," said Jerry Dubrowski, a spokesman for JPMorgan Chase. The bank's former account holders sent nearly 200 complaints to the news outlet. Meanwhile, the New York Times provided actual customer cases of account terminations. Unusual cash deposits and withdrawals Bryan Delaney and his business partner Jennifer Maslanka owned several New York City bars. To make the accounting easier on new staff during the pandemic, the two often rounded deposits down to the nearest thousand and kept the rest of the cash on hand. However, JPMorgan closed the bar's account and the personal checking and credit card accounts for Delaney, his wife and Maslanka. Federal law requires depositors to fill out a form if they're depositing or withdrawing more than $10,000 in cash. Sometimes, account holders will engage in "structuring" by making a series of transactions of just under $10,000. Dubrowski said this was the bar's problem. "We must know our customers and monitor the transactions that flow through our bank," he said. "That includes instances where we see a pattern of cash deposits that are just below federal currency reporting thresholds." But Delaney said he had not been engaged in structuring when depositing money as all the cash had come from the bars. He also reported his income and paid his taxes as he was supposed to. "Im still so confused," Maslanka said. "Do you think Im part of some underground Mafia, laundering money through my little beer bar?" Meanwhile, Steven Ferker bought a house in New York in late 2016. He withdrew money from one of his Citi accounts separately, $7,000 to $12,000 per transaction, to pay his contractor. He also used a Citi credit card with a 12-month, zero-interest offer to buy things for the kitchen in 2017. The bank then called him asking why he was making repeated cash withdrawals. Each time, he explained the situation. "I assumed they were calling to make sure someone was not stealing my money, and I was glad that they called," he said. Ferker was aware of banks' wariness of large transactions in round numbers, but he was taking out his own money and immediately giving it to a contractor doing visible work. "Cash is legal tender in this country," he said. "I understand that people hide their income, but I figured that was none of my business." Banks don't like ex-convicts Chicago-based Nick Seidel was advised by his BMO Harris banker that his banking troubles were because he served time in prison. Chase dumped him first. Then, after an 18-month relationship with Fifth Third, it also shut down his accounts. "I'm not supposed to tell you this," the banker said turning his computer monitor to show Seidel his mug shot from 10 years before. "I had never had any banking issues, no overdrafts or suspicious activity," Seidel said. "Some banks just run public searches of their clients and drop them if they are justice-impacted." In 2011, Seidel stole a 2002 BMW from a car dealership and used a counterfeit $20 bill, among other crimes. He served five years in prison, where he underwent cognitive behavioral therapy and earned several paralegal certificates. After he was released in December 2015, a friend picked him up, and they headed straight to the bank so he could start his life anew. He used a state-issued identification card and a check from the Department of Corrections when he opened a checking account at Chase. But the bank later shut down the account. International Wires Nigerian Oore Ladipo had been working as a data analyst at Morgan Stanley in New York while earning a master's degree in quantitative methods and modeling. While waiting for his employment papers from the federal government, his parents wired him money from Nigeria, around $1,500 a month to help him make rent in early 2018. Chase then sent him a letter saying his accounts would be closed. "They were aware of my study, work and family history but still closed my account after almost 10 years," he said. He felt confused and betrayed, but he believed that the Nigerian wires were the likely culprit. "And in this scenario, you can't negotiate. You arent talking with a person who has the power to tell you what went wrong and what didn't go wrong." Wires and suspicious electronic transfers are other common reasons that banks file SARs. But in Ladipo's case, the cause for suspicion was a third party that surfaced in his web of transactions. Collapse.news has more stories related to the collapsing banking system. Sources include: NYTimes.com DNYUZ.com How smartphone addiction affects brain function and mental health Smartphone addiction has now become a global issue, thanks to the popularity of social media platforms and mobile games. While smartphones can make life easier in many ways, excessive use of smartphones and similar devices has been linked to many health issues. According to a recent study published in Computers in Human Behavior, problematic smartphone use can cause cognitive impairments, poor sleep quality and depression. The study authors noted that although problematic smartphone use generally correlates with screen time, high screen time alone does not necessarily cause adverse effects. Smartphone use only becomes problematic when it starts to interfere with daily life. In an article published in EXCLI Journal, Sehar Shoukat from the California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences and Psychology discussed the dangers of problematic smartphone use and smartphone addiction. He noted that whenever a habit, such as checking or being active on social media, turns into an obligation, it quickly becomes an addiction. This addiction can easily endanger one's well-being because of its negative influence on physical and psychological health. (Related: Study links smartphone use to heart attack and stroke risk.) According to Shoukat, people who are "mobile addicted" are unable to cut back on their cell phone usage and often use their phones as a solution to boredom. They also get anxious or depressed when their phones are out of their reach. These negative feelings and attitude, coupled with a dependency on smartphones and other gadgets, could increase a person's risk of developing anxiety disorders and clinical depression. "When cell phone use becomes an addiction, the behavior becomes stressful," said Shoukat, quoting a research on cell phone use and human behavior. Negative effects of smartphone addiction on mental health Several studies have explored the psychological effects of excessive smartphone usage and social media addiction. While social media platforms like Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) can be accessed using laptops or desktop computers, smartphone apps appear to be the most common gateways for social media users, especially young adults. In a study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, researchers recruited 1,787 Americans aged 19 to 32 years to examine the link between social media use and perceived social isolation. They found that participants who spent the highest amount of time on social media felt more socially isolated than their counterparts who were less active online. Individuals who frequently checked social media were also 2.7 times more likely to develop depression than those who did so less frequently. Those who spent the highest amount of time on social media had a 1.7 higher risk of depression, indicating that too much social interactions online could have a detrimental effect on mental health. In a similar study from Canada, researchers recruited 750 young adults and asked them to complete a survey about their relationship with social media and the sacrifices they were willing to make to remain socially active online. Nearly half of the participants admitted to checking their socials more than nine times a day, while more than half reported spending over an hour on social media every day. Not surprisingly, those addicted to social media were willing to make more compromises to maintain their online access than those who didn't care much about their socials. About 40 percent said they were willing to give up caffeine, alcohol and video games if it meant being able to stay active on social media. Almost 10 percent were prepared to give up a year of their life, while five percent were willing to trade off five years of their life. About three percent preferred losing 10 years of their life over quitting social media. This study shows the alarming hold social media has on many young people and how social media/smartphone addiction could be just as dangerous and life-threatening as other forms of addiction. (Related: Mental health in the digital age: 7 Ways to control your smartphone use.) Negative effects of smartphone addiction on brain health Aside from having a negative impact on mental health, smartphone addiction can also influence the brain in an unfavorable way. Earlier studies have found that excessive use of the internet and modern devices can bring about alterations in your brain's neural architecture and function. For instance, regularly interacting with your phone's touchscreen has been found to trigger changes in the neural circuitry of cortical regions associated with sensory and motor processing of the hand and thumb. Research also suggests that excessive internet usage has a detrimental effect on children's attention, with many educators noting that "today's digital technologies are creating an easily distracted generation." In a study published in PNAS, researchers investigated the sustained impact of media multi-tasking a behavioral pattern that involves interacting with multiple inputs simultaneously on cognitive function. They found that despite the constant practice heavy media multi-tasking individuals have (i.e., responding to notifications and prompts and navigating various hyperlinks), they still performed worse on task-switching tests than individuals who spend less time on the internet. The researchers attributed this poor task-switching ability to an "increased susceptibility to distraction from irrelevant environmental stimuli." Subsequent brain imaging studies have corroborated this theory. Heavy media multi-taking individuals tend to show greater activity in the right prefrontal regions of their brains, which are normally activated in response to distractor stimuli. This means that people who spend an inordinate amount of time on the internet require more effort to maintain their concentration on one thing and not give in to distracting stimuli. Another seminal study, this time by Japanese researchers, also found that longer smartphone usage is associated with lower cognitive function and reduced volume in several areas of the brain. After following a large sample of children for years, the researchers observed a decrease in verbal intelligence among those who frequently used the internet. They also noted a reduced increase in regional gray and white matter volumes in brain areas associated with attention, emotion, executive functions, language processing and reward. According to Dr. Ryuta Kawashima, one of the study authors, communicating on the internet using your phone or other devices does not offer the same amount of brain stimulation that face-to-face communication does. Talking to someone in person promotes active brain functioning whereas online communication activates only a few select parts of the brain. (Related: Overuse of smartphones alters your brain, decreasing sensitivity of leisure reward centers.) Because the human brain only finishes developing and maturing around the mid-to-late 20s, getting more active stimulation by spending less time on their phones or gadgets will benefit children not just mentally and academically, but also physically. Not getting addicted to social media will also help lower their risks of anxiety and depression and improve their well-being. Modern technology brings many conveniences but also comes with a lot of risks. Learn more about these dangers at Computing.news. Watch this video about smartphones, fear and addiction. This video is from the Kia.TV - English channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Alabama school districts sue social media companies for causing health crisis. 'Smartphone detox' shown to relieve stress and anxiety similar to detoxing from other addictions. Smartphones are taking the FUN out of life people view the world from their screens instead of experiencing it directly. Smartphones are killing Americans in shocking numbers does anyone care? French regulators halt all sales of Apple iPhone 12 due to above-threshold radiation levels. Sources include: ScienceDirect.com 1 NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov TheEpochTimes.com AJPMOnline.org IGI-Global.com OnlineLibrary.Wiley.com 1 PNAS.org ScienceDirect.com 2 OnlineLibrary.Wiley.com 2 NIMH.NIH.gov Brighteon.com Miss Universe pageant goes BUST after pitting real women against FAKE trans women The Miss Universe pageant, which recently went down the road of wokeism, has now gone bust days before holding its 2023 iteration in El Salvador. On Nov. 8, the JKN Global Group owner of the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) filed a petition for business rehabilitation with the Thai Central Bankruptcy Court. A copy of this filing was also sent to the Stock Exchange of Thailand. The court accepted the petition the following day. In 2022, JKN Global Group purchased MUO for $22 million. At the time, JKN Global Group CEO Anne Jakrajutatip a male-to-female (MTF) transgender described the acquisition as "a strong, strategic addition to [the company's] portfolio." But according to bank records, MUO appears to be anything but steady. Despite this bankruptcy filing, MUO released a statement reiterating that the show must go on. "We confirm that Miss Universe 2023 will be held in El Salvador on Nov. 18, where a top-notch experience provided to our fans will remain our top priorities," the statement read. In October, MUO received much backlash for allowing biological males to compete against real women. "Trans women are women, full stop," Jakrajutatip told CNN at the time. "We are here to celebrate women, full stop. This has been true for more than a decade, and we're proud to have made this change very early on, compared to other programs." The JKN Global Group CEO's October remarks followed the coronation of flight attendant Marina Machete as Miss Portugal. Machete's coronation as Miss Portugal gave the transgender titleholder a spot at the Miss Universe finals in El Salvador. Aside from Machete, Rikkie Kolle another MTF transgender and incumbent Miss Netherlands is also set to compete in the Nov. 18 pageant. The inclusion of Kolle and Machete in the pageant followed that of Spanish transgender contestant Angela Ponce, who joined in 2018. Ponce did not advance to the finals, however. A month before being crowned Miss Portugal, Machete posted a video lamenting that "rising levels of transphobia and intolerance are alarming worldwide." Nevertheless, Machete said it was "heartwarming" to see that MUO "is so inclusive, breaking boundaries and creating a platform for women not only to empower them but as well to create real changes in their own communities." From big pageants to small ones, transgenders are erasing biological women Just like in women's sports, MTF transgenders are erasing biological women in beauty pageants. One instance in November 2022 perfectly encapsulated this scenario. Breitbart reported that biological male Brian Nguyen won the Miss Greater Derry 2023 title in New Hampshire. The transgender pageant winner took to Instagram to celebrate grabbing the title from 12 other biological female contestants. (Related: Biological MALE wins beauty pageant in New Hampshire.) "In the 100-year history of Miss America, I have officially become the first transgender titleholder within the Miss America Organization," Nguyen wrote. "No words can describe the feeling of having the opportunity to serve and represent my community for the very first time at Miss New Hampshire. I am so honored to be crowned your new Miss Greater Derry 2023, and I am thrilled to show you all what I have up my sleeves. This will be an amazing year." Alongside the crown and title, Nguyen has also earned a scholarship. The Miss Greater Derry Scholarship Program prides itself in "providing scholarship opportunities to young women in the greater Derry area since 1987." The Miss Greater Derry pageant is also "part of the Miss New Hampshire and Miss America family," the scholarship program's website states. Visit GenderConfused.com for more stories about MTF transgenders taking over biological female events such as beauty pageants. Watch JKN Global Group CEO Anne Jakrajutatip announcing that Miss Universe will "be run by women" including fake transgender ones. This video is from the Faniman20 chanel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Adidas ad celebrates & promotes biological men playing in women's sports. Celebrated trans model for L'Oreal cosmetics goes on intolerant rage: "ALL white people are racist." JK Rowling is right: Biological sex is REAL, and if you dont think it's real how can "same-sex marriage" even exist? Sources include: ThePostMillennial.com NYPost.com Breitbart.com Brighteon.com NewsGuard: Surrogate the feds pay to keep watch on the internet and be a judge of the truth In May 2021, L. Gordon Crovitz, a media executive turned start-up investor, pitched Twitter executives on a powerful censorship tool. (Article by Lee Fang republished from WattsUpWithThat.com) 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. 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. 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. 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 other outlets including the Times still have not), 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. 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. Were 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 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 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-winning investigative journalist 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. 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. 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. Theres 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. Theyre 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. 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. 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. 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. NewsGuards Skibinski, in a response to a query about the Daily Sceptics 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 theyre doing, and this is picked up by mainstream media, thats 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, a small reflection of which is the $2.3 billion the pharmaceutical giant spent on advertising last year. The NewsGuard-Publicis relationship extends to the Paris-based marketing conglomerates full client list, including LVHM, PepsiCo, Glaxo Smith Kline, Burger King, ConAgra, Kellogg Company, General Mills, and McDonalds. 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, said Maurice Levy, chairman of the Publicis Groupe, upon its launch of NewsGuard. 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 by NewsGuard after it published reports about COVID-19s potential origin from a lab in Wuhan, China. Seeing how Publicis represents most of the major pharmaceutical companies in the world and funded the creation of NewsGuard, its not far-fetched to assume Publicis might influence NewsGuards ratings of drug industry competitors, Mercola added, in a statement online. Read more at: WattsUpWithThat.com NY Gov. Kathy Hochul orders monitoring of social media platforms to flag criticism of Israel as hate speech To combat the surge in harassment incidents, particularly against Jewish and Muslim communities, New York Governor Kathy Hochul is expanding the state's counterterrorism efforts and reinforcing the controversial practice of monitoring social media platforms. This decision comes amid heightened tensions in Israel and Gaza, but is largely seen as just another attempt by Hochul to overstep the people's freedom of speech. The governor outlined plans to bolster personnel within the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) and allocate an additional $2.5 million to the State Police. "We're very focused on the data we're collecting from surveillance efforts, what's being said on social media platforms, and we have launched an effort to be able to counter some of the negativity and reach out to people," said Hochul. She stressed the importance of monitoring hate speech on online platforms, highlighting the efforts of the social media analysis unit to intensify surveillance and identify incitement to violence and direct threats. (Related: Twitter Files: US government helped launch project where millions of online posts were flagged for censorship.) "All this is in response to our desire, our strong commitment to ensure that not only do New Yorkers be safe, but they also feel safe," added Hochul. The NYPD Hate Crime Task Force reported a significant surge of 124 percent in bias incidents investigated in October, primarily driven by a 214 percent increase in anti-Jewish incidents. Anti-Muslim incidents also rose from zero to eight in October. However, the overall trend for hate crime investigations year-to-date showed a decrease of nine percent. Hochul's initial attempt to monitor online speech deemed unconstitutional by a judge This move isn't the first time the governor has delved into monitoring online speech. A New York law addressing "hateful conduct" online, signed by Hochul, was previously blocked by a judge. The law aimed to compel social media networks to report and address actions that promote violence or vilify based on various identity factors. Judge Andrew L. Carter, Jr. deemed the law unconstitutional, asserting that it violated the First Amendment by restricting user speech and compelling social media networks to endorse the state's definition of hateful conduct. The additional $2.5 million allocated to the New York State Police will support the deployment of 10 additional investigators in key areas like New York City, Albany, Buffalo, and Rochester, ensuring comprehensive coverage across JTTF investigative groups. Hochul is committed to combating all forms of hatred, particularly following the Hamas terror attacks, which have been accompanied by a reported surge in anti-Semitic and Islamophobic incidents. She emphasized the immediate deployment of the New York State Police on October 7 to safeguard vulnerable communities, and this latest initiative seeks to bolster resources for the JTTF as a critical step in safeguarding New Yorkers from both domestic and international threats. The increased investment empowers the New York State Police to act as a force multiplier for the JTTF, ensuring thorough examination and investigation of all cases with New York State connections. It also strengthens collaboration between the JTTF and the New York State Intelligence Center Counter-Terrorism Center, expanding involvement in investigations related to racially motivated violent extremists, domestic violent extremist groups and anti-government/anti-authority violent extremists. Watch this clip tackling online censorship. This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Media watchdog says Elon Musk needs to WALK THE TALK to really safeguard freedom of speech in America. Pew: Seventy percent of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents support speech limits. 'The official truth': The end of free speech that will end America. Censorship wounds worse than words. The censorship hegemon must be stopped. Sources include: ReclaimTheNet.org Governor.NY.gov Brighteon.com Psychiatric illnesses and horror-infused panic attacks exploded after Operation Warp Speed jabs were forced on tens of millions When people think about adverse events from vaccination, they assume that vaccine injury is always going to be physiological and represent a physical manifestation of symptoms. However, there is the possibility that vaccine toxins can induce inflammation in the cardiovascular system, penetrating the blood brain barrier and causing psychiatric illnesses . This inflammation may include autoimmune attacks, blood clot formation, the narrowing of blood vessels and lower oxygen flow to the brain. Any of these underlying issues could lead to psychiatric problems in the individual. VAERS captures thousands of psychiatric problems following COVID-19 vaccination Since the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccines, the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) has documented over 9,400 cases of anxiety, 1,600 cases of depression, 975 cases of irritability, 1,100 cases of hallucinations, and 1,500 panic attacks. Over 60 percent of all anxiety cases reported to VAERS are related to the COVID-19 vaccines. These cases may be the tip of the iceberg because doctors are not trained to identify psychiatric issues after vaccination. Insomnia and even suicidal tendencies are also reported after vaccination. However, there are no official sequelae to track psychiatric illness after vaccination. The FDA and CDC refuse to study the inflammatory role of the vaccines spike protein and how it may damage blood vessels and ultimately deprive the brain of oxygen. Because of the lack of robust scientific investigation into vaccine injury, there is no conclusive proof that the COVID-19 vaccines cause the various psychiatric symptoms reported to VAERS. Still, these issues are getting more attention. 60-year-old doctor suffers from cerebella ataxia, destabilizing panic attacks after COVID vaccination The case of Dr. Patrick William Slater may provide insight into the mechanisms behind the COVID-19 vaccine in relation to psychiatric illnesses. The 60-year-old doctor was healthy and active prior to Operation Warp Speed. He ran a successful full-time practice in Austin, Texas, and he hiked and fished in his spare time. But those days are over, thanks to the COVID-19 vaccine. In October of 2021, Dr. Slater was diagnosed with cerebellar ataxia. After taking the COVID-19 vaccines, Dr. Slater lost control over his movements and suffered spontaneous panic attacks. After the vaccine, he could no longer eat on his own, go to bathroom on his own, or control his own movements. Dr. Slater said the panic attacks would come every night. They were so severe, they left him in abject terror. On numerous occasions, he contemplated taking his own life. Neurologists and psychiatrists dismissed his symptoms as general anxiety, and they refused to make any link to the vaccines. However, Dr. Slater strongly believes that his loss of motor control and his newfound psychiatric symptoms came after he took the initial two dose COVID-19 vaccine regime and a subsequent booster shot. Dr. Slater said, there was no question in my mind what was causing the panic attacks and loss of motor control. Dr. Slater is not alone. Some psychiatrists are aware of what is going on with the mRNA vaccines. A psychiatrist named Dr. Amanda McDonald personally saw many of her vaccinated patients regress into unstable, mentally ill and panic-stricken states. According to Dr. McDonald, in 2021, her patients suddenly showed symptoms of insomnia, depression and anxiety without any sort of rhyme or reason. The only thing these patients had in common was a recent COVID-19 vaccine or booster. At the time, I couldnt figure out why, McDonald said. My patients typically stay stable. But after Operation Warp Speed, her patients suffered from atypical panic attacks, bouts of depression and strange hallucinations. It took McDonald over a year to even consider that COVID jabs may be the culprit. However, she knew her patients well before the lockdowns and the vaccine rollout. When the COVID insanity hit, she saw widespread manifestations in her patients that were not normal. For the latest stories on vaccine injury, check out VaccineDamage.news. Sources include: DCClothesLine.com Jellyfish.news Set the world on fire (Article by Raul Ilargi Meijer republished from TheAutomaticEarth.com) Apres moi, le deluge Louis XV What I think we see happening in the past few years, and you can go back as far back as you like and look for the signs, is that the American elites, plus their UK brethren (the EU are just followers), have shifted towards an attitude of if we cant control the world, we will set it on fire. Thats the light in which I think you need to see Ukraine and Gaza, as well as their upcoming move vs China. Ukraine is vs Russia, Gaza is vs Iran, the fight vs China might be Taiwan. Thats their three main goals, and they may well be intent on tackling them all at once. After all, what do you have to lose if you want to set the world on fire? There are no American losses in all this, just some old equipment sold to countries, paid for by American and European taxpayers. No American soldiers or civilians are lost, well, at least officially, only Ukrainians and Palestinians (and soon, Taiwanese?). Even if there are 500,000 of them, the US doesnt care. The term collateral damage was invented for just this occasion. And they intend to cause much more of it. Already, we see Boeing expanding its arms production facilities. Raytheon and General Dynamics et al are sure to follow suit, soon. That is money. That is our future. Were gearing up for war. Theyre going to burn it all down for profit. Ukraine, since 2014 (or before, if you will) has been the first test case. Gaza is the second. They lost Ukraine in humiliating fashion. So bad, in fact, that they still wont admit defeat. Instead, they have people in Kiev saying the conflict will take another 5 years. As there are hardly 5 weeks of cannon-fodder soldiers left there, and their average age is 45. Did the US miscalculate the strength of the Russian army or did they just not care? Id go for both. The situation there, they can blame Zelensky and other Ukrainians for the losses. Anyone but DC. They dont understand the sophisticated US armory, they dont understand the sophisticated US/NATO battle plans, they just die. We had no idea. We thought they were as smart as us, or something. They will get rid of Zelensky, send him either to Monaco or Elysium, and bring in probably Zaluzhny. Though why would he want the job? To be painted a loser? In the middle East, they have Netanyahu doing their bidding. And while theyre prodding him for more corpses, they tell you theyre trying to stop, or pause, Bibi, but hes gone berserk. Well, the US cares as much about Palestinians as they do about Ukrainians. And theyd care exactly as much about Americans if there were no homefront or no elections. Which theyre pretty close to cancelling as well. Bibis been dreaming about the position hes in today for 50 years. He doesnt care about people, or bloodshed, or dead children, hes seeing his life long dream come true: get rid of all Palestinians. Create the promised land. This is not the world of the 1970s, however. But Bibi doesnt see that. He only sees his old dream. And the US elites are more than happy to help him try to achieve it. Because it means profits. And sure, also because theres a large, and very powerful Jewish lobby in US politics. Who are as blind to todays world as he is. It suits the guys behind the curtain very well, thank you, that everyone blames Bibi for the atrocities in Gaza, and they never get mentioned. But hes a puppet the same way Zelensky is, Want to kill -young- people? Heres your tools. Our taxpayers already paid the bill. In the US, UK, EU, the idea is that if you have enough firepower, you can do anything. What they missed, is that they no longer have that kind of firepower. Or, rather, they do, but the other side, Russia, Iran etc., has five times as much by now. Meanwhile, the US elites have set Europe on a road to perdition. Helped along by agents such as von der Leyen, Michel and Borrell, they managed to completely destroy the continents future. In just 2-3 years. Remarkable. Europe could still be part of a multipolar world, but they dont make their own decisions. Europe buys American LNG at 3-4 times what it would cost on the world market, and they refuse to say a single word about the US blowing up the vital Nordstream pipelines. No future. So what future does the rest of the world have? Well, with the US dead-set on setting it on fire if they cant control it, that is not an easy question. In any conversation where one of the parties is suicidal, odds are off. Should we move to Russia? Read more at: TheAutomaticEarth.com DEM SPLIT: Rep. Tlaid blasts Biden for supporting genocide of Palestine, warns of political ramifications in 2024 A growing number of Democrats are unhappy with White House occupant Joe Biden's support for the Zionist-led annihilation and takeover of the embattled Gaza Strip. In a statement, Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) accused Biden of supporting Israel's "genocide" against the Palestinian people, warning that Americans will remember this next year when "the big guy" comes up for reelection. By the way, Biden has been an outspoken Zionist for many years. Just like most Republicans, Biden is on record watch below as stating that if he were a Jew himself, ethnically speaking, "I'd be a Zionist." In a post to X (formerly Twitter), Tlaib, the first Palestinian-American woman to ever serve in the United States Congress, urged Biden to call for an immediate ceasefire in the conflict, which both he and his regime have yet to do. "Mr. President, the American people are not with you on this one," Tlaib said in the video. "We will remember in 2024." (Related: The Israeli endgame for Gaza involves ethnically cleansing the territory and annexing it so the Israeli government can take over the vast maritime natural gas reserves located in the Mediterranean Sea.) The American people do not approve of Israel committing genocide against Gaza, especially with their tax dollars Tlaib's video also features images of protests from all across the country with Americans from all walks of life chanting "Free Palestine." These images were taken "from the river to the sea," including at protests in Michigan, California, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, New York and elsewhere. At the end of Tlaib's video, text appears across the screen stating that "Joe Biden supported the genocide of the Palestinian people;" "The American people won't forget;" "Biden, support the ceasefire now;" and "Or don't count on us in 2024." In other words, many of the people who voted for Biden in 2020 are saying they will not do the same in 2024 unless he and his regime speak out against the Israeli genocide in Gaza. Thus far, the Biden White House has not responded to Tlaib's video. A longtime advocate for Palestinian rights, Tlaib has been an outspoken critic of Israel's behavior since her election in 2018. In recent days, she has really gone after her on-the-fence colleagues for not knowing the "politically correct" response to the Israel-Gaza war. Traditionally speaking, the political "right" in America has leaned Zionist while the "left" has been more anti-war. In more recent decades, Democrats and Republicans have become much the same, and now exist as more of a uni-party that supports Israel and gives it whatever it wants on the U.S. taxpayer dime. Whether you agree with her or not, Tlaib is anything but shy in speaking her mind, even when it goes against the Zionist-dominated political establishment of the U.S. She deserves credit for this, even if you disagree with some of her other politics. "I grieve the Palestinian and Israeli lives lost yesterday, today and every day," Tlaib said in a statement following the October 7 false flag attack. "I am determined as ever to fight for a just future where everyone can live in peace, without fear and with true freedom, equal rights and human dignity." "The path to that future must include lifting the blockade, ending the occupation and dismantling the apartheid system that creates the suffocating, dehumanizing conditions that can lead to resistance. The failure to recognize the violent reality of living under siege, occupation and apartheid makes no one safer." The latest news about the Zionist invasion of Gaza and what comes next on the world stage can be found at WWIII.news. Sources for this article include: Yahoo.com NaturalNews.com UN, WHO plotting total ENSLAVEMENT of humanity with all-powerful global health dictatorship In order to prevent a repeat of the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) the power brokers at the United Nations (UN) and the World Health Organization (WHO) are busy scheming up for humanity, complete with a long-envisioned "global health dictatorship" that is now within the realm of possibility as a direct result of the Now that the world has been fully primed for all-encompassing health fascism, the UN and the WHO are putting the final touch on the globalists' long-awaited endgame for the planet, which puts them in charge of everything, and us either in slavery or the incinerators. At a recent UN-WHO gathering, called "Creating and maintaining political momentum and solidary for Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response," a milestone was achieved in that the world's globalist overlords are all in agreement that there is an "urgent drive to make all people of the world safer and better protected from the devastating impacts of pandemics," to quote WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. "I welcome this commitment by world leaders to provide the political support and direction needed so that WHO, governments and all involved can protect people's health and take concrete steps towards investing in local capacities, ensuring equity and supporting the global emergency health architecture that the world needs." (Related: Check out our earlier coverage to learn more of the details about what this global health dictatorship is planned to entail.) When UN, WHO make the IHR effective next May without a vote, its provisions will immediately become effective for all member nations It is unknown at the current time how many world leaders and heads of state are fully on board with newly approved WHO documents, including the majorly revised International Health Regulations (IHR), which also includes the so-called Pandemic Treaty. We are told that there have been 90 points of revision in the IHR thus far. Once complete, the blueprint for global enslavement will be rammed through the next World Health Assembly (WHA) gathering, scheduled for May 2024. Once this occurs, the IHR will become effective and binding for all UN members without a vote. In case you missed it, the Health Ranger recently interviewed Dr. Astrid Stuckelberger about all this, Stuckelberger being an expert in such things because of her lengthy career working in Geneva, Switzerland, also known as ground zero for the globalist health establishment watch the interview below: Since all of these meetings are taking place behind closed doors, we are only getting bits and pieces of the full agenda. Much of what is being reported about the IHR and the Pandemic Treaty seems to be coming from patchwork analyses that center around the revelations contained in the documents in questions, as well as in their revisions. Everything going on in secret right now will eventually dovetail with the UN's Agenda 2030 and, as the Bible reveals, everything going on in secret will eventually be made manifest for the world to see, damning those involved in scheming it all in darkness. If all goes as planned and a black swan event does not occur before then, the IHR will be implemented next spring and the more than 190 national governments that have been co-opted by the globalists will be forced to comply, or else. Governments that refuse to go along with the plan will be punished, likely with blackmail because the globalists in charge behind the curtain this is also commonly called the deep state have dirt on all their puppets, which they use to keep their marionettes aligned with the globalists' dark agenda. The latest news about the globalist takeover of health can be found at RuleBySecrecy.com. Sources for this article include: GlobalResearch.ca NaturalNews.com BlueLetterBible.org Voicing the Israeli regimes criminal insanity nuking Gaza to destroy Hamas The only mistake Israeli minister Amichai Eliyahu made was to voice out loud the genocidal policy of his government. (Article by Finian Cunningham republished from Strategic-Culture.su) Following his comments that the Israeli military should drop a nuclear bomb on Gaza, the politician was publicly reprimanded by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other members of the cabinet for making statements not based on reality. Israel and the [Israel Defense Forces] are operating in accordance with the highest standards of international law to avoid harming innocents. We will continue to do so until our victory, Netanyahu said. The suggestion of using nuclear weapons was also seemingly rebuked by Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, who previously referred to Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip as human animals. The apparent attempt to make a distinction within Israels fanatical regime is absurd. Netanyahus war cabinet is carrying out a genocide against Palestinians. The intensity of the killing is accelerating. A population of 2.3 million people has been cut off from vital human supplies for four weeks. The last remaining hospitals are shutting down from lack of fuel while the densely crowded Gaza City is bombarded non-stop from the air. Human rights groups have explicitly declared that what the Israeli regime is doing is genocide as defined under international law. There is no equivocation. There is no dispute among rational, independent observers of the daily atrocities inflicted on the people of Gaza. Huge public protests around the world condemning the Israeli war crimes are a testament to the genocide verdict. The combined load of explosives dropped on the coastal enclave over the past month exceeds 25,000 tonnes. As Euro Med Monitor points out, that lethal force is equivalent to the two atomic bombs that the U.S. dropped on Hiroshima. This indiscriminate use of lethal weapons on a civilian population in conjunction with a complete blockade on the territory and the forced internal displacement of over a million people constitutes multiple war crimes under the overall crime of genocide. U.S. President Joe Biden refuses to demand that the Netanyahu regime calls a ceasefire. His administration has signed off an order for $320 million of precision-guided bombs to Israel. Again, the cynical use of words gives the impression an absurd impression that the Israeli regime is exercising some kind of restraint. What is restrained about using precision-guided bombs to hit hospitals, schools and refugee camps? Biden and Washington are guilty of complicity in genocide for supporting this slaughter. So, too, it can be argued, are the Western mass media. They have sought assiduously to sanitize and minimize the horrific crimes being perpetrated. The U.S. and European media continually report on Israels right to self-defense. There is no such right under international law for an illegal occupying state whose policy has been systematic violation of international law and aggression against Palestinians since it was established as a state in 1948 with Western colonial connivance. Western media indulge the U.S. and European governments preposterous claims that Israel is trying to limit civilian casualties. They claim, disingenuously, that children and women are regrettable collateral damage because the Hamas Palestinian militants use civilians as human shields. It is disgraceful and criminal the dereliction of duty by Western media in holding to account the Israeli regime and its enablers in the Biden administration. Even when Israeli officials claim on prime-time TV that there is no humanitarian crisis in Gaza and that their military is not targeting civilian centers, Western media outlets like the BBC and CNN allow such vile distortions to be aired without appropriate challenge. An appropriate challenge would entail the media interlocutor eviscerating the Israeli official for insulting common intelligence and basic moral decency based on known facts, such as the indiscriminate mass murder of civilians by the Israeli military. The propaganda trope about Hamas using human shields is something that Western governments and media should slate with contempt. But they dont. They peddle it as if it is plausible and thereby lend the indefensible a veneer of credibility. That is media complicity in war crimes. As Jordans Queen Rania eloquently pointed out to CNN, under international law there is an obligation on attacking forces to avoid civilian casualties at all costs, even in circumstances where another group is allegedly holding people as human shields. The Israeli forces have shown no such compunction, as even their military officials brazenly admit and without fear of being subjected to the slightest criticism from the media interviewer. They know they can spout such lies because the Western media like BBC and CNN, and so on, are willing tools of propaganda. Jordans monarch also made the obvious point obvious to any rational, moral person, but not to Western media that bombing a densely habited urban zone such as Gaza is to knowingly be prepared to exterminate civilians. The Hamas militant group is estimated to have under 25,000 members, according to U.S. state intelligence. That represents about 1 per cent of the entire population in Gaza. Washington and the Israeli regime claim the right to destroy Hamas in retribution for the groups killing of hundreds of Israelis on October 7. Evidently, this extrajudicial right is presumed to also permit the destruction of the wider civilian population of human animals. The entire Palestinian people are deemed to be acceptable collateral damage. The Biden administration is amenable to that genocide and indeed is facilitating it with unchecked weapons supply. One phone call from Biden to Netanyahu with a warning to cut off all military supply and other financial aid would expedite an end to the slaughter. But neither Washington nor Tel Aviv have any fundamental objection to genocide. The clumsy call for using nuclear weapons on Gaza by a fanatical Israeli politician was only problematic because it articulated what the U.S.-Israeli state policy is. Genocide. Read more at: Strategic-Culture.su CDC knew COVID vaccines killed 163 children and injured 57,622, but still included the deadly shots in childhood immunization schedule An advisory committee to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) voted on October 20, 2022, in favor of including the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine in the recommended immunization schedule for children aged six months and over. But data from the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), which is under the CDC, showed that 57,622 children (aged 0 to 17) have suffered an injury because of COVID-19 vaccination as of September 29, 2022. The Janssen vaccine is behind 1,358 of these injuries; the Moderna vaccine for 10,751; and the Pfizer vaccine for 45,425. The VAERS data also disclosed that 14,728 children have either visited a hospital or been hospitalized because of an injury caused by COVID-19 vaccination. The Pfizer vaccine has triggered the hospitalization of 13,636 children, while the Moderna vaccine caused 1,001, and the Janssen vaccine 62. Data also revealed that 1,201 children have either suffered a life-threatening event or been left permanently disabled because of COVID-19 vaccination. The Pfizer vaccine has almost killed or permanently disabled 1,073 children, the Moderna vaccine 119 children, and the Janssen vaccine four children. According to VAERS, at least 163 children have lost their lives because of COVID-19 vaccination. The Pfizer vaccine has killed at least 143 children, while the Moderna vaccine has killed at least 20 children. (Related: CHILD KILLERS: CDC data show over 118,000 U.S. children died suddenly after covid jab rollout.) Vaccination rates for routine childhood shots still behind pre-pandemic levels Meanwhile, vaccination rates among American kindergartners for routine childhood shots have still not returned to pre-pandemic levels, as reported by the latest federal data published on November 9. Researchers from the CDC examined how many children met school requirements for the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine; the diphtheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis (DTaP) vaccine; the poliovirus (polio) vaccine; and the varicella (chickenpox) vaccine. For the 2022-23 school year, about 93 percent of children in kindergarten had met the vaccination requirements which is about the same number that was seen the previous school year. It is still lower than the 94 percent in 2020-21 and the 95 percent in 2019-20, before the COVID-19 pandemic. "We're not surprised that there was a drop in vaccination over the pandemic; clearly there is some level of surprise that these numbers have not fully recovered. We've known these challenges are because of care access and misinformation and, unfortunately, some of these challenges have persisted post-pandemic," said Dr. John Brownstein, an epidemiologist and chief innovation officer at Boston Children's Hospital and an ABC News contributor. Data also showed that exceptions from school vaccination requirements increased to three percent during the 2022-23 school year. That is up from 2.6 percent the past year and is the highest vaccination exemption rate ever reported in America, as stated by the CDC. The report discovered that compared to the 2021-22 school year, vaccination coverage reduced the most for the DTaP vaccine, dropping in 31 states for the 2022-23 school year. This was followed by decreasing coverage for the MMR vaccine in 29 states, the polio vaccine in 28 states, and the chickenpox vaccine in 25 states, all over the same time. The CDC report also discovered that Idaho had the lowest percentage of children who were up to date for all four vaccines during the 2022-23 school year, while Mississippi had the highest percentage of up-to-date children. Of the three percent of kindergartners with vaccine exemptions, 0.2 percent had a medical exemption and 2.8 percent had a non-medical exemption. The report discovered that exemptions soared in 40 states and the District of Columbia during the 2022-23 school year. Overall, 10 states reported an exemption for no less than one vaccine for more than 5.0 percent of kindergartners. The percentage of those with exemptions ranged from less than 0.1 percent in West Virginia, to 12.1 percent in Idaho. The authors stated it was not clear whether the rise in exemptions is because there has been a surge in parents opposing routine childhood vaccines, or if they are opting for non-medical exemptions because they have obstacles that make it hard to vaccinate their children. Follow VaccineInjuryNews.com for more news about the adverse effects of COVID-19 vaccines. Watch the video below showing Dr. Peter McCullough summarizing the latest safety data on the COVID-19 vaccines. This video is from the GalacticStorm channel on Brighteon.com. More related articles: CDC report reveals significant increase in developmental disabilities among children stemming from COVID-related restrictions. CDC in SELF-DESTRUCT mode after adding failed covid jabs to the childhood vaccine schedule. Data shows 63,060% increase in CHILD DEATHS since rollout of Pfizers COVID-19 jab for children in Europe.- Tragic: CDC adds original COVID mRNA vaccine to childhood schedule despite known harms NO SURPRISE: The CDC LIED about vaccination rates in America, investigation shows. Sources include: Expose News.com ABCNews.go.com Brighteon.com Chicago holds JOB FAIR for MIGRANTS amid rising number of unemployed Black residents in the city The Nov. 2 job fair was held at the Misericordia Home, located on the city's north side. Almost 500 migrants from Venezuela, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Ukraine attended the event that sought to fill up more than 400 vacancies. With the assistance of interpreters, the migrants met with representatives in fields including health care, manufacturing, hospitality, logistics and others. The companies also offered help securing government services, legal papers and even training and educational opportunities. Afghan migrant Siam Pasarly was one of the organizers of the job fair. He told local Chicago TV station WGN 9 that he hopes to help immigrants avoid the struggles he went through when he first came to the Windy City. "It is very difficult, it is very tough," said Pasarly, the co-founder of KaarPoh Staffing Agency. "Until you experience it, you just don't know." The job fair for migrants came five months after Crain's Chicago Business expounded on Windy City's unemployment problem. "The jobless rate rose from 43.7 percent to 57.4 percent between 2019 and 2021 for Black people [aged] 20 to 24 in Chicago," the paper wrote in June. "The unemployment rate increase for Black women aged 20 to 24 was staggering, rising from 32 percent in 2019 to 60 percent in 2021." The issue also extended to the Prairie State at large. According to the June 2023 report, unemployment rates for Blacks were at 10.2 percent from January to April of that year. In contrast, unemployment rates for other ethnicities during the same period were markedly lower at 4.6 percent for Hispanics and 3.2 percent for Whites. Lack of jobs for Blacks angering Democrats' voter base The lack of employment opportunities for Black residents compared to those for unlawful border crossers has been a point of contention in the Windy City. According to Breitbart, "the influx of illegal aliens has many activists for Chicago's black community worried and angry." In September, Fr. Michael Pfleger spoke out against expediting work permits for illegal aliens. The left-wing Catholic priest argued that doing so would put jobs for his Black flock at risk. He asked: "What are we putting in place to make sure that there are no institutions in this city, this state and [this] country that will fire Black people because they have to pay them $15 or $16 an hour, and then hire a migrant and pay them $5 an hour? What are we putting in place?" (Related: GOVERNMENT WASTE: Workers at illegal migrant shelters in Chicago are earning up to $200 AN HOUR.) Even Chicago activist Zoey Lee shared this sentiment. During an appearance at a meeting of the Chicago City Council, she voiced a growing sentiment among Black Chicagoans over this issue. Lee accused city authorities under the leadership of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson of trying to start a "race war" between Blacks and Hispanics. "To come here and continue to see more Hispanics get jobs than Blacks here is a disrespect," she said. "It's a punch in the face." Head over to Migrants.news for similar stories. Watch former Immigration and Customs Enforcement Acting Director Thomas Homan explains why the Biden administration doesn't care about American employment with its open borders policy. This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: REPLACEMENTS: New York Gov. Kathy Hochul plans to issue work permits for ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS. Breitbart's Alex Marlow: Biden favoring OPEN BORDERS to keep wages down and Democrats in power. PLANNED DESTRUCTION: Coronavirus lockdowns eliminated African American employment gains from the past decade. THE REPLACEMENTS: Biden regime to offer nearly half a million jobs to Venezuelan migrants flooding through America's southern border. Sources include: Breitbart.com WGNTV.com ChicagoBusiness.com Brighteon.com Gazas dwindling Palestinian Christian community could be COMPLETELY WIPED OUT by Israeli attacks Gaza's Palestinian Christian community is calling on the world to not turn a blind eye to their plight, as Israel's indiscriminate offensive in Gaza puts the dwindling community at risk of being wiped out In Gaza City, the Strip's minuscule Roman Catholic population was forced to flee from the sanctuary provided by the Holy Family Church, the only Catholic place of worship in Gaza, after Israeli bombs began indiscriminately pummeling the city. Dania Tarazi, 38, a Palestinian Catholic, along with her husband and three children remember trying to huddle together with their Muslim neighbors in the church before the bombing made it impossible to stay there. Their sense of safety was further shattered when, on Oct. 19, Israel bombed the nearby Church of Saint Porphyrius, Gaza's oldest church, killing at least 18 people, including the relatives of a former American congressman. (Related: Former U.S. Rep. Justin Amash says his CHRISTIAN relatives in Gaza were killed in Israeli strike on Saint Porphyrius Orthodox Church.) Two days later, an Israeli air raid hit the nearby Al-Ahli Arab Hospital, an Anglican institution that used to service both Palestinian Christians and Muslims alike. "The war crimes that have been committed in Gaza [since October] affected all of us, regardless of whether we are Christians or Muslims," said Dania's relative, Rania who, along with her husband Tarek and their children, has since fled from Gaza City. "Israel has committed war crimes against civilians, destroying many residential blocks districts even [with] schools, hospitals, mosques, churches," said Tarek. "This is a reminder to the world that the pain is one, and the loss is one," said Rania. "We are reminded that our struggle is a collective one, where we stand together in the face of adversity." "We share the same dreams of justice, and we will yearn for a better future [when we] return to our beloved land," added Tarek. "It's crucial to emphasize that the pain and suffering we endure are not confined to a single faith but touch every single soul in Gaza, in Palestine, and among humanity." While Rania and Tarek have left, Dania refuses to leave Gaza City despite the increasing intensity of Israeli attacks. "We do not accept displacement from our country, our land and our churches," she said. "I will not leave the church except to my grave." The Tarazis have lost at least four members of their family to Israeli bombings. This sentiment is surprisingly popular among the besieged Palestinian Christians of North Gaza. Shireen Awwad of Beit Sahour in the West Bank noted that she still has cousins, uncles and aunts in Gaza City who are determined to stand their ground. "Every time we asked them: 'Do you want to leave?' They would say, 'No, these are our roots. This is where we were born,'" said Awwad. Christianity could "cease to exist in Gaza" if Israeli attacks continue Over 10,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza since Oct. 7. Before the war, only 800 to 1,000 Christians were believed to still be living in Gaza, constituting one of the world's oldest continuous Christian communities in the world, dating back to the time of Jesus Christ and the Apostles themselves. "This community is under threat of extinction," warned Mitri Raheb, an Evangelical Lutheran Pastor and founder of the Dar al-Kalima University in Bethlehem in the West Bank. He warned that it was conceivable that, if the Israeli offensive continued, one of the oldest Christian communities in the world could end up being wiped out for good. "I'm not sure if they will survive the Israeli bombing, and even if they survive, I think many of them will want to emigrate," said Raheb. "We know that, within this generation, Christianity will cease to exist in Gaza." Watch this episode of the "Health Ranger Report" as Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, discusses the reasoning behind Israel's willingness to openly commit atrocities in Gaza. This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Evangelical Christians turn their backs on Christians in Palestine who are being murdered and attacked by Israelis as they give unconditional support to Israel. Israeli airstrike partially destroying nearly 1,600-year-old Gaza church stuns Christian community. Why JEWS are calling for PEACE and a halting of Israeli genocide against the Palestinian people. Church head implies the Israel-Hamas war is a fulfillment of Bible prophecy with Jerusalem as "End Times" focal point. Sources include: Twitter.com AlJazeera.com BBC.com Brighteon.com Germany to provide winter protection to Ukraine despite reports that Kyiv bombed Nord Stream pipelines In a meeting with European Union foreign ministers in Brussels on Monday, Germany signified its plan to expand and increase its support for Ukraine, especially in the coming year, but did not fully disclose specifics on how to go about it. It only shared a few details in giving Kyiv "winter protection" in the months ahead. According to Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, Berlin is planning to send Kyiv another U.S.-made Patriot air-defense system and electricity generators as part of the so-called "protection umbrella" scheme for the coming cold months. She urged her fellow ministers to not focus solely on the recent hostilities in the Middle East as there is still a need to "face geopolitical challenges" in Europe as well. She warned Russian President Vladimir Putin's regime that Moscow should not expect the bloc's reduction in aid to Kyiv as a result of the ongoing "dramatic situation worldwide." "We will not only continue our support for Ukraine. We will continue to expand and increase it," she asserted. Germany's Bild tabloid reported over the weekend that the governing coalition in Germany is seeking to increase military aid to Ukraine from $4.27 billion to $8.54 billion in 2024 alone. The parliament's budget committee is expected to review and potentially approve the plan at some point this week, according to the paper. As per Germany's Kiel Institute for the World Economy, Berlin is currently Ukraine's second-largest military aid donor. Having spent some $18.2 billion providing military assistance to Kyiv, Germany comes next, after the U.S., which had spent around $45 billion, the institute's data showed. Also, the data on Ukrainian military aid indicated that Berlin will spend $5.76 billion this year on arming and training the Ukrainian troops, which went up from just $2.13 billion in 2022. Meanwhile, critics question this "goodwill" to Kyiv despite reports of the latter's alleged involvement in the bombing of Nord Stream pipelines, which had a devastating effect on Berlin's economy. Roman Chervinsky, a decorated 48-year-old colonel who has deep ties with Kyiv's intelligence services, was reported by the Washington Post to have played a central role in the bombing of the natural gas pipelines last year. "Chervinsky was the coordinator of the Nord Stream operation, people familiar with his role said, managing logistics and support for a six-person team that rented a sailboat under false identities and used deep-sea diving equipment to place explosive charges on the gas pipelines," the WashPost article read. "On Sept. 26, 2022, three explosions caused massive leaks on the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines, which run from Russia to Germany under the Baltic Sea. The attack left only one of the four gas links in the network intact as winter approached." However, Chervinsky was said not to have acted alone and he did not plan the operation. He took orders from more senior Ukrainian officials, who ultimately reported to Gen. Valery Zaluzhny, Ukraine's highest-ranking military officer, as per people familiar with how the operation was carried out but asked to remain anonymous. (Related: Mysterious cylindrical object discovered near Nord Stream 2; Kremlin says object could help determine main culprit behind pipeline sabotage.) Western arms not helping Ukraine, end up in Talibans hands Since the start of the Ukraine-Russia conflict, Western powers have sent Ukraine tens of billions of dollars' worth of weapons in an attempt to defeat Russian troops. However, Putin said that these were hardly affecting the situation on the frontlines. In early November, Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu said that "despite the supply of new kinds of NATO weapons, the Kyiv regime is losing." Its military has also regularly published photos and videos of destroyed Ukrainian heavy armor, including German-made Leopard tanks. Also, Interpol Secretary General Jurgen Stock said in June last year that some of the weapons sent to Ukraine could end up in the hands of organized crime groups. Reports indicated that the illegal arms trade by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime said in March that there was currently no substantial outflow of weapons from the Ukrainian conflict zone. "However, every precedent suggests that, especially if the threat is not addressed proactively and imaginatively, when the current war ends, Ukraine's battlefields could and will become the new arsenal of anarchy, arming everyone from insurgents in Africa to gangsters in the streets of Europe," the report said. Meanwhile, Putin maintained that some Western weapons intended for Ukraine have been sold to the Taliban on the illegal arms market during a meeting with members of the Russian Civic Chamber earlier in November. "Now they say: Weapons are getting into the Middle East from Ukraine. Well, of course, they are, because they are being sold," Putin said, according to a Reuters translation of his comments. "And they are being sold to the Taliban, and from there, they go on wherever." Read more about the Nord Stream pipeline explosion at Pipelines.news. Sources for this article include: RT.com WashingtonPost.com Reuters.com Newsweek.com Moderna admits mRNA COVID jab causes CANCER, billions of DNA fragments found in vials Dr. Robert Malone made an appearance this week at an "Injuries Caused by COVID-19 Vaccines" hearing led by Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), at which he revealed how Moderna's own patent shows that its Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) "vaccine" vials contain billions of DNA fragments and other contaminants linked to birth defects and cancer. At the hearing, Dr. Malone spoke about how Moderna acknowledges in its own patent that RNA in preferable to DNA in vaccines because of the risks involved, but that the company's mRNA injection, which was administered to tens of millions of people, is contaminated with the latter. "Moderna has a patent on the use of RNA for vaccines," Dr. Malone stated. "And in that, Moderna explicitly acknowledges that RNA is superior to DNA for vaccine purposes because problems, including the possibility of insertional mutagenesis that could lead to the activation of oncogenes or the inactivation of tumor suppressor genes." "FDA says they're not aware of any concerns, but Moderna in its own patent lays out exactly the same concerns that exist about DNA in insertional mutagenesis and genotoxicity. So, Moderna knows it DNA is a contaminant. It is left in because the way they make it ... they use DNA to make RNA, and then they degrade the DNA, and then they have to purify the degraded DNA away from the RNA, and the process they are using is apparently not that good." Moderna ADMITS That DNA Contamination Can Lead to Cancer Moderna has a patent that acknowledges RNA is preferable to DNA in vaccines due to risks of insertional mutagenesis, which might activate oncogenes or inhibit tumor suppressor genes, Dr. @RWMaloneMD explained. A new pic.twitter.com/EEAybZgrRZ The Vigilant Fox ? (@VigilantFox) November 15, 2023 (Related: A recent study found that vaccinated children shed COVID up to three times longer than unvaccinated children.) Pfizer's mRNA jab for COVID also contaminated with cancer-causing DNA fragments Scientists from the United States and Canada were able to get their hands on unopened vials of Moderna's COVID jab, with a clear chain of custody, and sampled them. This is their expertise, just to be clear: they do deep sequencing on samples and relay their findings for the public good. What they discovered were large numbers of DNA fragments in the RNA preparation, to which they applied standard reconstruction tools to see what the circular plasmid DNAs looked like none of this was disclosed to the public, by the way. The documentation suggests that there are certain DNA sequences present in the vials that are normally not allowed in anything that is going to go into humans, "not the least of which is an antibiotic resistance gene," Dr. Malone explained. "They include these sequences from Simian Virus 40 not the whole virus, but highly active promoter sequences which is exactly the thing that the FDA in their older regulations said must be avoided because it confers even more risk for insertional mutagenesis." It turns out that Pfizer's mRNA injection for COVID contains the same contaminants. Documentation was provided by the company to regulators in the U.S., Europe and Canada. These regulators actually deleted the little notation about SV40 sequences in an apparent attempt to hide it from the public. "The FDA didn't take the raw DNA sequences, reconstruct those plasmid maps, and look at them themselves," Dr. Malone clarified. "They just took for granted what Pfizer had given them. And now this is all coming out because of what these researchers found." High-level people at both Moderna and Pfizer had to have known about this, Dr. Malone said, the potential consequences for jab recipients being "anything that is associated with DNA damage, i.e., birth defects and cancer being the most notable ones." The latest news about COVID death jabs can be found at ChemicalViolence.com. Sources for this article include: Twitter.com RWMaloneMD.substack.com NaturalNews.com Palestinian human rights organizations sue Biden for complicity in Israels genocide in Gaza The Center for Constitutional Rights (CCR), a New York-based civil liberties group, is suing the Biden regime for not only failing to prevent but also aiding and abetting "genocide" in Gaza. A federal complaint names White House occupant Joe Biden, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of State Lloyd Austin as defendants in the case, accusing them of "failure to prevent and complicity in the Israeli government's unfolding genocide." The suit was filed on behalf of various Palestinian human rights organizations, Palestinian people living in Gaza, and United States citizens who have relatives still living in the besieged enclave, which is under relentless attack by Israel right now. Since the October 7 false flag attack by Hamas in Israel, Israel has responded by killing 11,200 Palestinians and counting. Israel, meanwhile, only lost about 1,200 people in the initial attack, and many of these deaths were committed by Israeli military "friendly fire." "Numerous Israeli government leaders have expressed clear genocidal intentions and deployed dehumanizing characterizations of Palestinians, including 'human animals,'" the CCR wrote in the introduction to its complaint, adding that Israel's "statements of intent" combined with the "mass killing" of Palestinians reveal "evidence of an unfolding crime of genocide." (Related: One of Israel's goals with its genocide in Gaza is to steal control over Palestine's rich maritime natural gas reserves.) U.S. taxpayers funding Israeli genocide in Gaza Instead of taking a stand against Israel's unbridled campaign of destruction in Gaza, the Biden regime is offering unconditional support for the murderous regime using U.S. tax dollars. "Immediately after the launch of Israel's unprecedented bombing campaign on Gaza, President Biden offered 'unwavering' support for Israel, which he and administration officials have consistently repeated and backed up with military, financial, and political support, even as mass civilian casualties escalated alongside Israeli genocidal rhetoric," the CCR complaint goes on to state. Since World War II, Israel has been the largest cumulative recipient of U.S. foreign assistance. Regardless of whether a Republican or Democrat controls the executive branch, the outcome is always the same: Israel gets to do whatever it wants while the U.S. foots the bill. With this latest campaign of terror and genocide in Gaza by Israel, the U.S. had a chance to step up and force some kind of restraint. Instead, the U.S. has basically given Israel the green light to kill as many people as it wants to continue pursuing its own interests. The CCR complaint states it this way: the U.S. could have imposed a "deterrent effect on Israeli officials now pursuing genocidal acts against the Palestinian people." Instead, Biden, Blinken, and Austin "have helped advance the gravest of crimes" by continuing to send money, weapons, and troops to the Middle East to support Israel's genocide in Gaza. "They have a significant responsibility under customary international law, under federal law, to prevent this genocide, to stop supporting this genocide," says Astha Sharma Pokharel, a CCR lawyer. "At every step of the way, at every opportunity, they have failed. They have continued to provide cover to Israel; they have continued to provide material support to Israel; and currently, they intend to send more money and more weapons to Israel." "I paid for Israel to kill my cousins and my aunt," also says Laila al-Haddad, a U.S. citizen and one of the lead plaintiffs in the case. "It was my tax dollars that did that, that sent those bombs to Israel to kill my family. And so, I feel I and all other American taxpayers have a very unique responsibility to hold our government and our elected officials responsible." The CCR lawsuit calls for an immediate end to the $3.8 billion in annual military support the U.S. sends to Israel. Will Israel succeed in its genocide in Gaza? Keep up with the latest at Genocide.news. Sources for this article include: AlJazeera.com CCRjustice.org NaturalNews.com Taiwan: China may not be ready to invade by 2027 The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) may not be ready to invade Taiwan by 2027 , casting doubt on the communist nation's military modernization and invasion preparations This is the assessment of Taiwanese National Security Council (NSC) Secretary-General Wellington Koo, who told this to reporters in Taipei on Tuesday, Nov. 14, and added that Taiwan will continue to do everything to delay the PLA's invasion timetable by strengthening the island's defense capabilities. (Related: No longer political: China's recent military exercises a DRY RUN to INTERCEPT U.S. forces rushing to defend Taiwan.) "I don't think it will happen in the near future or at least within one to two years," said Koo. "If China needs to carry out amphibious landing operations to take Taiwan, I don't think it will have such capabilities by 2027." Koo declined to give a specific year that the NSC believes China could invade, saying only that Taiwan does not have intelligence suggesting Beijing is making imminent invasion preparations. Koo's declaration also flies in the face of Chinese President Xi Jinping's desire to build a "world-class" military by 2027, a deadline that coincides with the 100th anniversary of the PLA. But this does align with a previous statement made by then-Chairman of the United States Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley, who said that Beijing's military would not be ready to invade Taiwan for "some time." Current Joint Chiefs Chair Charles Brown Jr. similarly doubted Beijing's current plans to take Taiwan militarily. Chinese domestic concerns pushing back invasion plans Koo noted that Beijing is facing a lot of mounting domestic crises that trump preparations for an invasion. Next year, analysts expect the gargantuan Chinese economy to enter a downturn. Meanwhile, Beijing also has to prepare for the upcoming presidential election in both Taiwan and the United States, as well as deal with its response to ongoing conflicts in Europe and the Middle East. A variety of challenges await Beijing if it does try to take over the democratic and self-governing Taiwan militarily. The island is separated from China by more than 100 miles of open ocean, and its rugged coastline makes an invasion challenging, making landing on the island only feasible at certain parts of the island. While China does have the world's largest navy by number of vessels, its forces are largely untested. Koo said Taiwan is also ready to deter the Chinese navy using a vast arsenal of handheld and mobile weapons platforms, including anti-ship missiles, drones, U.S.-supplied HIMARS rocket systems and Javelin anti-tank systems. These weapons and other defenses are designed to make any Chinese invasion attempt far too brutally costly. Koo said the U.S. is already helping make Taiwanese defenses even more punishing. Washington has already moved up its plan to provide Taiwan with more HIMARS systems by one year to 2026. The delivery of other American weapons systems to the island previously delayed by the conflict in Ukraine is also being sped up in the face of constant Chinese aggression. The official also noted that Taiwan's security cooperation with the U.S. remains close, with Washington constantly pushing Taipei to keep modernizing its military and expanding its defense preparedness, whole-society resilience, and the construction of asymmetric warfare capabilities. "The U.S. has a stronger sense of urgency than Taiwan," said Koo. Watch this clip from the "Worldview Report" reporting on how China and the United States continue to move naval vessels around Taiwan. This video is from the Worldview Report channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Pentagon warns China now has over 500 operational nuclear warheads as it seeks nuclear parity with the U.S. Chinese military aircraft used civilian plane as cover in Taiwan Strait. Taiwan unveils first domestically built submarine amid military modernization and buildup meant to deter a Chinese invasion. Taiwanese foreign minister expects China to manipulate the upcoming 2024 presidential election in Taiwan. Domestic crisis may force China to invade Taiwan, lawmaker warns. Sources include: RT.com Bloomberg.com TaipeiTimes.com Brighteon.com U.S. quietly sending more ammunition, missiles to Israel amid global outrage over genocide in Gaza Recognizing that the general public does not support sending more aid to Israel so it can obliterate the Palestinians, the Pentagon has begun to quietly send ammunition and missiles to the Jewish state under the cover of darkness. According to an unearthed internal Department of Defense (DOD) list, the Pentagon is basically giving Israel everything it demands, including more laser-guided missiles for its Apache gunship fleet, night-vision devices, bunker-buster munitions and various new army vehicles. These accoutrements are in addition to the Pentagon's well-publicized procurement of more Iron Dome interceptors and Boeing Co. smart bombs, which are costing United States taxpayers a fortune. All of this is taking place at the same time as the Biden regime increasingly cautioning Israel to restrain itself and at least try to avoid killing innocent civilians living in the Gaza Strip. The arms the U.S. is sending to Israel are outlined in a document entitled "Israel Senior Leader," dated late October, that has been circulating in the Pentagon ever since the October 7 Hamas attack that triggered Israel's war. The U.S. has either already sent the weaponry in question to Israel or the DOD is working on making whatever has not yet been sent available from domestic or European stockpiles. As of late October, all 36,000 requested rounds of 30mm canon ammunition have been sent to Israel, as have the 1,800 M141 bunker-buster munitions and at least 3,500 night-vision devices, the latest figures show. (Related: All of a sudden, the "woke" U.S. military is pandering to white guys as Israel ramps up genocide in Gaza.) DOD "leveraging several avenues" to give Israel everything it demands According to a Pentagon spokesman who refused to provide specifics, the DOD is in the process of "leveraging several avenues from internal stocks to U.S. industry channels to ensure Israel has the means to defend itself." "This security assistance continues to arrive on a near-daily basis," reads an official DOD statement about the matter. A number of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) has expressed criticism about these secret weapons shipments, which the Pentagon seems to be trying to hide from the public. In a letter to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, more than 30 relief organizations urged the government to not send 155mm shells in particular to Israel, and here is why: "In Gaza, one of the world's most densely populated places, 155mm artillery shells are inherently indiscriminate," the letter reads. "These munitions are unguided and have a high error radius." The ammunition the U.S. sent to Israel for its AH-64 Apache helicopter gunships includes roughly 2,000 Hellfire Laser Guided missiles made by Lockheed Martin Corp. Some of this ammunition has already been transferred by Israel to its military forces. All the while, the U.S. Army is busying itself seeking even more supplies and stocks to send to Israel from Germany and South Korea. Basically, the entire Western world, including Western allies, is giving everything it can to Israel so the Jewish state can complete its mission of eradicating and evicting the people of Gaza from the very tiny strip of land they call home. According to Michael Eisenstadt, director of military and security programs at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) appear to be using the Apache helicopters "to support Israel troops in contact with Hamas fighters, using their 30mm chain guns against fighters caught out in the open and Hellfire missiles against vehicles and fighting position or bunkers used by Hamas." "They may also be using Hellfires for the targeted killing of senior commanders when the opportunity presents itself," he added. The latest news about Israel's war on Gaza can be found at WWIII.news. Sources for this article include: Bloomberg.com NaturalNews.com The increasing use of light or artificial light at night (ALAN), can threaten the population of light-sensitive bats living in nocturnal wildlife. Light pollution can displace bats from their habitats, making it more challenging for their survival. Homeowners and communities use light for everyday life. Land-use urban planners set up more artificial light at night to illuminate the night. In addition, the growing population also demands more energy and light usage. In the new report, researchers raised concerns about the effects of Light pollution, or artificial light at night (ALAN) on bat species and nocturnal animals. Understanding the effects can help provide new insights into regulators and land-use urban planners to protect nocturnal animals and their habitats. Light Pollution Threatened Bats' Nocturnal Wildlife Bats may appear small, but they play a significant role in ecosystems, farms and crop protection. In the US, researchers emphasized the role of bats in pollination and biocontrol. About $3 billion are being saved by bats from pests. As a result, conservation efforts are essential to protect them from population decline. Recent reports warned of bats' declining population due to human activity, habitat loss and diseases, especially the white-nose syndrome. Surveys, researchers and monitoring are crucial to save bats species. In the new study, researchers raised concerns about the threats of light. Researchers conducted a study to find out the light disturbance in the population: Little brown bats (Myotis lucifugus) Big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus) The study findings were published in the Journal of Global Ecology and Conservation. The study emphasized little research about the spatial extent of ALAN's influence on bats. In the research process, the researchers employed residential-scale, white, LED floodlights to observe the exposure and effects on bats and their nocturnal habitats. The researchers who conducted the study are from the following: Bat Conservation International from Houston, Texas Nature Preserve & Ecological Research Center from New Fairfield, Connecticut In the experiment, the study explained that exposure to lights could change the community composition. Light exposure can cause displacement effects on the bat species. With the research, they hope it could provide ideas to community planners to avoid light encroachment that could harm nocturnal animals. Also Read: New Large Moth Species Uncovered in Europe Living Likely in Colder Temperatures Bat Facts: What Should People Know? According to reports, there are about 1100 species of bats globally. They may look small in appearance, but they can live up to 30 years old. They can locate their potential prey in total darkness with echolocation. One of the challenging situations for them is during winter time or freezing conditions. Also Read: Southeast Asia Frog Evades Predators by Camouflaging as Animal Droppings Did you know? The droppings from Bats are considered rich in nutrients for fertilizers. They can also fly very fast, or up to 60 miles per hour. Related Article: Hairless Animals: Top 10 Animals That Looked Weird Without Fur or Feathers For more similar stories, don't forget to follow Nature World News. The latest report raised concerns about the fast-growing invasive carp in the US South Dakota waters, causing significant impacts on native fish and other marine animals. The arrival of invasive species can significantly threaten native species, including plants and animals. Invasive species, like carp, can quickly grow and spread in waters in the US. As a result, mitigation and protection efforts are crucial to prevent the spread of invasive species. In the South Dakota waters, the recent report found the new invaders, the invasive carp. The silver carp, bighead carp, grass carp and black carp can rapidly spread and are fast-growing eaters of native fish. Researchers from the South Dakota State University monitored the invasive carp threats on the US waters and avoid the potential effects on native species. Fast-Growing Invasive Carps: How Do They Threaten South Dakota Native Species The said carp species are also known as invasive carp. They arrived in the US in the 1970s for aquaculture ponds and wastewater treatment. The distinct types of carp managed to enter US waters due to heavy rains and flooding. The invasive carp penetrated the Mississippi River and other areas. Because they are fast-growing and prolific eaters, the native marine animals found it challenging to compete. Furthermore, reports highlighted that the Asian Carp could cause ecological threats. They can affect the food web stability for native fish-consuming plankton. As a result, protecting the native species is crucial. In South Dakota, the flooding helped in the emergence of invasive carp in the James River and Lake Yankton. They are also sighted in parts of Silver Lake and Forsch Lake. Also Read: Amazon's Regrowing Forests Crucial for Biodiversity Conservation, Human Population Amidst Climate Change Threats Controlling the Carp Invasions Researcher Alison Coulter explained that preventive measures are important to prevent the invasion of carp. Coulter is also an assistant professor SDSU's Department of Natural Resource Management. Controlling the carp invasion is essential in South Dakota to avoid entering the Missouri River. Researchers developed modeling flood scenarios to find potential areas where carp can enter. In the Chicago Area, special barriers are installed to protect the Great Lakes from invasion of invasive carp. Researchers highlighted that the carp could damage the commercial fishing and tourism industries in the region. According to reports, the boat motor sounds can make the silver carp jump simultaneously. It can result in boat accidents, injuries and damage. Also Read: Protecting Migratory Habitats Crucial For Endangered Thick-Billed Parrots, Research Shows Did you know? About Invasive Carp The common and invasive carp have different tastes. The invasive carp can taste like tilapia. Researchers explained that they could be used as fertilizers. Related Article: Rare Tropical Birds 'Limpkins' Helps to Reduce Invasive Snails, Mussels in Illinois, US For more similar stories, don't forget to follow Nature World News. According to the official reports, there are 46 volcanoes worldwide that are continuously erupting, and 19 of them have escalated warning levels. 19 Volcanoes with Elevated Alert Levels Currently, 46 volcanoes globally are continuously erupting, with 19 of them altering their activity or alert status this week. Recent attention gravitates towards active volcanoes like Mt. Etna in Sicily, spewing lava recently, and an Icelandic volcano, increasingly unstable and prompting Grindavik's evacuation. The Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program issues a Weekly Volcanic Activity Report each Wednesday night, documenting eruptions meeting specific criteria like ash advisories or activity changes. Remarkably, the latest report lists 19 erupting volcanoes, but it excludes some continuously active ones that have persisted for decades. These unlisted volcanoes highlight the report's limitations in capturing the entirety of volcanic activity worldwide. 46 Volcanoes in Continuous Eruptive State The Smithsonian Institution has documented around 46 volcanoes in continuous eruption, yet many haven't shown recent changes, hence not making it to the Weekly Volcanic Activity Report. Last week, three new eruptions were noted, but this week, only one new entry is the Reykjanes-Svartsengi volcano in Iceland's Fagradalsfjall fissure. Previously, Iwo Jima in Japan, Grindavik in Iceland, and Kamchatka in Russia were new additions. However, Iwo Jima and Klyuchevskoy in Kamchatka didn't meet the criteria this week. Iceland's volcano, undergoing significant instability-marked by earthquakes and land sinking in Grindavik-indicates magma movement preceding a potential eruption, hence its addition to this week's report. Nevertheless, the Smithsonian program reassures that despite the number of erupting volcanoes, concerns should be allayed. The program, while diligently updating volcanic activity, aims to distinguish significant changes while acknowledging that continuous eruptions don't necessarily imply an immediate threat. Normal Number Global Volcanism Program Director Ben Andrews noted that the current eruption count, at 46, is typical. Historically, there are usually 40-50 ongoing eruptions at a time over 30 years. Annual eruptions ranged between 56 and 88 since 1991, with 67 in 2023 and 85 in 2022. Andrews highlighted the media's role in public attention, with enhanced visuals amplifying interest. Despite normalcy, active volcanos' images and videos, often shared on social media, capture widespread attention, showcasing smoking, ash-spewing, and occasionally lava-expelling eruptions. Also Read: Iceland Volcano Impending Eruption Opens Up Streets With 15-Kilometer Fissure Volcanoes Volcanoes serve as openings through which lava, rocks (tephra), and steam erupt onto the Earth's surface, with eruptions spanning days, months, or even years. Unlike mountains formed by crustal movements, volcanic landscapes result from layers of accumulated lava. The vent, often a depression at the summit, links to subterranean molten rock storage via cracks, allowing recurrent eruptions and gradual growth until instability leads to collapses. The USGS oversees 160+ active or potentially active US volcanoes, notably in Alaska and the American West, including Hawaii's prolific Kilauea, erupting since 1983. Globally, there are around 1,350 potentially active volcanoes, 500 having erupted in the past century. Many encircle the Pacific as part of the "Ring of Fire." U.S. West Coast and Alaskan volcanoes are part of this ring, while Yellowstone and Hawaiian volcanoes result from a "hot spot" phenomenon, contributing to Earth's diverse volcanic landscape. Related Article: 100-Meter New Island Off Coast of Japan Made From Undersea Volcano Ioto Eruption Won't Last Long, Says Experts A 'zombie deer disease' affecting cervids, a mammal belonging to the deer family, has sparked renewed concerns in the United States, where Wyoming first had the same pathogenic threat several decades ago. The new threat comes after an adult mule deer was found dead in the country's Yellowstone National Park. Following the deer's death, US wildlife authorities confirmed for the first time the identification of the said disease, officially known as the chronic wasting disease, at the park. Chronic wasting disease or CWD is a type of prion disease, which pertains to an infectious agent called prion, a misfolded protein that can cause other normal proteins in the body, especially the brain, to engage in cellular death or fold abnormally. As a result, the prion causes fatal neurologic disease among members of the family Cervidae. Although no infections on humans have been reported so far, health authorities warn people to avoid eating meat from potentially infected animals. Zombie Deer Disease In a news release by the National Park Service (NPS) earlier this week, officials of the Yellowstone National Park and the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) announced traces of chronic wasting disease in the carcass of the mule deer buck. The wild animal was found near Yellowstone Lake, located in the southeastern area of the park. The presence of the disease was confirmed by WFGD's Wildlife Health Laboratory after the samples from the carcass tested positive of the zombie deer disease. The identity of the mule deer dates back earlier this year when it was captured by a WGFD staff near Cody, Wyoming, in March 2023. The capturing of the animal was part of the department's population dynamics study where the wildlife is equipped with a GPS collar. The tracking device allowed the local wildlife officials to determine that the animal died by mid-October 2023. Specifically, the animal carcass was discovered in Promontory, a landmass that separates the southern and southeastern parts of Yellowstone Lake. The officials concluded that this is the first confirmed case of the chronic wasting disease in Yellowstone National Park. Also Read: Deadly Chronic Wasting Disease Making Rounds in North Carolina Deer Populations Chronic Wasting Disease The death of the mule deer from chronic wasting disease in Yellowstone National Park has prompted a heightened alert when it comes to the monitoring and other measures against the zombie deer disease. Some of these measures include the following: Increased collaboration between Yellowstone National Park officials with the WGFD and other state agencies. Increased monitoring of the presence of chronic wasting disease in deer and other animals like moose and elk. Increased investigation and collection of carcasses and samples related with the zombie deer disease. According to the WGFD, chronic wasting disease was first detected from a mule deer back in 1985 in southeastern Wyoming and it was also found in an elk in 1986. Since then, the disease has spread westward, affecting cervids in most part of the state. Related Article: Fatal Chronic Wasting Disease Halts Rehabilitation Efforts for White-Tailed Deer Fawns in Tennessee Imagine a bird so big and powerful that it could snatch a kangaroo from the ground and fly away with it. Such a bird once existed in Australia, and its fossils have been found in the limestone caves of South Australia. This is the story of Dynatoaetus gaffae, Australia's largest eagle, and what it reveals about the ancient megafauna that once roamed the continent. How researchers discovered Australia's largest eagle A bird of prey that flew over South Australia's Flinders Ranges 60,000 years ago was Australia's biggest eagle, researchers have confirmed. The eagle, called Dynatoaetus gaffae, had a wingspan of three meters and 30-centimetre talons powerful enough to grab a small kangaroo. The first remains of the predator, which was about twice the size of a wedge-tailed eagle, were unearthed in 1956, according to Flinders University paleontologist Ellen Mather. More fossils were discovered in Mairs Cave and the Naracoorte Caves in 1969, which led Dr Mather and other researchers to revisit the caves two years ago. They had all the bones of the skeleton to figure out what it was, Dr Mather said. She added that the Dynatoaetus was comparable to the Philippines eagle and the Harpy eagle from South America. She also said that it was related to the Old World vultures and it did not have any living descendants in Australia today. Dr Mather and her team's findings were published in the Journal of Ornithology this week. Also Read: Soaring High: A Philippine Eagle, One of the World's Most Endangered Bird, Released in the Wild What the giant eagle reveals about Australia's ancient megafauna Dr Mather said the fossils in the Flinders Rangers told researchers a lot about how the bird lived and what it ate. She explained that it had quite large and robust leg bones, which indicated that it was a predator specializing in larger prey. She said that it had strong legs to be able to grab onto and take down a struggling animal. She estimated that it could grab onto a kangaroo and sink its claws in until it stopped struggling. Associate professor Trevor Worthy said the raptor was almost as big as Haast's eagle, which was the largest ever discovered. He described how it had giant talons, spreading up to 30cm, which easily would have been able to dispatch a juvenile giant kangaroo, large flightless bird, or other species of lost megafauna from that era. One of the possible prey items for the giant eagle was Genyornis newtoni, the last of the large, flightless mihirungs ('thunder birds') endemic to Australia. It was a heavily built bird over 2 meters tall, with tiny wings and massive hind legs. Fossils of G. newtoni have been found in association with human artifacts, including cave paintings and carved footprints, and Genyornis must have coexisted with the first humans in Australia. The giant eagle and the thunderbird are just two examples of the diverse and unique megafauna that once roamed Australia before they went extinct due to climate change, human hunting, or other factors. By studying their fossils, researchers hope to learn more about their ecology, evolution, and interactions with each other and with humans. Like the mythical phoenix, these ancient creatures rise again from the limestone caves, revealing their secrets to the curious eyes of science. Related article: Bald Eagle No Longer Endangered, But in the Clear? Popocatepetl volcano in Mexico erupted earlier this week, spewing volcanic ash that reached more than 20,000 feet into the sky. It also emitted volcanic gas and water vapor, prompting potential threats to its surrounding areas. Mexican seismic authorities are monitoring the stratovolcano's activity, stating as of Thursday, November 16, that it is in constant emission of the said volcanic substances and hazards. There were no casualties reported from the eruption as of Friday, November 17. Although the Mexico volcano eruption is not a major one, local authorities are preparing for an evacuation of inhabitants in areas around the volcano, which can further intensify with little or without warning. Popocatepetl is also one of Mexico's most active volcanoes and one of the world's many volcanoes erupting simultaneously this week. Similar heightened volcanic activities have been reported in Italy and Iceland, where the town of Grindavik has been evacuated. Mexico Volcano Eruption Popocatepetl is currently under alert level yellow or phase two, which means that Mexico's National Center for the Prevention of Disasters (CENAPRED) is on high alert and preparing for a possible evacuation should volcanic activity of the volcano intensifies. The volcano alert is activated when there are changes in volcanic activity, like releasing volcanic hazards mentioned earlier. In its report on Thursday, November 16, CENAPRED detected 25 exhalations with volcanic gases and sometimes ash from Popocatepetl. It also cited a report from the National Center for Communication and Operations of Civil Protection (CENACOM) that slight ash fall were recorded in the municipalities of Tepalcingo, Hueyapan; Jonacatepec, Morelos; and Tetela del Volcan, Morelos. Also Read: Popocatepetl Volcano Spews Towers of Ash Clouds, 22 Million People in Mexico Under Threat, Schools Close Is Popocatepetl Volcano Active? Popocatepetl, which means "Smoking Mountain", is an active stratovolcano and is the second most active volcano in Mexico. In terms of volcanic eruption threat and potential danger to human population, Popocatepetl volcano ranks as the highest in Mexico and North America, according to the Natural History Museum (NHM). For hundreds of centuries, the Mexico volcano had been recorded to undergo multiple eruptions. Earlier this year, the United States Embassy in Mexico issued a volcano alert, warning that Popocatepetl in May exhibited increased volcanic activity. The May 2023 rumbling of the volcano reportedly threatened 22 million in Mexico. Popocatepetl is in the Mexican provinces of Mexico, Morelos, and Puebla in the central part of the country and specifically in the eastern half of the Trans-Mexican volcanic belt. It is situated 70 kilometers southeast of Mexico City, which is a testament to its relatively close proximity to heavily populated centers. According to the Smithsonian Institution's Global Volcanism Program, Popocatepetl has shown eruptive activity from November 8 to November 14, which it is accompanied by the emission of plumes of steam, gas, and ash. There was no mention of significant lava from the Mexico volcano recently. However, the possibility of an imminent major eruption has not been ruled out yet. Related Article: Popocatepetl Volcano Shows New Volcanic Activity, Millions of Mexicans Warned for Evacuation: Authorities Following a nearly four-hour discussion with his American counterpart Joe Biden, Chinese President Xi Jinping indicated that China is willing to send new pandas to the US. During remarks at a dinner with business leaders on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in San Francisco, the leader of the People's Republic of China appeared set to restart its so-called "panda diplomacy" with the United States, which had been endangered by tensions between the two nations. Pandas as a Friendship Gesture Xi described the pandas as "envoys of friendship between the Chinese and American people." "We are ready to continue our cooperation with the United States on panda conservation, and do our best to meet the wishes of the Californians so as to deepen the friendly ties between our two peoples," he added. Xi did not provide any information on when or where pandas would be provided, but he did appear to hint that the next pair of pandas would come to California, most likely San Diego. The announcement comes after the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington returned three giant pandas to China last week: Mei Xiang, Tian Tian, and their cub, Xiao Qi Ji. The Chinese president also mentioned that he learned that many Americans, especially children, were reluctant to bid farewell to the pandas. The National Zoo got its first pandas from China in 1972, Hsing-Hsing and Ling-Ling, in an effort to save the species through breeding. Since then, the zoo has had pandas, until the trio recently returned. Read Also: China Running Out of Panda Caretakers Despite Hundreds of Applicants US Welcome The Panda The White House stated that any giant pandas sent by China would be welcomed back. "We respect the sovereign decision that China made to remove some of the pandas... And certainly should a decision be made by the PRC (People's Republic of China) to restore some of the pandas to the United States, we would absolutely welcome them back," White House spokesman John Kirby said at a briefing. The bears have long been a symbol of US-China relations, having been given to the zoo by Beijing in 1972. Beijing then loaned the pandas to other US zoos, and the proceeds went back to conservation efforts. When bilateral relations began to deteriorate in recent years, Chinese citizens began to demand the return of gigantic pandas. Unproven reports that zoos in the United States abused pandas, considered China's "national treasure," filled Chinese social media. The National Zoo's exchange arrangement with the China Wildlife Conservation Association was slated to expire in early December, and talks to renew or extend the agreement failed. The San Diego Zoo reintroduced pandas in 2019, and the last bear at the Memphis Zoo left earlier this year. Only four giant pandas remain in the United States, and they are all housed at the Atlanta Zoo, which is home to Lun Lun and Yang Yang, as well as their kids, Ya Lun and Xi Lun. According to China's current deal with the zoo, the younger cubs will return toward the end of 2024, and their parents are likely to return as well. Related Article: Two Giant Pandas And A Cub Loan To US Return To China Sorry, something doesn't look right. Something seems unusual about your device or browser. Please contact support. In October 2022, the City of Dothan, Mayor Mark Saliba, and the Dothan City Commissioners said yes to building a new economy based on scientific discovery, innovation and education. They said yes to future opportunities, a better quality of life, better jobs for local young people, and an official partnership with the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology. One year later, that venture, known as HudsonAlpha Wiregrass, is thriving. Under the guidance of Dean Mitchell, director of HudsonAlpha Wiregrass, as well as education and research leaders from HudsonAlpha, weve made incredible progress in agriculture research, economic development, and education in the City of Dothan and Wiregrass area. Dr. Josh Clevenger and Kelly East are leading the community on a journey using genomics to create a more drought-and-disease-resistant peanut plant. In its first year the WIREGRASS Peanut Project has seen incredible success as students across the Wiregrass region participated as student-scientists. More than 280 students from seven local high schools grew peanuts, extracted peanut DNA, and are on their way to enriching the lives of their communities through this unique work. The first-of-its-kind program is thriving in the region, and we will only see more success as we move forward. We established the first genomics research lab in the area with Wiregrass-local Abby Burch as lab manager. As we enter our second year, were excited to diversify our research efforts in the area with a timber research project. Genetics education and enrichment will grow in 2024 as well. Over the past year, our Educational Outreach team helped students dig deep into peanut breeding, trained teachers, and provided equipment and tools for learning how DNA-informed agriculture works. We hosted public genomic literacy sessions and are developing some exciting summer camps for both middle and high school students this upcoming summer. We also have opportunities for college students through our BioTrain Internship. Throughout this first year, HudsonAlpha Wiregrass made friends all around, from local classrooms to farmers to the Wiregrass Research and Extension Center in Headland. We created partnerships with the peanut industry and local universities and will soon have a state-of-the-art Wiregrass Innovation Center in the City of Dothan. Our Economic Development team, led by Carter Wells, hosted Innovation Roundtables with local residents, uncovering the regions strengths and future aspirations. Collaborations with ag-tech businesses are budding, which will lower the barriers and open doors for successful startups. Were connecting with companies to bring new technology to the farming community. Were making the Wiregrass a hotspot for biotech innovation! Of course, this would not be possible without the support and cooperation from the people in the Wiregrass. The City of Dothan, Mayor Mark Saliba, and the Dothan City Commissioners have been our strongest advocates in this process. Theyve said yes to every opportunity to learn more about how genetics can help create a stronger peanut for the community's future. Theyve also said yes to the creation of a new economy and ecosystem in using the power of genomics to improve life and build upon the strong agriculture backyard of the Wiregrass. Theyve been joined by community leaders, elected officials, and citizens from across southeast Alabama, all excited to be part of these new programs and opportunities. HudsonAlpha Wiregrass is sowing the seeds of success and is excited about the bright future ahead. Keep your eyes open as we continue building in the heart of the Wiregrass. We invite you to follow our progress by visiting our website at hudsonalpha.org/wiregrass. Arshad Khan By Express News Service NEW DELHI: Madhabi Puri Buch, Chairperson of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), on Thursday said the capital market regulator will continue to probe the Sahara Group matter even after the demise of its founder-promoter Subrata Roy. The case is against the group or entities and not against one individual (Roy). The passing away of one person doesnt change anything. The investor refund process will continue, said Buch while speaking at the sidelines of an industry body FICCI event. Roy, 75, passed away in Mumbai on Tuesday night after battling a prolonged illness. His death has put the focus on undistributed funds to the tune of Rs 25,000 crore that is currently held by the SEBI. These funds are to be distributed to about 3 crore investors. SEBI has received 19,650 applications involving 53,687 accounts from investors who were seeking a refund at the end of March 2023. Refunds have been made with respect to 17,526 applications involving 48,326 accounts for an aggregate amount of just Rs 138.07 crore, including the interest amount of Rs 67.98 crore. The remaining applications were closed either due to their records not being traceable. When asked as to why only a small amount of refunds have been made so far, Buch said their actions are dependent on the directions of the SC-appointed committee. As per their recommendations, multiple rounds of advertisements have happened. Disbursements have happened to whoever is coming ahead with proof of investment, she said. The tussle between SEBI and Sahara dates back to before the 2010 era when SEBI increased its scrutiny on Saharas group firms and accused them of circumventing existing capital market regulations with Ponzi schemes. ALSO READ | The Life and Times of Saharasri Subrata Roy After a detailed inspection, Sebi in 2011 ordered Sahara India Real Estate Corporation Ltd (SIREL) and Sahara Housing Investment Corporation Ltd (SHICL) to refund the money raised from 3 crore investors through certain bonds known as Optionally Fully Convertible Bonds (OFCDs). Buch, who addressed the 20th Annual Capital Markets Conference (CAPAM2023) organised by FICCI, also said the SEBI would review new proposed delisting regulations and trading plan reforms at its board meeting soon. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp NEW DELHI: Madhabi Puri Buch, Chairperson of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), on Thursday said the capital market regulator will continue to probe the Sahara Group matter even after the demise of its founder-promoter Subrata Roy. The case is against the group or entities and not against one individual (Roy). The passing away of one person doesnt change anything. The investor refund process will continue, said Buch while speaking at the sidelines of an industry body FICCI event. Roy, 75, passed away in Mumbai on Tuesday night after battling a prolonged illness. His death has put the focus on undistributed funds to the tune of Rs 25,000 crore that is currently held by the SEBI. These funds are to be distributed to about 3 crore investors.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); SEBI has received 19,650 applications involving 53,687 accounts from investors who were seeking a refund at the end of March 2023. Refunds have been made with respect to 17,526 applications involving 48,326 accounts for an aggregate amount of just Rs 138.07 crore, including the interest amount of Rs 67.98 crore. The remaining applications were closed either due to their records not being traceable. When asked as to why only a small amount of refunds have been made so far, Buch said their actions are dependent on the directions of the SC-appointed committee. As per their recommendations, multiple rounds of advertisements have happened. Disbursements have happened to whoever is coming ahead with proof of investment, she said. The tussle between SEBI and Sahara dates back to before the 2010 era when SEBI increased its scrutiny on Saharas group firms and accused them of circumventing existing capital market regulations with Ponzi schemes. ALSO READ | The Life and Times of Saharasri Subrata Roy After a detailed inspection, Sebi in 2011 ordered Sahara India Real Estate Corporation Ltd (SIREL) and Sahara Housing Investment Corporation Ltd (SHICL) to refund the money raised from 3 crore investors through certain bonds known as Optionally Fully Convertible Bonds (OFCDs). Buch, who addressed the 20th Annual Capital Markets Conference (CAPAM2023) organised by FICCI, also said the SEBI would review new proposed delisting regulations and trading plan reforms at its board meeting soon. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp By Online Desk The Hamas-controlled health ministry said on Friday that 24 patients at a hospital in war-torn Gaza had died within 48 hours due to power outages, as Israeli forces searched the complex for Hamas hideouts. The announcement came shortly after Israel agreed to a US request to allow two fuel trucks a day into Gaza, following a UN warning that the shortages had halted aid deliveries and put people at risk of starvation. The situation was dire at the Al-Shifa hospital, the largest in Gaza, which Israel's army said it was searching for a third day for suspected hideouts of fighters from the Islamist movement's armed wing. "Twenty-four patients... have died over the last 48 hours" at Al-Shifa hospital "as vital medical equipment has stopped functioning because of the power outage", Gaza health ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qudra said. Israels national security adviser says the countrys war cabinet has agreed to allow two tanker trucks of fuel to enter the Gaza Strip each day a quantity he described as very minimal. Speaking at a news conference on Friday, Tzachi Hanegbi said the fuel would be allowed for Gazas communications system and water and sewage services. He said the aim is to prevent the spread of disease without disrupting Israels ability to continue its war against the Hamas militant group. Hanegbi said the fuel amounted to roughly 2% to 4% of the normal quantities of fuel that entered Gaza before the war erupted on 7 October. The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) earlier said its aid trucks were unable to enter Gaza from Egypt for a second straight day due to the lack of fuel and a near-total communications blackout. UNRWA said it would be unable to "manage or coordinate humanitarian convoys" from Friday because of the telecommunications outage. "The situation in Al-Shifa is catastrophic" for patients, displaced people and health workers who are crammed inside without electricity, water and food, the hospital's director, Mohammed Abu Salmiya, told AFP on the phone later during a brief restoration of communications. Israel earlier said it found the body of another hostage in a building adjacent to Gaza City's Shifa Hospital. The hospital has been the focus of clashing narratives over who is to blame for the widespread suffering of Palestinian civilians during the war between Israel and Hamas. UPDATES FROM DAY 43 OF THE WAR Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp The Hamas-controlled health ministry said on Friday that 24 patients at a hospital in war-torn Gaza had died within 48 hours due to power outages, as Israeli forces searched the complex for Hamas hideouts. The announcement came shortly after Israel agreed to a US request to allow two fuel trucks a day into Gaza, following a UN warning that the shortages had halted aid deliveries and put people at risk of starvation. The situation was dire at the Al-Shifa hospital, the largest in Gaza, which Israel's army said it was searching for a third day for suspected hideouts of fighters from the Islamist movement's armed wing.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); "Twenty-four patients... have died over the last 48 hours" at Al-Shifa hospital "as vital medical equipment has stopped functioning because of the power outage", Gaza health ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qudra said. Israels national security adviser says the countrys war cabinet has agreed to allow two tanker trucks of fuel to enter the Gaza Strip each day a quantity he described as very minimal. Speaking at a news conference on Friday, Tzachi Hanegbi said the fuel would be allowed for Gazas communications system and water and sewage services. He said the aim is to prevent the spread of disease without disrupting Israels ability to continue its war against the Hamas militant group. Hanegbi said the fuel amounted to roughly 2% to 4% of the normal quantities of fuel that entered Gaza before the war erupted on 7 October. The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) earlier said its aid trucks were unable to enter Gaza from Egypt for a second straight day due to the lack of fuel and a near-total communications blackout. UNRWA said it would be unable to "manage or coordinate humanitarian convoys" from Friday because of the telecommunications outage. "The situation in Al-Shifa is catastrophic" for patients, displaced people and health workers who are crammed inside without electricity, water and food, the hospital's director, Mohammed Abu Salmiya, told AFP on the phone later during a brief restoration of communications. Israel earlier said it found the body of another hostage in a building adjacent to Gaza City's Shifa Hospital. The hospital has been the focus of clashing narratives over who is to blame for the widespread suffering of Palestinian civilians during the war between Israel and Hamas. UPDATES FROM DAY 43 OF THE WAR Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Fayaz Wani By Express News Service KULGAM: Five militants have been killed in the ongoing encounter with security forces in a village in south Kashmirs Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir on Friday. A police official said five militants, suspected to be members of Lashkar-e-Toiba, were killed in the overnight gunfight in village Samno in the Damhal Hanjipora area of south Kashmirs Kulgam district. He said the identity of the slain militants was being ascertained. The police official said that the operation is in the final stages. He said that a cache of arms and ammunition and other incriminating material has been recovered from the possession of the slain militants. A contingent of police, CRPF, and the army had laid siege around village Samno in the Damhal Hanjipora area of Kulgam yesterday evening after receiving inputs about the presence of militants there. The gunfight had erupted during the cordon and search operation when militants fired on the troops, who retaliated. The intermittent gunfire between militants and the troops continued throughout the night. Security forces launched a final assault on trapped militants in the early hours today, a police official said. He said the drones were also pressed into service to pinpoint the exact number and exact location of the trapped militants. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp KULGAM: Five militants have been killed in the ongoing encounter with security forces in a village in south Kashmirs Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir on Friday. A police official said five militants, suspected to be members of Lashkar-e-Toiba, were killed in the overnight gunfight in village Samno in the Damhal Hanjipora area of south Kashmirs Kulgam district. He said the identity of the slain militants was being ascertained. The police official said that the operation is in the final stages.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); He said that a cache of arms and ammunition and other incriminating material has been recovered from the possession of the slain militants. A contingent of police, CRPF, and the army had laid siege around village Samno in the Damhal Hanjipora area of Kulgam yesterday evening after receiving inputs about the presence of militants there. The gunfight had erupted during the cordon and search operation when militants fired on the troops, who retaliated. The intermittent gunfire between militants and the troops continued throughout the night. Security forces launched a final assault on trapped militants in the early hours today, a police official said. He said the drones were also pressed into service to pinpoint the exact number and exact location of the trapped militants. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Yeshi Seli By Express News Service NEW DELHI: The slain Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar had a notably graphic track record; the positions he held were not secret, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said during a conversation with journalist Lionel Barber in London on Wednesday. Regarding Trudeau, I have discussed it with my counterpart. I still do. We told them, look, if you have a reason to make such an allegation, please share the evidence with us. We are not ruling out an investigation and are looking at anything they may have to offer. They havent done so, Jaishankar said. When asked whether he believed Hardeep Singh Nijjar was a terrorist, Jaishankar said, He has a track record, which is there on social media. And it is a notably graphic one. I would leave everybody to make their judgment. He held public positions. The minister also said that India feels Canadian politics has given space to violent and extreme political opinions advocating separatism from India, including through violent means. These people have been accommodated in Canadian politics, given the freedom to articulate their views, he said. India did not rule out an investigation, but Canada has not shared any evidence against Indian agents involved in the murder of Nijjar, as publicly alleged by Canada. Amidst the ongoing diplomatic row, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said last week that Canada did not want the fight with India. But he added that if bigger countries can violate international law without consequences, then the whole world becomes more dangerous for everyone. The Canadian authorities did not take any action when there was an attack on the high commission, and the diplomats were intimidated in public, on record, said Jaishankar. Referring to Canada as a country with a previous history, Jaishankar mentioned the bombing of an Air India flight. We are a democracy, they are a democracy. Freedom of speech and freedom of expression also come with a certain responsibility. The misuse of those freedoms and the toleration of that misuse for political purposes would be very wrong, he added. The minister also mentioned that within Canadian politics, there exists a platform for advocating violent and extreme political views supporting separatism from India. He highlighted that individuals endorsing such perspectives are accommodated in Canadian political circles and granted the freedom to express their opinions. According to Jaishankar, the freedom of speech and expression, while essential, comes with a responsibility that should not be misused for political purposes. He specifically referred to the concerning trend of pro-Khalistani activities in Canada. Jaishankar said that he has been in communication with his Canadian counterpart Melanie Joly on addressing this. Diplomatic standoff Amidst the ongoing diplomatic row, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said last week that Canada did not want the fight with India. But he added that if bigger countries can violate international law without consequences, then the whole world becomes dangerous for everyone. Jaishankar, on the other hand, said that India feels Canadian politics has given space to violent and extreme political opinions advocating separatism from India. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp NEW DELHI: The slain Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar had a notably graphic track record; the positions he held were not secret, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said during a conversation with journalist Lionel Barber in London on Wednesday. Regarding Trudeau, I have discussed it with my counterpart. I still do. We told them, look, if you have a reason to make such an allegation, please share the evidence with us. We are not ruling out an investigation and are looking at anything they may have to offer. They havent done so, Jaishankar said. When asked whether he believed Hardeep Singh Nijjar was a terrorist, Jaishankar said, He has a track record, which is there on social media. And it is a notably graphic one. I would leave everybody to make their judgment. He held public positions.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The minister also said that India feels Canadian politics has given space to violent and extreme political opinions advocating separatism from India, including through violent means. These people have been accommodated in Canadian politics, given the freedom to articulate their views, he said. India did not rule out an investigation, but Canada has not shared any evidence against Indian agents involved in the murder of Nijjar, as publicly alleged by Canada. Amidst the ongoing diplomatic row, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said last week that Canada did not want the fight with India. But he added that if bigger countries can violate international law without consequences, then the whole world becomes more dangerous for everyone. The Canadian authorities did not take any action when there was an attack on the high commission, and the diplomats were intimidated in public, on record, said Jaishankar. Referring to Canada as a country with a previous history, Jaishankar mentioned the bombing of an Air India flight. We are a democracy, they are a democracy. Freedom of speech and freedom of expression also come with a certain responsibility. The misuse of those freedoms and the toleration of that misuse for political purposes would be very wrong, he added. The minister also mentioned that within Canadian politics, there exists a platform for advocating violent and extreme political views supporting separatism from India. He highlighted that individuals endorsing such perspectives are accommodated in Canadian political circles and granted the freedom to express their opinions. According to Jaishankar, the freedom of speech and expression, while essential, comes with a responsibility that should not be misused for political purposes. He specifically referred to the concerning trend of pro-Khalistani activities in Canada. Jaishankar said that he has been in communication with his Canadian counterpart Melanie Joly on addressing this. Diplomatic standoff Amidst the ongoing diplomatic row, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said last week that Canada did not want the fight with India. But he added that if bigger countries can violate international law without consequences, then the whole world becomes dangerous for everyone. Jaishankar, on the other hand, said that India feels Canadian politics has given space to violent and extreme political opinions advocating separatism from India. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp By PTI BHOPAL: Senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh on Friday demanded strict action against Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Narottam Mishra for saying that there will be celebrations in Pakistan if any party other than the BJP wins the election in the state. Polling for the 230-member Madhya Pradesh assembly is currently underway. On Friday morning, Narottam Mishra said that if any party other than the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) wins the election, then there will be celebrations in Pakistan. He also said that those who want to serve the nation should vote for the BJP. "It is a provocative statement. Strict action should be taken against him. The Election Commission of India (ECI) should give notice to him immediately," Digvijaya Singh said. Making such statements was Mishra's habit, the former chief minister alleged. Saying that an election-related case against Mishra was pending in the court, Singh said the minister has no right to contest polls considering the way he behaves. Talking to reporters in Datia earlier, Mishra said, "If any other party wins, then the celebrations will be held in Pakistan. Therefore, it is necessary to press the button of the lotus (BJP's election symbol), considering the national interest as supreme. This will strengthen the army on the borders." Pressing the BJP symbol button brings free ration, houses, vaccines of corona, peace and security in the country, Vande Bharat trains, among other things, he said. Mishra is contesting election from Datia assembly constituency. READ MORE | Madhya Pradesh polls: Congress candidate's aide killed in Chhatarpur district; sporadic clashes reported Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp BHOPAL: Senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh on Friday demanded strict action against Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Narottam Mishra for saying that there will be celebrations in Pakistan if any party other than the BJP wins the election in the state. Polling for the 230-member Madhya Pradesh assembly is currently underway. On Friday morning, Narottam Mishra said that if any party other than the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) wins the election, then there will be celebrations in Pakistan. He also said that those who want to serve the nation should vote for the BJP.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); "It is a provocative statement. Strict action should be taken against him. The Election Commission of India (ECI) should give notice to him immediately," Digvijaya Singh said. Making such statements was Mishra's habit, the former chief minister alleged. Saying that an election-related case against Mishra was pending in the court, Singh said the minister has no right to contest polls considering the way he behaves. Talking to reporters in Datia earlier, Mishra said, "If any other party wins, then the celebrations will be held in Pakistan. Therefore, it is necessary to press the button of the lotus (BJP's election symbol), considering the national interest as supreme. This will strengthen the army on the borders." Pressing the BJP symbol button brings free ration, houses, vaccines of corona, peace and security in the country, Vande Bharat trains, among other things, he said. Mishra is contesting election from Datia assembly constituency. READ MORE | Madhya Pradesh polls: Congress candidate's aide killed in Chhatarpur district; sporadic clashes reported Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Parvez Sultan By Express News Service NEW DELHI: Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar voiced his concerns on Thursday regarding the unique challenges presented by Artificial Intelligence and ChatGPT to the media landscape. Speaking at the National Press Day event in New Delhi, Dhankhar lamented the unfortunate trend of disruptive technology gaining control over human affairs. Organised by the Press Council of India (PCI) and themed Media in the era of Artificial Intelligence, the event served as a platform to discuss the evolving role of technology in journalism. Dhankhar, as the chief guest, emphasised that while Artificial Intelligence can be a valuable asset for the media industry, responsible and ethical usage of it is crucial to ensuring its positive contribution to society. Expressing apprehensions about fake news damaging the credibility of media institutions, he called for prompt and exemplary action against those intentionally spreading false information, underscoring the moral duty of the media to prioritise truthfulness. The Vice-President urged media organisations to prioritise truthfulness for survival, citing a decline in audience trust due to fake news, misinformation, political motives, power-brokering tendencies, and financial considerations. He highlighted credibility as the medias most significant challenge, describing it as an existential threat. Stressing the existential challenge posed by credibility issues in the media landscape, Dhankhar urged journalists and media outlets to uphold the highest standards of integrity, emphasising the adverse impact of fake news, misinformation, political motivations, and the tendency to act as power brokers on public trust. At the same event, Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Anurag Singh Thakur emphasized Indias longstanding commitment to press freedom while cautioning against efforts to weaken the national spirit. Thakur also highlighted the need to dispel misconceptions perpetuated by certain Western media biases regarding India and its media. Celebrating press freedom, Thakur acknowledged the challenge posed by individuals and media outlets spreading fake propaganda both domestically and internationally. He urged vigilance against those undermining the nations spirit. Thakur emphasised Indias enduring commitment to press freedom while acknowledging the imperative to address efforts aimed at undermining the national ethos. Minister cautions against Western media biases Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Anurag Singh Thakur emphasized Indias longstanding commitment to press freedom. He said there is a need to dispel misconceptions perpe-tuated by certain Western media biases about India and its media. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp NEW DELHI: Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar voiced his concerns on Thursday regarding the unique challenges presented by Artificial Intelligence and ChatGPT to the media landscape. Speaking at the National Press Day event in New Delhi, Dhankhar lamented the unfortunate trend of disruptive technology gaining control over human affairs. Organised by the Press Council of India (PCI) and themed Media in the era of Artificial Intelligence, the event served as a platform to discuss the evolving role of technology in journalism. Dhankhar, as the chief guest, emphasised that while Artificial Intelligence can be a valuable asset for the media industry, responsible and ethical usage of it is crucial to ensuring its positive contribution to society. Expressing apprehensions about fake news damaging the credibility of media institutions, he called for prompt and exemplary action against those intentionally spreading false information, underscoring the moral duty of the media to prioritise truthfulness.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The Vice-President urged media organisations to prioritise truthfulness for survival, citing a decline in audience trust due to fake news, misinformation, political motives, power-brokering tendencies, and financial considerations. He highlighted credibility as the medias most significant challenge, describing it as an existential threat. Stressing the existential challenge posed by credibility issues in the media landscape, Dhankhar urged journalists and media outlets to uphold the highest standards of integrity, emphasising the adverse impact of fake news, misinformation, political motivations, and the tendency to act as power brokers on public trust. At the same event, Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Anurag Singh Thakur emphasized Indias longstanding commitment to press freedom while cautioning against efforts to weaken the national spirit. Thakur also highlighted the need to dispel misconceptions perpetuated by certain Western media biases regarding India and its media. Celebrating press freedom, Thakur acknowledged the challenge posed by individuals and media outlets spreading fake propaganda both domestically and internationally. He urged vigilance against those undermining the nations spirit. Thakur emphasised Indias enduring commitment to press freedom while acknowledging the imperative to address efforts aimed at undermining the national ethos. Minister cautions against Western media biases Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Anurag Singh Thakur emphasized Indias longstanding commitment to press freedom. He said there is a need to dispel misconceptions perpe-tuated by certain Western media biases about India and its media. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Mukesh Ranjan By Express News Service RANCHI: Ranchi police has arrested a woman who had obstructed Prime Minister Narendra Modis convoy during his two-day visit to Jharkhand on Wednesday. Based on the statement of Dhanbad ACB Inspector Vinod Kumar Paswan, a case was registered against the woman, Sangeeta Jha, at Kotwali police station in Ranchi. After the incident, NSG had also sought a report from Ranchi Police. Sangeetha Jha suddenly jumped in front of the PM's convoy while it was on its way to Bhagwan Birsa Munda Memorial Museum. The woman, however, was immediately caught by security forces deployed for PM's security and taken into custody. It has been claimed that the woman was keen to meet the PM. According to the FIR registered at Kotwali Police Station, the actions taken by Sangeeta Jha falls under the category of a serious offence. FIR under Sections 341,283,353,186 of IPC was registered against the woman. SSP Chandan Kumar Sinha has suspended three police officers in connection with the lapse regarding the security of the Prime. Those who have been suspended include ASI Abu Zafar, Havildar Chhotalal Tudu and Constable Ranjan Kumar. (With inputs from Online Desk) Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp RANCHI: Ranchi police has arrested a woman who had obstructed Prime Minister Narendra Modis convoy during his two-day visit to Jharkhand on Wednesday. Based on the statement of Dhanbad ACB Inspector Vinod Kumar Paswan, a case was registered against the woman, Sangeeta Jha, at Kotwali police station in Ranchi. After the incident, NSG had also sought a report from Ranchi Police.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Sangeetha Jha suddenly jumped in front of the PM's convoy while it was on its way to Bhagwan Birsa Munda Memorial Museum. The woman, however, was immediately caught by security forces deployed for PM's security and taken into custody. It has been claimed that the woman was keen to meet the PM. According to the FIR registered at Kotwali Police Station, the actions taken by Sangeeta Jha falls under the category of a serious offence. FIR under Sections 341,283,353,186 of IPC was registered against the woman. SSP Chandan Kumar Sinha has suspended three police officers in connection with the lapse regarding the security of the Prime. Those who have been suspended include ASI Abu Zafar, Havildar Chhotalal Tudu and Constable Ranjan Kumar. (With inputs from Online Desk) Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Southeast Health recently honored birth tissue donors and the patients who have experienced healing effects from the donations. Our goal is to launch and support donation programs so every mother can donate and give back the gift of healing. David Hill, CEO of telaGen, said. We want to allow all patients to have access to these advanced tissue biologics. Dozens of Southeast Health workers and telaGen representatives gathered in the hospitals Heart and Vascular Center Tuesday to participate in a Celebration of Healing. During the event, Hill also announced the health system surpassed a milestone of 2,000 birth tissue donations. Were very proud and honored to be a partner of Southeast Health, Hill said. Reaching this mark is so impactful because it shows the donor mothers, on their special day, took the time to listen to us and think about a fellow human being and how the donation could impact them. We cant thank them enough for wanting to heal others. Located in Tallahassee, Florida, telaGen is one of the top birth tissue donation companies in the country. Over the past decade, the program has supported over 30,000 donations in 50 hospitals across the Southeast and Midwest. In 2016, telaGen partnered with Southeast Health to bring the life-changing initiative to the Wiregrass. Hill said each placenta donated creates around 40 wound grafts. There are about 3.6 million births and 100,000 tissue donations per year, Hill said. So, around 4 million grafts are produced each year. Stephanie Ross, a registered nurse in the health systems birth center, has seen some of the benefits the treatments have provided. Ill never forget when a representative from telaGen came in and told us they were going to start collecting the placentas and use them as a healing donation, Ross said. I was so excited, and I thought it was amazing. I do have family members with severe diabetes and cancer. Ive heard that it covers a wide range of areas, including ocular surgeries and hair transplants. I worked in there when we used to put the birth tissue in a bucket and it went to medical waste. So, we were all on board when telaGen pitched the idea. Although a lot of progress has been made, Hill believes there is still more work to do. Non-healing wounds in the U.S. affect about 15% of Medicare recipients, Hill said. That translates to approximately 8 million patients each year who have a diabetic foot ulcer or some type of wound that wont heal. Were only at about half of what we need even with more treatment. The work isnt finished yet. For more information about telaGen, go to www.telagenllc.com or call 850-329-7569. By Online Desk Polling began Friday morning for assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh, where 2,533 candidates, including Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and his predecessor Kamal Nath, are in the fray for 230 assembly seats in a largely straight contest between the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress. Voter turnout: 45.4 per cent till 1 pm An aide of a Congress candidate was killed after two groups fought in the Rajnagar constituency of Madhya Pradesh and a few clashes were reported in other parts of the state, where assembly elections are being held on Friday, officials said. Top leaders crisscrossed the state, addressing rallies, holding road shows, trading charges, and making a slew of promises to seek votes for their candidates. Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan is contesting from Budhni and state Congress president Kamal Nath from Chhindwara. The electioneering saw Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP president JP Nadda, Union Minister Rajnath Singh, and Chouhan, among others, address rallies to drum up support for the saffron party nominees. #WATCH | On being asked about the CM face, Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan says "This is not important to me. Our party makes the decision on who has to work where. We don't think about ourselves, our mission is to work for the development of the country and Madhya pic.twitter.com/DVQ9ZaItGN ANI (@ANI) November 17, 2023 Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and party leaders Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi-Vadra, Nath, and Digvijaya Singh, among others, addressed rallies to seek support for their party nominees. Modi made nine visits to the state and addressed 14 public meetings after the elections were announced. The BJP is heavily banking on his charisma to retain power. #WATCH | Madhya Pradesh Elections | State Congress president and party's candidate from Chhindwara, Kamal Nath says, "I have faith in the entire state that they will side with the truth. I trust the public, the voters. I am not Shivraj Singh that I will say that we will win these pic.twitter.com/HtzQ2Ql0OR ANI (@ANI) November 17, 2023 A look at the constituency: The single-phase voting covering all 230 assembly seats47 of them reserved for Scheduled Tribes and 35 for Scheduled Casteshas more than 5.6 crore registered electors. Inputs from ground zero suggest that the Gwalior-Chambal, Vindhya, and Bundelkhand regions may ultimately hold the key to who comes to power, despite the communally sensitive Malwa-Nimar region housing a maximum of 66 seats. Opinion polls in the recent past have been predicting a close race between both the main players (with an edge to the Congress). In 2018, Congress emerged as the largest party, winning 114 seats and forming the government with the support of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and the Samajwadi Party (SP). MP Assembly Polls: Union minister and BJP candidate Prahlad Singh Patel exercises his franchise at polling booth in Narsinghpur town of MP. @NewIndianXpress @TheMornStandard @santwana99 @Shahid_Faridi_ pic.twitter.com/4zLbKKHnQg Anuraag Singh (@anuraag_niebpl) November 17, 2023 Two persons were injured in a clash on Friday during voting in Madhya Pradesh's Dimani constituency where the Union Minister Narendra Singh Tomar is contesting, an official said. Morena Superintendent of Police (SP) Shailendra Singh said that a clash between two groups was reported from Mirdhan village over attempts to stop voters from casting their ballots. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Polling began Friday morning for assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh, where 2,533 candidates, including Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and his predecessor Kamal Nath, are in the fray for 230 assembly seats in a largely straight contest between the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress. Voter turnout: 45.4 per cent till 1 pm An aide of a Congress candidate was killed after two groups fought in the Rajnagar constituency of Madhya Pradesh and a few clashes were reported in other parts of the state, where assembly elections are being held on Friday, officials said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Top leaders crisscrossed the state, addressing rallies, holding road shows, trading charges, and making a slew of promises to seek votes for their candidates. Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan is contesting from Budhni and state Congress president Kamal Nath from Chhindwara. The electioneering saw Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP president JP Nadda, Union Minister Rajnath Singh, and Chouhan, among others, address rallies to drum up support for the saffron party nominees. #WATCH | On being asked about the CM face, Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan says "This is not important to me. Our party makes the decision on who has to work where. We don't think about ourselves, our mission is to work for the development of the country and Madhya pic.twitter.com/DVQ9ZaItGN ANI (@ANI) November 17, 2023 Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and party leaders Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi-Vadra, Nath, and Digvijaya Singh, among others, addressed rallies to seek support for their party nominees. Modi made nine visits to the state and addressed 14 public meetings after the elections were announced. The BJP is heavily banking on his charisma to retain power. #WATCH | Madhya Pradesh Elections | State Congress president and party's candidate from Chhindwara, Kamal Nath says, "I have faith in the entire state that they will side with the truth. I trust the public, the voters. I am not Shivraj Singh that I will say that we will win these pic.twitter.com/HtzQ2Ql0OR ANI (@ANI) November 17, 2023 A look at the constituency: The single-phase voting covering all 230 assembly seats47 of them reserved for Scheduled Tribes and 35 for Scheduled Casteshas more than 5.6 crore registered electors. Inputs from ground zero suggest that the Gwalior-Chambal, Vindhya, and Bundelkhand regions may ultimately hold the key to who comes to power, despite the communally sensitive Malwa-Nimar region housing a maximum of 66 seats. Opinion polls in the recent past have been predicting a close race between both the main players (with an edge to the Congress). In 2018, Congress emerged as the largest party, winning 114 seats and forming the government with the support of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and the Samajwadi Party (SP). MP Assembly Polls: Union minister and BJP candidate Prahlad Singh Patel exercises his franchise at polling booth in Narsinghpur town of MP. @NewIndianXpress @TheMornStandard @santwana99 @Shahid_Faridi_ pic.twitter.com/4zLbKKHnQg Anuraag Singh (@anuraag_niebpl) November 17, 2023 Two persons were injured in a clash on Friday during voting in Madhya Pradesh's Dimani constituency where the Union Minister Narendra Singh Tomar is contesting, an official said. Morena Superintendent of Police (SP) Shailendra Singh said that a clash between two groups was reported from Mirdhan village over attempts to stop voters from casting their ballots. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp By PTI BHOPAL: An aide of a Congress candidate was killed after two groups fought in the Rajnagar constituency of Madhya Pradesh and a few clashes were reported in other parts of the state, where assembly elections are being held on Friday, officials said. Five persons were injured in a skirmish between two groups in the Mhow area of Indore district, while two men were wounded in a clash in Morena district's Dimani constituency, where Union minister Narendra Singh Tomar is contesting, they said. According to Chhatarpur Superintendent of Police Amit Sanghi, supporters of two political leaders faced off in the Rajnagar constituency in the early hours of Friday which resulted in the death of one Salman. The Congress candidate for the seat, Vikram Singh, alias Nati Raja, has alleged that Salman used to drive him around. However, BJP nominee Arvind Pateria dubbed the incident a conspiracy and sought a judicial probe into it. To ensure the peaceful conduct of polls in the sensitive Sumawali assembly constituency of Morena district, the police asked BJP candidate Andal Singh Kansana, Congress nominee Ajab Singh Kushwaha and BSP's Kuldeep Singh Sikarwar to sit in one place. Morena Superintendent of Police Shailendra Singh said, "The trio was called for a meeting the previous day where they agreed upon coming to the police line. This has been an old practice," he added. Morena is a part of the Chambal region that was once infamous for producing dreaded dacoits. Earlier, SP Singh had said that a clash between two groups was reported from Mirdhan village over attempts to stop voters from casting their ballots in Dimni constituency in which two persons were injured. He said some channels ran inaccurate reports claiming that there was firing and subsequent bullet injuries in the village. "Two persons, identified as Ajay Sharma and Rampratap Sharma, were injured by sticks in the fight. The news of bullet injuries is wrong," he said, adding that additional police personnel have been deployed in the area. Meanwhile, five men were injured in a fight between two groups of political parties at Manglia village of Mhow tehsil on Friday morning, Sub Divisional Officer of Police Dilip Chowdhary told PTI. In the Jhabua constituency, Congress candidate Dr Vikrant Bhuria's security guard was injured after stones were pelted at them around Thursday midnight. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp BHOPAL: An aide of a Congress candidate was killed after two groups fought in the Rajnagar constituency of Madhya Pradesh and a few clashes were reported in other parts of the state, where assembly elections are being held on Friday, officials said. Five persons were injured in a skirmish between two groups in the Mhow area of Indore district, while two men were wounded in a clash in Morena district's Dimani constituency, where Union minister Narendra Singh Tomar is contesting, they said. According to Chhatarpur Superintendent of Police Amit Sanghi, supporters of two political leaders faced off in the Rajnagar constituency in the early hours of Friday which resulted in the death of one Salman.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The Congress candidate for the seat, Vikram Singh, alias Nati Raja, has alleged that Salman used to drive him around. However, BJP nominee Arvind Pateria dubbed the incident a conspiracy and sought a judicial probe into it. To ensure the peaceful conduct of polls in the sensitive Sumawali assembly constituency of Morena district, the police asked BJP candidate Andal Singh Kansana, Congress nominee Ajab Singh Kushwaha and BSP's Kuldeep Singh Sikarwar to sit in one place. Morena Superintendent of Police Shailendra Singh said, "The trio was called for a meeting the previous day where they agreed upon coming to the police line. This has been an old practice," he added. Morena is a part of the Chambal region that was once infamous for producing dreaded dacoits. Earlier, SP Singh had said that a clash between two groups was reported from Mirdhan village over attempts to stop voters from casting their ballots in Dimni constituency in which two persons were injured. He said some channels ran inaccurate reports claiming that there was firing and subsequent bullet injuries in the village. "Two persons, identified as Ajay Sharma and Rampratap Sharma, were injured by sticks in the fight. The news of bullet injuries is wrong," he said, adding that additional police personnel have been deployed in the area. Meanwhile, five men were injured in a fight between two groups of political parties at Manglia village of Mhow tehsil on Friday morning, Sub Divisional Officer of Police Dilip Chowdhary told PTI. In the Jhabua constituency, Congress candidate Dr Vikrant Bhuria's security guard was injured after stones were pelted at them around Thursday midnight. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp By PTI IMPHAL: The Manipur government has strongly condemned the Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum's (ITLF) call for "self-governed separate administration" in districts dominated by members of the Kuki-Zo community and termed it as illegal. State government spokesperson and Education Minister Th Basantakumar Singh told reporters on Thursday night that "the irresponsible statements appear to be motivated and aimed at vitiating and disturbing the law and order situation in the state." "Meeting of the ruling party legislators held on Thursday strongly condemned the statement and appropriate legal actions are being initiated against ITLF and persons concerned," the minister said. ITLF, a frontal organisation of Kuki-Zo tribes in Manipur, had on Wednesday threatened to establish a "self-governed separate administration" in areas where these tribes have a majority. "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. The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has also condemned ITLF's separate administration demand and said it will only escalate the prevailing tense situation. It is a conspiracy to permanently rule out peaceful co-existence, COCOMI said in a statement, adding it is well known to both the central and state governments that illegal immigrants are primarily behind the violence in Manipur. 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 several 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 Manipur's 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. READ MORE | End Manipur violence or forget Acting East Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp IMPHAL: The Manipur government has strongly condemned the Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum's (ITLF) call for "self-governed separate administration" in districts dominated by members of the Kuki-Zo community and termed it as illegal. State government spokesperson and Education Minister Th Basantakumar Singh told reporters on Thursday night that "the irresponsible statements appear to be motivated and aimed at vitiating and disturbing the law and order situation in the state." "Meeting of the ruling party legislators held on Thursday strongly condemned the statement and appropriate legal actions are being initiated against ITLF and persons concerned," the minister said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); ITLF, a frontal organisation of Kuki-Zo tribes in Manipur, had on Wednesday threatened to establish a "self-governed separate administration" in areas where these tribes have a majority. "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. The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has also condemned ITLF's separate administration demand and said it will only escalate the prevailing tense situation. It is a conspiracy to permanently rule out peaceful co-existence, COCOMI said in a statement, adding it is well known to both the central and state governments that illegal immigrants are primarily behind the violence in Manipur. 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 several 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 Manipur's 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. READ MORE | End Manipur violence or forget Acting East Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Narendra Sethi By Express News Service DEHRADUN: A heavy-duty drilling machine flown in by the IAF is functioning well at the cave in site of an under-construction tunnel in Uttarkashi where 40 labourers have been stranded on the other side of the rubble since Sunday. Uttarkashi Superintendent of Police Arpan Yaduvanshi told this newspaper that two steel pipes each 6 metres long have been inserted into the debris to rescue the labourers. That insertion took seven hours. A third pipe has now been welded to the second one and is being pushed in through the US-made jack and push earth auger machine. More than 12 metres of the pipe has been inserted so far. Drilling is going on continuously, the Uttarkashi SP said. The length of the debris heap was earlier estimated at 30 metres. It could actually be double that figure. Col Deepak Patil, in charge of the relief and rescue mission, said: The trapped labourers are estimated to be 60 metres away from where drilling started. When our Plan A with an old auger machine failed, we went for Plan B, which was using the US-made auger. Plan C is also ready, he said. Once the pipe reaches the other side where the labourers are trapped, it will be illuminated inside with an LED rope light. The NDRF rehearsed evacuation drills and modified their stretchers into movable trolleys using used vehicles bearings, two stretchers in tandem. The collapse happened at the Silkyara side of the tunnel that will terminate at Dandalgaon when the project is fully executed. Its on the Yamunotri National Highway. The operation is being remotely monitored by tunnel experts through live video to check and understand the trend and behaviour of the rocks. Two persons have been given the responsibility for this work. They are running the video cameras round the clock, said a worker associated with the company. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp DEHRADUN: A heavy-duty drilling machine flown in by the IAF is functioning well at the cave in site of an under-construction tunnel in Uttarkashi where 40 labourers have been stranded on the other side of the rubble since Sunday. Uttarkashi Superintendent of Police Arpan Yaduvanshi told this newspaper that two steel pipes each 6 metres long have been inserted into the debris to rescue the labourers. That insertion took seven hours. A third pipe has now been welded to the second one and is being pushed in through the US-made jack and push earth auger machine. More than 12 metres of the pipe has been inserted so far. Drilling is going on continuously, the Uttarkashi SP said. The length of the debris heap was earlier estimated at 30 metres. It could actually be double that figure. Col Deepak Patil, in charge of the relief and rescue mission, said: The trapped labourers are estimated to be 60 metres away from where drilling started. When our Plan A with an old auger machine failed, we went for Plan B, which was using the US-made auger. Plan C is also ready, he said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Once the pipe reaches the other side where the labourers are trapped, it will be illuminated inside with an LED rope light. The NDRF rehearsed evacuation drills and modified their stretchers into movable trolleys using used vehicles bearings, two stretchers in tandem. The collapse happened at the Silkyara side of the tunnel that will terminate at Dandalgaon when the project is fully executed. Its on the Yamunotri National Highway. The operation is being remotely monitored by tunnel experts through live video to check and understand the trend and behaviour of the rocks. Two persons have been given the responsibility for this work. They are running the video cameras round the clock, said a worker associated with the company. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Narendra Sethi By Express News Service DEHRADUN: The operation to rescue the workers trapped in the Silkyara tunnel was interrupted at around 4 pm on Friday when the driller of the Auger machine collided with a rock. Forty labourers remained stranded for the sixth day after a portion of the 4.531-km-long tunnel that is under construction collapsed in the early hours of Sunday. According to information received from administrative sources, "The work of laying pipes in the tunnel has been stopped after a technical fault in the American Auger machine doing drilling." So far, only about 25 metres of pipes have been inserted in the tunnel, while the debris in the tunnel is up to about 70 metres. "There has been a fault in the bearings of the machine, due to which it is being dislocated repeatedly," said a source at the accident site. Now the machine is being fixed by installing anchors on the platform. "The operations to rescue the labourers trapped in the Silkyara tunnel continued for the sixth day on Friday," Uttarkashi Superintendent of Police Arpan Yadhuvanshi told The New Indian Express. Welding work was being done to insert the fifth pipe when this technical fault occurred. Another Auger machine has been ordered from Indore as backup. The families of many of the 40 labourers trapped in the tunnel are at the site. Administration teams and family members are constantly communicating with the labourers. At the same time, the workers are also encouraging each other. The state government says that the construction of this tunnel will provide all-weather connectivity to Yamunotri, one of the dhams located on the Chardham Yatra, thereby promoting regional socio-economic development, trade and tourism within the country. It will reduce the travel distance from Dharasu to Yamunotri by about 20 km and travel time by about an hour. "The PMO is monitoring the ongoing operation in Silkiyara and PM Narendra Modi is constantly taking updates on the progress of the campaign," said Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami while talking to media persons at the state secretariat. Asked about negligence in the construction of the tunnel, CM Dhami said, "Our first priority right now is to get 40 workers out safely." Chief Minister Dhami also announced a comprehensive review of all tunnels under construction in the state after the tunnel collapse. Dhami said, "The state needs such tunnels, but the ongoing construction projects will be thoroughly reviewed." ALSO READ | Tunnel tragedy is another eco-warning we need to heed Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp DEHRADUN: The operation to rescue the workers trapped in the Silkyara tunnel was interrupted at around 4 pm on Friday when the driller of the Auger machine collided with a rock. Forty labourers remained stranded for the sixth day after a portion of the 4.531-km-long tunnel that is under construction collapsed in the early hours of Sunday. According to information received from administrative sources, "The work of laying pipes in the tunnel has been stopped after a technical fault in the American Auger machine doing drilling." So far, only about 25 metres of pipes have been inserted in the tunnel, while the debris in the tunnel is up to about 70 metres. "There has been a fault in the bearings of the machine, due to which it is being dislocated repeatedly," said a source at the accident site. Now the machine is being fixed by installing anchors on the platform.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); "The operations to rescue the labourers trapped in the Silkyara tunnel continued for the sixth day on Friday," Uttarkashi Superintendent of Police Arpan Yadhuvanshi told The New Indian Express. Welding work was being done to insert the fifth pipe when this technical fault occurred. Another Auger machine has been ordered from Indore as backup. The families of many of the 40 labourers trapped in the tunnel are at the site. Administration teams and family members are constantly communicating with the labourers. At the same time, the workers are also encouraging each other. The state government says that the construction of this tunnel will provide all-weather connectivity to Yamunotri, one of the dhams located on the Chardham Yatra, thereby promoting regional socio-economic development, trade and tourism within the country. It will reduce the travel distance from Dharasu to Yamunotri by about 20 km and travel time by about an hour. "The PMO is monitoring the ongoing operation in Silkiyara and PM Narendra Modi is constantly taking updates on the progress of the campaign," said Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami while talking to media persons at the state secretariat. Asked about negligence in the construction of the tunnel, CM Dhami said, "Our first priority right now is to get 40 workers out safely." Chief Minister Dhami also announced a comprehensive review of all tunnels under construction in the state after the tunnel collapse. Dhami said, "The state needs such tunnels, but the ongoing construction projects will be thoroughly reviewed." ALSO READ | Tunnel tragedy is another eco-warning we need to heed Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp By PTI JAMMU: Six terrorists were killed in two separate encounters with security forces in the Jammu and Kashmir regions on Friday, officials said. While five Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) terrorists were killed following an overnight encounter with the security forces in Kulgam district in the valley, one ultra was neutralised in Rajouri, they added. "The bodies of the slain terrorists have been retrieved and the area is being sanitised," Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir Zone, V K Birdi told PTI after the 18-hour gunbattle in Kulgam district came to an end. Birdi said the bodies of the slain terrorists were located with the help of drone footage. The security forces had launched a cordon-and-search operation in Nehama village of Kulgam following information about the presence of terrorists in the area on Thursday, officials said. The search operation turned into a gunbattle as the terrorists opened fire on the security personnel, they added. While the security forces maintained a tight cordon around the area where the ultras were trapped, the operation was suspended at night, the officials said. Gunshots were exchanged in the early hours of Friday after a night-long lull at Samno in the Nehama area, the officials said. The house where the terrorists were hiding caught fire in the exchange of fire, forcing the ultras to come out. The slain terrorists were identified as Sameer Ahmad Sheikh (of the People's Anti-Fascist Front or PAFF), Yasir Bilal Bhat, Danish Ahmad Thokar, Hanzullah Yaqoob Shah and Ubaid Ahmad Padder (all from The Resistance Front or TRF). According to the security officials, both the PAFF and TRF are shadow outfits of the LeT. Briefing the media about the Kulgam operation, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police, South Kashmir Range, Rayees Bhat said it was based on specific information regarding the presence of terrorists in Samno village. "On the receipt of specific inputs regarding the movement of terrorists and based on synergised efforts of the Jammu and Kashmir Police and Army, a joint operation was launched at Samno on Thursday by units of police, 34 Rashtriya Rifles, 9 Para and 18th Battalion of the CRPF. Contact was established with the LeT terrorists who were hiding in a house. In the ensuing encounter, five terrorists were neutralised," he said. The officer said according to police records, the slain ultras were categorised as terrorists and were involved in several terror crimes, including attacks on security forces and atrocities on civilians. "They were involved in the attack on Kashmiri Pandit Sonu Bhat in Shopian last year, the attack on a minority picket at Heerpora Batgund in Shopian, the attack on a cordon party at Wattu Keegam and the attack on non-local labourers earlier this year at Gagran in Shopian," he added. Bhat said the operation was a result of synergised efforts among the security forces operating in the area. "It is a big success because these terrorists were involved in several attacks on minorities. The neutralisation of the terrorists has dealt a serious blow to the outfits operating here and we believe that more successes are on the way," he added. The DIG said incriminating materials, arms and ammunition, including four AK-series rifles, four grenades and two pistols, were seized from the encounter site. Meanwhile, another terrorist was killed in an encounter with a joint team of security forces in Rajouri district of the Jammu region, the officials said. Based on specific information, an operation was launched in the morning by a joint team of police, Army and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in the Behrote area within the Budhal police station limits, a police spokesperson said. The cordon-and-search operation was launched based on inputs of suspicious movement in the area, the officials added. The terrorist, who was hiding in a house, opened fire on the security personnel while they were moving towards the target, the police spokesperson said. "The exchange of fire continued for some time and one terrorist was killed," she added. One AK-47 rifle, three magazines, three grenades and a pouch were seized from the encounter site, the spokesperson said. The area has been cordoned off and the search operation is on, she said, adding that the identity of the terrorist is yet to be ascertained. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp JAMMU: Six terrorists were killed in two separate encounters with security forces in the Jammu and Kashmir regions on Friday, officials said. While five Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) terrorists were killed following an overnight encounter with the security forces in Kulgam district in the valley, one ultra was neutralised in Rajouri, they added. "The bodies of the slain terrorists have been retrieved and the area is being sanitised," Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir Zone, V K Birdi told PTI after the 18-hour gunbattle in Kulgam district came to an end. Birdi said the bodies of the slain terrorists were located with the help of drone footage.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The security forces had launched a cordon-and-search operation in Nehama village of Kulgam following information about the presence of terrorists in the area on Thursday, officials said. The search operation turned into a gunbattle as the terrorists opened fire on the security personnel, they added. While the security forces maintained a tight cordon around the area where the ultras were trapped, the operation was suspended at night, the officials said. Gunshots were exchanged in the early hours of Friday after a night-long lull at Samno in the Nehama area, the officials said. The house where the terrorists were hiding caught fire in the exchange of fire, forcing the ultras to come out. The slain terrorists were identified as Sameer Ahmad Sheikh (of the People's Anti-Fascist Front or PAFF), Yasir Bilal Bhat, Danish Ahmad Thokar, Hanzullah Yaqoob Shah and Ubaid Ahmad Padder (all from The Resistance Front or TRF). According to the security officials, both the PAFF and TRF are shadow outfits of the LeT. Briefing the media about the Kulgam operation, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police, South Kashmir Range, Rayees Bhat said it was based on specific information regarding the presence of terrorists in Samno village. "On the receipt of specific inputs regarding the movement of terrorists and based on synergised efforts of the Jammu and Kashmir Police and Army, a joint operation was launched at Samno on Thursday by units of police, 34 Rashtriya Rifles, 9 Para and 18th Battalion of the CRPF. Contact was established with the LeT terrorists who were hiding in a house. In the ensuing encounter, five terrorists were neutralised," he said. The officer said according to police records, the slain ultras were categorised as terrorists and were involved in several terror crimes, including attacks on security forces and atrocities on civilians. "They were involved in the attack on Kashmiri Pandit Sonu Bhat in Shopian last year, the attack on a minority picket at Heerpora Batgund in Shopian, the attack on a cordon party at Wattu Keegam and the attack on non-local labourers earlier this year at Gagran in Shopian," he added. Bhat said the operation was a result of synergised efforts among the security forces operating in the area. "It is a big success because these terrorists were involved in several attacks on minorities. The neutralisation of the terrorists has dealt a serious blow to the outfits operating here and we believe that more successes are on the way," he added. The DIG said incriminating materials, arms and ammunition, including four AK-series rifles, four grenades and two pistols, were seized from the encounter site. Meanwhile, another terrorist was killed in an encounter with a joint team of security forces in Rajouri district of the Jammu region, the officials said. Based on specific information, an operation was launched in the morning by a joint team of police, Army and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in the Behrote area within the Budhal police station limits, a police spokesperson said. The cordon-and-search operation was launched based on inputs of suspicious movement in the area, the officials added. The terrorist, who was hiding in a house, opened fire on the security personnel while they were moving towards the target, the police spokesperson said. "The exchange of fire continued for some time and one terrorist was killed," she added. One AK-47 rifle, three magazines, three grenades and a pouch were seized from the encounter site, the spokesperson said. The area has been cordoned off and the search operation is on, she said, adding that the identity of the terrorist is yet to be ascertained. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Rajesh Asnani By Express News Service JAIPUR: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi during election rallies in Rajasthan, countering Modis guarantees with what he dubbed the Modi guarantee a veiled reference to the alleged favouritism towards business enterprise Adani group. He asserted that while Modis guarantee implies benefits for Adani group, the Congress guarantees are designed to channel funds to the impover ished and underprivileged segments of the state. Speaking at rallies in Taranagar, Nohar and Sadulshahr, Rahul quipped, Narendra Modi ji says Modis guarantee. Modis guarantee means Adanis guarantee. Congress means the government of farmers, labourers and youth. This is the difference. He drew a clear distinction between Modis purported support for Adani groups interests and the Congress commitment to serving the interests of farmers, labourers, and marginalised communities. He took the opportunity to critique the economic policies of the Modi government, highlighting their alleged inclination towards benefitting the wealthy. We transfer money into the pockets of the poor. They put it in Adani jis pocket. We put it in your pocket, he stated, emphasising his dedication to uplift the disadvantaged. He pledged to match the funds allocated to Adani with financial assistance for the poor, underscoring his commitment to real and tangible change. He urged the audience to make a choice between Adanis government and a government of farmers, labourers, and youth, framing the upcoming election as a crucial decision between conflicting visions for the states future. He also lauded the achievements of the Gehlot government, citing the establishment of English medium schools, new colleges, and universities. He criticised BJP for their stance on Hindi and English education, asserting that the Congress prioritises education as a means of empowering the youth for a globalised job market. Highlighting the Congress partys seven guarantees, including financial assistance for women, subsidies for gas cylinders, and English medium education, Rahul painted these pledges as a roadmap for Rajasthans brighter future. He warned against the potential erosion of these welfare schemes under a BJP government, cautioning that BJP would favour billionaires over the common populace. He concluded by emphasising the need for a caste census, positioning it as a pivotal step toward addressing the rights of backward classes in the country. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp JAIPUR: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi during election rallies in Rajasthan, countering Modis guarantees with what he dubbed the Modi guarantee a veiled reference to the alleged favouritism towards business enterprise Adani group. He asserted that while Modis guarantee implies benefits for Adani group, the Congress guarantees are designed to channel funds to the impover ished and underprivileged segments of the state. Speaking at rallies in Taranagar, Nohar and Sadulshahr, Rahul quipped, Narendra Modi ji says Modis guarantee. Modis guarantee means Adanis guarantee. Congress means the government of farmers, labourers and youth. This is the difference. He drew a clear distinction between Modis purported support for Adani groups interests and the Congress commitment to serving the interests of farmers, labourers, and marginalised communities.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); He took the opportunity to critique the economic policies of the Modi government, highlighting their alleged inclination towards benefitting the wealthy. We transfer money into the pockets of the poor. They put it in Adani jis pocket. We put it in your pocket, he stated, emphasising his dedication to uplift the disadvantaged. He pledged to match the funds allocated to Adani with financial assistance for the poor, underscoring his commitment to real and tangible change. He urged the audience to make a choice between Adanis government and a government of farmers, labourers, and youth, framing the upcoming election as a crucial decision between conflicting visions for the states future. He also lauded the achievements of the Gehlot government, citing the establishment of English medium schools, new colleges, and universities. He criticised BJP for their stance on Hindi and English education, asserting that the Congress prioritises education as a means of empowering the youth for a globalised job market. Highlighting the Congress partys seven guarantees, including financial assistance for women, subsidies for gas cylinders, and English medium education, Rahul painted these pledges as a roadmap for Rajasthans brighter future. He warned against the potential erosion of these welfare schemes under a BJP government, cautioning that BJP would favour billionaires over the common populace. He concluded by emphasising the need for a caste census, positioning it as a pivotal step toward addressing the rights of backward classes in the country. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp By Express News Service UDIPI: The recent murder of four members of a family at Tripathi Nagara near Nejar has sent shock waves in the state. Police have arrested an Air India Express employee Praveen Arun Chougule for murdering Hasina (48) and her children Afsan (23), Aseem (12), and Aynaz (21). Aynaz was an air hostess with the Air India Express. In an interaction with a TV channel, the father of Aynaz, Mohammed Noor said that he is pained by the way in which the Air India Express management treated the family after the brutal murders. ''They have not even called us or expressed their anguish over the incident. What kind of employee (Praveen Arun Chougule) do they recruit? Had they done the background check of Praveen Chougule before recruiting him? What safety the passengers would have had in the flight as he was a senior crew member with the company,'' Mohammed Noor said. ALSO READ | No breakthrough in quadruple murders in Karnataka, all victims laid to rest Meanwhile, Udupi district in-charge minister Laxmi Hebbalkar visited the victims' house on Friday and expressed her pain over the incident. Family members further said that they were not aware of such an employee working with Aynaz as her colleague. On November 12, the accused Praveen Arun Chougule (39) had entered Aynaz's house and allegedly hacked her to death along with other family members who rushed to her aid during the assault. ALSO READ | Airline cabin crew member held in Udupi quadruple murder case Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp UDIPI: The recent murder of four members of a family at Tripathi Nagara near Nejar has sent shock waves in the state. Police have arrested an Air India Express employee Praveen Arun Chougule for murdering Hasina (48) and her children Afsan (23), Aseem (12), and Aynaz (21). Aynaz was an air hostess with the Air India Express. In an interaction with a TV channel, the father of Aynaz, Mohammed Noor said that he is pained by the way in which the Air India Express management treated the family after the brutal murders.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); ''They have not even called us or expressed their anguish over the incident. What kind of employee (Praveen Arun Chougule) do they recruit? Had they done the background check of Praveen Chougule before recruiting him? What safety the passengers would have had in the flight as he was a senior crew member with the company,'' Mohammed Noor said. ALSO READ | No breakthrough in quadruple murders in Karnataka, all victims laid to rest Meanwhile, Udupi district in-charge minister Laxmi Hebbalkar visited the victims' house on Friday and expressed her pain over the incident. Family members further said that they were not aware of such an employee working with Aynaz as her colleague. On November 12, the accused Praveen Arun Chougule (39) had entered Aynaz's house and allegedly hacked her to death along with other family members who rushed to her aid during the assault. ALSO READ | Airline cabin crew member held in Udupi quadruple murder case Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp By Express News Service KOCHI: The Kerala High Court has observed that credit rating of farmers, who sell their paddy to the government under the paddy procurement scheme and are issued PRS (paddy receipt sheet), can never be affected as the court has already held they cannot be construed as borrowers by any bank. The court said banks cannot treat farmers as borrowers, as it is because the government requires time to make payment that farmers are forced to take PRS. I reiterate, by no stretch can farmers who effectively sell grains to the government under the paddy procurement scheme, be construed as borrowers, because it is only since the government requires time to make payment against it, that they are forced to avail such facility. Therefore, it cannot affect their credit rating, said Justice Devan Ramachandran. The court said banks can neither insist on execution of any security document by farmers, nor impose any condition on them akin to a borrower. The HC issued the order while hearing a petition filed by some farmers from Palakkad and Alappuzha seeking a directive to Supplyco to pay them the price of paddy procured in full. The petitioners said despite an HC judgment, they were treated as borrowers and their credit rating affected. ALSO READ | 'Kerala govt is responsible,' says Congress as Kuttanad farmer dies by suicide after civil supplies corporation delays payment The farmers counsel submitted that in view of the suicide by a farmer in Kuttanad, their clients were apprehensive. Supplycos counsel submitted that in case of PRS, the borrower is Supplyco, not the farmers. Hence, the petitioners fear of their credit rating being affected has no reason. On the courts query whether Supplyco was willing to inform banks that farmers were not borrowers and that their credit rating could not be affected by PRS, the Supplyco counsel sought time to inform the corporations stand. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp KOCHI: The Kerala High Court has observed that credit rating of farmers, who sell their paddy to the government under the paddy procurement scheme and are issued PRS (paddy receipt sheet), can never be affected as the court has already held they cannot be construed as borrowers by any bank. The court said banks cannot treat farmers as borrowers, as it is because the government requires time to make payment that farmers are forced to take PRS. I reiterate, by no stretch can farmers who effectively sell grains to the government under the paddy procurement scheme, be construed as borrowers, because it is only since the government requires time to make payment against it, that they are forced to avail such facility. Therefore, it cannot affect their credit rating, said Justice Devan Ramachandran.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The court said banks can neither insist on execution of any security document by farmers, nor impose any condition on them akin to a borrower. The HC issued the order while hearing a petition filed by some farmers from Palakkad and Alappuzha seeking a directive to Supplyco to pay them the price of paddy procured in full. The petitioners said despite an HC judgment, they were treated as borrowers and their credit rating affected. ALSO READ | 'Kerala govt is responsible,' says Congress as Kuttanad farmer dies by suicide after civil supplies corporation delays payment The farmers counsel submitted that in view of the suicide by a farmer in Kuttanad, their clients were apprehensive. Supplycos counsel submitted that in case of PRS, the borrower is Supplyco, not the farmers. Hence, the petitioners fear of their credit rating being affected has no reason. On the courts query whether Supplyco was willing to inform banks that farmers were not borrowers and that their credit rating could not be affected by PRS, the Supplyco counsel sought time to inform the corporations stand. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp By Express News Service KOCHI: The two-month-long Sabarimala pilgrimage gets going on Friday, with the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) expecting around 75 lakh devotees to visit the hill shrine this season. Around 56 lakh pilgrims visited the temple last season. As part of its efforts to allay apprehensions of pilgrims, TDB organised meetings of devotees at Visakhapatnam, Hyderabad, Chennai, Mumbai, Dubai, and Malaysia explaining the facilities provided at Sabarimala. Information centres have been opened in Dubai, Malaysia, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Visakhapatnam. All arrangements have been made to ensure the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage. Transport Minister Antony Raju has assured the availability of adequate number of buses running between Nilakkal and Pampa. Information centres have been opened at various railway stations and Kochi airport. Special instructions have been issued to ensure the best facilities for pilgrims arriving from other states and foreign countries, said Devaswom Minister K Radhakrishnan, who arrived at Sabarimala on Thursday evening. We have introduced a dynamic queue system from Marakkoottam through Saramkuthy to Sannidhanam. Pilgrims can take rest in the queue complex and proceed only after receiving information on the display system. Besides, we have installed video walls at Nilakkal and Pampa where pilgrims can take stock of the situation at Sannidhanam before starting their journey, said former TDB president K Ananthagopan. TDB has constructed 168 urinals at Sabarimala of which 36 have been set aside for women. A clock-room complex has been constructed at Nilakkal with 14 toilets and resting space for devotees. An RO plant will be installed at Sannidhanam to ensure distribution of drinking water. Proper lighting arrangements have been made from Pampa to Sannidhanam at a cost of Rs 1.42 crore. The board has provided administrative sanction for a `55-lakh solid waste management project at Sannidhanam. Central funds under the Swadesh Darshan will be used to realise the project. Besides, TDB has laid interlocking tiles at the transport bus stand in Nilakkal, spending Rs 36 lakh. The dispute with the forest department over construction of a nadappandal and waiting shed for pilgrims at Pampa has been settled. As part of the Sabarimala master plan, seven staff quarters are being built in Nilakkal of which two have been completed. The laying of stone slabs on the trek route from Pampa to Sannidhanam has also been carried out. The contract for preparation of a DPR for the Pampa bridge has been awarded to Wapcos Kochi. The company has also demanded right of execution of the project. The DPR for the Sabarimala ropeway project has been finalised and submitted before court. DEVELOPMENTS FOR DEVOTEES Laying of stone slabs on the trek route from Pampa to Sannidhanam completed Construction of rescue bridge across Pampa connecting Triveni to Ganapathy temple yet to be started. L50L allocated for preparation of DPR DPR for Sabarimala ropeway project submitted before court. Devaswom Board has cleared alignment change at Sannidhanam to avoid cutting trees Construction of prasadam complex yet to be started Interlocking tiles laid at Nilakkal transport bus stand, at a cost of L36L 168 urinals constructed at Sabarimala of which 36 have been set aside for women Dynamic queue system from Marakkoottam through Saramkuthy to Sannidhanam Video walls installed at Nilakkal and Pampa Three large fans installed in the valiya nadappanthal at Sannidhanam A clock-room complex constructed at Nilakkal with 14 toilets and resting space for devotees Seven staff quarters are being built at Nilakkal of which two have been completed Edathavalam at Nilakkal with four large dormitory complexes under construction Devaswom Board has approached state govt to extend deadline of L75 crore in lapsed tourism funds An RO plant to be installed at Sannidhanam Lighting arrangements from Pampa to Sannidhanam completed at an expense of L1.42 cr L55L solid waste management project at Sannidhanam provided administrative sanction Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp KOCHI: The two-month-long Sabarimala pilgrimage gets going on Friday, with the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) expecting around 75 lakh devotees to visit the hill shrine this season. Around 56 lakh pilgrims visited the temple last season. As part of its efforts to allay apprehensions of pilgrims, TDB organised meetings of devotees at Visakhapatnam, Hyderabad, Chennai, Mumbai, Dubai, and Malaysia explaining the facilities provided at Sabarimala. Information centres have been opened in Dubai, Malaysia, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Visakhapatnam. All arrangements have been made to ensure the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage. Transport Minister Antony Raju has assured the availability of adequate number of buses running between Nilakkal and Pampa. Information centres have been opened at various railway stations and Kochi airport. Special instructions have been issued to ensure the best facilities for pilgrims arriving from other states and foreign countries, said Devaswom Minister K Radhakrishnan, who arrived at Sabarimala on Thursday evening. googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); We have introduced a dynamic queue system from Marakkoottam through Saramkuthy to Sannidhanam. Pilgrims can take rest in the queue complex and proceed only after receiving information on the display system. Besides, we have installed video walls at Nilakkal and Pampa where pilgrims can take stock of the situation at Sannidhanam before starting their journey, said former TDB president K Ananthagopan. TDB has constructed 168 urinals at Sabarimala of which 36 have been set aside for women. A clock-room complex has been constructed at Nilakkal with 14 toilets and resting space for devotees. An RO plant will be installed at Sannidhanam to ensure distribution of drinking water. Proper lighting arrangements have been made from Pampa to Sannidhanam at a cost of Rs 1.42 crore. The board has provided administrative sanction for a `55-lakh solid waste management project at Sannidhanam. Central funds under the Swadesh Darshan will be used to realise the project. Besides, TDB has laid interlocking tiles at the transport bus stand in Nilakkal, spending Rs 36 lakh. The dispute with the forest department over construction of a nadappandal and waiting shed for pilgrims at Pampa has been settled. As part of the Sabarimala master plan, seven staff quarters are being built in Nilakkal of which two have been completed. The laying of stone slabs on the trek route from Pampa to Sannidhanam has also been carried out. The contract for preparation of a DPR for the Pampa bridge has been awarded to Wapcos Kochi. The company has also demanded right of execution of the project. The DPR for the Sabarimala ropeway project has been finalised and submitted before court. DEVELOPMENTS FOR DEVOTEES Laying of stone slabs on the trek route from Pampa to Sannidhanam completed Construction of rescue bridge across Pampa connecting Triveni to Ganapathy temple yet to be started. L50L allocated for preparation of DPR DPR for Sabarimala ropeway project submitted before court. Devaswom Board has cleared alignment change at Sannidhanam to avoid cutting trees Construction of prasadam complex yet to be started Interlocking tiles laid at Nilakkal transport bus stand, at a cost of L36L 168 urinals constructed at Sabarimala of which 36 have been set aside for women Dynamic queue system from Marakkoottam through Saramkuthy to Sannidhanam Video walls installed at Nilakkal and Pampa Three large fans installed in the valiya nadappanthal at Sannidhanam A clock-room complex constructed at Nilakkal with 14 toilets and resting space for devotees Seven staff quarters are being built at Nilakkal of which two have been completed Edathavalam at Nilakkal with four large dormitory complexes under construction Devaswom Board has approached state govt to extend deadline of L75 crore in lapsed tourism funds An RO plant to be installed at Sannidhanam Lighting arrangements from Pampa to Sannidhanam completed at an expense of L1.42 cr L55L solid waste management project at Sannidhanam provided administrative sanction Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp President Vo Van Thuong in meeting with US-APEC Business Coalition in San Francisco on Nov. 15, 2023. Photo by Vietnam News Agency President Vo Van Thuong has called on the U.S.-APEC Business Coalition to push for Vietnams recognition by the U.S. as a market economy. The U.S.-APEC Business Coalition is a partnership that helps organizes bilateral meetings for U.S. business executives with APEC leaders to coordinate support for U.S. policy objectives. At the 2023 APEC Economic Leaders Week in San Francisco on Wednesday, Thuong expressed the hope that American business leaders in attendance would tell their government to expedite Vietnams request to be considered a market economy, which would give it more leverage during anti-dumping and anti-subsidy investigations and trade, and help it effectively implement the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership the two countries recently agreed upon. He also wanted the U.S. to remove Vietnam from its semiconductor collaboration restriction list to facilitate more joint projects between the countries. Upgrading Vietnam-U.S. relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership is a great opportunity for American investors to work with Vietnamese businesses in innovation, infrastructure development and healthcare, he said, pointing out Vietnam is an attractive market for investors. "Vietnam is continuously improving its investment environment, creating better conditions for foreign businesses, including the U.S.s." American business executives at the event expressed their desire to invest and do business in Vietnam. They urged Vietnam to solicit more investment in infrastructure including airports, push for innovation and improve its electronic customs regime. According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, 72 countries have acknowledged Vietnam as a market economy, including major economies like Canada, Australia, Japan, and Korea. The U.S. is one of Vietnams most important trade partners. Last year, trade was worth $138 billion, 300 times the 1995 figure, when the two countries began normalizing relations. But Vietnam was also the target of the highest number of U.S. trade safeguard investigations 56, of which 25 were for dumping -- as of August this year. By Express News Service PURI: Repair work of the Natamandap of Sri Jagannath temple will start from Friday. This was decided at a meeting held on Thursday. Chief administrator of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) Ranjan Kumar Das said NOC has been given to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to carry out necessary repair works. The decision comes in the wake of the Orissa High Courts directive to carry out repairs from Thursday. The meeting decided to adhere to a standard operating procedure (SOP) to ensure that the repair work is carried out without disturbing the daily rituals of the deities and public darshan. Das said since the month-long Kartik Brata is underway and there is a heavy rush of devotees, repairs will begin from 6 am till 10 pm every day. The repair work will be taken up when there is time between rituals and darshan. This will be intimated to ASI personnel present on the temple campus by Srimandir officials. On Friday, support columns will be placed under the beams on which cracks have been noticed. Scaffolding will be raised under the roof of Natamandap over Garuda Stambha to conduct repairs. This apart, de-plastering will be carried out to ascertain the extent of damage in other parts of the roof and beam. Das said ASI had sought six hours time every day to carry out the repair work. However, it is impossible considering the huge rush of devotees. After Kartik month, we will allow them more time. The meeting also decided to replace the three giant bejeweled beds (Ratna Palankas) of the Trinity with new ones. While Burma teak wood has been collected for the purpose, a devotee has donated silver to decorate the Ratna Palankas. The ivory artworks will be retrieved from the old Ratna Palankas and fixed on the new ones. The work will begin on Friday and be completed soon. The new beds will be commissioned in service of the deities on the Odia New Year (Pana Sankranti). It was decided to repair the Prava (tiaras) of Bhu Devi, Sri Devi, Rama, Krishna, Madan Mohan, and Amabasya, the representative idols of the main deities. Among others, Puri collector Samarth Verma, SP K Vishal Singh, members of the temple managing committee, and officials of ASI attended the meeting. Smooth darshan for specially-abled The meeting decided to ensure hassle-free darshan of the Trinity for differently-abled devotees. The chief administrator said, As per the current practice, differently-abled devotees have to register themselves at the counter following which our volunteers escort them to the temple. Efforts are underway to launch online registration for such devotees. This would help the temple administration have information regarding the date and time of their visit in advance. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp PURI: Repair work of the Natamandap of Sri Jagannath temple will start from Friday. This was decided at a meeting held on Thursday. Chief administrator of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) Ranjan Kumar Das said NOC has been given to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to carry out necessary repair works. The decision comes in the wake of the Orissa High Courts directive to carry out repairs from Thursday. The meeting decided to adhere to a standard operating procedure (SOP) to ensure that the repair work is carried out without disturbing the daily rituals of the deities and public darshan. Das said since the month-long Kartik Brata is underway and there is a heavy rush of devotees, repairs will begin from 6 am till 10 pm every day. The repair work will be taken up when there is time between rituals and darshan. This will be intimated to ASI personnel present on the temple campus by Srimandir officials. On Friday, support columns will be placed under the beams on which cracks have been noticed.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Scaffolding will be raised under the roof of Natamandap over Garuda Stambha to conduct repairs. This apart, de-plastering will be carried out to ascertain the extent of damage in other parts of the roof and beam. Das said ASI had sought six hours time every day to carry out the repair work. However, it is impossible considering the huge rush of devotees. After Kartik month, we will allow them more time. The meeting also decided to replace the three giant bejeweled beds (Ratna Palankas) of the Trinity with new ones. While Burma teak wood has been collected for the purpose, a devotee has donated silver to decorate the Ratna Palankas. The ivory artworks will be retrieved from the old Ratna Palankas and fixed on the new ones. The work will begin on Friday and be completed soon. The new beds will be commissioned in service of the deities on the Odia New Year (Pana Sankranti). It was decided to repair the Prava (tiaras) of Bhu Devi, Sri Devi, Rama, Krishna, Madan Mohan, and Amabasya, the representative idols of the main deities. Among others, Puri collector Samarth Verma, SP K Vishal Singh, members of the temple managing committee, and officials of ASI attended the meeting. Smooth darshan for specially-abled The meeting decided to ensure hassle-free darshan of the Trinity for differently-abled devotees. The chief administrator said, As per the current practice, differently-abled devotees have to register themselves at the counter following which our volunteers escort them to the temple. Efforts are underway to launch online registration for such devotees. This would help the temple administration have information regarding the date and time of their visit in advance. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Jaison Wilson By Express News Service NEW DELHI: Chief Justice DY Chandrachud said the Supreme Court Collegium had carefully examined all material related to the elevation of Advocate Lekshmana Chandra Victoria Gowri as a judge of Madras High Court and one should not be cold calling individuals merely for views they may have held as lawyers. He was responding to a question raised in a recent conversation at Harvard Law School in relation to all the hate speeches made by the former advocate against the minority communities. Pointing out that the question contains an inference that the Supreme Court didnt look at the issue at all, the CJI said it is not a correct assessment while explaining intricacies of the procedure which duly followed on her appointment. One of our greatest judges, Justice Krishna Iyer, who came out with some of the finest judgments, had a political background, Chandrachud remarked in his reply. ..if we start putting out everything about the lives of individuals into the public realm, there is a grave danger that people would not be willing to accept judicial office, he said. Gowris appointment as a judge of the higher judiciary had created a lot of controversy after allegations raised for her political leanings towards the BJP. Chandrachud also asked how an individual is disabled from becoming a judge just by virtue of the fact that they have, at a certain point of time, appeared for a political cause? He said, Lawyers across their careers appear for a cross section of clients. Lawyers dont choose their clients. In fact, its my firm belief that as a lawyer, youre duty bound to appear for whoever comes to you in search of legal aid. Much as a doctor has to administer medical aid to whoever comes to clinic. You dont presume the guilt or the lack of guilt of, of people who come to you. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp NEW DELHI: Chief Justice DY Chandrachud said the Supreme Court Collegium had carefully examined all material related to the elevation of Advocate Lekshmana Chandra Victoria Gowri as a judge of Madras High Court and one should not be cold calling individuals merely for views they may have held as lawyers. He was responding to a question raised in a recent conversation at Harvard Law School in relation to all the hate speeches made by the former advocate against the minority communities. Pointing out that the question contains an inference that the Supreme Court didnt look at the issue at all, the CJI said it is not a correct assessment while explaining intricacies of the procedure which duly followed on her appointment. One of our greatest judges, Justice Krishna Iyer, who came out with some of the finest judgments, had a political background, Chandrachud remarked in his reply. ..if we start putting out everything about the lives of individuals into the public realm, there is a grave danger that people would not be willing to accept judicial office, he said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Gowris appointment as a judge of the higher judiciary had created a lot of controversy after allegations raised for her political leanings towards the BJP. Chandrachud also asked how an individual is disabled from becoming a judge just by virtue of the fact that they have, at a certain point of time, appeared for a political cause? He said, Lawyers across their careers appear for a cross section of clients. Lawyers dont choose their clients. In fact, its my firm belief that as a lawyer, youre duty bound to appear for whoever comes to you in search of legal aid. Much as a doctor has to administer medical aid to whoever comes to clinic. You dont presume the guilt or the lack of guilt of, of people who come to you. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Priya Rathnam By Express News Service HYDERABAD: Regardless of a reported complaint lodged by social activist Sunitha Krishnan, the state police have been taking action to curtail the availability of Child Sex Abuse Material (CSAM) on messaging applications. Krishnan, in her complaint to DGP Anjani Kumar, raised the very serious issue of the free availability of CSAM on messaging platforms like Telegram, and the ease with which paedophiles utilize payment gateways like PhonePe and PayTm to access child pornographic material. The social activist, who is also the co-founder of Prajwala, reportedly lodged the complaint on Childrens Day. Krishnan, in her complaint, said that the applications were not taking the responsibility of filtering the content that is being exchanged on their channels and said that this begs the need for action against them. Womens Safety Wing ADGP Shikha Goel admitted to TNIE that CSAM is in circulation. She said that while her department has not yet received any complaint, action was being taken against such material nonetheless.CSAM is monitored by a cyber lab set up for keeping an eye on paedophiles. This case will be taken up too if a complaint is received, Goel said. In her complaint, Krishnan explained that she created a fake identity that hardly needed any authorized documents and used it to contact various group members. She said that came across numerous groups where people were seen exchanging explicit material. Krishnan said that the applications did not allow her to take screenshots on her phone. The activist said that the CSAM she accessed contained scenes of oral sex and intercourse with children, solo streaming of children between three and 12 years of age as well as adult pornography. Meanwhile, it is reported that Telegram has removed nearly 26,000 such groups and channels. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp HYDERABAD: Regardless of a reported complaint lodged by social activist Sunitha Krishnan, the state police have been taking action to curtail the availability of Child Sex Abuse Material (CSAM) on messaging applications. Krishnan, in her complaint to DGP Anjani Kumar, raised the very serious issue of the free availability of CSAM on messaging platforms like Telegram, and the ease with which paedophiles utilize payment gateways like PhonePe and PayTm to access child pornographic material. The social activist, who is also the co-founder of Prajwala, reportedly lodged the complaint on Childrens Day. Krishnan, in her complaint, said that the applications were not taking the responsibility of filtering the content that is being exchanged on their channels and said that this begs the need for action against them.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Womens Safety Wing ADGP Shikha Goel admitted to TNIE that CSAM is in circulation. She said that while her department has not yet received any complaint, action was being taken against such material nonetheless.CSAM is monitored by a cyber lab set up for keeping an eye on paedophiles. This case will be taken up too if a complaint is received, Goel said. In her complaint, Krishnan explained that she created a fake identity that hardly needed any authorized documents and used it to contact various group members. She said that came across numerous groups where people were seen exchanging explicit material. Krishnan said that the applications did not allow her to take screenshots on her phone. The activist said that the CSAM she accessed contained scenes of oral sex and intercourse with children, solo streaming of children between three and 12 years of age as well as adult pornography. Meanwhile, it is reported that Telegram has removed nearly 26,000 such groups and channels. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp By Online Desk Over 7,000 displaced people, patients, and medical staff at Al-Shifa Hospital are "fighting death due to a lack of water and food" caused by the Israeli military blockade, to the Gaza media office reported on Thursday, Anadolu Agency reports. According to a statement released on Telegram, the office emphasized the critical situation, stating that there is no food, water, or milk for infants at Al-Shifa Hospital, the report by the Ankara headquartered agency said. We may lose a number of malnourished children at the hospital due to the power outage, leaving them without incubators, it said. According to the Anadolu Agency, the media office highlighted the dire conditions at Al-Shifa Hospital, which houses 650 patients and approximately 7,000 displaced individuals. Medical teams, patients, and displaced individuals are struggling for survival due to the absence of life's essentials. The statement pointed out that Israeli forces have destroyed all vehicles in the hospital compound and refuse to allow medical staff or patients to leave. The Gaza media office appealed for urgent international intervention to rescue those present in the compound, the agency added. The Middle East Monitor reports that Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in Gaza City is surrounded by Israeli tanks. According to the the Palestine Red Crescent Society, despite the 41st consecutive day of Israeli aggression, paramedics continue their humanitarian duty amid the challenging conditions and the psychological impact of witnessing daily bloodshed, while being separated from their families and children. "Al-Amal Hospital, and PRCS headquarters in Khan Younis, with no electricity or water since 4 days," PRCS posted on X. PRCS emergency medical services teams are still trapped in Al-Ahli Hospital. "...Hearing explosions in the area, along with intense gunfire." There are several casualties in the hospital courtyard about 30 meters away from our teams but they are unable to reach," PRCS added. The Middle East Eye quoting several Palestinian news reports said that Israeli forces withdrew from the West Bank city of Jenin on Friday morning, after launching an intense overnight raid that killed at least three Palestinians, according to several Palestinian news reports. Palestinian media outlets reported that the raid lasted 10 hours, in which Israel's military stormed the city from multiple sides with soldiers, vehicles, and bulldozers, and demanded that Ibn Sina Hospital be evacuated. In addition to the three Palestinians killed, at least nine others have been wounded, the Middle East Eye reported. The number of Palestinians killed in the Israeli bombing of a house in the Nuseirat refugee camp has risen to 18, according to Al Jazeera Arabic. Among those killed are women and children. The Middle East Eye further said that The Los Angeles Times is prohibiting staff from covering Israel's war in Gaza for at least three months if they signed an open letter that criticized Western media coverage of the war, according to a report by Semafor. After the report was released, one of the newspaper's reporters, Suhauna Hussain, confirmed that several staff members had been taken off coverage and said the move by the company "removes a great many Muslim journalists and most [if] not all Palestinians at the LA Times from coverage". According to Hussain, nearly three dozen staffers at the LA Times signed the open letter that condemned Israel's bombing of Gaza, which killed more than 11,000 Palestinians and dozens of journalists in the enclave. More than 1,200 journalists and writers have signed the letter since it was released, the report noted. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Over 7,000 displaced people, patients, and medical staff at Al-Shifa Hospital are "fighting death due to a lack of water and food" caused by the Israeli military blockade, to the Gaza media office reported on Thursday, Anadolu Agency reports. According to a statement released on Telegram, the office emphasized the critical situation, stating that there is no food, water, or milk for infants at Al-Shifa Hospital, the report by the Ankara headquartered agency said. We may lose a number of malnourished children at the hospital due to the power outage, leaving them without incubators, it said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); According to the Anadolu Agency, the media office highlighted the dire conditions at Al-Shifa Hospital, which houses 650 patients and approximately 7,000 displaced individuals. Medical teams, patients, and displaced individuals are struggling for survival due to the absence of life's essentials. The statement pointed out that Israeli forces have destroyed all vehicles in the hospital compound and refuse to allow medical staff or patients to leave. The Gaza media office appealed for urgent international intervention to rescue those present in the compound, the agency added. The Middle East Monitor reports that Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in Gaza City is surrounded by Israeli tanks. According to the the Palestine Red Crescent Society, despite the 41st consecutive day of Israeli aggression, paramedics continue their humanitarian duty amid the challenging conditions and the psychological impact of witnessing daily bloodshed, while being separated from their families and children. "Al-Amal Hospital, and PRCS headquarters in Khan Younis, with no electricity or water since 4 days," PRCS posted on X. PRCS emergency medical services teams are still trapped in Al-Ahli Hospital. "...Hearing explosions in the area, along with intense gunfire." There are several casualties in the hospital courtyard about 30 meters away from our teams but they are unable to reach," PRCS added. The Middle East Eye quoting several Palestinian news reports said that Israeli forces withdrew from the West Bank city of Jenin on Friday morning, after launching an intense overnight raid that killed at least three Palestinians, according to several Palestinian news reports. Palestinian media outlets reported that the raid lasted 10 hours, in which Israel's military stormed the city from multiple sides with soldiers, vehicles, and bulldozers, and demanded that Ibn Sina Hospital be evacuated. In addition to the three Palestinians killed, at least nine others have been wounded, the Middle East Eye reported. The number of Palestinians killed in the Israeli bombing of a house in the Nuseirat refugee camp has risen to 18, according to Al Jazeera Arabic. Among those killed are women and children. The Middle East Eye further said that The Los Angeles Times is prohibiting staff from covering Israel's war in Gaza for at least three months if they signed an open letter that criticized Western media coverage of the war, according to a report by Semafor. After the report was released, one of the newspaper's reporters, Suhauna Hussain, confirmed that several staff members had been taken off coverage and said the move by the company "removes a great many Muslim journalists and most [if] not all Palestinians at the LA Times from coverage". According to Hussain, nearly three dozen staffers at the LA Times signed the open letter that condemned Israel's bombing of Gaza, which killed more than 11,000 Palestinians and dozens of journalists in the enclave. More than 1,200 journalists and writers have signed the letter since it was released, the report noted. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp By AFP JERUSALEM: Israeli troops carried out building-by-building searches at Gaza's main hospital, as a new communications blackout in the territory on Friday compounded fears for Palestinian civilians trapped inside the facility. Al-Shifa hospital has become a focal point for Israeli operations in northern Gaza since soldiers raided the complex on Wednesday, hunting for a command centre they say militant group Hamas operates there. Hamas and hospital managers deny that charge, and there has been international concern about several thousand people -- including wounded patients and premature babies -- believed to be trapped inside. Israel has vowed to eradicate Hamas in response to the group's October 7 attack, which killed 1,200 people, most of them civilians, and saw about 240 taken hostage, according to Israeli officials. Israel's air bombardment and ground operation has killed 11,500 people, including thousands of children, according to Hamas-run local authorities in Gaza. Israeli authorities have defended their operation, and the military said Thursday it found rifles, ammunition, explosives and the entrance to a tunnel shaft at Al-Shifa. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu alleged hostages may even have been held at the medical facility. "We had strong indications that they were held in the Shifa Hospital, which is one of the reasons we entered the hospital," he told CBS Evening News. "If they were [there], they were taken out," he said. Allegations about the hospital have not been verified, and on Friday communications with the Gaza Strip were severed once again. Network provider Paltel group said all telecommunications were down because "all energy sources sustaining the network have been depleted, and fuel was not allowed in." The UN warned that the blackout would compound the misery of civilians, complicating efforts to distribute aid and possibly triggering looting of its supplies. "When you have a blackout and you cannot communicate with anyone anymore... that triggers and fuels, even more, the anxiety and the panic," said Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UN Agency for Palestinian Refugees UNRWA. 'Immediate possibility of starvation' Israel said its forces were searching Al-Shifa "one building at a time," and announced the discovery of the body of a woman hostage at a building nearby. "Yehudit (Weiss) was murdered by the terrorists in the Gaza Strip and we didn't manage to reach her in time," spokesman Daniel Hagari told a televised briefing. The 65-year-old was kidnapped from her home in the border kibbutz community of Beeri, one of the areas worst hit by the brutal Hamas assault. Her husband was killed in the attack, a hostage support group said, but four of her five children at the kibbutz at the time survived. On Thursday, Jews and Arabs came together for the funeral of another casualty of the Beeri attack -- peace activist Vivian Silver, who was hailed as an "extraordinary woman". There has been little news on the fate of the hostages, Israelis and foreigners, some of them just infants, despite ongoing negotiations for the release of some in exchange for a pause in fighting. Qatar, where Hamas has political offices, and Egypt have been mediating negotiations, which Egypt's foreign minister described Thursday as "very delicate." "We are hopeful that our efforts and the efforts of others will bring about the speedy release," Sameh Shoukry said. On the ground, conditions are rapidly deteriorating for Palestinian civilians, UN agencies have warned. Over 1.5 million people have been internally displaced, and Israel's blockade of the territory means "civilians are facing the immediate possibility of starvation," World Food Programme executive director Cindy McCain said. Food and water have become "practically non-existent," the agency added, with Lazzarini describing a "deliberate attempt to strangle our operation". He described children sheltering at a UN school "pleading for a sip of water, or for a loaf of bread". 'Settler violence' Israel's ground operation has so far focused on the north of the Gaza Strip, though aerial bombardment and civilian deaths have continued in the south as well. So far this week it has announced the seizure of the parliament building, government offices, Hamas police headquarters and a key port. It says 51 of its troops have been killed in the fighting. Hospitals have become a particular target, with Israel saying it has found tunnels or military equipment at the Al-Shifa, Rantisi and Al-Quds facilities. Palestinian health officials said Thursday that the Al-Ahli hospital was under attack, with the Palestinian Red Crescent saying casualties in the courtyard could not be reached by medical staff because of explosions and gunfire. Washington has backed Israel's allegations that Hamas is using hospitals as command centres while urging operations to be "incredibly careful". More than half of Gaza's hospitals are no longer functional, due to either combat, damage, or shortages, and Israel's raid on Al-Shifa left extensive damage to the radiology, burns and dialysis unit, the Hamas-run health ministry said. With international concern about the conflict growing, the UN Security Council on Wednesday passed a resolution urging "urgent and extended humanitarian pauses" in fighting. But the resolution -- passed with abstentions from the United States, Britain and Russia -- was rejected by Israel as "disconnected from reality." Alongside the conflict in Gaza, there is growing concern about violence in the West Bank, where violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians has surged. In an attack claimed by Hamas, three gunmen on Thursday killed an Israeli soldier and wounded five others at a checkpoint leading into Jerusalem from the West Bank. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday urged Israel to take "urgent" action to "de-escalate tensions in the West Bank, including by confronting rising levels of settler extremist violence," the State Department said. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp JERUSALEM: Israeli troops carried out building-by-building searches at Gaza's main hospital, as a new communications blackout in the territory on Friday compounded fears for Palestinian civilians trapped inside the facility. Al-Shifa hospital has become a focal point for Israeli operations in northern Gaza since soldiers raided the complex on Wednesday, hunting for a command centre they say militant group Hamas operates there. Hamas and hospital managers deny that charge, and there has been international concern about several thousand people -- including wounded patients and premature babies -- believed to be trapped inside.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Israel has vowed to eradicate Hamas in response to the group's October 7 attack, which killed 1,200 people, most of them civilians, and saw about 240 taken hostage, according to Israeli officials. Israel's air bombardment and ground operation has killed 11,500 people, including thousands of children, according to Hamas-run local authorities in Gaza. Israeli authorities have defended their operation, and the military said Thursday it found rifles, ammunition, explosives and the entrance to a tunnel shaft at Al-Shifa. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu alleged hostages may even have been held at the medical facility. "We had strong indications that they were held in the Shifa Hospital, which is one of the reasons we entered the hospital," he told CBS Evening News. "If they were [there], they were taken out," he said. Allegations about the hospital have not been verified, and on Friday communications with the Gaza Strip were severed once again. Network provider Paltel group said all telecommunications were down because "all energy sources sustaining the network have been depleted, and fuel was not allowed in." The UN warned that the blackout would compound the misery of civilians, complicating efforts to distribute aid and possibly triggering looting of its supplies. "When you have a blackout and you cannot communicate with anyone anymore... that triggers and fuels, even more, the anxiety and the panic," said Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UN Agency for Palestinian Refugees UNRWA. 'Immediate possibility of starvation' Israel said its forces were searching Al-Shifa "one building at a time," and announced the discovery of the body of a woman hostage at a building nearby. "Yehudit (Weiss) was murdered by the terrorists in the Gaza Strip and we didn't manage to reach her in time," spokesman Daniel Hagari told a televised briefing. The 65-year-old was kidnapped from her home in the border kibbutz community of Beeri, one of the areas worst hit by the brutal Hamas assault. Her husband was killed in the attack, a hostage support group said, but four of her five children at the kibbutz at the time survived. On Thursday, Jews and Arabs came together for the funeral of another casualty of the Beeri attack -- peace activist Vivian Silver, who was hailed as an "extraordinary woman". There has been little news on the fate of the hostages, Israelis and foreigners, some of them just infants, despite ongoing negotiations for the release of some in exchange for a pause in fighting. Qatar, where Hamas has political offices, and Egypt have been mediating negotiations, which Egypt's foreign minister described Thursday as "very delicate." "We are hopeful that our efforts and the efforts of others will bring about the speedy release," Sameh Shoukry said. On the ground, conditions are rapidly deteriorating for Palestinian civilians, UN agencies have warned. Over 1.5 million people have been internally displaced, and Israel's blockade of the territory means "civilians are facing the immediate possibility of starvation," World Food Programme executive director Cindy McCain said. Food and water have become "practically non-existent," the agency added, with Lazzarini describing a "deliberate attempt to strangle our operation". He described children sheltering at a UN school "pleading for a sip of water, or for a loaf of bread". 'Settler violence' Israel's ground operation has so far focused on the north of the Gaza Strip, though aerial bombardment and civilian deaths have continued in the south as well. So far this week it has announced the seizure of the parliament building, government offices, Hamas police headquarters and a key port. It says 51 of its troops have been killed in the fighting. Hospitals have become a particular target, with Israel saying it has found tunnels or military equipment at the Al-Shifa, Rantisi and Al-Quds facilities. Palestinian health officials said Thursday that the Al-Ahli hospital was under attack, with the Palestinian Red Crescent saying casualties in the courtyard could not be reached by medical staff because of explosions and gunfire. Washington has backed Israel's allegations that Hamas is using hospitals as command centres while urging operations to be "incredibly careful". More than half of Gaza's hospitals are no longer functional, due to either combat, damage, or shortages, and Israel's raid on Al-Shifa left extensive damage to the radiology, burns and dialysis unit, the Hamas-run health ministry said. With international concern about the conflict growing, the UN Security Council on Wednesday passed a resolution urging "urgent and extended humanitarian pauses" in fighting. But the resolution -- passed with abstentions from the United States, Britain and Russia -- was rejected by Israel as "disconnected from reality." Alongside the conflict in Gaza, there is growing concern about violence in the West Bank, where violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians has surged. In an attack claimed by Hamas, three gunmen on Thursday killed an Israeli soldier and wounded five others at a checkpoint leading into Jerusalem from the West Bank. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday urged Israel to take "urgent" action to "de-escalate tensions in the West Bank, including by confronting rising levels of settler extremist violence," the State Department said. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp After Trump, Nikki Haley 'most favoured' probable for US Presidency in 2024 Washington, Nov 16 F ormer UN Ambassador Nikki Haley has been rising in the polls in early voting states, especially after her strong performances in the three GOP sponsored presidential debates Milwaukee, San Francisco and Florida. Though she still lags far behind Donald Trump, she argues she's strongest nominee to take on President Joe Biden, US media reports said. The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) says shes what the US "needs to take on Trump and Biden in the 2024 presidential race". Haley was born to Indian Sikh parents who immigrated to the US from Canada. Her father is a biologist and her mother a lawyer turned boutique shop owner, thats now a million dollar franchise. They came with $8 dollars in their pockets. At 13, Haley began overseeing the stores financial books, and after graduating from Clemson in 1994 with a bachelor's degree in accounting, she became the company's Chief Financial Officer. Haley met her husband William Michael Haley in the college, and got married in 1996. They have two children. Haley's career in politics began in 2004 when she defeated a longstanding incumbent to win a seat in the South Carolina House. Haley then ran for Governor in 2009, making her the first person to be elected the Governor of South Carolina who wasnt a white. After Trump, Nikki Haley 'most favoured' probable for US Presidency in 2024 Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! ASOCIO honored 52 Asia-Pacific entities, including FPT Corporation's VioEdu Online Education System and FPT Smart Cloud, making it the only Vietnamese technology enterprise to win in the Start-Up Award category. The technology award attracts thousands of organizations, individuals, and businesses across 24 economies in the Asia-Pacific area. The event drew nearly 600 delegates, including worldwide government officials and IT industry leaders. Annually, the ASOCIO Awards assess over 10,000 submissions to select 52 entities from nine countries and territories in the region that effectively integrate technology into various aspects of life, contributing to the formation of a digital transformation ecosystem. A representative from FPT (2nd, R) stands alongside top business heads from the Asia-Pacific region at the ASOCIO 2023 Awards ceremony. Photo courtesy of FPT In the 2023 edition, FPT Smart Cloud, the sole technology company from Vietnam, was honored in the "Start-up Award" category alongside the largest tech companies from countries in the region, such as Japan, South Korea, Thailand, and Malaysia. The company received high praise from the judging panel for its innovative and breakthrough technology products and services, including its impressive achievements that bring value to users and society. FPT Smart Cloud has developed an ecosystem of over 80 innovative AI, cloud, and data solutions with international standards, from infrastructure to applications. These products solve various challenges, facilitate flexible digital transformation, optimize costs, and enhance security. It also collaborates with over 3,000 enterprise customers in 15 countries worldwide, serving more than 200 million users monthly. Doan Dang Khoa (C), Deputy CEO of FPT Smart Cloud, at the award ceremony. Photo courtesy of FPT In addition, the VioEdu Online Education System (FPT IS) was in the EdTech Award category. The VioEdu system impressed the judging panel with its technological innovations, content quality, and overall growth. VioEdu boasts over 17 million users, with 63 million students participating in knowledge-based activities, earning it a spot among the top 8 most prominent keywords on Google Search in 2021. This achievement positions VioEdu as one of the leading EdTech platforms in Vietnam in terms of growth rate. Nguyen Viet Cuong (C), CTO of VioEdu, receives the EdTech Award 2023 on behalf of the team. Photo courtesy of FPT The system features over 10,000 animated lecture videos, 1 million high-quality learning materials aligned with the Ministry of Education and Training curriculum, and engaging gamifying activities. Utilizing 4.0 technologies such as AI, Adaptive Learning methods, and big data, VioEdu automatically analyzes strengths and weaknesses, provides customized learning roadmaps, optimizes study time, and facilitates rapid student progress. Before this, FPT Smart Cloud had received numerous awards, including being the only Asian company honored by the Stevie Awards in the Best Innovative Technology Company category, the Gold Award at the International Business Awards (IBAs) in the Cloud Platform category, and the Gold Award for "Make in Vietnam" in the Outstanding Digital Product for the Digital Economy category... ASOCIO was established in 1984 in Tokyo, Japan, and is currently one of the most active international trade organizations in the Asia-Pacific region, with 24 associations representing over 10,000 multinational enterprises. The ASOCIO Award, a prestigious information technology award, has been organized by ASOCIO since 2003. The judging panel consists of 15 members, reputable IT experts from countries within the region, with Brian Shen, Chairman of the Asia-Oceania Computing Industry Organization, serving as the chairman. Prof. Dr. Truong Gia Binh, Chairman of FPT, was honored by ASOCIO in 2013. The organization also recognized FPT IS in 2017 and FPT University in 2018. In 2022, ASOCIO awarded Base Enterprise and FPT Polytechnic College. Los Angeles, Nov 17 H ollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio's film 'We Are Guardians' based on the Amazon rainforest is set to make its India premiere at the All Living Things Environmental Film Festival (ALT EFF), 2023. 'We Are Guardians', directed by Chelsea Greene, Rob Groman, and Edivan Guajajara, follows Indigenous forest guardian Marcal Guajajara and activist Puyr Tembe as they valiantly battle against deforestation, illegal logging activities, and the encroachment of their territories by extractive industries. Speaking of this, the directors of 'We Are Guardians', said, "The state of the Amazon and the situation for Indigenous peoples in Brazil is extremely urgent. Truly it's a matter that concerns the whole world. It's incredible to have Leonardo DiCaprio join our team." "He has been a huge advocate for environmental and human rights issues throughout his life and an inspiration in the way he uses his worldwide platform to speak out about what's happening. We hope with his help and support we can bring a lot more attention to the film and to the greater cause." 'Path of the Panther', directed by Eric Bendick, will also be screened at the festival. It offers audiences a unique glimpse into the mysterious world of the Florida Panther. This captivating documentary delves into the fascinating natural history of this endangered species, exploring their survival in an ancient ecosystem. DiCaprio, known for his endeavours that are focused on impacts of climate change, has backed these films as part of his commitment to raising awareness about pressing environmental issues through the medium of cinema. His support highlights the crucial role that storytelling plays in inspiring positive change and fostering environmental stewardship. Leonardo DiCaprio's film on Amazon rainforest to make its India premiere at ALT EFF 2023 Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Vietnam reminds US it wants support for semiconductor development Vietnam has reiterated its desire for U.S. assistance for developing semiconductors, which it has identified as a key industry, and training human resources for it. Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien on Wednesday called on the U.S. to form joint task forces for the industry and sought its assistance in drafting policies and a legal framework for it, training and connecting businesses in the two countries at a meeting with Assistant Secretary of State for Economic Energy & Business Affairs Jose W. Fernandez. Fernandez, responding positively to Diens request, sought deeper discussions about areas in which the U.S. wants to invest in Vietnam such as energy and manufacturing. Earlier, in September, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh had successfully solicited U.S. support for developing the semiconductor industry at a meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden. U.S. chip imports from Vietnam surged 74.9% year-on-year to $562.5 million in February, according to a report by the Ministry of Information and Communications. Vietnam ranks third behind Malaysia and Taiwan in chip exports to the U.S. Vietnamese officials have repeatedly described semiconductor manufacture as a key industry and sought foreign investment. The government has identified the National Innovation Center and three high-tech industrial parks in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and Da Nang City as potential locations for investors. At the meeting Dien also called on the U.S. to soon recognize Vietnam as a market economy and treat it fairly based on World Trade Organization provisions in trade defense investigations. Vietnam is ready to offer U.S. businesses the most favorable investment environment, he promised. Champaign, IL (61820) Today Periods of rain. High 47F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall around a half an inch.. Tonight Cloudy with occasional light rain...mainly this evening. Low 39F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%. Authorities in Sarawak, the largest state in Malaysia, approved 406 applications for its 10-year visa program as of July this year, near equivalent to last year's whole figure at 411. By the end of this year, the Malaysian state expects to approve a total of 700 applications for the Malaysia My Second Home program, nearly double last year's figure, and a 25-fold increase against 2021, Kashif Ansari, co-founder and group chief executive officer of Juwai IQI, a global Asian real estate technology group, said as cited by New Strait Times. Kashif said the strong growth was thanks to easier requirements for the visa program in Sarawak compared to federal requirements. In Sarawak, the minimum bank deposit is RM150,000 ($32,000), while the current federal program requires a minimum deposit of RM1 million ($212,000), Borneo Post reported. The residency and annual income requirements for the Sarawak program are also lower than those for the federal program. Kashif said Sarawak is becoming a more appealing destination for the visa program compared to other Malaysian states. Sarawak adopted the Malaysia My Second Home visa program in January 2007, with its own conditions. The state requires participants to have fixed deposits in local banks of at least RM150,000 for individuals and RM300,000 for couples. Applicants who are between 40 and 50 years old are required to invest in properties specifically for residential purposes worth a total of at least RM600,000. Applicants above 30-years of age may also be considered if they are accompanying children studying in Sarawak, or seeking long term medical treatment. Approved applicants are required to stay in Sarawak for at least 30 days each year. A debate has broken out over whether Pfizer should have told pregnant women taking part in its maternal respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine trial that a trial of a similar GSK vaccine was stopped over a safety signal around preterm birth, an investigation by The BMJ can reveal. Pfizer's vaccine, called Abrysvo, was recently approved for use in the US and the European Union, but is not yet authorised in the UK. Some experts have criticised Pfizer for not informing participants, while others believe notification would have been premature and caused unnecessary anxiety, reports freelance investigative journalist Hristio Boytchev. RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms but it can be severe, especially in young children, and is a significant cause of infant death globally. Both GSK and Pfizer were developing recombinant RSV F protein vaccines to inoculate pregnant women and protect their babies. In February 2022, GSK halted its phase 3 trial after a possible increased risk of preterm births emerged. GSK is still investigating the cause, which experts think may be unrelated to the vaccine, but it is no longer developing its vaccine. Pfizer was also studying preterm births as an adverse event of special interest in its own phase 3 trial and a numerical (not statistically significant) imbalance in preterm births has recently emerged, though there is not enough data to understand if there is truly an increased risk or what the cause is. After GSK's trial was halted, there was a split opinion between clinical trial ethicists and some vaccine researchers over whether Pfizer should have informed all participating women in its trial about the potential risk or updated its consent forms. Charles Weijer, bioethics professor at Western University in London, Canada told The BMJ that informing pregnant women in Pfizer's trial about GSK's results would have allowed women who had not yet received the jab to consider whether they still wished to get it, and the ones who had already received it to seek additional medical advice and follow-up. "Any failure to provide new and potentially important safety information data to trial participants is ethically problematic", Weijer said. Pfizer has also been criticised for a passage in some of its trial consent forms, seen by The BMJ, which said that its vaccine candidate was risk-free for the baby, assurances a research ethics expert described as "misleading" and "irresponsible". Pfizer did not respond to The BMJ's questions on the issue of informed consent. Regulators have taken different approaches when approving Abrysvo, notes Boytchev. For example, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved it with conditions, including only administering to women who are 32-36 weeks pregnant and a warning in the prescribing information of a numerical imbalance in preterm births. The FDA is requiring Pfizer to conduct postmarketing studies to "assess the signal of serious risk of preterm birth." Yet others such as the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the UK's Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), did not consider a warning around the possible risk of preterm birth or restricting the use of the vaccine to the later weeks of pregnancy necessary. As Pfizer didn't respond to the questions about whether it had informed expectant mothers in its trial about GSK's results, The BMJ contacted governmental health authorities in all 18 countries where Pfizer had trial sites, as well as more than 80 trial investigators, and none answered saying that it had. Some confirmed that Pfizer continued to enrol and vaccinate women for months after the news of the potential risk of preterm birth in GSK's vaccine trial was made public. One trial investigator, speaking anonymously because they had signed a confidentiality agreement with the company, said they questioned Pfizer early in 2022 about the potential risk of preterm birth given the similarity between Pfizer and GSK's products, but was told their data hadn't shown any increase in risk. Other trial investigators disagreed with the notion that participants should have been informed. Beate Kampmann, director of the Centre for Global Health at Charite University Hospital Berlin, one of the lead authors of Pfizer's phase 3 trial paper, and who was responsible for a trial site in the Gambia, said that GSK's results weren't relevant to her trial participants "as most participants were already in follow up." Some Pfizer trial consent forms seen by The BMJ contain contradictory statements, both warning of possible "life-threatening" effects of the vaccine on the baby while simultaneously carrying a passage that said only the expectant mother is at risk from adverse effects. "Knowing what we know now, the statement in question is irresponsible and, given the benefit of hindsight, is actually factually incorrect," said Rose Bernabe, professor of research ethics and research integrity at the University of Oslo. "Considering the gravity of the risk that this irresponsible statement veils, this misleading statement should be a ground for questioning the validity of the consent process." IPM South Africa NPC, an affiliate of the Population Council, has been issued a 15-month Transition to Scale Phase 2 award from Grand Challenges Canada to support the market introduction of the dapivirine vaginal ring (DapiRing) for women in Southern and East Africa. The DapiRing is a user-controlled vaginal ring that reduces the risk of HIV infection in women during vaginal sex. The ring is made of flexible silicone and can be self-inserted into the vagina for 1 month. In 2020, the DapiRing was endorsed by the European Medicines Agency for use among women aged 18 years or older. In 2021, the DapiRing was recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) via inclusion in WHO's HIV guidelines. The DapiRing has received regulatory approvals in South Africa, Zambia, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Uganda, Botswana, Namibia, and Kenya, and is available through national import licenses in Eswatini and Lesotho. As of September 2023, over 113,000 rings have been sold. The funding from Grand Challenges Canada will support the continued market introduction of the DapiRing. With this funding, IPM South Africa will be able to gather end-user market insights in Rwanda and Botswana by hosting stakeholder education sessions engaging health care providers to refine educational tools and completing the development of end-user materials that resonate with potential users. The tools and resources generated from this award will be tailored to the countries' local contexts and will be made available to the ministries of health, technical working groups, healthcare providers, and end-users to support choice, leading to greater awareness and uptake of prevention products. Further, the activities conducted with this funding will help build health care provider's awareness of biomedical HIV prevention, multipurpose prevention technology products, and the competencies needed to prescribe these products. The DapiRing is one of the key assets acquired by the Population Council from the International Partnership for Microbicides in 2022. The Population Council Center for Biomedical Research and IPM South Africa work together to support activities related to the full lifecycle of product development. University of Technology Sydney (UTS) Centre for Forensic Science PhD candidate Harry Fursman is working on two fronts to prevent harm to people who use drugs: He is testing a new handheld device for rapidly and accurately identifying drug specimens and conducting ongoing chemical analysis of used syringes. Drugs that are contaminated or substituted with an unexpected substance are a leading cause of death among people who use drugs. In Sydney last week one person died and two people were taken to hospital due to heroin overdoses, after using what they thought was cocaine. Fursman aims to tackle this significant risk by providing objective insights into current trends and consumption habits among people who are injecting drugs. He will present his research on substance testing at the upcoming International Association of Forensic Sciences (IAFS) conference in Sydney on 20-24 November. Portable drug testing device: MicroNIR Fursman is testing a small handheld, near-infrared device known as the MicroNIR, which can rapidly and accurately identify and quantify suspected drug specimens. He wants to test this technology in Australian contexts, as well as assess its usability, costs and accuracy for operational implementation. "Initially we had to optimize its use within Australia as it's based on machine learning models trained with drugs of different chemical compositions than we typically see here," Fursman said. "We found that it is very accurate. It correctly predicts the identity of suspected drugs over 95% of the time and the purity estimates obtained are also quite accurate. "It is able to collect this highly accurate data not only by direct contact with a small amount of the substance but also by scanning through a plastic bag or glass container. This means we can help minimize risk to the person testing the drugs." The MicroNIR is already in use in a number of countries. Fursman hopes to see it adopted in Australia, not only for policing but also at drug testing services for supervised injecting facilities, music festivals and clubs. Chemical analysis of used syringes In tandem with testing the MicroNIR device, Fursman is conducting ongoing chemical analyses of used syringes at the Sydney Medically Supervised Injecting Centre (MSIC). The aim is to understand if people are injecting what they believe they are and to identify trends in injected substances over time. While most people are injecting what they think they are injecting (primarily heroin and methamphetamine), unexpected instances, like ketamine as a substitute for methamphetamine, underscore the need for vigilance and reliable testing methods. We've also found that in general there are not too many instances of heavily cut substances or multiple drugs injected at once." Harry Fursman, PhD candidate, University of Technology Sydney (UTS) Centre for Forensic Science Significance and implications Fursman's research addresses a critical issue affecting people who use drugs, health professionals, and policymakers. By ensuring accurate information on the drugs being used, these findings empower individuals to make informed decisions about drug consumption, facilitating safer drug use practices. The MicroNIR's potential integration into frontline policing and healthcare settings promises greater efficiency, safety, and decision-making in the fight against drug-related harm. Collaborating closely with industry partners, such as MSIC, this research fosters real-world solutions, and aims to drive meaningful change toward a safer and more informed society. Ashley Denney was about seven months pregnant in 2022 when police handcuffed her during an arrest in Carroll County, Georgia. Officers shackled her even though the state bans the use of restraints on pregnant women in custody beginning at the second trimester. In early July, she said, it happened again. "I asked the officer, 'Please, pull over. I'm not supposed to be handcuffed. I'm pregnant,'" said Denney. At the time, she was near the end of her first trimester, though she believed her pregnancy was more advanced. Arresting officers did not know she was pregnant, said an official with the Carrollton Police Department who reviewed video footage of that arrest. Medical groups, such as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, widely condemn shackling pregnant people, which they argue is unethical and unsafe because it increases the risk of falls, hinders medical care, and endangers the fetus. About 40 states, including Georgia, have passed laws limiting the use of restraints such as handcuffs, leg restraints, and belly chains on pregnant people in law enforcement custody, according to a Johns Hopkins University research group. Laws that seek to improve treatment of pregnant women in jails and prisons have drawn bipartisan support, including the First Step Act, which was passed in 2018 and limits the use of restraints on pregnant people in federal custody. Yet advocates say they continue logging reports of law enforcement agencies and hospital staffers ignoring such prohibitions and allowing pregnant people to be chained, handcuffed, or otherwise restrained. Confusion over the laws, lack of sanctions for violations, and wide loopholes are contributing to the continued shackling of pregnant women in custody. But it's nearly impossible to get an accurate picture of the prevalence because of limited data collection and little independent oversight. "People see laws like these, and they say 'check.' They don't know how they are being implemented and if they are creating the outcomes intended," said Ashley Lovell, co-director of the Alabama Prison Birth Project, a group that works with pregnant prisoners. Without oversight, these laws "are words on paper," she said. "They don't mean anything." U.S. jails admit 55,000 pregnant people each year, according to estimates based on 2017 data from research led by Carolyn Sufrin, a gynecology and obstetrics associate professor at Johns Hopkins University who researches pregnancy care in jails and prisons. "The fact that we don't know what is happening is part of the story itself," she said. Yet reports of shackling continue to surface, often making local headlines. In January, a Georgia woman, 32 weeks pregnant, was shackled for hours while waiting for a medical appointment and during transport, according to Pamela Winn, founder of RestoreHER US.America, a group that works with people entangled in the criminal justice system. The woman did not want to be identified because she is in state custody and fears retaliation. She said her handcuffs were removed only after a request from medical staffers. Her experience was echoed by women nationwide in law enforcement custody. Minnesota passed an anti-shackling bill in 2014, but six years later a suburban Minneapolis woman sued Hennepin County after a wrongful arrest during which she was shackled while in active labor an incident first reported by local media. And despite Texas' shackling ban, in August 2022 an officer in Harris County, which includes Houston, chained Amy Growcock's ankle to a bench in a courthouse holding area for hours. "It was pretty painful," said Growcock, who was eight months pregnant and worried about circulation being cut off in her swollen leg. Prohibitions on shackling have run into the realities of the country's complicated web of penal institutions. Millions of people are held in a system that includes thousands of county jails, state and federal prisons, and private facilities with varying policies. Facilities often operate with little or no independent oversight, said Corene Kendrick, deputy director of the ACLU National Prison Project. Some ACLU chapters have been logging complaints about violations of state bans on shackling pregnant people in jails and prisons. It appears, from complaints and oversight reports, that officials are usually left to interpret the law and police their own behavior, said Kendrick. The Georgia law bans restraining pregnant women in their second and third trimesters and allows restraints in certain circumstances immediately postpartum. The state Department of Corrections maintains an anti-shackling policy for pregnant people in state custody and requires violations to be reported. But agency officials, in response to records requests from KFF Health News, said there were no incident reports regarding shackling in 2022 and through late October. The Georgia Sheriffs Association asks county jails to voluntarily submit data on shackling, but only 74 of the 142 jails sent reports in 2022. Those jails reported holding 1,016 pregnant women but only two inmates who were restrained in the immediate postpartum period. Association officials contend that shackling is rare. "Our jail people have a lot of common sense and compassion and do not do something to intentionally hurt somebody," said Bill Hallsworth, director of jail and court services for the association. Many rural jails don't have medical staffers to immediately verify a pregnancy, he added. The Carrollton Police Department, whose officers handcuffed Denney, maintain that the law didn't apply during her arrest, before her booking into a facility, according to public information officer Sgt. Meredith Hoyle Browning. "It sounds like, to me, that there has been wide interpretation of this bill by the people we are asking to enforce it," said Georgia state Rep. Sharon Cooper, a Republican who authored the state's bill. Cooper said she hadn't been notified of any incidents but added that if pregnant incarcerated women are still being shackled, legislators may need to revise the law. In addition, some incidents in which jailors shackle pregnant people fall into legal loopholes. In Texas, as in many other states, officers can make exceptions when they feel threatened or perceive a flight risk. Last year 111 pregnant women reported being restrained in jail, according to a Texas Commission on Jail Standards report in April. In more than half the cases, women were shackled during transport even though that's when they are most likely to fall. The Texas commission has sent memos to jails that violate the shackling policy, but documents reviewed by KFF Health News show the agency stopped short of issuing sanctions. Most states don't allocate funding to educate correctional officers and hospital staff members on the laws. More than 80% of perinatal nurses reported that the pregnant prisoners they care for were sometimes or always shackled, and the vast majority were unaware of laws around the use of restraints, as well as of a nurses association's position against their use, according to a 2019 study. Even when medical professionals object to restraints, they generally defer to law enforcement officials. Southern Regional Medical Center, just south of Atlanta, handles pregnant incarcerated patients from the Georgia Department of Corrections, the Clayton County Jail, and other facilities, said Kimberly Golden-Benner, the hospital's director of business development, marketing, and communications. She said clinicians request that officers remove restraints when pregnant incarcerated patients arrive at the center for labor and delivery. But it's still at the officers' discretion, she said. The Clayton County Sheriff's Office didn't return a request for comment. The state Department of Corrections maintainsa policy of limiting the use of restraints on pregnant incarcerated people to only extreme cases, such as when there is an imminent escape risk, said Joan Heath, public affairs director. All staff members at facilities for women are required to complete an annual training course that outlines the policy, she said. Strengthening the laws will require funding for implementation, such as creating model policies for hospitals and law enforcement staffs; continuous training; tighter reporting requirements; and sanctions for violations, advocates say. "The laws are a necessary step and draw attention to the issue," said Sufrin, the Johns Hopkins professor. They are "by no means enough to ensure the practice doesn't happen." Winn wants states to allow pregnant women to bond out of jail immediately and defer sentences until after they give birth. In Colorado a law took effect in August that encourages courts to consider alternative sentences for pregnant defendants. Florida lawmakers considered but did not pass a similar measure this year. The use of restraints is a window into mistreatment that pregnant women face in jails and prisons. Denney said that in August she was mistakenly given medication for depression and anxiety instead of nausea; her morning sickness worsened, and she missed a meal. The medical staff doesn't have a record of Denney being given the wrong medication, said Brad Robinson, chief deputy of the Carroll County Sheriff's Office. "They don't take you seriously," Denney said of the pregnancy care she has received while incarcerated. "They should at least make sure the babies are all right." Growcock said her initial shackling in Houston was the first sign that officers weren't equipped to handle pregnant people. She gave birth in a jail cell and nearly lost her son less than two weeks after her arrest. The Texas Commission on Jail Standards acknowledged that Growcock, who photographed her ankle in restraints, had been shackled. But the jail overseer admitted no other wrongdoing in her case, according to a memo the commission sent to the Harris County Jail. "I felt like if I wasn't getting treated right already, then the whole experience was going to be bad," she said. "And it was." Ashneer Grover and his wife Madhuri Jain Grover were stopped at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport on Thursday evening by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Delhi Police while they were travelling to New York for a vacation. Reacting to the reports, Ashneer Grover on Friday said he received EOW summons today morning only 7 hours after returning from airport. Sharing details in a post on X on Friday, Grover said, I found it strange as have travelled 4 times internationally since FIR filed in May never been a problem and I had not even been summoned once. The development comes after allegations that Grovers family siphoned off funds from BharatPe on the pretext of offering recruitment services, gave bank accounts numbers that were created after the dates when they were raised, as per the EOWs preliminary report of an investigation. Hello ! Hello !Kya chal raha hai India mein ? Filhaal to Ashneer stopped at airport chal raha hai janab. So facts:1. I had not received any communication or summon from EOW since FIR in May till 8 AM today 17 morning (7 hours after returning from airport).2. I was going to pic.twitter.com/I0OHOXJd6F Ashneer Grover (@Ashneer_Grover) November 17, 2023 As he was going to the US from 16-23 November, Grover in the post on X said, At immigration they said LoC laga hua hai sir EOW se check kar ke batate hai. I had not received any communication or summon from EOW since FIR in May till 8 AM today 17 morning (7 hours after returning from airport), she said in the post. He further said flight left in meantime anyways EOW folks directed Immigration to let us out so that we can return home. Today morning (Friday), EOW summon was home delivered will cooperate as always. No drama. LOC hatane ka process hai I am not a flight risk easy to prove hai. Baaki aapko jo chhaapna hai chhaapo. Picture chal rahi hai free mein maze lo! Baaki premature obituaries bahut baari log likh chuke hai Jatt mareya tad maniye jad terami howe ! Dont pronounce me dead till 13 days after youve burned me at the pyre!, he said. Last year, BharatPe had filed a criminal complaint with the Delhi Polices Economic Offences Wing on 17 counts, including embezzlement, forgery, and criminal breach of trust, which could land the Grovers in jail for up to 10 years if proven guilty. According to a lawsuit brought by BharatPe, Grovers wife Madhuri Jain approved payments totalling Rs 7.6 crore to eight such vendors who did not assist the company in recruiting any employees. Days after the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay asked students and faculty to restrain from organising political events on campus, a students collective alleged that the institute used force through its internal security to disperse an event organised by them to show solidarity with the victims in Palestine, large number of whom are children, intimidating them of violence, singling out and heckling faculty members. According to student representatives, some students and faculty members had organised a silent solidarity congregation near the School of Management (SOM) building on November 14 (Childrens Day) to honour the memory of thousands of children being killed in attacks in the ongoing bombings by Israel in Palestine. But, the simple event of lighting candles and drawing posters was disrupted by the security staff. One of the student representatives of the collective, a left-leaning body, said, even before the event could start there were clear signs of administrative hostility. A significant security and police presence was noted, seemingly aimed at preventing the planned and pre-informed solidarity gathering. As the number of attendees grew, the Chief Security Officer (CSO) of IIT-Bombay arrived, aggressively ordering the group to disperse and confiscating the stationery items brought for poster-making, citing a lack of prior approval for such activities even though the institution was pre-informed of the event, the student said, requesting anonymity. Students said that the security in-charge ordered the guards, equipped with batons, to take positions and even threatened to organise a drill with additional guards in the same spot, intimidating the group with the possibility of violence. Also read| IIT Placements: Slight Downward Trend Likely Amid Predictions of Global Economic Slowdown Despite attempts by faculty members and some students to explain the silent and peaceful nature of the event, the CSO continued his aggressive and rude behaviour, even singling out professors, heckling them as to why should they come for such events, and also demanding that they instruct their students to leave, the group said in a statement. When reached out for a response, an IIT-Bombay spokesperson declined to comment on the issue. What led to the events? Previously, on November 11, another event organised by faculty members of the Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS) department ran into a conflict with the administration sparking protests by a right-wing group of students seeking the arrest of a professor and a guest speaker for allegedly glorifying terrorism while talking about the Palestinian freedom struggle against Israel. After this, the faculty forum, a formal body of the institute through which they can voice their opinions, issued a statement strongly condemning the protests organised at the institutes gate. Following this, the institutes director Subhasis Chaudhuri in an e-mail to students and faculty raised concerns about students organising a protest along with outsiders raising slogans like death for traitors while stating that such actions are completely unacceptable regardless of what was said in the class and that action will be taken against the students involved. He also set up a fact-finding committee to look into the actions of students and what happened in the HSS class. Also, Chaudhuri mentioned in the email itself that the institute will be coming up with guidelines for organising events on campus following which the new guidelines, being described as gag orders by students, were issued. Students to push against guidelines However, the students collective said that their academic freedom cannot be taken away and that they are going to come out with a statement pushing against the guidelines issued. Even before the November 11 incident, there have been a series of events organised and taken permission for but were cancelled by the institute at the last moment. Also, the institute can mouse force to disperse a peacefully protesting group, which is a right of every citizen, said a student from the HSS department. Back in 1962, President John F. Kennedy noted that the United States and Ecuador are involved in one of the great adventures in the history of this hemisphere, and indeed, the history of the human race and growth. Kennedy was referring to the task of building a more democratic and more progressive future for everyone living in the Western hemisphere, said USAID Administrator Samantha Power. For decades, USAID has worked alongside the people of Ecuador to build schools, to build highways, water and sanitation systems, to conserve millions of hectares of precious biodiversity to improve child and maternal health, to build stronger democratic institutions, she said. During her visit of Ecuador in early November, Administrator Power identified the three main priorities of the people there. At the top of the list is security. Its why USAID launched PILARES, a 17.7-million-dollar program to bring together government officials, civil society organizations, and community leaders who are working to reduce crime throughout Ecuador, said Administrator Power: Already, PILARES has helped nine municipalities work with their citizens to develop and implement comprehensive strategies to reduce crime. That means not just better policing, but building more secure communities through installing community alarms, better lighting, activating neighborhood councils, and improving ways for citizens to access information on security and on self-protection that can help keep them safe. Second, there is a need for leaders at all levels of government to be able to meet the needs of all their people, especially historically marginalized communities, said Samantha Power. USIADs new Tu Municipio Responde Program or TuMUNI for short will do just that, help local governments respond to citizens' needs by expanding access to water and sanitation, and other public services. Finally, there is a need to expand economic opportunity for the most marginalized communities, said Administrator Power. So, USAID formed a new public private partnership with Ecuador's leading supermarket chain, La Favorita. This public private partnership is going to provide small-scale farmers with the technical assistance, the training, and the access to finance that they need to grow quality produce at the scale that is needed and at the quality that is needed to meet Corporacion Favorita's sourcing requirements, she said. I believe, said Administrator Power, that we are still on what President Kennedy called that long, great adventure to build a more secure, more prosperous, more democratic future for all the people of this region. The National Testing Agency (NTA) has added Abu Dhabi as an exam centre for the Joint Entrance Examination Main (JEE Main) 2024 following a request by the Ambassador of India, Abu Dhabi to support the student community there. Dubai and Sharjah are already examination cities for the JEE Main 2024. This comes after IIT Delhis announcement to open a new campus in Abu Dhabi, starting next year. Candidates who have already filled out the JEE Main 2024 application form but want to change the exam city to Abu Dhabi will be able to modify the changes during the application correction period, the schedule of which will be notified by the NTA soon. Those candidates who have already filled the Application Form can edit their City of Examination during the correction period. The schedule of the correction period will be intimated in due course, read the official notice. Apart from this, NTA has said the result mode field will be disabled for Tamil Nadu state board candidates and the associated fields for marks / CGPA will be made invisible. The agency said it has received a few representations from the candidates of Tamil Nadu who have passed their class 10 or class 12 board exam 2021. Due to the COVID outbreak, no exams were conducted for the 2021 batch of Class 10, and hence no marks were given on the mark sheet, and pass has been printed in all subjects. Candidates who studied SSLC in the academic year 2020-21 were also declared passed. To support the students from Tamilnadu state, it has been decided that during the filling up of the online Application Form of JEE (Main) 2024, when candidate selects Passing year as 2021 with School Board as Tamilnadu State Board of School Examination (Secondary), the Result Mode field will be disabled and the associated fields for Marks / CGPA will be invisible for Tamilnadu State Board candidates who have passed their Class 10 in year 2021, reads the official notice. Candidates who have already filled out the JEE Main 2024 application form, with passing year as 2021, school board as Tamil Nadu State Board of School Examination (Sec.) and paid the fee, the same rule will be applied to them as well, NTA has said. The registration window for JEE Main is currently open. It will close on November 30. The session 1 of the exam will be held from January 24 to February 1. The session 2 exams will take place from April 1 to April 15, 2024. The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) will begin the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test-Postgraduate (NEET PG) counselling 2023 special stray vacancy round registrations today, November 17. Once the link is activated, interested and eligible candidates can apply for this round on the official website at mcc.nic.in. The registration process for the special stray vacancy round will conclude on November 22. As per the official schedule, the window for choice filling and locking begins tomorrow, November 18 and will continue till Nov 22. The special stray vacancy round will facilitate the allocation of remaining seats following the conclusion of previous counselling sessions. The processing of seat allotment will be done between November 23 to 24 while the results will be published on November 24. Candidates whose names are on the result may report at the allotted college between November 25 to 30, if they wish to secure their admission. NEET PG Counselling 2023 Special Stray Vacancy Round: Eligibility Criteria Applicants should not have secured any seat under their name in either the All India Quota or the State Quota. Students who did not join the seats allotted to them in the earlier counselling rounds are eligible to apply. Those who successfully secured seats in earlier counselling rounds are not permitted to upgrade their chances in the special stray vacancy allotment. NEET PG Counselling 2023 Special Stray Vacancy Round: How to Apply Step 1: Go to the NEET PG Counselling website mcc.nic.in Step 2: On the homepage, look for and click on the NEET PG Counselling special stray vacancy registration link. Step 3: Register yourself with the required credentials. Step 4: Fill out the mandatory choices. Upload documents. Pay fees. Submit. Step 5: Save and download the confirmation page for further use. The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has issued the exam calendar for 2024. According to the official notice, the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test postgraduate (NEET PG) 2024 will be held on March 3. The NBE exam calendar 2024 can be accessed on the official website at natboard.edu.in. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the admit card for the Indian Forest Service Examination or UPSC IFS main exam 2023 today, November 17. Candidates who applied for the main exam can now download the admit card on the official website at upsc.gov.in. The exam will commence on Sunday, November 26, and will continue till December 3. The examination will be held in two shifts the first shift will be conducted from 9 am to noon and the second shift from 2 pm to 5 pm. The UPSC IFS main exam 2023 will be held in Bhopal, Delhi, Chennai, Dispur in Guwahati, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Port Blair, Nagpur, and Shimla. UPSC IFS Main Exam 2023: How to Download Admit Card Step 1 Candidates will have to go to the official website of the Union Public Service Commission, upsc.gov.in. Step 2 The link to the UPSC IFS Mains Admit Card will be activated on the home page. Step 3 Candidates will have to submit the required details asked there. Step 4 The admit card will be displayed on your screen. Download it. Step 5 You can take a print out of the UPSC IFS Mains Exam Admit Card for future reference. UPSC IFS Main Exam 2023: Guidelines Along with the printout of the admit cards, the candidates must also carry a photo ID. The candidates are also required to carry along the Photo ID card, whose number is mentioned in the e-Admit Card, in each Session, reads the official notice by UPSC. Candidates must further note that the entry to the exam hall will be closed 30 minutes prior to the commencement of the examination (each session). Candidates are also advised to bring a black ballpoint pen for making entries in the attendance list. Possession or use of mobile phones and other electronic devices or violation of any instruction will entail disciplinary action which may include cancellation of candidature of the candidate, filing of FIR/police complaint against the candidate, prohibition from appearing in subsequent session/day of the examination, the commission has notified. International Students Day is observed on November17. It commemorates the death anniversary of Students in Prague. Later it is celebrated for the Right to protest for Education. On November 17, 1939, the Nazis rounded up nine protesters, executing them without trial. They arrested over 1,200 students and sent them to concentration camps. Only a few survived in the camp, as per the reports. International Students Day is celebrated to remember the courage of student activists during the Nazi attack at the University of Prague. The first observance took place in 1941 at the International Students Council in London. It was there that students decided to introduce International Students Day. International Students Day History According to consolidated reports, when Adolf Hitler came to power in 1933, the Third Reich started aggressive claims over territories outside Germanys borders. The Nazis first captured Austria in 1938, Hitlers home country. Next, they forced Czechoslovakia to surrender half of its territories. Germany occupied the Czech regions, forcing Slovakia to split into a satellite state. In 1939, students of the Medical Faculty at Charles University in Prague held a meeting to commemorate the formation of an independent Czechoslovak Republic. The Nazis brutally suppressed the gathering, resulting in a student Jan Opletals death. As a result, the students formed an Anti Nazis demonstration. International Students Day 2023 Significance On International Students Day 2023, Students organise many events in their universities insisting on the right to education and supporting multiculturalism. Students also share resources and information on social media and let others know about the power of Students. 10 Wishes And Quotes To Share The first phase of polling in 20 seats of Chhattisgarh assembly elections took place on November 7. The first phase of campaigning saw Prime Minister Narendra Modi attacking Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel over the alleged Mahadev betting app scam, while Congress has based its campaign on welfare schemes of the Baghel government. Today, the second phase of polling in 70 seats is underway. Congresss Stand in Chhattisgarh Chhattisgarh is the only state among the five where Congress sits comfortably in terms of its political equation, seat share and voters percentage tally in the last assembly election and the bypoll. Steep Challenge for BJP BJP has announced a total of 90 candidates, of which 33 are from OBC (Other Backward Class), 30 from Scheduled Tribe (ST and 10 from Scheduled Caste (SC). BJPs state chief Arun Sao told News18 that the election would be fought in the name of PM Modi and his development plank. Key Issues: Corruption to Conversion Chhattisgarh is a melting pot of multiple issues, from allegations of facilitating religious conversion to alleged corruption and the BJP is shaping its election campaign on all fronts. State Demography Chhattisgarh, dominated by tribal population, consists of 90 assembly constituencies. Of the total 90 seats, 29 are reserved for STs while 10 seats are marked SC seats. Full details here. For the first time in the countrys electoral history, all polling booths in an assembly constituency were managed by all-women teams. The Election Commission of India was referring to the 201 booths in Raipur (North), where polling was held in the second phase of the Chhattisgarh assembly elections. The EC said this happened for the first time in any assembly seat of the country, adding that 1,046 women were deployed in the 201 polling booths. These all-women managed polling booths provided a sense of comfort and security to all voters, especially women and voters of the third gender for more inclusive elections, the EC said. Seventy assembly seats in Chhattisgarh went to polls in the second phase on Friday, while elections were held in all the 230 assembly seats in Madhya Pradesh. The first phase of polls in Chhattisgarh was held on November 7. The Sonewani polling station in Madhya Pradeshs Balaghat assembly seat registered a 100 per cent voter turnout with all 42 electors 26 women and 16 men casting their vote, the EC said. A poll panel functionary recalled the statements of Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar in Bhopal and Raipur urging all women, transgenders, persons with disability, voters who are 80 years and above and youngsters to turn up at polling stations to exercise their franchise and ensure greater turnout from all sections of society. Based on an EC decision that polling stations should be accessible for voters, 11 polling booths were set up in the Bharatpur-Sonhat assembly constituency in Chhattisgarh that had fewer than 100 voters. Sheradand, for example, had only five voters for whom a polling booth was set up. These booths are in remote and inaccessible locations where polling personnel had to traverse through dense vegetation and navigate difficult terrain to reach, the commission said. The EC said it made concerted efforts to facilitate voting among members of tribal communities. This resulted in 100 per cent enrolment amongst the particularly vulnerable tribal groups (PVTGs) residing in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. There were more than 7.52 lakh voters belonging to the PVTGs Kamar, Bhunjia, Baiga, Pahadi Korwa, Abujhmadia, Birhor in Chhattisgarh, and Sahariya, Bhariya and Baiga in Madhya Pradesh. The commission comprising CEC Kumar along with ECs Anup Chandra Pandey and Arun Goel through constant monitoring and reviews ensured that voting is free, fair, inclusive and accessible for the vast electorate comprising a grand total of 7.23 crore voters in Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh together, it said. In Telanganas Khammam district, the states ruling party Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) does not have a strong presence. The Telangana sentiment rings true in certain pockets only. The Congress, despite not being in power, has a traditional voter base here. With a close Andhra Pradesh border, parties like the TDP and YSRCP too have a good presence. In 2018, when the undivided Khammam district had 10 assembly constituencies, the BRS (then TRS) won only a single seat Khammam. The Congress won six, the Telugu Desam Party two, and the remaining one was bagged by an independent candidate. Speaking to News18, a teacher from the Palair constituency said: People here vote for the Congress even without checking who the candidate is. However, the Congress has fielded a strong candidate, Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy, from here. He is a good man and is known for his helpful nature. Even the BRS candidate, Kandala Upender Reddy, has earned a lot of goodwill, but he cannot match up to Ponguleti. In rural areas, the CPI has a small voter base. Chiming in, another Palair resident, said: The BRS has earned a bad name by favouring its own party people during the distribution of welfare schemes. I know leaders who gave the benefits to only those who were from their castes. This has created distrust among the people. Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy is a defector from the BRS. He was suspended by the ruling outfit for anti-party activities. He then joined the Congress in July in the presence of Rahul Gandhi. The former MP had won the Lok Sabha election from Khammam in 2014 as a YSRCP candidate. He later joined the BRS. While moving towards Khammam town, it was also evident that a few voters were choosing the party candidates, rather than the party. In the Khammam assembly constituency, Telangana transport minister Ajay Puvvada clashes with another BRS defector, Tummala Nageswara Rao. He was the minister for roads and buildings in the BRS government and joined the Congress because he was allegedly upset over not being given the ticket from Palair. He is a tall leader who has served in the cabinets of NT Rama Rao and N Chandrababu Naidu. In Palair, the fight is between two members of the Reddy community, and in Khammam, its between two Kamma caste members. Gopi, who drives an auto for a living in Khammam town, said, There is no doubt that the Congress has an upper hand. Tummala is well-known here, and people are not happy with the BRS because they are rowdies. However, he is going to vote for the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP). When asked why he is choosing BSP, Gopi said, I belong to the SC category and I have deep respect for RS Praveen Kumar (Telangana BSP president). He is an IPS officer who brought radical changes in the education sector of Telangana. Naseema, who runs a tailoring shop in Kasba Bazaar, says that she is voting for the Congress this time. I am not happy with the BRS and want to see a change. I am confident Tummala can bring that, she added. Another auto driver, Kumar, however, batted strongly for the BRS. Dont you see the roads? They are so good. The transport minister built these and I am happy, he said. I also like that Puvvada does not identify with any caste. I am a big fan of KCR sir and am voting for him. When Rajasthan votes on November 25, as many as 22,71,647 first-time voters will head to the polling booths, with a stable job and never having to migrate for employment on their checklist while deciding the ballot. While the BJP is banking on their angst and ambition, the ruling Congress is dreading them given their anger on successive exam paper leaks that have become the single biggest electoral issue in Rajasthan election 2023. The nearly 23 lakh new voters have the ability to swing electoral outcomes in more than 100 seats in Rajasthan, including constituencies like Hawa Mahal in capital Jaipur and Churu where the margin of win was wafer-thin in the 2018 election. The Congress fears that new voters in such constituencies and their anger can be decisive. Take Hawa Mahal for instance. Back in 2018, Congress veteran Mahesh Joshi won the seat by just 9,282 votes. The grand old party has denied a ticket to Public Health Engineering Department minister Joshi from the seat this time and has instead fielded RR Tiwari, which has brewed trouble within the Congress. In addition, the 15,000-plus first-time voters in the constituency could spell trouble for the Congress. Another seat that falls under Jaipur is Malviya Nagar, where former minister Kali Charan Saraf had won by a margin of 1,704 votes for the BJP last time. If an equal number of new voters, who have been added to the list in this constituency, vote keeping the alleged corruption of paper leaks in mind, it will spell trouble for the Congress. In Churu, BJPs Leader of Opposition Rajendra Rathore won the last time and the candidate this time is Harlal Saharan. Rathore had won in 2018 by a margin of just 1,850 votes. If the Congress thought it stood a chance to beat the BJP here given that Rathore who has won seven times from the seat has not been repeated, first-time voters may play spoilsport. Against Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, who continues to be the favourite from Sardarpura given that he has not lost from here since 1998, the BJP has fielded Mahendra Singh Rathore, a Rajput professor who has been part of the Rajasthan Council of Ministers. In 2018, Gehlot had defeated BJPs Sambhu Singh by a margin of more than 45,000 votes. But an addition of more than 25,000 new voters, many of them first-time voters, can help the BJP narrow down the margin. Even a marginal decrease in the gap will likely be pitched by the BJP as a moral victory against the Congresss sitting Chief Minister ahead of Lok Sabha elections next year. The BJP has also gone all out to woo the youth in its manifesto for Rajasthan, similar to the women-centric promises in Madhya Pradesh. From 2.5 lakh government jobs in the next five years to the appointment of 15,000 government doctors and 20,000 paramedical staff in the state, the saffron partys manifesto has been wooing this segment. It has even promised investment worth Rs 40,000 crore, which would mean more jobs in the private sector, a clear attempt to tap into these 22,71,647 first-time voters who may very well decide the election this time. Voting is underway for assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh, where 2,533 candidates, including Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and his opponent Kamal Nath are in the fray for 230 assembly seats, in a bipolar contest between the ruling BJP and the Congress. Besides Chief Minister Chouhan, who is contesting from Budhni, the BJP has fielded top guns in the assembly elections including Union ministers Narendra Singh Tomar, Prahlad Patel and Faggan Singh Kulaste, BJP general secretary Kailash Vijaywrgiya and Lok Sabha MPs Rakesh Singh, Ganesh Singh and Riti Pathak. The Congress, which is aiming to make a comeback, has fielded bigwigs including state Congress president Kamal Nath, Senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singhs son and former state minister Jaivardhan Singh and former CM Arjun Singhs son Ajay Singh. In 2018, Congress, with 114 seats, emerged as the single largest party and formed the government with the help of BSP, SP and independent MLAs under the leadership of Kamal Nath. However, the state witnessed a change in government in March 2020 when the Congress-led government collapsed and the BJP returned to power. The assembly polls in Madhya Pradesh will likely witness a tight contest between the Congress and the BJP. Here is all you need to know about what matters to voters: US President Joe Biden hosted the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), the annual summit of Asian leaders in San Francisco where leaders from 21 Asia-Pacific countries participated. During the summit, Biden and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping made rival bids to win over Asia-Pacific allies at the nations met in a bid to reduce tensions between the superpowers. This was the second in-person dialogue of Biden with Xi since the US president assumed office in 2021. Biden also had a three-way meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, whom he hosted for a historic summit at Camp David in August. The conference comes in the backdrop of the frosty relationship between China and the US and global turmoil from the Israel-Hamas war and Ukraine War. WHAT IS APEC? APEC or Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation is a forum to promote trade, investment and economic development among nations around the Pacific Ocean. The group started with 12 members in 1989, but has since grown to 21. The current members are Australia, Brunei, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Indonesia, China, Japan, South Korea, Russia, Canada, the United States, Mexico, Peru, Chile, Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore, Thailand and Taiwan. The member nations account for nearly 40% of the global population and almost half the worlds trade. 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 leaders who are attending the summit include Japans PM Fumio Kishida, Canadas PM Justin Trudeau, and Indonesias President Joko Widodo. US, China Competing for influence China and the United States are competing for influence across the hugely dynamic area stretching from the coasts of Canada to Chile and across to Australia, Malaysia and Russia. Bidens goal for Xi meeting is to get US-China communications back to normal. In the meeting on the sidelines of the summit, Biden and Xi are stressing the need for their nations to strengthen mutual understanding while cautioning that their interests will sometimes conflict. The two leaders opened their face-to-face meeting in the San Francisco Bay area with a solid handshake. Later, they sat at one long table together rather than at separate ones. While China has been offering infrastructure and loans with its Belt and Road program, the United States is busily trying to strengthen alliances with trade and other agreements. A big plank in that platform is the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) a loose trade pact meant to bind together the United States and 13 like-minded democracies such as Australia and South Korea. However, the IPEF has already hit the buffers because of US domestic political opposition that has held up a key element. Why is India not a part of APEC? In 1991, India made a request to become a part of the grouping when the economy was liberalised. Though a majority of the members were in favour of Indias inclusion, but some countries had reservations about Indias protectionist instincts and cited its records on the economic reforms, as per reports. Another reason for India not being included in the grouping was a membership freeze, which was in force since 1997 but was not extended in 2012. According to a report in Firstpost, the US-India Joint Strategic Vision for the Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean Region issued in 2015 said, The United States welcomes Indias interest in joining the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, as the Indian economy is a dynamic part of the Asian economy. India, however, remains an observer of APEC and has been expanding trade and investment ties in the region since the 2000s. India has been an observer of the group since 2011. Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal is attending the APEC summit even though New Delhi is not a member of the bloc. Goyal met Joe Biden at the APEC welcome reception on Thursday. Extremely pleased to join @POTUS & other leaders of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) for the IPEF Leaders meeting & to collectively announce that IPEF Leaders Vision has found a concrete shape with Agreements on Pillars II, III & IV. I am confident pic.twitter.com/dJodS2uePk Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) November 17, 2023 Goyal told ANI that Joe Biden conveyed his greetings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and acknowledged that the countries which were not responsible for creating the environmental degradation in the first place are the countries which get impacted the most. HOW EFFECTIVE IS APEC? Ever since its formation, the APEC group has championed the lowering of trade tariffs, free trade, and economic liberalisation. There is no military component and it wasnt forged by a world-altering event like a war. It technically has member economies rather than countries. That allows room for participation by both China-ruled Hong Kong and self-ruled Taiwan. APECs strength lies in its ability to get countries to work together on big initiatives and to ease business relations without binding agreements. Economists point to how APEC contributed to a reduction of tariffs and other barriers to trade. But the trade landscape is different now than when APEC began in a period of increased globalization. The US strategy has been focused on economic competition with China rather than cooperation, even as US leaders continue to stress the importance of cooperation. Biden is seeking partnerships with other nations in the region to develop alternatives to Chinese manufacturing imports such as electronic equipment, machinery, furniture, textiles and other goods. (With inputs from agencies) Progress was the watchword used by President Joe Biden to characterize his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The two leaders met for the first time in a year at the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. Today, built on the groundwork we laid over the past several months of high-level diplomacy between our teams, weve made some important progress, I believe, he said. The first issue of agreement cited by President Biden is to restart cooperation on counternarcotics, particularly regarding the chemicals and equipment used in the production and distribution of the deadly drug fentanyl: Were taking action to significantly reduce the flow of precursor chemicals and pill presses from China to the Western Hemisphere. Its going to save lives, and I appreciate President Xis commitment on this issue. President Xi and I tasked our teams to maintain a policy and law enforcement coordination going forward to make sure it works. The second area of agreement, which President Biden called critically important, is the resumption of high-level military-to-military contacts. Were back to direct, open, clear direct communications. ... Vital miscalculations on either side can cause real, real trouble with a country like China or any other major country. And so, I think we made real progress there as well, he said. Thirdly, the two leaders agreed to have their countries experts meet to discuss risk and safety issues associated with artificial intelligence. These are tangible steps in the right direction, President Biden said, to determine whats useful and whats not useful, whats dangerous and whats acceptable. President Biden noted that he and President Xi also exchanged views on a range of global issues, including Russias war against Ukraine and the conflict in Gaza. And as I aways do, I raised areas where the United States has concerns about the PRCs actions, including detained and exit-banned U.S. citizens, human rights, and coercive activities in the South China Sea, he said. I also stressed the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits. President Biden said the meeting with President Xi showed the world an important aspect of American diplomacy: Were talking to our competitors ... Just being blunt with one another so theres no misunderstanding is a key element to maintaining global stability and delivering for the American people. Yemens Supreme Court has rejected the appeal of Indian nurse Nimisha Priya, who was awarded a death sentence for the murder of a Yemeni national. Priya was found guilty of killing Yemeni national Talal Abdo Mahdi and has been in prison since 2017. She was sentenced to death by a trial court in Yemen in 2018 and her family has been fighting for her release since then. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said that the Indian government is aware of the situation and is providing consular support when required. However, the ministry added that it cant do much in the issue as it is a legal matter. Who is Nimisha Priya? Nimisha Priya, a nurse from Palakkad district in Kerala, lived in Yemen with her husband Tony Thomas and their daughter. Nimisha had been working in private hospitals in Yemen when travel to and from the country was banned in 2016 due to the Civil War. Her husband and daughter returned to India in 2014, but she continued working in Yemen. In 2014, she came in contact with Talal Abdo Mahdi, who promised to help her in starting her own clinic as a partnership was required under the Yemeni law. She set up a clinic in 2015, with the help of Mahdi. Soon, differences cropped up between her and Mahdi and she had alleged abuse, torture by him and taking away her passport, making her trip back to her home state impossible. Mahdi also misrepresented himself as her husband to the Yemeni authorities, due to which she couldnt get any aid from them, as per reports. Mahdi started threatening Priya and also took away her passport to ensure she doesnt leave Yemen. Priya filed a police complaint against Mahdi due to which he was arrested in 2016. But after his release, he continued giving troubles to Priya. On July 25, 2017, she injected Talal with sedatives with the aim of sedating him and taking her passport back and fleeing. However, he died of an overdose. Realising that Mahdi has died, she disposed of his body, which was cut into pieces in a water tank with the help of another person. Priya was found guilty of murder in 2018 and sent to jail. She was later sentenced to death. HC Asks Centre to Decide on Priyas Plea Priyas mother and a domestic help from Kerala urged the Delhi High Court to grant permission to visit Yemen and negotiate the blood money to save her daughter. The Delhi High Court asked the Centre to take a decision within a week on the request of the mother. Blood money refers to the compensation paid by an offender or his kin to the family of the victim. The high court had earlier refused to direct the Centre to negotiate the payment of blood money to save the woman, but asked it to pursue the legal remedies against the conviction in Yemen. The Centres lawyer on Thursday said that as per a recent notification, the travel ban may be relaxed and Indian nationals may be allowed to travel to Yemen for specific reasons and durations. The Mumbai police have registered an offence against 60 unidentified persons in connection with the clash that occurred between supporters of Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray at Shivaji Park here, an official said on Friday. Workers of the Shinde-led Shiv Sena and the Shiv Sena (UBT) shouted slogans against each other at the memorial of party founder late Bal Thackeray in the Shivaji Park area of central Mumbai, on the eve of his death anniversary on Thursday night. Supporters of the Shiv Sena (UBT) gathered at the spot and protested the visit of workers from the rival faction, causing the clash, the official said. Some supporters were manhandled, and the situation was brought under control by the police, he said. An offence has been registered against 60 persons under relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code and Maharashtra Police Act, the official said. The police are examining CCTV footage and video recording of the incident to ascertain the identities of those involved and action will be taken accordingly, he added. The Shiv Sena split in June last year following a rebellion by Shinde, and both factions have since been trying to claim the legacy of Bal Thackeray, reverentially called Hinduhriday Samrat by supporters. The residents of Delhi found no relief from toxic air as the national capitals air quality index (AQI) remained in the severe category on Friday morning. In Noida and Greater Noida, the air quality stayed in very poor category. A layer of haze surrounded the national capital on Friday morning. #WATCH | A layer of haze continues to cover Delhi this morning.(Drone visuals from the ring road near Hyatt Hotel, shot at 7.10 am) pic.twitter.com/cEH8fpsQaA ANI (@ANI) November 17, 2023 Delhis 24-hour average AQI which is recorded at 4:00 pm every day, was 419 on Thursday. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), several places like Anand Vihar, RK Puram, IGI Airport and Dwarka reported AQI crossing the 400-mark at 5:00 am. AQI recorded at various places in Delhi-NCR Anand Vihar 447 RK Puram 465 IGI Airport 467 Dwarka 490 Noida Sector-125 -352 Knowledge Park III in Greater Noida 314 Gurugram Sector 51 444 Despite stringent bans on construction works, burning of firecrackers and the entry of diesel-guzzling trucks into the city to curb air pollution, the citys air quality dropped significantly over the past few days. On Thursday, the Delhi government set up a six-member task force to ensure strict implementation of the Centres air pollution control plan GRAP in the national capital, Environment Minister Gopal Rai stated. On the other hand, Mumbais air quality continued to remain in the moderate category with an AQI of 168 on Thursday morning, according to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR) data. Several parts of the city, however, reported very poor air quality, as per the SAFAR data. AQI recorded at various places in Mumbai- Borivali 159 (Moderate) Andheri 95 (Satisfactory) Worli 109 Bhandup 100 Colaba 154 Mazagaon 178 Malad, Bandra-Kurla Complex (Kalanagar) and Navi Mumbai 200+ An AQI between 0 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. A 35-year-old shopkeeper here has been assaulted allegedly by his neighbour for not giving him a packet of cigarettes, police said on Friday. The incident took place around 11 pm on November 10 in Dwarkas Shyam Enclave area, they said. The victim, Nandu, suffered head injuries in the attack, according to police. In his police complaint, Nandu said he runs a small grocery shop close to his house. I closed my shop around 11 pm on November 10 and was about to leave. One of my neighbours, Raj Kumar, came and asked for a packet of cigarettes, he said. I told him that the shop is closed, but he started abusing me. A verbal spat then ensued between us, Nandu said in his complaint. He told the police that Kumar hit him with a sharp-edged weapon on his head when he was returning home. Police said an FIR has been registered against Kumar, who is at large, under section 324 (voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons or means) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). A team has been formed to nab the accused, they added. The Bombay High Court has refused to stay the release of the web series The Railway Men The Untold Story of Bhopal 1984, citing that the details of the event were already available in the public domain. A vacation bench of Justice Arif Doctor on November 15 dismissed the petitions filed by two erstwhile employees of Union Carbide India Limited, who claimed that the series depiction of the events leading to the tragedy and its cause may cause prejudice to them. One of the petitioners was in charge of the MIC plant as production manager, and the other was in charge of the pesticides factory of the UCIL. The petitioners Satya Prakash Choudhry and J Mukund were convicted in the case. They later filed appeals against the conviction, which is pending. The high court, while refusing to stay the release of the series, noted that the petitioners have failed to make out a very strong and compelling prima facie case that the web series contains defamatory, slanderous or libellous material. It cannot be disputed that the Bhopal gas tragedy was a most terrible and unfortunate event which made headlines and continued to remain in the news not only nationally but internationally for several years, the court said. The gas leak and the events surrounding it have been discussed and examined over the years, and they form the basis of several documentaries, movies, books and so on, which are available in the public domain, it said. Refusing any relief by way of injunction, the bench held that the web series was neither a documentary nor narration of facts but is simply stated to be inspired by true events, which are all in the public domain. It further noted that the petitioners were seeking a stay on the release of the series solely on the grounds that it could potentially cause grave injustice to them. It said that the petitioners were found guilty way back in 2010 and the contents of the trial and judgment are available in the public domain. The court said the makers of the series have included a disclaimer before each episode stating that it was a work of fiction inspired by real events. The petitioners, in their pleas, sought an injunction on the release of the series, citing certain inhibitions over the depiction of the cause of the tragedy. The pleas claimed that they had no objection to the depiction of the role of those involved in the rescue work but had an issue with the portrayal of the cause/events leading up to the gas leak. The depiction of events in the web series would possibly gravely prejudice the ongoing judicial proceedings against them, they said. The makers of the series Yash Raj Films Private Limited said the pleas were baseless and misconceived and that the petitioners are not named, identified or blamed for the gas leak in the series, which is slated to release on November 18. More than 3,000 people were killed, and lakhs were affected in the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy that also caused environmental damage. Karnataka Police on Friday arrested a 23-year-old engineering graduate for allegedly killing his girlfriend by slitting her throat with a knife after an argument over her previous relationship. The incident took place when the accused Tejas, who also graduated from the same college and was her senior, called her to a location on the pretext of discussing their issues. The accused and the victim, who was a final-year computer science engineering student, were in a relationship for over six months, police said. Launching a probe, police found that the couple were often engaged in frequent fights and arguments. A senior police officer was quoted as saying by news agency PTI that Tejas got to know about her previous relationship which led to a quarrel between them. He accused her of hiding this from him which led to arguments. Police further said that the woman was fed up with his constant interference and wanted to end her relationship with him. Angered by this, the accused called her to the main town from where he took her about 13 km away from the city towards Kunti Betta Hills on his motorcycle. After arriving there, the two again got into a quarrel following which he took out a knife and slit her throat, the officer said. Soon after the incident, the man fled the spot leaving the injured woman. Few people in the locality took her to a nearby hospital where she succumbed, police said. A case of murder under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) was registered and the accused was later arrested. (with PTI inputs) Uttarkashi Tunnel Collapse Updates: An American Auger drill has been flown from Delhi to rescue the 40 labourers trapped after an under-construction tunnel collapsed in Uttarakhand collapsed five days ago. This piece of special machine is expected to cut through 70 metres of rock in an approximate 12 to 15 hours. Reports stated that much of this rock came down from the roof during the rescue efforts. The machine works at a theoretical speed of 5 metres an hour, a report by NDTV stated. A report by Navbharat Times stated that an escape tunnel is being prepared from large diameter steel pipes. The drilling work, using the auger machine, began last evening. However, only one-and-a-half pipes could be inserted in the debris by Thursday. This is because special care is being taken to ensure proper alignment. Accordingly, it is being expected that the rescue work may take two more days. NDTV, however, quoted Atul Karwal, the chief of National Disaster Relief Force, as saying that they are hopeful that the labourers could be brought to safety within 12 to 15 hours. The report stated that the authorities are planning to bore through the rock and insert an 80 cm (less than 3 feet) through which the labourers can crawl through. Karwal was quoted as saying that in case anyone is incapacitated or injured, we can use stretchers and harnesses to bring them out. Karwal was further quoted as saying, We might find some obstruction in the path. He cited as examples iron rods from the roof that were already touching the rubble or more rock falls from the roof, NDTV stated. Uttarkashi Tunnel Collapse: Top Points According to Navbharat Times, a laborers health deteriorated inside the tunnel late on Tuesday. He was reportedly feeling dizzy and nauseous, causing panic among other workers. On the advice of the doctors, medicines were sent to the laborer through a pipe. Some workers are complaining of fever, body ache and nervousness. State director general of police Ashok Kumar, who reached Silkyara, was quoted as saying that all the workers trapped in the tunnel are safe and continuous talks are being held with them. Twenty-two-year-old Mahadev, a resident of Jharkhand, who is trapped inside the tunnel, spoke to his maternal uncle. Mahadev said that he and all his companions are safe. The Prime Ministers Office (PMO) is continuously monitoring the ongoing rescue operation, Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami told reporters at the State Secretariat. On a question related to negligence in tunnel construction, he said that our priority for now is to get 40 labourers out safely. A report in Amar Ujala quoted Congress state president Karan Mahara as saying that hume pipes were being laid in the tunnel after the incident, whereas the pipes should have been laid as soon as the tunnel was built. He alleged that the families of the people trapped are being mistreated outside the tunnel. He also alleged lack of coordination among the officials during the rescue work in the tunnel. Pushing pipes through debris takes more time than drilling holes, especially if it has to be ensured that there are no cracks in the pipes after welding, said officials involved in the rescue and relief operations at the site of the collapsed tunnel in Uttarkashi. Five days have passed since 40 workers got trapped as part of the under-construction Silkyara tunnel collapsed. Asked why the machine is not able to achieve the expected drilling speed of four to five metres per hour, Anshu Manish Khalkho, director of the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL), said aligning the pipes on the machine and welding those properly before pushing those through takes time. Khalkho further claimed that the drilling machine being diesel operated is behind the slow progress. It is a diesel-operated machine working in an enclosed space. So ventilation at certain time intervals with compressors is also needed. The vibration created by these processes may disturb the equilibrium, he said, adding, we are working with a strategy but it has to be reinforced to ensure nothing goes wrong midway through. The machine has been working satisfactorily and the speed will go up as more progress is made through the rubble and the rescue workers get accustomed to the method, Khalkho said. Another auger machine is being airlifted from Indore as a back-up so that the rescue operation continues uninterrupted, he added. At least 165 personnel from multiple agencies, including National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Border Roads Organisation (BRO), and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). Elite rescue teams from Thailand and Norway have also joined the operation. IAF Deploys C-17 to airlift critical equipment from Indore to Dehradun A C-17 transport aircraft of the Indian Air Force has been deployed to airlift almost 22 tonnes of critical equipment from Indore to Dehradun. The IAF has continued with its operations to assist the ongoing tunnel rescue underway at Dharasu, Uttarakhand. An IAF C-17 has been deployed to airlift almost 22 Tonnes of critical equipment from Indore to Dehradun. #FirstResponders #HADROps, the IAF posted on X. It also shared images of the C-17 aircraft and a machine on-board in its post. Sources in the IAF shared some of the challenges that were faced by the force on November 15 when it was pressed into action to assist in rescue operations undergoing near Uttarkashi in the hill state. The time-critical mission demanded a swift action to deliver the equipment as close as possible to the rescue location. The IAF took a prompt decision to launch its special operation platform C-130J Super Hercules to deliver the task, sources said. Dharasu ALG (advanced landing ground), located at Chinyalisaur, was identified as the nearest possible location for expeditious operation. The ALG is located nearly 30 km from the rescue site. Dharasu ALG is a short and narrow airstrip of 3,600 ft situated at an elevation of 3,000 ft above mean sea level, sources said. All you need to know about the ongoing rescue operations: Working round-the-clock with a powerful machine, rescue workers drilled through up to 24 metres of rubble till Friday afternoon. In its latest update, the NHIDCL said the fifth pipe being used to prepare an escape passage for the trapped workers is being positioned. Rescue workers have to drill up to 60 metres to insert 800 pipes with a diameter of 800 and 900 mm one after the other with the help of a giant drill till an escape passage can be created for the labourers. Each of the 900-mm diameter pipes being used to prepare an escape passage is six metres in length. An American auger drilling machine was flown in from Delhi on Wednesday (November 15) to speed up rescue efforts as the earlier one deployed for the purpose had a capacity to penetrate only up to 45 m of rubble, said Adesh Jain, an expert overseeing the operation. It had to be replaced by a heavier and more efficient drilling machine as the debris had spread over an area of about 70 m due to rubble constantly falling from above, Jain said. Consultations are also being held with international experts who have experience of being involved in similar rescue operations. (With PTI inputs) In a bid to make it more convenient for travellers and boost tourism, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is soon going to introduce a unified tourist visa allowing travel across all member nations. With the unified visa, the travellers can visit countries like Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with single permit. During the 40th meeting of the Interior Ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council, the President of the current GCC session, Sayyed Hamoud bin Faisal Al Busaidi declared the same saying that people will now be able to travel across various Gulf countries on just one tourist visa. GCC states have unanimously agreed to a unified tourist visa which is expected to come into effect in 2024-25 across the six nations. The decision will also contribute to the modernisation of travel logistics. Budaiwi said, The decision will underpin the continuous communication and coordination between the GCC states. The unified Gulf tourist visa is a project that will contribute to facilitating and streamlining the movement of residents and tourists between the six GCC countries and will, undoubtedly, have a positive on the economic and tourist sectors. He also added that the council approved the electronic linking of traffic offences between GCC states and the preparation to decide on a comprehensive strategy to fight illegal drugs aiming at a contribution to the fight against its scourge is also underway. To understand better, the unified tourist visa for Gulf countries will be similar to the Schengen visa in Europe. For those unversed, the Schengen visa allows tourists to visit 27 member countries on one visa. These 27 countries are Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. As of now, those who wish to travel to different Gulf countries, need to apply for separate visas for each country in case they want to club multiple places to visit. However, Oman and Qatar are the only Gulf countries that do not require visas for Indian passport holders. In July this year, the Delhi High Delhi High Court To Hear Plea Of Sushant Singh Rajputs Father KK Singh Against Nyay: The JusticeCourt refused to issue a stay order against streaming of film Nyay: The Justice, a project adapted from Sushant Singh Rajputs life on an OTT platform. Sushant Singh Rajputs father had filed a plea seeking interlocutory injunction in his case against the filmmakers. However, the court clarified that a possible ban cannot take place since it was released in 2021 and thousands of people might have already watched it. Now in a fresh development, Delhi High Court will hear the plea of Sushant Singh Rajputs father next year. Going by the report shared by the news agency IANS, Justices Yashwant Varma and Ravinder Dudeja that comprise a division bench has granted time to all the concerned parties to file their replies on this matter. The counsel of Sushant Singh Rajputs father reportedly informed the court that four representatives are being represented by them. The pleas was filed in response to the order that was passed in July, which refused to injunct the streaming of the film. The court will hear the plea on February 12. Dismissing the plea in the court of law, Justice C Hari Shankar had stated back in July, To fasten a legal right, on something as fleeting as a celebrity, appears to be an oxymoron. Law cannot allow itself to be a vehicle to promote celebrity culture. It does not appear permissible, in our constitutional scheme which guarantees equality to individuals and in which equality is a cherished preambular goal, to countenance an extra bundle of rights which would be available for enjoyment only to celebrities. The court had also emphasized that the right to publicity, privacy and personality vested in Sushant Singh Rajput cannot be exercised since the person has passed away, The said rights, therefore, did not survive for espousal by the plaintiff, the court stated. Nyay The Justice is written and directed by Dilip Gulati, produced by Sarla A. Saraogi and Rahul Sharma.The film stars Zuber Khan and Shreya Shukla in lead roles, Aman Verma as ED chief, Asrani as Mahinder Singhs Father, Shakti Kapoor as NCB Chief, Kiran Kumar as Advocate of Mahinders father, Anant Jog as Mumbai Police Commissioner, Anwar Fatehan as Bihar Police Commissioner, Sudha Chandran as CBI chief and other actors in pivotal roles. Press Release November 16, 2023 Pia's closing remarks on the higher education budget By Senator Pia S. Cayetano Senior Vice Chair, Senate Finance Committee Actually, Mr President, upon your instructions and in our desire to prioritize education, knowing that in other countries, they are actually able to give even a hundred scholarships because there are takers. So we committed that during this budget, we will facilitate a meeting so the representative of the Hungary Embassy was here today meeting with the SUCs for closer coordination. So that's a commitment we make because, like you said, sayang nandyan na ang offer and contrary to what some students might think, it's [the courses are] conducted in English. So nakakahinayang. But if his honor will recall, on the spot naman po, we were texting already Chairman Popoy De Vera at that time and he also committed that they will ensure that these slots are filled. But that is why we had a representative of Hungary attend today and meet all the SUC presidents. So baka pati ho ang ibang kaibigan natin from other countries, we're willing to do the same for them as well, to coordinate, to support these scholarship programs for our students, which will also strengthen our ties with these other countries. *** I recall that when we were in Hungary, October 27, ang request is more courses pa in Engineering, so that's where we can help facilitate. Gusto pala natin ng more Engineering, baka naman makapagbigay din sila, so we'll work together. *** On MSA, this was also brought up by the Deputy Minority Floor Leader, the response there is the reevaluation of all the maritime schools are ongoing and there is a three-year deadline but the President actually wants it done in two years. With regards to the operationalization of the PQF Law, as his honor correctly pointed out, Deped is very crucial here, and as his honor said, the Vice President/Secretary of Deped has been instrumental in ensuring that there are regular meetings. On this note, before I go to labor education, I will include an often repeated question or query that my brother, Sen. Alan Cayetano, always includes. And this is, how long will it take for the commitment of CHED to reduce the number of years in college? Because that was a commitment made when we passed K-to-12, and I asked this during the hearing, if you recall, Chair Popoy. The response you gave me is that you are awaiting also the various technical groups to be the one. Pero how do you crack the whip kasi nakapag-graduate na ang additional year, taon-taon? So I just have to manifest that, Mr President, because many parents expected that with K-to-12, mababawasan ang college years. And we already know in other countries, maraming courses na three years lang. So I just have to repeat that. The final point of his honor is the labor education act, sabi ng CHED, this is with DOLE right now, sila ang nag-request na i-review ulit ang IRR. Narinig po ba yun ng ating Majority Floor Leader? At hindi kayo masaya, pero yan ang katotohanan. So it's with DOLE... *** That is accurate, they are in charge, they've submitted it, and they said they were ready to sign, but DOLE wanted to review it again. *** But before you move to submit, just a very quick response on our favorite topic, the Doktor Para sa Bayan and medical scholarships, and I affirm and confirm the numbers that his honor put on record. A total of P1.26 billion is what the Senate carried. We have always taken the lead on funding this program, the medical scholarships, and the support for medical schools, every year, I am proud to report that because of our initiative, we did not pass a law that simply says 'dagdagan ang doktor, bigyan namin kayo ng kaunting scholarships.' Every year, we ensure that there is a budget for capital outlay, MOOE, and personal services. And the seed fund. This program cannot be effective without these very detailed interventions. And again, I also confirm happily, I want to share the joy of our Majority Floor Leader that, from eight medical schools in 2020, it's 2023 and we now have 19, and there are 11 more pending in CHED. And I have to commend CHED that in fairness, every year, they prioritize the evaluation of the readiness of these schools. That's why tayo may seed fund because if a medical school is not open at the time we are having these debates, then the only time they can have funding is through the seed fund that we lodged with CHED. On that note, my final point on this is we cannot provide healthcare to the Filipinos by the services of the doctors alone. And so every year, I always encourage SUCs to strengthen their allied health programs and there have been some. Bulacan actually lately was asking funding for that, Bulacan State University, but I really encourage all the SUC presidents here that have med schools and even those that don't, na dagdagan niyo pa ang allied health programs n'yo because they are also extremely important. (Deemed to be University) and Cadence Design Systems (India) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a long-term partnership. The agreement was signed by Prof. Baldev Setia, Director of Punjab Engineering College (PEC), and Vijayakumar C Patil, Application Engineering Group Director at Cadence. The signing ceremony was held in the presence of Prof. Arun Kr. Singh, Head of the(ECE) Department, Dr. Jyoti Kedia, BTech VLSI Coordinator, and other faculty members of the ECE Department.Through this partnership, PEC and Cadence will collaborate to enhance, improve, and extend the knowledge, capabilities, and expertise of the ecosystem in general, and the students of PEC in particular. The collaboration will focus on aligning the PEC curriculum with industry-relevant challenges, offering new opportunities for internships to provide industry experience to PEC students during their studies and placements, and providing access to Cadence's award-winning online training content.Jaswinder Ahuja, corporate vice president and India Managing Director, Cadence, said, "Cadence has been closely involved in workforce development in India for the last 25 years. According to a report by the Semicon India Future Skills Talent Committee set up in August 2022 says that India will need 12 lakh workers in semiconductor-related industries by 2032. Initiatives such as this one will help train students in real-life projects and make them industry-ready. We are proud to collaborate with PEC for this MOU". Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone will soon be seen in the much anticipated aerial actioner titled Fighter. Helmed by Sidharth Anand, the movie is all set to release on January 25, 2024. Buzz is that, the makers are keen on releasing the first song from the film. According to a report in India Today, a source close to their production team shared, that the makers of Fighter are all set to drop the first song from the films album. Its a catchy song and was shot on a large scale. The makers are optimistic that the song will be a hit upon its release. The source also added, the makers havent set a release date yet for the song, but it is expected to be released by the end of November and then the trailer in December. Currently, they are working on the trailer and it will be released closer to the release date. Meanwhile the makers have almost wrapped shooting for the film. Earlier last month, a source close to the development had earlier revealed that Hrithik will be wrapping the shoot of the film at YRF Studios. Today is the 87th Day of Fighter shoot and through the journey, the team has shot at several real locations and studio setups. The film began in November last year with a 10-day schedule at the Tezpur Air Force Station in Assam. As a part of prep, Hrithik even spent time with the real-life Air Force Officers. A year later, its a patchwork shoot at YRF studios in Mumbai. Deepika and Anil have completed their scenes and Hrithiks final day of shooting was October 30. The film will be officially wrapped by Siddharth Anand on November 1 and is set to hit the big screen on January. Being an aerial action thriller, a lot has gone behind the scenes to create a one-of-its-kind cinematic experience. The shoot was tactfully planned in a way that the high-on VFX shots were canned in the early days of the schedule so that proper time can be given to amp up their impact on the cinema screen, the source further added. The first look for Fighter was shared on Independence Day this year. The motion poster shows three combat planes flying through the sky as the three main actors, Hrithik Roshan, Deepika Padukone, and Anil Kapoor, approach one by one, dressed in their Air Force uniforms. The film is set to hit the big screen on the eve of Indias 75th Republic Day. Meghan Markle has transitioned into a new life in California, distancing herself from her past in the UK. After leaving the royal family, shes been slowly and steadily isolating herself from the drama surrounding it, as shared by sources to Royal author Omid Scobie in his upcoming book, Endgame. Although the book releases on November 28, in a recent interview with People, Scobie claimed that Meghan has moved on from the royals. However, her husband Prince Harry still maintains connections with his father, King Charles III and some other family members, indicating that he has some unresolved matters with them, but Meghan has no interest to look back. The author said, Quite early on in the process, some of those Meghan sources that I really leant on in the earlier years this time were like, You know what? She doesnt want anything to do with it. For Harry its different. He still has unfinished business when it comes to his battles with the press. His challenge will be to find something that balances that out so we can see him working in a space that isnt connected to the ties that bind from the past. Despite tensions in the family, the Sussexes havent entirely distanced themselves from the Royal Family. According to reports, they reached out to King Charles to extend birthday wishes on November 14. This was allegedly the first conversation between Harry and his father in months, following the release of Harrys controversial memoir, Spare. According to Omid Scobie, Harry doesnt want to completely cut ties with them and its often the Duke of Sussex who initiates these conversations. I was surprised to learn that even Meghan has some sort of correspondence with Charles, sending over photos of the children, although theyre not directly to him. So there is a willingness there, the author added. Earlier this year, Harry attended his fathers coronation ceremony and spent time with brother, Prince William. However, he didnt receive an invitation to join the Royal Family on the palace balcony to greet the citizens. During this event, Meghan and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, remained at home in the US and celebrated Archies birthday separately. During Charless Coronation, Prince Harry and Prince William were photographed together, yet Omid Scobie has claimed that their relationship is irreparable and said, Theres No Going Back. As per Scobies source, Harry is a defector, according to Williams perspective. The two brothers were very much close before, but now they have drifted apart. The gory, bloody, intense, and yet extremely grasping web series, Squid Game, a Korean survival drama, gained worldwide acclaim in 2021. It swiftly became one of Netflixs most-watched shows at that time. Its popularity continued to soar, with notable YouTubers recreating the series and a video game in the works. Amidst rumors and anticipation, the confirmation of Squid Game Season 2 has stirred great excitement among fans. While an official release date is still pending, its filming has been ongoing since July 2023 and is expected to last at least ten months, with expectations of a late 2024 release, according to Whats on Netflix. Director Hwang Dong-hyuk, despite ongoing planning for Season 2 in November 2021, officially confirmed the sequel in June the following year. As reported by the Korea Times, he said Im in talks with Netflix over Season 2 as well as Season 3. We will come to a conclusion any time soon." Netflix officially confirmed Season 2 in June last year, posting a short teaser video with the caption: Red light GREENLIGHT!" Watch it here: Red light GREENLIGHT! Squid Game is officially coming back for Season 2! pic.twitter.com/4usO2Zld39 Netflix (@netflix) June 12, 2022 Apart from this, about four months ago, Netflix also introduced us to the cast of Squid Game Season 2 through their YouTube channel. The returning cast reportedly includes Lee Jung-Jae reprising his role as Seong Gi-Hun, along with familiar faces like Lee Byeong-Heon, Wi Ha-Joon, and Gong Yoo. Notably, Hwang Dong-hyuk expressed the intention to incorporate deceased characters through various means. In addition to the returning cast, Season 2 also introduces new actors like Kang Ha-Neul, Yim Si-Wan, Park Sung-Hoon, and Yang Dong-Geun. A fresh lineup of eight cast members was announced on June 29, expanding the series ensemble, reports Deadline. Squid Game Season 2s plot centers around Seong Gi-Hun, now sporting a distinctive red hairstyle, as he seeks to dismantle the forces behind the titular Squid Game. The narrative will explore the consequences of Gi-Huns decision to remain in Korea instead of joining his daughter in the US. While specific details remain scarce, actor Lee Jung-Jae has hinted at Seong Gi-Huns return to the arena, while talking to People. As the production progresses, more insights into the mysterious games and their orchestrators are expected to surface. While the exact trajectory of Season 2 remains uncertain, Lee Jung-Jae has reportedly conveyed that the scale and direction of the upcoming season are yet to be fully revealed, keeping fans eagerly anticipating the continuation of the Squid Game saga. Vicky Kaushal is having a busy year in terms of work. While he is occupied with his upcoming film Sam Bahadur, the actor recently shared the OTT release and poster of his latest venture, The Great Indian Family, on social media. The light-hearted family drama also stars former Miss Universe, Manushi Chhillar, playing the female lead opposite Vicky Kaushal. The film graced the big screen on September 22, 2023. Following its theatrical debut, this family drama is set to charm audiences once again once again on OTT now. The Great Indian Family is now available on Amazon Prime Video. The announcement of its streaming availability was also made through the digital streaming platforms Instagram page. Accompanied by the films poster, the caption read, Here to drown you in humor, heartfelt love, and wholesomeness!" Take a look: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Vicky Kaushal (@vickykaushal09) Under the directorial helm of Vijay Krishna Acharya and produced by Yash Raj Films, The Great Indian Family showcases a stellar ensemble cast. In addition to the dynamic duo of Vicky Kaushal and Manushi Chhillar, the film boasts noteworthy performances by acclaimed actors such as Manoj Pahwa, Kumud Mishra, Bhuvan Arora, Yashpal Sharma, and Sadiya Siddiqui. The narrative unfolds in the enchanting town of Balrampur, weaving together a delightful tapestry of humour, drama, and intense emotions. At the heart of the narrative is the Tripathi family, revered for their influential role in the priestly lineage of Balrampur. The focal point of the family is Ved Vyas Tripathi, aka Bhajan Kumar a son who is known for soulful bhajans and joyful camaraderie with friends. However, the story takes a turn when unexpected revelations regarding Veds birth and lineage surface. Confronted with an identity crisis and personal dilemmas, Ved embarks on a transformative journey to unravel the truths of his roots and origin. The storyline unfolds as Ved grapples with the profound confusion in his life, questioning whether he can successfully navigate the challenges that lie ahead. Watch the trailer here: As for the films lead actor, Vicky Kaushal, he has a lineup of two extremely important films, releasing next month. His next release will be the much-awaited Sam Bahadur, based on the life and times of Field Marshal Sam Hormusji Framji Jamshedji Manekshaw. It will also star the Dangal girls, Sanya Malhotra and Fatima Sana Shaikh in important roles. Shortly after that, Vicky will also be seen in Rajkumar Hiranis Dunki, along with Shah Rukh Khan and actress Taapsee Pannu. Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal sent a legal notice to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday, asking him to tender an unconditional apology within five days for levelling malicious allegations against the Badal family during a debate at the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) in Ludhiana. According to the notice, Badal will seek remedies as available in the law for causing wilful defamation and libel in case Mann fails to tender the apology. The legal notice was sent by Badals lawyer, Arshdeep Singh Kler. The notice accuses Mann of defaming Badal and his family with his false and malicious allegation that an irrigation branch was created to carry canal water to the Badal farm in Haryanas Balasar village. The allegations were levelled by the chief minister during the Main Punjab Bolda Haan debate held at an auditorium of the PAU on November 1. Opposition leaders from the Congress, SAD and BJP had skipped the event. In a pre-planned and deep-rooted conspiracy, solely with an objective to malign the personal, social and political reputation of my client (Sukhbir Badal) in order to gain cheap political mileage for yourself, you staged a drama at Ludhiana on November 1 intentionally, with mala fide intent to defame my client and made certain false, malicious allegations, alleging that the precious water of Punjab was taken by my client to his Balasar farm at Haryana, the notice read. You, further in your vilification campaign, stated before the media that a private canal was constructed to the fields of my client at the Balasar farm. You also made false allegations with respect to the transport company of my client, it added. It is a well-known fact that the Shiromani Akali Dal and my client have fought tirelessly to save every drop of water of Punjab, it said. Speaking at the debate, Mann had said it is a well-known fact that the ancestors of opposition leaders indulged in the unpardonable crime of constructing the Sutlej Yamuna Link (SYL) canal. For the sake of their vested interests, these political leaders had agreed and planned the construction of the canal, he had said. In 1978, then chief minister Parkash Singh Badal had demanded an additional amount of Rs 3 crore for the SYL canal and took Rs 1.5 crore from the Haryana government in March 1979, Mann had claimed. He had further said Parkash Singh Badal had issued a letter for acquisition of land for the SYL canal and then Haryana chief minister Devi Lal had made a statement in the Assembly that due to his personal relations with Parkash Singh Badal, the Punjab government had acquired the land. Mann had also claimed that in 1998, then chief minister Parkash Singh Badal raised the height of the banks of the Bhakra Main Line canal by an average of one foot with the intention of giving more water to Haryana and took Rs 45 crore from the neighbouring state for the purpose. Parkash Singh Badal committed this sin only for the sake of the Balasar canal, which was constructed by the Haryana government till his farmhouse as a reward for his treachery with Punjab, Mann had alleged. Ram will be the only topic of discussion after January 22, 2024, and the Sangh Parivar will make sure that the political and electoral narrative revolves only around the Ram Mandir ahead of Lok Sabha elections next year, said a senior RSS functionary, who is also a member of the central committee of the Sangh. Citing veteran poet and lyricist Javed Akhtars remark on Siya Ram last week, the RSS functionary told News18 that the social changes were the result of the outreach programme the Sangh had embarked on. Akhtar, in a Diwali programme called Deepotsav organised by Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray, said some elements had always been intolerant. Calling Hindus generous and large-hearted, he said the Hindu culture has taught people democratic attitudes. Reacting to the continuous mention of a caste census by the Congress and an election promise to implement caste surveys in the states if voted to power, the functionary said: Caste census has been a ploy to break the Hindu unity. However, this plan of the Congress to satisfy political-electoral interest will not succeed. If they are so keen to know the caste data, why did they not carry out a caste survey in the states where they have been in power for the past five years or more? Bringing caste is nothing but a way to break Hindu consolidation that we have achieved now. People will not fall prey to this, he added. Re-Shaping the Political Narrative The Sangh Parivar, which includes the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and other Sangh affiliates, is planning to celebrate the Ram Temple inauguration across cities. Big screens are being planned across social centres, villages and shakhas. There will be week-long programmes to commemorate the Ram Temple opening ceremony, said a source in the organisation. We always aimed to reshape the political and social narrative of Bharat. This is the most important part of Bharatiyata and decolonisation of India. Our culture and our tradition have always revolved around Ram. There were certain aberrations, but everything will fall in place now once the Ram Temple is inaugurated. This is going to be a dream-come-true moment for crores of Indians, said another senior Sangh functionary. Cutting across party lines, including Congress, every politician, and every social activist has now acknowledged the existence of Ram in our culture. They are now speaking openly about the innate connection every Indian has with Ram and Sita. That is what we have always wanted and worked for, he added. The RSS functionary highlighted the political shift. Rahul Gandhi ji talks about Hindu Dharma. Bhupesh Baghel, the Congress Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, has built Ram Vangaman circuit and Ram statues across districts in his state, while Kamal Nath, former chief minister of Madhya Pradesh, calls himself a Hanuman bhakt (devotee). This is how the narrative changed. Post January 22, every senior politician and every political party will talk about Lord Ram only. That will be the political narrative, he added. Caste Census Conspiracy to Divide the Nation The senior RSS functionaries said that the idea of a caste census is being brought forth to divide the Hindus and break the Hindu unity. Ram Lalla will prevail. We will be starting a door-to-door campaign two weeks before Ram Lallas Pran Pratishtha. Our volunteers will travel across villages and narrate Ram katha. They will explain to the people why and how the life of Ram is connected with our national identity and culture. And culture goes beyond castes and religion, said the senior member of the RSS. At a time when Opposition parties like the Congress are trying to build their poll plank around caste divisions, caste data and a promise of implementing caste census, we have to make the nation talk about Ram. And we will take every effort to make that happen, he added, calling the caste census a political conspiracy. There will be serious consequences of caste surveys. We have always maintained that casteism, caste politics are bad. It was there in our system earlier, but that was something that broke Hindus. Cast identities, the social behaviours, and the caste issues gave birth to the idea of conversion in India. Our people started converting to other religions to get rid of the caste structure, he said. As the 50-day period sought by the Maharashtra government to look into the reservation demand ends on November 17, Bharatiya Janata Partys (BJP) Dhangar face and Member of Legislative Council (MLC) Gopichand Padalkar has sent a reminder to CM Eknath Shinde. ALSO READ | Include Dy CM Devendra Fadnavis in Dhangar Quota Committee: BJPs Maha Community Face Gopichand Padalkar Dhangars have been demanding reservation in the Scheduled Tribes (ST) category. There are approximately 2.5-3 crore Dhangars in Maharashtra. In a meeting of Dhangar leaders a few months ago, Shinde had sought 50 days to come up with a solution. In his letter to Shinde, Padalkar has expressed his displeasure, stating that not a single file related to the Dhangar reservation has been moved in the past 50 days. You are the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, all castes should be the same for you, but it seems you are making an effort to give reservation to only one particular caste and completely ignoring the demand of the Dhangar community. Efforts should also be made to resolve this issue immediately or else the government will have to face a democratic protest from the community, Padalkar wrote. In the last meeting, the BJP leader had put forth seven demands on behalf of the community, which included appointment of senior counsel Kumbhakoni to fight the case for Dhangar reservation in the Bombay high court, effective implementation of welfare schemes floated for the community, stopping of attacks on the community with strict laws and changing the name of Ahmednagar to Ahilya Nagar. ALSO READ | Dhangar First, Politician Later: BJPs Face from Maha Community Gopichand Padalkar to Intensify Quota Stir From the past one year, Padalkar is leading the fight, with rallies across the state to spread the awareness on Dhangar reservation. Padalkar claims that although the Constitution has given reservation to the Dhangar community in Schedule Tribes, all governments have failed to implement it. Recently, Maharashtra witnessed aggressive protests over the demand. The eve of Shiv Sena supremo Balasaheb Thackerays 11th death anniversary saw both factions of the Shiv Sena clash with each other at his memorial in Dadars Shivaji Park ground on Thursday. The skirmishes began when Shiv Sena UBT party workers started protesting and raising slogans against Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde who had come to pay tributes at the Thackeray memorial. Soon, party workers from both sides came face-to-face, and slogans were exchanged, which then turned into a scuffle at the site. While workers of the Shiv Sena shouted that the party belongs to them, Uddhav Thackeray supporters raised slogans of traitors go back. Sheetal Mhatre, leader of Shiv Sena (Shinde faction), said: When Eknath Shinde was paying tribute at the memorial, Shiv Sena UBT party workers created chaos which later turned into a scuffle. Today, we all, along with the CM, had come to pay tribute but they heckled our women party workers. We had no intention of creating any law and order issue on the day of Balasahebs death anniversary. Another leader of the Shinde faction, Kiran Pawaskar, said: The way Shiv Sena UBT workers have vandalised the poles at the memorial shows how much respect they have in their mind for Balasaheb. Shiv Sena UBT leader and Rajya Sabha MP Anil Desai and former cabinet minister Anil Parab were seen controlling their party workers at the memorial. The duo was also seen pacifying the angry party workers who were raising slogans against the Shinde Faction. Speaking to the media, Desai said: Every year, we come here on November 17 to pay tribute to Balasaheb Thackeray. We have observed this day very peacefully and we will also observe it on Friday. Those who just want to do drama wont be allowed to do so. We request police to vacate the place as these people entered a memorial and were loitering around after paying tributes. As the factions clashed, police had to intervene to maintain peace and they requested that the Shinde faction cooperate with them to maintain the law and order situation. Eknath Shinde, while speaking to the media, said: Maintaining law and order is everyones responsibility. I pay homage at Thackeray memorial a day earlier to ensure there is no law and order problem. I condemn the attempt to disrupt peace. After I left, Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders Anil Desai and Anil Parab came with supporters and shouted slogans against me. An unnecessary attempt was made to disrupt peace. Samsung has been in the news for a concerning development related to its customers in the UK. The company has confirmed a data breach in its UK division that has reportedly exposed the personal details of people who bought from Samsung in the region. In fact, Samsung states that the affected customers have bought from the UK online store between July 1, 2019 and June 30, 2020. The worrying part about the breach is that Samsung only got to know about the incident earlier this week. The company mentions the breach was possible because of a bug in a third-party app that it used on the devices. Samsung doesnt share the name of the affected app which caused this breach, nor do we know what kind of access the attackers got by exposing the personal data of Samsungs customers. The good news about the breach, if we can even say that, is that no financial data was revealed to the attackers. However, they did get other details like the phone number, name of the customers, email IDs and addresses as well. It goes without saying that people whose details have been exposed should be extra careful about checking their emails as these attackers could try methods like phishing to get personal and bank details to steal money and even push dangerous malware via attachments. Samsung assures that only the select customers in the UK were affected by the breach, and none of its global markets have been caught exposed by the incident. The company also claims that it has followed all the security protocols needed for a data breach and informed the agencies involved in such actions. Open AI has been tempting the best of employees from rival tech giants such as Meta and Google. Now, the company is offering salaries as high as Rs 83 crore per annum in order to lure more and more people. With this, Open AI is hoping to poach Googles best researchers and top tech resources for their artificial intelligence chatbot. According to reports, the company has already hired at least 93 people who have formerly worked at Google and Meta. As of February, it had an extra 59 former Google employees and about 34 ex-Meta staff working. The job listings for research engineers with OpenAI showed an annual salary range of between Rs 2 crore and Rs 3.8 crore. With this, they had a generous equity and other benefits which add up to Rs 83 crore a year. Jan Leike, OpenAIs head of super alignment, during a podcast said that the team is hiring research engineers, scientists, and managers. He further added that the company is looking for strong candidates who are passionate about making AI safer. During his visit to India earlier this year, Sam Altman seemed eager to welcome bright young IT practitioners from the country into the OpenAI workspace. Many of our best researchers are undergraduates or are college dropouts. You certainly do not need a PhD to do great work. OpenAI will welcome you on the basis of talent, and we are certainly a good fit for undergrads, he said. Atty Eleti, a software engineer at OpenAI, said that those interested in working with the company simply need to send an email to the CEO. If you guys amaze us using the Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), building some amazing products, contribute to open-source resources, and then just email sam@openai.com, you will get a job, Eleti said. TO ACCESS THIS CONTENT YOU MUST OPEN A SESSION OR CREATE AN ACCOUNT MEMBER LOGIN CREATE YOUR USER ACCOUNT DeepPower, Inc., the developer of a breakthrough geothermal drilling technology to access the Earth's unlimited source of clean energy, today (Nov. . . US President Joe Biden and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, who had their first in-person meeting in San Francisco in more than a year on Thursday, flaunted their Presidential vehicles. A video of the two leaders engaging in an informal conversation about their cars went viral on social media. In the video, Biden can be seen complimenting his Chinese counterparts car, to which Jinping responds by outlining the features of his vehicle. Jinping introduced the POTUS to his state vehicle, the Hongqi N701 Limo. Jinping then goes on to tell Biden that his car is called a Red Flag while Biden takes a good look at the vehicle and calls it a beautiful car. However, the US President didnt leave the opportunity to show off his state vehicle which he uses to travel around even in foreign lands and told Jinping that it is called The Beast. Biden Left Hanging Joe left his hand out for an awkwardly long period after shaking hands with the Chinese President Xi who he then went on to call a dictator again. He then tried to appear less than enthusiastic about a Chinese-made car when offered to have a look at pic.twitter.com/Q3aNFRrIMK Salty Texan (@texan_maga) November 16, 2023 Mine is called a Beast, Biden said talking about his General Motors-produced Cadillac in the video. Codenamed the N701, this black-coloured, armoured limousine has been brought to the US for the 70-year-olds visit. US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping met on Wednesday on the sidelines of the APEC summit in San Francisco, almost exactly one year since their last encounter in Bali, Indonesia, on the margins of another global gathering. Aside from a bilateral meeting, both leaders shared a lunch with top advisers and strolled the verdant grounds of the luxury estate where their meeting took place. Biden said the meeting included some of the most constructive and productive discussions weve had and will lead to stronger dialogue between the two leaders. The US President said they will keep the lines of communication open and Xi is willing to pick up the phone no small thing in the world of high-risk, high-stakes diplomacy between Washington and Beijing. Heres a look at how the day panned out. A Canadian man who used his truck to run down a Muslim family out for a walk was found guilty Thursday in Canadas first murder trial in which jurors were asked to consider a terrorism motive related to white supremacy. Nathaniel Veltman, 22, was convicted of four counts of first degree or premeditated murder, and one count of attempted murder. He faces up to life in prison when sentenced. He acknowledged striking the Afzaal family with his pick-up truck in June 2021 in London, Ontario, which left three generations of the family dead and a young boy orphaned. The prosecution argued at trial that he was motivated by white supremacist ideology and sought to intimidate or terrorize Muslims. The defense said hed suffered a mental decline which did not, however, meet the requirements for an insanity plea and was in a state of extreme confusion after consuming hallucinogenic psilocybin mushrooms that weekend. Todays verdict is a monumental step in the fight against hate and Islamophobia, Imam Abdul Fattah Twakkal said outside the courthouse. It sets a precedent against white nationalist terrorism, he said. It sends a clear message that such hate has no place in our society. But he added, the evidence that came out of this trial shows us that there is still a lot of work to be done to ensure that the next radicalized young man is not out there. Tabinda Bukhari, the mother of one of the adult victims, told reporters: The enduring grief, trauma and the irreplaceable void left by the loss of multiple generations of one family has pierced us profoundly. The verdict, she added, provides some solace. Brutal and terrifying The jury in the almost 10-week trial heard Veltman had penned a terrorist manifesto, found on his computer, in which he espoused white nationalism and described his hate for Muslims. He dressed like a soldier, wearing body armor and a helmet, with a crusader T-shirt with a red cross, prosecutor Fraser Ball said in closing arguments earlier this week. He was hunting for Muslims to kill, he said. When Veltman passed the Afzaal family on a London street on that warm Sunday evening, the Crown attorney said, he turned his pick-up truck around and accelerated pedal to the metal, jumping the curb as he drove into them. Bodies flew into the air. Salman Afzaal, 46, his wife Madiha Salman, 44, their 15-year-old daughter Yumnah and her grandmother Talat Afzaal, 74, were killed. A nine-year-old boy orphaned in the ramming suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Bits of the victims clothing were found embedded in the grill of Veltmans truck after he surrendered in a nearby parking lot. He told police hed wanted to send a strong message against Muslim immigration. Ball said that message was brutal and terrifying: leave this country or you and your loved ones could be next. The defense argued that a combination of mental disorders, childhood traumas and drug use left Veltman feeling detached or disconnected from reality. The attack two years ago changed Canadian Muslims relationship with their country, said Omar Khamissa, head of the National Council of Canadian Muslims. For the first time for many of us, we felt unsafe and targeted just for walking down the street. Former federal minister Omar Alghabra said on X, formerly Twitter, that this case was an example of how hateful words could lead to radicalization which could lead to deadly violence. Defense lawyer Christopher Hicks said that Veltman was, after the verdict, in shock, because he knows hes looking at 25 years in jail without hope of parole. A date for a sentencing hearing will be scheduled on December 1. The slaying was the deadliest anti-Muslim attack in Canada since a shooting at a mosque in Quebec City in 2017 that left six dead. The perpetrator of that shooting was not accused of terrorism. The Israeli army is said to have found a tunnel shaft used by Hamas militants at Gazas Al Shifa hospital. It released a video that showed a tunnel entrance in an outdoor area of the besieged territorys biggest hospital. The video showed a deep hole in the ground, littered with and surrounded by concrete and wood rubble and sand. The army said its troops also found a vehicle in the hospital containing a large number of weapons. EXPOSED: In the Shifa Hospital complex, IDF troops found a hidden booby-trapped vehicle containing a large number of weapons, including AK-47s, RPGs, sniper rifles, grenades, and other explosives," the IDF said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. EXPOSED:In the Shifa Hospital complex, IDF troops found a hidden booby-trapped vehicle containing a large number of weapons, including: AK-47s RPGs sniper rifles grenades other explosivesSee for yourself: pic.twitter.com/TApCThR9OM Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) November 16, 2023 Hamas Denies and US Confirms Israeli special forces raided the hospital Wednesday after saying it was the site of an underground command center for Hamas. Israel released a photo and video Thursday of what it called an operational tunnel shaft." In a statement late on Thursday, Hamas said that claims by the Pentagon and U.S. State Department that the group uses Al Shifa for military purposes is a repetition of a blatantly false narrative, demonstrated by the weak and ridiculous performances of the occupation army spokesman." The intelligence the US says it has collected that Hamas was using Al-Shifa Hospital as a command node is primarily signals intelligence, three people familiar with the assessment told CNN. On Thursday, White House spokesperson John Kirby said the United States is confident in an assessment from its own intelligence agencies on Hamas activities in Al Shifa hospital and will neither share nor elaborate on it. " ; , -7/10 . >>https://t.co/cUd5H35fm9 pic.twitter.com/hvSMR61XB6 (@idfonline) November 16, 2023 Our own intelligence assessment is that Hamas was using is using Al-Shifa as a command-and-control node and potentially as a as a storage facility to support their to support their planning and their execution of terrorist attacks in the region again, placing these people at greater risk, the staff and the patients at that hospital," Kirby said during a press briefing. And were confident in our own intelligence assessment of that. And Ill let the Israelis speak to to what is, quite frankly, an ongoing military operation," he added. AID HALTED Israeli leaders have declared control over the northern part of Gaza, including Gaza City, raising concerns of a potential ground offensive into the southern enclave. Aid organizations warn that such a move by Israel could exacerbate an already dire humanitarian situation in the region. The two telecoms companies in the enclave said all energy sources supplying the network had run out and therefore all services in the territory were down. Israel refuses fuel imports, saying Hamas could use them for military purposes. With communications out and in the absence of fuel, the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, said it was impossible to coordinate humanitarian aid truck convoys. 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. Since the October 7 attack that claimed the lives of 1,200 people in Israel, Palestinian civilians have borne the brunt of the retaliatory military campaign against Hamas. Gaza health authorities say at least 11,500 people have been confirmed killed in an Israeli bombardment. The Israeli militarys chief of staff said Israel was close to destroying Hamas military system in the northern Gaza Strip and there were signs the army was taking its campaign to other parts of the enclave of 2.3 million people. (With agency inputs) A 2022 Miss Universe judge has claimed that the recent uproar over transgender contestants is what led to the pageants bankruptcy. This criticism comes as Miss Universe faces financial turmoil amid a heated debate over the participation of transgender contestants. Judge Emily Austin, who is also a television host, believes that the inclusion of transgender women is morally wrong in beauty pageants. I think the outrage about a trans woman coming to Miss Universe and preaching, Bring the power back to women, couldnt be more of an oxymoron, she was quoted as saying during a Fox News show on Thursday. I think her company in Thailand has its own financial issues, she continued, but socially and morally its just wrong. And people are starting to catch on that. Thai media tycoon Anne Jakrajutatip acquired rights for $20 million in 2022. Jakrajutatip, a trans billionaire, has defended her ownership of Miss Universe, emphasising its importance as her first priority in life. JKN Global Group, Jakrajutatips company, remains optimistic about the Miss Universe event despite filing for bankruptcy. Despite financial challenges reflected in JKNs decline in share price, the company asserts that the Miss Universe Organization, is one of its main business lines. In a statement, JKN said that its board of directors agreed on November 7 to submit a business rehabilitation plan to the Thai bankruptcy court. Submitting the rehabilitation petition will effectively solve the Companys liquidity problem under legal mechanism and provide fair protection to all stakeholders, the statement said. The Miss Universe Organization has officially announced that, despite facing financial challenges, the Miss Universe 2023 pageant is scheduled to take place in El Salvador on November 18. In a statement, they acknowledged the current financial situation but affirmed their commitment to delivering a top-notch experience for fans. Notably, this years Miss Universe pageant will mark a historic moment with the inclusion of at least two transgender contestants, Miss Portugal, a flight attendant named Marina Machete, and Rikkie Kolle, who holds the distinction of being the first transgender Miss Netherlands. While Spains Angela Ponce paved the way as the pageants inaugural transgender contestant in 2018, she did not advance to the finals. A Washington-based Tibet advocacy group has urged US President Joe Biden to press China to return to direct dialogue with the representatives of the Tibetan people. This comes as Biden met with Xi Jinping on Wednesday on the sidelines of the APEC summit in San Francisco to reduce tensions between the superpowers. A wide range of issues were discussed during their high-stakes meeting but the issue, including human rights issues in Tibet. The International Campaign for Tibet (ICT) welcomed this development but added that more needs to be done. Xis meeting with President Biden takes place at a critical moment as the Chinese leader has ruthless control in Tibet, including intensive securitisation of the Tibetan Plateau and unprecedented Sinification of the Tibetan people. It is most important to raise these concerns directly with President Xi, the ICT said in a statement, posted on its social media handles. The #BidenXiMeeting is a good step, but more needs to be done. In particular, President Biden should press Beijing to return to direct dialogue with the representatives of the Tibetan people, as he promised to during his 2020 campaignRead our statement: https://t.co/Whf0xsolgK International Campaign for Tibet (@SaveTibetOrg) November 16, 2023 Tibetans, Uyghurs, and many other groups, including the Chinese people themselves, have been denied the freedom to raise their grievances and seek redress from the Chinese government. Xi and his officials must hear their voices too, and the Biden administration has an opportunity to push them to listen, it said. In particular, President Biden should press Beijing to return to direct dialogue with the representatives of the Tibetan people, as he promised to do during his 2020 campaign, the statement said. However, a readout of the meeting issued by the White House said Biden did raise the issues with Xi during the summit meeting in Woodside, California. Biden underscored the universality of human rights and the responsibility of all nations to respect their international human rights commitments. He raised concerns regarding PRC (Peoples Republic of China) human rights abuses, including in Xinjiang, Tibet, and Hong Kong, the White House said. On Taiwan, President Biden emphasised that our one China policy has not changed and has been consistent across decades and administrations. He reiterated that the United States opposes any unilateral changes to the status quo from either side, that we expect cross-strait differences to be resolved by peaceful means, and that the world has an interest in peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, it said. Biden called for restraint in Chinas use of military activity in and around the Taiwan Strait. He also raised continued concerns about Chinas unfair trade policies, non-market economic practices, and punitive actions against US firms, which harm American workers and families, the White House said. (With agency inputs) Condemning civilian deaths in the Hamas-Israel conflict, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday underlined that new challenges emerging from the West Asia region, as he urged the countries of the Global South to talk in one voice for greater global good. Speaking at the second Voice of Global South Summit, PM Modi said New Delhi has stressed the path of dialogue and diplomacy along with restraint to deal with the situation in West Asia. For global prosperity, Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas (together with all, development for all) is needed. But we all are seeing that new challenges are emerging from the incidents in West Asia, Modi said. Delivering my opening remarks at the Voice of the Global South Summit.https://t.co/q0IJ7nEpUx Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 17, 2023 India condemns terrorist attacks The Prime Minister has condemned the horrific terrorist attacks in Israel on October 7. Along with restraint, we have also emphasised on dialogue and diplomacy. We strongly condemn the deaths of civilians in the conflict between Israel and Hamas, he told leaders of the developing world. Prime Minister Modi also referred to his recent phone conversation with the President of the Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas last month. After speaking to President Mahmoud Abbas, we have sent humanitarian assistance for the people of Palestine. This is the time when the countries of the Global South need to speak in one voice for the greater global good, he said. In his remarks, the prime minister also called for cooperation under the framework of five Cs which he explained as consultation, cooperation, communication, creativity and capacity building. For one earth, one family, one future, let us all move forward together with five Cs, he said. One earth, one family, one future has been Indias theme for its G20 presidency. Israel has been carrying out a massive military operation in Gaza following the unprecedented and multi-pronged attacks on Israeli cities by Hamas militants on October 7. Hamas killed around 1,400 people in Israel and kidnapped more than 220 others. Over 11,500 people have been killed in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run authorities. There has been mounting criticism of Israel for the death of a large number of civilians, including women and children, in Gaza in its military operations. The prime minister also mentioned forward movement at the G20 on several initiatives that would benefit the Global South. Indias priority Modi also described the Voice of Global South as the most unique platform for the changing world of the 21st century. Our priority was to make the G-20 inclusive and human-centric on a global scale. Our effort was that the focus of G-20 should be development of the people, by the people and for the people, he said. It is with this objective that we organised the Voice of Global South Summit for the first time in January this year. In more than 200 G-20-related meetings held in different states of India, we gave prominence to the priorities of the Global South, he said. The result was that we were successful in getting everyones consent on the issues of the Global South in the G20 New Delhi Leaders Declaration, Modi said. He also talked about the African Unions entry into the G20 as a permanent member at the New Delhi summit of the grouping. I cannot forget that historic moment, when the African Union was inducted into G20 as a permanent member with Indias efforts, he said. African Unions G20 Entry Under Indias G20 presidency, the African Union in September became the new permanent member of the grouping of the largest economies of the world in the first expansion of the influential bloc since its inception in 1999. Listing achievements for the Global South under Indias G20 presidency, Modi said unprecedented seriousness was shown this time on climate finance. There was consensus at G20 on providing finance and technology in easy terms to countries of the Global South for climate transition, he said. India believes that new technology should not become a new source of widening the distance between North and South. Today, in the era of Artificial Intelligence (AI), there is a great need to use technology in a responsible manner. To take this forward, an AI Global Partnership Summit is being organised in India next month, he said. (With agency inputs) Osama bin Ladens Letter to America, which surfaced on the controversial video-sharing app TikTok, has ignited a heated debate about US support for Israel amid its war in Gaza. TikTok now bans content promoting Al-Qaeda leaders 2002 letter justifying attacks on Americans, addressing concerns arising from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. However, a fiery debate over the 20-year-old letter has spread on the platform this week in the wake of the Israel-Hamas war. Bin Laden was the mastermind of the 9/11 attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people by crashing passenger jets into the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon. After nearly 10 years as the worlds most wanted man, he was tracked down and killed by US special forces at his compound in Pakistan in 2011. Whats the controversial Letter to America? The letter, which was written after al Qaeda attacked the United States, criticised US support for Israel, accused Americans of financing the oppression of Palestinians, and contained antisemitic comments. It also denounces what he described as Western lies, immorality and debauchery and argued that attacks against civilians and the United States were justified as a result. Content promoting this letter clearly violates our rules on supporting any form of terrorism, TikTok said in a statement, adding that reports that it was trending on the platform were inaccurate. A search for Letter to America on TikTok surfaced no results on Thursday, with a notice that said the phrase may be associated with content that violates our guidelines. The origin of the trend has been pinned by various media outlets on a video posted Tuesday by a TikTok influencer with 12 million likes on her profile. I need everyone to stop what theyre doing right now and go read its literally two pages go read A Letter to America, the unnamed influencer was quoted as saying by AFP. The letter has been received with widely positive comments by social media users with trending searches on TikTok, according to the French agency. However, the controversial platform insisted that the number of videos involved was small and that reports of it trending on our platform are inaccurate. How the US Reacted US lawmakers have called for a ban on the Chinese-owned app and had renewed their criticisms before Thursdays announcement. Democratic Representative Josh Gottheimer said on Wednesday on X, formerly Twitter, that TikTok was pushing pro-terrorist propaganda to influence Americans. Watch below to see how China-owned TikTok is pushing pro-terrorist propaganda to influence Americans.These people are sympathizing with Osama bin Laden the terrorist responsible for 9/11 and thousands of American deaths. TikTok must be banned or sold to an American company. https://t.co/GOvnBZjXt4 Rep Josh Gottheimer (@RepJoshG) November 16, 2023 The White House sharply criticised the online phenomenon and TikTok said it was taking measures to remove the posts involved. There is never a justification for spreading the repugnant, evil, and antisemitic lies that the leader of al Qaeda issued just after committing the worst terrorist attack in American history, WH spokesperson Andrew Bates said in a statement on Thursday. The White House said, no one should ever insult the 2,977 American families still mourning loved ones by associating themselves with the vile words of Osama bin Laden. Particularly now, at a time of rising antisemitic violence in the world, and just after Hamas terrorists carried out the worst slaughter of the Jewish people since the Holocaust in the name of the same conspiracy theories, it added. Guardian Removes bin Ladens letter On Wednesday, The Guardian removed the full text of bin Ladens letter, which it had published in 2002. The news outlet said on its website that the letter was being shared on social media without full context and that it would instead direct readers to the news article that originally reported on the letter. TikTok said previously its recommendation algorithm does not push certain content to users, and that the company has removed hundreds of thousands of videos since October 7 for violating policies against misinformation and promotion of violence. Several internet observatories have time and again said that it is difficult to gain a full understanding of how prevalent certain content is on TikTok, partly because external researchers have limited access to its data. (With agency inputs) A Canadian minister said this week that the country is prioritising the probe into the killing of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, which has led to a shift in focus from trade talks with India. During a press conference in San Francisco on Wednesday, a reporter asked Trade Minister Mary Ng whether there was a path back to resuming trade talks between India and Canada. Right now, the focus for Canada is to let the work of the investigation proceed, the minister was quoted as saying by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC). Youve heard me and the government talk about how important it is that investigation happens given that we had a Canadian killed on Canadian soil. So well let that happen. The ties between the two countries came under severe strain following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus allegations in September of the potential involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Nijjar, which India strongly rejected the allegations. Days after Trudeaus allegations, India temporarily suspended the issuance of visas to Canadian citizens and asked Ottawa to downsize its diplomatic presence in the country to ensure parity. Though India has resumed some of the visa services, the issue of trade talks remains on the back burner from both ends. Mary Ng said Canadian businesses continue to do business in India and her job as trade minister is to make sure they have the support and tools they need. When asked to clarify here remarks on the resumption of trade talks, Ng said, Our focus is of course on this investigation, that work has to take place. And for Canadian businesses, just to reassure them, because they expect that of their government, that the tools are available to them as they continue to do business and to invest and to make investments and attract investment, that the services of the Canadian government continue to be there for them. Meanwhile, India has continued to press Canada to furnish proof for its claims. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday stated that no evidence has been provided to establish Indias link to the killing of Khalistani extremist. During a conversation with journalist Lionel Barber, Jaishankar emphasised the importance of credible evidence. When asked if there was any evidence of the Indian governments involvement in the killing, the EAM categorically stated, None. Speaking about Trudeaus allegations, Jaishankar said that he has discussed the matter with his Canadian counterpart, Melanie Joly, urging the Canadian government to share any evidence they may have. The minister highlighted Indias willingness to consider an investigation but emphasised that no evidence has been provided thus far. A California university professor was charged Thursday with involuntary manslaughter for the death of a Jewish man at a pro-Palestinian demonstration where an altercation broke out, local authorities said. Loay Alnaji, 50, was arrested and remanded into custody, the Ventura County Sheriffs Office said. He is being held in lieu of a $1 million bail. Alnaji was charged with involuntary manslaughter and battery causing serious bodily injury, the county district attorneys office said. Police say Paul Kessler, 69, died from an injury to his head after an altercation with Alnaji on November 5 in Thousand Oaks, site of a confrontation between pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli protesters. During the face-off, Kessler fell backward and hit his head on the ground. He died the next day in the hospital. Footage on social media appeared to show Kessler lying on the ground clutching his head. Alnaji was arrested after the incident, and his home searched, but police released him for lack of evidence. Witnesses provided contradictory statements on the nature of the altercation and the identity of the assailant, according to the sheriffs office. According to the county coroners office, Kessler also had a nonlethal wound on the left side of his face. Authorities said Alnaji had been cooperative with authorities and was among people at the scene who dialed 911 for emergency help after Kessler hit the ground. US media identified Alnaji as a professor of computer science at Ventura Community College. Neither the sheriffs office nor the district attorney said what new evidence emerged that led to the filing of the criminal charges. A news conference with the district attorney and Ventura County Sheriff Jim Fryhoff was called for Friday morning. The United States, which has the largest Jewish population in the world after Israel, has seen a rise in tensions between pro-Israeli and pro-Palestinian groups in the past five weeks. In early October, a six-year-old Muslim boy was stabbed near Chicago by a 71-year-old man, a crime directly linked to the war between Israel and Hamas, according to the police. The Thousand Oaks incident came a month after militants of the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas launched an unprecedented assault on Israel from the Gaza strip, killing 1,400 people, mostly civilians, and taking over 240 hostages, according to Israeli authorities. Israels retaliation, which has involved an extensive bombing campaign and an intensifying ground invasion of the besieged Gaza Strip, has claimed more than 11,300 lives, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. WASHINGTON: The United States, Britain and Norway on Friday condemned rising violence and human rights abuses that some claim amount to ethnic cleansing in Sudans western Darfur region. The three countries, known as the Troika, said in a statement that the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces must end the fighting that has killed at least 800 people since earlier this month and forced another 8,000 to flee. They said they were particularly concerned by attacks on civilians by the RSF in west, central and south Darfur. The three countries said there could be no military solution to the conflict and urged the two sides to work together in Saudi-hosted peace talks to reach a negotiated settlement. We reiterate that there is no acceptable military solution to the conflict, and call for an end to the fighting, they said. We urge the RSF and SAF to refrain from actions that would further divide Sudan along ethnic lines or draw other forces into their conflict. Both sides need to deescalate and engage in meaningful discussions that lead to a ceasefire and unhindered humanitarian access. RSF fighters and allied Arab militias rampaged through the West Darfur town of Ardamata earlier this month, killing more than 800 people, a local doctors group and the United Nations said. The head of the Sudanese Doctors Union in West Darfur said the paramilitary rampaged through the town, killing non-Arabs inside their homes and torching shelters housing displaced people. A further 8,000 people escaped, fleeing into neighboring Chad, the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees later reported. The attack was the latest in a series of atrocities in Darfur that have marked the monthslong war between the Sudanese military and the RSF. The U.N. says the conflict has killed about 9,000 people, although doctors groups and local activists say the toll is far higher. More than 6 million people were also forced out of their homes, including 1.2 million who have sought refuge in neighboring countries, according to U.N. figures. Disclaimer: This post has been auto-published from an agency feed without any modifications to the text and has not been reviewed by an editor Recalling the meeting between President Xi Jinping and President Joseph R. Biden in Bali, Indonesia, China and the United States reaffirm their commitment to work jointly and together with other countries to address the climate crisis. In this regard, China Special Envoy for Climate Change Xie Zhenhua and U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry met in Beijing from 16 to 19 July 2023 and at Sunnylands, California, from 4 to 7 November 2023 and released "The Sunnylands Statement on Enhancing Cooperation to Address the Climate Crisis." Energy transition is one of the cooperation areas that have been identified in the statement as elaborated below: - 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 through 2030 from 2020 levels so as to accelerate the substitution for coal, oil and gas generation, and thereby anticipate post-peaking meaningful absolute power sector emission reduction, in this critical decade of the 2020s. - Both sides agree to restart the China-U.S. Energy Efficiency Forum to deepen policy exchanges on energy-saving and carbon-reducing solutions in key areas including industry, buildings, transportation, and equipment. - China and the United States intend to recommence bilateral dialogues on energy policies and strategies, carry out exchanges on mutually agreed topics, and facilitate track II activities to enhance pragmatic cooperation. - The two countries aim to advance at least 5 large-scale cooperative CCUS projects each by 2030, including from industrial and energy sources. Editor: WXL The US on Friday imposed sanctions on six people affiliated with the Iranian-backed Iraqi militia Kataeb Hezbollah, which is accused of being behind a spate of recent attacks against US forces in Iraq and Syria following the October 7 attacks by Hamas against Israel. Included in the sanctions are the militias foreign affairs chief, a member of its governing council, its military commander and a media spokesman. The sanctions block access to U.S. property and bank accounts and prevent the targeted people and companies from doing business with Americans. A spate of drone attacks hit U.S. bases in Iraq as recently as Friday, as regional tensions have flared up following the bloody war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Two U.S. defence officials confirmed three additional attacks on U.S. military facilities in Iraq and Syria on Friday, bringing the total number of attacks on U.S. and coalition military facilities in Iraq and Syria to at least 60. The three bases attacked as of Friday included: a one-way drone targeted Al Harir air base in Erbil, with no casualties reported, but an infrastructure damage assessment was still ongoing; an attack by multiple one-way drones at Al Asad air base in Iraq that resulted in no injuries or infrastructure damage; and another multiple one-way drone attack at Tall Baydar, Syria, that resulted in minor injuries to one service member who was able to return to duty, one of the defense officials said. Iranian-backed militias in Iraq have threatened to attack U.S. facilities there because of American support for Israel. Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control says Kataeb Hezbollah is supported by Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Quds Force. And the State Department has previously designated it as a terrorist organization. Brian E. Nelson, Treasurys under-secretary for terrorism and financial intelligence said the U.S. is fully committed to security and stability in the Middle East and are steadfast in our efforts to disrupt these destabilizing activities. At least 11,470 Palestinians two-thirds of them women and minors have been killed since the war in Gaza began, according to Palestinian health authorities, who do not differentiate between civilian and militant deaths. About 2,700 people are reported missing. Some 1,200 people have been killed in Israel, mostly during the initial attack, and around 240 were taken captive by militants. Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Peruvian President Dina Boluarte in San Francisco, the United States, Nov. 16, 2023. (Xinhua/Ding Lin) SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday called for fostering new growth engines for China-Peru cooperation in digital economy and green development. Xi made the remarks when meeting his Peruvian counterpart, Dina Boluarte, on the sidelines of the 30th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting. He also said that the two sides should synergize their development strategies, and strengthen cooperation in traditional areas such as economy, trade, energy and mineral resources. Since China and Peru established diplomatic ties more than half a century ago, the two countries have given each other understanding and support on issues concerning their respective core interests and major concerns, Xi said. Bilateral cooperation between the two sides has developed steadily, Xi said, adding that the Belt and Road cooperation, in particular, has promoted the development and revitalization of the two countries and brought benefits to the two peoples. Noting that this year marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of China-Peru comprehensive strategic partnership, Xi said the two sides should deepen political mutual trust, strengthen strategic communication, firmly support each other in pursuing a development path suited to their national conditions, and work for more achievements under the Belt and Road Initiative. Xi said that China is ready to import more high-quality Peruvian agricultural products, and to encourage Chinese enterprises to participate in major Peruvian projects in accordance with market principles. Both China and Peru have splendid civilizations and profound cultures, and the two sides should step up cooperation in education, culture, tourism, science and technology and youth exchanges, so as to set an example for exchanges and mutual learning among different civilizations, Xi said. Xi stressed that under the new circumstances, developing China-Peru relations is not only in line with the common interests of the two countries, but also of great significance to building an open world economy. China supports Peru in hosting the 2024 APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, and stands ready to engage in close communication and coordination with Peru to reap new results in APEC cooperation, making new contributions to the economic recovery and long-term development of the Asia-Pacific region and to the building of an Asia-Pacific community with a shared future, Xi said. China is ready to work with Peru to promote the continuous development of China-Latin America relations in the new era, Xi added. Noting that both Peru and China are ancient civilizations and their peoples enjoy a long history of friendly exchanges, Boluarte said that since the establishment of their comprehensive strategic partnership 10 years ago, the two sides have adhered to mutual respect and support. Peru is committed to deepening relations with China and give better play to bilateral cooperation mechanisms, continuously upgrade the level of comprehensive strategic cooperation and strengthen practical cooperation in green economy and other fields, she said, adding that Peru abides by the one-China principle and actively participates in Belt and Road cooperation. Saying Peru is ready to strengthen multilateral coordination with China, Boluarte said that Peru will take over the rotating chair of APEC next year and her country looks forward to working with China to promote inclusive and sustainable growth in the Asia-Pacific region and the development of Latin America-China relations. Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Peruvian President Dina Boluarte in San Francisco, the United States, Nov. 16, 2023. (Xinhua/Ding Lin) Editor: WXL Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador in San Francisco, the United States, Nov. 16, 2023. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin) SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday called for expanding China-Mexico cooperation in finance, electric vehicles and other emerging industries. Xi made the remarks when meeting his Mexican counterpart, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting. He also said that the two sides should make good use of the inter-governmental cooperation mechanism and deepen cooperation in traditional areas such as infrastructure construction. The friendship between China and Mexico has grown stronger over time, Xi said, noting that last year the two countries celebrated the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties, and this year marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Mexico comprehensive strategic partnership. Xi said that at present, the strategic, complementary and mutually beneficial nature of China-Mexico relations has become increasingly prominent, and mutual understanding and support on issues concerning each other's core interests and major concerns have become firmer. China attaches great importance to China-Mexico relations and is willing to work with Mexico to enhance strategic alignment, tap cooperation potential and leverage complementary advantages to push bilateral relations to a new level, he added. The Chinese president stressed that China supports Mexico's independent development path in line with its national conditions and is willing to strengthen exchanges with Mexico in country governance. Bilateral trade volume between China and Mexico has increased by more than 7,000 times since the establishment of diplomatic relations, and highlights of cooperation in fields including railways, automobiles and new energy are abundant, he said. Xi said the two sides should deepen counternarcotics law enforcement cooperation, and actively support each other in organizing events for people-to-people exchanges such as cultural performances and exhibitions. The two sides should strengthen multilateral coordination, firmly uphold multilateralism and democracy in international relations, and safeguard international fairness and justice as well as the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries, Xi said. Noting that next year marks the 10th anniversary of the China-CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) Forum, Xi said that China is ready to work with Mexico to promote the steady and long-term development of China-Latin America relations in the new era. Xi once again expressed condolences to Lopez over the recent hurricane disaster that hit Mexico's Pacific coast. He said that China will provide assistance to Mexico in the procurement of disaster relief supplies. For his part, Lopez said both Mexico and China have splendid civilizations and the two peoples know each other well and treat each other like brothers. At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, China was the first to offer assistance, providing a large amount of precious anti-pandemic supplies to Mexico and helping the country tide over the difficulties, Lopez said. He added that after Mexico was hit by a recent severe hurricane in the Pacific Ocean, China immediately expressed sympathy and support, for which Mexico is grateful. Both Mexico and China safeguard their own independence and firmly oppose interference in other countries' internal affairs, he noted, adding that Mexico will, as always, adhere to its friendly policy towards China, firmly support each other, facilitate Chinese enterprises' investment in Mexico, and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields as well as cooperation in combating drugs production and trafficking. Lopez said that Mexico is willing to closely coordinate with China in multilateral affairs, and actively promote Latin America-China relations. Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador in San Francisco, the United States, Nov. 16, 2023. (Xinhua/Ding Lin) Editor: WXL Police have launched an investigation after a Chinese military contractor lost US$1 million cash that she kept at her Borrowdale Brooke home to thieves. Li Fang, 38, locked her room in the shared house on Villa Drive on November 5 and went to Zvishavane, leaving the stash in a bag, police said. She returned on November 14 and found the bag open and the money missing. US$3,000 kept in a second bag was also taken. Her bedroom window was open and the latch had been vandalised. She advised her friends who stay at the same house and was informed that they also lost airtime worth US$120 and US$800 cash from their rooms, according to an internal police memo of the incident seen by ZimLive. The Highlands Criminal Investigations Department is leading the investigation. Fang works at Msasa Army Factory in Harare where her company produces army uniforms in a partnership with the Zimbabwe military. Zimlive UPDATE Nov 17, 2023 7:22 AM CST Israel Defense Forces troops in Gaza say they've found the body of yet another hostage taken during the deadly Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel, reports the BBC. The Daily Beast identifies this hostage as 19-year-old Noa Marciano, whose body "was found and extracted by IDF troops adjacent to the Shifa Hospital in Gaza," per an IDF tweet on Friday. That post adds that Marciano was "abducted and murdered by Hamas terrorists." Earlier this week, Hamas militants released photos of an apparently deceased Marciano, claiming she'd been killed in an Israeli airstrike. Marciano, a soldier with the IDF's Combat Intelligence Collection Corps, was taken on Oct. 7 from the Nahal Oz IDF base. Nov 17, 2023 12:30 AM CST Soldiers searching Gaza's Shifa Hospital and the area around it following Wednesday's raid on the complex found the body of an Israeli hostage, Israel says. "The body of Yehudit Weiss, who was abducted by the Hamas terrorist organization, was extracted by IDF troops from a structure adjacent to the Shifa Hospital in the Gaza Strip and was transferred to Israeli territory," says an Israel Defense Forces spokesperson. The IDF says Weiss was abducted from her home in Be'eri kibbutz, near the Gaza border, and her husband, a rabbi, was killed when Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, per the Guardian and the BBC. An audio clip of former President Trump discussing his plans on Jan. 6, 2021, that aired Thursday on CNN may become valuable evidence for the prosecution in his election interference case, experts say. In an interview with ABC News' chief Washington correspondent Jonathan Karl, recorded two months after the insurrection, Trump said he wanted to go to the Capitol and would've been "very well received" by the crowd who went there "because they thought the election was rigged." "I was going to [go to the Capitol] and then Secret Service said you can't," Trump said. But "I would have" and "I wanted to go back." "I was thinking about going back during the problem to stop the problem," Trump continued. "I could've done that" and "I would have been very well received." Karl calls it an "astounding admission" in his new book, Tired of Winning. Speaking to CNN's Erin Burnett on Thursday, Karl said Trump was essentially admitting that those trying to stop the certification of the 2020 election were his people and that he had control over them. Legal analyst Karen Friedman Agnifilo, a former assistant district attorney in Manhattan who worked alongside special counsel Jack Smith, told Burnett that the recording corroborates testimony from Cassidy Hutchinson and bolsters her as a credible witness for the prosecution. The former aide in Trump's White House famously offered her secondhand account of the president lunging for the steering wheel of his limousine in an attempt to reach the Capitol in testimony before the House Select Committee that investigated Jan. 6. The audio could also support the prosecution's claims that Trump knew there was a serious problem at the Capitol but waited hours before telling rioters to go home. Trump faces four criminal counts, including conspiracy to defraud the US and attempt to obstruct an official proceeding, at a trial in March. In court documents, prosecutors say testimony and video evidence will show Trump "directed a large and angry crowdone that he had summoned to Washington, DC, and fueled with knowingly false claims of election fraudto the Capitol," per NPR. Trump's attorneys counter that "not a shred of evidence suggests President Trump called for any violence or asked anyone to enter the Capitol unlawfully." They claim Trump instructed the crowd to be "peaceful and patriotic." (Read more Capitol riot stories.) Former President Trump's use of the word "vermin" last weekend to describe his political enemies raised a red flag , with critics calling it "straight-up Nazi talk" and a Trump rep responding by calling those critics "snowflakes." Now, another GOP presidential candidate is getting in on throwing around the controversial term. The Daily Beast reports that businessman Vivek Ramaswamy appeared on CNN on Wednesday night, where he was asked by anchor Abby Phillip if he was bothered by Trump's use of such rhetoric. The short answer: apparently not. The longer answer, in Ramaswamy's words, via Sky News: "This is a classic mainstream media move: Pick some individual phrase of Donald Trumpfocus on literally that word, without actually interrogating the substance of what's at issue." He went on to say that he hadn't used that language himselfincluding to describe migrants coming into the US along the southern border, which he called an "invasion"and at first insisted he wasn't going to "play some game of focusing on some word that somebody else said," per Fox News. Soon, however, Ramaswamy deployed that particular word himself. "You know what's vermin?" he said to Phillip. "What's running around San Francisco on a given day before Gavin Newsom cleaned it up on a dime to roll out the red carpet for Xi Jinping." Ramaswamy was referring to the California governor's cleanup of that city in advance of the Chinese leader's visit, including by clearing out some of San Francisco's homeless encampments. (Read more Vivek Ramaswamy stories.) A man struck and killed by a Jackson, Mississippi, police vehicle in March had his ID in his pocket when he was buried in a pauper's grave, his family's lawyer says. Dexter Wade, 37, was reported missing by mother Bettersten Wade on March 14. She spent months searching for her son but wasn't informed until August 27 that he had died less than an hour after he left their home on March 9. Wade's remains were exhumed this week and attorney Ben Crump said an independent pathologist found Wade's wallet in his front pocket, with a state identification card that had his address on it, NBC News reports. "The fact that Dexter had a state identification card and several other identifying items shows us that there was a concerted effort to keep the truth and manner of his death from his family," Crump said. "There is no excuse, not even incompetence, for not notifying a next of kin of an identified man's death." The attorney urged the federal Department of Justice to investigate the death and how it was handled, the AP reports. Wade was hit by the police SUV while walking across Interstate 55 and the death was ruled accidental. A coroner's office investigator said he didn't find identification but confirmed his identityand that of his next of kinfrom a name on a prescription pill bottle. Officials have said the failure to notify Wade's mother was the result of an accidental breakdown in communication. Wade was buried on the grounds of the Hinds County penal farm. Crump said Thursday that the autopsy found that Wade, whose body was "completely run over" by the police vehicle, had not been embalmed and his left leg had been amputated, AL.com reports. Wade was exhumed Monday. Crump said family members had agreed that the body would be exhumed at 11:30am, but they arrived at the site to discover the exhumation had happened hours earlier. "They put him in the ground without my permission. They dug him up without my permission," his mother said. Authorities said there had been another miscommunication. "How many mistakes you can have before you take responsibility?" Bettersten Wade told ABC News. (Read more Alabama stories.) "A Hollywood horror writer couldn't write something like this." That's how the CEO of the San Diego Humane Society put it to the Washington Post when discussing what befell the 318 small animals that were transferred to the Humane Society of Southern Arizona in early August. The move seemed like a godsend: SDHS' first-ever transfer would help with overcrowdingit's a no-kill facility and was at 160% capacityand hopefully end with the bunnies, guinea pigs, hamsters, rats, and mice being adopted into permanent homes. Instead, more than 250 of those animals are unaccounted for, and it's believed many ended up fed to reptiles in a live or frozen state. The Post explains that things seemed questionable from nearly the start. The Tucson-based organization is far smaller, taking in roughly one-tenth the number of animals each year that SDHS does. The arrival of so many animals should have been major news. Instead, there was silence: no new adoption listings or publicized adoption events. When questions started being raised, HSSA couldn't produce intake or adoption paperwork. It initially claimed the animals had immediately gone to a "family-run, family-funded rescue" that didn't want its identity made public. The then-CEO of HSSA later said 62 of the animals had been transferred back to HSSA. Animal welfare activists started sniffing around about the fate of the rest. What they found was the family business the animals had gone to was Fertile Turtle, a reptile breeding business run by brothers Trevor and Colten Jones. HSSA officials (who have since been fired or resigned) claimed the brothers had found homes for all the animals with friends and family. Activists ratcheted up pressure, and both shelters in October started internal probes complete with private investigators. story continues below But the biggest clue appears to have been uncovered by KVOA, which obtained this text sent by Colten Jones to a Phoenix reptile breeder the day after the transfer: "Do you have the ability to freeze off a bunch of guinea pigs and or rabbits? I don't have the manpower or labor to be able to do it in time for the [reptile] show." The shelters at this point doubt the missing animals are alive; they continue to work together in their search for answers. The AP reports they are considering taking legal action against the reptile breeder. (Read more animal welfare stories.) Since their inception roughly ten years ago, Regional Cyber Centers have been crucial for the Army, the U.S. Army Network Enterprise Technology Command and the warfighter. (Regional Cyber Center National is missing from this graphic) (Graphic by Amanda Pearson) Chinese President Xi Jinping delivers a speech at Welcome Dinner by Friendly Organizations in the United States, in San Francisco, the United States, Nov. 15, 2023. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei) SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping stressed here Wednesday the role of people in China-U.S. relations at a welcome dinner by friendly organizations in the United States. "The foundation of China-U.S. relations was laid by our peoples," Xi said, stressing that "the door of China-U.S. relations was opened by our peoples," "the stories of China-U.S. relations are written by our peoples" and "the future of China-U.S. relations will be created by our peoples." "We should build more bridges and pave more roads for people-to-people interactions. We must not erect barriers or create a chilling effect," he said. The Chinese president said he was convinced the door of China-U.S. relations cannot be shut again once opened, and the cause of China-U.S. friendship cannot be derailed halfway once started. Meanwhile, Xi stressed that the United States should not see China as its primary competitor. "I have always had one question on my mind: How to steer the giant ship of China-U.S. relations clear of hidden rocks and shoals, navigate it through storms and waves without getting disoriented, losing speed or even having a collision?" he said. "In this respect, the number one question for us is: are we adversaries, or partners? This is the fundamental and overarching issue," said Xi. "The logic is quite simple. If one sees the other side as a primary competitor, the most consequential geopolitical challenge and a pacing threat, it will only lead to misinformed policy making, misguided actions, and unwanted results," Xi said. China is ready to be a partner and friend of the United States, the Chinese president noted. "The fundamental principles that we follow in handling China-U.S. relations are mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation," he said. Just as mutual respect is a basic code of behavior for individuals, it is fundamental for China-U.S. relations, Xi said. "The United States is unique in its history, culture and geographical position, which have shaped its distinct development path and social system. We fully respect all this." The path of socialism with Chinese characteristics has been found under the guidance of the theory of scientific socialism, and is rooted in the tradition of the Chinese civilization with an uninterrupted history of more than 5,000 years, said the Chinese president. "We are proud of our choice, just as you are proud of yours. Our paths are different, but both are the choice by our peoples, and both lead to the realization of the common values of humanity. They should be both respected," Xi said. "Peaceful coexistence is a basic norm for international relations, and is even more of a baseline that China and the United States should hold on to as two major countries," Xi said. "China never bets against the United States, and never interferes in its internal affairs. China has no intention to challenge the United States or to unseat it," Xi added. Noting that win-win cooperation is the trend of the times, and it is also an inherent property of China-U.S. relations, Xi said, "China is pursuing high-quality development, and the United States is revitalizing its economy. There is plenty of room for our cooperation, and we are fully able to help each other succeed and achieve win-win outcomes." The Chinese president announced that China is ready to invite 50,000 young Americans to China on exchange and study programs in the next five years to increase exchanges between the two peoples, especially between the youth. Xi also emphasized that China will not fight a cold war or a hot war with anyone. "Whatever stage of development it may reach, China will never pursue hegemony or expansion, and will never impose its will on others," he said. "China does not seek spheres of influence, and will not fight a cold war or a hot war with anyone," he added. Full text of Xi's speech at Welcome Dinner by Friendly Organizations in the United States Chinese President Xi Jinping delivers a speech at Welcome Dinner by Friendly Organizations in the United States, in San Francisco, the United States, Nov. 15, 2023. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin) Chinese President Xi Jinping meets and poses for a group photo with representatives of friendly personages before attending Welcome Dinner by Friendly Organizations in the United States, in San Francisco, the United States, Nov. 15, 2023. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) Editor: WXL A Long March-2C carrier rocket carrying a new-generation ocean color monitoring satellite blasts off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China Nov. 16, 2023. The satellite has successfully entered the planned orbit. (Photo by Wang Jiangbo/Xinhua) JIUQUAN, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- China on Thursday sent a new-generation ocean color monitoring satellite into space to help improve understanding of marine waters. This is the world's first high-precision ocean color observation satellite that targets various water bodies around the world, using multiple detection methods. It can realize large-scale, continuous and dynamic monitoring of water color, water temperature, sea ice, suspended matter and water ecology in the ocean, offshore, islands and ports globally. The satellite will provide remote sensing services for China's main sea routes, and promote the utilization of fishery resources and marine pollution monitoring, said Meng Lingjie, deputy chief engineer of the Earth Observation and Data Center under the China National Space Administration. The satellite was launched by a Long March-2C carrier rocket at 11:55 a.m. (Beijing Time) from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, and it later successfully entered the planned orbit. The launch was the 497th flight mission to use the Long March carrier rocket series. A Long March-2C carrier rocket carrying a new-generation ocean color monitoring satellite blasts off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China Nov. 16, 2023. The satellite has successfully entered the planned orbit. (Photo by Wang Jiangbo/Xinhua) A Long March-2C carrier rocket carrying a new-generation ocean color monitoring satellite blasts off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China Nov. 16, 2023. The satellite has successfully entered the planned orbit. (Photo by Wang Jiangbo/Xinhua) A Long March-2C carrier rocket carrying a new-generation ocean color monitoring satellite blasts off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China Nov. 16, 2023. The satellite has successfully entered the planned orbit. (Photo by Wang Jiangbo/Xinhua) A Long March-2C carrier rocket carrying a new-generation ocean color monitoring satellite blasts off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China Nov. 16, 2023. The satellite has successfully entered the planned orbit. (Photo by Wang Jiangbo/Xinhua) A Long March-2C carrier rocket carrying a new-generation ocean color monitoring satellite blasts off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China Nov. 16, 2023. The satellite has successfully entered the planned orbit. (Photo by Wang Jiangbo/Xinhua) A Long March-2C carrier rocket carrying a new-generation ocean color monitoring satellite blasts off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China Nov. 16, 2023. The satellite has successfully entered the planned orbit. (Photo by Wang Jiangbo/Xinhua) Editor: JYZ TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com Bahrain is a model of tolerance, thanks to the comprehensive development process of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. This was affirmed by Arab Parliament President Adel Abdulrahman Al Asoomi on the International Day for Tolerance, as he hailed the governments efforts led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. The Arab Parliament head stressed that tolerance is a human value rooted in the Bahraini identity which has highlighted Bahrain regionally and internationally as a destination for hosting dialogues, meetings and conferences related to tolerance, peace and coexistence, as it previously hosted the Bahrain Forum For Dialogue: East And West For Human Coexistence, and organised The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) Manama Dialogue. Values The Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (SCIA) hailed HM King Hamads keenness to the values of tolerance, ensuring religious freedom practices, and preserving freedom of opinion, thought, conscience and belief, considering it a necessary basis for achieving coexistence and tolerance, which resulted in a series of pioneering initiatives, wise visions and noble endeavors from His Majesty locally and internationally. In a statement on the occasion, the Council hailed the governments efforts led by HRH Prince Salman to achieve the royal visions in this field, through initiatives and endeavours that proceed in accordance with a rational legislative system and developmental, educational, cultural and media policies. The Council affirmed that moderation, coexistence and tolerance is what our Islamic values urge, and are acquired in its teachings and in our Bahraini cultural heritage. The world today became certain that these human values are the most important bases of social security, and the components of unity and development in human societies, the statement reads. The Council recalled, the Kingdoms launching of Bahrain Dialogue Forum East and West for Human Coexistence last year, under the patronage of HM the King, with the participation of His Eminence Shaikh Al Azhar Al Sharif Grand Imam, Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, and His Holiness Pope of the Catholic Church. The Council called for efforts to promote these values among people, and make them a necessary part of school curricula and media programs, within the framework of principles, values and customs. TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in cooperation with the UK Embassy in Bahrain, organised the Reports of the International Committee on the Rights of the Child workshop. The workshop was inaugurated by Ambassador HE Yusuf Abdulkarim Bucheeri, the Director-General of Legal Affairs and Human Rights at the Ministry, and was presented by Paula Jack and Stephen Burnside of the Northern Ireland Cooperation Overseas (NICO). Bucheeri affirmed Bahrains progress in the human rights field and childrens rights in particular under the directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and supported by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. He highlighted the ministrys efforts in building capacity and qualifying expertise in human rights, and the role of the National Human Rights Committee, led by HE Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs, in implementing and following up on international human rights reports, particularly on childrens rights. He lauded the cooperation of civil and governmental entities in ensuring the implementation of the recommendations and protocols of international conventions on childrens rights. The best practices in writing United Nations reports and the new procedures adopted by the Human Rights Council for reporting were reviewed. TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com Sustainable Development Minister, HE Noor bint Ali Al Khulaif, affirmed Bahrains keenness to provide the latest measures to achieve sustainability in various sectors, which contribute to attracting investments and supporting economic development. She highlighted Bahrains efforts to diversify its economy across various sectors, including real estate. The minister stressed the commitment to strengthening partnerships with the private sector to achieve Bahrains Economic Vision 2023. Al Khulaif made the statements as she participated in the opening ceremony of Cityscape 2023 under the theme Sustainability & Digital Transformation in Real Estate. Future This years edition focused on the future sustainability of the real estate sector in Bahrain, as well as the sectors contributions to achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs). Cityscape will provide participants with the opportunity to discuss topics related to the real estate sector particularly the importance of promoting sustainable development and encouraging investment in the sector, and the use of modern technology to develop it, she added. During her speech, Al Khulaif mentioned Bahrains Voluntary National Review (VNR) on the progress made in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the United Nations High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development 2023, where she affirmed the kingdoms commitment to achieving sustainability in various sectors including developmental, social, economic and environmental sectors. Cooper Marsh land purchase extends conservation of important coastal wetland and forest habitats SOUTH GLENGARRY, ON, Nov. 17, 2023 /CNW/ - Ducks Unlimited Canada, (DUC), and Raisin Region Conservation Authority, (RRCA), are celebrating the recent acquisition of 10.4 acres, (4.1 hectares) of valuable connective land in the St. Lawrence River watershed. The property allows for an expansion of the Cooper Marsh Conservation Area, a popular destination for nature lovers and birders alike. Western meadowlark, singing. Richard Tower (CNW Group/Ducks Unlimited Canada) Raisin Region Conservation Authority logo (CNW Group/Ducks Unlimited Canada) Nestled on the picturesque north shore of the St. Lawrence River, a few minutes' drive from South Lancaster, the 663-acre Cooper Marsh Conservation Area is part of the larger Charlottenburgh Marsh one of the most significant wetlands in all of Ontario. The RRCA actively maintains, enhances, and restores this natural area, which also features viewing blinds and towers, and a 12-kilometre system of boardwalks and nature trails. "Cooper Marsh is a one-of-a-kind jewel. It's an important site for waterfowl and provides habitat for several threatened wildlife species," said Marie-Paule Godin, Manager of Provincial Operations, Ontario, DUC. "Beyond the provision of critical wildlife habitat, this land acquisition will expand the delivery of essential services like water filtration, flood mitigation and carbon sequestration, all while providing more green space for recreation. We are fortunate to have such a great partnership with the RRCA and to work together in expanding this important property." The property was acquired from private landowners and purchased with the financial support of the Canada Nature Fund, a Government of Canada's Department of Environment and Climate Change program in partnership with Conservation Ontario. International contributors included Ducks Unlimited Inc., the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) grants administered by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, as well as state agencies through the Fall Flights Initiative. "The Raisin Region Conservation Authority is incredibly grateful for the support from our partners who made this property acquisition possible. Acquiring this property ensures the continued protection of a provincially significant wetland and the Cooper Marsh Conservation Area community trail system," Lisa Van De Ligt, Team Lead, Raisin Region Conservation Authority said. The partnership between DUC and RRCA is a strong one. The two organizations continue to collaborate and invest in the wetland infrastructure at Cooper Marsh. Currently, the partners are undertaking extensive maintenance work at the Marsh, including repairs to the dyke and pump systems which provide important wildlife habitat at the Marsh. As a reminder, Cooper Marsh will be temporarily closed as of November 20 for the project and is set to re-open mid-January. For more details on restoration work at Cooper Marsh, read this online DUC article: https://www.ducks.ca/stories/partnerships/infrastructure-improvements-for-the-cooper-marsh-conservation-area/ or visit rrca.on.ca. COOPER MARSH VISUALS FOUND HERE: https://ducks.mediavalet.com/portals/cooper-marsh ABOUT DUCKS UNLIMITED CANADA: Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) is a national leader in wetland conservation. A registered charity, DUC partners with government, industry, non-profit organizations and landowners to conserve wetlands that are critical to waterfowl, wildlife and the environment. ABOUT RAISIN REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY: The Raisin Region Conservation Authority (RRCA) is 1 of the 36 Conservation Authorities in Ontario. Along with its 5 member municipalities, the RRCA guides the community in the protection, enhancement and restoration of our natural environment through programs that balance human, environmental and economic needs for a sustainable future. SOURCE Ducks Unlimited Canada For further information: Media contacts: Elizabeth Oakley, Ducks Unlimited Canada, 705-984-8400, [email protected]; Lisa Van De Ligt, Team Lead, Communications and Stewardship, Raisin Region Conservation Authority, 613-938-3611 ext. 223, [email protected] This photo taken on Nov. 16, 2023 shows the opening ceremony of the Seventh Silk Road International Exposition and the Investment and Trade Forum for Cooperation between East and West China, in Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province. The event kicked off in Xi'an on Thursday, with over twenty important meetings and forums in the schedule, and a total of six exhibition areas to fully showcase the achievements accomplished under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). (Xinhua/Shao Rui) Visitors view exhibits at the booth of south China's Hong Kong during the Seventh Silk Road International Exposition in Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, on Nov. 16, 2023. The event kicked off in Xi'an on Thursday, with over twenty important meetings and forums in the schedule, and a total of six exhibition areas to fully showcase the achievements accomplished under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). (Xinhua/Shao Rui) Visitors view an aero-engine during the Seventh Silk Road International Exposition in Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, on Nov. 16, 2023. The event kicked off in Xi'an on Thursday, with over twenty important meetings and forums in the schedule, and a total of six exhibition areas to fully showcase the achievements accomplished under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). (Xinhua/Shao Rui) Visitors select food products at the booth of Indonesia during the Seventh Silk Road International Exposition in Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, on Nov. 16, 2023. The event kicked off in Xi'an on Thursday, with over twenty important meetings and forums in the schedule, and a total of six exhibition areas to fully showcase the achievements accomplished under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). (Xinhua/Shao Rui) Visitors view handicraft products at the booth of Uzbekistan during the Seventh Silk Road International Exposition in Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, on Nov. 16, 2023. The event kicked off in Xi'an on Thursday, with over twenty important meetings and forums in the schedule, and a total of six exhibition areas to fully showcase the achievements accomplished under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). (Xinhua/Shao Rui) Visitors view exhibits during the Seventh Silk Road International Exposition in Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, on Nov. 16, 2023. The event kicked off in Xi'an on Thursday, with over twenty important meetings and forums in the schedule, and a total of six exhibition areas to fully showcase the achievements accomplished under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). (Xinhua/Shao Rui) A visitor tastes beverage product at the booth of Azerbaijan during the Seventh Silk Road International Exposition in Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, on Nov. 16, 2023. The event kicked off in Xi'an on Thursday, with over twenty important meetings and forums in the schedule, and a total of six exhibition areas to fully showcase the achievements accomplished under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). (Xinhua/Shao Rui) This photo taken on Nov. 16, 2023 shows an exterior view of the venue for the Seventh Silk Road International Exposition in Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province. The event kicked off in Xi'an on Thursday, with over twenty important meetings and forums in the schedule, and a total of six exhibition areas to fully showcase the achievements accomplished under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). (Xinhua/Shao Rui) A visitor views products at the booth of Azerbaijan during the Seventh Silk Road International Exposition in Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, on Nov. 16, 2023. The event kicked off in Xi'an on Thursday, with over twenty important meetings and forums in the schedule, and a total of six exhibition areas to fully showcase the achievements accomplished under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). (Xinhua/Shao Rui) Visitors view exhibits at the booth of southwest China's Sichuan Province during the Seventh Silk Road International Exposition in Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, on Nov. 16, 2023. The event kicked off in Xi'an on Thursday, with over twenty important meetings and forums in the schedule, and a total of six exhibition areas to fully showcase the achievements accomplished under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). (Xinhua/Shao Rui) Visitors view exhibits during the Seventh Silk Road International Exposition in Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, on Nov. 16, 2023. The event kicked off in Xi'an on Thursday, with over twenty important meetings and forums in the schedule, and a total of six exhibition areas to fully showcase the achievements accomplished under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). (Xinhua/Shao Rui) A visitor views cultural and creative products made of buttons during the Seventh Silk Road International Exposition in Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, on Nov. 16, 2023. The event kicked off in Xi'an on Thursday, with over twenty important meetings and forums in the schedule, and a total of six exhibition areas to fully showcase the achievements accomplished under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). (Xinhua/Shao Rui) Editor: JYZ This photo taken on Nov. 16, 2023 shows containers loaded with China-donated quake-relief supplies in west Afghanistan's Herat province. A total of 41 containers of China-donated quake-relief supplies arrived in west Afghanistan's Herat province on Thursday.(Photo by Mashal/Xinhua) HERAT, Afghanistan, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- A total of 41 containers of China-donated quake-relief supplies arrived in west Afghanistan's Herat province on Thursday. The aid including food, tents, folding beds and jackets is expected to help the quake-affected residents in Herat survive the harsh winter. "These donations will be distributed to the quake-affected victims and the poor. This aid is more valuable than anything," said Kefayatullah Haqqani, head of Herat's financial authorities. The first batch of quake-relief supplies donated by the Chinese government was handed over to the Afghan side on Oct. 15. Two 6.2-magnitude quakes shook west Afghanistan on Oct. 7, killing more than 2,400 people and destroying thousands of houses. Another 6.3-magnitude earthquake jolted the same region on Oct. 11. This photo taken on Nov. 16, 2023 shows a container loaded with China-donated quake-relief supplies in west Afghanistan's Herat province. A total of 41 containers of China-donated quake-relief supplies arrived in west Afghanistan's Herat province on Thursday. (Photo by Mashal/Xinhua) Editor: JYZ The National Chairman of All Progressives Congress, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, said they are not afraid of facing the ousted governor of Kano State, Abba Yusuf, and his New Nigeria Peoples Party at the Supreme Court following their loss at the Court of Appeal on Friday. The immediate past governor of Kano also hailed the judiciary for living up to expectations. Gandujes praise came hours after an Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal affirmed the APC candidate, Nasiru Gawuna, as the winner of the governorship election in Kano. Delivering judgment on the matter on Friday, the three-member panel led by Justice M.A Adumeh held that Yusuf was not qualified to contest the election as he was not in the membership register of his political party. Addressing newsmen at his Asokoro residence on Friday, Ganduje said it would be unfair not to also appreciate the NNPP for dragging them to court in the first place. He however boasted that they would match them grit for grit at the apex court after the appeal court threw out their case. He said, I thank Allah for this important judgment. We have to thank the judiciary for providing a good administration of justice despite all the distractions that have taken place since the beginning of the case. There is no doubt this is a victory for democracy. It is a victory for APC and a victory for Kano State. This is an indication that democracy has come to stay in Nigeria. Democracy we can say is matured in Nigeria. We have to thank all those stakeholders even the political parties, even the NNPP that took us to the Appeal Court. There is no doubt that after the election you get to litigation. And the end is always determined by the judiciary. For Kano State, this victory is for all of us. We are fully aware of what happened during the election. A lot of malpractices took place and we took the issue to the tribunal. And by the grace of God, we got a fair judgment in favour of our great party, the APC. Now the government in power, the NNPP decided to go to the Court of Appeal, and this morning, the Court of Appeal affirmed the judgment of the lower court. By so doing, our gubernatorial candidate Dr. Nasiru Gawuna is the duly elected Governor of Kano State. But in all, probably they will go to the Supreme Court which is part of democracy. There is nothing wrong for them to go to the Supreme Court. We too, are ready to meet them in the Supreme Court. And Inshallah, we will win in the Supreme Court as well. But, we want to assure the people of Kano State that the good administration that was provided in my eight years of administration was my deputy Dr. Nasiru Gawuna and now, the Governor-elect for Kano state will provide a similar not even similar. I believe he will provide a better administration more achievements will be recorded in Kano State. Because that is what we expect. Speaking in the same vein, Gawuna shared the sentiment of the APC national chairman when he attributed the victory to God and the judiciary. The APC candidate of Kano also vowed not to disappoint the people of Kano State. Whoever goes to the court like this and is given judgment in his favour definitely will feel very happy and grateful to Allah for the Court of Appeal to affirm his victory. I am so happy. I am also still deep in my thoughts because I have to sit down and think very well. But because of the confidence and expectations of the people in us, Insha Allahu we are praying that we will not fail our people, he stated. The court of appeal in Abuja has affirmed the verdict of the Kano state governorship election petition tribunal. The tribunal had sacked Abba Yusuf, candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), as governor of the state. In a judgment delivered on Friday, a three-member panel of the appellate court held that the NNPP breached the constitution by sponsoring Yusuf who was not a member of the party. The court held that Yusuf's name was not in any of the membership registers of the NNPP tendered before the tribunal a contravention of section 177(c) of the 1999 Constitution. "A person must be a member of a political party before he can be sponsored for an election," U. Adumeh, the lead judge, held. "Sponsorship without membership is like putting something on nothing." THE TRIBUNAL'S VERDICT In September, the tribunal nullified the victory of Yusuf in the governorship election. The tribunal also affirmed Nasiru Gawuna of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the duly elected governor of Kano.. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared Yusuf as the winner of the election after he polled 1,019,602 votes to defeat his closest rival, Gawuna, who scored 890,705 votes. During the proceedings, the tribunal deducted 165,663 votes from what was recorded for Yusuf on the grounds that the ballot papers (165,663) were not stamped, signed and dated as required by law. Yusuf was left with 853,939 votes after the deduction. The court declared the 165,663 votes recorded from the affected ballot papers invalid while ordering INEC to issue a certificate of return to the APC candidate. Displeased with the verdict of the tribunal, Yusuf headed for the appellate court. A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Ilyasu Musa Kwankwaso, has cautioned the sacked Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, against heading to the Supreme Court to contest the nullification of his election by the Appeal Court. Kwankwaso urged Yusuf to accept defeat and wait till 2027 to contest for the governorship election in Kano State. Recall that the Appeal Court had sacked Yusuf while declaring the All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship candidate, Nasiru Gawuna, winner of the election. Reacting, Kwankwaso said the evidence against Yusuf at the Appeal Court was overwhelming, hence he should go and rest. Addressing journalists in Kano, he said: It would be another mission impossible for him to drag the case to the Supreme Court, going by the available evidence that nailed him at both the Tribunal and the Appeal Court. Hence, the need for him to go and rest until 2027. He also commended Gawuna, stressing that his victory was a triumph of democracy and the rule of law. Governor Yusuf should have read the handwriting on the wall, analyzed the various pieces of evidence used by the Tribunal to sack him, adding that those pieces of evidence are convincing, and it would be very difficult for the court to neglect in ruling. As a brother, I am using this medium to advise him to shelve any move to drag his defeat to the Supreme Court but should just know that this is not the time for him to be the governor of the state, he said. Famous Nollywood actor, Yul Edochie has advised netizens on how to handle social media trolls. Expressing his view about the use of the internet, the actor stated that there is no room for crying, or drawing pity as the world itself is tough already. Yul in a post on his Instagram page, Yul tagged social media is a rugged place. He wrote: If someone insults you on social media, you only have two options. You either ignore them or give it back to them ten times more. No room for weakness, crying, or drawing pity here. The world is tough. Social media is a rugged place. Go hard or go home. President Bola Tinubu will on Saturday, depart Abuja for Berlin, Germany, to attend the G20 Compact with Africa (CwA) Conference on November 20, 2023, hosted by German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz. This was disclosed in a statement on Friday by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity. During the conference, Tinubu will join other Heads of State and Governments of CwA member countries, bilateral partners, as well as Heads of International Organizations to deliberate on the immediate enhancement of economic and business cooperation to outline concrete measures to boost investments in critical areas such as energy, trade, infrastructure and new technologies, among others. Given his globally recognized drive for foreign direct investment in Nigeria, the Nigerian leader will sustain the momentum and advance the mission further as he leads Nigerias delegation to participate in the investment summit. This visit also affirms Tinubus commitment to diplomatic reciprocity as the invitation to Germany is being honoured following the visit of the Chancellor to Abuja and Lagos, Nigeria, in October 2023. DAILY POST reports that the President will be accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar; the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun; the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite; and the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu. Nigeria has confirmed its absence at the signing of the Samoa Agreement, a partnership between the member countries of the Organisation of Africa, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) and the European Union (EU). The Samoa agreement is intended to serve as an overarching legal framework for relations between the African, Caribean and Pacific states (ACP) and the EU for the next 20 years and was slated to be signed on November 15 (Wednesday). The partnership is one of the oldest and most comprehensive frameworks for cooperation between the EU and third countries and succeeds the Cotonou Agreement which was signed in 2000. Member states of the pact comprise 47 African countries, including Nigeria, 16 from the Caribbean, 15 Pacific nations, and the Republic of Maldives. In a shock move, Nigeria announced on Thursday that it was absent from the agreements signing. A statement signed by Francisca Omayuli, spokesperson for the ministry of foreign affairs, said stakeholders were still studying the agreement. The attention of the Federal Government of Nigeria has been drawn to diverse pronouncements and publications on the implication of Nigeria signing the New Partnership Agreement, known as the Samoa Agreement, between the Member States of the Organization of Africa, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) and the European Union (EU), the statement reads. Omayuli added that the general public is invited to note that Nigeria was not represented at the Signing Ceremony, which took place in Samoa on Wednesday, 15th November 2023 and hence has not signed the Agreement. Relevant Nigerian stakeholders are currently studying the Instrument with a view to ensuring that its provisions do not contravene Nigerias domestic legislation, she said. The agreement covers subjects such as sustainable development and growth, human rights and peace and security. However, a coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) has protested against Nigerias participation in the agreement, describing the pact as deceptive. The Zamfara State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has assured that the party would still secure a landslide victory in the event of a rerun election in the state, as directed by the Court of Appeal. Buhari Maijega, the States PDP spokesman, expressed this optimism during a telephone interview with newsmen in Gusau, the state capital. He confidently stated that Governor Dauda Lawal would emerge victorious in the rerun election. Maijega highlighted that Lawal was leading by over 65,000 votes against his opponent from the APC, former Governor Bello Mattawalle, in the previous governorship election. He emphasized that the total votes to be contested in the three affected local government areas, where the rerun election would be conducted, were not even up to 100,000. It would be very impossible for the APC to secure all the votes in the forthcoming rerun election, he asserted. He cited security challenges that might discourage many voters from turning out massively, especially in rural areas where polling units had been affected by banditry. Maijega said, Governor Lawal has a good chance of winning the election over former Governor Bello Mattawalle for many reasons. He had already scored 65,000 votes ahead of the immediate past Governor Mattawalle. He also hinted that, depending on the decision, Lawal might challenge the judgment of the Appeal Court at the Supreme Court, suggesting that Mattawalle might be facing a difficult battle. He appealed to APC members and supporters to come out in large numbers to secure the position of Governor Dauda Lawal, as the rerun election would be conducted in a few polling units in Maradun, Bukkuyum, and Birnin Magaji local government areas. Maijega added, Even if the PDP did not actively campaign, I am very optimistic that Dr. Dauda Lawal will still garner additional votes in those three local governments and retain his governorship position. I am appealing to our supporters to remain calm. We will, by the grace of God, sail through. A volunteer firefighter and now-former employee of cable-internet provider Altice has been charged with setting fire to two of the companys vans in an Optimum store parking lot in Bergen County, authorities said. Randy S. McMaster, 42, of Bloomingdale, torched the vehicles in the rear parking lot of the store on Potash Road in Oakland around 3:15 p.m. on Oct. 19, the Bergen County Prosecutors Office said Thursday.McMasters LinkedIn.com profile says he has worked for Altice and Cablevision for more than 25 years. An Altice spokesman told NJ Advance Media on Friday that McMaster was fired after the vans were torched. The safety of our people is our priority, the spokeswoman said. The individual in question was immediately terminated upon completion of an internal investigation and local authorities were promptly notified of the incident. Borough officials said McMaster, a first lieutenant with the Bloomingdale Fire Department, has taken a leave of absence from the volunteer department and declined further comment. The blazes, which left both of Optimums vans with smoke and fire damage, had already been extinguished when firefighters and police officer arrived, officials said. McMaster was charged with aggravated arson, arson and criminal mischief. He was brought to the Bergen County jail ahead of a first appearance in court. Attorney information wasnt immediately available. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. A 30-year-old New Jersey man is headed to federal prison after admitting to his role in schemes to steal money by obtaining stolen checks from credit card company customers and forging signatures. Eugene Koranteng, of Medford, pleaded guilty to bank fraud and money laundering, the U.S. Attorneys Office for New Jersey said. Koranteng also used his personal bank account in another scam negotiating checks made out in the amount of stolen money, officials said. In all, he and several others stole more than $150,000. Two of his associates Misty Sarfo-Adu and Emmanuel Yirenkyi previously pleaded guilty. The three caused blank cash advance and balance transfer checks which listed the unnamed credit card companys customers as the checks payors to be sent to residential addresses in New Jersey and elsewhere without the card holders knowledge, according to court papers. In an example provided in court papers, Koranteng and his cohorts also used counterfeit identification documents to open bank accounts in the names of fake businesses. On March 5, 2019 someone opened a Wells Fargo account in the name of Everlasting Hardware Inc. The scammer later deposited fraudulent checks into the account and received an additional $86,600 wire transfer obtained through fraud according to charging papers. The fraud began to unfold in July 2018 when Sarfo-Adu messaged Yirenkyi a photograph of four blank checks with the account information of a customer of the credit card company. Authorities learned of the trios connection to the fraud in September 2018 when someone used a victims credit card to purchase an airline ticket for Sarfo-Adu to travel to London, court papers state. The return flight was canceled two days later when the airline learned the credit card holder didnt make the purchase. Sarfo-Adus return flight was rebooked and canceled several times before he returned to the United States about a week later. A Customs and Border Protection agent seized Sarfo-Adus phone during an inspection when he arrived in the U.S. Investigators later found a series of texts messages between Sarfo-Adu and the other two men when they checked his phone. One victim is from Brick, another from Jersey City and a third from Minnesota, charging papers state. There were at least five victims in all. The Minnesota victim learned two checks each for $8,250 were drawn against his account in July 2018, according to charging documents. Koranteng is scheduled to be sentenced March 21, 2024. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Luz Vasquez was grieving the loss of her 31-year-old son when the Cumberland County woman received a call last year from a man offering to make a headstone for her childs grave. Her son, Chad Stuart, was shot in the head and died Sept. 24, 2022. The calls from Gregory J. Stefan Jr. began soon after the funeral. He kept calling me for an appointment and I finally gave in, Vasquez said. Stefan came to her Vineland home in late October of last year, offered his condolences and explained her options for a headstone, she said. Then came the sales pitch. If she paid in full that day, shed save $3,000, he allegedly said. So, of course I paid it, Vasquez said. I gave him a check for $5,775. Months later, her requests for information about the headstone were met with silence. The stone was never delivered and her money was never returned, she said. Vasquez is one of dozens of residents in New Jersey and Pennsylvania who say Stefan scammed them when they were struggling with some of the hardest moments of their lives. Stefan, 54, of Gulph Mill, Pennsylvania, is accused of bilking grieving families out of thousands of dollars in Pennsylvania and also faces charges in at least seven New Jersey counties. While running headstone businesses in both states, Stefan allegedly took money from customers for gravestones, then failed to deliver those stones or return payments, according to court documents. Attorneys representing Stefan in his Pennsylvania and New Jersey cases did not respond to requests for comment this week. The district attorneys office in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, recently charged Stefan with 280 counts, including theft by deception, deceptive business practices, conspiracy and receiving stolen property. The money victims paid for stones was instead squandered on personal luxuries, investigators in that case allege. Victims have come forward since 2014 to complain about the Stefan familys business practices, according to the affidavit of probable cause filed in the Delaware County case, which describes 69 victims who paid thousands of dollars each for gravestones. Between 2014 and 2022, the total losses to these victims exceeded $190,000, officials said. The monetary loss does not calculate the tremendous emotional turmoil experienced by these bereaved victims, who simply wanted to honor their deceased, an investigator stated in the affidavit. Stefan is currently barred from conducting business in Pennsylvania, but also operates a company called Colonial Memorials in New Jersey, where authorities allege similar crimes. In August, an Ocean County woman contacted Little Egg Harbor Police to report she gave Stefan a check for $4,351 as downpayment for a nearly $6,700 headstone for her husbands grave. The check was cashed the same day, but the woman later received a letter from Colonial Memorials stating the business has been suffering a significant financial loss and cannot fulfill her contract, according to an affidavit filed in that case. The woman made several unsuccessful attempts to contact Stefan for a refund before contacting police. Stefan was charged with third-degree counts of theft by deception and theft by unlawful taking in that case. Since August, hes also been charged with third-degree counts of theft by deception in Bergen, Cumberland, Gloucester, Mercer and Monmouth counties. In a Hunterdon County case, a widow paid Stefan more than $11,000 for a headstone that was supposed to be completed in 24 weeks, according to court documents. After two years, Stefan told the woman the order would not be fulfilled, police said. He was charged with third-degree theft by unlawful taking in August. The state Division of Consumer Affairs has 40 open consumer complaints dating back to September 2022 related to Stefan and his business practices, according to a spokeswoman for the agency. The Better Business Bureau revoked its accreditation of Colonial Memorials in September and issued an alert on its website. Vasquez believes Stefan learned about her from the media coverage her sons death. Chad Stuart was shot following an argument with a man in a Gloucester County parking lot and died days later. His alleged killer remains jailed awaiting trial. Chad Stuart, 31, was shot to death last year. His mother said she paid nearly $6,000 for a headstone for his grave, but it was never delivered. Police have charged Gregory J. Stefan Jr. with theft by deception in the case. Vasquez was overwhelmed by the community support she received and wanted to honor Stuart with a beautiful headstone as a lasting tribute. It was a wonderful, wonderful service, the support of everyone. And this was just the final step, she said. I was doing it for my son and just never hesitated. As the months passed, she inquired about the headstone and received no response. She said she learned the manufacturer who was supposed to craft the stone received the order from Stefan, but no payment. Still reeling from the death of her son, Vasquez said she was sickened by the new blow. I got physically ill when I realized what just happened, she said. I just handed this guy $6,000. The shock soon turned to anger and she vowed to hold Stefan accountable. In August, Vineland police charged Stefan with one count of theft by deception in that case. The following month, Vineland charged Stefan in a separate case involving another alleged victim, a woman who said she paid nearly $5,000 for a headstone for her late husband. In a Gloucester County case, a Deptford woman told police she paid $2,000 in May 2022 as a deposit for stones for her late husband and in-laws. After he didnt respond to her messages for months, she requested a refund and received an emailed response in July of this year from Colonial Memorials stating the business had been suffering significant financial losses for the last two years and would not be able to complete the job, according to court documents. That message proves theft by deception, police wrote in an affidavit for that case, because it shows the business had financial issues before it signed a contract with this customer. In Pennsylvania, Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer accused Stefan of targeting people who were already hurting. Our investigation has determined that Mr. Stefan has been stealing from vulnerable victims people dealing with the grief of the loss a loved one for years, Stollsteimer said in a statement to NJ Advance Media. Stefan is jailed in the George Hill Correctional Facility in Thornton, Pennsylvania, on the Delaware County charges. More than a year after Chad Stuarts death, his resting place at Siloam Cemetery in Vineland still has no headstone. Vasquez already paid the cemetery for the headstone foundation and thats been placed at his grave. In the past week, someone who learned about the situation offered to donate a headstone for Stuarts grave, she said. Vasquez initially hesitated, but has decided to accept the offer from a benefactor she described as a generous human being. The gestured renewed her faith in the kindness of others, she said. These are the moments in life that give you hope in humanity. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Matt Gray may be reached at mgray@njadvancemedia.com. The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine approved raising a grant in the amount of $260 million, a loan from the World Bank worth $1.1 billion and from the European Investment Bank in the amount of EUR 162 million for reconstruction programs, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said. "The government team is now paying a lot of attention to negotiations on obtaining the necessary funds to finance the budget deficit, our critical needs and the recovery program. We are making a decision today that will allow us to attract a grant from our partners for almost UAH 10 billion. Some $190 million will be provided by Norway, $70 million by Switzerland," Shmyhal said at a government meeting on Friday. According to him, this grant will be provided through funds administered by the World Bank Group. "In addition, there is a solution that will allow us to receive a loan from the World Bank in the amount of almost $1.1 billion. The support that the government will direct to social benefits, education, medicine and other priority needs is very important now," he said. The government also approved two decisions that will allow it to receive about EUR 162 million from the European Investment Bank. "These are funds within the existing programs for the restoration of Ukraine. We are talking about the reconstruction and construction of schools, hospitals, kindergartens, administrative buildings, administrative service centers, wastewater treatment plants and other facilities. In general, thanks to these funds from the EIB, we will be able to complete work on 28 projects and begin the implementation of 186 new projects to improve the quality of life of Ukrainian communities," the prime minister said. Authorities charged a New Jersey State Police trooper with aggravate assault after he punched a handcuffed woman in the face, the state Attorney Generals Office announced. Nicolas J. Hogan, 28, of Gibbstown, allegedly punched the woman while he was holding a flashlight in his hand after she spat in his direction as she sat in the back of a police vehicle in Cumberland County, according to details disclosed Friday. Hogans attorney, Anthony Pope, said the trooper intends to enter a not guilty plea at his arraignment. The incident began around 1:30 a.m. on Sept. 7, 2022, when troopers responded to a report of a trespasser at an Upper Deerfield residence. As troopers drove to the scene, they encountered a woman walking in the road who appeared intoxicated and matched the description of the trespasser, officials said. Troopers said the woman needed medical attention and called for support as other troopers, including Hogan, arrived. The woman became increasing distraught that she was being detained and began crying, investigators said. The victim repeatedly protested her detainment and attempted to walk away, resulting in troopers handcuffing and placing her in one of the troop cars, where she asked multiple times for a tissue but was never given one, according to the Attorney Generals release, which noted that she was not under arrest. Before she was placed in the vehicle, the woman was spitting on the ground, apparently because she was upset and crying, officials said. The troopers body camera footage shows fluid and mucus on her face and falling from her mouth, officials said. While in the back of the vehicle, the woman spat in the direction of a trooper standing near the open rear door, police said. Hogan was standing on the other side of the car, opened that door and allegedly said, If you f------ spit on a trooper At that moment, the woman turned toward him and spat again, this time in his direction, investigators said. Then, Hogan allegedly punched her in the face. This alleged use of force appears to have been completely avoidable, and the degree of force used was unreasonable, said Thomas Eicher, executive director of the Attorney Generals Office of Public Integrity and Accountability. We cannot have police officers assaulting people in distress while they are restrained and posing no threat. It is uncalled for, unhelpful, improper and unlawful. Hogan was charged on a summons with a third-degree count of aggravated assault causing significant bodily injury. The charge carries a potential prison sentence of 3 to 5 years and a fine of up to $15,000. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Matt Gray may be reached at mgray@njadvancemedia.com. The Montclair Rent Control Board adopted a resolution Wednesday stating a local apartment building where some tenants have seen rents climb nearly 40% is not exempt from the townships rent control laws because its owners never filed the required paperwork. The resolution is a victory for tenants at The Alister, said attorney Joan Pransky, who argued the tenants case before the board. Montclairs rent control laws only allow increases up to a maximum of 4% annually, or 2.5% for senior citizens. Kelly Reagan, acting president of The Alister Tenant Organization, said tenants were incredibly excited that the town recognized rent control applies here. This is a matter of people being able to keep their homes, said Reagan. However, it remains unclear whether the buildings owners will appeal the rent control boards decision. My hope is that the management company recognizes the authority of the rent control board and acquiesces to their decision, Reagan said. An employee at The Alister building management office declined to comment Thursday and referred questions to the buildings corporate owners. Mill Creek Residential, the company that owns The Alister, did not respond to requests for comment. The Alister is located on Pine Street next to one of Montclairs NJ Transit train stations and includes 163 studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments in a complex with a pool and a fitness studio, according to its website. Since Mill Creek Residential purchased the building for $78 million in 2021, tenants have reported increases in rent and fees. Some tenants said they have seen rent hikes between 20% and 40% since the start of their new leases. Many tenants have moved out because of the increases, Reagan said. Reagan said rent and fees for her one-bedroom apartment were scheduled to increase 20% from $2,340 to $2,778 on June 1. Thats an increase of $438 more each month. The buildings yearly and monthly fees, which are separate from the base rent, have also climbed, Reagan said. Fees add thousands of dollars each year to the cost of living in each unit, on top of monthly rent, she said. Tenants in approximately 13 units paid for a lawyer to argue against the rent hikes before their local rent control board. The tenants cited a 1987 state law that allows some newly-constructed apartment buildings, including The Alister, to be exempt from local rent control laws if their owners submitted the necessary paperwork and their rent hikes are not unconscionable. Residents in other apartment buildings facing rent hikes around New Jersey have also cited the 1987 law in fighting back against increases. The Alister is among the new-construction buildings that could have applied for an exemption to local rent control laws for up to 30 years under the state statute. However, no one on behalf of The Alister filed with Montclairs municipal construction official, at least 30 days prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy for the newly constructed multiple dwelling subject property, a written statement of the owners claim of exemption, according to the rent control boards resolution. In light of that finding, rent control applies to The Alister, the rent control board said. Reagan said tenants havent heard anything from the management company since the boards decision. But, shes hoping The Alister managment will give up trying to force her to pay the 20% rent increase on her unit. I hope the legal battle ends here. Were individuals trying to scrape money together to hire a single lawyer to engage with these titans, said Reagan. Theres certain human rights and having a safe and stable home is one of them. Tenants in other Montclair apartment buildings and rental units are also experiencing rent hikes. The average rent in the township, which has 41,000 residents, has increased by about 36% compared to before the pandemic, according to data from the Zillow Observed Rent Index, which measures changes in asking rents over time. The average Montclair rent increased from $2,126 a month in January 2020 to $2,900 as of November this year, according to the data. Renters make up about 40% of Montclairs population, according to the townships rent regulation ordinance adopted in April 2022. The adoption came after a rapid upsurge in the demand for rental apartments, which was threatening to cause the dislocation of tenants unable to adjust to the higher rents, according to the ordinance. Pransky, the attorney for Montclair Tenant Organization, said she hopes the recent win for residents at The Alister encourages others to advocate for tenants rights. I think its good that tenants are aware, said Pransky. They should be informed when their building might be subject to rent control, which is sorely needed in Montclair. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Jackie Roman may be reached at jroman@njadvancemedia.com. A husband, wife and their two sons accused of running a longstanding family-operated prostitution ring out of a Middlesex County strip club face new charges after a grand jury handed up a superseding indictment. Club XXXV in Sayreville bills itself as a BYOB gentlemens club from a massive marquee thats hard to miss for commuters crossing the Driscoll and Edison bridges. But, state authorities say the club was also the front for a multimillion-dollar racket involving prostitution, money laundering, illegal alcohol sales and tax evasion. We allege that these defendants enriched themselves unlawfully, masked the illicit sources of their income, and generated a host of quality-of-life issues for the residents of their community, state Attorney General Matthew Platkin said Friday. Husband and wife Anthony Acciardi Sr. and Doreen Acciardi and their adult children, Anthony Acciardi Jr. and Stephen Acciardi, now face charges including racketeering, conspiracy and various offenses related to prostitution and tax crimes. They were previously arrested in June 2022 on initial charges of money laundering and prostitution. Charges against a third Acciardi child daughter Angela Mancini were thrown out in September and she was not named in the superseding indictment. Attorneys for the Acciardi family did not immediately return messages seeking comment. After authorities seized hard drives from Club XXXV, they found hundreds of hours of security camera footage from inside the club, including video of dancers performing sexual acts on patrons in its VIP rooms, according to the state Office of Public Integrity and Accountability, which has taken over the case. The search also allegedly turned up a large bag containing approximately 700 condoms and a vending machine containing condoms in the dancers locker room. The investigation found that customers paid a fee to the business to enter the VIP area for private dances, then had the option of paying additional variable fees directly to dancers for sex during the time in the VIP rooms, authorities said. The new charges largely relate to tax evasion accusations. Authorities now say members of the Acciardi family set up three shell companies to mask the proceeds of their prostitution ring and avoid reporting it as taxable income, moving more than $10 million between various bank accounts since 2017. And, despite being prohibited from selling alcohol, the club operators are accused of selling liquor stored in a shed on the clubs property. Doreen Acciardis sister, Jeannine Nichols, and her husband Jason Portes both of whom helped manage the club were also charged with racketeering, conspiracy and promoting prostitution. A club dancer, Jennifer Hecker, additionally faces charges of conspiracy, theft and tax crimes after she allegedly solicited undercover detectives to pay for sex acts. Law enforcement will not look the other way when a business crosses one line after another, in pursuit of obscene and ill-gotten profits, said Thomas Eicher, the head of the state integrity office, in a statement. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. S.P. Sullivan may be reached at ssullivan@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on X. A man from a Buffalo suburb was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison after he was accused of inappropriately touching a woman on a flight to Newark Liberty International Airport and later pleading guilty to assault. Ryan Manuella, 30, of Cheektowaga, New York, will also be subject to three years of supervised release after finishing his time in prison, the U.S. Attorneys Office for New Jersey said Friday. As demonstrated at sentencing, this was a tragic case in which Mr. Manuella was suffering from a mental health condition at the time of the offense and was flying home to seek assistance from family members, his attorney Andrew Olesnycky said in a statement. His behavior and interactions with other passengers was influenced by medical issues that are beyond his control. He is extremely sorry for the harm to the victim and expressed his genuine remorse at sentencing. Mr. Manuella denied committing the widely-publicized offense with which he was originally charged and his guilty plea is a more accurate reflection of what actually occurred. Manuella touched the victims groin and inner thigh aboard United Airlines flight 1729 from Denver on April 16, 2021, according to a criminal complaint. The victim was in a window seat with the middle seat empty when a man seated on the aisle got up. Manuella, who had been roaming around the plane, then sat down in the empty middle seat, court documents state. The woman loudly told Manuella to get away from her and then exited the row after he touched her, according to court papers. She sat elsewhere for the rest of the flight. Manuella was interviewed by law enforcement when the plane landed and was later charged. He pleaded guilty in June to assault with intent to commit another felony, namely, stalking, while on an airplane, federal prosecutors said. Manuella was originally charged with abusive sexual contact. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Thanksgiving holiday air travel is predicted to hit a record number of passengers over a 12-day period, said airlines, federal security officials and travel experts, making for crowded airports and travelers hoping to avoid similar airline woes that plagued the summer travel season. Airlines for America, an industry group, predicted an all-time high of 30 million travelers over the Thanksgiving travel period from Nov. 17 to Nov. 27 a 9% increase over the 2022 holiday. Both United and American Airlines are expecting a record number of Thanksgiving travelers. United, which counts Newark Liberty International Airport as a hub, predicts more than 5.9 million people will fly the airline nationally between this Friday and the Wednesday after Thanksgiving, said Anthony Fleet an airline spokesperson. That is nearly 5% more passengers compared to 2019 and 13% more than 2022, he said. United will have more than 3,900 flights per day, an average of three flights per minute and has added more than 550,000 seats to meet the increased demand, Fleet said. American Airline officials also predicted a record breaking 7.8 million plus passenger volume between Nov. 16 and Nov. 28, which will be the airlines busiest ever. Thats an increase of 500,000 fliers than Thanksgiving 2022 that will fly on 70,000 schedule flights, officials said. The TSA expects to screen 30 million passengers nationally during the upcoming holiday period, with the heaviest travel days predicted for Tuesday, Nov. 21, Wednesday, Nov. 22, and Sunday, Nov. 26 for return travelers, officials said. TSA officials encouraged travelers to sign up for pre-check, which if they qualify, can speed up the screening process. How will that play out at the airport? More than 3.1 million passengers are expected to use Newark, JFK, LaGuardia and Stewart airports in the New York metro region between Nov. 20 and Nov. 27, the highest level ever, said Seth Stein, a Port Authority of New York and New Jersey spokesperson. Additional maintenance, operations and customer service staff will be deployed during those days, he said. In addition to this being the first Thanksgiving the new $2.7 billion Terminal A at Newark Airport is in full operation, the new ConRac consolidated car rental operations center is now open in the Terminal A parking building, Stein said. One expert suggested easing the holiday airport experience by starting earlier than usual. Arrive at least 30 minutes earlier than you usually would, said Eric Jones, The Vacationer travel website co-founder and a Rowan University math professor. The peace of mind is worth potentially having to wait at the gate longer. That includes leaving for the airport earlier to compensate for heavier traffic, he said. A typical 20-minute drive to the airport could be 45 minutes around Thanksgiving, Jones said. Check Google Maps for an estimate of how long it will take to get to the airport and adjust accordingly. Travelers should arrive to airports at least two to three hours prior to departure depending on destination, and anticipate longer waits at TSA security checkpoints, said the Port Authoritys Stein. Transit riders should do the same and pay attention to holiday getaway schedules for buses and trains on the day before Thanksgiving. Casting literal clouds over the getaway is a weather forecast of two potential coastal storms that could affect Thanksgiving travel. Weather was one of several factors blamed for summer meltdowns when airlines were wracked by flight delays and cancellations. Individual airlines and Airlines for America said theyve made improvements. United hired more than 13,000 employees and plans to reach 15,000 new hires by the end of 2023, Fleet said. Despite that, a Vacationer air passenger survey said more than 59% of American adults polled have little or no confidence in airlines being able to avoid excessive delays and cancellations this holiday season. The issues are an air traffic controller shortage and the potential for bad weather, Jones said. The air traffic controller shortage will not be fixed this holiday season, so its effects could be seen if significant delays and cancellations start building up. Jones recommends travelers do prep work online before going to the airport. Check-in for your flight 24 hours before, using the airlines app or website. he said. This ensures you have your boarding pass in hand or printed before leaving for the airport. On airlines, such as Southwest, which doesnt use assigned seating, earlier check-in can put passengers in an earlier boarding group. making it easier to find a seat and space in overhead bins for carry-ons. Southwest offers earlier boarding for a fee, but Jones said paying it depends on individual preference and if traveling with a family or group. As someone who prefers an aisle seat towards the front of the plane, I pay for earlier boarding, he said. If you dont mind sitting in a middle seat or toward the back of the plane, I do not see any reason to upgrade. Airlines for America recommended downloading the airlines app as soon as buying a ticket to get flight information. Port Authority airports also have individual apps with alerts as and travelers can sign up for alerts here, Stein said. Port Authoritys air travel tips also has information on trip preparation, real-time wait time for TSA security lines, parking lot availability, AirTrain maps and schedules, public transit and for-hire vehicles, Stein said. A carry-on bag also saves time waiting at baggage claim, since bag lines will likely be long. Retrieving your bags after your flight can keep you at the airport for an additional 30 minutes or more, Jones said. Airlines seem to lose and delay bags more frequently during busy times like Thanksgiving. Can procrastinators or people with changed last-minute travel plans still buy a ticket? Flying standby and getting a seat is more difficult during the holidays, Jones said. More people are flying, and planes are generally full. Your odds are better on Thanksgiving itself or Black Friday, when fewer people tend to fly. He recommends using Google Flights calendar view as the best option to find a good deal this late. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Larry Higgs may be reached at lhiggs@njadvancemedia.com. Firefighters and emergency workers rescued three people from a 77-foot fishing boat that ran aground in Point Pleasant Beach early Friday, officials said. A fourth person was already out of the fishing vessel Susan Rose when firefighters and EMS arrived on the beach about three blocks south of the Manasquan Inlet, Point Pleasant Beach Fire Chief Ira Waldman said. The people aboard were treated, with none seriously hurt, Point Pleasant Beach police said. The Coast Guard received a report about the beached boat shortly before 5 a.m. and sent a boat to assist, a spokesman said. Officials havent yet determined how or why the boat ended up on the beach. The Susan Rose was listed as a squid fishing vessel based out of Point Judith, Rhode Island in 2022 reports related to a fisherman who fell overboard and was later found dead in Massachusetts. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. The parents of 34-year-old Michael Mulgrew had planned to take him to seek mental health help on the day he stabbed them to death at the Ocean County home they shared, according to a police report obtained by NJ Advance Media. Mulgrews mother, Cherly Mulgrew, 69, called the Barnegat Police Department and Mobile Psychiatric Emergency Screening Services around 6:30 p.m. Nov. 1 and told them that her son was experiencing mental health issues, according to the report. She requested PESS respond to evaluate him, the report stated. By the time they arrived at the home on Lincoln Avenue in Barnegat, Michael Mulgrew had already left on foot, police said. His mother called police shortly after 11 p.m. to let them know Mulgrew had returned home and was calm and she was going to take him to a doctor in the morning. Police officers were called to house around 11 a.m. the next day by Cheryl Mulgrew, who was again seeking mental health help for her son and they saw Michael Mulgrew walking away, according to a release from the Ocean County Prosecutors Office. As officers approached the front door, they noticed it was stained with blood, police said. Officers found more blood in multiple areas of the home, the prosecutors office said. The bodies of Cheryl Mulgrew and her 71-year-old husband Michael Mulgrew were found in a bedroom, authorities said. A knife was also found near the bedroom. Michael Mulgrew was later found in the area of West Bay Boulevard and Gunning River Road and taken into custody, authorities said. While giving his statement, he told detectives that in 2018, he had an incident of drug-induced psychosis while living in Vietnam and that he regularly uses drugs, authorities said. He told police he believed his family was going to hurt him and he left the house the night before the stabbing, authorities said. When he returned, a dispute about chores led to him attacking his parents and then stabbing them with a knife from the kitchen, police said. He then dragged both of their bodies into their bedroom, packed a backpack and left the home, police said. Mulgrew is charged with two counts of murder as well as weapons-related offenses and is being held at the Ocean County Jail, the office said. Editors Note: Mental health disorders affect people from all areas of life and all ages, but are treatable. Call Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administrations national helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for treatment referral and information. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription. Chris Sheldon may be reached at csheldon@njadvancemedia.com. A former teacher was arrested last week after she was accused of sexually assaulting a student for years, authorities announced Friday. Authorities launched an investigation into Lydia Pinto, 38, of Newton, Pennsylvania, on Oct. 16 when the Bridgewater Police Department received an anonymous email alleging inappropriate conduct between the teacher and her former student, who is now an adult, according to a release from the Somerset County Prosecutors Office. Ten days later, the former student was identified and interviewed by detectives from the prosecutors office and the Raritan Police Department. The student told them he had been sexually assaulted on an ongoing basis by Pinto, authorities said. The assaults allegedly happened in Raritan Borough, investigators said. The former student also told investigators the assaults began when the student was between the ages of 14 and 15 and continued until senior year of high school, the office said. It was unclear exactly when the acts took place. The school where Pinto and the student met was not released by the office. An email seeking clarification was not answered by the office. On Nov. 8, Pinto was taken into custody in Franklin Township and charged with aggravated sexual assault and two counts of sexual assault, officials said. She was being held in the Somerset County Jail pending a detention hearing. Attorney information for her was not immediately available. Anyone with information is asked to contact the offices sex crimes/child abuse unit at at 908-231-7100 or the Raritan Borough Police Department at 908-725-6200. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription. Chris Sheldon may be reached at csheldon@njadvancemedia.com. Two teens stole a vape pen during a gunpoint robbery on a street in Somerset County last week, authorities said. Oscar Juarez-Perfecto, 18, and his 17-year-old passenger were in an SUV when they pulled up to the man on Claremont Road in Franklin Township shortly before 1:30 p.m. on Nov. 9, the Somerset County Prosecutors Office said. The pair then demanded the mans money and phone during an altercation, officials said. The victim was not injured. Franklin police seized two handguns when officers found Juarez-Perfecto and the Middlesex County teen in the SUV a short time later and arrested them, officials said. Juarez-Perfecto, of the Somerset section of Franklin, and the 17-year-old were each charged with robbery and weapons offenses. Attorney information wasnt immediately available Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the Somerset County Prosecutors Office at 908-231-7100 or Franklin Township police at 732-873-5533. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Authorities in Cumberland County say a man used a ladder to gain access to the bedroom of a 13-year-old girl, then sexually assaulted her at gunpoint. Aleem King, 35, of Philadelphia, allegedly entered the residence on North Street in Millville via an open window in the early hours of March 14, according to the Cumberland County Prosecutors Office. King was armed with a handgun and used it to threaten the victim while he sexually assaulted her against her will, the prosecutors office said. After an investigation, a warrant was issued for Kings arrest in August, and he was arrested last month in Greenville, North Carolina. The suspect is charged with two counts each of first-degree aggravated sexual assault and second-degree sexual assault, along with third-degree endangering the welfare of a child, second-degree burglary and two second-degree weapons possession offenses. King remains jailed in North Carolina pending extradition to New Jersey. The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information about the case is asked to contact prosecutors office Detective Ashley Cornwall at 856-453-0486. Anonymous tips may be submitted online at CCPO.TIPS. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Matt Gray may be reached at mgray@njadvancemedia.com. Press Release November 16, 2023 Bong Go pushes for enhanced 2024 DOH budget, with focus on grassroots health services and health worker support During the plenary debates for the 2024 budget of the Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday, November 15, Senator Christopher "Bong" Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and vice chair of the Senate Finance Committee, emphasized the significance of the agency's budget for the nation's post-pandemic recovery. "I want to underscore the importance of the 2024 budget of the DOH in our path towards recovery," stressed Go, underscoring that now is a critical time to invest in the healthcare system to meet emerging challenges. Go inquired about the specifics of DOH's budget request, to understand the additional funding sought and the prioritization of various health programs. Senator Pia Cayetano, senior vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, responded that the Senate increased the DOH budget by nearly P50 billion from the proposed P306.13 billion to P353 billion, outlining the extended support for health initiatives. Go expressed his support for the budget increase, noting his advocacy for enhanced health facilities, especially public hospitals that predominantly serve the underprivileged. "Mahalaga na patuloy nating i-upgrade ang ating mga pampublikong ospital na karamihan naman ay mahihirap ang pumupunta," he stated. Go championed the goal of bringing healthcare closer to the grassroots through the integration of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation's (PhilHealth) Konsulta package with Super Health Centers, which are designed to focus on primary care, consultation, and early detection, thus bolstering primary healthcare services across the nation. Cayetano confirmed the enhancement of PhilHealth's budget to P101 billion, with P21 billion allocated for benefit package improvement, including the Konsulta package. The senator then turned his attention to the newly passed Regional Specialty Centers Act, probing into the allocation for the establishment of specialty centers in DOH hospitals. He highlighted the importance of this initiative, saying, "We passed the Regional Specialty Centers Act. P10 billion is already included in the committee report for the implementation of this law. This is a multi-year program, and sana po'y mabigyan ng sapat na pondo para hindi na kailangan pumunta po ng Maynila ang mga pasyente may malubhang sakit sa mga probinsya." The Act which Go principally sponsored and is one of the authors in the Senate, aims to decentralize specialized medical services, enabling patients in the provinces to receive advanced medical care without the need to travel to Metro Manila. An important highlight of Go's interpellation was the discussion on Malasakit Centers, a cornerstone of his healthcare advocacy. He inquired about the progress and impact of these centers. "Per last report, seven million na po ang mga pasyenteng natulungan ng Malasakit Centers. Do we have updated figures na po sa ngayon, as of today, ng mga natulungan po ng Malasakit Centers?" asked Go. DOH responded with updated figures through its sponsor, stating that around 10 million patients have been assisted by Malasakit Centers as of October 2023. Go stressed the importance of these centers in ensuring that no patient is turned away, especially with the increased budget for the Medical Assistance to Indigent Patients (MAIP) program. He urged for the utilization of this budget for indigent patients, insisting on non-selectivity in providing aid. "Dapat walang matanggihan na pasyente considering the budget we are allocating for the MAIP Program," he emphasized. Furthermore, he recalled the commitment made by DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, Jr., during a Commission on Appointments hearing, where the secretary assured that no patient in need would be denied assistance. A department memorandum issued by Herbosa mandates that all patients at Malasakit Centers must receive the necessary services. Go likewise brought to light the critical issue of mental health, questioning the coverage and budget allocated for mental health services. "How much is the current PhilHealth coverage for mental health cases? Do they have outpatient coverage? What is the plan of PhilHealth for the benefit packages for mental health cases and consultation?" he asked. DOH, through its sponsor, responded, indicating a budget of P4.77 billion for mental health, inclusive of both inpatient and outpatient services and commodities. Go stressed the importance of continuing to improve mental health programs and ensuring the availability of all forms of psychosocial assistance to Filipinos suffering from mental health issues, especially during times of crisis. Go also followed up on the release of Health Emergency Allowance (HEA) for healthcare workers. He emphasized the need to ensure that healthcare workers are adequately compensated for their service, especially considering their sacrifices during the pandemic. Go expressed concern about the delay in releasing funds and allowances, "According to the data na nakuha ko po, nabanggit na rin po kanina, P62 billion po mahigit ang arrears since 2021 na dapat nabayaran po sa ating mga healthcare workers." He referred to Republic Act 11712, or the Public Health Emergency Benefits and Allowances for Healthcare Workers Act, which he co-authored and co-sponsored before in the Senate. This Act was a response to the urgent need to support healthcare workers during public health emergencies. The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released P23.6 billion from the government's budget for this year, including P19.6 billion from program appropriations and P4 billion from unprogrammed funds. Go urged both DOH and DBM to fulfill their obligations and ensure that healthcare workers receive what is due to them. He highlighted the critical role of healthcare workers during the pandemic, some of whom sacrificed their lives or fell ill while serving on the frontlines. In his closing remarks, Go reiterated his commitment to strengthening the healthcare system. He underscored the importance of allocating additional resources to health, emphasizing, "I continue to push for additional budget for health. Napaka-importante po. The more we should invest sa ating healthcare system." The Russian army keeps two ships on combat duty in the Black Sea, including one Kalibr missile carrier, with a total salvo of eight missiles, the Naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said as of 7:30 of Friday. "There are two enemy ships in the Black Sea, including one carrier of Kalibr cruise missiles, a total salvo of up to eight missiles, one enemy ship in the Sea of Azov, two enemy ships in the Mediterranean Sea, including one carrier of Kalibr cruise missiles, a total salvo of up to eight missiles," the message reads. In addition, according to the Naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, during the day, in the interests of Russia, the passage of the Kerch Strait was carried out: 13 vessels entered the Sea of Azov, nine of them were moving from the Bosphorus Strait. There were 10 vessels in the Black Sea, seven of them continued to move in the direction of the Bosphorus Strait. It is emphasized that the Russian Federation continues to violate the 1974 International Convention for the Safety of Human Life at Sea (SOLAS) by turning off automatic identification systems (AIS). Watertown, NY (13601) Today Rain likely. High 47F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch.. Tonight Overcast with rain showers at times. Low 38F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 60%. Six-day (Tuesday through Sunday) print subscribers of the Watertown Daily Times are eligible for full access to NNY360, the NNY360 mobile app, and the Watertown Daily Times e-edition, all at no additional cost. If you have an existing six-day print subscription to the Watertown Daily Times, please make sure your email address on file matches your NNY360 account email. You can sign up or manage your print subscription using the options below. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg stressed the complexity of the situation on the Ukrainian front and called on allies to increase military assistance for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He said this during a press conference after a meeting in Brussels with Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics. We need to realize that the situation on the battlefield is difficult. Russia doesn't plan for peace, they plan for more war. And we are also seeing how Russia has tried to launch offensive operations around for instance, Avdiyivka, but the fact that the situation on the battlefield is more difficult than we hoped. That's not an argument against support, it is an argument in favour of more support for Ukraine, because again, we cannot allow President Putin to win, the Secretary General said. Stoltenberg stressed the importance that all allies continue to stand by the decisions we have made jointly at the Vilnius Summit. All Heads of State and Government, all NATO Allies promised to stand by Ukraine, not only because it will be a tragedy for the Ukrainians if President Putin wins but it will be dangerous for us, the Secretary General said. An ankle monitor is seen on an immigrant from El Salvador at a shelter in San Antonio on July 27, 2015. In New Orleans, a defendant in a Terrytown murder was found to be wearing an ankle monitor after bailing out of a stolen car that police were chasing on Thursday, May 18, 2023. Firefighters from New Mexico rest for a few minutes as they let a helicopter drop 600 gallons of water onto a hotspot they were trying to contain near Merryville, Louisiana at the Tiger Island Fire on Wednesday, August 30, 2023. Rodney DeVille, top left in blue, is the owner of the land that the firefighters were working on. (Photo by Chris Granger | The Times-Picayune | NOLA.com) The leadership of the Ministry for Strategic Industries of Ukraine held a meeting with the Italian delegation led by the Deputy Minister of Defense of Italy, Lieutenant General Luciano Portolano. According to the ministry, the parties discussed cooperation in various sectors of the defense industry, which should significantly strengthen Ukraines defense capability. Industrial and technological leaders in the defense and security sectors of Italy proposed their projects for implementation. They also discussed cooperation between Italian and Ukrainian manufacturers of military products. Among other things, Italian companies expressed interest in cooperation in the aviation industry, mine clearance in Ukraine, the production of armored vehicles, airspace protection, and the exchange of technological innovations. The Italian government is allocating separate funds, part of which will be directed to the development of military innovations specifically in Ukraine. In addition, Italian scientific institutes will be involved in the development of our technologies, the department reported. Thus, five companies whose representatives took part in the meeting joined the Defense Industries Alliance, created on the initiative of the Ministry for Strategic Industries of Ukraine, the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine and the Foreign Ministry of Ukraine, namely Leonardo S.p.A., Fincantieri, Elettronica, Iveco Defense Vehicles and FAE Group S.p.A. Currently, the Alliance of Defense Industries includes 74 companies from more than 20 countries that have expressed their readiness to contribute to the development of the Ukrainian defense industry. WASHINGTON U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy is demanding that President Joe Biden's administration take action to protect Jewish college students given the spike in antisemitic incidents since the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks on Israel that killed 1,200 people. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise wants to stop the return of Irans money that he and fellow Republicans say funded the attack. And House Speaker Mike Johnson has called outrageous the demands for an Israeli cease-fire that some Democrats and international figures are advocating in hopes of stopping the killing of Palestinian civilians living in Gaza. The Naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine received autonomous hydrographic complexes from the Government of the Kingdom of Denmark within the framework of international technical assistance, the news agency of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine Armiyainform reported on Friday. According to Roman Honcharenko, head of the hydrographic service of the AFU Navy, the complex is equipped with a multipath echo sounder designed to survey the bottom relief and detect underwater objects. "The obtained bathymetric information allows us to know the depth of the bottom with a density through every centimeter. Accordingly, we can be aware of the existing underwater obstacles, choose the right parking places for our watercraft, passage options, vessel transit routes," he said. The unmanned surface complex manufactured by Maritime Robotics (Norway) includes the SeaBat T51 multipath echo sounder manufactured by Teledyne Marine (Denmark). "The SeaBat T51-R is a revolutionary multipath echo sounder. Its unsurpassed 800 kHz technology allows to shoot with a high level of detail, while maintaining an amazing shooting efficiency with a wide coverage band. It also has a flexible lower frequency range of 350-430 kHz," the message says. Identities of two Russian soldiers, who shot civilians of Chernihiv region while trying to evacuate, established Ukrainian law enforcement officers identified and notified of suspicion two Russian servicemen who opened targeted fire on a car with civilians in Chernihiv district of Chernihiv region in 2022, as a result of which two adults were killed and two more children were injured. "During the procedural guidance of Chernihiv District Prosecutor's Office, two servicemen of the Russian Federation were identified and reported in absentia on suspicion of violating the laws and customs of war, connected with premeditated murder (Part 2 of Article 28, Part 2 of Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine)," the Prosecutor General's Office (PGO) said on the Telegram channel on Friday. According to the investigation, in March 2022, six civilians, including three minors, tried to drive a Renault Duster out of the village of Rohoschi, Chernihiv region, which was temporarily occupied by Russian troops. "Moving along the highway in the direction of the village of Khmelnitsa, a civilian vehicle stopped on the side of the road so as not to hinder the movement of a column of enemy equipment. The car and the people in it did not pose any threat to the occupiers. However, the Russian military, including two suspects, began firing at the car with automatic weapons," the report says. The prosecutor's office clarifies that as a result of the shelling, the driver and passenger of the car were killed at the scene, and two minors were injured. Evidence used to convict former Portage Mayor James Snyder of committing bribery while in office is sufficient enough for the U.S. Supreme Court to reject Snyder's request for the high court to hear his appeal, federal prosecutors argued Thursday. "In particular, the evidence showed that petitioner (Snyder) and his associate, (former Assistant Superintendent of Streets and Sanitation) Randy Reeder, took numerous steps to rig the contract-bidding process in favor of the Buha brothers company," according to the federal filing. "A reasonable jury would readily have inferred that petitioner would not have done so absent a quid pro quo agreement or understanding with the Buhas." Former Region cop sentenced by feds for violent arrest The former Gary cop admitted that after handcuffing the victim following the March 19, 2019 traffic stop, he slammed the driver's face and head against a police vehicle, breaking the mans tooth and causing him bodily injury, officials said. Snyder, 45, a Republican office holder, was twice found guilty most recently in March 2021 of soliciting and accepting a $13,000 bribe in 2014 in return for steering a $1.125 million contract for the purchase of garbage trucks for the City of Portage to the local Great Lakes Peterbilt company, then owned by Steven and Robert Buha. Federal prosecutors said he also obstructed the Internal Revenue Services efforts to collect unpaid taxes on a private mortgage company he ran. Snyder was sentenced on Oct. 13, 2021 by U.S. District Judge Matthew Kennelly to 21 months in prison, which was well below the recommended sentencing guideline of 46 to 57 months. While referring to Snyder's appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court as a long shot, Kennelly agreed in September to postpone Snyder's surrender date to prison until 60 days after a denial of an appeal to the court. "This is a really old case," the judge had said. Porter County cop attacked, repeatedly punched by drunk Valpo man, report says "I asked Nickolas (Hillers) if he was done resisting and he said, 'No, we haven't started (expletive),' " the officer said after pinning Hillers to the ground. In a 36-page petition for a writ of certiorari, which is a request for the Supreme Court to hear a case, Snyder's lawyers challenge the federal statute under which he was convicted that prohibits a public official from accepting a bribe. His attorneys write that each of the 12 United States federal circuit courts interpret the law differently, and therefore requested an assessment from the nation's highest court. But federal prosecutors countered Thursday, saying, "there was ample evidence here from which a jury could infer that the $13,000 check (petitioner) received from GLPB was a bribe not a gratuity." In successfully arguing to postpone the Oct. 16 surrender date, Snyder's defense said: "If an extension of the surrender date is not granted, there is a substantial risk that Mr. Snyder would serve nearly half of the sentence that has been imposed, only to have to retry the case if he is successful on the merits, resulting in time in custody on an invalid conviction, in violation of Mr. Snyders liberty interest under the Due Process clause of the Fifth Amendment." Snyder's case has captured national attention with his request for delay attracting support from the conservative American Center for Law and Justice and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, his attorney said. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit earlier this year rejected all of Snyder's claims of error in his case, upholding his convictions. 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 A quick response by firefighters Thursday prevented a deck fire from spreading to a house in the 600 N. block of County Road 200 East in Jackson Township, Liberty Township Volunteer Fire Department Chief Brian Duncan said. "An attached deck to a residence was on fire when Chief Duncan arrived," the department said. Porter County cop car nearly struck by repeat drunken driver, department says The officer said he began following the vehicle and said it was travelling at 65 mph in the 35 mph zone. Firefighters from Washington Township and Westville joined the response and the group extinguished the fire before it spread. "The property loss was minimal and estimated at $4,000 in damage," Duncan said. Firefighters reportedly used about 2,000 gallons of water to extinguish the blaze. The Liberty Township department said it was kept busy with five fire-related calls and seven medical calls within a 24-hour period, including a lengthy brush fire call. "The Department wishes to extend its thanks and gratitude to the surrounding departments and mutual aid partners that helped in the last 24 hours," Duncan said. "The agreements fire departments have across Porter County are a prime example of a system to work flawlessly when situations occur as such a day Liberty took on in such a short time." Volunteer firefighters play a critical role in the community and help is needed, Duncan said. For information about becoming a firefighter in Liberty Township, send an email to info@libertyfd.org or pick up an application at the fire station. 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 CHESTERTON A suspect has been arrested in connection to a hit-and-run that left a 42-year-old woman injured in the Jewel parking lot on Wednesday afternoon in Chesterton, police said. Douglas Poole, 66, of Liberty Township has been charged with a level six felony for leaving the scene of a serious bodily injury accident, Chesterton police said in a news release. The Chesterton Fire Department, who responded to the scene, said the woman sustained an injury "to her left lower extremity below the knee" and complained of "the worst pain she had ever felt." She was transported to Northwest Health. The woman informed the investigating officer she couldn't describe the driver of the vehicle, but did note the car "was brown in color," police said. Detectives received a tip on Thursday from a witness who watched video surveillance of the suspect's vehicle that was posted to social media. An original news release stated the vehicle was believed to be a brown or gold Chevrolet Impala with significant damage to the rear passenger side bumper. Detective Sgt. Justin Frever and Detective Cpl. Chris Schoof located Poole and the suspect vehicle within an hour of obtaining information, a news release said. "Mr. Poole was interviewed and confessed to the hit-and-run," Chesterton 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 Following the narrow defeat of Lake Station Schools operating referendum renewal, the school board's president demanded the resignation of one of his colleagues during a Wednesday night meeting. The referendum, which failed by 14 votes, generates around $1.3 million for the school district but will expire at the end of next year. Had it been successful, it would have maintained the operating property tax levy at 54 cents per $100 in assessed valuation. During the meeting, Lake Station Schools Board President Greg Tenorio placed blame on fellow member Karen Curtis for the ballot question's defeat. Tenorio accused Curtis of taking a page of the school district's audit with the state's Board of Accounts which criticized the way Lake Station filled out the report and taking it to a Lake Station Republican precinct meeting. At the meeting, Tenorio claims, Curtis told the local Republicans the school had mismanaged $6 million in funds. The precinct members then voted to send a letter to Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita asking him to investigate Lake Station Schools. At the following precinct meeting, Tenorio said, he and Superintendent Tom Cripliver, provided the Republicans with the full audit and showed the $6 million in question was filled out in the wrong form and was later corrected. The precinct members then voted against sending the letter to Rokita. The school board president said he believed Curtis took the audit page to the local GOP members in hopes they would start a campaign against the referendum. "I have five grandchildren in Lake Station Schools and I sincerely believe her actions are harming their future and the future of all our students," Tenorio said. Because of this, he called on Curtis to resign. Curtis, along with fellow board member Larry Biggs, abstained when the school board approved the referendum question May 8. Curtis claimed the board's bylaws tell members to play a "dual role" by discussing not only the school district's progress, but also its issues. And when she was invited by the local Republicans to speak at their meeting, Curtis claimed they misconstrued what she said and exploited it. The board member said she did nothing wrong and that calling for her resignation wasn't appropriate. "I'm sorry that your referendum didn't pass," Curtis said. Additionally, the school board approved a resolution that gives notice of Lake Station Schools' interest in negotiating the sale of Polk Elementary School with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana. The elementary school has been closed since 2017. GALLERY: The Times Photos of the Week The Distressed Unit Appeals Board gave contingent approval for the two-year contract agreement between the Gary Community School Corp. and the Gary Teachers Union on Thursday. During the meeting, state board members raised issues with some of the language and terms in the collective bargaining agreement. They mainly centered around concerns of teachers leaving the district before the end of the academic after receiving their stipends and the legality of using ESSER funding federal COVID-19 relief aid for stipends during the 2024-25 school year. As part of the contract, educators and paraprofessionals will see 2% raises to their base salary this school year and the following year. Additionally, teachers will see one-time stipends totaling $12,000 over the next two years, while paraprofessionals will see a total of $4,500 in stipend payments. In order to gain full approval, the contract will need to be updated to include language for recovering stipends in the event an educator does leave the district early, and it'll need to be confirmed if ESSER funds can be used in the second year of the agreement. Additionally, since DUAB and MGT Consulting are expected to give control of Gary schools to the five-member appointed school board in July, the contract will need to be updated to refer to the new governing body for 2024-25. All of these issues will need to be communicated with the Indiana Education Employment Relations Board, which oversees labor relations between school districts and their employees. According to DUAB Executive Director Pete Miller, they hope to resolve the issues by the end of the month, given most of them are technical in nature. Miller also said if they cannot use ESSER for stipends, they intend to find another funding source. DUAB also approved a contract for around $300,000 with Littera Education for virtual tutoring to address learning loss. Gary schools intend on piloting the tutoring services with around half the students in third, sixth and ninth grade. If successful, the district plans on scaling up the service. PHOTOS: New mural at Hammond's Advanced Engineering Services Advanced Engineering Services gets a new mural completed by Felix Maldonado Jr. Advanced Engineering Services gets a new mural completed by Felix Maldonado Jr. Advanced Engineering Services gets a new mural completed by Felix Maldonado Jr. Advanced Engineering Services gets a new mural completed by Felix Maldonado Jr. Advanced Engineering Services gets a new mural completed by Felix Maldonado Jr. Advanced Engineering Services gets a new mural completed by Felix Maldonado Jr. Advanced Engineering Services gets a new mural completed by Felix Maldonado Jr. The McDonald's located at 7420 Kennedy Ave. in Hammond hosted a Give Back Night on Wednesday to benefit Scott Middle School. Those in attendance for the Give Back Night included administrators from Hammond schools and PNW, teachers, Hammond school board members and some of the student-tutors from the honors college. Ten percent of profits made from dine-in, drive-thru and mobile orders were donated to Scott Middle School. The night also celebrated a new partnership between the fast food restaurant, the School City of Hammond and Purdue University Northwest. Beginning Nov. 29, students from PNW's honors college will tutor students from the middle school weekly on most Wednesdays through January. The tutoring sessions will last half-an-hour and run from 5-8 p.m. The McDonald's will provide dinners for both the tutors and students. Mary Moriarty, the district's community schools coordinator, said she's excited for the tutoring program to get up and running. She believes the extra support along with the dinners will be a benefit for the students at Scott Middle School. To schedule a tutoring session, individuals can contact Moriarty by calling 219-298-4914, or by email at schcs@hammond.k12.in.us. PHOTOS: New mural at Hammond's Advanced Engineering Services Advanced Engineering Services gets a new mural completed by Felix Maldonado Jr. Advanced Engineering Services gets a new mural completed by Felix Maldonado Jr. Advanced Engineering Services gets a new mural completed by Felix Maldonado Jr. Advanced Engineering Services gets a new mural completed by Felix Maldonado Jr. Advanced Engineering Services gets a new mural completed by Felix Maldonado Jr. Advanced Engineering Services gets a new mural completed by Felix Maldonado Jr. Advanced Engineering Services gets a new mural completed by Felix Maldonado Jr. Searches were carried out in Kharkiv at the premises of a member of a transnational group that stole almost EUR 800,000 from the accounts of foreigners, the Prosecutor General's Office (PGO) has said. "Law enforcement agencies of Ukraine and the French Republic conducted a joint international special operation to document a transnational group that specialized in stealing confidential data of foreigners and seizing their funds. The owner of one of the crypto wallets is a citizen of Ukraine, a resident of Kharkiv," the PGO said in a statement on the official website on Friday. According to the investigation, members of the group, using special software code, collected data on payment cards of EU citizens from over 300 popular online trading platforms. Subsequently, they stole money from the accounts of foreign citizens. Losses from illegal activities amount to almost EUR 800,000, which is the equivalent of over UAH 30 million. "Now, under the PGO procedural guidance, the location of the 45-year-old owner of a crypto-wallet has been established, which, according to law enforcement officers of the French Republic, was used to legalize income received by members of the group. In response to an international request, Ukrainian law enforcement officers conducted searches at Kharkiv resident. They seized computer equipment and mobile devices, on which entrances to crypto-asset storage systems were previously discovered," the PGO said. Investigative actions are carried out by investigators of the Main Directorate of the National Police in Kharkiv region with operational support from the cyber police of Kharkiv region. The issue of providing seized evidence to French colleagues is being resolved. Chefs from Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana prepared 250 individual Thanksgiving dinners for The Salvation Army to distribute Friday afternoon. The Salvation Army hosted a drive-thru for residents to pick up traditional dinners, individually boxed and prepared by the chefs. The dinners included roasted turkey and gravy, sage bread dressing, mashed potatoes, ham, green bean casserole, house salad, a dinner roll and butter and a slice of pumpkin pie for dessert. Michael Gaudreau, Vice President of Casino Operations, who is a member of The Salvation Army of Lake County's Advisory Board, visited the Gary-Merrillville Community Center to help distribute the dinners. Lt. Katrina Andrews, who is leading the Gary-Merrillville branch, was on hand as well. GALLERY: The Times Photos of the Week A new family medicine physician and new cardiologist have joined the Franciscan Physician Network in Crown Point. Family medicine physician Da Hee Mary Lee, who graduated from medical school at Des Moines University in Iowa, is accepting new patients in Crown Point. She finished her residency at the University of Chicago Medicine Advent Health in LaGrange. "Her clinical interests include chronic disease management and prevention; mental health; pediatrics; womens health and wellness," Franciscan Health said in a news release. "Dr. Lee is fluent in Korean and is accepting new patients at Schererville Health Center at 7310 W. Lincoln Highway in Crown Point." Cardiologist Islam Badawy also is accepting new patients at Franciscan Physician Network in Crown Point. Badaway graduated from Midwestern University School of Medicine in Downers Grove and did a residency in internal medicine and a fellowship in cardiovascular medicine at Midwestern University/Franciscan Health in Olympia Fields, as well as a fellowship in interventional cardiology at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee. He did additional residency training in advanced cardiac imaging at the University of Chicago. "Dr. Badawys clinical interests include general cardiology; coronary angiography; intervention and high-risk PCI; percutaneous LV mechanical support devices; peripheral angiography and intervention; venogram and venoplasty and catheter assisted thrombolysis," Franciscan Health said in a news release. Patients can see Badawy at Franciscan Physician Network Cardiology Crown Point in the Burrell Professional Building at 1205 S. Main Street, Suite 101 in Crown Point. To make an appointment with Lee, call 219-322-4673. To make an appointment with Badawy, call 219-662-0077. LIBERTY TOWNSHIP Approximately six-and-a-half acres were burned in a brush fire Wednesday near 700 North and 50 West in Liberty Township. Liberty Township Volunteer Fire Department Assistant Chief Michael Wineland arrived first on scene and reported a fire spreading rapidly in the wooded area and down into a ravine, a news release said. Ten fire departments were on scene assisting due to a shortage of manpower and the spread of the fire. It took over three hours to extinguish the fire. Firefighters with water packs and hand tools saved three nearby houses that were feet away from being scorched. Only a small shed sustained fire damage, the press release said. South Haven Fire Department Deputy Chief Jordan Bucy assisted with coordinating fire resource response, and fire assignment task for responding units. Liberty Township fire reminds residents to refrain from burning yard waste or conducting fires that arent properly contained. Porter County residents are prohibited per Indiana Code to open burn, the Liberty Township department said. Residents are encouraged to take yard waste to compost sites in the county or create one on private property. 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 Conrad, who runs a cloud-based cybersecurity platform to monitor firewalls and handle threats, will offer insights from his time as a serial entrepreneur and an engineer. He's worked with Hughes Aircraft Company, MITs Lincoln Laboratory and a technology start-up that specializes in cybersecurity for large financial services organizations. Wettrick and Schamel will talk about how to cultivate a mindset that opportunities are everywhere. Nikolovski will discuss "Creating Ripples (Creative Thinking)," sharing from his three decades teaching subjects like Design Thinking, Lean LaunchPad, Creativity and Innovation and Business Model Canvas,. The state also is observing Global Entrepreneurship Week this week. It's estimated that newly launched companies under five years old contributed $11.5 billion to the state's gross domestic product and created 36,000 new jobs in 2019. The Indiana Court of Appeals has emphatically denied a LaPorte man's request to reduce the 35-year prison term issued to him in January after he was convicted of multiple counts of child molesting and possession of child pornography. Michael Dumdey, 59, was found guilty of 13 felonies altogether, including two counts of child molesting as a level 1 felony, following a bench trial conditioned on a potential sentencing cap of 35 years, according to court records. Records show LaPorte Circuit Judge Thomas Alevizos issued the maximum permitted sentence to Dumdey after finding Dumdey molested children he was babysitting and knowingly accumulated more than 4,000 images and videos of child pornography. In his appeal, Dumdey argued his 35-year sentence was inappropriate given the nature of the offense and his character, since it was the maximum sentence allowed under his agreement with prosecutors. The appeals court was unpersuaded. It noted Dumdey's 35-year sentence for 13 felonies only was five years more than the advisory sentence for a single count of child molesting as a level 1 felony and Dumdey was convicted of two counts. "Given that Dumdey's crimes against (the victims) occurred on separate occasions, had there not been a sentencing cap by agreement of the parties, we would be more likely to declare his sentence inappropriately short for his crimes than to declare it inappropriately long. Dumdey's sentence is not too short for his crimes," the appeals court said. Likewise, the appeals court gave no credence to Dumdey's claim that his character record of kindness to elderly relatives and church members warrants a sentence reduction, especially given his prior criminal convictions in other states for assault, battery, trespassing and resisting law enforcement. It also unanimously rejected Dumdey's argument that the testimony of the victims was too incredible to be believed and Dumdey's assertion that someone else planted the thousands of files of child pornography found on his computer and other electronic devices. "Dumdey's convictions were supported by sufficient evidence, and his 35-year sentence is not inappropriate in light of his character and his 13 offenses," the appeals court said. Dumdey still can ask the Indiana Supreme Court to consider reviewing his case. Otherwise, his earliest possible release date from prison assuming good behavior is Aug. 14, 2050, records show. Gallery: Recent arrests booked into LaPorte County Jail Kristy Miller Donald Starks Jeremy Marshall Andre Johnson Victoria Vasquez Allen Fugate Thomas Reeder Samuel Fleming Giovanni Ferreyra-Ruiz Cleophis Swanson Jr. Yvonne Noe Bonnie McGriff Tabitha Ramirez Rickey Bureau Quayshuan Kelly Almani Flippins Amber Coursel Barry Geber Jordan Glancy Donald Franklin Lauren Smith Jermaine Carter Calvin Simmons Gov. Eric Holcomb and Maj. Gen. Dale Lyles, Indiana's adjutant general, traveled to east-central Africa this week to celebrate an early Thanksgiving with Hoosier soldiers stationed in Kenya. More than 100 members of the Indiana National Guard's Airborne Company have been deployed to Kenya since April, tasked with strengthening regional stability and providing base security in the Horn of Africa region as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. According to the governor's office, Holcomb and Lyles shared a Thanksgiving meal with the Indiana soldiers at Camp Simba and spent additional time with Hoosiers on the base. They also received official updates on the joint yearlong mission that's been assigned by the Pentagon to citizen-soldiers serving in the National Guard of Indiana and Oklahoma. "Meeting Hoosier guardsmen stationed in Kenya and seeing their dedication to our state and country firsthand, Im proudly reminded, our freedom is not free, and its their dedication that pays the cost in full. Indeed, we have much to be thankful for," Holcomb said. The Republican governor also encouraged all Hoosiers to include the men and women serving in Indianas National Guard next week as they think on things for which they're thankful. "They serve us at home in urgent times and far away when the orders arrive. So this year, while you huddle up with friends and family and celebrate your own family traditions, remember many of our guard families are separated from one another while defending our values and way of life," Holcomb said. Lyles explained that while National Guard soldiers typically serve domestically by responding to natural disasters and other needs in Indiana, they also are trained for federal operations, including overseas missions. "Whether deployed providing security in the Horn of Africa region, or living, working and serving part-time in Indiana, the 12,000 premier professionals of our Indiana National Guard are always readying for and executing the modern missions that protect U.S. interests abroad and serve our neighbors at home," Lyles said. The cost of sending the governor and general to Africa was paid by the Indiana National Guard. PHOTOS: Holcomb visits Valparaiso High School to celebrate its football state championship Gov. Eric Holcomb and State Rep. Ed Soliday visit Valparaiso High School Gov. Eric Holcomb and State Rep. Ed Soliday visit Valparaiso High School Gov. Eric Holcomb and State Rep. Ed Soliday visit Valparaiso High School Gov. Eric Holcomb and State Rep. Ed Soliday visit Valparaiso High School Gov. Eric Holcomb and State Rep. Ed Soliday visit Valparaiso High School Gov. Eric Holcomb and State Rep. Ed Soliday visit Valparaiso High School Gov. Eric Holcomb and State Rep. Ed Soliday visit Valparaiso High School Gov. Eric Holcomb and State Rep. Ed Soliday visit Valparaiso High School Gov. Eric Holcomb and State Rep. Ed Soliday visit Valparaiso High School Gov. Eric Holcomb and State Rep. Ed Soliday visit Valparaiso High School Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater announced on Thursday that Robert Battle, its artistic director since 2011, is resigning from the position, citing health concerns. Battles sudden departure comes on the cusp of the companys annual holiday season at New York City Center, which begins Nov. 29. Matthew Rushing, Aileys associate artistic director, will lead the company until the board of trustees completes a search for a new director. Battles resignation is effective immediately, though he will remain available to the board of trustees through the end of the year. Robert Battle has served the Ailey organization with talent, verve and distinction over the past dozen years, Daria Wallach, chair of the Ailey board of trustees, wrote in a statement. We offer him our warmest gratitude. Battle, 51, declined a phone interview but answered questions over email. He wrote that the decision was incredibly difficult and noted recent deaths in his family and an awareness of his mothers aging. I am going to spend more time with my family, and I am going to focus on my health, he wrote, but he did not specify those health concerns or give further reasons for the suddenness of his departure. The Ailey company is in a great place artistically and the bond with our audience is stronger than ever. Thats why I feel this is the moment when I can take the step I need to take. The schedule set by the appeals court means that the gag orders could remain paused for much of the remainder of the civil fraud trial, which stems from a lawsuit brought by the New York attorney general, Letitia James. The trial is expected to last until mid-December. Justice Engoron, who is a Democrat, had justified his own gag order against Mr. Trump by citing threats against his staff. He wrote this month that his chambers had received hundreds of threatening phone calls, voicemails, emails, letters and packages. But Justice Friedman seemed skeptical that Mr. Trump had said anything that would lead directly to threats against court staff. He repeatedly asked whether Mr. Trump had used specifically threatening language against Ms. Greenfield, who is also a Democrat, and seemed satisfied that the answer was no. Justice Friedman also appeared skeptical of Ms. Greenfields prominence at the trial, where she appears at the bench alongside the judge every day. He asked a lawyer appearing on Justice Engorons behalf whether that practice was unusual. The lawyer, Lisa Evans, said that clerks did sometimes sit on the bench, and Justice Friedman seemed to relent on that point, agreeing that was the case. A lawyer for Mr. Trump, Alina Habba, praised the appellate court after the Thursday hearing and quickly took advantage of the development. Over the past five weeks, Jewish students on Americas campuses have found themselves confronted with those who celebrate a terrorist operation that featured the mass murder and reportedly the rape of fellow Jews. They see images of people tearing down posters of kidnapped Jewish children. At M.I.T., Jewish students report that they were told by some faculty members to avoid the universitys main lobby which had been the site of a pro-Palestinian protest for their own safety. At Cooper Union, Jewish students were barricaded in the library by a protest that started out as a pro-Palestinian demonstration and quickly became, one student reported, pure anti-Jew. Rabbi Nomi Manon, who has directed the Hillel at the University at Albany since 2011, told The Albany Times-Union, Every Jewish student that I talk to feels a sense of impending doom, anxiety, fear or anger about the really marked rise in antisemitism. Shabbos Kestenbaum, who is a graduate student at the Harvard Divinity School, told The Forward, The past few weeks have been the most isolating, saddening, maddening experience Ive ever had. Universities are supposed to be centers of inquiry and curiosity places where people are tolerant of difference and learn about other points of view. Instead, too many have become brutalizing ideological war zones, so today the most hostile place to be an American Jew is not at some formerly restricted country club but on a college campus. How on earth did this happen? Ive been teaching on college campuses off and on for 25 years. Its become increasingly evident to me that American adolescence and young adulthood especially for those who wind up at elite schools now happen within a specific kind of ideological atmosphere. It centers on a hard-edged ideological framework that has been spreading in high school and college, on social media, in diversity training seminars and in popular culture. The framework doesnt have a good name yet. It draws on the thinking of intellectuals ranging from the French philosopher Michel Foucault to the critical race theorist Derrick Bell. (For a good intellectual history, I recommend Yascha Mounks recent book, The Identity Trap.) The common ideas associated with this ideology are by now pretty familiar: We shouldnt emphasize what unites all human beings; we should emphasize what divides us. Human relations are power struggles between oppressors and oppressed groups. Human communication is limited. A person in one group can never really understand the experience of someone in another group. The goal of rising above bigotry is naive. Bigotry and racism are permanent and indestructible components of American society. Seemingly neutral tenets of society like free speech, academic freedom, academic integrity and the meritocracy are tools the powerful use to preserve their power. There are many teachers and administrators who believe that they best serve society not by being open and curious and searching for the truth but by propagating this ideological framework. One passage from a D.E.I. curriculum guide symbolizes for me the way ideological activism is replacing intellectual inquiry as the primary mission of universities. Its for the faculty at California Community Colleges, and it advises: Take care not to weaponize academic freedom and academic integrity as tools to impede equity. In other words, spreading a specific ideology is more important than academic integrity. Students have gotten the message that they are not on campus to learn; they are there to express their certainties and to advance a rigid ideological formula. One upshot is that universities have become battlefields. Eboo Patel is the founder and president of Interfaith America, which over the past 20 years has worked on about 1,200 campuses to narrow toxic divides and build bridges between people of all faiths or no faith. Over these decades, he has concluded that far from creating a healthier, more equitable campus, this ideology demonizes, demeans and divides students. It demeans white people by reducing them to a single category oppressor. Meanwhile, it demeans, for example, Muslim people of color, like Patel, by reducing them to victims. Patel doesnt believe we should try to end D.E.I., as some have proposed. Thats not going to happen anyway. Besides, in a liberal society we beat bad ideas with better ideas. Patel does argue that were at a paradigm-shifting moment when we can replace a destructive form of diversity, equity and inclusion with a better form one that actually includes people, instead of excluding them. The right intellectual framework for effective diversity work is pluralism. Pluralism starts with a celebration of the fact that we live in one of the most diverse societies in history. The job of the university is to help young people from different backgrounds learn to work and live together. (Would you really want to hire someone who spent his college years learning how to demonize, demean and divide?) Pluralists seek to replace the demonizing, demeaning and dividing ethos with one that encourages respect, relationships and cooperation. Pluralists believe that peoples identities are complex and shifting, that most human beings shouldnt be divided into good/evil categories, that we become wise as we enter into many different points of view. Patel says that universities shouldnt be battlefields but potluck dinners, where all guests bring their own cuisines to the common table. Donors who are offended by whats happening on campuses today shouldnt stop funding universities. They should fund pluralistic programs that offer an alternative to and a critique of the currently prevailing ideology. There is a rich tradition of thinkers who explore diversity, identity and history from a pluralistic framework: Kwame Anthony Appiah, Danielle Allen, John Courtney Murray, Miroslav Volf, Jonathan Haidt. Whole courses could be built around these bodies of thought. There is also a range of books on the social and moral skills you need to see people across difference, by people like Amanda Ripley, Monica Guzman and yours truly. Already there are programs like the Vanderbilt Project on Unity and American Democracy and Berkeleys Othering & Belonging Institute and its Greater Good Science Center. Patel suggests universities could appoint a chief cooperation officer, a senior person whose responsibility it is to help diverse communities work together, say, on joint service projects. Over the past decades, the crude ideology thats been marching across American society has taken advantage of the fact that some people like to see the world through Manichaean us/them categories. Now is the time for donors, faculty members, students, parents and everybody else involved in higher education to support the pluralistic counterweight, which actually practices inclusion, celebrates complexity, fosters cooperation and leads to social justice. In the summer of 2008, I helped raid a hospital. As Ive written before, I was deployed as a JAG officer (an Army lawyer) with the Third Armored Cavalry Regiment in Diyala Province, Iraq. Diyala was in the midst of a wave of suicide bombings, many of them carried out by women, that was brutal beyond words. And the vast majority in our area of operations werent aimed at American troops. We could be quite hard to hit. Instead, suicide bombers blew up cafes, medical clinics and weddings. Sometimes theyd double tap. One bomber would detonate, then as medical help arrived, a second bomber would kill aid workers and desperate family members who were searching for survivors. In the midst of this nightmare, we received intelligence that one of the leaders of the suicide bombing cell was operating out of a nearby hospital. As the unit JAG officer, I was asked to review the request to send elements of a cavalry troop to invade the building and search it room by room. I not only approved the search, I participated. I didnt lead it. No combat unit wants its lawyer to lead a potentially dangerous mission, but I was inside as our troopers searched every square inch of the building. Our target wasnt there. The entire search was anticlimactic and barely memorable compared to countless other incidents during my deployment. We guarded the exits, announced ourselves, entered peacefully and conducted a deliberate, orderly and fruitless search. Except for the fact that we were bristling with weapons, it was all quite quiet and calm. At the time I was both disappointed and to be perfectly honest a bit relieved. We desperately wanted to kill or capture the man who was responsible for so much death and destruction, but the thought of a firefight in the middle of a hospital full of sick and wounded civilians filled me with dread. Had our target been present, however, precise, targeted efforts to capture or kill him would have been entirely lawful. The emphasis is on the words precise and targeted. The use of a hospital for military purposes does not automatically grant an attacking force carte blanche to use maximum force. It still must take great care to minimize harm to innocent life and to the hospital itself. As I share that story, Id ask for your honest, immediate reaction. Do you have greater horror at the thought of heavily armed Americans pouring into an active hospital or at the thought that a terrorist was coordinating a wave of violence while sheltering among civilians in a site ordinarily protected from harm? I raise this issue because Israel Defense Forces soldiers have just raided a hospital in the heart of Gaza, a hospital that both Israeli and American intelligence believe serves as a command center and ammunition depot. I see the immediate outrage at Israels incursion. I also see the extraordinary wave of both domestic and international protest against Israels broader military campaign in Gaza. The protests arent just in the streets. As The Times reported on Monday, Dozens of State Department employees have signed internal memos to Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken expressing serious disagreement with the Biden administrations approach to Israels military campaign in Gaza. While some of the people protesting Israel are vicious anti-Semites, there are many millions of others who look at the undeniable horror in Gaza and are understandably desperate for it to stop. Any decent human being looks at the toll in civilian life especially the toll in childrens lives and recoils. Theres a certain misguided logic in focusing most peace efforts on Israel. Israel, unlike Hamas, has demonstrated in years past that it will respond to international pressure. This means that protesting Israel feels less futile than protesting Hamas. In addition, protesters may believe that Hamas has been punished enough or that the civilian price is just too high, even if it means that Hamas survives to attempt a second, a third, a fourth attack, as a member of the Hamas Politburo, Ghazi Hamad, promised in an interview on Lebanese television on Oct. 24. I have a different view. World pressure, including pressure from diplomats and from the streets, should focus on Hamas. Demand that it end the war by laying down its arms and freeing the hostages. By focusing on Israel, the protests and other forms of public pressure have the effect of undermining the core principles of the law of armed conflict and the rules-based international order itself. I know that sounds like a bold claim, but lets take a step back and look at the modern history of attempting to regulate, limit and (hopefully) abolish war. The goals have been clear outlaw wars of aggression, enforce the law of war and preserve the system by defeating aggressors and holding lawbreakers personally accountable for their crimes. Yet the public demands for a cease-fire advance the interests of the unlawful aggressor (even if protesters hate Hamas) by attempting to block Israels exercise of its inherent right to self-defense. A cease-fire is different from a humanitarian pause. A cease-fire instead leaves the attacking force in place, able to rest, rearm and attack again as it has promised it will do. The first modern, comprehensive attempt to create a more humane world order dates back to the end of the First World War. While basic laws of war certainly predate that war, the collective shock and grief at the sheer toll of the war motivated greater international action. The League of Nations was designed as a forum for mediating international disputes and preventing war. In addition, most of the worlds great powers (including the United States, Britain, France, Germany, Italy and Japan) signed the Kellogg-Briand Pact, in which the signatories renounced war as an instrument of national policy. As we know, this effort failed. The United States refused to join the League of Nations and retreated back into isolationism. The Western powers lacked the will to stop Hitler, much less prevent Japanese or Italian aggression. The Kellogg-Briand Pact was dead in less than a decade. After the Second World War, we tried again to both prevent and limit armed conflict. The United Nations Charter states that member nations shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, subject to an inherent right of individual or collective self-defense. The Nuremberg and Tokyo war crimes trials imposed individual accountability on some of the Axis architects of World War II. And a series of international agreements further refined the laws of war themselves, mandating restraint when war is justified and authorizing punishment for those who commit war crimes. And, critically, liberal democracies have learned the bitter lessons of the past and have done much more than merely sign treaties to keep the peace. Theyve maintained an active and vigorous system of collective self-defense that has deterred great power conflict and on occasion directly defeated attempts to invade and destroy sovereign states. No one could reasonably claim the system has worked perfectly. Sometimes its been an abject failure. The world has still seen aggressive war. Several nations have directly invaded Israel, for example. Millions have died in armed conflicts since World War II. But there has been no new world war, and there has been a broad decline in battle deaths and civilian suffering since 1945. Every war is a nightmare, but these gains are real and hard-earned. The system, however, is fragile. It depends on political pressure, legal accountability and as a last resort military resolve to maintain peace and prevent another worldwide descent into barbarism and death. The same data that shows broad declines in battle deaths also shows a spike in 2022, the year Russia launched its own aggressive war in Ukraine, and the war in Tigray, Ethiopia. escalated. For the system to work, each of these elements needs to push consistently and relentlessly against aggression and against war crimes. The absence of military resolve in the face of brutal and aggressive war is perhaps the most dangerous. There is no worse way to undermine the world order than to allow aggressors to prevail. We dont need to refer to the familiar history of Europe in the 1930s to remind us of the extraordinary danger of unchecked military aggression. Weve seen the result, for example, of Vladimir Putins military policy. From Chechnya to Georgia to Ukraine to Syria and now to Ukraine again, its clear that he fights without the slightest regard for the U.N. Charter or the laws of war, and its clear that hell fight until hes stopped. Similarly, as noted above, while Hamas wants a cease-fire (which is in its direct military interest) it has also vowed not to stop its long war against Israel. If it survives as a meaningful military force, it will almost definitely attack again. It disregards every single international legal rule or norm. If military resolve protects nations and destroys aggressive armies, legal process makes accountability personal. The deaths of millions meant nothing to German and Japanese leaders, for example, but the combination of Nuremberg and Tokyo meant that at least some of the worst actors could not escape the personal consequences. The law of war means nothing if violations carry no cost. Finally, we cant understate the importance of political pressure in democratic societies. When democratic resolve for upholding the world order falters, that order cannot long survive. It wasnt just France and Britain that failed to stop Hitlers rise. Congresss rejection of the League of Nations meant the institution was doomed from the start. Military resolve depends on political resolve. Legal accountability depends on political resolve. Lets filter all those factors through the present conflict in Gaza. When Hamas attacked Israel, it violated rules against aggressive war. When it intentionally slaughtered civilians and then hid among civilians after the attack, it violated the most basic principles of the law of armed conflict. As a result, Israel has a right under international law to defeat Hamas, and while it is also bound by the laws of armed conflict (which credible observers already claim Israel has violated), Hamas bears the legal responsibility for the civilian deaths that result from its own violations of the laws of war. The overwhelming weight of domestic, international and diplomatic protests against Israel turns this system upside down. They place political pressure against Israels military resolve and crucially diminish the chances of legal accountability for the Hamas leaders and commanders who planned and executed a grossly illegal and brutal attack. These protests also play directly into Hamass illegal military strategy. The entire reason for embedding in a civilian population is to make it impossible for others to respond to terrorist attacks without endangering or killing civilians, and an armed force that is almost certainly unable to prevail in direct combat with the I.D.F. utterly depends on outside forces demanding that Israel stop its attacks. In addition, these protests are reverberating across the world in the absence of proof of Israeli war crimes. (Amnesty International claims there is damning evidence of war crimes in several Israeli strikes, and those claims should be thoroughly investigated.) The civilian deaths in Gaza are utterly horrific, but they are not on their face proof of I.D.F. wrongdoing. The fact is we dont yet have the necessary information to adjudicate Israeli strikes, and the existence of civilian casualties is not proof of Israeli war crimes any more than the existence of civilian casualties in any of Americas numerous urban battles in Iraq is proof of American war crimes. At the same time, its important to repeat that Israel has a legal and moral obligation to prevent unnecessary civilian suffering even as it exercises its right of self-defense. Its actions in Gaza should be scrutinized, both now and after the war. Any war crimes should be exposed and prosecuted. Moreover, as Ive said before, not everything thats legal is also moral. Israel should hold itself to a high standard, and it is acceptable for the United States and its allies to hold Israel to the same standards it applies to their own military actions abroad. If the goal, however, is to end civilian suffering, the best course of action is for Hamas to release its hostages and for its military forces to lay down their arms. That is the solution that is by far more in line with the entire postwar legal structure designed to end or limit armed conflict, and that should be the primary object of international pressure. We were fortunate during our deployment in Iraq. We never had to fight in a hospital. We eventually obtained intelligence that allowed us to break up the suicide bombing ring by raiding the terrorists homes. I might have missed the alleged ringleader when we searched the hospital, but I did meet him in our detention facility. It was a chilling experience. He addressed me in British-accented English. He claimed to have been educated at an English university, though I had no way to immediately verify his claim. Unlike most of our detainees, he was perfectly calm and composed. He approached us without an ounce of visible fear or regret. After our raids, the suicide bombing threat visibly receded. By the end of our deployment, our section of Diyala was vastly more peaceful than when we arrived. Markets opened again. We watched people return to their homes. We won an important battle, but I cant help but think that the terrorist won his battle as well. The carnage he sought to create contributed to a staggering civilian death toll that became part of the terrible general cost of the Iraq war. Those deaths weakened our resolve to stay and to secure the hard-won peace. We left, only to send thousands of American men and women back to Iraq after the rise of ISIS, to fight in the same cities, against many of the same jihadists, to confront the same war crimes, to win a war wed won once before. Im not naive. I dont for a moment believe that defeating Hamas and removing it from power solves the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Israel cannot live up to its own democratic promise or its own liberal ideals if, for example, it indulges its own dangerous radicals. But I do know that placing more pressure on Israel than Hamas to end the conflict and save civilian lives is exactly backward. The international system depends on opposing the aggressor and punishing crimes. Protests that aim their demands more at Israel than Hamas impede justice, erode the international order and undermine the quest for a real and lasting peace. Occupiers inflict 12 missile, 47 air strikes, launch 18 drones, 16 of which downed by Ukrainian air defense over past 24 hours General Staff The Russian occupation forces mounted twelve missile and 47 air attacks as well as shelled the Ukrainian defense positions and settlements 38 times using multiple-launch rocket systems over the past 24 hours, according to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU). The occupiers inflicted another air strike on Ukraine using 18 Shahed-136/131 kamikaze drones during the past day. The Ukrainian air defense forces destroyed 16 kamikaze drones, it said on Friday morning. The enemy also inflicted air strikes on Petropavlivka in Kharkiv region, Serebrianske Forestry in Luhansk region, Dyliyivka, Maryinka, Urozhaine, Staromayorske in Donetsk region, Novodarivka, Mala Tokmachka in Zaporizhia region. More than 100 settlements in Chernihiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhia, Kherson, and Mykolaiv regions came under artillery fire. "Unfortunately, civilians were injured as a result of Russia's terrorist attacks. Houses and other civilian infrastructure were destroyed and damaged," the General Staff said. While presidents Joe Biden and Xi Jinping were drawing the worlds attention for their talks in San Francisco this week, a different kind of summitry is happening in China. There, representatives from their two countries are speaking through violins, cellos, oboes and clarinets. I write from Beijing, almost exactly 50 years after the Philadelphia Orchestra arrived as the first American orchestra to perform in China in a key moment of Ping-Pong diplomacy. I traveled there to be with a group of its musicians for two weeks of concerts mingling American and Chinese musicians, master classes, chamber music performances and panel discussions. It may seem naive to argue that a symphony orchestra can help solve the worlds problems. But a lifetime in music has convinced me that its not only worth the effort to try to do our part; it is our responsibility. Certainly the American government supports the idea: Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently announced the Global Music Diplomacy Initiative, reinforcing the idea that cultural diplomacy is a powerful force for good in the world. Our visit here is one of the initiatives first projects. Since the Philadelphia Orchestras historic 1973 visit to China, we have returned 12 times. That decision is not a signal of approval of Chinas policies. Rather, our journeys to China signify a belief in the possibility of change through dialogue. They make real the principle that music communicates shared ideas and feelings that words alone cannot convey. On Monday night, about 500 people gathered in the Hudson Yards neighborhood of Manhattan for the fourth-annual gala for the Shed, the $475 million arts center that opened in 2019. It has since hosted a concert series by the director Steve McQueen and Quincy Jones and is currently staging Stephen Sondheims final musical, Here We Are. For the gala, the Sheds colossal main hall was transformed into a carpeted room with tables spread among low, blobby couches. I feel like Im in NASA, one guest said, adding that the venue felt big enough to accommodate a rocket launch. The evening honored M&T Bank, which has partnered with the center since it began, and the Santo Domingo family, who are longtime supporters. The crowd included the ballerina Misty Copeland, who is also a board member; the designer Wes Gordon; and the hip-hop duo the Dragon Sisters, who are part of the Sheds Open Call program, which commissions projects from emerging artists in New York. Less than 24 hours after Elon Musk endorsed an antisemitic post on X as the actual truth of what Jewish people were doing, IBM paused its advertising on the social media platform as Xs chief executive, Linda Yaccarino, and others at the company scrambled on Thursday to contain the fallout. X employees said on Thursday that they had gotten calls from advertisers wondering why Mr. Musk was making comments seen as antisemitic and why their ads were showing up next to white nationalist and Nazi content, according to internal messages that were viewed by The New York Times. IBM cut off about $1 million in advertising spending that it had committed to the platform for the last three months of the year, the messages said. In a note to employees on Thursday morning, Ms. Yaccarino said that X is a platform for everyone and that discrimination by everyone should STOP across the board. She said the company had been clear about its work to fight antisemitism and discrimination, and later shared a similar message on X. In a statement, IBM said it has zero tolerance for hate speech and discrimination, and we have immediately suspended all advertising on X while we investigate this entirely unacceptable situation. Even the coconuts get entrance applause. If youve seen Monty Python and the Holy Grail, the 1975 movie spoof of all things Arthurian and many things not, you know the coconuts I mean. And if youre enough of a Python fan to have also seen Spamalot, the 2005 Broadway musical lovingly ripped off from the film, youve probably memorized the whole bit. Thats the one in which Arthurs trusted patsy, Patsy, slaps coconut halves together so the deluded king can pretend he has a horse. Call it a filly a deux. But the coconuts, whether or not they came to medieval England strung between two migratory African swallows, have stiff competition for beloved silliness in the blissful Broadway revival of Spamalot that opened on Thursday at the St. James Theater. They are by no means the only old favorites greeted with entrance applause. Among many others, so are a troupe of self-flagellating monks, a cart of corpses, a vulgar French taunter and a Trojan rabbit. This is the problem, and I suppose the glory, of a property (or should I say a shrubbery) like Spamalot, by Eric Idle of the original troupe and the composer John Du Prez. Drilled deep into the culture through thousands of collegiate viewings, many of those viewings enhanced by once-illegal substances, the loosely assembled collection of skits has become holy writ, not to be messed with. If a production dared to change anything, it would surely face an audience of originalists screaming ni! though to be fair, it faces them anyway, as Spamalot has become a kind of Python karaoke. So whats a revival to do? This one, directed and choreographed by Josh Rhodes, gives the ni-sayers what they want. As far as I can tell, the best original bits are all preserved verbatim. The News The American Civil Liberties Union and Palestine Legal filed a federal lawsuit Thursday claiming that Gov. Ron DeSantis and Florida education officials violated the First Amendment when they ordered the removal of support for Students for Justice in Palestine, a campus activist group. The order affected the groups chapters at the University of Florida and the University of South Florida. What the Lawsuit Says The order, which hasnt been carried out, has already cast a significant chill on the activities of the University of Floridas chapter, causing its Board and members to think twice before organizing and advocating for Palestine, the lawsuit stated. The lawsuit also contends that the order by Florida to deactivate its chapters of Students for Justice in Palestine is based on claims about the national organization and not the local chapters. In addition to Governor DeSantis, the lawsuit named as defendants Ray Rodrigues, chancellor of the State University System of Florida; Ben Sasse, the University of Floridas president; and board members of the system and university. A spokesman for the University of Florida said that it did not comment on pending litigation but in an earlier statement said that the university had not removed any student organizations. Jeremy T. Redfern, a spokesman for Mr. DeSantis, said, Groups that claim to be part of a foreign terrorist movement have no place on our university campuses. Why Florida Moved to Ban the Group Two weeks after the Hamas attack in Israel, Mr. Rodrigues, who oversees the states 12 public universities, wrote to their presidents that the groups chapters must be deactivated, meaning they could no longer access university space or funding. The decision, which Mr. Rodrigues said was based on consultation with Governor DeSantis, was not based on anything the local chapters said or did but rather on what the letter described as the national organizations support of terrorism. The national group had released a Day of Resistance tool kit, describing the Hamas attack as the resistance and stating that Palestinian students in exile are PART of this movement, not in solidarity with this movement. Mr. Rodriguess letter stated that providing material support to foreign terrorist organizations was a felony under Florida law. Florida Isnt the Only Place Cracking Down Floridas move against the Students for Justice in Palestine chapters comes amid a broader crackdown on the student group. On Oct. 25, two pro-Israel groups, the Anti-Defamation League and the Brandeis Center, a Jewish advocacy nonprofit, wrote to nearly 200 university presidents urging them to investigate their chapters of Students for Justice in Palestine. In the days that followed, Brandeis University which is not affiliated with the Brandeis Center announced it would no longer recognize the chapter because the national group openly supports Hamas. Columbia and George Washington University have also suspended their chapters. While free-expression groups decried the actions, the First Amendment was not in play because those universities, unlike the University of Florida, are private. The Free Speech Issues Jonathan Friedman, a director at PEN America, a free-expression group, said that he had concerns about the crackdowns on the group, but that the Florida case was a clear-cut violation of the First Amendment. The statute cited by Mr. Rodrigues applies to economic or other tangible support to a terrorist organization, not to acts of speech. Rhetorical support is not material support, he said. At a Florida Board of Governors meeting on Nov. 9, Mr. Rodrigues acknowledged that there could be legal issues with banning the chapters. Still, Mr. Rodrigues said that the board was seeking its own legal counsel, and that he was working with the two universities to seek affirmation from their Students for Justice in Palestine chapters that they rejected violence, were not part of Hamas and would follow the law. Those demands are also illegal, Hina Shamsi, the director of the A.C.L.U.s National Security Project, said. It is dangerous and divisive and offensive to ask a student group to proclaim its innocence for something it hasnt done or said, she said. Its compelled speech, and that violates the First Amendment. An Ohio man who assaulted law enforcement officers during the attack on the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, and who the Justice Department said became a one-man misinformation machine as he spread lies online about what occurred that day, was sentenced on Thursday to four years and 10 months in prison. The man, Kenneth Joseph Owen Thomas, 41, of East Liverpool, Ohio, had said online that his conviction in June on four counts related to his assaults on officers was a huge win, doubling down on his attacks that day, prosecutors said in court documents. They emphasized his apparent lack of regret in their sentencing memo, stating that Mr. Thomas had expressed no remorse for his crimes, and instead sought fame and notoriety after being part of the mob on Jan. 6. Judge Dabney Friedrich of U.S. District Court in Washington also ordered Mr. Thomas to pay a $20,000 fine and $2,000 in restitution. Judges at the U.N.s highest court on Thursday ordered Syrias government to stop torturing its imprisoned opponents, seeking to end the abuses that have become a notorious hallmark of the countrys long civil war that has left hundreds of thousands dead. In the first ruling from an international court on the abuses of the war, which began in 2011, the International Court of Justice in The Hague said Syria must take all measures within its power to prevent acts of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. The judges also ordered Syria to preserve all evidence related to torture, including medical and forensic reports or other records of injuries and deaths. Syria did not send a representative to the court for the hearing, and also had boycotted earlier ones. It has not yet responded to the order. Israeli soldiers have recovered the bodies of two hostages kidnapped during the Hamas-led attack on Israel last month from buildings near the Al-Shifa Hospital complex in Gaza City, the Israeli military has said. The body of Yehudit Weiss, 65, a resident of Beeri, a kibbutz near the border with Gaza, was found Thursday by troops who in recent days have taken control of much of the hospital, the largest in the Gaza Strip, according to the Israeli military. On Friday, the military said soldiers recovered the body of a second hostage, Corp. Noa Marciano, 19, in a building next to Al-Shifa hospital. The Israeli authorities say that Hamas and other Palestinian groups took roughly 240 people hostage during the surprise attack on Oct. 7 that left about 1,200 dead in Israel. The ongoing hostage crisis which involves dozens of dual nationals has stunned the country and complicated Israels hopes of toppling Hamas in Gaza. Israeli officials say the hospital complex hosts major Hamas facilities, some in underground bunkers, a claim that Hamas and hospital officials reject. The military has said the presence of the hostages bodies near the hospital is indicative that Hamas used the complex. In its statement on Thursday, the military did not reveal how Ms. Weiss had died. Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, an Israeli military spokesman, told reporters that soldiers searching within and beneath the hospital complex had found weapons belonging to her captors near her remains. Yehudit was killed by terrorists in the Gaza Strip, and we didnt manage to reach her in time, he said. Antisemitic hate speech and hate crimes have also risen sharply since the start of the Israel-Hamas war. On Nov. 8, a group of Muslim, Jewish and Christian comedians performed in a Comedy for Peace event for the New York Comedy Festival. Other shows before the war dealt with such issues as well. In June, Rakia Media and Stand Up NY presented The Roast of Anti-Semitism in Los Angeles, in which comedians addressed the tropes and hypocrisies of this ancient prejudice. And in August, the annual Chosen Comedy Festival, which aims to unite Jews from diverse backgrounds, returned to the Coney Island Amphitheater. Obeidallah, who is half-Palestinian and half-Sicilian, took an unconventional path to comedy. He was a dissatisfied litigation lawyer when the New Jersey bar association staged a Funniest Lawyer show. To prepare, he started performing at open mics in New York clubs. Eventually, he took a comedy class and realized he wanted to do stand-up. I was like, I have to do something. Either Im going to stay a lawyer forever and live this life of quiet desperation, or take a chance, he said, though his route to full-time comedian involved working as a page at NBC and then eight years as a member of the production staff on Saturday Night Live. Zayid, who is Palestinian American and has cerebral palsy, initially wanted to be an actress. But she soon realized that it was easier for a person with a disability to find success in a comedy club than at a Hollywood studio. She began doing stand-up in 1999 and performed for free at dive bars in New York City. When the two aspiring comics crossed paths in 2001 at an open mic event, Zayid was the first female Arab American comedian Obeidallah had met. On a conspicuous corner of Pennsylvania Avenue, in a once gaudy building that used to house the Newseum, the 10-story, $650 million Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg Center has just opened in Washington. Ill say straight off: Its not architecture for the ages, but its an interesting, high-end model of an urban quad and a good example of how struggling downtowns are finding a glimmer of hope as satellite campuses. In design jargon, the term is adaptive reuse, which is the same story as turning empty office towers into apartment buildings. Graduate students from Hopkinss business school and its government and international studies programs, among others, now occupy the space where an old satellite and a news helicopter belonging to KXAS-TV in Texas used to dangle from the Newseum ceiling. David Rockwell and his Rockwell Group, the theater and hospitality specialists from New York, have converted the centers atrium into a handsome, sunlit, wide-open complex of terraced classrooms and breakout spaces. Universities like Hopkins are not the ultimate cure-all for what now ails downtowns across America, though, especially since they dont pay property taxes like for-profit companies. Downtowns are still struggling. WeWork, which presently rents more office space than any other company in the United States, filed for bankruptcy this month. Attendance at theaters, museums and many cultural attractions is still down, post-pandemic. That said, residents are coming back. When the Covid-19 crisis started, pundits were quick to note how many city dwellers, especially wealthier ones, were fleeing to the countryside, and suggested the move might be permanent. It turns out the reverse may be true: According to a new study, by Paul Levy and a team from Philadelphias Center City District, more residents now live in downtowns across America than did before Covid. Finnish President Sauli Niinisto, at a proposal of the government, decided on Friday to send more military equipment to help Ukraine. As reported on the Finnish government website, this will be the 20th delivery of military equipment to Ukraine. Replacing the defense equipment contained in this package will cost Finland approximately EUR 100 million. "Finland's 20 defence materiel packages now have a total compensation value of EUR 1.5 billion," Finnish Defense Minister Antti Hakkanen said. For operational reasons and to ensure assistance reaches its destination safely, additional information about the package's contents, delivery method or schedule will not be disclosed. The government noted that when deciding on additional assistance, both the needs of Ukraine and the resources of the Finnish Defense Forces were taken into account. "What is at stake in Ukraine's defence struggle is the security environment outlook on Europe and Finland in the current decade. Together with our allies, we remain unwavering in our commitment to support Ukrainians," Hakkanen stressed. Documenta, the German contemporary art exhibition considered one of the most prestigious in the world, fell into crisis this week after the entire team tasked with finding its next artistic director resigned after a series of disputes with administrators related to the Israel-Hamas War. The break up of the committee meant the start date for Documentas next edition may have to be pushed back later than 2027, when it was scheduled to open in Kassel, Germany, a Documenta spokeswoman said in an email. The last four members of the search committee stepped down Thursday, just days after its other two members had resigned, all for reasons related to the ongoing war in Israel and Gaza and the debate surrounding it in Germany. The four who resigned on Thursday night Simon Njami, Gong Yan, Kathrin Rhomberg and Maria Ines Rodriguez, who are museum directors and curators said in an open letter that they were stepping aside in part because the political climate in Germany around the war in Israel and Gaza meant it now appeared impossible to stage an art show that allows diverse perspectives, perceptions and discourses. In a news release Documenta, which is rivaled only by the Venice Biennale for art world prestige and public attendance, acknowledged the search committees work had become fraught in view of the terrorist attacks by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023, and the growing antisemitism in Germany as well as the polarized debates surrounding it. Documentas board and staff would now try to work out how the selection process could proceed, the news release said. The crisis started on Nov. 10, when Bracha Lichtenberg Ettinger, who is Israeli, resigned after administrators rejected her request for a pause in the committees search, in recognition of the recent deaths in Israel and Gaza. On Nov. 12, Ranjit Hoskote, an Indian art critic and poet, resigned from the Documenta committee after the administrators repeatedly urged him to distance himself from a petition he had signed in 2019, about an event in India on the links between Hindu nationalism and Zionism, that described Israel as an apartheid state. The upheaval at Documenta is just one example of how Europes art world is being torn by debates about Israel and Gaza, as some institutions have moved to postpone the shows of artists who have criticized Israel. On Monday, the Folkwang Museum in Essen, Germany, ended a collaboration with Anais Duplan, a Haitian curator based in the United States, just days before an exhibition his studio was working on was scheduled to open. The museum said in an email to Duplan which the artist posted to Instagram that he had made unacceptable social media posts describing Israels actions in Gaza as genocide. (In an emailed statement, the museum said that it instead was posts on Duplans Instagram supporting the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement against Israel, of B.D.S., that led to the decision.) The following day, the Art Newspaper reported that the Lisson Gallery in London had canceled a show by Ai Weiwei, the popular Chinese artist, scheduled to open on Nov. 15, after he wrote on X about how the Jewish community had a significant influence in the United States. The sense of guilt around the persecution of the Jewish people has been, at times, transferred to offset the Arab world, Ai added in the post from Oct. 24. In an email, Ai said that he had three other shows canceled, too, because of the post one at Lisson in New York, in 2024, as well as shows at Galerie Max Hetzler in Paris and Berlin and that he did not understand the decisions. What baffles me is why a gallery would stifle my expression and moral judgment, Ai said of Lissons move. (A Lisson spokeswoman said in an email that its shows had been postponed in agreement with the artist.) For the artists and curators involved, the cancellations are a growing concern, but to some politicians in Germany, this is an overreaction. On Thursday, Claudia Roth, Germanys culture minister, said in an interview with Die Zeit, a German newspaper, that the idea that institutions now had to Google whether artists supported a boycott of Israel was complete nonsense. Protecting artistic freedom was one of her most important jobs, she said, although that freedom had its limits if it crossed into hate speech, especially at a time of rising antisemitism in Germany. Documenta was initially staged in 1955 as the first large-scale exhibition in West Germany of the art of the European avant-garde. It was a direct response to the Degenerate Art Show, the denunciatory exhibition of modern art staged by the Nazis in Munich in 1937. Each edition since then it now takes place twice a decade, from June to September, and is known as a Museum of 100 Days has attempted to bring the art of the whole world to Germany. But it has struggled to move forward following its highly polarizing 2022 edition, which brought Documentas global ambitions into direct conflict with Germanys memory culture or institutional efforts to face its Nazi past. It opened with the prominent display of an agitprop mural from Indonesia that included antisemitic caricatures. Although the mural was taken down, it set off a monthslong debate in Germanys art world about antisemitism, Palestinian activism and Germanys relationship to formerly colonized countries. The shows director-general resigned that summer. Its artistic leadership was called to testify before parliament, and officials threatened to revoke funding. Hoskote said Documenta was one of the art worlds greatest events, partly because it had always been a forum for new ideas. He worried that core idea was now at risk. In Germany, at least, he said, art institutions seemed to be losing their focus on the imagination and creative, and are instead just focusing on one issue. George Tscherny, a leading figure in postwar graphic design whose work unified the crisp, clean lines of European modern art with an American commercial pop sensibility, died on Monday at his home in Manhattan. He was 99. His daughter Carla Tscherny confirmed the death. Mr. Tscherny (pronounced CHAIR-nee) started his career in the early 1950s, near the beginning of an extended golden era of American consumerism and corporate growth a period that demanded new types of advertising. Many of the designers who crafted the signature images of the era were European immigrants, often refugees like Mr. Tscherny, who brought a familiarity with the latest in modern art and design. Their work graced advertising campaigns, produced on Madison Avenue, that pushed cigarettes and toothpaste and jet travel into American homes. Dear listeners, After announcing a new album just a few days ago, Andre 3000 has released his solo debut, New Blue Sun. Coming nearly two decades into his rap duo Outkasts long hiatus, the albums mere existence is surprising enough. But heres an understatement: It is not what most people were expecting from the man behind hits as disparately brilliant as Ms. Jackson, B.O.B. and Hey Ya!, who is arguably one of the most skilled and beloved rappers of his generation. Its actually not a rap album at all. It is, in fact, an 88-minute instrumental album of ambient woodwind compositions. Seriously. If you do not believe me, consider the title of the 12-minute opening track, which is at once a mea culpa and a statement of purpose: I Swear, I Really Wanted to Make a Rap Album But This Is Literally the Way the Wind Blew Me This Time. And then listen to it, because its crystalline and beautiful in a way that recalls Laraaji, Brian Eno and Philip Glass all cited as influences on the album. New Blue Sun is a genuine left turn in an all-too-predictable musical world, and its definitely worth spending some quality time with this weekend. But for todays playlist, I wanted to turn back the clock and consider Andres prowess as a rapper by highlighting some of his greatest guest verses. Since Outkast released its sixth (and seemingly final) studio album, Idlewild, in 2006, Big Boi has released three solo albums, while Andres musical output has largely been limited to a smattering of guest verses. But oh, what verses theyve been. Roger Kastel, an artist whose painting for the Jaws poster of a menacing shark with bared teeth looming below an insouciant skinny dipper became one of the most enduring images in modern pop culture, died on Nov. 8 in Worcester County, Mass. He was 92. His death was confirmed in a statement on his website, which did not give a cause. Mr. Kastel painted the image for the cover of the paperback edition of the 1974 Peter Benchley novel on which the 1975 blockbuster film, directed by Steven Spielberg, was based. The painting shows a scene from the book in which a tourist, Chrissie Watkins, becomes prey for the great white shark while skinny dipping. The cover of the hardback edition of the novel featured a stark black cover designed by the influential book jacket designer Paul Bacon. It shows a stylized shark, its teeth barely visible, rising from the bottom and a female swimmer floating above. Since its premiere in 2016, Netflixs The Crown has followed the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, blending fact and fiction as each season inches closer to the present day. Last year, after complaints about the shows historical inaccuracies, Netflix added a disclaimer that The Crown is a fictional dramatization. The shows sixth and final season, the first four episodes of which arrived on Thursday, opens in 1997, eight weeks before the death of Diana, Princess of Wales (Elizabeth Debicki), in a car crash in Paris, along with her boyfriend, the Egyptian film producer Emad Mohamed al-Fayed, known as Dodi (Khalid Abdalla). (The driver, Henri Paul, was also killed.) The accident, as the couple was pursued by paparazzi, shocked the world, and 30 million people in the United States alone watched the funeral of the peoples princess on television. But the public wasnt privy to the private conversations between Diana and the people close to her in the weeks leading up to her death, which The Crown imagines. In the first four episodes the final six will land on Dec. 14 Diana is navigating co-parenting with her ex-husband, Charles, uncertain about her future and her relationship with Dodi as the press follows the couples every move. On Aug. 1, 1997, Brenna said he approached Dianas yacht on a fast moving inflatable boat after mistaking a blonde woman making a telephone call on its upper deck for an old acquaintance. As he got closer, he was stunned to realize it was the princess. Bruno Malka, Brennas agent at the time who helped sell the images to Paris Match magazine, said in an email that he thought Brenna was familiar with the yacht, without knowing it was Diana and Dodi onboard that day. Brenna was successful, Malka added, because he had spent so many years working in the region. After spotting the couple, Brenna said he spent the next few days stalking the boat, including climbing a cliff to get a better view. From that elevated position, about 400 meters away from Diana, he took several photos of Diana and Dodi in an embrace. The shots were almost blurred, Brenna said, because the heat haze meant he struggled to get the pair in focus. Still, he knew immediately hed secured a historic photo. Hed also captured an image that solved my personal and family problems, he said, at a time when he had recently divorced and so was not swimming in wealth. He unloaded the rolls of film from the camera, then buried them to make sure they didnt get exposed to the sun as he tried to take more images, and also as he feared a competitor might have seen him at work and try to steal his camera and so obtain the images every other photographer in the Mediterranean had been hoping to get first. Tesla in Sweden: No production but many sales. Tesla does not produce any vehicles in Sweden, but runs several facilities where the cars are serviced. So far this year, the Tesla Model Y is the best-selling new car in Sweden, with more than 14,000 registrations through October, according to Mobility Sweden, an industry group. At the outset of the mechanics strike, a Tesla representative told Swedish media that the company followed labor laws in the country, and that it chose not to sign a collective agreement. The company said it would do what it could to keep its business operating. Quotable: It is both important and obvious that we help. The Swedish Transport Workers Union, whose members work at Swedens docks, said in a statement that it is both important and obvious that we help, to stand up for the collective agreement and the Swedish labor market model. How It Started: Mechanics at Tesla went on strike on Oct. 27. In late October, IF Metall, which represents 300,000 workers in Sweden, including some of Teslas mechanics, said talks with company representatives had ended without resolution. The union began the strike action at Teslas 12 service centers on Oct. 27. Dockworkers initially refused to unload any Teslas at four major Swedish ports starting on Nov. 7, which on Friday expanded to 55 ports. Unions representing cleaners have also refused to service Tesla facilities, and the postal workers union stopped any deliveries from reaching the companys sites. Both IF Metall and the Transport Workers Union have acknowledged that Tesla has found ways around the strikes. Tesla appeared to be bringing in other mechanics to staff its facilities and bringing new vehicles into Sweden by truck, they said. The strike efforts have also been hampered by some union members who work for Tesla and refused to join, Swedish media have reported. What Other Unions Say: Germans have voiced support. In Germany, where Tesla produces the Model Y at a gigafactory outside Berlin, union leaders have been seeking to organize the roughly 11,500 employees who work there. Teslas leadership has not engaged with the German autoworkers union, IG Metall. Last month, several hundred workers wore union stickers calling for safe and fair work. Dirk Schulze, the regional head of IG Metall in Brandenburg, where Tesla has its factory, has expressed his solidarity with the striking workers in Sweden. The strike in Sweden has given workers in Germany the courage and confidence to organize themselves into a union and take their fate into their own hands, Mr. Schulze said in a statement. The union has not announced any further measures. What Happens Next: More strikes are planned in Sweden. This week, IF Metall said 50 of its members at Hydro Extrusions, a company that produces an aluminum component for Tesla, would walk off their jobs next Friday. Urgent care centers are on every corner: Youre never more than three minutes away from pizza, a deli or a doctor willing to help. Julia Rothman and Nov. 17, 2023 If you live in the United States, youve most likely experienced the glacial pace of getting medical treatment. It can take weeks to see a primary care doctor, and an emergency room visit can set you back many hours. But why is it so slow? Doctors are treating more patients than they did previously, says Dr. Ari Friedman, assistant professor of emergency medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. With primary care doctors overburdened, navigating the current health care system can feel overwhelming for patients. Thats one reason urgent care centers are on the rise. Since 1946, when the Nakata family established its factory specializing in clothing hangers, the handmade wooden product has not evolved much. But its fans wouldnt want Nakata Hangers product to change. The shape of the hanger is extremely important, said Mark Cho, co-founder of the Armoury, a mens wear retailer in Hong Kong and New York that has used Nakatas hangers for 10 years and now sells them. The thickness of the shoulders and the curvature of the back of the hanger help immensely with preserving the shape and condition of the garment. A hanger that is too thin or too insubstantial will cause the garment to stretch out in unpleasant ways that are difficult to reverse. Additionally, a hanger made of solid wood with a hook that is well attached will last for many years of use. (Mr. Cho toured the Nakata factory last year.) For all the talk about converting New York Citys languishing office buildings into housing, just one neighborhood has done it on a large scale: the financial district. In the past few years, luxury apartments have been carved out of a 1907 office tower at 84 William Street and an Art Deco skyscraper at 1 Wall Street that was once the Bank of New Yorks headquarters. Five other office buildings are being gutted and turned into residences, including a project that is the largest such conversion in the United States. But the high-rise conversions are just part of a wave of modifications in the area that started decades ago with the transformation of low-rise buildings and continues today with enormous glass and steel towers. The financial district name has become something of a misnomer as the neighborhood, once derided as a desert after the bankers commute home, becomes a vibrant residential enclave at Manhattans southernmost tip. The Dutch government has reserved more than EUR 2 billion for military assistance to Ukraine for 2024, the Dutch Ministry of Defense reports. "The Netherlands continues to support Ukraine. Military support in the amount of EUR 2 billion is available for 2024. With this significant amount, we send a clear signal: Ukraine can continue to count on us," Dutch Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren wrote on the social network X. The department noted that the specified amount would cover the needs of Ukraine, which exist, for example, in the field of ammunition and maintenance of already supplied platforms and systems. "In this way, the Netherlands wants to contribute to strengthening Ukraine's air defense so that the country can continue to defend against attacks on critical infrastructure. There is also a need for more technologically advanced equipment," the statement said. The money will also go towards recovery and reconstruction, as well as improving Ukraine's cybersecurity. In addition, the Netherlands will continue training Ukrainian soldiers in 2024. As my colleague Nicholas Fandos writes, Santoss spending would have been nothing if he had been the wealthy financier he had presented himself as when he campaigned. But Santos had deceived voters as he flipped a district held by Democrats, helping Republicans win a majority in the House. The ethics committee refrained from recommending punitive measures against Santos, but the report could shift the dynamic in the Republican-controlled House and give fresh momentum to efforts to expel or censure him. Most of us have never seen anything like this this extensive, this brazen, and this bold, said Representative Glenn Ivey, a Democrat of Maryland who is a member of the Ethics Committee. Santos, a Republican whose district stretches across parts of Long Island and Queens, is already facing a 23-count federal indictment that accuses him of stealing from campaign contributors and falsifying documents filed with the Federal Election Commission. He has pleaded not guilty. Santos did not respond to a request for comment about the Ethics Committee report. But shortly after it was released, he announced on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, that he would not run for re-election in 2024. He had filed paperwork in March little more than two months after he was sworn in indicating that he would seek a second term. In his post on X, Santos blasted the committee, which spent months on its investigation. If there was a single ounce of ETHICS in the Ethics committee, he wrote, they would have not released this biased report. He added, Ive come to expect vitriol like this from political opposition but not from the hallowed halls of public service. A Brooklyn councilwoman who was arrested last month after carrying a pistol to a pro-Palestinian rally at Brooklyn College has had charges dismissed against her after it was found that the weapon was unloaded and inoperable. The affair began on Oct. 12, five days after the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel. The councilwoman, Inna Vernikov, a conservative Republican, attended the demonstration as a counterprotester and live-streamed her criticism. She suggested that those at the rally were supporters of Hamas who were nothing short of terrorists without the bombs and images soon circulated on social media showing Ms. Vernikov carrying a gun whose butt jutted from her waistband. While Ms. Vernikov had a permit for the weapon a Smith & Wesson 9-millimeter pistol she soon turned herself and the gun in and was charged with criminal possession of a firearm, police officials said at the time. In New York State, openly carrying a firearm is not allowed, and a law passed last year expressly forbids carrying weapons in so-called sensitive locations, a lengthy list that includes gatherings of people to collectively express their constitutional rights to assemble or protest. In a statement on Friday, prosecutors seemed to want to balance First Amendment rights with goals of gun control. Peaceful protest is the right of every American, but bringing a gun to a protest is illegal and creates an unacceptable risk of harm that has no place in our city, said Oren Yaniv, spokesman for the Brooklyn district attorney, Eric Gonzalez. He added that the gun was unloaded and missing a piece, making it unusable. In order to sustain this charge, it must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt that the weapon in question was capable of firing bullets, he said. Absent such proof, we have no choice but to dismiss these charges. Ms. Vernikov, who represents Brighton Beach and Sheepshead Bay in southern Brooklyn, among other neighborhoods, was overwhelmingly re-elected to a second term in November, weeks after the charges. Arthur L. Aidala, a lawyer who represented the councilwoman at her arraignment, said that Ms. Vernikov had an outstanding reputation serving her constituency. He added: She is pleased to have this all behind her, and looks forward to continuing her fight on behalf of all New Yorkers. Ms. Vernikov herself had no immediate comment on the charges being dropped, according to her district office. In her online biography, the councilwoman is identified as a Ukrainian-born lawyer who aims to fight rising crime, unreasonable mandates and the recent migrant crisis. She also lists herself as a leading voice against antisemitism; making waves by bringing stories of antisemitic assaults to the national and international stage. Ms. Vernikovs arrest brought condemnation from a variety of groups and some calls for her to resign, including from the New York Working Families Party, a liberal political group that said armed intimidation has no place in our city, much less near a place of learning. But support for Mr. Santos appeared to be eroding on Friday, as dozens of lawmakers in both parties indicated that the ethics report showing how he spent tens of thousands of dollars in political contributions on Botox, Ferragamo goods and vacations was the final straw for a lawmaker who has caused a years worth of political headaches. Mr. Santos, 35, now faces a crucial decision: whether to stay and fight a potentially humiliating ouster, or pre-emptively resign in hopes of currying favor with prosecutors. Leaving Congress would mean giving up his $174,000 annual salary as legal bills pile up. His financial situation will not be eased by a congressional pension, either; members must serve five years to receive one. He has been unrepentant thus far, slamming the investigation on Thursday as a politicized smear and pledging to continue to serve his constituents for as long as he was allowed. But in an apparent effort to head off an expulsion fight, he announced he would not seek another term in his Long Island and Queens district. The federal government opened discrimination investigations this week into half a dozen universities, including Columbia, Cooper Union and Cornell in New York, following complaints about antisemitic and anti-Muslim harassment after the Israel-Hamas war broke out. Since the start of the war on Oct. 7, the U.S. Department of Educations Office for Civil Rights has also opened inquiries into Wellesley College in Massachusetts, the University of Pennsylvania and Lafayette College in Pennsylvania, along with a K-12 school district, Maize Unified in Kansas. The Biden administration opened the investigations as part of efforts to take aggressive action to address the alarming nationwide rise in reports of antisemitism, anti-Muslim, anti-Arab and other forms of discrimination, according to a news release published by the Office for Civil Rights. Catherine E. Lhamon, assistant secretary of education for civil rights, said that the appearance of a school on the list does not reflect a conclusion that the law has been violated. The office is investigating possible violations of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which protects students in programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance from discrimination on the basis of race, color and national origin. The federal agency did not share any details about what incidents led to the investigations, except to say that they stem from five complaints of antisemitic harassment and two of anti-Muslim harassment. Protests by pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian groups on college campuses have intensified tensions between student groups, faculty and administrations in recent weeks. Universities have struggled to contain the blowback as students and faculty raise concerns over both security and free speech. The conflict over the war has been particularly bitter in New York, which is seeing almost daily demonstrations. The number of hate crimes logged in the city during October was more than double that of the previous October. Antisemitic incidents more than tripled. On Tuesday, about 400 students gathered at Columbia University to protest the war and to criticize university leaders for suspending two pro-Palestinian student groups through the end of the semester. In the days after the war started, an Israeli student there was assaulted by another student. Ben Chang, a spokesman for Columbia, said the university had received notification from the civil rights office and will cooperate with any investigation. Earlier this month, Columbia announced the formation of a task force on antisemitism and a group to support individuals whose personal information has been posted online. Also this month, a student at Cornell University was arrested and charged with making violent antisemitic threats, leading the university to cancel classes for a day. The campus has been on edge, and hosted a visit earlier this month from Gov. Kathy Hochul, who condemned the threats. Cornell officials declined to respond to a request for comment. At Cooper Union, a confrontation between opposing sides, in which pro-Palestinian students banged on the doors and windows of a library where Jewish students had relocated after a demonstration, became part of the national conversation about the war. There were no arrests or summonses as a result of the incident, the police said. An email to the university requesting comment was not immediately answered. And the University of Pennsylvania was already dealing with a backlash over a Palestinian literary conference it hosted before the war broke out. Since then, the campus has been buffeted by criticisms from different sides over its response. The university said it would cooperate with the investigation and said it was taking steps to address antisemitism. Other universities are also facing scrutiny over the climate on campus related to the war. Three Jewish students sued New York University this week over what they said was a hostile environment that had allowed antisemitism to go unchecked. On Wednesday, N.Y.U. announced it would create a Center for the Study of Antisemitism. And John Beckman, a spokesman for N.Y.U., said Wednesday that the claims made in the suit were inaccurate. N.Y.U. was not listed as one of the institutions the federal agency is investigating. In President Bidens vision for the U.S. economy, technological supremacy goes arm in arm with high-paying jobs for American workers. But what happens when those two objectives dont line up perfectly? What has to give? This question is playing out right now in Arizona, where Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company is struggling to ramp up manufacturing capacity. It has pushed back the planned start of production by a year to 2025. Mark Liu, the chairman of TSMC, told securities analysts in July that one key problem is that there is an insufficient amount of skilled workers to install the sophisticated equipment. Liu added that TSMC the worlds biggest maker of advanced computer chips was trying to open the bottleneck by sending experienced technicians from Taiwan to train the local skilled workers for a short period of time. The lesson: The United States can become a world leader in making computer chips or it can rely entirely on American workers, but it cant do both at the same time. A change taking place right now has the potential to do more good within U.S. prisons than any policy in a generation good that will extend far beyond the realm of criminal justice. With a 2020 law finally taking full effect, people who are incarcerated can for the first time in decades get Pell Grants, the federal tuition aid for low-income students. The grants are small, but they are critical to rebuilding one of the most important tools we have to reduce crime and mitigate the harms of mass incarceration: college education. Those of us who have been on the front lines pressing for this change now face a new challenge. We spent 26 years advocating so that whats known as college-in-prison could be. Now is the time to figure out what it should be. Decades of experience offer some clear guidance: College-in-prison should be rigorous, holding students to the same standards they would experience on campus. Classes should, wherever possible, be in person rather than remote. Above all, educators should not assume that people in prison are any less capable and curious than other students. College-in-prison can and should reflect the full breadth of American higher education. College-in-prison was once common in the United States. Its origin is a series of fits and starts through the first half of the 20th century. Then in the 1970s, with the creation of Pell Grants and the huge expansion of the prison population hundreds of college-in-prison programs began to emerge nationwide. This puts more and more stress around the handful of bills that are seen as so important that they must pass, and the annual spending bills fall into this category. That is why they have become targets for members who are eager to get something done (including narrow partisan objectives and even when it reveals divisions with some of their party colleagues) and for members who are eager to draw attention to themselves (like Matt Gaetz and some of his fellow hard-liners). The desire to use spending bills to advance partisan goals can ultimately make them more difficult to pass. Among Mike Johnsons first pledges after his election as speaker was an ambitious schedule for floor consideration of individual spending bills in the House. But those ambitions quickly hit the cold reality of the current G.O.P. conference: A vote on one was canceled in part because some Republican members from districts won by President Biden announced they would oppose it over abortion-related language. We can see how the process has devolved in the evolution of shutdowns, both threatened and realized, over recent decades. Consider the partial shutdowns in late 1995 and early 1996, both resulting from broad disagreement between President Bill Clinton and the new House Republican majority on big-picture fiscal questions about taxes and the deficit. The next shutdown, in 2013, however, was not fought over those kinds of high-level issues; it involved a faction of congressional Republicans seeking to use the appropriations process to limit parts of President Barack Obamas signature legislative achievement, the Affordable Care Act. In 2018, we had two shutdowns the second affected some federal agencies for a record 34 days, over President Donald Trumps desire to secure additional funding for a wall along the nations southwestern border. But this years versions have been different. They have not been about specific policy asks. Or as the former House speaker Newt Gingrich an architect of the 1995 and 1996 shutdowns put it in September: There are times people vote yes one day, and then they come back and vote no the next day, and cant explain why they switched. As the left-leaning journalist Ryan Grim points out in his forthcoming book, The Squad: AOC and the Hope of a Political Revolution, the politics of Israel and Palestine have bedeviled the group ever since its first members burst onto the political scene in 2018. The most famous figure in the Squad, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, rarely spoke about the Middle East in 2018, during her first congressional campaign, which was centered on the same economic issues that powered the Bernie Sanders movement. But that May, shed tweeted about the Israeli militarys shooting of protesters in Gaza, calling it a massacre. After her primary victory, she was questioned about that tweet, and her stance on Israel, on the TV show Firing Line. She grew visibly flustered, and afterward decided to stop doing national interviews for a while. At the time, she betrayed a visceral sense of just how treacherous the issue could be for her, but she could never have guessed how significantly she had underestimated it, wrote Grim. It was even more treacherous for Tlaib and Ilhan Omar, the first two Muslim women in Congress, whove both voiced support for the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement against Israel. Both spoke for many left-wing voters, especially young ones, who see in the Palestinian struggle a reflection of their own battles against various forms of oppression. Both also, occasionally, invoked what many Jews see as antisemitic tropes about Jewish power and dual loyalty. Less than a week into her first term, for example, Tlaib tweeted that Senate supporters of an anti-B.D.S. bill forgot what country they represent. Not long after, Omar tweeted that fealty to Israel by U.S. political leaders was all about the Benjamins. Some of the early weeks of the new congressional session were consumed by an attempt, eventually watered down, to officially rebuke her. Soon after the original members of the Squad were sworn in in 2019, Mark Mellman, a Democratic pollster who once did work for the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, or AIPAC, started a group called the Democratic Majority for Israel aimed in part at stopping their influence from growing. Most Democrats are strongly pro-Israel and we want to keep it that way, Mellman told The Times. There are a few discordant voices, but we want to make sure that whats a very small problem doesnt metastasize into a bigger problem. To that end, the Democratic Majority for Israel tried hard to thwart Bowman when he ran against Eliot Engel in 2020. The group spent almost $2 million in the race, much of it on ads slamming Bowman for unpaid taxes. As Grim noted, hitting a working-class Black man for financial troubles before hed risen to become a successful principal in the area would have been considered tone-deaf in a New York Democratic primary in any recent cycle, but especially amid the summers protests over the killing of George Floyd. The attack failed; Bowman ended up winning a blowout 15-point victory. The district, whose contours have changed with redistricting and could change again before the primary, is about 50 percent Black and Latino, and voters of color were Bowmans base. But they were joined by some Jews, who are thought to make up about 10 percent of the districts population. It was the time, said Giddins, the Bronxville retiree, who backed Bowman in the past. We have to coalesce and give Black people power. Theyre entitled to it. But despite Bowmans popularity, growing disaffection among Jews who, according to The New York Times, probably make up 20 percent to 30 percent of the Democratic primary electorate in his district could make him vulnerable. Hes one of several Squad members facing potentially formidable primary challenges over their stances on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Omar is going to have a rematch against a former Minneapolis City Council member, Don Samuels, who lost to her by about two points in the 2022 primary. Cori Bush, a Missouri Democrat who emerged from the Black Lives Matter movement, is facing a primary challenge from a former political ally, the St. Louis County prosecutor Wesley Bell. Summer Lee, a Pittsburgh Democrat whose district includes the Tree of Life synagogue, the site of an antisemitic mass murder in 2018, is being challenged by Bhavini Patel. Bowman doesnt have a strong opponent yet, but last month 26 rabbis in his district wrote a letter to Westchesters popular county executive, George Latimer, imploring him to get into the race. Last week, a local TV station reported that Latimer had indeed decided to jump in, though he told me he still hadnt made a formal decision and wouldnt until he returned from a solidarity trip to Israel. Should a few members of the Squad lose their primaries, the blow to Democratic unity could be severe. Many of the young people or people of color, Muslim and Arab Democrats who support the Squad will feel like the party is not a place for them, said Waleed Shahid, former communications director of the Justice Democrats, the group that recruited Ocasio-Cortez to run for office, and a senior adviser on Bowmans 2020 campaign. And theyll either stay at home or theyll go to a third party. Already, there are signs that the party is fracturing over Israel. According to a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll, about three-quarters of Democrats want a cease-fire, but few in the Democratic establishment share their views. Last week, in a rare gesture of defiance, more than 100 congressional staffers walked out to demand that their bosses back a cease-fire. More than 500 alumni of Bidens 2020 presidential campaign and Democratic Party staff members have signed a letter imploring Biden to call for a cease-fire, saying, If you fail to act swiftly, your legacy will be complicity in the face of genocide. If the conflict in Israel cools down in a few months, it might recede from the center of American politics. But the wounds its torn open will be hard to mend, because so many people are feeling betrayed. Many liberal Jews, mourning the mass murder in Israel and shaken by the upsurge of antisemitism at home, believe theyve been abandoned by their allies. Advocates for the freedom and safety of Palestinians horror-struck by more than 10,000 civilian deaths in Gaza, according to calculations based on the Gaza Health Ministrys death count believe that the Democratic Party is giving its approval to atrocities. Bowmans attempt to transcend this split in his own district, knowing how much ire would be directed at him, struck me as decent and brave. But when people discover that they see the world so radically differently, better communication alone might not be enough to bring them back together. From the time he was elected, Bowman has had to traverse a minefield on the Middle East, facing pressure from both his pro-Israel Jewish constituents and from some of the left-wing groups that backed him. Hes mostly refused to tiptoe. Coming into office, Bowman was a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, but he angered the organization when he voted to fund Israels Iron Dome defense system. After he traveled to Israel and the West Bank with the left-leaning pro-Israel group J Street in 2021, some in the Democratic Socialists, which has a policy of boycotting Israel, moved to expel him. He ended up dropping his membership. For all the blowback from the left, however, the trip solidified his abhorrence of the occupation of Palestine. I got to see the giant wall built around the West Bank, Bowman told me. He described being turned away from a checkpoint in the West Bank city of Hebron, where Palestinian movement is curtailed to accommodate a few hundred fanatical settlers, because he wasnt Jewish. And I thought that was ironic, because Im literally a sitting member of Congress voting to support funding for the state of Israel, he said. He saw firsthand the way settlement expansion is making a contiguous Palestinian state nearly impossible. I left feeling pretty overwhelmed and pretty dejected, Bowman said, adding, The rhetoric at home didnt match the reality on the ground there, and specifically, the rhetoric around a two-state solution. Bowman still believes in two states, but said, The policies of the Israeli government havent gotten us there, and the U.S. hasnt held Israel accountable towards helping us to get there. At Jamaals core, hes someone who believes in racial and social justice, said Shahid, his former adviser. And I think that a lot of the ways he thinks about the world were confirmed by his trip to Israel. Shahid compared Bowmans experience to that of the writer Ta-Nehisi Coates, who, speaking on the left-wing broadcast Democracy Now, described his own shocking encounter with the brutal segregation in Hebron. I was in a territory where your mobility is inhibited, said Coates. Where your voting rights are inhibited. Where your right to the water is inhibited. Where your right to housing is inhibited, and its all inhibited based on ethnicity. And that sounded extremely, extremely familiar to me. It was familiar to Bowman, too. Given the congressmans experience as a racially conscious Black person, said Shahid, its hard not to see the parallels. Before going to Israel and Palestine, Bowman had co-sponsored legislation encouraging Arab states to normalize their relations with Israel. When he returned, he withdrew his sponsorship and announced hed vote against the bill because, among other things, it didnt take Palestinian interests into account. The move appalled rabbis in his district. Later, Bowman angered many Jewish constituents by co-sponsoring Tlaibs resolution commemorating what Palestinians call the nakba, or catastrophe, referring to their expulsion from Israel during the countrys founding. He angered them further by boycotting the speech by Israels president, Isaac Herzog, to Congress in July. Oct. 7 brought an already simmering discontent to a raging boil. A few days after the attacks, Bowman wanted to attend an Israeli solidarity rally held by the Westchester Jewish Council, but organizers advised him to stay away because hed be received poorly. He has spoken out repeatedly against antisemitism, denouncing, for example, an Oct. 8 demonstration in Manhattan, promoted by the New York Democratic Socialists of America, where Hamass attacks were celebrated. But he hasnt backed away from his fundamental view of the conflict, leaving the mainstream Jewish community feeling as if hes run roughshod over their interests and sensitivities. Actions against Israel affect the safety of the Jewish people everywhere, said Weinberger, the woman with two children in Israel, adding, We feel so helpless in Congress because of him. Hes taken our voice away. In 2022, despite mounting unhappiness with Bowman among some local Jewish leaders, national pro-Israel groups sat out his primary, determining, as Jewish Insider reported, that he was likely unbeatable. (He ended up winning about 57 percent of the vote in a four-way race.) But pro-Israel groups one of which received funds from the disgraced crypto king Sam Bankman-Fried poured an unprecedented amount of money into other primaries that year, a foretaste of the resources we could soon see mobilized against Bowman. As Politico reported, the Democratic Majority for Israel spent $2 million to defeat the Bernie Sanders-backed Democrat Nina Turner in a 2022 Ohio primary. In Michigan, the United Democracy Project, a super PAC tied to AIPAC, spent a staggering $4.3 million to help beat Representative Andy Levin, a Jewish Democrat who had been outspoken in his criticism of Israels occupation. Some funding for the United Democracy Project came from Republican megadonors, including the Home Depot co-founder Bernie Marcus, a Trump supporter. These are not, needless to say, people who are averse to creating lasting ill will among Democrats. Ive been in politics for 30 years, local, state and federal, said Mark Pocan, a Wisconsin Democrat and former co-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. But last cycle was the first time I saw a really disturbing new phenomenon, which was two groups cryptocurrency folks and AIPAC getting involved in Democratic primaries with huge amounts of money, often more than the candidates were spending themselves. We can expect to see even more outside money from groups supporting Israel deployed against the Squad in 2024. The level of concern and engagement on the part of the pro-Israel community is at an extraordinarily high level, Mellman, of Democratic Majority for Israel, told me. These big-footed donors, who are overwhelmingly targeting representatives of color, are going to exacerbate the fissures in the Democratic Party. But they did not create them. Talking to some of the disenchanted voters at Bowmans event, I was struck most not by their anger but by their heartbreak. Diana Lovett, a Democratic Party district leader who held a fund-raiser for Bowman last year, said polarization over the congressman was tearing apart local Democrats. Leaving the event, she told me, with great sadness, that she didnt feel she could back him anymore. I love him personally, she said. Shed spoken to him in October about their disagreement over Israel. He was lovely, and hes amazing, and he was the same warm and openhearted person that he was today, she said. But Lovett, whod recently been hanging posters of kidnapped Israelis around town only to see them being torn down, had come to believe that their views on the Middle East are irreconcilable. I think he sees what he believes to be an injustice, a grave injustice, and that his votes are coming from a deep moral consciousness, she said. And I think the pain and suffering he is causing to his constituents is some kind of collateral damage to that higher principle. If Bowman were a more transactional politician, he might have compromised on an issue so fraught in his community. But he is, for better or worse, very sincere. Lovett was dreading an insanely divisive primary, but didnt see any way around it. Hes not going to convince us, and were not going to convince him, she said. To the Editor: Re What I Believe as a Historian of Genocide, by Omer Bartov (Opinion guest essay, nytimes.com, Nov. 10): Mr. Bartov, a Holocaust scholar, warns that Israel is very likely committing war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza that can devolve into genocide. To show genocidal intent, he cites furious Israeli statements made immediately after Oct. 7. But these do not reflect actual Israeli policies toward civilians. Israels targets are military: Hamass soldiers, tunnels, headquarters and weapons stocks. By placing military targets in and under civilian structures, it is Hamas that violates laws of war. The 1948 U.N. Genocide Convention mentions demonstrable intent to destroy a national, racial or religious group. Mr. Bartov is mute about Israels hundreds of phone calls to Gazans warning them to leave buildings in which Hamas fighters were located. Israel has urged civilians to evacuate to the south to escape battle. A government intent on genocide would do the opposite. A cease-fire now would leave Hamass leadership and its massive tunnel structures intact. Hamas would declare victory and prepare for the next round of killing. Mr. Bartovs article and the demonstrations around the world accusing Israel of genocide would, intentionally or not, have the effect of consigning Israel to live next to a terrorist state committed to its destruction. No state in the world would accept such a situation. Norman J.W. Goda Jeffrey Herf Mr. Goda is a professor of Holocaust studies at the Center for Jewish Studies, University of Florida. Mr. Herf is professor emeritus of history at the University of Maryland, College Park. To the Editor: In an urgent effort to prevent genocide, Omer Bartov writes about the horrific carnage committed by Israel in Gaza. He also speaks forcefully about the massacre by Hamas. In the course of doing it, just by doing it, he also illustrates the total insanity of rules of war. I say this with great respect for what he is trying to do. But to live and die in a world that makes distinctions between crimes against humanity, war crimes, genocide, proportionality, etc., you can lose sight how all of it is utter madness. Just as no option is off the table means that nuclear war is somehow a rational final option. Equally disturbing is that anything short of that might be considered acceptable. Robert Roth New York To the Editor: Re Measuring Israel by the Yardstick of a Just War, by A. Walter Dorn (Opinion guest essay, Nov. 13): Professor Dorn examines whether Israel is adhering to the moral framework of just war theory. Yet he reveals himself to be unserious when he suggests that Israel should negotiate with Hamas because negotiation with adversaries, however distasteful, has often proven successful. Hamas leaders have made it quite clear that they have no interest in peace with Israel. They wish to destroy the Jewish state and slaughter its Jewish inhabitants. Just ask them. The only chance for peace is for Hamas to be removed from the equation. Tragically, many Palestinian civilians who are being used as human shields will lose their lives in the process. David Westrich Teaneck, N.J. To the Editor: The plight of the Palestinian civilians in Gaza has captured attention around the world. Supplies of food, medicine, water and fuel are desperately needed. The situation in the hospitals is especially concerning. These problems can be alleviated quickly, and the power to do this lies with Hamas. Release all the hostages in return for a cease-fire. Move any Hamas fighters at the hospitals elsewhere so that the hospitals are no longer in the battlefield. Many demonstrations around the world are well motivated but are not aimed at the proper target: Hamas. Robert N. Cahn Walnut Creek, Calif. A Mideast Protest by Congressional Staffers Working on the ground with the authority, I saw how the major focus of U.S. efforts was to prove to the Israel Defense Forces that their Palestinian counterparts could be trusted to take on the mission of securing Israel. Palestinian intelligence officials would be provided with target information by Israel, and Palestinian forces would be expected to take on missions previously conducted by the Israel Defense Forces to detain those targets. This effort not only undermined Palestinian support for the authority but also failed to convince the Israelis, who saw any Palestinian courts (correct) refusal to hold Palestinian detainees without due process as proof of a revolving door in the system. Even worse, in 2008 and 09, when Israels Operation Cast Lead, which resulted in over 1,300 Palestinian deaths in Gaza, sparked protests in the West Bank, it was the Palestinian Authority Security Forces that physically stood between demonstrators and the Israel Defense Forces. From my balcony in Ramallah, I saw this as a proof of success and reported as much to Washington at the time. In hindsight, it was perhaps the death knell for the legitimacy of the Palestinian Authority in the eyes of its people. Regardless, it still does not seem that the authority has earned Israels trust; last week, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu unequivocally ruled out the idea of allowing the authority to control Gaza after the war. If the United States is to continue to employ military and security assistance as a tool of its engagement in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict (and there are good arguments why it should not), it must change its approach significantly. One way to do this would be simply by applying the laws and policies that it applies to every other country in the world: There is no point in having leverage that could pressure Israel to cease actions that undermine peace if we refuse to even consider using it. The United States could also start conditioning its military assistance to Israel (as it does for many other recipients) on certain verifiable political conditions being met. In Israels case, these may include a halt to or dismantling of settlement infrastructure in the West Bank. Another thing the U.S. might do is consider reframing its security assistance on the Palestinian side to reinforce, rather than undermine, the legitimacy of the Palestinian Authority a task even more vital and even more difficult in the current context, in which the authority is seen as complicit with the occupation, and Hamas is increasingly seen as the standard-bearer of Palestinian resistance. Doing so would require structuring assistance in a way that enables Palestinian society control over its own security forces. It would also require the recognition of Palestinian statehood. But all this could be fully achieved only with the agreement of the Israelis or at least a willingness on their part to decenter their security demands, which would be unlikely without the United States leveraging its military assistance to Israel. I resigned from my job because I do not believe that U.S. arms should be provided in a situation if we know they are more likely than not in the words of the Biden administrations own guiding policy to lead to or to aggravate the risk of human rights violations, including widespread civilian harm and death. There was no dramatic blockade of the movement across the Slovak-Ukrainian border during a half-hour protest staged by Slovak carriers, a queue of around 500 trucks was observed at the entrance to Ukraine, Spokesperson for the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine Andriy Demchenko has said. "Fortunately, the movement of trucks at the Uzhgorod checkpoint on the border with Slovakia remained intensive. When the actions taken by Slovak carriers in Slovakia were over, our colleagues from the Border Guard Service of Slovakia informed us that it [the blockade by Slovak carriers] lasted, according to their information, for around 30 minutes. There was no dramatic blockade of the movement of trucks," he said on the air of the national telethon on Friday. Last night, the movement of trucks towards the Uzhgorod checkpoint was intensive, around 350 trucks crossed the border to enter and exit Slovakia over the past 24 hours, Demchenko said. "I can add that a queue of trucks is observed on the territory of Slovakia in the direction towards Ukraine. Around 500 trucks," he said. Earlier, the media reported that the Slovak Union of Motor Carriers (UNAS) threatened to block the border crossing of Ukrainian carriers from the Slovak side if the European Commission does not return the issuance of commercial permits for transportation within the EU. Later it became known that the UNAS blocked the border crossing point with Ukraine for an hour on Thursday, November 16. I knew how to use a table saw, he said, speaking in a recent video call from Yangpyeong. I knew about the welding from when I studied sculpture. Dry wall? He would figure out how to install it and would study the intricacies of poured concrete while he was at it. I built clay sculptures, so I understood about gravity, he said. What evolved over several years was a trio of buildings a small house, a studio and a gallery assembled with an ornery passion for challenging materials and a respect for the unpredictability of process. The mountain refuge is architecture, yes, but put together in a way that few architects or builders could tolerate. When designing it, Mr. Lee, now 56, had less regard for efficiency than for the perfection of window positions, which he changed several times, to the despair of his workers. He insisted on using a metal post that had originally propped up a freeway sign as a column in his studio. (More groaning.) He was not concerned with comfort so much as the beauty of naked concrete, insulating the house only from the exterior and relying heavily on a wood stove and heated floors in winter. Before Travis Kenneth London fell in love with Bruce Douglas Patrick, he had blocked his number. After matching on the dating app Tinder, they had their first date in December 2021 at Via Emilia 9, an Italian restaurant in Miami Beach. It was an instant spark for me, said Mr. London, 35, recalling Mr. Patricks outfit: a fitted black shirt, gray pants, gold necklace. I thought he looked so cute and handsome. The feeling was mutual. I just thought Travis was gorgeous, Mr. Patrick, 76, said. We were so comfortable with each other. And despite our different backgrounds and different life experiences, we just felt like we were connected. They spent about three hours talking at the restaurant, and then the date continued late into the night. The next day, Mr. Patrick sent Mr. London a real estate listing for a house across the street from Mr. Londons. Mr. Patrick was thinking of buying it because he lived two hours away in Naples, Fla., and he wanted to live closer to Mr. London so they could get to know each other. He figured he would rent it out on Airbnb when he wasnt there. For Mr. London, this was a big red flag. Im like, This guys crazy! Mr. London said. So he blocked Mr. Patricks phone number and cut off communication on Tinder and WhatsApp and over email. (Ultimately, Mr. Patrick did not buy the house.) For Maryam Belhaf, her frankincense products business, called Alshoala, is about sharing her familys connection with the resin, which dates back at least five generations. My grandmother and other ladies used to get the frankincense from the trees when they went out with their goats, and then traded it for food from local merchants, she said. And then the frankincense was taken to the port of Aden in Yemen and shipped to India and Europe and beyond. In 1998 she decided to capitalize on the substances global popularity and the modernization of her country since the discovery of its vast reserves of oil and natural gas in the 1960s by starting the company in Salalah, the Dhofar regions main city. Ms. Belhaf now has 15 employees (and several family members still help extract resin from the trees). She sells frankincense as chunks mixed with lavender, which is burned for its scent; as a perfume mixed with rose and musk; and as various scented lotions and skin toners (from eight to 25 Omani rial, or $21 to $65). It also offers silver incense burners handmade in the region (about 45 rial). As the Israel-Hamas war flooded social media with violent content, false information and a seemingly limitless swell of opinions, lawmakers and users have accused platforms like TikTok and Facebook of promoting biased posts. Tech giants have denied the charges. TikTok, accused of elevating pro-Palestinian content, blamed unsound analysis of hashtag data. Some Instagram and Facebook users circulated a petition accusing the platforms parent company, Meta, of censoring pro-Palestinian posts, which Meta attributed to a technical bug. Antisemitic content swarmed onto X, the platform formerly known as Twitter and run by the billionaire Elon Musk. Xs chief executive, Linda Yaccarino, said in a post on Thursday about antisemitism that theres no place for it anywhere in the world. Where the truth lies, however, is hard to glean, according to academic researchers and advocacy groups. They said the debates over content related to the Israel-Hamas war have highlighted the roadblocks complicating independent analysis of what appears on the major online services. Instead of being able to conduct methodical studies of online discourse, they must try to grasp its scope and effects using inefficient and incomplete methods. The murkiness enables people to make dubious claims about what is dominant or popular online and allows the platforms to retort with similarly flimsy or warped evidence, limiting accountability on all sides, the researchers said. Were in desperate need of rigorous, informed research on what the actual impact of platforms are on society, and we cant do that if we dont have access to data, said Megan A. Brown, a doctoral student at the University of Michigan who researches the online information ecosystem. Inflammatory content and what to do about it remained top of mind at social media platforms this week. More than a dozen Jewish TikTok creators and celebrities, including the actors Sacha Baron Cohen and Debra Messing, confronted TikTok executives and employees in a private meeting about the platforms handling of antisemitism and harassment. After Mr. Musk endorsed an antisemitic post on X, internal messages showed that IBM cut off $1 million in planned advertising spending. Researchers also tried to understand a surge of interest in a decades-old letter from Osama bin Laden. The so-called Letter to America criticized the United States and its support of Israel, repeating antisemitic tropes and condemning the destruction of Palestinian homes. After reviewing public social media posts from Tuesday to Thursday, researchers from the Institute for Strategic Dialogue concluded that references to the letter jumped more than 1,800 percent on X. They found 41 Letter to America videos with more than 6.9 million views on TikTok. The researchers, Isabelle Frances-Wright and Moustafa Ayad, said in an interview that they wanted to do much more sophisticated analysis. Instead, they had to run searches by hand using basic terms, unable to analyze the letters spread by region or language. Much of this content, particularly video content, is not tagged with the type of text we can manually search, so anything were finding is really just the tip of the iceberg, Ms. Frances-Wright said. Jamie Favazza, a spokeswoman for TikTok, said that the company supported independent research, and that it allowed over 130 academic research teams access to analyze the site. Were working diligently to expand eligibility to civil society researchers in the U.S. soon, she said. Meta declined to comment. X did not respond to a request for comment. Background data about engagement, volume and other metrics is usually retrieved through a platforms application programming interface, or A.P.I. The major tech companies have long offered some degree of access, but researchers said that now seems to be shrinking. This year, as Mr. Musk sought to find new ways to monetize X, the company started charging thousands of dollars for monthly access to its A.P.I., effectively shutting out many researchers. Metas support for the data analysis tool CrowdTangle has dwindled amid internal concerns about damaging the companys reputation. These days, researchers said, the data they can study is often dictated by what platforms want to release research by permission, some explained and is often unreliable and delayed long past the point of relevance. With data, you can always paint the picture that you want when you are the only one who has access to that data, said Sukrit Venkatagiri, an assistant computer science professor and misinformation expert at Swarthmore College. If we have no lens into what is happening in these spaces that have billions of users, that is a little scary. TikTok has been at the center of the recent firestorm, partly because of its ownership by the Chinese company ByteDance, with some critics claiming that it is pushing pro-Palestinian content to align with the government in Beijing. TikTok has been accused of amplifying pro-Palestinian videos through its powerful algorithmic feed and of failing to address antisemitic content. TikTok has issued multiple statements pushing back on accusations of bias, pointing to polls showing that young Americans supported the Palestinian cause before the company existed. The company has also tried to poke holes in data about popular hashtags that critics said revealed the pro-Palestinian bent on the service. This week, TikTok said that the hashtag #standwithIsrael had fewer videos than #FreePalestine, but 68 percent more views per video in the U.S., which means more people are seeing the content. It also pointed to public data on Instagram and Facebook, which showed millions of #FreePalestine posts and fewer than 300,000 #standwithisrael posts. Sam Altman, the high-profile chief executive of OpenAI, who became the face of the tech industrys artificial intelligence boom, was pushed out of the company by its board of directors, OpenAI said in a blog post on Friday afternoon. The move set off a reshuffling at OpenAI, a groundbreaking A.I. company and the maker of the popular chatbot ChatGPT. Mira Murati, previously OpenAIs chief technology officer, was named interim chief executive officer, the company said. Hours later, Greg Brockman, the companys president, said he was quitting. Mr. Altmans departure follows a deliberative review process by the board, which concluded that he was not consistently candid in his communications with the board, hindering its ability to exercise its responsibilities, the company said. The board no longer has confidence in his ability to continue leading OpenAI. Leaving OpenAI is a stunning fall for Mr. Altman, 38, who over the last year had become one of the tech industrys most prominent executives as well as one of its most fascinating characters. Last fall, OpenAI launched an industrywide A.I. frenzy when it released ChatGPT. If confetti supplies have plummeted, if a spangle shortage now afflicts Manhattan, blame a tent at the southwestern corner of Lincoln Center. Yes, the Big Apple Circus has returned and for a little over a month New York will glimmer more brightly. In recent years, a return has been less certain. In 2016, after operating as a nonprofit for nearly 40 years, the original outfit shut down and filed for bankruptcy. An affiliate of a corporate restructuring firm bought it in 2017, then switched out its management and character several times. In 2021, it was sold again, to a corporation that counts the famed aerialist Nik Wallenda as a minority owner, and became a bit more death-defying. Eight years ago, Qui Nguyen was at a low point. I decided that my writing life had not amounted to much, and I felt I needed to concentrate on my family and my kids, he said during a recent video conversation. I was going to hang it up. The new play he was working on, he added, was a sort of swan song. That play, Vietgone, was indeed a turning point for Nguyen. Because plot twist! it was a hit. Inspired by Nguyens parents, Quang and Tong, and their burgeoning relationship as Vietnamese immigrants in Arkansas in the mid-1970s, the play premiered at South Coast Repertory in Costa Mesa, Calif., in October 2015 and ran at Manhattan Theater Club the next fall. Since then, Vietgone has been produced all over North America. Around the time of the shows early success, Nguyen moved to Los Angeles from New York, landing jobs at Marvel Studios and Disney, for which he co-wrote Raya and the Last Dragon, and wrote and co-directed Strange World. (He still works as a screenwriter and director for Disney in Los Angeles.) An Amtrak passenger train carrying more than 200 passengers derailed in Michigan on Thursday night after striking a vehicle on the tracks, injuring 11 people, the local authorities said. Amtrak said the accident happened near New Buffalo, Mich., a township near Lake Michigan, about an hour east of Chicago. The train, with six crew members and an estimated 218 passengers aboard, had been traveling west to Chicago from Pontiac, Mich. At about 9:21 p.m., it hit a stranded vehicle on the tracks that was being towed and derailed, but stayed upright, according to a release on Friday from the Berrien County Sheriffs Office, which oversees New Buffalo. An engineer and 10 passengers were treated by local ambulance services for non-life-threatening injuries, the release said, and about 200 passengers on the train were safely evacuated to a local high school. The Findings: Post-pandemic absenteeism is widespread, but it is worse in high-poverty schools. Nearly 70 percent of the highest poverty schools experienced widespread, chronic absenteeism in the 2021-22 school year, compared with 25 percent before the pandemic, according to a new analysis released on Friday by Attendance Works, a nonprofit that aims to reduce chronic absenteeism, and the Everyone Graduates Center at Johns Hopkins University, which focuses on high school graduation preparedness. In these schools, about a third or more of the student body was considered chronically absent, defined as missing at least 10 percent of the school year, or about two days of school every month. That includes all absences, including sick days and school-imposed suspensions. Prior to the pandemic, going to school every day was still the norm, even in the poorest schools, said Hedy Chang, the executive director of Attendance Works. That is no longer the case. In the most affluent schools, widespread chronic absenteeism also increased: to 14 percent of schools, up from 3 percent before the pandemic. Context to Know: It has not gotten much better over time. Those numbers are from the 2021-22 school year. Is it possible it simply took more time for students to get back into a routine? Preliminary data from the 2022-23 school year suggests the situation has improved, but only slightly. For example, in Ohio, chronic absenteeism spiked to 30 percent in the 2021-22 school year, from nearly 17 percent of students in 2018-19. Then it settled in at about 27 percent last school year, according to Attendance Works. In some states, like California and New Mexico, the rate of chronic absenteeism was still double what it was before the pandemic. Why It Matters: Students need to be in school to catch up. Students cannot learn if they are not in school, and they cannot benefit from interventions, such as tutoring, that are supposed to help them make up pandemic losses. Widespread absenteeism also affects school culture, hurting even the students with strong attendance. The challenge for schools will be to re-establish daily attendance habits, define the new norms (Is it OK to come to school with the sniffles?) and get to the root of why students are not showing up. The pandemic affected several key drivers of attendance. It has disrupted students relationships with other students at school, and with teachers, who often are burned out and leaving their jobs at higher rates. And it has set students back academically, which makes coming to school far less enjoyable. Other factors, such as family instability, rising student anxiety and an increase in school suspensions, may also be at play. Its a little bit chicken and egg, Ms. Chang said. When you have extreme levels of chronic absence, it makes it harder to create meaningful relationships with kids. It also reflects the lack of meaningful relationships with kids. For decades, the residents of Temple City, Calif., had learned to love their shrill avian neighbors expecting to be woken by a cacophony of squawks, and anticipating their return at dusk to roost in the trees. So it came as a shock last month when residents began to find some of the beloved red-crowned parrots dead, entangled in traps. Others found their feathers scattered along the road. I was just horrified, said Norma Gonzalez, 53, a Temple City resident, noting that the birds a nonnative species whose population exploded around the 1970s and 80s, possibly after pet parrots were released or escaped became emblematic of the city, about 15 miles northeast of downtown Los Angeles. How can somebody do this? she said. The mystery deepened on Oct. 27, when a video shared to TikTok appeared to show a man with a ponytail yanking a net containing a handful of screeching parrots from a tree in eastern Temple City, before hopping over a brick fence into a parking lot and getting into a white Ford sedan birds in hand. Press Release November 17, 2023 Gatchalian proposes funding for certification of tech-voc senior high school graduates The Senate Committee on Finance has accepted Senator Win Gatchalian's proposal for the government to fund the certification of Grade 12 learners under the technical-vocational-livelihood (TVL) track. This, he said, aims to improve the employment prospects of these learners. Gatchalian, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, proposed the allocation of P438.16 million under the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority's (TESDA) development regulatory program for the assessment and certification of senior high school learners. The proposed allocation will cover 420,967 Grade 12 TVL learners. The senator previously flagged what he called a dead end for senior high school learners who took the TVL track. Based on the Department of Education (DepEd) data for School Year (SY) 2020-2021, only 6.7% or 32,965 out of 473,911 TVL graduates underwent the assessment for national certification. Among those who took the national certification, 31,933 or 97% passed. "The only constraint why they are not taking the national certification assessment is the cost, which ranges from P760 to P1,370, This is a low-hanging fruit to improve the employability of our senior high school graduates, and this is to fund their certification," Gatchalian said during his interpellation of the proposed TESDA budget for 2024. Research by the senator's office also revealed that 50% of senior high school TVL graduates are employed in elementary occupations, the lowest level of occupational category in terms of skills requirement. These include street vendors, cleaners, domestic helpers, car and windows washers, and street sweepers. For Gatchalian, this is another reflection of the educational system's failure to fulfill the promise of preparing our senior high school graduates for employment or entrepreneurship. Gatchalian has also been pushing for the passage of the Batang Magaling Act (Senate Bill No. 2367), which seeks to ensure that senior high school graduates are well-prepared for higher education, middle-skills development, employment, or entrepreneurship. The bill also proposes free national competency assessments to the Deped's senior high school learners. Pondo para sa certification ng tech-voc senior high school graduates isinusulong ni Gatchalian Tinanggap ng Senate Committee on Finance ang panukala ni Senador Win Gatchalian na pondohan ang certification ng mga mag-aaral sa Grade 12 na nasa technical-vocational-livelihood (TVL) track. Aniya, makatutulong ito upang itaas ang tsansang makapasok sa magandang trabaho ang mga mag-aaral na ito. Iminungkahi ng Chairperson ng Senate Committee on Basic Education ang paglalaan ng P438.16 milyon sa ilalim ng development regulatory program ng Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). Gagamitin ang naturang pondo para sa assessment at certification ng tinatayang 420,967 mag-aaral sa Grade 12 na nasa TVL track. Matatandaang pinuna ng senador ang tinatawag niyang dead end para sa mga mag-aaral ng senior high school na nasa TVL track. Batay kasi sa datos ng Department of Education (DepEd) para sa School Year (SY) 2020-2021, 6.7% lamang o 32,965 sa 473,911 graduates ng senior high school sa TVL track ang dumaan sa assessment para sa national certification. Sa mga kumuha ng national certification, 31,933 o 97% ang pumasa. "Ang nagiging sagabal sa pagkuha ng assessment para sa national certification ay ang gastos na nagkakahalagang P760 hanggang P1,370. Mahalagang hakbang ang paglalaan natin ng pondong ito sa certification ng ating mga senior high school graduates upang magkaroon sila ng magandang trabaho," ani Gatchalian sa kanyang interpellation sa panukalang pondo ng TESDA para sa taong 2024. Ayon din sa pananaliksik ng tanggapan ng senador, 50% ng mga senior high school TVL graduates ang nagtatrabaho sa mga elementary occupations, o iyong mga trabaho na nasa pinakamababang kategorya pagdating sa skills requirement. Halimbawa ng mga trabahong ito ang mga street vendors, cleaners, domestic helpers, car at window washers, at street sweepers. Ani Gatchalian, isa na naman itong pahiwatig na hindi natupad ang pangako ng sistema ng edukasyon na ihanda ang mga senior high school graduates para sa trabaho o sa pagnenegosyo. Isinusulong din ni Gatchalian ang pagsasabatas ng Batang Magaling Act (Senate Bill No. 2367) na layong ihanda ang mga senior high school graduates para sa kolehiyo, middle-skills development, trabaho, o pagnenegosyo. Iminumungkahi din ng panukalang batas ang libreng national competency assessment para sa mga senior high school learner ng DepEd. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a law on the redirection of the so-called "military" personal income tax from local budgets to the state in order to direct these funds primarily to the purchase of drones and weapons. As noted in the card of corresponding bill No. 10037, posted on the Verkhovna Rada website, the document was returned to parliament with the signature of the head of state on November 17. As reported, on November 8, the Verkhovna Rada, by 253 votes, adopted a law on the redirection of the so-called "military" personal income tax from local budgets to the state budget in order to direct these funds primarily to the purchase of drones and weapons (bill No. 10037). Later, MPs submitted six draft resolutions to parliament blocking the signing of this law. At a planning meeting on November 10, they were rejected. The key provisions of the bill are that the revenues of the Road Fund in 2024 are directed to the state budget general fund and are allocated for defense needs. At the same time, "military" personal income tax from October 1, 2023 to December 31 of the year in which martial law ends is counted in the state budget. The White House on Friday condemned House Republicans wide-ranging impeachment inquiry into President Biden, saying that there was no legitimacy to the investigation and that recent subpoenas and demands for congressional testimony from the former White House counsel, White House aides and Biden family members were irresponsible. You appear so determined to impeach the president that you have misrepresented the facts, ignored the overwhelming evidence disproving your claims and repeatedly shifted the rationale for your inquiry, Richard Sauber, a special counsel for Mr. Biden, wrote to Representatives James R. Comer, a Kentucky Republican who leads the Oversight Committee, and Representative Jim Jordan, an Ohio Republican who heads the Judiciary Committee. Mr. Saubers letter came after House Republicans demanded to interview Biden family members and issued a subpoena to Dana Remus, a former White House counsel under Mr. Biden. It was perhaps the strongest rebuke of the inquiry the Biden administration has issued. House Republicans are investigating myriad aspects of the Biden administration and have accused the president of accepting millions of dollars in bribes and altering U.S. policy to enrich his family, but they have not produced proof to back up their boldest claims. Their investigation has focused heavily on the presidents son, Hunter Biden, and work he did for companies and partners in Ukraine, China and other countries. The White House on Friday denounced Elon Musk for boosting an anti-Jewish conspiracy theory on his social media platform X, calling the actions of Mr. Musk, the worlds richest person, an abhorrent promotion of antisemitic and racist hate. Mr. Musk endorsed a post on X, formerly Twitter, accusing Jewish people who are facing antisemitism amid the Israel-Hamas war of pushing the exact kind of dialectical hatred against whites that they claim to want people to stop using against them and supporting the immigration of hordes of minorities. You have said the actual truth, Mr. Musk replied to the post. Jewish groups have compared the statement in the original post to a belief known as replacement theory, an antisemitic conspiracy theory that nonwhite immigrants, organized by Jews, intend to replace the white race. That idea fueled Robert Bowers, who raged against Jewish people online before killing 11 worshipers at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh in 2018. It is unacceptable to repeat the hideous lie behind the most fatal act of antisemitism in American history at any time, let alone one month after the deadliest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust, Andrew Bates, a White House spokesman, said in a statement. Mr. Bates said President Biden would continue to condemn antisemitism, which has been on the rise since the Oct. 7 attack in which Hamas fighters killed about 1,200 people in Israel and kidnapped more than 200. Israel has retaliated with a punishing air campaign and ground invasion into Gaza, which is governed by Hamas. We condemn this abhorrent promotion of antisemitic and racist hate in the strongest terms, which runs against our core values as Americans, Mr. Bates said. We all have a responsibility to bring people together against hate, and an obligation to speak out against anyone who attacks the dignity of their fellow Americans and compromises the safety of our communities. X did not respond to requests for comment. IBM, a major advertiser on X, suspended its advertisement spending after learning the companys ads were showing up next to white nationalist and Nazi content. Subsequently Mr. Musk endorsed a post on a book about IBMs involvement in the Holocaust. Mr. Musk has faced increasing criticism that he has tolerated and even encouraged antisemitic abuse on his social media platform. He has attacked George Soros, the financier who is a frequent target of antisemitic abuse, and threatened to sue the Anti-Defamation League, a rights group that has highlighted the rise in antisemitism on X. Mr. Musk also has a history of feuds with President Biden, though he said he had voted for Mr. Biden in the 2020 presidential election. He criticized the Biden administration for not inviting his company Tesla to a White House event in August 2021 on the future of electric cars, later speculating that the exclusion was due to the lack of unionization among workers at its factories. The following month, Mr. Musk, whose public political views have shifted rightward over the years, went on Twitter to mock Mr. Biden for sleeping, echoing an insult for the president popularized by Donald Trump. Last year, Mr. Biden took a shot at Mr. Musk and his criticism of the U.S. economy during a news conference. Lots of luck on his trip to the moon, the president said, poking fun at Mr. Musks space endeavors. Still, the two sides have found common ground on which to work together. Earlier this year, the Biden administration announced that Tesla would allow all electric vehicles not just its own models to use 7,500 Tesla charging stations across the United States by the end of 2024. In building our EV charging network, we have to ensure that as many chargers work for as many drivers as possible, Mr. Biden tweeted in February. To that end, @elonmusk will open a big part of @Teslas network up to all drivers. The government has declassified a secret intelligence program that clandestinely recorded prison yard conversations of Khalid Shaikh Mohammed, who is accused of being the mastermind of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, as prosecutors seek to supply evidence that could be used at an eventual trial. The move comes as prosecutors have considered new ways to counter claims by defense lawyers that torture by the C.I.A. contaminated subsequent F.B.I. interrogations of Mr. Mohammed and his accused accomplices to produce confessions the government considers its most important trial evidence. It also shed light on an eavesdropping operation whose existence has until now never been formally acknowledged. In court this week, an Iraqi American translator for the F.B.I. vouched for a transcript of Mr. Mohammed describing how he learned when the hijackers would strike. It came in a coded message, according to a fragment of the transcript shown in court: Your friend so and so will be married, uh, on Sept. 11. The conversation was captured on a nearly hourlong recording of Mr. Mohammed speaking with another prisoner at Guantanamo Bay on Oct. 23, 2007. Under a classified prison program, more than a dozen suspected terrorists, who had been subjected to years of solitary confinement and tortured by the C.I.A., were granted an hour of recreation time in earshot of another isolated prisoner. Three weeks before he was elected speaker, Mike Johnson joined a prayer call where he lamented that American culture was so dark and depraved it almost seems irredeemable, claiming as evidence that attendance at church had reached an all-time low and that 25 percent of high school students identified as something other than straight. In an interview with Jim Garlow, a former pastor and political activist who was a member of President Donald J. Trumps faith advisory board, Mr. Johnson said that faith in our institutions is the lowest its ever been and noted that church attendance had dropped below 50 percent. As further evidence of Americas decline, he cited the statistic about high school students sexual orientation. He appeared to be citing a survey from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in which about a quarter of high school students in 2021 identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual, questioning or other. Were losing the country, Mr. Johnson concluded. Since Mr. Johnson was elected speaker last month, his past comments and writings on matters like homosexuality and same-sex marriage have attracted significant attention. While many of those statements are years old, his comments to Mr. Garlow offer an up-to-date distillation of his views. Nikki Haley ratcheted up her calls this week for the U.S. government to ban TikTok, the Chinese-owned social media platform, after some users, weighing in on the war between Israel and Hamas, promoted Letter to America, a text written by Osama bin Laden after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Ms. Haley, a Republican presidential contender and former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations under President Donald J. Trump, argued that the document was another example of foreign adversaries using social media to spread anti-American propaganda to young people. Thats why you have to ban TikTok, Ms. Haley said at a town hall in Newton, Iowa, on Friday. Nepal just came out yesterday, and theyre banning it because they see whats happening in their country. India did it. Why are we the last ones to do it? In bin Ladens letter, the mastermind of the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, which killed nearly 3,000 people, defended the terrorists actions. He wrote that American taxpayers had been complicit in harming Muslims in the Middle East, including destroying Palestinian homes. He also said that Americans were servants to Jews, who controlled the countrys economy and media. Bin Laden was killed by U.S. military and intelligence operatives in 2011. In a statement on X, TikTok responded to Ms. Haleys calls for a ban which she also posted on social media Thursday by saying that the circulation of bin Ladens letter violated the platforms rules banning support for terrorism and that it was policing related content accordingly. We are proactively and aggressively removing this content and investigating how it got onto our platform, the company said. The number of videos on TikTok is small and reports of it trending on our platform are inaccurate. A spokesman for the company told The New York Times on Thursday that most of the views of the videos came after news organizations wrote about them, and that the letter had also appeared across multiple platforms and the media. Ms. Haleys crusade against TikTok has become a flashpoint in the Republican presidential race, coinciding with her rise in the polls. Mr. Trump, her former boss, continues to be the overwhelming front-runner, but Ms. Haley, a former South Carolina governor, is trying to overtake Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida for second place. At the Republican debate last week in Miami, she clashed with Vivek Ramaswamy, the biotech entrepreneur, over calls for a TikTok ban. He mentioned that her daughter had an account on the platform, drawing Ms. Haleys ire and leading her to call Mr. Ramaswamy scum. Ms. Haley has knocked Mr. Ramaswamy for joining TikTok after he had previously referred to the app as digital fentanyl. In the days following the debate, she has contended that social media platforms should better police certain users and content, prompting criticism from some of her rivals. Her call on Tuesday for social media companies to verify the identity of users and to bar people from posting anonymously was panned by Mr. DeSantis, Mr. Ramaswamy and others as unconstitutional and a threat to free speech. You know who were anonymous writers back in the day? Mr. DeSantis wrote on X. Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and James Madison when they wrote the Federalist Papers. Ms. Haley told CNBC a day later that her comments were directed at foreign adversaries, not Americans. At town halls for her campaign in Iowa on Thursday and Friday, Ms. Haley continued to press on TikTok and brought up the letter by bin Laden. Now you have members of our younger generation, theyre saying now they understand why he did it. Thats disgusting, she said at a town hall in Newton on Friday. Thats not America doing that. Thats China doing that. Ms. Haley has assailed what she calls foreign infiltration into American society by hostile governments. She has particularly focused on propaganda and disinformation, which she says is being distributed by China, Russia and Iran to young Americans through TikTok and other social media platforms. She has also argued that young Americans are more sympathetic to the Palestinian cause because of pro-Hamas videos on TikTok. She has also hammered the rise of Chinese investment in communities across the country, particularly the acquisition of farmland and agricultural technology an acute anxiety in rural states like Iowa. Linda Schroeder, of Dubuque, said Ms. Haleys focus on the issue is what put the candidate over the top as her choice. Why are we allowing it? For them to be here, Ms. Schroeder said after hearing from Ms. Haley. I grew up with 14 other siblings on a farm, and we still have the farm, and well keep it. More than 100 former members of the Obama and Biden administrations have sent a letter to the White House praising President Bidens moral clarity, courageous leadership and staunch support of Israel, in an effort to defend Mr. Bidens policies amid roiling dissent within the administration. The letter backs the presidents request for $14.3 billion in new security assistance for Israel and affirms his opposition to a cease-fire, challenging anonymous demands from hundreds of officials across the Biden administration that Israel halt its military offensive in the Gaza Strip. It was signed by several prominent Democratic figures, including Ron Klain, Mr. Bidens former chief of staff; Lawrence H. Summers, who directed the National Economic Council under President Barack Obama; Colin H. Kahl, who recently departed as under secretary of defense for policy; and Michele A. Flournoy, who held that job in the Obama administration. The list of officials also includes 19 former ambassadors, such as Joseph W. Westphal, who was the U.S. envoy to Saudi Arabia under Mr. Obama. The total number of signatories, 137, is smaller than the more than 500 behind a letter sent to Mr. Biden on Monday demanding he support an immediate cease-fire to limit civilian casualties in Gaza. Israels government and Mr. Biden have rejected such a step as incompatible with Israels goal of destroying Hamas. The newer letter was delivered to Mr. Biden on Tuesday with 115 names, but its organizers continued to collect signatures until Friday. Organizers of the letter supporting Mr. Biden argued their missive should carry more weight because it publicly discloses the names of all those who signed and the group includes many former senior officials with experience in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The earlier letter of dissent was delivered to Mr. Biden with a signature count but without names, although the signatories are known to that letters organizers. The same arrangement was used for a similar open letter to Samantha Power, the U.S. Agency for International Development administrator, which has attracted more than 1,000 anonymous signatures. Halie Soifer, a former adviser to the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations in the Obama administration who helped organize the letter of support for Mr. Biden, said she believed that dissent within the administration had been blown out of proportion and that anonymous letters call into question the message, in part because it is impossible for White House officials and the public to judge the seniority and expertise of those who sign them. But some critics of Israels military operation in Gaza say they feel unsafe revealing their identities. The message to Ms. Power explains that we sign this letter anonymously out of concern for our personal safety and risk of potentially losing our jobs. Dozens of State Department officials have also sent at least three diplomatic cables to Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken urging the United States to exert more pressure on Israel to limit civilian casualties and call for a cease-fire. Those internal cables are signed by name but have not been released to the public. Hundreds of congressional staffers have also signed multiple open letters calling for the United States to restrain Israel, including by calling for a cease-fire. At a staff walkout outside the Capitol this month, dissenting aides wore masks to conceal their identities. U.S. officials say that dissenters must understand that working in government often means carrying out policies with which a person disagrees and that, if doing so becomes morally intolerable, the person should resign their position. Only one Biden official is known to have resigned in protest over the war in Gaza: Josh Paul, who served as the director of congressional and public affairs for the State Departments Bureau of Political-Military Affairs for more than 11 years. In a letter explaining his departure, he criticized the administrations blind support for one side in the conflict. Ms. Soifer, now the chief executive of the Jewish Democratic Council of America, said the letters and other demonstrations of dissent might create the impression that Mr. Bidens policies are more unpopular than they really are. She cited an Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll conducted early this month that found that half of Democrats approved of Mr. Bidens handling of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Ms. Soifer also noted that most Democrats in Congress were completely aligned with his policies. At the same time, a Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted this week found that 77 percent of Democrats believed Israel should call a cease-fire and seek to negotiate, in contrast to Mr. Bidens view. A gunman fatally shot a security officer inside the lobby of a state psychiatric hospital in Concord, N.H., on Friday afternoon and then was killed shortly afterward by a state trooper patrolling the campus, state officials said. Col. Mark B. Hall, the director of the New Hampshire Department of Safety, said at a news conference on Friday night that the authorities were still investigating a motive for the shooting, which occurred about 3:30 p.m. Gov. Chris Sununu of New Hampshire identified the victim as Bradley Haas, a security officer with the Department of Safety. The authorities identified the gunman on Saturday as John Madore, 33. Colonel Hall said that it remained unclear if there were connections between the victim and the gunman. Early leaders like Dr. Bazian feared infiltration and disruption, so there was no national chain of command. In an interview, Dr. Bazian, now a lecturer at Berkeley, said that the approach allows for any campus that sees the principle to initiate a chapter and get going. It was not unusual for universities to help underwrite the groups, as they have often done with registered student organizations. Dr. Youmans remembered that the Berkeley chapter of his era would survive on funding from the university or the equivalent of bake sales. The sums have not always been princely. In 2013, the University of Tennessees chapter received $550. (Organizers of Sex Week were awarded $20,000.) Chapters have often seemed closer to broke than flush. The other day, I was like, Why dont you all make a good banner? said Pranav Jani, the faculty adviser to the chapter at Ohio State University, where he is an associate professor. They were like, Well, we dont have any money. In Chicago, the chapter at DePaul University sometimes gets donations of falafel or hummus from local restaurants, according to Laila Farah, the chapters faculty adviser and an associate professor at the university. Researchers and pro-Israel groups have spent years trying to trace the networks funding and have been skeptical of the poverty claims. They note that the national group collects donations, but the amount has not been made public. They have also cited the networks intellectual and financial connections to American Muslims for Palestine, a Virginia group mired in litigation over whether it is an alter ego for a disbanded organization linked to Hamas. Jonathan Schanzer, senior vice president for research at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, an organization that has been critical of Hamas, told Congress in 2016 that American Muslims for Palestine was arguably the most important sponsor and organizer for the student group. With that support, he told a House committee this past Wednesday, groups like Students for Justice in Palestine systematically threaten or intimidate Jewish and pro-Israel students. Dr. Bazian, now the chairman of American Muslims for Palestines board, played down its ties to the student group, which he said were generally limited to providing printed materials and offering grants for students to bring in speakers or attend conferences. He said that his group does not have meaningful power over Students for Justice in Palestine. The student networks lack of formal structure has not helped ease concerns. Even after the group developed a national steering committee that helped organize conferences and other resources, critics said, it did not declare itself a nonprofit or formally incorporate. The steering committee members recoiled at the notion of coast-to-coast infrastructure, even if it could maybe yield more money and more trust. It would jeopardize the integrity of our movement as a grass-roots one, Carrie said. The steering committee members said that they had no control over campus chapters. The committee, which today has about a dozen members, sees itself as an advisory body, with members saying they offer the local chapters little more than ideas and, from time to time, tools that they can elect to use. Among the networks alumni, the national group can come off as informal. I tried to reach out to them to say, I was involved, and, hey, if you want to talk, Dr. Youmans said of a past entreaty. They never really got back to me. His anticorruption crusade has made him a household name in Thailand, but Chuwit Kamolvisit would be the first to tell you that his own life has been neither admirable nor one others should emulate. A self-professed super pimp and known to others as the godfather of sex Mr. Chuwit, 62, once owned six massage parlors in Bangkok where 2,000 women worked for him. And he got his start as a whistle-blower, some two decades ago, by relying on his insiders knowledge of bribery schemes. Prostitution is illegal in Thailand, and to get the authorities to look the other way, he says he gave police officers cash delivered in black bags, as well as Rolex watches and free services in his establishments. A holding pattern If and when a volcanic eruption may happen is unclear and hard to predict. Since late October, tens of thousands of earthquakes have been reported in the Reykjanes Peninsula, in the southwestern part of the country. At one point there were as many as 1,400 in a single 24-hour period, and many hundreds more over the last few days. A nine-mile-long underground river of magma is moving under Grindavik, the evacuated town, and out to the ocean. This week, officials said that the intensity of the seismic activity had decreased a bit, but they have continued to warn of a possible eruption. The seismic activity along the underground magma has continued. As of Friday, the website of the Icelandic Met Office, the countrys weather service, continued to warn that there was a significant likelihood of a volcanic eruption in the coming days, as it has done for multiple days. We have to wait, Mr. Viglundsson said. Theres nothing else we can do. An eruption would be a highly localized event. While the eruption could be big, it is a highly localized event, officials say. Last Saturday, officials evacuated the more than 3,000 residents of Grindavik, a small fishing town about 30 miles south of Reykjavik. Since then, residents have slowly been allowed back to gather some of their personal possessions with help from emergency workers accompanying them. Its a precarious area to be in, Mr. Viglundsson said. No other towns have been evacuated, and the area around Grindavik doesnt have any farms or smaller villages. But the popular geothermal spa the Blue Lagoon near Reykjavik has closed its doors until the end of the month as a precaution for a possible eruption and because of the disruption caused by the many earthquakes. Court of Appeal reduces Kolomoisky's stay in custody by one month until Dec 2 media At a session on Thursday, the Kyiv Court of Appeal partially changed the preventive measure against businessman Ihor Kolomoisky, Suspilne has reported. "The businessman will remain in custody until December 2, and not until January 2, 2024, with an alternative bail of UAH 3.891 billion," Suspilne said. Kolomoisky and his lawyers asked to change the preventive measure of detention to house arrest. As reported, on October 24, the Shevchenkivsky District Court of Kyiv upheld Kolomoisky's preventive measure in the form of detention with an alternative bail of UAH 3.8 billion, not satisfying the lawyers' request to change the preventive measure to 24-hour house arrest. Kolomoisky is suspected of fraud and embezzlement of PrivatBank funds. The Security Service of Ukraine announced suspicion against him under two articles of the Criminal Code: Article 190 (fraud), Article 209 (legalization (laundering) of property obtained by criminal means). Law enforcement officers established that the businessman during 2013-2020 legalized more than UAH 0.5 billion by transferring them abroad. At the same time, he used the infrastructure of controlled banking institutions. According to investigators, between 2013 and 2014, Kolomoisky illegally took possession of UAH 5.8 billion. To do this, he created a criminal group consisting of employees of the bank, in which he was the founder and shareholder. The Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) and the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) reported suspicions to the former ultimate beneficiary of PJSC PrivatBank Kolomoisky and five of his former top managers of embezzling bank funds worth more than UAH 9.2 billion. On the opening night of Romes most talked-about new exhibition this week, top government ministers in sharp suits hobnobbed with Roman socialites in fur coats, and eccentric art lovers rubbed shoulders with hard-right youth group members. They all contemplated a drawing of a glam-rock Gandalf in a form-fitting wizards cloak, acrylic armies of orcs and other works of fan art displayed in gilded frames. On one wall, they studied a family tree of elves, men and dwarves; on another, a glossary explaining the protagonists of Middle-earth (Hobbits are a unique and distinct people known as Halflings.) They stepped over an interactive map on the floor featuring Frodo and his companions coasting on a floating green saucer. Some were enthusiastic, others bewildered. But if there was any question why Italys Culture Ministry had staged a major retrospective dedicated to the life, academic career, and literary works of J.R.R. Tolkien, the British author of The Lord of the Rings, at the National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art, a marquee space usually dedicated to modernist masters, and why everyone seemingly just had to be there, one superfan held the answer. I found the exhibition very beautiful, Giorgia Meloni, the prime minister, said after her personal tour of Tolkien: Man, Professor, Author. As a person who knows the issue pretty well, I found many things I didnt know. The commander of the victorious army watched on in triumph as his troops goose-stepped in columns through the central square of the former breakaway capital they had captured in a brazen attack just weeks before. The commander, President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan, was taking a victory lap last week around the Nagorno-Karabakh city of Stepanakert, also known as Khankendi, a ghost town after its ethnic Armenian residents fled in fear as Azerbaijani troops captured the area. The enemy has knelt before us, Mr. Aliyev, dressed in camouflage, said as he hailed his troops from a small podium. Azerbaijan seized full control over Nagorno-Karabakh, including Stepanakert, in late September after defeating separatist forces, extending gains made in 2020 when a Russia-brokered cease-fire allowed it to take over most of the territory that Armenia had seized in a yearslong war in the 1990s. A Russian court has sentenced a pacifist artist to seven years in a penal colony for leaving price tags with small antiwar messages in a supermarket, the latest example of the Kremlins resolve to stamp out opposition to Russias war in Ukraine. The artist, Aleksandra Y. Skochilenko, 33, was found guilty on Thursday of spreading false information about the Russian Army a criminal offense introduced shortly after Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine last year for placing the messages at her local supermarket in St. Petersburg. One of the price tags, which had been a part of a wider online antiwar campaign by a rights group, read: 4,300 Russian soldiers died in the first days of the war. Why were television networks silent about it? Another stated: The Russian Army bombed an art school in Mariupol where about 400 people were hiding from shelling. Since Ms. Skochilenkos arrest in April 2022, her case has become one of the most prominent examples of the governments crackdown on dissent. Her seven-year sentence underscores the high cost of any type of antiwar activity in Russia. For months, Ukrainian forces have been carrying out stealth raids into Russian-held territory on the eastern bank of the Dnipro River near the southern city of Kherson, Ukraine. The operations have been shrouded in secrecy, with small groups of Ukrainian soldiers crossing the river at night to avoid Russian drones, and officials remaining tight-lipped about the fierce fighting. On Friday, Ukrainian officials broke their silence and said that their forces had seized a sliver of land on the Russian-controlled bank, a claim that was supported by geolocated footage of troop positions along the front line. We managed to gain a foothold on several bridgeheads, the Ukrainian Marine Corps said on Facebook, using a military term for a secured position on the enemy side of a river. The Ukrainian militarys general staff reported a series of successful operations on the left bank of the Dnipro, and President Volodymyr Zelensky posted a short message with photos showing Ukrainian soldiers operating small boats on a waterway. Left bank of Kherson region, Mr. Zelensky said. Our warriors. Military analysts said the announcements were likely intended to offer a glimmer of hope for Ukraine and its Western allies after weeks of sobering developments like a stalled counteroffensive and uncertainty over continued U.S. military aid. The Israeli military signaled later on Friday that it was poised to move into the southern areas of the Gaza Strip after three weeks of intensive operations in the north, but officials declined to provide any details, citing the need for operational secrecy. In the darkness at Al-Shifa Hospital on Thursday night, it was unclear where the shaft led or how deep it went, although the military said it had sent a drone down at least several meters. Electrical wiring was visible inside, along with a metal staircase. Colonel Tsury acknowledged the pressure on Israel to show evidence of Hamas activity at the hospital, but said it might be days before troops descended into the shaft. He added that soldiers were methodically searching the complex and had discovered weapons, explosives and computers. Another military official said Israeli troops had captured and interrogated a Hamas operative at the hospital, but offered no further detail. Israel has the backing of the Biden administration in its assertion that Hamas is operating under the Al-Shifa complex. Senior U.S. officials said on Friday that they remained confident that Hamas and Palestinian militants have been using hospitals as command centers and ammunition depots, based on intercepted communications between fighters operating in the territory. At the same time, the Biden administration has cautioned Israel not to conduct airstrikes against Gazas hospitals, where thousands of Palestinians continue to take refuge. Amid pressure from European allies and a resolution by the U.N. Security Council calling for greater aid to civilians in Gaza, Israel on Friday agreed to permit two tankers of fuel to enter the Gaza Strip on a daily basis. The fuel will be used to run desalination and sewage plants, Israeli officials said. The decision followed a request by the Biden administration and was described by Israels national security adviser, Tzachi Hanegbi, as a way to prevent the spread of disease among civilians and Israeli soldiers. We want to prevent the spread of epidemics, Mr. Hanegbi said. We dont need epidemics that will hurt the civilians and our soldiers who are there. If theres disease, the fighting will stop. We will be unable to continue given the humanitarian crisis and the international outcry. Until Friday, the Israeli authorities had permitted almost no additional fuel to enter Gaza since the Oct. 7 attacks. The United Nations World Food Program warned on Thursday that the entire population of Gaza 2.2 million, half of them children was in need of food assistance and at risk of starvation because of a collapsed food supply chain and insufficient aid delivery. We are already starting to see cases of dehydration and malnutrition, which is increasing rapidly, Abeer Etefa, a spokeswoman for the program, told reporters at the U.N. People are facing immediate possibility of starvation. Its a message that has not been prominently heard or seen in many American protests and rallies. Most events have taken place under an Israeli or Palestinian flag, focusing on one peoples pain, struggle or victimhood. That type of narrow approach can erase everything around it, said Cara Raich, a conflict adviser based in New York. As with most conflicts one feels deeply and personally, a binary choice often offers the simple comfort of pro and con, or right and wrong, she said. The magnetic power of false binaries sucks everything that it touches into that paradigm. For that reason, the conversations Mr. Green and Ms. Abed came to have with Americans have, at least for their audiences they draw, been something of a spiritual salve. In dozens of talks up and down the East Coast, the two activists have described a desperate need for new Israeli and Palestinian leadership, including leaders willing to work together. They have called Hamas, the group that controls the Gaza Strip, both the enemy of the Palestinian people and a fertilizer for radical Jewish extremism. And they have voiced a frustration over what they see as a war for the moral high ground, happening outside of Israel and mostly over social media, that denies their experiences. Libby Lenkinski, a vice president at the New Israel Fund, an organization that funds and supports Israeli and Palestinian human rights groups, has had a front-row seat as a moderator. She said she has seen a palpable sense of relief among attendees who audibly exhale or place hands over their hearts. The message is so resonant, she said, because of it offers a different kind of simplicity than choosing one of two sides. This isnt, Kumbaya, lets all hold hands and love each other, Ms. Lenkinski said. Its: Theres actually no way that one side is going to win. Our futures are intertwined and the only way that we can keep ourselves alive is by keeping each other alive. When a group of international journalists arrived at the southern fringe of Gaza City early Friday morning, riding in the back of an Israeli army jeep, we struggled to orient ourselves amid the ruins, the wreckage and the darkness. Since leaving Israel less than an hour earlier, our jeep had bumped and lurched through a landscape so disfigured by 42 days of airstrikes and nearly three weeks of ground warfare that it was hard at times to understand where we were. House after house was missing a wall or a roof, or both. Many had simply been flattened, their concrete floors lying atop one another like a pack of playing cards. Trying to situate myself after reaching Gaza City, I asked a senior Israeli commander where we were in relation to a fishing port where I usually stayed during visits to Gaza before the war. Three hundred meters north, the commander said. I was stunned. Without realizing it, we had arrived at the Gazan neighborhood that I knew best. Across roughly a dozen visits over the past three years, I had often jogged up and down this stretch of the Mediterranean shoreline, along the coastal road, past a fish market, a mosque, a cluster of apartment blocks and several beach clubs and cafes. Now, it was barely recognizable. I could not find the fish market. The apartment blocks, I now realized, had been wrecked by shelling or strikes. The road had vanished, churned into a sandy, rutted track by the hundreds of Israeli tanks and armored vehicles that have fanned out across the territory since Israel invaded in late October. The Israeli military took control of Gazas largest hospital this week and has been combing the site, which Israel has said concealed a secret Hamas base. What is the name of the hospital? As of Friday morning, there were around 2,400 trucks on the Ukrainian-Polish border waiting to exit Poland in the direction of three checkpoints Yahodyn-Dorohusk, Rava-Ruska-Hrebenne, and Krakovets-Korczowa, Spokesperson for the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine Andriy Demchenko has said. "Unfortunately, the blocking of the movement of trucks in three directions has continued since November 6. As of the morning, there were around 2,400 trucks on the territory of Poland waiting to exit this country towards Ukraine. Most of them were [queued] opposite the Yahodyn checkpoint 1,100 trucks, and the rest in the direction of the Krakovets and Rava-Ruska checkpoints," he said on the air of the national telethon. Demchenko also said that strike participants allow only a few vehicles per hour to move in both directions. "The only more or less intense traffic we notice is at the Krakovets checkpoint, when trucks move from Ukraine to Poland," Demchenko said. He also noted that in general, the number of vehicles waiting to cross the border from Poland to Ukraine has remained at 2,400-2,500 in recent days. "At the same time, carriers are choosing other routes for themselves. For several days now we have been seeing a congestion of trucks in front of the Shehyni checkpoint. There are about 1,100 trucks there," the State Border Guard Service said. Western Polands Notecka Forest is home to one of the countrys most controversial buildings, a medieval-style complex known as Stobnica Castle. The construction of Stobnica Castle began in 2015, but it didnt start attracting nationwide attention until 2018, when people started wondering what this gargantuan structure rising up at the edge of a well-known nature reserve, on what looked like a man-made island on Lake Stobnica, was. Aerial photos of a 15-storey medieval-like castle rising up in the middle of a pristine natural paradise about 50 km from the city of Poznan started going viral online and piqued peoples curiosity. What was this building, who was the owner and how had they obtained a building permit for it, considering its location at the edge of a Special Protection Area for Birds (20 species) within the Natura 2000 network? Photo: Archsz/Wikimedia Commons Its been over five years since Stobnica Castle first started making news headlines in Poland, and although it has been at the center of multiple court battles and Government official sackings, the mystery surrounding the medieval-style structure persists. For years, no one really knew who the owner of Stobnica Castle was. Some suspected it was the project of billionaire Jan Kulczyk, who died in 2015 but whom some conspiracy theorists believe faked his own death, while some more cent sources claim it belongs to doctor and businessman Pawel N. The funds for the construction have also sparked controversy, with some news sources claiming that they originated from offshore accounts. The purpose of the building is currently being disputed as well. While the developers attorneys insist that Stobnica Castle will be their clients personal residence, there has long been speculation that it will either be transformed into a luxury hotel, or transformed into a residential complex for the rich and powerful. Many people are finding it hard to believe that anyone, no matter how rich they are, would spend 40 0 million zloti ($91 million) on a personal residence. When photos of the gigantic Stobnica Castle first went viral in 2018, they sparked massive outrage among environmental activists and the general public. in the years that followed, investigators gathered evidence about how the building permits had been obtained, and whether the developer could actually build so close to a natural reserve, while also building an artificial island on Lake Stobnica. In July 2020, the District Prosecutors Office in Poznan accused 6 people, including representatives of the investor, an architect, and local officials. That same year, the provincial governor was removed from office. In early 2021, the Central Anti-corruption Bureau initiated another investigation: suspicion of financing investments from money laundering (transfers from Cyprus offshore accounts). In August 2021, the Chief Inspector of Construction Supervision (GINB) annulled the building permit for Stobnica Castle, but the decision was immediately appealed by the developers, and construction has been continuing ever since. recent photos and aerial footage show that the exterior of the medieval-style complex is nearly completed, including a 90-meter-tall tower rising up from its center. Sources close to the project estimate that Stobnica Castle will be completed around 2025, while others speculate that it might end up being demolished by the state, because of its controversial location, at the edge of a protected nature reserve. The only sure thing is that its fate is currently up in the air. For more modern-day castles, check out Russias Chateau Erken and the fairytale-like Jilongbao Resort. George Santos Will Allergan, marketer of Botox, snap up Congressman George Santos as a pitchman, now that he has decided not to seek re-election to his Long Island seat? A House Ethics Committee report found that the freshman Republican allegedly stole money from his campaign, creating phony loans and engaged in fraudulent business activity. His campaign debit card listed charges of $1,500 and $1,400 for Botox at different spas. If Santos can avoid the slammer, he is going to need a gig. Allergan should jump at the chance to have such a high-profile celebrity politico as its public face. The Congressman may be available well before the November 2024 election as Ethics Committee Chairman Michael Guest (R-MS) plans to issue a motion to expel Santos from Congress following the Thanksgiving recess. Caving to China. The House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party wants to know if Apple cancelled Jon Stewarts show because the company was afraid to offend China, its manufacturing satellite. The Problem with Jon Stewart officially ended due to creative differences but The Hollywood Reporter noted there was tension between Apple and Stewart over future program topics, including one dealing with China. In a letter to Apple CEO Tim Cook, committee chairman Mike Gallagher (R-WI) and ranking member Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) asked if THR was accurate because it potentially speaks to broader concerns about the indirect Chinese Communist Party influence over the creative expression of American artists and companies on CCP-related topics. They noted that the popular Stewart would have no trouble in signing up with another streaming service, but an aspiring comedian who wants to use satire to make broader points about human rights and authoritarianism would face bleaker prospects. Apple CEO Tim Cook was among the American CEOs who debased themselves by giving China's leader Xi Jinping a standing ovation at the San Francisco dinner on Nov. 15. Losing Ukraine to Russia.The influential Institute for the Study of War, a DC-based nonprofit group, has warned US policymakers that the current stalemate in Ukraine is not a permanent reality. Ending or significantly curtailing American military support to Ukraine will enable Russia to win the war on the battlefield, Frederick Kagan, a former professor of military history at West Point, wrote in an essay. That would be a catastrophe not only for Ukraine, but for NATO and for the US. Will the Republicans abandon Ukraine and hand it over to Russia? We will soon find out. A tremendous success was how Mr. Pat Lalor, Chairman of the local charity Hooves 4 Hospice, described the achievement of the charity, which was established in 2020 by the Tullamore Lions Club, to raise funds to build a hospice for the Midlands. We have already raised over 900,000 of our targeted 1 million and the HSE is currently evaluating sites around Tullamore for the new 20 bed unit. Pat shared this news with Oaklands Community College staff and students, in Edenderry, during a recent visit to the school to acknowledge receipt of a cheque for 4,020 presented by the school, following a sponsored walk earlier this year. The sponsored walk was organised by the schools Ethos Committee, established to promote and support the schools ethos of Excellence in Education, Care, Respect, Equality and Community. This Ethos is shared by all schools under the auspices of Education and Training Boards Ireland. Oaklands Community Colleges Ethos Committee opted to support the Hooves 4 Hospice charity as part of its commitment to community engagement, convinced that a Hospice has the potential to benefit a great many families at a very vulnerable time in their lives. Currently, regrettably, most patients seeking hospice care must travel to Dublin to avail of this service. Ms Mairead OShea, Deputy Principal and Chair of the Ethos Committee praised the efforts of the students who participated in the walk and the wider community who sponsored them so generously. The Committee members also acknowledged the generous support of Bord na Mona Mount Lucas Wind Farm who hosted the event and sponsored the busses that brought the students to Mount Lucas, and Offaly County Council also provided some support through a grant from the Edenderry Municipal District. Oaklands CC would also like to acknowledge Tullamore businesses Guy Clothing and Kode, who donated generous prizes for a draw. Principal Brian Kehoe expressed satisfaction that the fundraiser had, together with a presentation by Professor Humphrey OConnor earlier in the year, greatly raised awareness amongst the school community of the role of hospice care and the importance of providing such in this region. Delighted with the success of the event, the Ethos Committee have decided to continue the schools involvement with the Hooves 4Hospice charity and plans are afoot for further fundraising this year. The school community hopes that the wider community will continue to support their charitable endeavours for this very worthwhile cause. An Irish writer with Offaly roots is launching her debut novel in Birr this month. Frances Browner's novel 'A Bronx Summer' will be launched by local Banagher historian James Scully at Birr Library on Wednesday November 29 at 6pm. A creative writing tutor with Dun Laoghaire ETB and Greystones Cancer Support, Frances - who grew up in Dublin and now resides in Wicklow - is proud of her Offaly roots through her mother, who was from Ferbane. Frances has contributed to the Birr Review, Banagher Review, Midland Tribune and Tullamore Annual. Her fiction, memoirs and poems have reportedly appeared in magazines, literary journals, and short story anthologies. Her work has also been broadcast on the radio. She launched a book of short stories and a memoir in Birr Library in 2016, and her poetry collection 'Roots & Wings' was released in 2019. Offaly Arts awarded her a residency in Birr in the summer of 2023 and she is due to host a creative writing workshop in the Esker Arts Centre Tullamore this December. All are welcome to the book launch on November 29. Advanced Nurse Practitioner (ANP) Week, celebrated 13 -19 November 2023, is an annual international celebration which recognises the incredible contributions of ANP professionals. ANPs are experienced clinicians and use their advanced education and clinical practice to provide optimum patient care through caseload management of acute and chronic illnesses across healthcare settings. ANPs work both independently and in partnership with other healthcare professionals, pending the specific patient circumstance. The Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore (MRHT) mark Advanced Practitioner Week 2023 with a series of awareness stands, educating and detailing the benefits of advanced practice on patient-centred care. Featured at the presentation during the week are ANPs in the following specialities: Ear, Nose and Throat, Tissue Viability, Diabetes, Palliative Care, Emergency Department, Older Persons, Cardiology, Oncology, Haematology and Renal. Eileen Whelan, Chief Director of Nursing & Midwifery & Quality at the Dublin Midland Hospital Group said: This week we are celebrating the contribution that Advanced Nurse Practitioners and Advanced Midwife Practitioners have in providing high quality, person centred care across our hospitals. Nurses and Midwives who work at advanced practice level have undertaken specialist education and supervised clinical practice at masters level. This enables this expert group to work independently or part of the wider multidisciplinary team where they provide a high quality service to include full assessment, ordering of diagnostic tests, treatment, onward referral to another specialist or discharge as appropriate and in line with agreed clinical pathways for patients. There are over 161 ANPs & AMPs across the seven Dublin Midlands Hospital Group hospitals and their focus is on providing care and treatment at the level most appropriate to the patient needs, inclusive of virtual clinics as appropriate. Louisea Bourke, Director of Nursing MRHT stated, Advanced Nurse Practitioners provide high-quality patient-centred health care. Through the work of ANPs patients receive timely access to specialty care services. Our ANPs are experts in clinical practice and can provide a full range of services, such as ordering, performing and interpreting diagnostic tests; diagnosing and treating acute and chronic conditions; prescribing medications and treatments; and in some circumstances, managing the full episode of patient care. Alice Farrelly, Frailty Advanced Nurse Practitioner MRHT and one of the ANP Week event organisers said Because of the unique combination of medical and nursing expertise and skills that my colleagues and I have, when we review our patients, we emphasise the health and well-being of the whole person in our approach to their care. We help patients make educated health care decisions and healthy lifestyle choices that will benefit them now and in the future. She continues Our patients are at times quite vulnerable due to acute and chronic conditions that they might have. There are plenty of lifestyle choices that you can make also to help you keep well, protect your health and mind yourself and your loved ones this winter. "This time of year we see an increase in colds, RSV, Flu and other viruses. Use the coming weeks to check you are up to date on vaccinations and limit contact with people with symptoms. We recommend this HSE website page - to our patients for managing common colds, coughs, flu and earache that do not need an antibiotic and its a great resource for patients. The Best Dressed Lady event at this year's Black Tie Charity Ball features prizes totalling 1,000, is sponsored by Dolans Pharmacy, Cloud 9 Travel, Flowers by Lisa, B@B and Dinner for 2 in the Bridge House Hotel, Urba, Ritzys, Kode and others. The ball is in the Bridge House Hotel, on Saturday, December 2, hosted by Power4Good Ireland and Accessible Counselling Tullamore (ACT) The sponsors this year are Hugo Loonam Motors and Tullamore Credit Union. On arrival, drinks reception at 7.00 p.m. in the hotel lobby, with music by Joe Coyne and Robbie Spain, followed by a 4four course meal with wine served during the meal. The Secrets will entertain into the early hours and, if youre still able, you can dance the night away with the DJ til late, Dickie Donnelly. There will be spot prizes including vouchers for hair, beauty, fitness, and much more. Tickets are 85 and big tables are available for Christmas parties. Tickets are available from the Power4Good Charity Shop, Main Street, Kilbride Plaza, Tullamore and River Street, Clara. 085 7720550. Accessible Counselling Tullamore (ACT) - call Lisa, 057 9352879 and Molly 087 2914302. The heartwarming moment a 5th year student in Athy was surprised by her father who had been on overseas duties with the Irish Defence Forces has been captured by Athy College in Co Kildare. Student Lauren Lawlor Phelan was heading to class in the school unaware of what was about to happen. But as she turned the corner, there was her dad Gavin Phelan, a Portarlington native, standing waiting for her in full military clothing. The moment has been been shared on the school's social media channels. It was captured by teachers of the school on their phone, with Lauren completely unaware what was about to unfold on her way back to class after lunch. By early on Thursday afternoon it had been viewed over almost 30,000 times on Facebook. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Athy College (@athy_college) The event was captured less than 24 hours earlier at the school. It all came about when Lauren's mother asked some of the caretaker staff if could they organise something, and the clandestine operation sprang into action, with the help of some of the teachers including Olivia Daly and Ciara Doyle. The Phelan family are from Kilberry, with Gavin originally being from Portarlington. Gavin had been serving for three months overseas serving with UNIFL in Lebanon, and with the volatility of the situation in the Middle East, his family was probably even more relieved than usual to have him home. School principal Richard Daly said they were delighted to capture such a happy moment. And they have been thrilled with the reaction to the post. "Lauren didn't suspect a thing and you can tell by her reaction, she just turned the corner and dropped her jacket on the ground in shock," Mr Daly said. On Thursday, Lauren was said to be still beaming after the event. The emotional footage appropriately features Skylar Grey's song Coming Home. SEVEN projects from two schools in Offaly have qualified for the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition (BTYSTE) 2024. Schools who entered the 2024 BTYSTE were notified of results recently. St Brendans Community School, Birr, was successful with three projects in total. 'The Woodwide Web Do Plants Talk To Each Other?, and Paw Preference are both in the biological and ecological category of the exhibition, while the EcoEd Games project falls into the technological category. All three are group projects. Meanwhile, Tullamore College has been successful with four applications. Ah Sure Go On, What Harm Could It Do? An Investigation into the Toxic Effects of Vaping, and Growing the Future: Investigating the growth of mycelium packaging using button mushrooms, are both individual projects in the biological and ecological category, while Ethanol Evolution is a group project in the same category. Finally, The Wrist Assist is a group project that falls under the health and wellbeing section. From January 10th-13th next, hundreds of students will showcase their innovative ideas in the areas of Social & Behavioural Sciences, Technology, Chemical, Physical & Mathematical Sciences, Biological & Ecological Sciences, and a brand-new category being introduced for 2024, Health and Wellbeing. Shay Walsh, Managing Director at BT Ireland commented, At BT Ireland, were looking forward to delivering the 60th edition of this national treasure in January. Each year we continue to be amazed at the calibre of ideas and innovations that are submitted for consideration to the BTYSTE. The volume of exceptional entries we received for the 2024 exhibition shows that interest in science, technology, exhibition, and mathematics (STEM)continues to grow, and we are looking forward to recognising and nurturing new talent in the sector in the new year. Also commenting was Minister for Education, Norma Foley, who said: It is fantastic to see the level of engagement by students in the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition 2024. It is an absolute highlight of the school calendar each year. The interest from students in health-related topics demonstrates young peoples interest in that area, and its great to see that the BTYSTE has created a new category for the 60th exhibition next year, Health and Wellbeing, that will enable secondary school students to explore that interest further. I am looking forward to visiting the Exhibition in January to see the exceptional ideas and innovations being showcased by students across Ireland. I wish to congratulate each and every student who has submitted a project to the BTYSTE, along with their teachers and parents who have supported them throughout the process. There are over 200 prizes to be won and a prize fund of 50,000 for BTYSTE 2024. These prizes are awarded across all five categories and age groups, including the overall BT Young Scientist & Technologist of the Year Award, worth 7,500, which will see the winners go on to represent Ireland at the prestigious European Union Contest for Young Scientists (EUCYS), which takes place in the European City of Science 2024 - Katowice, Poland. Ireland has a strong record of taking home the prize for first place at the EUCYS, with 17 wins over the past 33 years. Tickets for the BTYSTE 2024 will be available for purchase later this month. For more information on the BTYSTE, please visit @BTYSTE on X, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram. British Foreign Secretary David Cameron, representatives of the Ukrainian Red Cross Society (URCS) and public organizations discussed the humanitarian situation in Ukraine and the needs of Ukrainians. "Issues of humanitarian assistance to the population affected by the war in Ukraine were discussed, in particular, those who suffered from the destruction of Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant," the society said on Facebook on Friday following a meeting in Odesa. The Ukrainian Red Cross Society said on Friday, as part of cooperation, the UK is allocating GBP 10 million sterling ($12.4 million) for the response and assistance provided by the Ukrainian Red Cross. The URCS representatives shared with Cameron their experience in responding to emergency situations, in particular, to a large-scale environmental disaster as a result of the destruction of Kakhovka hydroelectric plant. They talked about the evacuation of people from shelling, the deployment of assistance in the area of liquidation of the consequences of missile attacks, and the difficulties of working in "hot spots." In addition, the meeting participants discussed issues of URCS support for critical infrastructure facilities last year during blackouts and in the autumn of 2023, as well as the necessary scale of assistance for the energy independence of these facilities. The meeting was also attended by representatives of the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the British Red Cross, Mercy Corps and the social organization Social Perspective. Former K'taka CM Kumaraswamy Pays Rs 68,526 Fine For 'Stealing Power' Bengaluru pti-PTI Former Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy said on Friday that he has paid a fine of Rs 68,526 for drawing electricity from an illegal connection to illuminate his JP Nagar residence here during Deepavali, but termed it as "unjust and excessive". However, the JD (S) state unit president protested the way the fine amount had been calculated and found flaws in the FIR registered against him. Kumaraswamy, son of former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda, alleged a political witch-hunt against him for being vocal against the ruling Congress government. In a letter to the assistant executive engineer of Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (BESCOM) vigilance police station, Kumaraswamy blamed the electricity contractor hired by his staff who had for testing purposes drawn a wire and connected it directly to the electric pole opposite his house. "Immediately after coming to know the same, I informed my staff to disconnect the wire from the electric pole. I was not at home when this illumination work was being carried out or was being tested and I was in my house at Bidadi, Ramanagara District. The electrician worked on his own independently, without my knowledge," he explained. The FIR registered against him is flawed with defects, as the complainant, being BESCOM assistant executive engineer, has stated that he had personally seen the theft taking place but the facts were contrary to the claim, Kumaraswamy said. According to him, the BESCOM engineer who registered a case against him made it clear to him that he came to inspect the residential building after seeing the video on electronic and social media. Kumaraswamy Lit Up His House Using Stolen Electricity During Deepavali, Alleges Congress "In the face of an unjust and excessive demand for payment to be made, it is my right as a consumer to voice my concern and protest against such practices," Kumaraswamy said. Blaming the ruling party for registering a case against him, he said, "I am of the opinion that this is a political witch-hunt against me for the series of tweets and press meets conducted by me in connection to mismanagement of power sources against the present government which is run by a rival party headed by my arch rivals and also the head of the states ---CM/DCM, who have given statements to the electronic media that I have committed a theft of electricity." In continuation to their statements in the media, one of the officers had broken the official rules and given a press statement without the permission of the (Electricity) Board, Kumaraswamy alleged. This displays that officers were influenced to act as per instructions of their political heads to tarnish his name for an act committed by the electrical contractor. Kumaraswamy found himself at the receiving end on November 14 when the Congress alleged that he had stolen electricity to illuminate his house during Deepavali. The ruling party also posted a video showing a power connection being drawn from the electric pole to Kumaraswamy's house. "The lone honest person in the world HD Kumaraswamy's JP Nagar residence was illuminated with decorative lights with illegal power connection directly from the electric pole. It is a tragedy that such poverty has struck a former CM to steal electricity!" the Congress wrote on the micro-blogging site 'X' at the time. The Cabinet of Ministers has simplified the import of energy equipment to Ukraine, in particular generators and transformers, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said. "We are preparing for winter at all levels. Today we will approve a resolution that will simplify the import of energy equipment to Ukraine, in particular generators and transformers," Shmyhal said at a government meeting on Friday. According to him, to achieve this, the government will actually suspend the operation of six technical regulations applied to the import and sale of energy equipment. "Now a number of these products will not require a declaration of conformity and labeling with a conformity mark," he concluded. TN Congress Leader Falls Victim To Sextortion Ring In Bengaluru Bengaluru oi-Madhuri Adnal A Tamil Nadu Congress working president and businessman faced a barrage of extortion calls after receiving a video call from a woman posing nude. Rangarajan Mohan Kumaramangalam, 45, holds the position of working president and is a member of the Tamil Nadu Congress executive committee. He resides in an apartment in Kodihalli on Old Airport Road. Initially, he complied with the miscreants' demands, paying them Rs 6,000. However, when the extortionists demanded more money, he sought assistance from the police. In his complaint to the Cyber Crime police station on November 11, the politician-businessman explained that he had unexpectedly received a WhatsApp video call the day before. Unaware that the call had connected, he became aware only upon hearing noises and discovered a nude woman on the mobile screen before promptly ending the call. Is Bengaluru Becoming Unsafe After Dark? Scary Incidents On NICE Road, Sarjapur Raise Safety Concerns According to a senior police officer, the culprits obtained Kumaramangalam's photos from his social media profile. Suspicions point to the miscreants originating from Jamtara in Jharkhand. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, November 17, 2023, 14:40 [IST] Not Cong, KCR Should Say What He Has Done For Telangana: Rahul Gandhi When Will Telangana Farmers Get Money Into Their Account After EC's Pause On Rythu Bandhu? Actor-Politician Vijayashanthi Rejoins Congress Hyderabad oi-Prakash KL Actress-turned-politician Vijayashanthi who resigned from the BJP, rejoined the Congress party on Friday in the presence of AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge, party sources said. Kharge offered her a tricolour scarf and formally invited her to join the party. The former BRS MP who left the Congress and joined the saffron party in 2020 was not active in BJP's programmes in recent times. The actor-turned-politician began her political career in 2009 and was elected from Medak Lok Sabha seat on BRS (then TRS) ticket. Later, due to differences with Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, she joined the Congress and unsuccessfully contested from the same constituency. Over the past 25 years, Vijayashanthi has been shuttling between the two national parties and TRS (now BRS). She initially joined the Andhra Pradesh BJP in 1997, departed to join the Telangana movement, and affiliated with TRS in 2009. Her journey continued as she left TRS to join Congress in 2014 but then switched to BJP in 2020. Speculation about her departure from BJP has circulated for the last six months, citing her discontent with the party's functioning in the state. Despite efforts by senior party leaders to persuade her to remain, she has opted to rejoin Congress. Her anticipated re-entry into the grand old party is expected to take place in the presence of Rahul Gandhi. Not Cong, KCR Should Say What He Has Done For Telangana: Rahul Gandhi When Will Telangana Farmers Get Money Into Their Account After EC's Pause On Rythu Bandhu? Chandrababu Naidu Is A Backstabber: Andhra CM Jagan Hyderabad oi-Prakash KL Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy on Friday called Telugu Desam Party president and his rival N Chandrababu Naidu a 'backstabber'. At an event, the Andhra CM lashed out at Naidu, citing three instances to label him as a 'backstabber'. "Every time Naidu assumed the role of Chief Minister, it was through backstabbing and deceiving, not on account of virtuous deeds," Reddy said. He then stated, "The first instance was backstabbing his father-in-law NTR; the second time, it was the Kargil war; and the third time (in 2014), he secured the position through false promises like farm loan waiver, DWCRA loan waiver, and jobs for every household." This is not the first time where Jagan has called Naidu a backstabber. A few months ago, Speaking at a public gathering in Nagari, the Chief Minister condemned Naidu for adorning NTR's portrait and joining the revelation of a commemorative 100-coin featuring the late leader in Delhi. The Chief Minister characterized Naidu's actions as a blatant effort to exploit public sentiment for political gain, deeming it "preposterous" that Naidu would pay tribute to a leader he allegedly backstabbed. Chandrababu Naidu To Finally Come Out Of Jail As AP High Court Grants Bail Meanwhile, the Andhra Pradesh High Court, in the last week of October, granted temporary bail for a period of four weeks to TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu in the AP Skill Development case. Granting the interim bail on health grounds, the bench directed the former CM to appear before the Superintendent of the central prison in Rajamahendravaram on or before November 28. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, November 17, 2023, 16:54 [IST] AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi Slams Rahul Gandhi, Says Italy And Modi Are Congress Leader's Two Friends Who Will Be The New Rajasthan CM? Find Out The Contenders As Exit Polls Favor BJP In 'Land Of Kings' Kerala CM Vijayan accuses BJP-led Centre of trying to steal credit for states healthcare achievements BJPs Pralhad Joshi accuses Congress of corruption, promises SIT to probe loot Union Minister and BJPs Rajasthan election in-charge Pralhad Joshi on Friday alleged that the Congress believes in the policy of rob and share, and its government in the state was mired in corruption. India -Krishna Kripa Union Minister and BJP's Rajasthan election in-charge Pralhad Joshi on Friday alleged that the Congress believes in the policy of "rob and share", and its government in the state was mired in corruption. Joshi's Allegations He was addressing a public meeting in Hindoli in favor of BJP's Hindoli assembly seat candidate Phrabulal Saini, who is a former minister. The party has fielded Saini against Congress leader and sitting MLA Ashok Chandana for the November 25 assembly polls. "Rob and share loot ke lao, baant ke khao is the policy of the Congress. It leaders loot money and distributes it to use it among themselves," Joshi said. He said the BJP will form a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to send those who looted public money to jail. Joshi's Attack on Rahul Gandhi Joshi said Congress leader Rahul Gandhi promised round the clock free electricity in Karnataka but people there are suffering long power cuts. He also alleged that the Congress government in Rajasthan is corrupt and promotes anti-social elements and criminals. Krishan Pal Gurjar's Appeal Union Minister of State for Power and Heavy Industries Krishan Pal Gurjar also addressed the public meeting and appealed to people to vote for Saini. Gurjar said Prime Minister Narendra Modi works for the country's progress and development while the Congress works for the Gandhi family. The assembly elections in Rajasthan are scheduled to be held on November 25 and the results will be declared on December 11. Governor seeks report on installing new plaques with Rabindranath Tagores name West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose, who is also the Rector of the Visva-Bharati, on Friday sought a report from the university on installing new plaques with founder Rabindranath Tagores name on it, as directed by the Centre. India -Krishna Kripa West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose, who also serves as the Rector of Visva-Bharati, has sought a report from the university on installing new plaques with founder Rabindranath Tagore's name on them, as directed by the Centre. The move comes after a controversy erupted over the installation of plaques announcing Santiniketan as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which bore the names of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former Vice-Chancellor Bidyut Chakraborty but not Tagore. Plaques Controversy The plaques installed last month sparked outrage as they failed to mention Rabindranath Tagore, leading to demands for their removal from various quarters. The controversy escalated further after Chakraborty retired as the Vice-Chancellor on November 8, prompting the Ministry of Education to direct the university to remove the plaques and replace them with ones bearing the Nobel laureate poet's name. Governor's Directives In response to the directive, Governor Bose, in his capacity as the Rector of Visva-Bharati, has called for a report from the university's officiating vice chancellor on the proposed action to pay befitting homage to Rabindranath Tagore on the new plaque. He has also decided to rename the North Gate of Raj Bhavan as 'Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore Gate.' The Governor's actions aim to honor and recognize Tagore's significant contributions to the university and the nation. Santiniketan as UNESCO World Heritage Site Santiniketan, where Tagore built Visva-Bharati over a century ago, was included on the UNESCO World Heritage list in September. Following this recognition, the controversial plaques were installed at several places on the sprawling Santiniketan campus, leading to a row between the state government and the varsity authorities. Political Reactions The omission of Tagore's name from the plaques drew sharp criticism from the state government and the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC). Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee demanded the immediate replacement of the plaques, and TMC organized demonstrations outside the varsity demanding their removal. Central Government's Intervention On November 16, the central government stepped in and asked Visva-Bharati to replace the plaques. The Ministry of Education sent a text in English and Hindi for the new plaques with Tagore's name. In response, the University has formed a six-member panel to prepare the text in Bengali. The controversy surrounding the plaques installed at Visva-Bharati has brought attention to the importance of recognizing and honoring the contributions of Rabindranath Tagore, the founder of the university and a Nobel laureate. The Governor's directives to install new plaques with Tagore's name and rename the North Gate of Raj Bhavan are steps in the right direction to rectify the oversight and pay tribute to the legendary poet and educationist. Are Sleaze Content An Easy Way To Attract Viewers On New OTT Platforms? India oi-Prakash KL Actress Neha Dhupia once said "Either sex sells or Shah Rukh Khan" in the Hindi film industry and the same views have been echoed by many others at different times and on different occasions. Are Sleaze Content An Easy Way To Attract Viewers On New OTT Platforms? More recently, businessman Raj Kundra, husband of Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty, said, "Only two things work in Bollywood and this country, Shah Rukh Khan and sex." It has to be noted that booked last year by the Mumbai police in connection with the alleged creation and uploading of pornographic films on mobile applications. Not surprisingly, three more OTT platforms - Hunters, Besharams and Prime Play - have come to the spotlight this week after the Information and Broadcasting Ministry directly sent notices to three OTT platforms, asking them to take down vulgar content, according to a report in Indian Express. What's In the 3 Platforms? All three platforms, which are run by Webworld Multimedia Private Limited, are packed with semi-porn content filled with vulgarity. It offers plenty of content for free for registered users. Hence, the ministry, for the first time, invoked laws pertaining to vulgarity against any OTT platform after examining the content on the platform. The government has given five days to respond. Going by the IE report, there are only 57 duly registered OTT platforms. However, many complaints have been filed against those registered companies. The company has told the publication that it will review the content. Not these platforms, there are many OTT sites which produce questionable content. What's The Stand Of Self-Regulatory Body On The Issue? Two weeks ago, the self-regulatory body for OTT platforms urged its members to avoid unnecessary vulgarity and abusive content as well as sensitise production houses about the same. Digital Media Content Regulatory Council (DMCRC) chairperson Justice (retired) Mukul Mudgal said that OTT platforms need to consistently adhere with the self-regulatory framework and stay within its sacrosanct boundaries. "The council is of the firm view that it is desirable that OTT platforms continue keeping the sensibilities of our diverse society and culture in mind while producing content," Mudgal said. Disney+Hotstar, Zee5, SonyLiv, Jio Cinema, Voot, Manorama Max, Sun Nxt, Discovery+, Yupp TV, Nee Stream and Fancode are member OTT platforms of the DMCRC. He recommended that member platforms practice prudence and responsibility in content creation, engage in self-reflection to bolster the structure and overall operations of OTT platforms, and refrain from incorporating unnecessary vulgarity and abusive content without justification. The DMCRC also urged member OTT platforms to conduct regular meetings with content creators and production houses, fostering awareness and ensuring that content aligns with the self-regulation framework, including the Code of Ethics. Additionally, the DMCRC called on OTT platforms to establish an easily accessible system for addressing content-related grievances and implement access controls, empowering consumers to make content choices with full awareness and understanding. It may be recalled that the Delhi High Court had earlier said framing rules and guidelines to regulate the content on social media and OTT platforms need urgent attention. It had underlined the need to take seriously the use of vulgar language in public domain and on social media platforms which are open to children of tender age. Coming down heavily on the language used in TVF web series 'College Romance', the high court had said the use of obscenities in the form of foul language degrades women so they may feel victims as the expletives and obscenities refer to women being objects of sex. In A First, Women Shoulder Entire Poll Process In All 201 Booths Of Raipur North Assembly Seat India oi-PTI Women have been entrusted with the responsibility of shouldering the entire voting process in all the 201 polling stations in an assembly constituency in Chhattisgarh capital Raipur, a move billed by officials as the first of its kind in the country. The second and final phase of assembly polls involving 70 seats in the state began on Friday morning, while results will be declared on December 3. "For the first time in the country's democratic history, women will shoulder the entire responsibility of an electoral process in an Assembly segment. There are 201 polling stations in Raipur City North seat and all are 'Sangwari booths' where everyone from the presiding officer to the polling officer are women,'' the district administration said in a release on Thursday. "With 201 polling centres and all booths having women officers, 804 women have direct responsibilities while about 200 women have been kept in reserve. The Observer for this seat is woman IAS officer Vimla R and her Liaisoning Officer is also a woman. Security in most of the booths will also be managed by women personnel," it added. Notably, the Chief Electoral Officer of Chhattisgarh is woman IAS officer Reena Baba Saheb Kangale, the release informed. In Raipur North assembly constituency, where women officers have been put on duty at all the booths, the sex ratio is 1010, that is, there are 1010 women for every thousand men, it said. PM Modi Urges MP, Chhattisgarh Voters To Use Their Franchise Raipur Collector and District Election Officer Dr Sarveshwar Narendra Bhure said on Thursday that the idea of entrusting the entire responsibility of one assembly seat of the district to women came up at the beginning of the election process and a plan was formulated after everyone appreciated the idea. "It is a historic event when the entire team comprises women. They are confident they will fulfil this important responsibility. Raipur City South segment will also have women personnel at half the booths. It will ensure a significant role of women in the two constituencies," Bhure said. Braveheart Army Jawan Pardeep Singh Laid to Rest with Full Military Honours after Tragic Encounter in J&K Two Houses Attached in Pulwama and Kulgam for Harbouring Militants Mortal Remains Of Capt. Pranjal, Who Died Fighting Terrorists, To Be Flown To Bengaluru Large Number Of People Pay Last Respects To Capt M V Pranjal In Bengaluru J&K Encounter: Five Terrorists Killed India oi-PTI Five terrorists were killed in an overnight encounter with security forces in Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir, police said on Friday. ''The bodies of the slain terrorists are being retrieved and the area is being sanitised. Five bodies have been sighted through drones,'' a senior police officer said. Security forces had launched a cordon-and-search operation in Nehama village of Kulgam following information about the presence of terrorists in the area on Thursday, the officials said. The search operation turned into a gunbattle as the terrorists opened fire towards the security personnel, they added. Pakistan: 3 Terrorists Killed In Attack At Mianwali Airbase; Aircraft Damaged While the security forces maintained a tight cordon around the area where the ultras are trapped, the operation was suspended overnight, the officials said. Gunshots were exchanged early Friday after a night-long lull at Samno in Nehama area of Kulgam, officials said. The house where the terrorists were hiding caught fire in the exchange of fire this morning, forcing the militants to come out. Further details are awaited. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, November 17, 2023, 13:31 [IST] India Can Eliminate Threats On This Side Of Border, And If Necessary, On The Other Side As Well: Rajnath Singh How Characters From Epics And Films Have Come To Spotlight In MP Poll Campaign Madhya Pradesh Assembly Elections 2023: 76% Voter Turnout Recorded India -Krishna Kripa Bhopal: In a significant development, the voter turnout in the Madhya Pradesh assembly elections on Friday crossed the 75 percent mark, surpassing the previous record set in 2018. The polling, which was held for all 230 constituencies in a single phase, witnessed an enthusiastic participation from voters across the state. High Voter Turnout According to the state's Chief Electoral Officer Anupam Rajan, the voter turnout was approximately 76 percent. He stated that the final figure would be released after receiving the remaining details, which might take some time. The high voter turnout reflects the active engagement and interest of the citizens in the democratic process. Direct Fight Between BJP And Congress The incumbent Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition Congress are engaged in a direct fight in the state. The polling, however, was marred by sporadic incidents of violence in a few places. In Rajnagar, an aide of a Congress candidate was killed following a clash between two groups, as reported by the police. Naxalite-Affected Districts In the naxalite-affected districts of Balaghat, Mandla, and Dindori, voting concluded at 3 PM, while in other parts of the state, it continued until 6 PM. The polling process commenced at 7 AM across all 230 constituencies. Key Candidates The fates of 2,533 candidates, including the Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan of the BJP and his predecessor, the state Congress chief Kamal Nath, were sealed in Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). Several prominent leaders cast their votes early in the day, including Chouhan and his family, Nath and his family, Union ministers Narendra Singh Tomar, Jyotiraditya Scindia, and Prahlad Patel, state BJP president V D Sharma, and BJP general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya. Women's Participation It was heartening to witness a large number of women standing in queues at various polling booths across the state, including Hoshangabad. Their active participation in the electoral process highlights their commitment to shaping the future of their state. Incidents Of Violence While the polling was largely peaceful, a few incidents of violence were reported. In the Mhow area of Indore district, five individuals were injured in a skirmish between two groups. Additionally, two men were wounded in a clash in Morena district's Dimani constituency, where Union Minister Narendra Singh Tomar is contesting. The police are investigating these incidents. Allegations And Counter-Allegations State Congress chief Kamal Nath accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of distributing money and liquor to voters on the eve of the elections. He claimed to have received several videos as evidence. Furthermore, Nath alleged that BJP workers created a ruckus in a police station located in the Indore-1 assembly constituency. Home Minister's Statement Earlier in the morning, state Home Minister Narottam Mishra made a controversial statement, suggesting that if any party other than the BJP won the election, there would be celebrations in Pakistan. His remarks drew criticism from various quarters. The high voter turnout in the Madhya Pradesh assembly elections reflects the active participation of citizens in the democratic process. Despite isolated incidents of violence, the polling process was largely peaceful. The results of the elections, which will determine the future of the state, are eagerly awaited. Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik Appoints 102 Assistant Professors in Medical Education Service Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday appointed 102 people as assistant professors in the Odisha Medical Education Service. They will join state-run medical colleges in various districts. India -Krishna Kripa Bhubaneswar, Nov 17: As many as 102 people were on Friday appointed as assistant professors in the Odisha Medical Education Service at a programme held here in presence of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.They will join state-run medical colleges in various districts. Patnaik's advice to new appointees You are in a profession that demands absolute commitment to the job. You need to create confidence among the patients and their relatives. Along with your professional skills, a human touch in your approach can do wonders, Patnaik told the newly appointed assistant professors. He said the state government was building new, modern health infrastructure for providing quality healthcare in public health facilities as it was working towards Sustha Odisha, Sukhi Odisha Healthy Odisha, Happy Odisha. Health infrastructure in Odisha Under the Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana BSKY, the government bears the entire cost of health services for all at state government hospitals. It is our responsibility to see that our patients get the best quality of care at our government medical college hospitals, he said. In the past 6 years, the state has set up eight medical colleges and two postgraduate medical institutes. Odisha moving towards self-sufficiency in healthcare Health and Family Welfare Minister Niranjan Pujari said the state is moving towards self-sufficiency in meeting the need for doctors and specialists. While Odisha was producing only 321 MBBS doctors and 254 specialists per year in 2000, now it gets 2,525 MBBS doctors and 856 specialists annually, he said. A Turkish delegation of eight MPs, chaired by former Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Fatih Donmez, took part in the 62nd meeting of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (PABSEC) in Kyiv. "At the PABSEC ceremonial meeting, we once again emphasized that our country presiding over the organization will continue efforts to ensure sustainable peace and compromise in the Black Sea region," the Turkish Embassy in Ukraine said in a statement on the X social network. At the meeting's opening, Head of the Turkish delegation Donmez read a statement from Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey Hakan Fidan, which emphasized that Turkey will continue its unwavering support for Ukraine, as well as make any diplomatic efforts for a sustainable peace based on the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, including Crimea. It is also noted that the restoration of the Black Sea Initiative is of strategic importance for regional stability and global food security. In his speech, the head of the Turkish delegation to the PABSEC said Turkey, aware of its regional role, is determined to continue its initiatives aimed at preventing the escalation of tension in the Black Sea. PM Modi Says Use Of AI For Creating 'Deep Fake' Problematic, Urges Media To Educate People India oi-Madhuri Adnal Prime Minister Narendra Modi warned of the deepfake videos that are circulating on social media and urged the media to take an active role in educating the public about this concerning technology. "The use of artificial intelligence to create deepfakes is a serious threat to our democracy," PM Modi said. "These videos can be used to spread misinformation and sow discord among our citizens." Modi urged the media to help people understand the dangers of deepfakes. "The media has a responsibility to inform the public about the risks of this technology," he said. Addressing journalists at BJP's Diwali Milan programme at the party's headquarters in Delhi, the Prime Minister cited a deepfake video of him doing Garba, which India Today fact checked, during the address. Calling the video "very real", he added that he has not "played Garba" since he was young. Recommended Video PM Modi Raises Alarm on Deepfakes, Stresses Responsible Tech Practices | Oneindia News Now, Viral Deepfake Video Shows Kajol Allegedly Changing Outfit On Camera Recently, a viral deepfake video featuring Rashmika Mandanna sparked widespread attention on social media. Following that, an AI tool was used to manipulate a scene from 'Tiger 3' involving Katrina Kaif and a towel. The surge of these deepfake videos is rapidly spreading, prompting numerous celebrities to denounce this trend. Subsequently, after Rashmika and Katrina, a deepfake video involving Kajol has surged across the internet, intensifying the situation. Deepfakes are videos that have been manipulated using artificial intelligence to make it appear as if someone is saying or doing something they never did. Some deepfakes are harmless, but others can be used to spread misinformation or damage someone's reputation. 27-Year-Old Man Arrested in Connection with Attack on Mother and Daughter in Delhis Alipur Area Set Back For Haryana Govt As HC Quashes Law Providing 75% Quota For Locals In Private Sector Jobs India oi-Prakash KL The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Friday held the 75 per cent quota for Haryana locals in the private sector unconstitutional. The bench of Justice Gs Sandhawalia and Justice Harpreet Kaur Jeewan said the "law (the Haryana State Employment of Local Candidates Act, 2020) is unconstitutional and violative of the part-III of the Constitution." In January 2022, the state government enacted a law reserving 75 per cent of private sector jobs for Haryana residents, with a salary cap of Rs 30,000. However, the legislation faced immediate challenges, with critics arguing that it would burden industries with compliance issues, grant excessive powers to the government, and impede Haryana's economic growth. Concerns were also raised about the shortage of skilled industrial labour in the predominantly agrarian state, where approximately 70 per cent of the population is engaged in agriculture, as per the state Agriculture Department's website. In response to petitions from industry bodies, the Punjab and Haryana High Court temporarily halted the law's implementation in February 2022. However, in the same month, the Supreme Court lifted the stay, with the condition that the state government refrain from coercive measures against private employers until the high court reached a final decision. Meanwhile, the High Court order is seen as a setback to the Manohar Lal Khattar-led government with the state going for polls in less than a year. The BJP government had aimed to woo the local communities with this law as the state is battling a high unemployment rate. According to a December 2022 report by the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE), released in January this year, Haryana exhibited the highest unemployment rate in India at 37.4 per cent, contrasting with the national rate of 8.3 per cent. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, November 17, 2023, 18:23 [IST] IAF airlifts critical equipment to aid Uttarakhand tunnel rescue operations The Indian Air Force has deployed a C-17 transport aircraft to airlift 22 tonnes of critical equipment from Indore to Dehradun to assist in the ongoing rescue operations at the Silkyara tunnel collapse site in Uttarakhand. India -Krishna Kripa Rescue operations are underway in Uttarakhand at the Silkyara tunnel site, where 40 laborers have been trapped for five days. A C-17 transport aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) has been deployed to airlift almost 22 tonnes of critical equipment from Indore to Dehradun. IAF's Assistance in Rescue Operations The IAF has continued with its operations to assist the ongoing tunnel rescue underway at Dharasu, Uttarakhand. An IAF C-17 has been deployed to airlift almost 22 tonnes of critical equipment from Indore to Dehradun. The IAF also shared images of the C-17 aircraft and a machine on-board in its post. Challenges Faced by the IAF Sources in the IAF shared some of the challenges that were faced by the force on November 15 when it was pressed into action to assist in rescue operations undergoing near Uttarkashi in the hill state. The rescue operations were halted due to the failure of an equipment which was earlier utilized to create a passage. The time-critical mission demanded a swift action to deliver the equipment as close as possible to the rescue location. IAF's Prompt Response The IAF took a prompt decision to launch its special operation platform C-130J -- Super Hercules -- to deliver the task. The success of the operation was a result of pinpoint execution. The expertise of the IAF aircrew flying C-130J was evident wherein the whole operation was executed within less than five hours. Challenges in Operating at Dharasu ALG In the five-hour operation, Dharasu ALG Advanced Landing Ground, located at Chinyalisaur, was identified as the nearest possible location for the expeditious operation. The ALG is located nearly 30 km from the rescue site. Dharasu ALG is a short and narrow airstrip of 3,600 ft situated at an elevation of 3,000 ft above mean sea level. The IAF utilized an integrated approach handshake with civil administration and the BRO Border Roads Organisation. Helicopter Reconnaissance and Operational Planning An IAF helicopter was launched prior to the final mission to ascertain the feasibility of operations. During an earlier feasibility trial, Dharasu ALG was made unfit for routine operations by a C-130J aircraft. Therefore, a fine professional call was required to operationalise the ALG for this operation keeping in mind the criticality of the mission. The helicopter operation was planned with a C-130J pilot on-board to assess obstructions and runway condition. Multiple approaches were flown by the helicopter to ensure that the most suitable call is taken before clearing the ALG for such critical operations. Quick Operationalisation of Dharasu ALG The entire mission hinged upon two critical aspects, viz., ALG fitness and success of operation. The ALG was cleared in a short period catering for the operation of a large platform. Initial operationalisation involved a quick vegetation clearance which could have been detrimental for the aircraft operations. The IAF undertook three missions and airlifted 27.5 tonnes of critical rescue equipment into this short airstrip. Challenges in Offloading Critical Material The mission was undertaken amid the challenges of reduced visibility conditions during departure, heavy-weight landing at a short and narrow airstrip, and offloading in a constricted space. The offloading of critical material at such remote places was itself a huge challenge for operations. Dharasu ALG did not have specialized equipment required for offloading from C130J aircraft. In one of the cargo offloading, a mud ramp was created locally to avoid delay in subsequent rescue operations. Calculated Approach and Risk Mitigation The flying operations needed a calculated approach and adequate risk mitigation to undertake this non-routine critical operation. Despite the challenges, the IAF successfully completed the mission, demonstrating the professionalism and dedication of its personnel. The rescue efforts in Uttarakhand are ongoing, and the IAF continues to play a crucial role in providing assistance. The force's ability to respond quickly and effectively to challenging situations is a testament to its commitment to serving the nation. Israel And Hamas Agree To Extend Truce For 2 More Days, And Free More Hostages And Prisoners India Welcomes Release Of Israeli Hostages By Hamas, Calls For Immediate Release Of Those Remaining Internet, Phone Networks Collapse In Gaza, Threatening To Worsen Humanitarian Crisis International oi-PTI Internet and telephone services collapsed across the Gaza Strip on Thursday for lack of fuel, the main Palestinian provider said, bringing a potentially long-term communications blackout even as Israel signalled its offensive against Hamas could next target the south of the territory, where most of the population has taken refuge. Meanwhile, Israeli troops for a second day searched Shifa Hospital in the north for traces of Hamas. They displayed guns they say were hidden in one building, but have yet to release any evidence of a central Hamas command centre that Israel has said is concealed beneath the complex. Hamas and staff at the hospital, Gaza's largest, deny the allegations. The military said it found the body of one of the hostages abducted by Hamas, 65-year-old Yehudit Weiss, in a building adjacent to Shifa, where it said it also found assault rifles and RPGs. It did not give the cause of her death. The communications breakdown largely cuts off Gaza's 2.3 million people from each other and the outside world, worsening the severe humanitarian crisis in southern Gaza, even as Israeli airstrikes continue there. Recommended Video Gaza's Mobile and Internet Networks Teetering Toward Collapse| OneIndia News UN Security Council To Vote On Resolution Calling For Humanitarian Pauses And Corridors In Gaza International pressure is growing on Israel to allow pauses in fighting to let in aid, with food, water and electricity increasingly scarce and UN officials saying relief efforts are endangered by fuel shortages. Most of Gaza's population of 2.3 million is crowded into southern Gaza, including hundreds of thousands who heeded Israel's calls to evacuate to the north to get out of the way of its ground offensive. If the assault moves into the south, it is not clear where they would go, as Egypt refuses to allow a mass transfer onto its soil. The war, now in its sixth week, was triggered by Hamas' October 7 attack into southern Israel in which the militants killed over 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and captured some 240 men, women and children. Weiss, the woman whose body was found Thursday, is the third hostage confirmed dead, while four others have been freed and one rescued. Israel responded to the attack with a weekslong air campaign and a ground invasion of northern Gaza, vowing to remove Hamas from power and crush its military capabilities. More than 11,470 Palestinians have been killed, two-thirds of them women and minors, according to Palestinian health authorities. Another 2,700 have been reported missing, believed buried under rubble. The official count does not differentiate between civilian and militant deaths, and Israel says it has killed thousands of militants. The war has inflamed tensions elsewhere. In the occupied West Bank, Palestinian gunmen opened fire at a checkpoint on the main road linking Jerusalem to Israeli settlements, killing a soldier and wounding three people. The three attackers were killed, according to police, who said the assailants had assault rifles, handguns and hatchets, and were preparing a large-scale attack in Jerusalem. Hamas claimed responsibility for the attack. SOME GUNS, BUT SO FAR NO TUNNELS A day after storming into Shifa, Gaza's largest hospital, Israeli troops continued searching the complex. Gaza's Health Ministry said the troops searched underground levels of the hospital Thursday and detained technicians who run its equipment. The hospital has not had electricity for nearly a week, and staff say they have been struggling to keep alive 36 premature babies and 45 dialysis patients with equipment not functioning. Shifa's director, Mohamed Abu Selmia, told Al-Jazeera that a dialysis patient died Thursday, adding that 650 wounded patients and 5,000 displaced people are in the hospital amid the raid. Kashmir Is Not Gaza: Ex-JNU Student Shehla Rashid Hails PM Modi, Shah For Peace In J&K Israel said its soldiers brought medical teams with incubators and other supplies, though Shifa staff said incubators were useless without fuel. Gaza's Health Ministry said 40 patients, including three babies, died before the raid after the emergency generator ran out of fuel Saturday. During previous days of fighting in the nearby streets, there was no report of Hamas fighters firing from inside Shifa, and no fighting when Israeli troops entered Wednesday. Israel faces pressure to prove its claim that Hamas set up its main command centre in and under the hospital, which has multiple buildings over an area of several city blocks. So far, it has shown only a small number of weapons it says were uncovered in an MRI lab. The military released video from inside Shifa showing three duffel bags, each containing an assault rifle, grenades and Hamas uniforms, as well as a closet containing a number of assault rifles without ammunition clips. The Associated Press could not independently verify the Israeli claims. In recent weeks, Israel depicted the hospital as the site of a major Hamas headquarters. It released satellite maps that specified particular buildings as a command center or as housing underground complexes. It released a computer animation portraying a subterranean network of passageways and rooms filled with weapons and fuel barrels. The US said it has intelligence to support Israeli claims. The allegations are part of Israel's broader accusation that Hamas uses Palestinians as human shields across the Gaza Strip - which it says is the reason for the large numbers of civilian casualties during weeks of bombardment. LOOKING SOUTH The military says it has largely consolidated its control of the north, though fighting continues there. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said Wednesday the ground operation will eventually "include both the north and south. We will strike Hamas wherever it is." He did not give a timeframe. Israeli forces dropped leaflets Thursday telling Palestinians in areas east of the southern town of Khan Younis to evacuate. Similar leaflets were dropped over northern Gaza for weeks ahead of the ground invasion. Strikes continued in the south Thursday. In the city of Deir al-Balah, a funeral was held for 28 people killed in an overnight bomb that leveled several buildings. A southern offensive would bring Israeli forces into a zone packed with the vast majority of Gaza's population. They include some 1.5 million people displaced from their homes, living in overcrowded UN shelters or with other families. In past weeks, the Israeli military has called on people to move to a "safe zone" in Mawasi, a town on the Mediterranean coast a few square kilometres (square miles) in size, where humanitarian aid could be delivered. White House Says It Has Intelligence That Hamas And Other Militants Shelter In Gaza Hospitals The heads of 18 UN agencies and international charities on Thursday rejected the creation of a safe zone and said they would not participate. In a joint letter, the groups said that concentrating civilians in a zone while hostilities continue was too dangerous. They called for a cease-fire and unimpeded entry of humanitarian aid and fuel for Gaza's population. The groups included the UN humanitarian chief, the children's agency UNICEF, the World Food Programme and the World Health Organisation. Palnet, the main Palestinian telecoms provider, said the network in Gaza ground to a halt Thursday after running out of fuel. Palnet's general manager, Abdulmajeed Melhem, said the company has made international appeals for fuel, but the network can only be restored if Israel lets supplies in. That raises the potential for a long-term communications blackout. Gaza authorities have been able to get the system working after three previous shutdowns. The previous blackouts traumatized Palestinians, leaving them unable to call ambulances after strikes hit homes or reach family members to ensure they are alive. Aid workers say the shutdowns wreak havoc on humanitarian operations and hospitals. Some Palestinians manage to keep up communications using satellite phones or SIM cards that reach Israeli or Egyptian networks. The cutoff also makes it harder for international media to cover events on the ground. Israel has refused to allow fuel into Gaza, saying it will be diverted to Hamas. It let in a small amount Wednesday so the UN agency for Palestinian refugees could continue bringing limited aid from neighbouring Egypt. But the fuel cannot be used for other purposes, including for hospitals. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, November 17, 2023, 9:22 [IST] Andry Rajoelina Set for Landslide Win in Madagascar Election Preliminary results show incumbent President Andry Rajoelina with a commanding lead in Madagascars election, despite a boycott by the majority of candidates and low voter turnout. International -Sathish Raman Antananarivo, Nov 17 AP: Madagascar's incumbent President Andry Rajoelina is poised for a landslide re-election, according to preliminary results released by the country's elections management body, Ceni. With nearly 9% of polling stations counted as of Friday midday, Rajoelina has secured 71.26% of the votes cast on Thursday. His nearest rival, Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko, trails far behind with 10.67% of the votes. Former president Marc Ravalomanana, who was among the 10 candidates who boycotted the election, is in third place with just under 10.08% of the vote. Low Voter Turnout The election was marked by a low voter turnout, with just under 40% of Madagascar's 11 million voters casting their ballots. Civil society organisations and a group of the country's main churches had called for a postponement of the election, citing concerns about the legitimacy and fairness of the process. The opposition has already rejected the results, stating that the majority of Malagasy people expressed themselves by staying at home. High Constitutional Court to Proclaim Official Results The elections body is expected to proclaim the "provisional consolidated results" for the entire country between November 24 and November 25. It will then be up to the country's High Constitutional Court to proclaim the official results of the election at the beginning of December. A runoff has been scheduled for December 20 if none of the candidates get more than 50% of the vote. Economic Challenges Madagascar, a country with a population of 30 million, faces significant economic challenges. The majority of its population lives in poverty, and the economy is heavily dependent on agriculture and tourism. The country relies heavily on foreign aid, and the outcome of the election will have implications for its future economic policies. Andry Rajoelina is poised for a landslide re-election in Madagascar, despite the boycott by the majority of candidates and a low voter turnout. The official results are expected to be released in the coming weeks, and the new president will face the daunting task of addressing the country's pressing economic challenges. Is Madhuri Dixit Contesting Lok Sabha Elections 2024 From North West Mumbai? Mumbai oi-Madhuri Adnal Madhuri Dixit, the renowned Bollywood actress, has been the subject of rumors about her potential entry into politics. However, she has denied these claims and stated that she has no intention of contesting elections under any political party. Despite her prior denials, discussions have resurfaced regarding her potential candidacy with the BJP. Speculation about her possible entry into the political arena intensified during Union Home Minister Amit Shah's visit to Mumbai for Ganesh Utsav. Talks about Lok Sabha elections took place at Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis's official residence, and the prospect of Dixit contesting from Mumbai for the BJP gained attention. However, a senior party leader clarified that these discussions hold no official status within the party. During the previous Lok Sabha elections, rumors circulated about Dixit contesting from Pune, which were quickly dismissed by her spokesperson. However, speculations reignited when BJP's national president, Amit Shah, met Dixit as part of the 'Support for Contact' campaign. If Lord Krishna Blesses Me, I Will Contest Lok Sabha Elections: Kangana Ranaut In an interview with ANI, Dixit addressed the swirling political rumors, asserting, "I'm aware of the discussions regarding my potential entry into politics. However, these are merely rumors. I have no intention of contesting elections under any political party. Please refrain from spreading baseless speculations," urging against the propagation of such unfounded claims. It remains to be seen whether Dixit will ultimately enter the political fray. However, her fans and admirers would undoubtedly be supportive of her if she decides to do so. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, November 17, 2023, 13:23 [IST] Gruha Lakshmi Scheme: Goddess Chamundeshwari To Get Rs 2k Monthly Like Other K'taka Women Mysore oi-PTI The presiding deity of Mysuru Goddess Chamundeshwari will be among the beneficiaries of the Karnataka government's 'Gruha Lakshmi' scheme, offering Rs 2,000 to the woman head of the families holding an APL/BPL card. Congress MLC and party's state media cell vice-president Dinesh Gooligowda on Friday said he had written to Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar requesting that Rs 2,000 be paid to the Goddess every month under the scheme. He said Shivakumar, also Karnataka Congress chief, agreed to the proposal and instructed the Women and Child Welfare Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar to deposit the amount to the Chamundeshwari temple account every month. "The Deputy Chief Minister immediately responded to my letter requested and instructed Laxmi Hebbalkar to deposit Rs 2,000 to Devi every month from her department or personally," Gooligowda said in a press release. Diwali Gift: Over 10 Lakh Women To Receive Money As Min Assures Swift Payment For Gruha Lakshmi Beneficiaries The Karnataka government launched the Gruha Lakshmi scheme on August 30 from the palace city of Mysuru by depositing the first instalment to Goddess Chamundeshwari temple. Dedicating it to the Goddess, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar had prayed for the success of the scheme which is aimed at empowering women from economically weaker sections. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, November 17, 2023, 11:53 [IST] Genius 15 Jun 2023 Sampa The Great stopped by the Genius studio to perform her hit Let Me Be Great, which has been streamed over 2 million times.. David Anderson has drawn a line on ABCs coverage of the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, asserting it isnt the role of the public broadcaster to accuse either side of alleged crimes. Ukrainian venture fund Roosh Ventures has invested in GlassFlow. GlassFlow is a German startup that is developing a data management platform. With other investors including High-Tech Grunderfonds, Robin Capital, TinyVC, angel investors Thomas Domke (CEO of GitHub), and Heikki Nousiainen (co-founder of the open-source data platform Aiven), the startup raised $1.1 million in the pre-seed round. The new investment was announced on Facebook by Serhiy Tokarev, an IT entrepreneur, investor, and co-founder of the technology company ROOSH, which includes Roosh Ventures in its ecosystem,. "The startup's idea itself is complex but promising because the current market for stream data analytics exceeds $15 billion, and by 2026, this figure is expected to surpass $50 billion. We anticipate that GlassFlow will soon become a key player in this market," shared Serhiy Tokarev. GlassFlow was founded in 2023 in Berlin by Armend Avdijaj and Ashish Bagri, who have over 10 years of experience in real-time data processing. The startup develops solutions that allow Python engineers to easily create and modify pipelines, and sequential stages of data processing. The GlassFlow team maintains constant communication with IT professionals, considering their feedback to improve the platform. As Roosh Ventures notes, the data streaming market is rapidly evolving today. Big Data, the Internet of Things, and AI generate continuous streams of data but companies currently lack the infrastructure development experience to leverage this effectively. Building and managing pipelines require significant efforts in engineering and data analysis, hindering the quick adaptation of programs to engineers' needs. Currently, developers use complex systems that require substantial time for maintenance. GlassFlow addresses this issue by consolidating sophisticated tools into a single user-friendly platform. "Our vision is a world where data processing engineers, regardless of their experience and education, can easily harness the capabilities of data streaming to drive innovation and growth. By simplifying data infrastructure and fostering the development of an ecosystem based on real data, GlassFlow aims to be a catalyst for this transformation," emphasized Armend Avdijaj, CEO of GlassFlow. Roosh Ventures is a Ukrainian venture capital fund that invests in startups at various stages, from pre-seed to Series A, across various industries. Over the last three years, the fund has been most active in the AI, fintech, gaming, and health tech sectors. Roosh Ventures co-invests in promising tech companies with renowned global funds and focuses on the EU and US markets. The fund has already invested in well-known startups like Deel, TheGuarantors, Oura, Pipe, Alma, Playco, Dapper Labs, Alter, and more than 35 other companies. In September 2023, Roosh Ventures invested in Rollstack, a startup that developed an innovative solution that automatically creates and updates presentations, financial reports, business overviews, and other documents. The fund is part of the Roosh technology ecosystem, providing portfolio companies with support in integrating and implementing AI/ML technologies, talent recruitment, and business development. Germany is Turkey's most important trading partner and top foreign investor. As Turkish President Erdogan visits Berlin for talks with German Chancellor Scholz, we take a look at the economic ties between both nations. If Russia can freeze the conflict in Ukraine its forces could be ready to attack Europe in as little as six years, a new study has warned. Journalist Hazem Balousha has been reporting from the Gaza Strip since 2012. He was able to escape after nearly a month of struggling with displacement and shortages of water, food and electricity. Rumble 17 Nov 2023 The IDF explores Hamas tunnel network under Shifa Hospital and finds the body of another hostage. Hundreds of thousands march for.. After Russia's invasion, most Ukrainian men were banned from leaving, but many are escaping abroad. It is two years since I was last in the West Bank, and today it is a different place. NPR's Ailsa Chang talks with democratic Senator Ben Cardin, Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, about the absence of military aid to Ukraine in Congress's bill averting a government shutdown. 2008-2023 One News Page Ltd. All rights reserved. One News is a registered trademark of One News Page Ltd. The repeating Israeli airstrikes on the Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza are beyond my own comprehension. For at least 10 of the last 40 days, missiles have rained down on the most densely populated refugee camp in all of Gaza. And it is not just the days; it is also the nights. The bombing is done in the dark, when the power... Iranian and Kazakh diplomats held a new round of political consultations between the two Asian states after a four-year hiatus. In the meeting held in Tehran, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Ali Baqeri and his Kazakh counterpart Alibek Bakayev talked about ways to expand relations between Iran and Kazakhstan and discussed a... BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 17. Azerbaijani Parliament Chairperson (Speaker) Sahiba Gafarova has taken part in a meeting of the CIS Inter-Parliamentary Assembly Council in Bishkek, Trend reports. The meeting discussed a number of organizational and agenda issues. The event awarded Gafarova, her Kyrgyz counterpart Nurlanbek Shakiev, Chairman of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of Belarus Natalya Kochanova, as well as several MPs from the CIS PA (Parliamentary Assembly) member countries. A parliamentary delegation led by Gafarova arrived in Bishkek on a working visit on November 15 with a view to joining the scheduled events of the CIS Inter-Parliamentary Assembly. During the visit, she already met with the Chairwoman of the Federation Council of Russia, Valentina Matviyenko. Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel A joint Arab-Islamic summit held in Saudi Arabia's capital Riyadh on November 11, rejected Israeli claims that the war in Gaza was in "self-defense." The participating members instead held Israel responsible for the "continuation and aggravation of the conflict" and "warned of the disastrous repercussions" for the state's "war... Like many before him, Quinton de Kock wrestled for over a decade to bury South Africas CWC curse and came up short, writes Rob Houwing. South Africa's crime statistics for the second quarter of the year have been released, and they show that 6 945 people were murdered in just three months. Former chairperson of the IEC and Constitutional Court judge, Justice Johann Kriegler, says he has faith in the ANC's leadership that it will respect an election result which might not favour the party. Hundreds of mourners gathered at a funeral service for Canadian Israeli peace activist Vivian Silver. She was declared dead this week after her remains were found at her home in Israel. The UN human rights chief urged Israel to let his team inside the Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City for an independent probe after the IDF released video of a Hamas' alleged operational tunnel shaft. The UN, formed in 1945 after the League of Nations faltered post-World War II, aimed to secure global peace and act against threats. Despite this, repeated failures stain its history. The ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict showcases the UNs inability to address atrocities, marked by Israels occupation termed by a UN... The State Department and the Yale School of Public Health's Humanitarian Research Lab release new information about Belarus's "complicity in and support for" Russia's abduction of Ukrainian children. The airwaves are filled with seemingly rational conversations now, explaining why genocide is the only option, it will solve the problem, and everything will go back to normal after Hamas is "rooted out" in just a few more days. This is of course purest nonsense. Flooding the media with lies may be cost-effective for the war industry that now seems to run foreign policy in addition to the major dailies. Anyone who gives the matter a moment's clear thought understands that it is irrelevant and distracting, as designed, but the constrast is telling. Nothing can ever justify so much murder. Immediate ceasefire is imperative now. Here is a report that I, at least, find entirlely credible: Over the last 40 days, Israel has killed over 11,450 Palestinians with murderous airstrikes. With the mass bombings of residential areas and the intentional targeting of hospitals and clinics, the US-backed Israeli military has killed over 4,700 children. It is estimated that some 3,640 people are trapped under the rubble. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reports that as many as 1,770 are children. Read that again: nearly 1,800 children are buried under broken concrete and twisted rebar. Many Palestinians are being forced, by gunpoint, to leave behind their homes in northern Gaza and march down the road en masse as Israel executes its next face of ethnic genocide and forced population transport. Those walking have reported watching stray dogs eat the bodies of dead Palestinians trapped in these remains. While thousands are staying behind in northern Gaza, their parents, brothers, and sisters if still alive would have to face the Israeli military and the prospect of being gunned down as they looked at these children. Even if they could reach the mounds of rubble left behind after an air strike, they would have to dig through the carnage with their bare hands because there isn't electricity for power tools or the fuel to run the equipment. There are some 1.6 million Gazans displaced with no place to go. As of November 6th, the Ministry of Public Works and Housing has reported that Israel's bombing campaign has destroyed over 10,000 buildings, including more than 41,000 housing units. An additional 222,000 housing units have suffered partial damage. Israel has ruined 45% of Gaza's housing. These numbers are on the rise with each passing moment. Those with injuries and health issues have very few options, as Israel has also laid waste to the health sector: they have attacked 135 health facilities, putting out of commission some 25 hospitals and 52 healthcare centers. They have destroyed nearly 60 ambulances - almost two a day. The Israeli war machine has also destroyed 77 churches and mosques. The Palestinians who manage to make it to a hospital are lucky. But even if they do, the remaining hospitals are also operating under an Israeli military siege. They also don't have fuel. Medical supplies are exhausted despite what US and Israeli propaganda would lead you to believe. They are under constant bombardments, and Israeli snipers have been shooting workers through the windows. Doctors and nurses are exhausted physically and emotionally beyond comprehension. This comes from the Good Shepher Collective: "GSC is an anti-Zionist, anti-colonial organization. We work alongside our partners on the ground to openly discuss and address the violent and unjust structures operating in Palestine and provide educational resources and action items to bring us closer to justice. GSC understands oppression to be rooted in the systems and laws that guide civil formation and order. As such, we reject the binary discourse of "Israelis vs. Palestinians" and instead focus our energy on addressing settler-colonialism and other forms of violence by targeting the structures that facilitate these regimes. GSC advocates for structural change, directing our collective energy at policies and laws that underpin these structures through grassroots campaigns. In this way, advocacy campaigns reflect the immediate needs of Palestinians on the the ground while linking grassroots in a transnational call for the rights of all people, building broad coalitions across movements." This is not a war, it a humanitarian debacle in what was once Palestine, in which Israel is being given a free hand to carry out inhuman retribution against an enclosed and defenseless occupied people with no concern for human rights or even humanitarian aid. Context Let's look at some context. After WWII, Western Europe decided to soothe its conscience about the centuries-long mistreatment of the Jews that eventually led to the Nazi attempt at a final solution to the "Jewish problem" with its attempt at genocide and ethnic cleansing that devolved into the Holocaust of death squads and concentration camps and finally the ovens. Even after that, neither the US nor any European nations really wanted to accept the Jewish refugees, so they supported a fictional Zionist narrative that God him/herself was telling the Jews and the world that they had a right, perhaps a religious obligation, to make a homeland for the Jews in Palestine. It was a fiction that the US and western Europe gladly accepted as an answer to their prayers of who should take the Jews after the Holocaust, since they were not being welcomed with open arms by any other nation. So those nations supported that fictional narrative, seeing the Middle East as an area to be manipulated by the West for its own ends. After all, the Arabs were a backward race and were not even Christian. This would probably help them to become modern and enlightened, i.e., Christian. Besides that, there was oil in the Middle East, which was clearly important for not only the growing industrialization of the West but also absolutely necessary for armies. So having a friendly colony in the Middle East would be of great benefit. The result was that a Jewish state began to emerge with a wink and a nudge from the West that allowed for Jewish terrorism to kill and displace huge chunks of the indigenous Palestinian population in order to claim the land as a new Israel. The US quickly acknowledge the new state in 1948, and the West was quickly in support of the new state with all the support that went with that recognition. The Jews had their homeland, the West had solved its "Jewish problem" and also had established a beachhead in the Middle East with all that that implied. Eventually Israel became by far the best equipped military in the region, even given the nuclear weapons, while not allowing any other power in the region to have such technology. So, Israel now possessed the trump card. Palestinians and Resistance Meanwhile the Palestinians were herded into refugee camps in certain areas of what had been Palestine or pushed into neighboring Arab states. There were wars to consolidate Israeli power and claim more Palestinian land. The Israelis won since they had access to the best of the Western war technology. Within Israel, Palestinians became second-class citizens with many restrictions. In Gaza they became an occupied people, and in the West Bank they were also restricted as they watched helplessly as their land was claimed by new generations of Jewish settlers. And as with the indigenous people world-wide, the world did not seem to care. So, it became clear that only their own resistance fighters could keep them from total domination by the occupier. No one seems willing to connect the Palestinian resistance to the French resistance to the Nazi occupation in Vichy France. And, if the Nazis had won the war, that resistance movement would have been ruthlessly ferreted out and executed, just as Israel is doing with Hamas. But not even the Nazis would have begun to systematically wipe out all the French in retaliation for the successes of the resistance. We, in the West, now see the French Resistance fighters as noble and heroic yet we are told to have no sympathy for those Palestinians who are tired of being homeless and stateless. Voices of Indigenous People But the problem with indigenous peoples is that they are almost always different from the Western norms of race, ethnicity, religion or culture. They seem to stand in the way of "progress" and expansion, sometimes of expansion of some kind of empire, nearly always connected with economics and control. So now, fighting a Jewish- and Israeli-media dominance, the Palestinians find themselves without a voice in the Western world. In fact, support for the plight of the Palestinians in the Western world is ironically labelled as antisemitic as though all Jewish or Israeli national policies are above reproach. In fact, the US keeps the UN Security Council from action by vetoing any attempts to sanction Israel or to help the Palestinians. (I might also mention in a "I'll scratch your back if you will scratch mine" kind of conspiracy, it is only the US and Israel that are preventing the UN from supporting an end to the embargo of Cuba.). Universal Declaration of Human Rights It is also notable that it has been 75 years since, in 1948, the UN accepted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and that was also the year that apartheid began in South Africa and the Jewish population began its pogrom against the Palestinians. Apartheid was forced to end under the scrutiny of world opinion, but Israel has been allowed to continue its slow process of ethnic cleansing under the protection of the US, which has continued to run interference for Israel even in the UN. That process is now being finished in full view of the world while the US continues to fund and send the weapons of mass destruction to Israel, allowing no interference to slow Israel down. In fact, the US is in the area to prevent any other Arab states from interfering in the destruction of the Palestinians. We are using our economic and military clout to bludgeon others into support for the Israeli actions. Despite how blatant the human rights abuses are and the clear need for humanitarian aid for those trapped in Gaza, the leadership in the US will do nothing to thwart the Israeli intentions. The only solution being allowed by our leadership now is to support moving the remaining Palestinians out of Gaza while allowing the killing to continue and to allow the terrorism in the West Bank to continue until Israel controls all of that area too. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 17. The Turkish Foreign Ministry has shared a congratulatory post on the occasion of the National Revival Day of Azerbaijan, Trend reports. "Our Azerbaijani brothers, who defended their independence 35 years ago, have liberated their occupied lands in the same spirit. The flag raised in Baku on that day is now waving across the Azerbaijani sky. Congratulations to Azerbaijan on National Revival Day!" the ministry wrote on its page on X (Twitter). Today, Azerbaijan marks National Revival Day. Armenia began open warfare against Azerbaijan in the early days of 1988. Seeing Moscow's and, in particular, the USSR's leader, Mikhail Gorbachev's, indifference to these events, Armenians began widespread expulsion of Azerbaijanis from their native regions in Armenia on the orders of the Armenian government. More than 200,000 Azerbaijanis were deported from Armenia and murdered by Armenians. The Armenian vandalism received no response from Gorbachev or the rest of the USSR leadership. In early February 1988, Armenians carried out revolts in Azerbaijan's Karabakh area, even raising the prospect of annexing those lands to Armenia. The people of Azerbaijan protested to the government. Slogans, photographs, and banners carried by Azerbaijani civilians demonstrated their faith to Moscow and local authorities at the time. But, after receiving no real response from Moscow or the then-government, people from all around the republic traveled to Baku and assembled on Azadlig Square (Lenin Square at the time), conducted meetings, and clearly showed their displeasure. in November 17, 1988, Azerbaijani citizens began an indefinite rally in Azadlig Square against the USSR's anti-Azerbaijani policy. It was a true national liberation movement. The Soviet soldiers dispersed the nationwide gathering in early December. These events are recognized in Azerbaijan as the beginning of the national liberation movement and the primary element in achieving independence. November 17 has been marked as the Day of National Revival since 1992. Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Rashida Tlaib, the only Palestinian American serving in Congress, reports that the powerful lobbying group, AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee) is planning to spend more than $100 million in an attempt to unseat her for speaking up for a ceasefire, as well as trying to unseat and other Squad members in 2024. Tlaib notes, "A new Reuters poll found that nearly 70% of Americans want a ceasefire. However, only 6% of us in Congress have called for a ceasefire. Now AIPAC is set on ousting those of us who represent the vast majority of Americans further subverting our democracy. Remember: AIPAC endorsed over 100 insurrectionist Republicans who tried to overturn 2020's presidential election. Now AIPAC is set on ousting those of us who represent the vast majority of Americans further subverting our democracy. Remember: AIPAC endorsed over 100 insurrectionist Republicans who tried to overturn 2020's presidential election. Funded largely by pro-Trump Republicans, AIPAC and its affiliated PACs spent over $40 million in last year's elections to defeat progressive Democrats. That included more than $1 million to flood my district with misinformation and attack ads against me, in an attempt to mislead voters. AIPAC's tactics are an affront to democracy. We cannot let them undermine the will of the people, and we cannot let them silence our urgent call for a ceasefire. ... Together, we will keep building the movement for Palestinians to live freely alongside Israelis, with human dignity and equal rights. Together, we will continue to advocate against oppression everywhere. Duluth, Minnesota (OpEdNews) November 17, 2023: In my 600th OEN article, "Thomas J. Farrell on Walter J. Ong, S.J.," I briefly profiled my favorite scholar, the American Jesuit Renaissance specialist and cultural historian and pioneering media ecology theorist Walter J. Ong (1912-2003; Ph.D. in English, Harvard University, 1955): Click Here As a follow up, I now propose to briefly profile myself as an author. I was born in my father's hometown, Ossining, New York (where Sing-Sing Prison is located). But I grew up mostly in my mother's hometown, Kansas City, Kansas. When I was born in a hospital overlooking the Hudson River, my father, James Farrell (1916-2007), was in the U.S. Army, and he was stationed in England - as part of the troop buildup for the Normandy D-Day Invasion in World War II. After he returned from the war, he and my mother, Theadotta Farrell (1918-1983), had another child in 1947, my sister Margaret (who is now widowed and lives in Manhattan, Kansas). But my father's prospects for employment in Ossining and the surrounding area were not bright. So he and my mother relocated our small family in my mother's hometown - which is where they had met one another years earlier. Several years later, they had another child in 1953, my sister Kathleen (who now lives with her husband in Cumberland, Maryland). My father was employed as a deliveryman for the Kansas City News Company, a magazine distribution company in Kansas City, Missouri. In addition to his five-day-a-week job as a deliveryman for a straight salary, my father eventually also took on an extra Saturday job delivering comics and some monthly magazines to grocery and confectionary stores that were not big enough to receive regular weekly deliveries. For his Saturday work, he was paid on a commission basis. When I was sixteen, my father, who had taught me how to drive, had a heart attack. As he recuperated, he was unable to work. However, he arranged for my mother to pick up a supply of comics and magazines from the Kansas City News Company each week, and on Saturdays, I would drive our family car to the various places where my father routinely delivered comics and magazines on his Saturday delivery job. I tended to be a responsible and conscientious worker as I carried out that Saturday delivery job - for which my father paid me twenty dollars a week. In any event, after my father recuperated from his heart attack, the managers of the Kansas City News Company forced him to give up his five-day-a-week job, for which he had been paid a straight salary, and to set out to be an independent sub-contractor who would service accounts that were too small for the company to service weekly. The managers claimed that this new arrangement would allow the company to avoid having its premiums for health coverage for its employees increased. At the time, my father deeply resented being forced out of his regular five-day-a-week job. He would have to provide his own transportation and pay for his own health insurance. However, over time, he came to change his mind about the new arrangement - and said that it was the best thing that had happened to him. Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). The suspect in a Tuesday night shooting incident at Portland International Airport told police she intentionally fired her gun in order to not go kill her family, court records show. Laura Patterson, 47, was arrested by Port of Portland police after allegedly shooting a gun into the air near the security checkpoint for concourses D and E. She likely faces a dozen criminal charges, including four alleging attempted murder. Court records released Thursday indicate Patterson drove from her home in Kennewick, Washington, to PDX to shoot her gun but not to hurt anybody. Patterson stated that when she arrived at the checkpoint she unzipped her purse, took out the gun and shot it, she told a detective, according to court records provided by the Multnomah County District Attorneys Office. Patterson advised she came to the airport because she needed to do something because she wanted to kill her family members. Around 11:11 p.m., Port of Portland police responded to a reported shooting near the security checkpoint on the north side of the airport. A woman had fired shots with a handgun, and an airport employee and a construction worker were talking to her, dispatchers told police. No one was injured in the shooting. Someone shot a gun into the air inside Portland International Airport around 11 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 14, officials said. The incident happened outside a restroom near the security checkpoint for concourses D and E, a Port of Portland spokesperson said.Port of Portland When police arrived at the scene, airport operations supervisor Allison Tomasko pointed out Patterson and told officers the gun was around the corner. Two of the officers arrested Patterson, who prosecutors wrote presented as incongruously calm. Patterson told one of the officers that she had pulled the trigger. I wanted to, she said, when the officer asked her why. Police also talked to a witness who said he heard two bangs and then saw a woman put a gun down on the floor and say something along the lines of, Is anyone going to do anything? A man who was in the bathroom near the checkpoint at the time has said the woman told him the gun went off after she dropped it. Cause Im crazy, I guess, the woman told Patrick Leonard, 58, when he asked her why shed dropped the gun. Talking to a detective later while in custody, Patterson allegedly said she had loaded her gun and brought it to the airport on purpose. She felt she needed to do something because of her desire to kill family members who live in Texas. The airport maintenance department told prosecutors it would cost more than $10,000 to fix the damage to the ceiling caused by the gunshots, records show. Do you have a tip? Get in touch. Fedor Zarkhin Office: 503-294-7674; Cell: 971-373-2905; fzarkhin@oregonian.com Police identified the man shot to death in Southeast Portland Wednesday morning as 25-year-old Justin Sartin. Officers arrived at Bar 122nd, near Southeast 122nd Avenue and Clinton Street, at about 1:45 a.m. Wednesday to find Sartin severely wounded, according to the Portland Police Bureau. He was taken to a nearby hospital, where he died. The cause of death was homicide by gunshot wound, the medical examiner found, police said. Christie Smith, 66, was in the bar when the shooting occurred. She said she went to the popular local hangout around 1:30 a.m. Wednesday, taking a seat at one of the video poker machines near the wall opposite the bar entrance. Smith was playing video poker when she heard a loud boom and turned to see smoke rising from behind her. She then heard another boom and saw more smoke. At first she thought someone had set off firecrackers, but then she noticed people in the restaurant ducking or running. The shooting appeared to have occurred near where a small group of young men and women had been gathered, laughing and drinking, when she had entered the bar. She didnt see the man who was shot because he was obscured by a pool table, she said. They shouldnt get away with doing this, Smith recalled a woman saying. Smith said she had to leave her car in the parking lot overnight because it was blocked in by police tape and an officer told her she couldnt drive away. Her boyfriend got a ride to the bar the next morning to retrieve the car for her. Police have not made any arrests in the case, and an investigation is ongoing. The bureau asks anyone who might have information about the shooting to contact Detective Sean Macomber at Sean.Macomber@police.portlandoregon.gov or 503-823-0404, or Detective Rico Beniga at Rico.Beniga@police.portlandoregon.gov or 503-823-0457. Fedor Zarkhin Office: 503-294-7674; Cell: 971-373-2905; fzarkhin@oregonian.com No school November inches closer to reality in Portland. On Thursday, Portland Public Schools leaders announced that the teacher strike that started Nov. 1 would again cancel classes on Friday the 11th day of lost instructional time for 43,000 students. And because Monday and Tuesday were scheduled as days for family-teacher conferences with no school for children and Wednesday, Thursday and Friday were set aside for the Thanksgiving holiday, the first possible day that students might return to buildings is Monday, Nov. 27. On Thursday evening, a spokesperson for the Portland Association of Teachers released a statement questioning the districts decision to announce the closures. Without conferring with the Portland Association of Teachers bargaining team, and in the middle of an otherwise productive bargaining day, PPS district managers made the unilateral decision to keep schools closed through November 27th, wrote spokesperson Samantha Winslow. Its unfortunate the district made this decision. Even though Monday and Tuesday are parent teacher conference days, these count as instructional days. Portland educators plan to continue bargaining and are hopeful that a fair settlement can be reached that would get students back to school and allow the first half of next week to be used as planning days or even possibly for student instruction. Will Howell, a spokesperson for the school district, countered that its too late to switch Monday and Tuesday to school days, so parents of young children will continue to juggle work with child care duties. Any broad economic impact is likely to prove fleeting, economists told business reporters with The Oregonian/OregonLive, so long as the strike doesnt drag on. Even if workers are temporarily less productive because of distraction or absence, and economic activity might be delayed, its likely to catch up when the strike ends, they reported. Meanwhile, 3,500 striking Portland Public Schools teachers will lose their district-provided health insurance for December because they have now worked fewer than half of their contracted days this month, reporter Sami Edge writes. The Oregon Education Association, which wields huge power in the state, has said it will pick up the $5.1 million tab to cover teachers health insurance in December by paying for them to enroll in COBRA, the federal program that allows workers to remain on their employers health care plan for up to 18 months after leaving a job, Edge noted for The Oregonian/OregonLive. Glimmers of hope for a settlement emerged Thursday, when the teachers union withdrew its pricey proposal for capping class sizes. Instead the union is seeking bigger individual payments to teachers when their class sizes exceed certain thresholds, reporter Julia Silverman writes. Beth Slovic; bslovic@oregonian.com; 503-221-8551 Our journalism needs your support. Please become a subscriber today at OregonLive.com/subscribe No matter whats on your gift-giving list, most likely theres a local source for it and pop-up markets make it easy to find them. Added bonus: You can buy directly from small businesses and meet Pacific Northwest creators of handcrafted goods. Your purchase contributes to the multi-layered community of quirky artists who make Portland extra special, said Frank Barnett of the Makers Fair Holiday Market with 140 vendors selling home decor to fashion now through Dec. 23 adjacent to Southeast Portlands Rejuvenation showroom. Other pop-up stores spotlight one-of-a-kind items. Jewelry made of natural materials and art promoting environmental sustainability are for sale at Portland Audubons Wild Arts Festival fundraiser Nov. 18-19 at Portland State Universitys Viking Pavilion. Indigenous artists and entrepreneurs will showcase their storytelling work Dec. 6-8 at Southeast Portlands Center for Native Arts and Cultures. And Sustainable Northwest Wood lumberyard and warehouse at 2701 S.E. 14th Ave. in Portland is hosting its annual holiday Makers Market on Dec. 1 with sellers that include Wood Grain Crafts, which makes beer tap handles to Lego figurine wall display cases, to Jennifer L Forans paintings on wood with burned details to create texture and depth. Well have local artisans plus beverages from The Beer Mongers, Hip Chicks Do Wine, The Coffee Equation and sweet treats from Le Petit Cafe, said Lynn Morgan of Sustainable Northwest Wood. Reserve free passes at snwwood.com. Barnett, who co-founded Assemblage, a makers collective that holds pop-up markets throughout the year, encourages everyone to buy locally made goods and visit seasonal growers and crafters markets. No matter how big or small the item, even the smallest purchase improves our viability to support each other for the foreseeable future, he said. Here is more information about a few Portland holiday markets, makers and ways to contact them: Makers Fair Holiday Market at Rejuvenation 11 1 / 11 Makers Fair Holiday Market at Rejuvenation Assemblage, a makers collective launched in 2020 to help small businesses after craft markets closed during the pandemic, is co-hosting the Makers Fair Holiday Market with Rejuvenation, the light fixtures and hardware company founded almost a half century ago in Portland. Artists and craftspeople will display their works daily through Dec. 23 inside a 1,000-square-foot space adjacent to the Rejuvenation showroom at 1100 S.E. Grand Ave. The market is free to see and open from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Sustainably-made home goods, from vases and sculptures to custom furniture, are under one roof along with childrens clothes, toys, holiday treats and personal wellness and beauty products to give to a friend or to keep for yourself, said Barnett. Many makers and items are introduced each week, he said. Shoppers can meet woodturner Kevin Jesequel of Forlou Studio, ceramist Rochelle Harper and metalsmith artist Kirra Teal of Forest Fancy Jewelry. Katie Clope of Mountain and Meadows, who makes all natural, plant-based products for body and home, and Beth Grimsrud, who creates Green Grin plush sculptures, are also at the market. Alex Duffey of Duffey Woodcraft, who crafts end tables to bowls from ethically sourced hardwoods, said the maker community in Portland is thriving ... and Im thankful for how supportive everyone can be. Niyyah Ruscher-Haqq of Niyyah Handcrafted soap, skincare and candles, said people appreciate makers who get really nerdy about their process. She added that as her business grows, she can continue to purchase supplies from other local minority- and women-owned businesses, and donate supplies to local charitable organizations. From 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 15, photographer Christopher Dibble, who co-founded Assemblage, will sign copies of the new 216-page hardback book, Midcentury Modern Style: An Approachable Guide to Inspired Rooms, written by interior designer Karen Nepacena and accompanied by Dibbles photographs (reserve a seat at eventbrite.com). Indigenous Marketplace Portland Indigenous Marketplaces pop-up shop will be open 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Dec 6-8 at the Center for Native Arts and Cultures at 800 S.E. 10th Ave. There will be different vendors each day, said Lluvia Magali Merello, executive director of the marketplace that serves more than 150 Indigenous and Black artists and entrepreneurs. Supporting a small business definitely has an impact, posted LaDonna Dempsey of Dempsey Designs Beadwork, who creates round beaded badges and Land Back earrings made with seed beads and finished with leather backing. Im truly thankful for all the love and support that Ive received thus far in my business journey. Also showing at the Center for Native Arts and Cultures: Wild Arts Festival 14 1 / 14 Portland Audubons 2023 Annual Wild Arts Festival Thousands of nature-inspired works by well-known artists and authors will be at Portland Audubons 43rd Annual Wild Arts Festival from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 18-19 at the Viking Pavilion at 930 S.W. Hall St. on the Portland State University Campus. Tickets to the festival, which benefit local Audubons education and conservation efforts, are $12.49 at wildartsfestival.org. Admission for kids under 14 is free. There will be more than 60 artists, including: , who makes womens apparel and mens T-shirts with Pacific Northwest nature scenes screen printed by hand on soft organic cotton, hemp, bamboo and other eco-friendly materials. Fiber artist Shino Mikami of Uzura , who makes womens apparel and mens T-shirts with Pacific Northwest nature scenes screen printed by hand on soft organic cotton, hemp, bamboo and other eco-friendly materials. , who twists and bends rigid steel to make sculptures of birds in flight. Metalworker Gunter Reimnitz of Abraxas Crow Co. , who twists and bends rigid steel to make sculptures of birds in flight. , who uses silver, brass, copper and gold as well as color and texture to create wearable art. Ashley Heitzman of Ashley May Jewelry , who uses silver, brass, copper and gold as well as color and texture to create wearable art. Authors will sign their nature-centric books noon-4 p.m. both days. Among those presenting at the festival are Marcy Cottrell Houle, author of Forest Park: Exploring Portlands Natural Sanctuary, Stephanie Shaw, who wrote the 32-page picture book, All by Myself, and Jack Costa, whose 200-page guide is titled Wine Hiking Oregon: Explore the Landscapes of Oregon Wines. Janet Eastman | 503-294-4072 jeastman@oregonian.com | @janeteastman Two world-celebrated musicians fiddler Alasdair Fraser and cellist Natalie Haas got a devastating dose of the dark side of Portland this week when they returned to their rental car to find someone had broken into it. Gone were Frasers violin and four bows, Haas cello, both of their suitcases and handwritten notes on sheet music for their next album. The pair, who respectively live in California and Spain, had arrived in town Monday a day before their performance at the Alberta Rose Theatre in order to have some extra time to enjoy the city. That came to an abrupt end when they embarked on a new mission to try to get back their treasured stolen possessions. Though property crimes overall including burglary, vandalism and stolen cars in Portland are down more than 10% over the past year, thefts of property including car break-ins are up 20%. Many victims never recover their possessions. But Frasers and Haas efforts appear to be paying off to some degree. Haas had to fly back to Spain, but not before she recovered her cello from a man who said he bought it from the alleged thief for just $40. And Fraser said he thinks hes gaining traction. Hes extended his Portland stay so he can question potential witnesses and plaster posters around downtown. He believes hes identified the apartment building where the prime suspect lives and gained a description of the man. He said hes shared that information with Portland police. Alasdair Fraser has posted this flyer around downtown Portland in hopes it will help lead to the return of his and Natalie Haas' stolen possessions.Courtesy of Alasdair Fraser Portland police confirmed that theyve taken a report, but a spokesperson didnt answer questions about the extent to which officers might investigate. Im just covering the bases, hoping I can spring something loose, Fraser said. There are so many layers to this. Fraser and Haas said their ordeal began after they arrived in Portland Monday morning. Since it was too early to check into their Airbnb, they chose a parking garage at Southwest 10th Avenue and Taylor Street owned by City Center Parking figuring it would be safe for a few daylight hours. The pair say they wont make that mistake again. After a breakfast at The Daily Feast and a trip to Powells Books, they discovered their rental car windows shattered and the contents cleared out. They tracked an Apple Airtag in one of their suitcases to Shemanski Park one block from the garage, where they found Frasers suitcase, mostly empty. While Haas headed to the Police Bureau to report the crime, Fraser stuck around and canvassed the area, talking to everyone he saw. Though Haas suitcase wasnt anywhere to be found, a man voluntarily handed over a jacket and her insulin, which had been packed in Haas luggage. But the biggest development of all was Haas getting her cello back. Haas and Fraser say a man who had identified himself as the cellos buyer had called Haas phone number after finding it on a United Airlines baggage tag that was still attached to the cello case. The buyer told them that he had a change of heart about keeping the instrument, needed to set a good example for his young son and wanted only to return it. He met them on a street corner, just one block from the parking garage. When Fraser offered to pay the man, he said he wouldnt accept any cash for ultimately doing what was right. I was in shock, Haas said. I just couldnt believe that within this seedy world there are good people still. Not everyone has been helpful, though. Fraser said after he approached one man, the man asked him if he was offering a reward. I said Before we talk about a reward, I want to know if you have any of my stuff. And then he just left, Fraser recalled. But both Haas and Fraser also have been buoyed by a network of Facebook followers from around the world, including those who volunteered to contact Portland area pawn shops to be on the lookout for their belongings and scour online marketplaces such as eBay for the stolen items in coming days and weeks, if need be. Meanwhile, some locals lent Fraser two violins so Tuesday nights show could go on. Many people are embarrassed by the image of their hometown, Fraser said. I get that. Weve been traveling for many, many, many years and this hardly ever happens. We love Portland. The showing of support has been huge. Fraser declined to pin a monetary value on the missing items. There is a dollar value, he said, but the emotional value far exceeds that. Trying to replace that stuff that youve collected all of your life? Fraser said. You dont really find replacements off the shelf. Fraser, who was born and raised in Scotland, particularly misses a 19th-century French bow that has traveled around the globe with him since the early 1980s, around the time he moved to California and started his musical career. Fraser and Haas have been playing together for more than 20 years. Haas said losing the contents of her suitcase including her eye glasses, vintage clothing, handmade shoes and Christmas presents she bought while on tour was like losing a good chunk of my worldly goods. But has the experience soured her on Portland? On the downtown area, yes. I dont want to spend any more time there anymore, Haas said. But I still love Portland. It has some of my favorite things great food, great coffee, great vintage shops. Its just sad to see what has become of the downtown area. -- Aimee Green; agreen@oregonian.com; @o_aimee More than 200 people gathered for a memorial in a downtown Portland church Thursday afternoon for a man whose life was mystery. His name was Barry Sutton. If the name means nothing to you and given the way he chose to live, why should it? study the photo displayed at the memorial, the one featuring a man with long hair and a beard, both unkempt, wearing ill-fitting and dirty clothes that looked like they came from a dumpster. Maybe you recognize him now or think maybe you do. He wasnt who you thought he was. Not that he was easy to pin down. Portlanders who encountered Sutton always walked away with more questions than answers, left with something akin to holding a random piece of a jigsaw puzzle. Sutton, who lived on the streets for nearly 50 years, died in late September. He was 73. When word of his death spread through the community, all those puzzle pieces held by strangers came together to reveal a complicated man who, with his passing, continued to surprise people. Youre kidding? they said. Really? Barry? At his memorial guests were ask to fill out a timeline on when they first met Barry Sutton.Tom Hallman Jr. To make sense of it all, organizers of Suttons Celebration of Life at First Unitarian Church set out a long piece of brown paper on a table with a timeline of his life. They asked people to use a colored pen to put down on that timeline the answer to a simple yet profound question: When did you meet Barry? Now that hes gone, it can be easy to romanticize and create a myth out of Sutton, a man who lived a hardscrabble life. Even so, he might have been the most unusual man in the city. The homeless man who used orange peels as deodorant and was friends with a famous Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor. The homeless man who knew which cardboard boxes provided the best insulation for sleeping outside in the cold and had frequent, cogent conversations on homeless issues with local politicians and a high-ranking federal official based in the nations capital. His hard-luck life story, forever full of gaps, has elements of a Charles Dickens tale, the protagonist who had the short end of the stick and had to fend for himself. Thats the bad. The good? Well, that became apparent to most who knew him only after he died. *** Suttons parents and his older brother are long gone. His only living relative is an 83-year-old cousin who last spoke to Sutton more than 60 years ago. He had epilepsy and many seizures that couldnt be brought under control, said that cousin, Linda Stief, who lives in Lake Oswego. Hed hit his head, and he had many concussions. Stief said Suttons father was an alcoholic. Suttons mother died when he was a boy. A cousin on the other side of the family had three girls, Stief said. They wanted him to come live with their family. Details have been lost to time, but Stief said her parents told her that state child-welfare officials insisted that Suttons father get custody. Father and son moved from Portland to Pendleton, where Sutton attended high school. I believe his father loved him, but alcohol proved stronger than love, she said. When his father died, Barry was made a ward of the state. No one is sure how or why Sutton moved from Pendleton back to Portland. Stief said her parents told her that Sutton had been diagnosed with mental illness and could be paranoid. Stief never learned if her cousin had been treated. He was secretive about his life and wanted nothing to do with the family, she said. My parents tried to have him come live with them, and that didnt work. My mother would invite him for dinner. Hed come, then get up and just walk away. We never knew where he lived. He just kept falling through the cracks, she said. He was not a drunk. He was not an addict. He was just mentally ill, and the mental illness consumed him. Sam Sirkin, an energy-efficiency consultant, met Sutton decades ago when Sutton showed up one day at Havurah Shalom, a Northwest Portland synagogue where Sirkin is a lay leader. You could tell in an instant he was living on the street, said Sirkin. He didnt want to be housed. For some reason he couldnt deal with it. Sutton began showing up regularly. Hed eat and participate, said Sirkin. Always raising his hand to ask questions. There were so many times the rabbi would have to tell Barry it wasnt time for questions. Sirkin discovered Sutton knew synagogue member Nick Fish, a Portland city commissioner who died in 2020. Im watching the two of them talking and went over, surprised that they knew each other, said Sirkin. Nick said Barry came to his office every week to talk about city issues. Sutton regularly visited houses of worship throughout the city Catholic, Unitarian, Methodist, Lutheran, Quaker, Buddhist, the Peace House, several synagogues. The Thursday memorial featured prayers and reflections from Quakers, mainline churches and Zen and Buddhist temples. Sutton loved reading and doing research. Hed visit libraries around Portland, surfing the Internet and arguing with librarians when they told him there was a time limit for using the computer. A man who knew Sutton from a Northeast Portland library branch said he was intelligent, well read and a handful. Paul Immanuel Owens, a musician who met Sutton at the Portland Saturday Market, said Sutton had a powerful sense of what he thought was right and what was wrong. It could lead to outbursts, said Owens. Barry was secretive. I gathered that at some point in his life he may have been confined someplace where he didnt have all his freedom. Sutton moved around the city on his bike, on foot and on the bus, carrying a backpack or plastic bags full of books and belongings. He could engage people in a conversation about so many different things, said Owens. He was consumed with doing good things for society. In so many ways he was an adult who was also like a child. In so many ways, Owens said, he lived in obscurity and yet he touched a lot of lives. Years ago, Ann Oliva was running homeless programs at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in Washington, D.C., when her phone rang, the caller ID noting it was from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. I dont get calls from MIT, she said. I picked it up and it was Noam Chomskys office. Hes a famous professor and written many books. Id never had contact with him. A woman on the other end of the line said the renowned linguistics expert and political activist had been having ongoing telephone calls with a Portland man about homeless issues. Chomsky had sent this man prepaid telephone cards, and the woman in the professors office wanted to know if she could give the man Olivas telephone number. That man Sutton soon called Oliva. Barry and I ended up having regular phone calls over the years on homeless issues under my purview, she said. I never did learn how he ended up talking with Noam Chomsky. Oliva, now CEO of the National Alliance to End Homelessness, had not recently spoken with Sutton, but she frequently thought of him. He was incredibly smart and compelling, she said. I could see why Chomsky talked with Barry. It was so helpful for me to get perspective from a person experiencing homelessness. Late last year, Sutton suffered a stroke. He died September 24 at Hopewell House, an end-of-life residence in Southwest Portland. Sam Sirkin, from Havurah Shalom, said the synagogue arranged to have his body taken to Holmans Funeral Home, and it raised money to have his body cremated. In order to be cremated, we had to find a family member, said Sirkin. Good luck with that. Not just this community, but all the communities where Barry was known. No one knew much about Barry. Officials at the funeral home began extensive research and eventually found Suttons cousin, Linda Stief. Theres a sadness I never got to see him, Stief said. Im learning so many things about him. It makes me happy that he had so many people who cared about him. Those who cared about Barry Sutton would have to wait until he drifted into their lives, and they knew he would drift away again, traveling with ghosts and demons from the past. No longer. His cremains will be buried at the Havurah Shalom Cemetery. A wandering man now at rest. Tom Hallman Jr 503-221-8224; thallman@oregonian.com; @thallmanjr Our journalism needs your support. Please become a subscriber today at OregonLive.com/subscribe Sign up for Reckons latest newsletter dedicated to the fight for reproductive justice, a weekly repro rundown covering the good, the fair-to-middlin' and the ugly in repro news. Enter your email to subscribe to Reproductive Justice with Reckon. Adoption, not abortion. This idea has become a conservative slogan used by pro-life protesters, at crisis pregnancy centers, and by elected officials who push the notion that placing a child for adoption solves the problems faced by an unwanted pregnancy. Adoption, not abortion. With Roe overturned, we should find ways to make the adoption process in our country easier and safer, tweeted former U.S. secretary of state Mike Pompeo, two days after Roe was overturned. Even during oral arguments of the Dobbs decision Justice Amy Coney Barrett said that safe haven laws, laws that allow a parent to relinquish custody of a child without facing criminal prosecution, may ease the burden of forced parenthood, asking Why dont the safe haven laws take care of that problem? There isnt much evidence to support the idea that pregnant people want to place the child for adoption, even if the pregnancy is unwanted. American women are not interested in giving their children away if they dont have to, and weve seen over and over again, women who are able to get the abortions that they want report virtually no interest in adoption, said Gretchen Sisson, PhD, researcher at Advancing New Standards in Reproductive Health, part of the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences at the University of California San Francisco. There are several types of adoption in the U.S., including international adoption, domestic adoption and foster care adoption, and the Madonnas and Angelina Jolies of the world are far fewer than you might think. According to a 2023 Deseret News article, there were less than 3,000 international adoptions by American parents in each of the last three years. Most American adoptions happen on American soil, but the numbers are shifting. The National Council for Adoption (NCFA) aggregates data to provide information on the number of private adoptions in the U.S., which is not reported by the government, in their Adoption by the Numbers report. The latest numbers available are reflective of adoptions that occurred in 2019 and 2020, before Roe fell. In 2019, an estimated 115,353 children were adopted in the U.S., dropping to 95,306 in 2020. According to the report, NCFA believes that the pandemic was a potential contributor to the 17% decrease, though they also state that the effects may vary for different types of adoption. For example, some public child welfare adoptions may have been delayed in 2020 due to the pandemic, though this probably isnt the case for private domestic adoptions. The reality is that there just arent enough babies to go around. They [people considering adoption] need to be prepared for longer wait times, and increasing costs, because the reality is that there are far more hopeful adoptive parents than there are infants being placed for adoption each year, said NCFAs acting CEO and president Ryan Hanlon in a press release. As the report shows, that is a trend weve seen continue over the last several years and accelerate during the pandemic. Sisson says that one of the biggest misconceptions about private domestic adoption is that there are tons of babies and children awaiting adopted families. In reality, the number of prospective parents far outweighs the number of children available. The numbers are not especially well tracked, but theres estimates that are up to 45 waiting families for every infant relinquished for domestic private adoption. So this is a system where we have really, really, really high demand for children and very, very comparably low supply of babies, said Sisson. In a perspective piece published by Washington Post, Sisson points out the supply and demand of adoption, with a demand from those in power for infants and the supply coming from those with less has a dark history dating back to slavery and forced removal of Indigenous children. Even before the fall of Roe, people werent necessarily considering adoption. A 2017 study showed that of parents who were denied an abortion, 91% chose parenting over any other option. And its not that they dont know about it, knowledge of adoption is high, they know that adoption exists, but they just are not interested in doing that, said Sisson. In 2015, researchers at Guttmacher Institute interviewed 29 abortion patients in New Mexico and Michigan on where abortion weighed into their pregnancy decisions, concluding that the patients did not view adoption as an equal alternative to abortion. For them, adoption was a decision that represented taking on, and then abdicating, the role of parent. This made adoption a particularly unsuitable choice for their pregnancy, says the study. Washington County has succeeded where Portland and Multnomah County have so far failed in preparing to open a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week, drop-off center to treat different levels of addiction. Thats largely because one government agency -- Washington Countys Department of Health and Human Services -- ran with the idea and saw it through. We owned the project from day one, said Kristin Burke, the projects manager. The department began work in 2019 with a wide-ranging idea, sought public input particularly from people who have lived with addiction, created a program development workgroup, hired a consultant, drafted a feasibility study and got the buy-in from county commissioners by July 2021. Commissioners requested deeper financial analysis, which was completed by January 2022. The commission then gave the health department the greenlight to look for sites. Managers identified two in Beaverton and Hillsboro the next month and the county moved to buy and renovate them. The county hired an architect in September 2022. Contractors are set to begin the $62 million construction and renovations in March, with an opening slated for 2025. Weve been working on it for four years. Its been a really long process, Burke said. In nearly that same amount of time, leaders in Portland envisioned a similar network of addiction and mental health services, but the effort collapsed over competing interests between the city and Multnomah County, different priorities among public safety officials and healthcare executives and a lack of leadership. In Washington County, the new Center for Addictions Triage and Treatment will be housed in two separate buildings. CODA Inc., one of Oregons largest not-for-profit substance use treatment providers, will operate the intensive services center at the Beaverton location. The new center's services will be divided between two buildings, one in Beaverton and the other in Hillsboro.Washington County Dept. of Health and Human Services Alison Noice, chief executive officer of CODA, said Washington Countys approach was slow and intentional. They took a real focused track toward saying we need more of this in our community and were going to invest in it, she said. Were going to commit to getting more for it and were going to make it happen. Early in the process, the county brought CODA in to weigh in on what the center should look like, how it should be designed and what it should include, Noice said. She recalled meeting with Washington County leaders in 2019. READ MORE: Why Portland has failed to open a desperately needed new sobering center as addiction soars The difference between sobering, detox and residential treatment explained Washington County succeeded where Portland failed: Its addictions triage center is scheduled to open in 2025 We have obviously a substantial crisis. The opioid epidemic continues to take more and more concerning turns. You dont resolve this on a dime, she said. Washington County also sought lessons directly from Central City Concern in Portland to try to avoid the problems that led to the 2019 closure of its Sobering Station and checked in with the staff at Buckley House, a program in Eugene that offers sobering and detoxification services. One of the centers buildings will house a 24-7 continuum of addiction treatment services in Beaverton. The building will include a sobering program a place where people can come down safely from alcohol or drug intoxication. It will have a capacity for 16 people at any given time. Its really about harm reduction and safety, Noice said. The idea for sobering is if an individual is intoxicated to the point that theyre too vulnerable to be in the community, unsafe or at risk if theyre alone, that person can come to sobering, and just really have a safe place to become unintoxicated. A nurse will be present to check on vital signs, with a peer support advocate. The center wont accept involuntary holds, which are allowed by state law when people are a danger to themselves or others. But police can refer people to the center and drop people off there if they want to go. The 24-hour, seven-day-a-week center that will treat different levels of addiction, including sobering, will have a special sally port accessible for police and other first responders.Washington County Dept. of Health and Human Services Noice said she expects some people who encounter police will choose the sobering program to avoid the alternative -- jail. The sobering program will offer separate dorms one with cots, recliners and dim lighting for people who are more sedate and the other for people who are more agitated with room for them to pace, watch TV, draw or allow for other activity. Ideally, those who choose to sober up would consider starting treatment, Noice said. People then could be moved to a 16-bed medical detoxification program in the same building to manage withdrawal from drugs or alcohol from three to seven days. Optimally, they would then transition into residential treatment for 45 to 60 days in another wing of the building to separate them from whatever is supporting their addiction. It will offer 24 beds for men and 24 for women. Its not a spin dry. You dont go to residential treatment and come out done, Noice said. Its about building a foundation and making connections. Its establishing skills and building a safety net. The centers total 86-bed count includes six to allow someone to wait until a bed in the next program is available. Washington County currently has no publicly funded sobering or detox programs, Burke and Noice said. People can return to the center repeatedly; there wont be a limit to the visits, they said. The building in Hillsboro will be for outpatient substance abuse and outpatient mental health services, including a walk-in center and peer drop-in center. Solutions Group NW, which provides addiction treatment, will provide the outpatient services at the Hillsboro site. It will be closely aligned with the existing nearby Hawthorn Walk-in Center run by LifeWorks NW, which offers crisis and urgent mental health care to Washington County residents. Washington Countys funding has come from many sources. The county had $25 million in its behavioral health reserve to invest. It received another $5 million through Measure 110 and $5 million from the Legislature from lottery bond money. The county is also using about $8 million from opioid settlement funds it will receive, including settlement dollars contributed by three cities in the county. CareOregon contributed $5 million to help close the funding gap and anticipates covering approximately 70% of the cost of ongoing operations. The annual operating cost is difficult to pinpoint, Burke said, because multiple providers will offer services and each is funded differently. The county expects most of the services to be covered by insurance and funds from Oregon Health Authority. For example, detox and residential services will be primarily funded through CODA directly billing Medicaid and other insurance. CODA was the only provider that expressed interest in operating the projects intensive services. It didnt respond to the city of Portlands request for information for a similar center. Theres only so much of us to go around, Noice said. And you know, I just liked the way Washington County approached this project. Both Noice and Burke stressed the Washington County governments clear commitment from the start. Multnomah County is complex, Burke said, with a lot of organizations that are all trying really hard to figure out how to support a similar center, but I dont think theres complete consensus. In contrast to Washington County, Noice said, There actually are many more providers in Multnomah County. There are many more invested parties. There are many more political interests, and the sort of timing and the approach did not really fit with how we wanted to approach expansion. -- Maxine Bernstein Email mbernstein@oregonian.com; 503-221-8212 Follow on Twitter @maxoregonian Our journalism needs your support. Please become a subscriber today at OregonLive.com/subscribe BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 17. State Control Service for Water Use and Protection has been established under the State Water Resources Agency of Azerbaijan, Trend reports. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has signed a decree on a number of measures to ensure the activities of the State Water Resources Agency of Azerbaijan. The "Regulation on the State Water Resources Agency of Azerbaijan" and the "Structure of the State Water Resources Agency of Azerbaijan" have been approved following the decree. The State Control Service for Water Use and Protection has been established within the State Water Resources Agency of Azerbaijan, based on the Management of Hydrogeological and Reclamation Service and Control of the Use and Protection of Water of the Azerbaijan Amelioration and Water Farm OJSC. Cotonou, Benin (PANA) - A customs officer alleged to have killed a mother in the commune of Seme Kpodji, in south-east Benin on the border with Nigeria, has been arrested by the police, sources close to the victim told PANA on Friday Nairobi, Kenya (PANA) - Kenyan authorities and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) staff have reached staff-level agreement on economic policies and reforms to conclude the sixth reviews and augmentation of Kenyas Extended Credit Facility (ECF) and Extended Fund Facility {EFF) arrangements; the first review under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF); and the 2023 Article IV Consultation Geneva, Switzerland (PANA) - Lack of fuel is jeopardising the entire architecture of the humanitarian response in Gaza, where raw sewage is now flowing in the streets, the head of the UN agency that assists Palestine refugees, UNRWA, said on Thursday The civil funeral for 20 soldiers, who went missing during the armed conflicts of the 1990s and were transferred from the occupied region of Abkhazia, took place in the Trinity Cathedral over two days.The soldiers, transferred to Georgia as a result of the joint efforts of the Office of the State Minister for Reconciliation and Civil Equality and the International Committee of the Red Cross, were honored with a military burial. Five of them were interred with military honors at the Dighomi brothers' cemetery, while the remainder found their resting places at various locations.Within the framework of the search mechanisms for those missing in the Abkhazia war of the 1990s and the war of August 2008, the first identification and repatriation occurred in 2013. So far, 604 human remains have been found, with 265 of them identified.The International Republican Institute (IRI) published the results of a survey in which respondents were asked about the biggest political threat to Georgia. Seventy-seven percent (77%) identified Russia, 12% chose Turkey, and 9% selected the USA.In total, 86% express support for joining the European Union, compared to 89% in March. Of the respondents, 74% indicate support for EU membership even if it entails cutting trade ties with Russia, with 17% opposing. Changes from the March survey fall within the margin of error.According to the (IRI) research, if parliamentary elections were held tomorrow, 25% of respondents would support the Georgian Dream, while 13% would support the 'United National Movement.'The survey results indicate that 77% of respondents gave a positive evaluation of the Georgian army (with 16% responding negatively), 71% positively assessed the Georgian Patriarchate (with 21% responding negatively), and 67% expressed a positive view of the police (with 28% responding negatively).The research, conducted by IPM during the period of September 14 to October 14, 2023, involved fieldwork and face-to-face interviews for data collection.The sample, which consisted of 1,200 respondents with voting rights and diverse age groups, was weighted based on age, gender, region, and settlement size.The research, made possible with the support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development, had a response rate of 73%. The margin of error for the study is +/- 2.5%. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 17. Azerbaijan's regaining of Karabakh, a territory long held by Armenia, presents a unique opportunity for regional stability and economic development, Janusz Bugajski, a senior fellow at the Jamestown Foundation, wrote in his article for Politico, Trend reports. The author noted that international reports, including those from a UN mission, suggest that the Azerbaijani Army, in reclaiming Karabakh, avoided targeting civilians, thus, no statement regarding the alleged "ethnic cleansing" are true. Instead, much of the Armenian population's exodus resulted from evacuations and the organization of citizens to leave by separatist "leaders", he added. Moreover, Bugajski pointed out that, the Zangezur Corridor connecting Azerbaijan with its exclave of Nakhchivan, could emerge as a vital trade route, linking the Caspian Basin directly with Turkiye and NATO territory. "Economic development across the Caucasus region could then be boosted by the development of trade ties between Baku and Yerevan, full diplomatic relations between Armenia and Turkiye, and the design of a new regional development agenda. For example, opening new energy pipelines between the Caspian Sea and Turkey would particularly assist all regional economies, with Armenia no longer excluded from transit. And as an expanding energy and trade hub with intensified links to Europe and the US, Azerbaijan could help enhance Armenias economic development," the author noted. According to analyst, Azerbaijan, as an expanding energy and trade hub with intensified links to Europe and the US, could play a crucial role in fostering Armenia's economic development. Stability and cooperation in the region would attract capital inflow and Western investment, reducing dependence on Russia and offering protection from China's economic dominance, he said. "After 30 years of instability, this historical crossroads between the Black and Caspian seas now has the chance to tighten its political and economic links with the transatlantic world," the author said. Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - The Libyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has welcomed the UN Security Council Resolution, which calls for the urgent truces and humanitarian corridors throughout the Gaza Strip in Palestine Khartoum, Sudan (PANA) Darfur former rebel movements have come out of hibernation and declared their participation in the militant operations on all fronts without the slightest hesitation against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the war against the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) Geneva, Switzerland (PANA) - The UN human rights office, OHCHR, has voiced alarm over reports of another ethnically motivated mass attack in the Darfur region of Sudan, amidst the ongoing conflict between the national army and a rival military known as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) These new items have gone up on the website of the Interpreter Foundation: Not By Bread Alone: A Place of Peace in War-Torn Goma: Blog Post #2 For more information on the Not by Bread Alone: Stories of the Saints in Africa series, go to https://notbybreadalonefilm.com/en/ For more information in French, go to https://notbybreadalonefilm.com/fr/ To see all of our posts about The Church in Africa, go to https://interpreterfoundation.org/category/africa/ Conference Talks: Prayer with Uplifted Hands, presented by Stephen D. Ricks The religious ceremony of prayer with uplifted hands, practiced in Christian denominations contemporary with the organization of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has an extremely ancient and venerable history that goes back thousands of years and is attested in ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Israel as well as in ancient Judaism and earliest Christianity. This presentation was given on Saturday, 7 November 2020, at the Interpreter Foundations 2020 Temple on Mount Zion Conference. The Temple: Ancient and Restored: Joseph Smith and the Architecture of Genesis, written by David M. Calabro Part of our book chapter reprint series, this article originally appeared in The Temple: Ancient and Restored, Proceedings of the Second Interpreter Matthew B. Brown Memorial Conference The Temple on Mount Zion, 25 October 2014 (2016) edited by Stephen D. Ricks and Donald W. Parry. For more information, go to https://interpreterfoundation.org/books/the-temple-ancient-and-restored/. We engaged in two principal activities today. First, we spent several hours at the American Civil War Museum, in Richmond. The displays in the museum are very well done, and very informative. Then, after returning home, we went, on foot and by scooter, to a local park, where (Im proud to say) one of my descendants proved to be by far the most energetic and agile chimpanzee within visible distance. Ayaan Hirsi Ali is a remarkable person, with a remarkable story. And her story has now become even more remarkable: Why I am now a Christian: Atheism cant equip us for civilisational war Her conversion from atheism to Christianity leads Ross Douthat of the New York Times to an interesting reflective piece: Where Does Religion Come From? Ive had only one direct encounter with Ms. Ali besides reading her books most notable among them probably her 2008 bestseller, Infidel. That encounter occurred in Rapid City, South Dakota, of all places, when the massive annual libertarian gathering known as FreedomFest was held there in August 2021. I chaired a lecture session at FreedomFest 2021, moderated a debate between a Catholic theist and a former-Catholic atheist, and chaired a session of the Anthem Film Festival, which is always a component part of the gathering. But the high point for me in 2021s FreedomFest was another panel that I moderated. I take the following from an August 2021 blog post reporting on my involvement there: On Friday, I moderated a panel with Ayaan Hirsi Ali and a pair of libertarians. The topic was whether the American war on Islamic fundamentalism can be justified. The two libertarians, of course, argued that American imperialism provoked 9-11 and other attacks against Americans and American interests, and that we should essentially exit the Islamic world and leave Muslims alone. Ms. Ali contended, by contrast, that America is inescapably and irreplaceably the unique world power, and that the world would be a much worse place if we were to relinquish that role to, say, the Peoples Republic of China. Here, let me pause to say a word about Ms. Ali herself. Born in Somalia, she became not only a self-proclaimed infidel atheist but, amazingly, a member of the parliament of the Netherlands. And now (after the assassination of the Dutch politician Pim Fortuyn and of her Dutch filmmaker associate Theo van Gogh), she is a citizen of the United States as well as a quite visible activist. I had never met her before, but, candidly, I expected something of a firebrand. Bright and articulate, yes, but fierce and perhaps a bit unpleasant. Instead, to my surprise, I found her in our conversation before the session and in the panel itself to be soft-spoken, humorous, kindly, even if I dare say it cute. She was also distinctly pro-American, which I had not anticipated. She came across, really, as a political conservative. (Which shouldnt actally have surprised me so much: She is, after all, affiliated with Stanford Universitys magnificent Hoover Institution where I myself spent two memorable weeks as a late teenager, not too long before my mission and is married to Niall Ferguson.) I tried to maintain my position as a moderator of the panel, rather than as a mere participant. But I think I made it pretty clear that I could not fully accept the libertarian critique of American foreign policy. That is, in fact, one of the major reasons (though not the only one) that I cant simply describe myself as a libertarian pur sang or sign on with the Libertarian Party. (Everybody in attendance was, so far as I could tell, opposed to COVID lockdowns. Nobody wore a mask and there were continual expressions of indignation against vaccination. Which left me wondering just exactly what these folks thought ought to be done to protect public health during a pandemic. If they had their way, would those of us who survived small pox have all died of polio? And when, occasionally, I heard enthusiastic paeans to the free market for sex workers and even a denunciation of the statist interventionist Abraham Lincoln, I thought to myself No, these arent entirely my people. I liked her a lot, and Im absolutely delighted at the news that Ayaan Hirsi Ali has now become a Christian. I was considerably less pleased with the baggage delivery at Richmond International Airport last night. It took just slightly more than an hour after we had landed for our luggage to arrive at the baggage carousel. Ive been told that Richmond has developed a reputation for slow baggage handling. But an hour? The flight from Chicago Midway was only an hour and fifty minutes. Posted from Richmond, Virginia Chapter 5 (pp. 45-50) of my book, Reflections on Radical Catholic Reactionaries (December 2002; revised second edition: 17 August 2013; slightly revised again in November 2023 for the purpose of the free online version). Anyone who reads this book should first read the following three introductory articles, in order to fully understand the definitions and sociological categories I am employing: Introduction (on the book page) Definitions: Radical Catholic Reactionaries, Mainstream Traditionalists, and Supposed Neo-Catholics [revised 8-6-13] Radical Catholic Reactionaries: What They Are Not [9-28-21] If youre still confused and unclear as to my meanings and intent after that, read one or more of these articles: Rationales for My Self-Coined Term, Radical Catholic Reactionaries [8-6-13] My Coined Term, Radical Catholic Reactionary: Clarifications [10-5-17] Clarifying My Coined Term, Radical Catholic Reactionary [4-3-20] This book is modeled after the method and structure of the French mathematician and Catholic apologist Blaise Pascals classic, Pensees (thoughts). Catholic apologist and philosopher Peter Kreeft described this masterpiece as raw pearls and more like sayings than a book . . . Sayings reflect and approximate the higher, the mode of Christ and Socrates and Buddha. Thats why Socrates is the greatest philosopher, according to St. Thomas (S.T. III, 42, 4). I am not intending to compare myself or my own thoughts or their cogency or import in any way, shape, or form, to those of Pascal, let alone to Socrates or our Lord Jesus! I am merely utilizing the unconventional structure of the Pensees, which harmonizes well, I believe, with the approach that I have taken with regard to the present subject. I have sought to analyze (minus proper names, a la Trent) the premises, presuppositions, logical and ecclesiological bottom lines and (in a word), the spirit of a false and divisive radical Catholic reactionary strain of thought held by a distinctive sociological sub-group of Catholics. ***** Radical Catholic reactionaries claim that Vatican II espoused the notion of evolving, as opposed to developing doctrines (as condemned in Pascendi #26, etc.). Development of doctrine and evolution are two entirely and essentially different things. Vatican II was not an instance of the latter. I submit that many reactionaries have a dim understanding of development of doctrine what it entails and doesnt entail, its distinguishing characteristics, and so forth. The emphasis of Vatican II had to do with fresh approaches, methodologies, evangelistic or pedagogical strategies, and new ways of reaching modern man with unchanging Catholic truths a laudable and thoroughly biblical outlook. Were no more bound (not absolutely, with no exceptions whatever) to the exact terminology of Trent than we are bound to the exact terminology of Holy Scripture (Trinity and Hypostatic Union immediately come to mind). Both the words and the doctrines develop all the time, and the situations we find ourselves in demand fresh approaches, without yielding one bit on any point of orthodoxy. St. Paul wrote: I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some (1 Corinthians 9:22). St. Paul cited pagan poets and philosophers on Mars Hill, in Athens (Acts 17:16-34), in order to make a connection with his hearers. He took what they knew and proceeded to build upon the truth that was in them, up to Christian theology and the gospel. He even utilized an idol of sorts as an illustration of a point and a witnessing tool: the altar to an unknown god (Acts 17:23). He did all this despite there being nothing in the official decrees of the Council of Jerusalem just two chapters earlier giving Paul warrant to use such shocking, innovative, and modernist language . . . The general principle of finding common ground in both doctrine and language, insofar as possible without any compromise, is a very biblical and conciliar one. The Decree on Ecumenism from Vatican II states (italics added): We must become familiar with the outlook of our separated brethren. Study is absolutely required for this, and it should be pursued in fidelity to the truth and with a spirit of good will . . . In this way, too, we will better understand the outlook of our separated brethren and more aptly present our own belief. The manner and order in which Catholic belief is expressed should in no way become an obstacle to dialogue with our brethren. It is, of course, essential that the doctrine be clearly presented in its entirety. Nothing is so foreign to the spirit of ecumenism as a false irenicism which harms the purity of Catholic doctrine and obscures its genuine and certain meaning. At the same time, Catholic belief must be explained more profoundly and precisely, in such a way and in such terms that our separated brethren can also really understand it. Note that the council didnt teach: The language of Catholic belief from the Council of Trent must be explained more profoundly and precisely, whether or not it is in terms our separated brethren can understand or not. Likewise, in the statement in Lumen Gentium, 67, referring to Mariology, the council urged: Let them carefully refrain from whatever might by word or deed lead the separated brethren or any others whatsoever into error about the true doctrine of the Church. It is wise to choose our words very carefully, depending on the person we are communicating with at the moment, and to exercise a considerable amount of flexibility, because people arent simply walking dictionaries or lexicons, and 1563 (like 1611, or even 1870) is not 2002. Do reactionaries wish to deny a place for dogmatic and doctrinal development altogether, and a deeper understanding of the faith? Or do they think it ceased (like some Orthodox hold) many centuries ago? This is no different from some uninformed brands of Protestantism. Many Protestants, however (such as myself, formerly), fully accept development in many aspects, especially with regard to Christology and trinitarianism, even in relation to the canon of Scripture. It is simply assumed that the teaching of Vatican II is a departure (corruption), rather than a Newmanian development of previous dogma and theology. This is by no means proven much as reactionaries casually assume. The so-called evolved or novel doctrines can be synthesized and harmonized with traditional Catholic dogma. Apparently, many reactionaries have never read (or didnt understand, if they did), St. John Henry Newmans Essay on the Development of Christian Doctrine. There, the great Cardinal lays out the principles that distinguish a legitimate development from a corruption. If no seeds whatever could be found in ancient Church history for the emphases of Vatican II, a case might be made, but in fact, many can be found, and it should be noted that there arent many explicit seeds for the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin, or the Immaculate Conception, or original sin, either. Some reactionaries make the John Birch Society look like a flaming Leninist outfit. Many, no doubt, would have been Arians or Nestorians or Monophysites in the old days, or Old Catholics, with Dollinger in 1870: fighting the liberal innovations and corruptions of Nicaea and Ephesus and Chalcedon alike, which (so they would tell us) threaten passed-down orthodoxy. Down with development! Down with new and fresh approaches from the same orthodox Catholic standpoint (e.g., St. Francis, St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Ignatius Loyola, St. Therese of Lisieux, St. Cardinal Newman, Pope St. John Paul II, etc.), in order to deal with and better reach modern man and the secular society we find ourselves in. Down with increased sophistication and nuance and a proper, orthodox sense of social and theological progressivism. Reactionaries object to new terminology, such as Vatican IIs statement that the Christian Church subsists in the Catholic Church. But where is the term Trinity in the Bible? Where exactly can reactionaries show us the widespread use of the terms Theotokos or homoousion previous to their adoption at the councils of Ephesus and Chalcedon? In fact, homoousion was earlier associated with the Gnostics! So do reactionaries therefore reject it, and Chalcedon, too? This picayune, extremely exaggerated objection to terms smacks of the heretical spirit. The Marcionites, Donatists, Montanists, Nestorians, Arians, Monophysites, Monothelites, and all the rest always claimed that they were simply preserving the true tradition over against the (orthodox) innovators. Reactionaries follow in their skewed, bankrupt, jaundiced tradition. Its a very sad thing. The emphasis and purpose of Vatican II was to re-think theology in ways that deal directly and forcefully with the intellectual currents of thought that have come about since the 16th century, so as to better reach (hence, the pastoral impetus) modern man with orthodox Catholicism and the larger gospel: held in common with our separated brethren. The Church has always done this: utilized new approaches and philosophies, insofar as they are consistent with its (always developing) doctrines and morals. St. Augustine utilized platonism; St. Thomas Aquinas baptized and co-opted aristotelianism for the faith (as have modern Thomists such as Garrigou-Lagrange, Etienne Gilson, Peter Kreeft, Ralph McInerny, and Jacques Maritain); Pope St. John Paul II used phenomenology in the same way. It was altogether to be expected that the liberals (fatally influenced by higher criticism, Protestant liberalism, and various relativist, existential, or ultimately irrational philosophies) would distort this clearly avowed and officially stated purpose and claim that the Church was thereby changing her doctrines: progressing, as it were, and coming out of the Stone Ages of orthodox dogma (as they see it), to the modern enlightened approach, in accordance with the zeitgeist, fashionable intellectual and moral fads, fancies, follies, and whims of the current era. Their fallacy lies in thinking that legitimate development of doctrine is no different than evolution or corruption, or essential change. They dont seem to comprehend that differing approaches to evangelism and teaching (St. Paul said, I have become all things to all people) are not changes in the teachings themselves, but rather, in how they are set forth and defended. Who determines what is novel anyway? The pope and the bishops, or reactionaries? How is reactionary dissent and selectivity of what is to be followed different from what Luther maintained in 1517 and (especially) 1521? He wanted to stand there and say he knew better than the Church, and that it was self-evident that the Church was wrong in this and that teaching. Reactionaries vainly think that they can determine what is a legitimate development, apart from the mind of the Church and the official pronouncements of the magisterium? Likewise, Luther thought that merit and purgatory and the Sacrifice of the Mass were not legitimate developments of soteriology, prayers for the dead, and the Real Presence. The Church determines these things, not individuals. If the individual wants to dissent, then that is liberal cafeteria Catholicism and Protestant private judgment rearing their ugly heads again. Reactionaries may not be consciously taking this approach in those terms, but this is what it boils down to, closely scrutinized. ***** * Summary: Ch. 5 of my book, Reflections on Radical Catholic Reactionaries (December 2002; slightly revised in November 2023 for the purpose of the free online version). Madagascar is holding presidential elections despite an opposition boycott following weeks of protests. A curfew was declared overnight in the capital to prevent any trouble. Political tensions have been running high, with the opposition saying that the incumbent, Andry Rajoelina, should be disqualified. There have been six weeks of demonstrations, which have seen opposition supporters clash with police. Angelo Ravelonarivo, a police prefect in the capital of Antananarivo, said the curfew was imposed following "various acts of sabotage" including the "burning of a polling station". Opposition leaders have complained of an "institutional coup" in favour of Mr Rajoelina, saying he should be disqualified because he acquired French nationality in 2014. However, people have been seen lining up at polling stations in areas supporting him and his party. Polling stations in opposition areas were mostly empty, with a a low-key security presence across Antananarivo. This comes after 10 out of 12 opposition candidates raised their concerns about the election's credibility and called on voters to boycott it. Roland Ratsiraka, one of the protesting candidates, described the elections to AFP news agency as a "fraud" and a "joke on Madagascar." Mr Rajoelina, who is running for a third term, has warned opponents that preventing citizens from voting is unlawful. He was joined by his family as he voted in Antananarivo's northern neighbourhood of Atmobe. "A handful of people tried to prevent citizens from expressing their choice. They have the right not to participate but the populations have the right and the duty to vote," Mr Rajoelina said. Rija Ralijaona, a 26-year-old labourer, said she expected whoever wins to reduce unemployment and create jobs for young people. According to the World Bank, Madagascar is one of the poorest countries in the world, with 75% of people living below the poverty line in 2022. The country has reserves of cobalt, gold, nickel, uranium and other minerals. However it has struggled with sluggish growth and persistent poverty for decades. So whoever is going to take over will be expected to address widespread poverty, among others challenges. Source: BBC Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Africa Prosperity Network (APN), organisers of the Africa Prosperity Dialogues (APD), have appointed Njack Kane as its acting Chief Executive Officer after a rigorous campaign in search of an experienced industry professional who does not only serve as a bridge to English and French speaking Africa but also Global Africa. Njack Kane's appointment comes as APN restructures its management team in a bid to present a more equitable African organisation. He is supported by Prince Moses, as deputy CEO and Stephanie Diatta as General Manager. All three members of the new management speak both English and French fluently. Kane's management team is supported by an Executive Board, led by Gabby Otchere-Darko as Executive Chairman, and a high-level Advisory Council that is made up of high-level dignitaries and top industrialists from across the African continent. Commenting on the appointment, the organisation's Executive Chairman, Gabby Otchere-Darko said; "Following the incredible success and high level participation of the 2023 Africa Prosperity Dialogues, the Board saw it necessary to further strengthen and extend the organisation's all-important message of trade and prosperity and the actions needed for Africa to reach its full potential. With Njack Kane's appointment, we are indeed assured of a level of quality that speaks to a deep understanding of APN's objectives. We believe that his contribution will raise the bar and project the organisation to all nooks and cranny." Like APN, Njack Kane believes in the power of partnerships, especially between the Public and Private sectors, and value chains. "I believe that action-backed conversations between the Public and Private sectors necessarily lead to the emergence of strong, first class and bankable ideas and partnerships that are aligned with the prosperity objectives of APN. The solid partnerships that support the APN platform are exactly what is required for bringing African prosperity narratives and actions to Africa, where they belong. I am very happy to join this new adventure with the rest of the team, here at Africa Prosperity Network", APN's acting CEO said. Njack Kane is of Mauritanian and Senegalese descent; he was raised and schooled in Switzerland where his father, Elimane Kane, acted as deputy Managing Director of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) until 1988. Njack Kane has extensive experience in commodity trade, having spent over two decades at the Continental Grain Company, Glencore and Ascot Commodities before founding Novel Commodities in 1999. He left the company in 2013 while at the helm of affairs. Kane currently heads the Intervalle Group of companies and also serves as Vice Chairman of the MEF Endowment Fund. He is a Member of the Board of both the Winds of Hope Foundation (dedicated to the eradication of Noma in Africa) and the John A. Kufuor Foundation focusing on Leadership, Governance and Development in Africa. He is married to Absa Kane, coChair of the Swiss Red Cross Ball and International Ambassador of the Swiss Red Cross. Njack and his wife, Absa, have two children. Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video 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 are 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 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. Source: Kenteman Nii Laryea Sowah (Founder & Executive Chairman) Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) will from Monday, November 20, begin an operation dubbed "Pay or Get Disconnected" which targets its customers who have refused to pay their water bills. The company in conjunction with the Ghana Police Service will embark on this revenue mobilization exercise nationwide. The company warns all water users, both individuals and companies, owing them to, with immediate effect, pay up to avoid confrontations with their taskforce. The GWCL Deputy Managing Director, Collins Nuamah, directed the customer to download the company's app via play/apple stores and defray their debt. "No sweat to pay your bill," the Deputy Managing Director said in an interview on Peace FM's morning show "Kokrokoo" on Friday, November 17. He cautioned persons who fail to heed this instruction to note that when their taps are disconnected, they will pay a fee before reconnection. "If you owe us, note that from Monday, our taskforce will disconnect you if you don't pay up. If we disconnect you and you come for reconnection, you will also pay reconnection fee. Since the exercise is across the country, if you sit aloof for us to disconnect you, you cannot be guaranteed that we will reconnect you in a week or two," he emphasized. Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 17. Azerbaijan took note of the decision on provisional measures of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) of November 17, 2023, in the case of Armenia against Azerbaijan concerning the Application of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD), Trend reports. "We welcome the Courts ruling that has reconfirmed Azerbaijans sovereignty and territorial integrity, rightfully rejecting Armenias request that challenged Azerbaijans long-acknowledged and internationally recognized sovereignty over Karabakh. It is also noteworthy that the Court has also rejected the baseless and ludicrous request on withdrawal of all military and law-enforcement personnel by Azerbaijan from its Karabakh region," the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Azerbaijan said. The measures indicated by the Court acknowledges the already declared policy of the Government of Azerbaijan with respect to the Armenian residents of Karabakh. This includes the obligation to ensure all residents safety and security, regardless of national or ethnic origin. Azerbaijan has never forced the Armenian residents out of Karabakh and notwithstanding Azerbaijans call to stay, it was their decision to relocate to Armenia and other countries. Azerbaijan is committed to uphold the human rights of the Armenian residents of Karabakh on an equal basis with other citizens of Azerbaijan in line with its Constitution and relevant international obligations. The fact that the Court ordered no measure related to the request by Armenia to facilitate the UN agencies access to the Karabakh region and cooperation with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), is an acknowledgement of the openness and cooperation extended by Azerbaijan to this end, which essentially nullifies all the accusations against Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan protects private property, cultural sites and artifacts as well as registration documents in line with national legislation and international obligations. Therefore, Courts non-indication in these areas is also an assertion of the measures Azerbaijan is taking. The Court equally did not warrant Armenias request related to Azerbaijans investigative actions with regard to persons associated with the now-defunct illegal separatist regime who were detained by Azerbaijan in line with applicable articles of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, on charges of military aggression, inciting separatism, terrorist acts, etc. Azerbaijan expects that Armenia and all the other sides will cease their interference into the lawful investigative measures. "Azerbaijan takes seriously its obligations under the CERD. We remain committed to upholding those obligations and the rights of all people under international law, and focused on a peaceful and prosperous region," said the ministry. Rite Aid sued the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) on Thursday in an attempt to block a lawsuit alleging that it ignored red flags and illegally filled hundreds of thousands of prescriptions for addictive opioid medication, Reuters is reporting. The DOJ sued Rite Aid in March and agreed only to a brief pause of its lawsuit after Rite Aid went bankrupt last month. Rite Aid said in a complaint filed Thursday in New Jersey bankruptcy court that the lawsuit threatens to undermine its restructuring efforts. Rite Aid asked U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Michael Kaplan to rule that the DOJ lawsuit cannot proceed while Rite Aid is bankrupt, putting the government in the same spot as other opioid plaintiffs whose lawsuits were automatically stopped by the companys bankruptcy filing. But the DOJ has argued that U.S. bankruptcy law does not stop it from exercising its police powers through its lawsuit, the story said. A 21-year-old Maryland man was sentenced this week after he fled from Pennsylvania State Police in April 2022 while under the influence of marijuana and crashed into another car, killing a 32-year-old woman in Lancaster County, the district attorneys office said. The Lancaster County District Attorneys Office says 21-year-old Christopher Pineda-Gasca, of Lancaster, was under the influence of marijuana when he led police on a high-speed chase Monday, April 3, 2022, in a silver Infiniti with a stolen license plate. During the chase, Pineda-Gasca tried to illegally pass two vehicles while going over 100 miles per hour in the 2700 block of Main Street, Caernarvon Township and crashed into the victims vehicle, which was legally turning left into the Conestoga Christian School. The violent crash caused the victims vehicle to roll over and impact a utility pole, land on its roof, and nearly split in two. Alicia Whisler, 32, died in that crash, which also injured her 5-year-old child, according to the district attorneys office. Pineda-Gasca pleaded guilty to third-degree murder, homicide by vehicle while DUI, aggravated assault, fleeing or attempting to elude officer, DUI general impairment, and recklessly endangering another person. He was sentenced to 16 to 32 years in prison on Oct. 27. Pineda-Gasca admitted he fled officers because he was worried he would be arrested for DUI after smoking marijuana earlier in that day. PennLive previously reported that Peneda-Gasca expressed remorse after the crash and said he should be punished. A New Cumberland man pleaded guilty this week to separate counts of involuntary manslaughter and drug trafficking stemming from an April 2022 overdose death in East Pennsboro Township. Brandon Lee Isenberg, 38, of the first block of Meadowbrook Court, entered the plea in a Tuesday court appearance before Cumberland County Judge Christylee Peck, as part of a negotiated plea deal that will see him sentenced in January to one-and-a-half to six years in state prison. In return for Isenbergs plea, prosecutors dropped all other counts against him, including a drug delivery resulting in death charge that carried the prospect of a longer prison sentence. A Tennessee woman was arrested in Dauphin County on Wednesday after police say she shot a male in the chest during a dispute over a debt. Pennsylvania State Police were sent to the 7600 block of Appalachian Trail East in West Hanover Township on Wednesday and found a man with a gunshot wound to his chest, according to a press release. Police say 23-year-old Kaay Chanel, of Memphis, shot the victim in the chest after she was invited to his home for illicit activities and he refused to pay the $2,000 she requested. The male victim ran to a neighbors house after being shot, where they called police and EMS, the release says. When state police tried to pull Chanel over, she drove away and started a chase, nearly hitting a trooper in the process, the release says. Chanel was eventually arrested at a park-and-ride location on Lebanon Road in Rapho Township, Lancaster County. Police said she was in possession of the firearm used in the shooting when she was arrested. The male victim was taken to a local hospital but is expected to survive, police say. Chanel is charged with attempted homicide, robbery, aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, and other related offenses. By Wafaa Shurafa, Jack Jeffery and Lee Keath, The Associated Press KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip Internet and telephone services collapsed across the Gaza Strip on Thursday for lack of fuel, the main Palestinian provider said, bringing a potentially long-term blackout of communications as Israel signaled its offensive against Hamas could next target the south, where most of the population has taken refuge. Israeli troops for a second day searched Shifa Hospital in the north for traces of Hamas. They displayed what they said were a tunnel entrance and weapons found in a truck inside the compound. But the military has yet to release evidence of a central Hamas command center that Israel has said is concealed beneath the complex. Hamas and staff at the hospital, Gazas largest, deny the allegations. The military said it found the body of one of the hostages abducted by Hamas, 65-year-old Yehudit Weiss, in a building adjacent to Shifa, where it said it also found assault rifles and rocket-propelled grenades. It did not give the cause of her death. The communications breakdown largely cuts off Gazas 2.3 million people from each other and the outside world, worsening the severe humanitarian crisis in southern Gaza, even as Israeli airstrikes continue there. The U.N.s World Food Program warned of the immediate possibility of starvation in Gaza as the food supply has broken down under Israels seal and too little is coming from Egypt. The war, now in its sixth week, was triggered by Hamas Oct. 7 attack into southern Israel in which the militants killed over 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and captured some 240 men, women and children. Weiss, the woman whose body was found Thursday, is the third hostage confirmed dead, while four others have been freed and one rescued. Israel responded to the attack with a weekslong air campaign and a ground invasion of northern Gaza, vowing to remove Hamas from power and crush its military capabilities. More than 11,470 Palestinians have been killed, two-thirds of them women and minors, according to Palestinian health authorities. Another 2,700 have been reported missing, believed buried under rubble. The official count does not differentiate between civilian and militant deaths, and Israel says it has killed thousands of militants. Destroyed buildings stand in the Gaza Strip, as seen from southern Israel, Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)AP Fifty-six Israeli soldiers have died during the ground offensive. The war has inflamed tensions elsewhere. In the occupied West Bank, Palestinian gunmen opened fire at a checkpoint on the main road linking Jerusalem to Israeli settlements, killing a soldier and wounding three people. The three attackers were killed, according to police, who said the assailants had assault rifles, handguns and hatchets, and were preparing an attack in Jerusalem. Hamas claimed responsibility for the attack. SOME GUNS, BUT SO FAR NO TUNNELS A day after storming into Shifa, Gazas largest hospital, Israeli troops continued searching the complex. Gazas Health Ministry said the troops searched underground levels of the hospital Thursday and detained technicians who run its equipment. The hospital has not had electricity for nearly a week, and staff say they have been struggling to keep alive 36 premature babies and 45 dialysis patients without functional equipment. One dialysis patient died Thursday, Shifas director, Mohamed Abu Selmia, told Al Jazeera, adding that 650 wounded patients and 5,000 displaced people are in the hospital. Israel said its soldiers brought medical teams with incubators and other supplies, though Shifa staff said incubators were useless without fuel. Gazas Health Ministry said 40 patients, including three babies, died before the raid after the emergency generator ran out of fuel Saturday. During previous days of fighting in the nearby streets, there was no report of Hamas fighters firing from inside Shifa, and no fighting when Israeli troops entered Wednesday. Israel faces pressure to prove its claim that Hamas set up its main command center in and under the hospital, which has multiple buildings over an area of several city blocks. So far, it has mainly shown several caches of weapons. Flares rise over the Gaza Strip, as seen from southern Israel, Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)AP On Thursday, the military released video of a hole in the hospital courtyard it said was a tunnel entrance. It also showed several assault rifles and RPGs, grenades, ammunition clips and utility vests laid out on a blanket that it said were found in a pickup truck in the courtyard. The Associated Press could not independently verify the Israeli claims. For years, Israel has depicted the hospital as the site of a major Hamas headquarters. In recent weeks, it released satellite maps that specified particular buildings as a command center or as housing underground complexes. It released a computer animation portraying a subterranean network of passageways and rooms filled with weapons and fuel barrels. The U.S. said it has intelligence to support Israeli claims. The allegations are part of Israels broader accusation that Hamas uses Palestinians as human shields across the Gaza Strip which Israeli officials say is the reason for the large numbers of civilian casualties during weeks of bombardment. LOOKING SOUTH The military says it has largely consolidated its control of the north, though fighting continues there. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said Wednesday the ground operation will eventually include both the north and south. We will strike Hamas wherever it is. He did not give a time frame. Israeli forces dropped leaflets Wednesday afternoon telling Palestinians in areas east of the southern town of Khan Younis to evacuate. Similar leaflets were dropped over northern Gaza for weeks ahead of the ground invasion. Strikes continued in the south Thursday. In the city of Deir al-Balah, a funeral was held for 28 people killed in an overnight bomb that leveled several buildings. A Palestinian woman bakes bread in Rafah, Gaza Strip, Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023. (AP Photo/Hatem Ali)AP Most of Gazas population is crowded into southern Gaza, including hundreds of thousands who heeded Israels calls to evacuate to the north to get out of the way of its ground offensive. Some 1.5 million people driven from their homes have packed into U.N. shelters or houses with other families. If the assault moves into the south, it is not clear where they would go, as Egypt refuses to allow a mass transfer onto its soil. The Israeli military has called on people to move to a safe zone in Mawasi, a town on the Mediterranean coast a few square kilometers (square miles) in size, where humanitarian aid could be delivered. The heads of 18 U.N. agencies and international charities on Thursday rejected the creation of a safe zone, saying that concentrating civilians in one area while hostilities continue was too dangerous. They called for a cease-fire and unimpeded entry of humanitarian aid and fuel for Gazas population. Israel has sealed off Gaza since the start of the war, allowing only a trickle of aid from Egypt. It also bars delivery of fuel, saying it will be diverted to Hamas though it allowed a small amount this week for U.N. trucks to use in delivering aid. The World Food Program said the 447 trucks that have brought food into Gaza from Egypt out of 1,129 relief trucks total since Oct. 21 provide less than 7% of the populations daily caloric needs. Bread is scarce or non-existent after fuel shortages shut down most bakeries, and food supply chains have collapsed, it said. 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. Naama Doplet, second from right, salutes the grave of her fiancee, Israeli Army Capt. Kfir Franco, who was killed in combat in the Gaza Strip, during his funeral at Mt. Herzl military cemetery in Jerusalem, Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)AP Lack of fuel also brought down the internet and phone network, and it cant be restarted unless Israel lets in fuel, said Palnet, the main Palestinian telecoms provider. That raises the potential for a long-term communications blackout, after three earlier shutdowns that Gaza authorities were able to repair. The previous blackouts traumatized Palestinians, leaving them unable to call ambulances or reach family members to ensure they are alive. Aid workers say the shutdowns wreak havoc on humanitarian operations and hospitals. Some Palestinians manage to keep up communications using satellite phones or SIM cards that reach Israeli or Egyptian networks. Jeffery and Keath reported from Cairo. Associated Press writers Amy Teibel and Melanie Lidman in Jerusalem; Najib Jobain in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip; and Kareem Chehayeb in Beirut contributed to this report. Full AP coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war. By OLGA R. RODRIGUEZ, Associated Press SAN FRANCISCO (AP) A jury on Thursday convicted the man who broke into former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosis San Francisco home seeking to hold her hostage and attacked her husband with a hammer of federal charges of attempted kidnapping and assault. The jury deliberated for about eight hours before finding David DePape guilty of attempted kidnapping of a federal official and assault on the immediate family member of a federal official. DePape, who faces up to 50 years in prison, did not react as the verdict was read. The attack on then-82-year-old Paul Pelosi that was captured on police body camera video just days before last years midterm elections sent shockwaves through the political world. DePape, 43, admitted during trial testimony that he broke into the Pelosis home on Oct. 28, 2022, intending to hold Nancy Pelosi hostage and break her kneecaps if she lied to him. He also admitted to bludgeoning Paul Pelosi with a hammer after San Francisco police officers showed up at the home, saying his plan to end what he viewed as government corruption was unraveling. Defense attorneys and prosecutors did not immediately comment on the verdict. The U.S. Department of Justice planned to hold a news conference later in the day. A sentencing date has not yet been set. A status hearing is scheduled for Dec. 13. Defense attorneys argued that DePape was motivated by his political beliefs, not because he wanted to interfere with Nancy Pelosis official duties as a member of Congress, making the charges against him invalid. One of his attorneys, Angela Chuang, told jurors during closing arguments Wednesday that DePape was caught up in conspiracies. During her rebuttal, prosecutor Helen Gilbert said the defense had made a false distinction between the California Democrats politics and official duties and that DePape didnt differentiate between the two. 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 state trial date 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. DePape testified that his plan was to get Nancy Pelosi to admit that she had been lying to the American people. If she lied, I would break her kneecaps, he said. The choice is on her. He said he would then move to other targets, including a womens and queer studies professor who testified at the trial, California 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, urging Pelosi to tell police that he was a friend. Pelosi said he tried to tell police what was happening without aggravating DePape. Pelosi recalled being thankful when the police arrived, only for DePape to then 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 wounds on his head, including a fracture to his skull 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 spokesperson for Nancy Pelosi issued a statement after the verdict was announced saying Paul Pelosi continues to make progress in his recovery and that the family was grateful for the outpouring of support for him from people across the U.S.. DePape testified he thought Paul Pelosi was dead until he saw he was charged by San Francisco prosecutors with attempted murder. He was never my target and Im sorry that he got hurt, DePape said. He told jurors he believed news outlets repeatedly lied about former President Donald Trump. 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. He repeated QAnon-like conspiracies during his testimony, referring to a cabal and the ruling elite and saying they are eroding Americans liberty and allowing the abuse of children. The parents of 34-year-old Michael Mulgrew had planned to take him to seek mental health help on the day he stabbed them to death at the Ocean County, N.J., home they shared, according to a police report obtained by NJ Advance Media. Mulgrews mother, Cherly Mulgrew, 69, called the Barnegat Police Department and Mobile Psychiatric Emergency Screening Services around 6:30 p.m. Nov. 1 and told them that her son was experiencing mental health issues, according to the report. She requested PESS respond to evaluate him, the report stated. By the time help arrived at the home on Lincoln Avenue in Barnegat, Michael Mulgrew had already left, police said. His mother called police shortly after 11 p.m. to let them know Mulgrew had returned home and was calm and she was going to take him to a doctor in the morning. Police officers were called to house around 11 a.m. the next day by Cheryl Mulgrew, who was again seeking mental health help for her son, and they saw Michael Mulgrew walking away, according to a release from the Ocean County Prosecutors Office. As officers approached the front door, they noticed it was stained with blood, police said. Officers found more blood in multiple areas of the home, the prosecutors office said. The bodies of Cheryl Mulgrew and her 71-year-old husband, Michael Mulgrew, were found in a bedroom, authorities said. A knife was also found near the bedroom. Michael Mulgrew was found in the area of West Bay Boulevard and Gunning River Road and taken into custody, authorities said. While giving his statement, he told detectives that in 2018, he had an incident of drug-induced psychosis while living in Vietnam and that he regularly uses drugs, authorities said. He told police he believed his family was going to hurt him and he left the house the night before the stabbing, authorities said. When he returned, a dispute about chores led to him attacking his parents and stabbing them with a knife from the kitchen, police said. He then dragged both of their bodies into their bedroom, packed a backpack and left the home, police said. Mulgrew is charged with two counts of murder as well as weapons-related offenses and is being held at the Ocean County Jail, the office said. Editors Note: Mental health disorders affect people from all areas of life and all ages, but are treatable. Call Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administrations national helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for treatment referral and information. Chris Sheldon may be reached at csheldon@njadvancemedia.com. WILLIAMSPORT A federal prison inmate has admitted killing his cellmate who was one the principals of a virtual reality company that bilked more than $20 million from investors. Jason W. Roman, 44, of Illinois, pleaded guilty Friday in U.S. Middle District Court to a voluntary manslaughter charge. He was serving a 12-year drug sentence imposed in 2009 in Illinois when he claimed Jimmy L. Barker, 46, of Wellington, Florida, attacked him on Aug. 5, 2015, in their cell at Lewisburg Federal Penitentiary. Roman contended he lost control and responded by hitting Barker on the left side of the face. A corrections officer found the injured inmate bleeding on the cell floor. Barker died later at a hospital and an autopsy determined the cause of death was blunt force trauma to the face and head, Assistant U.S. Attorney Alisan V. Martin said. The manslaughter charge carries a 15-year maximum sentence but Roman is expected to receive a term in the 10 to 13-year range as the result of his guilty plea. A homicide charge is to be dismissed at sentencing, the date of which has not been set. Roman remains detained. Barker between 1999 and 2008 was the CEO of a virtual-reality video game company known as 3001 AD based in Delray Beach, Florida. He had pleaded guilty in 2009 in a wire and mail fraud case. When he was killed he was serving a 152-month sentence that included restitution of $20 million. A Securities and Exchange Commission complaint filed in Florida accused Barker and others with making several material misrepresentations to investors in the offer and sale of units of 3001 AD and a myriad of general partnerships. They were accused of not telling investors that 3001 AD and the partnerships paid up to five times more than the 8 percent sales commissions disclosed in offering materials. Barker was accused of offering investors an opportunity to participate in what appeared to be a high-growth profitable industry, with little risk on their investment. Investors were promised $29,000 profit annually on each $5,000 invested, the SEC charged. Barker was among those accused of repeatedly misrepresenting to investors that 3001 AD would be going public. The SEC claimed it was never prepared to conduct an initial public offering and lacked the necessary capital to do so. Barker and others also were accused of touting relationships with Microsoft, Apple and former Disney CEO Michael Eisner that never existed. The government never explained why it took so long to prosecute Roman in Barkers killing. A former state employee will receive nearly $200,000 Friday as part of a previous settlement of sexual harassment claims she made against a former cabinet member in Gov. Josh Shapiros administration. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Treasury, it has received requests for a total of $295,000 in payments related to the case involving Mike Vereb, who resigned in September as Shapiros secretary of legislative affairs. Under the settlement, the woman will receive $196,000 and two law offices will receive over $49,000 each for a total of $99,000. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette first reported the payments. While the woman was paid Friday, the lawyers will receive payments on Nov. 29, according to the Treasury Department, which explained that $250,000 would come from the Employee Liability Self-Insurance Program and $45,000 from the governors office. PennLive previously reported that the 14-page settlement agreement was signed on Sept. 5, and the total amount of the settlement. PennLive has not named the woman because of the nature of the allegations. The woman accused Vereb, a former state representative, of making lewd and sexually inappropriate comments and unwanted sexual advances toward her. The allegations were reported the day after Vereb resigned. News of the payments comes just days after several Republican female House members unveiled a legislative package to reform sexual harassment rules and laws. Among the legislators involved in that effort is Rep. Abby Major of Armstrong County, who went public in March with sexual harassment claims against now-former Democratic Rep. Mike Zabel of Delaware County. Zabel resigned in March after three women all made similar allegations. The legislative package includes: Story by Min Xian of Spotlight PA State College and Angela Couloumbis of Spotlight PA This story was produced by the State College regional bureau of Spotlight PA, an independent, nonpartisan newsroom dedicated to investigative and public-service journalism for Pennsylvania. Sign up for our regional newsletter, Talk of the Town. DUBOIS It started with a news release. In March, the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General announced it had arrested DuBois City Manager Herm Suplizio for allegedly stealing hundreds of thousands in public and nonprofit funds. State prosecutors alleged Suplizio shrewdly used his powers from key positions he held in the City of DuBois, a network of political connections, and control over local organizations and charities to line his own pockets for almost a decade. Suplizios arrest in March immediately caught the attention of Spotlight PA. Angela Couloumbis, an investigative reporter covering money and politics in the state government, recognized Suplizio as former Pennsylvania Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnatis handpicked successor before the senator retired from his post in 2020. With Suplizio at the center of one of the attorney generals offices most sweeping political corruption cases in recent years, Couloumbis wondered what the allegations against him would reveal about why a small city like DuBois appeared to have outsized clout with people in powerful positions in Pennsylvania. Min Xian, the local accountability reporter in Spotlight PAs State College regional bureau, had another set of questions when the charges were announced: Could the powers of a city manager have played a role in the alleged theft of public and nonprofit funds? And with the alleged crimes spanning nearly a decade, how could they have gone unnoticed in a relatively small municipality? Over the past seven months, Spotlight PA attended the citys public meetings, filed a half dozen public records requests seeking a wide range of financial records that illustrated the inner workings of DuBois, and spoke with more than two dozen residents, elected officials, local business owners, community organizers, and nonprofit organizations. The criminal case against Suplizio proceeded with twists Spotlight PA challenged the attorney generals offices unusual secrecy in court in August, and prosecutors filed new charges in October, which both expanded and supplanted previous charges. Two civil complaints involving DuBois were filed based on the criminal allegations. Spotlight PA reported on a series of actions by the DuBois City Council and shed light on the profound influence Suplizio has in its government, and residents uncovered a chain of issues that they continue to demand local officials take accountability for. A slate of write-in candidates ran and defeated several incumbent council members in this years election. The scandal also kindled local opposition to DuBois planned consolidation with neighboring Sandy Township. Spotlight PA continued to monitor a web of controversies in the fallout of the criminal allegations against Suplizio. Couloumbis and Xian dug into large amounts of state grant data, sorted through hundreds of pages of documents, and spent months building trust with sources inside and outside DuBois. The persistent reporting produced by Spotlight PA culminated in an investigation that for the first time revealed how Suplizio uplifted the city, where red flags of potential conflicts of interest at times surfaced and went nowhere, and what the scandal said about the inner workings of both state and local governments in Pennsylvania. SUPPORT THIS JOURNALISM and help us reinvigorate local news in north-central Pennsylvania at spotlightpa.org/donate/statecollege. Spotlight PA is funded by foundations and readers like you who are committed to accountability and public-service journalism that gets results. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 17. The International Court of Justice has rejected Armenia's unreasonable demand to withdraw all personnel of the military and law enforcement agencies of Azerbaijan from the Karabakh region, Trend reports. This is stated in the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry's statement. "We welcome the Courts ruling that has reconfirmed Azerbaijans sovereignty and territorial integrity, rightfully rejecting Armenias request that challenged Azerbaijans long-acknowledged and internationally recognized sovereignty over Karabakh. It is also noteworthy that the Court has also rejected the baseless and ludicrous request for withdrawal of all military and law-enforcement personnel by Azerbaijan from its Karabakh region," the ministry said. Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel A Facebook post concerning Israels military from a Montgomery County school board member sparked outrage in the community. As a result, that newly re-elected member has resigned, according to news reports. The since-deleted post was made by Dr. Jamina Clay. In the social media post, the former Colonial School Board member and assistant superintendent for the Philadelphia School District called the Israel Defense Force a terroristic organization. Her remarks sparked a firestorm among multiple communities and local Jewish groups. The main thing that sticks out as harmful, not just hurtful but harmful, was calling the Israel Defense Force a terrorist organization, Rabbi Glenn Ettman of Congregation Or Ami said to NBC10. Words do matter. Words have influence and certainly words that come from people who are elected officials hold even more weight because of the position in which they hold. Clay later submitted her letter of resignation from the Colonial School District on Thursday in addition to posting an apology on Facebook. I recently made a post on my Facebook page where I intended to draw attention to the conflict in the Middle East. Upon reflection and after having conversations with loved ones and friends, I understand that my choice of words may have caused harm to many, and the impact did not match my intent, Clay wrote. Also addressing Clays Facebook post and resignation in a letter was the Colonial School District Superintendent Michael L. Christian, according to NBC10. Dr. Clay submitted her resignation letter this morning stating that she was doing so because she does not wish to distract from the work of the School Board or the District, Christian wrote in part on Thursday. Dr. Clays post was offensive to many and, as a School Board member, this is unacceptable in a district that prides itself on cultivating a sense of belonging. We are committed to a culture of equity, inclusivity, and belonging and strive to provide a safe and caring environment for all our students and staff. In addition, a school board spokesperson sent over the following statement to NBC10: The Board of Education Policy 820 states that employees are protected by the First Amendment when speaking on a matter of public concern that is not part of their job duties, the spokesperson wrote. The views and opinions expressed in Dr. Clays Facebook post do not reflect the position, opinion or views of the School District of Philadelphia. School board members held a meeting at the Colonial Elementary School in Plymouth Meeting Thursday night to address Clays Facebook post, and residents packed the meeting and voiced their concerns. A number of residents called Clays post antisemitic. The hateful and antisemitic post yesterday from a member of the Colonial School Board was shocking and incredibly hurtful to Jewish members of this community. Her statement was intellectually dishonest, hateful and frankly un-American, Spencer Yablon, of Whitemarsh Township, said, according to 6ABC. Your colleagues comments bring to the surface what Jews have always felt: That antisemitism is all around us. Clay will continue to serve as assistant superintendent for the School District of Philadelphia, where she oversees 10 schools. Her resignation is effective immediately, but the board will need to make an acceptance vote, which will most likely come next month, 6ABC reported. Calling it a victory for free speech and religious liberty, the American Civil Liberties Union announced Thursday that a Lehigh Valley school district settled a federal lawsuit over the After School Satan Club. The club organizer, the Satanic Temple Inc., sued the Saucon Valley School District, alleging district officials had improperly blocked the club from meeting in school facilities. A federal judge in May had granted a preliminary injunction request that cleared the way for the club to meet at the districts middle school. That ruling indicated the district had likely violated the First Amendment when it prevented students and families from gathering on school grounds in connection with the club, according to the ACLU of Pennsylvania. Under the settlement approved Thursday by the school district, the district must give The Satanic Temple and After School Satan Club the same access to school facilities that other comparable organizations receive, according to the ACLU. The agreement also prohibits the district from retaliating against the club, its parent organization and its volunteers and members based on their viewpoint or the exercise of their First Amendment rights, the ACLU said in a news release. The district also agreed to pay $200,000 in attorneys fees and costs to The Satanic Club attorneys, according to the release. We are pleased that this matter has been resolved and that the school district has agreed to stop all discrimination against us, June Everett, director of The Satanic Temples After School Satan Club programming, states in the release. Thanks to the courts order, we were able to hold ASSC meetings at the Saucon Valley Middle School, and the kids who attended were overjoyed. Its for them that we took on this legal fight in the first place, Everett added, and we wont hesitate to do so again if other school districts continue to enact discriminatory policies. The Saucon Valley School District maintained it believes the club violated school board policy governing the use of district facilities when it applied in February for permission for the club to meet. Saucon Valley allows non-school organizations to use its facilities after school, including the Good News Club, a Christian organization. District policy and a U.S. Supreme Court ruling dictate that if the district allows one outside organization to use its facilities, it must open up the schools to every outside organization. District officials alleged social media advertising about the After School Satan Clubs startup in search of members claimed the district was hosting the club, in violation of district policy. The district rescinded the clubs approval after what Vlasaty called chaos that included an anonymous threatening voicemail left with the district that forced the shutdown of all district campuses and after-school activities one Tuesday evening in February and cancellation of classes and activities the following day. Authorities charged a North Carolina man, saying he threatened to come in there and shoot everybody after voicing displeasure with the district for permitting the club to meet on school property. Saucon Valley schools Solicitor Mark Fitzgerald in a statement Thursday night said: This afternoon, the District resolved litigation brought by The Satanic Temple Inc. and the After School Satan Club. The District denies that it discriminated against the TST, the ASSC, or the approximately four students who attended ASSCs three meetings last spring. As always, the Districts priorities are the education of its students and the safety of its students and staff. By enforcing its policies regarding the use of facilities, the District maintained a safe educational environment for its students in the face of credible threats of violence that had already caused closure of the schools and panic in the community. The Satanic Temple promotes freedom, science, justice and even compassion, Everett has said. It does not promote devil worshipping or a supernatural Satan, just the ideals that Satan stood for, which include opposition to tyranny and individual rights, she has said. Editors note: This article was updated with a statement from the Saucon Valley School District solicitor. Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. By Lorraine Mirabella, Baltimore Sun (TNS) Plans to transform downtown Baltimores iconic yet faded Harborplace into a mixed-use project faced criticism Thursday from a city panel that asked the developer to step back from a fully formed proposal and analyze alternatives for the high-profile site. MCB Real Estate has proposed demolishing the waterfront shopping-and-dining pavilions that for decades have symbolized the Inner Harbor attraction and replacing them with four taller, mixed-use buildings, including a conjoined tower with around 900 apartments, one smaller building in a large new park, a two-tier promenade and realigned roadways. The developer said the proposal involves about $500 million of private investment and would need an estimated $400 million in public funds about $300 million for parks and public spaces and $100 million for the roadwork. After unveiling its vision two weeks ago, MCB began the city review process Thursday, presenting its master plan to the citys Urban Design & Architecture Advisory Panel. While saying they appreciated that a team has taken on the difficult and significant project, panel members said it will require additional study and a clearer vision and design framework to succeed. I hope you understand that what were here for is to help it succeed, and to do so we feel like were the ones that have to tell you to slow down, think about it, lets talk about it, said Pavlina Ilieva, the panels chairwoman. Lets figure out whats really the best solution here. This has to work. ... And its a long road ahead when it comes to that. Panel members, who make recommendations to city planners and the Planning Commission, said MCB had arrived at a fully formed plan, complete with the quantity, placement and design of buildings, without explaining their reasoning or showing potential alternatives, which Ilieva called alarming and arbitrary. She said many elements of the presentation are overdue and should be included in a final project, including some that had been recommended in earlier plans. A 2013 Inner Harbor plan, for instance, recommended the reconfiguation of Light Street that MCB is proposing at the intersection with Pratt Street, which would remove a spur and convert Light back into a boulevard. However, the approach to all of this seems to be pretty primitive, Ilieva said. The panel chair also said the proposed site appeared overbuilt. She questioned whether the developer had set clear goal and if the plans aimed to create something inviting and new, or just a mixed-use project on the waterfront. I really dont think that the solution lies in five buildings positioned on this site in a way that aligns with one or two more of the streets in the grid, Ilieva said. There needs to be a pretty fundamental analysis on the site as it stands as it was and as it will be, a pretty extensive visioning exercise, to determine what succeeded in the past and what will succeed now and longer-term. Osborne Anthony, another panel member, commended the development team for its work to date. But, he said, the challenge for me is, when Im presented with almost postcard-type images of a development, it says to me: Whoa, is this really baked in stone? Is this what it is? ... And there isnt necessarily the supporting information to demonstrate to me that the process has been ... truly robust in how youve arrived at these various decisions. Anthony said the plans left him without a clear idea of the predominant element. Is it more about a park, or is it more about commercial, retail, residential, he said. Even if its a mix of all of that, there should be some kind of hierarchy. P. David Bramble, MCBs managing partner and a West Baltimore resident, has said the new Harborplace will reflect a generational shift from indoor malls to more active, mixed-use space. The developers, who struck a deal to acquire the mostly vacant pavilions out of receivership in April 2022, believe the proposed new Harborplace would spark a downtown renaissance that would ripple across the city and beyond. The proposed development is designed to open view corridors that are currently blocked by the 1980s-era pavilions with large footprints, expand park space, add shade through trees and canopies and increase connection to the water through a series of floating sun decks, Vaki Mawema, co-managing director of Gensler Baltimore, the projects lead architect, told panel members. MCB wants to build two 200,000-square-foot commercial buildings on Pratt Street, plus two connecting residential towers 32 stories and 25 stories with ground-level shops on Light Street. One commercial building on Pratt Street would house food and beverage tenants and feature a tiered 50,000-square-foot, public rooftop park. A smaller retail building 8,500 square feet would be built in a 30,000-square-foot park with a 2,000-seat amphitheater, bounded by a redesigned intersection of Light and Pratt streets and replacing McKeldin Plaza. From the skylines edges to the waters surface, the postcard view of Baltimores Inner Harbor would change significantly, with four taller buildings replacing Harborplaces existing pavilions and floating boardwalks and wetlands among the outdoor amenities.TNS The project encompasses McKeldin Plaza, absorbing that space into a larger park stretching all the way to the waterfront and squaring off the intersection of Pratt and Light streets. The design panel is expected to scrutinize the project over several meetings. After reviewing the master plan, the panel will review each building on the site. Architects and developers often change their proposals scale and appearance to satisfy its members. City planners will then undertake a site plan review. The Planning Commission is expected to hold a hearing Nov. 30 on city council bills enabling the project before forwarding its recommendations to the council. 2023 Baltimore Sun. Visit baltimoresun.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. A political-action committee working to unseat Republican U.S. Rep. Scott Perry is launching a digital ad campaign Friday to reach 10th Congressional District voters. WelcomePAC, in conjunction with Republicans Against Perry, which it unveiled last month, is now waging a five-figure text and social media campaign just under a year before the November 2024 general election. Craig Snyder, director of Republicans Against Perry, said the effort will include messaging that highlights Perrys extremism and similarities with far-right GOP state Sen. Doug Mastriano, who lost the 10th District 55% to 43% to Gov. Josh Shapiro in 2022. Perry is chairman of the conservative House Freedom Caucus and ignored a subpoena to testify before the House Select Committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. The ad campaign will also feature messaging to recruit supporters for Republicans Against Perry, including committee members and possible primary opponents willing to challenge Perry. Snyder said the messages are going to be highly targeted to a voter file the group has already built for the 10th District that uses extremely sophisticated modeling from BlueLabs Analytics, a Washington, D.C., based firm. One social media ad from WelcomePAC/Republicans Against Perry addresses Perrys response to Republican colleagues who opposed Rep. Jim Jordans bid for House Speaker getting death threats. WelcomePAC, via its Republicans Against Perry initiative, is launching a digital ad campaign that will include social media ads such as this one targeting Republican U.S. Rep. Scott Perry.Submitted A campaign spokesman for Perry did not respond to an email from PennLive. Every voter in the district has been assigned a scored based on multiple metrics that will help the group identify persuadable Republicans and independents, Snyder said. Our core universe of persuadable voters is tens of thousands, said Snyder. Last year, Perry received 54% of the vote while defeating Democrat Shamaine Daniels. There are eight Democrats who have announced that they are running for the partys nomination in the 10th District race. Perry is expected to seek re-election, but he has not formally announced yet. In 2020, Richard Fahnestock pleaded guilty to raping a child. About six years after the assaults occurred, the girls younger sister came forward with more allegations. Fahnestock, 49, will now serve a total sentence of 14-28 years in prison, which will be followed by 12 years of probation, after a Dauphin County judge accepted a negotiated sentence. Fahnestock was originally charged in 2018 after the older sister came forward, saying Fahnestock raped her in the House of David in Elizabethtown from the time she was 12 until she was about 14, according to court documents. The older sister said the younger sister walked in on several of the assaults, court documents said. As investigators followed up the older sisters allegations, prosecutors also believed Fahnestock molested the younger sister, too. But she denied any contact between Fahnestock and herself, according to Senior Deputy District Attorney Jennifer Gettle. She wasnt readythats not uncommon, Gettle said. After two years of court appearances, Fahnestock pleaded guilty to rape of a child, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a person less than 16 years old, statutory sexual assault and corruption of a minor in March of 2020. After he was classified as a sexually violent predator, Dauphin County Judge Deborah Curcillo sentenced him to 8 to 16 years in state prison Sept. 8, 2020. He also received two years of probation after his release. Curcillo also found that Fahnestock is an uncurable pedophile, which a state superior court panel upheld in 2021 after Fahnestock challenged the designation. That designation requires him to register with state police for life, that all his future neighbors will be notified of his crimes, and that he is subject to mandatory lifetime sex offender counseling. Fahnestock was in State Correctional Institute Mercer in 2022 serving his sentence when a Middletown Borough Police detective pulled him into an interview. After years of therapy and processing, the younger sister had come forward and recanted her denial of his assault, Gettle said. She said Fahnestock molested her and that she used to cry her way out of doing things with Fahnestock she didnt want to do, according to court documents. If shes saying that, I must have did it, Fahnestock said during the interview. He admitted he made a terrible mistake and said he wished there was a way to personally apologize to the girls, according to court documents. Fahnestocks attorney, Hillary Hall, negotiated a plea deal to side-step a trial and spare the girl from testifying. The girls father sat in the back of Judge William Tullys courtroom Thursday afternoon, emitting sighs anytime Fahnestock opened his mouth. Gettle told Tully the girls father would not deliver a statement before sentencing because he said he could not control what he would say. I hurt his daughter, ruined friendships and Im truly sorry and wish him the best, Fahnestock said. Richard has been interested in resolving this case, Hall said. He hasnt been trying to hide. Hall said Fahnestock is spending time in prison as a wheelchair pusher someone who pushes wheelchairs for inmates who use them. Tully begrudgingly accepted the negotiated deal, stating that as a father of three daughters, he could only imagine what it would be like to deliver a victim impact statement. But he acknowledged that letting the matter go to trial would mean the girl would have to testify. Its less than you probably deserve, but I do not want to interfere with something that has been negotiated, Tully said. Fahnestock pleaded guilty to involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a child, aggravated indecent assault, unlawful contact with a minor and corruption of minors all felonies. An additional felony charge of rape of a child was dropped as part of the negotiated plea. We recognize victims who have been exposed to molestation may not be ready to repeat it when it happens to them, Gettle said. But when a victim is ready to talk, our office is ready to hear them. Thankfully, after several years of therapy, [the younger sister] was finally able to talk and get some closure for this, Gettle said. Seeing that Pennsylvania Congressman Scott Perry is running for re-election, he owes it to PA District 10 votes to respond to at least two questions. Maybe he only has to respond to one question. I may have missed seeing Perry repudiate the Stop the Steal movement of which he was so stridently a spokesman. If Perry has washed his hands of the Big Lie, unlike his colleague Jim Jordan, theres an even more serious question not widely reported. Some months ago a national television network mentioned that on or about January 6, 2021, Perry met with then Whitehouse Chief of Staff Mark Meadows. The substance of that meeting was never disclosed, but the fact Meadows was burning documents in a Whitehouse fireplace almost immediately afterwards raises the serious question of what Perry and Meadows needed to cover up. Perry should reveal what the meeting with Meadows was all about and why papers had to be destroyed. Meadows, just a day ago, was granted immunity from prosecution. Do we have to wait for Meadows to reveal what was so secret? Im old enough to remember President Richard Nixon publicly declaring, The American people need to know their president is not a crook. So now, the voters in Pennsylvanias 10th District need to know that their Congressman was not part of a failed coup. Gregory Schnacky, Harrisburg, Pa. Anyone with a conscience should be troubled by our reporting on deaths in county jails throughout Pennsylvania. PennLive Reporter Joshua Vaughn has done extensive investigations for months into the deplorable conditions and alarming number of suspicious deaths in Dauphin County prison. Now, Vaughn and Brittany Hailer at the Pittsburgh Institute of Nonprofit Journalism have uncovered another disturbing fact: many deaths in jails throughout the state arent even reported. The undercounting of deaths in county jails is widespread and severe, Vaughn and Hailers six months of reporting shows. In fact, the PennLive/Pittsburgh Institute of Nonprofit Journalism investigation found of the 65 deaths in custody throughout Pennsylvania last year, about one third were not reported as law requires. PennLive created in interactive map to view the number of in-custody deaths in each county across Pa.Megan Heaton Its important to remember that many people held in county jails are awaiting trial. They havent been convicted of any crime. Many are too poor to be come up with the money that would allow them to remain free while awaiting trial to prove their innocence. It is imperative that our criminal justice system treat people with human decency and hold accountable those who abuse their power or neglect their responsibilities. PennLive and The Patriot-News are committed to reporting on this important issue that touches so many lives. The investigation into deaths in county jails has led to creation of the first comprehensive database of such deaths in Pennsylvania. It has shone a glaring spotlight on conditions inside county jails and provided a roadmap for authorities to follow to begin reforms. The investigation confirmed Dauphin Countys high level of deaths when compared to state and national averages. Its the same for Allegheny County. But Cumberland, Perry, Lebanon, and York counties reported no deaths last year, and Lancaster County reported only one. Dauphin County Coroner Graham Hetrick will hold a press conference to discuss the results of investigation into 21-year-old Tyrique Rileys death on July 1 at a local hospital. Riley was incarcerated at Dauphin County Prison for eight days prior to his death. Sept. 05, 2019.Sean Simmers | ssimmers@pennlive.com As disturbing as the facts are about underreporting of deaths in county jails, how coroners and medical examines determine cause of death is just as concerning. The investigation showed about 40 percent of deaths in county jails are attributed to suicide. But there are valid questions about whether conditions inside these jails may have contributed to the deaths, and whether officials respond appropriately to signs of mental as well as physical illness. One local case stands out. Forty-five-year old Jamal Crummel died in Dauphin County Prison in January 2022 of cardiac fibrosis, with hypothermia being a significant contributing factor. He died a week after he was hospitalized for hypothermia. In fact, his cell was so cold, he was treated twice for hypothermia. Still, Dauphin County Coroner Graham Hetrick couldnt determine if he died of natural causes or the result of negligence, homicide, suicide, or an accident. The family of Jamal Crummel wants answers to his death. From left are Jimmy Crawford (father of Jamal), Stacy Harris (sister of Jamal) and William Crawford (brother of Jimmy Crawford). October 14, 2022. Dan Gleiter | dgleiter@pennlive.com And about 30% of deaths in jails last year were classified as from natural causes. But the investigation raises questions about whether jail conditions may have contributed to some of the deaths. Terence Keel has investigated hundreds of autopsies of law enforcement deaths in his national research for the BioCritical Studies Lab at the University of California, Los Angeles. He contends there is reason to question deaths ruled natural. He says the label can cover up situations where the person was not given proper medical treatment or medication. He says the natural death label really just launders all the kinds of violence or medical neglect thats happening in the jail. Exterior of Allegheny County Jail This is worth a closer look by independent state or federal authorities, or both. We need to ensure a better system inside county jails that protects the health and safety of people in their care. We need to ensure authorities are held accountable for wrongful deaths. It is reasonable to ask if officials managing county jails throughout the state are negligent, incompetent, or deliberately covering up crimes. No answer is a good one. It also is reasonable to ask what state agency is responsible for ensuring the safety of people in county jails? Why has no agency federal or state verified the accuracy of deaths in county jails? And now that the information is as plain as day, whos going to do what about it? The only way to answer these questions is with an official inquiry that would seek justice for those who have been harmed, and that would demand reform of a system that clearly needs it. Quality local journalism has never been more important. You deserve the best. Not a subscriber yet? Please consider supporting our work. A seismic shift is brewing in Washington, D.C., as the chorus of Democratic staffers dissent grows louder. On Nov. 14, more than 400 Biden administration employees released a letter distancing themselves from the presidents current stance on Israel. The staffers are pressing the president to demand a ceasefire on Gaza, the release of Israeli and Palestinian hostages and the restoration of services like electricity and humanitarian aid to the Gaza strip. The public letter follows an action led by over 100 congressional staffers, who participated in a walkout last week also calling for a ceasefire. The participants, who came from 40 to 50 members offices, many of them masked to conceal their identities, gathered on the US Capitol steps to hold a vigil, laying out over 10,000 flowers to represent the at time of publication now over 11,000 Palestinians killed since Hamas launched its deadly attack in Israel that left 1,200 Israelis dead on Oct. 7. Other rallies in support of Palestine have been occurring in the DC areas as well. As the political drama unfolds, part of the growing movement is taking place on social media, where BIPOC government staffers are spilling the tea in public and finding solidarity and community with one another. Dear White Staffers, which began in 2020 during the COVID pandemic, has emerged as a digital battleground for government staffers to share updates about rising tensions on Capitol Hill. Originally a space for memes about the experiences of people of color working on Capitol Hill, the Dear White Staffers account now serves as a platform for anonymous testimonials, revealing the harsh realities of mistreatment, discrimination and workplace challenges. The account, which has more than 111,000 followers on Instagram and 6,000 followers on X, is not only popular, its necessary, according to other staffers. Despite the current Congress being the most racially and ethnically diverse in history, only 18% of top staff for new and returning members are people of color, according to data from the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies from 2022. The Dear White Staffers account runner posts anonymous messages sent by other staffers and interns. They also share news updates about the administration from media outlets like Huffpost. To protect the identity of themselves and other staffers, they remain anonymous through strong cybersecurity protocols because they say the platform belongs to every staffer, not just one person. The person behind the Dear White Staffers account says they helped with the recent walkouts and letters by connecting staffers and fielding messages in their DMs. An anon submitter to Dear White Staffers shares their frustrations with their current job in the midst of the Israel/Hamas war.Dear White Staffers I attribute a lot of the organizing power of Dear White Staffers and the people that come along with it as to why there are congressional staff and offices are unionized, said a young White House staffer of color who has requested to remain anonymous to avoid harassment. Thats the reason why I think that the amount of public pressure to support a ceasefire is coming from the fact that there is a central location to get information for congressional and administration staffers, especially political appointees. The big Democratic split The Dear White Staffers public posts, along with public letters and demonstrations by staffers, have revealed a stark divide within the Democratic Party regarding the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel. About 46% of Democrats disapprove of how Biden is handling the conflict, according to a survey from Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research conducted from November 2 to November 6. The survey also showed that compared to the 40% of Democrats who disapproved in August, Bidens support has decreased. In addition, the presidents approval rating has dropped 11 percentage points among Democrats since the Oct. 7 attacks, according to a Gallup tracking poll conducted between Oct. 2 and Oct. 23. Experts and advocates have pointed to how this may affect Bidens chances at reelection in 2024. The AP survey results also show that, nearly two-thirds of Americans (63%) disapprove of how Biden is handling the conflict between Israel and Hamas. Those inside Capitol Hill are also beginning to show their dissatisfaction with Biden. On Nov. 13, an internal U.S. State Department memo urging senior U.S. officials to reassess their policy toward Israel and demand a ceasefire in Gaza, was released, according to Axios. Biden isnt the only Democratic government leader receiving blowback from their current and former White House and congressional staff. Two former Democratic presidential hopefuls also have faced criticisms. Former staffers of U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warrens 2020 presidential campaign also expressed their frustration in an open letter date Oct. 19, demanding that the senator take action. Through our grief, we implore you to take action. You must demand an immediate ceasefire in Palestine and the return of Israeli hostages, and take concrete steps to end Israeli occupation. A child is killed every 15 minutes in Gaza if you continue to be silent, you are complicit in this genocide, the staffers write to Warren. In response, Warren stated at an event in Bourne, Mass., on Oct. 20 that I respect my former staffers who are doing exactly what I have always encouraged them to do: Stand up and fight for what they believe in. U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, known as a hero to progressives, is also facing harsh criticism for his approach towards Israels conflict in Gaza, advocating for a humanitarian pause rather than an immediate ceasefire. His stance has disappointed former staffers and supporters, sparking division among progressives who hoped he would continue the anti-war stances he has taken in the past. Nearly 300 former Sanders presidential campaign staffers wrote him an open letter on Oct. 24, urging him to call for a ceasefire. On Nov. 3, volunteers and his former campaign staffers protested outside of his office. He refused to speak with them and the protestors were arrested. Sanders told the Washington Post on Nov. 14 that he wishes there was a simple solution. There isnt. This pressure from staffers is rising, with more than 500 campaign staffers who helped elect President Joe Biden in 2020 presenting a call-to-action letter to work towards a ceasefire Nov. 9. As President of the United States, you have significant influence in this perilous moment 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, the staffers wrote to President Biden in the Medium post on Nov. 9. Congressional staffers have been fielding thousands of calls from angry and impassioned constituents in an already toxic and low paid work environment. They say they are frustrated and are expressing dissatisfaction with one another publicly as well as anonymously online via Dear White Staffers. It feels like no one is able to have a real conversation about this. And no one knows where the line is. And thats such like a f***** up and weird place to be when were talking about thousands of peoples lives that are like being murdered by US weapons, said another young staffer who also works with the Biden administration and is choosing to stay anonymous because of fear of harassment. From the Dear White Staffers account runners perspective, the Democratic party is out of touch with the people they are trying to represent. It is a shame that members of Congress refuse to acknowledge the calls, letters, and outpouring of support from their constituencies, they said, who feel there are members who are being influenced by wealthy outside groups. This is sadly a feature of Washington that illustrates so much of policymaking. In the meantime, government staffers are saying that Democratic lawmakers are instructing them to let calls demanding a Gaza ceasefire go to voicemail despite significant public support and staffers advocacy. I have family and friends that call and text all the time asking why am I still working for someone who obviously doesnt see me, my family and my community as human beings? How can you support someone who supports a genocide? I can say pretty confidently that its an experience that is not just similar to my own. It is very much something that I have to grapple with every day, an anon staffer in the Biden administration said. The Dear White Staffers account runner says that while no one day on the Hill is the same, the days always start early. You could be answering the phones non-stop and responding to constituents or driving your boss around the district from event to event. The next day, you could be staffing a hearing with business leaders or foreign dignitaries, they said. No matter what, the hours are long and the pay never feels enough. The B.C. government says it's introducing new protections for ride-hailing and food delivery app workers including a minimum wage, compensation for expenses and other standards. A food delivery worker rides a bike in downtown Vancouver, B.C., Thursday, Dec. 23, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 17. On November 17, the International Court rejected 7 out of 10 claims of Armenia against Azerbaijan, Trend reports. The court in its decision confirmed the sovereignty of Azerbaijan over Karabakh and territorial integrity, rejected the unfounded and ridiculous demand for the withdrawal of personnel of the military and law enforcement agencies of Azerbaijan from Karabakh. Also, according to the decision, the already stated policy of the Azerbaijani government towards the Armenian residents of Karabakh was taken into account. This includes Azerbaijan's commitment to ensure the safety and security of all residents, regardless of their national or ethnic origin. The court did not attach importance to Armenias demand for a visit to Karabakh by representatives of UN agencies and cooperation with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), thereby essentially nullifying all unfounded claims against our country in connection with the visit of representatives of international organizations to the region. Also, the courts rejection of Armenias claims regarding cultural monuments and artifacts is confirmation of the measures taken by our country. In addition, the court did not satisfy Armenias demands regarding persons associated with the separatist regime detained on relevant charges. The court did not confirm that Azerbaijan had violated its obligations under the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD), and this claim by Armenia was also rejected. The company trying to build a huge copper and gold mine in the salmon-rich Bristol Bay will keep fighting for the project, despite a decision by the federal government to keep the proposed development site off-limits to large-scale metals mining. John Shively, chief executive officer of the Pebble Limited Partnership, made that vow in a presentation at the Alaska Miners Association annual convention in Anchorage. He said the Pebble mine had the potential to transform the economy and improve lives in the rural Bristol Bay region, just as he said the Red Dog Mine, one of the worlds biggest zinc producers, has done in Northwest Alaska. Thats why were still fighting this. The resources are there. Were still here. Were not going anywhere, he told the convention audience in his presentation on Thursday. The companys fight is backed by the administration of Gov. Mike Dunleavy. At his direction, the state in July filed a lawsuit directly to the U.S. Supreme Court to try to overturn a decision by the Environmental Protection Agency that bars permitting for any Pebble-type mine in key areas of the Bristol Bay watershed. Dunleavy, in brief remarks earlier this week at the miners convention, expressed pride in his support of the controversial project. I was told if I supported Pebble, I would never win another election. Well, I dont know. Im here. Im still here, he said on Tuesday, drawing applause from the audience. The Republican governor was handily reelected last November. The EPA decision invoked a rarely used provision in the Clean Water Act to preclude any wetlands permit for the project. The agency determined that the Pebble mine posed an unacceptable risk to the Bristol Bay watershed, essential to a region with the worlds largest sockeye salmon runs and with major fisheries and wildlife populations that depend on that salmon. To help reverse that decision, the Pebble Limited Partnership and its owner, Vancouver-based Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd., in September filed an amicus brief in support of the states Supreme Court effort. Filing supportive briefs, too, were the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority and numerous Alaska and national resource-development groups. The possibility that the project will be resurrected has also drawn Pebble mine opponents into the new Supreme Court faceoff. The Bristol Bay Native Corp. and United Tribes of Bristol Bay jointly filed a motion with the Supreme Court on Thursday in support of the EPA and against the state effort, and Trout Unlimited filed a similar motion. Representatives of the Bristol Bay Native Corp. and United Tribes of Bristol Bay, in a news conference Thursday, noted that their organizations had been among those that first petitioned the EPA for Clean Water Act protections against the proposed mine. Defending this place, defending our way of life, thats why were here today, Daniel Cheyette, vice president for lands and resources for Bristol Bay Native Corp., said in the news conference. The state of Alaska has taken the extraordinary measure of directly seeking the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court to undo the accomplishments our organizations have worked for 15 years to achieve. Thats unacceptable. The point of our amicus brief is to defend what we have worked so hard to accomplish. Alannah Hurley, executive director of United Tribes of Bristol Bay, said her organization and others in the region have had to fight the state government over the issue. Unfortunately, after 20 years, were still here fighting a hostile governor trying to transform our home into a toxic mining district, she said. Our people and our fishery deserve to be free from the threat of the Pebble mine. And as we have proven in the last two decades we will stand together and stand strong until our home and future generations are protected. David Frederick, an attorney representing the corporation and the Tribal group, said the states legal move is unprecedented and has no logic in the way that Congress has determined such disputes to be addressed. Alaska is improperly invoking or attempting to invoke the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court, he said in the news conference. If the state wants to challenge the EPA action, it should do so at the U.S. District Court level, he said. The Justice Department, in a brief filed Thursday that responds to the state action, made similar arguments. Shively acknowledged that the states legal move is unorthodox. Its unusual but if it works then we basically skip the lower court, he said in his presentation at the Alaska Miners Association event. The Supreme Court has not weighed in. Frederick said a decision about whether to take the case might come by January. Regardless of what happens in court, the Pebble project faces another obstacle, Shively conceded: the loss of access to land that the company planned to use for a road to the mine site. Land owned by the Pedro Bay Native Corp. that the Pebble Limited Partnership had planned to use for a road link to the mine is now protected from development through a $20 million conservation project. The Conservation Fund, a national nonprofit, and the Bristol Bay Heritage Land Trust raised the money for a conservation easement on 44,000 acres owned by the village Native corporation. Polling has consistently shown that the proposed mine is unpopular statewide and deeply unpopular in the Bristol Bay region. Pebble mine supporters and opponents agree on one thing. Both sides say the current legal fight goes beyond that particular mine. Dunleavy, in his comments at the mining convention, said Pebbles fate will affect other Alaska resource development projects. Saying no to the other guys project doesnt keep your project safe. Throwing Pebble under the bus doesnt save Donlin or doesnt save Ambler Road, as we can see, he said, referring to separate projects that have also attracted fierce opposition, one a gold mining project in the Kuskokwim River region and the other a 211-mile access road to enable commercialization of copper deposits in Arctic northwestern Alaska. It doesnt matter what project were looking at, the NGOs in the Lower 48 and Washington will try and shut it down. But I would ask that all of us here fight for each and every one of these projects so that the state has a future, and our kids and grandchildren have a future as well, Dunleavy continued. Hurley, on the opposite side of the debate, said the Bristol Bay region needs additional protection beyond the EPA action on Pebble. With about 20 other active mining claims and potential projects in the region, there should be action from Congress, any type of legislation thats going to help us ensure that our grandchildren are not fighting these projects piecemeal from now into eternity. Thats not fair to the people of Bristol Bay. Thats not fair to the state, she said. Hurley said. We are really in need of broader watershed-wide protections so that Bristol Bay can continue being the salmon powerhouse that it has been for thousands of years. After recent years of record or near-record runs and harvests, Bristol Bay sockeye salmon numbers are expected to return to more average levels next year, according to state biologists. The 2024 Bristol Bay sockeye salmon run is expected to total 39 million fish, with a predicted range between about 25 million and 53 million fish, according to a preliminary forecast released Friday by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. That is 35% lower than the average over the past 10 years but 6% higher than the long-term average for Bristol Bay, the department said in its forecast. Bristol Bay is site of the worlds largest sockeye salmon runs, and recent years returns have been especially large. Last years sockeye salmon return hit a record of 79 million fish, and the 2022 harvest of 60.1 million sockeye salmon was also a record, according to the department. This years run totaled 54.5 million, the eighth largest on record, according to the department. If the run comes in as forecasted, it would be about the same size as runs in the early 2000s, according to state records. Record runs cannot happen every year, so to me, it is not a big surprise that we are seeing runs come down a bit, Stacy Vega, an Alaska Department of Fish and Game area research biologist, said in an email. She added that forecasting is inherently inaccurate. It is very difficult to get it right every time. A major factor used to make next years forecast was the mix of ages in the fish that returned this year, as is the usual practice. A smaller-than-expected return this year of fish that had spent one year in freshwater and two years in the ocean suggest that there will likewise be a somewhat small return of fish from the same brood stock but with three years time in the ocean, Vega said. Sockeye salmon spend one to four years in freshwater and one to three years in the ocean, according to the Department of Fish and Game. Recent years extra-large runs of Bristol Bay sockeye salmon had some mixed effects. For fishers, a downside was a glut on the market that depressed prices. Even though this years harvest of 40.6 million sockeye was 27% above the 20-year harvest average, the total ex-vessel value of $117.4 million the amount paid directly to fishers for their catches was 37% below the 20-year average, according to the Department of Fish and Game. A flood of Russian salmon added to the market problem for all Alaska salmon, including that from Bristol Bay; one major processor, Trident Seafoods, stopped buying Alaska salmon earlier than normal this year and cited the Russian fish as one reason for the action. The large amount of Bristol Bay sockeye may have helped some low-income Americans, however. Some of the leftover supply from last years record harvest was purchased by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for its food-assistance program. And one particular population that benefited from the extraordinarily large runs of recent years were the brown bears of Katmai National Park and Preserve. The subject of the annual Fat Bear Week online promotion, the bears feast in the summer and fall on salmon that swim into the parks rivers, and an international audience watches them fish on the Brooks River, thanks to a system that sends livestream images from a camera installed there. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 17. The views expressed by European Commissions Lead Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Peter Stano during an interview with the Armenpress news agency in Brussels on November 17, 2023, are further evidence of the biased approach of the EU representative, Spokesman for the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry Aykhan Hajizada said, Trend reports. "It is regrettable that the representative of the European Union ignores the fact that for 30 years, Armenia violated the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, carried out a policy of ethnic cleansing against Azerbaijanis, as a result of which more than one million Azerbaijanis became internally displaced persons and refugees. We remind the EU representative once again that the 44-day war, as well as the 24-hour anti-terror measures in September 2023, happened within the sovereign territories of Azerbaijan in accordance with the norms and principles of international law, and that our country has restored its sovereignty through legal means. It is unacceptable for the EU representative to accuse Azerbaijan of unilateral military steps, despite the fact that Azerbaijan has repeatedly stated that the Armenian armed forces that used to be deployed in our territories, are a source of danger in the region and has repeatedly called for their immediate withdrawal in accordance with international law. Regarding the relocation of Armenian residents living in the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan to Armenia based on their personal decision, we consider the statement of the EU representative on the initiative to create an international mechanism to protect the rights and safety of Armenian residents as interference in the reintegration process initiated by Azerbaijan. Karabakh is an integral part of Azerbaijan, the rights and security of the Armenian population living in this region will be ensured in accordance with the Constitution of Azerbaijan. We once again emphasize Azerbaijan's strong commitment to the normalization of relations and peace with Armenia, and this position has been confirmed by the consistent steps we have taken as the initiator of the peace agreement since November 2020," the spokesman said. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 17. The visit of a delegation headed by Azerbaijani Health Minister Teymur Musayev to the Republic of Cuba continues, Trend reports via Azerbaijan's Ministry of Health. A memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the field of healthcare and medical science was signed between Azerbaijan and Cuba. The memorandum envisages cooperation in the field of healthcare, joint initiatives, and the application of advanced technologies in medicine. The document was signed by Azerbaijani Health Minister Teymur Musayev and Cuban Public Health Minister Jose Angel Portal Miranda. The goal of the memorandum is to strengthen health care systems, expand both nations' institutional bases, promote public health development, and conduct cooperative projects. The primary areas of cooperation are defined in the signed pact as academic and scientific exchange of experience, cooperative actions in the fields of pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, cooperation in postgraduate education, and medical tourism. At the same time, the memorandum covers the exchange of information in the fields of infectious diseases, chronic non-infectious diseases, oncological diseases, diabetes, and high-precision surgery. The memorandum also envisages the organization of joint conferences and trainings for medical workers. The signing of the document was followed by a bilateral meeting with the participation of delegations from both ministries. Emphasizing the importance of the signed memorandum, Teymur Musayev and Jose Angel Portal Miranda noted that this document will play an important role in strengthening bilateral relations in the field of healthcare development and the realization of specific opportunities, as well as contributing to the development of medical science. "Further areas of cooperation were also discussed at the meeting," the ministry said. Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Hands of the Week: Straight Flush, a One-Outer, and Neeme Bursts WPT bestbet Scramble Bubble November 17, 2023 Chad Holloway Executive Editor U.S. The $5,000 buy-in World Poker Tour (WPT) bestbet Scramble at Floridas bestbet Jacksonville attracted 365 entries and paid out a prize pool of $1,660,750. Frederic Normand came out on top to claim a $351,650 top prize, though his path to victory wasn't an easy one. For this edition of our "Hands of the Week" series, we're bringing you some of the biggest and most interesting hands from the WPT bestbet Scramble. Check out the WPT Hub on PokerNews here! Gee Spikes a One Outer Nicholas Gee On Day 1a in Level 3 (200/400/400), there was a flop of K94 and six players in when Nicholas Gee got his stack of 58,800 all in from early position and found himself at risk against Dale Roesel. Nicholas Gee: 44 Roesel: 99 It was brutal set-over-set situation with Roesel holding the best of it. The 10 turn was of no consequence, but the 4 river was as Gee hit quad fours to double through Roesel. Brad Owen Bites the Dust Brad Owen Also on Day 1a, albeit in Level 7 (500/1,000/1,000), WPT Champions Cup member Harrison Gimbel made it 2,000 to go from the cutoff and WPT Ambassador Brad Owen moved all in for 25,700 from the button. Both blinds folded and Gimbel called. Brad Owen: AK Harrison Gimbel: 88 It was a classic flip, but the proverbial coin did not come down in favor of the much-beloved poker vlogger as the board ran out 9424J. ClubWPT Qualifier Exits Tournament WPT Commentator Tony Dunst (left) and ClubWPT Qualifier John Thompson On Day 1b in Level 4 (300/500/500), Tony Dunst raised to 1,000 from the cutoff and ClubWPT qualifier John Thompson called from the button. Harjinder Chawla came along from the small blind, as did the player in the big, and it was four-way action to the flop of 972. Action checked to Thompson, and he bet. Chawla then woke up with a check-raise, both the big blind and Dunst folded, and Thompson three-bet. Chawla four-bet to 27,000 and Thompson, who thought it was an all in, said "call" and turned over the AA. With action complete, the hand continued to the Q turn. Chawla moved all in and Thompson called off with his aces. Unfortunately for him, it was no good as Chawla had flopped a set with the 99. The river was a brick and the ClubWPT qualifier exited the tournament. Caleb Larsen Makes Gutsiest Call of the Day Near Bubble Against Bluffing Bin Weng A Straight Flush for Tom Wheaton Tom Wheaton On Day 2 in Level 12 (1,500/3,000/3,000), the board read KQ6A when Alexander Burgos got their stack of approximately 125,000 all in from the cutoff and found himself at risk against Tom Wheaton. Alexander Burgos: AJ Tom Wheaton: J9 Wheaton had a flush, but Burgos was looking to make an ace-high flush. He actually did on the 10 river, but the same card improved Wheaton to a winning straight flush! Wheaton began Day 2 with 81,000 and thanks in no small part to that hand, quadrupled it within 90 minutes. The Bubble Bursts Jie Liu (center, standing) sees that his pocket queens are an underdog to Andrew Neemes pocket kings. The money bubble burst on Day 2 in Level 17 (5,000/10,000/10,000) on Hand #9 of hand-for-hand play when Joseph Carden raised to 20,000 under the gun and Jie Liu jammed for 73,000 from the button. WPT Ambassador Andrew Neeme then four-bet jammed for 158,000 from the big blind and Carden folded. Jie Liu: QQ Andrew Neeme: KK Neeme had the superior pocket pair and burst the bubble after the board ran out A862A. *Images courtesy of WPT. Check out our guide to the Best Online Casinos around the world. For US players, online real money casino is available in Pennsylvania, Michigan, New Jersey and West Virginia. If you're looking to start playing Online Casino right now, then we recommend FanDuel Casino. If youre in a State where real money online casino isnt an option, then you still have the chance to play via Social Casino sites such as Chumba Casino and LuckyLand Slots. Sharelines Check out some of the biggest hands from the @WPT bestbet Scramble. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print With the Republicans not challenging him and President Biden not campaigning yet, Trump has had a free ride, but things are about to get very bumpy for the criminal defendant/presidential candidate. CNN reported: President Biden has really increasingly sharpened his attacks against former President Donald Trump as the two men head towards a possible match up a rematch one year away from this month. Now, the president has been making these comments in some of his official speeches but mostly in those off camera private fundraisers and an adviser I spoke with said that the president in particular really wanted to push back on former President Donald Trump for his recent comment likening using the word vermin to describe political rivals. The president in a San Francisco fundraiser this week said that that kind of language is quote you heard in Nazi Germany in the thirties. And he added, theres a lot of reasons to be against Donald Trump, but damn he shouldnt be president. Now this all comes as the president has faced this polling that has worried some Democrats as these hypothetical head-to-head matchups, including one from CNN have shown former President Trump leading Biden very narrowly and there has been some pushback from allies who have wanted to see the president and his team take a more forceful approach with Trump. One Democratic fundraiser told me bluntly, quote, quote, Joe is going to take the gloves off and start to engage with facts instead of BS. Video of CNN reporting on Biden: Even though the polls are total trash at this stage, Democrats have been feeling nervous because President Biden hasnt been out campaigning and pushing back in public remarks because he is busy handling issues that the war between Israel and Hamas, Ukraines fight to remove Russian invaders from their soil, and building a historically good economy and jobs market. While Trump is traipsing around from courthouse to courthouse, Biden is busy being president. The day is coming soon when Trumps free ride will end and the fight for democracy and rights will be on. A Special Message From PoliticusUSA If you are in a position to donate purely to help us keep the doors open on PoliticusUSA during what is a critical election year, please do so here. We have been honored to be able to put your interests first for 14 years as we only answer to our readers and we will not compromise on that fundamental, core PoliticusUSA value. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print In case there is any doubt of the kind of country Governor Ron DeSantis (R-Fla) has in mind for the United States, his administration has hired a company whose CEO supports the Governors presidential campaigns and specializes in combat training and uses a former Navy SEAL accused of war crimes as an instructor to train civilian forces, according to a new report. When DeSantis first activated the State Guard to help the National Guard with emergencies two years ago, he was accused of wanting a secret police force. That accusation looks more and more on par, and new revelations about how he is training them add a lot of disturbing weight to the accusations. Florida has agreed to pay Stronghold SOF Solutions up to $1.2 million to recruit, vet and train volunteer members of the Florida State Guard, the World War II-era force that DeSantis revived last year to respond to emergencies, Ana Ceballos and Lawrence Mower reported in the Miami Herald on Friday. Some members of the state civilian force, aka DeSantis secret police being trained for combat by a company that touts the instructor accused of killing civilians and being perfectly O.K. with killing anybody that was moving, are now able to make arrests and carry weapons, according to the report. (I)ts scope has been expanded to allow the state guard to respond to emergencies anywhere in the country, and some members have been granted the ability to make arrests and carry weapons. Stronghold SOF Solutions, the company training DeSantis secret police, have praised his you loot, we shoot slogan and they claim they are preparing future the warfighter, which is saying the quiet part out loud. DeSantis approved the contract with Stronghold during a state emergency he issued, which they point out could have allowed the state to waive procurement and vetting requirements for vendors. These kinds of moves are all about using power to legalize the theft of more power, which is used to hold power in the future. A secret police operating like its in a combat war zone certainly would be helpful to silence any dissent and one can imagine them even being deployed as poll watchers, which isnt much of a stretch after the Trump campaign sent their thugs to intimidate poll workers and voters in 2020. DeSantis is Trump but without the national pushback. The Miami Herald points out that the company has also done work with the Department of Defense, so thats alarming as well and something that the Biden administration should be addressing, because even as their policing mission is the opposite of the militaristic one evinced by Republicans, the DOD isnt training civilian forces. But we dont need anyone in national defense to be trained by a company that hired and is proud of Eddie Gallaghers evil behavior while in Iraq. Gallagher is a former Navy SEAL embraced by Donald Trump, who was court martialed for shooting at civilians from a snipers post and murdering a defenseless captive in Iraq. The platoon leader turned in by his own platoon, who reported that he shot not only civilians and stabbed a defenseless prisoner to death, but according to The New York Times, was perfectly O.K. with killing anybody that was moving. The guy is freaking evil, Special Operator Miller told investigators. The guy was toxic, Special Operator First Class Joshua Vriens, a sniper, said in a separate interview. You could tell he was perfectly O.K. with killing anybody that was moving, Special Operator First Class Corey Scott, a medic in the platoon, told the investigators, the Times reported in December of 2019. They continued: Platoon members said they saw Chief Gallagher shoot civilians and fatally stab a wounded captive with a hunting knife. Chief Gallagher was acquitted by a military jury in July of all but a single relatively minor charge, and was cleared of all punishment in November by Mr. Trump. Weve all witnessed the militarization and weaponization of law enforcement under Trump during his four years as president, but this shouldnt be confused with support for law enforcement as we also witnessed Trump incite his own supporters to attack law enforcement protecting the U.S. Capitol on January 6th in an attempted self-coup. This suggests that its not just a militarization of civilian forces, but a militarization of civilian forces that agree with the fascist leadership style of the executive, be that person Donald Trump, Ron DeSantis or Greg Abbott. The individual doesnt matter; this is the model of the authoritarian push coming from the Right around the globe. Ron DeSantis plans Florida paramilitary force outside federal control, The Guardian reported in 2021 of the State Guard DeSantis activated. It was too much for some military veterans, who quit over its militia-like focus. The Herald wrote that while it was unclear how many State Guard members have been recruited, vetted and trained by the company, if any, but a state database shows a payment of $300,000 last month for work related to the State Guard. Records show the state has also authorized spending more than $217,000 on ammunition for the State Guard during its first training at Florida National Guard headquarters in June, military veterans quit over its militia-like focus. The Republican Governor requested nearly $100 million for the new State Guard force in March of this year, citing a vision of deploying them via planes and boats with police powers. A Special Message From PoliticusUSA If you are in a position to donate purely to help us keep the doors open on PoliticusUSA during what is a critical election year, please do so here. We have been honored to be able to put your interests first for 14 years as we only answer to our readers and we will not compromise on that fundamental, core PoliticusUSA value. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print The White House has condemned Twitter owner Elon Musks post amplifying the same antisemitic trope that motivated the Pittsburgh Tree of Life mass murderer. It is unacceptable to repeat the hideous lie behind the most fatal act of Antisemitism in American history at any time, let alone one month after the deadliest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust, White House spokesperson Andrew Bates said in a statement sent to PoliticusUSA. Like President Biden said weeks ago memorializing the victims of the Pittsburgh Synagogue shooting, the October 7 devastating atrocity has brought to the surface painful memories left by millennia of Antisemitism; and under his presidency we will continue to condemn Antisemitism at every turn.' We condemn this abhorrent promotion of Antisemitic and racist hate in the strongest terms, which runs against our core values as Americans. We all have a responsibility to bring people together against hate, and an obligation to speak out against anyone who attacks the dignity of their fellow Americans and compromises the safety of our communities. One of the foundational aspects of fascism is dividing people into factions with dehumanizing language so they can be more easily weaponized against one another, instead of fighting against state stealing power from them. This is a relevant doctrine to keep in mind before you read these tweets. Elons tweet is here: He was agreeing with this statement (here in full): The two tweets above were responding to this tweet asking people who write on social media Hitler was right to say it to his face: The caravan scaremongering pushed by then President Donald Trump and right wing media in the lead up to the 2018 midterms found a target, as Vox put it, in Jews who helped resettle refugees. They noted: But the particular moment he (allegedly) chose for his massacre, and the place he chose to do it, show that what radicalized the assailant to the point of violence was a specific manifestation of anti-Semitism: blaming Jews in America for bringing in an invasion of nonwhite immigrants who would slaughter the white race. On October 27, 2018, Robert Bowers killed 11 congregants at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. Two others were critically wounded two others and five responding officers were wounded. During his trial, the evidence piled up to prove that the murderers attack stemmed from his violently antisemitic beliefs he made public on Right wing social media site Gab that provides a safe haven for those whose beliefs are so noxious and vile they have been banned from other sites. Elon Musk has reinstated many users who were previously banned by the former ownership, including those who espouse Nazi beliefs and imagery, along with accused rapists and sex traffickers. After the Pittsburgh Tree of Life shooting, GAB owner Andrew Torba posted concern for the families and community of Gab members, claiming that God was on their side: We have probably the most traffic we have ever had, Torba said in one, under the username @a. Please pray for us. Our families, our friends, and our community are all under attack, Torba said in another, as Gab faced server and traffic issues. God is on our side. Never forget that. God is on Gab. Pray. The evidence proved Bowers motive. The evidence in this trial proved that the defendant acted because of white supremacist, anti-Semitic and bigoted views that unfortunately are not original or unique to him, said U.S. Attorney Eric Olshan for the Western District of Pennsylvania. Our Constitution protects a persons right to hold repugnant beliefs. But our Constitution also protects every persons right to practice his or her faith. When people who espouse white supremacist, anti-Semitic, and bigoted views pick up weapons and use them to kill or try to kill people because of their faith, our Office and our partners in law enforcement will hold them accountable to the fullest extent of the law. Each and every time. The Tree of Life shooting is exactly what is at stake every time a racist and or antisemitic hate trope is amplified. I visited the Tree of Life synagogue after the shooting, and one of the quotes from that piece is even more haunting today: Conservadox Jew Victor Fishman, who came to visit the synagogue from outside of Atlanta, Georgia, told me he never thought hed see this in our country see people who fled from the Nazis gunned down in a synagogue in the United States. Hate speech that dehumanizes a group of people is the first and the last step of fascism, according to Yale professor of philosophy Jason Stanley. The Met Gala is back! Vogue and the Costume Institute of The Metropolitan Museum of New York just announced that the Met Gala will return on September 13, 2021. The affair promises to be smaller and more intimate (read: exclusive) than ever and later than its usual date on the first Monday in May due to the pandemic. Yet, pending restrictions, the show will go on thank God! Bring me Rihanna in elaborate ball gowns with giant skirts, bring me Zendaya floating up the stairs (and Jason Derulo tumbling down them), bring me Harry Styles (hopefully with Olivia Wilde) looking ethereal, Billy Porter being carried in by shirtless models, and Amanda Gorman, rumored to be one of the hosts, who is just having a really great year. The Inaugural poet, who was on the cover of the May 2021 issue of Voguewearing a Louis Vuitton Men's garment designed by Virgil Abloh, has signed to IMG Models and has become much more than a literary star. A fashion icon since she performed at the Biden Inauguration in Prada, the 23-year old poet/activist is the perfect host to represent this year's Gala theme: In America: A Lexicon of Fashion. The theme is part of a two-year exhibit, the first of which will premiere on September 18, 2021, and the second, In America: An Anthology of Fashion, will premiere on May 2, 2022 with a regularly scheduled Gala. The theme was decided by Andrew Bolton, the Wendy Yu Curator in Charge of the Costume Institute years ago, and feels timely as the country reckons with its identity. The theme also celebrates the Costume Institute's 75th anniversary and pays homage to the American fashion community "to acknowledge its support, and also to celebrate and reflect upon American fashion," according to Bolton. American fashion has been an underdog in the Western fashion landscape compared to more established houses in Europe. While American designers have often found themselves at the helm of major European powerhouses like Virgil Abloh at Louis Vuitton American brands find it harder to gain the same pedigree. While fashion is exclusive in many ways, often the best parts of American fashion reflect the best parts of American culture. In a recent tell all interview for Highsnobiety titled "Read This Before You Decide to Work in Fashion," which was overall a cutting insider's look at the fashion industry, Eugene Rabkin also highlighted the most redeemable part of the industry, what he described as "the aspirational class the immigrants, the expats, the minorities, the restless souls with the kind of passion that often comes from desperation and the desire to make something out of nothing." The designers highlighted in this year's Costume Institute exhibit promise to be members of this class the people who have had the biggest impact on fashion by representing marginalized communities and using fashion as a tool for creativity and storytelling, rather than a marker of status. There are many visionary designers who will be included at the exhibit and who we hope to see on the red carpet at the Met Gala for their pioneering work: Halston In a lot of ways American high fashion is synonymous with Halston. Starting his career as a hat maker, he famously made the pill-box hat that Jackie Kennedy wore at JFK's inauguration. He reached his peak in the 1970s disco era known for minimalist designs with precise cuts in rich materials. Despite being disparaged early in his career for his sexuality, he became a household name and an icon to the biggest celebrities and to the youth, especially queer youth. Stephen Burrows Stephen Burrows has been a fashion mainstay since his first collection in 1969. He participated in the now infamous 1973 "Battle of Versailles',' a benefit fashion show held at the Palace of Versailles. The show was a "battle" between American and French designers including Pierre Cardin, Christian Dior, Hubert de Givenchy, Yves Saint Laurent, Halston, Oscar de la Renta, Bill Blass and Anne Klein. The Americans won the battle, according to WWD, whose ensuing headline on November 30, 1973 The Americans won the battle, according to WWD, whose ensuing headline on November 30, 1973 was, "Americans came, they sewed, they conquered." In the 2021 Met exhibition, the battle will be represented by a mural of Versailles by John Vanderlyn to commemorate its place is American fashion history. In the 2021 Met exhibition, the battle will be represented by a mural of Versailles by John Vanderlyn to commemorate its place is American fashion history. Ralph Lauren Ralph Lauren is a legacy American brand which has been successful in defining the collegiate/preppy classics. But they're not just your grandfather's favorite brand. By focusing on good materials and timeless designs, they have managed to stay relevant alongside recent collaborations with popular brands like Kith to appeal to a younger audience. Willi Smith Willi Smith was a giant in the 1970 and 1980s whose legacy includes highlighting "streetwear" on a larger scale. He was also famed for his immersive creative experiences, which included showrooms, a newspaper called WilliWear News, a film shot in Senegal, and dance pieces and events a full spectrum creative direction which streetwear brands today aspire to even approach. Kerby Jean-Raymond of Pyer Moss Pyer Moss is one of the most vibrant contemporary brands. With recent press from Kamala Harris's pre-Inauguration coat and appearing on magazine covers on celebrities like Zendaya, the brand is known for its innovative and refreshing designs. Kerby Jean-Raymond started the brand in 2013 and has received many accolades for his take on luxury-streetwear, which prioritizes visual storytelling through vibrant colors, culturally inspired prints, and compelling shapes. Andre Walker Andre Walker released his first runway collection in 1981 at a neighborhood nightclub and has been innovating ever since. From his own collections to consulting for Marc Jacobs and Kim Jones to recent collaborations with Off-White, Walker is a constant staple in contemporary fashion focused on representing Black culture and reinventing classics. Anna Sui Anna Sui is a pioneer who emerged in the 1980s and 1990s, distancing herself from major houses and instead reveling in the underexplored world of the grunge scene. She was a mainstay in the New York fashion scene due to her friendships with supermodels who modeled her clothes and gained a cult-like following alongside many awards and global recognition. Prabal Gurung At their Spring 2020 show, Prabal Gurung posed the question: "Who gets to be American?" This direct challenge to identity through fashion makes them an important emerging brand. Prabal Gurung is not just innovative in design but embodies the values of successful, contemporary brands. Based in New York City, the brand is committed to domestic manufacturing to support the local community. Founder Prabal Gurung also started Shikshya foundation Nepal based on his "personal exposure to the poverty and inequity in his homeland of Nepal." LaQuan Smith LaQuan Smith started his brand at only 21 and is now one of the most celebrated Black, luxury designers. Famed for his innovative pieces and intricate details, Smith has amassed a cult-like following and a reputation spurred by high profile clients including Rihanna and Beyonce. Peter Do Peter Do, helmed by the designer Peter Do himself and made up of friends who met online, is an ambitious brand which has already established itself as one of the leading contemporary brands. After signing contracts with retailers like Dover Street Market and Net-a-Porter without any contacts or connections, their menswear inspired designs are instant classics that take the best of traditional tailoring and modify it for the current times. Aurora James of Brother Vellies Brooklyn-based shoe designer Aurora James is no stranger to the Met Gala. Having previously designed Met outfits for celebrities like Solange and appearing on the September 2020 cover of Vogue, the award-winning designer is known for her African-inspired designs which draw from the continent and are produced in limited quantities in partnership with African designers. She is also the founder of the 15 Percent Pledge, which started in the pandemic to urge retailers to give at least 15 percent of their shelf space to Black designers. Shayne Oliver of Hood by Air Shayne Oliver started Hood By Air in 2006, giving new energy to streetwear in high fashion which was ahead of its time. The oversized garments, the gender neutral designs, and the bold urban influence set the stage for major brands like Vetements and Off White and won major awards. He recently announced the return of Hood By Air, and OG streetwear fans rejoiced, anticipating the new iteration of the beloved. FUZULI, Azerbaijan, November 17. The first job fair is taking place in Azerbaijan's Fuzuli, Trend's Karabakh Bureau reports. The fair, organized by the Karabakh Regional Branch of the Azerbaijan Public Employment Agency under the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population, is being held at School No. 1 named after Mirza Ulugbek. Personnel of the Special Representative Office of the President of Azerbaijan in the liberated territories of the Karabakh economic region (except the Shusha district), officials, managers of departments, enterprises, and organizations, as well as public representatives, are taking part in the event organized for the first time in the liberated territories. The fair features about 200 job vacancies at more than 20 enterprises, along with detailed information about job opportunities in the liberated territories. Previously, 150 residents of Azerbaijans Aghali village were employed with the support of the Public Employment Agency. In addition, within the framework of the "Great Return" program, about 40 residents of Talish village in Azerbaijans Tartar district have already been provided with employment. Work has also begun to attract residents who have returned to Lachin to active employment programs. Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Republicans have one thing right about the border: The Biden administrations strategy to keep asylum seekers from flocking to the United States is not working. Read moreGuest editorial: Heres a deal to restore asylum, and order, at the border 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 Three coastal South Carolina hospitals, including East Cooper Medical Center, are set to change hands for $2.4 billion next year as part of a debt-reduction deal announced Nov. 17. Dallas-based Tenet Healthcare Corp. said Friday that it struck a definitive agreement with expansion-minded buyer Novant Health of Winston-Salem. In addition to Mount Pleasant's 140-bed East Cooper Medical, the transaction includes the smaller Coastal Carolina Hospital in Jasper County and Hilton Head Hospital in Beaufort County, as well as all affiliated physician practices and other related operations. Tenet said it will retain and upgrade the ambulatory units that its United Surgical Partners International division operates in the three coastal markets. Another subsidiary will continue to handle the billing, reimbursement and payment collection services for the hospitals under a 15-year contract with Novant. Tenet didn't state a specific reason for the sale of the medical centers, which are profitable and in fast-growing areas of the state. They accounted for a combined $552 million in annual revenue through Sept 30, or nearly $2 million on a per-bed basis. The company did not respond to requests for comment Friday. CEO Saum Sutaria said in a prepared statement that the Palmetto State hospitals Tenet is selling "are well-regarded by the communities they serve for the high-quality specialty services they deliver. The company estimated it will book a $1.6 billion gain from the deal, which is expected to be finalized by March 31. The sale isn't dependent on Novant lining up financing. Tenet said it plans to use most of the proceeds to pay down debt, which totals $14.9 billion, according to its most recent quarterly report. The company's stock jumped after the sale announcement, climbing almost 10 percent to close at $63.74. Tenet is exiting the coastal market but not the entire state. It owns two hospitals in Rock Hill and Fort Mill with 394 patient beds under the Piedmont Medical Center banner. Joining a nationwide strike of baristas across the national coffee chain, workers at the Saluda Pointe Starbucks in Lexington walked out and picketed Nov. 16. The strike is in response to the promotional day known as Red Cup Day, in which the coffee company gives out free plastic red cups with the purchase of holiday-themed drinks. "This is Starbucks' highest-revenue day because a lot of people want those 30-cent red cups that they get for free, so this really hurts them and their pockets and will force them to listen to us," Vijay Tripathi said. Tripathi is a lead organizer for Starbucks Workers United, the union representing workers. Nearly 400 locations of the coffee chain have been unionized so far, according to the union's website. In a statement, Starbucks downplayed the number of stores closed as a result of the strike saying "there are fewer than 100 stores where some partners have chosen to participate in protest activities, but the majority of those stores are open and serving customers." The Saluda Pointe location was closed the day of the strike. Baristas held up brightly colored signs with phrases like "No contract, no coffee" and "Honk if you're underpaid," while Beyonce blasted in the background and workers chanted "What's disgusting? Union busting." According to Tripathi, workers have faced retaliation from management after their store became one of a handful in South Carolina to unionize unanimously in mid-September. The only other Columbia Starbucks to do so has been the Millwood Avenue location, which unionized in summer 2022. The Saluda Pointe location was the only Columbia-area Starbucks to go on strike for this year's Red Cup Day. The Lexington location of the coffee chain has filed at least one unfair labor practice case with the National Labor Relations Board, citing coercive rules and changes in conditions of employment, according to the NLRB's website. Another South Carolina location, in Clemson, went on strike Nov. 16, according to Tripathi. COLUMBIA Two days after a riot and fire inside the local jail, Richland County hired two law firms to conduct an internal investigation into claims at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center. The county, which runs the jail, claims it has nothing to hide. The long-plagued jail is already undergoing a civil rights investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice as well as a flood of federal lawsuits, many filed by the Strom Law Firm which called the jail Hell on earth and a war zone. Calls to the jail for stabbings and assaults have become so common that Sheriff Leon Lott is considering hiring investigators to primarily focus on incidents at the detention center. The S.C. Department of Corrections has done what it can, the state agency said. They do routine inspections, and last year found more than a dozen violations of minimum standards. SCDC later sent a team of experts to inspect the jail in July, which was an offer to the county rather than a requirement. Theres no fine if the standards are not met. In an extreme case, a judge can order the closure of the jail, but officials said that move isnt feasible. On Nov. 12, a riot broke out in a cell pod at the detention center. Clothing and bedsheets were set on fire and smoke filled the pod. Inmates were yelling and hitting windows, some holding socks filled with heavy objects, a deputy wrote in an incident report. Just weeks before, the U.S. Department of Justice announced its investigation to determine if the jail is able to protect incarcerated individuals from violence. All assaults on individuals housed at Alvin S. Glenn are a part of our civil investigation, said Adair F. Boroughs, U.S. Attorney for South Carolina. GREER South Carolina State Rep. Adam Morgan is challenging incumbent U.S. Rep. William Timmons in next year's Republican primary for District 4's congressional seat. Morgan announced his run with the support of local elected officials, including U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman, Greenville County Sheriff Hobart Lewis and former S.C. Rep. Dan Hamilton. "Things in our nation are at a pivotal point," Morgan told The Post and Courier in a sit-down interview ahead of the announcement. "We need somebody who recognizes what's at stake, who knows the values of our area and can go up to D.C. and really fight for every inch." The announcement comes as Timmons confirmed to The Post and Courier that he will seek his fourth term representing the 4th Congressional District, which encompasses Greenville and Spartanburg counties. Timmons ran unopposed in the 2022 election, but narrowly snuck by three opponents in the primary with about 53 percent of the vote that year. The third term has been a rocky one outside the halls of Congress. A month after the primary victory, Timmons was the subject of a viral scandal in July 2022 for an affair with the wife of a prominent Greenville developer, which Timmons said at the time had been a "distraction." The home was built in the 1980s, and it contained all the characteristics of that erafunky layout, drab colors, way too much wallpaper. So Adam Pitts and his team transformed the interior into a collection of bright, airy spaces complemented by wood accents and high-end fixtures. The proper Read moreAllure of master-on-main evident in Greenville home remodeled not once, but twice 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 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 The event took place in the carpet workshop of the Azerkhalcha OJSC located in Nardaran on the occasion of 13th anniversary of the inclusion of the traditional carpet weaving art of Azerbaijan in UNESCO's Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage with the direct initiative and support by Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva, the First Vice-President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and demonstration of the next cooperation of Azerkhalcha OJSC with young, talented, creative artists and carpet makers. At the event, there was a cutting ceremony of the first carpets woven based on the collection of paintings Fruits in the Orchard by artist Samira Allahverdieva. The collection includes Karabakh carpets with thick pile such as "Talish", "Nakhchivan", "Malibayli", "Chelebi", "Khila Afshan" Shirvan, Baku, "Tirma buta" Ganja carpets. All carpets were woven by 14 female weavers in the Nardaran workshop of "Azerkhalcha" OJSC within 1 year. The fruit ornaments on the carpets are made with 3D technique. The carpets included in the collection are limited in quantity: only 10 copies of each carpet. Emin Mammadov, Chairman of the Board of Azerkhalcha OJSC, Honored Art Worker, who attended to the ceremony, declared the event open and welcomed everyone. In his speech, he noted that it is now necessary to present our national and spiritual heritage, our carpets to the whole world in a more modern way in the changing and globalized world: Let our modern and attractive carpets of different colors become the most valuable decoration of modern interiors in all parts of the world! It's time for the whole world to see the rare pearls of Azerbaijan's carpet weaving art, which has been included in UNESCO's Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage for 13 years in modern design like our carpets, which we present today, processed with special 3D technique. Samira Allahverdiyeva spoke at the event and expressed her thoughts about the idea of the collection, the reason for its creation and cooperation with Azerkhalcha OJSC: For the first time, I heard about carpets from my grandmother. Since I was a child, I watched how granny Zarnishan, a hereditary carpet weaver from Zangilan, makes incredibly beautiful carpets by putting her soul, inspiration and love for her native land in them. Literally, her carpets resembled boundless landscapes. Previously, local craftswomen rolled their carpets under almost each tree and poured almost all the fruits that grew in the region over carpets that so they dry quickly", said the grandmother. Till now I remember this magical rainbow of sunny persimmons, bright pomegranate fruits, juicy lemons, which undoubtedly affected all my work. In Azerbaijan, we have always had a special attitude towards carpets - here they mean much more to people than just interior decoration or investment. The carpet is the heritage of ancestors, the carpet is childhood memories. And my childhood is a clear example of how these ornaments which is full of information from ancient times, are engraved not only in my visual memory, but also in my heart. The Azerbaijani carpet contains splendor of all local landscape colors: the dark blue sky, the bright golden sun, the thick green leaves, the bright colorful flowers and all the various shades of fruits and berries with which the Azerbaijan soil is rich. Each of my paintings have mysterious carpet motifs that reflect the juicy fruit elements that fertile soil of my country is rich in. The cooperation between me and Azerkhalcha is just the chance that probably happens once in a lifetime, and not everyone deserves to present their creativity at the highest level, because the carpets of our joint project with Azerkhalcha represent our country, its rich, centuries-old history, its unique nature, unique culture. Samira Allahverdieva, whose parents come from Zangilan, was born in Astarkhan. She graduated from the Azerbaijan State Academy of Fine Arts with a bachelor's degree of painting in 2007 and a master's degree of graphic design in 2014 and she is a member of the Union of Young Artists. She has participated in exhibitions in countries such as Azerbaijan, Turkey, USA, Belgium and Russia, and her works are kept in private collections. Azerkhalcha OJSC successfully continues relevant activities in the field of work and cooperation with youth for promoting traditional Azerbaijani carpet art both in Azerbaijan and abroad. CONWAY An Horry County judge upheld the littering conviction of a Myrtle Beach area man who tossed out racist flyers in a Murrells Inlet neighborhood last summer. Judge Alex Hyman on Nov. 15 rejected Jamin Fite's argument that his leaflets, which described Black men as abusive and neglectful fathers, were protected under the First Amendment. Hyman said the flyers were litter. "If you want to send a mailer, you can certainly do that," Hyman said. "But when you're putting stuff in plastic bags and throwing it in people's yards, I think that is not protected." Fite, 48, was arrested and received two tickets on July 3 after a county police officer spotted him throwing baggies out of the window of his Honda Civic. More than 400 bagged leaflets were found in the neighborhood and police seized nearly 800 baggies of paper and pellets from duffle bags inside Fite's car. Fite was convicted in August and fined more than $500, but he filed an appeal, arguing he had a First Amendment right to throw his leaflets in random yards. During a Nov. 15 hearing, Fite provided an example of a flyer that he included in the bags. The flyer listed several links directing readers to GoyimTV, a video platform that streams antisemitic content. The platform is run by the Goyim Defense League, which is identified as a hate group by the Anti-Defamation League, a civil rights watchdog nonprofit. Some of the messages on Fite's flyer read, "Diversity means fewer white people," "Inclusion means the exclusion of white people," "Black men abandon their children," and "The white population is declining." The flyer featured a drawing that Fite described as "an abused white woman with a mixed-race child," beneath the words, "Burn the coal, pay the toll." Each flyer also included the line "distributed randomly without malicious intent." Fite, who represented himself in court, argued that distributing the pamphlets did not meet the legal definition of littering and that he was "engaging in political and religious activism." MYRTLE BEACH Myrtle Beach is the most LGBTQ-friendly city in South Carolina, according to a report released this week. The Human Rights Campaign, a national advocacy organization, reviewed 506 cities in its annual Municipal Equality Index and scored them based on their respective LGBTQ-related laws, policies and inclusiveness. Of the eight Palmetto State cities reviewed this year, Myrtle Beach ranked the highest with a score of 99 out of 100. This marked a 40-point jump from last year's score of 59. "It's something that the whole commission has been working towards for years," said Adam Hayes, chairman of the city's Human Rights Commission, the city board focused on addressing discrimination. "To see it finally reap the benefits of all the work that you put into it, it's exciting, and it's great for the city." Columbia and Charleston ranked second- and third-highest, scoring 82 and 71, respectively. The other ranked S.C. cities include Greenville (64 points), North Charleston (50), Mount Pleasant (46), Clemson (45) and Rock Hill (17). While Myrtle Beach outranked other Palmetto State communities, nationally it fell below large cities such as San Francisco, Atlanta, Miami and Boston, all of which received scores of 100. Terry Livingston, co-founder of Grand Strand PRIDE, said the higher score is "a big win" for Myrtle Beach, since the city is the state's top tourist destination and some people consider the score when choosing where to visit and move. "Younger people pay attention to things like this," Livingston said. "They want to live in a diverse community. I'm proud of the city, and I'm proud of the fact that this is where I choose to live." Longtime Wall Street executive, civic leader and philanthropist John S. Chalsty, whose support of the arts and other causes extended to numerous Charleston organizations, from Spoleto Festival USA to the Medical University of South Carolina, died Nov. 12. The former downtown and Kiawah Island resident had turned 90 five days earlier. Born in South Africa, Chalsty was a scholarly rugby-playing physics and chemistry major as an undergraduate and graduate student in his homeland. He left for the United States around age 21 to earn a master's degree at Harvard Business School, graduating in the top 3 percent of the class in 1957. His early career included a 12-year stint in the U.S. and Europe with Standard Oil Co., the predecessor to ExxonMobil. After heading to Wall Street, he rose from research analyst to the corner office in 1986 when he was named CEO of Donaldson Lufkin & Jenrette Inc., a global investment bank that included among its founders part-time Charleston resident Dick Jenrette. Chalsty became chairman in 1996 before stepping down four years later after more than three decades with the firm. More recently, he owned Muirfield Capital Management. "His influence extended beyond the financial industry," according to his obituary, which added that, in "a testament to his global impact and humanitarianism," he was personally invited in 1995 by South Africa President Nelson Mandela to Robben Island, where the anti-apartheid activist had spent 18 years in prison. A Harvard alumni publication once described Chalsty as, in addition to his high-profile job at DLJ, a "member of everything else." Among numerous other volunteer and corporate endeavors, he was vice chairman of the New York Stock Exchange, chairman of New York City's host committee for the 50th anniversary of the United Nations and a director of Occidental Petroleum Corp. A Mexican citizen who was deported by U.S. immigration officials after he was convicted of child sex crimes is now headed to federal prison for illegally returning to the same North Charleston community where he molested a child. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers located Carlos Bartolo Rios in October 2022 in North Charleston as part of a federal operation focused on removing unauthorized immigrants throughout the country who have been convicted of a sex crime, according to a criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court. Rios had been deported in 2021 after he was convicted in Charleston County of sexually abusing a 9-year-old. Rios pleaded guilty in federal court to entering the country illegally after having previously been deported and convicted of an aggravated felony. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. He was sentenced Nov. 16 in a downtown Charleston courtroom to one year in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release. District Judge David Norton ordered Rios to be turned over to immigration authorities after his release from prison. Court papers do not reveal how Rios reentered the country, but it was not long after he was initially deported back to Mexico following his conviction in state court. Rios was arrested in December 2019 by Charleston County sheriffs deputies on allegations he raped a 9-year-old girl on multiple occasions at his mobile home, according to Charleston County court records. A magistrate judge denied him bail. Rios, who was 29 at the time, was working in construction in North Charleston where he had lived for 15 years, according to a pretrial services report. He was married with three children. But he did not have authorization to be in the country. Details of Rios criminal conduct surfaced in October 2019 when the girl first reported the sexual assaults to her school counselor, according to an arrest warrant affidavit. NORTH CHARLESTON Hope still remained on Nov. 15 when a missing dog in Park Circle was spotted four times by various neighbors after going unnoticed for nearly 10 days. The red merle Australian shepherd was first seen near North Charleston Elementary School early in the morning, then spotted later on a nearby street by someone walking a dog. A couple also saw the dog in the area that same day. However, the brief encounters were futile. The 30-pound dog named Charlotte is still missing two weeks after she escaped on Nov. 4. The dog's owner, Liam Hurley, was in town from Austin, Texas, for his twin sister's wedding when the dog bolted out of the rental house. The night of celebration turned into a search as Hurley, the newlyweds and friends spent hours after midnight looking for Charlotte. The dog was seen the night she disappeared near Save A Lot off Rivers Avenue, but ran away when approached by the group of friends. That was the last time Charlotte was seen until Nov. 15. Charlotte, who has one blue eye and one brown eye, is just days away from her first birthday. Audrey Lipcius, Hurley's sister who got married the night Charlotte escaped, posted the missing dog's information on social media to get the word out. Neither Hurley nor Lipcius, who lives in Charlotte, are local to the area, making it a challenge to continue search efforts. Hurley returned to Texas after staying an extra week in North Charleston searching for the dog. He said going back to his home without her was tough. "The first thing that hits you when you walk in the door is the scent, her smell. I walked in there and she still has a little bed mat she likes to sit on, her little dog blanket ... toys on the ground," said Hurley. Even though Hurley cannot be there in person, the search efforts have continued as the community stepped in to help. Lipcius' original Facebook post received hundreds of comments from people offering advice, sharing support or even taking the time to search the area on their own. 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 FLORENCE A new bachelor's degree in special education at Francis Marion University that aims to help more children and adults with autism will break new ground in South Carolina. The university's board of trustees approved the degree in multicategorical special education pre-K through 12th grade and autism studies at its Nov. 16 meeting. The program, expected to start in fall 2024, will be the first in South Carolina, FMU President Fred Carter said. We'll be able to produce more education majors out of here with the knowledge and skills to more fully accommodate the needs of autism, Carter said. The universitys School of Health Science, School of Education and Department of Psychology developed the degrees curriculum. The curriculum will feature multicategorical special education, school and clinical psychology programs, speech/language pathology courses and occupational therapy courses. I'm so proud of our faculty for bringing that together, Carter said at the meeting. In many schools this would have taken three years, at Francis Marion, it took about four months. The wide range of disciplines involved in the curriculum will help not only K-12 students, Carter said, but also adults in the workplace. Students who graduate from the bachelors program will earn a special education teaching certificate and have the coursework to become a board certified assistant behavioral analyst, said Crystal Hill-Chapman, chairwoman of the Department of Psychology. Students will have the option to work in a school environment or clinical setting. Students will also have the opportunity to earn program scholarships. University alums Jim and Candace Brown recently donated $1 million to create scholarships for students seeking to earn the new degree and expand the universitys applied behavioral analysis laboratory and clinic, Carter said. Children and adults with autism will be able to get support at the lab 201 W. Evans St. in downtown Florence. FLORENCE Florence County passed a temporary moratorium on sand mine development until a study can be done to ascertain the cumulative environmental impacts of existing sand mines in the county. The County Council approved the emergency ordinance at its Nov. 16 meeting in response to concerns from residents around the rural community of Salem, which could be the site of a 189.2-acre sand mine. Blue Water Industries LLC, based in Jacksonville, Fla., applied for a permit to mine and process sand on-site through the state Department of Health and Environmental Control on Aug. 11. It has one other mine in the Lowcountry, said Blue Water Industries Regional Manager Cliff Hicks. Hicks said a mine is usually opened with 20 to 30 years of reserves. The proposed mine right outside Salem would open in phases, he said. "We're not gonna take any shortcuts," Hicks said. The mine is expected to be up to 50-feet deep, according to the permit. The company is leasing 260.7 acres total. Mining will be done in five segments. Blasting is not expected to be a part of the operation. South Carolina has more than 500 active mines statewide, according to DHEC's website. Every year, the global construction industry uses $130 billion worth of this sand, The Post and Courier previously reported. The mine will be located at 331 E. Highway U.S. 378. There currently are 14 sand mines in Florence County. Blue Water Industries produces aggregate and asphalt. The paving contractor is based in the Southeast. It operates in Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia, according to the companys LinkedIn profile. The permit for the Blue Water Industries LLC/Salem Sand-Henry Tract Mine was requested to last as long as the mine is in operation. It also said there will be no no appreciable reduction in groundwater levels and no danger of impacting nearby drinking water wells. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 17. Azerbaijan's State Service for Antimonopoly and Consumer Market Control implemented measures that allowed 23 market organizations to voluntarily correct legal infractions linked to the unauthorized use of a competitor's trademark, head of the service Mammad Abbasbeyli wrote on his page on X (Twitter), Trend reports. "The prevention of illegal use of a competitor's trademark serves as a safeguard against unfair competition for other market entities and prevents consumers from being misled," he said. He also stated that correcting the aforementioned infractions helped to limit the potential of unfair competition. The State Service for Antimonopoly and Consumer Market Control under the Ministry of Economy of Azerbaijan contributes to the development and implementation of state policy in the areas of antimonopoly policy, public procurement, technical regulation, standardization, metrology, and consumer protection. The fundamental aim of the service is to provide circumstances for free competition and effective entrepreneurship protection, ensuring the long-term development of the Azerbaijani economy. The service was established by the decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev dated October 23, 2019. Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel COLUMBIA The state Supreme Court has rejected South Carolina abortion providers' latest challenge to the state ban, filing a unanimous order Nov. 14 that likely sends the matter back to a lower court. The abortion providers had requested the high court clarify when the ban's limitations take effect in a lawsuit filed in September. The state's new law had been widely assumed to ban the procedure at around six weeks. But the abortion providers argued the wording of the law indicated it actually took effect at nine weeks. In its order, the high court declined to enjoin the law or take up the challenge directly as the Greenville Women's Clinic and Planned Parenthood, which operates clinics in Columbia and Charleston, had requested. The order means that abortion will continue to be unavailable at six weeks of pregnancy in South Carolina. The justices did not rule on the question and said the providers can challenge the law through the normal process starting in circuit court. "We are deeply disappointed that our state's highest court refused to clarify ambiguous language in the law that forces doctors to turn away patients seeking essential reproductive health care or face criminal penalties," Jenny Black, the president of Planned Parenthood South Atlantic, said in a statement Nov. 17 The abortion providers have not filed a lawsuit in circuit court. They are considering whether "there is another path to fight this ban in the courts" and preparing for the legislative session that begins in January, Black said. The state's Republican leadership, who are defending the law, had argued the legislative intent is clearly to ban abortion at about six weeks. Ferdinand Magellan was one of the worlds greatest explorers. He led the first expedition to sail around the world, although he didnt finish the voyage, having been murdered by natives in what is now the Philippines. Magellans greatness as an explorer and navigator has been recognized in many ways. For example, he discovered the Strait of Magellan at the bottom of South America. And his expedition observed and recorded the galaxies that now bear his name. But perhaps not for long: Astronomers request retitling of galaxies named after violent colonialist explorer Magellan. A group of astronomers has called for galaxies named after the 16th-century Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan to be renamed because of his violent colonialist legacy. The Large and Small Magellanic Clouds are dwarf galaxies in the Milky Way that can be visible to the naked eye from the Southern Hemisphere. They are claimed to have been discovered by Magellan and his crew during their first circumnavigation of the world between 1519 and 1522. However, a group of astronomers in the United States has asked the International Astronomical Union, the body in charge of naming astronomical objects, for the Magellanic Clouds to be renamed. So, what exactly did Magellan do wrong? Prof De los Reyes described Magellan as a coloniser, a slaver and a murderer and added: Now I and a coalition of astronomers are calling for the scientific community to rename these galaxies, as well as other astronomical objects, institutions, and facilities that bear his name. To my knowledge, Magellan didnt found any colonies, nor am I aware of any particular participation in slavery, although that would not be unusual for the 16th century. And as far as murder is concerned, Magellan had more to complain of indigenous peoples than indigenous peoples had to complain of him. Basically, Magellans sin was to be a 16th century European who achieved great things and who interacted, to some degree, with non-European peoples. That is all it takes these days. I know, that isnt exactly a news flash. But has there ever been more definitive proof than the silence of most feminists in the face of Gazas brutal assault on Israeli women? Caroline McCaughey writes in the New York Sun: One of the first videos uploaded to social media of the Hamas terrorist attacks on October 7 showed the kidnapping of a 26-year-old Israeli, Noa Argamani, on the back of a motorcycle as she reaches out and screams, Dont kill me! Another was of 23-year-old German national, Shani Louk, whose partially clothed, contorted body in the back of a pickup truck led to speculation she was already dead. The Israeli government later confirmed she was beheaded. A third video showed Hamas terrorists dragging a 19-year-old Israeli, Naama Levy, out of a Jeep in Gaza, her arms tied behind her back, blood pooling between the legs of her gray sweatpants. The targeting of civilians and women in particular was clear from day one of this war. Hamas members posted their savagery online for the world to see. Yet those first videos were only the tip of the iceberg. In the weeks since the October 7 attacks, more evidence has come to light that Hamas intentionally used rape and sexual violence as a weapon of war. One might think this would be shocking to feminists attuned to the subtlest of transgressions in the workplace. But no. UN Women, the United Nationss leading organization for the protection of womens rights internationally, issued its first statement on the Hamas attacks on October 13. There is no mention of Hamas in the statement. There is no mention of sexual violence. It does call for the immediate release of the hostages, but the majority of the text is devoted to the dire situation in Gaza. The U.N. is also a worthless organization. I could never understand how Holocaust denial could actually take place. And what we are now experiencing is a denial of the most atrocious events that took place only a month ago, and were filmed in real time and broadcast in real time, [Ruth Halperin-Kaddari] said at the Harvard event. There is much more at the link, much of it distressing to read. Here, Shurat HaDin of the Israel Law Center calls out alleged feminists: I think the mistake is to believe that there has been, for the last several decades, anything good or well-intentioned about the feminist movement. It has always served the interests of a thin slice of upper-middle-class women, while denigrating and opposing the interests of the large majority of women in America and other Western countries. As to the great mass of the worlds women, whose problems even in peacetime are far removed from those of the Upper West Side, feminists have never shown anything but callous indifference. Add a dose of anti-Semitism, and the feminist indifference to Gazas outrages was overdetermined. Ammo Grrrll is not short of ammo in MIT-K-E-Y M-O-U-S-E! She blasts away: A few days ago my friend and colleague John Hinderaker covered the disgrace that MIT has become. Let me quote from his first paragraph and allude to several other of his quotes. I just want to add my spin and outrage lest my head explode: Some of the worst anti-Semitic campus outbursts of recent weeks have been at MIT. Pro-genocide activists physically prevented Jewish students from attending classes, and refused to disperse when ordered to do so by university officials. Normally you would assume that a student who engaged in such barbaric conduct would be expelled. Yet MIT has treated its anti-Semites with kid gloves. Why? Why, indeed? I wonder if female (whatever that is) administrators are tough enough to deal with thugs from a male-dominated Islamic culture. Where is Animal Houses Dean Wormer when you really need him? Most famous for his comment Fat, drunk and stupid is no way to go through life, son, he delivered an even better message: Put a sock in it, boy, or else youll be outta here like [stuff] through a goose! Would that the craven President of the University, one Sally Kornbluth, had delivered such a definitive threat. But no. She tells us with evident pride that she and her team were in dialogue with these pro-genocide thugs all day. And she learned I hope you are sitting down at the horror of this consequence that IF these foreign thugs lost their student status, they might then even have to leave the country! Oh, the humanity! Sent packing in disgrace to their palaces and penthouse apartments in the oil-rich nations. Thats IT thats the terrible consequence she refuses to unleash in order to protect the American students who also happen to be Jews. Now, first of all, I doubt that will happen. Because I bet the State Department couldnt name a single foreign student who overstayed a Student Visa and was expelled from the country. Certainly not the terrorists of 9/11. And secondly, so what? Why do we WANT them in this country, especially in a STEM curriculum learning to become better terrorists? I suspect that the all-day dialogue included some Face Time with the incredibly wealthy fathers of these jackals who not only pay the full exorbitant tuition, but also probably donate buildings and wings of buildings and labs and such. If I were a cynic, instead of the jolly cheerful columnist that I am, I might even suggest that it would be possible that some financial aid for personal academic research could have been promised. Im not saying it DID, just that NOTHING would surprise me. Gosharoony, let us do a teeny tiny thought experiment Let us suppose that in 2023, a group of Black students had been physically prevented from attending class. Let us further suppose that Black students at a different school had been locked in a library while slavering racist thugs in white sheets were shouting slogans in favor of lynching instead of merely in favor of misdemeanors like rape, kidnap, murder and baby-beheading. What in the world do you think would have been the outcome? Three guesses and the first two dont count. SWAT would have been called, heads bashed, arrests made. No student who participated would have been a student any longer at MIT or anywhere else on the planet. No biggie, really, because no matter how much edumacation the moronic protester got, he, she, or xe would never have landed a job. After the arrests, speedy trials and jail terms would have resulted. Lawsuits against MIT for making the students fear for their lives would surely have ensued and large amounts of cash distributed. And you know what? Not a single Jew on this planet would have been opposed to that outcome. No, not one. And damn few other white people either. None I know. Of the white students who rode the Voter Registration buses in the South during the Civil Rights Era, at a time when Jews were about 3 percent of the population, 75 percent of those students were Jewish. Several gave their lives. Havent been a big fan of Van Jones heretofore, but even he mentioned this in his excellent speech at the pro-Israel rally. The pussy-footed treatment that this useless woman administrator gave the thugs reminds me of a friend many years ago who was putting her five-year-old son to bed. She was an intelligent young woman who had lost her father when she was very young and really had no Dad role model who was the kind of disciplinarian that most of our Dads were. She seemed unaware that young kids actually need and crave limits. There was a fairly large party going on at her home she was a terrific hostess! and it was way past Bens bed-time. She bribed, cajoled, and begged this child-tyrant to go to bed. The father of the child made several meaningless threats he had no intention of carrying out. The mother bargained. Okay, you can stay up 10 more minutes, okay? After the third of fourth extension or Continuing Resolution, as it were, Joe couldnt stand it any more and started to say something to her (we had known her since she was 16). I had to take off my name tag and put it over his mouth. If theres one piece of advice parents appreciate more than how to manage their children, I cant think of what it might be Besides, I knew any advice would only have fallen on deaf and now annoyed ears. I had been in her kitchen when her three-year-old girl had wakened from her nap and Mommy started giving the child many many many OPTIONS on what was available for lunch, all of which were rejected with extreme prejudice. The child eventually ordered Pasta with Pesto, and danged if my friend didnt get it out of the freezer, thaw it in the microwave, and make it. Oy. So that is why the MIT situation put me in mind of that evening. Unhinged tantrums by the students, empty threats and spineless tolerance from the administration. Back at MIT, President Sally put out a statement that made me ashamed to be of the same gender, assuming that I am. I am not aware of her pronouns, coward and enabler of thuggery being descriptive and not pronouns. First, she actually admitted in her released statement that she had informed the protesters that they must leave the lobby area within a set time. Or they would be subject to suspension. Oh no! Not within a set time! Embrace the power of NOW, Sally. Notice its not even expulsion, but suspension whats that? Like a time out? She then actually compliments the thugs because many chose to leave and she thanks them! I appreciated their cooperation. And, eventually, after the all-day dialogue methinks it was more of a monologue by the thugs she decided that they could still attend MIT classes, just not any extracurricular activities. Well, so much for Intra-Mural Hostage Taking, Paragliding Practice, or Mens Chorus. Until Jewish parents pull their students from these schools, until the Jewish alumni raise hell and enlist the support of Christian, conservative, or just liberty-loving alumni, until the Civil Rights Department takes this seriously and stops yapping about non-existent Islamophobia, until the cops and National Guard protect the rights of these bullied students, expect some very depressing days ahead. See, my example of Black students being prevented from going to school was not hypothetical, although in this instance, it was High School. It was 1957 and Eisenhower was President. He didnt just have an all-day dialogue with racist thugs. He didnt just call the cops. He didnt just mobilize the National Guard which, in any event, was under the command of the racist Governor of Arkansas. No. He sent the 101rst Airborne, about a decade after they had tackled somewhat more formidable opponents at Normandy and Bastogne. And they stayed for two months. It ended. (And, just for the record, lest readers think I am picking on Little Rock, I think from extensive travels throughout America, that race relations are much better in the South than in the North.) See, Sally? Thats how its done. Live like Ike. Oh, and apart from his key role in winning World War II, he also desegregated the American military. Like Jackie Robinson, he was, of course, a Republican. Thats probably not taught in CRT, so I thought I would mention it. PR-Inside.com: 2023-11-17 04:45:41 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 471 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW ORLEANS, LA / ACCESSWIRE / November 16, 2023 / Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF") and KSF partner, former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., remind investors that they have until January 2, 2024 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Barclays PLC (NYSE:BCS), if they purchased the Company's securities between July 22, 2019 and October 12, 2023, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Central District of California.What You May DoIf you purchased shares of Barclays and would like to discuss your legal rights and how this case might affect you and your right to recover for your economic loss, you may, without obligation or cost to you, contact KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or via email ( lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com) , or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-bcs/ to learn more. If you wish to serve as a lead plaintiff in this class action, you must petition the Court by January 2, 2024.About the LawsuitBarclays and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.The alleged false and misleading statements and omissions include, but are not limited to, that: (i) contrary to false public assertions, the Company's former CEO, James Staley, had a close relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, was reportedly aware of Epstein's criminal activities and may have even sexually assaulted a victim who had previously been trafficked by Epstein; (ii) if discovered, the relationship and potential criminal activity could bring reputational, legal, and financial harm to Company; (iii) the Company's response to an inquiry by the British Financial Conduct Authority regarding Staley's relationship with Epstein was materially false; (iv) when the Company became aware of information contradicting its response to the inquiry, it failed to update the response so that it would be accurate, or otherwise take any meaningful action; and (v) as a result, the Company's statements about its business, operations, and prospects, were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times.The case is Merritt v. Barclays Plc, et al., 23-cv-9217.About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCKSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is one of the nation's premier boutique securities litigation law firms. KSF serves a variety of clients - including public institutional investors, hedge funds, money managers and retail investors - in seeking recoveries for investment losses emanating from corporate fraud or malfeasance by publicly traded companies. KSF has offices in New York, California, Louisiana and New Jersey.To learn more about KSF, you may visit http://ksfcounsel.com/ CONTACT:Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCLewis Kahn, Managing Partnerlewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com1-877-515-18501100 Poydras St., Suite 960New Orleans, LA 70163SOURCE: Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC PR-Inside.com: 2023-11-17 22:01:09 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 437 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 The best early Verizon Wireless deals for Black Friday, featuring all the latest deals on Verizon Fios internet & cell phone plansBOSTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / November 17, 2023 / Black Friday 2023 deals researchers are rating the best early Verizon deals for Black Friday 2023, featuring all the top savings on Verizon Apple Watch, iPhone 15, 13 & 14, iPad, Galaxy S23 and Pixel 8 Pro. 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PR-Inside.com: 2023-11-17 14:30:23 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 948 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / November 17, 2023 / Blackwolf Copper and Gold Ltd. ("Blackwolf" or the "Company") (TSXV:BWCG)(OTC PINK:BWCGF) is very excited to announce that the Company will be participating in the following upcoming conferences: 121 Mining Investment in London from November 20-21, 2023, Deutsche Goldmesse in Frankfurt from November 24-25, 2023 and Swiss Mining Institute (SMI) Conference in Zurich from November 29-30, 2023.The Company's CEO and Director, Morgan Lekstrom, invites you to attend our presentations, where you will have the opportunity to engage directly with Blackwolf's management team and learn more about the Company's vision.ABOUT 121 MINING INVESTMENT LONDONThe 121 Mining Investment global event series is a premier platform that connects portfolio managers and analysts from institutional funds, private equity groups, and family offices with management teams from leading mining companies. The event covers a global portfolio, including London, New York, Cape Town, Las Vegas, Frankfurt, Sydney, Singapore, Hong Kong, and online editions throughout the year.Any investors who would like to attend 121 Mining Investment London can register for a free pass here: https://hubs.la/Q026gbp80 ABOUT DEUTSCHE GOLDMESSE FALL CONFERENCEDeutsche Goldmesse is Germany's largest mining investment conference, based out of Frankfurt- one of Europe's most important financial capitals. The conference brings together leading minds in the industry to foster new business opportunities and facilitate valuable relationships. The exclusive two-day event showcases industry-leading keynote speakers and up to 35 carefully considered companies in a range of commodities and stages from explorers to producers.Hosted by Soar Financial Partners, Deutsche Goldmesse provides a platform where company management can connect with a vast network of European institutional and high net worth investors, retail investors, analysts, influencers, newsletter writers, media, and other local partners.An online registration form is available, and Investors can register to attend at: https://deutschegoldmesse.online/investor-registration-2/ SWISS MINING INSTITUTE (SMI) ZURICHSwiss Mining Institute provides top quality, independent perspectives from experts within the Resources Sector together with presentations from 80 selected mining companies.An online registration form is available at: https://swissmininginstitute.ch/registration-november-29-30-2023/ About Blackwolf Copper and Gold Ltd.Blackwolf's founding vision is to be an industry leader in transparency, inclusion and innovation. Guided by our Vision and through collaboration with local and Indigenous communities and stakeholders, Blackwolf builds shareholder value through our technical expertise in mineral exploration, engineering and permitting. The Company holds a 100% interest in the high-grade Niblack copper-gold-zinc-silver VMS project, located adjacent to tidewater in southeast Alaska. In addition, the Company holds a 100% interest in five Hyder Area gold-silver and base metal properties in southeast Alaska and an option to acquire an 80% interest in the Harry gold-silver property located in northwest British Columbia in the Golden Triangle. For more information on Blackwolf, please visit the Company's website at www.blackwolfcopperandgold.com On behalf of the Board of Directors of Blackwolf Copper and Gold Ltd."Morgan Lekstrom"CEO and DirectorFor more information, contact:Morgan Lekstrom250-574-7350 (Mobile)604-343-2997 (Office)MLL@ bwcg.ca Liam Morrison604-897-9952 (Mobile)604-343-2997 (Office)lm@ bwcg.ca Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking InformationThis release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company regarding future events. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "intends" or "anticipates", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would" or "occur". This information and these statements, referred to herein as "forwardlooking statements", are not historical facts, are made as of the date of this news release and include without limitation, statements relating to the properties located in the Golden Triangle area and the Company's future objectives and plans. Forwardlooking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties and actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, market volatility; the state of the financial markets for the Company's securities; fluctuations in commodity prices and changes in the Company's business plans. In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions that the Company believes are reasonable, including without limitation, that the Company will continue with its stated business objectives and its ability to raise additional capital to proceed. Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, forward-looking information or financial outlook that are incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. The Company seeks safe harbor.For more information on the Company, investors should review the Company's continuous disclosure filings that are available at www.sedarplus.ca SOURCE: Blackwolf Copper and Gold Ltd PR-Inside.com: 2023-11-17 12:01:21 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 338 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Black Friday sales researchers at Consumer Walk compare early Blue Nile Diamond offers for Black Friday 2023, highlighting the best deals on engagement rings, diamonds & more jewelryBOSTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / November 17, 2023 / Here's a round-up of early Blue Nile Diamond deals for Black Friday 2023, including a review of the available offers on wedding rings, gifts, and more jewelry. Links to the identified offers are highlighted below.Best Blue Nile Deals:Save up to 50% on Blue Nile jewelry including necklaces, earrings & more ( BlueNile.com)Save up to $2,985 on Blue Nile wedding rings for men & women ( BlueNile.com)Shop Blue Nile earth-created & lab grown diamonds ( BlueNile.com)Shop Blue Nile engagement rings in infinity, classic & more styles ( BlueNile.com)Save up to 50% on a wide range of Blue Nile jewelry (rings, bracelets & more) ( BlueNile.com)Save up to 50% on Blue Nile gifts for any occasion ( BlueNile.com)Consumer Walk earns commissions from purchases made using the links provided.Blue Nile's diamonds epitomize timeless beauty and are celebrated for their extraordinary brilliance and precision. Mined with integrity and sustainability in mind, Blue Nile guarantees that their diamonds meet the highest ethical and environmental standards.Customers are spoiled for choice with a diverse range of diamond shapes, sizes, and cuts, making it effortless to find the ideal gem to suit individual preferences. Blue Nile goes beyond the sale; their educational resources empower consumers to navigate the intricacies of diamond buying. With a commitment to transparency, competitive pricing, and a rigorous certification process, Blue Nile offers a seamless online shopping experience, ensuring that every purchase is a testament to quality and trust.This year, Black Friday falls on November 24, heralding a significant shopping event, with a particular focus on the diamond jewelry category. As the holiday season approaches, consumers eagerly anticipate the opportunity to indulge in exquisite diamond jewelry at discounted prices.About Consumer Walk: Consumer Walk reports the latest online retail news. As an affiliate Consumer Walk earns from qualifying purchases.Contact InformationAndy Mathews Director, Nicely Network andy@ nicelynetwork.com SOURCE: Consumer Walk PR-Inside.com: 2023-11-17 17:03:12 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 468 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 LIMASSOL, CYPRUS / ACCESSWIRE / November 17, 2023 / Dubai will once again affirm its role as a nexus for global trade and finance by hosting the BrokersView Expo Dubai 2024. The event is set to welcome a confluence of industry leaders, innovators, decision-makers, and investors who are actively shaping the contours of global trading and fintech. BrokersView.com , the esteemed broker review platform with over 120,000 registered users, is the orchestrator behind this seminal event. The platform's reach encompasses more than 20,000 licensed brokers and draws in excess of 300,000 monthly active users, cementing its position as a trusted hub for the trading community.Key DetailsTime: April 2024Location: DubaiNature: Financial and Fintech ExpoWho Should AttendThe expo invites participation from:Traders and investors looking to discover new market opportunities and strategies.Industry leaders and experts in forex and fintech desiring to present new ideas and innovations.Forex and fintech enterprises aiming to enhance brand visibility and pursue global business expansion, including brokers and providers of cutting-edge services such as payment gateways, hosting solutions, licensing support, liquidity services, white label solutions, trading platforms, and risk management tools.The event promises a wealth of opportunities for exhibitors to demonstrate their leading-edge products and services to a targeted audience, encouraging fruitful business interactions and potential partnerships. Simultaneously, it offers attendees the chance to engage with a curated selection of industry trailblazers, expanding their network, and staying abreast of the latest industry innovations.A spokesperson for BrokersView.com conveyed, "The BrokersView Expo Dubai 2024 embodies a key initiative for forward-thinking engagement within the financial and fintech sectors, providing a pivotal arena for knowledge exchange, innovation, and professional growth." Registration and Further InformationThe BrokersView Expo Dubai 2024 is an event not to be overlooked by those eager to contribute to and benefit from the next wave of financial innovation. To learn more or to register for the event,please visit the official website https://www.brokersview.com/brokersview-uae-expo-2024 , or reach out to the organizing committee via business@ brokersview.com For further information about the BrokersView Expo Dubai 2024 or to register, interested parties are encouraged to visit the official website or contact the organizers directly through the provided email address.About BrokersView ExpoThe BrokersView Expo Dubai 2024 is envisaged as a cornerstone for fostering perfect face-to-face networking opportunities for professionals in the finance and fintech sectors. Set for April 2024 in Dubai, the expo is dedicated to traders and investors seeking fresh opportunities in the financial markets, industry experts aiming to showcase new ideas, and forex and fintech companies wishing to amplify their global brand presence. These companies include an array of service providers offering innovative solutions ranging from payment gateways and hosting solutions to trading platforms and risk management tools.Media ContactOrganization: BrokersviewContact Person: SarahWebsite: https://www.brokersview.com/Email: business@ brokersview.comCity: LimassolCountry: CyprusSOURCE: Brokersview PR-Inside.com: 2023-11-17 22:30:23 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 1108 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 THIS NEWS RELEASE IS NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATESVANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / November 17, 2023 / Core Assets Corp., ("Core Assets" or the "Company") (CSE:CC)(FSE:5RJ)(OTCQB:CCOOF) is pleased to announce that it has completed its previously announced non-brokered private placement offering (the "Offering"), which was oversubscribed by 8,059,171 units (each, a "Unit") and 11,638,037 flow-through units (each, a "FT Unit"). Pursuant to the Offering, the Company issued an aggregate of 16,392,505 Units at a price of $0.12 per Unit for gross proceeds of $1,967,100.60 and 25,923,752 FT Units at a price of $0.14 per FT Unit for gross proceeds of $3,629,325.28. The Company also announces the resignation of Mr. David Hodge as a director and would like to welcome Mr. Josh Vann to the board of directors."Mr. Hodge has been part of the Core Assets Team from day one, and I would like to personally thank him for his guidance leading the Company to its current success. We are thrilled to welcome Mr. Vann to the board of directors which will help expand on his already instrumental role with Core Assets in day-to-day operations." said Core Assets President and CEO Nick Rodway, "We are now fully cashed up for a aggressive 2024 exploration season, which will focus on continuing to delineate our high-grade CRD and testing IP anomalies that have been discovered as part of our 2023 geophysical survey. Findings of this survey and more drill results are to be released shortly." Board of Directors ChangesCore Assets Corp. has appointed Joshua Vann to the board of directors of the Company, effective November 16, 2023. Additionally, the Company announces that David Hodge has resigned as director of the Company. Mr. Hodge was a founding member of the board of Core Assets Corp. and was instrumental in the transition to a public company in 2019. The board of directors of the Company would like to thank Mr. Hodge for his efforts on behalf of the Company and wishes him and his family well in the future.Mr. Vann has been with the Company since March 2021 and before joining the Core Assets' team worked in Equity Research at PI Financial Corp. on the Special Situations Team. He has extensive experience working in corporate development for publicly and privately listed companies in the natural resource sector. Joshua also brings experience working in Investment Banking across industries such as healthcare, technology, and mining/exploration. Joshua holds a Bachelor of Commerce Degree from McGill University with a Major in Finance.Closing of Private PlacementEach Unit is comprised of one common share (each, a "Share") in the capital of the Company and one-half of one transferable Share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase one additional Share (each, a "Warrant Share") for a period of two years from the closing date (the "Closing Date") at an exercise price of $0.22 per Warrant Share.Each FT Unit is comprised of one common share (each, a "FT Share") in the capital of the Company issued as a "flow-through share" within the meaning of the Income Tax Act (Canada) and one-half of one transferable common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "FT Warrant"). Each whole FT Warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase one additional common share in the capital of the Company (each, a "FT Warrant Share") for a period of two years from the Closing Date at an exercise price of $0.22 per FT Warrant Share.The Company paid cash finder's fees of $217,137.48 and issued 1,543,157 broker warrants (each, a "Broker Warrant") to certain finders. Each Broker Warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase one additional common share in the capital of the Company (each, a "Broker Warrant Share") for a period of two years from the Closing Date at an exercise price of $0.12 per Broker Warrant Share.All securities issued in connection with the Offering are subject to a four-month and a day hold as required under applicable securities laws.The Company intends to use the proceeds from the sale of Units for general working capital and exploration expenses. The gross proceeds from the sale of the FT Units will be used by the Company to incur eligible "Canadian exploration expenses" that will qualify as "flow-through mining expenditures" as such terms are defined in the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the "Qualifying Expenditures") related to the Company's Blue Property located in British Columbia, Canada on or before December 31, 2024. All Qualifying Expenditures will be renounced in favour of the subscribers effective December 31, 2023.Nicholas Rodway, the Chief Executive Officer and a director of the Company, acquired 110,000 FT Units under the Offering, Joshua Vann, the VP of Business Development and Strategy and a director of the Company acquired 36,000 FT Units, Sean Charland, a director of the Company, acquired 200,000 FT Units under the Offering, and Monica Barrington, VP of Exploration acquired 35,800 FT Units, each of which constitutes a "related party transaction" within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The issuance to the insiders is exempt from the valuation requirement of MI 61-101 by virtue of the exemption contained in section 5.5(b) as the Company's shares are not listed on a specified market and from the minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 by virtue of the exemption contained in section 5.7(a) of MI 61-101 in that the fair market value of the consideration of the securities issued to the related parties did not exceed 25% of the Company's market capitalizationNone of the securities sold in connection with the Offering will be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and no such securities may be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.About Core Assets Corp.Core Assets Corp. is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on the acquisition and development of mineral projects in British Columbia, Canada. The Company currently holds 100% ownership in the Blue Property, which covers a land area of 111,747.96 ha (~1,117 km). The Blue Property lies within the Atlin Mining District, a well-known gold mining camp located in the unceded territory of the Taku River T PR-Inside.com: 2023-11-17 20:01:21 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 414 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 SAN FRANCISCO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / November 17, 2023 / Cozeva, a pioneer in healthcare technology, announces its official designation as a Qualified Health Information Organization (QHIO) by the California Health and Human Services (CalHHS). This remarkable achievement signifies Cozeva's pivotal role in advancing healthcare interoperability and facilitating secure data exchange among healthcare entities, government agencies, and social service programs.Cozeva CareExchanage Join us on November 20, from 3 to 4 pm PST, for a webinar reviewing the DxF requirements, Cozeva CareExchange, and the CA DSA QHIO Onboarding Grant Application. The California healthcare landscape is undergoing a transformation, driven by the Data Exchange Framework (DxF) set forth by CalHHS. DxF is the linchpin of California's ambitious healthcare plans, aiming to enhance healthcare delivery, expand coverage, and bolster connections between healthcare and social services. Scheduled to take effect in January 2024, the DxF mandates healthcare organizations to:1. Sign Data Sharing Agreements (DSA) if not previously completed by January 31, 2023.2. Implement DSA requirements by January 31, 2024, actively exchanging health information.3. Adhere to governing policies and procedures through Health Information Exchanges (HIE) and technology solutions, or leverage QHIOs to meet compliance standards.The California organizations obligated to comply by January 31, 2024, include Health Plans, Physician Organizations, IPAs, Medical Groups, Skilled Nursing Facilities & Clinical Laboratories, and General Acute Care Hospitals & Acute Psychiatric Hospitals. Practices with fewer than 25 physicians, such as solo practices, must comply by January 31, 2026.CalHHS is funding a $47 million grant program to support organizations in implementing their data-sharing solutions, with grants up to $50,000 per organization. The third and final round of grant applications is open, with a final deadline of December 15, 2023. Cozeva encourages all of its customers to seize this opportunity and apply for these grants.Cozeva's CareExchange is an innovative beta designed to support California organizations who select Cozeva as their QHIO, fulfilling their DSA obligations seamlessly and facilitating timely data exchange to drive quality outcomes, improve patient care, and deliver compliance reporting.To learn more about the DxF, DSA Signatory Grants, and Cozeva CareExchange, we invite you to attend our informative webinar on November 20, from 3 to 4 pm PST. Decision-makers in your organization interested in interoperability and IT are encouraged to participate. Register Here!About Cozeva:Cozeva is the one-stop-shop population health solution for Clinical Quality Performance (i.e. HEDIS, IHA AMP, CMS Stars, MCAS, QTI), Risk Adjustment, and Total Cost of Care management, empowering providers and health plans to achieve equitable outcomes through high-quality, affordable, person-centered care. To learn more, visit www.cozeva.com Contact InformationTaylor Diniz Business Development Manager tdiniz@ cozeva.com 8082563343SOURCE: Cozeva PR-Inside.com: 2023-11-17 21:15:13 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 1012 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 EASTON, PA / ACCESSWIRE / November 17, 2023 / Paragon Technologies, Inc. ("Paragon") (OTC PINK:PGNT), a diversified holding company, owns approximately 4.0% of the outstanding shares of Ocean Power Technologies, Inc. ("Company") ("OPT"), which we believe makes Paragon OPT's single largest shareholder.On July 11, 2023, OPT issued a public response to Paragon's publicly disclosed concerns about the Company's degrading financial performance by stating the following:OPT's "Board and leadership team are committed to driving sustainable value creation and we will continue to take decisive actions to protect the best interests of all our shareholders. We have been executing a clear, long-term growth strategy that has yielded a significant increase in defense and security bookings during fiscal 2023"Since July 11, 2023, OPT's share price has nosedived by nearly 60% from $0.67 a share to nearly $0.29 a share.Since July 11, OPT has announced two quarterly earnings results with combined losses of $17 million.In delivering those results, CEO Stratmann tells shareholders on earnings calls that he is "pleased" with the progress at OPT and CFO Bob Powers tells shareholders they are "managing costs tightly" as OPT's expenses continue to increase.On August 7, OPT announced that they will raise another $13.8 million by issuing more equity. With a current market value of approximately $17.3 million, this equity raise, if fully executed, represents 75% of OPT's current market cap.We ask OPT's Board: How does diluting shareholders by an astounding 75% or more demonstrate your clearly stated objective of taking decisive actions to protect the best interests of all our shareholders?Indeed, since that announcement of an equity raise, OPT's share price has declined by nearly 50% from $0.55 to $0.29 a share.We have firmly believed for some time now that OPT's Board and management are out of sync with reality. After reading and evaluating a preponderance of evidence, an unbiased Magistrate arrived at a similar conclusion when the Delaware Chancery Court ruled that Paragon had demonstrated a credible basis that wrongdoing has occurred at OPT. In citing the opinion, the Magistrate stated,"The disconnect between [Ocean Power's] financial picture and [OPT's] public statements raises credible suspicions about [OPT's] management and operations." Even still, OPT continues to issue press releases touting "record" new orders and other seemingly insignificant announcements, which we believe are further attempts to spin a misleading narrative that all is well at OPT.On November 14, OPT issued a press release announcing an "Action Plan to Achieve Profitability by Calendar Year 2025." Interestingly, this purported action plan provides no action items or plan specifics but simply a headline far out into the future.Worse yet, OPT conveniently states that the expectation of profitability "does not account for extraordinary expenses that could cause OPT to seek additional capital from financing sources." Yet again, rather than address the financial problems that OPT is facing now and how to address them today, CEO Stratmann asks shareholders to wait two years for possible profits AND states that those potential profits will likely require more capital, capital that will likely come at the expense of shareholders through further equity dilution.OPT continues to pitch a narrative to shareholders that contradicts the financial results borne by the Company and the financial losses likely experienced by almost all OPT shareholders who have held shares for any period of time.We believe OPT's Board is misleading its shareholders by articulating a false narrative of the true state of the business that does not match up with the real picture being borne out by the financial results. The Delaware Chancery Court, an unbiased judicial body, also found a disconnect between OPT's public statements and its actual results.Paragon calls on OPT to honor its expressly stated words to OPT shareholders that the Company will take decisive actions to protect the best interests of all our shareholders by immediately announcing a drastic and significant cost cutting plan that will lead to the timely occurrence of cash flow break even AND require OPT no longer issuing any equity to fund operations or assume any other sources of external funding.We appreciate the support from shareholders thus far. If shareholders have any questions, please contact our Proxy Solicitor, Alliance Advisors at:Alliance Advisors200 Broadacres Drive, 3rd FloorBloomfield, NJ 07003Toll-Free Phone: 855-200-8651Email: OPTT@ allianceadvisors.com Please email us at ir@ pgntgroup.com if you would like to learn more.Paragon Technologies, Inc., together with the other participants named herein, intends to make a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") of a proxy statement and an accompanying proxy card to be used to solicit votes for the election of director nominees at the 2023 annual meeting of shareholders of Ocean Power Technologies, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "company").Paragon Technologies, Inc. is the beneficial owner of 2,363,795 shares of common stock of the company, par value $0.001 per share ("common stock").Paragon Technologies, Inc., and Paragon's director nominees Hesham M. Gad, Shawn M. Harpen, Jack H. Jacobs, and Samuel S. Weiser, will be the participants in the proxy solicitation. Mr. Gad, Executive Chairman of Paragon's Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of Paragon, and Messrs. Jacobs and Weiser, directors of Paragon, may be deemed to beneficially own the shares of the company's common stock held by Paragon. Ms. Harpen does not own beneficially or of record any securities of the company. Updated information regarding the participants and their direct and indirect interests in the solicitation, by security holdings or otherwise, will be included in Paragon's proxy statement and other materials filed with the SEC.SHAREHOLDERS OF THE COMPANY SHOULD READ THE PROXY STATEMENT AND OTHER PROXY MATERIALS CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY AS THEY BECOME AVAILABLE AS THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION RELATING TO THE COMPANY'S ANNUAL MEETING, PARAGON'S SOLICITATION OF PROXIES AND PARAGON'S NOMINEES TO THE BOARD. SUCH PROXY MATERIALS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT NO CHARGE ON THE SEC'S WEB SITE AT WWW.SEC.GOV OR FROM PARAGON TECHNOLOGIES, INC. REQUESTS FOR COPIES, WHEN AVAILABLE, SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO PARAGON'S PROXY SOLICITOR.SOURCE: Paragon Technologies Inc. PR-Inside.com: 2023-11-17 04:00:23 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 313 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / November 16, 2023 / Production has wrapped on the high-profile movie, 'THE FIRING SQUAD' set to hit theaters nationwide in August 2024.Based on the epic true story of former drug dealers who became pastors and faced death by firing squad in a third-world country. The film stars James Barrington, Madeline Anderson, Kevin Sorbo, Edmund Kwan, and Cuba Gooding, Jr.The producers tapped well-known faith-based director, Tim Chey, to direct the film. Chey's previous films include Freedom' (Cuba Gooding, Jr., William Sadler) for Showtime, The Islands' (Mira Sorvino, John Savage, Lehi Falanaghi), and Sony Pictures Slamma Jamma'. He is also a Harvard and USC alumnus."My hope and prayer," says Chey, "is this film wins millions to Christ. The story is the perfect testament to gaining the whole world, but losing your soul. Fortunately, these guys found Christ in the end in a stunning, tear-jerking way." Over 11,000 actors submitted for The Firing Squad'."Tim directed another home-run," says the spokespeople for VGC Productions which produced the film. "We're so proud of Tim and all the actors and crew and believe it will also hit a home-run for God at the theaters next year." The film company is raising $10-20 million in advertising funds to take The Firing Squad' out to 2,500 theaters nationwide in August 2024.Chey also wrote and directed David and Goliath' filmed in North Africa and London, Epic Journey' for Daystar TV that took him to 29 countries, and 'Freedom' which premiered on Showtime to over 50 millions households.The Firing Squad'In Theaters August 2024About VGC Productions, RiverRain Productions, and Rock Studios RiverRain Productions, VGC Studios, and Rock Studios are one of the top faith-based film studios in the U.S. of over 16 feature films. "THE FIRING SQUAD opens nationwide in theaters in August 2024.CONTACT Julie StalbergRipple Effect contact@ rippleeffectmanagement.com 424 360 9306SOURCE: RiverRain Productions PR-Inside.com: 2023-11-17 19:03:15 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 430 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / November 17, 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 PR-Inside.com: 2023-11-17 04:45:51 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 442 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW ORLEANS, LA / ACCESSWIRE / November 16, 2023 / Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF") and KSF partner, former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., remind investors that they have until January 8, 2024 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against FMC Corporation (NYSE:FMC), if they purchased or otherwise acquired the Company's shares between November 2, 2022 and October 20, 2023, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.What You May DoIf you purchased shares of FMC and would like to discuss your legal rights and how this case might affect you and your right to recover for your economic loss, you may, without obligation or cost to you, contact KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or via email ( lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com) , or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-fmc/ to learn more. If you wish to serve as a lead plaintiff in this class action, you must petition the Court by January 8, 2024.About the LawsuitFMC and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.On September 7, 2023, Blue Orca Capital reported that the Company had made a series of false statements about the status of patent protections for its flagship products following legal defeats in India, China, and Brazil, that allowed competitors to launch competing generic products at much lower prices. On this news, the price of FMC's shares dropped more than 7.4%, to close at $76.10 per share, representing approximately $630 million in investor losses, on high trading volume.Then, on October 23, 2023, the Company disclosed further cuts to its Q3 2023 outlook and guidance for revenues for Q4 and FY 2024, projecting earnings well below analysts' expectations, citing substantially lower sales volumes in Latin America. On this news, the price of FMC's shares plummeted by $8.83 per share, or 12.18%, to close at $58.12 per share.The case is Heeg v. FMC Corporation, et al., 23-cv-4938.About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCKSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is one of the nation's premier boutique securities litigation law firms. KSF serves a variety of clients - including public institutional investors, hedge funds, money managers and retail investors - in seeking recoveries for investment losses emanating from corporate fraud or malfeasance by publicly traded companies. KSF has offices in New York, California, Louisiana and New Jersey.To learn more about KSF, you may visit www.ksfcounsel.com CONTACT:Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCLewis Kahn, Managing Partnerlewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com1-877-515-18501100 Poydras St., Suite 960New Orleans, LA 70163SOURCE: Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC PR-Inside.com: 2023-11-17 14:30:27 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 788 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 VANCOUVER BC / ACCESSWIRE / November 17, 2023 / Frequency Exchange Corp. ("Frequency Exchange" or the "Company") (TSXV:FREQ) is pleased to announce that its wholly-owned subsidiary, FREmedica Technologies Inc. ("FREmedica"), has had its rights expanded permitting the company to sell NIKKI direct to the consumer or through partnerships that open several new revenue opportunities which are already being capitalized with the signing of our first White Label Agreement valued at $500,000 over the first year.FREmedica President Nicole Sullivan states "We are excited to have our Rights expanded to open many new revenue opportunities for the company. We are launching 4 new revenue strategies; the first one being the White Label revenue stream that will set us apart from our competition. This strategy has place FREmedica on the global stage for delivering a frequency platform that all companies can use to their advantage. With our first White Label agreement signed, we are in negotiation with several wellness companies interested in putting their corporate stamp on our Frequency Delivery System." NIKKI White Label Revenue StreamFREmedica sells NIKKI hardware to third party clients that apply their own frequencies and brand to our NIKKI Frequency Delivery System. The client is responsible for the product once it carries their brand. The ideal client is exemplified by our first White Label client: a marketer of 66 plant-based products. Early testing with their frequencies on our NIKKI Frequency Delivery System have proven highly positive.Private Brand Premium Revenue StreamFREmedica provides client-branded NIKKI with up to three NIKKI Frequency Sets that in line with the client's product and consumer. Client-branded NIKKI is provided free to new customers with upsell to existing customers. The ideal Private Brand client is one with an existing product line appropriate to particular NIKKI frequency sets including for example sleep, mold, performance and pain to name a few.Affiliate Revenue StreamFREmedica recruits professionals who represent our values to share with their followers their stories of how NIKKI has improved their lives. Affiliate followers receive a code offering them a product discount from the product and allowing the affiliate to benefit by way of introduction to the customer. We are presently signing a global community of Affiliates and Inviting you to join us as well.Direct Sales Revenue StreamThe FREmedica direct sales strategy is diverse and includes our BioEnergetics Beat Podcast; the platform of our direct sales strategy. Our public relations firm is currently launching a comprehensive strategy to introduce NIKKI and our "FREQ" listing on the TSXV in Canada.About the CompanyBased in British Columbia, Canada, the company is focused on the development and commercialization of a wearable frequency delivery system in markets worldwide, delivering specialized frequency programs designed to enhance wellness as well as improve performance. NIKKI is a fifth-generation frequency delivery system and third wearable technology created by the Company, initially to help clients with chronic Lyme disease. This wearable technology combined with the frequency programs is the result of years of research and development using advanced bioenergetic technology.For more information, please contact:Frequency Exchange Corp.|FREmedica Technologies Inc.Stephen Davis CEO and Director250.732.7170Nicole SullivanPresidentnicole@ fremedica.com Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking InformationCertain information contained herein constitutes "forward-looking information" under Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the trading date of the Company's common shares on the Exchange. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "will" or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "will" occur. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made and they are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information. 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. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. The Company will not update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information that are incorporated by reference herein, except as required by applicable securities laws.Additional information identifying risks and uncertainties is contained in filings by the Company with the Canadian securities regulators, which filings are available under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com Neither the Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.SOURCE: Frequency Exchange Corp. Following the landmark summit between President Xi Jinping and United States President Joe Biden in San Francisco, both China and the US should work in the spirit of having no time to lose in maintaining the current momentum of relieving tension and improving two-way collaboration, exchanges and dialogues, observers said. Success in managing highly sensitive topics such as the Taiwan question should be prioritized to secure the momentum and meet the Asia-Pacific region's common wish for future tranquility, they added. Diao Daming, a professor at Renmin University of China's School of International Relations, said that "head-of-state diplomacy has always played the most crucial role of steering and navigating China-US ties", and the summit meeting touched upon topics "that have a bearing on the big picture, strategies and future trends". He noted that the Chinese side also made some stern and reasonable demands at the summit in response to the US side's suppression, containment and sanctions targeting China in the areas of economy, trade, science and technology. "This meeting has put forward a clear road map and mapped out a clear direction for further stabilizing, managing and developing China-US relations by addressing strategic perceptions of each other, operations in practice and key issues and topics," he said. "The US side should further maintain the current momentum and further adjust its perception of China and its policy toward China in order to further stabilize the relations, achieve major improvement of the ties and get them back on track," he added. Lawrence Loh, a professor and director of National University of Singapore's Centre for Governance and Sustainability, said the meeting "has accomplished monumental success in setting the tone for continued interactions between China and the US". "Coming back to the table for dialogue in itself is noteworthy yet there was substantive progress made, especially in resuming military contacts and leader-to-leader communication," he noted. The Xi-Biden meeting was "not an end in itself, but revitalizes a critical channel that can potentially resolve ongoing geopolitical issues, especially in East Asia and the Middle East", he said. "China, in particular, came out well from the meeting, as President Xi has been magnanimous to make the long journey for this meeting while conveying the country's longstanding interests in no uncertain terms," he said. The success of the dialogue "will depend on the sustained commitments of the two countries, and each of them should not engage in any stunt to wind back the trust forged during this event", he added. Experts noted that at the summit, regarding the Taiwan question, Xi asked Washington to support China's peaceful reunification, saying that "China will realize reunification, and this is unstoppable". Wu Xinbo, director of the Center for American Studies at Fudan University, said that Beijing "has made clearer to Washington the requirement in terms of the Taiwan question", following its demands made at the meeting between Xi and Biden in Bali, Indonesia, a year ago. Su Xiaohui, deputy director of the Department of American Studies at the China Institute of International Studies, said that the talks witnessed China's earnest efforts in shaping China-US relations, and President Xi "spoke very frankly and reasonably "on topics such as managing differences and the Taiwan question. "By making its words clear, Beijing's candid and in-depth communication with Washington not only helps to safeguard its own national interests, but also serves to stabilize the whole of China-US relations. Because only by making matters clear can we prevent miscalculations," she added. She noted that both China and the US emphasized that their relations constitute the most important bilateral relationship in the world, and "they share common ground in this regard". "The China-US ties involve the interests of not just the two countries, but the international community as well. The world hopes for cooperation between the two major countries and expects that the relations will be stable and positive," she added. Mehmood Ul Hassan Khan, executive director of the Center for South and International Studies in Islamabad, Pakistan, said the summit was "conducive, constructive, comprehensive and cooperative", and "was the first step toward the right direction". "Implementation of the proposed pledges and promises would stimulate bilateral cooperation in terms of trade, commerce, investments, climate change, artificial intelligence and socioeconomic development," he said. It will also help to "have an open, transparent, stable and sustainable mechanism of open communication between the two militaries and governments. It will be helpful for global investors, businessmen and security." BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 17. Iran is in talks with Turkmenistan to increase its gas imports from the neighboring country, Iran's Oil Minister Javad Owji told reporters after todays meeting of the Cabinet of Iran in Tehran, Trend reports. Iran had announced in May 2023 that it would sign a gas import contract with Turkmenistan and start receiving 10 million cubic meters of gas per day from May 21, 2023. Since then, Iran has been importing an average of 7.5 million cubic meters of gas daily from Turkmenistan, with some days reaching 10 million cubic meters. Owji said that the gas imports from Turkmenistan were part of Irans efforts to ensure gas supply to its northern and northeastern regions in the upcoming winter season (December 22, 2023 through March 19, 2024). He added that Iran is continuing to swap Turkmen gas to Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan, Iran and Turkmenistan had signed a contract on November 28, 2021 in Ashgabat to swap Turkmen gas to Azerbaijan through Iran. The contract envisaged the delivery of up to 1.5-2 billion cubic meters of Turkmen gas to Azerbaijan per year, starting from January 1, 2022. On June 3, 2022, Azerbaijans Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov and Iranian Oil Minister Javad Owji signed a memorandum of understanding in Baku to double the Turkmen gas supply to Azerbaijan via Iran. Iran has the second largest gas reserves in the world, with about 34 trillion cubic meters of gas. The countrys gas production capacity is reportedly more than 1 billion cubic meters. --- Follow the author on X (Twitter):@BaghishovElnur PR-Inside.com: 2023-11-17 17:31:13 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 580 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 SAN FRANCISCO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / November 17, 2023 / Hagens Berman urges Barclays PLC (NYSE:BCS) investors who suffered substantial losses to submit your losses now.Class Period: July 22, 2019 - Oct. 12, 2023Lead Plaintiff Deadline: Jan. 2, 2024Visit: www.hbsslaw.com/investor-fraud/BCSContact An Attorney Now: BCS@ hbsslaw.com844-916-0895 Barclays PLC (NYSE: BCS) Securities Fraud Class Action:The complaint alleges that Defendants made false and misleading statements and failed to disclose that:(1) contrary to his false public statements and assertions to Britain's Financial Conduct Authority ("FCA"), Barclays' ex-CEO Jes Staley had a very close relationship with Epstein;(2) Staley was reportedly aware of Epstein's criminal activities and may have even sexually assaulted a victim who had previously been trafficked by Epstein;(3) Staley's close, personal relationship with Epstein, and potential criminal activity, if discovered could bring reputational, legal, and financial harm to Barclays;(4) as a result, Barclays' response to the FCA inquiry regarding Staley's relationship with Epstein was materially false; and(5) Barclays, having become aware of information contradicting its response to the FCA's inquiry, then failed to update the response so that it would be accurate, or otherwise take any meaningful action.Investors began to learn the truth on Nov. 1, 2021, when Barclays announced Staley's departure after becoming aware of the FCA's preliminary conclusions regarding the company's and Staley's characterization of the Epstein relationship.Subsequently, the Financial Times reported that Staley and Epstein exchanged 1,200 emails over a four-year period and, just before joining Barclays in 2015, Staley sailed his yacht to Epstein's island in the Caribbean.Finally, on Oct. 12, 2023, the FCA announced that "Staley recklessly approved a letter sent by Barclays to the FCA, which contained two misleading statements, about the nature of his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein and the point of their last contact." The FCA fined Staley, barred him from the financial services industry and observed that Staley's emails described Epstein as one of his "deepest" and "most cherished" friends.Each of these events drove the price of Barclays American Depositary Shares lower."We're focused on investors' losses and are investigating whether Barclays may have intentionally misled investors about the nature of the Staley-Epstein relationship," said Reed Kathrein, the Hagens Berman partner leading the investigation.If you invested in Barclays and have significant losses, or have knowledge that may assist the firm's investigation, submit your losses now If you'd like more information and answers to frequently asked questions about the Barclays case and our investigation, read more Whistleblowers: Persons with non-public information regarding Barclays should consider their options to help in the investigation or take advantage of the SEC Whistleblower program. Under the new program, whistleblowers who provide original information may receive rewards totaling up to 30 percent of any successful recovery made by the SEC. For more information, call Reed Kathrein at 844-916-0895 or email BCS@ hbsslaw.com # # #About Hagens BermanHagens Berman is a global plaintiffs' rights complex litigation law firm focusing on corporate accountability through class-action law. The firm is home to a robust securities litigation practice and represents investors as well as whistleblowers, workers, consumers and others in cases achieving real results for those harmed by corporate negligence and fraud. More about the firm and its successes can be found at hbsslaw.com . Follow the firm for updates and news at @ClassActionLaw.Attorney advertising.Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.Services may be performed by attorneys in any of our offices.Contact:Reed Kathrein, 844-916-0895SOURCE: Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP PR-Inside.com: 2023-11-17 03:00:44 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 974 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Dr. Rashad Richey Joins Multinational Law FirmMulti-media giant and professor completes law school while simultaneously finishing his Ph.D. in quantum physicsATLANTA, GA / ACCESSWIRE / November 16, 2023 / Dr. Rashad Richey announced today that he will be joining the International Law Group of Human & Civil Rights Attorneys, P.C., also known as The Fairness Firm, with affiliate offices in France, Spain, Canada, and Cape Town, South Africa. The international law firm will bolster its Atlanta-based team by adding Richey as its new Director of Global Legal Operations. Well-known as a multi-media giant and university professor, Richey continues to inspire others by completing his Juris Doctor degree while maintaining his popular daily television opinion news show, Indisputable with Dr. Rashad Richey' on the TYT Network, and the award-winning Rashad Richey Morning Show'on News & Talk 1380-WAOK & V-103 FM (HD3)."Completing my law degree can be attributed to nothing less than faith, dedication, and the support of countless individuals who believed in my mission and vision to always pursue truth and advocacy for others," said Dr. Rashad Richey. "I am honored to join a firm that is deeply committed to the issues I have championed throughout my career, and I look forward to making an impact both here and abroad." In his role, Richey will coordinate with The Fairness Firm's affiliated international law firms, navigate policy issues, and provide senior-level strategic approaches for complex civil and human rights matters."The Fairness Firm is thrilled to have Dr. Richey join our team of international advocate lawyers," said Attorney Erica Wilson. "A brilliant strategic legal scholar, Richey will be an invaluable asset to our clients." In addition to his television and radio programs, Richey is the weekend host for the Dr. Rashad Richey Review on SiriusXM Urban View Channel 126, and his podcast, 'Indisputable' is in the top 5% of most listened-to podcasts in America according to The L.A. Monitor. Despite his busy schedule, Richey completed his law degree. That journey started in 2020 at Atlanta John Marshall Law School in Atlanta, Georgia. He eventually transferred to Birmingham School of Law for its unique, adult-centered weekend law school program that allows students to take the same classes as weekday students but consolidated into Saturdays. According to Richey, even though the drive to Birmingham, Alabama, every Friday night for roughly two years was taxing, he persevered, knowing the Saturday schedule was much more congruent to his demanding on-air and business executive demands.At the same time, Richey was also enrolled in the Ph.D. in Quantum Physics research program at Paris Graduate School. During his studies, Richey experienced a breakthrough with his lab team during the preliminary research phase, which showed promising signs that his quantum-based research and technique for neurological brain enhancement may reverse symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, which has no known cure. Richey was granted provisional patent status by the United States Patent & Trade Office for both of his inventions, the Neurological Brain Entrainment Device and the Bilateral Neuronic Hemispheric Harmonization Brain Entrainment Device.Recognizing the continued challenge of directing clinical trials and pursuing both degrees simultaneously, Richey ultimately transferred to the Renaissance University law program. The French and English-speaking university has a cooperative agreement with the Faculty of Law at the University of Montreal and also boasts multiple international partnerships including a framework cooperation agreement with University Rennes 2 in France, a partnership with the Federal University of Rondonia in Brazil, and Madison International Institute & Business School in the United Kingdom to name a few. Richey was able to transfer his previous law courses and completed the remaining credits required as of November 2023. Graduates with qualifying law degrees from internationally accredited and government-recognized universities can sit for the bar in 49 states with varying protocols per state. Additionally, Richey holds multiple advance degrees, including a PhD in political sciences, a Doctor of Law in International Immigration Law, an MBA, a Master of Laws in Humanitarian Law, a Master of Science in Applied Physics & Quantum Mechanics, and a Master of Science in Neuroscience.Dr. Richey has been appointed to various executive-level policy rolesd, and currently serves as a Senior Policy Advisor to The Carter Center, an international peacekeeping NGO founded by former United States President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn. He also dully serves as Chairman of the Georgia Council of International Visitors, a United States Department of State-funded agency dedicated to international diplomacy, cultural awareness, and educational exchanges, making him the first African-American to lead the organization. An active scholar, his lectures include the University of Michigan, Reinhardt University, Mercer University, Morehouse School of Medicine, and the University of West GA. He is a Visiting Scholar at Clark Atlanta University, a Professor of Business at Morris Brown College, both are noted HBCUs and serves internationally as the Professor of Physics and Department Chair at Paris Graduate School in Paris, France.A recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award' from Clark Atlanta University and the youngest inductee into the National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, Oprah Winfrey, and US Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall are all honored past recipients, Richey serves as President of Rolling Out, the largest urban media company of its kind in America. He has been recognized by American presidents, local governments, and NGOs for his leadership and philanthropy. Overcoming street life as a teen, he founded The Rashad Richey Foundation, Inc. to organize mentoring opportunities for gang-affected and gang-affiliated youth. Richey serves on the board for Piedmont Atlanta Hospital and is a member of the American Bar Association, International Bar Association, Delta Theta Phi Law Fraternity, American Society of International Law, International Behavioral Neuroscience Society, National Association of Black Physicists, American Association of University Professors, National Association of Black Journalists, and the Atlanta NAACP.###CONTACT:Chris SmithChris.smith@audacy.com SOURCE: Richey Media Group PR-Inside.com: 2023-11-17 16:45:37 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 803 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Danielle Menture, BMS' vice president of sustainability, answers five questions about what the company is doing to meet its green energy goals.NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / November 17, 2023 / Bristol Myers Squibb CompanyPhoto Credit: National Grid Renewables Originally published on Bristol Myers Squibb News & PerspectivesThis week, BMS announced a 15-year virtual power purchase agreement (VPPA) with National Grid Renewables for 145 megawatts (MW) of solar at the Texas-based Blevins Project. Combined with the 15-year VPPA with EDP Renewables secured in 2022, this move puts BMS another step closer to realizing its goal of 100% of purchased electricity from renewable sources by 2030.To dig deeper, Danielle Menture, vice president of Environment, Occupational Health, Safety and Sustainability, answers five questions about how BMS is expanding its renewable energy use by investing in VPPAs.What is a virtual power purchase agreement? How does it work?Virtual power purchase agreements, or VPPAs, are longer-term contracts between a large-scale energy purchaser, like BMS, and a developer of a renewable energy project, like National Grid Renewables or EDP, who develop and operate renewable energy assets, including solar.With a VPPA, BMS is supporting the creation of renewable electricity that is provided to the grid. The company receives what are called renewable energy credits or certificates (RECs) that demonstrate we've brought additionality, or new renewable energy generation to the grid.This agreement is good for both parties: On the developer's side, it helps create local jobs and income for the community and provides cleaner energy for residents in the project area.For BMS, it guarantees a fixed rate for electricity once the project is up and running, and it helps offset the direct environmental impact of BMS' operations. It also supports the creation of a more sustainable planet by increasing the amount of available renewable energy and helping to accelerate the transition to a clean-energy economy.What are the expected economic and environmental impacts?Our teams spend a lot of time evaluating the best solutions for BMS. VPPAs are a direct way to add renewable energy to the grid, while offsetting our own carbon footprint. Additionally, they have significant economic benefits to the communities where projects are located.In total, the direct economic impact of this VPPA with National Grid is estimated to be approximately $35 million over the first 30 years of operation, and that includes job creation and tax revenue generation. It will add a total of 270 megawatts (MW) of solar power to the grid, and according to the Environmental Protection Agency, the project is expected to offset approximately 457,300 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually, which is equivalent to taking around 101,700 cars off the road every year.As for our agreement with EDP, that site adds 240 MW to the grid, and the total generation will be equivalent to the average consumption of more than 37,000 Texas homes1 , and an estimated $55 million in taxes will be paid to support local schools and community services.How did you decide on the right VPPA?It's important for us to ensure that the VPPAs we contract are in line with our business priorities. Throughout this process, we worked closely with experts at Edison Energy, who helped us identify and structure the right project to not only create a meaningful impact but also tie back to our environmental sustainability goals.What type of renewable energy is best?There isn't a "best" type of energy. The most popular renewable energies today are wind, geothermal, hydroelectricity, biomass and solar. Both of BMS' VPPAs invest in solar power. Solar power is a strong option for Texas, where our projects with National Grid and EDP are located, because of the abundance of consistent sunlight.How will VPPAs help BMS achieve its renewable energy goals?BMS made a commitment to get 100% of purchased electricity from renewable sources by 2030. I'm excited by the great strides we've made toward this goal, and our VPPA investments are an important part of that. We expect that once both projects start operations - EDP's Cattlemen Solar Park in December 2023 and National Grid's Blevins Project estimated in early 2026 - we will be well on track to hit our 2030 target.To learn more about our latest VPPA agreement, read the press release here.1. Power generation calculated using a 25% capacity factor; household consumption based on the 2020 EIA Household Data monthly average consumption by state.About Bristol Myers SquibbBristol Myers Squibb is a global biopharmaceutical company whose mission is to discover, develop and deliver innovative medicines that help patients prevail over serious diseases. As global citizens, we work sustainably and responsibly to create a positive impact in the communities where we live and work.View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Bristol Myers Squibb Company on 3 blmedia.com Contact Info:Spokesperson: Bristol Myers Squibb CompanyWebsite: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/bristol-myers-squibb-companyEmail: info@3 blmedia.com SOURCE: Bristol Myers Squibb Company PR-Inside.com: 2023-11-17 08:50:29 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 1055 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN / ACCESSWIRE / November 17, 2023 / iZafe Group (STO:IZAFE-B) iZafe Group AB (publ.) today presents its report for the third quarter on November 17.Financial Highlights SummaryNet sales for the quarter amounted to 512 (75) TSEK, a growth of 583% compared to the same quarter the previous year. The increase in sales can be attributed to both organic growth and growth through acquisitions, as Pilloxa was acquired in December 2022. Excluding revenue from the acquired company, the growth amounted to 317%. The quarter's revenue consists of income related to the sale of the digital medication robot Dosell and sales of the medical device Pilloxa. Pilloxa AB was acquired on November 28, 2022, and therefore is not included in the quarter's revenue for the previous year.Operating profit for the quarter amounted to -5,012 (-5,680) TSEK.Profit after financial items for the quarter amounted to -5,004 (-5,751) TSEK.The cash flow for the period amounted to -3,192 (-4,513) TSEK.Earnings per share for the quarter before/after dilution amounted to 0.02 (-0.08) SEK.Equity per share at the end of the period amounted to 0.2 (0.3) SEK.The solvency ratio at the end of the period was 82.9 (75.2) percent.Key Events During the QuarteriZafe successfully completed the implementation of Dosell in Spain. Several adjustments and tests have been conducted to ensure a successful pilot that has commenced.iZafe introduced its new visual identity and expression during the quarter, aligning better with the company's current position and direction. In connection with this, the new website was launched, available in both Swedish and English.iZafe carried out all necessary technical integrations and adjustments to launch Dosell in the Dutch market. Consequently, the first delivery could take place as part of the 1,000 units communicated to be delivered to the Dutch partner IVE Ventures in 2023.Key Events After the End of the QuarteriZafe, together with Atea Sverige AB, was awarded a contract in the procurement with the Vastra Gotaland Region for the provision of Dosell. The procurement covers between 1,800 and 2,250 units with an estimated value of 42-52 MSEK. The contract period is two years with the possibility of an additional two-year extension.CEO's Comment We look back on a quarter where our business plan and strategy have yielded results in both growth and successful major procurement, marking a significant milestone. An increase in net revenue by a staggering 583 percent compared to the same quarter the previous year, even considering a lower revenue base, is a clear indication of the positive trend we have established. This is the outcome of our dedication to refining our business model while maintaining a cost-effective structure.Despite increased revenue, we have preserved our modest size, underscoring our determination to optimize every investment and talent within our team. This has been and will continue to be a central component of our ambition to avoid additional external capital and to maintain a cash flow that is both stable and proportionate to our growing income.On the international stage, we have achieved significant progress, especially in Holland, where the implementation of the first 100 units of our product has been met with enthusiastic reception. It is a strong testament to the quality of our product and the customer journey our partner has crafted. This success is crucial as it forms the cornerstone of our ability to deliver at scale.In Sweden, we have taken a significant step forward by winning a comprehensive procurement with the Vastra Gotaland Region, covering 47 municipalities. We are preparing to sign the contract in the coming days, a step that confirms our company's growing influence and trust within the sector.It is particularly heartening to see increasing interest from municipalities seeking effective and user-friendly alternatives to the more complicated and costly solutions they have used in the past. Our offering, Dosell, is at the forefront of this demand, and we are enthusiastic about more and more people recognizing its value.With a plan for larger deliveries in both the Swedish and Dutch markets and expectations of other regions increasing their demand in the coming year, we stand on the threshold of a period of expansion. These prospects reinforce our focus on providing our partners and customers with unparalleled service and support.Regarding Pilloxa, successfully integrated into our group over the past year, I am pleased to report significant progress. Our ongoing collaboration with the German pharmaceutical company Chiesi has paid off, with their team expressing deep satisfaction with our solution. Their positive view of our technology and its potential to change the lives of patients with rare diseases is a powerful affirmation of our work. Together, we strive to expand Pilloxa's applications, aiming to broaden our impact across a wider spectrum of diseases and geographic markets.Interest in both our service and the innovative pillbox is overwhelming, and we have received numerous inquiries that we are eager to address. We are carefully planning the next steps, with continuous improvements and adjustments to refine our service before launching it on a full scale. This work aligns with our overarching vision to contribute to a healthier future with the right medication at the right time, every time. It is with great satisfaction that I see Pilloxa's offering not only complement but also reinforce our core vision of improving patients' health and quality of life.We close the year 2023 with strong and growing demand for our product, as well as a firm belief that our strategic direction and operational excellence will continue to bear fruit. I want to express my deepest gratitude to our board and employees for their tireless work and to our shareholders for their unwavering trust and support.Thank you for being part of this exciting journey.Anders SegerstromChief Executive Officer, iZafe GroupContactsAnders Segerstrom, Chief Executive Officer E-mail: anders.segerstrom@izafegroup.com Phone number: +46 70-875 14 12iZafe Group AB (publ.) David Bagares gata 3111 38 StockholmE-mail: ir@ izafegroup.com About iZafe Group AB (publ.)iZafe Group is a Life Science company that conducts research, development and marketing of digital medical solutions and services for safer medication management at home.The company leads the development of digital drug dispensing through the drug robot Dosell as well as the SaaS solution Pilloxa with the smart pillbox. The company's solutions reduce the risk of incorrect medication in the home, increase compliance, relieve public health care, increas PR-Inside.com: 2023-11-17 00:15:15 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 514 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 "B2B" grants for businesses that launched during the pandemic are coming via a progressive, minority-led fintech that specializes in reaching underserved communitiesSPRINGFIELD, IL / ACCESSWIRE / November 16, 2023 / Lendistry announced today that it has been chosen by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) to power a new infusion of small business grant funding in the Prairie State specifically awarding businesses that started during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Back to Business ("B2B") New Business Grant Program ("New Biz") will reimburse eligible small businesses in industries that have been hardest hit by the pandemic, many of which, due to their recent startup status, did not qualify for state grants and most federal emergency support. Grant amounts will range from $5,000 to $30,000.The fintech, which provided Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans to over 16,000 Illinois businesses amounting to over $330 million during the pandemic, is eager to continue making an impact. Qualified businesses must have a date of incorporation between January 2020 and December 2021. Grant amounts will be based on the start date and whether the business is brick-and-mortar or home-based."We're proud to partner with DCEO and the state of Illinois to help small business owners who were brave enough to open up shop in the middle of the biggest disruption our generation has seen," says Everett K. Sands, CEO of Lendistry. "Opening up while also taking on extra expenses to keep customers and staff safe was costly in many ways. My team and I applaud those entrepreneurs for supporting their communities and are proud to deliver the support needed to help them reach sustainable revenues and grow." Since 2015, 90% of Lendistry's grant and loan fundings have supported firms with 10 employees or fewer, with the majority deployed to businesses in underserved communities. Together, Lendistry and the state of Illinois are giving local businesses the solid foundation they need to revitalize their communities and thrive in the new normal.To learn more about these programs and apply, visit www.b2bnewbiz.com About LendistryB.S.D. Capital, Inc. dba Lendistry ( lendistry.com) is a minority-led fintech that provides innovative lending products and access to grant programs for small businesses nationwide. Headquartered in a Los Angeles Opportunity Zone, Lendistry uses technology and community partnerships to overcome systemic gaps that inhibit access to capital, and to empower its customers with responsible financing options. Based on its reputation for deploying funds efficiently and equitably, Lendistry's leadership is often called upon to share their expertise with both government and private organizations. Lendistry has both Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and Community Development Entity (CDE) certifications and is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco. Lendistry SBLC, LLC is an SBA Preferred Lender and the nation's only African American-led SBA designated Small Business Lending Company. In collaboration with The Center by Lendistry, a nonprofit business education organization, Lendistry dedicates itself to providing economic opportunities and progressive growth for underserved urban and rural small business borrowers and their communities.Contact InformationKate Kearns Communications manager communications@ lendistry.com SOURCE: Lendistry PR-Inside.com: 2023-11-17 16:31:22 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 426 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 DALLAS, TX / ACCESSWIRE / November 17, 2023 / Mary Kay Inc., a global leader in skin care innovation and sustainability, is honored to announce its inclusion in the 2023 Texan by Nature 20 (TxN 20), a prestigious recognition by the conservation non-profit, Texan by Nature. Founded by former First Lady Laura Bush, Texan by Nature annually celebrates Texas-based companies that demonstrate a strong commitment to conservation and sustainability.This year's recognition underscores Mary Kay's longstanding dedication to integrating sustainable practices into its business operations and its innovative approach to preserving the environment."Being recognized in the TxN 20 is not only an honor, but a testament to our enduring commitment to conservation and sustainability," said Jeni Wang, Senior Specialist of Corporate Engineering at Mary Kay, who accepted the honor on behalf of the company. "At Mary Kay, we believe in the harmonious coexistence of business and nature, and we continuously strive to implement practices that positively impact our planet." The TxN 20 recognizes industry leaders across 12 sectors in Texas who are at the forefront of conservation efforts and sustainable business practices. With its inclusion in the TxN 20, Mary Kay joins an elite group of companies that are setting the standard for environmental stewardship in the Lone Star State and beyond.2023 TxN 20 honorees included:Alamo GroupCemexCirrus LogicCPS EnergyDarling IngredientsDesert Door SotolDallas Fort Worth International AirportHOLT CATJP MorganMary KayMicrosoftNextEra EnergyNorth American Development BankrstedOverland PartnersPepsiCoStantecTexas Health ResourcesWayne Sanderson FarmsWMAbout Mary KayThen. Now. Always. One of the original glass ceiling breakers, Mary Kay Ash founded her dream beauty brand in Texas in 1963 with one goal: to enrich women's lives. That dream has blossomed into a global company with millions of independent sales force members in more than 35 countries. For 60 years, the Mary Kay opportunity has empowered women to define their own futures through education, mentorship, advocacy, and innovation. Mary Kay is dedicated to investing in the science behind beauty and manufacturing cutting-edge skincare, color cosmetics, nutritional supplements, and fragrances. Mary Kay believes in preserving our planet for future generations, protecting women impacted by cancer and domestic abuse, and encouraging youth to follow their dreams. Learn more at marykayglobal.com , find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, or follow us on Twitter.###Mary Kay Inc. Corporate Communications marykay.com/newsroom 972.687.5332 or media@ mkcorp.com Mary Kay was included in the 2023 Texan by Nature 20 (TxN 20), a prestigious recognition by the conservation non-profit, Texan by Nature.View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Mary Kay on 3 blmedia.com Contact Info:Spokesperson: Mary KayWebsite: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/mary-kayEmail: info@3 blmedia.com SOURCE: Mary Kay PR-Inside.com: 2023-11-17 12:00:34 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 618 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA / ACCESSWIRE / November 17, 2023 / NOA Lithium Brines Inc. (TSX-V:NOAL)(FSE:N7N) ("NOA" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the Company is participating in the upcoming 121 Mining Investment Conference in London, United Kingdom. Gabriel Rubacha, Chief Executive Officer and a Director of the Company will provide a corporate update during 1-on-1 meetings and present the Company's recent and future planned activities on November 21 at 3:00 p.m. (London, United Kingdom Time).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 program will provide expert commentary and the latest market intelligence on key industry developments.Company's corporate presentation has been updated and is available at our website at www.noalithium.com This year's 121 Mining Investment Conference in London, United Kingdom is being held on November 20-21, 2023.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 InvestmentThe 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 NOA Lithium BrinesNOA Lithium Brines Inc. ("NOA") is a lithium exploration and development company formed to acquire assets with significant resource potential. All NOA's projects are in the heart of the prolific Lithium Triangle, in the mining-friendly province of Salta, Argentina, near a multitude of projects and operations owned by some of the largest players in the lithium industry. NOA has rapidly consolidated a very large and impressive lithium brine claim portfolio, with key positions on three prospective salars (Rio Grande, Arizaro, Salinas Grandes) and totaling over 100,000 hectares. NOA is committed to sustainable and responsible exploration and business activities in line with industry best practices and is supportive of all stakeholders, including the local communities in which the Company operates.On Behalf of the Board of DirectorsGabriel RubachaChief Executive Officer and DirectorFor Further InformationWebsite: www.noalithium.comEmail: info@ noalithium.comTelephone: +54-9-11-5060-4709Alternative Telephone: +1-403-571-8013Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking StatementsThis news release may include forward-looking statements that are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties. All statements within this news release, other than statements of historical fact, are to be considered forward looking statements. Forward-looking statements including, but not limited to NOA's future plans and objectives regarding its projects, which constitute forward looking information that involve various risks and uncertainties. Although NOA believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements include fluctuations in market prices, including metal prices, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. There can be no assurances that such statements will prove accurate and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties. NOA does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements except as required under applicable laws.NEITHER TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.SOURCE: NOA Lithium Brines Inc. PR-Inside.com: 2023-11-17 13:00:26 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 988 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 LAS VEGAS, NV / ACCESSWIRE / November 17, 2023 / Planet 13 Holdings Inc. (CSE:PLTH)(OTCQX:PLNH) ("Planet 13" or the "Company"), a leading vertically-integrated multi-state cannabis company, today provided the following update.On June 20, 2021, the Company engaged El Capitan Advisors, Inc. ("El Capitan"), an investment advisor registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, for cash management services. One of the Company's accounts managed by El Capitan was held at BridgeBank, a division of Western Alliance Bank (collectively "WAB"). Pursuant to a dispute unrelated to the Company, Casa Verde Capital, L.P. and Casa Verde Capital EF, L.P. (collectively "Casa Verde") obtained a US$35.0 million default judgment against El Capitan. Casa Verde then levied that judgment against El Capitan causing approximately US$5.5 million of the Company's funds held at WAB (the "WAB Funds") and managed by El Capitan to be directed to the Orange County Sheriff's Office on September 21, 2023.On or around October 24, 2023, the Company became aware of the levy against the WAB Funds and thereafter filed a third-party claim (the "WAB Claim") of exemption asserting rightful ownership over the WAB Funds. On November 17, 2023, the Company will be filing a pleading in further support of the WAB Claim and a hearing regarding the WAB Claim is currently scheduled for November 30, 2023.After filing the WAB Claim, the Company took immediate action to withdraw the remaining US$16.0 million that the Company held in two additional Company accounts managed by El Capitan (the "Additional Funds"). The Company was initially informed by El Capitan that the Additional Funds were being wired to the Company in due course. However, on November 14, 2023, El Capitan informed the Company that due to issues in connection with the Casa Verde judgment the wire was not able to be processed. Since November 14, 2023, El Capitan has refused to honor the Company's further withdrawal requests with respect to the Additional Funds and at this time it is unclear whether the Additional Funds will be returned. Based on discussions with El Capitan to secure the withdrawal of the Additional Funds, the Company has reason to believe that the Additional Funds may have been misappropriated by El Capitan.At this time, the Company is not able to predict what, if any, action may be taken by law enforcement or other regulatory authorities. The Company is vigorously pursuing its rights to reclaim all funds managed by El Capitan and will pursue recovery of its funds through all legally available means, including as appropriate, through cooperation with law enforcement.The Company has engaged legal counsel regarding these matters and has commenced its own internal investigation with respect to the same, but the Company has not yet determined whether an independent internal investigation will be required. Given the nature of the claims and the actions taken by El Capitan, the Company may be limited in what information it can disclose following this announcement to the extent limited by any investigations, internal or otherwise.While this matter will result in some additional near-term expenses, the Company does not expect this incident to have a material impact on its business or its ability to fund the anticipated working capital and other liquidity requirements of its near-term ongoing operations.About Planet 13Planet 13 ( www.planet13holdings.com) is a vertically integrated cannabis company, with award-winning cultivation, production and dispensary operations in Las Vegas and Orange County, California. Planet 13 also holds a medical marijuana treatment center license in Florida and a conditional Social-Equity Justice Involved dispensing license in the Chicago region of Illinois. Planet 13's mission is to build a recognizable global brand known for world-class dispensary operations and create innovative cannabis products. Licensed cannabis activity is legal in these states but remains illegal under U.S. federal law. Planet 13's shares of common stock trade on the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) under the symbol PLTH and are quoted on the OTCQX under the symbol PLNH.Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking InformationThis news release contains forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are often, but not always, identified by phrases such as "plans", "expects", "proposed", "may", "could", "would", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases. In this news release, forward-looking statements relate to the pleading to be filed today, whether the WAB Funds and/or the Additional Funds will be returned to the Company, statements regarding the Company pursuing recovery of its funds through all available legal means and the impact on the Company's business and ability to fund the anticipated working capital and other liquidity requirements. Such forward-looking statements reflect what management of the Company believes, or believed at the time, to be reasonable assumptions and accordingly readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon such forward-looking statements and that actual results may vary from such forward-looking statements. These assumptions, risks and uncertainties which may cause actual results to differ include, among others, those assumptions, risks and uncertainties discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 and any of the Company's subsequent periodic reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov and on SEDAR at www.sedar.com . Forward-looking statements contained herein are made only as to the date of this press release and we assume no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements should they change, except as required by law. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein.For further inquiries, please contact:LodeRock Advisors Inc., Planet 13 Investor Relationsmark.kuindersma@loderockadvisors.com Robert Groesbeck or Larry SchefflerCo-Chief Executive Officersir@ planet13lasvegas.com SOURCE: Planet 13 Holdings PR-Inside.com: 2023-11-17 19:48:00 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 873 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 PORTLAND, OR / ACCESSWIRE / November 17, 2023 / In the bustling world of real estate, where profit often takes precedence, Ramsay Real Estate stands out as a shining example of a business with a heart. Charles Ramsay, a man of many hats and a heart dedicated to service, is the driving force behind Ramsay Real Estate, a local Benefit Corporation for Good. In an exclusive interview, Ramsay sheds light on the mission, motivations, and future aspirations of his generosity-driven business.Photo Credits: Tom Hering and Amy ParkhurstBenefit Corporations for Good (BCFG) advocates for businesses that prioritize people, planet, and profit. Ramsay Real Estate is proudly a member of this movement, distinguishing itself as one of the Oregon Benefit Companies committed to social responsibility, environmental impact, and community engagement. Ramsay, a fourth-generation Principal Broker, emphasizes the triple bottom line: people, planet, and profit. "We take into account people and the environment in our business decisions. We believe in making a difference while making a profit in an effort to create meaningful change in the world," he affirms.But what inspired Ramsay to infuse generosity and community-building into the real estate business? For him, "being of service" is ingrained in his DNA. It's not just a mission; it's a way of life. "Looking through a lens of social and environmental impact when making a business decision is second nature to me," he shares. Ramsay's commitment to service extends beyond business; it's a guiding principle in his personal and professional life.Joining a local Benefit Corporation aligns seamlessly with Ramsay's values. "Throughout my personal and professional life, the idea of being of service has been a north star for me," he reflects. "Helping my clients, my stakeholders, and my community is where I've found true meaning and purpose." The belief that businesses have an obligation to contribute to positive change resonates deeply with Ramsay. He sees his commitment as a key brand differentiator, appealing to the growing demographic of socially conscious consumers.Being a part of the Benefit Corporation for Good community offers tangible benefits. Ramsay Real Estate gains trust and builds relationships with customers who share similar values. A recent Nielsen poll underscores this, revealing that 68% of global consumers would remain loyal to a brand that practices social responsibility. Ramsay notes, "Our commitment and practices help us stand out." Beyond consumer loyalty, Ramsay values the connections made within the BCFG community. "I'm able to connect with other purpose-driven leaders, learning from them, strategizing with them, and advocating for them and vice-versa," he enthuses. The sense of community among purpose-driven businesses fosters collaboration and shared growth.The partnership between Ramsay Real Estate and Epique Realty is another testament to Ramsay's commitment to meaningful collaboration. Friends with Sam Rodriguez, a member of Epique Realty's Board, Ramsay was intrigued by their shared values. Despite his contentment at his previous company, Ramsay found Epique's focus on supporting Realtors exceptionally appealing. The comprehensive benefits package offered by Epique, including free healthcare, transaction coordination, unlimited car washes, stock options, and more, aligns seamlessly with Ramsay's goal of creating generational wealth for his team and clients."My goal for my entire professional career has been to pave the way for every client and Realtor on my team to create generational wealth for their families," Ramsay shares. "Once we are able to thrive, we are freed up to be more generous and help others at a higher and higher level." The collaboration with Epique brings this goal closer to reality. The array of benefits, from healthcare to stock options, not only enhances the success of Ramsay Real Estate but also elevates the well-being and prosperity of individual Realtors.Looking ahead, Ramsay envisions a future where Ramsay Real Estate thrives on a robust network of partners devoted to providing top-notch service. The technological advantages offered by Epique Realty position them to compete at the forefront of the industry. Ramsay's vision extends beyond individual success; he sees the potential to help thousands thrive. "This, along with the technological advantage Epique offers, positions us all to compete for the top spot and help others thrive by the tens of thousands," he declares.In a world where business success is often measured solely in financial terms, Ramsay Real Estate's commitment to being a Benefit Corporation for Good is refreshing. It's a reminder that success can be defined by more than just the bottom line. Ramsay's journey, fueled by a dedication to service and community, showcases the transformative power of business when driven by values that extend beyond profit.About Ramsay Realty EstateAs a certified Benefit Corporation for Good, Ramsay Real Estate operates with a triple bottom line, prioritizing people and the planet alongside profit. Born out of Charles Ramsay's inherent commitment to service, the company is deeply rooted in social responsibility and community engagement. The collaboration with Epique Realty further cements Ramsay Real Estate's commitment to enhancing the well-being of its team and clients, offering a practical and generous approach to the often profit-centric real estate landscape.Country: USAMedia Contact Name: Charles RamsayCompany: Epique RealtyEmail: ramsayrealestate@ gmail.comPhone Number: 503-819-9191Website: http://charlesramsay.epiquerealty.com/ SOURCE:Epique Realty PR-Inside.com: 2023-11-17 16:31:38 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 601 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / November 17, 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 BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 17. Increased pipeline gas deliveries from Azerbaijan via the Southern Gas Corridor have contributed to securing gas supplies to the EU, said Mairead McGuinness, the European Commissioner for Financial Stability, Financial Services and the Capital Markets Union, Trend reports with reference to EU documents. She pointed out that the Memorandum of Understanding on Energy (MoU) signed on 18 July 2022 with Azerbaijan is part of the EUs efforts to diversify its energy sources. Increased pipeline gas deliveries from Azerbaijan via the Southern Gas Corridor have contributed to securing gas supplies to the EU in the wake of the energy crisis and preventing further price spirals, said the Commissioner. The Southern Gas Corridor commenced the transportation of Azerbaijani gas to Europe on December 31, 2020, facilitating the movement of gas from the Caspian Sea region to European countries through Georgia and Turkey. 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. Follow the author on X: @Lyaman_Zeyn PR-Inside.com: 2023-11-17 05:22:48 Press Information Published by ACN Newswire +65 6304 8926 e-mail https://www.acnnewswire.com/ # 583 Words ACN Newswire+65 6304 8926 JAKARTA, Nov 17, 2023 - (ACN Newswire) - Southeast Asias first premium service airline, TransNusa, has made history in Indonesia by becoming the second Indonesian airline to have obtained approvals to operate scheduled flights to China.The airline successfully launched its inaugural flight to Guangzhou from Jakarta yesterday, making Indonesia and Indonesians proud by showcasing its experience, strength, strong safety, and security measures as well as well-equipped flight plans.TransNusas highly anticipated maiden flight, 8B 860 departed Jakarta at 18.10pm and arrived in Guangzhou earlier today at 12.10am as per schedule, without any delays.TransNusa Group Chief Executive Officer, also an aviation industry expert, Datuk Bernard Francis said that today was not only a historical day for TransNusa but also for the Indonesian aviation industry.As we chart TransNusas growth plan, we hope to make Indonesia and Indonesians proud of our achievements as we showcase Indonesias aviation strength as well as our culture to passengers worldwide, Datuk Bernard said, adding that TransNusa is expecting to cater to the business and leisure travellers for this new route.With regard to details of the Jakarta-Guangzhou route, Datuk Bernard said TransNusa will fly the Jakarta Guangzhou roundtrip route three times a week, with daily flights starting from the 20th of December 2023.Flights will depart Terminal 3 Soekarno Hatta International Airport at 18.10 pm on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and arrive at 12.10 am at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport. Flights from Guangzhou will depart at 01.25 am on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays and arrive in Jakarta at 5.40am. Tickets for this new international route will start at $149 .With the introduction of our Guangzhou route, we have, in eight months, successfully expanded our international route from South East Asia to encompass the Asia Pacific region, said Datuk Bernard.For the Jakarta Guangzhou route, the premium service provider, will be deploying its Airbus A320, ensuring that its passengers have a comfortable shuttle throughout the 5-hour journey. TransNusas A320s have been configured with a 174-seat configuration, which allows passengers to enjoy 30-31 inches of legroom.The services we offer for our international flights are above the service level of a low-cost carrier. As such, the flying experience with TransNusa to international destinations will differ from flying with us on domestic routes since TransNusa operates as a low-cost airline business model in the domestic market. Datuk Bernard concluded.TransNusa announced its plans to launch international flights with a new business model in April this year. Within the short span of 8 months, the airline has introduced flights to Kuala Lumpur, Johor and now Guangzhou, China. In addition, on November 20th, TransNusa will be launching its inaugural flight to Singapore.About TransNusa (Revised to include Johor)Established in 2005, TransNusa started its operation by providing chartered flights. It began its commercial flights in 2011. After ceasing operations due to the Covid-19 pandemic, TransNusa relaunched itself in 2021 as a low-cost airline in its domestic market. In 2023, TransNusa introduced a new business model making it the first Premium Service Airline in the region. The new business model will apply only to its international routes. TransNusa introduced its first international route, Jakarta Kuala Lumpur, in April this year and its second international route Jakarta-Johor, in September, this year.The airline is currently based in Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. Passengers can book their flights on the TransNusa website, transnusa.co.id , through authorized travel agents in Indonesia, or by contacting the airline's customer service centre at, +62216310888.Contact PersonJoshua FredrickPR& Communications ConsultantMy Qaseh Sdn.Bhd +60123928943fredrick@ myqaseh.org PR-Inside.com: 2023-11-17 23:05:23 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 904 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 (Unaudited)TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / November 17, 2023 / Wi2Wi Corporation (Wi2Wi) today announced its unaudited financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2023. The company reported revenues of $1.42 million, reflecting a strategic realignment in the face of global supply chain challenges and delayed customer orders, which are expected to resume to normal levels in the coming months."While we encountered headwinds this quarter, with revenues impacted by broader market forces, we are encouraged by our positive cash flow and the strategic adjustments we've enacted," said Mr. Gary DuBroc, Chairman of the Board. "Our financial stability is underscored by our solid cash position and shareholders' equity, and we are on track with the planned transition to new leadership." Key Financial Highlights:Revenue for Q3 2023 reported at $1.42 million, with external factors influencing a temporary deferment in customer orders.Bookings remained on target, signaling sustained demand for Wi2Wi's high-quality frequency oscillators.Positive cash flow achieved in Q3 2023 is a notable improvement over the prior year's negative cash flow.The Company is actively managing margin pressures due to increased raw material costs and freight charges."The delayed orders, which have affected our quarterly revenue, are expected to be a temporary situation," Mr. DuBroc added. "Our key customers have assured us of the transitory nature of these delays and anticipate a return to normal order levels shortly. As we finalize the appointment of new leadership, Wi2Wi remains steadfast in its commitment to operational excellence and financial discipline." 3 Months ending September 30, 2023, Overview (Unaudited)(In thousands of U.S. dollars) Quarter 3, 2023Quarter 3, 2022 Revenue $1,421$2,020 Net income(355)(286)Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operations183 (154)Total current assets4,774 5,951 Cash on hand1,012 1,517 Total current liabilities1,222 1,522 Shareholders' equity4,280 5,432 Wi2Wi is navigating through the economic turbulence with a clear focus on enhancing value for shareholders and ensuring the delivery of top-tier products to our customers. The upcoming finalization of new leadership marks the beginning of a new chapter, one in which Wi2Wi is poised to harness the growth potential of the burgeoning oscillator market.Detailed and historical financial information is available here.Investor & Media ContactDawn Leeder, Chief Financial Officer+1-608-203-0234dawn_l@ wi2wi.com About Wi2Wi CorporationWi2Wi enables customers to substantially reduce their wireless R&D expenses and time to market. Wi2Wi designs, manufactures, and markets deeply integrated, end-to-end wireless connectivity solutions as well as customizable, high-performance timing and frequency control devices. Wi2Wi provides real-time technical support throughout the entire product life cycle for customers across the Internet of Things (IoT), Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), Avionics, Space, Industrial, Medical, and Government sectors.Wi2Wi was founded in 2005 and is strategically headquartered in San Jose, California with satellite offices in Middleton, Wisconsin and Hyderabad, India. Wi2Wi's manufacturing operations, its laboratory for reliability and quality control, together with design and engineering for timing and frequency control devices are located in Middleton, Wisconsin. The branch office, located in Hyderabad, India, focuses on developing end to end wireless connectivity subsystems and solutions.Wi2Wi has partnered with best-in-class global leaders in technology, manufacturing and sales. The company uses a global network of manufacturer's representatives to promote its products and services, and has partnered with world class distributors for the fulfillment of orders along with direct sales.Forward-Looking Statements: This news release contains certain forward-looking statements, including management's assessment of future plans and operations, and the timing thereof, that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the Company's control. Such risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, risks associated with the ability to access sufficient capital, the impact of general economic conditions in Canada, the United States and overseas, industry conditions, stock market volatility. The Company's actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements and, accordingly, no assurances can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what benefits, including the amount of proceeds, that the Company will derive there from. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. Additional information on these and other factors that could affect the Company's operations and financial results are included in reports on file with Canadian securities regulatory authorities and may be accessed through the SEDAR website ( www.sedar.com) . Forward-looking statements are made based on management's beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date the statements are made and the Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements and if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as required by applicable law. All subsequent forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. Furthermore, the forward- looking statements contained in this news release are made as at the date of this news release and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the included forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws.Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.SOURCE: Wi2Wi Corporation PR-Inside.com: 2023-11-17 16:45:19 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 335 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 TAMPA, FL / ACCESSWIRE / November 17, 2023 / This year, Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers will be making Thanksgiving more cheerful for families in need. The Tampa Bay law firm will be giving away a thousand bags filled with non-perishable foods. "We believe that no one should go hungry this holiday season," Bill Winters said of the giveaway.Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers 2023 Holiday Give Back Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers 2023 Holiday Give Back Any Tampa Bay resident may come pick up a food bag, with no registration required. The giveaway will take place on November 20 and 21, 2023, and will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on both days. Participants can use the drive-through pickup at 601 W Swann Ave, Tampa, FL, 33606.The food in these bags will include ten popular holiday side dishes. Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers has been giving away food around Thanksgiving for years, and in 2019, they gave away more than 1,000 Thanksgiving turkeys. But they soon noticed that, while there were lots of organizations giving away turkeys, no one seemed to be providing the rest of the dinner. The law firm decided to step in and fill that gap, launching the Holiday Give Back program.The attorneys at Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers work to help the citizens of Tampa both in the office and out. By day, these lawyers fight for the rights of accident victims who are being cheated out of fair settlements. The Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers team has nearly 120 years of combined experience fighting for the citizens of Florida, and they've recovered millions of dollars for their clients.If you have any questions about the Holiday Give Back program, please call 813-223-6200. You can also visit the Winters & Yonker website to discuss your personal injury case today.Media Contact:Company Name: Winters & Yonker Personal Injury LawyersAddress: 601 W Swann Ave, Tampa, FL 33606City: TampaState: FloridaZip: 33606Country: United StatesPhone: (813) 223-6200Website: https://www.wintersandyonker.comContact InformationBill Winters Founding Partner info@ wintersandyonker.com (813) 223-6200SOURCE: Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers The Court of Appeal in Abuja has sacked Abba Yusuf as governor of Kano State, upholding the decision of the lower election petition tribunal that earlier nullified the governors election. A three-member panel of the Court of Appeal led by Moore Adumein, in a unanimous judgement on Friday, declared Nasiru Gawuna of the All Progressives Congress (APC) winner of the 18 March governorship election in Kano State. The tribunal had declared Mr Gawuna of the APC the winner of the election after invalidvotes cast in favour of Mr Yusuf. But the Court of Appeal, in addition to that, disqualified Mr Yusuf as a candidate in the election, on the grounds that he was not a member of the NNPP as of the time of the election. The court added without being a member of a political party, Mr Yusuf could not have been validly nominated to run for the election in March. Yusuf Abba was not a member of the NNPP as of the time he was purportedly sponsored for 18 March Kano State governorship election, the judge ruled. The tribunal was wrong not to have disqualified the appellant. The failure of NNPP to properly sponsor Mr Yusuf according to Section 177 (c) of the constitution is fatal to their case. All the nine issues are hereby resolved against the appellant, the judge held. This appeal is hereby dismissed. The sum of N1 million is awarded as cost against the appellants, Mr Adumein declared. Mr Yusuf, the incumbent governor, who had won the governorship election on the platform of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), is locked in a fierce legal battle with Nasiru Gawuna of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), over the outcome of the poll. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared Mr Yusuf as the winner of the 18 March election with 1,019,602 votes against Mr Gawunas 890,705 votes. Mr Yusuf had rode on the popularity of a former governor of the state, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and his political machinery, the Kwankwasiya Movement, to defeat Mr Gawuna of the then ruling APC in the state. But Mr Gawuna challenged the election outcome at the Kano State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal. In a unanimous verdict on 20 September, a three-member panel of the tribunal set aside Mr Yusufs victory after declaring 165,663 of his votes invalid. Therefore, the lower tribunal declared Mr Gawuna, who turned out to have the highest number of votes after the deduction from Mr Yusufs score, as the lawfully elected candidate. However, the governor appealed against the tribunals decision at the Court of Appeal. The Court of Appeals decision is not final, as Mr Yusuf and his party can still appeal to the Supreme Court. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print About policy A leaked memo addressed to the heads of the universities recently by the Nigerian government noted that commencing from November, universities will have 40 per cent of revenues generated internally and deposited in their accounts will be deducted automatically by the government via the Treasury Single Accounts (TSA). A copy of the memo addressed to the office of the vice-chancellor of the University of Abuja by the Revenue and Investment Department of the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation in the Federal Ministry of Finance, notified the institution of automatic deduction of 40 per cent of its IGR by the government. Dated 17 October with reference R&I/2045/T/252, and signed by the Director of Revenue and Investment Department, Felix Ogundairo, the letter noted that the decision which affects all partially funded government agencies and parastatals including universities is in line with the provisions of Section 62 of Finance Act 2020. The memo reads in part: It is important to emphasise that this policy of 40 per cent auto deduction of gross IGR is in line with the Finance Circular Reference Number FMFBNP/OTHERS/IGR/CRF/12/2021/ dated 20th December, 2021, limiting the budgetary agencies or parastatals to not more than 50 per cent of their gross IGR and the remittance of 100 per cent of the remaining 50 per cent to the sub-recurrent account. While all statutory revenue lines like Tender fees, contractors registration fees, disposal of fixed assets, rent on quarters, etc, shall be remitted 100 per cent to sub-recurrent accounts. The memo instructed the universities and other affected agencies of the government to align their budgets to the new realities. ASUU kicks Shocked by the policy, the National President of ASUU, Emmanuel Osodeke, told PREMIUM TIMES that his union could not understand what the government meant by IGR in universities. He said universities globally are not revenue-generating institutions, but that what they generate are only costs of services rendered and items provided for students. Mr Osodeke, a professor, who described the new policy as the governments attempt to strangle the poor, said there is no revenue generated by any university. He said: What is IGR? As far as Im concerned, we dont have IGR. So, its zero. What the students are paying is the cost of items like ID cards, medical health insurance, books, lab coats, among others. So theres no IGR in universities. So, its zero. You see, this is what we have been talking about. Is the university an agency established to generate funds for the government? So, as far as Im concerned, we will look at it. Let them define what is the idea of IGR. As far as ASUU is concerned, the funds are meant for items and thats why we call them charges. The union president said the universities have been struggling to provide basic amenities like water, electricity, and necessary infrastructure for teaching and learning. He said many universities receive less than N120 million annually from the federal government as funding support but that they spend more than N1 billion annually on electricity. If you talk to the management of the University of Ibadan, or OAU, or any other one, they will tell you they only get roughly N15 million a month from the government to run. Will that be able to pay for electricity bills? So, its so sad what were hearing today. This is an attack on the university system and I then pray that something will happen and change this narrative. How can you say youre going to collect these charges that the universities collect to take care of their students? Things like this never even happened during the military. If their children are in these public universities, would they ask for such a thing? Allen Onyeama, the chairman of Air Peace, has spoken on the ordeal of scores of Nigerians who were deported from Saudi Arabia at the point of entry on Sunday. Mr Onyeama said Air Peace did not breach any rule of engagement in conveying the passengers to Saudi Arabia, adding that the airline got approval and clearance of every procedure required of it before taking off from Nigeria. PREMIUM TIMES reported that authorities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia cancelled the visa of more than 170 passengers who arrived in Jeddah from Nigeria on Air Peace. The incident happened at a time President Bola Tinubu was attending the Saudi-Africa summit in Riyadh. The Saudi Arabian Embassy in Nigeria said the travellers that were deported did not meet the entry conditions and requirements of its country. The embassy added that the passengers submitted incorrect information to obtain categories of visas they did not qualify for. Mr Onyeama said Air Peace confirmed that all passengers visas were valid before departing Nigeria. The visas were valid as of the time the airline was taking off, Mr Onyeama said, adding that they got approval to fly the passengers through the Advanced Passenger Information System. The Saudi Arabian embassy said they only discovered that the passengers gave incorrect information after they had arrived in Jeddah. The discovery was made on their arrival. The Embassy would like to stress the importance of following the procedures and laws enacted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for all visitors, it said in a statement Wednesday. Speaking with Channels TV on Thursday, Mr Onyeama said there are more issues that he would not want to discuss in the media because an investigation is ongoing. The Nigerian government said its carrying out an investigation. So lets allow the investigation to take place, Mr Onyeama said. I dont want to dwell on this. I want decorum and good diplomacy to prevail in this whole thing. I want justice and fairness, thats all. The Sunday incident occurred barely two weeks after Air Peace commenced a direct flight to Saudi Arabia. Some public commentators are saying that the whole issue is a sort of strategy to frustrate the Nigerian carrier out of the route. Mr Onyeama declined to speak on the allegation but he said what happened was really unusual because we followed every protocol. We are not in the business of issuing visas as an airline. Ours is to verify visas got clearance through the Advanced Passengers Information System (APIS) and we have done all that. But I also want to say something here, countries reserve the right to allow or deny anyone entry into its territory even after giving a visa. In this case, the Saudi Arabian embassy is not denying that the passengers had visas as of the time of leaving Nigeria. However, they are saying that they discovered that the passengers gave incorrect information in obtaining the visas, he said. By this information, the embassy is inadvertently exonerating Air Peace. Mr Onyeama said Air Peace had no problems with the Saudi government. We are very used to the Saudi air space. In fact, the Saudis didnt waste any time to give us all necessary permits to operate directly to the Kingdom. Saudi authorities have been very cooperative with air peace and they like the way we performed successfully during the Hajj season. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print A group, Nigeria Civic Space Protection Alliance (NCSPA), has called on Nigerians to demand accountability and democratic returns from elected officials to safeguard the countrys democracy. The group made the call in a statement by members of its National Coordinating Committee, Miracle Onyeukwu and AmforGod Ijeoma, on Thursday. NCSPA stressed the need for civic engagement and called on the people to actively participate in shaping the future of Nigerias democracy. By safeguarding Nigerias civic space, our alliance is dedicated to preserving the integrity of democratic processes and ensuring that voices of the people remain the cornerstone of democratic consolidation and sustainability. Nigerians should, therefore, begin to demand electoral accountability and democratic returns from elected officials through the chains of governance templates, the group said. It said political and social insecurity in the country should be a matter of national emergency that should interest everyone, through the realities of cohesive communal security and human rights policies by security agencies. This, the group stated, should be aimed at consolidating Nigerias democracy for economic stability. Read the full statement: As legal proceedings settled down at tribunals and the Apex Court through legal thresholds permissible by law, the Nigeria Civic Space Protection Alliance (NCSPA) urges the Nigerian public to remain steadfast and hopeful on sustenance of Nigerias democracy. Though some of the legal outcomes are with equity deficits, the NCSPA is hopeful in fortifying Nigerias democratic systems, since democratic governance is the panacea to social order, sustainable peace and development. By safeguarding Nigerias civic space, our alliance is dedicated to preserving the integrity of democratic processes and ensuring that voices of the people remain the cornerstone of democratic consolidation and sustainability. Nigerians should, therefore, begin to demand electoral accountability and democratic returns from elected officials through the chains of governance templates. Nigeria Civic Space Protection Alliance emphasises the importance of civic engagement and calls on all citizens to actively participate in shaping the future of our democracy. Together, with a shared dedication to democratic values, our alliance aims to contribute to a resilient, vibrant and robust democratic engagement for the benefit of all Nigerians. For the citizens to breathe, political and social insecurity should be a matter of national emergency that should interest everyone through the realities of cohesive communal security and human rights policies by security agencies, targeted at consolidating Nigerias democracy for economic stability. Together, with a shared dedication to democratic values, our alliance aims to contribute to a resilient, vibrant and robust democratic engagement for the benefit of all Nigerians. Signed: Miracle Chiedozie Onyeukwu Member-National Coordinating Committee AmforGod Ijeoma Member-National Coordinating Committee Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Centre for Public Accountability (CPA) has called for the cancellation of the recently concluded promotion exams from the directorship cadre to the Permanent Secretary (PS). In its statement, the CPA claims that the exam was marred by huge controversies undermining its credibility. It stated that the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation officials were allegedly responsible for the corruption and lack of transparency in the selection process. The CPA demanded that the entire process be reviewed. It further alleged that the Examination Committee comprised the Head of Service cronies, who favoured her stooges for the PS positions. It said qualified directors who sat for the exam complained about the corruption, nepotism, bribery, and exchange of huge sums of money that characterized the selection process. It explained that only 20 out of the 85 directors who took the exam passed it with 50 per cent or above, and the allocation of scores appeared biased, favouring some candidates over others. The CPA also questioned the rationale behind the Examination Committees appointment and the exam questions security. It called for an independent body to be set up to reorganise the examination. It outlined its concern over the lack of sanity and transparency in the civil service system under the Head of Service. The CPA called attention to the abuse of financial regulations and procurement procedures, among other issues. It urged the government to restore sanity to the system and ensure that a transparent and independent examination process is put in place. Head of Service reacts But Mohammed Abdullahi, director of communication in the office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, said the allegations of malfeasance in the selection process for permanent secretaries are false. He explained that the selection process is rigorous and involves many highly placed individuals and organisations from the beginning to the end. He said the Civil Service, being the engine room of any government, must always select the best candidates to formulate and implement government policies. Mr Abdullahi debunked the assertion that the Head of Service was planning on installing her stooges, stating that 85 federal directors were initially cleared. Still, after the final screening, only 20 passed the examination and participated in the ICT proficiency test, of which 18 passed. READ ALSO: The oral interview was conducted by a body of permanent secretaries with the Head of the Civil Service Commission as a member. He explained that the selection process has three fronts. Firstly, the Department of State Services (DSS) conducts security clearance, while the Independent Corrupt Practices (ICPC) and Other Related Offences Commission and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) conduct financial clearance. Secondly, the DSS conducts physical screening and issues examination numbers to candidates. Finally, candidates must score a minimum of 50% in the examination to participate in the ICT proficiency test. Successful candidates then attend the oral interview, which is the final stage of the selection process. Mr Abdullahi added that the selection process is based purely on merit and aimed at protecting the Civil Service. Many directors applied for the position, but only 85 were cleared for the examination. The selection process is designed to ensure that only the most qualified are selected. All the processes took place at the National Intelligence Agency (NIA). How can Madam interfere in a process where all these people are hugely involved? The selection process was purely based on merit. The processes are to protect the Civil Service because we are the formulators and implementors of government policies. So why should merit be compromised? Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print A civil society organisation, Building Blocks for Peace Foundation (BBFORPEACE), has called on operatives of the Southwest security network, Amotekun Corps, to respect human rights in the discharge of their duties. The executive director of the conflict-prevention and peace-building organisation, Rafiu Lawal, made the call in a statement on Thursday in Abuja. Mr Lawal said BBFORCE organised the one-day training for Amotekun Corps personnel in Ibadan over the issue, with the theme: Community Policing and Human Rights Protection. I call on you, the Amotekun members, to incorporate human rights protection into your operations. Justice and fairness are fundamental principles that underscore the dignity and worth of every human being. Community policing requires a deep understanding of the communities you serve, an open dialogue with the citizens, and an unwavering commitment to address their unique needs and concerns. That it involves strengthening the bonds between law enforcement and the communities they serve, and creating safer, more resilient neighbourhoods, he said. He said the objective of the training was to equip personnel of the Amotekun Corps with necessary skills to recognise and apply the human rights framework existing locally, nationally and internationally. This training underscores the core values that must underpin the services of the security outfit. Community policing is more than just a strategy, it is a philosophy rooted in partnership, collaboration, and a shared vision of safety and wellbeing, he said. READ ALSO:Robbers kill 20 okada operators in Ondo in three weeks Amotekun Mr Lawal said every individual, regardless of their background, deserved to be treated with dignity, respect, and fairness. Although there is a need to check citizens who go against the law and break the code of conduct of the society, as stipulated in the constitution, law enforcement officers sometimes abuse their power and take the law into their hands, he said. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print President Bola Tinubu will, on Saturday, depart Abuja for Berlin, Germany, to attend the G20 Compact with Africa (CwA) Conference to be hosted by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. The conference is holding on 20 November. During the conference, President Tinubu will join other Heads of State and Government of CwA member countries, bilateral partners, as well as Heads of International Organisations to deliberate on the immediate enhancement of economic and business cooperation with a view to outlining concrete measures to boost investments in critical areas such as energy, trade, infrastructure, and new technologies, among others. The G20 CwA Conference will be taking place alongside the Fourth G20 Investment Summit, co-hosted by the German government and German business associations. In view of his globally recognised drive for foreign direct investment in Nigeria, President Tinubu will sustain the momentum and advance the mission further as he leads Nigerias delegation to participate in the investment summit. This visit also affirms the presidents commitment to diplomatic reciprocity as the invitation to Germany followed the visit of the German Chancellor to Abuja and Lagos in October. Leveraging on the opportunity presented by the Fourth G20 Investment Summit, the Nigerian delegation will follow up on productive meetings previously conducted with high-ranking representatives from German business organisations who were part of the official delegation of the chancellor to Nigeria. In his discussions with Chancellor Scholz in October, President Tinubu highlighted the imminent need for more German companies to invest in the Nigerian market across multiple sectors of the Nigerian economy, such as transportation, mining, and energy, while noting that Nigeria remains Germanys second largest trading partner in Africa. Nigeria and Germany, being the largest economies in Africa and Europe, respectively, recorded an increase in bilateral trade volume from two to three billion Euros between 2021 and 2022. The president will be accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar; the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Wale Edun; the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Doris Uzoka-Anite; and the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu. President Tinubu will return to the country after the conference. Chief Ajuri Ngelale Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity) November 17, 2023 Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Friday, refused to grant an application by Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State asking it to vacate its 26 September interim order. The judge, Emeka Nwite, said, in a ruling, that the court lacked jurisdiction to make such pronouncement. He adjourned the suit indefinitely instead. The judge said the adjournment was in view of the fact that the speaker and the states assembly had filed an appeal at the Court of Appeal in respect of the issue before him. He also refused to grant Mr Akeredolu and the speakers request to strike out or dismiss the suit for lack of jurisdiction. The judge held that it would be wise for the court to adjourn the matter sine die (indefinitely) pending the outcome of the appeal in order to avoid judicial rascality. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the speaker and the assembly had, on 20 October, appealed against the interim order made by Mr Nwite on 26 September. In their appeal filed at the Appeal Court, Abuja, they sought two prayers. These include an order setting aside the ex-parte order of the lower court made on 26 September. The other is: An order allowing the appeal and directing that the substantive matter be dismissed for want of jurisdiction. NAN reports that the judge had, on 26 September, restrained the states assembly from impeaching the states deputy governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, over alleged gross misconduct. Mr Nwite gave the interim order in a ruling shortly after Mr Aiyedatiwas counsel, Kayode Adewusi, moved the ex-parte motion to the effect. He also restrained Mr Akeredolu from nominating a new deputy governor and forwarding same to the lawmakers for an approval as the new states deputy governor based on a letter of resignation purportedly authored or signed by Mr Aiyedatiwa, pending the hearing and determination of the interlocutory application. The embattled deputy governor had, in an ex-parte motion marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1294/2023, sued the Inspector-General of Police and the State Security Service (SSS) as first and second defendants. Others joined are Mr Akeredolu, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Chief Judge of Ondo State and the House of Assembly as first to sixth respondents respectively. In the application dated and filed by Adelanke Akinrata on 21 September, Mr Aiyedatiwa sought for four reliefs. But Mr Akeredolu, through his counsel, Kassim Gbadamosi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), had, on 4 October, sought an order setting aside the entire proceedings conducted in the case on 26 September, including the interim order of injunction made by the court, same having been irregularly obtained for lack of jurisdiction. The governor also sought an order striking out or dismissing the suit for lack of jurisdiction. Besides, the speaker of the assembly, in his application filed by his lawyer, Femi Emodamori, on 27 October, equally sought an order that the suit was incompetent and that the court lacked both substantive or procedural jurisdiction to entertain it. But Mr Aiyedatiwas counsel, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN, on 30 October, prayed the court to dismiss Mr Akeredolu and the speakers applications, insisting that they lacked locus (legal right) to canvas such arguments. Mr Adegboruwa argued that since the speaker and the assembly (fourth and sixth defendants) filed the appeal, he prayed the court to adjourn the case sine die to await the decision of the Court of Appeal. He urged the judge to allow the parties to go to the appellate court in order not to waste the time of the court on arguments on whether it had jurisdiction or not and to avoid contesting with the superior court. Delivering the ruling on Friday, Mr Nwite agreed with Mr Adegboruwas submission that the court cannot wrestle jurisdiction with the Appeal Court, including on the pending ruling that was supposed to be delivered on the arguments preferred by the parties on 16 October. From the foregoing reliefs, there is no gainsaying that the reliefs being sought in that appeal affect the jurisdiction of the court and are also the same reliefs being sought by the 3rd and 4th defendants in their applications. READ ALSO: Two commissioners abstain from vote of confidence on Akeredolu Indeed, to indulge in such action will amount to judicial rascality. In view of the foregoing analysis, I am of the humble view and I so hold that the application of the plaintiff (Aiyedatiwa) is well founded and meritorious. Consequently, the matter is hereby adjourned sine die, the judge declared. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print A Nigerian businessman has lamented damage done by alleged media trials to the reputation of people wrongly accused of crime in Nigeria. Etomchukwu Ubah, popularly known as Toscana, spoke while reacting to a ruling by the Federal High Court, a statement sent to PREMIUM TIMES on Tuesday by his media aide, Francess Ogbonnaya, said. Mr Ubah who is the CEO of Visoch Resources Ltd was in 2015 suspected of illegally exporting 576kgs of narcotics to South Africa through the Apapa Port. The drug made up of 266kg of methamphetamine and 310kgs of ephedrine valued at N4.6 billion were hidden inside noodles, cereals and palm oil, NDLEA said at the time of his arrest. Acquittal However, in 2021, the matter was dismissed by the court and he was freed. According to a judgment document seen by PREMIUM TIMES, Mr Ubah and 13 other defendants stood trial on eight count charge of conspiracy to export, dealing and exporting methamphetamine, a drug similar to Cocaine, Heroin and LSD and Ephedrine a Controlled Substance contrary to and punishable under Sections L4(b), 11(b), 20(1)(a) 8{ (2)(b), 19 and 20(1X0 &. (2)(a), of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act, Cap N30, LFN respective in March 2016 and discharged and acquitted on all counts in 2021. However, Mr Ubah was only mentioned in three counts conspiracy, to deal with exportation and unlawful dealing in the substances. Conspiracy The court ruled that there was no evidence linking the first defendant (Mr Ubah), who was described by the prosecution as the hub of the crime, to the container containing the narcotics. The first defendant was not seen where the container was being stuffed or packed, nor was the third defendant, the court said. Those are the only defendants who seemed to have a connection with the container. What is more, the packing list for the container was never tendered and there is no evidence of a bill of lading in the name of any of the defendants relating to the container in issue. It is the case for the prosecution that because the phone numbers of all the defendants, save the third defendant, were found on the phone call log of the first defendant, that was why they were charged to court. That was the testimony of PW10 who himself admitted that being on a persons phone log is not evidence that he conspired with that person to commit a crime. I do not also agree with the prosecutor that the defendants ought to explain their conversations and transactions with the 1 defendant. In any event, there is no evidence that the said call logs were analysed and there is no forensic evidence of any such analysis before the court, the judge said. Exportation Count two deals with exportation of narcotics. According to the evidence before the court, it was not the first defendant that brought the container to the Apapa seaport. Indeed, the evidence before the court is that the first defendant was never seen around the container during the surveillance that led to the first defendant being invited to identify the container, the document shows. None of the defendants (apart from the first defendant) was also at the Apapa Port. Even the first defendants presence at the Seaport was pursuant to investigations by the NDLEA and not in furtherance of a crime. The court also said that the prosecution did not prove that Mr Ubah had any connection with the container. I must therefore find and hold that there is no ground for proceeding with the charge of unlawfully exporting narcotics against all the defendants. All the defendants are therefore hereby discharged and acquitted as per count 2. Unlawful dealings This charge has to do with unlawfully dealing with the said substance. Generally in this charge, PW10 (a witness) has made a case of the defendants by testifying that there was nothing whatsoever to connect the defendants with the charge before the Court, the judge ruled. There is even no evidence that any of the defendants had anything to do with the substances. Accordingly I find that there is no case against all the defendants as regards Count 3. All the defendants are discharged and acquitted as regards Counts 1 3. The court also ordered that the money found at the first defendants (Mr Ubah) residence be returned to him. Business setback Mr Ubah said since being cleared in 2021 of the drug charges, the media that earlier reported his arrest failed to report his acquittal. He said this has affected his business. For example since 2021, the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi cleared me of all count charges bordering on illegal importation of drugs, but the media which went into town in 2015 with the allegations didnt deem it necessary and professional to report back to Nigerians and the whole world that I was found innocent, Mr Ubah said. Have you imagined the impact of the allegations on my family and even business? He, however, thanked his family and partners for always believing in him. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Defence, Babajimi Benson, has called for the revival of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria, Kaduna through the DICON bill recently reintroduced into the House. In a statement on Thursday, Mr Benson said the DICON has been in a pitiable condition and requires urgent intervention by changing its legislative framework. According to him, the corporation has not lived up to its mandate. The DICON was established in 1964 to provide the material needs of the nations armed forces and other security agencies. Former President Muhammadu Buhari had tried to revive the corporation while in power. In 2019, the former president directed the military and other security services to procure their uniforms and other kits from DICON. Also in that year, Mr Benson brought a bill before the 9th House seeking to transform the corporation into a Military Industrial Complex (MIC) by making it self-funded but it was defeated. The lawmaker, who recently reintroduced the bill said, if passed, the corporation would be strengthened to provide the much-needed service of transforming the countrys security architecture. This bill will strengthen this very important agency to provide the much-needed service for transforming the security architecture of our country, especially at a time like this. It will regulate local and international military businesses thereby saving cost in the procurement of military hardware and providing jobs for Nigerians. Mr Benson further explained that the bill seeks to expand the function of the corporation as well as its governing board. The bill seeks to authorise the agency to produce and supply arms and ammunition in Nigeria, in addition to the exclusive right of purchase, manufacture and sale of explosives (subject to the provisions of the Explosives Act). It will empower the agency to set up subsidiaries in partnership with local and international companies towards meeting the material needs of the armed forces and other security agencies through wholesale ownership or acquiring equities in enterprises with relevant products, he said. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on Friday, issued the certificate of return to Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, following his victory at the 11 November Governorship poll. In his remarks at the brief ceremony in Owerri, the state capital, Mr Uzodimma promised to enthrone a legacy that ensures rancour-free politics in the state. He also pledged to run an inclusive government where the interest of every Imo man and woman would be accommodated. He acknowledged the contributions of all segments of society that ensured his victory. He commended his running mate, Chinyere Ekomaru, who also received a certificate of return at the event. The governor said that her emergence made her the second female deputy governor since the creation of the state in 1976. He also commended INEC for conducting the freest, fairest and most peaceful election in the history of the state. I also acknowledge and thank the security agencies for working hard to deliver what has been widely judged a credible poll, the integrity of which cannot be questioned. By holding the sanctity of the electoral process, INEC has deepened our democracy with assurance that our votes will always count, he said. The governor urged his opponents in the election to see beyond their immediate environment and commend INEC for doing a beautiful job. As usual, critics have been weaving their conspiracy theories without taking into consideration the factors that shaped my victory. I am glad to say that I deserve this victory because not only that Almighty God made a way for me, I strategize and worked very hard for it, he said. Mr Uzodimma, therefore, said the grace of God, his sterling performance in four years and his initiative of the Imo Charter of Equity propelled his victory at the poll. Earlier, INECs National Commissioner for South-east, Kenneth Ukeagu, said the issuance of the certificate was in compliance with Section 72 (1) of the Electoral Act, 2022. Mr Ukeagu said that the commission remained independent, non-partisan and committed to its constitutional mandate in conducting free, fair, credible and transparent elections. In the execution of this mandate, the commission is permitted to deploy technologies to strengthen the process, including the use of the BVAS, iRev portal as well as capacity deployment of its entire staff, he said. He assured Nigerians that the commission would continue to build and improve on the gains recorded so far. The national commissioner further said that the commission would not waiver in upholding the sanctity of the ballot as well as the continuous improvement of the electoral process. In an address of welcome, the state Resident Electoral Commissioner, Sylvia Agu, commended the various stakeholders for their roles in the first ever off-cycle governorship election in the state. Mrs Agu said the victory recorded at the poll was evidence of the hard work of the winners and a reflection of the trust the electorate have placed in their leadership. As the time for campaigning has ended and time for governance is ahead of you, I encourage you, sir, to be the leader and governor for all. Let the trust that the Imo electorate bestowed on you at the polls propel you to deliver on your campaign promises to them. May it also spur you to live up to your mandate as the governor of all. I call on all our stakeholders, regardless of your political affiliations and ideologies, to remain united as brothers and sisters and harmoniously build a state, where peace, progress and inclusivity will be a priority, she said. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development on Thursday launched revised guidelines for the production of the Community Development Agreement (CDA). The ministry launched the guidelines in Abuja on Thursday. According to the ministry, the CDA is a statutory provision that ensures the transfer of socio-economic benefits to mining host communities. It is a legal document that contains obligations by the Mineral Title Holder (MTH) to her host community (ies) and vice versa. Speaking at the launch on Thursday, Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, said, As you are aware, mining projects have the potential to impact the communities in which they are domiciled positively and negatively. He explained that while the positive effects are desirable, the negative ones are often met with incessant complaints and sometimes resistance which may lead to forceful closure or suspension of activities in the mines. Mr Alake said with the communities becoming more aware and vocal with regard to their socio-economic benefits from mining companies, their expectations for immediate and future benefits have increased. Also, he said the mining companies are now more concerned about the need and means by which to obtain and sustain their social licenses to operate as well as for community support. Therefore, he added that the CDAs are increasingly being used by mining companies as a means to better define their relationships and obligations with their host communities. It readily provides a means of strengthening and advancing their relationship. The general vision of a CDA is to improve the relationships between the companies, their host communities, the governments, the civil societies and other stakeholders; and to promote sustainable and mutually rewarding benefits from mining projects to the host communities, he said. CDAs in the mining sector ensure that the mining communities are carried along by the mining operators, which is why the federal government thought it wise to enshrine the Community Development Agreement in the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act (NMMA), 2007. Section 116 (1) of NMMA, 2007 makes the Community Development Agreement between the Mineral Title Holders and the Mining Communities mandatory, he added. Mr Alake further explained that the concept of CDA has been introduced in the solid minerals sector to promote harmonious and mutually beneficial relationship between the mining companies and their host communities. According to hum, this will help to forestall in the sector the repeat of social crises experienced in the Niger/Delta by the oil sector, which may undermine the present efforts of the federal government aimed at diversifying our monolithic economy. Since the inception of the Act, the ministry has through the Mines Environmental Compliance Department continued to make demands on the companies for the conclusion of the CDA and has carried out several sensitisation programmes to foster stakeholders engagement in CDA negotiations that will ensure transfer of social benefits to host communities as well as social licence for the Mineral Title Holders to operate in a peaceful, secure and conducive business environment; this approach has yielded a win-win situation for all stakeholders, he said. So far, he said the ministry has recorded increased compliance levels in the implementation of CDA covenants by MTH through field monitoring, enlightenment, education and sensitisation exercises. Level of compliance He said about 252 companies have signed CDAs with their host communities with projects like the provision of boreholes, electricity, schools, health centres, road constructions and scholarships according to the identified needs of their host communities. However, there are still some companies that are yet to comply with the provision of this Section of the Act and the ministry is not relenting on its enforcement to ensure that all MTHs comply accordingly. In order to facilitate the implementation of the CDA and address some of the issues mentioned earlier, the ministry had in 2014 developed a guideline for use in the sector, taking into consideration the shortcomings often associated with CDA documents previously submitted to the ministry by the Mineral Title Holders. Gaps in CDA guidelines Mr Alake said in the course of a review of CDA documents submitted by the MTHs with their host communities over the past nine years, the ministry has identified some gaps in the existing CDA guidelines and because of numerous complaints and petitions from the communities, there is the need for a review of the guidelines to meet global best practices. Therefore, the main objective of the launch is to create awareness on the importance of a Community Development Agreement for sustainable mineral resources development in our dear Country, Nigeria, he said. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print No fewer than six terrorists were killed in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State by troops of the 1 Division of the Nigerian Army. The operation was carried out around Sabon Birni, Dogon Dawa, Saulawa, Maidaro Ngede and Kidenda of the local government area. Acting on credible intelligence, the highly motivated troops carried out an offensive clearance operation to bandits strongholds in Sabon-Birni, Dogon Dawa, Saulawa, Maidaro-Ngede Allah and Kidenda all in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State and made contact with bandits, the army spokesperson for the 1 Division, Musa Yahaya, said in a statement now posted on the Nigerian Army official X (Twitter) handle. Mr Yahaya, a lieutenant-colonel, said several items used by the terrorists were also recovered by the motivated troops during the operation. He said the commanding officer of the division who is also in charge of a special operation (Whirl Punch) to clear terrorists, Valentine Okoro, urged the troops to intensify its offensive operation against terrorists and other criminals. In the fire fight that ensued when contact was made, troops neutralised 6 bandits, recovered two AK 47 rifle, four AK 47 rifle magazine, 14 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, 40 pairs of bandits uniforms and 9 Motorcycles. The General Officer Commanding 1 Division Nigerian Army and Force Commander operation WHIRL PUNCH, Major General Valentine Okoro has applauded the troops for their gallantry and charged them not to relent until all terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements in the Divisions Area of Responsibility are completely neutralised, Mr Yahaya added in the statement. Birnin Gwari, a business and agrarian local government area in Kaduna State, is one of the areas worst hit by terrorists activities in Nigerias North-west region. Aside terrorists locally called bandits operating in the area, there has been repeated warnings that Ansaru and fighters from the Islamic State of West Africa (ISWAP) have infiltrated the area. Over the years, repeated activities of these terrorists have forced motorists to abandon a federal highway that links the northern part of the country to the south. Agricultural and business activities have suffered immensely due to the attacks. The local government area shares boundaries with Niger, Zamfara and Katsina states, which are all experiencing incessant terrorists attacks. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Ukraines Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dmytro Kuleba, on Wednesday lamented what he described as poor reciprocity from African countries despite his countrys efforts. He made this known in a meeting with African journalists in Kyiv where he likened the responses from African countries to a low return on investment. Mr Kuleba noted that Ukraine has a positive attitude towards African countries and has identified points of collaboration. Since the invasion of Ukraine by Russia in February 2022, both countries have sought to gain support from different parts of the world. While many European countries declared support for Ukraine and imposed sanctions on Russia, many African countries have remained neutral and have refused to sanction Russia although many condemned the invasion. Mr Kuleba cited the difficulty in getting African countries to support Ukraine-related resolutions at the United Nations compared to European countries. According to Mr Kuleba, getting African countries to support a resolution did not guarantee that they would support subsequent ones, unlike EU countries whose continuous support Ukraine has. How did African countries vote? Since March 2022 when the United Nations General Assembly started deliberating on Russias invasion of its neighbour, Ukraine, African countries at the UN General have voted fairly well in favour of Ukraine. Between 2022 to date, the Assembly has voted six times on Ukraine. During this period, African countries gave 140 votes in favour of Ukraine; 18 votes against; 122 abstentions and 44 undecided votes. READ ALSO: Mr Kuleba attributed this to 20 years of neglected relationship between Ukraine and African countries which he said his country is keen on fixing. When asked if he thinks the said lack of reciprocity from Africa is borne out of a perceived intent to exploit, he said We do not have desire or wish to exploit anyone. He added that his countrys interaction with Africa is rooted in mutually beneficial cooperation. Earlier, PREMIUM TIMES reported how the Ukrainian government announced that it would set up nine new embassies in African countries. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Olena Zelenska, wife to Ukraines president has described how she has dealt with being the First Lady of a country at war, saying no one prepares a person for such a role. Speaking to African journalists in Kyiv on Thursday, she said, just as no one prepared her to be wife to the president, no one prepared her to be First Lady of a country at war. There are no books, Mrs Zelenska quipped. She noted that she now has to abandon her professional life to play the full-time role of a first lady. My life now lives between two objects, work and home. Since the war broke out, Mrs Zelenska has focused on providing psychological support to Ukrainians through her foundation including feeding school children and rehabilitating children who returned from Russia. She told journalists that only 386 of almost 20,000 Ukrainian children illegally deported to Russia have returned to Ukraine and are being cared for through her foundation. According to Mrs Zelenska, returned children said Russia tried to brainwash them by telling them that their parents did not want them and left them behind. Russia told the children that they rescued them when Ukraine rejected them and Russia had become their new homeland. She accused Russia of wanting to erase memories of Ukraine by putting the children under psychological pressure which in itself is a war crime. Unfortunately, the other children are still in captivity and Ukraine has no access to them and does not know about their living conditions in Russia, she said. When asked how she copes with the responsibilities, Mrs Zelenska said she also takes part in the psychological support programme. She noted that she wants to be able to enjoy the victory of her country when it happens. She described the human mind as structured in a way that it adapts to different situations. Although her responsibilities are not easy to shoulder and no one wants such experiences, she needs to remain useful to her people, she said. Sometimes, I am scared but I cannot share so others will not lose hope, she added. Mrs Zelenska said she hopes that her people can recover from the war and will become better people as a result of their experiences from the war and not the opposite. She added that another source of strength for her is being able to remain in Ukraine and witness the war with her people. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, has ordered the remand of the immediate-past governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, at the Kuje correctional centre. The judge, Hamza Muazu, made the order after Mr Emefiele entered his plea during his arraignment on six counts of corruption on Friday. He pleaded not guilty to the charges instituted against him by the federal government. The judge then adjourned until 20 November for his bail application. Amended charges Mr Emefiele is the sole defendant in the case involving six amended counts of corruption. Channels Television reports that the original charge, which was 20 counts involving alleged fraudulent N6.5 billion contracts, was reduced to six counts. The amended case is now alleging N1.6 billion fraud. The federal government alleged in the case that Mr Emefiele illegally bought 43 vehicles between 2018 and 2020 worth N1.2 billion. It also accused him of awarding a contract for the procurement of 37 Toyota Hilux Vehicles valued at N854 million. READ ALSO: Apart from the reduction in the number of counts, the prosecution has also reduced the number of defendants to only Mr Emefiele. In the old charge, Saadatu Ramallan-Yaro, a CBN staff member, and her company, April 1616 Investment Limited, were charged along with the former central bank chief. Mr Emefiele and Mrs Ramalan-Yaro were accused of conspiracy and procurement fraud involving as much as N6.9 billion. The charges alleged that Mr Emefiele conferred corrupt advantages on Ms Ramalan-Yaro, using her firm, April 1616 Investment Limited, to execute several procurement contracts spanning years. The government alleged that the defendants committed the offences by awarding contracts to Mrs Ramalan-Yaros company for the supply of cars. The defendants, allegedly through the corrupt transactions, purchased a fleet of about 100 posh vehicles and armoured buses worth about N6.9 billion. The alleged corrupt transactions took place between 2018 and 2020, according to the charges. Background Mr Emefiele was removed from office over corruption allegations on 9 June. He was arrested by the State Security Service (SSS) on 10 June. The SSS detained him for months until it recently transferred his custody to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Altogether, Mr Emefiele spent five months in detention. He regained his freedom after a judge of the FCT High Court, Olukayode Adeniyi, granted him bail on 8 November. While he was in custody, in July, the SSS arraigned him on two counts of illegal possession of firearms and live ammunition at the Federal High Court, Lagos. After arraigning him on the two charges on 25 July, the SSS withdrew the charges in August. Based on SSS investigations, the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, again, charged the former central bank chief with N6.9 billion in corruption charges at the FCT High Court in Abuja in August. But the arraignment was rescheduled on different occasions, a development that triggered speculations that Mr Emefiele was in plea bargain talks with the government over the charges filed against him. Earlier this month, the AGF, Lateef Fagbemi, denied signing any plea agreement with Mr Emefiele, which tallied with an earlier exclusive disclosure by an official of the Federal Ministry of Justice to PREMIUM TIMES that such plea agreement was not yet on the table. The arraignment finally took place on Friday. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Enugu State branch, says more than 10 doctors were victims of kidnapping and other violent crimes in less than two months in Enugu State. This is contained in a communique issued on Friday in Enugu at the end of an Emergency General Meeting (EGM) of the NMA, Enugu State branch, held on Tuesday at the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu. The communique, jointly signed by the Chairperson of the NMA Enugu State, Celestine Ugwoke, and the General Secretary, Sunday Okafor, said that the meeting equally observed that a situation in which more than 10 doctors were victims of kidnapping and other violent crimes in less than two months is a dangerous trend unprecedented in the annals of Enugu State. It said that the NMA in Enugu State was aware of the general insecurity in the country and the spate of kidnappings in the state, with medical and dental practitioners having been worst hit. It said that the meeting regrettably observed that there is very minimal and in some cases no presence of strong security formations in most public hospitals and that there has been a dwindling presence of armed patrol teams at critical times and in most areas of Enugu State, thereby leaving criminals emboldened to operate with ease. The EGM further observed that the rising insecurity in the state is becoming an added burden to the already-stretched healthcare facilities available in Enugu State and the safety of our patriotic doctors, who should care for the victims of these violent crimes, is no longer guaranteed which is very worrisome. READ ALSO: The EGM, while noting the efforts and commitment of the State Government in the area of security infrastructure, observed the gross inadequacy of the necessary security architecture and installations required to safeguard a vast and strategic state like Enugu State with its peculiarity as the capital of the old Eastern Region of Nigeria. The EGM finally observed, with condemnation and regret, that the NMA is yet to receive any report from the relevant security agencies on full-scale conclusive investigations/inquiries into these kidnap cases and none of these enemies of the state have been brought to book yet, it said. The NMA, in its resolution, called on the Enugu State Government to ensure that public hospitals were guarded by armed security personnel as well as beef up security patrols across the state. It also called for adequate funding of security and the deployment of modern technology to fight crimes in the state. According to the communique, the meeting resolved to charge all health institutions in the state to, as a matter of urgency, set up a Security Committee meeting, adopt and adapt the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital template currently being implemented while also factoring in their own peculiarities as the case may be. The EGM finally resolved to notify the State Government and all other relevant authorities in the State that the Association will closely monitor the trend and implementation of these resolutions. These included the earlier advanced protest letters and may not be able to guarantee industrial harmony in the entire Health sector of the State if reasonable progress is not made in good time, it added. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print ASTANA, Kazakhstan, November 17. The volume of transportation of Kazakh oil from the port of Aktau for export amounted to 2.8 million tons from January through October 2023, which is 981,000 tons, or 54 percent, more compared to the same period last year, KazTransOil JSC (an oil pipeline company of Kazakhstan that provides services for transporting oil to the domestic market, for transit purposes, and for export) told Trend. In particular, the volume of oil transportation towards the port of Baku from the port of Aktau increased by 964,000 tons and amounted to 1.123 million tons. At the same time, 1.676 million tons of Kazakh oil were shipped towards the port of Makhachkala from the port of Aktau, which is 17,000 tons more compared to the same period of 2022. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, issued an order in 2022 to expand the volume of oil transportation along the Trans-Caspian corridor. Following this, Kazakhstan's KazMunayGas and Azerbaijan's SOCAR struck a deal to transport 1.5 million tons of oil per year from the Tengiz field to the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline. Previously, Azerbaijani Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov said that deliveries via the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline from Kazakhstan will amount to 1.1 million tons of oil by the end of 2023. "Every month, Azerbaijan receives from 12 to 14 tankers transporting Kazakh oil. This is a satisfactory development. The initial agreement between the parties provided for the transportation of 1.5 million tons of oil this year. However, given that deliveries began in April this year, we will be able to transport 1.1 million tons of oil by the end of 2023," he said. Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel The senator representing FCT, Ireti Kingibe, has called for more recruitment and inclusion of women in security agencies for gender inclusivity. Mrs Kingibe, who doubles as the Chairperson Senate Committee on Women Affairs, made the call on Thursday in Abuja at a three-day Strategic Sensitisation Workshop with Senior Officers of Defence and Security Agencies and Relevant Committees of the National Assembly. The workshop was themed: Enhancing Gender-Responsive Security Operation and Community Dialogue Project (Phase II). The training was jointly organised by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), UN Women and the National Defence College. Mrs Kingibe, (LP-FCT), in her remarks, called for the promotion of diversity and inclusivity within the security forces for gender responsiveness. There is the need to also encourage the recruitment of more women and prepare pathways for their professional development and leadership within the security force. She said including women in all spheres of governance would guarantee their inclusion politically and security-wise. READ ALSO: We are the giant of Africa and we need to start thinking like the giant in every way. As long as we dont legislate on issues on women, we wont achieve more. The lawmaker also called for the implementation of training programmes for security personnel to raise their awareness about gender dynamics. And equip them with the skills to handle diverse security issues in a gender-responsive manner. Develop and utilise gender-disaggregated data to understand the specific security needs of different demographics, specifically women. This approach enables targeted intervention and helps in assessing the effectiveness of security measures. The representative of UN Women, Peter Mancha, in his presentation, said that women were largely excluded from peace-building processes. We have failed to utilise the potential that women have to contribute to conflict prevention and peacebuilding. If we want to have sustainable peace, we must bring women to the table because of their potential. He said that legislators were very critical actors in ensuring the security of women calling on the need to have laws formulated that were gender responsive. We need to have lawmakers who will have oversight functions to ensure that gender responsiveness is fully achieved. Earlier, the Director-General NILDS, Abubakar Sulaiman, said that no stone would be left unturned to ensure that all laws were gender friendly and seek to achieve gender equality. Mr Sulaiman, a professor, who was represented by Shadrach Best, also a professor, said We hope that after this project is concluded, we will see a more robust security sector in Nigeria and a more gender friendly and gender inclusive security sector. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print President Bola Tinubu has said that the collective efforts of stakeholders could help to overcome the challenges of terrorism and restore peace and stability to the North-east region. Mr Tinubu said this during a book launch organised by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in collaboration with Babcock University on Friday in Abuja. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the book is titled: Terrorism and counter-terrorism in North-east Nigeria: Emerging perspectives and the imperatives of airpower. The president, who was represented by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, said that the North-east region of Nigeria had been grappling with the scourge of terrorism for far too long. He said that the brutal acts committed by extremist groups had inflicted immense sufferings upon the innocent people of the region. But amidst this darkness, there is hope. Hope that through knowledge, understanding, and the collective efforts of all stakeholders, we can overcome these challenges and restore peace and stability to the region. The launch of this book is not just an academic exercise, it is a call to action. It serves as a reminder that we have a shared responsibility to fight against terrorism and protect the lives and liberties of our fellow citizens, he said. Mr Tinubu said that airpower had emerged as a critical component in modern warfare, and its significance in counter-terrorism operations could not be overstated. He said that the use of air assets, such as drones, surveillance aircraft and precision weapons, had proven instrumental in gathering intelligence, disrupting terrorist networks, and providing support to ground forces. In a section of the book, the authors meticulously explored the application of air power in the context of North-east Nigeria, shedding light on its potential. The book represented a significant contribution to the understanding of one of the most pressing challenges of our time the fight against terrorism. This book, authored by experts who have dedicated their lives to studying and analysing the complexities of terrorism and counter-terrorism, offers unique insights and perspectives. It delves into the root causes of terrorism in the North-east, examines the evolving tactics and strategies employed by extremist groups, and explores the role of airpower in combating this menace, he said. Tinubu, however, said that by fostering partnerships and fostering a deeper understanding of the complexities of terrorism, Nigeria could enhance collective efforts to address this threat comprehensively. Together, let us stand united against terrorism and work towards a future where peace, security and prosperity prevail in the North-east region of Nigeria, he said. Earlier, the Chief of Air Staff, Hassan Abubakar, an air marshal, said that the publication delved into a subject of utmost importance, shedding light on the challenges faced in combating terrorism in Nigeria. This, he said, was with emphasis on the vital role of airpower in addressing the menace, with particular focus on the North-eastern part of the country. We are glad to highlight the significance of airpower in the fight against terrorism. Airpower, with its unique capabilities and reach, has proven to be a game-changer in countering the asymmetric threats posed by terrorist organisations. The ability to swiftly project force, conduct surveillance, gather intelligence, and provide close air support has been instrumental in degrading the capabilities of these insurgents and terrorists, he said. According to him, the fight against terrorism is not one dimensional, it requires a comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes of extremism, promotes social cohesion and fosters economic development. Let us remember that the fight against terrorism is not confined to the battleground alone. It requires the collective efforts of all stakeholders, including the military, government agencies, civil society, and the international community. By harnessing the full potential of airpower and embracing the emerging perspectives highlighted in this book, we can forge a path towards lasting peace, security, and prosperity in North-east Nigeria, he said. Representatives from sister agencies all pledged their support towards fighting terrorism in Nigeria and across all regions. Highpoints of the event were goodwill messages from the Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum; Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru; Vice Chancellor, Babcock University, Ademola Tayo; Nigeria Police and professors from Babcock University, among others. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has described how some operatives of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) invaded its office in Kaduna, the Kaduna State capital, on Monday and Friday, in separate attempts to free some fraud suspects and some of their intruding colleagues. The commission said the case started on Monday when its operatives arrested five fraud suspects at an eatery in Kaduna. Later that day, the EFCC said, some Airforce officers, who witnessed the operation, later invaded its office in the city to rescue the suspects. However, after the sting operation, six military personnel who witnessed the operation at Disney Chicken Eatery, stormed the Kaduna Command and attempted to forcibly release the arrested fraud suspects. They were subdued and detained over the security breach, EFCCs Head, Media & Publicity, Dele Oyewale, said in a statement on Friday. The statement identified the alleged intruders to include four Airforce officers Lawal Abdullahi, Chukwuma Chidi Christian, Alfa Suleiman and Emmanuel Ekwozor. The rest are two students of Nigerian Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) Chidera Anuba and Joseph Tokula. According to the commission, while the officers were still in detention and communication between the leaderships of EFCC and NAF on how to release them was going on, some unruly NAF Officers stormed the Kaduna Command in a commando- style, to forcefully release their detained colleagues. It said the commission had to release the officers in exercise of restraints. Read EFCC full statement below: Facts of the Face-off Between EFCC and NAF Officers in Kaduna Operatives of the Kaduna Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday, November 13, 2023 arrested five suspects at a residential Inn and Disney Chicken Eatery, Barnawa, Kaduna following credible intelligence about their alleged internet- related fraud activities. The suspected fraudsters: Favour Itung, Rachael Ande, Zuleiman Haruna, Abubakar Ismaila and Solomon Olobatoke, were arrested without incident. However, after the sting operation, six military personnel who witnessed the operation at Disney Chicken Eatery, stormed the Kaduna Command and attempted to forcibly release the arrested fraud suspects. They were subdued and detained over the security breach. The intruders are four Air Force officers Lawal Abdullahi, Chukwuma Chidi Christian, Alfa Suleiman and Emmanuel Ekwozor and two students of Nigerian Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) Chidera Anuba and Joseph Tokula. While in detention, there were inter-agency communication and discussions by the leadership of the EFCC and the Nigerian Air Force, NAF to resolve the issues. Unfortunately, dialogue on the release of the combative Air Force personnel broke down on Friday, November 17, 2023 when some unruly NAF Officers stormed the Kaduna Command in a commando- style, to forcefully release their detained colleagues. The EFCC exercised restraint in the face of the provocation and flagrant abuse of power. The Commission continued to engage with the leadership of the Nigeria Air Force and released the officers to the NAF Provost after they had been duly profiled. The EFCC wishes to assure the public that it will continue to carry out its statutory mandate of tackling all cases of economic and financial crimes, without let or hindrance. Dele Oyewale Head, Media & Publicity November 17, 2023. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print 2027. But he can certainly work towards the integrative agenda of producing a Nigerian president of Igbo extraction in his lifetime. In this way, he might truly acquire for himself the revered status of a Nigerian statesman, and might even end up in the rarefied company of the esteemed Chief Obafemi Awolowo, as a great president Nigeria never had. After a dogged 30-year pursuit of the Nigerian presidency, which so far has proved unsuccessful, Atiku Abubakar, who has had an illustrious political career otherwise, might now consider giving it a rest and working instead for the larger goal of the Igbo presidential accession, to achieve his dream of more intimately unifying the country. You could conjure up varied homophones of his name, and they would all resonate in meaning. There is, for instance, Attacus a genus of butterfly-like moths which, though beautiful to behold, is considered a pest because it can damage the plant life as a voracious caterpillar; leave irksome residue when it flaps its wide wings; and even trigger human allergies if allowed to infest a person. On the other hand, there have been historical figures of some renown named Atticus, among them a philosopher, a rhetorician and even a Christian martyr. Also, who can forget the fictional Atticus Finch, the fierce activist lawyer considered the greatest hero of American cinema and even a model of integrity in legal circles, for his feisty but ultimately failed defence of a black man wrongly accused of rape in the novel, To Kill a Mockingbird. And yet, in Yoruba language, a ti ku means we are dead! Every element of this homophonic pastiche, to some degree, is evinced in the manner by which our own Atiku Abubakar has projected himself and prosecuted his case in the 2023 presidential election dispute. There he was on 30th October, presenting his studied response four days after the Supreme Courts ruling on his election petition, offering the nation what could well be (though no one can really say) his last stand. On that day, Atiku had on a serene, sky-blue kaftan and matching cap; and he wore his typically impassive demeanour, though his impassioned words revealed a seething, deep-seated anger. His incandescent mood was unmistakable, even as he quietly and dignifiedly laid into the courts, his political bete noire President Bola Tinubu, and the electoral umpire. Waziri Atiku Abubakar had much the same mien earlier on 7th September, a day after the Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal (PEPT) delivered its own judgment on the petitions brought by several opposition parties and their candidates to challenge the official results of the 25th February presidential election. Seized as he seemed by a surge of moral indignation, and projecting as he did the image of a determined political crusader, Atiku proclaimed at his post-judgment press parley that he would continue to struggle for Nigerian democracy for the rest of his life, even though, as he put it, for me and my party this phase of our work is done. No one can say, if they are fair, that the man didnt try. Hardened perhaps by his previous political battles, not the least against a self-entrenching military regime and later against the unconstitutional third term agenda of a wily president and army general under whom he had served, Atiku emerged in the 2023 election legal contests as the fiercest challenger, and has inflicted by far the deepest wound on Tinubus presidency. He inveighed publicly and cuttingly against the courts and the electoral umpire, even as a complaisant Peter Obi, the other major protagonist in the post-election palaver, perhaps wisely (given his rabid support base), played a disciplined game of politics without bitterness (a la Waziri Ibrahim of blessed memory). Atiku put Tinubu through a crushing wringer, stubbornly pursuing a legal recourse even beyond our shores to uncover evidence from Tinubus past, which revealed a man with a deeply flawed moral character. It was mainly on account of Atikus exertions that I wrote as follows in a recent prose poem, in oblique reference to Tinubu: Our hassled leader is lurking in his tasseled chambers, haunted by his tousled past and by opponents with whom he tussled. Atiku Abubakar has made sure that Bola Ahmed Tinubu is politically damaged. But if Atiku laid waste to Tinubus political persona in the process of election litigation, what about Atiku himself? How does he come off in the whole election saga? Not particularly well, I would say, despite the image of a principled political crusader that he sought to project in the 2023 election controversies. A parsing of his statements after the Supreme Court ruling against previous stances shows a measure of incoherence, shape-shifting and perhaps opportunism. Of all the suggestions made by Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the most radical and also the most curious because it seems self-implicating is his proposal that we move to a single six-year term for President [which should] be rotated among the six geo-political zones. Atiku based this proposal on the recommendation of the 1995 Constitutional Conference, in which the former vice-president had participated Fancy that! Atiku Abubakar now rooting for zoning and rotational presidency! Questionable Recommendations Consider, for a start, Atikus proposal, contained in his post-judgment press statement, that we must make electronic voting and collation of results mandatory. This is a somewhat surprising if sensible suggestion, coming from Atiku. Didnt the man argue, through his lawyers for the 2023 election litigation, that electronic collation and transmission of results was already mandated by law? His suggestion here seems to confirm the opposing parties argument to the contrary, which was upheld by the courts. If Atikus reading of the statutes has changed in light of the courts ruling, he should simply have said so, and then on that basis, propose the mandation of electronic processes as he has done. His proposal here contradicts his earlier legal stance; yet he carried on as if the courts had been wrong in dismissing his argument. Atiku also made another landmark suggestion which seems to me rather poorly argued. He said we must provide that all litigation arising from a disputed election must be concluded before the inauguration of a winner, noting that [t]he current time frame between elections and inauguration of winners is inadequate to dispense with election litigations. This is a suggestion Ive heard elsewhere, and it sounds quite sensible, until you begin to peel it apart. First, to an attentive observer, this would seem to be an unwitting admission that the petitioners, arguably constrained by time, had not been able to marshal the evidence they needed to prove their allegations of widespread malpractice and other infringements in the election. It was much the same point (which I cited in a previous article) made by one of Peter Obis lead counsels, Professor Awa Kalu (SAN), in which he mentioned the near impossibility of assembling sufficient evidence, within the short window of time allowed by law, to back up the oppositions case. As a reminder, Section 285(5) of the 1999 Constitution, as well as Section 132(7) and Paragraphs 4(5) to 4(6) of the 1st Schedule of the 2022 Electoral Act stipulate that parties wishing to file election petitions must do so, along with their list of witnesses and the latters depositions, no later than 21 days after the declaration of results. This is, undoubtedly, a tough requirement. But in arguing the point, both Atiku and Kalu appear to affirm the validity of the PEPTs judgment that the petitioners adduced insufficient evidence to support their claims. This, in turn, questions the pervasive narrative of a compromised bench pushed by Atiku and other figures in the opposition. Beyond even this important point, one also wonders if Atiku, in proposing a delay to the inauguration of a new administration pending the legal resolution of election disputes, had considered the ramifications. Currently, our laws allow for a maximum of 21 days to file petitions, as noted above; 180 days after that for the appeal court as court of first instance to consider the petitions and render judgment ((Section 285(6) of the constitution and Section 132( 8) of the Electoral Act); and 60 days thereafter for the Supreme Court to deliver judgment on any appeal(s) resulting from the appeal courts ruling (Section 285(7) of the Constitution and Section 132(9) of the Electoral Act). This all adds up, on the outside, to a total of 261 days nearly nine months after election results should have been declared! Pray, is Atiku Abubakar suggesting that we delay the inauguration of a new government for more than nine months after an election has been called? Who would run the country during the prolonged interregnum? Should we formally extend the tenure of the incumbent president whose governing mandate is ending? Or should we perhaps install the Senate president as acting president, being next in line after the elected incumbent and his vice? If the latter should, we then change the laws, since Section 146(2) of the Constitution allows a Senate president to act as national president for no more than three months? Clearly, extending the time allowed for the resolution of election disputes, as Atiku recommends, would create a lot of confusion. To achieve his goal of a longer lead time for disputes, we must have an interregnum between administrations or start the election process much earlier. Either option is a recipe for political instability. It isnt clear if Atiku considered all these ramifications. It is possible the man merely meant that we should extend the 21-day window for the filing of petitions and submittal of evidence and witnesses, and not necessarily that we should extend the overall timeframe for dispute adjudication. But if that is what he meant, he should have said so, and then we can debate the merits of that suggestion. As it is, he merely said we should allow time for all election litigation to be settled before inauguration takes place. Clearly, in making this perfunctory suggestion, Atiku did not seem to have considered all the implications. More Questionable Suggestions There is also Atikus suggestion that we should switch to a majority voting standard. As he put it, in order to ensure a popular mandate and real representation, we must move to require a candidate for President to earn 50 per cent +1 of the valid votes cast, failing which a run-off between the top two candidates will be held. This is clearly a dig at Tinubus supposed victory, secured with only 36.6 per cent of the votes cast in the February election. The 1999 constitution provides for both majority and plurality voting. It requires, in Section 134(1)(a), that a candidate must win a majority of votes, where there are only two contestants, and in Section 134(2)(a) that he or she must secure the highest number of votes, if there are more than two contestants. Atikus recommendation of a majority vote, whatever the number of candidates, is well-intended Im sure. But it will constrict political choices and rigidify our two-party dominant system, which we have just begun to shake up with the 2023 election results. Would Peter Obi, for instance, have migrated to the Labour Party, and thus created an unprecedented third-party momentum, if confronted with the calculus of having to win over 50 per cent of the votes? Certainly not! Atikus suggestion here is not suited for our complex and politically diverse landscape. Of all the suggestions made by Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the most radical and also the most curious because it seems self-implicating is his proposal that we move to a single six-year term for President [which should] be rotated among the six geo-political zones. Atiku based this proposal on the recommendation of the 1995 Constitutional Conference, in which the former vice-president had participated. Fancy that! Atiku Abubakar now rooting for zoning and rotational presidency! Pray, where was this commitment last year, in the lead-up to the primary election of Atikus party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), when Atiku and his northern acolytes machinated his victory in a most brutal fashion, in the process frustrating southern members of the party who had demanded a rotational concession to the South, based on the promise of the partys own constitution? The greatest frustration, of course, was felt in the South-East, a region which had supported the party in the most lopsided manner and has suffered for this with the accession of the All Progressives Congress (APC). It was this very issue that created the rupture within the PDP that led to the partys defeat in the February presidential election. There should be absolutely no question of Atiku Abubakar running for the Nigerian presidency in 2027. Instead, to prove what he told Arise TV last year about his desire to unify the country, Atiku should now work with the Igbo political class to achieve the goal of an Igbo presidency in 2027 and, in this way, avoid a brutal zoning logic that will put off the prospect to 2031. I had written about this issue long before the election, in a July 2022 article titled Atiku Abubakar versus the South East: Political Usurpation and Electoral Consequences in 2023. I opened that article declaring that Atiku Abubakar has a South East problem, and went on to say that it is almost certain that he faces an upset in that geopolitical zone in the coming presidential election. I concluded the article arguing that the PDP had made poor choices in the composition of its 2023 presidential election ticket, and that the mistake could cost it the election. This was in July 2022, seven months before the presidential election. Unfortunately, events turned out as I had predicted. Atikus primary election machinations and violation of his partys zoning principle contributed in no small way to PDPs loss of an election it should have won handily, allowing Tinubu and his party to scrape through with only a plurality. This is the inescapable fact of the 2023 presidential election, whatever else might be said about electoral corruption. Atiku, 2027 and the Igbo Question Atikus frustration of the South-East political goals did not start with the 2023 presidential election. There are many who believe he was deeply involved in efforts that frustrated Dr Alex Ekwuemes presidential outing in 1998 and 2003; surely a sad history for a man who moved the earth to build the party into a national juggernaut. Atikus relationship with the South-East is certainly complicated. He was once married to an Igbo woman. He has had deep ties in the upper tiers of the Igbo political class. Atiku has been running for Nigerian presidency since 1993, and on the three occasions when he snagged his partys nomination, he picked a running mate of Igbo extraction. Yet, in the lead-up to the 2023 election, when his partys zoning principle should have been leveraged in favour of a southern flag-bearer, preferably someone of Igbo extraction, Atiku and his acolytes orchestrated the process in aid of his own selfish goal. One could, perhaps justifiably, pick bones with Atiku and point to what I might call a soft bigotry of inferior concessions, perceivable in his apparent preference of Igbo for running mate but obstructing the legitimate Igbo aspiration to the top job. However, though that case could be made with merit, we need not dwell on it now. With Atiku now presumably in the twilight of his political career, it should be possible for him to make amends and dispense his remaining political capital in the service of helping to achieve the overarching Igbo presidential aspiration. The 2027 presidential election seems to me an opportune moment to do this. Atiku would be aged well past 80 by that time. Although being an octogenarian has not proved an impediment to presidential ambitions in some countries (see, for instance, Joe Biden in the US), Nigeria, with its myriad governance problems and its weak democratic institutions, does need an energetic president one who is relatively young and healthy. We saw what the debilitations of age and health did to the Buhari presidency, allowing diverse hidden forces to hijack his agenda and bend this to a privatised and primordial will. It turned the Buhari presidency into an unmitigated disaster. The same appears now to be shaping up with the presidency of Bola Tinubu, who claims to be in his early 70s but clearly betrays the ravages of a more advanced age, noticeable physically but also intimated by occasional signs of cognitive decline. There should be absolutely no question of Atiku Abubakar running for the Nigerian presidency in 2027. Instead, to prove what he told Arise TV last year about his desire to unify the country, Atiku should now work with the Igbo political class to achieve the goal of an Igbo presidency in 2027 and, in this way, avoid a brutal zoning logic that will put off the prospect to 2031. The forces are well aligned for 2027. Though theres always the advantage of incumbency in Nigerian politics, Bola Tinubu can (and should be) defeated if he seeks re-election, what with his so far listless and unbridled presidency and the baggage of ignominy he carries from the controversial 2023 election, resulting in no small measure from the forensic efforts of Atiku Abubakar himself. In addition to this, Peter Obi acquitted himself very well in 2023, achieving in a very short time what no fringe-party candidate had done since the dawn of the Fourth Republic. In a mere matter of months, he moved a moribund political party into the political map, winning 25.4 per cent of the votes, as officially accounted, securing 25 per cent in 16 states and carrying the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, plus 11 of the states (including a Lagos State once governed by Tinubu). Beyond his native South-East, Obi performed quite well in several other regions, nabbing 42.4 per cent of votes in the South-South, 31.0 per cent in North-Central, and 19.9 per cent in the South-West. It was only in Buharis North-West zone and Atikus North-East that Obi fell short, two resistant zones he couldnt penetrate probably for want of time and strong local allies. Even in these two zones, however, there were some breakthroughs, with Obi winning 29.3 per cent in Taraba State (North-East) and 21.7 per cent in Kaduna State (North-West). It is a performance with promises of improvement if the dynamic of 2023 can be sustained. All that is needed is for the South-Easterners to coalesce around a common agenda in the nations interest, and to take their message of national integration into the furthest reaches of the country. An Atiku thats now advanced in age may not be able to carry off another presidential foray for himself in 2027. But he can certainly work towards the integrative agenda of producing a Nigerian president of Igbo extraction in his lifetime. In this way, he might truly acquire for himself the revered status of a Nigerian statesman, and might even end up in the rarefied company of the esteemed Chief Obafemi Awolowo, as a great president Nigeria never had. Chudi Okoye is a US-based research and data analytics professional. He is publisher of the online magazine, Awka Times. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room reported on the high levels of results falsification and other forms of electoral irregularities in the governorship elections in the three states and raised serious questions about the credibility of our elections and the future of democracy in Nigeria. Nigerians had expected that the lessons learnt from the 2023 general elections by stakeholders, particularly the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), would have been taken to improve the conduct of these elections. There are ominous signs from the 11th November off-cycle elections and from the Election Petition Tribunals that electoral democracy is under serious threat in Nigeria today. The CDD Election Analysis Centre (CDD-EAC) report outlines key findings on the conduct of the elections in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi states. There were extensive incidents related to the abuse of the powers of incumbency, high levels of vote buying by politicians, the use of identity markers for political manipulation, orchestrated disinformation campaigns and failure of some institutions, such as INEC, political parties and the security agencies to perform their duties properly. The EACs major message is the following: there is a need to separate the unpredictable technical failures that are due to the operational, logistical and infrastructure challenges of electoral administration in the country, on the one hand, from the politically instigated failures attributable in the main to the deliberate manipulation by candidates, political parties and their proxies in the states and society, generally, on the other hand. The challenge, therefore, is how to unscramble the nexus connecting the technical to the politically motivated failures, with a view to enhancing the integrity of elections in the country. The abuse of the power of incumbency for unfair partisan party-political electoral advantage by the governing parties in the three states was a major factor that posed a challenge to the proper conduct of the elections. Sitting governors prevented opposition parties from having access to state electronic media or even displaying their campaign posters and billboards. They deployed state resources, such as official state vehicles and staff, for their own electioneering campaigns. The governors also denied opposition parties access to campaign facilities and public spaces. But the abuse of the power of incumbency was also deployed to distort the party primary process of the governing parties in two of the three states Bayelsa and Imo where the incumbent governors sought re-election for final second terms; and in the third state, Kogi, where the incumbent governor, unable to seek re-election because he was serving his final non-renewable second term, used the full panoply of state power and resources to ensure the victory of his preferred candidate during the ruling partys primary elections. The observers reported over-voting in the three states and INECs failure to apply the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022 in addressing the menace. Also, the inability of INEC to synchronise the record of accreditation through the BVAS with the Result Viewing Portal (IReV Portal) in real time, despite the improved access to internet broadband in Nigeria, is questionable. The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room reported on the high levels of results falsification and other forms of electoral irregularities in the governorship elections in the three states and raised serious questions about the credibility of our elections and the future of democracy in Nigeria. Nigerians had expected that the lessons learnt from the 2023 general elections by stakeholders, particularly the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), would have been taken to improve the conduct of these elections. Unfortunately, this seemed not to have been the case, as these elections proved to be another huge disappointment. The governorship elections conducted in these states represent a major setback for Nigerias electoral democracy. The observers reported over-voting in the three states and INECs failure to apply the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022 in addressing the menace. Also, the inability of INEC to synchronise the record of accreditation through the BVAS with the Result Viewing Portal (IReV Portal) in real time, despite the improved access to internet broadband in Nigeria, is questionable. By permitting the bypass of the BVAS, INEC has effectively rolled back the gains of electoral reform recorded in recent times. The Situation Room received reports of falsification and mutilation of polling unit-level results in the three states. INEC had acknowledged incidents of pre-filled result sheets before the commencement of polls affecting five local government areas in Kogi State Adavi, Ajaokuta, Ogori/Mangongo, Okehi and Okene. Regrettably, INEC went ahead to collate results from these LGAs without conducting any thorough investigation and making its findings public. It was particularly disturbing that INEC transmitted results for polling units where the election was not held. The political class appears to have learnt to rig through the technology hurdles INEC has placed before them. The commercialisation of Nigerias elections appears to have reached unprecedented heights. Political parties and their agents operated openly and with impunity, distributing money for the purchase of votes without any effort from the security agents to contain these acts. Sums paid at polling units ranged from N1,000 to N30,000, along with the distribution of cooked and uncooked food items. There has to be an effective mechanism to halt politicians from weaponising poverty to win elections in Nigeria. Bizarre judgments from the judiciary are presently causing an even bigger worry. Today, the Appeal Court will deliver judgement on the Kano gubernatorial race, in which the election petition tribunal simply reduced the votes of the NNPP candidate to a level where the APC was declared the winner, citing an INEC mistake in not signing the result sheets. Why should INECs mistake affect only the party that won? The elections in the three states were conducted against a history of political conflict occasioned by cultism, insurgencies and separatist agitations. Against this background, the prospects of insecurity were a major source of concern before and during the elections. The role of political parties remains a major cog in the conduct of free and fair elections in the country. Their failure to manage inter-party and intra-party disputes amicably and democratically is a major factor that generates violent electoral conflict, with ripple effect on the politically generated failures of the electoral process, referred to in the introduction to this statement. It nurtures and sustains the general impunity that now characterises and defines electoral and voting behaviour in the country. It remains the gravest threat to electoral democracy in the country, as exemplified in the impunity that drives the gross abuse of the power of incumbency for partisan party-political electoral advantage, including the erosion of the independence of such democracy promoting institutions as the EFCC, the ICPC, and the separation of powers between the executive, legislature and judiciary. Bizarre judgments from the judiciary are presently causing an even bigger worry. Today, the Appeal Court will deliver judgement on the Kano gubernatorial race, in which the election petition tribunal simply reduced the votes of the NNPP candidate to a level where the APC was declared the winner, citing an INEC mistake in not signing the result sheets. Why should INECs mistake affect only the party that won? The conflicting judgments of the Court of Appeal in the disputes arising from the National Assembly elections in Plateau State is another cause for concern. The court is simply removing all the winners from the PDP and replacing them with APC candidates, in spite of the clear verdict of the electorates. Both the election petition tribunals and Court of Appeal have nullified the election of many candidates of the PDP based on pre-election matters pertaining to the primary election of the party, despite plethora of authorities by the Supreme Court to the effect that tribunals and Court of Appeal do not have jurisdiction over pre-election matters. Some of the decisions show clear inconsistencies. Where the Labour Party (LP) came second in the nullified elections, the court ordered a rerun, but where the APC came second, the court awarded victory to the party outright, without an order for a rerun. When the judiciary is seen to be openly partisan, the entire democratic system comes under an existential threat. A professor of Political Science and development consultant/expert, Jibrin Ibrahim is a Senior Fellow of the Centre for Democracy and Development, and Chair of the Editorial Board of PREMIUM TIMES. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Senate on Thursday in Abuja confirmed the appointment of Aminu Maida as the substantive Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). Mr Maida, who holds a doctorate degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from the University of Bath, United Kingdom, was confirmed by the Senate during its plenary session. His confirmation followed the Senates adoption of a report of the Senate Committee on Communications that screened Maida on Wednesday, 15 November, 2023. The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Communications, and former Minister of Communications, Senator Ikra Aliyu Bilbis, who submitted the report urged the Senate to consider the request of President Bola Tinubu for the confirmation of Mr Maida for appointment as the countrys Chief Telecom Regulator. He said the Committee had screened Mr Maida, who had earlier passed all scrutiny by the relevant security agencies in the security governance sector. Senator Bilbis informed the Senate that Mr Maida possesses the requisite qualifications, professional experience, competence, and regulatory capacity to ensure accelerated development of the nations telecommunications sector. He therefore urged the Senate to approve the nomination of Mr Maida by Mr. President. Consequently, the Senate proceeded to confirm the appointment of Mr Maida, through a voice vote to serve a five-year term in office, subject to renewal by the President. Earlier, at his screening by the Senate Committee, Mr Maida responded to questions related to his insights of the industry, qualifications, experience, suitability, and competence to manage the nations telecom regulatory sector. He was described by some senators as a round peg in a round hole. Mr Maida told the committee that his top priorities were to improve coverage and connectivity by bridging access gaps between rural and urban communities through increased broadband infrastructure as well as increasing the quality of service (QoS) and quality of experience (QoE) for the consumers to enable them to get value for money. He also stated that, under his stewardship, he would ensure that the Commissions licensees, numbering over 8,000 across different segments of the sector, are made to adhere strictly to their Service Level Agreements (SLAs) with their consumers in terms of service delivery. READ ALSO: NCC underscores role of ICT in fighting financial crimes Mr Maida also said that he would create a more conducive environment for investment in the sector. He equally promised to work with the dynamic team at the NCC to re-think how the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) would be better leveraged to bridge the extant digital divide in the country. The new Chief Executive Officer of Nigerias telecom regulatory authority also promised to prioritise inter-agency collaboration towards achieving the current blueprint for the digital economy sector. He added that the ongoing review of the NCA 2003 would lead to greater innovation for improving the performance of the sector and solicited for the support of the National Assembly to enable him to succeed. Mr Maida further emphasised his commitment towards aligning regulatory activities with the Strategic Plan of the Ministry of Communications, Innovations and Digital Economy, developed to accelerate the actualisation of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, will deliver, on Friday, judgement on the appeal filed by the New Nigeria People Party (NNPP) challenging the verdict of the Kano State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal that sacked Governor Abba Kabir. The lower tribunal also declared the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nasir Gawuna, as the lawfully elected candidate in the 18 March election. The Court of Appeal announced the judgement date in a notice to lawyers representing the parties to the case on Thursday. The announcement came 10 days after the court heard the NNPPs appeal, listening to lawyers arguments on behalf of their clients. The three-member panel of judges in the tribunal led by Oluyemi Asadebay, ruled on 20 September, in favour of the APC candidate. The judgement was preceeded by days of suspense, and spiritual supplications, by both members of the NNPP and APC for a favourable outcome of the case. On Thursday, the spokesperson for the Kano State government, Halilu Dantiye, advised residents in a statement to remain calm and avoid acts capable of causing a breach of peace as the Appeal Court delivers judgment. Mr Dantiye said the advice became necessary as some may take advantage of the situation cause trouble. The spokesperson called on security agencies to double their efforts in ensuring that law and order are maintained as well as ensure full protection of the lives and properties of the citizens in the state. The crux of the matter After the 18 March election, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared that the NNPP polled 1,019,602 votes against the APCs 890,705 to emerge victorious. But the tribunal invalidated over 165,663 ballots thumbprinted in favour of NNPP. The court ruled that the votes were deducted because the ballot papers with which they were cast were not stamped or signed. This rendered the votes invalid, according to the tribunal. The tribunal said the petitioner was able to prove the allegation of the invalidity of some of the votes on the grounds that the election was not in compliance with the provision of the Electoral Act, 2022. Therefore, the tribunal ordered that the invalid votes be expunged from Mr Yusufs scores. Displeased with the tribunals judgement, Mr Yusuf in a notice of appeal dated 2 October 2023, argued that the tribunal erred when it relied on sections 71 and 63 of the Electoral Act, 2022 to invalidate the 165,616 ballot papers returned in his favour. The governor also said the respondent, (the APC) did not plead with the polling units where the alleged invalid papers ballot papers were used and the tribunal was therefore wrong to accede to cancel the lawful votes. There was no witness presented by the first respondent to testify as to the use of any of the ballot papers in any polling unit. NNPP argued that the tribunal did not demonstrate in its judgement how it arrived at its decision on 165,616 invalid votes against the appellant. The governor also argued in ground 20, that the tribunal misdirected itself when it went out of the judicial duties by constituting itself into witnesses, and investigators and sat as judges. APC and NNPP expects favourable judgements Following the tribunal judgement on 20 September, the NNPP has relentlessly carried out social and conventional media campaigns within and outside Kano State, calling for justice, and intervention for its candidate at the Appeal Court. The campaign climaxed last week after human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, during an interview on Channels Television, suggested the election petition tribunal was wrong. You cannot punish voters for the errors of INEC. That was what recently happened in Kano, where (over) 65,000 votes were said to have not been marked by INEC officials. We are asking our judges to embrace justice, substantial justice, in a way that you cannot punish voters for the errors of INEC. You cannot challenge the validity of the ballot papers. So, I think these are the areas where our judges will have to go back to the drawing table, Mr Falana said. The statement by the senior lawyer was welcomed and widely distributed by the NNPP to its members across the state as an indication that the appeal court will rule in its favour. On their part, APC members were pushing a campaign tagged, Gawuna has arrived, on social media. The campaign suggests that the NNPP was going to lose its appeal on Friday. The expected decision of the appeal court has generated similar attention as that of the tribunal from residents of the state and other political watchers. The leaders of the contending parties in the state, Rabiu Kwankwaso of the NNPP and Abdullahi Ganduje of the APC, who ironically were in government ad the states governor and deputy governor between 2011 and 2015, now are perhaps the biggest political adversaries in contemporary Nigerian politics. Both politicians will be praying for a favourable judgement today as whoever emerges victorious today needs Kanos teeming voters to consolidate their political base. Todays ruling is not the last of judicial pronouncement on the election, as the losing party after the Appeal Court ruling is constitutionally allowed to appeal to the Supreme Court, the countrys highest court with the final say on the electoral dispute. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Court of Appeal in Abuja will deliver its judgement, today (Friday), on the disputed Kano State governorship election. Abba Yusuf, the incumbent governor, who had won the governorship election on the platform of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), is locked in a fierce legal battle with Nasiru Gawuna of the All Progressives Congress (APC), over the outcome of the poll. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared Mr Yusuf as the winner of the 18 March election with 1,019,602 votes against Mr Gawunas 890,705 votes. Mr Yusuf had ridden on the popularity of a former governor of the state, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and his political machinery, the Kwankwasiya Movement, to defeat Mr Gawuna of the then ruling APC in the state But Mr Gawuna challenged the election outcome at the Kano State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal. In a unanimous verdict on 20 September, a three-member panel of the tribunal set aside Mr Yusufs victory after declaring 165,663 of his votes invalid. Therefore, the lower tribunal declared Mr Gawuna, who turned out to have the highest number of votes after the deduction from Mr Yusufs score, as the lawfully elected candidate. However, the governor appealed against the tribunals decision at the Court of Appeal, which is set to deliver its decision today. The Court of Appeals decision will not be the final, as whoever is aggrieved with the outcome can still appeal to the Supreme Court. Owing to the tension the case has generated in the densely populated Kano, the authorities of the appellate court moved its panel to Abuja for the hearing and determination of Mr Yusufs appeal. As the Court of Appeal delivers its decision on the appeal today, tension is already brewing around the headquarters of the appellate court in Abuja. PREMIUM TIMES is on the ground to monitor the proceedings from the courtroom and will provide live updates below as the judgement is being delivered. LIVE 10:31 a.m: A three-member panel of the Court of Appeal in Abuja led by Moore Adumein files into the courtroom to deliver the judgement. 10:34 a.m: Justice Adumein roars at party supporters desperately trying to gain entry into the packed courtroom. 10:34 a.m: Registrar calls case. 10:36 a.m: A lawyer, Ibrahim Waru, announces appearance for the NNPP. 10:38 a.m: Mohammed Sanusi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) announces appearance for the APC. 10: 48 a.m: Registrar calls a sister appeal filed by the APC against INEC and Governor Yusuf. 10: 50 a.m: Abdul Mohammed (SAN) announces legal representation for the APC. 10: 52: a.m: Ibrahim Waru announces appearance for the NNPP. 10:55 a.m: Registrar calls INECs cross-appeal against APC. 10:57 a.m: M.K Umar announces appearance for INEC. 10:58 am: Justice Adumein begins reading the lead judgement. 11.00 a.m: Justice Adumein recalls when the Kano State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal delivered its judgement on 20 September. 11: 01 a.m: Justice Adumein recalls how a Senior lawyer, Wole Olanipekun, distilled nine issues for determination on behalf of Governor Yusuf before the appellate court. 11: 05 a.m: the Justice says Akin Olujinmi (SAN) formulated nine issues for determination before the Court of Appeal on behalf of Nasiru Gawuna, the governorship candidate of the APC in Kano State. 11:07 a.m: Justice Adumein reads his opinion on the dispute. 11: 09 a.m Justice Adumein examines the dmissibility of some INEC documents 11:11 a.m: The Justice speaks on the objection to the admissibility of INEC Results sheets. The tribunal acted in the overall interest of justice. INEC released electoral documents to the Mr Gawuna in piecemeal in order to defeat the ends of justice 11: 18 a.m: The judge says the appellants complaint that Mr Gawuna was not properly joined as a party in the petition at the tribunal lacks merit. He says both a candidate and political party can jointly file a petition. 11: 20 a.m: the judge says the APC was right to have filed the petition on behalf of Mr Gawuna. 11:22a.m: The court says Mr Gawuna wad an unnamed party in the appeal; the APC filed the petition on his behalf. 1:23 a.m: It is of profound importance that parties are bound by their pleadings In this case, the tribunal acted on the evidence presented by the APC, the judge says. 11:26 a.m: The judge evaluates the tribunals reasoning, including 165,000 invalid votes credited to Mr Yusuf. 11: 28 a.m: The appellants grounds regarding the virtual delivery of the tribunal are of infinitesimal importance. 11: 29 a.m: In this case, the exhibits complained of by Mr Yusuf go to no issue. The tribunal rightly expunged some of the appellants evidence from its records as the appellant failed to properly file the said exhibits. The tribunal duly evaluated the evidence before it. 11: 37 a.m: Speaking on non-qualification of Mr Yusuf, the judge cites Section 177 of the constitution which he says provides that membership of a political party is sine qua non for anyone to contest the governorship election in Nigeria. The judge says Mr Yufuf tendered the NNPP membership registrar. 11:42 a.m: At the tribunal, the appellant (Mr Yusuf), to his detriment, omitted the tendering of his membership card of the NNPP, the judge says. 11: 44 a.m: If you claim you are a member of a political party, is it not logical for you to say so by yourself instead of a proxy? The judge wondered about Mr Yusufs genuine membership of the NNPP. 11:45 a.m: Citing a decision of the Supreme Court, the Justice Adumein said that courts will not allow a political party to act arbitrarily. 11: 47 a.m: Judges screams at party supporters attempting to leave the courtroom. 11: 49 a.m: Any act which infringes on the Nigerian constitution is deemed unconstitutional. 11:50 a.m: Crowd attempts to breach security at the court. Security operatives are battling to ward off restless crowd of party supporters. The tribunal made some profound findings 11:53 a.m: Yufuf Abba was not a member of the NNPP as of the time he was purportedly sponsored on 18 March for the Kano State Governorship election, the judge says. The tribunal was wrong not have disqualified the appellant, Governor Yusuf, the court says. 11: 55 a.m: The judge says, the failure of NNPP to properly sponsor Mr Yusuf according to Section 177(c) of the constitution is fatal to their case. A person must be a member of a political party before he can be sponsored for an election. I will conclude:All the nine issues are hereby resolved against the appellant, the judge holds. This appeal is hereby dismissed, the judge says. N1 million is awarded as cost against Governor Yusuf. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Garba Datti, the National Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), North-west, says the victory of his party at the Court of Appeal on the Kano State governorship election is a divine providence that will end the vindictive and malicious destruction of the legacies former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje. A three-member panel of the Court of Appeal led by Moore Adumein, in a unanimous judgement on Friday, declared Nasiru Gawuna, of the APC winner of the 18 March governorship election in the state. The court sacked the incumbent governor, Abba Yusuf over his membership of the party, among other issues. Mr Yusuf has the right to appeal the judgement at the Supreme Court. In a statement,on Friday, Mr Datti described the verdict of the Appeal Court as a triumph of the wishes of the people of the State. He said the verdict is a reflection of the will of the people and the acceptability of the APC in the North-west region. I hail the decision of the appellate court, which has manifested Allahs divine providence for Dr Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna to be confirmed as the duly elected governor of Kano State. By upholding the verdict of the tribunal and setting aside the issues brought by the appellant, the ruling marks the culmination of a long and arduous legal battle that had gripped the state for months. It must be emphasised that this judgement is a triumph for the wish of the good people of Kano State which validates their mandate to Dr Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna and his deputy, Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo, and a relief from the vindictive and malicious destruction of the Ganduje legacies by the ousted NNPP government. Finally, I applaud the judiciary for their unwavering commitment to always remain on the side of justice, the statement reads. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared Mr Yusuf as the winner of the 18 March election with 1,019,602 votes against Mr Gawunas 890,705 votes. Criticisms The government of Mr Yusuf has been facing criticism over the demolition of structures erected by the administration of Mr Ganduje. Some of the properties demolished include a three-storey building with 90 shops on a race course at the Nasarawa GRA. He also demolished the Daula Hotel, a three-star facility, reconstructed by the Ganduje administration under a Public-Private Partnership arrangement. The government also demolished another structure at Hajj Camp, sold to private individuals by the immediate past administration of the state, and shops erected at parts of the Kofar Mata, Eid prayer ground. The governor also demolished a roundabout in the state. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Gunmen, on Friday, attacked a police patrol and shot two operatives dead in Ebonyi State, South-east Nigeria. The police spokesperson in Ebonyi, Onome Onovwakpoyeya, disclosed this in a statement in Abakaliki, the state capital, on Friday. Ms Onovwakpoyeya, a superintendent of police, said the attack occurred at about 8:30 a.m. along Nwofe Road, in the outskirts of Abakaliki, where the operatives were on patrol. The gunmen drove a tinted SUV a Toyota Highlander she said. One police operative, who was wounded in the attack, is receiving treatment in a hospital, according to the statement. The Commissioner of Police in the state, Augustina Ogbodo, on receiving the distress call immediately dispatched tactical teams to the scene, who equally swung into action by giving the hoodlums a hot chase but the hoodlums escaped. The Commissioner of Police also visited the scene of the incident with her management team for on the spot assessment, she added. The police spokesperson called on anyone with useful information that could lead to the arrest of the gunmen to contact the police. The commissioner, she said, had reiterated the readiness of the police to provide adequate security for lives and property in the state. The Command is assuring the people of round the clock visibility patrol of the nooks and crannies of the state, she added. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 17. Kazakhstan is preparing programs aimed at increasing funding for projects within the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR, or Middle Corridor), Deputy Minister of National Economy of Kazakhstan Bauyrzhan Kudaibergenov on the sidelines of the second Baku Forum on Sustainable Development told Trend. "In light of recent geopolitical events, the Middle Corridor's importance is growing." As a result, Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan are betting big on the Middle Corridor. For our part, we are attempting to raise funds and provide the groundwork for the Middle Corridor. "We are now preparing programs aimed at increasing funding and attracting investments in infrastructure project implementation within the framework of TITR," he stated. According to him, work is underway to enlarge the Caspian water port of Kuryk, increase infrastructure, and create highways from the Chinese border to the port of Kuryk, via which commodities would be transported across the water to Azerbaijan, and then to Georgia, Turkiye, and Europe. The Middle Corridor is a transportation and trade route that connects Asia and Europe, passing through several countries in the region. It is an alternative route to the traditional Northern Corridor and Southern Corridor. The route begins in China and travels through Central Asian countries including Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. It then flows past the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkey on its way to Europe. The Middle Corridor provides a land route connecting eastern Asia, particularly China, to Europe, skipping lengthier sea routes. Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel The police in Anambra State, South-east Nigeria, have arrested two suspects for allegedly taking part in jungle justice in the state. The police spokesperson in Anambra State, Tochukwu Ikenga, in a statement on Friday, said the Commissioner of Police in the state, Aderemi Adeoye, has condemned frequent resort to the jungle justice by residents. Mr Adeoye warned that the police in the state will not condone the reckless resort to jungle justice by anyone or group in the state. The police commissioner described those who carry out jungle justice on suspected criminals as beasts. Such group who resort to jungle justice are worse than the suspects they lynch, he said. He stressed that it is improper to kill someone accused of stealing a phone without being convicted by a court of law. The sentence for stealing a phone is three years imprisonment. Those who lynch commits murder which carries the death penalty as the courts have not delegated anyone outside the judiciary to try, convict and execute suspects, Mr Adeoye stated. The police commissioner advised residents to take crime suspects to the police rather than lynch them. He asked the residents to contact his office if they fail to get justice and assured that the police in the will always be alive to its responsibility in maintaining law and order. Resort to self-help will not be tolerated, he maintained. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Abera stepped into the playground of the "giant" as a "young" start-up in Vietnam HO CHI MINH, Vietnam, Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Foreign enthusiasts of Vietnamese products - the 'lever' for Abera - the Vietnamese cosmetics brand, to make a breakthrough on the renowned e-commerce platform, Amazon. Despite encountering notable challenges due to the company's relative youth and the highly competitive cosmetics market, the leadership team at Abera demonstrated boldness by undertaking an audacious experiment. They initiated an ambitious endeavor to target American customers through Amazon, taking a daring leap in pursuit of success. Not afraid of difficulties, Abera decided to launch its products on Amazon Amazon is globally acknowledged as the largest online shopping platform, presenting vast revenue opportunities. By seizing this chance, businesses can proactively embrace the growing cross-border Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) business trend and establish direct connections with consumers, thereby staying ahead in the market. Additionally, Abera places great emphasis on product improvement by actively listening to and considering feedback from its international customers. At the same time, the successful outcomes attained in the international market will generate excitement and contribute to building a strong reputation for Abera, thereby enhancing the prestige of Vietnamese cosmetics. Abera exceeded expectations by achieving remarkable sales figures After a year of relentless effort, the start-up has achieved millions of US dollars in revenue, with a customer conversion rate five times higher than the domestic market and a doubling in the number of orders compared to the same period. These figures are significant, particularly when considering that cosmetics are not prominently featured among the best-selling "made in" Vietnam products on Amazon. This shows that Abera's products are of such high quality that customers from around the world are willing to purchase and experience them. The extensive stream of positive comments on Abera's product pages on Amazon suggests that the brand has earned a certain level of trust from its Western customers. Vietnamese brands are steadily asserting their presence in the global market Over the past few years, numerous Vietnamese brands, including Vinamilk, VinFast, Vincom Retail, and others, have been steadily establishing themselves in the global market. This shows that Vietnamese products are comparable to those from other countries and hold immense potential for remarkable growth. Despite this, current statistics indicate that Vietnamese cosmetics have not fully captured the attention of foreign consumers. Therefore, Abera's achievement can serve as a crucial stepping stone, not just for Abera itself but also for other Vietnamese cosmetics brands, to expand their global presence. In the near future, Abera Vietnam will further enhance its brand and successfully realize the vision of promoting Vietnamese cosmetics worldwide. SOURCE Abera CAPSTONE Contributes to a Resilient U.S. Space Architecture in Cislunar Space WESTMINSTER, Colo., Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Advanced Space, a leading space tech solutions company, announced today that their Cislunar Autonomous Positioning System Technology Operations and Navigation Experiment (CAPSTONE) mission has successfully operated on-orbit around the Moon for a full year. This milestone puts the company in an elite category logging over 365 days of continuous operations in the cislunar environment. As the first company to operate a commercial satellite at the Moon, Advanced Space has gained valuable insights around cislunar operations that can only come from hands-on experience. Advanced Space celebrates its Cislunar Autonomous Positioning System Technology Operations and Navigation Experiment (CAPSTONE) Mission's one-year orbiting the Moon. This mission for NASA will help inform future operations for the Gateway lunar space station that will support NASA's Artemis missions. The band tour-style poster salutes the partners of the mission and shares the milestones of this historic mission and the first commercial satellite to operate at the Moon. CAPSTONE Mission Patch Over the course of the year, CAPSTONE has maintained its unique Near Rectilinear Halo Orbit (NRHO) gathering data to inform future operations of the lunar Gateway space station in support of NASA's Artemis program. The CAPSTONE mission has also demonstrated a novel spacecraft-to-spacecraft navigation technology called the Cislunar Autonomous Positioning System (CAPS) and explored incorporating one-way uplink measurements through an onboard Chip Scale Atomic Clock (CSAC), the first ever flown at the Moon. "Our experience at the Moon has provided tremendous insights and lessons learned that will be invaluable as we continue to build the infrastructure that will support current and future lunar activity. I want to thank our incredible team for their dedication as they worked through challenges and implemented solutions real-time to get us here today" said Advanced Space CEO and President Bradley Cheetham. "We are also grateful for the support of NASA and our partners throughout this historic journey." Advanced Space is currently undergoing an Enhanced Mission Phase for its primary customer, NASA, and with around 50% of its fuel remaining the company is engaging with customers and the community for additional on-orbit experiments to be performed using the existing on-board flight computer and surplus fuel. "Space exploration deepens our understanding of planet Earth, the moon, and what lies beyond. Colorado's aerospace economy and Advanced Space are spearheading American innovation to help us maintain our leadership in space," said U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper. ABOUT CAPSTONE: CAPSTONE is owned and operated by Advanced Space. It was the first CubeSat to fly in cislunar space the orbital area near and around the Moon and demonstrate an innovative spacecraft-to-spacecraft navigation technology. The mission launched on June 28, 2022. Critical partners in the CAPSTONE mission include: NASA: CAPSTONE's development is supported by the Space Technology Mission Directorate via the Small Spacecraft Technology and Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) programs at NASA's Ames Research Center in California's Silicon Valley. The Artemis Campaign Development Division within NASA's Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate supported the launch and mission operations. NASA's Launch Services Program at Kennedy Space Center in Florida was responsible for launch management. NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory supported the communication, tracking, and telemetry downlink via NASA's Deep Space Network, Iris radio design and groundbreaking 1-way navigation algorithms. NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center awarded the CAPS SBIR award. CAPSTONE's development is supported by the Space Technology Mission Directorate via the Small Spacecraft Technology and Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) programs at NASA's Ames Research Center in Silicon Valley. The Artemis Campaign Development Division within NASA's Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate supported the launch and mission operations. NASA's Launch Services Program at in was responsible for launch management. NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory supported the communication, tracking, and telemetry downlink via NASA's Deep Space Network, Iris radio design and groundbreaking 1-way navigation algorithms. NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center awarded the CAPS SBIR award. Terran Orbital Corporation: Spacecraft design, development and implementation, hardware manufacturing, assembly, testing and mission operations support. Spacecraft design, development and implementation, hardware manufacturing, assembly, testing and mission operations support. Stellar Exploration: Propulsion subsystem provider. Propulsion subsystem provider. Rocket Lab USA , Inc.: Launch provider for CAPSTONE on a three-stage Electron launch vehicle. Launch provider for CAPSTONE on a three-stage Electron launch vehicle. Space Dynamics Lab (SDL): Iris radio and navigation firmware provider. Iris radio and navigation firmware provider. Orion Space Solutions (formerly Astra): Chip Scale Atomic Clock (CSAC) hardware provider necessary for the 1-way ranging experiment. Chip Scale Atomic Clock (CSAC) hardware provider necessary for the 1-way ranging experiment. Tethers Unlimited, Inc.: Cross Link radio provider. Cross Link radio provider. Morehead State University (MSU): Operates the newest "affiliated node" on the NASA Deep Space Network (DSN). Providing telemetry, tracking and control services for NASA and commercial space missions and to engage university students in deep space mission operations. ABOUT ADVANCED SPACE: Advanced Space (https://advancedspace.com/) supports the sustainable exploration, development, and settlement of space through software and services that leverage unique subject matter expertise to improve the fundamentals of spaceflight. Advanced Space is dedicated to improving flight dynamics technology development and expedited turn-key missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. The team has been honored with the AIAA Small Spacecraft Mission of the Year (2022), Commercial Spaceflight Federation Award and the NASA Honor Group Achievement Award. Learn more about what Advanced Space is creating; check out details on the Cislunar Autonomous Positioning System Technology Operations Navigation Experiment mission page. SOURCE Advanced Space The growth of the global aircraft electrical system market is driven by factors such as increase in demand for air travel, rise in the development of electric and hybrid aircraft, and increase in the integration of advanced avionics systems. WILMINGTON, Del., Nov. 16, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "Aircraft Electrical System Market By Component (Battery, Generator, Electric Bus, and Others), System (Power Generation, Power Distribution, Power Conversion, and Energy Storage), and End Use (Commercial, and Defense): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 20232032". According to the report, the global aircraft electrical system industry size generated $16.87 billion in 2022 and is anticipated to generate $30.67 billion by 2032, witnessing a CAGR of 6.2% from 2023 to 2032. Download Sample Pages - https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/6565 Prime determinants of growth The growth of the global aircraft electrical system market is driven by factors such as increase in demand for air travel, rise in the development of electric and hybrid aircraft, and increase in the integration of advanced avionics systems. However, high initial investment and development cost and constraints in the technologies related to aircraft batteries hamper the growth of the market. On the contrary, the increase in demand for lightweight electrical systems, and the rise in demand for aircraft modernization and upgrades are expected to offer remunerative opportunities for the expansion of the aircraft electrical system market during the forecast period. Report Coverage & Details: Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 20232032 Base Year 2022 Market Size in 2022 $16.87 billion Market Size in 2032 $30.67 billion CAGR 6.2 % No. of Pages in Report 323 Segments Covered Component, System, End Use, and Region. Drivers Increase in demand for air travel Rise in development of electric and hybrid aircraft Increase in integration of advanced avionics systems Opportunities High initial investment and development cost Constraints in the technologies related to aircraft batteries Restraints Increase in demand for lightweight electrical systems Rising demand for aircraft modernization and upgrades Impact of Russia-Ukraine War Scenario On February 24, 2022 , Russia initiated an invasion of Ukraine , marking a significant escalation in the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian War that commenced in 2014. There is a risk of disruptions in the production and supply of crucial aircraft system components for major electrical component manufacturers situated in the conflict zone or heavily rely on regional suppliers, The conflict may pose challenges in the transportation and logistics of these components, causing delays and heightened expenses. , initiated an invasion of , marking a significant escalation in the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian War that commenced in 2014. There is a risk of disruptions in the production and supply of crucial aircraft system components for major electrical component manufacturers situated in the conflict zone or heavily rely on regional suppliers, The conflict may pose challenges in the transportation and logistics of these components, causing delays and heightened expenses. However, countries involved in the conflict or those in proximity may accelerate the modernization of their military fleets, leading to a higher demand for cutting-edge aircraft technologies, including advanced electrical systems. Furthermore, the urgency to gain a technological edge in warfare can drive innovation in aircraft systems, including electrical systems. The generator segment to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period. Based on component, the generator segment held the highest market share in 2022, accounting for more than one-third of the global aircraft electrical system market revenue, and is estimated to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period, as there is a surge in electrical demand, which necessitates more robust and capable generators for a stable and sufficient power supply. Moreover, the battery segment is projected to manifest the highest CAGR of 7.4% from 2023 to 2032, owing to rise in demand for advanced battery technologies for the development and acceptance of electric and hybrid-electric aircraft. Report Key Highlights: The examination of the aircraft electrical system market encompasses more than 15 countries, featuring a detailed segment analysis of each country based on projected values ($ million) for the period spanning 2023-2032. Our study incorporates high-quality data, professional opinions, and analytical insights, alongside critical independent perspectives. The research methodology is designed to present a comprehensive perspective on global markets, aiding stakeholders in making well-informed decisions to realize their most ambitious growth objectives. To enhance our comprehension of the market dynamics, we conducted a thorough review of over 3,700 product literature pieces, annual reports, industry statements, and comparable materials from major industry participants. Procure Complete Research Report (PDF with Qualitative and Quotative Data, Insights, Statistics, Tables, Charts, Figures) - https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/aircraft-electrical-system-market/purchase-options The power generation segment to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period. Based on the system, the power generation segment held the highest market share in 2022, accounting for more than one-third of the global aircraft electrical system market revenue, and is estimated to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period, as there rise in the collaboration of aerospace companies with power generation system providers for efficient and eco-friendly operation of aircraft. However, the energy storage segment is projected to witness the highest CAGR of 8.0% from 2023 to 2032, owing to rise in the research and development activities focused on enhancing energy storage technologies for aviation applications. The commercial segment to maintain its lead position during the forecast period Based on end use, the commercial segment accounted for the largest share in 2022, accounting for more than two-thirds of the global aircraft electrical system market revenue, and is estimated to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period as there is a continuous rise in global passenger demand for air travel, driven by factors such as business travel, tourism, and globalization. However, the defense segment is projected to witness the highest CAGR of 7.0% from 2023 to 2032, owing to the collaboration of defense aircraft manufacturers with aircraft electrical system providers to support modernization efforts, including upgrades to various electrical systems in military aircraft. 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 one-third of the aircraft electrical system market revenue, and is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period, as there is surge in demand for new airplanes in the region due to increased air travel, which contributes to a rise in the need for aircraft electrical systems. However, Europe is expected to witness the fastest CAGR of 7.8% from 2023 to 2032, owing to rise in the development of more streamlined, reliable, and efficient flight control systems for the evolving electric vertical takeoff and landing industry. Leading Market Players: - Safran Group Astronics Corporation AMETEK.Inc General Electric Collins Aersopace Amphenol Corporation Thales Honeywell International Inc. Crane Aerospace & Electronics PARKER HANNIFIN CORP. The report provides a detailed analysis of these key players in the global aircraft electrical system market. These players have adopted various strategies such as contract, collaboration, partnership, investment, new product development, expansion, 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. Interested to Procure the Research Report? Inquire Before Buying - https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/6565 Similar Reports We Have on Aviation Industry: Aerospace Electrical Inserts Market Research Report 2023-2032 Automotive Electrical Connectors Market Research Report 2023-2032 Aircraft Electrical Actuators Market Research Report 2023-2032 About Us Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Portland, Oregon. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions." AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain. We are in professional corporate relations with various companies and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Allied Market Research CEO Pawan Kumar is instrumental in inspiring and encouraging everyone associated with the company to maintain high quality of data and help clients in every way possible to achieve success. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry. Contact: David Correa 1209 Orange Street, Corporation Trust Center, Wilmington, New Castle, Delaware 19801 USA. USA/Canada (Toll Free): +1-800-792-5285 UK: +44-845-528-1300 Hong Kong: +852-301-84916 India (Pune): +91-20-66346060 Fax: +1-800-792-5285 [email protected] Web: www.alliedmarketresearch.com Allied Market Research Blog: https://blog.alliedmarketresearch.com Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/636519/Allied_Market_Research_Logo.jpg SOURCE Allied Market Research PALO ALTO, Calif., Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- DeepBrain AI, in collaboration with AKA Ausfuhrkredit-Gesellschaft mbH (AKA), introduced AI avatar technology to the European financial services sector at the Euro Finance Tech Day 2023. AKA led a panel discussion featuring DeepBrain AI's conversational AI Human technology, showcasing the use of AI and AI avatars to modernize and transform 24/7 customer support in the financial services industry. Experience the future of finance with AKA Bank's live demonstration featuring 'Amy', DeepBrain AI's advanced conversational avatar, at Euro Finance Tech Day 2023. Witness 'Amy' interact in real-time, providing a captivating glimpse into the next level of 24/7 customer service powered by AI. Captured at Euro Finance Tech Day 2023, AKA Bank's CEO stands with 'Amy', the epitome of DeepBrain AI's innovation in conversational AI avatars, symbolizing the synergy of human expertise and AI precision in modern banking. Euro Finance Tech Day 2023, organized by dfv Euro Finance Group, focused on topics related to digitalization, payments, and technology trends in finance and banking. The event this year delved into the central theme of "Could we handle artificial finance?" The agenda aimed to highlight the changes, opportunities, and risks associated with the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the finance and banking industry. Eric Jang, CEO of DeepBrain AI, expressed his excitement about the opportunity, stating, "DeepBrain AI is honored to have been represented by AKA at Euro Finance Tech Day. We know that AI will play a pivotal role in revolutionizing all aspects of future businesses. This partnership represents a significant milestone in our ambitions for AI and AI avatars, driving our expansion into the European market and paving the way for enhanced customer experiences and improved operational efficiency." Artificial Intelligence (AI) and AI Avatars are revolutionizing human-computer interaction. DeepBrain is well-positioned to enter the European market, building on the company's successful track record of implementing AI and AI avatar technology in Asia-Pacific banking institutions. The company has established strong partnerships with leading financial institutions, including KB Kookmin Bank, Samsung Securities, Shinhan Bank, Woori Bank, Hana Bank, and AIA Life Insurance. Their patented AI avatar video and conversational AI Human technologies have played a crucial role in advancing video production, enhancing digital interactions, and delivering exceptional experiences for both customers and staff. DeepBrain AI sets itself apart as an industry leader by providing comprehensive support for all AI avatar formats, including both software and hardware products. During the Euro Finance Tech Day 2023 exhibition, AKA showcased a prototype based on DeepBrain's AI Human technology, demonstrating the company's AI avatar's ability to engage in human-like conversations. DeepBrain's conversational AI model, which was developed in collaboration with AKA, utilized a fine-tuned large language model (LLM) to deliver personalized and informative responses that closely resembled natural human-to-human exchanges. Additionally, the AI human has a visually realistic appearance, creating a unique experience that combines the advantages of technology with the familiarity of human interactions. "We are excited to be the first German company to present our AI avatar prototype "AMY" from DeepBrain AI live on stage at the Euro Finance Tech Day. Smart AI avatars will significantly alter customer experience in the near future and provide many opportunities for value-generating human-computer-interaction available 24/7 in the language of the customer. DeepBrain AI's AI Human technology is highly sophisticated and matches the expectation of our customers. I want to express my gratitude to the team, which basically worked 24 hours a day, distributed over three continents, in Palo Alto, Frankfurt and Seoul." said Marck Wengrzik, CEO at AKA. The collaboration between AKA and DeepBrain AI is rooted in the strong belief that the potential for AI in financial services is enormous. Following the exhibition at Euro Finance Tech Day 2023, AKA will evaluate the potential integration of DeepBrain AI's AI avatar technology into their business services. About AKA Bank: AKA Ausfuhrkredit-Gesellschaft mbH has specialized in international export and trade finance since 1952. AKA is headquartered in Frankfurt/Main. Together with its 17 shareholder banks such as Bayerische Landesbank, Commerzbank, Deutsche Bank, Deutsche Leasing, DZ Bank, Hamburg Commercial Bank, ING, KfW IPEX-Bank, Landesbank Baden-Wurttemberg and UniCredit, it works in partnership to finance German export transactions. In cooperation with exporters, importers, credit insurers and banks, AKA makes an important contribution to promoting the German export industry. The commodity-related nature of its activities ensures a reliable and resilient business model. About DeepBrain AI: DeepBrain AI humanizes digital interactions by utilizing real-time Artificial Intelligence (AI) and video synthesis solutions to generate the world's fastest and most realistic human-like AI models. The company's proprietary, patent-led technology adds a human touch to all digital content and interactions, reducing the cost and time of video production and improving the quality of digital engagement. DeepBrain AI is at the forefront of shaping modern digital experiences and has already made a significant impact in various industries, such as media, finance, commerce, hospitality, and education. Headquartered in Palo Alto, California, DeepBrain AI has received numerous accolades for its technology, AI Studios, and AI Human platforms, including the CES 2022 and 2023 Innovation Awards. The company has already achieved remarkable success in the Asia-Pacific region and is now focused on growing virtual human technology in the North American and European markets. SOURCE DeepBrain AI DECATUR, Ala., Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Alliance Technical Group (Alliance), a global leader in environmental compliance services, is pleased to announce the successful acquisitions of four environmental laboratories across the United States. This marks the next milestone in Alliance's mission to provide comprehensive environmental solutions to its customer base. "The laboratory acquisitions are a significant adjacency for Alliance. We originated as a regional stack testing company, but we've made tremendous strides over the last few years to expand our geographic footprint and service offerings to include LDAR, CEMS, environmental consulting, and software," said Premal Vora, Chief Strategy Officer. "These acquisitions also represent an expansion beyond air testing into different media including water, hazardous waste, and soil." Alliance Technical Group Builds Nationwide Environmental Laboratory Network, Expanding Comprehensive Services Post this The acquired environmental laboratories include: Summit Environmental Technologies, Inc., Cuyahoga Falls, OH: Summit serves a broad, national customer base which includes manufacturing facilities, waste disposal, paper mills, and wastewater. The laboratory holds more than 30 regulatory certifications for hundreds of analytical parameters, including PFAS, RadChem, drinking water, soil, wastewater, groundwater, hazardous waste, and air. Fremont Analytical, Inc., Seattle, WA: Fremont serves the Pacific Northwest with various organic and inorganic analyses for soil, water, hazardous waste, and air. The laboratory holds TNI accreditation in Oregon and separate accreditations from Washington and Alaska state agencies. It specializes in remediation, hazardous waste, and stormwater. Orange Coast Analytical, Los Angeles, CA and Phoenix, AZ: Orange Coast, accredited in CA and AZ, is an environmental testing laboratory with a skilled team of chemists, biologists, and engineers. Orange Coast offers analytical services for soil, non-potable water, wastewater, stormwater, hazardous waste, and groundwater. CHESTER LabNet, Portland, OR: Chester LabNet has an international reach in support of stack testing and ambient air analytical projects. Their Oregon TNI accreditation covers a suite of inorganic analyses with a particular specialty in hex-chrome analysis and XRF elemental identification. "At the outset of our investment, we identified environmental labs as an attractive adjacent service line where customers were asking the company to expand. We are proud of the progress that Chris LeMay and the Alliance team have made in the company's national environmental lab buildout strategy. These acquisitions have enabled the company to expand its service offerings and are a testament to Alliance's mission to always serve the customer better. The growth in this segment since our investment has been significant, and we look forward to continuing to support similar strategic priorities and growth initiatives," said Morgan Stanley Capital Partners' Eric Kanter, Managing Director. "Incorporating multi-media analytical services into our end-to-end suite of solutions was essential to further grow as partners with our highly diverse customer base," said Chris LeMay, Chief Executive Officer. "It was also key to add technical capabilities and accreditations, such as PFAS and XRF, to better support Alliance's national leading environmental testing and monitoring services. Our platform of laboratories overlays with our existing geographic footprint to provide deep experience and coverage for the highest priority needs of our customers." About Alliance Technical Group: Alliance Technical Group (Alliance), headquartered in Decatur, AL, is an environmental testing, data, and analytics company helping our customers achieve their environmental goals. With more than 1,300 specialists located in over 40 offices nationwide, Alliance provides premier technical solutions to support the full spectrum of our customers' environmental needs. Alliance addresses our customers' needs across multiple service lines Stack Testing, Leak Detection and Repair, Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems, Analytical & Laboratory Services, Ambient Air Monitoring, Software and Technology, and Environmental Consulting while providing innovative technological solutions that reduce risk and help ensure compliance. About Morgan Stanley Capital Partners Morgan Stanley Capital Partners, part of Morgan Stanley Investment Management, is a leading middle-market private equity platform established in 1986 that focuses on privately negotiated equity and equity-related investments primarily in North America. Morgan Stanley Capital Partners seeks to create value in portfolio companies primarily in a series of subsectors in the business services, consumer, healthcare, education and industrials markets with an emphasis on driving significant organic and acquisition growth through an operationally focused approach. For further information about Morgan Stanley Capital Partners, please visit www.morganstanley.com/im/capitalpartners. SOURCE Alliance Technical Group ASTANA, Kazakhstan, November 17. Kazakhstan is interested in expanding cooperation with foreign companies as part of the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR, or Middle Corridor), said the Minister of Transport of Kazakhstan, Marat Karabayev at a meeting with representatives of foreign companies, Trend reports. "A roadmap for the synchronized elimination of obstacles was signed in November 2022 with Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkey. As a result, by 2027, TITR's throughput is expected to increase from 6 to 10 million tons per year, with delivery times reduced to 14-18 days. The territory of the Middle Corridor is rapidly increasing, with many enterprises from the Black Sea region and Europe joining the International TITR Association," he said. According to the minister, Kazakhstan always welcomes the expansion of cooperation. Marat Karabayev pointed out that the Ministry pays special attention to increasing the transport and logistics potential of the country and is therefore ready to provide the necessary support measures. "Today, the ministry is faced with the task of strengthening the role of Kazakhstan as a reliable continental transit hub. The head of state noted the importance of developing a multimodal hub at the republics airports. We also value your interest in the dynamically developing Middle Corridor," he noted. The Middle Corridor is a transportation and commerce route that connects Asia and Europe, going through numerous regional countries. It is a different route from the standard Northern and Southern Corridors. The route starts in China and crosses Central Asian countries such as Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. It then passes through the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkiye before reaching Europe. The Middle Corridor offers a land route that connects the eastern parts of Asia, including China, with Europe, bypassing the longer maritime routes. Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel NEW YORK, Nov. 16, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The aluminum powders, pastes, and flakes market size is expected to grow by USD 943.77 million from 2023 to 2028. In addition, the growth momentum of the market will progress at a CAGR of over 5.08% during the forecast period, according to Technavio. An increase in construction activities is notably driving the aluminum powders, pastes, and flakes market. However, factors such as upstream industry challenges from trade policies in China affecting downstream growth may impede market growth. Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Aluminum Powders, Pastes, and Flakes Market 2024-2028 The report offers an up-to-date analysis of the market, and to know the exact growth variance and the Y-O-Y growth rate, Request a Free Sample Report. The market is segmented by end-user (industrial, automotive, aerospace and defense, construction, and others), product (aluminum paste, aluminum flakes and flake pigment, and aluminum powder), and geography (APAC, Europe, Middle East, and Africa, North America, and South America). We provide a detailed analysis of 20 companies operating in the aluminum powders, pastes, and flakes market, including Alcoa Corp., Altana AG, AMG Advanced Metallurgical Group NV, Atlantic Equipment Engineers Inc., Carlfors Bruk AB, Dimacolor Industry Group Co. Ltd., ESPI Metals, Global Aluminium Pvt. Ltd., Jiangsu Tianyuan Metal Powder Co. Ltd., Jinan Bocai Chemical Technology Co. Ltd., Kymera International, MMP Industries Ltd., N.B. Enterprises, Nippon Light Metal Holdings Co. Ltd., NovaCentrix, Palco Metals Ltd, SCHLENK SE, The Arasan Aluminium Industries P Ltd., The Metal Powder Co. Ltd., and United Company RUSAL. Aluminum Powders, Pastes, And Flakes Market 2024-2028: Company Analysis Alcoa Corp: The company offers aluminum powders, pastes, and flakes under the brand name Sustana. This report provides a full list of key companies, their strategies, and the latest developments. Buy Now for detailed company information Aluminum Powders, Pastes, And Flakes Market 2024-2028: Segmentation End-user The market growth by industrial segment is significant during the forecast period. There is increasing adoption of aluminum powders, pastes, and flakes in industrial applications such as solar cells, industrial coatings, refractors, thermite welding and welding electrodes, metallurgy applications, and aluminum soldering. Hence, such factors are fuelling the growth of this segment which in turn drives the market growth during the forecast period. is significant during the forecast period. There is increasing adoption of aluminum powders, pastes, and flakes in industrial applications such as solar cells, industrial coatings, refractors, thermite welding and welding electrodes, metallurgy applications, and aluminum soldering. Hence, such factors are fuelling the growth of this segment which in turn drives the market growth during the forecast period. Product Geography APAC accounts for 51% of the market growth during the forecast period. The main country in APAC which is significantly contributing to the market growth in APAC is China as it is the key producer and consumer of aluminum. Hence, such factors drive the market growth in the region. Learn about the contribution of each segment summarized in concise infographics and thorough descriptions. View Free PDF Sample Report Aluminum Powders, Pastes, And Flakes Market 2024-2028: Key Highlights Historic Market Size 2017-2021 CAGR of the market during 2024-2028 Detailed information on factors that will assist aluminum powders, pastes, and flakes market growth during the next five years Estimation of the aluminum powders, pastes, and flakes market size and its contribution to the parent market Forecasts on upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior The growth of the aluminum powders, pastes, and flakes market Analysis of the competitive landscape and detailed information on companies Comprehensive details of factors that will impede the growth of aluminum powders, pastes, and flakes market companies Related Reports: The aluminum market size is forecast to increase by USD 28.01 billion between 2022 and 2027, accelerating at a CAGR of 3.05%. The aluminum pigment market size is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 5% between 2022 and 2027. The market size is forecast to increase by USD 160.13 million. Aluminum Powders, Pastes, And Flakes Market Scope Report Coverage Details Base year 2023 Historic period 2018-2022 Forecast period 2024-2028 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 5.08% Market Growth 2024-2028 USD 943.77 million Market structure Fragmented YoY growth 2022-2023 (%) 4.39 Regional analysis APAC, Europe, Middle East and Africa, North America, and South America ToC: Executive Summary Market Landscape Market Sizing Historic Market Sizes Five Forces Analysis Market Segmentation by End-user Market Segmentation by Product Market Segmentation by Geography Customer Landscape Geographic Landscape Drivers, Challenges, & Trends Company Landscape Company Analysis Appendix About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focus on emerging market trends and provide actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base 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 The Firm was Named as a Clutch Global Leader for 2023 and an UpCity 'Best Of' Award Winner MIAMI, Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Anderson Collaborative, the leading Miami-based, data-driven marketing and public relations agency, announced today it is the recipient of two prestigious industry awards. The firm was named as a Clutch Global Leader for 2023 out of just 1,000 companies worldwide. In addition, UpCity awarded it with its 'Best Of' distinction, alongside only 108 companies in the state of Florida. These notable recognitions come at a time when Anderson Collaborative is accelerating at 118% year-over-year revenue growth. Anderson Collaborative, the leading Miami-based, data-driven marketing and public relations agency, was named as a Clutch Global Leader for 2023 out of just 1,000 companies worldwide. Founded in 2019, Anderson Collaborative offers services including website design, public relations, cross-channel promotion, brand development, and data analytics. This year's awards follow multiple earlier recognitions for the agency. Clutch, the data-driven source supplying ratings and reviews of leading IT, marketing and business services companies, previously named Anderson Collaborative as one of the top 100 B2B companies within the Miami region. Meanwhile, UpCity, a top trusted service provider of business listings, heralded it as a Local Excellence Winner. "Our team at Anderson Collaborative is dedicated to raising brand awareness for our clients which is why it is an honor to be recognized by both Clutch and UpCity for our hard work and successful strategies," said Trevor Anderson, founder and CEO of Anderson Collaborative. "2023 was a milestone year for the firm, and we look forward to carrying that same upward trajectory into the new year." Anderson Collaborative's diverse client portfolio embodies sectors including hospitality, retail, lifestyle, product, financial, and more. The agency not only works with clients within South Florida but around the globe, expanding its strategic marketing efforts through integrated partnerships with Amazon advertising, Facebook marketing and CallRail as well as Shopify and BigCommerce. For more information on Anderson Collaborative, visit www.andersoncollaborative.com. About Anderson Collaborative Anderson Collaborative is a privately owned digital agency headquartered in Miami, Florida. Established in 2019, the award-winning firm provides data-driven marketing, web, brand strategy, and analytics services to a broad range of clientele throughout the United States. For more information, call (305) 777-0471 or visit www.andersoncollaborative.com. Media Contact: Kristen Skladd 586-222-2423 [email protected] SOURCE Anderson Collaborative Clinical programs, including ATG-101 (PD-L1/4-1BB bispecific antibody), ATG-022 (Claudin 18.2 antibody-drug conjugate), and ATG-037 (oral CD73 inhibitor) have shown clinical responses in cancer patients with advanced diseases. ATG-008 (dual mTORC1/2 inhibitor) continued showing strong clinical activities in the Phase II program, with promising efficacy data in cervical cancer patients compared to benchmarks. SHANGHAI and HONG KONG, Nov. 16, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Antengene Corporation Limited ("Antengene" SEHK: 6996.HK), a leading commercial-stage innovative, global biopharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering, developing, and commercializing first-in-class and/or best-in-class medicines for hematology and oncology, is presenting encouraging clinical data of the Company's four key drugs in clinical development: ATG-101 (PD-L1/4-1BB bispecific antibody), ATG-022 (Claudin 18.2 antibody-drug conjugate), ATG-037 (oral CD73 inhibitor), and ATG-008 (dual mTORC1/2 inhibitor), at its 2023 R&D Day taking place today. The event will also include presentations and discussion with three well-known clinical experts from leading medical centers in the U.S. and Australia. ATG-101 (PD-L1/4-1BB bispecific antibody): Early data from the Phase I PROBE trial have shown a partial response (PR) in a patient with metastatic colon adenocarcinoma (microsatellite stability biomarker [MSS], liver metastasis, and three prior lines of therapy) which is ongoing. Additionally, two patients have been on ATG-101 for 18 cycles and 17 cycles (Q3W), respectively, demonstrating durable stable disease (SD) with a good safety profile with no liver toxicities. This distinguishes ATG-101 as a safer drug compared to many molecules currently under development targeting 4-1BB. At present, Antengene is conducting the Phase I clinical trials with ATG-101 for the treatment of patients with solid tumors or B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (B-NHL) in Mainland of China, Australia, and the U.S. ATG-022 (Claudin 18.2 antibody-drug conjugate): Initial clinical data include a complete response (CR) and a PR in two late-stage metastatic gastric cancer patients in the Phase 1 CLINCH trial. The PR was observed in Cohort 3 (1.8 mg/kg), a dose lower than the anticipated efficacious range; while the CR was observed in Cohort 4 (2.4 mg/kg). At present, Antengene is conducting a Phase I clinical study of ATG-022 for the treatment of patients with advanced or metastatic solid tumors in Australia and Mainland of China. ATG-037 (oral CD73 inhibitor): In the dose escalation portion of the Phase I STAMINA trial, 12 patients, all previously treated with a checkpoint inhibitor (CPI, pembrolizumab or nivolumab), have received ATG-037 in combination with pembrolizumab after at least 2 cycles of ATG-037 monotherapy, with 7 patients still under treatment. PRs were observed in two melanoma patients (with prior anti-PD-1 treatment), and in one patient with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who had also undergone treatment with chemotherapy in addition to a CPI (anti-PD-1). In Australia and Mainland of China, Antengene is currently conducting a Phase I study of ATG-037 single agent and in combination with pembrolizumab for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic solid tumors. ATG-008 (dual mTORC1/2 inhibitor): Clinical efficacy data have shown promising results from the Phase II TORCH-2 study evaluating ATG-008 in combination with toripalimab (anti-PD-1 antibody) for relapsed/metastatic cervical cancer patients. The trial enrolled 54 late-stage metastatic cervical cancer patients (30 CPI-naive and 17 CPI-pre-treated patients with at least one tumor assessment). For the CPI-naive patients, the objective response rate (ORR) is 53.3%, accompanied by a disease control rateDCR of 86.7% and a median progression-free survival (mPFS) of 8.41 months. For the CPI-pre-treated patients, the ORR, DCR, and mPFS stands at 29.4%, 82.4%, and 4.17 months respectively. These results support the efficacy of the treatment and compare favorably with previously published benchmark data. "We are gratified that the differentiated preclinical efficacy data and benchmark comparisons for each program are being effectively translated to the clinic and encouraged to observe preliminary responses below the projected efficacious doses, according to the preliminary clinical data of ATG-022 and ATG-101. Moreover, ATG-037 and ATG-008, have progressed to combination studies and that, to date, we have already seen promising efficacy data with well tolerated safety profile. This is very encouraging." commented Dr. Amily Zhang, Antengene's Chief Medical Officer. "Finally, we look forward to the participation of the investigators for the three programs: ATG-101, ATG-022 and ATG-037, and believe their perspective will help enrich the discussion at the R&D Day." "The promising, early efficacy and good overall safety signals that we are presenting today on ATG-101, ATG-022, ATG-037 and ATG-008 are very encouraging because these programs target patients with advanced disease who had received multiple prior lines of therapy and the data further demonstrate these drugs' potential to improve the care of patients with cancer," said Dr. Jay Mei, Antengene's Founder, Chairman and CEO."In addition, we will also present the latest preclinical data of ATG-031 (anti-CD24 monoclonal antibody), our novel first-in-class CD24-targeted drug acting on the 'don't eat me' pathway. The drug is currently being evaluated in a Phase I study of ATG-031 that is led by the MD Anderson Cancer Center and participated by other three clinical trial centers across the U.S. We were founded with the mission of bringing more transformative medicines to cancer patients around the world. Everyone at Antengene has resolute dedication to our mission and these early data affirm that we are delivering." Antengene expects that updated and detailed study results of the studies that will be presented at international scientific conferences in 2024 or later. The English session will be held virtually at 8:30 AM, November 17, 2023, Eastern Time/ 9:30 PM, Beijing Time. The Chinese session will be held in-person at the Antengene Shanghai Office and virtually at 8:30 AM, November 17, 2023, Beijing Time. We invite all investors to join Antengene's 2023 R&D Day. To attend the event, please follow instructions provided in the press release below: https://www.antengene.com/newsinfo/365 About Antengene Antengene Corporation Limited ("Antengene", SEHK: 6996.HK) is a leading commercial-stage R&D-driven global biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development, manufacturing and commercialization of innovative first-in-class/best-in-class therapeutics for the treatment of hematologic malignancies and solid tumors, in realizing its vision of "Treating Patients Beyond Borders". Since 2017, Antengene has built a pipeline of 9 oncology assets at various stages going from clinical to commercial, including 6 with global rights, and 3 with rights for the APAC region. To date, Antengene has obtained 29 investigational new drug (IND) approvals in the U.S. and Asia, and submitted 10 new drug applications (NDAs) in multiple Asia Pacific markets, with the NDA for XPOVIO (selinexor) already approved in Mainland of China, Taiwan China, Hong Kong China, South Korea, Singapore and Australia. Forward-looking statements The forward-looking statements made in this article relate only to the events or information as of the date on which the statements are made in this article. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. You should read this article completely and with the understanding that our actual future results or performance may be materially different from what we expect. In this article, statements of, or references to, our intentions or those of any of our Directors or our Company are made as of the date of this article. Any of these intentions may alter in light of future development. For a further discussion of these and other factors that could cause future results to differ materially from any forward-looking statement, please see the other risks and uncertainties described in the Company's Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2022, and the documents subsequently submitted to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. For more information, please contact: Investor Contacts: Donald Lung E-mail: [email protected] Mobile: +86 18420672158 PR Contacts: Peter Qian E-mail: [email protected] Mobile: +86 13062747000 SOURCE Antengene Corporation Limited Report champions expansion of early access and funding for Canadian Veterans. VANCOUVER, BC, Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - Apex Labs Ltd. (APEX or the Company), a pharmaceutical company transforming the standard of mental health care with psilocybin treatments commends the Senate Subcommittee on Veteran Affairs for their groundbreaking report "The Time Is Now: Granting equitable access to psychedelic-assisted therapies." Following months of hearings and consultation, the Subcommittee specifically calls for "immediate implementation of a robust research program funded by Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) and the Department of National Defence (DND)." APEX is proud to see our Early Access Program (EAP) and clinical pipeline mentioned in the report, supporting the Subcommittee's process. Dr. Mark Johnston, Chief Medical Officer at APEX, emphasizes the urgency of the situation." The current approach to treating Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in Veterans is failing and the negative outcomes from the current standard of care in PTSD are putting patients' lives at risk. The Subcommittee's recommendations echo the urgent, dire clinical need for effective treatments. Psychedelic-assisted therapy offers a promising, evidence-based avenue to significantly improve mental health care for Veterans. It's time to expand our therapeutic tools to include these potentially transformative treatments." As noted in the report, it is estimated that upwards of 15% of Canadian Veterans have been diagnosed with PTSD and are impacted by suicide at a substantially higher rate than the general population. Antidepressants paired with psychotherapy are the current standard of care in PTSD, but the report highlights limited efficacy and distressing side effects in approved drugs. "The Special Access Program (SAP) offers a crucial pathway for Veterans who have exhausted all other options," adds Dr. Johnston. "APEX urges a swift expansion of access under the SAP, ensuring Veterans eligible for the program receive the same benefits and insurance coverage as they would for traditional PTSD treatments." The Subcommittee emphasizes why it is essential for private companies and public institutions to prioritize and invest in Veteran mental health, as highlighted in the report's conclusion below: "We owe it to our Veterans to explore every possibility. They should not be left to explore these options on their own. The entire hierarchy of the Canadian Armed Forces, of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, every employee at Veterans Affairs Canada and the entire Government of Canada, plus whatever researchers and health care professionals that the government can mobilize, should tackle this issue without hesitation. These Veterans are suffering because they rose to the highest calling of our nation. In return, Canadian decision-makers should do everything in their power, explore every avenue, leave no stone unturned, in case even one is hiding a wisp of a solution that could help them improve their daily lives. Let's tackle this problem with all available resources, motivated by their despair. What could be more important than that?" About the APEX Early Access Program The APEX EAP supports physicians applying through Health Canada's SAP for access to the APEX-90 macrodose psilocybin product for treatment outside of clinical trials where patients are suffering from severe disease states and otherwise meet the criteria for the SAP. A physician recently used APEX-90 drug product to dose a Canadian Veteran patient using APEX's Therapy Manual for assisted psychotherapy guidance. The EAP is specifically designed to support Canadian Armed Forces and RCMP Veterans, both populations that are disproportionately impacted by mental health conditions. APEX's EAP is aligned with SUMMIT-90, a Health Canada approved phase 2b clinical protocol, while collecting Real-World Evidence (RWE). About The APEX Clinical Program PATHFINDER-52 and SUMMIT-90 are statistically powered multi-center randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2b studies leveraging microdose and macrodose psilocybin drug assets with patient pre-screening underway. Both have been approved by Health Canada by way of a No Objection Letter (NOL). PATHFINDER-52 evaluates multiple regular doses of APEX-52 microdose, take home orally administered synthetic psilocybin drug product in treating depression and anxiety in patients with diagnosed PTSD, recruiting 294 subjects, the world's largest take home psilocybin clinical trial approved to date. SUMMIT-90 evaluates multiple doses of APEX-90 macrodose psilocybin product administered in-clinic with assisted psychotherapy protocols under the APEX Therapy Manual for the treatment of severe depression in patients with diagnosed PTSD, recruiting 160 patients in Canada. SUMMIT-90's primary indication being studied is severe depression within diagnosed PTSD, and secondary indications include standalone PTSD symptoms, chronic pain, and anxiety. About Health Canada's Special Access Program In Canada, the SAP allows physicians or certain other healthcare practitioners to access non-marketed or unauthorized drugs for patients with serious or life-threatening conditions when conventional treatments have failed, are unsuitable, or unavailable. To obtain access, the healthcare practitioner must submit a request to Health Canada detailing the medical rationale for the use of the drug, after which, if approved, the drug can be acquired directly by the healthcare practitioner from the manufacturer or another supplier authorized by Health Canada. About Apex Labs Ltd. APEX is a patient-driven pharmaceutical company focused on revolutionizing the standard of mental health care with psilocybin treatments. By bringing data supported, clinically evaluated drugs to market for depression and anxiety in PTSD, APEX's strategy is focused on developing pharmaceutical products through phased clinical programs evaluating safety and efficacy across multiple indications, alongside a robust early access program. APEX sees Veterans as a patient base with the most severe unmet need, supporting Veteran patients first and expanding to broader global patient communities. Visit apexlabs.com for more information and follow APEX on LinkedIn , Twitter and Instagram Forward-Looking Statement This release contains certain "forward looking statements" and certain "forward-looking information" as defined under applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements and information can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may", "will", "expect", "intend", "estimate", "anticipate", "believe", "continue", "plans" or similar terminology. Forward-looking statements and information are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions that, while believed by management to be reasonable, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Forward-looking statements and information are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the ability of the Company to control or predict, that may cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied thereby, and are developed based on assumptions about such risks, uncertainties and other factors set out here in, including but not limited to: Health Canada's CTA amendments, the Company evaluating the safety and efficacy of APEX-52 (psilocybin) and APEX-90 (psilocybin) in treating depression in Veterans and patients with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder; statements related to APEX-52 and APEX-90, including manufacturing, dosing, and trial details; statements made by the Company's CEO, CMO and CTO with respect to the Company's efforts around the Early Access Program; statements made relating to Canadian Veteran patients using APEX-52 in the comfort of their own home and APEX-90 in-clinic; the potential impact of epidemics, pandemics or other public health crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, on the Company's business, operations and financial condition, the successful integration of technology, the inherent risks involved in the general securities markets; uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future; the inherent uncertainty of cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses, currency fluctuations; regulatory restrictions, liability, competition, loss of key employees and other related risks and uncertainties. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information except as required by applicable law. Such forward-looking information represents managements' best judgment based on information currently available. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed and actual future results may vary materially. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. SOURCE Apex Labs Ltd. Community-driven project will spur billions of dollars in economic activity across New York State, reduce emissions, and deliver a just transition of union workers at New York City's largest power plant NEW YORK, Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Attentive Energy One a joint venture between TotalEnergies, Rise Light & Power, and Corio Generation has been selected by Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) in New York State's highly competitive third offshore wind solicitation to negotiate an offtake agreement with NYSERDA. This 1,400 MW offshore wind project will support the nation's first renewable repowering of a major fossil fuel generator, retiring and replacing a 60-year-old unit at Ravenswood Generating Station in Long Island City. Once operational, the project is expected to power over 700,000 New York homes from an area more than 50 miles from the nearest point onshore in New York. In addition to reducing carbon emissions by more than one million tons per year equivalent to removing 13% of cars from New York City streets Attentive Energy One is expected to deliver $25.6 billion in direct and indirect economic benefits to New York State, including more than 2,600 new unique jobs. The project is also expected to save ratepayers approximately $10 billion on their utility bills over the first 25 years of operation, including $500 million in savings for low-income New Yorkers. Doreen Harris, President and CEO, NYSERDA said: "New York State's largest-ever renewable energy awards' announcement demonstrates our unwavering commitment to achieving an equitable and vibrant clean energy future. We look forward to working with the Attentive Energy One team to bring the project online to reduce emissions and deliver zero-emission energy to hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers." Damian Bednarz, Managing Director of Attentive Energy said: "Attentive Energy One is a community-driven project that will spur billions of dollars in economic activity, support a just transition for union workers and reduce emissions in a historically disadvantaged community. Following years of local engagement across the City and State, our team looks forward to delivering a project that reflects New York, our values and our common goals of economic development and addressing climate change. We are grateful to Governor Hochul, NYSERDA, and our community partners for their confidence and as we move this project forward, we will do everything possible to meet the mission ahead." David Foulon, Managing Director of Offshore Wind US at TotalEnergies said: "We are deeply honored that the State of New York chose Attentive Energy One to deliver on the promise of bringing green electricity directly to the heart of New York City and entrusted us with unprecedented investments in local communities and industrial facilities to serve offshore wind from and for New York State. This is an important milestone for our offshore wind portfolio in the United States, as part of TotalEnergies Renewables U.S. growth into the fifth largest renewable energy developer in the country." Clint Plummer, CEO of Rise Light & Power said: "This historic announcement will help make the nation's first renewable repowering a reality. We are grateful for the leadership of Governor Hochul, and NYSERDA for this historic first step toward a Renewable Ravenswood. This is the beginning of an exciting process, which will set the standard for a responsible renewable energy transition that works with communities, works with labor, and benefits all New Yorkers." Eric Thumma, Head of U.S. at Corio Generation said: "Corio specializes in harnessing the power of offshore wind for the benefit of communities around the world. We are honored that NYSERDA selected Attentive Energy One, our first U.S. project and a joint venture developed together with TotalEnergies and Rise & Light Power, in this round of offshore wind contracts. When we decided to enter the U.S. market, we quickly identified New York as a clean energy, economic development, and offshore wind leader. We are excited to work with our partners, NYSERDA, local stakeholders and others to build a project that creates good paying jobs, invests in domestic manufacturing, revitalizes local communities, and delivers abundant clean energy to New York's electricity consumers." Attentive Energy One's Key Commitments: Fossil Retirement Attentive Energy One will retire and replace fossil-fuel generation at the Ravenswood Generating Station with offshore wind. Power generated by the offshore wind farm will be delivered to New York City via underwater transmission lines that will connect to a new converter station at Ravenswood Generating Station. By harnessing the power of offshore wind, the project will reduce carbon emissions by more than one million tons per year replacing 400 megawatts of 1960s-era fossil fuel generation capacity at Ravenswood. Just Transition Attentive Energy One will deliver a first-of-its-kind just transition for members of the Utility Workers Union of America (UWUA) Local 1-2 at Ravenswood, who will be the first fossil fuel power plant staff to retrain for careers in offshore wind. Once operational, Attentive Energy One will be managed from the new Ravenswood Operations & Maintenance Hub, with a training fund dedicated to upskilling existing union members for new positions. Unprecedented Economic Benefits Attentive Energy One, upon executing an agreement with NYSERDA, is expected to launch a Lasting Legacy Investment Program by investing $300 million in various community, fishery, and environmental projects across New York State. This fund includes $78 million in targeted community investments that prioritize disadvantaged communities and support development of local workforce talent and businesses. Partnerships to advance workforce training with a wide range of entities across New York State include the International Brotherhood of Electric Workers Local 3 and the State University of New York Maritime College. These investments extend to local grassroots organizations including Spin the Yard and the NYC Harbor School, which will support new career pathways for New Yorkers. The Lasting Legacy Investment Program also advances the NYS Supply Chain Development Partnership, a proposed initiative that commits $15 million to a collaboration between the Center for Economic Growth, Institute for Workforce Advancement, and NYC Economic Development Corporation. This proposed plan for cross-regional collaboration will drive three key programs for offshore wind supply chain development: grassroots supplier engagement, small and diverse business funding, and supplier scouting. Also included in the Lasting Legacy Investment Program is a commitment of at least $30 million to conserve, monitor, and research marine wildlife in an aim to achieve no net loss of biodiversity. Conservation topics include habitat restoration, oceanography, fisheries, marine mammals, and acoustic telemetry, among other areas, and will support partnerships across more than ten academic and research institutions including Cornell University, Syracuse University, and SUNY Stony Brook. Unmatched Project Maturity Attentive Energy One has made significant progress gathering the required project and site information and preparing for and submitting all the required permit applications. Following pending approvals, a buoy will soon be deployed in the Lease Area to gather important meteorological and oceanographic information. Attentive Energy is well on its way to completing its Construction and Operations Plan, the primary document required for federal permitting. Rise Light & Power has already submitted an Article VII application to the state of New York. Community Involvement Attentive Energy One maintains a commitment to transparent and accessible community engagement, having already engaged with over 600 individuals in interactive community forums. The project will host additional forums in the coming months to receive feedback from different constituencies across the City and State. Statewide comments on the Attentive Energy One Award: "Achieving climate justice in our state lies in making the investment to foster impactful renewable energy projects," said Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez. "I am extremely excited by the Attentive Energy One joint venture project to transition New York City's largest fossil fuel burning generating facility, the Ravenswood Generating Station, to 'Renewable Ravenswood', a new clean energy operations and maintenance hub for offshore wind. This transition to green energy will support our climate goals, generate new green union jobs, and benefit frontline environmental justice communities like those at Queensbridge and Ravenswood Houses. This new offshore wind and land-based renewable energy project will not only sustainably power our communities but also lower energy costs and create more jobs for working families here in LIC, Queens and upstate." "Not only does offshore wind reduce harmful pollution but investing in this emerging industry will create good-paying jobs, build a localized supply chain, and lower energy costs for New York families," Congressman Paul Tonko said. "This enormous potential is why I've been dedicated in driving federal action that harnesses the power of offshore wind for our state and region. I'm thrilled by the selection of this project, which will benefit our economy, environment, and consumers alike, and I look forward to supporting the project's partners as they work through federal permitting processes." "Queens is on the cusp of becoming an international leader in resiliency, sustainability and clean energy. Projects like Attentive Energy One will help us achieve that goal, all while better safeguarding our families from the countless dangers of fossil fuel usage and climate change," said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. "Wind power, along with solar and hydroelectricity, are critical pieces of Queens' renewable energy revolution, and I'm looking forward to working with all our public and private sector partners to create jobs, improve the health of our environment, and deliver a cleaner climate for our children to inherit." "Renewable Ravenswood reflects the need to undertake a just transition as we move to clean energy," said James Shillito, President of Utility Workers Union of America Local 1-2. "We are off to a great start with commitments made with Attentive Energy One, including a training fund to upskill our members and make sure that the women and men who keep New York City's lights on aren't left in the dark. These are the first steps to advance the Renewable Ravenswood vision, which will create even more opportunities for organized labor." "The members of Local Union No. 3, IBEW enthusiastically support the recent offshore wind project award to Attentive Energy One. We as a union and an industry are committed to addressing the challenges of the climate crisis head on, ensuring that a just transition to renewable energy generation takes place in a meaningful and successful way, with a skilled and professional union workforce who earn family-sustaining wages and benefits guaranteed by union contracts and Project Labor Agreements. By repurposing existing facilities and energy infrastructure, Attentive Energy One's plans will advance the transition to clean energy generation, support long-term union careers and workforce development, and cement NY's place as an offshore wind hub," said Christopher Erikson, Business Manager, Local Union No. 3, IBEW. "This ambitious 1,400 MW offshore wind project, selected by Governor Hochul and NYSERDA, marks a significant shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy. By repowering the Ravenswood Generating Station, it sets a groundbreaking precedent in energy transformation, reducing over a million tons of carbon emissions annually - the equivalent of taking 13% of NYC's cars off the streets. This initiative is not just about clean energy; it's about building a resilient, economically vibrant, and equitable New York, investing in communities, fostering a sustainable future, and championing environmental justice," said Lynn Spivey, President of the NYCHA NAACP branch. "Recognizing the growth in the offshore renewable energy sector, the College established its Center of Excellence for Offshore Wind Education, Training, and Innovation to develop a clean energy workforce and encourage research and scholarship in this growing industry. SUNY Maritime College prides itself on an adaptive curriculum and programs that respond to the maritime industry's complex and evolving needs. We look forward to working with Attentive Energy in the areas of research and scholarship, academic programs, workforce development programs, and K-12 and community outreach and engagement," said Rear Admiral Michael Alfultis, President, SUNY Maritime College. "We congratulate Attentive Energy One on the selection of their 1,400 MW offshore wind energy project in the state's recent solicitation, and we commend Governor Hochul and NYSERDA for their ongoing commitment to large scale renewable energy projects," said Julie Tighe, President of the New York League of Conservation Voters. "The construction of the Attentive Energy One project will help wind down the Ravenswood Generating Station which will go a long way toward improving public health in asthma alley while ushering in a greener grid and enough clean energy to power tens of thousands of New York homes, a big win for the environment and for New York's clean energy future." "Attentive Energy One is a case study on how to do offshore wind right," said New York Offshore Wind Alliance Director Fred Zalcman. "Through its genuine commitments to community involvement, to transition the local union workforce, and to affirmatively pivot New York City away from reliance on aging fossil plants for its energy needs, as well as its support for the emergence of a local clean energy manufacturing base, Attentive Energy One demonstrates how offshore wind development can and should be done." "Attentive Energy One's project positively impacts people living and working across New York State and further solidifies the Capital Region's standing as a major offshore wind component manufacturing hub. The Center for Economic Growth looks forward to working as a partner to foster the creation of good paying jobs in this emerging offshore wind supply chain," said Center for Economic Growth Chief Economic Development Officer Katie Newcombe. About Attentive Energy One Attentive Energy One ("AE1") is an offshore wind project designed to help New York State achieve the twin goals of replacing fossil fuel with renewable energy and establishing a durable local industry with living-wage jobs. The project will deliver a historic environmental justice victory by retiring and replacing a major fossil-fuel power plant with offshore wind power. The project will power over 700,000 New York homes with clean energy produced from an offshore wind farm located in an area approximately 54 miles from its nearest point in New York. Wind power will be delivered directly to a waterfront power plant via a subsea transmission solution that avoids cable landings through beaches and other sensitive recreational areas. As a joint venture between TotalEnergies, Rise Light & Power, and Corio Generation, Attentive Energy One is uniquely positioned to deliver this major offshore wind project for New York. Click here for more information: www.attentiveenergy.com/AE1 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. Our more than 100,000 employees are committed to energy that is ever more affordable, more sustainable, more reliable and accessible to as many people as possible. Active in nearly 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. About Rise Light & Power Rise Light & Power is a Queens, New York based energy asset manager and developer, and is actively transforming its core asset, Long Island City's Ravenswood Generation Station, into a new clean energy hub Renewable Ravenswood. By redeveloping New York City's largest power generating facility, Rise will permanently replace fossil fuel power with homegrown renewable energy, while providing a just transition for its existing union workforce and economic opportunities for surrounding communities. Renewable Ravenswood, core to Rise's growth-oriented strategy, is at the forefront of the ambitious clean energy transition taking place in New York State and will continue to provide reliable and cost-effective electricity for New York City for decades to come. Rise Light & Power is a wholly owned affiliate of LS Power. About Corio Generation Corio Generation is a specialist global offshore wind developer and a portfolio company of Macquarie Asset Management operating on a standalone basis. Corio has one of the world's largest offshore wind project pipelines, with over 30 GW at various stages of development across Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Americas. SOURCE Attentive Energy One HAMILTON, Bermuda, Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Board of Directors of Borr Drilling Limited (the "Company") (OSE and NYSE "BORR") has today resolved to grant 112,780 Restricted Stock Units (each, a "RSU") to its Directors, and 2,100,000 share options (each, an "Option") under the Company's approved share option scheme to certain of its employees. Each RSU represents one share in the Company. The RSUs will vest in full on September 30, 2024, and will be conditional on continuing to serve as a Director of the Company at the date of vesting. The RSUs will be settled through issuance of shares in the Company. Each Option gives the right to subscribe for one share in the Company. The Options will have a strike price of $6.65 and will vest equally over a three year period commencing on March 1, 2025. The Options will expire five years from the date of grant. Persons discharging managerial responsibilities ("PDMRs"), as defined by the (EU) Market Abuse Regulation, have been granted and accepted the following RSUs and Options: Tor Olav Troim - Chairman of the Board - 22,556 RSUs Kate Blankenship - Director - 22,556 RSUs Neil Glass - Director - 22,556 RSUs - Director - 22,556 RSUs Dan Rabun - Director - 22,556 RSUs Jeffrey Currie - Director - 22,556 RSUs Magnus Vaaler - Chief Financial Officer - 300,000 Options Please see the attached form of notification and public disclosure by the PDMRs. This information is subject to the disclosure requirements in article 19 of the Regulation (EU) 596/2014 (the Market Abuse Regulation) and section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. CONTACT: Questions should be directed to: Magnus Vaaler, CFO, +44 1224 289208 The following files are available for download: https://mb.cision.com/Public/16983/3878302/bca260ca116fc330.pdf 231117 PDMR Form SOURCE Borr Drilling Limited HAMILTON, Bermuda, Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Borr Drilling Limited (the "Company") (NYSE: BORR) and (OSE: BORR) advises that the Company will hold a Special General Meeting on Friday, December 22nd, 2023 to approve a reduction of the Company's Share Premium account (referred to as additional paid in capital in the financial statements of the Company) and to credit the same amount resulting from this reduction to the Company's Contributed Surplus account, which will enable dividend payments to shareholders. The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on Monday, 27th November, 2023 as the record date for determination of the shareholders entitled to attend and vote at the Special General Meeting or any adjournment thereof. A copy of the Notice of Special General Meeting and Form of Proxy (the "Notice") and associated information will be distributed to shareholders by normal distribution methods prior to the meeting and will also be made available on the Company's website at http://www.borrdrilling.com. Hamilton, Bermuda 17 November, 2023 This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5 -12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. CONTACT: Questions should be directed to: Magnus Vaaler, CFO, +44 1224 289208 SOURCE Borr Drilling Limited The award, named after the visionary leader of illycaffe and the son of the company's founder, celebrates the work that the company has been doing every day for the last 30 years, side-by-side with coffee farmers, to offer the best possible sustainable coffee. The award was presented to the winner by illycaffe Chairman Andrea Illy during an event held at the New York Public Library in New York. The award was assigned by an independent panel of 9 experts who examined the best batches from the 2022-2023 harvest through a blind tasting of 9 coffees from the 9 finalist countries: Brazil, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Honduras, India, Nicaragua and Rwanda. Prior to being evaluated by the panel, each batch of coffee was analysed by illycaffe's quality control labs and rated in terms of richness and aromatic complexity, the elegance and balance of its flavour and intensity of its aroma. Guatemala's Finca Danilandia di Luis Arimany Mondonico won the Coffee Lovers' Choice Award, assigned by a panel of consumers who, in the weeks prior to the event, carried out blind taste tests of the coffee samples in illy cafes in Trieste, Milan, Paris, London, Sao Paolo and New York and ranked their preferences. "The absolute victory of the Brasilian coffee coming from regenerative agriculture chosen blindly among the nine best coffees in the world fills me with joy. Indeed, the history of the Ernesto Illy Award began in Brasil in 1991 and this confirms that the rewards received, by illycaffe for having transformed Brasil from a leader in quantity to a leader in quality are well-deserved," says Andrea Illy. "After more than 25 years of never-ending and tireless work by our team of agronomists and the University of Coffee, the leap has finally happened thanks to regenerative agriculture, which we decided to develop in 2018 for the benefits it brings to the environment and everyone's health." The panel that voted for the Best of the Best award included Guatemala's professional taster Silvia Escobar; the President of Federacao dos Cafeicultores do Cerrado, Brasilian Glaucio De Castro; the director of the CoffeeLab quality laboratory, Indian Sunalini Narayan Menon; chef Ricard Camarena, who has been awarded two Michelin stars and a green star for his dedication to sustainability at his Ricard Camarena Restaurant in Valencia; American chefs Carrie and Rupert Blease, who manage the Michelin-starred Lord Stanley restaurant in San Francisco; Andrea Aprea, a Michelin-starred chef with a restaurant bearing his name in Milan; French writer and journalist Adelaide de Clermont-Tonnere, editor-in-chief of Point de Vue magazine; Inga Griese, founder and editor-in-chief of ICON, the style supplement of the German newspaper Welt Am Sonntag; Angelina Villa Clarke, a journalist contributing to prestigious English-language publications including Forbes. "This year's Ernesto Illy International Coffee Award winner is a rounded, wholesome, and fully bodied cup, with rich yet mellow flavors of a balance of chocolate, caramel, brown sugar, and toasted almonds on a bed of refined brightness, with a lingering finish of mild, gentle, yet harmonious sweetness. It truly represents the finest taste characteristics of its origin," this is the Jury's explanatory statement when indicating the winner. Matilda De Angelis, Pat Cleveland, Coco Rocha, Candela Pelizza, Tamu Mc Pherson, Carlo Sestini, Simon and Marina Ksandr, Nick Lowry, Tesa Pesic are some of the celebrities who attended the gala event at the New York Public Library, hosted by chef and TV star Marcus Samuelsson, to celebrate the best coffee producers who work behind the unique illy blend. The Ernesto Illy International Coffee Award is also an unmissable networking opportunity for all those involved in the coffee industry, from producers to exporters, from traders to institutional representatives. In the morning they all met at the United Nations Headquarters to attend the roundtable "How to Protect the Future of Coffee". Alongside illycaffe Chairman Andrea Illy, speakers included Vanusia Nogueira (International Coffee Organization's Executive Director), Jeffrey Sachs (economist and co-chair at the Regenerative Society Foundation), Oscar Schaps (President of the Latina America division of Trading Stone X Financial Inc.) e Glaucio de Castro (President of the Federacao dos Cafeicultores do Cerrado Mineiro). illycaffe is an Italian family-owned company, founded in Trieste in 1933 which has always set itself the mission of offering the best coffee to the world. It produces a unique 100% Arabica blend composed of 9 different ingredients. The company selects only 1% of the best Arabica beans in the world. Every day 8 million cups of illy coffee are served in over 140 countries around the globe, in the cafes, restaurants and hotels, in single-brand cafes and shops, at home and in the office, in which the company is present through subsidiaries and distributors. Since its foundation, illycaffe has oriented its strategies towards a sustainable business model, commitment that it strengthened in 2019 by adopting the status of Benefit Company and in 2021 becoming the first Italian coffee company to obtain the international B Corp certification. Since 2013 the company is also one of the World Most Ethical Companies. Everything that is "made in illy" is about beauty and art, the founding principles of the brand, starting from its logo, designed by artist James Rosenquist, up to illy Art Collection cups, decorated by over 125 international artists, or coffee machines designed by internationally renowned designers. With the aim of spreading the culture of quality to growers, baristas and coffee lovers, the company has developed its Universita del Caffe which today holds courses in 25 countries around the world. In 2021, Rhone Capital became a minority shareholder of illycaffe with the aim of contributing to the company's international growth plans. In 2022, the company had 1230 employees and a turnover of 567,7 million. The illy single-brand network has 190 points of sale in 34 countries. SOURCE illycaffe NEW YORK, Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Cell Culture Market by Product, End-user, and Geography - Forecast and Analysis 2023-2027 report has been published by Technavio. Market size is forecast to grow by USD 17.74 billion between 2022 and 2027 at a CAGR of 11.3%. The market is driven by factors such as the increase in infectious diseases, growing demand for biopharmaceuticals, and high growth potential from emerging regions. However, the high cost of equipment is hindering the market growth. The report provides a comprehensive analysis of growth opportunities at regional levels, new product launches, the latest trends, and the post-pandemic recovery of the global market. Download A PDF Sample Report Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Cell Culture Market Regional Analysis By region, the global cell culture market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia, and Rest of World. North America is estimated to contribute 39% to the growth of the global market over the forecast period. The vendors operating in the region are making significant investments in new manufacturing facilities. This coupled with the rising number of cancer cases is driving the growth of the cell culture market in North America. Buy the report Company Profiles The cell culture market report includes information on the key products and recent developments of leading vendors, including: Agilent Technologies Inc. - The company offers cell culture products such as Seahorse XF cell culture plates. - The company offers cell culture products such as Seahorse XF cell culture plates. Becton Dickinson and Co. - The company offers cell culture products such as BD BACTEC Peds Plus medium and BD BACTEC Lytic Anaerobic medium. - The company offers cell culture products such as BD BACTEC Peds Plus medium and BD BACTEC Lytic Anaerobic medium. Bio Techne Corp. - The company offers cell culture products such as New ExCellerate iPSC Expansion Medium. - The company offers cell culture products such as New ExCellerate iPSC Expansion Medium. CLS Cell Lines Service GmbH - The company offers cell culture products such as 3T3-Swiss albino growing culture. Competitive Analysis The competitive scenario categorizes companies based on various performance indicators. Some of the factors considered include the financial performance of companies over the past few years, growth strategies, product innovations, new product launches, investments, and growth in market share among others. Request a Sample Market Segmentation By product, the market is segmented into consumables and equipment. The consumables segment accounted for the largest share of the market in 2022. By geography, the market is segmented into North America , Europe , Asia , and Rest of World. North America held the largest share of the market in 2022. Related Reports: The 3D cell culture market size is expected to increase by USD 1.28 billion from 2021 to 2026, and the market's growth momentum will accelerate at a CAGR of 15.69%. The increase in infectious diseases is notably driving the 3D cell culture market growth, although factors such as high cost of equipment may impede the market growth. size is expected to increase by from 2021 to 2026, and the market's growth momentum will accelerate at a CAGR of 15.69%. The increase in infectious diseases is notably driving the 3D cell culture market growth, although factors such as high cost of equipment may impede the market growth. The cell culture media and reagents market size is expected to increase by USD 2.26 billion from 2020 to 2025, and the market's growth momentum will accelerate at a CAGR of 7.03%. The advancements in the life science industry is notably driving the cell culture media and reagents market growth, although factors such as lack of skilled personnel may impede the market growth. Technavio's library includes over 17,000+ reports, covering more than 2,000 emerging technologies. Subscribe to our "Basic Plan" at just USD 5,000 and get lifetime access to Technavio Insights What are the key data covered in this cell culture market report? CAGR of the market during the forecast period. Detailed information on factors that will drive the growth of the market between 2023 and 2027 Precise estimation of the size of the cell culture market and its contribution to the parent market. Accurate predictions about upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior. Growth of the market across North America , Europe , Asia , and Rest of World. , , , and Rest of World. A thorough analysis of the market's competitive landscape and detailed information about vendors. Comprehensive analysis of factors that will challenge the growth of cell culture market vendors. Table of contents: 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation by Product 7 Market Segmentation by End-User 8 Customer Landscape 9 Geographic Landscape 10 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 11 Company Landscape 12 Company Analysis 13 Appendix About US Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focus on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contact Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ SOURCE Technavio NORRIDGE, Ill., Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Central Baptist Village (CBV), a senior living community in Norridge, Illinois, announces that Anna-Liisa LaCroix, MPH, LNHA, has been selected by its Board of Directors as its new Chief Executive Officer. She previously held the position of CBV's Administrator for the past 7 years. Anna-Liisa LaCroix, MPH, LNHA, is the new CEO at Central Baptist Village senior living community. Anna-Liisa is an accomplished leader with over 28 years in senior living operations. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, a Master's degree in Public Health with a healthcare administration focus, and a gerontology certificate. Anna-Liisa is a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator and earlier this month, became a graduate of the national LeadingAge Larry Minnix Leadership Academy. "I am deeply grateful to the Board for this opportunity," Anna-Liisa commented. "I have a passion for CBV and for helping our community continue to grow and thrive. I look forward to serving our residents, staff, and families and earning their ongoing trust and support." Anna-Liisa takes over the CEO role from Dawn Mondschein, who left earlier this month. The top leadership transition was thoughtfully planned and executed over several months to ensure that CBV's legacy, vision, and values will endure. CBV has a 127-year tradition of serving and celebrating seniors. Founded in 1896, CBV provides holistic care that encompasses the physical, cognitive, social, and spiritual needs of residents. CBV offers a continuum of care under one roofAssisted Living and Memory Support in The Commons, Sheltered Care for higher clinical and memory needs in The Terrace, and Skilled Nursing and Certified Dementia Care in The Pavilion. In related news, Jon Ragsdale, former Administrator at a local non-profit community, recently joined CBV as Administrator. Jon brings nearly 25 years of experience in the senior living industry. About Central Baptist Village Central Baptist Village is a senior retirement community offering assisted living, memory care, short-term rehabilitation, and CMS 5-star rated skilled nursing. A senior living community unlike any other, CBV's residences, programs, and care are exceptional, award-winning, and progressive. As a non-profit organization, CBV is empowered to lead from the heart, not the bottom line. For more information, visit www.cbvillage.org. For more information, contact Mary Dalton 708.583.8527 [email protected] SOURCE Central Baptist Village ASTANA, Kazakhstan, November 17. The Prime Minister of Kazakhstan, Alikhan Smailov has instructed the Ministry of Transport to take measures to ensure the construction of ferries in the Caspian Sea by 2024, Trend reports. As he noted, Kazakhstan needs to increase the potential of its domestic industry. The domestic industry must cover the basic needs of the transport industry, from the production of bitumen and rails to internal combustion locomotives and heavy vehicles. "To do this, the ministries of transport and industry and Samruk-Kazyna JSC need to build clear industrial development plans taking into account the needs of the transport industry," he said. In addition, Alikhan Smailov was also instructed to work on the issues of regulating strategic access roads, consider the issue of creating an Institute for the Development of Transport and Logistics, and ensure the reservation of land for infrastructure road and railway projects. Kazakhstan is located on major transport corridors. To date, 13 international transport corridors have been formed and operate in Kazakhstan: 5 railways and 8 roads. From January through October 2023, the volume of transit transportation by rail increased by 19 percent to 22.5 million tons of cargo and by road transport by 17 percent to 3.4 million tons. Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BEIJING, Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Hernan Garces, a grandson of a Chilean cherry planter, is glad to see his family business has become a main cherry exporter to China. Boasting more than 80 percent of its cherries exported to China, Garces, manager of one of the biggest local cherry exporters, attributed his success to the sound business environment in China. "The business environment in China is very friendly and there are endless possibilities," said Garces, who has moved his family to Shanghai to better manage his business. The cherries, spanning the northern and southern hemisphere, have witnessed the constant interdependence and deep integration between China's economy and the Asia-Pacific economy. Openness and common development Chinese President Xi Jinping noted in his speech delivered to the APEC CEO Summit in San Francisco on Thursday that since the first Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting in 1993, the region has experienced deepened economic cooperation and integration. "Over the past three decades, we have stayed committed to open regionalism, opening-up and inclusiveness, learned from each other's strengths, exchanged needs, focused on development and jointly developed 'the APEC Approach' based on the principles of voluntarism, consensus-building and incremental progress, capitalizing on the spirit of partnership featuring harmony without uniformity, and solidarity and mutual assistance," Xi added. The Chinese President said openness, inclusiveness and development for all outshine others on the remarkable journey of Asia-Pacific cooperation. "Over the past three decades, the Asia-Pacific has cut its average tariff rate from 17 percent to 5 percent, and contributed 70 percent of global economic growth," said Xi, adding that in the same period, "per capita income in the Asia-Pacific has more than quadrupled, and one billion people have been lifted out of poverty." Despite different histories and cultures and stages of development, Xi stressed that seeking common ground while shelving differences is the best practice of regional cooperation. Facilitating regional cooperation Pointing out that the world has entered a new period of turbulence and change, Xi said the absence of cooperation is the biggest risk, and that decoupling and supply-chain disruption is not in anyone's interest. He went on to say that APEC economies should "steadfastly advance the building of a Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific." Facts speak louder than words. In recent years, China has continuously deepened economic and trade cooperation with other 20 APEC economies, and continued to contribute China's strength to the construction of the Asia-Pacific economy, according to China's Ministry of Commerce (MOC). Specifically speaking, in 2022, the total import and export volume of China and APEC members was $3,739.08 billion, accounting for 59.7 percent of the total import and export volume of China, according to MOC data. The data also showed in the same year that eight of China's top 10 trading partners are APEC members and China is the largest trading partner of 13 APEC economies. Luo Rong, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Macroeconomic Research, noticed that China's door is opening wider, its capability to use foreign investment continues to grow and its business environment continues to improve. "All those will inject new vitality and impetus into regional economic growth." More measures to invite foreign investment Since China's reform and opening-up 45 years ago, APEC has become the first economic and trade organization that it joined. At the new starting point, Xi said China remains committed to pursuing development with its doors open and will unswervingly advance high-standard opening up and further expand market access, adding that China has announced the removal of all restrictive measures on foreign investment in manufacturing. The Chinese President also said no matter how the international situation evolves, China's resolution to foster a market-oriented, law-based and world-class business environment will not change, adding that its policy for providing equal and quality services to foreign investors will not change. Xi also said the world's largest developing country will also take more measures, such as improving the policies on entry and stay of foreign nationals in China and removing obstacles in financial, medical, e-payment and other services. For example, Beijing has streamlined the process of obtaining work permits and work-type residence permits for foreigners. All foreign talents working in Beijing are entitled to the convenient one-stop application service for the two permits at any of the 15 one-stop service counters across the city. "All this is designed to make it easier for foreign companies to invest and operate in China," said Xi. https://news.cgtn.com/news/2023-11-17/Xi-delivers-written-message-to-APEC-CEO-Summit-1oN7z9BWpoI/index.html SOURCE CGTN CHARLOTTE, N.C., Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Charlotte Region is among the top places in the country to live or do business, according to a new survey of more than 100 site selectors and corporate decision-makers. Charlotte ranked No. 1 for quality of life amongst key competitor markets and No. 2 in attractiveness for expansion/relocation projects, according to the study. The survey was conducted by Slalom, a purpose-led, global business and technology consulting company, on behalf of the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance. Slalom surveyed more than 100 site selectors and corporate decision-makers who compared Charlotte with 15 competitor markets including: Atlanta; Austin, TX; Boston; Chicago; Columbus, OH; Dallas, Denver, Kansas City, MO; Los Angeles; Nashville, TN; New York; Phoenix; San Francisco; Seattle; and Tampa, FL. Charlotte is among the top places in the country to live or do business, according to a new survey Post this Slalom's study found that the cost of living is the most important factor for quality of life, followed by the availability of good K-12 education, and safety. Charlotte's cost of living is lower than the national average, which helped it secure the top spot. The Charlotte Region came in at No. 2 for business expansions and relocations due to its strong quality of life, strategic value, and talent availability. The study also found that talent availability and the skill level of workers are top decision drivers for both industrial and office projects. The Charlotte Region boasts a strong talent pool, with a number of universities and colleges located in the region. However, there are still potential growth areas for Charlotte to continue investing in talent training, incentives, and remote/flexible work options. As one surveyed site selector said, "Labor is one of the most crucial aspects to site selection, and (in manufacturing) we struggle to find the right talent. Especially since COVID, there [has] been more need for flexibility in working and employers need to understand this." Slalom's survey uncovered other key opportunities for Charlotte to enhance the perception of its region. Ranked second in market attractiveness behind Atlanta, respondents believe the Charlotte Region can improve by focusing on regional differentiators, robust university systems, economic development organizational (EDO) awareness, political climate, and a continued focus on quality of life. About Slalom: Slalom is a purpose-led, global business and technology consulting company. From strategy to implementation, our approach is fiercely human. In eight countries and 45 markets, we deeply understand our customersand their customersto deliver practical, end-to-end solutions that drive meaningful impact. Backed by close partnerships with over 400 leading technology providers, our nearly 12,000-strong team helps people and organizations dream bigger, move faster, and build better tomorrows for all. We're honored to be consistently recognized as a great place to work, including being one of Fortune's 100 Best Companies to Work For eight years running. Learn more at slalom.com. About the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance: Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, The Charlotte Regional Business Alliance is the leading voice of business for the City of Charlotte and the 14-county, bi-state region. Formed in 2018 through the merger of the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce and the Charlotte Regional Partnership, today's CLT Alliance is the only regional economic development organization that grows the economy, advocates for businesses, and convenes diverse stakeholders. Our mission is to enthusiastically collaborate to promote and advance the Charlotte Region, creating opportunity, economic growth, and prosperity for all. To learn more, visit charlotteregion.com. SOURCE Charlotte Regional Business Alliance Thrive Focus: Personalized Medicine - Institutionalizing Diabetes Care for Better Patient Outcomes SPOKANE, Wash., Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Thrive Precision Health ("THRV") (formerly Thrive Global Biosafety and China New Energy Group Company (with subsidiary Thrive Testing and Biosafety Inc., "CNER" or "Company") (OTC-Pink-Alternative Reporting Pink: CNER) is pleased to announce it has entered into an agreement to acquire all of the assets of two diabetes clinics in Hawaii with the plan to expand to 20 clinics. "Diabetes is a big problem among the population in Hawaii, and our focus will be to reduce the pain, struggle, and cost of the diabetes epidemic and its co-morbidities.", stated Guy Zajonc, CEO and Chairman of Thrive Precision Health." "Acquisition of Heal Diabetes, Inc. will give us the footprint to build Thrive Clinics across Hawaii. The management team is highly skilled in delivering the newest forms of diabetes treatment." Heal Diabetes has 2 locations operating and has billed $1.2M in diabetic care service year to date in 2023 and is seeing consistent month-over-month growth. Over 350 patients have been treated in 2023 at the Honolulu HI and Waipahu HI clinics. We plan to open two more clinics in early 2024. The first one in Waipahu to accommodate a waitlist of 200 patients. And the second new clinic in Waianae, HI, to serve over 4,500 diabetic patients through network referrals. "The Thrive Precision Health vision to apply advanced technology to diabetes care and individualizing each patient's care is the next evolutionary step in digital health. When advanced technology focuses on a specific problem as large as diabetes, we believe patient outcomes will be better by avoiding expensive treatments like amputation, dialysis, and chronic pain," stated Charles Elliott, President of Heal Diabetes. "Our experience in delivering care on the front lines combined with Thrive's technology is something my team wants to be part of." THRV will start with the two operational clinics and work to fund the startup of the next two clinics in Q1 2024. Based on demographics and demand, THRV expects to serve the diabetic community across Hawaii with 20 clinics. Each clinic will have a standardized footprint with digital workflows to guide patients and clinicians on optimal care procedures. The Hawaii State Department of Health, in their Published Hawaii Diabetes Plan 2030, states, "Diabetes costs Hawai'i $1.1 billion in direct healthcare expenditures and is currently the 8th leading cause of death in the state. Nearly one in every four healthcare dollars goes toward the care of people with diabetes. On average, people with diabetes incur more than twice the medical costs of people without diabetes. For more details on the report, click the link below: https://hhsp.hawaii.gov/assets/pdf/HHSP_Diabetes_Plan_WEB.pdf The acquisition is an asset purchase transaction is an all-stock acquisition and will close once Thrive Precision Health Hawaii Inc. (a wholly owned subsidiary of Thrive Precision Health Inc.) completes its mandatory credentialing in Hawaii, estimated to be 90-120 days. During this hold period, THRV will advance funds to Heal Diabetes to expand their operations and add the two new locations. Thrive Precision Health Inc., has made an application to FINRA for a name and symbol change as it appears on the OTC Markets web site (currently reported as China New Energy Group Company, OTC:CNER). Corporately the name has been changed in the State of Delaware and legally operates as Thrive Precision Health Inc. About Thrive Precision Health Inc. Thrive Precision Health, Inc. ("Thrive") is building a global diabetes care powerhouse. We are starting or acquiring established healthcare clinics specializing in diabetes care and bringing in three cutting-edge technologies to make them even better. Our goal is to provide top-notch care to patients worldwide with a seamless digital experience. Imagine if your healthcare was as unique as you are. We use AI and quantum biosensors to analyze data down to the molecular level, tailoring treatments and recommendations specifically for you. This means no more one-size-fits-all solutions. Your health decisions will be based on your personal data, ensuring you receive the most effective and personalized care possible. Leveraging this groundbreaking technology and clinical services will include Wound Care, Neuropathy Care, PIR diabetes care through advanced infusion methods, and conventional and complementary treatment to improve patient outcomes. All services will be performed within a biosafety-secured facility using our biodefense technology to protect our suspectable patients and staff from bacterial and viral infections. Follow: Web: www.thriveprecision.health Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thrive-precision-health1/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/PrecisionT67828 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092725167875&mibextid=LQQJ4d Important Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). All statements, other than statements of present or historical fact included in this press release, regarding the Company's future financial performance, as well as the Company's strategy, future operations, revenue guidance, projected costs, prospects, plans, and objectives of management are forward-looking statements. When used in this press release, the words "could," "should," "will," "may," "believe," "anticipate," "intend," "estimate," "expect," "project," the negative of such terms and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. However, not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. These forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and assumptions about future events. They are based on currently available information as to the outcome and timing of future events. Except as otherwise required by applicable law, the Company disclaims any duty to update any forward-looking statements, all of which are expressly qualified by the statements in this section, to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release. Nothing in this release is intended to be an offer of sale or purchase of any securities nor a solicitation of any offer for the sale or purchase of any securities. China New Energy Group Company/Thrive Precision Health Contact: Guy Zajonc CEO [email protected] U.S. +1 (509) 230-1177 Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2256819/4410995/Thrive_Precision_Health_Logo.jpg SOURCE Thrive Precision Health NEW YORK, Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Churchill Capital Corp VI (NYSE: CCVI) (the "Company"), a publicly-traded special purpose acquisition company, today announced that its board of directors (the "Board") has determined to redeem all of its outstanding shares of Class A common stock, par value $0.0001 (the "public shares") because the Company will not consummate an initial business combination within the time period required by its Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (as amended, the "Certificate of Incorporation"). The previously disclosed non-binding letter of intent has been terminated in accordance with its terms. As stated in the Certificate of Incorporation, if the Company is unable to complete an initial business combination by February 17, 2024 (or such earlier date as determined by the Board), the Company will: (i) cease all operations except for the purpose of winding up, (ii) as promptly as reasonably possible but not more than ten business days thereafter subject to lawfully available funds therefor, redeem 100% of the public shares in consideration of a per share price, payable in cash, equal to the quotient obtained by dividing (A) the aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account, including interest (net of amounts withdrawn as permitted withdrawals and less up to $100,000 of such net interest to pay dissolution expenses), by (B) the total number of then outstanding public shares, which redemption will completely extinguish rights of the holders of the public shares (including the right to receive further liquidating distributions, if any), subject to applicable law, and (iii) as promptly as reasonably possible following such redemption, subject to the approval of the remaining stockholders and the Board in accordance with applicable law, dissolve and liquidate, subject in each case to the Company's obligations under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, as amended from time to time, to provide for claims of creditors and other requirements of applicable law. On November 17, 2023, the Board determined to set the date by which the Company has to complete its initial business combination to December 1, 2023. The per-share redemption price for the public shares will be approximately $10.49 (the "Redemption Amount"). The last day that the Company's securities will trade on the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE") will be December 1, 2023. Effective as of the close of business on December 4, 2023, the public shares will be deemed cancelled and will represent only the right to receive the Redemption Amount. The Redemption Amount will be payable to the holders of the public shares upon presentation of their respective stock or unit certificates or other delivery of their shares or units to the Company's transfer agent, Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company. Beneficial owners of public shares held in "street name," however, will not need to take any action in order to receive the Redemption Amount. There will be no redemption rights or liquidating distributions with respect to the Company's warrants (including the private placement warrants owned by the Company's sponsor), which will expire worthless. The Company's sponsor has waived its redemption rights with respect to the outstanding shares of Class B common stock, par value $0.0001, of the Company. After December 4, 2023, the Company shall cease all operations except for those required to wind up the Company's business. The Company expects that the NYSE will file a Form 25 with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") to delist its securities. The Company thereafter expects to file a Form 15 with the Commission to terminate the registration of its securities under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-Looking Statements This press release may include, and oral statements made from time to time by representatives of the Company may include, "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. Statements regarding possible business combinations and the financing thereof, and related matters, as well as all other statements other than statements of historical fact included in this press release are forward-looking statements. When used in this press release, words such as "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "might," "plan," "possible," "potential," "predict," "project," "should," "would" and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company or the Company's management team, identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs of the Company's management, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, the Company's management. Actual results could differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors detailed in the Company's filings with the Commission. All subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on the Company's behalf are qualified in their entirety by this paragraph. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous conditions, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including those set forth in the Risk Factors section of the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, filed with the Commission on April 4, 2023. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release, except as required by law. SOURCE Churchill Capital Corp VI Indonesia President Joko Widodo announced the National Cervical Cancer Elimination Plan through Joint Statement with President Joe Biden WASHINGTON, Nov. 16, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Crowell & Moring International worked closely with the Indonesian Ministry of Health to develop a comprehensive plan to eliminate cervical cancer, one of the leading types of cancer-related death among women. The Republic of Indonesia announced the National Cervical Cancer Elimination Plan for Indonesia (2023-2030), earlier this week in a joint statement released by President Joe Biden and Indonesian President Joko Widodo as the two leaders marked a historic new phase of bilateral cooperation and friendship. Both leaders reiterated their shared commitment to fighting infectious diseases. Biden announced that the United States welcomes and supports Indonesia's Declaration on Cervical Cancer Elimination through the National Cervical Cancer Elimination Plan (2023 to 2030) and the two governments reiterated their shared intent to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health threat. "Indonesia is leading by example and setting an ambitious mark for how partners can collaborate to end this devastating disease," said Sejal Mistry, director at Crowell & Moring International, "We congratulate Indonesia on this life-saving health initiative and look forward to building our partnership with the Indonesian Ministry of Health to develop the comprehensive plan to end cervical cancer in Indonesia." Earlier this week, CMI moderated a panel discussion to launch the Elimination Plan and to reinforce commitments to cervical cancer elimination in Indonesia and all APEC economies. The Indonesian Minister of Health, Budi Gunadi Sadikin, emphasized unity for a future where cervical cancer is no longer a public health concern, affecting women and their families irrespective of socioeconomic background. In Indonesia, over 103 million women face the risk of cervical cancer, with approximately 36,000 new cases annually and around 21,000 deaths in 2020. The plan builds upon Indonesia's progress towards the World Health Organization's global strategy for cervical cancer elimination and the APEC Cervical Cancer Roadmap, an initiative which CMI proudly led. Meeting the WHO "90-70-90" targets could potentially save over 1 million Indonesian women by 2070. The ambitious plan goes further, targeting 90% HPV vaccination of both girls and boys, 75% screening with HPV-DNA testing for women aged 30-69, and 90% treatment for pre-cancer and invasive cancer by 2030. Minister Budi reiterated, "In our fight against cervical cancer, we must collaborate. Collectively, we can equip women with the tools they need to fend off this devastating disease. Let our collaboration and determination make cervical cancer preventable, inexpensive, and manageable for every woman." CMI is an active partner to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in the battle against cervical cancer throughout the region, kicking off the initiative a decade ago. Indonesia's Elimination Plan represents a critical step forward in the efforts to combat cervical cancer and protect the health of Indonesian women and girls. Since the start of the initiative, APEC has played a vital role in promoting innovative collaborations for cervical cancer prevention and control, culminating in the development of the APEC Cervical Cancer Roadmap. CMI continues to engage APEC and its members to implement the Roadmap both regionally and domestically by facilitating the sharing of best practices, fostering cross-sector collaboration, and conducting a comprehensive assessment of each APEC economy's progress towards elimination. Collective commitment to cervical cancer elimination was further strengthened during the 3rd Senior Officials Meeting in Seattle this year when CMI, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the Thai Ministry of Public Health hosted Minister Budi, ministers of three other APEC Economies, and senior representatives from eight other economies in a dinner dialogue. This Friday is Cervical Cancer Elimination Day of Action, marking three years of the WHO Global Strategy to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem. Indonesia's National Cervical Cancer Elimination Plan will positively impact the health and lives of all Indonesians, and serves as a model for other nations to commit to cervical cancer elimination. About Crowell & Moring International LLC We advise the world's leading companies and partner with globally-recognized institutions and organizations to shape policy outcomes with governments and within the premier international and multilateral forums. Working with our clients to immerse ourselves in their issues, we create targeted engagement strategies leveraging international policy-making organizations and building innovative partnerships from the ground up and apply our geopolitical, government relations, and policy expertise to deliver the business results they seek. Media Contact: Email: [email protected] SOURCE Crowell & Moring International CHICAGO, Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ -- Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU) increased enrollment of first-time, full-time undergraduates for the second consecutive year. The University also increased its dual credit/dual enrollment during the same period. According to the data assembled by the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) Northeastern's first-year African American and Latino student enrollment increased, while enrollment of those two groups declined nationally in public universities. "Northeastern is dedicated to our mission to provide an exceptional environment for learning, teaching, and scholarship and to prepare a diverse community of students for leadership and service," said Northeastern Interim President Dr. Katrina E. Bell-Jordan. "For instance, we introduced the NEIU for You scholarship because we care deeply about providing a free education to those who might not otherwise be able to earn a degree. We believe future leaders in our community need NEIU's support not only to make a better living, but a better life for themselves and their families and to live debt-free." The NEIU for You scholarship is one of many scholarships offered at NEIU, a Minority Serving and a Hispanic Serving Institution. The NEIU for You scholarship supports first-time, full-time students with financial needs who are eligible for PELL or MAP. Northeastern will cover the remaining balance of tuition and fees after all scholarships and grants have been applied for. NEIU provides more tuition discounts than other four-year public universities, including tuition waivers for international and undocumented students, with expanded eligibility for AIM HIGH and Golden Opportunity recipients, special circumstance funding, and the NEIU For You scholarship. "We're proud of the financial support we provide, but most of all the NEIU for You scholarship, which provides a free education to those who are eligible," said Vice President for Finance and Administration Manish Kumar. "The NEIU For You scholarship increased accessibility to university education for surrounding communities of diverse, prospective NEIU students. This scholarship goes a long way in opening the door to NEIU for those who otherwise could not pursue and succeed in higher education without bearing significant personal and financial hardship." As one NEIU student testified to the Board of Trustees, "This scholarship changed my life, made me a different person, made me proud of myself, and made me know that I can do anything." An annual adjusted gross income of $60,000 or less and family assets of $50,000 or less is required for this scholarship. Qualified prospective students must apply for all relevant financial support, grants, and scholarships. NEIU Office of Financial Aid, Scholarships, and Student Employment staff are available to assist students in applying for appropriate scholarships, including Pell Grants, the federal aid program, and MAP, the Illinois Monetary Award Program. For students who receive Pell Grants and MAP support, NEIU will pay whatever balance is left. The NEIU For You scholarship will cover four consecutive years of tuition for eligible first-time, full-time students. To be considered for the NEIU For You scholarship, a prospective freshman must submit a free application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Undocumented students may complete the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid instead of FAFSA. Incoming first-time, full-time freshmen students must take at least 12 credit hours per semester. Prospective freshmen must be Illinois residents who attended an Illinois high school and have a minimum high school GPA of 2.0. NEIU will waive the minimum 2.5 GPA admission requirement for eligible students. ABOUT NORTHEASTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY Northeastern Illinois University offers more than 40 undergraduate degree and certificate programs and more than 50 graduate degree, certificate, licensure and endorsement programs. The Main Campus is located on 67 acres in an attractive residential area on the Northwest Side of Chicago. It is the longest-standing four-year public Hispanic-Serving Institution in the Midwest. The University has additional locations in the metropolitan area, including the Jacob H. Carruthers Center for Inner City Studies, El Centro, and the University Center of Lake County. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2035295/NIU_Logo.jpg SOURCE NORTHEASTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY BURLINGTON, Wash., Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Daiso, the renowned global retail chain offering a wide range of affordable and unique products, is thrilled to announce the grand opening at Burlington Crossing in Burlington, Washington on November 25th. "We are thrilled to open our store at Burlington Crossing," said Jack Williams, Chief Retail Operations Officer for Daiso USA. "This achievement reflects the dedication and support of our customers who have embraced Daiso's unique concept and diverse product range. We are excited to provide an exceptional shopping experience to the vibrant Burlington community and look forward to serving our customers with the utmost care and dedication." The new Daiso store at Burlington Crossing encompasses 8,158 square feet and promises to be a haven for shoppers seeking quality merchandise at affordable prices. With its extensive range of products spanning various categories, including Japanese inspired home decor, stationery, food, and more, Daiso has become synonymous with accessible and innovative offerings. John Clarke, Chief Development Officer for Daiso USA says, "Washington based Daiso customers have shown us through our online business and social media their desire for us to have more stores within the state, influencing our immediate growth strategy in this region. We currently operate 115 units in 7 states with more states opening in 2024." On both Saturday, November 25th and Sunday, November 26th, the first 100 customers to shop at the Burlington Crossing location and make a minimum purchase of $30 will receive a free goodie bag and a plushie. These special offerings are Daiso's way of expressing gratitude to its loyal customers and welcoming new shoppers to the Daiso community. Daiso invites customers to join in the celebration. The Burlington Crossing Daiso, at 2050 Marketplace Drive, is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m to 9 p.m and Sunday from 10 a.m to 8 p.m. About Daiso: Daiso is a global retail chain founded in Japan, known for its vast array of unique and affordable products across various categories such as household goods, stationery, beauty, and more. Daiso entered the US market in 2005 and continues to expand its global footprint while maintaining its commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. The Daiso US headquarters is located in La Mirada, CA. SOURCE Daiso USA DALLAS, Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Daiso, the renowned global retail chain offering a wide range of affordable and unique products, is thrilled to announce the grand opening at The Shops at Park Lane in Dallas, Texas on November 25th. "We are thrilled to open our store at The Shops at Park Lane," said Jack Williams, Chief Retail Operations Officer for Daiso USA. "This achievement reflects the dedication and support of our customers who have embraced Daiso's unique concept and diverse product range. We are excited to provide an exceptional shopping experience to the vibrant Dallas community and look forward to serving our customers with the utmost care and dedication." The new Daiso store at The Shops at Park Lane encompasses 8,868 square feet and promises to be a haven for shoppers seeking quality merchandise at affordable prices. With its extensive range of products spanning various categories, including Japanese inspired home decor, stationery, food, and more, Daiso has become synonymous with accessible and innovative offerings. John Clarke, Chief Development Officer for Daiso USA says, "Dallas based Daiso customers have shown us through our online business and social media their desire for us to have more stores within the area, influencing our immediate growth strategy in this region. We currently operate 115 units in 7 states with more states opening in 2024". On both Saturday, November 25th and Sunday, November 26th, the first 100 customers to shop at The Shops at Park Lane location and make a minimum purchase of $30 will receive a free goodie bag and a plushie. These special offerings are Daiso's way of expressing gratitude to its loyal customers and welcoming new shoppers to the Daiso community. Daiso invites customers to join in the celebration. The Shops at Park Lane Daiso, at 8180 Park Ln Suite C125, is anchored by neighboring tenant Bloomingdale's Outlet and is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m to 9 p.m and Sunday from 10 a.m to 8 p.m. About Daiso: Daiso is a global retail chain founded in Japan, known for its vast array of unique and affordable products across various categories such as household goods, stationery, beauty, and more. Daiso entered the US market in 2005 and continues to expand its global footprint while maintaining its commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. The Daiso US headquarters is located in La Mirada, CA. SOURCE Daiso USA SeptiCyte RAPID may aid clinicians in determining early antibiotic administration and in bundle compliance for immunocompromised patients with intermediate-high and high probabilities of sepsis SEATTLE and BRISBANE, Australia, Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Immunexpress, Pty Ltd., a molecular diagnostics company focused on rapid diagnosis and improved outcomes for suspected sepsis patients, today announced a poster presentation validating the utility of SeptiCyte RAPID in patients who are immunocompromised or are receiving immunosuppressive therapy at the Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP) 2023 Annual Meeting. The poster, entitled "Performance of SeptiCyte RAPID for Determining Probability of Sepsis in Immunocompromised Patients or Those on Immunosuppressant Therapy," is designated as Poster # ID042 and will be presented on November 17, from 9:15- 10:15 a.m. MT, in Salt Lake City, Utah. The study compared SeptiCyte RAPID scores with a Retrospective Physician Diagnosis (RPD) across 419 patients to evaluate the efficacy of SeptiCyte RAPID in determining sepsis diagnosis among patients who were immunocompromised or taking immunosuppressive therapy. The study was conducted in collaboration with the Center of Experimental and Molecular Medicine (CEMM), in Amsterdam, Netherlands, and with Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, IL. "SeptiCyte RAPID was effective in determining the likelihood of sepsis diagnosis among a retrospective cohort of patients regardless of immunocompromised status or immunosuppressive therapy administration. Performance of SeptiCyte RAPID was not affected by fluctuations in white blood cell count," said Robert A. Balk, MD Professor of Medicine Rush University Medical Center and Rush Medical College. "Patients who are immunocompromised or undergoing immunosuppressive therapy are at an increased risk of developing infections and often have abnormal white blood cell counts. Clinicians experience difficulties in diagnosing sepsis in this subset of patients using traditional diagnostic approaches. SeptiCyte RAPID measures changes in gene expression in whole blood to determine the probability of sepsis and is not affected by fluctuations in the number of white blood cells. This study demonstrates the validity of SeptiCyte RAPID in patients with intermediate-high and high probabilities of sepsis irrespective of immunocompromised status," commented Dr. Richard Brandon, Chief Scientific Officer at Immunexpress. About SeptiCyte RAPID SeptiCyte RAPID is a sample-to-answer, cartridge-based, host response molecular test for sepsis using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to quantify the relative expression levels of host response genes isolated from whole blood. SeptiCyte RAPID is used in conjunction with clinical assessments, vital signs and laboratory findings as an aid to differentiate infection-positive (sepsis) from infection-negative systemic inflammation response syndromes in patients with escalating signs and symptoms of critical illness. SeptiCyte RAPID generates a score (SeptiScore) that falls within four discrete interpretation bands based on the increasing likelihood of sepsis. SeptiCyte RAPID is intended for in-vitro diagnostic use and runs on the Biocartis Idylla Platform, and Immunexpress has a commercialization partnership with Biocartis in Europe. SeptiCyte RAPID is CE Marked as a near-patient sample-to-answer test in European Union (EU) member countries and those harmonized with the EU IVD Directive (98/79/EC). As of November 2021, SeptiCyte RAPID has been FDA cleared for use in hospitalized patients suspected of sepsis. About Immunexpress Immunexpress is a molecular diagnostic company, based in Brisbane and Seattle, committed to improving outcomes for patients suspected of sepsis. Immunexpress' SeptiCyte technology can assess a patient's dysregulated immune response by quantifying and analyzing gene expression from whole blood, providing actionable results in about an hour from sepsis suspicion, to guide the physician in optimizing patient management decisions. SeptiCyte RAPID is a lab test for sepsis that combines SeptiCyte technology with the ease-of-use of the revolutionary Biocartis' Idylla Platform; it supports differentiating infection (bacterial, viral, fungal) positive sepsis that could lead to organ dysfunction and death from patients with less serious infection negative systemic inflammation. This powerful test enhances early sepsis detection and can strongly support its diagnosis in the crucial first hour(s) that determines clinical outcome. SeptiCyte RAPID also has a high potential to reduce sepsis associated healthcare costs. For more information, visit http://www.septicyte.com and http://www.immunexpress.com/. Follow Immunexpress on Twitter and LinkedIn. Media Contacts: Scott Stachowiak Russo Partners, LLC [email protected] Maddie Stabinski Russo Partners, LLC [email protected] SOURCE Immunexpress, Inc. Cox Automotive's latest study, Digitization of Car Buying , reveals that digital retailing has evolved into an essential dealer tool that saves time and deepens connections with car buyers. , reveals that digital retailing has evolved into an essential dealer tool that saves time and deepens connections with car buyers. Shoppers are more willing to provide their personal data to dealers online to facilitate a more customized buying experience. Data inaccuracies and repetitive steps can lead to inefficiencies and dissatisfaction in the online car-buying journey. ATLANTA, Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Nearly all car dealers currently using digital retailing tools claim it has positively impacted their business, especially in customer experience and satisfaction, according to Cox Automotive's 2023 Digitization of Car Buying Study. Capturing data from shoppers, buyers, and franchise dealers, Cox Automotive's latest research on the state of digital retailing underscores how commonplace it is and the improvements it has added to the overall buying and selling experience. "Digital Retailing has made significant progress in penetration among dealers - with nearly 4- in 10 dealers offering customers the ability to complete all of the steps of the deal online, up from 3-in-10 only a year ago," said Tracy Noonan Fred, SVP of Dealer Solutions at Cox Automotive. "Despite the recent economic ups and downs, dealers continue to remain highly satisfied with these digital investments because of their positive impact on both customer and staff experience." "Now that buyers have a growing willingness to share their data with dealers online, knowing that it is driving a more personalized online experience, digital retailing is not just a tool for efficiencyit is a mainstream best practice that consumers expect from their shopping experience," added Jessica Stafford, SVP of Consumer Solutions at Cox Automotive. Since 2017, Cox Automotive has studied both dealer and buyer perceptions related to the digitization of car buying and the rise of automotive eCommerce, which accelerated due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Compared to 2022, in 2023 digital retailing has made an even bigger impact in four areas of dealers' business: customer relationships, deal-making, staff implications and F&I. However, digital retailing faces challenges, namely in repetitive processes, which can undermine customer trust and increase the time it takes to complete a deal. Takeaways from the study include: Digital retailing continues to drive efficiency but also is a tool for strengthening personal connections with buyers. - 76% of dealers find digital retailing tools have improved customer relationships and have eased completing the deal; 61% of dealers have found these tools improve the F&I process, an area that has historically been a major pain point for shoppers. - Shoppers are willing to provide access to information that enables an ideal buying experience. 74% of shoppers are comfortable sharing personal data such as income and credit score, 52% their vehicle data, and 29% their online and social media data. Dealers need to ease challenges that limit deal continuity and help build shopper confidence. - 97% of dealers said that customers complete steps online and repeat them in-store. The most frequently repeated steps relate to trade-in offers, deal breakouts, finalizing the purchase price, selecting add-ons, and financing applications. - Behind this repetition is a trust gap; only 8% of dealers completely trust the information shoppers share with them online, and 70% say shoppers repeat steps to verify data is accurate. A hybrid digital approach in-store can mitigate the barriers shoppers find online. - Only 1-in-4 dealers acknowledge their digital solutions offer a congruent experience online and in-store. This lack of consistency instills a sense of doubt that can disrupt an otherwise satisfying purchase process. Tools that offer accuracy and continuity of vehicle information and the customer's personal data whether in-store or online can help avoid this risk. - 91% of shoppers want the option to interact digitally at the dealership, and many dealers are embracing new tools to meet this desire. 81% of dealers currently use or are interested in their salespeople using digital tools to connect and continue their shoppers' process at the dealership. "This study sheds light on the positive impact digital retailing is having on dealers' business," said Lori Wittman, President of Retail Solutions for Cox Automotive. "It's no longer enough to put widgets on a website. Dealers who continue to invest in digital and AI-powered tools that provide a user-friendly, secure environment where shoppers can share personal data and complete deals with tools that work both online and in-store, will continue to reap financial benefits that come with higher shopper and staff satisfaction." To learn more, download The Digitization of Car Buying Study eBook at www.coxautoinc.com/digitalstudy. Study Background and Methodology The Digitization of Car Buying Study measures how dealers, shoppers and buyers continue to be impacted by digitization in the car buying and selling process. The study is based on a survey of 1,650 shoppers, 2,963 buyers, and 393 franchise dealers and was conducted from July 5, 2023, to July 31, 2023. About Cox Automotive Cox Automotive is the world's largest automotive services and technology provider. Fueled by the largest breadth of first-party data fed by 2.3 billion online interactions a year, Cox Automotive tailors leading solutions for car shoppers, automakers, dealers, retailers, lenders and fleet owners. The company has 25,000-plus employees on five continents and a family of trusted brands that includes Autotrader, Dealertrack, Kelley Blue Book, Manheim, NextGear Capital and vAuto. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises Inc., a privately-owned, Atlanta-based company with $22 billion in annual revenue. Visit www.coxautoinc.com or connect via @CoxAutomotive on Twitter, CoxAutoInc on Facebook or Cox-Automotive-Inc on LinkedIn. SOURCE Cox Automotive The SEC and CFTC Whistleblower Programs Passed the Milestone in the 2023 Fiscal Year WASHINGTON, Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Combined, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) have awarded more than $2 billion to whistleblowers. The agencies' whistleblower programs, which were created alongside each other with the passage of the Dodd-Frank Act in 2010, passed the $2 billion threshold during the 2023 Fiscal Year. "Passing the $2 billion threshold in whistleblower awards is a major milestone for the Dodd-Frank whistleblower programs and a testament to how they have revolutionized the enforcement of white-collar crime," said whistleblower attorney Stephen M. Kohn of Kohn, Kohn & Colapinto. "The $2 billion in awards corresponds with several billions of dollars that whistleblowers have allowed the SEC, CFTC, and other agencies to recover for harmed investors." Earlier this year, Kohn, Kohn & Colapinto launched indexes tracking all the award orders issued by both the SEC and the CFTC. Under the programs, qualified whistleblowers, individuals who voluntarily provide original information that leads to a successful enforcement action, are entitled to monetary awards of 10-30% of the funds collected by the government. The CFTC has awarded approximately $365 million to whistleblowers and the SEC has awarded approximately $1.9 billion. "While the SEC and CFTC have established highly effective whistleblower programs, further reforms are needed to ensure they can continue to operate at the highest level," Kohn added. "Congress needs to prioritize bipartisan legislation currently pending which would help whistleblowers recover many more billions of dollars for taxpayers and harmed investors." Introduced in July, the bipartisan CFTC Whistleblower Fund Improvement Act of 2023 provides a long-term fix to a funding crisis threatening the CFTC Whistleblower Program. The bill raises a cap on the fund used to finance the program. The cap, set in 2010, has not been altered to match the remarkable growth of the program. Introduced in March, the bipartisan SEC Whistleblower Reform Act of 2023 looks to improve conditions for internal whistleblowers who report to corporate compliance, address the programs long delays, and make sure that nondisclosure agreements do not silence whistleblowers. Kohn is available for further comment on the matter. Geoff Schweller Communications Director Kohn, Kohn & Colapinto LLP [email protected] "This release was issued through WebWire. For more information, visit http://www.webwire.com." SOURCE Kohn, Kohn & Colapinto FLUSHING, N.Y., Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr. Arun Arora, a renowned physician with over four decades of experience, has launched the Dr. Arun Arora Scholarship for Future Doctors, a $1,000 award designed to support aspiring healthcare professionals in their pursuit of academic excellence and professional growth. "I am passionate about empowering the next generation of doctors to make a positive impact on the lives of patients and the healthcare industry as a whole," Dr. Arora stated. "The Dr. Arun Arora Scholarship for Future Doctors aims to provide financial assistance and mentorship to aspiring physicians who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, a deep commitment to medicine, and a desire to innovate within the healthcare field." Applicants for the Dr. Arun Arora Scholarship for Future Doctors must be either current undergraduate students actively pursuing a career in medicine or high school students with plans to attend university for a medical degree. The scholarship committee will evaluate applications based on academic performance, commitment to medicine, essay responses, and problem-solving skills. In addition to financial support, the Dr. Arun Arora Scholarship for Future Doctors also provides mentorship opportunities through Dr. Arora's personal connections within the medical community. Selected recipients will have the opportunity to network with experienced physicians and gain insights into the profession. The deadline to apply for the Dr. Arun Arora Scholarship for Future Doctors is June 15, 2024. The scholarship winner will be announced on July 15, 2024. To learn more about the Dr. Arun Arora Scholarship for Future Doctors and apply, please visit https://drarunarorascholarship.com/ or contact [email protected] About Dr. Arun Arora A graduate of Maulana Azad Medical College in New Delhi, India, Dr. Arun Arora has dedicated his career to improving the lives of patients and advancing medical knowledge. His expertise in cardiovascular disease, critical care medicine, geriatric medicine, and internal medicine has earned him the respect of peers and colleagues alike. Dr. Arora's commitment to healthcare extends beyond clinical practice. He is passionate about nurturing the next generation of physicians through education and mentorship. The Dr. Arun Arora Scholarship for Future Doctors is a testament to his unwavering belief in the power of education to shape the future of medicine. Visit https://drarunarorascholarship.com/dr-arun-arora-scholarship/ for details. SOURCE Dr. Arun Arora Scholarship BEIJING, Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Within just two years, the largest clean energy power plant of South Africa has emerged out of nothing on the vast wilderness in Northern Cape. It is the 100MW Redstone concentrated solar thermal power plant constructed by POWERCHINA in South Africa, a country thousands of miles away from China. Relieving Power Shortage Rendering of Redstone CSP in South Africa South Africa's economic development has been constrained by insufficient energy supply. In fact, South Africa is one of the countries most suitable for developing concentrated solar thermal power (CSP) projects in the world. Leveraging this advantage, SEPCOIII Electric Power Construction Co., Ltd. under POWERCHINA constructed the Redstone CSP project in South Africa, the largest renewable energy investment project in the country. It is estimated that the project will generate about 480GWh of electricity for the country's grid each year after it is put into operation, meeting the power demand of 200,000 local households at peak time and substantially boosting trade, investment and economic development of South Africa. On October 20, 2022, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa visited the construction site of the Redstone 100MW CSP project. He spoke highly of the project's engineering quality, and expected the power project to begin operation as scheduled and further enhance friendship and mutual trust between China and South Africa. Stimulating Local Development Before joining the project, John was an electric technician in a small local company, and made a living on odd jobs. Since he began to work for the Redstone project, John has participated in vocational trainings on circuit analysis, circuit theory, electronic technology, and others. Soon, he grew from a grassroots technician into an indispensible electric engineer. With the increase of his income, his family's living standards have greatly improved. At present, there are nearly 1,000 local employees like John working with the Redstone project of POWERCHINA, which has created a large number of job opportunities for locals. POWERCHINA actively implements a strategy of localization. Grounded on local resources in South Africa, it gives priority to local enterprises in terms of procurement and outsourcing. To date, the corporation has established partnerships with 50 sub-contractors in South Africa, forming a new industrial cluster in the locale. Teaching Locals "How to Fish" To enhance local employees' vocational skills, POWERCHINA's Redstone project set up a welder training base. In the future, POWERCHINA will join hands with local universities to launch the "Power Plant Lecture" program, with an aim to cultivate new energy talent for South Africa's power development. With the deepening friendship between the two sides, local residents aspire to an early opening of this new energy power plant. They are clearly aware that the project will provide adequate clean energy for local communities, enabling them to reduce reliance on fossil fuel while profoundly changing their lives and creating a better and more sustainable development space for future generations. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2280021/Rendering_Redstone_CSP_South_Africa.jpg ESTERO, Fla., Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Looking for a Fort Myers Turkey Trot 5k? Embrace the spirit of Thanksgiving with a morning filled with fun, fitness, and family at the Thanksgiving Day 5k Run and Walk hosted at Hertz Arena in Estero, situated in the picturesque Fort Myers area. Whether you call Southwest Florida home or you're here for a holiday escape, this central location provides the perfect setting to gather with friends and family for a memorable morning of exercise and celebration. Participants will have the opportunity to kickstart their Thanksgiving festivities with a professionally chip-timed 5k run or walk, ensuring a heart-pounding and invigorating experience for all. To add a touch of style to the event, each participant will receive a complimentary dry-fit tech shirt and a coveted finisher medal, ensuring that not only will you feel great on the inside, but you'll also look fantastic on the outside. Following the race, the post-race atmosphere promises to revitalize your appetite for the upcoming Thanksgiving feast. Immerse yourself in the festivities with music, refreshing drinks, and an array of snacks, creating the perfect environment to cheer on friends and family. As an added bonus, enjoy free live runner tracking through the Elite Events Tracker App, enhancing the overall experience for both participants and spectators alike. "Make this Thanksgiving a truly memorable occasion by joining us at Hertz Arena in the Fort Myers area for a morning of fitness and fun. The Thanksgiving Day 5k Run and Walk is not only an opportunity to get active but also a chance to create lasting memories with your loved ones," said Jaeden Hamernik, Event Director. To ensure you don't miss out on this family-friendly event, register today at https://www.runeliteevents.com/thanksgiving-day-5k.html. Seize the opportunity to partake in a Thanksgiving tradition that combines health, happiness, and togetherness. For more information, contact: Elite Events [email protected] Event Website: https://www.runeliteevents.com/thanksgiving-day-5k.html Blog Coverage: https://gulfcoastrunners.com/2023/11/17/fort-myers-turkey-trot-5k/ https://napleshalfmarathon.com/2023/11/17/fort-myers-turkey-trot-5k/ SOURCE Elite Events LOS ANGELES, Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Ford E.C., a renowned construction company known for its commitment to transformative community projects, is proud to announce the successful completion of The Alvarado project. As the general contractor for this endeavor, Ford E.C. played a pivotal role in bringing 45 newly renovated transitional housing units to life, providing crucial support for families experiencing homelessness. The Alvarado site, located in Mac Arthur Park, has undergone a remarkable transformation from a rundown, two-star hotel plagued by crime to a beacon of hope and dignity for those in need. The project's mission was to revitalize the space, ensuring that it not only provided shelter but also promoted a sense of belonging and community for its residents. One of the standout features of The Alvarado is its vibrant and inspiring exterior graphics, creatively designed by the project's architects. Budget constraints prevented structural remodeling, so the building's facade became a canvas for a full-scale, artistically bold presentation of the word "HOPE," after the name of the client, Hope The Mission. This welcoming graphic greets each resident, fostering community acceptance and a shared sense of beauty through public art. The interior of the building is a colorful and dynamic composition that invites residents to walk through a world of vibrant designs. Each floor has its own unique graphic identity, creating a sense of ownership and neighborhood. The attention to detail extends to the rooms, floors, walls, and furnishings, all designed to come together in a meaningful way. The Alvarado project also champions sustainability, aligning with California's energy goals. A new photovoltaic array will supply nearly fifty percent of the building's energy needs, eliminating the use of fossil fuels and transitioning to electric power. To combat the heat island effect, the roof is painted white to reflect heat, helping to maintain a comfortable environment for residents. In addition to its sustainable features, The Alvarado project includes drought-tolerant landscaping and a dining deck where tenants can enjoy meals in a beautiful outdoor setting, illuminated by dappled light from neighboring trees. Ford E.C. is delighted to have been part of this transformation, with design and construction completed in an impressive eight-month schedule. The Alvarado is set to open its doors on March 21, 2023, marking a significant milestone in the effort to provide positive solutions for those in desperate need of assistance. "We are honored to have been the general contractor for The Alvarado project, which represents a true collaboration of design, construction, and community impact," said Arash Daghighian of Ford E.C. "This project embodies our commitment to creating spaces that not only serve practical needs but also inspire hope and change lives. We look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on the Mac Arthur Park community." For more information about Ford E.C. and its transformative construction projects, please visit FordECInc.com About Ford E.C.: Ford E.C. is a leading construction company dedicated to delivering high-quality projects that make a positive impact on communities. With a strong focus on innovation, sustainability, and community engagement, Ford E.C. takes pride in its ability to transform spaces and enhance the lives of those who inhabit them. SOURCE Ford E.C. DUBLIN, Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Long Duration Energy Storage LDES Beyond Grids: Markets, Technologies for Microgrids, Minigrids, Buildings, Industrial Processes 0.1-500MWh 2024-2044" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. This beyond-grid market of under $0.5 billion today becomes over $52 billion in 2044. Long Duration Energy Storage (LDES) primarily focuses on storing electricity to address the increased intermittency in power grids as they integrate more solar and wind energy sources. However, a recent report highlights the unique needs and technologies for LDES in applications beyond traditional grids. The report identifies that unlike power grids, there may not be significant demand for seasonally-delayed electricity storage with months of subsequent discharge in beyond-grid applications. Instead, the research suggests that about one month of delay and subsequent discharge will become a substantial and additional market for LDES beyond grids, leading to the emergence of specific technologies tailored to meet these requirements. While traditional power grids accommodate power supply from various sources across the system, beyond-grid LDES applications require different considerations. Technologies like pumped hydro, underground compressed air, and hydrogen storage can still play a role, but smaller, modular, and rapidly deployable systems become essential in sensitive locations off the grid or using the grid as a backup. The shift towards generating and using electricity locally, driven by the desire for empowerment, security, and predictable costs, is a significant driver for beyond-grid LDES systems. These systems already rely heavily on solar power, resulting in unique intermittency challenges compared to traditional grids, where wind power is less prevalent. Several companies, such as Invinity and CellCube, have started installing appropriate LDES units, initially focusing on short-duration storage but increasingly catering to the demand for 12 hours of delayed discharge with one month of storage capacity. Other companies with suitable technologies for beyond-grid applications have mainly been competing in the grid-scale storage market, potentially missing out on a significant opportunity. The report provides an in-depth analysis of the technology roadmap, research pipeline, and planned product launches in the LDES space. It also offers forecasts from 2024 to 2044 for various LDES technologies and profiles 52 Redox Flow Battery (RFB) players, among others, to highlight the opportunities in the emerging beyond-grid LDES market. In summary, the beyond-grid LDES market is currently underexplored, making it an attractive opportunity for companies willing to address the unique needs of these applications. As this market grows, it has the potential to create billion-dollar enterprises and significantly impact the future of energy storage. Key Topics Covered: 1. Executive summary and conclusions 1.1 Purpose of this report 1.2 Methodology of this analysis 1.3 Overview 1.4 The different characteristics of grid utility and beyond-grid LDES 2024-2044 1.5 10 primary conclusions concerning the beyond-grid LDES market 1.6 10 primary conclusions concerning the beyond-grid LDES technologies 1.7 Beyond-grid LDES roadmap 2024-2044 1.8 Market forecasts 2024-2044 1.8.1 LDES total value market showing beyond-grid gaining share 2023-2044 1.8.2 Beyond-grid LDES market for microgrids, minigrids, other in 8 categories $ billion 2023-2044: table and line graphs 1.8.3 Beyond-grid LDES market for microgrids, minigrids, other in 8 categories $ billion 2023-2044: table and area graphs with explanation 1.8.4 Regional share of beyond-grid LDES value market in four categories 2024-2044 1.8.5 Total LDES market in 11 technology categories $ billion 2023-2044 table and graphs 1.8.6 Microgrid/ minigrid market 2024-2044 2. Introduction 2.1 Overview 2.1.1 LDES 2.1.2 Global electricity trends 2.1.3 Beyond-grid: buildings, industrial processes, minigrids, microgrids, other 2.1.4 Beyond-grid electricity production and management 2.2 The off-grid megatrend 2.3 The solar megatrend 2.4 The LDES prospect and cost challenge 2.4.1 Prospect 2.4.2 Challenge: compelling economics for local provision of LDES 2.4.3 Example of avoiding LDES by input matching: Ushant island 2.4.4 Reducing LDES need: Photovoltaics can provide more even power over more of the day 2.4.5 The trend to needing longer duration storage 2.4.6 LDES cost challenge 2.5 Multifunctional nature of beyond-grid storage 2.6 Big picture of LDES technology potential for grid and beyond-grid 2.7 LDES toolkit for grid and beyond-grid 2.8 Physics vs chemistry for LDES 2.9 Technologies for largest number of LDES sold for grids, microgrids, buildings 2024-2044 3. LDES storage options compared by parameter 3.1 Overview and definition and usefulness of LCOS 3.2 Equivalent efficiency vs storage hours, LCOS calculation, 9 technology families, vs 17 criteria 3.3 Nine LDES technology families, vs 17 other criteria 3.4 LDES technology choices including for grids 3.5 Lessons from LDES projects completed and planned 3.6 Available sites vs space efficiency for LDES technologies 3.7 LCOS $/kWh trend vs storage and discharge time 3.8 LDES power GW trend vs storage and discharge time 3.9 Days storage vs rated power return MW for LDES technologies 3.10 Days storage vs capacity MWh for LDES technologies 3.11 Potential by technology to supply LDES at peak power after various delays 4. Primary LDES options beyond grids: Redox flow batteries RFB 4.1 Overview 4.2 RFB technologies 4.3 SWOT appraisal of RFB for stationary storage 4.4 SWOT appraisal of RFB energy storage for LDES 4.5 Parameter appraisal of RFB for LDES 4.6 52 RFB companies compared in 8 columns: name, brand, technology, tech. readiness, beyond grid focus, LDES focus, comment 4.7 Detailed profiles of 52 RFB companies in 92 pages 4.8 Research thrust 5. Primary LDES options beyond grids: Advanced conventional construction batteries ACCB 5.1 Overview 5.2 SWOT appraisal of ACCB for LDES 5.3 Parameter comparison of ACCB for LDES 5.4 Iron-air 5.5 Molten metal 5.6 Nickel hydrogen 5.7 Sodium sulfur 5.8 Zinc 5.10 Other 6. Primary LDES storage options beyond grids: liquid gas energy storage LAES or CO2 6.1 Overview 6.2 SWOT appraisal of LAES for LDES 6.3 SWOT appraisal of liquid carbon dioxide for LDES 6.4 Parameter comparison of liquid gas for LDES 6.5 Liquid air energy storage technology, markets, achievements and prospects 6.5 Liquid carbon dioxide storage technology, markets, achievements and prospects 7. Other LDES storage options beyond grids: APHES, CAES, ETES, SGES 7.1 Overview 7.2 APHES with SWOT appraisal 7.3 CAES with SWOT appraisal 7.4 ETES with SWOT appraisal 7.5 SGES with SWOT appraisal 8. Currently poor prospects for beyond-grid LDES: H2ES and PHES 8.1 Overview 8.2 H2ES with beyond-grid LDES SWOT appraisal 8.3 PHES with beyond-grid LDES SWOT appraisal Companies Mentioned Agora Energy Technologies Ambri Antora BASF Beijing Herui Energy Storage Bryte Batteries Caldera Cavern Energy CellCube (Enerox) Ceres CERQ Cheesecake Energy CMBlu Corre Energy Cougar Creek Technologies Echogen EDF bought Pivot Power Elestor Enervenue EOS ESS Everflow Energy Form Energy Gravitricity Green Energy Storage H2 HBIS Hubei Lvdong Hunan Huifeng High Tech Energy HydraRedox Hydrostor Invinity Energy Systems Jolt Energy Storage Solutions Kemiwatt Korid Energy / AVESS Largo Inc LE System Lockheed Martin Mine Storage Mitsubishi NGK Pinflow Primus Power Prolox Quidnet Energy Quino Energy Redflow RFC Power RHEnergise Rhongke Power Salgenix Shanghai Electric Energy Storage Shmid Stiesdahl Storelectric StorEn Technologies Storion Energy Stryten Energy Sumitomo Electric Suntien Synchrostor Swanbarton VFlowTech Vionx Energy VizBlue VLiquid Voith VoltStorage Volterion VoltStorage VRB Energy ViZn Energy WeView Yinfeng New Energy Zhiguang For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/qag29r 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 BEIJING, Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- While serving as then Party chief of Zhengding, North China's Hebei Province 38 years ago, Xi Jinping made his maiden trip to the US with San Francisco as his first stop, marking his initial steps onto US soil. During this visit, Xi got acquainted with the US and built friendships with Americans that have lasted till today, an enduring testimony of the vitality of bilateral ties. Decades later, Chinese President Xi once again set foot in San Francisco on Tuesday for a highly anticipated summit with US President Joe Biden and to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting this week. This time, the visit garnered worldwide attention as it is of great significance to both China-US relations and the world. San Francisco has again become an important witness to China-US relations. In addition to the political aspect of this visit, it is also a reunion among old friends and a way to foster people-to-people exchanges, as the Chinese president pointed out, "the foundation of China-US relations was laid by our peoples." Along with a warm welcome at the airport for the Chinese delegation were throngs of bystanders waving Chinese and US flags along the presidential motorcade route, including in the San Francisco's Chinatown, one of the largest outside Asia, on Tuesday afternoon. On Wednesday morning, outside Filoli where the two heads of state met, hundreds of overseas Chinese nationals gathered to welcome Xi. Filoli is a secluded estate along Northern California's coastal range and is about 40 kilometers south of San Francisco. The Global Times learned that many at the venue came from other US cities thousands of miles away from San Francisco to warmly welcome President Xi. They talked about their excitement in this moment and their hope for the improvement of China-US relations. A student based in California surnamed Shu told the Global Times that she felt so excited about participating in Xi's welcome ceremony. And as a Chinese student studying in the US, she hopes to serve as a bridge between China and the US and contribute to the people exchanges between the two countries in the future. Analysts pointed out that the visit is expected to inject stability into China-US relations and also shows the great importance attached by President Xi to people-to-people exchanges. "I believe this summit between the heads of China and the US also echoes what President Xi has emphasized - the hope for China-US relations is in the people, and the need to continually expand people-to-people exchanges, including societal interactions with American entrepreneurs," Zhu Feng, a professor of international relations at Nanjing University, told the Global Times. Diao Daming, an associate professor at the Renmin University of China in Beijing, told the Global Times that the high-level interactions between the two major powers can effectively anchor their bilateral relations and steer them in the right direction. "This can largely contribute to the development, prosperity, and stability of the global economy by providing a strong sense of positive energy and certainty, which is extremely crucial," he said. Revisit San Francisco Forty-two years ago, the first civil aviation route between China and the US was launched, with San Francisco becoming the inaugural destination for Chinese civil aviation. Four years later, Xi visited the US for the first time and conducted inspections in San Francisco. Like other visitors, he took a photo with the Golden Gate Bridge. At the Filoli estate on Wednesday, Biden pointed to a photo in his phone with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background. Biden asked Xi, "Do you know this young man?" "Oh yes," said President Xi, "this was [me] 38 years ago." After the banquet, Xi and Biden took a short walk at the Filoli estate, built in 1917 as a private residence and later became a National Trust for Historic Preservation site. In June 2013, during his inaugural visit to the US as the Chinese president, Xi discussed with then US president Barack Obama about the fostering of mutual trust and building of a new type of major-country relationship. Xi's visit to San Francisco this week is the first in six years, and has been a long time coming. The biggest outcome of this summit is to convey a message of "stability" to the world in the post-pandemic era, Diao told the Global Times. This stability conveys a signal that there can be ongoing communication across various fields, while simultaneously creating greater possibilities for cooperation in these areas, he noted. During his meeting with Biden on Wednesday, Xi urged China and the US to jointly advance mutually beneficial cooperation. "The two countries have broad common interests in a wide range of areas, including traditional areas such as the economy, trade and agriculture, as well as emerging areas such as climate change and artificial intelligence (AI)," he said. Old friends At a welcome dinner by friendly organizations in the US on Wednesday, Xi stressed the role of people in China-US relations. "The foundation of China-US relations was laid by our peoples," Xi said, stressing that "the door of China-US relations was opened by our peoples," "the stories of China-US relations are written by our peoples" and "the future of China-US relations will be created by our peoples." He also recalled his first interaction with American people. "During my first visit to the US, I stayed at the Dvorchaks in Iowa. I still remember their address - 2911 Bonnie Drive. That was my first face-to-face contact with Americans. The days I spent with them are unforgettable. For me, they represent America." At that time, Xi led a five-member agricultural delegation to investigate farm technology in Muscatine, located in the Midwestern state of Iowa, renowned for its significant role in the country's corn and soybean agricultural production. Since that time, the friendships between Xi and Dvorchak's family and other friends in Iowa have continued to flourish. Xi and his old American friends reunited in Iowa after 27 years in 2012 when he visited the US as vice president. "I thought he was a very nice, focused, polite man," Eleanor Dvorchak once recounted. Xi was among the first Chinese friends the family got to know. Gary Dvorchak, the son of Thomas and Eleanor Dvorchak and owner of the Sino-US Friendship House, participated in Wednesday's events. The family hosted Xi during his 1985 visit to Muscatine. Xi slept in Gary's the Star Trek-themed bedroom while he was away at university. Gary Dvorchak told the Global Times that he felt "very excited and honored" to meet Xi on Wednesday. He said that he planned to turn the house where Xi stayed into a museum, which would be open to the public after renovation in 2024, making it a symbol of China-US friendship. He said that he strongly echoed Xi's thoughts on the role of people in China-US relations. He believes Xi's visit will set a positive tone and facilitate more interactions. On Wednesday, China announced it would invite 50,000 young Americans to China on exchange and study programs over the next five years in order to expand exchanges between the peoples of China and the US, especially between the youth. "It is crucial that this summit serves to provide a sober, scientific, and accurate signal for overall political and societal understanding and interpretation of US' policy toward China today," Zhu stressed. SOURCE Global Times NEW YORK, Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The United States Attorney's Office recently announced the arrest of a former Gow School administrator with the possession of child sex abuse images. This is not the first allegation of Gow School employees involving child sexual abuse. New York sexual abuse lawyers, Greenstein & Milbauer, LLP, currently have three pending lawsuits against the Gow School alleging negligence by the school for its failure to protect the children from an employee at the school beginning in the early 1980s. Those actions were brought under New York's Child Victims Act, which provided a window for older victims of child sexual abuse to bring civil lawsuits against individuals and institutions that were responsible for the abuse. "This recent arrest is extremely troubling," said Robert Greenstein, managing partner at Greenstein & Milbauer, LLP. "Although I can't say I'm surprised. The Gow School's own internal investigation has identified twelve individuals who have accused at least five former staffers of abuse or misconduct. The Gow School must be held accountable for their negligence". The report referenced by Robert Greenstein can be found at (https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1585315370/gow/nnt2bpovpaxtxtgbrekf/reports.pdf) and was conducted by Hodgson Russ and entitled an "Independent Investigation of Historical Reported Incidents of Abuse and Inappropriate Behavior." The Gow School is a private institution that specializes in teaching children in grades six through twelve who have language-based disabilities such as dyslexia. As of June 2019, The Gow School reported an enrollment of approximately one hundred and fifty students. About ninety percent of the school's students are boarding students living in Gow's 100-acre campus. The three lawsuits commenced by Greenstein & Milbauer, LLP accuse a former Gow School dorm master and teacher, Jack Jackson, of sexual abuse. Two of the lawsuits remain pending in Erie County (filed under index numbers 805211/2021 and 806642/2020). Those lawsuits claim abuse by Jackson starting in 1985 and ending in approximately 1992. The third lawsuit, also pending in Erie County, under Index Number 803432/2020, is scheduled for trial in January 2024. That lawsuit alleges over fifty separate instances of abuse perpetrated by Jack Jackson, while a Gow School employee from 1990-1991. It further alleges that The Gow School failed to protect their students despite the fact that a former Gow School Headmaster was alerted to inappropriate behavior by Jackson, and there were significant red flags of his propensity to sexually abuse children. In 2019, the New York State Legislature passed the Child Victims Act which allows child sex abuse survivors to bring a civil lawsuit against abusers and institutions until the survivor is fifty-five (55) years old. Since the lawsuits were filed, Greenstein & Milbauer, LLP has received complaints from parents of recent Gow students who have also alleged child sexual abuse. Anyone with information about sexual abuse at The Gow School or in any other place should contact Greenstein & Milbauer, LLP. Contact Greenstein & Milbauer, LLP: Rob Greenstein (800) 842-8462 [email protected] www.nyclawfirm.com SOURCE Greenstein & Milbauer, LLP LIAOCHENG, China, Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- On Nov. 14, themed "Craftsmanship in Forging Industry of Qingshui," the 2023 Guanxian County China Bearing (Forging) Industry High-quality Development Conference was held in Guanxian County of Liaocheng to promote the favorable development environment of bearing (forging) industry and quality bearing products and seek new opportunities for the industry upgrade, through expert lectures, high-level forums, exhibitions, investment promotion, negotiations, cooperation contract signing, field visits, exchange and guidance. High-quality Development Conference 2023 Automatic quenching production line of a bearing (forging) enterprise in Guanxian County During the event, Liaocheng City government and Guanxian County government entered into strategic cooperation agreements with China Bearing Industry Association, Confederation of Chinese Metalforming Industry, and Luoyang Bearing Research Institute Co., Ltd. Additionally, 15 key projects in the bearing (forging) industry of Guanxian County were signed on-site, with a total value of 10.22 billion yuan, according to the News Office of People's Government of Guanxian County. Guanxian County, known as a prominent bearing forging hub in China, holds over 1/4 of the Chinese market share. With 528 bearing processing enterprises, 11,000 machine tools, and a workforce of over 20,000 employees, it boasts an annual production and processing capacity of over 1 million tons and generates an output value of 8 billion yuan. The county's products have gained popularity both domestically and internationally. In 2023, its green and intelligent forging industry was designated as part of the provincial special industrial clusters, while Qingshui Town was recognized as the top town for bearing forging in China. Based on the industrial foundation and advantages, Guanxian County has planned and constructed two bearing (forging) industrial parks to high standards. The brand "Guanxian Bearing Forged in Qingshui" has been established and promoted, aiming to drive the growth of the bearing and supporting industries through professional collaboration and foster a new development pattern that encompasses all aspects and stages of production. Zhang Xuehong, the CPC Committee Secretary of the county, expressed optimism about the prosperous future of the county's bearing forging industry. Over the next 3-5 years, Guanxian County aims to establish an industrial cluster valued at ten billion yuan in the bearing (forging) industry and strive to become a nationally influential industrial hub. Image Attachments Links: Link: https://iop.asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=443293 Caption: High-quality Development Conference 2023 Link: https://iop.asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=443296 Caption: Automatic quenching production line of a bearing (forging) enterprise in Guanxian County SOURCE News Office of the People's Government of Guanxian County Starring Celebrity Hairstylists Rossano Ferretti, Riawna Capri and Nikki Lee MADRID, Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- 'Hairstyle: The Talent Show' produced by Shine Iberia (A Banijay Company), will make its debut in the USA on November 17 and become part of the content catalog of discovery+. This innovative format, seeking the next big name in hairdressing in the country, will feature Maestro Rossano Ferretti, and stylists Riawna Capri and Nikki Lee as hosts. Rossano Ferretti, Nikki Lee, Riawna Capri Hosts of Hairstyle, The Talent Show on Discovery+ Ten professional hairdressers from the United States will need to showcase their talent, skills, and creativity in front of Maestro Rossano Ferretti, who will host the talent show broadcast globally in five different versions in Spain, Italy, Mexico, Brazil and the United States and sponsored by Alfaparf Milano Professional hair care. In each of the editions, Ferretti will evaluate the contestants' work, accompanied by a co-host from each of the countries. They won't be alone; well-known celebrities will visit the salon to share insights about their hair and lifestyle routines. The winner of HairStyle, The Talent Show will be awarded a prize worth $150,000, allowing them to realize their ambition of opening a high-end salon. To ensure the project is a success, a team of experts headed by Rossano Ferretti will be on hand, supported by top hair industry brands: Alfaparf Milano Professional haircare, coloring and finishing products; Great Lengths extensions, Rossano Ferretti Parma hair treatments; Gama Professional dryers and Maletti salon furniture. The winner will also be awarded $10,000 extra to spend on their salon and will join the prestigious international teaching team of the MDB Education hairstyling master's program. Hair maestro Rossano Ferretti is one of the best-known stylists in the world famous for his innovative cutting technique, "The Method". HIis luxury salons in Milan, Paris, New York, Miami, Dubai and Madrid are frequented by celebrities, royals and VIPs. At a time when using skincare ingredients in hair care was unusual, Ferretti pioneered research into the link between both kinds of care, positioning himself at the forefront of the skinification movement. Riawna Capri and Nikki Lee are the owners of Nine Zero One salon located in the heart of Los Angeles. Launched in 2009, it is a modern, inspiring space, frequented by numerous Hollywood celebrities, including Selena Gomez, Nina Dobrev, Hillary Duff and Emma Roberts, among others. Making clients feel at ease and heard is a top priority for the salon, their second home. To make sure that this is the case, they have assembled a creative, talented and attentive team, to provide clients with excellent service and a wonderful experience. Both Riawna and Nikki are experts in using long extensions, creating spectacular blond, multi-dimensional cuts, and texturizing hair. They are specialized in free-flowing layers and sun-kissed colors. discovery+ is the definitive non-fiction, real life subscription streaming service from Warner Bros. Discovery. With the largest-ever content offering at launch, discovery+ features a wide range of exclusive, original series across popular passion verticals including lifestyle and relationships; home and food; true crime; paranormal; adventure and natural history; as well as science, tech and the environment, and a slate of high-quality documentaries. For more, visit discoveryplus.com, or find the discovery+ app on most mobile and connected TV devices. Press Contact: [email protected] Alfaparf Milano Professional: www.alfaparfmilanopro.com @alfaparfmilanopro @alfaparfmilanopro_usa Rossano Ferretti Parma: @therealrossanoferretti @rossanoferrettiofficial www.rossanoferretti.com GAMA: www.gamaprofessional.com/ @gamaitaly.us Greatlengths: www.greatlengths.com greatlengths_official Maletti: https://www.malettigroup.com/ Maletti_official SOURCE Alfaparf Milano Hawaii social media gives island talent and voices a global audience, and Hawaii Creators helps them thrive. HONOLULU, Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The timeless traditions of storytelling and collaboration in Hawaii have a new home with the launch of Hawaii Creators (HawaiiCreators.com), an open community of artists and performers spanning the Hawaiian Islands. Originally founded in 2016 as Hawaii Social Media Services, the name Hawaii Creators reflects the greater diversity and inclusiveness of today's traditional and digital platforms for expression and interaction. Peter Kay (PRNewsfoto/Hawaii Creators) Emi Hart (PRNewsfoto/Hawaii Creators) "Even before the web and social media, technology was a transformative force in connecting people globally," says co-founder Peter Kay, a serial entrepreneur and life-long media maker. "Hawaii, despite its isolation, embraced its potential and power to entertain and educate people around the world, and today that potential is limitlesseveryone deserves to be seen and heard." "Hawaii Creators is not a clique or a club, and we even shy away from the word 'influencer,'" says co-founder Ryan Ozawa, a native Hawaiian journalist with more than 30 years' experience in online publishing. "We welcome people who create because it's a passion or calling as much as those who see it as a career, and we measure success by the number of stories told and lives touched, not the number of likes or brand deals." While online community building is a distinct strength of Hawaii Creators members, the group is also committed to real, in-person, face-to-face interaction and events. "Coming out of the pandemic, I think people crave the warmth and energy you can only get when gathered in the same space," says co-founder, musician, and event organizer Emi Hart. "Hawaii Creators will bring people together to forge deeper connections, learn together, and truly appreciate our island home." The heart of Hawaii Creators are the words, images, sounds, and flavors that its members share with the world. As a group, Hawaii Creators will focus on helping people who are new to content creation and digital media, providing training and one-on-one mentorship, connecting members with each other for collaborative projects, and organizing meetups, presentations, and workshops. "Everybody has a story, and we're going to help people tell theirs," Kay says. "Next month we're launching a series of live-streamed Hawaii Creators conversationsinterviews with members where we can learn who they are, why they do what they do, how they've grown, and where they're headed." "If someone wants to make a living as a creator, we'll share all the knowledge and tools we can to help them succeed," adds Hart, who was the first community manager for Yelp Hawaii and organized some of Hawaii's most successful social media campaigns. "But Hawaii Creators celebrates everyone, and many of our members freely share their mana'o, their aloha, simply because it makes people happy." About Hawaii Creators Hawaii Creators is an open, inclusive, supportive, and collaborative community of storytellers, artists and performers in, from, and inspired by the Aloha State. The group comprises creators in every medium, from authors, bloggers, and podcasters to YouTubers, Twitch streamers, lifecasters and broadcasters. Founded in 2016 as HawaiiSocial.com (dba Hawaii Social Media Services), Hawaii Creators has seen dozens of platforms come and go, but the irresistible spirit of the islands has consistently sustained and grown the reach and influence of Hawaii's people. For more information, visit HawaiiCreators.com. Media Contact: prnews@hawaiipr.com SOURCE Hawaii Creators The "Global Healthcare Chatbots Market Size By Component, By Application, By Deployment, By End-User, By Geographic Scope And Forecast" report has been published by Verified Market Research. The report provides an in-depth analysis of the global Healthcare Chatbots Market, including its growth prospects, market trends, and market challenges. JERSEY CITY, N.J., Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Global Healthcare Chatbots Market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 19.16% from 2022 to 2030, according to a new report published by Verified Market Research. The report reveals that the market was valued at USD 194.85 Million in 2021 and is expected to reach USD 943.64 Million by the end of the forecast period. Download PDF Brochure: https://www.verifiedmarketresearch.com/download-sample?rid=39320 Browse in-depth TOC on "Healthcare Chatbots Market" 202 - Pages 126 Tables 37 Figures Healthcare Chatbots Market: Paving the Future of Patient Interaction and Virtual Health Assistance In a dynamic landscape driven by technological advancements, the Healthcare Chatbots Market emerges as a transformative force, revolutionizing patient engagement and virtual health assistance. Today, we unveil key insights into this burgeoning market, poised for significant growth and innovation. Healthcare Chatbots Redefining Patient Interaction Cutting-edge chatbot technology, powered by Artificial Intelligence and a robust set of rules, is reshaping how individuals interact with healthcare services. Whether through textual communication or audio output, chatbots serve as indispensable tools facilitating seamless communication between patients and artificial intelligence. These cloud-based or on-premise solutions empower patients to assess symptoms, locate clinics, and schedule appointments with unparalleled efficiency. Driving Factors for Healthcare Chatbots Market Growth The demand for virtual health assistance propels the Healthcare Chatbots Market forward. The industry witnesses constant advancements, technological developments, and collaborative efforts between key players and healthcare providers. A surge in healthcare chatbot usage, coupled with the development of cloud-based models, creates new opportunities, positioning the market for exponential growth. Healthcare Chatbots Market Key Industry Drivers and Challenges As the industry gains momentum, factors such as increasing internet access, smart device penetration, and integration with social networking platforms become pivotal. However, challenges like data privacy concerns, a lack of experience in chatbot development, and misconceptions impede the market's full potential. Despite these obstacles, the incorporation of chatbot services in digital marketing strategies propels the Healthcare Chatbots Market into a rapid expansion phase. The North American Healthcare Chatbots Market emerges as the fastest-growing sector, fueled by the increased use of mobile apps for healthcare information, the popularity of social media-embedded chatbots, and substantial investments by digital healthcare developers. This region stands at the forefront of innovation, driving the market to new heights. Healthcare Chatbots Market Leading Key Players Shaping the Future In this landscape of innovation, major players play a pivotal role in shaping the Healthcare Chatbots Market. Your.MD, PACT Care BV, Woebot, Sensely, Inc., Ada Digital Health Ltd., HealthTap, Inc., Infermedica, Baidu, Inc., Buoy Health, Inc., Babylon Healthcare Service Limited, GYANT.Com, Inc., and Microsoft stand as industry leaders, contributing significantly to the development and innovation within the healthcare chatbot domain. As the Healthcare Chatbots Market continues to evolve, its impact on patient interaction and virtual health assistance cannot be overstated. The future promises not only growth but a paradigm shift in the way healthcare services are accessed and delivered. Stay tuned as the industry unfolds, ushering in a new era of healthcare innovation. To get market data, market insights, financial statements and a comprehensive analysis of the Global Healthcare Chatbots Market, please Contact Verified Market Research. Based on the research, Verified Market Research has segmented the global Healthcare Chatbots Market into Component, Application, Deployment, End-User, And Geography. Healthcare Chatbots Market, by Component Software Service Others Healthcare Chatbots Market, by Application Symptoms Check Appointment Scheduling & Monitoring Medical & Drug Information Assistance Other Applications Healthcare Chatbots Market, by Deployment Cloud-based Model On-premise Model Healthcare Chatbots Market, by End-User Healthcare Providers Healthcare Payers Patients Other End-Users Healthcare Chatbots 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 Browse Related Reports: Chatbot For Banking Market By Product (Bots for Service, Bots for Social Media, Bots for Payments/Order processing), By Application (Banking, Financial Services, Insurance), By Geography, And Forecast Chatbot Market By End-User Vertical (BFSI, Healthcare, IT and Telecommunication), By Platform (Web-Based, Mobile, Stand-alone), By Geography, And Forecast Healthcare Virtual Assistants Market By Product (Smart Speakers, Chatbots), By User Interface (Automatic Speech Recognition, Text-based, Text-to-speech), By End User (Healthcare Providers, Patients, Healthcare Payers), By Geography, And Forecast Intelligent Virtual Assistant Market By User Interface (Text-To-Speech, Text-Based), By Product (IVA Smart Speakers, Chatbots), By Vertical (Healthcare, Government, Consumer Electronics), By Geography, And Forecast 5 Best Telecom Managed Services: Enhancing communication for smarter connections Visualize Healthcare Chatbots Market using Verified Market Intelligence -: Verified Market Intelligence is our BI Enabled Platform for narrative storytelling in this market. VMI offers in-depth forecasted trends and accurate Insights on over 20,000+ emerging & niche markets, helping you make critical revenue-impacting decisions for a brilliant future. VMI provides a holistic overview and global competitive landscape with respect to Region, Country, Segment, and Key players of your market. Present your Market Report & findings with an inbuilt presentation feature saving over 70% of your time and resources for Investor, Sales & Marketing, R&D, and Product Development pitches. VMI enables data delivery In Excel and Interactive PDF formats with over 15+ Key Market Indicators for your market. About Us Verified Market Research is a leading Global Research and Consulting firm servicing over 5000+ customers. Verified Market Research provides advanced analytical research solutions while offering information-enriched research studies. We offer insight into strategic and growth analyses, Data necessary to achieve corporate goals and critical revenue decisions. Our 250 Analysts and SMEs offer a high level of expertise in data collection and governance use industrial techniques to collect and analyze data on more than 15,000 high impact and niche markets. Our analysts are trained to combine modern data collection techniques, superior research methodology, expertise and years of collective experience to produce informative and accurate research. We study 14+ categories from Semiconductors & Electronics, Chemicals, Advanced Materials, Aerospace & Defense, Energy & Power, Healthcare, Pharmaceuticals, Automotive & Transportation, Information & Communication Technology, Software & Services, Information Security, Mining, Minerals & Metals, Building & Construction, Agriculture industry and Medical Devices from over 100 countries. Contact Us Mr. Edwyne Fernandes Verified Market Research US: +1 (650)-781-4080 US Toll Free: +1 (800)-782-1768 Email: sales@verifiedmarketresearch.com Web: https://www.verifiedmarketresearch.com/ Follow Us: LinkedIn | Twitter Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2015407/VMR_Logo.jpg SOURCE Verified Market Research Surge in cases of Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), increase in the adoption of HIV drugs, and the increase in awareness regarding HIV treatment in developing countries drive the growth of the global HIV drugs market. PORTLAND, Ore., Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "HIV Drugs Market By Medication Class (Multi-Class Combination Drugs, Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NRTIs), Non-Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NNRTIs), Protease Inhibitors (PIs), Entry Inhibitors, HIV Integrase Strand Transfer Inhibitors, and Others), and Distribution Channel (Hospital Pharmacies, Drugs Stores and Retail Pharmacies, and Online Pharmacies): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 20232032" According to the report, the global HIV drugs industry generated $32.80 billion in 2022 and is anticipated to generate $51.1 billion by 2032, witnessing a CAGR of 4.5% from 2023 to 2032. Request Sample of the Report on HIV Drugs Market Forecast 2032- https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/1867 Prime determinants of growth Increase in initiatives taken by various government associations to raise awareness about diagnosis and management of HIV in developing countries, rise in demand for HIV drugs, and rise in R&D regarding HIV drugs drive the growth of the global HIV drugs market. However, the stringent regulatory requirements for the approval and commercialization of HIV drugs are hampering the HIV drugs market growth. On the contrary, the increase in adoption of key strategies by key players, and the increase in clinical trials of drugs for the treatment of HIV are expected to offer remunerative opportunities for expansion of the HIV drugs market during the forecast period. Report coverage & details: Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 20232032 Base Year 2022 Market Size in 2022 $32.80 billion Market Size in 2032 $51.1 billion CAGR 4.5 % No. of Pages in Report 229 Segments covered Medication Class, Distribution Channel, and Region Drivers Surge in cases of HIV Initiatives taken by various government associations to raise awareness about diagnosis and management of HIV Opportunities Increase in number of products in the pipeline Restraints Stringent regulatory requirements for the approval and commercialization of HIV drugs Economic Downturn Analysis: Impact of Recession in 2023 on the HIV Drugs Market The pharmaceutical industry heavily relies on research and development efforts to introduce new drugs and therapies to the market. As pharmaceutical companies face financial constraints and budget cuts, there may be a reduced focus on high-cost research and development projects. However, the overall demand for therapeutic drugs, including HIV drugs, remains relatively stable during economic downturns due to their essential role in treating health conditions. Want to Explore More, Connect to our Analyst- https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/connect-to-analyst/1867 The multi-class combination drugs segment is expected to maintain its dominance throughout the forecast period. By medication class, the multi-class combination drugs segment held the highest market share in 2022, accounting for nearly two-fifths of the global HIV drugs market revenue and is estimated to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period, owing to rise in the adoption of multi-class combination for the treatment of HIV. The same segment is projected to manifest the highest CAGR of 5.1% from 2023 to 2032, as increase in research and development of multi-class combination drugs and the high effectiveness of multi-class combination drugs against HIV. The hospital pharmacies segment is expected to maintain its lead position during the forecast period. By distribution channel, the hospital pharmacies segment held the highest market share in terms of revenue in 2022, accounting for more than half of the global HIV drugs market revenue, its pivotal role as a primary distribution channel for pharmaceutical products and treatments. Hospital pharmacies serve as key points of access for medications, including HIV drugs and supportive therapies. However, the online pharmacies segment is expected to witness the fastest CAGR of 5.4% from 2023 to 2032, owing to the convenience in shopping, increase in e-commerce sales, improvements in logistics services, and ease in payment options. For Procurement Information- https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/1867 North America is expected to maintain its dominance by 2032. By region, North America held the highest market share in terms of revenue in 2022, accounting for more than two-fifths of the global HIV drugs market revenue, owing to robust healthcare infrastructure, presence of key players, and rise in healthcare expenditure. However, the Asia-Pacific region is expected to witness the fastest CAGR of 5.8% from 2023 to 2032 and is projected to dominate the market during the forecast period, owing to a rise in HIV cases, unmet medical demands, and high population base. Leading Market Players: - AbbVie Inc. Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH Bristol-Myers Squibb Company Cipla Inc. F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. Gilead Sciences, Inc. GSK plc (ViiV Healthcare) Johnson & Johnson Merck & Co., Inc. Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd The report provides a detailed analysis of the key players in the global HIV drugs market. These players have adopted different strategies such as product approval, partnership, and product launch to increase their market share and maintain dominant shares in different regions. The report is valuable in highlighting business performance, operating segments, product portfolio, and strategic moves of market players to showcase the competitive scenario. Comprehensive Healthcare Industry Research Studies: Internet of Things in Healthcare Market - Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 20222032 Europe In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Market - Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2022-2032 Medical Tourism Market- Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2022-2032 3D Cell Culture Market- Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 20222032 Coronary Stents Market- Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 20222032 Neurovascular Devices Market- Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 20222032 About Allied Market Research: Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Wilmington, Delaware. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions." AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domains. AMR offers its services across 11 industry verticals including Life Sciences, Consumer Goods, Materials & Chemicals, Construction & Manufacturing, Food & Beverages, Energy & Power, Semiconductor & Electronics, Automotive & Transportation, ICT & Media, Aerospace & Defense, and BFSI. We are in professional corporate relations with various companies and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Allied Market Research CEO Pawan Kumar is instrumental in inspiring and encouraging everyone associated with the company to maintain high quality of data and help clients in every way possible to achieve success. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry. Contact David Correa 1209 Orange Street, Corporation Trust Center, Wilmington, New Castle, Delaware 19801 USA. Toll Free: +1-800-792-5285 Int'l: +1-503-894-6022 UK: +44-845-528-1300 Hong Kong: +852-301-84916 India (Pune): +91-20-66346060 Fax: +1-855-550-5975 [email protected] Web: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com Follow Us on: LinkedIn Twitter Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/636519/4411944/Allied_Market_Research_Logo.jpg SOURCE Allied Market Research Related Links https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/636519/Allied_Market_Research_Logo.jpg https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/636519/Allied_Market_Research_Logo.jpg https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/636519/Allied_Market_Research_Logo.jpg https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/636519/Allied_Market_Research_Logo.jpg https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/636519/Allied_Market_Research_Logo.jpg CUB SAYS RULINGS COULD SIGNAL END OF "BUSINESS AS USUAL" FOR PEOPLES GAS, NICOR, AMEREN AND NORTH SHORE GAS CHICAGO, Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In a sweeping rebuff of four different utilities, Illinois regulators have sharply curtailed record rate hikes proposed for more than 4 million gas customers across the state, while also blocking most spending on a controversial pipe-replacement program that has fueled a heating affordability crisis for consumers in recent years. Under the rulings by the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) Thursday, customers of Peoples Gas, Nicor Gas, Ameren Illinois and North Shore Gas will still incur a rate increase, putting more stress on already struggling families a pattern consumer advocates have said they are determined to stifle in coming years. Nonetheless, the decisions significantly limited the size of the rate hikes that the utilities threatened to inflict on consumers, and they collectively signaled that the regulatory climate in Illinois may be shifting decisively in the direction of stronger consumer protections. In each of the cases, the ICC's reduction to the rate hike exceeded the amount sometimes by large margins recommended by the agency's administrative law judges. In all, the rate increases were lowered by about $240 million as a result of the ICC's actions. "Rate hikes are never a cause for celebration, and we're dismayed that bills will increase for gas customers throughout Illinois but we're thankful that the Illinois Commerce Commission demonstrated real resolve to rein in reckless profit-mongering by the state's gas utilities in ways we haven't seen in a long time," said CUB Executive Director Sarah Moskowitz. "We're hopeful that this ruling sends a signal to the state's utilities that the days of business-as-usual are coming to an end." The net impacts of the rulings on the four utilities are as follows: Peoples Gas: The ICC shrank the utility's record-setting $404 million rate-hike request by $101 million , slashing in half the estimated increase on customer bills from $11.83 monthly to approximately $6 monthly. They also trimmed profits for the company's shareholders below expectations and prohibited expenditures on its expensive pipe-replacement program, pending further review. The ICC shrank the utility's record-setting rate-hike request by , slashing in half the estimated increase on customer bills from monthly to approximately monthly. They also trimmed profits for the company's shareholders below expectations and prohibited expenditures on its expensive pipe-replacement program, pending further review. Nicor Gas: The ICC cut the utility's $320 million rate-hike proposal by $97 million and shaved profits for the company's shareholders by a critical margin. The ICC cut the utility's rate-hike proposal by and shaved profits for the company's shareholders by a critical margin. Ameren: In its news release, the ICC said it purged about $36 million from a proposed $71.57 million rate hike, a reduction of about 50 percent, while curbing the profits collected by the company's shareholders. In its news release, the ICC said it purged about from a proposed rate hike, a reduction of about 50 percent, while curbing the profits collected by the company's shareholders. North Shore Gas: The ICC reduced the company's $16.59 million rate-hike proposal by $5.57 million . In recent years, Peoples Gas, Nicor and Ameren have inflated their profits by capitalizing on a controversial mechanism that allowed them to bill consumers directly for money they funneled into controversial pipe-replacement programs. In particular, the out-of-state parent company of Peoples Gas, WEC Energy Group, said the utility's System Modernization Program (SMP) was a major profit driver, helping Peoples rake in six consecutive years of record profits. On Thursday, that spending spree came to an abrupt halt after the ICC instituted a moratorium on the SMP for 2024, pending a comprehensive regulatory review of how Peoples Gas is administering the program. On Thursday, the ICC also: Established a new low-income discount rate, beginning in October 2024 , for gas customers whose incomes are up to 300 percent of the federal poverty level. Customers already enrolled in the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) will automatically qualify for this rate. , for gas customers whose incomes are up to 300 percent of the federal poverty level. Customers already enrolled in the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) will automatically qualify for this rate. Initiated "future of gas" proceedings, requiring the utilities to account for the future of their infrastructure as market trends lead customers to convert from gas to electricity for heating and cooking and state climate goals favor clean energy. Citizens Utility Board The Citizens Utility Board (CUB) is Illinois' leading nonprofit utility watchdog group. Created by the Illinois Legislature, CUB opened its doors in 1984 to represent the interests of residential and small-business utility customers. Since then, CUB has saved consumers more than $20 billion by helping to block rate hikes and secure refunds. For more information, call CUB's Consumer Hotline at 1-800-669-5556 or visit CUB's award-winning website, www.CitizensUtilityBoard.org. SOURCE Citizens Utility Board WASHINGTON, Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In a victory for U.S. aluminum extruders, the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today found there is a reasonable indication that the American aluminum extrusions industry is materially injured or threatened with injury due to imports from China, Colombia, Ecuador, India, Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam. The Commission's affirmative vote comes in response to petitions filed October 4, 2023 by the U.S. Aluminum Extruders Coalition, a coalition of 14 leading aluminum extruders in the United States, and the United Steelworkers (USW) union. The cases allege that unfairly dumped and subsidized imports of aluminum extrusions are injuring the domestic industry. "U.S. aluminum extruders and their workers, including thousands of USW workers, are suffering as a result of unfairly traded imports from these countries," said Robert E. DeFrancesco, counsel to the petitioners and a partner in the International Trade Practice at Wiley. "Today's vote by the Commission takes the domestic industry one step closer to restoring a level playing field to the U.S. aluminum extrusions market." On October 25, 2023, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced the initiation of antidumping (AD) and countervailing duty (CVD) investigations into imports of aluminum extrusions from the subject countries. The dumping margins for imports are alleged to be as high as 376.85%. The Commission's affirmative preliminary injury determination paves the way for the Commerce Department to move forward with its investigations. Commerce is expected to issue its preliminary CVD determination in December 2023 and its preliminary AD determination in March 2024. If Commerce also reaches affirmative preliminary determinations in these cases, suspension of liquidation of import entries will begin, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection will start to collect provisional AD and CVD duties from importers at that time, based on the preliminary margins calculated. If both the USITC and Commerce ultimately reach affirmative final determinations, AD and CVD orders on aluminum extrusions will be issued, imposing duties on the unfairly traded imports for a minimum of five years. Evasion, absorption, and circumvention of such duties are strictly illegal. The Wiley team representing the petitioners also includes International Trade Practice co-chair Alan H. Price, partner Laura El-Sabaawi, associates Elizabeth S. Lee and Kimberly A. Reynolds, and international trade analyst Amy E. Sherman. Media Contact: Robert E. DeFrancesco 202.719.7473 | [email protected] SOURCE Wiley Rein LLP IRVINE, Calif., Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- University Lab Partners (ULP), a premier nonprofit wet lab incubator based in Orange County, California, is proud to announce that it has been selected as one of 220 applicants nationwide to receive a $2 million award from the U.S. Department of Commerce's Build to Scale program. Our startups don't just dream about improving human health they strive to make it a reality every day. Post this ULP Resident, Cameron Taylor, Co-Founder/CTO of Entelexo Biotherapeutics, develops novel methods of engineering and manufacturing therapeutic exosomes. Entelexo offers a new approach to treating autoimmune diseases by focusing on the patients, analyzing patterns, and utilizing data to optimize product efficacy. Build to Scale is a pivotal initiative by the U.S. Department of Commerce aimed at fostering innovation, supporting technology entrepreneurs, and driving economic growth. The program seeks to enhance inclusive access to entrepreneurial assistance and startup capital. ULP's $2 million award will be matched by $2M in local funding and dedicated to scaling its accelerator and commercialization initiatives in Orange County and the broader Southern California region over the next three years. Karin Koch, Executive Director of University Lab Partners, expressed enthusiasm about the grant, stating, "This investment by the EDA will scale ULP's proven incubation and acceleration programs. Our startups don't just dream about improving human health they strive to make it a reality every day and ULP is an extension of their teams in so many ways." The acknowledgment underscores the critical role that ULP plays in fostering innovation and economic development in Orange County. Since its establishment in 2019, ULP has incubated 63 companies and graduated 6 companies, resulting in the creation of 448 new jobs within the region. Positioned as a leader in the Orange County innovation ecosystem, ULP provides state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and superior services, fostering an environment conducive to collaboration and growth. With a commitment to advancing innovation, the Build to Scale grant will significantly amplify the impact of ULP's accelerator services. Emre Koyuncu, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Crescenta Biosciences stated, "Being a part of the ULP community, I see this grant as a crucial catalyst for innovation in the region. In the hands of ULP's proven leadership, it will empower life science startups with the resources and support needed to transform their discoveries and early programs into life-saving medical innovations." The primary objective of the ULP Accelerator is to empower and accelerate scalable ventures in the life science and medical technology sectors. The program will provide tailored advisory/consulting, specialized life science focused entrepreneurial training, access to scientific infrastructure to facilitate technology commercialization, and increase early-stage capital access culminating in regional high-wage job creation for a diverse workforce. Ahmed Zobi, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Syntr Health Technologies, a resident company at ULP, shared his excitement about the EDA Build to Scale grant. He stated, "I am thrilled to witness ULP being awarded this grant. It holds the potential to assist numerous founders in Irvine, guiding them along the entrepreneurial path and facilitating the scaling of their ventures. The funding is instrumental in cultivating a robust medtech and biotech hub right in the heart of Irvine." About University Lab Partners: University Lab Partners (ULP) is a premier, nonprofit, wet lab incubator located in Orange County, CA. ULP operates 2 facilities in Irvine and Aliso Viejo, CA. ULP offers highly-equipped wet lab facilities along with the benefits of peer-to-peer interactions among a life science-focused entrepreneurial community. SOURCE University Lab Partners LONDON, Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Fire Weather: A True Story from a Hotter World by John Vaillant is tonight, Thursday 16 November, named winner of the Baillie Gifford Prize for Non-Fiction 2023. The winner was announced at a ceremony hosted at the Science Museum and generously supported by The Blavatnik Family Foundation. Fire Weather: A True Story from a Hotter World by John Vaillant is announced as the winner of the Baillie Gifford Prize for Non-Fiction 2023 at a ceremony hosted at the Science Museum and generously supported by The Blavatnik Family Foundation. John Vaillant gives a speech after being announced as the winner of the Baillie Gifford Prize for Non-Fiction 2023 with Fire Weather: A True Story from a Hotter World at an award ceremony at the Science Museum, London. Fire Weather: A True Story from a Hotter World tells the story of the devastating wildfires that struck Fort McMurray, Alberta in 2016. John Valliant examines the interconnected narratives of the oil industry and climate science, the devastation caused by modern wildfires, and the impacts on the lives of those affected by these disasters. The Baillie Gifford Prize aims to recognise and reward the best of non-fiction and is open to authors of any nationality. Vaillant will receive 50,000, while the other shortlisted authors will each receive 5,000, bringing the total value of to 75,000. Fire Weather: A True Story from a Hotter World was chosen by this year's judging panel: Frederick Studemann (chair); Andrea Wulf, Arifa Akbar, Ruth Scurr, Tanjil Rashid and Andrew Haldane. Their selection was made from the 6 books on the shortlist, which were chosen from 265 submissions, all of which were published between 1 November 2022 and 31 October 2023. READ SMART the Baillie Gifford Prize for Non-Fiction's podcast, also supported by the Blavatnik Family Foundation will release an episode devoted to the winner of the 2023 award next week. For more information: thebailliegiffordprize.co.uk | @BGPrize | #BGPrize2023 Alethea Norman-Rhodes / [email protected] / 07703 751 638 Notes to Editors About Baillie Gifford, The Baillie Gifford Prize for Non-Fiction and The Blavatnik Family Foundation: Baillie Gifford is an independent investment partnership founded in 1908. As part of its sponsorship programme the firm supports a number of initiatives in the arts, academia and local good citizenship. The Blavatnik Family Foundation is a private, self-funded charitable foundation, established by Sir Leonard Blavatnik , a global philanthropist committed to advancing science, higher education, good government and the arts through meaningful involvement and charitable giving. Over the past decade, the Foundation has contributed more than $1 billion to over 250 charitable institutions worldwide. , a global philanthropist committed to advancing science, higher education, good government and the arts through meaningful involvement and charitable giving. Over the past decade, the Foundation has contributed more than to over 250 charitable institutions worldwide. The Baillie Gifford Prize for Non-Fiction is owned by The Samuel Johnson Prize Ltd, a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2279742/Baillie_Gifford_Prize_1.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2279743/Baillie_Gifford_Prize_2.jpg SOURCE The Baillie Gifford Prize for Non-Fiction 2023 Nominations are now open to submit a non-profit leader from your hometown for their chance to be named a 2024 honoree NEW YORK, Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- For the 18th year, #1 global beauty brand L'Oreal Paris USA continues to elevate and honor the impact of female non-profit leaders through its trailblazing Women of Worth program. Last night, L'Oreal Paris Women of Worth hosted its annual celebration event at NeueHouse Hollywood in Los Angeles with the brand's iconic lineup of spokespeople including Camila Cabello, Eva Longoria, Andie MacDowell, Helen Mirren, Aja Naomi King, and more to recognize the 2023 honoree class. L'Oreal Paris USA President Ali Goldstein and the 2023 L'Oreal Paris Women of Worth Honoree class attend the 18th Annual L'Oreal Paris Women of Worth Celebration at NeueHouse Hollywood on November 16, 2023, in Los Angeles (Photo by Associated Press for LOreal Paris) Eva Longoria, Aja Naomi King, Camila Cabello, Andie MacDowell and Helen Mirren attend the 18th Annual L'Oreal Paris Women of Worth Celebration at NeueHouse Hollywood on November 16, 2023, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Associated Press for L'Oreal Paris) For the second year and in partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery's Courageous Studios, the inspiring in-person celebration can be streamed from home beginning on December 5 at www.WomenofWorth.com and on the L'Oreal Paris' YouTube channel. The celebration will showcase the inspiring stories of the 10 honorees and shine a light on the pressing issues their organizations serve including climate action, gender equality, quality education, and more. "Women's empowerment continues to be an essential mission of our brand," said L'Oreal Paris USA President, Ali Goldstein. "As we approach two decades of this impactful program, we are honored to once again champion 10 women uplifting their communities through service. These women showcase resilience, courage, and strength, and embody our iconic tagline 'Because you're worth it.'" "Closing equity gaps impacting vulnerable populations is a personal passion of mine, particularly within the LatinX community," said actor, director, producer and activist Eva Longoria. "I'm honored to join the L'Oreal Paris family this year in honoring the incredible change these women are inspiring as they fight for a better world for all of us." The 2023 honorees and their non-profits include high school student and Founder of Rise N Shine Foundation, Shrusti Amula (Clarksburg, MD), Founder and Chief Visionary Officer of Tools & Tiaras, Inc. Judaline Cassidy (New York, NY), Founder & Chairwoman of Twilight Wish Foundation, Cass Forkin (Jamison, PA), Activist, Founder and Executive Director of Climate Cardinals, Sophia Kianni (McLean, VA), Co-Founder and Executive Director of Yes We Can World Foundation, Estefania Rebellon (Burbank, CA), Co-Founder and President of Possibilities of Free2Luv, Tonya Sandis (Seattle, WA), Founder and Executive Director of Kits to Heart, Sonia Su (Columbia, MD), Founder and Director of Sahiyo U.S., Mariya Taher (Cambridge, MA), Co-Founder and President of 16 Strong Project, Samantha Wettje (Bardonia, NY), and Co-Founder and Executive Director of Disability EmpowHer Network, Stephanie Woodward (Rochester, NY). Each honoree received a $25,000 grant through L'Oreal Paris' intermediary grantmaker, GlobalGiving for their non-profit organizations, mentorship from the L'Oreal Paris network and a national platform to share their stories and missions with the world. Lack of funding is one of the most common roadblocks for nonprofits and as we approach Giving Tuesday, L'Oreal Paris has created a way to continue to support these critical causes. In partnership with GlobalGiving, the brand established the L'Oreal Paris Women of Worth Fund, which encouraged donations benefitting all 10 of this year's honorees. Visit www.globalgiving.org/womenofworth to learn more. In partnership with Points of Light, a global nonprofit organization that inspires, equips and mobilizes millions of people to take action that changes the world, nominations are open for the class of 2024 honorees now through International Women's Day on March 8, 2024. Nominate a woman you know at www.WomenofWorth.com for their chance to receive up to $25,000 for their organization, a national platform to tell their stories and an opportunity to build a network that amplifies their causes. For more information about the signature philanthropic program, this year's honoree class and how to tune-in to the celebration event, visit www.WomenofWorth.com, and L'Oreal Paris Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Pinterest. Join the conversation and follow along by using hashtag #LOrealParis #WorthIt. About GlobalGiving GlobalGiving is a top-rated nonprofit that makes it easy and safe to give to local projects around the world, while providing fellow nonprofits with the tools, training, and support they need to thrive. Since 2002, GlobalGiving has raised more than $826 million from 1.7+ million donors for 34,000 projects in 175+ countries. To learn more, visit www.globalgiving.org. About L'Oreal Paris USA The L'Oreal Paris division of L'Oreal USA, Inc. is a total beauty care brand dedicated to empowering women by offering luxurious and innovative products and services available in the mass market. The brand's signature tagline, "Because I'm Worth It," was born in the United States in 1973 to celebrate the beauty and intrinsic self-worth of women, and for more than 100 years, L'Oreal Paris has been providing women around the world with products in four major beauty categories: hair color, haircare, skincare and cosmetics. With L'Oreal's invention of hair color in 1909, the brand continues to serve as a leading innovator of hair products across color, care, and styling with brands such as Superior Preference, Feria, Colorista, Elvive, the Ever Collection, and Elnett Satin Hairspray. L'Oreal Paris provides scientifically-advanced skincare products that are tested to address individual skin concerns through its renowned brands Revitalift, Pure-Sugar, Pure-Clay, Age Perfect, and Sublime Bronze. L'Oreal Paris' iconic cosmetics include best-seller Voluminous Lash Paradise, as well as the Infallible, True Match, Colour Riche, Voluminous, and Visible Lift collections. For more information about L'Oreal Paris and to receive personalized advice, expert tips, and exclusive content, please www.LOrealParisUSA.com or follow on Instagram (@LOrealParis), Twitter (@LOrealParisUSA), Facebook (@LOrealParisUSA) TikTok (@LOrealParisUSA) and Pinterest (@LOrealParisUSA). About L'Oreal Paris Women of Worth For the last 18 years, L'Oreal Paris' signature philanthropic program, Women of Worth has brought to life the brand's iconic tagline, "Because You're Worth It," by championing women whose unwavering resilience, bravery and courage show the power of owning one's worth. Each year, ten founders and leaders of grassroot non-profits are recognized for their work across a breadth of charitable causes to receive charitable funding, mentorship through the L'Oreal Paris network to build their organizations and a national platform to share their story. SOURCE L'Oreal Paris Cell Therapy Startup Spun Out of Baylor College of Medicine by Two CPRIT Scholars Awarded Non-Dilutive Funding for Novel Therapy for High-Need Cancer Patients HOUSTON, Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- March Biosciences (March Bio), a clinical stage biotechnology company committed to combating challenging cancers unresponsive to existing immunotherapies, today announced that it has received a notice of award for a major competitive grant from the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) to help support continued clinical development of its innovative chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy for the treatment of relapsed and refractory CD5 positive T-cell cancers. The approximately $13.4 million product development award is intended to support March Bio's upcoming Phase 2 clinical trial of MB-105 for the treatment of relapsed and refractory T-cell lymphomas. MB-105 is currently being assessed in a Phase 1 clinical trial in patients with relapsed and refractory T-cell malignancies at Baylor College of Medicine. This grant follows a $4.8 million investment from the Cancer Focus Fund announced earlier this month also to support the MB-105 Phase 2 trial. "We are committed to advancing MB-105 and creating a best and first-in-class therapy for patients with these difficult cancers," commented Sarah Hein, cofounder and CEO of March Biosciences. "We expect that receipt of this substantial non-dilutive award from CPRIT will serve as a catalyst to our current financing activities and allow us to continue to move quickly to advance MB-105 as a novel treatment for patients seeking better options." Patients with T-cell malignancies face a dismal prognosis once their disease becomes relapsed or refractory to first-line therapies and have extremely limited continuing treatment options, resulting in just 15% survival over about 3 years. The development of specific therapies for these indications is difficult due to the fact that many potential targets, including the CD5 receptor targeted by MB-105, are present on both normal and malignant T-cells, which means that therapies targeting malignant T-cells risk damaging the healthy T-cells needed for normal immunity. Since CD5 is widely expressed by both normal and malignant T-cells, the MB-105 CD5 CAR-T cell therapy has been specifically engineered to preserve many healthy T-cells while maintaining potency against CD5 positive tumor T-cells. In an ongoing Phase 1 trial conducted at the Center for Cell and Gene Therapy at Baylor College of Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, and Texas Chidren's Hospital, MB-105 has demonstrated a favorable safety profile and encouraging early efficacy results in patients with both relapsed and refractory T-cell lymphoma and T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. March Biosciences was cofounded with inventors Drs. Max Mamonkin and Malcolm Brenner, leading scientists from the Center for Cell and Gene Therapy who are both recipients of CPRIT research awards. Dr. Mamonkin is an Associate Professor at Baylor and serves as Chief Scientific Officer at March Biosciences. He was recently awarded the Outstanding New Innovator Award by the American Society for Cell and Gene Therapy. Dr. Brenner is a renowned leader in the field, with an extensive history of technology invention contributing to the launch of both private and public biotechnology companies. He serves as an advisor to cell therapy companies across the industry. Dr. Mamonkin commented, "The treatment of T-cell lymphomas and leukemias has been particularly challenging, which led us to focus on the development of this new approach early on. We have been highly encouraged by the clinical results we have already seen, and I am pleased that CPRIT has recognized the potential importance of these efforts to patients and will support the continued development of the CD5 CAR-T approach." March Bio is currently preparing for its Phase 2 trials of MB-105 with a development collaboration with recent CPRIT awardee, CTMC, a joint venture between MD Anderson Cancer Center and National Resilience. About March Biosciences Houston-based March Biosciences, launched from the Center for Cell and Gene Therapy (Baylor Medical School, Houston Methodist Hospital, Texas Children's Hospital), is dedicated to addressing challenging cancers unresponsive to current immunotherapies. Its lead asset, MB-105, is a CD5-targeted CAR-T cell therapy currently in Phase I trials in patients with refractory T-cell lymphoma and leukemia, with promising signals of efficacy and safety to date. A Phase 2 trial is expected to begin next year. The company was incubated by the CPRIT-supported Accelerator for Cancer Therapeutics, with a seed funding round co-led by the Texas Medical Center Venture Fund (TMC Ventures) and Portal Innovations. Learn more at www.march.bio. About CPRIT Created by the Texas Legislature and approved by a statewide vote in 2007, the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) leads the Lone Star State's fight against cancer. In 2019, Texas voters again voted overwhelmingly to support CPRIT with an additional $3 billion, for a total $6 billion investment in cancer research and prevention. To date, the agency has awarded more than $3 billion in grants to Texas research institutions and organizations through its academic research, prevention, and product development research programs. CPRIT has also recruited 302 distinguished researchers to Texas, supported the establishment, expansion, or relocation of 62 companies to Texas, and supported 9.3 million prevention services reaching all 254 counties in Texas. Learn more about CPRIT at www.cprit.texas.gov Forward-Looking Statement This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including those related to the clinical development of MB-105 and other potential therapies. Actual results may differ materially from those projected in these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to, the progress of clinical trials, regulatory approvals, market demand for new therapies, and competitive dynamics in the biotechnology sector. Contacts: Corporate: Sarah Hein Chief Executive Officer [email protected] Media: Barbara Lindheim BLL Partners for March Bio [email protected] (917) 355-9234 SOURCE March Biosciences VERO BEACH, Fla., Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The significance of Veterans Day was met with honor at Market Street Memory Care Residence Viera last week as veterans and veteran spouses received special recognition and appreciation. Market Street Memory Care Residence Viera honors their resident veterans for their service at a Veterans Day ceremony last week. Market Street Viera is an award-winning Watercrest Senior Living community located in Melbourne, Florida. Residents, associates and family members of Market Street Viera gathered with their neighbors from Indian River Colony Club, a military community, to pay their respects with a patriotic ceremony. Teresa Ortiz recognized each veteran in their respective branches of the military, thanking them for their service and sacrifice. Market Street Viera veterans proudly stood alongside their military photos displayed on the community's Veterans Wall of Honor, which was ceremoniously unveiled last November. Executive Chef Manny served an array of traditional, savory Thanksgiving dishes followed with a variety of mouth-watering pies. Resident veterans' spotlights were displayed throughout the room and live music by Fred Cavese filled the air as guests enjoyed the feast. "These events are heartwarming and nostalgic for our residents, but also a critical aspect of our programming as the traditional sights and sounds of a patriotic ceremony are significant in sparking memories for our residents living with Alzheimer's and dementia," says Christine Heaton, Senior Memory Care Director for Watercrest Viera. Market Street Viera is an award-winning senior living community in Melbourne, Florida prestigiously recognized by U.S. News & World Report for the past two years as a Best Memory Care Community. U.S. News awards the designation of Best Senior Living only to those communities that achieved the highest possible rating for Memory Care. The community offers world class care, multi-sensory programming, diverse culinary experiences, and unparalleled associate training honoring seniors with Alzheimer's and dementia. Market Street Viera is conveniently located at 6845 Murrell Road in Melbourne, Florida. For more information, contact the community at 321-730-2444. The Veterans Day community celebration is an aspect of Watercrest CARES, a company-wide movement by Watercrest Senior Living Group encompassing their common unity initiatives such as Connectivity. Watercrest is committed to supporting residents in staying connected in meaningful ways and inspiring a sense of community at each location. About Watercrest Senior Living Group Watercrest Senior Living Group was founded to honor our mothers and fathers, aspiring to become a beacon for quality in senior living by surpassing standards of care, service and associate training. Watercrest senior living communities are recognized for their luxury aesthetic, exceptional amenities, world-class care, and innovative memory care programming offering unparalleled service to seniors living with Alzheimer's and dementia. A six-time certified Great Place to Work, Watercrest specializes in the development and operations of assisted living and memory care communities and the growth of servant leaders. For information, visit www.watercrestseniorliving.com. SOURCE Watercrest Senior Living Group NEW YORK, Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The maternity wear market is estimated to grow by USD 3.41 billion from 2023 to 2028, growing at a CAGR of 4.45%. The maternity wear market is fragmented owing to the presence of many global and regional companies. A few prominent companies that offer maternity wear market are A Mothers Boutique LLC, Adidas AG, Adore Me Inc., ASOS Plc, Brainbees Solutions Pvt. Ltd., H, and M Hennes and Mauritz GBC AB, Hanesbrands Inc., Hotmilk Lingerie, Ingrid and Isabel LLC, JoJo Maman Bebe Ltd., Marquee Brands, Medela AG, Nike Inc., Nine and Co. BV, Penney OpCo LLC, SARL CACHECOEUR, Seraphine Ltd., Shaico Fashion Pvt. Ltd., The Gap Inc., and Tytex AS. Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Maternity Wear Market 2024-2028 The report provides a full list of key companies, their strategies, and the latest developments. Download a Free Sample before buying Company Offering: Adidas AG - The company offers maternity wear such as Yoga Essentials studio light support nursing bras, maternity sweatshirts, and nursing tees. The company offers maternity wear such as Yoga Essentials studio light support nursing bras, maternity sweatshirts, and nursing tees. Adore Me Inc - The company offers maternity wear such as Colette maternity and nursing dresses, and Tallulah nightie lined. The company offers maternity wear such as Colette maternity and nursing dresses, and Tallulah nightie lined. ASOS Plc - The company offers maternity wear such as ASOS DESIGN Maternity knitted maxi dress, Lindex MOM maternity briefs, and ASOS DESIGN Maternity knitted midi dress. The company offers maternity wear such as ASOS DESIGN Maternity knitted maxi dress, Lindex MOM maternity briefs, and ASOS DESIGN Maternity knitted midi dress. For details on companies and their offerings Buy a report! Based on Geography, the market is classified as North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa. APAC is estimated to contribute 32% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period. The main markets of the Northern America region are the US and Canada . The existence of several players, an increasing level of disposable income, and strong Internet and e-commerce penetration are driving the market for maternity wear in the region. Download a free sample report to get more insights on the market share of various regions and the contribution of the segments. Impactful driver- Growing demand for maternity wear from emerging countries Growing demand for maternity wear from emerging countries Key Trend - Increasing innovation in comfort, appearance, and quality of maternity wear - Increasing innovation in comfort, appearance, and quality of maternity wear Major Challenges - Launch of affordable private-label apparel brands Market Segmentation Based on the Distribution Channel, the market is classified into offline and online. The offline segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. Physical retail outlets offering consumers the opportunity to browse, search, and buy maternity clothing in a typical brick-and-mortar place are one of the Offline Distribution Channels for the Global Maternity Clothing Market. For expectant mothers, these physical locations serve as a tangible way to shop. Technavio Research experts have provided more insights on the market share of segments - View Free Sample Report Related Reports The maternity support products market size is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 8.27% between 2023 and 2028. The market size is forecast to increase by USD 160.87 million. The shapewear market size is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 8.62% between 2023 and 2028. The market size is forecast to increase by USD 1,347.66 million. Maternity Wear Market Scope Report Coverage Details Historic period 2018-2022 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 4.45% YoY growth 2022-2023 (%) 3.43 Regional analysis North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa Key countries US, China, India, Germany, and UK TOC: 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation by Distribution Channel 7 Market Segmentation by Type 8 Customer Landscape 9 Geographic Landscape 10 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 11 Company Landscape 12 Company Analysis 13 Appendix About US Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focus on emerging market trends and provide actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contact US: Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com SOURCE Technavio WASHINGTON, Nov. 16, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Mazda has been awarded the 2024 "Best SUV Brand" by U.S. News & World Report. Mazda won this SUV class on the strength of its class leading CX-30, CX-5, CX-50 and CX-90 vehicles. Mazda has been awarded the 2024 Best SUV Brand by U.S. News & World Report. "Mazda SUVs represent exceptional quality with fun driving dynamics, user-friendly technology and interior fit and finish that outclasses much of the competition," said Jim Sharifi, managing editor of U.S. News Best Cars. "These attributes are apparent across the brand's lineup of crossovers, from the subcompact CX-30 to the recently introduced three-row CX-90, giving buyers in multiple segments a premium option for their next SUV." To determine the award winners, U.S. News Best Cars averaged the overall score of all the given brand's products in each award class. The brand with the highest average score was designated the winner in that specific category. The overall scores are derived from the U.S. News Best Cars rankings, which take into account safety ratings, reliability data and the collective opinion of the automotive press. "We are honored that U.S. News & World Report has recognized Mazda as its "Best SUV Brand," said Tom Donnelly president and CEO of Mazda North American Operations. "Every Mazda is designed with the driver and passengers in mind to provide a comfortable and confident driving experience. From our compact CX-30 to the midsize CX-5 and CX-50 to the new large platform CX-90 and CX-90 PHEV, Mazda's SUV lineup offers the right-sized vehicle to meet the needs of our customers." Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, California, and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Colombia through approximately 795 dealers. Operations in Canada are managed by Mazda Canada Inc. in Richmond Hill, Ontario; operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City; and operations in Colombia are managed by Mazda de Colombia in Bogota, Colombia. For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at news.mazdausa.com. Follow @MazdaUSA on social media: Facebook , Instagram , X , YouTube , and Threads . SOURCE Mazda North American Operations BISMARCK, N.D., Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- MDU Resources Group, Inc. (NYSE: MDU) today announced that Darrel T. Anderson has been appointed to the company's board of directors. Anderson previously was the president and CEO of IDACORP and Idaho Power Company, an integrated electric utility serving customers in Idaho and Oregon. Anderson first joined Idaho Power in 1996 and held positions of increasing authority, including executive vice president of administrative services and chief financial officer. He served as president and CEO from 2014 until he retired in 2020. "As we work toward transforming MDU Resources into a pure-play regulated energy delivery business, Darrel's financial and leadership experience in the regulated utility industry will enhance the existing expertise on our board," said Dennis W. Johnson, chair of MDU Resources board of directors. "His experience with risk oversight and human resources management also will complement our attention to diversity and workforce development within MDU Resources." Anderson, in addition to his general responsibilities on the board, will serve on the Compensation Committee and the Environmental and Sustainability Committee. Anderson holds a bachelor's degree in accounting and finance from Oregon State University and is a graduate of Harvard University's Advanced Management Program. On Nov. 2, MDU Resources announced its intent to spin off its construction services business, MDU Construction Services Group, with the objective of making MDU Resources a pure-play regulated energy delivery business. The spinoff is expected to be complete in late 2024. About MDU Resources MDU Resources Group, Inc., a member of the S&P MidCap 400 index, provides essential products and services through its regulated energy delivery and construction services businesses. For more information about MDU Resources, visit www.mdu.com or contact the Investor Relations Department at [email protected]. Forward-Looking Statement The information in this release includes certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The forward-looking statements contained in this release, including statements about the future state of MDU Resources and the planned spinoff of MDU Construction Services Group, as well as comments by the chair of MDU Resources' board of directors, are expressed in good faith and are believed by MDU Resources to have a reasonable basis. Nonetheless, actual results may differ materially from the projected results expressed in the forward-looking statements. For a discussion of important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements, refer to Item 1A-Risk Factors in MDU Resources' most recent Form 10-K and 10-Q. Investor Contact: Brent Miller, assistant treasurer, 701-530-1730 Media Contact: Laura Lueder, manager of communications and public relations, 701-530-1095 SOURCE MDU Resources Group, Inc. ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J., Nov. 16, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- On Thursday, November 16, Dove and award-winning Argentine artist Nathy Peluso teamed up to advocate for hair positivity and self-expression on the biggest night in Latin music, encouraging women everywhere to embrace their individual hair profiles and wear their hair, their way, as part of the brand's #MyHairAMiModo campaign. Global Superstar Nathy Peluso Joins Dove to Champion Hair Self-Expression with #MyHairAMiModo Message on the Biggest Night in Latin Music Last month, Dove announced #MyHairAMiModo in partnership with Latina advocates to help drive catalyzing conversations surrounding the limiting societal expectations associated with Latinas' hair and celebrate the beautiful diversity of hair within the community. As top artists gathered for the Latin music industry's biggest night in Sevilla, Spain, Nathy Peluso celebrated #MyHairAMiModo on the red carpet. Known to express herself through her hair and bold style, Nathy helped amplify the #MyHairAMiModo message with the goal of encouraging women to embrace their diverse hair types and styles. Renowned hairstylist Ivan Gomez partnered with Dove to style Nathy's hair for this iconic evening in Latin music. "As a woman in this industry, I know firsthand the harmful stereotypes that women are up against, but despite what society's expectations may be, I love expressing myself through my hair and switching up my look at any moment. I remember when I cut my hair short, I received comments against the look, but it's important for me to feel free to wear my hair, my way whether it's colored and cropped one day, or long and sleek the next, I embrace it all! I'm proud to join Dove and elevate the #MyHairAMiModo message during such an important evening, and I hope that I can help empower other Latinas and all women to wear their hair, their way too." Dove research shows 9 out of 10 women feel pressured to style their hair according to society's expectations1, and as a community with diverse hair textures, types and colors, Latinas are no stranger to the societal pressure. Nathy, alongside Dove and other leading community voices, continue to drive meaningful conversations surrounding harmful hair stereotypes so that all women can wear the hair that makes them feel their most their most confident selves. Together, let's say "no" to limiting societal expectations so we can say "yes" to #MyHairAMiModo. Learn more at Dove.com/myhairamimodo. Contact : Susana Reyes [email protected] About the #MyHairAMiModo Campaign Dove announced the launch of #MyHairAMiModo (translated to "my hair, my way") on October 17, 2023. Created alongside Latina community voices, #MyHairAMiModo is designed to drive meaningful conversations surrounding harmful hair stereotypes and champion hair positivity. This campaign builds on the launch of the Dove Love Your Hair collection introduced earlier this year. This tailored wash & care collection effectively nourishes a range of hair textures, types, lengths, and colors, with the mission of encouraging women to proudly wear the hair that makes them, them. For more information on this launch, please visit dove.com/myhairamimodo. About Dove Dove started its life in 1957 in the US, with launch of the Beauty Bar, with its patented blend of mild cleansers and moisturizing cream. Dove's heritage is rooted in care proof, not promises grew Dove from a Beauty Bar into one of the world's most beloved beauty brands. Women have always been our inspiration, and since the beginning, Dove has been wholly committed to providing superior care to all, and to championing real representations of beauty in our advertising, communications and campaigns. Dove believes that beauty is for everyone, and the Dove mission is to ensure a positive experience with beauty is universally accessible to all. For 65 years, Dove has been committed to broadening the narrow definition of beauty in the work they do. This includes the 'Dove Real Beauty Pledge,' and commitment to: Portray women as they are in real life with honesty, diversity, and respect. We feature women of different ages, sizes, ethnicities, hair color, type and style. Represent individuals with zero digital distortion, with all images approved by the women they feature. Help young people build body confidence and self-esteem through the Dove Self-Esteem Project, the biggest provider of self-esteem education in the world with a goal to educate 250 million young people by 2030. About Unilever North America Unilever is one of the world's leading suppliers of Beauty & Wellbeing, Personal Care, Home Care, Nutrition, and Ice Cream products, with sales in over 190 countries and products used by 3.4 billion people every day. Worldwide, we have 127,000 employees and generated sales of 60.1 billion in 2022. Our leading brands in North America include Dove, Knorr, Hellmann's, Magnum, Axe, Ben & Jerry's, Degree, Seventh Generation, TRESemme, and Vaseline. Our vision is to be the global leader in sustainable business and to demonstrate how our purpose-led, future-fit business model drives superior performance. We have a long tradition of being a progressive, responsible business. The Unilever Compass, our sustainable business strategy, is set out to help us deliver superior performance and drive sustainable and responsible growth, while: improving the health of the planet; improving people's health, confidence and wellbeing; and contributing to a fairer and more socially inclusive world. For more information on Unilever U.S. and its brands visit: www.unileverusa.com _______________________________________ 1 Unilever/Dove. (2022). Hair Unfairness: Taking Action to End Hair Labelling in Society [White Paper] SOURCE Dove Hair Customers can meet the trendiest K fashion brands wi th a d iscount Renowned names ARCHIVE BOLD, GLOWNY, SATUR and thisisneverthat are among the 800 participating brands SEOUL, South Korea, Nov. 16, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- MUSINSA, a Seoul-based fashion e-commerce store, announced its Black Friday event, the 'Monster Sale,' running from November 17 to 29(KST). Positioned as the premier event of the F/W season, Monster Sale invites customers to an exclusive experience, unveiling the trendiest K fashion brands at discounts of up to 90%. Renowned names like ARCHIVE BOLD, GLOWNY, musinsa standard, SATUR, thisisneverthat are among about 800 participating brands, offering a selection of 90 thousand products. MUSINSA Kicks Off its Mega FW Event Monster Sale Throughout the event, MUSINSA introduces a diverse range of offerings. Daily 'Brand Day' features 24 curated brands offering discounted prices, 'Special Offers' presenting the trendiest items at exclusive prices, and 'Raffles' offer a chance to win coveted collectibles like Maison Margiela x Gentle monster MMO and Supreme Seoul Box Logo T-shirt 23FW. Additionally, customers can enjoy the 'Summer Clearance,' with discounts up to 50% off on last season's favorites. Leading K fashion trendsetters such as 999 Humanity, AMOMENTO, Arch The, INSILENCE, NUMBERING, POTTERY and more are participating in the Monster Sale, a departure from the norm. Moreover, a content series titled 'K-pop stars' latest fashion, presenting styling items of K-pop artists, specially crafted for fans. MUSINSA also features a content series titled 'What kind of Monster Are You?,' spotlighting individuals passionate about specific fashion categories. In collaboration with influencers and fashion magazines globally, this series provides customers with the opportunity to explore the fashion favorites of trendsetters worldwide, with the chance to have these curated items at special prices. To complement this series, SNS events await customers on MUSINSA global's instagram. For more details, visit MUSINSA global and meet the latest K fashion trends with special offerings. about MUSINSA Established as an online fashion community in 2001, MUSINSA has grown to become a leading fashion platform in South Korea, featuring over 1,000 K-fashion labels in 13 countries worldwide. Committed to supporting small and medium-sized fashion brands through various marketing activities and investments, MUSINSA has achieved a valuation exceeding $2.5 billion, solidifying its position as a leading fashion company. SOURCE MUSINSA 270 MW Blevins Solar Project located in ERCOT market MINNEAPOLIS, Nov. 16, 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 ERCOT, 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 BEIJING, Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ -- A report from China Daily: On November 4th, 2023, the Belt and Road Science Camp at China's Overseas Engineering Projects - Pokhara International Airport Branch Camp, hosted by the Children & Youth Science Center of China Association for Science and Technology (CYSCC), officially kicked off. The event aims to enhance the scientific literacy of young people in countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), deepen local people's understanding of China's projects, and facilitate people-to-people exchange. Generation Z from across Nepal gathered at the Science Camp to hear the story behind the key collaborative project between China and Nepalthe Pokhara International Airport. Nepal's existing airports have gradually become insufficient for travelers' needs and struggled to boost local economic development. A modern international airport in the tourist destination, Pokhara, has been long cherished by the Nepalese people. Committed to neighborly spirit, the Chinese government offered financial support in the form of loans for the airport construction. The project was undertaken by China CAMC Engineering Co., Ltd. (CAMCE), a subsidiary of China National Machinery Industry Corporation (SINOMACH). This 4D-Category international airport, constructed according to the standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization and Chinese Standard, is hailed as Nepal's "National Pride Project". More than 30 engineers and over 1000 workers were employed locally during the peak construction period, enhancing the local workforce's professional skills. "This localized employment not only met the labor demands of the project but also contributed to the career development of the employees." said Aayush Bhandari, a Nepalese mechanical engineer. After the project engineering presentation, students toured the airport's international terminal building and central substation. Krish Baral from Pokhara stated, "Nepal did not have generators capable of providing such a large amount of electricity capacity. This technology is particularly unique in Nepal and has left a deep impression on me." "This airport, beyond serving the basic functions of aviation transportation, will also play a crucial role in promoting economic and social development. We also look forward to sharing different experiences with everyone," summarized Zhu Zhanfeng, manager of the Project in Nepal. Pokhara International Airport is not only a symbol of the profound China-Nepal friendship transcending the Himalayan mountains, but also an integral part of the Trans-Himalayan Multi-dimensional Connectivity Network. By enhancing connectivity between the two countries, the new airport will bring greater welfare and development opportunities to the people. Video - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2279847/1117.mp4 SOURCE China Daily Results on Trump's Tenacity, Complex Views about the Israeli War and Unions BOCA RATON, Fla., Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In the dynamic political landscape of Florida, a recent poll by the Florida Atlantic University Mainstreet PolCom Lab sheds light on the sentiments among registered voters, revealing intriguing trends that could shape the political future of the state and country. Floridians Prefer Trump over Biden The poll found that 49 percent of Florida voters would cast their ballots in favor of former U.S. President Donald Trump, compared to 39 percent for U.S President Joe Biden. This 10 percent lead mirrors the results of a July survey issued by the FAU PolCom Lab, indicating a stability in voter preferences that may persist until the election. Biden grapples with a significant approval deficit, with only 36 percent of registered Florida voters expressing a positive view of his job performance. Conversely, a substantial 62 percent view his performance negatively. In contrast, the survey shows that Trump continues to command a formidable presence in Florida politics; approximately 43 percent of respondents view him favorably, maintaining a solid base of support despite facing challenges on multiple fronts. "The continued interest in Trump by voters isn't just staying power of a celebrity candidate," said Robert E. Gutsche, Jr., Ph.D., associate professor in FAU's School of Communication and Multimedia Studies who researches Trump's presidency. "Seemingly, he is just the kind of candidate these voters want in how he talks, what he talks about, and how he sees the world." Male voters exhibit an 18 percent higher inclination toward Trump, while whites and Hispanics express greater support compared to their Black counterparts. Regionally, the Northwestern panhandle emerges as a Trump stronghold, garnering around 65 percent support, while Palm Beach County lags at approximately 41 percent. Most respondents consider Trump's legal issues important to their vote choice, the poll shows. However, a marginal 3 percent difference between the two candidates suggests that, as of now, legal issues are unlikely to significantly sway voter preferences in Florida. "Trump's legal challenges appear to have little bearing on his electoral prospects in the state," said Dukhong Kim, Ph.D., associate professor of political science at FAU. Biden Plagued by Age Perceptions. Trump Is Not. While Trump evades significant age-related scrutiny, Biden is plagued by doubts about his fitness for a presidential rerun, with 67 percent of respondents expressing concerns. This sentiment is strongest among Republicans (86 percent) compared to Democrats (51 percent), underscoring the enduring nature of age-related critiques on Biden. This is in sharp contrast to the much smaller percentage of voters (33 percent) who felt Trump was too old to run. Younger voters (18 to 34) were more likely than older voters (35 and older) to believe both candidates were too old for office. "This gap is likely driven in part by the perception that Trump is more energetic, as well as the former president's frequent activity on social media," said Kevin Wagner, Ph.D., professor of political science at FAU. "Part of it is driven by Trump's frequent labeling of the president as 'Sleepy Joe.' The concerns about Joe Biden's age are likely a major reason his support lags in Florida and why he trails both Trump and DeSantis in head-to-head matchups." Contrasting Trajectories and Divides in the Republican Primary Race Amid the Republican primary race, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis finds himself struggling to narrow the gap with Trump, despite some positive reviews in the primary debates. Even among his strongest demographic, college-educated white voters, DeSantis trails Trump by a notable margin of nine points, the poll reveals. Nikki Haley shows signs of progress in Florida, but she remains in the shadows of both Trump and DeSantis. "To emerge as a formidable contender, Haley must generate early momentum from pivotal states such as Iowa and New Hampshire, compelling Florida's Republican voters to take a closer look," Wagner said. "In contrast, Vivek Ramaswamy's campaign in Florida appears to be faltering, with support dwindling in the Sunshine State. Although it's early in the race, the trajectory of his campaign does not bode well for future success." Support for Israel Strong, but Shows Weakness Strong bipartisan support for Israelis remains across all age groups, genders and education levels although it is weakest among 18 to 35 year olds, the poll shows. For those in that age group, 35 percent said they do not know if they have sympathy for either group, while 34 percent supported Israel and 30 percent put their support behind Palestine. "What is particularly notable here is that the number of these younger voters who have no sympathy for either group or don't know is greater than even those who support Israelis or Palestinians," said Rachel Harris, Ph.D., Gimelstob Eminent Scholar Chair for Judaic Studies at FAU. "This suggests that there is a gap in historical knowledge about the conflict and the situation in the Middle East among this younger group." The only group where support for Palestinians is greater is among Black voters, although that shows a greater degree of ambivalence across all categories. "This may speak to efforts among activists since the 1970s parallel the African American experience with the Palestinian experience," Harris said. Complex Views on Unions The FAU PolCom poll reveals complex public sentiment toward labor unions, with 55 percent of respondents expressing support, while 19 percent opposed and 23 percent were undecided. The data unravels a distinctly partisan pattern, with approximately 82 percent of union supporters aligning with Democrats in stark contrast to the 31 percent of Republicans in favor. "Florida is a right-to-work state, meaning that the state has legislation that prevents union enrollment from being used as a condition of employment," said Luzmarina Garcia, Ph.D., a political science professor at FAU. "A small percentage of union members in the sample is to be expected along with less support of unions generally. This is due to less union members overall, leading to less organizing, as well as the Republican majority in the state which is thought of as the party opposing unions." Nevertheless, the research underscores a majority in the sample supporting unions, underscoring the intricate and nuanced nature of public sentiment. Black and Hispanic respondents notably displayed higher support, at rates of 62 percent and 58 percent, respectively. Conversely, white college-educated respondents stood out as more likely to oppose unions, constituting 24 percent of the opposition. Union membership tallied at 8 percent of respondents, primarily comprised of Democrats. Across age groups, only 6 percent of young voters (18 to 34) opposed unions, a noteworthy contrast to the doubled or tripled opposition observed in other age brackets. The recent writers' strike, revolving around concerns about streaming's impact on compensation and AI's influence on the future of work, could have played a role in shaping attitudes, particularly among the younger demographic. This poll was conducted from Friday, Oct. 27 to Saturday, Nov. 11, among a sample of 946 adults living in Florida. The survey was conducted using text message recruitment to complete the survey. The margin of error for the poll is +/- 3.2 percent at the 95 percent confidence level. -FAU- About Florida Atlantic University PolCom Lab: The Florida Atlantic University Department of Political Science and the School of Communication and Multimedia Studies, in collaboration with Mainstreet Research, established the PolCom Lab to investigate and analyze public opinion and political trends across the nation, and particularly in the state of Florida. About Florida Atlantic University: Florida Atlantic University, established in 1961, officially opened its doors in 1964 as the fifth public university in Florida. Today, the University serves more than 30,000 undergraduate and graduate students across six campuses located along the southeast Florida coast. In recent years, the University has doubled its research expenditures and outpaced its peers in student achievement rates. Through the coexistence of access and excellence, FAU embodies an innovative model where traditional achievement gaps vanish. FAU is designated a Hispanic-serving institution, ranked as a top public university by U.S. News & World Report and a High Research Activity institution by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. For more information, visit www.fau.edu . About Mainstreet Research: Founded in 2010, Mainstreet Research is recognized as one of Canada's top public opinion and market research firms. Since our founding, we have been providing actionable and data-driven insights to our clients to help them make their most important evidence-based strategic decisions. Mainstreet Research is a proud corporate member of CRIC and exceeds all Canadian and international standards for market research and public opinion research. Media Contacts: Joshua Glanzer Associate Vice President, Media Relations and Public Affairs [email protected] Phone: 561-297-1168 This news release was issued on behalf of Newswise. For more information, visit http://www.newswise.com. SOURCE Florida Atlantic University DALLAS, Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- NexPoint Capital, Inc. (the "Company"), a non-traded publicly registered business development company sponsored and managed by NexPoint Advisors, L.P., today announced that it will commence a voluntary tender offer on or about November 17, 2023 (the "Tender Offer") for up to 2.5% of its outstanding common stock ("Shares"). The purchase price of each Share will be (i) not less than the net asset value ("NAV") per Share of the Company's common stock ("NAV Per Share") (as determined in good faith by the board of directors of the Company or a committee thereof, in its sole discretion) next calculated following the Expiration Date (as defined in the Offer to Purchase) (the date of repurchase) and (ii) not more than 2.5% greater than the NAV Per Share as of such date, plus any unpaid dividends accrued through the expiration date of the Tender Offer. This announcement is not a recommendation, an offer to purchase or a solicitation of an offer to sell Shares of the Company. The Company has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("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 "Tender Offer Documents"). The Tender Offer Documents will be sent by mail to holders of the Shares. Shareholders of the Company may obtain additional copies of the Tender Offer Documents for the Company, without charge, by contacting the Tender Agent for the Tender Offer, DST Systems, Inc., at 1-844-485-9167. Shareholders can also obtain the Tender Offer Documents free of charge on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. Shareholders should read these documents and related exhibits, as the documents contain important information about the Company's Tender Offer. Tender Offer Questions and Additional Information Any questions regarding the Tender Offer can be directed to the Company's Tender Agent, DST Systems, Inc., at 1-844-485-9167. The Company's NAV Per Share, $5.21 as of October 17, 2023, (the last Board-approved NAV), as well as other information, including information about management and the healthcare-focused investment strategy, are available at www.nexpoint.com. The information on or accessible through www.nexpoint.com is not incorporated by reference herein. About NexPoint Capital, Inc. NexPoint Capital, Inc. is a non-traded, publicly registered business development company sponsored and managed by NexPoint Advisors, L.P. About NexPoint Advisors, L.P. NexPoint Advisors, L.P. ("NexPoint Advisors") is an SEC-registered adviser on the NexPoint alternative investment platform ("NexPoint"). NexPoint Advisors serves as the adviser to a suite of funds and investment vehicles, including a closed-end fund, interval fund, business development company ("BDC"), and various real estate vehicles. For more information visit www.nexpoint.com. Except for the historical information and discussions contained herein, statements contained in this news release constitute forward-looking statements. These statements may involve a number of risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, including the performance of financial markets, the investment performance of NexPoint Advisors' sponsored investment products, general economic conditions, future acquisitions, competitive conditions, and government regulations, including changes in tax laws. Readers should carefully consider such factors. Further, such forward-looking statements speak only on the date at which such statements are made. NexPoint Advisors undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statement. This material has been distributed for informational purposes only and should not be considered as investment advice or a recommendation of any particular security, strategy, or investment product. Neither the Company, nor the Company's Board of Directors, nor NexPoint Advisors makes any recommendation as to whether to tender or not to tender any Shares in the Tender Offer. No part of this material may be reproduced in any form, or referred to in any other publication, without express written permission. Contact Information for Tender Offer: Financial Advisors: (855) 498-1580 Shareholders: (844) 485-9167 Media Relations: Pro-nexpoint@prosek.com SOURCE NexPoint Capital, Inc. Credit Union Underwrites Costs for 650 Students From Title 1 Schools Through "No Child Left Ashore" Scholarship Fund SAN DIEGO, Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- North Island Credit Union has again partnered with USS Midway Museum (Midway), supporting its "No Child Left Ashore" scholarship fund to increase access to onboard programs for children from underserved communities. Through the partnership, the credit union will provide $15,000 to underwrite costs for 650 students from Title 1 schools across San Diego to attend Midway STEM Education Onboard Field Trip experiences. (L-R) North Island Credit Union VP, Regional Manager Therese Caballes; Leslie Houck, Zamarano Elementary School Teacher; USS Midway Director of Education Tina Chin; North Island Credit Union VP, NAS Branch Manager Dino Santos and students from Zamarano Elementary School during a check presentation to underwrite costs for 650 students from Title 1 schools to attend Midway STEM Education Onboard Field Trip experiences. "We are committed to supporting local institutions, young people and educators in our community, and there is no better example of a powerful program than the USS Midway's outstanding STEM Education experiences," said North Island Credit Union President & CEO Steve O'Connell. "We're honored to support the USS Midway and all of the students and teachers who benefit from its programs." Midway programs engage, educate, and inspire elementary and middle school students to pursue studies and careers in STEM through programs held aboard the world's most visited history navy ship museum. North Island Credit Union will cover tuition and transportation expenses for students who qualify for Midway's No Child Left Ashore Scholarship Fund in 2024. "Due to North Island Credit Union's single-minded devotion to education and the youth of San Diego, hundreds and hundreds of school aged children get to learn about math, electricity, social science, weather, and more aboard the USS Midway Museum as they walk in the footsteps of the thousands of sailors who came before them," said Tina Chin, Education Director, USS Midway Museum. "Additionally, students learn about the price of freedom, civic responsibility and being an Everyday Hero on the aircraft carrier as well as back in their own schools and communities. I am deeply grateful that the credit union's generosity year after year allows us to do some of the heavy lifting in the support of teachers and students." North Island Credit Union has been an active supporter of the USS Midway Museum since 2015, donating over $147,000 to further the organization's youth and community programs over the last eight years. Located in downtown San Diego, the USS Midway CV-41 was America's longest-serving aircraft carrier of the 20th century before becoming an interactive museum. Midway's School and Youth Programs are hosted onboard in state-of-the-art education facilities. About North Island Credit Union, a division of California Credit Union California Credit Union is a federally insured, state chartered credit union founded in 1933 with assets over $4.5 billion, nearly 200,000 members and 24 retail branches. The credit union serves community members and businesses in the California counties of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Ventura as well as school employees throughout the state. The credit union operates in San Diego and Riverside Counties as North Island Credit Union, a division of California Credit Union. The credit union offers a full suite of consumer, business and investment products and services, including comprehensive consumer checking and loan options, personalized financial planning, business banking, and leading-edge online and mobile banking. California Credit Union is certified as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) with a Low Income Designation, offering inclusive products and services to build financial stability in our underserved communities, including a checking account certified as meeting the Bank On National Account Standards. Visit northisland.ccu.com for more information or follow the credit union on Instagram or Facebook @northislandcu. About USS Midway Museum The USS Midway Museum opened to the public in June 2004 and today is one of San Diego's most popular visitor attractions with more than 1 million guests coming aboard each year. The naval aircraft carrier was commissioned in 1945 and served for 47 years supporting U.S. military and humanitarian efforts around the world. Nearly 200,000 sailors and officers served their country aboard the USS Midway before it was decommissioned (retired) in 1992. SOURCE North Island Credit Union At the invitation of Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan Bakhtiyor Saidov will visit China and hold the first China-Uzbekistan foreign ministers strategic dialogue from November 19 to 22. CCTV: Yesterday in San Francisco President Xi Jinping attended and addressed a welcome dinner hosted by friendly organizations in the US. The audience burst into extended applause a dozen times during the speech. Many present have said that President Xis speech, sending a message of friendship to the American people, is of historic significance. Do you have more information to share with us? Mao Ning: On November 15 local time, President Xi Jinping attended in San Francisco a welcome dinner hosted by friendly organizations in the US and delivered an important speech. Before the dinner started, President Xi held cordial meetings with representatives of the US business community and other sectors as well as friends from descendants of the Flying Tigers and General Joseph W. Stilwell, Kuliang, Iowa, Washington State, among others. President Xi always values, supports and encourages people-to-people exchanges between China and the US. He said on many occasions that the hope of the China-US relationship lies in the people, its foundation is in our societies, its future depends on the youth, and its vitality comes from exchanges at subnational levels. Looking back on history, we can see clearly that none of the high-stake events in China-US relations would have been possible without the reaching out to each other by our peoples. During the second World War, the Chinese and American people forged a bond of the Flying Tigers, which has stood the test of blood and fire. In 1971, a small ball moved the globe, leading to the handshake across the Pacific. Kuliang Friends continue to add new chapters to a century-old friendship story. The Philadelphia Orchestra recently returned to China for a concert in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of its first visit. The goodwill and friendship between our two peoples has time and again brought China-US relations from a low ebb back onto the right track. As President Xi Jinping noted in his speech, the foundation of China-US relations was laid by our peoples. The door of China-US relations was opened by our peoples. The stories of China-US relations are written by our peoples. The future of China-US relations will be created by our peoples. Once opened, the door of China-US relations cannot be shut again. Once started, the cause of China-US friendship cannot be derailed halfway. No matter how the global landscape evolves, the historical trend of peaceful coexistence between China and the United States will not change. The ultimate wish of our two peoples for exchanges and cooperation will not change. The expectations of the whole world for a steadily growing China-US relationship will not change. At this San Francisco meeting, the two heads of state reached important consensus on facilitating travels and promoting people-to-people exchanges. The two sides will increase direct passenger flights, hold a high-level dialogue on tourism, and streamline visa application procedures. The Chinese side has announced that it is ready to invite 50,000 young Americans to China on exchange and study programs in the next five years. We hope that our two peoples will make more visits, contacts and exchanges, write new stories of friendship in the new era and inject fresh impetus into the sustained growth of China-US relations. TASS: US National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby said at an online press conference that US President Biden made it clear that the US hopes to continue to provide self-defense capabilities to Taiwan. What is the Foreign Ministrys comment on this? Mao Ning: The Taiwan question remains the most important and most sensitive issue in China-US relations. The US needs to deliver on its pledge of not supporting Taiwan independence with concrete actions, stop arming Taiwan, stop interfering in Chinas internal affairs, and support Chinas peaceful reunification. TV Asahi: In todays meeting between the Chinese and Japanese leaders, President Xi Jinping referred to a mutually beneficial relationship based on common strategic interests, which hasnt been mentioned in a long while. Whats the significance of revisiting the wording? Mao Ning: On the afternoon of November 16 local time, President Xi Jinping met with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in San Francisco. China has released a readout on the meeting, which you may refer to. The two leaders reiterated their commitment to the principles and consensus stipulated in the four political documents between the two countries, reaffirmed the positioning of comprehensively advancing a mutually beneficial relationship based on common strategic interests, and agreed to dedicate themselves to jointly building a constructive and stable China-Japan relationship that meets the demands of the new era. Reuters: The US and the Philippines have signed a landmark agreement that allows the United States to export nuclear technology and materials to the Philippines, which is exploring nuclear energy to decarbonize and increase its own energy independence. How does China view this development? Mao Ning: We noted relevant news. When it comes to international cooperation on the peaceful use of nuclear energy, countries should strictly abide by international obligations on nuclear non-proliferation and ensure nuclear safety and security. Kyodo News: Japans Prime Minister Fumio Kishida clearly demanded the immediate removal of the ban on imports of Japanese aquatic products during his meeting with President Xi Jinping in San Francisco. Do you have any comment? Mao Ning: During his meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, President Xi Jinping noted that the discharge of Fukushima nuclear-contaminated water bears on the health of all humanity, the global marine environment and the international public interest. Japan should take seriously the legitimate concerns both from at home and abroad and properly handle this in a responsible and constructive manner. I need to stress that the precautionary measures taken by China and some other countries in response to Japans move to protect food safety and peoples health are entirely legitimate, reasonable and necessary. We hope that the Japanese side will work with China to find an appropriate way to resolve the issue of the discharge of Fukushima nuclear-contaminated water through consultation and negotiation in a constructive manner. Shenzhen TV: Pedro Sanchez was reelected as Spains Prime Minister on November 16. Whats Chinas comment? Mao Ning: We congratulate Mr. Sanchez on his reelection as the Prime Minister of Spain. In recent years, China-Spain relations have seen steady and smooth development with positive outcomes in cooperation across the board, which has improved the wellbeing of both peoples. China stands ready to work with the Spanish side to consolidate strategic mutual trust, deepen friendship and cooperation, jointly respond to global challenges, make greater progress in our comprehensive strategic partnership, and contribute to stronger exchanges and cooperation between China and Europe. Reuters: US semiconductor equipment maker Applied Materials is under criminal investigation by the US Justice Department for potentially evading export restrictions sending equipment to Chinas top chipmaker SMIC via South Korea without export licences. Sources have told Reuters this. Is the ministry aware of this investigation, and how is the ministry responding to this matter? Mao Ning: China has repeatedly made clear its position on US chip export controls targeting China. The US should stop politicizing, instrumentalizing and weaponizing tech and trade issues and stop disrupting the global industrial and supply chains. We will closely follow the developments and firmly safeguard our rights and interests. Dragon TV: On November 16 local time, the APEC CEO Summit was held in San Francisco. President Xi Jinping delivered a written speech to the event. Can you give us more information? Does China have a new vision for economic development in the Asia-Pacific? Mao Ning: APEC is an important mechanism for economic cooperation in the Asia-Pacific. Three decades ago, Asia-Pacific leaders agreed unanimously to build a dynamic, harmonious and prosperous Asia-Pacific community. This major decision enabled Asia-Pacific development and economic globalization to embark on a fast track of growth. Over the past three decades, Asia-Pacific cooperation has been upholding the defining feature of openness and inclusiveness, pursuing the overarching goal of development and sticking to the best practice of seeking common ground while shelving differences. All these efforts have turned the region into a powerhouse for world economic growth and an anchor of stability for global development. As President Xi Jinping noted in his speech, the story of Asia-Pacific prosperity and development shows that development is only possible with cooperation, absence of cooperation is the biggest risk, and that decoupling and supply-chain disruption are not in anyones interests. We should remain committed to open regionalism, and steadfastly advance the building of a Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific. We should respect laws governing economic development, bring out the best in each and every one of us, make our economies more interconnected, strengthen synergy between relevant regional trade agreements and development strategies, and build an open Asia-Pacific economy featuring win-win cooperation. The APEC Putrajaya Vision explicitly lays out its vision for an Asia-Pacific community by 2040, charting the course for further cooperation in our region. China will work with all in the Asia-Pacific to build an open, inclusive, clean and beautiful world of lasting peace, universal security and shared prosperity. President Xi Jinping stressed that this year, Chinas economy has been steadily recovering and turning for the better. Its growth rate is among the highest among major economies of the world. And solid gains have been made in our pursuit of high-quality development. China remains committed to pursuing development with our doors open. We will unswervingly advance high-standard opening up and further expand market access. No matter how the international situation evolves, Chinas resolve to foster a market-oriented, law-based and world-class business environment will not change. And our policy of providing equal and quality services to foreign investors will not change. For the world, Chinese modernization means a broader market and unprecedented cooperation opportunities. It will also instill strong impetus in the global modernization endeavor. We hope to see an active part of the global business community in the Chinese modernization drive to benefit from the huge opportunities brought by Chinas high-quality development. Reuters: Local armed groups in Myanmar have pledged to eradicate online scam centers there. Whats Chinas comment? Mao Ning: For some time, China and Myanmar have continued to step up cooperation on combating telecom fraud and other cross-border illegal and criminal activities, which has achieved remarkable results. A large number of telecom fraud suspects have been turned over to the Chinese side. The Chinese side will continue to work with relevant parties to crack down on telecom fraud and other cross-border illegal and criminal activities and uphold the order and tranquility of the China-Myanmar border areas. NHK: During the China-Japan summit talks today, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said that peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait is very important to the international community, including Japan. What is your comment on this? Mao Ning: The Taiwan question is Chinas internal affair and brooks no external interference. The most fundamental way to safeguard cross-Strait peace and stability is to uphold the one-China principle. Reuters: Yonhap has reported that South Korea and China are in talks to arrange a summit. Are there any details to share about this, for example, when and where will the summit take place? Mao Ning: I have no information to offer. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 17. Germany will continue its support for Tajikistan through multilateral development cooperation organizations, a source at KfW Development Bank's local office in Dushanbe told Trend. The source pointed out that these organizations include the European Union (EU), World Bank (WB), European Investment Bank (EIB), and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), where German funding plays a significant role in the overall budget. Starting in 2021, in alignment with the 2030 reform strategy of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, Germany is gradually phasing out its bilateral state development cooperation with Tajikistan. All ongoing projects will be completed. "In August of the current year, the German government committed 10 million euros in grant funds as part of bilateral financial cooperation with Tajikistan. These funds are allocated to support the construction of the 11 MW Sebzor small hydropower plant (HPP) in the Roshtqala district of the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region (GBAO) in Tajikistan," the source at KfW said. "This project, with a total funding volume of 63 million euros, including 18.5 million euros in co-financing from the EU, was a major recipient of funding last year," noted the source. It was noted that another energy project supported by the German government in its finalization stage is the construction of the 1.5 MW Tojikiston HPP in the Murghab district of GBAO, with a total amount of 8.2 million euros. The KfW Development Bank supports programs in developing and emerging economies and has been operating in Tajikistan since 2001. On behalf of the Federal Government, it contributes to Tajikistan's economic development. In August of this year, Tajikistan's President Emomali Rahmon announced plans to launch the first unit of the new Sebzor hydropower station, which is currently under construction in GBAO, in 2024. The Sebzor HPP on the Shokhdara river began construction in 2015, with the project featuring three units. Funding for the station's construction included contributions from the EU. Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel The popular Thanksgiving side dish made with White Castle Sliders sold nationwide in grocery stores and restaurants now features a new version from musician and life-long Craver Fat Joe COLUMBUS, Ohio, Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- It's WCS season! That's "White Castle Stuffing" season for those not in the know. White Castle, the iconic, family-owned business, reminds people that before the bells start jingling, before the yule tides, and before everyone starts belting what they want for Christmas, Thanksgiving must be celebrated! Of course, that celebration should include a freshly baked legendary White Castle stuffing recipe. The bird may get the headlines, but the stuffing is doing the heavy lifting with these innovative Thanksgiving recipes. Post this The popular Thanksgiving side dish made with White Castle Sliders sold nationwide in grocery stores and restaurants. White Castle's Original Slider Stuffing set a new standard on how Thanksgiving Day stuffing should be prepared. The recipe was first introduced in 1991 when a White Castle team member enhanced her grandmother's family stuffing recipe with a sack of Sliders. "Food, fellowship and memorable moments mark a great Thanksgiving, and White Castle is happy to have played a role in making that a reality for more than three decades," said Jamie Richardson, vice president at White Castle. "All of the Slider Stuffing recipes are simple to prepare but pack a heap of flavor, making it the preferred choice of both kitchen veterans and novices trying to make the ideal Thanksgiving side dish." The White Castle culinary team produced a new hit in 2022 with the Kickin' Southwest Stuffin Muffins. Featuring corn, green onions, chili powder, a variety of peppers and Jalapeno Cheese Sliders, these muffins are small in stature but big in taste. Other versions of the Slider stuffing include the Impossible Slider Stuffing, which uses the Impossible Slider as the base, the Bacon Jalapeno Cheese Slider Stuffing and the Southwestern Jalapeno Cheese Slider Stuffing. Remix! Fat Joe style! This year, the Craver Hall of Famer put his personal touch on the dish, calling it Fat Joe's Jalapeno Cheese Slider Stuffing. Fat Joe's version features sauteed celery, jalapeno peppers, cilantro, shredded pepper jack cheese and Jalapeno Cheese Sliders, with a guest appearance from Sazon, a blend of spices that is a staple of many Puerto Rican, Dominican and Mexican cuisines. All recipes mentioned can be prepared using Sliders purchased fresh from White Castle restaurants or frozen from retail stores across the U.S. "The bird may get the headlines, but it's the stuffing doing the heavy lifting with these innovative Thanksgiving recipes," Richardson said. "You'll always receive an invitation to join in the festivities as long as you continue to bring a White Castle Slider Stuffing recipe." The recipes for White Castle's Original Slider Stuffing and its Kickin' Southwest Stuffin' Muffins are below. For the other stuffing recipes and additional recipe ideas using White Castle menu items, visit www.whitecastle.com/crave-central/recipes. White Castle Original Slider Stuffing Recipe Prep time: 5 to 10 minutes Cook time: 35 minutes Servings: about 9 cups of stuffing (enough for a 10- to 12-pound turkey) Ingredients: 10 to 12 White Castle Original Sliders, no pickles (from a Castle restaurant or a local retailer) 1 cups diced celery 1 teaspoons ground thyme 1 teaspoons ground sage teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper cup chicken broth (or 1 cup for casserole version) Instructions: Tear the Sliders into bite-sized pieces and put into a large mixing bowl. Add diced celery and seasonings. Add cup of chicken broth and toss well. Put stuffing into cavity of the turkey and cook as you normally would. If cooking stuffing as a casserole, add an additional cup of chicken broth and toss well. Spray or oil a 2-quart casserole dish. Transfer stuffing to casserole dish and bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes. White Castle Kickin' Southwest Stuffin' Muffins Prep Time: 5 to 10 minutes Cook time: 25 minutes Servings: Approx. 18 Ingredients: 10 TBLS Butter 12 Jalapeno Sliders chopped into inch pieces 3 large jalapeno peppers diced (1 cup) - leave the seeds for a spicier muffin 1 poblano pepper diced (1 cup) leave the seeds for more spice 1 red bell pepper diced (1 cup) 1 cup frozen corn Green onion sliced (2/3 cup) 2 TBLS chili powder 1 tsp salt tsp pepper 3 eggs 1 cups chicken broth cup breadcrumbs Instructions: Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Melt butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add diced peppers and saute until soft. Add the corn and green onions, turn off heat. Add chili powder, salt and pepper. In a large bowl, mix vegetables with sliders and breadcrumbs. Combine your broth and eggs. Pour broth & egg mixture over slider mixture and blend well. Scoop into buttered muffin tin or use cupcake wrappers. About White Castle White Castle, America's first fast-food hamburger chain, has been making hot and tasty Sliders since 1921. Based in Columbus, Ohio, the family-owned business owns and operates more than 350 restaurants as well as a retail division providing its famous fare in freezer aisles of retail stores nationwide. As part of its commitment to offering the highest quality products, White Castle owns and operates its own Slider Provider meat plants, bakeries and frozen-Slider retail plants. White Castle has earned numerous accolades over the years including Time magazine's "Most Influential Burger of All Time" (2014, The Original Slider) and Thrillist's "Best Plant-Based Fast-Food Burger" (2019, Impossible Slider). In 2021, Fast Company named the fast-food pioneer one of the "10 Most Innovative Dining Companies." White Castle received the Great Place to Work Certification in 2021, 2022 and 2023, the only fast-food restaurant to earn this distinction three years in a row, and is known for the legendary engagement of its team members, more than 1 in 4 of whom have worked for the business for at least 10 years. White Castle is beloved by its passionate fans ("Cravers"), many of whom compete each year for entry into the Cravers Hall of Fame. The official White Castle app makes it easy for Cravers to sign up for the Craver Nation loyalty program, access sweet deals and place pickup orders at any time. They can also have their orders delivered using one of White Castle's delivery partners. For more information on White Castle, visit whitecastle.com. SOURCE White Castle Teamsters Union Tells Waymo It's a No Go on Autonomous Vehicles NEW YORK, Nov. 16, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In response to news that the Google autonomous vehicle (AV) subsidiary Waymo is looking to expand its operations into New York in the near future, Teamsters throughout the state are demanding that legislators keep unsafe robotaxis off public streets. "Teamsters are not against technology if it's done right, but driverless vehicles are a direct threat to public safety," said Thomas Gesualdi, President of Teamsters Joint Council 16. "From the near daily news of driverless vehicles interfering with first responders, to an AV running over and dragging a woman more than 20 feet, lawmakers should be discussing how to responsibly regulate these companies, not making New York roads the test grounds and our citizens guinea pigs for Big Tech." Across the country, robotaxis have blocked traffic, interfered with emergency personnel, and injured pedestrians. Moreover, safety problems with Waymo AVs have been well documented, including one vehicle that ran over and killed a dog in San Francisco this summer. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that in 2021 Waymo had the most automated driving system crashes of any self-driving vehicle company. Safety problems haven't stopped the company from ramping up its political spending: the company recently hired a firm to lobby the Hochul administration and the City of New York, and it's spent nearly $2 million on lobbying in California. "Workers are a key stakeholder in any discussion around artificial intelligence and need to be included in any debate on policies that impact public safety and jobs," said George Harrigan, President of Teamsters Joint Council 46. "We're pleased that the Hochul administration isn't changing regulations or taking other actions that prioritize Big Tech over her constituents unlike some other governors and we're encouraged that the reckless, anti-worker AV bills S1012 and A539 haven't moved in the state legislature. We urge lawmakers to stand with New York and not Silicon Valley by killing these bills and any similar legislation that doesn't include collaboration with workers." "Technology can either contribute to assisting a productive human workforce or be a job killer for hundreds, thousands, and perhaps millions of middle-class New Yorkers," said Thomas Quackenbush, President of Teamsters Joint Council 18. "Lawmakers must consider these impacts when making big decisions on possible legislation. Waymo claims that new job opportunities could emerge for workers who might get displaced in the future. I challenge Google, or any other entity investing in AV, to produce a detailed plan on how it will preserve union jobs that could be devastated by automation, while protecting pensions, employer-funded health care, and competitive wages for workers." 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 SHENZHEN, China, Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Olight, a leader in mobile lighting solutions, unveiled the Baton 4 / Premium Edition, the Warrior X4, and more in a dazzling product launch event on November 16th, 7:00 PM (EST), which was live-streamed on its Official YouTube channel named Olightworld. Baton 4 / Premium Edition Compared to the previous Baton 3, The Baton 4 shines with an 8.3% increase in output, reaching 1,300 lumens and a longer beam distance at 170 meters. It features an intuitive laser micro-perforation lumen and battery level indicator, which required significant engineering efforts to integrate within the narrow space of the compact flashlight. The Baton 4 Premium Edition features a custom charging case that houses a 5000mAh battery, providing a 42% capacity boost compared to the Baton 3 charging case. This extends the flashlight's Moonlight mode runtime to an impressive 190 days, doubling its previous performance. This versatile case doubles as a power bank for external devices, and is compatible to charge the Baton 3, S1R, Perun Mini, and Perun 2 Mini inside of the case. It includes a built-in LED display button for easy control and step-less dimming, automatically turning off the light when the lid is closed for a seamless user experience. The Warrior X4 delivers 2,600 lumens and a 630-meter range, representing a 12% increase compared with its predecessor. It supports both Type C and MCC3 magnetic charging, boasts an intuitive metal tail switch, and a built-in battery status indicator. This flashlight offers two lighting modes for different scenarios and optional user-friendly remote switch operation. "I hope our products can bring value to users and truly meet the market's demands." said Jeff, the Baton and Warrior Series Product Director. This event also showcases Olight's most popular products in new colorways. This includes the Thanksgiving edition Marauder Mini Golden Black, expressing gratitude as the holiday season nears. You can discover other creative products like the Seeker 4 Pro in White, Seeker 4 Mini Ti, and more innovative EDC lights. During the Black Friday event, Olight will be gifting free flashlights to both new and recurring customers, with some products receiving discounts of up to 50%. For more surprises, visit olightstore.com or the store site specific to your country. [About Olight] Olight is a leading provider of portable lighting solutions, dedicated to its mission of "illuminating the world". It's diverse range of products serves various scenarios, including household, outdoor, and other applications, with products that are sold and utilized worldwide across Europe, the Americas, and other regions worldwide. Find more information at olightworld.com. SOURCE OLIGHT E-COMMERCE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD Cambay Solutions partners with Orchestry to deliver a comprehensive governance, adoption, and enablement platform, empowering businesses of all sizes to fully leverage Microsoft 365. KATY, Texas, Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - Orchestry and Cambay Solutions announce their strategic partnership to drive client success in Microsoft 365. Orchestry (https://www.orchestry.com ), is a complete empowerment, adoption and standardization platform, built by Microsoft 365 MVPs for IT Administrators with Microsoft 365 end-users in mind. Orchestry is on a mission to make work simple in Microsoft 365, empower users, drive adoption, automate governance, day-to-day management and security. The Orchestry platform takes the guesswork out of what to use and when in Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365) with pre-built Workspace Templates, intelligent Workspace Provisioning, actionable Workspace Insights, robust Microsoft 365 Guest management, informative Workspace Directory and robust governance features to enable both IT administrators and end-users throughout the organization. Cambay Solutions, a seasoned Microsoft Solutions Partner, specializes in tailoring Microsoft 365 experiences to foster efficient collaboration and digital innovation. The partnership with Orchestry intensifies Cambay's capabilities in governance and workflow customization, allowing clients to experience a harmonious and controlled digital workspace. With a shared passion for client success through technology, Orchestry and Cambay Solutions together will deliver a more governed, adoptable, and scalable Microsoft 365 environment. Michal Pisarek, CEO of Orchestry, shares, "After knowing and collaborating with the team at Cambay Solutions, I'm elated to announce our partnership to empower clients to standardize governance, provisioning and templating in Microsoft 365". More than just a standard templating and governance tool for Microsoft Teams, Orchestry's comprehensive platform will enable Cambay Solutions to support clients with governance in SharePoint Online, Microsoft Planner, Microsoft Lists, Microsoft OneNote as well as other Microsoft 365 business applications through a single, unified interface. Aaron Caipen, Executive Vice President of Cambay Solutions, adds, "This partnership marks a significant step in elevating the collaboration experience for our clients, leveraging Orchestry's comprehensive governance platform to harness the full potential of Microsoft 365." In partnership, Cambay Solutions and Orchestry will help organizations drive enablement, adoption and standardization while helping integrity and governance of Microsoft 365. About Orchestry Orchestry makes work simple in Microsoft 365, Microsoft Teams and SharePoint Online with its comprehensive enablement, adoption and standardization platform. Built by SharePoint MVPs and Microsoft 365 experts, Orchestry helps organizations formulate a roadmap of "what to use when" in Microsoft 365 through increasing technology adoption, empowering governance and simplifying provisioning organization-wide. Learn more: https://www.orchestry.com . About Cambay Solutions Cambay Solutions, a Microsoft Solutions Partner, specializes in leveraging Azure, AI, Dynamics 365, Data and Analytics and Microsoft 365 to propel digital transformation. By providing customized, innovative solutions, Cambay enhances business efficiency, collaboration, and growth, ensuring clients excel in the modern digital economy. Learn more: https://www.cambaycs.com SOURCE Orchestry Software ROTTERDAM, The Netherlands, Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Yesterday, Shell and Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTHA) signed a long-term agreement to blend sustainable aviation fuel on all aircraft fuelled at the airport, starting in 2024. On top of the European blending mandate of 6%, the airport will accelerate its efforts by setting itself a minimum target of 8% to meet the more ambitious goal of the Dutch aviation sector of 14% by 2030. Using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is among the few measures currently available to reduce emissions from international aviation. Wilma van Dijk and Jan Toschka "Sustainable fuel is essential for the future of aviation", says RTHA's CEO Wilma van Dijk. "This long-term agreement makes it possible for Shell to invest in production facilities while allowing airlines to gradually adapt to a new reality." "It's fantastic to support Rotterdam The Hague Airport on decarbonising flights through the use of SAF," added Jan Toschka, President of Shell Aviation. "It is particularly encouraging to see an airport committing to long-term SAF agreements, for volumes above the levels required under EU mandates. This type of ambition helps play an important role in providing strong, stable demand that is necessary for scaling up the supply and use of SAF." Benefits of SAF The added part sustainable fuel can lead to a CO reduction of on average 80% across the chain. Besides this, sustainable fuel leads to a reduction of soot and ultrafine particle emissions, which at higher percentages of blending, improves air quality. Shell is building an 820,000-tonnes-a-year biofuels facility at the Shell Energy and Chemicals Park Rotterdam, which will produce SAF and renewable diesel made from waste. Phasing in SAF For the moment, SAF is still much more costly than fossil kerosene. For this reason, and because large-scale production of SAF has yet to take off, it is important to phase in additional blending requirements. RTHA has chosen to sign a long-term agreement with Shell in order to offer transparency on the growth path and cost for the users at the airport. More blending necessary to meet targets As a result of the European blending mandate, the aviation sector must blend in 2% SAF across the board by 2025. The target for 2030 is 6%. However, this is not enough to meet the Dutch aviation sector's more ambitious target of 14% SAF by 2030, as set out in the Sustainable Aviation Agreement. RTHA therefore wants to speed things up by raising the target for 2024 by an additional 2 percentage points. This will be followed by incremental yearly increases of at least one percentage point until 2030, making for a total additional increase of minimal 8 percentage points by 2030, on top of the statutory 6%. Thanks to this extra blending push, the 14% SAF target will be met at Rotterdam The Hague Airport. Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2280206/Wilma_van_Dijk_and_Jan_Toschka.jpg SOURCE Rotterdam The Hague Airport JOHANNESBURG, Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Sasol hereby informs shareholders that the annual general meeting which had been convened to take place at 9:30 on Friday, 17 November 2023 at Sasol Place, 50 Katherine Street, Sandton, Johannesburg, South Africa and by means of Sasol's electronic meeting platform could not take place due to disruption by protestors. The Chairman accommodated the protestors and went further to invite them to a meeting with representatives of the Sasol Board, which was declined. Once it became clear that the protestors would not accommodate the effective participation of other shareholders, cancelling the meeting became the only prudent option, as the Chairman was inhibited from effectively communicating with the shareholders present. Stephen Westwell, the Chairman said: "We regret the inconvenience caused to other shareholders by the disruption." Further communication will be addressed to shareholders regarding the way forward on this matter. 17 November 2023 Johannesburg Equity Sponsor Merrill Lynch South Africa Proprietary Limited t/a BofA Securities Debt Sponsor Rand Merchant Bank (A division of FirstRand Bank Limited) Investor Relations: Tiffany Sydow, VP Investor Relations Telephone: +27 (0) 71 673 1929 SOURCE Sasol Limited NEW YORK and SYDNEY, Nov. 16, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- RE1 Limited, in its capacity as responsible entity and trustee of Scentre Group Trust 2 (the "Offeror"), a trust forming part of the stapled entity Scentre Group (ASX: SCG) ("Scentre Group"), announced today the early tender results for its previously announced tender offer (the "Tender Offer") for up to US$300 million aggregate principal amount (the "Aggregate Maximum Amount") of its outstanding Subordinated Non-Call 10 Fixed Rate Reset Notes due 2080 (the "Non-Call 10 Notes") and Subordinated Non Call 6 Fixed Rate Reset Notes due 2080 (the "Non-Call 6 Notes," and together with the Non-Call 10 Notes, the "Notes" and each, a "series" of Notes). The terms and conditions of the Tender Offer are set forth in the Offer to Purchase dated November 2, 2023 (the "Offer to Purchase"). The Tender Offer will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on December 4, 2023, or any other date and time to which the Offeror extends the Tender Offer (such date and time, the "Expiration Time"), unless earlier terminated. Early Tender Results and Proration As of 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on November 16, 2023 (such time and date, the "Early Tender Time"), according to information provided by Global Bondholder Services Corporation, the tender and information agent for the Tender Offer, the aggregate principal amount of the Notes set forth in the table below under "Principal Amount Tendered as of Early Tender Time" had been validly tendered in the Tender Offer. Withdrawal rights for the Notes expired at 5:00 p.m., New York City Time, on November 16, 2023. Title of Security CUSIP Nos. and ISINs Acceptance Priority Level Principal Amount Outstanding Principal Amount Tendered as of Early Tender Time Principal Amount Expected to be Accepted(1) Approximate Proration Rate Subordinated Non-Call 10 Fixed Rate Reset Notes due 2080 144A CUSIP: 76025LAB0 Reg S CUSIP: Q8053LAB0 144A ISIN: US76025LAB09 Reg S ISIN: USQ8053LAB01 1 US$1.5 billion US$187,944,000 US$187,944,000 N/A Subordinated Non-Call 6 Fixed Rate Reset Notes due 2080 144A CUSIP: 76025LAA2 Reg S CUSIP: Q8053LAA2 144A ISIN: US76025LAA26 Reg S ISIN: USQ8053LAA28 2 US$1.5 billion US$201,606,000 US$112,045,000 51.9 % _______________________ (1) Expected to be accepted for purchase, and paid for, on November 21, 2023, New York City time. The aggregate principal amount of each series of Notes that the Offeror will purchase in the Tender Offer will be determined in accordance with the acceptance priority level for such series as set forth in the table above (the "Acceptance Priority Level") and the proration procedures described in the Offer to Purchase. Because the aggregate principal amount of Notes validly tendered as of the Early Tender Time exceeded the Aggregate Maximum Amount, the Offeror expects to accept for purchase: (i) all US$187,944,000 aggregate principal amount of Non-Call 10 Notes validly tendered as of the Early Tender Time; and (ii) US$112,045,000 aggregate principal amount of the Non-Call 6 Notes validly tendered as of the Early Tender Time, reflecting a proration rate of approximately 51.9%. No Notes tendered after the Early Tender Time will be accepted for purchase, regardless of Acceptance Priority Level. The Tender Offer is being made pursuant to an Offer to Purchase, dated November 2, 2023 (as may be amended or supplemented, the "Offer to Purchase"), which sets forth a more detailed description of the Tender Offer. The Offeror urges holders of the Notes to read the Offer to Purchase carefully before making any decision with respect to the Tender Offer. The Offer to Purchase may be obtained at www.gbscusa.com/registration/scentre or by contacting the tender and information agent using the telephone number or email address found below under "Dealer Managers and Tender and Information Agent". Consideration and Accrued Interest Title of Security CUSIP Nos. and ISINs First Reset Date U.S. Treasury Reference Security Bloomberg Reference Page Fixed Spread Early Tender Premium(1) Early Tender Consideration(1) Subordinated Non-Call 10 Fixed Rate Reset Notes due 2080 144A CUSIP: 76025LAB0 Reg S CUSIP: Q8053LAB0 144A ISIN: US76025LAB09 Reg S ISIN: USQ8053LAB01 Sept. 24, 2030 3.875% UST due Aug. 15, 2033 FIT1 +325bps US$50 To be determined at the Price Determination Time Subordinated Non-Call 6 Fixed Rate Reset Notes due 2080 144A CUSIP: 76025LAA2 Reg S CUSIP: Q8053LAA2 144A ISIN: US76025LAA26 Reg S ISIN: USQ8053LAA28 Sept. 24, 2026 4.625% UST due Oct. 15, 2026 FIT1 +340bps US$50 To be determined at the Price Determination Time _______________________ (1) Per US$1,000 principal amount. For each series of Notes, the Early Tender Consideration (as defined below) is calculated using the respective fixed spread specified in the table above, and, when calculated in such a manner, already includes the Early Tender Premium The applicable consideration (the "Early Tender Consideration") offered per US$1,000 principal amount of Notes of a series validly tendered at or prior to the Early Tender Time and accepted for purchase will be determined in accordance with the formula set forth in the Offer to Purchase by reference to the applicable fixed spread for such series specified in the table above plus the Reference Yield (as defined in the Offer to Purchase) at 9:15 a.m., New York City time, on November 17, 2023 (such date and time, the "Price Determination Time"). The Early Tender Time was the last date and time for holders to tender their Notes in order to be eligible to receive the applicable Early Tender Consideration. In addition to the applicable Early Tender Consideration, holders whose Notes are purchased in the Tender Offer will receive accrued and unpaid interest ("Accrued Interest") from the last semi-annual interest payment date up to, but not including, the Early Settlement Date. Settlement The Offeror expects payment for Notes that were validly tendered as of the Early Tender Time and that are accepted for purchase will be made on a date prior to the Expiration Time (the "Early Settlement Date"). The Offeror anticipates that the Early Settlement Date will be November 21, 2023, subject to all conditions to the Tender Offer having been satisfied or waived by the Offeror. The Offeror's obligation to accept for payment and to pay for the Notes validly tendered in the Tender Offer is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of a number of conditions described in the Offer to Purchase. Dealer Managers and Tender and Information Agent The Offeror has appointed Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. and Merrill Lynch International as dealer managers (the "Dealer Managers") for the Tender Offer. The Offeror has retained Global Bondholder Services Corporation as the tender and information agent for the Tender Offer. For additional information regarding the terms of the Tender Offer, please contact: Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. at +1 (866) 6270391 (toll-free) or +1 (212) 250-2955 (international) or Merrill Lynch International at +44 207 996 5420 (international) or +1 (980) 387-3907 (in the U.S.) or +1 (888) 292-0070 (U.S. toll-free) or [email protected] (email). Requests for documents and questions regarding the tendering of Notes may be directed to Global Bondholder Services Corporation by telephone at (212) 430-3774 (for banks and brokers only), (855) 654 2015 (toll-free) or 001 212 430-3774 (international), by email at contact@gbscusa.com or at www.gbscusa.com/registration/scentre . This press release shall not constitute, or form part of, an offer to sell, a solicitation to buy or an offer to purchase or sell any securities. The Tender Offer is being made only pursuant to the Offer to Purchase and only in such jurisdictions as is permitted under applicable law. Neither the Offer to Purchase nor any disclosure document (as defined in the Australian Corporations Act 2001) in relation to the Notes has been lodged with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, and in Australia, the Tender Offer is only available to persons to whom an offer or invitation can be made without disclosure under Parts 6D.2 or 7.9 of the Australian Corporations Act. From time to time after completion of the Tender Offer, the Offeror or its affiliates may purchase additional Notes in the open market, in privately negotiated transactions, through tender or exchange offers or other methods, or the Offeror may redeem Notes pursuant to their terms. Any future purchases may be on the same terms or on terms that are more or less favorable to holders of the Notes than the terms of the Tender Offer. About Scentre Group We acknowledge the Traditional Owners and communities of the lands on which our business operates. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to their Elders past and present. We recognise the unique role of Maori as Tangata Whenua of Aotearoa/New Zealand. Scentre Group (ASX: SCG) owns 42 Westfield destinations across Australia and New Zealand encompassing more than 12,000 outlets. Our Purpose is creating extraordinary places, connecting and enriching communities. Our Plan is to create the places more people choose to come, more often, for longer. Our Ambition is to grow the business by becoming essential to people, their communities and the businesses that interact with them. This release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are information of a nonhistorical nature or which relate to future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties. No assurance can be given that the transactions described herein will be consummated or as to the ultimate terms of any such transactions. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Except as required by law or regulation (including the ASX Listing Rules) neither the Offeror nor Scentre Group undertake any obligation to update these forward-looking statements. Media Contact: Scentre Group Corporate Affairs corporateaffairs@scentregroup.com SOURCE Scentre Group Intrinsically Safe Continuous Monitoring Solution for Methane Emissions MIDLAND, Texas, Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Shepherd Safety Systems ("Shepherd"), a trailblazing thought and technology leader in the oilfield safety and emissions sector, proudly announces the launch of its Intrinsically Safe Continuous Monitoring solution for methane emissions. This unparalleled technology solution is set to redefine how oil and gas operators detect and manage methane leaks. Shepherd Safety Systems proudly announces the launch of its Intrinsically Safe Continuous Monitoring solution for methane emissions. This unparalleled technology solution, the only Class I Div 1 certified monitor in America, is set to redefine how oil and gas operators detect and manage methane leaks. "In the Oil & Gas (O&G) industry, methane emissions represent a significant challenge, both for safety and environmental reasons," said Shepherd's CEO Seth Long. "Our state-of-the-art methane detection technology, combined with our deep-rooted industry knowledge and unmatched turnkey service offering, provides a refreshing perspective on how the industry can tackle our most pressing challenges." Direct Source Monitoring: Unlike traditional methane detection systems that require distance from leak sources, Shepherd's innovative product is the only Class I Div 1 certified device in the United States that can be positioned directly at common leak sources. This cutting-edge design can be positioned from atop vessels to any location within the fence line which ensures unparalleled accuracy and real-time alerts. Intricate Design and Superior Functionality: Beyond mere proximity, the sensor's intricate design guarantees pinpoint accuracy, delivering detailed component-level data vital for timely corrective actions. Always Connected: Recognizing the need for constant data flow in today's interconnected world, the sensors are equipped with redundant communication systems cell, satellite, and wifi. This ensures continuous connectivity and can seamlessly integrate into partners' SCADA systems. Full Partnership Benefits: Unlike most other methane detection companies, Shepherd Safety offers methane monitoring as a service. Our services don't stop when the devices are installed. Not only are we continuously monitoring on behalf of our O&G partners, we are constantly improving our technology and passing those improvements on to our customers. Availability: See https://shepherdsafetysystems.com/methane-detection-services/ for more information About Shepherd Safety Systems: Based in Midland, Texas, with additional operations in Houston, Barstow, and Pleasanton, Texas, Shepherd Safety Systems was founded in the heart of the oil fields. The company stands unique in its deep-rooted understanding of the O&G industry, its challenges, and its language. Committed to evolving and improving, Shepherd Safety Systems offers a turnkey solution from design and manufacture to installation, monitoring, response, and updates. For further information, interviews, or media-related inquiries, please contact: David Nesmith Email: [email protected] Phone: 917-402-3438 Note: Visuals accompanying this press release are available upon request. SOURCE Shepherd Safety Systems Using single cell multi-omics analysis to predict treatment outcome, develop disease prognostics and track patient responses to CAR T therapies COLOGNE, Germany, Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Singleron Biotechnologies, a company at the forefront of developing and commercializing innovative single cell multi-omic analysis solutions for precision medicine, has announced two co-authored abstracts for the upcoming 65th American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting & Exposition in San Diego (December 9-12, 2023). The first abstract, oral presentation #453, stems from a collaboration with Professor Maximilian Merz at the University of Leipzig. The study used Singleron's Enhanced Single Cell Analysis with Protein Expression and RNA Sequencing (ESCAPE RNAseq) platform, combining single cell RNA sequencing with cell surface protein expression. Together with TCR and BCR sequencing, the analysis characterized a longitudinal cohort of multiple myeloma (MM) patients treated with anti-BCMA CAR T cells. The analysis revealed differences in cellular composition and surface protein expression between complete response (CR) and non-CR patients, which was detectable even before CAR T treatment. Single cell multi-omic analysis was also used to monitor the impact of bridging therapies, changes in TCR diversity, and the status of individual CAR T cells over time in patient PBMC. The second abstract, poster presentation #3367, used ESCAPE RNAseq platform to characterize plasma cells from the bone marrow of MM patients prior to Daratumumab treatment. Using interpretable machine learning models, the poster describes both a predictive model for Daratumumab response and a general prognostic for MM patients that significantly outperforms the existing prognostic tools. Dr. Jonathan Scolnick, General Manager of Singleron Singapore and co-author on both abstracts, expressed gratitude for the collaboration with clinical partners. He remarked, "The results underscore the value of single cell multi-omic analysis for understanding clinical questions. Not only can this data be used for great insights into disease, but here we have been able to show a framework for how to use single cell data to develop a clinical test that can be performed using more standard clinical technologies. We are encouraged by the technology's potential in aiding treatment outcome prediction, paving the way for more personalized therapies. We look forward to seeing further scientific breakthroughs from our clinical partners." Oral Presentation: Abstract #453, Session 651 Sunday, December 10, 2023 (10:00 AM) Title: Single Cell Multi-Omic Dissection of Response and Resistance to Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cells Against BCMA in Relapsed Multiple Myeloma Poster Presentation: Abstract #3367, Session 652 Sunday, December 10, 2023 (6:00 PM - 8:00 PM) Title: Single Cell Profiling Unravels Plasma Cell Gene Expression Signatures Predictive of Response to Daratumumab Based Therapy, and Prognosis in Multiple Myeloma About Singleron Founded in 2018, Singleron Biotechnologies GmbH develops and commercializes single cell multi-omics products that can be used in both research and clinical settings. Its current product portfolio includes instruments, microfluidic devices, reagents, software analysis and database solutions that facilitate high-throughput single cell analysis. Singleron's sample services offer expert execution and generation of high-quality results for academia, clinics, and biotech. The company currently has offices, laboratories, and manufacturing facilities in Germany, Singapore, China, and the US. Its products are used in close to 3000 laboratories in hospitals, research institutes, and pharmaceutical companies. https://singleron.bio CONTACT: Rahel Oeser, [email protected] SOURCE Singleron Biotechnologies DUBLIN , Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Advertising Industry in South Africa 2023" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. South Africa's advertising industry has recovered since the pandemic. Digital advertising is growing more than four times faster than traditional advertising, fuelled by the increasing number of internet users. The main avenues are Google search engine marketing, social media advertising, and advertising on closed networks. With streaming services like Netflix advertising to subsidise cheaper plans, traditional advertising faces growing competition. Many South African agencies are subsidiaries of international companies WPP, Omnicom, Publicis, Interpublic Group and Dentsu, which together account for around 80% of South African advertising spend. Changing Landscape The advertising environment is changing as TV audiences and print readership declines and people read and watch online. Increased consumption of digital media has resulted in a significant shift to digital advertising spend. Facebook was the most used social media platform by South African companies for advertising purposes in 2022. Influencer marketing is becoming a tool for some brands to connect with their target audience. Companies are increasingly using customer behaviour data to inform their advertising strategies. Challenges A weak economy results in lower advertising budgets or even fewer adverts being created. The industry is largely owned by a handful of major international holding companies, making it difficult for smaller agencies to compete, although there are niche opportunities. The large presence of international companies has also resulted in the industry bring relatively untransformed. As digital advertising increases and more businesses are relying on technology to reach their audiences, the unreliable supply of electricity poses serious challenges and threats. Report Coverage This report on the advertising industry in South Africa includes information on the state of the industry, major trends and issues, notable players and factors that influence its success. There are profiles of 37 companies including major agencies such as Ogilvy, Dentsu, TBWA and Publicis, media agencies such as The MediaShop and outdoor advertising companies such as Outdoor Network and Tractor. Key Topics Covered: 1. INTRODUCTION 2. DESCRIPTION OF THE INDUSTRY 2.1. Industry Value Chain 2.2. Geographic Position 2.3. Size of the Industry 3. LOCAL 3.1. State of the Industry 3.2. Key Trends 3.3. Key Issues 3.4. Notable Players 3.5. Corporate Actions 3.6. Regulations 3.7. Enterprise Development and Social Development 4. AFRICA 5. INTERNATIONAL 6. INFLUENCING FACTORS 6.1. Loadshedding 6.2. Economic Environment 6.3. Labour 6.4. Racial Discrimination and Racist Ads 6.5. Technology, R&D, Innovation 6.6. Environmental Issues 7. COMPETITIVE ENVIRONMENT 7.1. Competition 7.2. Ownership Structure of the Industry 7.3. Barriers to Entry 8. INDUSTRY SUMMARY 9. OUTLOOK 10. INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS COMPANY PROFILES Accenture Song Production Studios ( South Africa ) (Pty) Ltd ) (Pty) Ltd Ad Outpost (Pty) Ltd Ad Outpost Two Thousand and Seven (Pty) Ltd ADreach (Pty) Ltd Black Khaki Advertising (Pty) Ltd Blueprint Advertising Agency (Pty) Ltd Boo Media and Communication (Pty) Ltd Boomtown (Pty) Ltd Busi Ntuli Communications (Pty) Ltd Catgraphics (Pty) Ltd Dentsu South Africa (Pty) Ltd FCB Africa (Pty) Ltd Grey Advertising Africa (Pty) Ltd Horsley's Marketing Services CC Incubeta SA Operations (Pty) Ltd J Walter Thompson Company South Africa (Pty) Ltd JCDecaux South Africa (Pty) Ltd Joe Public (Pty) Ltd (Pty) Ltd Kena Outdoor (Pty) Ltd McCann Worldgroup South Africa (Pty) Ltd Media Shop (Pty) Ltd (The) MetropolitanRepublic Integrated Communications (JHB) (Pty) Ltd MMS Communications South Africa (Pty) Ltd Mullen Lowe Group ( South Africa ) (Pty) Ltd ) (Pty) Ltd Nethwork (Pty) Ltd Ogilvy and Mather South Africa (Pty) Ltd Outdoor Network Ltd Outsmart Outdoor Advertising (Pty) Ltd Penny Black Outdoor (Pty) Ltd Primedia (Pty) Ltd Provantage (Pty) Ltd Southern Ambition 1385 CC TBWA South Africa (Pty) Ltd Tractor Media Holdings (Pty) Ltd VMLYR (Pty) Ltd Wunderman Thompson (Pty) Ltd For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/31nl4j 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 The growth in demand for storefront glass from the commercial sector along with technological advancement to enhance safety and security drive the growth of the storefront glass market. WILMINGTON, Del., Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "Storefront Glass Market By Type (Safety/Limited Glass, Insulated Glass, Others), Distribution Channel (Online, Offline), and End User (Stores, Showrooms, Others): Global Opportunity Analysis And Industry Forecast, 2023-2032". According to the report, the global storefront glass market was valued at $5,606.80 million in 2020 and is estimated to reach $13,278.80 million by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 7.3% from 2023 to 2032. Download PDF Sample Copy: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/3500 Prime determinants of growth The growth in demand for storefront glass from the commercial sector along with technological advancements to enhance safety and security drive the growth of the storefront glass market. However, the high cost and maintenance of storefront glass restrict the market growth. On the contrary, rising urbanization presents new opportunities in the coming years. Report coverage & details: Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 20232032 Base Year 2022 Historic Period 2020 Market Size in 2022 $5,606.8 million Market Size in 2032 $13,278.8 million CAGR 7.3 % No. of Pages in Report 184 Segments covered Type, Distribution Channel, End User, and Region. Drivers Growth in Demand from the construction sector Technological advancements to ensure safety and security Opportunities Rise in urbanization Restraints High cost and maintenance The insulated glass segment to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period Based on type, the insulated glass segment held the highest market share in 2020, accounting for more than half of the Storefront glass market revenue, and is estimated to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period. Increase in use of insulated glass due to its various advantages such as it offers stable heating and cooling efficiency. In addition, insulated storefront glass helps maintain a stable indoor temperature, reducing the strain on HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems, and extending their lifespan. This is particularly appealing to the building seeking to optimize its HVAC-related expenses. Hence, such an advantage propels the growth of the market during the forecast period. Increasing awareness regarding safety and security in commercial and retail spaces propel the growth of safety laminated storefront glasses during the forecast period. In addition, the laminated glasses segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR as it offers a wide range of advantages to building owners such as the impact of resistance and shatterproof properties as businesses and property owners prioritize the protection of their assets, employers, and customers, laminated storefront glasses, with the impact of resistance and setup proof properties, become essentials. Additionally, distinct building codes and regulations made the use of safety glasses and propeller demand for limited options. The desire for aesthetically pleasing design in storefront that also securely further fuel the adoption of laminated glass, making it a preferable choice for both new construction and renovation. In addition, aging post-tension structures face corrosion, deterioration, and structural deficiencies. Many builders, government, and asset owners are increasingly investing in repair and rehabilitation to ensure the safety and functionality of crucial infrastructure. Buy This Research Report (187 Pages PDF with Insights, Charts, Tables, Figures): https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/checkout-final/5445df1760a70b45defee0f65fb91b84 The online segment to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period Based on distribution channel, the online segment held the highest market share in 2020, accounting for more than half of the storefront glass market, and is estimated to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period. The demand for storefront glasses being purchased online has been steadily growing as the convenience of online shopping has transformed the way consumers shop for products, including storefront glasses and other construction materials. Customers can browse and compare a wide range of options from the comfort of their own homes, avoiding the need to visit multiple physical stores. This helps to save time and offers a better range. In addition, the competitive pricing and discounts offered by online retailers can make purchasing storefront glass more cost-effective. Online sellers frequently have lower overhead costs and can pass these savings on to customers. Moreover, the convenience of doorstep delivery is another driving factor. Glass products can be heavy and fragile, making traditional in-store purchases less appealing when compared to the ease of having them delivered to one's doorstep. Thus, such factors are expected to drive the demand for storefront glasses being purchased online. However, the offline segment is projected to manifest the highest CAGR of 7.7% from 2023 to 2032. The demand for storefront glasses being purchased offline, through traditional brick-and-mortar stores, is experiencing growth as some consumers prefer the tactile and hands-on experience that physical stores offer. They can see and touch the actual product, assess its quality, and measure how it might fit into their specific needs. This level of interaction can be particularly important for items like storefront glass, where aesthetics and functionality are critical. In addition, the ability to inspect the glass for imperfections and ensure it meets quality standards is another reason for the growing demand for offline purchases. Customers can personally scrutinize the glass for any flaws or damage, reducing the risk of receiving damaged goods. Thus, such factors are maintaining the demand for storefront glasses purchased via stores. The stores segment to maintain its lead position during the forecast period. Based on end user, the stores segment accounted for the largest share in 2020, contributing to lesser than three-fifths of the storefront glass market revenue, and is projected to maintain its lead position during the forecast period. Systems for internal post-tensioning are robust, dependable, and corrosion-proof. Internal post-tensioning methods make bridge construction safer and more enduring. Companies that provide storefront glass, such as DYWIDAG and VSL International Ltd., provide internal post-tensioning technology to build bridges, propelling the storefront glass market globally. However, the showrooms segment is expected to portray the largest CAGR of 8.3% from 2023 to 2032. Increase in adoption of storefront glass in showrooms as it offers several benefits such as customizable storefront glass designs contribute to the overall aesthetic and branding of the showrooms. Decorative patterns, etching, and logos can create an appealing and memorable facade that aligns with the showroom's image. In addition, energy-efficient glass solutions help regulate indoor temperature, ensuring a comfortable environment for customers while reducing heating and cooling cost for the showrooms. Hence, such an advantage propels the growth of the market during the forecast period. Asia-Pacific to maintain its dominance by 2032 Based on region, Asia-Pacific held the highest market share in terms of revenue in 2020, accounting to more than half of the global Storefront glass market revenue. The major share of storefront glass market is held by China and Japan. However, other countries such as India, Singapore, and Taiwan have been recognized as important markets, owing to upsurge in construction activities in these countries. Key player initiatives in China in expanding the construction sector are expected to provide growth opportunities in this country. Additionally, China's low labor and material costs enable manufacturers to build post-tensioning systems and their component parts for the best feasible prices. For instance, in October 2022, China State Construction Engineering Corporation (China State Construction), a state-owned company, acquired several significant infrastructure and housing development projects. The ten projects are worth a combined $4.89 billion. Hence, such projects are expected to drive the growth of the market during the forecast period. However, LAMEA is expected to witness the fastest CAGR of 9.8% from 2023 to 2032. In LAMEA region, the market is being driven by factors such as the expansion of the construction sector, growth in urbanization, and technological advances. Furthermore, by 2050, the urban population is expected to increase; also, an increase in lifestyle, particularly in emerging nations, encourages the development of renovation projects. For instance, according to the International Trade Administration, in January 2021, the Brazilian government invested $14 billion through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) for infrastructure and urbanization development. Hence, such development activities need the installation of post-tensioning systems, which is anticipated to drive the growth of the market in LAMEA during the forecast period. Inquire Before Buying: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/3500 Leading Market Players: - ASAHI GLASS NIPPON SHEET GLASS CO., LTD PROMAT INTERNATIONAL PPG INDUSTRIES TUBELITE ALCOA CORP C.R. LAURENCE GUARDIAN INDUSTRIES COMPAGNIE DE SAINT-GOBAIN SISECAM GROUP. The report provides a detailed analysis of these key players in the storefront glass market. These players have adopted different strategies such as new product launches, expansion, and acquisitions to increase their market share and maintain dominant shares in different regions. The report is valuable in highlighting business performance, operating segments, product portfolio, and strategic moves of market players to showcase the competitive scenario. Trending Reports (Book Now with 10% Discount): Construction Glass Market is expected to reach $121,877 million Tempered Glass Cutting Machine Market is projected to reach $6,061.51 million Fiberglass Doors Market is projected to reach $30.2 billion Fiberglass window market is projected to reach $5.9 billion Insulating Glass Window Market is projected to reach $21,160.6 million Glass Curtain Wall Market is projected to reach $99.5 billion Fiberglass Cutting Robots Market: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032 Glass Rotor Flowmeters Market: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032 Cosmetic and Perfume Glass Packaging Market: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032 Glass Engraving Machines Market: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032 Decorative Flat Glass Market: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032 Glass Wool Board Sales Market: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032 Glass Manufacturing Market : Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032 About us: Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Wilmington, Delaware. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions." AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain. We are in professional corporate relations with various companies and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Allied Market Research CEO Pawan Kumar is instrumental in inspiring and encouraging everyone associated with the company to maintain high quality of data and help clients in every way possible to achieve success. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry. Contact us: Wilmington, Delaware 1209 Orange Street, Corporation Trust Center, Wilmington, New Castle, Delaware 19801 USA. Int'l: +1-503-894-6022 Toll Free: +1-800-792-5285 Fax: +1-800-792-5285 [email protected] Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/636519/Allied_Market_Research_Logo.jpg SOURCE Allied Market Research BEIJING, Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- TAL Education Group ("TAL" or the "Company") (NYSE: TAL), a smart learning solutions provider in China, today announced that it will hold its annual general meeting of shareholders at 4/F Heying Center, Xiaoying West Street, Haidian District, Beijing, China, on November 29, 2023 at 11:00AM (Beijing time). No proposal will be submitted for shareholder approval at the annual general meeting. Instead, the annual general meeting will serve as an open forum for shareholders and beneficial owners of the Company's American depositary shares ("ADSs") to discuss Company affairs with management. The board of directors of the Company has fixed the close of business on November 24, 2023 as the record date (the "Record Date"). Holders of record of the Company's common shares at the close of business on the Record Date are entitled to notice of the annual general meeting and any adjournment or postponement thereof. Beneficial owners of the Company's ADSs are welcome to attend the AGM in person. The notice of the annual general meeting is available on the Investor Relations section of the Company's website at http://en.100tal.com/investor. The Company has filed its annual report on Form 20-F (the "Annual Report"), which includes the Company's audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2023, with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). The Company's Annual Report can be accessed on the Investor Relations section of its website at https://ir.100tal.com, as well as on the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov. About TAL Education Group TAL Education Group is a smart learning solutions provider in China. The acronym "TAL" stands for "Tomorrow Advancing Life", which reflects our vision to promote top learning opportunities for students through both high-quality teaching and content, as well as leading edge application of technology in the education experience. TAL Education Group offers comprehensive learning services to students from all ages through diversified class formats. Our learning services mainly cover enrichment learnings programs and some academic subjects in and out of China. Our ADSs trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "TAL". For investor and media inquiries, please contact: In China: Jackson Ding Investor Relations TAL Education Group Tel: +86 10 5292 6669-8809 Email: [email protected] Piacente Financial Communications Helen Wu Tel: +86-10-6508-0677 Email: [email protected] In the United States: Piacente Financial Communications Brandi Piacente Phone: +1-212-481-2050 Email: [email protected] SOURCE TAL Education Group WASHINGTON, Nov. 16, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Under concentrated pressure from Teamster members and the negotiating committee for more than a week, Anheuser-Busch has reached a tentative agreement with the union to restore retirement benefits for active and retired members and permanently end an unfair tiered structure to health care for active employees. The significant gains are key issues for the Teamsters during negotiations for a new contract with the beer giant. The tentative agreement on health care and retirement follows strong actions by the Teamsters National Negotiating Committee to stop bargaining last week until Anheuser-Busch took worker demands seriously. The new language restores retiree health benefits lost under the two prior contracts and protects those benefits going forward by placing the benefits solely in the control of the Teamsters. The unfair tiered structure for active employee health care created under the expiring contract will come to an end. Anheuser-Busch will put $50.7 million over four years into a fund to secure benefits for Teamsters retiring under the new agreement and for contracts thereafter. "As we proved at UPS, the Teamsters Union is not going to settle for two-tier systems that unfairly pit our members against one another or deprive workers of the wages and benefits they've earned," said Teamsters General President Sean M. O'Brien. "This tentative agreement is a resounding victory for our rank-and-file members fighting tooth-and-nail for a record contract at Anheuser-Busch. But there is more ground to cover to make sure workers are protected and respected at this company. The fight is not over." "With this tentative agreement, we acknowledge the contributions of members who came before us and honor the hard work of our current and future members by securing retirement benefits that cannot be eliminated or eroded in future negotiations. The company is pre-funding these benefits," said Jeff Padellaro, Director of the Teamsters Brewery, Bakery, and Soft Drink Conference. "With this victory at the table, Anheuser-Busch Teamsters will not have to worry about their retirement benefits being there when they need them. When Teamsters fight, we win. And the union is eager to achieve the same outcome on other issues critical to our members as negotiations continue with Anheuser-Busch." In addition to restoring and securing retiree benefits, the Teamsters ended a two-tier health care plan for active members that unfairly cost new hires at Anheuser-Busch thousands of dollars more than longer tenured workers. Under the tentative agreement, all Anheuser-Busch Teamsters will enroll in the same Teamster-controlled high-quality health care plans. "Under the current setup, so many of my co-workers are forced to pay more for inferior health care," said Dorian Gillespie, a machine operator with Teamsters Local 947 in Jacksonville, Florida, who is participating in negotiations. "I love my job. But with the way things are going in the economy, everything is more expensive. We need affordable, quality health care. And now we're going to get it." 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 Dr. Ochs began his career in medicine in 1969 at a free clinic in Chicago. In 1971 he moved to New Orleans, where he became a paramedic and director of a free clinic in the French Quarter. In 1977, he earned a bachelor's degree in Sociology at the University of New Orleans. The next year, he attended the Loyola Stritch School of Medicine where he received an MD and then completed his pediatrics residency at Cook County and UIC Hospital. In pediatric practice for 39 years, Dr. Ochs is board certified in pediatrics by the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP). He asserts that the mission of the ABP is to advance child health by certifying pediatricians who meet standards of excellence and are committed to continuous learning and improvement. Dr. Ochs explained that his practice, Ravenswood Pediatrics, provides general pediatric care for newborns through college students, gives comprehensive examinations to foster children and refugee children, and advocates for special needs children. Dr. Ochs teaches nurse practitioner students and medical students. He serves as a Clinical Instructor at Feinberg (Northwestern Medical School) and University of Illinois Medical School. Dr. Ochs has been working with adoptive families since 1997 during the adoption of his first daughter from China. Considered an expert in adoption medicine, he notes that he has seen over a thousand internationally adopted children in his practice and adoption clinic; has also completed thousands more referral reviews; has spoken to thousands of adoptive parents; and has personally adopted three more special needs Chinese daughters. The doctor was a founding member of the American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Adoption and Foster Care in 2000 and served on its executive committee for six years. He recently served a three-year term on the executive committee of the Council on Foster Care, Adoption and Kinship Care. He has advocated for adopted and fostered children in public and private schools concerning adoption health and mental health issues, including Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). An internationally known specialist in FASD, the doctor has spoken at several conferences and hospital grand rounds on FASD, and he recently spoke to child protective services workers. For the last eight years he has served as medical director and on the board of CAMP- a FASD Community, creating the only sleep-away camp for children on the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum. A respected author and speaker, Dr. Ochs has authored articles for several adoption publications, including the AAP Illinois Chapter Newsletter and the Child's Doctor of Children's Memorial Hospital. He has written the chapter on Medical Issues in Adoption for the Illinois Bar Association. He presented on adoption at the International Pediatric Association in Beijing and at many adoption conferences and agency educational sessions. Fluent in both English and Spanish, Dr. Ochs notes that his mentors are Dr. Ira Rosenthal and Dr. Andrew Griffin. Aside from his professional pursuits, the doctor enjoys spending time with his family, fixing things around the house, and walking his dog. He would like to dedicate this honor to his wife, five daughters, and grandchildren, and thank them for their love and support. Contact: Katherine Green 516-825-5634 [email protected] SOURCE The Inner Circle NEW YORK, Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The J.M. Kaplan Fund is pleased to welcome Julia Bator as its new Executive Director. Bator, a proven executive and visionary philanthropic advisor, brings extensive leadership experience in foundations, nonprofit organizations, and government to the Fund. Bator takes on the new role after six years as the principal of Amazing Bone Advisory, where she helped private and corporate philanthropic clients craft innovative programs and build long-term institutional strategies. "Julia's exemplary track record in stewarding large-scale philanthropic ventures and her thoughtful approach to strategy make her the ideal leader for The J.M. Kaplan Fund," said Peter W. Davidson, Chairman of The J.M. Kaplan Fund Board of Trustees. "Her deep understanding of philanthropic work and her unwavering dedication to enhancing education, culture, and community welfare position her perfectly to advance our social and environmental mission." Bator's diverse background in philanthropy and public service includes leading the Robertson Foundation, where she managed investments in education, climate change mitigation, and medical research. Her tenure as the CEO of The Fund for Public Schools, the nonprofit arm of the New York City Department of Education, showcased her ability to forge significant private-sector partnerships to benefit the nation's largest public school system. Previously, Bator worked at Highbridge Capital Management, where she served as Chief of Staff, managing external affairs for the Chief Executive Officer. Her experience also includes working for the Heckscher Foundation for Children and public-private partnerships such as the Fund for Public Advocacy, City Parks Foundation, and the Chancellor's Literacy Campaign under NYC Schools Chancellor Rudolph Crew. "I have long admired The J.M. Kaplan Fund as a champion and supporter of its grantees and as a good neighbor in New York City," Bator said. "I'm honored to carry forward that legacy as their next Executive Director and energized by the challenges and opportunities ahead." Bator began her career as a public school teacher and served on the executive staff of The White House from 1994 to 1996. She is a current board member of the LaGuardia Community College Foundation, Pioneer Works, and the Mill School in Vermont; she is a former lay member of the Review Board of the Affirming and Protecting Children and Young People Program of the Province of St. Joseph and the former board chair of the Ascend Charter Schools network in Brooklyn. About The J.M. Kaplan Fund Established in 1945 by philanthropist and businessman Jacob Merrill Kaplan, the Fund has since its inception been committed to visionary innovation. Over four generations of family engagement, the Fund has devoted more than $300 million to propel fledgling efforts focused on human rights, civil liberties, equality and justice, the arts and literacy, and the conservation and enhancement of the built and natural worlds. The J.M.K. Innovation Prize continues the Fund's legacy of catalytic giving, reaching across America to provide early-stage support for entrepreneurs with 21st-century solutions to urgent social and environmental challenges. Learn more at JMKFund.org . Media Inquiries: Rex Unger Reciprocal Brand & Strategy [email protected] 646-397-7404 Valerie Silverman Kerr Reciprocal Brand & Strategy [email protected] 914-806-6647 SOURCE The J.M. Kaplan Fund A roundup of the week's most newsworthy health industry press releases from PR Newswire, including new research in genetics and Alzheimer's diagnostics. NEW YORK, Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- With thousands of press releases published each week, it can be difficult to keep up with everything on PR Newswire. To help journalists covering the healthcare industry stay on top of the week's most newsworthy and popular releases, here's a roundup of stories from the week that shouldn't be missed. The list below includes the headline (with a link to the full text) and an excerpt from each story. Click on the press release headlines to access accompanying multimedia assets that are available for download. PR Newswire Weekly Health Press Release Roundup, Nov. 13-17, 2023. Photo provided by American Association of Nurse Practitioners. https://prn.to/47x649u Read more of the latest health-related releases from PR Newswire and stay caught up on the top press releases by following @PRNhealth on Twitter. Helping Journalists Stay Up to Date on Industry News These are just a few of the recent press releases that consumers and the media should know about. To be notified of releases relevant to their coverage area, journalists can set up a custom newsfeed with PR Newswire for Journalists. Once they're signed up, reporters, bloggers and freelancers have access to the following free features: Customization: Create a customized newsfeed that will deliver relevant news right to your inbox. Customize the newsfeed by keywords, industry, subject, geography, and more. Create a customized newsfeed that will deliver relevant news right to your inbox. Customize the newsfeed by keywords, industry, subject, geography, and more. Photos and Videos: Thousands of multimedia assets are available to download and include with your next story. Thousands of multimedia assets are available to download and include with your next story. Subject Matter Experts: Access ProfNet, a database of industry experts to connect with as sources or for quotes in your articles. Access ProfNet, a database of industry experts to connect with as sources or for quotes in your articles. Related Resources: Read and subscribe to our journalist- and blogger-focused blog, Beyond Bylines, for media news roundups, writing tips, upcoming events, and more. About PR Newswire PR Newswire is the industry's leading press release distribution partner with an unparalleled global reach of more than 440,000 newsrooms, websites, direct feeds, journalists and influencers and is available in more than 170 countries and 40 languages. From our award-winning Content Services offerings, integrated media newsroom and microsite products, Investor Relations suite of services, paid placement and social sharing tools, PR Newswire has a comprehensive catalog of solutions to solve the modern-day challenges PR and communications teams face. For 70 years, PR Newswire has been the preferred destination for brands to share their most important news stories across the world. For questions, contact the team at [email protected]. SOURCE PR Newswire DUBLIN, Nov. 16, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "U.S. Academic Medical Centers Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Region And Segment Forecasts, 2023-2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The U.S. academic medical centers market size is expected to reach USD 1.44 trillion by 2030. It is projected to register a CAGR of 5.37% during the forecast period. The market's growth can be attributed to better access to the latest breakthroughs and treatment procedures and the launch of new AMCs in the U.S. Academic Medical Centers (AMCs) are rapidly shifting towards the latest technologies and treatment models owing to the rising research funding from the federal government. For instance, in May 2022, the University of Maryland School of Medicine partnered with University of Maryland College Park (UMCP) computer scientists, engineers, and University of Michigan physician-scientists to launch MIXR, a new Center for Medical Innovations in Extended Reality. Such initiatives by the major facilities are expected to drive the market's growth over the forecast period. The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted the market's growth during the initial phase, owing to reduced patient demand and closures of research operations at these centers to limit the spread of the virus. Moreover, medical education was significantly impacted. Many medical schools had to transition to virtual or hybrid learning models, disrupting traditional in-person clinical rotations and hands-on training. However, the pandemic accelerated the adoption of telemedicine and virtual care models. Academic medical centers had to quickly implement telehealth solutions to continue providing patient care while minimizing in-person interactions. This shift prompted a reconsideration of healthcare delivery models. Market Report Highlights Based on the region, the Northeast region held the largest market share in 2022. Many prestigious universities and research institutions that often collaborate with academic medical centers are available in the region, which contributes to the high market share Numerous AMCs expanded their revenue streams by engaging in various community health system and physician partnerships. For instance, in October 2022 , Tulanve University and LCMC Health partnered for care expansion across Southeast Louisiana and to improve medical training and innovation in the region , Tulanve University and LCMC Health partnered for care expansion across and to improve medical training and innovation in the region The adoption of technologically advanced solutions such as telehealth, EHR, and others is expected to improve patient care and enhance the profitability of the facilities. This is contributing to the growth of the market Key Topics Covered: Chapter 1. Methodology and Scope Chapter 2. Executive Summary 2.1. Market Snapshot 2.2. Segment Snapshot 2.3. Competitive Landscape Snapshot Chapter 3. Market Variables, Trends, & Scope 3.1. Market Dynamics 3.1.1. Market Driver Analysis 3.1.1.1. Rising funding for academic & research programs 3.1.1.2. Growing physician shortage 3.1.1.3. Increasing number of AMCs 3.1.2. Market Restraint Analysis 3.1.2.1. High cost of services 3.1.2.2. Shift towards value-based payment models 3.2. Industry Analysis Tools 3.3. COVID-19 Impact Analysis 3.4. Regulatory Framework 3.5. Reimbursement Scenario Chapter 4. U.S. Academic Medical Centers (AMC) Market: Region Estimates & Trend Analysis 4.1. Segment Definitions 4.2. U.S. Academic Medical Centers (AMC) Market: Segment Dashboard 4.3. U.S. Academic Medical Centers (AMC) Market: Region Movement & Market Share Analysis Chapter 5. Competitive Landscape Cleveland Clinic Weill Cornell Medicine Vanderbilt University Medical Center Medical Center University Hospitals The General Hospital Corporation ( Massachusetts General Hospital) General Hospital) Stanford Health Care UAB Health System Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research ( Mayo Clinic ) ) Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Cedars-Sinai The Johns Hopkins University UC San Diego Health For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/scrzh7 About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/539438/Research_and_Markets_Logo.jpg SOURCE Research and Markets DUBLIN, Nov. 16, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "4-Hour Virtual Seminar on Usability Principles for Medical Devices: Interpreting and Implementing IEC 62366" webinar has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. Discover the Power of IEC 62366-1's 9-Stage Model for Regulated Companies. Are you ready to take your product development and implementation to the next level? Join our high-impact seminar, designed to equip your company with valuable guidance on incorporating Use Engineering / Human Factors Engineering using the acclaimed IEC 62366-1 framework. Maximize Product Success - Minimize Product Risk! Our expert-led event will dive deep into IEC 62366-1's basic methodology, providing you with essential knowledge to seamlessly integrate Use Engineering into crucial aspects of your business, including R&D design control, risk management, validation, root cause analysis, CAPA / failure investigations, GMP auditing, and liability reduction. Stay Compliant, Stay Ahead! Stay ahead of regulatory requirements by gaining comprehensive insights into IEC 62366-2's recommended implementation considerations, with a primary focus on IEC 62366-1. Don't miss this golden opportunity to ensure your products comply with the latest standards while enhancing user experience and safety. The Secret to Success: Intuitive Product Use! Unlike risk management, Use Engineering isn't always a must, but its potential impact on product risk reduction, intuitive user experience, liability reduction, and recall prevention is undeniable. Embrace this powerful tool under design control and witness the transformation of your product development process. Why Should You Attend: Both the U.S. FDA and the EU's MDR mandate the consideration of Use Engineering / Human Factors Engineering for new or updated products. Don't let compliance become a stumbling block; instead, be proactive in evaluating your device's interface and empower your team to design products that users will love. Harness the Full Potential of Use Engineering! Unravel the mystery behind the nine stages of Use Engineering, and learn how to provide foolproof documentation to demonstrate compliance. Equip your product engineers with the knowledge to refine designs for optimal usability, risk reduction, and customer satisfaction. Key Topics Covered: IEC 62366-1 and -2 overview The 9 key requirements of IEC 62366-1 and -2 UOUP Part 1 focuses on 'what', Part 2 on 'how' The key is the' Interface' - What is it? When and how to incorporate into product development Planning A clearly defined process for US cGMPs and ISO 13485 compliance Importance of concurrent risk management Speaker John E. Lincoln, is Principal of J. E. Lincoln and Associates LLC, a consulting company with over 36 years' experience in U.S. FDA-regulated industries, 22 of which are as an independent consultant. John has worked with companies from start-up to Fortune 100, in the U.S., Mexico, Canada, France, Germany, Sweden, China and Taiwan. He specializes in quality assurance, regulatory affairs, QMS problem remediation and FDA responses, new/changed product 510(k)s, process/product/equipment QMS and software validations, ISO 14971 product risk management files/reports, Design Control/Design History Files, Technical Files, CAPA systems and analysis. He's held positions in Manufacturing Engineering, QA, QAE, Regulatory Affairs, to the level of Director and VP (R&D). In addition, John has prior experience in military, government, electronics, and aerospace. He has published numerous articles in peer reviewed journals, conducted workshops and webinars worldwide on CAPA, 510(k)s, risk analysis/management, FDA/GMP audits, validation, root cause analysis, and others. He writes a recurring column for the Journal of Validation Technology. John is a graduate of UCLA. For more information about this webinar visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/9mg02w About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/539438/Research_and_Markets_Logo.jpg SOURCE Research and Markets DUBLIN, Nov. 16, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Statistics for Quality Control" webinar has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. This 6-hour virtual seminar is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of techniques and steps used to quantify variability in manufacturing processes, ultimately ensuring the production of high-quality products. The primary focus of the seminar is on statistical quality control, with an emphasis on acquiring objective, unbiased, and actionable data for informed decision-making. Participants will gain valuable insights into the setup and utilization of acceptance sampling systems and analytical procedures. The seminar's objective is to equip manufacturing personnel, supervisors, and management with practical knowledge that can be immediately applied in their production operations and decision-making processes. While statistical techniques are covered, the presentation of statistical theory will be limited to what is necessary for attendees to grasp and implement processes and testing within a statistical framework. The seminar will include examples that highlight the specific manufacturing processes and quality assurance requirements of the medical device and pharmaceutical industries. Quality control techniques are continually evolving, so the seminar will also cover historical concepts, current trends, and regulatory requirements. Additionally, participants will learn about the presentation of statistical charts and analyses, as well as graphical techniques for planning, troubleshooting, and problem-solving. Why Should You Attend: All processes exhibit intrinsic variation. However, sometimes the variation is excessive and this hinders the ability to achieve reliable measurements and desired results. Statistical process control (SPC) and statistical quality control (SQC) allow us to control the functions of our processes (input) and the quality of our product (output) by providing tangible tools for monitoring and testing. Process and quality control is important for a company's reputation. A good system of processing and quality checks reduce costs associated with production waste and re-work due to defects, and allows a company to deliver products that are high in quality. Many industries are also required to have a good quality management system in place to achieve compliance with regulatory authorities. This seminar will provide attendees with the statistical tools necessary to monitor processes and test the quality of manufactured product. Ms. Eisenbeisz will make use of Minitab software in her presentation. Key Topics Covered: Lecture 1 - It's a System! Elements of Quality Management Deming 14 points for total quality management Dr. Ishikawa, seven quality control tools (7-QC) and supplementals (7-SUPP) Pareto principle (80/20 rule) Shewhart (Plan, Do, Study, Act) Lecture 2 - Regulatory Requirements in Quality Management FDA Quality System Regulation (QSR) ISO 13485:2016 IS 9001:2015 Harmonization of regulations with FDA guidance/regulations Lecture 3 - Statistical Basics Descriptive and Graphical Techniques Histograms Scatterplots Pareto charts Cause and effect (fishbone) diagrams Defect concentration diagrams Lecture 4 - Statistical Quality Control - Attribute Sampling Plans C= 0/Zero Acceptance Single sample plan Double-sampling plan Multiple sampling plan Sequential sampling plan Skip-lot sampling plan Lecture 5 - Statistical Quality Control - Variables Sampling Plans Sampling size and critical distance Known vs. unknown standard deviation One or two specification limits Using ANSI Z1.9 Speaker Elaine Eisenbeisz is a private practice statistician and owner of Omega Statistics, a statistical consulting firm based in Southern California. Elaine has over 30 years of experience in creating data and information solutions for industries ranging from governmental agencies and corporations, to start-up companies and individual researchers. Elaine's love of numbers began in elementary school where she placed in regional and statewide mathematics competitions. She attended University of California, Riverside, as a National Science Foundation scholar, where she earned a B.S. in Statistics with a minor in Quantitative Management, Accounting. Elaine received her Master's Certification in Applied Statistcs from Texas A&M, and is currently finishing her graduate studies at Rochester Institute of Technology. Elaine is a member in good standing with the American Statistical Association as well as many other professional organizations. She is also a member of the Mensa High IQ Society. Omega Statistics holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. Elaine has designed the methodology for numerous studies in the clinical, biotech, and health care fields. She currently is an investigator on approximately 10 proton therapy clinical trials for Proton Collaborative Group, based in Illinois. She also designs and analyzes studies as a contract statistician for nutriceutical and fitness studies with QPS, a CRO based in Delaware. For more information about this webinar visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/czijtq 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 VANCOUVER, BC, Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. ("West Fraser" or the "Company") (TSX andNYSE: WFG) announced today that the Company has completed the acquisition of Spray Lake Sawmills located in Cochrane, Alberta, following completion of Canadian regulatory reviews and satisfaction of customary conditions. "Building on our operating footprint in Alberta, we see Spray Lake Sawmills as an ideal fit with our lumber and treated wood business. We are excited to welcome the experienced and dedicated team to the West Fraser family and working with the local community," said Ray Ferris, President & CEO West Fraser. Spray Lake Sawmills produces treated wood products, dimensional lumber and a variety of innovative wood residuals and biproducts. It has an annual lumber capacity of 155 million board feet and holds two Forest Management Agreements granted by the Government of Alberta with a total Annual Allowable Cut of approximately 500,000 m3. About West Fraser West Fraser is a diversified wood products company with more than 60 facilities in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Europe. From responsibly sourced and sustainably managed forest resources, the Company produces lumber, engineered wood products (OSB, LVL, MDF, plywood, and particleboard), pulp, newsprint, wood chips, other residuals, and renewable energy. West Fraser's products are used in home construction, repair and remodelling, industrial applications, papers, tissue, and box materials. For more information about West Fraser, visit www.westfraser.com . Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking information or forward-looking statements (collectively, "forward looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. These forward-looking statements include, among other things, the realization of expected benefits from completion of the acquisition, including the fit with our lumber and treated wood business and the expected growth of West Fraser's Southern Alberta footprint, and the estimate of annual lumber capacity and the Annual Allowable Cut of Forest Management Agreements held by Spray Lake Sawmills. Any such forward-looking statements are based on information currently available to us and are based on assumptions and analyses made by us considering our experience and our perception of historical trends and current conditions and are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties including our ability to successfully complete regulatory reviews and satisfy closing conditions, including requisite regulatory approvals, and the potential impact of the announcement or completion of the transaction on relationships, including regulatory bodies, employees, suppliers, customers and competitors. Readers should also refer to the risk factors set forth in the Company's annual information form and management's discussion and analysis for the year ended December 31, 2022, each dated February 14, 2023, as updated in our management's discussion and analysis for the nine months ended September 29, 2023, dated October 25, 2023, each available at SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) and EDGAR (www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml). There can be no assurance that the plans, intentions, or expectations upon which forward-looking statements are based will be realized. Actual results may differ, and the difference may be material and adverse to the Company and its shareholders. Except as may be required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements. SOURCE West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, November 17. Turkmenistan and China discussed promising areas of bilateral strategic cooperation, Trend reports. These issues were discussed between the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov and the delegation of the People's Republic of China headed by a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party Committee of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Ma Xingrui. During the meeting, the parties discussed priority areas of strategic interstate cooperation, built on a long-term, mutually beneficial basis. At the same time, they exchanged views on the implementation of the agreements reached following the results of the Turkmen-Chinese high-level talks held earlier, as well as during the recent working visit to China of President of the Supreme Council of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, who took part in the Third 'One Belt, One Road' Forum held in Beijing. Noting the importance of further expanding the multifaceted bilateral partnership, the meeting participants expressed confidence that the current visit of the Chinese delegation will serve to establish closer cooperation with the largest region of China the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and establish ties in the fields of agriculture, trade, energy, medicine, education, culture and tourism. Meanwhile, at the beginning of September this year, President of the Supreme Council of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, during a meeting in Ashgabat with the President of the Japanese University of Tsukuba Kyosuke Nagata, stressed that in recent years, Turkmen-Japanese relations have been actively developing in trade, economic, political, social, cultural, humanitarian and other spheres. PARIS, Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Sopra Steria, a major player in the European tech sector, working closely with Telefonica, is revolutionising network management and planning with the launch of the Intelligent Network Analyzer (INA). This digital twin solution shows how quantum technology can improve mobile service and make networks more energy-efficient. Leveraging the Azure Quantum solution, Sopra Steria and Telefonica are harnessing the latest breakthroughs in quantum technology to optimise telecoms networks in Germany, showing how they can boost their technological performance while becoming more energy-efficient and sustainable. This quantum simulation, which was successfully carried out with Telefonica's mobile network data, combines real-time mapping and dynamic traffic management within a single system. It speeds up and optimises network planning, which up until now had been handled manually by operators. With millions of possible combinations, mapping the network was a major challenge for classical computers and required a significant amount of computing time. By processing multiple calculations in parallel, quantum computing now offers real-time analysis of network capacity to optimise traffic flow. The INA project will also help to prevent network overload while at the same time reducing the number of unused redundant connections. By identifying potentially superfluous connections and reallocating the load to different parts of the network, INA helps to fully exploit network capacity without the need for hardware upgrades or extensions. INA is set to significantly reduce Telefonica's energy and environmental footprint in Germany, resulting in a more sustainable network, while improving the quality of service for its mobile users. Sven Wimann (Global Industry Lead Telecommunications) at Sopra Steria, commented: "The INA project is more than just a breakthrough in mobile network analysis. It's a demonstration how partners use innovative technology and the power of co-creation to generate a positive and measurable impact in the telecoms industry. In collaboration with Telefonica, we've developed a unique solution that simultaneously boosts the performance, operational efficiency and sustainability of mobile networks. We're extremely proud of this joint accomplishment, which exemplifies our commitment to a more responsible digital world, and redefines the standards of our respective industries." Bernhard Walther (Manager Transport Network Performance) at Telefonica, added: "We can test things and see the effect directly. This is network management of the future, and it's already happening today. Thanks to INA, our network engineers can find the fastest routes for data and they can simulate network configurations and construction activities on the computer. We know what will happen before technicians and crews get to work. This saves time and money, and we improve our service for our customers." About Sopra Steria Steria Sopra Steria, a major Tech player in Europe with 55,000 employees in nearly 30 countries, is recognised for its consulting, digital services and software development. It helps its clients drive their digital transformation and obtain tangible and sustainable benefits. The Group provides end-to-end solutions to make large companies and organisations more competitive by combining in-depth knowledge of a wide range of business sectors and innovative technologies with a fully collaborative approach. Sopra Steria places people at the heart of everything it does and is committed to putting digital to work for its clients in order to build a positive future for all. In 2022, the Group generated revenues of 5.1 billion. The world is how we shape it Sopra Steria (SOP) is listed on Euronext Paris (Compartment A) ISIN: FR0000050809 For more information, visit us at www.soprasteria.com About Telefonica Deutschland Telefonica Deutschland is one of the leading integrated telecommunications providers in Germany, with more than 44 million mobile telephone lines and 2.3 million broadband lines. We offer mobile and fixed network services for private and business customers as well as innovative digital solutions based on our infrastructure and the analysis of mobile data. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2280154/Telefonica_Logo.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1861938/Sopra_Steria_Logo.jpg SOURCE Sopra Steria HONG KONG, Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- WuXi XDC Cayman Inc. ("WuXi XDC" or the "Company", stock code: 2268.HK), a leading global Contract Research, Development and Manufacturing Organization ("CRDMO") focused on antibody drug conjugates ("ADC") and the broader bioconjugate market, listed on the Main Board of the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited today. WuXi XDC issued a total of 178,446,000 shares under the global offering at an offer price of HK$20.60 per share (being the high-end of the indicative offer price range). The company is expected to raise the gross proceeds in the amount of approximately HK$4,071 million assuming the over-allotment option in respect of 19,158,500 additional shares is fully exercised. WuXi XDC intends to use the net proceeds to enhance its capabilities and capacity worldwide, including facilities construction in Singapore and expanding manufacturing capacity in China, pursuing strategic partnerships and investment and acquisition opportunities, as well as advancing its technology platforms. Dr. Chris Chen, CEO of WuXi Biologics and Chairman of WuXi XDC, said: "The successful listing of WuXi XDC on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange marks another important milestone for the company. Having witnessed firsthand the evolution of the company, from identifying unmet needs in the bioconjugate industry to establishing WuXi XDC as a trusted partner in this sector, I am excited for what the future holds. We are grateful for the trust and support of our global investors, customers, and partners as we continue to grow and evolve." Dr. Jimmy Li, CEO of WuXi XDC, said: "We are excited to embark on WuXi XDC's next chapter. With our vision linking innovation to health we have built an industry-leading open and integrated technology platform with end-to-end bioconjugation capabilities. I would like to thank all the staff of WuXi XDC for their unremitting efforts. With this new start, we strive to accelerate our growth in capabilities and capacity, strengthen our position in the sector, and continue to advance our efforts to enable innovation and benefit patients worldwide." End-to-end CRDMO WuXi XDC offers end-to-end services from discovery to commercial production in bioconjugation. The company's services span from antibody intermediates and other biologics intermediates, chemical payloads and linkers, to bioconjugate drug substances and drug products. The comprehensive one-stop GMP manufacturing services for ADCs and other bioconjugates cover production at both the clinical and commercial stages, meeting the growing client demand across the globe. With integrated capabilities and efficiencies, WuXi XDC has significantly shortened the ADC development timeline taking only 13-15 months from antibody DNA sequence to Investigational New Drug (IND) filing, nearly cutting in half the average industry timeline. In recognition of these capabilities, WuXi XDC has been named the winner of the "Best Contract Development Manufacturing Organization (CDMO)" prize at the 2023 World ADC Awards. Global leading discovery and development platform After a decade of solid growth, WuXi XDC has built an integrated technology and service platform that extends from discovery, development, manufacturing, and quality controls to regulatory filings for ADCs and other bioconjugates. The platform provides clients with extensive expertise in state-of-the-art conjugation technologies, complex discovery, industry-leading process development, and comprehensive analytical methods, as well as dedicated and specialized facilities. As of June 2023, 110 on-going integrated projects are under development at WuXi XDC, including 47 post-IND bioconjugate projects, among which 16 projects are in phase II/III. About WuXi XDC WuXi XDC Cayman Inc. ("WuXi XDC" or the "Company", stock code: 2268.HK) is a leading global CRDMO focused on antibody drug conjugates (ADC) and the broader bioconjugate market. It provides end-to-end contract research, development and manufacturing services for bioconjugates, including ADCs. Its services cover antibody intermediates and other biologics intermediates, chemical payloads and linkers, as well as bioconjugate drug substances and drug products. For more information about WuXi XDC, please visit: www.wuxixdc.com. Forward Looking Statements The information contained in this press release includes historical information about, and relevant to, WuXi XDC that should not be regarded as an indication of the future performance or results of WuXi XDC, or an indication that there has been no change in the information about and relevant to WuXi XDC since the date hereof or since the dates as of which information is given in this Presentation. This press release may contain WuXi XDC's current beliefs and expectations regarding the indicated future dates. Such forward-looking statements are based on some assumptions about WuXi XDC's operations or factors outside WuXi XDC's control, and may be affected by a number of known and unknown factors, including factors beyond WuXi XDC's control. Therefore, WuXi XDC's actual performance may be materially different from these forward-looking statements. You shall not rely on such forward-looking statements. WuXi XDC, the parties involved in the issuance of WuXi XDC's securities, or their respective affiliates, controllers, directors, managers, partners, employees, agents, representatives or advisors shall not be obliged to update or revise such forward-looking statements in response to new information, events or circumstances that occur after these dates. Company Contacts Investor Inquiry: [email protected] Media Inquiry: [email protected] Business Development: [email protected] SOURCE WuXi XDC BEIJING, Nov. 16, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The 6th Scientific Technology Fair for Yangtze River Delta Region kicked off on Wednesday in Jiading District of east China's Shanghai and will run until Friday, with 50-odd activities focusing on commercialization of scientific and technological (sci-tech) advances. Themed on "Connective for Innovation, Open for Mutual Benefit", the fair has attracted representatives of government departments, universities, research institutions, and related sectors from 41 core cities in the Yangtze River Delta region. During the three-day event, five featured exhibitions on cooperation of partner cities in the Yangtze River Delta region, industrial digital transformation, vehicles' electrification, internet connection, intelligence and sharing, health and medical treatment, and technology trading are held on a display area of some 10,000 square meters. A series of new achievements are expected to be announced during the fair. For example, Jiading District released a three-year action plan for sci-tech development, and a development plan for a hundred billion yuan-level sci-tech park at the opening ceremony on Wednesday. Projects such as business-research institution collaboration projects, technological innovation cooperation projects, as well as a batch of national and municipal collaborative open platforms and transaction results in the Yangtze River Delta region are also scheduled to be unveiled. Since its inception in 2018, the fair has achieved a cumulative technology transaction amount of over 770 million yuan. Original link: https://en.imsilkroad.com/p/337206.html SOURCE Xinhua Silk Road NEW YORK, Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- YA-MAN, the Japanese trailblazing beauty powerhouse, hosted an exclusive event to celebrate the brand's 45th anniversary milestone and product launch of the YTJ Spa Stylers hair tools. The celebrity stylist-hosted event was held on Monday, November 13, at the prestigious Chris Chase Salon in the heart of New York City. Celebrity Hairdresser Marcus Francis styles the hair of TV personality Serena Pitt using YA-MAN Spa Styler Straight + Wave. LA-based celebrity hair stylist, Marcus Francis, whose clients include notables such as Kate Hudson and Kirsten Dunst, showcased the two Spa Stylers, a Blow Dry + Scalp Massage and Straight + Wave, with demonstrations on Camila Bravo and Serena Pitt to the captivated media and influencer attendees. Celebrity Groomer, Christine Nelli, VIP guest and product spokesperson for YTJ brands, also showcased the products with a live demonstration with the Spa Stylers on male hair model, Max Jang. The space, adorned with Japanese-inspired Ikebana florals, set the mood for guests who mingled with other industry moguls while enjoying light bites and cocktails. Attendees had the opportunity to enjoy a complimentary styling session with the YTJ Blow Dry + Scalp Massage and Straight + Wave tools and Repair Treatment. Guests were also introduced to and could trial the MEDI LIFT Essential Mask, a hands-free wearable device that features patented, cutting-edge Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) technology. YA-MAN's Brand Marketing Manager, J. Sophia Mendizabal, welcomed the special guests and thanked them for attending the event while introducing the Celebrity Hair Stylists. She was accessible to speak in depth about the new products and the brand's game-changing innovations with the press and other industry professionals. These new products mark a continuation of YA-MAN's long-standing tradition of developing groundbreaking products and influencing a new generation of consumers with beauty tech reimagined. The Spa Styler Blow Dry + Scalp Massage retails for $299 and the Spa Styler Straight + Wave retails for $149. The collection is available to purchase from www.Ya-ManUSA.com (ShareASale-friendly retailer) and Amazon. For more information, visit www.ya-manusa.com. Web: www.ya-manusa.com/ www.MediLiftBeauty.com IG: @yaman.usa FB: https://www.facebook.com/yamantokyojapan About YA-MAN: Founded in 1978, YA-MAN is a global beauty brand that blends Japanese rituals with modern scientific innovations. Led by Kimiyo Yamazaki, the product line includes skin care, cosmetics and beauty devices that have revolutionized the industry and redefined the concept of beauty. YA-MAN was the first brand of home-use beauty devices to be invited to the World Congress of Dermatology. SOURCE YA-MAN If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here Jerusalem, Nov 17 : The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have recovered the body of a woman hostage who was reportedly kidnapped by Hamas on October 7. The IDF announced that it has found the body of Yehudit Weiss "who was kidnapped by Hamas terrorists during the mayhem and massacre of October 7". The Israeli Army said that the IDF's 603 Combat Engineering Battalion recovered the body of Yehudit Weiss who hails from southern Kibbutz of Be'eri from near a structure that is adjacent to the Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza. The IDF said that a huge cache of arms and ammunition was also recovered from the site where the body was found. The body has been transferred to the Israeli territory, it said, adding that an identification process was conducted by the military, medical and rabbinate (religious) personnel along with the Institute of Forensic Medicine. The IDF and Israeli police personnel have informed the family about her death. She was battling cancer when she was abducted by Hamas. The IDF in the statement said that the national task was to locate the missing and return the abducted persons home. The IDF said that it was operating alongside and in full coordination with the relevant national and security institutions to pursue these tasks and added that it would not cease from the mission until it is completed. Jerusalem, Nov 17 : The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have recovered the body of a woman hostage who was reportedly kidnapped by the Hamas on October 7, near the Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza. The IDF announced that it has found the body of Yehudit Weiss "who was kidnapped by Hamas terrorists during the mayhem and massacre of October 7". The Israeli army said that the IDF's 603 Combat Engineering Battalion recovered the body of Weiss who hails from southern Kibbutz of Be'eri from near a structure that is adjacent to the hospital. The IDF said that a huge cache of arms and ammunition was also recovered from the site where the body was found. The body has been transferred to the Israeli territory, the military said, adding that an identification process was conducted by the army, medical and rabbinate (religious) personnel along with the Institute of Forensic Medicine. The IDF and Israeli police personnel have informed the family about her death. She was battling cancer when she was abducted by the Hamas. The IDF reiterated said that the national task was to locate the missing and return the abducted persons home. The military said that it was operating alongside and in full coordination with the relevant national and security institutions to pursue these tasks and added that it would not cease from the mission until it is completed. New Delhi, Nov 17 : Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday urged the voters in Madhya Pradesh to exercise their franchise in the ongoing Assembly elections in the state, while also congratulating the first-time voters. In a post on X in Hindi, Kharge in an appeal to the people of the state said: "Eight and a half crore people of Madhya Pradesh will win today because they are united for a change. We urge the youth who are voting for the first time to participate enthusiastically in this movement for change and vote." He went on to say that "new dimensions of employment are waiting for you and you will be free from the recruitment scams of the state". "The valuable vote of our mothers and sisters will create a cycle of economic security for women, which will lead them on the path of self-reliance. Our farmers, farm labor brothers and sisters, will get better prices for their crops and their loans will be waived off with their one vote," Kharge added. He also said that "our Dalits, tribals and people of backward communities will get rid of the daily atrocities and will become strong partners of development in the justice system". "The power of your one vote can provide important social security to students like financial assistance, right to health and drinking water and free insurance for treatment. So raise your hand on the voting button, and exercise your democratic rights vigorously. "Madhya Pradesh will be victorious, our country will become better," the Congress president added. Meanwhile, the party's General secretary (organisation) K.C. Venugopal also took to X and said: "As Madhya Pradesh goes to vote today, my heartfelt appeal to all voters to lend your support for an inclusive, progressive and welfare-oriented government. "Remember, in 2018, you voted for a Congress government. That democratic mandate was robbed from you by the BJPas unconstitutional means and the immoral acts of the defectors." "The time has come to teach each one of them a lesson. Iam confident that you will vote for the hand symbol and bless us with 150+ seats with your vote." Polling for the 230 Assembly seats in Madhya Pradesh began at 7 a.m. across 64,626 polling booths. Balloting will conclude at 6 p.m. A total of 2,533 candidates, including incumbent Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and former Chief MinisterKamal Nath, are in the fray. The main battle for power Hindi-heartland state is between the state's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and the opposition Congress. New Delhi, Nov 17 : Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday appealed to the voters in Chhattisgarh to exercise their franchise In a post on X, Kharge said, "It is a humble request to all the voters of Chhattisgarh to cast their valuable votes in the second phase of elections. You have to maintain just governance, which is capable of providing development, progress and social security to Chhattisgarh. "Special greetings and congratulations to our young voters who are voting for the first time. Strengthen democracy, keep the faith because it's a matter of pride Chhattisgarhiya of self-respect," Kharge added. Congress General Secretary (organisation) K.C. Venugopal in a post on X said, "Today, in the 2nd phase of voting in Chhattisgarh, we have no doubt that the momentum for a Congress tsunami set in the first phase will only strengthen. "We have delivered a phenomenal government for the last 5 years and the people are in no mood to halt this rapid pace of progress. My appeal to every single voter to lend your support to the Congress, to make Chhattisgarh a prosperous, developed state," he added. Voting in the second phase of the Chhattisgarh Assembly election began at 7 a.m. across all 70 assembly constituencies. Twenty seats had voted in the first phase of the polling in Chhattisgarh Assembly election 2023. As many as 958 candidates are vying for the electorate's approval, with the polls set to shape the future of many high-profile leaders, including Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel and his deputy T.S. Singh Deo. Varanasi, Nov 17 : In a major development, the Varanasi Police Commissionerate has busted a criminal gang allegedly involved in coercing teenage girls and women into donating their eggs for financial gain. Four persons -- including Anmol Jaiswal, 29, from Sonbhadra; Anita Devi, 34, from Khojawan in Varanasi; and the couple Seema Devi, 30, and Ashish Kumar, 35, from Jaitpura, Varanasi -- have been arrested so far. The arrests were made on Thursday after a complaint was filed on October 29 by a woman who alleged that her daughter, under the influence of Seema Devi, had been made to donate eggs at an IVF centre in Varanasi in exchange for a promised amount of Rs 30,000. However, the victim received only Rs 11,500. A thorough investigation led to the registration of a case against the accused under various sections of the IPC, including kidnapping, cheating, forgery, exploitation of a trafficked person, as well as sections of the Aadhaar Card Act (2016) and the Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Act (2021). Assistant commissioner of police, Kotwali, Amit Kumar Pandey, directed the women police station to handle the inquiry. Inspector Nikita Singh, heading the Women Police Station, discovered that Seema and her husband had coerced a 17-year-old girl into donating eggs by promising her Rs 30,000. To disguise her age, Anmol Jaiswal fraudulently altered the girlas Aadhaar card, while Seema and Ashish dressed her as a married woman to avoid suspicion during the visit to the IVF centre. Further probe uncovered the involvement of three additional individuals, leading to the arrest of all four accused. Deputy Commissioner of Police, Kashi Zone, RS Gautam, said that the gang targeted economically weaker teenage girls, luring them with promises of money for egg donation. Subsequently, the gang produced fake documents and took the victims to a prominent IVF centre in the city, where they donated eggs that were later sold to childless couples at exorbitant prices. Lucknow, Nov 17 : The Samajwadi Party (SP) will no longer boycott 14 TV news anchors, as announced by the opposition INDIA bloc a few months ago. "Now that the Congress party's leaders are not following the boycott, why should the SP follow it? The SP will not boycott," said Ameeque Jamei, a party spokesman. The decision has further sent signals about differences among the INDIA bloc parties. The SP, along with the other constituents of the INDIA bloc, had earlier agreed by consensus that none of the alliance leaders will participate in debates anchored by these 14 news anchors. "Our party leadership has communicated to all spokespersons and television debate panellists that they there will be no boycott of select television anchors any longer. The party leaders are free to appear as panellists in television debates," the senior SP leader said. Highly placed sources in the SP said the decision was taken keeping in mind the recent interviews that the Congress's Chief Ministerial candidate in Madhya Pradesh, Kamal Nath, gave to two news anchors who were a part of the list released by the alliance. The decision was taken in September in the first meeting of the INDIA coordination committee at the residence of Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar. "Congress leader Pawan Khera had formally proposed that all alliance partners should stay away from shows of these 14 anchors. But during Madhya Pradesh polls, Kamal Nath gave interviews and offered chopper rides to two of these anchors. Where is the boycott now?" he asked. New Delhi, Nov 17 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday urged the people of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh to exercise their franchise. Polling for all 230 seats of the Madhya Pradesh Assembly elections commenced at 7 a.m. on Friday. Voting also began for the second phase of the Chhattisgarh Assembly elections on the day, with 70 of the total 90 seats heading to the polls. Urging the people of Madhya Pradesh to vote enthusiastically, Prime Minister Modi in a post on 'X' said: "Today, voting will be held for all the Assembly seats of Madhya Pradesh. I am confident that voters from every region of the state will vote enthusiastically and enhance the beauty of this great festival of democracy. My special greetings to the youth of the state who voted for the first time in this election." In another post, the Prime Minister said: "Today is the second and last round of voting in Chhattisgarh Assembly elections. I request all the voters to exercise their franchise. Your every vote is valuable for democracy." New Delhi, Nov 17 : With the voting in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh (second phase) underway, former Congress chief Rahul Gandhi on Friday asserted that the grand old party was storming with a huge majority in both states and also urged the people to exercise their franchise. Rahul Gandhi in a post on X said, "In Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh Congress is storming with a huge majority. Get out of your homes, vote in large numbers today - and elect a Congress government that the poor, farmers, women and youth trust." He also attached a minute long video on the promises of Congress in Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh. Party General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in a post on X said, "Today is the election and I am sure that the people of Madhya Pradesh will teach a hard lesson to scams, lies, conspiracies to make people fight among themselves and the mentality of considering the chair as a fiefdom." "People are giving us immense love and support. I am relieved that eighteen years of misrule is about to end and a Congress government that speaks the truth, listens to the people, walks the path of love and peace is about to come to Madhya Pradesh," she said. "But your love will not be estimated by simple majority. Our government needs a massive and comprehensive mandate, which itself is being echoed by your love and enthusiasm. Convert your mind's storm into votes today. Send us to the assembly by winning so many seats that no one can even dream of stealing or hijacking our government. I know: You have this power," she said. Polling for the 230-member Madhya Pradesh Assembly and second phase of polling for 70 Assembly seats in Chhattisgarh is currently underway. Congress is seeking a second consecutive term in Chhattisgarh and a return to power in Madhya Pradesh. San Francisco, Nov 17 : Apple has announced to support the RCS (Rich Communication Services) messaging standard on iPhones, used by most Android devices, in later 2024. In a statement to 9to5Mac, the tech giant said that RCS will offer better interoperability for cross-platform messages. "Later next year, we will be adding support for RCS Universal Profile, the standard as currently published by the GSM Association. We believe RCS Universal Profile will offer a better interoperability experience when compared to SMS or MMS," an Apple spokesperson was quoted as saying. This will work alongside iMessage, which will continue to be the best and most secure messaging experience for Apple users, said the company. Apple's decision came amid pressure from regulators, like European Union's Digital Markets Act (DMA), and competitors like Google and Samsung. RCS brings iMessage-style features to cross-platform texts. The iPhone adopting RCS could enable support for encryption, read receipts, typing indicators, high-res images and videos while sending texts between iPhone and Android devices. Apple will let users share locations in text threads and RCS messages will be green, like SMS messages. However, Apple is not opening up iMessage to other platforms but instead replace SMS and MMS and "exist separately from iMessage when available." In September, the European Commission opened up an investigation into iMessage to determine whether it should be considered a "core platform service." Apple argued iMessage isn't popular enough in Europe for the rules to apply. Google and Samsung have been pushing for Apple to add support for RCS. "Everybody should have secure and modern messaging without worrying what kind of phone they're texting to. So glad to see Apple joining our ongoing work with the GSMA on RCS to make texting better for all," ," Google SVP of platforms and ecosystems, Hiroshi Lockheimer, posted on X. Washington/Jerusalem, Nov 17 : Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated that his country was not seeking to occupy Gaza but "our goal is to demilitarise and deradicalise" the Hamas-controlled enclave. He made the remarks during a CBS News interview on Thursday in which he also insisted that Israel is trying to wipe out Hamas "with minimal civilian casualties". "We want overall military responsibility to prevent the re-emergence of terror... We're not seeking to occupy. That's not our goal. But our goal is to make sure what happens there is different. "To do that we have to (do to) demilitarise Gaza and we have to deradicalise Gaza," the Prime Minister added. He also said that that liberating Palestinians from Hamas will "give them a real future". Regarding the Israeli military raid at the Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza, Netanyahu said there were "strong indications" that the Hamas were holding the hostages it captured after the October 7 attack inside the facility. "We had strong indications that they were held in the Shifa Hospital, which is one of the reasons we entered the hospital," he told CBS News. "If they were (there), they were taken out," the Prime Minister said, adding that his government has "intelligence about the hostages". According to authorities, 237 people are being captive in Gaza, including Israelis, foreign nationals and children. So far, four civilian hostages have been released by Hamas, and a female soldier was rescued by Israeli forces. Israel has maintained that the Hamas of having a command centre underneath the hospital, as well as using the medical complex as a base. The allegations however, have been repeatedly denied by the militant group. When asked about a proposed deal to exchange prisoners and how close is Israel to securing the release of the hostages, Netanyahu told CBS News: "We're closer than we were before we began the ground action... (The ground offensive has) put pressure on Hamas to achieve a ceasefire. "We'll have a temporary ceasefire if we can get our hostages back. I don't think it serves that purpose for me to elaborate further on that." But he declined to say whether Israel would agree to release Palestinian prisoners in exchange for hostages, saying it was "confidential". On a two-state solution to end the crisis, the Prime Minister said the Palestinians need a leadership change. "I say let the Palestinians have all the powers to govern themselves, but none of the powers to threaten Israel... And that means not only making sure that Gaza is demilitarised, but also that Gaza is deradicalised. "And if you ask me, we need a different civilian leadership than the one that has been offered to the Palestinians today," he told CBS News. San Francisco, Nov 17 : Amazon, which started with selling books to finally conquer the vast e-commerce space, will now sell cars online, partnering with South Korean automaker Hyundai to begin with. The e-commerce giant and Hyundai announced to start selling vehicles on its website in the second half of 2024. Hyundai vehicles will be sold on Amazon's US online store with other brands following later in the year, the companies announced during the a2023 LA Auto Showa late on Thursday. Amazon already sells car accessories and operates an "Amazon Vehicle Showrooms' site that allows manufacturers to advertise, but not cars, trucks or SUVs. Amazon said that the shopping experience "will create another way for dealers to build awareness of their selection and offer convenience to their customers," reports TechCrunch. Mike Sullivan, the president and owner of several LA-area dealerships, said, "Weare now partnering with one of the worldas leading digital retailers". "Amazon also brings massive reach and marketing power to connect to more customers. We canat wait to get started," he was quoted as saying in the report. Hyundai also said that it will use Amazon Web Services (AWS) as its preferred cloud provider and will integrate Alexa voice assistant in its future vehicles, according to the report. New Delhi, Nov 17 : Delhi Excise Commissioner has issued an order declaring Sunday (November 19) as a 'Dry Day' in the capital city, in light of the upcoming Chhath Puja celebration. "In pursuance of the provisions of Rule 52 of Delhi Excise Rules, 2010, it is hereby ordered that November 19 shall be observed as "Dry Day" in the National Capital Territory of Delhi by all L-1, L1F, L-2, L-3, L-4, L-5, L-6, L-6FG, L-6FE, L-8, L-9, L-10, L-11, L-14, L-18, L-23, L-23F, L-25, L-26, L-31, L-32, L-33, L-34 and L-35 licensees of the Excise department and opium vends located in Delhi," the order read. "The licensees shall not be entitled to any compensation on account of any changes effected in the above list," the order further stated. "All the licensees shall exhibit this order at some conspicuous place of their licensed premises," it said. "The business premises of a licensee shall be kept closed on dry day," it added. Jerusalem, Nov 17 : Israeli forces have continued to comb Gaza's largest hospital, Al-Shifa, expanding their searches for hostages and militant activity to other hospitals in the area, while all communications have collapsed across the besieged enclave due to the depletion of fuel. During the searches on Thursday, "an underground tunnel shaft has been found beneath the hospital", Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesman Daniel Hagari said in a press briefing on Thursday night. He said a vehicle with "many ammunition" was also found below the medical centre, reports Xinhua news agency. Beneath the Rantisi Hospital, "a complex web of tunnels was found". "This is a combat area, where our forces are still fighting (with militants,)" said Hagari, adding that "many weapons" were also found at the Al-Quds Hospital. At the briefing, he presented photos showing automatic weapons, hand grenades and rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs). Earlier, the army announced that the remains of Yehudit Weiss, an Israeli woman who was abducted by Hamas militants on October 7, were extracted by IDF troops from "a structure adjacent to the Al-Shifa Hospital". The body was transferred to Israeli territory. It was the second time that Israeli forces raided Al-Shifa Hospital. On Wednesday, the army released photos of some automatic weapons, RPGs and hand grenades that they said were found in the building but have not provided evidence for a central Hamas military headquarters, which Israel repeatedly claims is concealed below the medical compound. Al-Shifa's Director Muhammad Abu Salamiya told Al Jazeera TV news that snipers surrounding the hospital had prevented medical staff from moving between the buildings. Troops stormed the hospital's departments, where there were more than 650 inpatients, 500 medical personnel, and 5,000 displaced people seeking shelter. At least four patients who urgently needed dialysis were in "a critical condition" due to the damage to medical services. Gaza is in desperate need of medical supply as Israel cut off the enclave from electricity, water, food and fuel. The Hamas-controlled enclave's main telecom provider Paltel announced on social media platform X a total blackout, including all internet and telephone services, after "all energy sources sustaining the network have been depleted, and fuel was not allowed in". Also on Thursday, Hamas's armed wing al-Qassam brigades claimed responsibility for a deadly shooting attack in the morning at a checkpoint between Jerusalem and the West Bank. Three gunmen opened fire at Israeli security forces, killing an armed police officer and wounding five others, before being shot dead by other forces, Israeli police said. The police found in their vehicle two automatic rifles, two guns, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, 10 magazines, and two axes. The IDF said Israeli warplanes on Thursday struck the residence of Hamas politburo head Ismail Haniyeh that was allegedly used as "terrorist infrastructure" and often served as a meeting place for Hamas' senior leaders. The Israeli forces also took over the Al-Shati refugee camp and Gaza's harbour, the military said. Meanwhile, the Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS) said on Thursday it was unable to respond to hundreds of calls to help and evacuate the wounded or those trapped under the rubble, while people fleeing from the northern strip are reporting the presence of dead bodies in the streets. The PRCS also said that the Israeli army imposed a siege on the Al-Ahli Arab Hospital using tanks and military vehicles, preventing ambulance teams from reaching the wounded. According to the Red Crescent, the hospital is the only one still operating in Gaza City and its northern areas. As of Friday morning, the death toll in Gaza stood at 11,078, of whom 4,506 were said to be children and 3,027 women. In Israel, more than 1,200 people have died, while the fatality toll in the West Bank has increased to 198. Raipur, Nov 17 : A voter turnout of 5.71 per cent was recorded till 9 a.m. in Chhattisgarh second phase of Assembly polls on Friday even as Maoists tried to create fear by triggering a blast in Dhamtari district. A group of Maoists tried to disrupt the peaceful situation in Chhattisgarhas Dhamtari district; however, the voting was continued amid the presence of central and state security forces. An incident of IED blast was also reported in Dhamtari, however, no causality was reported. Reports said that the Maoists carried out an IED blast to target the CRPF jawans who were on a flag march to ensure peaceful election in the region. As per the report, Maoists on Thursday declared a boycott of the election and pamphlets were also distributed in some localities in Dhamtari. Notably, during the first phase of the polling in Chhattisgarh on November 7, IED blasts had been triggered by Maoists in three - four places, including Sukma district. One jawan of the CRPF CoBRA Battalion was injured in an IED blast. In Chhattisgarh, while the main fight is between BJP and the Congress, a three-way contest is taking place in several seats of the Bilaspur division where former CM Ajit Jogias party and the BSP have pockets of influence. The Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP has also been focusing on seats in the division. Of the total 18,833 booths, 700 are 'sangwari' polling booths which are being entirely managed by women. Chief Minister Bupesh Baghel (Patan seat), T.S. Singh Deo (Ambikapur), Assembly Speaker Charan Das Mahant (Sakti), eight state ministers, including Tamrdhwaj Sahu (Durg Rural) and Ravindra Choubey (Saja), are among the prominent Congress candidates in the second phase. From the BJP, state unit chief and MP Arun Sao (Lormi), Leader of Opposition in the Assembly Narayan Chandel (Janjgir-Champa), Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Renuka Singh (Bharatpur-Sonhat-ST), MP Gomti Sai (Pathalgaon-ST) are in the fray. Hyderabad, Nov 17 : Claiming credit for formation of Telangana state and blame game over loss of lives during the statehood agitation appear to be taking the centre stage of the campaign for the Telangana Assembly elections. A day after senior Congress leader and former union minister P. Chidambaram apologised for the loss of lives during Telangana agitation, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) stepped up attack on the Congress party. The BRS on Friday put up posters in Hyderabad with the picture of Congress Rahul Gandhi along with the pictures of the youth who died by suicide during the Telangana movement. "Welcome to Congress leaders who took away lives of Telangana's sons," reads a poster put up near Hyderabad Airport. Another poster says 'welcome to political tourist Rahul Gandhi'. AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge and party MP Rahul Gandhi are scheduled to arrive in Hyderabad on Friday. The latest round of war of words between the leaders of the BRS and Congress started on Thursday when Chidambaram, at a news conference in Hyderabad, countered the allegation of BRS leaders that Congress is responsible for the deaths due to delay in formation of Telangana state. While explaining the difficulties faced by the Congress in bifurcating Andhra Pradesh due to lack of agreement between Telangana and Seemandhra (Rayalseema and coastal Andhra), Chidambaram stated that if there was any loss of life "we are sorry for that". "In the people's movement, some people lost their lives, we are sorry for that but you can't make the central government responsible for that," said Chidambaram, who as the then union home minister had announced on December 9, 2009 that Telangana State will be created. The Congress leader said since another agitation broke out after this announcement, the government had to appoint Justice Sri Krishna Commission for further consultations. Telangana was finally carved out as a separate state in 2014. After Chidambaram's remarks, the BRS leaders launched a fresh attack on Congress to make it go on the defensive. The ruling party leaders also blamed Congress for the forceful merger of Telangana with Andhra state to form Andhra Pradesh in 1956 and for "suppressing" the Telangana movement of the 1970s. Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao said that the Congress committed a huge mistake by merging Telangana with Andhra state in 1956 even though people resisted it. "In the 969 movement, they killed 400 people and sent lakhs to jails," he said at an election rally. KCR said TRS (now BRS) was formed for Telangana and in 2004, the Congress had an alliance with it promising to create Telangana State. "After winning the elections they did not keep their promise. In 2009, when I went on fast unto death, they announced Telangana. Even after that Congress didn't give Telangana. Only after people came out on roads, agitated and went on mass strike and after several students died, Telangana was formed," he said. BRS MLC K. Kavitha asked why Gandhis are not apologising for the loss of lives. "Why can't Gandhis, who betrayed Telangana for six decades, tender an apology," she asked. "Too late and Too little Chidambaram Ji Your party is solely responsible for taking the lives of hundreds of Telangana youngsters from 1952 - 2014 No matter how hard you try now, people of Telangana will always remember the brutalities Congress perpetrated on us," said BRS working president K. T. Rama Rao in his reaction to Chidambaram's remarks. Another BRS leader T. Harish Rao said Chidambaram's remarks are like a murderer offering condolences. He said the youths sacrificed their lives after Chidambaram went back on his announcement. Harish Rao slammed Chidambaram for his remark that KCR is not a good student of history and reminded him that it was because of Congress government at the Centre that Potti Sriramulu died on hunger strike while demanding creation of state for Telugu-speaking people. Kolkata, Nov 17 : Rupchand Mondal, a Trinamool Congress panchayat chief from Amdanga in North 24 Parganas district, was murdered -- the second ruling party leader killed in West Bengal in just a week. On Monday, Trinamool Congress leader Saifuddin Lashkar was murdered in Jaynagar, South 24 Parganas district. The sequence of the events leading to Mondal's death on Thursday night seems to be somewhat similar to the massacre and carnage at Jayanagar. Following Lashkar's murder, parts of Jaynagar turned into virtual battlefields, which also led to at least 12 houses being set on fire by a violent mob which included supporters of the slain party leader. According to reports, Mondal and his associates were attacked on Thursday night by a group of motorcycle-borne miscreants with crude bombs. A severely injured Mondal was first shifted to the Amdanga Rural Hospital, from where he was referred to a private hospital. But he died soon after. His death led to tension in the area, with members of the Trinamool Congress blocking the busy National Highway 34. The blockade continued till Friday morning. A huge police contingent is currently present in the area to prevent further aggravation of the tense situation. Meanwhile, a political slugfest has also erupted over Mondal's killing. According to state BJP committee member Tapas Mitra, Mondal will murdered due to an old rivalry between him and the local ruling party MLA from Amdanga constituency Rafiqur Rahman. However,Rahman has denied the allegations. San Francisco, Nov 17 : Tech major IBM has stopped advertising on X as its owner Elon Musk continues to endorse far-right viewpoints and agrees with posts that promote antisemitism. Non-profit organisation Media Matters drew attention to the topic, saying as Musk continues his descent into white nationalist and antisemitic conspiracy theories, his social media platform has been placing ads for major brands like Apple, Bravo (NBCUniversal), IBM, Oracle, and Xfinity (Comcast) next to content that touts Adolf Hitler and his Nazi Party. The company's placements come after CEO Linda Yaccarino claimed that brands are "protected from the risk of being next to" toxic posts on the platform. IBM released a statement to the Financial Times, saying that it has "suspended all advertising on X while we investigate this entirely unacceptable situation." Media Matters said that Yaccarino has been trying to bring advertisers back to the platform by claiming it's safe for business. She also claimed that X (formerly Twitter) has been "demonstrating its absolute commitment to combating antisemitism on the platform" and that "antisemitism is evil and X will always work to fight it on our platform." "But her boss (Musk) endorsed the pernicious antisemitic conspiracy theory that Jewish people are supporting 'hordes of minorities' who are 'flooding' into the country to replace white people. That conspiracy theory was the same one that motivated the deadly 2018 Tree of Life synagogue shooting," the non-profit said in a blog post late on Thursday. X has also reinstated numerous accounts of bigots and paid far-right extremists, apparently including a pro-Hitler and Holocaust denier account, as part of its creator ad revenue sharing program. During all of this Musk-induced chaos, corporate advertisements have also been appearing on pro-Hitler, Holocaust denial, white nationalist, pro-violence, and neo-Nazi accounts, said the report. Seoul, Nov 17 : The remains of 25 Chinese troops killed in the 1950-53 Korean War will be sent to their home country next week, marking the 10th repatriation of its kind, the Defence Ministry said on Friday. A ceremony for the handover of the remains will take place at Incheon International Airport, just west of Seoul, on November 23, jointly organised by the ministry and China's veterans affairs ministry, reports Yonhap News agency. South Korea has so far returned 913 sets of remains of Chinese troops killed during the war since the two countries agreed on the repatriation project in 2014. In a statement, the Defence Ministry said it "will continue to repatriate the remains of Chinese troops excavated in South Korea as part of humanitarian efforts and friendly cooperation between South Korea and China". China and the erstwhile Soviet Union supported Pyongyang during the war, which began with North Korea's invasion of South Korea. The conflict ended with an armistice, not a peace treaty, leaving the two Koreas still technically at war. San Francisco, Nov 17 : From Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk to Apple chief Tim Cook, top tech honchos and corporate leaders met Chinese President Xi Jinping during a gala dinner here during his state visit. Xi received standing ovations from more than 300 corporate leaders and top officials, including Cook and Blackstone's Steve Schwarzman. Musk on Friday posted his photo with the Chinese President on X, saying, "May there be prosperity for all". The gala dinner was hosted by the US-China Business Council and the National Committee on US-China Relations. "Whatever stage of development it may reach, China will never pursue hegemony or expansion, and will never impose its will on others," the President told the gathering. Earlier, US President Joe Biden told his Chinese counterpart 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". Xi reiterated his opposition to describing the relationship as competition saying it "is not the prevailing trend of current times". Biden said that the US is not trying to "decouple" from China, but pursuing better relations with its assertive rival. Xi arrived in San Francisco this week for a summit with Biden, and to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting. New Delhi, Nov 17 : The Delhi High Court has accepted the unconditional apology of litigants who failed to present the court's stay order before the District Judge during the listing for final arguments. Justice Tushar Rao Gedela noted the seriousness of the mistake, saying that higher court orders should be communicated to the relevant court to be binding. "The mistake is definitely a serious one since the order of the higher court ought to have been necessarily communicated to the Court upon which the said order would have been binding," he said. The applicants -- young advocates in the early stages of their practice and first-generation lawyers -- were granted an ex-parte stay by the court earlier. However, the order was not presented before the District Judge as required. In light of this, show-cause notices were issued to the applicants and their counsels by the District Judge for non-disclosure, deeming it a serious issue. The applicants tendered their unconditional apology, but the District Judge was of the view that the apology would be subject to the directions of the Delhi High Court. Upon approaching the High Court, the applicants reiterated their unconditional apology. Justice Gedela, taking a lenient view, deemed it benevolent to accept the apology, noting that it appeared genuine and without malice. He said: "It would be benevolent to accept the unconditional apology tendered by the applicants. This Court is of the considered opinion also that the said apology is genuine and without any malice." As a result, the court set aside the District Judge's order, which had imposed a personal cost of Rs 20,000 on the applicants. Kolkata, Nov 17 : The fluency in Bengali language of Sayesta Hanif, the Pakistani woman arrested with her minor son Ariyan Mohammad Hanif at the India-Nepal border in northern West Bengal for illegally entering India, has left the investigating officials of the state police intrigued. The woman was arrested on Wednesday evening. The woman, who is currently in police custody for seven days, was being questioned by the sleuths of state police. During the course of interrogation they were surprised by her fluency and perfect pronunciation of Bengali dialect, which is no way different from what is spoken by averagely educated Bengalis, state police sources said. However, the arrested woman had given her own logic behind her fluency and knowledge of Bengali language. She has claimed that her original name was Gouri Dey. Born in Assam, as claimed by her, her entire family shifted to North 24 Parganas district at a later stage. There she entered into an emotional relationship with a youth of different religion, whom she got married against the wishes of her family. Subsequently she first moved to Delhi with her husband, then to Karachi in Pakistan and subsequently to Dubai, as per her version to the police. Regarding her entry to India illegally without any visa, she had told the police that one of her sisters had been residing in North 24 Parganas district in West Bengal, who she had not met for years. She told the police that she applied for an Indian visa which was denied and so she decided to enter India via Nepal, sources said. She claimed that her desperation to meet her sister made her cross the borders illegally. Meanwhile, her minor son, who is 11 years old, has been remanded to a juvenile home by a lower court in Darjeeling district. The judge of the lower court has directed that his proper care should be taken by the juvenile home authorities. Jerusalem, Nov 17 : The Israel military on Friday said the body of another hostage was found near the Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza, just a day after the remains of a 65-year-old abductee was discovered in the premises of the largest medical facility in the Hamas-controlled enclave. In a post on X, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said the body was that of Noa Marciano, a 19-year-old corporal, who was "abducted and murdered by Hamas terrorists on October 7". "Her body was found and extracted by IDF troops adjacent to the Shifa Hospital in Gaza. The IDF sends its heartfelt condolences to the family and will continue to support them," the post added. The discovery of Marciano's body came two days after the Israeli military had confirmed that she died and also informed her familly of her passing. On Monday, she appeared in a video released by the Hamas, the BBC reported. The militant group's armed wing, Al-Qassam Brigades, had claimed that she was killed in an Israeli air strike on November 9. According to authorities, Marciano was serving as a lookout at the Nahal Oz kibbutz when it was stormed by the Hamas militants on October 7. Friday's announcement came a day after the IDF said it had recovered the body of Yehudit Weiss, a 65-year-old Israeli woman, the Al-Shifa Hospital, where the military carried out a search and raid operation on Wednesday. A military spokesperson said Weiss was killed by Hamas without giving details on the cause of death, CNN reported. Weiss was a resident of kibbutz Beaeri, and was kidnapped by Hamas militants on October 7. Her husband, Shmuel, was also killed. It was not immediately clear if the bodies of the two women were found together. According to authorities, 237 people are being captive in Gaza, including Israelis, foreign nationals and children. So far, four civilian hostages have been released by Hamas, and a female soldier was rescued by Israeli forces. Israel has maintained that the Hamas operates a command centre underneath the Al-Shifa Hospital and also uses the medical complex as a base. The allegations however, have been repeatedly denied by the militant group. New Delhi, Nov 17 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday kicked off the Voice of Global South Summit with a reiteration of India's stand against the October 7 Hamas terror attack against Israel but emphasised that "dialogue, diplomacy and restraint" were the need of the hour as he condemned civilian deaths in the ongoing war. aWe all are seeing that new challenges are emerging from the events in the West Asia region. India has condemned the terrorist attack in Israel on October 7. We have exercised restraint as well. We have given emphasis on dialogue and diplomacy. We also strongly condemn the deaths of civilians in the conflict between Israel and Hamas," Modi said in his address at the inaugural session of the summit. aAfter talking to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, we have also sent humanitarian aid to the people of Palestine," he added. Modi further emphasised that the Global South should unite for the greater global good. The Prime Minister also launched 'DAKSH-IN', the Global South centre of excellence. 'Dakshin', which is Hindi for south,stands for Development and Knowledge Sharing Initiative. The Prime Minister emphasised New Delhi's stand that latest technological upgrades especially in the area of Artificial Intelligence should not widen the gap between the Global North and the Global South. "During the times of Artificial Intelligence, it is important that technology should be used responsibly. To further promote this, next month, India will organise the ArtificiaI Global Partnership Summit. aGeographically, the Global South has always existed, but it is getting a voice for the first time and this is because of the joint efforts. We are more than 100 countries but our priorities are similar. "During the G20 Summit, our attempt was to focus on the development, of the people, by the people and for the people. It is our responsibility to take forward the voice of the Global South," he remarked. Meanwhile, Modi also called for cooperation under the framework of five Cs - aconsultation, communication, cooperation, creativity, capacity building". India is hosting the second Voice of Global South Summit to discuss challenges posed by global developments and to sustain momentum for a more inclusive world order ahead of a virtual G20 Summit. Mumbai, Nov 17 : Actress Sunny Leone, who has released her new track 'Third Party' with IAS officer-turned-actor Abhishek Singh, paid a visit to the holy city of Varanasi for Ganga aarti. In the pictures shared by Abhishek Singh on his Instagram, Sunny can be seen dressed in ethnic attire. She wore a pink salwar suit, attending the Ganga aarti alongside ex-IAS officer Abhishek Singh, who sported Kurta Pyjama paired with a Nehru jacket. Sunny also shared a video from Ganga aarti and wrote in the caption, "The most amazing experience in Varanasi watching the Ganga Aarti. Thank you." Meanwhile, Sunny has been quite busy with back to back projects of late. Last month, she unveiled 'Mera Piya Ghar Aaya 2.0', which is a modern version of a classic track from the film 'Yaraana'. Sung by Neeti Mohan and created by Enbee and Maya Govind, the composition is by Enbee and Anu Malik. She is also one of the judges on mentor-based reality show, 'Glam Flame', which is for aspiring models. In addition, the actress has also worked in Anurag Kashyap's upcoming film, 'Kennedy', which also stars Rahul Bhat and Abhilash Thapliyal. The film revolves around an insomniac ex-policeman (essayed by Rahul Bhat), long thought to be dead, but still operating for the corrupt system, and looking for redemption. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 17. The United States has been unable to prevent the Armenian propaganda from infiltrating the Capitol. Recent hearings in the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee perfectly illustrate how rotten and corrupt the legislative branch of the U.S. government is, US expert and scholar on the geopolitics of Eurasia Peter Tase told Trend. Armenian lobbying organizations are fanning the flames of war in the South Caucasus and are actively engaged in a disinformation campaign. Such public hearings before the House Foreign Affairs Committee have called into question the impartiality of the U.S. position on current regional issues. The U.S. Congress should recognize the fact that the Armenian government is run by incompetent bureaucrats. Washington invests millions of dollars in independent intelligence analysis. But the penetration of the Armenian propaganda machine into the Capitol shows the ineffectiveness of US intelligence agencies in preventing members of Congress from becoming victims of Armenia's disinformation campaign against Azerbaijan, which has been the United States' most reliable strategic ally for the past 33 years. Earlier, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry gave a tough response to the biased statements of US Assistant Secretary of State James O'Brien at the hearings of the Subcommittee on Europe of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives, held on November 15, 2023. "We consider the hearings and delivered remarks as a blow to the Azerbaijan-US relations in bilateral and multilateral formats. The groundless accusations voiced against Azerbaijan are irrelevant and undermines peace and security in the region," the ministry said. Referring to the latest situation in the region and the circumstances that led to Azerbaijan's anti-terrorist activities, the State Department representative ignored mentioning the main problem that caused these actions of Azerbaijan, specifically the illegal deployment of more than 10,000 soldiers of the Armenian Armed Forces in Azerbaijani territories contrary to the norms and principles of international law, as well as the trilateral statement of November 10, 2020. New Delhi, Nov 17 : Delhi Police Special Cell has arrested a member of Neetu Daboda gang from Haryana, who was absconding for more than three years in an infamous case of robbery-cum-murder in city's Mayur Vihar area, an official said on Friday. Jaibir, alias Hunter, was carrying a reward of Rs 50,000. According to police, information was received about the movement of Jaibir near village Sampla (Haryana). "Acting on the inputs, a trap was laid and the criminal apprehended on Thursday," said the Deputy Commissioner of Police (special cell) Alok Kumar. On March 5, 2020, Jaibir, along with Ajit Mota, Pankaj Dabas alias Cheetah, Depak Thanna, Sunny Malik, Ravinder and Pardeep came to one Javed's house in Mayur Vihar area and robbed over Rs three lakhs at gunpoint. "During the robbery, the public gathered outside the office and nabbed one of the robbers, Sandeep. The other accused fired on the people to escape. A person called Mukesh sustained bullet injuries and later succumbed to his injuries," said the DCP. All the accused except Jaibir and Gurbakhs, alias Sweety Sardar, were arrested in the case. On sustained interrogation, Jaibir disclosed that was an active member of Neetu Dabodia/ Pankaj Dabas alias Cheeta Gang. "He had come into contact with Neetu Dabodia Gang through his cousin Inderjeet, who was a member of Neetu Dabodia Gang. In the year 2020, Inderjeet was murdered by the members of rival gang Neeraj Bawania," said the DCP. New Delhi, Nov 17 : The Delhi High Court has asked Delhi University (DU) to submit a comprehensive affidavit detailing the physical infrastructure and accessibility provisions for persons with disabilities at the Campus Law Centre (CLC). The directive came in response to a plea by Jayant Singh Raghav, a disabled student at the university, raising concerns about the provision of assistance devices for disabled students during examinations. Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav stated that the affidavit should address the implementation of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, along with suggestions from amicus curiae Advocate Kamal Gupta. The court granted a last indulgence, allowing seven days for the university to file the affidavit. "As a last indulgence, 7 days time is granted to the respondent no.1- University to file a comprehensive affidavit to satisfy as to how the provisions of the Act of 2016 and the suggestions/report of the Amicus Curiae have been implemented by the University," the court said. The amicus curiae had previously submitted a report suggesting improvements in physical infrastructure and accessibility at CLC. The report recommended the immediate implementation of the Accessibility Guidelines and Standards for Higher Education Institutions and Universities, 2022, framed by the University Grants Commission (UGC). It also called for an access audit of CLC and the installation of at least 10 ramps with tactile features at various locations. Additionally, the report highlighted the absence of a lift in the current CLC building, despite it being mandatory according to UGC guidelines. The university said that classes for persons with disabilities are conducted only on the ground floor due to the lack of a lift. The report stressed the need for a functional disabled-accessible washroom on each floor, given the current provision of only one such facility in the entire CLC campus. The university's counsel submitted that the repair work and the provision of facilities in accordance with the amicus curiae's report is complete. However, the court said that there are various other requirements outlined by the Disability Act and the amicus curiae's recommendations that the university must adhere to. The case is scheduled to be heard again on December 7. Chandigarh, Nov 17 : Known for his path-breaking work on Pahari paintings, internationally-acclaimed art historian and an authority on miniature painting, Chandigarh-based Brijinder Nath Goswamy, passed away on Friday following prolonged ill health. Recipient of the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan awards, 90-year-old Goswamy, fondly called BNG in art circles had authored more than 26 books. A former civil servant who quit the services in 1958 to dedicate himself to academics and research, Goswamy took immense interest in the social background of painters from Kangra and spent a considerable time in far-flung villages of Himachal Pradesh to get a better understanding of the artists who created Pahari paintings. Learning the Takri Pahari script, he began focusing on family styles, looking in detail for the technique, narratives, and composition. "All my life I have striven to bring the painter out of obscurity. I want him in the front row. He must be under the spotlight. But how does one do that? Isn't art anonymous? "Sadly, there is no proper documentation, the artist just appears like a firefly in the dark. We must peep into the mind of the artist, identify his processes, develop respect, and decipher. "Then, we get to know about the sociological and cultural facts of that era. You see, an art historian needs to be a compound of a camel, hawk, ant, and peacock. He must have the memory of a camel, the eye of a hawk, be industrious as an ant, and learn to enjoy art like a peacock. After all, it's not botany, right?" he had said. His 'Wonder of the Age, Master Painters of India, 1100-1900', an exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York showcased a new dimension of Indian art to the world. For someone who taught himself the Pahari script in order to get a rounded view of the work he was doing, he always felt that it was paramount for a teacher and researcher to go into the field, read, study, interact with people, learn new languages, and understand one's roots. Always stressing on the need for archiving and preserving, His last lecture was held in Chandigarh on October 26 on his latest book, 'The India Cat: Stories, Paintings, Poetry and Proverbs.' Delving into the stories fables from Panchtantra, Jatakas, Katha Sarita Sagar, he created a picture of how cats were viewed in India and how they found an important place in Indian art. Bhopal, Nov 17 : While voting for the single phase Assembly election in Madhya Pradesh was underway on Friday, senior BJP leader and state Home Minister Narottam Mishra sparked off a controversy soon after casting his vote in Datia Assembly constituency. Mishra, who is contesting the election from his home district Datia, said, "Pressing the Lotus button will bring happiness to India, if the Congress wins the election, the celebrations will be in Pakistan." He added, "In Madhya Pradesh, pressing the Lotus button is seen as a signal for the Army to reinforce border security. The prospect of Prime Minister Modi winning has left Pakistan disappointed. The Kamal button is seen as a deterrent to terrorists, instilling fear in them." Responding to Mishra's jibes, the Congress said Mishra should focus on his election, instead of worrying about the future of the grand old party. During an interaction at Madhya Pradesh Congress headquarters in Bhopal, state unit chief Kamal Nath slammed Mishra saying, "Let Narottam Mishra himself win first and then talk about Pakistan." He added that the BJP was making such remarks because it was not left with anything. "They are saying such things out of frustration," he said. Kamal Nath, who is the chief ministerial face of the Congress, alleged that the BJP leaders were engaged in distributing money and liquor throughout the night. Meanwhile, Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia claimed that the BJP would form the government in Madhya Pradesh with absolute majority. However, he denied reports that he was in the race for the Chief Minister's post. Taking a dig at the Congress, Scindia said the race for the top was just in the grand old party. "I have always said that I am not in the race for the Chief Minister's post. I was never in the race, neither in 2013, 2018 or 2023. The race is for the development and growth of Madhya Pradesh. 'Kursi ki race Congress ki hai'," Scindia said after casting his vote in Gwalior. Gurugram, Nov 17 : Tension gripped Haryana's Nuh district following injuries to three women in stone pelting by unidentified youths allegedly from a mosque, police said. According to the police, the incident took place near a mosque around 8.25 p.m when a group of women were on the way for a 'kuan (well) poojan' from ward no 10 in Nuh. When they reached near the mosque, suddenly stones were pelted leaving them injured, the police said. The victims are undergoing treatment at a civil hospital in Nuh. Upon information, Nuh Superintendent of Police Narender Bijarniya, along with a huge police force, reached the spot and took stock of the situation. "We are probing the matter as few women received injuries during the incident. Action will be taken as per the law," he said. On July 31, six people, including two home guards and a cleric, died in communal clashes that erupted in Nuh when the Vishva Hindu Parishad's Braj Mandal Yatra was attacked by a mob. Jhansi, Nov 17 : A man in Mauranipur town of Jhansi has been arrested for trying to pawn his wife during a gambling session. The police said that two others were also arrested with the main accused on Thursday. According to the complaint lodged by the woman, her husband, who works in Delhi and is addicted to alcohol and gambling, had come to his native place in Mauranipur for Diwali. He went for gamble with his friends and lost money. Subsequently, he borrowed Rs 3,000 from the two others -- Srikant Patsariya and Gotiram -- on a high interest which he further lost. On showing inability to repay the loan, both the lenders asked the man to send his wife for a night to them, to which he agreed. He returned home and started pressuring his wife to spend the night with both the persons, following which she approached the city Kotwali to lodge a complaint, said Mauranipur station officer J.P. Pal. Chennai, Nov 17 : In one of the weirdest, yet most creative and oddly relatable stories, Tamil actors Harish Kalyan and M.S Bhaskar engage in a clash of egos, as a menial issue of car parking turns into an all out personal war, paving the way for blood and vengeance, in the trailer of the film 'Parking'. Harish Kalyan portrays the role of a simple everyday office-man doing a 9 to 5 job. Renting out a floor in a house with his wife played by actress Indhuja Ravichandran, they are living a happy life together which suddenly crashes down due to one extremely minor issue. An IT worker hailing from the city of Tiruchirappalli moves to Chennai. As he succeeds in his job, Harish buys an expensive black car of which he is very proud. A colleague tells him that buying a car is not the real challenge, it is in fact maintaining it. Initially paying little heed to it, the actor finds himself at crossroads with his grumpy, angry, and entitled landlord played by the veteran Tamil star over a car park issue. As the landlord doesnat want the aPyaar Prema Kaadhala actor to park his car inside the house, he is forced to park it outside. This parking issue then goes out of hand as one day Harish decides to park his car inside the house, to which the landlord berates him. Angry at this, Harish finally loses it and tells him that heas paying money to live there, though still listening to him and threatening to break his car, the actor slaps his landlord. This petty issue of parking turns into a full-scale personal war, as M.S. Bhaskar tells his family to harass his new tenant, as he decides to make his life more and more miserable everyday. But not backing off, their car-parking fight turns personal as one day the landlord smashes his tenantas car and his tenant does the same. As Indhuja asks him to let the whole thing go, he refuses and says he will fight them. A clash of egos over one of the most menial issues, the seemingly simple drama turns into a full out action-crime-thriller. The score of Sam CS only further elevates the tension and the sheer gravity of the situation, driving home the reality of how the simplest of daily problems can lead to chaos. Directed by Ramakumar Balakrishnan, aParkinga stars Harish Kalyan, M.S Bhaskar, Indhuja Ravichandran, Rama, Prarthana, among others. The film will hit the theatres on December 1. TEHRAN, Dec. 8, 2017 (Xinhua) -- A man holds a flag of Palestine during a protest in Tehran, Iran, on Dec. 8, 2017. Tens of thousands of Iranians held a nationwide rally on Friday to condemn the U.S. President Donald Trump's recent decision to move h. Image Source: IANS News Warsaw, Nov 17 : A court in Warsaw has ruled to overturn a decision by the Polish capital city's mayor to prohibit a pro-Palestinian demonstration scheduled for Saturday. Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski said on X that the court had reversed the city's decision despite doubts about the safety of the planned demonstration, including concerns over terrorism, reports Xinhua news agency. Trzaskowski added: "We accept this decision." He had announced the ban on the march on Wednesday, citing the police's inability to ensure safety in the narrow streets surrounding the Israeli Embassy in Warsaw. Scheduled for 1 p.m. on Saturday, the demonstration will start at Zbawiciela Square and proceed towards the Israeli Embassy. Similar demonstrations have been held in various cities around the world since the raging Israel-Hamas war broke out in the Gaza Strip on October 7. New Delhi: Delhi Minister Atishi Singh during a visit to inspect preparations ahead of the 'Chhath Puja'. Image Source: IANS News New Delhi, Nov 17 : Delhi Revenue Minister Atishi on Friday inspected the Chhath Ghat at ITO on Friday and assessed the ongoing preparations ahead of the two-day Chhath puja celebrations beginning on November 19. During inspection, the Revenue Minister directed officials to expedite the preparations to avoid last-minute tasks and inconvenience to the devotees during festivities. After the inspection, Atishi said that there will be no shortcomings in the preparations for the Chhath Mahaparv in Delhi. "In this direction, all MLAs and departments are present at the ground zero level, following the directives of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal," said Atishi. The Minister said that Delhi is home to a large number of people from the 'Purvanchal' region and contributes socially, economically, and culturally to their development. "Chhath is a very important festival for all of them. In this regard, for the past eight years, the Arvind Kejriwal government has been organising the Chhath Mahaparv in a grand manner across Delhi," she said. The Kejriwal government has prepared more than 1000 ghats across the entire city to enable people to celebrate the Chhath Mahaparv without having to go far from their homes. "Right from constructing ponds to providing tents, lights, cleanliness, security, and more, the Delhi government is arranging everything on these ghats. Additionally, cultural programmes will be organised by the Maithili-Bhojpuri Academy at many ghats," said Atishi. "Our effort is to ensure that our Purvanchali brothers and sisters in Delhi can celebrate the auspicious festival of Chhath with joy, peace, and enthusiasm," she added. Lucknow, Nov 17 : Despite repeated warnings by various state governments, dog lovers continue to keep Rottweilers, a very aggressive breed that poses a threat to children, other dogs and even adults. A recent case of a Rottweiler attacking a smaller dog and its owner came to light from Ghazipur on Friday. A dog owner, Aman Tiwari claimed that his dog was attacked by a Rottweiler and he was also attacked by the dog when he intervened. A case was filed with the Ghazipur police station on Thursday by Tiwari after that. The incident took place when Tiwari, an advocate by profession, was taking his pet Beagle for a morning walk near Arvindo Park. Suddenly, the Rottweiler, which was unleashed and roaming freely, attacked Tiwari's dog, inflicting severe injuries on its hind legs. Tiwari said that the Rottweiler's grip on his dog's hind leg was so tight that he got terrified and he struck the Rottweiler with a stick twice. The aggressive canine remained undeterred and did not let go of the Beagle's leg. "After the second strike, it turned towards me, but I narrowly escaped," Tiwari said. However, the Rottweiler managed to inflict a serious injury on his dog, tearing a chunk of flesh from its right hind leg. Tiwari immediately rushed his injured dog to a veterinary clinic for treatment, where stitches were applied to the wound. He also lodged a complaint with the police, citing negligence on the part of the Rottweiler's owner, a woman, who was reportedly engrossed in a phone call and failed to control her dog. Abhinav Verma, animal welfare officer of the Lucknow Municipal Corporation, said that he was aware of the incident. He assured that an investigation would be conducted, and appropriate action would be taken as per the rules. Verma cautioned pet owners against keeping Rottweilers in small living spaces. Damascus, Nov 17 : The Syrian Army on Friday said that air defences in the capital Damascus intercepted Israeli missile attacks in its vicinity before dawn. At around 2:25 a.m., the Israeli army carried out an aerial attack from the direction of the Israel-occupied Golan Heights, targeting several points in the vicinity of Damascus, Xinhua news agency quoted the army as saying in a statement. "Our air defences thwarted the aggression's missiles, and most of them were intercepted," it said. The attack resulted in some material losses, the army added. Meanwhile, the UK-based war monitor Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the Israeli airstrikes hit sites belonging to the Hezbollah militant group in the vicinity ofDamascus. It added that since the beginning of 2023, it has documented 52 instances of Israeli targeting of Syrian territory. The strikes resulted in approximately 106 targets being hit, including weapon and ammunition depots, headquarters, centres and vehicles, it added. Israel has accused Syria of hosting Iranian-backed militia. Last week, the Jewish nation said forces based in Syria had launched a drone from its territory that had apparently flown through Israeli-controlled airspace and hit a school in Eilat, in Israelas south. In recent weeks, Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have claimed several missile and drone attacks against Israel and warned further strikes would come. The Golan Heights are considered occupied territory under international law and UN Security Council resolutions. Israel seized the narrow strip of land from Syria in 1967 during the Six-Day War and annexed the land in 1981. Bhopal, Nov 17 : Congress MP Nakul Nath, who is the son of former Chief Minister Kamal Nath, was stopped from entering a polling booth during voting in his home district of Chhindwara on Friday. A video of the verbal exchange between BJP workers and Congress supporters accompanied by Nakul Nath also surfaced on social media, wherein some people were seen objecting to his entry into the polling booth. "Today morning, I went to the polling centres to take stock of the situation. I received a call from my party workers, who informed me that a BJP councillor was misbehaving with women voters at Ward No. 25. They are claiming that I was trying to barge into the polling centre, but I wasn't doing any such thing," Nakul Nath said. Notably, Kamal Nath is contesting the election from Chhindwara seat and election management has been done by his son Nakul Nath. After casting his vote early in the morning, Congress state president Kamal Nath arrived in Bhopal. Kamal Nath, while talking to reporters at the Congress headquarters in Bhopal on Friday said he was positive that the grand old party would wrest the state from the BJP and alleged that the BJP misused power during the election. "The BJP has police, money, and the administration at its disposal for a few more hours. Yesterday, I received several phone calls and also a video clip that shows liquor and money being distributed to lure voters," he added. Voting for the 230 Assembly seats in Madhya Pradesh began at 7 a.m. on Friday. The voters can cast their ballots until 6 p.m., except in the Baihar, Lanji, and Parswara Assembly seats of Balaghat district and some booths in Mandla and Dindori districts, where voting will be held until 3 p.m. The BJP is seeking to retain power in the state where it has ruled for almost 18 of the past 20 years and the Congress is keen to oust the Shivraj Singh Chouhan Government. Lucknow, Nov 17 : Doctors from the neurosurgery department at the Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences (RMLIMS) have successfully extracted a tumour from the pituitary gland of a 23-year-old man. The patient, hailing from Lakhimpur Kheri, experienced continuous height growth, reaching over 7.2 feet--making him the among the tallest man in the state. Dr Dipak Singh, head of neurosurgery department, said, "The tumour's continuous growth prompted the surgical intervention. Post-surgery, his recovery was swift, leading to his discharge on Thursday." This surgery, performed under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, addresses a condition not as rare as it seems, occurring once every six or seven months. Dr Singh added, "Individuals developing such tumours early in life, around 16 or 17 years old, experience persistent height growth. Conversely, if the tumour develops later, facial bones or muscles may exhibit abnormal growth." He urged parents not to disregard unexplained increases in their child's height, underlining the importance of seeking medical advice. The diagnosed medical condition, known as hormone-secreting pituitary adenoma with apoplexy, affects one in a lakh. Perth, Nov 17 : The Department of Health in Western Australia (WA) confirmed on Friday that the mask-wearing requirement would be strengthened across the state's public hospitals in response to rising Covid-19 cases. According to a statement by WA Health, from November 20, staff and patients must wear surgical masks in high-risk clinical areas, including hematology, oncology, organ transplant, and renal dialysis, and around vulnerable patients in critical care settings like intensive care units, reports Xinhua news agency. The latest figures showed that in the week of November 6 to 12, there were 531 Covid-19 cases reported in WA, 14 per cent higher than the previous week. The state's Chief Health Officer Andy Robertson observed that Covid-19 cases had been rising since early September, primarily driven by the Omicron XBB variant EG.5. "It's an expected part of the ongoing evolution of Covid-19 in the community as people's immunity wanes over time," he said. Apart from WA, other Australian states were also on high alert for Covid-19 infections. As Australia's most populated state, New South Wales recently saw a "moderate to high" spread of the disease, with the local health authority encouraging people to keep up to date with their vaccinations. The Victorian Department of Health issued a warning in late October, reporting that the community transmission of Covid-19 is increasing statewide. "After a period of slow increases from July, recent weeks have seen increases to levels not observed since May," the Department said. Saharanpur, Nov 17 : A cleric in Uttar Pradesh's Saharanpur district on Friday said that Muslim women must avoid going to the beauty salons where men are employed. Mufti Asad Kasmi it as "forbidden" and "unlawful" for women to get their makeup done at such establishments. Kasmi further advised that women should instead opt for salons where there are only female employees. Last month, a Kanpur woman had filed a police complaint claiming that her husband pronounced triple talaq over the phone from Saudi Arabia upon learning that she had her eyebrows shaped. Gulsaiba told police that her husband was "old fashioned" and raised objections over her fashion choices. She said that her husband initiated a video call during which he noticed her newly shaped eyebrows. He questioned her about it, and despite her explanations that she had got her eyebrows shaped because she felt her face did not look good with unruly hair, he became angry and pronounced talaq three times over the video call. New Delhi, Nov 17 : Deeming DRI's complaint, which was earlier halted, as the origin of the ED's proceedings related to foreign currency charges against Hero Motocorp Chairman Pawan Kant Munjal, the Delhi High Court on Friday stayed the central agency's proceedings. The court clarified that the stay has been issued only in relation to Munjal and the financial probe agency -- Enforcement Directorate (ED) -- can carry on with its investigation with respect to others in the case. Earlier this month, the high court had temporarily stayed proceedings against Munjal by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI). The court's interim order had highlighted Munjal's exoneration by the Customs, Excise and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) on similar grounds, not disclosed during the trial court proceedings. DRI's prosecution complaint last year accused Munjal and others of illicitly exporting prohibited items, including foreign currency. Munjal sought to quash the complaint, asserting that the trial court's summoning order lacked reasons and overlooked his exoneration by CESTAT in March 2022. Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing Munjal, argued that the DRI concealed the CESTAT judgement during the trial court proceedings. Justice Saurabh Banerjee, expressing concerns over the lack of reasons in the summoning order, deemed the matter worthy of prima facie consideration. The court suspended the operation of the July 1, 2023 order by an additional chief metropolitan magistrate and all associated proceedings until February 21, 2024, the next hearing date. It observed that the complaint and the show-cause notice from 2019 were substantially identical, and the CESTAT's exoneration was not disclosed. The court issued notice to DRI on Munjal's petition and granted three weeks for a reply. Meanwhile, the Enforcement Directorate had also initiated a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, stemming from the DRI charge sheet related to alleged evasion of duty or prohibitions. Bengaluru, Nov 17 : Karnataka Minister for Women and Child Welfare and Udupi District In-charge Minister, Laxmi Hebbalkar, on Friday visited the victim family in Udupi, were four members were murders by a jilted lover, and assured justice to the victim family. "The killer murdered four members of the family. It is an act of a demon. I visited them to condole the deaths. The police department has done a good job so far in the case. We will try our best to give justice to the family," Hebbalkar told media persons. He said that Udupi is a peaceful district, and such an incident should not have taken place. "We will take precautions and ensure a law and order system. There was no information that the accused was hiding in Belagavi district. He acted like a psycho. The accused is married with two children," she said. Hebbalkar said that the accused carried out the act in only 20 minutes which tells us about his mental state. The victim family has demanded a judicial probe in the murder case and also suggested a judge's name. "We will get the probe done through him only," the minister assured the family. She said that due to work, she could not visit the family earlier. "However, I was in touch with the family and the police department," she said. Noor Ahmad, a member of victim family, said that the Minister Hebbalkar had responded to the request and assured them of justice. "The minister has assured of all cooperation," the Ahmad said. The perpetrator, Praveen Arun Chougale (37), an employee at Mangaluru International Airport, confessed that issues related to friendship, love for Aynaz, and financial matters motivated him to commit the heinous crime. He killed Haseena (46), her daughters Afnan (23), Aynaz (21), and son Aseem (12) at their residence on November 12. The victims were stabbed in the chest and abdomen. Police sources said that during the probe, the accused confessed that he was possessive about Aynaz, who worked with him. He had asked Aynaz not to talk to anyone but to him only. When Aynaz distanced herself from the perpetrator, he decided to kill her. --IANS mka/dan Bhopal, Nov 17 : A voter turnout of 45.40 per cent was recorded in Madhya Pradesh on Friday till 1.pm. even as some disputes erupted between the supporters of the ruling BJP and opposition Congress. According to the Election Commission (EC), the state recorded 45.40 per cent turnout till 1 p.m. and of the total voters, 45.70 per cent were male and 45.11 per cent female. Incidents of stone pelting were reported in Dhimni Assembly constituency of Morena district. However, the police managed to normalise the situation and polling was continuing. At least two persons were reported injured. A video of the incident went viral on social media. The incident of stone pelting was also reported outside the polling station in Manhad village of Mehgaon Assembly constituency of Bhind district. As per the report, BJP candidate Rakesh Shukla sustained minor injuries during the incident. Police reached the spot and the situation was brought under control. In another incident in Harda district, a person reportedly died of electrocution at a polling booth. While in Indore's Mhow Assembly seat, BJP workers attacked Congress supporters with swords. Talking to the press, two-time former Chief Minister and Rajya Sabha MP Digvijaya Singh said, "There is news of some violence during the voting in Madhya Pradesh and I believe that the government will work in a fair manner." The results would be announced on December 3 along with four other poll-bound states -- Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Telangana and Mizoram. In 2018, the Congress had won 114 seats against the BJP's 109. The Congress had managed to form the government with the support of independent MLAs and Samajwadi Party and BSP legislators. However, Kamal Nath's government was toppled and the BJP was back in power again in March 2020. Hyderabad, Nov 17 : Police in Telangana's Mahabubabad district have booked Minister for tribal and women welfare Satyavathi Rathod for allegedly distributing money among voters. The case was registered at Gudur Police Station on a complaint by the Flying Squad team of the Election Commission. There is an allegation that the minister tried to lure the voters by distributing money. The minister was campaigning for Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) candidate in Mahabubabad constituency, B. Shankar Naik. While she was visiting a Kongargidda village, some women welcomed her with Mangala Harathi. The minister who was sitting in her car dropped Rs 4,000 on the Mangala Harathi plate the women were carrying. The Flying Squad team lodged a complaint with the police based on the video footage of the same Acting on the complaint, police registered a case under Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections 171 E and 171 H) R/W section 188 and section 123 (1) of the Representation of People Act. The first Amazigh language grammar book for the Riffians was written by a Basque priest, Pedro Hilarion Sarrionandia. The book saw light in 1905 during a Franciscan missionary in the region. Sarrionandias first contact with northern Morocco began in 1892, when he was a 27-year-old priest sent to the Order of Convent in Tetouan. During his stay, he learned Arabic, and then switched to the Amazigh language. Unlike the Arabic language, used in public institutions, Koranic schools and universities, that of the Riffians was part of the oral heritage of the Kingdom with few written texts. A fact that shocked the young priest who used to learn grammar in books. Fortunately, this obstacle did not prevent Pedro from advancing in learning the Amazigh language. On the contrary, it was encouraging to him that he attempted to create a record for the languages grammar. The priest dedicated several hours of his days to this new mission all while having a close contact with locals. With the knowledge he accumulated, while staying in Morocco, he started writing his first essays. A grammar book for Tamazight In 1901, authorized by the Spanish authorities, he entered Melilla to publish his work. After a four-year delay caused by the political situation, his book The grammar of the Riffian language was finally published in Tangier in 1905. Pedro Hilarion Sarrionandias wish to know more and expand his learning of the Amazigh language led him to Essaouira in June 1910 to study the local dialect of the region. A challenge he was ready to deal with, especially after his book was severely criticized by Rene Basset, a French author who wrote Berber Tales in 1887. His trip to Essaouira lasted until November 1912, when the two French and Spanish protectorates were signed. These political changes that emerged in Morocco pushed him to ask his superiors to put an end to his mission in the Kingdom. A year later he was sent to a convent in Seville where he planned to fully devote himself to the Amazigh Grammar. A dream that came to an end Unfortunately, the priests dream shortly came to an end. Pedro Hilarion Sarrionandia died in 1913, in his hometown, Garai in the Basque Country, following a tragic accident. Only 48 years old, the priests plans were suspended but his book survived. On 17 of November, Garai, the hometown of Pedro Hilarion Sarrionandia, commemorates his death, paying tribute to the author of the first Riffian grammar book. Kolkata, Nov 17 : Calcutta High Court on Friday announced the formation of a special bench as directed by the Supreme Court for hearing all cases relating to the alleged multi-crore cash-for-school-job scam in West Bengal. A special bench of Justices Debangsu Basak and Shabbar Rashidi will henceforth hear all the cases in the matter. The announcement was made just a day after a fresh appeal at the Calcutta High Court's division bench of Chief Justice T.S. Sivagnanam and Justice Hiranmay Bhattacharya sought quick formation of the special bench to hear those cases on Thursday. Chief Justice Sivagnanam assured the petitioner of quick action and as promised, the announcement was made this noon. On November 10, the Supreme Court's division bench of Justices Aniruddha Bose and Bela M. Trivedi returned to the Calcutta High Court all the cases pertaining to the alleged cash-for-school-job scam. Besides directing the formation of a special bench for hearing in the matter, the apex court also directed winding up all cases relating to the matter within the next six months. The apex court also directed the central agencies to wind up their investigation in the matter within the next couple of months. Political and legal observers feel that following the order of the Supreme Court fixing the deadline, the central agencies are now under pressure to act fast in the matter. Earlier, the Calcutta High Court too has directed the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to complete the investigation in the school job cases by December 31. New Delhi, Nov 17 : Days after holding a meeting with the party MLAs and councilors, Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal has called a meeting with the party workers on Friday afternoon. The party leaders said that Kejriwal will be holding a meeting with the party MPs, MLAs, councilors and the party workers here. The meeting with the party workers comes in the wake of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) summons which were issued to him earlier this month in connection with the alleged liquor policy scam case. The Chief Minister has skipped the ED summons and participated in the AAPas campaigning in the states of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. During his meeting with the MLAs and the municipal councilors, they had told Kejriwal that in case he is arrested he should not resign and keep on running the government from the jail. Kejriwal had also written to the ED stating that the summons issued to him were illegal and politically motivated. The ED is yet to issue any fresh summons to the Delhi Chief Minister in the case. "Notice was sent to ensure that I am unable to go for election campaigning in four states. ED should withdraw the notice immediately," the AAP leader had alleged. New Delhi, Nov 17 : In more trouble for Delhi Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar, an allegation of giving tender to MetaMix Technologies Pvt Ltd, where his son Karan Chauhan is a founder to develop AI software for ILBS hospital without issuing any tender, has surfaced. According to sources, Naresh Kumar, who is also the Chairman of the ILBS Hospital, gave the work to develop AI software without any tender to MetaMix. According to the Delhi government sources, another tendering irregularity came to the fore after a note was received from Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on November 10, forwarding a complaint received from one complainant alleging irregularities in compensation awarded by the erstwhile DM (Southwest District) Hemant Kumar in a land acquisition matter in Bamnoli village under NHAI's Dwarka Expressway project on May 15. The source said that in the course of the inquiry by Vigilance Minister Atishi, it was further discovered that Chauhan is also the Founder or Director in a web of companies, many of which have been awarded contracts by government agencies, including in Delhi. "The investigations in the NHAI land acquisition matter and the complex web of undisclosed commercial relationships have given rise to a reasonable suspicion that the Chief Secretary may have unduly favoured other companies associated with his son, or may have used his power and influence on other persons to accrue unlawful benefits to the companies associated with his son," the source said. "One particular relationship that was unearthed in the inquiry was that Chauhan is the founder of a company called MetaMix Technologies Pvt. Ltd (hereafter called 'MetaMix). This company was founded on May 10 last year by Chauhan, Anish Sarin, also promoter of Anant Raj Limited, which is also involved in the commercial relationships discovered in the NHAI land acquisition case and Saksham Harivyasi," the source said referring to the preliminary report by the Vigilance Minister. It has also been brought to the notice of the undersigned that MetaMix has been working with the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS) as an esteemed knowledge partner and is developing a research lab in ILBS. "A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the partnership between MetaMix and ILBS was executed on January 25 this year," the source claimed. The source said that during the preliminary probe by Vigilance Minister revealed that "from the examination of all existing records and relevant information in the public domain, it is apparent that the Chief Secretary, who is also the Chairman of ILBS hospital has used his position and influence to enable his son's startup MetaMix to gain huge financial benefits, industry experience, reputational gain and other intangible benefits from a government body, whose decision-making process he directly controlled". "In a textbook case of nepotism, Chief Secretary influenced the resources and expertise of ILBS to be used to develop MetaMix's technology free-of-cost, even getting ILBS to play a role in promoting and marketing the technology. All of this was achieved through signing of a MoU on a nomination basis with MetaMix which has been modelled as an all-in-one success recipe for Naresh Kumar's son's startup," the source said, mentioning the report. The source further stated that while signing the MoU with MetaMix, ILBS agreed to provide unrestricted access to valuable datasets, case data and set data that are crucial for developing augmented reality models, which no other private company can access for free. The source said that the report mentioned that data is the most precious asset of institutions of eminence in healthcare such as ILBS and can be easily valued at billions of dollars. "MetaMix has therefore provided huge illegitimate profits at the cost of the public exchequer since ILBS has received financial support of Rs 1,350 crore from the Delhi government over the last 10 years," the source said, stating the findings of the report. The source further said that ILBS also agreed to sponsor its doctors and provide free medical expertise to MetaMix, while any other tech company would have to pay money to avail such expertise. The MoU also provided MetaMix access to the 3500 square feet office space at the Virtual Reality Lab of ILBS, which amounts to a direct financial benefit of Rs 1.44 crore in terms of free commercial space, at the cost of public exchequer, the source said. "Incidentally, the VR Lab was newly built and inaugurated by the Chief Secretary cum Chairman-ILBS on January 14, just 10 days before the signing of the MoU between ILBS and MetaMix," the source claimed. The source referring to the report said that there was a clear and premeditated intent on behalf of ILBS officials, acting under the influence of its Chairman and Chief Secretary to decide to set up Virtual Reality or Augmented Reality Labs at ILBS in their 51st Governing Council meeting on December 16 and immediately, on the next day moved the file for approval of MoU with the startup of Chief Secretary's son with practically "no due diligence" carried out of the "technical competence" of the company. He also stated that the MoU was expeditiously signed on January 24 this year without even obtaining approval from the legal advisor of ILBS or the competent authority, who approved it months later on March 7, 2023. The source again referring to the report stated that MetaMix was founded on May 10 last year and it was surprising that in a short duration of merely eight months, the company was able to land such a prestigious, high-stakes, and potentially lucrative collaboration with one of the premier medical science institutions of the country and Asia, despite lacking any kind of special expertise or prior experience in advanced healthcare diagnosis or development of AI or virtual reality algorithms at the cutting edge. "The Principal Investigator from MetaMix for this research collaboration was their 27-year-old Founder with a BSc in Finance and no prior experience in carrying out any advanced scientific research. The fact that no due process was followed while selecting MetaMix on a nomination basis and a project of such significance requiring advanced technological know-how was given to a fledgling startup with no prior history of working in this space points to a clear attempt to provide undue benefits to the people associated with the company," the source said quoting the report by Vigilance Minister. He also said that ILBS built its assets -- database, medical expertise, research and credibility -- with the resources given by the Delhi government and these assets were meant to be used only in the public interest. "So their use by MetaMix to develop a commercial AI-based technology is effectively using the public exchequer for private gain. However, this loss to the public exchequer is doubled, since these assets could have been monetised by a process of competitive bidding. Private companies would have spent large sums of money to access these ILBS assets," the source said, quoting the report. "This would have meant the inflow of money into the public exchequer. However, ILBS headed by its Chairman and Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar, made these assets available free-of-cost to MetaMix, his son's startup," the report by the Minister alleged. "The findings give rise to a reasonable belief that Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar has abused his position as the Chairman of ILBS to obtain the arrangement with ILBS for his son's startup, MetaMix," the source said referring to the report. The source also said that as per the report the Chief Secretary has failed to disclose his conflict of interest arising from his official duties in the Governing Council with the company in which his son has a financial interest. In this context, Rule 4(3) of the All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968 may also be taken note of. "Thus, prima facie it appears that Naresh Kumar has acted in violation of the AIS Conduct Rules and has used his position to enable a lucrative collaboration for his son's company, at a loss to the public exchequer. If ILBS' expertise and database were made commercially available through competitive bidding, large sums of revenue would have accrued to the Institute. Instead, it was provided free of cost to a 7-month-old startup, with no experience or expertise. This loss to the public exchequer must be investigated further," the source said referring to the report. Calls and messages by IANS to the Chief Secretary for his comments remained unanswered by the time of filing this report. Tel Aviv, Nov 17 : Several rightwing organisations in Israel have started mounting pressure on the Benjamin Netanyahu government to allow settlements of Jewish people in Gaza once the war ends. Eleven prominent rightwing organisations have come together for resettlement in Gaza and Northern Samaria. The move is headed by Yossi Daggan head of the Samaria Regional Council and the Nahala movement. Daggan, while speaking to media persons in Tel Aviv on Friday, said that only resettlement will provide security to Israel and added that victory against Hamas will come only after settlements come back in Northern Gaza. He said that settlement of Jewish people was linked to security in the region and called upon the government to resettle Jewish population in the areas immediately after the war ends. The coalition of right wing organisations have asked the government of Israel to take initiative for resettlement in Northern Gaza as a first step and then expand it to former Jewish settlements like Nitzan, El Sinai and Dugit that are close to Ashkilon. On October 7, Hamas unleashed a major attack in Ashkelon which borders Gaza. Zviv Elimelech of the Nahala movement, in a statement on Friday, said that there was a need for widespread resettlement of Jewish population in throughout Gaza and said that the Gaza withdrawal following the Oslo accords have to be nullified. New Delhi, Nov 17 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday expressed concern over misuse of Artifical Intelligence (AI) for creating deepfake videos, saying it could trigger unrest in the society, and appealed to media for running a campaign to spread awareness about it. Addressing a Diwali Milan programme at the BJP headquarters here, the Prime Minister also cited a deepfake video of him doing garba. He said as cigarette packets carry a warning, deep fake videos should also be labelled. Extending greetings on Diwali, Gujarati New Year and Chhath, he said, "Chhath festival has become a national event and teaches us to not only worship the rising sun but also the setting one." On media persons dying at an early age, he suggested that after 40, everyone should go undergo regular medical check up. Emphasising on importance of social media, he said it is facilitating verification of news at district level. Thanking media persons for supporting the Swachch Bharat campaign, he suggested them to do programmes on economy of small cities. Talking about vocal for local, he said, "till now it is limited to the Diwali diyas, we have to expand it". In an indirect attack on China, he said, "Our Lord Ganesha cannot be one with small eye". He reiterated pledge for making India a developed country and mentioned about his visit to a tribal village in Madhya Pradesh's Shahdol district. Kolkata, Nov 17 : Leader of the opposition in the state Assembly Suvendu Adhikari on Friday expressed sympathy for the CPI(M)'s grassroots level workers while attacking the Marxist leadership of being reluctant in protecting their party workers from the atrocities by the ruling Trinamool Congress . Following the killing of Trinamool Congress leader Saifuddin Lashkar on Monday, one person was killed in counter lynching and 12 houses, all belonging to CPI(M) activists, were set on fire by a violent mob of mainly the followers of the slain Trinamool Congress leader. Again on Thursday, the cops arrested Anisur Lashkar, also an active CPI(M) worker in the area, as the suspected mastermind. Referring to these issues, the leader of the opposition, targeted the CPI(M) leadership while expressing sympathy towards the grassroots level party workers. "The CPI(M) leadership is not serious about standing by the grassroots level party workers who are facing the onslaught of the ruling party and the police administration daily to keep the party flag high. I am receiving regular messages from such grassroots-level CPI(M) workers who are complaining of the lackadaisical approach of their leadership on this count. Both CPI(M) and Trinamool Congress are allies in the I.N.D.I.A. alliance. That is why the CPI(M) leadership are not bothered about the safety of their grassroots level workers," Adhikari said while speaking to the media persons on Friday afternoon. This is not the first time that the leader of the opposition has used this strategy to lure reportedly disgruntled workers of not only CPI(M) but also of Congress towards the saffron camp. Besides coining the narrative of "No Vote to Mamata", he has advised the reportedly disgruntled grassroots level workers and even mid-level leaders in CPI(M) and Congress to either join BJP directly or form a separate anti-Trinamool Congress forum by coming out of their respective parties. CPI(M) central committee member Dr Sujan Chakraborty, however, gave a strong reaction to Adhikari's comments. "First Adhikari should try to save his own party. Since the 2021 Assembly elections so many BJP legislators have shifted to Trinamool Congress and the trend is continuing. He does not need to bother about us," said Chakraborty. Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 17 : Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated the building of the Goethe-Zentrum in the city to house Germany's language centre and the office of the Honorary Consul. CM Vijayan pointed out that the relationship between Kerala and Germany dated back to the 19th century with the arrival of the Basel Mission in Kozhikode as it had contributed significantly to the progress of Malabar in the areas of education, industry and social transformation. The CM recalled the contributions of Hermann Gundert who combined a Malayalam grammar book 'Malayalabhaasha Vyakaranam'. The Chief Minister said that with the signing of the Triple Win Agreement between India and the German Federal Employment Agency in December 2021 to recruit 1,500 nurses from Kerala, Goethe-Zentrum, which was set up here and later in Kochi, became the official partner to provide German language training to these candidates. He expressed happiness over the fact that 30,000 candidates wrote the Goethe-Certificate examinations at both these centres in Kerala. Thus, Kerala has become the pioneer in India to partner directly with Germany for fair and ethically correct migration of human resources. Part of the worldwide network of Goethe-Institut, the official language and cultural institute of Germany, the Zentrum has been functioning in the city for 15 years now. It is managed by the Indo-German Language and Cultural Society under the Chairmanship of former Kerala Planning Board Member G. Vijaya Raghavan. The centre provides consular assistance to hundreds of people migrating to Germany, including language training and certifying signatures and copies of documents. Starting with roughly 400 students in Kerala, it now enrolls more than 5,600 students yearly, helping them learn German and write the Goethe-Certificate exams. New York, Nov 17 : An Indian-American businessman and real estate broker is among 21 candidates who have qualified to run for Congress in Alabama state's 2nd District as a Democrat. Vimal Patel, 39, will be contesting the March 5 primary next year along with 13 Democrats and eight Republicans for the District, which spans south Alabama and includes Montgomery County and a portion of Mobile County. "You see, after I qualified, I got back to work. I'm not a career politician. I worry about what these career politicians are doing and if you also worry - together - we must rise to fix it. We have an opportunity here to elect a consensus candidate that will shake the system," Patel wrote on Facebook. Patel told al.com that his business skills would make him effective in Congress and help tackle issues like the federal deficit and the long-range outlook for social security. According to him, those in Washington have responded to these foundational problems with complacency. Previously, Patel ran for the 2nd District seat in 2022, losing in the Democratic primary to Phyllis Harvey-Hall. Patel's family immigrated from India in 1980. Born in America, Vimal Patel graduated from Charles Henderson High School in Troy and earned a political science degree from Auburn in 2007. After graduating in 2007, Patel chose to return to Troy to handle his family's hospitality business with hotels in Troy, Montgomery, and Dothan and a laundromat in Eufaula. New Delhi, Nov 17 : The Centre on Thursday informed the Delhi High Court that the formed committee is deliberating on recommendations for regulating the playing or singing of the National Anthem exclusively, not extending to the national song, 'Vande Mataram'. A division bench of Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Mini Pushkarna was hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Advocate Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay seeking direction to grant equal status to the song 'Vande Mataram' as 'Jana-Gana-Mana' as the former has played a historic part in the freedom struggle. The bench reviewed a 2018 Supreme Court judgement that referenced the constitution of an "InterMinisterial Committee" by the Centre in December 2017 specifically focused on the "playing/singing the National Anthem." The bench noted: "The petitioner appearing in person insists that the committee is also considering recommendations for regulating playing or singing of Vande Mataram. However, counsel for the respondent, Union of India, on instructions states that the committee is considering recommending regulating the playing or singing of the national anthem only and not Vande Mataram." Petitioner Upadhyay also requested more time to file an application for the impleadment of the Central Board of Secondary Education and (CBSE) and Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE) as respondents in the petition. He also sought to submit a rejoinder to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)'s reply. Now, the PIL will be taken up next for hearing on February 5, 2024. Earlier, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Chetan Sharma had informed the court that the MHA has filed its reply, but it is pending from the petitioner's end. The ASG had told the court that in its reply, MHA had submitted that even though both anthem and the song have their sanctity and deserve equal respect, the subject matter of the present proceedings can never be a subject matter of a writ. For not granting equal status to both, the MHA argued that causing disturbance to any assembly engaged in singing the National Anthem, and an absence of a parallel provision or an enactment for Vande Mataram is a punishable offence under the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971. Moreover, it contended that similar matters were earlier refused by the apex court and the Delhi HC. It added: "Both 'Jana Gana Mana' and' Vande Mataram' stand on the same level and every citizen of the country should show equal respect to both. National song occupies a unique and special place in the emotions and psyche of the people of India." Upadhyay has also sought a declaration that the song shall have equal status with 'Jana Gana Mana' according to the statement made by the Constituent Assembly Chairman Dr. Rajendra Prasad with regard to the National Anthem, on January 24, 1950. The plea read while quoting Dr. Prasad: "There is one matter which has been pending for discussion, namely the question of the National Anthem. At one time, it was thought that the matter might be brought up before the House and a decision taken by the House by way of a resolution. But it has been felt that, instead of taking a formal decision by means of resolution, it is better if I make a statement with regard to the national anthem. "Accordingly, I make this statement. Composition consisting of the words and music known as 'Jana Gana Mana' is the 'National Anthem of India', subject to such alternations in the words, as the Government may authorise as occasions arises; and the song aVande Matarama, which has played a historic part in the struggle for Indian freedom, shall be honoured equally with aJana Gana Manaa and shall have equal status with it. I hope this will satisfy the members." " 'Vandemataram' is the symbol of our history, sovereignty, unity, and pride. If any citizen by any overt or covert act shows disrespect to it, it would not only be an anti-social activity but it would also spell doom to all our rights and very existence as a citizen of a sovereign nation," the PIL stated. It further stated: "India is a Union of States and not association or confederation of States. There is only one nationality i.e. Indian and it is the duty of every Indian to respect the Vande Mataram. In order to keep the country united, it is the duty of the Government to frame a National Policy to promote-propagate aJana Gana Manaa and Vande Mataram. There is no reason why it should evoke any other sentiment as the both are decided by Constitution makers." San Francisco, Nov 17 : Popular artificial intelligence (AI) models like Snapchat's My AI, DALLE, and Stable Diffusion may not be safe for kids, demonstrating an increased likelihood of emotional, physical, and psychological harm, a first-ever AI ratings system has revealed. The ratings system has been designed by Common Sense Media, a leading advocacy group for children and families, to assess the ethical use, transparency, and safety, and impact of AI products. Developed with input from a range of AI experts, the AI ratings system evaluates products against a set of "Common Sense AI Principles" that help the public to understand where these tools are using best practices a" and where they may compromise human rights or data privacy, or perpetuate misinformation and unfair bias. In the process of reviewing 10 popular apps (including ChatGPT and Bard) on a five-point scale, Common Sense extracted the following insights about today's AI landscape that will be useful for policymakers, educators, parents, and consumers. On a scale of 5, ChatGPT and Bard received a rating of 3 while Snapchatas My AI, DALLE, and Stable Diffusion received just 1-2. "Consumers must have access to a clear nutrition label for AI products that could compromise the safety and privacy of all Americans a" but especially children and teens," Common Sense Media founder and CEO James P. Steyer said. The ratings will inform new legislative and regulatory efforts to keep kids safe online and to push for increased transparency from creators of these new products. "AI is not always correct, nor is it values-neutral," Common Sense Media's senior advisor of AI Tracy Pizzo-Frey, who helped bring this project to life, said. "All generative AI, by virtue of the fact that the models are trained on massive amounts of internet data, host a wide variety of cultural, racial, socioeconomic, historical, and gender biases a" and that is exactly what we found in our evaluations," Pizzo-Frey added. --IANS na/vd Ukrainian stand-up comedian Anton Tymoshenko spoke about the situation that occurred after the auction at the Palace of Ukraine. One of the participants of the charity event asked the comedian to return the money for the purchased item. ADVERTISIMENT That lot turned out to be a blue and yellow flag signed by the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Valeriy Zaluzhnyi. The flag went under the hammer for 160 thousand hryvnias. Anton Tymoshenko told volunteer Serhiy Prytula about this in the fifth episode of the YouTube show"Together and in Full". The comedian shared a story about how, after the auction at the Palace of Ukraine in Kyiv, one of the participants began to actively write to Tymoshenko on all social media. "Good afternoon! I was at your concert and bought a flag for 161 thousand hryvnias. But I didn't coordinate this step with my wife, we had a fight and there may be a divorce," the man's message read (scroll to the bottom of the page to see it). ADVERTISIMENT "That's why I'm asking you, because I'm henpecked, return the money to me, and I'll return the flag to you," Anton Tymoshenko added. The comedian contacted the volunteers and returned the money to the participant, and then sold the flag at an auction for 110 thousand hryvnias. Serhii Prytula shared his misunderstanding of the situation. The volunteer said that if he had been in the place of the stander, he would have done something different. "Soon armored vehicles will be brought to Ukraine, which were purchased with the money from this auction. Go to the military and ask them to break off a piece of armor for you," Prytula would have said. ADVERTISIMENT Earlier, OBOZ.UA told how the scandalous blogger Verba attacked Serhiy Prytula and Anton Tymoshenko. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel Obozrevatel and in Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Bhubaneswar, Nov 17 : The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Odisha Police has unearthed another multi crore crypto-ponzi scam and arrested three fraudsters including the mastermind. The EOW apprehended the prime accused, Sandeep Choudhary, from Jaipur and his local aides Basant Kumar Pradhan and Manoj Kumar Patnaik from Bhubaneswar on Thursday. Sandeep, a native of Jhunjhunu in Rajasthan, is the head of the dubious firm "YES WORLD Crypto Token." He is also allegedly involved in several other suspected shell companies too. Sandeep, a B. Tech graduate from NIIT Jaipur, used to click photographs with influential persons and would later try to win the faith of victims using the same. Following request of the EOW of Odisha Police, the Bureau of Immigration (BoI) has issued a look out circular against Sandeep on November 8. "On Wednesday, while he was trying to escape from India to Dubai, he was intercepted and detained by BOI at Jaipur International airport under intimation to EOW, Odisha. The EOW team went to Jaipur and arrested the accused," said an EOW official. All the accused will be produced before the OPID court at Cuttack on Friday. The accused were apprehended in connection with a case registered on the basis of a complaint lodged by one Swagat Kumar Nayak of Puri. He had alleged in his complaint that Sandeep, Basant and Manoj had duped Swagat off Rs 85, 000 on the pretext of high interest against investments in crypto currency. The sham company is being operated on pyramid structure and multi level marketing system and collected huge amounts from its members in Odisha and other states. The EOW also found during investigation that Yes World has been active on various social media platforms under the garb of Climate Change, Global warming, pictures with celebrities etc. However, it never mentions the Crypto-Ponzi scheme on social media platforms. It follows the same modus operandi to mislead the gullible investors as followed by the dubious company STA (Solar Techno Alliance) that was involved in Rs 1000 crore crypto-ponzi scam. Yes World without obtaining the permission of RBI has collected around Rs 200 crore from different persons across the country by luring them to invest in cryptocurrency-based ponzi schemes. "There are more than 8000 members/investors in Odisha alone who have invested money in this scheme. In Odisha, it is mainly spread in Bhubaneswar, Khordha, Bhadrak, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Keonjhar and Nayagarh. This scheme/scam has around 2.5 lakh members (Pan India) mainly in the states like Punjab, Rajasthan, Odisha, West Bengal, Haryana, Gujrat, Bihar, Jharkhand etc.," said EOW sources. Though the company claims to be registered in Singapore, its business activities are limited to India only. New Delhi, Nov 17 : A Delhi court on Friday sent three persons arrested in a case related to alleged irregularities in the Delhi Waqf Board recruitments, which also involves AAP legislator Amanatullah Khan, to 14-day judicial custody till December 1. The development comes after the court had granted the Enforcement Directorate (ED)'s request for custody of the accused Zeeshan Haider, Daud Nasir and Jawed Imam Siddiqui by a day on Thursday. While the financial probe agency sought custody for six more days of the accused, special Judge Geetanjali Goel of Rouse Avenue Court had extended it by only one day. On Friday, Advocate Nitesh Rana, appearing for the accused persons, opposed the agency's application claiming that money trail is not established, and that there is no quantification of proceeds of crime. He further said: "The arrest itself is illegal and against the mandate of Section 19 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Remand application deserves to be dismissed for lack of merit." On Thursday, Rana had argued that the ED had no fresh grounds to seek the extension of their custody. On Monday, special judge Arvind Kumar had accepted the agency's request for custody for three days. On November 11, the court had rejected the ED's request for their 14-day custodial interrogation. The ED custody was sought to trace the proceeds of crime, determining the role of other accused persons who facilitated the offence of money laundering, confronting the accused persons with each other and other persons and in order to unearth the truth and to ascertain the complicity of key players involved in money laundering. Last time, Rana had contended that the alleged proceeds of crime in no manner relate to scheduled offence. Advocate Nitesh Rana for Haider contended that he has already joined the investigation four times and the ED has arrested the accused illegally. He had further contended that there is not sufficient material available with the ED for arresting the accused persons. It was argued that giving evasive answers and non-cooperation cannot be grounds for arresting them. Earlier, following Rana's accusations of "illegal detention", the judge had sent the accused to judicial custody until November 12. Rana had claimed that the ED presented his clients after nearly 30 hours of detention, exceeding the 24-hour limit prescribed by law and my client has not dealt with proceeds of crime. The case involves allegations that Khan, as the Delhi Waqf Board chairman, illegally recruited 32 people in violation of norms and government guidelines. On Monday, on accused Nasir's plea for the investigating agency to be directed to conduct the investigations under audio visual CCTV surveillance, the court had directed it to comply with the directions given in the said judgement of the Supreme Court in a certain case. The judge had also directed that the accused persons be medically examined every 24 hours and the ED shall permit the counsels for the accused to meet them between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. everyday till the next date of hearing. Aizawl, Nov 17 : A total of 29 more Myanmar soldiers, including a major and a captain fled to Mizoram after their camp in the neighbouring country was captured by anti-military insurgents, top police officials said on Friday. With the 29 newcomers, a total of 74 Myanmar military personnel had fled to Mizoram since Monday, following the escalating gun battle between the Army and the People's Defence Force (PDF). Most of the Myanmarese soldiers, however, had been sent back to Myanmar. Mizoramas Inspector General of Police, Headquarters, Lalbiakthanga Khiangte said that on Thursday evening, 29 more Myanmar Army soldiers, including the two officers, fled to Mizoramas Champhai district and approached the police. "We have handed over them to the Assam Rifles. They are now under the custody of the para-military force," Khiangte told IANS over phone, adding that the Assam Rifles after consulting with their higher authorities would take suitable steps. The Myanmar soldiers, fleeing from their camp at Tuibual in Chin state, a few kilometres from the international border, crossed the Tiau river to enter Mizoram on Thursday evening and sought shelter in Indian territory. Tiau river serves the boundary between India and Myanmar. Since Monday (November 13) 45 soldiers, including officers, had fled to Mizoram after the PDF took control of two military bases in Myanmaras Chin state and they were handed over to Myanmar's military government the next day. Besides soldiers, around 1,400 Myanmarese, including women and children, took shelter in Mizoramas Champhai earlier this week following the gunfight between the Army and PDF cadres. "The district administration has provided food and relief materials to the refugees. Necessary medical aid was also given to those hapless evacuees," Hruaimawia told IANS over phone from Champhai. The first influx from Myanmar happened in February 2021 after the Military junta seized power. Since then, 32,000 people including women and children from Myanmar have taken shelter in the northeastern state. A majority of the refugees live in relief camps and government buildings, while many others are accommodated by their relatives and a large number of Myanmarese have been staying in rented houses. Eastern Mizoramas six districts -- Champhai, Siaha, Lawngtlai, Serchhip, Hnahthial and Saitual -- share a 510-km-long unfenced and mountainous border with Myanmar's Chin state. The Assam Rifles, which guarding the unfenced 1,643-km India-Myanmar border has stepped up its vigil along the frontier. --IANS sc/vd Panaji, Nov 17 : To curb road accidents taking place due to drunk driving, Goa police on Friday urged restaurants and clubs owners to arrange cabs for inebriated customers. Deputy Superintendent of police (Mapusa) Jivba Dalvi held a meeting of owners of restaurants and clubs, and requested them to arrange cab for inebriated customers. "I have appealed to them to arrange a cab if the customer is overdrunk, so he/she can reach their rooms safely. Because the accidents take place after they are drunk," Dalvi said during a press conference. He has also urged the tourism stakeholders to contact police if any incident related to tourists takes place. "Nobody should take the law into their own hands. Tourists should be comfortable here and should not be assaulted over any issues," he said. He said that in the coming days, as there are a number of events like the International Film Festival of India, Sunburn, Christmas and New Year parties, footfall of tourists will increase in the state along with coastal areas. "Hence, tourism stakeholders should take care while employing staff and share details with police," he said. Last year, Transport Minister Mauvin had said that "arranging cabs for inebriated customers" will be a new norm in the coastal state. Subsequently, All Goa Bar and restaurant Owners Association (AGBROA) had opposed the move stating it would not be possible to convince such persons in that situation. Los Angeles, Nov 17 : Rapper Diddy, whose real name is Sean Combs, has become embroiled in a controversy after being subjected to criminal investigation by the New York Police Department over charges of sexual harassment levelled against him by an unknown person. Diddy has also been charged with rape, kidnapping, human trafficking, drugs abuse, public indecency, among others, in one big lawsuit. While no clear name has come out as to who filed the charges, it is suspected that his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura is the one behind this. Law enforcement authorities told TMZ that the whole lawsuit is an open case at NYPD with the name 'Sean Combs'. While confirmed to be an active case, according to officials the case is "locked". This means that the case is protected with extreme secrecy with very limited public access due to its sensitivity. Elaborating on the lawsuit NYPD officials said: "The NYPD takes sexual assault and rape cases extremely seriously, and urges anyone who has been a victim to file a police report so that we can conduct a comprehensive investigation, and offer support and services to the survivors." NYPD is reportedly looking for other victims who have made similar kind of complaints against Diddy before. The authenticity of the charges, however, is also under question, as the breakup between Diddy and Cassie in 2016 was a notorious affair which did not have a very happy ending. Back then, Cassie had claimed everything from rape to assault/battery and even human trafficking. These charges came after she alleged that Diddy forced her to have sex with male prostitutes across state lines. An investigation was launched by the federal authorities which went up to the District Attorney before being closed, as there was no evidence to support the allegations. Diddy's lawyer speaking on his behalf had termed the charges as total nonsense. Calling all of Cassie's charges ludicrous, the lawyer said that her claims would be barred from criminal prosecution based on the statute of limitations. Her rape claim, however, could still be pursued in California, though she has so far not filed any criminal complaint there. The rapper has vehemently denied all of Cassie's allegations and accused her of seeking to shake him down for big-time cash, to the tune of $30 million. HC asks Delhi govt to file status report on PIL seeking free ration, medical assistance at Yamuna flood relief camps. Image Source: IANS News New Delhi, Nov 17 : The Delhi High Court has granted environmental lawyer Ritwick Dutta, facing a Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) case filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), permission to travel to Switzerland and Germany. Justice Subramonium Prasad's order came in response to Dutta's petition challenging the Look-Out Circular (LOC) issued by the CBI. He considered Dutta's 21-year legal practice in Delhi, his roots in society, and his receipt of the Right to Livelihood Award, 2021, while allowing the travel. Dutta, founder of Legal Initiative for Forest and Environment (LIFE), is accused of receiving foreign contributions from Earthjustice, a US-based nonprofit, to impede coal projects in India. The lawyer is scheduled to visit Geneva, Switzerland, from November 23 to November 25 and requested permission to travel to Germany from December 3 to December 8. Dutta, a Fellow at the University of Bonn in Germany, cited the need to attend the Right to Livelihood Workshop and participate in a one-day seminar conducted by the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and Environment. The court noted Dutta's invitations as a guest speaker in various international universities. It allowed Dutta to travel, subject to conditions, including furnishing a security deposit of Rs 5 lakh. The permission granted does not constitute a directive to any other authority, the judge said. New Delhi, Nov 17 : The Delhi Police on Friday raised questions on the maintainability of the bail application of NewsClick Human Resources head Amit Chakravarty in a case lodged under the UAPA, but his counsel argued that he has only 0.09 per cent share in the organisation, and has no role in journalism or management. The matter came up for hearing as Special Judge Hardeep Kaur of Patiala House Courts had, on November 4, granted Delhi Police time to respond to the bail application. Accused under the provision of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), Chakravartyas counsel argued that his client has not been made an accused in the First Information Report. He further said that since the charge sheet has not been filed, the court should look at the case diary to see whether the prima facie case against the accused is being proved right or not. The court will have to see what material is available on record against Chakravarty, he added. Opposing the bail application, Delhi Police said that the accused should file it under appropriate sections. "Investigation is still in its initial stage and no bail should be granted," it argued. The court has now adjourned the matter till November 24. Last month, NewsClick editor-founder Prabir Purkayastha and Chakravarty had moved court seeking release of electronic devices seized by the police and bail, respectively. On November 2, the court had sent Purkayastha and Chakravarty to judicial custody till December 1. On October 25, the judge had sent the duo to police custody after police told the court that they have the right to seek further custody of Purkayastha and Chakravarty, and that they need to confront them with protected witnesses and electronic material recovered. They were produced before court on expiry of their five-day judicial custody. Additional Public Prosecutor for Police Atul Srivastava had told the court that they have the right to seek further custody and therefore, they are exercising the same. Hence, the court had sent them to police custody till November 2. The Special Cell of Delhi Police had arrested Purkayastha and Chakravarty on October 3. A day after their arrest, the judge had sent them to seven days' police custody on October 4. Both then moved the high court challenging their police remand, which was upheld by the high court. The duo has now taken the matter to the Supreme Court against the dismissal of their petitions challenging police remand, and on October 19, the apex court had issued notices to Delhi Police on the petitions. The bench comprising Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice P. K. Mishra heard the pleas and issued notices returnable in three weeks. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing Purkayastha, had earlier argued before the high court that "all facts are false and not a penny came from China". The Special Cell had registered an FIR in connection with the case on August 17 under different sections of the UAPA and the Indian Penal Code against NewsClick. In August, a New York Timesinvestigation had accused NewsClick of being an organisation funded by a network linked with US millionaire Neville Roy Singham, to allegedly promote Chinese propaganda. London, Nov 17 : The Metropolitan Police on Friday identified a 17-year-old boy, who died at the scene of a suspected fight in west London, as British Sikh Simarjeet Singh Nangpal. Nangpal was found with stab injuries after police were called to reports of a fight in Burket Close, in Hounslow, west London at 12.15 a.m. on Wednesday. Despite the best efforts of the emergency services, the teenager was pronounced dead at the scene. "We are working around the clock to find those responsible for Simarjeet's murder, as his family struggle to come to terms with their loss," Detective Inspector Martin Thorpe, from Specialist Crime South of Metropolitan Police, said. Police said four men -- aged 21, 27, 31 and 71 a" remain in custody after being arrested on suspicion of murder. "Four men have been arrested and our enquiries continue. I would urge anyone with information about how the events unfolded or anyone who may have captured the incident on their phone, dash cameras or doorbell footage to please come forward," Thorpe said. Simarjeet's family continue to be supported by specialist officers, the force said. Detective Superintendent Figo Forouzan said: "Our thoughts remain with Simarjeet's family at this extremely difficult time. No family should have to go through what they are experiencing. "This incident will undoubtedly cause wider concern, and I want to reassure the community that we will do everything in our power to find those responsible. In the coming days you will see extra officers out on patrol in your area. Please do speak to them about any concerns you may have." The four suspects were arrested at the scene, police said, adding that two were initially taken to hospital due to injuries they sustained prior to police arrival and have since been discharged. --IANS mi/pgh Hyderabad, Nov 17 : A daily 'praja darbar' at the chief minister's official residence, interest-free crop loans up to Rs 3 lakh, a judicial inquiry into irregularities in Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project and other corruption allegations and scrapping of Dharani portal are among the promises made by the Congress in its manifesto for Telangana Assembly elections. A comprehensive crop insurance scheme for all major crops, Rs 1,00,000 and 10 grams of gold as Indiramma gift to the Hindu and Rs 1,60,000 for the minority girls at the time of their marriage, financial assistance of Rs 12,000 per year to every auto rickshaw driver and social security to unorganized workers are among the other major promises. The Congress party has promised "Bhumata" portal in place of the Dharani portal and assured that justice will be done to all farmers who have lost their land rights. Other than the six guarantees announced two months ago, the party has included a slew of promises for various sections in the manifesto for November 30 elections. Titled 'Abhaya Hastam', the 42-page manifesto was released on Friday by AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge in the presence of Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) president A. Revanth Reddy, Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka and other leaders. Six guarantees unveiled on September 17 and the declarations already released by the party for farmers, youth, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, backward classes and minorities form part of the manifesto. "To end the unprecedented dictatorship of the present TRS/BRS government, Congress is committed to restore democratic governance as per the spirit and wishes of the Telangana people. As in the past, the Congress Government is committed to restore Praja Darbar daily at the CM camp office," reads the manifesto. It said an MLA will also be constantly available to the people of their constituency and hold regular 'Praja Darbars'. A judicial inquiry will be conducted by a sitting High Court judge into all irregularities and corruption in the construction of the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project. Legal action will be taken, based on a full-fledged inquiry by a retired High Court Judge on the various scandal and corruption allegations in the rule of the BRS/TRS government. Abolishing the current Contributory Pension Scheme (NPS) and re-introduction of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), Right to Public Services Act, one-time settlement of pending traffic challans with a 50 per cent discount, three new corporations for the Madigas, Malas, and other SC sub-castes after the SC categorization, increased reservations based on population for BCs after conducting a caste census for BCs. The Congress also promises revival of "Bangaru Thalli" scheme to provide financial assistance for every girl child born and free electric scooters to every girl studying higher education and are above the age of 18. It has also promised a monthly honorary pension of Rs 25,000 to the parents or spouse of the martyrs of the first and second phases of the Telangana movement, and provide a government job to one member of their family. It will also withdraw the cases against the Telangana movement activists and allocate them a 250 yards house site. If voted to power, the Congress will waive off the crop loans of farmers up to Rs 2 lakh. Farmers will be given interest-free crop loans of up to Rs 3 lakhs. Farmers will be provided with uninterrupted free power for 24 hours and a comprehensive crop insurance scheme will be provided for all major crops. The Congress also promised that all vacant teacher posts will be filled through Mega DSC (District Selection Committee) within 6 months. A rural youth financial corporation will be set up with initial capital of Rs 1,000 crore to provide self-employment opportunities by encouraging startups and small and medium scale industries. Annual job calendars will be released and 2 lakhs vacant posts will be filled transparently within a specified time period. Free internet through Wi-Fi facilities will be provided to all students. It will also increase the allocation of the budget for the education sector from the present 6 per cent to 15 per cent. Around 6,000 closed schools will be reopened with better facilities. Four more IIITs will be set up similar to Basara IIIT. The Congress also promised the Land Commission to resolve all land rights issues. "We will provide full land rights to the beneficiaries on 25 lakh acres that were distributed to the poor through land reforms." --IANS ms/pgh Dhaka, Nov 17 : Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Friday said that the main opposition party BNP along with the Jamaat-e-Islami should apologies to nation for killings and then part in the upcoming general elections. "They (BNP-Jamaat) should apologies to the nation for their crimes they have committed and then take part in upcoming national elections," the Prime Minister said while addressing meeting of Bangladesh Awami League's Election Steering Committee. The Prime Minister said that why will people vote for those who have killed the common people and why will people trust them. "People don't trust them. They are identified as killers and conspirators," she said. The Prime Minister said that if anyone has the honesty and courage to work for the people then they should run for the election. "Whosoever, has the public support will form the government," she said. The Prime Minister said that the election is the constitutional right of the people and that door for the elections is open for all. She also sought cooperation from the people so that the election can be held in a free and fair manner and on time. "People should cast their vote (in the election) with the slogan - 'I will cast my vote for whoever I want'," the Prime Minister said. She said that everyone should come and participate in the election. "(All should) go to the people and seek votes for them," she said. The Prime Minister also thanked the Election Commission for announcing the election on time and not getting coming under pressure due to the arson and violence. The Prime Minister said that her government was successful in launching the Digital Bangladesh as everyone is reaping its benefits. "Our government will also launch the 'Smart Bangladesh' in future. We hope that youth will get benefit from such schemes," the Prime Minister said. Abbas Ganbay SPECA week (UN Special Programme for the Economies of Central Asia) will be held in Baku on November 2024, Azernews reports. The Ministry of Economy informs that within SPECA week on November 20, there will be meetings of working groups on trade, gender, and SDGs, November 2122, the Economic Forum, the 18th session of the SPECA Governing Council on November 23, and the 18th session of the SPECA Governing Council on November 24. The SPECA 2023 Economic Forum, entitled "Transforming the SPECA Region into a Global Hub", aims to transform the programme into a service-oriented, flexible, and strategic platform. The event will feature discussions on the topics of digital transformation of data and document sharing in the supply chain, transport connectivity, green energy connectivity in the SPECA region, and the growing importance of the Middle Corridor amidst new challenges. The 18th session of the SPECA Governing Council will exchange views on the outcomes of the Economic Forum and discuss the documents governing the working mechanism of the programme, as well as other documents. In addition, an exhibition, "SPECA Countries Exhibition: Regional Cooperation for Sustainable Development," is planned to be held during the SPECA week. It should be noted that the UN Special Programme for the Economies of Central Asia was established in 1998. The participating states of the programme are Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Afghanistan. The aim of the programme is to support the development of cooperation between member states and integration into the world economy. Azerbaijan will chair SPECA in 2023. A monument to actress Ruslana Pysanka was consecrated at Berkovetsky Cemetery in Kyiv. Today, on November 17, Ruslana would have celebrated her next birthday - the actress would have turned 58. ADVERTISIMENT Pysanka passed away in July of last year - she died prematurely due to cancer. On her birthday, friends and family gathered at her burial site. Metropolitan Oleksandr Drabynko of Pereyaslav and Vyshneve performed the funeral liturgy and consecrated the monument. Relatives, friends, and colleagues came to the cemetery, including filmmaker Natalka Vorozhbyt, TV hosts Yehor Hordeiev and Ruslan Senichkin, and Yuliia Zhmakina, director of the morning broadcasting department at 1+1 TV channel. In a conversation with OBOZ.UA, Ruslana Pysanka's husband, Ihor Isakov, admitted that he was very worried that the craftsmen would not be able to complete the monument in time for Ruslana's birthday, but everything worked out - the plaques for Ruslana and her mother were installed. ADVERTISIMENT Ihor Isakov recalled how Ruslana's birthdays were celebrated during her lifetime: "We usually never celebrated at home. For some reason, it happened that Ruslana was on tour or filming that day. When she wasn't working in Kyiv, I would go to her. But I have to admit that in recent years Ruslana's birthdays were not as fun as I would have liked because she was born on November 17, and her brother died on November 18. You understand." "I don't know how I'm going to spend today yet," adds Ihor Isakov, "Most likely, I'll go with my friends who came to Ruslana's today to our house, if they have time. We will sit and reminisce for a while." ADVERTISIMENT When the full-scale war began, Ruslana Pysanka went to Germany to treat an injury she received during a performance, and in a foreign hospital, she learned that she had a serious cancer diagnosis that was progressing very quickly. When Ruslana passed away, her husband brought her ashes back to Ukraine. The Transfiguration Cathedral in Kyiv was Ruslana's favorite church, so she and her mother, who had died of cancer a few months earlier, were buried there. The funeral service was performed by Metropolitan Oleksandr of Pereyaslav and Vyshneve. The ashes of both women, Ruslana and Dina Vasylivna, have since been kept in the crypt of the Transfiguration Cathedral, where there is a small columbarium. Recently, however, it became known that Ihor Isakov decided to rebury Ruslana and her mother at Berkovets Cemetery, where the actress's father, brother, and grandparents are buried. ADVERTISIMENT Ihor Isakov speaks of Metropolitan Oleksandr with gratitude: "We baptized our goddaughter Alisa in his church, and that's how we met. When he invited us to his place for tea, she and Ruslana could not stop talking, as if they had not only met but had known each other for many years. Vladyka became our great friend. I can't say that we see each other often, but when we meet, we always feel warmth." Earlier, OBOZ.UA wrote that Ruslana Pysanka's husband explained why he decided to rebury her and what kind of monument would stand on her grave. Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Chamarajanagar : , Nov 17 (IANS/101Reporters) Standing under the canopy of trees, Venkatesh Nagsetti (38) and his brother Prasad Nagsetti (35) are spinning ropes from the dried leaves of agave plants (agave sisalana). They belong to the only family that makes sisal, a natural fibre obtained from agave, in Kuderu village of Karnataka's Chamarajanagar district. Their father Nagsetti (60), mother Sannamathamma (60), Venkatesh's wife Rekha (28) and Prasad's wife Ramya (25) help with the tasks. The family has been into this job for four generations. They belong to the Uppara caste, traditionally associated with digging earth, building tanks and making salt. "We are in this business because we do not like migrating to cities. We are not educated, so we would not get high paying jobs in cities either," Venkatesh tells 101Reporters. Earlier, around 100 families of Kuderu, Tenkalmole and Badagalamole were involved in making sisal ropes. They stopped using the natural fibre 20 years ago, as the work was strenuous. They now make reusable plastic ropes from cement bags. Agave plants grow on bunds across the fields and wastelands in the arid and semi-arid regions of Chamarajanagar, Hanumanthapura, Heggodu, Ummathur and Mysuru. It is drought-tolerant, but grows well when water is available. Once the fleshy leaves are harvested, it will take around six months for the next harvest. The process Hunting down agave leaves suitable for making ropes is an integral part of the work. "We are used to the constant travels to nearby regions of Mysuru, Mandya and Bengaluru in search of material. Despite the changing climate, we have not had great difficulties so far in procuring leaves. When the underground adventitious shoots developing from the roots receive favourable conditions, they often come up above the soil surface at some distance from the parent plant and develop into small suckers. These new plants ensure our raw material," says Venkatesh. For the last 50 years, the family has been using a sugarcane crusher machine with a diesel engine to extract sisal fibre. Venkatesh has to remain standing in a bent position throughout the process. It is done by hand and there are chances of injuring one's hand when the machine is running. More people are needed for the process, which includes feeding leaves into the crusher, putting cold water when the machine heats up and hanging the fibre to dry. "Modern machines that run on electricity/solar energy could save the huge amounts that we spend on diesel. Newer technologies will raise productivity and income, but they cost a lot," says Venkatesh. Explaining the economics of making ropes, he says, "For procuring agave leaves, we have to give Rs 300 to 500 to land owners. We spend a total of Rs 5,000 to employ four labourers [Rs 500 each] to cut the leaves and load and unload them into a hired tractor and for transportation. The raw fibre is sold for Rs 80 per kg." To run the crusher, diesel worth Rs 500 and oil worth Rs 300 are needed daily. The family works 16 days a month (four days a week). They do all the work themselves as they cannot afford labour charges. They should ideally wear a full body suit as the juice is allergic, but they manage with hand gloves and full sleeve shirts. They are sure they can produce an additional 30 kg of the fibre against the present weekly output of 100 kg, provided they have the right machine. Contrastingly, reusable plastic ropes are sold at Rs 30 per kg, as they have no processing cost. Each bag costs Rs 2 to 3, and the plastic rope-makers purchase 100 sacks of 25-kg cement bags to manufacture 90 ropes. When compared to natural fibre rope, the work is less strenuous and they earn between Rs 4,000 and 5,000 a week. In the case of natural fibre rope, three to five persons are required to make one batch of rope manually. "The spinning wheel has to be often turned full 360 degrees to produce a batch of rope," Rekha says. Ramya adds that women are predominantly involved in rotating the wheel from a seated position, which causes shoulder pain and leads to health issues in the long run. Solar machines not affordable Five years ago, Selco Foundation demonstrated a solar rope-making machine worth Rs 30,000 to the fibre and plastic rope-makers of Kuderu. However, it was found to be unsuitable for their work, so they had to look at a high-power machine worth Rs 60,000. As banks would not approve a loan, the family was not able to buy it. "We were very happy with the solar machine because it increased output while reducing physical effort. Two people could run it easily. It had a remote control facility to turn the wheel and control speed," Prasad tells 101Reporters. Right now, the family neither has a closed shed nor a place to construct it. They get more material in the rainy season, but productivity is low due to lack of a shed to keep the machine and for spinning and drying activities. "The fibre will rot easily if we work in the open in the rainy season. At present, we work out of a friend's land. We need at least a shed of 100 m length," Venkatesh says. Prasad says the government should form clusters and recognise the occupation as a small-scale industry to help them access loans for buying modern machinery. Venkatesh believes that proper incentives and some design classes on making different products can bring back those who have left the occupation. Agave has the potential to create employment opportunities to farmers affected by erratic weather patterns and the unemployed youth. Commissioning a small-scale industry to produce sisal fibre and other associated products may result in economic empowerment of the region. Conceptualising and creating different products with the help of designers have good scope. The women in the region are familiar with the work, but natural fibre rope-making can get a new lease of life only if these women receive regular orders. "Marketing has not been a problem for our ropes. The demand is still strong and people come in search of us. We also sell at nearby village markets," says Venkatesh. Entry into design space Entrepreneur Raghuveer Panaghanti and architect Shruthi Ramakrishna are looking at ways to adopt natural fibres into their designs, in a bid to support the fading occupation and its practitioners. "At Indisutras, loofah [luffa cylindrica] and sisal are used as alternatives to synthetic materials. Body and utensil scrubbers, indoor slippers and decor pieces are made from loofahs. Straw cleaners, body scrubbers and soap saver pouches are made from sisal. As loofah has no demand as a vegetable, we felt compelled to explore the material's hidden potential. We have been working with farmers to cultivate loofah," says Panaghanti. "To begin with, we encouraged Akkikalu Shivanna of Mudigere in Tumakuru to grow loofahs. We also started procuring the vegetable from Mysuru-based Belavala Foundation. Likewise, we have been trying to engage farmers by offering a buy-back guarantee with advance payments," explains Panaghanti. Shivanna has been growing loofah in six of his total eight acres for the last eight years. "There was not much profit earlier, but it is attracting entrepreneurs now. I have eight labourers to cut, clean, thread and pack loofahs. The work happens year-round. Entrepreneurs from Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Bengaluru buy loofah from me and export it to the US, Dubai and Germany. I sell them for Rs 9 to 10 per piece. The threaded loofahs [for hanging] get me Rs 14. When the business is good, I make a profit of Rs 30,000 to 35,000," Shivanna tells 101Reporters. Indisutras outsources a portion of its work to self-help groups in and around Kanakapura in Karnataka. "The machines are custom-made and hence priced higher. Our focus is entirely on B2B [business-to-business], but creating a network has been a gradual process. We were funded by the Karnataka Government through their startup initiative, Elevate 2021, which turned out to be crucial in expanding our research and development efforts to create high-quality products," says Panaghanti. Shruthi Ramakrishna, architect, Made In Earth, has been looking for sustainable materials to promote architecture that is more mindful of people, the environment and local resources. She uses naturalistic building components and methods. "We are yet to come across any other Indian artist working with loofah, especially in architecture or product design space. Sisal, however, is used for carpet weaving," Ramakrishna explains. Loofahs were deseeded, peeled, unfolded and hand sewn into a big quilt by its women loofah cultivators. At night, the stacked loofahs transform into an illuminated installation, inspiring thought on the idea of sowing as a proactive act of creating meaningful relationships with one's land and people. "The exhibit titled 'The Future Will Be Sown' will be showcased at the Dubai Design Week, from November 7 to 12. This is a call for profound shifts in our relationship with the environment, urging us to honour nature and communities while weaving together a regenerative future through renewable resources," says Agnimitra Bachi, an architect at Made In Earth. No doubt, there is a need for more such spaces for regenerative growth and climate action. (Dr Lakshmi Unnithan is a Karnataka-based freelance journalist and a member of 101Reporters, a pan-India network of grassroots reporters) Kolkata, Nov 17 : A man was arrested in West Bengal's industrial township of Durgapur on Friday on charges of first raping a minor girl and subsequently sharing the video of the heinous act with some people, including the victim's mother. After watching the video shared from the mobile phone of the accused, the victimas mother registered a complaint at Coke Oven Police Station, following which accused Latiful Sheikh, a neighbour of the victimas family, was arrested. A senior officer of Asansol-Durgapur Police Commiserate said that after the arrest, the accused was presented before a court at Durgapur and the public prosecutor sought his police custody. The accused has been charged under Section 376 (punishment for rape) under the Indian Penal Code as well as various sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. However, the court has sent him to judicial custody. In her complaint, the victimas mother has claimed that around 15 days back, the victim was invited to the residence of the accused, where he made her unconscious by mixing sedatives in her cold drinks. Thereafter, as per the complaint, the accused not only raped her, but also video recorded the entire incident and shared it some people, one of which reached the victimas mother also. The victimas mother said that initially she did not know anything. Her daughter was shattered after the incident and insisted on going to her grandmothersa place. Finally, the victimas mother came to know the real incident and filed a police complaint. London, Nov 17 : Everton FC on Friday received an immediate 10-point deduction by an independent commission for breaching the Premier League's Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSRs). The punishment is the biggest sporting sanction in the competition's history and leaves Everton in the relegation zone with 19th place in the table. Before their points deduction, Everton were 14th in the league table, eight points above the bottom three. Everton said the club is "shocked and disappointed" by the ruling of the Premier Leagueas Commission. The Premier League issued a complaint against the club and referred the case to an Independent Commission earlier this year. According to the Premier League, during the proceedings, the Club admitted it was in breach of the PSRs for the period ending season 2021/22 but the extent of the breach remained in dispute. Following a five-day hearing last month, the Commission determined that Everton FCas PSR Calculation for the relevant period resulted in a loss of A 124.5 million, as contended by the Premier League, which exceeded the threshold of A 105 million permitted under the PSRs. The Commission concluded that a sporting sanction in the form of a 10-point deduction should be imposed. That sanction has an immediate effect. "The Club believes that the Commission has imposed a wholly disproportionate and unjust sporting sanction. The Club has already communicated its intention to appeal the decision to the Premier League. The appeal process will now commence and the Clubas case will be heard by an Appeal Board appointed pursuant to the Premier Leagueas rules in due course," the club's statement read. It further said: "The Club does not recognise the finding that it failed to act with the utmost good faith and it does not understand this to have been an allegation made by the Premier League during the course of proceedings. Both the harshness and severity of the sanction imposed by the Commission are neither a fair nor a reasonable reflection of the evidence submitted. "The Club will also monitor with great interest the decisions made in any other cases concerning the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules." Only two clubs have previously been docked points in Premier League history - Middlesbrough, who were deducted three for failing to fulfil a fixture against Blackburn in 1996/97 and Portsmouth, who were stripped of nine after entering administration in March 2010. Hyderabad, Nov 17 : Two days after resigning from the BJP, actor-politician M. Vijayashanthi joined the Congress here on Friday. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge welcomed her into the party in the presence of party in-charge for Telangana, Manikrai Thakare, Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka and others. The former MP returned to the Congress less than two weeks before the Telangana Assembly elections scheduled on November 30. Vijayashanti, who was a BJP national executive member, resigned from the party on Wednesday after staying away from party activities for the last few months. She is the fourth key leader to quit the BJP in less than a month. Former MPs Komatireddy Rajagopal Reddy and G. Vivekanand are among the leaders who have switched loyalties to the Congress. It was in December 2020 that Vijayashanthi had returned to the BJP after 15 years. She had joined the BJP in 1997 and served as the 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 the 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, 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 the 2018 Assembly polls. After the partyas debacle, she was not active in the party and returned to the BJP in 2020. Khammam : , Nov 17 (IANS) Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday slammed Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao for asking what Congress has done since independence and remarked that the school and college he went to were also built by the Congress. Rahul Gandhi, who participated in the party's election campaign in four Assembly constituencies, claimed that it was Congress which carved out Telangana state. "The school and college you went to were built by the Congress party. The roads on which you move were laid by the Congress," he said while addressing a rally in Pinapaka constituency in Bhadradri Kothagudem district. He said that it was Congress which developed Hyderabad as the IT capital of the world. "Hyderabad, which has been looted by the chief minister for the last 10 years, was made the IT capital of the world by the Congress," he said. The Congress MP also claimed that it was Congress which started supplying free power to farmers. Disputing KCR's claim that farmers in Telangana were getting 24-hour power, he remarked that only KCR's house is getting 24-hour power. He promised that after coming to power, Congress will ensure 24-hour power for farmers. Reiterating that his relationship with Telangana is not political, Rahul Gandhi said his family has had a relationship with Telangana for generations. The Congress leader described the November 30 election as a fight between Dorala (feudal) Telangana and Prajala (people's) Telangana. He alleged that Rs 100 crore were looted in Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project. "I visited Kaleshwaram. It's collapsing," he said. Rahul Gandhi said KCR cheated 20 lakh farmers in the name of Dharani. He promised that after Congress comes to power, farmers will get back the lands snatched from them through Dharani. The Congress leader also addressed a rally in Narasmpet constituency, conducted padyatra and addressed a corner meeting in Warangal East constituency He reiterated that BRS, BJP and MIM are working together. Exuding confidence that Congress will defeat them, he assured the people that Congress will realise their dream of Telangana. "KCR established the rule of his family in Telangana but we want to bring the rule of backward classes, Dalits and tribals," he said adding that as part of this, reservation in local bodies will be increased to 42 per cent. Rahul Gandhi listed out the six guarantees given by the Congress and other major promises made by the party in its manifesto. Bhopal, Nov 17 : The single-phase Assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh concluded at its scheduled time of 6 p.m. on Friday with the state recording a voter turnout of 71.64 per cent till 5 p.m., according to Election Commission data. Polling in three Maoist-affected districts -- Balaghat, Dindori and Mandla -- concluded at 3 p.m. Over a dozen reports of clashes between the supporters of different political parties were reported, including firing and stone pelting in the Gwalior-Chambal region. After the voting got over, the opposition Congress released a long list of incidents and alleged that the supporters of the ruling BJP were found involved in serious offences during polling across Madhya Pradesh. The Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) claimed the list of offences by BJP workers was prepared on the basis of inputs or complaints received at the partyas war room. The opposition claimed that over 200 complaints were received throughout the day, 15 of them 'serious' in nature. State Congress chief Kamal Nath and Rajya Sabha MP Digvijaya Singh along with a team of legal experts conducted a detailed analysis on the reports received from the partya war room, and a message was conveyed to the state police and the Election Commission in this regard, the party said in an official statement. The MPCC claimed that it has lodged complaints over 15 incidents that were found to be serious offences and the BJP workers were found involved in all of them. The list of serious offences includes an incident in Chhatarpur district, where a Congress cooperator was killed late on Thursday. A tribal man was brutally attacked in Rewa district who is recuperating at a hospital, the party said. At Dimani in Morena district, where Union Minister Narendra Singh Tomar is the BJP candidate, two persons were shot at in broad daylight, it said. It also claimed that Congress candidate Gyan Singh from Sidhi Assembly seat was attacked and his vehicle was damaged by BJP workers. The list of offences includes BJP supporters threatening and manhandling Congress supporters at Vijayraghavgarh in Katni district. A purported video related to the incident went viral on social media. It also alleged that BJP workers pelted stones on Congress candidate Vikrant Bhuria in Jhabua, causing minor injury. The Congress workers were attacked with swords in Mhow, the MPCC alleged. Bengaluru, Nov 17 : Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K Shivakumar on Friday said that the state government has appealed to the Centre to increase MGNREGA man-days from 100 to 150 in view of drought in the state. Shivakumar said that over 200 taluks in the state are reeling under severe drought and increase in MGNREGA man-days will benefit people of drought-hit areas. "There is a rule that MGNREGA man-days must be increased at the time of drought, but nothing has been done yet. Those who claim to be farmers and sons of soil in the BJP must urge the Centre to increase the number of man-days," Shivakumar said while speaking at the inaugural ceremony of Krishi Mela at Gandhi Krishi Vigyan Kendra in Bengaluru. The Deputy Chief Minister said that as per the rules of MGNREGA, farmers could earn by working in government lands. "I succeeded in impressing upon Sonia Gandhi and the then Rural Development Minister C.P Joshi to allow the benefit of MGNREGA to farmers' efforts in their own land," he said. "I have ensured that each and every farmer in Kanakapura taluk to get MGNREGA benefits. The BJP cannot help but give the 'best taluk for MGNREGA implementation' award to our taluk," he said, calling upon farmers to make full use of the scheme. He urged the University of Agricultural Sciences to do research to increase the yields so that farmers stick to farming and not sell their lands. The Deputy Chief Minister said that the farmers of Bengaluru Rural, Kanakapura, Chikkaballapura and Kolar are role models for the entire country as they have achieved huge success in farming of vegetables, fruits and flowers. "These farmers are making use of scarce resources available to them and are earning excellent returns. Farmers should not to sell their lands and migrate to cities. Farmers are the backbone of our country," the Deputy Chief Minister said. New Delhi, Nov 17 : Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Friday conducted a surprise inspection at the Sarai Kale Khan Bus Depot here on Friday to ensure strict adherence to GRAP-IV (Graded Response Action Plan) norms. The inspection focused on diesel buses arriving from the NCR zone states. While most buses within the depot were found to comply with GRAP-4 rules, Rai expressed concerns about numerous private buses illegally parked outside the depot, especially those from neighbouring states. The Transport Department officials have been instructed to conduct a special campaign against illegal parking around bus depots in Delhi and take necessary actions against buses violating rules. A checking campaign by the Transport Department at all entry points has been ongoing since November 1. Rai highlighted the increasing pollution from vehicles and said that all buses in Delhi are operating on CNG. Moreover, over 900 electric buses are currently operational in the city. Since November 1, only electric, CNG, and BS-VI (Bharat Stage VI) buses are permitted in Delhi. Strict action will be taken against non-compliant buses. During the surprise inspection, Rai also visited the RRTS (Regional Rapid Transit System) project site at Sarai Kale Khan. He noted that overall, the project adheres to rules and directed officials to address minor violations. Patna, Nov 17 : A day after Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar demanded special status for the state, Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilash) President Chirag Paswan on Friday said that such a demand reflects failure of his governance. "Nitish Kumar is ruling the state for last 18 years and still demands a special status. It reflects his failure. What he has done in the last 18 years. Why has he failed to build an infrastructure by which Bihar can become self dependent and can generate adequate revenue from the available resources? "After 18 years, looking towards others for financial help is a reflection of the failure of his government. I want to ask the Chief Minister to point out one state owned programme where the revenue of the state has increased," Paswan said. He said that it is a shame not only for Nitish Kumar but for the entire alliance which has been ruling the state for the last 34 years. "Bihar does not want special status. It is a political gimmick of Nitish Kumar as Lok Sabha and assembly elections are around the corner. He wants money for the election. I want to ask him to provide details of the money the Centre has given for various projects and how much has he spent and how much was returned to the Centre," Paswan said. He asked that why the Chief Minister not demanded the special status for Bihar when there was a double engine government in the state. On Thursday, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said that he will start a movement against the Centre if his demand for Bihar's special status was not met. He said that he will also embark on a Yatra across the Bihar to take public opinion on special status. He also claimed that if special status is given to Bihar, the development programmes which usually take five years can be completed in just two years. --IANS ajk/dan New Delhi, Nov 17 : The National Green Tribunal has directed authorities, including the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), to take stringent measures aimed at improving the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi-NCR. Despite previous interventions, the tribunal noted a lack of "visible improvement" in the capital's air quality and has mandated the authorities concerned to submit a renewed action taken report by November 20. Taking suo motu cognisance of the worsening air quality in Delhi, the tribunal, led by Justice Prakash Shrivastava had earlier issued notices to key entities such as the DPCC, CPCB, Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), and the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) for the NCR and adjoining areas. In response to reports filed by the DPCC, CAQM, and the Delhi Government, the tribunal stressed on the need for a comprehensive approach to manage ambient air quality, citing various measures, including those related to industrial pollution, diesel generator sets, stubble burning, and dust emissions. While acknowledging the technical interventions proposed by the CPCB, the tribunal expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of disclosure regarding their application and effectiveness. The Delhi Government's report identified vehicular emissions, road dust, construction activities, open burning, and crop residue burning as significant sources of pollution. Despite reported efforts to control air pollution, the tribunal deemed the ground results unsatisfactory, particularly during the period from October 20-30, when the air quality deteriorated. Consequently, the tribunal urged the agencies concerned to reassess their strategies and devise effective solutions to ensure compliance with permissible AQI limits in Delhi and NCR. In light of the continued poor air quality, the authorities are now mandated to implement stringent measures, with a deadline to submit a fresh action taken report set for the forthcoming proceedings scheduled for November. At a depth of 6,895 meters in the Philippine Sea, the USS Samuel B. Roberts (DE-413) was discovered. It sank during World War II on October 25, 1944, in battles with the Japanese Navy. ADVERTISIMENT 89 crew members were killed. According to the BBC, the ship, whose remains were found on June 22, became the deepest ship to sink of all those identified (to see photos and videos, scroll to the end of the news). Previously, this status was held by the USS Johnston (DD-557 ), which was wrecked in the same battle at a depth of 6,469 meters. Scientists examined DE-413 using underwater cameras. As it turned out, the ship split into two parts, with a distance of 10 meters between them. At the same time, the gun turrets and part of the ship's deck were preserved. ADVERTISIMENT As OBOZREVATEL previously reported, the United States will supply Ukraine with warships and patrol boats as part of its military aid. The latest tranche also includes four HIMARS systems. ADVERTISIMENT New Delhi, Nov 17 : Hours after Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge released the manifesto for Telangana, party leader Rahul Gandhi said that their victory in the state will usher in a golden era of the 'Prajala Telangana'. In a post on X, Rahul Gandhi said: "Congress's victory will usher in a golden era of 'Prajala Telangana'. The Pragathi Bhavan will be renamed 'Praja Paalana Bhavan', whose doors will be open to all, 24x7. The Chief Minister and all ministers will hold regular Praja Darbaars to listen to and resolve people's grievances within 72 hours. Join us in building an accountable, transparent and people first Prajala Telangana." His remarks came after Kharge earlier in the day released the party's manifesto which promised a daily 'praja darbar' at the Chief Minister's official residence, interest-free crop loans up to Rs 3 lakh, a judicial inquiry into irregularities in Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project and other corruption allegations, and scrapping of Dharani portal. Also in the manifesto, the party promised a comprehensive crop insurance scheme for all major crops, Rs 1,00,000 and 10 grams of gold as Indiramma gift to Hindu girls and Rs 1,60,000 for minority community girls at the time of their marriage, financial assistance of Rs 12,000 per year to every auto rickshaw driver and social security to unorganised workers. The Congress has promised "Bhumata" portal in place of the Dharani portal and assured that justice will be done to all farmers who have lost their land rights. Other than the six guarantees announced two months ago, the party has included a slew of promises for various sections in the manifesto for November 30 elections. Titled 'Abhaya Hastam', the 42-page manifesto was released on Friday by Kharge in the presence of state unit President A. Revanth Reddy, Congress Legislature Party leader Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka and other leaders. The six guarantees unveiled on September 17 and the declarations already released by the party for farmers, youth, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, backward classes and minorities form part of the manifesto. --IANS aks/vd New Delhi, Nov 17 : The Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS) on Friday denied making payments to any vendor for the development of AI software, after it was alleged that MetaMix Technologies Pvt Ltd was given the tender. Delhi Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar's son Karan Chauhan is a founder of the MetaMix. The ILBS in a statement said: "The Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS) vehemently denies all media reports regarding any payment to any vendor for the development of Al software." It said that ILBS "confirms that it did not issue any purchase order" or made any "payment" to any Al Software developer or company. "These allegations are totally baseless and are without merit. ILBS firmly reiterates its commitment to transparency and adherence to ethical practices in all its endeavours. Any insinuation suggesting otherwise is entirely unfounded," the ILBS said. The remarks from the hospital came after it was alleged that Naresh Kumar, who is also the Chairman of the ILBS Hospital, gave the work to develop AI software without any tender to MetaMix. According to Delhi government sources, in course of an inquiry ordered by Vigilance Minister Atishi, it was further discovered that Chauhan is also the Founder or Director in a web of companies, many of which have been awarded contracts by government agencies, including in Delhi. "The investigations in the NHAI land acquisition matter and the complex web of undisclosed commercial relationships have given rise to a reasonable suspicion that the Chief Secretary may have unduly favoured other companies associated with his son, or may have used his power and influence on other persons to accrue unlawful benefits to the companies associated with his son," the source said. "One particular relationship that was unearthed in the inquiry was that Chauhan is the founder of a company called MetaMix Technologies Pvt. Ltd. This company was founded on May 10 last year by Chauhan, Anish Sarin, also promoter of Anant Raj Limited, which is also involved in the commercial relationships discovered in the NHAI land acquisition case and Saksham Harivyasi," the source said referring to the preliminary report by the Vigilance Minister. It was also claimed that MetaMix has been working with the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS) as an esteemed knowledge partner and is developing a research lab in ILBS. "A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the partnership between MetaMix and ILBS was executed on January 25 this year," the source claimed. The source said that during the preliminary probe by Vigilance Minister revealed that "from the examination of all existing records and relevant information in the public domain, it is apparent that the Chief Secretary, who is also the Chairman of ILBS hospital has used his position and influence to enable his son's startup MetaMix to gain huge financial benefits, industry experience, reputational gain and other intangible benefits from a government body, whose decision-making process he directly controlled". "In a textbook case of nepotism, Chief Secretary influenced the resources and expertise of ILBS to be used to develop MetaMix's technology free-of-cost, even getting ILBS to play a role in promoting and marketing the technology. All of this was achieved through signing of a MoU on a nomination basis with MetaMixa which has been modelled as an all-in-one success recipe for Naresh Kumar's son's startup," the source said, mentioning the report. The source further stated that while signing the MoU with MetaMix, ILBS agreed to provide unrestricted access to valuable datasets, case data and set data that are crucial for developing augmented reality models, which no other private company can access for free. --IANS aks/pgh Bengaluru, Nov 17 : The BJP high command on Friday appointed former Deputy Chief Minister and MLA R. Ashoka as the Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly. The announcement was made after a legislative party meeting held at a private hotel here, sources said. Former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai proposed Ashoka's name, which was endorsed by former minister and MLA V. Sunil Kumar. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and the party's national General Secretary Dushyant Kumar Gautam were sent as observers from the party high command in Delhi. Former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa and his son and newly-appointed state BJP chief B.Y. Vijayendra were also present at the meeting. A seven-time MLA, Ashoka presently represents the Padmanabhanagar Assembly constituency in Bengaluru. Hailing from the Vokkaliga community Ashoka joined the RSS at a young age. He was jailed for a month during the Emergency along with L.K. Advani at the Bengaluru Central Jail. Meanwhile, BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal stirred controversy by stating that the state BJP should not be confined to a family. "I have talked about adjustment politics in the state. I have not placed any demand before the observers. The central leadership should not bow down to a few stooges and should make proper decisions. The observers are happy with my opinion, and have assured that they would bring my opinion to the notice of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah," Yatnal said before the meeting. He also said that the post of Leader of Opposition should be given to a leader from the north Karnataka region. Mumbai, Nov 17 : The state government-appointed committee, led by Justice Sandeep Shinde (retd), will embark on a three-week tour of Maharashtra to finalise the procedures for issuing caste certificates to eligible Kunbi-Marathas and Maratha-Kunbis, an official said here on Friday. The committee will travel to all the revenue divisions in the state as per a government directive, starting with Amravati Division on November 22, Nagpur (November 23), Kolhapur-Sangli (November 28), Pune (November 29), Nashik (December 2), Sindhudurg-Ratnagiri (December 11), and Konkan Division (December 14). The announcement came after a cabinet meeting presided over by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde this afternoon, and the panel is likely to complete its work before the December 24 ultimatum given by Shivba Sanghatana leader Manoj Jarange-Patil. Later, Shinde told media persons that contrary to apprehensions in some quarters, the existing OBC quotas will not be affected by the plans to give the reservation to the Maratha community. Jarange-Patil is currently on a tour of certain districts of the state addressing huge public meetings to drum up support for the Maratha quotas and said they will keep quiet till December 24. Thereafter, if the government fails to announce the reservation, he has threatened to further intensify his ongoing agitation which started from August 29 in Jalna, including two-time hunger strikes and protests across the state. Taking a swipe at the government, Jarange-Patil claimed in a public rally that it was due to his agitation that the state administration had started working on the quota issue after keeping on the backburner for over 70 years. Guwahati/Imphal, Nov 17 : National Human Rights Commission Chairperson Justice Arun Kumar Mishra (retd) on Friday said that the panel has asked Manipur government to pay compensation in pending cases of those who lost their lives within four weeks and compensation for reconstruction of houses within six weeks. After a two day acamp sittinga of NHRC in Guwahati, Mishra said that the Commission has heard the Manipur cases. Issues of highway blockade, and a road map from the government to restore normality were discussed, he told the media and said for 93 persons, who have died in various incidents in Manipur an ex gratia of Rs 10 lakh paid already to the next of kin. "The state government has said that about 180 persons have died, and we have asked that in those cases where compensations are pending, the government needs to pay within the next four week. Compensation for reconstruction of houses must be paid within six weeks." NHRC held a National Conference on 'Advancing Human Rights through Local Self Governments in Guwahati on Thursday to sensitise local self-governments on various aspects of human rights. Mishra also shared his concern over the ethnic conflict in Manipur, which has contributed to social and political tensions in the region. Thge NHRC earlier stated that it received Action Taken Reports (ATRs) in many cases from the Manipur government in response to its notices in various cases relating to incidents of violence since May 3. It has stated that many steps have been taken relating to the incidents of violence in the state, including reinforcement in the law and order machinery and security, setting of relief camps and a peace committee, relaxing curfew, reinstating internet and banking services in a measured manner, announcing ex-gratia for the families of the dead, compensation packages for the injured, and rebuilding of damaged houses. It has also been informed that the Centre has constituted a Commission of enquiry to arrive at the causes of the conflict and that six FIRs have been transferred to the CBI for investigation independently. The NHRC had registered 18 cases related to human rights violations in connection with the incidents of violence in Manipur after the ethnic strife broke out over six months ago. In its acamp sittinga in Guwahati, it heard 56 cases in the presence of officers concerned of several northeastern states and the complainants. The cases include human rights violation cases in Manipur. With the intervention of the Commission, Rs 3.55 crore relief was paid or in the process of being paid to the victims of the different northeastern states. Turin : , Nov 17 (IANS) World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz finished on top of the Red Group after a 6-4, 6-4 win over Daniil Medvedev on Friday, setting up a thrilling semifinal clash with six-time champion Novak Djokovic in the ATP Finals. All four of the world's top-ranked players have advanced from the group stage. Medvedev, the 2020 champion, is set to face Italian contender Jannik Sinner in the other semifinal match. Notably, the 20-year-old Alcaraz, who is making his ATP Finals debut, has become the youngest ATP Finals semifinalist since Rafael Nadal in 2006. Interestingly, Nadal marked his ATP Finals debut as world No.2 at the age of 20 in 2006. Alcaraz and Medvedev delivered an exhibition of high-quality shot-making at a packed Pala Alpitour in Turin. The Spaniard showcased increased aggression, pushing forward to gain an edge against the World No. 3. A pivotal moment came when Alcaraz reeled off seven consecutive points in the first set, breaking Medvedevas serve to love at 3-3. Alcaraz, who is making his Nitto ATP Finals debut, played with variety, often mixing in serve-and-volleys and drop shots to counter Medvedevas deep court positioning, reports ATP tour. Alcaraz improves to 3-2 against Medvedev in their ATP Head-to-Head series, with the Spaniardas trio of victories all coming in 2023. New Delhi, Nov 17 : Moving ahead in its probe into the alleged land-for-job scam, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has summoned at least 10 railway employees for questioning in connection with the case next week, sources said on Friday. According to CBI sources, the agency has summoned at least 10 railway employees at its headquarters in the national capital for questioning from November 21-25. The employees who have been summoned are currently posted in Barauni and Sonpur division of the railways in Bihar. The sources said the development came after the agency got some fresh leads in the case. The CBI had registered the case on May 18, 2022 against former Railway Minister and RJD chief Lalu Prasad and 15 others, including his wife Rabri Devi, two daughters, and unidentified public servants and private persons. On July 3, the CBI had filed a charge sheet against Lalu Prasad, Rabri Devi and his son and Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav. "From 2004 to 2009, Lalu Prasad (then Railway Minister) had obtained pecuniary advantages in the form of transfer of landed property in the name of his family members in lieu of appointment of substitutes in Group aDa posts in different zones of the Railways," a CBI official had earlier said. A number of residents of Patna themselves or through their family members reportedly sold and gifted their land in favour of the family members of Lalu Prasad and a private company controlled by him and his family. "No advertisement or any public notice was issued for such appointment of substitutes, yet the appointees, who were all residents of Patna, were appointed as substitutes in different zones located in Mumbai, Jabalpur, Kolkata, Jaipur and Hajipur. "In continuation of this modus operandi, about 1,05,292 sq ft land and immovable properties located in Patna were acquired by Lalu Prasad and his family members through five sales deeds and two gift deeds, showing the payment made to the seller in cash in most of the land transfer," the CBI had said. Mumbai, Nov 17 : India's construction and engineering giant Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has been slapped with two penalties of Rs 111.31 crore and Rs 127.64 crore by Qatar's income tax authorities for alleged variation in the income declared by the company compared with the assessment of the authority, the company said in a stock exchange filing on Friday. The penalties, which add up to Rs 238.9 crore, have been imposed for the tax assessment period between April 2016 to March 2017 and April 2017 to March 2018. "An appeal has been filed against the levy of this penalty as the company believes it is arbitrary and unjustified," L&T said. The company said that it is "reasonably confident of a favourable outcome at the appellate level", adding that no material adverse impact is envisaged on the financial, operations or other activities of the company. The Gulf region is a major market for L&T, accounting for as much as 41 per cent of its order inflow in the April-September half of the current financial year. The orders worked out to 32 per cent of its Rs 4,50,700 crore order book as of September-end. Bhopal, Nov 17 : Incidents of violence were reported from several parts of the state during the single-phase Assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh on Friday, with the Chambal region remaining in the news throughout the day for clashes. Violent clashes, including firing and stone pelting, between the supporters of different political parties were reported from Morna and Bhind districts of the region. Two rival groups indulged in a violence clash in which stones were pelted at each other. A video of stone pelting also surfaced on social media. In another incident, a person suffered bullet injury after a scuffle broke out between the supporters of two political parties in Dhimni Assembly constituency in Morena district. As per reports, the violence occurred at polling booths 147-148 at Mirghan village in in Dhimni. Senior BJP leader and Union Minister Narendra Singh Tomar is contesting from Dhimni against sitting Congress MLA Arvind Tomar. At Sumawali Assembly constituency in Morena district, the candidates of all three major parties -- sitting Congress MLA Ajab Singh Kushwah, BJP's Adal Singh Kasana and BSP's Kuldeep Sikarwar -- were brought to the Morena police lines as part of security measures. Incidents of firing and stone pelting were also reported from adjoining Bhind district. The tensed situation there prompted the local administration to confine the candidates of all three major parties as part of security measures. Senior Congress leader Govind Singh, who is contesting from Lahar in Bhind district, along with the candidates of BJP and BSP were confined at the circuit house for hours. Meanwhile, BJP candidate Rakesh Shukla from Mehgaon in Bhind district was reportedly injured during a stone pelting incident. "Stones were pelted outside a polling station in Manhad village. We are trying to find out what exactly happened," ADM R.K. Khatri told mediapersons. 'I faced Indira Gandhi during Emergency at the age of 17', Ktaka LoP confident of taking on Siddaramaiah. Image Source: IANS News Bengaluru, Nov 17 : Newly-appointed Leader of Opposition in Karnataka Assembly, R. Ashoka, said on Friday that facing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah won't be difficult as he had faced late Indira Gandhi during Emergency at the age of 17. Speaking to mediapersons after being named as BJP's Leader of Opposition, the seven-time MLA said that he has worked for the party for 45 years in various capacities. "Siddaramaiah didn't will all the elections under the symbol of one party. He had changed sides. But I've won seven elections on BJP ticket," he said. "All the legislators, PM Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP President J.P. Nadda, and former CM B.S. Yediyurappa have given me this opportunity. I have fought against the Congress throughout my life," Ashoka added. He said the party high command has given him the task of bringing BJP back to power in Karnataka. "I have also been given the task of winning all the 28 Lok Sabha seats in the state. I don't have any hiccups to work with state BJP chief B.Y. Vijayendra. I had never opposed his father B.S. Yediyurappa," he said. A seven-time MLA, Ashoka presently represents the Padmanabhanagar Assembly constituency in Bengaluru. Hailing from the Vokkaliga community, Ashoka joined the RSS at a young age. He was imprisoned for a month during the Emergency along with L.K. Advani at the Bengaluru Central Jail. Astronomers from all over the world witnessed a unique cosmic cataclysm called the Tasmanian Devil when the remnants of a dead star flashed brightly for several months. Scientists admit that nothing like this has ever been observed in the history of astronomy. ADVERTISIMENT The study was published in Nature. This is a unique case of a phenomenon that scientists call the fast blue optical transient (FBOT). Scientists see gamma-ray bursts in distant galaxies almost every day, and supernovae (collapsing giant stars) are already considered a commonplace phenomenon as astronomers observe hundreds of them every year. But the LBOT is the rarest and most mysterious cataclysm. These are sudden, intense flashes of predominantly bluish light that flare even brighter than a supernova and last only a few days. Since 2018, only seven such flares have been observed, and one of them turned out to be even more unique than the others. After the initial outburst faded, the LBOT flared up again, not even once. This strange LBOT nicknamed the "Tasmanian Devil" (the name comes from the last letters of the official designation of the phenomenon AT2022tsd), was seen by Cornell University astronomer Anna Ho and her colleagues working at the Zwicky Observatory in southern California (USA). There is a telescope with a camera that scans the entire night sky every few nights, looking for any unstable light sources. Scientists explain that detecting LBOTs is extremely important to understand their nature. ADVERTISIMENT A few months after the first detection of the AT2022tsd LBOT, Ho and her colleagues saw the same point in space light up again, fading away in just a few minutes. They reached out to colleagues around the world and found that others had also seen flashes of this LBOT within three months of the initial outbreak. It was found that it had flared up at least 14 more times. It also turned out that, unlike the first blue outbreak, the others were reddish in color and faded much faster, but undoubtedly came from the same source. "We've never seen anything like this before - nothing as fast and as bright as the initial explosion a few months afterwards - in any supernova or LBOT. We've never seen anything like it in astronomy, period," Ho said. Astronomers are not yet sure what causes LBOTs. The leading ideas link the event to something terrible happening to the star. LBOTs could be a previously unknown type of supernova caused by the fiery death throes of a particularly huge star, or they could be the result of a massive star falling into a black hole. ADVERTISIMENT After such outbursts, scientists speculate, a black hole or an extremely magnetic neutron star, called a magnetar, may remain. This is hinted at by the wavelengths of light in the flares, as well as how quickly their brightness changes. Only a relativistic jet, a beam of electrically charged particles that flies out of a black hole or neutron star at almost the speed of light, is likely to cause such a show. Only black holes and magnetars can create such jets. That is, as scientists suggest, LBOT may be a rare phase of stellar evolution. There is also the possibility that LBOT is the explosive result of a collision between a star and a neutron star or black hole. "This would mean that the black hole or neutron star did not form during the LBOT event, but already existed," Ho explained in an interview with Inverse. ADVERTISIMENT In this case, the LBOT was an event that "activated" the neutron star/black hole and caused it to burst into flames. Currently, astronomers continue to observe the Tasmanian Devil. Earlier, OBOZ.UA reported that scientists have discovered energy blades that can cut stars in half. Subscribe to OBOZ.UA on Telegram and Viber to keep up with the latest events. San Francisco/New Delhi, Nov 17 : Amazon is laying off "several hundred employees" from its Alexa devision, including in India, amid a renewed focus on artificial intelligence (AI), the media reported on Friday. In a memo sent to employees and seen by GeekWire, Daniel Rausch, vice president of Alexa and Fire TV team, said that the company is eliminating "several hundred roles". "As we continue to invent, we're shifting some of our efforts to better align with our business priorities, and what we know matters most to customers which includes maximising our resources and efforts focused on generative AI," he told employees in the memo. "These shifts are leading us to discontinue some initiatives, which is resulting in several hundred roles being eliminated," Rausch added. He said that the company "will communicate with impacted colleagues in India next week, and are following local processes in other regions, which may include time for consultation with employee representative bodies, and possibly resulting in longer timelines to communicate". Amazon did not provide further details on the initiatives being discontinued, the report noted. The e-commerce giant had conducted layoffs in its Devices & Services division last year as part of company-wide cuts. Rausch said that the investments in generative AI are bringing "our vision for an even more intuitive, intelligent, and useful Alexa closer than ever before". "We will reach out to colleagues in the US and Canada who are impacted by these role reductions. Notification emails will be sent out shortly, and we expect all notifications in the U.S. and Canada to be completed this morning (Pacific time)," the memo further read. "To those of you impacted by these reductions, please know we did not make this decision lightly," it added. The company is providing impacted employees packages that include a separation payment, transitional health insurance benefits, external job placement support, and paid time to conduct job search. Dave Limp, in charge of the Devices & Services division at Amazon, in August announced to leave the company. Former Microsoft executive Panos Panay has succeeded him. Seoul, Nov 17 : Hyundai Group Chairwoman Hyun Jeong-eun will step down as chair of the board of directors at the group's elevator unit next month to help improve its governance structure, the company said on Friday. Hyun tendered her resignation from the chair position of Hyundai Elevator Co. at the company's board meeting, the company said in a statement. "Faced with growing demand for an advanced government structure in businesses, (I think) Hyundai Elevator also needs to respond to calls for board of director-centered management decisions," Hyun said in the statement, reports Yonhap news agency. Hyundai Elevator will form a new board of directors at an extraordinary shareholders meeting on Dec. 29, and the new board of directors will select a new chairperson, the statement said. New Delhi, Nov 17 : The Delhi High Court has affirmed the imposition of Rs 2.92 crore luxury tax on the Delhi Gymkhana Club by the city government in 2014. Rejecting the club's challenge against the demand raised under the Delhi Tax on Luxuries Act, a bench of Justices Yashwant Varma and Ravinder Dudeja stated that the decision should not be considered a precedent for assessments post the 2012 Amendment Act. The high court had initially directed the club to pay Rs 1.45 crore for the accounting years 2009-10, 2010-11, and 2011-12 as a pre-condition. The court's judgement followed a petition by the club asserting that the tax demand was unjust and made without proper hearing. The club, maintaining its status as a social club governed by the principle of "mutuality," argued against being treated as a hotelier subject to luxury tax on amounts collected from members for accommodation. Washington, Nov 17 : The US has given Israel military and economic aid totalling a whopping $260 billion since World War II, the highest any country has received from America, $100 billion more than Egypt, the 2nd highest. The US commitment to Israel is deep rooted. The US has given Israel more than $260 billion in combined military and economic aid since World War II, plus about $10 billion more in contributions for missile defence systems like the Iron Dome, a US News analysis reveals. Only Egypt comes anywhere close to Israel with just less than $100 billion, the second-highest recipient. For over 30 years, from 1974 to 2002, Israel was the top recipient of US aid, the longest-standing duration for a top aid recipient dating back to 1946, according to figures from ForeignAssistance.gov. While 2003 to 2020 saw the most aid going to either Iraq or Afghanistan, Israel nevertheless remained a top three aid recipient throughout that time, US News & World Reports said Friday. Now, US President Joe Biden has moved a combined proposal in the Congress for $106 billion in military and humanitarian aid to both Israel and Ukraine for their wars against Hamas and Russia, of which the House of Reps has passed $16.3 billion for immediate aid to Israel, the rest is stuck in a two laddered approach proposed by the Republican Speaker Mike Johnson for achieving spending cuts that Democrats oppose. The October 7 terror attacks by Hamas on Israel called for more aid to Israel. The USS Gerald R. Ford, the Navy's newest and most advanced aircraft carrier, has already been dispatched to the region, and more aid in the form of equipment, resources and munitions is expected to arrive in coming days. On Monday, Army Secretary Christine Wormuth told reporters additional funds from Congress would be necessary to aid both Israel and Ukraine simultaneously. Most of US aid to Israel has been more military aid than economic. This is in the form of Foreign Military Financing grants a" US grants and loans to Israel for acquiring US military equipment and services. Having to prepare for regular attacks may lead Israelis to take terrorism more seriously compared to other nations. Earlier this year, as part of the survey that drives the Best Countries rankings. Respondents were asked in a survey to what extent they agreed or disagreed with the statement "terrorism is the most important global issue to solve". Among Israeli survey takers, 44 per cent strongly agreed with the statement, and 83.5 per cent agreed to any extent. Meanwhile, the global response saw 30 per cent agreeing strongly and 79.5 per cent agreeing to any extent. Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 17 : In a huge lift to Kerala's resurgent tourism, Kochi has been featured in Conde Nast Traveller's list of the best places to visit in Asia in 2024. Heaping praise on Kochi for its sustainable initiatives and local festivals, the London-based luxury travel magazine also mentions the city's waterways, verdant backwaters, lagoons and rivers, which have attracted visitors for centuries from Arab, Chinese and European merchants in the 1300s to modern-day travellers. "As one of the first in the world, its water metro systema socially inclusive transport option connecting 10 islands along a 78-kilometre networkwas already revolutionary when it launched in 2021, but will set the bar even higher by late 2024, when it becomes fully solar powered," it says, adding that the move is part of a wider effort to transform Kerala's financial and industrial capital into a solar powerhouse. The city's international airport (CIAL) is the first in the world to operate solely on solar energy and was recently upgraded with the introduction of a dedicated business jet terminal that is the largest in India. "On a wider scale, Kerala Tourism 2.0, the state's $43 million 2023-2024 sustainable tourism initiative, will focus on improving infrastructure and travel corridors between Kochi and less-visited destinations such as Munnar and Kozhikodeas well as local festivals, from the ancient temple gathering of Thrissur Pooram to the Kochi-Muziris Biennale," according to the magazine. State Tourism Minister P.A. Mohammed Riyas said it is a huge accolade for Kerala Tourism which has always strived to strike a judicious balance between the commercial growth of tourism and its sustainability to ensure participation and well-being of local communities. Tourism Secretary K. Biju said: "Our sustainable initiatives in tourism sector have made not only Kochi but the entire state a welcoming destination for travellers from across the world." The magazine also refers to improvements that are underway at Kochi's 150-year-old Ernakulam Market, which is set to unveil its years-in-the-making redesign in early 2024. Conde Nast also pays tribute to responsible tourism operator The Blue Yonder, which created a twilight dining experience inspired by Kochi's historic Chinese fishing nets in 2023 in Ezhikkara. The innovative travel company, which offers opportunities to experience conservation-focused mangrove trails and climate-resilient Pokkali rice farms, also revamped 2023-2024 Nila River voyages: two-week odysseys along the state's cultural lifeline, from the Palakkad gap to Ponnani. Also featuring in the magazine's list are Kathmandu Valley (Nepal); Singapore; The Silk Road, Uzbekistan; Kobe, Japan; Bangkok (Chinatown), Thailand; Mongolia; Ras Al Khaimah, the UAE; The Red Sea, Saudi Arabia; Da Nang, Vietnam; and South and Central Sri Lanka. --IANS sg/vd Cyclone 'Tej' likely to bypass Gujarat, veers toward Oman and Yemen. Image Source: IANS News Agartala/Imphal/Aizawl, Nov 17 : Various northeastern states on Friday sounded an alert following heavy rain accompanied by moderate range cyclone as a deep depression and cyclonic storm "Midhili" (pronounced as "Midhili") over Bay of Bengal intensified into a cyclonic storm, an India Meteorological Department (IMD) official said. Cyclone 'Midhili' would hit Tripura, Mizoram, Manipur, parts of Assam and other parts of northeastern states when it crossed to Bangladesh coast on Friday night or in the early hours of Saturday. "Cyclone 'Midhili' would cross Bangladesh coast close to Khepupara with a wind speed of 60-70 km per hour gusting to 80 km per hour during Friday night. Under its influence, an increase in rainfall activity accompanied with heavy rainfall at isolated places is very likely to occur over various places in the northeast region on Friday and on Saturday," an IMD said in a statement. Moderate to heavy rain battered Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, parts of Assam and adjoining areas of northeast on Friday badly affecting normal life. Electric supply and vehicular traffic also partially disrupted in different northeastern states. The concerned state governments asked the district administrations and disaster management authorities to take precautionary measures against any eventuality that can be caused due to the cyclone and rain. The cyclonic storm would be moving past the Sundarbans in Bangladesh before making landfall on the Bangladesh coast with a maximum wind speed of 80 kmph during Friday night or early Saturday morning, the IMD said. The concerned state disaster management authorities under the close supervision of senior officials are monitoring the situation. New Delhi, Nov 17 : The Delhi High Court on Friday directed Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) to provide separate accommodation to the Unnao rape survivor in view of her marriage and the birth of a child within four weeks. Unnao rape convict and former BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar was handed life imprisonment in the case by a trial court, which also slapped a fine of Rs 25 lakh on him. Justice Subramonium Prasad was hearing a petition filed by the survivor, who with her family was provided government accommodation with Uttar Pradesh government reimbursing the rent as well as security in view of threats to her. The judge has now directed the DCW to provide separate accommodation to the victim in four weeksa time, stating that the UP government shall continue to reimburse the rent for the accommodation. Justice Prasad also said that the accommodation cannot be taken away without a court order Appearing for DCW, advocate Rishikesh Kumar submitted that they would do as directed by the court. The trial in the case had started on August 5, 2019, after the Supreme Court directed to transfer all the five cases related to the matter from Unnao to Delhi. The top court had directed to hold trial on a daily basis and complete it within 45 days. New Delhi, Nov 17 : A 16-year-old boy has been stabbed to death by unidentified individuals in the national capital, an official said on Friday. According to the police, on Thursday at around 7.45 p.m., a call regarding stabbing was received at Aman Vihar police station. A police team immediately reached at the spot and found the injured in unconscious condition, having injuries on his neck and hand. "The injured was shifted to Sanjay Gandhi Hospital where he was declared brought dead by the doctors," said a senior police officer. "The body of the boy was preserved in the hospital," said the official. "Multiple teams have been constituted to nab the culprits and police teams are scanning CCTV cameras in the area to trace them," the official added. --IANS ssh/pgh Pune, Nov 18 : The Chairman and Managing Director of Serum Institute of India, Cyrus Poonawala, suffered a mild heart attack late on Thursday. He was rushed to the Ruby Hall Clinic early on Friday where he underwent an angioplasty and is recovering well, said doctors attending him. According to a hospital statement, Poonawala was operated upon by a team of doctors supervised by Purvez Grant, C.N. Makhale and Abhijeet Khardekar. The hospital advisor, Ali Daruwala, said that Poonawala is stable and is likely to be discharged in a couple of days. Gurugram, Nov 18 : The cyber crime teams of the Gurugram Police have nabbed seven cyber criminals who defrauded people of Rs 22.17 crore, an official said on Friday. The arrested individuals have been identified as Mohammad Danish, Mohammad Abdul Majeed, Navdeep Kumawat, Krishna Gopal, Mahender Kumar Sen, Sachin Nama and Suraj Rana. According to the police, after reviewing the data of the mobile phones and SIM cards recovered from the accused by the police from the Indian Cyber Crime Coordinate Centre (I4C), it was found that Danish and Abdul Majeed were involved in fraud of about Rs 18 crore and around 4,482 complaints were registered against them across India. In this connection, 175 cases were registered across India, of which eight cases were registered against them in Haryana. Likewise, 770 complaints were registered against Navdeep Kumawat, Krishna Gopal, Mahender Kumar Sen and Sachin Nama in connection with the fraud of about Rs 2.5 crore across India, in which 39 cases were registered all over India out of which 3 cases were registered in Haryana. Also, 619 complaints were filed against Suraj Rana across the country regarding fraud of approximately Rs 1 crore 68 lakh, of which 28 cases were registered all over India and out of these 28 cases, 2 cases were registered in Haryana. During the investigation, the accused revealed that Danish and Abdul Majeed, posing as bank customer officers, used to ask people to update their bank accounts/KYC and send links through WhatsApp on their mobile phones in the name of solving the problem. "Navdeep Kumawat, Krishna Gopal, Mahender Kumar Sen and Sachin Nama used to commit fraud in the name of liking YouTube videos on Telegram/part-time job while Suraj Rana committed various types of cyber fraud including creating fake accounts on social media to carry out crimes," Vipin Ahalawat, ACP (south) told IANS. On the morning of November 17, loud explosions were heard in the Russian city of Smolensk near a local aircraft factory that manufactures missiles. Residents assumed that it was being "bombed again." ADVERTISIMENT Russian authorities claimed an attack by "Ukrainian UAVs" that was allegedly repelled. However, Russians on the Internet suggested that it might have been a hit, as fire trucks rushed to the area of the "explosions." According to eyewitnesses, there were three explosions in total, and they were so loud that some people felt their houses shake. Subsequently, they observed a bright flash over the aircraft plant. Residents also noticed firefighters heading towards the area. Some residents of Smolensk panicked, assuming that they might have to evacuate the city if the "bombing" continued. "On Avtozavodskaya, we could hear it very clearly; apparently, the aviation facility is being bombed again," "Pokrovka will be blocked again, apparently," "At least leave Avtozavodskaya," "We are learning to live in new life realities, comrades," Russians wrote. ADVERTISIMENT Smolensk authorities stated that Russian air defense and electronic warfare "hit another Ukrainian aircraft-type drone in the skies over the regional center on the morning of November 17. They were allegedly shot down over the Zadniprovsky and Smolensk districts. "Preliminarily, there are no casualties. Operational services are working at the scene," assured the head of the region Vasily Anyukhin. The Russian Defense Ministry said there were three drones. However, they did not provide any information about the explosion near the aircraft factory. ADVERTISIMENT As reported by OBOZ.UA, the aggressor country produces X-59 missiles at the aircraft plant in Smolensk, which it uses to target Ukraine. On October 1, UAVs flew near the plant - three of the four drones managed to damage the facility. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Guwahati, Nov 18 : The opposition INDIA bloc conducted a meeting in Guwahati on Friday evening where they discussed formulating a common minimum programme for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and prepared a list against BJP's misrule in the entire northeast during the last nine years. The state presidents and other top leaders of 13 opposition parties attended the meeting at a hotel in the city. The Assam Trinamool Congress President Ripun Bora was given the responsibility to draft a common minimum programme for all the opposition INDIA bloc parties. The INDIA bloc will soon launch their poll campaign for the next year's Lok Sabha polls. Lurinjyoti Gogoi, the Chief of Assam Jatiya Parishad told reporters here, "It has been decided that we will have our next meeting in Dibrugarh on November 30. The next day we will attend a massive public meeting there. This will be the first rally of INDIA bloc parties." According to him, the BJP has misgoverned the entire northeast in the last few years. Therefore, the opposition INDIA bloc parties will prepare a list against the saffron party which will be shared with the general public. Gogoi said, "The BJP is under pressure as the opposition parties have come together under the INDIA bloc. They have been trying to create division among us. But I want to tell the BJP leaders that we are united. No force can break us." He further said that there will be one united opposition candidate contesting against the BJP in each Lok Sabha seat in Assam. Bhopal, Nov 17 : Voting for the 230 Assembly seats in Madhya Pradesh concluded on Friday with polling percentage of 76.22 per cent. However, the Election Commission is yet to release the final tally as polling at several booths went on till late at night, including in Gwalior South and Bairasia in Bhopal. The fate of some high-profile candidates, including Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Union ministers Narendra Singh Tomar, Prahlad Patel, Faggan Singh Kulaste, MPs Rakesh Singh, Ganesh Singh, Riti Pathak, state Congress chief Kamal Nath, LoP Govind Singh, among others, has been sealed in the EVM machines as the polling concluded on Friday. Out of the total 2,533 candidates in the fray, a third-gender candidate is contesting from Malhara in Chhatarpur district. Of the total 230 seats, 148 are general category, while 35 seats are reserved for SCs and 47 for STs. While the BJP is looking to retain power, the Congress is hoping to make a comeback with absolute majority this time. Both the parties made a slew of promises to woo the voters, including cash incentives and waiving loans of farmers, among others. Meanwhile, the state also witnessed some incidents of violence during polling on Friday. The BJP candidate from Rajnagar in Chhatarpur district, Arvind Pateriya, has been booked along with his 19 associates for allegedly for crushing Congress councillor Salman Khan to death during the wee hours of Friday. Khan was driving Rajnagar Congress nominee and sitting MLA Vikram Singh at the time of the incident, and the MLA alleged that Pateriya and his men tried to kill him too. Khajuraho police have booked 20 persons, including the BJP candidate, on the complaint filed by Vikram Singh. Pateriya, however, released a video accusing the MLA of spreading lies and indulging in dirty politics. Pateriya said he was not present on the spot, adding that Khan was killed during infighting among inebriated Congress workers. He also sought a judicial probe into the incident and punishment for the guilty. Violence was also reported from Morena and Bhind districts in the Chambal region as well as from Indore and Bhopal. The BJP candidate from Mehgaon in Bhind district, Rakesh Shukla, suffered minor injury during stone pelting between rival groups. He was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. After the outbreak of the terrorist war in Ukraine, Russians are better off not going to the civilized world. There, they will face condemnation, shame and a number of problems, for which they can thank their dictator Vladimir Putin. ADVERTISIMENT Of course, few foreigners dare to get their hands dirty on citizens of a terrorist country, but in almost every country, one can see a deep dislike of Russians. The illustrative photos were collected by the editorial staff of the state-owned Center for Strategic Communications at the ICIP on Instagram (to see the photos, scroll to the bottom of the page) From now on, Russians who do not like to spend their free time to the tune of the Ukrainian national anthem should not visit the Imatrankoski waterfall in Finland, because they will be greeted there only with the words "Neither glory nor freedom of Ukraine has died yet." In addition, pro-Ukrainian posters were posted near the border. ADVERTISIMENT But citizens of the terrorist country will not be able to eat on the same rights as other guests, because a Finnish pizzeria has introduced a new rule: if your country is ruled by a bloody dictator, you will have to pay an additional five euros. Unfortunately for Russians, but fortunately for Estonians and Ukrainians, Soviet monuments have been dismantled in Estonia. Civilized countries do not need terrorist tanks, nor do they need the citizens of a terrorist state. ADVERTISIMENT In picturesque Norway, Russians will also have a hard time. Renting a house or a car, exchanging money - these privileges are available only to people who do not support genocide, and Russian citizens are not known to be among them. By the way, it is also better not to come by car, because you will have to explain to the car repairmen why "murderers" are scratched on the hood. There is also talk that the people of Switzerland do not like it when their houses and apartments are rented by representatives of the people whose army in Ukraine steals toilets and other people's underwear. ADVERTISIMENT Despite the fact that the Lithuanian government has built a 550 km long barbed wire fence on the border with Russia and Belarus, the Lithuanians have banned Russians from even looking at the beauty from afar. The people of Georgia are free and united in their support for Ukraine. They tell this to "guests" in person and in public. For example, the Georgian bar Dedaena Bar in Tbilisi has introduced "visas" for Russians who want to visit the establishment. ADVERTISIMENT As OBOZREVATEL previously reported, a Russian citizen was refused three times by apartment owners on Booking.com as soon as they learned about her attitude to Russia's war against Ukraine. Only verified information is available on the Obozrevatel Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Russia has begun to strengthen its air defense over the Central Federal District. This was probably a response to Ukraine's recent intention to conduct a winter campaign to intercept enemy supply routes in the rear areas (temporarily occupied Crimea and the territory of the aggressor country). ADVERTISIMENT Today, the Kremlin is primarily concerned with protecting its critical facilities from drone attacks. This is stated in a report by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). On November 16, Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev announced the strengthening of Russian air defense. According to him, the authorities have even organized patrols to protect infrastructure to prevent attacks. Moreover, the Kremlin has begun to finance the creation of "territorial defense lines" for the regions bordering Ukraine. Patrushev said that the Russian authorities are updating the list of all critical infrastructure facilities, including energy and transportation, that "need to be protected." But he did not specify what kind of threats he was talking about. The ISW emphasized that the Central Federal District of the Russian Federation consists of 18 subjects, including Bryansk, Kursk, and Belgorod regions on the border with Ukraine. ADVERTISIMENT On November 13, Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk said that the country needs additional air defense systems and long-range missiles to "strike Russia's rear." Earlier, the official representative of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Lieutenant Colonel Volodymyr Fitio, noted that the current main task of the Armed Forces is to disrupt the ground lines of communication of Russian troops. As reported by OBOZ.UA, Ukrainian Brigadier General Serhii Baranov, who is in charge of UAV operations, said that Ukraine is preparing a massive drone attack against Russia in the winter. The bases and military infrastructure of the occupiers in Crimea and inside Russia will be attacked. ADVERTISIMENT Only verified information on our Telegram OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine has registered a draft law that will allow the country to introduce free roaming with the European Union. Once this happens, Ukrainians will be able to use mobile communications in EU countries at "home" tariffs. ADVERTISIMENT This is the draft law No. 10265. It envisages Ukraine's transition to European roaming regulations. The adoption of European rules is a prerequisite for the creation of a single roaming area between Ukraine and the EU. Ukrainian legislation in this area must be harmonized with the European one by April 24, 2024. "Ukrainians will be able to use their home mobile tariffs in the EU member states and not pay extra for roaming services. EU citizens have the same rights when visiting Ukraine," the Cabinet of Ministers explained. Currently, Ukrainians in the EU enjoy temporary free roaming. Mobile operators introduced it on a voluntary basis in 2022, after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Accordingly, the absence of additional fees can be seen as a kind of charity. In addition, in the first half of 2023, mobile operators in Europe began to cooperate with their Ukrainian counterparts on commercial terms. As a result, free roaming for Ukrainians in the EU was cut. ADVERTISIMENT As OBOZ.UA reported earlier, the EU Council approved a proposal to make Ukraine part of the European Union's roaming zone. Now Ukraine has to fully adapt its legislation in the field of mobile communications to European standards. After that, the EU Council will be able to finally approve the country's membership in the EU roaming zone. If this happens, Ukrainians in Europe will not have to pay roaming fees. This rule has been in effect between EU countries since 2017. For example, a Pole can use his phone in Germany with the same conditions and tariffs as at home. Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Red Wheel/Weiser has agreed to acquire Quest Books, an imprint of the Theosophical Publishing House, the publishing arm of the Theosophical Society in America. Founded in 1966 and based in Wheaton, lll., Quest Books focuses on publishing books that encourage the study of religion, philosophy, and science so that we may better understand ourselves and our place in the universe, according to the announcement. The acquisition is expected to be completed next January. Red Wheel has been distributing Quest since 2015, and the company is very familiar with its list, said Michael Kerber, president and CEO of Red Wheel. When the deal is completed, Quest, which ha about 245 titles, will become an imprint in the publishers Red Wheel Group, which also includes New Page Books and Hampton Roads. Kerber said Red Wheels initial plan is to revitalize Quests backlist titles. The Quest purchase is one of a number of initiatives announced by Red Wheel. The company has also taken over distribution for Crossed Crow Books, Moon Dust Press, and Womancraft Publishing. The addition of Crossed Crow, Moon Dust, and Womancraft Publishing fits perfectly with our other distributed clients and will be welcomed by our thousands of direct customers, Kerber said in a statement. Crossed Crow Books is an independent publisher of occult books; Moon Dust Press publishes books for children raised in homes practicing nature-based spiritualities; and Womancraft focuses on bringing womens voices to the fore. In a new hire, Red Wheel has appointed Amy Lyons as a senior acquisitions editor effective December 4. Lyons has been in publishing for more than 20 years, including as an acquiring editor at Globe Pequot. The last few years have been, for everyone in publishing, a time of crisis and transformation. Red Wheel is fortunate to have emerged stronger than ever, said Kerber. As we move forward, we will face inevitable new challenges with confidence and will embrace the opportunities ahead of us. Our focus going forward is community. We are a community of employees, authors, customers, and, most of all, readers who find meaning, purpose, and direction through the publishing programs of Red Wheel/Weiser. Premium online access is only available tosubscribers. If you have an active subscription and need to set up or change your password, please click here New to PW? To set up immediate access, click here. NOTE: If you had a previous PW subscription, click here to reactivate your immediate access. PW site license members have access to PWs subscriber-only website content. If working at an office location and you are not "logged in", simply close and relaunch your preferred browser. For off-site access, click here. To find out more about PWs site license subscription options, please email Mike Popalardo at: mike@nextstepsmarketing.com. The three-day China Shanghai International Childrens Book Fair (CCBF) kicked off on November 17 with a celebratory cruise gala dinner to mark its 10th anniversary. At this first full in-person event since 2019, the mood was one of anticipation. Some exhibitors, North Parade Publishing and Award Publications from the U.K. Pavilion, for instance, had not been back for at least three years and are looking forward to reconnecting with Chinese publishers and making new deals. As for Belgium-based Clavis and London-based Nosy Crow, who exhibited in past pandemic-era hybrid events with the help of local staff, early packed booths inspired optimism. But the Chinese childrens book market is still struggling. Gone are the days of double-digit growth. However, signs are pointing to a reviving market with slight shifts in the distribution channels, which have long favored e-commerce and online channels. According to Yang Lei, executive v-p at OpenBook, a clearinghouse for publishing statistics in China, the childrens book segment accounted for 26.9% of the countrys total retail book market in the January-October 2023 period while recording a sales decline of 5.4%. In comparison, in 2022, the Chinese childrens book segment held 28.61% of the total market despite a 10.41% decline. The latest figures from OpenBook also recorded a 2.2% and 1% sales increase in 2020 and 2021, respectively, with a market share holding steady at around 28%. The short-video e-commerce channel (through TikTok, Xiaohongshu, Weibo, and WeChat apps, for instance) remains popular in the marketing and distribution of childrens books, accounting for 40.3% of the total sales in the first 10 months of 2023. However, this figure is lower than the 2022 peak of 56.14%. In contrast, sales of childrens books via bricks-and-mortar outlets, which had been trending down for the past decade, are growing and contributed 14.9% to the overall sales in the January-October 2023 period. Genre-wise, pop-science reignsas it has for the past three yearsfollowed by childrens literature titles and picture books. Short-video e-commerce and platform-based channels are selling more pop-science books while bookstores seem to be better at pushing childrens literature titles. According to the snapshot provided by OpenBook, the number of new childrens titles entering the Chinese market is around 20,000 for the first 10 months of the year. Translations remain high, accounting for 40% of the new titles, with the majority coming from the U.K. and the U.S. Sci-fi/fantasy and detective series continue to sell well, as well as STEAM and STEM titles. As for what is trending, signs point to manga-style nonfiction titles as well as self-help books for young adults. With 558 childrens publishers in the Chinese market vying for higher sales and hoping to pick the next bestsellers, the competition to be the biggest company is stiff. According to OpenBook, the top three slots go to Citic Press Group, 21st Century Publishing Group, and Changjiang Childrens Publishing Group. For new and seasoned overseas exhibitors at CCBF, the overall Chinese book market, valued at CNY 87.1 billion (or approximately, $12.1 billion), is a big attraction. The fact that the childrens book segment has remained its biggest market segment despite the doldrums adds to the appeal of the fair. And for that reason, CCBF, which is the biggest event dedicated to childrens books and content in Asia Pacific, continues to draw exhibitors hoping to penetrate the Chinese market. Research teams at companies including Cisco, Dell, Ericsson, Intel, Nokia and Qualcomm, along with Purdue University, issue dictionary of 12 technologies in 6G Global Roadmap taxonomy report WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. Today in Washington, D.C., 6G Global Roadmap: A Taxonomy is released to offer a taxonomy of technologies in the evolution from 5G the fifth generation of cellular technology to 6G. The document is the product of leading companies in the wireless industry, together with Purdue University, including: Cisco Systems Dell Technologies Ericsson Intel Nokia Qualcomm Technologies Inc. This technology report is meant to be a foundation of policies, not a policy itself. It is a taxonomy over the modularized layers and over time horizon this decade, said Purdue University President Mung Chiang. In the meantime, we strongly recommend the speeding up and scaling up of 5G deployments in the U.S. right now. More 5G infrastructure and resulting applications are essential to any road map to 6G. 6G wireless networks promise not only faster speed, lower latency and better coverage, but also the connection of more devices than people and the offer of a foundational service to all sectors and across different types of networks and scenarios. Purdues industry partners hold high opinions of what 6G can offer: Michael Beesley, vice president and chief technology officer, Cisco Networking: Cisco has been honored to collaborate with Purdue University and our industry peers in putting together the 6G Roadmap taxonomy report. We feel that this report will serve as a powerful foundation for ongoing conversations around innovation, research, standards and use cases to ensure that the next generation of mobile technology helps to ensuring an inclusive future for all. Erik Ekudden, chief technology officer, Ericsson: 5G is the innovation platform for consumer and business digitalization today. This report is an important step in forming the necessary partnerships that will be the foundation for the evolution of the mobile network toward 2030 with 5G Advanced and 6G. Nishant Batra, chief strategy and technology officer, Nokia: 6G will expand and transform what a network can do, going beyond traditional performance metrics. Key dimensions, such as scalability, sustainability, trustworthiness and digital inclusion, will have significant impact on society in the coming 6G era. This detailed taxonomy report delves into the fundamental technical areas that will drive 6G development, which align with Nokias pioneering research on 6G over the last several years. In addition to promoting technical research and industry collaboration for the development of 6G, we must also address policy-related issues, such as the availability of new-spectrum, global standardization and an equitable, nondiscriminatory patent system. John Smee, senior vice president, engineering, Qualcomm Technologies Inc.: Robust connectivity is essential to many enterprises and consumers thats why its critical to continue scaling up 5G in the U.S. and globally and to research its next phase, 6G, which will take these technologies forward into the next decade, bringing benefits to industry and society when it launches. The report surveys the technical areas that are expected to drive 6G development and the important problems faced in these focus areas. These technical innovations describe a dozen enabling network architectures, protocols and tools in this decades evolution from 5G to 6G. Enabling ultra-low-latency applications Supporting intermittent connectivity Creating wireless service platforms Densifying cells Scaling up edge/fog computing Sharing spectrum Using sub-THz spectrum bands Sharing infrastructure Using open interfaces Utilizing artificial intelligence and machine learning Internetworking with Wi-Fi Internetworking with satellite networks The task force of industry and academia will continue to collaborate toward its next report, which will address further recommendations for the 6G evolution. About Purdue University Purdue University is a public research institution with excellence at scale. Ranked among top 10 public universities and with two colleges in the top 4 in the United States, Purdue discovers and disseminates knowledge with a quality and at a scale second to none. More than 105,000 students study at Purdue across modalities and locations, with 50,000 in person on the West Lafayette campus. Committed to affordability and accessibility, Purdues main campus has frozen tuition 12 years in a row. See how Purdue never stops in the persistent pursuit of the next giant leap, including its first comprehensive urban campus in Indianapolis, the new Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr. School of Business, and Purdue Computes, at https://www.purdue.edu/president/strategic-initiatives. Writer/Media contact: Brian Huchel, bhuchel@purdue.edu Source: Mung Chiang An asteroid crashing to Earth could destroy all life on the planet, but the consequences of the destruction depend entirely on its size. Scientists have created a simulation of how devastating the consequences of such a phenomenon would be. ADVERTISIMENT The SUN publication told about the threat that space objects can pose to our planet. Scientists note that not all asteroids are dangerous to humanity. The stone must be quite large to destroy life on Earth. As an example, the researchers took a space object that destroyed the dinosaurs - it was about 12 km wide. If an asteroid of the same size hit the Earth today, we would immediately feel significant changes in the environment. Fires, powerful shock waves and acid rain would immediately engulf the planet. If the space body falls into the water, it will cause an extremely destructive tsunami. Britt Scharringhausen, assistant professor of physics and astronomy at Beloit College, explained that a significant amount of ash from the fires and all the small debris from the impact would hang in the atmosphere for a long time, and the Earth would be gripped by a phenomenon known as an impact winter. ADVERTISIMENT "So you burn things, you kill everything in the ocean and you freeze the Earth, and it goes through about two years of constant winter," the expert said. Nevertheless, she believes that not all life on the planet will be destroyed in the event of such a powerful impact. This is even proved by history, given that even though the asteroid destroyed the dinosaurs, much smaller creatures were able to survive the cataclysm. It is likely that if humanity prepares for an asteroid impact, it will be able to survive the impact of even such a huge space boulder. The scientist believes that the best way to survive is to move underground. If we build underground bunkers and fill them with supplies for the long winter, until food can be grown again, it is quite possible to survive this cataclysm. ADVERTISIMENT Plans to protect the Earth Nevertheless, many experts are concerned about the fact that our planet remains unprotected against the threat of asteroid impacts. The same opinion was expressed by SpaceX CEO Elon Musk when he posted on Twitter: "Eventually a big rock will hit the Earth, and right now we have no defense." Nevertheless, scientists are not inactive and NASA is studying the possibilities of preventing a catastrophic scenario. The agency recently launched DART, the Double Asteroid Redirection Mission. It is noted that this is the first mission in history to research and demonstrate one of the methods of deflecting an asteroid by changing the asteroid's motion in space using a kinetic impact. The spacecraft is set to crash into a small asteroid called Dimorphos in September and shift it off its predicted course. ADVERTISIMENT As reported by OBOZREVATEL, on November 24, 2021, NASA launched the world's first DART mission from the Vandenberg Space Center, California, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket to test asteroid deflection technology. The spacecraft, traveling at 15,000 miles per hour, must crash into the asteroid and knock it off course in one powerful impact to protect the planet. Goal to build a resilient U.S. supply chain and advance second U.S. manufacturing and operations renaissance through excellence at scale in a national coalition WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. More than 250 representatives from industry, government, academia and professional societies gathered in person and online Tuesday (Nov. 7) in Washington, D.C., for Purdue Universitys inaugural national summit focusing on resilience through excellence in manufacturing and operations. Hosted by Purdues recently launched eXcellence in Manufacturing and Operations Purdue Engineering Initiative, or XMO PEI, the summit had the goal of gathering a dynamic coalition of partners to discuss building resilient U.S. infrastructure for and with digital, physical and sustainable manufacturing and operations. Additional Information: Reshoring, retooling and retraining for advanced manufacturing in the U.S. has become essential and urgent, and theres no better place to accomplish the mission than the Midwest, especially here along the Hard-Tech Corridor, Purdue President Mung Chiang said. The XMO Summit brings expertise in the digital, physical and sustainable innovation of manufacturing across new materials, processes and applications. And it again demonstrates the national leadership of Boilermakers through Purdue@DC. The summit, which was held at the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, focused on three key pillars of Americas resilience in advanced manufacturing: reshoring (also called onshoring), retooling, and retraining in manufacturing and operations, or M&O. XMO PEI leaders said particular emphasis is needed to establish a resilient American supply chain for such critical industrial sectors as defense and space, agriculture and foods, transportation and logistics, semiconductor and microelectronics, and pharmaceuticals. This initiative is aimed at overcoming the severe national challenges in the supply chain for example, manufacturing for defense, semiconductor chips and microelectronics systems, food and agriculture, and more that have been exposed in recent decades by events such as 9/11, COVID-19 and the Ukraine war, which shined a light on major gaps in manufacturing and operations in making the American supply chain resilient. Major supply chain gaps the nation experienced over and over, when coupled with manufacturing globalization, have jeopardized Americas ability to provide resilient commerce, defense and a high quality of life for all Americans, said Ajay Malshe, the R. Eugene and Susie E. Goodson Distinguished Professor of Mechanical Engineering and XMO co-chair. Any supply chain is only as good as its weakest link. We need all physical, digital, sustainable M&O tools and a skilled workforce to make those links strong and tough to deliver supply chain resilience when the next national and global crises challenge us. Summit discussions included why U.S. companies are compelled to bring major elements of their manufacturing back to the U.S.; how new major investments in physical, digital and sustainable technologies and their rapid translations by engineering and business are necessary to build resiliency; and what role the educational spectrum will take to develop a diverse and integrative workforce in support of a second U.S. manufacturing and operations renaissance. The renaissance is critical for our ability to innovate and, hence, our prosperity, said Stephan Biller, the Harold T. Amrine Distinguished Professor in the School of Industrial Engineering and Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr. School of Business, and XMO co-chair. The U.S. is starting to make important moves toward building robust supply chains, but we need to be more focused on innovation and workforce development to achieve resiliency in manufacturing and operations that is digitally enabled and sustainable. This is particularly true for small and medium manufacturers that typically lack a manufacturing and operations innovation exosystem. The summit resulted in a seven-point call to action: Form a national coalition at the intersection of M&O of industrial, government and academic organizations, along with professional societies. Integrate M&O by funding sponsors in every aspect of research, development and implementation. Enable large investments in physical, digital and sustainable M&O engineering for a resilient commerce and defense supply chain. Build an innovation ecosystem for small- and medium-sized manufacturers to enable them to digitalize their physical M&O assets to participate in the ongoing artificial intelligence revolution. Establish industrial policies and incentives for M&O to restore, retool and retrain, and grow and sustain the number of startups. Invest in M&Os physical, digital and sustainable infrastructure, similar (in scale) to the federal CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, for retooling rural and urban America for small-, mid- and large-size national enterprises and their ecosystem. Infuse M&O educational content in every academic program to create and retain workforces for all enterprises. More than 250 stakeholders attended the summit, either in person or virtually, representing 29 states. This is the second summit convened by Purdue in the nations capital this year, after Aprils CHIPS for America: Execute for Success Summit in the Russell Senate Office Building. About Purdue University Purdue University is a public research institution with excellence at scale. Ranked among top 10 public universities and with two colleges in the top 4 in the United States, Purdue discovers and disseminates knowledge with a quality and at a scale second to none. More than 105,000 students study at Purdue across modalities and locations, with 50,000 in person on the West Lafayette campus. Committed to affordability and accessibility, Purdues main campus has frozen tuition 12 years in a row. See how Purdue never stops in the persistent pursuit of the next giant leap, including its first comprehensive urban campus in Indianapolis, the new Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr. School of Business, and Purdue Computes, at https://www.purdue.edu/president/strategic-initiatives. Writer/Media contact: Wes Mills, wemills@purdue.edu Sources: Ajay Malshe, Stephan Biller Purdue also places in top 25 nationally among doctoral institutions for number of students studying abroad WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. Purdue University is among the top 10 institutions in the U.S. for attracting international students, and climbed one position higher over last year, according to a new national ranking. The 2023 Open Doors Report, issued Tuesday (Nov. 14) by the Institute of International Education, shows Purdue is ranked No. 8 among 4,500-plus public and private universities in attracting international students and ranks No. 24 among all U.S. doctoral institutions in the number of study abroad students. The report, which is based on fall semester enrollment and optional practical training data for the 2022-23 academic year, shows Purdue had a total of 11,872 students from abroad, representing around 130 countries. Heidi Arola, assistant vice president for global partnerships and programs, said, Purdue is an attractive choice for international students. They bring so much to our community, and their presence brings the world to Purdue, helping all our Boilermakers gain global competencies necessary to succeed in todays workforce. At the same time, international students have a very positive impact on the economy of Indiana. The universitys international student enrollment rankings, based on the 2023 Open Doors Report, are: No. 8 among 4,500-plus public and private institutions (up from No. 9 last year). No. 3 among all U.S. public universities (up from No. 4 last year). No. 2 in the Big Ten. The international student body comprises 18.6% of the total number of enrolled students at Purdue. International students make up 11.2% of the total undergraduate body, while international students represent 42.9% of all graduate and professional students. Notably, India surpassed China last year for the highest number of students at Purdue, with 2,698 and 2,359 students, respectively. That follows a trend seen at universities across the U.S. South Korea (693) is third, Taiwan (423) is fourth, and Colombia (177) rounds out the top five. At 41.5% of total international student enrollment, the College of Engineering has the highest percentage of students from abroad. The College of Science is second with 20.9%, followed by Purdue Polytechnic Institute with 10.2%. The Krannert School of Management (now the Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr. School of Business) attracted 9.8%, and the College of Agriculture represented 4.5% of Purdues international enrollment. International students accounted for 6% of the total U.S. higher education population and contributed nearly $38 billion to the U.S. economy, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce. Purdues international students and their families also generate economic value for the state of Indiana and for Purdue. According to NAFSA: Association of International Educators, Purdue West Lafayettes international students and their families brought an estimated $340 million to the U.S. economy, supporting 3,399 jobs. International students across Indiana account for $890.2 million and support 8,297 jobs. Purdue also employs and hosts 1,244 international faculty, researchers and staff, representing 77 nations. In addition, the university creates opportunities for Boilermakers to study abroad. The Open Doors report indicates Purdue ranks No. 24 among all U.S. doctoral institutions, with 1,351 U.S. students studying internationally for credit in 2021-22. The 2023 Open Doors Report is released as part of the nationwide observance of International Education Week (November 13-17), a joint initiative established by the U.S. State Department and Department of Education. Assistant U.S. Secretary of State Lee Satterfield said, Students from around the world have chosen the United States as the top destination for international study. International education is a vehicle that promotes peace and cross-cultural connections and provides the tools necessary to address the shared challenges of our time. It continues to shape the leaders of the future, both here at home and abroad, and we look forward to doing even more to attract international students to the United States and serve as the global leader in international education. International Education Week is celebrated at Purdue through a variety of activities supported by offices and units campuswide, including Global Partnerships and Programs, which facilitates the universitys international efforts and initiatives and bolsters global opportunities for students, faculty and staff. The presence of international students on the West Lafayette campus positively impacts academic success for everyone, said Chris Collins, director of International Student Services. These students are among the best in their home countries, and we are fortunate to have them in our Boilermaker community. About Purdue University Purdue University is a public research institution with excellence at scale. Ranked among top 10 public universities and with two colleges in the top 4 in the United States, Purdue discovers and disseminates knowledge with a quality and at a scale second to none. More than 105,000 students study at Purdue across modalities and locations, with 50,000 in person on the West Lafayette campus. Committed to affordability and accessibility, Purdues main campus has frozen tuition 12 years in a row. See how Purdue never stops in the persistent pursuit of the next giant leap, including its first comprehensive urban campus in Indianapolis, the new Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr. School of Business, and Purdue Computes, at https://www.purdue.edu/president/strategic-initiatives. Writer/Media contact: Wes Mills, wemills@purdue.edu Source: Heidi Arola, harola@purdue.edu Property details: LAND FOR SALERESIDENTIAL LOT CALIFORNIA CITY, CA Would you like to own land in Kern County? Does a nice residential lot near downtown California City interest you? Here is another opportunity to purchase a great, well-positioned property for a fraction of market value. The property itself measures approximately 7,339 square feet. Located with easy dirt road access along 109th St., the lot is situated in an area near many developed homes, schools and businesses. Please feel free to drive out and ... Price: $ 930 Seller State of Residence: Wisconsin Zip/Postal Code: 93501 City: California City State/Province: California Location: 935**, California City, California You will be redirected to eBay Nearby California Property details: land. 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Two informed sources confirmed Charles Michel's intention to visit Kyiv early next week as part of a working visit. The European Council has not yet officially announced such a trip. "Michel will visit Ukraine to commemorate the Maidan protests that began on November 21, 2013. The protests began after former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych's decision to abandon the political and economic association agreement with the EU. Russia called the uprising a Western-inspired "coup" and used it to justify its military actions in Ukraine in 2014," writes Rolitico. ADVERTISIMENT Responding to a request from journalists, Michel's representative said he could not confirm the visit to Ukraine. At the same time, he noted that the President of the European Council will visit Germany early next week. The publication also reminded that Michel's likely visit to Ukraine precedes the European Council summit scheduled for mid-December this year. At the summit, EU leaders will discuss the European Commission's recommendations to start official negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the European Union. The journalists also emphasized that shortly before the announcement of the European Commission's recommendations, its President Ursula von der Leyen also visited Kyiv. During a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, she assured him of the EU's continued support for Ukraine, which is defending itself against Russian aggression and has set a clear course for European integration. ADVERTISIMENT Earlier, it was reported that the EU had agreed on the 12th package of sanctions against Russia. The list of restrictions includes new import and export bans, as well as measures to improve the mechanism for limiting the price of Russian oil and measures to combat sanctions evasion. In addition, personal sanctions are envisaged against more than 120 individuals and legal entities for their role in undermining Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, including members of the Russian military, defense, and IT sectors. The proposal was submitted to the EU Council. It is this body that will have to make the final decision on imposing the 12th package of sanctions against Russia. President Joe Biden and Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador have pledged to work side-by-side to confront illicit fentanyl trafficking into the U.S. and to manage a growing number of migrants traveling to the border between their nations Devin Willock, former University of Georgia offensive lineman, is remembered by his family and loved ones as a bright and positive light. His mother, Sharlene Willock, finds joy in reminiscing on their times together, and has since found ways to cope after losing two sons in almost the exact same way, at the exact same age. Devin and former Georgia football recruiting analyst Chandler LeCroy died in a car accident on Jan. 15 in Athens, Georgia, in the early hours of the morning after the national championship celebration parade. Youre walking to your next class when you come across a flurry of motion one student talk We made a call to our readers to find out which Athens staples were their top choices, and then we picked a few favorites of our own. From best outdoor brews to best spot to play trivia, here are your 2023 Most Best Award Winners. 'India is the sixth-largest market for the Kia Corporation, and contributes 8 to 9 per cent to our global sales.' 'We are eyeing 10 per cent market share over the next few years depending on customer demand and new product innovations.' IMAGE: Kia India Vice President and Head of Marketing and Sales Hardeep S Brar, left, and Kia India MD and CEO, Tae-Jin Park at the world premiere of the Kia Carens in Gurugram. Photograph: ANI Photo In the context of India's thriving automotive sector, Tae-Jin Park, CEO of Kia India, shared a comprehensive overview of the company's strategies in an e-mail interview with Deepak Patel/Business Standard. Considering the government's push to phase out diesel-run vehicles, could you provide some details about Kia's plans on this? What is your outlook on the future of diesel-run vehicles? We understand our responsibility and the government's vision for electric mobility. So, we have fast-tracked our plans from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to EVs. Hence, we are bringing EV9 and our locally-made recreational vehicle (RV) in both EV and ICE versions in 2025. However, we will make diesel vehicles till the time there is demand. We anticipate a sustained and consistent demand for diesel-powered vehicles. In major metropolitan areas, such as Delhi, there are lower proportions of diesel vehicle customers. However, in smaller cities and among individuals with longer commutes, there is a notable demand for diesel vehicles. The shift towards EVs will occur gradually. According to research, it is projected that 70 per cent of the population will still rely on petrol, diesel, and CNG fuels by 2030, considering that the passenger vehicle (PV) market may reach six million units. Photograph: Rajesh Karkera/ Rediff.com IMAGE: Then Kia Motors India MD and CEO Kookhyun Shim with Bollywood star Tiger Shroff, Kia's brand ambassador. Are there any plans to introduce hybrid vehicles in the Indian market, or is Kia's primary focus on EVs? Hybrid technology offers an alternative solution in cases where there isn't a full electrification plan in place. However, we have a strong and focused approach towards EVs and are committed to going through with it. Globally, we intend to unveil 14 battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) by 2027, with a portion of these being accessible in the Indian market as well. The company has just unveiled three EVs globally -- EV3, EV4, and EV5. Do you have plans to launch any of these EVs in India? Kia India will launch the EV9, EV RV, and a made-for-India EV next year. Could you share details about Kia's strategic approach for these upcoming EV launches? We have plans to make India the hub for strategically designed EV models for Kia Corporation. This is part of our strategy to establish a reliable system for EV production and battery supply. This will aid in expanding our global EV production facilities to a total of eight by 2025. These facilities will encompass research, development, production, and supply, with South Korea serving as the hub. In Europe, Kia will focus on the production of small and medium sized EVs while in China, the emphasis will be on mid to large sized EVs. As of now, we are focusing on bringing our India-made EV in 2025 and looking at ways to improve the EV charging infrastructure in India to drive higher adoption. Simultaneously, we are closely observing the EV market adoption and will definitely bring more global EV innovations to India. Photograph: Andrew Boyers/Reuters Could you provide us with an insight into the festival sales you anticipate? What are your booking numbers? We are extremely optimistic and excited about the festival season. We've been experiencing robust demand for our products and are eager to expedite deliveries. We have recently introduced two new advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) variants of the new Seltos, which has helped reduce waiting periods to just 7 to 9 weeks. We've also launched the Carens X-Line to further delight our customers. Are you, like Hyundai, planning to introduce six airbags in all variants of Kia models? Customer safety is our top priority. We are pioneers in making advanced safety technology accessible to all, whether it's by offering six airbags in entry-level variants or introducing the world's most advanced Level 2 ADAS to our premium offerings like the new Seltos and EV6. The new Seltos has over 32 safety features, making it one of the best, and safest Seltos till now. All our products are equipped with six airbags across all variants except Sonet (four airbags in the entry-level trim and six airbags in higher variants). In its segment, the Carens stands out as the only multipurpose vehicle (MPV) with six airbags, and our premium electric SUV, the EV6, also comes with six airbags as standard. Photograph: Kind courtesy, Kia motors India Regarding semiconductor supply, could you update us on the current status? Has there been substantial improvement in supply? Around 95 per cent of the semiconductor situation has been resolved. We are not facing any supply issues barring a few components for the new Seltos. Have waiting periods for Kia cars increased or decreased over the past 6 to 8 months? As mentioned earlier, we have successfully optimised our production processes to meet customer demand and significantly reduce waiting periods. While the waiting period may vary depending on the product, the standard waiting time now stands at approximately 9 to 10 weeks. So, customers who book now will get deliveries by Christmas. What market share are you targeting, and what is the timeframe for achieving this goal? We are working on building Kia 2.0 as India is a long-term bet for us. India is the sixth-largest market for the Kia Corporation, and contributes 8 to 9 per cent to our global sales. We are eyeing 10 per cent market share over the next few years depending on customer demand and new product innovations. Could you please share Kia's growth projections and how they compare with industry growth trends? With the new Seltos already achieving remarkable success in bookings and with exciting innovations in the pipeline, we are confident that 2024 will be even stronger for us. We remain optimistic about aligning our growth at par with the industry in the upcoming year. Feature Presentation: Rajesh Alva/Rediff.com Wilful defaulters owe SBI Rs 80,000 crore as of June. 10 nationalised banks are owed another Rs 1.5 trillion. The outstanding amount due from wilful defaulters has risen at a pace of over Rs 100 crore daily since March 2019. The amount due from wilful defaulters has risen by at least Rs 1.2 trillion since March 2019, which marked the end of the last financial year before COVID-19 began to make its impact globally, starting with China towards the end of 2019 and India from the first quarter of 2020. The total amount due has risen more than 50 per cent to Rs 3 trillion as of June 2023, according to data from TransUnion CIBIL. The data is updated by various financial institutions with varying frequency. The figures reflect the latest available numbers. The amount may be larger since at least one nationalised bank and one private sector bank have not reported June numbers yet. The overall amount has remained over the Rs 3 trillion mark for at least four quarters in a row (chart 1). A wilful defaulter is an entity that does not pay back a loan despite the ability to do so. The Reserve Bank of India recently proposed that wilful defaulters must be declared as such within six months of the loan becoming a non-performing asset (NPA). There is currently no timeline for such a declaration Government-backed banks continue to remain the most vulnerable. While private sector banks and other financial institutions have seen a marginal increase in their share of such loans, nationalised and other government-owned banks still account for the largest amounts. Their share in wilful defaulter amount outstanding was 77.5 per cent in June 2023 (chart 2). Wilful defaulters owe the State Bank of India Rs 80,000 crore (Rs 800 billion) as of June. Ten nationalised banks are owed another Rs 1.5 trillion. The private sector banks' outstanding amount is Rs 53,500 crore (Rs 535 billion) in comparison. The geographical break-up shows that much of the outstanding amounts are often in developed states. (chart 3). Maharashtra, Delhi, West Bengal, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu formed the top five states in terms of such loans. They accounted for over 70 per cent of amounts due as of the end of the previous financial year. Maharashtra has seen the largest absolute increase since March 2019. The total amount outstanding rose from Rs 0.6 trillion to Rs 1.3 trillion during this time. The fastest rise was in Delhi. There was a 200 per cent increase to Rs 0.6 trillion between March 2019 and March 2023, compared to 95 per cent across all places (chart 3). Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com Finland has announced a new military aid package for Ukraine, following a government proposal on November 17, when President Sauli Niinisto made the decision. What exactly was included in the 20th package, worth about 100 million euros, was not disclosed for security reasons. ADVERTISIMENT The announcement of the allocation of another batch of defense equipment appeared on the website of the Finnish Ministry of Defense. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy reacted to the news, thanking his Finnish counterpart and the Finnish government for their assistance in bringing peace, for which Finland has already spent about 1.5 billion euros. On November 17, the Finnish Ministry of Defense announced the transfer of the 20th package of military assistance to Ukraine, worth about 100 million euros. "The prospects for security in Europe and Finland in the current decade are at stake in Ukraine's defense struggle. Together with our allies, we remain unwavering in our commitment to support the Ukrainians," said Defense Minister Antti Kaikkonen. ADVERTISIMENT The contents of the package, which includes military equipment, are not detailed. "For operational reasons and to ensure that the aid reaches its destination safely, no further information about the contents of the package, the method of delivery or the schedule will be provided," the Finnish Defense Ministry said in a statement. Zelenskyy reacted to the decision of the Finnish leadership to continue supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russian armed aggression. "I am grateful to President Sauli Niinisto and the Finnish government for the decision to provide Ukraine with a new defense assistance package. In total, Finland's military assistance has already amounted to 1.5 billion euros. This support strengthens not only Ukraine, but also the security of Finland and the rest of our Europe. I appreciate the fulfillment of our agreements and Finland's principled position on the path to a just and sustainable peace in Ukraine and throughout Europe," the Head of State emphasized. ADVERTISIMENT As reported earlier, Ukraine's Defense Minister Rustem Umerov discussed joint weapons production with his Italian counterpart. The heads of the defense ministries of Italy and Ukraine also talked about military assistance to the Ukrainian army to be used against the occupiers at the front. In addition, it became known that the German Bundestag did not support the provision of Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine, and Denmark provided the Ukrainian Navy with autonomous hydrographic systems that will help collect accurate data on the underwater environment and identify hidden threats to ships. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber . Do not fall for fakes! 'There was some intelligence that he'll be killed before the whole process -- after sessions court, high court, Supreme Court, mercy petition before the governor, the President -- was completed; they (Pakistani intelligence agencies) will somehow manage to kill him.' Photograph: Rediff.com Archives IMAGE: Ajmal Kasab, the only 26/11 terrorist to be captured alive, in police custody. In the concluding part of an exclusive interview, Dr Meeran Chadha Borwankar, former Pune police commissioner and author of Madam Commissioner -- The Extraordinary Life of an Indian Police Chief, discusses with Prasanna D Zore/Rediff.com how she oversaw the hanging of Ajmal Kasab, the only 26/11 terrorist to be captured alive. You were Additional Director General Prisons and you oversaw the hanging of Ajmal Kasab and Yakub Memon. You were one of those ten persons who were with Kasab. At the time of his death, did you see fear in his eyes? Did you see remorse, regret in his eyes? What kind of feelings was he going through when he was walking towards the gallows? I don't know what was going in his mind, but he was totally demoralised, lost. I don't think he could comprehend what was happening. I think while they were being trained in Pakistan, they were told either to come back alive or get killed. But that a trial will be held (after he was arrested owing to the exemplary bravery of Mumbai police Constable Tukaram Omble) and that he would be hanged was too much for him to handle. After all, what was his age? He was a very young terrorist. I don't think he could comprehend and I thought he was totally lost. Did he accept his death naturally or did he protest when he was being taken to the gallows? We don't talk about that. Talking about Yakub Memon, what were his feelings when he was walking to the gallows? See, I can't talk about them. Neither would I know what was going on in their minds, nor can I talk much about them. But till the end he (Yakub Memon) told me and he was very confident that the Supreme Court would intervene and he would get some respite. This much I can say he was very confident. In the same chapter My Two Eyes, you said you helped Yakub Memon's wife and daughter get a passport. Would you think, given the way the right wing trolls people these days, you should have mentioned that you helped Yakub Memon's wife get a passport? I have written what exactly happened in all my chapters. So when I have written about his hanging why should I hide the fact that I helped (Yakub Memon's wife and daughter get a passport)? In fact, I feel this is an ultimate compliment to the Indian criminal justice system that the wife of an accused expects and gets the due justice to herself and her child. So I feel that this shows basic human values where we are supposed to help each other. Also understanding the concept (of justice and who is a criminal is important) that if a father commits a crime you cannot hold his child or wife responsible (for his crime). With that thought I could separate myself as an officer instructed to hang a convict and as an officer who was in a position to help his wife and child who were innocent and who had faith that they will get their lawful due. That is a passport in this case. The then Maharashtra home minister R R Patil was insisted that you remain personally present during the hanging of Ajmal Kasab. Why was he so tense? What was worrying him about Ajmal Kasab? Did he have information that he could be assassinated? There was some intelligence report that Pakistan did not want to get implicated. He was their citizen. And to show that India doesn't follow the rule of law, there was some intelligence that he'll be killed before the whole process -- after sessions court, high court, Supreme Court, mercy petition before the governor, the President -- was completed; they (Pakistani intelligence agencies) will somehow manage to kill him. The government was very keen that we should not only show to our own citizens, but also internationally, that we follow proper (lawful) procedure. The information or intelligence that this proper procedure will be sabotaged midway made them go for total secrecy in (Kasab's) hanging Was this based on intelligence? I don't think it was local intelligence. Though it was never discussed with me, I am fully aware that this kind of intelligence comes from reliable top sources, not the local kind. 'These kinds of tunnels are not meant for the Himalayas.' 'Development should be good for all people and not where you make a tunnel and 40 people get trapped.' IMAGE: A drone view of the rescue operations underway at the Uttarkashi tunnel for the 5th day after a part of the Silkyara tunnel collapsed on November 12, trapping 40 labourers, in Uttarkashi. Photograph: ANI Photo Five days and there is no sign of the 40 men trapped in the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarakhand. The construction of this tunnel was expected to reduce the journey from Uttarkashi to Yamunotri Dham by 26 km. The tunnel is being constructed under the Char Dham all-weather road project and there was only 400 metres more to be drilled when the tragedy took place. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami told reporters on Thursday afternoon that the rescue effort was going on at a good speed and he was hoping that soon all the trapped workers will be rescued. But what led to this disaster? Was it a practical idea to build tunnels in the Uttarkashi region which has a fragile ecosystem? Syed Firdaus Ashraf/Rediff.com spoke to environmentalist and water conservationist Rajendra Singh, winner of the Magsaysay Award in 2001, to know what kind of ecological disaster awaits the nation with the construction of more and more tunnels in Uttarakhand. What in your opinion is the reason for this tunnel accident in Uttarakhand? The Himalayas are in an eco sensitive fragile zone. When you bring in heavy machinery to construct anything in the name of vikas (development) it is nothing but vinash (destruction). It is just called vikas by name, but the real name is vinash. Moreover, one has to understand that the Himalayas is a holy place of our religion and you (the government) in the name of development first started making tunnels for the Ganga at Loharinag Pala for which we did an aandolan (struggle) and brought that work to a halt in 2008. Later, due to our agitation, work was also stopped at Pala Maneri and Bhairo Ghati. And the incidents that are happening today, we did agitation for that too. Professor G D Agarwal fasted for 111 days and had to pay with his life for this cause in 2018. We have been protesting from our side, but now the government wants to make an all-weather tunnel and if not that, rail tunnels which too have witnessed dangerous accidents at times. These kinds of tunnels are not meant for the Himalayas. Don't we need tunnels for better connectivity and development? You've got to understand firstly what is the meaning of development. I was a kid and so were you and we both got developed as adults. This happened because nature helped us to grow as adults. Had we been given special injections for our growth it would not have been good for our health or the way we have grown up as individuals. They are extracting mountains and crossing the threshold limit in order to extract the Himalayas. And if they keep doing it, the Himalayan ecosystem will not sustain. We can only call development of a place when there is no destruction of that place. They are not doing development, but doing displacement of people and mountains. How do tourists travel in Uttarakhand? Don't we need good roads? Yes, you need good roads, but for that you need respect and love for mountains. You cannot have the destructive mind to control the world and pollute it as humans. It is only man who is an encroacher of nature which is meant for every creature on this Earth. It is human greed that is destroying mountains. The Himalayas are not for humans alone but for entire nature. Now, if you do not love or respect nature, but want to loot and enjoy, then this cannot continue forever. The destruction of Joshimath happened due to the construction of tunnels and the same thing is happening here. If we keep on doing development in the name of greed, mankind will become extinct one day. We need development without displacement, destruction and disaster. We have to redefine development and if we do not, greedy human beings will be a threat to all mankind. How many tunnels are dangerously made in Uttarakhand? I personally know 9 to 10 tunnels in Uttarakhand that are dangerously made. I do not have details of all the tunnels of Uttarakhand, though. The dams made near the Alaknanda and Bhagirithi rivers have tunnels, you then have many tunnels that are made for roads. In total I think they have constructed 250 to 300 tunnels over all. They all are in eco sensitive regions and dangerous. Ideally, how many tunnels should have been made without disturbing the eco sensitivity of the region? In my opinion, there should not have constructed a single tunnel. The Himalayas are not made for tunnels. If an insect or virus is found on our body then he too survives and we too survive, but when the same virus or insect enters our body through the mouth then it will be difficult for us to survive. And if the virus enters our lungs, then it kills us, like it did during the Covid pandemic. In the same way, humans are a virus on the body of the Himalayas due to which both Himalayas and man will survive. But when you start digging the Himalayas for tunnels, then obviously it will not survive and so won't you. But tunnels are made to cut short the time for humans. Yes, I do agree it is made to cut short your time. But then let me ask you, why are you in a hurry while visiting the Himalayas? Modern human being is in a hurry, worry and eating curry. If you do these three things, then you are obviously going to fall sick. Therefore, neither is the Himalayas healthy nor are the people staying in the Himalayas. If you respect the contours of the Himalayas and make roads on the contours, then it will be good. But when you live in corporate-driven democracy, then it works only for the corporate sector. When you make tunnels no poor man gets work, it is only corporates that get work because they bring in huge machinery. Corporate-driven democracy can only bring such heavy machinery solutions to the Himalayas where nature's existence does not matter. Have we woken up too late? Don't governments listen to you? Nobody listens to people like us. When we speak we are given the label that we are in opposition to development. The definition of development should be that it is good for all people and not where you make a tunnel and 40 people get trapped. This is not vikas, but vinash. A voter turnout of 70.59 per cent (provisional) was recorded in the second phase of Chhattisgarh assembly elections for 70 constituencies on Friday, where voting was held under a thick security blanket of police and paramilitary personnel, officials said. IMAGE: Security personnel stand guard as voters wait in a queue to cast their vote for the second phase of the Chhattisgarh assembly elections, in Maoist-affected Gariabandm, November 17, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo A jawan of the Indo Tibetan Border Police was killed in a blast triggered by Naxalites in Gariaband district of the state when a polling team being escorted by security personnel was returning after conducting voting, they said. Polling in 70 constituencies began at 8 am and concluded at 5 pm, except in nine polling booths in the Naxal-affected Bindranawagarh seat in Gariaband district, where voting was held from 7 am till 3 pm for security reasons, a poll official said. "An average voter turnout of 70.59 per cent was recorded in 70 seats. However, this figure may go up as it takes time to receive final data from many booths," the official said. Of the 70 seats, the highest turnout was recorded in Sanjari-Balod seat (Balod district) at 84.07 per cent, while the lowest voting percentage was recorded in Raipur City South- an urban constituency, at 52.11 per cent, as per the Turnout app of the Election Commission of India. In terms of the districts, Raipur district, which has seven assembly seats, recorded a low voter turnout of 58.83 %. Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel's constituency Patan saw a significant turnout of 83.90 %. The second phase of polls will decide the electoral fate of political heavyweights like Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, his deputy TS Singh Deo, eight state ministers and four members of Parliament. In the 2018 assembly polls, a voter turnout of 76.62 per cent was recorded on 72 seats in the second phase. This time, two of these constituencies were covered in the first phase of polling held on November 7. The political fate of a total of 958 candidates - 827 men, 130 women and one transgender person - contesting 70 seats spread across 22 districts, was locked in EVMs. As many as 1,63,14,479 voters - 81,41,624 men , 81,72,171 women and 684 of third gender - were eligible to exercise their franchise at 18,833 polling booths. While a woman died of unknown reason when she was standing in a queue to cast her vote at a polling booth in Kasdol assembly constituency of Balodabazar-Bhatapara district, a man was killed in an elephant attack when he was heading towards a polling booth to exercise his franchise in Korea district. Returning Officer of Kasdol segment Bhupendra Agrawal said the woman, identified as Sahodara Bai Nishad (58), fainted when she was standing in the queue waiting for her chance to vote at the polling station no. 76 in Malda village panchayat. She was shifted to a community health centre in Kasdol by her family members with the support of polling personnel, where doctors declared her dead, he added. In another incident, the man, identified as Umendra Singh (25) was trampled to death by an elephant near Mangora village under Korea forest division, a forest official said. As per preliminary information, Singh was heading to the polling station to cast his vote and stopped on seeing a group of people who were on the way to watch the pachyderm roaming the area, he said. The elephant suddenly charged towards the crowd. Singh failed to escape and got trampled to death, he said. CM Baghel cast his vote in Kuruddih village in his constituency Patan Durg district, while Governor Biswabhusan Harichandan and his wife cast their votes in Civil Lines Raipur. Talking to reporters, Baghel expressed confidence that the Congress would win 75-plus seats (in the 90-member assembly) and said there is a one-sided contest in Patan segment. In Baghel's turf Patan, the BJP fielded his distant nephew and party MP Vijay Baghel. The candidature of Janata Congress Chhattisgarh (J) state president Amit Jogi, son of former chief minister late Ajit Jogi, added a new dimension to the contest. When asked about the possible triangular contest in Patan, CM Baghel denied it saying it is people and farmers who are contesting elections (on his behalf) and not him. The contest is one-sided, he added. Deputy CM TS Singh Deo (Ambikapur) and state ministers - Ravindra Choubey (Saja seat), Anila Bhedia (Dondilohara), Amarjeet Bhagat (Sitapur) and Jaisingh Agrawal (Korba) and state assembly speaker Charandas Mahant (Sakti), who are Congress candidates from their respective segments, were among those who cast their vote. State BJP chief and MP Arun Sao, who is the party candidate from Lormi seat, cast his vote in Bilaspur segment. BJP MP and Union Minister Renuka Singh, who is party candidate from Bharatpur-Sonhat seat (spread over Korea and Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Baikunthpur (MCB) districts) cast her vote in Premnagar segment in Surajpur district. State Chief Electoral Officer Reena Baba Saheb Kangale cast her vote at a polling booth in Dharampura in the capital. Of the 70 assembly segments up for grabs, 44 are in the general category, while 17 are reserved for Scheduled Tribes and nine for Scheduled Castes. In the 2018 assembly polls, the Congress had won 51 of these 70 constituencies, while the BJP could bag only 13. The Janata Congress Chhattisgarh (J) had won four seats and the Bahujan Samaj Party two. The Congress later won one more seat in a bypoll. Among the candidates, 70 each are from the BJP and the Congress. There are 43 nominees from the AAP, 62 from the Janata Congress Chhattisgarh (J) and 33 from the Hamar Raj Party in the fray. The Mayawati-led BSP and the Gondwana Gantantra Party, a regional political outfit, are contesting in alliance and have fielded 43 and 26 candidates, respectively. While the main fight is between the BJP and the Congress, a three-way contest is on the cards in several seats of Bilaspur division where former CM Ajit Jogi's party and the BSP have pockets of influence. The Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP has also been focusing on seats in the division. The first phase of elections for 20 seats in the Naxal-affected state, which has a 90-member assembly, was held on November 7 and saw a high voter turnout of 78 per cent. Maharashtra minister Chhagan Bhujbal on Friday reiterated that the existing reservation for the Other Backward Classes should not be curtailed while giving reservation to the Marathas, and also hit out at Maratha activist Manoj Jarange over his recent statements. IMAGE: NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal (right) meets party leader Nawab Malik at latter's residence in Mumbai, August 16, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo Speaking at a rally of OBC communities, the NCP leader asked how suddenly a number of records showing Marathas as belonging to the Kunbi caste were being found. Bhujbal and several other prominent OBC leaders including Congress leaders Vijay Wadettiwar, Rajesh Rathod, BJP MLC Gopichand Padalkar, Prakash Shendge and Mahadev Jankar attended the 'OBC Bhatke Vimukt Jaat Aarakshan Bachao Yalgaar Sabha' (rally for saving the reservation of OBCs and Nomadic Tribes) at Ambad in Jalna district of Maharashtra. The event took place 25 km from the Antarwali Sarati village where Jarange had launched a hunger strike for the demand of Maratha quota first in August and again in October. "OBCs have got reservation constitutionally and after an approval of the Supreme court. He (Jarange) says that we have taken away their (Maratha community) reservation for 70 years. Are we taking away something that belongs to Jarange's family?" Bhujbal said. "We do not oppose Maratha reservation, but there should be no encroachment on the OBC quota," he added. Bhujbal also questioned how suddenly records showing Maratha families as belonging to the Kunbi caste, an OBC community, were being discovered. Following Jarange's hunger strike, the Eknath Shinde-led Maharashtra government decided to give Kunbi caste certificates to those Marathas who could produce records of the erstwhile Hyderabad state where their ancestors were described as belonging to Kunbi community so that they can avail of OBC quota. "Initially 5,000 records were found in Marathwada which was part of the Nizam's Hyderabad state (before 1948). Later the number went up to 13,500....Even when there were elections in Telangana, the number went up," Bhujbal said. OBC leaders should hold such rallies in every taluka of the state, he said. He also took a swipe at Jarange saying that after there was lathicharge on Maratha protesters at Antarwali Sarati in September, "he went home and slept". "The truth of the incident (of lathicharge) did not come out. Police officers were suspended, which demoralized them. As a result, police did not act in the Beed city and Majalgaon (where the Maratha quota agitation turned violent last month)," the minister added. A caste census should be conducted immediately and it would make the picture clear, Bhujbal said. He also criticised Jarange's appeal to people not to allow political leaders to enter their villages till the Marathas got reservation. "There is democracy in the state. Do these people own the state? I appeal to the chief minister and deputy chief minister (Devendra Fadnavis who holds the home portfolio) that the boards saying no entry for leaders should be removed. Is there law and order or not?" he said. Wadettiwar, who is the Leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra assembly, said the demand of caste census should be taken up with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "If there is encroachment in OBC reservation, we will not sit quiet," he warned. The voting for Madhya Pradesh's all 230 assembly seats and Chhattisgarh's 70 seats, in the second phase of the election, begins. In both of these Hindi heartland states, the straight contest between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and the opposition Congress. IMAGE: Voters stand in queue in Madhya Pradesh's Balaghat. Photograph: @CEOMPElections/X Madhya Pradesh In Madhya Pradesh, total 2,533 candidates, including Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and his predecessor Kamal Nath are in the fray for 230 assembly seats. Polling is being held from 7 am to 6 pm in all the assembly segments except in Baihar, Lanjhi and Paraswada seats in Balaghat district, 55 booths in Mandla district's Bichhiya and Mandla seats and 40 polling stations of Dindori district, all Naxalite affected, where voting time is 7 am to 3 pm, an official said. The single-phase voting covering all the 230 assembly seats -- 47 of them reserved for Scheduled Tribes and 35 for Scheduled Castes -- has more than 5.6 crore registered electors, the official said. Voting is underway in 64,626 polling stations set up in the state. They include 64,523 main booths and 103 associate (sahayak) stations, where the number of voters is more than 1,500. As many as 5,60,58,521 voters, including 2,87,82,261 males, 2,71,99,586 females and 1,292 third gender persons, are eligible to exercise their franchise. The voters also include service and overseas electors. A total of 2,533 candidates of political parties and independents -- 2,280 males, 252 females and one third gender person -- are vying to enter the state assembly. The number of "critical" voting stations is 17,032, while 5,260 booths have all-women polling staff, the official said. Booths which recorded very high turnout or witnessed any sort of violence during previous elections are designated as "critical polling stations". As many as 183 polling stations have been set up for persons with disabilities. For the first time, 371 youth-managed booths have been set up, while the number of "model" polling stations stands at 2,536. Fifty-seven "green" booths (environment-friendly centres) -- 50 in Jabalpur and seven in Balaghat -- have also been established, he said. For maintaining law and order during polls, prohibitory action was taken against 1,90,233 persons and 2,69,318 licensed weapons were deposited with authorities, the official said, adding 1,142 FIRs (first information reports) were registered for violation of the poll code. In the 230 assembly seats spread across 52 districts, a total of 73,622 Ballot Units (BUs), 64,626 Central Units (CUs) and 64,626 VVPAT (Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail) units are being used for conducting polling. VVPAT system keeps a physical trail of all votes cast. It allows voters to verify their votes are cast as intended. Besides Chief Minister Chouhan (Budhni) and state Congress president Kamal Nath (Chhindwara), three Union ministers from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) -- Narendra Singh Tomar, Prahlad Patel and Faggan Singh Kulaste -- are contesting the polls. BJP general secretary Kailash Vijaywrgiya is contesting from Indore-1 and three Lok Sabha MPs of the saffron party -- Rakesh Singh, Ganesh Singh and Riti Pathak -- are also in the fray. Senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh's son and ex-state minister Jaivardhan Singh and former chief minister Arjun Singh's son Ajay Singh are contesting from their traditional Raghogarh and Churhat seats, respectively. Besides main contenders for power Congress and the BJP, the Aam Aadmi Party, the Bahujan Samaj Party and the Samajwadi Party, among others, have also fielded their candidates. The high-decibel campaigning came to an end on Wednesday evening. Top leaders criss-crossed the state addressing rallies, holding road shows, trading charges and making a slew of promises to seek votes for their candidates. The electioneering saw Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP president JP Nadda, Union minister Rajnath Singh and Chouhan, among others, addressing rallies to drum up support for the saffron party nominees. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, party leaders Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi-Vadra, Nath and Digvijaya Singh, among others, addressed rallies to seek support for their party nominees. Modi made nine visits to the state and addressed 14 public meetings after the elections were announced. The BJP is heavily banking on his charisma to retain power. 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 Chouhan. IMAGE: Tribal voters stand at a voter's selfie point after casting their votes during the Chhattisgarh assembly election. Photograph: @CEOChhattisgarh/X Chhattisgarh In Chhattisgarh, polling began for the second and final phase of assembly elections where 958 candidates, including Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, Deputy CM T S Singh Deo, eight state ministers and four members of Parliament are in the fray for 70 seats. Polling began at 7 am in nine polling booths in Naxal-affected Bindranawagarh seat in Gariaband district for security reasons and will end at 3 pm. The polling time in all the 70 constituencies is from 8 am to 5 pm, except in these nine booths, an official said. The booths are Kamarbhaudi, Amamora, Odh, Bade Gobra, Ganwargaon, Gariba, Nagesh, Sahbinkachhar and Kodomali. The first phase of elections for 20 seats in the Naxal-affected state, which has a 90-member assembly, was held on November 7 and saw a high voter turnout of 78 per cent. The ruling Congress, voted to office in 2018 after 15 years in opposition, and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are the main contenders for power in the state, where the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and some regional outfits are also in the fray. While the Congress has set an ambitious target of winning 75-plus assembly seats, the opposition BJP is seeking to make a comeback to power in the state which it ruled for 15 years non-stop -- from 2003 to 2018. A total of 958 candidates -- 827 men, 130 women and one transgender person -- are contesting for 70 seats spread across 22 districts. As many as 1,63,14,479 voters -- 81,41,624 men , 81,72,171 women and 684 of third gender -- are eligible to exercise their franchise at 18,833 polling booths. At 26, the Raipur City West seat has the highest number of contestants, while Dondilohara in Balod district has the lowest count of candidates at four. Among the candidates, 70 each are from the BJP and the Congress. There are 43 nominees from the AAP, 62 from the Janata Congress Chhattisgarh (J) and 33 from the Hamar Raj Party in the fray. The Mayawati-led BSP and the Gondwana Ganatantra Party, a regional political outfit, are contesting in alliance and have fielded 43 and 26 candidates, respectively. While the main fight is between bitter rivals BJP and the Congress, a three-way contest is on the cards in several seats of the Bilaspur division where former CM Ajit Jogi's party and the BSP have pockets of influence. The Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP has also been focusing on seats in the division. Of the total 18,833 booths, 700 are "sangwari" polling booths which are being entirely managed by women personnel. IMAGE: People stand in queue to vote in Raipur. Photograph: @RaipurDistrict/X Chief Minister Baghel (Patan seat), T S Singh Deo (Ambikapur), assembly speaker Charan Das Mahant (Sakti), eight state ministers, including Tamrdhwaj Sahu (Durg Rural) and Ravindra Choubey (Saja), are among prominent Congress candidates in the second phase. From the BJP, state unit chief and MP Arun Sao (Lormi), Leader of Opposition in the assembly Narayan Chandel (Janjgir-Champa), Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Renuka Singh (Bharatpur-Sonhat-ST), MP Gomti Sai (Pathalgaon-ST), former ministers Brijmohan Agrawal (Raipur South), Ajay Chandrakar (Kurud) and Punnulal Mohile (Mungeli) are among key candidates in the second and final phase. Baghel has been contesting from his traditional Patan seat where the BJP has fielded his distant nephew and party MP Vijay Baghel. The candidature of Janata Congress Chhattisgarh (J) state president and son of former chief minister Ajit Jogi, Amit Jogi, in Patan has added a new dimension to the contest. The BJP has fielded a fresh face, Rajesh Agrawal, against Singh Deo in Ambikapur. Agrawal had joined the BJP, after quitting the Congress, ahead of the assembly polls in 2018. Of the 70 assembly segments up for grabs, 44 are in the general category, while 17 are reserved for Scheduled Tribes and nine for Scheduled Castes. In the previous assembly polls in 2018, the Congress had won 51 of these 70 constituencies, while the BJP ended up with 13. The Janata Congress Chhattisgarh (J) had bagged four seats and the BSP two. The Congress later won one more seat in a bypoll. The BJP's poll campaign was spearheaded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi who addressed four well-attended rallies for the second phase and targeted the Baghel-led government over corruption, particularly the alleged Mahadev betting app scam, recruitment scandal and Naxalism. Top BJP leaders, while on campaign trail, also criticised Chief Minister Baghel over the alleged betting app scam and religious conversion, and accused the ruling Congress of indulging in appeasement politics. 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 their party is concerned about the interest of the poor, while the BJP-led Centre only works for the welfare of the rich. The 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 select industrialists. The party has tried to woo farmers with the promise of a loan waiver, also made by it in 2018, and Other Backward Castes (OBCs) with a caste survey. AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal and BSP chief Mayawati also campaigned for their party candidates. The Congress registered a landslide victory in the 2018 polls, winning 68 of the 90 seats. The BJP was reduced to just 15 seats, while the JCC (J) and the BSP bagged 5 and 2 seats, respectively. The Congress later added more seats in bypolls and its tally in the outgoing assembly is 71. New challenges are emerging from the incidents in the West Asia and it is time for the countries of the Global South to talk in one voice for greater global good, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday even as he condemned deaths of civilians in the Hamas-Israel conflict. In his address at the second India-hosted virtual Voice of Global South Summit, Modi, highlighting top 10 priorities for the developing countries, called for a consultative and demand-driven development financing system that respects national sovereignty and avoids debt traps, in comments that came amid rising criticism of China's harsh lending conditions. Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said at a media briefing that the deliberations on the Hamas-Israel conflict included concerns over the ongoing hostilities, "horror" at the civilian casualties, the need for humanitarian aid for Palestinian people and the threat of terrorism. In his remarks at the summit, the prime minister apprised the leaders from around 130 nations about the achievements of India's G20 presidency from the perspective of the Global South and announced a series of initiatives including New Delhi's decision to hold an annual conference from next year on development priorities of the developing countries. The leaders at the summit also deliberated on the possible consequences of the Hamas-Israel conflict. The summit comprised two sessions at the level of leaders and eight others at the ministerial level. "For global prosperity, Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas (together with all, development for all) is needed. But we all are seeing that new challenges are emerging from the incidents in West Asia," Modi said. "India has condemned the horrific terrorist attacks in Israel on October 7. Along with restraint, we have also emphasized on dialogue and diplomacy. We strongly condemn the deaths of civilians in the conflict between Israel and Hamas," he said. Kwatra said "almost all leaders spoke about the challenge of terrorism which comes from there, the need to provide humanitarian assistance there and horror at the civilian casualties because of the conflict." "These three were kind of threads which were common to almost all interventions," he said. Citing the situation in West Asia, Modi said these crises can have a major impact on the Global South and it is important that "we find solutions to all these situations with solidarity, in one voice, and with shared efforts." He Modi also referred to his recent phone conversation with President of Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas last month. "After speaking to President Mahmoud Abbas, we have sent humanitarian assistance for the people of Palestine. This is the time when the countries of the Global South need to speak in one voice for the greater global good," he said. Israel has been carrying out a massive military operation in Gaza following the unprecedented and multi-pronged attacks on Israeli cities by Hamas militants on October 7. In his remarks, Modi said the message from the second Voice of Global South summit was that the Global South wants its "autonomy" and is ready to take big responsibilities in world affairs. In the concluding session of the summit, Modi highlighted top ten priorities for the Global South which included his call for having a consultative, demand-driven and people-centric development financing that respects national sovereignty and avoids debt traps. China, considered to be the world's largest sovereign creditor, has been showing reluctance to certain proposals on debt restructuring. Kwatra said the challenges of debt burden came up strongly at many sessions at the virtual summit as financing is a need that stresses across various areas of development cooperation and economic growth of a country. He said the overarching view was that development financing should be extended in a manner so that it does not impose debt burden on structural parameters of the economy of any country. Asked whether the name of any specific country figured in the discussions for triggering the debt burden, he said no specific name was mentioned. But at the same time added that: "everybody knows what kind of credit causes debt". In the list of top 10 priorities for Global South, Modi pitched for climate action based on principles of equity and climate justice as well as underlined the need for affordable and inclusive energy transition, and food security for all. The priorities included digital public infrastructure for public service delivery, reformed multilateralism, women-led development, counter terror cooperation and preventing misuse of new technologies. The prime minister also called for cooperation under the framework of 'five Cs' which he explained as consultation, cooperation, communication, creativity and capacity building. Modi also described the Voice of Global South as the most unique platform for the changing world of the 21st century. "Our priority was to make the G-20 inclusive and human-centric on a global scale. Our effort was that the focus of G-20 should be development of the people, by the people and for the people," he said. "It is with this objective that we organised the Voice of Global South Summit for the first time in January this year. In more than 200 G-20-related meetings held in different states of India, we gave prominence to the priorities of the Global South," he said. "The result was that we were successful in getting everyone's consent on the issues of the Global South in the G20 New Delhi Leaders' Declaration," Modi said. Modi also talked about African Union's entry into the G20 as a permanent member at the New Delhi summit of the grouping. "I cannot forget that historic moment, when the African Union was inducted into G20 as a permanent member with India's efforts," he said. Listing achievements for the Global South under India;s G20 presidency, Modi said unprecedented seriousness was shown this time on climate finance. There was consensus at G20 on providing finance and technology in easy terms to countries of the Global South for climate transition, he said. "India believes that new technology should not become a new source of widening the distance between North and South. Today, in the era of Artificial Intelligence (AI), there is a great need to use technology in a responsible manner. "To take this forward, an AI Global Partnership Summit is being organised in India next month," he said. In his address, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said Global South should work towards self-reliance to mitigate various vulnerabilities as the Covid-era was a stark reminder of the "perils" of dependence for basic necessities on far away geographies. Though Jaishankar did not make any specific references while making the remarks at the second virtual Voice of Global South summit, the comments are largely seen as veiled dig at China as he also talked about reliability of supply chains and challenges of economic concentrations. The external affairs minister also said that there continues to be a "resistance" for a greater role for the Global South in shaping solutions for the key contemporary issues. "We also need to work towards self-reliance to mitigate our vulnerabilities vis-a-vis economic concentrations. The Covid era is a stark reminder of the perils of dependence for basic necessities on far away geographies," he said. "We need to not only democratise and diversify production, but build resilient and reliable supply chains and promote local solutions. Only then can the Global South secure its future," he said. In the last few years, India has been positioning itself as a leading voice flagging concerns, challenges and aspirations of the Global South. As the G20 president, India has been focusing on issues like inclusive growth, digital innovation, climate resilience, and equitable global health access with an aim to benefit the Global South or the developing countries. Jaishankar also talked about the growing stress on the global economy and the long-standing structural inequities. "All of us are acutely aware of the growing stress on the international economy and global society. Longstanding structural inequities have been seriously aggravated by the devastation of the Covid pandemic," he said. "This has been made still worse by the fuel, food and fertilizer crises emanating from the Ukraine conflict and its responses. Resource challenges, financial constraints, disrupted trade and climate events have added to our burdens," he said. IMAGE: Polling officials at a distribution centre for EVMs and other election materials ahead of the Madhya Pradesh assembly election in Jabalpur, November 16, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo The polling for 230 seats in Madhya Pradesh and 70 seats in the second phase of the Chhattisgarh assembly election will be held on Friday, November 17, 2023. 2,534 candidates will contest the polls in Madhya Pradesh; 958 candidates in the Chhattisgarh polls. Madhya Pradesh The data from Associated for Democratic Reforms show the state has 5,60,60,925 voters of which 2,88,25,607 are males, 2,72,33,945 are females and 1,373 are Third gender. The smallest constituency is Kotma with 150,542 voters and the largest is Indore-5 with 413,447 electors. Of the 2,534 candidates, 2,281 are men and 253 are women. Chhattisgarh As per the Associated for Democratic Reforms data, of the 958 candidates, 827 are men and 130 are women. The second phase has a total electorate of 1,63,14,479 of which 81,41,624 are male voters and 81,72,171 are women voters. The third gender comprises 684 voters. Manendragarh is the smallest constitutency with 134,752 electors and the largest one is Kasol with 361,626 voters. Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) has said that a Hamas terrorist tunnel was uncovered in the Shifa Hospital complex in Gaza. According to IDF, troops found another terrorist tunnel in the Rantisi Hospital. It further said that a large amount of weaponry and ammunition were found in the Al-Quds Hospital. "Exposing another layer of Hamas' exploitation of three of the largest hospitals in Gaza: Inside the Shifa Hospital complex, a Hamas terrorist tunnel was uncovered." In another post, it stated, "Inside the Rantisi Hospital, yet another terrorist tunnel was unearthed by IDF troops," IDF posted on X. "The Shaldag SF unit, the 7th Brigade, and additional SF units exposed Hamas's tunneling infrastructure inside the Shifa Hospital. They also discovered a booby-trapped vehicle that was prepared for the October 7th massacre, containing a large amount of weapons and ammunition," Israeli Air Force posted on X. Taking to X, the DF shared pictures of weapons and ammunition found in what they said was the Al-Quds Hospital. "Inside the Al-Quds Hospital, a large amount of weaponry and ammunition were found. This was all found over the past 24 hours," IDF posted on X. Meanwhile, the IDF said fighter jets struck several more Hezbollah sites in southern Lebanon. The IDF said that the attacks were carried out in response to attacks on the northern border, The Times of Israel reported. According to the IDF, anti-tank guided missiles were fired at a number of army posts on the border near the Biranit base and the northern community of Rosh Hanikra. No injuries were reported in the attacks, according to The Times of Israel report. On Thursday, Israel Defence Forces shared a video showing weapons inside Gaza's Al Shifa Hospital. In the video posted on X, Lt Col Jonathan Conricus toured Al-Shifa Hospital's MRI building. In the video, he said, "We're inside the MRI centre of the Shifa Hospital. Israeli troops breached here a few hours ago and we have cleared the area, made sure that it's safe. A few of the most interesting things that we have found totally confirmed without any doubt that Hamas systematically uses hospitals in their military operations in violation of international law and what we have found. I think, it is only the tip of the iceberg." "Let me show you a few examples. Security cameras have been obstructed, all of the security cameras are covered, and this isn't the only one. You'll see the rest of them here," he added. Conricus also said Israel Defence Forces had found a laptop in an MRI room, which is now being analysed by Israel's intel personnel. He also showed medical equipment, including bandages. The voting for Madhya Pradesh's all 230 assembly seats was held on Friday, November 17, while Chhattisgarh voted in the second phase of the election. Here are a few glimpses of the polling booths in the two states. Madhya Pradesh CM and BJP candidate from Budhni, Shivraj Singh Chouhan along with his wife Sadhna Singh and two sons show ink-marked fingers after casting their votes during the Madhya Pradesh assembly elections, in Sehore district. Photograph: ANI Photo Chouhan's rival and Congress MP president Kamal Nath casts vote at Shikarpur in the Sausar assembly seat of Chhindwara district. Photograph: ANI Photo Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel and his family show their inked fingers after casting their votes in Kuruddih village in his constituency Patan in Durg district. Photograph: @bhupeshbaghel/X Voters stand in queues to cast their votes at a polling booth in Madhya Pradesh's Burhanpur. Photograph: ANI Photo An elder voter poses for a photo at a photo booth after casting his vote for the second phase of the Chhattisgarh assembly elections. Photograph: ANI Photo Collector and District Election Officer Rituraj Raghuvanshi along with others stand in a queue to cast their votes for the second phase of the Chhattisgarh assembly elections, in Dhamtari. Photograph: ANI Photo On Thursday, November 16, 2023, the guardian 'Angels' of Vizag, the Indian Navy's 321 Vizag Flight, celebrated its 51st anniversary at INS Dega in Vishakapatnam. The Angels Flight consists of Chetak helicopters mandated to provide search and rescue cover on the Eastern seaboard. Men and machines of the Angels Flight have undertaken numerous life-saving missions both at sea and over land, protecting precious lives. All Photographs: ANI Photo Photographs curated by Anant Salvi/Rediff.com Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com Abbas Ganbay Chairman of Azerbaijan Railways CJSC (ADY) Rovshan Rustamov met today with a delegation headed by Peter Spuler, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Stadler Rail Group, Azernews reports. According to the contract signed between ADY and "Stadler Rail Group" at the meeting, four new passenger trains are planned to be delivered, tested, and put into operation in Azerbaijan by the end of this year, including the design of the Regional Service Centre, which will start operating. Negotiations were also held on the training of local specialists and machinists who will service "Stadler" rolling stock. It should be remembered that Azerbaijan received the first new FLIRT trains in 2022. The order was fulfilled under the contract signed in 2019 between Azerbaijan Railways CJSC and Swiss company Stadler Rail AG. The rolling stock was assembled at a factory in Belarus. It should be noted that six more passenger trains ordered by Swiss company Stadler Rail Group are planned to be delivered to the country within the next year. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyi welcomed the advancement of the Armed Forces in the Kherson region. He showcased the soldiers who are securing Ukraine's freedom. ADVERTISIMENT The head of state shared photos taken by military photographers Kostiantyn and Vlada Liberov on Telegram. He expressed gratitude to each soldier for their dedication. "Left Bank of the Kherson Region. Our soldiers. Thank you for your strength, and for moving forward! Glory to every one of you who is restoring freedom and justice to Ukraine!" the president wrote. ADVERTISIMENT As a reminder, on November 17, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that the Armed Forces had secured a foothold on the left bank of Kherson and conducted a series of successful operations there. The defenders are engaging in sabotage, raiding, and reconnaissance activities, identifying the logistics routes of the occupiers and gathering intelligence on the location of the invaders' manpower and equipment for their subsequent destruction. Newly sworn-in Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu on Friday asserted that he was firmly committed to ensuring that the strategically-located archipelago nation in the Indian Ocean remains "free" of any foreign military presence to preserve its independence and sovereignty. IMAGE: Newly sworn-in Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu. Photograph: Dhahau Naseem/Reuters/File image Muizzu's remarks soon after he was sworn in as the eighth President, assume significance as the 45-year-old structural engineer-turned-politician had maintained his election promise of evicting Indian military personnel from the Maldives. The Maldives is one of India's 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. Muizzu, a close associate of former Maldives President Abdulla Yameen who forged close ties with China during his Presidency from 2013 to 2018, defeated India-friendly incumbent Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in the presidential runoff held in September. At the swearing-in ceremony, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju represented India. "An honour and a privilege to represent #India at the inauguration ceremony of President H.E. Dr. Mohamed Muizzu @MMuizzu and Vice-President H.E. Hussain Mohamed Latheef @HucenSembe at iconic Republic Square in Male, Maldives," Rijiju posted on X. Special Envoy of the President of China and State Councillor Shen Yiqin too was present here. It was well attended by a multitude of dignitaries from across the world. Vouching for preserving its independence and sovereignty, Muizzu made a firm commitment to ensure that the Maldives remains free of any foreign military presence. Highlighting Maldives' independence, Muizzu said he would make Maldives a country that is free from all outside cultural influence. The Maldivian people come first on the list! The very top! Muizzu elaborated on his vision for the Maldives' foreign policy, emphasising the preservation of amicable relations with neighbouring and distant countries. A master plan for national development for the next 20 years, ensuring the judicial system is free from even the slightest influence of the government, a development plan to establish two integrated development zones, and prioritising the tourism industry, one of the strongest pillars of the nation's economy, were among the focus points of his speech. Muizzu noted that the state's total debt when he assumed office was MVR 119 billion, the biggest in the Maldives' financial history and said that Maldives remains strong enough to overcome the economic fallout. He also mentioned completing the long-pending Velana International Airport project. President Dr Muizzu highlighted that the Maldives would reciprocate the respect for independence and sovereignty that it expects from other nations, a statement from the President's office said. The President underscored that the foundation of a free society or nation is built upon the principles and norms that we uphold and believe in and praised the crucial role of Maldivian society in fostering goodness and rectifying wrongs, thereby highlighting the community's collective responsibility. We want to ensure the independence of the powers of the Maldivian state. And especially to ensure the judicial system is free from even the slightest influence of the government, the newspaper Sun said, quoting him. This does not mean the government will turn a blind eye to individuals who betray Maldivian citizens and the state and commit crimes. On the contrary, it means the government influencing the judiciary is brought to an immediate end from here on, he added. The statement from the President's Office further said that Muizzu emphasised the importance of political empowerment and modern technology to foster connections with the global community. I believe it would enable us to conduct business and bring our innovative ideas and products to the forefront, he said. President Muizzu also stated that striking a balance between structural and human development will be one of the fundamental policies of this starting presidential term. The President also declared that his administration will highly prioritise the tourism industry, which he said is one of the strongest pillars of the nation's economy. Emphasising medium and long-term objectives, he added that the goal is to construct a master plan for national development for the next 20 years and come up with a development plan, which includes establishing two integrated development zones in the northern and southernmost parts of the country. "Maldives is India's key maritime neighbour in the Indian Ocean Region and occupies a special place in the prime minister's vision of 'SAGAR' (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and the 'Neighbourhood First Policy'," the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement earlier this week while announcing Minister of Earth Sciences Rijiju's visit to the Maldives to represent India at the inaugural ceremony of the presidency. The MEA said the high-level ministerial representation from India at the inaugural ceremony underscores India's commitment to further deepen the substantive cooperation and robust people-to-people ties between the two countries. Shreekant Sambrani remembers P R S 'Biki' Oberoi, personal friend and hospitality icon, who passed into the ages this week. P R S (Biki to friends) Oberoi was the doyen of the Indian hotel industry in the truest sense of the word. He was the senior most hotelier in the country by age and length of service and the chairman emeritus of the third largest Indian hotel chain. Much more importantly, he single-handedly introduced the concept of luxury hotels in India even when the country was hardly on the itinerary of international travellers with deep pockets and Indian business and holiday travel emphasised economy over comfort. We had The Taj Mahal Hotel in Mumbai as our token presence among posh hotels until the 1960s. Biki's father and the founder of the group, Rai Bahadur M S Oberoi, valued comfort all right, but luxury was not his priority. When Biki took over as the chief executive from his father in the early 1960s, building what was then known as The Oberoi Intercontinental in the heart of New Delhi was among his first decisions. The association with the Intercontinental group did not last long, as Biki wanted to pursue his own designs of a luxury hotel. Rumour has it that the Rai Bahadur was not quite comfortable with this new path (Biki neither confirmed nor denied this), but Biki had his way and remained on the best of terms with his father all through the Rai Bahadur's long life. (Biki once suggested that I should write the Rai Bahadur's biography, but we both agreed that it would lack the required distance. It was eventually done by Bachi Karkaria). The hotel had very large plate glass windows as one of its most attractive features. That became a signature pattern for later hotels in the chain. It has undergone complete refurbishing roughly every two decades or so, shutting down for extended periods in the process, but remains the address to be seen at. The Oberoi at Nariman Point in Mumbai, adjacent to the then Oberoi Towers (now The Trident) was the extension of the concept of its namesake in Delhi. But the Raj Vilas Hotels (including luxury tents) that opened in the turn of the century Rajasthan bustling with rich and budget tourists alike, added another dimension altogether to uber luxury hotels. They are frequently listed among the best in the world. The Taj Chambers was the first club for the business elite, but the Oberoi Belvedere far outdoes the Chambers in name-dropping terms. I got to know Biki as his lead consultant for his diversification ideas which naturally extended to food. In the mid-1980s, edible oil plants were on everybody's to-do list. A leading Canadian engineering group came forward with technology and possible funding. I was roped in to provide economic and management inputs. Biki and I soon struck a deep personal and professional bond (he once told me that I must be his advisor on all his diversification projects, a word he kept until the late 1990s when he decided that it was better to stick to the knitting; we continued our personal relationship long afterwards). One of the Canadians had a Toshiba T1100 portable computer (the world's first laptop) introduced globally just days earlier. Before long, I had persuaded the Canadians to sell it to me and I became the first laptop owner in the country. The machine would appear bulky and very rudimentary today, but in 1985, it was just miraculous to work out scenarios using it. Biki was aware of this and asked me to bring it to his board meeting when I was to make a presentation of the project. On Biki's suggestion, I had saved the sensitivity analysis on the laptop. The board members, including such venerables as ambassador B K Nehru and Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, were completely mesmerised when the 'little' machine answered all their what-if questions with a few quick key strokes. The happy hour post the board meeting was entirely consumed by their eager handling of the computer. When the promised Canadian funding did not materialise, Biki persisted with his now keen interest and pursued other possibilities. We explored tie-ups with European vegetable fat processors, even though their main interest was in fats for chocolates. We came close to a joint venture with the Indonesian Japfa Group, a giant in the animal feeds and fats industry. We contemplated a novel concept, of locating the processing plant neither in the oilseed growing hinterland nor near a market, but at a port. The idea was to import soyabean, process it, and export the de-oiled meal. The approach was essentially the same as that of the giant Reliance refinery at Jamnagar; it imports petroleum crude and exports refined products, gaining from the handsome refining margins in India. That would have been the case with soyabean as well. Biki was completely committed to the idea, but the Indonesians demurred, fearing the newly liberalising India could possibly relapse into a licence-permit raj again. Biki was a compleat hotelier and committed to the Oberoi image, at work and away from it. It was common knowledge that the Rai Bahadur frequently read some of the guest comments, but Biki read every single one of them at the Delhi Oberoi and acted immediately when action was required. He was very particular about what his hotels must look like, what facilities they must absolutely have and how they must function. He had no qualms about walking away even from existing properties when they did not meet his strict criteria. Not many would now know that the Taj hotels at Banjara Hills in Hyderabad and the Ahmedabad international property once sported the Oberoi banner, until they fell out of favour of the great man. He was a close friend of Fatehsingh Gaekwad, the head of the erstwhile ruling house of Baroda. But he refused to enter into a management contract for a hotel proposed at the main Gaekwad residential palace, the Lakshmi Vilas, because there were not enough bathrooms in the palace and the existing ones did not meet his standards. He came to Baroda a few months after my association with him began, to examine other properties of the extended Gaekwad clan. None of them met his standards and no deals were struck (even today, none of them have been converted into hotels). Much against the advice of his executive assistant, I invited Biki to dinner at our home. He readily accepted, and ate a home-cooked meal in our non-airconditioned dining room. He had earlier met my wife Rita and known her as a professional member of my team. He told her he was utterly bowled over by her culinary skills. He asked her whether she would share a recipe of one of her family heirloom dishes he had particularly liked and wanted to introduce in his menus. She agreed readily, assuming that he was just being polite. She nearly fell out of her chair when a few days later the executive chef at the Delhi Oberoi called and requested her to send him the recipe. I must confess, though, that I have never checked whether that dish ever appeared on the menu of any of the Oberoi restaurants. Biki's residences on the farm on the outskirts of Delhi and at the Naila fort near Jaipur (where President Bill Clinton danced with the locals in 2000) easily outdid his hotels in terms of the comfort they offered. Jimmy Santosa, the head of the Japfa Group, was invited to stay at the Naila fort. Santosa was a veteran globetrotter and no stranger to luxury hostelries. He awarded Naila 11 stars! When he sent me to meet executives of the French hotel chain Accor, my brief was that any tie-up involving the Accor economy Ibis brand was simply out of the question. We once travelled to a small Swedish town two hours away from Malmo to meet the board of the leading Swedish fat processor. There was only one ultra-modern self-service hotel in town. We arrived late on a Sunday evening. Biki asked the young receptionist if he could get his suit ironed urgently. She smiled and said that was not possible, because the only local laundry would open on Monday at 10 in the morning. Biki, for whom the hotelier catering immediately to every desire of the guest as his bounden duty was as an article of faith, was stunned into silence. Finally, the lady found an ironing board and she and I did the pressing. But Biki was not pleased at all! He was as fastidious about his personal appearance as he was about his hotels. Always impeccably dressed, mostly in bespoke double-breasted suits, he managed to appear far taller than his rather small physical frame. A strapping 2-metre-tall former member of the President's Guard, the head of security at the Naila fort, described himself as being in the service of HRH Prithvi Raj Singh. That is perhaps the most fitting appellation for this giant of an entrepreneur. Brattleboro, VT (05301) Today Partly cloudy early then becoming cloudy with periods of rain this afternoon. High 49F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 80%.. Tonight Showers early with some clearing overnight. Low 34F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 60%. Lithuania has handed over a new military aid package to Ukraine. This time it includes generators, field tents and dry rations. ADVERTISIMENT This was announced on Friday, November 17, by the Lithuanian Ministry of Defense. The ministry noted that Lithuania will firmly adhere to its commitments to support Ukraine. The Defense Ministry also published a photo of the aid sent. According to the Minister of National Defense Arvydas Anusauskas, Russians will start destroying Ukraine's critical infrastructure again in winter. "Therefore, in response to Ukraine's urgent needs for support, Lithuania has purchased generators and other equipment needed by Ukrainian soldiers on the battlefield, especially in cold weather," the minister said. The ministry also described the generators that were handed over to Ukraine. ADVERTISIMENT These are 160 kW stationary diesel generators designed to generate electricity and provide it to facilities in areas where power lines are unavailable or there are interruptions in their operation. Such a generator can operate continuously for at least 8 hours at full load, it is protected from environmental influences and can operate at temperatures ranging from -30 below zero to +40 above zero. As reported by OBOZ.UA: On November 10, Lithuania handed over to Ukraine two launchers from the NASAMS anti-aircraft missile system. As well as equipment for their operation and cars for personnel. Lithuania plans to allocate 340 million in aid toUkraine in 2024. This financial support was included in the country's budget expenditures for 2024. Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! After consolidating the Defense Forces on several bridgeheads on the left bank of the Kherson region, officially announced by the military on November 17, the occupants will attempt to regroup. They have constructed a multi-echelon defense system in the occupied part of the region and appear to be prepared for a potential retreat to the left bank of the Kherson region. ADVERTISIMENT Despite the enemy's plans and actions, Ukrainian soldiers are currently searching for weaknesses in the Russian defense and have their vision of liberating the region from the occupiers. This was stated by a representative of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine, Yevhen Yerin, on Radio Liberty. The representative of Ukraine's military intelligence refused to disclose details of the Ukrainian Defense Forces' operation on the left bank of the Kherson region after the military officially confirmed that they had secured several footholds there. However, he noted that the invaders would attempt to regroup their troops. "We will not provide specific details about the left bank for now. I will only say one thing. Certainly, the occupiers will attempt to regroup in some way. They have established a multi-echelon defense system, and I understand that they were preparing for such scenarios, anticipating the need to retreat from the left bank. We'll see how the situation develops further," Yerin said. ADVERTISIMENT The representative of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine also mentioned that Ukrainian soldiers are studying the Russian defense on the left bank of the Kherson region, searching for weaknesses in it. "We carry out such actions regularly and have our vision of how and in what way to liberate our territory," Yerin added. On the morning of November 17, the Ukrainian military officially confirmed, for the first time, that the Ukrainian Defense Forces had secured positions in several footholds on the left bank of the Kherson region. Since the commencement of the operation on the eastern bank of the Dnipro, they have inflicted significant losses on the invaders. Specifically, the Russian Armed Forces suffered approximately 3,500 casualties, including killed and wounded, and over 300 pieces of enemy equipment and weapons were destroyed. ADVERTISIMENT The defenders also detonated 29 enemy ammunition depots and four command posts. Among the Braves authors say their in-depth investigations could land them in trouble under security laws. Shibani Mahtani and Timothy McLaughlin, the authors of "Among the Braves," speak at a recent seminar at New York University's U.S.-Asia Law Institute. The authors of a new book on the Hong Kong protest movement say they won't be able to return to the city now, for fear of reprisals under a draconian security law. Shibani Mahtani and Timothy McLaughlin, whose in-depth portrait of the 2019 protest movement "Among the Braves" was published recently in New York, said they had realized while researching the book that there would likely be a trade-off between ease of access to the city they once called home and their ability to write freely about the movement. "I think we knew when we started doing this that it would mean giving up our ability to go back," Mahtani told a recent seminar at New York University's U.S.-Asia Law Institute. "But then it was reflected back to us in the decisions of others, [who were] like, we will definitely help you, this is important, but we need to be anonymous." "And it was pretty clear that this is sort of the price," she said, adding that she and co-author McLaughlin had "started experiencing some issues with visas" while they were living there. She said Hong Kong's national security police, who are tasked with prosecuting speech and actions anywhere in the world deemed subversive or overly critical of the authorities, had also complained about a story McLaughlin who writes for The Atlantic had published recently. 'A trade-off' "Tim got a complaint on a story from the [Hong Kong] national security police, though nothing came out of it," she said in a reference to their decision to move out of the city. "I think we took the decision to leave before we were forced to," she said. "We won't be able to go back; we won't be able to report on the ground, and that really limits you as a journalist in a huge way," Mahtani, who is an international investigative correspondent for the Washington Post, said. "I think it's a trade-off." On the plus side, Mahtani said she would be able to work on harder-hitting stories from overseas than she might have done while working in Hong Kong. "We see this book and other stuff we've done as our contribution to the narratives around 2019, and if the trade-off is that we can't continue operating in Hong Kong, then I think it's worthwhile," she added. "Among the Braves" is an in-depth portrait of the 2019 Hong Kong protest movement. Credit: Hachette Books McLaughlin said the pair had taken legal advice as part of the editorial process, but that it was hard to know exactly which parts of the book were most likely to get them into trouble, as the authorities are still expanding their suite of security legislation. "The lines around the National Security Law, around the reimagination of sedition, of what could come with Article 23, that they say will be retroactive ... [are] very unclear still," McLaughlin said, in a reference to a recent announcement by Hong Kong chief executive John Lee that his administration will pass new security laws in 2024 under Article 23 of the city's mini-constitution, the Basic Law. "What's going on with the law in Hong Kong, in the courts, it's like it's not fully formed yet," McLaughlin told the seminar. "We don't know all of what we don't know." "We don't know how long the trials will take. We don't know if pleading guilty will get you a good deal. It's still forming," he said. "I kind of picture it in my mind as like a blob of clay that hasn't been fully made yet into what it is." "It's very unclear, as to what could be deemed illegal now, what could be deemed illegal in the future. A lot of red lines are deliberately ... unknown," he said. "Among the Braves" is likely to anger officials with its claim that police knew in advance that white-clad mobsters planned to attack protesters and passers-by at the Yuen Long train station on July 21, 2019, because a police detective was monitoring a WhatsApp group chat in which they discussed the operation. National Security Law The authors aren't the first foreign passport-holders to point to the dangers of returning to Hong Kong, where the national security law applies to speech or acts by nationals of any country, anywhere in the world. Danish sculptor Jens Galschit, whose "Pillar of Shame" statue commemorating the 1989 Tiananmen massacre was seized by Hong Kong authorities, said it is currently "impossible" for him to travel there, given the current political climate. In August, U.S. photographer Matthew Connors was refused entry to Hong Kong for the second time after he documented the 2019 protest movement. Meanwhile, authorities in democratic Taiwan have warned their nationals planning to travel to Hong Kong to avoid carrying electronic tealights, wearing T-shirts referencing the 1989 Tiananmen massacre or possessing "seditious" materials relating to the city's 2019 mass protest movement. The national security law imposed by Beijing on Hong Kong from July 1, 2020 ushered in a citywide crackdown on public dissent and criticism of the authorities that has seen senior journalists, pro-democracy media magnate Jimmy Lai and 47 former lawmakers and democracy activists charged with offenses from "collusion with a foreign power" to "subversion." Translated by Luisetta Mudie. 30% of this Chinese funding comes from entities linked to the military, report shows. British think tank Civitas on Oct.14 in the British Parliament released a new report, exploring the degree of dependence of British universities on China. British universities have received huge amounts of Chinese funding over the past five years that was linked to the Chinese military, a recent think tank report reveals. Out of 88 U.K universities surveyed by Civitas, a British think tank, 46 responded that they had received between 122 million (US$151 million) and 156 million from China since 2017, including research collaborations and one-off or multiple donations from Chinese entities, according to the think tanks report on Wednesday. And 30% of this Chinese funding comes from entities linked to the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army, including those sanctioned by the United States. Three U.K. universities received 100% of their Chinese funding from entities linked to the Chinese military, including the University of Westminster, the University of Huddersfield and Cranfield University. Chinese equipment manufacturer Huawei, despite being banned by the U.K. government from building 5G networks from 2020, remains the largest single source of Chinese funding for British universities, providing between 20 million and 38 million in grants since 2017. Such a figure accounts for nearly a quarter of the Chinese funding received by universities in the U.K. Other Chinese military-linked entities that provide funding to U.K. universities include the seven education institutions, including the Harbin Institute of Technology and Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, that are controlled by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, research institutes for nuclear warheads, and the PLAs largest supplier of precision-guided missiles. The funding, however, does not take into account the 2.2bn in international student fee income that Chinese students bring to British universities each year, making them a major source of overseas income. The report also mentions that British universities, in cooperation with the China Scholarship Council, a nonprofit arm of the Chinese education ministry, taps British taxpayers money to provide scholarships for Chinese students to study in prestigious universities such as Oxford and Cambridge. Whats more, these Chinese students are selected on the condition that they thoroughly implement Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, serve the national strategy, face national needs, provide talent support for the comprehensive construction of a modern socialist country, and they also undergo brainwashing education by the Communist Party of China before leaving China. The report also singled out the Confucius Institutes and the Chinese Students and Scholars Association (CSA) as Beijings united front organizations that monitor 700,000 Chinese students worldwide. United front organizations are agents of Chinas united front strategy that taps a network of individuals and groups that are controlled or influenced by the Chinese Communist Party to advance its interests. Robert Clark, director of defense security at Civitas and author of the report, said that China was not only endangering Britains national security by funding intellectual property theft at its universities, but its united front and surveillance efforts were also undermining academic freedom and free speech in the institutions. Our report looks at how Beijing is waging united front work around the world, particularly in the U.K. and the U.S., to subvert its academic institutions and increase Chinas influence at home and abroad, said Clark. We also have very interesting findings on how Beijing and the Chinese Communist Party are conducting united warfare and exerting influence and intimidation operations on U.K. campuses. Clarke called on the British government to align itself with U.S. sanctions, to expand the market for students from other Commonwealth countries and Hong Kong in order to reduce the reliance on Chinese students, to stop working with the China Scholarship Council, as well as end its relationship with the Confucius Institute. There are currently 30 Confucius Institutes in the U.K., the most in the world. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said during his election campaign that he would close them, but so far he has not honored his promise. British Member of Parliament Bob Seely said that the U.K. government may not need to impose a total ban on universities receiving Chinese funds or close down Confucius Institutes, but it should set out clear guidelines on what can and cannot be done, such as not barring discussion of the Tiananmen Square incident on campus, and not spying on or intimidating students. Translated by RFA Staff. Edited by Elaine Chan and Mike Firn. The U.S. Department of Defense has once again called on Congress to approve President Joe Biden's request for additional funding for Ukraine to fight the invasion of Russian occupiers and for Israel to fight Hamas. They emphasized that assistance to these countries is also needed to protect U.S. national interests. ADVERTISIMENT Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh said this at a briefing on Thursday, November 16, Ukrinform reports. Approval of Biden's request will not only continue to help Ukraine and Israel but also make important investments in the Indo-Pacific region, as well as provide humanitarian assistance around the world. The supplemental budget request will meet America's national security needs, Singh emphasized. This will be an investment in the military-industrial sector of the state and will replenish the Pentagon's stockpile of weapons previously allocated as foreign aid. According to a Pentagon spokeswoman, the department currently has only $4.9 billion available for use in the form of PDA (Presidential Decision Authority) packages. In addition, there is about $1.1 left to replenish the US Department of Defense's stockpiles. ADVERTISIMENT However, Ukraine needs much more to be able to confront Russia on the battlefield. The Ukrainian Armed Forces are waging a counteroffensive, and they need regular support. As reported by OBOZ.UA, the State Department again called on Congress, in particular the House of Representatives, to approve the allocation of funds to help Ukraine. They reminded us that the Pentagon has already exhausted about 95% of the funds it had to provide military support to our country. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida shakes hands with South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol as they attend the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) Leaders event at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit in San Francisco, California, U.S. November 16, 2023. South Korea and Japan are set to improve their once-strained relations across sectors including security and technology a development aligning with the U.S. President Joe Bidens strategy to maintain Washingtons influence in Asia, amidst ongoing security challenges in Europe and the Middle East. However, ongoing territorial disputes between the two nations may limit the scope of their bilateral security cooperation, an expert noted. South Koreas President Yoon Suk Yeol and Japans Prime Minister Fumio Kishida met in San Francisco Thursday, and vowed for further enhancement of the bilateral relations. The latest meeting marked Yoon and Kishidas seventh summit this year. The reinstatement of the Foreign Ministers Strategic Dialogue last month marks the complete restoration of all intergovernmental agreements reached during my visit to Japan in March. All arrangements are now fully operational, Yoon told Kishida. The close cooperation between Japan and Korea in relation to the evacuation of their nationals from Israel is very reassuring, Kishida told Yoon, referring to the incidents where both countries allowed their citizens to use each others military cargo planes for evacuation from Israel after an attack by Hamas. The cooperation signaled a positive shift in the previously tense relationship between the neighboring states. The two leaders agreed to cooperate more closely on global challenges, South Koreas Presidential Office said in a statement Friday, adding that the two will work closely on issues such as North Korea and Ukraine. Yoon and Kishida proposed collaboration in a wide range of areas, including advanced science and technology, at a trilateral level including the U.S., the statement added. The relationship between the two countries had deteriorated over historical disputes in recent years. The main points of contention were Japans practices during its 1910-1945 colonization of the Korean peninsula, particularly the forced recruitment of women into wartime brothels for the Japanese military and the use of forced labor. The tense relations were further exacerbated by their close ties to domestic politics, a sensitive and challenging area to navigate. The prolonged strain adversely affected Washingtons strategy in Asia, as it hindered the establishment of open bilateral security relations between these two key U.S. allies. The lack of cooperation between the two American allies in Asia has hindered Washingtons efforts to strengthen its presence in the region, particularly in the face of expansionist moves from China and Russia. But the South Korea-Japan relations showed signs of improvement following an initiative by South Koreas President Yoon earlier this year. He proposed the creation of a public foundation aimed at compensating victims of wartime forced labor by Japan, a move intended to ease the strained ties. The enhanced relations and consequent security cooperation could facilitate the containment of potential expansionist moves of non-democratic states in the region. With South Korea and Japan demonstrating their military capabilities, the U.S. could benefit from a more cost-effective approach to containing these authoritarian regimes. It could also sustain Washingtons presence in the Asian region as it aims to resolve security crises in Ukraine and Israel. Cheon Seong-whun, a former security strategy secretary for South Korea's presidential office, said the enhanced cooperation would no doubt benefit the Asia strategy of the U.S., although it has its limits. Cooperation between South Korea and Japan is beneficial for maintaining security order in the region. However, South Korea-Japan security cooperation inevitably has its limits, mainly because Japan raises territorial issues with South Korea, Cheon said. These countries are officially embroiled in a territorial dispute, and under such circumstances, full security cooperation is not possible. South Korea and Japan are currently disputing over the contested South Korea-controlled island called Dokdo in Korean and Takeshima in Japanese, in the Sea of Japan, also known as East Sea. Its like asking if there can be proper security cooperation if Canada claimed New Hampshire as its own. For fundamental security cooperation to be possible, territorial issues must be resolved, Cheon added, issuing a warning against being overly optimistic about the bilateral security cooperation to a full extent. Edited by Taejun Kang and Elaine Chan. More than 26,000 people have fled after the ethnic army captured a junta police station. Pauktaw city, Rakhine state, seen before fighting between junta forces and the Arakan Army broke out. Updated Nov. 17, 2023, 2:51 p.m. ET Clashes this week in western Myanmar between the Arakan Army and junta troops have driven more than 26,000 people from their homes, the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, or OCHA, said on Friday. After the ethnic armed forces seized a police station in Rakhine state Thursday morning, junta forces retaliated with airstrikes. The military regime also brought in navy ships, one Pauktaw township resident told Radio Free Asia. Gunfire continued until Thursday afternoon, when locals began to leave en masse. I am not sure whether all the residents could get out of the city, he said, asking to remain anonymous for fear of reprisals. I think parts of the city are blocked as [junta troops] are shooting from both air and sea. The escalated hostilities in Rakhine and neighboring southern Chin state have restricted key transport routes and waterways between Rakhines state capital of Sittwe and Yangon, Myanmars commercial capital, according to Fridays update from OCHA. Fighting has been especially intense in Rakhines Pauktaw and Maungdaw townships and in Chins Paletwa township, according to OCHA. Since Monday, 11 deaths and more than 30 injuries have been reported, and more than 100 people have reportedly been detained by junta forces, OCHA said. Humanitarian aid suspended The attack on the police station ended a ceasefire brokered in 2022 after fighting led to shortages in food, medicine and access to health care for more than 2 million residents. In May, Cyclone Mocha devastated much of Rakhine. Hungry and shelterless residents have complained for months of slow or nonexistent aid delivery in the aftermath of the storm. OCHA said Friday that most humanitarian activities have been suspended due to the resurgence of conflict, increased security scrutiny, road and waterway blockades, and movement restrictions between urban and rural areas. Tensions between the junta and the Arakan Army had resurfaced in recent months, according to Richard Horsey, the International Crisis Groups senior Myanmar adviser. Both sides knew that fighting could resume at any time, he said on Friday. The regime kept sizable forces deployed in the state for that eventuality. On Thursday, two junta warships traveling along the Kaladan River fired more than 10 shots with heavy weapons. The ships continued to Pauktaw along the Kwe Ku River as a helicopter from Sittwe continued firing. Two of three navy ships docked and one remained on the river. Now the helicopter is hovering and shooting, the Pauktaw resident said. Residents from the city are fleeing to nearby places. A new hotspot The Pauktaw police station, previously under junta control, was seized by the Arakan Army, said another Pauktaw resident, but the city continued to be attacked by the junta airforce and navy. The residents from the city are fleeing and [junta soldiers] are shooting. I know there is damage and that there have been casualties, but we are still hiding, he told RFA, asking to remain anonymous. Pauktaws residents escaped on foot, by cars and on motorcycles, according to a video uploaded to Facebook on Thursday afternoon. The Arakan Army has seized the moment to press its advantage following the Operation 1027 offensive that began three weeks ago, Horsey said. The Arakan Army is part of the Three Brotherhood Alliance of rebels that has seen notable gains against the military in several key cities in Shan state in the countrys northeast. This weeks attacks by the Arakan Army in western Myanmar have created a new hotspot that the regime can ill afford to get bogged down in, according to Horsey. It also will not welcome the idea of renewed conflict with the AA, which it has struggled to overcome even when other parts of Myanmar were quiet, back in 2019-2020, he said. The junta has yet to release any information on the incidents in Pauktaw. RFA called Rakhine states junta spokesperson Hla Thein, but he did not answer the phone. Translated by RFA Burmese. Edited by Mike Firn and Matt Reed. This story has been updated with details from the U.N. and comments from the ICG's Richard Horsey. German newspaper says chemical maker BASF is tied to a subsidiary of blacklisted Xinjiang Zhongtai Group. The logo of German chemical giant BASF is pictured at its headquarters in Ludwigshafen, Germany, on Feb. 24, 2023. A German newspaper report that it found close ties between Chinas state-sponsored Uyghur labor transfer program and a regional partner of chemical giant BASF has prompted criticism that the company is ignoring the possibility of forced labor at the plant. Xinjiang Markor Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., has operated a plant in Korla the second-largest city in Chinas Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region with German-based multinational BASF since 2016. German business newspaper Handelsblatt reported on Nov. 5 that some of the ownership rights to Xinjiang Markor Chemical Industry are held by the Xinjiang Zhongtai Group and its subsidiary, Zhongtai Chemical Company. In September, the United States banned goods made by the Xinjiang Zhongtai Group from imports due to the companys participation in business practices that target members of persecuted groups, including Uyghur minorities. Xinjiang Zhongtai is now one of 27 companies explicitly blacklisted under the 2021 Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, or UFPLA, which also includes a general ban on the import of any goods made even in part by the forced labor of Uyghurs, a Muslim minority subjected to persecution and put in internment camps in China. A statement from BASF said it routinely conducts background checks of its suppliers in Korla. Investigations done at the Xinjiang Zhongtai plant in 2019, 2020 and earlier this year have found no instances of forced labor or any other human rights violations, BASF said. Also, the inclusion of Zhongtai Group in the United States UFLPA Entity List doesnt have any legal implications on the products made through BASFs joint ventures in Korla, the company said. Regardless of the legal implications, we regularly conduct transparency measures, to the extent legally possible, in response to the situation in Xinjiang, which also involves the joint venture partner and its shareholders, BASF said in the statement. Allegations are no surprise The German Bundestag, the U.S. Congress and several other Western legislative bodies have declared that the abuses in the region amount to genocide or crimes against humanity. But BASF, the largest chemical producer in the world, continues to invest heavily throughout China. The German-language Handelsblatts report said that the Korla factory probably the most controversial plant that BASF operates in the world produces chemical precursors used in sportswear. In the past, we highlighted the risks that the BASF joint venture plant in Korla implies, Tilman Massa of the Germany-based Association of Ethical Shareholders said. So for us, it is no surprise that there are new allegations. The company has an obligation to comply with German supply chain laws, to investigate its suppliers and release its latest investigation to the public, he said. However, BASFs latest external audit may not be an effective measure for investigating any supplier in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Massa said. It is not a sufficient measure, he told RFA. Responsible withdrawal from the region should be what companies should do given the context there. Its also not really possible to trust any audit conducted in a region that remains under strict control of watchful Chinese authorities, said Hanno Schedler, a genocide prevention consultant who is based in Germany. There will be no external audit because they know that independent audits arent possible in that region, he said. These companies need to realize that when you deal with a system comprised of internment camps, long prison sentences, family separations as well as forced labor, you cannot escape the system, he said. The only way to really escape that system is to get out of the region. Edited by Matt Reed and Malcolm Foster. New report says Hanoi created over 133ha of new land in 2023 with dredging tools it had not used before. Vietnam has actively pursued its major expansion plan in the disputed South China Sea, nearly doubling newly-reclaimed areas in one year, a new report said. Since December 2022, Vietnam has created another 330 acres [133.5 hectares] of land on rocks and reefs within the Spratly archipelago, according to the report by the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative, or AMTI, at the U.S. Center for Strategic and International Studies, or CSIS, think tank. That was in addition to the 420 acres (170 hectares) reclaimed in 2022. By contrast, Vietnam had created just 120 acres [48 hectares] of land in the Spratlys between 2012 and 2022, the report said. This all adds up to about a quarter of the more than 3,200 acres [1,295 hectares] of land created by China from 2013 to 2016, but it is far more island expansion than any other claimant besides China has undertaken. The report looked into five Vietnamese outposts in the sea, including Barque Canada Reef which has undergone the largest transformation by far. Last week Radio Free Asia reported on the remarkable pace of reclamation on the reef. Formerly one of Vietnams smallest outposts, over 210 acres [85 hectares] of new land have been created at Barque Canada in the last year, making it now the largest Vietnamese-occupied feature in the South China Sea, AMTIs report said. Other features that have been built up rapidly are Pearson Reef, Namyit Island, Sand Cay and Tennent Reef. AMTI said dredging and landfill have also continued, though at a smaller scale, at Alison Reef, Cornwallis South Reef, Ladd Reef, and Discovery Great Reef, indicating that a major expansion of any of these reefs in the future cannot be ruled out. The report noted that the focus of Vietnams efforts remains primarily on dredging and landfill, with construction of infrastructure yet to begin in earnest at most features. Cutter suction dredgers While examining satellite imagery, AMTI researchers discovered that in order to accelerate its dredging efforts, Vietnam has turned to a tool that it had previously shied away from: cutter suction dredgers. A cutter suction dredger cuts hard soil or rock on the seabed into fragments with a rotating head. The material is then sucked up by dredge pumps and discharged to a deposit area through pipelines across sea and land. Dredging at Pearson Reef, Oct. 27, 2023. Credit: CSIS/AMTI/MAXAR Technologies At Barque Canada Reef on Nov. 2, 2023, at least two such dredgers could be seen clearly on the image provided by the U.S. satellite imaging company Planet Labs. Another two were present at Pearson Reef on Oct. 27, 2023. They are of the same type that China was criticized for using during its island-building campaign in 2014-2017 due to their outsize ecological impact, the report said. Dredging can be harmful to the marine environment due to physical effects on coral and seagrass, said Victoria Todd, Managing Director & Chief Scientist at Ocean Science Consulting Ltd. Collisions, noise production, and increased seabed disturbance can affect marine life directly, she told RFA. Indirectly, changes in environment characteristics, such as topography, depth, sediment particle size can also affect them, Todd said, adding that the issue is highly complex and should be studied carefully. How much and how long-term the impacts are very much depends on where and how dredging is being carried out. Previously, Vietnam used clamshell dredgers and construction equipment to scoop up sections of shallow reef and deposit the sediment on the landfill areas. This method is considered more time-consuming but less destructive than cutter suction dredging. The use of cutter suction dredgers is worrying because they are more environmentally destructive than traditional methods, but even more so because they risk playing into Chinas information operations, said Greg Poling, AMTIs director. Information battle This round of land reclamation is just at the beginning, said the Chinese think tank South China Sea Probing Initiative (SCSPI) on the social media platform X previously known as Twitter. Ever since 1970s, Vietnam has never stopped expanding its outposts in Spratly Islands, SCSPI added. China has developed and fully militarized three artificial islands in the South China Sea, including Mischief Reef, Subi Reef and Fiery Cross, with missile arsenals, airfields and aircraft hangars, radar systems and other military facilities. Yet Chinese actors are trying to paint Vietnam as the one really militarizing and destabilizing the South China Sea, said AMTIs Poling. Vietnam appears to only be using these kinds of dredgers to create new harbors and for the major expansion of Barque Canada, so it's still a much smaller environmental impact than China's dredging had. But that nuance could be lost in the narrative battle between Beijing and Hanoi, warned the maritime analyst. Dredging at Barque Canada, Nov. 2, 2023. Cutter suction dredgers with cables working at the reef. Credit: CSIS/AMTI/MAXAR Technologies The Vietnamese government has yet to say anything about the AMTI report but Hanois official stance has been that it only carries out works to protect the features but not to expand or change the structures of islands under its control. There is a saying in Vietnamese: When you meet with Buddha, wear a monks robe but when you see a ghost, put on a paper dress, which means: When in Rome do what the Romans do, said Song Phan, a Sydney-based South China Sea researcher. Many of my colleagues think it is not advisable for Vietnam to sit idle when its big neighbor is behaving so assertively, Song added.. I dont necessarily agree with them though. In my opinion, all sides need to strive to preserve the status quo in the sea. The apparent island-building campaign, however, has become a hot topic on internet forums in Vietnam, with netizens praising the governments efforts. Worth every penny, reads a comment by Dung Nguyen on a defense forum called Truong Sa Ngay Moi. Hope we can accelerate the island expansion even faster before our friend decides to disrupt it, said another blogger, Hieu Do Van. Edited by Mike Firn and Taejun Kang. Villagers said men in plain clothes punched and kicked them. Police and people in plain clothes stop a protest by Phong Yen residents on Nov. 15, 2023. At least three people have been hospitalized after a clash between police, plainclothes enforcers and protesters at a land development project in Nghe An province. Demonstrators tried to stop construction workers leveling land around a shrimp pond for the Urban Area and Social Housing, or Eco Central Park Vinh, a project run by the Viet-Laos Economic Cooperation Joint Stock Company. When the villagers went out to protect the pond, I dont know who mobilized hundreds of police, soldiers and gangsters to force them to leave the area, a resident of Phong Yen neighborhood, who did not want to be identified for safety reasons, told Radio Free Asia on Thursday. About 200 people living in Phong Yen had to face around 300 police and about 50 young men wearing red hats, many of whom seemed to be students because they looked very young. Videos seen by RFA Vietnamese showed police with shields and batons and plainclothes people wearing red helmets dragging protesters out of the construction area. Another local resident said the people wearing red hats came by bus and punched and kicked people, while the police only pushed them. Many people were slightly injured and three seriously injured locals had to seek treatment at Vinh City General Hospital. Most of the injured were elderly, some over 80 years old, locals said. They named one of the injured as Tran Van Phu, who is in the hospitals emergency department. Demonstrators were forced to leave the site, allowing contractors to level the ground. One resident said the police ordered people to delete social media posts and video clips of the clashes. RFA called officials in Nghe An province, Vinh city and Hung Hoa commune to ask about the incident but no one answered the phone. State media did not cover the story. Unsatisfactory compensation According to an article in November 2022 in the Ethnicity & Development newspaper, the commercial and social housing project was approved by the People's Committee of Nghe An Province on October 7, 2010 covering an area of 156 hectares (385 acres). Two locals said the government gave the site to the people of Phong Yen in 1993 to grow rice and potatoes. In 2001, Nghe An province encouraged people to dig ponds to raise shrimp for export. People in Phong Yen want to stop the land being developed, saying they have not received compensation for the pond area of 170 million dong (US$7,000) per 500 square meters, which was offered to people in other hamlets in the commune. Vinh city officials said people were not compensated because they were not growing crops on the land so the authorities took it back. One local said no land recovery document had been issued. Translated by RFA Vietnamese. Edited by Mike Firn and Elaine Chan. 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. 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. Tens of thousands of Belarusians have fled the country since August 2020, when authoritarian leader Alyaksandr Lukashenka launched a brutal crackdown on protesters who disputed his reelection in a presidential vote that was widely seen as rigged. Some of those who left were able to do so in an orderly way, selling their property and raising enough capital to start a life somewhere else. Others had to leave so hurriedly that they departed with little more than the shirts on their backs. Many Belarusian emigres have since run into difficulties abroad, including those who have fallen ill in a foreign country without health insurance or funds to cover vital medical care. With no end in sight to politically motivated repression back home, Belarusians all over the world have come together -- along with other kind souls -- to help their exiled compatriots who have fallen on hard times. One such initiative is Bysol, which facilitates and organizes campaigns to assist those who have suffered at the hands of the regime. RFE/RL's Belarus Service spoke to some of those who have received help via this fundraising organization. 'At Least It's Not Scary Here': Alina Nahornaya And Ihar Sluchak Alina Nahornaya and Ihar Sluchak recently left Belarus with their two small sons. As tireless advocates for the Belarusian language, the social networks they had been involved with were branded as "extremist" by the authorities after the crackdown began in 2020. As a result, they had spent the last few years living under the radar, constantly fearing arrest. They say the stress of leading such an underground existence began to take a toll on their health. Also, as their children needed vaccinations, which they could only get at a state clinic where they might come to the attention of the authorities, they eventually decided to leave the country. The Crisis In Belarus Read our coverage as Belarusian strongman Alyaksandr Lukashenka continues his brutal crackdown on NGOs, activists, and independent media following the August 2020 presidential election. Given the resources needed to undertake such a life-changing move, they appealed for help via the Bysol organization, asking for 5,000 euros ($5,435) to assist with such things as accommodation, items for the children, and medical expenses. "We hoped that people would support us," Sluchak said. "Because our work to protect the Belarusian language was important for many." It turns out that Sluchak was right in his assumption, and the couple received more than 6,000 euros ($6,500) in a short space of time. "For us, this collection was a sign that people appreciated our work," he said. "It was needed." With the help of this money, they have now relocated to Lithuania, where they are doing their best to make a new life for themselves in the capital, Vilnius, although they still face plenty of challenges. "We had a good nanny in Belarus, but here there are different prices for such services," Sluchak said. "That's why we are taking care of the children all the time." "The [pro-Lukashenka people] are getting a break from us," he added. "But we will settle down and get to work." Sluchak admits that life was cheaper in Belarus, but that there are other advantages to living in Lithuania that cannot be bought. In particular, they feel safer here than they did back home, where they "could be arrested and thrown into not entirely pleasant conditions," with their children being placed in institutional care. "At least it's not scary here," Sluchak said. 'I Was Ashamed To Ask For Help': Mikhail Samborski Mikhail Samborski had been working as a pediatrician in Babruysk when he took part in anti-government demonstrations after the disputed presidential election in August 2020. He had also been an active volunteer for a samizdat publishing association and says he regularly did his best to provide help for political prisoners. Given these oppositionist activities, it's hardly surprising that he was detained by KGB officers in December 2022. Although no charges were pressed, he says the government agents tried to recruit him as an informer and threatened to detain him and his wife while also taking away their children if he did not cooperate. After warning his colleagues that the KGB had them in their sights, Samborski decided to flee Belarus with his family, first to Armenia and then to Poland. After leaving his job and nearly all of his property behind, it's been a struggle to make ends meet. Although a proud man, he decided to ask for assistance via Bysol, in order to get his children some warm clothes for the winter and some school supplies. "I was ashamed to ask for help," he said. "That's how I was brought up. I was not very hopeful and didn't see myself as a victim. But my friends convinced me to apply. We had already bought the most necessary things that we needed." Although, he asked for the relatively modest sum of 800 euros ($870), he has already received more than 4,500 euros ($4,890) in donations, which has exceeded his wildest expectations. "I myself donated all the time, helped political prisoners, but these were very small amounts," he said. "Now I have been helped many times more! I used to think that I was somehow abnormal, because I helped even those who didn't deserve it. Now I see that I did not underestimate people! It's just incredible -- so much support. I am deeply touched by this!" Besides being thankful for the much-needed funds, Samborski has been heartened by the huge response to his appeal, which has given him hope for the future of Belarus's embattled opposition movement. "Money does not fall from the sky for anyone; everyone has to work and earn it," he said. "But they gave us such strong support! I think we are bound to win, since we help each other and stick with each other." 'These Are Dark Times For Us': Yauhen Hrekau When anti-Lukashenka protests erupted after the strongman was controversially reelected in August 2020, Yauhen Hrekau took to the streets like many others, taking part in sit-downs and doing volunteer work for opposition organizations. After he started receiving messages from the Belarusian police on his phone, he says it was becoming too dangerous for him to stay in the country, so he left for Georgia, where he now works as an English- and Chinese-language tutor. Because Belarusians can only stay in Georgia without a visa for one year, those who want to stay must go to a third country every 12 months before reentering and "resetting" their visa-free status. Consequently, Hrekau went to Turkey this year, intending only to stay a short while before returning to Georgia. Unfortunately, disaster struck when he was there while walking by the sea with some acquaintances. "It was hot. We were standing on a pier and I decided to go for a swim," he said. "The water was so clear that I did not calculate the depth. I believe higher forces saved me, because I had wanted to jump into the water headfirst, but at the last moment I changed my mind and jumped with my feet, breaking my leg in three places." That, however, was only the start of his troubles. When he was taken to the hospital in Istanbul and the Turkish doctors there found out that he had no health insurance, they told him that the leg required complicated surgery which would cost $10,000-$20,000. When Hrekau told them that he didn't have that kind of money, they tried to persuade him to go back to Belarus for treatment, telling him that they would give him painkillers for the journey. "It was difficult for me to explain why I couldn't go to Belarus under any circumstances," he said. Luckily, his acquaintances found another hospital that agreed to fix his leg for $5,000. As a language teacher who says he left Belarus with only one backpack, this was still a huge amount for him to pay. When he couldn't produce the sum demanded after the operation, the hospital threatened not to let him leave the facility until they got their money. Thankfully, some friends and acquaintances lent him $1,500, which was the minimum amount that the hospital would accept before discharging him. He has since tried to obtain what he needs for the hospital fees via a public appeal on the Bysol site. Although he has not yet raised the sum he requires, he's hopeful that others like him will rally round to help. "Because I believe that these are dark times for us, we Belarusians must stand with each other and support each other," he said. "We have a strong diaspora in Batumi [in Georgia]. We support each other here and believe in better times. We will return to our native country; it is simply historically destined. But we need more time." Written by Coilin O'Connor based on reporting by RFE/RL's Belarus Service with contributions from Merhat Sharipzhan. The President's Office explained why the forecast for the liberation of the temporarily occupied Crimea did not come true. There are a number of reasons for this, including money and weapons. ADVERTISIMENT Mykhailo Podolyak, an adviser to the head of the Presidential Office, told Channel 24. He explained that the forecast was made based on a simple mathematical analysis. "Let's be honest. When we talk about the timing of the liberation, today some may say, 'You said that we would enter Crimea in the summer of 2023.' But what was the basis for this? It was based on a mathematical analysis: how many and what kind of weapons are needed; how much and when these weapons will be delivered; how much, when and how sanctions against Russia will work; how much and how Russia will spend money," he said. The advisor to the head of the Presidential Administration clarified that the occupiers spend a lot of money on the war, and Russia has also learned to circumvent some sanctions. Ukraine has been waiting for weapons from its Western partners for a long time. ADVERTISIMENT "If we have agreed on certain tools of warfare, we should have these tools in 7 to 10 days, as long as it takes for logistics, and not in 90 to 120 days," Podolyak emphasized. According to him, if the transfer of weapons is delayed for a long time, the Russians will find out what and how much Ukraine will have. Because of this, the occupiers began to prepare for strategic defense. In conclusion, Podolyak emphasized that the timing of the liberation of a territory depends solely on the resources and weapons of both Ukraine and Russia. One way or another, he assured that Crimea would be de-occupied, and the scenario without liberation of the peninsula was not even considered. "But let's get back to the main point. Do we have an ending 'not to enter Crimea' that would clearly say that Ukraine will have a historical perspective? Is there at least one outcome where we left Russia with a share of the occupied territories? There have been no relevant political and governance changes in Russia. Russia continues to spend 14.6 trillion rubles directly on the war. These are only direct costs, and there are also indirect costs. Do we have any chance of surviving in the historical context for 10 or 15 years?" said the adviser to the Presidential Administration. ADVERTISIMENT Earlier, retired Lieutenant General Ben Hodges, former commander of the U.S. Army in Europe, explained why it is important for the Armed Forces to liberate Crimea. In his opinion, Ukraine will not be safe and will not be able to restore its economy until the temporarily occupied Crimea is liberated, including the blocking of shipping in the Black Sea and food exports from Ukrainian ports by the aggressor state. As OBOZ.UA previously reported, anti-Russian sentiment is growing in the temporarily occupied Crimea, and it is happening sharply. The Moscow-appointed governor of Crimea, Sergey Aksyonov, is making excuses to the Kremlin, saying that the reason is a significant increase in prices for basic goods and medicines due to Western sanctions. Only verified information in our Telegram OBOZ.UA and Viber . Do not fall for fakes! What clothes women are allowed to wear and whether or not men can have bushy beards are being debated again in Muslim-majority Central Asia, this time in Kyrgyzstan. The parliament of the former Soviet republic of some 7 million has unveiled a bill that would ban women from putting on the all-covering niqab and prohibit men from growing long beards to preserve public security. The bill, released for public discussion on November 14, says the measures are needed so that peoples faces can be seen and individuals identified. The draft law would institute a $22 fine or 30 hours of community service for violators, while repeat offenders would face a $44 penalty or 40 hours of community service. It doesnt specify what length of beard is deemed legally acceptable under the bill, seemingly making such judgments very subjective. If approved, the law would apply to the citizens of Kyrgyzstan but not to tourists, diplomats, and other foreign nationals temporarily living in the country. It also exempts Kyrgyz who have medical reasons for covering their faces. Islamic clothing and long beards -- which is often seen as an ostentatious sign of a strict religious belief -- have been a recurrent topic in Central Asia for many years. The initiator of the Kyrgyz bill, lawmaker Sharapatkan Mazhitova, pointed out that the ban only targets the niqab, which covers the face, leaving only a small opening for the eyes. The lawmaker insists she is not against the Islamic hijab that covers the head and neck but leaves the face open. Kyrgyzstans neighbors -- Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan -- have banned the wearing of the hijab in schools and offices. Public Security Mazhitovas campaign against the niqab began in April when she went to the southern region of Osh, where she said she was alarmed by how many local women wore the all-covering dress, which is usually black. Only their eyes were visible, Mazhitova said in parliament after her trip. Wear head scarves if you like, but why must you wrap yourself fully in black clothing? She urged the Muftiyat, the highest Islamic authority in Kyrgyzstan, to launch explanatory works among women about the niqab and why many object to it. The lawmaker doubled down on her proposal in September, demanding that parliament and the government act to ensure security before it is too late. Every fourth woman in Osh wears the niqab and their number is growing by the day, she claimed. I demand the government take measures at the state level now, as it will be too late tomorrow. Mazhitova argued that a law banning the niqab -- locally known as the parandzha -- does not constrain religious freedom. More than a dozen countries worldwide have banned the niqab, including even non-majority Muslim nations such as Austria, Denmark, France, Bulgaria, the Netherlands, and Belgium. Islam has been on the rise in Central Asia in recent years, especially among the generation who grew up after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. The secular governments in the region are wary of the growing influence of the religion and frequently express concern about what they describe as the threat of extremism and terrorism. In 2016, a photo of women wearing niqabs at a public event in Osh prompted a state-backed campaign that targeted a foreign culture being imposed on Kyrgyzstan under the guise of religion. 'Let's Repair Roads First' The proposed niqab ban stoked fresh debate among the public, politicians, and on social media. Kyrgyzstans mufti, Zamir Rakiev, explained that the niqab is not compulsory in Islam, which does require women to wear the hijab. Zhamal Frontbek-kyzy, the head of the Kyrgyz Muslim womens organization Mutakallim, warned that it would be difficult to convince women to take off their niqabs. Instead, she suggested the government start an explanatory campaign that would eventually persuade women stop wearing them. One must not link the niqab with radicalism and extremism, she told RFE/RLs Kyrgyz Service. We are not an authoritarian state that issues bans. Kanat Midin-uulu, the deputy head of the state Commission for Religious Affairs, said that there currently are no imminent threats from religious extremism to the country. Obviously, there are issues that need to be addressed, but the situation overall is stable, he said. Social media users expressed mixed reactions to the draft law. Some welcomed it, saying: Correct! or About time. Others protested, saying: Let everyone wear what they want. Another suggested that the ban wont work. Under the same logic we need to ban face masks and sunglasses, too, a social media user argued. Several people called for a ban on miniskirts, shorts, and crop tops, too. Dont our lawmakers have more pressing issues to think about? one post read. Lets repair our bad roads first, suggested another. RFE/RLs Kyrgyz Service contributed to this report. WASHINGTON -- 325, 200, 150, 125. The downward trend is clear. The numbers represent the millions of dollars in military aid distributed to Ukraine during the past four U.S. weapon drawdown rounds from September 21 through November 3. Octobers total of $350 million was the lowest monthly figure in nearly a year and half. The U.S. Congress has been unable to pass a new Ukraine aid bill since September as Republican support wanes, forcing the Biden administration to curtail the size of the fortnightly military equipment shipments to the embattled country. That is raising concerns that Ukraines performance on the battlefield could soon be impacted. The United States is by far Ukraines largest supplier of weapons. Congress this week approved a supplementary spending bill to keep the U.S. government open that once again failed to include new funding for Ukraine, triggering dire warnings from the White House. Each week that passes [without a new bill], our ability to fully fund what we feel is necessary to give Ukraine the tools and capacities it needs to both defend its territory and to continue to make advances, that gets harder and harder, White House national-security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters on November 13. Ukraine is struggling to drive Russian forces off its territory as Moscow attempts to overcome Western sanctions aimed at undermining its military industrial complex and mobilizes more and more men for the war effort. Kyiv has pleaded to its Western backers for modern fighter jets, long-range missiles, air-defense systems and ammunition to help it overcome an enemy with far greater resources. The failure of the United States to come through with new aid would severely shake the Western coalition supporting Ukraine and embolden Russian President Vladimir Putin, experts say. Amid the intense U.S. congressional debates this week over spending, Andriy Yermak, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiys closest adviser, traveled to Washington to press Kyiv's case for more aid, meeting with White House officials and lawmakers. He also spoke on November 13 at the Hudson Institute, a conservative think tank, to get his message across to a Republican audience. The right wing of the Republican party has been the gatekeeper to more Ukrainian aid. Congress last approved funding for Ukraine in December 2022, when it passed the annual U.S. spending bill that contained $45 billion in military, financial, and humanitarian aid for the country. The funding was expected to run out by September 30. Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the latest developments on Russia's full-scale invasion, Kyiv's counteroffensive, Western military aid, global reaction, and the plight of civilians. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war in Ukraine, click here. As that date approached, Biden in August submitted a supplemental spending bill that included an additional $24 billion for Ukraine to get the country through early 2024, while U.S. lawmakers continued to debate the annual spending bill. That proposal was soon watered down to $6 billion but did not pass, as a faction of Republicans in the House of Representatives tied any new Ukraine aid to greater U.S. border security funding, which Democrats strongly oppose. The Republicans control the House. The Biden administration still has about $5 billion in military aid it can tap for Ukraine under the Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA), according to the Defense Department. The PDA is a policy tool that allows the president to quickly transfer weapons and equipment from Defense Department stocks to a foreign country. The Defense Department then replenishes its stock with new orders using the Ukraine aid allocated by Congress. However, there is only about $1.1 billion remaining, raising questions whether the administration will use the full drawdown authority if a new aid bill isnt passed in time. Mark Cancian, a military analyst at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, told RFE/RL it could be tough politically to tap the full amount. Some voices could contend it endangers U.S. national security to disperse equipment that may not be quickly restocked, he said. However, he said the Pentagon could choose to send equipment it doesnt intend to replace, such as the M113, the Vietnam War-era armored personnel carrier that the United States stopped buying in 2006, and the M198 howitzer, the precursor to the M777 model that has already been sent to Ukraine. The United States has on average dispensed about $1.2 billion a month in military aid under the PDA to Ukraine since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. However, monthly aid has been less than $500 million since August as funding dries up. The remaining PDA -- if fully tapped -- could keep military aid flowing to Ukraine into February, Cancian said. He said the Pentagon could also reprogram -- or redesignate -- some of its own budget money for Ukraines needs. Politico last month reported, citing unnamed sources, that the Biden administration might use State Department grant money for weapons purchases for Ukraine, as well as reprogram Pentagon budget money should a new Ukraine aid bill fail to pass in time. Sullivan said the dearth of aid is already having an effect on our ability to give Ukraine everything that it needs, and that it would only worsen with time. The window is closing, he said. $61 Billion Package Biden on October 19 addressed the nation for only the second time during his nearly three years in office to rally public support for aid to Ukraine and Israel, which was attacked weeks earlier by Hamas, designated as a terrorist group by the United States and European Union. A day later, he submitted a $106 billion national-security spending package that would provide emergency funding for Ukraine and Israel as well as for measures to counter a growing Chinese military threat in Asia. It also included funding to address the surge in illegal immigration through the U.S.-Mexico border, a key Republican request. Ukraine would receive the lions share -- $61 billion -- an amount large enough to cover the countrys needs through 2024, a crucial U.S. election year with future aid sure to be a key topic of debate. The Biden administration has already allocated $113 billion for Ukraine since the start of the war. U.S. public support for Ukraine, especially among Republicans, has waned as the war drags on with no end in sight and as former President Donald Trump campaigns for the 2024 election. Trump, who is currently the leading Republican candidate to challenge Biden, has not come out in support of Ukraine, and Republican voters and lawmakers appear to be taking their cue from him, experts say. The House Republicans who have blocked new Ukraine aid are largely Trump supporters. A majority of lawmakers in both chambers of Congress support more aid for Ukraine, but the Republican right-wing minority has wielded outsized influence in the debate. Senator Chuck Schumer (Democrat-New York) told reporters this week that the Senate will reconvene after November 23 to consider the Biden administrations $106 spending bill. Even if it passes the upper chamber, it will face a tougher fight in the House, with some Republicans demanding separate votes on aid to each country. Cancian said he expects Congress to eventually approve additional aid to Ukraine. However, he said the amount could be significantly less than what the administration is seeking, with financial aid, the target of Republican ire, taking the brunt of the hit. Russia has announced that it has loaded another Avangard intercontinental ballistic missile, capable of carrying a nuclear warhead, into the launch silo. The first such missile, created "in response" to the development of new-generation US nuclear weapons, was loaded into the launch silo in 2019. ADVERTISIMENT Thus, Russian President Vladimir Putin is once again threatening the West with a weapon that Russia calls "unparalleled in the world" and cannot be intercepted by "any air defense system." This is stated in The Sun's report. The aggressor country claims that the Avangard reaches a speed almost 27 times faster than the speed of sound (32,187 km/h). The weapon goes beyond the Earth's atmosphere and falls from there, hitting anywhere in the world 30 minutes after launch. Putin says Avangard strikes "like a meteorite" and is "invincible" - it cannot be stopped by any defense system. The Russian Defense Ministry has published footage showing the Avangard being installed in an underground launch pit at the 31st Missile Army base in Russia's Orenburg region. ADVERTISIMENT This missile was created in 2018 and first tested in 2019. "It flies to the target like a meteorite, like a fireball," the Kremlin leader said at the time. He also said that the Avangard is invulnerable to interception by "any existing and prospective missile defense systems of a potential enemy." Earlier, the Defense Ministry's Main Intelligence Directorate reported that numerous tests of Russian missiles capable of carrying nuclear weapons had failed, which was a "shameful blow to the tyrant." The failed tests of the Yars and Bulava missiles may indicate serious problems with Moscow's nuclear weapons capabilities. ADVERTISIMENT According to the Defense Ministry's Main Intelligence Directorate, on November 1, the Russian Federation "conducted an unsuccessful test of the RS-24 Yars intercontinental ballistic missile, which is the main element of the ground component of the Russian strategic nuclear forces." The missile "deviated from its course" - the same thing happened during a simulated exercise on October 25. "Ukraine's accusations, which did not mention how or where the missile test failed, came amid speculation that Russia had deployed its giant Sarmat missile system with troops, despite having tested it only once. Known in the West as "Satan-2," the "unstoppable intercontinental missile system, which reaches speeds of 15,880 miles per hour, is the size of a 14-story apartment building," the newspaper writes. According to Ukraine, it is an "incomplete, imperfect" missile, "devoid of any advantages in design, warhead, or methods of overcoming missile defense." ADVERTISIMENT As reported by OBOZ.UA, earlier Russia conducted training for its strategic nuclear forces. The Russian Armed Forces launched ballistic and cruise missiles during a training exercise to practice a retaliatory strike in response to an enemy nuclear strike. The Economist has dedicated the cover of its 38th issue to the 45th President of the United States and the most likely candidate for the Republican Party in the 2024 elections, Donald Trump. Sociological forecasts indicate that he has every chance of returning to the White House, and journalists see this as the greatest geopolitical threat. ADVERTISIMENT As the authors of the article point out, Trump has gained the preliminary support of 59% of US citizens, while the current leader of the United States, Joe Biden, received only 37%. At the same time, political scientists see the victory of the former Republican president as an attempt at revenge. After losing the 2020 election, Trump resorted to manipulation, intimidation, and outright lies. "Once he regains power, he will undoubtedly strengthen his inner sense that only losers allow themselves to be bound by the norms, customs, and sacrifices that form the basis of national unity. In pursuing his enemies, Trump will wage war on any institution that gets in his way, including the courts and the Department of Justice," the authors of the column argue about the candidate for the US presidency in 2024. ADVERTISIMENT They also believe that Donald Trump's victory will shake the United States' position abroad. Since the disgraced politician and businessman despises the law and civil rights in his own country, Washington diplomats are unlikely to be able to declare them in other capitals. "In the Middle East, Trump is likely to support Israel unconditionally, no matter how much it fuels the conflict in the region. In Asia, he may be willing to make a deal with Chinese President Xi Jinping over Taiwan. It is unlikely that he understands why he would conflict with a nuclear superpower over a tiny island," the article says. Given that Trump's policy is likely to run sharply counter to Europe's vector, analysts from The Economist also have disappointing predictions about the prospect of war in Ukraine. The dictator Vladimir Putin will take advantage of the disagreements in the West and continue his offensive on the sovereign territories of his neighbor, the publicists believe. ADVERTISIMENT As OBOZ.UA reported, in March, Trump claimed that he could have prevented a full-scale war in Ukraine, and if it did break out, he said, he could have stopped the bloodshed in 24 hours. The 45th president would have simply sacrificed some Ukrainian territories to Moscow. In response, President Zelenskyi noted that the American politician could have put his words into action when he occupied the Oval Office, while the war with Russia had already been going on for several years. The Ukrainian guarantor also invited Trump to Kyiv to explain to him that only one person can stop the war, and that person is in the Kremlin. ADVERTISIMENT "It will take me no more than 24 minutes to explain to Mr. Trump that he will not be able to negotiate peace in 24 hours," the head of state said at the time. However, Trump flatly refused to visit Kyiv or any other Ukrainian city at Zelenskyi's invitation. The American politician explained that the Office of the President of Ukraine maintains systematic and close contacts with his political rival Joe Biden. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Don't fall for fakes! MP Election 2023 Latest News Rozana Spokesman in its investigation found that the viral video is edited MP Election 2023: Amidst the election excitement of Madhya Pradesh 2023, a video is going viral on social media in which the country's Home Minister Amit Shah can be heard saying, "When you go to vote on 17th, remember one thing that Do not vote to make Manoj Nirbhay Singh MLA. This video is being made viral and it is being claimed that Amit Shah, while addressing a rally in Madhya Pradesh, has said not to vote for the BJP leader. Advertisement Facebook page Ravi Patel, while sharing the viral video, wrote, "Now the Home Minister of the country is saying that do not vote for the BJP candidate from Depalpur ???????????? Again Vishal Patel ????" Rozana Spokesman in its investigation found that the viral video is edited. Amit Shah has not issued such a statement. Advertisement -- Spokesman's Investigation Starting the investigation, we first watched this video carefully and started searching for news related to the case through keyword search. Viral Video Is Edited Advertisement We found a live record of this rally on the Facebook page of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on 11 November 2023. Amit Shah had held a rally in Depalpur, Madhya Pradesh on 11 November 2023. We listened to this video completely and found that at 7 minutes in the video, Amit Shah says, When you go to vote on 17th, remember one thing that do not vote to make Manoj Nirbhay Singh MLA. With your vote he will definitely become MLA but your vote will go to the development and security of Madhya Pradesh. Your one vote will form the government in Madhya Pradesh. Modi ji's double engine government will be formed." Advertisement Hence, it is clear that the viral video is not complete and the incomplete video is being made viral with misleading claims. Conclusion- Rozana Spokesman in its investigation found that the viral video is edited. Amit Shah has not issued such a statement. PM Modi on Israel-Hamas Conflict News India Stresses Dialogue and Diplomacy at Voice of Global South Summit Amidst West Asia Developments PM Modi on Israel-Hamas Conflict News: Addressing the international community at the Voice of Global South Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the loss of civilian lives in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, emphasizing the need for dialogue and diplomacy to address the crisis. The summit, hosted by India, serves as a platform for developing countries to share recommendations for India's G20 presidency. Prime Minister Modi highlighted India's condemnation of the terror attacks in Israel on October 7, advocating for restraint and diplomatic solutions. He underscored the importance of unity among countries of the Global South in the face of emerging challenges, urging collaboration for the greater global good. Advertisement During his address, Modi disclosed that India had sent humanitarian assistance to Palestine following a conversation with President Mahmoud Abbas of the Palestinian National Authority. He emphasized the significance of a collective Global South response to the evolving situation in West Asia. The theme of "one earth, one family, one future" resonated throughout Modi's speech, as he called for a forward movement with the 5Cs consultation, cooperation, communication, creativity, and capacity building. The Prime Minister urged nations to work collaboratively to address challenges and contribute to sustainable development. Providing an overview of G20 achievements, Modi discussed initiatives unveiled at the first Voice of Global South Summit in January. He inaugurated Dakshin, a center of excellence focusing on development and knowledge sharing, and highlighted progress on a weather and climate monitoring satellite for the Global South. Advertisement The Voice of Global South, described as a unique platform giving a voice to developing countries, played a pivotal role in forwarding the concerns of the Global South during India's G20 presidency. Modi emphasized the success of the New Delhi leaders' declaration, showcasing unity on Global South issues. Key achievements outlined by Modi included the inclusion of the African Union as a full member of the G20, major reforms in multilateral development banks, and a focus on sustainable finance for developing countries. The summit also witnessed the launch of the Global Biofuel Alliance and addressed the responsible use of technology in the era of artificial intelligence. Heads of state and government from various nations joined the inaugural session of the virtual summit, including Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Indonesian President Joko Widodo, and Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth. The summit aims to facilitate collaboration among developing nations and address shared challenges for a more inclusive and sustainable future. Advertisement (For More News Apart from PM Modi on Israel-Hamas Conflict News, Stay Tuned to Rozana Spokesman) Malaysia will on Friday release Q3 figures for gross domestic product, highlighting a light day for Asia-Pacific economic activity. GDP is expected to expand 3.3 percent on year, up from 2.9 percent in the three months prior. Singapore will provide October numbers for non-oil domestic exports; in September, exports were up 11.1 percent on month and down 13.2 percent on year. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Economic News What parts of the world are seeing the best (and worst) economic performances lately? Click here to check out our Econ Scorecard and find out! See up-to-the-moment rankings for the best and worst performers in GDP, unemployment rate, inflation and much more. British drug major AstraZeneca Plc. (AZN.L,AZN) announced Friday that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or FDA has approved its Truqap (capivasertib) in combination with Faslodex (fulvestrant) to treat patients with advanced hormone receptor or HR-positive breast cancer. The Truqap in combination with Faslodex approval is for the treatment of adult patients with HR-positive, HER2-negative locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer with one or more biomarker alterations (PIK3CA, AKT1 or PTEN). Concurrently with this approval, the FDA also approved a companion diagnostic test to detect relevant alterations (PIK3CA, AKT1 and PTEN). Following the US approval, Astex Therapeutics is eligible to receive a milestone payment from AstraZeneca on first commercial sale of the drug in the US as well as royalties on future sales. This is in line with the agreement between the two companies. The approval was based on on the results from the CAPItello-291 Phase III trial which showed Truqap in combination with Faslodex reduced the risk of disease progression or death by 50% versus Faslodex alone in the biomarker-altered population. The company noted that eligible patients will have progressed on at least one endocrine-based regimen in the metastatic setting or experienced recurrence on or within 12 months of completing adjuvant therapy. Breast cancer is the most common cancer and HR-positive breast cancer is the most common subtype. Dave Fredrickson, Executive Vice President, Oncology Business Unit, AstraZeneca, said, "The rapid US approval of Truqap reinforces the important role of the PI3K/AKT pathway in HR-positive breast cancer and the critical need to test patients at the time of diagnosis, as up to fifty per cent have tumours with these alterations. As a first-in-class medicine, this approval provides a critical new option for patients in the US with this specific type of disease and we look forward to bringing Truqap to the many breast cancer patients who can benefit across the globe." Regulatory applications for Truqap in combination with Faslodex are also currently under review in China, the European Union, Japan and several other countries. For More Such Health News, visit rttnews.com For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News The Egyptian Exchange (EGX) saw varied performance over the week, but the corrections-driven decline in the main index led the market cap to plunge by nearly 2 percent, recording around EGP 1,677 billion. Tenet Healthcare Corp. (THC) Friday announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement with Novant Health to sell three of its hospitals and related operations for $2.4 billion in cash. Under the terms of the agreement, Coastal Carolina Hospital in Jasper County, Hilton Head Hospital in Beaufort County, and East Cooper Medical Center in Charleston County, will be sold to Novant Health along with its affiliated physician practices and other related hospital operations. Tenet's ambulatory facilities operated by United Surgical Partners International will continue to remain with the company. For the last 12 months ending September 30, the three hospitals and related operations included in the sale generated revenues of around $552 million, pre-tax income of around $126 million, and Adjusted EBITDA of around $150 million as per Tenet. The healthcare company is estimating a pre-tax book gain of around $1.6 billion as a result of this anticipated sale and will use the proceeds towards the retirement of debt. In pre-market activity, Tenet shares are trading at $59.08, up 1.62% on the New York Stock Exchange. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News New residential construction in the U.S. unexpectedly increased in the month of October, according to a report released by the Commerce Department on Friday. The report said housing starts jumped by 1.9 percent to an annual rate of 1.372 million in October after surging by 3.1 percent to a downwardly revised rate of 1.346 million in September. Economists had expected housing starts to dip to a rate of 1.350 million from the 1.358 million originally reported for the previous month. The unexpected increase came amid a spike in multi-family housing starts, which soared by 6.4 percent to an annual rate of 402,000. Meanwhile, the report said single-family housing starts crept up by 0.2 percent to an annual rate of 970,000 after surging in the previous month. "Home construction was again resilient in October as the extreme shortage of housing supply has kept demand for new builds solid," said Nationwide Senior Economist Ben Ayers. He added, "This dynamic could linger into 2024 even with mortgage rates near the highest since 2000, especially if builders continue to offer rate buydown incentives." The Commerce Department said building permits also shot up by 1.1 percent to an annual rate of 1.487 million in October after plunging by 4.5 percent to a revised rate of 1.471 million in September. Building permits, an indicator of future housing demand, were expected to decrease to a rate of 1.450 million from the 1.475 million originally reported for the previous month. Multi-family permits jumped by 2.2 percent to an annual rate of 519,000, while single-family permits rose by 0.5 percent to an annual rate of 968,000. The National Association of Home Builders released a separate report on Thursday unexpectedly showing a continued deterioration in U.S. homebuilder confidence in the month of November. The report said the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index slumped to 34 in November from 40 in October, while economists had expected the index to come in unchanged. The housing market index decreased for the fourth consecutive month, falling to its lowest level since hitting 31 in December 2022. "The rise in starts runs counter to worsening survey data from builders who expressed concerns that new home sale could fade in coming months," said Nationwide's Ayers. "This suggests that building activity could decline over the winter, especially with loan rates for builders continuing to rise." For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News The new Honda CB350 is a textbook retro classic motorcycle with timeless design traits that should achieve some disruption in Classic 350s sales Classic motorcycles are currently all the rage in 300 to 500cc segment. This segment operates in the price bracket of Rs. 1.5 lakh to Rs. 2.5 lakh (ex-sh). Royal Enfield currently aces this segment with over 85% market share. Honda has sharpened the blades of its CB350 platform to rival Royal Enfields dominance in this segment. Say namaste to Honda CB350. Honda CB350 Launched If you are wondering where the prefixes or suffixes went, there arent any. This is Honda CB350, and thats it. No Hness or RS. Just the CB350. Not confusing at all. The company is offering Honda CB350 in two trim levels DLX and DLX Pro, priced at Rs. 1,99,900 and Rs. 2,17,800 respectively. New Honda CB350 is sold via Big Wing dealerships only. For context, Royal Enfield Classic 350 prices range between Rs. 1,93,080 and Rs. 2,24,755. Up until now, Honda rivaled REs slew of 350cc motorcycles with CB350 Hness and CB350 RS. But couldnt directly take on them because Royal Enfield was still heavy on timeless Classic-ness. Honda has figured this out, this time around, and is launching its biggest strike on Classic 350 with new CB350. We should say, this is by far the best-looking Royal Enfield rival and is highly likely to draw more customers away from Classic 350. Honda has achieved this feat by offering similar classic timeless design traits that were drawing buyers towards Classic 350. The new timeless design is in the form of a new fuel tank, new side body panels, tank grips, new classic split seats with contrasting piping, classic grab rail, retro-looking mudguards at both ends that are larger than on Hness or RS, shrouded RSU telescopic front forks, and a new retro exhaust. If you cant beat Classic 350 sales, looking like one does the trick. More features than a Royal Enfield Classic 350 With retro classics, colours can either break or make the product. New classic CB350 gets a total of five colours Precious Red Metallic, Pearl Igneous Black, Matte Crust Metallic, Matte Marshal Green Metallic and Matte Dune Brown. Despite Honda going back in time where design is concerned, CB350 is still ahead where features are concerned. Top-spec DLX Pro comes equipped with all the bells and whistles including Honda Smartphone Voice Control System (HSVCS) with Bluetooth support, Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC, which is basically Traction Control), Dual-channel ABS, 18-inch wheels, LED lighting, semi-digital instrumentation, double layer exhaust pipe preventing discolouration are notable features. Power is derived from a 348.36cc single-cylinder engine that generates 20.8 bhp of peak power at 5500 RPM and 29.4 Nm of peak torque at 3000 RPM. There is a 5-speed gearbox along with a slip and assist clutch on offer too. The bold and low-pitched thumping sound should evoke a lot of nostalgia as well. Words from the manufacturer Introducing Hondas latest premium BigWing motorcycle, Mr. Tsutsumu Otani, Managing Director, President & CEO, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, said, We are absolutely thrilled to expand our mid-size 350cc motorcycle line-up with the launch of All-New CB350. It proudly takes forward the rich legacy of Hondas CB DNA and will provide the joy of riding to our customers. We are confident that the launch of this retro classic motorcycle will excite new buyers to join the ever-growing CB family. Commenting on the debut of All-New CB350, Mr. Yogesh Mathur, Director, Sales and Marketing, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, said, The introduction of All-New CB350 marks yet another significant milestone for our flourishing premium motorcycle business vertical. Ever since their launch, Hondas middle-weight 350cc motorcycles have delighted customers across various markets. Together with our widespread network of premium BigWing dealerships, we are confident that the new CB350 will offer an exhilarating experience to buyers. Bookings are now open and deliveries will begin soon. Honda Activa continued to rule the scooter segment even as it posted a MoM decline in sales Scooter and motorcycle manufacturers, many of whom have launched new products in the past three months, have seen total sales (scooters + motorcycles) at 15,52,970 units in October 2023, relating to both YoY and MoM growth. Here we look particularly at scooter sales, which have also seen outstanding growth in the past month. Honda Activa at No. 1 with 42 percent market share In October 2023, scooter sales grew by 15.86 percent on a year-on-year (YOY) basis to 5,27,720 units, up from 4,55,499 units sold in October 2022. This was a volume growth of 72,221 units. Month-on-month (MoM) sales saw an improvement of 1.70 percent from 5,18,912 units sold in September 2023. Once again it was the Honda Activa scooter that saw the highest sales in October 2023. Sales stood at 2,18,856 units, up 3.91 percent YoY from 2,10,623 units sold in October 2022 to command a 41.47 percent market share. MoM sales however dipped by 6.89 percent from 2,35,056 units sold in September 2023. No other scooter on this list was able to cross the 1 lakh unit mark in terms of sales. TVS Jupiter was at No. 2 with 91,824 units sold last month, up 19.19 percent from 77,042 units sold in October 2022. MoM sales also grew by 10.46 percent from 83,130 units sold in September 2023. Jupiter currently commands a 17.40 percent market share, up from 16.02 percent MoM. In October 2023, the company expanded the Jupiter range to include the 125 SmartXonnect. TVS Jupiter 125 is now offered in Drum Alloy, Disc and SmartXonnect variants and are priced between Rs 86,405 and Rs 96,855 (ex-showroom). Suzuki saw 0.23% MoM decline Next in line for scooter sales was the Suzuki Access with 56,909 units sold last month, up 15.69 percent from 49,192 units sold in October 2022. It was, however, a marginal MoM decline of 0.23 percent from 57,041 units sold in September 2023. TVS also had the Ntorq on this list with an 11.04 percent YoY growth to 34,476 units, up from 31,049 units sold in October 2022 while MoM sales grew by 7.39 percent from 32,103 units sold in September 2023. YoY and MoM growth was also seen for the Honda Dio scooter, sales of which went up to 32,385 units last month, up 34.19 percent from 24,134 units sold in October 2022. MoM sales went up even further by 35.06 percent (highest on this list) from 23,979 units sold in September 2023. Ola leads the way in Electric scooter segment Ola S1 (retail) sales improved by 45.40 percent YoY and 27.54 percent MoM to 23,783 units in October 2023. There had been 16,357 units and 18,647 units sold in October 2022 and September 2023 respectively. Another popular electric scooter is the TVS iQube. Its sales saw triple digit growth in October 2023 to 20,121 units, up 148.32 percent from 8,103 units sold in October 2022. MoM sales, however, dipped marginally by 0.76 percent from 20,276 units sold in September 2023. A new electric scooter has been recently spied on test in Bengaluru which, though under heavy camouflage, bears a strong resemblance to the TVS iQube, though it could also be an Ather model. Suzuki Burgman was at No. 8 on this lists of top 10 scooter sales in October 2023 with 18,071 units sold, up 43.19 percent YoY over 12,557 units sold in October 2022. It was also a MoM improvement of 3.23 percent as compared to 17,506 units sold in September 2023. Trailing the list was Hero Destini (17,425 units) and RayZR (13,870 units), both of which have seen YoY growth while sales of RayZR dipped on a MoM basis. Israeli fighter jets pounds Gaza Strip on Friday shortly after a week long truce expired with no agreement to extend it. Abbas Ganbay Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov received a delegation led by the WindEurope Association's executive director, Giles Dixon, Azernews reports. Referring to the Ministry, the meeting discussed the prospects of cooperation with the Association in the field of wind energy, as well as the transmission of electricity produced in the Caspian Sea to Europe through the "Green Energy Corridor". The participation of European companies and members of the Association as developers or investors in projects to be implemented in our country, as well as the possibilities of the production of wind power plants in Azerbaijan, were considered. The Minister informed the guest about the reforms and projects implemented in Azerbaijan's energy sector, the goals of decarbonization, increasing the share of renewable energy sources in the country's energy balance, and the work done within the framework of international cooperation in the direction of exports. The minister noted that Azerbaijan attaches great importance to the development of wind energy utilisation, which has rich potential in the Caspian Sea and coastal areas, and many advanced energy companies have shown great interest in this area. Giles Dixon gave information on the activities of the association. Against the background of the growing demand for electricity in Europe, the importance of the implementation of the "Green Energy Corridor" was emphasised. He informed that "WindEurope" is ready to cooperate with Azerbaijan towards the expansion of relations with European companies in the field of the development and utilisation of wind energy potential. The Arab League (AL) has allocated EGP 400,000 for medical and relief supplies to Gaza to be delivered by the Egyptian Red Crescent (ERC), according to statements by the Arab League and Egyptian Ministry of Social Solidarity after a press conference on Thursday. The AL also launched a relief convoy to Gaza from the ERCs headquarters, the league's statement read. The aid is part of the league's effort to "alleviate the unprecedented humanitarian disaster that the Gaza Strip has been experiencing since 7 October due to the retaliatory Israeli aggression," according to the statement. During the press conference, Haifa Abu-Ghazaleh, assistant secretary-general and head of the Social Affairs Sector of AL to Egypt, criticized the ongoing inhuman and brutal crimes in Gaza, saying that they "amount to mass war crimes." Israel's attacks have "claimed the lives of thousands of martyrs, injured children, women, and elderly people, targeted hospitals, schools, mosques, and churches, hindered the delivery of health, humanitarian, and relief assistance, as well as fuel, and cut off electricity and water supplies to civilians," she added. The convoy consisted of relief materials and sustenance items such as food, water, medicines, personal hygiene products, mattresses, and blankets, Egyptian Minister of Social Solidarity Nevine El-Qabbaj said. El-Qabbaj added that these aids are being prepared by volunteers from the ERC, who stand as valiant soldiers in El-Arish (North Sinai's capital which lies some 50 kilometres from the Rafah border crossing) and Cairo. The aid will be delivered to the Gaza Strip through the available crossings in the coming days, according to El-Qabbaj. The minister highlighted that this aid is part of a continuous series of humanitarian support since the outbreak of the war in Gaza. Meanwhile, the stores of relief aid in El-Arish city to support the Gaza Strip are about to run out, and the number of aid supplies received by the ERC is small, said Rami Al-Nazer, ERCs executive director, on Thursday. So far, Egypt has provided a total of 10,200 tons of aid, while international organizations have contributed 8,800 tons, according to El-Qabbaj. Earlier on Tuesday, Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi directed the provision of extra 650 tons of food supplies to Palestinian people as part of Egypt's ongoing role in supporting Gaza at all levels. Search Keywords: Short link: The Turkish Parliaments foreign affairs committee on Thursday opened debate on Swedens bid to join NATO, but adjourned the proceedings until a later date without reaching a decision. It was not immediately known when the committee would resume its discussions on Sweden's accession protocol or when it would reach Parliament's general assembly for the last stage of the legislative process. The meeting was adjourned after legislators from Erdogans ruling party submitted a motion for a postponement on grounds that some issues needed clarification and that negotiations with Sweden had not matured enough. Committee chairman Fuat Oktay later told reporters that the Swedish ambassador may be invited to the next session to provide further information on steps his country has taken to address Turkeys security concerns. Turkey has stalled ratifying Swedens membership in NATO, accusing the country of being too lenient toward groups that Ankara regards as threats to its security, including Kurdish militants and members of a network that Ankara blames for a failed coup in 2016. Turkey has also been angered by a series of demonstrations by supporters of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party, or PKK, in Sweden as well as Quran-burning protests that roiled Muslim countries. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan lifted his objection to Swedens bid during a NATO summit in July and sent the accession protocol to Parliament for ratification last month. Turkey's reversal of its position came after Stockholm pledged deeper cooperation with Turkey on counterterrorism and to support Turkeys ambition to revive its EU membership bid. In addition, NATO agreed to establish a special coordinator for counterterrorism. Earlier on Thursday, Deputy Foreign Minister Burak Akcapar briefed committee members on steps Sweden had taken to meet Turkeys security demands, saying Kurdish militants were no longer able to find a comfortable space for movement in Sweden, the state-run Anadolu Agency reported. The Swedish government and public have begun to better understand the legitimate security concerns of our country, Akcapar was quoted as saying. NATO requires the unanimous approval of all existing members to expand, and Turkey and Hungary are the only countries that have been holding out. Hungary has stalled Sweden's bid, alleging that Swedish politicians have told blatant lies about the condition of Hungarys democracy. Earlier this week, Turkish Parliament speaker, Numan Kurtulmus, told his Swedish counterpart Andreas Norlen in a video conference that he hopes the legislative process in Turkey would be finalized as soon as possible, Anadolu reported. Sweden and Finland abandoned their traditional positions of military nonalignment to seek protection under NATOs security umbrella, following the outbreak of the Ukraine war last year. Finland joined the alliance in April, becoming NATOs 31st member, after Turkeys Parliament ratified the Nordic countrys bid. Turkeys agreement on Swedens membership has also been linked to Ankaras efforts to acquire new F-16 fighter planes from the United States and to upgrade its existing fighter fleet. However, both U.S. and Turkish officials have insisted that any such deal would not be tied to Swedens NATO membership. Israel 'terror state' The latest membership delay comes as Erdogan continues to voice his anger at Israel and the West for the scale of the civilian toll in the Gaza war. Erdogan has called Israel a "terror state" that was being used as a "pawn" to project the interests of the United States in the Middle East. He has also warned that a broader war between "the cross and the crescent" was breaking out between Israel's mostly Christian Western allies and the Muslim world. Erdogan has been a leading international supporter of Palestinian rights during his two-decade rule and has been much more vocal as the reported death toll from Israel's war on Gaza has mounted. According to the Gaza health ministry, Israel's air and ground invasion of the Palestinian territory has left more than 11,500 people dead, many of them women and children. *This story was edited by Ahram Online Search Keywords: Short link: Sugar prices in Egypt increased in the past week, reaching up to EGP 39 per kilo, as vendors and food and beverages companies increase their inventory ahead of the fasting month of Ramadan. Egypt's sugar reserves are sufficient for four months, stated Minister of Supply and Internal Trade Ali Moselhi. The government supplies 24,000 tons of sugar to the Mercantile Exchange every week to increase the market supply and contain prices, Moselhi added. Egypt imported 100,000 tons of sugar to fulfil domestic demand in November and December, Moselhi said in an interview with Asharq Business. Deputy Minister of Supply and Internal Trade Ibrahim Ashmawy attributed the surge in sugar prices to vendors and food and beverages companies increasing their inventories ahead of Ramadan. Local production is set to start soon to cover 90 percent of domestic demand, Ashmawy added on Sada El-Balad satellite channel. The recent disruption in Egypt's sugar market is not the first this year. In March 2023 Egypt enforced a three-month ban on all types of sugar exports as a precautionary measure to secure sufficient sugar for domestic consumption. This year, Egypt cultivated 620,000 feddans of sugar beets, adding nearly 10,000 feddans on 2022. In 2022, Egypt's production of sugar beet and sugarcane surged by 17.3 percent to more than 30 million tons, up from 25.062 million tons a year earlier, according to a report by the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics. Beets are planted in late March/early April and harvested in late September and October. According to the OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook 2023-2032, Egypt is set to be Africa's largest sugar producer in Africa by 2032. Search Keywords: Short link: Egypt signed a binding framework agreement with Global Auto to launch a car assembly project in Egypt, read a cabinet statement on Thursday. The agreement was signed by the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI), the Ministry of Finances Environmentally Friendly Automotive Industry Fund (EFAIF), and the Ministry of Trades Car Manufacturing Unit. The Egyptian signatories will oversee production, coordinate with authorities, and provide incentives to Global Auto. Global Auto Group is a partnership between Kuwait's Ali Alghanim & Sons Automotive, Saudi Arabia's Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors, Al Organi Group and Al Safi Group of Egypt. The company is the official importer of BMW, BMW i, and MINI automobiles in Egypt. Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly attended the signing ceremony, emphasizing that the agreement is part of the Egyptian Automotive Industry Development Programme (AIDP), a comprehensive policy designed to expand the automobile industry and its associated sectors. Environmentally friendly cars have become a focal point of Egypt's automotive industry development. Egypt unveiled its national strategy for localizing the automotive industry in 2022, with the aim of positioning itself as a key player in Africa's emerging vehicle markets. Boosting domestic manufacturing of vehicles may also help stabilize Egypts domestic automotive market. Since March 2022, the market has been grappling with unprecedented stagnation largely due to a decline in imports and a shortage of foreign currency. Search Keywords: Short link: Reuters cited two people familiar with the matter as saying that the UK supermarket chain has asked prospective buyers to submit non-binding offers for Tesco Bank by the end of the week, as part of efforts to shrink its financial services footprint. It was understood that Barclays has already made an indicative bid and is particularly interested in Tesco Bank's credit card and saving account products. Other bidders are expected and there is no certainty that a transaction will materialise, sources told Reuters. They said Tesco's banking operations could be attractive to other lenders because of the opportunity to cross-sell banking products to the grocer's customer base. However, one source added that tough market conditions risk denting the appetite of potential buyers. Sky said it could not be established how much the proposed deal would value the Tesco Bank assets. Tesco Bank was launched in 1997 as a joint venture between the supermarket chain and Royal Bank of Scotland, with Tesco later taking full control of the company. The International Monetary Fund approved a new loan agreement with Mexico on Thursday worth approximately $35 billion, to bolster the country's economy. The two-year Flexible Credit Line (FCL) is the 10th such agreement between Mexico and the IMF since 2009, and is designed to help countries with strong economic fundamentals stave off crises, the IMF announced in a statement. The Mexican authorities intend to continue to treat the arrangement as precautionary, according to the IMF. The Fund recently announced that it expects the Mexican economy to grow by 3.2 percent in 2023, before slowing somewhat to 2.1 percent next year. "The Mexican economy is in the midst of a broad-based expansion, with robust private consumption and investment," IMF Board Acting Chair Gita Gopinath said a statement announcing the new agreement. But she warned that Mexico still faces a number of threats, including "risks of renewed volatility in the financial markets, increased risk premia, and capital outflows from emerging markets, as well as weaker US growth and a global slowdown." The upcoming US and Mexican elections could further exacerbate uncertainty, she added. "The new arrangement under the FCL will continue to play an important role in supporting the authorities' macroeconomic strategy and provide insurance against tail risks while bolstering market confidence," she said. Search Keywords: Short link: ASSOCHAM (The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India) today organized a one-day Symposium on ACCELERATING ADOPTION of AFFORDABLE & APPROPRIATE TECHNOLOGIES of INDUSTRY 4.0 FOR KARNATAKA LARGE, MEDIUM & SMALL INDUSTRIES TOWARDS 1 TRILLION USD ECONOMY at The Lalit Ashok, Bangalore. The Symposium aimed to bring together industry leaders, policymakers, and experts to discuss the challenges and opportunities in adopting Industry 4.0 technologies for Karnataka's large, medium, and small industries (MSMEs). Industry 4.0, also known as the Fourth Industrial Revolution, is the ongoing transformation of traditional manufacturing and industrial processes using modern smart technologies, such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), and big data. Smt. Gunjan Krishna, Commissioner, Commerce & Industry, Government of Karnataka graced the event as the Chief Guest. In her address, she highlighted the importance of Cluster based development and Industry 4.0 for Karnataka's MSMEs and emphasized the need for collaboration between the government, industry, and academia to accelerate the adoption of these technologies. Shri. T R Parasuraman, Chairman, ASSOCHAM Southern Regional Development Council & Chairman, ASSOCHAM Karnataka State Development Council & Executive Advisor, Toyota Group & Toyota Kirloskar Motors Pvt Ltd, also addressed the Symposium. He spoke about the potential of Industry 4.0 to transform Karnataka's manufacturing sector and urged MSMEs to embrace these technologies to enhance their competitiveness and productivity. The Symposium featured a series of panel discussions on various aspects of Industry 4.0, including: The benefits of Industry 4.0 for MSMEs The challenges of adopting Industry 4.0 technologies Case studies of successful Industry 4.0 implementations Government initiatives to support Industry 4.0 adoption Officials from leading companies like TVS Motor Co. Ltd., Siemens Industry Software (I) Pvt. Ltd., Bosch Software & Digital Solutions., Tata Technologies shared their views on Industry 4.0 and its importance for MSMEs and other industries in Karnataka. The Symposium concluded with a call to action for Karnataka's MSMEs to embrace Industry 4.0 and unlock its potential for growth and innovation. EU-India Innocenter, a global hub fostering connections between European and Indian innovation ecosystems, hosts a week-long immersion program in Bengaluru for six European startups. These ventures, Anyline, Nano-tech, Cheesecake Energy, Enline, PVRmed, and Soula AI provide solutions spanning health tech, clean-tech, and deep technology sectors. Supported by the European Union under the 'Horizon 2020' R&I framework, this marks the eighth cohort of the project. The initiative involves startups, over twenty investors, and innovation hubs, all aiming to explore collaborations with stakeholders in the Indian startup scene. On November 8, as the visit began, European startups exhibited their technologies to venture capitalists, potential partners, and companies from India and Europe at the Bangalore International Centre. Over the week, these startups and investors will deeply engage with the Indian startup ecosystem . The agenda includes diverse activities like a roundtable discussion at NASSCOM Future Forge, a tour of Tata Elxsi, an EU-India partnership roundtable concentrating on smart cities and cross-border innovation with leaders in Indian real estate, a pitch session involving startups and venture capitalists organized by Karnataka Digital Economy Mission, as well as visits to DERBI Foundation and the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms. During the event's kickoff, EU-India Innocenter also announced an expansion of its market-entry services, catering to Indian startups interested in entering the European market. Mr. Seppo Nurmi, in charge of the European Union Delegation to India, praised EU-India Innocenter for successfully bridging European and Indian startup ventures. He expressed contentment with the EU-funded initiative's role in unlocking collaborative potential between the two ecosystems, foreseeing mutual benefits for their economies and citizens. Congress leader and Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor asked High Networth Individuals (HNIs) of Kerala to create an investment corpus fund of $50 million to invest in startups of the state. In his address at the Huddle Global 2023, organized by Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM), he asked investors and rich people in the state to form a group of 50 and pool one million US dollars each to fund the startups in the state. "We are ready. Are you?" asked Tharoor. "Kerala is ready to take up the technological challenges of the world and the Huddle Global 2023 is sending out a clear message on this. In the early days, the word innovation had a negative air about it as it signaled uncertainty. The word disruption, which is used widely now, also has a similar nature. But the message is clear: disrupt or get disrupted", he said. "India has a great strength as developed nations are becoming aged societies. Even in the US, which attracts migrants from across the world, the average age is 40, while in India, it is 29. The problem India faces is the lower standard of education in many places. But Kerala has overcome that problem and has developed a good education system. That has enabled the state to become a hotspot for research institutions and companies looking for quality talent", Tharoor added. Now into its fifth edition, Huddle Global 2023 has a convergence of around 15,000 delegates from within the country and abroad, showcasing the strength of Keralas robust startup ecosystem. The delayed Indian consulate launch in Seattle signifies deepening India-US ties, acknowledges Seattle's importance, and promises stronger economic and cultural connections in the Pacific Northwest. Seven years after its initial announcement, India is ready to inaugurate a new consulate in Seattle. This diplomatic achievement signifies a substantial milestone, one that promises to fortify bilateral relations and facilitate enhanced economic and cultural interchange between the two nations. Such a development underscores the mounting importance of the Pacific Northwest region on the global stage and underscores India's dedication to expanding its diplomatic footprint within the United States. The decision to open a consulate in Seattle reflects the citys status as a burgeoning hub for technology, innovation, and trade. It is home to numerous tech giants, including Microsoft, Amazon, and Boeing, making it a global technology and aerospace hub. The Indian government recognizes the potential for collaboration in these sectors and aims to strengthen its ties with these companies. The consulate's proximity to these corporate giants will facilitate more streamlined and direct engagement, fostering economic partnerships and investment opportunities between India and the United States. In addition to its technological and innovative endeavors, the consulate extends its services to the substantial Indian diaspora residing in the Pacific Northwest, offering indispensable consular assistance. It serves as a cultural conduit between India and the region. The Indian-American community has played a pivotal role in fortifying the bonds between the two nations, and the consulate's presence undeniably enhances their sense of affiliation with their country of origin. Furthermore, it promotes more profound cultural interchange. The Seattle consulate serves as a focal point for a wide range of services, including visa and passport processing, assistance for Indian citizens living in the region, and cultural over-tech programs. It facilitates trade and business development, offering a valuable platform for Indian and American organizations to explore joint ventures, investment opportunities, and technology collaborations. Moreover, this move is in line with India's broader strategy to diversify its diplomatic presence. Conventionally, Indian consulates have been concentrated in the northwestern and southern parts of the country, with consulates in cities like New York, San Francisco, and Houston. By opening a consulate in Seattle, India is expanding its footprint to better represent and engage with its citizens and businesses in the northwest region. Seattle's significance transcends the realm of the technology sector. The city is renowned for its vibrant cultural landscape and esteemed academic institutions. With a plethora of world-class universities and research centers, Seattle stands as an ideal destination for academic and cultural exchange programs. The consulate plays an active role in promoting educational partnerships, facilitating student exchanges, and encouraging collaborations between Indian and American institutions. This initiative is aimed at fostering a deeper appreciation and understanding of each other's respective cultures. The opening of the Indian consulate in Seattle, seven years after it was first announced, represents a significant step in enhancing the bilateral relationship between India and the United States. This diplomatic milestone recognizes Seattle's growing importance in technology, trade, and culture, and it reflects India's commitment to expanding its diplomatic outreach in the Pacific Northwest. As the consulate begins its operations, it will undoubtedly catalyze stronger economic ties, cultural exchange, and people-to-people connections, further strengthening the bonds between these two nations. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Enjoy the comedy stylings of Tracy Morgan, the 30 Rock star and Saturday Night Live alum at the majestic St. George Theatre on Thursday, Nov. 30 at 8 p.m. The entertaining evening of comedy and cocktails will benefit the Brian Halpin Pediatric Cancer Center at Staten Island University Hospital (SIUH). We are deeply grateful for Tracy Morgans continued commitment to help ensure we have the latest state-of-the-art equipment for diagnosis and treatment right here in our own backyard, said Dr. Brahim Ardolic, the executive director of Staten Island University Hospital. By doing something he is passionate about, his efforts will impact hundreds of children in our community. Tracy Morgans first wife, Sabrina, tragically died of cancer in 2016. And its that sorrow that continues to motivate him. He mentioned that before she passed she told him help has to be on the way. Tracy is taking the initiative to help in the best way he knows how. The Last O.G. star and two-time Emmy nominee, will perform a unique stand-up comedy routine for a fun night of laughs. As a comic with an extensive background in television, movies and animated films, Morgan has headlined across the country and abroad on a number of tours and festivals. Tracy Morgan will headline a show at the St. George Theatre, Thursday, Nov. 30 at 8 p.m. (Courtesy/SIUH)Staten Island Advance Recently, Morgan attended the sneak peek of the new facility at SIUH one of the most anticipated projects in the fight against cancer alongside fellow benefactors, employees, donors and community leaders. STATEN ISLAND STATS Sadly, Staten Island is the borough with the highest incidence of cancer in New York City with 524.9 cases per 100,000 compared with the citys average of 453.4 per 100,000, according to an alarming 2017 report by the New York State Department of Health. The report also found that cancer is the second-leading cause of death on the borough. The 40,000-square-foot Florina Cancer Center the boroughs first comprehensive ambulatory cancer program, which cost $50 million to build will increase access for patients on Staten Island combining all specialized oncology services under one roof in a large state-of-the-art facility with a focus on privacy and comfort. SIUHs cancer program currently logs 30,000 patient visits each year for both hematology and oncology issues and diagnoses approximately 1,400 new cancers annually. The hospital expects a 10% increase in appointments in the new facilitys first year. The St. George Theatre is located at 35 Hyatt Street just two blocks from the Staten Island Ferry. Sponsorship opportunities are available that include VIP seating, participation in the welcome reception, and after party access. For further information kindly contact Evelyn Fonseca at EFonseca@northwell.edu or phone 718 226-6331. To purchase tickets visit http://stgeorgetheatre.com/tracy-morgan/ or phone 718 442-2900. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. La Colmena in Port Richmond will have 100 frozen turkeys to give away on the day before Thanksgiving, thanks to a donation from DoorDash. This will be in addition to the food, clothing and essential items the Staten Island community-based organization distributes every Wednesday to members of the community. The distribution will begin at noon on Wednesday, Nov. 22, at 774 Port Richmond Ave., and will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis, according to Yesenia Mata, executive director of La Colmena, who predicted the food wont last long. Were hoping to pass out enough, but we know the demand will be great, said Mata. But we know this will be great for the community because times are hard, and we want to be sure to provide some joy during these important holidays. Mata said that La Colmena has received assistance from several Staten Island businesses and organizations, but more help is always welcome. When it comes to food distribution, were doing this as a collective effort, and inviting other groups, she said. We cannot do this all alone. We are doing our best to partner up with anyone so we can provide for the community, especially with the holidays coming up. Additionally, DoorDash, an on-demand food delivery service that allows residents to order from local restaurants, provided $1,000 in gift cards to La Colmena as part of its Community Credits program. La Colmena has privately distributed them to Staten Islands newest asylum seekers, whom Mata described as being in the greatest need. Many of them dont have a kitchen, so its a way for them to go and bring home prepared food for the family, she said. According to a New York City 2022 report, an estimated 1.2 million city residents are food insecure, meaning they struggle to feed themselves and their family on a daily basis. This holiday season, DoorDash is furthering its mission to empower the communities in which it operates by fighting food insecurity at the hyper-local level, the company said in its announcement of the project. The Egyptian Exchange (EGX) announced Thursday the acquisition of 30 percent of Egypts leading tobacco producer, Eastern Company, by Emirati company Global Holding for EGP 16.4 billion ($530.86 million). The transaction was executed on 669 million shares at EGP 24.52 per share. Eastern Company stock ended todays session at a value of EGP 27.77. The deal was originally sealed in September when Global Holding signed an agreement with Egypts state-owned Chemical Industries Holding Company (CIHC) to buy 30 percent of the stake in Eastern Company for $625 million, equivalent to EGP 19.3 billion. Under the agreement, the Emirati company would also provide $150 million to procure the necessary tobacco materials for manufacturing. After the sale, the state-owned shareholder, Chemical Industries Holding Company (CIHC), will retain a 20.9 percent stake in the Eastern Company. The company's ownership structure currently stands as follows: UAEs Global holding (30 percent), the Holding Company for Chemical Industries (20.9 percent), Allan Gray Equity Fund (7.2 percent), the shareholders union of the Eastern Tobacco Company (6 percent), with the remaining 36 percent held in free float. The deal comes as part of Egypts IPO programme to sell stakes in 35 state-owned companies to strategic investors by the end of June 2024. In February, the government announced a list of 32 companies, to which it later added Eastern Company, Telecom Egypt, and Ezz El-Dekheila. The privatization programme is part of Egypt's commitments under its $ 3 billion loan programme with the IMF. In a report published in August, the Egyptian government announced a plan to attract $5 billion from the offering of power plants and state-owned companies from October 2023 until the end of June 2024. Search Keywords: Short link: Theres a special treat in the sky this weekend, so keep an eye out for a celestial spectacle! Peaking on Saturday, Nov. 18 at 12:33 a.m., the Leonid meteor shower promises to deliver bright meteors across the dark autumnal skies all weekend. Although the Leonids bright meteors that can also be colorful have been active since early November, this is the expected time for enthusiasts to watch for a mesmerizing exhibition, with the potential for 10 to 15 meteors per hour around the peak. The Leonids are also fast, traveling at speeds of 44 miles per second. As the comet travels around the sun, it leaves a trail of rocks and dust that appears as the annual Leonid meteor shower when Earth moves through the debris while on its own orbital path. Sky-gazing enthusiasts hoping to witness a meteor from this shower are in luck, as the moon will be in its waxing crescent phase, minimizing light interference compared to a full moon, notes Dr. Sharon Morsink, a physics professor at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Alberta. The moon will be 23% full on the night of the showers peak. HOW TO SEE THE 2023 LEONID METEOR SHOWER While the best viewing time is expected for early Saturday morning, similar meteor rates can be observed a few days before and after. For optimal viewing, Morsink recommends venturing out after midnight in any time zone, when the Leo constellation, the radiant point of the meteor shower, is at its highest in the sky. The most crucial factor is to escape light pollution, emphasizes Morsink. Getting out and seeing any meteor shower for the first time is always fun. Its just this interesting connection that we have with the whole solar system heres this comet that is far away from us that has been circling the sun for an incredibly long period, billions of years probably. Its a way for us to connect with things that are really far away. That means New Yorkers will need to escape the city streets and head to out-of-town spots with less light pollution. VIEWING TIPS The Leonids are best viewed starting at about midnight local time. Find an area well away from the city or street lights and other pollution. Come prepared for winter temperatures with a sleeping bag, blanket, or lawn chair. Orient yourself with your feet toward the east, lie flat on your back, and look up, taking in as much of the sky as possible. In less than 30 minutes in the dark, your eyes will adapt and you will begin to see meteors. Be patient the show will last until dawn, so you have plenty of time to catch a glimpse. A woman observes the night sky for Leonid Meteors at an observatory near the village of Progled south of the Bulgarian capital Sofia. The Leonid meteor shower occurs each year as a result of Earth passing through dust released by the comet Tempel-Tuttle. The point from where the Leonid meteors appear to radiate is located within the constellation Leo. (AP Photo/Petar Petrov)ASSOCIATED PRESS ABOUT THE METEOR SHOWER The Leonids, which peak during mid-November each year, are considered to be a major shower though meteor rates are often as low as about 15 meteors per hour, according to NASA. The famous Leonid meteor shower produced one of the greatest meteor storms in living memory. Rates were as high as thousands of meteors per minute during a 15-minute span on the morning of November 17, 1966. That night, Leonid meteors did, briefly, fall like rain a meteor rainfall! Some who witnessed it had a strong impression of Earth moving through space, forming the meteor stream. The most recent Leonid meteor storm transpired in 2002. Leonid meteor storms sometimes recur in cycles of 33 to 34 years. But the Leonids around the turn of the century while wonderful for many observers did not match the shower of 1966. And, in most years, the Lion whimpers rather than roars. The Leonids are renowned for their fireballs and Earth-grazer meteors. Fireballs represent larger bursts of light and color that endure longer than typical meteor streaks, originating from more substantial particles of cometary material. They exhibit greater brightness, with magnitudes exceeding -3. Earth-grazers, on the other hand, are meteors that streak near the horizon, distinguished by their extended and colorful tails. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer says the recent deal made between President Joe Biden and China could stem the flow of opioids in New York. Despite the potential crackdown on fentanyl, Schumer (D-N.Y.) says it remains imperative to hold China accountable to its commitments. The agreement President Biden has announced with China is a long overdue step which has the potential to help cut off the supply of fentanyl at its source and stop this drug before it ever enters our country and hits the streets of Staten Island, but now it is more vital than ever to hold China accountable for the commitments they have made, Schumer said. Fentanyl has wreaked havoc in New York and across America, with this crisis stemming in large part in China, where large chemical companies openly and illicitly sell precursor chemicals to buyers in places like Mexico, where it is manufactured and illegally shipped to our most vulnerable communities here in New York, Schumer said. During my visit to China last month we were pointed and direct with President Xi; I told him the devastating impact I have seen the opioid crisis have on New York families,' he said. I am pleased to see China take what could be a major step forward to cut off the flow of fentanyl and I am going to be watching like a hawk for progress. China is the worlds largest producer of illicit fentanyl, fentanyl analogues, and their immediate precursors. Officials estimate that China is responsible for more than 90% of the illicit fentanyl found in the U.S. These substances are then either shipped through express consignment carriers or international mail directly to the states, or shipped to criminal organizations in other countries where the drug is then manufactured. According to Schumer, China has said it will act to enforce regulations against companies responsible for producing precursor drugs. Additionally, Schumer said the U.S. has received information that the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) police have taken action against Chinese synthetic drug and chemical precursor suppliers. This has resulted in certain China-based pharmaceutical companies shutting down and having some of their international payment accounts blocked. Additionally, China and the U.S. will reportedly launch a counter narcotics group to reinforce law enforcement and information sharing in an effort to curb the flow of precursor drugs and illicit fentanyl. According to a press release from Schumer, both the U.S. and China have said they will begin collaborating at the senior level to directly tackle this ongoing crisis. Too many lives have been lost, and too many others are at stake, especially here in New York,' he said. Today is a pivotal step forward in a decades long-battle and I will be fighting to hold Chinas feet to the fire and keep them accountable for their commitments to cut off the flow of fentanyl to America. I told President Xi that China taking steps to crack down on the sale of precursor chemicals would be a long overdue step to strengthening the relationship between our two nations and I hope to see continued results from China in the near future. In 2022, New York City saw 3,000 overdose deaths, predominantly driven by illicit fentanyl, according to Bloomberg. Back in September, Borough President Vito Fossella and District Attorney Michael McMahon announced the formation of a task force aimed at combatting the epidemic. This terrible epidemic has claimed the lives of far too many Staten Islanders to be left so woefully under-addressed,' Fossella said when the task force was first announced. We know that 80% of overdose deaths on Staten Island are linked to fentanyl use. Fentanyl is noted to be 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. According to provisional statistics provided by the city Office of the Chief Medical Examiner and Department of Health, 43 of every 100,000 residents died from accidental drug overdose in 2022. This rate was exceeded by two neighborhoods on Staten Island, Port Richmond and Stapleton, the report said. The Enhanced Subscription provides digital access to all our award winning content from our inception. This package also includes special access to the pdf replica of the print paper which we call the e-edition. We keep the past 90 issues in addition tot he current issue. In addition, you have the ability to comment on our articles. Finally, you have the good feeling of supporting real, local news in your community. If you have an event you'd like to list on the site, submit it now! Go to form Todd Sampsons immersive approach to documentary making has seen him chained underwater (Redesign My Brain), submit to a voodoo initiation (Body Hack) and undergo eye surgery (Mirror Mirror: Body Dysmorphia). So it is not unexpected that a leech facial is among the weird and wacky therapies he explores in his third season of Mirror Mirror. At many stages of my life, Ive been a wellness addict, Sampson explains from his hometown of Sydney (the Canadian version), where he is visiting his father. Ive done a lot of these treatments before. Ive been swimming around in the wellness waters. Todd Sampson undergoes a leech facial for his new series Mirror Mirror: Are You Well? Are You Well? is a two-part series probing the global multimillion-dollar wellness industry. This time, however, the advertising creative and Qantas board member was not in entirely unfamiliar territory. After having tried therapies such as cupping, silent meditation retreats, acupuncture and detoxing, Sampson grew sceptical about the benefits. Watching the rise of wellness influencers, specifically Gwyneth Paltrow and Miranda Kerr, who have come under fire for promoting potentially dangerous remedies, he became concerned that more people are turning to unqualified health advisers rather than doctors. Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size When I was teeny tiny, I believed that I was a fictional character with such conviction that it outlasted adorable and got annoying. My mother tells a story about it. She says that when she would call down the hallway to let child-me know lunch was ready, child-me would totter out in her polyester Disney character costume, look at the sandwich on the table, and turn her nose up. Princess Jasmine doesnt like tomatoes. I dont really care what Princess Jasmine likes, my mother would say, exasperated. Genevieves having a cheese and tomato sandwich for lunch. She tells this story as a piece of folklore: the banal frustrations of parenting fantastical children. I hear it like an origin story. Im the second marriage baby, the youngest of three with a big age gap, raised in a house of stories and cartoons: the perfect recipe for a child with an imagination on amphetamines. I grew into a bookish teen, and later, an adult with daydreams so vivid and complex that they pay the bills. Im no stranger to living with characters long after the book has ended and the series has wrapped. In fact, Im pretty sure my rich and detailed inner life is better than the real thing. Social battery stores drained by the slow readjustment to post-pandemic life, unsettled by the speed with which society seems to be falling apart, constantly on a deadline and a gifted procrastinator, I retreat deeper and deeper into the maze of my mind and find myself no lonelier for it. With my comfort characters, Im not alone, Im just by myself. The world is better in here, surrounded by faces and voices more equipped to run the show. Take a look at todays headlines and tell me it wouldnt be wonderful if we could make this fantasy a reality. Advertisement Elle Woods, President of Everything Theres still a government in my bespoke utopia. Question time would be so much brighter if around the bleak green chamber strode a shock of pink: Legally Blondes girlish and girly hero, Elle Woods. At least she can spell altruism. Do you have any idea how pure of heart someone needs to be to bring out the sweet side in a chihuahua? Call her call me frivolous all you want, but I think we all know that it would not take weeks, more than 10,000 deaths, and countless vague statements that seem to have been drafted in the Veep writers room, for President Woods to use the considerable force of her role in history to demand a ceasefire. Give her the reins. Shell end partisanship before lunch, and reverse climate change by the end of her first week in office. Barbie, Vice President of Everything; Motivational Speaker Credit: Alamy Advertisement Half a step behind her on the ticket would be Barbie; curious and driven and prepared to sit in her discomfort in pursuit of a better world for all of us. Politicians bloated salaries arent a thing here were more of a democratic socialist pseudo state, where subscribing to the Goop newsletter is a prisonable offence so when shes not needed at The Hague, Barbie will be on tour. Her global lecture circuit would teach Gen Alpha that its safe to take accountability for their mistakes; a lesson Millennials dont learn until their therapy fees surpass the Medicare threshold, and one their Boomer parents never learn at all. A generation that knows, from adolescence, that its OK to be wrong sometimes, and that apologies dont contain the word but, is one that is on track to be our most evolved yet. Did someone say world peace? Also, one of her campaign promises would be to enforce stricter laws around acoustic guitar ownership in men aged 18 to 55. Tallying the votes would just be a formality at that point, right? Chidi Anagonye, your superego Credit: Getty Images When I was at university, I attended maybe two philosophy lectures before I dropped the subject and enrolled in Intro to Inappropriate Crushes on your Russian History lecturer instead. I also stayed enrolled in psychology just long enough to learn that the superego is, to paraphrase Freud, the whiny shrew whose uncompromising morals suck the fun out of everything. Advertisement Sometimes, when I have to squint to see the difference between self-care and hedonism, I could really use Chidi Anagonye in my ear. Aggravating though it would be, the straight man in The Good Place, whose pursuit of unimpeachable morality both killed him and haunted him throughout the afterlife, would force me to be better. Under his nervous chatter and tedious insistence on following the virtuous path, I swear, I promise, I would never again catch myself sharing a shred of gossip Id only just sworn never to repeat. Kelly Kapoor, your id Credit: Getty Images Propelled by pleasure and repulsed by discomfort: am I defining the id, or am I describing my reluctant resubscription to Bumble? Trick question. Im introducing Kelly Kapoor: The Offices perfect, unimpeachable vacant narcissist and customer service manager at Dunder Mifflin. Life is about balance. Methodically separate your recyclables in the morning, fake a pregnancy to get your ex back in the afternoon. The beauty of being human is in our ability to contain dualities, and Im 32 years strong on the belief that as long as youre a good person between the hours of nine and five, youre allowed no, encouraged to be a complete moron between five and nine. Captain Raymond Holt, your ego Advertisement Whether youve spontaneously spent hundreds of dollars at Lululemon even though you get winded walking up a gentle hill, or if youre in that self-destructive phase where champagne is an acceptable breakfast if you hold a strawberry while you drink it, were all familiar with the unsustainability of an all-or-nothing approach. Thats why we need the ego: a mediator to soften up our superego and temper our id. Affection for Brooklyn Nine-Nines perennial father figure might be the only thing about whom staunch All-Coppers-Are-Bastards believers and frenetic police supporters can agree. Simultaneously ruled by integrity and capable of hiding his penchant for the dramatics in a soothing monotone, Captain Holt is who I need to consult before making major decisions, like getting a fringe, or keying my exs car. Also, replacing the entire global police force with clones of his wily corgi, Cheddar, will reduce crime 10,000 per cent and restore faith in the justice system a zillionfold. Hermione Granger, masked vigilante Its easy to take her for granted now, but just 20 years ago, the most important thing a woman could possibly be was thin. Hermione Granger was a saviour for girls who didnt like the misogynistic archetypes waiting for them. Advertisement Thousands of students skipped school and marched through Melbourne on Friday, part of a wave of protests across Australia over government inaction on climate change. Some traded uniforms for animal onesies, hand in hand with their parents and grandparents, and held signs declaring, If you were smarter wed be in school and The dinosaurs thought they had time too. Melbournes Climate Choir of mostly retirees serenaded from the footpath as the students marched, with the rally briefly shutting down a major intersection in the CBD and blocking one side of the Lonsdale Street bridge. Its the fifth year students have skipped school to demand an end to fossil fuels since the global climate strike movement began with Swedish teen activist Greta Thunberg in 2018. This year, Australian students were encouraged to use a doctors certificate from a climate scientist to take a sick day from school. Saudi Arabias Public Investment Fund (PIF) has increased its stake in the Egyptian state-owned company E-Finance For Digital and Financial Investments by 2 percent to 27 percent, according to the companys Chairman and Managing Director Ibrahim Sarhan. The fund submitted a request to the Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA) a month ago to raise its stake in the Egyptian company, Sarhan added during an interview with Al-Arabiya TV. In August 2022, the Saudi Egyptian Investment Company (SEIC), a subsidiary of the PIF, acquired minority stakes in four Egyptian state-owned companies, including E-Finance, in a deal worth $1.3 billion. The Egyptian government is implementing an extensive programme to offer stakes in 35 state-owned companies to strategic investors under a four-year loan agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Saudi Arabia stands as Egypt's second-largest investor. The kingdom's investments hit $6.1 billion by the close of 2022, spread across 6,017 projects spanning diverse sectors, as per Minister of Trade and Industry Ahmed Samir. Search Keywords: Short link: 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 To punters crowding the more humble stands at Royal Randwick, the Directors Room is an unattainable secret chamber where the citys top power brokers sit in rows of damasked tables drinking champagne, eating oysters and peering through tall glass windows onto the finishing post. Politicians are invited, alongside corporate titans, media bosses and journalists including from the Herald and its owner, Nine. Issues are discussed and relationships forged. Their host, the man curating and conducting this ensemble of power, is Peter VLandys, whose sway has become so great over almost 20 years as chief executive of Racing NSW and, more recently, as chair of the Australian Rugby League commission, that his influence in NSW is undisputed. On Winx Stakes day in August, VLandys and Australian Turf Club president Peter McGauran hosted a fundraiser in the Directors Room for a bereaved family close to many in Labor, which was attended by Premier Chris Minns. The racing boss and McGauran, his close friend, each chipped in $10,000 at auction to buy a statuette of the champion racehorse. No stranger to the Directors Room is Russell Balding, the chair of Racing NSW and the only man to whom VLandys is required to answer. They are a formidable team, and have more than doubled Racing NSWs revenue since Balding took the helm in 2017. They have established the worlds richest turf race, drawn crowds back to the track and brashly muscled in on Victorias longstanding dominance. As punters at Randwick enjoy the revitalisation of NSW racing in Randwicks flashy new facilities, they could be forgiven for wondering why there would be any opposition, particularly from leading industry figures such as trainer Gai Waterhouse and Magic Millions co-owner Katie Page to the Minns governments plan to keep Balding on the board and to protect his working relationship with VLandys. Racing NSW chief executive Peter Vlandys at a White House dinner in October. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen The answer lies in power, personalities and politics, and goes to the heart of how decisions are made in NSW. Advertisement Racing NSWs power is immense and growing. Balding and Vlandys are tight. If rules about tenure on public sector boards designed to prevent groupthink had been followed, the chair whose job is to rein in as well as support the chief executive would have left four years ago. Instead, parliament has extended his term twice. The Labor government signalled he would go when it expires again in December. Then, amid strong lobbying from sections of the industry, it changed its mind. Balding will now serve a record 14 years as director. Critics accuse the government of betraying principle in the face of racings power. Minns was about transparency, says one senior racing figure on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak publicly. No jobs for the boys, proper boards. And then this. Racing NSW was set up by parliament in the mid-1990s to run and regulate the states racing industry, which had long been mired in scandal and corruption. It is required to act in the public interest, as well as that of racing. Its jurisdiction stretches from its feared stewards, who can demand a phone without a warrant they are more powerful than police, one senior industry figure said to trainers, jockeys and bookmakers, who it licences and regulates. It decides how funding and race dates are distributed to clubs, makes key decisions about the direction and future of the industry, and handles an income of almost $400 million a year. In the last decade, its power has grown exponentially. The turning point was a deal, engineered by VLandys, to keep directing revenue from the TAB to clubs and to give Racing NSW a cut from corporate bookmaking. As punters abandoned shopfronts for online gambling, the once-mighty clubs got poorer and Racing NSW got richer. The balance of power shifted quickly and emphatically. With less money for prizes and upkeep, clubs needed handouts. The regulator became the industrys biggest funder. Balding and VLandys, racings professional power couple, sit at the apex of it all. Advertisement VLandys doesnt agree with that assessment. I am not as powerful as everyone thinks as there are not many phone boxes in Sydney these days so its hard to change into my Superman uniform, he says. The act that established Racing NSW protects it from political meddling; its not even subject to the states corruption watchdog. The governments only influence is the appointment of new board members, chosen from a list of names picked by an independent panel. Racing Minister David Harris, who has been in the job since Labor won government in March, could have chosen two new directors this year and thought about doing it. Instead, he will ask parliament to change the act to give Balding and his deputy chair two more years. He had his hand on a lever that would shift the dynamics at the top of Racing NSW, but decided not to pull it. Its the third such decision. The Coalition made it twice. Two years ago, the selection panel had begun interviewing candidates when the government asked parliament to keep Balding. A former minister, speaking on the condition of anonymity to respect confidential discussions, said there was discomfort among some in cabinet 12 years is an unusually long tenure for a board director, especially in the public sector, and particularly when the legislation must be changed to allow it but the driver was practicality. The state was emerging from a COVID-19 lockdown. Theyd just lost a premier to a corruption scandal. There were bigger problems. Russell Balding is seeking two more years at the top of Racing NSW. Credit: Jessica Hromas This year, advocates of change had their hopes up. Their gripes with the board were numerous, beginning with its vintage and gender. The average age of non-executive directors is 68, and there is only one woman. VLandys points out that boards should be skills-based pointing to age is discriminatory and condescending and says his staff is diverse in terms of age and gender. In my time at Racing NSW, the results highlight that this is by far the most successful board, he says. Some were also upset by the boards decision to allow VLandys to chair the NRL in 2019, arguing that working for a rival sport competing for a slice of the same wagering revenue could be a conflict of interest. Again, VLandys disagrees. Fortunately, both thoroughbred racing in NSW and rugby league in Australia are flourishing, he says. Both are in the best financial position in their history and the success of both undermines any suggestion as to a conflict. There was frustration about Racing NSWs court battle with other states over anti-competitive behaviour, based on what it suspects was a Victorian-led plot to exclude it from the thoroughbred industry and form a breakaway group from Racing Australia. Balding is seen as the driver of that court action, which some including the breeders association feel has paralysed the industry at a national level. Advertisement They also felt Racing NSW had not been transparent enough on animal welfare, which is key to the industrys future as without it, the sports so-called social licence would be revoked by the non-racing community. (VLandys says it is the world leader in equine welfare initiatives.) They believed it had neglected to develop an emerging workforce, and had let infrastructure such as stabling deteriorate. All these issues were raised by Harris as industry challenges when he announced on Monday that he would reappoint Balding. In response, VLandys pointed the Herald to the Racing NSW annual report for details of how the board is addressing these concerns. He says it confirms the agendas are being driven by self-interest and to assist failing interstate jurisdictions. Theres criticism of Racing NSWs prize money strategy, too: that too much money is going to big events such as The Everest and the $3 million Big Dance, which former Racing NSW chair John Messara describes as wasteful gimmick races, at the expense of smaller country ones. VLandys vehemently disagrees. The Everest is the most wagered race after the Melbourne Cup in Australia, he says. Industries that live in the past normally perish. Some also felt Racing NSW had begun to throw its weight around. Multiple senior racing figures told the Herald they believed Balding and VLandys were too close after six years as a team, and Racing NSW needed a fresh set of eyes on its powerful CEO. The Everest Carnival has been a huge success in Sydney. Credit: Dion Georgopolous But Baldings supporters some of whom also refused to go on the record argued NSW racing was in rude health under the double act, pointing to record prize money, a rich balance sheet and strong influence. Much of the money now flowing into NSW racing was the result of reforms or decisions for which VLandys, latterly with Balding, was responsible. They saw no reason to mess with a winning formula. Its been the reinvigoration of racing in NSW, said Newhaven Park breeder John Kelly. In late July, four powerful industry figures met Premier Chris Minns. Among them were former Racing NSW chair John Messara, and Magic Millions co-owner and Harvey Norman chief executive Katie Page. They argued for a change at the top of Racing NSW, and sources within the meeting speaking anonymously to protect confidential discussions said they left under the impression that Balding would be replaced. Advertisement Minns even asked Page whether she would be interested in the chairs job, the sources said. She was not, but if she had been, one attendee said, this debate would not be happening now. When the Herald put the suggestion to Page, she said: I get offered quite a few board positions and I dont disclose what Im offered or I decline. Another senior racing industry figure, speaking anonymously because he did not have permission to speak to the media, said a member of Racing Minister Harris office told him in early September that the chairs term would end at the end of the year. Loading But by late September, Baldings supporters had swung into action. A collection of stakeholders including jockeys and trainers, who are regulated by Racing NSW, and race clubs, who increasingly depend on it financially, wrote to Harris asking for his tenure to be extended by 12 months, arguing the industry needed stability. Balding repeatedly declined invitations to comment on his reappointment. But a letter he sent to the chair of Aushorse Marketing, demanding to know if the companys chief executive Tom Reilly had spoken to The Guardian for a series of racing stories, shows it was on his mind. Has your chief executive made representations or sought meetings with the NSW government as recently as in the last two weeks on the matters which The Guardian are enquiring, namely but not limited to the tenure of Mr VLandys and myself? he asks in a letter dated October 2023. Harris told a parliamentary estimates hearing that no Racing NSW executives lobbied him to reappoint Balding. But VLandys view of his chairs tenure is made clear by the fact that some of his closest allies outside the regulator did. They included the ATCs McGauran a Howard era cabinet minister and godfather to VLandys son and Richard Callendar, the NSW Trainers Association chief executive, who both wrote letters of support. In both cases, directors were told about the letters only after they had been sent, multiple sources said on the condition of anonymity to preserve confidentiality. McGuaran told the Herald hed told his directors about the letter and there was no objection. McGauran is upfront about his support. Balding who has been managing director of the ABC, chief executive of Sydney Airport, and chair of Cabcharge has done a magnificent job as chairman, he told the Herald. In the corporate world, shareholders would be clamouring to retain such a successful chair and board. Advertisement A severely immunocompromised academic who was this week formally sacked after Sydney University refused to allow him to work from home is considering legal action against the institution. Senior psychology lecturer Niko Tiliopoulos was handed a final termination letter on Tuesday following a months-long fight to keep his job after the university rejected his request to continue working from home. Psychology lecturer Niko Tiliopoulos was fired on Tuesday. Credit: Janie Barrett The dismissal came despite two doctors, including one commissioned by the university, recommending he was allowed to continue teaching remotely due to the risk of severe illness or death if exposed to COVID-19 or influenza. The National Tertiary Education Union says it is now considering all its options to pursue a just outcome for Tiliopoulos, saying the university had made a mockery of claims it was committed to staff with disabilities. Police claim a man ripped off potential renters by more than $60,000 through an alleged social media scam. NSW Police said detectives from Cumberland police area command began investigating the alleged scam in May after receiving reports tenants paid rental bonds for properties advertised on social media. The man is arrested in connection with an alleged elaborate rental scam. Credit: Police Media Police believe the alleged incidents occurred between February 2022 and last month and related to advertisements for residences in Liverpool, Wentworthville, Auburn, Parramatta and Bondi. Following inquiries, investigators arrested a 35-year-old man outside a business on Merrylands Road, Merrylands, about 9am yesterday. He was taken to Granville police station, police said in a statement. The firefighter killed by a falling tree in the north-west of NSW has been identified as Leo Fransen, a captain in the Rural Fire Service and long-time member of his brigade. Fransen died on Thursday afternoon while battling the Hudson fire in the Walgett region and NSW Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib paid tribute to the 75-year-old as having made the ultimate sacrifice. Volunteer firefighter Leo Fransen was killed by a falling tree on Thursday. Credit: RFS RFS Commissioner Rob Rogers, speaking at a press conference on Friday morning, said Fransen had been working as part of a combined strike team to bring the fire under control in the first of a three-day deployment. Theyd been battling the fire [in] Glengarry and they successfully defended a number of structures from being destroyed, he said. A mans body has been found with a gunshot wound to the neck on a busy central Queensland road. Witnesses heard what they believed were multiple gunshots in the area and more than one vehicle leaving at speed before the body was found, police say. The man was found on Yeppoon Road in Rockhampton. Credit: Google Street View/Nine News A member of the public called triple zero to report a man lying on the road at Norman Gardens outside Rockhampton before 4am on Friday. Detective Superintendent Darrin Shadlow said police and paramedics attended and found the man believed to be in his 30s with what appeared to be a single gunshot wound to the neck. Victim-survivors of child sex abuse in public schools are calling for a full investigation into historic offending after the Education Department admitted there had been little effort to trace the full scope of teachers crimes. Glen Fearnett, a former student of Beaumaris Primary School which harboured four known offenders in the 1960s and 1970s, said it was clear the department had improved its policies in recent times, but there had never been an attempt to properly examine historic child abuse throughout the state school system. Glen Fearnett says more victim-survivors need the chance to tell their stories. Credit: Penny Stephens Some victim-survivors have been left feeling silenced by the current Beaumaris Primary School board of inquiry, which is only examining abuse perpetrated by four teachers who worked at Beaumaris and 23 other schools. Fearnett said while the board of inquiry had offered him some healing, others had not been given that opportunity. He said public acknowledgement of the damage caused by the teachers was an important step in healing. A cafe in Melbournes inner north has banned customers from taking photos and videos after it was inundated by influencers following a visit from pop star Harry Styles. Styles visited Japanese cafe and design store Cibi on Collingwoods backstreets when he toured Australia in February, ordering the signature breakfast and a green tea. Cibis owners Zenta and Meg Tanaka. At the time Cibi co-owner Meg Tanaka said other guests either didnt notice the megastar or were very restrained, allowing Styles to enjoy his meal outside, before he browsed the Japanese homewares. She said then that surprisingly not too many Harries (the term for Styles fans) visited Cibi, but in the months since, people visiting the cafe to post on social media had become problematic. 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 Throughout the past week in federal parliament, Liberal MP Julian Leeser has done something unusual: worn his kippah. Leeser is proudly Jewish but usually wears his skullcap only for religious ceremonies and on ceremonial occasions, not to question time. He decided to keep it on this week as an act of defiance, as a message to Jewish Australians that they should not be cowed into hiding their identity amid a national surge in antisemitism. I wanted to wear it because I dont believe people should be afraid to express their religious traditions and identities, the member for the northern Sydney electorate of Berowra says in an interview in his office in Parliament House. Julian Leeser: Were seeing things that I havent seen before in my lifetime. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen As a Jewish leader in this country, I wanted to stand up and be counted by being physically recognisable. Leeser, who became the first Jewish Liberal MP from NSW to be elected to the House of Representatives in 2016, says antisemitism in Australia has gone off the charts following Hamas October 7 massacre in Israel and the subsequent war in Gaza. Were seeing things that I havent seen before in my lifetime Jewish children afraid to wear their uniforms to school, people afraid to wear their Magen David [Star of David], afraid to wear their kippah, he says. There is a level of fear that Ive never seen before in the community. Advertisement Nick Dyrenfurth, the executive director of the Labor-aligned John Curtin Research Centre, says the Jewish community in Balaclava, the south-east Melbourne suburb where he lives, is on edge like never before. Jewish shops have been plastered with Holocaust in Gaza graffiti, Jewish childrens soccer teams are having to hire security, says Dyrenfurth, a Labor historian who is Jewish. Antisemitism is on steroids at the moment and the fear is palpable. The issue became a flashpoint in parliament this week when Opposition Leader Peter Dutton accused the Albanese government of not doing enough to protect Jewish Australians from discrimination and harassment. Loading Demanding that Albanese call a national cabinet meeting to develop a strategy to combat antisemitism, Dutton said: I fear that there will be a significant act within our country that will cause harm to people in the Jewish community, or in the community more broadly, at a time when temperatures are rising On Wednesday afternoon, Dutton sought to suspend parliament to pass a motion accusing Albanese of failing to do enough to tackle antisemitism, linking the issue to the release of convicted criminals from indefinite detention following a High Court decision last week. Albanese responded furiously, blasting Dutton for the weaponisation of antisemitism and saying it was frankly beyond contempt to link it to the immigration detention issue. Advertisement Noting his long history of opposing the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement against Israel, Albanese said he would continue to unequivocally condemn antisemitism while also speaking out against Islamophobia. Jewish Australians are fearful at the moment, Albanese said. The sort of activity that is occurring is scaring them and I stand with them. No one should threaten people because of their religion or their race in this country. But it is also the case that Arab Australians and Islamic Australians and women wearing hijabs in the streets of Sydney and Melbourne are being threatened, and I stand against that, as well. Reports of Islamophobic incidents across the world have also spiked in recent weeks. Credit: Getty The Islamophobia Register Australia said it had received 204 reports of incidents since October 7, up significantly on an average of 2.5 incidents a week before the attacks. According to the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, reports of antisemitism have increased by almost 500 per cent since October 7, reaching the highest level on record with 49 reports filed in the first week of November. We have never seen anything of this magnitude before, says Dvir Abramovich, an expert in Jewish culture at the University of Melbourne. Advertisement The Central Shule, a synagogue in Melbournes Caulfield South, was forced to shut down last Friday after clashes broke out nearby between Jewish and pro-Palestinian protesters. The group that organised the protest, Free Palestine Melbourne, later apologised to the Jewish community for holding a rally so close to a place of worship. We should not have gathered in this location, the group said. It was never our intention to disrupt or intimidate Jewish worshippers. Loading A day later in Sydney, a woman and child were filmed shouting f--- the Jews after a pro-Palestine motorbike convoy travelled from Lidcombe, in the citys west, to Coogee in the east. It is clear that the route has been chosen for one purpose to intimidate and scare the Jewish community, NSW Jewish Board of Deputies president David Ossip said. On Sunday, police officers were called to investigate when Shaffa, a popular Israeli restaurant in Sydneys Surry Hills, was plastered with graffiti saying child murder and a sign saying You cannot build a Holy Land on the mass graves of children. Advertisement This week, a western Sydney jumping castle business refused its services to an independent Jewish high school. Theres no way Im taking a Zionist booking, said the service in an email. I dont want your blood money. Free Palestine. On Thursday, photos were posted on social media of a letter box in Melbournes Clayton South plastered with graffiti saying Kill Jews and Jews live here. The vast majority of Australians do not appear to be inherently hostile towards Jewish people. A survey by the Scanlon Foundation Research Institute, which was released this week but conducted before October 7, found 9 per cent of Australians said they felt negatively towards Jews far less than the 27 per cent who said this for Muslims and the 16 per cent who said they felt negatively towards Christians. But antisemitism can flare up when Israel is in the headlines because of the close association between Jewish identity and the Israeli state. The line between where acceptable criticism of Israel ends and antisemitism begins is hotly contested, including in the Jewish community. Leeser, for example, goes further than some others by arguing that it is antisemitic to call Israel an apartheid state, as United Nations special rapporteur Francesca Albanese did during a visit to Australia this week. Advertisement A stateless Middle Eastern man has pleaded with the government to spare him from onerous restrictions now he has been released from indefinite detention, while in a separate case a murderer who disposed of his wifes body in a wheelie bin of acid could also be freed following a landmark High Court decision. More than 80 foreigners have been released from immigration detention since the court ruled last week that people held in immigration detention, many of whom have criminal convictions, could not be held indefinitely if they were unable to be deported to their country of origin. Tony Kellisar was transferred to immigration detention in 2019 after serving a 20-year sentence for the death of his wife, Svetlana Podgoyetsky, whom he strangled in Melbourne in 1997 before driving her body to Sydney. The cohort was sent to detention because they failed the Australian government character test, meaning they were not allowed into the community. The spectrum of crimes committed by members of the released group ranges from assaults and property crimes to rapes and murders. There was a perfectly good telephone connected to a landline sitting on a side table positioned handily between my mothers and fathers favourite lounge chairs, just as it always had. Bank tellers in action in the 1970s. Credit: Fairfax archive Why would my mother take a mobile phone into town? She never asked this out loud, of course. It was obvious. She couldnt use it while driving, and she certainly wouldnt use it while browsing the shops and chatting to shop assistants and any friends she might encounter. Perish the thought of speaking on the instrument while walking along the street. It would be poorer form than leaving home without a scarf or one of her favourite hats. I was once silly enough to try to teach my mother how to use a computer on the off-chance that she might want to keep in contact by email. We didnt get past the point where the thing absurdly called a mouse apparently bore no relationship for her to the cursor on the screen. Thank you, she said, but she would continue writing letters with a pen on paper and sending them in an envelope with a stamp attached. She enjoyed going to the post office and having a little chat with the staff there. And shed quite like it if I wrote from time to time. I found myself ruminating on these memories during the week when had I to call up the fraud department of my credit card company and explain that rogues allegedly based in Saudi Arabia had taken to charging my card which is to say, my pocket for unexplained goods or services. Id never heard of the organisation, and Id certainly not purchased anything from them. Theyd charged me quite a handy sum seven times in succession, and I hadnt noticed because I didnt balance my account at the end of each week. The gentleman at the fraud department was most understanding, and explained that he would block the unknown biller. Credit card fraud is widespread. Credit: Karl Hilzinger Unfortunately, he would also need to close my card and issue a new one with a different number. Oh, and please remember, he advised, to contact all the suppliers you might have registered for regular payments like insurance companies and streaming services and Uber and electronic and audible books and mobile data and stuff that Id clean forgotten I used to tell them your new card number. Sure, I said. I was already familiar with that agony. Two months ago, I had to get a new debit card after swindlers allegedly registered in Amsterdam began taking a few cents here and a few cents there, without me registering it was happening, before ramping up to sums that finally got my full attention. At least, I mused, I had phoned the credit card fraud department on Wednesday this week. What might I have felt if Id discovered in the middle of last week that scoundrels had been ripping me off? I wouldnt have been able to call anyone, including the fraud department. Why? Optus had experienced an outage. Outage is the polite way of saying their service was totally flubbed. My mobile phone was rendered as useful as the one that hid for years, uncharged, on my mothers sideboard behind the vase of flowers. And of course, being a fellow of the times, I didnt have a fixed-line phone to use when the mobile-sphere went voiceless. At least, I am told, my personal data wasnt breached. Not like the last time, in September last year. Loading My mother, being a woman of elegance, would not have been crass enough to raise an eyebrow at the awkwardness of my varied modern dilemmas, though she would have been entitled to a quiet chuckle. She had her chequebook and nice tellers at the bank and a non-mobile telephone sitting next to her favourite chair, where she often wrote letters in longhand plus a book of her life that will outlive any email. All the rest to her was stuff and nonsense. The Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company (EETC) and Belgiums Jan De Nul signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to study a project to export renewable energy to Europe, according to a cabinet statement on Thursday. The project includes extending a subsea cable to transmit energy to Europe with at least two gigawatts capacity. Egypt is seeking to position itself as a regional hub for renewable energy and a strategic partner to Europe. The old continent has faced energy insecurity since the war between Russia and Ukraine broke out. In October, the European Union (EU) started considering adding an electrical interconnection project between Greece and Egypt to its list of Projects of Common Interest (PCIs), which will facilitate funding and issuing permits for the project. The Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy, Mohamed Shaker, announced in September that Egypt plans to launch a national strategy to become a leading green hydrogen producer and exporter. Over the past year, the country signed many MoUs with various international entities to attract foreign investment in green hydrogen and to become a hub for hydrogen production. In June, the Egyptian government updated the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC), which include setting more ambitious goals for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and securing the finances needed. Search Keywords: Short link: San Francisco: Joe Bidens push to show China that the US is deeply engaged in the Indo-Pacific has been dealt a blow after his vision for a regional trade pact was thwarted over his bid to strengthen workers rights. One day after the presidents high-stakes meeting with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, Biden addressed global leaders and confirmed that a crucial part of the widely touted Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) had not been finalised. President Joe Biden, left, speaks as Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese listens during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) conference. Credit: AP Thirteen countries, including Australia, had joined the US to negotiate the framework, with agreements reached on three of the four pillars: supply chains, climate, and tax and anti-corruption. However, in a setback that Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell described as disappointing, the crucial trade pillar of the plan was derailed after some member countries couldnt agree on measures to improve labour standards. US Democrats feared it lacked enough protections for workers rights. PHILIPSBURG:--- The Sint Maarten Police Force is currently investigating a series of coordinated armed robberies that took place on the evening of November 16, 2023, in the Well Road area of Cole Bay. At approximately 07:20 PM, the Police Central Dispatch received multiple calls reporting an armed robbery at a supermarket on Well Road. The assailants, four young men dressed in dark clothing and wearing masks, were reported to have fled the scene on two scooters. In the following minutes, Dispatch received additional calls detailing three more supermarket robberies in the same vicinity, all perpetrated by the same group of individuals. Reacting swiftly to these incidents, several police patrols and detectives were deployed to the locations in Cole Bay. Based on a crucial tip, officers proceeded to the Bell-Vue Border with the French Side, where the suspects were reportedly heading. Upon reaching the Union Road area, officers spotted one of the scooters heading toward the French Side and initiated a pursuit. The pursuit resulted in one suspect falling off the scooter a few meters into French territory. Officers immediately apprehended the suspect and seized several objects during the arrest. The French Police, promptly informed by Central Dispatch, collaborated with their Dutch counterparts at the scene, providing assistance in the ongoing investigation. A coordinated search, involving both law enforcement agencies, was conducted at the scene. Following consultations with relevant authorities, it was decided that the arrested suspect would be placed in custody under the jurisdiction of the French authorities. The investigation into this incident is actively ongoing, led by the Special Unit Robberies team of the Sint Maarten Police Force. The detectives are investigating these Armed robbery cases are asking anyone who has information about these robberies to contact the Sint Maarten Police Force, at +1 721- 542 22 22 ext. 204 or 205 or the anonymous tip line on 9300 (free of charge). You can also leave a Private Message via our Facebook page (Police Force of Sint Maarten Korps Politie Sint Maarten) PHILIPSBURG: --- Minister of VSA Omar Ottley tells the court on Friday morning that he will not be a scapegoat or poster child for corruption on St. Maarten, corruption that took place in the past or present. Ottley addressed the court in the defamation case he brought against businessman Olivier Arrindell for slander and defamation. In addressing the court, he said the only thing he had was his name and he worked very hard for the assets he obtained in life. The new Minister of VSA says that he was kept out of office for 14 long months during his screening process and he was vindicated by the court, and the only thing he received after the procedure was a mere sorry. "it seems to me that success equates corruption on St. Maarten. Ottley also submitted to the Judge the deed for his Bettys Estate home he purchased in 2018, which he obtained through a mortgage while he owned and operated his own construction company O &Eric Construction Company which was closed prior to him taking office as a Minister. He also provided the court with the deed for his Valley Estate home that he purchased in 2023 inside that deed he told the judge it stated how he acquired this property. The deed states that Ottley used the collateral equity of his Betty's Estate home to acquire the Valley Estate property. For the car he purchased for his girlfriend, he showed the court a leased contract he has with Caribbean Auto Sales that he pays for monthly, while he provided the court with a loan agreement, he is paying First Caribbean Bank for his personal vehicle. He told the court he has no house in Dubai and was able to deny that the things Arrindell says he owns are not true. No house in Dubai, he doesnt own 3 houses, doesnt have an account at Republic Bank, and doesnt have money in Panama. Arrindell did not submit any evidence to prove what he said was factual. He did say that he has proof of the assets in St. Maarten but the people are still investigating in Dubai to come up with the evidence for the house in Dubai. Arrindell further said that he gets his information from the people of St. Maarten and St. Maarten people like melee. The Minister also submitted a letter from NV GEBE that shows that O& Eric Construction has not received any contracts from GEBE since 2018 and it also states that his father Milton Ottley did not obtain any contract from GEBE. At the start of the case, Oliver Arrindell asked the judge to deem a piece of evidence Bommel submitted while he was in an aircraft en route to St. Maarten inadmissible. Arrindell said the piece of evidence submitted at the 9th hour lacks merit and it has nothing to do with the case against him. In responding to that Attorney at Law Shaira Bommel who represented the Minister of VSA told the court that the last production that was added, was added within the deadline. She said Arrindell also added something last minute, so he should know better. Bommel said Mr. Arrindell knows the difference between freedom of speech and slander. He himself has been accused in a video where he says, If anyone shares anything against me, I will sue you for slander. Why is it when he feels someone says something against him, it is slander, but when he makes all these false claims, it is freedom of speech (the lawyer continues to highlight the hypocrisy of his freedom of speech defense when he accused so many others as slander.) He has even stated that he would take the newspaper in Curacao to court for slander. He clearly knows the difference, Bommel reiterated. Regarding this being private, Bommel states many examples where Arrindell refers to the people of St Maarten or my people. Arrindell who represented himself in court without a legal representative said that his conversations with the WhatsApp group SXM Movement for Change are private and that he never invited Omar Ottley to his group, he said the Minister and the Government of St. Maarten hinged on his privacy and his right to freedom of speech. He asked the judge to dismiss the claims brought against him because he never spoke in public or on Facebook social media. He insisted that he did not share the videos and texts submitted to the court publicly but its the citizens of St. Maarten that share them publicly, the very people he said appointed him to speak on their behalf. Bommel said that the Minister deems the case urgent as the court should recognize that Arrindell continues to slander Ottley, and therefore the urgency is important to put a stop to this. In video 14, Arrindell said he was not going to stop. She quotes Arrindell from the video: If the judge told me to say sorry, I will say sorry, but I will continue to call him corrupt. Clearly, if no serious action is taken, he has admitted he will not stop his false statements. The high fine is important to help prevent this. Bommel says that she was even attacked by Arrindell. As you have heard, he has spoken: to the people of St. Maarten. Every day, literally every day, he attacks Ottley. He gives him various ways of slandering. He has accused him of various crimes. He has said, I am going to rip your heart out and stated this is a person, in response to this Arrindell said he meant no personal harm to Ottley in fact he said Ottley is a boxer and he is bigger than him, he asked the judge how it is possible for him to harm such a big built man. Bommel said but here is the most important fact: in all the documents submitted in Arrindells defense, he was totally unable to prove one single thing. His main defense is just that: this was a private conversation. Indeed, Arrindell insisted that his conversations on WhatsApp were private and felt the government was using intimidation to control the citizens of St. Maarten. He said the government is spying on peoples conversations and asked the judge if she would like anyone to spy on the conversations she has with her family. Bommel said all the accusations have constantly been made in public. Arrindell says that he is only doing this privately. We have said it is clear that there is jurisprudence, and based on how he speaks, he is publicly sharing these statements. Bommel then states examples in case law where using WhatsApp as a communication does count as public statements in the context. The attorney said by making these videos, and spreading them in the group that ends up on Facebook, some of the messages in these videos are directed to Omar Ottley. Bommel said that Arrindell never said that the pictures and videos may not be shared. On the contrary, he lets them be placed in the public, even if he did that, he should consider that there is a strong chance that it would be spread. She concluded that all statements made by Oliver Arrindell were public. She further stated that while Arrindell is claiming his videos are based on freedom of speech, he is violating the law by slandering people. Bommel told the court that Arrindell was already convicted in court in Curacao, however, he told the court he did not see the relevance since Suzy Camilla Romer's case has nothing to do with the case Ottley brought against him. Arrindell also told the court that while Ottley is claiming slander and defamation, he too is slandering his good name, and if the court rules that he in fact slandered him the court would have to order Ottley to apologize to him. Bommel said Ottley is always welcome to receive criticism. But these attacks are not criticism or freedom of speech, but personal attacks and slander. Freedom of speech does not allow you to infringe on the right to maintain a good name. He has stated falsely that Ottley took money from Arajet, yet even today he cannot provide any proof of this, his lawyer said. Bommel said that these sorts of statements are very damaging he claims he saw it with his own eyes, but he claims he didnt have his phone on him. This is not likely for a man who makes dozens of videos a day or goes and films peoples homes. She told the court that in short, they have proven that all statements made about Ottley are totally false. These statements are damaging to his reputation, and for his position a good name is important. For this reason, this has to be rectified. Bommel argued that none of the statements that he made were able to prove. Again, Ottley says he has no issue with criticism, but these are not that, these are false claims. Arrindell has been unable to present a single piece of evidence. It is all completely false statements. He sent a video, of the Dutch politician saying that the island is corrupt, but in that video, you never hear a Dutch politician call anyone by name. That is a big difference. Arrindell is personally attacking Ottley. Arrindell asked the court why the government of St. Maarten didnt take the Dutch politicians to court for they have said numerous times that St. Maarten politicians are corrupt. He asked the judge to order Ottley to provide him with proof of how he acquired all his assets, and where did he get the money from to purchase these properties. He also told the court if Ottley vindicated himself he would then apologize. On several occasions, Arrindell told the court he was lost with the proceedings because according to him the attorney was speaking too fast. The court provided a court translator for Arrindell for the entire proceedings, even though he is a Dutch citizen. He informed the court that out of respect for the court, he traveled for 19 hours in order to be present at Fridays hearing. Your honor I did this for you. I do not live in St. Maarten I live in Congo and in the Dominican Republic the airline ticket to get here is expensive, but I did it. As for Olivier Arrindell, he said they are family, but Ottley and his relatives erupted in the courtroom and denounced his statements as being a family member. He told the court that Ottleys grandmother took him in as a child, and she is the one who sent him to correctional school in Curacao. Ottley told the court that he is not related to Arrindell, and he is honored to know that Arrindell recognizes his grandmother as his own. Arrindell said he knows Ottley from a child that they used to drink Cocoa tea together in their underpants. In the end he accepted that he is not related by blood to the Ottleys. The judge then asked if they grew up in the same household and Ottley admitted that knew Arrindell and he had known Arrindell since he was five years old. The court will render its verdict on November 24th, 2023. Israeli forces dropped leaflets warning Palestinians to flee parts of southern Gaza, residents said Thursday, signalling a possible expansion of operations to areas where hundreds of thousands of people who heeded earlier evacuation orders are crowded into UN-run shelters and family homes. Broadening the offensive to the south where Israel already carries out daily air raids threatens to worsen an already severe humanitarian crisis in the besieged territory. Over 1.5 million people have been internally displaced in Gaza, with most having fled to the south, where food, water and electricity are increasingly scarce. The leaflets dropped in areas east of the southern town of Khan Younis, warned civilians to evacuate the area and said anyone in the vicinity of militants or their positions is putting his life in danger. Similar leaflets were dropped over northern Gaza for weeks ahead of the ground invasion. Two local reporters who live east of Khan Younis confirmed seeing the leaflets. Others shared images of the leaflets on social media. The Israeli military declined to comment. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said Wednesday the ground operation will eventually include both the north and south. We will strike Hamas wherever it is. The military says it has largely consolidated its control of the north, including seizing and demolishing government buildings. Video released by the army Thursday showed soldiers moving between heavily damaged buildings through holes blown in their walls. On Thursday, the military said it had blown up a residence belonging to Ismail Haniyeh, a senior Hamas leader based abroad. It was unclear if anyone was inside the building. 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. 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. Israel allowed a small amount of fuel to enter Gaza on Wednesday, for the first time since the war began, so that the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, which is providing basic services to hundreds of thousands of people, could continue bringing limited supplies of aid through the Rafah crossing with Egypt. The fuel cannot be used for hospitals or to desalinate water, and covers less than 10% of what the agency needs to sustain "lifesaving activities, said Thomas White, the agencys Gaza director. The Palestinian telecom company Paltel, meanwhile, said it expected services to halt later Wednesday because of the lack of fuel or electricity. Gaza has experienced three previous mass communication outages since the ground invasion. If Israeli troops move south, it is not clear where Gazas population can flee, as Egypt and Jordan rejected the Israeli policy of displacement or attempts to liquidate the Palestinian cause at the expense of neighbouring countries. Search Keywords: Short link: A key business forum held in Manama on November 16, explored bilateral trade opportunities between Italy and Bahrain, as well as potential areas of cooperation in the field of sustainable development. Entitled Prospects of Cooperation for Sustainable Development Between Italy and Bahrain. Introduction of the Italy-Bahrain Business Councils Activities, the forum was held under the patronage of Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay. It was hosted in collaboration with the Italy-Bahrain Business Council (IBBC), the Embassy of Italy in Bahrain, the Embassy of Bahrain in Italy, the Italian Trade Agency (ITA), and the Bahrain Economic Development Board (Bahrain EDB). The forum was kicked off with a keynote speech by Adel Fakhro, and was followed by presentations by the organising bodies, and high-level government officials, namely Dr Nasser Al Belooshi, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the Italian Republic, Paola Amadei, Ambassador of the Italian Republic to the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Director General of the Italian Trade Agency (ITA), and Lorenzo Galanti, leading business and investment entities in Bahrain and Italy. The agenda additionally comprised an overview of the investment journey of Racing Force International, which first began in Bahrain in 2015 with a Bell Helmets manufacturing facility, followed by the establishment of a $13 million global Research and Development (R&D) factory and manufacturing headquarters which was upgraded last year. Minister Adel Fakhro said: Forums like these serve as the perfect platform to promote bilateral investment opportunities between Bahrain and Italy and explore new horizons of cooperation across key sectors including manufacturing, logistics and tourism, paving the way to forge new venture success stories, and further strengthen economic and trade exchanges between our two nations which have consistently exhibited steady growth over the years. Paola Amadei said: The excellent commercial results registered in the last years are a testament to the appreciation of the Bahraini market for the Made in Italy and for the extraordinary tradition of innovation and quality that it stands for. The Embassy of Italy in Bahrain is committed to the support of the Italian companies interested in the Bahraini market and to reinforcing the commercial and economic relations between the two countries. Lorenzo Galanti said: We are collectively giving a strong impulse to improving trade and investments between Italy and Bahrain. The ITA supports companies in this endeavour. Over the past three years, the Agencys Desk in Manama has assisted over 250 Italian companies and made it possible for over 100 Bahraini delegates to attend exhibitions and fairs in Italy. Ignazio Moncada, Co-chairman of IBBC, said: We were honoured to co-host this forum with the support of both embassies and the Bahrain EDB, as it falls directly in line with our aim at the Italy Bahrain Business Council, which was established to foster closer ties with key members of the business community to initiate a long-standing ongoing dialogue between Italy and Bahrain across various fields to encourage mutually beneficial exchanges in the business domain. Khalid Rashid Al Zayani, Co-chairman of IBBC, said: Bahrain is home to a dynamic pipeline of Italian companies, and todays pivotal event is instrumental in continuing to expand IBBCs vast network, and to collaborate and network with key authorities and stakeholders, in the interests of supporting the sustainable growth of businesses, exchange knowledge, and ultimately encourage the formation of new joint ventures and enterprises in Bahrain and Italy. Laurent Franciosi, Head of International Markets Development of Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP), said: Bahrain is a partner with interesting collaboration prospects for Italy and as CDP, in our role as National Promotion Institute, we are pleased to participate in the IBCC bilateral dialogue. From support for exports and the global expansion of Italian companies to potential collaborations with primary Bahraini investors, we are committed to ensuring that relations between Italy and Bahrain can increasingly strengthen, with a view to sustainable and shared development". Chairman of the Bahrain Chamber, His Excellency, Sameer Nass, affirmed that the organisation of this forum is a clear indication of the commitment of both Bahraini and Italian business communities to enhance their business relations and explore new avenues for cooperation, noting that the aim of the forum is to create opportunities for bilateral cooperation in various fields, including health, information, and communications technology sectors. Bilateral trade, in 2020, amounted to $634 million, while two years later in 2022 the total volume almost doubled, reaching $954.8 million. In the Bahraini import landscape, Italy ranks first for mechanical components, appreciated for their high-level technology and fashion which imports have shown an increase of about 49% between 2021 and 2022 and food imports doubled between 2020 and 2022, reaching an overall amount of about $40 million. From the Bahraini side, aluminium (+178% than 2021) and chemicals have been the most exported categories to Italy. TradeArabia News Service The heads of numerous United Nations agencies and other humanitarian organisations said Thursday they would not take part in Gaza "safe zones" declared by the state of Israel. "As humanitarian leaders, our position is clear: We will not participate in the establishment of any 'safe zone' in Gaza that is set up without the agreement of all the parties," they said in a joint statement. "Under the prevalent conditions, proposals to unilaterally create 'safe zones' in Gaza risk creating harm for civilians, including large-scale loss of life, and must be rejected." Israel has for more than a month been calling on the population in northern Gaza to evacuate south, as it pushes ahead with its air and ground invasion of the Palestinian territory. Its relentless bombardment and growing ground offensive has left more than 11,500 people dead, many of them women and children, according to the Gaza health ministry. Thursday's statement, signed by nearly a dozen heads of UN agencies -- including humanitarian affairs, human rights, migration, refugees, children, and health -- highlighted that the "intense hostilities and large-scale destruction of civilian infrastructure" had already displaced nearly 1.6 million people in Gaza. The UN has criticised Israel's calls for civilians in Gaza to evacuate to so-called safe zones in the south, warning that nowhere in the overcrowded territory is currently safe. "None of the humanitarian organisations we represent has been involved in preparing for the arrival of displaced people in any prospective 'safe zone' -- or 'humanitarian zone' -- in Gaza," Thursday's statement said. The organisations were all committed to providing assistance and protection, they said, but warned that "without the right conditions, concentrating civilians in such zones in the context of active hostilities can raise the risk of attack and additional harm." "No 'safe zone' is truly safe when it is declared unilaterally or enforced by the presence of armed forces." The signatories said they could not take part in establishing zones "unless fundamental conditions are in place to ensure safety and other essential needs are met". A mechanism would also need to be in place to supervise the implementation, they said. In addition, they stressed that "any discussions around 'safe zones' must not detract from the parties' obligation to take constant care to spare civilians -- wherever they are -- and meet their essential needs". "The civilian population in Gaza must have access to the essentials for survival, including food, water, shelter, hygiene, health, assistance, and safety," the statement said. "Humanitarian organisations must have access to fuel in sufficient quantities to deliver aid and provide basic services," it added. *This story was edited by Ahram Online Search Keywords: Short link: This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate LANSING, Mich. (AP) The top health official in one of Michigans largest counties is asking a judge to uphold a $4 million settlement in exchange for her resignation, coming after months of conflict with local conservative leaders who were elected in response to COVID-19 restrictions. Ottawa County leaders had attempted to fire Adeline Hambley in January after they took majority control of the countys board of commissioners. Finding themselves unable to, the board opted to offer her $4 million equivalent to a quarter of the health departments 2024 budget in return for her resignation. She also would have had to drop her lawsuit against the county. The board backed off the offer, saying it was only a tentative settlement agreement. David Kallman, the county's legal counsel, told The Associated Press that there has never been an agreement by the board to accept the $4 million. There were discussions. But Hambley's lawyer filed a motion Thursday to enforce the settlement, and it's scheduled to go in front of a judge on Nov. 27. The parties agreed to settle this matter on Nov. 6, 2023. Now, defendants have remorse and want out of the deal, Hambleys lawyer, Sarah Riley-Howard, wrote in the filing. Public health officials and local health departments across the country became political targets during the pandemic due to lockdowns and restrictions. Ottawa County's health department serves 300,000 residents in the western part of the state. Earlier this year, county commissioners voted to cut the departments upcoming budget by nearly $4 million. The board had threatened deeper cuts, and Hambley took to social media to protest. The county's 11-member board of commissioners was transformed last year when eight incumbents were defeated by a slate of challengers tied closely to a group known as Ottawa Impact, which was formed in 2021 partly in response to mask mandates in the county. Kyle Terpstra, a Republican commissioner, resigned from his position on the board Thursday, just hours after the Hambley lawsuit was filed. He said significant changes in my personal and professional life led to the resignation. Hambley sued the commissioners earlier this year for termination in violation of public policy. In October, the states appeals court ruled Hambley could be fired only for just cause. But following a nearly eight-hour closed session at a Nov. 6 meeting, commissioners voted to accept counsels recommendation regarding litigation and settlement activities regarding Hambley. The settlement was later revealed to be $4 million, in return for Hambleys resignation. Hambley would work until at least Nov. 30 but no later than Dec. 15 under the agreement. Nathaniel Kelly, a safety manager at an HVAC company and who has no public health experience, is in line to take over the county health department. The county requested approval from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services for Kelly to serve as acting health officer, but the state told the county it couldnt appoint a health officer until a vacancy exists, according to a spokesperson with the department. And choosing inheritance tax at the present time might appeal to the Conservative right, but it leaves them open to the most appalling criticisms when inflation and the state of affairs is making poorer people in this country very vulnerable indeed, giving tax relief to those families that are lucky enough to have members of it with capital above the limit through inheritance tax and pay any significant amount of tax on the inheritance. The Prime Minister and Chancellor are under pressure from Conservative backbenchers to cut taxes. Given this is set to be the most tax-raising parliament in history, according to the Institute for Fiscal Studies, it is not a wholly unreasonable demand. But the decision of where to cut and who should benefit is paramount, never more so than at a time of tight public finances. Toward the end of his memoir, Rankin and the family return to Britain just as the Sixties are beginning to swing, finding their country has entered the modern world. Many of the horrors of empire, the author reminds us, are firmly within living memory. Now is a time for remembering. The King made his first state visit outside Europe to Kenya last month and spoke of his deepest regret about abhorrent and unjustifiable acts of violence. And there is a wider glut of work on forgotten bits of our recent imperial past like Philippe Sands The Last Colony about the Chagos Islands, whose people Britain dispossessed as recently as the Sixties. Heres to more excellent books like this that remind us of our own history and that of the Commonwealth with which we are inexcusably bound. I also want to thank the community of Tullamore, a compassionate, kind, resilient and generous community. They were of invaluable assistance to An Garda Siochana throughout this investigation, providing us in particular with access to CCTV which was instrumental in building the case against Mr Puska, and to achieving a successful prosecution. The raw powder would be shipped by an Indian-based pharmaceutical company to the UK, where it would be converted into liquid form in labs run by Afzal, and then sold to body builders and fitness fanatics on the black market. Norway's parliament on Thursday adopted a resolution calling on the government to be ready to recognise an "independent" Palestinian state, in a new sign of Europe's anxiety over Israel's war on the Gaza Strip. The proposition was made by Norway's ruling coalition to counter a resolution by smaller parties calling for an immediate recognition of a Palestinian state. Passed with an overwhelming majority in parliament, it said the assembly "asks the government to be ready to recognise Palestine as an independent state when recognition could have a positive impact on the peace process, without making a final peace accord a condition." The wording means that no recognition is likely in the immediate future but is a sign of the concern over the Gaza war in national assemblies across Europe. Iceland, Sweden, Poland, Czech Republic and Romania are among countries to have already given legal recognition to a Palestinian state. Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, voted back into power on Thursday, told parliament that he would "work" towards recognition by his country and by Europe. Since Israel's war began a little over a month ago, there have been huge rallies in Britain and other countries in favour of the Palestinian cause. The parliament decision comes as Israel's air and ground invasion of the Palestinian territory, has killed more than 11,500 people, many of them women and children, according to the Gaza health ministry. *This story was edited by Ahram Online Search Keywords: Short link: Only a few days out of a job, former Home Secretary Suella Braverman is already bolstering her fun-loving reputation. Her latest idea? Cancelling Christmas, at least for members of parliament. Following the Supreme Court judgment against the Rwanda deportation scheme that she championed in government, Braverman says MPs should pass emergency legislation over the Christmas break to get flights off the runway. The Bill should be introduced by Christmas recess and Parliament should be recalled to sit and debate it over the holiday period, she writes. When she was still in government, Braverman told this Diary column, the Home Secretary never goes on holiday, so its an easy ask for her. Will colleagues feel similarly nonchalant about festive voting? Writing in the Telegraph, Braverman says time is of the essence because stopping refugee arrivals on small boats is an emergency and should be treated as such. We are here to ensure that people can exercise their right to protest but to make sure that is done lawfully, and that unreasonable disruption to the lives of other Londoners is kept to a minimum Temporary Commander Karen Findlay "I believe that a sovereign Parliament, which is ultimately the supreme democratic embodiment of the land, going through all the checks and balances of our constitution, that is to say both the Commons and the Lords, is entitled to say that for the specific purposes of enabling a law which it has just passed to be delivered, is entitled in extremis to say that certain sections of other laws are disapplied for the purpose of ensuring that that is delivered." Of course, when all is said and done, the return of David Cameron will not decide the next General Election, Who the Foreign Secretary is rarely does if it ever has. Voters will make a judgement on which party and which leaders are best up to the task of delivering on the public priorities for the future. Famously David Cameron once had his long-term economic plan. Next week, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt will try to convince the voters that this government can offer something similar for the economy and public services that can turn the Conservative Partys fortunes around. The state immediately mobilised, and first responders and law enforcement are on the scene. We will provide as many details as possible as this situation unfolds. Palestine protesters and police traded accusations Thursday over violence that occurred outside the headquarters of the Democratic Party (DNC) at a demonstration calling for a ceasefire in Israel's war on the Gaza Strip. Officers and demonstrators scuffled Wednesday evening after hundreds of protesters blocked entrances to the party's headquarters while multiple Democratic lawmakers attended a reception inside. In a statement Thursday, United States Capitol Police said the group of some 200 protesters "was not peaceful. The crowd failed to obey our lawful orders to move back." But demonstrators at a news conference described police as punching and pepper spraying those in attendance "within minutes" of arrival and said 90 protesters were injured, including one with a concussion. Capitol Police said one man was arrested and six officers injured during the rally "ranging from minor cuts to being pepper sprayed to being punched." Jessica Rosenberg, a rabbi with the group Jewish Voice for Peace, part of the coalition which called for the protest, said demonstrators had blocked all but one entrance "for people to enter and exit the building so that we could talk to them." Police said they responded by "pulling people off the building, pushing them back, and clearing them from the area, so we could safely evacuate the members (of congress) and staff." The war in Gaza has set off a wave of global demonstrations, including several in Europe over the weekend, condemning the Israeli aggression on the Palestinian territory. Israel's relentless bombardment and growing ground offensive has so far left more than 11,500 people dead, many of them women and children, according to the Gaza health ministry. The war has displaced nearly 1.6 million people in Gaza, forcing them to leave their homes and evacuate to the southern part of the strip. *This story was edited by Ahram Online Search Keywords: Short link: Derco, Aerostar sign Agreement for maintenance of F-16 fleet of the Romanian Air Force Derco, a Lockheed Martin group company, signed an agreement with Aerostar S.A. for the repair of landing gear, wheels and brakes in order to ensure the maintenance of the F-16 aircraft fleet of the Romanian Air Force, reducing execution times and improving logistics for mission preparation, told Agerpres. According to a press release from Lockheed Martin, sent to AGERPRES on Friday, by using specialized tools, equipment, technical documentation and training provided by Derco, Aerostar will be equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to successfully repair F-16 components. "We are proud to be the latest unit from the Lockheed Martin group to associate with Romania through this new agreement with Aerostar. The Derco technological solution, which we share with Aerostar, will ensure the training, efficiency and safety of the Romanian military personnel who operate the aircraft F-16 fighter jet," said Derco President and CEO Todd Morar. Grigore Filip, president and CEO of the company in Bacau, emphasized, for his part, that Aerostar will provide the necessary maintenance and repair activities for the new aircraft fleets in Romania and in the region. "We want to strengthen Romania's position on this market and rely on our technical skills and knowledge," said Grigore Filip. The agreement comes days after the first European F-16 Training Center was inaugurated earlier this week at Fetesti Air Base in southern Romania, and builds on Lockheed Martin's 26 years of cooperation with Romania in support of defense national, industry and academic environment. "As a world leader in the field of technology, Lockheed Martin is determined to support the activity of the Ministry of Economy in order to strengthen the capabilities of the aerospace and defense industry in Romania and to invest in long-term partnerships that support the creation of highly qualified jobs and the transfer of technology", the press release states. Founded in 1979, Derco is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and is a recognized leader in providing aircraft parts distribution, logistics, component repair and technical solutions to customers worldwide. Through strong relationships with leading original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), Derco has one of the largest and most diverse inventories of aircraft spare parts in the world. Currently, Derco is an integrator and provider of complete logistics solutions supporting military and commercial fleets in 65 countries. Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin Corporation is an international aerospace and security company with approximately 116,000 employees worldwide, specializing in the research, design, development, production, integration and maintenance of technology systems, products and services. advanced. Founded in 1953, Aerostar is the most important aerospace and defense company in Romania, specialized in production, assembly and integration, as well as integrated logistic support for a wide range of defense and aviation systems. DIICOT, FBI raids on members of Sandu Syndicate, wanted in the US for USD 5 million fraud The Directorate for the Investigation of Organised Crime and Terror (DIICOT) prosecutors and law enforcement with the Service for Combating Organized Crime Groups, assisted by the FBI, carried out eight house searches in Arges and Teleorman southern counties to catch members of the Sandu Syndicate, wanted in the US for a USD 5 million fraud with illegal unemployment benefits obtained in the state of California, the Romanian police and DIICOT said in a press release. The raids were carried out on the basis of an international letter rogatory sent by the US judicial authorities to individuals wanted on U.S. territory for committing the offences of setting up an organised criminal group, fraud with particularly serious consequences and money laundering between 2020 and 2022. The US federal authorities have indicted 14 Romanian nationals suspected of involvement in the Sandu Syndicate, whose leader was arrested in March 2023 in the US. The investigation conducted by the US authorities revealed that from July 2020 until August 2022, members of the Sandu Syndicate, made up of Romanian citizens, allegedly participated in a criminal scheme to fraudulently obtain government benefits from the State of California, namely unemployment benefits administered by the California Employment Development Department (EDD). The investigation throughout the US revealed evidence that members of the group fraudulently obtained benefits from the EDD for themselves and also assisted others in obtaining benefits in exchange for a portion of these fraudulently collected amounts. During the course of the investigation, the US authorities identified a criminal organization, consisting of Romanian nationals, domiciled in Valcea County, who allegedly participated in fraud and theft throughout the United States, and discovered that this criminal scheme was aimed at fraudulently obtaining unemployment benefits from the State of California. The damage to the State of California is estimated at approximately USD 5,200,000. As a result of the searches carried out in Romania, RON 4,700, EUR 8,000, a car worth approximately USD 105,000, approximately 300 grams of gold jewellery, four luxury watches (one worth USD 55,000 and another worth USD 15,500), 24 license plates suspected of having been stolen from the US, a mobile phone, relevant documents and blank weapons were discovered and seized. A federal agent and an analyst from the FBI San Diego office, a federal IRS agent and three representatives of the FBI Bucharest office assisted the police officers with the organized crime unit during the procedural activities. AGERPRES ForMin Odobescu: Romania has been a permanent advocate for Western Balkan countries' EU integration Romania has been a permanent advocate for the Western Balkan countries and for its Eastern partners - the Republic of Moldova, Ukraine and Georgia - in terms of their path towards integration into the European Union, Foreign Minister Luminita Odobescu told AGERPRES on Friday, as she toured Albania, North Macedonia and Montenegro. She stressed that there is no competition in terms of Romania's support for various states. "It is very important for us as Europeans, members of the same family, to stand together, share the same values and strengthen our resilience in the face of multiple crises. And here I am not only referring to security crises, but also to the economic effects and the need to ensure energy independence, to ensure our resilience in general. Romania has always been an advocate both for the countries of the Western Balkans and for our partners in the East - the Republic of Moldova, Ukraine and Georgia - and we believe that this can be done in parallel, there is no competition, it is a process on its own merits, and our objective, besides the message of political support that has always existed, was also one of encouragement, to explain how important the reforms in various sectors are for these countries, for the citizens of these countries, with examples from Romania, what the process of European integration has meant for us," said Odobescu, told Agerpres. She mentioned that in the three Balkan capitals she felt "a mobilisation and a recognition of the political importance of the accession process for these countries." Luminita Odobescu brought to mind that the EU Executive published on 8 November the Annual Enlargement Report which looks at the stages of the integration processes and recommendations for the next steps. Romania is ready to offer expertise in the area of European integration based on its own experience, she said. Romania also expressed its readiness to provide expertise in the energy area. "The European Commission has recently presented a growth plan for the Western Balkans that is similar to the national recovery and resilience plans that Romania has with the European Union and we have encouraged these countries to use the available financial resources to invest in sensitive sectors such as the energy sector and to focus on diversification, in order to be less dependent on a single energy source," explained Luminita Odobescu. The Foreign Minister also highlighted the cooperation with the three countries on cyber security. "These countries have been under permanent cyber attacks and through our expertise, both through the National Directorate and the European Centre in Bucharest, it is very important to cooperate more closely in these areas," said Odobescu. During her visits to Albania, North Macedonia and Montenegro, she stressed the importance of reforms not only for EU integration, but also for the development of these countries. NATO's Geoana: Aerostar is mandatory support point for large aeronautical and aerospace industry cluster Aerostar Bacau is a mandatory support point for a large aeronautical and aerospace industry cluster, the Deputy General Secretary of NATO, Mircea Geoana said on Friday, after visiting the company, told Agerpres. He stated that NATO is interested in achieving two things simultaneously, the first being the expansion of the defense industrial base at the level of all member countries. Mircea Geoana reminded that, for this objective, an action plan for military industrial production was adopted in Vilnius. "The second component I deal with is to create an innovation ecosystem for dual-use industries, civil and military, in which I want countries that have recently come to the Alliance, including our area, Romania, to be able to bear fruit. What we makes us confident in the future of the defense industry is that Aerostar succeeded. (...) I think that Aerostar is a mandatory support point for a large aeronautical and aerospace industry cluster. Here and the experience from Brasov-Ghimbav, Bucharest, Craiova. We believe that this can become a part of the revival of the Romanian defense industry," emphasized Mirea Geoana. The Deputy General Secretary of NATO stated that Romania must better develop the defense industrial base. "What we need to do better - because on the NATO side we are covered militarily - is to have the industrial base for defense. This is the example that Aerostar gives. (...) It shows that it can be done state-of-the-art technology and industry with the American partner and other European allies. It is, I believe, an example of success that can be emulated and, I hope, adapted in other parts of the country and the Alliance," said the Deputy Secretary General of NATO. The Deputy Secretary General of NATO visited Aerostar Bacau on Friday. The Romanian company will sign a collaboration contract with "Derco Aerospace" - part of the American Lockheed Martin group - with the object of technological transfer for the D-level repairs of the F-16 aircraft equipment. Nicolae Ciuca: PNL to do its best to ensure political stability and governance of the country The President of the National Liberal Party (PNL), Nicolae Ciuca, declared, on Friday, in Drobeta Turnu Severin, that although there is a historical confrontation between the political parties, each must respect the rules of the political game so that the governing program can be fulfilled. The PNL leader stated in the context that although the governing partners attribute certain achievements to themselves such as the increase in pensions, the citizens will understand that these are part of the political game. "There is this historical political confrontation and each of us must respect the rules of the political game so that we can fulfill our governing program. At least this is what the PNL has done and will continue to do from now on: it will give all its strength, skill and the energy to ensure political stability and the governance of the country. All these matters that are delivered in the public space 'that we increased pensions, that it was our idea to do I don't know what, to take I don't know what decision' are part of the political game which I am convinced that the citizens sometimes understand, sometimes they disapprove, because the citizens expect from us the seriousness of the governing act, of the political decisions through which they see that we are really doing things for them. We cannot tell people that we are going through a crisis situation, through a difficult economic situation, through an energy crisis, we have a war on the border, we have a war in the Middle East and we behave like children, throwing words from each other, on the pride that most of the time they don't make sense, nor with the responsibility we have. I will probably be told that I did not understand how politics is done. I assume this way of doing politics," Ciuca told the Regional Conference of Liberal Women's Organizations. The president of the National Liberal Party urged his party colleagues to explain to the people how they saw the role of the PNL in the government: "How we related to the citizens, how we related to the role we have in the EU, how we related to the relations we have with strategic partners". "Let's talk about the fact that Romania is one of the few countries that managed to have economic growth and not a small one. We managed to avoid the recession and we owe it to avoid the recession, because we look at the big picture and see that the situation is not at all simple, things are not getting better. On the contrary, we can see a rather complicated economic situation, big countries like Germany, recently also Denmark, Germany is in the third quarter of recession, Denmark just went into recession. We can't talk and to promise the people, basically, we have demonstrated that in these years of government, we have indeed increased pensions by 40%. The last two dates in the year 2022. How could we think about this matter? The only thing we wanted to clarify it was the difference in the figures that were circulated in the public space. It's one thing to talk about a 55 billion tire and another to talk about a 25 billion tire. We can't go to people to we tell them: good people, you know, we promised, but it's not possible. No, we promised and what we promise is done! And we continue to support this," said the PNL president. Romania must be active in Ukraine's reconstruction (Mircea Geoana) NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoana said on Friday in Northeastern city of Iasi that he encourages Romania to work with two neighbouring countries - the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine for their European path, but also for the reconstruction of the neighbouring country after the conflict with the Russian Federation. "As far as Ukraine's reconstruction is concerned, we have to be very active, because discussions on reconstruction have been going on for some time. There are conferences organised in many other European capitals. I think that we also have to organise ourselves, to identify the companies that have the capacity and the will to do this. I have said it on other occasions, we must also work with the Republic of Moldova to do many reconstruction projects together in Ukraine. They also have an interesting geography. They also know the language and culture of the place, perhaps more than we do. This could be an element of additional coagulation between the economies of Romania and the Republic of Moldova and, obviously, bringing Ukraine towards us," replied NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoana, when asked by journalists how Romania can get involved in the reconstruction of Ukraine. According to the NATO official, it is also important to create an infrastructure linking the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine to Europe through Romania, Poland and Slovakia. "At least this arc from Chernivtsi - Chisinau - Odessa, is an area that Romania, naturally, in terms of geography and its influence, must cover and contribute to the development of this area and to the development of our own economy," said Mircea Geoana. The Deputy Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization participated in the conference "Economic Security and Innovation on the Eastern Flank of NATO and the EU," an event held at the Palace of Culture in Iasi, having in attendance representatives of the academic and business world, politicians. AGERPRES Tanzania can count on Romania to promote and develop relations with the EU (president Iohannis) Tanzania can count on Romania to promote and develop relations with the European Union, president Klaus Iohannis said on Friday in a joint press statement with the president of the republic, Samia Suluhu Hassan. According to the head of state, who is visiting Tanzania, the country is "a valuable partner in Romania's strategic approaches to its African partners". The Romanian president said that in his dialogue with president Samia Suluhu Hassan he noted that there was "a solid basis for expanding bilateral relations". Klaus Iohannis said that two memoranda were signed on stepping up cooperation in disaster risk management and humanitarian assistance as well as in the fields of agriculture and the environment. The president said that the objective of his visit is to "intensify political and diplomatic dialogue and open up new prospects for cooperation", in the context of Romania's recently adopted National Strategy for Africa. "We agreed to develop cooperation in areas that are crucial for both Romania and Tanzania, such as education, civil protection, agriculture, forestry, IT and cyber security," Iohannis said. The president noted that there are Romanian entrepreneurs active in Tanzania, especially in the field of tourism. "I am convinced that we will continue to work together to encourage the Tanzanian and Romanian business community to start other joint projects," he added. Klaus Iohannis presented Romania's regional and international security assessments to his counterpart. "As a direct neighbour of Ukraine and a state bordering the Black Sea, I presented to Madame President Romania's assessment of the security situation in our region and of the developments in Russia's war against Ukraine. We also had a concrete discussion on how we can manage the multiple consequences of the war, including from the perspective of ensuring food security for African states. I presented the extensive political-diplomatic, logistical and administrative measures taken by Romania to facilitate grain exports from Ukraine, including to African countries," the president said. The situation in the Middle East was also discussed, with president Iohannis stressing the need for "violence not to spread, civilians to be protected, humanitarian aid to have access to the area and international law to be respected". "Romania is convinced that only the two-state solution can ensure long-term peace and stability in the region," president Iohannis reiterated, recalling that Romania has decided to transfer more than 230 tonnes of humanitarian aid worth almost two million euros to the civilian population in Gaza. AGERPRES USR asks energy minister to take measures to boost energy production and drop capping scheme Save Romania Union (USR) asks Energy Minister Sebastian Burduja to take urgent measures to boost energy and gas production and to abandon the "damaging" capping scheme, told Agerpres. The scheme can be phased out gradually until Romania once again reaches "a competitive market and fair prices, not prices set in ink" by the Social Democratic Party (PSD) and the National Liberal Party (PNL), according to a press release USR issued on Friday. "Romania has become one of the countries with high energy and gas prices because of the capping scheme introduced by the PSD-PNL Government. Minister Sebastian Burduja admits that there are some who profit from the ceilings set by the state, but seems to choose to turn a blind eye, continuing the same mockery that his predecessor, Virgil Popescu, invented," says USR. MP Cristina Pruna accuses the Energy Minister of "nonchalantly acknowledging that Romania has among the highest prices" in the EU for energy and gas, but does nothing to change the situation. "We have a real 'scheme' of price capping/compensation until 2025 that costs us billions of lei. To be precise, the state has so far provided electricity suppliers with a guaranteed income of 22.4 billion lei! What does this compensation mean? Basically, the government fixed the prices at which suppliers sell energy and natural gas a year ago. The problem is that the Government has guaranteed suppliers among the highest prices in Europe, as Eurostat clearly shows! This is despite the fact that energy and gas prices have fallen everywhere in Europe, even three times in the case of electricity," explains the Vice-President of the Committee on Industry and Services of the Chamber of Deputies. By Adam Graham | The Detroit News The third Trolls film, Trolls Band Together, seems to have been reverse engineered to get NSYNC back together and really, there are worse ways to spend studio capital and animators talents. This is a frothy, frivolous and just fine film for kiddos, and a decent enough introduction point into the world of boy bands and their inner workings. It also features interpolations of songs by Sister Sledge, Weezer, Shaggy, New Edition, New Kids on the Block, Boyz II Men, the Bee Gees and yes, NSYNC, who contribute Better Place, their first new song in 20 years, to the soundtrack. It could be worse, and oftentimes these types of things are. Justin Timberlake returns as Branch, who suddenly has a backstory as the fifth member of BroZone, a wildly popular troll boy band he was in 20 years ago with his brothers. (He was Bitty B, the baby of the group, literally in diapers when they were all the rage.) The group split up for the usual reasons ego, fame, etc. and the brothers have since gone their separate ways. (Honest question: Was there any mention of Branchs four brothers in the previous two Trolls entries?) But now one of Branchs brothers has been kidnapped, his talent mined by a pair of soulless, vapid pop star wannabes, Velvet and Veneer (voiced by Amy Schumer and Andrew Rannells). Its up to BroZone to put aside their differences and come together to rescue their brother, who is trapped inside a diamond (?) and can only be freed by the singing of the perfect family harmony? Sure, whatever, sounds good. Anna Kendrick is back as the voice of Poppy, Branchs sidekick, but she doesnt have as much to do this time around as Timberlakes character takes center stage. Trolls Band Together has some fun with JTs past (references to frosted tips and denim tuxedos) and contains a decent joke about modern pop fame (Velvet and Veneer are set to be honored for a lifetime achievement award after being a group for two months), and the whole thing zips by in a whoosh of colors and pop hooks. Its not rocket science, but neither is pop music, and Trolls Band Together goes down like an airy radio hit. Its catchy, its cute enough, and if you forget it 10 seconds after its over, thats all by design. What Trolls Band Together out of four Run time 1:31 Rating PG for some mild rude and suggestive humor Where In theaters Nov. 17 WENTZVILLE General Motors workers nationwide approved the companys proposed labor agreement this week, ending the United Auto Workers contentious campaign for a new contract. But as early results were tallied, it became clear that workers had more reservations on the deal than expected. Union members at the GM plant in Wentzville, one of the companys largest U.S. sites, were among the plants to reject the deal, voting it down by 54%. Workers at the companys facilities in Spring Hill, Tennessee and Fort Wayne, Indiana, voted 68% and 61% against the contract, respectively. Overall, workers nationally voted to approve the deal, ensuring that the companys UAW-represented employees will work under the new agreement. But the 55% approval rate was slim compared to early results among Ford and Stellantis workers, which stood at 67%, as of Thursday evening. And the outright rejections by some large plants suggest that workers werent as favorable on the contract as anticipated. Several GM workers said they believed there was a generational divide in the voting: Those with more seniority wanted bigger wins on issues like retirement benefits and retiree health care, and felt GMs promise of a 10% company 401(k) contribution fell too far short of the defined benefit pension plans the UAW had listed among its goals at the outset of bargaining. Several workers who voted no said they are, generally, satisfied with the contract, and celebrated its wins. But they expressed the belief, held by many GM workers, that the company can and should return to the heftier retirement offerings that were available to workers in years past. Its not bad I got a pay raise, said Leslie Savage, who works at the companys Wentzville plant. Im not happy it didnt bring the pension back. But I can live with it. Savage, 59, of Ballwin, said that when he went to bed Monday night, he planned to vote in favor of the contract. Savage thought UAW President Shawn Fain had handled negotiations well this year, and he had just learned that workers who had gone on strike could expect to receive back pay for the time they were off work. But Tuesday morning, as he got ready to go vote, he started rethinking things. He said he thought the deal was likely to pass. It promised attractive wage increases, a ratification bonus, and gains for temporary workers and employees at parts plants. But Savage, a longtime auto worker who worked at the former Chrysler plant in Fenton, and whose parents worked for GM and Chrysler, was stuck on one issue: Pensions. Thats the thorn in my side, he said. He said he once again started thinking about the young people coming up, with families, who would one day realize they wanted the security of a pension. Not all workers get pensions these days, he said. But does that make it right? In the end, he voted no on GMs offer. But all in all, Savage said, its not a bad contract. Its just hard for me to stay in the present, versus the past, Savage said. Because when I first came to UAW, all of those things were a given. Patrick Harvey, 45, of Black Jack, also said he voted no because he wanted more gains for retirees. Still, he was pleased that temporary workers will have a faster path to permanent status, and that battery plant employees will be brought into the union. He likes an agreement that will allow a six-month window for employees displaced by the 2019 closure of the companys Lordstown, Ohio plant to apply to return and work at a new battery plant near there. We were able to get the company to invest in the future, and invest in the past, Harvey said. Im still happy, and proud that the workers stood together. We struck, and we got a seat at the table. Local union officials said this week that some workers had wanted to see wage increases take effect up front, rather than gradually over the length of the contract. Others wanted more movement on some of the ambitious goals the union had discussed at the beginning of negotiations, issues like work-life balance. Jonathon Stafford, 37, works at the companys engine plant in Flint, Michigan, where 176 union members voted in favor of the contract. Stafford said he was one of the 167 workers who voted against it. In addition to pensions, Stafford wanted faster wage increases for workers who survived GMs bankruptcy in 2009. But he suspects the immediate, 11% general wage increases, $5,000 ratification bonus and cost of living adjustments were hard for younger workers to turn down. Giving all that to a young person, who just started at a company do you think theyre going to vote no? Stafford said. The UAW, Harvey noted, will have a new list of goals in 2028. GM and the UAW both declined to comment. UPDATED at 12:15 p.m. Friday with photo of gunman in alley ST. LOUIS An 18-year-old Ferguson man was charged Thursday with murder in the shooting death of a Clayton man who came outside to find the teenager and others tampering with his wifes car, police said. Trenell J. Johnson was charged in an at-large warrant with second-degree murder and armed criminal action. Police announced early Friday that Johnson had been captured Thursday night in the O'Fallon Park neighborhood of St. Louis. Johnson was being held without bond. Joshua Harris, 41, was shot to death in the 7500 block of Wydown Boulevard just before 5:30 a.m. Monday. He died at the scene. Harris, who police said was armed, came out of his apartment that morning after he heard a noise, police wrote in a court document. Investigators said he found Johnson and other people tampering with his wifes car. Police said they later determined Johnson fired several shots at Harris from a white Chrysler 300, which he was seen getting out of later that morning. Police do not know if Harris fired any shots, but said his wife came outside and found the 41-year-old had been shot. A neighbor told the Post-Dispatch earlier this week that police had told them Harris was shot by someone he knew, but Clayton police said Thursday they dont think Harris and Johnson knew each other. Investigators identified Johnson and several others in surveillance videos breaking into several cars just blocks from Harris apartment complex about 10 minutes before the shooting, police said. He was driving the same white Chrysler 300 throughout the night and was seen with a gun in his hand, police said. A grainy black-and-white surveillance video from a business nearby showed a man carrying a gun in an alley moments before the killing. Clayton police Cpl. Jenny Schwartz said Friday that tipsters who saw the video clip identified the man in the video as Johnson. Neighbors said Harris, his wife and child had recently moved to the apartment complex in the Moorlands neighborhood of Clayton. Twenty-five investigators from both Clayton police and the Major Case Squad, a regional group of detectives brought in to help with the investigation, worked on the case Harris relatives on Monday declined to speak with the Post-Dispatch. Johnson lives in the 9500 block of Glen Owen Drive in Ferguson. He was released on bond in May in a different case where he was charged with resisting arrest, tampering with a motor vehicle, leaving the scene of an accident and unlawful use of a weapon. The teenager was accused in that case of fleeing police in a stolen vehicle after they responded to a report that someone was tampering with vehicles in St. Louis County. It eventually struck a Metro bus at Ferguson Avenue and St. Charles Rock Road and then struck another truck. Police said he "displayed a gun in a threatening manner" when they tried to arrest him. The Bail Project, a nonprofit that provides bail assistance to those in need, posted his $3,000 bail, according to court records. Prosecutors objected to the bond reduction, said Chris King, a spokesman for the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bells Office. Jeremy Cherson, the organizations director of communications, noted the judge in that case chose to reduce the teenagers bond and ordered electronic monitoring as an additional condition of release. Mr. Johnsons family could not afford the bail themselves or the hiring of a bail bonds company, Cherson wrote in a statement. At that point, The Bail Project provided bail assistance to the 18-year-old, partly in recognition of his young age and responsibilities as a father. The Bail Project has provided bail assistance for almost 4,600 defendants in St. Louis City, St. Louis County and St. Charles, according to information provided by Cherson. The organization also provides court date reminders and transportation to hearing. Johnson public defender in his existing case did not immediately return a call for comment. Mondays shooting marked the first homicide in Clayton since 2006, when a lawyer was shot to death in his office. His killing remains unsolved. Editor's note: Updated on Friday to clarify that charges say Johnson displayed a gun "in a threatening manner" when police tried to arrest him in the earlier case. ST. LOUIS A Manchester man who is accused of a severe road rage beating in downtown St. Louis was arrested Thursday in St. Clair County. John "Jake" Ehlinger, 35, was booked just before noon and is being held without bond. He was charged Wednesday but was not yet in custody. Ehlinger faces charges of first-degree assault and two counts of armed criminal action after police say he ran a red light at 10th Street and Clark Avenue on Oct. 22, then severely beat a man who honked his horn at him. Ehlinger had also made the news nearly a decade earlier when he was involved in a high-profile brawl outside of a Sauget strip club with Cardinals pitcher Carlos Martinez and then-Miami Marlins outfielder Marcell Ozuna, who later played for the Cardinals. The incident resulted in a lawsuit but no criminal charges. In the road rage beating last month, charges say video captured Ehlinger pulling the driver who honked at him out of the car and beating him so badly that the man's nose, lower jaw and forehead were broken. After the beating, another man in a gold Range Rover drove past and Ehlinger chased him. Ehlinger pulled alongside the SUV, pointed a gun outside of his window and said, "Do we have a problem?" Ehlinger continued to follow the Range Rover and ran into the back of it. Charges say the driver heard gunshots as he sped away. ST. LOUIS St. Louis-area residents can expect to receive notice by March 4 to submit their claims in a nationwide class action lawsuit against two car manufacturers blamed for an unprecedented surge of auto thefts that began last year. Kia and Hyundais settlement will cost the companies more than $200 million and will compensate owners of certain 2011-2022 models whose cars were either damaged in an attempted theft or stolen. Owners of stolen cars will be eligible for payments of up to 60% of the cars Black Book value, a figure calculated by a company that dealerships typically use to determine the value of a car. Owners of Kias and Hyundais whose cars were damaged in attempted thefts are eligible for up to 33% of the Black Book value of the car, or $3,375 per claim, whichever is greater, to reimburse for vehicle damage and stolen property. A judge has preliminarily approved the settlement. A final hearing is scheduled for July 15, after which payments will be issued if the court grants final approval. The class action suit was filed by law firm Hagens Berman, which has worked tirelessly to ensure that Hyundai and Kia owners get maximum compensation, gathering experts analysis and conducting more than 100 tests on cars that received the new software upgrade, said Steve Berman, the firms managing partner. Rates of stolen Kias and Hyundais exploded in the St. Louis region last year a trend also seen nationally because of a viral TikTok video that shows how to break into and drive off in many 2011-21 models of the South Korean-made vehicles, using just a screwdriver and a USB charging cable. The method works on some vehicles because manufacturers did not install engine immobilizers, an electric anti-theft security device that prevents most vehicles from being started unless a code is transmitted from the vehicles smart key. The lawsuit settlement also includes reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses associated with thefts or attempted thefts, software upgrades for eligible vehicles and reimbursement for antitheft devices and steering wheel locks. The surge in thefts last summer put a strain on local resources in St. Louis, and police tied stolen cars to violent crimes including shootings and deadly hit-and-runs. St. Louis officials in March followed other municipalities across the country and filed a federal lawsuit, separate from the class action lawsuit, against the manufacturers. The citys suit is still pending in federal court. In 2022, St. Louis County police reported 1,621 Kias and Hyundais stolen, making up almost 60% of the 2,775 total cars reported stolen that year. The number of Kias and Hyundais stolen in St. Louis in 2022 3,958 nearly surpassed the total number of car thefts from one year earlier. In all, 7,397 cars were reported stolen in 2022 in the city, a 91% increase from the previous year. And while theft rates have decreased in the city and county this year, they remain elevated from rates prior to the surge. Through October, there have been a total of 1,036 Kias and Hyundais reported stolen to St. Louis County police this year. In 2021, that number through October was 100. In the city this year, there have been 2,676 reposts of stolen Kias and Hyundais through October. In 2021, that number through October was 234. Israel continued its deadly airstrikes and ground invasion of the Gaza Strip for the 42nd straight day. Israeli bombardment left more dead and more injured. Some fuel entered Gaza and communications started to gradually return in the strip. Still, a deteriorating humanitarian situation worsened. 23:00 An Israeli airstrike on the Dar Al-Wafaa Home for the Senior Citizens in Al-Zahraa district in the southern part of Gaza City has killed the home's director and injured a number of doctors and providers, according to Al Jazeera. The home has been sending S.O.S messages in the last several to the Palestinian health ministry asking for water for its residents, according to a ministry spokesperson. 22:45 In a recorded message aired by Al Jazeera, Abu Obeida, the spokesperson for Ezz Eddin Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, said Qassam fighters are continuing to engage with the Israeli army in different parts of the Gaza Strip, destroying or disabling 62 Israeli armored vehicles in the last four days. Abu Obeida said that the world was able to see the farcical nature of the Israeli claims about a Hamas command center under Al-Shifa Medical Complex as a pretext for the attack on the hospital. He added that Qassam killed nine Israeli soldiers and destroyed two Israeli armored vehicles after attacking a unit hiding in an apartment in Beit Hanoun in the northern part of the strip. 22:30 Al Arabiya reported that communications and internet services have started returning gradually to the Gaza Strip after a number of trucks carrying fuel entered the strip from the Rafah border crossing on Friday. 22:00 A Likud MK who also serves as deputy speaker of the Knesset calls for burning down Gaza, the Times of Israel said Friday. All of this preoccupation with whether or not there is internet in Gaza shows that we have learned nothing. We are too humane. Burn Gaza now no less! Nissim Vaturi tweeted after the war cabinet approved the entry of two trucks of fuel per day to prevent the collapse of the sewage treatment system, which risked a mass-disease outbreak. Dont allow fuel in, dont allow water in until the hostages are returned back! he adds. 21:45 Israeli ex-PM Ehud Olmert claimed on Friday that the Hamas command center is in Khan Younis in the south of Gaza, not Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. Olmert's claims came after the Israeli army used its allegations for weeks that the Hamas command center was under Al-Shifa as a pretext for attacking the hospital on Wednesday, but failed to show that the hospital was anything else but a hospital. In an ironic twist of fate, the BBC, invited by the Israeli army to witness documentation of evidence of traces of Hamas presence under Al-Shifa, aired a report examining the videos released by the IDF to prove "hideouts", which raised questions about the Israeli narrative and showed clear manipulation in editing and outright lies. Since Wednesday, Israel has failed to produce any credible evidence for its rich claims of a Hamas command center under Al-Shifa Medical Complex, the largest hospital in the under-bombardment Gaza Strip, which had treated thousands of patients and wounded before Israeli bombing and raid sent it out of service. For the third straight day, Israeli troops have continued their rampage through the different wards in search of "Hamas hideouts." On their way, troops ransacked and destroyed vital medical equipment, including MRI, CT scan, and X-ray units, while terrorizing thousands of patients, staff, and displaced civilians under its mercy in the hospital. Palestinian sources confirmed that 24 patients in Al-Shifa died in the last 48 hours amid the Israeli raid and siege of the hospital, amid regional and international condemnation of another Israeli war crime. BBC raises questions of Israel's search for Hamas in the Al Shifa hospital: "Israel is yet to produce evidence of the tunnels... What we see in this IDF video doesn't equate to its description of the hospital as an operational command center for Hamas." pic.twitter.com/nvW1ss7LcT Clash Report (@clashreport) November 17, 2023 21:15 Trucks carrying 17,000 litres of diesel fuel crossed from the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip to be delivered to Paltel, the telecommunication company operating in Gaza, according to Palestinian sources on the crossing. Earlier on Friday, a 10-truck convoy carrying 150,000 litres of fuel entered Gaza from the Rafah crossing, in the first major delivery of fuel since the start of the Israeli blockade on the strip on 7 October. Gaza has been under a complete communications and internet blackout after the minimum amount of fuel needed to generate any electricity ran out 72 hours ago. 25 hospitals in Gaza have gone out of service due to Israeli bombing and/or after running out of fuel. Meanwhile, a World Health Organization spokeswoman urged the entry of enough fuel to the strip to aid hospitals struggling to provide care to many in need. 20:15 The death toll among Palestinians from Israeli airstrikes and bombardment on the Gaza Strip since 7 October has climbed over 12,000, including 5,000 children and 3,300 women, according to the latest Palestinian official figures. The number of those wounded in the bombardment has climbed to over 30,000 and those missing under the rubble of homes destroyed in the bombing has reached 3,750, including 1,800 children. At least 25 hospitals and 52 medical facilities have gone out of service. At least 200 medical workers have been killed. At least 95 government buildings and 63 schools have gone out of service. 19:15 Egypt received on Friday a number of Palestinian patients and wounded at the Rafah border crossing out of the under-bombardment Gaza Strip for treatment in Egyptian hospitals. This brings the number of Palestinians received by Egypt for treatment since the start of the war in Gaza to 45. Egypt also received a number of foreign nationals who are leaving the Gaza Strip. This brings the number of foreign nationals who were allowed to cross from Gaza into Egypt to 600. Earlier on Friday, a 10-truck convoy carrying 150,000 litres of fuel entered the Gaza Strip through the Rafah crossing. It was the first major delivery of fuel to the strip since the start of an all-out Israel blockade on entry of water, food, and fuel to 2.4 million Palestinians in Gaza following the start of its war on the strip on 7 October. Egyptian paramedics transferred an injured Palestinian boy to an ambulance after being transported from the Gaza Strip via the Rafah border crossing on November 17, 2023. AFP View the full gallery here 18:15 The Palestinian health ministry said that 24 patients at a hospital in the under-bombardment Gaza Strip had died within 48 hours due to power outages, The news came as Israeli forces continued occupying and blockading the largest hospital in the strip, with several thousand civilians - including hundreds of patients, wounded patients, premature babies, medical staff, and displaced Palestinians - trapped inside without any supplies, under the guise of "searching for evidence of a Hamas hideout." The announcement came shortly after Israel agreed to a US request to allow two fuel trucks a day into Gaza, following a UN warning that the shortages had halted aid deliveries and put people at risk of starvation. 17:30 In an interview with Democracy Now, a leading independent TV channel in the US which is anchored by veteran journalist Amy Goodman, Ruth Ben-Artzi, the niece of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, called on Thursday for the Netanyahu government to focus efforts on releasing Israeli hostages and to stop the bombing of Gaza. Ben-Artzi, a professor of political science at Providence College who holds both Israeli and US citizenship, had recently joined prominent Rhode Island rabbis, Jewish leaders, and Israelis demanding a ceasefire in Gaza. "A ceasefire is really the only way that any solution can be achieved, says Ben-Artzi, who explains why military actions will never resolve this conflict and that finding a political solution is really the only way that the roughly 7 million Jews and 7 million Palestinians who live between the river and the sea will ever be able to find peace." Watch the full interview here 16:30 The Palestinian news agency WAFA reported on Friday that since the beginning of the Israeli war on October 7, more than 11,500 Palestinians - including 4,700 children, 3,155 women, and 700 elderly - have been killed, and more than 29,000 others wounded. Nearly 3,000 people remain missing under the rubble of homes destroyed in Israeli airstrikes and bombardment, many of them children. On Friday, four civilians were killed in an Israeli bombardment that rained down on a house in Khan Younis in the south of the strip, a WAFA correspondent confirmed. Several people were killed and injured in the Israeli shelling of a home in Bani Suhaila, east of Khan Younis. In central Gaza, at least 18 civilians, including children and women, were killed in an airstrike that targeted a home in the Nuseirat refugee camp. In the northern region, dozens of civilians were killed and injured in relentless bombardment on civilian-packed residential squares in the Jabalia refugee camp. WAFA noted that among the targets were areas in the vicinity of the Indonesian Hospital, with the Israeli army intensifying its bombardment near the under-siege facility. Demonstrators in support of Palestinians carry signs during a protest to call for a ceasefire, in Washington, DC, on November 17, 2023. AFP 15:12 The World Health Organization called for a regular flow of patients to be allowed out of Gaza for treatment in Egypt, to relieve the pressure on overwhelmed hospitals. Twenty-five out of 36 hospitals in the Gaza Strip are not functioning and the remainder are struggling to provide services. "This is clearly not enough to support the endless needs arising due to the hostilities," Richard Peeperkorn, the WHO representative in the occupied Palestinian territories said. Speaking via video link from Jerusalem, Peeperkorn, said 50 to 60 patients a day ought to be transferred into Egypt, "where they will get -- and they deserve -- the right treatment and care". 15:07 Israel's war cabinet has allowed the delivery of two tankers of diesel fuel daily to the embattled Gaza Strip, Israeli officials said, as hospitals and aid schemes shut down over fuel shortages. In response to a US request, the war cabinet had unanimously approved "the entry of two diesel fuel tankers per day for the needs of the UN to support water and sewer infrastructure... provided that it does not reach Hamas", the officials said in a statement. The #Israeli war cabinet has approved letting in two fuel trucks a day to #Gaza for UN needs, an Israeli official says.https://t.co/OfJxSJ7RKy pic.twitter.com/qEMtwz5Rai Al Arabiya English (@AlArabiya_Eng) November 17, 2023 14:00 Ten fuel trucks carrying 150,000 litres of diesel entered the Gaza Strip from Egypt through the Rafah border crossing, Sky News Arabia reported. Earlier on Wednesday, a truck carrying 24,000 litres of fuel entered Gaza from Egypt, in the first such delivery since the Israeli war on Gaza began on 7 October. Egypt exerted diplomatic pressure on all parties involved, resulting in a notable increase in the volume of much-needed assistance reaching the Gaza Strip, Al-Qahera news reported. Fuel shortages in the Gaza Strip have resulted in the death of dozens, including children, with the Palestinian health minister saying on Sunday that 23 out of 35 hospitals in Gaza have completely stopped working due to the depletion of fuel that generates electricity. Mobile phone and internet services have also gone down on Thursday across the Gaza Strip due to a lack of fuel for backup generators. People in the#GazaStrip were completely isolated again last night in the fourth communications blackout during this war. The communications network in #Gaza is down because there is NO fuel. Gazans are completely cut off from their loved ones and the rest of the world. pic.twitter.com/TweVYhCOMj UNRWA (@UNRWA) November 17, 2023 13:15 Some 5,000 Israeli forces have been deployed in the Old City of Jerusalem in the occupied West Bank, an Al Qahera News correspondent reported. 13:00 German and Turkish leaders to meet as Israel bombards Gaza. German leaders host Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for talks in a highly controversial visit made more explosive by Erdogan's rebuke of Israel's war in the Gaza Strip. Erdogan has been increasingly critical of Israel's war, which has so far killed more than 11,500 people, many of them women and children, according to the Gaza health ministry. The Turkish leader has accused Israel of committing war crimes with its bombardment and ground incursion in the Palestinian territory. While Chancellor Olaf Scholz travelled to Israel to offer Germany's unconditional and unwavering support, Erdogan has doubled down on his defence of the Palestinian Hamas as "liberators" fighting for their land. The Turkish leader, Recep Erdogan labels Israel a terrorist state over its actions in Gaza and vows consequences for the atrocities Read: https://t.co/az8T2HYk0P pic.twitter.com/mEwBOqXcgW RT (@RT_com) November 16, 2023 Erdogan's stance has sparked questions in Germany about hosting the Turkish leader, with the opposition conservatives and even the liberal FDP, a member of Scholz's coalition, urging Scholz to scrap the invitation. But the centre-left-led government said it was all the more important to keep talking in the toughest of times. "We have always had difficult partners whom we have to deal with," said Scholz's spokesman Steffen Hebestreit, acknowledging that it is a visit "that will be challenging given the current circumstances". "But it's not just about telling each other what we think, it's about moving forward on numerous issues... and for that, we need these talks." 12:30 The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed alarm over the escalating disease transmission in the Gaza Strip, attributing it to the devastating impact of Israel's ongoing conflict on the region. With hundreds of thousands of people displaced and compelled to seek refuge in crowded shelters, the availability of essential resources such as food, medicine, and water has been severely limited. Richard Peeperkorn, the WHO Representative in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, emphasized the imminent threat posed by the upcoming winter season. He voiced deep concern regarding the potential surge in disease transmission, citing distressing statistics. Since the commencement of the war, the Palestinian territory has witnessed an alarming rise in cases of acute respiratory infections, surpassing 70,000, as well as over 44,000 cases of diarrhea, figures that exceed initial projections. 11:30 The Israeli occupation army said it killed at least five fighters in the occupied West Bank, as Hamas admitted a number of its fighters were killed in the overnight raid. Israeli forces carried out an operation overnight Thursday-Friday in a refugee camp in the West Bank city of Jenin. "An armed terrorist cell that fired at Israeli security forces was struck by a (military) aircraft," a statement said. "Terrorists who fired and hurled explosive devices at the security forces were neutralized," it added. "In total, at least five terrorists were killed." The Palestinian health ministry in Ramallah said three people had been killed in the Jenin raid, with 15 more wounded, four in critical condition. 9:00 Israel said its forces were searching Al-Shifa "one building at a time," and the army announced that troops had recovered the remains of kidnapped woman soldier Noa Marciano, 19, "from a structure adjacent to Al-Shifa hospital." The occupation army had confirmed earlier in the week the death of Marciano, without giving the cause. Hamas said she had been killed in an Israeli bombardment. Search Keywords: Short link: ST. LOUIS A group of former on-air volunteers and community members at radio station KDHX (88.1 FM) filed suit against the station Wednesday in a dispute over representation on the Board of Directors. At issue are the three representatives to the board that the League of Associate Members of KDHX is guaranteed under the public radio station's bylaws. The League of Associate Members of KDHX is the official group of KDHX volunteers. It is backing the plaintiffs of the suit. The board has room for 15 members, though currently it has six. Two of them, Ray Finney and Franc Flotron, were elected to the board by the Associate Members. Board President Gary F. Pierson has said that a third board member, James Hill, also represents the Associate Members. However, former on-air volunteer Caron House, representing the Associate Members, said the group's records indicate it did not nominate a board member for the term held by Hill. House is also a plaintiff in the suit. On Aug. 26, the Associate Members met to remove Finney and Flotron as their representatives and fill their three slots with Kip Loui, Courtney Dowdall and Darian Wigfall, all of whom are among the plaintiffs in the suit. The board has refused to seat the three. At the beginning of the Aug. 26 meeting, Pierson announced that the meeting was not valid because it had not been called by the Board of Directors, and that any steps the group took would not be honored by the station. According to the suit, the Associate Members twice before asked for the board to call a meeting to allow them to vote for new representatives, and the board declined to do so both times. In a statement issued Thursday, Pierson said, "At all times, KDHX has acted in accordance with its bylaws and Missouri non-for-profit law. We are confident that the courts will see this for what it is. KDHX will vigorously defend this suit, and continue its work to harness the power of music for all of St. Louis." CLAYTON The St. Louis County public health director misled the county council at a public hearing this week, county employees say, by suggesting her department planned to lay off 16 people. The layoff notices had already been sent on Nov. 2, almost two weeks prior. County council members said Thursday that the news surprised them. Councilwoman Lisa Clancy, a Democrat from Maplewood, said she didnt know until that morning that the layoff notices had already gone out. And Councilwoman Rita Heard Days, a Democrat from Bel-Nor, thought the health department was only proposing the layoffs. She questioned the public health director closely at Tuesdays hearing, and didnt know the layoffs were already in the works until a reporter reached her Thursday. The way that it seemed to me was, were talking about your budget and were saying, What are you going to do to save us a little money? Days said. So, no, I was not aware. I am very, very surprised. Health Director Dr. Kanika Cunningham, who started in January, declined to comment on Thursday, as did department spokesman Christopher Ave. The issue first came up publicly on Tuesday afternoon at a health department budget hearing. Days didnt understand why the budget director said the department was losing 26 positions; someone else had told her the number was 16. Can you give me an idea about the discrepancy in those numbers, please? Days said. Yes, said Cunningham. It is 26 positions total. Theres 10 that are vacant positions, and then the remaining 16 positions are layoff positions due to the reorganization of the health department. So, for a total of 26. Days then asked why Cunningham thought a reorganization was necessary, and why it included cuts. Once I do the reorganization, Cunningham said, if I determine I need to reopen those positions, I can reopen them. A few minutes later, Clancy questioned Cunningham. Im trying to understand what the full implication is going to be, Clancy said. ... If we move forward with this (do) you anticipate that those folks will be able to fill vacancies that are currently in your department? Once I finish prioritizing this, Cunningham said, ... if I do determine that those positions I truly do need, I can reopen those positions. Clancy defended Cunningham on Thursday, saying it was her first budget presentation, and that she may have been nervous about veering too far into the weeds about personnel issues. County officials arent allowed to discuss private employee matters in public. The health department originally asked for $85.8 million in its 2024 budget request, which eliminated 10 vacant positions. County Executive Sam Page cut the budget to $85 million and included the layoffs. Page also suggested cutting specific positions, including their titles and employee identification numbers, according to an internal record obtained by the Post-Dispatch and interviews with employees. Budget Director Paul Kreidler said the document doesnt necessarily identify specific people, but rather job classes. Some could include multiple employees. Page spokesman Doug Moore said Cunningham suggested the cuts to Page, not the other way around. After she explained her reasoning for that, Dr. Page agreed with her decisions, Moore 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. Health department employees on Thursday blasted the director for not being clear with councilmembers, and worried about the impact on the department. One, who is on the layoff list, said an entire team that manages patient records will be gone. There is no one there that has the expertise that I have to manage that system, said the employee. Theyre getting rid of all of us, and the people that are remaining do not have our background. The person requested anonymity, fearing they would lose their job immediately if they went public. The workers last day of employment is set for Dec. 31. The council could reconsider the health departments budget as soon as Tuesday. ST. LOUIS Godfrey Ekwenugos contracting firm does a lot of work for the city, stabilizing vacant and abandoned buildings. Hes happy to have the citys business, but things were better when he was paid promptly. Theyd cut you a check in less than a week, said Ekwenugo, owner of Premier Finish Contractors. But now, shoot, its two months-plus. Vendors, contractors and city employees say St. Louis isnt paying its bills on time and its not for lack of money. They point to problems with payroll and vendor invoices. Turnover and retirements in the St. Louis Comptrollers office as well as the forced departures of top staffers in recent years have aggravated the issues. One government agency even sued the city and the comptroller over unprocessed payments. The practical impacts are rippling through the city. Employee paychecks have been wrong or even missed entirely. Police officers say theyve had to wait months to be reimbursed for equipment expenses, and one police group is citing the problems in its call for a state takeover of the department. Some who work in City Hall are blaming the citys chief financial officer, Comptroller Darlene Green, as they raise questions about her leadership of a crucial office. Many say Green is hardly hands-on addressing the problems, pointing to her work schedule. Green, who is paid $112,000 a year, comes into work once or twice a week, City Hall employees and current and former comptroller staffers say, leaving the offices day-to-day operations to her deputies. Greens office said she was unavailable for an interview for over two weeks and canceled one scheduled for Wednesday. In a written statement to the Post-Dispatch, she acknowledged she often worked remotely but emphasized, I am always in the office when required. Yet former employees of her office and other city workers say they often had to track her down. Her staff would have city contracts that needed her signature delivered to her house, or she would drive to City Hall to pick up a stack of unsigned contracts. More than a dozen current and former city employees spoke to the Post-Dispatch about Green and the comptrollers office, most on condition of anonymity. Green, 68, was appointed comptroller by Mayor Freeman Bosley Jr. in 1995, replacing Virvus Jones who resigned after pleading guilty to income tax fraud. Beginning with a special election in 1996, she has won eight consecutive elections, often running unopposed. The job is a powerful one. It is an artifact of the citys 1914 reform charter, which bestowed leadership of accounting functions to an independent elected official rather than giving the mayor control of financial operations. All the citys invoices run through Greens office, requiring review and approval from her staff. All city contracts require her signature or that of her top deputy, Beverly Fitzsimmons. Green also has one of three votes on the Board of Estimate and Apportionment, which must approve all city contracts. A staffer in her office largely controls that bodys agenda. Given Greens responsibilities, the citys Board of Aldermen turned to her for an explanation earlier this year when they started hearing complaints about late payments. Ill just end up hearing, Thats in the comptrollers office right now, Alderwoman Anne Schweitzer, of Boulevard Heights, said at a budget meeting held in May. Green told aldermen, Its kind of like a cliche to blame her office. The fault, she said, was with a new accounting system she didnt want. What was supposed to be an upgrade replacing a 40-year-old accounting system with cloud-based Oracle software instead caused headaches that are still lingering more than 18 months after the switch. Green called the new system horrific, and blamed the previous mayoral administration and the consultant it hired, Accenture, to implement it. (Green and her deputy, however, both voted for the contract.) Green also blamed employees in other departments for not properly submitting invoices and contracts. A lot of the things that would be delayed is really held up at the departmental level, she told aldermen. Green on Wednesday again laid blame on city departments, not her office, for the problems. When a department enters an invoice with proper documentation, the invoice is paid usually within three working days of being received by the Comptrollers office, Green told the Post-Dispatch in her written statement. Every system has hiccups and a learning curve at the beginning. This new system has challenged us all. But in multiple interviews with the Post-Dispatch, current and former comptroller staffers said it was Greens office that caused many of those issues by failing to ensure the proper training was complete before the new accounting system went live in March 2022. After it went live, current and former staffers say, they struggled to keep up with a backlog of payments. And overwhelmed supervisors couldnt quickly respond to questions and issues with the new system. Other City Hall employees say vendor invoices languished awaiting comptroller approval or they were rejected with little explanation. The late vendor payments have been especially hard for small minority contractors trying to grow their businesses. That has undermined the citys goal of growing the pool of such contractors, as laid out in the mayors Economic Justice Action Plan. It is a huge burden on them if theyre trying to get off the ground, a city employee, who was not authorized to speak publicly about the issue, said about late payments to small contractors. The St. Louis courts went as far as to sue Green over their unprocessed invoices. Green signed a consent judgment in May pledging to resolve payment issues with the courts within five business days. There was a lot of chaos going on, said one current comptroller employee who spoke on condition of anonymity. It was very poor planning, poor management. ... The proper training was never provided. The disorder is even being cited by the group that represents Black St. Louis police officers as one of the reasons it supports revoking local control of the citys police department, a change city leaders won a decade ago and that the mayor spent the first part of this year fighting off in Jefferson City. Donnell Walters, president of the Ethical Society of Police, recently complained about officers waiting months for a dysfunctional bureaucracy to reimburse them for uniforms and equipment. The delays have severed relationships with vendors, some of whom now want payment up front, Walters said in an interview. In one instance in the second half of last year, officers who were out of town to retrieve a suspect had a city credit card declined for nonpayment, Walters said. Some officers have left the understaffed department because of the finance problems, he said. And while the issues with City Halls financial management have been a concern since local control was instituted in 2013, he said it has gotten worse over the last 18 months. The funds are there, Walters said, but its like you dont know whos paying it out. A lack of training Implementing a new accounting and procurement system is difficult for any organization. The comptrollers office already tried once, 10 years ago, before abandoning the effort around 2016. Greens office said that system did not work well with the complicated payroll requirements of the city. The citys move to Oracle should be an improvement and, eventually, make government more efficient, current and former comptroller employees say. The problems are largely due to insufficient training and getting longtime employees in both the comptrollers office and elsewhere in City Hall used to the system, they say. The software works as its supposed to, the current comptroller staffer said. The problem is a lack of training and a lack of support. Denise Peeples, who retired from the comptrollers office at the beginning of this year, said she didnt get training for months after the system went live. Our supervisor at the time didnt even get training, Peeples said, referring to LaTaunia Kenner, who was a deputy comptroller at the time. She didnt even get training. And that we never understood. Because I mean, shes right up under Ms. Green. The Accenture and Oracle contract specifies that the city would choose employees to be trained and use those employees to train the rest of the staff. The comptrollers office has the accounting functions, so I think everyone was looking to that office for guidance, said a former employee of the comptrollers office who spoke on the condition of anonymity. Greens office said planning began just as the pandemic did, limiting the initial training to Zoom meetings even as the COVID-19 emergency placed additional burdens on the city. City employees needed to work both on implementation of the new system, and to keep the city afloat because of reduced staffing in a paper-driven environment, Green said. Green said her office now offers training to city employees on request and her staff will help any city employees struggling to get a transaction through the system. But others describe blockages in Greens office. The new system gives multiple comptroller employees the ability to approve invoices, the current comptroller employee said, meaning staff would sometimes assume another person would approve the invoice and leave it in limbo. If a city department entered a payment the wrong way, or missed a step under the new system, they dont even make you aware why the invoice wasnt processed, said a City Hall staffer. All they do is say no to stuff, the employee said. In April, the second phase of the project, a new payroll system, went live. There were problems there, too. Green acknowledged them at the May budget hearing, even telling aldermen to look at your paychecks and report any problems. There were so many problems that the payroll office on the second floor of City Hall stopped allowing city employees to enter. The door is now locked for security purposes, and gives employees a number to call instead. Green conceded that some unhappy employees did make the staff feel uncomfortable. But the issues with the payroll system have subsided with time, said St. Louis Police Officers Association Business Manager Joe Steiger. Initially there were some big problems, like they missed peoples entire checks, Steiger said. But those big things were when we first switched over and since then its been mostly resolved. ... When peoples checks arent right theyre certainly upset, so we hear it. The office had taken a turn Amid the turmoil, longtime staffers at the comptrollers office have been leaving. City budget documents show only 72 of 95 positions in the comptrollers office and associated divisions were filled as of July 10, and at least a handful of other staff have left since then, leaving about a quarter of the offices positions empty. People just werent happy anymore the office had taken a turn, and it wasnt really getting any better in terms of morale, said the former comptroller employee. There were a lot of bad management decisions. Green said her office faces the same challenges as every other enterprise finding qualified employees and hopes the lifting of the citys residency requirement will draw more applicants. She pointed out the citys civil service commission recently approved her request to create two new assistant comptroller positions that are part of the offices succession plan. Green over the summer demoted Kenner, one of her two top deputies, who later retired. Her other top deputy, 43-year City Hall veteran Fitzsimmons, is slated to retire at the end of the year, according to current and former employees. Kenners departure over the summer left some city departments unsure of their contact in the comptrollers office. Kenner had led the side of the office that dealt with city real estate and public finance, including handling the citys bonds on the convention center expansion. Green declined to explain why she was demoted. Kenner later retired. Kenner wasnt the first top aide Green has pushed out. Though she oversees a staff of civil servants rather than political appointees, Green has ousted at least three top aides. In 2016, Green put her chief of staff, longtime employee Elaine Spearman, on forced leave, according to court documents. Spearman declined to comment. Before Kenner, Green put former Deputy Comptroller Jim Garavaglia on forced leave. A 32-year veteran of the office, he said he was blindsided by the 2019 move and escorted out of City Hall by an armed marshal, according to a lawsuit he filed against Green and the city. Garavaglia alleged he was ousted to make way for Kenner. His lawsuit was dismissed and Garavaglia declined to comment. Lower-level employees have departed more recently. Over the summer, the retirement of two employees in the comptrollers office who oversaw the calculation of tax increment financing payments, a development incentive, retired. The developer of Union Station said his firm had been waiting about a year for the comptrollers office to provide the information necessary to redeem $18 million in TIF incentives approved for the project by city lawmakers. The comptrollers office ultimately had to hire an outside firm, on the recommendation of City Counselor Sheena Hamilton, to help the comptrollers office review its TIF calculations. Missing in action While many of the comptrollers experienced employees have left the office, the manager herself is rarely showing up. Her current and former staff describe her appearances in City Hall as infrequent maybe once or twice a week. They would have couriers deliver stuff to her, said one former employee who spoke on condition of anonymity and remembers delivering documents to her through her car window in front of City Hall. We would have to try and track her down. City Hall employees say its been like that for years. Garavaglia, the former deputy comptroller, said in a deposition from his lawsuit that he only interacted with her once a week or every other week and that he could count on one hand the number of times he met one-on-one with her. In her Wednesday statement, Green said it was more important to be accountable and responsive to constituents and does not always require being in the office. In the coming months I expect more time will be spent in the office as in the past, she wrote. Greens attendance has long been part of City Hall lore, but her deputies and a staff of dozens of longtime civil servants were able to get the bills paid and the contracts into Greens hands. But with the loss of employees and the impending retirement of Fitzsimmons, many are wondering who will make sure the citys bills are paid on time. In a city of our size, said Linda Martinez, who served as the deputy mayor for development under Mayor Lyda Krewson and experienced the delays firsthand, someone should be available to sign checks and contracts every day. Austin Huguelet of the Post-Dispatch contributed to this report. Originally posted Friday, Nov. 17. JEFFERSON CITY A challenge to a new photo ID requirement for Missouri voters focused Friday on the difficulty some residents have in obtaining the necessary records. In the first day of testimony in a Cole County courtroom, lawyers for plaintiffs in the case questioned witness Sara Ruiz, director of St. Louis-based Ashrei Foundation. The groups North City Photo ID Project helps people obtain IDs. Ruiz said that in her role, it was shocking to me how cumbersome it was to obtain Missouri IDs and underlying documents such as birth certificates. She recalled a client whose vehicle had allegedly been stolen and had nothing, including no photo ID. The director said the woman was borrowing a friends cellphone, that she had recently relocated from Philadelphia, and that her familys phone numbers were on her cellphone, which had been stolen with her vehicle. State lawyers objected to the account, calling it hearsay, but Cole County Presiding Judge Jon Beetem overruled the motion. Ruiz said for the woman to obtain a birth certificate, she needed a photo ID, or, alternatively, two documents with her name on them. Coming up with two things with your name on it when you dont have any possessions at all is really challenging, Ruiz said. The Missouri League of Women Voters, NAACP and three voters are suing to overturn the law. Plaintiffs initially challenged the law last year, arguing the new law made casting ballots unconstitutionally difficult for some voters. Beetem dismissed the previous case in October 2022, finding neither of the two voter plaintiffs then alleged a specific, concrete, non-speculative injury or legally protectable interest in challenging the photo ID requirement. The Missouri ACLU and Missouri Voter Protection Coalition, who sued on behalf of the plaintiffs, have since added another voter to the lawsuit and asked Beetem again to find the voter ID requirement unconstitutional. The new law requires voters to show photo identification to cast a regular ballot. People without a government-issued photo ID can cast provisional ballots to be counted if they return later that day with a photo ID or if election officials verify their signatures. The law requires the state to provide a free photo identification card to those lacking one to vote. The newest plaintiff in the case is John OConnor, a 90-year-old Columbia, Missouri, resident with poor vision who needs help walking. When the law took effect last year, OConnor had an expired passport and drivers license, which are not acceptable forms of identification to vote under state law. His lawyers argued he eventually obtained a non-drivers license with the help of his wife, but only because officials accepted his expired drivers license despite guidance from the state Revenue Department that long-expired licenses are not acceptable records to use when seeking new IDs. Even when a voter obtains the underlying documentation, voters who lack transportation, cannot get to the DMV or other government agencies during their hours of operation, or have a disability or impairment that prevents them from accessing a DMV, the voter is still unable to surmount the burdens to obtaining a photo ID, the plaintiffs lawyers wrote in a pretrial brief. Republican Attorney General Andrew Baileys office is defending the law in court. The state lawyers argue that, so far, no one has been turned away at the polls because of the law. Missouri provides free non-drivers licenses for voting to those who do not already have a drivers license or have a current license. The health departments Bureau of Vital Records provides free birth certificates to those seeking their first non-drivers license in order to vote if the applicant does not have a current drivers license. There is not a severe burden on the right to vote as the State has gone to great lengths to help voters obtain IDs, Bailey wrote in a court brief. The trial was scheduled to continue next week on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Updated at 5:44 p.m. KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip Internet and telephone services collapsed across the Gaza Strip on Thursday for lack of fuel, the main Palestinian provider said, bringing a potentially long-term blackout of communications as Israel signaled its offensive against Hamas could next target the south, where most of the population has taken refuge. Israeli troops for a second day searched Shifa Hospital in the north for traces of Hamas. They displayed what they said were a tunnel entrance and weapons found in a truck inside the compound. But the military has yet to release evidence of a central Hamas command center that Israel says is concealed beneath the complex. Hamas and staff at the hospital, Gaza's largest, deny the allegations. The military claimed it found the body of one of the hostages abducted by Hamas, 65-year-old Yehudit Weiss, in a building adjacent to Shifa, where it said it also found assault rifles and rocket-propelled grenades. It did not give the cause of her death. The communications breakdown largely cuts off Gaza's 2.3 million people from one another and the outside world, worsening the severe humanitarian crisis in southern Gaza as Israeli airstrikes continue there. The U.N.'s World Food Program warned of "the immediate possibility of starvation" in Gaza as the food supply broke down under Israel's seal and too little is coming from Egypt. The war was triggered by Hamas Oct. 7 attack into southern Israel, which left more than 1,200 people dead, according to the Israeli government. Militants also captured some 240 hostages. Israel responded to the attack with a weekslong air campaign and a ground invasion of northern Gaza, vowing to remove Hamas from power and crush its military capabilities. More than 11,470 Palestinians have been killed, two-thirds of them women and minors, according to Palestinian health authorities. Another 2,700 are reported missing, believed buried under rubble. The official count does not differentiate between civilian and militant deaths. Fifty-six Israeli soldiers have died during the ground offensive. The war inflamed tensions elsewhere. In the occupied West Bank, Palestinian gunmen opened fire at a checkpoint on the main road linking Jerusalem to Israeli settlements, killing a soldier and wounding three people. The three attackers were killed, according to police. Hamas claimed responsibility for the attack. A day after storming into Shifa, Gaza's largest hospital, Israeli troops continued searching the complex. Gaza's Health Ministry said the troops searched underground levels of the hospital Thursday and detained technicians who run its equipment. The hospital has been without electricity for almost a week, and staff said they are struggling to keep 36 premature babies and 45 dialysis patients alive without functional equipment. One dialysis patient died Thursday, said Shifa's director, Mohamed Abu Selmia, adding that 650 wounded patients and 5,000 displaced people are in the hospital. Israel said its soldiers brought medical teams with incubators and other supplies, but Shifa staff said incubators were useless without fuel to power generators. During previous days of fighting in the nearby streets, there was no report of Hamas fighters firing from inside Shifa, and no fighting when Israeli troops entered Wednesday. Israel faces pressure to prove its claim that Hamas set up its main command center in and under the hospital, which has multiple buildings over an area of several city blocks. On Thursday, the military released video of a hole in the hospital courtyard it said was a tunnel entrance. It also showed several assault rifles and RPGs, grenades, ammunition clips and utility vests laid out on a blanket that it said were found in a pickup truck in the courtyard. The Associated Press could not independently verify the Israeli claims. The allegations are part of Israel's broader accusation that Hamas uses Palestinians as human shields across the Gaza Strip which Israeli officials claim is the reason for the large numbers of civilian casualties during weeks of bombardment. The military says it largely consolidated its control of the north, though fighting continues there. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said Wednesday the ground operation will eventually "include both the north and south. We will strike Hamas wherever it is." He did not give a time frame. Israeli forces dropped leaflets Wednesday afternoon telling Palestinians in areas east of the southern town of Khan Younis to evacuate. Similar leaflets were dropped over northern Gaza for weeks ahead of the ground invasion. Strikes continued in the south Thursday. In the city of Deir al-Balah, a funeral was held for 28 people killed in an overnight bombing that leveled several buildings. Most of Gaza's population is crowded into southern Gaza, including hundreds of thousands who heeded Israel's calls to leave the north to get out of the way of its ground offensive. Some 1.5 million people driven from their homes are packed into U.N. shelters or houses with other families. If the assault moves into the south, it is not clear where they would go, as Egypt refuses to allow a mass transfer onto its soil. The Israeli military has called on people to move to a "safe zone" in Mawasi, a town on the Mediterranean coast a few square miles in size, where humanitarian aid could be delivered. The heads of 18 U.N. agencies and international charities on Thursday rejected the creation of a safe zone, saying that concentrating civilians in one area while hostilities continue was too dangerous. They called for a cease-fire and unimpeded entry of humanitarian aid and fuel for Gaza's population. Sean Diddy Combs has been accused of years of abuse including rape and beatings by R&B singer Cassie. Cassie's legal name is Cassandra Ventura. She was in a yearslong relationship with the hip-hop producer and music mogul. She says in a lawsuit filed Thursday in New York federal court that Combs plied her with drugs, savagely beat her and forced her to have sex with male prostitutes. She says he raped her as she tried to end the relationship in 2018. Combs attorney says he vehemently denies what he calls the outrageous lies and and characterized the allegations as blackmail. DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip The wreckage goes on for block after devastated block. The smell is sickening. Every day, hundreds of people claw through tons of rubble with shovels and iron bars and their bare hands. They are looking for the bodies of their children. Their parents. Their neighbors. All of them killed in Israeli missile strikes. The corpses are there, somewhere in the endless acres of destruction. More than five weeks into Israels war against Hamas, some streets are now more like graveyards. Officials in Gaza say they dont have the equipment, manpower or fuel to search properly for the living, let alone the dead. The war began after Hamas Oct. 7 attack in southern Israel, in which the militants killed more than 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted some 240 men, women and children, according to the Israeli government. Israel says its strikes target fighters and the infrastructure of Hamas, which often operates in residential areas. Israel accuses the group of using the civilian population as human shields, though it does not explain specific targeting reasons for most strikes. The victims are often everyday Palestinians, many of whom have yet to be found. Omar al-Darawi and his neighbors spent weeks searching the ruins of a pair of four-story houses in central Gaza. Forty-five people lived in the homes; 32 were killed. In the first days after the attack, 27 bodies were recovered. The five still missing were al-Darawis cousins. They include Amani, a 37-year-old stay-at-home mom who died with her husband and their four children. Theres Aliaa, 28, who was taking care of her aging parents. Theres another Amani, who died with her 14-year-old daughter. Her husband and their five sons survived. The situation has become worse every day, said the 23-year-old, who was once a college journalism student. The smell has become unbearable. We cant stop, he said. We just want to find and bury them before their bodies are lost in the rubble forever. More than 11,400 Palestinians have been killed, two-thirds of them women and children, according to Palestinian health authorities. The U.N. humanitarian affairs office estimates that about 2,700 people, including 1,500 children, are missing and believed buried in the ruins. The missing have added layers of pain to Gazas families, who are overwhelmingly Muslim. Islam calls for the dead to be buried quickly within 24 hours if possible with the shrouded bodies turned to face the holy city of Mecca. Traditionally, the body is washed by family members with soap and scented water, and prayers for forgiveness are said at the grave site. The search is particularly difficult in northern Gaza, including Gaza City, where Israeli ground forces are battling Hamas militants. Hundreds of thousands of people fled southward, terrified by the combat and pushed by Israeli warnings to evacuate. But even in the south, continued Israeli airstrikes and shelling mean nowhere is safe in the tiny territory. The Palestinian Civil Defense department, Gazas primary search-and-rescue force, has had more than two dozen workers killed and more than 100 injured since the war began, said Mahmoud Bassal, the department spokesman. More than half of its vehicles are now either without fuel or have been damaged by strikes, he said. In central Gaza, outside the northern combat zone, the areas civil defense director has no working heavy equipment at all, including bulldozers and cranes. We actually dont have fuel to keep the sole bulldozer we have operating, said Rami Ali al-Aidei. At least five large bulldozers are needed just to search a series of collapsed high-rise buildings in the coastal town of Deir al-Balah, he said. This means that bodies, and the desperate people searching for them, are not the focus. Were prioritizing areas where we think we will find survivors, said Bassal. As a result, the search for bodies often falls to relatives, or to volunteers like Bilal Abu Sama, a former freelance journalist. He ticks off a handful of Deir al-Balahs victims: 10 corpses still lost in what is left of the al-Salam Mosque; two dozen bodies missing in a destroyed home; 10 missing in another mosque attack. Will those bodies remain under the rubble until the war ends? OK, when will the war end? said Abu Sama, 30, describing how families dig through the wreckage without any tools. The bodies will be decomposed. Many of them have already decomposed. On Tuesday, 28 days after an airstrike flattened his home, Izzel-Din al-Moghari found his cousins body. Twenty-four people from his extended family lived in the home, in the Bureij refugee camp. All but three were killed. Eight are still missing. A civil defense bulldozer came three days after the strike to clear the road, then left quickly for another collapsed building. The bulldozer came again Tuesday and helped find al-Mogharis cousin. After finding his cousin, al-Moghari went back into the wreckage in search of his father and other relatives. I am stunned, he said. What we lived through is indescribable. Gaza has become a place where many families are denied even the comfort of a funeral. Al-Darawi, the man searching for his cousins, understands that. Those who found their dead are lucky, he said. Its safe to say we dont frequently find ourselves in enthusiastic agreement with Gov. Mike Parson. But when Missouris top Republican declared this week that theres nothing wrong with being nice in politics, who could rationally argue the point? Bill Eigel, thats who. The state senator from Weldon Spring, who seeks to succeed Parson, blasted him on social media for cutting an admirable ad with Kansas Democratic governor calling for civility in politics. Dems are destroying our cities, mutilating our kids, trampling our rights and defunding our police but @GovParsonMO is worried about being nice, tweeted Eigel. What a joke. Eigel is trying to position himself to the political right of his two GOP primary opponents (Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft and Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe) in next years governors race. For a certain segment of todays Republican Party, that means being, well, mean. Its part of a broader tension between two brands of modern conservatism: sober traditionalists who still see the value of compromise to achieve constructive ends in politics; and seething populists who just want to burn it all down. Eigels status as the latter was recently made literal. In September, he released a video in which he uses a flamethrower to incinerate some empty boxes meant to represent leftist policies and RINO corruption of the Jeff City swamp. He later tweeted: [Y]ou bring those woke, pornographic books to Missouri schools to try to brainwash our kids, and Ill burn those too on the front lawn of the governors mansion. Suffice it to say, Eigel probably wasnt moved by former President Barack Obamas mantra that politicians should strive to disagree without being disagreeable. With that context in mind, its not surprising that Eigel had such a belligerent reaction to the video Parson cut with Democratic Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly, via the National Governors Association. We probably dont agree on much, admits Kelly, as the two sit down to plates of competing styles of barbecue. But regardless, says Parson, were committed to disagreeing better. Its a message, he says, that the two hope to bring to the country as the 2024 election cycle heats up. No one can claim Parson isnt a conservative politician. We have criticized him as much as anyone for his various right-wing policy stances. But in these divisive times, a simple message of civility like that is commendable even inspiring. Eigels apparent disdain for such civility isnt confined to vilifying Democrats. At the end of this years legislative session, as he halted Senate business with a personal filibuster because the chamber wouldnt pass a tax-cut measure he wanted, the Republican majority leader chided him for his lack of cooperation with his colleagues. Eigel retorted: Nobody got into politics because they were intent on being nice. Wow. How ... inspiring. In his tweet slamming Parson for his civility, Eigel argued that This [is] why Republicans lose elections. Its an interesting take from an enthusiastic backer of former President Donald Trump, whose own contempt for civility may be largely to blame for Republican losses in the last three elections. Its worth noting that Eigels social-media attack on Parson happened on Tuesday the same day that congressional Republicans made national news with not one but two separate confrontations in the Capitol that turned physical. So Eigel apparently isnt alone in his scoffing contention that civility is for chumps. But we will take this admittedly rare opportunity to laud Parson for his response: I dont know what in the worlds wrong with being nice sometimes. The U.S. Air Force recently received the first of ten to fourteen EC-37B Compass Call electronic warfare aircraft. These are Gulfstream 550 business jets modified for military use. These are replacing fourteen older EC-130H aircraft. The older electronic warfare aircraft entered service in 1982 and proved invaluable when used from 2003 to 2014 in Iraq and Afghanistan. The electronic warfare capabilities range from jamming wireless communication on the ground or listening in and, using onboard and on the ground translators, alerting troops about what enemy troops and commanders are talking about. The EC-37B can also jam ground-based radars and a wide range of enemy electronic systems. EC-37B can do everything the older EC-130H could and do it faster and over greater distances. EC-37B has additional capabilities that troops supported by the EC-130H had asked for. Some of the EC-130H aircraft are still in service and comparisons with the new EC-37B will be easy to make. Nothing like some competition to get the most out of both systems. In Iraq, where most foreign troops left in 2011, fighting continues. Now the enemy is ISIL (Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant) and the Iraqis asked the Americans to at least send in some EC-130H aircraft so the Iraqi commanders would be aware of what the ISIL men were talking about. The Iraqis were doing the fighting but appreciated the limited Americans presence. There were only about 2,000 American troops still in Iraq and they were there as trainers not fighters. By the end of 2015 Iraq declared Ramadi, the capital of Anbar province, which is most of western Iraq, back under government control. This was big news and reporters speaking to Iraqi commanders were told that two types of American support were critical for making the operation a success and keeping Iraqi casualties down. Reporters were not surprised to hear that Iraqi officers were glad to see the return of American air support, and in a big way. Many of these battalion and brigade commanders had started their careers after 2003 when American air support was common and greatly missed it after Iraqi politicians refused to let the American continue providing it after 2011. But to the surprise of the foreign journalists, Iraqi commanders praised the return of American electronic warfare aircraft, especially those with the ability to selectively listen in on enemy wireless communications and, if needed, quickly jam it. With this capability Iraqi intel officers and commanders could listen to the enemy communications in real-time and at any point ask for it to be jammed. This made the enemy vulnerable because the army was listening in no matter what wireless communications was used and could quickly jam it if that seemed more advantageous for the army. What was remarkable about this support was that there were only a few American aircraft in the air at any one time. For smart bomb delivery one B-1 bomber and one or two fighter-bombers could handle all requests from ground troops around Ramadi. For the eavesdropping and jamming a single EC-130H Compass Call electronic warfare aircraft got it done. Thats just as well because there were only 14 EC-130H aircraft in service. These aircraft, introduced in the early 1980s, were originally designed to jam Soviet anti-aircraft defenses but they proved to be crucial in Afghanistan and Iraq. Since 2002 these 14 aircraft have flown nearly 7,000 sorties and spent over 40,000 hours in the air. What made the EC-130H so useful was its ability to eavesdrop on cell phone and other radio communications and then selectively jam them. The EC-130H has space on board for linguists, who can listen to the radio traffic below, and decide who to just record and perhaps immediately report to U.S. troops below, and who to jam. This information can also be shared with people on the ground. Because Afghanistan has limited land-line phone systems, especially in the countryside, the Taliban and everyone else relied on cell phones, walkie-talkies and ham radio type gear to communicate. The EC-130H could detect all of these and jam them selectively. ISIL has similar preferences in communications gear and in the midst of combat they have found, like the Taliban, there is no solution to the problems created by an EC-130H overhead. Another advantage is that while most Islamic terror organizations know of these aircraft, they never know when they are operating nearby unless there is obviously selective jamming going on. This forces the enemy to either use their cell phones and radios sparingly or use code words which the U.S. can usually decipher or jam, or not use electronic communication at all. The latter choice makes it more difficult to control your forces in a rapidly changing battle. The U.S. began using EC-130Hs frequently over Afghanistan in 2006. There they flew 300-400 sorties a year, each 6-8 hours long and they were considered a valuable tool by ground commanders. But only the most crucial ground operations got EC-130H support. The use of these aircraft has increased greatly but gradually as tactics and techniques for their most efficient use were developed. The U.S. Army also has some twin-engine electronic eavesdropping aircraft, but these are not as well equipped as the air force EC-130Hs. Nevertheless, the army sent as many as possible to Afghanistan and Iraq and bought more. The EC-37B is based on a twin-engine business jet and is more reliable than the remaining EC-130Hs which are based on the four-turboprop engine C-130. Because of that the EC-37B is faster and can stay in the air longer. As in Iraq, one or two EC-37Bs can provide a lot of useful support for an ally without sending in a lot of American troops. The other threat in Iraq are Iran-backed local militias that work for Iran, not Iraq. The Iraqis would like to know what these militias are talking about and what Iran is telling them to do. The American EC-130H and EC-37B aircraft can keep the Iraqis updated on what their aggressive neighbor is up to. The Iranians do not appreciate this but have not yet attacked the Americans' electronic surveillance aircraft. American aircraft and troops in Iraq are based at the Iraqi Al Asad Airbase. As soon as the EC-37B has proved itself over Iraq and Syria, some will be sent to Ukraine and used against Russian forces. This is riskier for the EC-37B because the Russian aggressively go after threats, and the EC-37B is very much a threat to Russian forces in Ukraine. The Ukrainians have a lot of anti-aircraft systems available as well as some Russian designed fighters. Americans F-16s are on the way but may not arrive before the EC-37B does. In Gaza Hamas has retreated to its 500 kilometers of tunnels. Following them underground are the Israeli Yahalom Tunnel Warfare Troops. Tunnel warfare is nothing new and the Israelis have been involved it for as long as their enemies in Gaza and Lebanon have. Israel has developed some new technologies involving drills, improved sensors and night vision equipment as well as improved radio communications and other electronic tools. At the same time Israel has relied on work done by other nations with an interest in tunnel warfare. Until recently the most intense work on tunnel warfare tech was by the United States and South Korea. For example, since 2019 both countries have been jointly developing the 4x4 electric powered ATE (Autonomous Tunnel Exploitation) robotic vehicle for exploring the tunnels that North Korea has built a lot of for storing weapons, moving troops or leading to underground weapons storage or manufacturing facilities. Some of the North Korean tunnel systems are extensive and some are protected by surveillance cameras and remotely controlled defenses. Some of the tunnels store hazardous materials. The Hamas tunnel system is very similar. Because of the hostages Hamas holds in the tunnels, Israeli tunnel specialists cant simply blow up some tunnels. The purpose of the ATE vehicle is to quickly, carefully and precisely explore these tunnels using a number of sensors to detect and identify what is down there while creating a 3D map of the tunnel or larger tunnel system. The prototype ATE was recently tested on a 1,500-meter South Korean test tunnel containing many of the characteristics of North Korean and Hamas tunnels. ATE did well and tests continue. Military tunnels were extensively used during the 20th century wars and troops developed techniques for investigating tunnels, especially ones that were apparently unoccupied by hostile forces but might contain stores of weapons, ammo and other supplies or civilians taking refuge or held as hostages. Some troops had a talent for exploring these tunnels and not getting killed. These were the tunnel rats, who became obsolete with the introduction of PackBot in 2002 for bomb disposal and replacing tunnel rats with a remotely controlled UGV (Unmanned Ground Vehicle). In the 1990s the U.S. Army began exploring the small UGV concept but did not expect to have them in service until 2010 or later. September 11, 2001, changed all that. A year later PackBot showed up. Over 2,000 PackBots were used in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere over the next decade and more than 5,000 were sold to military, police and first responder personnel during the same period. Updated PackBots are still, as of 2023, produced for military and bomb disposal users. In 2011 the U.S. Army began using SUGV (Small Unmanned Ground Vehicle). This was a UGV developed by Teledyne with cooperation from the U.S. Army. SUGV development took over six years because PackBot was a hard act to follow. SUGV is also still in production, serving the same markets as PackBot and a growing number of competitors. In 2011 the U.S. Army received the production model XM1216 SUGV robots. SUGV was the next generation infantry droid, replacing existing droids like PackBot. Before September 11, 2001, the army didn't expect to have robots like PackBot or SUGV until 2013. But the technology was already there, and the war created a major demand. The robots expected in 2013 were to be part of a new generation of gear called FCS (Future Combat Systems). SUGV was designed to use high tech FCS communications and sensor equipment, and, like PackBot, used off-the-shelf substitutes while waiting for the more ambitious versions the army was still developing. The troops didn't care, as long as it worked. These small robots proved to be quite rugged, having a 90 percent availability rate. The overly ambitious, expensive and much delayed FCS program was canceled two years before SUGV was ready, but successful bits, like SUGV, were allowed to keep moving. This was a big deal for SUGV, because demand for these small droids collapsed when the Islamic terror offensive in Iraq did in 2008. There were plenty of droids left over for service in Afghanistan, where the Taliban provided a much lower workload for the little bots than did Iraq. SUGV is a 13 kg (29 pound) robot, similar to the slightly larger Packbot. SUGV can carry 3 kg (6.6 pounds) of gear, and seven different "mission packages" are available. These include various types of sensors and double-jointed arms (for grabbing things.) SUGV is waterproof and shock resistant. It fits into the standard army backpack and is meant to operate in a harsh environment. The battery powered SUGV is operated wirelessly, or via a fiber optic cable, using a controller that looks like a video game controller with a video screen built in. SUGV can also use an XBox 360 controller, with the right drivers. Like PackBot, SUGV can climb stairs, maneuver over rubble and other nasty terrain. The SUGV design is based largely on feedback from combat troops. For example, it is rugged enough to be quickly thrown into a room, or cave, activated and begin sending video, as well as audio, of what is in there. This feature makes it very popular with the troops, who want droids with the ability to see, hear and smell more acutely. No one likes being the first one to go into dark, potentially dangerous, places. Throwing a grenade at first doesn't always work, because sometimes frightened civilians are in there. Despite all these fine qualities, the current generation of robots is not fast enough, agile enough or sensitive enough to compete with human troops doing this kind of work. Sometimes, however, robots are an adequate, and lifesaving, substitute. SUGV is supposed to be better at this sort of thing. SUGV can also perform outpost and listening post work. These are two dangerous jobs the infantry are glad to hand off to a robot. Outposts are, as the name implies, one or two troops dug in a hundred meters or so in front of the main position, to give early warning of an enemy attack. A listening post is similar, but the friendly troops are often much deeper into enemy territory. The SUGV battery enables it to just sit in one place, listening and watching, for eight hours or more. After that, you send out another SUGV with a fresh battery, and have the other one come back for a recharge. No risk of troops getting shot at while doing the same things, and the troops really appreciate that. Again, the problem with this is that the robot sensors are just not there yet. The sensors are getting close, but not close enough for troops to trust their lives to this thing. Other dangerous jobs for the SUGV are placing explosives by a door, to blow it open for the troops, or placing a smoke grenade where it will prevent the enemy from seeing the troops move. Ever since PackBot reached the troops, users filled military message boards with interesting uses they have found for these robots, and new features they could make use of. SUGV is the product of all that chatter. By 2012 the Department of Defense owned about 6,000 small robots. Most of them were in the army, and a little over half were in a combat zone. There would be a lot more of these small robots out there if they were a bit smaller and had better sensors. Because of this, efforts to have the infantry regularly use the small robots in combat have not been successful. The older 19 kg (42 pound) Packbots and 50 kg (110 pound) Talon were fine for dealing with roadside bombs, but too big and heavy to easily haul around the battlefield. But most troops admitted that if the small droids were a bit smaller and lighter and had better situational awareness, as in the ability to sense what was around them, they would be more welcome. Tens of thousands of troops have combat experience with PackBot and Talon, at least in bomb disposal work. A growing number of troops have used the small robots for security jobs, and combat work. The smaller and more compact SUGV shows how quickly new generations of these droids can be turned out. It was expected that by the 2020s several new generations of droids, and more powerful sensors and software, would be available. ATE is one of these future UGVs. The droids will never have the same senses, like sight, hearing, smell and vibrations that humans do, but they are acquiring similar senses that are useful enough. These are becoming more powerful, and a new generation of data analysis software makes it possible for near-future droids to quickly interpret what they sense and let their operator know, quickly, that there is something out there, and approximately where it is. Eventually it was expected that droids would be able to rotate its sensors like a camera or thermal sensor around to give the operator a better look at what it heard or felt. Smell was expected to take a little longer, and a version of that is present with ATE. By the 2020s droids were expected to operate on their own a lot and respond to voice commands. Again, ATE implemented a lot of these items. Ultimately the infantry wants small droids that hostile forces won't be able to sneak up on. That's the sort of bot the troops want to go into action with. And at that point, infantry units will have them as part of their basic equipment. It's that hope that kept projects like PackBot and SUGV going and produced more capable UGVs like ATE. The population of the Seoul metropolitan region outnumbers the whole of the rest of Korea's for the first time. According to the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, 25.93 million people were registered in Seoul, Incheon, and Gyeonggi Province as of December last year, accounting for 50.002 percent of the total population of 51.85 million. Some 1,737 fewer were registered in all other parts of the country, yet the Seoul region takes up only 11.8 percent of the country's area. The population proportion of the Seoul area increased sharply from 28.3 percent in 1970 to 49.2 percent in 2010. The more recent surge is mostly due to population growth in the dormitory towns and endless suburbs of Gyeonggi Province. The population there jumped 12.3 percent over the past nine years, far outpacing the overall population growth of 2.6 percent. The population in most other big cities like Busan, Daegu, and Daejeon dwindled in the 2010s. THIS NEWS RELEASE IS NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / November 17, 2023 / Core Assets Corp., ("Core Assets" or the "Company") (CSE:CC)(FSE:5RJ)(OTCQB: CCOOF) is pleased to announce that it has completed its previously announced non-brokered private placement offering (the "Offering"), which was oversubscribed by 8,059,171 units (each, a "Unit") and 11,638,037 flow-through units (each, a "FT Unit"). Pursuant to the Offering, the Company issued an aggregate of 16,392,505 Units at a price of $0.12 per Unit for gross proceeds of $1,967,100.60 and 25,923,752 FT Units at a price of $0.14 per FT Unit for gross proceeds of $3,629,325.28. The Company also announces the resignation of Mr. David Hodge as a director and would like to welcome Mr. Josh Vann to the board of directors. "Mr. Hodge has been part of the Core Assets Team from day one, and I would like to personally thank him for his guidance leading the Company to its current success. We are thrilled to welcome Mr. Vann to the board of directors which will help expand on his already instrumental role with Core Assets in day-to-day operations." said Core Assets President and CEO Nick Rodway, "We are now fully cashed up for a aggressive 2024 exploration season, which will focus on continuing to delineate our high-grade CRD and testing IP anomalies that have been discovered as part of our 2023 geophysical survey. Findings of this survey and more drill results are to be released shortly." Board of Directors Changes Core Assets Corp. has appointed Joshua Vann to the board of directors of the Company, effective November 16, 2023. Additionally, the Company announces that David Hodge has resigned as director of the Company. Mr. Hodge was a founding member of the board of Core Assets Corp. and was instrumental in the transition to a public company in 2019. The board of directors of the Company would like to thank Mr. Hodge for his efforts on behalf of the Company and wishes him and his family well in the future. Mr. Vann has been with the Company since March 2021 and before joining the Core Assets' team worked in Equity Research at PI Financial Corp. on the Special Situations Team. He has extensive experience working in corporate development for publicly and privately listed companies in the natural resource sector. Joshua also brings experience working in Investment Banking across industries such as healthcare, technology, and mining/exploration. Joshua holds a Bachelor of Commerce Degree from McGill University with a Major in Finance. Closing of Private Placement Each Unit is comprised of one common share (each, a "Share") in the capital of the Company and one-half of one transferable Share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase one additional Share (each, a "Warrant Share") for a period of two years from the closing date (the "Closing Date") at an exercise price of $0.22 per Warrant Share. Each FT Unit is comprised of one common share (each, a "FT Share") in the capital of the Company issued as a "flow-through share" within the meaning of the Income Tax Act (Canada) and one-half of one transferable common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "FT Warrant"). Each whole FT Warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase one additional common share in the capital of the Company (each, a "FT Warrant Share") for a period of two years from the Closing Date at an exercise price of $0.22 per FT Warrant Share. The Company paid cash finder's fees of $217,137.48 and issued 1,543,157 broker warrants (each, a "Broker Warrant") to certain finders. Each Broker Warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase one additional common share in the capital of the Company (each, a "Broker Warrant Share") for a period of two years from the Closing Date at an exercise price of $0.12 per Broker Warrant Share. All securities issued in connection with the Offering are subject to a four-month and a day hold as required under applicable securities laws. The Company intends to use the proceeds from the sale of Units for general working capital and exploration expenses. The gross proceeds from the sale of the FT Units will be used by the Company to incur eligible "Canadian exploration expenses" that will qualify as "flow-through mining expenditures" as such terms are defined in the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the "Qualifying Expenditures") related to the Company's Blue Property located in British Columbia, Canada on or before December 31, 2024. All Qualifying Expenditures will be renounced in favour of the subscribers effective December 31, 2023. Nicholas Rodway, the Chief Executive Officer and a director of the Company, acquired 110,000 FT Units under the Offering, Joshua Vann, the VP of Business Development and Strategy and a director of the Company acquired 36,000 FT Units, Sean Charland, a director of the Company, acquired 200,000 FT Units under the Offering, and Monica Barrington, VP of Exploration acquired 35,800 FT Units, each of which constitutes a "related party transaction" within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The issuance to the insiders is exempt from the valuation requirement of MI 61-101 by virtue of the exemption contained in section 5.5(b) as the Company's shares are not listed on a specified market and from the minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 by virtue of the exemption contained in section 5.7(a) of MI 61-101 in that the fair market value of the consideration of the securities issued to the related parties did not exceed 25% of the Company's market capitalization None of the securities sold in connection with the Offering will be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and no such securities may be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. About Core Assets Corp. Core Assets Corp. is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on the acquisition and development of mineral projects in British Columbia, Canada. The Company currently holds 100% ownership in the Blue Property, which covers a land area of 111,747.96 ha (~1,117 km). The Blue Property lies within the Atlin Mining District, a well-known gold mining camp located in the unceded territory of the Taku River Tlingit First Nation and the Carcross/Tagish First Nation. The Blue Property hosts a major structural feature known as The Llewellyn Fault Zone ("LFZ"). This structure is approximately 140 km in length and runs from the Tally-Ho Shear Zone in the Yukon, south through the Blue Property to the Alaskan Panhandle Juneau Ice Sheet in the United States. Core Assets believes that the south Atlin Lake area and the LFZ has been neglected since the last major exploration campaigns in the 1980's. The LFZ plays an important role in mineralization of near surface metal occurrences across the Blue Property. The past 50 years have seen substantial advancements in the understanding of porphyry, skarn, and carbonate replacement type deposits both globally and in BC's Golden Triangle. The Company has leveraged this information at the Blue Property to tailor an already proven exploration model and believes this could facilitate a major discovery. Core Assets is excited to become one of Atlin Mining District's premier explorers where its team believes there are substantial opportunities for new discoveries and development in the area. On Behalf of the Board of Directors CORE ASSETS CORP. "Nicholas Rodway" President & CEO Tel: 604.681.1568 Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS Statements in this news release which are not purely historical are forward-looking statements, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations, or intentions regarding the future. Forward-looking statements in this news release include statements regarding the Offering, the use of proceeds of the Offering, the expectation that the Company will incur "Canadian exploration expenses" that will qualify as "flow-through mining expenditures" and that the Company will renounce all Qualifying Expenditures; the Company's 2024 exploration plans to continue to delineate the CRD and to test IP anomalies derived from the 2023 exploration program; that the Company's exploration model could facilitate a major discovery at the Blue Property; that the Company anticipates it can become one of the Atlin Mining District's premier explorers and that there are substantial opportunities for new discoveries and development in this area. It is important to note that the Company's actual business outcomes and exploration results could differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties include that the Company may be unable to incur the Qualifying Expenditures that the Company's exploration model may fail to facilitate any commercial discovery of minerals at the Blue Property; that the Company may not become one of Atlin Mining District's premier explorers or that the area may be found to lack opportunities for new discoveries and development, as anticipated; that further permits may not be granted in a timely manner, or at all; that the mineral claims may prove to be unworthy of further expenditure; there may not be an economic mineral resource; that certain exploration methods, including the Company's proposed exploration model for the Blue Property, may be ineffective or inadequate in the circumstances; that economic, competitive, governmental, geopolitical, environmental and technological factors may affect the Company's operations, markets, products and prices; our specific plans and timing drilling, field work and other plans may change; we may not have access to or be able to develop any minerals because of cost factors, type of terrain, or availability of equipment and technology; and we may also not raise sufficient funds to carry out or complete our plans. Additional risk factors are discussed in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in the Company's Management Discussion and Analysis for its recently completed fiscal period, which is available under the Company's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com. Except as required by law, the Company will not update or revise these forward-looking statements after the date of this document or to revise them to reflect the occurrence of future unanticipated events. SOURCE: Core Assets Corp. View source version on accesswire.com: Funds will support more than 60 feeding programs throughout November Effort will spotlight organizations that work to reduce lack of consistent healthy meals across the state GREENVILLE, SC / ACCESSWIRE / November 17, 2023 / There's a nip in the air, the leaves are changing color and - for many - thoughts rightly begin to turn toward gatherings around holiday dinner tables. Unfortunately, not everyone has access to healthy meals this or any time of year. In fact, more than 500,000 South Carolinians lack consistent access to high-quality meals, and 1 in 8 of those are children. "That's why it's important for Duke Energy to support the organizations who do the great work to fight hunger across our state," said Mike Callahan, Duke Energy's South Carolina state president. "Our hope is by shining a light on these efforts, these organizations will continue to receive the support they need to help reduce and hopefully one day eliminate hunger in our communities." Duke Energy will kick off a monthlong campaign to support organizations in South Carolina that address food insecurities and inequities across the state. Duke Energy's monthlong initiative will provide nearly $400,000 to more than 60 feeding programs leading up to the Thanksgiving holiday and will support organizations including Mill Village Farms, FoodShare South Carolina, Harvest Hope Food Bank and AIM, among many others. "These organizations are fighting the good fight every day in our communities, but they cannot do it alone," Callahan said. To celebrate the start of the monthlong campaign, Duke Energy is joining Mill Village Farms, WYFF and Bons Secours Wellness Arena for this year's Yam Jam on Nov. 2 in Greenville. The community event will feature more than 160 volunteers from companies and organizations around Greenville. Participants will bag more than 50,000 pounds of sweet potatoes for Thanksgiving food boxes to be distributed by FoodShare South Carolina hubs and other food programs across South Carolina. Additionally, the Duke Energy Foundation will contribute $100,000 to FoodShare South Carolina organizations across the company's service territory, including $35,000 to Mill Village Farms. "We believe that access to healthy food is not a privilege - it's a fundamental human right," said Dan Weidenbenner, Executive Director of Mill Village Farms and Mill Village Ministries. "We are proud to support the FoodShare South Carolina organizations across the state that work to ensure that everyone has access to fresh fruits and vegetables regardless of where they live or how much they make. We know the need is not diminishing as we head into the holiday season and are grateful for Duke Energy's efforts to help us ensure that every neighbor has access to the fresh, healthy food they deserve." In addition to presenting Yam Jam, Duke Energy employees and retirees will also provide their time and talents volunteering with these and other organizations throughout the month to assist in packing and distributing food boxes, as well as providing sweat equity to other feeding programs in their neighborhoods. Every bit of support to local food banks or soup kitchens is helpful any time of year but particularly during the holiday season. It could be as simple as a couple of hours of your time or even a monetary donation, but anything you can contribute will make a difference. To find a community feeding partner near you, search online at SC211.org or text "FOOD" to 211211. Duke Energy Foundation The Duke Energy Foundation provides more than $30 million annually in philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities where Duke Energy customers live and work. The foundation is funded by Duke Energy shareholders. Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America's largest energy holding companies. Its electric utilities serve 8.2 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 50,000 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas unit serves 1.6 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky. The company employs 27,600 people. Duke Energy is executing an aggressive clean energy transition to achieve its goals of net-zero methane emissions from its natural gas business by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions from electricity generation by 2050. The company has interim carbon emission targets of at least 50% reduction from electric generation by 2030, 50% for Scope 2 and certain Scope 3 upstream and downstream emissions by 2035, and 80% from electric generation by 2040. In addition, the company is investing in major electric grid enhancements and energy storage, and exploring zero-emission power generation technologies such as hydrogen and advanced nuclear. Duke Energy was named to Fortune's 2023 "World's Most Admired Companies" list and Forbes' "World's Best Employers" list. More information is available at duke-energy.com. The Duke Energy News Center contains news releases, fact sheets, photos and videos. Duke Energy's illumination features stories about people, innovations, community topics and environmental issues. Follow Duke Energy on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook. View original content here. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Duke Energy on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Duke Energy Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/duke-energy Email: [email protected] SOURCE: Duke Energy View source version on accesswire.com: Black Friday deals experts at Deal Tomato round-up the early Shinola offers for Black Friday 2023, identifying the best offers on men's & women's watches, bags & jewelry. BOSTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / November 17, 2023 / A round-up of the early Shinola Black Friday 2023 offers, including a review of the available deals on leather and stainless steel watches, alongside jewelry and bags. Links to the available offers found by the team are listed below. Top Shinola Watch Picks: More Shinola Picks: Deal Tomato earns commissions from purchases made using the links provided. Shinola has rapidly garnered attention for its dedication to quality craftsmanship and local manufacturing. Established in 2011, the brand has become synonymous with a resurgence in American manufacturing, particularly in sectors of luxury watches and leather goods. Through a combination of meticulous design and an emphasis on community, Shinola represents a fusion of modern luxury with traditional values. The company's story offers a glimpse into the potential for urban renewal through industry, highlighting the significant impact that focused branding and local commitment can have on a city's economic and cultural resurgence. Black Friday, a significant date in the retail calendar, is set to fall on November 24 in 2023. This day, traditionally following Thanksgiving, marks the unofficial commencement of the holiday shopping season. Retailers across the board gear up for this anticipated event with exclusive promotions, and Detroit-based company Shinola is no exception. Recognized for its premium craftsmanship in watches, leather goods, and more, Shinola is preparing to unveil its offerings for the occasion. As consumers are increasingly looking for quality and longevity in their purchases, brands like Shinola stand out for their commitment to both design excellence and sustainability. While the broader retail industry speculates about trends and consumer behaviors for the upcoming Black Friday, eyes will be on brands like Shinola to see how they navigate and capitalize on this pivotal shopping day. About Deal Tomato: Deal Tomato reports on popular sales events. As an affiliate Deal Tomato earns from qualifying purchases. Contact Information Andy Mathews Director, Nicely Network [email protected] SOURCE: Deal Tomato View source version on accesswire.com: The top early Verizon Fios Home Internet deals for Black Friday 2023, featuring all the latest Verizon TV package & phone plan bundle offers BOSTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / November 17, 2023 / Black Friday experts are identifying the best early Verizon Fios Home Internet deals for Black Friday 2023, including the latest deals on Verizon fiber internet, phone plan bundles & TV packages. Shop the latest deals using the links below. Best Verizon Fios Home Internet Deals: Best Verizon Wireless Deals: For more savings, Saver Trends recommends checking out Walmart's Black Friday sale. Saver Trends earns commissions from purchases made using the links provided. About Saver Trends: Saver Trends research and share online sales news. As an affiliate Saver Trends earns from qualifying purchases. Contact Information Andy Mathews Director, Nicely Network [email protected] SOURCE: Saver Trends View source version on accesswire.com: BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA / ACCESSWIRE / November 17, 2023 / Central Puerto (NYSE: CEPU) initiated the project to convert the Brigadier Lopez open cycle Thermoelectric Plant into a combined cycle. The power station is located in the Sauce Viejo industrial park (Route 11, KM 455), 22 km from Santa Fe capital city. The company committed an estimated investment of US$ 150 million. The plant, which has a dual-fuel Siemens SGT5-4000 F gas turbine with a total nominal power of 292 MW, will increase its capacity by 140MW thanks to the closing cycle. This means that total power output will reach 432MW, enough to supply more than 300,000 homes throughout the country, by injecting power to the interconnected system through the 132kV connection. In the first stage, the project will prompt the creation of more than 130 jobs (both direct and indirect workers). With time, as the project moves forward, more local suppliers are expected to be incorporated.. In this regard, Fernando Bonnet, General Manager of Central Puerto, said: "From the moment we acquired the power plant, we took all the necessary steps to create the conditions that allowed us to carry out this complex work in the best way, making it a priority to undergo the revisions, improvements and adaptations that will allow the existing facilities to be optimized and modernized. The importance of this work lies not only in the efficiency that the new combined cycle will achieve, being among the most efficient in the country, but also in the fact that it will be able to use natural gas provided by Vaca Muerta. The gaseous fluid will reach the power plant through the gas pipeline recently inaugurated and the northern gas pipeline, which operation is being transformed to move fluids in the south-north direction. Thus, Brigadier Lopez Thermal Power Plant will use natural gas most of the time, increasing its dispatch. We are very proud to launch this project that means optimization of resources, growth and diversification of the company's energy matrix. Furthermore, taking into consideration that the power plant will use mostly natural gas, it will also contribute to the energy transition." Operation of a Combined Cycle Power Plant An open cycle thermal plant produces electrical energy through a generator driven by an internal combustion turbine, with natural gas as the main fuel used in this type of turbines. Closing the cycle implies the installation of a recovery boiler that uses the heat from the combustion gases of that gas turbine to produce steam to drive a second turbine, a steam one. Another generator is coupled to this steam turbine, making it possible to increase energy output without additional fuel and therefore making the facility more efficient. -In addition to this, the exhaust gases after the heat recovery process finish with a low temperature, diminishing the environmental impact. (See attached infographic). The plant is located within the Sauce Viejo Industrial Park, where Central Puerto takes part also in other areas: safety and hygiene, human resources and nursing. The company also participated in the construction of the medical center that provides health assistance to all companies within the industrial park and the entire community. Central Puerto also donated IT equipment to different educational and security institutions. Source: Central Puerto. About Central Puerto S.A.: Central Puerto is the largest power generation company in Argentina. Operating 14 power plants with diversified technologies, employing more than 1,000 people and with a 16.2% market share thanks to its operational excellence and profitability. Its mission is to produce energy in an efficient and sustainable manner in harmony with the environment. At the same time, the company aims to supply demand and manage its business by generating value for all stakeholders. Currently, the Company has an installed capacity of more than 7,100 MW. https://www.centralpuerto.com Contact Information: Corporate Finance & IR Manager Pablo Calderone Tel: (+54 11) 4317 5000 Ext: 2519 Email: [email protected] Investor Relations Website: https://investors.centralpuerto.com/ SOURCE: Central Puerto S.A. View source version on accesswire.com: Food for Health program opens first Baltimore location with holiday-themed community event to provide free turkeys and other Thanksgiving fixings BALTIMORE--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) will open its first local Food for Health food pantry this Saturday, November 18, 2023 just in time for Thanksgiving. To kick off its arrival in Baltimore, Food for Health will host special holiday-themed food distribution event. The pantry is free and open to the public, and staff and volunteers will distribute turkeys and other Thanksgiving fixings. WHAT: Food for Health Free Community Farmers Market & Thanksgiving Turkeys Giveaway WHERE: 2510 Saint Paul Street, Baltimore, MD 21218 WHEN: Saturday, November 18, 9am-12:00 noon (or until food runs out) AHF launched its Food for Health program in Los Angeles, CA in August 2021 in response to the ongoing food crisis driven by the COVID-19 pandemic. As this crisis persists and soaring living costs contribute to the escalating number of food-insecure individuals, AHF is taking proactive steps to continue to help those in need. The Baltimore Food for Health pantry will provide an array of fresh, wholesome items, including vegetables, fruits, milk, eggs, and bread each week. Baltimore, with a staggering food insecurity rate of 21.3 per 100,000 residents, stands as the state's epicenter of this crisis. Shockingly, 83% of those facing food insecurity are ineligible for government assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), leaving more than eight out of 10 individuals without crucial support. Compounding the issue, the average meal in the county costs $3.32, creating an annual shortfall of approximately $74,689 for food-insecure families in Baltimore. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231115366132/en/ Carlos Marroquin, National Director, AHFs Food for Health +1.323.592.4663 [email protected] Ged Kenslea, Senior Director, AHF Communications +1.323.791.5526 [email protected] Source: AIDS Healthcare Foundation HONG KONG--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating (Long-Term ICR) of a+ (Excellent) of China Reinsurance (Group) Corporation (China Re) (China) and its subsidiaries. The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable. (See below for a detailed listing of the companies.) The ratings of China Re reflect its balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as very strong, as well as its adequate operating performance, favourable business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management. China Res consolidated risk-adjusted capitalisation remained at the strongest level at year-end 2022, as measured by Bests Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR). Total capital and surplus declined by 7.3% to RMB 94.7 billion (USD 13.7 billion) as net profits were more than offset by an unfavourable decline in investment fair values and dividend payouts. Going forward, AM Best expects that China Res capital position will return to moderate growth and remain supportive of its continued growth in underwriting and asset risks over the short to intermediate term. China Re has demonstrated good access to funding in the equity and debt capital markets, while its financial leverage remains at the low to moderate level. The companys investment portfolio mix was largely stable with good liquidity. The company has been consistently profitable over the past five years, with an average return-on-equity ratio of 5.0% (2018-2022), mainly supported by returns on interest income sourced from fixed-income investments, which comprise the majority of its investment portfolio. In terms of underwriting results, the companys domestic property/casualty (P/C) reinsurance segment continued to deliver a stable yet thin margin. Conversely, the overseas P/C reinsurance segment recovered from the negative impacts from COVID-19 in 2020 and remained favourable in 2021 and 2022, despite being partially encumbered by losses and provisions related to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and natural catastrophes in some overseas markets in 2022 and thus far in 2023. China Res life reinsurance profitability was lower in 2022 than in recent years, while the group continued to adjust its book of business to meet its clients needs. China Re maintains the leading position in its domestic P/C and life reinsurance markets, as well as being a top-ranked company in the countrys primary P/C segment. The group benefits from the successful integration with Chaucer, the collective franchise comprising China Re International Holdings Limited, Chaucer Insurance Company Designated Activity Company and China Re Australia HoldCo Pty Ltd, which continues to be the major driver of overseas P/C reinsurance revenue and helps strengthen the groups business footprint in the global reinsurance market. The top-line performance of the companys domestic P/C reinsurance segment has remained resilient over the past few years. Notwithstanding, the companys life reinsurance segment experienced fast-changing market conditions. Robust growth in domestic savings-type products since 2022 was more than offset by the material shrinkage in domestic financial reinsurance and overseas savings-type businesses. The ratings also recognise the strategic role China Re has in supporting the continuous development of Chinas insurance and reinsurance industry. There is a high likelihood of government support given China Res status as the sole state-owned reinsurance group in the country, through the 11.45% stake owned directly by the Ministry of Finance of the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) and the 71.56% stake owned by Central Huijin Investment Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of the PRCs sovereign wealth fund, the China Investment Corporation. Positive rating actions could occur if China Re demonstrates a major improvement in its balance sheet strength by sustainably strengthening its capital position through operating earnings without adverse underwriting results or investment volatility. Negative rating actions could occur if the companys consolidated risk-adjusted capitalisation decreases significantly or its leverage ratio increases substantially. Negative rating actions could also occur if the group exhibits a sustained deteriorating trend in its operating performance, for example, due to adverse macroeconomic or capital market conditions. The FSR of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term ICR of a+ (Excellent) have been affirmed, with stable outlooks, for the following subsidiaries of China Reinsurance (Group) Corporation: China Property & Casualty Reinsurance Company Ltd. China Life Reinsurance Company Ltd. China Continent Property & Casualty Insurance Company Ltd. China Reinsurance (Hong Kong) Company Limited Chaucer Insurance Company Designated Activity Company Ratings are communicated to rated entities prior to publication. Unless stated otherwise, the ratings were not amended subsequent to that communication. This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on AM Bests website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see AM Bests Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Guide to Bests Credit Ratings. For information on the proper use of Bests Credit Ratings, Bests Performance Assessments, Bests Preliminary Credit Assessments and AM Best press releases, please view Guide to Proper Use of Bests Ratings & Assessments. AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specialising in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City. For more information, visit www.ambest.com. Copyright 2023 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231117530760/en/ James Chan Director, Analytics +852 2827 3418 [email protected] Christie Lee Senior Director, Analytics +852 2827 3413 [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 CHARLOTTETOWN, Prince Edward Island--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Today BIOVECTRA celebrates the completion of its $90 million plus biologics expansion at the companys new state-of-the-art Biomanufacturing Centre with project partners the Government of Canada and Government of Prince Edward Island. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231117977018/en/ New Process Development Science Laboratory specializes in mRNA, pDNA, and LNP work (Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada). (Photo: Business Wire) This expansion places BIOVECTRA at the forefront of supporting the next generation of treatments for todays rare and incurable diseases and producing vaccines to tackle future pandemics, said BIOVECTRA CEO Oliver Technow. Today also marks a milestone in the accelerated growth of Atlantic Canadas bioscience sector and celebrates the creation of highly skilled careers in life sciences. BIOVECTRAs expansion was realized on an ambitious 18-month timeline, from groundbreaking to completion, and adds Canadian-based solutions to a global effort to deliver the next generation of patient care through mRNA vaccines and therapeutics. This suite of BIOVECTRA capabilities specialized in mRNA, pDNA, lipid nanoparticle and fill / finish work is unique and the first of its kind in Canada. It marks a milestone in Canadas strategy for better preparedness in a future health crisis by creating specialized domestic biomanufacturing capacity. Todays grand opening of BIOVECTRAs new state-of-the-art facility strengthens Atlantic Canadas status as a hub for biomanufacturing and life sciences. Our Governments participation to this project is another important step towards cementing Canadas position as a global leader in the sector. It enables BioVectra to boost Canadas domestic production capacity for vaccines and therapeutics for Canadians, while building a strong life and science sector and creating hundreds of well-paying jobs in the region. The Honourable Francois-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry BIOVECTRAs expansion into mRNA vaccines and therapeutics puts Prince Edward Island on the map as a global player in the manufacturing of drug therapeutics, says Premier Dennis King. This work will help to make the next generation of life-saving treatments available to Islanders, Canadians and all global citizens while having positive ripple effects for into PEIs health, education and labour market sectors. mRNA and pDNA products are emerging globally as the next generation of solutions for improved patient care. From research discovery through to final commercial vials, BIOVECTRA can support clients from biotech start-ups to blue-chip pharmaceutical companies with their mRNA / pDNA drug product projects from its Atlantic Canada-based operations. Expansion Recap New Biomanufacturing Centre (Charlottetown, PEI): 36,000 square feet of cGMP manufacturing space for mRNA, pDNA and Lipid Nano Particle formulation. Vaccine and therapeutic production capacity for 160 million doses per year and fill/finish capacity for 70 million doses per year for commercial distribution. (Charlottetown, PEI): 36,000 square feet of cGMP manufacturing space for mRNA, pDNA and Lipid Nano Particle formulation. Vaccine and therapeutic production capacity for 160 million doses per year and fill/finish capacity for 70 million doses per year for commercial distribution. Specialized Process Development Science Laboratories (Dartmouth, NS & Charlottetown, PEI): 27,000 combined square feet of large molecule process science and analytical laboratories for mRNA, pDNA, LNP and protein-based vaccines and therapeutics. (Dartmouth, NS & Charlottetown, PEI): 27,000 combined square feet of large molecule process science and analytical laboratories for mRNA, pDNA, LNP and protein-based vaccines and therapeutics. Single-Use Biologics Fermentation Suite (Windsor, NS): pDNA and protein by microbial fermentation in a cGMP facility running 100 litre to 1,000 litre batches. It is the only single-use suite of its kind in Canada. (Windsor, NS): pDNA and protein by microbial fermentation in a cGMP facility running 100 litre to 1,000 litre batches. It is the only single-use suite of its kind in Canada. Creates research partnerships and new development opportunities for professionals in the Life Sciences and biomanufacturing sector, including the addition of 125 new positions in PEI and NS and up to 225 co-op terms. About Us BIOVECTRA (www.biovectra.com) is a global biotech and pharmaceutical CDMO (contract development and manufacturing organization) that specializes in clinical-to-commercial scale production capabilities for: biologics, small molecules, bioreagents, lipids, pDNA, mRNA and LNP manufacturing and fill finish for drug products. Flexibility, creativity, process optimization and compliance are at the heart of our method. With more than 50 years of experience, over 600 employees, and cGMP facilities in Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia, Canada, we assure our programs advance on time and with the highest quality outcomes. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231117977018/en/ BIOVECTRA Business Contact Jessica Madigan Director, Business Development [email protected] 1-858-442-3940 BIOVECTRA Media Contact Bobbi Jo Walker Director, Corporate Communications [email protected] 902-218-7649 Source: BIOVECTRA SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Earlier today, California American Water filed with the California Public Utilities Commission its partial settlement agreement for its statewide General Rate Case to set revenue for 2024 to 2026. The filing memorializes the settlement agreement reached with the Commissions Public Advocates Office. Remaining topics, such as rate design and revenue stabilization mechanisms, were the subject of hearings held in October 2023 and remain pending. Under the terms of the settlement, California American Water is entitled to additional annualized water and wastewater revenue increases of $19.96 million in test year 2024, $15.51 million for escalation year 2025 and $15.44 million for attrition year 2026. The settlement agreement also strengthens California American Waters Customer Assistance Program discounts from 20 percent to 25 percent off the typical bill for qualified residential customers in Northern and Southern California and from 30 percent to 35 percent in Central California. Rate cases are legal proceedings used to address the capital investment needed for infrastructure, the costs of operating and maintaining the utility system and the allocation of those costs among customer classes. Regulated water utilities like California American Water are required by law to file a General Rate Case every three years with the CPUC to set revenues and rates. California American Water will prepare to implement the new rates retroactively to January 1, 2024, upon receiving the CPUCs decision on the settlement agreement and outstanding topics related to rate design and revenue stabilization mechanisms. While other parties are involved in this General Rate Case, the settlement announced today is with the California Public Advocates Office. Customers will receive more information ahead of the implementation of new rates in each of California American Waters water and wastewater service areas, as well as information about customer assistance and conservation programs. 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 across 14 regulated jurisdictions and 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 (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. About California American Water California American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, provides high-quality and reliable water and wastewater services to approximately 700,000 people. Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, the CPUCs final decision concerning the partial settlement agreement, and the timing of that decision, the resolution of unresolved issues, and the timing of the implementation of new rates if the partial settlement agreement is approved. These statements are based on the current expectations of management of California American Water. There are a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements, including with respect to (1) the receipt of a final decision issued by the CPUC as to the partial settlement agreement; (2) the resolution by the CPUC of issues in California American Waters general rate case not addressed by the partial settlement agreement, including the inclusion and implementation of a revenue stabilization mechanism; (3) the terms of the general rate case as reflected in the CPUCs final decision (including, without limitation, with respect to any total annualized revenue increase reflected in the partial settlement agreement); (4) the timing of the CPUCs final decision and the implementation of new rates; (5) the occurrence of benefits to California American Water arising from the CPUCs final decision; (6) unexpected costs, liabilities or delays associated with the resolution of California American Waters general rate case; (7) regulatory, legislative, local, municipal or other actions adversely affecting California American Water specifically or the water and wastewater industries generally, including with respect to the potential condemnation of California American Waters water system assets located on the Monterey peninsula; and (8) other economic, business and other factors. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231117852535/en/ Media Evan Jacobs External Affairs 707-495-6135 [email protected] Source: California American Water SPOKANE, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Clearwater Paper Corporation (NYSE: CLW) today announced that President and Chief Executive Officer Arsen Kitch and Senior Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer Sherri Baker will attend Citi's 2023 Basic Materials Conference in New York City on Wednesday, November 29, 2023. Mr. Kitch and Ms. Baker will be available for one-on-one and small-group meetings. ABOUT CLEARWATER PAPER Clearwater Paper is a premier supplier of private brand tissue to major retailers, including grocery, club, mass merchants, and discount stores. In addition, the company produces bleached paperboard used by quality-conscious printers and packaging converters, and offers services that include custom sheeting, slitting, and cutting. Clearwater Paper's employees build shareholder value by developing strong relationships through quality and service. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231117363409/en/ Investors: Sloan Bohlen Solebury Strategic Communications 509.344.5906 [email protected] Media: Julia Joy Clearwater Paper Corporation 509.344. 5953 [email protected] Source: Clearwater Paper Corporation Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez narrowly won a second term during parliamentary elections Thursday after approving an amnesty deal for Catalonian separatists that polarized the nation but secured him the necessary votes among lawmakers from the country's north. After taking a razor-thin majority in the lower parliament -- 179 votes of confidence out of a total of 350 lawmakers -- Sanchez, a socialist, avoided a national election that could have seen him replaced as public opinion of him wanes. Hundreds of thousands of Spaniards have taken to the streets to protest Sanchez's decision to grant amnesty to Catalonian separatists, who last rallied for secession in 2017. Detractors say Sanchez's deal was unconstitutional, but for the prime minister, it was a sure avenue to reelection, settling months of uncertainty over who would lead the nation for the next four years. In July, Spain held national elections. Sanchez's center-right opposition, the Popular Party, received more votes but failed to take power because of its alliance with the hard-right Vox party, which came in third. Thursday's vote in the parliament means that Sanchez can now build a new progressive coalition to advance his pro-European Union policies, which have invigorated the nation's economy. Not for distribution in the United States or to U.S. newswire services OTTAWA--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Edgewater Wireless Systems Inc. (TSX-V: YFI) (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 finders fees of up to 7% of the gross proceeds of the Offering, payable in cash. In addition, finders may receive share purchase warrants (the Finders 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 Companys 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. The Offering will also be available to existing shareholders of the Company, who, as of the close of business on November 16, 2023, held securities of the Company (and who continue to hold such securities as of the closing date), pursuant to the prospectus exemption set out in Section 2.9 of OSC Rule 45-501 Distributions of Existing Security Holders and in similar instruments in other jurisdictions in Canada (the Existing Shareholders Exemption). The Existing Shareholder Exemption limits a shareholder to a maximum investment of $15,000 in a 12-month period unless the shareholder has obtained advice regarding the suitability of the investment and, if the shareholder is a resident in a jurisdiction of Canada, that advice has been obtained from a person that is registered as an investment dealer in jurisdiction. If the Company receives subscriptions from investors relying on the Existing Shareholder Exemption exceeding the maximum Offering, the Company may adjust the subscriptions received on a pro-rata basis. About Edgewater Wireless We make Wi-Fi. Better. Edgewater Wireless is the industry leader in innovative Spectrum 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, Edgewaters Spectrum Slicing technology revolutionizes Wi-Fi, delivering next-generation Wi-Fi today. Edgewaters 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 Companys 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/20231117044673/en/ Edgewater Wireless: Andrew Skafel, President and CEO E: [email protected] Bill Mitoulas, Investor Relations E: [email protected] T: +1.416.479.9547 Source: Edgewater Wireless Systems Inc. DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) is pleased to announce two new members to its Board of Directors (Board) and the re-election of an incumbent director. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231117778480/en/ Brett Seybold (Photo: Business Wire) Brett Seybold, senior vice president and treasurer for the United Services Automobile Association (USAA), headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, was elected to a member director position representing Texas. Karuna Annavajjala, vice president and chief information officer for Silicon Labs in Austin, Texas, was elected to an independent director seat and Felipe A. Rael, executive director of the Greater Albuquerque Housing Partnership (GAHP) in New Mexico, was re-elected to the public interest independent director seat. All three of these directors bring niche experience in housing development, technology and finance. Their expertise and leadership are a welcome addition as we continue to execute on our core mission, said FHLB Dallas President and CEO Sanjay Bhasin. We look forward to working with them. In his current position, Mr. Seybold is responsible for USAAs more than $200 billion balance sheet, capital management, liquidity, capital markets, rating agencies and investment portfolios. Additionally, he is responsible for USAAs stress tests, financial analytics, economic capital modeling and other heightened standard requirements on banks with more than $100 billion in assets. Ms. Annavajjala has served in her role at Silicon Labs since joining the company in May 2020. Prior to joining Silicon Labs, Ms. Annavajjala has held leadership roles focused on technology transformation and global IT delivery at various financial services and insurance organizations. Mr. Rael has served as executive director of GAHP since December 2014. Prior to joining GAHP, Mr. Rael served as director of housing development for the New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority from February 2009 to December 2014. All three directors have four-year terms that begin January 1, 2024 and end December 31, 2027. About the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas is one of 11 district banks in the FHLBank System created by Congress in 1932. FHLB Dallas, with total assets of $147.6 billion as of September 30, 2023, is a member-owned cooperative that supports housing and community development by providing competitively priced loans and other credit products to approximately 800 members and associated institutions in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico and Texas. For more information, visit our website at fhlb.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231117778480/en/ Corporate Communications Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas fhlb.com, (214) 441-8445 Source: Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas FOX News Digital Leads News Brands with Multiplatform Views and Minutes, Posting Monthly and Yearly Growth FOX News Digital Leads News Brands with Social Media Interactions for 110th Consecutive Month NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- FOX News Digital finished October marking 32 consecutive months as the top news brand with multiplatform minutes, according to Comscore. FOX News Digital also led news brands with multiplatform views and saw both monthly and yearly growth with multiplatform views, multiplatform minutes and multiplatform unique visitors. FOX News Digital closed out the month reaching 3.4 billion total multiplatform minutes, 1.8 billion total multiplatform views, and 92 million multiplatform unique visitors.* FOX News Digital was also the top news brand with 2.8 average views per visit. Additionally, the FOX News Mobile App reached 6.3 million unique visitors in October.** FOX News was once again the most engaged brand on social media in the competitive set in October, with 23.8 million total social interactions, notching the 110th consecutive month FOX News has placed on top, according to Emplifi. FOX News drove 6.2 million interactions on Facebook, 15.2 million Instagram interactions and 2.2 million X interactions, seeing month-over-month gains across all platforms. On YouTube, FOX News secured 250 million video views, seeing 65% month-over-month growth, according to Shareablee.**** FOXBusiness.com drove 194 million multiplatform views (+37% versus the year prior), surpassing CNN Business for the 19th consecutive month and Bloomberg.com for the 30th consecutive month. Additionally, the business network delivered 255 million multiplatform minutes and 22.8 million multiplatform unique visitors.*** FOX Business videos on YouTube remained the most viewed among the business news competitive set for the 23rd straight month, achieving 69.0 million views in October, seeing 23% growth year-over-year, according to Shareablee.***** OCTOBER 2023 FOX NEWS DIGITAL VS. CNN.COM AND NYTIMES.COM Multi-Platform Total Views FOX News Digital 1,843,000,000 (up 23% vs. October 2022) CNN.com 1,392,000,000 (up 6% vs. October 2022) NYTimes.com 1,456,000,000 (up 13% vs. October 2022) Multi-Platform Total Minutes FOX News Digital 3,443,000,000 (up 34% vs. October 2022) CNN.com 2,236,000,000 (down 2% vs. October 2022) NYTimes.com 1,544,000,000 (up 18% vs. October 2022) Multi-Platform Unique Visitors FOX News Digital - 91,801,000 (up 15% vs. October 2022) CNN.com 129,339,000 (up 16% vs. October 2022) NYTimes.com 74,770,000 (down 8% vs. October 2022) FOX News Media operates the FOX News Channel (FNC), FOX Business Network (FBN), FOX News Digital, FOX News Audio, FOX News Books, the direct-to-consumer streaming services FOX Nation and FOX News International and the free ad-supported television service FOX Weather. Currently the number one network in all of cable, FNC has also been the most watched television news channel for more than 21 consecutive years, while FBN is the top business channel on cable. Owned by Fox Corporation, FOX News Media reaches nearly 200 million people each month. *Source: Comscore Media Metrix Multi-Platform, Desktop & Mobile, Total Audience, Custom-Defined List including CNN.com, NBCNews.com, ABCNews.com, CBSNews.com, Fox News Digital, WashingtonPost.com, NYTimes.com, NYPost Network, Wall Street Journal Online, Insider Inc., and USAToday.com, October 2023, U.S. **Source: Comscore Media Metrix Multi-Platform, Desktop & Mobile, Total Audience, Custom-Defined List including CNN.com, NBCNews.com, ABCNews.com, CBSNews.com, Fox News Digital, WashingtonPost.com, NYTimes.com, NYPost Network, Wall Street Journal Online, Insider Inc., and USAToday.com, October 2023, U.S. & Comscore Mobile Metrix, Mobile App Only, [FOX News Mobile App and CNN Mobile App], October 2023, U.S. ***Source: Comscore Media Metrix Multi-Platform, Desktop & Mobile, Total Audience, Custom-Defined List including FoxBusiness.com, Bloomberg.com, CNBC.com, CNN Business, Entrepreneur.com, Forbes.com, HuffPost Business, MarketWatch, Motley Fool, MSN Money, TheStreet.com, USA TODAY Money, WSJ Online, Yahoo! Finance, October 2023, U.S. ****Source: Comscore Social, PowerRankings, YouTube, October 2023, Report Date: 11/16/2023. Custom-Defined List including CNN.com, NBCNews.com, ABCNews.com, CBSNews.com, Fox News Digital, WashingtonPost.com, NYTimes.com, NYPost Network, Wall Street Journal Online, Insider Inc., and USAToday.com. *****Source: Comscore Social, PowerRankings, YouTube, October 2023, Report Date: 11/16/2023. Custom-Defined List including FoxBusiness.com, Bloomberg.com, CNBC.com, CNN Business, Entrepreneur.com, Forbes.com, HuffPost Business, MarketWatch, Motley Fool, MSN Money, TheStreet.com, USA TODAY Money, WSJ Online, Yahoo! Finance. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231117780051/en/ FOX News Digital Contact: Connor Smith/212.301.3879 or [email protected] Source: FOX News Digital To meet the demand for reliable AI interventions, Alorica and Genesys are teaming up to unlock the highest value of emerging technology for brands to achieve customer loyalty and optimized business outcomes IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Alorica, a global leader of next generation customer experience solutions, and Genesys, a global cloud leader in AI-powered experience orchestration, together, are enabling brands to drive deeper customer loyalty and improved business outcomes through the transformative potential of AI. To help enterprise clients worldwide offer seamless omnichannel experiences, Alorica has implemented Genesys Cloud CX for its extensive AI and digital capabilities, track-record of innovation and proven resiliency, security and scalability. Coupled with Aloricas managed services, scalable workforce, curriculum-as-a-service and award-winning analytics, Genesys bolsters Alorica IQ--the CX providers digital foundry--to deliver outcome-based technology solutions that map and solve customer pain points. Powered by Genesys leading AI technology, Alorica offers smarter automation, personalization and optimization on behalf of some of the most progressive companies in the world. Currently, Genesys Cloud CX is supporting thousands of Alorica employees in delivering exceptional results for its first wave of global clients spanning diverse industries including fintech, retail, gaming, telecommunication, public sector and more. Some of these initial wins include: Established a more reliable Contact Center as a Service (CCaaS) platform for a national media company with 100% availability from improved connectivity and a more efficient process to resolve issues quickly from improved connectivity and a more efficient process to resolve issues quickly Successfully added digital channels to supplement voice services for a major telecommunication provider, giving 12,000+ B2B customers the ability to communicate seamlessly through their preferred channel on a single platform that supports all interactions the ability to communicate seamlessly through their preferred channel on a single platform that supports all interactions Deployed self-service AI tools to supplement voice and chat for after hours and added email capabilities on behalf of a well-known beauty & skin care company, which led to an immediate 18% customer retention increase; next years plans include launching agent assist, generative AI voice and chat summaries As more enterprises move to the cloud, many of our clients have come to us with the same three key priorities, explained Aloricas Chief Digital Officer Harry Folloder. First, organizations need a reliable platform to support customers and employees globally without disruption. They also need to make digital channels easily accessible and integrated so customers can communicate how they want, when they want. Finally, they want to deploy AI solutions for a variety of support CX needs including self-service, virtual assistant and agent assist. These are the areas where Alorica IQ and Genesys can make the biggest impact together. Many brands rely on their partnership with Alorica to bring innovative technology that helps them engage and build trust with their customers. Through Aloricas partnership with Genesys, the digital CX provider can provide its clients the manpower, technology and vision to support their needs both now and in the future. Using Genesys Cloud CXs extensive generative, conversation and predictive AI capabilities, Alorica enables clients to differentiate in market through intelligent self-service and automation, resulting in stronger human and bot-assisted experiences that drive customer satisfaction, while helping them improve operational efficiency. In addition to increased productivity and enhanced CX, Aloricas transition to cloud from on-premises solutions is a major step toward reaching its sustainability goals as part of its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) commitment. In fact, agents in the cloud can have a carbon footprint of up to nearly 10 times less than on-premises agents, according to a study from 451 Research. Our partnership with Alorica is based on a shared belief in the power of delivering people-centric experiences, stated Brett Weigl, SVP and GM of Digital, AI, and Journey Orchestration at Genesys. Our innovative work with Alorica represents our commitment to ensuring clients are future ready with AI and automation tools for smoother operations and self-servicing. We share a common innovation roadmap that focuses on offering powerful yet easy-to-use technology for more seamless end-to-end experiences, and increased customer trust and loyalty. Discover which AI solutions and CCaaS models are right for your business and how to best implement them as part of your journey mapping by joining Alorica and Genesys on December 12 for a virtual session on AI-Enhanced Contact Centers: Strategies for Success. Learn how to achieve customer satisfaction in an AI-driven environment from Aloricas Chief Digital Officer Harry Folloder and Aloricas Solution Architect Mike Bartley along with Genesys VP of Product Management Jeff Wise and Genesys VP of Commercial Operations for Digital and AI Matthew Saskin. About Alorica Alorica creates insanely great digital customer experiences at scale. Our team of 100,000 solutionists, technologists and operators partner with global brands and disruptive innovators to deliver digitally charged, tailored interactions customers crave. With a track record of creating long-term loyalty, Alorica brings actionable insights, proven processes and CX leadership to transform clients business needs, whether theyre focused on digital optimization, customer engagement or market expansion. Through strategic partnerships with best-in-breed technology, we design, integrate, and optimize digital solutions personalized to reach clients most desired outcomes now and for the future. Alorica drives CX innovation for the best clients around the globe from its award-winning operations in 18 countries worldwide. To learn more, visit www.alorica.com. About Genesys Every year, Genesys orchestrates billions of remarkable customer experiences for organizations in more than 100 countries. Through the power of our cloud, digital and AI technologies, organizations can realize Experience as a Service, our vision for empathetic customer experiences at scale. With Genesys, organizations have the power to deliver proactive, predictive and hyper-personalized experiences to deepen their customer connection across every marketing, sales and service moment on any channel, while also improving employee productivity and engagement. By transforming back-office technology into a modern revenue velocity engine, Genesys enables true intimacy at scale to foster customer trust and loyalty. Visit www.genesys.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231117306745/en/ Sunny Yu -- [email protected] Source: Alorica $9.8m grant will support expansion of manufacturing footprint in Marina, CA State funding will support creation of 690 new roles statewide Enables an acceleration of early manufacturing to support initial commercial operations, targeted for 2025 SANTA CRUZ, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Joby Aviation, Inc. (NYSE: JOBY), a company developing electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for commercial passenger service, today announced it has been awarded a $9.8 million California Competes grant by the Governors Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) to support the Companys continued statewide expansion. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231117213956/en/ Two Joby aircraft at the companys manufacturing and flight testing facilities in Marina, California. Joby Aviation Photo The $9.8 million grant will assist in financing a significant expansion of Jobys facilities in Marina, California supporting higher manufacturing volumes and initial training for pilots and aircraft maintainers as well as continued hiring at the Companys other offices located in San Carlos and Santa Cruz, California. As part of the agreement, Joby has committed to invest $41.3 million and create 690 additional full-time jobs in the state by 2027. The CalCompetes grant enables Joby to accelerate early manufacturing in California to support the Companys ongoing type certification program with the Federal Aviation Administration as well as for initial commercial operations, expected to begin in 2025. Were honored to receive a prestigious CalCompetes grant from our home state of California to support pilot training and the growth of our manufacturing facilities in advance of early operations. Joby was founded in 2009, today employs more than 1,250 people across the state, and were thrilled to be able to keep growing in California as we deliver revolutionary emissions-free flight, said JoeBen Bevirt, Founder and CEO of Joby. The grant will also help expand Jobys existing apprenticeship program, which offers new career opportunities for Salinas Valley residents, starting with paid on-the-job training at Jobys Marina manufacturing facility. Originally established in partnership with the Monterey Bay Drone, Automation and Robotics Technology (DART) Initiative with funding from the James Irvine Foundation, Joby has hired more than 30 composite fabrication, aircraft assembly, and equipment maintenance technicians through the program to date. California Senator Anna Caballero commented, This grant to Joby for their planned manufacturing expansion in Marina, California affirms Californias commitment to build the future of advanced air mobility through a partnership with government, community, and industry, which I like to describe as the Marina Way. The Marina Way can be a model for how we solve climate, housing, and transportation challenges. The passage of my legislation, SB800, will lay out the regulatory framework for Advanced Air Mobility. I am glad to see that Advanced Air Mobility will take flight by 2025. Bruce Delgado, Mayor of Marina, stated, Marina is excited that, with this CalCompetes grant, Joby will be able to expand their production capabilities at our Marina Municipal Airport, creating hundreds of new, local jobs. The funding will also support Joby in expanding their research and development hub here in Marina and continue their success as a leader in the eVTOL industry. Maria Elena Manzo, Project Director of Mujeres en Accion, commented, We are the solutions to each other's problems. Joby has high-road jobs and we have an eager, able and hardworking community ready to contribute to, and benefit from, Joby's success. This is a real partnership, a model of inclusive economic development done with the community, not for the community. We are learning together and ready to do more. While Joby plans to manufacture aircraft in support of initial operations from its California-based facilities, the Company announced in September it will locate its first scaled manufacturing plant in Dayton, Ohio, the birthplace of aviation. Joby plans to build a facility in Dayton capable of delivering up to 500 aircraft per year, supporting up to 2,000 clean manufacturing jobs. Earlier this month, Joby performed its first exhibition flights outside of California, becoming the first company to fly an electric air taxi in New York City, as part of an event held by the citys leadership announcing their intent to electrify the iconic Downtown Manhattan Heliport to enable clean, quiet air travel. Joby currently has more than 160 open positions in California. Interested candidates can find more information and submit an application on the Companys Careers page. About Joby Joby Aviation, Inc. (NYSE: JOBY) is a California-based transportation company developing an all-electric, vertical take-off and landing air taxi which it intends to operate as part of a fast, quiet, and convenient service in cities around the world. To learn more, visit www.jobyaviation.com. Forward Looking Statements 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 development and performance of our aircraft, the growth of our manufacturing capabilities, including the size, capacity, potential production volumes, planned investments, staffing levels and timing of our planned manufacturing facility in Dayton, Ohio and our ongoing plans for our facilities in California; our regulatory outlook, progress and timing, including our expectation to start commercial passenger service in 2025 and the expected timing of type certification; our business plan, objectives, goals and market opportunity; plans for, and potential benefits of, our strategic partnerships; and our current expectations relating to our business, financial condition, results of operations, prospects, capital needs and growth of our operations. You can identify forward-looking statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. These statements may include words such as anticipate, estimate, expect, project, plan, intend, believe, may, will, should, can have, likely and other words and terms of similar meaning in connection with any discussion of the timing or nature of future operating or financial performance or other events. All forward looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially, including: our ability to launch our aerial ridesharing service and the growth of the urban air mobility market generally; our ability to produce aircraft that meet our performance expectations in the volumes and on the timelines that we project, and our ability to launch our service; the competitive environment in which we operate; our future capital needs; formal approval of state and local incentives, permitting and other legal and regulatory matters related to our planned manufacturing site in Dayton, Ohio and expansion of our existing manufacturing site in Marina, California; our ability to adequately protect and enforce our intellectual property rights; our ability to effectively respond to evolving regulations and standards relating to our aircraft; our reliance on third-party suppliers and service partners; uncertainties related to our estimates of the size of the market for our service and future revenue opportunities; and other important factors discussed in the section titled Risk Factors in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) on March 1, 2023, and in future filings and other reports we file with or furnish to the SEC. Any such forward-looking statements represent managements estimates and beliefs as of the date of this presentation. While we may elect to update such forward-looking statements at some point in the future, we disclaim any obligation to do so, even if subsequent events cause our views to change. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231117213956/en/ Joby Aviation Investors: [email protected] Media: [email protected] Source: Joby Aviation, Inc. LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- MedMen Enterprises Inc. (MedMen or the Company) (CSE: MMEN) (OTCQX: MMNFF), a premier cannabis company with operations across the United States, is providing this bi-weekly default status report in accordance with National Policy 12-203 Management Cease Trade Orders ("NP 12-203"). On November 2, 2023, the Company announced that it had been granted a management cease trade order against the Companys CEO and CFO (MCTO) by its principal regulator, the British Columbia Securities Commission. The MCTO prohibits trading in the Corporation's securities by the Companys CEO and CFO until the Company files the Required Filings (as defined below) and the MCTO is revoked but does not affect the ability of the Companys shareholders to trade in the Companys securities. As previously announced in the Companys press release dated November 2, 2023 (the Initial Press Release), the application for the MCTO was made by the Company in respect of the late filing of the Companys 2023 annual audited financial statements, its related managements discussion and analysis, CEO and CFO certifications (collectively, the "Required Filings"), which were required to be filed on or before October 30, 2023. In addition to the late filing of the Required Filings, as a result of the Required Filings anticipated to not being completed by November 29, 2023, the Company does not believe it will be in a position to file its interim financial statements, managements discussion and analysis and related certifications for the three-month period ended September 30, 2023 (the "Additional Disclosure Documents"). Pursuant to the provisions of the alternative information guidelines specified in Section 4.4 of NP 12-203, the Company reports that: The Company and its auditor are in the process of completing the Required Filings and the associated audit work, which were delayed for the reasons discussed in the Initial Press Release. The Company anticipates that the Required Filings will be completed on or before December 13, 2023. There have been no failures by the Company to fulfill its stated intentions with respect to satisfying the provisions of the alternative reporting guidelines. There has not been, nor is there anticipated to be, any other specified default subsequent to the default which is the subject of the Initial Press Release or as described above. The Company has not taken any steps towards any insolvency proceeding and the Company has no material information to release to the public. The Company confirms that it intends to continue to satisfy the provisions of the alternative information guidelines described NP 12-203 for so long as it remains in default of the requirement to file the Required Filings. The Company has made the foregoing representations in accordance with the requirements of applicable securities laws. ABOUT MEDMEN: MedMen (CSE: MMEN, OTCMKTS: MMNFF) is a premier American cannabis company dedicated to improving life with Cannabis for All. With operations across the United States in California, Nevada, Illinois, Arizona, Massachusetts, and New York, MedMen is known for its leading MedMen and LuxLyte brands offering cannabis in consumer-preferred product forms for medical and recreational use. MedMen produces and curates the best consumer product assortment for retail operations in its local communities, and drives consumer loyalty with service and engaging in-store experience, combined with reward, delivery, and e-commerce programs. For more information please visit www.medmen.com. Forward Looking Statements: Certain statements contained in this press release constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of federal securities laws, including the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws (each referred to as "forward-looking statements"). Forward-looking statements include statements regarding intentions, beliefs, projections, outlook, analyses, or current expectations. Many factors could cause actual results, performance or achievement to be materially different from any forward-looking statements, and other risks and uncertainties not presently known to MedMen, as applicable, or that MedMen, deems immaterial, could also cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements contained herein. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results to be materially different from any future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, and you should not rely on them as predictions of future events. The forward-looking statements included in this communication are made as of the date of this communication and MedMen does not undertake any obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements to reflect new information, subsequent events or otherwise unless required by applicable securities laws. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231116645282/en/ MEDIA CONTACT: La Nida Cereno [email protected] INVESTOR CONTACT: [email protected] Source: MedMen Enterprises Inc. TOKYO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Morinaga Milk Industry Co., Ltd. (TOKYO: 2264), a leading Japanese dairy product company, today announced its proprietary probiotic strain Bifidobacterium breve B-3 has received the approval of Individual Recognized Registration in South Korea for its clinically demonstrated efficacy in body fat reduction. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231116301397/en/ Backed by clinical evidence, B. breve B-3 shows great promise in aiding body fat reduction. (Graphic: Business Wire) On March 7, 2023, the probiotic strain B. breve B-3 received the approval of Individual Recognized Registration (No. 2023-2) by the Minister of Food and Drug Safety of South Korea. The probiotic strain meets the highest standards of safety, functionality, and regulatory compliance and can be used as a functional ingredient for body fat reduction at a dosage of 5 billion CFU/day in South Korea. Bifidobacterium breve B-3 is a unique Human-Residential Bifidobacteria (HRB) probiotic strain developed by focusing on the relationship between gut microbiota and metabolic syndrome. B. breve B-3 possesses an attractive effect in maintaining a healthy body weight and ultimately improving one's lifestyle. Backed by clinical evidence, B. breve B-3 shows great promise in aiding body fat reduction. Set to Help Reduce Body Fat South Korea has made impressive progress over the years in terms of introducing policies, institutions, and tools to assure high-quality regulation. Functional ingredients or elements need to obtain a notification by the Minister of Food and Drug Safety or an Individual Recognized registration approval before they can be incorporated into Health Functional Foods with a claim that bring useful health effects for the human body. In order to obtain individual recognition as a functional ingredient, the data submitted to the Minister of Food and Drug Safety by the business operator will be reviewed based on the standards and specifications, safety and functionality assessment standards and will be recognized as a functional ingredient under consultation with the 'Health Functional Food Deliberation Committee.' The approval of the probiotic strain B. breve B-3 signifies Morinaga Milk's commitment to developing human-residential bifidobacteria (HRB) probiotic strains backed by solid scientific and clinical research. Morinaga Milk will continue to stay at the forefront of the probiotic revolution, pushing boundaries to create even more solutions to improve the health of people everywhere. We are thrilled and incredibly proud to have our probiotic strain B. breve B-3 receiving the approval of South Koreas Individual Recognized Registration for its clinical benefit on body fat reduction, said Dr. Yoshihiko Ushida, General Manager of the International B to B Business Department of Morinaga Milk. The probiotic market in South Korea has witnessed robust growth in recent years and is set for further growth. This approval speaks highly of the quality and safety of B. breve B-3 as well as its science-backed efficacy on body fat reduction. It highlights its potential contribution to the health of the country's people. We are looking forward to the potential implications of this new status in the growing market in South Korea, he added. Positive Results in a New RCT Study The efficacy of B. breve B-3 on body fat reduction and metabolic health has been further confirmed in a recent clinical study conducted in South Korea. The double-blind, randomized clinical trial, published in the peer-reviewed journal Nutrients in December 2022, was conducted with 83 participants (42 participants in the B. breve B-3 group and 41 participants in the placebo group) over 12 weeks. The results showed a significant reduction in body weight, body fat, waist circumference, and hip circumference in the B. breve B-3 group than in the placebo group. B. breve B-3 at a dosage of 5 billion CFU/day was reported to be safe and effective for reducing body fat. "We are extremely pleased with the results from this recent RCT study, consistent with the previous study conducted with a higher dosage of 20 billion CFU/day. We appreciate the Korean research team for their effort in demonstrating the efficacy in Korean subjects," Dr. Ushida further commented. "These results reinforce the potential of the probiotic strain B. breve B-3 as an effective way to help support people's efforts to reduce body fat." The study serves as yet another example of the Morinaga team's commitment to uncovering the potential of probiotics in the battle against obesity. The company will continue to strive on the research front to open up new possibilities for people looking to improve their health. Embrace the Future: Aim Higher! Under the Morinaga Milk Group's 10-Year Vision, the company aims to achieve an overseas sales ratio of 15% or more by the fiscal year ending March 2029. The company will continue its effort in developing and providing effective HRB probiotics with a higher level of safety and quality and aim to strengthen its probiotic sales in the global marketplace to help achieve the goal. About Morinaga Morinaga Milk Industry Co., Ltd. is one of the leading dairy product companies in Japan with a century of history harnessing the nutritional properties of dairy products and functional ingredients. Morinaga Milk is also a key global probiotics manufacturer that excels in innovative technology and offers a premium line of probiotics and functional ingredients worldwide. Since the 1960s, Morinaga Milk has been engaged in research on the safety, functional health benefits, and mechanisms of action of probiotic bifidobacteria to better understand their role in maintaining human health. For more information about Morinaga Human-Residential Bifidobacteria (HRB) probiotics, please visit us at https://morinagamilk-ingredients.com/. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231116301397/en/ Morinaga Milk Industry Co., Ltd. Investor& Public Relations Department Mitsunori Watanabe / Kazuaki Kajikawa International Division Junichi Minami / Chyn Boon Wong E-mail: [email protected] Morinaga Milk website: https://www.morinagamilk.co.jp/english/ Source: MORINAGA MILK INDUSTRY CO., LTD. NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Northeast Power Coordinating Council, Inc. (NPCC) has appointed three new members to its board of directors. I am pleased to welcome these highly experienced industry leaders to help NPCC continue its mission to ensure a reliable, resilient and secure bulk power system across northeastern North America, said Charles Dickerson, NPCC President and Chief Executive Officer. As the industrys generation mix and threat environment continues to evolve, we will continue to bring in members with new and diverse perspectives to complement and elevate our board. Ronald DeCurzio serves as the CEO and Secretary of the Massachusetts Municipal Wholesale Electric Company (MMWEC). He is responsible for the management, staffing, administration and operation of MMWEC, as well as the overall relations among governing boards, employees, customers and the general public. Prior to becoming CEO in 2008, he served as MMWEC's Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, and sits on the boards of the Massachusetts Municipal Light Department Wind Energy Cooperative, the Berkshire Wind Power Cooperative Corporation and the Massachusetts Clean Energy Cooperative. Prior to joining MMWEC in 1997, he served in various treasury positions such as debt restructuring, portfolio management, banking relations and cash management with the New York Power Authority. He holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from Hofstra University's School of Business. Nicole Fabbro serves as the Vice President of Central Engineering at Ontario Power Generation (OPG). She leads a team of 400 engineering professionals who deliver engineering solutions for all of OPGs Generating Assets. Throughout her career, Nicole has gained progressive leadership experience in a variety of power generation and business leadership roles across thermal, hydroelectric and nuclear generating facilities. Her industry experience includes operations and maintenance, business planning and strategy, asset/project management, regulatory compliance, engineering and procurement. Ms. Fabbro serves as a Board Director for Burlington Hydro Inc. and holds an MBA and a Bachelor of Applied Science (Civil Engineering) from Wilfrid Laurier University. Alvin Tang serves as the CEO of Nexus Energy, where he has led its growth and expansion into the retail and clean energy/renewables sectors. Prior to this role, he worked as a power trader at Ontario Power Generation, where he helped optimize its short-term physical and financial trading strategies. He also worked for several of the top Canadian banks (Royal Bank of Canada, Bank of Montreal and Toronto-Dominion Bank) in various risk management departments and functions, including enterprise, market and trading risk. Mr. Tang holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics & Statistics and a masters degree in statistics from the University of Western Ontario. For more information on NPCCs board of directors, visit www.npcc.org/about/leadership-team. About NPCC Northeast Power Coordinating Council, Inc. is one of six Regional Entities located throughout the United States, Canada, and portions of Mexico that, in concert with the North American Electric Reliability Corporation, seeks to assure a highly reliable, resilient, and secure North American bulk power system through the effective and efficient identification, reduction, and mitigation of reliability risks. NPCCs geographic area includes the six New England states, the State of New York, the provinces of Ontario, Quebec, and the Canadian Maritime Provinces of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Overall, NPCC covers an area of nearly 1.2 million square miles, populated by approximately 56 million people. NPCC carries out its mission through: (i) the development of regional reliability standards and compliance assessment and enforcement of continent-wide and Regional Reliability standards; (ii) coordination of system planning, design and operations, and assessment of reliability; and (iii) the establishment of Regionally specific criteria and monitoring and enforcement of compliance with such criteria. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231116873426/en/ Jacqulyn Priestly (202) 251-9703 Source: Northeast Power Coordinating Council, Inc. PUTEAUX, France--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Regulatory News: The Combined General Meeting (Ordinary and Extraordinary) of Shareholders of ORPEA (Paris: ORP) (the Company ) will be held on Friday 22 December 2023 at 9:30 a.m. (Paris time), at Comet Mettings Bourse, 35 rue Saint-Marc, 75002 Paris, France. The preliminary notice to the meeting, including the agenda of the meeting, the draft resolutions, as well as information regarding the formalities to participate and to vote at the Shareholders Meeting, was published in the French Bulletin des Annonces Legales Obligatoires (BALO) today. This preliminary notice of meeting is available on the Companys website, as are the information and documents related to the Shareholders Meeting, in particular those referred to in Article R. 22-10-23 of the French Commercial Code, which may be consulted at this following address: https://www.orpea-group.com/en/shareholders-investors/shareholders/shareholder-meeting. Any Shareholders may request the documents and information referred to in Articles R. 225-81 and R. 225-83 of the French Commercial Code from Societe Generale Departement Titres et Bourse Services des Assemblees, 32 rue du Champ de Tir, CS 30812, 44308 Nantes Cedex 3, France (the centralizing establishment mandated by ORPEA). The documents, which will be available on the Shareholders Meetings desk, can be consulted by the Shareholders at ORPEA, 12 rue Jean Jaures, CS 10032, 93813 Puteaux Cedex, during a period of 15 days prior to the date of the Shareholders' Meeting. About ORPEA ORPEA is a leading global player, expert in providing care for all types of frailty. The Group operates in 21 countries and covers three core businesses: care for the elderly (nursing homes, assisted living facilities, homecare and services), post-acute and rehabilitation care and mental health care (specialized clinics). It has more than 76,000 employees and welcomes more than 267,000 patients and residents each year. https://www.orpea-group.com/en ORPEA is listed on Euronext Paris (ISIN: FR0000184798) and is a member of the SBF 120 and CAC Mid 60 indices. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231117192587/en/ Investor Relations ORPEA Benoit Lesieur Investor Relations Manager [email protected] Toll-free number for shareholders : 0 805 480 480 Investor Relations NewCap Dusan Oresansky 01 44 71 94 94 [email protected] Press Relations ORPEA Isabelle Herrier-Naufle Press Relations Director 07 70 29 53 74 [email protected] Image7 Charlotte Le Barbier // Laurence Heilbronn 06 78 37 27 60 - 06 89 87 61 37 [email protected] [email protected] Source: ORPEA CALGARY, Alberta--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Pembina Pipeline Corporation ("Pembina") (TSX: PPL; NYSE: PBA) announced today that none of Pembina's Cumulative Redeemable Rate Reset Class A Preferred Shares, Series 1 ("Series 1 Shares") (TSX: PPL.PR.A) will be converted into Cumulative Redeemable Floating Rate Class A Preferred Shares, Series 2 of Pembina ("Series 2 Shares") on December 1, 2023. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231116404082/en/ After taking into account all the conversion notices received from holders of its outstanding Series 1 Shares by the November 16, 2023 deadline for the conversion of the Series 1 Shares into Series 2 Shares, less than the 1,000,000 Series 1 Shares required to give effect to conversions into Series 2 Shares were tendered for conversion. About Pembina Pembina Pipeline Corporation is a leading energy transportation and midstream service provider that has served North America's energy industry for more than 65 years. Pembina owns an integrated network of hydrocarbon liquids and natural gas pipelines, gas gathering and processing facilities, oil and natural gas liquids infrastructure and logistics services, and an export terminals business. Through our integrated value chain, we seek to provide safe and reliable energy solutions that connect producers and consumers across the world, support a more sustainable future and benefit our customers, investors, employees and communities. For more information, please visit www.pembina.com. Purpose of Pembina: We deliver extraordinary energy solutions so the world can thrive. Pembina is structured into three Divisions: Pipelines Division, Facilities Division and Marketing & New Ventures Division. Pembina's common shares trade on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges under PPL and PBA, respectively. For more information, visit www.pembina.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231116404082/en/ For further information: Investor Relations (403) 231-3156 1-855-880-7404 e-mail: [email protected] www.pembina.com Source: Pembina Pipeline Corporation The abuse includes threats of gun violence, threats to mosques and synagogues and to Muslim and Jewish schools, as well as property damage and verbal abuse. Physical assaults have also been reported. In Canberra, Jewish members of Parliament have said antisemitic incidents were "off the charts" in Australia. The Executive Council of Australian Jewry has documented 221 antisemitic incidents between Oct. 8 and Nov. 7. From Oct. 1 until Oct. 7, the date of the Hamas attack, there was one incident. While Australia prides itself on being one of the world's most multicultural nations, the war between Israel and Hamas has created friction. Islamophobia Register Australia, which documents hate crimes, has logged 133 incidents in the past month, but the community organization has told local media that the true figure was "much higher" because a lot of abuse goes unreported. Jewish Australian lawmakers say antisemitism there is at an all-time high, as the war in Gaza intensifies. At the same time, Muslim leaders cite increased Islamophobia. There have been large pro-Palestinian demonstrations in Australia in recent weeks, as well as rallies by supporters of Israel. Near the Sydney Opera House in October, pro-Palestinian protesters were filmed chanting anti-Jewish sentiments. Julian Leeser, an opposition Liberal Party member of the House of Representatives, the Parliament's lower body, and prominent Jewish community leader, told the Australian Broadcasting Corp. Thursday antisemitism is increasing. "The security situation in this country has deteriorated, particularly for the Jewish community as a result of the demonstrations that we have seen, whether it is the events at the Sydney Opera House, where we saw people saying 'gas the Jews,'" Leeser said. "People have the right to protest to change the foreign policy of the country. But they do not have the right to go about intimidating people, and I think that that is wrong." In October, two Australian government ministers said Israel was subjecting Gaza civilians to collective punishment "for Hamas' barbarism." Industry Minister Ed Husic and Early Childhood Education Minister Anne Aly are the only Muslims in the Cabinet. Addressing Parliament Wednesday, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reaffirmed his government's policy toward Israel. "We have said very clearly that Israel does have a right to defend itself. We have also said that the way that it does matters and we must distinguish between Hamas and Palestinian citizens, and we have said the same thing consistently," Albanese said. Australia's conservative opposition leader, Peter Dutton, has questioned the government's leadership over the rise of antisemitism in Australia. Dutton told Parliament Wednesday that Albanese's government had failed to stand up for the country's Jewish community. The claims were rejected by Albanese, who said he would continue to stand up against antisemitism. Jews make up about 0.4 percent of the Australian population, while Muslims account for 3.2 percent, according to Australian Bureau of Statistics figures. Australia has had diplomatic relations with Israel since 1949 and is committed to a two-state solution in which Israel and a future Palestinian state coexist within internationally recognized borders. HAMILTON, Bermuda--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- November 17, 2023-- Seadrill Limited (Seadrill or the "Company") (NYSE & OSE: SDRL) announces that the 2023 Annual General Meeting of the Shareholders of the Company was held on November 17, 2023 at 09:00, at the Rosewood Hotel, Bermuda. The audited consolidated financial statements for the Company for the year ended December 31, 2022 were laid before the Meeting. In addition, the following resolutions were passed by shareholders: To determine that the number of Directors comprising the Board be set at up to nine (9) Directors until the next annual general meeting of shareholders of the Company, or until such number is changed in accordance with the Bye-laws of the Company. To re-elect, by way of separate resolutions, Julie Robertson, Jean Cahuzac, Jan Kjaervik, Mark McCollum, Harry Quarls, Andrew Schultz, Paul Smith, Jonathan Swinney and Ana Zambelli as Directors of the Company to serve until the next annual general meeting or until their respective offices are otherwise vacated in accordance with the bye-laws of the Company. To approve the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP to serve as the auditor of the Company for the financial year ended December 31, 2023 and until the close of the next annual general meeting, and to authorize the Board of Directors (acting through the Audit and Risk Committee) to determine the remuneration of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. To approve the Management Incentive Plan. A copy of the minutes from the 2023 Annual General Meeting can be found on our website at www.seadrill.com. This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. About Seadrill Seadrill is a leading offshore drilling contractor utilizing advanced technology to unlock oil and gas resources for clients across harsh and benign locations around the globe. Seadrills high-quality, technologically-advanced fleet spans all asset classes allowing its experienced crews to conduct operations across geographies, from shallow to ultra-deep-water environments. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231117043930/en/ For additional information, visit www.seadrill.com. Benjamin Wiseman Corporate Finance Manager & Investor Relations T: +44 786 713 9312 E: [email protected] Source: Seadrill Limited NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. (NYSE: EL) held its Annual Meeting of Stockholders today. William P. Lauder, Executive Chairman, chaired the meeting. Fabrizio Freda, President and Chief Executive Officer, reviewed recent financial results and the Companys long-term strategy. At the meeting, stockholders elected Charlene Barshefsky, Angela Wei Dong, Fabrizio Freda, Gary M. Lauder, and Jane Lauder to the Board, as Class III Directors. Stockholders also ratified the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as independent auditors for the current fiscal year, approved the advisory vote to approve executive compensation, and approved having the advisory vote to approve executive compensation on an annual basis. The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. is one of the worlds leading manufacturers, marketers and sellers of quality skin care, makeup, fragrance and hair care products, and is a steward of luxury and prestige brands globally. The Companys products are sold in approximately 150 countries and territories under brand names including: Estee Lauder, Aramis, Clinique, Lab Series, Origins, MAC, La Mer, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, Aveda, Jo Malone London, Bumble and bumble, Darphin Paris, TOM FORD, Smashbox, AERIN Beauty, Le Labo, Editions de Parfums Frederic Malle, GLAMGLOW, KILIAN PARIS, Too Faced, Dr.Jart+, and the DECIEM family of brands, including The Ordinary and NIOD. ELC-F View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231117502368/en/ Investors: Rainey Mancini [email protected] Media: Jill Marvin [email protected] Source: The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. PARIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Regulatory News: In accordance with Article 5 of EU Regulation n 596/2014 (Market Abuse Regulation), detailed information is available on the website of Tikehau Capital (Paris: TKO): https://www.tikehaucapital.com/fr/shareholders/regulatory-information Name of the issuer Issuer Identity Code (LEI) Trading Day ISIN Aggregated volume per day (number of shares) Weighted average price per day Market (MIC Code) TIKEHAU CAPITAL 969500BY8TEU16U3SJ94 10/11/2023 FR0013230612 2000 19.8111 XPAR TIKEHAU CAPITAL 969500BY8TEU16U3SJ94 13/11/2023 FR0013230612 1355 19.8549 XPAR TIKEHAU CAPITAL 969500BY8TEU16U3SJ94 14/11/2023 FR0013230612 2000 20.0008 XPAR TIKEHAU CAPITAL 969500BY8TEU16U3SJ94 15/11/2023 FR0013230612 1,388 20.4678 XPAR TIKEHAU CAPITAL 969500BY8TEU16U3SJ94 16/11/2023 FR0013230612 1,560 20.1816 XPAR TOTAL 8,303 20.0433 View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231117853391/en/ Tikehau Capital Source: Tikehau Capital Tork carbon neutral dispensers earn ISSA Environment & Sustainability Award honoree PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- This week, Tork, an Essity brand, exhibited at ISSA Show North America 2023, the leading resource for information, education, innovation, networking, and commercial opportunities within the worldwide cleaning industry, in Las Vegas. At the show, Tork showcased its products and solutions that inspire leaders to think ahead to meet the highest hygiene expectations and optimize their business performance. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231117897635/en/ Tork carbon neutral dispensers. (Photo: Tork) Tork carbon neutral dispensers were nominated for the ISSA Innovation Awards, a program recognizing the latest advancements in the cleaning industry, and were recognized as an honoree for the Environment & Sustainability Award. As of October 2023, a select range of existing Tork brand innovative dispensers in North America are carbon neutral certified. Carbon emissions have already been reduced by using purchased renewable electricity in the production, and the remaining carbon emissions are offset through investments in verified credits from climate projects with ClimatePartner. The selected projects reduce carbon emissions by supplying clean drinking water in Cambodia, providing energy efficient cookstoves in India, and supporting forest protection in Indonesia. Being present at ISSA Show North America is always special to our team, and it is our honor to participate this year as our partners at the International Sanitary Supply Association celebrate the organizations 100th anniversary, said Matthew Urmanski, Vice President Sales and Marketing NA at Essity. We are proud that Tork carbon neutral dispensers were named in the ISSA Innovation Awards program as an honoree for the Environment & Sustainability Award and look forward to helping businesses maximize their business performance while minimizing environmental impact. At ISSA Show North America, Tork showcased its broad range of products and solutions, including Tork Vision Cleaning, Tork Counter Mount Soap System, Tork PeakServe family of dispensers, and Tork Advanced Coreless High Capacity Bath Tissue. Show attendees also had the opportunity to engage with Torks virtual tools, including the Tork Office Complaints Minimizer, an interactive challenge that helps facility leaders learn about hygiene solutions to reduce complaints, and Tork VR Clean Hands Training and Education, a virtual reality (VR) headset-enabled game specifically designed to make hand hygiene training more engaging. The ISSA Show is one of our most anticipated events of the year, said Rachel Olsavicky, Regional Marketing Manager, Commercial & Public Interest at Essity. The energy at this years show has been incredible, and we are always grateful for opportunities to engage with partners and customers to show how Tork can help them think ahead to meet rising hygiene expectations. To learn more about Torks presence at ISSA Show North America 2023 and additional products and solutions, please visit www.torkusa.com/issa. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231117897635/en/ Abigail Scalise Brand Activation Manager North America Essity (610) 499 3310 Source: Tork First-in-class AKT inhibitor has potential to reshape treatment for breast cancer patients with specific biomarker alterations (PIK3CA, AKT1 or PTEN) Approval based on CAPItello-291 results which showed this combination reduced the risk of disease progression or death by 50% vs. fulvestrant alone in the biomarker-altered population WILMINGTON, Del.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- AstraZenecas TRUQAP (capivasertib) in combination with fulvestrant has been approved in the US for the treatment of adult patients with hormone receptor (HR)-positive, HER2-negative locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer with one or more biomarker alterations (PIK3CA, AKT1 or PTEN). Eligible patients will have progressed on at least one endocrine-based regimen in the metastatic setting or experienced recurrence on or within 12 months of completing adjuvant therapy. The approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) was based on the results from the CAPItello-291 Phase III trial published earlier this year in The New England Journal of Medicine.1 In the trial, TRUQAP in combination with fulvestrant reduced the risk of disease progression or death by 50% versus fulvestrant alone in patients with tumors harboring PI3K/AKT/PTEN pathway biomarker alterations (based on hazard ratio of 0.50, 95% confidence interval 0.38-0.65; p= Breast cancer is the most common cancer and one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide.2 HR-positive breast cancer (expressing estrogen or progesterone receptors, or both), is the most common subtype, with more than 65% of tumors considered HR-positive and HER2-low or HER2-negative.3 Collectively, mutations in PIK3CA and AKT1 and alterations in PTEN occur frequently, affecting up to 50% of patients with advanced HR-positive breast cancer.4-6 Endocrine therapies are widely used in this setting, but many patients develop resistance to first-line cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4/6 inhibitors and estrogen receptor-targeting therapies, underscoring the need for additional endocrine therapy-based options.7 Komal Jhaveri, MD, Medical Oncologist, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK), US, said: Patients with advanced HR-positive breast cancer typically experience tumor progression or resistance with widely used first-line endocrine therapies and there is an urgent need to extend the effectiveness of these approaches. The combination of capivasertib and fulvestrant, a first-of-its-kind combination, provides a much-needed new treatment option for up to half of patients in this setting with these specific biomarkers, offering the potential to delay disease progression and provide more time with their disease under control. Dave Fredrickson, Executive Vice President, Oncology Business Unit, AstraZeneca, said: The rapid US approval of TRUQAP reinforces the important role of the PI3K/AKT/PTEN pathway in HR-positive breast cancer and the critical need to test patients at the time of diagnosis, as up to fifty percent have tumors with these alterations. As a first-in-class medicine, this approval provides a critical new option for patients in the US with this specific type of disease and we look forward to bringing TRUQAP to the many breast cancer patients who can benefit across the globe. In the CAPItello-291 trial, the safety profile of TRUQAP plus fulvestrant was similar to that observed in previous trials evaluating this combination.1 Concurrently with this approval, the FDA also approved a companion diagnostic test to detect relevant alterations (PIK3CA, AKT1 and PTEN). The US regulatory submission was granted Priority Review and reviewed under Project Orbis, which provides a framework for concurrent submission and review of oncology medicines among participating international partners. As part of Project Orbis, TRUQAP plus fulvestrant is also under review by regulatory authorities in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Israel, Singapore, Switzerland and the UK. Regulatory applications for TRUQAP in combination with fulvestrant are also currently under review in China, the European Union, Japan and several other countries. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION ABOUT TRUQAP (capivasertib) tablets TRUQAP is contraindicated in patients with severe hypersensitivity to TRUQAP or any of its components. Hyperglycemia Severe hyperglycemia, associated with ketoacidosis, has occurred in patients treated with TRUQAP. The safety of TRUQAP has not been established in patients with Type I diabetes or diabetes requiring insulin. Patients with insulin-dependent diabetes were excluded from CAPItello-291. Hyperglycemia occurred in 18% of patients treated with TRUQAP (n=355). Grade 3 (insulin therapy initiated; hospitalization indicated) or Grade 4 (life-threatening consequences; urgent intervention indicated) hyperglycemia occurred in 2.8% of patients. Diabetic ketoacidosis occurred in 0.3% of patients and diabetic metabolic decompensation in 0.6% of patients. Dose reduction for hyperglycemia was required in 0.6% and permanent discontinuation was required in 0.6% of patients. The median time to first occurrence of hyperglycemia was 15 days (range: 1 to 367). In the 65 patients with hyperglycemia, 45% required treatment with anti-hyperglycemic medication (insulin in 15% and metformin in 29%). Of the 29 patients who required anti-hyperglycemic medication during treatment with TRUQAP, 66% (19/29) remained on these medications at treatment discontinuation or last follow-up. Evaluate fasting blood glucose (FG) and hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) and optimize blood glucose prior to treatment. Before initiating TRUQAP, inform patients about TRUQAPs potential to cause hyperglycemia and to immediately contact their healthcare professional if hyperglycemia symptoms occur (eg, excessive thirst, urinating more often than usual or greater amount of urine than usual, or increased appetite with weight loss). Evaluate FG at least every two weeks during the first month and at least once a month starting from the second month, prior to the scheduled dose of TRUQAP. Monitor HbA1C every three months. Monitor FG more frequently during treatment with TRUQAP in patients with a medical history of diabetes mellitus and in patients with risk factors for hyperglycemia such as obesity (BMI 30), elevated FG of >160 mg/dL (>8.9 mmol/L), HbA1C at or above the upper limit of normal, use of concomitant systemic corticosteroids, or intercurrent infections. If a patient experiences hyperglycemia after initiating treatment with TRUQAP, monitor FG as clinically indicated, and at least twice weekly until FG decreases to normal levels. During treatment with anti-hyperglycemic medication, continue monitoring FG at least once a week for 8 weeks, followed by once every 2 weeks and as clinically indicated. Consider consultation with a healthcare practitioner with expertise in the treatment of hyperglycemia and counsel patients on lifestyle changes. Withhold, dose reduce, or permanently discontinue TRUQAP based on severity. Diarrhea Severe diarrhea associated with dehydration occurred in patients who received TRUQAP (n=355). Diarrhea occurred in 72% of patients. Grade 3 or 4 diarrhea occurred in 9% of patients. The median time to first occurrence was 8 days (range: 1 to 519). In the 257 patients with diarrhea, 59% required antidiarrheal medications to manage symptoms. Dose reductions were required in 8% of patients and 2% of patients permanently discontinued TRUQAP due to diarrhea. In patients with Grade 2 diarrhea (n=93) with at least 1 grade improvement (n=89), median time to improvement from the first event was 4 days (range: 1 to 154). Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of diarrhea. Advise patients to increase oral fluids and start antidiarrheal treatment at the first sign of diarrhea while taking TRUQAP. Withhold, reduce dose, or permanently discontinue TRUQAP based on severity. Cutaneous Adverse Reactions Cutaneous adverse reactions, which can be severe, including erythema multiforme (EM), palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia, and drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), occurred in patients who received TRUQAP (n=355). Cutaneous adverse reactions occurred in 58% of patients. Grade 3 or 4 cutaneous adverse reactions occurred in 17% of patients receiving TRUQAP. EM occurred in 1.7% of patients and DRESS occurred in 0.3% of patients. Dose reduction was required in 7% of patients and 7% of patients permanently discontinued TRUQAP due to cutaneous adverse reactions. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of cutaneous adverse reactions. Early consultation with a dermatologist is recommended. Withhold, dose reduce, or permanently discontinue TRUQAP based on severity. Embryo-Fetal Toxicity Based on findings from animals and mechanism of action, TRUQAP can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise pregnant women and females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with TRUQAP and for 1 month after the last dose. Advise male patients with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with TRUQAP and for 4 months after the last dose. TRUQAP is used in combination with fulvestrant. Refer to the full Prescribing Information of fulvestrant for pregnancy and contraception information. ADVERSE REACTIONS Among the 355 patients who received TRUQAP in CAPItello-291, the most common (20%) adverse reactions, including laboratory abnormalities, were diarrhea (72%), cutaneous adverse reactions (58%), increased random glucose (57%), decreased lymphocytes (47%), decreased hemoglobin (45%), increased fasting glucose (37%), nausea and fatigue (35% each), decreased leukocytes (32%), increased triglycerides (27%), decreased neutrophils (23%), increased creatinine (22%), vomiting (21%), and stomatitis (20%). In the 155 patients with PIK3CA/AKT1/PTEN alterations treated with TRUQAP + fulvestrant, dose reductions due to adverse reactions were reported in 21% of patients. Permanent TRUQAP discontinuation due to an adverse reaction occurred in 10% of patients. Dose interruptions of TRUQAP occurred in 39% of patients. DRUG INTERACTIONS Strong CYP3A Inhibitors: Avoid concomitant use with a strong CYP3A inhibitor. If concomitant use cannot be avoided, reduce the dose of TRUQAP and monitor patients for adverse reactions. Moderate CYP3A Inhibitors: When concomitantly used with a moderate CYP3A inhibitor, reduce the dose of TRUQAP and monitor patients for adverse reactions. Strong or Moderate CYP3A Inducers: Avoid concomitant use of TRUQAP with strong or moderate CYP3A inducers. INDICATION AND USAGE TRUQAP in combination with fulvestrant is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with hormone receptor (HR)positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer with one or more PIK3CA/AKT1/PTEN alteration as detected by an FDA-approved test following progression on at least one endocrine-based regimen in the metastatic setting or recurrence on or within 12 months of completing adjuvant therapy. Please see full Prescribing Information, including Patient Information for TRUQAP. Notes Financial considerations Following this approval in the US, Astex Therapeutics is eligible to receive a milestone payment from AstraZeneca on first commercial sale of the drug in the US as well as royalties on future sales in line with the agreement between the two companies. HR-positive breast cancer Breast cancer is the most common cancer and one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide.2 More than two million patients were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020, with nearly 685,000 deaths globally.2 In the US, more than 290,000 patients are expected to be diagnosed in 2023, with more than 43,000 deaths.8 HR-positive breast cancer (expressing estrogen or progesterone receptors, or both), is the most common subtype of breast cancer with more than 65% of tumors considered HR-positive and HER2-low or HER2-negative.3 Collectively, mutations in PIK3CA and AKT1 and alterations in PTEN occur frequently, affecting up to 50% of patients with advanced HR-positive breast cancer.4-6 The growth of HR-positive breast cancer cells is often driven by estrogen receptors (ER), and endocrine therapies that target ER-driven disease are widely used as first-line treatment in the advanced setting, and often paired with CDK4/6 inhibitors.7,9,10 However, resistance to CDK4/6 inhibitors and current endocrine therapies develops in many patients with advanced disease.9 Once this occurs, treatment options are limited with chemotherapy being the current standard of care and survival rates are low with 30% of patients anticipated to live beyond five years after diagnosis.3,9,11 The optimization of endocrine therapy and overcoming resistance to enable patients to continue benefiting from these treatments, as well as identifying new therapies for those who are less likely to benefit, are active areas of focus for breast cancer research. CAPItello-291 CAPItello-291 is a Phase III, double-blind, randomized trial evaluating the efficacy of TRUQAP in combination with fulvestrant versus placebo plus fulvestrant for the treatment of locally advanced (inoperable) or metastatic HR-positive, HER2-low or negative (immunohistochemistry (IHC) 0 or 1+, or IHC 2+/in-situ hybridization (ISH)-negative) breast cancer. The global trial enrolled 708 adult patients with histologically confirmed HR-positive, HER2-low or negative breast cancer whose disease has recurred or progressed during or after aromatase inhibitor therapy, with or without a CDK4/6 inhibitor, and up to one line of chemotherapy for advanced disease. The trial has dual primary endpoints of PFS in the overall patient population and in a population of patients whose tumors have qualifying alterations in the PI3K/AKT/PTEN pathway (PIK3CA, AKT1 or PTEN genes). In the trial, approximately 40% of tumors had these alterations and approximately 70% of patients received a prior CDK4/6 inhibitor. TRUQAP TRUQAP (capivasertib) is a first-in-class, potent, adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-competitive inhibitor of all three AKT isoforms (AKT1/2/3). TRUQAP 400mg is administered twice daily according to an intermittent dosing schedule of four days on and three days off. This was chosen in early phase trials based on tolerability and the degree of target inhibition. TRUQAP is currently being evaluated in Phase III trials for the treatment of multiple subtypes of breast cancer and in other tumor types either as monotherapy or in combination with established treatments. The ongoing clinical research program is focused on tumors reliant on signaling via the PI3K/AKT/PTEN pathway, and in tumors harboring biomarker alterations in this pathway. TRUQAP was discovered by AstraZeneca subsequent to a collaboration with Astex Therapeutics (and its collaboration with the Institute of Cancer Research and Cancer Research Technology Limited). Fulvestrant Fulvestrant is an endocrine therapy indicated for the treatment of estrogen receptor-positive, locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer in postmenopausal women not previously treated with endocrine therapy, or with disease relapse on or after adjuvant anti-estrogen therapy, or disease progression on anti-estrogen therapy. In the US, EU and Japan, fulvestrant is also approved in combination with CDK4/6 inhibitors for the treatment of women with HR-positive, HER2-negative advanced or metastatic breast cancer, whose cancer has progressed after endocrine medicine. Fulvestrant represents a hormonal treatment approach that helps to slow tumor growth by blocking and degrading the estrogen receptor a key driver of disease progression. Fulvestrant is approved as monotherapy or in combination with medicines from various drug classes including CDK4/6, PI3K and AKT inhibitors for the treatment of patients with HR-positive advanced breast cancer and is being evaluated in combination with medicines from other drug classes. AstraZeneca in breast cancer Driven by a growing understanding of breast cancer biology, AstraZeneca is starting to challenge, and redefine, the current clinical paradigm for how breast cancer is classified and treated to deliver even more effective treatments to patients in need with the bold ambition to one day eliminate breast cancer as a cause of death. AstraZeneca has a comprehensive portfolio of approved and promising compounds in development that leverage different mechanisms of action to address the biologically diverse breast cancer tumor environment. With fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki, a HER2-directed antibody drug conjugate (ADC), AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo are aiming to improve outcomes in previously treated HER2-positive and HER2-low metastatic breast cancer and are exploring its potential in earlier lines of treatment and in new breast cancer settings. In HR-positive breast cancer, AstraZeneca continues to improve outcomes with foundational medicines fulvestrant and goserelin and aims to reshape the HR-positive space with first-in-class AKT inhibitor, TRUQAP, and next-generation SERD and potential new medicine camizestrant. AstraZeneca is also collaborating with Daiichi Sankyo to explore the potential of TROP2-directed ADC, datopotamab deruxtecan, in this setting. PARP inhibitor olaparib is a targeted treatment option that has been studied in early and metastatic breast cancer patients with an inherited BRCA mutation. AstraZeneca with Merck & Co., Inc., known as MSD outside the US and Canada, continue to research olaparib in these settings and to explore its potential in earlier disease. To bring much-needed treatment options to patients with triple-negative breast cancer, an aggressive form of breast cancer, AstraZeneca is evaluating the potential of datopotamab deruxtecan alone and in combination with immunotherapy durvalumab, TRUQAP in combination with chemotherapy, and durvalumab in combination with other oncology medicines, including olaparib and fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki. AstraZeneca in oncology AstraZeneca is leading a revolution in oncology with the ambition to provide cures for cancer in every form, following the science to understand cancer and all its complexities to discover, develop and deliver life-changing medicines to patients. The Company's focus is on some of the most challenging cancers. It is through persistent innovation that AstraZeneca has built one of the most diverse portfolios and pipelines in the industry, with the potential to catalyze changes in the practice of medicine and transform the patient experience. AstraZeneca has the vision to redefine cancer care and, one day, eliminate cancer as a cause of death. About AstraZeneca AstraZeneca is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialization of prescription medicines in Oncology, Rare Diseases and BioPharmaceuticals, including Cardiovascular, Renal & Metabolism, and Respiratory & Immunology. Based in Cambridge, UK, AstraZeneca operates in over 100 countries and its innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide. Please visit www.astrazeneca-us.com and follow us on social media @AstraZeneca. References 1. Turner N, et al. Capivasertib in Hormone ReceptorPositive Advanced Breast Cancer. NEJM. 2023; 388:205870. 2. Sung H, et al. Global Cancer Statistics 2020: GLOBOCAN Estimates of Incidence and Mortality Worldwide for 36 Cancers in 185 Countries. CA Cancer J Clin. 2021; 10.3322/caac.21660. 3. National Cancer Institute. Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results Program. Available at: https://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/breast-subtypes.html. Accessed November 2023. 4. Howell S J, et al. Fulvestrant plus capivasertib versus placebo after relapse or progression on an aromatase inhibitor in metastatic, oestrogen receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer (FAKTION). J Clin Oncol. 2022; 23:851-64. 5. Hortobagyi G N, et al. Correlative Analysis of Genetic Alterations and Everolimus Benefit in Hormone Receptor-Positive, Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2-Negative Advanced Breast Cancer: Results From BOLERO-2. J Clin Oncol. 2016; 34:419-26. 6. Millis S Z, et al. Landscape of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase pathway alterations across 19784 diverse solid tumors. JAMA Oncol. 2016;2(12):1565-73. 7. Lin M, et al. Comparative Overall Survival of CDK4/6 Inhibitors Plus Endocrine Therapy vs. Endocrine Therapy Alone for Hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer. J Cancer. 2020; 10.7150/jca.48944. 8. American Cancer Society. Key Statistics for Breast Cancer. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/about/how-common-is-breast-cancer.html. Accessed November 2023. 9. Lloyd M R, et al. Mechanisms of Resistance to CDK4/6 Blockade in Advanced Hormone Receptorpositive, HER2-negative Breast Cancer and Emerging Therapeutic Opportunities. Clin Cancer Res. 2022; 28(5):821-30. 10. Scabia V, et al. Estrogen receptor positive breast cancers have patient specific hormone sensitivities and rely on progesterone receptor. Nat Commun. 2022; 10.1038/s41467-022-30898-0. 11. National Comprehensive Cancer Network. Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines). Available at: https://www.nccn.org/guidelines/guidelines-detail?category=1&id=1419. Accessed November 2023. Dr. Jhaveri has financial interests related to AstraZeneca. US-82368 Last Updated 11/23 View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231117656421/en/ Media Inquiries Brendan McEvoy +1 302 885 2677 Jillian Gonzales +1 302 885 2677 US Media Mailbox: [email protected] Source: AstraZeneca Anticipates delayed filing of Form 20-F due to the ongoing review by Supervisory Board and Advisors of internal controls and compliance with corporate policies Company receives New York Stock Exchange acceptance for listing extension until May 16, 2024 NUREMBERG, Germany--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- VIA optronics AG (NYSE: VIAO) (VIA or the Company), a leading supplier of interactive display systems and solutions, today announced several updates related to the ongoing internal review of the Companys internal controls and certain compliance incidents, the day-to-day management of its business and the Companys receipt of a listing extension from the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). As previously reported on Form 6-K as furnished to the SEC on August 9, 2023, VIAs Supervisory Board announced that it initiated a formal review of the Companys application of its internal compliance procedures, with the support of external advisors, and that it was investigating incidents regarding compliance with Company policies and business guidelines. The Supervisory Board appointed BDO AG Wirtschaftsprufungsgesellschaft (BDO) and DLA Piper UK LLP (DLA Piper and, together with BDO, the Advisors) to investigate the potential incidents and directed the Advisors to review compliance with Company policies and business guidelines from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2022 (the Investigation Period). While the investigation remains ongoing, preliminary findings indicate deviations from the Companys compliance procedures during the Investigation Period primarily involving the former CEO, Jurgen Eichner, and a limited number of other employees. Identified discrepancies occurred in areas such as expense recording and reimbursement, company credit card usage for personal transactions, inadequate documentation of vehicle usage, and irregularities in vacation days. The extent of the potential violations, and any response by the Company or others, remains uncertain. Management Update & Commentary Chief Executive Officer Roland Chochoiek commented, Our leadership is committed to completing a thorough review of the compliance incidents and our internal controls. The Company and the Supervisory Board are continuing to work with the Advisors to complete the investigation as soon as possible and will provide further updates once the investigation has been concluded. Unfortunately, the timing of the internal review process will result in a further delay of the filing of our form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2022 with the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission. We anticipate that the investigation will be concluded by the end of calendar year 2023 and that we will be able to file our form 20-F in early 2024. The Company takes these matters seriously and management is dedicated to expediting the filing process related to its form 20-F and interim financial statements for the six months ended June 30, 2023. In response to these developments, earlier this month the Supervisory Board placed founder and member of the Management Board, Jurgen Eichner, on leave until the internal review has been completed. In addition, the Company further announced that Bernd Wagner has been appointed as Interim Chief Financial Officer as Dr. Markus Peters has taken a leave of absence following a medical procedure. Mr. Wagner will assist with the completion of the internal review and filing of the Companys audited financial statements. He will not serve as a member of the Companys Management Board. Company Receives New York Stock Exchange Acceptance for Extended Trading Period Company management has proactively engaged with the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and has been granted an extended trading period by the exchange through May 16, 2024. The Company will work diligently to complete and file the delayed filing and any subsequent delayed filings prior to the expiry of the extended trading period, and NYSE will closely monitor the Companys progress while it remains on the NYSE late filer list. Mr. Chochoiek concluded, We are pleased with the continued support of the New York Stock Exchange while we work through these delays, and are working diligently to complete the internal review. Once this is completed, we look forward to filing our form 20-F, disclosing interim financial results for the first six months of 2023 shortly thereafter, and hosting our Annual General Meeting of Shareholders as soon as possible in 2024. Forward Looking Statement Disclosure: Statements in this press release about future expectations, plans and prospects, as well as any other statements regarding matters that are not historical facts, may constitute forward-looking statements. These statements include, but are not limited to statements relating to: future events; the estimated or anticipated future results and revenues of the Company, including any guidance provided by the Company related thereto; future opportunities for the Company; future composition of our management board; the outcome of the internal investigation, future planned products and services; business strategy, plans and the implementation of operational initiatives; objectives of management for future operations of the Company; market size and growth opportunities; expectations regarding customer relationships and retention; the future availability or cost of purchased components, compounds, raw materials and energy due to shortages, increased demand and wages, supply chain interruptions, or natural or other disasters; supply chains, distribution and logistics; competitive position, technological and market trends; the outcome of any potential internal investigations and other statements that are not historical facts. The words, without limitation, anticipate, believe, continue, could, estimate, expect, intend, may, plan, potential, predict, project, should, target, will, would and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these or similar identifying words. Forward-looking statements are based largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, short-term and long-term business operations and objectives, and financial needs. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and other important factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statement, including, without limitation, risks relating to: (1) operational execution, including the extent to which the Company can realize the benefits of changes to the Management Board and planned operational improvements; (2) competitive conditions and customer preferences; (3) disruption in supply chain and distribution; (4) increases or volatility in the cost of raw materials and commodities; (5) failure to meet high and ethical standards; and (6) significant changes or deterioration in customer relationships. Additional factors are described under Item 3. Key InformationD. Risk Factors, in our Annual Report on Form 20-F as filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Moreover, new risks emerge from time to time. It is not possible for our management to predict all risks, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements we may make. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this release may not occur and actual results could differ materially and adversely from those anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements. We caution you therefore against relying on these forward-looking statements, and we qualify all of our forward-looking statements by these cautionary statements. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based on the current expectations of VIAs management team and speak only as of the date hereof, and VIA specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Due to rounding, it is possible that individual figures in this and other documents do not add up precisely to the totals shown and that percentages presented do not accurately reflect the absolute values to which they relate. About VIA: VIA is a leading provider of interactive display solutions for multiple end markets in which superior functionality or durability is a critical differentiating factor. Its customizable technology is well-suited for high-end markets with unique specifications and demanding environments that pose technical and optical challenges for displays, such as bright ambient light, vibration and shock, extreme temperatures, and condensation. VIAs interactive display systems combine system design, interactive displays, software functionality, cameras, and other hardware components. VIAs intellectual property portfolio, process know-how, optical bonding, metal mesh touch sensor and camera module technologies provide enhanced display solutions built to meet the specific needs of its customers. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231117510957/en/ Investor Relations for VIA: Griffin Morris or Margaret Jones Alpha IR Group Phone: +1 312-445-2870 Email: [email protected] Media Contact: Alexandra Muller-Plotz Phone: +49-911-597 575-302 Email: [email protected] Source: VIA optronics AG SANTA MONICA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Western Window Systems, part of the PGT Innovations (NYSE: PGTI) family of brands, recently unveiled its new architectural design studio in California with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231116827354/en/ Team members from PGT Innovations and Western Window Systems with the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce celebrating the ribbon-cutting of Western Window Systems new architectural design studio (Photo: Business Wire) Located at 2866 Colorado Ave. in Santa Monica, the new 2,800-square-foot architectural design studio doubles as a showroom and will serve as an innovation hub and immersive experience for architects, builders, developers, dealers, and interior designers. Inside, visitors will be able to see the smooth operation of products and experience the latest in product innovations. Western Window Systems industry partners will also be able to use the space as an extension of their own showrooms and introduce homeowners to more than 18 of the brands premium products. The new space features items from all of Westerns classic, performance and simulated steel, and vinyl product lines, including the popular Series 3700 Vinyl Multi-Slide Door that is now available with customization and the Series 7600 Multi-Slide Door with an exposed interior pocket. Coming soon, the showroom will be home to additional products from Anlin Windows and Doors, another brand from PGT Innovations. This design studio serves as a true testament of our unwavering commitment to expand and deliver customer-centric innovation to new markets and geographies, said Jeff Jackson, President and CEO of PGT Innovations. We are in the business of enhancing peoples lives, and this design studio will allow us to easily showcase our cutting-edge products and manufacturing capabilities in one space for our architect, builder, and dealer partners. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on Thursday, Nov. 16 to commemorate the occasion. The crowd of over 100 guests heard from Jeff Jackson, Debbie LaPinska, Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Officer of PGT Innovations, Jeremy Flynn, Vice President of Sales for PGT Innovations Western Division, and leaders from the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce. We look forward to strengthening our partnerships with our industry business partners with the addition of this design studio, said Flynn. Innovative spaces begin with an idea an idea that Western Window Systems makes reality. This design studio will give architects, dealers, and builders a designated collaboration hub, and we cant wait to see the ideas that come out of it. After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, attendees had the opportunity to tour the workspace, network with industry professionals, enjoy hors d'oeuvres, and ask questions about the products and functionality of the space. This is an excellent example of our commitment to continually serve our industry business partners in ways that go above and beyond what other manufacturers offer, said LaPinska. Our core focus is to deliver innovative solutions that not only meet but exceed the unmet needs of the market, and this space does just that. To ensure the best experience, the design studio is available for customers to visit by appointment only with an architect or dealer. About Western Window Systems Western Window Systems, part of the PGT Innovations family of brands, designs and manufactures moving glass walls and windows that bring indoor and outdoor spaces together. Inspired by contemporary living, our high-quality products are available in custom sizes, standardized sets, and massive dimensions for unlimited design possibilities in residential, multi-family, and commercial projects. Western Windows Systems owns Anlin Windows and Doors. From superior craftsmanship and timeless design to exceptional customer service, Western Window Systems is a preferred choice of architects, builders, and homeowners throughout North America. For additional information, visit www.westernwindowsystems.com. About PGT Innovations, Inc. PGT Innovations is a national brand and innovation leader in the fenestration and garage door industries. The companys portfolio includes highly engineered and technically advanced products that can withstand some of the toughest weather conditions on Earth and are revolutionizing the way people live by unifying indoor and outdoor living spaces. PGT Innovations creates value through deep customer relationships, understanding the unstated needs of the markets it serves, and a drive to develop category-defining products. Through its brands, PGT Innovations is also the nations largest manufacturer of impact-resistant windows and doors and holds the leadership position in its primary market. The PGT Innovations family includes Triple Diamond GlassTM, a wholly owned subsidiary, and brands CGI, PGT Custom Windows and Doors, WinDoor, Western Window Systems, Anlin Windows & Doors, Eze-Breeze, Eco Window Systems, NewSouth Window Solutions, and Martin Door. The companys brands, in their respective markets, are a preferred choice of architects, builders, and homeowners throughout North America and the Caribbean. Their high-quality products are available in custom and standard sizes with massive dimensions that allow for unlimited design possibilities in residential, multi-family, and commercial projects. For additional information, visit www.pgtinnovations.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231116827354/en/ PGT Innovations Contact Media Relations Tyler Stover, Sr. Communications Specialist [email protected] 941-480-1600 Source: PGT Innovations FILE PHOTO: The sun is seen behind a crude oil pump jack in the Permian Basin in Loving County, Texas, U.S., November 22, 2019. Picture taken November 22, 2019. REUTERS/Angus Mordant/File Photo By Nicole Jao NEW YORK (Reuters) -Oil prices jumped more than 4% on Friday, rebounding from a four-month low hit in the previous session, as investors who had taken short positions took profits and while U.S. sanctions on some Russian oil shippers lent support. Brent crude futures settled up $3.19, or about 4.1%, at $80.61 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate crude (WTI) rose $2.99, or 4.1%, at $75.89. "You're getting a natural profit-taking rebound and short covering, to a degree," said John Kilduff, partner at Again Capital LLC in New York. Some of the losses were offset after the U.S. imposed sanctions this week on maritime companies and vessels for shipping Russian oil sold above the Group of Seven's price cap. Still, both benchmarks ended the week more than 1% lower, their fourth straight weekly decline, mostly weighed down by a rise in U.S. crude inventories and sustained record high production. [EIA/S] China's deepening property crisis and slowing industrial growth also weighed. "Demand growth from China has been falling short of expectations," said Andrew Lipow, president of Lipow Oil Associates. U.S. oil producers have been cutting the number of active drilling rigs for nearly a year due to weaker prices. The oil rig count, however, this week rose by six, the most since February, energy services firm Baker Hughes said. "When you have a sharp drop in price, the producers think twice about moving ahead with capital spending and projects," said Phil Flynn, an analyst at Price Futures Group. Some analysts said Thursday's sharp sell off may have been overdone, particularly in light of escalating tensions in the Middle East that could disrupt oil supplies and the U.S. vowing to enforce sanctions against Hamas-backer Iran. With Brent below $80, many analysts expect OPEC+, principally Saudi Arabia and Russia, to extend output cuts into 2024. The OPEC+ group, comprising of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies, is set to consider whether to make additional oil supply cuts when the group meets later this month, three sources told Reuters. "Oil prices are down slightly this year despite demand exceeding our optimistic expectations," Goldman Sachs analysts said in a note. "Non-core OPEC supply has been much stronger than expected, partly offset by OPEC cuts." For 2023, the U.S., which makes up two-thirds of non-OPEC+ growth, is forecast to deliver annual gains of 1.4 million barrels per day (bpd), according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). Meanwhile, inflation in the euro zone appears to be thawing. On Friday, the EU's statistics office confirmed annual inflation slowed sharply. (Reporting by Nicole Jao, Natalie Grover, Florence Tan and Sudarshan Varadhan; Editing by Marguerita Choy and David Gregorio) OPEC logo is seen in this illustration taken, October 8, 2023. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration By Olesya Astakhova and Alex Lawler MOSCOW/LONDON (Reuters) - OPEC+ is set to consider whether to make additional oil supply cuts when the group meets later this month, three OPEC+ sources told Reuters after prices dropped by almost 20 percent since late September. Oil has slid to around $79 a barrel for Brent crude from a 2023 high in September near $98. Concern about demand and a possible surplus next year has pressured prices, despite support from the OPEC+ cuts and conflict in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia, Russia and other members of OPEC+ have already pledged total oil output cuts of 5.16 million barrels per day, or about 5% of daily global demand, in a series of steps that started in late 2022. The cuts include 3.66 million bpd by OPEC+ and additional voluntary cuts by Saudi Arabia and Russia. One OPEC+ source, who declined to be named, said the existing curbs might be not enough and the group will likely analyse if more could be implemented when it meets. Two other OPEC+ sources said deeper cuts could be discussed. "It is not pleasant to see that market volatility is greater ahead of the next meeting while fundamentals overall remain solid," one of the OPEC+ sources said. "Ministers are likely to express some thoughts on what to do more, to secure a stable trend." Ministers from OPEC+, which groups the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and allies led by Russia, meet on Nov. 26. The group already has a plan to curb supplies by 3.66 million bpd into 2024 made during its last meeting in June. OPEC and the Saudi Energy Ministry did not respond to requests for comment on Friday. The price drop has deepened this week, even after OPEC in a monthly report said the oil-market fundamentals remained strong despite "negative sentiment" and stuck to its relatively high 2024 oil demand growth forecast. The International Energy Agency, which also updated its outlook this week, has a lower 2024 demand growth forecast and said the market could shift to a surplus in the first quarter. While three sources said more cuts could be required, two other OPEC+ sources said it was too early to say whether further cuts will be discussed, while another said he did not think it was likely with the caveat to "wait and see". OPEC+ does not have a target for oil prices. Members depend on oil as a primary source of government income. Analysts have told Reuters that Saudi Arabia's oil cut extension raises the risk of Saudi economic contraction this year. Saudi Arabia has repeatedly stressed during previous meetings it wants to see strong compliance with cuts so all members share the burden of producing less. At its last policy meeting in June, OPEC+ agreed on a broad deal to limit supply into 2024 and Saudi Arabia pledged a voluntary production cut for July of 1 million bpd that it has since extended to last until the end of 2023. Some analysts including Energy Aspects expect Saudi Arabia to keep the voluntary cut to at least the first quarter of 2024. (Reporting by Olesya Astakhova and Alex Lawler, additional reporting by Ahmad Ghaddar and Maha El Dahan, editing by Dmitry Zhdannikov, Simon Webb and David Evans) The Government of Malaysia and BlackBerry Limited (NYSE: BB), today announced a long-term software and services agreement to strengthen Malaysia's cybersecurity posture. The landmark deal will enable the Malaysian Government to leverage the full suite of trusted BlackBerry cybersecurity solutions, and support the integrity of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) while upskilling the nation's workforce with advanced cybersecurity technology and training. The Malaysian public sector will benefit from secure, reliable, real-time access to BlackBerry software and services, hosted in a sovereign cloud. This includes BlackBerry's world-leading cybersecurity solutions powered by Cylance AI to predict and prevent cyberattacks, NATO-certified BlackBerry SecuSUITE for secure communications, BlackBerry UEM (Unified Endpoint Management) to protect government data among a roaming workforce, and BlackBerry AtHoc used by governments globally for critical event management and incident response. BlackBerry also announced it will establish a world-class Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (CCoE) in Kuala Lumpur in 2024. The CCoE will offer specialized training to advance Malaysian cybersecurity capacity and readiness, with the goal of reducing the country's shortfall of 12,000 cyber professionals. The Government of Canada welcomed the establishment of the CCoE and plans to work closely with BlackBerry, the Government of Malaysia and the CCoE to deliver cybersecurity capacity building assistance to Southeast Asia , as mandated under Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy. The fast-growing economy of Malaysia is a strategic choice for BlackBerry's first CCoE in the Asia Pacific region, adding to the company's network of existing CCoEs in America, Canada , and Europe . The CCoE will offer cybersecurity education and training, as well as 'always-on' cyber threat intelligence and incident response teams to help the country safeguard against malicious cyber activity targeting businesses, governments, and infrastructure. The CCoE also will enhance intelligence sharing between nations and expand BlackBerry's global threat intelligence network. Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said, "To continue to grow, prosper and keep our nation's data and citizens safe, Malaysia must forge international partnerships that embrace cutting-edge technology, and invite foreign investment to rapidly scale up and train a world-class cybersecurity workforce. We are pleased to collaborate with BlackBerry to support Malaysia's goal to be a leading example of cyber-resilience with the promise of data sovereignty, for our government information, data, and communications." Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said, "Cybersecurity is a key pillar of Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy, which aims to advance peace, security, and cooperation in the region. Cybersecurity is a shared challenge that requires international cooperation, which is why we strongly support BlackBerry's Cybersecurity Center of Excellence in Malaysia , an important bilateral partner of Canada . By supporting Malaysia's future cyber-defenders and establishing stronger regional networks for the sharing of expertise between Canada and Southeast Asia , we can further strengthen the resilience and capacity of our two countries and the wider region to counter, deter and respond to cyber threats." "With nearly 40 years in protecting governments and enterprises globally, BlackBerry is proud to partner with the Governments of Malaysia and Canada to enhance Malaysia's cybersecurity posture proactively securing the nation's data and mission-critical communications, while also providing support for the management of critical incidents," said John Giamatteo , BlackBerry's Cybersecurity President. "I am also especially proud of the establishment of a BlackBerry Cybersecurity Center of Excellence in Malaysia , designed to support the Prime Minister's strategic goal of growing a skilled cybersecurity workforce and positioning Malaysia as a critical regional hub of threat intelligence." "It is said that the Kalashnikov culture here increased with the presence of Afghans," Alvi said, referring to the mass inflow of weapons into Pakistan in the aftermath of the Soviet war in Afghanistan nearly three decades ago. Pakistan is a country of over 240 million people. While the South Asian nation has struggled financially for years, it has a large undocumented or untaxed economy that Afghans also participate in as business owners, traders and laborers. He said giving refuge to citizens of the neighboring country had deeply affected his own country's economy and culture. "I think that it's a huge burden for Pakistan. We have given refuge to 3.5 million people for 30, 40 years. They are our Afghan, Muslim brothers, and this deeply impacted our economy, our livelihood. Because when all of these people got jobs, Pakistan's workforce is 80 to 100 million, and out of those, 3.5 million are Afghans." Pakistani President Arif Alvi said his country has carried a huge burden in hosting Afghans for nearly four decades. In an exclusive interview with VOA Urdu, Alvi defended Islamabad's decision to expel Afghans living in Pakistan without proper documents. Pakistan hosts over 4 million Afghans of which roughly 1.7 million lack legal documents to stay. According to the UN High Commission for Refugees, the country is currently hosting around 1.4 million legally registered Afghan refugees and nearly 900,000 as documented economic migrants. There is also a sizeable population of Afghans born in Pakistan to parents who fled war or poverty in the last four decades. However, many lack proper documents. Citing security concerns, Pakistan in early October ordered people of all nationalities residing illegally in the country to leave voluntarily or face a crackdown after Nov. 1. Since then, over 300,000 Afghans have left the country voluntarily, while a small fraction has been deported. Alvi, who serves a largely ceremonial post, complained that the international community had not provided Pakistan with sufficient support to host one of the world's largest refugee populations. "The world makes promises to cooperate when refugees arrive, but nobody has given any cooperation," he said. Since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in August 2021, nearly 700,000 Afghans arrived in Pakistan seeking refuge. Thousands among them are awaiting resettlement abroad. In this time, Pakistan has also seen a dramatic rise in terror attacks. Islamabad accuses Afghan Taliban of providing a haven to the banned militant outfit Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, responsible for many of the attacks. The de facto rulers in Kabul deny the charge and say Pakistan is blaming them for its internal "failure." Islamabad also claims that Afghan citizens were involved in 14 out of 24 terror attacks in recent months. When asked if the push to expel Afghans was a retaliatory move against the Taliban's alleged inaction against cross-border terrorism, Alvi called the two issues a "concurrent problem." "Pakistan is repeatedly telling the Afghan Taliban to not let infiltration [of terrorists] happen from their side. [That] the anti-state players should not act against us sitting on your side," he said. Alvi said he did not know why the Taliban have not alleviated Pakistan's concerns but noted that military and diplomatic channels of communication are open. Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) today announced plans to construct a new $2.5 billion high-tech manufacturing site in Alzey, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany . This new facility will further expand the company's global parenteral (injectable) product and device manufacturing network and support an increased demand for Lilly's medicines, including its diabetes and obesity portfolio. The company has launched 21 treatments since 2014 and plans to launch several more in the coming years. "Every investment into our manufacturing capacity around the world is a renewed commitment to patients today and to those who may need our medicines tomorrow," said Edgardo Hernandez, executive vice president and president, Lilly manufacturing operations. "This state-of-the-art parenteral site with the latest technology will enable us to continue to deliver medicines with safety first and quality always around the world." With the planned manufacturing facility in Alzey, Lilly will operate a total of six manufacturing sites in Europe , including one in nearby Fegersheim, France . Lilly's ongoing investments in Europe will create operational synergies, strengthen university and government relationships, support the early-stage life science ecosystem, and diversify the growing Lilly presence in Europe . With extensive experience across the pharmaceutical industry, Germany's workforce will play a vital role in bolstering Lilly's incretin supply when the new site is operational beginning in 2027. The site in Alzey will employ up to 1,000 highly skilled workers such as engineers, operators and scientists, who will leverage state-of-the-art technology, including automation and high-speed manufacturing lines, to produce life-changing medicines. In addition, an estimated 1,900 jobs will be created during construction, which is scheduled to begin in 2024. Lilly's investment in Alzey is contingent upon finalization of government permitting and local approvals. "The decision to locate here is good news for Germany as a business location," said Dr. Robert Habeck , vice chancellor and federal minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action. "It creates new and future-oriented jobs, shows the confidence of companies in the attractiveness of Germany as a pharmaceutical and industrial location and helps to improve healthcare for our citizens. The new location will make an important contribution to industrial value creation in Germany with high-tech production facilities and research and development." Lilly has announced investments of more than $11 billion in its global manufacturing footprint in the past three years to help ensure the safe and reliable supply of Lilly's innovative medicines. The company continues to invest in the expansion of its global manufacturing to address the growth expected from potential new medicines to treat diabetes and obesity, Alzheimer's disease, cancer and autoimmune conditions. "As we look to usher in the next generation of medicines, we're looking for people and partners who share our passion for improving health outcomes," said Ilya Yuffa , executive vice president and president, Lilly International. "With this new investment, we hope to spark a new era of collaboration and innovation in Germany and the European Union defined by our shared purpose to find lasting solutions for patients." The company is also announcing an investment of up to $100 million to dramatically increase its footprint in Germany's early-stage biotech ecosystem. These investments will focus on biotech and the life sciences venture capital funds expanding Lilly's incubator and accelerator engagements, and strengthening Lilly's ties and activities with world-renowned academic and innovation partners. With these investments, Lilly will pursue strategic partnerships and collaborations utilizing a variety of models that meet a range of business needs, including capital and equity investments; world-class lab space; and outstanding research and development capabilities and expertise to help accelerate innovative medicines that meet the needs of people globally. FILE PHOTO: The Gap logo is seen on the front of the company's store in Paris, France, July 1, 2021. REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier By Ananya Mariam Rajesh (Reuters) -Gap shares surged more than 30% on Friday as an upbeat quarter gave a fresh jolt of optimism to investors who have bought aggressively since the company named Barbie-turnaround executive Richard Dickson as its new CEO. If current gains hold, shares will have nearly doubled since late July after the former Mattel executive was appointed to revive the once sought-after brand. Gap's stock rose as much as 33% to hit over a one-and-a-half-year high of $18.14. The company's third-quarter earnings release on Thursday showed significant inventory destocking, even as its holiday-season forecast disappointed. Dickson worked at Mattel for two decades and was responsible for reviving the Barbie brand, which re-entered the cultural zeitgeist in 2023 following the success of the "Barbie" movie. Investors are pinning their hopes on Dickson's efforts to bring in trendier clothing at Gap's Old Navy brand, with Morningstar analyst David Swartz saying the earnings showed "something good happening for the first time in a long time maybe." "Gap has been in bad shape for so long that anybody who brings some sort of positive outlook to the company would be good at this point," Swartz said. Old Navy's comparable sales rose 1% in the third quarter, their first increase in 10 quarters, after the brand languished last year due to out-of-sync inventory. "Old Navy gained market share, an encouraging early proof point that work to improve both product assortment and brand messaging" were driving results, Gap Chief Financial Officer Katrina O'Connell said. The company, like major retailers Walmart and Target, noted inventory levels have declined from last year's peak, which had been a significant overhang for several quarters. However, Gap joined other retailers in sounding a cautious note on spending, heading into the all-important shopping season. Executives also alluded to a "longer recovery" time for its other brands Banana Republic and Athleta which have seen "product misfires" and weak "retail execution." (Reporting by Ananya Mariam Rajesh in Bengaluru; Editing by Shinjini Ganguli and Sriraj Kalluvila) FILE PHOTO: HSBC Bank logo is seen in this illustration taken March 12, 2023. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo By Lawrence White LONDON (Reuters) -Hedge fund Qube Research & Technologies (QRT) on Friday said a technical issue had led to an incorrect filing with Britain's financial regulator, appearing to disclose a short position in HSBC shares which the hedge fund did not in fact have. The Financial Times and then other media including Reuters earlier in the day reported the fund had made a 672 million pound ($835.43 million) bet against HSBC shares, citing publicly available daily data from the Financial Conduct Authority. The data seen by Reuters on Friday showed Qube had on Tuesday taken a short position worth 0.57% of HSBC's outstanding shares. An updated version of the data reviewed by Reuters at 1800 GMT showed no mention of the position. "The FCA filing was made erroneously due to a technical issue and is currently being corrected with the FCA. Please note that QRT do not have a net short position in HSBC," QRT Chief Operating Officer Stuart Brown told Reuters. Brown did not explain how the technical error occurred, but said Qube was investigating. A spokesperson for HSBC declined to comment. The FCA did not respond immediately to a request for comment on whether it would take any action. A short position is a bet that a company's stock price will decline. FCA rules require investors to disclose to it short positions in stocks when they reach 0.2% of a company's outstanding stock, albeit the watchdog earlier this year relaxed a requirement for short sellers to announce such positions publicly. ($1 = 0.8044 pounds) (Reporting by Lawrence White; Editing by Louise Heavens and Paul Simao) By Jeffrey Dastin, Anna Tong, Samrhitha A and Krystal Hu (Reuters) - The board of the company behind ChatGPT on Friday fired OpenAI CEO Sam Altman - to many, the human face of generative AI - sending shock waves across the tech industry. OpenAI's Chief Technology Officer Mira Murati will serve as interim CEO, the company said, adding that it will conduct a formal search for a permanent CEO. "Altman's departure follows a deliberative review process by the board, which concluded that he was not consistently candid in his communications with the board, hindering its ability to exercise its responsibilities," OpenAI said in the blog without elaborating. Greg Brockman, OpenAI president and co-founder, who stepped down from the board as chairman as part of the management shuffle, quit the company, he announced on messaging platform X late on Friday. "Based on today's news, i quit," he wrote. The departures blindsided many employees who discovered the abrupt management change from an internal message and the company's public facing blog. It came as a surprise to Altman and Brockman as well, who learned the board's decision within minutes of the announcement, Brockman said. "We too are still trying to figure out exactly what happened," he posted on X, formerly Twitter, adding, "We will be fine. Greater things coming soon." The now four-person board consists of three independent directors holding no equity in OpenAI and its Chief Scientist Ilya Sutskever. The organization did not immediately answer a request for comment on Brockman's claims. Backed by billions of dollars from Microsoft, which does not have a board seat in the non-profit governing the startup, OpenAI kicked off the generative AI craze last November by releasing ChatGPT. The chatbot became one of the world's fastest-growing software applications. Trained on reams of data, generative AI can create human-like content, helping users spin up term papers, complete science homework and even write entire novels. After ChatGPT's launch, regulators scrambled to catch up: the European Union revised its AI Act and the U.S. kicked off AI regulation efforts. Altman, who ran Y Combinator, is a serial entrepreneur and investor. He was the face of OpenAI and the wildly popular generative AI technology as he toured the world this year. Altman posted on X shortly after OpenAI published its blog: "i loved my time at openai. it was transformative for me personally, and hopefully the world a little bit. most of all i loved working with such talented people. will have more to say about whats next later." Altman did not respond to requests for comment. Murati, who has worked for Tesla, joined OpenAI in 2018 and later became chief technology officer. She oversaw product launches including that of ChatGPT. At an emergency all-hands meeting on Friday afternoon after the announcement, Murati sought to calm employees and said OpenAI's partnership with Microsoft is stable and its backer's executives, including CEO Satya Nadella, continue to express confidence in the startup, a person familiar with the matter told Reuters. The Information previously reported details of the meeting. "Microsoft remains committed to Mira and their team as we bring this next era of AI to our customers," a spokesperson for the software maker told Reuters on Friday. In a statement published on Microsoft's website, Nadella said: "We have a long-term agreement with OpenAI... Together, we will continue to deliver the meaningful benefits of this technology to the world." EARTHQUAKE The shakeup is not the first at OpenAI, launched in 2015. Tesla CEO Elon Musk once was its co-chair, and in 2020 other executives departed, going on to found competitor Anthropic, which has claimed it has a greater focus on AI safety. Well wishers and critics piled onto digital forums as news of the latest shuffle spread. On X, former Google CEO Eric Schmidt called Altman "a hero of mine," adding, "He built a company from nothing to $90 Billion in value, and changed our collective world forever. I can't wait to see what he does next. I, and billions of people, will benefit from his future work- it's going to be simply incredible." "This is a shocker and Altman was a key ingredient in the recipe for success of OpenAI," said Daniel Ives, an analyst at Wedbush Securities. "That said, we believe Microsoft and Nadella will exert more control at OpenAI going forward with Altman gone." The full impact of the OpenAI surprise will unfold over time, but its fundraising prospects were an immediate concern. Altman was considered a master fundraiser who managed to negotiate billions of dollars in investment from Microsoft as well as having led the company's tender offer transactions this year that fueled OpenAI's valuation from $29 billion to over $80 billion. "In the short term it will impair OpenAI's ability to raise more capital. In the intermediate term it will be a non-issue," said Thomas Hayes, chairman at hedge fund Great Hill Capital. Other analysts said Altman's departure, while disruptive, would not derail generative AI's popularity or OpenAI or Microsoft's competitive advantage. "The innovation created by OpenAI is bigger than any one or two people, and there is no reason to think this would cause OpenAI to cede its leadership position," said D.A. Davidson analyst Gil Luria. "If nothing else, Microsoft's stake and significant interest in OpenAI's progress ensure the appropriate leadership changes are being implemented." As late as Thursday evening, Altman showed no signs of concern at two public events. He joined colleagues in a panel on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) conference in San Francisco, describing his commitment and vision for AI. Later he spoke at a Burning Man-related event in Oakland, California, engaging in an hour-long conversation on the topic of art and AI. Altman seemed relaxed and gave no indication anything was wrong, but left right after his talk was over at 7:30 p.m. The event organizer said at the event that Altman had another meeting to attend. (Reporting by Samrhitha Arunasalam in Bengaluru, Jeffrey Dastin and Anna Tong in San Francisco, and Krystal Hu in New York; Editing by Shounak Dasgupta, Kenneth Li and Richard Chang) By Timothy Gardner WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. will fund nine projects with $169 million from last year's climate bill to speed manufacturing of heat pumps, systems that can heat and cool homes and businesses more efficiently, the Energy Department said on Friday. The awards are the first from the department's authorization invoked by President Joe Biden using emergency authority on the basis of climate change to employ the Cold War-era Defense Production Act (DPA) to boost spending on clean energy technologies. "Getting more American-made electric heat pumps on the market will help families and businesses save money with efficient heating and cooling technology," Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm said in a release. Heating and cooling homes and buildings, including critical infrastructure like military bases, drive more than 35% of U.S. energy consumption, according to her department. Compared to boilers fueled by natural gas, heat pumps reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 50%, it says. The funding will go to manufacturers including Armstrong International in Michigan, Honeywell International in Louisiana, and Ice Air in South Carolina. The American Gas Association (AGA), a natural gas industry group, criticized the move. "We are deeply disappointed to see the Defense Production Act, which is intended as a vital tool for advancing national security against serious outside threats, being used as an instrument to advance a policy agenda contradictory to our nations strong energy position," said AGA head Karen Harbert. The Energy Department said it expects to unveil another round of DPA investments in early 2024. (Reporting by Timothy GardnerEditing by Bill Berkrot) NEW YORK, Nov. 17, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 365Labs, a leading provider of Public Safety technology, has been awarded the Platinum Award for Best Mobile Solution at the ASTORS Homeland Security Awards, recognizing the excellence of the companys Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) & Records Management System (RMS) mobile applications. The ASTORS, in partnership with Government & Public Safety agencies, selects the most innovative solutions that protect Americas Security infrastructure. The national awards ceremony was attended by representatives of law enforcement, public safety, and industry leaders including legendary Police Commissioner William Bratton, ATF Director Steven Dettelbach and NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell. 365Labs is honored that our CAD and RMS mobile apps have been recognized as best-in-class by industry leaders, said Mo Vij, President and CEO of 365Labs. Our mobile apps have become an officer favorite because of how dramatically they simplify reporting and improve incident response time & situational awareness. We look forward to continuing to deliver innovative, problem-solving solutions that first responders love to use. Since launching their AI-powered Public Safety platform, 365Labs has become one of the fastest-growing public safety companies, adding over 75 new public safety agency partners in the past two years. To learn more about 365Labs Public Safety solutions, visit www.365labs.com. About 365Labs Since 2001, the 365Labs team has committed to delivering innovative solutions and software that help Public Safety agencies drive efficiency, improve officer safety, and build safer communities. The companys 365 Platform combines award-winning customer support with the most advanced Computer-Aided Dispatch, Mobile, eCitations, Records Management, Case Management, Jail Management, and Digital Evidence that work together as a single connected platform. READING, Mass., Nov. 17, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Massachusettsans impacted by the nations mental health crisis often struggle to find quality behavioral healthcare experiencing difficulties with waitlists, disconnected services, and poor treatment continuity. ABC Medical, a behavioral healthcare start-up, headquartered in Reading, Massachusetts, wants to offer an alternative a comprehensive treatment program for those experiencing mental illness. Consumers of behavioral healthcare often find themselves caught at the extremes of the treatment delivery spectrum dysfunctional academic centers, private cash-based practices, or municipal agencies. ABC Medical offers an alternative, evidence based, and clinical informatics informed system aimed at offering the full spectrum of outpatient services for those seeking psychiatric care. A press release issued by the company this week described their comprehensive behavioral health treatment service. The idea, they say, is to achieve superior treatment outcomes by offering services in a comprehensive, wholistic and evidenced based manner. A report published in Permanente Journal assessed behavioral health systems. The report authored by Mason Turner, MD, of The Permanente Medical Group, and referenced in the ABC Medical press release, revealed substantial deficits in contemporary outpatient behavioral health services. In that study Turner noted the dominant model of mental health care do not adequately address the complex challenges of mental illness and that an Integrative approach was shown in their report to reduce adverse health outcome and improve client satisfaction. In their company release, ABC Medical endorsed such a notion. Having medication management, psychotherapy and other services, including TMS, or transcranial magnetic stimulation, available to the same patient, in the same facility, at the same time, was associated with greater treatment response, lower facility liabilities and improved client satisfaction. The company suggested such an approach as a competitive strategy in this medical market. Their goal, they say, is to bring their unique model of outpatient psychiatric treatment to larger numbers of clients as part of a broader business expansion. Note: ABC Medical is accepting new clients, including children and adults. Phone: (833) 394-7998 Fax: (855) 746-8954E-Mail: [email protected] Website: https://www.abcmedical.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a7c75696-15b0-4e92-8bfd-8a8f5a8fcad8 ABC Medical Headquarters Providing a new model for behavioral healthcare, ABC Medical, offers a unique approach to managing mental illness. Source: ABC Medical Las Vegas, NV., Nov. 17, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Titan Lithium Inc., (OTC Markets: CDSG) (the Company or CDSG) is pleased to announce it has completed the full transfer of 100% interest in the Titan 1 and Titan 2 Prospecting Licenses in Tanzania into the Companys Kilimanjaro Lithium Ltd (KLL) subsidiary. Mineral rights in Tanzania are held under a number of types of licenses granted under the countrys comprehensive Mining Act. Exploration projects are held by a Prospecting License (PL) which allows the holder to conduct a wide range of exploration work until such a time as a mining license is required for exploitation. The vendor completed the transfer of 100% of the two Prospecting Licenses for Titan 1 and Titan 2, PL 12353/2023 and PL 12338/2023, into KLL on November 14, 2023. The Prospecting Licenses that were transferred were duly recorded pursuant to section 123(1) of the Mining Act in the central register on November 16, 2023. The licenses will be available to view on the companys website on the About Us tab . These two PLs are considered prospective to the discovery of sediment hosted lithium style mineralization within a country rich in mineral resources. Tanzania is endowed with many types of minerals including gold, iron ore, nickel, copper, cobalt, gemstones, industrial minerals as well as rare earth minerals. Tanzania is the fourth largest gold producer in Africa and home to advanced critical mineral projects such graphite, lithium and the high-grade nickel-copper-cobalt Kabanga deposit. Earlier this year, under a Presidential plan to fast track such deposits, Tanzania signed agreements worth $667 million for graphite and rare earth projects with several Australian Mining firms. As well, in February 2023, EV maker Tesla signed an agreement under which it will purchase between 17,500 to 35,000 tons per annum of Anode Active Material (AAM) from a producer in Tanzania Working closely with the vendor we are very pleased to have the licenses fully transferred, commented Chairman Harp Sangha. Our next steps will include the commencement of work that will include a strategic drill campaign designed to produce a maiden mineral resource that we hope will elevate the projects significantly. About the Company: China Dongsheng International Inc. (OTC Markets: CDSG), through its wholly owned subsidiary Titan Lithium, Inc., is a lithium explorer and developer with operations in Nevada, USA, and The United Republic of Tanzania. Contact: Harp Sangha-Chairman [email protected] +1-702-595-2247 titanlithiuminc.com Forward-Looking Statements: This press release may contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, such as statements relating to financial results and plans for future development activities and are thus prospective. Forward-looking statements include all statements that are not statements of historical fact regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of the Company, its directors, or its officers. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's ability to control. Actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements are risks and uncertainties associated with the Company's business and finances in general, including the ability to continue and manage its growth, competition, global economic conditions and other factors discussed in detail in the Company's periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. TORONTO, Nov. 17, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Copper Lake Resources Ltd. (TSX-V: CPL, Frankfurt: WOI, OTC: WTCZF) (Copper Lake or the Company) is pleased to announce that it intends to complete a non-brokered private placement financing for total gross proceeds of up to $2,500,000. The financing will consist of up to 30,000,000 Non Flow-Through Units (NFT Units) at a price of $0.025 per NFT Unit and up to 70,00,000 Flow-Through Units (FT Units) at a price of $0.025 per FT Unit. Each NFT Unit is comprised of one common share in the capital of Copper Lake (a Common Share) and one Common Share purchase warrant (a Warrant). Each FT Unit is comprised of one Flow-Through common share and one-half of one Common Share purchase warrant (each whole warrant a Warrant). Each Warrant entitles the holder to acquire one additional share at an exercise price of $0.10 per Common Share. Warrants issued as part of the NFT Units will be exercisable for a period of 36 months from the closing date. Warrants issued as part of the FT Units will be exercisable for a period of 24 months from the closing date. The Warrants shall be subject to an accelerated expiry date clause whereby. At any time following the expiry of the four-months and one day hold period, should the weighted average closing price of the Common Shares on the TSX Venture Exchange (the TSX-V) be more than $0.20 for a period of 15 consecutive trading days, the Company shall be entitled to accelerate the expiry date of the warrants to a date which is 30 days following the date on which the Company announces the accelerated expiry of the Warrants by press release. Closing of the proposed private placement is subject to obtaining all required approvals, including the approval of the TSX-V and any other regulatory approval. All securities issued pursuant to the private placement will be subject to a hold period of four months and one day from the date of issuance under applicable securities laws. The securities have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act, or any state securities laws, and accordingly may not be offered or sold within the United States except in compliance with the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities requirements or pursuant to exemptions therefrom. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy any securities in any jurisdiction. The Company may pay a finders fee consisting of cash and finders warrants to certain qualified individuals. Each finders warrant would be issued upon the same terms as the NFT Unit Warrants issued as part of the offering. The financing is expected to close on or about December 7, 2023. The net proceeds of the financing will be used for exploration at the Companys Marshall Lake project and for general working capital purposes. In accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws, all securities issued pursuant to the private placement will have a hold period of four months and one day from the date of issuance. ABOUT COPPER LAKE RESOURCES Copper Lake Resources Ltd. is a publicly traded Canadian mineral exploration and development company with interests in two projects both located in Ontario. www.copperlakeresources.com The Marshall Lake high-grade VMS copper, zinc, silver and gold project, comprises an area of approximately 220 square km located 120 km north of Geraldton, Ontario and is accessible by all-season road from the Trans-Canada Highway and just 22 km north of the main CNR rail line. Copper Lake has a 79.45% interest in the joint ventured property, which consists of 233 claims and 52 mining leases. The project also includes 148 claim cells staked in 2018 and 2020 that are 100% owned and not subject to any royalties, which add approximately 30 square km to the original property. In addition to the original Marshall Lake property above, Marshall Lake also includes the Sollas Lake and Summit Lake properties, which are 100% owned by the Company and are not subject to any royalties. The Sollas Lake property consists of 20 claim cells comprising an area of 4 square km on the east side of the Marshall Lake property where historical EM airborne geophysical surveys have outlined strong conductors on the property hosted within the same favorable felsic volcanic units. The Summit Lake property currently consists of 100 claim cells comprising an area of 20.5 square km, is accessible year-round, and is located immediately west of the original Marshall Lake property. The Marshall Lake project is located in the traditional territories of the Aroland and Animbiigoo Zaagi igan Anishinaabek (AZA) First Nations. Copper Lake has a 69.79% joint venture interest in the Norton Lake nickel, copper, cobalt, and palladium PGM property, located in the southern Ring of Fire area, is approximately 100 km north of the Marshall Lake Property. The Norton Lake property is located in the traditional territories of the Eabametoong (Fort Hope) and Neskantaga First Nations. On behalf of the Board of Directors, Copper Lake Resources Ltd. Terry MacDonald, CEO (416) 561-3626 [email protected] Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary and Forward-Looking Statements This news release includes certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein including, without limitation, statements regarding the Private Placement and proposed uses of the proceeds of the Private Placement, are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Often, but not always, forward looking information can be identified by words such as "pro forma", "plans", "expects", "will", "may", "should", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", "believes", "potential" or variations of such words including negative variations thereof, and phrases that refer to certain actions, events or results that may, could, would, might or will occur or be taken or achieved. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. This forward-looking information reflects the Companys current beliefs and is based on information currently available to the Company and on assumptions the Company believes are reasonable. These assumptions include, but are not limited to: TSX Venture Exchange acceptance of the Private Placement; market acceptance and approvals; and the anticipated closing date for the Private Placement. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such risks and other factors may include, but are not limited to: general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; general capital market conditions and market prices for securities; delay or failure to receive board or regulatory approvals; the actual results of future operations; competition; changes in legislation, including environmental legislation, affecting the Company; the timing and availability of external financing on acceptable terms; and lack of qualified, skilled labour or loss of key individuals. A description of additional assumptions used to develop such forward-looking information and a description of additional risk factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from forward- looking information can be found in the Companys disclosure documents SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. Readers are further cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are placed will occur. Forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking information contained in this news release represents the expectations of the Company as of the date of this news release and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. However, the Company expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable securities law. Source: Copper Lake Resources Ltd. Correction: According to the 17th November 2023 decision of the Board of AB Klaipedos nafta (hereinafter the Company) the amended Corporate Governance Policy of the Company (enclosed) is provided for the approval to the Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders of the Company which will be held on 30th November 2023. Part 1 of the Corporate Governance Policy of the Company was adjusted. Notice is hereby given that on the initiative and by the resolution of the Board of AB Klaipedos nafta, legal entity code 110648893, with the registered office at Buriu str. 19, Klaipeda (hereinafter - the Company), Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders of the Company will be held on 30th November 2023 at 1:00 p.m. The meeting will be held in the Companys administrative premises at J. Janonio str. 6B, Klaipeda (in the hall of the meeting on the 3nd floor). Agenda of the meeting: Regarding the approval of the amended Articles of Association of the Company. Regarding the approval of the amended Remuneration policy of the Company. Regarding the approval of the amended Corporate Governance Policy of the Company. Regarding the activities of the Audit Committee members and the Audit Committee of the Company. The shareholders will be registered from 12:00 p.m. to 12:55 p.m. The persons intending to participate in the meeting shall have a personal ID document (an authorized representative shall have an authorization approved under the established procedure. The natural persons authorization shall be notarized. An authorization issued in a foreign state shall be translated into the Lithuanian language and legalized under the procedure prescribed by the laws). A shareholder or his proxy shall have the right to vote in writing in advance by filling in a general ballot paper. At the request of the shareholder, the Company shall send a general ballot paper to the shareholder by registered mail free of charge at least 10 days before the meeting. The filled-in general ballot paper and the document attesting the voting right shall be submitted to the Company no later than until the meeting, sending by registered mail or providing them at the address of the registered office of the Company indicated in the notice. The shareholders who hold shares carrying at least 1/20 of all the votes may propose additions to the agenda of the general meeting of shareholders by submitting with every proposed additional item of the agenda a draft resolution of the general meeting of shareholders or, when no resolution is required, an explanation. Proposals on addition to the agenda shall be submitted in writing or sent by e-mail. Written proposals shall be submitted to the Company on business days or sent by registered mail at the address of the registered office of the Company indicated in the notice. Proposals submitted by e-mail shall be sent to the following e-mails: [email protected] and [email protected] . The agenda shall be supplemented if the proposal is received no later than 14 days before the Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders. If the agenda of the general meeting of shareholders is supplemented, the Company shall notify on the additions no later than 10 days before the meeting in the same ways as in the case of convocation of the meeting. The shareholders, who hold shares carrying at least 1/20 of all the votes, at any time before the general meeting of shareholders or during the meeting, may propose new draft resolutions on items which are or will be included in the agenda of the meeting. The proposals may be submitted in writing or sent by e-mail. Written proposals shall be submitted to the Company on business days or sent by registered mail at the address of the registered office of the Company indicated in the notice. Proposals submitted by e-mail shall be sent to the following e-mails: [email protected] and [email protected] . The shareholders shall have the right to submit to the Company in advance questions relating to the items on the agenda of the meeting. The shareholders may submit their written questions to the Company on business days or send by registered mail at the address of the registered office of the Company indicated in the notice no later than 3 business days before the meeting. The Company will reply to the questions by e-mail or in writing before the meeting, except the questions which are related to the Companys commercial (industrial) secret, confidential information or which have been submitted later than 3 business days before the meeting. The Company provides the possibility of voting at the meeting by submitting to the Company a general ballot paper signed with a qualified electronic signature no later than 1:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting. The shareholder shall have the right to authorize through electronic communications means another person (natural or legal) to participate and vote in the meeting on behalf of the shareholder. No notarization of such authorization is required. The shareholder must confirm the proxy issued through electronic communications means by an electronic signature developed by a secure signature-creation device and approved by a qualified certificate effective in the Republic of Lithuania. The shareholder shall inform the Company on the proxy issued through electronic communications means to the following e-mails: [email protected] and [email protected] no later than until the last business day before the meeting at 1:00 p.m. The proxy and the notice must be issued in writing. The proxy and the notice to the Company shall be signed with the electronic signature but not the letter sent by e-mail. By submitting the notice to the Company, the shareholder shall include the internet address from which it would be possible to download software free of charge to verify the shareholders electronic signature. The record date of the meeting shall be 23 November 2023 (only those persons who will be shareholders of the Company at the close of the record date of the general meeting of shareholders or their authorized persons, or persons with whom an agreement on assignment of the voting right has been executed, may participate and vote at the general meeting of shareholders). The shareholders of the Company may familiarise with the draft resolution of the meeting and the form of the general ballot paper under the procedure prescribed by the laws in the administrative premises of the Company at J. Janonio str. 6B, Klaipeda (tel.: 8 46 391 772), or on the Companys website at http://www.kn.lt/ . Enclosed: Draft decisions Ballot paper Articles of Association of the Company Remuneration policy of the Company Corporate Governance Policy of the Company Vaidotas Dirmeikis, Acting Chief Financial Officer, +370 46 391 772. Attachments The Supreme Court on Thursday upheld a one-year prison sentence for President Yoon Suk-yeol's mother-in-law for forging a bank statement and purchasing land in another person's name. Choi Eun-soon, the 76-year-old mother of first lady Kim Keon-hee, had been given the sentence by a lower court in July for repeatedly forging a bank statement showing W34.9 billion in her account so she could purchase land in Seongnam south of Seoul in 2013 (US$1=W1,297). She is already serving her sentence. Choi had asked a business associate to forge the bank statement after he told her that she needed to show ample financial resources to qualify for tips on lucrative real estate investments. But she made the mistake of submitting the forged bank statement to a court in a lawsuit over the land in August 2013. She was also found guilty of registering the purchased land in the name of her business associate's son-in-law. She admitted forging the bank statement but denied the other charges. A lower court found her guilty of all charges in late 2021 and sentenced her to one year in prison. Colorado Springs, Colorado, Nov. 17, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On November 9th, 2023, The Catalyst Accelerator team hosted a highly successful on-site demonstration day at Catalyst Campus for Technology and Innovation (CCTI). The event attracted over 125 attendees eager to meet the 6 cohort companies and gain insight into their cutting-edge, dual-use technology solutions. In attendance were Air Force, Space Force, Navy, and other Government personnel. Additionally, industry leaders, investors, and those curious about where the U.S. is heading with AI/ML technology were in attendance as well. The AI/ML for Space and Maritime Applications cohort was the 12th Accelerator facilitated by CCTI, and the first joint Accelerator between the Space Force and Navy. The Catalyst Accelerator team was thrilled to welcome several new sponsors into their support network to include Kratos, who was the proud sponsor of Demo Day, and Fulcrum Wealth Consulting of Raymond James, who served as the generous Cohort Sponsor for the cohort companies. The problem statement for this cohort was focused on how the United States Space Force and United States Navy might introduce commercial capabilities to innovate operational mission environments with Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. The cohort companies were chosen for their technology and business readiness from a pool of over 30 applicants and began their Accelerator experience on August 22nd, 2023. Capt Monica King, Government Lead for the Catalyst Accelerator, had the pleasure of working closely with the 6 cohort companies over their 3-month Accelerator journey. She explained, "Working with such brilliant innovators who are committed to advancing national security capabilities was thrilling! It widened my perspective on how the DoD can leverage industry experts to deliver what's needed to our Airmen and Guardians. Small businesses are actively developing cutting-edge technology to transform how we approach potential threats. With their aid, we can continue to achieve the impossible." Over the course of the Accelerator, the companies were guided by the following subject matter experts: Government Sherpas and end-users, enabling them to better understand Government space needs; business experts, helping them pivot their technology and corporate posture to position themselves well in the Government market; and Commercial Sherpas (Deloitte, Kratos, Leidos, Lockheed Martin, L3Harris, and Two Six Technologies), helping them step into the Government arena with advice, consulting, and key contact introductions within the Government and Commercial sectors. One of these subject matter experts, Dr. Luis Rodriguez, former U.S. Navy PEO IWS S&T Liaison, asserted, The Program Executive Office Integrated Warfare Systems (PEO IWS) relies on the technical innovations of Americas small business entrepreneurs and expansion of the industry base to best support the U.S. Navys mission. AI/ML is an area of particular interest as the future operating environment increases in complexity. These technologies have a multitude of use cases including but not limited to improving multi-domain real-time situation awareness, improving the kill chain in multi-target scenarios, optimizing logistic operations, and accelerating acquisition. The joint U.S. Space Force and U.S. Navy Accelerator provided a unique opportunity to hasten the involvement of small business enterprises with relevant AI/ML commercial technologies into the national security ecosystem. I hope the cohort companies will be increasingly motivated to become trusted partners and help accelerate AI enabled capabilities in support of the warfighter. Demo Day was the culmination of the AI/ML for Space and Maritime Applications Accelerator, and the final product of the cohorts diligence, the re-imagining of their technology, and the shifting of their business model to fit the new customer U.S. Space Force and U.S. Navy. Their innovative capabilities have the potential to revolutionize these industries, offering enhanced competencies and efficiency. Moreover, the outstanding messages from the keynote speakers, Col Rhet Turnbull, Deputy Director, Space Systems Integration Office, and Angela Falcini, Program Manager at the Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific, allowed participants to gain a deeper understanding of the transformative power of AI/ML in space and maritime applications. Overall, the event provided an invaluable opportunity for attendees to network, engage with the cohort companies, and explore potential collaborations. For more information about the Catalyst Accelerator and its AI/ML for Space and Maritime Applications cohort, please visit https://catalystaccelerator.space/cohort_page/ai-ml-for-space-and-maritime-applications/. Cohort companies included: Data2 (Data Squared) (Wilmington, Delaware) At Data Squared USA Inc, our mission is to revolutionize data analysis through cutting-edge technology and expertise in Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Large Language Models (LLM). By unlocking valuable insights from millions of unstructured data sources through the application of knowledge graphs, we build ontologies that empower organizations to make informed decisions that go beyond traditional quantitative analysis. Our focus lies in developing efficient Machine Learning Operations (MLOps) pipelines and providing novel solutions that leverage the potential of unstructured data for impactful outcomes. https://data2.ai Duality Systems (Monument, Colorado) Duality Systems focuses on business optimization in four core areas supported by PhD-level expertise: Operations Analytics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Data Science, and Decision and Risk Analysis. Our scheduling product, Balance Scheduler, uses AI-based algorithms to produce efficiencies of scale, provide better solutions that can ingest more variables and potential outcomes near-instantly, and drive a far better user and organizational experience. It can be applied to personnel, operations, and logistics. It creates the conditions for more informed decisions, larger decision windows, and efficient long term strategic planning as well as shaping long-term risk mitigation and decision support strategies within the most complex environments. https://www.dualitysys.com Exosite (Minneapolis, Minnesota) Exosite provides off the shelf products and services to Industrial OEMs and other organizations that benefit from collecting data from equipment, analyzing that data, and taking action based upon the data. Exosite has worked with hundreds of customers since its founding in 2009 with a current focus on organizations providing maintenance and services to high value equipment. Exosites software offers a low code experience, is highly configurable, and offers flexible integrations with 3rd party systems without requiring software development expertise. https://www.exosite.com Precursor SPC (Seattle, Washington) Precursor SPCs vision is to ensure continuous global superiority in space operations through accurate and timely information advantage, distribution, and execution. Precursor is developing a first-of-a-kind AI/ML Space Weather Nowcasting and Forecasting platform, the only solution available today that provides real-time high resolution 4D representation of the actual Space environment and delivers on-demand actionable Space Weather information for military, civilian and commercial operations. Precursors Nowcasting refers to forecasting current and near-future events based on real-time rather than historical data or physics-based models. Precursors Nowcasting is based on a high-fidelity representation of the actual Space environment and is the foundation for Forecasting. Precursors real-time Space Weather Nowcasting and Forecasting delivers unmatched capabilities for public safety and national security Use Cases. https://www.precursor-spc.com R-DEX Systems, Inc. (Woodstock, Georgia) R-DEX Systems, Inc. develops and deploys cutting edge Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics, and advanced sensor solutions for mission critical systems. Our vision is to bring AI out of experimental settings and into operational environments. As a leading innovator of advanced AI systems for the Department of Defense, R-DEX has built efficient AI and machine learning operational pipelines and services to support the development and deployment of trusted and generalizable AI technologies. This has resulted in a portfolio of AI products that span multiple sensor modalities for a wide range of applications in Aided/Automatic Target Recognition (Ai/ATR), Electronic Warfare (EW), Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), radar, wireless communications, and autonomous systems. https://r-dex.com RS21 (Albuquerque, New Mexico) RS21 is a data science company that uses AI, data engineering, design, and software development to create AI/ML solutions for NNSA, DHS, and DOD. Our team brings deep expertise in predictive model development, risk and threat modeling, natural language processing, and data governance and standards. RS21 has built a proven AI-powered tool that performs fault detection and prediction to safeguard critical equipment and the important functions they perform. https://rs21.io About Catalyst Accelerator The Air Force Research Laboratory Space Vehicles Directorate and United States Space Forces Catalyst Accelerator is a NewSpace-focused defense and national security industry accelerator, headquartered on the Catalyst Campus for Technology and Innovation (CCTI, a Colorado 501(c)3) in Colorado Springs, Colorado. CCTI is a collaborative ecosystem where industry, small business, entrepreneurs, startups, government, academia, and investors intersect with Colorados aerospace and defense industry to create community, spark innovation, and stimulate business growth. Attachment KiMar Gartman Catalyst Accelerator 701-500-5469 [email protected] Source: Catalyst Accelerator NEW YORK, Nov. 17, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DDC Enterprise Ltd, (NYSEAM: DDC) (DayDayCook or the Company), a leading content-driven food consumer brand, today announced the pricing of its initial public offering of 3,900,000 of its Class A Ordinary Shares at a price of $8.50 per share. All the Class A Ordinary Shares are being offered by DayDayCook. In addition, DayDayCook has granted the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase an additional 585,000 shares of its common stock at the initial public offering price, less the underwriting discounts and commissions. The gross proceeds to DayDayCook from the offering, before deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and other offering expenses payable by the Company, are expected to be $33.15 million. The offering is expected to close on November 21, 2023, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions. The shares are expected to begin trading on the NYSE American on November 17, 2023 under the symbol "DDC."CMB International Capital Limited, The Benchmark Company, LLC, Maxim Group LLC and Freedom Capital Markets are acting as joint book-running managers for the offering. Guotai Junan Securities (Hong Kong) Limited, Eddid Securities and Futures Limited, Eddid Securities USA Inc. and Tiger Brokers (NZ) Limited are acting as Co-Managers.The Company expects to use the net proceeds from the sale of the shares for working capital, business expansion including through acquisitions, and repayment of loans.The registration statement relating to the securities being sold in this offering have been filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and became effective on November 16, 2023. A copy of the registration statement can be accessed through the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. This offering is being made only by means of a prospectus forming part of the registration statement relating to these securities. When available, a copy of the final prospectus relating to this offering may be obtained from the SEC's website at www.sec.gov or from: The Benchmark Company, LLC, Attention: Prospectus Department, 150 E. 58th Street, 17th floor, New York, NY 10155 at 212-312-6700 or by email at prospectus@benchmarkcompany. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy any of the Companys securities, nor shall there be any offer, solicitation or sale of any of the Companys securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such state or jurisdiction. About DayDayCook A Leader in Food Innovation Founded in 2012, DayDayCook is a leading content-driven consumer brand offering easy, convenient ready-to-heat, ready-to-cook and ready-to-eat products. The company focuses on innovative and healthy meal solutions with a fast-growing omnichannel sales network in China and the U.S., and a through a strong online presence globally. The Company builds brand recognition through culinary and lifestyle content across major social media and e-commerce platforms. Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this announcement are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on the Companys current expectations and projections about future events that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. These forward-looking statements are also based on assumptions regarding the Companys present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future. Investors can find many (but not all) of these statements by the use of words such as may, will, expect, anticipate, aim, estimate, intend, plan, believe, likely to or other similar expressions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company's registration statement and other filings with the SEC. Contact: Investors:CORE IRMatt Blazei[email protected] Media:CORE PRKati Waldenburg[email protected] Source: DDC Enterprise Limited SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 17, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco today announced the results of its 2023 director elections. FHLBank San Francisco members elected Laura Archuleta and Silvio Tavares to two open nonmember independent director positions. Laura Archuleta, President and CEO, Jamboree Housing CorporationAs President and CEO of Jamboree Housing Corporation, a nonprofit housing development company, Ms. Archuleta leads the development, acquisition, renovation, and management of affordable housing across California. Under her visionary leadership for over two decades, Jamboree's portfolio has expanded to a substantial $3.2 billion, providing homes for over 20,000 residents, including low-income families, seniors, transitional age youth, and individuals with special needs. Her commitment to bridging diverse interests and fostering collaboration is evident in her ability to unite stakeholders from all walks of life, achieving common goals and creating innovative solutions to address California's pressing housing demand. She also brings decades of experience serving on numerous boards, including the Cal State Fullerton Philanthropic Foundation Board of Governors, California Housing Consortium, and California Building Industry Association (CBIA). She is a founding member of UC Irvine's Livable Cities Lab, which leverages academic expertise to study the impact of affordable housing. Silvio Tavares, President and CEO, VantageScoreMr. Tavares has been President and CEO of VantageScore since 2021. VantageScore is one of the most widely used credit scores in North America and was used over 19 billion times in 2022, including by over 200 million U.S. consumers. Under his leadership, VantageScore is now used by nine of the top 10 banks in the U.S. and by more than 3,000 banks and fin-techs overall. Silvio is an experienced financial services public company board director, CEO, and executive and has served on several public company boards including as Audit Committee Chair and Compensation Committee Chair. Mr. Tavares also previously held senior executive roles at several Fortune 500 financial services technology companies, including Visa and Fiservs First Data business. He holds a J.D. degree from the Boston University School of Law; an M.B.A. degree from the Boston College Carroll School of Management; and a B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering from Tufts University. He has invented or co-invented over 15 patents in financial data technology, risk management and machine learning technologies. Ana E. Fonseca, President and CEO, Logix Federal Credit UnionThe Banks California members re-elected Ana E. Fonseca as a California member director. Ms. Fonseca has 37 years experience in the financial services industry and has been the president and chief executive officer of Logix Federal Credit Union, Valencia, California, since January 2019. From April 2002 through December 2018, she held leadership roles including executive vice president/chief operating officer and executive vice president/chief financial officer. She is experienced in developing and executing strategies to achieve long term profitable growth, sustain high levels of customer delight, and build high performing teams and has overseen fiscal operations, sales and revenue growth, customer service/experience, lending, risk management, facilities management, information technology, data and financial analytics, and business operations. Matthew Hendricksen, Senior Vice President, EMPLOYERS InsuranceThe Banks Nevada members re-elected Matthew Hendricksen as the Nevada member director. Mr. Hendricksen is a Senior Vice President with EMPLOYERS, overseeing the treasury and investment operations of Employers Insurance Company of Nevada, Employers Compensation Insurance Company, Employers Preferred Insurance Company, Employers Assurance Company, and Cerity Insurance Company. During his 20-plus year career, Mr. Hendricksen has specialized in investments, derivatives, collateral operations, risk management, and insurance regulations. Each of these four positions has a four-year term beginning January 1, 2024, and ending December 31, 2027. Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco The Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco is a member-driven cooperative that helps lenders in Arizona, California, and Nevada build strong communities, create opportunity, and change lives for the better. The tools and resources we provide to our members commercial banks, credit unions, industrial loan companies, savings institutions, insurance companies, and community development financial institutions propel homeownership, finance quality affordable housing, boost economic vitality, and revitalize neighborhoods. Together with our members and other partners, we make the communities we serve more vibrant, equitable, and resilient. Photos accompanying this announcement are available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c6c94308-57bb-43db-aada-0aa197d139d6 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/286c0369-a699-46d0-8b98-656f60f8da99 Photo of Laura Archuleta FHLBank San Francisco has named Laura Archuleta to its board of directors. Photo of Silvio Tavares FHLBank San Francisco has named Silvio Tavares to its board or directors. Source: Federal Home Loan Bank Of San Francisco Vancouver, BC, Canada, Nov. 16, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- GCT Global Container Terminals (GCT) is proud to formalize our emissions reduction efforts by signing onto the federal governments Net Zero Challenge. Reaching our target of net zero by 2050 will require ambition, innovation, and collaboration between industry and all levels of government. By investing now, we can ensure Canada remains competitive in the low-carbon global economy and support our collective goals in mitigating the effects of climate change. GCT will strive to be an industry leader in supporting Canadas and British Columbias climate objectives. We are committed to making sustainability a priority this is the foundation of our Global Commitment, which reflects our dedication to the environment, safety, and community. We believe it is our responsibilitynot only as a business but also as good neighboursto ensure the future of generations to come. Following the recommendations and actions set out in the Government of Canadas 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan, GCT will build on the investments we have already made to reduce emissions by: Expanding our light-duty fleet electrification through the introduction of three electric vehicles, including a 19-passenger mini bus, a delivery vehicle, and a security truck; Adding 6 new electric ship-to-shore cranes; Installing LED lighting; and Investing in low-emission container handling equipment. In addition to decarbonizing our on-site operations, GCT is also dedicated to supporting the federal governments work with the other signatories of the Clydebank Declaration, as we all work towards establishing green shipping corridors that will accelerate broader decarbonization of the shipping sector and its fuel supply. As the largest tenant of the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, GCT looks forward to collaborating further with industry partners in support of the port authoritys vision for the Port of Vancouver to be the worlds most sustainable port. This investment in innovation provides us with an opportunity to do things better, safer, and in a more environmentally friendly way, said President and CEO of GCT Global Container Terminals, Eric Waltz. Taking on the Federal Net Zero Challenge reinforces our focus on environmentally responsible practices at our terminals. As we continue to expand and increase capacity, sustainability will remain a core value. I commend GCT for the steps they're taking to help reach net zero by 2050, including their investment in green technologies and commitment to the federal Net Zero Challenge. Collaboration and innovation will play a critical role as we work toward our shared goal of reducing port-related emissions at Canadas largest port while advancing the nation's trade objectives. - Peter Xotta, Vice President of Operations and Supply Chain Vancouver Fraser Port Authority -- 30 -- 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. Video: GCT_Innovation (vimeo.com) Media Contact: Denise TrentGCT Global Container TerminalsT +1 604 267 5396[email protected] BACKGROUNDER Whether introducing new environmentally-responsible equipment, ensuring early and responsive engagement on projects or increasing capacity without increasing our footprint, these efforts have made a difference, reducing emissions intensity per container moved by almost 20% across our operations: EV Charger Installations and Vehicle Upgrades Continue: 28 EV chargers are active across GCT Deltaport and GCT Vanterm, with complimentary charging provided to employees and the workforce to encourage utilization; 26 additional chargers have been received and are approved for commissioning this year. In 2023, EV chargers installed at GCT removed 350,000 kg of GHG emissions from our communities. GCT is adding three Electric Vehicles to its fleet, including a 19-passenger mini bus, a delivery vehicle and a security truck. Going Beyond Regulation: Climate Smart Certification is complete at all GCT Terminals, with reductions in absolute and per TEU emissions across the board. Absolute emission reductions across GCT are equivalent to removing over 8 million miles driven by an average gasoline-powered passenger vehicle. Maintained Green Marine certification at all terminals earning the highest marks for a container terminal operator in the program across all performance indicators, including the new Community Relations indicator. GCT has been Green Marine Certified since 2014. This rigorous industry certification program sets high benchmarks above and beyond regulation for air, land, and water protection. Denise Trent GCT Global Container Terminals +1 604 267 5396 [email protected] Source: GCT Global Container Terminals Inc. PASCAGOULA, Miss., Nov. 17, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HII (NYSE: HII) announced today that its Ingalls Shipbuilding division received a cost-plus-award fee contract from the U.S. Navy for follow yard support of the Navys Arleigh Burke-class (DDG 51) destroyer program. This contract, which allows for the continuation of key technical management and support functions that enable coordinated production of DDGs under existing construction contracts, includes four option years with a total potential contract value of $185 million if all options are exercised. This is another exciting opportunity for our shipbuilders to demonstrate their versatility in handling all aspects of shipbuilding, Ingalls Shipbuilding DDG 51 Program Manager Ben Barnett said. We are honored to provide this support to our Navy customer and the nations defense. Arleigh Burke-class destroyers are highly capable, multi-mission ships and can conduct a variety of operations, from peacetime presence and crisis management to sea control and power projection. Guided missile destroyers are the backbone of the U.S. surface fleet and are capable of fighting multiple air, surface and subsurface threats simultaneously. A photo accompanying this release is available at: https://hii.com/news/hii-ddg-51-class-follow-yard-support-award-2023/ About HII HII is a global, all-domain defense provider. HIIs mission is to deliver the worlds most powerful ships and all-domain solutions in service of the nation, creating the advantage for our customers to protect peace and freedom around the world. As the nations largest military shipbuilder, and with a more than 135-year history of advancing U.S. national security, HII delivers critical capabilities extending from ships to unmanned systems, cyber, ISR, AI/ML and synthetic training. Headquartered in Virginia, HIIs workforce is 44,000 strong. For more information, visit: HII on the web: https://www.HII.com/ HII on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TeamHII HII on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/WeAreHII HII on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/WeAreHII Contact: Kimberly K. Aguillard 228-355-5663 [email protected] A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/db7049cf-7644-4058-b013-a8467012e02a - Chevrolet, Jeep, Hyundai, Kia, Genesis, Toyota, Volkswagen are the Recognized Brands - - Winning Vehicles on Display during LAAS Consumer Days - LOS ANGELES, Nov. 17, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Hispanic Motor Press Awards (HMPA) - the premier automotive awards by independent Hispanic media and content creators - revealed the winners for 2024 during the opening of the Los Angeles Auto Show (LAAS) and AutoMobility LA . The 14th annual HMPA program presented by Quaker State identifies the best new vehicles for Hispanic car buyers, considering manufacturer advancements in cleaner mobility, technology, safety features, infotainment, and driver experience. We are delighted to return to AutoMobility LA to announce our HMPA winners in collaboration with Quaker State, states Ricardo Rodriguez-Long, a veteran automotive journalist and founder of the Hispanic Motor Press. Hispanics continue to rise as a driving force shaping U.S. culture while impacting our economy including the automotive industry with 25% of vehicle sales. The winners represent brands offering class-leading vehicles that align with Hispanic car buyers preferences as we assist them in making informed decisions. At the annual HMPA program, Quaker Stateone of the most cutting-edge motor oil brandsjoined forces with Hispanic Motor Press to award scholarships to college students specializing in communications, automotive, and technology fields. Adding even more excitement to the occasion, Daniel Suarez, driver of the #99 Quaker State Chevrolet for Trackhouse Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series, had the honor of presenting these prestigious scholarships. We are honored to support these aspiring future leaders by helping to energize their educational journeys, says Amanda Luce, Quaker State Brand Manager. On behalf of Quaker State, congratulations to the scholarship recipients and the winning brands for demonstrating automotive excellence among Hispanic car buyers. The HMPA Presented by Quaker State top 2024 vehicles for Hispanics are: Electric Vehicle - Hyundai Kona Electric Family Vehicle - KIA Telluride Pick Up Truck - Chevrolet Colorado SUV - VW Atlas 7 Luxury Vehicle Genesis Electrified GV70 Adventure Vehicle - Jeep Wrangler 4Xe Best Tech - Toyota Prius Winning vehicles will be showcased in an exclusive staged area throughout the duration of LAAS taking place through November 26 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The 2024 HMPA Jurors represent a distinguished, independent group of Hispanic automotive journalists, content creators and industry influencers selected by the organizations advisory board who volunteer their own time to participate and to help the Hispanic consumer make an informed choice. Over 100 new vehicles were tested during 2023. Auto manufacturers voluntarily submitted their entries, and the jury panel evaluated the vehicles features including overall design, comfort, safety, economy, handling, performance, functionality, infotainment integration, interior design, environmental requirements, driver satisfaction, and value. To download additional images click HERE About Hispanic Motor Press The Hispanic Motor Press Awards is the premier independent Hispanic awards presented in the country for the Hispanic community to help, educate, and pre-select the best vehicle options in the market. The jury panel is comprised of national Hispanic journalists, content creators, and influencers who assess the vehicles while considering key purchase drivers for Hispanic families in quality, reliability, style, safety, and value. Hispanic Motor Press Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)3 with the objective to educate and help the Hispanic Consumer to move towards mobility that is clean, affordable, and capable of reducing greenhouse emissions and improving our air quality. For more information, visit HispanicMotorPress.org . Follow Hispanic Motor Press on X@HMotorPressOrg , Facebook@HispanicMotorPress , and Instagram@HispanicMotorPress . About Quaker State Quaker State motor oil has a 100-year history as a leader in consumer automotive products and vehicle care. Quaker State is among the industrys hardest-working motor oil brands and offers a range of products to help meet various types of vehicle engine needs. For more information about the full line of Quaker State motor oils, visit www.quakerstate.com . CONTACT: Yvonne Lorie 305-546-3688 [email protected] A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8120e5fb-7e42-4dfd-9f7e-813f6e786453 MONTREAL, Nov. 17, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HPQ Silicon Inc. (HPQ or the Company) (TSX-V: HPQ) (OTCQB: HPQFF) (FRA: O08), a technology company specializing in green engineering processes for silica and silicon material production is pleased to update shareholders on a recent patent filing related to its Silicon-based anode material initiative. HPQ filed a new provisional patent application in France related to a continuous Silicon Oxide (SiOx) manufacturing process based on a modified PUREVAPTM QRR design. As per French law, HPQ acquired all rights held by the inventors for C$90,000.00. The patent protects a unique QRR technology configuration that allows the production of SiOx on the same equipment. PATENT EXPANDS QRR TECHNOLOGY, WITH MINIMAL DEVELOPMENT RISK The new patented process has a significant advantage over the standard process in that it enables continuous production of SiOx, whereas the latter is produced in batches. The proposed process can be applied to the QRR without major changes in reactor design, reducing the technological development risks. Additionally, it is worth noting that the price of SiOx is approximately 2 to 3 times more expensive than silicon of the same purity [1]. This new patent application enhances our value proposition for Silicon-Based Anode materials, said Mr. Bernard Tourillon, President and CEO of HPQ Silicon Inc. Our unique PUREVAPTM QRR technology, as you know, can convert quartz into a low carbon 3N+ Si in a single step. A modified PUREVAPTM QRR will leverage this 3N+ Si to produce SiOx, which, as you also know, is highly coveted by the battery industry. SILICON OXIDE (SiOx) MATERIALS FOR LITHIUM BATTERIES Silicon suboxides (SiOx) are a promising anode material with high lithium storage capacity. Adding small amounts of silicon oxide to graphite composite electrodes has become a significant trend in the lithium battery industry [2]. This has driven demand for silicon anode materials, which are estimated to reach a potential demand of 300,000 tons by 2030 [3]. The selling price for silicon-based anode materials ranges from US$30 per kg to US$50 per kg [4]. The growing importance of SiOx material, which necessitates 3N+ Purity Silicon feedstock for its production, in the burgeoning multi-billion-dollar battery material market, is a fact that cannot be emphasized enough, added Mr. Tourillon. OTHER NEWS: FIRST CLOSING OF PRIVATE PLACEMENT HPQ completed a first closing of its Non-Brokered Private placement financing announced on October 16, 2023, for 1,225,000 units at a price of $0.275 per unit for a gross proceed of $337,012.50. Each Unit is comprised of one (1) common share and one (1) common share purchase warrant of the Company. Each Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to purchase one common share of the capital stock of the Company at an exercise price of $ 0.30 for a period of 24 months from the date of closing of the placement. Each share issued pursuant to the placement will have a mandatory four (4) month and one (1) day holding period from the date of closing of the placement. Mr. Bernard Tourillon, Chairman, President, CEO and Director of HPQ, subscribed for 100,000 units in the placement. Following the completion of the private placement, Mr. Tourillon will beneficially own or exercise control or direction over, directly or indirectly, 9,454,850 shares, representing 2.58 per cent of the issued and outstanding Common Shares of the Company. The participation of Mr. Tourillon in the private placement constitutes a related party transaction within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 -- Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions, and TSX Venture Exchange Policy 5.9 -- Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions. In connection with this related party transaction, the company is relying on the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval exemptions of subsections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101, respectively, as the fair market value of the portion of the private placement subscribed by Mr. Tourillon does not exceed 25 per cent of the company's market capitalization. The Board of directors of the Company has approved the Private Placement, including the participation of Mr. Tourillon therein. Mr. Patrick Levasseur, a Director of HPQ, subscribed for 100,000 units in the placement. Following the completion of the private placement, Mr. Levasseur will beneficially own or exercise control or direction over, directly or indirectly, 4,540,875 shares, representing 1.24 per cent of the issued and outstanding common shares of the company. The participation of Mr. Levasseur in the private placement constitutes a related party transaction within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 -- Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions, and TSX Venture Exchange Policy 5.9 -- Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions. In connection with this related party transaction, the company is relying on the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval exemptions of subsections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101, respectively, as the fair market value of the portion of the private placement subscribed by Mr. Levasseur does not exceed 25 per cent of the company's market capitalization. The Board of directors of the Company has approved the Private Placement, including the participation of Mr. Levasseur therein. Mrs. Noelle Drapeau, HPQ Corporate Secretary and a Director, personally and though its company 6710018 Canada Inc., subscribed for 100,000 units in the placement. Following the completion of the private placement, Mrs. Drapeau will beneficially own or exercise control or direction over, directly or indirectly, 1,133,000 shares, representing 0.31 per cent of the issued and outstanding common shares of the company. The participation of Mrs. Drapeau in the private placement constitutes a related party transaction within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 -- Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions, and TSX Venture Exchange Policy 5.9 -- Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions. In connection with this related party transaction, the company is relying on the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval exemptions of subsections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101, respectively, as the fair market value of the portion of the private placement subscribed by Mrs. Drapeau does not exceed 25 per cent of the company's market capitalization. The Board of directors of the Company has approved the Private Placement, including the participation of Mrs. Drapeau therein. In connection with the Offering, Red Cloud Securities Inc. of Toronto, Ontario, received a cash commission equal to $3,300 and the Company issued to them 12,000 broker warrants. Each Broker Warrant will entitle the Broker to acquire one common share of the company at a price of $0.30 per share for a period of 24 months following the Closing Date. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the 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. OTHER NEWS: After a careful review of the Nano Silicon material market environment, the technology advancement and associated future development costs needed to get the PUREVAPTM Nano Silicon Reactor (NSiR) to a potential commercial stage, HPQ has advised its technology provider that it no longer intends to pursue the development of this technology. Instead, the company would focus its resources on other market-ready and more promising initiatives, such as its Fumed Silica Reactor project and silicon-based anode material initiative. REFERENCE SOURCES [1] Information from supplier quotes received by Novacium SAS [2] The Royal Society of Chemistry 2020 Sustainable Energy Fuels, 2020, 4, 53875416 [3] QY Research, SNE Research, Shinhan Securities / NBM June 2023 Deck page 11 [4] Information from supplier quotes received from GH Technologies (adjusted to include freight and duties) About HPQ Silicon HPQ Silicon Inc. (TSX-V: HPQ) is a Quebec-based TSX Venture Exchange Tier 1 Industrial Issuer. HPQ is developing, with the support of world-class technology partners PyroGenesis Canada Inc. and NOVACIUM SAS, new green processes crucial to make the critical materials needed to reach net zero emissions. HPQ activities are centred around the following four (4) pillars: 1) Becoming a green low-cost (Capex and Opex) manufacturer of Fumed Silica using the FUMED SILICA REACTOR, a proprietary technology owned by HPQ being developed for HPQ by PyroGenesis. 2) Becoming a zero CO2 low-cost (Capex and Opex) producer of High Purity Silicon (2N+ to 4N) using our PUREVAPTM Quartz Reduction Reactors (QRR), a proprietary technology owned by HPQ being developed for HPQ by PyroGenesis. 3) Becoming a producer of silicon-based anode materials for battery applications with the assistance of NOVACIUM SAS. 4) HPQ SILICON affiliate NOVACIUM SAS is developing a low carbon, chemical base on demand and high-pressure autonomous hydrogen production system. For more information, please visit HPQ Silicon web site. Disclaimers: This press release contains certain forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements containing the words "may", "plan", "will", "estimate", "continue", "anticipate", "intend", "expect", "in the process" and other similar expressions which constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements reflect the Company's current expectation and assumptions and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, our expectations regarding the acceptance of our products by the market, our strategy to develop new products and enhance the capabilities of existing products, our strategy with respect to research and development, the impact of competitive products and pricing, new product development, and uncertainties related to the regulatory approval process. Such statements reflect the current views of the Company with respect to future events and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties and other risks detailed from time-to-time in the Company's ongoing filings with the securitys regulatory authorities, which filings can be found at www.sedar.com. Actual results, events, and performance may differ materially. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements either as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This News Release is available on the company's CEO Verified Discussion Forum, a moderated social media platform that enables civilized discussion and Q&A between Management and Shareholders. Source: HPQ Silicon Inc.For further information contact: Bernard J. Tourillon, Chairman, President, and CEO Tel +1 (514) 846-3271Patrick Levasseur, Director Tel: +1 (514) 262-9239Email: [email protected] Source: HPQ Silicon Inc. MONTREAL, Nov. 17, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lynx Airs (Lynx) inaugural flight from Montreal to the Tampa Bay area takes off today from YUL Montreal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL) to Tampa International Airport (TPA). Canadas ultra-affordable airline will operate four flights per week between Montreal and Tampa, flying brand-new Boeing 737 aircraft. To celebrate Lynxs new route, the airline is offering a chance to win a vacation package for two, including flights, accommodation, and passes to some of Tampa Bays hottest attractions. Lynx is also launching a limited-time seat sale, offering up to 35 per cent off base fares for flights to its sun destinations and domestic network, using the promo code: SUNSHINE. Fares start from as low as $110* inclusive of taxes and fees. The sale starts on November 17 and ends at 11:59 PM EST November 19, 2023. For complete sale and contest details, and to book an ultra-affordable fare, visit FlyLynx.com. As we enter the winter season, the inclusion of Tampa Bay in our destinations provides Canadian travelers with a golden opportunity to break free from the winter chill and indulge in a vacation paradise celebrated for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and year-round attractions, expressed Vijay Bathija, CCO of Lynx. We're ecstatic to unveil an exceptionally affordable option for seamless travel between Montreal and Tampa Bay. Whether you're yearning for the radiant warmth of Florida sunshine or eager to explore the myriad of beaches and attractions the region boasts, Lynx guarantees a fantastic flying experience at an ultra-affordable price. ADM Aeroports de Montreal is delighted that Lynx has added Tampa Bay to its list of destinations. With the cold days of winter upon us, Lynx Air is offering a new gateway to the west coast of Florida, where warm weather and palm trees await travellers. With this new route, Lynx Air is continuing to develop the low-cost market from Montreal for the benefit of our passengers, said Stephane Lapierre, Vice President, Airport Operations and Air Services Development, ADM. Tampa International Airport is proud to work with our new partners at Lynx Air as they begin flying to another popular Canadian destination. Montreal is the second-largest Canadian market for TPA after Toronto, and Lynx expanding its service to such a unique cultural capital is an exciting connection not just for the Airport, but for the entire Tampa Bay region, said Joe Lopano, CEO, Tampa International Airport. Sale DetailsFares between Montreal and Tampa Bay start at $110*, one way, including taxes and fees. To celebrate todays inaugural flight, Lynx has launched a limited time seat sale offering up to 35 per cent off base fares on the entire network. The sale starts on November 17 and ends at 11:59 PM EST on November 19, 2023, and can be accessed with the promo code SUNSHINE. For complete sale details, and to book an ultra-affordable fare, visit FlyLynx.com. Lynxs Tampa Schedule Montreal Effective Date Frequency Departure Station Arrival Station 17-Nov-23 Monday/Thursday/Friday/Sunday YUL Montreal-Trudeau International (YUL) Tampa International (TPA) 17-Nov-23 Monday/Thursday/Friday/Sunday Tampa International (TPA) YUL Montreal-Trudeau International (YUL) Please note that dates are subject to change. Visit the website for full schedule details. * Available for a limited time; fares are accurate at the time of release and include taxes and fees, restrictions apply. Media contact:Paula WorthingtonWorthington PR [email protected]403-585-2429 About Lynx Air Lynx Air (Lynx), Canadas leading ultra-low-cost airline, is on a mission to make air travel accessible to all, with ultra-affordable fares and a customer-focused flying experience. The airline was recently awarded Youngest Fleet in North America by ch-aviation. Lynx operates a brand-new fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft, bringing an elevated customer experience to low-cost travel in Canada. These ultra-efficient and reliable aircraft are 20% more fuel efficient than previous generation aircraft, reducing Lynxs carbon footprint, and making Lynx one of Canadas most sustainable airlines. Lynx is a privately owned Canadian airline with the financial backing and industry expertise required to transform the Canadian aviation landscape. Visit FlyLynx.com or connect with Lynx on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram to learn more. Source: Lynx Air TORONTO, Nov. 17, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Partners Value Investments Inc. (the Company, TSX: PVF.WT) announced today its financial results for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. All amounts are stated in U.S. dollars. The Company recorded net income of $72.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023, compared to net income of $343.9 million in the prior year period. Net income was lower in the current period primarily due to lower remeasurement gains on the Companys retractable shares and warrant liability as well as lower foreign currency gains. The Companys retractable common shares are classified as liabilities due to their cash retraction feature. The remeasurement gains or losses in a given period are driven by the respective depreciation or appreciation of the Partnership unit price as the exchangeable shares are recognized at fair value based on the quoted price of the Partnerships Equity LP units. During the quarter, the Partnership unit price increased by $0.52 compared to a decrease of $3.59 in the prior year quarter. Excluding retractable share and warrant liability remeasurement gains and dividends paid on retractable shares, Adjusted Earnings for the Company was $29.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023, compared to Adjusted Earnings of $78.8 million in the prior year period. Adjusted Earnings were lower in the current period as a result of lower foreign currency gains. As at September 30, 2023, the market prices of a Brookfield Corporation (the Corporation, NYSE/TSX: BN) and Brookfield Asset Management Ltd. (the Manager, NYSE/TSX: BAM) share were $31.27 and $33.34, respectively. As at November 16, 2023, the market prices of a BN and BAM share were $34.07 and $33.47, respectively. Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)(Thousands, US dollars)For the periods ended September 30 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2023 2022 2023 2022 Investment income Dividends $ 24,120 $ 22,588 $ 71,984 $ 66,413 Other investment income 2,862 2,150 8,297 3,969 26,982 24,738 80,281 70,382 Expenses Operating expenses (1,398 ) (386 ) (2,240 ) (1,453 ) Financing costs (8,399 ) (8,469 ) (25,112 ) (24,830 ) Retractable preferred share dividends (8,855 ) (9,075 ) (26,495 ) (25,616 ) 8,330 6,808 26,434 18,483 Other items Investment valuation (losses) gains (4,746 ) (3,683 ) (6,732 ) 9,559 Remeasurement gains of retractable shares 35,036 214,305 142,280 583,910 Warrant liability valuation gains 13,705 56,885 38,284 171,868 Amortization of deferred financing costs (848 ) (872 ) (2,538 ) (2,524 ) Current taxes expense (286 ) (73 ) (1,103 ) (20,248 ) Deferred taxes (expense) recovery 1,532 7,557 (3,061 ) 22,880 Foreign currency gains 19,423 62,983 269 80,687 Net income $ 72,146 $ 343,910 $ 193,833 $ 864,615 Financial Profile The Companys principal investments are its interest in 134 million Class A Limited Voting Shares of the Corporation and approximately 31 million Class A Limited Voting Shares of the Manager. This represents approximately a 9% interest as at September 30, 2023 in the Corporation and an 8% interest in the Manager. In addition, the Company owns a diversified investment portfolio of marketable securities and private fund interests. The information in the following table has been extracted from the Companys Consolidated Statements of Financial Position: Consolidated Statements of Financial Position (Unaudited)As at(Thousands, US dollars) September 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 178,960 $ 185,711 Accounts receivable and other assets 53,953 47,260 Deferred tax assets 5,902 1,604 Investment in Brookfield Corporation1 4,181,515 4,149,188 Investment in Brookfield Asset Management Ltd.2 1,017,799 934,183 Other investments carried at fair value 600,194 606,223 $ 6,038,323 $ 5,924,169 Liabilities and Equity Accounts payable and other liabilities $ 22,700 $ 36,861 Corporate borrowings 220,309 220,711 Preferred shares3 753,597 752,727 Retractable common shares 3,304,741 3,447,021 Warrant liability 324,939 363,707 4,626,286 4,821,027 Equity Accumulated deficit (2,504,830 ) (2,698,663 ) Accumulated other comprehensive income 3,916,867 3,801,805 $ 6,038,323 $ 5,924,169 1 The investment in Brookfield Corporation consists of 134 million Corporation shares with a quoted market value of $31.27 per share as at September 30, 2023 (December 31, 2022 $31.46). 2 The investment in Brookfield Asset Management Ltd. consists of 31 million Manager shares with a quoted market value of $33.34 per share as at September 30, 2023 (December 31, 2022 $28.67). 3 Represents $680 million of retractable preferred shares less $10 million of unamortized issue costs as at September 30, 2023 (December 31, 2022 $681 million less $13 million) and $84 million of three series of preferred shares of a subsidiary of the Company (December 31, 2022 $84 million). For further information, contact Investor Relations at [email protected] or 416-643-7621. Note: This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian provincial securities laws and forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities regulations. The words potential and estimated and other expressions which are predictions of or indicate future events, trends or prospects and which do not relate to historical matters, identify forward-looking information. Although the Company believes that its anticipated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements and information are based upon reasonable assumptions and expectations, the reader should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and information because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond its control, which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to differ materially from anticipated future results, performance or achievement expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and information. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated or implied by forwardlooking statements and information include, but are not limited to: the financial performance of Brookfield Corporation, the impact or unanticipated impact of general economic, political and market factors; the behavior of financial markets, including fluctuations in interest and foreign exchanges rates; limitations on the liquidity of our investments; global equity and capital markets and the availability of equity and debt financing and refinancing within these markets; strategic actions including dispositions; changes in accounting policies and methods used to report financial condition (including uncertainties associated with critical accounting assumptions and estimates); the effect of applying future accounting changes; business competition; operational and reputational risks; technological change; changes in government regulation and legislation; changes in tax laws; risks associated with the use of financial leverage; catastrophic events, such as earthquakes and hurricanes; the possible impact of international conflicts and other developments including terrorist acts; and other risks and factors detailed from time to time in the Companys documents filed with the securities regulators in Canada. The Company cautions that the foregoing list of important factors that may affect future results is not exhaustive. When relying on the Companys forward-looking statements and information, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements and information, whether written or oral, that may be as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Source: Partners Value Investments Inc. WASHINGTON, Nov. 17, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On Saturday, November 18, Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the voice in President Bidens cabinet for Americas 33 million small businesses, will visit the Veterans Growing America small business pop-up to meet Veteran entrepreneurs, do some holiday shopping, and promote the upcoming Small Business Saturday on November 25. MEDIA RSVP: Specific location information will be provided upon successful RSVP HERE. Saturday, November 18 Woodbridge, Virginia Veterans Growing America Pop-Up ShoppingWHO: SBA Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman WHEN: 11:15 a.m. ET WHERE: Location details sent upon RSVP to this link. ### About the U.S. Small Business Administration The U.S. Small Business Administration makes the American dream of business ownership a reality. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, or expand their businesses or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit sba.gov. Christine Saah-Nazer U.S. Small Business Administration 202-765-0304 [email protected] Han Nguyen U.S. Small Business Administration 202-765-0304 [email protected] Rebecca Galanti U.S. Small Business Administration 202-765-0304 [email protected] Source: U.S. Small Business Administration Over the last four decades, Larsen & Toubro, the Indian multinational conglomerate, has established their credentials in the Gulf region, developing vital infrastructure in various countries including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, Kuwait, and Qatar. With their track record and several key projects under execution, L&T made a significant mark at the Water, Energy, Technology, and Environment Exhibition (Wetex) and the Dubai Solar Show 2023, that was held at the Dubai Trade Center from November 15-17 2023. L&T has lent their expertise to constructing power and water infrastructure, high-rise buildings, stadiums, airports, hospitals, transportation infrastructure and executing projects in the hydrocarbon space. Apart from playing a crucial role in the NEOM project, L&T is rapidly making their presence felt in the Renewables space with the execution of key projects in the region. With their track record and several key projects under execution, L&T made a significant mark at the Water, Energy, Technology, and Environment Exhibition (Wetex) and the Dubai Solar Show 2023, that was held at the Dubai Trade Center from November 15-17 2023. Over the last few years, our focus on international business has sharpened that is reflected in the fact that over 30% of our total turnover comes from international markets, especially from across the Gulf Region, said T Madhava Das, Whole-Time Director and Senior Executive Vice President (Utilities), Larsen & Toubro. We are delighted that we are playing a significant role in the huge wave of development that is going on in across the Middle East, led by Saudi Arabia, and with our expertise and experience built over decades, we are well placed and well-equipped to continue making a difference. Wetex always has an ideal platform for us to showcase our capabilities and it was no different this year, he added. L&T in Saudi Arabia In the renewables sector, L&T has achieved significant milestones through its involvement in the world's largest green hydrogen plant project, conducted in collaboration with NEOM Green Hydrogen Company in Oxagon, Saudi Arabia. With an investment of $8.4 billion, this project focuses on producing green hydrogen and green ammonia for global export. L&T has received approval from Air Products, the EPC Contractor and exclusive off taker, to establish Renewable Energy Generation, Storage, and Grid infrastructure, with a contract value of close to $3 billion. Progress has been substantial in surveys, design, engineering, temporary facilities, and long-lead item procurement. The project includes the construction of a 2.2 GWac PV Solar Plant, a 1.65 GW Wind Generation Balance of Plant, and a 400 MWh Battery Energy Storage System. L&T continues to play a vital role in Saudi Arabia's energy development, executing crucial substation and transmission line projects for entities such as the Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) and Saudi Aramco, and developing major gas fields and processing facilities, including the Hasbah offshore gas field and the Midyan gas processing facilities. L&T in other countries in the Middle East L&T Construction's Power Transmission & Distribution (PT&D) business excels as a global leader in EPC services for power transmission, distribution, renewables, and integrated solutions, encompassing transmission lines, substations, cable networks, and more. In the realm of power transmission and distribution, L&T has a proven track record with many completed projects, including 317 substations, over 4,901 kilometres of transmission lines, and more than 2,011 kilometres of cabling projects. Presently, L&T is actively involved in more than 50 projects, serving various utilities in the region, including DEWA, Transco, SEC, Saudi Aramco, Kahramaa, and OETC, among others. Digital Energy Solutions (DES): Residing within the PT&D business, DES is a distinctive integrated service provider with all-round EPC capabilities guaranteeing fast, reliable, secure, and smart solutions to operate mission-critical power applications. With its solution-centric integration capabilities, the business unit can successfully integrate cutting-edge technologies with power systems, to deliver smarter, safer, and efficient energy systems. Having successfully completed the first phase of a project to integrate generation plants with utility T&D control room using OSI PI system, the Middle East team of L&T PT&Ds DES business has been entrusted with the second phase of the project, by a large energy utility in the region. L&Ts track record in the water infrastructure space in the UAE, Oman, and Qatar is impressive too, having successfully completed more than 10 water projects cumulatively worth over $1 billion, including the Jebel Ali Sewage Treatment Plant in Dubai, with a capacity of 375 million litres per day, the largest wastewater treatment plant in the UAE. L&Ts expertise has found expression in Oman's Ad Dakhiliyah water transmission project, one of the largest undertaken in the country. Key water infrastructure projects have also been delivered for organizations such as Ashghal in Qatar, Oman Water and Wastewater Service Company, Madayn and SFZ in Oman, and Dubai Municipality, Dubai Electricity & Water Authority, and Abu Dhabi Distribution Company in the UAE. TradeArabia News Service Imports of Chinese beer have plummeted dramatically but Japanese beer imports are soaring. The Korea Customs Service on Thursday said imports of Chinese beer amounted to 2,281 tons last month, down 42.6 percent from the same month last year. In money terms, they fell 37.7 percent to US$1.93 million. A lot of damage was done by a video leaked on social media in October of showing a worker in a Tsingtao brewery urinating in the malt storage area. Importers of Tsingtao beer swore the factory in the video does not produce any beer imported to Korea, but the damage was done. In a similar development in 2021, there was a sharp decline in the import of Chinese-made kimchi in the aftermath of a controversy involving a naked man in China entering a pit full of cabbage and making kimchi. Toronto, Ontario, Nov. 17, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Canadian Federation of Students - Ontario (CFS-O) is outraged by the recommendations of the Blue Ribbon Panels report, in particular the recommendation to raise tuition fees for students by 5% in September 2024, and by 2% or by consumer index price each year. The justification that students must share the financial burden of already chronically underfunded Post-Secondary institutions by increasing tuition fees is not only preposterous, but also shows a lack of insight and care for students by the government. As such, students vehemently reject the Panels recommendation to increase tuition fees. In our previous statement regarding the Blue Ribbon Panel, we shared our concerns about being only consultants and not members of the panel, while students are one of the primary stakeholders in the Post-Secondary Education system. Since the 1980's tuition fees have increased exponentially, making Post-Secondary Education unaffordable. Currently, students in Ontario already pay $1,100 more in tuition fees than the national average. While the attempt to make students pay even more for the failures of government policies along with lack of per-student funding support comes as no surprise, it only reaffirms our position that the Post-Secondary Education system can only be improved with students' direct input. Without the input of students, the government continues to take another dangerous step towards the privatization of Post-Secondary Education. In the report, the rationale to lift the tuition freeze is to help alleviate the burden of exorbitant cost of tuition fees for International students is nothing but a performative excuse. Minister of Colleges and Universities, Jill Dunlop has also admitted that colleges and universities have depended on increasing International student fees to offset costs. Yet, there are no tangible solutions or promises made by the government as tuition fees for International students continue to be deregulated, allowing colleges and universities to continue to charge whatever the amount they want. As we have consistently demanded, students deserve a barrier-free education and we know that comes from having free education for all, grants not loans and education justice for all students. It is alarming that the report continues to emphasize a need for an efficient model of operations of our institutions post-secondary institutions are not businesses and must not be treated like they are. Students already contribute a lot financially to Post-Secondary Education and they play an integral role making the colleges and universities diverse and unique that is not only invaluable but immeasurable, says Mitra Yakubi, Chairperson at the Canadian Federation of Students - Ontario. As we have noted time after time, the current model of funding for Post-Secondary Education is unsustainable. The government must increase per-student funding and reduce tuition fees while ultimately working towards eliminating tuition fees for all students. Students in Ontario deserve free education. Free education is the only way to guarantee access to education for all. Any tuition fee framework that plans to increase tuition fees is one that fails to consider the lived realities of students across the province. Students in the province are already faced with a growing number of barriers and challenges and they cannot continue to be left behind and be expected to pay for the governments failure to prioritize Post-Secondary Education. Students will continue to organize and push back against any proposed tuition hikes and we continue to call on the government for a free, publicly-funded and high-quality education not for some, but for ALL students. The Canadian Federation of Students represents over 350,000 students, it is the largest and oldest provincial students unions representing both domestic and international students in universities and colleges, including undergraduate, graduate, full-time and part-time students. -30- For further information or to set up an interview, contact: Isobel McDonald, Government Relations and Policy Coordinator, at [email protected] orMitra Yakubi, CFS-Ontario Chairperson, at [email protected] Mitra Yakubi Canadian Federation of Students-Ontario [email protected] Isobel McDonald Canadian Federation of Students - Ontario [email protected] Source: Canadian Federation of Students-Ontario VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 17, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ultra Lithium Inc. (TSX-V: ULT OTCQB: ULTXF) (Ultra Lithium or the Company) is pleased to announce that Kiki Smith and Graham Adria have been appoint to the Companys board of directors. Graham Adria was appointed to the board of directors on November 15, 2023. Graham Adria has extensive experience as a corporate lawyer and currently works for an international law firm in Beijing. He is experienced in cross-border transactions in the resources sector, particularly on small and mid-cap mining transactions into Africa and Asia. Graham received his Bachelor of Arts (Honors) in Political Science from the University of Alberta and his Juris Doctor from Osgoode Hall. Graham is called to the bar in Ontario. Kiki Smith was elected to the Companys board of directors at the annual general meeting of shareholders on May 24, 2023. Kiki holds a CPA designation and has over 20 years of experience in the mining, technology and food services sectors. Kiki currently serves as a director and CFO of various issuers. Mr. Weiguo Lang, CEO stated, Kiki Smith has served as the Companys CFO since 2015 and we are pleased to have her take on this additional role. We also welcome Graham Adria whose international experience will be a valuable asset to the Company. Mr. Shaoguo Cao did not stand for re-election at the Companys annual general meeting. The Company would like to thank Mr. Cao for his contribution and wishes him well in his future endeavours. The Companys officers and directors are:Weiguo Lang, CEO, ChairmanKiki Smith, CFO, Corporate Secretary, Director, Audit committee memberAndrew Lee Smith, Independent Director, Audit committee memberGraham Adria, Independent Director, Audit committee member About Ultra Lithium Inc. Ultra Lithium Inc. is an exploration and development company with a focus on the acquisition and development of lithium, gold, and copper assets. The Company holds a brine lithium property in Argentina, hard rock spodumene type lithium properties at the Georgia Lake / Forgan Lake area in northwestern Ontario, Canada, and a brine lithium property in the Big Smoky Valley, Nevada, USA. The Company also holds other gold and base metals properties in Argentina. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Kiki Smith Kiki Smith, CFO, Director For further information, please contact the Company at:Attention: Kiki SmithTelephone: 778 968-1176Email: [email protected]Website: www.ultralithium.comor view the Companys filings at www.SEDAR.com. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking InformationSome of the statements contained in this press 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 plans, 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 Companys 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. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulations Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Source: Ultra Lithium Inc. MUV North Miami-Biscayne, situated at 12395 Biscayne Boulevard, adds a second MUV location in Floridas largest metro area, Miami-Dade County, with more than 2.7 million residents1 Veranos active operations span 13 states, comprised of 136 dispensaries and 14 cultivation and processing facilities with more than 1 million square feet of cultivation capacity CHICAGO, Nov. 17, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Verano Holdings Corp. (NEO: VRNO) (OTCQX: VRNOF) (Verano or the Company), a leading multi-state cannabis company, today announced the opening of MUV North Miami-Biscayne on Friday, November 17th, the Companys 73rd Florida dispensary and 136th location nationwide. MUV North Miami-Biscayne, located at 12395 Biscayne Blvd, will be open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., local time. MUV North Miami-Biscayne Veranos second dispensary in Floridas largest metropolitan area with more than 2.7 million residents1 adds another complementary location to the Companys existing MUV Miami-Kendall dispensary situated on the citys Southwest side. We are so excited to open MUV North Miami on beautiful Biscayne Boulevard, said Joel Noonan, EVP of the Southern Region. Adding a second MUV location in Floridas largest market provides another convenient location for the Miami medical cannabis community to access our patient-centric service and wide variety of high quality products in a warm and welcoming environment. Were thrilled to join the North Miami community and look forward to welcoming patients at MUV North Miami-Biscayne for years to come. MUV dispensaries feature online menus for effortless browsing of their extensive, award-winning product selection, including the Companys signature Verano Reserve, MUV and Sweet Supply flower, Encore edibles, On the Rocks concentrates and extracts, and Savvy flower and extracts, spanning an array of categories. The Company also offers one-on-one virtual and in-store consultations at no cost to patients and provides patient-centric concierge services via phone, email, web chat and text to address patient questions and inquiries. For additional convenience and accessibility, patients can visit muvfl.com or the MUV mobile application - available in the Google Play and Apple App stores - for additional information and to place orders for express in-store pickup. Product images, logos and b-roll footage are available on the Company Newsroom. About Verano Verano Holdings Corp. (NEO: VRNO) (OTCQX: VRNOF), one of the U.S. cannabis industrys leading companies based on historical revenue, geographic scope and brand performance, is a vertically integrated, multi-state operator embracing a mission of saying Yes to plant progress and the bold exploration of cannabis. Verano offers a superior cannabis shopping experience in medical and adult use markets under the Zen Leaf and MUV dispensary banners and produces a comprehensive suite of high-quality, regulated cannabis products sold under its diverse portfolio of trusted consumer brands including Verano, MUV, Savvy, BITS, Encore, and Avexia. Veranos active operations span 13 U.S. states, comprised of 14 production facilities with over 1,000,000 square feet of cultivation capacity. Learn more at www.verano.com. Contacts: Media VeranoGrace BondySenior Manager, Communications[email protected] Investors VeranoJulianna Paterra, CFAVice President, Investor Relations[email protected] Forward Looking Statements This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are not representative of historical facts or information or current condition, but instead represent only the Companys beliefs regarding future events, plans or objectives, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of the Companys control. Generally, such forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as plans, expects or does not expect, is expected, budget, future, scheduled, estimates, forecasts, projects intends, anticipates or does not anticipate, or believes, or variations of such words and phrases or may contain statements that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, might or will be taken, will continue, will occur or will be achieved. Forward-looking statements involve and are subject to assumptions and known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause actual events, results, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially different from future events, results, performance, and achievements expressed or implied by forward-looking statements herein, including, without limitation, the risk factors described in the Companys annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information or forward-looking statements that are contained or referenced herein, except as may be required in accordance with applicable securities laws. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking information and statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf is expressly qualified in its entirety by this notice regarding forward-looking information and statements. ### 1 Source: U.S. Census Source: Verano Holdings Corp. Yiban, Sichuang, China , Nov. 17, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Local time November 14th to 16th, the 2023 APEC CEO Summit USA 2023 (The Summit) was held in San Francisco, USA. Wuliangye, as a "Platinum Sponsor" and "Exclusive Baijiu Partner," deeply integrated into the summit and its series of official events. It set up a themed exhibition hall presenting the traditional Chinese concept of "harmony and beauty," aiding sustainable development. As a "Special Supporting Enterprise," it participated in the Sustainable Entrepreneurs Dialogue, contributing to the pursuit of higher-quality sustainable industrial development. Simultaneously, as a "Strategic Partner" and the "Designated Baijiu," it made a remarkable appearance at the Asia-Pacific Sustainable Business Night, using baijiu as a medium to help the Asia-Pacific region create a resilient and sustainable future and inject more vitality into the global economic recovery. As the highest-level, broadest, and most influential economic cooperation mechanism in the Asia-Pacific region, APEC plays a vital role in promoting global and regional sustainable and inclusive economic growth. The APEC CEO Summit USA 2023 is the highest-level summit for APEC economic leaders to discuss important Asia-Pacific affairs and promote trade liberalization and economic cooperation. The theme of this summit, "Creating Economic Opportunities," focused on discussing core issues like the green and low-carbon transformation of industries and sustainable development, aiming to propose high-quality solutions for balanced economic growth and create a prosperous future for the Asia-Pacific and the global economy. During the summit, Wuliangyes theme exhibition hall, rich in Chinese charm and expressing oriental aesthetics, showcased its craftsmanship, quality appeal, and cultural depth in brewing "strong-flavored national liquor." It comprehensively displayed its core products, such as the Eighth-generation Wuliangye, Classic Wuliangye, WuliangyeZiqi Donglai, Low-Alcohol Wuliangye, WuliangyeJiulongtan(Nine Dragon Relief Jar), and WuliangyeHarmony Sichuan, attracting high attention and widespread praise from the delegates. At the "Asia-Pacific Sustainable Business Night" themed dinner, Wuliangye built a bridge for friendly communication among delegates, adding a new "harmony and beauty" landscape to the Asia-Pacific business dialogue. Since 2019, Wuliangye has continuously integrated into a series of activities under the APEC framework, such as the APEC CEO Summit, APEC China CEO Forum, and APEC Women Leadership Forum. It keeps showcasing national brand confidence and the charm of harmony and beauty to the world, aiding the Asia-Pacific region in consolidating development and creating a prosperous future. With the further advancement of high-level opening-up and the accelerated construction of an open world economy, a Wuliangye representative stated that Wuliangye would embrace a more open perspective and broader pattern. Leveraging globally influential international platforms like APEC, World's fair, Boao Forum for Asia, International Finance Forum (IFF), and the China International Import Expo (CIIE), Wuliangye will accelerate its integration into the global development wave. It aims to lead Chinese baijiu in contributing to a more beautiful and prosperous future for the Asia-Pacific and the world. https://www.wuliangye.com.cn/ (Updated - November 17, 2023 1:05 PM EST) In its latest quarterly 13F, released Tuesday evening, Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE: BRK-A) highlighted that it has added at least one new stock in the third quarter and is not ready to tell the world about it just yet. Berkshire used what is known as confidential treatment with the SEC for the new stock position or positions. This will allow Berkshire to build the position without worrying about Buffett disciples bidding the stock up. "The Manager has omitted from this public Form 13F one or more holding(s) for which it is requesting confidential treatment from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to section 13(f) of the Exchange Act and rule 24b-2 thereunder," the filing reads in legalese. This is the first time since late 2020 that Berkshire has used the confidential treatment rule. At that time, the fund was confidentially accumulating stock in Chevron (NYSE: CVX) and Verizon (NYSE: VZ). Of course, this has led to all kinds of speculation about what the new Buffett stock or stocks are. Barron's believes Berkshire added a financial stock, noting that in its 10-Q the firm revealed that its financial stock cost basis increased by approximately $1.2 billion during the third quarter while its cost basis in other stock groups fell. The new 13F didn't show any additions to its current holdings of financial stocks, suggesting it is the new stock(s) that led to the increase. The fund already owns a host of financial names, so that automatically rules them out as the new mystery position. Berkshire currently owns financials Bank of America (NYSE: BAC), American Express (NYSE: AXP), Visa (NYSE: V), Mastercard (NYSE: MA), Capital One (NYSE: COF), Citigroup (NYSE: C), Ally Financial (NYSE: ALLY), and Moody's (NYSE: MCO) in the sector. In the past, they have owned Bank of New York (NYSE: BK), JP Morgan (NYSE: JPM), Goldman Sachs (NYSE: GS), U.S. Bankcorp (NYSE: USB), and Wells Fargo (NYSE: WFC), among others. While it is possible that Berkshire got back into one of these names, it is more likely they are looking elsewhere. The Barron's writer speculated that Berkshire would likely tackle a top 25 financial company. If you rule out the current and past financial stocks owned, they came up with a list of Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS), BlackRock (NYSE: BLK), and Chubb (NYSE: CB). They argue that Morgan Stanley may be a better fit versus rival Goldman Sachs given its lucrative wealth management business, which also makes earnings less volatile. Meanwhile, BlackRock is the top global investment manager by assets. Lastly, Buffett knows the insurance industry well and Chubb is one of the largest and well-managed property and casualty insurers. Edward Jones analyst James Shanahan, who covers Berkshire, agrees with Barron's assessment that the firm likely added a financial stock, but he doesn't necessarily think it has to be a top 25 name. "I think the market cap cut-off for a Berkshire would be $40 billion," Shanahan exclusively told StreetInsider.com. "This means they could easily build a 10% position." Discussing possible financial stocks that would fit Berkshire's portfolio, the analyst highlighted several names. First, he likes the idea that Berkshire could get back into Goldman Sachs, even though they have owned it in the past. Buffett famously bailed out Salmon Brothers in the 1980s and invested in Goldman during the 2008 financial crisis, he highlights. Shares of Goldman Sachs are down 1% year-to-date, versus the 17% move higher in the S&P 500. The Charles Schwab Corporation (NYSE: SCHW), a stock that has come under pressure amid the Fed's steady path of rate hikes, is another name that the analyst thinks could attract Berkshire. Schwab shares are down 32% year-to-date. In the insurance space, while Chubb could make sense, the analyst likes another stock even more for Berkshire. That insurance stock is AIG (NYSE: AIG). He highlights that AIG is a Berkshire re-insurance partner and its stock has underperformed, up only 2% on the year. By StreetInsider.com Staff German lawmakers have decided to delay the final vote on a cannabis legalization bill, initially set for this week, pushing the potential implementation of the reform to at least early next year. The bill, slated for its final reading in the Bundestag, Germanys national parliament, has been rescheduled for a decision in December, according to member Carmen Wegge. Kirsten Kappert-Gonther, a member of the Green Party, cited the need to refine certain aspects of the legislation as the reason for the Read More>> About CNW420 CNW420 spotlights the latest developments in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry through the release of two informative articles each business day. Our concise, informative content serves as a gateway for investors interested in the legalized cannabis sector and provides updates on how regulatory developments may impact financial markets. Articles are released each business day at 4:20 a.m. and 4:20 p.m. Eastern our tribute to the time synonymous with cannabis culture. If marijuana and the burgeoning industry surrounding it are on your radar, CNW420 is for you! Check back daily to stay up-to-date on the latest milestones in the fast -changing world of cannabis. To receive SMS alerts from CNW, text CANNABIS to 888-902-4192 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only) For more information, please visit https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW, wherever published or re-published: https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com/Disclaimer CannabisNewsWire Denver, CO www.CannabisNewsWire.com 303.498.7722 Office [email protected] CannabisNewsWire is powered by IBN Winnipeg, Manitoba--(Newsfile Corp. - November 17, 2023) - Beyond Lithium Inc.(CSE: BY) (OTCQB: BYDMF) (the "Company" or "Beyond Lithium") is pleased to announce the completion of an oversubscribed, non-brokered private placement of 3,118,333 units of the Company (the "Units") at a price of $0.30 per Unit for aggregate gross proceeds of $935,500 (the "Offering"). Each Unit consists of one common share in the capital of the Company (a "Share") and a one-half common share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"). Each full Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one additional Share in the capital of the Company at a price of $0.45 per Share for a period of 24 months from the closing date, subject to customary adjustment and acceleration provisions in certain circumstances. The Warrants are subject to a provision that if the volume weighted average trading price of the common shares of the Company on the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "Exchange") equals or exceeds $0.70 over any period of ten consecutive trading days, the Company will be entitled to accelerate the expiry date of the Warrants to the date which is twenty days following the date notice of such acceleration is delivered to holders of the Warrants. "The strong demand for our private placement in a what some would describe as a challenging financing market for exploration companies further highlights the quality of our lithium assets in Ontario and the success of our 2023 exploration campaign to date," said Allan Frame, President & CEO of Beyond Lithium. "We are awaiting assay results from over 500 rock and channel samples and 240 drill core samples, 70% of which come from our Victory, Ear Falls and Cosgrave projects. These results, expected shortly, will help guide our upcoming drill campaign at our Victory and Ear Falls spodumene projects. They will also give us an indication of the next steps on exploration at Cosgrave." The Company intends to allocate the net proceeds for payments under existing mineral property option agreements and for general corporate and working capital purposes. In connection with the Offering, the Company paid certain eligible third parties dealing at arm's length with the Company (the "Finders"): (i) cash commissions totalling $23,908.50, representing 7% of the proceeds raised from subscribers introduced to the Company by such Finders; and (ii) an aggregate of 79,695 non-transferable broker warrants (the "Broker Warrants"), representing 7% of the number of Units sold to such subscribers, each exercisable to acquire one common share of the Company for 24 months from the date of issuance at exercise price of $0.30 per share, subject to adjustment and acceleration provisions in certain circumstances. The securities issued pursuant to the Offering will be subject to a four-month hold period from their date of issuance. The offered securities have not been registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any state in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. About Beyond Lithium Inc. Beyond Lithium Inc. is the largest greenfield lithium exploration player in Ontario with 63 high potential greenfield lithium properties totalling over 195,000 hectares. The Company has adopted the project generator business model to maximize funds available for exploration projects, while minimizing shareholder dilution. Beyond Lithium is advancing certain of its projects with its exploration team and will seek to option other properties to joint venture partners. Partnering on various projects will provide a source of non-dilutive working capital, partner-funded exploration, and long-term residual exposure to exploration success. Please follow @BeyondLithium on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube. For more information, please refer to the Company's website at www.BeyondLithium.ca CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION: This news release includes certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein including, without limitation, statements regarding future capital expenditures, anticipated content, commencement, and cost of exploration programs in respect of the Company's projects and mineral properties, anticipated exploration program results from exploration activities, resources and/or reserves on the Company's projects and mineral properties, and the anticipated business plans and timing of future activities of the Company, are forward-looking information. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Often, but not always, forward-looking information can be identified by words such as "pro forma", "plans", "expects", "will", "may", "should", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", "believes", "potential" or variations of such words including negative variations thereof, and phrases that refer to certain actions, events or results that may, could, would, might or will occur or be taken or achieved. In stating the forward-looking information in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation, that market fundamentals will result in sustained precious and base metals demand and prices, the receipt of any necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals in connection with the future exploration of the Company's properties, the availability of financing on suitable terms, and the Company's ability to comply with environmental, health and safety laws. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the statements of forward-looking information. Such risks and other factors include, among others, statements as to the anticipated business plans and timing of future activities of the Company, the proposed expenditures for exploration work on its properties, the ability of the Company to obtain sufficient financing to fund its business activities and plans, delays in obtaining governmental and regulatory approvals (including of the Canadian Securities Exchange), permits or financing, changes in laws, regulations and policies affecting mining operations, risks relating to epidemics or pandemics such as COVID-19, the Company's limited operating history, currency fluctuations, title disputes or claims, environmental issues and liabilities, as well as those factors discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's prospectus dated February 23, 2022 and other filings of the Company with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities, copies of which can be found under the Company's profile on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any of the forward-looking information in this news release except as otherwise required by law. For further information, please contact: Allan Frame President and CEO Tel: 403-470-8450 Email: [email protected] Jason Frame Manager of Communications Tel: 587-225-2599 Email: [email protected] NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/187808 Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - November 17, 2023) - The Canadian Securities Exchange ("CSE" or "the Exchange") today announced market statistics for October 2023. October 2023 Operating Statistics Trading volume of CSE-listed securities totaled 915 million shares; Trading value of CSE-listed securities was $352 million; CSE issuers completed 65 financings that raised an aggregate $113 million; and The CSE welcomed listings from 11 new companies, including three fundamental changes of existing issuers, bringing total listed securities to 822 as at October 31, 2023. "With 74 new listings in the first 10 months of 2023, the Canadian Securities Exchange is thriving even in highly challenging market conditions, underlying the demand for a listing environment that meets the specific requirements of entrepreneurs," said Richard Carleton, CEO of the CSE. "We are impressed by the resilience and creativity of our issuers, who continue to raise capital and advance their business plans in this difficult environment. The CSE's low fee structure and issuer-friendly model is more important than ever for emerging companies at times like this." What's On at the CSE The CSE is delighted to be returning to MJBizCon, the world's largest cannabis business conference, taking place in Las Vegas from November 28 to December 1. The annual event, now in its 12th year, features more than 1,400 exhibitors, including many CSE issuers, and more than 30,000 cannabis industry executives. The CSE is a sponsor of the upcoming Captains of Industry awards ceremony, presented by the American Trade Association for Cannabis & Hemp ("ATACH") at the Las Vegas Country Club on November 29. The list of honourees includes leading cannabis industry figures such as Nancy Whiteman (Wana Brands), Sean Knutsen (Boveda Inc.), and Wanda James (Simply Pure). Richard Carleton is a two-time ATACH award winner, having been named "Capital Markets Advocate of the Year" by the association last year. The CSE team recently traveled all the way Down Under for the International Mining and Resources Conference in Sydney, Australia, a trade show and conference featuring mining companies, service providers and expert speakers. The trip also provided an opportunity to connect with local sources of capital and support issuers who are conducting outreach in the country. Mining has been central to the CSE since its earliest days, and the Exchange is proud to be helping mining entrepreneurs on the other side of the world achieve their capital market goals. New Listings in October 2023 Safe Supply Streaming Co Ltd. (SPLY) - Fundamental Change Integrated Cyber Solutions Inc. (ICS) Mydecine Innovations Group Inc. (MYCO) KO Gold Inc. (KOG) ME Therapeutics Holdings Inc. (METX) Resource Centrix Holdings Inc. (RECE) Green Bridge Metals Corporation (GRBM) - Fundamental Change Lexston Mining Corporation (LEXT) - Fundamental Change Maclaren Minerals Ltd. (MRN) Red Canyon Resources Ltd. (REDC) StickIt Technologies Inc. (STKT) About the Canadian Securities Exchange: The Canadian Securities Exchange is a rapidly growing exchange invested in working with entrepreneurs, innovators and disruptors to access public capital markets in Canada. The Exchange's efficient operating model, advanced technology and competitive fee structure help its listed issuers of all sectors and sizes minimize their cost of capital and enhance global liquidity. Our client-centric approach and corresponding products and services ensure businesses have the support they need to confidently realize their vision. The CSE offers global investors access to an innovative collection of growing and mature companies. STAY CONNECTED WITH THE CSE ============================= Website: https://thecse.com/ Blog: https://blog.thecse.com/ CSE TV on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/csetv CSE's "The Exchange for Entrepreneurs"" Podcast: https://blog.thecse.com/category/cse-podcast/ Linkedin: https://ca.linkedin.com/company/canadian-securities-exchange Twitter: https://twitter.com/CSE_News Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/canadianexchange/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CanadianSecuritiesExchange/ Contact: Richard Carleton, CEO 416-367-7360 [email protected] To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/187888 Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - November 17, 2023) - Deveron Corp. (TSXV: FARM) ("Deveron" or the "Company"), a leading agriculture service and data company in North America, is pleased to announce that the Company's Q1 financial results will be released after market close on Tuesday, November 21st, 2023. At that time, the financial results and related documents will be posted on SEDAR and Deveron's financials web page at https://deveron.com/financials. Deveron will hold a live audio webcast at 8:00 AM Eastern Time on Wednesday, November 22nd, 2023, to discuss the Company's Q1 financial results and highlights. Participants who would like to listen to the live audio webcast can sign on at https://emportal.ink/3ujYxfS or dial in at 1-888-664-6392. Following the event, a transcript and audio replay will be available on Deveron's Investor website at https://deveron.com/investors. Questions will be limited to analysts. About Deveron: Deveron is an agriculture technology company that uses data and insights to help farmers and large agriculture enterprises increase yields, reduce costs, and improve farm outcomes. The company employs a digital process that leverages data collected on farms across North America to drive unbiased interpretation of production decisions, ultimately recommending how to optimize input use. Our team of agronomists and data scientists build products that recommend ways to manage fertilizer, seed, fungicide and other farm inputs better. Additionally, we have a national network of data technicians that are deployed to collect various types of farm data, from soil to drone, that build a basis of our best-in-class data layers. Our focus is the US and Canada where 1 billion acres are actively farmed annually. For more information and to join our community, please visit www.deveronuas.com /register or reach us on Twitter @Deveron Philip Linton VP of Corporate Development [email protected] 647-622-0076 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. This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of that phrase under Canadian securities laws. Without limitation, statements regarding future plans and objectives of the Company are forward looking statements that involve various degrees of risk. Forward-looking statements reflect management's current views with respect to possible future events and conditions and, by their nature, are based on management's beliefs and assumptions and subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties, both general and specific to the Company. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in our forward-looking statements. The following are important factors that could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward looking statements: changes in the world-wide price of agricultural commodities, general market conditions, risks inherent in agriculture, the uncertainty of future profitability and the uncertainty of access to additional capital. Additional information regarding the material factors and assumptions that were applied in making these forward looking statements as well as the various risks and uncertainties we face are described in greater detail in the "Risk Factors" section of our annual and interim Management's Discussion and Analysis of our financial results and other continuous disclosure documents and financial statements we file with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities which are available at www.sedar.com. The Company undertakes no obligation to update this forward-looking information except as required by applicable law. The Company relies on litigation protection for forward looking statements. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/187825 Kelowna, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 17, 2023) - F3 Uranium Corp. (TSXV: FUU) (the "Company" or "F3") is pleased to announce that it has received total proceeds of $8,224,747 from the exercise of warrants, between May 12, 2023, and November 10, 2023. The Aggregate proceeds received from the exercise of the warrants will be used for future exploration work on the Company's projects, corporate development and general corporate and working capital purposes. "We are pleased to see over $8 million in warrants exercised. With the addition of the $15 million investment from uranium leader, Denison Mines at .56 (convertible debenture), we continue to see the confidence in the management and the PLN asset of F3," says Dev Randhawa, Chairman and CEO. "I have been in this industry since 1996 and have never seen the support from both sides of the aisle that nuclear is now receiving. Uranium spot prices have hit a 12-year high of $77. Nuclear energy is the solution for the two leading concerns of the world's energy industry, security of supply and clean, baseload energy supply." F3 also announces it has engaged Torque Capital Partners, to create content and coordinate digital marketing campaigns, pay per-click digital services, email and newsletter marketing. This program will be for 3 months, commencing November 16, 2023. Upon TSXV approval, Torque will invoice F3 an upfront amount of $100,000 USD. Adam Giddens is the director of Torque but holds no securities in F3 and no securities will be issued in connection with Torque's engagement. About F3 Uranium Corp. F3 Uranium is advancing the newly discovered high-grade JR Zone on the PLN Property in the Western Athabasca Basin. This area of Saskatchewan is poised to become a major uranium producing region and is home to large deposits including Triple R, Arrow and Shea Creek. F3 Uranium currently has 18 projects in the Athabasca Basin. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements that are not historical facts, including without limitation, statements regarding future estimates, plans, programs, forecasts, projections, objectives, assumptions, expectations, or beliefs of future performance, including statements regarding the suitability of the Properties for mining exploration, future payments, issuance of shares and work commitment funds, entry into of a definitive option agreement respecting the Properties, are "forward-looking statements." These forward-looking statements reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company based on information currently available to it. Forward-looking statements are subject to a few risks and uncertainties, including those detailed from time to time in filings made by the Company with securities regulatory authorities, which may cause actual outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. These factors should be considered carefully, and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws. The TSX Venture Exchange and the Canadian Securities Exchange have not reviewed, approved, or disapproved the contents of this press release, and do not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. F3 Uranium Corp. 750-1620 Dickson Avenue Kelowna, BC V1Y9Y2 Contact Information Investor Relations Telephone: 778 484 8030 Email: [email protected] ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD "Dev Randhawa" Dev Randhawa, CEO To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/187812 Dylan Leblanc says that, when he was a kid, he felt his life was threatened by a coyote in Austin. He had just climbed part of a mountain and the intimidating animal emerged from the bushes, ready to confront him. Leblanc was standing next to a cliff and decided to talk before making any suspicious moves. Its you and me, so if you attack me, Ill throw you off the cliff. I will not fall, he said. There were a few minutes of tension, but the coyote was only trying to survive. He seemed to understand him: he left and there was no confrontation. The story still haunts the musician to the point of having titled his last album Coyote. It is his fifth album and it emerges as a remarkable work of folk subtlety. Atmospheric and evocative, Coyote is a reflection of beauty and maturity in mid-tempo, in the best style of Jason Isbell or Ray LaMontagne, as can be easily heard on Dust, No Promises Broken or the song that gives the album its title. The work aspires to be conceptual: the songs unfold into the story of a man involved in the criminal underworld of Mexico and who struggles to find a way out of his battered existence. Apparently, it has autobiographical overtones. Underneath this story lies the tension to survive. Perhaps Leblanc has never stopped feeling that survival is more a state of his life than an element that comes and goes. Since his encounter with the coyote, he has realized that he was able to do what it takes to survive in a dangerous situation with a dangerous animal, but the animal also knew it. Knowing how to survive, therefore, is knowing how to play your cards. Leblanc knows how to play his cards within the Americana genre, a territory that, in these current times, has more to do with survival than with success. The Grammy spotlights never focus there, nor do trendsetting magazines, nor do television programs create content with it. It is a music that has a specific place, and that place does not have any gold mines. It seems more like a town lost in the middle of the vastness of the land, which only has survivors of a rich and vibrant legacy that matters less today than it did in the last century. This survivor is one of the best news for the genre in the 21st century. And it is because he expands the possibilities of the territory with his style and highly recommendable albums. During his stop in Madrid he more than demonstrated it. Leblanc played at the Sala Clamores venue, where he gave a forceful recital of Americana that delves into the rock-infused past. Its instrumental passages made folk rock travel like a mountainous river flow, full of wild and colorful natural elements. It was pure inspiration for wandering hearts. In view of his results on stage, Leblanc stands out as a folk agitator somewhere between Neil Young and Ryan Adams, with a persona built on a hypnotic voice and a fabulous sense of codes. He nurtures retro aesthetics, electric postulates of the folk-rock countercultural old guard, and enough charisma to know that what he does, he does well and does not expire, precisely because he does it well. Because the songs that invite us to grab the car and hit the road with little more than a blanket, or to live for a while on a mountain, will never die, especially if our existence is increasingly about being locked up in offices and paying just to have our car parked outside our front door. Furthermore, in his Madrid gig, he surprised the audience when, within this marked sixties and seventies line, Leblanc revealed himself as an outstanding student of the heritage never sufficiently praised of Gene Clark. Folk attuned to a Baroque kind of pop that made autumn grow in ones soul. It is a wondrous thing within the reach of just a few. As he has demonstrated, survival in Dylan Leblanc has several faces, different styles with which to show himself as an intelligent and mountain animal, a lover of full moons and abundant sunrises. We are talking about a thirtysomething who is demonstrating that his music not only stands on its own as a precious treasure in the territory of Americana, but that it definitely improves ones existence. Summit to foster stronger India-Malaysia ties and set the stage for startup synergies Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 17, 2023) - In a joint effort by Malaysia and India to foster a robust startup ecosystem across the two nations and the broader ASEAN region, more than 600 local and international startups will converge in the inaugural India-ASEAN Startup Summit (IASS) 2023 from 12 to 13 December 2023 at the Sunway Pyramid Convention Centre. A pioneering initiative by DEWI Wealth Accelerator, IASS 2023 is an opportunity for startups to showcase their groundbreaking ideas and solutions. With its focus on innovation, collaboration, and women empowerment, the summit will witness the participation of 50 local and international investors as well as 100 startup hubs, accelerators, and government agencies, including Startup India, Invest India, MDEC, and MDV. Datin Malliga Subramaniam, founder of DEWI Wealth Accelerator, highlighted the exceptional opportunities the summit will present for Malaysian startups to delve into the extensive potential of cross-border collaborations with their Indian counterparts. "At IASS 2023, we are excited to create a platform where Malaysian startups can gain insights from India's thriving digital technology ecosystem. India's expansive market and favourable incentives for businesses in emerging sectors offer a fertile ground for innovation. This summit will open doors for Malaysian startups to benefit from the Indian market, fostering a reciprocal exchange of ideas and strategies. We are setting the stage for a dynamic collaboration where startups from both regions can leverage on each other's strengths, driving growth and innovation in the digital technology sphere.This event is about empowering entrepreneurs and catalysing growth across borders," she stated. A special focus of the summit is to empower women-led startups, addressing unique challenges and opportunities in this sector. "Our dedication goes beyond mere representation; we aim to create a nurturing and supportive environment tailored specifically for women entrepreneurs. We understand that women often encounter distinct hurdles in their entrepreneurial journey, and our summit is designed to address these issues head-on," elaborated Datin Malliga. She further added that this focus aligns with the broader goals of the summit to foster a diverse and inclusive startup ecosystem where all entrepreneurs, regardless of gender, can succeed and contribute to regional economic growth and innovation. Highlighting the strategic importance of the summit in enhancing India-Malaysia relations, H.E. BN Reddy, the High Commissioner of India to Malaysia, emphasised the role of the IASS 2023 as a cornerstone for fostering economic and innovative ties between the two nations. "India and Malaysia enjoy growing trade and investment ties. Bilateral trade has reached US$20 billion in FY 2022-23. Two-way investments have been growing significantly. Indian startups have been successfully expanding into Malaysia and further into the ASEAN region. Indian startup companies such as Oyo, Perfios, Pine Labs, Razorpay are now well-established in Malaysia and are exploring opportunities in the Southeast Asia region that presents a big opportunity," he said. He added that Malaysian startups can benefit from India as the latter offers a large market and several incentives for doing business in new and emerging sectors and is an optimal environment for tech startups to thrive. "India has the third largest startup ecosystem in the world with a consistent annual growth of 12-15%. At present, there are over 115,000 startups in India recognized by the Government of India with 110 startup unicorns (with valuation of over US$ 1 billion). Indian startups are actively collaborating with Malaysian startups, for example, Razorpay - the leading fintech player in India has been working with Curlec (a Malaysian startup) and has acquired a majority stake in it. Curlec is now a leading player in the B2B digital payments space and has recently joined Paynet as a direct member with plans to expand significantly in Malaysia and into the ASEAN region. We believe IASS 2023 is setting the stage for more successful startup collaborations like these," he added. YB Adam Adli, Deputy Minister of Youth & Sports, advocates for such international collaborations, stating that cross-border events like the IASS 2023 are pivotal in encouraging entrepreneurial growth and innovation and vital for the holistic growth of our startup ecosystem. YB Adam Adli, Deputy Minister of Youth & Sports To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8814/187815_33dec4d5a4901b55_001full.jpg "The Indian ASEAN Start-up Summit serves as a catalyst for collaboration and cooperation between India and Malaysia. By establishing a framework for start-ups in both countries, we can create a solid foundation that will allow entrepreneurs to leverage the potential of Malaysia as a springboard to expand into the ASEAN region and beyond," he said. The summit is backed by partners from both Malaysia (such as Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation, Malaysian Investment Development Authority, Malaysia Debt Ventures, Majlis Belia Malaysia, Beyond4, SME Corporation, the Sunway Group, PubliCT.io and NisaBakri Gourmet) and India (including Ministry of Science & Innovation, Ministry of Commerce, India ASEAN Chamber of Commerce, Startup India and Invest India). The event will feature keynote speeches by industry leaders, panel discussions, and networking sessions designed to foster collaboration and growth. Some notable speakers include YB Senator Saraswathy Kandasamy - Deputy Minister of Entrepreneur and Cooperative, Sam Shafie, Co-Founder of PitchIN, Yeoh Chen Chow, Co-Founder of Fave, Chintan Vaishnav, Chair, G20 Startup India,Rahul Narvekar, Founder CEO - The India Network/Serial Entrepreneur / Investor amongst others. Topics like funding mechanisms, market access, and branding will be explored, along with discussions on cross-border expansion strategies. The summit is also co-organized by INPUT STRATEGY and COEXRT. For more information about the IASS, please visit https://www.startupsummitasia.com/ Contact Info: Name: Jane Low Email: [email protected] Organization: publiCT.io Website: https://publict.io/ To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/187815 San Antonio, Texas--(Newsfile Corp. - November 16, 2023) - Tech company Cloud Beaker Corporation, which offers a wide range of cloud-based solutions and services, has announced plans for expansion into Central America and the SEMEA (Southern Europe, Middle East, and Africa) area, with the intention of moving into emerging markets in both regions. Image 1 Cannot view this image? Visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8668/187787_69edc9c05401f8be_001.jpg Cloud Beaker's newest collaborative partnerships with multiple entities, such as TD SYNNEX and Ingram Micro, has allowed the startup to effectively reach various industries and businesses in Central America. This strategic alliance has the potential to increase Cloud Beaker's operational efficiency and also solidify its emerging foothold in the Central American market, enabling the deployment of cutting-edge cloud infrastructures with precision and agility. Cloud Beaker is a Google strategic partner, and the company also maintains strategic partnerships with Microsoft, Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Alibaba Cloud. This has been key for the company's growth, as these collaborations have enabled it to offer a diverse range of cloud services tailored to the specific needs of different industries and clients. Furthermore, these alliances give Cloud Beaker access to a vast reservoir of resources, knowledge, and expertise which enhances the quality and efficiency of its service delivery. To further extend its international presence, Cloud Beaker is pleased to announce the opening of a new office in Spain by the end of Q4 2023. This will serve as the company's base in the SEMEA region. The establishment of the Spain office represents a strategic move to tap into the burgeoning cloud computing market in Southern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Cloud Beaker hopes that by positioning themselves in this pivotal location, they can be at the nexus of technological advancements in the SEMEA region, enabling better connectivity with clients and partners while reinforcing their commitment to global growth and service excellence. In addition, the team at Cloud Beaker is actively preparing two joint webinars for Q4. These webinars will be presented in collaboration with the chambers of commerce and industry in two key countries in Central America. Known for its innovative, scalable, and secure cloud computing solutions, Cloud Beaker has emerged as a reputable provider under the leadership of its CEO, Ernesto Couso. The company's solutions, ranging from cloud migration and data management to virtualization and security, were designed to empower businesses to optimize their IT infrastructure and harness the full potential of the digital landscape. Expanding into the Southern Europe, Middle East, and Africa (SEMEA) regions presents Cloud Beaker with an opportunity to tap into markets that are in various stages of digital transformation. These regions encompass a diverse range of economies, from emerging markets in Africa that are looking to leapfrog legacy systems to more mature markets in Southern Europe that require complex cloud integration and optimization solutions. Establishing a physical presence in Spain and aligning with local business ecosystems will allow Cloud Beaker to offer tailored cloud solutions to meet the distinct needs of each market. This geographical diversification has the potential to boost the company's revenue streams and enhance its resilience against market-specific downturns. Furthermore, these regions exhibit a growing appetite for advanced IT infrastructure, driven by burgeoning sectors like fintech, e-commerce, and mobile technology. Cloud Beaker's comprehensive suite of services, ranging from cloud migration to virtualization and security, is poised to cater to these sectoral demands efficiently. "We're looking to embed ourselves in these regional ecosystems to foster deeper collaborations, gain insights into local business challenges, and fine-tune our offerings," says CEO Ernesto Couso. "We feel that our proactive approach can fortify our position as a leading cloud solutions provider and accelerate our scalability in the global cloud computing landscape." He adds that the two webinars are integral as well, as they will offer an avenue for direct engagement with businesses and stakeholders in Central America. "These webinars serve as platforms for thought leadership, knowledge sharing, and showcasing our advanced cloud solutions tailored to the region's unique needs," Couso elaborates. "We seek to collaborate with chambers of commerce and industry and align ourselves with the economic drivers of the region, ensuring our solutions address real-world challenges and are primed for tangible impact." Couso believes that these virtual events will provide valuable touchpoints, promoting trust, understanding, and strengthening Cloud Beaker's brand presence across the targeted markets. Furthermore, by engaging directly with the local business community through these webinars, Cloud Beaker seeks to nurture deeper relationships and showcase its commitment to delivering tailored cloud solutions for the region's unique challenges. About Cloud Beaker Corporation Cloud Beaker Corp. is a technology company that provides innovative, scalable, and secure cloud computing solutions. The company's goal is to help businesses optimize their operations through the utilization of cloud services. Cloud Beaker offers a variety of services including cloud migration and integration, virtualization, security, and data management. Website: https://cloudbeaker.com/ Contact Ernesto Couso: [email protected] To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/187359 Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - November 17, 2023) - Volt Carbon Technologies Inc. (TSXV: VCT) (OTCQB: TORVF) (BE: WNF) and ("VCT") Charge CCCV LLC ("C4V") are pleased to announce a strategic relationship marked by the signing of a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") and the execution of a Material Transfer Agreement ("MTA") on November 14th, 2023. Key Highlights : VCT and C4V have solidified their collaboration through a MOU with the principal purpose of testing and qualifying VCT's innovative battery electrolyte. The ultimate objective is to establish a formal agreement between VCT and C4V through which VCT will supply or license its electrolyte to C4V's gigafactories and/or its supply chain partners. VCT has entered into a MTA with C4V, allowing for the transfer of samples of VCT's Solid Ultrabattery proprietary electrolyte, for testing and qualification purposes. The MTA, effective as of October 22nd, 2023, grants C4V a non-exclusive license to use the material for testing with the goal of validating VCT's proprietary electrolyte formulation. As part of the collaboration, VCT will also provide graphite concentrate to C4V to be processed into battery grade anode and electrodes through C4Vs "Green Anode" technology. The graphite concentrate will be sourced from VCT's graphite plant in Scarborough, Ontario and provided to C4V. The MOU and MTA signify a significant stride in VCT's mission to drive innovation in energy storage and green energy. The strategic relationship with C4V opens avenues for collaboration in testing and refining battery technologies, further solidifying VCT's presence in the evolving energy storage and the critical minerals market. Strategically, the C4V Supply Chain Qualification program would be a unique and faster path to market for VCT through a "single window" qualification program, VCT technology will be available for use by multiple C4V affiliated gigafactories across the globe. Next Steps : As of this press release, VCT has delivered initial samples of battery electrolyte and graphite concentrate, for initial qualification, to C4V's facilities located in Binghamton, New York. The battery electrolyte will be used to build coin cells at C4V for initial testing. Adjustments to the electrolyte formulation are expected to support C4V's proprietary BMLMP cathode technology, and the qualification process will span several months due to extensive cycle testing. Simultaneously, after initial positive results, both teams will start working on commercial size cell testing to fast track the Phase-2 qualification of commercial cells over 5Ah in size. The graphite concentrate provided by VCT will be upgraded to spherical coated battery anode and electrodes for coin cell testing. Following the collection of initial battery test data, VCT may make further adjustments to its dry separation process at its Scarborough facility to align with C4V's objectives. VCT's goal is to become qualified by C4V's supply chain program as an approved Anode with natural dry-separated graphite for a more eco-friendly approach. C4V's Green Anode technology combined with VCT's dry separation mining process would be an unbeatable combination to bring a highly sustainable anode technology to market, which is essential to unlock North American supply chain viability. V-Bond Lee, CEO of Volt Carbon Technologies, remarked, "This strategic collaboration with C4V is intended to accelerate our shared goals in advancing sustainable energy storage technologies. C4V and Binghamton University have a rich history in pioneering the development of lithium-ion batteries. We were thrilled to visit C4V's university campus facilities to kick off our collaboration activities. I would also like to recognize the support of the Downsview Aerospace Innovation & Research Hub (DAIR) whose Green Fund contribution to VCT's research was crucial in advancing our battery testing efforts." Dr Shailesh Upreti, Founder and CEO of C4V states "our combined vision to accelerate the innovation cycle, activate the North American supply chain while addressing a market need with sustainable technologies played an important role in building the foundation of this collaboration. We are very excited to collaborate with VCT as they have demonstrated an unmatched technical capability, innovative approach to problem solving and a very clear vision to bring sustainable products to market. Our synergies are very well aligned to benefit the global energy transition goals and C4V is fully motivated to make this partnership a success.". About Volt Carbon Technologies Volt Carbon Technologies Inc. is a publicly traded carbon science company, with a specific focus on energy storage and green energy innovation. The company holds mining claims in the provinces of Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia in Canada. For the latest updates on Volt's properties and news, please visit the website www.voltcarbontech.com. About Charge CCCV LLC C4V" is a lithium-ion battery technology company possessing critical insight related to the optimum performance of lithium-ion batteries and Gigafactory designs. C4V's discoveries have been fruitful in vastly extending battery life, safety and charge performance. However, more importantly, the C4V Gigafactory offering allows emerging countries to establish their own robust manufacturing ecosystem. C4V works with industry-leading raw material suppliers and the equipment supply chain to bring to market fully optimized batteries possessing key economic advantages providing the ultimate "best in class" performance for various applications and end-to-end solutions at a Gigawatt hour scale. Among four different Gigafactory projects across the globe currently under development, iM3NY is C4V's first lithium-ion cell manufacturing Gigafactory located in Endicott, New York, the birthplace of IBM With its incredibly scalable business model C4V aims to achieve 100GWh of cell production capacity globally by 2030. On behalf of the Board of Directors of Volt Carbon Technologies Inc, V-Bond Lee, P. Eng. CEO, President, Chairman of the Board and Director Contacts: Email: [email protected] Tel: (647-546-7049) On behalf of the C4V Clifford Olin Chief Business Officer Contacts: Tel: (1-607-224-2225) [email protected] www.c4v.us 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 press release contains forward-looking statements, within the meaning of applicable securities legislation, concerning Volt's business and affairs. In certain cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as ''plans'', ''expects'' or ''does not expect'', "intends" ''budget'', ''scheduled'', ''estimates'', "forecasts'', ''intends'', ''anticipates'' 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''. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and are naturally subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances that may cause actual results to differ materially. Forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether or not such results will be achieved. Such statements include those with respect to: (i) the goal of VCT to supply or license its electrolyte for supply to C4V's gigafactories or its partners; (ii) use the material for testing and the expected validation of Volt's proprietary electrolyte formulation; (iii) the plan for the graphite concentrate to be sourced from VCT's graphite plant in Scarborough, Ontario; (iv) VCT's goal to replace the synthetic graphite currently used by C4V with natural dry-separated graphite for a more eco-friendly approach; and (v) the intention of the strategic collaboration with C4V to accelerate VCT's goal in advancing sustainable energy storage technologies. Allof the forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking information is provided as of the date of this press release, and Volt assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances, except as may be required under applicable securities legislation. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/187894 John Clay Wolfe, founder of GiveMeTheVin, discovered a collection of over 20 rare vehicles, including vintage Corvettes, in Alabama, set to be auctioned in Spring 2024. DALLAS, TX GiveMeTheVin.com (GMTV) Founder and CEO John Clay Wolfe announced that GMTV has uncovered a remarkable twenty-three (23) car barn find in the southside of Birmingham, Alabama. The collection consists mainly of Corvettes, including a 1990 K/C 1500 454 SS (with only 19 miles on it), a brand new 1990 ZR1, and a brand new 1971 Corvette Coupe. It also includes other, more modern gems, such as a 600-mile 1996 Carrera 4S Porsche Coupe, and a brand new 1998 Pace Car. Video from the historic barn find can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07eUh7HayMQ. This is a one-in-a-million barn find, said GMTV CEO John Clay Wolfe. I buy and sell more than fifty thousand vehicles a year and hold the world record for selling 1,500 cars in one day but Ive never accomplished anything like this. The diversity of the collection from the brand new ZR1 to the limited edition 35th Anniversary Corvette that still has the plastic on the interior is sure to make car junkies salivate when these classics go on display in a few months. The vehicles were owned by the late Earl Trammel, an avid car collector who owned several successful auto businesses in South Birmingham. According to acquaintances, Trammel acquired these cars as a means of storage for his capital rather than investing it with banks because he distrusted Wall Street and the banking system. When he passed in 2022, Trammels ex-wife Patricia assumed ownership of the collection, and it was she who sold the vehicles to GiveMeTheVin.com. GiveMeTheVin.com has a unique business model. You can sell your new or used car with a hassle-free process, giving you a quick 60-second offer. As the name implies, you simply give your VIN number or license plate for them to process that offer. You can get paid for selling your vehicle with no pressure. GMTV is on the Inc 5000 list, an A+ on BBB, and an amazing 4.8+ average rating on Google and other review sites. Unlike numerous venture capital-funded firms, this company avoids squandering funds on grandiose claims through costly advertising campaigns, distinguishing itself by maintaining consistent and reliable disbursement of fair payments, in contrast to other notable e-commerce entities known for delaying or withholding financial transactions. These cars started accumulating through Earl Trammels love for cars, said John Hollander, Trammels brother-in-law. He was a car and body man for over 60-70 years. He was in business in two separate shops in Birmingham and started collecting cars at an early age. These cars need to be out where people can see them so I finally talked my sister (Patricia) into selling the entire inventory. This rare find of more than 20 vintage and modern vehicles will excite car connoisseur and collectors alike. A small barn in Birmingham, Alabama was housing a collection that is expected to spark interest from car enthusiasts from all corners of the globe. GiveMeTheVin.com plans to display the collection at auction in the Spring of 2024. Entire list of cars in the collection includes: 1990 454SS (19 miles) 1988 35th Anniversary Corvette (25 miles) 1996 Porsche C4S manual (600 miles) 1971 Corvette Stingray Coupe (1600 miles) 2001 Trans Am Firebird w/ S6 TA Coupe (247 miles) 1990 Corvette ZR1 (25 miles) 1968 Camaro 396 SS Coup (60,500 miles) 1965 Ford Mustang Convertible (90,000 miles) 1998 Corvette Convertible Indy Pace Car (23 miles) 1987 Buick Grand National (13,800 miles) 1973 Lincoln Continental MK IV (830 miles) 2003 Mustang Cobra Coup (4,900) 1999 F-150 Reg Cab SVT Lightning (46 miles) 2010 Camaro 2dr Coupe ZSS w/ RS Pkg (47 miles) 1979 Corvette Stingray Coupe (41 miles) 1981 Corvette Coupe (2,400 miles) 1974 Corvette Stingray Coupe (30,000) 1976 Corvette Stingray Coupe (103 miles) 1976 Corvette Stingray Coupe (28,000 miles) 1963 Cadillac Coupe Deville (29,300 miles) 1956 Chevrolet 210 Sedan (64,000 miles) 1966 Chevrolet C10 (9,000 miles) 1997 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe (200 miles) About Us: GiveMeTheVin.com (GMTV) streamlines vehicle selling with its quick, 60-second valuation process. Founded by industry expert and CEO John Clay Wolfe, GMTV continues to set benchmarks in the auto trade sector, delivering unparalleled convenience and trustworthiness to vehicle sellers nationwide. As a testament to its outstanding service, the company boasts an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, a place on the prestigious Inc 5000 list, and consistently high ratings across various review platforms. Contact Info: Name: Amy Houston Email: Send Email Organization: GiveMeTheVin Address: 1397 S Jefferson St. Anaheim, CA 92807 Phone: 800-249-1095 Website: https://www.givemethevin.com/ Video URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07eUh7HayMQ. Release ID: 89113504 If you encounter any issues, discrepancies, or concerns regarding the content provided in this press release, or if there is a need for a press release takedown, we urge you to notify us without delay at [email protected]. Our expert team will be available to promptly respond within 8 hours ensuring swift resolution of identified issues or offering guidance on removal procedures. Delivering accurate and reliable information is fundamental to our mission. JAKARTA, Nov 17, 2023 - (ACN Newswire) - - Southeast Asia's first premium service airline, TransNusa, has made history in Indonesia by becoming the second Indonesian airline to have obtained approvals to operate scheduled flights to China. The airline successfully launched its inaugural flight to Guangzhou from Jakarta yesterday, making Indonesia and Indonesians proud by showcasing its experience, strength, strong safety, and security measures as well as well-equipped flight plans. TransNusa's highly anticipated maiden flight, 8B 860 departed Jakarta at 18.10pm and arrived in Guangzhou earlier today at 12.10am as per schedule, without any delays. TransNusa Group Chief Executive Officer, also an aviation industry expert, Datuk Bernard Francis said that today was not only a historical day for TransNusa but also for the Indonesian aviation industry. "As we chart TransNusa's growth plan, we hope to make Indonesia and Indonesians proud of our achievements as we showcase Indonesia's aviation strength as well as our culture to passengers worldwide," Datuk Bernard said, adding that TransNusa is expecting to cater to the business and leisure travellers for this new route. With regard to details of the Jakarta-Guangzhou route, Datuk Bernard said TransNusa will fly the Jakarta - Guangzhou roundtrip route three times a week, with daily flights starting? from the 20th of December 2023. Flights will depart Terminal 3 Soekarno - Hatta International Airport at 18.10 pm on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and arrive at 12.10 am at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport. Flights from Guangzhou will depart at 01.25 am on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays and arrive in Jakarta at 5.40am. Tickets for this new international route will start at $149 . "With the introduction of our Guangzhou route, we have, in eight months, successfully expanded our international route from South East Asia to encompass the Asia Pacific region," said Datuk Bernard. For the Jakarta - Guangzhou route, the premium service provider, will be deploying its Airbus A320, ensuring that its passengers have a comfortable shuttle throughout the 5-hour journey. TransNusa's A320s have been configured with a 174-seat configuration, which allows passengers to enjoy 30-31 inches of legroom. "The services we offer for our international flights are above the service level of a low-cost carrier. As such, the flying experience with TransNusa to international destinations will differ from flying with us on domestic routes since TransNusa operates as a low-cost airline business model in the domestic market." Datuk Bernard concluded. TransNusa announced its plans to launch international flights with a new business model in April this year. Within the short span of 8 months, the airline has introduced flights to Kuala Lumpur, Johor and now Guangzhou, China. In addition, on November 20th, TransNusa will be launching its inaugural flight to Singapore. About TransNusa (Revised to include Johor) Established in 2005, TransNusa started its operation by providing chartered flights. It began its commercial flights in 2011. After ceasing operations due to the Covid-19 pandemic, TransNusa relaunched itself in 2021 as a low-cost airline in its domestic market. In 2023, TransNusa introduced a new business model making it the first Premium Service Airline in the region. The new business model will apply only to its international routes. TransNusa introduced its first international route, Jakarta - Kuala Lumpur, in April this year and its second international route Jakarta-Johor, in September, this year. The airline is currently based in Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. Passengers can book their flights on the TransNusa website, transnusa.co.id, through authorized travel agents in Indonesia, or by contacting the airline's customer service centre at, +62216310888. Contact Person Joshua Fredrick PR& Communications Consultant My Qaseh Sdn.Bhd +60123928943 [email protected] Copyright 2023 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved. CANGZHOU, China , Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The 5th China-Central and Eastern European Countries (CEEC) (Cangzhou) Small and Medium-Sized (SME) Cooperation Forum initiated on November 13th in Cangzhou, north China's Hebei Province , announced the Cangzhou municipal government. With the theme of "Expanding openness and cooperation for win-win development", the forum was jointly sponsored by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of PRC (MIIT) and the People's Government of Hebei Province , supported by the CEEC Secretariat and the Cangzhou Municipal People's Government. "Since establishing the China-Central and Eastern European countries cooperation mechanism in 2012, the economic and trade cooperation between the two sides has made positive progress, with an average annual growth rate of 8.1% and a two-way investment of nearly US$ 20 billion . The economic and trade cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European countries has shown great vitality and strong resilience." Xu Xiaolan, Vice Minister of MIIT, addressed in her speech. At the event site, 277 Chinese and foreign merchants from 10 countries came to look for business opportunities. The enterprises involved in automobile manufacturing, clean energy, intelligent equipment, laser industry and other fields. "This forum is an important platform for exchanges between small and medium-sized enterprises in China and Central and Eastern European countries, which has promoted the economic development of all countries, made great contributions to the global market, and will bring more cooperation opportunities to Serbia ." Sinisa Mali , Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of Serbia , said. It is reported that through the previous docking negotiations, this forum has reached 109 cooperation results with a total investment of 63.636 billion yuan . In recent years, Cangzhou has developed into a critical modern port city in North China , the new industrial city in the Circum-Bohai Sea Area and an important node city in the urban agglomerations of Beijing , Tianjin and Hebei Province . For three consecutive years, Cangzhou has been named by Forbes China among the Top 100 Best Commercial Cities in Mainland China. The China-CEEC (Cangzhou) SME Cooperation Forum was established in 2018, becoming China's first cooperation zone for Central and Eastern European countries. For five years, the forum has served as an essential platform for strengthening exchanges and cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European countries. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/5th-china-central-and-eastern-european-countries-cangzhou-small-and-medium-sized-enterprise-cooperation-forum-launched-in-nchina-province-301992545.html SOURCE Cangzhou Municipal Government The wine brand created by Juan Estefan officially launched with a by invitation red carpet event attended by media and celebrities. MIAMI , Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Wine lovers can delight in this fantastic series of wines from Central Valley , Chile , 7 Y Michi Wines. The brand, created by Juan Estefan , pays homage to his late grandfather Emilio Kapetillo. 7 Y Michi features five expressions including a Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pino Noir , Sauvignon Blanc, and Rose. Although the brand has rapidly been seen with placements all over South Florida , the official launch for the portfolio took place this past week during a by-invitation-only reception at The Globe in Coral Gables . Guests included producer and recording artist Shino, actress Arlyn Broche, and TV host of Univison's "El Gordo y La Flaca" Lili Estefan among others. The brand's name and story are ones that represent luck. Emilio Kapetillo was a professional gambler all his life, who loved to play a card game called "7 y Media", similar to Blackjack. When he pulled the last card to win, instead of saying "7 y Media" he would say "7 y Michi" because it brought him good luck. He would eventually name his grandson ( Juan Estefan ) "Michi," forever after his nickname. 7 y Michi is a way to honor Emilio Kapetillo, known to his family and those who knew him, as the luckiest and most humble gambler ever, who always wanted to transfer his luck through an excellent crafted wine. Juan Estefan is the CEO of JE Wine & Spirits. With an extensive background in the wine and spirits industry, Juan always dreamt of carrying on his grandfather's legacy. With a portfolio of brands currently featured in top restaurants, nightlife venues and retailers, he is focused on growing the 7 Y Michi line as it is one that represents good fortune and family. Those wanting to "taste" a bit of luck can purchase 7 Y Michi wines at local retailers all over South Florida . FOR MORE INFORMATION AND MEDIA INQUIRIES: Liza M Santana |305.968.238 | [email protected] Follow on social: @7yMichiWines #7YMichiWines Interviews and images available upon request. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/7-y-michi-wines-officially-launches-in-south-florida-301991626.html SOURCE 7 Y Michi ALEXANDRIA, Va. , Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- ACTFL is honored to announce Alicia Dallman Shoemaker as the 2024 National Language Teacher of the Year. The award presentation was held during the Opening General Session of the 2023 ACTFL Convention & World Languages Expo on Friday, November 17 at McCormick Place West in Chicago, IL. Alicia Dallmane Shoemaker from Elkhorn, NE has been named the 2024 ACTFL National Language Teacher of the Year. Alicia Dallman Shoemaker is the District Department Chair, PLC Leader, and a World Language Educator with Elkhorn Public Schools in Elkhorn, NE. Dallman Shoemaker is the 2023 Central States Languages for All Teacher of the Year and the 2022 Nebraska International Language Association Teacher of the Year. She holds an Education Specialist Degree and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Doane University, a Linguistics Specialty with Advanced Spanish and Novice German from Universidad de Cantabria in Spain , and a BA in Spanish and English Education from Nebraska Wesleyan University. She is also President of the Malaika Foundation; a Modern Language Methods Instructor: Department of Education at Nebraska Wesleyan University; and serves on a variety of leadership committees at the local, state, and national levels. The award for the ACTFL National Language Teacher of the Year elevates the status of the language teaching profession at the state, regional, and national levels by creating opportunities for recognizing the most accomplished members of the profession. The Teacher of the Year becomes a national spokesperson for the language profession to further demonstrate the critical importance of learning languages and cultures to the general public. "We congratulate Alicia on being named 2024 ACTFL National Language Teacher of the Year," said Marty Abbott , ACTFL Interim Executive Director. "I applaud her unwavering commitment to her students and the field of language education. I eagerly anticipate our collaboration as she takes on the significant responsibility of ACTFL National Language Teacher of the Year during a pivotal time for the profession." Learn more about the ACTFL Teacher of the Year Program. The four finalists for the annual ACTFL National Language Teacher of the Year Award representing the other geographic regions of the U.S. were: Claudia Decker : Nashua High North , Nashua, NH Northeast Conference on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (NECTFL) , (NECTFL) Benjamin Fisher-Rodriguez : Bothell High School , Bothell, WA Pacific Northwest Council for Languages (PNCFL) , (PNCFL) Natalie Lalagos : Kealakehe High School , Kailua-Kona, HI Southwest Conference on Language Teaching (SWCOLT) , (SWCOLT) Ke Peng : Western Kentucky University , Bowling Green, KY Southern Conference on Language Teaching ( SCOLT ) About ACTFL: Providing vision, leadership and support for quality teaching and learning of languages, ACTFL is an individual membership organization of more than 13,000 language educators and administrators from elementary through graduate education, as well as government and industry. Since its founding in 1967, ACTFL has become synonymous with innovation, quality, and reliability in meeting the changing needs of language educators and their learners. It is where the world's educators, businesses, and government agencies go to advance the practice of language learning. ACTFL's work as a trusted, independent center of excellence empowers educators to prepare learners for success in a 21st century global society; helps government agencies build language capacity in the U.S. and abroad; and connects businesses with the resources and relationships they need to succeed. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/actfl-awards-2024-national-language-teacher-of-the-year-301992264.html SOURCE ACTFL RIYADH, Saudi Arabia , Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Al Rajhi Capital, a renowned and multi-award-winning financial services institution dedicated to Shariah-compliant financial products and services, is proud to announce its strategic partnership with AlphaCentrix, a global leader in technology solutions for the financial services sector. Al Rajhi Capital has built a sterling reputation for delivering a diverse range of innovative financial solutions that adhere to Shariah principles. Their Digital Channels serve as a comprehensive platform where individuals can access a wealth of resources related to financial investments and market activities. It offers user-friendly features allowing individuals to open investment accounts online, access daily market reports, explore mutual fund pricing, and stay informed about the latest market news. Under this strategic partnership, Al Rajhi Capital will integrate AlphaCentrix's innovative AlphaInvest software solution into its platform to further enhance and enrich the digital customer experience of its asset management customer base. This collaboration aims to provide Al Rajhi Capital's clients with even more comprehensive and efficient financial services while remaining steadfast in their commitment to Shariah compliance. AlphaCentrix's AlphaInvest solution includes bilingual investment tracking, thrift plans, cash management investor access, middleware, and data warehousing capabilities, enabling an end-to-end platform for onboarding clients, managing investments, and meeting complex custom dashboarding and reporting needs. AlphaInvest is designed to empower investors by providing them with powerful tools to manage their investments, cash flows, and savings plans efficiently. Al Rajhi Capital remains dedicated to delivering the highest quality and Shariah-compliant financial solutions to its clients, and AlphaInvest represents a significant milestone in this commitment. Ahmad Al Rifai , CIO at Al Rajhi Capital, expressed their enthusiasm about this partnership: "We are excited about our collaboration with AlphaCentrix. This partnership will allow us to continue providing our clients with cutting-edge financial solutions while ensuring that all our offerings remain fully compliant with Shariah principles. AlphaCentrix's expertise in wealth management and data management aligns perfectly with our mission to offer innovative financial services." Bilal Alassar , Managing Director at AlphaCentrix, shared his thoughts on the partnership: "We're exceptionally delighted to join forces with another esteemed financial services provider such as Al Rajhi Capital in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia . Al Rajhi Capital is strategically positioned to harness the remarkable advantages of our powerful Wealth Management and Thrift Plans capabilities offered through AlphaInvest. We are unwavering in our commitment to reinvest aggressively in these solutions and bolster our global delivery team to provide significant operational scale and deliver an even more enhanced client experience to large financial institutions." AlphaCentrix and Al Rajhi Capital look forward to a fruitful partnership that will undoubtedly elevate the financial services landscape in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia . About Al Rajhi Capital Al Rajhi Capital is a prominent and multi-award-winning financial services company specializing in providing a diverse range of innovative financial products and services that adhere to the principles of Shariah finance. Its digital channels serve as a comprehensive platform for accessing investment-related resources, potentially opening investment accounts online, and staying informed about market developments. Al Rajhi Capital also offers access to daily market reports, mutual fund price lists, and the latest market news. For more information, please visit www.alrajhi-capital.com . About AlphaCentrix AlphaCentrix (formally Fascet LLC), provides data management, client onboarding and wealth management solutions, application hosting, and professional services that simplify investment operations for the world's leading Investment Managers, Fund Administrators, and Prime Brokers. Founded in 2002, AlphaCentrix is based in Jersey City, New Jersey with offices in Dallas, Texas , Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and Mumbai, India . For more information, please visit https://alphacentrix.com/ Press contact: Ahmad Al Rifai [email protected] Tel: +966 01182 84686 Bilal Alassar balassar@alphacentrix.com +966-540-066448 Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2280057/Al_Rajhi_Capital_Logo.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/al-rajhi-capital-partners-with-alphacentrix-for-cutting-edge-financial-solutions-301991889.html SOURCE Al Rajhi Capital; AlphaCentrix 2022 Winners, dosa by DOSA and Wheyward Spirit, Unlock 2nd Round of Funding From the California Milk Advisory Board to Continue to Grow Their Business Using California Milk TRACY, Calif. , Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Startups Amazing Ice Cream, Arbo's Cheese Dip, Petit Pot and WonderCow claimed victory last night at the 5th Annual Real California Milk Excelerator Final Pitch Event. Created by the California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) and innovation advisory VentureFuel, the competition is designed to find, fund and accelerate innovation in dairy-based products, from consumer food and beverages to textiles and beyond. The four cohort winners will each receive $30,000 in resources and funding to scale their products in California and will compete for an additional $100,000 in support based on continued performance over a period of one year. In its fifth year, the 2023 Real California Milk Excelerator advances innovation in its truest state: open innovation. As one of the largest dairy competitions in the world, the program sought early-stage applicants with high-growth potential that create a 50% cow's milk-based product or working prototype. Eight finalists participated in the November 16th live pitch event where they presented to judges from companies representing retail, consumer packaged goods, food distribution and media before a live audience of key stakeholders. During the event, 2022 cohort members dosa by DOSA and Wheyward Spirit each unlocked $100,000 and $25,000 in additional funding after demonstrating their ability to grow their businesses in California over the past 12 months. The event also featured a first ever "Future of Dairy Expo" where attendees tasted and tested products from 15 of the industry's most innovative startups, and a panel highlighting insights on the impact of dairy innovations on retail sales and consumer behavior. "It is a great privilege and honor to be a part of the CMAB and VentureFuel Family," said Donald Anit , Founder of Amazing Ice Cream. "Being able to see how California milk products are processed, from beginning to end, inspires us with an endless vision of avenues in the dairy industry. Meeting new processors, buyers and partners adds bountiful assets of growth to our business and the future of our company." "As the only non-CA-based brand selected for the Excelerator, I was humbled by the opportunity, and immediately felt like Arbo's Cheese Dip struck gold for being noticed and included. When I toured the Fiscalini Farmstead operation, it was the first time that I felt intimately what it takes for a dairy-based brand to be in business from beginning to end, and their work is no walk in the park," said Andrew Arbos , Founder & CEO of Arbo's Cheese Dip. " California dairy farmers are focused on a cleaner, more sustainable future, but they need brands like us to support them. This is why I became so passionate about adding the Real California Milk seal, because it carries the real weight of what it takes to be innovative and sustainable. Being chosen as one of the winners, it is now my duty to support California farmers, so that we can collectively deliver the highest quality products nationwide." "We're truly humbled to be selected as a cohort winner among such a remarkable assembly of innovative companies. This recognition is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our team over the years," said Maxime Pouvreau , Founder of Petit Pot. "The timing of this prize couldn't have been more perfect, as we will be utilizing the funding to support Petit Pot's new paper cup desserts at Publix and Target. We're looking forward to partnering with CMAB to drive awareness and affinity of our products and Real California Milk across the country." "Being a part of the CMAB cohort has been a great experience for our WonderCow team," said Rob Diepersloot , Founder of WonderCow. "We've met a lot of like-minded entrepreneurs, mentors, and industry leaders that we will continue to collaborate with as we grow our new company. It is these relationships and connections that will guide us as we take WonderCow to the next level. The California dairy industry has such an amazing story when it comes to innovation and sustainability, and we are extremely blessed to be a part of it." "It was a close competition this year, with each cohort member bringing something interesting to the table. In the end, however, the four winners each had a solid product and a complete selling story that will connect with consumers," said John Talbot , CEO of the CMAB. " California dairy families understand the value of innovation and invest in research and opportunities like the Excelerator competition to ensure a continued role for real milk and dairy in consumer's evolving lives." "This year's winners featuring pastry chefs to veterans showcase the bright future and dynamic impact of combining dairy with innovation," said Fred Schonenberg , CEO of VentureFuel. "Each of the founders is dedicated to driving excitement and demand for Real California Dairy through their innovative products and we look forward to supporting their ongoing growth as they seize the opportunities created from the program." The Excelerator's eight finalists were selected from a field of dozens of qualified entries and over the course of 12 weeks had access to a group stipend and a robust network of resources to refine and scale their product and business. They also participated in the CMAB/VentureFuel Mentorship Program, consisting of elite counsel from successful founders, investors, leading corporate executives, and experts across design, marketing, sales, manufacturing, distribution, farming, and processing industries. Past mentors have included venture capitalists, successful entrepreneurs, and executives from organizations like Unilever, UNFI and Mondelez. The total value of competition awards is half a million dollars. The 2023 Real California Milk Excelerator celebrates the state's role as the number one producer of dairy in the United States . California , known for innovation, has a reputation for quality dairy products and leads the nation in sustainable dairy farming practices. More than 1,100 family dairy farms produce the milk found in fluid milk, cheese, butter, yogurt, ice cream, and other dairy products identified by the Real California Milk seal. Over the past four years, the Real California Milk Excelerator has worked with more than 45 startups across numerous categories including food, beverage, direct-to-consumer platforms, textiles, and personal care. Representing nearly 40 percent of states across the U.S. , program alumni have gone from idea to distribution with organizations such as UNFI and KeHE; and many can now be found on the shelves of retailers like Walmart, Safeway, Kroger, Amazon, and Whole Foods. Details about the 2023 cohort, mentors and the final pitch event are available on the RCM Excelerator site. About Real California Milk/California Milk Advisory Board The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), an instrumentality of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, is funded by the state's dairy farm families who lead the nation in sustainable dairy farming practices. With a vision to nourish the world with the wholesome goodness of Real California Milk, the CMAB's programs focus on increasing demand for California's sustainable dairy products in the state, across the U.S. and around the world through advertising, public relations, research, and retail and foodservice promotional programs. For more information and to connect with the CMAB, visit RealCaliforniaMilk.com , Facebook , YouTube , Twitter , Instagram and Pinterest . About VentureFuel, Inc. Founded in 2014, VentureFuel is an independent innovation advisory that helps the world's best organizations ignite change through startup collaborations. Its innovation programs include Diagnostics, Corporate Accelerators and Commercial Pilots; and focus on solving clients' biggest challenges by driving greater efficiencies; closing strategic capability gaps; and identifying emerging business models. VentureFuel provides organizations like Hershey's, Comcast, Dick's Sporting Goods, AARP Foundation and the State of California the tools to drive transformative change with less risk, more speed, and greater proximity to the consumer than traditional innovation models. Learn more at: www.venturefuel.net , LinkedIn , Twitter and Instagram . You can listen to The VentureFuel Visionaries podcast on Apple , Spotify Simplecast or wherever you get your podcasts. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/amazing-ice-cream-arbos-cheese-dip-petit-pot-and-wondercow-selected-as-winners-in-the-5th-real-california-milk-excelerator-innovation-competition-301992214.html SOURCE California Milk Advisory Board At the beginning of this year, the global alarm caused by monkeypox in 2022 had practically vanished. Although the virus was still being closely monitored by public health services, and the World Health Organization (WHO) still considered it a health emergency of international importance (it did not declare the end until May), after 85,000 cases and 89 deaths worldwide, there were three causes for optimism. The first was that the number of new cases had been dropping for months, from the thousand a day reached in August to just a few dozen. The second was its low mortality rate, which was far from the initial forecasts that spoke about 10% of those infected. And finally, the certainty that the virus was inefficiently transmitted outside of the risk behaviors associated with group sexual relations, which ruled out an increase in cases among other population groups. February was an important moment for decision-making regarding the first global outbreak of monkeypox (which was renamed mpox at the end of 2022). The WHO advocated for a global strategy to control and eliminate the disease, but the European countries had assumed just the opposite: that the virus was here to stay and that trying to get rid of it was not only going to be very difficult, but it would also be too costly and even counterproductive due to the need to apply strict public health measures, which could be met with some social opposition, as was the case at some point of the fight against Covid-19. This information is revealed by the minutes of the meeting of the Advisory Forum of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), held at the organizations headquarters in Stockholm, Sweden, on February 21 and 22 of this year. At the meeting, the Danish representative of the Forum stated that it was important to prepare for long-term work on this issue, because the underlying drivers of the outbreak had not disappeared, and there would be a new young, unvaccinated, sexually active cohort, so there could be a new outbreak. For this reason, complete elimination might not be feasible. By continuing to vaccinate, test and advise the high-risk population, it will be possible to keep the outbreak under control, and monkeypox will be just another sexually transmitted disease. The ECDC Advisory Forum, made up of officials from the organization and the different countries public health guardians, sets the guidelines of the European public health agency. Mike Catchpole, ECDC chief scientist, added that the cost benefit argument for elimination did not appear to be compelling. This is a reflection of the dilemma that everyone present were facing: continue doing things as before or impose surveillance measures with more or less force, with mandatoriness as a last resort to identify suspected cases, carry out diagnostic tests, comply with quarantines and vaccinate the at-risk population. Measures that should be followed until the virus is eradicated from Europe, and then repeated every time an outbreak caused by an imported case occurs, something that is quite likely considering that the pathogen continues to circulate in other continents such as America and Africa. The Slovenian representative, on her part, pointed out that as long as monkeypox is perceived as a non-serious disease, it will be very difficult to eliminate, and enforcing these measures will not be an easy task. As for the vaccines highly sought-after in the early stages of the epidemic the representative of France wondered if there is still interest in them, because HERA (the health emergency preparedness and response department of the EU) had just delivered the second batch of vaccination, but there was little demand for it, unlike last July when there was a shortage. She agreed about not striving for elimination but asked whether countries were confident that they could procure vaccinations, undertake testing and have a long-term strategy for the disease. The representative of the Netherlands shared the results of the models on the evolution of the disease that were developed in that country, which discourage the adoption of more drastic measures: If the 0.7% of the population who were highly active became infected, a herd immunity threshold was achieved that actually caused the outbreak to wane, as had been observed last summer. Therefore, monkeypox appeared to be less infectious than had been assumed and the highest risk group would have already had the infection, he emphasized. However, this does not mean that future risks should be ruled out. The outbreak, he said, highlighted the fact that this type of disease could be globally active if introduced into a certain group, and it is important to communicate this fact. The problem, he continued, is that even in a country like the Netherlands, where there is little stigma around this group (men who have relations with multiple same-sex partners), this population segment is hard to reach. The part of the meeting dedicated to mpox was closed by Vicky Lefevre, head of the Public Health Functions Unit of the ECDC, who stated that the agency would continue to cover ways to reach out and protect this group, in addition to monitoring, testing, raising awareness and offering the vaccination to high-risk groups. As a finishing remark, she mentioned that she was glad to hear that everyone appeared to be in agreement on the elimination issue. The final stance of the ECDC was made official in a document published two months later describing in detail the recommendations to continue dealing with the mpox outbreak, which do not introduce any major changes to the strategy developed since the summer of 2022. Notably, the word elimination is not mentioned once in the 28 pages of the text. The meetings of the Advisory Forum are of a technical-scientific nature and all points of view are addressed with the aim of gathering, among all members, the best evidence available for decision-making. In this sense, the Forum would have failed in its functions and its mission if the difficulties involved in any initiative to eliminate a disease and the advisability or not of developing it had not been raised and discussed, states a spokesperson for the Spanish Ministry of Health. Carlos Maluquer de Motes, professor of molecular virology at the University of Surrey (UK) and expert in smallpox viruses, explains: As a virologist, and taking into account that this virus is similar to that of [traditional] smallpox [already eradicated], I think it is always less risky to opt for a strategy of elimination instead of one of containment, which in the long run gives the pathogen time to continue adapting to humans and reach other population groups. However, he admits that there are other relevant factors that public health experts take into account in their decision-making. The strategy that eradicated smallpox almost half a century ago included mandatory vaccination, something that is not in line with the current criteria, which are based on voluntary participation and face challenges such as anti-vaccine movements. This requires adapting the response in a way that takes into account the natural immunity of those who have already had the disease, which in this case is favored by the low mortality of mpox. In any case, allowing the virus to continue circulating requires close monitoring and considering measures to adapt the response, if necessary, he continues. In recent months, there has been a slight increase in mpox cases, something that the WHO and those responsible for public health already feared, given the proliferation of summer festivals in which risky practices are common. According to the latest WHO report, published on October 20 with data from late September, diagnosed cases exceeded 91,000 worldwide, with 157 deaths, most of them in the American continent. In Europe, 229 cases were diagnosed in September, seven times more than in August, although still far from the 2022 figures of several hundred a day. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Community-driven project will spur billions of dollars in economic activity across New York State , reduce emissions, and deliver a just transition of union workers at New York City's largest power plant NEW YORK , Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Attentive Energy One a joint venture between TotalEnergies, Rise Light & Power, and Corio Generation has been selected by Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) in New York State's highly competitive third offshore wind solicitation to negotiate an offtake agreement with NYSERDA. This 1,400 MW offshore wind project will support the nation's first renewable repowering of a major fossil fuel generator, retiring and replacing a 60-year-old unit at Ravenswood Generating Station in Long Island City . Once operational, the project is expected to power over 700,000 New York homes from an area more than 50 miles from the nearest point onshore in New York . In addition to reducing carbon emissions by more than one million tons per year equivalent to removing 13% of cars from New York City streets Attentive Energy One is expected to deliver $25.6 billion in direct and indirect economic benefits to New York State , including more than 2,600 new unique jobs. The project is also expected to save ratepayers approximately $10 billion on their utility bills over the first 25 years of operation, including $500 million in savings for low-income New Yorkers. Doreen Harris , President and CEO, NYSERDA said: " New York State's largest-ever renewable energy awards' announcement demonstrates our unwavering commitment to achieving an equitable and vibrant clean energy future. We look forward to working with the Attentive Energy One team to bring the project online to reduce emissions and deliver zero-emission energy to hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers." Damian Bednarz , Managing Director of Attentive Energy said: "Attentive Energy One is a community-driven project that will spur billions of dollars in economic activity, support a just transition for union workers and reduce emissions in a historically disadvantaged community. Following years of local engagement across the City and State, our team looks forward to delivering a project that reflects New York , our values and our common goals of economic development and addressing climate change. We are grateful to Governor Hochul , NYSERDA, and our community partners for their confidence and as we move this project forward, we will do everything possible to meet the mission ahead." David Foulon , Managing Director of Offshore Wind US at TotalEnergies said: "We are deeply honored that the State of New York chose Attentive Energy One to deliver on the promise of bringing green electricity directly to the heart of New York City and entrusted us with unprecedented investments in local communities and industrial facilities to serve offshore wind from and for New York State . This is an important milestone for our offshore wind portfolio in the United States , as part of TotalEnergies Renewables U.S. growth into the fifth largest renewable energy developer in the country." Clint Plummer , CEO of Rise Light & Power said: "This historic announcement will help make the nation's first renewable repowering a reality. We are grateful for the leadership of Governor Hochul , and NYSERDA for this historic first step toward a Renewable Ravenswood. This is the beginning of an exciting process, which will set the standard for a responsible renewable energy transition that works with communities, works with labor, and benefits all New Yorkers." Eric Thumma , Head of U.S. at Corio Generation said: "Corio specializes in harnessing the power of offshore wind for the benefit of communities around the world. We are honored that NYSERDA selected Attentive Energy One, our first U.S. project and a joint venture developed together with TotalEnergies and Rise & Light Power, in this round of offshore wind contracts. When we decided to enter the U.S. market, we quickly identified New York as a clean energy, economic development, and offshore wind leader. We are excited to work with our partners, NYSERDA, local stakeholders and others to build a project that creates good paying jobs, invests in domestic manufacturing, revitalizes local communities, and delivers abundant clean energy to New York's electricity consumers." Attentive Energy One's Key Commitments: Fossil Retirement Attentive Energy One will retire and replace fossil-fuel generation at the Ravenswood Generating Station with offshore wind. Power generated by the offshore wind farm will be delivered to New York City via underwater transmission lines that will connect to a new converter station at Ravenswood Generating Station . By harnessing the power of offshore wind, the project will reduce carbon emissions by more than one million tons per year replacing 400 megawatts of 1960s-era fossil fuel generation capacity at Ravenswood. Just Transition Attentive Energy One will deliver a first-of-its-kind just transition for members of the Utility Workers Union of America (UWUA) Local 1-2 at Ravenswood, who will be the first fossil fuel power plant staff to retrain for careers in offshore wind. Once operational, Attentive Energy One will be managed from the new Ravenswood Operations & Maintenance Hub, with a training fund dedicated to upskilling existing union members for new positions. Unprecedented Economic Benefits Attentive Energy One, upon executing an agreement with NYSERDA, is expected to launch a Lasting Legacy Investment Program by investing $300 million in various community, fishery, and environmental projects across New York State . This fund includes $78 million in targeted community investments that prioritize disadvantaged communities and support development of local workforce talent and businesses. Partnerships to advance workforce training with a wide range of entities across New York State include the International Brotherhood of Electric Workers Local 3 and the State University of New York Maritime College. These investments extend to local grassroots organizations including Spin the Yard and the NYC Harbor School, which will support new career pathways for New Yorkers. The Lasting Legacy Investment Program also advances the NYS Supply Chain Development Partnership, a proposed initiative that commits $15 million to a collaboration between the Center for Economic Growth, Institute for Workforce Advancement, and NYC Economic Development Corporation. This proposed plan for cross-regional collaboration will drive three key programs for offshore wind supply chain development: grassroots supplier engagement, small and diverse business funding, and supplier scouting. Also included in the Lasting Legacy Investment Program is a commitment of at least $30 million to conserve, monitor, and research marine wildlife in an aim to achieve no net loss of biodiversity. Conservation topics include habitat restoration, oceanography, fisheries, marine mammals, and acoustic telemetry, among other areas, and will support partnerships across more than ten academic and research institutions including Cornell University, Syracuse University, and SUNY Stony Brook . Unmatched Project Maturity Attentive Energy One has made significant progress gathering the required project and site information and preparing for and submitting all the required permit applications. Following pending approvals, a buoy will soon be deployed in the Lease Area to gather important meteorological and oceanographic information. Attentive Energy is well on its way to completing its Construction and Operations Plan, the primary document required for federal permitting. Rise Light & Power has already submitted an Article VII application to the state of New York . Community Involvement Attentive Energy One maintains a commitment to transparent and accessible community engagement, having already engaged with over 600 individuals in interactive community forums. The project will host additional forums in the coming months to receive feedback from different constituencies across the City and State. Statewide comments on the Attentive Energy One Award: "Achieving climate justice in our state lies in making the investment to foster impactful renewable energy projects," said Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez. "I am extremely excited by the Attentive Energy One joint venture project to transition New York City's largest fossil fuel burning generating facility, the Ravenswood Generating Station , to 'Renewable Ravenswood', a new clean energy operations and maintenance hub for offshore wind. This transition to green energy will support our climate goals, generate new green union jobs, and benefit frontline environmental justice communities like those at Queensbridge and Ravenswood Houses. This new offshore wind and land-based renewable energy project will not only sustainably power our communities but also lower energy costs and create more jobs for working families here in LIC, Queens and upstate." "Not only does offshore wind reduce harmful pollution but investing in this emerging industry will create good-paying jobs, build a localized supply chain, and lower energy costs for New York families," Congressman Paul Tonko said. "This enormous potential is why I've been dedicated in driving federal action that harnesses the power of offshore wind for our state and region. I'm thrilled by the selection of this project, which will benefit our economy, environment, and consumers alike, and I look forward to supporting the project's partners as they work through federal permitting processes." " Queens is on the cusp of becoming an international leader in resiliency, sustainability and clean energy. Projects like Attentive Energy One will help us achieve that goal, all while better safeguarding our families from the countless dangers of fossil fuel usage and climate change," said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr . "Wind power, along with solar and hydroelectricity, are critical pieces of Queens' renewable energy revolution, and I'm looking forward to working with all our public and private sector partners to create jobs, improve the health of our environment, and deliver a cleaner climate for our children to inherit." "Renewable Ravenswood reflects the need to undertake a just transition as we move to clean energy," said James Shillito , President of Utility Workers Union of America Local 1-2. "We are off to a great start with commitments made with Attentive Energy One, including a training fund to upskill our members and make sure that the women and men who keep New York City's lights on aren't left in the dark. These are the first steps to advance the Renewable Ravenswood vision, which will create even more opportunities for organized labor." "The members of Local Union No. 3, IBEW enthusiastically support the recent offshore wind project award to Attentive Energy One. We as a union and an industry are committed to addressing the challenges of the climate crisis head on, ensuring that a just transition to renewable energy generation takes place in a meaningful and successful way, with a skilled and professional union workforce who earn family-sustaining wages and benefits guaranteed by union contracts and Project Labor Agreements. By repurposing existing facilities and energy infrastructure, Attentive Energy One's plans will advance the transition to clean energy generation, support long-term union careers and workforce development, and cement NY's place as an offshore wind hub," said Christopher Erikson , Business Manager, Local Union No. 3, IBEW. "This ambitious 1,400 MW offshore wind project, selected by Governor Hochul and NYSERDA, marks a significant shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy. By repowering the Ravenswood Generating Station , it sets a groundbreaking precedent in energy transformation, reducing over a million tons of carbon emissions annually - the equivalent of taking 13% of NYC's cars off the streets. This initiative is not just about clean energy; it's about building a resilient, economically vibrant, and equitable New York , investing in communities, fostering a sustainable future, and championing environmental justice," said Lynn Spivey , President of the NYCHA NAACP branch. "Recognizing the growth in the offshore renewable energy sector, the College established its Center of Excellence for Offshore Wind Education, Training, and Innovation to develop a clean energy workforce and encourage research and scholarship in this growing industry. SUNY Maritime College prides itself on an adaptive curriculum and programs that respond to the maritime industry's complex and evolving needs. We look forward to working with Attentive Energy in the areas of research and scholarship, academic programs, workforce development programs, and K-12 and community outreach and engagement," said Rear Admiral Michael Alfultis , President, SUNY Maritime College. "We congratulate Attentive Energy One on the selection of their 1,400 MW offshore wind energy project in the state's recent solicitation, and we commend Governor Hochul and NYSERDA for their ongoing commitment to large scale renewable energy projects," said Julie Tighe , President of the New York League of Conservation Voters. "The construction of the Attentive Energy One project will help wind down the Ravenswood Generating Station which will go a long way toward improving public health in asthma alley while ushering in a greener grid and enough clean energy to power tens of thousands of New York homes, a big win for the environment and for New York's clean energy future." "Attentive Energy One is a case study on how to do offshore wind right," said New York Offshore Wind Alliance Director Fred Zalcman . "Through its genuine commitments to community involvement, to transition the local union workforce, and to affirmatively pivot New York City away from reliance on aging fossil plants for its energy needs, as well as its support for the emergence of a local clean energy manufacturing base, Attentive Energy One demonstrates how offshore wind development can and should be done." "Attentive Energy One's project positively impacts people living and working across New York State and further solidifies the Capital Region's standing as a major offshore wind component manufacturing hub. The Center for Economic Growth looks forward to working as a partner to foster the creation of good paying jobs in this emerging offshore wind supply chain," said Center for Economic Growth Chief Economic Development Officer Katie Newcombe. About Attentive Energy One Attentive Energy One ("AE1") is an offshore wind project designed to help New York State achieve the twin goals of replacing fossil fuel with renewable energy and establishing a durable local industry with living-wage jobs. The project will deliver a historic environmental justice victory by retiring and replacing a major fossil-fuel power plant with offshore wind power. The project will power over 700,000 New York homes with clean energy produced from an offshore wind farm located in an area approximately 54 miles from its nearest point in New York . Wind power will be delivered directly to a waterfront power plant via a subsea transmission solution that avoids cable landings through beaches and other sensitive recreational areas. As a joint venture between TotalEnergies, Rise Light & Power, and Corio Generation, Attentive Energy One is uniquely positioned to deliver this major offshore wind project for New York. Click here for more information: www.attentiveenergy.com/AE1 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. Our more than 100,000 employees are committed to energy that is ever more affordable, more sustainable, more reliable and accessible to as many people as possible. Active in nearly 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. About Rise Light & Power Rise Light & Power is a Queens, New York based energy asset manager and developer, and is actively transforming its core asset, Long Island City's Ravenswood Generation Station, into a new clean energy hub Renewable Ravenswood. By redeveloping New York City's largest power generating facility, Rise will permanently replace fossil fuel power with homegrown renewable energy, while providing a just transition for its existing union workforce and economic opportunities for surrounding communities. Renewable Ravenswood, core to Rise's growth-oriented strategy, is at the forefront of the ambitious clean energy transition taking place in New York State and will continue to provide reliable and cost-effective electricity for New York City for decades to come. Rise Light & Power is a wholly owned affiliate of LS Power. About Corio Generation Corio Generation is a specialist global offshore wind developer and a portfolio company of Macquarie Asset Management operating on a standalone basis. Corio has one of the world's largest offshore wind project pipelines, with over 30 GW at various stages of development across Europe , Asia-Pacific and the Americas . View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/attentive-energy-one-selected-by-new-york-state-to-power-over-700-000-homes-with-offshore-wind-301992506.html SOURCE Attentive Energy One SINGAPORE , Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- BingX Charity, the philanthropic arm of the global leading crypto exchange BingX, announced a donation of basic necessities to help communities in Acapulco, Guerrero , and surrounding areas in Mexico that have been affected by Hurricane Otis. In swift response to this unprecedented natural disaster, BingX joined hands with its local team to support relief and recovery efforts. Hurricane Otis became the strongest storm in recorded history to strike the Pacific coast of Mexico . This Category 5 hurricane made landfall near Acapulco , where its heavy rain and strong winds unleashed massive landslides and knocked out power lines. Otis, which has left a trail of destruction on its path, has resulted in urgent food, water, and shelter needs for thousands of Acapulco residents affected by this catastrophe. BingX has taken the initiative to contribute to the recovery of local communities. In the wake of this natural hazard, BingX has taken a hands-on approach by actively engaging in the procurement, organization, and delivery of crucial relief materials. BingX's aid package encompasses vital supplies, such as clean drinking water, non-perishable food items, personal hygiene essentials, and various other indispensable resources. A dedicated team oversaw the acquisition and transportation of these goods, ensuring their swift and efficient distribution to the most affected areas and communities where they are urgently needed. "BingX wishes to express its solidarity with residents of Acapulco and reaffirms its commitment to support the community as much as possible during this difficult situation," said Megan Nyvold , Head of Branding at BingX. "At BingX, we believe that blockchain technology and crypto can do good for global communities. In times of crisis like this, it is essential to come together as one and provide support. Our donation is a small step toward the recovery of Acapulco , and we are committed to continuing to provide assistance to the best of our capabilities." In line with its ethos of giving back, BingX Charity has actively engaged in philanthropic endeavors since 2019. In early October, it successfully completed the "Bright Horizons for Children" project in Vietnam , raising fund and collaborating with local partners and blockchain communities. This collective effort culminated in the establishment of a new school for children in Dien Bien province, featuring three spacious classrooms and modern restroom facilities, complemented by a safe and vibrant anti-slip playground. BingX remains steadfast in its commitment to creating positive impacts and working tirelessly for the betterment of global communities in need. About BingX BingX is a leading crypto exchange that offers spot, derivatives, copy, and grid trading services to over 100 countries and regions worldwide with over 5 million users. BingX continues to connect users with expert traders and the platform in a safe and innovative way. Please visit https://bingx.com to learn more. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bingx-charity-responds-to-hurricane-otis-in-mexico-301992065.html SOURCE BingX SAN FRANCISCO , Nov. 16, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing and the United States are launching an initiative to catalyze the development and use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) among Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member countries. SAF, which significantly reduces the lifecycle carbon emission of jet fuel, is key to achieving goals set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the civil aviation industry to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. SAF certified for use today can reduce lifecycle CO 2 up to 85% and holds the greatest potential to reduce aviation's emissions over the next 30 years, but the key challenges to greater use are a limited supply and high cost. Airlines' current use of SAF represents 0.1% of global jet fuel demand. Aiming to support APEC economies' efforts to develop SAF supply, the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), will partner with Boeing to sponsor this project in APEC's Transportation Working Group. The initiative will address potential challenges for APEC economies in creating and growing nascent SAF markets, including: Identifying the availability of sustainable feedstocks for SAF Analyzing new pathways to optimize SAF production Leveraging existing industries and infrastructure for SAF production Enabling the development of SAF-specific policies for production and use Exploring SAF accounting mechanisms, including book and claim This initiative will enhance the SAF ecosystem across the APEC region by capturing best practices and case studies from economies with more developed SAF markets while providing guidance and support to economies seeking to establish new SAF markets and enabling a policy toolkit to ensure regional cohesion in SAF policies and regulations. "Industry studies and data tell us that SAF is essential to meet aviation's net zero commitment, but we need more of it," said Chris Raymond , Boeing Chief Sustainability Officer. "This initiative helps deepen the partnerships that we have had for years with several countries to advance SAF. We will foster collaboration and knowledge exchange among APEC economies, all in pursuit of a safe, and more sustainable aviation future." The agreement builds on Boeing's work to help scale SAF globally through industry partnerships and policy advocacy, investments in product compatibility work and Boeing's own purchase of millions of gallons of SAF for its commercial operations. Recent Boeing initiatives to advance SAF include: Partnering with the APEC Secretariat to deliver a series of 'sustainable aviation' regional webinars on SAF. Collaboration with Zero Petroleum for testing and analyzing the next generation of technologies to accelerate the supply of SAF. Collaboration with the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials to explore SAF feedstock opportunities in Southeast Asia , Ethiopia , South Africa and Brazil . , , and . Joining the ACT FOR SKY organization in Japan to work on the commercialization, promotion and expansion of domestically produced SAF. to work on the commercialization, promotion and expansion of domestically produced SAF. Mobilizing our supply chain to complete the testing necessary to ensure Boeing commercial airplanes are 100% compatible by 2030. commercial airplanes are 100% compatible by 2030. Recently joining the World Energy Council to drive sustainable energy transitions. to drive sustainable energy transitions. Since 2022, Boeing has purchased 7.6 million gallons of SAF for its U.S. commercial airplane operations. As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a top U.S. exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing's diverse team is committed to innovating for the future, leading with sustainability, and cultivating a culture based on the company's core values of safety, quality and integrity. Join our team and find your purpose at boeing.com/careers . Contact: Boeing Media Relations [email protected] View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/boeing-and-us-government-launch-initiative-to-advance-sustainable-aviation-fuel-among-apec-economies-301991307.html SOURCE Boeing The Coffee Lovers' Choice Award, assigned by consumers, went to Guatemala's Finca Danilandia NEW YORK , Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Brazil, with Sao Mateus Agropecuaria, is the country winner of the Best of the Best Award, which was presented to Jose Eduardo Dominicale during the 8th edition of the Ernesto Illy International Coffee Award. The award, named after the visionary leader of illycaffe and the son of the company's founder, celebrates the work that the company has been doing every day for the last 30 years, side-by-side with coffee farmers, to offer the best possible sustainable coffee. The award was presented to the winner by illycaffe Chairman Andrea Illy during an event held at the New York Public Library in New York . The award was assigned by an independent panel of 9 experts who examined the best batches from the 2022-2023 harvest through a blind tasting of 9 coffees from the 9 finalist countries: Brazil , Costa Rica , El Salvador , Ethiopia , Guatemala , Honduras , India , Nicaragua and Rwanda . Prior to being evaluated by the panel, each batch of coffee was analysed by illycaffe's quality control labs and rated in terms of richness and aromatic complexity, the elegance and balance of its flavour and intensity of its aroma. Guatemala's Finca Danilandia di Luis Arimany Mondonico won the Coffee Lovers' Choice Award, assigned by a panel of consumers who, in the weeks prior to the event, carried out blind taste tests of the coffee samples in illy cafes in Trieste , Milan , Paris , London , Sao Paolo and New York and ranked their preferences. "The absolute victory of the Brasilian coffee coming from regenerative agriculture chosen blindly among the nine best coffees in the world fills me with joy. Indeed, the history of the Ernesto Illy Award began in Brasil in 1991 and this confirms that the rewards received, by illycaffe for having transformed Brasil from a leader in quantity to a leader in quality are well-deserved," says Andrea Illy . "After more than 25 years of never-ending and tireless work by our team of agronomists and the University of Coffee, the leap has finally happened thanks to regenerative agriculture, which we decided to develop in 2018 for the benefits it brings to the environment and everyone's health." The panel that voted for the Best of the Best award included Guatemala's professional taster Silvia Escobar ; the President of Federacao dos Cafeicultores do Cerrado, Brasilian Glaucio De Castro ; the director of the CoffeeLab quality laboratory, Indian Sunalini Narayan Menon; chef Ricard Camarena , who has been awarded two Michelin stars and a green star for his dedication to sustainability at his Ricard Camarena Restaurant in Valencia; American chefs Carrie and Rupert Blease , who manage the Michelin-starred Lord Stanley restaurant in San Francisco ; Andrea Aprea , a Michelin-starred chef with a restaurant bearing his name in Milan; French writer and journalist Adelaide de Clermont-Tonnere , editor-in-chief of Point de Vue magazine; Inga Griese , founder and editor-in-chief of ICON, the style supplement of the German newspaper Welt Am Sonntag; Angelina Villa Clarke , a journalist contributing to prestigious English-language publications including Forbes. "This year's Ernesto Illy International Coffee Award winner is a rounded, wholesome, and fully bodied cup, with rich yet mellow flavors of a balance of chocolate, caramel, brown sugar, and toasted almonds on a bed of refined brightness, with a lingering finish of mild, gentle, yet harmonious sweetness. It truly represents the finest taste characteristics of its origin," this is the Jury's explanatory statement when indicating the winner. Matilda De Angelis , Pat Cleveland , Coco Rocha , Candela Pelizza , Tamu Mc Pherson , Carlo Sestini , Simon and Marina Ksandr , Nick Lowry , Tesa Pesic are some of the celebrities who attended the gala event at the New York Public Library, hosted by chef and TV star Marcus Samuelsson , to celebrate the best coffee producers who work behind the unique illy blend. The Ernesto Illy International Coffee Award is also an unmissable networking opportunity for all those involved in the coffee industry, from producers to exporters, from traders to institutional representatives. In the morning they all met at the United Nations Headquarters to attend the roundtable "How to Protect the Future of Coffee". Alongside illycaffe Chairman Andrea Illy , speakers included Vanusia Nogueira (International Coffee Organization's Executive Director), Jeffrey Sachs (economist and co-chair at the Regenerative Society Foundation), Oscar Schaps (President of the Latina America division of Trading Stone X Financial Inc.) e Glaucio de Castro (President of the Federacao dos Cafeicultores do Cerrado Mineiro). illycaffe is an Italian family-owned company, founded in Trieste in 1933 which has always set itself the mission of offering the best coffee to the world. It produces a unique 100% Arabica blend composed of 9 different ingredients. The company selects only 1% of the best Arabica beans in the world. Every day 8 million cups of illy coffee are served in over 140 countries around the globe, in the cafes, restaurants and hotels, in single-brand cafes and shops, at home and in the office, in which the company is present through subsidiaries and distributors. Since its foundation, illycaffe has oriented its strategies towards a sustainable business model, commitment that it strengthened in 2019 by adopting the status of Benefit Company and in 2021 becoming the first Italian coffee company to obtain the international B Corp certification. Since 2013 the company is also one of the World Most Ethical Companies. Everything that is "made in illy" is about beauty and art, the founding principles of the brand, starting from its logo, designed by artist James Rosenquist , up to illy Art Collection cups, decorated by over 125 international artists, or coffee machines designed by internationally renowned designers. With the aim of spreading the culture of quality to growers, baristas and coffee lovers, the company has developed its Universita del Caffe which today holds courses in 25 countries around the world. In 2021, Rhone Capital became a minority shareholder of illycaffe with the aim of contributing to the company's international growth plans. In 2022, the company had 1230 employees and a turnover of 567,7 million. The illy single-brand network has 190 points of sale in 34 countries. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/brazil-wins-the-8th-edition-of-the-ernesto-illy-international-coffee-award-with-sao-mateus-agropecuaria-assigned-during-a-gala-event-at-new-york-301992563.html SOURCE illycaffe In the news release, Save Up to 81% with InMotion Hosting's Cyber Week Sale, issued Nov. 15, 2023 by InMotion Hosting, Inc. over PR Newswire, we are advised by a representative for the company that the hyperlinks have been updated. The complete, corrected release follows: Save Up to 81% with InMotion Hosting's Cyber Week Sale New customers get the best value and features on web hosting with exclusive discounts starting November 15th, 2023 . VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. , Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- InMotion Hosting, a leading web hosting company, announces its 2023 Cyber Week Sale. Save big on top-tier web hosting services this Cyber Week for your business or personal needs. These offers are exclusive to new accounts and available through December 1, 2023 at 12 PM PST everywhere, including our new European Data Center. InMotion Hosting is here to make your Cyber Week shopping more rewarding and easier than ever. This year offers incredible promotions across all of our web hosting product lines, including discounts on Shared and WordPress Hosting, Virtual Private Servers, and Dedicated Servers. Moreover, InMotion Hosting offers a free domain with all products, adding more value to your hosting experience. 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InMotion Hosting provides dedicated server hosting solutions that are finely tuned to deliver high performance, customized to meet your specific requirements. Managed VPS Hosting: Unleash the Power of a VPS with Savings up to $2,412 . For a limited time, new customers can now upgrade to a 12GB RAM plan for the introductory price of the 8GB RAM plan. That's right, you can get a 12GB RAM VPS for only $24.99 per month. VPS 8GB RAM VPS 12GB RAM 8 vCPU Cores 12 vCPU Cores 8GB RAM 12GB RAM 150GB NVMe SSD 210GB NVMe SSD 3 Dedicated IPs 5 Dedicated IPs Starting at $24.99 /month Starting at $24.99 /month (Regularly priced at $34.99 /month) Reseller Hosting: Get 50% Off on all Monthly Plans. All new Reseller Hosting customers can take advantage of a 50% discount on all 1-month terms. Our recently revamped Reseller plans deliver enhanced website performance at reduced rates, making Reseller Hosting more cost-effective and feature-rich than ever before. Platform InMotion : Get 50% Off on all Yearly Platform InMotion Plans. This fall, we're thrilled to introduce our all-new cloud WordPress product. This Cyber Week we are offering a 50% discount on all yearly Platform InMotion plans. Experience the next generation of managed WordPress Hosting on high-performance VPS and save up to $800! This Cyber Week represents a major milestone for InMotion Hosting showcasing our commitment to top-tier web hosting. We are excited to offer exclusive deals to new customers looking for faster and better site performance. We look forward to delivering incredible value and top-notch support to your websites! Contact sales at (757) 416-6575 ext.1 for more offers and promotions. See our website for all terms and conditions. About InMotion Hosting InMotion Hosting is a privately held technology company providing web hosting, cloud-based solutions and managed services to businesses and entrepreneurs across the globe. With over 170,000 customers, InMotion Hosting's mission is to bring tools, platforms and outstanding customer service within anyone's reach to transform their online presence. Since 2001, we have built our foundation around 24/7/365 U.S. -based customer support and open source technology. Learn more about InMotion Hosting at inmotionhosting.com and on Facebook , Twitter , LinkedIn , and YouTube . Media Contact: Carrie Smaha [email protected] (757) 693-5451 View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/save-up-to-81-with-inmotion-hostings-cyber-week-sale-301988452.html SOURCE InMotion Hosting, Inc. BEIJING , Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Chinese President Xi Jinping and his U.S. counterpart Joe Biden had a candid and in-depth exchange of views at the Filoli Estate , San Francisco on Wednesday. This much-anticipated summit took place a year after the two presidents met in Bali, Indonesia . During the meeting, President Xi called on the two countries to build together five pillars for bilateral relations and assume a new San Francisco vision facing the future. He stressed that China is consistently committed to having a stable, healthy and sustainable relationship with the United States . At the same time, China has interests that must be safeguarded, principles that must be upheld, and red lines that must not be crossed. China hopes that the two countries can be partners that respect each other and coexist in peace. American economist Jeffrey Sachs said the idea of mutual respect, cooperation, dialogue, and joint problem-solving is "really wise, and of paramount importance," according to Xinhua reports. Admittedly, the two countries still face some strategic disputes. President Xi stressed at the summit that two countries need to jointly manage disagreements effectively instead of letting them become a chasm that keeps the two countries apart. In fact, before, during and after the Xi-Biden summit, the two sides have reached a series of important consensuses on functional issues including climate change, artificial intelligence, counternarcotics cooperation and people-to-people exchanges. China - U.S. engagement and cooperation on these issues are essential to promoting dialogue and understanding between the two sides, and reducing the risks of conflicts and confrontations caused by miscalculations. China - U.S. cooperation is also a manifestation of responsibility toward the international community. During the summit, President Xi called on China and the United States to jointly shoulder responsibilities as major countries, stressing that the problems facing human society cannot be solved without cooperation between major countries. Joseph Nye , a University Distinguished Service Professor and former Dean of the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, emphasized that decoupling is impossible between China and the U.S. , as no country can tackle climate change, the pandemic threat, or other transnational problems alone. China , as the largest developing country, and the U.S. , as the largest developed country, are vital in promoting global economic growth. In the meanwhile, as permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and important participants in the current global governance mechanism, the two countries also play a crucial role in addressing global challenges From Bali to San Francisco , the giant ship of China - U.S. relations has sailed through hidden reefs and rapids. But San Francisco is not a destination. The city, which has witnessed the century-long history of exchanges between Chinese and American people, is a new starter for the China - U.S. relationship. https://news.cgtn.com/news/2023-11-16/San-Francisco-a-new-starter-for-China-U-S-relations-1oMtcW3ua1q/index.html View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cgtn-san-francisco-a-new-starter-for-china-us-relations-301991884.html SOURCE CGTN BEIJING , Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- A report from People's Daily: Along the west coast of the U.S. , the Port of Los Angeles is a hive of activity, with massive container ships constantly coming and going. Mark Wheeler , 70, retired 4 years ago from his position as vice president of the West Basin Container Terminal (WBCT) at the Port of Los Angeles. Although he now lives in South Carolina , Mark still cares deeply about the port where he worked for decades. Whenever he talks about his career, one exciting scene always comes to mind a visit to the port by Xi Jinping , who serves as the Chinese President today. It was on Feb. 16, 2012 . Xi, then vice president of China , had a tour to a terminal of China's shipping giant COSCO at the Port of Los Angeles. According to Wheeler, he was serving as the terminal operations manager back then and witnessed a story of mutual benefit and win-win cooperation between the U.S. and China . Wheeler said he never thought that a leader of a major country could be so approachable, adding that Xi shook hands with everyone and waved enthusiastically to crew members on cargo ships. It was like meeting an old friend, he noted. The Port of Los Angeles is the largest container port in the United States and serves as the first stop for Chinese goods entering the United States across the Pacific Ocean . In 2001, a COSCO subsidiary became a shareholder of the port, holding partial equity stakes in the WBCT at the Port of Los Angeles and the Pacific Container Terminal at the Port of Long Beach . This marked the beginning of rapid development for the Port of Los Angeles. By 2012, the WBCT's annual container throughput reached 1.5 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), accounting for 10 percent of the total at the Port of Los Angeles and contributing $100 million in direct tax revenue to the federal and local governments. Since 2012, COSCO has always adhered to the principles of practical cooperation and mutual benefit in serving the trade sector, and continuously expanded its shipping routes, capital investment, and technological input in the entire Los Angeles . For many years, the Port of Los Angeles has played an important role in U.S. - China trade, said Wheeler, attributing the development of ports in the Los Angeles area to mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries. So far, COSCO has directly created about 2,400 jobs in the United States . Through partnerships with trucking companies, railways, tugboat services and other suppliers, COSCO's terminals have generated around 15,000 additional jobs in the country. "COSCO actively promotes local economic and social development at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach , striving to meet customers' transportation needs. Especially when supply chains get tight, we strive to tackle problems like insufficient capacity and port congestion," said Gu Quanlin, vice president of COSCO SHIPPING ( North America ). According to Gu, during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States , COSCO terminals in the country utilized multimodal transportation to swiftly deliver essential medical supplies to customers in the Midwest through the Port of Long Beach . This made a significant contribution to the local population's response to the pandemic. Additionally, COSCO Shipping has strengthened management around ship speed reduction, shore power usage, near-shore emissions, and equipment emissions. This aligns fully with the Californian government's long-standing promotion of green principles. Among all the terminals at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach , COSCO terminals have always been at the forefront of protecting the ocean environment and marine life, said Paul Nazzaro , executive vice president of COSCO SHIPPING ( North America ). The 130-km long Santa Barbara Channel by the Port of Long Beach is a major shipping lane, as well as one of the world's most important destinations for migrating blue whales. It is visited by many blue whales, humpback whales and fin whales from July to November each year. Excessive ship speeds would severely impact the whales. Since 2018, COSCO has actively implemented the project of Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies. So far, it has carried out relevant eco-friendly operations on 111 voyages, making effective safety nets for marine life and lowering greenhouse gas and suspended particulate emissions. From 2020 to 2022, COSCO won the top award of the "Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies" project, the "Sapphire Prize," given by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for three consecutive years. Brian Peck , Chair of the Los Angeles Regional Export Council, stated that China is California's largest trading partner, and one-third of U.S. - China trade passes through the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. California attracts more Chinese investment than any other U.S. state and is home to the largest population of Chinese students and visitors. The close ties between California and China reflect the intertwined interests of the United States and China and demonstrate the mutually beneficial essence of U.S. - China economic and trade cooperation. Wheeler told People's Daily that he sincerely hopes that the two largest economies, the United States and China , can find more common ground and write more stories of cooperation and win-win outcomes through exchanges and dialogues. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/china-us-cooperation-contributes-to-rapid-development-of-port-of-los-angeles-301992170.html SOURCE People's Daily Indonesia President Joko Widodo announced the National Cervical Cancer Elimination Plan through Joint Statement with President Joe Biden WASHINGTON , Nov. 16, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Crowell & Moring International worked closely with the Indonesian Ministry of Health to develop a comprehensive plan to eliminate cervical cancer, one of the leading types of cancer-related death among women. The Republic of Indonesia announced the National Cervical Cancer Elimination Plan for Indonesia (2023-2030), earlier this week in a joint statement released by President Joe Biden and Indonesian President Joko Widodo as the two leaders marked a historic new phase of bilateral cooperation and friendship. Both leaders reiterated their shared commitment to fighting infectious diseases. Biden announced that the United States welcomes and supports Indonesia's Declaration on Cervical Cancer Elimination through the National Cervical Cancer Elimination Plan (2023 to 2030) and the two governments reiterated their shared intent to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health threat. " Indonesia is leading by example and setting an ambitious mark for how partners can collaborate to end this devastating disease," said Sejal Mistry , director at Crowell & Moring International, "We congratulate Indonesia on this life-saving health initiative and look forward to building our partnership with the Indonesian Ministry of Health to develop the comprehensive plan to end cervical cancer in Indonesia ." Earlier this week, CMI moderated a panel discussion to launch the Elimination Plan and to reinforce commitments to cervical cancer elimination in Indonesia and all APEC economies. The Indonesian Minister of Health, Budi Gunadi Sadikin , emphasized unity for a future where cervical cancer is no longer a public health concern, affecting women and their families irrespective of socioeconomic background. In Indonesia , over 103 million women face the risk of cervical cancer, with approximately 36,000 new cases annually and around 21,000 deaths in 2020. The plan builds upon Indonesia's progress towards the World Health Organization's global strategy for cervical cancer elimination and the APEC Cervical Cancer Roadmap, an initiative which CMI proudly led. Meeting the WHO "90-70-90" targets could potentially save over 1 million Indonesian women by 2070. The ambitious plan goes further, targeting 90% HPV vaccination of both girls and boys, 75% screening with HPV-DNA testing for women aged 30-69, and 90% treatment for pre-cancer and invasive cancer by 2030. Minister Budi reiterated, "In our fight against cervical cancer, we must collaborate. Collectively, we can equip women with the tools they need to fend off this devastating disease. Let our collaboration and determination make cervical cancer preventable, inexpensive, and manageable for every woman." CMI is an active partner to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in the battle against cervical cancer throughout the region, kicking off the initiative a decade ago. Indonesia's Elimination Plan represents a critical step forward in the efforts to combat cervical cancer and protect the health of Indonesian women and girls. Since the start of the initiative, APEC has played a vital role in promoting innovative collaborations for cervical cancer prevention and control, culminating in the development of the APEC Cervical Cancer Roadmap. CMI continues to engage APEC and its members to implement the Roadmap both regionally and domestically by facilitating the sharing of best practices, fostering cross-sector collaboration, and conducting a comprehensive assessment of each APEC economy's progress towards elimination. Collective commitment to cervical cancer elimination was further strengthened during the 3rd Senior Officials Meeting in Seattle this year when CMI, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the Thai Ministry of Public Health hosted Minister Budi, ministers of three other APEC Economies, and senior representatives from eight other economies in a dinner dialogue. This Friday is Cervical Cancer Elimination Day of Action, marking three years of the WHO Global Strategy to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem. Indonesia's National Cervical Cancer Elimination Plan will positively impact the health and lives of all Indonesians, and serves as a model for other nations to commit to cervical cancer elimination. About Crowell & Moring International LLC We advise the world's leading companies and partner with globally-recognized institutions and organizations to shape policy outcomes with governments and within the premier international and multilateral forums. Working with our clients to immerse ourselves in their issues, we create targeted engagement strategies leveraging international policy-making organizations and building innovative partnerships from the ground up and apply our geopolitical, government relations, and policy expertise to deliver the business results they seek. Media Contact: Email: [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cmi-supports-launch-of-plan-to-end-cervical-cancer-in-indonesia-301991438.html SOURCE Crowell & Moring International CHICAGO , Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU) increased enrollment of first-time, full-time undergraduates for the second consecutive year. The University also increased its dual credit/dual enrollment during the same period. According to the data assembled by the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) Northeastern's first-year African American and Latino student enrollment increased, while enrollment of those two groups declined nationally in public universities. "Northeastern is dedicated to our mission to provide an exceptional environment for learning, teaching, and scholarship and to prepare a diverse community of students for leadership and service," said Northeastern Interim President Dr. Katrina E. Bell-Jordan . "For instance, we introduced the NEIU for You scholarship because we care deeply about providing a free education to those who might not otherwise be able to earn a degree. We believe future leaders in our community need NEIU's support not only to make a better living, but a better life for themselves and their families and to live debt-free." The NEIU for You scholarship is one of many scholarships offered at NEIU, a Minority Serving and a Hispanic Serving Institution. The NEIU for You scholarship supports first-time, full-time students with financial needs who are eligible for PELL or MAP. Northeastern will cover the remaining balance of tuition and fees after all scholarships and grants have been applied for. NEIU provides more tuition discounts than other four-year public universities, including tuition waivers for international and undocumented students, with expanded eligibility for AIM HIGH and Golden Opportunity recipients, special circumstance funding, and the NEIU For You scholarship. "We're proud of the financial support we provide, but most of all the NEIU for You scholarship, which provides a free education to those who are eligible," said Vice President for Finance and Administration Manish Kumar . "The NEIU For You scholarship increased accessibility to university education for surrounding communities of diverse, prospective NEIU students. This scholarship goes a long way in opening the door to NEIU for those who otherwise could not pursue and succeed in higher education without bearing significant personal and financial hardship." As one NEIU student testified to the Board of Trustees, "This scholarship changed my life, made me a different person, made me proud of myself, and made me know that I can do anything." An annual adjusted gross income of $60,000 or less and family assets of $50,000 or less is required for this scholarship. Qualified prospective students must apply for all relevant financial support, grants, and scholarships. NEIU Office of Financial Aid, Scholarships, and Student Employment staff are available to assist students in applying for appropriate scholarships, including Pell Grants, the federal aid program, and MAP, the Illinois Monetary Award Program. For students who receive Pell Grants and MAP support, NEIU will pay whatever balance is left. The NEIU For You scholarship will cover four consecutive years of tuition for eligible first-time, full-time students. To be considered for the NEIU For You scholarship, a prospective freshman must submit a free application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Undocumented students may complete the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid instead of FAFSA. Incoming first-time, full-time freshmen students must take at least 12 credit hours per semester. Prospective freshmen must be Illinois residents who attended an Illinois high school and have a minimum high school GPA of 2.0. NEIU will waive the minimum 2.5 GPA admission requirement for eligible students. ABOUT NORTHEASTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY Northeastern Illinois University offers more than 40 undergraduate degree and certificate programs and more than 50 graduate degree, certificate, licensure and endorsement programs. The Main Campus is located on 67 acres in an attractive residential area on the Northwest Side of Chicago . It is the longest-standing four-year public Hispanic-Serving Institution in the Midwest. The University has additional locations in the metropolitan area, including the Jacob H. Carruthers Center for Inner City Studies, El Centro, and the University Center of Lake County. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/crediting-scholarship-availability-northeastern-illinois-university-sees-growth-in-first-time-full-time-undergraduate-students-301992249.html SOURCE NORTHEASTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY FLUSHING, N.Y. , Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr. Arun Arora, a renowned physician with over four decades of experience, has launched the Dr. Arun Arora Scholarship for Future Doctors, a $1,000 award designed to support aspiring healthcare professionals in their pursuit of academic excellence and professional growth. "I am passionate about empowering the next generation of doctors to make a positive impact on the lives of patients and the healthcare industry as a whole," Dr. Arora stated. "The Dr. Arun Arora Scholarship for Future Doctors aims to provide financial assistance and mentorship to aspiring physicians who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, a deep commitment to medicine, and a desire to innovate within the healthcare field." Applicants for the Dr. Arun Arora Scholarship for Future Doctors must be either current undergraduate students actively pursuing a career in medicine or high school students with plans to attend university for a medical degree. The scholarship committee will evaluate applications based on academic performance, commitment to medicine, essay responses, and problem-solving skills. In addition to financial support, the Dr. Arun Arora Scholarship for Future Doctors also provides mentorship opportunities through Dr. Arora's personal connections within the medical community. Selected recipients will have the opportunity to network with experienced physicians and gain insights into the profession. The deadline to apply for the Dr. Arun Arora Scholarship for Future Doctors is June 15, 2024 . The scholarship winner will be announced on July 15, 2024 . To learn more about the Dr. Arun Arora Scholarship for Future Doctors and apply, please visit https://drarunarorascholarship.com/ or contact [email protected] About Dr. Arun Arora A graduate of Maulana Azad Medical College in New Delhi, India , Dr. Arun Arora has dedicated his career to improving the lives of patients and advancing medical knowledge. His expertise in cardiovascular disease, critical care medicine, geriatric medicine, and internal medicine has earned him the respect of peers and colleagues alike. Dr. Arora's commitment to healthcare extends beyond clinical practice. He is passionate about nurturing the next generation of physicians through education and mentorship. The Dr. Arun Arora Scholarship for Future Doctors is a testament to his unwavering belief in the power of education to shape the future of medicine. Visit https://drarunarorascholarship.com/dr-arun-arora-scholarship/ for details. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dr-arun-arora-scholarship-for-future-doctors-offers-pathway-to-excellence-in-medicine-301992608.html SOURCE Dr. Arun Arora Scholarship During a trip to Israel Thursday, November 16, EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell delivered the most critical message heard so far from a representative of the European Union regarding Israels response to the Hamas attack of October 7. Not far from here is Gaza. One horror does not justify another, he said in a statement to the media alongside Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen, with whom he had just toured Kibbutz Beeri, where Palestinian militiamen killed and kidnapped dozens of people. I understand your fears and your pain, he said. I understand your rage. But let me ask you not to let yourself be consumed by rage. I think that is what the best friends of Israel can tell you, because what makes the difference between a civilized society and a terrorist group is the respect for human life. All human lives have the same value. Cohen, who was listening intently to the EU foreign affairs chief, had just finished pointing to Hamas as solely responsible not only for the 1,200 Israeli fatalities but also for the more than 11,000 Palestinian deaths in Gaza as a result of the Israeli bombardments. Borrell has a personal connection to this region of Israel and to kibbutz life, which he flagged up at the beginning of his speech. I know what a kibbutz means to Israelis, he said, adding that, in 1969, he spent a summer volunteering on a kibbutz due to a desire to contribute to the spirit of hope, peace and solidarity that they represent. So I understand what the kibbutz family feels when their sons, parents or daughters are kidnapped, he said, alluding to the 240 hostages held in Gaza by Hamas. It was from this place of familiarity and deep affection that he urged Israel to establish humanitarian pauses and, at a certain point, to put a definitive end to hostilities. Cooperative farms that emerged as part of the Zionist movement, the kibbutz were inspired by socialist ideals and so attracted volunteers from other parts of the world for many years. It was, Borrell revealed, during his time in a kibbutz that he married for the first time, noting with pride that one of his sons speaks Hebrew. Josep Borrell, during the visit to Kibbutz Beeri, this Thursday, November 16. Alvaro Garcia Borrell insisted that nothing justifies what Hamas terrorists did, that Israel has a right to defend itself and that Hamas must be defeated. But he also made it clear that Hamas does not represent the Palestinian people and pointed out that Israel must act in line with international law and, in particular, international humanitarian law and that innocent civilians, including thousands of children, have died in recent weeks. He went on to say, One thing is to take care of Israel and another thing is to take care of the people in need. This is why the European Union, while supporting the right to defend Israel, is also asking for humanitarian assistance for food, water, fuel and protection. Stressing the need for a peace agreement with the Palestinians, the EU foreign policy chief pointed out that the Israeli military fortress and the barrier around Gaza, in which Israel has invested more than 2 billion, did nothing to prevent the surprise attack by Hamas. We have seen that walls and technology, and soldiers, are not enough to make Israel secure, he said. I was talking to an Israeli reserve officer who told me: No army can protect a nation better than peace can do. View of Kibbutz Beeri, this Thursday, November 16. Alvaro Garcia Borrells visit, during which he listened attentively to those on the kibbutz who lived through the October 7 attack, is his first to Israel since he took office in 2019. Israeli diplomacy had unofficially vetoed Borrell, accusing him of bias regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and of interfering in internal affairs with regard to the controversy over Benjamin Netanyahus judicial reform earlier this year. A face-to-face meeting in Brussels in May with Cohen went some way to repairing relations and a date was set for Borrells visit, which was then cancelled due to the war. Borrells rescheduled visit is also significant in that it includes the West Bank city of Ramallah, where he will meet the Palestinian president, Mahmoud Abbas, his prime minister, Mohamed Shtaye, and the foreign minister, Riad Al Malki, on Friday. He will be the first EU representative to visit the West Bank since the October 7 Hamas attack. Neither the President of the European Commission, Ursula von Der Leyen, nor the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, have done so. The visit to the West Bank is inevitably colored by the unease triggered by Von der Leyens unmitigated defense of Israel, and the unilateral decision of the Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement Affiliation, Oliver Varhelyi, to temporarily suspend development aid to Palestine, a decision that was reversed following protests from several member states. On October 18, Borrell made it clear in a speech to the EU parliament that being able to visit Ramallah was a fundamental condition of any trip to Israel. If I visit Israel, I must also visit Ramallah. Unfortunately, the current tensions and the events we are experiencing have made this impossible, he said. A month on, Borrells tour will include Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Jordan, countries with the capacity to mediate in the conflict. Provides preliminary 2024 outlook 1 including revenue of $4.65 billion to $4.85 billion , adjusted EBITDA of $1.025 billion to $1.125 billion and free cash flow conversion of greater than 100 percent including revenue of to , adjusted EBITDA of to and free cash flow conversion of greater than 100 percent Initiates three-year rolling financial goals with 2026 revenue expected to be $5.5 billion to $6.0 billion and adjusted EBITDA of $1.3 billion to $1.5 billion to and adjusted EBITDA of to Announces strategic review of non-core assets including potential sale of FMC's non-crop product line, Global Specialty Solutions Ten-year revenue aspiration includes approximately $2 billion from Plant Health business and approximately $2 billion from four new active ingredients in R&D pipeline PHILADELPHIA , Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- FMC Corporation (NYSE: FMC) hosted its Investor Day on November 16 at FMC corporate headquarters in Philadelphia where the company introduced its new strategic growth plan, reviewed three-year financial goals and longer-term financial aspirations through 2033, and provided its preliminary outlook for 2024. The company also outlined cost savings targets and key elements that will drive sustained profitable growth. FMC's strategic plan is anchored in three core ambitions: to strengthen the company's relationship with growers, ensuring they receive sound, accurate and timely guidance about the right products and technologies that best address their needs; to deliver superior growth and returns; and to maintain the company's leadership in safety, sustainability and innovation. Actions and specific plans that drive each ambition are summarized in eight strategic imperatives. "We were pleased to host a strong turnout and communicate our path to profitable growth anchored by strategic imperatives," said Mark Douglas , president and chief executive officer. "These range from strengthening our relationship with growers to ensure they have the best guidance on using the right technologies that address their needs, growing our leading Plant Health business, accelerating the discovery and commercialization of our R&D pipeline, and increasing operating leverage that leads to a leaner organization. Executing on these initiatives will provide more valuable tools to growers to protect their crops while FMC achieves growth on the top and bottom line." Development and commercial launch of new products was a significant Investor Day theme, with Diane Allemang , executive vice president and chief marketing officer, presenting new patented formulations and mixtures of existing molecules, including FMC's industry-leading diamides, as key drivers of revenue growth. Dr. Seva Rostovstev, vice president and chief technology officer, provided details on the R&D pipeline including four new active synthetic ingredients that are expected to provide approximately $2 billion of revenue by 2033. New products and innovation were also key themes presented by vice president and global Plant Health business director Dr. Benedicte Flambard , who outlined the company's plan to grow FMC's biologicals platform to approximately $2 billion in revenue by 2033. Ronaldo Pereira , executive vice president and president of Americas , discussed how strengthening FMC's relationship as a trusted advisor to growers will help support the new product introductions in the years to come. Vice President of Procurement, Logistics and Global Facilities, Thaisa Hugenneyer reviewed how a resilient, agile, cost-efficient supply chain will support existing as well as new products throughout the strategic plan timeframe. Andrew Sandifer , executive vice president and chief financial officer, provided an overview of mid-term financial goals and longer-term aspirations, as well as expectations for leverage levels. He also provided a preliminary outlook for 2024. "We expect 2024 to be a year of substantial cash generation driven by improved earnings and a release of working capital," Sandifer said. "Over the next 18 to 24 months we anticipate significant free cash flow and a return to more normal leverage levels with a new average net leverage target of approximately 2 times adjusted EBITDA." Additional details about FMC's new strategic growth plan and the full FMC Investor Day presentation and transcript can be accessed on the FMC investor website. About FMC FMC Corporation is a global agricultural sciences company dedicated to helping growers produce food, feed, fiber and fuel for an expanding world population while adapting to a changing environment. FMC's innovative crop protection solutions including biologicals, crop nutrition, digital and precision agriculture enable growers, crop advisers and turf and pest management professionals to address their toughest challenges economically while protecting the environment. With approximately 6,600 employees at more than 100 sites worldwide, FMC is committed to discovering new herbicide, insecticide and fungicide active ingredients, product formulations and pioneering technologies that are consistently better for the planet. Visit fmc.com to learn more and follow us on LinkedIn. Statement under the Safe Harbor Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: FMC and its representatives may from time to time make written or oral statements that are "forward-looking" and provide other than historical information, including statements contained in this press release, in FMC's other filings with the SEC, and in reports or letters to FMC stockholders. In some cases, FMC has identified these forward-looking statements by such words or phrases as "will likely result," "is confident that," "expect," "expects," "should," "could," "may," "will continue to," "believe," "believes," "anticipates," "predicts," "forecasts," "estimates," "projects," "potential," "intends" or similar expressions identifying "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including the negative of those words or phrases. Such forward-looking statements are based on our current views and assumptions regarding future events, future business conditions and the outlook for the company based on currently available information. The forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to be materially different from any results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by any forward-looking statement. These statements are qualified by reference to the risk factors included in Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 (the "2022 Form 10-K"), the section captioned "Forward-Looking Information" in Part II of the 2022 Form 10-K and to similar risk factors and cautionary statements in all other reports and forms filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). Moreover, investors are cautioned to interpret many of these factors as being impacted as a result of the residual adverse impacts of COVID and governmental, business, and societal responses to COVID. We wish to caution readers not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by the above cautionary statement. We specifically decline to undertake any obligation, and specifically disclaims any duty, to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements that have been made to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events, except as may be required by law. This press release contains certain "non-GAAP financial terms" which are defined on our website www.fmc.com/investors. Such terms include adjusted EBITDA, adjusted earnings, free cash flow, organic revenue growth and return on invested capital. In addition, we have also provided on our website reconciliations of non-GAAP terms to the most directly comparable GAAP term. Although we provide forecasts for adjusted earnings per share, adjusted EBITDA, free cash flow and return on invested capital (non-GAAP financial measures), we are not able to forecast the most directly comparable measures calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. Certain elements of the composition of the GAAP amounts are not predictable, making it impractical for us to forecast. Such elements include, but are not limited to, restructuring, acquisition charges, and discontinued operations. As a result, no GAAP outlook is provided. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fmc-corporation-outlines-new-strategic-growth-plan-301991523.html SOURCE FMC Corporation BEIJING , Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- While serving as then Party chief of Zhengding, North China's Hebei Province 38 years ago, Xi Jinping made his maiden trip to the US with San Francisco as his first stop, marking his initial steps onto US soil. During this visit, Xi got acquainted with the US and built friendships with Americans that have lasted till today, an enduring testimony of the vitality of bilateral ties. Decades later, Chinese President Xi once again set foot in San Francisco on Tuesday for a highly anticipated summit with US President Joe Biden and to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting this week. This time, the visit garnered worldwide attention as it is of great significance to both China-US relations and the world. San Francisco has again become an important witness to China-US relations. In addition to the political aspect of this visit, it is also a reunion among old friends and a way to foster people-to-people exchanges, as the Chinese president pointed out, "the foundation of China-US relations was laid by our peoples." Along with a warm welcome at the airport for the Chinese delegation were throngs of bystanders waving Chinese and US flags along the presidential motorcade route, including in the San Francisco's Chinatown , one of the largest outside Asia , on Tuesday afternoon. On Wednesday morning, outside Filoli where the two heads of state met, hundreds of overseas Chinese nationals gathered to welcome Xi. Filoli is a secluded estate along Northern California's coastal range and is about 40 kilometers south of San Francisco. The Global Times learned that many at the venue came from other US cities thousands of miles away from San Francisco to warmly welcome President Xi. They talked about their excitement in this moment and their hope for the improvement of China-US relations. A student based in California surnamed Shu told the Global Times that she felt so excited about participating in Xi's welcome ceremony. And as a Chinese student studying in the US, she hopes to serve as a bridge between China and the US and contribute to the people exchanges between the two countries in the future. Analysts pointed out that the visit is expected to inject stability into China-US relations and also shows the great importance attached by President Xi to people-to-people exchanges. "I believe this summit between the heads of China and the US also echoes what President Xi has emphasized - the hope for China-US relations is in the people, and the need to continually expand people-to-people exchanges, including societal interactions with American entrepreneurs," Zhu Feng , a professor of international relations at Nanjing University, told the Global Times. Diao Daming , an associate professor at the Renmin University of China in Beijing , told the Global Times that the high-level interactions between the two major powers can effectively anchor their bilateral relations and steer them in the right direction. "This can largely contribute to the development, prosperity, and stability of the global economy by providing a strong sense of positive energy and certainty, which is extremely crucial," he said. Revisit San Francisco Forty-two years ago, the first civil aviation route between China and the US was launched, with San Francisco becoming the inaugural destination for Chinese civil aviation. Four years later, Xi visited the US for the first time and conducted inspections in San Francisco . Like other visitors, he took a photo with the Golden Gate Bridge . At the Filoli estate on Wednesday, Biden pointed to a photo in his phone with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background. Biden asked Xi, "Do you know this young man?" "Oh yes," said President Xi , "this was [me] 38 years ago." After the banquet, Xi and Biden took a short walk at the Filoli estate, built in 1917 as a private residence and later became a National Trust for Historic Preservation site. In June 2013 , during his inaugural visit to the US as the Chinese president, Xi discussed with then US president Barack Obama about the fostering of mutual trust and building of a new type of major-country relationship. Xi's visit to San Francisco this week is the first in six years, and has been a long time coming. The biggest outcome of this summit is to convey a message of "stability" to the world in the post-pandemic era, Diao told the Global Times. This stability conveys a signal that there can be ongoing communication across various fields, while simultaneously creating greater possibilities for cooperation in these areas, he noted. During his meeting with Biden on Wednesday, Xi urged China and the US to jointly advance mutually beneficial cooperation. "The two countries have broad common interests in a wide range of areas, including traditional areas such as the economy, trade and agriculture, as well as emerging areas such as climate change and artificial intelligence (AI)," he said. Old friends At a welcome dinner by friendly organizations in the US on Wednesday, Xi stressed the role of people in China -US relations. "The foundation of China-US relations was laid by our peoples," Xi said, stressing that "the door of China-US relations was opened by our peoples," "the stories of China-US relations are written by our peoples" and "the future of China-US relations will be created by our peoples." He also recalled his first interaction with American people. "During my first visit to the US, I stayed at the Dvorchaks in Iowa . I still remember their address - 2911 Bonnie Drive. That was my first face-to-face contact with Americans. The days I spent with them are unforgettable. For me, they represent America." At that time, Xi led a five-member agricultural delegation to investigate farm technology in Muscatine , located in the Midwestern state of Iowa , renowned for its significant role in the country's corn and soybean agricultural production. Since that time, the friendships between Xi and Dvorchak's family and other friends in Iowa have continued to flourish. Xi and his old American friends reunited in Iowa after 27 years in 2012 when he visited the US as vice president. "I thought he was a very nice, focused, polite man," Eleanor Dvorchak once recounted. Xi was among the first Chinese friends the family got to know. Gary Dvorchak , the son of Thomas and Eleanor Dvorchak and owner of the Sino-US Friendship House, participated in Wednesday's events. The family hosted Xi during his 1985 visit to Muscatine . Xi slept in Gary's the Star Trek-themed bedroom while he was away at university. Gary Dvorchak told the Global Times that he felt "very excited and honored" to meet Xi on Wednesday. He said that he planned to turn the house where Xi stayed into a museum, which would be open to the public after renovation in 2024, making it a symbol of China-US friendship. He said that he strongly echoed Xi's thoughts on the role of people in China -US relations. He believes Xi's visit will set a positive tone and facilitate more interactions. On Wednesday, China announced it would invite 50,000 young Americans to China on exchange and study programs over the next five years in order to expand exchanges between the peoples of China and the US, especially between the youth. "It is crucial that this summit serves to provide a sober, scientific, and accurate signal for overall political and societal understanding and interpretation of US' policy toward China today," Zhu stressed. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-times-xis-footsteps-xis-visit-to-san-francisco-injects-stability-fosters-people-exchanges-301991802.html SOURCE Global Times ATLANTA , Nov. 16, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Graphic Packaging Holding Company (NYSE: GPK), a leading fiber-based consumer packaging company, announced today that its Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.10 per share of common stock to stockholders of record at the close of business on December 15, 2023 . The dividend is payable on January 5, 2024 . About Graphic Packaging Holding Company Graphic Packaging Holding Company (NYSE: GPK), headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia , is committed to providing consumer packaging that makes a world of difference. The Company, a leading fiber-based consumer packaging provider, serves the world's most widely-recognized food, beverage, foodservice and other consumer products companies and brands. The Company operates on a global basis, is one of the largest producers of folding cartons and fiber-based foodservice products in the United States and Europe , and holds leading market positions in coated recycled paperboard, coated unbleached kraft paperboard and solid bleached sulfate paperboard. Additional information about Graphic Packaging, its business and its products is available at www.graphicpkg.com. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/graphic-packaging-holding-company-declares-quarterly-dividend-301991443.html SOURCE Graphic Packaging Holding Company GUIYANG, China , Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Bijie, located in the northwestern part of Guizhou , has a humid subtropical monsoon climate, with a cool summer and mild winter. There are endless mountains, lush forests, blue skies and vast grasslands, which can be seen as a microcosm of the ecology of Guizhou . Every winter, more than 100,000 birds fly to Caohai National Nature Reserve in Weining, Bijie for the winter. Because Bijie has such a good ecological environment, it constantly attracts tourists from all over the world. The short video series "Be My Guest Modern Guizhou", which is originally produced by Guizhou Satellite TV, invites foreign friends to Guizhou in the form of reality shows to demonstrate their real lives in the local area. In this episode, Mohamed Jihad Mohamed , an Egyptian international student who just graduated from the Broadcasting Host major at the Communication University of China, receives an invitation from his friend, the Guizhou travel blogger Yan Jun , to come to Bijie and start his unique graduation trip! During this trip, they went to Huawu Village to admire the clarity of the swimming pool made of mountain spring, rushed to the steppe in Axilixi, camped in Gonglongping National Forest Park , Bijie and experienced the thrill of mountain motorcycles. They went to Weining Grass Sea to watch the migrating birds and listen to the stories of bird protectors. "The scenery of Bijie is so beautiful that I often want to chant a poem against the beautiful scenery." Mohamed Jihad Mohamed lived in China for four years, he loves Chinese traditional culture, and this trip has left him such an unforgettable experience. Mohamed Jihad Mohamed hopes to bring his family to Guizhou next time to experience the ecological beauty of Bijie. Contact: Yu Xiaoying Tel: 0086851-85377412 E-mail: [email protected] YouTube link: https://youtu.be/pRNuOPPIt4s Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1966408/4411770/logo_Guizhou_Satellite_TV_Logo.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/guizhou-satellite-tv-unveils-the-hidden-ecological-attractions-in-bijie-guizhou-301992204.html SOURCE Guizhou Satellite TV AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- New 2024 Jeep Wrangler 4xe named Adventure Vehicle of the Year by the Hispanic Motor Press , which recognizes the best new vehicles for Hispanic car buyers , which recognizes the best new vehicles for Hispanic car buyers Wrangler Rubicon 4xe models add even more legendary 4x4 capability for 2024 model year with standard Dana 44 HD full float solid rear axle and available factory-installed 8,000-lb.-capacity Warn winch Wrangler Willys 4xe model delivers more capability with larger 33-inch tires, more ground clearance, high fender flares and improved traction Iconic Wrangler exterior features new seven-slot grille, windshield-integrated trail-ready stealth antenna, 10 all-new wheel designs and multiple open-air freedom options, including exclusive Sky One-Touch powertop powertop Refined Wrangler interior features more technology and amenities, including available 12-way power adjustable front seats, all-new instrument panel featuring Uconnect 5 system with best-in-class 12.3-inch touchscreen radio and standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Wrangler delivers standard first- and second-row side-curtain airbags, standard forward collision warning (Sport S and above) and standard advanced cruise control with stop (Sport S and above) Hispanic Motor Press Awards recognizes the best 2024 model-year vehicles for Hispanic car buyers based on design, driving satisfaction, technology, safety, environmental impact, reliability and value The electrified 2024 Jeep Wrangler 4xe continues to prove why its legendary capability, unmatched open-air freedom, class-leading efficiency, and premium features and amenities make it the best adventure vehicle available today, earning the 2024 Adventure Vehicle of the Year award at the 14th annual Hispanic Motor Press (HMP) Awards. The 2024 HMP jury panel is comprised of independent Hispanic automotive journalists, content creators and industry influencers selected by the organization's advisory board. More than 20 juror members from across the country evaluated more than 100 new vehicles during 2023. The jury panel evaluates vehicles based on their features, including overall design, comfort, safety, economy, handling, performance, functionality, infotainment integration, interior design, environmental requirements, driver satisfaction and price. "As the 2024 Hispanic Motor Press Adventure Vehicle of the Year, the new 2024 Jeep Wrangler 4xe overwhelmingly meets the needs of the adventurous Hispanic community," said Ricardo Rodriguez-Long , president and founder of the Hispanic Motor Press. "A majority of Hispanic Motor Press judges agreed that this SUV sets the adventure standard, able to get you to any destination, whether that's the beach in Santa Monica or alpine lakes in the Sierras. The 2024 Wrangler 4xe's new 12.3-inch screen and standard side curtain air bags, as well as its signature removable doors and top and efficient 49 MPGe, make it an easy choice as the best adventure vehicle." The latest evolution of the world's most off-road capable and most iconic SUV, the new 2024 Jeep Wrangler 4xe adds greater capability, new technology and advanced safety features, all while staying true to the Wrangler formula and delivering the freedom to go anywhere and do anything. New for the 2024 model year, the Jeep Wrangler 4xe delivers a standard full-float Dana rear axle and available factory-installed 8,000-pound-capacity Warn winch in addition to its award-winning PHEV powertrain that delivers 375 horsepower, 470 pound-feet of torque, 21 miles of all-electric range and 49 MPGe. Inside, customers get to experience more comfort and safety features, with a new interior featuring available 12-way power adjustable front seats, standard 12.3-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen radio and standard side-curtain airbags in the first and second rows. Hispanic Motor Press For information, including 2024 jury panel, visit www.hispanicmotorpress.org. Follow Hispanic Motor Press on Twitter @HMotorPressOrg, Facebook @Hispanicmotorpress or Instagram @hispanicmotorpress. Jeep Brand Built on more than 80 years of legendary heritage, Jeep is the authentic SUV brand that delivers legendary off-road capability, interior refinement, high-tech features and versatility to people who seek extraordinary journeys. The Jeep brand delivers an open invitation to live life to the fullest by offering a broad portfolio of vehicles that continues to provide owners with a sense of safety and security to handle any journey with confidence. Jeep Wave , a premium owner loyalty and customer care program that is available to the entire Jeep 4x4 lineup, is filled with benefits and exclusive perks to deliver Jeep brand owners the utmost care and dedicated 24/7 support. The legendary Jeep brand's off-road capability is enhanced by a global electrification initiative that is transforming 4xe into the new 4x4 in pursuit of the brand's vision of accomplishing Zero Emission Freedom and added 4x4 capability. All Jeep brand vehicles will offer an electrified variant by 2025. Follow Jeep and company news and video on: Company blog: http://blog.stellantisnorthamerica.com Media website: http://media.stellantisnorthamerica.com Jeep brand: www.jeep.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/jeep Instagram: www.instagram.com/jeep Twitter: www.twitter.com/jeep LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/jeep YouTube: www.youtube.com/thejeepchannel or https://www.youtube.com/StellantisNA View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hispanic-motor-press-names-jeep-wrangler-4xe-adventure-vehicle-of-the-year-301991753.html SOURCE Stellantis Retailer awarded for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Zero Hunger | Zero Waste CINCINNATI , Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) today announced Progressive Grocer recognized the retailer in both the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and Sustainability and Resource Conservations categories in this year's Impact Awards. These awards honor excellence among retailers whose wide-ranging efforts are improving lives, creating opportunity and having a positive impact at the local and global level. "At Kroger, our associates are at the center of everything we do, and this amazing recognition emphasizes their hard work and the progress we've achieved," said Tim Massa , chief people officer and senior vice president. "While we still have work to do in both of these areas, we appreciate Progressive Grocer's acknowledgment of the many ways Kroger associates live Our Purpose to Feed the Human Spirit by uplifting each other and our communities." In its third year, the Impact Awards honor exceptionalism among retailers, suppliers and solution providers in such key areas as Community Service/Local Impact; Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging; Educational Support/Learning Advancement; Ethical Sourcing/Supply Chain Transparency; Food Security/Nutritional Leadership; Sustainability/Resource Conservation; and Workforce Development/Employee Support. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Kroger was recognized for its commitment to mobilizing its people, passion, scale and resources to transform culture and communities. Kroger continually strives to serve communities and foster a culture that empowers everyone to be their true self, inspires collaboration and Feeds the Human Spirit. In 2020, Kroger's Framework for Action: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion plan included five focus areas and ten actionable goals. During the next two years, the company made tremendous progress, including these highlights: Growing relationships with diverse suppliers by 15% Donating more than $7M to nonprofits working to advance racial equality to nonprofits working to advance racial equality Providing diversity training to more than 661,000 associates Growing collaborations with HBCUs and HSIs from six to 53 Sustainability and Resource Conservation As an employer, food processor, retailer, healthcare provider and more, Kroger has a responsibility to lead with purpose and create positive change. Kroger introduced the Zero Hunger | Zero Waste impact plan in 2017 to achieve it moonshot goal of creating communities free of hunger and waste. The Zero Hunger | Zero Waste plan includes ambitious goals to reduce operational waste and food waste. Kroger aims to achieve zero waste company-wide by 2025 (90%+ diversion from landfills); zero food waste to landfills (95%+ diversion) by 2025; and 100% recyclable, reusable or compostable Our Brands packaging by 2030. To learn more about Kroger's Framework for Action: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion plan visit, TheKrogerCo.com/StandingTogether. To read the latest efforts addressing sustainability, visit the ESG Hub, ESG Strategy: Thriving Together. About Kroger At The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR), we are dedicated to our Purpose: To Feed the Human Spirit. We are, across our family of companies nearly half a million associates who serve over 11 million customers daily through a seamless digital shopping experience and retail food stores under a variety of banner names , serving America through food inspiration and uplift, and creating #ZeroHungerZeroWaste communities by 2025. To learn more about us, visit our newsroom and investor relations site. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kroger-receives-recognition-2023-progressive-grocer-impact-awards-301992358.html SOURCE The Kroger Co. Cell Therapy Startup Spun Out of Baylor College of Medicine by Two CPRIT Scholars Awarded Non-Dilutive Funding for Novel Therapy for High-Need Cancer Patients HOUSTON , Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- March Biosciences ( March Bio ), a clinical stage biotechnology company committed to combating challenging cancers unresponsive to existing immunotherapies, today announced that it has received a notice of award for a major competitive grant from the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) to help support continued clinical development of its innovative chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy for the treatment of relapsed and refractory CD5 positive T-cell cancers. The approximately $13.4 million product development award is intended to support March Bio's upcoming Phase 2 clinical trial of MB-105 for the treatment of relapsed and refractory T-cell lymphomas. MB-105 is currently being assessed in a Phase 1 clinical trial in patients with relapsed and refractory T-cell malignancies at Baylor College of Medicine. This grant follows a $4.8 million investment from the Cancer Focus Fund announced earlier this month also to support the MB-105 Phase 2 trial. "We are committed to advancing MB-105 and creating a best and first-in-class therapy for patients with these difficult cancers," commented Sarah Hein , cofounder and CEO of March Biosciences. "We expect that receipt of this substantial non-dilutive award from CPRIT will serve as a catalyst to our current financing activities and allow us to continue to move quickly to advance MB-105 as a novel treatment for patients seeking better options." Patients with T-cell malignancies face a dismal prognosis once their disease becomes relapsed or refractory to first-line therapies and have extremely limited continuing treatment options, resulting in just 15% survival over about 3 years. The development of specific therapies for these indications is difficult due to the fact that many potential targets, including the CD5 receptor targeted by MB-105, are present on both normal and malignant T-cells, which means that therapies targeting malignant T-cells risk damaging the healthy T-cells needed for normal immunity. Since CD5 is widely expressed by both normal and malignant T-cells, the MB-105 CD5 CAR-T cell therapy has been specifically engineered to preserve many healthy T-cells while maintaining potency against CD5 positive tumor T-cells. In an ongoing Phase 1 trial conducted at the Center for Cell and Gene Therapy at Baylor College of Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, and Texas Chidren's Hospital, MB-105 has demonstrated a favorable safety profile and encouraging early efficacy results in patients with both relapsed and refractory T-cell lymphoma and T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. March Biosciences was cofounded with inventors Drs. Max Mamonkin and Malcolm Brenner , leading scientists from the Center for Cell and Gene Therapy who are both recipients of CPRIT research awards. Dr. Mamonkin is an Associate Professor at Baylor and serves as Chief Scientific Officer at March Biosciences. He was recently awarded the Outstanding New Innovator Award by the American Society for Cell and Gene Therapy. Dr. Brenner is a renowned leader in the field, with an extensive history of technology invention contributing to the launch of both private and public biotechnology companies. He serves as an advisor to cell therapy companies across the industry. Dr. Mamonkin commented, "The treatment of T-cell lymphomas and leukemias has been particularly challenging, which led us to focus on the development of this new approach early on. We have been highly encouraged by the clinical results we have already seen, and I am pleased that CPRIT has recognized the potential importance of these efforts to patients and will support the continued development of the CD5 CAR-T approach." March Bio is currently preparing for its Phase 2 trials of MB-105 with a development collaboration with recent CPRIT awardee, CTMC, a joint venture between MD Anderson Cancer Center and National Resilience. About March Biosciences Houston -based March Biosciences, launched from the Center for Cell and Gene Therapy (Baylor Medical School, Houston Methodist Hospital, Texas Children's Hospital), is dedicated to addressing challenging cancers unresponsive to current immunotherapies. Its lead asset, MB-105, is a CD5-targeted CAR-T cell therapy currently in Phase I trials in patients with refractory T-cell lymphoma and leukemia, with promising signals of efficacy and safety to date. A Phase 2 trial is expected to begin next year. The company was incubated by the CPRIT-supported Accelerator for Cancer Therapeutics, with a seed funding round co-led by the Texas Medical Center Venture Fund (TMC Ventures) and Portal Innovations. Learn more at www.march.bio. About CPRIT Created by the Texas Legislature and approved by a statewide vote in 2007, the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) leads the Lone Star State's fight against cancer. In 2019, Texas voters again voted overwhelmingly to support CPRIT with an additional $3 billion , for a total $6 billion investment in cancer research and prevention. To date, the agency has awarded more than $3 billion in grants to Texas research institutions and organizations through its academic research, prevention, and product development research programs. CPRIT has also recruited 302 distinguished researchers to Texas , supported the establishment, expansion, or relocation of 62 companies to Texas , and supported 9.3 million prevention services reaching all 254 counties in Texas . Learn more about CPRIT at www.cprit.texas.gov Forward-Looking Statement This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including those related to the clinical development of MB-105 and other potential therapies. Actual results may differ materially from those projected in these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to, the progress of clinical trials, regulatory approvals, market demand for new therapies, and competitive dynamics in the biotechnology sector. Contacts: Corporate: Sarah Hein Chief Executive Officer [email protected] Media: Barbara Lindheim BLL Partners for March Bio [email protected] (917) 355-9234 View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/march-biosciences-awarded-13-4-million-by-cprit-to-advance-its-cd5-car-t-therapy-for-t-cell-lymphoma-in-phase-2-trials-301991941.html SOURCE March Biosciences VERO BEACH, Fla. , Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The significance of Veterans Day was met with honor at Market Street Memory Care Residence Viera last week as veterans and veteran spouses received special recognition and appreciation. Residents, associates and family members of Market Street Viera gathered with their neighbors from Indian River Colony Club, a military community, to pay their respects with a patriotic ceremony. Teresa Ortiz recognized each veteran in their respective branches of the military, thanking them for their service and sacrifice. Market Street Viera veterans proudly stood alongside their military photos displayed on the community's Veterans Wall of Honor, which was ceremoniously unveiled last November. Executive Chef Manny served an array of traditional, savory Thanksgiving dishes followed with a variety of mouth-watering pies. Resident veterans' spotlights were displayed throughout the room and live music by Fred Cavese filled the air as guests enjoyed the feast. "These events are heartwarming and nostalgic for our residents, but also a critical aspect of our programming as the traditional sights and sounds of a patriotic ceremony are significant in sparking memories for our residents living with Alzheimer's and dementia," says Christine Heaton , Senior Memory Care Director for Watercrest Viera. Market Street Viera is an award-winning senior living community in Melbourne, Florida prestigiously recognized by U.S. News & World Report for the past two years as a Best Memory Care Community. U.S. News awards the designation of Best Senior Living only to those communities that achieved the highest possible rating for Memory Care . The community offers world class care, multi-sensory programming, diverse culinary experiences, and unparalleled associate training honoring seniors with Alzheimer's and dementia. Market Street Viera is conveniently located at 6845 Murrell Road in Melbourne, Florida . For more information, contact the community at 321-730-2444. The Veterans Day community celebration is an aspect of Watercrest CARES, a company-wide movement by Watercrest Senior Living Group encompassing their common unity initiatives such as Connectivity. Watercrest is committed to supporting residents in staying connected in meaningful ways and inspiring a sense of community at each location. About Watercrest Senior Living Group Watercrest Senior Living Group was founded to honor our mothers and fathers, aspiring to become a beacon for quality in senior living by surpassing standards of care, service and associate training. Watercrest senior living communities are recognized for their luxury aesthetic, exceptional amenities, world-class care, and innovative memory care programming offering unparalleled service to seniors living with Alzheimer's and dementia. A six-time certified Great Place to Work, Watercrest specializes in the development and operations of assisted living and memory care communities and the growth of servant leaders. For information, visit www.watercrestseniorliving.com. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/market-street-memory-care-residence-viera-honors-resident-veterans-for-their-service-and-sacrifice-301992389.html SOURCE Watercrest Senior Living Group HONG KONG , Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- First Half Year of 2023 Financial Highlights Revenues increased by 289.48% from approximately $0.73 million to approximately $2.86 million as a result of the acquisition of Alpha Mind Technology Limited , an insurance agency and insurance technology company ("Alpha Mind"), during the six months ended June 30, 2023 . to approximately as a result of the acquisition of , an insurance agency and insurance technology company ("Alpha Mind"), during the six months ended . Gross profit decreased by 79.64% to approximately $0.13 million as compared to approximately $0.62 million for the same period in 2022, while the gross profit margin was 4.44%, as compared to 84.93% for the same period in 2022. Alpha Mind has a relatively lower gross profit margin, since it mainly collects commission from selling insurance products as compensation for its agency services. as compared to approximately for the same period in 2022, while the gross profit margin was 4.44%, as compared to 84.93% for the same period in 2022. Alpha Mind has a relatively lower gross profit margin, since it mainly collects commission from selling insurance products as compensation for its agency services. Loss from operations was approximately $3.09 million as compared to approximately $2.93 million for the same period in 2022. The increase was primarily attributable to the decrease in gross profit. as compared to approximately for the same period in 2022. The increase was primarily attributable to the decrease in gross profit. Net loss was approximately $14.45 million as compared to net loss of approximately $2.89 million for the same period of 2022. The increase in net loss is mainly attributable to the increase in interest expense of approximately $11.42 million from issuing convertible promissory notes. as compared to net loss of approximately for the same period of 2022. The increase in net loss is mainly attributable to the increase in interest expense of approximately from issuing convertible promissory notes. Loss per share on a basic and a fully diluted basis were $0.46 and $0.30 , respectively, as compared to loss per share on a basic and a fully diluted basis of $0.92 for the same period in 2022. Xiangdong Wen , the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chairman, commented, "We completed the acquisition of Alpha Mind Technology Limited during the first half of 2023, which expanded the scope of our business into insurance agency industry. Our revenue increased to approximately $2.86 million for the first half of 2023 and further growth is expected for the remainder of 2023. In addition, we expect to continue to invest in our support teams for both our investment banking business and our insurance agency business." Mr. Wen continued, "The Company will continue to promote cooperative relationships with Chinese companies listed in the US and provide them with one-stop and high-quality investment banking services. In addition, we will actively expand the business scope to overseas market and set up overseas offices to help small and medium-sized companies in Europe and other Asian countries to provide initial listing, financing, mergers and acquisitions, and financial advisory services, helping them integrate into capital markets more efficiently as well as continuously enhance our competitiveness." Operating Results for Six Months Ended June 30, 2023 Revenues The following tables illustrate the Company's revenue by revenue type: For the Six Months Ended June 30 , 2023 2022 US$ US$ Insurance agency services 2,794,364 - Placement agent services 37,578 - Market data services - 71,928 Software sales 24,507 646,052 Fund management services - 12,145 Commissions - 3,275 Total revenues 2,856,449 733,400 Cost of Revenues Cost of revenue consists primarily of commissions paid to distribution channels, internal labor costs and related benefits, and other overhead costs that are directly attributable to services provided. Cost of revenues increased by approximately $2.62 million , or 2,370.46%, to approximately $2.73 million for the six months ended June 30, 2023 from $110,490 for the same period last year. The increase in cost of revenues is directly linked to the increase of insurance agency service revenues. Gross Profit and Gross Margin Gross profit was $126,834 for the six months ended June 30, 2023 , representing gross margin of 4.44%, as compared to 84.93% for the same period in 2022. The decrease in gross profit margin is primarily attributed to our insurance agency business, which mainly collects commissions from selling insurance products as compensation for its agency services. Operating Expenses During the six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, operating expenses included selling and marketing, payroll and related benefits, professional fees, and other general and administrative expenses. Selling and Marketing Costs All costs related to selling and marketing are expensed as incurred. Selling and marketing costs increased by $121,559 , or 13.70%, to approximately $1.01 million for the six months ended June 30, 2022 from $887,173 for the same period last year. Payroll and Related Benefits Payroll and related benefits totaled approximately $1.19 million for the six months ended June 30, 2023 , as compared to approximately $1.02 million for the six months ended June 30, 2022 , an increase of $168,240 . Professional Fees For the six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, professional fees primarily consisted of audit fees, legal service fees, financial consulting fees and other fees associated with being a public company. Professional fees totaled $519,200 for the six months ended June 30, 2023 , as compared to $696,556 for the six months ended June 30, 2022 , a decrease of $177,356 . Other General and Administrative Expenses For the six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, other general and administrative expenses were $497,530 and $943,867 , respectively. The decrease in other general and administrative expense was mainly attributable to the decrease of $450,000 in litigation loss contingency, which represented an estimated fine of $450,000 from a FINRA investigation in 2022. Loss from Operations For six months ended June 30, 2023 , loss from operations were approximately $3.09 million as compared to loss from operations of approximately $2.93 million for the six months ended June 30, 2022 , an increase of $162,182 , or 5.54%, which was mainly attributable to the decrease in gross profit and increase in selling and marketing costs, payroll and related benefits. Other Income (Expense) Other income (expense) includes interest income from bank deposits, interest expense from issuance of convertible promissory notes, other income, and foreign currency transaction gain (loss). Other expense totaled approximately $11.35 million for six months ended June 30, 2023 , as compared to other income of $40,416 for six months ended June 30, 2022 , a change of $11.39 million which was mainly attributable to the increase in interest expense from the Company's issuance of approximately $11.43 million in convertible promissory notes. Income Taxes Income tax was $1,737 for the six months ended June 30, 2023 which was attributable from the insurance agency business acquired by the Company, while income tax amounted to nil for the six months ended June 30, 2022 . Net Loss As a result of the factors described above, our net loss was approximately $14.44 million , or $0.46 per basic share and $0.30 per diluted share, for the six months ended June 30, 2023 . Our net loss was approximately $2.89 million , or $0.92 per share (basic and diluted), for the six months ended June 30, 2022 . Net Loss attributable to MMTEC, Inc. After deducting non-controlling interests of $67,694 , net loss attribute to our holding company, MMTEC, Inc., was approximately $14.37 million for the six months ended June 30, 2023 . Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Our reporting currency is the U.S. dollar. The functional currency of MMTEC INC., MM Future Technology Limited, MM Fund SPC, HC Securities (HK) Limited, MMBD Trading Limited, MMBD Investment Advisory Company Limited, Fundex SPC, MM Global Securities, INC, Alpha Mind Technology Limited (BVI) is the U.S. dollar. The functional currency of Alpha Mind Technology Limited (HK) is the Hong Kong dollar. The functional currency of Gujia (Beijing) Technology Co., Ltd, Jiachuang Yingan ( Beijing ) Information & Technology Co., Ltd, Huaming Insurance Agency Co., Ltd and Huaming Yunbao (Tianjin) Technology Co., Ltd is the Chinese Renminbi ("RMB"). The financial statements of the Company's subsidiaries whose functional currency is the RMB and Hong Kong dollar are translated to U.S. dollars using period end rates of exchange for assets and liabilities, average rate of exchange for revenue and expenses and cash flows, and at historical exchange rates for equity. Net gains and losses resulting from foreign exchange transactions are included in the results of operations. As a result of foreign currency translations, which are a non-cash adjustment, we reported a foreign currency translation loss of $80,926 and a foreign currency translation loss of $55,780 for the six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. This non-cash loss had the effect of increasing our reported comprehensive loss. Comprehensive Loss As a result of our foreign currency translation adjustment, we had comprehensive loss of approximately $14.53 million and $2.94 million for the six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Financial Condition As of June 30, 2023 , the Company had cash of approximately $2.0 million , compared to approximately $3.83 million as of December 31, 2022 . Total working capital was $1.75 million as of June 30, 2023 , compared to working capital of $7.86 million as of December 31, 2022 . Net cash used in operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2023 was approximately $3.02 million , compared to $4.15 million for the same period last year. Net cash used in investing activities was approximately $86.78 million for the six months ended June 30, 2023 , compared to $6,036 for the same period last year. Net cash provided by financing activities was $88.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2023 , compared to $nil for the same period of last year. As an entity that operates in the financial industry in China and the United States , the Company finds itself subject to the challenges posed by the ongoing tension in the trade relations between the countries. Shares Authorized and Issued The Company issued an unsecured senior convertible promissory note of $40.0 million to a non- U.S. investor on February 22, 2023 . On February 24, 2023 , the investor converted all outstanding balance of notes into ordinary shares, par value $0.01 per share, at conversion price of $0.05 per share, which represents 80,000,000 ordinary shares. The Company issued a senior convertible promissory note of $70.0 million to an investor on March 31, 2023 . On May 11, 2023 , the investor converted $2.82 million of outstanding balance of the note into ordinary shares, par value $0.01 per share, at conversion price of $0.705 per share, which represents 4,000,000 ordinary shares. The Company issued a senior convertible promissory note of $7.0 million to the sellers of Alpha Mind Technology Limited on June 7, 2023 . On June 14, 2023 , the sellers converted $3,950,000 of outstanding balance of the note into ordinary shares, par value $0.01 per share, at a conversion price of $0.395 per share, which represents 10,000,000 ordinary shares. As a result, there were 99,145,041 common shares issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2023 . Legal Proceedings In the normal course of business, MM Global Securities, Inc. ("MM Global") is engaged in various trading and brokerage activities on a principal and agency basis through a clearing broker. As a regulated FINRA broker-dealer MM Global is subject to regulatory trading inquiries and investigations to determine whether any violations of federal securities or FINRA rules may have occurred. As such, MM Global has responded to FINRA inquires. MM Global submitted a Letter of Acceptance, Waiver, and Consent for the purpose of proposing a settlement of the alleged rule violations on September 9, 2022 . Without admitting or denying the findings by FINRA related to Case Number 2019062623, the Company was censured and fined $450,000 . Two individuals' registration capacities were suspended for 45 days, fined $20,000 and $5,000 respectively. The Company elected to pay the fine via a 36 months' installment plan with $38,250 installment fee. As of June 30, 2023 the Company has total unpaid balance of $272,025 , recorded the current portion as "Accrued liabilities and other payables" and non-current portion as "Accrued Liabilities, Non-current" in consolidation financial statement. Other than MM Global, we are currently not involved in any legal proceedings; nor are we aware of any claims that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. Recent Developments On May 16, 2023 , the Company entered into an Equity Acquisition Agreement (the "Purchase Agreement") with Alfa Crest Investment Limited, a British Virgin Islands company ("Alfa Crest"), CapitoLabs Limited, a British Virgin Islands company ("CapitoLabs", and together with Alfa Crest, the "Sellers") and Alpha Mind Technology Limited, a British Virgin Islands company ("Target" or "Alpha Mind"). Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, the Sellers agreed to sell and the Company agreed to purchase, the Sellers' shares of Target's issued and outstanding ordinary shares, which represent an 85% ownership stake in Target, for aggregate purchase price of $99,650,000 (the "Purchase Price"). The Purchase Price was paid as follows: (a) $1.0 million was paid by the Company to the Sellers as a good faith deposit on May 8, 2023 , (b) the Company paid the Sellers an aggregate of $91,650,000 in cash at closing, and (c) the Company paid the remaining $7.0 million of the Purchase Price to the Sellers in the form of a convertible promissory note. The transactions contemplated in the Purchase Agreement closed on June 7, 2023 . In accordance with the Purchase Agreement, the $1.0 million good faith deposit previously made by the Company was credited towards the Purchase Price. In addition, at closing, the Company paid the Sellers an aggregate of $91,650,000 in cash, and issued to the Sellers a senior convertible promissory note (the "Note") for the remaining $7.0 million of the Purchase Price. The note accrues interest at 1% per annum and matures 24 months following the effective date. The note is convertible at any time and the conversion price will be calculated with a discount of fifty-four percent (54%) to the lowest closing price of the last twenty (20) trading days immediately prior to the date of the conversion notice. Notice Rounding amounts and percentages: Certain amounts and percentages included in this press release have been rounded for ease of presentation. Percentage figures included in this press release have not in all cases been calculated on the basis of such rounded figures, but on the basis of such amounts prior to rounding. For this reason, certain percentage amounts in this press release may vary from those obtained by performing the same calculations using the figures in the financial statements. In addition, certain other amounts that appear in this press release may not sum due to rounding. About MMTEC, Inc. Headquartered in Hong Kong , China , we mainly focus on investment banking and asset management, providing customers with one-stop and all-round financial services. In addition to traditional incubation and investment in domestic and foreign companies listed in the United States , we also launched the HiFund platform to attract global institutional and individual investors to invest in the most competitive Chinese assets. More information about the Company can be found at: www.haisc.com. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements that are other than statements of historical facts. When the Company uses words such as "may", "will", "intend", "should", "believe", "expect", "anticipate", "project", "estimate" or similar expressions that do not relate solely to historical matters, it is making forward-looking statements. Specifically, the Company's statements regarding its continued growth, business outlook, and other similar statements are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations discussed in the forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to uncertainties and risks including, but not limited to, the following: the Company's goals and strategies; the Company's future business development; product and service demand and acceptance; changes in technology; economic conditions; reputation and brand; the impact of competition and pricing; government regulations; fluctuations in general economic and business conditions in China and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing and other risks contained in reports filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company's most recently filed Annual Report on Form 20-F and its subsequent filings. For these reasons, among others, investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements in this press release. Additional factors are discussed in the Company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which are available for review at www.sec.gov. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly revise these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that arise after the date hereof. MMTEC, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (IN U.S. DOLLARS) (UNAUDITED) As of June 30 , 2023 December 31, 2022 US$ US$ ASSETS CURRENT ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents $ 2,004,307 $ 3,825,477 Accounts receivable, net 2,364,950 295,683 Loan receivable, net 676,643 4,620,824 Security deposits - Current 7,984 8,274 Short-term investment 266,513 - Prepaid expenses and other current assets 1,774,171 172,205 Deferred offering cost 112,748 112,748 Total current assets 7,207,316 9,035,211 NON-CURRENT ASSETS: Security deposits - Non-current 136,723 140,746 Property and equipment, net 205,738 184,423 Deposit for business acquisition - 1,000,000 Operating lease right -of - use assets 844,778 1,055,127 Intangible asset 5,224,439 - Goodwill 106,935,130 - Deferred Tax Assets - Non-current 70,681 - Other non-current assets 691,965 - Total non-current assets 114,109,454 2,380,296 Total assets $ 121,316,770 $ 11,415,507 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY CURRENT LIABILITIES: Salary payable 283,281 372,980 Accrued liabilities and other payables 3,133,483 395,352 Advance from customer 288,696 - Accrued interest 1,343,600 - Operating lease liabilities - Current 475,931 405,591 Total current liabilities 5,524,991 1,173,923 NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES: Accrued liabilities - Non-current 146,475 209,250 Operating lease liabilities - Non-current 406,460 647,983 Convertible bond 58,311,869 - Total non-current liabilities 58,864,804 857,233 Total liabilities $ 64,389,795 $ 2,031,156 SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY: Common shares ( $0.01 par value; 50,000,000 shares authorized; 99,145,041 and 5,145,041 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 ) 991,451 51,451 Additional paid-in capital 77,557,407 31,727,407 Accumulated deficit (36,630,402) (22,253,030) Accumulated other comprehensive loss (206,665) (141,477) Total shareholders' equity attributable to MMTEC, INC. 41,711,791 9,384,351 Non-controlling interests 15,215,184 - Total shareholders' equity 56,926,975 9,384,351 Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 121,316,770 $ 11,415,507 MMTEC, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (IN U.S. DOLLARS) (UNAUDITED) For the six months ended June 30 , 2023 For the six months ended June 30 , 2022 US$ US$ REVENUES $ 2,856,449 $ 733,400 COST OF REVENUES 2,729,615 110,490 GROSS PROFIT 126,834 622,910 OPERATING EXPENSES: Selling and marketing 1,008,732 887,173 General and administrative Payroll and related benefits 1,191,171 1,022,931 Professional fees 519,200 696,556 Other general and administrative expenses 497,530 943,867 Total Operating Expenses 3,216,633 3,550,527 LOSS FROM OPERATIONS (3,089,799) (2,927,617) OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE) Interest income 61,959 19,663 Interest expense (11,425,657) - Other income 12,090 2,576 Foreign currency transaction (loss)/gain (1,922) 18,177 Total Other Income (Expense) (11,353,530) 40,416 LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAXES (14,443,329) (2,887,201) INCOME TAXES (1,737) - NET LOSS (14,445,066) (2,887,201) Less: Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest (67,694) - NET LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO MMTEC, INC. $ (14,377,372) $ (2,887,201) COMPREHENSIVE LOSS: NET LOSS (14,445,066) (2,887,201) OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) Foreign currency translation adjustments (80,926) (55,780) TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (14,525,992) (2,942,981) Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to non-controlling interests (83,432) - COMPREHENSIVE LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO MMTEC, INC. $ (14,442,560) $ (2,942,981) NET LOSS PER COMMON SHARE Basic $ (0.46) $ (0.92) Diluted $ (0.30) $ (0.92) WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING: Basic 31,154,116 3,137,001 Diluted 83,411,491 3,137,001 MMTEC, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (IN U.S. DOLLARS) (UNAUDITED) Common Shares* Additional Accumulated Other Total Number of Shares Amount Paid-in Capital Accumulated Deficit Comprehensive Loss Shareholders' Equity US$ US$ US$ US$ US$ Balance, December 31 , 2021 3,137,001 $ 31,370 $ 29,884,600 $ (16,607,654) $ 43,408 $ 13,351,724 Net loss for the six months ended June 30, 2022 - - - (2,887,201) - (2,887,201) Foreign currency translation adjustment - - - - (55,780) (55,780) Balance, June 30, 2022 3,137,001 $ 31,370 $ 29,884,600 $ (19,494,855) $ (12,372) $ 10,408,743 * After giving effect to the reverse stock split effected on July 13, 2022 . Common Shares Additional Accumulated Other Non- Total Number of Shares Amount Paid-in Capital Accumulated Deficit Comprehensive Loss controlling Interests Shareholders' Equity US$ US$ US$ US$ US$ US$ Balance, December 31, 2022 5,145,041 $ 51,451 $ 31,727,407 $ (22,253,030) $ (141,477) - $ 9,384,351 Acquisition of additional non- controlling interest - - - - - 15,298,616 15,298,616 Conversion of bond to equity 94,000,000 940,000 45,830,000 - - - 46,770,000 Net loss attributable to MMTEC, INC. for the six months ended June 30 , 2023 - - - (14,377,372) - - (14,377,372) Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests - - - - - (67,694) (67,694) Foreign currency translation adjustment - - - - (65,188) (15,738) (80,926) Balance, June 30 , 2023 99,145,041 $ 991,451 $ 77,557,407 $ (36,630,402) $ (206,665) $ 15,215,184 $ 56,926,975 MMTEC, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (IN U.S. DOLLARS) (UNAUDITED) For the six months ended June 30 , 2023 For the six months ended June 30 , 2022 US$ US$ CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net loss $ (14,445,066) $ (2,887,201) Adjustments to reconcile net loss from operations to net cash used in operating activities: Depreciation expense 21,969 39,024 Allowance for bad debts (204) - Gain on short-term investment (534) Non-cash lease expense 204,510 163,218 Foreign currency transaction loss (gain) (3,326) (18,177) Deferred taxes expense 111 - Imputed interest expense 11,425,469 - Change in operating assets and liabilities: Operating lease liabilities (187,244) (193,925) Accounts receivable (147,016) (278,617) Accounts payable 86,202 - Security deposits 211 (41,604) Prepaid expenses and other current assets (500,283) (1,115,439) Advance from customers 291,658 (121,382) Salary payable (140,660) (37,390) Accrued liabilities and other payables 376,638 338,252 NET CASH USED IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES: (3,017,565) (4,153,241) CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Proceeds from disposal of property and equipment 7,903 - Purchase of property and equipment - (6,036) Loan repayment from to third parties 293,945 - Cash proceeds from acquisition 916,840 - Deposit for business acquisition 1,000,000 - Long-term investment in equity (89,000,000) - NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES (86,781,312) (6,036) CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Proceeds from issuance of convertible bond 88,000,000 - NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES 88,000,000 - EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS (22,293) (23,890) NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS (1,821,170) (4,183,167) CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS - Beginning of period 3,825,477 11,206,220 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS - End of period $ 2,004,307 $ 7,023,053 SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION: Cash paid for: Interest $ (188) $ - Income taxes $ (1,737) $ - NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Acquisition by issuing convertible promissory note $ 7,000,000 $ - Conversion of bond to equity $ 46,770,000 $ - Remeasurement of the lease liabilities and right-of-use assets due to lease modification $ - $ 830,860 View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mmtec-inc-announces-half-year-2023-unaudited-financial-results-301992432.html SOURCE MMTEC,INC. The ultra-libertarian candidate for the presidency of Argentina, Javier Milei, continues to stir up claims of electoral fraud. He did so when he won the primaries on August 13, and again after the first round of voting on October 22 when he came in second, almost seven points behind the Peronist candidate Sergio Massa, his rival in Sundays runoff. Until now these had been limited to allegations in the media, without any proof on Mileis part, but enough for his followers to question the reliability of an electoral system that has been flawless for 40 years from the first democratic elections held in the country after the end of the military dictatorship. On Thursday, Milei went a step further, three days before Argentina goes to the polls to elect a new president. Through his sister, Karina Milei, proxy of his party La Libertad Avanza (LLA), Milei claimed in court that during the first round of the presidential election the Argentina National Gendarmerie, the military police force in charge of the custody of ballot boxes and ballots, orchestrated a colossal fraud that benefited Peronism. Minister of Security Anibal Fernandez, to whose office the Gendarmerie answers, accused Milei of spreading a filth among voters that places democracy at risk. In Argentina, voting is done through ballot papers printed by the parties themselves. The voter chooses the ballot of his candidate and places it in an envelope, which is sealed and deposited in a cardboard ballot box. At the end of the day, the president of the polling station and election officials count the votes and enter the results in a spreadsheet that is then handed over to the Gendarmerie. It is the gendarmes who guard the documents and ballot boxes before they are sent to the electoral board for the final count. At that moment, for a time, the necessary time, they changed the content of the ballot boxes and the documentation for others that they modified in favor of the ruling party and Sergio Massa, which considerably altered the electoral result, reads the document that Karina Milei delivered to a federal judge with electoral jurisdiction, Maria Servini de Cubria. As a concrete example, the document claims that original and authentic documentation was altered to reflect 40 votes for La Libertad Avanza and 10 votes Union por la Patria, Massas party, as 10 votes for Mileis grouping and 40 for his opponent. That is to say, they modified what was duly established in the minutes that up to that moment had not been transmitted, because those specific ballot stations lacked transmission centers. The operation, the document adds, would be carried out in exchange for some consideration on the part of the instigators of the crime. To counter what Milei considers fraudulent action against him, La Libertad Avanza has requested that its lawyers be authorized to keep custody of the minutes until their final delivery and that the Argentine Air Force and Navy, which it considers honorable forces, be added to the electoral security operation. The document lays out a detailed description of the alleged fraud but also acknowledges that the information was gleaned from denunciations on social networks and anonymous sources. Fernandez announced that he will sue Milei and his party. We have to tell society that suggesting such things occur is a lie. It is crude, it is despicable, like all the things that these people who do not have much political training want to do, and who believe that they can inflict damage just with their tongues, the minister said. Milei said after winning the primaries that he had been robbed of between four and five points, and that the same thing was carried out by Peronism to leave him in second place in the first round of voting in October. He has never presented any judicial evidence of these claims. Last Tuesday, the Buenos Aires Electoral Board warned that LLA had presented a substantially smaller number of ballots than expected and fewer than necessary to guarantee supply at polling stations. The LLA explained it had decided to withhold them and distribute them through their electoral controllers on the day of the vote to prevent them from being stolen or vandalized. The allegations of fraud filed by Milei augur a tense election night. The polls show a technical tie between the extremist candidate and Economy Minister Massa, with differences in favor of one or the other within the statistical margin of error. If, finally, the result is as close as expected, the Milei will have sown enough to question the results. RICHARDSON, Texas , Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- National Partners in Healthcare (NPH), a national healthcare organization delivering best-in-class anesthesiology services, announced today that Amoskeag Anesthesia ("Amoskeag") has joined NPH. National Partners in Healthcare expands into New Hampshire with Amoskeag Anesthesia. "The partnership with NPH will only improve upon our long history of serving the anesthesia community and enhance our relationships with patients, surgeons and facility partners," states Sayed Razvi , MD, Amoskeag Partner. Joseph Hyatt , MD, Amoskeag Partner asserts, "The alliance with NPH gives our group access to some of the industry's leading anesthesia business experts and allows us to continue to focus on growth, customer service and delivering high quality patient care." "Our dedication to clinical excellence blended with NPH's management and operational expertise is the ideal combination. We are excited for what the future holds," adds Benjamin Grudinskas , MD, Amoskeag Partner. "NPH is proud to partner with Amoskeag Anesthesia. This group has effectively established itself as the preeminent anesthesia service provider across New England , driven by quality care, comprehensive service offerings and deep bench of experienced providers," said Mike Saunders , CEO of NPH. "Their dedication to clinical excellence blended with NPH's management and operational expertise is the ideal combination. The support of NPH will afford the group greater opportunities to maximize efficiencies and streamline operations while retaining 100% clinical autonomy." About National Partners in Healthcare: NPH is a national single-specialty anesthesia healthcare organization delivering best-in-class anesthesiology services. With over 1,300 Clinicians operating in 19 States, NPH is dedicated to partnering with high quality Anesthesiologists and CRNAs providing the expertise, resources, and long-term sustainable solutions to their medical practices. NPH's anesthesiology partners retain autonomy of their practice while collaborating with each NPH clinical team to achieve and deliver the highest quality patient care. For more information, www.nphllc.com . Rebecca Brophy , Holly Buckley and Thomas Zahn , of McGuireWoods LLP, provided legal counsel to National Partners in Healthcare. Michael Patton , Ajeya Shekar and Tommy Spiegel with Provident Healthcare Partners provided financial advisory services to Amoskeag Anesthesia in this transaction. Craig Woods and Dean Gould of Dykema Gossett PLLC, served as legal counsel to Amoskeag Anesthesia. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/national-partners-in-healthcare-expands-into-new-hampshire-with-amoskeag-anesthesia-301992467.html SOURCE National Partners in Healthcare Results on Trump's Tenacity, Complex Views about the Israeli War and Unions BOCA RATON, Fla. , Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In the dynamic political landscape of Florida , a recent poll by the Florida Atlantic University Mainstreet PolCom Lab sheds light on the sentiments among registered voters, revealing intriguing trends that could shape the political future of the state and country. Floridians Prefer Trump over Biden The poll found that 49 percent of Florida voters would cast their ballots in favor of former U.S. President Donald Trump , compared to 39 percent for U.S President Joe Biden . This 10 percent lead mirrors the results of a July survey issued by the FAU PolCom Lab, indicating a stability in voter preferences that may persist until the election. Biden grapples with a significant approval deficit, with only 36 percent of registered Florida voters expressing a positive view of his job performance. Conversely, a substantial 62 percent view his performance negatively. In contrast, the survey shows that Trump continues to command a formidable presence in Florida politics; approximately 43 percent of respondents view him favorably, maintaining a solid base of support despite facing challenges on multiple fronts. "The continued interest in Trump by voters isn't just staying power of a celebrity candidate," said Robert E. Gutsche , Jr., Ph.D., associate professor in FAU's School of Communication and Multimedia Studies who researches Trump's presidency. "Seemingly, he is just the kind of candidate these voters want in how he talks, what he talks about, and how he sees the world." Male voters exhibit an 18 percent higher inclination toward Trump, while whites and Hispanics express greater support compared to their Black counterparts. Regionally, the Northwestern panhandle emerges as a Trump stronghold, garnering around 65 percent support, while Palm Beach County lags at approximately 41 percent. Most respondents consider Trump's legal issues important to their vote choice, the poll shows. However, a marginal 3 percent difference between the two candidates suggests that, as of now, legal issues are unlikely to significantly sway voter preferences in Florida . "Trump's legal challenges appear to have little bearing on his electoral prospects in the state," said Dukhong Kim, Ph.D., associate professor of political science at FAU. Biden Plagued by Age Perceptions. Trump Is Not . While Trump evades significant age-related scrutiny, Biden is plagued by doubts about his fitness for a presidential rerun, with 67 percent of respondents expressing concerns. This sentiment is strongest among Republicans (86 percent) compared to Democrats (51 percent), underscoring the enduring nature of age-related critiques on Biden. This is in sharp contrast to the much smaller percentage of voters (33 percent) who felt Trump was too old to run. Younger voters (18 to 34) were more likely than older voters (35 and older) to believe both candidates were too old for office. "This gap is likely driven in part by the perception that Trump is more energetic, as well as the former president's frequent activity on social media," said Kevin Wagner , Ph.D., professor of political science at FAU. "Part of it is driven by Trump's frequent labeling of the president as 'Sleepy Joe.' The concerns about Joe Biden's age are likely a major reason his support lags in Florida and why he trails both Trump and DeSantis in head-to-head matchups." Contrasting Trajectories and Divides in the Republican Primary Race Amid the Republican primary race, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis finds himself struggling to narrow the gap with Trump, despite some positive reviews in the primary debates. Even among his strongest demographic, college-educated white voters, DeSantis trails Trump by a notable margin of nine points, the poll reveals. Nikki Haley shows signs of progress in Florida , but she remains in the shadows of both Trump and DeSantis. "To emerge as a formidable contender, Haley must generate early momentum from pivotal states such as Iowa and New Hampshire , compelling Florida's Republican voters to take a closer look," Wagner said. "In contrast, Vivek Ramaswamy's campaign in Florida appears to be faltering, with support dwindling in the Sunshine State. Although it's early in the race, the trajectory of his campaign does not bode well for future success." Support for Israel Strong , but Shows Weakness Strong bipartisan support for Israelis remains across all age groups, genders and education levels although it is weakest among 18 to 35 year olds, the poll shows. For those in that age group, 35 percent said they do not know if they have sympathy for either group, while 34 percent supported Israel and 30 percent put their support behind Palestine. "What is particularly notable here is that the number of these younger voters who have no sympathy for either group or don't know is greater than even those who support Israelis or Palestinians," said Rachel Harris , Ph.D., Gimelstob Eminent Scholar Chair for Judaic Studies at FAU. "This suggests that there is a gap in historical knowledge about the conflict and the situation in the Middle East among this younger group." The only group where support for Palestinians is greater is among Black voters, although that shows a greater degree of ambivalence across all categories. "This may speak to efforts among activists since the 1970s parallel the African American experience with the Palestinian experience," Harris said. Complex Views on Unions The FAU PolCom poll reveals complex public sentiment toward labor unions, with 55 percent of respondents expressing support, while 19 percent opposed and 23 percent were undecided. The data unravels a distinctly partisan pattern, with approximately 82 percent of union supporters aligning with Democrats in stark contrast to the 31 percent of Republicans in favor. " Florida is a right-to-work state, meaning that the state has legislation that prevents union enrollment from being used as a condition of employment," said Luzmarina Garcia , Ph.D., a political science professor at FAU. "A small percentage of union members in the sample is to be expected along with less support of unions generally. This is due to less union members overall, leading to less organizing, as well as the Republican majority in the state which is thought of as the party opposing unions." Nevertheless, the research underscores a majority in the sample supporting unions, underscoring the intricate and nuanced nature of public sentiment. Black and Hispanic respondents notably displayed higher support, at rates of 62 percent and 58 percent, respectively. Conversely, white college-educated respondents stood out as more likely to oppose unions, constituting 24 percent of the opposition. Union membership tallied at 8 percent of respondents, primarily comprised of Democrats. Across age groups, only 6 percent of young voters (18 to 34) opposed unions, a noteworthy contrast to the doubled or tripled opposition observed in other age brackets. The recent writers' strike, revolving around concerns about streaming's impact on compensation and AI's influence on the future of work, could have played a role in shaping attitudes, particularly among the younger demographic. This poll was conducted from Friday, Oct. 27 to Saturday, Nov. 11 , among a sample of 946 adults living in Florida . The survey was conducted using text message recruitment to complete the survey. The margin of error for the poll is +/- 3.2 percent at the 95 percent confidence level. -FAU- About Florida Atlantic University PolCom Lab: The Florida Atlantic University Department of Political Science and the School of Communication and Multimedia Studies, in collaboration with Mainstreet Research, established the PolCom Lab to investigate and analyze public opinion and political trends across the nation, and particularly in the state of Florida . About Florida Atlantic University: Florida Atlantic University, established in 1961, officially opened its doors in 1964 as the fifth public university in Florida . Today, the University serves more than 30,000 undergraduate and graduate students across six campuses located along the southeast Florida coast. In recent years, the University has doubled its research expenditures and outpaced its peers in student achievement rates. Through the coexistence of access and excellence, FAU embodies an innovative model where traditional achievement gaps vanish. FAU is designated a Hispanic-serving institution, ranked as a top public university by U.S. News & World Report and a High Research Activity institution by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. For more information, visit www.fau.edu . About Mainstreet Research: Founded in 2010, Mainstreet Research is recognized as one of Canada's top public opinion and market research firms. Since our founding, we have been providing actionable and data-driven insights to our clients to help them make their most important evidence-based strategic decisions. Mainstreet Research is a proud corporate member of CRIC and exceeds all Canadian and international standards for market research and public opinion research. Media Contacts: Joshua Glanzer Associate Vice President, Media Relations and Public Affairs [email protected] Phone: 561-297-1168 This news release was issued on behalf of Newswise. For more information, visit http://www.newswise.com. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-fau-poll-delves-into-florida-voters-opinions-301991788.html SOURCE Florida Atlantic University XTANDI becomes the first and only androgen receptor signaling inhibitor approved for use with or without a GnRH analog therapy* in nonmetastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer TOKYO and NEW YORK , Nov. 16, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Astellas Pharma Inc. (TSE: 4503, President and CEO: Naoki Okamura , "Astellas") and Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) today announced that the companies received an approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of a supplemental New Drug Application for XTANDI (enzalutamide), following FDA expedited development and review programs (Priority Review designation, Fast Track designation, Real-time Oncology Review), based on results from the Phase 3 EMBARK trial. With this approval, XTANDI becomes the first and only androgen receptor signaling inhibitor approved by the FDA for the treatment of patients with nonmetastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer (nmCSPC) with biochemical recurrence at high risk for metastasis (high-risk BCR). Patients with nmCSPC with high-risk BCR may be treated with XTANDI with or without a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analog therapy. Of men who have undergone definitive prostate cancer treatment, including radical prostatectomy, radiotherapy, or both, an estimated 20-40% will experience biochemical recurrence (BCR) within 10 years.1 About nine out of 10 men with high-risk BCR will develop metastatic disease, and one in three will die as a result of their metastatic prostate cancer.2 "For patients who were previously treated for prostate cancer and had achieved remission, only to later receive the distressing news of disease recurrence with a risk of metastasis, the emotional toll can be profound," said Courtney Bugler , President and CEO of ZERO Prostate Cancer. "This approval of XTANDI is a promising treatment option for the community, offering a ray of hope to patients and their caregivers during these challenging times." "Having had the privilege of taking care of patients with prostate cancer for nearly 40 years, I have been fortunate to have participated in many of the prostate cancer landscape changing trials; notably, we have not progressed our evidenced-based care for patients with biochemical recurrence (BCR), also known as nmCSPC, until the completion of the EMBARK trial," said Neal Shore , MD, FACS, Chief Medical Officer of Strategic Innovation and Pharmacy, GenesisCare USA, Director, CPI, Carolina Urologic Research Center, and Primary Investigator for the EMBARK trial. "Previously, treatment options for these BCR patients, especially those who have a high likelihood of developing metastases were limited. The FDA approval of XTANDI for patients with nmCSPC with BCR at high risk of metastasis represents an important advancement whereby an androgen deprivation signaling inhibitor, enzalutamide, has achieved standard of care discussion for patient-physician decision-making." The approval is based on results from the Phase 3 EMBARK trial, which evaluated XTANDI plus leuprolide, placebo plus leuprolide, and XTANDI (single agent) in patients with nonmetastatic hormone- (or castration-) sensitive prostate cancer (nmHSPC or nmCSPC) with high-risk BCR. Detailed results from the trial were presented as a plenary session during the 2023 American Urological Association Annual Meeting and subsequently published in the New England Journal of Medicine. "Today's FDA approval is the culmination of over a decade of research and development as we've worked to bring XTANDI forward for as many patients with prostate cancer as possible who may benefit," said Ahsan Arozullah, M.D., MPH, Senior Vice President and Head of Oncology Development, Astellas. "With every milestone, our clinical development program has played an instrumental role in changing the course of patients' lives. We are proud that XTANDI can now be offered to a subset of men with nonmetastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer with biochemical recurrence and at high risk for metastases." "More than 300,000 men in the U.S. have been prescribed XTANDI, and we are excited to have this approval expand the indication for the first time into an earlier setting of the disease," said Chris Boshoff , M.D., Ph.D., Chief Oncology Research and Development Officer and Executive Vice President at Pfizer. "This milestone is a testament to XTANDI's legacy and robust clinical profile, with overall survival demonstrated for patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, nonmetastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, and metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer. With today's approval, we look forward to bringing this therapy to even more patients who have nonmetastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer at high risk for their cancer metastasizing." XTANDI is currently under review with other regulatory authorities around the world, including the European Medicines Agency, to support an expanded indication in nmHSPC (or nmCSPC) with high-risk BCR based on the results of EMBARK. About EMBARK The Astellas- and Pfizer-led Phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-national trial enrolled 1,068 patients with nonmetastatic hormone- (or castration-) sensitive prostate cancer (nmHSPC or nmCSPC) with high-risk BCR at sites in the U.S. , Canada , Europe , South America , and the Asia-Pacific region . Patients who were considered to experience high-risk BCR had a prostate-specific antigen doubling time (PSA-DT) 9 months; serum testosterone 150 ng/dL (5.2 nmol/L); and screening PSA by the central laboratory 1 ng/mL if they had a radical prostatectomy (with or without radiotherapy) as primary treatment for prostate cancer, or at least 2 ng/mL above the nadir if they had radiotherapy only as primary treatment for prostate cancer. Patients in the EMBARK trial were randomized to receive enzalutamide 160 mg daily plus leuprolide (n=355), enzalutamide 160 mg as a single agent (n=355), or placebo plus leuprolide (n=358). Leuprolide 22.5 mg was administered every 12 weeks. EMBARK met its primary endpoint of metastasis-free survival (MFS) for the XTANDI plus leuprolide arm, demonstrating a statistically significant reduction in the risk of metastasis or death over placebo plus leuprolide. MFS is defined as the duration of time in months between randomization and the earliest objective evidence of radiographic progression by central imaging or death due to any cause, whichever occurred first. The study also met a key secondary endpoint, by demonstrating that patients treated with XTANDI (single agent) had a statistically significant reduction in the risk of metastasis or death versus placebo plus leuprolide, meeting its MFS endpoint. In EMBARK, Grade 3 or higher adverse events (AEs) were reported in 46% of XTANDI plus leuprolide patients, 50% of patients treated with XTANDI (single agent), and 43% of patients receiving placebo plus leuprolide. Permanent discontinuation due to AEs as the primary reason was reported in 21% of XTANDI plus leuprolide patients, 18% in XTANDI (single agent) patients, and 10% in placebo plus leuprolide patients. For more information on the EMBARK trial (NCT02319837) go to www.clinicaltrials.gov. About Nonmetastatic Castration-Sensitive Prostate Cancer with High-Risk Biochemical Recurrence In nonmetastatic castration- (or hormone-) sensitive prostate cancer (nmCSPC or nmHSPC), no evidence of the cancer spreading to distant parts of the body (metastases) is detectable with conventional radiological methods (CT/MRI), and the cancer still responds to medical or surgical treatment designed to lower testosterone levels.3,4 Of men who have undergone definitive prostate cancer treatment, including radical prostatectomy, radiotherapy, or both, an estimated 20-40% will experience a BCR within 10 years.1 About 9 out of 10 men with high-risk BCR will develop metastatic disease, and 1 in 3 will die as a result of their metastatic prostate cancer.2 The EMBARK trial focused on men with high-risk BCR. Per the EMBARK protocol, patients with nmCSPC and high-risk BCR are those initially treated by radical prostatectomy or radiotherapy, or both, with a PSA-DT 9 months. High-risk BCR patients with a PSA-DT of 9 months have a higher risk of metastases and death.5 In the U.S. , it is estimated that 12,000-16,000 patients are diagnosed with nmCSPC with high-risk BCR annually.6 About XTANDI (enzalutamide) XTANDI (enzalutamide) is an androgen receptor signaling inhibitor. XTANDI is a standard of care and has received regulatory approvals in one or more countries around the world for use in men with metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer (mCSPC; also known as metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer or mHSPC), metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC) and nonmetastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer (nmCSPC) with biochemical recurrence at high risk for metastasis (high-risk BCR). XTANDI is currently approved for one or more of these indications in more than 90 countries, including in the U.S. , European Union and Japan . Over one million patients have been treated with XTANDI globally.6 U.S. Important Safety Information XTANDI (enzalutamide) is indicated in the U.S. for the treatment of patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer (mCSPC) and nonmetastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer (nmCSPC) with biochemical recurrence at high risk for metastasis (high-risk BCR). Warnings and Precautions Seizure occurred in 0.6% of patients receiving XTANDI in eight randomized clinical trials. In a study of patients with predisposing factors for seizure, 2.2% of XTANDI-treated patients experienced a seizure. It is unknown whether anti-epileptic medications will prevent seizures with XTANDI. Patients in the study had one or more of the following predisposing factors: use of medications that may lower the seizure threshold, history of traumatic brain or head injury, history of cerebrovascular accident or transient ischemic attack, and Alzheimer's disease, meningioma, or leptomeningeal disease from prostate cancer, unexplained loss of consciousness within the last 12 months, history of seizure, presence of a space occupying lesion of the brain, history of arteriovenous malformation, or history of brain infection. Advise patients of the risk of developing a seizure while taking XTANDI and of engaging in any activity where sudden loss of consciousness could cause serious harm to themselves or others. Permanently discontinue XTANDI in patients who develop a seizure during treatment. Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES) There have been reports of PRES in patients receiving XTANDI. PRES is a neurological disorder that can present with rapidly evolving symptoms including seizure, headache, lethargy, confusion, blindness, and other visual and neurological disturbances, with or without associated hypertension. A diagnosis of PRES requires confirmation by brain imaging, preferably MRI. Discontinue XTANDI in patients who develop PRES. Hypersensitivity reactions, including edema of the face (0.5%), tongue (0.1%), or lip (0.1%) have been observed with XTANDI in eight randomized clinical trials. Pharyngeal edema has been reported in post-marketing cases. Advise patients who experience any symptoms of hypersensitivity to temporarily discontinue XTANDI and promptly seek medical care. Permanently discontinue XTANDI for serious hypersensitivity reactions. Ischemic Heart Disease In the combined data of five randomized, placebo-controlled clinical studies, ischemic heart disease occurred more commonly in patients on the XTANDI arm compared to patients on the placebo arm (3.5% vs 2%). Grade 3-4 ischemic events occurred in 1.8% of patients on XTANDI versus 1.1% on placebo. Ischemic events led to death in 0.4% of patients on XTANDI compared to 0.1% on placebo. Monitor for signs and symptoms of ischemic heart disease. Optimize management of cardiovascular risk factors, such as hypertension, diabetes, or dyslipidemia. Discontinue XTANDI for Grade 3-4 ischemic heart disease. Falls and Fractures occurred in patients receiving XTANDI. Evaluate patients for fracture and fall risk. Monitor and manage patients at risk for fractures according to established treatment guidelines and consider use of bone-targeted agents. In the combined data of five randomized, placebo-controlled clinical studies, falls occurred in 12% of patients treated with XTANDI compared to 6% of patients treated with placebo. Fractures occurred in 13% of patients treated with XTANDI and in 6% of patients treated with placebo. Embryo-Fetal Toxicity The safety and efficacy of XTANDI have not been established in females. XTANDI can cause fetal harm and loss of pregnancy when administered to a pregnant female. Advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with XTANDI and for 3 months after the last dose of XTANDI. Adverse Reactions (ARs) In the data from the five randomized placebo-controlled trials, the most common ARs ( 10%) that occurred more frequently ( 2% over placebo) in XTANDI-treated patients were musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, hot flush, constipation, decreased appetite, diarrhea, hypertension, hemorrhage, fall, fracture, and headache. In the bicalutamide-controlled study, the most common ARs ( 10%) reported in XTANDI-treated patients were asthenia/fatigue, back pain, musculoskeletal pain, hot flush, hypertension, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, upper respiratory tract infection, and weight loss. In AFFIRM, the placebo-controlled study of metastatic CRPC (mCRPC) patients who previously received docetaxel, Grade 3 and higher ARs were reported among 47% of XTANDI-treated patients. Discontinuations due to ARs were reported for 16% of XTANDI-treated patients. In PREVAIL, the placebo-controlled study of chemotherapy-naive mCRPC patients, Grade 3-4 ARs were reported in 44% of XTANDI patients and 37% of placebo patients. Discontinuations due to ARs were reported for 6% of XTANDI-treated patients. In TERRAIN, the bicalutamide-controlled study of chemotherapy-naive mCRPC patients, Grade 3-4 ARs were reported in 39% of XTANDI patients and 38% of bicalutamide patients. Discontinuations with an AR as the primary reason were reported for 8% of XTANDI patients and 6% of bicalutamide patients. In PROSPER, the placebo-controlled study of nonmetastatic CRPC (nmCRPC) patients, Grade 3 or higher ARs were reported in 31% of XTANDI patients and 23% of placebo patients. Discontinuations with an AR as the primary reason were reported for 9% of XTANDI patients and 6% of placebo patients. In ARCHES, the placebo-controlled study of metastatic CSPC (mCSPC) patients, Grade 3 or higher ARs were reported in 24% of XTANDI-treated patients. Permanent discontinuation due to ARs as the primary reason was reported in 5% of XTANDI patients and 4% of placebo patients. In EMBARK, the placebo-controlled study of nonmetastatic CSPC (nmCSPC) with high-risk biochemical recurrence (BCR) patients, Grade 3 or higher adverse reactions during the total duration of treatment were reported in 46% of patients treated with XTANDI plus leuprolide, 50% of patients receiving XTANDI as a single agent, and 43% of patients receiving placebo plus leuprolide. Permanent treatment discontinuation due to adverse reactions during the total duration of treatment as the primary reason was reported in 21% of patients treated with XTANDI plus leuprolide, 18% of patients receiving XTANDI as a single agent, and 10% of patients receiving placebo plus leuprolide. Lab Abnormalities: Lab abnormalities that occurred in 5% of patients, and more frequently (> 2%) in the XTANDI arm compared to placebo in the pooled, randomized, placebo-controlled studies are hemoglobin decrease, neutrophil count decreased, white blood cell decreased, hyperglycemia, hypermagnesemia, hyponatremia, hyperphosphatemia, and hypercalcemia. Hypertension: In the combined data from five randomized placebo-controlled clinical trials, hypertension was reported in 14.2% of XTANDI patients and 7.4% of placebo patients. Hypertension led to study discontinuation in Drug Interactions Effect of Other Drugs on XTANDI Avoid coadministration with strong CYP2C8 inhibitors. If coadministration cannot be avoided, reduce the dosage of XTANDI. Avoid coadministration with strong CYP3A4 inducers. If coadministration cannot be avoided, increase the dosage of XTANDI. Effect of XTANDI on Other Drugs Avoid coadministration with certain CYP3A4, CYP2C9, and CYP2C19 substrates for which minimal decrease in concentration may lead to therapeutic failure of the substrate. If coadministration cannot be avoided, increase the dosage of these substrates in accordance with their Prescribing Information. In cases where active metabolites are formed, there may be increased exposure to the active metabolites. Please see Full Prescribing Information for additional safety information. About Astellas Astellas Pharma Inc. is a pharmaceutical company conducting business in more than 70 countries around the world. We are promoting the Focus Area Approach that is designed to identify opportunities for the continuous creation of new drugs to address diseases with high unmet medical needs by focusing on Biology and Modality. Furthermore, we are also looking beyond our foundational Rx focus to create Rx+ healthcare solutions that combine our expertise and knowledge with cutting-edge technology in different fields of external partners. Through these efforts, Astellas stands on the forefront of healthcare change to turn innovative science into VALUE for patients. For more information, please visit our website at https://www.astellas.com/en. About Pfizer Oncology At Pfizer Oncology, we are committed to advancing medicines wherever we believe we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of people living with cancer. Today, we have an industry-leading portfolio of 24 approved innovative cancer medicines and biosimilars across more than 30 indications, including breast, genitourinary, colorectal, blood and lung cancers, as well as melanoma. About the Pfizer/Astellas Collaboration In October 2009 , Medivation, Inc., which is now part of Pfizer (NYSE: PFE), and Astellas (TSE: 4503) entered into a commercial agreement to jointly develop and commercialize XTANDI (enzalutamide) in the United States , while Astellas has responsibility for manufacturing and all additional regulatory filings globally, as well as commercializing the product outside the United States . Pfizer receives alliance revenues as a share of U.S. profits and receives royalties on sales outside the U.S. Astellas Forward-Looking Statement In this press release, statements made with respect to current plans, estimates, strategies and beliefs and other statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements about the future performance of Astellas. These statements are based on management's current assumptions and beliefs in light of the information currently available to it and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: (i) changes in general economic conditions and in laws and regulations, relating to pharmaceutical markets, (ii) currency exchange rate fluctuations, (iii) delays in new product launches, (iv) the inability of Astellas to market existing and new products effectively, (v) the inability of Astellas to continue to effectively research and develop products accepted by customers in highly competitive markets, and (vi) infringements of Astellas' intellectual property rights by third parties. Information about pharmaceutical products (including products currently in development), which is included in this press release is not intended to constitute an advertisement or medical advice. Pfizer Disclosure Notice The information contained in this release is as of November 16, 2023 . Pfizer assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements contained in this release as the result of new information or future events or developments. This release contains forward-looking information about XTANDI (enzalutamide) and a new indication in the U.S. for the treatment of patients with nonmetastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer with biochemical recurrence at high risk for metastasis (high-risk BCR), including their potential benefits, that involves substantial risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Risks and uncertainties include, among other things, uncertainties regarding the commercial success of XTANDI; the uncertainties inherent in research and development, including the ability to meet anticipated clinical endpoints, commencement and/or completion dates for clinical trials, regulatory submission dates, regulatory approval dates and/or launch dates, as well as the possibility of unfavorable new clinical data and further analyses of existing clinical data; whether the EMBARK trial will meet the secondary endpoint of overall survival; the risk that clinical trial data are subject to differing interpretations and assessments by regulatory authorities; whether regulatory authorities will be satisfied with the design of and results from the clinical studies; whether and when drug applications for XTANDI may be filed in other jurisdictions; whether and when regulatory authorities in any jurisdictions may approve any such applications that may be pending or filed for XTANDI (including the application pending with the European Medicines Agency), which will depend on a myriad of factors, including making a determination as to whether the product's benefits outweigh its known risks and determination of the product's efficacy and, if approved, whether XTANDI for any potential indication will be commercially successful; decisions by regulatory authorities impacting labeling, manufacturing processes, safety, and/or other matters that could affect the availability or commercial potential of XTANDI, including for the new indication; dependence on the efforts and funding by Astellas Pharma Inc. for the development, manufacturing and commercialization of XTANDI; uncertainties regarding the impact of COVID-19 on Pfizer's business, operations and financial results; and competitive developments. A further description of risks and uncertainties can be found in Pfizer's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 and in its subsequent reports on Form 10-Q, including in the sections thereof captioned "Risk Factors" and "Forward-Looking Information and Factors That May Affect Future Results", as well as in its subsequent reports on Form 8-K, all of which are filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and available at www.sec.gov and www.pfizer.com. *leuprolide 1 Ward JF, Moul JW. Rising prostate-specific antigen after primary prostate cancer therapy. Nat Clin Pract Urol. 2005 Apr;2(4):174-82. doi: 10.1038/ncpuro0145. PMID: 16474760. 2 Antonarakis, Emmanuel S et al. "The natural history of metastatic progression in men with prostate-specific antigen recurrence after radical prostatectomy: long-term follow-up." BJU international vol. 109,1 (2012): 32-9. doi:10.1111/j.1464-410X.2011.10422. 3Cancer.net. Prostate Cancer: Types of Treatment (12-2022). https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/prostate-cancer/types-treatment. Accessed March 16, 2023 . 4American Society of Clinical Oncology. ASCO Answers: Prostate Cancer (2021). http://www.cancer.net/sites/cancer.net/files/asco_answers_guide_prostate.pdf. Accessed March 16, 2023 . 5 Paller, Channing J et al. "Management of patients with biochemical recurrence after local therapy for prostate cancer." Hematology/oncology clinics of North America vol. 27,6 (2013): 1205-19, viii. doi:10.1016/j.hoc.2013.08.005 6 Astellas. Data on File. XTANDI patient. January 2023 . View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pfizer-and-astellas-xtandi-approved-by-us-fda-in-earlier-prostate-cancer-treatment-setting-301991574.html SOURCE Astellas Pharma Inc. SAN FRANCISCO , Nov. 16, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Schubert Jonckheer & Kolbe LLP is investigating a data breach impacting the sensitive personal and health information of 2.2 million patients of McLaren Health Care, a Michigan -based healthcare provider. According to the company, an unauthorized party gained access to McLaren's computer systems between July 28 and August 23, 2023 . On October 3, 2023 , a cybercriminal ransomware group known as Alphv/BlackCat claimed credit for the data breach and boasted that it had stolen over 6 terabytes of data. The company recently informed patients that the following personal and health information may have been stolen in the breach: names; Social Security numbers; health insurance information; dates of birth; and medical information, including billing or claims information, diagnosis, physician information, medical record numbers, Medicare/Medicaid information, prescription/medication information, and diagnostic and treatment information. Although the breach occurred over three months ago, McLaren only began notifying impacted patients on or around November 9, 2023 , which may have violated state and federal laws. If your personal information was impacted by this incident, you may be at risk of identity theft and our serious violations of your privacy. As a result, you may be entitled to money damages and an injunction requiring changes to McLaren's cybersecurity practices. If you received notification of this data breach or are a patient of McLaren Health Care and wish to obtain additional information about your legal rights, please contact us today or visit our website at https://www.classactionlawyers.com/mclaren. About Schubert Jonckheer & Kolbe LLP Schubert Jonckheer & Kolbe represents shareholders, employees, and consumers in class actions against corporate defendants, as well as shareholders in derivative actions against their officers and directors. The firm is based in San Francisco , and with the help of co-counsel, litigates cases nationwide. Contact Amber L. Schubert Schubert Jonckheer & Kolbe LLP [email protected] Tel: 415-788-4220 SOURCE: Schubert Jonckheer & Kolbe LLP View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/privacy-alert-mclaren-health-care-under-investigation-for-data-breach-of-2-2-million-patient-records-301991404.html SOURCE Schubert Jonckheer & Kolbe LLP SHENZHEN, China , Nov. 16, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Celebrating a remarkable journey of recognition by the clients and the global IP community, PurpleVine IP Group proudly marks its 5th Anniversary as a trailblazer in the industry. Since its founding in 2018 in China , PurpleVine has evolved into a premier IP service provider with a network of 10 offices and more than 400 employees globally. PurpleVine stands out by providing one-stop and cross-border IP services, including prosecution, IP consultancy, IP transactions, licensing, enforcement, and dispute resolution. The 5th-anniversary tagline, 'Growing Upwards,' reflects PurpleVine's commitment to continuous growth and evolution. Over the past five years, PurpleVine has accomplished an extraordinary tenfold increase in patent prosecution volume, surpassing a milestone of over 15,000 patent applications annually. The team has achieved remarkable success in cross-border litigations for leading technology and renewable energy clients, showcasing PurpleVine's unique existence. Reflecting on the significant strides made in half a decade, PurpleVine's founder and CEO, Victor Yang , shared his thoughts on the company's journey. "PurpleVine has proliferated in the past five years, especially with the recent opening of representative offices in Switzerland and the U.S. As China becomes one of the largest IP hubs globally, we are dedicated to acting as a bridge to assist Chinese and foreign clients in protecting and monetizing their IP in China and the world. Looking ahead, we remain unwavering in our dedication to providing best-in-class IP solutions to clients domestically and abroad and continuing to prosper with our clients." For more information, watch our 5th Anniversary video: Growing Upwards Video or visit PurpleVine's Website: https://www.purplevineip.com/en/ View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/purplevine-celebrates-five-years-of-growth-and-innovation-301991509.html SOURCE PURPLEVINE IP ATLANTA , Nov. 16, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Andersen Corporation, America's premier window and door manufacturer, announces that construction has begun on the new Renewal by Andersen manufacturing and distribution facility in Locust Grove, Georgia . Renewal by Andersen is the full-service window replacement division of Andersen Corporation, which manufactures, sells and installs an exclusive replacement window solution to customers across North America . On November 15 , the company celebrated this strategic investment in its fast-growing replacement business with a ceremonial groundbreaking. The teams from Andersen and Renewal by Andersen were joined by Locust Grove Mayor Robert Price , Henry County Chair Carlotta Harrell and other state and local dignitaries to commemorate the occasion. "We are thrilled to be investing in a facility that will help us meet homeowner demand for our Renewal by Andersen products and expand our footprint further into the southeast," said Chris Galvin , Andersen Corporation president and chief executive officer. "Here in Locust Grove , Renewal by Andersen is building both a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility and a place where individuals across a wide range of skillsets will be able to build meaningful careers. We are grateful for the support and warm welcome from the State of Georgia , Henry County , and the City of Locust Grove , and we look forward to growing in this community." Andersen Corporation is one of the largest window and door manufacturers in North America , and along with its subsidiaries, operates more than 20 manufacturing and distribution facilities, with an industry-leading portfolio of window and door products serving customers across the new residential, light commercial, home improvement and remodeling segments. Renewal by Andersen plans to invest more than $420 million in this new facility. Construction of the 638,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility is expected to be completed in late 2024, with operations expected to begin in 2025. When running at full capacity, the facility will employ approximately 900 team members. The products to be manufactured at the facility in Locust Grove will use Andersen's unique Fibrex material. Fibrex material is a high-quality, long-lasting engineered composite that garnered more than 25 United States patents over time and has become a different and better material used in numerous Andersen and Renewal by Andersen product lines. The material contains a blend of wood fiber, mostly reclaimed from Andersen manufacturing processes, and thermoplastic polymer, some of which is also reclaimed. The new Renewal by Andersen facility is being built at The Cubes at Locust Grove , and will be its first manufacturing facility in Georgia , joining an Andersen Logistics distribution center located in Douglasville and an Andersen Windows, Inc. office in Marietta . The facility will initially support Renewal by Andersen, with capacity to expand in future years to support additional Andersen enterprise product lines. "The City of Locust Grove is excited to see the progress so far for this outstanding project by Renewal by Andersen with today's groundbreaking," said Locust Grove Mayor Robert Price . "We are thrilled to be the home to this new manufacturing plant which is bringing good-paying advanced manufacturing jobs to our community. Furthermore, the project is providing the City and County with an improved Price Drive for better mobility throughout our region and giving focused access to the future Bethlehem Interchange at I-75 ." The facility is being built by Clayco. "Much like Andersen, at Clayco we are dedicated to creating a better product and experience for our customers. It's not just about the structures we build, but it's about the people inside and the purpose they create within the space," said Anthony Johnson , President of Clayco's Industrial Business Unit. "That is why we are privileged to partner with Renewal by Andersen to create this facility, which represents a landmark in economic development for this community along with the state of Georgia , and will provide products creating homes and communities across the country." At the groundbreaking ceremony, Andersen reinforced its commitment to investing in the communities where it operates with a $25,000 donation to Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity. The company also committed to donating windows for Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity's home builds in 2024, furthering its commitment to supporting affordable housing and helping more families achieve their dream of stable homeownership. Renewal by Andersen will be hiring team members for its new facility throughout 2024 and 2025 in a wide variety of roles, with a focus on engineering, supply chain and manufacturing positions. Interested applicants can view current job openings here or sign up to learn more about a career at Andersen and future opportunities on the company's site. Andersen offers highly competitive wages, profit sharing, an inclusive workplace, paid parental leave and more. About Andersen Corporation Headquartered in Bayport , Minnesota , Andersen Corporation and its subsidiaries manufacture and market window and door products under the Andersen, Renewal by Andersen, EMCO, and MQ brands. Andersen, a privately held company, operates manufacturing sites across North America and Europe. Andersen has earned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's 2023 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year Sustained Excellence Award. Learn more at andersenwindows.com. About Renewal by Andersen Renewal by Andersen LLC is the full-service window replacement division of Andersen Corporation. Renewal by Andersen offers a replacement process that includes an in-home consultation, custom manufacturing, and installation through one of the largest nationwide networks of window replacement specialists. Learn more about Renewal by Andersen at renewalbyandersen.com. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/renewal-by-andersen-begins-construction-on-its-new-manufacturing-facility-in-locust-grove-georgia-301991448.html SOURCE Andersen Corporation Industry Legends Eric Sprott , Wes Christian David Wenger to Join Save Canadian Mining Podcast TORONTO , Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - In response to multiple developments around the world and dire actions here at home, Save Canadian Mining is making an urgent appeal. If you are an investor in any Canadian mining stocks or a Canadian mining executive then you need to join us for this session on Black Friday, November 24th , at 10:00 am EST . Why Should You Attend? We Are Losing A Lot Of Money! It's Time to Stop Losing and Start Winning! The TSXV is trading at all time non-pandemic lows despite robust commodity markets. This is not a normal cyclical market cycle. This is very different. World leaders are finally recognizing the real root of the crisis. On Nov 5 th South Korea banned short selling. Their leadership cited concerns about increasing market volatility and illegal short-selling practices undermining market stability. This follows the September 29 th ruling in Harrington Global Opportunity Fund Ltd. V CIBC World Markets Inc et al. As a result, Broker-Dealers can be held primarily liable for failing to fulfill their "Gatekeeping Responsibilities" of monitoring their client's trading actions. This case about spoofing and abusive naked short selling is reverberating in brokerage compliance offices around the world. The world is changing and now is the time for Canadian markets to deal with this problem. A problem that is costing Canadian investors billions of dollars! The Math From our Save Canadian Mining Research: What Can We Do? Investors. First, attend the session (or listen to the recording) to get educated and secure access to information about the problem. Second, email or call the executives of companies you have invested in and urge them to attend and get educated. Third, urge your companies to attend exclusive small round table CEO sessions with Save Canadian Mining head Terry Lynch on Black Friday and learn why now is the time to press the case and to save our industry. on Black Friday and learn why now is the time to press the case and to save our industry. Fourth, email or call your local provincial legislative member and demand that Government get their securities commissions to force regulator CIRO to audit the naked short problem going on in the mining sector (more specific details will be forthcoming during the event). to audit the naked short problem going on in the mining sector (more specific details will be forthcoming during the event). Fifth, post this event on social media with the hashtag #BlackFriday-SaveCanadianMining. What Can We Do? Companies. First, attend the session (or listen to the recording) to get educated and secure access to information about the problem. Second, attend exclusive small round table CEO sessions with Save Canadian Mining head Terry Lynch on Black Friday, and learn why now is the time to press the case to save our industry. on Black Friday, and learn why now is the time to press the case to save our industry. Third, email or call your local provincial legislative member and demand that Government get their securities commissions to force regulator CIRO to audit the naked short problem going on in the mining sector (more specific details will be forthcoming during the event). to audit the naked short problem going on in the mining sector (more specific details will be forthcoming during the event). Fourth, post this event on social media with the hashtag #BlackFriday-SaveCanadianMining. Fifth, publicize this event to your shareholders, explain why shares are down and offer hope and opportunity! Draft press releases will be available to help. The Content There will be two events. The main event and the exclusive CEO round tables. Main Event - Black Friday Short Selling Emergency Session Update On Current Situation Terry Lynch TSXV State South Korea Ban on Short Selling Harrington Global v CIBC Power Nickel Investor Perspective- Eric Sprott Legal Perspective Wes Christian Data Perspective David Wenger Round Table Next Steps Time to get and stay active Time to demand change- enough with the excuses Time to take legal action? CEO Event Mining CEOs are encouraged to contact Terry Lynch at [email protected] to attend one of the six scheduled events. We would expect 5-10 per sessions. The sessions can be private zoom sessions or public its entirely up to the CEO. Our view is every CEO should be free to speak to his peers about their problems in this respect and to educate their shareholders. The message in these sessions is not doom and gloom. It's time for a turn around. Time for our sector to shine. Time for our shareholders to be rewarded. We need to get loud and demand our political leaders wake up and force regulators to do their job or indeed change the regulatory system all together. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/save-canadian-mining-announces-black-friday-short-selling-emergency-session-301991705.html SOURCE Save Canadian Mining Inaugural award honors Union Pacific customers and suppliers for innovative sustainability initiatives, cites WSP for sustainability principles and helping clients achieve low-carbon goals. OMAHA, Neb. , Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - Union Pacific Railroad honored a dozen customers and suppliers with its first-ever Sustainability Partner Award, including WSP, a leading engineering, environment and professional services consultancy. "Union Pacific's recognition confirms that when it comes to environmental and social stewardship, WSP is on the right track," said Jay Aber , transportation vice president and national Future Ready program lead at WSP. "Addressing sustainability, resiliency, and social equity challenges is at the core of WSP's corporate strategy. Our Future Ready approach helps prepare our clients like Union Pacific for a changing world and to create a more equitable, inclusive, and net zero future." The awards were announced during a Nov. 14 ceremony at the Union Pacific Center in Omaha and were open to all Union Pacific customers and suppliers. Union Pacific evaluated each company's application and based the awards on each company's sustainability efforts, as well as the company's track record of engaging and collaborating with key stakeholders. Aber and Eric Matzner , WSP vice president and program director for site assessment and remediation, accepted the award for the firm. "These companies share Union Pacific's drive and commitment to finding sustainable ways of doing business that positively impacts our communities, employees and customers, while building a more sustainable tomorrow," said Beth Whited , Union Pacific president. Key examples of WSP's sustainability work include a net-zero emissions plan for the California High Speed Rail Program, which earned an Envision Platinum Certification; and a Climate Action Plan with the city of Chicago that aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent by 2050. WSP is collaborating with its own suppliers on sustainability. WSP developed a Low-Carbon Supplier Engagement Plan to engage suppliers to commit to a level of climate ambition aligned with WSP, which involves setting science-based targets and committing to using 100 percent renewable electricity by 2030. Union Pacific is a Class I freight-hauling railroad operating in 23 western states, connecting its customers and communities to the global economy. About WSP in the U.S. WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering, environment and professional services firms. Recognized on Fast Company's Brands that Matter List for 2022 as a top Community-Minded Business, WSP in the U.S. brings together engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals who are dedicated to collaborate in the best interests of serving local communities. WSP designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With approximately 16,000 employees in 300 offices across the U.S. , WSP partners with its clients to help communities prosper. wsp.com View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/union-pacific-recognizes-wsp-with-2023-sustainability-partner-award-301991582.html SOURCE wsp usa HENDERSON, Nev , Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- VolitionRx Limited (NYSE AMERICAN: VNRX) ("Volition"), a multi-national epigenetics company, is presenting at the 5th Annual Congress of Liquid Biopsy being held in Madrid, Spain . Lea Payen-Gay , Professor in Toxicology and Biochemistry, University of Lyon I Hospices Civils de Lyon, France and Dr. Jake Micallef , Chief Scientific Officer, Volition will present a one-hour session entitled "An Introduction to circulating nucleoproteins" on Monday November 20, 2023 . Dr. Jake Micallef , Chief Scientific Officer at Volition, said: "We recently unveiled what we believe to be an entirely new cancer detection method1. This data has generated significant interest from large diagnostic and liquid biopsy companies alike. We are delighted to be presenting at the International Liquid Biopsy Society's Congress and furthering these discussions." In early-stage cancer, it is difficult to detect cancer-derived circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in the blood because it may comprise as little as 0.01% of the DNA present among a background of 99.99% normal DNA. Moreover, most of the cancer DNA has exactly the same sequence as normal DNA. As physical separation of tumor-derived and healthy circulating DNA has never before been achieved, current ctDNA detection methods involve DNA extraction, sequencing of all (cancer and normal) circulating DNA then analysis of the sequencing data using sophisticated computer bioinformatics, to tell them apart. Volition has developed a novel method for liquid biopsy involving the first reported physical isolation of a class of tumor-derived ctDNA fragments from blood. Cancer-derived ctDNA fragments are then extracted after removal of all normal background DNA of the same sequence for detection with a simple, low cost PCR test. Volition's proof of concept data1, demonstrates the isolation of tumor-derived ctDNA fragments from plasma. Volition tested the new method in a first small clinical experiment and detected a range of liquid and other cancers, including at early stage I disease. For example, 74% of leukemias were detected at 96% specificity and 77% of colorectal cancers were detected at 92% specificity with 2-qPCR assays. Notes: 1. 'A novel immunoprecipitation/PCR method for detection of plasma cfDNA fragments selectively occupied by CTCF in cancer.' D Pamart et al. ESMO 2023 About Volition Volition is a multi-national epigenetics company focused on advancing the science of epigenetics. Volition is dedicated to saving lives and improving outcomes for people and animals with life-altering diseases through earlier detection, as well as disease and treatment monitoring. Through its subsidiaries, Volition is developing and commercializing simple, easy to use, cost-effective blood tests to help diagnose and monitor a range of diseases, including some cancers and diseases associated with NETosis, such as sepsis. Early diagnosis and monitoring have the potential to not only prolong the life of patients, but also improve their quality of life. Volition's research and development activities are centered in Belgium , with an innovation laboratory and office in the U.S. and additional offices in London and Singapore . The contents found at Volition's website address are not incorporated by reference into this document and should not be considered part of this document. Such website address is included in this document as an inactive textual reference only. Media Enquiries: Louise Batchelor / Debra Daglish Volition [email protected] +44 (0)7557 774620 Safe Harbor Statement Statements in this press release may be "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 concern matters that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated or projected in the forward-looking statements. Words such as "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "aims," "targets," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," "optimizing," "potential," "goal," "suggests," "could," "would," "should," "may," "will" and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements relate to, among other topics, Volition's estimated market opportunity, the effectiveness of Volition's blood-based diagnostic, prognostic and disease monitoring tests, and Volition's ability to develop and successfully commercialize such test platforms for early detection of cancer and other diseases as well as serving as a diagnostic, prognostic or disease monitoring tools for such diseases. Volition's actual results may differ materially from those indicated in these forward-looking statements due to numerous risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, results of studies testing the efficacy of its tests. For instance, if Volition fails to develop and commercialize diagnostic, prognostic or disease monitoring products, it may be unable to execute its plan of operations. Other risks and uncertainties include Volition's failure to obtain necessary regulatory clearances or approvals to distribute and market future products; a failure by the marketplace to accept the products in Volition's development pipeline or any other diagnostic, prognostic or disease monitoring products Volition might develop; Volition's failure to secure adequate intellectual property protection; Volition will face fierce competition and Volition's intended products may become obsolete due to the highly competitive nature of the diagnostics and disease monitoring market and its rapid technological change; downturns in domestic and foreign economies; and other risks identified in Volition's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, as well as other documents that Volition files with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about Volition's business based, in part, on assumptions made by management. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this release, and, except as required by law, Volition does not undertake an obligation to update its forward-looking statements to reflect future events or circumstances. Nucleosomics and Nu.Q and their respective logos are trademarks and/or service marks of VolitionRx Limited and its subsidiaries. All other trademarks, service marks and trade names referred to in this press release are the property of their respective owners. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/volition-presents-at-the-5th-annual-congress-of-the-international-liquid-biopsy-society-301992254.html By Anna Koper WARSAW (Reuters) -Abris Capital Partners investment fund is mulling a sale of private healthcare provider Scanmed Group, with Polish cardiovascular care company American Heart of Poland being the most likely buyer, sources familiar with the process told Reuters. The Polish private healthcare sector is attracting investors as Poles' expenditures on health are growing rapidly. In 2022, expenditures on private healthcare grew by over 10% to almost 52 billion zlotys ($12.94 billion). "Abris is preparing to put Scanmed on sale with American Heart of Poland being the most obvious buyer," one source told Reuters on condition of anonymity. Another source confirmed the information, adding the company could be valued even at 350 million euros ($380.63 million). A third person said Abris expects a very high valuation without giving a specific figure. Abris bought Scanmed in 2020 from Life Healthcare Group Holdings with the company valued at 340 million zlotys. If the deal goes through, it will be another example of a merger in the Polish private healthcare sector after Italy's Gruppo San Donato agreed to buy a majority stake in American Heart of Poland, valuing the company at more than 500 million euros($544.35 million). Abris declined to comment, while American Heart of Poland described itself as "an entity actively consolidating the medical care market in Poland". "As part of our strategic options, we consider organic growth opportunities as well as mergers and acquisitions. We are currently analysing all development opportunities that may increase the group's potential," it said in an e-mailed statement. Scanmed runs medical and cardiology centres as well as three multi-specialist hospitals in almost 40 locations across Poland. The group had a net loss of 13.9 million zlotys on revenue of 615.6 million zlotys in the 15 months ended on December 2022, compared to a net loss of 12.3 million zlotys and 410.5 million zlotys in revenue in the 12 months ended in September 2021. ($1 = 4.0199 zlotys) ($1 = 0.9195 euros) (Reportin by Anna Koper; Editing by Bill Berkrot and Cynthia Osterman) I will die of a gunshot, but not of hunger, Fayza says as she separates the olives from the leaves, sitting on the ground. The 62-year-old has been harvesting olives in the West Bank village of Salfit, the largest olive oil producing area in Palestine, since she was a child. Fayza and nine other members of her family are the only people from the surrounding area working in the olive groves at the height of harvesting season. It also appears that they will be the last. Since October 7, when Hamas launched an incursion into Israel, leaving 1,200 people dead, attacks on farmers have multiplied throughout the West Bank, preventing Palestinians from accessing their land and even being killed if they get too close to their fields. In Salfit there have been no deaths, but there has been harassment and theft of produce. Jamal Mustafa Abu Salime, owner of an olive grove, considers himself lucky. He can at least cultivate this field, one of the five he owns. He has already given up trying to work the others some 200 hectares in Area C, controlled exclusively by Israel scattered in the vicinity of the city, due to harassment by settlers from Rosh, a nearby Israeli settlement. At the end of October, he made one last attempt, arriving earlier than usual, at 4 a.m., to avoid confrontation. But it didnt work. As soon as the 12 workers in his crew began unloading tools, a drone flew over them at close range. They fled. If you see the drone, keep your heads down, he warns, pointing in the direction of the settlement. He also says that they are frequently targeted with laser lights, but that doesnt worry him. The settlement is not visible from the olive grove, some 700 meters away. That is why they have been able to go to work for four days. Even so, on November 6, they brought in more machines to speed up the process. Its only a matter of time before they come after us too, so we have to work fast, says one of the workers, Mohamed Saed Al Hasan. He says that when the attacks started in other fields the family got together and decided not to put themselves at risk by coming to collect the harvest, but after a few days his father changed his mind. There are 12 of us in the family and we cant give up the $2,000 we get from the oil, he explains. The landowner does not pay them a salary, but shares a percentage of the profit, and for them it is their only income. The settlers are trying to take away the food we put on the table so they can then take our land, he says. Mohamed Saed Al Hasan picks olives in a field in Salfit, West Bank, on November 6. Alvaro Garcia Fayza, however, refuses to work against the clock. Of course I fear for my life, but I dont plan to stay inside my house and close the door, which is what they are after. Every day when I come here and see that there has been another attack, I read verses from the Koran to protect us, because only Allah determines when it is time for us to die, she says. The woman casts her eyes skyward, jaded, when asked what harassment she has been subjected to. The day before, she says, six Israeli army soldiers cut them off as they left the camp heading home. They interrogated and searched them. It is still fresh in her mind how in neighboring land, at a higher altitude than this, just 12 days ago, the army came in with bulldozers to raze the crops. Or how practically every night brigades of soldiers enter the town to carry out raids and arrests. At the entrance to the olive grove are the remains of a Bedouin village, home to 40 people who fled in mid-October after the army destroyed their homes. All agree that the olive harvest in Salfit was proceeding relatively normally before October 7. Since the Israelis started attacking us, the Palestinian National Authority has done nothing. We are alone in this, says Salime. In other areas of the West Bank, coexistence before the Hamas attack was rarely placid. In places like Qusra, southwest of Nablus, olive growers had to tell the Israeli army that they wanted to harvest their land and they would tell them when to do so: it was the soldiers who protected them from the settlers. But with the outbreak of the war, the army has not only stopped doing so but has joined in the attacks, according to the mayor, Mohamed Jabe. As a result, no one in Qusra has been able to harvest a single olive. Jamal Mustafa Abu Salime walks through his olive groves in Salfit. Alvaro Garcia Pawc Fayza, an olive grower in Salfit. Alvaro Garcia Workers during the olive harvest, November 6. Alvaro Garcia The olive harvest in Salfit, West Bank. Alvaro Garcia No difference between settlers and soldiers That turning point has also been felt in Salfit. Fayza says they were accustomed to fearing the Rosh settlers, but now they are no longer even sure when the attacks come from them or from the army. The ones in the settlement dress in military clothes; I try to tell them apart by the kippah, she says. Salime explains that the situation has worsened in the last two years, since the settlement was established. Rosh is small, belonging to a single family engaged in sheep farming. It is not possible that a family of 10 or 15 members is responsible for us not being able to harvest hectares and hectares of olive trees. They are not [acting] alone, he protests. It is unusual to see a group of hurried workers thinning the olive trees with the deafening noise of the machines at midday. There has been an increase of cases like that of Basel Al Arid, a 52-year-old farmer who speaks to EL PAIS at his home, as he has not been able to go near the two fields he owns for weeks. He already assumes, disconsolately, that he has lost the harvest. The last time he tried to work his groves was a week earlier, around 10 a.m., when he loaded his material into the van. Then a neighbor from the next field called me and warned me that when he was harvesting, the settlers came and attacked him and his wife at gunpoint. They forced them to put all the equipment and fruit in the settlers truck, so now theyve lost that too, he says. He decided not to risk it. His land borders the territories illegally occupied by Rosh settlers, at a higher point than Salime's more vulnerable fields. He is unable to calculate the economic impact this situation will have on his family and workers. It is his only source of income. I have the permit to work in Israel, and I did that some time ago, but now I cant even get through, he explains. The Palestinians in Salfit cannot use the main road because it intersects with a bypass built for the Ariel settlement and the army prevents them from passing. Because of this, and the continuous border controls, the inhabitants of the area have been using secondary roads to reach the village for a month. But not their fields. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition (Reuters) - Thrasio Holdings, which acquires third-party sellers on Amazon, is preparing to file for bankruptcy as it grapples with a post-pandemic slump in online spending, the Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday. Thrasio has been advised by New York-based consulting firm AlixPartners in recent years and their retail turnaround professional Holly Etlin is currently working with the company, the report said, citing people familiar with the matter. The aggregator did not immediately respond to a Reuters' request for comment. In 2021, Thrasio said it had raised $1 billion in a funding round led by private equity firm Silver Lake, taking its total funding to $3.4 billion. The company has been working with law firm Kirkland & Ellis to explore restructuring options, the Journal had reported in September. (Reporting by Gursimran Kaur in Bengaluru; Editing by Subhranshu Sahu) FILE PHOTO: Smartphone with Amazon logo is seen in front of displayed Indian flag in this illustration taken, July 30, 2021. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo By Manoj Kumar NEW DELHI (Reuters) - Amazon is targeting merchandise exports worth $20 billion from India by 2025 by adding thousands of small sellers to its e-commerce platform, a company official said on Friday. "We are very encouraged by the number of entrepreneurs who signed up this year. We are looking to scale up," Bhupen Wakankar, director global trade, Amazon told Reuters on the sidelines of an industry event, referring to plans for exports. There was huge demand for "Made in India" organic health supplements, homeware like bath towels, jute rugs, and robotic games for children ahead of the Black Friday Cyber Monday sale, an 11-day shopping period from Friday, Wakankar said. Launched in 2015 with a handful of sellers, Amazon Global Trade, the business to consumers (B2C) exports platform of the e-commerce giant, is gaining traction in India. The company has added more than 100,000 small manufacturers to sell a wide range of products to overseas customers, he said. "Some of the sellers are first time exporters, including those who left their corporate jobs to start e-commerce exports," he said. Thousands of small exporters, who earlier lacked access to global markets, have seen 70% business growth annually through e-commerce platform, which provided logistics support and access to more than 200 million Amazon Prime members globally, he said. This comes as India's exports of goods declined 7% year-on-year during first seven months of this fiscal year. On the e-commerce platform, the highest growth was seen in categories like beauty, apparels, home, kitchen, furniture, and toys. Holidays such as Halloween, Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Christmas, and New Year were driving sales of Indian products in markets such as the United States, Britain, Canada, Australia and Germany. To encourage exporters, Wakankar said, Amazon had slashed the subscription fees for its global selling programme from $120 to $1 for the first three months for exporters signing up before March 31. (Reporting by Manoj Kumar; editing by Robert Birsel) WASHINGTON/DUBAI (Reuters) - One more U.S. servicemember suffered minor injuries on Friday during the latest wave of attacks against American forces in Syria and Iraq, two U.S. officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity. The United States has blamed Iran and militia groups it supports for the more than 60 attacks against U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria since mid-October as regional tensions soar over the Israel-Hamas war, which began on Oct. 7. At least 60 troops have suffered minor injuries, often traumatic brain injuries, since Oct. 17. All U.S. personnel who were wounded have returned to duty, officials say. On Friday alone, U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria were attacked three times, two American officials and Iraqi Kurdistan officials said. One of the officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said a drone attack in Tal Baydar in Syria injured the service member, who quickly returned to duty. Drones also attacked troops at two locations in Iraq that host U.S. troops, al-Harir air base and at al-Asad base, the official said, but did not cause any damage or casualties. Iraqi Kurdistan's counterterrorism service, in a statement, confirmed the drone attack on al-Harir. Thirty-two of the attacks against U.S. troops since Oct.7 have been in Syria, with the remainder in Iraq. The Pentagon has so far responded by carrying out three sets of strikes against facilities used by Iran and the forces it backs, though the retaliatory strikes so far have been limited to Syria and have not taken place in Iraq. (Reporting by Idrees Ali and Phil Stewart in Washington, Clauda Tanios and Timour Azhari in Dubai, Writing by Nayera Abdallah and Phil Stewart; Editing by Hugh Lawson and Jonathan Oatis) (Reuters) - U.S. President Joe Biden and Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani discussed the Hamas hostage situation and other developments in Gaza in a phone call on Friday, the leaders' offices said. "The two leaders discussed the urgent need for all hostages held by Hamas to be released without further delay," the White House said in a statement. "The leaders also discussed ongoing efforts to increase the flow of urgently needed humanitarian assistance into Gaza and Israels decision to resume fuel deliveries for life-saving aid." The White House said they agreed to remain in close touch on these issues. Hamas killed 1,200 people and took about 240 hostages in its Oct. 7 attack on Israel, which sparked an Israeli bombardment and ground invasion in Gaza in which more than 12,000 have been killed. Qatar has been working to negotiate a deal between Hamas and Israel on releasing some of the hostages. (Reporting by Yomna Ehab and Enas Alashray and Jasper Ward in Washington; Editing by Doina Chiacu, Louise Heavens and Cynthia Osterman) FILE PHOTO: First Story CEO Antonia Byatt speaks during a reception at Clarence House to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the First Story charity in London, Britain, July 11, 2023. Aaron Chown/Pool via REUTERS/File photo LONDON (Reuters) - Booker-prize winning British novelist Antonia Susan Byatt, known most commonly as A.S. Byatt, has died aged 87, her publisher said in a statement on Friday. Byatt, whose career spanned nearly 60 years, was best known for her 1990 novel "Possession: A Romance". She was the sister of the novelist Margaret Drabble, and the siblings drew parallels with the Brontes, a comparison they tended to spurn. Her publisher Chatto & Windus, part of Penguin Random House, described her as "one of the most significant writers and critics of our time". "She died peacefully at home surrounded by close family," it said in a statement. "Antonia had a remarkable mind which produced a unique creative vision." A mother of three daughters, Byatt was struck by tragedy when her only son Charles was killed crossing the road in the week of his 11th birthday. Byatt was born on August 24, 1936, in the northern English city of Sheffield and was educated at a Quaker school in nearby York. She studied at Cambridge and Oxford before going on to teach English and American Literature in London from 1972. Her first novel "Shadow of a Sun" was published in 1964, and told the story of a young girl growing up in the shadow of a dominant father. More works followed, some of them frantically written in university vacations. Byatt eventually gave up teaching to write full time in 1983. Seven years later came her breakthrough with Possession, which became a bestseller and won the coveted Booker Prize for Fiction the same year. The tale, an academic treasure hunt which pits a wicked U.S. biographer armed with a cheque book against a downtrodden English scholar, was seen by critics as a move away from the style of her earlier works to a more commercial approach. Possession was made into a feature film starring Gwyneth Paltrow and her next book, "Angels and Insects", also made it to the silver screen. Byatt won a number of awards and titles including a CBE (Commander of the British Empire) and DBE (Dame of the British Empire). She courted controversy in 2003 when she questioned adults reading the hugely successful Harry Potter books by JK Rowling. "Ms. Rowling's magic world has no place for the numinous. It is written for people whose imaginative lives are confined to TV cartoons, and the exaggerated ... mirror-worlds of soaps, reality TV and celebrity gossip," she wrote. (The story has been refiled to remove an incorrect picture) (Writing by Mike Collett-White and Kylie MacLellan; Editing by Gareth Jones) FILE PHOTO: A makeshift operating theater area is seen inside Al Shifa hospital during Israel's ground operation around the hospital, in Gaza City November 12, 2023. Ahmed El Mokhallalati/via REUTERS /File Photo By Abir Ahmar DUBAI (Reuters) - A doctor at the Gaza Strip's Al Shifa hospital said on Friday Israeli forces had "found nothing" during searches of the hospital complex, and that food and water were running out. Doctor Ahmed El Mokhallalati told Reuters by telephone that despite the "difficult" conditions at the hospital, no babies had died there since Israeli troops entered it on Wednesday. Israel says Hamas has a command centre underneath the hospital, an assertion the Palestinian militant group denies. Reuters has been unable to verify the situation at the hospital independently. "Its a totally terrifying situation, here the Israeli tanks and the Israeli troops have been moving within the hospital area, all over the hospital," said Mokhallalati, a surgeon born in Ireland who trained in Cairo and practiced in London. "The situation is totally difficult. They are shooting all the time, all the areas." The Israeli military said on Thursday it had uncovered a Hamas tunnel shaft and a vehicle with weapons at the Al Shifa hospital complex. It also made public videos and photographs to support its statement. Speaking in English, Mokhallalati said: "They have found nothing. They have found no single resistance. No single gunshot, against them within the hospital area." The hospital, packed with patients and displaced people and struggling to keep operating, has become a focus of global concern. Mokhallalati said the Israeli military had provided some supplies since entering the hospital but that it was insufficient. "What happened is that the people, we run out of food, we ran out of drinking water," Mokhallalati said. "And then, yesterday, they arranged some, just some food and water, which is very, very minimal, which doesn't cover, maybe 40% of the number of people around here." Dr Mohamed Tabasha, head of the paediatric department at Al Shifa, said on Monday three newborn babies had died as problems mounted at the hospital, and that the 36 remaining newborns were at risk. "As of yesterday they were 36, luckily no one has lost their lives," he said on Friday. (Reporting by Abir Al Ahmar, Writing by Timothy Heritage, Editing by Hugh Lawson and Andrew Heavens) FILE PHOTO: Dutch Defence Minister Kajsa Ollongren speaks to the media on the day of a NATO Defence Ministers' meeting at the Alliance's headquarters in Brussels, Belgium October 11, 2023. REUTERS/Johanna Geron/File photo AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - The Dutch government has earmarked an additional 2 billion euros ($2.2 billion) in military aid for Ukraine in 2024, in what Defence Minister Kajsa Ollongren on Friday said was a sign of unwavering support for Kyiv's war against Russia. It is part of a wider package the Netherlands will provide to Ukraine next year that includes an initial 102 million euros for reconstruction and humanitarian aid that will be increased during the year if needed. The latest package takes the total amount of Dutch support for Ukraine during the conflict to around 7.5 billion euros, Ollongren said. "What's most critical for me is that we'll be providing an additional 2 billion euros in military aid next year," Ollongren told Reuters. "This will safeguard our support for Ukraine and ensure continuity, which is critical for Ukraine," she said, referring to a Nov. 22 election in the Netherlands that will change the composition of the ruling government coalition. Support will be provided based on Kyiv's needs, Ollongren said, and may include advanced drone capabilities. Air defence, ammunition and air force support will remain a priority after the Dutch, Danish and other NATO allies established an F-16 training centre for Ukrainian pilots. ($1 = 0.9204 euros) (Reporting by Anthony Deutsch and Bart Meijer; Editing by Jason Neely and Gareth Jones) Members of Ecuador's National Assembly take part in a session, the first since President Guillermo Lasso dissolved the assembly, to elect a new head of the legislature, in Quito, Ecuador November 17, 2023. REUTERS/Karen Toro By Alexandra Valencia QUITO (Reuters) - Ecuador's National Assembly chose a conservative as its president on Friday as the new legislative period began, amid a deal between the parties of President-elect Daniel Noboa and ex-President Rafael Correa to form a majority. Businessman Henry Kronfle, 51, was elected with 128 votes from the legislature's 137 members. Nine abstained. The legislature was dissolved in May by outgoing President Guillermo Lasso to avoid his own likely impeachment, bringing forward legislative and presidential elections scheduled for 2025. The conservative Social Christian Party (PSC), Correa's Citizens' Revolution movement, and Noboa's National Democratic Action (ADN) had agreed to form a legislative majority of at least 85 votes. "Let's build a better country, beyond our parties and movements, in which we can deliver so many unfulfilled promises to the Ecuadorean people," said Kronfle, of the PSC, after assuming his role. The deal is part of "a great union to move the country forward," Noboa said on Wednesday, adding he will have zero tolerance for corruption or anyone blocking the government's projects. The coalition is meant to support Noboa's proposals, including plans to generate jobs, especially for young people, and tackle violence, ADN said in a statement this week. It will also be able to name the heads of key legislative committees. Analysts say the coalition could help Noboa ensure he is able to govern - unlike his predecessor Lasso - during his truncated term. "Noboa wants to have 18 months of relative calm by reaching these agreements with both political parties," said political analyst Alfredo Espinosa, adding Noboa recognizes he will not achieve anything without Correa's support. Correa's movement has 51 seats in the assembly. The Construye party of assassinated anti-corruption presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio, which has 18 seats, has said it will not join the coalition because of its opposition to Correa. Noboa, who won a runoff election in October to beat Correa's protege Luisa Gonzalez, will be sworn in next week. (Reporting by Alexandra Valencia; Writing by Oliver Griffin; Editing by Richard Chang) FILE PHOTO: Tidjane Thiam, when CEO of Swiss bank Credit Suisse, addresses the company's annual news conference in Zurich, Switzerland February 14, 2019. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann/File Photo ABIDJAN (Reuters) - The former chief executive of Credit Suisse, Tidjane Thiam, on Friday submitted his candidacy to lead one of Ivory Coast's main opposition parties, which could put him in the running for the 2025 presidential election. Thiam, 61, served as a minister under ex-president Henry Konan Bedie. He left the West African country after Bedie's ouster in a 1999 coup and worked for consultancy firm McKinsey, and insurers Aviva and Prudential, before his appointment as Credit Suisse CEO in 2015. Five years later, he resigned from the Swiss bank following a major spying scandal in which he denied any involvement. Thiam recently returned to Ivory Coast for the first time in almost 25 years to run in the leadership race of PDCI - the party of the country's first president, Felix Houphouet Boigny. "I am a candidate for the privilege of serving you," Thiam told a cheering crowd of PDCI members at party headquarters in the financial capital Abidjan. He will run against four other candidates in the Dec. 16 party elections. The winner has a high chance of becoming PDCI's candidate for the 2025 presidential vote. "Thiam is the only choice because only he can lead (PDCI) to victory in 2025," said finance worker Emmanuel Katie, 31, after his speech. The last presidential poll in 2020 ended an alliance between President Alassane Ouattara's RDR and Bedie's PDCI. Struck in 2005, it was meant to help heal political rifts that led to civil war three years earlier. Ouattara won a third term after an election that opposition parties largely boycotted and dismissed as illegal. Clashes in the run-up to the vote and on election day killed around 35 people. Ouattara, 81, has not yet stated his intentions for 2025. (Reporting by Ange Aboa; Editing by Sofia Christensen and Mark Potter) By Arpan Chaturvedi and Aditya Kalra NEW DELHI (Reuters) - Indian investigators are seeking to restart a probe into Adani Group for alleged overvaluation of coal imports and have asked the Supreme Court to allow them to collect evidence from Singapore, a step they say the company thwarted for years, legal documents show. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence since 2016 has been trying to procure transaction documents related to Adani's dealings from Singapore authorities. The agency suspects many of the group's coal shipments imported from Indonesian suppliers were first billed at higher prices on paper to its Singapore unit, Adani Global Pte, and then to its Indian arms. Adani Enterprises and its subsidiaries, led by billionaire Gautam Adani, have successfully mounted repeated legal challenges in India and Singapore to block the documents' release, court papers show. Adani has denied wrongdoing, saying that Indian authorities assessed its coal shipments before releasing them from ports. In an Oct. 9 legal filing, which Reuters is reporting for the first time, the revenue intelligence agency asked India's Supreme Court to quash a previous lower court order that allowed Adani to block authorities from collecting evidence from Singapore. The Indian officials dispute Adani's arguments that the agency did not follow "due process", saying in the filing it had approval to seek information from the Southeast Asian city-state under a mutual legal assistance treaty. "Permission for following this route was obtained from the Ministry of Finance as well as (the) Ministry of Home Affairs," the 25-page filing states, adding that the investigation "is completely in compliance". In a statement to Reuters, Adani Group said it had "fully co-operated" with the authorities by providing details and documents sought more than four years ago and that "no deficiency or objection" was communicated by investigators thereafter. The Indian revenue agency did not respond to Reuters' queries. The effort to revive the coal probe comes amid wider regulatory scrutiny of Adani since Hindenburg Research in January accused the tycoon and his conglomerate of improper use of tax havens and stock manipulation. Despite Adani's denials, the short seller's report triggered a $150 billion plunge in the group's stocks. India's Supreme Court is also overseeing the market regulator's probe of Hindenburg's allegations. Amid the fallout and ahead of India's 2024 election, political opponents have increased pressure on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration, accusing it of favouritism toward Adani in government decisions. Modi and Adani, who both hail from Gujarat, have denied impropriety. The revenue agency began looking into Adani's imports as part of a broader investigation into 40 companies that started in 2014. Investigators alleged the companies importing Indonesian coal were overinvoicing deliveries by showing bills of shipments routed through intermediaries in Singapore and elsewhere. Indian authorities reviewed 1,300 shipments involving Adani and alleged in court filings that it "grossly overstated" or "artificially inflated the import value of coal" as compared with the export value from Indonesia, "with the objective of siphoning off" funds to tax havens and charging higher power prices in India. The sums involved may run into billions of rupees, according to the agency, which has not identified any Indonesian supplier. BATTLE IN SINGAPORE The evidence India is seeking from Singapore authorities, which includes transaction documents from 20 of Adani's banks there, could help establish a financial trail in the case, a person with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters. If India's Supreme Court allows the agency's latest request, it would then need to seek an order from Singapore's Court of Appeal to release the material. The Singapore court declined requests from Reuters last month to inspect related case documents, saying in written responses that the files were sealed. But a Reuters review of hundreds of pages of Indian court filings and orders reveal a tussle between India and Adani that stretched from Mumbai to New Delhi to Singapore in recent years. In 2019, on Adani's challenge, the High Court of Mumbai cited procedural lapses in quashing the request by Indian investigators to collect evidence against Adani. Days later, the agency appealed to the Supreme Court, which put the Mumbai verdict on hold "until further orders", which the agency contended in a subsequent Supreme Court filing meant "the investigation could be continued". But the Singapore court in late 2020, after Adani's request, said the documents should not be released for now because India's top court had not reached a final decision, according to two people with direct knowledge of the matter and a Reuters review of legal orders. In a statement to Reuters, the office of Singapore Attorney-General Lucien Wong said the Singapore court had not opined on the merits of Adani's appeals and the case was still pending. The stance adopted by Adani's companies in Singapore "created impediments" and the investigation "remains stalled", the revenue agency told India's Supreme Court in 2021 filings. The case was not heard for around two years, until the agency told the Supreme Court in July that it wanted to update judges about certain events in Singapore, without elaborating. It then lodged its October filing in a fresh bid to obtain evidence. The next hearing is scheduled for Feb. 6. (Reporting by Arpan Chaturvedi and Aditya Kalra; Additional reporting by Sudarshan Varadhan in Singapore; Editing by David Crawshaw) The apocalyptic Malthusian theory that stated that population was destined to grow in geometric proportions, while food production grows arithmetically, is beginning to deflate. The future looks more like the one outlined in The Handmaids Tale series, in which fertilizing children becomes biological acrobatics with a triple somersault. What Thomas Malthus (1766-1834) did not count on in his prophecies was environmental pollution, food toxicity (ours is full of pesticides, in the intent of ending world hunger) and endocrine disruptors (particularly those present in cosmetics and cleaning products); the main causes of semens plummeting quality in recent decades. In the 90s, the percentage of good spermatozoids (well-shaped and with good mobility) in the masculine population was at 30%; in 2000 it dropped to 14% and in 2010 it was located at 4%. Today, 60% of couples dont even reach this threshold. Its also thought that this pollution could be related to abortions and the difficulty of implantation in women, says gynecologist Antonio Gosalvez, expert in assisted reproduction and emotional communication and director of the Assisted Reproduction Unit of the University Hospital Quironsalud in Madrid. So pronounced is the issue that, as the expert points out, one out of every five children born in Spain is the result of assisted reproduction. And he predicts that this number will increase. If in a not-too-distant past unwanted pregnancies were a common problem, these days many conflicts arise over wanting children and not being able to have them. Turning to assisted reproduction not only entails considerable economic cost (from 1,000 for an artificial insemination to 6,000 for one cycle of egg donation); one must also tally up the stress and frustration that can result in the case that it doesnt bear fruit. Its an ordeal that not all couples survive. For Toni (53 years old, Barcelona) it meant the end of his relationship. It all began when he was 37 years old and his female partner, 38. His sperm wasnt doing the trick, so the first phase of the fertility treatment consisted of providing her with medical treatment to make her more receptive and increase the possibilities of success. Toni remembers the sex from this time as being stressful and artificial: We had to do it at a predetermined moment and then wait for the next most favorable date. Any hint of spontaneity was contraindicated. When that didnt work, plan B was artificial insemination with a donor. After three unsuccessful attempts, the final option was foreign adoption, since facilitating one in Spain was almost impossible. The problem with that situation is that you fall into an unending circle, and if you want to press stop, you have become the bad guy, the egotist, the one who isnt taking into account the others feelings, says the Catalan economist and lawyer. I was the one who put an end to the relationship, because my partner wanted to adopt three Mexican children (they were siblings and she didnt want to separate them). But I wasnt quite clear on how we were going to bring these three people, all of a sudden, into the family; because in addition, our financial situation was not exactly buoyant in those days. Araceli Alvarez is a psychologist, sexologist, couples therapist and family mediator. She works in Artea and Aide, two psychology and sexology offices in Sevilla, and has provided psychological support in various family planning clinics, so she has in-depth knowledge of the seismic shock experienced by many couples seeking offspring. The maximum friction points are found in sexuality and communication, she underlines. In the sexual sphere, an abrupt change is experienced. Something that, at first, can be pleasurable becomes a routine that can cause discomfort. It becomes instrumentalized, she says. Gender stereotypes can be reinforced in many couples during the long process of assisted reproduction. Halfpoint Images (Getty Images) If the foundation of the couples relationship is primarily based in sex, it may stumble and fall, due to what Gosalvez calls military sex that, paradoxically, does not result in the desired effects. Many women can feel empty, incapable of conceiving; while some men may end up with a stud complex, thinking that their partner no longer wants them for them, but rather their energetic little cells needed to fertilize their ovule. The frustration of not being able to have children can be lived differently depending on ones sex, although there are always exceptions, says the gynecologist. Motherhood is somewhat more instinctive, whereas fatherhood is a more rational desire. Because of this, the woman can live everything much more intensely; the anxiety of having descendants or the frustration when treatments fail. On the other hand, the hormone cocktail of fertility treatments can only enhance these mental states. Gender stereotypes, which have recently gotten such bad press, make themselves at home in these situations, and are reinforced by many couples during the long process of assisted reproduction. Unfortunately, thats how it is, says Alvarez. Ive seen how in some assisted reproduction clinics they advise the men to stay strong, be the weight-bearing pillar for the couples morale; as if they dont have any feelings or emotions. But in many cases, he takes on the role unconsciously, while shes the one who suffers most, who cries and complains. Some men also feel very guilty if the problem in conception lies in them. I remember the case of one patient who came in crying because his friends were making fun of him, asking if his gun had jammed. What Gosalvez most commonly sees in his office is a man will become the mirror, the loudspeaker of the womans emotions and demands. Its a very delicate matter and must be treated with a lot of care. In our clinic all of our professionals offer emotional support throughout the entire process, and we have a psychologist available if necessary. I always say that Im not treating two people, but rather three patients: the man, the woman and the couple. Because in addition, when they decide to go to a fertility clinic, most women have already self-diagnosed before they get there, and have tried a series of recipes that they find on the Internet or on fertility message boards, where people share all kinds of myths, like that one about propping your legs up after sex to get pregnant. The subject of communication that Alvarez mentions is another issue that must be navigated in times of infertility. In fact, she advises that in order to embark on this mission, its essential that the couple gets along well and has good communication skills. If not, there is a high probability that they will break up. If the idea that children bring parents together is false, believing that fertility treatments will iron out marital problems is a fantasy. Even the most well-suited couples find themselves immersed in fights, accusations, second thoughts about decisions that theyve made and the opinions of family and relatives, who often arent doing anything but adding fuel to the fire. I dont even want to imagine what might happen if the couple begins the process with poor communication skills! says the psychologist. If the idea that children bring parents together is false, believing that fertility treatments will iron out marital problems is a fantasy. izusek (Getty Images) With that said, another question comes to mind: Should we tell close relations about the process, or is it better to keep quiet? In Alvarezs opinion, it depends on the situation: If theyre the type to listen respectfully and provide support, yes. If not, no. In these moments, one has to weigh comments so as not to hurt peoples sensibilities, particularly because sometimes, well-intentioned advice can be interpreted in a negative way. In many cases, rather than talking, the best technique is to ask questions, listen, and be there for the person. But perhaps the most bitter pill when it comes to assisted reproduction are its repeated failures. Failure is intrinsic to the search, says Gosalvez, but frustration can be prevented with accurate information, with a neutral focus that acknowledges the possibilities of success and failure. Nowadays there are fertility clinics that advertise themselves with guarantees of success or your money back. That doesnt seem ethical to me, because it generates false expectations. Its not so easy to get pregnant. In fact, success rates are: for artificial insemination (with a semen donor), 30%; in vitro fertilization, 50%; and with an egg donor, 65%. Youve also got to turn down patients who have very a very low chance of fertilization or when theres a high risk for the child (due to age or other circumstances). We do it all the time. Another piece of advice from professionals to couples in search of offspring is to know when to stop; whether you take it up again at a later date or give up entirely, before winding up damaged emotionally, physically or economically. Maribel (62 years old, Madrid) knew when to hit the brakes. I got married at 39 and had never felt called to motherhood. It was my partner who wanted to have kids, so I started fertility treatment, which didnt sit well with me, she remembers. It left me worn-out, so we decided to pause for awhile. I think that took away our anxiety and stress around having kids, and put everything in perspective. When we gave it one last chance, without a lot of expectations, we got lucky and today we have a wonderful daughter. Rita Abundancia es periodista, sexologa y autora de la web RitaReport.net. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition FILE PHOTO: The skyline with its dominating banking district is photographed in Frankfurt, Germany, November 8, 2023. REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach (Reuters) - Germany sees itself as the European defender of solid finances with its debt brake restricting the public deficit to 0.35% of GDP but the euro zone's largest economy relies on off-budget funds to comply with the debt ceiling for financing its fiscal needs. Germany's constitutional court ruled on Wednesday that the coalition government's decision to re-allocate 60 billion euros ($65 billion) of unused debt from the pandemic era to its climate and transformation fund was unconstitutional, a blow that could put at risk other off-the-budget funds. Germany currently has 29 special funds at the federal level, with a total volume of 869 billion euros ($941 billion), according to the independent auditing institution Bundesrechnungshof. Here are five key special funds for the German economy accounting for more than half of the total volume: CLIMATE AND TRANSFORMATION FUND The Climate and Transformation fund has a total of 177 billion euros from 2023 to 2026 for green projects and support for industry. Germany's constitutional court ruling leaves the fund with a hole of 60 billion euros which had been earmarked for initiatives such as making buildings more energy efficient and subsidising renewable electricity and chip production, as well as supporting energy-intensive companies. ECONOMIC STABILISATION FUND The ESF could be the next fund facing a legal challenge. It was created in 2020 with the aim of supporting companies through the coronavirus pandemic but has since last year focused on the energy crisis. Friedrich Merz, whose main opposition Christian Democratic Union party successfully sued the government over the climate fund, said his party is considering a new lawsuit against the ESF. Fears about other special funds seem overblown to Commerzbank's chief economist Joerg Kraemer, but he sees "considerable risks" for this particular fund. FEDERAL ARMED FORCES FUND Russia's attack on Ukraine marked a "turning point" in European security policy and Germany launched a one-off special fund for the armed forces amounting to 100 billion euros. German Finance Minister Christian Lindner defends this fund as the only way to hit a 2% defence spending target for members of NATO, as a "bridge" until this can be paid from the federal budget. This fund is covered by a separate constitutional exemption from the debt brake, so it is safe from the repercussions of the court ruling. However, the armed forces fund faces a different challenge. It will be exhausted in 2027 and it is uncertain how the government will then comply with the NATO commitment. EUROPEAN RECOVERY PROGRAM FUND The oldest special fund, created in 1948 on the basis of the Marshall Plan in order to promote the reconstruction of the German economy after World War Two. In 2023, it provided funds of around 943 million euros to support small and medium enterprises, in the form of low-interest loans and equity capital. FUTURE FUND Germany has an attractive start-up scene, but its venture capital market is too small, both in an international comparison and in relation to Germany's economic strength. The government took note. The future fund was launched in 2021 with 10 billion euros to foster start-ups going through the capital-intensive scale-up phase. ($1 = 0.9237 euros) (Reporting by Maria Martinez; editing by David Evans) Mother of Israeli soldier Corporal Noa Marciano's reacts during her daughter's funeral after her remains were recovered near the Al Shifa Hospital during the ongoing Israeli ground operation in Gaza, in Modiin, Israel November 17, 2023. REUTERS/Ronen Zvul By Janis Laizans MODIIN, Israel (Reuters) - The body of an Israeli hostage recovered from Gaza City was buried on Friday by weeping family and friends, with her mother telling mourners she would never forgive what had befallen her daughter, a teenaged conscript soldier. Noa Marciano, 19, was at a military base near Gaza on Oct. 7 when it was overrun by Hamas fighters. Many of her fellow soldiers were killed, but she herself was dragged alive into the nearby Palestinian enclave. Hamas released a video earlier this week saying she had died in an Israeli airstrike. It was impossible to verify the claim. The Israeli military said on Friday they had found her body the day before in a building adjacent to Gaza's Shifa Hospital and returned the corpse to Israel for burial. Marciano's mother told mourners that she had spoken to her daughter during the Hamas attack, saying her first concern had been over the fate of soldiers who had only arrived at the base two days beforehand. "Today we're asking for your forgiveness ... You protected us, but we failed to protect you," her sobbing mother said, wearing a t-shirt emblazoned with a photo of her smiling daughter in her high school graduation robes. "You are resting now, but we will not stop. We wont forget or forgive," she said. ANOTHER DEATH Marciano was one of two hostages found dead near Al Shifa hospital. The military announced late Thursday that they had recovered the body of Yehudit Weiss, 65, a mother of five who was seized from Kibbutz Beeri on Oct. 7. "There's a slight relief that we finally know what happened. We've been waiting for 40 days for any information, and nothing, nothing. No information," said her son Omer Weiss. Hamas has denied Israeli accusations that it kept hostages at Gazan hospitals, saying some were transferred to medical centres due to the seriousness of their condition and to try to save their lives. On Friday, the group announced the death of an 85-year-old captive, saying he died of a panic attack during an air strike. Around 1,200 people, mainly civilians, were killed by Hamas during their attack, while up to 240 were taken hostage. Relatives of the captives have urged the government to do more to secure their release and are planning a mass protest in front of the Jerusalem house of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday after a five day march from Tel Aviv. Israel declared war on Hamas after its surprise assault, bombarding the Palestinian enclave and launching a land invasion. Gaza health officials say at least 11,500 Palestinians have died so far under the relentless barrage. (Reporting by Janis Laizans; Writing by Crispian Balmer; Editing by Toby Chopra) By Troy Merida ACAPULCO, Mexico (Reuters) - Families of Mexican sailors missing since Hurricane Otis last month devastated the seaside resort of Acapulco are pleading for more help in the search for loved ones, frustrated by a lack of progress and government assistance. Hurricane Otis, which roared through Acapulco in the early hours of Oct. 25, was the most powerful storm on record to strike Mexico's Pacific coast, killing at least 48 people and wrecking thousands of homes in the city of nearly 900,000. Officials say another 28 people are unaccounted for but the families of seamen say the number is probably much higher. In Acapulco, many sailors jumped on their moored boats to sail them to what they believed were safer parts of the bay as storms move in. But they were blindsided by the ferocity of Otis, which unexpectedly grew into a Category 5 storm before landfall, ripping through the bay and destroying hundreds of boats. "The authorities have greatly minimized the situation of our missing and our dead," said Yesenia Soriano, whose missing husband was a retired Mexican Navy sailor. Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has vigorously denied unconfirmed media reports suggesting that over 300 people may have died due to Otis, and says his government is investing "like never before" to get Acapulco back on its feet. Susana Ramos Villa, 32, said people who cannot afford to go out to sea to search for relatives need government assistance. "That's all we want, that they give us that help, the means, and we'll do it," said Villa, who is looking for her husband. Alejandro Alexander Gonzalez, an Acapulco Port official, said between 30-40 people are looking for missing sailors. "Before we begin to remove the larger vessels, the yachts, we're doing an intense search to locate bodies," he said. Mexican business groups put the economic damage to the city at an estimated $16 billion, while the Mexican Association of Insurance Companies forecast its members would end up paying about 11.4 billion pesos ($662 million) in claims. ($1 = 17.2268 Mexican pesos) (Reporting by Troy Merida; Writing by Drazen Jorgic; Editing by Aurora Ellis) By Alexander Cornwell MANAMA (Reuters) - The crown prince of Gulf Arab state Bahrain on Friday called for a "hostage trade" between Palestinian militant group Hamas and Israel in order to achieve a break in hostilities that he said could lead to an end to the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip. Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa also said that security would not be realised without a two-state solution, in which he described the United States as "indispensable" in achieving. "It is a time for straight talking," he said, urging Hamas to release Israeli women and children held hostage in Gaza and for Israel in exchange to release from its prisons Palestinian women and children, who he described as non-combatants. "The intention is to break so people can take stock, can bury their dead, people can finally start to grieve and maybe people can start to ask themselves about the intelligence failure that led to this crisis in the first place," he said Fellow Gulf Arab state Qatar has been leading mediation efforts between the Islamist militant group and Israeli officials for the release of more than 240 hostages. Sunni-ruled Bahrain established ties with Israel in 2020 under the U.S.-brokered Abraham Accords, driven in part by shared concerns over regional power Shi'ite-majority Iran. Bahrain is an important security partner of the United States, hosting the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet. Bahrain's parliament this month said, amid outage in the Arab world over Israel's bombardment of Gaza, that Israel's ambassador had left the country, while its own envoy had left Israel, although it remains unclear if the Israel diplomat was expelled. Prince Salman described the situation in Gaza as "intolerable" and condemned both Hamas for its Oct. 7 attack and Israel for the "air campaign" it launched in response. He outlined what he said were red lines in the conflict, including the forced displacement of Palestinians, "now or ever", an Israeli reoccupation of Gaza, and a military threat from Gaza towards Israel. Prince Salman, speaking at the IISS Manama Dialogue, also called for Palestinian elections, once the war ends, that would lead to a "just and lasting peace" that he described as the establishment of an Palestinian state which he said would also lead to security and stability for Israel. "This conflict has been an ongoing, open wound in the Middle East for the past 80 years," he said More than 12,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel's assault on the coastal strip, according to Gaza health officials. Israeli authorities say 1,200 were killed on Oct. 7 and over 200 Israelis and foreign citizens taken hostage. An exchange of hostages was the only way to achieve a necessary break in violence so that humanitarian aid like medicine, fuel to power medical machines, and food could be provided to the Palestinians in Gaza, Prince Salman said. (Reporting by Alexander Cornwell in Manama, Editing by Louise Heavens, Kirsten Donovan) By Alexander Tanas CHISINAU (Reuters) - Moldova's largest Orthodox church reaffirmed its link to its Russian parent church on Thursday despite dissent from priests who have denounced the association with Moscow over the Kremlin's invasion of Ukraine. More than 90 percent of Moldovans adhere to Orthodox Christianity. But parishioners are divided between two churches -- the Moldova Metropolis, subordinate to the Russian Orthodox Church, and the Metropolis of Bessarabia, which reports to the Romanian church. Neither has autocephaly, or full independence. The head of the Russia-linked church, Metropolitan Vladimir, last month complained to Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill, an ardent supporter of the war in Ukraine, that those ties were denting its appeal. But clerics on Thursday agreed to maintain those links. "The clergy and the people remain faithful to the Orthodox Church of Moldova and Metropolitan Vladimir," Bishop Ioan of the Russia-linked church said in a statement. "There will be no discussion of linking the Molodvan Orthodox Church to the Romanian Patriarchate." A group of priests in the majority Russian-linked church had asked Vladimir this week to switch allegiance to the Romanian church. One cleric, Pavel Borsevschi, said the Russian patriarch had "turned himself into a political figure who hypocritically calls for fraternal blood to be spilled." Since Russia's February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, more than 60 priests from Moldova's majority church have left and joined its Romania-linked rival. The split reflects longstanding cultural divisions in the state lying between Ukraine and Romania -- which, at different times in its history, was part of the Russian empire and the Soviet Union and "Greater Romania." The war in Ukraine worries many in the country of 2.5 million. Pro-European President Maia Sandu has denounced the invasion, accused Moscow of plotting to oust her and thrown her weight before a drive to secure European Union membership. Sandu has tried to steer clear of the religious divide. "For our parishioners it is important to feel that we want peace and that the borders of all countries must be observed,"she told a radio interviewer this week. "The church cannot stay on the sidelines and pretend it does not see what is happening." (Reporting by Alexander Tanas; Editing by Ron Popeski and Sandra Maler) FILE PHOTO: Anthropic logo is seen in this illustration taken March 31, 2023. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo By Dawn Chmielewski LOS ANGELES (Reuters) -Three music publishers are asking a federal court judge to issue a preliminary injunction that would prevent artificial intelligence company Anthropic from reproducing or distributing their copyrighted song lyrics. Universal Music, Concord Music Group and ABKCO Music filed a motion Thursday asking for the court to require Anthropic to "implement effective guardrails" that would prevent the company's AI models from reproducing or distributing the copyrighted song lyrics, and to prevent the company from using these works to train future AI models. While we cant comment on the substance of the litigation, our focus remains the same to build reliable, interpretable and steerable AI systems, Anthropic said in a statement to Reuters. The three publishers filed a suit against Anthropic on Oct. 18, which accused the San Francisco company of "systematic and widespread" infringement of their copyrighted song lyrics. The publishers claim Anthropic used the copyrighted lyrics to "innumerable" songs without permission as part of the "massive amounts of text" that it scrapes from the internet to train its artificial intelligence assistant, known as "Claude," to respond to human prompts. The suit alleges Claude generates identical or nearly identical copies of those lyrics when a user asks it to provide the lyrics to songs such as "Sweet Home Alabama" or "Every Breath You Take." Anthropic's generative AI will even offer responses containing the publishers' lyrics when asked a range of requests, including to "write a song about a certain topic, provide chord progressions for a given musical composition, or write poetry or short fiction in the style of a certain artist or songwriter." For example, the lawsuit said that Claude will provide relevant lyrics from Don McLean's "American Pie" when asked to write a song about the death of rock pioneer Buddy Holly. The publishers allege Anthropic "profits richly" from its infringement of their repertoires of copyrighted works, achieving a valuation of $5 billion while paying "nothing" to publishers or their songwriters. "Anthropic must not be allowed to flout copyright law," the publishers said in a court document supporting its request for a preliminary injunction. "If the court waits until this litigation ends to address what is already clear -- that Anthropic is improperly using publishers' copyrighted works -- then the damage will be done." The publishers have asked the court for monetary damages up of up to $150,000 per infringed work, and an order to stop the alleged infringement. (Reporting by Dawn Chmielewski in Los Angeles;Editing by Mary Milliken and Franklin Paul) Jamal Waraqy, 33, a muslim volunteer for the ZAKA search and rescue unit who have been recovering human remains according to jewish religious rules, poses with his colleague Israel Perlshtein in Rehovot, Israel November 16, 2023 REUTERS/Eli Berlzon By Eli Berlzon REHOVOT, Israel (Reuters) - Jamal Warraqi was among the first emergency rescuers to reach kibbutz Be'eri after Hamas gunmen rampaged through the community in southern Israel on Oct. 7, and the sight of slaughtered families and children is still seared into his memory. More than a month later, the volunteer first responder remains visibly shaken as he recounts his rush to Be'eri in an ambulance and the bodies lying in the streets along the way. Unlike most emergency workers called out that day, Warraqi is a Muslim Israeli Arab. He found his experience of Oct. 7 profoundly distressing, but says it also strengthened his belief that human beings must "stop hatred" and learn to live together. Warraqi is a volunteer for Zaka, a non-governmental rescue and recovery service. Founded in 1995, Zaka is comprised mostly of ultra-religious Jews committed to ensuring that as much of the human body of every victim is buried in accordance with Jewish law. It also has Christian, Druze and Muslim volunteers. "I saw families, they were slaughtered, a lot of families," Warraqi told Reuters, standing next to his ambulance. "I saw a father and mom with three kids, they were tied hands up, hands back ... as they were put on their knees in front of each other, then they got shot in the head." "When you see such a thing... you just start imagining what happened in there, what, how did they react, who was got killed first, the kids or the parents." In the peaceful and leafy Be'eri community, houses were burnt to the ground and families killed in their own houses with a brutality that Warraqi says "has nothing to do with Islam". "Our religion, as a proud Arabic Muslim Israeli guy, I'm saying that has nothing to do with our religion," Warraqi said. Be'eri was among the hardest hit communities by the Hamas assault on Oct. 7, which Israeli officials say killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians gunned down in their own homes, on the streets or at a dance festival. The attack was the deadliest in Israel's 75-year-old history. Surviving residents were eventually evacuated and Israel has since launched a devastating bombardment and ground offensive against Hamas in Gaza that has killed more than 11,500 people. Warraqi said many Muslims were also killed in the assault, recalling how he took care of two Arab women wearing hijab, shot by the attackers, and three Arab bus drivers from East Jerusalem who got shot in the head. "That means that they're (Hamas) not doing this for the country or for religion, they're just doing this for the hatred," he said. Warraqi is still hopeful that Jews, Arabs, Christians and Muslims can learn to live together in Israel, saying "we are all the same". "I think Israel learned today how to die together. Now it's time to learn how to live together ... We have to take care of this and we have to stop hatred and start living together." (Writing by Krisztina Than, Editing by William Maclean) (Reuters) -An armed person walked into the lobby of a state psychiatric hospital in New Hampshire on Friday and shot dead a guard before a state police officer shot and killed the suspect, officials said. No one else was injured in the gun violence, which erupted at about 3:30 p.m. at the New Hampshire State Hospital in Concord, the state capital, according to state police Colonel Mark Hall. Addressing reporters at a later news briefing, Hall declined to give any information about the suspect. He said investigators were still trying to identify the assailant. New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu wrote on social media that the victim was Bradley Haas, who was working security at the hospital. Lori Weaver, commissioner for New Hampshire's Department of Health and Human Services, said, "all patients and staff at the hospital are safe." Bomb squad officers were also investigating a suspicious vehicle on the hospital grounds, Hall said, without elaborating. The bloodshed unfolded quickly. Moments after the suspect entered the lobby and shot Haas, "a state trooper assigned to the hospital and in close proximity immediately engaged, shot and killed the suspect," Hall said. "The entire incident was contained within the lobby of the hospital." Hall said additional officers were on the scene within minutes, adding that a police academy graduation was taking place on the surrounding campus at the time. The hospital is a secure psychiatric facility where all visitors must enter through metal detectors and a police officer is always on duty, according to Manchester-based television station WMUR-TV. The 184-bed hospital is situated on the grounds of a 120-acre office complex that is home to several state agencies, including Health and Human Services, the Department of Education and the Public Utility Commission, WMUR said. (Reporting by Steve Gorman in Los Angeles; additional reporting by Brad Brooks in Longmont, Colorado; Editing by David Gregorio, Rosalba O'Brien and Kim Coghill) FILE PHOTO: Bushmaster Chain Guns manufactured by Northrop Grumman are displayed during the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Global Force Symposium & Exposition in Huntsville, Alabama, U.S. March 28, 2023. REUTERS/Cheney Orr/File Photo LONDON (Reuters) - U.S. defence company Northrop Grumman has pulled out of a competition to supply narrowband military satellite communications for Britain's armed forces, the Financial Times reported on Friday. Northrop had partnered with Airbus in its bid. The two companies last month agreed a strategic partnership to bid for the wideband component of Britain's SKYNET military satellite communications programme, according to an Oct. 23 statement. The FT said Northrop's withdrawal from the narrowband part of the tender left a partnership between Thales Alenia Space and Thales UK as the only contender in the race. Northrop told the FT: "After thoroughly reviewing the invitation to negotiate for the SKYNET narrowband military satellite communications programme, the company has decided to withdraw from procurement". A UK Ministry of Defence spokesperson said: "SKYNET 6 will deliver the UK's next generation of military satellite communications and the narrowband and wideband procurement processes are ongoing." (Reporting by Paul Sandle in London and Mike Stone in Washington; Editing by Josie Kao) FILE PHOTO: A satellite image shows Al-Ahli hospital, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in Gaza November 7, 2023. Maxar Technologies/Handout via REUTERS /File photo By Nidal al-Mughrabi and Abir Ahmar GAZA (Reuters) -Hundreds of patients desperately needed his help, but now there was nothing he could do. With Al Ahli hospital shaking from Israeli tank fire and no more anaesthetics left to operate, British-Palestinian surgeon Ghassan Abu Sitta told his team it was time to leave the last fully functioning hospital in Gaza City. "It has been a living nightmare - leaving 500 wounded knowing that there's nothing left for you to be able to do for them, it's just the most heartbreaking thing I ever had to do," Abu Sitta told Reuters on Friday, a day after leaving the hospital and walking to Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza. In a post on X, he wrote: "No longer able to provide surgeries at Ahli Hosp. The hospital is now effectively a first aid station. Hundreds of wounded now at hospital with no access to surgery. They will die from their wounds." Israel has ordered the entire northern half of the Gaza Strip, including Gaza City, to be evacuated as it presses its campaign to wipe out the Hamas group that governs the territory. All northern hospitals have effectively ceased functioning. Gaza's health ministry said that as of Nov. 16 only nine of the enclave's 35 hospitals were functioning even partially. Earlier this week, it put the confirmed Palestinian death toll at over 11,500, including at least 4,700 children, but has said communications blackouts throughout the territory have made it impossible to provide regular updates. Gaza hospitals have been overwhelmed and short of supplies since Israeli forces began their campaign to wipe out Hamas following the Palestinian militant group's Oct. 7 attack on Israel, which Israel said killed about 1,200 people. "Al Ahli was completely inundated with wounded. And we were operating all through the night (on Wednesday)," Abu Sitta said in an internet call. "And by the early hours (of Thursday)... we realised that we have basically run out of medication for the anaesthetic machines and we had to stop the operating room." "INUNDATED WITH WOUNDED" Abu Sitta said he and his team had been particularly busy in the past weeks week treating patients after an Israeli air strike on a nearby mosque, and after Israeli forces surrounded and then entered Gaza's biggest hospital, Al Shifa. Abu Sitta said a message had been received at Al Ahli hospital saying it had been surrounded by Israeli tanks. Reuters could not immediately verify the situation at and around Al Ahli. Israel's military says Hamas has tunnels and command centres beneath and adjacent to some hospitals, a charge Hamas denies. Hamas' armed wing, the al-Qassam Brigades, said on Friday that no hostages taken during the Oct. 7 attack were being held at hospitals but were taken to care centres for treatment due to the seriousness of their condition and to save their lives. On the five-hour walk from Al Ahli to the refugee camp, Abu Sitta said he saw "scenes of destruction" and bodies lying on the street. He said patients needing treatment remained at Al Ahli, and that another hospital in northern Gaza had been unable to take them. "Basically, the whole of northern Gaza now has no functioning hospital," he said. His immediate plan is to rest. "We've been operating non-stop for the last week since Al Shifa (was surrounded). I just made the decision that I needed to sleep, until I figure out what I wanted to do next," he said. (Reporting by Nidal al-Mughrabi in Gaza and by Abir Al Ahmar in Dubai, Writing by Timothy Heritage, Editing by Peter Graff) A child in front of the remains of a building destroyed after an Israeli attack in Rafah, in the south of the Gaza Strip. Opinion articles written in the style of their author. These texts are to be based on verified facts and must be respectful towards people, even though their actions may be criticized. All opinion articles written by individuals from outside the staff of EL PAIS shall feature, along with the authors name (regardless of their greater or lesser renown), a footer stating their office, academic title, political affiliation (if any) and main occupation, or the occupation related to the topic being assessed War is uncertain by definition. It can change course suddenly due to factors that are beyond the individuals directing it, and even more markedly beyond those who seek to understand what is happening on the battlefield. It is a cliche of military doctrine that there is not a single plan that can withstand entry into combat. Now the war in Gaza has given Putin the opportunity to gain in the Middle East what he has already lost in Ukraine. His war and atrocities are being overshadowed by the atrocities of Hamas and of the far-right Israeli government in the attention of the media, governments and international institutions. The escalation of the horror, stimulated by digital warfare, has become an auction in which each party seeks to neutralize its own perversities by displaying those of the others. Between the barbaric images of the incursion of Hamas terrorists into Israel and the assault by Israeli troops on the Al Shifa hospital complex, the brutal images of Bucha and Irpin have been pushed to the background. The new war not only has propaganda effects, but also affects artillery supplies, which are essential in the war of attrition, to the detriment of the Ukrainian army, which is increasingly running short of ammunition. Israel has begun to compete with Ukraine in the demand for projectiles, while Russia has managed to fine-tune its war industry in these two years. There are now two world markets: the western one with enormous difficulties meeting demand and rising prices, and the eastern one with sufficient production, increased by the supply from North Korea and Iran. The divisive effects of the Gaza war are a blessing for Putin. They not only affect the supply of weapons, in which the United States gives preference to Israels demands. The fracture lines are showing within public opinion, democratic institutions, governments and international organizations. Unlike the war in Ukraine, which aroused pacifist or indifference reactions, especially in the so-called Global South, the war in Gaza is causing an isolation of Israel and its closest allies and an enormous tear in Western countries, where generational change and the weight of the population of Arab or Muslim descent makes it difficult to understand the practically unconditional solidarity of their governments with the Netanyahu administration. Putin is stuck in Ukraine, entrusting the course of the war to chaos in the ranks of his designated enemy, that collective West that within a year may have Donald Trump as its leader. Ukraines only success these days is the proposal to open accession negotiations with the European Union. Although it is loaded with symbolism, it also contains a warning about the urgency of peace in the face of the possibility of endless war or even slow defeat due to fatigue. FILE PHOTO: Iran's and U.S.' flags are seen printed on paper in this illustration taken January 27, 2022. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo (Reuters) -A U.S. jury has convicted two Texas men of trying to sell Iranian petroleum in violation of sanctions imposed by Washington and of conspiracy to commit money laundering, the Justice Department said on Friday. Zhenyu Wang, 42, and Daniel Ray Lane, 42, were found guilty on Wednesday, and each face a maximum penalty of 45 years in prison. The two men had planned to purchase petroleum from Iran, mask its origins, and then sell it to a refinery in China, the department said in a statement. Lane was president of privately held Stack Royalties, a Texas-based company that sells oil and gas mineral rights to investment funds and private equity groups. Lane's attorney, Paul Hetznecker, told Reuters in a statement that the case was based on undercover government agents who offered Lane "millions of dollars in profits" if he took part in the scheme, after initially rebuffing their approaches. "This is an outrageous example of government overreach," Hetznecker said in a statement. He vowed to appeal the conviction. An attorney for Wang did not respond to a request for comment. The pair were charged, along with three others, in 2020 in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Two co-conspirators have since pleaded guilty, court records showed. "The Justice Department will not tolerate those who would violate U.S. sanctions and imperil our national security for personal profit," said Matt Olsen, head of the Justice Department's National Security Division, in a statement. China is the world's only major importer of Iranian oil despite sanctions former U.S. President Donald Trump unilaterally reimposed on Tehran's petroleum exports in 2018 after withdrawing the United States from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal between Tehran and six world powers. The pair are scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 29, 2024. (Reporting by Ismail Shakil and Andrew Goudsward; Writing by David Ljunggren; Editing by Richard Chang, William Maclean, Jonathan Oatis and David Gregorio) KYIV (Reuters) - Ukraine's military said on Friday its operations had resulted in the destruction of a total of 15 Russian naval vessels in the Black Sea since the start of Russia's invasion and that 12 other vessels had been damaged. Ukraine has stepped up its attacks in the Black Sea and on Crimea, which Russia seized and annexed in 2014. Kyiv has reported a series of strikes on warships on and near Crimea this autumn, including a large landing vessel and a submarine. "You can count the ones that have already been disabled. These are 15 destroyed and 12 damaged ships. Not all of this is the result of drone work, but they also have quite a lot of damaged ships to their credit," navy spokesperson Dmytro Pletenchuk said in televised comments. He described Ukraine as "the driver of a new type of naval warfare" that had made Russia move its naval forces to positions more difficult to reach for what Kyiv has in its capacity. Russia is also suffering logistical problems, he said, due to having to relocate vessels to Novorossiysk and periodically to Tuapse, both ports on the eastern flank of the Black Sea to the southeast of Crimea and further from Ukraine. Reuters could not independently verify the reports. Russia usually does not acknowledge damage to its military assets and says it repels most Ukrainian attacks. Ukraine's military said its operations carried out in the Black Sea so far have included strikes on the Russian Black Sea Navy headquarters in Sevastopol and the shipyard in Kerch, which damaged a vessel that had not yet joined the fleet. In April 2022, shortly after the start of the war, Ukraine's forces said it hit the Moskva missile cruiser, flagship of Russia's Black Sea fleet, with domestically produced a Neptune anti-ship missile. Russia never acknowledged the attack, saying the ship sank following a major fire onboard. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy recently said Kyiv had managed to shift the balance of power in the Black Sea, seizing the initiative from Moscow which regards Crimea as strategically vital to its interests. (Reporting by Yuliia Dysa; Editing by Gareth Jones) U.S. President Joe Biden delivers remarks at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in San Francisco, California, U.S., November 16, 2023. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque By Leah Douglas (Reuters) - The stopgap funding bill to keep the U.S. government open signed by President Joe Biden on Thursday includes funding through next September for farm programs and food assistance, but only a few months of funds for a key nutrition program for low-income mothers and their young children. The spending bill passed by the House on Tuesday and Senate on Wednesday funds government functions through January 19 and includes a one-year extension of the 2018 bill farm bill, which expired on September 30. Passed every five years, the farm bill costs about a half-trillion dollars and funds farm subsidies, crop insurance, nutrition assistance, conservation programs, and more. Without the extension, some farm programs would have expired at the end of the year. Neither the House nor Senate agriculture committees has yet released their drafts of a 2023 farm bill. The extension means that the more than 41 million participants in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will continue to receive benefits through Sept. 30. However, the spending bill only funds the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) nutrition program through Jan. 19 because WIC is not included in the farm bill. WIC provides food, breastfeeding support, and other services to 6.7 million low-income mothers and young children, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which administers the program. Congress will need to act quickly to avoid a WIC funding shortfall that could see benefits shrink or new applicants turned away, said Georgia Machell, interim president and CEO of the National WIC Association, in a statement. "Either outcome would be unnecessary and unacceptable," Machell said. Millions more Americans were food insecure in 2022 than in 2021, recent USDA data showed, underscoring prior reports from the Census Bureau and food banks that showed rising hunger since the pandemic. (Reporting by Leah Douglas; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama) (Reuters) - The U.S. Department of Education said on Thursday it has begun investigations of six colleges and one school district over accusations of antisemitic or anti-Muslim discrimination during an ongoing war between Israel and Palestinians in Gaza. In one such instance federal prosecutors last month charged a Cornell University student with allegedly making online threats against Jewish students at the Ivy League school. "Hate has no place in our schools, period. When students are targeted because they areor are perceived to beJewish, Muslim, Arab, Sikh, or any other ethnicity or shared ancestry, schools must act to ensure safe and inclusive educational environments where everyone is free to learn, Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona said in a statement. The colleges under investigation were listed as Cornell, Columbia University and the Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art in New York state, Lafayette College and the University of Pennsylvania in Pennsylvania and Wellesley College in Massachusetts. The department said it was also investigating the Maize Unified School District in Kansas. The advocacy group Anti-Defamation League has rose by about 400% in the first two weeks since the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, compared with the same period the previous year. About 190 of the 312 antisemitic incidents tallied by the group were linked to the war between Israel and Hamas. Of those 190, more than half consisted of rallies where the group found "explicit or strong implicit support for Hamas and/or violence against Jews in Israel." (Reporting by Dan Whitcomb; Editing by Stephen Coates) U.S. Rep. George Santos (R-NY) talks to reporters while walking to attend a vote on whether the House of Representatives will expel him, after he was indicted on 23 federal corruption charges, on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S. November 1, 2023. REUTERS By Moira Warburton and David Morgan WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Embattled U.S. Representative George Santos faced a fresh effort to expel him from Congress on Friday, the day after fellow lawmakers released a report that suggested federal prosecutors should bring additional criminal charges against him. House of Representatives Ethics Committee Chairman Michael Guest introduced the bill targeting the first-term fellow Republican, who has been engulfed in scandal since his 2022 election, following revelations that he lied about much of his past and federal fraud charges. Santos, 35, previously pleaded not guilty to federal charges of laundering campaign funds to pay for personal expenses and charging the credit cards of donors without permission, among other campaign finance violations. "The evidence uncovered ... is more than sufficient to warrant punishment and the most appropriate punishment is expulsion," Guest said in a statement. The House, which Republicans control by a narrow 221-213 majority, is expected to vote on the expulsion effort when it returns from a two-week recess. Santos' office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Despite the narrow margin in the House, Santos is not likely to get support from Republican Speaker Mike Johnson, who described the report's findings as "very troubling," according to a statement from his spokesperson, Raj Shah. "Speaker Johnson encourages all involved to consider the best interests of the institution as this matter is addressed further," Shah said. Santos' district, which includes a small slice of New York City and some of its eastern suburbs, is seen as competitive. The bipartisan Ethics Committee on Thursday released a report into Santos' alleged campaign finance fraud, which documented a pattern of poor bookkeeping and misuse of campaign funds so pervasive that his election "has called into question the integrity of the House." Santos said on Thursday he would not run for reelection in 2024, but refused to step down before then. The Ethics Committee said it referred more "uncharged and unlawful conduct" to the Justice Department for possible criminal prosecution, including fresh evidence of falsely reported loans received by Santos' unsuccessful 2020 congressional campaign, improper loan repayments and "systemic reporting errors" in both his 2020 and 2022 campaigns. The report also detailed extravagant - and possibly illegal - spending of campaign money, including thousands of dollars on Botox, luxury brands such as Hermes, and "smaller purchases" from OnlyFans, an online platform known for sexual content. The House could vote on the motion - the second one this month that Santos has faced - as soon as Nov. 28, when it returns from a recess after the Thanksgiving holiday. Such a motion requires two-thirds support in the House. Last time, 182 Republicans voted against expulsion as they need Santos' seat to protect their narrow House majority. That 221-213 margin empowers them to block much of Democratic President Joe Biden's legislative agenda. But it is unclear whether Santos will receive the same support a second time. Multiple Republicans who voted against expulsion have come out to say they would not do the same again. Santos is "unfit to serve and should be removed from office," Republican Representative Stephanie Bice said in a social media post on Thursday. "George has betrayed the trust of his constituents who deserve honesty and transparency from their elected official." (Reporting by Moira Warburton; editing by Andy Sullivan, Scott Malone, Daniel Walls and Jonathan Oatis) Venezuela's National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez addresses the media at the Federal Legislative Palace, in Caracas, Venezuela October 24, 2023. REUTERS/Gaby Oraa CARACAS (Reuters) - Venezuela's National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez on Friday said the country would not accept "ultimatums from anyone," after the U.S. warned it would review plans to ease sanctions if progress is not made toward fair elections. Washington eased some oil sanctions last month after an electoral deal between President Nicolas Maduro's government and the political opposition was signed in October. The U.S. has said it would further ease sanctions from next April if the Venezuelan authorities lift political bans on opposition leaders, including a 15-year ban from public office on presidential candidate Maria Corina Machado. Opposition parties consider these bans illegal. The easing of U.S. sanctions is also conditional on release of political prisoners and "unjustly detained" U.S. citizens. U.S. officials have said they expect Venezuela to take action this month on concrete steps. But Rodriguez, who also heads the government delegation in the opposition negotiations, told a press conference on Friday that Venezuela would not accept ultimatums. "Venezuela does not accept ultimatums from anyone, by now everybody should know that, we don't care", he said. State oil firm PDVSA has been in talks with contractors on increasing production and analysts have said an easing of sanctions in view of the 2024 elections would allow the government to gradually increase its income. (Reporting by Deisy Buitrago; Writing by Mayela Armas and Sarah Morland; Editing by David Gregorio) AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - The International Criminal Court said on Friday it had ended proceedings against Vincent Otti, the former deputy head of the notorious Ugandan Lord's Resistance Army (LRA), as it believed he had died. Otti was facing 32 charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity including murder, rape, forced enlistment of children, cruel treatment and pillaging. But deserters from the LRA said as early as 2007 that LRA leader Joseph Kony had executed Otti, who had been instrumental in peace talks. The court said it agreed with prosecutors that all available evidence indicated "that Mr Otti was killed in a remote area of the Democratic Republic of Congo in October 2007". ICC prosecutor Karim Khan said last year he wanted to revive a case against Kony, a fugitive who is also accused of more than 30 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Kony led the LRA as it terrorized Ugandans for nearly 20 years and battled the government of President Yoweri Museveni from bases in northern Uganda and neighbouring countries. In recent years it has largely been wiped out. (Reporting by Bart Meijer; Editing by Andrew Heavens) FILE PHOTO: A view of a brine pool at SQM lithium mine at the Atacama salt flat is pictured, in Antofagasta region, Chile, May 3, 2023. REUTERS/Ivan Alvarado/File Photo By Ernest Scheyder LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Western lithium and graphite miners have started charging the electric vehicle (EV) supply chain higher prices for their material, meeting demand for environmentally-friendly and consistent supply that is not linked to China. In presentations and interviews at this week's Benchmark critical minerals conference in Los Angeles, industry executives, consultants and investors touted the premium pricing model as a way to help prod development of non-Chinese supply, a goal of Washington, Brussels and other Western governments. The surcharges mirror a plan from the rare earths industry as Beijing exerts control of the critical minerals market and some EV backers worry that weaker environmental standards among some Chinese miners could tarnish the industry's clean energy credentials. China refines more than 90% of the world's graphite and last month said it will require export permits for the metal, the largest component of an EV battery. Lithium, the lightest metal, is used to make a battery's positively charged cathode and prized for its ability to store energy. China is the world's largest lithium processor. "There's a premium to secure material from North America," said Patrice Boulanger of Nouveau Monde Graphite, which is building a Canadian mine and has a non-binding offtake with Panasonic Energy. "We have the highest (environmental, social and governance) standards." Miners say the surcharges make investors more comfortable financing new projects, especially as Chinese rivals have been known to sell metals below prevailing market rates. "For a company to make an investment decision here in the United States ... there has to be an adequate return for that," said Shaun Verner, CEO of Syrah Resources, which received U.S. Department of Energy funding to build a graphite processing plant in Louisiana that will supply Tesla. "Customers understand that there is going to a degree of pricing differential across different geographic markets and potentially different provenance of materials." Later this month, Benchmark, a data and information provider, will start publishing a sustainable lithium price that tracks what automakers have been willing to pay for ESG-friendly supplies of the white metal. Brazil's Sigma Lithium has already begun selling its production at prices it says reflects its sustainability. The surcharge talk comes despite recent plunges in a range of lithium prices. That may, some industry members say, make it harder to convince customers to pay more. Higher metals prices could also boost the cost of various electronics. Amanda Hall, CEO of privately-held Summit Nanotech, said miners should produce consistent, environmentally-friendly supplies as a general rule, regardless of market dynamics. "I don't think customers will pay more, based on commodity markets in general," said Hall. Summit Nanotech, a direct lithium extraction company, has projects in North and South America. Others say they plan to keep surcharges, convinced that auto companies will pay. Northern Graphite, which runs a Quebec graphite mine and is building an anode facility, is already selling types of the metal at prices above Chinese rivals, said CEO Hugues Jacquemin. "Our customers want guarantee of supply, they want quality of material, and they want long-term sustainability," said Jacquemin. "Today, when you buy graphite from China, you don't know where it comes from." (Reporting by Ernest Scheyder; Editing by David Gregorio) FILE PHOTO: A view of Myanmar's Khawmawi village on the India-Myanmar border across the Tiau river as seen from Zokhawthar village in Champhai district of India's northeastern state of Mizoram, India, November 14, 2023. REUTERS/Chanchinmawia/File Photo By Chanchinmawia ZOKHAWTHAR, India (Reuters) - In the pre-dawn darkness on Monday, a 22-year-old Myanmar rebel fighter approached a hill-top military camp in remote Chin State with dozens of comrades for an assault that opened up another front in a mounting nationwide offensive against the junta. "We cut the fencing wire," said Suan, who gave only his first name. "I was the first to enter. As soon as I entered, they started firing at us." The battle at Khawmawi military camp, near Myanmar's porous border with India's Mizoram state, lasted almost 12 hours, according to Suan and five other rebel fighters and commanders. Another military camp at Rihkhawdar was overrun by rebels within a few hours, marking a key victory for a grassroots insurgency that has brewed in Chin State since a 2021 coup when Myanmar's generals deposed a democratically elected government. The ethnic Chin fighters said they used drones to drop bombs on the military bases, and junta soldiers fought back - especially fiercely at Khawmawi - occasionally firing mortars. "When we entered the camp, most soldiers had already fled. But the ones that stayed, around 20 soldiers, fought intensely," said Lawma, 26, who like Suan, lay at a hospital in India's Champhai town after being wounded in the fighting. At least nine Chin fighters were killed in the assault, along with six junta soldiers, two Chin rebels said, asking not to be named. Suan and Lawma's account of the battle, which was corroborated by a rebel commander and six residents who witnessed some of the fighting, provides a rare ground-level insight into a widening assault against Myanmar's military junta. A junta spokesman did not respond to calls seeking comment. In late October, three ethnic minority insurgent groups launched what they call "Operation 1027", from the date their offensive began, to take on junta troops in Shan State near Myanmar's border with China, winning control of several towns and more than 100 military outputs. The Arakan Army, part of Three Brotherhood Alliance that launched the offensive, also opened a front against the military in western Rakhine State. Insurgents are also beating back the military in Kayah State, which borders Thailand. The offensive is the most serious challenge to the junta since the 2021 coup. Zaw Min Tun, a junta spokesperson, said late on Wednesday the military was facing "heavy assaults" on multiple fronts. The junta describes the rebels as "terrorists". HOMEMADE GUNS TO DRONES Lalchaka, a resident of the Indian border town of Zokhawthar, near the overrun military camps, said he initially heard gunshots on Sunday evening but the firing intensified after rebels deployed drones to drop bombs at night. At the beginning of their insurgency, Chin fighters, including university students who took up arms, struggled to find weapons, often using homemade guns to take on the military. "At that time, from a military perspective, we were young," said Sui Khar, vice chairman of the Chin National Front, which participated in Monday's assault that had been planned weeks in advance after reconnaissance. Across Myanmar, junta spokesman Zaw Min Tun said insurgents had been using drones to drop hundreds of bombs on military positions. One Chin fighter said their drones, which could carry up to 6 kg (13 pounds), were smuggled in from abroad, adding: "We use drones in most of our operations". After the two military camps were overrun, 43 junta soldiers crossed over to India seeking shelter and most were subsequently flown back to Myanmar. On Wednesday, two days after the battle, Indian paramilitary soldiers manned one side of the Zokhawthar border crossing. On the other side stood armed Chin rebels, under a billowing Chin flag. (Additional reporting by Krishn Kaushik; writing by Devjyot Ghoshal; editing by Robert Birsel) Refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh region sit in the back of a truck upon their arrival in the border village of Kornidzor, Armenia, September 27, 2023. REUTERS/Irakli Gedenidze/File Photo THE HAGUE (Reuters) -Judges at the World Court on Friday ordered Azerbaijan to let ethnic Armenians who fled Nagorno-Karabakh in September return, and to keep the Armenians remaining in the enclave safe, as part of a set of emergency measures. Azerbaijan in September recaptured the region, then controlled by its ethnic Armenian majority despite being internationally recognised as part of Azerbaijan. The lightning offensive, after decades of enmity between Baku and Yerevan and a nine-month blockade of essential supplies by Baku, prompted the mass exodus of most of the region's 120,000 ethnic Armenians to neighbouring Armenia. Yerevan accused Azerbaijan of ethnic cleansing and asked the International Court of Justice, as the World Court is formally known, to issue emergency measures aimed at protecting the rights of ethnic Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh. "Azerbaijan must (...) ensure that persons who have left Nagorno-Karabakh after Sept. 19, 2023, and who wish to return to Nagorno-Karabakh are able to do so in a safe, unimpeded and expeditious manner," presiding judge Joan Donoghue said. The court said Azerbaijan must also make sure any ethnic Armenians still living in the enclave were "free from the use of force or intimidation that may cause them to flee" and ordered that Baku report to the court in two months to show what it was doing to comply with the order. Azerbaijan's foreign ministry said it had already pledged to ensure all residents safety and security, regardless of national or ethnic origin, and that it had not forced the ethnic Armenians to leave Karabakh. "Azerbaijan is committed to upholding the human rights of the Armenian residents of Karabakh on an equal basis with other citizens of Azerbaijan," it said in a statement. The measures are part of two competing legal disputes between Armenia and Azerbaijan before the ICJ. Both states accuse each of violating a U.N. anti-discrimination treaty. No date has been set for the main case and a final ruling is not expected before well into next year. (Reporting by Stephanie van den Berg and Nailia Bagirova; Editing by Andrew Heavens and Hugh Lawson, William Maclean) A new media bomb may be about to explode in the House of Windsor. After Netflixs controversial docuseries about the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and Spare, Prince Harrys tell-all memoir, the tense relationship between Charles IIIs youngest son and the rest of the family, and especially with his brother William, heir to the British throne, may be getting even more heated. But this time it was not Harrys own words that caused alarm bells to go off at Buckingham Palace. Omid Scobie, British royal correspondent and a person who is close to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, is to blame. In his new book, Endgame, which will hit bookstores worldwide on November 28 and excerpts of which were published by People, the author speaks with certainty about the fact that there is no going back in the relationship between the Duke of Sussex and his brother. The journalist offers new information about Prince Harrys journey to the deathbed of his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, on September 8, 2022. William ignored him, said a family source. He clearly didnt want to see his brother. The discomfort between the two brothers has worsened in recent months and their relationship is now cold and marked by indifference, according to the new book. Heir-to-the-throne William has prioritized his loyalty to the monarchy, even quietly cooperating with the U.K. press to undermine Harry, according to Scobie as quoted by People. The sources that provided information for Endgame, according to its author, are close to the Windsors, and admit that among the members of the court Prince Harry is known as a defector. Scobie chronicles the breakup of the British royal family as the weakening of the modern monarchy: 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. Therefore, for the brothers, there is no going back. Prince William strongly believes that Harry and Meghan took the path of individualism. Something that took the family by surprise, even Queen Elizabeth. The expression Oh so California has gone viral among close friends of the Prince of Wales to mock the Duke and Duchess of Sussexs decision to move to the United States after resigning as active members of the British crown. A source close to the future king of the United Kingdom states in the book that William no longer recognizes his brother and believes he has been brainwashed by an army of therapists. Elizabeth II, with her grandson, Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, at Buckingham Palace, in July 2018. Max Mumby/Indigo (Getty Images) Prince Harry was always very close to his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, and has highlighted on multiple occasions the beautiful relationship they had until her death at Balmoral Palace (Scotland), at the age of 96. Scobie wanted to offer a vision of how traumatic the hours before the monarchs death, and the days that preceded her funeral, were for the Duke of Sussex. Harry and Meghan reportedly learned of her death through the BBC, and not from their own family. A friend of the duke comments on it in the book: His relationship with the Queen was everything to him. She would have wanted him to know before it went out to the world. 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. When the duke left California on May 5, 2023 to attend the coronation of his father, Charles III he only witnessed the ceremony at Westminster Abbey and a few hours later he left for the United States the book says that he had a knot in his stomach upon landing in London. Though he hasnt found closure with his family, hes accepted that things are unlikely to change, particularly with his brother, writes the journalist. It is not the first time that Scobie, considered an unofficial spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex due to his closeness to the couple, has published a book full of information about the state of the U.K. monarchy. In 2021, Finding Freedom revealed the conversations and intimacies of Harry and Meghan prior to their departure to California. The first fragments of Scobies new book have been released in the wake of the 75th birthday of King Charles III. The British newspaper The Telegraph confirmed that Harry and Meghan spoke by phone with the monarch to congratulate him. This represents progress in the father-son relationship, strongly affected by the Dukes statements in his Netflix documentary and in his book. Although no sign of rapprochement has been in the news at the moment, a source cited in the book as a close friend of Harrys said that the prince is prepared for a possible reconciliation: Im ready to move on past it. Whether we get an apology or accountability, who knows? Who really cares at this point? UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D. C. 20549 Form N-17f-2 Certificate of Accounting of Securities and Similar Investments in the Custody of Management Investment Companies Pursuant to Rule 17f-2 [17 CFR 270.17f-2] 1. Investment Company Act File Number: Date examination completed: 811-23499 November 16, 2023 2. State identification Number: AL AK AZ AR CA CO CT DE DC FL GA HI ID IL IN IA KS KY LA ME MD MA MI MN MS MO MT NE NV NH NJ NM NY NC ND OH OK OR PA RI SC SD TN TX UT VT VA WA WV WI WY PUERTO RICO Other (specify): 3. Exact name of investment company as specified in registration statement: Goldman Sachs Real Estate Diversified Income Fund 4. Address of principal executive office (number, street, city, state, zip code): 200 West Street, New York, NY 10282 Report of Independent Accountants To the Board of Trustees of Goldman Sachs Real Estate Diversified Income Fund We have examined managements assertion, included in the accompanying Management Statement Regarding Compliance with Certain Provisions of the Investment Company Act of 1940, that Goldman Sachs Real Estate Diversified Income Fund (the Fund) complied with the requirements of subsections (b) and (c) of Rule 17f-2 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the Act), as interpreted in managements assertion as of March 31, 2023 with respect to shares of beneficial interest of the underlying funds owned by the Fund and held by Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC in book entry form. Management is responsible for its assertion and the Funds compliance with those requirements. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on managements assertion about the Funds compliance with the specified requirements based on our examination. Our examination was conducted in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) and in accordance with attestation standards established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Those standards require that we plan and perform the examination to obtain reasonable assurance about whether managements assertion about compliance with the specified requirements is fairly stated, in all material respects, and, accordingly, included examining, on a test basis, evidence about the Funds compliance with those requirements and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. Included among our procedures were the following tests performed as of March 31, 2023, and with respect to agreement of purchases and sales of shares of beneficial interest of the underlying funds, for the period from July 31, 2022 (the date of our last examination), through March 31, 2023: Confirmation of securities (the number of shares of beneficial interest of the underlying funds) owned by the Fund and held by Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, a transfer agent that uses the book entry method of accounting for shares; Reconciliation of all such securities (shares of beneficial interest of the underlying funds) to the books and records of the Fund and Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC; and Agreement of a sample of purchases of shares of beneficial interest of the underlying funds and a sample of sales of shares of beneficial interest of the underlying funds by the Fund since our last report from the books and records of the Fund to confirmations received from Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC. We believe that our examination provides, and that the evidence we obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide, a reasonable basis for our opinion. Our examination does not provide a legal determination on the Funds compliance with specified requirements. We are required to be independent and to meet our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with relevant ethical requirements related to the engagement. In our opinion, managements assertion that Goldman Sachs Real Estate Diversified Income complied with the requirements of subsections (b) and (c) of Rule 17f-2 of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as interpreted in managements assertion as of March 31, 2023 with respect to shares of beneficial interest of the underlying funds owned by the Fund and held by Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC in book entry form, is fairly stated, in all material respects. This report is intended solely for the information and use of management and the Board of Trustees of the Fund and the Securities and Exchange Commission and is not intended to be and should not be used by anyone other than these specified parties. /s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP Boston, Massachusetts November 16, 2023 Goldman, Sachs & Co. LLC | 30 Hudson Street | Jersey City, NJ 07302 Goldman Sachs Management Statement Regarding Compliance with Certain Provisions of the Investment Company Act of 1940 We, as members of management of Goldman Sachs Real Estate Diversified Income Fund (the Fund), are responsible for complying with the requirements of subsections (b) and (c) of Rule 17f-2, Custody of Investments by Registered Management Investment Company, of the Investment Company Act of 1940 as interpreted, amended or modified based on SEC orders or SEC staff issued no-action guidance relevant to interests in underlying funds held by an affiliated transfer agent in book entry form (Rule 17f-2). We are also responsible for establishing and maintaining effective internal controls over compliance with those requirements. We have performed an evaluation of the Funds compliance with the requirements of Rule 17f-2 as of March 31, 2023 and from July 31, 2022 through March 31, 2023. Based on this evaluation, we assert that the Fund was in compliance with the requirements of Rule 17f-2 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 as of March 31, 2023, with respect to shares of beneficial interest of the underlying funds owned by the Fund and held by Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC in book entry form. By: /s/ Joseph F. DiMaria Joseph F. DiMaria Treasurer, Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer of the Fund Title November 16, 2023 Date By: /s/ Peter W. Fortner Peter W. Fortner Assistant Treasurer of the Fund Title November 16, 2023 Date Report of Independent Accountants To the Board of Trustees of Goldman Sachs Real Estate Diversified Income Fund We have examined managements assertion, included in the accompanying Management Statement Regarding Compliance with Certain Provisions of the Investment Company Act of 1940, that Goldman Sachs Real Estate Diversified Income Fund (the Fund) complied with the requirements of subsections (b) and (c) of Rule 17f-2 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the Act), as interpreted in managements assertion as of April 30, 2023 with respect to shares of beneficial interest of the underlying funds owned by the Fund and held by Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC in book entry form. Management is responsible for its assertion and the Funds compliance with those requirements. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on managements assertion about the Funds compliance with the specified requirements based on our examination. Our examination was conducted in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) and in accordance with attestation standards established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Those standards require that we plan and perform the examination to obtain reasonable assurance about whether managements assertion about compliance with the specified requirements is fairly stated, in all material respects, and, accordingly, included examining, on a test basis, evidence about the Funds compliance with those requirements and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. Included among our procedures were the following tests performed as of April 30, 2023, and with respect to agreement of purchases and sales of shares of beneficial interest of the underlying funds, for the period from March 31, 2023 (the date of our last examination), through April 30, 2023: Confirmation of securities (the number of shares of beneficial interest of the underlying funds) owned by the Fund and held by Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, a transfer agent that uses the book entry method of accounting for shares; Reconciliation of all such securities (shares of beneficial interest of the underlying funds) to the books and records of the Fund and Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC; and Agreement of a sample of purchases of shares of beneficial interest of the underlying funds and a sample of sales of shares of beneficial interest of the underlying funds by the Fund since our last report from the books and records of the Fund to confirmations received from Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC. We believe that our examination provides, and that the evidence we obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide, a reasonable basis for our opinion. Our examination does not provide a legal determination on the Funds compliance with specified requirements. We are required to be independent and to meet our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with relevant ethical requirements related to the engagement. In our opinion, managements assertion that Goldman Sachs Real Estate Diversified Income complied with the requirements of subsections (b) and (c) of Rule 17f-2 of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as interpreted in managements assertion as of April 30, 2023 with respect to shares of beneficial interest of the underlying funds owned by the Fund and held by Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC in book entry form, is fairly stated, in all material respects. This report is intended solely for the information and use of management and the Board of Trustees of the Fund and the Securities and Exchange Commission and is not intended to be and should not be used by anyone other than these specified parties. /s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP Boston, Massachusetts November 16, 2023 Goldman, Sachs & Co. LLC | 30 Hudson Street | Jersey City, NJ 07302 Goldman Sachs Management Statement Regarding Compliance with Certain Provisions of the Investment Company Act of 1940 We, as members of management of Goldman Sachs Real Estate Diversified Income Fund (the Fund), are responsible for complying with the requirements of subsections (b) and (c) of Rule 17f-2, Custody of Investments by Registered Management Investment Company, of the Investment Company Act of 1940 as interpreted, amended or modified based on SEC orders or SEC staff issued no-action guidance relevant to interests in underlying funds held by an affiliated transfer agent in book entry form (Rule 17f-2). We are also responsible for establishing and maintaining effective internal controls over compliance with those requirements. We have performed an evaluation of the Funds compliance with the requirements of Rule 17f-2 as of April 30, 2023 and from March 31, 2023 through April 30, 2023. Based on this evaluation, we assert that the Fund was in compliance with the requirements of Rule 17f-2 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 as of April 30, 2023, with respect to shares of beneficial interest of the underlying funds owned by the Fund and held by Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC in book entry form. By: /s/ Joseph F. DiMaria Joseph F. DiMaria Treasurer, Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer of the Fund Title November 16, 2023 Date By: /s/ Peter W. Fortner Peter W. Fortner Assistant Treasurer of the Fund Title November 16, 2023 Date Report of Independent Accountants To the Board of Trustees of Goldman Sachs Real Estate Diversified Income Fund We have examined managements assertion, included in the accompanying Management Statement Regarding Compliance with Certain Provisions of the Investment Company Act of 1940, that Goldman Sachs Real Estate Diversified Income Fund (the Fund) complied with the requirements of subsections (b) and (c) of Rule 17f-2 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the Act), as interpreted in managements assertion as of May 31, 2023 with respect to shares of beneficial interest of the underlying funds owned by the Fund and held by Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC in book entry form. Management is responsible for its assertion and the Funds compliance with those requirements. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on managements assertion about the Funds compliance with the specified requirements based on our examination. Our examination was conducted in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) and in accordance with attestation standards established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Those standards require that we plan and perform the examination to obtain reasonable assurance about whether managements assertion about compliance with the specified requirements is fairly stated, in all material respects, and, accordingly, included examining, on a test basis, evidence about the Funds compliance with those requirements and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. Included among our procedures were the following tests performed as of May 31, 2023, and with respect to agreement of purchases and sales of shares of beneficial interest of the underlying funds, for the period from April 30, 2023 (the date of our last examination), through May 31, 2023: Confirmation of securities (the number of shares of beneficial interest of the underlying funds) owned by the Fund and held by Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, a transfer agent that uses the book entry method of accounting for shares; Reconciliation of all such securities (shares of beneficial interest of the underlying funds) to the books and records of the Fund and Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC; and Agreement of a sample of purchases of shares of beneficial interest of the underlying funds and a sample of sales of shares of beneficial interest of the underlying funds by the Fund since our last report from the books and records of the Fund to confirmations received from Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC. We believe that our examination provides, and that the evidence we obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide, a reasonable basis for our opinion. Our examination does not provide a legal determination on the Funds compliance with specified requirements. We are required to be independent and to meet our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with relevant ethical requirements related to the engagement. In our opinion, managements assertion that Goldman Sachs Real Estate Diversified Income complied with the requirements of subsections (b) and (c) of Rule 17f-2 of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as interpreted in managements assertion as of May 31, 2023 with respect to shares of beneficial interest of the underlying funds owned by the Fund and held by Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC in book entry form, is fairly stated, in all material respects. This report is intended solely for the information and use of management and the Board of Trustees of the Fund and the Securities and Exchange Commission and is not intended to be and should not be used by anyone other than these specified parties. /s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP Boston, Massachusetts November 16, 2023 Goldman, Sachs & Co. LLC | 30 Hudson Street | Jersey City, NJ 07302 Goldman Sachs Management Statement Regarding Compliance with Certain Provisions of the Investment Company Act of 1940 We, as members of management of Goldman Sachs Real Estate Diversified Income Fund (the Fund), are responsible for complying with the requirements of subsections (b) and (c) of Rule 17f-2, Custody of Investments by Registered Management Investment Company, of the Investment Company Act of 1940 as interpreted, amended or modified based on SEC orders or SEC staff issued no-action guidance relevant to interests in underlying funds held by an affiliated transfer agent in book entry form (Rule 17f-2). We are also responsible for establishing and maintaining effective internal controls over compliance with those requirements. We have performed an evaluation of the Funds compliance with the requirements of Rule 17f-2 as of May 31, 2023 and from April 30, 2023 through May 31, 2023. Based on this evaluation, we assert that the Fund was in compliance with the requirements of Rule 17f-2 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 as of May 31, 2023, with respect to shares of beneficial interest of the underlying funds owned by the Fund and held by Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC in book entry form. false 0000866829 NYSE 0000866829 2023-11-17 2023-11-17 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): (November 16, 2023) HELIX ENERGY SOLUTIONS GROUP, INC. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Minnesota 001-32936 95-3409686 (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation) (Commission File Number) (IRS Employer Identification No.) 3505 West Sam Houston Parkway North Suite 400 Houston , Texas 77043 (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) Registrants telephone number, including area code: 281 - 618-0400 NOT APPLICABLE (Former name or former address, if changed since last report) Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions: Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425) Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a12) Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d2(b)) Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e4(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 Common Stock, no par value HLX New York Stock Exchange 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 12b2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (240.12b2 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 1.01. Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement. Purchase Agreement On November 16, 2023, Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc. (the Company) and the subsidiaries of the Company that guarantee its senior secured credit facility entered into a purchase agreement (the Purchase Agreement) with Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, as representative of the several initial purchasers named therein (the Purchasers). Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, the Company agreed to issue and sell $300 million aggregate principal amount of its 9.750% Senior Notes due 2029 (the Notes). The Notes will be guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by the subsidiaries of the Company that guarantee its secured credit facility, as well as certain future subsidiaries that guarantee certain of the Company's debt, including its secured credit facility (the Guarantors). The net proceeds from the sale of the Notes (after deducting the Purchasers discount and estimated offering expenses) are expected to be approximately $290.1 million. The offering of the Notes is expected to close, subject to customary closing conditions, on December 1, 2023. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the offering, together with cash on hand and shares of common stock, as necessary, to pay the cost of extinguishing its obligations with respect to its outstanding 6.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2026 (the 2026 Convertible Notes), which may include privately negotiated transactions and payments in settlement of redemptions or conversions of such notes. The Company intends to use the remainder of the net proceeds from this offering, if any, for general corporate purposes, which may include repayment of other indebtedness. The Company reserves the right to settle and extinguish the 2026 Convertible Notes in cash, shares of its common stock, or any combination thereof. The Purchase Agreement includes customary representations, warranties and covenants by the Company and the Guarantors and customary closing conditions. Under the Purchase Agreement, the Company and the Guarantors and the Purchasers agreed to indemnify the other party against certain liabilities. The Notes have not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act) or any state securities laws and, unless so registered, may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act and other applicable securities laws. The notes and related guarantees will be offered only to persons reasonably believed to be qualified institutional buyers in reliance on the exemption for registration set forth in Rule 144A of the Securities Act, and outside of the United States to non-U.S. persons in reliance on the exemption from registration set forth in Regulation S Under the Securities Act. The foregoing description of the Purchase Agreement is not complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Purchase Agreement, which is filed as Exhibit 10.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated into this Item 1.01 herein by reference. Statements in this Current Report on Form 8-K, including but not limited to those relating to the Notes, including their timing and issuance, terms and use of proceeds therefrom and other statements that are not historical facts, are forward looking statements that are based on current expectations. Although the Company believes that its expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that these expectations will prove correct. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include market conditions, risks regarding financing and other risks described in the Companys Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 and its other filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Item 7.01. Regulation FD Disclosure. On November 16, 2023, the Company issued a press release announcing the pricing of the Notes. A copy of the press release is filed as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and incorporated into this Item 7.01 by reference. The information in this Item 7.01 and Exhibit 99.1 attached hereto is being furnished and shall not be deemed filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, except as expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing. Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits. (d) Exhibits Exhibit Number Description 10.1 Purchase Agreement, dated November 16, 2023, among Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc., guarantors party thereto and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, as representative of the several initial purchasers named therein. 99.1 Press release dated November 16, 2023. 104 Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document). 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. Date: November 17, 2023 HELIX ENERGY SOLUTIONS GROUP, INC. By: /s/ Erik Staffeldt Erik Staffeldt Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer 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): SCULPTOR CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Delaware 001-33805 26-0354783 (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation) (Commission File Number) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) 9 West 57th Street , New York , NY 10019 (Address of principal executive offices) ( 212 ) 790-0000 (Registrants telephone number, including area code) 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: 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 Class A Shares SCU New York Stock Exchange Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (Sec.230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Sec.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. Introductory Note On November 17, 2023, Sculptor Capital Management, Inc., a Delaware corporation ( Sculptor or the Company ), Rithm Capital Corp., a Delaware corporation ( Rithm ), Sculptor Capital LP, a Delaware limited partnership and subsidiary of Sculptor ( Capital LP ), Sculptor Capital Advisors LP, a Delaware limited partnership and subsidiary of Sculptor ( Advisors LP ), Sculptor Capital Advisors II LP, a Delaware limited partnership and subsidiary of Sculptor ( Advisors II LP and, collectively with Capital LP and Advisors LP, the Operating Partnerships and each Operating Partnership, in its capacity as the limited partnership surviving the LP Mergers (as defined below), a Surviving Limited Partnership and, collectively, the Surviving Limited Partnerships ), Calder Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation and subsidiary of Rithm ( Merger Sub Inc. ), Calder Sub I, LP, a Delaware limited partnership and subsidiary of Rithm ( Merger Sub I ), Calder Sub II, LP, a Delaware limited partnership and subsidiary of Rithm ( Merger Sub II ), and Calder Sub III, LP, a Delaware limited partnership and subsidiary of Rithm. ( Merger Sub III ), completed the previously announced transactions contemplated by the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated July 23, 2023, as amended on October 12, 2023 (the First Amendment ) and October 26, 2023 (the Second Amendment ), (collectively as amended, the Merger Agreement ), by and among the Company, Rithm, Capital LP, Advisors LP, Advisors II LP, Merger Sub Inc., Merger Sub I, Merger Sub II, and Merger Sub III. Upon the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement (the Closing ), (i) Merger Sub Inc. merged with and into Sculptor (the Public Merger ), with Sculptor surviving such merger as the surviving corporation (the Surviving Corporation ), (ii) Merger Sub I merged with and into Capital LP ( LP Merger I ), with Capital LP surviving such merger as the surviving partnership, (iii) Merger Sub II merged with and into Advisors LP ( LP Merger II ), with Advisors LP surviving such merger as the surviving partnership, and (iv) Merger Sub III merged with and into Advisors II LP ( LP Merger III and, collectively with LP Merger I and LP Merger II, the LP Mergers , and the LP Mergers, collectively with the Public Merger, the Mergers and collectively with the other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, the Transactions ), with Advisors II LP surviving such merger as the surviving partnership. Each capitalized term used herein but not otherwise defined has the meaning given to it in the Merger Agreement. The Public Merger became effective at the time the Certificate of Merger was filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on November 17, 2023 (the Effective Time ) and the LP Mergers became effective at the time the applicable LP Certificates of Merger were filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on November 17, 2023 (the LP Mergers Effective Time ). Item 1.01. Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement. On November 17, 2023 the Company entered into a limited waiver (the Limited Waiver ) in connection with that certain Credit and Guaranty Agreement dated as of September 25, 2020, among Capital LP as borrower, Advisors LP, Advisors II LP, Delaware Life Insurance Company, as administrative agent, and the lenders party thereto from time to time (as amended, restated or otherwise modified, the Credit Agreement ). Pursuant to the Limited Waiver, Delaware Life Insurance Company, as administrative agent and lender, agrees to waive any default or event of default that may arise under the Credit Agreement as a result of the consummation of the Mergers and the transactions related thereto until 4:59 pm (NY Time) on November 30, 2023 (the Limited Waiver ). As a condition to the effectiveness of such Limited Waiver, the Company will make a payment of $22,622,205.60, which represents (1) all accrued and unpaid interest, fees and expenses owing with respect to the Loans (as defined in the Credit Agreement) outstanding immediately prior to the consummation of the Mergers; (2) all accrued and unpaid Commitment Fees (as defined in the Credit Agreement) with respect to the Revolving Commitments (as defined in the Credit Agreement) outstanding immediately prior to the consummation of the Mergers; (3) $20,000,000 principal amount of the outstanding Term Loans (as defined in the Credit Agreement); and (4) a 2.0% call premium on the total principal amount of the Term Loans outstanding immediately prior to the consummation of the Mergers (which 2.00% shall not be due again on November 30, 2023 or thereafter). Item 2.01. Completion of Acquisition or Disposition of Assets. The information set forth in the Introductory Note and in Items 3.03, 5.01, 5.02, and 5.03 of this Current Report on Form 8-K (this Current Report ) is incorporated herein by reference. At the Effective Time, each share of Class A common stock, $0.01 par value, of the Company (the Company Class A Common Stock ) issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time (but excluding (x) any shares of Company Common Stock (as defined below) that were owned directly by Rithm, Merger Sub Inc. or any of their subsidiaries immediately prior to the Effective Time or held in treasury of the Company, (y) any shares of Company Common Stock as to which appraisal rights have been properly exercised and (z) any unvested Sculptor Restricted Stock Awards (as defined below and treatment of which is described below)) was cancelled, extinguished, and converted into the right to receive cash in the amount of $12.70, without interest, subject to applicable withholding taxes (the Public Merger Share Consideration ). At the Effective Time, all of the shares of (i) Class B common stock, $0.01 par value, of the Company (the Company Class B Common Stock and collectively with the Company Class A Common Stock, the Company Common Stock ), (ii) Company Common Stock owned directly by Rithm, Merger Sub Inc. or any of their subsidiaries immediately prior to the Effective Time, and (iii) Company Common Stock held in treasury of the Company, were canceled without conversion or payment. At the Effective Time, each issued and outstanding share of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of Merger Sub Inc. issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time converted into and became one (1) fully paid and non-assessable share of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Surviving Corporation. On the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement, at the LP Mergers Effective Time, each Class A common unit of the Operating Partnerships ( LP Class A Unit ), Class A-1 common unit of the Operating Partnerships ( LP Class A-1 Unit ), Class E common unit of the Operating Partnerships ( LP Class E Unit ), Class P common unit of the Operating Partnerships ( LP Class P Unit ) and Class P-4 common unit of the Operating Partnerships ( LP Class P-4 Unit ) issued and outstanding immediately prior to the LP Mergers Effective Time that was vested at the LP Mergers Effective Time or became vested as a result of the consummation of the Transactions, in each case, in accordance with the limited partnership agreements of the Operating Partnerships (the Operating Partnership LPAs ), and any applicable award agreement (but excluding (x) any units of the Operating Partnerships that are owned directly by Rithm, the LP Merger Subs or any of their subsidiaries or held in treasury of the Operating Partnerships, and (y) Unvested Units (as defined below)) were converted into the right to receive an amount in cash equal to the applicable per-unit amount that a holder of such unit of the Operating Partnership (an Operating Partnership Unit ) is entitled to receive in a liquidity event pursuant to the terms of each of the Operating Partnership LPAs (where the aggregate amount payable by the Operating Partnerships is $177,856,138), payable to the holder thereof, without interest (the LP Merger Consideration ), which equates to approximately $7.33 for each LP Class A Unit and each LP Class A-1 Unit and $0 for each LP Class E Unit, LP Class P Unit and LP Class P-4 Unit. At the LP Mergers Effective Time, (i) each Operating Partnership Unit held by a Sculptor service provider that was unvested at the LP Mergers Effective Time and that did not vest as a result of the consummation of the Transactions (the Unvested Units ), (ii) each LP Profit Sharing Interest and (iii) each Class C non-equity interest of the Operating Partnerships, in each case of clauses (i), (ii) and (iii), were canceled and retired, with no payment or conversion made in respect thereof. Additionally, at the LP Mergers Effective Time, (a) each Class B common unit of the Operating Partnerships (the LP Class B Units ) that was issued and outstanding immediately prior to the LP Mergers Effective Time continued to remain outstanding as LP Class B Units of the applicable Surviving Limited Partnership following the LP Mergers Effective Time, (b) each general partner interest of Sculptor Capital Holding Corporation, a Delaware corporation and subsidiary of Sculptor (the General Partner ), as general partner of each Operating Partnership outstanding immediately prior to the LP Mergers Effective Time remained outstanding following the LP Mergers Effective Time and the General Partner continued as the general partner of each Operating Partnership, and (c) each issued and outstanding limited partner interest of Merger Sub I, Merger Sub II and Merger Sub III issued and outstanding immediately prior to the LP Mergers Effective Time was converted into one (1) Class A common unit of the applicable Surviving Limited Partnership and the holder of such limited partner interest of Merger Sub I, Merger Sub II and Merger Sub III was admitted as a limited partner of the applicable Surviving Limited Partnership. At the Effective Time (i) each outstanding award of performance-based restricted shares of Company Common Stock or performance-based restricted stock units in respect of shares of Company Common Stock granted pursuant to Sculptors equity incentive plans (each, a Sculptor Performance Award ) that was vested or that became vested at the Effective Time pursuant to its terms was cancelled and converted into the right to receive the Public Merger Consideration with respect to each share of Company Common Stock underlying such Sculptor Performance Award, less any applicable withholding taxes and each other Sculptor Performance Award that remained outstanding as of the Effective Time, and any Sculptor Performance Award that immediately prior to the Effective Time was permitted to be or was automatically cancelled pursuant to its terms, was cancelled at the Effective Time without any consideration therefor; (ii) each outstanding award of service-based restricted stock units in respect of shares of Company Class A Common Stock (including any such award to be settled in cash) granted pursuant to Sculptors equity incentive plans (each, a Sculptor RSU Award ) that was vested or vested at the Effective Time pursuant to its terms was cancelled and converted into the right to receive the Public Merger Consideration with respect to each share of Company Class A Common Stock underlying such Sculptor RSU Award, less any applicable withholding taxes; (iii) each outstanding award of service-based restricted shares of Company Class A Common Stock granted pursuant to Sculptors equity incentive plans (each, a Sculptor Restricted Stock Award ) that was vested or that vested as of the Effective Time pursuant to its terms was cancelled and converted into the right to receive the Public Merger Consideration, less any applicable withholding taxes; and (iv) each Sculptor RSU Award or Sculptor Restricted Stock Award that remained outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time that was unvested was automatically cancelled and converted into a restricted cash award (a Converted Stock Award ) with a cash value equal to the product of (x) the aggregate number of shares of Company Class A Common Stock underlying such unvested Sculptor RSU Award or Sculptor Restricted Stock Award, as applicable, immediately prior to the Effective Time multiplied by (y) the Public Merger Consideration. Each Converted Stock Award is subject to substantially the same terms and conditions as applied to the corresponding Sculptor RSU Award or Sculptor Restricted Stock Award, as applicable, immediately prior to the Effective Time and will be paid (less applicable withholding taxes) promptly upon vesting. The description of the Mergers and the Merger Agreement contained in this Item 2.01 does not purport to be complete and is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to the Merger Agreement, the First Amendment and the Second Amendment, copies of which are filed as Exhibit 2.1, Exhibit 2.2, and Exhibit 2.3, respectively, to this Current Report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC ) and are incorporated herein by reference. Item 3.01. Notice of Delisting or Failure to Satisfy a Continued Listing Rule or Standard; Transfer of Listing. The information set forth under Item 2.01 of this Current Report is incorporated by reference into this Item 3.01. On November 17, 2023, in connection with the completion of the Public Merger, the Company notified the New York Stock Exchange (the NYSE ) that the Public Merger had been completed and requested that the NYSE suspend trading of the Company Class A Common Stock on the NYSE and withdraw the Company Class A Common Stock from listing on the NYSE prior to the opening of trading on November 17, 2023. The Company has requested that NYSE file a notification of removal from listing on Form 25 with the SEC with respect to the Company Class A Common Stock in order to effect the delisting of such shares from the NYSE. Such delisting will result in the deregistration of the Company Class A Common Stock under Section 12(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act ). The Company intends to file a Form 15 requesting the deregistration of the Company Class A Common Stock under Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act, which will suspend the Companys reporting obligations under Sections 13(a) and 15(d) of the Exchange Act with respect to the Company Class A Common Stock. Item 3.03. Material Modification to Rights of Security Holders. The information set forth in the Introductory Note and under Items 2.01, 3.01 and 5.03 of this Current Report is incorporated by reference into this Item 3.03. At the Effective Time, the holders of Company Class A Common Stock immediately before the Merger ceased to have any rights as stockholders of the Company (other than their right to receive the Public Merger Share Consideration in accordance with the terms of the Merger Agreement). Item 5.01. Change in Control of Registrant. The information set forth in the Introductory Note and the information set forth under Items 2.01, 3.03 and 5.02 of this Current Report is incorporated by reference into this Item 5.01. As a result of the completion of the Public Merger, a change in control of the Company occurred, and the Company became a wholly owned subsidiary of Rithm. Item 5.02. Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers. The information set forth in the Introductory Note and Item 2.01 of this Current Report is incorporated by reference into this Item 5.02. In connection with the consummation of the Mergers, James Levin, Wayne Cohen, Marcy Engel, Charmel Maynard, Bharath Srikrishnan, and David Bonanno, being all of the directors of the Company immediately prior to the Effective Time, resigned from the board of directors of the Company (and from all of the committees thereof), subject to the closing of the Mergers and effective as of the Effective Time. At the Effective Time, directors of Merger Sub Inc. became the directors of the Surviving Corporation, to hold office in accordance with the Delaware General Corporate Law (the DGCL ) and the certificate of incorporation and bylaws of the Surviving Corporation until their death, resignation or removal or until their respective successors are duly elected and qualified in accordance with the DGCL and the certificate of incorporation and bylaws of the Surviving Corporation. Item 5.03. Amendments to Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws; Change in Fiscal Year. The information set forth in the Introductory Note and Item 2.01 of this Current Report is incorporated by reference into this Item 5.03. At the Effective Time, the restated certificate of incorporation of the Company that was in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time was amended and restated to be in the form of Exhibit A to the Merger Agreement (the Certificate of Incorporation ). In addition, at the Effective Time, the amended and restated bylaws of the Company as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time were amended and restated in their entirety (the Bylaws ). Copies of the Certificate of Incorporation and the Bylaws are filed as Exhibits 3.1 and 3.2 to this Current Report, respectively, and are incorporated herein by reference. Item 5.07. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders. The Company held a Special Meeting of Stockholders on November 16, 2023, at 9:00 a.m., Eastern time (the Special Meeting ). There were 34,002,842 shares of Company Class A Common Stock, and 33,017,247 shares of Company Class B Common Stock issued and outstanding as of October 17, 2023, the record date for the Special Meeting (the Record Date ). At the Special Meeting, the holders of (i) 23,673,914 shares of Company Class A Common Stock and (ii) 29,334,485 shares of Company Class B Common Stock, were present in person or represented by proxy, representing (i) approximately 79.09% of the Company Common Stock, as of the Record Date, which constituted a quorum. Holders of approximately (i) 89.02% of the outstanding shares of the Company Class A Common Stock and (ii) 97.03% of the outstanding shares of the Company Class B Common Stock voted to adopt the Merger Agreement. The following are the voting results of the proposals considered and voted on at the Special Meeting, each of which is described in detail in the Companys definitive proxy statement, dated October 12, 2023, as amended and supplemented by amendments dated October 18, 2023, October 25, 2023, October 27, 2023, October 30, 2023, November 6, 2023, and November 9, 2023, filed by the Company with the SEC (the Proxy Statement ). 1. To adopt the Merger Agreement Votes For 30,545,405 Votes Against 3,344,864 Abstentions 1,118,130 Proposal 1 was approved. 2. To approve, on a non-binding, advisory basis, the compensation that will or may become payable by the Company to the Companys named executive officers in connection with the Mergers. Votes For 46,992,855 Votes Against 4,488,910 Abstentions 1,526,634 Proposal 2 was approved. In light of the approval of Proposal 1, Proposal 3 described in the Proxy Statement (relating to the adjournment of the Special Meeting if necessary or appropriate) was rendered moot. Item 7.01 Regulation FD Disclosure. On November 17, 2023 the Company and Rithm jointly issued a press release announcing the closing of the Mergers. A copy of this press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated by reference herein. The information in this Item 7.01, including Exhibit 99.1, is furnished and shall not be deemed filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act or otherwise subject to liabilities under that section, and shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing of the registrant under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, regardless of any general incorporation language in such filing, unless expressly incorporated by specific reference to such filing. Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits. (d) Exhibits * Schedules (or similar attachments) have been omitted from this filing pursuant to Item 601(a)(5) of Regulation S-K. A copy of any omitted schedule will be furnished to the SEC upon request. 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. SCULPTOR CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC. Dated: November 17, 2023 By: /s/Dava Ritchea Name: Dava Ritchea Title: Chief Financial Officer As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 16, 2023. Registration No. 333- UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM S-1 REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 RICHTECH ROBOTICS INC. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Nevada 3569 88-2870106 (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) (Primary Standard Industrial Classification Code Number) (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number) 4175 Cameron St Ste 1 Las Vegas, NV 89103 (866) 236-3835 (Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrants principal executive offices) Zhenwu (Wayne) Huang C/O RICHTECH ROBOTICS INC. 4175 Cameron St Ste 1 Las Vegas, NV 89103 (866) 236-3835 (Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service) Copies to: Richard I. Anslow, Esq. Lijia Sanchez, Esq. Ellenoff Grossman & Schole LLP 1345 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 10105 Tel: (212) 370-1300 Fax: (212) 370-7889 Fang Liu Esq. VCL Law LLP 1945 Old Gallows Road Suite 260 Vienna, VA 22182 703-919-7285 If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933 check the following box. If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. 333-273628 If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of large accelerated filer, accelerated filer, smaller reporting company and emerging growth company in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act: Large accelerated filer Accelerated filer Non-accelerated filer Smaller reporting company Emerging growth company If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act. The Registration Statement shall become effective upon filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission in accordance with Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. EXPLANATORY NOTE This Registration Statement on Form S-1 is being filed by Richtech Robotics Inc., a Nevada corporation (the Registrant), pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and General Instruction V to Form S-1. This Registration Statement relates to the Registrants Registration Statement on Form S-1, as amended (File No. 333-273628), initially filed by the Registrant on August 3, 2023 and declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 13, 2023 (the Prior Registration Statement). This Registration Statement covers the registration of an additional 115,000 shares of the Registrants Class B common stock. The required opinions of counsel and related consents and accountants consent are attached hereto and filed herewith. Pursuant to Rule 462(b), the contents of the Prior Registration Statement, including the exhibits thereto, are incorporated by reference into this Registration Statement. CERTIFICATION The Registrant hereby certifies to the Securities and Exchange Commission (the Commission) that (1) it has instructed its bank to pay the filing fee set forth in Exhibit 107 filed herewith by a wire transfer of such amount to the Commissions account at U.S. Bank as soon as practicable (but no later than the close of business as of November 17, 2023), (2) it will not revoke such instructions, (3) it has sufficient funds in the relevant account to cover the amount of such filing fee and (4) it will confirm receipt of such instructions by its bank during regular business hours no later than November 17, 2023. PART II INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS Item 16. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules. (a) Exhibits. All exhibits filed with or incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (SEC File No. 333-273628) are incorporated by reference into, and shall be deemed a part of, this Registration Statement, and the following additional exhibits are filed herewith, as part of this Registration Statement: EXHIBIT INDEX II-1 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of New York, State of New York, on the 16th day of November 20, 2023. RICHTECH ROBOTICS INC. By: /s/ Zhenwu Huang Zhenwu Huang Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated: Signature Title Date /s/ Zhenwu Huang Chief Executive Officer and Director November 16, 2023 Zhenwu Huang (Principal Executive Officer) /s/ Zhenqiang Huang Chief Financial Officer and Director November 16, 2023 Zhenqiang Huang (Principal Financial And Accounting Officer) /s/ Phil Zheng Chief Operating Officer November 16, 2023 Phil Zheng /s/ Matthew Casella President November 16, 2023 Matthew Casella II-2 ATTACHMENTS / EXHIBITS OPINION OF PARSONS BEHLE & LATIMER CONSENT OF BUSH & ASSOCIATES CPA FILING FEE TABLE The U.S. 5th Air Force awarded Air and Space Commendation Medals to Maj. Ken Yamashita, left, and Tech. Sgt. Atushi Oyaizu of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force for helping rescue a pair of injured American airman on the island of Tinan on Feb. 17, 2023. (U.S. Forces Japan via Facebook) YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan The U.S. 5th Air Force decorated a pair of Japanese airmen who helped evacuate two of their American counterparts after a car crash on a remote Pacific island. Maj. Ken Yamashita and Tech. Sgt. Atushi Oyaizu of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force had key roles in an emergency response to the Feb. 17 accident during COPE North drills on Guam and surrounding islands, according to a Facebook post Wednesday by U.S. Forces Japan. Each was awarded the Air and Space Commendation Medal during a ceremony Wednesday at the 5th Air Force headquarters at Yokota Air Base in western Tokyo. Yamashita was working as a landing zone control officer on Tinian, about 120 miles north of Guam, when the accident required the injured airmen to be immediately evacuated to medical facilities, according to the USFJ post. The Japanese officer stopped a C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the Yokota-based 36th Airlift Squadron from taking off so that one of the injured airmen could be taken aboard. Then he coordinated for a Japanese UH-60 helicopter to evacuate the second injured airman. As the patient was loaded, Major Yamashita coordinated to have the helicopter fly directly to United States Naval Hospital in Guam to expedite care, USFJs post said. His quick actions and leadership ensured lifesaving support to two Airman. The personnel involved executed real-world aeromedical evacuation, Yamashita said in a video posted Friday on Facebook by USFJ. Im honored to receive a U.S. Air Force commendation medal. Oyaizu, also on Tinian that day, helped stabilize the patients, assess their injuries and communicate with an operations center. Oyaizu quickly coordinated with other members of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force for two litters to safely transfer the Airmen back to the airfield, USFJs post said. His quick actions and leadership ensured life-saving support to two Airmen. Oyaizu provided medical evaluation and care at the accident scene, he said in the USFJ video. We loaded the victims on an aircraft, he said. I prayed they would recover. Fifth Air Force declined to release details about the accident or information about the victims conditions. Because the incident is currently under investigation, we cannot provide further details, Capt. Allen Gutierrez, a 5tth Air Force spokesman, said in an email Friday. A car passes through a roundabout in the Italian town of Sant' Antonio where an Italian teenager was killed early Sunday, Aug. 21, 2022. Julia Bravo, an American airman assigned to Aviano Air Base, appeared before an Italian judge for a preliminary hearing Nov. 13, 2023. (Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes) AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy An American airman facing vehicular homicide charges for the death of an Italian teen sought to reduce a potential sentence during a preliminary hearing this week, according to Italian media reports. Julia Nicole Bravo was intoxicated while driving home from a club at about 2:30 a.m. on Aug. 21, 2022, when she lost control of her vehicle upon trying to navigate a roundabout in the Porcia suburb of Sant Antonio, according to a report by Il Gazzettino. Giovanni Zanier, 15, was on the sidewalk outside the roundabout after attending an event at a nearby club, and was struck by the vehicle and killed. Bravos attorneys requested an abbreviated procedure Monday from judge Rodolfo Piccin that would allow the reduction of a third of the potential sentence, according to online reports from Pordenone Today and Il Gazzettino. Bravo, 21, assigned to the 31st Security Forces Squadron, was quoted as telling the judge: I wish I had died, in the Il Gazzettino report. Both Italian media reports said attempts to reach a plea agreement were not successful. Bravos attorneys, Aldo Massarut and Maria Grazia Formentini, were unavailable by phone for comment Friday. Driving under the influence of alcohol is an aggravating circumstance for vehicular homicide. A conviction can carry 8 to 12 years in prison when the blood alcohol level is above 0.15%, the reports said. An Aug. 22 report from Pordenone Today listed the reported level as more than 0.23%, well over the threshold. Bravos attorneys disputed that level in court Monday. At the time of the accident, the roundabout connecting Lazio street and Roveredo street, adjacent to the large Conad Superstore, was dark due to an energy-saving policy established by the municipality. The street lights were shut off at 2 a.m., according to an Il Gazzettino report shortly after the fatal accident. In August, a compensation agreement was reached between the United States and the family of the 15-year-old, according to the Pordenone Today report. No terms were disclosed. Local media reports have stated that Bravo is still on duty at Aviano Air Base and cannot leave Italy while awaiting trial. The 31st Fighter Wing said Friday in a statement that we continue to extend our deepest sympathies to the family of Giovanni Zanier for their loss, adding that they are coordinating with Italian authorities to educate service members on smart decision-making to avoid tragic events like this in the future. An F16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 36th Fighter Squadron takes off at Osan Air Base, South Korea, Nov. 6, 2023. (Trevor Gordnier/U.S. Air Force) CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea The mayor of a South Korean city where two major U.S. military bases are located called for the loosening of building codes to alleviate aircraft noise pollution. Aircraft noise is an impossibly difficult problem for the residents of older, smaller buildings, Mayor Jung Jang-seon of Pyeongtaek city said at a televised news conference Thursday. He used the time to urge the U.S. and South Korean militaries to raise the height limits for buildings in the area. Particularly in the citys old town, in the vicinity of the U.S. military bases, residents have been living with physical and mental problems brought on by aircraft noise, Jung said. Their property is also disadvantaged because of building height restrictions, he said. An A-10C Thunderbolt II takes off from an alternate landing strip at Osan Air Base, South Korea, Oct. 30, 2023. (Thomas Sjoberg/U.S. Air Force) Pyeongtaek is home to Osan Air Base and Camp Humphreys, roughly 30 and 40 miles south of Seoul, respectively. Camp Humphreys serves as headquarters for U.S. Forces Korea, Combined Forces Command, U.N. Command and the U.S. Eighth Army; Osan is home to the U.S. 7th Air Force and the headquarters of the South Korean air force Operations Command. The military bases played pivotal roles in South Koreas defense, Jung said. However, airspace safety zones that limit building heights span 70 square miles, or 38% of the city, draw complaints from residents living in smaller buildings. The airspace safety zone regulations limit buildings to 15 stories, according to a report from Pyeongtaek city. The proposed changes would primarily affect new buildings or existing owners who are interested in upscaling, a Pyeongtaek city official told Stars and Stripes by phone Friday. South Korean officials regularly speak to the media on a customary condition of anonymity. Newer, high-rise buildings in South Korea are typically outfitted with soundproofing material that minimize noise from aircraft and residents are monetarily compensated by real estate developers and building owners for the noise pollution, the city official said. Our city appeals to [USFK and the South Korean air force] to make the decision to loosen height restrictions from the minimum range, Jung said. U.S. Eighth Army spokesman Lt. Col. Juan Martinez said the command has a great working relationship with the city. We will continue to work closely with Pyeongtaek leadership to address questions and concerns, while ensuring decisions do not have impacts on operations and combat readiness, he said by email Friday to Stars and Stripes. Starting in 2004, Pyeongtaek has seen an influx of U.S. troops after the commands moved from Yongsan Garrison in Seoul. The nearly $11 billion relocation project was meant to consolidate U.S. forces in South Korea and return land used by the military since the 1950-53 Korean War back to Seouls government. The Combined Forces Command was the last of the major commands to move to Humphreys in November 2022. Capt. Justin Harts, the new commander of Destroyer Squadron 15, departs the change of command ceremony aboard the destroyer USS Higgins at Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan, on Nov. 17, 2023. (Akifumi Ishikawa/Stars and Stripes) YOKOSUKA NAVAL BASE, Japan Sheets of rain blew in from Tokyo Bay on Friday and punctuated speakers remarks as command of the Navys largest destroyer squadron passed to its deputy commodore. Capt. Justin Harts relieved Capt. Walter Mainor as commander of Destroyer Squadron 15 and Task Force 71 during a ceremony on the aft deck of the guided-missile destroyer USS Higgins. The task force represents the U.S. 7th Fleets primary battle force in the Indo-Pacific, with around 3,000 sailors and nine Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers equipped with the Aegis Combat System under its command. The squadron also routinely deploys as escorts alongside the USS Ronald Reagan and the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group. The truth of the matter is, if something does go wrong in the Indo-Pacific, these are the men that get the call, Rear Adm. Pat Hannifin, commander of Task Force 70 and the Ronald Reagan Strike Group, said during the ceremony. Capt. Walter Mainor, left, outgoing commander of Destroyer Squadron 15, shakes hands with Rear Adm. Pat Hannifin, commander of Task Force 70, during a change of command ceremony at Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan, on Nov. 17, 2023. (Akifumi Ishikawa/Stars and Stripes) Capt. Walter Mainor, outgoing commander of Destroyer Squadron 15, addresses the audience during a change of command ceremony aboard the USS Higgins at Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan, on Nov. 17, 2023. (Akifumi Ishikawa/Stars and Stripes) The ceremony mirrored Mainors own change of command on a similarly rainy day in August 2022. Since then, Mainor has overseen 27 freedom-of-navigation operations by the squadrons warships and 24 transits of the Taiwan Strait, high-visibility events criticized by China. The Navy routinely sends warships through the 110-mile-wide strait that separates Taiwan from mainland China, usually to move between the South China and East China seas. The service also often sends warships to contested regions, such as the Spratly Islands and Paracel Islands, two archipelagos in the South China Sea claimed by surrounding nations. The Navys stated goal for such missions is ensuring the right to innocent passage. China claims nearly the entire South China Sea as its territorial waters, and views both types of operations as provocative and a danger to the peace and stability of the region. Mainor, however, feels the situation is improving, thanks to the United States close ties with other nations. I feel were in a better place and I feel were still making strides, he told Stars and Stripes after the ceremony. We continue to have communication and work with our allies and partners; and that will continue; we will not be deterred. Mainor is set to head for Washington D.C., where hell work with the Navys diversity, equity and inclusion task force, squadron spokesman Lt. j.g. Ronan Williams told Stars and Stripes after the ceremony. Harts, of San Diego, was previously the squadron deputy commodore and also commanded one of its destroyers, USS Benfold. Other assignments hes held in the region include a tour as communications officer and assistant chief engineer aboard the destroyer USS Fitzgerald and Carrier Strike Group Sevens flag secretary aboard the USS Ronald Reagan. The biggest change Ive seen over the last almost 20 years is the integration of so many nations that are out here, Harts told Stars and Stripes after the ceremony. Not just the traditional players, like Canada, Australia or Japan, but an ever-increasing footprint from the U.K., New Zealand, Italy, France, Germany, NATO countries that want to be out here. Those nations arent looking for a fight in the region, Harts added, but along with the U.S. instead hope to maintain the peace, dedication to international law and a rules-based order. Harts graduated with bachelors in transportation and logistics from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in 1998 and holds a masters in system engineering and analysis from the Naval Postgraduate School and a masters in national security strategy from the National War College, according to his Navy biography. Commissary patrons looking for supplies following Typhoon Mawar move through the aisles at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, May 28, 2023 (Esteban Esquivel/U.S. Air Force) Typhoon damage to a warehouse on Guam last spring is partly to blame for insect infestations discovered months later at two military commissaries on the island, according to a spokesman for the Defense Commissary Agency. The U.S. Army Public Health Command Pacific identified three species of bugs found in packages of dried foods like pasta, flour, rice, oatmeal and dog food, according to command spokeswoman Kathryne Gest. Two commissaries operate on Guam, one each at Andersen Air Force Base and Naval Base Guam. The Armys Public Health Activity Guam in a Nov. 3 Facebook post reported packages of pasta and dry pet food infested with insects. DeCA spokesman Keith Desbois said he could not estimate how much product was infested. Until the investigation is complete, we cannot speculate on the number, quantity [of products] pulled, Desbois told Stars and Stripes by email Tuesday. Of the three species of beetles discovered the red flour, red-legged ham and drugstore beetles only the red-legged ham beetle posed a remote threat to public health, Gest said by email Nov. 9. The beetle can secrete a harmful chemical; however, a person must ingest large quantities of the insect to be affected, according to an Army news release Nov. 6. No illnesses have been reported, and the commissary believes this to be an isolated event to product being received into Guam, Desbois said. A team of entomologists from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., determined the pests were present in products shipped to Guam, where storage conditions allowed them to spread, Desbois said. He said water intrusion and leaks at the Guam Central Distribution Center contributed to the environment that allowed the pests to proliferate. The damp environment is a result of damage caused by Typhoon Mawar, which roared past the U.S. island territory May 24, he said. The safety and well-being of our customers is paramount to the Defense Commissary Agency, which is why these issues are investigated thoroughly, Desbois said. In accordance with food safety protocol and procedures, the Central Distribution Center in Guam is being thoroughly inspected and treated as necessary to ensure no further stored product pests are present. The Army Public Health Command, entomologists and other experts are inspecting food products on Guam to ensure they meet food and health safety standards or are removed from shelves and storerooms, he said. DeCA currently has senior leadership and their own food safety expert on-site during this process to ensure compliance with public health recommendations and standards, he said. DeCA and public health officials are trying to identify the initial source of the infestation, Desbois said. New product is in the pipeline for Guam. As it arrives our veterinary staff is carefully inspecting each lot before it goes to the commissaries on Guam, he said. Customers should return the affected products to the commissary of purchase for a full refund, Desbois said. Japans Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, left, stands next to Chinese President Xi Jinping during the family photo at the APEC Summit in San Francisco, Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023. (Jeff Chiu/AP) TOKYO Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed Friday to build a stable and constructive relationship but achieved only a vague agreement on easing a dispute over a Chinese ban on Japanese seafood, officials said. Kishida told reporters after a 65-minute meeting with Xi on the sidelines of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in San Francisco that they agreed to find ways to resolve the dispute through meetings and dialogue in a constructive manner and would convene a meeting of scientific experts. He gave no details. Kishida had demanded that China immediately lift its ban on Japanese seafood, in place since the crippled Fukushima nuclear power plant began discharging treated radioactive wastewater into the sea on Aug. 24. The ban has badly hurt Japanese exporters of scallops and other seafood. Japan says the wastewater is much safer than international standards and that the International Atomic Energy Agency has concluded the environmental and health impact of its release is negligible. China calls the discharge nuclear-contaminated water. Chinese state broadcaster CCTV said China and Japan agreed to find a way to resolve the Fukushima water issue through consultations and negotiations in a constructive manner. Xi, calling the discharge a global health and marine environment issue, told Kishida that Japan should take domestic and international concerns seriously and handle them in a responsible and constructive manner, CCTV said in an online report. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, speaking Friday in Beijing, said all countries have the right to ensure food safety and protect public health. Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno praised the talks as extremely meaningful because Kishida and Xi confirmed their mutual goal of building constructive and stable Japan-China relations from a wide perspective. But a series of disputes dominated the talks. Kishida asked Xi to remove all marking buoys that Beijing has placed inside Japans Exclusive Economic Zone in the East China Sea, and to quickly release a Japanese businessman who was formally arrested in October on spying allegations. Kishida said he raised grave concern about Chinas increased military activity around Japan, including joint exercises with Russia. He stressed the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, where China regularly dispatches military ships and planes to threaten Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its own territory. Kishida also held talks on the sidelines of APEC with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and briefly met with Biden and discussed the Middle East, Ukraine, the Indo-Pacific, China and North Korea, the Japanese Foreign Ministry said. The three leaders also held a separate meeting together. Yoons office said the three leaders talked for about 10 minutes about security and economic cooperation. Biden expressed gratitude to Yoon and Kishida for easing his burden as he performs his duties as the president of the United States, Yoons deputy national security director, Kim Tae-hyo, told South Korean reporters. Japan and South Korea, which share security concerns in the Indo-Pacific, have rapidly repaired and strengthened their ties that had long been strained over historical issues involving Japans colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula, thereby bolstering three-way security ties with the United States. In their meeting, Kishida and Yoon expressed satisfaction over the positive trends in bilateral relations and the expansion of government consultations on diplomacy, security and economy, Yoons office said. Associated Press writer Kim Tong-hyung in Seoul, South Korea, contributed to this report. The second Starship launch attempt is imminent, after the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration announced that it has granted SpaceX authorization to test-fly its mega rocket. Elon Musks company will attempt to achieve liftoff on Saturday November 18 during a twenty-minute launch window that opens at 7:00 CT at the SpaceX base in Boca Chica, Texas, where the rocket is already waiting on its launch pad. If Starship completes the test successfully this time, it will become the largest and most powerful space rocket in history. Beyond records, the importance of this fully reusable spacecraft lies in the role NASA has afforded it as a vehicle for the first woman to set foot on the Moon as part of the Artemis missions, and in Musks plans to reach Mars. However, despite what the future may hold, fresh in everyones memory is the outcome of Starships first flight attempt: the rocket broke apart after almost four minutes of flight due to a serious failure, while the launch pad was turned into a huge sinkhole, punctured by the exhausts of the 33 engines, and damage was caused in the immediate vicinity due to the blast debris resulting from liftoff. Given such an outcome, many experts believed a second attempt would be delayed for more than a year. SpaceX, however, preferred to look on the bright side: the super rocket had lifted off and the launch tower remained intact. Why did the first launch create so much damage? Basically, because the brutal power of the engine exhausts impacted directly on the concrete of the rockets launch pad. In theory it was constructed from a special concrete, resistant to high temperatures, so engineers elected not to wait until they had installed a water-cooling system, which would have protected the pad. What damage was caused? A crater several meters deep was left under the launch pad, exposing the foundation. Large chunks of concrete flew like a hailstorm in all directions, some denting the large methane and oxygen tanks a hundred meters away; others shattered the windows of a van parked in the supposed safety zone. And some even hit the rocket engines themselves, causing the premature shutdown of at least six out of a total of 33. Numerous federal agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency, revoked SpaceXs authorization to continue launching from Boca Chica, which is located next to a natural park on the Gulf of Mexico coast. Even NASA expressed its concern, as Musks company is building a similar launch tower next to pad 39A at NASAs Cape Canaveral base. Besides other considerations, 39A is a historic site from where the first flight to the Moon was launched, which justified asking SpaceX for assurances regarding future launches. What has caused so many SpaceX failures? So far, these have only occurred during development flights. The Falcon rocket crashed 10 times before achieving the first soft landing. But that was eight years ago. Now, for SpaceX, recovering the lower stage of those rockets is pure routine. They have already flown 250 Falcons, with a failure rate of less than 5%, almost all concentrated in the first stage. Thirty-nine first stages are continually recycled on successive launches. One of them has been reused on 18 occasions. The economic advantage of this over other companies disposable rockets is obvious. Is it reasonable to suffer so much failure? SpaceX claims to follow a design, test, fix, and repeat philosophy. It is a private company that can afford to accumulate failures to accelerate development. From each one, conclusions are drawn that allow mistakes to be corrected until the final product is reliable - so reliable that it has already been entrusted with the launching of astronauts and even the U.S. Department of Defense has contracted SpaceX to put military satellites into orbit. The case of NASA is diametrically opposed. It operates with federal funds and therefore cannot afford any failure if it does not want to see its yearly budget compromised. However, it takes years and years for NASA projects to materialize; and it is rare that they are executed within budget. What improvements has Starship incorporated for this second launch? First and foremost, the installation of a water-cooling system for the platform, which is basically an upside-down shower, which throws up a waterfall just before engine ignition. That should protect the concrete and, at the same time, absorb some of the brutal acoustic energy it gives off. The decoupling system for the two parts of the rocket (the upper and lower stages), which did not work last time, has also been redesigned. The idea is for it to separate spontaneously by opening the clamps that join the two stages, rotating the rocket on itself and letting the centrifugal force itself separate the lower stage, which will already be almost empty of fuel and, therefore, very light. In any case and in case the theory doesnt work in practice the ring connecting the two segments is a new design, perforated with large vertical grooves. If the separation fails and the upper stage engines are nevertheless started, the gases will escape through it. This system has been used by the Russians on their Soyuz rockets for three-quarters of a century. The limitations of a test flight If all goes well, Starship will complete a trajectory with such a low perigee that it will fall before completing a single circuit of the Earth. It should crash into the Pacific Ocean near Hawaii without a controlled landing being attempted. Although both stages of the rocket will be recoverable in the future, on this occasion neither will be rescued. For now, the main interest is to see if the rocket lifts off smoothly and its payload completes almost one orbit. The loss of the two parts of such a complex vehicle is part of SpaceXs plans. At its Boca Chica factory, the company is producing Starships almost on an assembly line basis. The one on the launchpad now is number 25 and its booster is number 9. They are made from stainless steel, not exotic alloys, and their Raptor engines use many parts (e.g., the turbopump) that are 3D printed, reducing both their cost and assembly time. SpaceX claims to be producing one Raptor a day, valued at $250,000; 50 years ago, each F-1 engine powering the Saturn 5 rocket on the lunar missions was worth $15 million (at the time) and was produced at a rate of 10 or 12 a year. The next step, if this test is a success, is not yet clear. SpaceX is a private company that does not disclose many details about its plans, as many are trade secrets. However, it has a commitment with NASA to develop the lunar landing spacecraft based precisely on the upper stage of the Starship rocket for the Artemis missions scheduled to land on the Moon from 2025 onwards. To make that future lunar mission a reality, SpaceX will first have to achieve in-orbit refueling, a maneuver never tested on the scale involved in refilling the tanks of a Starship. As such, Musks immediate plans are likely to go along the lines of first reaching orbit and then testing refueling. That would mean at least two or three more launches of his mega-rocket. Perhaps as early as next year. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Members of the Philippines 3rd Marine Brigade practice defending Kamuning beach in Palawan on Nov. 16. (Savannah Norris/U.S. Marine Corps) American and Philippine Marines practiced their defense of a beach Thursday on the island of Palawan, close to disputed sea territory where Philippine and Chinese vessels have clashed in recent weeks. Members of Marine Rotational ForceSoutheast Asia are taking part in the annual Kamandag exercise involving 2,000 troops, mostly from the two countries, that concludes Monday after 12 days on Palawan and the Philippines main island of Luzon. The exercise takes place during a period of increased tension between Manila and Beijing in the South China Sea. In recent months, Chinese coast guard and maritime militia have tried unsuccessfully to block Philippine vessels resupplying the BRP Sierra Madre. The grounded World War II-era vessel serves as a territorial outpost at Second Thomas Shoal, a disputed reef in the South China Sea. President Joe Biden in May and October reiterated the U.S. commitment to defend the Philippines against a Chinese attack in the area. While Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping met Wednesday in San Francisco, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and his Philippine counterpart, Gilberto Teodoro, got together in Jakarta. The defense leaders denounced the recent harassment of Philippine coast guard and supply boats by Chinas coast guard around the shoal, part of the Spratly Islands, according to a joint statement released that day. The shoal, claimed by both China and the Philippines, is 710 miles from Chinas Hainan Island but 122 miles from Palawan. The pair also blasted Chinas dangerous maneuvers against American aircraft and ships in the South China Sea. Lance Cpls. Spencer Alvarez and Kaleb Snyder of Marine Rotational Force-Southeast Asia set up a sensor during costal defense training at Kamuning beach in Palawan, Philippines, on Nov. 16. (Savannah Norris/U.S. Marine Corps) Thursday on Palawan, U.S. and Philippine Marines defended a beach against an imaginary force, Marine Capt. Philip Badrov, the U.S. exercise force officer in charge on the island, told Stars and Stripes by phone. Fewer than 100 members of the rotational force have been camped at Marine Base Rodolfo Punsalang, near Puerto Princesa, Palawan, during the exercise. Theyve been practicing skills to surveil surrounding waters, defend the coast, patrol, survive in the jungle and fly RQ-20 Puma surveillance drones, Badrov said. During the coastal defense exercise, the U.S. Marines kept watch while around 60 members of the Philippine 3rd Marine Brigade surged onto the beach with light armored vehicles, anti-aircraft guns, mortars and infantry, Badrov said. They are a very capable force, he said of the Filipino Marines. The more we work together, the more we will fight alike. () The Reykjanes Peninsula in southwest Iceland has been bracing for a volcanic eruption for days. Cracks appeared in the earth over the weekend, and steam is pouring out from deep below ground. The Icelandic Met Office warns of a significant risk of an eruption in the days ahead, and it pinpoints the town of Grindavik, which was entirely evacuated Friday, as the most probable location. Grindavik, with a population of around 3,000, is about 26 miles southwest of Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland. Little has changed since early this week in the overall assessment of the burgeoning volcano, which could erupt on the time scale of days according to the Met Office. Between 12 a.m. and 2 p.m. local time Thursday, around 1,200 earthquakes were recorded. Magma is still believed to be within about 2,500 feet of the surface, but an update from Met Office cautions that the intrusion is propagating upward slowly. The land has sunk by up to 5 feet west of Grindavik and risen by up to 3 feet to the east. There are indications this impending eruption may feature significantly more magma than previous similar eruptions in the last two years. For now, officials continue to wait and watch anxiously. The new developments Early in the week, specialists installed a pair of sensors to monitor for SO2, or sulfur dioxide, which is the most common gas emitted by volcanoes aside from water vapor and carbon dioxide. (It also is harmful to humans, and can deplete ozone when it oxidizes to form a sulfate aerosol.) One of the sensors on Monday did detect SO2, which would ordinarily suggest magma within 1,000 feet of the surface. It remains unclear, however, if the SO2 is originating from magma associated with the current incipient eruption or a past eruption of nearby Fagardalsfjall that occurred in July. Not all of that lava has hardened and could still be releasing some gases. Earthquake activity has subtly increased. The volcanic activity also forced the closure of the popular Blue Lagoon hot spring in Grindavik on Nov. 10, and it will remain closed until at least Nov. 30. Volcanic activity basics Why is volcanic activity happening? The Reykjanes Peninsula is located where tectonic plates are diverging. That pulling apart of the North American Plate from the Eurasian Plate allows magma to rise closer to the surface. That is why Iceland is a seismically and geologically active region. The activity is part of the region in Iceland that produced the Fagradalsfjall volcano, which has erupted several times since 2019, most recently in July. The magma is probably moving upward near Sundhnuk, a few miles northeast of Grindavik. Since it cannot yet reach the surface, it oozes outward below ground, squeezing in between rocks in the crust of the earth. These are known as dike intrusions. In some cases, a dike intrusion occurs when magma drives a wedge in between rock and creates a new crack. Other times, the magma takes the path of least resistance and penetrates preexisting cracks or faults. It appears the magma this time is working through an old crack that ran below the town of Grindavik. Aerial photography from 1957 confirms the existence of such a fault. That is why Grindavik is basically being cracked apart. The dike intrusion is about 10 miles long and runs from northeast to southwest. It terminates beneath the ocean. If and when an eruption occurs, it will likely be along the dike intrusion. A fissure will most probably open up and magma, which will become lava when it reaches the surface, will ooze out. This is not the type of volcano that will erupt explosively and pour a plume into the air. Officials at Keflavik International Airport are monitoring the situation, but widespread disruption to air travel is not expected. Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, left, is welcomed by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier at Bellevue Palace during his visit in Berlin, Germany, Friday, Nov. 17, 2023. (Markus Schreiber/AP) BERLIN Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Friday aired deep differences over the war between Israel and Hamas as the Turkish leader made a brief and tensely anticipated visit to Berlin. Erdogan was invited to visit Germany months ago after his reelection, but recent weeks have been marked by discomfort in Berlin over his increasingly strident stance against Israel. Turkey has long been viewed as an awkward but essential partner in Germany, home to more than 3 million people with Turkish roots. Its a NATO ally that also is important in efforts to control the flow of refugees and migrants to Europe, an issue on which Scholz faces intense domestic pressure, but there have been frequent tensions in recent years. Most recently, a chasm has opened between the countries stances on events following Hamas Oct. 7 attack on Israel. Germany is a staunch ally of Israel and has opposed calls for a cease-fire, while pushing for aid to civilians in Gaza, advocating humanitarian pauses and seeking to keep open channels of communication with other countries in the region to prevent the conflict spreading. Erdogan this week called Israel a terrorist state intent on destroying Gaza with all of its residents. He described Hamas militants as resistance fighters trying to protect their lands and people. Hamas is considered a terrorist organization by Israel, the United States and European Union. Those and similar comments have appalled politicians across the spectrum in Germany. Scholz has described Erdogans accusations against Israel as absurd. Its no secret that we have, in parts, very different views on the current conflict, Scholz said at a brief news conference alongside Erdogan before their talks. But particularly at difficult moments, we need to speak directly to each other. Hamas attack means that Israel must protect itself and must be able to defend itself, he said. It cannot remain the case that a terror organization that rules this region undertakes such activities from there again and again with unbelievable military force. That must end, and that is an aim that one must support we do, in any case. At the same time, Scholz said it is important to do everything to keep the number of civilian victims as small as possible, and stressed that the suffering of the Palestinian civilian population in Gaza also depresses us. Scholz said that Turkey and Germany share fears of a wider conflagration in the region and would discuss how to prevent one. While Scholz again advocated repeated pauses in the fighting, Erdogan said: If we can establish a humanitarian cease-fire together with Germany, we will have the opportunity to save the region from this ring of fire. As of now, 13,000 Palestinian children, women and elderly have been killed, he said. There is almost no place named Gaza anymore, everything has been destroyed. Erdogan suggested that Germany was unable to criticize Israel because of the Holocaust. I speak freely because we do not owe Israel anything. If we were indebted, we could not talk so freely, he said. Those who are indebted cannot talk freely. We did not go through the Holocaust, and we are not in such a situation. Israel recalled its diplomats from Turkey last month after Erdogan accused Israel of committing war crimes. Turkey later also recalled its ambassador from Israel. Another possible source of tension emerged ahead of Fridays visit when Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler said Turkey plans to purchase 40 Eurofighter Typhoon jets, but Germany was impeding the sale of the warplanes produced by Germany, the U.K., Spain and Italy. Guler told members of the Turkish parliaments defense committee that Spain and the U.K. favored selling the jets to Turkey and were working to persuade Germany. Germany can sell them or not sell them, Erdogan said Friday. Is Germany the only country that produces warplanes? We can procure these from many other places. Scholz didnt address the issue, and other German officials had no immediate comment. Suzan Fraser in Ankara, Turkey contributed to this report. The NATO Military Committee met Nov. 16, 2023, with the newly formed NATO-Ukraine Council in Brussels. (Erik Luntang via NATO) NATO generals held their first meeting with a newly formed Ukraine Council this week, a meeting that comes amid uncertainty about the durability of Western support for the war-torn country. The NATO Military Committee met Thursday with the newly formed NATO-Ukraine Council, a format established by allies earlier this year to give Kyiv a larger voice on matters relating to its security. The session involved an assessment of Ukraines efforts to push Russia from its entrenched positions in the countrys south and east, and the range of weapons Kyiv needs to continue its counteroffensive. Supporting Ukraine is in our own security interest, because the world would be a more dangerous place if President (Vladimir) Putin gets what he wants through the use of force, said Dutch Adm. Rob Bauer, the head of the NATO Military Committee. NATO must remain committed to providing support, so that Ukraine can prevail as a sovereign nation. But as the war drags on, its unclear whether allies have the domestic political unity required to keep the weapons flowing. Since Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine in Feb. 2022, allies have repeatedly stated that Western military support for Kyiv was a long-term commitment and that NATO members were in it for the long haul. Yet questions persist regarding the prospects for future support, particularly in connection with the United States, which is by far the largest donor to Ukraine. On Thursday, U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters that Ukraines ability to counter Russia will be compromised if Congress fails to approve a White House request for more funding. Each week that passes, our ability to fully fund what we feel is necessary to give Ukraine the tools and capacities it needs to both defend its territory and continue to make advances, that gets harder and harder, Sullivan said. So, for us, the window is closing. The White House budget request calls for funding for Ukraine and Israel, but the situation remains in limbo. Republicans in the House of Representatives have excluded support for Ukraine from their most recent proposed budget, given disagreements within the party about the merits of continuing to spend billions to arm the countrys military. Maj. Gen. Serhii Salkutsan, Ukraines representative during talks Thursday in Brussels, said the support provided Ukraine from allies thus far has been instrumental in our fight to take back our territory, our homes and our freedom. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, center, stands with Ukrainian soldiers in front of a Leopard 2 tank on the front line in the Kharkiv region, Ukraine, on Oct. 3, 2023. (Ukrainian Presidential Press Office) New US aid for Ukraine risks slipping to mid-December and maybe longer, casting doubt on Washingtons ability to keep up the flow of weapons that both the Biden administration and the Ukrainian government say is vital. Ukraines congressional backers are engaged in a tough battle over an expansive aid package whose fate is now enmeshed in a partisan fight over border policies and torn from must-pass bills that would prompt swift action. The soonest Congress could complete negotiations and pass new Ukraine assistance is mid-December, nearly two months after President Joe Biden first requested $61 billion for the country in its war against Russia. The US has begun restricting the flow of military assistance because of the wait, according to a Defense Department spokeswoman. Senators in both parties plan to work on a deal in the coming days on an aid package, coupled with border policies, that they can vote on after returning to Washington from the Thanksgiving holiday later this month. We need to push ourselves to negotiate over the next week, Chris Coons, a Delaware Democrat with close ties to Biden, said on Thursday. The Ukrainians are running out of fuel, weapons and ammunition, Coons added. Congress must act on a timeline thats going to matter. With the battlefield settling into a stalemate as the conflict drags toward its third year, once-broad support for Ukraine is showing cracks as the Kremlin bets that it can outlast Kyivs backers in the US and Europe. Republican infighting and hardliner demands threaten to push congressional consideration of the latest tranche of ammunition and weaponry into the new year despite warnings from White House National Security spokesman John Kirby that the US is near the end of the road in resources available for Ukraine. Its an active battlefront and our ability to continue to support Ukraine is increasingly at jeopardy, Kirby said. Influential congressional supporters of Ukraine said they remain confident of more US assistance. House Foreign Affairs Chairman Michael McCaul said there is no chance the aid wont be approved. Its just too important. But that will be politically difficult for House Speaker Mike Johnson, who is managing a backlash among hardline conservatives over his plan to avert a US government shutdown. Many of those ultra-conservatives also oppose Ukraine assistance, and it would only take a few of them to overthrow Johnson, just as they did his predecessor, Kevin McCarthy. Representative Chip Roy, a Texas Republican in the hardline Freedom Caucus, warned of trouble in so-called paradise if Republican leaders allow a vote on Ukraine aid without meeting ultra-conservatives demands on immigration policy changes. Action ahead In the Senate, Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has promised Democrats like Coons that a Ukraine bill would be put up for a vote after Thanksgiving recess. Schumer has also acknowledged that any Ukraine package would include a border policy deal. Top Senate spending panel Republican Susan Collins late Wednesday said closed-door border policy talks were improving and aiming for a deal next week. Im told that, whereas over the weekend it looked very bleak, that there are new signs of life, today, she said. Some Republicans see an opportunity for an immigration deal - something that has eluded Congress for a generation - with the migrant crisis, which effects many Democratic cities. Still, Johnson may have to compromise on some conservative border policy demands, such as greatly curtailing the right to seek asylum in the US, to get a Ukraine aid deal. And that could provoke conservatives who have so far granted him a honeymoon period. The mere promise of legislation wont placate Johnsons restive right flank, which now wants to tie distribution of Ukraine aid dollars to achieving specific targets in bringing down border crossings. That would leave the timeline for weaponry uncertain, even after congressional approval. These hard demands are so far from what Democrats can accept, it has raised concerns in that party that no Senate deal can be struck that the House will accept. The consequences on the battlefront would be profound. If we do not provide additional assistance to Ukraine before the end of the year, it would be a mistake of historic proportions, said Senate Intelligence Chairman Mark Warner. With assistance from Allyson Versprille, Maeve Sheehey and Steven T. Dennis. See more stories like this at bloomberg.com 2023 Bloomberg L.P. () Israeli forces conducted a raid Wednesday on the besieged al-Shifa Hospital complex in Gaza City, which is housing some 700 patients, 400 health workers and 3,000 displaced people, according to U.N. figures. Israels military operations were still ongoing at the hospital on Thursday, Israeli officials and Gazas Health Ministry said. Heavy combat has raged around hospitals in Gaza for several days, halting ambulances and further stressing a beleaguered health-care system that is rapidly running out of fuel and the capacity to treat patients. Dozens of patients at al-Shifa Hospital have died in recent days, Gaza Health Ministry officials said, and bodies have piled up around the hospital complex. Israel has repeatedly said that Hamas has a command center under the hospital. The United States has also asserted that Hamas is using hospitals, including al-Shifa, and the tunnels underneath them for its military operations. Doctors, first aid responders and the few aid workers left in the area have denied giving cover to militants and said the raid is an attack on civilians. Here is what to know about Gazas largest hospital. Where is al-Shifa Hospital, and who built it? Al-Shifa, which means healing in Arabic, was built in 1946 during British rule and was revamped in the 1980s, according to Reuters. The hospital has about 800 patient beds. The 45,000-square-meter hospital complex is in a densely populated part of Gaza City near al-Shifa Mosque. Mohamed Abu Salmiya, director of al-Shifa Hospitals medical complex, said Friday that medical teams will not leave the hospital and will not abandon the patients inside of it. He told Al Jazeera that only critical departments, including intensive care, the neonatal and dialysis units, and the operating theater, were still operating. The hospitals critical functions, including ventilators, incubators and intensive care unit equipment, have been at risk of shutting down because of a lack of fuel, the World Health Organization said Sunday. What do we know about the Israeli raid on the hospital? The Israeli military said around 2 a.m. local time Wednesday that it had begun what it called a precise and targeted operation against Hamas at al-Shifa Hospital, Gazas largest medical center. About 18 hours after the Israel Defense Forces first warned of the raid, the military said the operation was still underway. According to the United Nations, about 700 patients were present at the hospital during the raid, as well as more than 400 medical workers and about 3,000 displaced people seeking refuge. Munir al-Bursh, general director of hospitals in Gaza, told The Washington Post by phone around 7 p.m. Wednesday local time that Israeli tanks retreated to around the hospital but that soldiers remained in the hospital. Gaza Health Ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qudra said operations were still ongoing on Thursday. Soldiers searched and took about 100 dead bodies that had accumulated on the premises, he said. Details of the raid remain murky because of communications outages, Israeli bombardments and ground fighting. Israel says Hamas is using the hospitals staff and patients as a shield - a claim Hamas and medical workers at the hospital have denied. An IDF statement said troops encountered explosives and terrorist squads in the fight to enter the compound. A military-run news outlet said troops searching the facility had so far not found any sign of hostages on-site. White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby backed Israels assertions Tuesday. 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 hold hostages, he said. The Israeli military released two videos and a few photos Wednesday from the hospital showing what it said were Hamas weapons and other gear recovered from the complex. The full alleged haul included 11 guns, three military vests and nine grenades, among other things. The Washington Post was unable to independently verify who the weapons belonged to or how they came to be inside the hospitals radiology unit. Gaza Health Ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qudra told The Post from al-Shifa that the Israeli military contacted the Ministry of Health administration and said they would storm the hospital. He said only civilians were at al-Shifa and rejected claims to the contrary. Projectiles landed inside the hospital complex in recent days. On Friday, at least six hospitals in Gaza City reported being under siege or close to heavy urban combat. Bursh said by phone Saturday that dozens of bodies were in the hospitals courtyard but that they could not be buried because of bombardments. What is happening to medical care in Gaza? More than half of the hospitals in Gaza are no longer functional because of damage and attacks, according to the WHO. As of Tuesday, only one hospital in northern Gaza, al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza City, was able to admit new patients, according to the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Gazas Health Ministry has been unable to release an updated death toll since Friday, its spokesman said in a phone call Tuesday, citing extended internet cuts and a loss of communication with hospitals in the enclave. The ministry says the toll is more than 11,100, but it could not release an exact number. Medhat Abbas, spokesman for the Gaza Health Ministry, said Monday that at least 100 bodies were decomposing in the hospital complex, with about 50 inside the hospital and dozens more in morgues that have run out of power. Staffers began preparing a mass grave, OCHA wrote in a news release Tuesday. Limited fuel and supplies have forced some hospital departments to shut down, with surgeons forced to operate on patients without anesthesia. Israel began blocking all fuel from entering Gaza shortly after Hamass Oct. 7 attack, and only a small fraction of the aid convoys needed have entered the enclave. At the Torkham border crossing in Afghanistan on Nov. 9, 2023, a woman steps onto a bus heading to a camp for returnees who have been forced out of Pakistan. (Elise Blanchard for The Washington Post) TORKHAM CROSSING, Afghanistan - At Pakistans main border crossing with northern Afghanistan, the narrow path into an uncertain future runs between two rusty iron fences and ends beneath a black-and-white flag of the Taliban-run government. Many of the returning Afghan refugees who arrived here last week expected the worst as they stepped onto muddy Afghan soil amid torrential rain. Caught up in a major deportation drive and forced to leave their homes in Pakistan, some had never been to the war-ravaged country their parents were born in. Others assumed they would barely recognize the cities they fled after the Taliban takeover in August 2021, where schools are now closed for many girls and music is prohibited. But as they entered their transformed country, many refugees appeared puzzled. There was a poster wishing them a good and comfortable life. Rifle-wielding soldiers handed out food and wore bright garlands to celebrate the refugees return. Trucks stood ready to transport the returnees and their belongings to sprawling tent cities where 30,000 have found shelter and most families receive a $140 cash payment from the government. Taliban military official Mohammad Adnan Junudi, center with green beret, takes part in a Nov. 9, 2023, ceremony in front of a military truck carrying returnees' belongings. (Elise Blanchard for The Washington Post) We wish we had returned sooner, said Sardar Ali, 35, a laborer who was born in Pakistan to Afghan parents and who most recently worked in Rawalpindi. Over 300,000 people have returned to Afghanistan in recent weeks, according to Afghan authorities. Pakistani officials say they want to make more than 1 million additional Afghans move back in the coming months. Pakistan portrays the deportation drive as long overdue. For decades, the country has hosted millions of Afghans who arrived over several waves of migration beginning in the 1970s. Over 600,000 additional refugees fled to Pakistan in the wake of the Taliban takeover in 2021. The deportations come amid mounting frustration in Islamabad with a surge in attacks in Pakistan that officials largely blame on religious militants suspected of hiding in Afghanistans rugged border mountains. By implicitly threatening to overwhelm Afghanistan with returnees, the Pakistani campaign appears designed to pressure the Afghan leadership to cracking down on the militants, analysts and humanitarian workers say. Afghan officials deny they are harboring the militants. Pakistans deportation efforts may actually play into the hands of the Taliban-run government. It now has a rare opportunity to present itself as a government capable of managing a major humanitarian crisis and willing to welcome returnees, including those who fled the groups 20-year armed campaign to seize control of Afghanistan. While United Nations agencies, including the World Food Program and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), also provide assistance at the border, the Taliban is portraying itself as in control. The makeshift paths in the main refugee camp are lined with the Talibans Islamic Emirate flags. Soldiers on pickup trucks patrol the tent cities, where temporary mobile phone towers have been set up and Afghan carriers hand out free SIM cards. We pursued jihad so that we would one day be able to serve our people, said Mohammad Adnan Junudi, 38, the military official in charge of reception operations on the Afghan side of Torkham, who joined the Taliban over a decade ago and says he was at one point jailed by U.S. forces. He called on all Afghans in Pakistan to return to their country. The last few days have allowed us to prove who we really are. But the coming days could prove challenging. Forced to swap the tropical and subtropical climate of southern Pakistan for the frigid winters in the Hindu Kush, some of those who grew up in Pakistan are facing the first real winter in their lives. We were born in Pakistan; we got married there, said Mohammad Wali, 28, who used to live in Punjab province in Pakistan. Why didnt they at least let us stay until the end of the winter? Pakistan has in recent weeks responded to international criticism by making some concessions, saying that it will spare individuals who are waiting for resettlement in countries other than Afghanistan. But if Pakistan moves ahead with the deportation of most other undocumented Afghan refugees, it could still put an enormous strain on Afghanistans fragile economy and on a government that seeks to maintain tight control. Afghan returnees pass Taliban soldiers at the Torkham crossing Nov. 11, 2023. (Elise Blanchard for The Washington Post) Many of the refugees who arrive in Torkham are laborers with few possessions. Some ran small food stalls or worked in brick factories. Some are women who were forced to leave Pakistan in a rush without their husbands. Hadisa, clad in a blue burqa, said her husband was rounded up and arrested before they could leave for Afghanistan. The 35-year-old arrived in Torkham accompanied by a group of neighbors. But worried about traveling farther without a male relative, she has decided to wait for her husband near the Torkham crossing. Abdul Nasir Kakar, who works for the IOM in Afghanistan, said 98 percent of those who arrive in Torkham are vulnerable and in dire need of humanitarian assistance. Very few of the families arriving here include children who have gone to school in Pakistan, where educational facilities often are lacking in Afghan refugees neighborhoods. But the promising welcome that refugees say they have received in Afghanistan may raise exaggerated expectations. Sardar Ali, the laborer from Rawalpindi, said he had high hopes that his 3-year-old daughter may eventually receive education. He was surprised to hear that girls are banned from attending school beyond sixth grade. On the Pakistani side of the border, anxiety is running high, especially in Afghan neighborhoods that have so far been largely spared by immigration raids. For years, teachers in Pakistan tried to keep their Afghan students spirits up by installing inspirational slogans at the entrances of their mud brick school buildings. Education is the Kindling of a Flame, reads a sign at the entrance of one of these schools in Peshawar, a city in northwestern Pakistan. These days, few students feel comforted by it. Sixteen-year-old Gul Zameena Fazal, who grew up in Pakistan and still studies at the school, said it was her father, an uneducated driver, who encouraged her to seek a degree. Seeing female students in Peshawar inspired him and it was his dream that I get a proper education, she said. Fazal said she wept when she learned that schools and universities shut for many girls in Afghanistan, and she is horrified by the possibility of having to move to the country. Fazal was too young during her only visit to Afghanistan a decade ago to be able to remember it. Their teachers are uncertain how to help. Salbia Ahmadi, who teaches Pashto language classes at the school, said she is herself afraid of being expelled to Afghanistan. Without womens education, Afghanistan is being pushed back into the darkness, she said. After it seized power, the Taliban issued a general amnesty for former officials in the U.S.-backed government. But human rights officials say Afghan refugees may have reason to be concerned about a forced return to their home country. The United Nations has documented over 200 extrajudicial killings of former Afghan officials and members of the armed forces since the takeover in 2021. A Taliban-run refugee camp near the Torkham border crossing. (Elise Blanchard for The Washington Post) The Taliban-run government rejects these concerns. Our supreme leader told us not to bother anyone for anything and we will follow instructions, even if we pay with our lives for it, said Adnan Junudi, the military official in charge of reception operations in Torkham. The Afghan authorities say they are working on a plan to reintegrate the returnees into the labor market. Refugees skills and professional backgrounds are documented upon arrival, said Quraishi Badloon, head of the information committee at the Torkham crossing. But for the Taliban-run government, the real challenge probably still lies ahead. Across Afghanistan, the authorities want to establish communities where returnees can settle - a plan that has already raised concerns that it may be used by the government to move returnees of the Pashtun ethnic group into areas where they so far are a minority. Bakhtiar Khan, a 24-year-old refugee, said hes willing to give Afghanistan a chance. But if we see that life is getting harder and harder, me and my friends will definitely think about ways to move abroad again, he said. Nawaz Khan reported from Landi Kotal and Peshawar, Pakistan. Lutfullah Qasimyar at the Torkham border crossing, Afghanistan, and Shaiq Hussain in Islamabad, Pakistan, contributed to this report. Palestinians look for survivors after an Israeli strike in Rafah, Gaza Strip, on Nov. 17. (Hatem Ali/AP) DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip The United Nations was forced Friday to stop deliveries of food and other necessities to Gaza and warned of the growing risk of widespread starvation after internet and telephone services collapsed in the besieged enclave because of lack of fuel. Israel announced that it will allow two tanker trucks of fuel into Gaza each day for the U.N. and communication systems. That amount is half of what the U.N. said it needs for lifesaving functions for hundreds of thousands of people in Gaza, including powering water systems, hospitals, bakeries and the trucks delivering aid. Israel has barred entry of fuel since the start of the war, saying it would be diverted by Hamas for military means. It has also blocked food, water and other supplies except for a trickle of aid from Egypt that aid workers say falls far short of whats needed. The communications blackout largely cut off Gazas 2.3 million people from one another and the outside world. The U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, known as UNRWA, couldnt bring in its aid convoy Friday because of the communications cutoff, spokesperson Juliette Touma said. An extended blackout means an extended suspension of our humanitarian operations in the Gaza Strip, Touma told The Associated Press. Phone and internet services in parts of the Gaza Strip were partially restored Friday night after a limited quantity of fuel for generators was provided, according to NetBlocks, a group that tracks internet outages. Israeli forces have signaled they could expand their offensive toward Gazas south while continuing operations in the north. Troops have been searching the territorys biggest hospital, Shifa, for traces of a Hamas command center Israel alleges was located under the building a claim Hamas and the hospital staff deny. On Friday, the military said it found the body of another hostage, Cpl. Noa Marciano, in a building adjacent to Shifa, like that of another hostage found Thursday, Yehudit Weiss. Hundreds of mourners, many carrying Israeli flags, attended Marcianos funeral Friday in her hometown of Modiin. The war, now in its sixth week, was triggered by Hamas Oct. 7 attack in southern Israel, in which the militants killed more than 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted some 240 men, women and children. More than 11,400 Palestinians have been killed in the war, two-thirds of them women and minors, according to Palestinian health authorities. Another 2,700 have been reported missing, believed buried under rubble. The count does not differentiate between civilians and militants, and Israel says it has killed thousands of militants. Aid dries up After an American request, Israel agreed to let a very minimal amount of fuel into Gaza each day, national security adviser Tzachi Hanegbi said. COGAT, the Israeli military body responsible for Palestinian affairs, said it would amount to 15,850 gallons a day for the U.N. For the communications network, Israel also agreed on another 2,640 gallons, a U.S. State Department official said. UNRWA and other humanitarian groups need at least 31,700 gallons a day to run lifesaving functions, Touma said. Gaza has received only 10% of its required food supplies each day in shipments from Egypt, according to the U.N., and the water system shutdown has left most of the population drinking contaminated water, causing an outbreak of disease. Dehydration and malnutrition are growing, with nearly all residents in need of food, said Abeer Etefa, a Mideast regional spokeswoman for the U.N.s World Food Program. People are facing the immediate possibility of starvation, she said Thursday from Cairo. March for hostages Israeli officials previously vowed fuel would not be let in until Gaza militants release the hostages. The government has been under heavy public pressure to show it is doing all it can to bring back people abducted in Hamas attack. Thousands of marchers including families of over 50 hostages embarked Friday on the fourth leg of a five-day walk from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, chanting, Bring them home! They are marching to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office, calling on his war Cabinet to do more to rescue their loved ones. They have urged the cabinet to consider a cease-fire or prisoner swap in return for the hostages. Hamas has offered to exchange all hostages for some 6,000 Palestinians in Israeli jails, which the Cabinet has rejected. Conditions at Shifa With Israeli troops fanned out around the Shifa hospital complex, doctors spoke of horrifying conditions inside. Electricity has been out for nearly a week, leaving incubators for infants and ventilators for ICU patients defunct. Nearly 7,000 people are trapped there with little food, including patients, staff and civilian families. Hospital Director Mohammed Abu Selmia told Al Jazeera television that 52 patients have died since fuel ran out up from 40 reported before Israeli troops stormed in on Wednesday. He said staff were amputating limbs of some patients to avoid infection spreading because of shortages in medicines. More were on the verge of death as their wounds are open with maggots coming out of them, another doctor, Faisal Siyam, told Al Jazeera. Dr. Ahmad Mukhalalti said most of the 36 premature infants suffer from severe diarrhea because there is no clean water. He said Israeli troops had taken away all the bodies from the morgue and from a mass grave that staff dug days earlier in the courtyard. The Israeli military had no comment on the report. The doctors accounts could not be independently verified. Abu Selmia said Israeli troops should either bring them fuel to power equipment or allow an evacuation. The hospital has become a giant prison, he said. We are surrounded by death. Israels military said it delivered 4,000 liters of water and 1,500 ready-made meals to Shifa, but staff said it was too little for the numbers of people there. Israeli military spokesman Col. Richard Hecht acknowledged that the troops search for traces of Hamas was going slowly. Its going to take time, he said. Israel faces pressure to prove its claim that Hamas set up its main command center in and under the hospital. So far, Israel has shown photos and video of weapons caches that it says were found inside as well as what it said was a tunnel entrance. The AP could not independently verify the Israeli claims. The allegations are part of Israels broader accusation that Hamas uses Palestinians as human shields across the Gaza Strip, contending that is the reason for the large numbers of civilian casualties during weeks of bombardment. Strikes in the south Airstrikes continued to hammer the southern sector of Gaza, where most of the territorys population is now sheltering. Among them are hundreds of thousands of people who heeded Israels calls to evacuate Gaza City and the north to get out of the way of its ground offensive. In the Nusseirat refugee camp, a strike crushed a building to rubble killing at least 41 people, staff at the nearby hospital said. Residents said dozens more were buried in the wreckage. Early morning strikes outside the city of Khan Younis killed 11 members of a family that evacuated from Gaza City. Dozens of wounded, including babies and young children, streamed into the nearby hospital. At the morgue, Alaa Abu Hasira wept over the bodies from the strike that were lined up side by side on the floor, including her son, daughter and several sisters. All my loved ones are gone, she sobbed. So far, Israels ground assault has focused on northern Gaza as it vows to remove Hamas from power and crush its military capabilities. If the assault moves into the south, it is not clear where Palestinians can go. Egypt has refused to allow a mass transfer onto its soil. As the war continues to inflame tensions elsewhere, Israeli troops clashed with Palestinian gunmen in Jenin in the occupied West Bank, killing at least three Palestinians. The fighting broke out late Thursday during an Israeli raid. Israels military said five militants were killed. The Palestinian Health Ministry said three people died. The militant Islamic Jihad group claimed the three dead as members and identified one as a local commander. Keath and Jeffrey reported from Cairo. Associated Press writers Najib Jobain in Rafah, Gaza Strip; Bassem Mroue in Beirut; Edith M. Lederer in New York; and Julia Frankel in Jerusalem contributed to this story. The Department of Treasury seal. (Wikimedia Commons) WASHINGTON The U.S. on Friday imposed sanctions on six people affiliated with the Iranian-backed Iraqi militia Kataeb Hezbollah, which is accused of being behind a spate of recent attacks against U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria following the October 7 attacks by Hamas against Israel. Included in the sanctions are the militias foreign affairs chief, a member of its governing council, its military commander and a media spokesman. The sanctions block access to U.S. property and bank accounts and prevent the targeted people and companies from doing business with Americans. A spate of drone attacks hit U.S. bases in Iraq as recently as Friday, as regional tensions have flared up following the bloody war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Two U.S. defense officials confirmed three additional attacks on U.S. military facilities in Iraq and Syria on Friday, bringing the total number of attacks on U.S. and coalition military facilities in Iraq and Syria to at least 60. The three bases attacked as of Friday included: a one-way drone targeted Al Harir air base in Erbil, with no casualties reported, but an infrastructure damage assessment was still ongoing; an attack by multiple one-way drones at Al Asad air base in Iraq that resulted in no injuries or infrastructure damage; and another multiple one-way drone attack at Tall Baydar, Syria, that resulted in minor injuries to one service member who was able to return to duty, one of the defense officials said. Iranian-backed militias in Iraq have threatened to attack U.S. facilities there because of American support for Israel. Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control says Kataeb Hezbollah is supported by Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Quds Force. And the State Department has previously designated it as a terrorist organization. Brian E. Nelson, Treasurys under-secretary for terrorism and financial intelligence said the U.S. is fully committed to security and stability in the Middle East and are steadfast in our efforts to disrupt these destabilizing activities. At least 11,470 Palestinians two-thirds of them women and minors have been killed since the war in Gaza began, according to Palestinian health authorities, who do not differentiate between civilian and militant deaths. About 2,700 people are reported missing. Some 1,200 people have been killed in Israel, mostly during the initial attack, and around 240 were taken captive by militants. Xi calls for expanding China-Mexico cooperation in finance, EV Xinhua) 03:43, November 17, 2023 Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador in San Francisco, the United States, Nov. 16, 2023. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin) SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday called for expanding China-Mexico cooperation in finance, electric vehicles and other emerging industries. Xi made the remarks when meeting his Mexican counterpart, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting. He also said that the two sides should make good use of the inter-governmental cooperation mechanism and deepen cooperation in traditional areas such as infrastructure construction. The friendship between China and Mexico has grown stronger over time, Xi said, noting that last year the two countries celebrated the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties, and this year marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Mexico comprehensive strategic partnership. Xi said that at present, the strategic, complementary and mutually beneficial nature of China-Mexico relations has become increasingly prominent, and mutual understanding and support on issues concerning each other's core interests and major concerns have become firmer. China attaches great importance to China-Mexico relations and is willing to work with Mexico to enhance strategic alignment, tap cooperation potential and leverage complementary advantages to push bilateral relations to a new level, he added. The Chinese president stressed that China supports Mexico's independent development path in line with its national conditions and is willing to strengthen exchanges with Mexico in country governance. Bilateral trade volume between China and Mexico has increased by more than 7,000 times since the establishment of diplomatic relations, and highlights of cooperation in fields including railways, automobiles and new energy are abundant, he said. Xi said the two sides should deepen counternarcotics law enforcement cooperation, and actively support each other in organizing events for people-to-people exchanges such as cultural performances and exhibitions. The two sides should strengthen multilateral coordination, firmly uphold multilateralism and democracy in international relations, and safeguard international fairness and justice as well as the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries, Xi said. Noting that next year marks the 10th anniversary of the China-CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) Forum, Xi said that China is ready to work with Mexico to promote the steady and long-term development of China-Latin America relations in the new era. Xi once again expressed condolences to Lopez over the recent hurricane disaster that hit Mexico's Pacific coast. He said that China will provide assistance to Mexico in the procurement of disaster relief supplies. For his part, Lopez said both Mexico and China have splendid civilizations and the two peoples know each other well and treat each other like brothers. At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, China was the first to offer assistance, providing a large amount of precious anti-pandemic supplies to Mexico and helping the country tide over the difficulties, Lopez said. He added that after Mexico was hit by a recent severe hurricane in the Pacific Ocean, China immediately expressed sympathy and support, for which Mexico is grateful. Both Mexico and China safeguard their own independence and firmly oppose interference in other countries' internal affairs, he noted, adding that Mexico will, as always, adhere to its friendly policy towards China, firmly support each other, facilitate Chinese enterprises' investment in Mexico, and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields as well as cooperation in combating drugs production and trafficking. Lopez said that Mexico is willing to closely coordinate with China in multilateral affairs, and actively promote Latin America-China relations. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Xian Jiangnan) Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the statutory trade body for the promotion and creation of opportunities for Hong Kong's businesses in the global markets, said it will host five international trade fairs early next year in Hong Kong, as it sought to take bilateral trade relations between the UAE and Hong Kong to the next level. The trade fairs offer ideal platforms for traders and suppliers from the UAE and the region to expand their businesses into new markets, said a statement. The five trade fairs include HKTDC Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair, HKTDC Hong Kong Baby Products Fair, Hong Kong International Stationery & School Supplies Fair, HKTDC Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show and HKTDC Hong Kong International Jewellery Show. HKTDC said that these international fairs will help leverage Hong Kong's status as the world's premier trade fair capital in Asia, and it is the go-to destination for businesses from around the world. Hong Kong and the UAE maintain strong trade ties, capitalising on diverse products and services. As of September 2023, the UAE is Hong Kong's 11th largest trading partner, with a trade value of AED 47 billion. It stands as Hong Kong's 6th major export market (AED 33.8 billion) and 17th largest import source (AED 13.2 billion). Daniel Lam, Regional Director MEA, HKTDC, said: We look forward to welcoming more UAE-based companies to explore business opportunities and tap into global markets through HKTDC exhibitions. The trade fairs target buyers, distributors, and retailers from the UAE and the region to come to Hong Kong for sourcing. The UAE and Hong Kong have enjoyed robust bilateral trade relations on a range of products and services over the years. The fairs will feature a series of events for visitors to keep abreast of the latest developments in the industry and strengthen their networks and will be categorised under various themed zones focusing on different industry sectors to streamline buyer sourcing. Since the city fully reopened its border in February, the HKTDC held 22 international trade exhibitions in Hong Kong, attracting 380,000 buyers and exhibitors from 199 countries and regions till October, reinforcing Hong Kongs status as a leading trading and convention and exhibition centre, he added. HKTDC is presenting a unified platform across multiple fairs through its Exhibition+ hybrid model. This model, coupled with the "Click2Match" online platform seamlessly facilitates efficient business matching and enhances the overall exhibition experience. The 50th edition of Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair, the 15th Hong Kong Baby Products Fair and the 22nd Hong Kong International Stationery & School Supplies Fair will be held from 8-11 January 2024 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The three concurrent fairs are expected to welcome more than 2,200 global exhibitors, showcasing a broad selection of smart toys, quality baby products and creative stationery. The 10th HKTDC Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show at AsiaWorld-Expo (February 27-March 2, 2024) and the 40th Hong Kong International Jewellery Show at HKCEC (February 29-March 4, 2024) feature raw materials and finished fine jewellery. They will showcase themed zones like Hall of Extraordinary, Hall of Fame, and Designer Galleria. Special zones in the Diamond, Gem and Pearl Show focus on fine diamonds, coloured gems, and pearls, complemented by jewellery parades, seminars, buyer forums, and networking events. TradeArabia News Service KYODO NEWS - Nov 17, 2023 - 13:18 | All, Japan Ruling party lawmaker Mito Kakizawa is under investigation on suspicion of vote-buying to elect a mayoral candidate in a Tokyo ward in April, sources close to the matter said Friday. Several secretaries of Kakizawa, a House of Representatives lawmaker of the Liberal Democratic Party, offered and distributed cash to several Koto Ward assembly members, the sources said. Although Kakizawa has said there was no illegality as the money was provided to encourage them ahead of the ward assembly election, also held in April, prosecutors suspect he intended to buy votes in violation of the election law, the sources said. Prosecutors searched the constituency office of the 52-year-old lawmaker and other locations Thursday, the sources said. Several ward assembly members have already been questioned about the payments on a voluntary basis, according to the sources. Kakizawa, the son of a former foreign minister, resigned as senior vice justice minister late last month after it was reported he had proposed to Yayoi Kimura that she use an online advertisement during her successful mayoral campaign in the ward, an alleged violation of the election law. Kimura previously served as a lower house lawmaker of the LDP, currently headed by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. On Wednesday, Kimura stepped down as mayor for using a paid advertisement on YouTube to urge people to vote for her. Japan's public offices election law prohibits the use of paid advertisements online for specific candidates, rather than political parties. Kimura said she decided to use the online advertisement after Kakizawa suggested it, arguing she did not know it was illegal, the sources said. She has denied involvement in the distribution of the money, they said. Related coverage: Japan ruling lawmaker's office searched over mayor race scandal Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Eric M. Smith salutes during ceremonial colors at the 40th Beirut Memorial Observance Ceremony at Lejeune Memorial Gardens in Jacksonville, North Carolina, Oct. 23, 2023. The memorial observance is held annually on October 23 to remember the lives lost in the terrorist attacks at U.S. Marine Barracks in Beirut, Lebanon and Grenada. (Zachary Zephir/Marine Corps) WASHINGTON Gen. Eric Smith, commandant of the Marine Corps, has been released from the hospital after more than two weeks of treatment following a heart attack, officials said Thursday. Smith suffered the heart attack on Oct. 29 and was hospitalized at a Washington facility for 17 days, the Marine Corps said in a statement. Smith will return to the hospital soon for a medical procedure, the statement added. Smiths recovery is well ahead of schedule, and he is now focused on preparing for an upcoming procedure to repair a bicuspid aortic valve in his heart, which his doctors assess directly contributed to his cardiac arrest, the statement added. Last week, Smith said he was grateful for an outpouring of support and said he was looking forward to getting back in the fight as soon as I can. At the time of his heart attack, Smith had been performing the duties of commandant and assistant commandant because the general nominated to become the assistant commandant was blocked from promotion along with hundreds of other military personnel by Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala. A few days after Smiths heart attack, the Senate got around Tubervilles blockade by individually confirming a few more top Pentagon nominees, including Lt. Gen. Christopher Mahoney as assistant commandant. Gen. Mahoney and I see eye to eye on the strategic direction of [the Marines] and we are fortunate to be surrounded by a Marine Corps family filled with Americas finest leaders, Smith said on Thursday. Mahoney will perform Smiths duties until he is medically cleared to return to duty. An X sign sits atop the social media platforms headquarters, in San Francisco, on July 28, 2023. IBM has stopped advertising on X after a report said its ads were appearing alongside material praising Adolf Hitler and Nazis. (Noah Berger/AP) Advertisers are fleeing social media platform X over concerns about their ads showing up next to pro-Nazi content and hate speech on the site in general, with billionaire owner Elon Musk inflaming tensions with his own posts endorsing an antisemitic conspiracy theory. IBM and Comcast said this week that they stopped advertising on X after a report said their ads were appearing alongside material praising Nazis a fresh setback as the platform formerly known as Twitter tries to win back big brands and their ad dollars, Xs main source of revenue. The liberal advocacy group Media Matters said in a report Thursday that ads from Apple, Oracle and NBCUniversals Bravo network also were placed next to antisemitic material on X. IBM has zero tolerance for hate speech and discrimination and we have immediately suspended all advertising on X while we investigate this entirely unacceptable situation, the company said in a statement. A Comcast spokesperson confirmed on Saturday the company had paused its advertising on X, but didnt provide additional details on the decision. Apple, Oracle and NBCUniversal didnt respond immediately to requests seeking comment on their next steps. The European Unions executive branch said separately Friday it is pausing advertising on X and other social media platforms, in part because of a surge in hate speech. Later in the day, Disney, Lionsgate and Paramount Global also said they were suspending or pausing advertising on X. Musk sparked outcry this week with his own tweets responding to a user who accused Jews of hating white people and professing indifference to antisemitism. You have said the actual truth, Musk tweeted in a reply Wednesday. Musk has faced accusations of tolerating antisemitic messages on the platform since purchasing it last year, and the content on X has gained increased scrutiny since the war between Israel and Hamas began. We condemn this abhorrent promotion of Antisemitic and racist hate in the strongest terms, which runs against our core values as Americans, White House spokesperson Andrew Bates said Friday in response to Musks tweet. X CEO Linda Yaccarino said Xs point of view has always been very clear that discrimination by everyone should STOP across the board. I think thats something we can and should all agree on, she tweeted Thursday. Yaccarino, a former NBCUniversal executive, was hired by Musk to rebuild ties with advertisers who fled after he took over, concerned that his easing of content restrictions was allowing hateful and toxic speech to flourish and that would harm their brands. When it comes to this platform X has also been extremely clear about our efforts to combat antisemitism and discrimination. Theres no place for it anywhere in the world its ugly and wrong. Full stop, Yaccarino said. The accounts that Media Matters found posting antisemitic material will no longer be monetizable and the specific posts will be labeled sensitive media, according to a statement from X. Still, Musk decried Media Matters as an evil organization. The head of the Anti-Defamation League also hit back at Musks tweets this week, in the latest clash between the prominent Jewish civil-rights organization and the billionaire businessman. At a time when antisemitism is exploding in America and surging around the world, it is indisputably dangerous to use ones influence to validate and promote antisemitic theories, ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt said on X. Musk also tweeted this week that he was deeply offended by ADLs messaging and any other groups who push de facto anti-white racism or anti-Asian racism or racism of any kind. The group has previously accused Musk of allowing antisemitism and hate speech to spread on the platform and amplifying the messages of neo-Nazis and white supremacists who want to ban the ADL. The European Commission, meanwhile, said its putting all of its social media ad efforts on hold because of an alarming increase in disinformation and hate speech on platforms in recent weeks. The commission, the 27-nation EUs executive arm, said it is advising its services to refrain from advertising at this stage on social media platforms where such content is present, adding that the freeze doesnt affect its official accounts on X. The EU has taken a tough stance with new rules to clean up social media platforms, and last month it made a formal request to X for information about its handling of hate speech, misinformation and violent terrorist content related to the Israel-Hamas war. X isnt alone in dealing with problematic content since the conflict. On Thursday, TikTok removed the hashtag #lettertoamerica after users on the app posted sympathetic videos about Osama bin Ladens 2002 letter justifying the terrorist attacks against Americans on 9/11 and criticizing U.S. support for Israel. The Guardian news outlet, which published the transcript of the letter that was being shared, took it down and replaced it with a statement that directed readers to a news article from 2002 that it said provided more context. The videos garnered widespread attention among X users critical of TikTok, which is owned by Beijing-based ByteDance. TikTok said the letter was not a trend on its platform and blamed an X post by journalist Yashar Ali and media coverage for drawing more engagement to the hashtag. The short-form video app has faced criticism from Republicans and others who say the platform has been failing to protect Jewish users from harassment and pushing pro-Palestinian content to viewers. TikTok has aggressively pushed back, saying its been taking down antisemitic content and doesnt manipulate its algorithm to take sides. AP Technology Writer Matt OBrien in Providence, Rhode Island, contributed to this story. Nobel Prize in physics laureate John Clauser receives his award from Carl XVI Gustaf, the King of Sweden, during a December 2022 ceremony in Stockholm. (Facebook/Nobel Prize) BALTIMORE - At a fiery news conference at the Four Seasons hotel here Tuesday, speakers denounced climate change as a hoax perpetrated by a global cabal including the United Nations, the World Economic Forum and many leaders of the Catholic Church. It might have seemed like a fringe event, except for one speakers credentials. John F. Clauser shared the Nobel Prize in physics last year before declaring Tuesday that there is no climate crisis - a claim that contradicts the overwhelming scientific consensus. The event showcased Clausers remarkable shift since winning one of the worlds most prestigious awards for his groundbreaking experiments with light particles in the 1970s. His recent denial of global warming has alarmed top climate scientists, who warn that he is using his stature to mislead the public about a planetary emergency. Clauser, 80, who has a booming voice and white hair he often leaves uncombed, has brushed off these concerns. He says skepticism is a key part of the scientific process. There was overwhelming consensus that what I was doing was pointless in the 1970s, he said in an interview after the news conference. It took 50 years for my work to win the prize. Thats how long it takes for opinions to change. Tuesdays event was organized by the Deposit of Faith Coalition, a group of more than a dozen Catholic organizations that argues that those pushing the anti-God and anti-family climate agenda need to be called out and exposed. Clauser, who is an atheist, needed some convincing to be the keynote speaker, a coalition spokesman acknowledged. The other speakers included Marc Morano, a former Republican congressional staffer who runs a website that rejects mainstream climate science, and Alex Newman, a journalist for right-wing media outlets who has called for exposing the climate scam. Both men took multiple jabs at former vice president Al Gore and his 2006 documentary about the dangers of climate change. Clauser, who wore a gray blazer with black jeans and Teva sandals, appeared buoyant as he took the stage. He cycled through a PowerPoint presentation that began with the exclamation: Great news! There is no climate crisis! Much as it may upset many people, my message is the planet is not in peril, Clauser told an audience of roughly a dozen people in the hotel conference room and others watching online. I call myself a climate denier, he added. Ive been told thats not politically correct. So I guess Im a climate crisis d-word person. Clauser bragged that he met privately with President Biden in the Oval Office last year, when the 2022 Nobel Prize winners were invited to the White House. He said he criticized Bidens climate and energy policies, to which he said the president replied: Sounds like right-wing science. The Washington Post could not confirm this account; a White House spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The vast majority of climate scientists agree that global warming will have catastrophic consequences for current and future generations. They warn that heat waves, famines and infectious diseases could claim millions of additional lives by centurys end if humanity does not rapidly reduce emissions from the burning of fossil fuels. The influence of climate deniers has waned over the past several decades, as the science has become clearer and the impacts of global warming have become starker. But a small group of vocal skeptics - including several prominent physicists - has persisted. Clauser, who has never published a peer-reviewed paper on climate change, has homed in on one message in particular: Earths temperature is primarily determined by cloud cover, not carbon dioxide emissions from burning fossil fuels. He has concluded that clouds have a net cooling effect on the planet, so there is no climate crisis. Michael Mann, a climate scientist at the University of Pennsylvania, said that argument is pure garbage and pseudoscience. The best available evidence shows that clouds actually have a net warming effect, Mann said in an email. In physics, we call that a sign error - its the sort of error a freshman is embarrassed to be caught having made, he said. Andrew Dessler, a professor of atmospheric sciences at Texas A&M University, agreed. Clouds amplify warming, Dessler said in an email, adding, The scientific community has spent the last century studying [climate change] and, at this point, virtually everything thats happening has been predicted. John Clauser and his ilk ignore this because they are not advancing serious scientific critiques. But Anton Zeilinger, an Austrian physicist who shared the Nobel Prize with Clauser last year, said in an interview that he has very high respect for Clausers scientific rigor, although he cautioned that he is not an expert on climate science. In 1972, Clauser conducted groundbreaking experiments on quantum entanglement, a process in which two or more particles are coupled so that any change in one particle triggers a simultaneous change in the other, even if they are separated by vast distances. The experiments confirmed a phenomenon that Albert Einstein had famously referred to as spooky action at a distance. They also paved the way for technologies such as quantum computers, which can solve problems too complex for classical computers. Einstein, when he proposed his ideas, was considered crazy and an outsider, said Zeilinger, a professor of physics emeritus at the University of Vienna. It has happened in science that the majority was dead wrong. I have no idea if that is the case here, but science has to be open to debate. Some physicists have made crucial contributions to the worlds understanding of climate change. In 2021, the Nobel Prize in physics was awarded to scientists Syukuro Manabe of the United States and Klaus Hasselmann of Germany for work that laid the foundation for current climate models. Others have made a name for themselves as climate contrarians. William Happer, a professor emeritus of physics at Princeton University, has argued that global warming is good for humanity. Under President Donald Trump, Happer served as a senior director on the National Security Council, where he oversaw a controversial initiative to reassess the federal governments analysis of climate science. Richard Lindzen, a retired MIT physicist, has similarly criticized what he has called climate alarmism. And Steven E. Koonin, a physicist who served as the Energy Departments undersecretary for science under President Barack Obama, wrote the best-selling book Unsettled: What Climate Science Tells Us, What It Doesnt, and Why It Matters. There is a skeptical streak in the physics community regarding climate science, Nadir Jeevanjee, a research physical scientist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, wrote in a recent critique of Koonins book. In an interview, Jeevanjee said that while climate science is based in physics, not all physicists are experts in climate science. But that hasnt stopped some distinguished physicists from portraying themselves as experts and sowing doubt, he said. When they talk, people listen, said Jeevanjee, who emphasized that he was speaking on behalf of himself and not NOAA. It stokes the flames of denial. Some physicists who reject the scientific consensus on climate change have received funding from fossil fuel companies. Wei-Hock Willie Soon, an astrophysicist who claims that variations in the suns energy have caused most global warming, accepted more than $1.2 million from the fossil fuel industry from 2005 to 2015 while failing to disclose that conflict of interest in most scientific papers. Clauser said he does not receive any money from oil, gas and coal interests. If I go to Asia, I get a huge honorarium for giving talks, he said in the interview after Tuesdays event. But this conference hasnt given me an honorarium for coming here. The best I get is airfare and hotel. Im just living off savings. In June, Clauser gave the keynote address at a conference on quantum information science in Seoul, telling the audience that I dont believe there is a climate crisis. The speech came a month after he joined the board of directors of the CO2 Coalition, a group that contends carbon dioxide is beneficial for the planet. Clauser has not been welcomed everywhere. In July, he was scheduled to deliver a seminar on climate models to the International Monetary Funds Independent Evaluation Office, but then the event was summarily canceled with no explanation, the CO2 Coalition said in a statement at the time. On Tuesday, Clauser said he was initially told the event would be reformatted as a debate with an author of a report by the U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. But that idea never went anywhere, he said. Asked for comment, a spokesperson for the office declined to comment on the record and did not respond to follow-up questions about whether the event might be rescheduled. Clausers message also may be reaching a limited audience. Of the roughly dozen people at the news conference in Baltimore, two were journalists and several others were members of the Deposit of Faith Coalition. Asked about the smaller crowd, Clauser, who has emphysema caused by smoking cigarettes in his younger years, took a puff of his inhaler and shrugged. I get a reasonable amount of fan mail, some of which comes from people who claim to be climate scientists, he said. Most of it is very positive. When she heard about her daughter's murder, Kathleen said it felt like her heart had been ripped from her body. ASHLING Murphy hugged her mother and told her "I love you, you're the best mum in the world", before she left for work on the day she was killed, a court heard. The 23-year-old teacher was "one in a million", her mother Kathleen Murphy said in a victim impact statement. Ashling was loving, caring and always had a gentle, big smile for everyone. She loved fashion and music and had an infectious laugh but never wanted to be the centre of attention, she said. Mrs Murphy's victim impact statement was read out on her behalf during the sentence hearing of Jozef Puska (33), who was found guilty last week of murdering Ashling at the Grand Canal in Tullamore on January 12, 2022. Mr Justice Tony Hunt sentenced Puska to the mandatory life sentence for murder. In a victim impact statement Kathleen Murphy said that Ashling told her, on the morning of January 12, 2022, she'd be home a little later than usual because she was going for a jog on the canal line after work. She said she begged her not to go there as it always made her feel ill at ease. Ashling responded, "Ah mum, I am 23 years old", Kathleen said her daughter then gave her a hug and told her "I love you, you're the best mum in the world". She said her home was alive with music every night as Ashling played her fiddle. "I miss her sweet music in our home", adding that there was a void in her home, and she was barely existing from day to day. Kathleen said Ashling was the thoughtful one in their family, and the chief organiser in their home. Everyone wanted to be in Ashling's company, and she missed her smiling face coming home after her day's work in school, she said. Ashling was too nice, she said, and the pair never had a row. She loved cooking, and Ashling always prepared the dinner on a Friday while she was in town shopping. Kathleen said Ashling was "every mum and dad's dream daughter". When she heard about her daughter's murder, Kathleen said it felt like her heart had been ripped from her body. She said she used to go for a walk after dinner on a Sunday with Ashling and Amy, but she will not go anymore as she is too afraid of "that monster". "His actions will always be in the back of my mind", she said, adding that she would give her house, car and every penny she had to have her "beautiful Ashling" with her. Ashling would be alive today, Kathleen said, if that evil, evil monster had not come upon her, in a random unprovoked attack. She said she believed Puska, "this coward" came from behind and didn't face Ashling, who didn't stand a chance against "this evil monster that was armed with a knife". Kathleen said Puska should "never see the light of day again". Amy Murphy, Ashling's older sister, said she spent years listening, watching and adoring over her younger sister, who grew to become the "soil that kept our family and friends nourished with positivity, humour and hope". Amy, in an emotional victim impact statement, said Ashling, as she grew up, became the glue that bound their tightly-knit family together. Ashling had her mother's warm smile, their father's cheeky wit and wink. "Ashling brought out the best of us", she said. Her sister was born to be a teacher, Amy said, and she loved every second of it, be that in the classroom or in giving music lessons. Amy said her sister did not want for extraordinary things, but she had many plans for her future. Her boyfriend Ryan was the love of her life, and they intended to build a future together, and were in the early stages of securing a site and building a home. Amy said her and her family's lives were enormously enriched because of Ashling. "She was charismatic, compassionate and her infectious laugh could light up any room", she said. Amy said that Puska's inhumane act of depravity highlighted to her how naive her family was to the dangers lingering in our society. We were blissfully unaware, she said, that we were living amongst total evil and he was right under our noses. Speaking directly to Puska, Amy said that crossing a national border does not automatically instil a moral code in a person. "You were given an Irish welcome and supported by the State to allow you to reside her. You repaid this by brutally murdering a beautiful, talented girl", she said. Amy said she was relieved that, after today, she will not have to spend any more time in the vicinity of Puska, who she described as "a vile human being", whose "lies and deceit knows no bounds". Amy also said the family was totally disturbed by Puska's demeanour during the evidence by State Pathologist Dr Sallyanne Collis. "Smiling and smirking, you appeared to get some enjoyment out of hearing the harrowing evidence of Ashling's injuries", she said. Amy said Puska's total lack of empathy and remorse will forever haunt her. Earlier, Ashling's partner, Ryan Casey said that Ashling was "everything to me", their relationship was "quite simply heaven on earth", and both of them knew that what they had together was very special. In a victim impact statement, an emotional and tearful Mr Casey said that he finds himself unable to stop thinking about Ashling and he constantly misses her presence. Mr Casey said he remembers the last time he saw Ashling, which was on January 10, 2022, after she dropped shopping to his house as he was isolating as there was covid in his family home. All they wanted to do, he said, was give each other a hug, but they didn't because they were due to travel to Manchester on January 21 Mr Casey said he constantly wished that he had given Ashling a hug that day. Mr Casey described Puska as "an evil, evil description of a human being". Speaking directly to Puska, Mr Casey told him he had no idea what he had stolen from them. "Because of you I have lost my Ashling", he said. "Because of you I will never get to marry her", he said. "Because of you, I will never hear her voice again." "Because of you, I will never see her smile again". "Because of you, I will have to carry on without her". "Because of you, I will have to remember her longer than I've known her." Mr Casey said Puska smirked and smiled and showed zero remorse during the trial, and told him he was the "epitomy of pure evil". Mr Casey told Puska he will never harm or touch another woman again. He finished by saying "may you be in hell a whole half hour before god knows you're dead". Judge Hunt offered his sympathies to the Murphy family, and he imposed the mandatory life sentence on Jozef Puska. Last week, he was found guilty of the murder of Ashling Murphy while she was out for a walk at the Grand Canal in Tullamore, Co Offaly on January 12, 2022. During the four-week trial, the jury heard evidence that Puska stabbed Ms Murphy on the right side of the neck 11 times with a knife. The stab wounds damaged her right and left jugular vein, as well as her voice box and right carotid artery, the postmortem found, and it's unlikely she would have been able to speak or make intelligible sounds. A fingerprint mark and a DNA sample belonging to Puska was taken from a bicycle found near Ashling's body. Male DNA found under Ashling's fingernails also matched two samples taken from Puska. On January 14, 2022 - two days after her death - Puska admitted killing Ashling, the jury heard. From his bed in St James' Hospital in Dublin Puska told detectives: "I did it. I murdered. I am the murderer." Later, when he was interviewed in Tullamore Garda Station, Puska denied knowing Ashling, telling detectives ."I don't know her." When Puska was shown a picture of Ashling, he said: "I never saw her, first on this picture." In his evidence to the jury, Puska claimed that he was a Good Samaritan who had tried to help, not hurt, Ashling. He claimed he was pushed off his bike, and that he was stabbed three times in the stomach by a man in a face mask, who then assaulted and killed Ms Murphy. Puska also claimed he could not remember confessing to Ashling's murder, saying he was after surgery and had taken many tablets. Mr Casey said he constantly wished that he had given Ashling a hug that day. SCHOOL teacher Ashling Murphy was "everything to me", her partner has told the sentence hearing of the man who murdered her. Ryan Casey said that his relationship with Ashling was "quite simply heaven on earth", and both of them knew that what they had together was very special. In a victim impact statement, an emotional and tearful Mr Casey said that he finds himself unable to stop thinking about Ashling and he constantly misses her presence. Mr Casey said he remembers the last time he saw Ashling, which was on January 10, 2022, after she dropped shopping to his house as he was isolating as there was covid in his family home. Ashling Murphy All they wanted to do, he said, was give each other a hug, but they didn't because they were due to travel to Manchester on January 21. Mr Casey said he constantly wished that he had given Ashling a hug that day. Mr Casey described Puska as "an evil, evil description of a human being". Speaking directly to Puska, Mr Casey told him he had no idea what he had stolen from them. "Because of you I have lost my Ashling", he said. "Because of you I will never get to marry her", he said. "Because of you, I will never hear her voice again." "Because of you, I will never see her smile again". "Because of you, I will have to carry on without her". "Because of you, I will have to remember her longer than I've known her." Mr Casey said Puska smirked and smiled and showed zero remorse during the trial, and told him he was the "epitomy of pure evil". Mr Casey told Puska he will never harm or touch another woman again. He finished by saying "may you be in hell a whole half hour before god knows you're dead". Ashling's killer, Jozef Puska (33), faces a mandatory life sentence after he was found guilty last Thursday afternoon of her murder. It took just over two hours for the jury of nine men and three women to return a unanimous verdict of guilty. The Slovakian national and father of five stabbed Ashling in the neck while she was out for a walk at the Grand Canal in Tullamore, Co Offaly on January 12, 2022. Jozef Puska (centre) when he was charged with the murder of Ashling Murphy. During the four-week trial, the jury heard evidence that Puska stabbed Ms Murphy on the right side of the neck 11 times with a knife. The stab wounds damaged her right and left jugular vein, as well as her voice box and right carotid artery, the postmortem found, and it's unlikely she would have been able to speak or make intelligible sounds. A fingerprint mark and a DNA sample belonging to Puska was taken from a bicycle found near Ashling's body. Male DNA found under Ashling's fingernails also matched two samples taken from Puska. On January 14, 2022 - two days after her death - Puska admitted killing Ashling, the jury heard. From his bed in St James' Hospital in Dublin Puska told detectives: "I did it. I murdered. I am the murderer." Later, when he was interviewed in Tullamore Garda Station, Puska denied knowing Ashling, telling detectives ."I don't know her." When Puska was shown a picture of Ashling, he said: "I never saw her, first on this picture." In his evidence to the jury, Puska claimed that he was a Good Samaritan who had tried to help, not hurt, Ashling. He claimed he was pushed off his bike, and that he was stabbed three times in the stomach by a man in a face mask, who then assaulted and killed Ms Murphy. Puska also claimed he could not remember confessing to Ashling's murder, saying he was after surgery and had taken many tablets. More to follow Donald Campbell allegedly said that a bomb technician was needed urgently disarm the bomb in Atalanta airport. A 73-year-old man has been charged after phoning police from an Irish pub to tell them there was a nuclear bomb in Atlanta Airport. Police and the FBI launched a major investigation after the pensioner allegedly called 911 and reported there was a nuclear bomb at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport earlier this week. WSB-TV have reported a court was told that Donald Campbell made the phonecall from an Irish pub called the Irish Bred Pub in Hapeville in the US state of Georgia. According to police, Campbell said that a bomb technician was needed urgently disarm the bomb. Irish Bred Pub. Photo: Facebook During a hearing in Clayton County Court yesterday, the judge read out sections of the police report detailing Campbells arrest. [He allegedly] called 911 on separate occasions and made a false report by saying to a 911 dispatcher that there was a bomb and a nuclear bomb at the airport. He is charged with unlawful conduct during a 911 call and was given a $12,000 bond. KYODO NEWS - Nov 17, 2023 - 23:00 | All, Japan, World The following is the latest list of selected news summaries by Kyodo News. ---------- Itochu mulls investment to help rebuild scandal-hit Bigmotor TOKYO - Japanese trading house Itochu Corp. said Friday it is considering investing in Bigmotor Co. in a bid to help reconstruct the used car dealership mired in an insurance fraud scandal. Itochu, together with its subsidiary Itochu Enex Co. and investment fund J-Will Partners, won exclusive negotiation rights and will launch due diligence. They plan to make a final decision by next spring, it said. ---------- Japan, China seek mutually beneficial ties through talks amid strains SAN FRANCISCO - Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed Thursday to build "mutually beneficial" bilateral relations based on common strategic interests, despite what Tokyo views as an "unscientific" import ban on its seafood and a host of other pending issues. At their first face-to-face meeting in a year, Kishida said both sides agreed to hold expert consultations on Japan's release of treated radioactive water from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant into the sea, a source of recent bilateral tensions. ---------- Baseball: Two-way star Ohtani wins 2nd unanimous AL MVP award LOS ANGELES - Two-way star Shohei Ohtani, the first Japanese to win an MLB home run title, became the first player in MLB to win two MVP awards by a unanimous vote on Thursday. The 29-year-old Ohtani, currently a free agent, won his second American League Most Valuable Player Award, collecting all 30 first-place votes despite an injury-hit end to his season that limited him to 135 games for the Los Angeles Angels. ---------- Baseball:Japan beats South Korea to secure final berth at Asia championship TOKYO - Chihiro Sumida threw seven scoreless innings and Chusei Mannami hit a solo home run as Japan edged South Korea 2-1 Friday to secure a place in the final of the Asia Professional Baseball Championship. Three-time World Baseball Classic champion Japan picked up its second win in as many games in the round-robin stage of the four-team tournament at Tokyo Dome, while South Korea fell to a 1-1 record. ---------- Kabuki actor Ennosuke gets suspended term over parents' suicides TOKYO - Kabuki actor Ichikawa Ennosuke was given a suspended jail term Friday for helping his parents kill themselves with sleeping pills in a family suicide pact in May after learning of a magazine report accusing him of sexual abuse and harassment. The Tokyo District Court handed the 47-year-old Ennosuke a jail term of three years, suspended for five years, saying his decision to assist his parents' suicides was "short-sighted" and that his culpability for the criminal act "cannot be taken lightly." ---------- Japan, S. Korea leaders vow joint response to N. Korea, close contact SAN FRANCISCO - The Japanese and South Korean leaders agreed Thursday to respond jointly and trilaterally with the United States to North Korea's nuclear posturing as they vowed to communicate closely about regional and global challenges, in the latest sign of a thawing in relations long marred by wartime history. Meeting for the seventh time this year, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol both expressed their hope for further deepening of bilateral cooperation across a range of areas, not limited to security and their economies. ---------- 19-yr-old gets prison term for stabbing students near Univ. of Tokyo TOKYO - A Japanese court on Friday sentenced a 19-year-old man to a prison term of six to 10 years for stabbing two senior high school students and an elderly man near the University of Tokyo on the day of nationwide entrance exams in January last year. Prosecutors had sought a sentence of seven to 12 years for the man for attempted murder and other charges. The defendant was a second-year senior high school student in Nagoya, central Japan, at the time and his name has been withheld because he was a minor when he committed the crime. ---------- Ruling party lawmaker suspected of vote-buying in Tokyo mayoral race TOKYO - Ruling party lawmaker Mito Kakizawa is under investigation on suspicion of vote-buying to elect a mayoral candidate in a Tokyo ward in April, sources close to the matter said Friday. Several secretaries of Kakizawa, a House of Representatives lawmaker of the Liberal Democratic Party, offered and distributed cash to several Koto Ward assembly members, the sources said. ---------- Video: Self-driving taxi service in New York Lapsley punched Ms Morgan in the face, kicked her in the head when she fell to the ground and then struck her with a brush. A successful horse-trainer who was beaten by her elderly partner has revealed how she was forced to flee their Donegal home with her daughter with just 83 in her bank account. Brave Kelda Morgan, 45, spoke out after her former partner William Lapsley, 75, was earlier this week given a six month suspended jail sentence for brutally assaulting her. Lapsley punched Ms Morgan in the face, kicked her in the head when she fell to the ground and then struck her with a brush. Jealous Lapsley had heard Kelda speaking on the phone to a man she had sold a horse to in France. She had began a relationship with the man but Lapsley found out and attacked her leaving her with a black eye and other injuries. Ms Morgan spoke out after the case saying she wanted to give other women hope that they can escape an abusive relationship no matter how difficult their circumstances may be. Kelda Morgan The mum-of-one, who later married the Frenchman, now lives in Co Meath where she said they lead a very happy and normal life. Lapsley was sentenced to six months in jail this week but had the sentence suspended after pleading guilty to assault causing harm to Ms Morgan at the home and farmyard they shared at Altaskin, St Johnston. Ms Morgan arrived in Ireland from her native England as a 20-year-old and began a relationship with Lapsley shortly afterwards which lasted for almost the next two decades. At the start she admits Lapsley gave her an immense sense of purpose, a promise of belonging and security as they shared a farmhouse together while she trained unbroken horses to international level. However, she revealed how Lapsley would often lose his temper and she often wanted to leave the relationship but couldnt. She said It was not the first time he lost his temper but I simply felt like I was trapped. It was too hard to leave as he knew how much horses and my security meant to me. Plus, the threats I could never live in Ireland if I left. However, the final straw came on September 2nd, 2018 when Lapsley viciously attacked Kelda in the yard of the house they shared outside the village of St Johnston. She had told Lapsley her relationship with the Frenchman was over but in the afternoon he overheard them speaking on the phone and Lapsley exploded in a fit of rage. The Frenchman overheard screaming and shouting on the phone and immediately called Letterkenny Garda Station saying he feared for Ms Morgans safety. When Garda Simon Morrison arrived at the couples house, Lapsley was outside and admitted that they had had an argument. Gardai went to see Ms Morgan and she was suffering from a black eye after Lapsleys brutal attack. Kelda said the attack, which happened in front of her young daughter, was the final straw. She said After he gave me the beating in front of our daughter, I was never going back. She must know his behaviour was completely unacceptable. My daughter and I escaped with a small bag of belongings and 83 in my bank account. I had been trapped by him for so long and I found it so difficult to set up a new life for myself and my daughter - even to get money to get by. The social welfare department were very unsure of my situation but we managed to get by with the help of friends. I will be forever grateful to certain people, good people, who really helped us. I realise that without fantastic family and friends my escape would not have been possible and I simply cant put a price on that. Kelda revealed the day she left was her daughters birthday but she didnt even have enough money on her to buy her a card. She said I didnt have any money when I did leave. I remember putting 2.60 of diesel into the car to escape, I could not even afford to buy her a card or present, relying on my mum to create a party. To make life bearable I would blame myself for his behaviour, he made me feel so degraded. The only place she could escape to was her mothers home and she was greeted with open arms. She said I was embarrassed and ashamed for the failure I had become. They lent me money for rent of a bungalow, food, new uniform for my daughter, bed clothes and a few toys so she felt comfortable, and clothes for myself as I could only grab a small bag of belongings before we escaped. For the first six months, I did not realise what I was doing, all I know is I did not want to be back in the violent and abusive place I desperately wanted to call home. Kelda said she still suffers from nightmares and flashbacks since leaving Lapsley and is still getting extensive work on her teeth as they were damaged during the attack. Ms Morgan is critical of the courts system saying she was not kept informed of the court case which dragged on for five years. She only heard her case had gone ahead at Letterkenny District Court this week after a friend read a report online and sent it to her. I wasnt even invited to attend court which I found very strange considering I was the victim, she said. A victim impact statement and a medical report of her injuries along with photos were handed into Judge Eiteain Cunningham as part of the evidence at the court hearing in which Lapsley had pleaded guilty to a Section 3 assault which is one of assault causing harm. During the case, Lapsley's solicitor Donough Cleary suggested his clients reaction, having been told by his partner that the other relationship was over, was understandable. However, Judge Cunningham said the reaction was not understandable and that in her view it was not in any way acceptable to resort to physical violence. Kelda added Throughout this whole ordeal, I felt I had to prove I wasnt in the wrong. It was always me who was looking for information about the case. I had to keep calling Letterkenny Garda station which I was uncomfortable with as I know how busy they are. As well as the enormous help from family and friends, Kelda sought professional help in the form of psychotherapist, Sue Tierney. With Sue, I started to realise that I was a person with my own mind, said Kelda. Despite her troubled journey, Kelda and her daughter have found happiness and a new life. She revealed I married the Frenchman; he is incredibly kind, and we have so much fun... he is just normal. Most importantly my daughter is happy with a stable home life with a positive male influence and we dont have to live in fear anymore. Jozef Puska will today be sentenced for the murder of Ashling Murphy after last weeks guilty verdict. Puska (33) is facing a life in prison for the murder of the school teacher (23), who was out on a jog at the Grand Canal in Tullamore, Co Offaly on January 12, 2022. Last week Mr Justice Hunt Tony Hunt read out the unanimous guilty verdict at Court No 13 in the Central Criminal Court on Thursday, November 9 shortly after 2pm, concluding a near four-week trial. After the verdict, Ms Murphys family spoke on the steps of the court, saying that Ashling, who was the perfect role model for every little girl had suffered incomprehensible violence. Her brother Cathal and boyfriend Ryan read a statement on behalf of the family, including her parents Kathleen and Ray, and sister Amy, as they clutched a framed photography of the schoolteacher and talented traditional musician. The judicial process cannot bring our darling Ashling back, nor can it heal our wounds, but we are relieved that this verdict delivers justice. It is simply imperative that this vicious monster can never harm another woman again, her brother Cathal said. Mr Puska, who is a father-of-five and originally from Slovakia, will be sentenced to the mandatory life sentence in prison from the Central Criminal Court today, after victim impact evidence is heard. Following the guilty verdict of Mr Puska, Mr Justice Hunt said that he hopes the family would take the option to deliver victim impact statements. He stressed that you do not hear much about the victims in cases like this, with exception to the horrible details that were deliberated over during the nearly month long trial. During the trial, the court heard that Ms Murphy was stabbed 11 times in the right side of her neck and her voice box was cut and major veins and an artery were damaged by her killer. Since his conviction, Mr Puska has been receiving psychiatric treatment while in an isolated cell at Cloverhill Prison, away from other inmates, with staff their watching the killer around the clock. He is expected to be immediately moved to Mountjoy Prison to serve his sentence, and will not be transferred to his home country of Slovakia, an EU member state, to serve any jail time. Martin 'The Viper' Foley, seen here in 2018. Photo: Collins One of the countrys most dangerous gangland criminals is working for veteran gangster Martin The Viper Foleys debt collection business. The convicted armed robber, aged in his mid-40s, has over 20 previous convictions and was released from prison in October 2021. He is currently based in Tallaght and has been spotted in Foleys company as they carried out debt collection work. In an exclusive image obtained by the Irish Independent, he can be seen with three other men, including crime figures Jonathan Gill and Foley, when they called to a property in the midlands recently. Gardai are now understood to be investigating an alleged incident of intimidation in relation to the visit. The gangster was seen wearing a jacket which had Viper Debt Recovery printed on it, with Martin Foley wearing an identical jacket, when they called to the location. This image shows the bank robber wearing a jacket saying 'Viper Debt Recovery' The convicted armed robber has been at the centre of a number of garda investigations into serious crimes such as aggravated burglaries, firearms offences, bank robberies, organised thefts and major gangland activity. He is not a person you want landing at your door. He has a major criminal pedigree and uses violence, a source said. The man is a long-term associate of Foley, who used to visit him in a Munster town before he was locked up in 2014. Since his release from prison, he has continued to come to the attention of gardai and is facing serious criminal charges in a case that is not expected to be concluded until at least next year. He was a key figure in a gang involved in a deadly feud with the Infamous D22 drug gang, led by gangland figure Karl Breen, over a decade ago in west Dublin. This feud led to a number of murders including the shooting dead of Breens right-hand-man, Pierce Reid, in July 2009 and numerous violent attacks. 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, Gill (44) is offering to help step in to resolve disputes between two parties which may have reached a dangerous and potentially violent level. Last July, Foley (72) 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. 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 Cab tax bill. He came to prominence in the 1980s when he was a member of the gang which was led by slain gangster Martin The General Cahill. It is also suspected that Gill has been the target of various assassination plots. The man in his 50s was taken to hospital after the alleged assault but has since been returned to custody. Gardai are investigating an alleged assault on an inmate by a prison officer. Its understood the incident occurred while the prisoner was being transported back to prison after a court hearing. The man in his 50s was taken to hospital after the alleged assault but has since been returned to custody. It is understood there are two investigations ongoing into the incident a garda probe and an separate internal investigation with in the Irish Prison Service. "Gardai at Ronanstown Garda station have received a report of an incident which occurred in a prison van at Cloverhill Prison on 3rd November 2023, a garda spokesperson said. Following this incident a male prisoner, aged in his 50s, attended hospital for treatment. This incident is being investigated by members of An Garda Siochana attached to the Lucan Garda District. Enquires are ongoing. Tanaiste Micheal Martin has warned the Israeli government that its war in Gaza risks more young people being radicalised and pushed into the arms of jihadist groups such as Hamas. His comments came amid high tensions during his visit to the Middle East, where he was criticised for Irelands stance on the conflict. The Tanaistes convoy was also forced to stop and seek shelter during the day when an air raid siren sounded in Israel. Mr Martin spoke with Israeli president Isaac Herzog and foreign minister Eli Cohen during his one-day visit to the country. He also travelled to the West Bank, where he met Palestine Authority prime minister Mohammad Ibrahim Shtayyeh and foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki. Earlier in the day, he visited the kibbutz in southern Israel where eight-year-old Emily Hand was living before she was abducted by Hamas. In a meeting organised by Mr Cohen between Mr Martin and Sderot mayor Alon Davidi, the mayor asked if the Irish delegation are here to support us?. Mr Cohen said they were. During a tense engagement, Mr Davidi told how his seven children, aged between 12 and 25, have endured bombings all their life and questioned the Tanaiste robustly on Irelands calls for ceasefire in Israels war against Hamas. We must finish the job, if you stop us, they will destroy us and you and everyone, Mr Davidi said, adding that he was begging Ireland to support Israel in its war on the terror group. When you see the picture outside, it seems that Israel are the bad guy and Gaza and Hamas are the people that want to free Palestinians, free Gaza. They destroyed Gaza, they destroyed the future of the people of Gaza, he said. Im begging you and I ask you to support Israel. Im a strong guy. I dont ask for money. Mr Martin offered assurances that Ireland does not support any idea that Hamas can undermine the Israeli state, but reiterated Irelands calls for a ceasefire. We called for a ceasefire on humanitarian grounds because we believe the scale of death and destruction is too high, I have to say that, he said. Mr Davidi said: I will say to my prime minister to stop the war if Ireland can promise me that after five days, all the weapons that Hamas has in Gaza and all the armies of the Hamas go outside to Egypt or someplace, maybe to Ireland or maybe to Europe. Tanaiste Micheal Martin inspects a damaged building as he visits Kibbutz Be'eri in Israel. Photo: Reuters Speaking before he left Israel last night, the Fianna Fail leader said the Israeli governments focus solely on a military campaign against Hamas will lead to more Palestinians becoming radicalised and engaging in terrorist activities. However, Mr Martin said he did not fear the possibility of people leaving Gaza for Ireland and setting up Hamas sleeper cells. I dont see that happening in this case, he said. What you get is post-migration radicalisation. Youve seen it in France, weve seen it in America, but I dont see that to be fair. Mr Martin said dealing with issues through a military lens alone will radicalise people, and will create future extreme perspectives and thats the really danger that will come up with this war in Gaza. The Palestinian Authority will say something similar, that what youre essentially doing is youre creating fertile ground for more extreme views to grow, he added. Sally and Sean Conlon died within months of each other from Covid in 2021, according to local sources. Sally Conlon (left) with her husband John Conlon, parents of murdered republican Martin Conlon outside the inquest into his death at Armagh Courthouse. Paul Faith/PA Wire The parents of murder victim Martin Conlon went to their graves without getting justice. Sally and Sean Conlon died within months of each other from Covid in 2021, according to local sources. Before her death, the devoted mum spoke about her son, a dissident terrorist who served time in Portlaoise. She pleaded for information that would bring her sons killers to justice after he was shot dead outside Keady, Co Armagh, in November 2005. This week marks the 18th anniversary of his abduction and murder. The PSNI has launched a renewed appeal, including a 20,000 reward. At his inquest in 2009, Ms Conlon said: I wish it was a trial I had come to today. Standing outside Armagh Courthouse, where the inquest was held, she added: I just wish they would get someone for it and then I would be happy for whatever time I have left. At the inquest, a senior police officer told coroner John Leckey there were a number of possible motives for the murder. These included a fall-out between criminals and a row with dissident republicans. Sally Conlon (left) with her husband John Conlon, parents of murdered republican Martin Conlon outside the inquest into his death at Armagh Courthouse. Paul Faith/PA Wire Martin Conlon had been jailed in the Republic after being arrested at a Real IRA training camp. Detective Chief Superintendent Derek Williamson said that after discovering Mr Conlon was gay, he investigated a possible homophobic motive. This was dismissed and the Real IRA claimed responsibility for the murder. He said: There are a number of motives and any one could have been the reason for murder. We do know in the Armagh area there were indications a number of businessmen had received letters in an attempt to extort money from them and there was some suggestion Martin had connections with those attempts to extort money. He said it was a purely criminal enterprise, not paramilitary linked. Asked by Mr Leckey whether the murder could have been down to a fall-out among the gang, the police officer said: It is certainly a possibility and it is possible there was a fall-out with persons involved in paramilitary activity. He would have been associated with dissident republican elements. Conlon was abducted from a friends house in Armagh on November 7, 2005 by two masked and armed men who bundled him into his own car and drove him away. He was shot and his body left on the Farnaloy Road outside Keady, where he was found by passers-by. Mr Leckey said a post-mortem examination showed Conlon had been shot twice in the back of the head. Conlon had been arrested on numerous occasions in Northern Ireland in the 1990s before being arrested in the Republic in October 1999 at a Real IRA weapons training camp. Released He was released from prison in April 2004 and returned to Armagh. In June 2005 he was sent a bullet in the post by the Loyalist Volunteer Force and was warned by police the next month that criminal elements were planning to take action against him. Crimestoppers can be reached at 0800 555 111 or online at www.crime stoppers-uk.org. The super-fit firefighters family were so convinced he was going to die last year they had organised his funeral. Shane Carmichael credits NHS with saving his life after being struck down by rare flesh eating disease. Shane has to be tube fed and can only eat pureed foods and liquids as he is at risk of choking. Shane Carmichael 47, credits NHS with saving his life after being struck down by rare flesh eating disease. DAD-of-three Shane Carmichael revealed how he was given the last rites eight separate times before he made a miracle recovery from a flesh-eating disease. The super-fit firefighters family were so convinced he was going to die last year they had organised his funeral. However, the 47-year-old amazed everyone with his recovery and is delighted to be alive to tell the tale. I meet people now who do a double take when they see me as if to say I thought you were dead. Thats a fact, a lot of people thought I was gone, said Shane. His nightmare started in April 2022. Suffering from a toothache, he went to a dentist for treatment and had to get a tooth removed. During this process, part of a tooth cracked. A few days later, Shanes face and neck began to swell and he went to the emergency department at Coleraine Hospital. He added: I remember going into the triage department at the hospital but dont remember anything after that until I woke up in the Ulster Hospital four months later. He was diagnosed with necrotising fasciitis, a rare and life-threatening condition which can happen if a wound or cut gets infected. Shane Carmichael credits NHS with saving his life after being struck down by rare flesh eating disease. If not stopped, it can quickly spread through the body. Once diagnosed, Shane was rushed from Coleraine to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast, before then being taken to the intensive care unit at the Ulster Hospital. He remained in a coma for the next four months as medics battled to save his life. They carried out 15 operations in a bid to stop the flesh-eating disease from spreading to other parts of his body. It started in my neck and luckily enough went down through my body instead of going up. If it had gone up to my brain I would not be here today, said Shane. The way the surgeon described it was that he was chasing the disease all the time as it went through my body. At one stage he was advised by his colleagues to give up. They said I was a lost case but he kept going. I was cut from ear to ear. My whole throat was cut away and my thyroid was cut out. I have big scars down my chest and my leg where I had to get skin grafts. The skin was taken and put on my neck. I have scars all over my body but I dont remember anything at the time the operations were happening. Despite the efforts of the surgeons and other medical staff caring for Shane, there were times when his prospects did not look good. I spent four months in a coma and during that time I was given the last rites eight times, he said. Between family and friends, I was prayed for in every county in Ireland. My mums cousin has the Padre Pio relic and that was brought up to me. My sister, God love her, was getting phone calls at all hours of the night telling her to come into the hospital because they thought I was going to die. Shane has to be tube fed and can only eat pureed foods and liquids as he is at risk of choking. At one stage, she was asked to sign a DNR (do not resuscitate) form. She asked the doctor if I was brain dead. He said no and she said where there is life there is hope and decided not to sign the form. My heart stopped several times but I was brought back to life so many times. No one can believe I made it through. All the nurses in the Ulster Hospital believed I would not make it. The fact I received the last rites so many times tells its own story. My funeral arrangements had already been made. I am from Bellaghy in Co Derry and that was where I was going to be buried. I was in Bellaghy a few months ago with my sister and I asked her to show me where I was going to be buried, but she wouldnt do it. However, a miracle happened and he pulled through. Shane has high praise for all the medical staff who cared for him during his nine-month long recovery in hospital. We are so lucky in this country. The care I received was second to none, he said. The staff in the Ulster Hospital where I spent most of the time were brilliant. I feel that I have made friends there. I went up a month ago and they were delighted to see me. The care that I received was absolutely brilliant and I will never be able to thank the staff enough. Since being discharged from hospital at the end of last year, Shane had been living with his mother in Portglenone, Co Antrim. He is unable to eat solid foods and is fed through a tube into his stomach. He also recently had a special pacemaker fitted at the Royal Victoria Hospital. A surgeon was flown over from England to fit the device, which is believed to be the first of its kind to be given to a patient in Northern Ireland. Shane Carmichael credits NHS with saving his life after being struck down by rare flesh eating disease Shane also has a splint on his left leg but struggles to walk far. A few weeks ago he bought an electric trike which allows him to get out and about as much as possible. I basically had to learn to walk again as my legs had not been used for so long and they were so weak. I cant walk too far but the trike gives me so much scope. I can go down the town on it and talk to a few people. I love talking to people. His recovery still has a long way to go and he knows his life will never be the same again. One of the things he will miss most is his work as an on-call firefighter in Kilrea. It was a role in which he took great pride and one through which he has made many good friends. I loved the fire service and was very fit before all this happened. I will miss my job as a firefighter more than anything. Despite his horrific ordeal and the many challenges he now faces, Shane is determined to look on the bright side of life. I am very positive, because what is the point in gurning? Its not going to change and I just have to get on with it. I am proud of how I have coped, as many a person would have crumbled over a lot less. He is speaking out about his ordeal because he would like to meet anyone else who has survived necrotising fasciitis to find out about their recovery journey. This is a rare disease, but it is even rarer for someone to survive it, he said. Tiger traps have been set up in the remote jungles of northeast Kelantan state. Photo: Getty Authorities in Malaysia have captured two critically endangered Malayan tigers after they were blamed for an unprecedented spree of deaths among villagers. Tiger traps have been set up in the remote jungles of northeast Kelantan state following a spate of apparent attacks that have resulted in at least four deaths. The latest victim of a suspected tiger attack was a man who is believed to have been mauled in a rubber plantation in Gua Musang, Kelantan, on Saturday, just days after a Myanmar national was found dead in the same area. Body parts believed to be of Lalu Sukarya Yahya, 42, an Indonesian migrant worker, were found with marks suggesting an animal attack. Kelantans deputy chief minister Mohamed Fadzli said efforts to trap the animals running wild in rubber plantations have been ramped up, as he blamed mating season for the attacks on humans. Since it is mating season, the tigers are roaming around looking for a mate and food. Some tiger packs are also teaching their cubs to hunt, these are the reasons that these animals are attacking humans, Mr Fadzli said, according to South China Morning Post. There were two earlier deaths in October, the first involving a man named Pisie Amud, 25, who had gone fishing near the forests of Pos Pasik in Kelantan. Another man from an indigenous community, Halim Asin, 27, was found dead two days later. Authorities have called the spate of deadly incidents unprecedented, saying that only four tiger attacks in total, two of which were fatal, were recorded in five years between 2017 and 2022. The Department of Wildlife and Nature Parks (Perhilitan) in Kelantan on Monday said that they have snared a tiger in the area and are investigating if the animal was behind the two fatalities. They said another was trapped in September and the two have been sent to a wildlife sanctuary. State Perhilitan director Mohamad Hafid Rohani said traps and camera traps were being set up in Kelantan in the wake of the attacks. He called on plantation workers to avoid working alone and provoking wildlife in the area. At least one of the victims, however, was not working alone. The Myanmar national who died this month, identified as Ahka Soe Ya, 22, was found in the same village as Lalu in Kampung Meranto in Gua Musang. The rubber plantation worker was working with his wife when he was fatally injured in the attack and died at the hospital after fatal injuries to his neck. The hospital confirmed the victims death following emergency treatment. The autopsy results indicated that the cause of death was severe head injuries due to a tiger attack, district police chief Sik Choon Foo said. Malayan tigers are a critically endangered subspecies of the big cat family that inhabit the lush rainforests of Malaysia. Known for its striking appearance, the Malayan tiger boasts a vibrant orange coat adorned with characteristic dark stripes, and has been designated the national animal of Malaysia. Only 200 individuals remain in the wild due to habitat loss and poaching, with intensive conservation efforts underway to protect and preserve this unique subspecies. The Israeli military claimed it had uncovered a Hamas tunnel shaft and a vehicle with weapons at the Al Shifa hospital complex In this image taken from a video released by the Israeli Defense Forces on Tuesday, Israeli soldiers are seen walking in the area of Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City An Irish-born doctor at the Al Shifa hospital in Gaza Strip has claimed that Israeli forces had "found nothing" when searching for evidence that Hamas has used the complex as a command centre. The Israeli military claimed it had uncovered a Hamas tunnel shaft and a vehicle with weapons at the Al Shifa hospital complex on Thursday. It also made public videos and photographs to support its statement. However, Doctor Ahmed El Mokhallalati who is described as a surgeon born in Ireland who trained in Cairo and practiced in London, has denied the Israeli claims. He told Reuters by telephone: "The situation is totally difficult. They are shooting all the time, all the areas, he has been quoted as saying. "They have found nothing. They have found no single resistance. No single gunshot, against them within the hospital area." The Palestinian militant group Hamas also denied the Israeli claims while Reuters said it had been unable to verify the situation at the hospital independently. Mokhallalati also said the Israeli military had provided some supplies since entering the hospital but that it was insufficient. "What happened is that the people, we run out of food, we ran out of drinking water," Mokhallalati said. "And then, yesterday, they arranged some, just some food and water, which is very, very minimal, which doesn't cover, maybe 40% of the number of people around here." Dr Mohamed Tabasha, head of the paediatric department at Al Shifa, is quoted in the Daily Mail as saying three newborn babies had died as problems mounted at the hospital, and that the 36 remaining newborns were at risk. Yesterday, Tanaiste Micheal Martin warned the Israeli government that its war in Gaza risks more young people being radicalised and pushed into the arms of jihadist groups such as Hamas. The Tanaiste whose convoy was also forced to stop and seek shelter during the day when an air raid siren sounded in Israel, has been criticised for Irelands stance on the conflict. Mr Martin spoke with Israeli president Isaac Herzog and foreign minister Eli Cohen during his one-day visit to the country. He also travelled to the West Bank, where he met Palestine Authority prime minister Mohammad Ibrahim Shtayyeh and foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki. Earlier in the day, he visited the kibbutz in southern Israel where eight-year-old Emily Hand was living before she was abducted by Hamas. In a meeting organised by Mr Cohen between Mr Martin and Sderot mayor Alon Davidi, the mayor asked if the Irish delegation are here to support us?. Mr Cohen said they were. During a tense engagement, Mr Davidi told how his seven children, aged between 12 and 25, have endured bombings all their life and questioned the Tanaiste robustly on Irelands calls for ceasefire in Israels war against Hamas. We must finish the job, if you stop us, they will destroy us and you and everyone, Mr Davidi said, adding that he was begging Ireland to support Israel in its war on the terror group. When you see the picture outside, it seems that Israel are the bad guy and Gaza and Hamas are the people that want to free Palestinians, free Gaza. They destroyed Gaza, they destroyed the future of the people of Gaza, he said. Im begging you and I ask you to support Israel. Im a strong guy. I dont ask for money. Mr Martin offered assurances that Ireland does not support any idea that Hamas can undermine the Israeli state, but reiterated Irelands calls for a ceasefire. We called for a ceasefire on humanitarian grounds because we believe the scale of death and destruction is too high, I have to say that, he said. Mr Davidi said: I will say to my prime minister to stop the war if Ireland can promise me that after five days, all the weapons that Hamas has in Gaza and all the armies of the Hamas go outside to Egypt or someplace, maybe to Ireland or maybe to Europe. Speaking before he left Israel, the Fianna Fail leader said the Israeli governments focus solely on a military campaign against Hamas will lead to more Palestinians becoming radicalised and engaging in terrorist activities. However, Mr Martin said he did not fear the possibility of people leaving Gaza for Ireland and setting up Hamas sleeper cells. I dont see that happening in this case, he said. What you get is post-migration radicalisation. Youve seen it in France, weve seen it in America, but I dont see that to be fair. Mr Martin said dealing with issues through a military lens alone will radicalise people, and will create future extreme perspectives and thats the really danger that will come up with this war in Gaza. The Palestinian Authority will say something similar, that what youre essentially doing is youre creating fertile ground for more extreme views to grow, he added KYODO NEWS - Nov 17, 2023 - 18:17 | Arts, All, Japan Kabuki actor Ichikawa Ennosuke was given a suspended jail term Friday for helping his parents kill themselves with sleeping pills in a family suicide pact in May after learning of a magazine report accusing him of sexual abuse and harassment. The Tokyo District Court handed the 47-year-old Ennosuke a jail term of three years, suspended for five years, saying his decision to assist his parents' suicides was "short-sighted" and that his culpability for the criminal act "cannot be taken lightly." But it decided to suspend his term, as asked by his defense team, as he has shown remorse and his supporters have vowed to help him recover. Prosecutors had demanded three years in prison. "I feel unspeakably sinful for getting my father and mother involved and causing damage to many people, including in the Kabuki world, which is hard to recover from," Ennosuke said in a statement following the ruling. As for his career outlook, Shochiku Co., a major producer of Kabuki performances, said nothing has been decided and that it intends to take time to explore potential paths forward through consultations with Ennosuke. According to the ruling, Ennosuke told his parents he intended to take his own life after finding out about the forthcoming magazine report. While he was initially told not to go through with it by his parents, they decided to die together after discussing the matter further, it said. The ruling said Ennosuke, whose real name is Takahiko Kinoshi, gave his father Hiroyuki, 76, known as Kabuki actor Ichikawa Danshiro, and his mother Nobuko, 75, sleeping pills at their family home in Tokyo on May 17, leading to their deaths sometime between that evening and the following day. The weekly magazine published the report on May 18, alleging Ennosuke bullied and sexually abused actors and staff working at his theater collective. Ennosuke's manager found him and his parents collapsed at their home on the morning of May 18, police said. His parents were pronounced dead, while Ennosuke, who was found in a disoriented state, was hospitalized until his arrest on June 27. Ennosuke was found with what appeared to be suicide notes bearing his name at the bottom, according to investigative sources. The actor began his career in the early 1980s and is a prominent figure in the Kabuki world, appearing in a series of "Super Kabuki" plays that combine traditional performances with modern theatrical effects and music. The plays achieved major commercial success. He has also appeared in several popular television series. Emergency service in Japan: 119 If you are having suicidal thoughts, help is available. For Japan, call Yorisoi Hotline at 0120279338 (toll-free). Press 2 after the recorded message for consultation in English, Chinese, Korean, Tagalog, Portuguese, Spanish, Thai, Vietnamese, Nepali, or Indonesian. The service in these languages is also available on Facebook messenger. For those outside Japan, you can find a list of other resources here. Related coverage: Kabuki actor Ennosuke admits to aiding parents to take their lives Kabuki actor Ennosuke indicted over assisting in parents' suicide Kabuki actor Ennosuke charged again, this time over father's death Taurangas major community Christmas concert, A Night Before Christmas, has just launched its 2023 event with a spectacular lineup of music, dance, food and festivities. Held on Saturday, December 16, the much-loved event will once again be at the beautiful Bethlehem College Fields, and hosted by Bethlehem Baptist Church. A Night Before Christmas has been running since 1996, and is one of the Bay of Plentys largest community events, with more than 10,000 people attending annually. Started on the banks of the Wairoa River with 150 people, the event has grown considerably over the years, becoming a tradition for many families to attend year-after-year. The full performance line-up for this year will be announced soon, with the event continuing to support local artists including up-and-coming talent as well as acts who are making waves on the national stage. A spot that is definitely on the bill is the hugely popular Christmas Carols segment, which will once again be provided by the Bethlehem Baptist Church band. And by public demand, the night will also be capped off with a fantastic fireworks display. A Night Before Christmas will continue its legacy of being a free community concert for thousands of families in the region. The free tickets will be available on Thursday, November 16, at 9am, by visiting: www.anbc.co.nz Event organisers say that due to the demand seen last year, the area of the event has been increased so people dont miss out. Attendees shouldnt overstock their free tickets, and only book for those they know are coming. Four students from the Bay of Plenty have been named among the award winners at the Stills Nationwide Youth Photography Competition 2023. More than 1550 entries from school students nationwide were received this year which marks a significant milestone for Stills on the third edition of the competition, says Rockquest promotions event manager Georgia Parker. The photo competition has two main sections, senior and junior, each one with different categories. Senior is a section open to students in years 9-13, which includes categories such as life in motion, connection, places, special objects and altered. Isabella Fausett from John Paul College in Rotorua was named a national top 10 finalist in the Special Objects category, and Frankie Melhuish from Mount Maunganui College in the Altered category. Isabella Fausett's photo. Each year, the school encourage all photography students to participate in the Stills photography competition, says Mount Maunganui College photography Teacher Laura Turner. They get great exposure from it, significantly improving their confidence when they place. I am proud of all my students who entered and were delighted to see Frankie Melhuish's place as a national finalist for her cinema piece. The junior section is open to students in years 1 8. Leila Tesselaar's photo. This year Leila Tesselaar and Lucas Thomsen, from Papamoa College, were both named among the national top 10 finalists in categories like landscapes, animals, nature, and whanau/family. Lucas also brought home the Nature's Marvel Award. Lucas Thomsen's photo. The judges had a difficult task selecting the winners as there were many great pictures to choose from, says Stills producer Kelsey Moller. "We have been so impressed with the quality of the photographs entered this year. The four students who won awards in the Bay of Plenty should be proud of their achievements. We are fortunate to be able to work with thousands of creative students throughout the country in the different programmes we run at RQP. The Bay of Plenty region is a real standout region for the arts in general, not just for young photographers, but also in music, dance, and theatre, adds Kelsey. It's clear there is a very supportive local community, and that encouragement has a big impact." The competition has inspired student photographers from Years 1 to 13 to express their creativity and skill, with a prize pool this year presented by FUJIFILM NZ valued at over $25k, says Georgia. For more information about Stills 2023 and to view the winning entries visit www.stills.nz A Tauranga Boys' College student with a passion for Computer Science has been awarded a life-changing scholarship to attend University. Every year, the OCS First Foundation Scholarship is awarded to a student who has a family member employed at facilities services company, OCS New Zealand and faces financial challenges which may prevent them being able to attend university. This year's recipient, Rawiri Ngatai, was born and bred in Tauranga, and along with his siblings, was raised by his adopted parents. My parents adopted me and my siblings as they couldnt have children of their own. They have always done as much as they can for us and have worked incredibly hard to provide for our financial needs, Ngatai says. Ngatai was bullied and struggled during his primary and intermediate school years but says that changed when he started high school and discovered a passion for learning. I was bullied and told I wasn't going to go anywhere in life. Now, my biggest motivator is proving those people wrong. I developed an interest in technology, creating online games and learning how technology can improve daily life. Artificial Intelligence is everywhere, and I want to show people how it can be used for good. Ngatai says his family supported and encouraged him to take up a cleaning job with OCS, where he gained workforce experience in the school holidays. Working for OCS gave me an idea of what the workforce is like. My dad is a specialist cleaner for OCS. He works hard and has shown me what a good work ethic is. Ngatai says the scholarship will give him a chance to positively impact the community and give back to his family. This scholarship means everything to me. Seeing how happy my family was when I told them showed me how much it means to them as well. It will help relieve some of the financial stress that my family faces each year. First Foundation CEO Kirk Sargent says the scholarship sets up our future leaders for success. OCSs commitment to funding the First Foundation Scholarship paves the way for aspiring talent like Rawiri, turning educational dreams into empowering realities that benefit both the individual and the wider community. OCS ANZ managing director Gareth Marriott says awarding the scholarship is always a calendar highlight. The recipients often come from challenging backgrounds, but they are always bright with ambition, and have a desire to give back. Gareth says OCS has sponsored 11 students over the last nine years and each has become a valued member of the OCS family. It's such a rewarding partnership. We look forward to seeing Rawiri grow and succeed in his next chapter. While the sun continues to shine, road workers across the Waikato and Bay of Plenty have been able to make significant progress across a number of worksites. This is good news for road users, with a number of road rebuilds finishing earlier than expected, and good progress made on chipseal and asphalt programmes. However, the run into Christmas is going to be busy, notes Roger Brady, Acting Waikato and Bay of Plenty Regional Manager, Maintenance and Operations for Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency. We have just over a month left before the holiday period, and contractors are looking to make the most of this. This will mean worksites will continue to pop up across the region, and members of the public may need to factor in additional travel time to ensure they reach their destination on time. An example of this is State Highway 3 between Hamilton and New Plymouth. With a combination of road rebuilds, long-term project sites and resilience work taking place, we expect the journey between these two locations could take an hour longer than expected. Its crucial to plan ahead and understand what worksites you will encounter on your journey. This work is important as it ensures the state highway network continues to be safe and accessible at all times, particularly during winter when we are unable to do this type of work. The Waka Kotahi Journey Planner (journeys.nzta.govt.nz) is the best place for information on the status of the state highway network. With live updates on worksites and other road hazards, Journey Planner can help road users plot the best route to their destination. Crews will take a break from midday Friday 22 December. Some crews may return straight after the statutory holidays, and work will ramp up from Monday 8 January. By Christmas our crews will have deserved a well-earned break, says Mr Brady. When you arrive at a worksite, remember the team is working for you, making your journeys safer and more enjoyable. Give them a toot or a wave, it will make their day. Bay of Plenty Tauranga Takitimu North Link Stage One: Earthworks are underway across a number of sites. On Wairoa Road, stop/go traffic management will be in place while trucks are crossing Wairoa Road, and 30km/h speed limits will be in place at all times within the construction area. Work in this area will become more evident as we work towards completing the Wairoa Road bridge in preparation of its opening. Minden Road has a 30km/h speed limit throughout the construction zone. A temporary haul road into the Te Mete Valley is operational to support the summer earthworks season. The single-lane haul road is separated from SH2. Road users should be aware of the new road layout and temporary speed limit of 60km/h on SH2 alongside the haul road. More information. Cambridge Road: Construction work to complete the new Cambridge Road overbridge, between Bethlehem and Tauriko continues. Work to connect the bridge with Cambridge and Moffat Roads and utility services will be completed in three phases. Phase 1 involves building a diversion road allowing traffic to flow during these works. While these works take place there will be slower speed limits in place on Cambridge Road, shoulder closures and when necessary, stop/go traffic management. Traffic will be diverted onto the temporary diversion road from this week. A 3-month closure of a section of Moffat Road near Tauranga Adventist School starts in January 2024. More information. Cambridge Road (East): Tauranga City Council continues slip repair work at Cambridge Road East near the St Andrews Drive roundabout. Cambridge Road is now one-lane only while the work is underway, drivers heading into the city detour via St Andrews Drive, Castlewold Drive and Wakefield Drive. Drivers coming from the city are to use Cambridge Road as usual. There is a 30km/h speed restriction past the work site. The slip was caused by recent weather and the repair team is progressing well with the construction of a retaining wall to help prevent future slips. During November, drainage works and road repair will be undertaken to restore the kerb and channel on Cambridge Road. The repair is expected to be completed in mid-December, weather dependent. SH2 Bethlehem: Tauranga City Council is replacing the concrete barrier on the eastbound shoulder between Bethlehem Road and Waihi Road with guardrail, as part of the Beaumaris Boulevard flood mitigation works. The road shoulder will be closed for approximately 3 weeks, before a further single night closure to remove the temporary barriers on Friday 1 December. During the closure period eastbound vehicles will be detoured via Bethlehem Road, Carmichael Road, Millers Road, Bellevue Road and Waihi Road. SH2 / Elizabeth Street: Work on the Tauranga City Council led Cameron Road upgrade continues, with resurfacing planned for the Elizabeth Street intersection. Resurfacing will begin on the western side of the Elizabeth Street intersection, which will be fully closed at night (6pm to 6am) on Sunday 19 November and Monday 20 November. Eastbound traffic from SH2 will be detoured via Glasgow Street and Third Avenue to Cameron Road. Moderate traffic delays are expected. SH2 Maunganui Road: Construction continues on two pedestrian maze crossings at the rail crossing. Work is expected to be complete by late January 2024, during this time there will be lane closures for periods of time, more information on these will be provided in due course. SH2 Bay Link: People travelling between Baypark and Bayfair will continue to see several road layout changes over the next few months with the project nearing completion. Closures will vary night to night, depending on site requirements and progress, and people are asked to allow extra time, follow signposted detours and drive with caution through the project site. To minimise impact, works are undertaken at night where possible with the aim to minimise disruption to people travelling through the area. More information. SH29A Welcome Bay to Baypark: SH29A will be fully closed between the Maungatapu roundabout and the Baypark roundabout, from Sunday 19 to Friday 24 November, between 7pm and 5am each night, for road resurfacing and resealing. Light vehicles will be detoured via SH2, local roads and the Hairini bridge. Heavy vehicles will detour via SH2, SH29 and SH29A. Waka Kotahi is waiving the toll for heavy vehicles on the SH29 Takitimu Drive Toll Road between 7pm and 5am each night between Monday 19 November and Friday 24 November. Baypark and Truman Lane access will be available from the Sandhurst interchange only. This work is weather dependent. If it is delayed because of weather or other unforeseen issues, it will be carried out on the next suitable night/s. More information. SH29 Takitimu Drive Toll Road (TDTR): A reduced speed limit of 80km/h is in place while Takitimu North Link crews are working behind the barriers. SH2 Tauranga Eastern Link Toll Road (TELTR): Traffic management for the Tauranga City Council led Papamoa East Interchange construction project has been removed until construction of the interchange itself starts in early 2024. More detail will be shared closer to the time. More information. The Quayside Properties Ltd led Rangiuru Business Park Interchange project continues. Temporary barriers have been installed on both sides of the TELTR, and these will be in place until approximately June 2024, with one lane available in either direction. A temporary speed limit of 70km/h applies through the site. Road users travelling on the morning of Tuesday 21 November will see the final concrete bridge deck pour taking place above the road, this will not affect road users. More information. Western Bay of Plenty SH2 Waihi to Omokoroa: Lane shifts and speed reductions are in place at four intersections (Sharp Road, Lockington Road / Matahui Road, Pahoia Road, Omokoroa Road) while testing activity and roundabout construction takes place. Road layout changes will occur as works progress. There will be intermittent stop/go traffic management which may cause longer delays, although typically there will be minor delays of one to two minutes. More information. Western Tie-in (near Loop Road): Construction continues at the western tie-in of the Takitimu North Link project where Utilities need to be moved. SH2 will be reduced to 50km/hr in the area during this work, and the passing lane heading west will be removed to allow the crews to work on the side of the road. SH33 Paengaroa: Road rebuilding starts Monday 20 November on a northbound uphill slow lane south of Paengaroa. Stop/go traffic management and a temporary speed limit will be in place until late December, with work taking place between 6am and 6pm. Delays are expected. Rotorua SH30A Amohau Street: Road resurfacing takes place between Ranolf Street and Fenton Street from Sunday 19 November. Work will take place between 8pm and 5am each night, for approximately one week. During work hours the road will be closed, HPMV are required to detour via SH5 and SH30, light vehicles can use Ranolf Street, Malfroy Road and Fenton Street. SH30 Eastern Corridor Stage Two: There are multiple active worksites on SH30 / Te Ngae Road between Iles Road and Owhata Road. In places there is stop/go, lane shifts and shoulder closures, temporary pedestrian crossings, footpath closures, and/or reduced speed limits. Minor traffic delays are expected. Access for local residents and businesses will be maintained at all times. More information. SH33 Te Ngae Junction to Paengaroa: Work on the SH33 safety improvements project continues with contractors working on a 5km section of road between Sun Valley Curves and Maniatutu Road. Work includes widening of the road corridor, installing safety barriers, improving drainage and road rebuilding. Temporary traffic management will be in place including stop/go, lights, lane shifts and shoulder closures while these works are underway. Minor traffic delays are expected. More information. Eastern Bay of Plenty SH2 Edgecumbe: Road rehabilitation continues near the Omeheu Canal. A full road closure will be in place on Monday 20 November between 7.30am and 4:30pm to complete the final seal. HPMV vehicles to detour via SH30 and SH34, all other vehicles can use Main Street, Otakiri Road and SH34. Following sweeping and line marking all traffic management and temporary speed limits will be lifted. SH33 Okere Falls: Road rebuilding continues at an 800m section of road north of Okere Falls. Stop/go traffic management and a temporary speed limit will be in place until late December, with work taking place between 6am and 6pm, Monday to Saturday. Delays are expected. SH30 Ruato Bay: Road rebuilding continues until early December. During this time stop/go traffic management and a temporary speed limit will be in place between 7am and 6pm each weekday. Delays are expected, particularly when machinery is being moved across the road. SH2 Waimana Gorge: Road rebuilding continues. Stop/go traffic management and a temporary speed limit will be in place during this time. Work will be complete by midday Friday 22 December. SH2 Wainui to Opotiki: Safety improvements between Parkinsons Road and Woodlands Road near Opotiki continue. This work is expected to be complete in late 2023 (weather dependent). Works consists of shoulder widening and the installation of safety barriers. During this time road users can expect to see shoulder closures and/or stop/go operations in place, as required. Works will take place between 7am and 5pm each weekday. Please allow extra time for your journey as delays up to 10 minutes may be experienced. SH2 Manganuku Bridge, Waioeka Gorge: A reduced speed limit of 30km/h for heavy vehicles will remain in place until further notice. Heavy vehicles must stick to the speed limit as those travelling at higher speeds will exert greater loads on the structure, which currently poses a significant risk. SH5 Waimangu: Temporary traffic lights are in place at a slip site south of Tumunui. Drive with care and expect minor delays. SH5 and SH30 (south of Rotorua): Road resealing is taking place from Monday 13 November, with stop/go traffic management between 7am and 7pm each weekday. This work is weather dependent. Minor delays are expected when sealing is taking place. Waikato East Waikato SH2 Mangatarata: Road rebuilding begins Monday 20 November near Coxhead Road. Stop/go traffic management will be in place between 8am and 5pm Monday to Friday. A temporary speed limit will be in place, minor delays are expected. Work is expected to be complete by mid-December. SH25: Recovery works are underway at a number of sites, with temporary traffic management such as lane closures and stop/go along with reduced speed limits in place where required. This currently includes Wharekaho, Coroglen and Ruamahunga. More information. SH25 Thames: Road resurfacing continues outside of the Goldfields shopping centre and at a second site near the intersection with Grey Street. Work will take place between 8pm and 5am, Sunday to Thursday nights. During this time stop/go traffic management will be in place, and from time-to-time side roads will be closed to help finish the work as quickly as possible. SH25A Kopu-Hikuai: A section of road near the summit has collapsed, and the road is impassable. Detour via SH26, SH2, SH25 via the Karangahake Gorge, or SH25 via Coromandel Town. Work to construct a bridge over the slip area is underway, and the bridge is expected to open by Wednesday 20 December. Additional works are taking place across SH25A while the road is closed and some traffic management may stay in place where maintenance activity is ongoing. More information. SH27 Tahuna: Road resurfacing of the SH27 / Paeroa-Tahuna Road roundabout commences Sunday 19 November. Four-way stop/go traffic management will be in place between 8pm and 5am each night, for approximately one week. SH26 Morrinsville: Work to resurface the road between Thames Street and Allen Street intersections will commence from 6pm Sunday 3 December until 6am Friday 8 December. The repair work will require a full closure of the road day and night between these times. Detours are available. Access for residents and businesses will be maintained, as will access for emergency services. Central Waikato SH1 Lichfield: The northbound slow lane near Puriri Road is closed until further notice, while investigations take place into repair options. SH1 Atiamuri: Temporary steel barriers have been installed nearby from Atiamuri village to Ohakuri Road and a temporary speed restriction of 50km/h applies ahead of construction starting on safety barrier installation. More information. SH1 Tuahu: Road rehabilitation continues and is expected to be complete by early December. During this time there are intermittent daytime road closures, alternating with stop/go traffic management and temporary speed limits. When the road is closed light vehicles and buses can detour via Tirohanga Road, Forest Road and Oruanui Road. Heavy vehicles need to detour via SH30 and SH5. All vehicles can use SH32 as an alternative route south. Other maintenance and renewals activities will take place when the road is closed. More information. SH1 Maroa Road: Daytime stop/go traffic management is in place on weekdays along with a temporary speed restriction, while finishing works and final surfacing are completed by Christmas. SH1 Hatepe: Road rebuilding re-starts Monday 27 November at a site north of Hatepe. Stop/go traffic management will be in place between 6am and 6pm, Monday to Saturday. Work is expected to be complete by mid-December. SH41 Tokaanu: Due to a washout, the road is down to one lane under temporary traffic lights, with a 30km/h temporary speed restriction in place. SH5 Iwitahi (Napier/Taupo Road): Road rehabilitation continues and is expected to be complete by mid-December. Stop/go traffic management and temporary speed limits will be in place at all active worksites. Delays are to be expected. West Waikato SH1 Waikato Expressway - Ngaruawahia section: Safety improvements and remedial works require the closure of a single lane in each direction with a 50km/h temporary speed limit, until completion. Major southbound surfacing works in November and December will need a block of night closures and detours for approximately 5 weeks. The closures will take place from Sunday to Thursday each week, running from Sunday 19 November to Thursday 21 December, 7pm to 5am each night. The detour is via SH1B Gordonton Road. Light traffic can turn off at Lake Road to re-join SH1 at the Northern Interchange. Heavy vehicles must use SH1B, including the local road detour at Telephone Road, and connect to SH1 again at Cambridge or via SH26 into Hillcrest. More information. SH26 Hillcrest: Road resurfacing takes place from Tuesday 21 November for three nights. SH26 will be closed each night between 8pm and 5am, with a detour via Wairere Drive and Ruakura Road for all vehicles. SH1 Karapiro (Keeleys Reserve): The bulk of the work has wrapped up on the turnaround bay at Keeleys Reserve in Karapiro. The reserve has reopened to the public and the turnaround bay can be used. Due to a nation-wide shortage, the streetlighting system is yet to be installed and this will be completed just prior to Christmas or in early 2024. More information. SH3 Ohaupo: The Waipa District Council led Ohaupo village pedestrian safety improvements are underway and are expected to take 6 months to complete. During this time lane shifts and stop/go traffic management will be in place, along with temporary speed limits. SH3 Waitomo: Road rebuilding continues at a site near the Big Apple, north of the SH37 Waitomo Caves roundabout. Stop/go traffic management will be in place between 6am and 8pm, and from Monday 27 November this will switch to 24-hour stop/go for approximately two weeks. A temporary speed limit will be in place, work is expected to be complete by mid-December. SH31 Kawhia: Road resealing is taking place, with stop/go traffic management between 6am and 8pm each weekday. This work is weather dependent. Minor delays are expected when sealing is taking place. SH30 Te Kuiti: Due to a slip, priority give-way is in place near Mangaokewa Road, motorists are advised to proceed with caution. North Waikato SH1 Waikato Expressway Rangiriri section: Remedial works requiring various interchange ramp closures continue until late November. SH1 traffic is being managed through the site with a temporary speed restriction of 50km/h. Current work in the southbound lanes means both the Te Kauwhata and Rangiriri southbound off-ramps are closed. The detours are via the Ohinewai interchange to Rangiriri/Te Kauwhata or on local roads from Hampton Downs. Efforts are being made to open the Te Kauwhata interchange southbound off-ramp as soon as possible. SH1 Hampton Downs: The southbound on-ramp will be closed on Monday 20 November between 9pm and 5am. Please use alternative on-ramps at Springhill Road or Te Kauwhata Road. SH1 Pokeno: There will be a full northbound closure between Pokeno (Great South Road/Dean Road) and Nikau Road on Wednesday 22 November between 9.30pm and 5am. Traffic will still be able to travel north using one of the southbound lanes. SH1 Bombay: There will be a full northbound closure between Nikau Road and Mill Road on Tuesday 21 November, between 9pm and 5am. Traffic will still be able to travel north using one of the southbound lanes. SH2 Maramarua: Chipsealing continues until early December. Stop/go traffic management and a temporary speed limit will be in place between 9pm and 5am at each worksite. More information. Taranaki SH3 Awakino: Final surfacing commences on Monday 20 November. Stop/go traffic management will be in place, with delays of up to 15 minutes expected. Work is expected to be complete by the end of March 2024. SH3 Mt Messenger: Slip debris removal work takes place between Monday 20 and Wednesday 22 November, between 5pm and 5am each night. Stop/go traffic management and a temporary speed limit will be in place during this time. Delays of up to 15 minutes are expected. SH3 Uruti: Rock mesh slip protection work north of Mangamaio Road continues. Stop/go and stop/stop traffic management will be in place 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, along with a 30km/h temporary speed restriction until Christmas. Delays of up to 30 minutes are expected. SH3 Te Ara Tutohu Waitara to Bell Block: Due to safety improvement works, there is stop/go traffic management with a 30km/h speed limit in place 24/7. Allow for delays of up to 15 minutes. For up to 48 hours following completion of chipseal sites, a 50km/h temporary speed limit will be in place until the road is swept and line marking reinstated. The above information is accurate at the time of release. Many of the above works are dependent on a number of factors, particularly weather, and may be postponed at short notice. For up-to-date information on road works, traffic, detours and delays, motorists are encouraged to visit the Waka Kotahi Journey Planner website (journeys.nzta.govt.nz). Waka Kotahi thanks motorists for their patience while we complete this essential work to keep the state highway network safe, accessible and resilient. Plan ahead for a safe, enjoyable journey. Keep up to date with: COVID-19 services update: nzta.govt.nz/COVID19 Traffic updates: journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic Facebook: facebook.com/NZTAWaikatoBoP Twitter: twitter.com/WakaKotahiWaiBP Journey planner: journeys.nzta.govt.nz Phone: 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49) Badminton in Tauranga is closer to having a home of its own after receiving $5 million in funding. The funding from Tauranga City Council will help Bay of Plenty Badminton build an indoor facility in Mount Maunganui. The Badminton Multisport Centre at Tatua Reserve will have eight dedicated badminton courts and two multipurpose courts for community use. BOP Badminton community development general manager Delwyn Cooper was teary when the council confirmed their backing at a meeting last week. The organisation has been working towards having its own facilities for 15 years. Cooper said she was ecstatic that the council supported the project. Its something that we can work together on and have for the community, she said. It will become the home of Bay of Plenty Badminton. It won't be just for Tauranga. The new facility would enable them to have all their players at one venue instead of spread around five different venues across Tauranga. The venue will add much needed facilities to the city and wider region, said Cooper. An artist's render of the Badminton Multisport Centre at Tatua Reserve. Photo: TCC. Most clubs in the city were growing and were struggling to get facilities where everyone could play with some not able to accommodate casual players, she said. When the centre was built it would free up the spaces they currently use for other indoor sports, said Cooper. We're the fifth largest city in the country and we don't have a facility. Having a dedicated centre would allow the organisation to become self-sustaining by hiring out courts, she said. The new centre would also enable them to host national events. Badminton New Zealand are really supportive of this project as well because it puts another space into the network. There's not been a new badminton hall built [in New Zealand] since most likely the 70s. The facility is estimated to cost $15m and the council said the remaining funding must be secured by June 2026. Copper said they have their work cut out for them, but she was already having discussions with potential funders. To have that endorsement from council and funding, we will then be able to go to other funders and businesses and say Look, this is a really good positive thing for our city come and help support us. She hoped community and grant funders, and businesses would look at them favourably. The proposed floor layout of the facility. Photo: TCC. The quest for a dedicated badminton centre began in 2008 when BOP Badminton approached the council. Initially their plan was approved by the council to be on nearby Soper Reserve but the council decided it was no longer a suitable site. Site investigations into other options took place but the costs were prohibitive. In 2018 BOP badminton went back to council and asked about Tatua Reserve, the decision occurred in 2020. In 2021 a feasibility study was completed, and council agreed to the funding last week. Cooper said it was a legacy project for her. I've been playing badminton since I was 11 and I'm 53 now. My whole family has played. Her dad is 84 and still playing, she said. During the meeting, commission chair Anne Tolley said the facility was a win, win, win. It helps us out. It's the 15-year dream that's been explained to us on a number of occasions, but it also provides for so many of the community. As the population of Tauranga had grown the investment in facilities hadnt happened, said Tolley. It's just ridiculous that you would turn people away from playing a sport. BOP Badminton will continue its work for funding with the councils support. Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air. The Feel Tropical campaign on the streets of Gothenburg. Jennie Rhodes Almunecar Friday, 17 November 2023, 14:15 Compartir Copiar enlace WhatsApp Facebook X LinkedIn Telegram La Herradura's tourist board (Granada province in Andalucia) has headed to Gothenburg in Sweden for its latest promotional campaign. Feel Tropical is similar to the campaign held in Berlin in October and "highlights the excellence of tropical products, as well as all the tourist potential of Almunecar-La Herradura", according to the councillor for tourism, Daniel Barbero. The initiative, which is supported by the Junta de Andalucia with European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) money and Granada's tourist board, "is a clear commitment to the Nordic market for Almunecar-La Herradura as a destination", Barbero said. The campaign is being carried out over a 10-day period in the Swedish city through street marketing and digital screens located in different strategic points "to reach Swedish citizens" explained Barbero. The councillor highlighted the importance of contacts being made in the city which "will serve to boost holiday bookings for the resort, as well as to build loyalty among current customers and attract new ones". Neil Hesketh Gibraltar Friday, 17 November 2023, 14:37 Compartir Copiar enlace WhatsApp Facebook X LinkedIn Telegram HRH The Princess Royal will be the guest of honour at the Gibraltar Literary Festival today (Friday, 17 November). Princess Anne is due to fly to the Rock at lunchtime on the same flight as former UK prime minister Theresa May, who is speaking at the three-day event. The sister of King Charles will first go to the Convent, seat of the Governor of Gibraltar, before sitting in on a talk by cookery personality and author Mary Berry, as part of the festival events. The royal will then attend an official dinner to open the festival at the Sunborn Hotel and stay overnight on the Rock before departing on Saturday. This Gibunco Gibraltar Literary Festival is the ninth organised and brings together well-known writers and speakers for three days of public events. Theresa May's talk on Saturday has had to be moved to a larger venue - John Mackintosh Hall - due to high demand. Eugenio Cabezas Nerja Friday, 17 November 2023, 17:43 Compartir Copiar enlace WhatsApp Facebook X LinkedIn Telegram Tosca Musk, the sister of billionaire Elon Musk, has begun shooting her new film, Wallbanger, in Nerja. The South African-Canadian director and producer fell in love with the holiday destination, according to the town hall, on a visit this summer, and that is why she wanted to film in some of its most spectacular areas, such as the Balcon de Europa, the descent to El Salon beach and Calahonda beach, among others. The action in Wallbanger, which is based on the novel of the same name by Alice Clayton, takes place in the American cities of San Francisco and Atlanta, but the starring couple take a romantic getaway to Nerja. The title of the film refers to the noise that Simon's bed makes on the wall of his neighbour, Caroline, when he makes love. The film, which is already being promoted on social media networks, will be released in 2024 and will be broadcast worldwide through the streaming platform Passionflix, which specialises in romantic productions, and of which Tosca Musk is an executive producer. The actors are Kelli Berglund and Amadeus Serfini, who play Caroline and Simon, the protagonists of this exciting love story, according to the digital edition of Variety. For several weeks the production company, Madiapro, has been in contact with the Nerja town hall to finalise the details of the shoot, which has brought almost 70 film industry professionals to the eastern Costa del Sol town of Nerja. The town hall said it had made several municipal facilities available to the producer at no cost. Mayor, Jose Alberto Armijo, accompanied by the president of the Diputacion, Malaga's provincial authority, Francisco Salado, visited the film set on Wednesday at the emblematic viewpoint of the Balcon de Europa. Armijo thanked Tosca Musk for choosing Nerja for the filming of her film, while encouraging her to continue visiting the town in the future. Musk thanked the town hall for its collaboration and said that Nerja is the best location in Europe to shoot a film. Garcia Urbano (c) with Castillo (first left) and panel participants in Estepona on Tuesday this week. Cristina Pinto / Chus Heredia Estepona Friday, 17 November 2023, 14:10 Compartir Copiar enlace WhatsApp Facebook X LinkedIn Telegram The mayor of Estepona has been talking about his sustainable vision for the town this week at a special forum organised by SUR. Jose Maria Garcia Urbano said at Tuesday's event in the new Mirador del Carmen viewpoint and cultural centre in Estepona that his town is one of those which "has evolved the most in Spain in the last decade". However, he stressed change needed to continue and outlined his aims of bringing a desalination plant to Estepona to turn seawater into drinking water as well as opening a university. The SUR forum on the future of sustainable cities, held in partnership with water and environmental firm Hidralia, was moderated by editor-in-chief Manolo Castillo and began with a panel debate with experts that discussed how to achieve sustainable living in urban areas. In an interview after the debate with Castillo, the mayor talked about the changes Estepona has seen in recent years and how these have been achieved. "Nothing here has come about by chance and just now we are right at the end of a plan we started twelve years ago. But, when that happens, we have many more objectives to achieve," Garcia Urbano explained. Cheaper water for locals To achieve his aim of a desalination plant, the mayor asked for support from upper levels of local government to get it under way. "I ask for understanding and collaboration because the desalination plant plan must happen here in Estepona. Creating water not only guarantees we can be self-sufficient, but making it costs almost nothing... the desalination plant means we can give residents very cheap water," explained Garcia Urbano. He said the project has already been designed and financed but needs the help of other local authorities and government to turn it into reality. He said the water plant would be solar powered and cost 12-15m euros. Garcia Urbano: "The first University of Estepona courses will be in the 25-26 academic year" The other great challenge for the immediate future in Estepona is setting up the university, which will be private but "complemented by a public system that will mean almost zero cost for local residents". "For the 2025-26 academic year, we will have the first courses at the University of Estepona; it will start in the field of Health with Medicine, Dentistry, Gerontology and other related disciplines. I think we will make that deadline and it is going to revolutionise the town because, for residents, studying elsewhere in a public university will be more expensive than studying in a private university here," he added. "We like to talk about our town, show it off and tell people to come and share what is happening," he ended. Taking part in the panel beforehand were: Maria del Mar Plaza, general secretary for Environment at the Junta de Andalucia; Salvador Moreno Peralta, architect of the Mirador del Carmen; and Alejandro Simon Partal, Estepona writer and academic. Tony Bryant Fuengirola Friday, 17 November 2023, 15:30 Compartir Copiar enlace WhatsApp Facebook X LinkedIn Telegram Fuengirola town hall will officially open the Paseo de los Murales on Saturday 18 November, a new mural route consisting of 17 new pieces of urban art, part of a project to smarten up different areas of the town. The murals, included within the councils Edusi project, have been installed in the El Boquetillo district, mainly in Calles Valladolid and La Paz, along with a huge mural painted around the entire exterior of the indoor market. The opening of the route was announced by councillor Carmen Diaz, who thanked the owners of properties in the area who gave their permission for the murals to be painted on their buildings. The local community also participated in the project by suggesting themes for the paintings, most of which relate to traditional customs, especially Fuengirolas connection to the sea. The murals relate to traditional customs, especially Fuengirolas connection to the sea. SUR The inauguration of the route begins at 12.30am and will be attended by some of the urban artists who participated in the project. A day of activities has also been organised, including live music, competitions and several surprises. KYODO NEWS - Nov 17, 2023 - 14:17 | All, Japan A Japanese court on Friday sentenced a 19-year-old man to a prison term of six to 10 years for stabbing two senior high school students and an elderly man near the University of Tokyo on the day of nationwide entrance exams in January last year. Prosecutors had sought a sentence of seven to 12 years for the man for attempted murder and other charges. The defendant was a second-year senior high school student in Nagoya, central Japan, at the time and his name has been withheld because he was a minor when he committed the crime. The Tokyo District Court handed down what is known as an indeterminate sentence, stating only the minimum and maximum detention periods. Such sentences, only given to minors under Juvenile Law, take into account a convicted person's age and behavior in prison. Presiding Judge Yoshihisa Nakao criticized the defendant's actions, saying that his acts were "extremely malicious," in that people who had nothing to do with him were harmed in his quest to end his own life. "The defendant indiscriminately attacked unguarded victims, which put their lives in danger," the judge said. During the trial, the defendant admitted to the charges. His defense team sought a rehabilitation order, but the court took a tough stance and rejected the request, concluding that such an outcome would not be considered acceptable by the public. The man has said he was struggling with poor grades despite his aspirations to become a doctor by entering the prestigious University of Tokyo. He said he thought about killing and injuring people so that he could pressure himself into taking his own life. According to the ruling and other sources, the man stabbed two third-grade senior high school students from Chiba Prefecture and a man in his 70s in the back in front of a gate to the university's main campus as many people were arriving for nationwide university entrance exams on Jan. 15, 2022. The injuries were not life-threatening. His charges also included obstruction of business for throwing away flammable items at the Todaimae subway station, near the University of Tokyo, just before the stabbing. Related coverage: Tokyo univ. knife attacker carried liters of flammable liquid 3 knifed outside Univ. of Tokyo before entrance exams, teenager held Tony Bryant Benahavis Friday, 17 November 2023, 14:22 Compartir Copiar enlace WhatsApp Facebook X LinkedIn Telegram Benahavis Art Society will host its November lecture - Art Nouveau, Gaudi and Barcelona - at the Padre Manuel Cultural Centre in Estepona on Tuesday 28 November. Offered by architecture and history specialist, Ian Gledhill, the talk will focus on Antoni Gaudi, an artist considered the greatest exponent of Catalan modernism and art nouveau. Gaudi's work, which was influenced by his passions in life (architecture, nature, and religion), includes buildings such as Casa Mila (also known as La Pedrera), Casa Batllo and his main work, the Basilica Sagrada Familia. The talk will study the influence that art nouveau had in different countries, including Britain, Austria, Spain, Latvia and America. Despite the fact that it was originally largely inspired by British designers, the style found little favour in the UK. Lecturer Ian Gledhill has enjoyed a varied career, which has involved working as an engineer for London Transport, to appearing in pantomime with Julian Clary. He began giving lectures in 1997, and now gives on average around 140 a year. His main interests include architecture, history, transport and classical music. Tickets for the talk, which starts at 7pm, cost 10 euros for members, and 15 euros for guests. by Dana Halawi BEIRUT, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese experts on Thursday highlighted the challenges posed by the Syrian refugees in Lebanon and the necessity of finding a suitable resolution to address them. Ziad Sayegh, an expert in refugee and immigration affairs and executive director of Civic Influence Hub, a non-governmental organization, said the first step that the Lebanese government must take is to collect data and know the precise number of Syrian refugees, a move that he says would give a clearer idea of the real situation on the ground. "Refugees can be categorized as students, workers, and others, which would give an idea about their roles, social situation, and contributions to the Lebanese labor market," Sayegh said, adding an analysis of the data could facilitate the gradual return of Syrian refugees to their home country. Sayegh made the remarks during a symposium organized by the American University of Beirut to discuss the challenges faced by Lebanon, including those posed by the large number of displaced Syrian refugees in the country. Lebanon, with a population of more than 5 million, remains the country hosting the largest number of refugees per capita, with the government estimating around 2 million Syrian refugees living in the country. The overall cost of hosting Syrian refugees in Lebanon is estimated to have reached 40 billion U.S. dollars in terms of electricity, medicine, and water consumption, according to the Lebanese Minister of Displaced Issam Charafeddine. Lebanese authorities have been urging the international community to help return Syrian refugees to their home country as they claim Lebanon, which has been plagued by an unprecedented financial crisis, can no longer afford to host a large number of displaced people on its territories. However, the efforts exerted by Lebanon in this direction have yielded little result. In July, the European Parliament passed a resolution appealing for crisis-ridden Lebanon not to deport Syrian refugees. According to the resolution, conditions are not met for the voluntary, dignified return of refugees in conflict-prone areas in Syria. Josiane Matar, a researcher on refugees and migration, proposed the Lebanese government draft a plan for the return of refugees, as she believes relying solely on financial support from international organizations is insufficient to manage the crisis. "The government must have a clear plan by specifying its role and the role of UN organizations and other stakeholders," she said. Matar added that refugees must also be given the chance to take part in making decisions that are related to them. "Refugees often do not have the chance to express their needs and evaluate the support they receive. There should be better communication between refugees and host communities for this purpose," she said. Current Print Subscribers will be prompted to either login to their current site user account or to create a new one. A confirmation email will be sent when a new user account is created, which must be confirmed within three days in order to provide uninterrupted online access through your Print Subscription. Once the email address is confirmed please provide your Account Number to activate your Print Subscription Service. Syracuse, N.Y. A Syracuse man was sentenced to more than 12 years in prison this week for hiding just over a pound of meth in a bedroom closet, federal prosecutors said. Michael Griswold, 37, previously admitted to possessing more than 500 grams of crystal methamphetamine inside a shopping bag in his home on Mary Street. Griswold told investigators he intended to sell the drugs, according to court papers. Syracuse, NY -- Upstate University Hospital received a below-average grade in the latest safety rankings by Leapfrog, a non-profit that tracks hospital performance across the nation. Among 32 different criteria, Upstate University struggled with a pair of surgical indicators: death from treatable complications and sepsis after surgery. It also received low marks for having enough trained nurses for direct care and lack of handwashing. Its the fourth time in the past five marking periods that Upstate University Hospital has fared poorly in the twice-annual Leapfrog grades, which measure individual hospital performance against other hospitals. The hospital received its lone average grade in spring 2023, before falling back to below-average in the latest grades released this month. Under Leapfrogs system, Upstate University received a D grade. Leapfrog gives average hospitals C grades, with Bs and As reserved for above-average performers. Only 7% of hospitals received a D grade, with less than 1% flunking. Thirty-nine percent of hospitals received a C grade, while 24% earned Bs and 30% earned As. Syracuses other hospitals, Upstate Community General, St. Josephs Hospital Health Center and Crouse Hospital, each received C grades in the latest report. Leapfrogs website includes safety grades for hospitals across the country. Once you find a hospital using the location search, you can look at how each hospital ranks in 32 criteria, sorted under five categories. The hospital gets a numerical score for each criteria, which can be compared against the best hospitals, the worst hospitals and the average hospitals. Leapfrogs grades are based on a combination of self-reported data and federally collected hospital criteria. However, Upstate questioned the non-profits methodology in its response to the poor grade, noting some of the data was gleaned during the Covid-19 pandemic, while also touting recent investments in quality and patient safety. The hospital took special exception to Leapfrogs conclusion that there arent enough nurses to provide direct care. It noted that Upstate is the areas only hospital to receive special Magnet recognition from the American Nurses Credentialing Center, which recognizes hospitals for quality patient care. The hospital also pointed out that it takes the most complex cases and underserved patients in the region. The Covid-19 pandemic was especially difficult for Upstate, because it received more pandemic patients than anyone else in the region, the hospital said. Some of Leapfrogs current grade is based on pandemic data. Lastly, Upstate noted that it has recently spent $2 million in quality and patient safety engagement with Vizient Inc., a Texas company specializing in healthcare improvement. St. Josephs also questioned the grading system in response to its C grade, while adding that it supported efforts to make patient safety data transparent. Like all consumer report cards, Leapfrogs grading process is likely too simple a way to measure something as complicated as hospital processes, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Philip Falcone said in a news release. It provides an incomplete and imperfect snapshot of the organization at one point in time. The fall 2023 Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grades continue to include data that was significantly distorted by the once-in-a-century COVID-19 pandemic. Infection rates have subsided since the pandemic, Falcone added. Crouse offered a general response to its C grade. Our mission is to provide the best in patient care and we are committed to constant quality improvement and enhancing the overall patient experience, Crouse spokesman Bob Allen said. Staff writer Douglass Dowty can be reached at ddowty@syracuse.com or (315) 470-6070. Sesame Street Live, Say Hello! will be visiting five cities in Upstate New York this spring, including Albany (April 18 at the Palace Theatre), Binghamton (April 23 at The Forum), Syracuse (April 25 at the Landmark Theatre), Buffalo (April 30 at Sheas Performing Arts Center), and Rochester (May 1 at the Kodak Center for the Performing Arts). All five performances are scheduled to start at 6 p.m. The interactive live show, produced by Sesame Workshop and Round Room, will showcase beloved Sesame Street characters such as Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster, and their furry friends engaging in singing and dancing. Tickets go on sale Friday, Nov. 17, through Ticketmaster. If youre looking for discounted prices and different seating options, you can explore ticket resellers such as VividSeats, StubHub, and others. Some tickets to specific locations are not available at the moment. Albany - April 18 @ Palace Theatre Binghampton - April 23 @ The Forum Syracuse - April 25 @ Landmark Theatre Buffalo - April 30 @ Sheas Performing Arts Center Rochester - May 1 @ Kodak Center for the Performing Arts We are overjoyed and honored to be collaborating with Sesame Workshop to bring a brand-new tour of Sesame Street Live to stages across the U.S. and Canada, said Round Room Live Founder and Co-President Stephen Shaw. Round Room Live has a long history of exciting, innovative, and engaging productions, and were thrilled to combine our dedication to premium, unforgettable entertainment with the beloved characters of Sesame Street in an interactive musical adventure that will create memorable experiences for families of all ages. Tickets are required for anyone who has reached their second birthday, according to Live Nation. Want to start making plans to cool off next summer in Central New York? A double waterslide will open to the public soon. The City of Utica announced Thursday that it will build a 25-foot, dual waterslide that will open in Thomas R. Proctor Park in Utica before the first day of summer 2024. The outdoor slide is custom-designed by Albany-based water ride supplier Splashtacular and Weston & Sampson and will be located near a newly built splash pad and playground. WKTV reports the slide will be self-contained with no pool or deep water required to operate. Riders will be stopped by a self-contained unit at the foot of each slide, according to CNYCentral. You wont see anything else like this around here! the City of Utica wrote on Facebook, along with a preview of the project. Were building a 25 foot, double water slide that is free for the public. Our residents deserve the best and we want the best park system possible for them! Itll be ready before summer (April) and were looking forward to watching Utica cool off with this water slide. According to a press release, the $1.5 million project will use funds from the American Rescue Plan Act for the Utica Prosperity Initiative. The slide and splash pad are part of an effort to upgrade Uticas T.R. Proctor Park and Roscoe Conkling Park for more outdoor recreation spaces following the Covid-19 pandemic. Children, families and visitors will all remember the times they had plunging into the water to beat the heat. We want to have the best park system in the entire state, Utica Mayor Robert Palmieri told WKTV. With our recent investments, including this new way for residents to cool off, Utica will be more fun, more sustainable and more enjoyable for people from all over. I ask the residents to help us get the most out of these improvements by using all equipment properly and with care. According to the release, Palmieri researched the project by visiting a recently installed public waterslide in Watervliet that has become popular for residents and visitors. The Utica slide will be constructed based on local factors, such as seasonal considerations, maintenance resources, staffing levels and target audience, stated in a release. By Dave Goldiner | New York Daily News New York Embattled Rep. George Santos was hit Thursday with a bombshell new congressional ethics report that has sparked new calls for his expulsion. The explosive report detailed how the Long Island Republican used campaign donations to splurge on personal expenses like travel, credit card payments, cosmetic procedures and even porn. Heres a rundown of some of the eye-catching spending allegedly undertaken by Santos: Botox The congressman-to-be spent $1,400 in campaign funds at Virtual Skin Spa in Jericho, New York in July 2022. A notation in spreadsheets provided by his former campaign treasurer described the payment as for Botox. The spa boasts that its owner, Theresa Pinson, is Long Islands premier cosmetic injector. Santos also paid $1,029.30 in campaign cash to an esthetician associated with a spa in upstate Rhinebeck, N.Y., the report charged. Hermes In the closing days of his successful campaign, Santos ordered $50,000 of donor money transferred from a political consulting firm to his personal checking account. He spend $4,127.80 on a purchase at Hermes, the luxury French lifestyle brand that boasts of providing an audacious and elegant art of living. It wasnt disclosed what Santos spent the cash on. A classic leather-and-canvas bag goes for $3,775, which is close to the total in the report when New York Citys 8.875% sales tax is added on. OnlyFans Santos spent what the report calls a small amount at OnlyFans, the subscription online content site that mostly features pornography. Atlantic City and the Hamptons Santos used his status as a candidate to take multiple trips to plush destinations like South Florida, San Francisco and Las Vegas. At least some of the trips appeared to have nothing to do with politics. On a July 7, 2022, the campaign spent $3,332.81 on an AirBnb in the Hamptons for Santos. And aide said the candidate was off at [the] Hamptons for the weekend. The campaign reported $2,281.52 spent at resorts in Atlantic City on July 23 and July 24, 2022. An ex-staffer said there were no campaign or fundraising events at the New Jersey gambling mecca, but that Santos said he enjoyed visiting casinos to play roulette, often with his husband. _____ 2023 New York Daily News. Visit at nydailynews.com. New York Charges have been dropped against a New York City lawmaker accused of bringing a gun to a protest because her gun was inoperable, prosecutors said Friday. City Council member Inna Vernikov, a strongly pro-Israel Republican, was arrested on Oct. 13 for bringing a handgun to a Brooklyn College demonstration supporting Palestinians. Vernikov was seen in photos and videos with the butt of a pistol jutting out from her waistband while counterprotesting at the pro-Palestinian rally, according to the New York Police Department. She was arraigned in Brooklyn criminal court this month on a charge of possessing a gun at a sensitive location. Vernikov had a license to carry a concealed weapon, but under New York law, even licensed gun owners may not bring weapons to certain sensitive locations, including protests and school grounds. But after Vernikov surrendered her gun, the police examined it and found that it was missing the recoil spring assembly, rendering it inoperable, Brooklyn district attorneys office spokesperson Oren Yaniv said. In order to sustain this charge, it must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt that the weapon in question was capable of firing bullets, Yaniv said. Absent such proof, we have no choice but to dismiss these charges. Vernikovs attorney, Arthur Aidala, said his client is pleased to have this all behind her and looks forward to continuing her fight on behalf of all New Yorkers to keep this city the greatest city in the world. Ballston Spa, N.Y. The man accused of kidnapping a 9-year-old from an Upstate New York campground in September has now been charged with raping the girl he kept captive. Craig N. Ross Jr., 46, has been charged by a Saratoga County grand jury with first-degree kidnapping, predatory sexual assault and a number of other charges, reported the Times Union. The indictment sheds new, grim light on what investigators believe the 9-year-old girl endured during the two days Ross is accused of holding her hostage in his Ballston Spa camper. New York Upstate and Syracuse.com do not typically identify sexual assault victims. The two-day manhunt that ended in Ross arrest started Sept. 30 when a child disappeared while riding her bike at Moreau Lake State Park during a camping trip. The clue that led to her rescue was a fingerprint found on a ransom note left in a mailbox at the childs home. Ross, 46, was reportedly in his underwear when a SWAT team arrested him inside a camper on his mothers property on Oct. 2. The missing child was found hidden in a cabinet inside the camper. Along with kidnapping a charge that could land him in prison for the rest of his life if he is found guilty Ross was indicted for multiple counts of sexual assault and sexual abuse, NEWS10 reported. Ross pleaded not guilty, the Times Union reported, and was returned to the Saratoga County jail without bail. READ MORE NY trooper fatally shoots 17-year-old with knife who lunged at officer in Finger Lakes, police say Amazon driver charged in fatal hit-and-run outside Buffalo Bills stadium, reports say Large cache of bomb-making material found in home could have caused catastrophic blast in Upstate NY village A city in Upstate New York is among the top 10 hot spots for adulterous behavior, according to an online dating site for users looking to cheat on their partner. Fox News reports Ashley Madison has identified the 20 cities across America where the most of its accounts are based. Three cities in Florida made the top 10, including No. 1 Miami, No. 2 Orlando and No. 5 Tampa. Buffalo was the only city in New York state that made the list, ranking No. 9 in the nation. Rounding out the top 10 are No. 3 Atlanta, No. 4 Las Vegas, No. 6 Cincinnati, No. 7 Minneapolis, No. 8 Saint Paul and No. 10 Pittsburgh. Ashley Madison chief strategy officer Paul Keable told Fox News that the rankings are based on where users are based, not where their infidelity may actually occur. Otherwise, cities with large tourist populations like Las Vegas would likely be higher on the list, Keable said. Keable said the company was sharing the rankings because winter is uncuffing season for Ashley Madison users, though the dating apps most popular cities include warm and cold climates. The colder weather months are more commonly known as cuffing season among single people looking for relationships during the winter. Ashley Madison, known for its controversial slogan Life is short. Have an affair, is a dating site that targets married people looking to cheat on their spouse. Keable told Fox News that those husbands and wives would commit infidelity if the app didnt exist. (The) response to Ashley Madison is almost always going to be universally negative in the public domain because, simply put, thats what were told by all the powers that be, our religion, our government. In fact, infidelity is the only sin that is in the Ten Commandments twice, he said. When people tell me, you know, were an immoral company. What I say back to them is, Listen, if we stopped working today, not a single affair would be stopped. If Ashley Madison didnt exist, adultery would still be as pervasive as it is around the world. Ashley Madison previously made headlines when the website was hacked in 2015, which exposed more than 36 million users, including former 19 Kids and Counting star Josh Duggar. The data breach revealed users looking for extramarital fun were in nearly every U.S. zip code, and New York was among the 10 most adulterous states at the time. SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping stressed Thursday that major issues of principle related to history and Taiwan bear on the political foundation of China-Japan relations, and urged Japan to keep its word and stick to the principle. While meeting Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida here, Xi emphasized that Japan must ensure that the foundation of bilateral relations will not be damaged or shaken. The Taos News delivered to your Taos County address every week for a full year! We offer our lowest mail rates to zip codes in the county. Click Here to See if you Qualify. Plan includes unlimited website access and e-edition print replica online. Your auto pay plan will be conveniently renewed at the end of the subscription period. You may cancel at anytime. Dennis Francis, president of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA), speaks during the assembly's annual discourse at the UN headquarters in New York on Nov. 16, 2023. In a world shadowed by the turmoil in Ukraine and the Gaza Strip, the urgency for reforming the UN Security Council has reached an unprecedented peak, Dennis Francis said on Thursday.(Eskinder Debebe/UN Photo/Handout via Xinhua) UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- In a world shadowed by the turmoil in Ukraine and Gaza, the urgency for reforming the UN Security Council has reached an unprecedented peak, Dennis Francis, president of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA), said on Thursday. Amid the assembly's annual discourse, evaluating the United Nations' foremost platform for peace and security, Francis conveyed with deep conviction that without fundamental structural reform, the council's effectiveness and credibility are destined to progressively diminish. "Violence and war continue to spread in regions across the world, while the United Nations seems paralyzed due largely to the divisions in the Security Council," he said. With the world changing quickly, the council is "dangerously falling short" of its mandate as the primary custodian for the maintenance of international peace and security, he said, adding, "Absent structural reform, its performance and legitimacy will inevitably continue to suffer, and so too, the credibility and relevance of the UN itself." While the question of equitable representation has been on the assembly's agenda since 1979, the calls for reform have grown amid widening conflict worldwide, underscored the UNGA president. At September's annual high-level debate, council reform was a common refrain from the podium, including expanding its membership. Recent crises and the inability of the Security Council to agree on a unified position such as on the Ukraine crisis and the Israel-Palestine crisis, have further underscored that urgency. The Security Council passed its first resolution on the Israel-Palestine conflict on Wednesday since the crisis erupted on Oct. 7. In his speech, Francis went on to warn the assembly that gridlock on the Security Council can be just as challenging as dealing with chaos. "I caution this august house that stasis can be as formidable a foe as chaos. We cannot usefully perpetuate positions that, while familiar, fail to bring us closer together," he said, urging fresh, innovative thinking on reforms. "One of the ways we can repair trust," Francis said, is to strengthen solidarity and conciliation, highlighting the importance of the Summit of the Future next year. He called on member states to "grasp this opportunity" to break through ingrained positions, and to promote Security Council reform through practical steps that support effectiveness and represent the full diversity today's world. Farmers and Livestock Systems are central to achieving environmental outcomes in Upland Landscapes Over 150 people attended the Upland Farming and Landscape Management Symposium at the Knockranny House Hotel, Westport, County Mayo yesterday, Thursday 16th November 2023. The symposium was organised by Teagasc in collaboration with the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) from Northern Ireland. Pictured at the Upland Farming and Landscapes Management Symposium on Thursday 16 November, 2023 from (L to R): Paul McHenry, Head of the Knowledge Advisory Service CAFRE, Northern Ireland; Dr Stan Lalor, Director of Knowledge Transfer, Teagasc; Dr Catherine Keena, Countryside Management Specialist, Teagasc; Vivian Silke, Regional Manager, Mayo Advisory Region, Teagasc and Professor Frank O Mara, Director of Teagasc. Pictured at The Upland Farming and Landscape Management Symposium at the Knockranny House Hotel, Westport, Co. Mayo on Thursday, 16 November were the farmers group called the Mayo Wild Atlantic Nature Knowledge Exchange Group, facilitated by Teagasc advisor Enda Maloney. The event was organised by Teagasc and CAFRE. Also picture are Dr Catherine Keena, Countryside Management Specialist, Teagasc and Vivian Silke, Regional Manager, Mayo Advisory Region. The symposium brought together farmers, scientists, policymakers, knowledge transfer professionals and practitioners, as well as a number of rural and community organisations from across the island of Ireland engaged with farming, managing and utilising upland landscapes. The symposium had a mix of scientific presentations and panel discussions, with farmer and wider stakeholder contributions. The symposium was structured in four key themes around Carbon, Water, Biodiversity and Livestock, and highlighted the key role for economically, socially and environmentally sustainable farming systems, with the farmer at the centre, to deliver positive results from uplands across these multiple objectives. The symposium highlighted the complex and inter-related aspects of Upland landscapes across these four themes. The event was opened by Professor Frank OMara, Director of Teagasc. He highlighted the importance of the symposium to showcase the wide range of ongoing work, both within Teagasc and across a wide range of organisations, around developing our understanding of the current and future role of farming systems in the Uplands to deliver in terms of both food production and positive environmental benefits. Paul McHenry, Head of the Knowledge Advisory Service in CAFRE also highlighted the ongoing work in Northern Ireland, including at the CAFRE Hill Farm at Glenwherry, County Antrim, to develop the knowledge base and upland management practices that can be beneficial to both livestock output and water, carbon and biodiversity outcomes. Dr Catherine Keena, countryside management specialist with Teagasc, outlined the history of how the succession of policies have affected upland farming systems and environments, highlighting that farmers have always proven adaptable and responsive to policy drivers and incentives. She also spoke about the important role of agricultural advisors play in supporting farmers with practice adoption and farming system development. However, she also highlighted that farming and environmental outcomes, particularly in terms of biodiversity and habitats, have not always been positive. Focussing on carbon, the audience heard from Dr Florence Renou Wilson, UCD, that blanket bogs in the Uplands contain a significant quantity of carbon. However, this carbon accumulates very slowly, and depends on water for this to happen. Draining of peats in the uplands can therefore result in carbon loss. A key objective for upland management should therefore be to maintain carbon stocks by reducing these losses. Water table management and the avoidance of vegetation loss resulting in the exposure of bare peat, were amongst the management tools highlighted to help achieve this. Nicola Warden, Senior Biodiversity Technologist with CAFRE, highlighted how measures are being implemented by CAFRE, with the support of partner organisations through the Glenwherry Hill Regeneration Partnership, to improve upland habitats. Results from the Glenwherry farm have shown positive increases in red grouse, snipe, curlew, lapwing and hare populations, while also showing that lamb and beef output has been improving concurrently. Benefits of new technologies and practices including forest removal to reduce predation of nesting birds as well as virtual fencing technologies for livestock are contributing to positive results for habitats. The symposium also heard from Cormac McConigley, Catchment Manager with LAWPRO in the Western Region, that potential pressures associated with agriculture and forestry do persist in the uplands. However, water bodies with higher proportions of their catchment within upland areas tend to have higher overall quality than those in lowland areas. The maintenance of these water bodies as high and good quality is an ongoing objective. The final session of the symposium included a summary by Declan Byrne, Teagasc, of the progress being made in the Wicklow Mountains arising from the Sustainable Uplands Agri-environment Scheme (SUAS) EIP project. The work of the farmers within the project have highlighted that the sustainability of upland grazing systems are dependent on the right type and numbers of livestock, at the right time of year and in the right areas of the uplands. The discussion on livestock systems, which included advisory and farmer perspectives highlighted the need for bottom-up and collaborative approaches in seeking solutions for upland systems based on high quality research and science. In summing up the symposium, Dr Stan Lalor, Director of Knowledge Transfer in Teagasc commented on the positivity that was evident, both from farmers and from wider stakeholders, in the sustenance and development of farming systems in the uplands. Significant momentum has been created around how upland farming systems can be developed through collaborative initiatives, and can be supported through policy and results-based incentives. However, the overall economic and social viability of farm systems to support farm households and rural communities will be a fundamental requirement in order to achieve and enhance the environmental potential that exists within upland landscapes. Presentations from the symposium are available to download at: www.teagasc.ie/uplands Sedate BHPian Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Cochin Posts: 200 Thanked: 193 Times Re: Medical Healthcare comparison | India vs developed countries Quote: drmohitg Originally Posted by When you first arrive in the UK, you get your BRP card. At that time you will also be able to create your NHS number. Once this is created, it is the only thing that you need to show in the hospital. ....... https://www.nuh.nhs.uk/overseas-patients/ Quote: drmohitg Originally Posted by ........I am not sure when and where were you asked to show other documents by NHS to prove you are eligible? Also here- Based on the discussion, we were told that we will be receiving a letter from NHS to prove our eligibility for treatment. This was in November 2021. We have been in UK from 2014(pre BRP visa on passport, then to BRP and later moved to another visa). The patient had a hospital number(in patient previously), NHS number, registered to vote(open register), proof of address(water bill), UK bank account statement, stamped passport for entries and BRP card. But A&E reception told to wait for the letter and send the proof once contacted by NHS. The treatment cost quoted was around 3000 GBP to which we agreed to go forward in case the eligibility was not established from HomeOffice. I cant find the letter now, but found the NHS template of the letter we received here - Quote: drmohitg Originally Posted by ....... To that extent, I have never been subjected to any sort of discrimination either. Half the NHS is anyways filled by IMGs. .... Quote: drmohitg Originally Posted by ...........I have been here 3 years now in the NHS and haven't come across this either as staff or as a patient..... Quote: drmohitg Originally Posted by ......Similarly, the right to rent, the right to work are basic checks that are being made more streamlined by the introduction of these codes that you can generate online and share with your prospective landlord/employer. DVLA is also moving in the same direction. What is discriminatory in this? You don't want to be subjected to even the basic check? ......... You do a right to work when you employer is sponsoring your work permit! You share the code to your own employer who in first place asked Home Office to provide you with a work permit! And if you need to change employer, you have to get a new permit! When you start working for a new employer, all it takes is to verify your NINo which is going to HMRC. This was the case before BRP. Why should there be another system, another id and another check? Illegals do cash in hand or do contracts via companies - current system does nothing to prevent this. What will DVLA do with the immigration status? The license is send to your home address in UK. You have to be physically in UK to do the theory and practical exam. You cannot add your foreign address in case you move to a different country. You have to send the physical copy of your biometric residence permit to DVLA for them to verify! All this while the home office holds the information in a database in a digital format. Visitor visa holders dont have to have a driving license as they can use home country license for upto one year. The processes are overburdening the delivery of services. And many of the processes are ceremonial, mindless and illogical. Thankfully the BRP system is ending by December 2024! We don't know what next is coming to replace it. I am sure all these processes currently relying on BRP has to be modified to accommodate the next system which is yet to be announced! And that will waste valuable human resource, force delays, finally more frustrated customers and a longer waiting list. Quote: drmohitg Originally Posted by .......Thanks for sharing. I think access to healthcare and horrendous waiting times are the main concerns rather than costs for most members here. This is why you have to pay for private insurance after paying the mandatory health surcharge, National Insurance, and the income tax. In effect, you are paying three times for a service that you require 1)NHS healthsurcharge - because you are an immigrant 2)National Insurance- All ordinary citizens with income should pay this 3)Private insurance - You cant rely on NHS It is a problem of access, quality and care - money is secondary if quality care is available on time. If we feel the money we pay is simply wasted while doctors and nurses are made to do clerical work instead of taking care of patients, that is when the distaste happens. Sorry for the long rant. UK is crumbling - Brexit and COVID just accelerated the rate of downfall. A valid NHS number is not proof of eligibility for treatment - This is the statement mentioned in the NHS trust website.On visiting the A&E we were asked a basic set of questions and was asked to fill in per-attendance form. Sample attached from NHS website (although different trust)- https://www.bsuh.nhs.uk/maternity/wp...dance-form.pdf Also here- https://www.gov.uk/government/public...ealth-charging Based on the discussion, we were told that we will be receiving a letter from NHS to prove our eligibility for treatment. This was in November 2021. We have been in UK from 2014(pre BRP visa on passport, then to BRP and later moved to another visa). The patient had a hospital number(in patient previously), NHS number, registered to vote(open register), proof of address(water bill), UK bank account statement, stamped passport for entries and BRP card. But A&E reception told to wait for the letter and send the proof once contacted by NHS. The treatment cost quoted was around 3000 GBP to which we agreed to go forward in case the eligibility was not established from HomeOffice.I cant find the letter now, but found the NHS template of the letter we received here - https://www.gov.uk/government/public...grant-patients Yes - The major discriminators many times are the long term settled and residents from our own country. In our case the receptionist and the Migrant/Overseas Visitor team members were both of the same region of origin as me and my wife! May be like colours hate more than unlike colours! We have been to A&E multiple times previously, but these all happened in our visit after covid lock downs - Only difference was this time we took our own car as ambulance wait time was more than 3 hours!If the processes like these are not in place, there shouldn't be the need for forms I linked above. As being on the receiving end of the process, I can confirm this happened to me. Please don't take it personal - As a carer to my wife, in my observation availing NHS services, half of NHS doesn't know what other half is doing. And half the people don't care as that process is not part of their job description. Processes are vague - new ones come in, new guidelines come in and disappear before fully implemented.You have your passport with entry stamps, biometric residence permit and mostly a bank account or letter from your employer/university. Why is there a need for another check eligibility to rent a house? It adds layers on layers of process to arrive at same result! Half the landlords and estate agents don't want to go through this process when natives are available to rent to - And naturally, the available pool of houses reduce for immigrants. Isn't that a form of hidden discrimination? This is after the "silent discrimination" for smell from curry/cooking, risk of wet toilet, general distaste to people from a region and risk of fire from oil lamp/incense sticks.You do a right to work when you employer is sponsoring your work permit! You share the code to your own employer who in first place asked Home Office to provide you with a work permit! And if you need to change employer, you have to get a new permit! When you start working for a new employer, all it takes is to verify your NINo which is going to HMRC. This was the case before BRP. Why should there be another system, another id and another check? Illegals do cash in hand or do contracts via companies - current system does nothing to prevent this.What will DVLA do with the immigration status? The license is send to your home address in UK. You have to be physically in UK to do the theory and practical exam. You cannot add your foreign address in case you move to a different country. You have to send the physical copy of your biometric residence permit to DVLA for them to verify! All this while the home office holds the information in a database in a digital format. Visitor visa holders dont have to have a driving license as they can use home country license for upto one year.The processes are overburdening the delivery of services. And many of the processes are ceremonial, mindless and illogical. Thankfully the BRP system is ending by December 2024! We don't know what next is coming to replace it. I am sure all these processes currently relying on BRP has to be modified to accommodate the next system which is yet to be announced! And that will waste valuable human resource, force delays, finally more frustrated customers and a longer waiting list.Exactly that. You are forced to pay for a horrendous service which is not fit for purpose. After your GP referral, it takes more than 3 months to see a cardiology specialist!This is why you have to pay for private insurance after paying the mandatory health surcharge, National Insurance, and the income tax.In effect, you are paying three times for a service that you require1)NHS healthsurcharge - because you are an immigrant2)National Insurance- All ordinary citizens with income should pay this3)Private insurance - You cant rely on NHSIt is a problem of access, quality and care - money is secondary if quality care is available on time. If we feel the money we pay is simply wasted while doctors and nurses are made to do clerical work instead of taking care of patients, that is when the distaste happens. Sorry for the long rant. UK is crumbling - Brexit and COVID just accelerated the rate of downfall. Last edited by graaja : 17th November 2023 at 05:39 . Reason: Uploading images In context: Microsoft's failure to establish Windows on mobile platforms is one of its biggest regrets, but the company readily offers many of its services on iOS and Android. The next step in that process is the launch of a new cross-platform Windows "app" that collects numerous Microsoft cloud services and allows streaming a copy of Windows from a remote PC. Microsoft has launched a preview version of an app that grants cloud-based access to much of Windows across PCs, web browsers, and Apple systems. This could be seen as a renewed attempt to bring Windows into the mobile space or hint at a possible cloud-based future for the operating system. The Windows app includes Azure Virtual Desktop, Windows 365, Microsoft Dev Box, and Remote Desktop Services, streaming these services from a Windows-powered cloud PC. To access the Windows version, users can use the Windows 365 app and activate the "Preview" option at the top of the window. For Mac, iPhone, and iPad users, the app is available via TestFlight, while the web version can be accessed via Microsoft's website. Upon launching the Windows App, users should see a list of available devices, such as a cloud PC or remote desktop, on the main screen. A caveat is that the current available options for each application varies depending on the platform. Most Microsoft 365 functions are operational across all versions of the app, but some Azure and Dev Box features, particularly those related to file editing, are not yet available on all platforms. This guide page includes a chart that outlines these limitations. Additional features are coming, but the app already includes customization options, switching between multiple accounts, and remote PCs with home screen customization. Furthermore, users can freely alter the Windows App's display settings. It supports multiple monitors, custom resolutions, dynamic resolution, and resolution scaling. The app is also compatible with peripherals such as webcams, speakers, external storage, and printers. The initial feature set, along with optimizations for Microsoft Teams, primarily focuses on remote work and collaboration. Hints of a fully cloud-based version of Windows emerged during an FTC v. Microsoft hearing earlier this year. Uncovered documents detailed plans to evolve Microsoft 365, potentially transitioning Windows 11 to a cloud-based system. The launch of Windows 365 and the Windows App seem to be steps toward this larger goal. In brief: Good news for Windows 11 users in the European Union: Microsoft will soon allow you to uninstall the Edge browser from the OS, disable Bing search, and more. The Redmond company isn't being generous for no reason: Microsoft's hand is being forced by the European Commission's Digital Markets Act (DMA), which comes into effect in March next year. Microsoft is one of the six "gatekeepers" named in the EU's DMA alongside Apple, Amazon, ByteDance, Google, and Meta. A gatekeeper is defined as any tech company with more than 45 million monthly active users and a market cap of $82 billion. The idea behind the DMA is to ensure users are given more choice and the companies don't gain an unfair advantage. Microsoft has now announced the upcoming release of the November 2023 non-security preview update for Windows 11, version 23H2 to the Release Preview Channel (Build 22631.2787) that previews many of the changes made to Windows 11 to meet the DMA's obligations, which must be met by March 6, 2024. Some big changes for users in the EU include the ability to uninstall Edge, which right now can't be removed using conventional means from Windows 11 or Windows 10, and Bing web search from Windows Search. Microsoft is also allowing EU users to remove Photos, Cortana, and Camera, something it has already been doing in the US. Moreover, Microsoft is clearly marking the apps that are system components in Windows 11. European Economic Area (EEA) markets will also receive interoperability for feeds in the Windows Widgets board and web search in Windows Search, allowing users to run software from third parties such as Google inside each feature. The ability to remove Edge and Bing will only be available in the EEA. As Microsoft explains: "Windows uses the region chosen by the customer during device setup to identify if the PC is in the EEA. Once chosen in device setup, the region used for DMA compliance can only be changed by resetting the PC." Finally, Microsoft writes that Windows will continue to ask EEA customers when they open content in a newly installed app if they want to change the default. They will keep being asked to sync their Microsoft account with Windows, too. Following the arrival of the Windows 11 previews, Microsoft will be rolling out a similar preview for Windows 10 "at a later date." In brief: They say you can buy virtually anything on Amazon. That will be even truer next year when the tech giant starts selling motor vehicles directly on its retail platform for the first time. The initial models will be from Hyundai, with other brands following in 2024. Amazon and Hyundai announced at the 2023 LA Auto Show that the platform will start selling the South Korean auto manufacturer's vehicles directly in the second half of 2024. The companies said customers will be able to shop for a Hyundai vehicle in their area, equip it, and complete the purchase on Amazon.com using their preferred payment method or financing option. They can then schedule a delivery to their home through a local Hyundai dealer or pick it up themselves. As part of the deal, Hyundai will include built-in Alexa voice assistant systems in its vehicles, starting in 2025. The company will also start using Amazon Web Services for its cloud requirements. Amazon has been moving closer to selling cars directly on its site for years. It launched a pilot program with Hyundai in 2016 that allowed Prime members to schedule a test drive for a Hyundai car online. Amazon currently allows customers to browse digital showrooms and compare vehicles, configure specs, calculate the price, and find a dealer to complete the sale. Vehicle parts and accessories are also available to buy on Amazon.com. However, purchasing an automobile directly from the site has not been possible. Amazon will act as the middleman for those buying a car from the website; the dealer is still the end seller in these transactions. Many states (48 of them) have laws that limit or ban manufacturers from bypassing franchised dealers and selling vehicles directly to consumers, though the likes of Tesla, which has no independent dealerships, and Rivian have managed to get around these rules. "We're now partnering with one of the world's leading digital retailers," said Mike Sullivan, president and owner of several LA-area dealerships, while on stage at the LA show. "They've led the way in delivering customer convenience, and now they're going to help us take our customer experience to the next level. Amazon also brings massive reach and marketing power to connect to more customers. We can't wait to get started." Facepalm: Samsung is informing its UK clients of a security breach that affected the company's systems for almost a year. The criminals were able to access customers' personal data, but Samsung hasn't provided further details beyond this statement. Between July 1, 2019, and June 30, 2020, UK customers who purchased Samsung gear through the company's official e-commerce stores had their data compromised by an "unauthorized individual." Samsung discovered the breach on November 13, 2023, confirming that the unknown hackers were able to access its systems by exploiting a security vulnerability in a third-party business application the company uses. The hackers had access to "some" personal information from an unspecified number of users for a year, Samsung states in its email. According to the company's own investigation, the compromised data "may" include a customer's name, phone number, home address, and email address. Passwords or "financial" information such as bank or credit card details were unaffected, the Korean corporation says. The new cyber-security incident was limited to the UK region, Samsung confirmed, while customers, employees, retailers and other parties in the US and elsewhere in the world should be safe this time. Soon after discovering the breach, Samsung reported the incident to the UK's Information Commissioner's Office. An ICO spokesperson confirmed that the consumer electronics giant had reported the issue to the UK's data protection agency, and that ICO investigators are now "making inquiries." Both Samsung Electronics representatives and ICO have provided no further details about a data breach that could have affected a significant number of UK citizens. Samsung's recent history with security breaches is concerning, as this is the third major incident suffered by the company in the past few years. In September 2022, the Korean corporation said that hackers were able to access some information from its US systems. A third incident affected the company in March 2022, after Lapsus$ hackers leaked almost 200 gigabytes of confidential data taken from Samsung's servers. The huge trove of data included source code for various technology components belonging to Galaxy smartphones, algorithms for biometric unlock methods, and more. Samsung confirmed that "certain internal data" had been "stolen" by unauthorized parties. TL;DR: Google reportedly paid Samsung billions of dollars to make its apps and services the default options on smartphones made by the South Korean electronics giant. The information comes a few short weeks after a top Google executive admitted that the company paid $26.3 billion to a number of companies in 2021 to be the default search engine on various mobile phones and web browsers. The disclosure came during the ongoing Google vs Epic Games trial, where Google Vice President for Partnerships, James Kolotouros, revealed that the company signed agreements with a host of smartphone manufacturers, including Samsung, to have the Google Play Store preinstalled on their smartphones and tablets. Kolotouros also revealed that around half of Google's Play Store revenues come from Samsung phone users. According to Bloomberg, the payment was part of Google's plans to split revenue from the Play Store with its hardware partners for having its apps and services preinstalled on their smartphones. In addition to the Play Store, some of the other Google apps that come preinstalled on Samsung phones include Google Assistant, Google Search, Google Maps, Google Chrome, and others. Back in 2019, Google reportedly planned to spend up to $200 million to persuade Samsung to distribute its Galaxy Store app via the Play Store as part of its 'Project Banyan' initiative. However, the deal never went through, and Samsung continues to install the Galaxy Store independently on every Galaxy device it sells. Still, the Play Store remains the preeminent way to download apps and games on Android devices, and Google's decision to pay Samsung $8 billion over a four year period may have a lot to do with it. The Google vs Epic case has revealed many interesting pieces of information about Google's business practices and how it manages to retain its default status on most of the popular desktop and mobile platforms. That includes an admission from Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai that the company pays Apple 36 percent of search revenue generated from the Safari web browser in exchange for being the default search engine on all of Apple's devices. According to an estimate by asset management and brokerage firm Bernstein, Google could be paying Apple as much as $19 billion this year alone to remain the default search engine on Safari across iPhone, iPad, and Mac. While critics argue that the payments amount to a systematic violation of US antitrust regulations, Google claims it does not prevent anyone from changing the default search option on any device or app, and users can easily set their own preferred search provider with a few clicks. Lunar missions are set to take place in the future, with NASA's Artemis among the many planning for future ventures, but for now, studies and assessments are done to ensure every factor to account. In Artemis' case, NASA recently revisited an old Moon mission to know about its risks, and this is with Apollo 12's landing back in 1969, as part of its preparation for its future return. Shaping up Artemis' future venture, modern technologies give astronomers and scientists better tools and information to predict what the next mission will bring. NASA Artemis Uses Apollo 12's Landing Simulation to Assess (Photo : NASA Artemis/X) In a recent revelation by NASA, the company used the Apollo 12's landing simulation to assess what it would bring once the Artemis mission takes place, with the agency using the Pleiades supercomputer for the job. Located at NASA's Ames Research Center in Silicon Valley, California, the team used its newly developed software tools to learn more about the environmental impact on the lunar surface. NASA said that landing on the Moon is tricky, and this is because the spacecraft uses its rocket engines to counteract the lunar gravitational pull, especially as it could mean life or death. Supersonic plumes of hot gas toward the lunar surface blast to keep the spacecraft safe from crashing, especially with Artemis' more powerful rockets compared to Apollo 12's. Read Also: NASA's Artemis II Moon Rocket Core Stage Nears Completion as It Enters Final Assembly Phase Future Lunar Mission Risks: Revisiting the Past Through Apollo 12's data and revisiting this past mission, NASA gets more insight into the future of Artemis' landing, especially as the plumes can erode the surface, and may form craters with its more powerful rockets. This, in turn, could cause rapid cratering and render the lander unstable, and unsafe for both the spacecraft and the astronauts. NASA regarded that Apollo's landers did not create the craters, but not the same can be said for Artemis. Artemis Moon Mission and the SLS Rocket NASA's design of the Artemis Moon mission's rocket, the Space Launch System (SLS), is by far the largest and strongest there is, and this is to accommodate the ambitious return of humans to the Moon. Earlier in June 2022, NASA completed the tests for the SLS after massive issues and problems it faced, seeing a success that led to its later launch. Back on November 16, 2022, NASA and the world held on to their seats for the first uncrewed mission to the Moon, featuring Artemis' rocket and the Orion spacecraft. This mission was a success, and its test gave NASA's researchers massive insights into the future of the mission, especially for when the crew takes their place for humanity's return to the lunar surface. Despite the massive achievements by NASA for the Artemis mission, it is still looking to ensure all possible scenarios and happenings, especially with its data and technology now. Apollo 12's landing simulation gave NASA an idea for the future Artemis mission, now considering the environmental impact of the rocket once it reaches the Moon, alongside the risks it will bring with the SLS and Orion. Related Article: NASA Artemis Lunar Rover Contract Awards Delayed to 2024, But Why? 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. People visit the 21st Guangzhou International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, Nov. 17, 2023. The 21st Guangzhou International Automobile Exhibition opened here on Friday, with 1,132 vehicles on display. (Xinhua/Lu Hanxin) GUANGZHOU, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- China is certain to become the world's largest automobile exporter this year, as its auto exports in the first 10 months hit 3.9 million units, an official with the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade said here Friday. Wang Xia, head of the council's automotive sub-council, made the remarks at the 21st Guangzhou International Automobile Exhibition that opened on Friday. China's automobile industry has taken a solid step toward internationalization, despite a complex and grave international environment, Wang said. In the first quarter, China exported 1.07 million vehicles, surpassing Japan for the first time to become the world's largest automobile exporter. In the first 10 months, the export volume registered a year-on-year growth of 59.7 percent to 3.92 million units. The per vehicle export price has also grown to 137,000 yuan (about 19,100 U.S. dollars) in the first three quarters of 2023 from 85,000 yuan in 2014. "In 2001, the export value of China's automobile industry chain was only 1.56 billion U.S. dollars, taking up a global share of just 0.65 percent. In the first eight months of this year, this figure neared 122 billion dollars, accounting for 5.5 percent of the global total," Wang noted. With the landing of a series of policies to stabilize the economy and promote consumption, and the gradual recovery of consumer confidence, China's automobile market will embrace new space of growth, Wang added. People visit the 21st Guangzhou International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, Nov. 17, 2023. The 21st Guangzhou International Automobile Exhibition opened here on Friday, with 1,132 vehicles on display. (Xinhua/Lu Hanxin) Xpeng presents X9 ultra smart large seven-seater MPV at the 21st Guangzhou International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, Nov. 17, 2023. The 21st Guangzhou International Automobile Exhibition opened here on Friday, with 1,132 vehicles on display. (Xinhua/Deng Hua) This photo taken on Nov. 17, 2023 shows the booth of HiPhi at the 21st Guangzhou International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province. The 21st Guangzhou International Automobile Exhibition opened here on Friday, with 1,132 vehicles on display. (Xinhua/Deng Hua) This photo taken on Nov. 17, 2023 shows a bZ4X car exhibited at the booth of GAC Toyota at the 21st Guangzhou International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province. The 21st Guangzhou International Automobile Exhibition opened here on Friday, with 1,132 vehicles on display. (Xinhua/Deng Hua) People experience car racing games at the 21st Guangzhou International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, Nov. 17, 2023. The 21st Guangzhou International Automobile Exhibition opened here on Friday, with 1,132 vehicles on display. (Xinhua/Lu Hanxin) This photo taken on Nov. 17, 2023 shows a booth of new energy vehicle at the 21st Guangzhou International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province. The 21st Guangzhou International Automobile Exhibition opened here on Friday, with 1,132 vehicles on display. (Xinhua/Deng Hua) This photo taken on Nov. 17, 2023 shows a Hyper SSR exhibited at the booth of GAC Aion at the 21st Guangzhou International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province. The 21st Guangzhou International Automobile Exhibition opened here on Friday, with 1,132 vehicles on display. (Xinhua/Deng Hua) People visit the booth of Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL) at the 21st Guangzhou International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, Nov. 17, 2023. The 21st Guangzhou International Automobile Exhibition opened here on Friday, with 1,132 vehicles on display. (Xinhua/Deng Hua) People visit the 21st Guangzhou International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, Nov. 17, 2023. The 21st Guangzhou International Automobile Exhibition opened here on Friday, with 1,132 vehicles on display. (Xinhua/Lu Hanxin) Elon Musk's X has reportedly lost all International Business Machines Corporation's advertisements after the company's ads appeared alongside content promoting Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party. IBM announced the company's advertisement suspension on X after it had known of a report by Media Matters, a group described by Forbes as "a left-leaning media watchdog group," discovered antisemitic content placed with corporate advertisements from IBM, Apple, Oracle, and Comcast's Xfinity. Reuters states that IBM says that it "has zero tolerance for hate speech and discrimination and we have immediately suspended all advertising on X while we investigate this entirely unacceptable situation. (Photo : CHRIS DELMAS/AFP via Getty Images) This photo illustration shows the X logo (formerly Twitter) on a smartphone screen in Los Angeles, California, on July 31, 2023. Forbes has reported on the matter, stating that Linda Yaccarino, CEO of X, said in a post-Thursday afternoon, "X's point of view has always been obvious that discrimination by everyone should STOP across the board," adding that X has "been extremely clear about our efforts to combat antisemitism and discrimination." "When it comes to this platform - X has also been extremely clear about our efforts to combat antisemitism and discrimination. There's no place for it anywhere in the world - it's ugly and wrong. Full stop," Yaccarino went on to say. X stated that its system does not position brands "actively next to this kind of content," and the content mentioned by Media Matters will no longer be able to profit from its posts. Read Also: Elon Musk Reveals X Will Release 'Major Update' to its Algorithm to Feature Smaller Accounts Musk's Support on an Antisemitic Post The ad suspension by IBM follows after Musk faced backlash expressing support for an antisemitic conspiracy theory. Musk reacted to a post on X on Wednesday blaming Jews of "pushing... dialectical hatred against whites," stating, "You have said the actual truth." The user's comments linked Jewish communities to the promotion of hatred against whites, blaming them for supporting "hordes of minorities" entering their countries, as per Tech Times. According to ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt, "at a time when antisemitism is exploding in America and surging around the world, it is indisputably dangerous to use one's influence to validate and promote antisemitic theories." Antisemitism has been on the increase in the United States and across the world in recent years. According to the ADL, antisemitic occurrences in the United States increased about 400% from the previous year following the commencement of conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist organization Hamas, which invaded Israel on October 7. Anti-Semitic and hate-filled tweets skyrocketed in the weeks after Musk's purchase of Twitter. X's Ads vs. Twitter's Ads Forbes reports that since Musk bought the social media firm last October, it has battled to keep advertisers at amounts comparable to those seen when it was Twitter. Yaccarino has since stated that most of the platform's top advertisers have returned, although according to another Media Matters investigation, many are spending far less. Yaccarino mentioned Visa as a recurring client, but Media Matters discovered it spent only $10 in 12 weeks, compared to nearly $77,500 in 12 weeks before Musk controlled the platform. Related Article: Elon Musk's X Total Content Moderators Are Thousands Behind TikTok, YouTube, Google 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. China's Xiaomi is set to challenge the electric vehicle industry as it files a license to officially sell electric vehicles, according to Interesting Engineering. Xiaomi's license application is reportedly according to regulatory filings with the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology that detailed the design and specs of Xiaomi's first electric vehicles. According to regulatory filings, the company's initial EV car offerings are the Xiaomi SU7 car series, which includes the SU7 and SU7 Max electric automobiles. Xiaomi also has an SU7 Pro variant, but specifications remain to be revealed. (Photo : GREG BAKER / AFP) (Photo by GREG BAKER/AFP via Getty Images)) Two women walk past a Xiaomi store in Beijing on January 15, 2021, as shares in the company collapsed on January 15 after the United States blacklisted the smartphone giant and a host of other Chinese firms. Android Authority reports that the Chinese smartphone behemoth is developing SU7 and SU7 Max electric vehicles with distinct differences, which Beijing-based BAIC Group will manufacture. The facility has already begun to construct pre-production models for testing. Reports state that the Xiaomi SU7 will go into mass production in December 2023, with deliveries beginning in February 2024. The automobiles are comparable yet feature significant variances, such as differing battery technology and peak speeds of 210kmph versus 265kmph. The SU7 weighs 1,980kg at the curb, while the SU7 Max weighs 2,205kg. The Xiaomi SU7 will be 4,997 x 1,963 x 1,455 mm in size (1,440mm sans the LiDAR sensor). There will be two powertrain options: an RWD with a 220kW motor and an AWD with a 275kW + 220kW motor configuration. The wheelbase measures 3,000mm. Read Also: Honda Launches Foldable Briefcase Electric Scooter 'Motocompacto' in the US Xiaomi's Smartphone to EV Connection Mashable reports that while the application includes information like the car's peak speeds and weight, Xiaomi's EV's most intriguing potential feature is its operating system, HyperOS, an OS designed to connect customers' homes, automobiles, and mobile devices. Xiaomi's emphasis on establishing a holistic environment, dubbed "Human X Car X Home," is reportedly visible in the SU7 series. While the inclusion of HyperOS is not officially stated in the regulatory listing, it is consistent with Xiaomi's goal of providing a unified experience throughout its product line. Integrating HyperOS might transform the driving experience by providing a common platform for controlling Xiaomi items. China's Electric Vehicle Industry Interesting Engineering reports that Xiaomi's entry into the electric car sector places them in a fiercely competitive field in China. While Tesla remains a key participant, competition is heating up from local manufacturers like BYD and growing names like Li Auto Inc. and Geely Automobile Holdings Ltd. With its proven prominence in consumer electronics, Xiaomi's entry adds another layer to this dynamic scene. As Xiaomi's move proves to be an impending move to challenge Tesla, Mashable reports that Tesla has had its ups and downs in China. The Model Y was the best-selling EV in the world earlier this year, thanks to tens of thousands of sales in China, which also made it the best-selling car in the country for the first quarter. However, China-based BYD remains strong in the nation and is the best-selling EV company when all its top models are included. Tesla's popularity in China has declined throughout the year, according to reports, falling 11 percent year on year. Related Article: Chinese Flying Supercar Company Introduces New Vehicle Concepts 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. An astronaut tool bag is seen drifting around the earth's orbit outside the International Space Station (ISS). It appears to be a speck of dust, but in reality it's an EVA gear misplaced by spacewalking astronauts on Nov. 1. Tracking confirms that this luminous object is indeed the lost tool bag from astronauts Jasmin Moghbeli and Loral O'Hara's inadvertent incident on Nov. 2, per EarthSky. Tumbling Brilliance: A Telling Sign The tool bag's varying brightness indicates a tumbling motion during its orbit around our planet. Initially, it was slightly ahead of the ISS and is progressively distancing itself as it descends. Last seen by @Astro_Satoshi while floating over Mount Fuji the 'Orbital Police' can confirm that the lost EVA gear is being tracked https://t.co/wz4MITmAfM pic.twitter.com/eksfu9fPFw Dr Meganne Christian (@astro_meganne) November 5, 2023 On Nov. 11, it was already five minutes ahead of the ISS, a lead expected to extend to about ten minutes by mid-November. Observations note an eastward drift relative to the ISS's trajectory as the tool bag loses altitude. Related Article: NASA's Hubble Space Telescope Determines the Size of Nearest Earth-Like Exoplanet The Tool Bag's Orbital Fate The tool bag is expected to float around the Earth's orbit for several more months. Unlike the ISS, the tool bag's orbit will steadily decline until it reaches approximately 70 miles (113 km), leading to its eventual disintegration. Current estimates suggest reentry into the atmosphere between March and July of 2024. The images of the lost ISS crew lock bag was captured by the Virtual Telescope Project. Spotting the Tool Bag Surprisingly bright for a tool bag, with a magnitude around +6, it hovers just below the unaided eye's visibility threshold. Binoculars can enhance the viewing experience. Check for visible ISS passes and identify the trajectory beforehand, considering the tool bag's lead of nearly 10 minutes. Lost in Space: How Did it Happen? The tool bag's misplacement occurred during a spacewalk focused on repairing assemblies enabling continuous sun tracking for the ISS solar arrays. This incident mirrors a similar tool bag loss in 2008 by astronaut Heide Stefanyshyn-Piper. Regrettably, this isn't the first time a NASA astronaut has inadvertently misplaced a tool bag. A parallel occurrence transpired on November 18, 2008, and remnants of the lost tool bag were visible two months later. The persistent challenge of space debris remains a concern despite NASA's assurance that the tool bag's trajectory poses no immediate threat to the ISS or its crew. "It's far from the first time astronauts have lost track of tools in space. Back in 1965, NASA astronaut Ed White infamously lost a spare glove during a spacewalk outside of his Gemini 4 spacecraft. Over the decades, several other astronauts have lost other objects, from spare bolts in 2006 to an entire bag ironically containing a debris shield in 2017," Futurism's Victor Tangermann wrote in a previous report. For more astronomical sightings or any related reports about space or celestial entities, click here for updates. Read Also: 'The Henderson' Unveils AI-Powered Elevators for Futuristic Urban Living 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The British Library, one of the globe's premier repositories of knowledge, revealed that it fell victim to a ransomware attack on Oct. 28. The aftermath has plunged the institution into a technological quagmire, with a full recovery expected to take weeks, if not months. British Library Under Attack by Ransomware Operators According to Infosecurity, the cyber incident severely impacted operations at the library's primary London facility and a secondary location in Yorkshire. Not only were phone lines disrupted, but on-site services were also crippled. Furthermore, the attack jeopardized access to digital collections, the official website, and the digital catalog. In a recent update, the British Library disclosed that the assailants behind the attack were a group notorious for engaging in criminal activities, specifically ransomware attacks. The national library of the UK is actively implementing targeted protective measures and conducting digital forensics to fortify its cybersecurity defenses. Related Article: Dolly.com Hackers Leak Data Despite Receiving Ransom Ongoing Disruptions and Recovery Timeline The repercussions of the cyber onslaught persist, affecting the website, online systems, services, and on-site amenities like Wi-Fi. The library anticipates restoring numerous services in the coming weeks, acknowledging that some disruptions might endure for an extended period. What's more, the library's primary website remains inaccessible, along with digital services provided through its Business & IP Centre (BIPC). Additionally, items slated for delivery post-October 28 are currently unavailable. The library can only issue temporary reader passes and support limited manual collection item ordering via paper forms and a printed catalog. "The British Library is experiencing a major technology outage, as a result of a cyber incident. This is affecting online systems and services, our website, and onsite services including our Reading Rooms," a spokesperson said in an interview with BleepingComputer. Data Breach Concerns Linger As the recovery unfolds, the library has yet to confirm whether the attackers accessed and stole data during the breach. Recent incidents, such as the Black Basta breach at the Toronto Public Library, pinpoints the dual threat of data theft alongside system encryption in ransomware attacks. Cybersecurity experts stress the importance of vigilance, as hackers often leverage stolen data as a bargaining chip if ransom negotiations falter. This month, the notorious group of LockBit ransomware hackers reportedly exposed 43GB of files after Boeing did not comply with its demand. The aerospace company failed to pay the asked ransom. As previous reports said, Boeing ignored the warnings from the gang. The stolen files were at risk of being used in malicious activities. In early October, Wazawaka whose real name is Mikhail Matveev, was included under FBI's most wanted list. Based on the investigation, the authorities offer $10 million to anyone who can point Matveev's location and lead to his arrest. The Russian hacker claims that his life has not changed since he was placed under the FBI's watch. However, this is not enough to shake him even if US sanctions are coming next to him. Read Also: LockBit Ransomware Gang Offers Decryptor to SickKids Hospital, Apologizes After Wrongful Attack 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Virgin Media (now VMO2) is facing a wave of customer complaints as subscribers allege the persistence of wrongful Netflix subscription charges. Despite some affected individuals never having availed of the service or canceling it months ago, the problem remains unresolved, causing frustration among users. This issue, ongoing for several months, gained attention after numerous customers reached out to ISPreview regarding phantom Netflix bills. Billing Woes: Unwanted Charges and Monthly Corrections Customers have expressed dissatisfaction with Virgin Media's recurring practice of charging them 15.99 per month for a Netflix service they neither use nor have subscribed to, according to The Sun. Up to this day, the same problem continues, requiring impacted users to contact the ISP each month for corrective measures. Even customers who terminated their Netflix subscription months ago claim to have resumed receiving erroneous bills. "I have been a Virgin Customer for years when it was taken over from NTL in fact! I have to call Virgin every single month that has been for the last 8 months as I am being billed for 15.99 Netflix every month that I don't have. My bill should be 83 but now it can be anything from 106 and upwards. Nobody answers the phone or is capable of correcting the issue," one customer complained. The statement came from the information gathered by ISPReview last week. Related Article: Virgin Media Down: Users Report Losing Access to Their Emails Potential Source of the Problem Virgin Media, acting as an intermediary, provides customers with the option to add Netflix services to their bills. The problem seems to stem from discrepancies in managing this process, either at Virgin Media or Netflix's end. While some customers face billing irregularities, others report unaffected billing processes. Nevertheless, Virgin Media holds accountability for processing payments accurately and needs to address these recurring discrepancies promptly. The company's spokesperson issued an apology to the impacted customers. The telecom giant's support team is actively engaged in addressing customer concerns. However, there is no specific timeline provided for a complete resolution. Internal sources suggest that this challenge is a known frustration within the company, indicating the complexity of the issue. Virgin Media Encourages Users to Check Their Accounts While reported cases highlight the problem, there is concern about customers who might be unknowingly affected. Many individuals may not closely monitor their bank statements and bills. Virgin Media subscribers are urged to conduct a quick review of their accounts to ensure accurate billing. Until a comprehensive solution is implemented, affected customers are advised to persist in reporting the issue to Virgin Media's support staff. It's always important to regularly check if there are anomalies in your account. Whether it's an overcharged Netflix payment or anything in between, there's always a need to monitor where your hard-earned money goes. Read Also: Virgin Media Rolls Out Free Speed Boost to Millions of Customers By Rebooting the WiFi Hub 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. COLOMBO, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka's Police Special Task Force (STF) seized a 40-foot container with over 10 million sticks of cigarettes valued at 1.3 billion rupees (3.96 million U.S. dollars), the police said on Friday. The police said in a statement that the cigarettes were illegally imported without paying the excise duty. The STF seized the container near the Kelanithissa Power Station in Grandpass, the police said. The STF also arrested a 65-year-old suspect, a resident of Makola, in connection with the case. The suspect and the contraband were handed over to local police for further investigations, police said. Sri Lankan law enforcement officials seize and destroy a large quantity of illegally imported cigarettes each year. 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". Picturesque rivers and mountains|Luliang, Shanxi Province, where history and customs are blended: from "urban scenic spot" to "scenic city" 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 The analyst predicted the dollar exchange rate in December in the range of 88-92 rubles 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" The new version of the "Five-Star Card" of the Permanent Residence Permit for Foreigners is officially launched! Which foreigners can apply? Read it in one article Sanchez coincides with the president of Israel in Dubai in the midst of the diplomatic conflict, but without foreseen contact In 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. Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Peruvian President Dina Boluarte in San Francisco, the United States, Nov. 16, 2023. (Xinhua/Ding Lin) SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday called for fostering new growth engines for China-Peru cooperation in digital economy and green development. Xi made the remarks when meeting his Peruvian counterpart, Dina Boluarte, on the sidelines of the 30th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting. He also said that the two sides should synergize their development strategies, and strengthen cooperation in traditional areas such as economy, trade, energy and mineral resources. Since China and Peru established diplomatic ties more than half a century ago, the two countries have given each other understanding and support on issues concerning their respective core interests and major concerns, Xi said. Bilateral cooperation between the two sides has developed steadily, Xi said, adding that the Belt and Road cooperation, in particular, has promoted the development and revitalization of the two countries and brought benefits to the two peoples. Noting that this year marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of China-Peru comprehensive strategic partnership, Xi said the two sides should deepen political mutual trust, strengthen strategic communication, firmly support each other in pursuing a development path suited to their national conditions, and work for more achievements under the Belt and Road Initiative. Xi said that China is ready to import more high-quality Peruvian agricultural products, and to encourage Chinese enterprises to participate in major Peruvian projects in accordance with market principles. Both China and Peru have splendid civilizations and profound cultures, and the two sides should step up cooperation in education, culture, tourism, science and technology and youth exchanges, so as to set an example for exchanges and mutual learning among different civilizations, Xi said. Xi stressed that under the new circumstances, developing China-Peru relations is not only in line with the common interests of the two countries, but also of great significance to building an open world economy. China supports Peru in hosting the 2024 APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, and stands ready to engage in close communication and coordination with Peru to reap new results in APEC cooperation, making new contributions to the economic recovery and long-term development of the Asia-Pacific region and to the building of an Asia-Pacific community with a shared future, Xi said. China is ready to work with Peru to promote the continuous development of China-Latin America relations in the new era, Xi added. Noting that both Peru and China are ancient civilizations and their peoples enjoy a long history of friendly exchanges, Boluarte said that since the establishment of their comprehensive strategic partnership 10 years ago, the two sides have adhered to mutual respect and support. Peru is committed to deepening relations with China and give better play to bilateral cooperation mechanisms, continuously upgrade the level of comprehensive strategic cooperation and strengthen practical cooperation in green economy and other fields, she said, adding that Peru abides by the one-China principle and actively participates in Belt and Road cooperation. Saying Peru is ready to strengthen multilateral coordination with China, Boluarte said that Peru will take over the rotating chair of APEC next year and her country looks forward to working with China to promote inclusive and sustainable growth in the Asia-Pacific region and the development of Latin America-China relations. Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Peruvian President Dina Boluarte in San Francisco, the United States, Nov. 16, 2023. (Xinhua/Ding Lin) Turkish Airlines continues to expand its network with the introduction of flights to Detroit. As of November 15, 2023, flights to Detroit will be operated three days a week, connecting Istanbul Airport with Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport. After December 25, 2023, flag carriers Detroit flights will be increased to four days a week. With the addition of Detroit flights, Turkish Airlines has increased its network to 345 destinations and now serves 13 destinations in the US. The first Detroit flight was warmly welcomed with a ceremonial water cannon salute. The event was held at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport and attended by local officials, Turkish Airlines executives, and aviation enthusiasts. Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee, Prof Dr Ahmet Bolat stated at the ceremony: Today is a special day as we gather here to celebrate the inaugural flight of Turkish Airlines to the city of Detroit. We have brought two great cities, Istanbul and Detroit, closer together by initiating this direct flight. Were thrilled to connect Istanbul and Detroit, creating opportunities for travel, business, and cultural exploration. As the national flag carrier of Turkiye, our beautiful country, we reach to more countries than any other airline in the world, and by adding new destinations to our ever-expanding network, such as Detroit, we continue to serve our primary mission of uniting people and cultures all around the globe. Detroit, a city in the state of Michigan, is the tenth largest city in the US known primarily as the centre of the automotive industry. Detroit, also referred to as Motor City has a rich history in music and cultural heritage. TradeArabia News Service TAIYUAN, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- An investigation team has been set up by the government of north China's Shanxi Province to look into the cause of a fire at a coal mine office building Thursday that left 26 dead and 38 injured. The team is headed by Wu Wei, executive vice governor of Shanxi, and the provincial disciplinary inspection and supervision agency will join the investigation, according to a press conference held by the provincial government on Friday. According to previous reports, the fire ripped through the second floor of the four-story building in Lishi District of Lyuliang City. "The building has a reinforced concrete frame structure, with a construction area of 6,920 square meters. The second floor is the bathhouse for the workers, and the fire occurred when workers were taking over shifts in and out of the shaft," said Liu Shihua, deputy director of the provincial emergency management department. A total of 18 fire engines, 30 ambulances, more than 90 medical staff, and over 150 rescuers were mobilized for the emergency rescue. The blaze was extinguished at 8:35 a.m. Thursday, and the search and rescue was completed at 1:45 p.m. A total of 75 people were evacuated from the scene, of whom 64 were taken to hospital. The fire damaged an area of about 900 square meters according to preliminary calculation. "The investigation team will find out the cause of the incident as soon as possible," Liu said, adding that the team has invited more than 10 technical experts at the national and provincial levels to conduct investigations. Shanxi has launched a fire prevention campaign following the incident. Sign up to our free US news bulletin sent straight to your inbox each weekday morning Sign up to our free morning US email news bulletin Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the US Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Austin yoga teacher Kaitlin Armstrong will spend 90 years behind bars for the murder of professional cyclist Anna Moriah Wilson. Armstrong was found guilty of the killing, which took place on May 11 2022, on Thursday after brief jury deliberations. On Friday afternoon, after a further three and half hours of deliberation, jurors returned with her sentence. As well as nine decades in prison, she was also ordered to pay a $10,000 fine. Wilsons family members in the courtroom cried and embraced each other while Armstrong remained emotionless as the sentence was passed down. The two women had become involved in a love triangle with Armstrongs then on-and-off boyfriend and Wilsons fellow cyclist Colin Strickland. Wilson was found dead at her friends apartment with multiple gunshot wounds. Following the murder, Armstrong had fled the country, remaining at large for 43 days before being apprehended by authorities. The Austin yoga teacher was found guilty of the killing, which took place on May 11 2022, on Thursday after brief jury deliberations (Gannett) After receiving her sentence, Armstrong was addressed directly by Wilsons friend Caitlin Cash, and her mother, Karen Wilson. Karen Wilson told her: I hate what you did to my beautiful daughter it was very selfish and cowardly. When you shot Moriah in the heart, you shot me in my heart. You shot Eric and Matt in the heart... You shot cousins and aunts and uncles and all the people who loved her, there their hearts. Ms Wilson said that had Armstrong endeavoured to have a civil conversation with her daughter, things may have been resolved. She would have cared about your feelings. She was a caring empathetic person, she said. In her own remarks Ms Cash noted that so many people in this room have lost so much. Im struck by how much this is affected so many people have watched your parents in court every day. Not one smiling or interacting with anyone just waiting to see what happens to their daughter, she said. I watch my own dad struggled to look at the videos and the audio throughout the trial. Ive seen Colin [Strickland] take the stand, unable to even sit fully upright as he answered question after question about the innermost pieces of his life. A man whose lives have also been turned upside down by this tragedy. The ripple effect is almost incomprehensible. Its also unbelievably sad and painful any way you look at it. So many people in this room have lost so much. Armstrong continued to maintain her stoney-faced demeanour, barely reacting as she was escorted out of the courtroom to begin her sentence. After proceedings were adjourned, the Wilson family stood and hugged each other. Ms Cash and Ms Wilson cried in each others arms before Wilsons father, Eric Wilson, came to hug them both. Moriah 'Mo' Wilson was murdered on May 11 2022 (Instagram/Mo Wilson) The court had previously heard other heart-wrenching impact statements from Wilsons family and friends on Thursday prior to the sentencing. Armstrongs own family also gave testimony. During these statements Karen Wilson told the court that her daughter did not deserve a death like that. When you love somebody so much, and if any of you are parents, you understand what that means... when you love someone that much, and its taken from you, the depth of the joy of that love is equal to the depth of the pain you have to live with, she said. I just miss her so much and nothing here can bring her back and I knew that coming down here. I would have done anything to stand in the way of that bullet and I wasnt there to protect her. And she died all alone on the floor of her friends house. She did not deserve a death like that. On Friday, prior to the sentence, Assistant District Attorney Rick Jones told the court that he wanted today to be about Mo Wilson, and not Armstrong. Holding up a photo of Wilson he said: She was a beautiful person... I was so moved by [Karens] words...it oozed from her yesterday, as well as Eric. Thats a parents love. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The New York judge overseeing Donald Trumps civil trial for fraud allegations has rejected a motion from the former presidents attorneys for a mistrial. A filing from attorneys for Mr Trump and his co-defendants argued that the case was tainted with tangible and overwhelming evidence of apparent and actual bias from Judge Arthur Engoron and his chief clerk, who has been the subject of ongoing attacks from Mr Trump and his allies, which prompted the judge to issue a gag order in the case that prevented parties from disparaging court staff. In his order on Friday, Judge Engoron shot down nonsensical legal arguments from Mr Trumps legal team involving his clerk, and underscored his unfettered right to consult with his law clerks throughout the course of a trial. Attorneys for Mr Trump accused clerk Allison Greenfields unprecedented role in the trial and her 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, they wrote. Judge Engoron roundly rejected such arguments. My rulings are mine, and mine alone. There is absolutely no co-judging at play, according to the filing from the judge, referencing an allegation from Mr Trumps attorneys. He also rejected the attorneys disingenuous and bad faith use of his statements from the bench that were taken out of context while Mr Trump was testifying on the witness stand last week, and shot down allegations of impropriety surrounding articles about the case shared on a college newsletter, among other claims. A filing from New York Attorney General Letitia James, whose lawsuit against the former president is at the centre of the case, called Mr Trumps attorneys filing spurious and without merit. Judge Engorons pretrial ruling already determined that Mr Trump, his adult sons and their chief associates in his Trump Organization umbrella defrauded banks and investors with grossly inflated valuations of his net worth and assets over a decade. Mr Trump and attorneys for the defendants from the courtroom and to the press have repeatedly complained that the case and the judge are unfair and politically motivated. Their mistrial motion, filed after more than six weeks of witness testimony and as the attorney generals office rested it case, marked a long-shot bid to shut down the trial as the defence began its arguments and introduced its witnesses. Judge Engoron had issued a pair of gag orders to block all parties in the case from attacking his court staff first, aimed at Mr Trump, after he did exactly that, and then again after his attorneys criticised her in the courtroom. The gag orders were put on hold after Mr Trumps attorneys filed an emergency appeal on Thursday. The trial will resume on 20 November. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The White House has condemned tech billionaire Elon Musk for promoting an antisemitic conspiracy theory on the social media platform he owns calling it unacceptable and abhorrent. Earlier this week, Mr Musk endorsed a post on X that falsely asserted that Jewish people have been pushing the exact kind of dialectical hatred against whites that they claim to want people to stop using against them. The post appeared to be adjacent to a far-right antisemitic conspiracy theory known as the great replacement which suggests minorities are replacing white Europeans. Mr Musk immediately faced backlash for endorsing the post which was made as Jewish people are facing an increasing amount of hostility due to the Israel-Hamas conflict which began on 7 October. It is unacceptable to repeat the hideous lie behind the most fatal act of Antisemitism in American history at any time, let alone one month after the deadliest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust, Andrew Bates, a spokesperson for the White House, said in a statement We condemn this abhorrent promotion of Antisemitic and racist hate in the strongest terms, Mr Bates added. He added that Americans have a responsibility and obligation to speak out against hateful attacks. Elon Musk reacts during an in-conversation event with Britain's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in London, Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023 (AP) The Independent reached out to X for comment. The social media platform responded, Busy now, check back later in an email. Mr Musks recent promotion of antisemitic content is the latest in a history of the Tesla and SpaceX CEO tolerating and promoting antisemitic speech on his platform. Last year, he reinstated the accounts of several controversial people who previously made antisemitic comments. In May, he compared Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to Adolf Hitler in a meme but then deleted it after the Auschwitz Museum scolded him. Then in September, Mr Musk threatened to sue the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), an organisation that describes itself as the leading anti-hate organisation in the world, for flagging a rise in antisemitic on X which led to lost revenue from advertisers. He claimed he and the platform were not antisemitic. The ADL previously reported attacks on Jewish people and communities were on the rise on social media, including X. Linda Yaccarino, the CEO of X, said in a statement on Thursday that Xs point of view has always been very clear that discrimination by everyone should STOP across the board -- I think thats something we can and should all agree on. When it comes to this platform -- X has also been extremely clear about our efforts to combat antisemitism and discrimination. Theres no place for it anywhere in the world -- its ugly and wrong. Full stop. VIENTIANE, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- Laos is anticipating the arrival of 400,000 to 800,000 foreign visitors in November and December, bringing the total number of foreign visitors in 2023 between 2.9 million and 3.3 million. With the last three months of the year being the high season, an influx of tourists is anticipated, which will push the total for the year well above the figure of 1.68 million visitors to Laos last year, the Lao national TV on Friday quoted Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Suanesavanh Vignaket as saying. According to statistics from the ministry, more than 2.4 million foreign tourists visited Laos in the first nine months of 2023, an increase of 285 percent compared to the same period last year. The figures indicate the tourism industry is making a strong recovery, and it is expected that by the end of this year, the government's goal of tourist numbers will be reached. The surge in visitor numbers has been partly attributed to the popularity of the China-Laos Railway and the expressway linking the capital Vientiane and tourist hotspot of Vangvieng. A trip from Vientiane to northern Luang Prabang, Oudomxay and Bokeo provinces used to take many hours, but now the travel is faster and more convenient. In addition, Lao Airlines is offering direct flights to and from countries in the region. The Lao government has made tourism a top priority in efforts to revitalize the economy while rolling out a plan to attract at least 1.4 million foreign tourists in 2023. In addition, the government is preparing for Visit Laos Year 2024 and expects to attract at least 4.6 million visitors next year, which will generate a revenue of 712 million U.S. dollars. Pediatrician: We have to fight diseases at the very start of life This is the second year Southern University and A&M College System President-Chancellor Dennis Shields attended the Bayou Classic at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. It was one of many times that Grambling State University President Rick Gallot attended since he was a child growing up in Grambling, Louisiana. He's been to many in the 50 years the Bayou Classic has been a thing, then a bigger thing, then an even bigger thing. Gallot has been his alma mater's president since 2016, but this is his last Bayou Classic as GSU president. Locked down just south of Los Angeles during the pandemic, Levi Austin Morris had a compelling idea for a horror film. I was dealing with my own feelings of isolation, the American writer-director said on his first trip to Australia. I was going through some stuff and I wanted to channel that through art so I wrote this script. Its my calling card now for future films: Paralysis director Levi Austin Morris. Credit: Dominic Lorrimer When Morris was ready to shoot the film, about a woman suffering from a condition called sleep paralysis that leaves her conscious but unable to move, he used what was close - two mobile phones. And a feature film that cost a miserly $US17,000 ($26,000) - financed through a crowdfunding platform - has launched his career. The first thing that strikes you, as you begin to scroll through the content on the new US kids television streaming platform Bentkey, is the familiarity of its colours and tones. A mix of bright blues, greens and reds. The indestructible smiles of TV hosts with alliterative names like Mabel Maclay. Things that look like Muppets, but arent. A show that seems like Bluey, but isnt. The last of those Chip Chilla, a reasonable enough simulacrum of the Australian-made Disney hit Bluey in both animation style and colour palette to warrant the ridicule it has attracted has dominated media conversations since the platform launched last month. That it walks and talks like a cheap knock-off of a modern Australian classic goes without saying. Chip Chilla is a right-wing US version of Bluey. But Chip Chilla is the tip of a streaming iceberg that draws in Disneys culture war with Americas conservative right, Americas emerging trend towards both homeschooling and school library policing and the belief mistaken or not that television schedules are the new battleground for the political hearts and minds of our young. Theyre trying to copy Bluey, and theyre trying to copy Disney and I find it laughable, says Australian culture commentator and television historian Andrew Mercado. Whats particularly making me laugh is that, first of all, I had to look up what a chinchilla was and I discovered its a rodent that is skinned for fur. Thats the best cute little animal they could come up with? Come rain or shine, Julie Keating has been on a beach in Sydneys south for the past five months, keeping a watchful eye over a nest. Its been exhausting work. Keating has kept herself busy meditating and talking to curious walkers about what shes protecting: endangered pied oystercatcher eggs. And her efforts, alongside those of weekend volunteers, have been rewarded. The two chicks have hatched and are beginning to explore their surroundings. They will continue to do so for the next two months, before taking off for good. For Keating, the moment will be bittersweet. Beach-nesting birds, such as the pied oystercatcher, typically lay their eggs on the top of small mounds and take five weeks to hatch, leaving them vulnerable to be trampled on by beach walkers or at the mercy of foxes, dogs or ravens. Advertisement Eating outJust open This hot new Brunswick East restaurant is breaking down stodgy Polish food stereotypes The slick, contemporary space is out to showcase the countrys cuisine which is much richer than potatoes, cabbage and borscht. Emma Breheny November 17, 2023 Save Log in , register or subscribe to save recipes for later. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share As featured in the December hit list. See all stories . The couple behind Pierogi Pierogi, a hit market stand selling Polish dumplings, have fulfilled their long-held dream of establishing a restaurant where they can showcase the true breadth of Polish food, upending the cuisines austere and stodgy stereotype. Out of a modernist cream-hued space in Brunswick East, Dominika Sikorska and Guy Daley are serving regional dishes, snack-ified versions of Polish staples, and brighter takes on Soviet-era recipes at what might be Melbournes first contemporary Polish restaurant in more than a decade. Guy Daley and Dominika Sikorska want Eat Pierogi Make Love to show people another side of Poland. Chris Hopkins The whole mission [of Pierogi Pierogi] has been looking at Polish food and Polish culture and asking, Why isnt it more popular? says Daley. The couple started Pierogi Pierogi 10 years ago, taking their stall from Queen Victorias Night Market to festivals before landing a deal to sell their frozen dumplings in supermarkets in two states. But they were constantly looking at restaurant sites. Advertisement At Eat Pierogi Make Love, designed by Studio Heck, theyve kept the atmosphere casual with bar stools, booths and small plates. We kind of wanted to get away from sharing, but I think when you have a completely niche, different cuisine, everyone wants to try everything, says Sikorska, who was born and raised in Poland. Gzik is a dish of smashed potatoes, fresh sour cheese, radish and cucumber. Chris Hopkins Its nearly mandatory to start with pickled herring and red currants on spelt toast, alongside a shot of vodka (there are 14 choices). Mountain cheese thats brined and smoked is made in-house, a three-day process the couple learned in Poland several years ago. Its grilled and served with cranberry sauce. Theres sausage in several dishes, but its always brightened by pickles, horseradish or tart flavours. In the gzik, potatoes are smashed, fried and topped with a firm fresh cheese similar to quark, radishes, cucumber and chives ingredients that symbolise spring in Polish cooking. A large bracket of raw salads carrot, beetroot and more also keep things fresh. Advertisement The interior design aims to challenge stereotypes of Polish culture in the wider community. Chris Hopkins Writing the menu with chef Aleksandra Gladysz, Daley and Sikorska wanted to show that Polish food is a kaleidoscope of techniques and flavours, with many regional variations, too. Whats traditional in Poland? says Sikorska. We had the cuisine from before the war, between the war, theres the aristocratic way of eating, and then we have a long history of rations during communism and after. There are five choices of pierogi on the menu. Chris Hopkins Of course, there are pierogi five different kinds, including the highly inauthentic crowd favourite of potato, jalapeno and vegan cheese. Advertisement In a nod to Soviet-era architecture and design, the interiors are deliberately minimal, which allows the poster art a tradition that flourished during the communist era to shine. Its like a love letter to Poland, says Daley. Open Thu-Sat 5pm-11pm for walk-ins only 161 Lygon Street, Brunswick East, pierogipierogi.com Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox. Sign up When doctors told Olena Atamanchuk that she had stage three ovarian cancer, the grandmother could never have imagined that there would be a bigger battle ahead. But as her family home in Kyiv, Ukraine, was blown apart when a bomb was dropped on the house next door, her cancer battle was no longer the only thing threatening her life. Olena Atamanchuk (L) with her best friend Anna Mitnovetski, in Maroubra, Sydney. Olena was undergoing cancer treatment in Ukraine when war broke out. Credit: Janie Barrett / SMH It was terrifying. It was a very scary and unexpected and tragic moment in our lives, Atamanchuk said. I fled to Turkey with my daughter-in-law and two grandchildren. My husband stayed behind, and my son voluntarily signed up for the army to defend Ukraine. SYDNEY, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- The Department of Health in Western Australia (WA) confirmed on Friday that the mask-wearing requirement would be strengthened across the state's public hospitals in response to rising COVID-19 cases. According to a statement by WA Health, from next Nov. 20, staff and patients must wear surgical masks in high-risk clinical areas, including hematology, oncology, organ transplant, and renal dialysis, and around vulnerable patients in critical care settings like intensive care units. The latest figures showed that in the week of Nov. 6 to Nov. 12, there were 531 COVID-19 cases reported in WA, 14 percent higher than the previous week. The state's Chief Health Officer Andy Robertson observed that COVID-19 cases had been rising since early September, primarily driven by the Omicron XBB variant EG.5. "It's an expected part of the ongoing evolution of COVID-19 in the community as people's immunity wanes over time," he said. Apart from WA, other Australian states were also on high alert for COVID-19 infections. As Australia's most populated state, New South Wales recently saw a "moderate to high" spread of the disease, with the local health authority encouraging people to keep up to date with their vaccinations. The Victorian Department of Health issued a warning in late October, reporting that the community transmission of COVID-19 is increasing statewide. "After a period of slow increases from July, recent weeks have seen increases to levels not observed since May," the department said. Lets start with a devastating case where a medical myth had profound legal and personal consequences. In 2003, Kathleen Folbigg was convicted of killing her four children, Caleb, Patrick, Sarah and Laura, aged from 19 days to 18 months over 10 years. The prosecution interpreted her diary as an admission of guilt, and medical evidence unremarkable in each individual case was compelling when related to the four deaths. Folbigg served 20 years of a minimum 25-year sentence after being convicted of the murders of Patrick, Sarah and Laura, and the manslaughter of her first, Caleb, at the familys homes. The prosecution relied on Meadows Law, based on the assertion by British paediatrician Sir Samuel Roy Meadow that one sudden infant death is a tragedy, two is suspicious, and three is murder until proved otherwise. Loading Eventually, Meadow was discredited, and his evidence linked to several wrongful convictions. Ten years after the conviction, Cordner reviewed the Folbigg medical evidence, finding no positive forensic pathology support for the contention that any or all of these children have been killed. Turns out a genetic variant in Folbiggs family meant her daughters had irregular heart rhythms that can cause death. In June 2023, she was pardoned. Cordner and Breen say prosecutors call expert witnesses, then have them testify in areas outside their expert fields, with the evidence too often being admitted without question. Lindy Chamberlain was wrongly convicted of the murder of her baby Azaria, who died at Uluru in 1980, based on bogus forensic evidence. One case they highlighted was a radiologist who, using X-rays, testified to the age of young Indonesian suspects, saying they were all old enough to stand trial over people-smuggling charges evidence that should have been challenged. Now the federal government will pay $27 million to those who were prosecuted between 2010 and 2012 who were found, despite the X-ray evidence, to have been as young as 12. The authors argue the legal appeal system is not equipped to identify some wrongful convictions. Dr Kerry Breen. In general terms, the system works like this: juries are like computers. Feed in the right information and you will get the correct answer, so if there is a mistake it will be because the wrong information has been inputted. Appeals look at the trial judges. Did they accidentally mislead the jury? Did they make a mistake with the law? Did they allow or restrict important evidence that could impact the jurys decision? Cordner and Breen argue the merit of some questionable forensic testimony is not questioned, and many lawyers refuse to accept the need for change. They say there is a need for a UK-style CCRC, which since 1997 has investigated more than 1000 cases, sending more than 800 back to court. If Australia had a CCRC, each year around eight or nine people in Australia (after all their appeals had been exhausted) would be discovered to have been wrongly convicted. The chances of disadvantaged, vulnerable groups having their wrong convictions reviewed are negligible. Stephen Cordner and Kerry Breen, medical specialists They also say that under the present system, the likelihood of a wrongful conviction relates more to the size of your wallet, the colour of your skin and the power of your supporter base, than the strength of your case. The chances of these disadvantaged, vulnerable groups having their wrong convictions reviewed are negligible, they write. In the books foreword, respected former High Court Justice Michael Kirby lends his considerable support behind a CCRC, questioning why we would think our justice system is superior to that of the UK, New Zealand, Norway and Canada, which have all introduced similar bodies. A full-time professional body with more resources, more time, more expertise and more inclined to question old ways where justified, appears to be necessary. The dam case On Fathers Day 2005, Robert Farquharson was driving his three children back to his ex-partner and the childrens mother, Cindy Gambino, when his Commodore left the Princes Highway and veered right, smashed through a fence, then sank in a dam. Farquharson escaped and the boys drowned. Robert Farquharson. Credit: Fairfax Farquharson said he blacked out during a coughing fit. Police, using scientific and forensic evidence, said it was a deliberate act. This is despite a doctor who had treated Farquharson saying he may have suffered from cough syncope (blackouts). The prosecution called an expert who said the condition was so remote and the science so flimsy, the possibility was discounted. Loading Farquharson was convicted, won an appeal, bailed (unusual in a homicide case), retried, convicted, and sentenced to life with a minimum of 33 years. There was a similar case that did not receive anywhere near the same publicity. On October 26, 2015, Geoffrey Ferguson lost control of his truck near Shepparton resulting in a fatal crash. He was charged with culpable driving, two counts of negligently causing serious injury and three of reckless conduct endangering life. He was convicted when the jury did not believe that Fergusons chest infection, which had turned into pneumonia, caused a cough syncope. This was despite his brother Stephen testifying he was on the phone to Geoffrey at the time and heard him suffer a coughing fit before the call went silent at the time of the crash. The prosecution called the same sleep expert used in the Farquharson case who said cough syncope was an extraordinarily rare condition. The Court of Appeal accepted that Ferguson could have suffered a cough-related blackout, set aside the verdict, and rather than order a retrial, entered a verdict of not guilty. Cordner and Breen are impressed by a review of the Farquharson case in the book Road to Damnation by Chris Brook that highlights a series of what he says was flawed scientific evidence presented to the two juries. Loading He (Farquharson) must have been the best driver, and the best planner. He picked the right point to go through a wire fence, go past trees in the dark and know the water wasnt a shallow dam but an eight-metre quarry, says Breen. Cordner and Breen question the validity of some forensic evidence, including hair microscopy; shoe, tyre and footprint analysis; bite mark and gait comparison; and voice recognition, saying they need careful scientific study. The authors are not alleging a dark conspiracy, but that some experts inadvertently drift out of their lanes; lawyers, judges, and juries sometimes take that opinion as fact; and courts arent equipped to right some wrongs. None of this is deliberately nasty, says Cordner. In some cases, there is pressure on the police to get a result and there can be perceived pressure on forensic scientists not to let the side down, he says. Scientists, he says, can be asked unanticipated questions in the witness box that result in on the fly answers. He suggests the experts be shown the questions so they can respond in a measured way to give juries the best chance to find the truth. The debate on flawed forensic evidence is nothing new. When properly conducted, protests, marches, rallies and sit-ins are fundamental aspects of a healthy democracy. They are vibrant and sometimes dramatic forms of freedom of expression and political communication. Sure, they can be disruptive, causing traffic and pedestrian blockages. Sometimes they swell beyond organisers expectations. Occasionally, they change the course of governments. Blood-soaked bundles purportedly representing corpses of Gazan civilians were left outside Labor politicians offices this week. Consider the rallies against the Vietnam War; the decades of resolve of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy on the lawns of Parliament House; the marches demanding governments take action on climate change; the hurly-burly of industrial strikes and rallies. Consider also the quiet dignity of Michael Longs long walk to Canberra. In these days, when it seems rational, peaceful argument is too often swamped by impulse, high emotions, and occasionally violence, it is vital that we do not ignore the responsibilities that accompany civic freedoms. Southern Costa Rica Sunday, June 11, 6am Its daybreak. Im woken by the thunder of rain on a tin roof followed by a crack of lightning, which illuminates my open-sided tree house and the jungle beyond. I slip out of bed to sit with my legs dangling over the timber deck. It was well after dark when Id arrived at the village of the indigenous Broran people for a homestay experience. Now, as a soft dawn breaks, I can see that everything above me, below and all sides is upholstered in green velvet. What starts as a vibration breaks into an ear-splitting cacophony of buzzing, warbling, whistling and shrieking as the forests creatures come to life. Never has an alarm clock sounded so welcoming. See intrepidtravel.com - Kerry van der Jagt San Juan Island, Washington State, US Friday, June 23, 10am Orcas around the San Juan Islands. Credit: iStock My kayak guide had warned: Ive had orca come up under me so close I couldve spit down its blowhole. On a sea kayaking expedition along San Juan Islands western coastline, Im in the best place to see orca anywhere on Earth. But Ive been more focused on the fancy houses above me on the cliff. Then the beds of kelp Im paddling through shake and shudder and theres a metre-high fin sticking out of the water three metres or so to my starboard side. And then theres a loud explosion as the creature from the deep sucks in a quick breath. Its gone as fast as it came and if it wasnt for my shaking hands and the memory of that fin embedded in my mind forever, I might have imagined it altogether. See crystalseas.com - Craig Tansley Zion National Park, Utah Tuesday, June 27, 12 noon Thrill-seekers and hard-core adventure types come to Zion National Park in Utah to tackle Angels Landing, for its steep drops, considered one of the most dangerous hikes in the world. For the rest of us, theres the Riverside Walk to the Temple of Sinawava. The 1.6 kilometre-loop trail is easy enough for kids, the elderly and, well, me. I walk past lush waterfalls and delicate wildflowers, gazing up at skyscraper cliffs and down at cheeky squirrels. I pause for a few minutes at the red rock temple, remembering it was early Mormon settlers who chose to give this area the name Zion, an ancient Hebrew word that means sanctuary or refuge. See nps.gov - Kristie Kellahan New York City, US Tuesday, July 18, 9pm Is this the best view in the world from a loo? Quite possibly. Im gazing out at the New York City downtown skyline through floor-to-ceiling restroom windows at The Top of the Standard bar in Meatpacking District. Inside, the glamorous bar is lit, as the kids say. Grammy Award-winning DJ Pee Wee is spinning old-school vinyl hits from Whitney Houston, Prince and Michael Jackson. The patrons are even more attractive than the bartenders (and thats saying something). The mixology is on point. Outside, theres a very long line of people waiting to get in. See standardhotels.com - Kristie Kellahan Eco-Park Kan-Tunchi, Mexico Sunday, July 30, 9am A cenote, or sinkhole on the Yucatan Peninsula. Credit: iStock Glimpsed through the dozen different shades of green, the first shimmer of blue makes me quicken my pace. Im walking through the jungle in Eco-Park Kantun Chi, home to no fewer than five cenotes. There are thousands of these water-filled sinkholes scattered across the Yucatan Peninsula, some underground and some open to the skies, and the largest of them make for glorious swim spots. The water, filtered through countless layers of limestone, is preternaturally clear; its no wonder that cenotes were often regarded as sacred by the Maya. See kantunchi.com - Ute Junker Sitka, Alaska, US Friday, August 18, 1pm I cheerfully decline the waiters suggestion that I buy a T-shirt declaring I got crabs for the first time in Alaska. Its true, though. Always one to avoid cracking into whole crabs so much work, so little reward, or so I thought Ive taken the plunge in Sitka, Alaska with a locally caught Dungeness crab. Juicy, tender chunks of meat come loose with little effort. I dip them lightly in warm butter. The freshness is incredible. Honestly, I dont think seafood has ever tasted so good. See halibutpointcrab.com - Kristie Kellahan Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, Canada Friday, September 1, 7.30pm Ottawa: A 22-year-old self-confessed white nationalist who deliberately ran over and killed four members of a Muslim family with his truck in 2021 has been found guilty of first degree murder. The killings shocked Canada, a country that encourages mass immigration and takes pride in its multiculturalism. The jury took around six hours to convict Nathaniel Veltman, who attacked the family in the Ontario town of London. The Canadian faces life imprisonment with no chance of parole for 25 years. Mourners pray as caskets draped in Canadian flags are lined up at a funeral for the four Muslim family members killed by a white nationalist in June 2021. Credit: The Canadian Press/AP Prosecutors argued the attack was an act of terrorism, noting Veltman had written a manifesto entitled A White Awakening in which he outlined hatred of Islam and opposition to mass immigration and multiculturalism. ANKARA, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- The Turkish security forces killed 13 militants of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) in cross-border operations in northern Iraq, Turkiye's Defense Ministry said on Friday. The PKK members were "neutralized" in the "Operation Claw-Lock" zone and Hakurk region, the ministry said in a statement. Turkish authorities often use the term "neutralize" in their statements to imply that the alleged "terrorists" have either surrendered, been killed, or been captured. The Turkish forces frequently carry out ground operations, airstrikes, and artillery bombardments against the PKK targets in northern Iraq, particularly in the Qandil Mountains, the main base of the group, and have killed several senior PKK cadres. Turkiye launched Operation Claw-Lock in April 2022 to fight against the PKK members in the northern Iraqi region near the Turkish border. The PKK, listed as a terrorist organization by Turkiye, the United States and the European Union, has rebelled against the Turkish government for more than three decades. This photo taken on Nov. 2, 2023 shows a Turkish dish at Romantic Turkey, a Turkish restaurant in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province. (Xinhua/Guo Cheng) HAIKOU, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- Stepping into Romantic Turkey, a Turkish restaurant in Haikou, the capital of south China's Hainan Province, diners are greeted by a cozy Turkish ambiance. The restaurant is adorned with traditional Ottoman-style decor, creating an immersive Turkish experience for diners. It offers an enticing variety of common and traditional Turkish dishes, including doner kebabs, pide and desserts, as well as Turkish tea and coffee. "We try to create a Turkish atmosphere to patrons when they stroll into the restaurant, starting with the Turkish colors, designs and lighting," said Mehmet Arif Firat, the restaurant owner. "Two hundred years ago, people were sitting like this, and eating like this." Most ingredients are directly sourced from Turkiye, ensuring the authenticity of the restaurant, according to Mehmet. Mehmet has been living in Hainan, his wife's hometown, for seven years. Back in Turkiye, he worked as an electrical and electronics engineer, never expecting to open a Turkish restaurant abroad. His longing for authentic hometown dishes and a desire for his children to experience Turkish culture led to this exciting change since 2020. Mehmet Arif Firat makes coffee at his restaurant Romantic Turkey in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, Nov. 2, 2023. (Xinhua/Guo Cheng) What started with a kebab-making machine in a small cafe run by his wife has now blossomed into a bustling restaurant, luring in both locals and foreigners. Though Mehmet's initial aim was to satisfy his own cravings, he knew his more important mission was to introduce Turkish culture to the Chinese people. "In Hainan, people don't know much about Turkish culture, so I wanted to open the restaurant and introduce this to Chinese people. Turkiye is a romantic country," he said. He believes that the Turkish culinary style offers a distinctive cultural experience that sets it apart from Chinese cuisine. With the development of the Hainan Free Trade Port in recent years, the restaurant business booms on the tropical island. Mehmet has opened a Romantic Turkey branch in Sanya, a popular tourist destination in Hainan. "Sanya is a small but pretty city, just like my hometown, Antalya," he said. Expressing his optimism for the future of the Hainan Free Trade Port, Mehmet said he expects the development will bring more international tourists and businesses to Hainan, thus benefiting his restaurant business. "If everything goes well, I plan to open more Turkish restaurants in bigger cities, like Guangzhou, Shanghai and Beijing," he said. Batavia, NY (14020) Today Rain. High 49F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch.. Tonight Cloudy skies early, then off and on rain showers overnight. Low 38F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%. DAMASCUS, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- The air defenses of the Syrian capital Damascus intercepted Israeli missile attacks in its vicinity before dawn Friday, the Syrian army said. Around 2:25 am local time (2325 GMT Thursday), the Israeli army carried out an aerial attack from the direction of the occupied Golan Heights, targeting several points in the vicinity of Damascus, according to an army statement. "Our air defense thwarted the aggression's missiles, and most of them were intercepted," it said. The attack resulted in some material losses, the statement added. For its part, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor said that in the 21st targeting since the Israeli war on Gaza, Israeli airstrikes hit sites belonging to the Lebanese militia Hezbollah in the vicinity of the capital, Damascus. It added that since the beginning of 2023, it has documented 52 instances of Israeli targeting of Syrian territory. The strikes resulted in approximately 106 targets being hit, including weapon and ammunition depots, headquarters, centers and vehicles, it added. Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka in San Francisco, the United States, Nov. 16, 2023. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin) SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said here on Thursday that China has developed relations with Pacific island countries in a candid manner, without selfish motives or targeting any third party. Xi made the remarks during his meeting with Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, stressing that China's policy on Pacific island countries fully respects their sovereignty and independence, and does not attach political conditions or make empty promises. As developing countries, China and Pacific island countries should strengthen mutual assistance within the framework of South-South cooperation, he noted. Xi pointed out that Fiji is the first Pacific island country to establish diplomatic relations with China, adding that a few days ago, the two countries celebrated the 48th anniversary of their diplomatic ties. Calling Fiji China's good friend and good partner, Xi said China supports Fiji in choosing its own development path and realizing national development and revitalization. China is ready to work with Fiji to consolidate political mutual trust, expand practical cooperation, and deepen people-to-people exchanges, so as to push for the continuous development of China-Fiji comprehensive strategic partnership, he added. Noting that the one-China principle is the political foundation for the sound and stable development of bilateral ties, Xi said he hopes Fiji will continue to firmly support China on issues concerning its core interests and major concerns. China will, as always, support Fiji in safeguarding national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, he said. China stands ready to join hands with Fiji to strengthen Belt and Road cooperation, implement the Global Development Initiative and promote cooperation in such fields as infrastructure, agriculture, forestry and fishery and new energy, so as to help promote Fiji's economic and social development, Xi said, adding that China is willing to import more Fijian specialty products, support Chinese enterprises to invest in Fiji and encourage more tourists to visit Fiji. For his part, Rabuka said bilateral relations have maintained strong development since the establishment of diplomatic ties, and expressed Fiji's deep gratitude for China's abundant assistance to Fiji and other Pacific island countries. Noting that Fiji holds fast to the one-China principle, he said the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative proposed by Xi are conducive to safeguarding and facilitating the development and interests of countries in the Global South. Fiji looks forward to deepening cooperation with China and helping Fiji choose and follow the path to modernization, he added. Rabuka also said China is a great country that always upholds the equality of all countries, big or small, and Fiji admires Xi's global leadership. The prime minister said he believes that in the future, China will play an increasingly important role in international affairs, and Fiji-China relations will get better and better. Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka in San Francisco, the United States, Nov. 16, 2023. (Xinhua/Ding Lin) Adv Pande is Chairman of Mah-Goa Bar Council Staff Reporter Adv Parijat Pande from Nagpur has been unanimously elected as Chairman of Maharashtra and Goa Bar Council. He will take charge from the present Chairman Adv Asif Quereshi. The election was held in Mumbai on Thursday during the meeting of the Council. Adv Pande, while talking to The Hitavada, expressed his happiness over the achievement. He said that he had some plans in his mind as Chairman and would like to steer those gradually. Silent and low profile Adv Pande is closely associated with Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). He was the active office-bearer of Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad during his student days. He is also associated with Adhivakta Parishad, an organisation working for the lawyers, for last decade. Adv Pande had won the elections of Maharashtra and Goa Bar Council as Member by clinching maximum votes. During his tenure as Member of the Bar Council, Adv Parijat Pande has been most active. He tried to introduce several schemes for the welfare of the lawyers. Adv Pande conducted workshops, seminars to bring awareness among lawyers about technological advances. He insisted to equip lawyers with various soft skills for which he came forward to organise training. Adv Pande also introduced term plan, health insurance schemes for the lawyers. Staff Reporter The district administration has carefully organised arrangements to ensure a smooth and fair conduct of the Assembly elections scheduled for Friday. Comprehensive preparations have been made at polling centers across all eight Assemblies in the district. On Thursday, the administration distributed Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machines to polling parties, with teams arriving at their designated booths by night. In a preventive measure to avert untoward incidents, the administration has implemented Section 144 across the district and declared a dry day until the conclusion of voting. To enhance voter convenience, extensive facilities have been made at all polling booths. Special provisions have been made for disabled persons, elderly and women voters, with dedicated centers established at various locations for the latter. Security arrangements too have been vigilantly planned to ensure a trouble-free election process. To prevent any instances of double voting, the administration will utilize Indelible Ink. Other necessary measures have also been taken to facilitate a peaceful, free and fair voting experience, on Friday. SECTION 144: The administration has imposed Section 144 with an aim to maintain law and order, promoting a peaceful polling environment. Prohibitory orders restrict the assembly of more than five people at public places. Additionally, owners of hostels, dharmshalas, lodges, guest houses and buildings accommodating people from outside the district boundaries have been instructed to provide relevant details to the respective police stations. DRY DAY: In adherence to the directives of the Election Commission of India, the Commercial Tax department of the State Government has declared a dry day until the conclusion of voting. Liquor shops will remain closed on the polling day and this restriction will also be applied to the counting day on December 3. The Public Representative Act prohibits the sale or distribution of addictive liquor, spirits, fermented liquids, or similar substances until the end of polling, with violators facing potential imprisonment, fines or both. INDELIBLE INK: To safeguard against the misuse of voting rights, the Election Commission is taking extra precautions in the application of Indelible ink. This ink will be marked on the index finger of the left hand of voters before they sign the register to cast their vote. Adequate drying time will be allowed to ensure a permanent mark. Any attempts to tamper with the ink mark, such as applying oil or greasy substances, will be addressed by removing such substances. Polling officers are authorized to disallow voters who refuse the ink mark or attempt to remove it, ensuring the integrity of the voting process. Dignitaries attend last rites of Subrata Roy in Lucknow LUCKNOW, THE last rites of Sahara Group chief Subrata Roy were performed at Baikunth Dham, on the banks of the Gomti river here, on Thursday. A procession carrying the body left Sahara Shahar in Gomti Nagar for Baikunth Dham, where in the presence of Sahara Group employees and a number of dignitaries, the last rites were performed. Roys sons were not present during the cremation and the last rites were performed by his 16-year-old grandson, Himanc Roy, sources in the family said. Prominent among those seen during the cremation included SP President Akhilesh Yadav, Congress leader Pramod Tiwari and actor and Congress leader Raj Babbar. Roy died of cardiorespiratory arrest in a Mumbai Hospital on Tuesday, according to a statement issued by the Sahara Group. He was 75. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Yadav had expressed grief over Roys demise. Family home attacked Hamas Political Bureau heads house in Gaza strip was used as terrorist infrastructure TEL AVIV, ISRAEL Defence Forces (IDF) has said that IDF fighter jets hit the home of Hamas Political Bureau head, Ismail Haniyeh in the Gaza strip. The IDF said that the house was used as terrorist infrastructure and a meeting point for Hamas senior leaders to direct terrorist attacks against Israel. The head of the Hamas political bureau, Ismail Haniyeh, resides in Qatar, but his family home is in the Gaza strip, The Times of Israel reported. Taking to X, the IDF stated, IDF fighter jets struck the residence of Ismail Haniyeh, the Head of Hamas Political Bureau. The residence was used as terrorist infrastructure and a meeting point for Hamas senior leaders to direct terrorist attacks against Israel. Earlier, Israel Defence Forces shared a video showing weapons inside Gazas Al Shifa Hospital. In the video posted on X, Israel Defence Forces (IDF) Lt Col Jonathan Conricus toured Al-Shifa Hospitals MRI building. In the video, he said, Were inside the MRI centre of the Shifa Hospital. Israeli troops breached here a few hours ago and we have cleared the area, made sure that its safe. A few of the most interesting things that we have found totally confirmed without any doubt that Hamas systematically uses hospitals in their military operations in violation of international law and what we have found. I think, it is only the tip of the iceberg. Let me show you a few examples. Security cameras have been obstructed, all of the security cameras are covered, and this isnt the only one. Youll see the rest of them here, he added. Conricus also said Israel Defence Forces had found a laptop in an MRI room, which is now being analysed by Israels intel personnel. He also showed medical equipment, including bandages and handgear. While sharing the video on X, the IDF stated, Watch as LTC (res.) Jonathan Conricus exposes the countless Hamas weapons IDF troops have uncovered in the Shifa Hospitals MRI building. Meanwhile, the IDF said that troops of the Nahal Brigades reconnaissance unit found and destroyed weapons and equipment belonging to Hamass naval forces in Gaza Citys al-Shati camp, The Times of Israel reported. According to the IDF, the weapons included diving equipment, firearms, and explosive devices. The IDF said paratroopers also found other weapons and explosives in the northern Gaza Strip overnight, after a gun battle with Hamas terrorists, The Times of Israel reported. According to IDF, the forces found suicide vests, other explosive devices, RPGs, anti-tank missiles, and intelligence documents. HOPES RISE New heavy-duty machine drills through 12 metres of rubble of the collapsed tunnel UTTARKASHI, A HEAVY-DUTY drilling machine bored through 12 metres of rubble of the collapsed tunnel on the Char Dham route in Uttarakhand on Thursday, raising hopes for the rescue of 40 workers trapped inside for over four days. Officials said in the evening that a six-metre section of a steel pipe had been inserted into the bored passage. Another section was being welded into it. The plan is to insert 800 mm- and 900 mm diameter pipes one after the other -- with the help of the giant drill till an escape passage is created for the workers stranded beyond the collapsed portion of the under-construction tunnel. After a smaller drilling machine failed to do the job, IAF's C-130 Hercules planes brought the US-made auger machine, in parts, from Delhi to an airport 30 kilometres away on Wednesday. The 25-tonne piece of equipment was installed overnight. Before making this fresh rescue attempt, a puja' was held outside the Silkyara tunnel on Thursday. Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways V K Singh, who visited the rescue site, set two of three days as the outer limit for the new machine to get the job done. But Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, who said Thursday that all tunnel projects in the state will now be reviewed, appeared more optimistic. "I have been told that the new drilling machine has already penetrated five to seven metres through the debris, Dhami told reporters earlier in the day in Dehradun. We hope it would soon reach the trapped workers, drilling at the rate of five to 10 metres every hour." At first, when the 30-40 metre portion of the tunnel collapsed on Sunday morning, rescue workers had tried excavating the rubble using an earth moving machine. The stretch with the debris begins 270 metres from the mouth of the tunnel at its Silkyara side. The trapped workers are safe, and being supplied with oxygen, medicines, food items and water through pipes, Navayuga Engineering Company's spokesperson G L Nath said. The company is building the tunnel on behalf of the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL). Union minister Singh talked to the trapped workers. The people's morale is high, he told reporters later, adding that they knew that the government is putting in all efforts to get them out. He said experts in the country and abroad have been consulted on the rescue operation. The minister said the site where the tunnel is being constructed has been stable for the past four and a half years. In Dehradun, the chief minister Dhami said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is constantly monitoring the situation. The Uttarakhand government has decided to review all under-construction tunnels in the state, he said. "We need such tunnels and many of them are being built in the state. We will review wherever they are being constructed," he added. A six-bed makeshift health facility has been set up and 10 ambulances with doctors also stationed outside the tunnel to provide immediate medical care to the trapped workers on their evacuation, officials said. By Kartik Lokhande AS HE sits on a chair in an open air restaurant, with river Suru flowing by, Prof Tsewang Gailtsen takes a look at the big letter display I Love Kargil. He starts finding a similarity between the cool evening breeze and the winds of change sweeping Ladakh region in general and Kargil town in particular. Instantly, he says, There is more to Kargil than war. It holds promise in terms of people and development. And, Prof Tsewang Gailtsen is right. Interacting with The Hitavada at Kargil, this erudite teacher and author of books, shed light on history of Kargil and how the Government of Indias move of granting status of Union Territory to Ladakh has ushered in a new era of development for the people. According to him, the name Kargil has evolved from Khar Rkil meaning in the middle of castles (kingdoms). For, in ancient times, it was an important location on the Silk Route. Kargil is equidistant from Srinagar, Leh, Skardu, and Padum. People in Kargil are a mix of Dard and Tibetan descent. In ancient times, major part of Kargil was referred to as Purig. The people used to speak Purgi language, and were known as Purigpa that is people of Purig. Mostly, they belong to Shia faith of Islam. But, the population also comprises Balti, Dard, Sheena, Zanskari, Buddhist, Sunni, Noorbakshi communities too. The racial stocks of Kargilis are Aryans, Dard, Tibetans, and Mongoloids. In pre-1947 times, Skardu was the oldest tehsil of Ladakh, and Kargil was a part of it. In 1965, it was closely connected with Hundurman. In 1979, Kargil became a separate district. Since then, it started witnessing some changes. However, the real change came after 1999 war. In pre-1999 era, the population of Kargil was around 5,000 only. But, the war changed a lot of things. Due to shelling and wartime troubles, people from Kaksar also shifted to Kargil. At present, the population of Kargil district is 1.25 lakh, with maximum 40000+ in Kargil town alone. Today, Kargil has become a tourist place and is buzzing with activity, says Prof Tsewang Gailtsen, who teaches Political Science at Government Model Degree College. He is National Service Scheme (NSS) Programme Officer too. During the war days in 1999, Tsewang Gailtsen was only 13 years old. That time, he lived in Garkone in Aryan Valley near Batalik. Our village also faced shelling, but to my knowledge there was no casualty. The war had projected Kargil nationally and internationally too. I realised that the world was connected, and the children from the conflict areas also should get better exposure, he says. Out of this concern, he has been trying to give more exposure to his students through literature, visits, and interaction with diverse people. He tells them that they should strive to gain knowledge as it was one wealth that no one else can steal from them. Since the Government of India granting the status of a Union Territory (UT) to Ladakh, Kargil also has been witnessing an increase in flow of tourists, generation of more employment opportunities, and a new pace to development of the region. Prof Tsewang Gailtsen agrees. Earlier, in pre-UT era, development was more Kashmir-centric. Now, thanks to the UT status, Ladakh region also is witnessing fast-paced development. Several projects including Zanskar highway, Zojila project, Manali-Zanskar Shinkula tunnel are making good progress, he says. He lists increase in Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils budget, apricots from Hardass village getting exported directly to Dubai from Leh without middlemen in Srinagar, improved road connectivity, new Government buildings, massive push to schools and healthcare as signs of change sweeping Ladakh region in general and Kargil in particular. At the same time, he does not forget to make a mention of concern of locals. According to him, with massive development push and investment coming in from outside, locals are a bit apprehensive about the outsiders also coming in and settling in Kargil and Ladakh. Barring this, people are generally happy with the UT status, he stresses. Prof Tsewang Gailtsen is a representative of the Kargil residents, who are positive towards making collective progress, broadening the horizons of understanding, and having a worldview without getting detached from the roots. So, as he departs, with books in hand, he again takes a glance at Suru river flowing by. As he turns his head towards a group of youngsters in the tourist facilitation centre in Kargil, he finds a promise for a better future for the region. Because, as he says, younger generation will script a glorious story of development of Kargil, beyond its identity so closely associated with war. The conviction is palpable in his voice. Suellas Sacking By Nitya Chakraborty THE sacking of the Home Minister Suella Braverman by the British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Monday was not unexpected as the feisty Home Minister was ignoring all the indications from the PM office for diluting her Islamophobic tone on the Israel-Hamas war which came for strong criticism even from right wing moderate Tories. Her latest comment after the Saturdays massive demonstration against the Israels Gaza war and in favour of the Palestinians, was the last straw. Any further tolerance by the PM of the indiscipline of his senior cabinet member, would have ruptured his authority as the Prime Minister. By using the sacking of Braverman to make a big overhaul of his Cabinet, Sunak gave a surprise by bringing the former Prime Minister David Cameron as the Foreign Minister. Cameron who resigned in 2015 as the PM after the Brexit referendum is known as a right moderate with good relations with both the political leaders of the western countries as also the big businesses of Europe and USA. He has his own sweet way of befriending political leaders. Sunak wants this skill of Cameron to be utilised in the next one year before the scheduled general elections by the end of 2024. In fact, Sunak has made changes in the cabinet portfolios with an eye on the next general elections. He is running out of time. The latest local polls in Britain showed the Labour Party leading with 35 per cent of the total votes as against the Conservative Party share of 26 per cent - a gap of 9 per cent. Recent opinion polls have indicated a gap ranging between 16 and 20 per cent. There is an overriding feeling in the media and the business community that the Labour Party is forming the Government after the 2024 elections. Sunak has to take appropriate actions in the next 12 months to equip his Party both organisationally and ideologically to meet the Labour challenge. The performance of the Sunak Government in dealing with price rise, joblessness and immigration issue will dominate the minds of the electorate in the coming months. The PM has to work to assuage the mood of the disgruntled so that even if the Tories are defeated in the next polls, the margin does not become bigger. As far as Suella Braverman is concerned, she was prepared for the eventuality. Earlier on many occasions, she fought with the other PMs on airing in public her strong views on the immigrants as opposed to the accepted policy of the Government... She has a big base among the conservative Tories. In the recent years, this section has been most aggrieved at the influx of the immigrants to Britain from the other countries, especially the West Asian and South Asian countries. Her comments against the Indian immigrants made her unpopular among the Indian overseas community. Other South Asian diaspora like the Pakistanis, Sri Lankan and Bangladeshis were also opposed to her. But at the same time, she was becoming a favourite of the right wing Tories and the young brigade who thought that the increasing number of the presence of immigrants in Britain, was leading to joblessness of the local people. Interestingly, Braverman has a multiple origin. Her mother is a Hindu Tamil, father a Goa-based Christian, husband a jew and she follows Buddhist practices. Among the main faiths, only Islam is missing from her family tree. That way, she belongs to a multi-religious origin. Though she is mentioned as a leader of Indian origin, she generally avoids talking about that. She does not encourage the Hindu organisations based in Britain unlike PM Sunak who publicises his Hindu religion and attends Hindu festivals. One thing is certain that she is against the Muslims. She abhors more Muslim presence in Britain. That way, the Muslims in Britain hate her. Even she had a running battle with the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan who is of Pakistan origin and is a leading figure in Labour Party. All political focus is now on what is the next step of this maverick far right leader of the Conservative Party Suella Braverman? The general view is that she is looking to tap this sacking issue to mobilise the far right base of the Conservative Party in her favour for future battle against the PM Rishi Sunak. Right now, the Tories lack a fiery leader like Braverman. Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson is going to join journalism again from next year. His group among the party MPs lacks any leader with that stature who can fight PM Sunak. The anti-Sunak MPs who are close to Boris may support Braverman if she finally emerges as a challenger. Sunak is leading the Conservative Party to the elections late next year. There is no possibility of leadership change during that period. The real fight will start if the Conservatives lose in the general elections. For Suella Braverman, the time to bid for Conservative Party leadership in Parliament will be then. (IPA) UNSC calls for pauses in Gaza By Yoshita Singh UNITED NATIONS, THE UN Security Council has called for urgent humanitarian pauses and corridors throughout Gaza to allow unhindered humanitarian access in the strip, finally overcoming deadlock and adopting a resolution in the month-long Israel-Hamas conflict. The 15-nation Council adopted a resolution on Wednesday that called for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas and other groups, especially children, as well as ensuring immediate humanitarian access. The Malta-drafted resolution was adopted with 12 votes in favour, none against and three abstentions from Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States. The resolution calls for urgent and extended humanitarian pauses and corridors throughout the Gaza Strip for a sufficient number of days to enable, consistent with international humanitarian law, the full, rapid, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access for United Nations humanitarian agencies and their implementing partners to facilitate the continuous, sufficient and unhindered provision of essential goods and services throughout the Gaza Strip. The adoption of the resolution came after four failed attempts last month in the Council to take action on allowing humanitarian access in the Israel-Hamas conflict that broke out after the militant group attacked Israel on October 7. The resolution by the US that would have affirmed the right of member states to defend themselves against threats to peace and security posed by acts of terrorism, was vetoed by Russia and China. Two resolutions by Moscow failed to get sufficient votes in their favour while the Brazil text that would have called for humanitarian pauses to allow full access for aid to the Gaza strip was vetoed by the US. Vote to strengthen, flourish Democracy Staff Reporter Chief Electoral Officer Anupam Rajan has called upon all the voters to participate in the great festival of democracy and exercise their franchise. The Chief Electoral Officer appealed to all the voters to vote and said that they should reach their polling booths on November 17 and take an active part in strengthening the Indian democracy through 100 per cent voting. He was addressing a press conference at Nirvachan Sadan, Arera Hills, Bhopal. Rajan said that the voting process will be conducted from 7 am to 6 pm on November 17. Voting will be held in some assembly constituencies of Balaghat, Mandla and Dindori districts of the state only from 7 am to 3 pm. He said that citizens are the torch-bearers of rich democratic traditions. Democracy becomes refined and flourishes only through active participation of voters. Voting has provided another opportunity to further enrich the democratic tradition and fulfill our constitutional duty. Rajan has said that free, fair and transparent election process is an important step in democracy. The vote of every voter of the state is important in the election process. Voting for Assembly Elections-2023 is on November 17. He has appealed to every voter of the State to vote freely and fearlessly. Rajan has said that in order to make the entire election process smooth, accessible and inclusive, for the first time in the State, special facilities have been provided for voting, mainly for the disabled and senior voters above 80 years of age. These voters were provided the facility to vote from home. Through the Saksham app, any disabled voter can request for a wheelchair or other assistive device. To ensure that the elderly do not have to stand in queues, they are being given the facility to vote first. Adequate arrangements for shade, drinking water and toilets have been made at all polling stations. SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- The economic interests of China and Japan, as well as their industrial and supply chains are deeply intertwined, said Chinese President Xi Jinping here Thursday, adding it is in no one's interest to engage in "small yard, high fence" and "decoupling and breaking chains." Xi made the remarks while meeting Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. Our Correspondent CHHINDWARA, Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath reached Chhindwara, where on the last day of campaigning, he took a public meeting in former Chief Minister Kamal Naths stronghold Chhindwara and targeted the Congress fiercely. Describing Congress as a big problem of the country, he said that Congress often considers the wealth of the country as the wealth of Muslims. They used to say. After Modi government came, Modi ji provided benefits of all the schemes to the poor and deprived people. He said that today the country is progressing in the entire world. He fiercely targeted Congress on the Ram Temple issue. Yogi Adityanath said in Chhindwara that the existence of Lord Ram and Shri Krishna was denied by the Congress, Kamal Nath was also a minister in this cabinet, when the affidavit of non-existence of Lord Ram in the Congress cabinet was presented in the court. He said that when we used to talk about building a temple in Ram Janma bhoomi, we were made fun of, we used to raise the slogan that we will build the temple there of Ram Lalla, we will come, we will also demolish the structure, but Congress used to make fun of it, today the temple is built. Earlier Congress used to say that they will not tell the date and the temple will be built there itself. We are telling you the date when the countrys Prime Minister, Narendra Modi will consecrate Ramlals pranpratistha in Ayodhya on January 22, 2024. Press lotus button in favour of Bunty Bhaiya and come to Ayodhya Yogi Adityanath gave a big statement from the stage regarding having darshan of Lord Ramlila in Ayodhya. He said that if you want to come to Ayodhya to have darshan of Ramlila, then press the lotus button. Send Bunty Bhaiya as MLA to Bhopal. CANBERRA, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- Researchers have discovered a new species of prehistoric eagle endemic to Australia and shed new light on the country's only known vulture. In a study published on Friday, a team from Flinders University found that Australia's only vulture -- the Cryptogyps lacertosus -- was more primitive than previously thought, lacking the soaring ability of current vultures and was still alive 60,000 years ago. While the vulture weighed up to six kg, the researchers concluded that a new species of eagle described for the first time in the study -- the Dynatoaetus pachyosteus -- grew up to 12 kg. Living between 500,000 and 200,000 years ago, the pachyosteus was second in size to the Dynatoaetus gaffae, which was described in a study published by Flinders University in March and was the largest eagle that ever lived on the Australian continent. Fossil bones from both eagle species were discovered at the World Heritage-listed Naracoorte Caves more than 300 km southeast of Adelaide. Ellen Mather, a paleontologist from Flinders University, led the teams that discovered both species and said in a media release that the two eagles likely competed for food across prehistoric southern Australia. "This new eagle species, Dynatoaetus pachyosteus, would have been similar in wingspan to a wedge-tailed eagle, now Australia's largest living eagle of prey, but its bones seem much more robust -- especially its leg bones, suggesting it was even more powerful and heavily built," she said. The Dynatoaetus genus was endemic to Australia, meaning it was not found anywhere else, but Mather said analysis suggested the species could be related to the crested serpent eagle, which can be found in the tropical jungles of southeast Asia and New Guinea, and Philippine eagle. To commemorate the discovery of the eagle species, an artwork depicting their likeness and that of the Cryptogyps lacertosus will be unveiled at the Naracoorte Caves later in November. Avoid a fire in your home over the holidays: Follow these decorating safety steps MACAO, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- A forum on mutual learning of civilizations between China and the Portuguese-speaking countries (PSCs) was held on Friday in China's Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) to explore a mechanism for cultural exchanges and civilization mutual learning between China and the PSCs. Gao Xiang, dean of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and the Chinese Academy of History, said the forum can help leverage Macao's role as a bridge and platform for cultural exchanges and mutual learning between China and the PSCs, vowing to work with relevant academic and think tank institutions of the PSCs to actively implement the Global Civilization Initiative, and make due contributions to consolidating and deepening the traditional friendship between the two sides. Liu Xianfa, commissioner of the Chinese Foreign Ministry in the Macao SAR, stressed efforts to explore the cultural commonalities between China and the PSCs, mobilize various forces to form a broad synergy, and actively support and assist the Macao SAR government and various sectors of society in expanding foreign exchanges and cooperation. Yan Zhichan, deputy director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao SAR, said the forum, held on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), is of great significance to jointly leverage Macao's role as a platform to promote cultural exchanges and mutual learning between China and the PSCs, and promote the community with a shared future for humanity. Joseph Hun-wei Lee, president of Macao University of Science and Technology (MUST), where the forum was held, hoped to present and spread the practices and values of Macao in building a community with a shared future for humanity through the forum. Some 20 scholars from Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, Portugal, Sao Tome and Principe, Timor-Leste, as well as the Chinese mainland and the Macao SAR, discussed topics such as the BRI between China and the PSCs, modernization between Brazil and China, cultural exchanges between China and Angola, and cooperation between China and Cape Verde. The forum was co-sponsored by the Chinese Academy of History, the commissioner's office, the liaison office, the Macao Foundation and the MUST. KUALA LUMPUR, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- Malaysia's state pension fund, the Employees Provident Fund (EPF), said Friday that it recorded a total investment income of 14.67 billion ringgit (3.13 billion U.S. dollars) in the third quarter of this year. EPF said in a statement that the income increased 19.37 percent from 12.29 billion ringgit recorded a year ago. Equity investments remained a significant contributor, accounting for 63 percent of the total investment income in the third quarter, with 9.17 billion ringgit generated, it said. According to EPF, the increase in income compared to the 5.89 billion ringgit recorded in the third quarter of 2022 can be attributed to the fund managers' proactive approach to realize capital gains at the beginning of the quarter, which saw some equity indices recording their best year-to-date performance, particularly for developed markets. "During the third quarter, we witnessed global equities posting a negative return, shifting significantly from the strong gains experienced in the first half of the year. The Gaza-Israel war and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict will undoubtedly contribute to an atmosphere of uncertainty and market volatility," EPF CEO Amir Hamzah Azizan said. He anticipated geopolitical risks will continue to amplify the already turbulent economic situation. Meanwhile, the firm recorded a total investment income of 47.86 billion ringgit for the first nine months of 2023, an increase of 33 percent from the 36.04 billion ringgit recorded a year ago. Out of the 47.86 billion ringgit total investment income, 4.62 billion ringgit were generated from mark-to-market gains of securities that have not been realized. (1 ringgit equals 0.21 U.S. dollar) GUANGZHOU, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- The 2023 Pearl Bay International Climate Investment and Financing Conference opened Friday in Guangzhou, the capital of southern China's Guangdong Province. Under the theme of "Climate Finance for a Better World," the two-day event aims to guide more financial resources into the climate change sector, supporting high-quality development and the green, low-carbon transformation of the economy and society. International financial institutions, experts, and scholars discussed topics such as China's solution to climate change, building a global climate finance center, and financially empowering green technology innovation. The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area serves as a new engine for China's high-quality economic development and can provide a demonstration effect and play a leading role in driving green, low-carbon development, said Leung Chun-ying, vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference. Liu Jian, vice president of Xinhua News Agency, said Xinhua has established a national financial information platform, undertaking a series of innovative practices to develop climate finance data, construct ESG national standards, and provide green finance think-tank services. The conference was hosted jointly by the People's Government of Guangdong Province, Xinhua News Agency, and the Ministry of Ecology and Environment. In addition to the main venue in Guangzhou, the conference featured three overseas branch venues in Paris, Singapore, and Dubai. Africas global bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, has been named the African Champion of the Year 2023 at the just concluded Africa Financial Industry Summit, held in Lome, Togo. The Africa Financial Industry Summit (AFIS), organized by Jeune Media Group, publishers of pan-African publications, Jeune Afrique and African Report, is largely renowned for its acknowledgment of outstanding achievements in the financial sector, and has bestowed this honour on UBA as a result of the banks exceptional contribution and significant impact in shaping the financial landscape in Africa. This huge recognition, according to the organizer, stands as a testament to the UBAs unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and its pivotal role in shaping the financial landscape across the African continent. Global Director, Trade and Supply Chain Finance, International Finance Corporation, Nathalie Louat and Chief Executive Officer, UBA Africa, Abiola Bawuah during the presentation of Award of African Champion of the Year 2023 Award to United Bank for Africa (UBA)at the just concluded Africa Financial Industry Summit, held in Lome, Togo on Thursday Managing Director of Jeune Media Group, Amir Ben Yahmed, emphasised UBA's commitment towards fostering economic growth, financial inclusion, and technological advancement, as these according to him, have worked towards positioning the bank as a true trailblazer in the African financial sector. "I will like to say that UBAs commitment to these core values resonates with the evolving needs of our continent, solidifying their position as a prominent leader in championing positive change and innovation, Yahmed said. The Executive Director/ Chief Executive Officer, UBA Africa, Abiola Bawuah, who received the award on behalf of the bank, expressed her excitement as she noted that UBA remains even more poised to contribute significantly to the economic growth and prosperity of the continent. She said, "We are honoured to be recognized as the African Champion of the Year at AFIS 2023. This achievement is a reflection of the collective efforts of our dedicated team and the trust of our valued customers. UBA remains steadfast in its commitment to driving positive change, fostering financial inclusion, and contributing to the economic development of the African continent." According to her, this prestigious recognition solidifies the banks position as a key player in the financial industry, setting new benchmarks and further establishing the bank as a pivotal force in shaping the future of banking in Africa. The award serves as a testament to UBA's continuous pursuit of excellence, resilience, and its proactive role in advancing the financial sector for the benefit of all stakeholders, she added. UBA is a leading pan-African financial institution, offering banking services to more than thirty-seven million customers across 1,000 business offices and customer touch points in 20 African countries. With presence in New York, London, and Paris and now the UAE, UBA is connecting people and businesses across Africa through retail, commercial and corporate banking, innovative cross-border payments and remittances, trade finance and ancillary banking services. The Africa Financial Industry Summit (AFIS) is an annual event that recognizes and celebrates outstanding achievements in the financial industry across Africa. AFIS brings together industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss key trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the future of finance in Africa. Nigerian government has clarified that it has not yet signed the much talked about partnership agreement with the European Union. The government therefore confirmed its absence at the signing of the Samoa Agreement, a partnership between the member countries of the Organisation of Africa, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) and the European Union (EU). The Samoa agreement is intended to serve as an overarching legal framework for relations between the African, Caribean and Pacific states (ACP) and the EU for the next 20 years and was slated to be signed on November 15 (Wednesday). The partnership is one of the oldest and most comprehensive frameworks for cooperation between the EU and third countries and succeeds the Cotonou Agreement which was signed in 2000. Member states of the pact comprise 47 African countries, including Nigeria, 16 from the Caribbean, 15 Pacific nations, and the Republic of Maldives. In a shock move, Nigeria announced on Thursday that it was absent from the agreements signing. A statement signed by Francisca Omayuli, spokesperson for the ministry of foreign affairs, said stakeholders were still studying the agreement. The attention of the Federal Government of Nigeria has been drawn to diverse pronouncements and publications on the implication of Nigeria signing the New Partnership Agreement, known as the Samoa Agreement, between the Member States of the Organization of Africa, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) and the European Union (EU), the statement reads. Omayuli added that the general public is invited to note that Nigeria was not represented at the Signing Ceremony, which took place in Samoa on Wednesday, 15th November 2023 and hence has not signed the Agreement. Relevant Nigerian stakeholders are currently studying the Instrument with a view to ensuring that its provisions do not contravene Nigerias domestic legislation, she said. The agreement covers subjects such as sustainable development and growth, human rights and peace and security. However, a coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) has protested against Nigerias participation in the agreement, describing the pact as deceptive. ANKARA, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- The Turkish National Intelligence Organization (MIT) killed a senior member of the Syrian Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) in a cross-border operation in northern Syria, semi-official Anadolu Agency reported on Friday. The "neutralized" Ali Subasi, codenamed Idris Serhat, allegedly was the "ideological field manager" of the group in northern Syria, Anadolu quoted anonymous sources as saying. Turkish authorities often use the term "neutralize" in their statements to imply the "terrorists" in question surrendered or were killed or captured. According to MIT, Subasi was active in Turkiye, Iran and Iraq. He acted as a senior member of the YPG in the region during Turkiye's "Operation Olive Branch" in northern Syria. The Turkish army launched Operation Euphrates Shield in 2016, Operation Olive Branch in 2018, Operation Peace Spring in 2019, and Operation Spring Shield in 2020 in northern Syria in order to create a YPG-free zone along its border with the neighboring country. The Turkish intelligence also has intensified cross-border operations in Iraq and Syria. Turkiye sees the YPG group as the Syrian branch of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). The PKK, listed as a terrorist organization by Turkiye, the United States and the European Union, has rebelled against the Turkish government for more than three decades. Two more suspects were arrested by Baruipur District Police today in connection with the murder of Trinamul Congress leader Saifuddin Lashkar in Joynagar. Baruipur Police sources said that one Anisur Lashkar, who is said to be a CPM leader and the main accused, was on the run along with the two following the murder of Saifuddin. Police sources claimed that Anisur was the prime suspect and was under scanner ever since an FIR was lodged by the family of the deceased. Anisurs name along with three others, suspected to be behind the killing, featured in the FIR. Superintendent of Police, Baruipur district, at a press conference told news persons that Anisur, was the prime suspect and was on the run since the murder of Saifuddin Lashkar. He was arrested from Ranaghat, Nadia following tracking of the last tower location of his mobile. The police chief also claimed that the arrested CPM leader had confessed his alleged complicity in the murder of the Trinamul leader during the course of interrogation and was arrested based on concrete evidence found against him. On the motive behind the murder, the police said it was still to be ascertained and investigation and interrogation of the trio would reveal the real motive behind the murder. Two bikes, which were allegedly used by the assailants during the murder of Saifuddin, met with an accident after a marauding mob tailed the bikers and caught one of them and lynched him. The death of the Trinamul leader snowballed into a political slugfest. Advertisement While the Trinamul Congress alleged the murder was the handiwork of the CPM, the CPM claimed it to be the fallout of an internal bickering of the ruling Trinamul Congress over the alleged distribution of proceeds of crime. Media advisor of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) warned on Thursday that the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip is worsening. Produced by Xinhua Global Service In an unheard-of incident, a nurse at the state-run NRS Medical College Hospital handed over two amputated legs of a patient to his elder brother raising questions on the disposal system of bio-medical wastes generated at the premier teaching hospital. A senior administrative officer of the hospital said, I have heard about the incident and am looking into it. Post-surgical amputated parts of patients are given to their relatives if the latter demand. But proper counselling of patients relatives should be organized by the medical staff, including concerned doctors and nurses, before handing over post-surgical body parts of patients. In this case I will have to find out what actually happened on that day. The incident occurred on Monday when Md Raj, a resident of Tangra in the city got stuck in the gap between a train and platform at Lakshmikantapur station in South 24-Parganas. Both legs of Raj were severely injured. He was rushed to NRS Medical College Hospitals emergency ward by his friends. Advertisement Doctors at the emergency amputated both his legs considering the seriousness of his injuries. Family members of Raj alleged that a nurse in the operation theatre (OT) surprisingly handed over the amputated legs to his elder brother to take it home. The elder brother, along with the two amputated legs, came out of the OT and met Raj at the general ward where the latter was shifted to postsurgery. But another nurse in the general ward saw the elder brother carrying the two legs talking to the patient. The elder brother along with the legs got out of the ward after the nurse rebuked him. But guards caught him at the gate with his legs. Policemen took him to the emergency OT and seized the body parts from him. Sources at the hospital said that the amputated legs have been sent to the police morgue inside the hospital premises for post-mortem. Taking lessons from the incident, the hospital authorities have decided to streamline the bio-medical waste disposal process so that no such case can happen again, the sources said requesting anonymity. The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) apprehended a Pakistani woman (62) and her 11- year- old son as they were trying to cross the Indo-Nepal border yesterday during routine checking. The SSB after primary interrogation handed them over to the Kharibari Police Station under Siliguri subdivision in Darjeeling district. The Darjeeling police after primary interrogation have arrested them and produced the woman before the Court of the Additional Judicial Magistrate in Siliguri with a prayer for seven days police custody for further interrogation and investigation. The police strongly opposed her bail plea apprehending that she may flee the area forever. Infiltration and exhilaration continue unabated along Indo-Nepal border especially via Panitanki- Kakarvitta in Darjeeling district. According to both the SSB and the police, many people from foreign countries Bangladesh, Pakistan, China and other European countries tried to enter into India territory illegally from Nepal. Notably, the entire IndoNepal border is porous and a group of racketeers is active to help those foreign nationals for entering Indian territory without valid papers. Just to check infiltration of foreign national the SSB deployed at PanitankiKakarvitta corridor has imposed strict vigilance and restrictions since last year. Advertisement According to police records, the Pakistani woman, identified as Shaista Hanif, wife of Muhammad Hanif, is a resident of Gahanmer Street, Sarafa Bazar in Karachi. Her son is Aryan Hanif. Ms Hanifa confessed before the police that a group of people helped her enter India via Panitanki. Ms Hanifa took flight from Jyadda Abdul Aziz airport to Kathmandu via Delhi on 11 November this year by managing tourist visa, which was issued on 5 November 2023. Her passport was issued on 29 May 2022. She stayed in Kathmandu with passport and left for Kakarvitta with her son by bus on 14 November. After arriving in Kakarvitta she tried to cross the Indo-Nepal border via Panitanki on 15 November. The 41 Battalion SSB officials, during their routine checking, asked her to show identity proof. Having failed to show her identity as Nepal or Indian citizen, the woman finally disclosed her plan to cross the Indo Nepal border. Sources said she with her son wanted to go to Kolkata to meet her relatives. The police are verifying her statements and other documents she produced before the police. The police appealed before the Court that they would begin verification of her statements and documents which are important for further investigation of the case and especially to identify the rackets, who helped her, just to stop the influx of anti National elements, who are entering Indian mainland via this route from Nepal. The Kharibari Police Station has registered a case (No 312/ 1023 / 15-11-2023) under Section 14 ( A) Foreigners Act. Police also seized belongings, papers including passports and mobile phone. The police seized 1,00,00 Nepali currency, Rs 16,000, Euro 6 and Riyal 16 from her possession. The Darjeeling police have also plan to verify Pakistani passport, Visa and identity her travel agents, sources said . The Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate has remanded the Pakistani woman for seven days police custody for thorough investigation. Significantly, the advocate of the lady, Sayan Ghosh Dastidar claimed that the Pakistani lady was originally a resident of Silchar in Assam. As she was in Mumbai, she was trapped by a group of people. She had to leave for Pakistan with them. Her name is Gouri Deb. She managed to escape herself and was returning to meet her family members in India. We want a thorough investigation to unearth the truth, Mr Ghosh Dastidar said. Interestingly, the lady can speak Bengali very well. I wanted a visa for India but I could not manage it in Pakistan, she said. The Delhi government has declared dry day on Sunday as a mark of reverence for the pious Chhath festival. In an order issued on Thursday, the excise department directed all liquor shops to remain closed on 19 November in view of Surya Shashti (Chhath Puja) which would be observed by devotees on the day. The department has also asked all liquor vendors to exhibit the order at a place in their outlets where it can be easily seen and noticed by the people. Advertisement All the licensees shall exhibit this order at some conspicuous place of their licensed premises and keep their business premises closed on the day, the order said. Meanwhile, the Delhi government has readied hundreds of ghats where devotees can pay their obeisance to the Sun God. The government is also making arrangements for light, tents and other facilities at the ghats for the convenience of devotees. Government officials have been asked to ensure all facilities are in place at the various ghats. Besides, they have also been directed to ensure security of Chhath devotees. Delhi minister Atishi personally inspected arrangements for the Chhath Puja so that devotees did not face any inconvenience. Chhath is an important festival, especially for the natives of Eastern UP and Bihar who celebrate the festival with gaiety and fervour. Aggrieved family members of the victim who died while in Amherst Street police station, allegedly due to police torture have moved the Calcutta High Court today. They are demanding his post-mortem in a central government hospital like All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS) in any city across the country and release of CCTV footage of the incident inside the police station to probe the mystery behind the unnatural case. A middle-aged man Ashoke Kumar Singh, a native of Bihar residing at Patuatola Lane, died after being called at the Amherst Street police station on charge of theft of a mobile phone. Singhs family members alleged that he succumbed to police torture at the thana. But police denied the charge and said he had a sudden bout of seizure and collapsed. The incident created tension in College Street area after angry relatives and local residents blocked road on Wednesday night to protest against his unnatural death. They approached the Division Bench of Calcutta High Courts chief Justice TS Sivagnanam and Justice Hiranmay Bhattacharya. They also demanded that the entire process of the post-mortem should be videographed. The Division Bench has admitted the petition and the matter is expected to be heard either on the second half on Thursday or on Friday. The petitioners apprehend that in case the postmortem is done at any staterun hospital there is a high possibility of the report getting fabricated to destroy evidence on this count. Advertisement The victims family members have alleged that he was summoned to the police station after being accused of purchasing a stolen mobile phone. He went to the police station on Wednesday afternoon and after some time, his family members were informed by the police that he had expired at the police station. Bijay, a nephew of the deceased, told the media that after being informed by the police, his wife Rajani rushed to the police station. There she saw my uncles body lying in the police station premises. She even spotted injury marks on his body. It was evident that the cops had beaten him up during interrogation, which led to his death, said the nephew. According to police, postmortem report revealed that there was no evidence of injury marks on the deceaseds body. It was a case of natural death because he had history of several ailments. He had suffered cerebral attack on Wednesday. The post-mortem was conducted in the Medical College Hospital morgue. Renowned filmmaker Martin Scorsese, celebrated for his cinematic brilliance, has recently found himself unwittingly thrust into the limelight of social media stardom, thanks to his daughter Francescas ingenious maneuvering. The 81-year-old director, best known for masterpieces like Taxi Driver and The Wolf of Wall Street, is now a surprising participant in the TikTok craze, despite the platform being banned in India. In a candid interview with the Los Angeles Times, Scorsese shared the amusing tale of how he was charmingly hoodwinked by Francesca into creating TikTok videos that have captured the attention of millions. Nonchalantly dressed in his pajamas, Scorsese disclosed how his daughter routinely coerces him into impromptu father-daughter video collaborations. While engaging in his day-to-day activities at home, Scorsese becomes the unwitting star of Francescas TikTok escapades. Im at home doing things, and she comes up to me and says, Dad, look over here and tell me this. So Im in my pajamas She said, Well, its a thing theyre doing. Whos they? She says, Everybodys doing it. Its a thing called TikTok. All right. All right,' explained the legendary director. Advertisement A recent TikTok video featuring Martin Scorsese caused a stir as fans were astonished to witness him ranking 2014s Birdman above 1967s classic The Good, the Bad and the Ugly in the apps movie bracket feature. The unsuspecting Scorsese confessed, I was tricked into that. That was a trick. I didnt know those things go viral. They say viral. I didnt know. Despite TikTok being inaccessible in India, where the platform is banned, the charm of Scorseses videos has transcended borders, with his daughter sharing them on alternative social media platforms. The internet is abuzz with delight as it witnesses the acclaimed director stepping out from behind the scenes to take center stage in the amusing world of TikTok, all thanks to the playful antics of his daughter Francesca. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday said the pace at which the AAP is growing, the day is not far it will leave the BJP and Congress behind and form the government in the country. He was addressing an AAP workers programme here where all its parliamentarians, legislators and councilors along with party workers took part. Kejriwal said is is natural that big allegations are being leveled against it as the party expands its influence. Advertisement In a dig at the Centre, he claimed the Modi government realized it cannot defeat the AAP so they hatched a conspiracy in the form of the liquor policy scam. He further said he has been discussing with party leaders including MPs and MLAs on whether he should resign from the post of chief minister or run the government from jail, if the situation comes and he is arrested in connection with the ongoing liquor probe. I dont have any lust for power. I resigned from the post on the 49th day. Nobody asked for my resignation. But we have to ensure that we dont get trapped in BJPs conspiracies, Kejriwal said. He further urged his party workers to take peoples opinion on this, and further asked his party workers to go door to door and seek opinion from every house in Delhi in this regard. Further addressing the congregation of party workers, he congratulated everyone saying that the AAP is now the third-largest party in the country. Meanwhile, after receiving summons from the ED in connection with the liquor policy case, Delhi Chief Minister has earlier held meetings with the Delhi leaders, including all the MLAs and also had a separate meeting with the municipal councilors discussing the same subject and alleged conspiracies against AAP, and also his arrest that could take place. This congregation included all the MP, MLAs and councilors of AAP in Delhi. A day after Punjab Police declared a statewide red alert and threatened to take legal action against anyone caught engaging in stubble burning, the state saw 1,271 farm fire cases, a decrease of 1273. The burning of crop residue can attract legal action against violators. Thursday saw 2,544 farm fire incidents reported, which is the second-highest number for a single day this season. With the additional cases, there are now 31,932 farm fires reported overall. In contrast, 46,822 cases of stubble burning were reported during the same period in 2022a 32% decrease from the previous year. In the last five days, the state has received reports of 8,202 farm fires. Tuesday saw 1,776 cases of stubble burning in the state, Monday saw 1,624 cases, and Sunday saw 987 cases (Diwali). On November 5, the greatest number of farm fires (3,230) were reported. With 237 stubble burning incidents, Moga was the district with the highest number, followed by Bathinda (170 farm fires), Barnala 145, Sangrur 129, Ferozepur 77, and Faridkot 113. With an AQI of 367, Bathinda is still the states most polluted city. Advertisement The air quality index (AQI) in Delhi reached 401 on Wednesday. The Punjab government was compelled to enact stringent regulations against stubble burning as a result of the Supreme Courts stern response to air pollution in Delhi and the rest of North India. But the measures have made things more difficult for Punjab farmers. Disappointed with the punitive measures regarding stubble burning, several Punjabi farmer unions declared that they would stage protests in the state on November 20. The Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan governments were urged by the apex court to ensure that crop residue burning was stopped forthwith on November 7. The court stated that it could not allow people to die as a result of pollution Voting in all the 230 assembly seats in the crucial Madhya Pradesh assembly election would take place in a single phase on 17 November. According to the Election Commission (EC), a total of 2,533 candidates are in fray. Of these, 2,280 are men, 252 women and one from the third gender. The EC has set up 64,626 polling booths across the state for the voting process. Of these, 98 booths are located in three Naxal-affected districts of Balaghat, Dindori and Mandla. Advertisement The ruling BJP and the main opposition Congress are the only two parties that are contesting all the 230 seats. On the other hand, the Bahujan Samaj Party is contesting 181 seats, the Samajwadi Party 71 and the Aam Aadmi Party 66. The AAP is the only party with a third gender candidate as well. While a maximum of 38 candidates are vying for victory in the Ater seat, only three candidates are in fray in the Sendhwa constituency. Nearly 5.6 crore electorate would decide the fate of the contestants in the election. Of these, more than 2.87 crore are male and about 2.72 crore female. The number of third gender voters is around 1,300. The voting would be held from 7 AM to 6 PM at 64,528 polling booths across the state. However, on 98 booths falling in the Naxal areas, including 55 in Dindori district, 40 in Mandla district and three in Balaghat district, voting would be held from 7 AM to 3 PM only. Meanwhile, a state government employee on polling duty died due to heart attack in the Betul district. According to reports, the deceased, identified as Bhimrao, was deployed at booth number 123 in the Girls School in Multai town under the Multai constituency of Betul district. BharatPe co-founder Ashneer Grover and his wife Madhuri Jain were stopped at the Delhi airport from traveling to New York, a media report said on Friday. The couple was stopped following a lookout circular (LOC) issued against them at the request of the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Delhi Police in connection with alleged misuse of funds of Resilient Innovations Private Ltd that runs BharatPe. The fintech company had claimed that the Grover family used Rs 81 crore of its money for their personal expenditure. Advertisement In a status report submitted to the Delhi High Court, the EOW stated that there were mismatches in vendor invoices, and some human resource (HR) companies working with BharatPe were formed just to siphon off the companys money. It said an invoice for Rs 39.9 lakh raised on August 7, 2019 was associated with a bank account created on August 22, 2019. The report suggested these invoices were likely falsified later to facilitate fund diversion and to siphon money from BharatPe. Taking it to social media platform X, Grover said he would be the last man standing after BharatPe. He cited the responses of various institutions denying the alleged charges in the ongoing investigations against him. An FIR was registered against Grover, wife Madhuri Jain and family members after the Delhi High Court refused to open an investigation following the complaint lodged by BharatPe in the Rs 81 crore fraud. Notably, BharatPe had filed the complaint against Grover and his wife in 2022, alleging fraud, criminal breach of trust, conspiracy, cheating, forgery and destruction of evidence, leading to a major rap sheet for the former BharatPe managing director. Noting that institutionalised care of elderly people is the need of the hour, Saurabh Garg, Secretary, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment on Friday said the Union government is running more than 640 old age homes in around 360 districts in the country. It is an old concept in mind and also suitable to cultural traditions that aging at home is commonly accepted and encouraged. But at the same time institutionalised care is somewhat which is needed and required and as time goes by it would be needed in a much greater way, the Secretary said at 4th ASLI Ageing fest. The Association of Senior Living India (ASLI) is a premier national voluntary membership association that addresses the needs of the ageing population by establishing communication platforms that educate seniors about the diverse models of structured care available and the essential principles of quality care. Advertisement Garg also mentioned the Seniorcare Aging Growth Engine (SAGE) programme, which was launched two years back for the elderly people. The SAGE programme and SAGE portal were launched with a view to help such persons who are interested in entrepreneurship in the field of providing services for elderly care. He apprised that since the launch of the portal, they have received 90 applications. One is making automated devices for home dialysis, another one is trying to make cost-effective tests for elderly people, he said. Dr. Vinod K Paul, Member (Health), NITI Aayog, who was the chief guest at the ASLI Ageing fest, emphasised the fact that 50 per cent of elderly people are women and the companies working in the field of elderly care should focus on this fact. Fifty per cent of elderly are women, they have special needs, care, privacy, mental health, and special situations. So lets not forget about specific solutions for our elderly people, especially women. You should bring affordable gender-specific solutions, Dr Paul asserted. Adarsh Narahari, Chairman, ASLI said his association is actively fostering industry growth by organising regular industry meetings and programmes that are aimed at enhancing operational standards, sharing best practices, and raising awareness about the senior care sector. BEIJING, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- China's Ministry of National Defense will host the fifth Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Defense and Security Forum from Nov. 20 to 29, the ministry announced Friday. The event will welcome defense officials, experts, and scholars from SCO member states, observer states, and dialogue partner countries. Themed around the three global initiatives and regional defense and security cooperation, the forum features expert lectures, discussions, and site visits. It aims to enhance mutual understanding and trust among the militaries of participating countries, collectively explore and deliberate on ways and means to deepen defense and security cooperation within the SCO framework, and contribute positively to the building of a closer SCO community with a shared future, according to the ministry. In fresh allegations against Delhi Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar, Vigilance Minister Atishi has claimed he illegally benefited his son in procuring a tender from the city government, sources said on Friday. In a report submitted to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, the minister alleged that the company of Kumars son Karan Chauhan was entrusted with the work of preparing a software by the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS) which operates under the Delhi government. It is alleged that the said company MetaMix wrongly made gains to the tunes of crores in the said project. Advertisement According to sources, the company was formed recently and it lacked the relevant experience in developing the said artificial intelligence software. The vigilance minister has also recommended that the agreement between the company and ILBS hospital shall be terminated, and the matter be referred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), they said. ILBS is run by a governing council which consists of senior IAS officers, professors, doctors and other experts from different fields. The council is constituted by the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi. On Thursday, the Delhi government had recommended a CBI-ED probe into the chief secretarys alleged role in the land acquisition scam on Dwarka Expressway. Accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of trying to divide the Dalit community, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday slammed him saying that with two-third majority the BJP could have straight away brought an Ordinance and implement the sub-catogorisation of SC reservation for Madigas but promised to form only a committee with an eye at polls. The Congress is trying to get the entire Scheduled Caste votes in its kitty but the BJP has upset its applecart by promising to look into the demand of sub categorization of the SC reservation. In a bid to woo the numerically strong Madigas, the Prime Minister promised to look into their demand for sub-categorisation since the Malas who are also Dalits have primarily benefited from reservation though they are less in number. Whether it is Malas or Madigas, all will get their rights; we dont believe in trampling on others to benefit another community. We are the ones who made the Constitution to ensure everybody has equal rightsThis type of people provoke the public but says that we should be unitedWhy are you saying that you will form committee. You have two-third majority, bring out an Ordinance and implement it. Didnt we do the same during formation of Telangana, said the Congress president after releasing the Congress manifesto. Advertisement Kharge slammed both Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for working together to defeat the Congress. Prime Minister Modis voice has turned feeble against KCR and even KCR who went to Maharashtra to expand his party has gone easy on Modi even if Modi and KCR together try their best Congress is coming to power because people have understood the scams here, he said. He also warned the Congress leaders that they must implement the six poll guarantees after coming to power. Otherwise the High Command will consider a change in chief ministers post. All the decisions to implement the six guarantees should be taken in the first Cabinet meeting of the new Congress government. If you dont do it, then we will say You are not able to do it, get someone else, warned Kharge. The Congress in its manifesto promised uninterrupted free power for 24 hours. Apart from six guarantees, the Congress manifesto Abhaya Hastam has promises galore including 10 gms gold and Rs one lakh during marriage for girls. The party also promised that all vacant teacher posts will be filled within six months. Auto rickshaw drivers will get financial assistance of Rs 12,000 per year and young girls above the age of 18 will get electric scooters for higher education. Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai, while speaking on the issue of air pollution, said on Friday that the entire northern region is experiencing the problem besides the national capital, and has sought centres intervention to help manage the situation. Rai stressed on the fact that the issue cannot be resolved only if Delhi becomes active, as the problem was affecting entire north India, further requesting the Central government to intervene. Expressing hope, Rai said, if similar measures will be taken in all states across north India, the impact will be visible in Delhi. Advertisement The Minister also requested Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav to conduct a meeting of the concerned environment ministers of the northern states in view of the problem, as he spoke to the media on Friday over the issue. Rai further said he checked the pollution levels across places in the northern states this morning and found that several districts in the adjoining NCR states are reeling under severe and very poor air categories, including UP, Haryana and rajasthan. In Haryana, 12 districts are facing spiked air pollution, while there are 14 districts in Rajasthan and several districts, especially in Western Uttar Pradesh also battling a similar bad air situation, the minister said. Rai stressed on the fact that the issue cannot be resolved only if Delhi becomes active, as the problem was affecting entire north India, further requesting the central government to intervene. Expressing hope, Rai said that if similar measures will be taken in all states across north India, the impact will be visible in Delhi. He mentioned about the six member special task force formed by the Delhi government on Thursday aimed towards strict implementation of Graded Response Action Plan(GRAP)- IV measures and its monitoring. The in-charge of the task force is the Special Secretary Environment. He said that the Delhi government is seriously and strictly implementing the GRAP as well as measures under the winter action plan to curb the pollutants in Delhi in a bid to make the situation better. Earlier, in the week, Rai had said that the government could consider decisions on the odd- even scheme and artificial rain if the air quality hits the severe plus mark in the national capital. Meanwhile, the Environment Minister had said that wind speed is likely to remain low for the coming day, as a result of which the pollution will likely remain stagnant. In the run-up to the assembly elections, the Congress published its manifesto for the people of Telangana on Friday. The party outlined six promises in total that will guarantee realizing the dream of Bangaru Telangana. We created Telangana and we will not let the struggle and sacrifice of the movement go in vain due to the Commission Raj and loot of BRS, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said ahead of releasing the manifesto. According to Kharge, his party is committed to giving Telanganas citizens social justice, economic empowerment, and unrestricted advancement. Advertisement Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah is likely to release the BJPs manifesto on Saturday, during his visit to the state to attend election rallies in Nalgonda, Gadwal, and Warnagal. Voting in Telangana is scheduled for November 30. On December 3, there will be a vote count. Three of the six guarantees are Mahalakshmi scheme as per which Rs 2,500 per month financial assistance will be given to women in Telangana, gas cylinders at Rs 500, and free travel for women in and girls in the state transport buses. Also, under the Rythu Bharosa scheme, the Congress made a commitment of an annual financial assistance of Rs 15,000 to the farmers, Rs 12,000 per year to farm labourers, and a bonus of Rs 500 per quintal for paddy over and above the MSP. The Indiramma housing scheme promises a piece of land and Rs 5 lakh for construction of house for homeless poor, besides a 250 square yard plot for house for the families of martyrs. The Gruhajyothy scheme promises 200 units of free electricity to all the poor household, while a health insurance cover of up to Rs 10 lakh and Rs 4,000 pension to the poor under the Cheyutha scheme. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has said all under construction tunnel projects in the state will be reviewed. His statement to review tunnel projects assumes significance in the light of the collapse of Silkyara-Barkot tunnel on Yamunotri Highway in which 40 construction workers have been trapped for more than five days. The Chief Minister said: The assessment of load carrying capacity of the hill towns in the Himalayan state is already being done. Now this exercise will also incorporate revision of the tunnel projects across the state. Advertisement Dhami said that the Prime Ministers office (PMO) is directly monitoring the rescue operation of 40 trapped workers inside the Yamunotri Highway tunnel at Silkyara Village. He said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to him and sought feedback on rescue works at the site. Meanwhile, the tunnel construction nodal agency and Central government PSU National Highways and Infrastructure Development Company Limited (NHIDCL) has informed that escape passage works to evacuate the trapped workers have reached the halfway mark. A bulletin issued by the company said that four pipes measuring 22 meters have been placed while a fifth pipe is in progress. Excavation with shotcreting of 40 meters of the collapsed tunnel is under progress, cavities formed 10 meters above the crown on both left and right sides and chimney formation started along the tunnel, said the NHIDCL bulletin. The tunnel construction nodal agency informed all the stranded workers are safe as communicated by them.water, food, oxygen, electricity all are available with the workforce trapped inside the tunnel. Small food packets have also been pumped inside the tunnel through one pipe with thf compressed air. The confirmed the receipt of food items. As many as 40 tunnel workers are trapped inside the tunnel that crumbled owing to the landslide on November 12 early morning. They have not been able to come out for more than five days despite rescue operations being monitored by the PMO from Delhi and experts from multiple national and international agencies on the ground. As voting for the second phase of Chhattisgarh Assembly polls began early on Friday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah urged voters to cast their franchise in maximum numbers to elect a government that will ensure development, justice and welfare of the poor to end appeasement and corruption in the state. Shah took to his official handle on X, a few hours after the voting for the second phase started in Chhattisgarh for the remaining 70 seats. Voting for the first phase in Chhattisgarh for 20 seats was held on November 7. I appeal to all the voters of the second phase of Chhattisgarh elections to vote in maximum numbers to elect a government that will ensure development, justice and welfare of poor by ending appeasement and corruption in the state. Your one vote will ensure Chhattisgarhs culture, tribal pride and womens safety, Shah posted on X. The battle in Chhattisgarh is primarily between the ruling Congress and the BJP. During the campaign phase, the state saw the top leaders of both parties, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Bhupesh Bahgel, holding extensive public meetings to put forward their parties agenda and have a go at the other. Advertisement The BJP, which ruled the state continuously between 2003 and 2018, is seeking to wrest Chhattisgarh from the incumbent Congress government led by CM Bahgel. Prominent candidates in the fray include Baghel, state Assembly Speaker Charandas Mahant, Deputy Chief Minister TS Singh Deo and BJP state president Arun Sao. Polling will continue till 3 pm, while voting in nine polling stations of Bindranavagarh Assembly constituency will be held from 7 am to 3 pm. For Chhattisgarh, over 18,800 polling stations have been set up for the second phase of polling. A total of 958 candidates are in the fray across the 70 seats. Adequate security arrangements have been made to ensure peaceful and fair elections. The electorate in the state comprises over two crore voters. The counting of votes has been scheduled for December 3. Katchatheevu is a mirage that keeps coming to the Tamil people like an unasked-for vada with masala dosa when elections are around the corner. The island occupies an area of 285-acres and has no fresh water. It was unilaterally handed over to Sri Lanka by the Indira Gandhi government in 1974. Tamil political leaders are now demanding the return of this small island, which has been used by Tamil fishermen for decades to relax and dry fishing nets. The only building on the island is the Roman Catholic Church named after Saint Anthony. The Sri Lankan government allows about 3,000 people a year to attend the feast of Saint Anthony, the most beloved of Tamil Christians, without visas or passports. The Tamils have demanded to get hold of their holy land and its premises, currently under the Jaffna Diocese. This island and its surroundings were under the old princely state of Ramnad. The dispute over the fishing traffic around this island, which is only 24 km from Rameswaram, is affecting India-Sri Lanka relations. Hundreds of Indian fishermen had violated the maritime boundary and were thrown into Sri Lankan prisons. Fishermen from Rameswaram, Nagapattinam, Cuddalore, and Karakal have historically used Katchatheevu to dry their cloth nets, in addition to using it as a pitstop. The island was handed over by the Union government authorities, unbeknownst to the Tamil Nadu state assembly. The State government has been strongly emphasising their interest in the island and has been demanding that Katchatheevu be made part of Indias territory. Advertisement The claim over Katchatheevu was relinquished by Mrs Gandhi to the then Sri Lankan President Sirimavo Bandaranaike, while discussing and negotiating the maritime boundary in the Palk Strait. Historically, the land under the custody of the Raja of Ramnad, was ceded to the Madras Presidency during British rule. Ramanathapuram, after Independence, came under the Tamil Nadu state government and the need of retaining the territorial integrity was strongly felt by the Tamil leaders. M. Karunanidhi, then chief minister of Tamil Nadu wrote to Indira Gandhi on the Ramnad links with Katchatheevu island. The public was then not bothered by the agreement as it did not specify the fishing rights in the waters. The fishing business was carried on as usual until the Emergency period. In 1976, the state governments powers were dismissed and a solitary finalisation was made on the boundary, without the deliberation of the state assembly or Parliament. Exclusive Economic Zones were marked beyond the respective boundaries and the practice of fishing in the other countrys territorial waters was restricted. However, during the civil war era, the fishermen could easily cross boundaries, thanks to the liberties extended by the LTTE group, which had occupied the northern part of Sri Lanka. In 2008, Chief Minister Jayalalitha revived the issue by moving the Supreme Court seeking to nullify the 1974 and 1976 Katchatheevu agreements. The resolution of the civil war in 2009 complicated things for fishermen. The countries strengthened their maritime security and the fishermen who accidently crossed the territorial waters illegally were imprisoned and umpteen negotiation talks had to be conducted for their release. Each time, Tamil Nadu brought up the need to re-acquire the island. The issue was sentimental. In 2014, the Central government reiterated that the Katchatheevu island territorial claim was a settled issue and that the fishermen from India were to adhere to the agreement by not fishing in Sri Lankan waters. It said so while replying to the Madras high court on a PIL. It was stated that while fishing was prohibited, the use of the island for resting, net drying and for attending St. Anthonys festival had been sustained. The following year, Ranil Wickramasinghe, Sri Lankan prime minister, sparked controversy for his statement that Indian fishermen who crossed the waters may be shot. The aquatic life in the Indian shelf saw a plummet through the years and this would result in native fishermen, who largely depended on the marine resources, sailing beyond territories to catch fish in Sri Lankan waters. The Sri Lankan government was also concerned about the resources being depleted within their boundaries. This added to the tensions amidst the arrests and talks. In August 2023, Tamil Nadu chief minister M. K. Stalin brought up the issue while addressing a fishermans conference in Ramanathapuram district. He asked the Prime Minister for the retrieval of the islet. Stalin also wrote a letter to the PM, in which he mentioned the impact of the unconsented transfer of Katchatheevu to Sri Lanka and the deprivation of the rights of fishermen. Tamil Nadu views the land as an integral part of its national conscience, and ever since the Sri Lankan civil war, the issue has been on the agenda in Tamil politics. Prime Minister Modi, in his speech in Parliament had used Katchatheevu to counterattack the opposition on their remarks on Bharat Mata. Somebody gave it (Katchatheevu) to another country. It happened under the leadership of Indira Gandhi. Wasnt that a part of Maa Bharati? he asked. Attorney General Mukul Rohtagi had said in the Supreme Court during the 2014 appeal, with reference to the 1974 agreement: How can it be taken back today? If you want Katchatheevu back, you will have to go to war to get it back. The product of a 14th century volcanic eruption, Katchatheevu serves to be a little more than just a tiny island. Central to many civil rights violations and strains in foreign relations, the island once only significant to devotees of St. Anthony is now looked at as an instrument of diplomacy. Though legally a settled matter as per the Indo-Sri Lankan Maritime Agreement, it lurks unsettled in the minds of native Indian Tamils. The ritualistic Sri Lankan arrests of Indian fishermen do not help matters. The Katchatheevu issue stands at a complicated juncture as it projects regional dissatisfaction within the country over an international issue. The nature of the issue can be a ticking bomb as it affects coastal life and maritime security. The issue was settled without consultation or a platform for opinion, nor was it ever given a space for healthy debate. It is, thus, an issue of local, regional, national and coastal pre-eminence and should be at the forefront of the non-traditional security resolvers green book. (The writer is Associate Professor, Centre For South Asian Studies, Pondicherry Central University.) Minorityism, as a social and political principle, was first propounded and popularized by John Bordley Rawls (1921-2002), an American moral, legal and political philosopher of the liberal tradition, in his seminal work A Theory of Justice (1971). Rawls theory justice as fairness advocated equal basic liberties to all, equality of opportunities and facilitating maximum benefits to the least advantaged groups in the society where inequality exists. What Rawls had in mind was the plight of the oppressed African-Americans who rose from slavery to citizenship with an unbearable burden of inequality. This started a process of effective affirmative action over years applicable to admissions in educational institutions and employment in government and business establishments as well as in the universities. John Rawls political philosophy had made such an impact that the courts in USA and Canada had frequently cited his philosophy and work. Advertisement Rawls pioneering work of justice as fairness was taken forward, expanded and given new dimensions by the Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen in his monumental work, The Idea of Justice (2009). While Sen dedicated his book to the memory of Rawls, he differed from the theory of justice propounded by Rawls and envisioned a global view of and an action plan for a just world. Sen states that the strong perception of manifest injustice applies to adult human beings as well as children. What moves us, reasonably enough, is not the realization that the world falls short of being completely just ~ which few of us expect ~ but that there are clearly remediable injustices around us which we want to eliminate. While Rawls theory emerged in the background of American society, Sen wrote in the context of India. Sen calls for massive investments in education and healthcare (which will help promote equality) and in pro-active antipoverty programmes, especially for the minorities. In a way, Sen is also a proponent of minorityism. Minorityism is practiced in a variety of ways ~ pro-minority government policies, affirmative actions, reservations in jobs and educational institutions, introduction of quota system and appeasement of minorities in political, social and religious affairs. While minorityism as a principle never existed before modern democracy took deep roots, it is a queer irony of history that the world had mostly been ruled by minority groups/ coteries of kings, queens, emperors, aristocrats, feudal lords, invaders and barbarians, who only served their own interests. Remnants of minority rule, albeit in a Constitutional framework, still exist in many democracies where certain families and minority elite groups monopolize political power and follow minorityism in various ways for electoral gains. The question naturally arises: who are the minorities in modern democracies and what are the criteria ~ religion, language, colour, culture, region, ethnicity, caste or tribes? In the USA, it is not based on religion, language or culture but on colour and ethnicity, mainly the African Americans. In India, the picture is opaque. Minorities belong to various regions of this vast country, religious groups, linguistic groups, caste groups, cultural groups and the tribal groups. Officially, religion has been accepted as the only criterion to determine the status of minority. This has created an anomalous and untenable situation. In India, minority status, on the basis of religion, has been accorded to the Muslims, the Jains, the Buddhists, the Sikhs, and the Zoroastrians (Parsees) and a separate Ministry for Minority Affairs has been instituted for affirmative action. Since the Constitution of India has recognized Jainism, Buddhism and Sikhism as belonging within the Hindu fold (as they emanated from the offshoots of Sanatana Dharma), and since the Zoroastrians, a miniscule community refuse to accept any concession from the government, the general public understand the Muslims as the only minority. Many political scientists believe that religion as the only criterion for minority status is not scientific and has ignored many minority-related problems of exclusion. For example, the Tulu language group is a minority in Karnataka, Konkanis in Maharashtra, Bengalis in Assam, Dogras in Jammu and Kashmir, and Nepaleese in West Bengal etc. A question has frequently been asked: are the Muslims in India a minority community in the true sense? According to Najma Heptullah, former Cabinet Minister for Minority Affairs, Muslims cannot be treated as a minority community; they are also a majority community because of their sheer number and also because they enjoy the same equality of rights and privileges like the majority community. As of 2023, around 220 million Muslims live in India, almost equal to the size of Pakistans total population. How can such a mammoth population be called a minority? Moreover, Muslims are in brute majority in the Kashmir valley (98 per cent) and also in several areas/ districts of Assam, West Bengal, Bihar, Telengana, Maharashtra, and Kerala If the minority tag is to remain with the Indian Muslims (because of the official position), they nevertheless belong to a special category known as the Dominant Minority. The Muslims who had been in hopeless minority earlier, ruled the major part of India and dominated the subcontinents politics for 600 years from the thirteenth to eighteenth century and in a way, they followed minorityism ignoring the concerns of the majority community. Even after the partition of the country, Muslims have been a dominant factor in Indian politics and being the dominant minority and the biggest votebank, they possess enormous leverage with the political parties and all of them try to woo them. Hence, the presence of minorityism and minority politics. As a dominant minority, they play a crucial role in the elections and formation of governments, especially in Bengal, Assam, Bihar, UP, J&K, Telengana, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Kerala. In a landmark judgment the Supreme Court of the United States has ruled (29 June 2023) that race-based affirmative action in college and university admissions is unconstitutional as it violates the principles of fairness and equality of opportunity. While this may not upend the age-old policy of affirmative action and diversity, which was also embraced by the corporate sector in the USA, it reopens the debate about the merits of affirmative action and minorityism. The split verdict (6-3) of the Supreme Court has expectedly produced a mixed response but the majority of the Americans appear to have welcomed it. In India, the picture is totally different because minorityism has been provided Constitutional protection and the courts can hardly interfere to stop the affirmative policies and programmes of the Union and the State governments unless they go against the Constitutional norms. There is no doubt the affirmative policies, especially the reservation policy, have had many positive results and have benefited large sections of the underprivileged and the oppressed. Notwithstanding the benefits accruing to certain groups of the society, long term use, excessive use and using the reservation policy as a political tool may lead to dangerous consequences. The limited 10-year reservation policy included in the Indian Constitution for the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (SC&ST) has already become permanent. Similarly, reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBC), Extreme Backward Classes (EBC) and Economically Weaker Section EWS) is also going to be a permanent feature in the Indian polity. Already, the ugly side of the massive affirmation system has started showing. A new guilt-conscious nouveau riche privileged class has emerged that has developed vested interests and monopolized the privileges without hard work for generations, preventing the benefits to flow to the poorer sections and the needy. The caste-based reservation system has crossed the threshold limit of 50 per cent in many States and may soon reach 75 per cent (as in Bihar), in which case minorityism turns into majoritarianism, a most despised concept. This has divided the Indian society from the middle and will have the effect of killing initiative, innovativeness, spirit of reform and scientific temper and the centres of excellence. Like the exodus of Tamil Brahmins from Tamil Nadu because of the excesses of the States reservation policy (69 per cent ~ majoritarianism!), India may also witness a large-scale exodus of Indian scholars, scientific and technological talents, and flight of capital to foreign countries. (The writer is a former Dy. Comptroller &Auditor General of India and a former Ombudsman of Reserve Bank of India. He is also a writer of several books and can be reached at brahmas@gmail.com) The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have recovered the body of a woman hostage who was reportedly kidnapped by the Hamas on October 7, near the Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza. The IDF announced that it has found the body of Yehudit Weiss who was kidnapped by Hamas terrorists during the mayhem and massacre of October 7. The Israeli army said that the IDFs 603 Combat Engineering Battalion recovered the body of Weiss who hails from southern Kibbutz of Beeri from near a structure that is adjacent to the hospital. Advertisement The IDF said that a huge cache of arms and ammunition was also recovered from the site where the body was found. The body has been transferred to the Israeli territory, the military said, adding that an identification process was conducted by the army, medical and rabbinate (religious) personnel along with the Institute of Forensic Medicine. The IDF and Israeli police personnel have informed the family about her death. She was battling cancer when she was abducted by the Hamas. The IDF reiterated said that the national task was to locate the missing and return the abducted persons home. The military said that it was operating alongside and in full coordination with the relevant national and security institutions to pursue these tasks and added that it would not cease from the mission until it is completed. Saint-Laurent, CA (H4T1V6) Today Cloudy skies with periods of light rain this afternoon. High around 45F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 90%.. Tonight Periods of rain and snow. Low 32F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precip 90%. BAGHDAD, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- Two Islamic State (IS) militants were killed on Friday in a military operation near the Iraqi capital Baghdad, the Iraqi military said. Based on intelligence reports, Iraqi soldiers teamed up with government-backed paramilitary Hashd Shaabi fighters and conducted an operation to hunt down IS militants in the Tarmiyah area, about 40 km north of Baghdad, killing two militants, spokesman of the commander-in-chief of the Iraqi forces Yahia Rasoul said in a statement. Rasoul added that the troops also wounded a third IS militant who managed to escape, and search was underway to capture him. The security situation in Iraq has improved since the defeat of the IS in 2017. However, IS remnants have melted into urban centers, deserts, and rugged areas, carrying out frequent guerilla attacks against security forces and civilians. Live updates | Israel will allow 'very minimal' fuel into Gaza. UN warns of looming mass starvation Israel has announced that it will allow for the first time very minimal daily shipments of fuel into Gaza for use by the U.N. and communications system PHNOM PENH, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia's senior minister Ouch Borith has praised China's global initiatives for their contributions to common development and shared prosperity in the world. Borith made the remarks at a forum in Beijing on Thursday, according to a statement of his speech released to the media by the ministry of foreign affairs on Friday. He commended the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI), which values in-depth inter-civilizational exchange and dialogue to advance human progress and foster mutual appreciation of shared hopes and prosperity. He also lauded the Global Development Initiative (GDI) and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), saying that they have driven high-quality development and promoted connectivity across Asia, Europe, Africa and Latin America through infrastructure, people-to-people exchange, human resources development, green growth and climate resilience. "Cambodia pledges continued collaboration to implement these initiatives in the interest of all nations," Borith said. He said as a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Cambodia is committed to active engagement in multilateral cooperation, advocating for free and open trade while rejecting protectionism, unilateralism, and economic nationalism. "Asia's continued development relies upon strengthened collaboration and partnership, leveraging our diversity as strength," he said. "Through open and inclusive platforms, we can overcome challenges and maximizing opportunities for mutual gains." Kerala government has unveiled a toursim master plan 'Mission 2030' aimed at propelling the state's GDP share to an impressive 20 percent from the current 12 percent. The visionary plan primarily focuses on strategic development of the travel and hospitality sector. During the Tourism Investors Meet (TIM), Tourism Minister P A Mohamed Riyas emphasised the necessity for substantial private investment to fully exploit the state's tourism potential. The comprehensive blueprint for this transformative initiative is set to be revealed early next year, providing a roadmap for stakeholders both domestically and internationally. According to Riyas, attracting private investment is crucial in order to make the most of Kerala's tourism resources. The government has identified potential destinations for development and is allowing private entrepreneurs to initiate projects in those areas. The minister, chairing the inaugural session of the event, also highlighted that the projects under Mission 2030 will adhere to sustainable development goals, eco-conservation, and responsible tourism. In an effort to modernise and enhance the tourism sector to suit current demands and preferences, Riyas mentioned that the ongoing roadwork for a six-lane national highway from Kasaragod down to Thiruvananthapuram will be completed by 2025. Additionally, an arterial road across nine coastal districts is nearing completion, which will enable tourism centers to be established every 50 kilometers along the picturesque coastal stretches of Kerala. Furthermore, the state is laying a hill highway (SH-59) that is approaching its final stage, all of which will significantly boost the tourism prospects of Kerala. Riyas stressed the need for the tourism sector to adapt to current trends and called upon investors to join the government's efforts to make Kerala an attractive destination for travelers throughout the year. To facilitate prompt clearance of tourism projects, the government plans to implement a single-window system that will provide quick permissions and licenses to entrepreneurs. The responsible tourism initiative of Kerala has already gained international recognition and serves as a model for replication in other parts of the world, the minister added. The Mumbai police have registered an offence against 60 unidentified persons in connection with the clash that occurred between supporters of Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray at Shivaji Park in Mumbai, an official said on Friday. Workers of the Shinde-led Shiv Sena and the Shiv Sena (UBT) shouted slogans against each other at the memorial of party founder late Bal Thackeray in the Shivaji Park area of central Mumbai, on the eve of his death anniversary on Thursday night. Supporters of the Shiv Sena (UBT) gathered at the spot and protested the visit of workers from the rival faction, causing the clash, the official said. Some supporters were manhandled, and the situation was brought under control by the police, he said. An offence has been registered against 60 persons under relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code and Maharashtra Police Act, the official said. The police are examining CCTV footage and video recording of the incident to ascertain the identities of those involved and action will be taken accordingly, he added. The Shiv Sena split in June last year following a rebellion by Shinde, and both factions have since been trying to claim the legacy of Bal Thackeray, reverentially called 'Hinduhriday Samrat' by supporters. The Enforcement Directorate has dispatched summons to the United States to question some of the office-bearers of two non-profit organisations with alleged links to Neville Roy Singham, the American tech titan whose name has cropped up during the investigation into the Chinese propaganda machinery in the NewsClick case. Separately, the ED has once again sent summons to Singham, based in Shanghai, to depose before the agency as statements of key persons in the case point towards his alleged role in funding the activities of NewsClick and its editor Prabir Purkayastha. While the latter vehemently denies the charges, the ambit of the ED probe is widening after sources disclosed that several statements and evidence in the case point towards a larger global nexus of non-profit organisations and shell companies, allegedly running with the funds of the US millionaire, which directly or indirectly went into the unexplained FDI of Rs 9.59 crore received by way of subscription of shares of PPK Newsclick Studio Pvt Ltd, a loss-making company, at a premium from a non-existent company (registration cancelled), a US-based World Wide Media Holdings, in April 2018. The summons have been issued for January 2024. Unlike China, India has a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty with the US for legal assistance in criminal matters and it has taken this route to dispatch the summons sent by the ED to the Ministry of Home Affairs and then taken up by the Ministry of External Affairs. Sources disclosed the summons have been issued to the office bearers of two foundations with linkages to Singhams family, through which the money was allegedly flowing in for NewsClicks operations. While the summons by the ED through a similar diplomatic route to China did not yield any result earlier, fresh dates for the office bearers of two charities in the US and Singham to visit India and make themselves available for questioning are in January. If Singham decides to visit India, it wont be his first visit to New Delhi. Investigators have records of the American citizens frequent travels to India before the Covid pandemic. On more than one occasion he came to Delhi and also travelled to Bangalore and other cities. During these visits, sources said, he met Purkayastha and other accused in the NewsClick case. Sources said it was only after the pandemic that Singham went to Shanghai and settled there to run the operations from Chinese soil. Besides the one-time FDI to NewsClick, the money trail of remittances from nearly five companies, including more than Rs 75 crore from American arms and the individual consultancy earned by some of the accused is also under the ED scanner. Investigators have found that the news uploaded as dispatches by the online portal did not match with the claims of alleged export of services by the accused as the online content suited certain foreign agendas, especially at a time when the Indian agencies have been raising a red flag over the CCP and its propaganda wings influence operations worldwide. Beijings agenda and alleged anti-India activities first came under the scanner of Delhi police special cell which arrested Purkayastha and others under the anti-terror law. Sources said, Singham and Purkayastha knew each other from the time the formers company ThoughtWorks became their meeting ground for future associations. Whether Singhams funding came from China or his company funds, or were they two sides of the same coin is now the big question as investigators crack the foreign nexus. The rescue operations to create an escape passage for labourers stuck inside the collapsed Silkyara tunnel at Uttarkashi in Uttarakhand entered day five on Friday. The drilling to insert 800 mm and 900 mm diameter pipes one after the other with the help of a giant drill machine continued overnight, said officials. So far, the powerful American auger machine has managed to drill up to 21 metres through the rubble. As of Thursday evening, a six-metre section of a steel pipe has been inserted into the bored passage and work to welde in the remaining pipes continues. "Drilling has been done up to 21 metres so far," the state emergency operation centre's control room in Silkyara said. The stretch where debris is accumulated begins 270 metres from the mouth of the tunnel at the Silkyara side. Authorities said the trapped workers are safe and being supplied with oxygen, medicines, food and water through pipes. Constant communication is being maintained with them to keep up their morale, he said. Experts from Norway and Thailand were consulted about the rescue operations, considering the geography of the tunnel. Meanwhile, doctors have expressed concern about the mental and physical stress the incident could put on the trapped workers. They believe survivors would need physical and mental rehabilitation. "The victims might experience panic attacks because of being trapped in closed spaces for long," said Dr Ajay Agarwal, director, Internal Medicine, Fortis Hospital, Noida. "Further, the ambient conditions such as oxygen and carbon dioxide levels too could impact their physical health and prolonged exposure to cold underground temperatures could possibly cause hypothermia and make them fall unconscious," Agarwal told PTI. Agarwal said the situation might worsen for the workers who have chronic health problems, such as diabetes or heart disease, even as the regular supply of food and water might sustain them physically and prevent dehydration. However, the food and water supply, along with physically supporting the trapped victims, is likely to provide them with a psychological boost and send a message that "help is not far", the doctor said. "This could reduce anxiety levels and decrease the chances of ketosis," he added. Billy Joel said it best in his 1989 hit song We didnt start the fire. It was always burning, since the world's been turning. The second edition of the Voice of Global South Summit held virtually is proof of the validity of his lyrics. Since January, the world has shifted. From the polarised world of the Ukraine, the crisis has now shifted to West Asia. We are seeing that new challenges are emerging from developments in West Asia, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his opening remarks of the summit. This is a stand, unlike in the case of Ukrainewhere Indias position was echoed with the rest of the Global South. India has chosen to take a more nuanced positiongiven the deep ties with Israel and the tough stand on terrorism. India abstained from the UN vote calling for a ceasefire on October 26, while most of the countries attending voted for. We all are seeing that new challenges are emerging from the events in the West Asia region. India has condemned the terrorist attack in Israel on October 7. We have exercised restraint as well. We have given emphasis on dialogue and diplomacy. We also strongly condemn the deaths of civilians in the conflict between Israel and Hamas, said Modi. He also talked about sending humanitarian aid for Gaza. India has been walking the tightrope on this evolving situation. And like Ukraine, the situation in West Asia again demonstrates the difference that exists between the West and the Global South. "The Voice of Global South is the most unique platform reflecting the changing world of the 21st century," Modi said. The PM also called for cooperation under the framework of 'five Cs' -- consultation, communication, cooperation, creativity, capacity building. India wants to build on this framework of collaboration. Whether it is climate change finance, a big win that India secured during the G20, to the framework for Digital Public Infrastructure, again a space that India has got an edge. The inauguration of DAKSHIN--a Global Centre of Excellence--is the effort to make India a bridge. One of the areas that India hopes to build consensus on is Artificial Intelligence. "India believes that new technology should not widen the gap between the Global North and the Global South. During the times of AI, it is important that technology should be used responsibly, he said. And in bid to take the lead, India will hold a summit on AI in December. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has condemned the death of civilians in the Israel-Hamas conflict, saying India's emphasis has been on dialogue, diplomacy along with restraint. "India condemned the terror attack in Israel; we have emphasised dialogue, diplomacy along with restraint," said the Prime Minister, while condemning the death of civilians in the conflict. "We are seeing that new challenges are emerging from developments in West Asia," he said, adding that it was time for the countries of the Global South to talk in one voice for a greater global good. Modi was speaking at the second virtual Voice of Global South Summit on Friday. The first edition of the summit was hosted by India in January to flag concerns and challenges facing developing countries. The prime minister also called for cooperation under the framework of 'five Cs' -- consultation, communication, cooperation, creativity, capacity building. "I cannot forget that historic moment when African Union was inducted into G20 as a permanent member with India's efforts," he said. Modi said that though the Global South always existed geographically, it was the first time that it was for the first time that it was getting a voice. "Geographically, the Global South has always existed, but it is getting a voice for the first time, and this is because of the joint efforts. We are more than 100 countries but our priorities are similar," he said. Modi also recalled highlighting the topic of the Global South in the New Delhi G20 Declaration and how India managed to get consent from the global leaders. " In January this year, India organised the Voice of the Global South Summit for the first time. In more than two hundred G20 meetings held in different states of India, we gave prominence to the priorities of the Global South," he added. "I cannot forget that historic moment when, because of Indias efforts, the African Union got permanent membership in the G20," PM Modi added. The Prime Minister also stressed how artificial intelligence should not widen the gap between the Global North and the Global South. His statement comes ahead of the Artificial Global Partnership Summit being hosted by India next month. "India believes that new technology should not widen the gap between the Global North and the Global South. During the times of Artificial Intelligence, technology must be used responsibly. To further promote this, next month, India will organise the Artificial Global Partnership Summit," said Modi. Amid actor Rashmika Mandanna's deepfake video row, Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised "big concerns" over deepfakes and misuse of artificial intelligence for creating such videos. While speaking to journalists at Bharatiya Janata's Diwali Milan programme in New Delhi on Friday, Modi said that the media should educate people regarding such 'deepfakes'. Deepfakes are made when a person in an existing image or video is replaced with someone else's likeness using technology like artificial intelligence, mostly to promote fake news. Modi flagged concerns after Mandanna's 'deepfake' video suspected to be developed using AI technology went viral on social media. The original video featured a British Indian girl. "I recently saw a video in which I was seen singing a Garba song. There are many other such videos online," said Modi adding it has become a great concern and can create a lot of problems for everyone. "But the reality is that I have not done garba after my school life," he said. "There is a challenge arising because of Artificial Intelligence and deepfake...a big section of our country has no parallel option for verification...people often end up believing in deepfakes and this will go into a direction of a big challenge...we need to educate people with our programmes about Artificial Intelligence and deepfakes, how it works, what it can do, what all challenges it can bring and whatever can be made out if it," Modi was quoted by ANI. Modi said that he has asked the ChatGPT team to flag deepfakes and issue a warning when such videos are circulated on the internet, reported NDTV. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology last week issued an advisory to social media platforms, underlining the legal provisions that cover such deepfakes. Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar had said that it is a "legal obligation" for online platforms to prevent the spread of misinformation. Earlier, taking to X, Chandrasekhar said "deepfakes are the latest and a more dangerous and damaging form of misinformation". "Remove any such content when reported within 36 hours of such reporting and ensure expeditious action, well within the time frames stipulated under the IT Rules 2021, and disable access to the content or information," the statement from the IT department read. The Centre has imposed strong penalty of Rs 1 lakh fine and three years in jail for those creating and circulating deepfakes. Five militants were killed in an encounter at Samnoo village in the Kugam district of south Kashmir during the early hours of Friday. The encounter operation began on Thursday evening. The identity of the militants and their affiliated group is currently under investigation as the operation continues in the area. The encounter started on Thursday evening after the security forces received information about the presence of the militants in the area. The exchange of gunfire commenced after the security forces closed in on the militants. The firing paused during the night; security forces had placed lights and cordoned off the region. On Friday morning the operation recommenced, echoing the area with sporadic gunfire. The joint effort involved the participation of 34 Rashtriya Rifles (RR), the Armys special forces (9 Para), CRPF, and J&K Police. Kashmir Zone police tweeted, Five #terrorists neutralized by Kulgam Police, Army, and CRPF. #Incriminating materials recovered. #Operation in final stage; area being sanitized. Tension prevailed in Nuh district of Haryana after a few women, who were on their way to perform puja at a well, were injured in a stone pelting incident. Traders, mostly Hindus, refused to open shops and commercial establishments after it came to light that the stones were pelted from the direction of a madrasa. The traders demanded swift police action against those responsible for the crime. Nuh SP Narender Singh Bijarniya said an FIR was registered following a complaint filed by eight women. "From the madarsa, footage had come where we could see three boys standing. On that basis, three boys have been identified. All three of them have been rounded up, and now they will be presented in court," news agency ANI quoted him as saying. He said all three people who have been rounded up are minors and the police are questioning them. "All three children are minors. We will investigate all the allegations made by the women. The situation is in control, and leaders from both communities were called in the morning," the SP added. DSP Nuh Virendra Singh said the investigation is underway and action will be taken against those involved. "The people here have protested, demanding an investigation into the incident, and we have already initiated that. People have agreed to it," he said and urged people to maintain peace. In the wake of the incident, there was heavy police deployment in the communally charged town, which witnessed widespread violence in July this year in which six people, including two Home Guards, were killed. LUANDA, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- Chinese investment is "respectful" and forms an "important component" of Angola's industrialization process, an Angolan official said on Thursday. "Look at our bilateral relations with China; they are mutually beneficial. In the context of Chinese investments in Angola, we believe there is a significant opportunity between the two markets, promoting the growth of our domestic production," said Allan Varella, the national director of rural commerce at Angola's Ministry of Industry and Commerce. Varella made the comment in an interview with Xinhua during the fourth edition of the Furniture Fair held in the City of China in the Angolan capital of Luanda. The event, which runs from Thursday till the end of the year, brings together dozens of furniture brands, most of which were established by Chinese companies in Angola. Most exhibited furniture is made with local materials and produced locally. "As we are now in the fourth edition, it implies that the previous ones yielded plausible results. In this context, we believe the fairs are vital to elevating our economy to another level," Varella said. Chinese companies contribute to developing Angola's local furniture manufacturing industry, not only generating more local employment opportunities but also lowering the prices of furniture products in Angola, which increases accessibility for a broader population, said Huang Yuequan, the president of the Board of Directors of the African Sunrise Investment Group. "In an effort to revitalize the economy and accelerate economic diversification in Angola, the involvement of experienced foreign investors is crucial. Therefore, it is worthwhile to examine the successful experiences of China's reform and opening up over the past 40 years," said Huang. Even as the trailer of Netflix miniseries The Railway Men, based on the heroic efforts of Railway employees in saving multiple lives on the night of Bhopal gas tragedy, has evoked much interest ahead of the 39th anniversary of the tragedy, the family of a unsung hero of the night has decided to sue the producers Yash Raj Films (YRF). Sons of late Ghulam Dastgir, the then deputy station superintendent (DSS) at Bhopal Railway station, who was instrumental in stopping the Bhopal-bound trains at faraway stations and early flagging-off of the Mumbai-Gorakhpur Express to save countless lives, are apprehensive about the portrayal of their father in the miniseries, especially because YRF did not at all consult the family in making of the miniseries. Shadab Dastgir, youngest son of late Dastgir, says that his fathers heroic role in the entire episode on Bhopal railway station on the night intervening December 2 and 3, 1984, has mainly remained unsung. Little official acknowledgment and appreciation came his way in these four decades. And now when an OTT series has been made on the episode, it is upsetting that we were never consulted about the actual happenings, he told The Week. I have watched the teaser and the official trailer and I can make out that the character being portrayed by Kay Kay Menon is based upon my father. But then we are highly apprehensive as to how much close to truth the character has been made, Shadab, who is into the family business of chemicals and fertilisers, said. He also mentioned that the family had already sold out the copyright of a script on Dastgir's life and work - based on narration by his father himself during his lifetime - to a production house called Small Box Media. The Mumbai-based production house was planning a full-length movie based on the script when YRF cut in with the miniseries. Shadab said that Small Box Media has already served legal notice upon YRF on November 9, but the company has replied denying any knowledge about the script as mentioned by Small Box Media and therefore any infringement into copyright. Also, in the reply to the notice, YRFs lawyers have claimed that The Railway Men is a fictionalised account of events that unfolded the night of the incident. The series is not and does not claim to be biographical or otherwise based on the life story of respected late Shri Gulam Dastagir. The characters in the series are inspired from several publicly available stories and records, and have been uniquely crafted by Our Clients (YRF) to maintain authenticity of a sensitive historical event. Shadab said that the Small Box Media is also likely to file a case against YRF in Bombay High Court after the Diwali vacations of the court are over. We (Dastgir family) will also file a case in Jabalpur High Court or the lower court, as per legal advice. One who did not bother about his own life Ghulam Dastgirs heroic act on the fateful night of Bhopal gas tragedy did not make immediate headlines and went almost totally unrecognised. It was only after his death that stories started emerging and people could know about his key role in saving many lives on the railway station. Shadab Dastgir, who was 13 when the tragedy struck, remembers how his mother fled with him and his three brothers on the night of the tragedy, but remained extremely worried about the family head, who was on duty at the railway station. Shadab and his brothers went looking for Ghulam Dastgir, then 54, at different places including the station and Hamidia Hospital the next morning, when the railway official did not arrive home at the usual time of 8/8.30 am. Shocked by the heaps of dead bodies they saw everywhere, the young brothers returned home and were much relieved when late Dastgir staggered back home at around 11.30am, his eyes puffed up beyond recognition and his body ready to give up. The first thing the badly-affected Dastgir said was (station superintendent H.S.) Dhurve sahib nahi rahe (Dhurve sahib is dead), Shadab recalls. Even in very bad health conditions, my father was thinking about his colleagues. Late Dastgir then narrated what happened at the railway station the night before to his family. It was around 1 am when Dastgir had come out of his cabin and found passengers and employees falling badly sick on the platforms. Though he had no idea what had happened or its magnitude, the DSS was quick to understand that something really serious was unfolding. The official took a decision to call up his colleagues at the nearest big railway stations Itarsi and Vidisha on either side of Bhopal and ask them to stop the trains coming into Bhopal. Despite official constraints and arguments, Dastgir managed to convince the officials to do this, thus stopping the trains' flow into the ill-fated city that night. However, the choc-a-block full Bombay (Mumbai)-Gorakhpur Express had already rolled into the station and Dastgir could see the passengers inside the train feeling the effect of the toxic fumes that had by then enveloped the station. The train had a scheduled halt of over 30 minutes at Bhopal, but if that duration had elapsed, it could have proved fatal for hundreds of passengers aboard the train. As the operational head at the time, my father took the decision to move out the train before schedule. He first ran to the driver (loco pilot) and then to the guard of the train, handing over written notes to them, taking the entire responsibility of flagging off the train early and he was able to convince them to take off, Shadab recalls his fathers narration. Later in the night too, Dastgir did not follow other employees who decided to leave the station, but remained at his post, trying his best to help everyone around. There were many deaths at the railway station that night including several railway employees. The toll could have been higher but for my father and some of his colleagues, Shadab says. A plaque displaying the names of employees who died on the night of the Bhopal gas tragedy, at the Bhopal railway station There is not much record about the role of Bhopal railway station officials and employees from the fateful night. The only thing that is public is a neglected marble plaque on platform number 1 of the station, engraved with 23 names of employees who perished that fateful night. As for Dastgir who survived, no recognition or appreciation came, apart from a Rotary Club felicitation in Mumbai in October 1985, followed by a small felicitation function by Bhopal divisional railway manager office. Shadab Dastgir and his brothers dutifully keep the newspaper cuttings and correspondences related to these events in their records. Late Dastgir repeatedly fended off his sons request to talk to railway higher ups or the political leadership of the country in the matter. My father, a man of high principles, always maintained that helping someone is a selfless act and recognition should never be sought. If one is due for recognition, it will come without any efforts, he said, Shadab mentions. After Dastgirs death in 2003 due to complications arising out of health effects of the toxic gas he inhaled, his sons wrote to the president of India seeking recognition of their fathers role. However, the letter got forwarded to the railway ministry, which replied to the family saying that it was a matter related to the Madhya Pradesh government. We did not try any further, Shadab says. So, the late Ghulam Dastgir remained more or less an unsung hero. And now, when the episode is about to get into public domain in a big way, the Dastgir family is expectedly concerned and upset about the way their father might get portrayed. The rescue efforts to save 40 construction workers trapped in the under construction Silkyara tunnel suffered a snag on Friday delaying the operations. The high-power drilling auger machine had to stop after, reportedly, it managed to drill 22 metres on the sixth day of the rescue operations. According to officials, the rescue workers have to drill up to 60 metres to insert 800 and 900 milimetre diameter pipes to pave an escape path for those trapped inside the tunnel. The diesel-operated machine was pressed into service on Thursday at 10:30 am. The American auger machine was said to have a capacity of drilling up to four or five metres per hour. But the progress has been 'slower' than expected since it was used. According to officials, there is constant communication with those trapped and basic requirements including medicines are sent to them through pipes. In its latest update on the rescue operation, the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) said the fifth pipe -- being used to prepare an escape passage for the trapped workers -- is being positioned on Friday. Meanwhile, amid rescue operations, a C-17 transport aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) has been deployed to airlift almost 22 tonnes of critical equipment from Indore to Dehradun. The IAF has continued with its operations to assist the ongoing tunnel rescue underway at Dharasu, Uttarakhand. An IAF C-17 has been deployed to airlift almost 22 Tonnes of critical equipment from Indore to Dehradun.#FirstResponders#HADROps pic.twitter.com/XW9kvLymcA Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) November 17, 2023 "The IAF has continued with its operations to assist the ongoing tunnel rescue underway at Dharasu, Uttarakhand. An IAF C-17 has been deployed to airlift almost 22 Tonnes of critical equipment from Indore to Dehradun. #FirstResponders #HADROps," the IAF posted on X. It also shared images of the C-17 aircraft and a machine on-board in its post. An additional auger machine was called by rescuers as a backup and is expected to arrive at the accident site by Saturday morning. The round-the-clock rescue work is being helmed by 165 personnel from multiple agencies, including the National Disaster Response Force, State Disaster Response Force, Border Roads Organisation and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police, the State Emergency Operation Centre said. Despite being known as an island of peace politically, Madhya Pradesh witnessed some serious incidents of violence during the assembly polls on Friday. In the most serious of the cases, BJP candidate from Rajnagar in Chhatarpur district, Arvind Pateriya, was booked for murder along with 19 of his associates for crushing Congress councilor Salman Khan to death during the wee hours of Friday. Khan was driving Congress Rajnagar MLA and candidate Vikram Singh Natiraja at the time of the incident and the MLA alleged that Pateriya and his men tried to kill him too. Khajuraho police booked 20 persons, including the BJP candidate, on the complaint filed by Vikram Singh, sub-divisional officer of police of Khajuraho, Salil Sharma, confirmed to THE WEEK. Sharma said Khan was seriously injured in the incident and was declared brought dead at Chhatarpur district hospital. The MLA alleged that multiple vehicles belonging to Pateriya and his associates rode over Khan after he fell down at impact of the first vehicle. Another of Singhs supporters, Shivam Pateriya, also sustained injuries while trying to save Khan. Arvind Pateriya, however, released a video charging the MLA of spreading lies and indulging in dirty politics. He said he was not present at the spot and Khan was killed during infighting among inebriated Congress workers. He called for a judicial probe into the incident and punishment for whoever was found guilty. Meanwhile, instances of scuffle between BJP and Congress workers, and attacks on party workers by opponents were reported from different parts of the state. Reports of Congress supporters getting injured in an alleged incident of firing and stone pelting came in from the Dimni constituency in Morena, where Union minister Narendra Singh Tomar is the candidate. District administration and police, however, refuted that shots were fired. In a video, Eklavya Gaud, son of Indore-4 MLA and candidate Malti Gaud, was seen indulging in violence during a scuffle between BJP and Congress workers. Police resorted to lathi-charge to disperse the rampaging -party supporters. In another video, BJP minister and Narela (Bhopal) candidate Vishwas Sarang was seen physically assaulting a youth during a face-off between BJP and Congress workers at Hind Convent School polling booth. In Manhad village of Mehgaon constituency in Bhind, BJP candidate Rakesh Shukla was cornered by some people leading Shuklas guard to open defensive fire. Shukla got injured in the stone-pelting that followed. State BJP has blamed Congress for the incident. In Gwalior (rural), Congress candidate Saheb Singh Gurjar was booked upon a complaint by BSP district president Satish Mandelia who alleged that Gurjar threatened him. In Gwalior East, at least two persons were injured when Congress and BJP supporters got into a face-off. In Mhow of Indore too, two persons were injured in stone-pelting in Nev Guradia village. In another incident, a BJP worker allegedly attacked Congress workers Dayaram and Tolaram in Mhow. The BJP worker Birbal has been taken into custody by police. In Biaora of Rajgarh district, BJP district general secretary Amit Sharma was attacked by an unknown assailant. Sharma sustained injuries on his head in the attack. In Shujalpur of Shajapur district, heated arguments took place between supporters of BJP minister (and candidate) Inder Singh Parmar and Congress candidate Ramvir Singh Sikarwar. Parmar was present at the spot of the incident, sources said. 3 voters, cops die of heart attack Meanwhile two voters one each in Ujjain (booth number 55) and Khargone died of heart attack while standing in the queue to cast their votes while another woman voter died after casting her vote in Susner of Agar Malwa. Similarly, there was a report of a cop dying of a heart attack while on polling duty in Silwani of Raisen. Another youth was killed after he got electrocuted during voting preparations in Dhangaon polling booth in Harda district. Three others were also injured due to electrocution. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said the US will continue to say things that China doesn't like, as he defended President Joe Biden's remarks in which he called his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping a "dictator". Biden called Xi, 70, a "dictator", just hours after they met for the first time in more than a year and held candid and productive discussions to revive bilateral ties on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in San Francisco on Wednesday. When pressed on whether Biden's comments were the position of the US government, Blinken responded that the president "speaks for all of us", CBS News reported. "Well, it's not exactly a secret that we have two very different systems," the channel quoted Blinken as saying. "And the president always speaks candidly, and he speaks for all of us." "We will continue to say things and continue to do things that China doesn't like, just as I assume that they will continue to do and say things that we don't like," Blinken said on Thursday. China has raised objections to such a remark by Biden, 80, in the past. In an interview with NBC News, Blinken said: It's no surprise that and I don't think it will be news to anyone that we have very different systems. And the President always speaks candidly and he speaks for us. But what's important is what we were able to achieve with yesterday's meeting." The top American diplomat made a similar comment when asked about it in an interview with ABC News. "President Biden always speaks candidly and he speaks for all of us. But the point you made a moment ago is this summit yesterday, this meeting yesterday, produced real, concrete results for the American people. We have a couple of obligations in this relationship with China, the most consequential of any relationship that we have. We've got a real competition. We want to make sure it doesn't veer into conflict, Blinken said. Two days since the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) raided Gaza's biggest hospital Al-Shifa, Israel has claimed that it found a tunnel entrance in an outdoor area of the hospital complex. The IDF also released a video showing the tunnel, a deep hole in the ground, surrounded by concrete and wood rubble and sand. IDF spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said the troops also located a Hamas pickup truck with weapons in it, allegedly similar to those used by the group in the October 7 attacks. He added that the army was investigating laptops and other technological devices found inside the hospital complex. But, the military has yet to release evidence of a central Hamas command centre that Israel has said is concealed beneath the complex. Israel on Thursday said it found substantial evidence of Hamas using the hospital as a military facility, a claim echoed by Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. The minister said "significant findings" were uncovered at Shifa, as the army moved on to the "next phase" of its ground operation. He gave no details. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also told US media that Israel had "concrete evidence" on the use of Al-Shifa for military purposes. He alleged that Hamas leaders and his "minions" fled as Israeli troops approached the facility. "We are doing this very gingerly because were trying to do the moral thing, the right thing, to deprive Hamas of having this safe zone in a hospital, but at the same time to neutralise its use as a command centre for terror. And so far weve achieved that," Netanyahu told CBS News. The IDF's storming of the hospital had drawn flak for Netanyahu from all quarters. Israel's military action has caused widespread civilian deaths. The Health Ministry in Hamas-run Gaza says the attacks have killed more than 11,200 people, two-thirds of them women and children. The U.N. humanitarian affairs office estimates that about 2,700 people, including 1,500 children, are missing and believed buried in the ruins. To this, Netanyahu said though Israel wanted to minimize the death of civilians, it hasn't been able to do so. "Well try to finish that job with minimal civilian casualties, thats what were trying to do, minimal civilian casualties, but unfortunately were not successful," he said. Netanyahu also said that Israel wants "overall military responsibility to prevent the re-emergence of terror" in Gaza but not to reoccupy the coastal enclave. Six weeks after the militant group Hamas stormed into Israel and took 200 hostages, the body of one of them was recovered from near Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza on Thursday, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) claimed. The deceased has been identified as Yehudit Weiss, a 65-year-old woman who was undergoing cancer treatment at the time of her abduction. Her husband was murdered on October 7 during the Hamas rampage. The IDF said its soldiers found Weiss's body near the Al-Shifa hospital along with assault rifles and RPGs said to belong to Hamas terrorists who had held her captive. "To our sorrow, Yehudit was murdered by the terrorists in the Gaza Strip. And we didnt get to her in time," IDF spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari was quoted by The Times of Israel. He did not specify how and when she was killed, adding that military, medical and rabbinate personnel had identified the body and informed her family. She is the second abductee known to have died in captivity in the last week, after the IDF confirmed the death of 19-year-old Noa Marciano on November 14. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said on Wednesday that a woman abducted into Gaza by Hamas terrorists on October 7 has given birth in captivity. In a letter released by the premiers office on Wednesday, Netanyahus wife Sara told US first lady Jill Biden: "One of the kidnapped women was pregnant. She gave birth to her baby in Hamas captivity. 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. "We must call for the immediate release of them and all those being held The nightmare that began over a month ago must end." Though she was not identified, reports said the woman was a foreign worker in one of the Israeli towns bordering the enclave. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed that one of the reasons the IDF raided the Al-Shifa hospital was "strong indications" that some of the hostages taken by Hamas-led terrorists during their October 7 onslaught were being held there. However, Netanyahu told CBS in an interview that the captives had since been removed from the compound. Israel has intelligence about the hostages. The less I say about it the better," Netanyahu added. On whether a deal with Hamas was in the works, the Prime Minister said Israel was closer than before we began the ground action. "The ground action has put pressure on Hamas to achieve a ceasefire. Well have a temporary ceasefire if we can get our hostages. I dont think it serves that purpose for me to elaborate further on that," he said. As Israeli troops pushes into Gaza City deeper, civilians are suffering without basic necessities and food. With the communications down for the second day, United Nations said they are unable to deliver aid to Gaza. According to the UN, the officials were unable to contact the ground support staff to supply the aid. Amid the rising tensions, Israels war cabinet has approved letting in two fuel trucks a day into the Gaza to help meet the UN needs. According to an Israeli official, the decision came after a request from Washington. The amount of fuel will give "minimal" support for water, sewage and sanitary systems in Gaza to prevent pandemics, the official said. Abeer Etefa, a Middle East regional spokesperson for the United Nations World Food Programme, said Gaza was receiving only 10% of its needed food supplies daily, and dehydration and malnutrition was growing with nearly all of the 2.3 million people in the territory needing food. People are facing the immediate possibility of starvation...The existing food systems in Gaza are basically collapsing, she said from Cairo. Meanwhile, World Health Organisation (WHO) warned of disease spreading more rapidly than expected in the war-torn enclave. WHO said cases of disease in Gaza are significantly higher than expected as a result of people crowded together in shelters. Over 70,000 cases of acute respiratory infections and over 44,000 cases of diarrhoea have been recorded in the densely populated enclave, said the WHO Representative for the West Bank and Gaza. The European Union's commissioner for crisis management too on Friday called for ensuring the delivery of fuel into Gaza for humanitarian organisations. I most strongly urge the parties involved to stop hindering humanitarian efforts and ensure sufficient & non-interrupted delivery of fuel into Gaza to humanitarian organisations as well as to turn back on communications which are crucial for delivery of life-saving assistance, he said. I most strongly urge the parties involved to stop hindering humanitarian efforts and ensure sufficient & non-interrupted delivery of fuel into #Gaza to humanitarian organisations as well as to turn back on communications which are crucial for delivery of life-saving assistance Janez Lenarcic (@JanezLenarcic) November 17, 2023 Amid widening Israel-Palestine conflict, Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is travelling to Germany. Erdogan had called Israel a terror state amid rising attacks. Meanwhile, during the Voice of Global South summit, Indias Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged leaders of developing nations to unite in the face of growing challenges due to Israel-Hamas war. This is the time when the countries of the global south should unite for the greater global good, Modi said in a speech, referring to developing nations. BENGALURU, India, Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Presidency University, Bengaluru, held its 6th Convocation Ceremony on 17 & 18 November, 2023. The Convocation Ceremony was organized to felicitate 39 Gold Medalists, confer Doctoral Degrees to 85 Scholars and award degrees to 3684 graduating Undergraduate and Postgraduate students. The Ceremony was graced by the presence of eminent luminaries of the Government, Corporate World and the Academia. Reflecting on the event, Chief Guest Mr. Rajat Sehdev, Managing Director, Accenture Security, Cyber Strategy Lead- Growth Markets stated, "Dr. Nissar and Presidency University has demonstrated a commitment to excellence in education, and it is truly an honour to be a part of this celebration." He further wished the graduates all success in their professional career. The Guest of Honor, ISRO Program Director, Mr. Jasvinder Singh Khoral, said, "I find inspiration in the students' passion and commitment. Today's varied disciplines showcase the University's commitment to developing well-rounded individuals equipped to take on the problems of the future." He exhorted the student-community to develop an inquisitive mind and solution-oriented approach to shaping the future of the nation. The Vice Chancellor, Dr. D. Subhakar, welcomed the dignitaries and members of august gathering and delivered the Annual Report of the University. Dr. Nissar Ahmed, Chancellor, Presidency University, administered Oath to the graduating students. The 6th Convocation served as a tribute to Presidency University's commitment to academic achievement and holistic education, and it is clear that the institution is still focused on developing future leaders and professionals. About Presidency University Presidency University was established under Presidency University Act of 2013 as a State Private University located in Bengaluru, Karnataka. Presidency University was conceived with a thrust on creating a niche for itself as a world class University. The University is managed and sponsored by A.H. Memorial Trust. The University offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs approved by AICTE, UGC, and BCI through its diverse Schools of Studies. Programs are offered in domains such as Engineering, Computer Science, Information Science, Law, Management, Commerce, Design and Media Studies. To know more about Presidency University, please visit, https://presidencyuniversity.in/ (Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with PRNewswire and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). PTI PWR PWR NEW DELHI and PARIS, Nov. 16, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- ARKANCE, a leading global provider of architecture, engineering, construction, and manufacturing technology solutions, premiered on November 13 as Autodesk's First Global Platinum Partner at Autodesk University 2023, The Design & Make Conference. During the three day gathering in Las Vegas, November 13-15, attendees explored the purpose and vision that ARKANCE holds for revolutionizing the way Design and Make organizations achieve digital transformation and foster enhanced sustainability in the global Built Environment. "We are honored to be a Platinum Sponsor of Autodesk University this year in celebration of our new global services portfolio. We now offer the largest professional services team dedicated to supporting digitalization for the Design and Make industries, equipped with an evolving portfolio of in-house, purpose-built software, designed to integrate with and optimize Autodesk solutions," Greg Arranz, CEO, ARKANCE. Attendees received a first look at new ARKANCE innovations, groundbreaking products, and unique initiatives focused on digitalization at booth #234, including the following : Unveiling of the Be.Smart product portfolio, purpose-built solutions for essential Autodesk software, developed and provided exclusively by ARKANCE to help with new jobs to be done that have emerged in the Design and Make industries, ensuring that the ever-growing demands of the Built Environment are met. Introduction of the ARKANCE Partner to Build Smarter strategy: a network of best-in-class technology partners, including Autodesk, to lead organizations through long-term digital transformation to revolutionize projects and operations by harnessing innovative solutions and workflows. Expansion of Sustainability and Digital Advisory Services helping customers more quickly connect the dots between the latest technology and sustainable outcomes that hold the key to shaping a better world. Broadening of the Think.Future strategic framework, a visionary approach that champions digitalization, central data environments, and the use of technologies to reduce waste and rework. Unparalleled momentum and expertise in Autodesk solutions to drive unprecedented value for the Design and Make industries, unleashing the full potential of technology for growth and success. "I am thrilled to have led Capricot Technologies through this momentous transition, marking our entry into a dynamic global network within our industry. With shared objectives and a collective vision, we are poised to spearhead transformative initiatives, shaping the future of our industry. Our journey forward holds immense promise, and together, we are committed to guiding organizations worldwide toward successful transformation and growth," said Chakresh Jain, Chairman, Capricot Technologies. "As a key participant in Autodesk University 2023, both as a Platinum Sponsor and Exhibitor, we reaffirm our dedication to supporting organizations globally in their journey toward transformation and prosperity. Our team of technology and industry experts, spanning the globe, were present at the booth, delivering insightful demonstrations, sharing valuable product information, fostering collaborations, and engaging in meaningful networking opportunities." Attendees at Autodesk University, could join the ARKANCE Think Community, a resource comprised of a growing network of global experts sharing sustainability and technology knowledge, demonstrating ARKANCE's deep commitment to customers and care for the planet. To celebrate ARKANCE's premiere at the conference and the debut of the Be.Smart product portfolio, attendees enjoyed engaging activities at the ARKANCE booth, including spinning The Wheel of Prizes game for a chance to win. ABOUT ARKANCE With over 1300 professionals across 18 countries, ARKANCE is a trusted and future-focused digitalization and sustainability partner with over a century of experience in construction, manufacturing, energy, and agriculture through its parent company, Monnoyeur, and decades of technology leadership in the AECO and manufacturing industries. In June 2023, AKRANCE acquired U.S. CAD, Cadline, A2K Technologies, and Capricot to expand its global reach and strengthen expertise, becoming the world's largest Autodesk Platinum Partner. Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2279048/CapricotARKANCELogo.jpg (Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with PRNewswire and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). PTI PWR PWR NEW DELHI, Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- On the occasion of International Men's Day, IPM India Wholesale Trading Private Limited (IPM India), a country affiliate of Philip Morris International (PMI), celebrates the new age men who are committed to contributing to the business, family & society at large. The day provides an apt opportunity to honor the male role models who have overcome their own challenges & become the changemakers in the society. Over the years, men's role has undergone a significant change. They are no longer bound by the age-old traditional customs of the society. Gender roles have been realigned & it is important to support men who are overcoming their own challenges & contributing to create a world of equals. IPM India recognizes the importance of a gender-inclusive approach & strives towards fostering a workplace where individuals can embrace diversity, free of any bias. As part of the transformational journey, IPM India's key priority is to constantly strive for future ready, new age work culture, and has policies to support & empower men to contribute equally to their personal & professional lives. This is an essential component in the company's endeavor of fostering an egalitarian, inclusive and diverse space. IPM India's initiative the 'Circle In' platform encompasses tools & stories to enhance productivity, physical & mental well-being & engagement. Sharing his perspective, Ankur Modi, Cluster Head South Asia & Indochina, Philip Morris International, said, "Over the course of several years, society has functioned in a manner that stereotypes roles for 'men' and 'women' which are socially constructed. Subconsciously, men have been forced to not demonstrate vulnerabilities or prompt their emotions. It is time to break free these shackles to help grow as a leader; and walk the talk on inclusion, & alike opportunity. It is a period where gender roles are being realigned and hence, it is imperative to support & celebrate men, those who are empowering themselves, women & their families by challenging compartments to create a world of equals." Celebrating the occasion, Amlan Mathur, Brand Manager, IPM India said, "There is nothing noble being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self' - Winston Churchill. This Men's Day sharing a toast with everyone at IPM - while the world rapidly changes, things might be confusing at times, may we never stop striving to be better than we were yesterday." Sanjeet Kumar, Digital Trade Engagement Specialist, Trade Development, IPM India said, "On this International Men's Day, let's celebrate the evolving definition of masculinity, one that values emotional intelligence, compassion & equality. It's a reminder that men can be strong, not just physically, but also in their ability to nurture positive change in our world. To the incredible Generation Z, your open-mindedness, resilience & determination is shaping a brighter future for all. You are the catalysts of positive change. Embrace this responsibility, champion equality & continue to lead us towards a more inclusive and compassionate world." Deepak Jha, Manager S&OP & Demand Planning, IPM India said, "In today's world a man handles gamut of roles & responsibilities in life, and it is very important to strike a balance between the roles for the mental & physical wellbeing and keep moving with the learnings from mistakes and accomplishment from successes. As rightly said by Albert Einstein, 'Life is like riding a bicycle, to keep your balance you must keep moving'." Luv Bansal, Planning Budgeting & Projects Analyst, IPM India said, "The journey of a child to become a man involves self-introspection & developing the strength, courage & nobility to understand the said/unsaid responsibilities. As rightly quoted by Albert Einstein, 'Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value'. Don't lose the sight who you are and enjoy every moment. Soon you will realise the real success is at every corner of life by making everyone valued." Ashish Batra, Procurement Analyst, IPM India said, "Being a man who smiles in trouble, gathers strength from distress, grows brave by reflection, standing strong for family and lead from front. It is a matter of facing the challenges of life while being tough enough to counter them and enjoy achievements while being modest." Anup Sharma, Workplace Experience Executive said, "Men work hard for the family & nurture it with utmost care, they sweat out to make everyone glow with happiness. Being a man is not about having muscular power but to fulfil the responsibilities of people who we love and live. Let us celebrate our worth on International Men's Day." About IPM India Wholesale Trading Private Limited IPM India Wholesale Trading Private Limited is a joint venture between Philip Morris Brands Sarl of Switzerland and two Indian partners, Godfrey Phillips India Limited (GPI) and K.K. Modi Investment & Financial Services Private Limited. Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2278941/IPMIndia.jpg Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1798524/PhilipMorrisInternationalLogo.jpg (Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with PRNewswire and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). PTI PWR PWR Staff unload relief supplies from a plane at Al-Arish Airport in the North Sinai Province, Egypt, Nov. 15, 2023. As the Hamas-Israel conflict dragged on into the second month, the Rafah border crossing, the only crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip, has become a "life passage" for the Gazans trapped in the besieged enclave.(Xinhua/Yao Bing) by Xinhua writer Yao Bing RAFAH, Egypt, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- As the Hamas-Israel conflict dragged on into the second month, the Rafah border crossing, the only crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip, has become a "life passage" for the Gazans trapped in the besieged enclave. The crossing plays a crucial role in evacuations and the delivery of humanitarian aid after the conflict plunged Gaza's more than two million people into a humanitarian crisis. At the border crossing, Xinhua reporter saw trucks carrying relief supplies slowly crossing into Gaza from the Egyptian side of Rafah while several foreign passport holders and ambulances transporting the sick and wounded entered Egypt from Gaza. "This is the only door for passing all the items ... We started from 20 trucks daily up to 100 and more trucks now, but this number is still a drop in the ocean because the number of people who are in need is huge," Lotfy Gheith, manager of the emergency operation center of the Egyptian Red Crescent Society told reporters. Between Oct. 21 and Nov. 13, more than 120 planes carrying relief supplies arrived in Egypt from countries in South America, Asia, and Africa, Gheith said. At the first stop of the relief supplies, Egypt's Al-Arish Airport, Xinhua reporter saw several planes carrying relief supplies landed one after another and the on-site staff and volunteers moved the supplies from the planes to the warehouse. "As soon as we receive these shipments, we will check these shipments before uploading them and making contact with the Palestinian Red Crescent to receive them on the other side," Gheith said. Since the outbreak of the conflict, Gheith and his team members, totaling about 600 people, have been working at the airport, the Rafah border crossing, and the Al-Arish Hospital. Being one of the largest medical facilities in the North Sinai Province of Egypt, the Al-Arish Hospital receives Gazan patients requiring intricate surgery and those with severe wounds. "When the patients come here, we treat them in the emergency room first, and then, depending on the severity (of their wounds), we decide whether to arrange them in the general ward or the intensive care unit," said Wagdy Amin, a doctor of the hospital. When the patients get better, Amin says, they will be moved to other hospitals, making room for other patients or injured people. Over 40 days into the conflict, more than 11,000 Palestinians in Gaza were killed, and the death toll on the Israeli side is around 1,200, the majority of whom were killed on the Oct. 7 Hamas attack that triggered the conflict. Besides massive airstrikes and ground operations, Israel has also imposed punitive measures, including a siege on the enclave, with supplies of water, electricity, fuel, and other necessities being cut off. A plane carrying relief supplies lands at Al-Arish Airport in the North Sinai Province, Egypt, Nov. 15, 2023. As the Hamas-Israel conflict dragged on into the second month, the Rafah border crossing, the only crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip, has become a "life passage" for the Gazans trapped in the besieged enclave. (Xinhua/Yao Bing) A staff member transports relief supplies at Al-Arish Airport in the North Sinai Province, Egypt, Nov. 15, 2023. As the Hamas-Israel conflict dragged on into the second month, the Rafah border crossing, the only crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip, has become a "life passage" for the Gazans trapped in the besieged enclave.(Xinhua/Yao Bing) This photo taken on Nov. 15, 2023 shows the gate of Al-Arish Hospital in the North Sinai Province, Egypt. As the Hamas-Israel conflict dragged on into the second month, the Rafah border crossing, the only crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip, has become a "life passage" for the Gazans trapped in the besieged enclave. (Xinhua/Yao Bing) An ambulance (L) crosses into Egypt via the Rafah border crossing while a truck carrying relief supplies heads to the Gaza Strip, Nov. 15, 2023. As the Hamas-Israel conflict dragged on into the second month, the Rafah border crossing, the only crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip, has become a "life passage" for the Gazans trapped in the besieged enclave.(Xinhua/Yao Bing) Staff transfer a patient at Al-Arish Hospital in the North Sinai Province, Egypt, Nov. 15, 2023. As the Hamas-Israel conflict dragged on into the second month, the Rafah border crossing, the only crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip, has become a "life passage" for the Gazans trapped in the besieged enclave. (Xinhua/Yao Bing) Kochi, Nov 17 (PTI) The death toll from the blasts at a Christian religious gathering in nearby Kalamassery in October has risen to six, government sources said on Friday. Malayatoor resident Praveen (24) died at a private hospital on Thursday, authorities at the hospital, where he had been treated, said. "He was in the ICU. He passed away at 10.40 PM on Thursday," a hospital source told PTI. His mother, who suffered serious wounds in the blasts, had died on November 11, while his younger sister Libina had succumbed to injuries on October 30, a day after the blasts occurred at the gathering of the Jehovah's Witnesses. The medical board, responsible for treating those wounded in the incident, is yet to release the medical bulletin indicating the number of patients under treatment following the blasts. The blasts took place during a gathering of Jehovah's Witnesses on October 29. They had gathered for the final day of a three-day-long prayer meeting. Libina had passed away on October 30 at the Kalamassery Government Medical College Hospital, and two women who were part of the gathering lost their lives on the day of the blasts. Subsequently, 61-year-old Moly Joy from Kalamassery died at a private hospital on November 6. During the multiple blasts at the international convention centre in Kalamassery, over 50 people were injured, some seriously. A few hours after the incident, a man named Dominic Martin, claiming to be an estranged member of Jehovah's Witnesses, surrendered before the police in Thrissur district, asserting that he carried out the multiple blasts. The police later recorded his arrest. In addition to Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) (punishment for murder) and Section 3 of the Explosive Substances Act, relevant sections of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) have also been invoked against Martin. 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%. Mayor Eric Adams administration in New York City has declared the implementation of approximately $4 billion in budget cuts over the next 18 months, citing the migrant crisis as the primary cause. These cuts will lead to significant changes across the city, including the cancellation of new police officer hires, a $1 billion reduction in the education budget, and the closure of libraries on Sundays. Adams described the budget reduction process as the most painful exercise of his professional career, emphasizing the immediate effect of these cuts on city services. Every city agency is expected to undergo a 5% budget cut, with additional reductions anticipated next year. The NYPD will notably face a reduction in force, falling below 30,000 employees for the first time in decades, and the postponement of the next five police academy classes. Patrick Hendry, President of the Police Benevolent Association, expressed deep concern over the impact on public safety, recalling staffing levels during the crime surge of the 80s and 90s. The city has welcomed over 142,000 migrants since last spring, and officials attribute these budgetary constraints to the ongoing migrant crisis. Without additional federal aid, the city expects these cuts to deepen. The Adams administration also plans to reduce migrant services by about 20%, though specific details were not disclosed. Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol mentioned a review of asylum seeker operations for potential savings. The budget cuts extend to various departments, including the FDNY, where overtime costs and civilian vacancies will be reduced, along with light duty firefighter positions. The Education Department faces a $1 billion cut over two years, impacting programs like Summer Rising for middle schoolers and universal prekindergarten. Library funding cuts will result in most branches closing on Sundays starting December, alongside reductions in materials, programming, and maintenance. Library leaders warn of deeper service impacts without sufficient funding. These initial reductions may be followed by another 10% cut early next year if the city doesnt secure state or federal aid to address the migrant crisis. This situation underscores the severe financial strain on the city and the potential for widespread impact on essential services and public safety. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) A U.S. Navy warship shot down a drone that was heading toward the ship as it sailed in the southern Red Sea, U.S. officials said Wednesday. The USS Thomas Hudner, a naval destroyer, was sailing toward the Bab-el-Mandeb strait when the crew saw the drone, which originated in Yemen. The ship shot down the drone over the water. The officials said the crew took action to ensure the safety of U.S. personnel, and there were no casualties or damage to the ship. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss ongoing military operations. According to a initial intelligence assessment, the drone was likely targeting the ship, said one of the officials. The U.S. did not directly blame the Iran-backed Houthi rebels for launching the unmanned aircraft. But the early Wednesday incident comes less than a week after Houthis shot down a U.S. drone over the Red Sea. Officials said the MQ-9 Reaper was in international airspace. The Houthis said it was in Yemeni airspace and was shot down by air defenses. The Houthis have launched at least six aerial attacks against Israel since Oct. 7 and, according to the groups leader, Abdul Malik al-Houthi, have vowed to target ships operating in the Red Sea. Another Navy destroyer, the USS Carney, took similar strikes on drones coming from Yemen on Oct. 19. The ship took out three missiles and several drones. It wasnt certain if they were aimed at Israel. One of the officials said the U.S. does not believe the missiles were aimed at the ship. The Houthi are staunch foes of Israel and regularly hold huge demonstrations in support of Palestinians, during peacetime and wartime. (AP) In recent days, IDF forces achieved control over the Gazan harbor which was controlled by Hamas and used to infiltrate Israel by sea before, on, and after October 7th, the IDF announced on Thursday morning. In a joint operation, soldiers of the 188th Brigade and Shayetet 13, assisted by the Air Force and the Armored and Combat Engineering Corps, seized control of the harbor and destroyed 10 terror tunnel shafts and four buildings used for terror and eliminated 10 terrorists. The tunnels in the area led directly to the sea to aid Hamas terrorists in maritime infiltration into Israel. Hamas used the harbor as a training facility for their naval commando forces for planning and executing naval terror attacks, the IDF stated. Under the guise of a civilian harbor, Hamas used the area for training and carrying out terror attacks, all the while using civilian and Gaza harbor police vessels. Also, Shayetet 13 naval commandos destroyed the Marmara memorial, which was enacted to celebrate the Mavi Marmara ship, which was part of a flotilla that breached the naval blockade on Gaza in 2010. Shayetet 13 commandos who boarded the Mavi Marmara during an operation against the flotilla were violently attacked by Turkish terrorists aboard the ship, leading to a battle that left nine terrorists dead and dozens wounded, causing Israel international diplomatic fallout and frayed relations with Turkey. Ten Shayetet 13 commandos were injured, one seriously. According to the IDF, some of the Shayetet 13 commandos who took part in the Marmara attack 13 years ago also took part in this weeks operation to capture the Gazan harbor. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) President of the Belgian Senate Stephanie DHose refused a proposal by Israeli Ambassador to Brussels Idit Rozenzweig-Abu to screen footage of the October 7th Hamas atrocities, Ynet reported. Rozenzweig-Abu first tried to present a shorter version of the footage to the Senates Foreign Affairs Committee but she was faced with an unequivocal refusal, with certain party leaders claiming that the footage is an Israeli propaganda effort aimed at obscuring war crimes. Green Party representative Wouter De Vriendt said to Rozenzweig-Abu: More than 4,000 children have already perished in bombings. How many more need to die before you take action? The elimination of a Hamas leader that resulted in the death of civilians is a scandal, especially for a nation like Israel. They constitute war crimes. Youre targeting schools, mosques, and UN employees. I had anticipated that a democratic nation like Israel would maintain higher standards. I was supportive of Israel right after the October 7th attack, but I can no longer sustain that stance. The brutality needs to stop. The Friends of Israel organization in Belgium slammed Parliament leaders, saying: Its intriguing that the Parliament faced no hurdle in agreeing to host a propaganda photo exhibition related to Palestinian terrorism last year. The hypocrisy of the Parliament is disgraceful. Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen condemned the Belgian Parliament, saying that Belgium is turning a blind eye to the war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by Hamas. This is not a propaganda video, rather it is a film created from footage shot by the terrorists themselves that shows their indiscriminate slaughter of Israeli civilians. Turning a blind eye to Hamas crimes is tantamount to disregarding Israels right to defend itself against a terrorist organization that is worse than ISIS. Hamas is guilty of instigating the war, in which the state of Israel is defending its citizens and is standing at the forefront of the Western world in the face of murderous terrorism. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) Portions of a developing story that began unfolding late Wednesday night local time have been confirmed to YWN by highly credible sources. Rumors of multiple refrigerated trucks that were filled with deceased bodies having traveled from the Gaza Strip to Shua in Israel were conclusively confirmed by YWN sources. As of early Thursday morning, there were still few concrete details about the identities of the bodies, though Israeli officials announced later on Thursday that it had recovered the body of 65-year-old Yehudit Weiss, who was kidnapped from Beeri on October 7, Simchas Torah. Hers was one of more than 200 bodies recovered by the IDF. Sources tell YWN that Zaka has now been requested to the facility where the bodies are being held and await further instructions. There are reports that all bodies brought to the Shua facility were taken from Shifa Hospital in Gaza. They are either hostages who were killed, or terrorists, or possibly both. Authorities are now going through the tedious process of analyzing DNA and other identification markers to positively identify the bodies. YWN remains hopeful that the bodies are all of murderous terrorists, and that the 240 hostages abducted by Hamas are returned safely to their families. In an interview with CBS News on Thursday evening, Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu spoke vaguely about what he knows about the fate of the hostages. We had strong indications that they were held at the Shifa hospital, which is one of the reasons we entered the hospital, Netanyahu said. If they were, they were taken out. We have intelligence about the hostages, but as to your first question, I think the less I say about it, the better, he added. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) JERUSALEM, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- The Israeli army announced on Friday that the body of an Israeli soldier kidnapped by Hamas militants during the Oct. 7 attacks was returned to Israel after being discovered in a building adjacent to Gaza's largest hospital. The recovery of the soldier's body came one day after the army said it had extracted the remains of an Israeli civilian who was abducted by Hamas militants on Oct. 7 from a structure near the same hospital. In an interview with CBS News on Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said there are "strong indications" that at least some of the hostages were held in the al-Shifa Hospital, the biggest hospital in Gaza, "which is one of the reasons we entered the hospital." Israel insisted that the hospital is serving as a military weapons cache, while Hamas and the hospital administration denied the allegations. Other statements released Friday morning by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said the troops continued operating overnight in the Gaza Strip and fighter jets struck many targets in the Palestinian enclave. "We are close to dismantling the military system that was present in the northern Gaza Strip," IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi was quoted as saying in a statement. "The IDF will continue in its operations within the Gaza Strip, and as far as we are concerned, more and more regions (will be targeted), systematically eliminating commanding officers and eliminating operatives, and eradicating the infrastructure," he added. 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, according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry. The IDF reported on Friday that its troops had killed seven Palestinian terrorists in two separate operations across the West Bank. In the first incident near Chevron, IDF reservists from the 8106th Battalion responded to gunfire from a vehicle at an intersection. The troops returned fire, eliminating the assailant and the driver. The IDF reported no casualties on their side and confiscated a makeshift submachine gun used in the attack. Additionally, the IDF conducted an overnight operation in Chevron, involving the assessment of homes belonging to three Palestinian terrorists for potential demolition. These individuals were implicated in a checkpoint shooting near Jerusalem on Thursday that resulted in the death of Avraham Fetena, a 20-year-old Military Police soldier. In a separate operation in the northern West Bank city of Jenin and its adjacent refugee camp, IDF troops clashed with terrorists during a raid aimed at uncovering explosive devices and apprehending terror operatives. The Kfir Brigade led the raid, which involved the use of a drone to strike a group of terrorists. The IDF reported that at least five Palestinian gunmen were killed, and six assault rifles were captured during the Jenin operation. However, Palestinian sources reported three fatalities, with no immediate explanation for the discrepancy. Furthermore, the Border Police detained seven Palestinians in Jenin, including Qasem Jabari, a known member of a local terror group. In a pursuit that extended to Ibn Sina Hospital in the city, officers intercepted one vehicle carrying an armed individual and seized three assault rifles. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) IDF forces on Thursday thwarted a major attack that Palestinian terrorists were on their way to carry out in Yerushalayim. Security officials said soldiers stopped a suspicious vehicle for inspection at a checkpoint outside the Israeli capital. Three terrorists inside the vehicle opened fire on the troops, who quickly reacted and returned fire, killing all three of the miscreants. Tragically, Corporal Avraham Fetena hyd was killed in the attack. Israeli forces subsequently found two M-16 rifles, two pistols, two axes, hundreds of bullets, 10 cartridges, and clothing similar to IDF uniforms in the terrorists car. The car was equipped with fake Israeli license plates. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Sponsored Content By Dovid Grossman Rabbi Tzion Menachem, a world renowned Mekubal from Eretz Yisroel, will be arriving in New York to meet with people who are seeking guidance and assistance in numerous matters. He meets people facing all sorts of difficulties and gives them chizuk, strengthening them and thus enabling them to face challenges. Whether it is children who are off-the-derech, issues of marriage or parnassa, Rav Menachem seems to give consistent and solid direction and advice that many people understand as truly miraculous. Aside from being a Mekubal, Rav Menachem is a Rav in Elad where he has a shul and a Kollel Choshain Mishpat where his students study to be dayanim. Rav Menachem is an extraordinary Talmic Chachom as well as a great Mekubal and Tzaddik. Rabbi Tzion Menachem shlita will be in New York from November 20th November 28th, 2023. For an appointment please call: 718-781-6426 Rav Menachem has also authored a commentary on shaar ruach hakodesh of Rav Chaim Vitals classic Kabbalistic work entitled Etz Chaim. Rav Menachem had studied under the great Kabbalistic luminaries of our generation, HaRav Yoseph Dayan ztl and HaRav Mordechai Sharabi ztl. It is said that virtually everyone who merits to see him and receives his advice, whether it has to do with medical issues, business issues, family matters or anything else is so impressed that they recommend Rav Menachem to ten friends. The following is a typical letter and experience. It was written by the son of a very famous Askan: Around two years ago my bas yechidah began experiencing discomfort with her legs. I wont go into detail but we constantly visited doctors to no avail. As time went on her condition worsened. At the end of last year her legs began buckling. This became a regular occurrence and she got used to it happening. Rabbi Tzion Menachem shlita will be in New York from November 20th November 28th, 2022. For an appointment please call: 718-781-6426 This is when my story begins; In mid May 2015 on a Sunday when my daughter stumbled into our house crying. A heaviness had crept into her legs and by the time she got home she lost sensation in some parts and had little in the rest. I hurriedly took her to the doctor. After countless hours we knew she needed the hospital. She spent 15 hours undergoing tests with no results. There was nothing visibly wrong with her and the doctors said it was probably a one time thing. Fast forward. The next day my daughter buckled and she fell down a large ight of stairs. I knew she couldnt go on like this and hurried to another hospital. We spent a week there. In the beginning it was nerve racking knowing that my daughter might have a serious illness. But I knew that it wasnt in my hands. After the rst few days we all breathed a sigh of relief when all serious issues were ruled out, however we were still anxious about the fact that her legs were still numb and developed a numbness in her arm. At the end of a long week with no answers, we had only one more test which would be done as an outpatient. My daughter left the hospital in a wheelchair. Thats when my father-in-law called me to ask for my daughters full name. About a half hour after we came home my father-in-law called me again. He had spoken to Rav Tzion Menachem shlita, a Rav and Rosh Kollel from Elad, a city in Eretz Yisroel. He told us that we had closed a window in our home 2 years ago and that is what caused all the problems. With shock we recalled that most certainly we had left a hole in the wall but we had stuccoed on our home two years ago and sure enough the hole which once was, was no longer. With bated breath I quickly called someone down to drill a hole in my wall. Unbelievably very soon after the hole was drilled my daughter started gasping and crying as the sensation began returning to her legs. With tears streaming down our faces I together with my family watched her stand up and walk on her own. The gratitude and feelings of shevach vhodaah to Hakadosh Baruch Hu for sending us such a shaliach are indescribable. Rabbi Tzion Menachem shlita will be in New York from November 20th November 28th, 2023. For an appointment please call: 718-781-6426 In this week's column, I look at two different stories from readers fighting to get back funds from British Airways. I was due to visit a friend in the US in May 2020, and had booked a return flight from Heathrow to Washington DC with British Airways. When it was cancelled due to covid, I decided to accept a BA voucher for the cost of the flight so I could re-book it once travel was allowed again. But in August 2020, I was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer and needed an operation. I then developed other health problems which also needed surgery. As I started to feel better, I re-booked the flights for March 2022, adding more money to the voucher to cover the increased cost. At this point I had paid just under 750. Change of plans: K.G booked a flight to the US which was cancelled in May 2020. He accepted a voucher, but now cannot use it as his health does not allow him to travel long distances In the meantime, however, my health issues returned and I was in surgery again over Christmas 2021. I had to cancel the new flight booking and the money remained on my voucher. Unfortunately, I am still not medically able to go on a long haul flight, and don't know if or when I will be fit to do so again. I have asked for the money to be paid back to me in cash, but BA has told me it isn't possible. Can you help? K.G, London Helen Crane, This is Money's consumer champion, replies: I'm sorry to hear about your illness, and that you won't be able to make it out to visit your friend. There was a time when I received hordes of emails about airlines not playing fair when it came to Covid travel vouchers, but I had hoped that - nearly four years on from the start of the pandemic - those issues had all been sorted out. But it appears I have been a little naive. Your story did make me wonder how many other people are still battling airlines for their money back, or still have them lying around unused - or worse, expired. What compensation should you get if flights are delayed or cancelled? Our ultimate guide to everything you need to know about your rights when your flight gets delayed or cancelled Airlines had to offer cash to customers if their flight was cancelled due to the pandemic, if the customer asked for it. However, many offered vouchers as a default option, because holding on to customers' money helped them to keep their businesses afloat when holidays were not allowed. You were keen to re-book the same trip when the pandemic was over so you saw no problem in taking a voucher from BA. But due to the sad change of circumstances, that's no longer the case and you would like your money back. As well as not being well enough to take the eight and a half hour flight, you are concerned about needing emergency medical care while in the US as you don't think you will be able to get affordable travel insurance. What many customers didn't know when they took an airline voucher, was that there was no going back on that decision, and they wouldn't be able to swap it back for cash if they changed their mind. Some airlines did offer that option - but I checked BA's small print and sadly that's not the case here. It says: 'An e-voucher is valid until the expiry date shown and cannot be renewed or exchanged for cash. 'Where you cancel the booking and a refund is due, the amount paid for using the e-voucher will be issued under a new e-voucher.' For anyone else with a voucher outstanding, it is worth knowing that the vouchers expire on 30 September 2024. When you first emailed BA's customer service team, it reiterated the T&Cs above. So you emailed back again, to make sure they understood how serious your health problem was. Not budging: When K.G went online to explain his illness to BA, it still said it couldn't exchange his 750 e-voucher for its cash value Surely these were mitigating circumstances, and some common sense and compassion could be applied? However, you had an almost instantaneous reply saying that, while the customer service person 'appreciated your reasons for asking,' the refund would still not be possible. That is when you contacted me. I contacted BA to ask what its policy was in cases of serious illness, and whether it would consider repaying you the 750. It didn't answer my first question, but a couple of days later you told me you had an email from BA which promised you the money back in full. I'm glad I could help you take the fight to BA, and wish you all the best. BA overbooked our flight: Where's our expenses cash? In mid-September 2023, my wife and I were returning home from a holiday on the French Riviera. We were denied boarding at Nice airport for our flight to London City, due to British Airways over-booking the flight. We were told to vacate the check-in area and that BA would contact us to organise an alternative flight. We didn't hear anything and there was no BA rep at the airport. We eventually found a number to call and got through after several attempts, to be told the next flight we could get on from Nice to City was three days later. We asked if we could be put on a flight with another airline, but BA told us: 'We don't do that'. In the end, we accepted a BA flight the next day to Gatwick. We booked a night in a hotel in Nice, and then boarded the flight the next evening which arrived in Gatwick at midnight. As our car had been left at City, and we arrived after public transport had closed, we paid 150 for a taxi to get the car. The total cost of the hotel, extra day of food and expenses and the taxi was 823.50. We are keen to have this refunded. But it is unclear how we should do this, and we have had no response to our enquiries for more than a month. Our local MP, Kemi Badenoch, even wrote to BA for us but it doesn't seem to have worked. We are really upset at the whole experience, especially as we paid 630 for our tickets. P.S, Essex Stranded: P.S and his wife say they were left in Nice airport with no support from British Airways, after they were not allowed to board their over-booked plane (stock image) Helen Crane replies: Unfortunately, over-booked flights do happen. Airlines look at how many no-shows and last-minute cancellations they usually get on each route, and decide on the number of tickets to sell accordingly. This is normally more than the number of seats on the plane - so when more passengers turn up than expected, people like you are left in the lurch. The inevitably leads to unhappy customers, but often it is what the airline does afterwards that determines whether they retain their loyalty. In your case, BA left you on a wing and a prayer. You told me you had no support at the airport, and were upset that you had not been treated better by the UK's flag carrier - especially as you paid more than 600 for your tickets. When you were unceremoniously booted off the flight, no-one from the airline checked whether you were able to sort out alternative arrangements. 'No one enquired whether we had any funds or credit cards, or about our health status - we are both over seventy and on medication - or whether we had ways to contact BA or had internet access,' you told me. CRANE ON THE CASE Our weekly column sees This is Money consumer expert Helen Crane tackle reader problems and shine the light on companies doing both good and bad. Want her to investigate a problem, or do you want to praise a firm for going that extra mile? Get in touch: helen.crane@thisismoney.co.uk 'Fortunately we are both capable people, and survived this horrible experience.' You also didn't get a promised call from BA to sort out a new flight, and were instead forced to call them multiple times until you got through. While airlines must provide an alternative flight to passengers they have bumped, they can insist that this is on one of their flights and choose not to offer the passenger with another carrier that leaves sooner. With the next flight to London City in three days, you opted for a flight the next day to Gatwick - some 30 miles away. This meant another day and night on the French Riviera, one of the most expensive places in Europe. Even though you say you booked a 'budget' hotel and didn't go overboard on food and drinks, the cost of taxis and phone calls racked it up to over 800. Once you did finally get home the next day, the process of claiming back the money you had spent started. When a passenger is denied boarding, the airline is obliged to pay for a hotel, transport to and from the hotel to the airport, food and refreshments, and communication costs such as phone calls. They should also be able to get compensation, and the amount depends on how long their flight was in miles. These rules are set by the Civil Aviation Authority and apply to all airlines. Nice to London is a distance of just over 1,000 miles, which means you would be entitled to 220. But how to get the money? You say you couldn't get through to BA on the phone, or find a way to contact BA customer services via email. While there is an online portal to claim for delays, you couldn't work out if this also applied to passengers who had been denied boarding. You filled out the form anyway, but never heard anything. Your wife even called the Executive Club hotline for BA members - but was told there was nothing they could do, then cut off when she asked to speak to a supervisor. That's when you asked for my help, and I contacted it on your behalf. The airline swiftly agreed to pay your expenses back in full, as well as either the required 220 each in compensation, or 300 each if you decided to take it as a BA eVoucher. That leaves you with a total of 1,264 back in your pocket, if you choose to take the cash. Based on K.G's story above, I know what I would do. Controversial energy bill standing charges could be reformed, as regulator Ofgem looks to shake up how the fees work. But with the future of standing charges in doubt, experts are calling for the fees to be scrapped for some customers, for regional unfairness to be fixed and for more help for vulnerable households. Standing charges are daily charges consumers pay to energy firms regardless of how much gas or electricity they use. But these daily fees have risen by up to 60 per cent in two years, heaping unavoidable costs on households during the ongoing cost of living crisis. Not standing still: Standing charges have been on a steady march upwards since 2021 The average home now pays 53p a day in electricity standing charges, or 193.45 a year, while for gas the typical fee is 30p a day and 109.50 per annum. In total, the average home pays 302.95 a year in standing charges, before any energy is even used. Energy regulator Ofgem has now said it is considering alternatives to standing charges, and called for suggestions from the industry and the public about how the system could change. Ofgem director for markets Tim Jarvis said: 'We know that standing charges have provoked a huge amount of debate in recent months, and, with wider cost of living pressures meaning customers will continue to struggle with bills, now is the right time to look at this again. 'The standing charge is covered by the price cap, which puts a ceiling on what suppliers can set it at. Suppliers are also under no obligation to have a standing charge and can charge less than what is set out in the price cap. 'However, it's a complex issue and while an upfront set fee to cover a suppliers fixed costs works for some, it doesn't work for others. Equally, spreading the costs differently might help some but our previous analysis has found it can also penalise some really vulnerable households.' Here are three ways energy experts have suggested standing charges might change in the future. 1. No standing charges for pre-payment meter customers Fuel poverty campaign group National Energy Action says that high energy bills have hit pre-payment meter households the hardest. Pre-payment meters have to be loaded with pre-paid credit before energy can be used, and are more common in lower-income households. NEA director of policy and advocacy Peter Smith said: 'How can it be right that someone who can't afford any energy for their home, still pays a daily charge that is the same or more than someone in a mansion? An overhaul of the system is long overdue.' He added: 'Despite many people on pre-payment meters cutting their energy usage to the point it could be dangerous to their physical or mental health, charges for these customers have almost doubled over the same period.' 'If there was the political will to prioritise these issues in the Autumn Statement, the UK Government could cut standing charges to zero for prepayment customers this winter.' Unfair? How much you pay in energy standing charges depends where you live in the country 2. End regional inequality with standing charges Standing charges vary according to where you are in the country, with some places paying 86 a year more than others - a third extra. The cheapest electricity and gas standing charges for these tariffs are found in London, where homes pay around 276 a year, with Merseyside, North Wales and parts of Cheshire paying the most, at 362. NEA head of Wales, Ben Saltmarsh, said: 'Beyond the overall increases to standing charges, where you live also has a big impact on how much you pay. People in North Wales and Mersey pay a third more a year than Londoners. 'How can it be fair that areas across Great Britain that are more likely to struggle with their bills, pay so much more? 'The review needs to recognise these areas are being hit hard by the wider cost of living and there should be a clear focus on reducing or eliminating these regional variances.' 3. End unfair charges - but protect the vulnerable Most energy bills are split into two parts - standing charges and the fees paid for the gas and electricity used. Some energy tariffs have no standing charges, but the trade-off is that the price paid for gas and electricity used rises. Tariffs with no standing charges can be appealing for lower-income households, as they can gain some control over their energy bills by reducing energy use. But that comes with complications for lower-income groups that do need higher levels of energy use, such as the elderly and those with medical needs. Warm This Winter spokesperson Fiona Waters said: 'We welcome any move that will reduce energy bills for ordinary people and standing charges are unfair as people must pay even if they are not using energy. 'We do know it's a complex issue so any changes would need to be implemented in a way that doesn't penalise those who rely on huge amounts of energy for medical reasons and other vulnerable groups.' Deal announcements are meant to explain rather than confuse. Citigate, communications adviser to Hotel Chocolat, outdid itself with an email to the media in which the founder of the confectionery company, Angus Thirlwell, mysteriously rambles on about Queen Bee and Beekeeper. Maybe he and the Hotel Chocolat board are so disconcerted at selling out to Mars, makers of such wonderfully healthy sweets as M&Ms, Snickers and Skittles, that it thought it best to wrap itself in the code names loved by investment bankers. The reality is that Hotel Chocolat, having built a reputation for producing ethical, quality chocolate from its own farms on St Lucia, has sold out to Mars for 534million. It is too good a deal to resist, delivering a 169.8 per cent premium to Hotel Chocolats depleted price. Bittersweet: Hotel Chocolat, having built a reputation for producing ethical, quality chocolate from its own farms on St Lucia, has sold out to Mars for 534m As investor Richard Bernstein, of Crystal Amber, observes, minuscule valuations for UK small caps have made them sitting ducks. As a private, hobby investor I ought to be overjoyed at this get-out-of-jail card. Thirlwell cant contain his delight in praising the skills, expertise and capabilities of Mars. He will be joining the ranks of the UKs super-rich with a payout of 140million. The plan is to stay on as chief executive (we may have heard that before) and to reinvest in the chocolatier. Mars is pledging to keep open Hotel Chocolats factory in Huntingdon and preserve 3,000 jobs. The longer haul is a different matter. Mars boasts an annual turnover of 39billion and a reputation for smart marketing. But the controlling family are secretive, so tracking Hotel Chocolats future may prove tricky. Britain has been terrific at creating organic, ethical brands with potential global reach in a greener world. But UK investors, founders or their offspring are hopeless at seeing the project through. Green & Blacks was swallowed by Cadbury, which was bought by Kraft and is now part of Mondelez. Anita Roddicks Body Shop was snapped up by LOreal, sold to Natura and was this week passed to private equity outfit Aurelius Group for 210million. Big international branded goods firms find it hard to manage enterprises with a social purpose. Even when the deals work commercially, outcomes can be very mixed. Unilevers last chief executive, Alan Jope, found himself with a serious problem when the woke Ben & Jerrys ethical board in Vermont sought to ban ice-cream sales in West Bank settlements in the Middle East. Unilever, to its credit, declined to budge. The great irony about the fate of Hotel Chocolat, Green & Blacks, Cadbury et al is that in a nation of chocolate lovers (Brits are the main consumers after the US), there is no home-grown brand listed in London. This clearly is not a case for referral under the National Security and Investment Act. But we dispose of eclectic, sustainable British firms far too easily. Wind repairs Few geographies are blessed with such a promising environment for offshore wind power as the British Isles. Yet someone, somewhere in Whitehall managed to get their sums all wrong at the last offshore auction. Energy Security Secretary Claire Coutinho (who knew we even had one) has now lifted the guaranteed price offered by 66 per cent to 73 per megawatt hour at the March 2024 sell-off. The improved price is meant to make sure that higher borrowing and supply chain costs are fully covered. The uplift produced applause from Greenpeace and apoplexy from consumer advocate Net Zero Watch. Contracts-for-difference pricing structures give some certainty to bidders. Whether any of this will make any difference to Swedens Vattenfall, which in the summer pulled back from its Norfolk project, is unknowable. There are no free lunches. Subsidies eventually push up green levies on domestic bills. Expensive error A global slowdown in luxury spending has already arrived in Britain, with Burberry issuing an effective profits warning. Thats not a great start for the collection designer Daniel Lee launched in September. Blame for the setback is placed at the door of Chinese shoppers. Instead of buying at home, as in the aftermath of Covid-19, they are splashing the cash overseas. London finds itself at a disadvantage to Paris and Milan because foreign tourists cannot reclaim VAT. All the more reason for Jeremy Hunt to end the farce in next weeks Autumn Statement. GKN-owner Melrose said profits were set to be 7% higher than previously expected The owner of UK aerospace firm GKN said it was on course to more than double its annual profits after demand and prices surged. Melrose said profits were set to be 7 per cent higher than expected. Chief executive Simon Peckham said he was leaving it well positioned for the future as he prepares to step down in March. The firm is best known for its battle in 2018 to take control of GKN, an industrial stalwart dating back to the 18th century which made cannonballs in the Napoleonic wars. After the 8billion hostile takeover was completed, Melrose restructured the business, axing jobs and closing a plant in Birmingham. It then spun off GKNs automotive and other divisions under the name Dowlais, but kept the GKN aerospace business. The firm, which makes parts for civil and fighter jets, with clients including Airbus and Boeing, has been boosted by the revival in air travel and military spending. It had already upgraded its earnings guidance only two months ago. Now it expects adjusted operating profits of between 400million and 410million, compared with the 186million reported by its aerospace business in 2022 before the GKN break-up completed. Revenues are expected to come in at between 3.3billion and 3.4billion. Burberry suffered its biggest share price fall in more than a decade thanks to subdued demand for luxury goods. In a bleak update, the London fashion house said it was unlikely to achieve its annual sales targets if the slowdown in spending on expensive clothes and accessories continued. It warned this would lead to profits coming in at the lower end of expectations of between 552million and 668million. Shares in the FTSE 100 firm fell 11.15 per cent or 194.5p to 1,550p the biggest one-day decline since September 2012. Chief executive Jonathan Akeroyd also renewed calls for Chancellor Jeremy Hunt to scrap the tourist tax in his Autumn Statement next week. Star appeal: Actress Jodie Comer at the Burberry fashion show in September He said business in the UK was suffering as a result of the Governments refusal to reinstate VAT-free shopping for overseas visitors. Akeroyd said ministers stubbornness was a missed opportunity to cash in on a tourist rebound after the pandemic. Warning that spending in the UK by Americans and visitors from the Middle East was lagging behind Europe, he said: It is a pity that people are choosing to spend in Paris rather than in London. More than 400 business leaders have backed the Mails campaign for the Chancellor to scrap the tourist tax. But like rival luxury brands, Burberrys problems run deeper, with demand for expensive goods suffering amid global economic turmoil and geopolitical uncertainty. Burberry said store sales increased just 1 per cent over the three months to the end of September following an 18 per cent rise in the previous quarter. Demand in China has dwindled after an initial post-pandemic bounce-back, with sales falling 8 per cent. Economic pressures in the US pushed sales in the Americas down 10 per cent in the second quarter. The brand is pinning its hopes on new creative director Daniel Lee, who made his debut runway collection for Burberry at London Fashion Week in September. But the slowdown in business has taken the gloss off the industry and luxury firms share prices. Louis Vuitton owner LVMH the worlds largest luxury group saw revenue growth slow to 9 per cent in the three months to the end of September from 17 per cent in the previous quarter. There have also been warnings from Cartier owner Richemont and Gucci owner Kering in recent weeks. Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell, said: Traditionally, the wealthy clientele who shop for expensive clothes and accessories are seen as being insulated from the impact of higher borrowing costs and rising prices, but apparently they are feeling some of the pain. Qinetiq boss Steve Wadey has hailed the success of the UK defence sector as his firm became the latest to report surging orders amid growing geopolitical tensions. It said uncertainty caused by the war in Ukraine, tensions with China and the conflict in Gaza had boosted defence and security budgets, helping the likes of Qinetiq, which specialises in high-tech areas such as robotics, laser and cyber, as well as more traditional UK defence firms such as BAE Systems and Babcock. We are doing really, really well, said Wadey of the sector. Boom time: Qinetiq said uncertainty caused by the war in Ukraine, tensions with China and the conflict in Gaza had boosted defence and security budgets His firm reported a surge in orders to 953million for the first half to the end of September, helped by a bumper period for Avantus, the US subsidiary it bought last year. Avantus won a 181million contract with Americas Space Development Agency. Qinetiq has agreed to explore the extension of its deal with the Ministry of Defence to 2033. However, despite the order boost, shares fell 8.5 per cent after the results showed cash flows had been hit by the timing of customer payments. Mettler-Toledo International (NYSE:MTD Free Report) had its price objective trimmed by The Goldman Sachs Group from $1,185.00 to $1,030.00 in a report released on Monday, Benzinga reports. The brokerage currently has a neutral rating on the medical instruments suppliers stock. A number of other analysts have also weighed in on MTD. JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased their target price on shares of Mettler-Toledo International from $1,300.00 to $1,100.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, October 17th. TheStreet lowered Mettler-Toledo International from a b- rating to a c+ rating in a research note on Tuesday, August 15th. StockNews.com upgraded shares of Mettler-Toledo International from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Saturday, November 11th. Robert W. Baird reduced their target price on shares of Mettler-Toledo International from $1,454.00 to $1,366.00 in a report on Friday, July 28th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus dropped their price target on shares of Mettler-Toledo International from $1,425.00 to $1,270.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Monday. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $1,302.29. Get Mettler-Toledo International alerts: View Our Latest Stock Report on MTD Mettler-Toledo International Trading Down 0.7 % NYSE MTD opened at $1,049.19 on Monday. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $1,062.80 and its 200 day simple moving average is $1,219.27. The firm has a market capitalization of $22.75 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 26.74, a P/E/G ratio of 5.18 and a beta of 1.17. Mettler-Toledo International has a 1 year low of $928.49 and a 1 year high of $1,615.97. Mettler-Toledo International (NYSE:MTD Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 9th. The medical instruments supplier reported $9.80 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $9.63 by $0.17. The company had revenue of $942.46 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $947.10 million. Mettler-Toledo International had a negative return on equity of 1,852.05% and a net margin of 22.24%. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 4.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $10.18 EPS. On average, equities research analysts forecast that Mettler-Toledo International will post 39.19 earnings per share for the current year. Insider Transactions at Mettler-Toledo International In other news, Director Roland D. Diggelmann bought 315 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 13th. The shares were acquired at an average price of $1,026.54 per share, for a total transaction of $323,360.10. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director now directly owns 405 shares in the company, valued at $415,748.70. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. 2.40% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Mettler-Toledo International A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in MTD. Bank of Montreal Can acquired a new position in Mettler-Toledo International during the second quarter worth $36,853,000. Pictet Asset Management SA raised its holdings in shares of Mettler-Toledo International by 3.8% in the 1st quarter. Pictet Asset Management SA now owns 11,121 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock worth $17,017,000 after acquiring an additional 408 shares during the last quarter. Private Advisor Group LLC bought a new position in Mettler-Toledo International in the 1st quarter valued at about $404,000. Nicholas Company Inc. boosted its stake in Mettler-Toledo International by 12.4% during the 2nd quarter. Nicholas Company Inc. now owns 12,915 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock valued at $16,940,000 after purchasing an additional 1,420 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Russell Investments Group Ltd. increased its holdings in Mettler-Toledo International by 9.8% during the 1st quarter. Russell Investments Group Ltd. now owns 80,824 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock worth $123,135,000 after purchasing an additional 7,234 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 93.11% of the companys stock. About Mettler-Toledo International (Get Free Report) Mettler-Toledo International Inc manufactures and supplies precision instruments and services in the United States and internationally. It operates through five segments: U.S. Operations, Swiss Operations, Western European Operations, Chinese Operations, and Other. The company's laboratory instruments include laboratory balances, liquid pipetting solutions, automated laboratory reactors, titrators, pH meters, process analytics sensors and analyzer technologies, physical value analyzers, density and refractometry, thermal analysis systems, and other analytical instruments; and LabX, a laboratory software platform to manage and analyze data generated from its instruments. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Mettler-Toledo International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Mettler-Toledo International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Tourists visit a store at the "Unique Henan: Land of Dramas," a gigantic immersive theater complex, in Zhongmu County of Zhengzhou, central China's Henan Province, Nov. 16, 2023. "Unique Henan: Land of Dramas," is a gigantic immersive theater complex composed of theaters, as well as time-honored brand restaurants and stores of experiencing intangible cultural heritages. The scenic area uses immersive theatrical art as a means to tell stories about "land, food and inheritance", so that the audience can feel the unique charm of local culture. (Xinhua/Dai Qiaochu) A performance is staged at "Unique Henan: Land of Dramas," a gigantic immersive theater complex, in Zhongmu County of Zhengzhou, central China's Henan Province, Nov. 16, 2023. "Unique Henan: Land of Dramas," is a gigantic immersive theater complex composed of theaters, as well as time-honored brand restaurants and stores of experiencing intangible cultural heritages. The scenic area uses immersive theatrical art as a means to tell stories about "land, food and inheritance", so that the audience can feel the unique charm of local culture. (Xinhua/Lu Peng) Tourists visit the "Unique Henan: Land of Dramas," a gigantic immersive theater complex, in Zhongmu County of Zhengzhou, central China's Henan Province, Nov. 16, 2023. "Unique Henan: Land of Dramas," is a gigantic immersive theater complex composed of theaters, as well as time-honored brand restaurants and stores of experiencing intangible cultural heritages. The scenic area uses immersive theatrical art as a means to tell stories about "land, food and inheritance", so that the audience can feel the unique charm of local culture. (Xinhua/Lu Peng) Tourists visit the "Unique Henan: Land of Dramas," a gigantic immersive theater complex, in Zhongmu County of Zhengzhou, central China's Henan Province, Nov. 16, 2023. "Unique Henan: Land of Dramas," is a gigantic immersive theater complex composed of theaters, as well as time-honored brand restaurants and stores of experiencing intangible cultural heritages. The scenic area uses immersive theatrical art as a means to tell stories about "land, food and inheritance", so that the audience can feel the unique charm of local culture. (Xinhua/Lu Peng) A performance is staged at "Unique Henan: Land of Dramas," a gigantic immersive theater complex, in Zhongmu County of Zhengzhou, central China's Henan Province, Nov. 16, 2023. "Unique Henan: Land of Dramas," is a gigantic immersive theater complex composed of theaters, as well as time-honored brand restaurants and stores of experiencing intangible cultural heritages. The scenic area uses immersive theatrical art as a means to tell stories about "land, food and inheritance", so that the audience can feel the unique charm of local culture. (Xinhua/Lu Peng) Tourists visit the "Unique Henan: Land of Dramas," a gigantic immersive theater complex, in Zhongmu County of Zhengzhou, central China's Henan Province, Nov. 16, 2023. "Unique Henan: Land of Dramas," is a gigantic immersive theater complex composed of theaters, as well as time-honored brand restaurants and stores of experiencing intangible cultural heritages. The scenic area uses immersive theatrical art as a means to tell stories about "land, food and inheritance", so that the audience can feel the unique charm of local culture. (Xinhua/Lu Peng) Tourists visit a store at the "Unique Henan: Land of Dramas," a gigantic immersive theater complex, in Zhongmu County of Zhengzhou, central China's Henan Province, Nov. 16, 2023. "Unique Henan: Land of Dramas," is a gigantic immersive theater complex composed of theaters, as well as time-honored brand restaurants and stores of experiencing intangible cultural heritages. The scenic area uses immersive theatrical art as a means to tell stories about "land, food and inheritance", so that the audience can feel the unique charm of local culture. (Xinhua/Lu Peng) A performance is staged at "Unique Henan: Land of Dramas," a gigantic immersive theater complex, in Zhongmu County of Zhengzhou, central China's Henan Province, Nov. 16, 2023. "Unique Henan: Land of Dramas," is a gigantic immersive theater complex composed of theaters, as well as time-honored brand restaurants and stores of experiencing intangible cultural heritages. The scenic area uses immersive theatrical art as a means to tell stories about "land, food and inheritance", so that the audience can feel the unique charm of local culture. (Xinhua/Dai Qiaochu) Tourists visit a store at the "Unique Henan: Land of Dramas," a gigantic immersive theater complex, in Zhongmu County of Zhengzhou, central China's Henan Province, Nov. 16, 2023. "Unique Henan: Land of Dramas," is a gigantic immersive theater complex composed of theaters, as well as time-honored brand restaurants and stores of experiencing intangible cultural heritages. The scenic area uses immersive theatrical art as a means to tell stories about "land, food and inheritance", so that the audience can feel the unique charm of local culture. (Xinhua/Lu Peng) A performance is staged at "Unique Henan: Land of Dramas," a gigantic immersive theater complex, in Zhongmu County of Zhengzhou, central China's Henan Province, Nov. 16, 2023. "Unique Henan: Land of Dramas," is a gigantic immersive theater complex composed of theaters, as well as time-honored brand restaurants and stores of experiencing intangible cultural heritages. The scenic area uses immersive theatrical art as a means to tell stories about "land, food and inheritance", so that the audience can feel the unique charm of local culture. (Xinhua/Lu Peng) Tourists enjoy a performance at "Unique Henan: Land of Dramas," a gigantic immersive theater complex, in Zhongmu County of Zhengzhou, central China's Henan Province, Nov. 16, 2023. "Unique Henan: Land of Dramas," is a gigantic immersive theater complex composed of theaters, as well as time-honored brand restaurants and stores of experiencing intangible cultural heritages. The scenic area uses immersive theatrical art as a means to tell stories about "land, food and inheritance", so that the audience can feel the unique charm of local culture. (Xinhua/Lu Peng) StockNews.com upgraded shares of Enzo Biochem (NYSE:ENZ Free Report) to a sell rating in a research note released on Monday. Enzo Biochem Stock Performance Shares of ENZ stock opened at $1.22 on Monday. The businesss 50 day moving average is $1.36 and its two-hundred day moving average is $1.70. Enzo Biochem has a twelve month low of $1.00 and a twelve month high of $2.74. The company has a market capitalization of $61.60 million, a P/E ratio of -1.31 and a beta of 0.90. Get Enzo Biochem alerts: Institutional Trading of Enzo Biochem Several hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. Potomac Capital Management Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Enzo Biochem by 38.6% in the 3rd quarter. Potomac Capital Management Inc. now owns 1,455,000 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $2,037,000 after buying an additional 405,100 shares during the period. Fifth Lane Capital LP grew its position in shares of Enzo Biochem by 54.9% in the second quarter. Fifth Lane Capital LP now owns 85,000 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $156,000 after purchasing an additional 30,139 shares during the period. Agate Pass Investment Management LLC purchased a new stake in Enzo Biochem during the second quarter valued at about $30,000. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. lifted its stake in shares of Enzo Biochem by 138.6% during the second quarter. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. now owns 181,862 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $335,000 after purchasing an additional 105,642 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Sage Mountain Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of Enzo Biochem during the second quarter worth about $43,000. 57.00% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Enzo Biochem Company Profile Enzo Biochem, Inc, an integrated diagnostics, clinical lab, and life sciences company, researches, develops, manufactures, and markets diagnostic and research products based on genetic engineering, biotechnology, and molecular biology. It operates through three segments: Life Sciences Products, Clinical Laboratory Services, and Therapeutics. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Enzo Biochem Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Enzo Biochem and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Cementos Argos S.A. (OTCMKTS:CMTOY Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large decline in short interest in October. As of October 31st, there was short interest totalling 3,500 shares, a decline of 5.4% from the October 15th total of 3,700 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 20,400 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.2 days. Cementos Argos Price Performance Cementos Argos stock opened at $6.20 on Friday. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $5.61 and its 200 day moving average price is $5.01. Cementos Argos has a one year low of $1.60 and a one year high of $7.23. Get Cementos Argos alerts: Cementos Argos Cuts Dividend The company also recently declared a dividend, which was paid on Friday, October 27th. Stockholders of record on Monday, October 23rd were issued a $0.079 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Friday, October 20th. About Cementos Argos Cementos Argos SA offers cement, concrete, aggregates, ready-mix concrete, and hydrated lime products in Colombia, the Caribbean, Central America, and the United States. The company also engages in the reinsurance; property management; transport; and seaports operation businesses. In addition, it exports its products. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Cementos Argos Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Cementos Argos and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Needham & Company LLC began coverage on shares of Envista (NYSE:NVST Free Report) in a research note issued to investors on Thursday, Marketbeat Ratings reports. The brokerage issued a hold rating on the stock. A number of other equities research analysts have also recently weighed in on NVST. Evercore ISI dropped their price objective on Envista from $40.00 to $30.00 in a research note on Wednesday, October 11th. Morgan Stanley decreased their target price on Envista from $42.00 to $38.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Thursday, November 2nd. Piper Sandler lowered Envista from an overweight rating to a neutral rating and decreased their target price for the company from $39.00 to $25.00 in a report on Thursday, November 2nd. The Goldman Sachs Group decreased their target price on Envista from $41.00 to $28.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Friday, November 3rd. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased their target price on Envista from $42.00 to $32.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Thursday, November 2nd. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $34.63. Get Envista alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Report on Envista Envista Price Performance NVST stock opened at $23.09 on Thursday. Envista has a 52-week low of $20.00 and a 52-week high of $43.29. The company has a quick ratio of 1.82, a current ratio of 2.20 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.32. The business has a fifty day moving average of $25.51 and a two-hundred day moving average of $30.87. The stock has a market cap of $3.96 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 21.38, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.35 and a beta of 1.47. Envista (NYSE:NVST Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 1st. The company reported $0.43 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.46 by ($0.03). Envista had a net margin of 7.39% and a return on equity of 7.29%. The firm had revenue of $631.30 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $647.94 million. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $0.47 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was up .0% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, research analysts anticipate that Envista will post 1.62 earnings per share for the current year. Insider Activity In other Envista news, General Counsel Mark E. Nance bought 5,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 8th. The shares were acquired at an average cost of $21.75 per share, with a total value of $108,750.00. Following the acquisition, the general counsel now directly owns 39,042 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $849,163.50. The purchase was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In other Envista news, insider Stephen Keller bought 2,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, November 6th. The shares were bought at an average price of $21.53 per share, for a total transaction of $43,060.00. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 13,070 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $281,397.10. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, General Counsel Mark E. Nance purchased 5,000 shares of Envista stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 8th. The stock was acquired at an average cost of $21.75 per share, with a total value of $108,750.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the general counsel now directly owns 39,042 shares in the company, valued at $849,163.50. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. In the last three months, insiders bought 17,000 shares of company stock valued at $367,110. Insiders own 1.20% of the companys stock. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Envista A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. DnB Asset Management AS boosted its holdings in Envista by 2.0% during the second quarter. DnB Asset Management AS now owns 42,533 shares of the companys stock worth $1,440,000 after buying an additional 816 shares in the last quarter. Congress Asset Management Co. MA raised its holdings in Envista by 2.4% during the second quarter. Congress Asset Management Co. MA now owns 88,370 shares of the companys stock worth $2,990,000 after purchasing an additional 2,113 shares during the last quarter. Handelsbanken Fonder AB raised its holdings in Envista by 19.8% during the second quarter. Handelsbanken Fonder AB now owns 845,600 shares of the companys stock worth $28,615,000 after purchasing an additional 140,000 shares during the last quarter. Louisiana State Employees Retirement System raised its holdings in Envista by 10.4% during the second quarter. Louisiana State Employees Retirement System now owns 47,800 shares of the companys stock worth $1,618,000 after purchasing an additional 4,500 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Coronation Fund Managers Ltd. raised its holdings in Envista by 59.4% during the second quarter. Coronation Fund Managers Ltd. now owns 233,013 shares of the companys stock worth $7,885,000 after purchasing an additional 86,800 shares during the last quarter. Envista Company Profile (Get Free Report) Envista Holdings Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, develops, manufactures, markets, and sells dental products in the United States, China, and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Specialty Products & Technologies, and Equipment & Consumables. The Specialty Products & Technologies segment offers dental implant systems, guided surgery systems, biomaterials, and prefabricated and custom-built prosthetics to oral surgeons, prosthodontists, and periodontists; and brackets and wires, tubes and bands, archwires, clear aligners, digital orthodontic treatments, retainers, and other orthodontic laboratory products. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Envista Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Envista and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. PVH Corp. (NYSE:PVH Get Free Report) has been assigned a consensus rating of Moderate Buy from the fourteen ratings firms that are covering the company, MarketBeat reports. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and nine have given a buy recommendation to the company. The average 1-year price target among brokers that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $94.89. PVH has been the subject of a number of analyst reports. Citigroup lifted their target price on shares of PVH from $86.00 to $88.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Thursday, August 31st. Telsey Advisory Group reissued an outperform rating and issued a $102.00 price target on shares of PVH in a report on Thursday, August 31st. TheStreet lowered shares of PVH from a b- rating to a c+ rating in a report on Thursday, July 27th. Evercore ISI began coverage on shares of PVH in a report on Tuesday, November 7th. They issued an outperform rating and a $100.00 price target for the company. Finally, Piper Sandler boosted their price target on shares of PVH from $75.00 to $80.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, August 31st. Get PVH alerts: View Our Latest Stock Report on PVH Institutional Investors Weigh In On PVH PVH Stock Performance Institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. New Mexico Educational Retirement Board lifted its position in PVH by 9.3% in the 2nd quarter. New Mexico Educational Retirement Board now owns 12,900 shares of the textile makers stock valued at $1,096,000 after acquiring an additional 1,100 shares in the last quarter. Leisure Capital Management lifted its position in PVH by 5.5% during the 1st quarter. Leisure Capital Management now owns 8,582 shares of the textile makers stock worth $765,000 after buying an additional 445 shares in the last quarter. FMR LLC lifted its position in PVH by 29.4% during the 1st quarter. FMR LLC now owns 5,343,554 shares of the textile makers stock worth $476,431,000 after buying an additional 1,213,058 shares in the last quarter. Strs Ohio bought a new stake in PVH during the 1st quarter worth about $1,625,000. Finally, WBI Investments Inc. bought a new stake in PVH during the 2nd quarter worth about $1,879,000. 97.25% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. PVH stock opened at $82.86 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.32, a current ratio of 1.09 and a quick ratio of 0.52. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $75.71 and a 200 day moving average price of $81.22. PVH has a fifty-two week low of $57.88 and a fifty-two week high of $94.51. The stock has a market capitalization of $5.01 billion, a PE ratio of 28.18, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.61 and a beta of 2.07. PVH (NYSE:PVH Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, August 30th. The textile maker reported $1.98 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.75 by $0.23. PVH had a net margin of 1.99% and a return on equity of 11.63%. The firm had revenue of $2.21 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.19 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $2.08 EPS. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 3.5% compared to the same quarter last year. Analysts forecast that PVH will post 10.34 EPS for the current year. PVH Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, December 20th. Investors of record on Wednesday, November 29th will be given a $0.0375 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, November 28th. This represents a $0.15 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.18%. PVHs dividend payout ratio is currently 5.10%. About PVH (Get Free Report PVH Corp. operates as an apparel company in the United States and internationally. The company operates through six segments: Tommy Hilfiger North America, Tommy Hilfiger International, Calvin Klein North America, Calvin Klein International, Heritage Brands Wholesale, and Heritage Brands Retail. It designs, markets, and retails men's, women's, and children's apparel and accessories, include branded dress shirts, neckwear, sportswear, jeans wear, performance apparel, intimate apparel, underwear, swimwear, swim-related products, handbags, accessories, footwear, outerwear, home furnishings, luggage products, sleepwear, loungewear, hats, scarves, gloves, socks, watches and jewelry, eyeglasses and non-ophthalmic sunglasses, fragrance, home bed and bath furnishings, small leather goods, and other products. See Also Receive News & Ratings for PVH Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for PVH and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. ChargePoint (NYSE:CHPT Get Free Report) was downgraded by Roth Mkm from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a research note issued to investors on Friday, Briefing.com reports. They currently have a $2.00 price objective on the stock, down from their previous price objective of $11.00. Roth Mkms target price points to a potential downside of 36.00% from the stocks current price. CHPT has been the topic of several other research reports. R. F. Lafferty dropped their target price on ChargePoint from $19.00 to $17.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, September 7th. Oppenheimer dropped their price objective on ChargePoint from $14.00 to $13.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, October 17th. Royal Bank of Canada initiated coverage on ChargePoint in a research note on Friday, September 8th. They set an outperform rating and a $9.00 target price for the company. Bank of America dropped their price target on shares of ChargePoint from $14.00 to $11.50 in a research report on Friday, September 8th. Finally, B. Riley reduced their price objective on shares of ChargePoint from $12.00 to $11.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, July 20th. Eight analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nine have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $11.63. Get ChargePoint alerts: Check Out Our Latest Research Report on ChargePoint ChargePoint Trading Down 5.9 % NYSE:CHPT opened at $3.13 on Friday. ChargePoint has a 1 year low of $2.38 and a 1 year high of $13.65. The business has a fifty day moving average of $3.92 and a 200-day moving average of $6.75. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.07, a quick ratio of 1.61 and a current ratio of 2.03. The stock has a market cap of $1.13 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -2.95 and a beta of 1.81. ChargePoint (NYSE:CHPT Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, September 6th. The company reported ($0.35) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of ($0.13) by ($0.22). ChargePoint had a negative net margin of 65.71% and a negative return on equity of 106.73%. The company had revenue of $150.49 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $153.25 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned ($0.27) EPS. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 39.0% on a year-over-year basis. Equities analysts predict that ChargePoint will post -0.96 earnings per share for the current year. Insiders Place Their Bets In other ChargePoint news, major shareholder Q-Grg Vii (Cp) Investment Part bought 1,850,000 shares of ChargePoint stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, September 20th. The stock was bought at an average price of $5.40 per share, for a total transaction of $9,990,000.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the insider now directly owns 26,607,128 shares of the companys stock, valued at $143,678,491.20. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. In other ChargePoint news, major shareholder Q-Grg Vii (Cp) Investment Part bought 1,850,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, September 20th. The shares were bought at an average price of $5.40 per share, for a total transaction of $9,990,000.00. Following the acquisition, the insider now directly owns 26,607,128 shares of the companys stock, valued at $143,678,491.20. The acquisition was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, CAO Henrik Gerdes sold 5,328 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, September 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $5.03, for a total transaction of $26,799.84. Following the completion of the sale, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 78,210 shares of the companys stock, valued at $393,396.30. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last three months, insiders have sold 4,316,970 shares of company stock worth $24,767,903. Corporate insiders own 12.90% of the companys stock. Hedge Funds Weigh In On ChargePoint Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Bank of New York Mellon Corp raised its holdings in shares of ChargePoint by 8.1% during the first quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 652,385 shares of the companys stock worth $12,969,000 after acquiring an additional 48,903 shares in the last quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC increased its position in ChargePoint by 46.4% in the 1st quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC now owns 30,579 shares of the companys stock worth $610,000 after purchasing an additional 9,689 shares during the last quarter. Private Advisor Group LLC raised its stake in shares of ChargePoint by 152.8% during the 1st quarter. Private Advisor Group LLC now owns 35,608 shares of the companys stock worth $708,000 after purchasing an additional 21,524 shares in the last quarter. D.A. Davidson & CO. acquired a new stake in shares of ChargePoint during the 1st quarter valued at about $213,000. Finally, MetLife Investment Management LLC acquired a new position in ChargePoint in the first quarter worth approximately $91,000. 45.01% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. About ChargePoint (Get Free Report) ChargePoint Holdings, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, provides electric vehicle (EV) charging networks and charging solutions in the United States and internationally. It offers a portfolio of hardware, software, and services for commercial, fleet, and residential customers. ChargePoint Holdings, Inc was founded in 2007 and is headquartered in Campbell, California. See Also Receive News & Ratings for ChargePoint Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ChargePoint and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. WestRock (NYSE:WRK Get Free Report) was upgraded by equities research analysts at Argus from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report issued on Friday, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Several other research analysts have also issued reports on WRK. Truist Financial cut their price target on WestRock from $44.00 to $40.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday. StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of WestRock in a report on Thursday. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Royal Bank of Canada raised their price target on shares of WestRock from $38.00 to $40.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research report on Friday, November 10th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company boosted their price objective on WestRock from $37.00 to $42.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Friday, August 4th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, WestRock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $37.57. Get WestRock alerts: Get Our Latest Report on WRK WestRock Price Performance WRK stock opened at $37.58 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.95, a current ratio of 1.42 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.80. The firm has a market cap of $9.63 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -5.83, a PEG ratio of 4.84 and a beta of 1.10. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $36.28 and its 200 day simple moving average is $32.31. WestRock has a 12-month low of $26.84 and a 12-month high of $39.30. WestRock (NYSE:WRK Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, November 9th. The basic materials company reported $0.81 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.75 by $0.06. The company had revenue of $5 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.11 billion. WestRock had a positive return on equity of 7.52% and a negative net margin of 8.12%. The firms revenue for the quarter was down 7.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $1.43 EPS. On average, analysts expect that WestRock will post 2.35 earnings per share for the current year. Institutional Trading of WestRock Several hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Norges Bank bought a new stake in WestRock in the 4th quarter valued at about $194,739,000. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD raised its position in shares of WestRock by 59.0% in the first quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 9,318,827 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $283,947,000 after purchasing an additional 3,459,641 shares during the period. BlackRock Inc. lifted its stake in shares of WestRock by 9.6% during the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 26,528,567 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $808,325,000 after buying an additional 2,320,073 shares in the last quarter. Pentwater Capital Management LP bought a new position in WestRock in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $61,378,000. Finally, Segantii Capital Management Ltd purchased a new position in WestRock in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $59,428,000. 85.51% of the stock is currently owned by 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. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for WestRock Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for WestRock and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BlackRock MuniYield Michigan Quality Fund, Inc. (NYSE:MIY Get Free Report) declared a monthly dividend on Thursday, November 16th, Wall Street Journal reports. Stockholders of record on Friday, January 12th will be paid a dividend of 0.0465 per share by the financial services provider on Thursday, February 1st. This represents a $0.56 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 5.31%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, January 11th. This is an increase from BlackRock MuniYield Michigan Quality Funds previous monthly dividend of $0.03. BlackRock MuniYield Michigan Quality Fund Stock Performance NYSE MIY opened at $10.50 on Friday. The stocks 50 day moving average is $10.02 and its 200 day moving average is $10.63. BlackRock MuniYield Michigan Quality Fund has a twelve month low of $9.45 and a twelve month high of $12.04. Get BlackRock MuniYield Michigan Quality Fund alerts: Hedge Funds Weigh In On BlackRock MuniYield Michigan Quality Fund Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Virtu Financial LLC bought a new position in shares of BlackRock MuniYield Michigan Quality Fund in the 4th quarter worth about $111,000. West Michigan Advisors LLC purchased a new position in shares of BlackRock MuniYield Michigan Quality Fund during the first quarter valued at approximately $161,000. Bank of Montreal Can purchased a new position in shares of BlackRock MuniYield Michigan Quality Fund during the first quarter valued at approximately $180,000. Susquehanna International Group LLP purchased a new stake in shares of BlackRock MuniYield Michigan Quality Fund in the 1st quarter worth approximately $182,000. Finally, Envestnet Asset Management Inc. grew its stake in shares of BlackRock MuniYield Michigan Quality Fund by 16.7% in the 2nd quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 16,020 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $211,000 after buying an additional 2,291 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 19.63% of the companys stock. BlackRock MuniYield Michigan Quality Fund Company Profile BlackRock MuniYield Michigan Quality Fund, Inc is a closed-ended fixed income mutual fund launched by BlackRock, Inc It is managed by BlackRock Advisors, LLC. The fund invests in the fixed income markets of the United States. It primarily invests in investment grade, long-term municipal obligations exempt from federal income taxes and Michigan income taxes. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for BlackRock MuniYield Michigan Quality Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BlackRock MuniYield Michigan Quality Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BlackRock MuniYield Quality Fund, Inc. (NYSE:MQY Get Free Report) announced a monthly dividend on Thursday, November 16th, Wall Street Journal reports. Shareholders of record on Friday, January 12th will be given a dividend of 0.058 per share by the financial services provider on Thursday, February 1st. This represents a $0.70 annualized dividend and a yield of 6.29%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, January 11th. This is a positive change from BlackRock MuniYield Quality Funds previous monthly dividend of $0.04. BlackRock MuniYield Quality Fund Stock Performance MQY opened at $11.07 on Friday. BlackRock MuniYield Quality Fund has a 52 week low of $9.82 and a 52 week high of $12.53. The business has a 50 day moving average of $10.42 and a 200-day moving average of $11.09. Get BlackRock MuniYield Quality Fund alerts: Hedge Funds Weigh In On BlackRock MuniYield Quality Fund A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in MQY. Raymond James & Associates grew its stake in shares of BlackRock MuniYield Quality Fund by 6.2% in the 1st quarter. Raymond James & Associates now owns 133,511 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,841,000 after buying an additional 7,852 shares during the last quarter. Cetera Advisor Networks LLC raised its position in BlackRock MuniYield Quality Fund by 34.0% in the 1st quarter. Cetera Advisor Networks LLC now owns 20,281 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $280,000 after buying an additional 5,142 shares during the last quarter. Bank of Montreal Can bought a new position in BlackRock MuniYield Quality Fund during the 1st quarter valued at about $353,000. Worth Asset Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of BlackRock MuniYield Quality Fund during the 1st quarter valued at about $171,000. Finally, Invesco Ltd. boosted its holdings in shares of BlackRock MuniYield Quality Fund by 26.8% during the 1st quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 74,963 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,034,000 after acquiring an additional 15,860 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 21.94% of the companys stock. BlackRock MuniYield Quality Fund Company Profile BlackRock MuniYield Quality Fund, Inc is a close ended fixed income mutual fund launched by BlackRock, Inc It is managed by BlackRock Advisors, LLC. The fund invests in fixed income markets. It invests in long-term municipal obligations the interest on which is exempt from federal income taxes. The fund also invests in short-term securities. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for BlackRock MuniYield Quality Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BlackRock MuniYield Quality Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BlackRock MuniHoldings New Jersey Quality Fund, Inc. (NYSE:MUJ Get Free Report) announced a monthly dividend on Thursday, November 16th, Wall Street Journal reports. Shareholders of record on Friday, January 12th will be paid a dividend of 0.05 per share by the financial services provider on Thursday, February 1st. This represents a $0.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 5.58%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, January 11th. This is a positive change from BlackRock MuniHoldings New Jersey Quality Funds previous monthly dividend of $0.04. BlackRock MuniHoldings New Jersey Quality Fund Stock Up 1.9 % Shares of NYSE:MUJ opened at $10.76 on Friday. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $10.28 and a 200-day moving average price of $10.79. BlackRock MuniHoldings New Jersey Quality Fund has a 12 month low of $9.73 and a 12 month high of $12.38. Get BlackRock MuniHoldings New Jersey Quality Fund alerts: Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Guggenheim Capital LLC purchased a new position in shares of BlackRock MuniHoldings New Jersey Quality Fund during the third quarter valued at approximately $249,000. Royal Bank of Canada raised its holdings in BlackRock MuniHoldings New Jersey Quality Fund by 19.7% in the 1st quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 16,975 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $227,000 after purchasing an additional 2,794 shares in the last quarter. Walleye Capital LLC purchased a new stake in shares of BlackRock MuniHoldings New Jersey Quality Fund in the 1st quarter worth about $212,000. Susquehanna International Group LLP increased its position in shares of BlackRock MuniHoldings New Jersey Quality Fund by 27.2% during the first quarter. Susquehanna International Group LLP now owns 16,464 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $189,000 after buying an additional 3,520 shares during the period. Finally, Cornerstone Planning Group LLC purchased a new position in shares of BlackRock MuniHoldings New Jersey Quality Fund during the second quarter valued at about $152,000. Institutional investors own 11.24% of the companys stock. About BlackRock MuniHoldings New Jersey Quality Fund BlackRock MuniHoldings New Jersey Quality Fund, Inc is a close ended fixed income mutual fund launched by BlackRock, Inc The fund is managed by BlackRock Advisors, LLC. It invests in the fixed income markets of United States. The fund invests primarily in long-term, investment grade municipal obligations exempt from federal income taxes and New Jersey personal income taxes. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for BlackRock MuniHoldings New Jersey Quality Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BlackRock MuniHoldings New Jersey Quality Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Bank of America (NYSE:BAC) had its target price boosted by Oppenheimer from $49.00 to $51.00 in a research report sent to investors on Thursday, Benzinga reports. The firm currently has an outperform rating on the financial services providers stock. BAC has been the topic of several other research reports. Piper Sandler decreased their price target on shares of Bank of America from $28.00 to $27.50 and set an underweight rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, September 15th. Wells Fargo & Company decreased their target price on Bank of America from $43.00 to $40.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, August 23rd. Royal Bank of Canada reaffirmed an outperform rating and set a $35.00 target price on shares of Bank of America in a report on Tuesday, September 12th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods upgraded Bank of America from an underperform rating to a market perform rating and increased their price target for the company from $29.00 to $30.00 in a research report on Monday, November 6th. Finally, Evercore ISI cut their price objective on Bank of America from $35.00 to $33.00 in a report on Thursday, October 5th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have issued a hold rating and nine have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $35.54. Get Bank of America alerts: View Our Latest Stock Report on BAC Bank of America Trading Down 0.3 % Shares of Bank of America stock opened at $29.54 on Thursday. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $27.38 and a 200-day simple moving average of $28.58. The firm has a market cap of $233.77 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 8.27, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.22 and a beta of 1.38. Bank of America has a fifty-two week low of $24.96 and a fifty-two week high of $37.87. The company has a quick ratio of 0.82, a current ratio of 0.83 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.12. Bank of America (NYSE:BAC Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 17th. The financial services provider reported $0.90 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.83 by $0.07. The company had revenue of $25.20 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $25.13 billion. Bank of America had a net margin of 18.69% and a return on equity of 12.08%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 2.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $0.81 EPS. On average, equities analysts forecast that Bank of America will post 3.46 EPS for the current fiscal year. Bank of America Announces Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 29th. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 1st will be issued a dividend of $0.24 per share. This represents a $0.96 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.25%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, November 30th. Bank of Americas dividend payout ratio is currently 26.89%. Institutional Trading of Bank of America Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. FNY Investment Advisers LLC raised its stake in shares of Bank of America by 75.9% during the 2nd quarter. FNY Investment Advisers LLC now owns 920 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $26,000 after purchasing an additional 397 shares in the last quarter. Marquette Asset Management LLC raised its position in Bank of America by 333.2% during the second quarter. Marquette Asset Management LLC now owns 953 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $27,000 after acquiring an additional 733 shares in the last quarter. Glass Jacobson Investment Advisors llc lifted its stake in Bank of America by 98.1% in the third quarter. Glass Jacobson Investment Advisors llc now owns 1,018 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $28,000 after acquiring an additional 504 shares during the last quarter. Castleview Partners LLC bought a new stake in Bank of America in the first quarter worth approximately $28,000. Finally, Global Trust Asset Management LLC raised 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 valued at $30,000 after purchasing an additional 325 shares in the last quarter. 68.06% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Bank of America Company Profile (Get 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. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Bank of America Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bank of America and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. KIGALI, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- Rwanda welcomed 169 African asylum-seekers Thursday night, the latest group evacuated from Libya through a transit mechanism, according to the ministry in charge of emergency management. In a statement, the ministry said the asylum-seekers hail from Eritrea, Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia and South Sudan. "They safely landed at Kigali International Airport. Rwanda remains committed to offering refuge and assistance to people in need," read the statement. The evacuees were transported to the Gashora transit center, in eastern Rwanda, pending the processing of their resettlement to other countries, the statement said. The asylum-seekers were evacuated under the 2019 memorandum of understanding signed between the Rwandan government, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the African Union under which a transit mechanism for evacuating refugees and asylum-seekers out of Libya was set up. Early this month, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said more than 6,600 people have received resettlement assistance from Rwanda this year. Those resettled include 1,288 persons who were first evacuated from Libya to Rwanda. As of Sept. 30, Rwanda hosts over 135,000 refugees and asylum-seekers, according to the UNHCR. Equinox Gold Corp (CVE:EQX Get Free Report) Senior Officer Sebastian Damici sold 3,100 shares of Equinox Gold stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, November 16th. The stock was sold at an average price of C$6.55, for a total value of C$20,305.00. Sebastian Damici also recently made the following trade(s): Get Equinox Gold alerts: On Friday, September 15th, Sebastian Damici sold 4,000 shares of Equinox Gold stock. The stock was sold at an average price of C$7.00, for a total transaction of C$28,000.00. Equinox Gold Stock Down 0.9 % Shares of CVE:EQX opened at C$7.88 on Friday. Equinox Gold Corp has a 1-year low of C$4.25 and a 1-year high of C$8.90. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 64.28, a current ratio of 1.94 and a quick ratio of 1.11. The stock has a market cap of C$892.46 million and a P/E ratio of -43.54. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of C$7.88 and a 200 day moving average price of C$7.88. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth EQX has been the subject of several research reports. Royal Bank of Canada raised shares of Equinox Gold from an underperform rating to a sector perform rating and upped their price objective for the company from C$5.00 to C$7.25 in a research note on Tuesday, September 12th. National Bank Financial dropped their price target on Equinox Gold from C$8.75 to C$8.50 in a research report on Monday, September 11th. Finally, National Bankshares lowered their price objective on Equinox Gold from C$8.75 to C$8.50 and set a sector perform rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, September 11th. Read Our Latest Analysis on Equinox Gold Equinox Gold Company Profile (Get Free Report) Equinox Gold Corp. engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral deposits. The company's principal properties include the Aurizona project covering a total land package of approximately 223,160 hectares located in Maranhao State, Brazil; and the Castle Mountain property situated in California, the United States. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Equinox Gold Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Equinox Gold and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BlackRock California Municipal Income Trust (NYSE:BFZ Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant increase in short interest in October. As of October 31st, there was short interest totalling 32,400 shares, an increase of 13.3% from the October 15th total of 28,600 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 80,800 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.4 days. BlackRock California Municipal Income Trust Trading Up 1.0 % BFZ opened at $10.92 on Friday. The businesss 50-day moving average is $10.42 and its two-hundred day moving average is $11.21. BlackRock California Municipal Income Trust has a 1 year low of $9.86 and a 1 year high of $12.10. Get BlackRock California Municipal Income Trust alerts: BlackRock California Municipal Income Trust Dividend Announcement The company also recently disclosed a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, February 1st. Stockholders of record on Friday, January 12th will be given a $0.051 dividend. This represents a $0.61 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 5.60%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, January 11th. Insider Activity Institutional Inflows and Outflows In other BlackRock California Municipal Income Trust news, major shareholder Saba Capital Management, L.P. acquired 10,434 shares of BlackRock California Municipal Income Trust stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, September 14th. The stock was bought at an average price of $10.92 per share, with a total value of $113,939.28. Following the completion of the purchase, the insider now directly owns 4,305,488 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $47,015,928.96. The purchase was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link . Over the last ninety days, insiders have acquired 328,862 shares of company stock worth $3,417,111. Several large investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. Prime Capital Investment Advisors LLC purchased a new position in BlackRock California Municipal Income Trust in the first quarter worth $117,000. Global Retirement Partners LLC grew its stake in BlackRock California Municipal Income Trust by 87.4% during the 1st quarter. Global Retirement Partners LLC now owns 32,159 shares of the companys stock worth $383,000 after buying an additional 15,000 shares during the last quarter. Guggenheim Capital LLC increased its position in BlackRock California Municipal Income Trust by 7.8% during the 1st quarter. Guggenheim Capital LLC now owns 643,136 shares of the companys stock valued at $7,525,000 after buying an additional 46,438 shares in the last quarter. Core Wealth Partners LLC acquired a new position in BlackRock California Municipal Income Trust during the 1st quarter valued at about $179,000. Finally, Advisors Asset Management Inc. raised its stake in BlackRock California Municipal Income Trust by 12.2% in the first quarter. Advisors Asset Management Inc. now owns 414,201 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,846,000 after buying an additional 45,028 shares during the last quarter. About BlackRock California Municipal Income Trust (Get Free Report) BlackRock California Municipal Income Trust is a closed ended fixed income mutual fund launched by BlackRock, Inc It is managed by BlackRock Advisors, LLC. The fund invests in fixed income markets. It invests primarily in investment grade municipal bonds that are exempt from regular federal and California income taxes. Read More Receive News & Ratings for BlackRock California Municipal Income Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BlackRock California Municipal Income Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Uranium Energy Corp. (NYSEAMERICAN:UEC Get Free Report) CFO Pat Obara sold 4,877 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, November 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $6.07, for a total transaction of $29,603.39. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now owns 788,000 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,783,160. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Pat Obara also recently made the following trade(s): Get Uranium Energy alerts: On Tuesday, November 14th, Pat Obara sold 37,755 shares of Uranium Energy stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $6.05, for a total value of $228,417.75. Uranium Energy Stock Performance Uranium Energy stock opened at $6.17 on Friday. Uranium Energy Corp. has a fifty-two week low of $2.30 and a fifty-two week high of $6.17. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $3.62. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In UEC has been the topic of several recent research reports. HC Wainwright increased their price target on Uranium Energy from $8.00 to $8.25 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Tuesday. StockNews.com upgraded shares of Uranium Energy to a sell rating in a report on Sunday, October 8th. TD Securities assumed coverage on Uranium Energy in a research note on Wednesday, September 13th. They set a speculative buy rating and a $6.00 price target for the company. Roth Mkm increased their price objective on Uranium Energy from $6.00 to $6.75 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 10th. Finally, TD Cowen began coverage on Uranium Energy in a research report on Wednesday, September 13th. They set a speculative buy rating and a $6.00 target price on the stock. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating and four have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $6.75. Get Our Latest Research Report on Uranium Energy Hedge Funds Weigh In On Uranium Energy Hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased its position in shares of Uranium Energy by 24.8% during the 1st quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 208,719 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $958,000 after purchasing an additional 41,471 shares during the last quarter. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. bought a new position in Uranium Energy during the first quarter valued at about $47,000. Bank of New York Mellon Corp increased its holdings in Uranium Energy by 6.8% during the first quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 800,581 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $3,675,000 after buying an additional 50,810 shares during the last quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC raised its position in Uranium Energy by 25.6% in the first quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC now owns 218,733 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $1,005,000 after acquiring an additional 44,536 shares during the period. Finally, MetLife Investment Management LLC raised its position in Uranium Energy by 38.3% in the first quarter. MetLife Investment Management LLC now owns 122,621 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $563,000 after acquiring an additional 33,941 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 49.03% of the companys stock. About Uranium Energy (Get Free Report) Uranium Energy Corp., together with its subsidiaries, engages in exploration, pre-extraction, extraction, and processing uranium and titanium concentrates in the United States, Canada, and Paraguay. It owns interests in the Palangana mine, Goliad, Burke Hollow, Longhorn, and Salvo projects located in Texas; Anderson, Workman Creek, and Los Cuatros projects situated in Arizona; Dalton Pass and C de Baca project located in New Mexico; Roughrider, Shea Creek, Christie Lake, Horseshoe-Raven, Hidden Bay, Diabase, West Bear, JCU, and other project located in Canada; and Yuty, Oviedo, and Alto Parana titanium projects in Paraguay. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Uranium Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Uranium Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BP Prudhoe Bay Royalty Trust (NYSE:BPT Get Free Report) saw a significant decline in short interest in October. As of October 31st, there was short interest totalling 1,750,000 shares, a decline of 5.4% from the October 15th total of 1,850,000 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 229,300 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 7.6 days. Currently, 8.2% of the shares of the stock are short sold. Hedge Funds Weigh In On BP Prudhoe Bay Royalty Trust Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Formidable Asset Management LLC increased its stake in BP Prudhoe Bay Royalty Trust by 8.3% in the first quarter. Formidable Asset Management LLC now owns 26,200 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $236,000 after acquiring an additional 2,000 shares during the last quarter. Two Sigma Investments LP lifted its position in shares of BP Prudhoe Bay Royalty Trust by 21.6% during the 1st quarter. Two Sigma Investments LP now owns 16,331 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $125,000 after buying an additional 2,900 shares during the last quarter. UBS Group AG boosted its stake in BP Prudhoe Bay Royalty Trust by 11.4% in the third quarter. UBS Group AG now owns 34,593 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $247,000 after buying an additional 3,551 shares in the last quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC grew its position in BP Prudhoe Bay Royalty Trust by 211.1% in the third quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 5,448 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $65,000 after acquiring an additional 3,697 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Ameritas Advisory Services LLC acquired a new position in BP Prudhoe Bay Royalty Trust during the first quarter worth about $33,000. 4.32% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get BP Prudhoe Bay Royalty Trust alerts: BP Prudhoe Bay Royalty Trust Stock Down 0.9 % BPT stock opened at $3.35 on Friday. BP Prudhoe Bay Royalty Trust has a 52 week low of $3.18 and a 52 week high of $14.36. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $5.55 and a 200 day simple moving average of $5.66. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Separately, StockNews.com began coverage on BP Prudhoe Bay Royalty Trust in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Get Our Latest Research Report on BP Prudhoe Bay Royalty Trust About BP Prudhoe Bay Royalty Trust (Get Free Report) BP Prudhoe Bay Royalty Trust operates as a grantor trust in the United States. It holds overriding royalty interest in the Prudhoe Bay oil field located on the North Slope of Alaska. The Prudhoe Bay field extends approximately 12 miles by 27 miles and contains approximately 150,000 gross productive acres. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for BP Prudhoe Bay Royalty Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BP Prudhoe Bay Royalty Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. The Gabelli Equity Trust Inc. (NYSE:GAB Get Free Report) declared a quarterly dividend on Thursday, November 16th, Zacks reports. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 15th will be given a dividend of 0.15 per share by the financial services provider on Friday, December 22nd. This represents a $0.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 12.02%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, December 14th. The Gabelli Equity Trust Price Performance Shares of GAB stock opened at $4.99 on Friday. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $5.03 and a 200 day moving average price of $5.38. The Gabelli Equity Trust has a 52-week low of $4.56 and a 52-week high of $6.19. Get The Gabelli Equity Trust alerts: Institutional Trading of The Gabelli Equity Trust A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Bank of America Corp DE grew its holdings in shares of The Gabelli Equity Trust by 18.2% in the first quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 1,799,025 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $12,467,000 after purchasing an additional 276,858 shares during the last quarter. Gamco Investors INC. ET AL grew its stake in The Gabelli Equity Trust by 2.1% in the 4th quarter. Gamco Investors INC. ET AL now owns 885,709 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $4,854,000 after acquiring an additional 18,361 shares in the last quarter. International Assets Investment Management LLC bought a new position in The Gabelli Equity Trust in the 1st quarter worth about $5,109,000. Creative Planning increased its position in shares of The Gabelli Equity Trust by 1,623.8% during the third quarter. Creative Planning now owns 657,355 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $3,372,000 after acquiring an additional 619,221 shares during the period. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada raised its stake in shares of The Gabelli Equity Trust by 10.2% during the second quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 597,150 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $3,463,000 after acquiring an additional 55,490 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 6.86% of the companys stock. About The Gabelli Equity Trust The Gabelli Equity Trust Inc is a closed ended equity mutual fund launched by GAMCO Investors, Inc The fund is managed by Gabelli Funds, LLC. It invests in public equity markets of the United States. The fund seeks to invest in stocks of companies operating across diversified sectors. It invests in preferred stock, convertible or exchangeable securities, and warrants and rights. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for The Gabelli Equity Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for The Gabelli Equity Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Spire Wealth Management lifted its holdings in shares of The Charles Schwab Co. (NYSE:SCHW Free Report) by 9.5% in the second quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 15,427 shares of the financial services providers stock after buying an additional 1,337 shares during the period. Spire Wealth Managements holdings in Charles Schwab were worth $874,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Key Financial Inc grew its position 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 acquiring an additional 264 shares during the last quarter. AlphaMark Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of Charles Schwab in 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 buying an additional 450 shares during the last quarter. SJS Investment Consulting Inc. grew its position in shares of Charles Schwab by 1,236.6% in the 2nd quarter. SJS Investment Consulting Inc. now owns 548 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $31,000 after buying an additional 507 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Worth Asset Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Charles Schwab in the 1st quarter valued at about $32,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 81.61% of the companys stock. Get Charles Schwab alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of research firms have commented on SCHW. Piper Sandler cut their target price on Charles Schwab from $86.00 to $75.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, October 9th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered their target price on Charles Schwab from $92.00 to $85.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, October 17th. The Goldman Sachs Group boosted their price objective on Charles Schwab from $71.00 to $80.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday, July 20th. Raymond James boosted their price objective on Charles Schwab from $72.00 to $76.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Tuesday, October 17th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group decreased their price objective on Charles Schwab from $66.00 to $62.00 in a report on Tuesday, October 10th. 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 stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $69.91. Insiders Place Their Bets In other Charles Schwab news, Director Paula A. Sneed sold 6,918 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, October 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $49.98, for a total value of $345,761.64. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 112,398 shares in the company, valued at approximately $5,617,652.04. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. In other news, General Counsel Peter J. Morgan III sold 8,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, August 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $59.61, for a total value of $476,880.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the general counsel now directly owns 8,014 shares in the company, valued at approximately $477,714.54. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, Director Paula A. Sneed sold 6,918 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, October 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $49.98, for a total value of $345,761.64. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 112,398 shares of the companys stock, valued at $5,617,652.04. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 21,824 shares of company stock worth $1,214,937 in the last ninety days. 6.60% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Charles Schwab Stock Performance Shares of SCHW opened at $55.67 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.87, a current ratio of 0.66 and a quick ratio of 0.66. The Charles Schwab Co. has a 1 year low of $45.00 and a 1 year high of $86.63. The firm has a market cap of $98.63 billion, a PE ratio of 18.56, a PEG ratio of 2.48 and a beta of 0.94. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $54.07 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $56.15. Charles Schwab (NYSE:SCHW Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Monday, October 16th. The financial services provider reported $0.77 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.75 by $0.02. Charles Schwab had a return on equity of 24.58% and a net margin of 30.14%. The company had revenue of $4.61 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.62 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $1.10 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was down 16.3% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities research analysts forecast that The Charles Schwab Co. will post 3.16 EPS for the current year. Charles Schwab Dividend Announcement The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, November 24th. Shareholders of record on Friday, November 10th will be paid a $0.25 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, November 9th. This represents a $1.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.80%. Charles Schwabs dividend payout ratio is currently 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. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Charles Schwab Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Charles Schwab and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Spire Wealth Management increased its position in shares of American Express (NYSE:AXP Free Report) by 4.8% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 4,248 shares of the payment services companys stock after acquiring an additional 195 shares during the quarter. Spire Wealth Managements holdings in American Express were worth $740,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the company. Sheets Smith Wealth Management bought a new position in American Express in the first quarter valued at approximately $448,000. Impact Partnership Wealth LLC bought a new position in American Express in the second quarter valued at approximately $35,000. Steward Financial Group LLC lifted its stake in American Express by 104.9% in the first quarter. Steward Financial Group LLC now owns 211 shares of the payment services companys stock valued at $34,000 after buying an additional 108 shares in the last quarter. Addison Advisors LLC raised its holdings in shares of American Express by 44.8% in the first quarter. Addison Advisors LLC now owns 239 shares of the payment services companys stock valued at $39,000 after purchasing an additional 74 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Mach 1 Financial Group LLC acquired a new stake in shares of American Express in the first quarter valued at approximately $43,712,000. Institutional investors own 83.08% of the companys stock. Get American Express alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. Piper Sandler Companies upgraded shares of American Express to a neutral rating and set a $151.00 price objective on the stock in a report on Tuesday, October 24th. Citigroup upgraded shares of American Express from a sell rating to a neutral rating and lifted their price objective for the company from $143.00 to $154.00 in a report on Wednesday, October 25th. StockNews.com upgraded shares of American Express from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Monday, October 23rd. Bank of America lowered their target price on shares of American Express from $203.00 to $202.00 in a report on Thursday, October 5th. Finally, HSBC initiated coverage on shares of American Express in a report on Friday, October 13th. They set a buy rating and a $181.00 target price on the stock. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have assigned a hold rating and nine have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $171.25. American Express Trading Down 0.2 % AXP opened at $159.09 on Friday. American Express has a twelve month low of $140.91 and a twelve month high of $182.15. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $151.78 and a 200 day simple moving average of $159.72. The company has a quick ratio of 1.60, a current ratio of 1.60 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.70. The stock has a market capitalization of $115.94 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.92, a P/E/G ratio of 0.97 and a beta of 1.21. American Express (NYSE:AXP Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Friday, October 20th. The payment services company reported $3.30 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.96 by $0.34. The firm had revenue of $15.38 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $15.36 billion. American Express had a net margin of 13.61% and a return on equity of 30.60%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 13.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $2.47 earnings per share. Analysts predict that American Express will post 11.18 EPS for the current fiscal year. American Express Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 10th. Stockholders of record on Friday, October 6th were paid a $0.60 dividend. This represents a $2.40 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.51%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, October 5th. American Expresss dividend payout ratio is currently 22.51%. Insider Activity In other news, Director Walter Joseph Clayton III purchased 1,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, October 24th. The shares were purchased at an average price of $143.93 per share, for a total transaction of $143,930.00. Following the transaction, the director now owns 2,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at $287,860. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. 0.12% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. American Express Company Profile (Free Report) American Express Company, together with its subsidiaries, provides charge and credit payment card products, and travel-related services worldwide. The company operates through three segments: Global Consumer Services Group, Global Commercial Services, and Global Merchant and Network Services. Its products and services include payment and financing products; network services; accounts payable expense management products and services; and travel and lifestyle services. See Also Receive News & Ratings for American Express Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for American Express and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Spire Wealth Management grew its position in iShares MSCI Canada ETF (NYSEARCA:EWC Free Report) by 2.9% during the 2nd quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The fund owned 20,093 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after buying an additional 568 shares during the quarter. Spire Wealth Managements holdings in iShares MSCI Canada ETF were worth $703,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Mariner LLC raised its stake in iShares MSCI Canada ETF by 4.1% in the 4th quarter. Mariner LLC now owns 7,834 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $256,000 after purchasing an additional 309 shares during the last quarter. Integrated Wealth Concepts LLC grew its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI Canada ETF by 1.7% during the first quarter. Integrated Wealth Concepts LLC now owns 20,319 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $695,000 after buying an additional 337 shares in the last quarter. Vontobel Holding Ltd. raised its position in shares of iShares MSCI Canada ETF by 3.3% in the second quarter. Vontobel Holding Ltd. now owns 11,578 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $405,000 after buying an additional 368 shares during the last quarter. Daiwa Securities Group Inc. lifted its stake in shares of iShares MSCI Canada ETF by 4.2% in the first quarter. Daiwa Securities Group Inc. now owns 9,590 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $328,000 after buying an additional 390 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Ieq Capital LLC lifted its stake in shares of iShares MSCI Canada ETF by 1.0% in the second quarter. Ieq Capital LLC now owns 40,993 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $1,434,000 after buying an additional 411 shares in the last quarter. Get iShares MSCI Canada ETF alerts: iShares MSCI Canada ETF Trading Down 0.6 % Shares of NYSEARCA EWC opened at $34.09 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $3.04 billion, a PE ratio of 14.06 and a beta of 1.02. iShares MSCI Canada ETF has a 12-month low of $31.41 and a 12-month high of $36.24. The company has a 50-day moving average of $33.37 and a 200 day moving average of $34.20. About iShares MSCI Canada ETF iShares MSCI Canada ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares MSCI Canada Index Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of publicly traded securities in the Canadian market, as measured by the MSCI Canada Index (the Index). Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EWC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares MSCI Canada ETF (NYSEARCA:EWC Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI Canada ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI Canada ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Brady (NYSE:BRC Get Free Report) issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday. The industrial products company reported $1.00 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.95 by $0.05, MarketWatch Earnings reports. The firm had revenue of $331.90 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $342.01 million. Brady had a return on equity of 18.78% and a net margin of 13.13%. Bradys revenue was up 2.9% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $0.84 EPS. Brady updated its FY24 guidance to $3.85-$4.10 EPS. Brady Stock Down 1.6 % BRC opened at $53.42 on Friday. Brady has a twelve month low of $44.71 and a twelve month high of $58.20. 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 business has a 50 day moving average price of $54.36 and a 200 day moving average price of $51.37. The firm has a market cap of $2.58 billion, a P/E ratio of 15.22, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.94 and a beta of 0.73. Get Brady alerts: Brady Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, January 31st. Investors of record on Wednesday, January 10th will be paid a $0.235 dividend. This represents a $0.94 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.76%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, January 9th. Bradys payout ratio is 26.78%. Insider Activity Institutional Trading of Brady In related news, VP Bentley Curran sold 6,209 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, September 25th. The shares were sold at an average price of $55.96, for a total transaction of $347,455.64. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president now directly owns 15,462 shares in the company, valued at approximately $865,253.52. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website . In other Brady news, VP Bentley Curran sold 6,209 shares of Brady stock in a transaction on Monday, September 25th. The stock was sold at an average price of $55.96, for a total transaction of $347,455.64. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president now directly owns 15,462 shares of the companys stock, valued at $865,253.52. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink . Also, Director Nancy Lee Gioia sold 4,250 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, September 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $55.82, for a total transaction of $237,235.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 11,456 shares in the company, valued at $639,473.92. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . Insiders own 15.60% of the companys stock. A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of BRC. Advisory Services Network LLC bought a new stake in Brady during the 1st quarter worth about $28,000. US Bancorp DE grew its position in shares of 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. Belpointe Asset Management LLC increased its stake in shares of Brady by 27.1% in the 1st quarter. Belpointe Asset Management LLC now owns 1,456 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $78,000 after acquiring an additional 310 shares during the last quarter. Quarry LP acquired a new stake in shares of Brady in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $71,000. Finally, Lazard Asset Management LLC boosted 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 acquiring an additional 281 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 71.30% of the companys stock. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades BRC has been the subject of a number of research analyst reports. Bank of America increased their target price on shares of Brady from $47.00 to $51.00 in a research report on Wednesday, October 4th. StockNews.com cut Brady from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research report on Saturday, November 11th. View Our Latest Analysis on Brady 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. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Brady Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Brady and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Cambria Investment Management L.P. lowered its holdings in Lennar Co. (NYSE:LEN Free Report) by 18.8% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 4,742 shares of the construction companys stock after selling 1,100 shares during the period. Cambria Investment Management L.P.s holdings in Lennar were worth $594,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in LEN. FNY Investment Advisers LLC acquired a new stake in Lennar during the 2nd quarter worth about $61,000. Money Concepts Capital Corp boosted its stake in Lennar by 494.4% in the 4th quarter. Money Concepts Capital Corp now owns 737 shares of the construction companys stock worth $67,000 after purchasing an additional 613 shares during the period. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. grew its position in Lennar by 22.6% during the 1st quarter. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. now owns 717 shares of the construction companys stock worth $75,000 after purchasing an additional 132 shares in the last quarter. Nelson Van Denburg & Campbell Wealth Management Group LLC raised its stake in Lennar by 11,037.5% during the 1st quarter. Nelson Van Denburg & Campbell Wealth Management Group LLC now owns 891 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $94,000 after purchasing an additional 883 shares during the period. Finally, Altshuler Shaham Ltd purchased a new stake in shares of Lennar in the second quarter valued at $99,000. 79.87% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Lennar alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several research firms recently weighed in on LEN. StockNews.com lowered Lennar from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, October 12th. JMP Securities upped their price objective on shares of Lennar from $135.00 to $150.00 and gave the company a market outperform rating in a research note on Tuesday, September 19th. Citigroup reiterated a buy rating and issued a $139.00 target price on shares of Lennar in a research report on Tuesday, September 19th. BTIG Research upped their price target on shares of Lennar from $148.00 to $161.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Monday, September 18th. Finally, Evercore ISI lifted their price objective on Lennar from $161.00 to $164.00 in a research report on Monday, September 18th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have given a hold rating and eleven have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $133.82. Insiders Place Their Bets In related news, Director Amy Banse acquired 920 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, October 13th. The shares were acquired at an average price of $108.71 per share, for a total transaction of $100,013.20. Following the completion of the purchase, the director now owns 10,038 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,091,230.98. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. In other Lennar news, EVP Jeffrey Joseph Mccall sold 1,157 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, October 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $105.01, for a total value of $121,496.57. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 131,386 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $13,796,843.86. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, Director Amy Banse acquired 920 shares of Lennar stock in a transaction on Friday, October 13th. The stock was purchased at an average price of $108.71 per share, with a total value of $100,013.20. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 10,038 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,091,230.98. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 20,000 shares of company stock valued at $2,350,896 in the last three months. Company insiders own 9.53% of the companys stock. Lennar Trading Up 0.2 % NYSE:LEN opened at $127.08 on Friday. The companys 50 day moving average is $113.33 and its 200-day moving average is $117.20. The company has a quick ratio of 1.18, a current ratio of 6.66 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.13. Lennar Co. has a 12 month low of $82.73 and a 12 month high of $133.24. The firm has a market cap of $36.14 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.42, a P/E/G ratio of 1.56 and a beta of 1.49. Lennar (NYSE:LEN Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Friday, September 15th. The construction company reported $3.91 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $3.52 by $0.39. The firm had revenue of $8.73 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $8.49 billion. Lennar had a net margin of 11.66% and a return on equity of 16.22%. The businesss revenue was down 2.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $5.18 EPS. Equities analysts anticipate that Lennar Co. will post 13.59 EPS for the current year. Lennar Announces Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, October 26th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, October 12th were issued a $0.375 dividend. This represents a $1.50 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.18%. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, October 11th. Lennars dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 11.12%. Lennar Profile (Free Report) Lennar Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a homebuilder primarily under the Lennar brand in the United States. It operates through Homebuilding East, Homebuilding Central, Homebuilding Texas, Homebuilding West, Financial Services, Multifamily, and Lennar Other segments. The company's homebuilding operations include the construction and sale of single-family attached and detached homes, as well as the purchase, development, and sale of residential land; and development, construction, and management of multifamily rental properties. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding LEN? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Lennar Co. (NYSE:LEN Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Lennar Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Lennar and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BEIJING, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- A total of 41,947 new foreign-invested companies were established in China during the first 10 months of the year, data from the Ministry of Commerce showed Friday. The figure marked a 32.1 percent increase from the same period a year earlier. During the period, foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Chinese mainland in actual use came in at 987.01 billion yuan (about 137.6 billion U.S. dollars), down 9.4 percent year on year. Specifically, FDI in manufacturing rose 1.9 percent year on year to 283.44 billion yuan, with that in high-tech manufacturing logging an increase of 9.5 percent. FDI from Canada, the United Kingdom, and France surged 110.3 percent, 94.6 percent and 90 percent, respectively, the data showed. China has reiterated the country's commitment to market opening up and its efforts to ensure a level playing field for foreign investors. The country will shorten its negative list for foreign investment in a reasonable manner and scrap all restrictions for foreign investors entering the manufacturing industry, said Li Chao with the National Development and Reform Commission at a press conference on Thursday. Fiera Capital Corp reduced its stake in shares of iShares Russell Mid-Cap Growth ETF (NYSEARCA:IWP Free Report) by 25.5% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 3,126 shares of the companys stock after selling 1,068 shares during the period. Fiera Capital Corps holdings in iShares Russell Mid-Cap Growth ETF were worth $302,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. A number of other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of IWP. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC boosted its stake in iShares Russell Mid-Cap Growth ETF by 124,827.5% in the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 91,796,711 shares of the companys stock worth $7,674,205,000 after purchasing an additional 91,723,231 shares during the period. Bishop & Co Investment Management LLC boosted its position in shares of iShares Russell Mid-Cap Growth ETF by 9,482.9% during the second quarter. Bishop & Co Investment Management LLC now owns 22,798,385 shares of the companys stock worth $235,935,000 after buying an additional 22,560,477 shares during the period. Wellington Management Group LLP grew its holdings in shares of iShares Russell Mid-Cap Growth ETF by 15,554.5% during the first quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 1,090,024 shares of the companys stock worth $99,247,000 after buying an additional 1,083,061 shares in the last quarter. Summit Rock Advisors LP bought a new position in iShares Russell Mid-Cap Growth ETF in the second quarter valued at $52,425,000. Finally, Providence Capital Advisors LLC increased its stake in iShares Russell Mid-Cap Growth ETF by 8,107.1% in the 1st quarter. Providence Capital Advisors LLC now owns 437,768 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,808,000 after buying an additional 432,434 shares during the last quarter. Get iShares Russell Mid-Cap Growth ETF alerts: iShares Russell Mid-Cap Growth ETF Price Performance Shares of NYSEARCA:IWP opened at $94.12 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $12.78 billion, a PE ratio of 25.03 and a beta of 1.10. The companys 50-day moving average price is $91.10 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $93.14. iShares Russell Mid-Cap Growth ETF has a one year low of $81.97 and a one year high of $100.93. About iShares Russell Mid-Cap Growth ETF iShares Russell Mid-Cap Growth ETF, formerly iShares Russell Midcap Growth Index Fund (the Growth Fund), is an exchange-traded fund. The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the Russell Midcap Growth Index (the Growth Index). Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IWP? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Russell Mid-Cap Growth ETF (NYSEARCA:IWP Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares Russell Mid-Cap Growth ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Russell Mid-Cap Growth ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Beverly Hills Private Wealth LLC purchased a new stake in Pinnacle West Capital Co. (NYSE:PNW Free Report) during the 2nd quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The firm purchased 4,772 shares of the utilities providers stock, valued at approximately $375,000. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Newbridge Financial Services Group Inc. raised its position in shares of Pinnacle West Capital by 67.4% during the 2nd quarter. Newbridge Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 308 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $25,000 after acquiring an additional 124 shares during the last quarter. Headlands Technologies LLC acquired a new position in Pinnacle West Capital in the first quarter valued at about $26,000. Jones Financial Companies Lllp acquired a new position in Pinnacle West Capital in the first quarter valued at about $28,000. Pacific Center for Financial Services bought a new position in Pinnacle West Capital during the first quarter worth about $40,000. Finally, Retirement Group LLC grew its position in shares of Pinnacle West Capital by 200.0% during the 4th quarter. Retirement Group LLC now owns 600 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $46,000 after buying an additional 400 shares during the period. 84.95% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Pinnacle West Capital alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of brokerages recently weighed in on PNW. Mizuho reissued a buy rating and set a $85.00 price objective on shares of Pinnacle West Capital in a research note on Friday, September 15th. Bank of America reduced their price target on shares of Pinnacle West Capital from $78.00 to $69.00 in a research report on Monday, October 9th. KeyCorp upgraded shares of Pinnacle West Capital from an underweight rating to a sector weight rating in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. Barclays reduced their target price on Pinnacle West Capital from $81.00 to $77.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, September 28th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company lowered their price target on Pinnacle West Capital from $89.00 to $88.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a report on Friday, August 4th. Seven research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Pinnacle West Capital currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $76.70. Pinnacle West Capital Price Performance PNW stock opened at $72.39 on Friday. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $74.66 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $78.14. Pinnacle West Capital Co. has a 1 year low of $68.55 and a 1 year high of $86.03. The stock has a market cap of $8.21 billion, a PE ratio of 17.24, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.89 and a beta of 0.52. The company has a current ratio of 1.10, a quick ratio of 0.85 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.26. Pinnacle West Capital Increases Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 1st. Investors of record on Wednesday, November 1st will be issued a dividend of $0.88 per share. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, October 31st. This is an increase from Pinnacle West Capitals previous quarterly dividend of $0.87. This represents a $3.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.86%. Pinnacle West Capitals dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 83.81%. Pinnacle West Capital Profile (Free Report) Pinnacle West Capital Corporation, through its subsidiary, Arizona Public Service Company, provides retail and wholesale electric services primarily in the state of Arizona. The company engages in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity using coal, nuclear, gas, oil, and solar generating facilities. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PNW? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Pinnacle West Capital Co. (NYSE:PNW Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Pinnacle West Capital Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Pinnacle West Capital and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wintrust Investments LLC lifted its position in Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM Free Report) by 9.7% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 7,394 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 653 shares during the period. Wintrust Investments LLCs holdings in Philip Morris International were worth $722,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Cetera Advisor Networks LLC increased its holdings in Philip Morris International by 10.4% in the 2nd quarter. Cetera Advisor Networks LLC now owns 213,136 shares of the companys stock worth $20,806,000 after acquiring an additional 20,104 shares in the last quarter. Green Square Capital Advisors LLC purchased a new position in shares of Philip Morris International in the second quarter worth about $232,000. Cetera Investment Advisers boosted its position in Philip Morris International by 1.5% during the second quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 120,894 shares of the companys stock worth $11,802,000 after acquiring an additional 1,764 shares during the last quarter. Herold Advisors Inc. grew its stake in Philip Morris International by 8.6% during the 2nd quarter. Herold Advisors Inc. now owns 5,484 shares of the companys stock valued at $535,000 after acquiring an additional 434 shares in the last quarter. Finally, EP Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in Philip Morris International in the 1st quarter valued at about $98,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 79.70% of the companys stock. Get Philip Morris International alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of equities research analysts have recently issued reports on PM shares. Barclays dropped their price target on Philip Morris International from $115.00 to $110.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, September 21st. Morgan Stanley dropped their target price on Philip Morris International from $118.00 to $113.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Monday, October 2nd. Redburn Atlantic started coverage on Philip Morris International in a report on Thursday. They set a neutral rating and a $95.00 price target on the stock. Bank of America dropped their price objective on shares of Philip Morris International from $118.00 to $111.00 in a report on Friday, September 29th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group reduced their target price 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. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have assigned a hold rating and eight have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $109.36. Philip Morris International Stock Performance Philip Morris International stock opened at $91.28 on Friday. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $92.24 and a 200 day moving average price of $94.34. Philip Morris International Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $87.23 and a fifty-two week high of $105.62. The company has a market capitalization of $141.70 billion, a PE ratio of 17.72, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.17 and a beta of 0.77. Philip Morris International (NYSE:PM Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results 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. The firm had revenue of $9.14 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $9.21 billion. Philip Morris International had a negative return on equity of 129.48% and a net margin of 9.62%. Philip Morris Internationals revenue was up 13.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $1.53 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that Philip Morris International Inc. will post 6.18 earnings per share for the current year. Philip Morris International Increases Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, October 12th. Investors of record on Wednesday, September 27th were paid a dividend of $1.30 per share. This is an increase from Philip Morris Internationals previous quarterly dividend of $1.27. This represents a $5.20 annualized dividend and a yield of 5.70%. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, September 26th. Philip Morris Internationals dividend payout ratio is presently 100.97%. About Philip Morris International (Free Report) Philip Morris International Inc operates as a tobacco company working to delivers a smoke-free future and evolving portfolio for the long-term to include products outside of the tobacco and nicotine sector. The company's product portfolio primarily consists of cigarettes and smoke-free products, including heat-not-burn, vapor, and oral nicotine products primarily under the IQOS and ZYN brands; and consumer accessories, such as lighters and matches. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Philip Morris International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Philip Morris International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Nwam LLC cut its holdings in Edwards Lifesciences Co. (NYSE:EW Free Report) by 3.7% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 10,779 shares of the medical research companys stock after selling 416 shares during the quarter. Nwam LLCs holdings in Edwards Lifesciences were worth $1,017,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the business. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich boosted its holdings in shares of Edwards Lifesciences by 98,836.3% in the second quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 759,315,387 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $71,626,220,000 after acquiring an additional 758,547,908 shares in the last quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in Edwards Lifesciences by 104,971.3% in the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 15,399,249 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $1,148,938,000 after purchasing an additional 15,384,593 shares in the last quarter. Norges Bank acquired a new position in Edwards Lifesciences during the 4th quarter worth approximately $658,390,000. DZ BANK AG Deutsche Zentral Genossenschafts Bank Frankfurt am Main raised its stake in shares of Edwards Lifesciences by 655.9% during the 4th quarter. DZ BANK AG Deutsche Zentral Genossenschafts Bank Frankfurt am Main now owns 2,325,457 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $173,502,000 after buying an additional 2,017,801 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Bank of Montreal Can acquired a new stake in shares of Edwards Lifesciences in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $121,091,000. 79.25% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Edwards Lifesciences alerts: Insider Activity In other Edwards Lifesciences news, VP Donald E. Bobo, Jr. sold 6,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $65.30, for a total value of $391,800.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president now directly owns 39,503 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,579,545.90. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. In other Edwards Lifesciences news, CFO Scott B. Ullem sold 7,255 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, August 31st. The shares were sold at an average price of $77.79, for a total transaction of $564,366.45. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 19,248 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,497,301.92. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, VP Donald E. Bobo, Jr. sold 6,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $65.30, for a total transaction of $391,800.00. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now directly owns 39,503 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,579,545.90. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last quarter, insiders sold 179,795 shares of company stock worth $12,724,914. 1.29% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Analyst Ratings Changes Several research analysts have issued reports on the company. TheStreet cut Edwards Lifesciences from a b- rating to a c+ rating in a research report on Wednesday, August 9th. Wells Fargo & Company cut their price target on shares of Edwards Lifesciences from $88.00 to $75.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a report on Thursday, October 26th. Royal Bank of Canada decreased their price objective on shares of Edwards Lifesciences from $86.00 to $82.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, October 26th. Stifel Nicolaus dropped their target price on shares of Edwards Lifesciences from $87.00 to $70.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a report on Thursday, October 26th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group boosted their price target on Edwards Lifesciences from $103.00 to $107.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, July 25th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, ten have issued a hold rating and eight have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $84.29. Read Our Latest Research Report on Edwards Lifesciences Edwards Lifesciences Stock Up 0.7 % EW opened at $67.47 on Friday. Edwards Lifesciences Co. has a 12 month low of $60.57 and a 12 month high of $94.87. The business has a 50-day moving average of $69.23 and a two-hundred day moving average of $79.79. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.09, a current ratio of 3.28 and a quick ratio of 2.45. The stock has a market capitalization of $40.92 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 28.83, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.74 and a beta of 1.02. Edwards Lifesciences (NYSE:EW Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, October 25th. The medical research company reported $0.59 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, meeting analysts consensus estimates of $0.59. The firm had revenue of $1.48 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.48 billion. Edwards Lifesciences had a net margin of 24.59% and a return on equity of 24.54%. Edwards Lifesciencess revenue was up 12.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $0.61 earnings per share. On average, research analysts expect that Edwards Lifesciences Co. will post 2.51 earnings per share for the current year. Edwards Lifesciences Company Profile (Free Report) Edwards Lifesciences Corporation provides products and technologies for structural heart disease, and critical care and surgical monitoring in the United States, Europe, Japan, and internationally. It offers transcatheter heart valve replacement products for the minimally invasive replacement of heart valves; and transcatheter heart valve repair and replacement products to treat mitral and tricuspid valve diseases. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Edwards Lifesciences Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Edwards Lifesciences and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Citigroup Inc. decreased its holdings in Aflac Incorporated (NYSE:AFL Free Report) by 5.1% in the second quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 782,677 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 41,858 shares during the quarter. Citigroup Inc.s holdings in Aflac were worth $54,631,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Panagora Asset Management Inc. raised its position in shares of Aflac by 36.2% in the 1st quarter. Panagora Asset Management Inc. now owns 23,941 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,542,000 after acquiring an additional 6,369 shares in the last quarter. Blair William & Co. IL boosted its position in Aflac by 6.8% during the first quarter. Blair William & Co. IL now owns 17,268 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,112,000 after purchasing an additional 1,102 shares in the last quarter. Aviva PLC grew its stake in Aflac by 0.7% in the first quarter. Aviva PLC now owns 210,634 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $13,563,000 after purchasing an additional 1,503 shares during the last quarter. Dakota Wealth Management bought a new position in Aflac in the first quarter worth about $428,000. Finally, Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC lifted its position in shares of Aflac by 7.3% during the first quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC now owns 6,142 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $396,000 after buying an additional 417 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 66.75% of the companys stock. Get Aflac alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes A number of research analysts have recently issued reports on AFL shares. Bank of America lifted their price objective on shares of Aflac from $79.00 to $86.00 in a research report on Wednesday, August 2nd. StockNews.com initiated coverage on Aflac in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating on the stock. Citigroup increased their price objective on Aflac from $69.00 to $76.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, August 9th. Morgan Stanley boosted their target price on Aflac from $75.00 to $80.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Wednesday. Finally, Raymond James upped their target price on Aflac from $77.00 to $83.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Tuesday, September 26th. Seven analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $78.30. Insider Activity In other Aflac news, Director Masatoshi Koide sold 32,000 shares of the firms 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 sale, the director now directly owns 55,598 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,465,631.36. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In related news, Director Masatoshi Koide sold 32,000 shares of Aflac stock in a transaction dated 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 sale, the director now directly owns 55,598 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,465,631.36. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. Also, VP June P. Howard sold 6,000 shares of Aflac stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, November 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $81.01, for a total value of $486,060.00. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now directly owns 123,026 shares in the company, valued at $9,966,336.26. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 165,556 shares of company stock worth $13,413,385 in the last ninety days. Company insiders own 0.90% of the companys stock. Aflac Stock Up 0.9 % Shares of AFL stock opened at $81.11 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.31, a quick ratio of 0.08 and a current ratio of 0.08. Aflac Incorporated has a fifty-two week low of $60.20 and a fifty-two week high of $82.71. The firm has a market capitalization of $47.40 billion, a PE ratio of 10.69, a P/E/G ratio of 2.00 and a beta of 0.89. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $78.40 and its 200-day simple moving average is $73.22. 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 for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.44 by $0.40. The company had revenue of $4.95 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.31 billion. Aflac had a net margin of 24.17% and a return on equity of 17.86%. Aflacs quarterly revenue was up 5.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $1.23 EPS. Equities analysts expect that Aflac Incorporated will post 6.25 earnings per share for the current year. Aflac Announces Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 1st. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, November 15th will be paid a dividend of $0.42 per share. This represents a $1.68 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.07%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, November 14th. Aflacs payout ratio is currently 22.13%. About Aflac (Free Report) Aflac Incorporated, through its subsidiaries, provides supplemental health and life insurance products. It operates in two segments, Aflac Japan and Aflac U.S. The Aflac Japan segment offers cancer, medical, nursing care, work leave, GIFT, and whole and term life insurance products, as well as WAYS and child endowment plans under saving type insurance products in Japan. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding AFL? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Aflac Incorporated (NYSE:AFL Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Aflac Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Aflac and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Jupiter Asset Management Ltd. lifted its stake in Skeena Resources Limited (NYSE:SKE Free Report) by 43.7% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 3,600,000 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 1,095,611 shares during the period. Jupiter Asset Management Ltd. owned about 4.08% of Skeena Resources worth $17,357,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other hedge funds have also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Bank of Montreal Can grew its holdings in shares of Skeena Resources by 3.3% in the first quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 60,512 shares of the companys stock worth $704,000 after purchasing an additional 1,911 shares during the last quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors grew its holdings in shares of Skeena Resources by 8.5% in the third quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors now owns 25,500 shares of the companys stock worth $119,000 after purchasing an additional 2,000 shares during the last quarter. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. increased its position in Skeena Resources by 5.7% during the 1st quarter. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. now owns 44,986 shares of the companys stock valued at $275,000 after purchasing an additional 2,417 shares during the period. Deutsche Bank AG boosted its stake in shares of Skeena Resources by 2.0% during the first quarter. Deutsche Bank AG now owns 214,299 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,309,000 after purchasing an additional 4,158 shares in the last quarter. Finally, TD Asset Management Inc increased its holdings in Skeena Resources by 7.2% during the second quarter. TD Asset Management Inc now owns 62,464 shares of the companys stock valued at $302,000 after buying an additional 4,190 shares during the period. 36.00% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Skeena Resources alerts: Skeena Resources Stock Performance SKE opened at $3.99 on Friday. Skeena Resources Limited has a 52-week low of $3.05 and a 52-week high of $7.65. The firms 50-day moving average price is $4.24 and its 200-day moving average price is $4.87. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Separately, BMO Capital Markets lifted their price target on Skeena Resources from $16.50 to $18.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Thursday. Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on SKE About Skeena Resources (Free Report) Skeena Resources Limited explores for and develops mineral properties in Canada. The company explores for gold, silver, copper, and other precious metal deposits. It holds 100% interests in the Snip gold mine comprising one mining lease and four mineral tenures that covers an area of approximately 1,932 hectares; and the Eskay Creek gold mine that consists of eight mineral leases, two surface leases, and various unpatented mining claims comprising 7,096 hectares located in British Columbia, Canada. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Skeena Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Skeena Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Private Advisor Group LLC lessened its stake in Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE:ITW Free Report) by 1.0% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 39,360 shares of the industrial products companys stock after selling 414 shares during the quarter. Private Advisor Group LLCs holdings in Illinois Tool Works were worth $10,137,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. GoalVest Advisory LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Illinois Tool Works in the second quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Northwest Capital Management Inc acquired a new stake in shares of Illinois Tool Works in the 2nd quarter valued at $28,000. Miller Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of Illinois Tool Works during the second quarter worth $31,000. Quarry LP lifted its stake in shares of Illinois Tool Works by 52.7% during the first quarter. Quarry LP now owns 142 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $35,000 after acquiring an additional 49 shares during the period. Finally, Steward Financial Group LLC bought a new position in Illinois Tool Works in the second quarter valued at about $39,000. 79.56% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Illinois Tool Works alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades ITW has been the subject of several recent research reports. Wells Fargo & Company dropped their price objective on Illinois Tool Works from $250.00 to $235.00 in a report on Monday, October 9th. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Illinois Tool Works in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating for the company. Citigroup raised their price objective on shares of Illinois Tool Works from $256.00 to $258.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 2nd. Morgan Stanley upped their target price on shares of Illinois Tool Works from $230.00 to $232.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a research report on Thursday, August 3rd. Finally, Credit Suisse Group raised their price target on Illinois Tool Works from $281.00 to $292.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, August 2nd. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have assigned a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $238.25. Illinois Tool Works Stock Up 0.6 % NYSE:ITW opened at $239.02 on Friday. Illinois Tool Works Inc. has a 1 year low of $214.66 and a 1 year high of $264.19. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $231.86 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $237.77. The stock has a market cap of $71.92 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 23.18, a PEG ratio of 4.56 and a beta of 1.14. The company has a current ratio of 1.58, a quick ratio of 1.13 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.27. Illinois Tool Works (NYSE:ITW Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 24th. The industrial products company reported $2.55 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.46 by $0.09. The business had revenue of $4.03 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.10 billion. Illinois Tool Works had a return on equity of 95.68% and a net margin of 19.55%. Illinois Tool Workss quarterly revenue was up .5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $2.35 EPS. As a group, equities analysts expect that Illinois Tool Works Inc. will post 9.68 earnings per share for the current year. Illinois Tool Works Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed 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 dividend yield of 2.34%. Illinois Tool Workss payout ratio is 54.32%. About Illinois Tool Works (Free Report) Illinois Tool Works Inc manufactures and sells industrial products and equipment worldwide. It operates through seven segments: Automotive OEM; Food Equipment; Test & Measurement and Electronics; Welding; Polymers & Fluids; Construction Products; and Specialty Products. The Automotive OEM segment offers plastic and metal components, fasteners, and assemblies for automobiles, light trucks, and other industrial uses. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ITW? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE:ITW Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Illinois Tool Works Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Illinois Tool Works and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Private Advisor Group LLC lessened its holdings in shares of Union Pacific Co. (NYSE:UNP Free Report) by 1.3% in the second quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 44,517 shares of the railroad operators stock after selling 584 shares during the quarter. Private Advisor Group LLCs holdings in Union Pacific were worth $9,421,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of UNP. Vise Technologies Inc. raised its stake in Union Pacific by 14.3% in the first quarter. Vise Technologies Inc. now owns 4,388 shares of the railroad operators stock valued at $883,000 after purchasing an additional 548 shares in the last quarter. Capital Asset Advisory Services LLC lifted its position in Union Pacific by 25.6% during the first quarter. Capital Asset Advisory Services LLC now owns 5,046 shares of the railroad operators stock valued at $1,016,000 after buying an additional 1,028 shares during the period. Clearbridge Investments LLC raised its position in shares of Union Pacific by 1.1% in the 1st quarter. Clearbridge Investments LLC now owns 1,933,582 shares of the railroad operators stock worth $389,153,000 after purchasing an additional 21,361 shares during the last quarter. Dynamic Advisor Solutions LLC raised its position in shares of Union Pacific by 18.4% in the 2nd quarter. Dynamic Advisor Solutions LLC now owns 20,508 shares of the railroad operators stock worth $4,196,000 after purchasing an additional 3,186 shares during the last quarter. Finally, First Hawaiian Bank raised its position in shares of Union Pacific by 6.9% in the 2nd quarter. First Hawaiian Bank now owns 12,535 shares of the railroad operators stock worth $2,565,000 after purchasing an additional 806 shares during the last quarter. 77.36% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Union Pacific alerts: Union Pacific Price Performance Shares of UNP stock opened at $219.36 on Friday. Union Pacific Co. has a 1-year low of $183.69 and a 1-year high of $240.48. The stocks 50-day moving average is $208.90 and its 200 day moving average is $209.69. The company has a market cap of $133.72 billion, a P/E ratio of 21.05, a PEG ratio of 2.57 and a beta of 1.10. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.22, a current ratio of 0.72 and a quick ratio of 0.57. Insider Transactions at Union Pacific Union Pacific ( NYSE:UNP Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 19th. The railroad operator reported $2.51 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.41 by $0.10. Union Pacific had a return on equity of 49.14% and a net margin of 26.37%. The company had revenue of $5.94 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.96 billion. During the same period last year, the business posted $3.19 earnings per share. The firms revenue was down 9.5% compared to the same quarter last year. Research analysts predict that Union Pacific Co. will post 10.24 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. In related news, CFO Jennifer L. Hamann sold 1,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, August 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $222.83, for a total transaction of $222,830.00. Following the sale, the chief financial officer now directly owns 99,378 shares of the companys stock, valued at $22,144,399.74. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In related news, EVP Eric J. Gehringer sold 1,274 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, October 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $203.24, for a total transaction of $258,927.76. Following the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 31,991 shares of the companys stock, valued at $6,501,850.84. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, CFO Jennifer L. Hamann sold 1,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, August 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $222.83, for a total value of $222,830.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer now directly owns 99,378 shares in the company, valued at $22,144,399.74. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 10,974 shares of company stock worth $2,416,899 over the last three months. 0.28% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of brokerages have weighed in on UNP. Atlantic Securities lowered Union Pacific from an overweight rating to a neutral rating and set a $244.00 target price for the company. in a research report on Thursday, July 27th. Citigroup upped their price objective on Union Pacific from $235.00 to $270.00 in a report on Thursday, July 27th. Stifel Nicolaus decreased their price objective on Union Pacific from $233.00 to $232.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, October 3rd. Benchmark restated a buy rating and set a $254.00 price target on shares of Union Pacific in a report on Friday, October 20th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada restated an outperform rating and set a $282.00 price target on shares of Union Pacific in a report on Friday, October 20th. Ten research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, fourteen have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Union Pacific presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $238.96. View Our Latest Stock Report on Union Pacific About Union Pacific (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. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Union Pacific Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Union Pacific and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Private Advisor Group LLC lifted its position in shares of BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE:BLK Free Report) by 11.6% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 11,901 shares of the asset managers stock after acquiring an additional 1,239 shares during the quarter. Private Advisor Group LLCs holdings in BlackRock were worth $8,474,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other large investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Smithfield Trust Co lifted its holdings in shares of BlackRock by 13.8% in the 2nd quarter. Smithfield Trust Co now owns 296 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $205,000 after buying an additional 36 shares during the period. Machina Capital S.A.S. boosted its position in shares of BlackRock by 24.4% during the 2nd quarter. Machina Capital S.A.S. now owns 1,128 shares of the asset managers stock worth $780,000 after purchasing an additional 221 shares in the last quarter. Empower Advisory Group LLC acquired a new position in shares of BlackRock during the 1st quarter worth $308,000. Old North State Trust LLC increased its holdings in shares of BlackRock by 5,876.2% in the 1st quarter. Old North State Trust LLC now owns 10,040 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $114,000 after purchasing an additional 9,872 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Washington Trust Advisors Inc. lifted its stake in shares of BlackRock by 1.5% in the second quarter. Washington Trust Advisors Inc. now owns 1,536 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $1,062,000 after purchasing an additional 22 shares during the period. 77.01% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get BlackRock alerts: BlackRock Trading Up 0.9 % BlackRock stock opened at $714.90 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $106.35 billion, a PE ratio of 20.05, a P/E/G ratio of 2.22 and a beta of 1.28. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $651.35 and a 200 day moving average price of $675.55. BlackRock, Inc. has a 52 week low of $596.18 and a 52 week high of $781.77. The company has a current ratio of 3.72, a quick ratio of 3.72 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.33. BlackRock Dividend Announcement BlackRock ( NYSE:BLK Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Friday, October 13th. The asset manager reported $10.91 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $8.34 by $2.57. The firm had revenue of $4.52 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.52 billion. BlackRock had a return on equity of 14.65% and a net margin of 30.66%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 4.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $9.55 EPS. Equities research analysts predict that BlackRock, Inc. will post 36.44 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 22nd. Shareholders of record on Thursday, December 7th will be issued a $5.00 dividend. This represents a $20.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.80%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, December 6th. BlackRocks dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 56.10%. Insider Buying and Selling at BlackRock In other BlackRock 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 owns 435,260 shares in the company, valued at approximately $283,802,577.80. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. 0.96% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of equities research analysts have recently issued reports on BLK shares. Bank of America reduced their price target on shares of BlackRock from $921.00 to $868.00 in a research report on Wednesday, October 4th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft decreased their target price on BlackRock from $814.00 to $800.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, October 11th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut their price target on BlackRock from $736.00 to $708.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Monday, October 16th. Morgan Stanley increased their price objective on shares of BlackRock from $836.00 to $897.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, October 16th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group cut their target price on shares of BlackRock from $781.00 to $754.00 in a research report on Tuesday, October 10th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nine have given 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 $764.75. Read Our Latest Research Report on BlackRock BlackRock Profile (Free Report) BlackRock, Inc is a publicly owned investment manager. The firm primarily provides its services to institutional, intermediary, and individual investors including corporate, public, union, and industry pension plans, insurance companies, third-party mutual funds, endowments, public institutions, governments, foundations, charities, sovereign wealth funds, corporations, official institutions, and banks. See Also Receive News & Ratings for BlackRock Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BlackRock and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Artisan Partners Limited Partnership reduced its stake in shares of Valmont Industries, Inc. (NYSE:VMI Free Report) by 1.7% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 560,630 shares of the industrial products companys stock after selling 9,417 shares during the period. Artisan Partners Limited Partnership owned 2.67% of Valmont Industries worth $163,171,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in VMI. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. lifted its holdings in Valmont Industries by 4.7% during the first quarter. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. now owns 4,490 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $1,071,000 after purchasing an additional 200 shares in the last quarter. Group One Trading L.P. purchased a new position in shares of Valmont Industries during the 1st quarter valued at $358,000. Citigroup Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Valmont Industries by 3.8% during the 1st quarter. Citigroup Inc. now owns 7,879 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $1,879,000 after buying an additional 291 shares in the last quarter. Bank of Montreal Can boosted its holdings in Valmont Industries by 15.1% in the 1st quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 23,175 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $5,635,000 after buying an additional 3,032 shares during the period. Finally, MetLife Investment Management LLC increased its stake in Valmont Industries by 33.4% in the 1st quarter. MetLife Investment Management LLC now owns 13,719 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $3,273,000 after buying an additional 3,433 shares in the last quarter. 84.15% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Valmont Industries alerts: Valmont Industries Trading Down 1.5 % VMI stock opened at $211.09 on Friday. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $225.77 and a 200 day moving average price of $256.77. Valmont Industries, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $188.63 and a fifty-two week high of $353.36. The firm has a market cap of $4.41 billion, a PE ratio of 29.24, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.20 and a beta of 1.10. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.63, a quick ratio of 1.54 and a current ratio of 2.49. Valmont Industries Announces Dividend Valmont Industries ( NYSE:VMI Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 25th. The industrial products company reported $4.12 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $3.70 by $0.42. Valmont Industries had a net margin of 3.62% and a return on equity of 20.32%. The business had revenue of $1.05 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.12 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $3.49 earnings per share. Valmont Industriess quarterly revenue was down 4.3% compared to the same quarter last year. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Valmont Industries, Inc. will post 14.83 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, January 16th. Investors of record on Friday, December 29th will be given a $0.60 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, December 28th. This represents a $2.40 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.14%. Valmont Industriess dividend payout ratio is currently 33.24%. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several equities analysts have recently commented on the company. StockNews.com downgraded Valmont Industries from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, October 26th. DA Davidson lowered their price target on Valmont Industries from $310.00 to $290.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Monday, July 31st. Northcoast Research lowered shares of Valmont Industries from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a report on Thursday, October 26th. TheStreet cut shares of Valmont Industries from a b rating to a c rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 25th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus dropped their target price on shares of Valmont Industries from $334.00 to $298.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, October 10th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and one has assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $294.00. Get Our Latest Report on VMI Valmont Industries Company Profile (Free Report) Valmont Industries, Inc produces and sells metal products in the United States, Australia, Brazil, Denmark, and internationally. The company operates through two segments: Infrastructure and Agriculture. It manufactures and distributes steel, pre-stressed concrete, composite, and hybrid structures for lighting, transportation, and telecommunications equipment, as well as electrical transmission, distribution, substations, and renewable energy generation equipment; and provides coatings services to preserve metal products. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Valmont Industries Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Valmont Industries and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. The economic interests of China and Japan, as well as their industrial and supply chains are deeply intertwined. It is in no one's interest to engage in "small yard, high fence" and "decoupling and breaking chains", said Chinese President Xi Jinping while meeting Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Thursday. Produced by Xinhua Global Service Bank of Hawaii trimmed its stake in shares of Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc. (NYSE:HE Free Report) by 58.8% in the second quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 22,300 shares of the utilities providers stock after selling 31,774 shares during the quarter. Bank of Hawaiis holdings in Hawaiian Electric Industries were worth $807,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Cullen Frost Bankers Inc. raised its stake in shares of Hawaiian Electric Industries by 164.7% during the 1st quarter. Cullen Frost Bankers Inc. now owns 675 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $26,000 after buying an additional 420 shares in the last quarter. Barrett & Company Inc. purchased a new position in Hawaiian Electric Industries in the first quarter worth $36,000. MUFG Americas Holdings Corp acquired a new stake in Hawaiian Electric Industries in the third quarter valued at $39,000. Robeco Institutional Asset Management B.V. acquired a new stake in Hawaiian Electric Industries in the first quarter valued at $75,000. Finally, Global Retirement Partners LLC boosted its position in shares of Hawaiian Electric Industries by 724.6% during the 1st quarter. Global Retirement Partners LLC now owns 2,276 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $88,000 after purchasing an additional 2,000 shares in the last quarter. 53.64% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Hawaiian Electric Industries alerts: Hawaiian Electric Industries Stock Up 4.3 % HE stock opened at $13.28 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.32, a current ratio of 0.13 and a quick ratio of 0.08. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $12.70 and its 200-day simple moving average is $25.55. Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc. has a 12 month low of $9.06 and a 12 month high of $43.71. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.46 billion, a PE ratio of 7.02, a P/E/G ratio of 2.16 and a beta of 0.57. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of brokerages have recently issued reports on HE. Bank of America reiterated an underperform rating and issued a $8.50 price target on shares of Hawaiian Electric Industries in a report on Friday, August 25th. Wells Fargo & Company downgraded shares of Hawaiian Electric Industries from an equal weight rating to an underweight rating and lifted their price target for the company from $8.00 to $8.50 in a research report on Friday, November 10th. Guggenheim lowered their price target on Hawaiian Electric Industries from $32.00 to $18.00 in a report on Monday, August 14th. StockNews.com initiated coverage on Hawaiian Electric Industries in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a sell rating for the company. Finally, TheStreet lowered Hawaiian Electric Industries from a b- rating to a c+ rating in a report on Wednesday, August 16th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating and one has assigned a hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, Hawaiian Electric Industries presently has a consensus rating of Reduce and a consensus price target of $17.75. Read Our Latest Analysis on HE Hawaiian Electric Industries Profile (Free Report) Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the electric utility, banking, and non-regulated renewable/sustainable infrastructure investment businesses in the state of Hawaii. It operates through three segments: Electric Utility, Bank, and Other. The Electric Utility segment engages in the production, purchase, transmission, distribution, and sale of electricity in the islands of Oahu, Hawaii, Maui, Lanai, and Molokai. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Hawaiian Electric Industries Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hawaiian Electric Industries and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Bank of Hawaii purchased a new stake in Arista Networks, Inc. (NYSE:ANET Free Report) in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor purchased 5,788 shares of the technology companys stock, valued at approximately $938,000. Several other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. RFP Financial Group LLC increased its holdings in shares of Arista Networks by 169.2% in the 2nd quarter. RFP Financial Group LLC now owns 175 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $28,000 after purchasing an additional 110 shares during the period. Hollencrest Capital Management acquired a new position in Arista Networks in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $30,000. TFC Financial Management Inc. lifted its position in Arista Networks by 131.0% in the 1st quarter. TFC Financial Management Inc. now owns 194 shares of the technology companys stock worth $33,000 after buying an additional 110 shares in the last quarter. McIlrath & Eck LLC boosted its stake in shares of Arista Networks by 139.6% during the 1st quarter. McIlrath & Eck LLC now owns 254 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $43,000 after buying an additional 148 shares during the period. Finally, Coppell Advisory Solutions Corp. purchased a new position in shares of Arista Networks during the 4th quarter valued at $43,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 67.13% of the companys stock. Get Arista Networks alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets ANET has been the subject of several recent research reports. Wells Fargo & Company increased their price objective on Arista Networks from $200.00 to $225.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, August 1st. BNP Paribas started coverage on Arista Networks in a report on Thursday, July 20th. They set an outperform rating and a $210.00 price target for the company. Rosenblatt Securities increased their price objective on Arista Networks from $190.00 to $230.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Thursday, September 14th. William Blair reaffirmed an outperform rating on shares of Arista Networks in a research report on Tuesday, October 31st. Finally, Citigroup raised shares of Arista Networks from a neutral rating to a buy rating and lifted their price objective for the company from $177.00 to $220.00 in a research note on Thursday, August 31st. Three analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seventeen have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $214.72. Arista Networks Stock Down 0.2 % Shares of NYSE ANET opened at $213.30 on Friday. Arista Networks, Inc. has a 12 month low of $107.57 and a 12 month high of $218.36. The company has a market cap of $66.36 billion, a P/E ratio of 35.55, a P/E/G ratio of 1.87 and a beta of 1.12. The businesss 50 day moving average is $193.14 and its two-hundred day moving average is $174.64. Insider Buying and Selling at Arista Networks In other news, Director Charles H. Giancarlo sold 2,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, September 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $188.52, for a total transaction of $377,040.00. Following the transaction, the director now owns 72,946 shares in the company, valued at approximately $13,751,779.92. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. In other news, Director Charles H. Giancarlo sold 2,000 shares of Arista Networks stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, September 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $188.52, for a total transaction of $377,040.00. Following the sale, the director now owns 72,946 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $13,751,779.92. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, SVP Marc Taxay sold 5,301 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, September 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $196.99, for a total value of $1,044,243.99. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 157,264 shares of company stock valued at $31,208,692 in the last ninety days. Company insiders own 18.99% of the companys stock. Arista Networks Profile (Free Report) Arista Networks, Inc develops, markets, and sells cloud networking solutions in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific. The company's cloud networking solutions consist of extensible operating systems, a set of network applications, as well as gigabit Ethernet switching and routing platforms. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ANET? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Arista Networks, Inc. (NYSE:ANET Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Arista Networks Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Arista Networks and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Bank of Hawaii decreased its stake in shares of Alexander & Baldwin, Inc. (NYSE:ALEX Free Report) by 33.3% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 25,718 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 12,859 shares during the quarter. Bank of Hawaiis holdings in Alexander & Baldwin were worth $478,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of ALEX. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC increased its holdings in shares of Alexander & Baldwin by 500.0% in the first quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 1,752 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $33,000 after purchasing an additional 1,460 shares during the last quarter. Exchange Traded Concepts LLC increased its holdings in shares of Alexander & Baldwin by 29.2% in the 2nd quarter. Exchange Traded Concepts LLC now owns 5,331 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $99,000 after buying an additional 1,206 shares during the last quarter. Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Alexander & Baldwin during the 2nd quarter valued at about $100,000. State of Wyoming lifted its holdings in shares of Alexander & Baldwin by 132.9% in the 4th quarter. State of Wyoming now owns 6,156 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $115,000 after acquiring an additional 3,513 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Bank Pictet & Cie Europe AG purchased a new position in Alexander & Baldwin in the second quarter worth about $186,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 84.93% of the companys stock. Get Alexander & Baldwin alerts: Alexander & Baldwin Stock Performance ALEX stock opened at $16.48 on Friday. Alexander & Baldwin, Inc. has a 12 month low of $15.56 and a 12 month high of $20.49. The firms 50-day moving average is $16.46 and its 200 day moving average is $17.82. The company has a quick ratio of 0.27, a current ratio of 0.27 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.49. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Separately, StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Alexander & Baldwin in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Get Our Latest Stock Report on Alexander & Baldwin Alexander & Baldwin Company Profile (Free Report) 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 142.0 acres of ground leases. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ALEX? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Alexander & Baldwin, Inc. (NYSE:ALEX Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Alexander & Baldwin Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Alexander & Baldwin and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. cut its stake in Motorola Solutions, Inc. (NYSE:MSI Free Report) by 1.7% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 835,787 shares of the communications equipment providers stock after selling 14,163 shares during the quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. owned 0.50% of Motorola Solutions worth $245,120,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the company. MCF Advisors LLC raised its stake in shares of Motorola Solutions by 159.5% in the second quarter. MCF Advisors LLC now owns 480 shares of the communications equipment providers stock worth $141,000 after purchasing an additional 295 shares during the last quarter. First Trust Direct Indexing L.P. raised its stake in shares of Motorola Solutions by 5.5% in the second quarter. First Trust Direct Indexing L.P. now owns 3,151 shares of the communications equipment providers stock worth $924,000 after purchasing an additional 164 shares during the last quarter. Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund raised its stake in shares of Motorola Solutions by 237.2% in the second quarter. Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund now owns 44,255 shares of the communications equipment providers stock worth $12,979,000 after purchasing an additional 31,130 shares during the last quarter. Signaturefd LLC raised its stake in shares of Motorola Solutions by 4.6% in the first quarter. Signaturefd LLC now owns 2,517 shares of the communications equipment providers stock worth $720,000 after purchasing an additional 110 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Beverly Hills Private Wealth LLC increased its position in shares of Motorola Solutions by 19.9% during the first quarter. Beverly Hills Private Wealth LLC now owns 8,838 shares of the communications equipment providers stock valued at $2,529,000 after acquiring an additional 1,467 shares during the last quarter. 82.37% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Motorola Solutions alerts: Insider Activity at Motorola Solutions In related news, CEO Gregory Q. Brown sold 65,000 shares of Motorola Solutions stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $305.27, for a total transaction of $19,842,550.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 62,105 shares of the companys stock, valued at $18,958,793.35. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. In other Motorola Solutions news, SVP Cynthia Yazdi sold 5,850 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, November 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $306.00, for a total transaction of $1,790,100.00. Following the sale, the senior vice president now owns 3,780 shares in the company, valued at $1,156,680. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, CEO Gregory Q. Brown sold 65,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, November 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $305.27, for a total value of $19,842,550.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 62,105 shares in the company, valued at approximately $18,958,793.35. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last quarter, insiders sold 76,506 shares of company stock valued at $23,359,370. Company insiders own 1.50% of the companys stock. Motorola Solutions Price Performance Motorola Solutions stock opened at $317.26 on Friday. Motorola Solutions, Inc. has a one year low of $251.00 and a one year high of $317.34. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $286.29 and a 200-day moving average price of $286.07. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 12.51, a current ratio of 0.95 and a quick ratio of 0.77. The firm has a market capitalization of $52.67 billion, a P/E ratio of 32.08, a PEG ratio of 2.99 and a beta of 0.91. Motorola Solutions (NYSE:MSI Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 2nd. The communications equipment provider reported $3.19 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates 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 during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.53 billion. During the same period last year, the company earned $2.79 earnings per share. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 7.7% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that Motorola Solutions, Inc. will post 10.61 EPS for the current year. Motorola Solutions Announces Dividend The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, October 13th. Investors of record on Friday, September 15th were paid a dividend of $0.88 per share. This represents a $3.52 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.11%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, September 14th. Motorola Solutionss dividend payout ratio is 35.59%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades MSI has been the subject of several research reports. Morgan Stanley increased 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. Raymond James increased 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. Barclays reduced their price objective on Motorola Solutions from $329.00 to $322.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Friday, August 4th. Bank of America initiated coverage on Motorola Solutions in a report on Monday, October 9th. They set a buy rating and a $330.00 price objective for the company. Finally, StockNews.com lowered Motorola Solutions from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Saturday, November 11th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $312.57. Check Out Our Latest Analysis on MSI Motorola Solutions Company Profile (Free Report) 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. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Motorola Solutions Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Motorola Solutions and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Citigroup Inc. lowered its stake in shares of The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TRV Free Report) by 6.6% during the second quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 308,026 shares of the insurance providers stock after selling 21,915 shares during the period. Citigroup Inc. owned 0.13% of Travelers Companies worth $53,492,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other large investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Beverly Hills Private Wealth LLC grew its holdings in shares of Travelers Companies by 55.9% in the second quarter. Beverly Hills Private Wealth LLC now owns 5,861 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $989,000 after purchasing an additional 2,102 shares during the period. Cetera Investment Advisers grew its stake in shares of Travelers Companies by 29.8% in the 2nd quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 10,377 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $1,802,000 after buying an additional 2,384 shares during the period. Humankind Investments LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Travelers Companies during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $319,000. Burney Co. raised its position in shares of Travelers Companies by 19.2% during the 2nd quarter. Burney Co. now owns 46,002 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $7,989,000 after buying an additional 7,421 shares during the period. Finally, Meridian Investment Counsel Inc. lifted its holdings in Travelers Companies by 5.7% in the second quarter. Meridian Investment Counsel Inc. now owns 19,401 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $3,369,000 after acquiring an additional 1,045 shares during the last quarter. 81.12% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Travelers Companies alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes A number of equities research analysts have commented on TRV shares. Citigroup lifted their target price on Travelers Companies from $181.00 to $185.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Friday, October 20th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft started coverage on shares of Travelers Companies in a report on Wednesday, October 4th. They issued a hold rating and a $186.00 price objective on the stock. Wells Fargo & Company lowered their target price on shares of Travelers Companies from $185.00 to $172.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, October 17th. Oppenheimer began coverage on shares of Travelers Companies in a research note on Thursday. They issued a market perform rating on the stock. Finally, StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of Travelers Companies in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating for the company. Nine investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, four have issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $191.17. Travelers Companies Stock Performance Shares of Travelers Companies stock opened at $171.69 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.34, a current ratio of 0.34 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.40. The Travelers Companies, Inc. has a 52 week low of $157.33 and a 52 week high of $194.51. The firms 50 day moving average is $165.63 and its two-hundred day moving average is $169.77. The firm has a market capitalization of $39.21 billion, a P/E ratio of 18.58, a P/E/G ratio of 1.50 and a beta of 0.58. Travelers Companies (NYSE:TRV Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 18th. The insurance provider reported $1.95 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $2.93 by ($0.98). The firm had revenue of $10.50 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $10.42 billion. Travelers Companies had a return on equity of 10.41% and a net margin of 5.45%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 14.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $2.20 EPS. Research analysts forecast that The Travelers Companies, Inc. will post 11.1 EPS for the current fiscal year. Travelers Companies Dividend Announcement The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 29th. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 8th will be issued a $1.00 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, December 7th. This represents a $4.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.33%. Travelers Companiess payout ratio is 43.29%. Insider Buying and Selling In other Travelers Companies news, EVP Andy F. Bessette sold 3,797 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, November 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $169.38, for a total transaction of $643,135.86. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 13,005 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,202,786.90. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Corporate insiders own 1.29% of the companys stock. Travelers Companies Profile (Free Report) The Travelers Companies, Inc, through its subsidiaries, provides a range of commercial and personal property, and casualty insurance products and services to businesses, government units, associations, and individuals in the United States and internationally. It operates through three segments: Business Insurance, Bond & Specialty Insurance, and Personal Insurance. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TRV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TRV Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Travelers Companies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Travelers Companies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Westpac Banking Corp lessened its stake in Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (NYSE:ADM Free Report) by 67.7% during the second quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 26,868 shares of the companys stock after selling 56,427 shares during the quarter. Westpac Banking Corps holdings in Archer-Daniels-Midland were worth $2,030,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other large investors also recently modified their holdings of ADM. Hanseatic Management Services Inc. bought a new position in shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland in the first quarter valued at approximately $26,000. Exchange Traded Concepts LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland by 41.9% in the second quarter. Exchange Traded Concepts LLC now owns 491 shares of the companys stock valued at $37,000 after purchasing an additional 145 shares in the last quarter. MRP Capital Investments LLC bought a new position in shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland in the first quarter valued at approximately $40,000. Almanack Investment Partners LLC. bought a new stake in Archer-Daniels-Midland during the third quarter worth $43,000. Finally, Capital Advisors Ltd. LLC lifted its holdings in Archer-Daniels-Midland by 5,545.5% during the second quarter. Capital Advisors Ltd. LLC now owns 621 shares of the companys stock worth $47,000 after acquiring an additional 610 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 77.73% of the companys stock. Get Archer-Daniels-Midland alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of analysts recently commented on ADM shares. StockNews.com started coverage on Archer-Daniels-Midland in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a buy rating on the stock. Morgan Stanley dropped their price target on Archer-Daniels-Midland from $87.00 to $76.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Monday, October 30th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their price target on Archer-Daniels-Midland from $77.00 to $75.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, October 25th. Stephens lowered their target price on Archer-Daniels-Midland from $80.00 to $75.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, October 25th. Finally, Argus boosted their target price on Archer-Daniels-Midland from $91.00 to $95.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, August 1st. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Archer-Daniels-Midland presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $92.90. Archer-Daniels-Midland Stock Performance Shares of ADM opened at $73.91 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $39.42 billion, a PE ratio of 10.29, a PEG ratio of 1.60 and a beta of 0.83. Archer-Daniels-Midland Company has a 1 year low of $69.31 and a 1 year high of $98.12. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.33, a current ratio of 1.69 and a quick ratio of 1.07. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $74.57 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $76.79. Archer-Daniels-Midland (NYSE:ADM Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 24th. The company reported $1.63 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.53 by $0.10. The company had revenue of $21.70 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $23.69 billion. Archer-Daniels-Midland had a return on equity of 16.63% and a net margin of 4.05%. The firms quarterly revenue was down 12.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $1.86 earnings per share. On average, equities research analysts forecast that Archer-Daniels-Midland Company will post 7.26 EPS for the current year. Archer-Daniels-Midland Dividend Announcement The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, December 6th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, November 15th will be given a $0.45 dividend. This represents a $1.80 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.44%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, November 14th. Archer-Daniels-Midlands dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 25.07%. Archer-Daniels-Midland Profile (Free Report) Archer-Daniels-Midland Company procures, transports, stores, processes, and merchandises agricultural commodities, products, and ingredients in the United States, Switzerland, the Cayman Islands, Brazil, Mexico, Canada, the United Kingdom, and internationally. The company operates in three segments: Ag Services and Oilseeds, Carbohydrate Solutions, and Nutrition. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ADM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (NYSE:ADM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Archer-Daniels-Midland Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Archer-Daniels-Midland and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Jupiter Asset Management Ltd. lowered its position in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (NYSE:TSM Free Report) by 8.0% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 262,948 shares of the semiconductor companys stock after selling 22,930 shares during the quarter. Jupiter Asset Management Ltd.s holdings in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing were worth $26,529,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other large investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Nemes Rush Group LLC acquired a new position in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in the second quarter worth $26,000. MBM Wealth Consultants LLC acquired a new position in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in the 4th quarter valued at about $27,000. Armstrong Advisory Group Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing during the 2nd quarter valued at about $31,000. Key Financial Inc lifted its holdings in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 666.7% in the first quarter. Key Financial Inc now owns 345 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $32,000 after acquiring an additional 300 shares during the last quarter. Finally, America First Investment Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in the first quarter valued at approximately $33,000. Institutional investors own 16.51% of the companys stock. Get Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes TSM has been the topic of a number of analyst reports. StockNews.com cut shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday. Susquehanna cut their target price on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from $135.00 to $130.00 in a research note on Monday, October 9th. Needham & Company LLC reissued a buy rating and issued a $115.00 price target on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in a research note on Friday, October 20th. Finally, Barclays initiated coverage on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in a research note on Monday, October 23rd. They set an overweight rating and a $105.00 price objective on the stock. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and five have assigned 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 $116.67. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Stock Down 0.3 % TSM opened at $98.53 on Friday. The stocks fifty day moving average is $89.96 and its 200-day moving average is $94.19. The company has a market capitalization of $511.02 billion, a PE ratio of 17.72, a P/E/G ratio of 2.77 and a beta of 1.04. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited has a one year low of $72.84 and a one year high of $110.69. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29, a quick ratio of 1.88 and a current ratio of 2.15. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (NYSE:TSM Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, October 19th. The semiconductor company reported $1.29 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.16 by $0.13. The business had revenue of $17.28 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $16.90 billion. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing had a net margin of 41.42% and a return on equity of 28.28%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was down 10.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $1.79 EPS. On average, equities analysts predict that Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited will post 4.97 EPS for the current fiscal year. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Increases Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, April 11th. Investors of record on Tuesday, March 19th will be paid a $0.5415 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, March 18th. This represents a $2.17 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.20%. This is a boost from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturings previous quarterly dividend of $0.47. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturings dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 26.44%. 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. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TSM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (NYSE:TSM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. US Bancorp DE cut its stake in Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO Free Report) by 1.6% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 704,152 shares of the companys stock after selling 11,134 shares during the quarter. US Bancorp DEs holdings in Altria Group were worth $31,898,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Clarius Group LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Altria Group by 1.6% during the second quarter. Clarius Group LLC now owns 18,908 shares of the companys stock worth $857,000 after acquiring an additional 301 shares during the period. Private Advisor Group LLC boosted its stake in Altria Group by 7.8% in the 2nd quarter. Private Advisor Group LLC now owns 165,982 shares of the companys stock valued at $7,526,000 after purchasing an additional 11,949 shares during the period. Nwam LLC grew its holdings in Altria Group by 5.3% in the 2nd quarter. Nwam LLC now owns 17,810 shares of the companys stock valued at $807,000 after buying an additional 899 shares in the last quarter. Cetera Advisors LLC grew its holdings in Altria Group by 1.2% in the 2nd quarter. Cetera Advisors LLC now owns 349,613 shares of the companys stock valued at $15,837,000 after buying an additional 4,149 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Cetera Advisor Networks LLC grew its stake in shares of Altria Group by 6.2% in the second quarter. Cetera Advisor Networks LLC now owns 408,946 shares of the companys stock valued at $18,525,000 after acquiring an additional 23,931 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 58.94% of the companys stock. Get Altria Group alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several equities research analysts recently issued reports on the company. StockNews.com cut Altria Group from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, October 27th. Jefferies Financial Group boosted their price target on Altria Group from $55.00 to $56.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Friday, October 13th. Bank of America reduced their price objective on shares of Altria Group from $49.00 to $47.00 in a research note on Monday, October 9th. Citigroup cut their price target on shares of Altria Group from $46.50 to $45.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, October 18th. Finally, UBS Group decreased their price objective on shares of Altria Group from $40.40 to $39.20 and set a sell rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, October 6th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have given a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $47.53. Altria Group Trading Down 0.1 % Shares of Altria Group stock opened at $40.70 on Friday. The firms 50 day moving average is $41.94 and its 200 day moving average is $43.81. The firm has a market capitalization of $71.98 billion, a PE ratio of 8.29, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.71 and a beta of 0.65. Altria Group, Inc. has a 1 year low of $39.06 and a 1 year high of $51.57. Altria Group (NYSE:MO Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly 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 analyst estimates of $5.43 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $1.28 earnings per share. The firms quarterly revenue was down 2.5% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, research analysts anticipate that Altria Group, Inc. will post 4.95 earnings per share for the current 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 dividend of $0.98 per share. This is a boost from Altria Groups previous quarterly dividend of $0.94. This represents a $3.92 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 9.63%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, September 14th. Altria Groups payout ratio is 79.84%. Insider Activity at Altria Group In related news, Director Robert Matthews Davis purchased 1,200 shares of Altria Group stock in a transaction on Monday, November 6th. The shares were purchased at an average price of $40.50 per share, for a total transaction of $48,600.00. Following the transaction, the director now owns 8,473 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $343,156.50. The purchase was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. 0.07% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Altria Group Company Profile (Free Report) Altria Group, Inc, through its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells smokeable and oral tobacco products in the United States. The company provides cigarettes primarily under the Marlboro brand; cigars and pipe tobacco principally under the Black & Mild brand; moist smokeless tobacco products and snus products under the Copenhagen, Skoal, Red Seal, and Husky brands; and on! oral nicotine pouches. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Altria Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Altria Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. VIENTIANE, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- The official website of Laos' ASEAN chairmanship in 2024 was launched during a conference on Friday to discuss its preparation. Chaired by Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Saleumxay Kommasith, who is also deputy head of the National Steering Committee on Preparation and Implementation of ASEAN Chairmanship of Laos 2024, the meeting was attended by representatives of relevant ministries and organizations. At the meeting, the national committee reviewed the preparation of urgent tasks, such as the improvement of roads and airports, traffic regulation, budget plan, meeting venues, communication and internet facilities, tourism destinations, accommodations and transportation for state and government leaders, delegates, and foreign journalists, among others. Saleumxay stressed that the 14 sub-committees should continue to prepare their tasks with attention and responsibility to ensure the success of Laos' ASEAN Chairmanship. CANBERRA, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- People released from unlawful indefinite immigration detention will be subject to strict conditions on their Australian visas, including curfews, under new laws rushed through parliament. The governing Labor Party teamed up with the opposition coalition in a late-night sitting of parliament on Thursday to pass legislation imposing conditions on a group of 84 former immigration detainees, who were released following a High Court ruling earlier in November. Under the laws, the former detainees will be subject to mandatory electronic monitoring and curfews. The government released the 84 people after the High Court ruled on Nov. 8 that indefinite immigration detention is unlawful, overturning a 20-year-old precedent that had allowed for the ongoing detention of non-citizens without Australian visas. The group is made up of people who were denied Australian visas for reasons including previous convictions for murder, child sex offenses and assault but could not be deported because they are either refugees, stateless or refused by other countries. Since their release, the government has been under pressure from the coalition to guarantee the Australian community's safety. Andrew Giles, minister for immigration, told parliament that safety was the government's top priority. "From the moment the High Court handed down its decision we have been implementing measures to keep the community safe," he said on Thursday night. In addition to monitoring and curfews, the new laws also ban the released group from working with children, going within 150 meters of a school or childcare facility or contacting the victims of their crimes. Any of the released individuals who breach the new measures will face mandatory jail sentences. BEIJING, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- China on Friday launched this year's negotiations on medicines to be covered by the national medical insurance system, with 168 drugs having entered the bidding process. This year's batch represents the broadest range of medicines to date, including anti-tumor drugs and drugs for both rare and chronic diseases, according to the National Healthcare Security Administration. The final results of the negotiations are expected to be announced around December. Medicines approved via the bidding session will be incorporated into the country's catalog of medicines covered by national medical insurance, which is updated on a yearly basis. Current data shows that more than 80 percent of new drugs are included in the catalog within two years after their marketing. The catalog currently features 2,967 medicines, encompassing all areas of clinical treatment. Comedian Tommy Tiernan has revealed the reason why he turned down "a gig" at the Retail Excellence Awards. Speaking in the episode "Mo Tallaght" on the weekly Tommy, Hector and Laurita Podcast, the much-loved comedian said: "I was offered a gig today....they said to me would I do ten minutes of stand-up for them. And I said tell me more... "We just want you to do ten or fifteen minutes of stand-up after the dinner. My stuff and dinner does not go well together. I'm not an after dinner speaker. "And I said what's the shape of the night and they said well Hector is hosting and I said: 'Well ye may f**k off so'," to laughs from Laurita on the podcast. "No, I said no to it cause it wouldn't suit. Remember we did that one up in Dublin and my stuff you have to volunteer for my stuff rather than have it thrust upon ya." [November 16, 2023] Omaha-based startup Workshop raises $12M to streamline internal email and communications Tweet OMAHA, Neb., Nov. 16, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Workshop , an email platform for internal communications, announced today that the company has raised $12 million in Series A funding. The round was led by McCarthy Capital out of their Emerging Growth strategy. It also included support from a group of prominent Midwest venture funds, including Ludlow Ventures and M25. This additional round of investment follows a seed round of $5 million in July 2022, just 18 months ago. Over the last year, Workshop has become one of the fastest-growing internal communication platforms, gaining hundreds of customers and delivering emails to well over a million employees. It is now the chosen tool for employee-facing emails at Fortune 500 companies and name-brand organizations worldwide, including Papa John's, Steve Madden, Edelman Financial, Northern Tool, Movement Mortgage, and more. "We are excited to continue to support Workshop as they further invest to expand their team and product," said BJ Hansen, Managing Director at McCarthy Capital. "Workshop is committed to being the leading internal communications platform, allowing its customers to better connect and engage with their employees." Workshop was co-founded in 2020 by Rick Knudtson (former co-founder of Flywheel), Ben Stevinson, and Derek Homann (former founders of Median). The group came together with a shared vision to help other organizations create a positive, engaging company culture through great internal communication. The latest round of investment highlights Workshop's essential role among distributed and global teams, which often struggle to create alignment and deliver engaging, relevant content to their employees. "We've loved working with McCarthy Capital over the last 18 onths and couldn't be happier to continue our journey with them," said CEO and co-founder Rick Knudtson. "Together, we share a passion for this market and a big vision for how our product can impact it. I'm excited to further invest in Workshop's platform and teams as we pursue our mission to create more happy Mondays for employees everywhere!" The funds will be used for accelerating the innovation of Workshop's easy-to-use solution for internal email; recruiting additional talent for the engineering team; scaling Workshop's go-to-market efforts, including expanding sales and marketing; and reinforcing the customer success team with additional support. "Workshop is gearing up for an incredible year, and we're excited to add even more talent to the team in Omaha and beyond," said Chief Operating Officer and co-founder Derek Homann. "We believe in our mission to create happy Mondays for our own team, too, and can't wait to make 2024 a year of growth, innovation, and shared success!" Workshop also announced the official launch of its new communications calendar feature, which joins a suite of workflow-enhancing tools that help internal communications teams manage their emails at scale. Communicators can now see every email that has been sent and every email that is scheduled in one simple calendar view, ensuring their messages have the best chance of being read. When paired with features like sharing and privacy settings, dynamic distribution lists, and AI-assisted content recommendations, it's easy to see how Workshop can help manage internal emails across global, distributed teams and enterprises. For more information and to request a demo, head to useworkshop.com. ABOUT WORKSHOP Workshop is the most effective way to create, send, and measure employee emails and branded internal communications across distributed teams. It's intentionally built for internal use, with easy drag-and-drop templates, automatically updated distribution lists, and valuable engagement data. It also integrates with all of the internal communication channels you already use, including Slack, Sharepoint, SMS, Microsoft Teams, and more. Make every internal email a great employee experience with Workshop! ABOUT MCCARTHY CAPITAL McCarthy Partners Management, LLC is a registered investment advisor that conducts business as McCarthy Capital. McCarthy Capital, headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, is focused exclusively on lower middle-market companies. For more than 35 years, the McCarthy organization has been partnering with founders, families and exceptional management teams to support the growth of their companies. More information about McCarthy Capital can be obtained at www.mccarthycapital.com. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/omaha-based-startup-workshop-raises-12m-to-streamline-internal-email-and-communications-301991425.html SOURCE Workshop [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 16, 2023] Lost Money in Fisker Inc.? Gibbs Law Group Investigates Potential Securities Law Violations Tweet Shares of Fisker Inc. dropped 21% in intraday trading on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, after the company disclosed it is cutting its 2023 production guidance and delaying its quarterly 10-Q filing due to "material weaknesses" in its internal control over financial reporting. Gibbs Law Group is investigating a potential FSR Securities Class Action Lawsuit on behalf of shareholders who lost money in Fisker Inc. (NYSE: FSR). To speak with an attorney regarding this class action lawsuit investigation, click here or call (888) 410-2925. On November 8, 2023, electric vehicle company Fisker Inc. revealed that it was delaying the release of its 2023 Q3 financial statements and related disclosures, due to the departure of its CFO on October 27, 2023. Then, on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, Fisker Inc. disclosed in a regulatory filing that it has "determined that it has material weaknesses" in its "internal control ovr financial reporting," which will result in a delayed 10-Q filing. In its November 14, 2023 earnings call, Fisker's CEO announced the company is slashing it production guidance to a range of 13,000-17,000 units so that it "doesn't sit on inventory." Per Reuters, this range is down from prior outlooks of 20,000-23,000 units. In a September 2023 statement, Fisker said it was expecting to deliver 300 units of its Ocean vehicles per day before the end of 2023, but as of the third quarter of 2023, Fisker has only delivered around 1,100 vehicles this year, as reported by CNBC. Multiple analysts have slashed price targets in light of Fisker's revised forecast. One analyst wrote that "this raises major questions and is likely to add insult to injury for one of the market's most highly-shorted names," as reported by Reuters. Following this news, Fisker Inc. stock dropped 21% in intraday trading on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, and continued to drop over the next couple of days, causing significant harm to investors. What Should FSR Investors Do? If you invested in Fisker Inc., visit our website, or contact our securities team directly at (888) 410-2925 to discuss how you may be able to recover your losses. Our investigation concerns whether Fisker Inc. has violated federal securities laws by providing false or misleading statements to investors. About Gibbs Law Group Gibbs Law Group represents investors throughout the country in securities litigation to correct abusive corporate governance practices, breaches of fiduciary duty, and proxy violations. The firm has recovered over a billion dollars for its clients against some of the world's largest corporations, and our attorneys have received numerous honors for their work, including "Best Lawyers in America," "Top Plaintiff Lawyers in California," "California Lawyer Attorney of the Year," "Class Action Practice Group of the Year," "Consumer Protection MVP," and "Top Women Lawyers in California." This press release may constitute Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231116924407/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 16, 2023] Government of Canada announces over $1.1 million to grow the clean technology sector in Burnaby Tweet This announcement was made by Minister Sajjan while attending the Burnaby Board of Trade's 2023 Business Excellence Awards. BURNABY, BC, Nov. 16, 2023 /CNW/ - The transition to a cleaner, more prosperous economy will require innovation to support the adoption of clean energy solutions. Canada is a world leader in hydrogen technology and know-how. As countries around the globe look to meet their net-zero emission targets by 2050, hydrogen will help position Canada as a global leader in clean renewable fuels. Today, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), announced funding of over $1.1 million to Burnaby-based Greenlight Innovation Corporation, a market leader in the testing equipment required to develop and manufacture hydrogen fuel cells, electrolysers, and energy storage devices. With this funding, Greenlight will upgrade its internal business systems to improve inventory management and reduce administrative and operational costs. It is anticipated that these improvements will generate increased revenues and the create 45 new jobs. The Minister made this announcement while attending the Burnaby Business Excellence Awards, co-presented by the Burnaby Board of Trade and the City of Burnaby. During his remarks, the Minister commended the co-hosts and attendees for helping to build a thriving business ecosystem that benefits the whole community, the B.C. economy, and that supports Canada's transition to a greener, cleaner future. PacifiCan is the dedicated federal regional economic development agency for British Columbia. The agency promotes growth and diversification in British Columbia's economy by enhancing innovation, improving business competitiveness, and promoting inclusive growth. Quotes "As the third-largest city in B.C., Burnaby is home to a diversified local economy and thriving industry clusters many of whom were celebrated at the Burnaby Board of Trade's Excellence Awards today. Greenlight Innovation Corporation is an example of a local company playing a key role in delivering innovative solutions that are building a cleaner, more sustainable future. PacifiCan is a proud partner in propelling these businesses forward." - The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada "Today, we invested $1.1 million in Burnaby's Green Light Innovation, highlighting Burnaby's role as a hub for innovation and clean energy in British Columbia. This funding will not only create high quality jobs but also boost a growing industry right in our own backyard." - The Honourable Terry Beech, Minister of Citizens' Services and Member of Parliament for Burnaby North Seymour. "We are extremely grateful to PacifiCan for supporting the inaugural and extremely important Clean Energy Summit. Burnaby has become the central hub for clean energy businesses in the province and we look forward to building on this first summit and to continuing to grow this sector" - Paul Holden, President and CEO, Burnaby Board of Trade "The Management of Greenlight Innovation is grateful to have been select by Pacifican for funding on this digitization project. Investing in our internal business systems will help facilitate Greenlight's continued growth by streamlining our internal processes as we scale our operations. Greenlight is the global leader in providing test equipment to companies developing and manufacturing fuel cells and electrolyzers, two technologies that will play a critical role in the transition away from fossil fuels to clean, renewable energy." - Ross Bailey, Co-founder and Managing Director, Greenlight Innovation Quick Facts PacifiCan provided $24,000 in funding to the Burnaby Board of Trade to support the Clean Energy Summit in June 2023 . The summit covered a broad spectrum of topics related to renewable energy, transportation and climate change mitigation. in funding to the Burnaby Board of Trade to support the Clean Energy Summit in . The summit covered a broad spectrum of topics related to renewable energy, transportation and climate change mitigation. PacifiCan is the federal economic development agency dedicated to British Columbians. PacifiCan works with partners who are building innovative businesses, creating quality jobs and supporting inclusive growth throughout our province. The Business Scale-up and Productivity program makes strategic investments in key economic sectors, helping innovative companies accelerate their growth and compete globally. According to the Hydrogen Strategy for Canada report, the global hydrogen industry is expected to reach $300B by 2030. Associated Links: PacifiCan Business Scale-Up and Productivity program Greenlight Innovation Corporation Burnaby Board of Trade Stay connected Follow PacifiCan on Twitter and LinkedIn Toll-Free Number: 1-888-338-9378 TTY (telecommunications device for the hearing impaired): 1-877-303-3388 SOURCE Pacific Economic Development Canada [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 16, 2023] GCL System Integration Hosts PwC for Strategic Dialogue on "Future +" ESG Strategy Tweet SUZHOU, China, Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- On November 14, Nadja Picard, Partner and Global Reporting Leader at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), accompanied by Mendy Wang, PwC's Partner of Climate Change and Sustainability Partner, spearheaded a delegation's visit to the GCL Energy Centre. The visit facilitated discussions on the latest EU regulatory developments and a range of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) topics with executives from GCL System Integration (GCLSI). The delegation began their visit at the GCL Future Energy Pavilion, gaining a detailed understanding of GCL's corporate growth trajectory and its strategic position in the industry. They explored the significant shifts in the photovoltaic (PV) industry, most notably in terms of technological advancements and product development. Dai Mengyang, Chief Legal Officer at GCLSI, led the tour, highlighting the three aspects of the company's strategic vision: "Technological, Digital, and Green GCL". During the visit, Ms. Nadja Picard expressed her apreciation and recognition of GCL's brand ethos of "Being right the first time." In recent years, GCL has prioritized the pursuit of low-carbon sustainable development, committed to delivering substantial value to society, the industry, and stakeholders. In 2023, aligning with the global shift towards ESG principles, GCL unveiled its "Future+" ESG strategy. This approach emphasized present actions guided by a future-oriented perspective, aiming to shape a better future through these initiatives. Demonstrating its commitment to addressing global ESG concerns, GCLSI has intensified its ESG initiatives and is expanding its international footprint. The company hosted an exchange symposium, inviting Ms. Picard, Ms. Wang and other notable figures to engage in comprehensive discussions on these critical topics. During the symposium, the PwC team provided an in-depth analysis of the global ESG ecosystem, discussing the prevailing trends in carbon reduction and effective strategies for compliance with the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). Looking ahead, GCLSI is set to further strengthen its role in the renewable energy sector, adapting to environmental shifts and bolstering its ESG-focused governance and risk management. Leveraging green technology, GCLSI aims to broaden its carbon reduction initiatives. In collaboration with PwC, the company is committed to driving sustainable social development and catalyzing positive economic and social changes. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/gcl-system-integration-hosts-pwc-for-strategic-dialogue-on-future--esg-strategy-301991540.html [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 17, 2023] Taipei Entrepreneurs Hub establishing an international platform to connect and facilitate new business opportunities Tweet TAIPEI, Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Taipei Entrepreneurs Hub (TEH) organized the "2023 Global HealthTech Connects Taipei" and Demo Day Showcase during the Taipei International Startup Festival on November 10. The event brought together six international winning teams from this year's online pitch contest, local startup teams, and Taipei Biotech Award teams. It provided a platform for networking and showcasing products and services through open presentations, facilitating interactions between startups, business partners, industry experts, and venture capitalists. The Taipei City Government's Department of Economic Development emphasizes that the strategic introduction of international startup, along with their crucial technologies and research capabilities, is a key initiative in assisting the city's industrial technology collaboration and transformation. This has consistently been a significant goal for Taipei City. In recent years, the city government has actively connected with the global startup ecosystem, utilizing TEH as its emblematic brand. It has organized diverse exchange activities spanning various industries and time zones, aiming to foster the richest and most well-guided entrepreneurial community and transform innovative and entrepreneurial energy into a driving force for Taipei's city diplomacy. Through series events such as the Demo Day, the city actively invites globally outstanding startup teams to explore potential collaboration opportunities in Taipei and establish a presence in the city. On the day of the event, during the morning forum, five industry experts from Singapore, Japan, and the United States were invited. They engaged in discussions with partners such as the Taipei Computer Association, Taipei Bioinnovation Park, and Taipei Medical University BioMed Accelerator. In the afternoon at the Demo Day Showcase, Mayor Chiang Wan-an welcomed the startup teams who had traveled from aar. Additionally, nearly a hundred investors, business owners, and partners from the academic and entrepreneurial communities attended, including Taipei Medical University President Wu Max and Hans Lee, the Investment Director of BE Health. The event was a collaborative effort and a collective participation of various stakeholders in the startup ecosystem. Taipei Medical University President Wu expressed great honor in having Taipei Medical University BioMed Accelerator participate in the "2023 Global HealthTech Connects Taipei." He led both domestic and international teams on a tour of Taipei Medical University, showcasing the institution's ability to integrate Taipei's medical resources. In the face of significant changes in the healthcare environment, the affiliated hospitals within the Taipei Medical University system will continue to uphold healthcare values, genuinely assisting the public and enhancing trust in medical quality. Hans Lee, the Investment Director of BE Health, emphasized that the development and application of AI (Artificial Intelligence) are key areas of interest for the future of BE. AI not only enhances production efficiency and promotes industrial technological advancements but, when integrated with the biotech and medical industries, it shortens the distance between doctors and patients, improving the convenience of human life in alignment with current medical needs. Furthermore, Jenny Yang, Managing Director at Taipei Bioinnovation Park, discussed the cooperative efforts with startups. The park, which commenced operations in March of this year, plays a crucial role in promoting collaboration. Ms. Yang mentioned that the park is strategically located in the core area of the Bio-ICT industry. The operational team possesses network advantages in industrial hubs such as Taipei's Nangang Software Park, Bangalore in India, and Subic Bay in the Philippines. The park provides support for the development of the biotech and medical industries, including incubation services, clinical trials, pilot production facilities, and strategic partnerships. This comprehensive support equips startup teams with abundant resources, enabling them to connect with various resources across Taiwan and achieve their goal of entering the international market. During the stay of international startup teams in Taiwan, TEH assisted these teams in expanding the necessary network connections for development in Taiwan. In addition to arranging customized business matchmaking, TEH also led the teams on company visits, facilitating opportunities for the development of the startup teams in Taiwan. Taipei Medical University expressed the possibility of future collaboration with the Singaporean team, Iflowtech. The Czech team, FireFly, will discuss collaborative research project plans with National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, anticipating further cooperation in the future. BE Health, as well as Fubon Financial Holding Venture Capital, continues to assess the feasibility of investment cooperation with the Indian team, MayaMD. Furthermore, the winning teams from Taipei City's startup competition and Taipei Biotech Award took advantage of this opportunity to actively establish connections with various corporate partners and investors through the event. Among them, 5Voxel. is looking forward to collaborate with Pacific 8 Ventures, and EpiSonica is anticipated to have further developments with venture capitalists such as Isaiah Capital. Looking ahead, TEH will continue to integrate resources and assist international entrepreneurs in developing their ventures in Taipei. Stay tuned for the latest updates by following Taipei Entrepreneurs Hub on their official Facebook fan page or LinkedIn page! View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/taipei-entrepreneurs-hub-establishing-an-international-platform-to-connect-and-facilitate-new-business-opportunities-301991664.html SOURCE Taipei Entrepreneurs Hub [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] TEHRAN, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Minister of Roads and Urban Development Mehrdad Bazrpash on Friday underlined Turkmenistan's "special status" in advancing the Iran-Rah Initiative, which was put forward by Iran to allow its neighbors and other regional states to use the country as a transit route and logistics base. Bazrpash made the remarks in a meeting with Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedow in Ashgabat, during which both sides also discussed bilateral relations, Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency reported. The Iranian minister described Turkmenistan as Iran's strategic partner, noting that the country was the gateway to Central Asia and provided access to the East-West transport corridor, which will connect Turkmenistan, Iran, Iraq and Turkiye, as well as the International North-South Transport Corridor, a transport route linking South Asia to Northern Europe. Bazrpash urged the two countries to take an important step toward greater synergy in their partnership and bilateral relations. He also highlighted the necessity to eliminate transportation taxes between the two countries, and called for increasing exchange of technical and engineering services, particularly in the fields of transportation and energy. According to Tasnim, the two sides also stressed the need to enhance multilateral cooperation with third countries, such as Uzbekistan, Turkiye, Iraq and Kazakhstan. [November 17, 2023] Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) Market growth is driven by the increasing demand for AI-generated content - Technavio Tweet NEW YORK, Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In a recent Technavio report titled Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) Market by Component, Technology and Geography - Forecast and Analysis 2023-2027, Technavio uncovers the significant impact of generative AI (GenAI) in various industries. According to the research, it is revealed that 66% of the market growth will originate from North America. The market size is forecast to increase by USD 34.69 billion from 2023 - 2028. Request sample report Companies in North America are actively looking for creative solutions to elevate their operational capabilities. GenAI emerges as a crucial technology in the market and is driven by the increasing demand for AI-generated content, increasing adoption of generative AI in various industries, and the emergence of fully autonomous generative AI solutions. The adoption of Generative AI is on the rise in the industries across the North America region. With advancements in machine learning and natural language processing, the region has led the charge in developing innovative solutions that are transforming various industries, such as retail, IT, manufacturing, and several others. Buy the full report here Technavio highlights the emerging trends of Generative AI Market: Large Language Models (LLM) Accelerating GenAI Market Growth: The deployment of large language models (LLM) is a significant factor driving the growth of the generative artificial intelligence market. The deployment of large language models (LLM) is a significant factor driving the growth of the generative artificial intelligence market. Global Growth Due to LLM Deployment: The global generative artificial intelligence market has experienced substantial growth thanks to the widespread use of LLM. The global generative artificial intelligence market has experienced substantial growth thanks to the widespread use of LLM. Utilization of Deep Learning Techniques: LLM leverages deep learning techniques to generate natural language text that closely resembles human speech. LLM leverages deep learning techniques to generate natural language text that closely resembles human speech. Autoation and Improvement of Processes: Companies can now automate and enhance various processes, including customer service, content creation, and data analysis, by harnessing these models. Companies can now automate and enhance various processes, including customer service, content creation, and data analysis, by harnessing these models. GPT-3 (Generative Pre-trained Transformer 3 ): Notably, GPT-3, developed by OpenAI, has gained immense popularity for its ability to generate human-like text that is virtually indistinguishable from text written by humans. ): Notably, GPT-3, developed by OpenAI, has gained immense popularity for its ability to generate human-like text that is virtually indistinguishable from text written by humans. Expected Boost in GenAI Market Growth: Applications like these are projected to fuel the growth of the global generative AI market in the forecasted period. Prominent companies are actively immersing themselves in the GenAI trend. Companies like Adobe Systems, Inc. and Autodesk, Inc. are using generative AI to assist designers and animators. Adobe Systems' Sensei tool uses machine learning to make suggestions for complex tasks such as color matching and image cropping. In contrast, Autodesk's Dreamcatcher software uses AI to streamline the 3D design process. Thus, the factors mentioned above are expected to increase the demand for generative AI solutions, which will propel the growth of the regional market during the forecast period. The incorporation of GenAI holds the potential to exert a significant impact on the success of industries in North America. According to the findings of the Technavio, most of the companies hailing from countries such APAC, Europe and South America anticipate increased operational efficiency and automation through the adoption of GenAI as a pivotal component of their digital innovation strategy. This underscores the increasing demand for gen AI within these industries. This generative AI market report extensively covers market segmentation by component (software and services), technology (transformers, generative adversarial networks (GANs), variational autoencoder (VAE), and diffusion networks), and geography (North America, APAC, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa). As technological disruptions in the region continue to intensify, the integration of automation and the infusion of generative AI have become imperative for organizations. These measures are vital in mitigating business risks, reducing errors, enhancing operational efficiency, and elevating overall productivity. Industries have enthusiastically adopted a digital-first approach, leading to the development of increasingly intricate applications in their business operations. Coverage Related reports: Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Social Media Market Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Healthcare Market Companies Covered Altair Engineering Inc. Amazon.com Inc. Autodesk Inc. DataRobot Inc. De Identification Ltd. Diabatix NV Genie AI Ltd. Hexagon AB International Business Machines Corp. LeewayHertz Microsoft Corp. MOSTLY AI Solutions MP GmbH nTopology Inc. NVIDIA Corp. OpenAI L.L.C. Rephrase Technologies Pvt. Ltd. Synthesia Ltd. Regions Covered North America APAC Europe South America Middle East and Africa Topics Covered Generative artificial intelligence Large Language Models (LLM) Generative Pre-trained Transformer 3 Software Machine Learning About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focus on emerging market trends and provide actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contact Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/generative-artificial-intelligence-ai-market-growth-is-driven-by-the-increasing-demand-for-ai-generated-content---technavio-301991464.html SOURCE Technavio [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 17, 2023] RaySearch Laboratories: Interim report January 1 - September 30, 2023 Tweet STOCKHOLM, Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- THIRD QUARTER (JULY - SEPTEMBER 2023) Order intake SEK 240.7 M (219.1) (219.1) Net sales SEK 252.9 M (210.9) (210.9) Operating profit SEK 28.6 M (12.0) (12.0) Profit after tax SEK 21.6 M (10.1) (10.1) Earnings per share before/after dilution SEK 0.63 (0.29) (0.29) Cash flow SEK 63.5 M (-48.0) (-48.0) Order backlog SEK 1,966.3 M (1,715.2) at the end of the period NINE MONTHS (JANUARY - SEPTEMBER 2023) Order intake SEK 686.5 M (704.1) (704.1) Net sales SEK 722.5 M (579.3) (579.3) Operating profit SEK 70.5 M (22.0) (22.0) Profit after tax SEK 50.0 M (9.6) (9.6) Earnings per share before/after dilution SEK 1.46 (0.28) (0.28) Cash flow SEK 144.7 M (4.0) SIGNIFICANT EVENTS DURING THE THIRD QUARTER University Medical Center Groningen in the Netherlands purchased Micro-RayStation for pre-clinical research. purchased Micro-RayStation for pre-clinical research. RayCare in clinical use with CyberKnife at Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) in Switzerland . . RaySearch and MedAustron expand their partnership through a new strategic research agreement. Henrik Bergentoft leaves the position as CFO. Annika Blondeau Henriksson has been appointed interim CFO. has been appointed interim CFO. RaySearch's business partner IBA has placed an order for RayStation and RayCare for installation at CRO National Cancer Institute (C.R.O.) in Aviano, Italy . . Baptist Health Lexington in the US has placed an order for RayStation to two of its major centers. Oregon Health & Science University in the US has placed an order for RayStation. SIGNIFICANT EVENTS AFTER THE END OF THE REPORTING PERIOD RaySearch has received an order from Israel -based P-Cure and is deepening its collaboration focusing on advanced proton therapy solutions. -based P-Cure and is deepening its collaboration focusing on advanced proton therapy solutions. The Paul Scherrer Institute in Switzerland has placed an order for RayStation. has placed an order for RayStation. The Mass General Cancer Center in the US has placed an order and thereby plans to expand its use of RayStation to proton treatment planning. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: Johan Lof, CEO, +46 (0)8 510 530 00, [email protected] Annika Blondeau Henriksson, interim CFO, +46 (0)8 510 530 00, [email protected] The information contained in this interim report is such that RaySearch Laboratories AB (publ) is obliged to disclose under the EU Market Abuse Regulation and the Swedish Securities Market Act. The information was submitted for publication on November 17, 2023 at 7:45 a.m. CET. WEBCAST CEO Johan Lof and interim CFO Annika Blondeau Henriksson will present RaySearch's interim report for January - September 2023 at a webcast to be held in English on Friday, November 17, 2023 at 10:00-10:30 a.m. CET. Link to webcast: RaySearch Q3 2023 You can also join the webcast by phone: Sweden +46 (0) 8 505 100 31 UK: +44 (0) 207 107 06 13 US: +1 (1) 631 570 56 13 The following files are available for download: https://mb.cision.com/Main/1102/3877750/2437036.pdf RaySearch Interim report Q3 2023 Final View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/raysearch-laboratories-interim-report-january-1---september-30-2023-301991777.html SOURCE RaySearch Laboratories [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 17, 2023] Sennheiser appoints Acoustic and Lighting as its exclusive distributor for Business Communication solutions in Malaysia Tweet KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Sennheiser, the first choice for advanced audio technology that makes collaboration and learning easier, has appointed Acoustic and Lighting System (A&L) as its exclusive distributor for its Business Communication solutions in Malaysia. This partnership marks a huge step forward in Sennheiser's commitment to expand its distribution network and making its solutions more accessible across the region. Founded in 1990, A&L specializes in distributing profession Audio Visual Equipment and has been providing first-in-class solutions to their customers for more than 30 years. With a strong network and presence in the region, A&L is well positioned to enhance the availability and accessibility of Sennheiser's premium solutions in the market. Sennheiser and A&L jointly organized an industry event on 1st November 2023 at Renaissance Hotel Kuala Lumpur to formally announce this strategic partnership and to introduce TeamConnect Family Solutions to dealers, system integrators and end-users. This event, titled Sennheiser TeamConnect Family Solutions Optimize Your Learning & Working Environments was attended by more than 130 industry professionals and featured product presentations, Q&A segments as well as live demonstrations of solutions by Sennheiser and its alliance partners such as Lenovo, Lumens and Xilica. "We are thrilled to announce this partnership with A&L as our exclusive distributor for Business Communication solutions in Malaysia. We believe that A&L's extensive network and expertise operating in the market will greatly benefit us, and we look forward to working closely with them to better serve our customers in Malaysia," said John Oh, Sales Director of Business Communication for Sennheiser Southeast Asia. "This event is a huge success which marks a great start to our partnership with Sennheiser. We pride ourselves as a leading distributor of premium audio-visual technology, so this partnership with Sennheiser, a premium audio brand, is ideal for us. We are committed to working closely with Sennheiser to bring their products to more customers in Malaysia," said Michelle Yeo, Director of Business Development, Acoustic and & Lighting. For more information on Sennheiser's Business Communication solutions, please visit Sennheiser's website. For inquiries regarding Sennheiser's Business Communication solutions in Malaysia, please contact our local distributor Acoustic & Lightning System Sdn. Bhd (Tel: +603 80630281 | Email: [email protected]). Appendix: About the Sennheiser Brand https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2221327/About_the_Sennheiser_brand.pdf View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/sennheiser-appoints-acoustic-and-lighting-as-its-exclusive-distributor-for-business-communication-solutions-in-malaysia-301991779.html SOURCE Sennheiser Electronic Asia Pte Ltd [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 17, 2023] Huawei's ICT innovations help unleash Europe's digital potential Tweet PARIS, Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Huawei envisions its industry-leading ICT innovations will empower industries across Europe to rapidly achieve a green and digital transformation, the company noted during the second day of HUAWEI CONNECT 2023 in Paris. ICT Innovations Facilitate Digital Transformation Across Industries Mr. Yang Chaobin, a Huawei Board Member and President of ICT Products and Solutions, noted how ICT innovations have reshaped all industries, with the digital economy now becoming a new engine of economic growth. After a decade of rapid progress, digital transformation has taken a central economic role and is projected to constitute over 54 percent of developed states' GDP by 2026, significantly improving productivity. "The second wave of industry digitalization is now underway including education, healthcare, and etc. Europe has a competitive edge in these industries, and is well positioned to open up new opportunities", said Yang. Yang went on to say that Huawei will continue to innovate in the ICT domain and "stride into the 5.5G era" to address the key requirements of industry digitalization in the next 5 to 10 years. "The digital transformation of industries creates both opportunities and challenges. Huawei is committed to developing innovative ICT products and solutions for the 5.5G era. These products feature simplified architecture, premium quality, and excellent user experience for data centers, WANs, campuses, SMEs, and more scenarios". During the event, Yang also introduced Huawei's innovative ICT products and solutions to power industry digitalization for Europe, such as its industry-leading intelligent 10GE IP+POL campus solution, HUAWEI eKit, and future-oriented DCs. <>Huawei has been at the forefront of advanced technologies such as 5G and 5.5G to power industry digitalization. For scenarios like data centers, WANs, campuses, and SMEs, the company will boost productivity by realizing ubiquitous 10-gigabit speeds, microsecond level latency, agile and reliable data storage for all scenarios. Concluding, Yang reiterated Huawei's commitment to jointly working with industries to promote digital transformation in Europe and facilitate shared success in a digital future. Huawei Cloud: Accelerating Intelligence in Europe, for Europe Jaqueline Shi, President of Huawei Cloud Global Marketing and Sales Service, delivered a keynote speech named "Accelerating Intelligence with Huawei Cloud Through Everything as a Service". She stated, "The time is ripe to accelerate intelligent transformation. Huawei Cloud strives to be the preferred cloud for this transformation. We are ready to work alongside our customers and partners through their transformation journeys. We strive to spark innovation, build strong local support, and enable the local ecosystem to realize 'In Europe, For Europe', so as to create greater value and build a brighter future together." Dedicated to its strategy of making Everything as a Service, Huawei Cloud continues to innovate in cloud native, databases, and AI, and has made breakthroughs including Pangu models and the next-generation distributed cloud database GaussDB. In Europe, Huawei Cloud provides trustworthy, reliable, and stable cloud services safeguarded by security compliance, privacy protection, and deterministic operations. Huawei Cloud also actively contributes to the local ecosystem by supporting local startups, helping Chinese enterprises enter Europe, and helping European enterprises enter China, creating new value for industries and accelerating intelligence for Europe. The event also hosted talks from guests including Victor Marcais, Senior Partner TMT at Roland Berger, Geraud de Chanterac, Senior Vice President of Key Accounts at Orange Business and Jean-Herve Lorenzi, Founder of the Cercle des Economistes and President of Les Rencontres Economiques d'Aix-en-Provence. This year's HUAWEI CONNECT 2023 in Paris revolved around the theme of "Accelerate Green & Digital Transition Together." It brought together global thought leaders, business and technology entrepreneurs, and ecosystem partners to share their expert insights and strategies. The motto bears testament to Huawei's firm belief that the convergence of green and digital transition represents two pivotal trends propelling the sustainable development of European industries. Contact: Rafal Kwiatkowski, 0048 539-531-140, [email protected] Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2280054/Huawei.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1636608/4411578/Huawei_Enterprise_Logo.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/huaweis-ict-innovations-help-unleash-europes-digital-potential-301991894.html [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 17, 2023] Shanghai Electric Showcases Six Low-Carbon Energy Solutions at Enlit Asia 2023 Tweet JAKARTA, Indonesia, Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Shanghai Electric (SEHK:2727, SSE:601727) showcases six of its flagship low-carbon energy solutions designed to empower a sustainable future at Enlit Asia 2023, slated to be held at the Indonesia Convention Exhibition (ICE) in Indonesia from November 14 to 16. Under the theme "Unlock a Decarbonized Future", the solutions presented by Shanghai Electric testify to the Company's strong focus on clean, renewable technology development as well as its commitment to leveraging innovation to unlock a future powered by decarbonized, sustainable, and efficient energy solutions. "At Shanghai Electric, we strategically combine traditional and new energy, with priorities setting on efficiency improvements on fossil fuel-based power sources to facilitate global energy transition in a healthy way. Our participation in Enlit Asia reflects our commitment to this path as we provide our experience, technology, and solutions to supercharge the energy evolution," said Zhang Hongbin, Director of the New Energy Development Department of Shanghai Electric. Redefining Coal-fired Power with High-Efficiency and Clean Coal Energy Solutions Taking center stage is Shanghai Electric's full suite of clean coal-fired energy solutions, with the product range spanning from 350MW to 1350MW. The showcase includes boilers, turbines, and generators, as well as environmental protection equipment, high-pressure and low-pressure heaters, condensers, deaerators, and motors, all engineered to cater to the demand to decarbonize the coal-powered energy facilities known or their high carbon footprint. 2021 saw the successful commissioning of Phase II of the Huaneng Qin Coal Ruijin Power Plant, an installation supplied by Shanghai Electric that marks the world's inaugural operation of the 1000MW double-heat ultra-supercritical secondary reheat unit. The unit beats industry benchmarks for its unparalleled power-generation efficiency, highlighted by its record-breaking coal consumption, which measures a mere 249.7g/kWh, setting a new global standard. A Green Future Powered by 24/7 Solar Energy Shanghai Electric, with its extensive technological expertise and project experience in the new energy sector, has developed one-stop solutions and services that cover the entire solar industrial chain, including project development, equipment supply, EPC contracting, and operation and maintenance. A leader in the solar industry, Shanghai Electric is involved in over 70 PV projects in countries including the UAE, UK, Japan, Vietnam, and Australia, with a combined installed capacity surpassing 5000 GW. Contracted and built by Shanghai Electric, Phase IV and V of Dubai Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park stand out as the world's largest photothermal photovoltaic hybrid power station that offers Dubai a continuous 24-hour supply of sustainable and clean energy. In 2019, Shanghai Electric's entry into the Vietnamese PV market with the signing of an Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contract for Vietnam's Forte 50MW photovoltaic project marked another stride in the Company's global expansion. Located in Vietnam's Ninh Thuan Province, the 50MW photovoltaic power station reached completion on October 13, 2020, a milestone that gave a boost to the region's mission to decarbonize the local economy. A Holistic Solution for Hydrogen Production Leveraging its expertise in energy equipment manufacturing and chemical engineering, Shanghai Electric has positioned itself as a key player in delivering core equipment for the entire hydrogen energy industry chain, offering holistic solutions that encompass renewable energy generation, water electrolysis for hydrogen production, and an integrated station for green chemicals, production, storage, compression, and hydrogen energy storage systems. At the event, Shanghai Electric presented its PEM electrolysis hydrogen production products with a capacity range of 5-200Nm3/h. The hydrogen production system adopts a "N to one" series with a serialized and modular design. Shanghai Electric has also announced its plan to establish a PEM production line with a capacity of 100MW by 2025, projecting an annual production output of 100 units of 200 standard cubic-meter PEM electrolyzers cells. Making a splash at the Enlit Asia exhibition, Shanghai Electric Power Generation Group also unveiled a range of innovative products and solutions, including Green Methanol, New Industrial Turbines, and Industrial Boilers. More information can be found at https://www.shanghai-electric.com/group_en/. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/shanghai-electric-showcases-six-low-carbon-energy-solutions-at-enlit-asia-2023-301991901.html SOURCE Shanghai Electric [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 17, 2023] This Week in Environment News: 11 Stories You Need to See A roundup of the week's most newsworthy environment industry press releases from PR Newswire, including the TIME100 Climate List and Southwest's new sustainability goals. NEW YORK, Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- With thousands of press releases published each week, it can be difficult to keep up with everything on PR Newswire. To help journalists covering the environment industry stay on top of the week's most newsworthy and popular releases, here's a roundup of stories from the week that shouldn't be missed. The list below includes the headline (with a link to the full text) and an excerpt from each story. Click on the press release headlines to access accompanying multimedia assets that are available for download. Read more of the latest environment-related releases from PR Newswire and stay caught up on the top press releases by following @PRNenv on Twitter. Helping Journalists Stay Up to Date on Industry News These are just a few of the recent press releases that consumers and the media should know about. To be notified of releases relevant to their coverage area, journalists can set up a custom newsfeed with PR Newswire for Journalists. Once they're signed up, reporters, bloggers and freelancers have access to the following free features: Customization: Create a customized newsfeed that will deliver relevant news right to your inbox. Customize the newsfeed by keywords, industry, subject, geography, and more. Create a customized newsfeed that will deliver relevant news right to your inbox. Customize the newsfeed by keywords, industry, subject, geography, and more. Photos and Videos: Thousands of multimedia assets are available to download and include with your next story. Thousands of multimedia assets are available to download and include with your next story. Subject Matter Experts: Access ProfNet, a database of industry experts to connect with as sources or for quotes in your articles. Access ProfNet, a database of industry experts to connect with as sources or for quotes in your articles. Related Resources: Read and subscribe to our journalist- and blogger-focused blog, Beyond Bylines, for media news roundups, writing tips, upcoming events, and more. About PR Newswire PR Newswire is the industry's leading press release distribution partner with an unparalleled global reach of more than 440,000 newsrooms, websites, direct feeds, journalists and influencers and is available in more than 170 countries and 40 languages. From our award-winning Content Services offerings, integrated media newsroom and microsite products, Investor Relations suite of services, paid placement and social sharing tools, PR Newswire has a comprehensive catalog of solutions to solve the modern-day challenges PR and communications teams face. For 70 years, PR Newswire has been the preferred destination for brands to share their most important news stories across the world. For questions, contact the team at [email protected]. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/this-week-in-environment-news-11-stories-you-need-to-see-301991513.html SOURCE PR Newswire [November 17, 2023] CANADA BLACK MUSIC ARCHIVES (CBMA) LAUNCHES AS THE DEFINITIVE DIGITAL REPOSITORY OF BLACK CANADIAN MUSICAL HERITAGE Tweet THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2023 City OF TORONTO ARCHIVES 255 SPADINA ROAD 4:00 PM 8:00 PM Canada Black Music Archives www.thecbma.com TORONTO, Nov. 17, 2023 /CNW/ - Canada Black Music Archives (CBMA) is excited to announce its official launch as a digital repository dedicated to preserving and celebrating the rich and diverse musical heritage of Black Canadians. Founded n 2020, the CBMA stands as a testament to the enduring contributions of Black musicians to Canada's cultural landscape over the past 100 years. The CBMA aims to fill a crucial gap in Canada's historical narrative by providing a digital platform accessible to all, highlighting the remarkable contributions, stories, and legacies of Black musicians across various genres. Executive Director Phil Vassell of the Canada Black Music Archives states: "The CBMA stands as a testament to resilience, creativity, and cultural richness, amplifying the voices of Black musicians and redressing historical underrepresentation. CBMA is a crucial step toward fostering understanding, appreciation, and a stronger sense of identity for all Canadians." The CBMA is a rich educational resource for exploring the multifaceted history of Black Canadian music with an extensive collection of music, photographs, interviews, and historical documents. "The power of music can help bring people together, share stories of lived experiences, and spark meaningful conversations about the past, present and future" according to Robyn Small, Senior Manager, Philanthropy, Sustainability & Corporate Citizenship of TD Bank Group. "Through the TD Ready Commitment, our corporate citizenship platform, TD is proud to support the Canada Black Music Archives in ensuring Black artists' rich and diverse voices remain accessible for generations while creating space for emerging digital communications professionals to develop their skills." In celebration of its launch, the CBMA invites the public to explore its digital archive and engage with this vital source of Canadian history, ensuring its preservation and dissemination for future generations. Experience an exceptional live performance by Liberty Silver, the first Black Juno Award winner in the R&B category, and other surprise guests. Visit our website for more information and to explore the Canada Black Music Archives. Karen Thorne-Stone , President and CEO, Ontario Creates states: "Ontario Creates is proud to support the development of the Canada Black Music Archives. The Archives, with its cultural significance and legacy, has been thoughtfully and skillfully curated and aligns with Ontario Creates' vision to showcase the incredible diversity of talent our province has to offer. We congratulate Word Media Group for bringing this initiative to life." The CBMA would like to express profound gratitude to TD Bank Group, Ontario Creates, Canada Summer Jobs, Ontario Skills Development Fund, and Public Address for their generous support. We want to thank WORD Magazine, Lake of Bays Brewing Company, our interns, supporters, organizations, and the City of Toronto Archives. SOURCE Canada Black Music Archives [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 17, 2023] This Week in Finance News: 10 Stories You Need to See A roundup of the week's most newsworthy financial industry press releases from PR Newswire, including new crypto futures from Cboe and leadership changes at PayPal. NEW YORK, Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- With thousands of press releases published each week, it can be difficult to keep up with everything on PR Newswire. To help journalists covering the finance industry stay on top of the week's most newsworthy and popular releases, here's a roundup of stories from the week that shouldn't be missed. The list below includes the headline (with a link to the full text) and an excerpt from each story. Click on the press release headlines to access accompanying multimedia assets that are available for download. Read more of the latest finance-related releases from PR Newswire and stay caught up on the top press releases by following @PRNfinance on Twitter. Helping Journalists Stay Up to Date on Industry News These are just a few of the recent press releases that consumers and the media should know about. To be notified of releases relevant to their coverage area, journalists can set up a custom newsfeed with PR Newswire for Journalists. Once they're signed up, reporters, bloggers and freelancers have access to the following free features: Customization: Create a customized newsfeed that will deliver relevant news right to your inbox. Customize the newsfeed by keywords, industry, subject, geography, and more. Create a customized newsfeed that will deliver relevant news right to your inbox. Customize the newsfeed by keywords, industry, subject, geography, and more. Photos and Videos: Thousands of multimedia assets are available to download and include with your next story. Thousands of multimedia assets are available to download and include with your next story. Subject Matter Experts: Access ProfNet, a database of industry experts to connect with as sources or for quotes in your articles. Access ProfNet, a database of industry experts to connect with as sources or for quotes in your articles. Related Resources: Read and subscribe to our journalist- and blogger-focused blog, Beyond Bylines, for media news roundups, writing tips, upcoming events, and more. About PR Newswire PR Newswire is the industry's leading press release distribution partner with an unparalleled global reach of more than 440,000 newsrooms, websites, direct feeds, journalists and influencers and is available in more than 170 countries and 40 languages. From our award-winning Content Services offerings, integrated media newsroom and microsite products, Investor Relations suite of services, paid placement and social sharing tools, PR Newswire has a comprehensive catalog of solutions to solve the modern-day challenges PR and communications teams face. For 70 years, PR Newswire has been the preferred destination for brands to share their most important news stories across the world. For questions, contact the team at [email protected]. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/this-week-in-finance-news-10-stories-you-need-to-see-301991539.html SOURCE PR Newswire [November 17, 2023] Significant BlackBerry Cybersecurity Deal with the Government of Malaysia at APEC Leaders' Summit welcomed by Canadian and Malaysian Prime Ministers Tweet BlackBerry to provide full suite of cybersecurity solutions to Government of Malaysia in milestone long-term deal SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 17, 2023 /CNW/ -- The Government of Malaysia and BlackBerry Limited (NYSE: BB; TSX: BB), today announced a long-term software and services agreement to strengthen Malaysia's cybersecurity posture. The landmark deal will enable the Malaysian Government to leverage the full suite of trusted BlackBerry cybersecurity solutions, and support the integrity of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) while upskilling the nation's workforce with advanced cybersecurity technology and training. The Malaysian public sector will benefit from secure, reliable, real-time access to BlackBerry software and services, hosted in a sovereign cloud. This includes BlackBerry's world-leading cybersecurity solutions powered by Cylance AI to predict and prevent cyberattacks, NATO-certified BlackBerry SecuSUITE for secure communications, BlackBerry UEM (Unified Endpoint Management) to protect government data among a roaming workforce, and BlackBerry AtHoc used by governments globally for critical event management and incident response. BlackBerry also announced it will establish a world-class Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (CCoE) in Kuala Lumpur in 2024. The CCoE will offer specialized training to advance Malaysian cybersecurity capacity and readiness, with the goal of reducing the country's shortfall of 12,000 cyber professionals. The Government of Canada welcomed the establishment of the CCoE and plans to work closely with BlackBerry, the Government of Malaysia and the CCoE to deliver cybersecurity capacity building assistance to Southeast Asia, as mandated under Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy. The fast-growing economy of Malaysia is a strategic choice for BlackBerry's first CCoE in the Asia Pacific region, adding to the company's network of existing CCoEs in America, Canada, and Europe. The CCoE will offer cybersecurity education and training, as well as 'always-on' cyber threat intelligence and incident response teams to help the country safeguard against malicious cyber activity targeting businesses, governments, and infrastructure. The CCoE also will enhance intelligence sharing between nations and expand BlackBerry's global threat intelligence network. Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said, "To continue to grow, prosper and keep our nation's data and citizens safe, Malaysia must forge international partnerships that embrace cutting-edge technology, and invite foreign investment to rapidly scale up and train a world-class cybersecurity workforce. We are pleased to collaborate with BlackBerry to support Malaysia's goal to be a leading example of cyber-resilience with the promise of data sovereignty, for our government information, data, and communications." Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said, "Cybersecurity is a key pillar of Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy, which aims to advance peace, security, and cooperation in the region. Cybersecurity is a shared challenge that requires international cooperation, which is why we strongly support BlackBerry's Cybersecurity Center of Excellence in Malaysia, an important bilateral partner of Canada. By supporting Malaysia's future cyber-defenders and establishing stronger regional networks for the sharing of expertise between Canada and Southeast Asia, we can further strengthen the resilience and capacity of our two countries and the wider region to counter, deter and respond to cyber threats." "With nearly 40 years in protecting governments and enterprises globally, BlackBerry is proud to partner with the Governments of Malaysia and Canada to enhance Malaysia's cybersecurity posture proactively securing the nation's data and mission-critical communications, while also providing support for the management of critical incidents," said John Giamatteo, BlackBerry's Cybersecurity President. "I am also especially proud of the establishment of a BlackBerry Cybersecurity Center of Excellence in Malaysia, designed to support the Prime Minister's strategic goal of growing a skilled cybersecurity workforce and positioning Malaysia as a critical regional hub of threat intelligence." Mr. Giamatteo will oversee the deployment of BlackBerry Cybersecurity solutions in Malaysia, and the establishment of the BlackBerry CCoE. Joining Mr. Giamatteo at the deal signing was BlackBerry's Chief Government Affairs and Public Policy Officer, Marjorie Dickman, who is responsible for strategic oversight of BlackBerry's global government relations and public policy operations, H.E. Tuan Ahmad Fahmi bin Mohamed Fadzil, Minister of Communications and Digital, Tan Sri Mohamad Salim bin Fateh Din, Executive Chairman of the MCMC, and other members of the Malaysian delegation at the APEC Leaders' Summit in San Francisco. About BlackBerry BlackBerry (NYSE: BB; TSX: BB) provides intelligent security software and services to enterprises and governments around the world. The company secures more than 500M endpoints including over 235M vehicles. Based in Waterloo, Ontario, the company leverages AI and machine learning to deliver innovative solutions in the areas of cybersecurity, safety, and data privacy solutions, and is a leader in the areas of endpoint security, endpoint management, encryption, and embedded systems. BlackBerry's vision is clear - to secure a connected future you can trust. BlackBerry. Intelligent Security. Everywhere. For more information, visit BlackBerry.com and follow @BlackBerry. Trademarks, including but not limited to BLACKBERRY and EMBLEM Design are the trademarks or registered trademarks of BlackBerry Limited, and the exclusive rights to such trademarks are expressly reserved. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. BlackBerry is not responsible for any third-party products or services. Media Contacts: BlackBerry Media Relations +1 (519) 597-7273 [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/significant-blackberry-cybersecurity-deal-with-the-government-of-malaysia-at-apec-leaders-summit-welcomed-by-canadian-and-malaysian-prime-ministers-301992144.html SOURCE BlackBerry Limited [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 17, 2023] TC Transcontinental Packaging to Close its Tomah (Wisconsin) Plant in February 2024 Tweet CHICAGO, Nov. 17, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TC Transcontinental (TSX: TCL.A TCL.B) announced today that it will be phasing out operations at its Tomah (Wisconsin) packaging plant in anticipation of the complete closure of the facility in early February 2024. Operations will gradually be transferred to TC Transcontinental Packagings plants in Battle Creek (Michigan), Clinton (Missouri), Elgin (Illinois), Lenexa (Kansas) and Spartanburg (South Carolina) to ensure a smooth transition for customers and maintain high-quality service. In line with our priority of optimizing the return on our assets, reducing costs and improving operational efficiency, we have made the decision, after thorough consideration, to close our Tomah, Wisconsin, plant. Servicing our customers in the most competitive manner is something we are constantly evaluating and taking action on, said Jeff Lasley, Senior Vice President, Dairy, Protein and Pet Food (DPP), Latin America and New Zealand, TC Transcontinental Packaging. We regret the impact of this decision on our employees who have been a strong team of contributors since the acquisition of the plant by TC Transcontinental in 2018. We thank our 89 employees and will ensure they receive the respect they deserve, including support in their career transition. About TC Transcontinental TC Transcontinental is a leader in flexible packaging in North America, and Canadas largest printer. The Corporation is also the leading Canadian French-language educational publishing group. For over 45 years, TC Transcontinental's mission has been to create quality products and services tht allow businesses to attract, reach and retain their target customers. Respect, teamwork, performance and innovation are the strong values held by the Corporation and its employees. TC?Transcontinental's commitment to its stakeholders is to pursue its business activities in a responsible manner. Transcontinental Inc. (TSX: TCL.A TCL.B), known as TC Transcontinental, has approximately 8,000 employees, the majority of which are based in Canada, the United States and Latin America. TC Transcontinental generated revenues of C$3.0 billion during the fiscal year ended October 30, 2022. For more information, visit TC Transcontinental's website at www.tc.tc For information: Media Canada Financial Community Nathalie St-Jean Yan Lapointe Senior Advisor, Corporate Communications Director, Investor Relations and Treasury TC Transcontinental TC Transcontinental 514-954-3581 514-954-3574 [email protected] [email protected] Media - U.S. Abbie Ansburg Marketing Communications Manager TC Transcontinental Packaging 630-306-5076 [email protected] [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] NEW DELHI, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- A paramilitary trooper was killed on Friday after Naxal rebels detonated an improvised explosive device (IED) blast in the central Indian state of Chhattisgarh, police said. The blast took place at a village in Gariaband district, about 143 km south of Raipur, the capital city of Chhattisgarh. According to police, the paramilitary trooper was part of the government forces deployed on security to escort the election staff. "This evening, when the polling team escorted by security forces was returning after the voting was over, an IED blast was triggered by Naxals at Bade Gobra village. In the attack, a constable was killed on the spot," a police official said. On Friday, the second phase of the local elections was held in Chhattisgarh. During the first phase of elections in the state last week, four paramilitary troopers were wounded in a fierce gunfight with Naxals, while one was wounded in a separate IED blast attack. Currently, Naxals are active across the central and eastern parts of India. The insurgency reportedly has claimed hundreds of lives besides rendering thousands of poor inhabitants homeless. [November 17, 2023] Wuliangye Deeply Engages in the APEC CEO Summit USA 2023 Tweet Yiban, Sichuang, China , Nov. 17, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Local time November 14th to 16th, the 2023 APEC CEO Summit USA 2023 (The Summit) was held in San Francisco, USA. Wuliangye, as a "Platinum Sponsor" and "Exclusive Baijiu Partner," deeply integrated into the summit and its series of official events. It set up a themed exhibition hall presenting the traditional Chinese concept of "harmony and beauty," aiding sustainable development. As a "Special Supporting Enterprise," it participated in the Sustainable Entrepreneurs Dialogue, contributing to the pursuit of higher-quality sustainable industrial development. Simultaneously, as a "Strategic Partner" and the "Designated Baijiu," it made a remarkable appearance at the Asia-Pacific Sustainable Business Night, using baijiu as a medium to help the Asia-Pacific region create a resilient and sustainable future and inject more vitality into the global economic recovery. As the highest-level, broadest, and most influential economic cooperation mechanism in the Asia-Pacific region, APEC plays a vital role in promoting global and regional sustainable and inclusive economic growth. The APEC CEO Summit US 2023 is the highest-level summit for APEC economic leaders to discuss important Asia-Pacific affairs and promote trade liberalization and economic cooperation. The theme of this summit, "Creating Economic Opportunities," focused on discussing core issues like the green and low-carbon transformation of industries and sustainable development, aiming to propose high-quality solutions for balanced economic growth and create a prosperous future for the Asia-Pacific and the global economy. During the summit, Wuliangyes theme exhibition hall, rich in Chinese charm and expressing oriental aesthetics, showcased its craftsmanship, quality appeal, and cultural depth in brewing "strong-flavored national liquor." It comprehensively displayed its core products, such as the Eighth-generation Wuliangye, Classic Wuliangye, WuliangyeZiqi Donglai, Low-Alcohol Wuliangye, WuliangyeJiulongtan(Nine Dragon Relief Jar), and WuliangyeHarmony Sichuan, attracting high attention and widespread praise from the delegates. At the "Asia-Pacific Sustainable Business Night" themed dinner, Wuliangye built a bridge for friendly communication among delegates, adding a new "harmony and beauty" landscape to the Asia-Pacific business dialogue. Since 2019, Wuliangye has continuously integrated into a series of activities under the APEC framework, such as the APEC CEO Summit, APEC China CEO Forum, and APEC Women Leadership Forum. It keeps showcasing national brand confidence and the charm of harmony and beauty to the world, aiding the Asia-Pacific region in consolidating development and creating a prosperous future. With the further advancement of high-level opening-up and the accelerated construction of an open world economy, a Wuliangye representative stated that Wuliangye would embrace a more open perspective and broader pattern. Leveraging globally influential international platforms like APEC, World's fair, Boao Forum for Asia, International Finance Forum (IFF), and the China International Import Expo (CIIE), Wuliangye will accelerate its integration into the global development wave. It aims to lead Chinese baijiu in contributing to a more beautiful and prosperous future for the Asia-Pacific and the world. https://www.wuliangye.com.cn/ Yuxia zhang Sichuan Yibin Wuliangye Group Co., Ltd zhangyuxia-at-wuliangye.com.cn https://www.wuliangye.com.cn/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 17, 2023] Aya Healthcare Acquires Winnow AI, a Data Science Driven Platform to Recruit Passive Physicians Tweet Aya Healthcare, the largest healthcare talent software and staffing company in the United States, today announced the acquisition of Winnow AI, a data science- driven solution that unlocks predictive physician insights and untapped connections to bolster an organization's provider recruitment and retention strategies. Amidst a historic provider shortage, Winnow AI combines artificial intelligence with business intelligence to help organizations tap into a unique source of passive physicians who are likely to relocate to their region. Winnow's AI model identifies the best predictive matches for each open role and surfaces relationships of potential candidates with existing providers. The model also predicts which physicians are likely to change jobs and where they are most likely to relocate. These insights equip medical leaders and in-house recruiters to drive novel candidate options, referrals, and create perfectly aligned provider teams, leading to faster, more efficient physician recruitment. Winnow AI will operate within Aya's Provider Solutions division. Healthcare organizations need qualified recruitment pipelines and advanced retention strategies as provider shortages are expected to increase over the next decade. Winnow AI complements Aya's DocCafe brand, the premier physician talent acquisition platform with the nation's largest pool of active job seekers. Aya's Provider Solutions division will now be able to offer both active and passive job seeker recruitment platforms. The division also enables healthcare organizations to hire locum providers and manage their provider recruitment and engagement through Aya Connect. "We're able to help healthcare organizations effectively fill their open provider positions by offering Winnow AI to identify passive job seekers and DocCafe to effectively recruit active physician job seekers," said Alan Braynin, president and CEO of Aya Healthcare. "This acquisition is an example of our never-ending quest to deliver innovative solutions to our clients that create greater efficiencies, generate cost savings, and improve access to care for the communities they serve." "I'm thrilled to be joining Aya as we continue to develop and deliver Winnow AI to help healthcare organizations across the U.S.," said Paul Vernich, Co-Founder and SVP of Winnow AI. Ardent Health Services, a leading healthcare provider, was an early development partner and customer of Winnow AI. "We needed to find a way that we could reach the best physician candidates for each of our locations across our organization," said Marty Bonick, CEO of Ardent Health Services. "With Winnow AI, we have an awareness of every physician in practice. Now we can bring together thousands of inputs to identify the perfect candidate who has natural connections to and an affinity for our company. It's a game-changer for our ability to deliver quality care to our patients." To learn more about Winnow AI, visit https://www.winnowhealth.ai. About Aya Healthcare Aya Healthcare is the largest healthcare talent software and staffing company in the United States. Aya operates the world's largest digital staffing platform delivering every component of healthcare-focused labor services, including travel nursing and allied health, per diem, permanent staff hiring, interim leadership, locum tenens and non-clinical professionals. Aya's software suite, which includes vendor management, float pool technology, provider services and predictive analytics, provides hospital systems greater efficiencies, superior operating results and reduced labor costs. While technology drives efficiency and scale, Aya's 7,000+ global employees power the company to deliver unparalleled accountability and exceptional experiences for clients and clinicians. Aya's company culture is rooted in giving back and supports organizations around food security, education, healthcare, safe shelter and equity. To learn more about Aya Healthcare, visit www.ayahealthcare.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231117471442/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 17, 2023] Volition Presents at the 5th Annual Congress of the International Liquid Biopsy Society Tweet HENDERSON, Nev, Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- VolitionRx Limited (NYSE AMERICAN: VNRX) ("Volition"), a multi-national epigenetics company, is presenting at the 5th Annual Congress of Liquid Biopsy being held in Madrid, Spain. Lea Payen-Gay, Professor in Toxicology and Biochemistry, University of Lyon I Hospices Civils de Lyon, France and Dr. Jake Micallef, Chief Scientific Officer, Volition will present a one-hour session entitled "An Introduction to circulating nucleoproteins" on Monday November 20, 2023. Dr. Jake Micallef, Chief Scientific Officer at Volition, said: "We recently unveiled what we believe to be an entirely new cancer detection method1. This data has generated significant interest from large diagnostic and liquid biopsy companies alike. We are delighted to be presenting at the International Liquid Biopsy Society's Congress and furthering these discussions." In early-stage cancer, it is difficult to detect cancer-derived circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in the blood because it may comprise as little as 0.01% of the DNA present among a background of 99.99% normal DNA. Moreover, most of the cancer DNA has exactly the same sequence as normal DNA. As physical separation of tumor-derived and healthy circulating DNA has never before been achieved, current ctDNA detection methods involve DNA extraction, sequencing of all (cancer and normal) circulating DNA then analysis of the sequencing data using sophisticated computer bioinformatics, to tell them apart. Volition has developed a novel method for liquid biopsy involving the first reported physical isolation of a class of tumor-derived ctDNA fragments from blood. Cancer-derived ctDNA fragments are then extracted after removal of all normal background DNA of the same sequence for detection with a simple, low cost PCR test. Volition's proof of concept data1, demonstrates the isolation of tumor-derived ctDNA fragments from plasma. Volition tested the new method in a first small clinical experiment and detected a range of liquid and other cancers, including at early stage I disease. For example, 74% of leukemias were detected at 96% specificity and 77% of colorectal cancers were detected at 92% specificity with 2-qPCR assays. Notes: 1. 'A novel immunoprecipitation/PCR method for detection of plasma cfDNA fragments selectively occupied by CTCF in cancer.' D Pamart et al. ESMO 2023 About Volition Volition is a multi-national epigenetics company focused on advancing the science of epigenetics. Volition is dedicated to saving lives and improving outcomes for people and animals with life-altering diseases through earlier detection, as well as disease and treatment monitoring. Through its subsidiaries, Volition is developing and commercializing simple, easy to use, cost-effective blood tests to help diagnose and monitor a range of diseases, including some cancers and diseases associated with NETosis, such as sepsis. Early diagnosis and monitoring have the potential to not only prolong the life of patients, but also improve their quality of life. Volition's research and development activities are centered in Belgium, with an innovation laboratory and office in the U.S. and additional offices in London and Singapore. The contents found at Volition's website address are not incorporated by reference into this document and should not be considered part of this document. Such website address is included in this document as an inactive textual reference only. Media Enquiries: Louise Batchelor/Debra Daglish Volition [email protected] +44 (0)7557 774620 Safe Harbor Statement Statements in this press release may be "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 concern matters that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated or projected in the forward-looking statements. Words such as "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "aims," "targets," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," "optimizing," "potential," "goal," "suggests," "could," "would," "should," "may," "will" and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements relate to, among other topics, Volition's estimated market opportunity, the effectiveness of Volition's blood-based diagnostic, prognostic and disease monitoring tests, and Volition's ability to develop and successfully commercialize such test platforms for early detection of cancer and other diseases as well as serving as a diagnostic, prognostic or disease monitoring tools for such diseases. Volition's actual results may differ materially from those indicated in these forward-looking statements due to numerous risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, results of studies testing the efficacy of its tests. For instance, if Volition fails to develop and commercialize diagnostic, prognostic or disease monitoring products, it may be unable to execute its plan of operations. Other risks and uncertainties include Volition's failure to obtain necessary regulatory clearances or approvals to distribute and market future products; a failure by the marketplace to accept the products in Volition's development pipeline or any other diagnostic, prognostic or disease monitoring products Volition might develop; Volition's failure to secure adequate intellectual property protection; Volition will face fierce competition and Volition's intended products may become obsolete due to the highly competitive nature of the diagnostics and disease monitoring market and its rapid technological change; downturns in domestic and foreign economies; and other risks identified in Volition's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, as well as other documents that Volition files with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about Volition's business based, in part, on assumptions made by management. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this release, and, except as required by law, Volition does not undertake an obligation to update its forward-looking statements to reflect future events or circumstances. Nucleosomics and Nu.Q and their respective logos are trademarks and/or service marks of VolitionRx Limited and its subsidiaries. All other trademarks, service marks and trade names referred to in this press release are the property of their respective owners. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/volition-presents-at-the-5th-annual-congress-of-the-international-liquid-biopsy-society-301992254.html SOURCE VOLITION DIAGNOSTICS UK LIMITED [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 17, 2023] The Government of Canada and FCM Invest $5 Million to Support Major Renovations to St. Albert's Fountain Park Recreation Centre Tweet ST. ALBERT, AB, Nov. 17, 2023 /CNW/ - Federal and municipal leaders are working together to build thriving communities that are sustainable, affordable and healthy for Canadians to live in. That's why community-building retrofit projects are getting federal support from the Government of Canada and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM). Today, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, and FCM President Scott Pearce announced a $5 million federal investment for retrofits to the Fountain Park Recreation Centre in St. Albert, Alberta, through the Green Municipal Fund's (GMF) Community Buildings Retrofit initiative. The retrofits are expected to modernize the 45-year-old building, which has not seen a major renovation since 1999, to be more energy efficient. By utilizing a range of retrofits including high-efficiency boilers, upgrading the lighting system, installing more efficient windows and replacing air handling units, the building's utility costs are anticipated to decrease by over $98,000 per year, while energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions are reduced by 30% and 42%, respectively. These retrofits are funded by the Green Municipal Fund, administered by FCM, through a federal endowment by the Government of Canada. For over 20 years, GMF has helped local governments switch to sustainable practices faster. Its unique mix of funding, resources and training gives municipalities the tools they need to build resilience and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Community Buildings Retrofitinitiative is part of a $950 million federal investment in FCM's Green Municipal Fund and is designed to scale up energy-efficiency and lower emissions across Canada. Quotes "Energy efficiency retrofits are creating sustainable jobs, reducing energy bills and contributing to the fight against climate change. The Government of Canada is pleased to support residents in St. Albert, Alberta, with a $5-million investment for the Fountain Park Recreation Centre, which will reduce energy consumption by 30 percent and emissions by nearly half. Congratulations to all of those involved in this important local development." The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson Minister of Energy and Natural Resources "Fighting climate change requires all levels of government to work together to invest in renewable technologies, reduce energy costs and create sustainable jobs. Today, in partnership with FCM, this federal investment to retrofit the Fountain Park Recreation Centre will continue to serve the residents of St. Albert by reducing costs and emissions and by providing access to recreation activities for years to come." The Honourable Randy Boissonnault Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages of Canada "Over half of all greenhouse gas emissions are influenced by municipalities which own many buildings such as arenas, pools and recreation centres, so retrofitting them can make a substantial contribution to climate action. This is why FCM's Green Municipal Fund and the Government of Canada support projects like the Fountain Park Recreation Centre's retrofitting upgrades. These projects are essential for Canada to achieve its net-zero target by 2050 and also reduce costs for local governments and residents. Together, we can build a greener and more affordable Canada." Scott Pearce FCM President Associated links Federation of Canadian Municipalities Green Municipal Fund 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan: Clean Air, Strong Economy Follow us on LinkedIn SOURCE Natural Resources Canada [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 17, 2023] AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Members of Standard Insurance Group and Pacific Guardian Life Insurance Company, Limited Tweet AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings (Long-Term ICR) of "a+" (Excellent) of Standard Insurance Company (Portland, OR) and its affiliate, The Standard Life Insurance Company of New York (White Plains, NY), together referred to as Standard Insurance Group (The Standard). Concurrently, AM Best has affirmed the Long-Term ICR of "bbb+" (Good) of StanCorp Financial Group, Inc. (StanCorp Financial) (Portland, OR), the intermediate holding company of The Standard. In addition, AM Best has affirmed the FSR of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term ICR of "a" (Excellent) of Pacific Guardian Life Insurance Company, Limited (Pacific Guardian) (Honolulu, HI). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable. The ratings of The Standard reflect its balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as strong, as well as its strong operating performance, favorable business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management (ERM). The Standard's strong balance sheet strength assessment is supported by its adequate risk-adjusted capital, as measured by Best's Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR), and its financial flexibility. Over the past two years, the BCAR has fluctuated between adequate and strong assessments due to premium development and inhibited capital growth owing to unrealized losses on invested assets and dividends to StanCorp Financial and upstream to its ultimate parent, Meiji Yasuda Life Insurance Company (Meiji Yasuda) that has outpaced earnings. Financial flexibility is good with favorable cash flow from operations, access to Federal Home Loan Bank borrowing and parent company cash at StanCorp Financial. Invested assets are moderately risky as more than one-third are held in commercial mortgage loans with a concentration of loans on the U.S. West Coast. The Standard is the direct underwriter of the mortgage loans and has historical strong underwriting capabilities, based on its long history as a loan originator. The mortgage portfolio is actively managed by dedicated staff and is currently performing well with very low delinquency rates. The Standard continues to report favorable premium revenue growth over the past five years through continued strong sales and retention of existing customers. Operating results historically have been favorable. The group reported a net loss in 2022, primarily due to the acquisition of the Securian Financial business and the recording of ceding commissions from the transaction in the income statement. The acquisition of this business was funded by Meiji Yasuda through a capital contribution. Additionally, earnings over the past three years were adversely impacted by COVID-19-related claims. Earnings through the first half of 2023 have shown improvement as COVID-19 claims have dissipated and core business is performing at pre-pandemic level. The Standard maintains good business diversification between mortality and morbidity products, in addition to asset management. AM Best notes that The Standard maintains top 10 market positions in group long-term disability, individual disability insurance, group short-term disability and group life insurance products. The Standard has a comprehensive and well-developed ERM program. The organization maintains good governance structure, appropriate risk management and controls. The ratings of Pacific Guardian reflect its balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as very strong, as well as its adequate operating performance, limited business profile and appropriate ERM. Pacific Guardian continues to maintain a strongest level of risk-adjusted capital, as measured by BCAR. However, there was a significant drop in the level of risk-adjusted capital in 2022 due to a change in its product portfolio offerings and a decline in absolute capital and surplus. Pacific Guardian began offering multiyear guaranteed annuity (MYGA) products, which significantly increased asset and business risk and negatively impacted risk-adjusted capital. The capital decline in 2022 was due to a net loss and an unfavorable change in asset valuation reserve. Pacific Guardian also has a relatively high allocation of more than one-quarter of invested assets to commercial mortgage loans, which are mostly underwritten by its affiliate, The Standard. There is currently no delinquent, restructured or foreclosed mortgage loans. The company has no outstanding debt and has access to a line of credit for short-term liquidity needs. Pacific Guardian reported substantial premium growth in 2022 due primarily from sales of MYGAs, and to a lesser degree, sales of interest-sensitive whole life products. The launch of updated life products and a new MYGA products have improved premium and business growth trends. However, the company has reported net losses in the past three years. The loss in 2022 was the result of statutory strain from sales of MYGAs and individual life, as well as related acquisition costs/reserves and a large tax expense. Modest losses reported in the prior two years were due to declining premium revenue from the company's temporary disability income (TDI) and increased COVID-19 claims. AM Best notes that the company is one of Hawaii's largest and highly regarded group life insurance and group disability carriers and maintains a leading position in the state's TDI market. Pacific Guardian has expanded to be licensed in 46 states and the District of Columbia to support the sale of MYGAs nationally. The ratings of The Standard and Pacific Guardian also take into consideration their strategic role to and the financial strength of their parent company, Meiji Yasuda. 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/20231117152801/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 17, 2023] Panasonic Automotive & Fisker Announce Collaboration to Launch Fisker Pulse Premium Audio System Crafted Exclusively for All-Electric Fisker Ocean SUV Tweet Panasonic Automotive's award-winning ELS STUDIO 3D PREMIUM AUDIO Reimagined for the Fisker Ocean Blends Best-in-Class Audio Performance with Sustainability-focused Design LOS ANGELES, Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Panasonic Automotive Systems Company of America, a tier-one automotive supplier and division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, announces with Fisker Inc. (NYSE: FSR) the launch of the Fisker Pulse audio system powered by ELS STUDIO 3D on the all-new 2023 Fisker Ocean Extreme and Fisker Ocean One. Specially designed to promote sustainability and high performance, the ELS STUDIO 3D system features 15-high performance speakers and brings Panasonic's studio quality sound to the all-electric Fisker Ocean SUV described as "The World's Most Sustainable Vehicle." Panasonic Automotive has decades of experience and a broad portfolio of technologies supporting the electrified vehicle programs of global vehicle manufacturers. Neodymium magnet circuit designs are used to reduce the overall weight of each individual speaker by 30-60%. It is estimated that the ELS STUDIO 3D PREMIUM AUDIO system draws up to 60% less energy than a typical audio system with similar acoustic output, extending the vehicle driving range. Panasonic Automotive strategically approached the design to create a studio experience unique to Fisker. Installed along the instrument panel are three 9cm PrecisionDrive Carbon Fiber Coaxial speakers, artfully hidden beneath Fisker's sustainable interior materials for a clean visual effect without sacrificing the remarkable clarity of the vocals and instruments. Four ultra slim, lightweight, full-range Highline speakers mounted in the headliner work together with Panasonic Automotive's proprietary DJX 3D Surround algorithm to create an immersive sound experience throughout the cabin that places the listeners in the center of the performance without compromising fidelity or accuracy. Four 17cm PrecisionDrive Carbon Fiber woofers provide stunning bass with low distortion. The 20cm SLDD subwoofer creates the powerful, deep bass response that brings the music to life. The vehicle's ELS STUDIO 3D system produces soud quality similar to a recording studio and celebrates the highest level of performance validated through the discriminating ears of eight-time Grammy Award winning recording engineer & producer, Elliot Scheiner. "Fisker is pushing the industry forward with a vision focused on sustainability, and Panasonic Automotive is honored to join in building the future of Fisker electric vehicles," said Andrew Poliak, chief technology officer, Panasonic Automotive Systems Company of America. "With decades of experience, our audio design team worked closely with Fisker to bring a new approach to speaker placement, creating an emotional audio experience for EVs, focused on efficiency and sustainability without sacrificing the authentic studio quality sound and emotional impact that are the foundations of all ELS STUDIO 3D systems." "The newest iteration of the ELS STUDIO 3D PREMIUM AUDIO is the result of a shared creative vision between Fisker and Panasonic Automotive technical teams," said Matt DeBord, senior director communications, Fisker Inc. "With Fisker's unique vehicle build designed with over 100 lbs of recycled and bio-based materials, a super-clean and modern interior, and ELS STUDIO 3D's sustainable approach to audio engineering - we created a system that maxes out its capabilities and delivers a unique, high-quality sound experience while staying true to our performance and sustainability goals." About ELS STUDIO 3D For more than 20 years, Panasonic Automotive, working together with 8-time Grammy Award-winning producer and engineer Elliot Scheiner, has designed, engineered and manufactured award-winning audio systems for a variety of vehicle styles. Panasonic has created and patented several proprietary technologies found on ELS STUDIO 3D premium audio systems including twin Telford subwoofers, Highline Ultra Slim speakers, Super Dynamic Range (SDR) speakers with extended range to eliminate distortion and the innovative Acoustic Motion Control circuitry and the innovative DJX 3D Surround algorithm. This all-new system on the 2023 Fisker Ocean includes 575 watts of power, 15 speakers, a 19L subwoofer enclosure, and one of the most effective 6-speaker dashboard arrays in automotive audio. The system is uniquely designed for the Fisker Ocean Extreme and the Fisker Ocean One launch edition. About Fisker Inc. California-based Fisker Inc. is revolutionizing the automotive industry by developing the most emotionally desirable and eco-friendly electric vehicles on Earth. Passionately driven by a vision of a clean future for all, the company is on a mission to become the No. 1 e-mobility service provider with the world's most sustainable vehicles. To learn more, visit www.FiskerInc.com and enjoy exclusive content across Fisker's social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn. About Panasonic Automotive Systems Company of America Panasonic Automotive Systems Company of America is a division company of Panasonic Corporation of North America and is a leading global supplier of automotive infotainment and connectivity system solutions. Panasonic Automotive Systems Company of America acts as the North American affiliate of Panasonic Automotive Systems Co., Ltd., which coordinates global automotive. Panasonic Automotive Systems Company of America is headquartered in Peachtree City, Georgia, with sales, marketing and engineering operations in Farmington Hills, Mich. For more information on Panasonic Automotive, please visit: https://na.panasonic.com/us/automotive-solutions View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/panasonic-automotive--fisker-announce-collaboration-to-launch-fisker-pulse-premium-audio-system-crafted-exclusively-for-all-electric-fisker-ocean-suv-301992357.html SOURCE Panasonic Corporation of North America [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 17, 2023] Talc Lawyer: Johnson & Johnson Settlements Undermine Bankruptcy Strategy, Serve as Acknowledgment That Baby Powder Contained Asbestos Tweet One attorney leading the fight against Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) on behalf of 12,000 women and their families harmed or killed by the company's talcum powder products, says J&J's decision to settle two talcum powder trials in California undermines the company's claim that bankruptcy is the only way to resolve more than 50,000 lawsuits. Andy Birchfield, head of the Mass Torts Section at the Beasley Allen Law Firm, says the settlements have profound implications. "Perhaps this is an indication that J&J is abandoning its 'bankruptcy or bust' strategy in favor of good faith settlement discusions. J&J's twice-failed bankruptcy gambit has inflicted further harm to cancer victims who were long term baby powder users as well as had disastrous results for shareholders." According to Mr. Birchfield, the settlements also demonstrate that J&J is acknowledging its talc products contain asbestos. "Actions speak louder than words. In virtually all cases, mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos. In October 2019, an FDA lab analysis of a Johnson's Baby Powder sample revealed asbestos in the talc, leading to a voluntary recall of 33,000 bottles of Baby Powder. Subsequently, J&J discontinued sales of its talcum powder products. Not only does J&J's talc contain asbestos, but it also contains other harmful elements and chemicals that cause ovarian cancer in women. Science proves it and through its actions J&J is finally acknowledging its culpability," says Mr. Birchfield. Parties in the two California trials, the first since the failed Chapter 11 bankruptcies of Johnson & Johnson subsidiary LTL Management, did not disclose the amounts of the settlements. Both trials were in Alameda County Superior Court. Recently, Mr. Birchfield called for J&J to "rethink" its legal strategies while endorsing a Bloomberg Law News article, Time to Ditch the Texas Two-Step For a New Mass Tort Strategy, (subscription required) written by attorney Jim Conlan, CEO of Legal Liability Solutions. Mr. Conlan pioneered what is called "structural optimization" of mass tort defendants, which seeks to appropriately transfer legal liabilities to "disaffiliated" entities and new owners with more than adequate funding to meet the legacy liabilities, including future claims. Concludes Mr. Birchfield, "These developments underscore the importance of continued scrutiny and accountability in the pursuit of justice for those who may have been affected using talcum powder products. We remain steadfast in our commitment to representing the interests of ovarian cancer patients and pursuing fair resolutions in the ongoing litigation against Johnson & Johnson." About the Beasley Allen Law Firm Beasley Allen Law Firm, established in 1979, stands as a national leader in complex plaintiff litigation, working tirelessly to assist clients nationwide. Their attorneys are driven by the ethos of "helping those who need it most." View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231117297259/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 17, 2023] Global Military GNSS Anti-Jamming Systems Market Report 2023-2031: Latest Developments from The US, UK, Germany, Russia, China, India and Japan Tweet DUBLIN, Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Military GNSS Anti-Jamming Systems - Market and Technology Forecast to 2031" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The GNSS anti-jamming market will grow from US$ 775 million in 2023 to US$ 2,960.7 million in 2031 The major growth of the market is anticipated from 2027 when the majority of deployments of new GNSS anti-jamming technology developments will take place in GPS Operational Control System (OCX), Assured PNT and M-code enabled antenna and receivers. You can learn more about these developments inside the report. This comprehensive study delves into the global military GNSS anti-jamming market, offering detailed insights and forecasts for the next eight years. The report covers market size estimations, examines crucial technological advancements, and analyzes market trends driving the demand for military GNSS anti-jamming systems. As military platforms increasingly rely on GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite Systems), the threat of jamming and interference devices has grown. To counteract the efficiency of these platforms, there has been a rapid development of jamming technology. This development has prompted countries, particularly those with electronic warfare capabilities, to either upgrade existing GNSS systems or develop new ones to address the escalating jamming challenges. This study illuminates the evolving landscape of GNSS anti-jamming solutions for military applications. It uncovers the strategies driving technological advancements in anti-jam antennas and receivers, revealing hidden market opportunities within the latest technological developments. The report also explores the adoption patterns of new anti-jamming technologies in various military organizations worldwide. It sheds light on how different countries are preparing to adapt to the changing norms in electronic warfare and the challenges posed by jamming electronic munitions, aircraft, and battleships. Many platforms currently relying on conventional anti-jamming methods and algorithms will need to replace their outdated technologies. This transition has already commenced and is expected to accelerate from 2024 onwards. Prior to that, numerous platforms will undergo testing and pilot projects. Those that have already initiated these tests will be at the forefront of the emerging electronic warfare landscape. In both the United States and Europe, there is a growing emphasis on the precision of Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) data through the development of Assured PNT solutions. The United States, in particular, is actively involved in developing APNT solutions and will supply this technology to European allies for laboratory and field testing starting in 2021. In anticipation of rising tensions in the South China Sea, the United States is preparing a new generation of satellites, ground segments, and anti-jamming APNT solutions for ground, air, and seaborne platforms. These new solutions, equipped with anti-jamming capabilities and precise PNT functionalities, will be integrated into over 700 platforms, bolstering their capabilities in electronic warfare scenarios. Reasons to buy Determine prospective investment areas based on a detailed trend analysis of the Military GNSS Anti-jamming market over the next eight years Gain an in-depth understanding of the underlying factors driving demand for different Military GNSS Anti-jamming platforms in the top spending countries and other potential non-U.S. markets across the world and identify the opportunities offered by each of them Strengthen your understanding of the market in terms of demand drivers, industry trends, and the latest technological developments, among others. Identify the major channels that are driving the global Military GNSS Anti-jamming market, providing a clear picture of future opportunities that can be tapped, resulting in revenue expansion. Channelize resources by focusing on the ongoing programs that are being undertaken by the defense ministries of different countries within the global Military GNSS Anti-jamming market. Make correct business decisions based on thorough analysis of the total competitive landscape of the sector with detailed profiles of the Military GNSS Anti-jamming systems providers around the world which include information about their products, alliances, recent contract wins and financial analysis wherever available Leading Companies: Products and Services, Recent Developments and Contracts, SWOT Analysis Antcom BAE Systems Collins Aerospace Chelton General Dynamics Hertz Systems Ltd Sp. z o. o. L3 Harris Lockheed Martin Mayflower Communications Company Inc. NovAtel Oralia Raytheon Thales Technologies and Developments Recent Considerable Developments Multichannel Controlled Reception Pattern Antenna Ground-Based Mounted Assured PNT (MAPS) for Army Vehicles Dismounted Assured PNT (DAPS) in Handheld Devices for Foot Soldiers Platform-Dedicated Anti-Jam Electronics Immune Satellite Navigation System (iSNS) Anti-Jamming GNSS System for Unmanned Vehicles Digital Anti-jamming System Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Module (SAASM) HGPST-T Receiver Advanced GNSS Anti-jamming Receivers M-Code Receivers GNSS Anti-Jamming Antennas Fixed reception pattern antennas (FRPA) Controlled Reception-Pattern Antennas (CRPA) GNSS Anti-jamming market volume distribution over the forecast period by Region Approaches to Military GNSS Anti-Jamming Competitive Landscape Digital Antijamming: Future of Anti-jamming Systems Country Analysis The US New GPS Satellites Next-Generation Operational Control System (OCX) Military GPS User Equipment (MGUE) programs Protected Anti-Jam Tactical SATCOM (PATS) Europe UK GAARDIAN Chelton CPRA Antenna System Cobham Anti-jam System Landshield Germany GALANT Russia China Japan India For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/bv5p8s 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 View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-military-gnss-anti-jamming-systems-market-report-2023-2031-latest-developments-from-the-us-uk-germany-russia-china-india-and-japan-301991921.html SOURCE Research and Markets [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 17, 2023] Government of Canada launches applications for $170 million Low Carbon Economy Challenge, highlighting University of Victoria pollution-cutting project Tweet VICTORIA, BC, Nov. 17, 2023 /CNW/ - Canadians are calling for action to fight climate change in a way that will build a strong economy, keep life affordable, and ensure clean air for communities. The Low Carbon Economy Challenge is just one of the many ways the Government of Canada is working with partners across the country to leverage Canadian ingenuity to fight climate change, generate clean growth, build resilient communities, and create good jobs for Canadians. Today, Julie Dabrusin, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, announced the launch of a new application period for the Low Carbon Economy Challenge, known as the Challenge Fund, on behalf of the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change. The Challenge Fund will invest up to $170 million to support projects that deploy proven, low-carbon technologies, such as energy efficiency retrofits, waste diversion, and fuel switching, like renewable energy production or heat pump installations. These investments will reduce greenhouse gas emissions across sectors and contribute to meeting Canada's 2030 emissions reduction target, creating a healthy environment while building strong, clean, energy-efficient communities. Parliamentary Secretary Dabrusin was joined by Kristi Simpson, Vice-President, Finance and Operations at the University of Victoria in British Columbia, to highlight progress on a project to electrify a portion of the district energy system that services 32 buildings across its main campus. Supported by up to $2.4 million from the 2022 Challenge Fund, the university is replacing one existing natural gas boiler with electric boilers, which will reduce consumption of natural gas and its overall greenhouse gas emissions, helping the university save on costs and creating a cleaner campus environment. Projects like these help sectors work toward innovative solutions that allow them to reduce emissions, cut energy costs, and create jobs. The department is now accepting applications for the Challenge Fund until February 8, 2024. Applicants can find more information on the program, project eligibility, and the application process by visiting the Low Carbon Economy Challenge website. Quotes "The Challenge Fund supports local initiatives that are significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and bring us closer every day to reach our national emissions reduction target. Through the Low Carbon Economy Fund, the Government of Canada is partnering with climate leaders across the country to cut emissions, cut costs, and create jobs, and will continue to do so through this renewed funding." Julie Dabrusin, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change "The University of Victoria is grateful for the support of the federal government in accelerating our university's efforts to achieve aggressive carbon reductions in the near term and position us for longer-term success in becoming a net-zero campus. Our campus community has challenged us to do better, creating a sustainable campus. This support will allow us to reduce emissions by 50 percent compared to 2010 levels. UVic now ranks as the world's third-best university for climate action. This next transition will help move the bar forward again for what's feasibleand achievablein UVic's vision for climate action." Kristi Simpson, Vice-President, Finance and Operations, University of Victoria Quick facts The Low Carbon Economy Challenge is supporting projects across the country that invest in proven, low-carbon technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Canada launched the Emissions Reduction Plan in 2022, laying out steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent below 2005 levels by 2030, and reach net-zero emissions by 2050. launched the Emissions Reduction Plan in 2022, laying out steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent below 2005 levels by 2030, and reach net-zero emissions by 2050. On November 14, 2023 , the Government of Canada launched the Low Carbon Economy Indigenous Leadership Fund, which will invest up to $180 million in clean energy and energy-efficiency projects led by First Nations, Inuit, and Metis communities and organizations. Associated links The Low Carbon Economy Challenge Government of Canada Launches the Indigenous Leadership Fund to Support First Nations, Inuit, and Metis Climate Action The 2030 Emissions Reduction PlanCanada's Next Steps for Clean Air and a Strong Economy Budget 2022A Plan to Grow Our Economy and Make Life More Affordable Environment and Climate Change Canada's Twitter page Environment and Climate Change Canada's Facebook page SOURCE Environment and Climate Change Canada [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 17, 2023] Foreign Exchange Market to grow by USD 516.48 billion from 2023 to 2028; market is fragmented due to the presence of prominent companies like Bank of America Corp., Barclays PLC and BNP Paribas SA, and many more - Technavio Tweet NEW YORK, Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The foreign exchange market is estimated to grow by USD 516.48 billion from 2023 to 2028, growing at a CAGR of 10.31%. The foreign exchange market is fragmented owing to the presence of many global and regional companies. A few prominent companies that offer foreign exchange market are Bank of America Corp., Barclays PLC, BNP Paribas SA, Citigroup Inc., Commonwealth Bank of Australia, DBS Bank Ltd., Deutsche Bank AG, HSBC Holdings Plc, JPMorgan Chase and Co., London Stock Exchange Group plc, NatWest Group plc, Societe Generale SA, Standard Chartered PLC, State Street Corp., The Bank of Nova Scotia, The Goldman Sachs Group Inc., UBS Group AG, Westpac Banking Corp., and XTX Markets Ltd. The report provides a full list of key companies, their strategies, and the latest developments. Download Free Sample before buying Company Offering: Bank of America Corp. - The company offers foreign exchange services such as outbound domestic wire transfer and outbound international wire transfer services. The company offers foreign exchange services such as outbound domestic wire transfer and outbound international wire transfer services. Barclays PLC - The company offers foreign exchange services such as Barclays foreign exchange service for personal travel and business transactions. The company offers foreign exchange services such as Barclays foreign exchange service for personal travel and business transactions. BNP Paribas SA - The company offers foreign exchange services such as Cortex FX's advanced multi-product FX trading platform. The company offers foreign exchange services such as Cortex FX's advanced multi-product FX trading platform. For details on companies and their offerings Buy a report! Based on Geography, the market is classified as North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa. Europe is estimated to contribute 43% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period. North America is also another region that is expected to grow at a significant rate during the forecast period. Between October 2020 and October 2021 , the volume of currency transactions in North America increased by 3.6%. This increase in the regions foreign exchange market can be attributed to regular monitoring and control of trade. During the forecast period, sales agents may have an important role in providing auditable standards for trading procedures and this could lead to easier communications among traders. Download a free sample report to get more insights on the market share of various regions and the contribution of the segments. Impactful driver- Growing urbanization and digitalization Growing urbanization and digitalization Key Trend - 24x7 trading opportunities for foreign exchange - 24x7 trading opportunities for foreign exchange Major Challenges - Counterparty risks with respect to foreign exchange Market Segmentation Based on Type, the market is classified into reporting dealers, other financial institutions, and non-financial customers. The reporting dealers segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. During the maturity period, the market participants that operate on the foreign exchange market are holding risky inventories. Regarding liquidity, the suppliers who absorb an imbalance in the market shall be rewarded with large returns. Reporting dealers shall be defined as finance companies active in the domestic or international foreign exchange and derivatives markets. Technavio Research experts have provided more insights on the market share of segments - View the Free Sample Report Related Reports The microfinance market size is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 12.86% between 2023 and 2028. The market size is forecast to increase by USD 166.95 billion. The venture capital investment market size is estimated to decline at a CAGR of 20.88% between 2022 and 2027. The market size is forecast to increase by USD 737.56 billion. Foreign Exchange Market Scope Report Coverage Details Historic period 2018-2022 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 10.31% YoY growth 2022-2023 (%) 8.82 Regional analysis North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa Key countries US, China, Japan, UK, and Switzerland TOC: 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation by Type 7 Market Segmentation by Trade Finance Instruments 8 Customer Landscape 9 Geographic Landscape 10 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 11 Company Landscape 12 Company Analysis 13 Appendix About US Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focus on emerging market trends and provide actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contact US: Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/foreign-exchange-market-to-grow-by-usd-516-48-billion-from-2023-to-2028-market-is-fragmented-due-to-the-presence-of-prominent-companies-like-bank-of-america-corp-barclays-plc-and-bnp-paribas-sa-and-many-more---technavio-301991631.html SOURCE Technavio [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] BEIJING, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- The national giant panda conservation and research center, a world-class platform for giant panda research cooperation and exchange, was inaugurated Friday in Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province, southwest China. The center integrates the resources of the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda and the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, gathering outstanding giant panda research teams from across the country. According to the National Forestry and Grassland Administration, the center has established a giant panda conservation academic committee and a national innovation alliance. Looking ahead, the center will build a key giant panda laboratory and promote the establishment of similar laboratories for other endangered animals. The National Forestry and Grassland Administration, the Sichuan provincial forestry and grassland administration and the Chengdu municipal government have jointly allocated a starting capital of 110 million yuan (15.2 million U.S. dollars) for the giant panda conservation and research fund. Two major research projects on key technologies have been initiated, namely, to protect the wild giant panda population and habitat in national parks, and to improve the genetic diversity of the captive giant panda population. An international forum on giant panda protection will also be held by the center every two years, along with various research cooperation and cultural exchange activities. Also on Friday, an official with the administration said China will roll out a raft of measures to better protect the giant panda population. The country will improve conditions and technologies for the artificial breeding of giant pandas, and ensure the sustainable development of the giant panda populations that are in captive breeding, said the official at a seminar in Chengdu. To expand wild panda populations, the country will redouble efforts to restore its giant panda habitats and construct ecological corridors for the speedy resolution of problems like habitat fragmentation and isolation of regional populations. A panoramic, technologically advanced and effective monitoring system will be established in the Giant Panda National Park to cover both wild panda populations and those in the captive breeding program. The park stretches across Sichuan, Shaanxi and Gansu provinces and protects more than 70 percent of China's wild pandas. Annual on-site assessments will be carried out to guarantee the safety and health of giant pandas sojourning overseas, and their return to China should be managed well, the administration said. Labor uprising once again strike this embattled brand that has consistently make the mistake of believing their own hype . . . Check-it: The coffee shop at 10201 W. 75th St. closed after its baristas walked out in protest over working conditions. The strike began at 7 a.m. and fell on Red Cup Day (Nov. 16), a day in which customers who order a holiday drink receive a free, reusable red cup. But some employees view the promotional holiday as infamously hard and often understaffed, according to a statement from Starbucks Workers United. So baristas in more than 200 stores across the nation chose Red Cup Day to strike after two years of attempting to bargain with the company, which has yet to sign a contract with any of its unionized stores, according to the Associated Press. Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . Thousands of Starbucks workers are expected to go on a one-day strike Workers at more than 200 U.S. Starbucks stores plan to walk off the job Thursday. Organizers say it's the largest strike yet in the two-year-old effort to unionize the company's stores. Workers at this Johnson County Starbucks walk out, forcing store to close Thursday Johnson County baristas near Kansas City walked out of the coffee shop on Thursday over difficult working conditions on busy Red Cup Day. Developing . . . Our perspective . . . The "ceasefire" imagined by American progressive activists is nothing more than a culture war gambit given NEITHER SIDE seems interested or serious about stopping attacks against one another. Here's the word . .. Speaking with KCURs Up to Date, Cleaver said that the "Ceasefire Now" resolution still depends on Israel and Hamas to independently agree to halt military actions. Cleaver said that hes not confident the legislation, which is co-sponsored by fellow Missouri Democratic Rep. Cori Bush, will lead to any concrete results. You cant vote a ceasefire into existence you cant just sign your name on a thing and say, Im in favor of a ceasefire, and it happens," Cleaver says. Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . Today's reminder that the Northland remains watchful against rising crime in all of its forms, including illegal dumping. Here's the word . . . William M. Bell, 29, admitted he shot and killed Conrado Mendez, Jr. in March 2020. "Sadly, nothing will bring Conrado Mendez back, but it's good that his killer did not succeed in covering up his crimes. Thanks to the keen eyes of a levee district employee combined with the excellent work of the Riverside Police Department and the Kansas City Metro Squad, this murderer has been brought to justice," Platte County Prosecuting Attorney Eric Zahnd said. Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . Kansas City man who dumped body in Platte County gets 28 years A Kansas City man who murdered his roommate in Jackson County and then dumped the body in Platte County was sentenced to 28 years in prison Kansas City man sentenced 28 years in prison for murdering, dumping body of roommate in 2020 A Kansas City, Missouri, man was sentenced to 28 years in prison after he pleaded guilty on Thursday, Nov. 16, to murdering his roommate. KC man who killed his roommate, then dumped his body in Riverside, sentenced to 28 years in prison William M. Bell, 29, pleaded guilty to the death of Conrado Mendez, Jr. Developing . . . Again . . . Our only service as a FOR REALZ INDEPENDENT BLOGGER is to get to the crux of this debate rather than indulge in legalese deception . . . MISSOURI REPUBLICANS WORK DILIGENTLY TO STALL AN IMPENDING ABORTION VOTE DEFEAT!!! Polling and smarter GOP leaders at least acknowledge voter sentiment. Here's a peek at the latest report on elected official tap dancing . . . An appeals court ignored legal arguments, Ashcroft says, and the outcome was a foregone conclusion Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . Public meetings are underway . . . Here's a peek at the process . . . Residents are now being asked to weigh in on whether to change the governing structure. Bonner Springs residents got the first shot at a Thursday night community meeting. There was a 32-question survey created by Edwardsville Mayor Carolyn Caiharr available at the meeting. The survey's last question is, "Would you vote to consolidate?" Here is a list of upcoming community meetings where the survey will be available for Wyandotte County residents: Nov. 20th at the Edwardsville Community Center at 6pm. Nov. 28th at the Kansas City, Kansas Public Library at 6pm. Nov. 30th at the Kansas City, Kansas Public Library West Wyandotte Branch at 6pm. The last meeting is on December 7th at the Kansas City, Kansas Public Library South Branch at 6pm. Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . With the boom of music, movies, and TV series from South Korea, it is no surprise that many people around the world are curious to see what the Asian nation is like. This has led to many travelers flying to the country to have their own K-Pop or K-Drama experience. However, like any other country out there, there are customs and etiquette that travelers should abide by when visiting South Korea. No traveler should disrespect another country's culture, even if it's out of ignorance or excitement over seeing your favorite Korean idol or actor. Here's what you have to keep in mind about South Korea's customs and etiquette during your visit. How to Greet Other People Like its neighboring countries, it is polite to bow when greeting other people in South Korea. While you do not have to bend low to do it, a short bow will do. According to Visit Seoul, when performing a handshake in greeting, make sure it is done softly and both hands are used when doing so. Dining Etiquette Avoid from leaving your chopsticks sticking up from your bowl of rice and even using it to eat your rice. It is common practice in South Korea to use a spoon instead. It is likewise common practice to leave your spoon and chopsticks in their original position where you initially found them. Another thing to keep in mind is to avoid touching your food with your hands. An exception to this is when you wrap anything with cabbage. Also, do not be in such a rush to eat, especially if you're not the oldest person at the table. Korean customs allow the oldest person to begin eating first, followed by everyone else. Pouring Drinks Speaking of going out for drinks, believe it or not, it is not considered polite to pour your own drink when in South Korea. What you should do is pour someone else's drink for them, and they will do the same for you. Make sure to do this with both hands as well. Related Article: Five Things That First Time Travellers To Korea Must Know Tipping When dining or going out for drinks in one of Korea's many restaurants, cafes, bars, and clubs, it is actually not customary to tip. However, you are not prohibited from offering one to a staff. Just keep in mind that the staff may or may not opt to accept it at the end. Blowing Your Noses Another thing that is considered impolite in South Korea is to blow your nose in front of everyone. It is better to excuse yourself and head to somewhere private, like a restroom, to blow your nose. Seats for the Pregnant, Elderly, and Handicapped Both the buses as well as the trains in South Korea have allotted seats for pregnant women, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. When riding the bus, anyone can sit in these seats. However, once a pregnant woman, an elderly, or a person with disabilities boards the bus and is need of a seat, you should give up yours if you are seated in this specific area. As for trains, it is common practice to not sit at all these in these special seats unless you are pregnant, an elderly, or have a disability. Read Also: 5 Reasons Why Everyone Must Visit South Korea During The Winter Season BEIJING, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- The Work Safety Committee of China's State Council will supervise the investigation into a fire at a coal mine company building in north China's Shanxi Province, the Ministry of Emergency Management said on Friday. The fire, which broke out on Thursday morning in the Lishi District of Lyuliang City, left 26 dead and 38 injured, according to a press conference held by the provincial government. The committee will send a work team to help guide local authorities in investigating the accident according to relevant laws and regulations to find out the cause and seek accountability. Wang Xiangxi, the minister of emergency management, urged relevant departments to learn a lesson from the accident and tighten safety hazard checks in key areas thoroughly. Concrete actions must be taken to ward off major accidents and guarantee a stable security situation at the end of the year, Wang said. After the accident, 18 fire engines, 30 ambulances, more than 90 medical staff, and over 150 rescuers were mobilized for emergency rescue. As of 8:35 a.m. Thursday, the open fire was extinguished at the scene. The search and rescue concluded at 1:45 p.m. Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Malaysia's Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 17, 2023. (Xinhua/Shen Hong) BEIJING, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang met with Malaysia's Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof in Beijing on Friday, and both sides expressed willingness to deepen cooperation in various fields. Ding, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said China and Malaysia enjoy a time-honored friendship and bilateral relations have maintained a sound and steady development momentum. Noting that this year marks the 10th anniversary of the China-Malaysia comprehensive strategic partnership, and next year will mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries, Ding said China is willing to work with Malaysia to continuously consolidate traditional friendship, continue to bolster high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, deepen practical cooperation in various fields, and better benefit the two countries and the two peoples. Fadillah said Malaysia firmly supports the Belt and Road Initiative and is willing to strengthen cultural and people-to-people exchanges with China, deepen cooperation in agriculture, economy and trade, and build a more robust bilateral relationship. Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Malaysia's Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 17, 2023. (Xinhua/Shen Hong) One year after a mountain of dirt came crashing down on the Seascape Apartment Complex in Co By Jeff Murphy, November 16, 2023 Located on the south side of the University of Central Missouri campus, the James C. Kirkpatrick Library is a valuable information and learning resource. WARRENSBURG, MO Demonstrating the power of philanthropic support, the University of Central Missouri will celebrate Giving Tuesday on Nov. 28 with the rededication of the James C. Kirkpatrick Library (JCKL) at the facilitys first-floor Read and Relax area. The public is invited to attend the ceremony at noon to hear remarks by university leaders and check out state-of-the-art renovations that include modernized study and collaborative learning spaces, new study nooks, a wellness room, and soft furnishings made possible by the Koch Family Trust. Giving Tuesday is a global day of philanthropy that enables members of MuleNation to come together in support of the Central Annual Fund to create new opportunities and support students greatest needs. While encouraging others to contribute financially to UCM, the library rededication will publicly showcase what donors generosity can mean for UCM and its students. Roger Best, UCM president; Courtney Goddard, vice president for advancement and executive director of the Alumni Foundation; and Janette Klein, university librarian, will conduct the rededication ceremony. In June 2020, the Koch Family Trust provided a gift of $975,000 to UCM to support library operations. The trust was established by Oliver T. Koch and Mary G. Koch in 1990. Oliver graduated from Central Missouri State Teachers College in 1941 with a bachelors degree in Business Administration. During their lifetime, the couple supported student scholarships and the Kirkpatrick Library Construction Fund. Since its opening in 1999 the library has supported the academic needs of UCM students, faculty, staff, and community. The library has more than 200,000 square feet of floor space and more than 1.3 million physical and online books, documents, journals, and media resources. The library serves as a hub of scholarly conversation and research while featuring a variety of resources, including group and individual study rooms, a wellness room, computer lab with specialized software, research guides, and expert librarians who are dedicated to assisting individuals who utilize JCKL and its vast information resources while also delivering one-on-one research help and customized instructional support. The library is named for university alumnus, James C. Kirkpatrick, a former newspaper editor and publisher who served for 20 years as Missouri Secretary of State and was a 12-year member of the universitys governing board. While celebrating the librarys rededication, individuals are invited to consider opportunities to support the greatest needs of UCM students by making a gift to the Central Annual Fund on Giving Tuesday. Tyler Habiger, director of the Annual Fund at the UCM Alumni Foundation, said more than $50,000 in matching gifts have been committed so far to encourage individuals to contribute to new opportunities at the university that will benefit students. Individuals who donate a certain amount can receive limited-edition swag for their gifts. Anyone who wants to support UCM on Giving Tuesday through their charitable contributions can do so by visiting ucmgives.org or by calling 660-543-8000. It is important for U.S. national security that Congress pass President Joe Biden's supplemental funding request, which includes aid to Ukraine and Israel, as soon as possible. Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh said this at a briefing on Thursday, November 16, according to an Ukrinform correspondent. "We also urge Congress to pass our supplemental funding requests that would allow us to keep supporting Ukraine and Israel, providing lifesaving humanitarian assistance across the globe and making critical investments in the Indo-Pacific," she said. She added that the supplemental funding would also be an investment in the U.S. defense industrial base. In addition, this will help replenish the Pentagon's stocks of weapons that were provided earlier in the form of foreign aid. The supplemental budget request will meet the U.S.'s national security needs, Singh said. In this context, she specified that the U.S. Department of Defense currently has only $4.9 billion to use in the form of PDA (Presidential Drawdown Authority) packages. In addition, there is about $1.1 left to replenish the Pentagon's own reserves. According to Singh, more funds will be needed to support Ukraine, which is why the U.S. administration has submitted a request to Congress. "We know that Ukraine continues to endeavor in its counter-offensive and they need continued support on a regular basis. So we know that we have to do that. We know that we have to continue to meet their needs," she said. She said that this issue would definitely be discussed at the next meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group. The Pentagon will officially announce the date for the meeting in the next few days, Singh added. CANBERRA, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- A police officer was dead and another injured following a shooting at a rural property in South Australia (SA). SA Police Commissioner Grant Stevens on Friday morning identified Brevet Sergeant Jason Doig, 53, as the officer who was killed in the line of duty on Thursday night. Doig was responding to reports that a man had shot a dog at a property near Bordertown, 240 km southeast of Adelaide near SA's border with Victoria, with colleagues Michael Hutchinson and Rebekah Cass at 11:20 p.m. local time on Thursday when they were confronted by a 26-year-old armed man and Doig was shot. Stevens said at a press conference that colleagues and paramedics tried to save Doig but he died at the scene. Hutchinson, 59, was also shot and suffered non-life-threatening injuries. The 26-year-old suspect was shot by police and was flown to Adelaide to be treated for life-threatening injuries. "This is a tragic event that will have wide-ranging effects not just for police but people who rely on police for the safety and security they enjoy in our community," Stevens told reporters. "I can only offer my sincerest condolences to Jason's family and we hope Michael recovers quickly from his injuries." According to SA Police, it was the first death of an officer in the line of duty since 2002. Stevens said Doig had served in the SA Police since 1989 and announced a commissioner's inquiry into his death. In a statement posted on social media, Penny Wong, Australia's foreign minister and a senator for SA, said she was "devastated" for the family of Doig and offered condolences to his family and the police community. It was a landmark meeting. I was driving to the outskirts of Kyiv to get to a car service where a mobile hospital for the Ukrainian Armed Forces was being prepared to be sent to the front. With a super operating room, in which everything was done according to the last word of combat medicine, which allowed operations to be performed near the battlefield. I knew that this hospital was a project of the Romanian community, and I even thought that we needed to create portraits of the brightest representatives of social, not political, circles. I was met there by Radu Hossu, a Romanian blogger and political consultant, a friend of the Ukrainian military, who is currently completely immersed in providing assistance to Ukraine. Radu's mutli-million audience on Facebook, Twitter/X, and Telegram constantly read his posts, reports on the Ukrainian war and financially support projects to help the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Then Radu took me around the mobile operating room that was supposed to go to the East. He knew every detail there and he said that the cost of this operating room included a monthly donation of 10 euros from a Romanian retiree, and sometimes EUR 2,000-3,000 worth of investments from a Romanian entrepreneur. We agreed to meet again with Radu. I have recently learned that he was awarded the Order of Merit by the President of Ukraine. But he was at the front almost all the time and this interview continued in the mode of voice messages to the sounds of explosions and shelling and answers given in written form. Nevertheless, it is another puzzle of this war. - Did you have any relations with Ukraine and Ukrainians before the war? - When I was a child in the 90s, I had a friend, Sasha, in our hometown Brasov, in the heart of Romania, who was Ukrainian. His parents were separated and he lived with his mother if I remember correctly, who was a dentist. He spoke Romanian well and quickly integrated into the community and we children did not differentiate between him from the rest of the children. Apart from him, we never had any connection with Ukraine or Ukrainians. - How did you decide to start helping us? - In Romania, I am a political consultant in a young, pro-EU, pro-NATO party, pro a society where the rules are equal for everyone. First of all, in order to have equality of opportunity, which I sincerely believe in, you have to have a chance to have that equality. Russia violated this equality of opportunity for the Ukrainian people, with the invasion in 2014, and then with the full-scale invasion on February 24 last year. This means that the Russian Federation, a state sponsor of terrorism, as has also been declared by Romania in the European Union Parliament, has violated international law and itself the treaties that it, the Russian Federation, has signed. This is unacceptable to me. I want to live, and if I have children, I want them to live in a just world, where there is equality of opportunity. I want to live in a world where I have the right to choose my future. I want to live in a world where the law is equal for all, not 'more equal' for those with more muscle. For me, the invasion of Russia was the purest example of Good versus Evil. Even Hollywood, if they had thought of a script, would not have come up with such a horror, with scenes like Bucha, Irpin, Izium, etc. Thus, I started writing about the war in Romania and became one of the most read Romanians on Facebook, on this topic. One day I was contacted by a Ukrainian soldier of Romanian origin, named Misha, who volunteered in TRO (Territorial Defense Forces) and so I decided to help not only by fighting Russian propaganda, but also by acting in a different manner. - What is the history of your help, tell us by dates, activities? - I started fundraising in August 2022 and until June 2023, when I decided to stop, I collected on my Facebook page in my personal account more than 600,000 euros which turned into various aids for the Ukrainian Army and civilians in the localities liberated by the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The Romanian press says it is probably the largest fundraising by an individual for the war and humanitarian effort in Ukraine. I don't know how to count that. What is certain, however, is that I am the only Romanian civilian citizen (i.e. without an official position) who was decorated by Decree 556/2023 of September 4, 2023 by the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky with the Order of Merit, third degree (https://www.president.gov.ua/documents/5562023-48201). In September 2023, I came to Ukraine and spent about three months on the eastern front line in Kharkiv region together with the Intelligence and Reconnaissance Team, called "Uzhgorod Boys." They were the first to receive non-lethal help from the Romanians through me: ballistic helmets and NATO standard bulletproof vests. Then, of course, I helped from the team level to the Brigade level, which is why the Brigade's Vice-Commander awarded me last year with a decoration called "Big Heart" for my volunteer work in support of the 101st TRO Transcarpathian Brigade. I bought and exported for the army through an NGO in Ukraine over 20 4x4 pickup trucks, 4 DAC Military Trucks, over 30 medium and high power generators for winter, DJI Matrice 30T drones, Autel and other models, dozens and dozens of tonnes of humanitarian aid, I invested over 150,000 euros in what is now called "Oleg Gubal Medical Complex," 100,000 euros in 5 ambulances that I brought and donated to hospitals and military units in Ukraine, a fire truck worth almost 30,000 euros that I personally drove on January 20, 2023 to the middle of Bakhmut that I funded in honor of one of the heroes of Uzhgorod, Oleg Gubal, the one who was like a Guardian to me when I was at the front and who died a year ago, on November 10, 2022. Another project I am still working on is the repair of the Kherson sewage and water treatment plant, a project in which I have invested more than 85,000 euros, which is why I am also in Ukraine now. Since September 2022 I have been in several cities in Ukraine where I have distributed aid: Sloviansk, Kramatorsk, Izium - where I was exactly the week when it was liberated, Kharkiv, Velykyi Burluk and especially Bakhmut, where I was 3 times during the siege: October 2022, November 2022 and January 20, 2023, when Bakhmut was in close tactical encirclement, and the route I had to choose was Kostiantynivka-Chasiv Yar - "Death Road" - Khoromove - Bakhmut. I am proud because from Bakhmut I extracted and practically saved civilians, together with Misha. Probably this project, together with humanitarian aid, ambulances and the Oleg Gubal Mobile Medical Complex are among the activities I am most proud of. - What are the most emotional moments of the war and your participation in it for you? - Emotions come in many forms, I have experienced all kinds of emotions in this war. One emotion I didn't experience was that this war is like in the movies. Unfortunately, there are far too many people commenting from the sidelines, from Western countries, who if they slept even one night on the front line where I was, would realize that war is the cruelest, most ruthless and destructive thing humanity has ever invented. The most painful emotion was learning about the death of Oleg Gubal. To have someone you consider a comrade die, even though I am only a War Correspondent, Accredited by the Armed Forces of Ukraine, is unimaginable. It's like losing family. After months of standing shoulder to shoulder, with death dancing around us, a bond is created between people that cannot be broken very easily. This is one of the things the Russians don't understand: the strength of Ukrainian morale is far beyond theirs, because they fight for money, and Ukrainians fight for their freedom, their family and their nation. The most beautiful emotion was when I managed to take the fire truck to Bakhmut and saw those rescuers who every day put their lives in danger, extremely emotional. They didn't believe that a fire truck with Romanian numbers would ever reach them in Bakhmut. Another touching moment was when the commander of the team I was on the zero line with, codenamed "Kherson", gave me a gift from him for an action that will remain only in my memory and in the memories of those there. He gave me a talisman necklace received from his wife and said: "This was given to me by my wife to protect me. From now on it is yours and you will see that nothing bad will happen to you in this war." Which was true. Even though I was under dozens of artillery barrages, heard the roar of bombs, slept in the bitter cold, under the open sky, in the dark, endured all the weather vicissitudes, had the misfortune of cars breaking down, had my personal press car pierced by shrapnel from a Russian bomb, and had another car explode in Romania, (I have not much love from the Russians), it is true what the commander "Kherson" told me: I will be protected. And I was. - I saw a photo that your wife also helps refugees. - She is my future wife, we are not officially married yet, precisely because I promised the "Uzhgorod Boys" that they would be invited to the wedding, which means that we can't have the wedding until Ukraine wins! Flavia Boghiu is her name, she is the deputy mayor of Brasov, the most visited city in Romania and was the organizer of the most complex refugee center in Romania, the only Blue Dot certified center inside Romania (the rest being at the border), which became an example of best practice and was praised on CNN USA in prime-time, and received personal thanks from one of President Zelensky's advisors. - Can you tell us about her projects? - Flavia Boghiu is a supporter of Ukraine, she was invited alongside the Mayor of Warsaw, Poland to speak to the European Parliament's Refugee Committee and advocated for more help for families who are sadly uprooted, in pain and many of whom have members who have died or been injured in the war. She comes from a social work background, before becoming Deputy Mayor of Brasov in 2020, having spent 10 years as CEO of the largest "Home Care" company and being President of the largest cluster of NGOs active in the social field. Thus, it was and is natural for him to extend a helping hand to those who needed it most in those first months of the war. The Ukrainian refugee center in Brasov is still recognized as one of the most complex and best-serviced in the world, and Flavia, when she can, gives me a helping hand, and apart from that she lives with her heart in her mouth every time I am in the middle of the war, she happened to come to Ukraine on holiday and be a volunteer driver. I am lucky to have her, and the Ukrainians who have arrived in Brasov are lucky that she is the one who had the idea of opening the refugee center and was its coordinator for the first few months. - How do the people of Romania perceive Ukrainians? - Now you force me to speak as a consultant: In the latest opinion poll, even with "war fatigue", Romanians are in a majority on Ukraine's side and believe that no concessions should be made to Russia. However, in order to maintain this majority, it is not enough for President Zelensky to come in Romania once or for me to write posts that are read by millions of people (because I also write on Facebook, Twitter/X and Telegram), but it is necessary for Ukraine, through its diplomacy, to give priority to the Ukrainian Embassy in Romania, which in turn has the capacity to develop lasting bilateral relations, cultivated on solid foundations and on trust between the two peoples. Unfortunately, without direct action from the Ukrainian state, these things will not happen by themselves and I am sounding the alarm on this situation, knowing that your publication is widely read. In Romania there is an extremist, pro-Russian party, whose president George Simion has been declared persona non grata in Ukraine and is banned from entering Ukraine until March 2024. I hope that this ban will be continued in the first place, because in 2024 Romania will have 4 rounds of elections, and George Simion will try any political game to appear to be clean-handed, as he is a wolf in sheep's clothing. At the same time, unfortunately, due to the inability of the Romanian central authorities to communicate, a certain hostility has been generated among Romanians towards Ukrainian male refugees who own very expensive SUVs. I know what the exceptions to martial law are and on the basis of which Ukrainian men can leave the country, and I can guarantee you that the majority of Ukrainian men have not left Ukraine legally. Here, a joint message from the Ukrainian and Romanian authorities denouncing such practices, coupled with firm action by the Ukrainian authorities against these individuals, would make not only Romanians, but also other peoples where such hostility exists, look more and more favorably on Ukrainians again. - It seems to me that Romania's participation is underestimated. We don't know much about it. And the potential of the relationship is revealed. Tell us about what Romanians and Ukrainians have been able to build since your country opened its country to refugees. - First of all, I think it is a human, moral obligation to open your arms to refugees. Nobody, no state, should be congratulated for that. This is normality in the 21st century, isn't it? So, yes, I am glad that Romania, like many other countries, has done it, but that does not mean that we are extraordinary in any way. What we are extraordinary about is the fact that, despite the fact that we had a severe lack of government communication, Romanians organized themselves, civically, and helped Ukraine and Ukrainians. I am an example of how over 600,000 euros can be raised with a Facebook page. Lana Samokhvalova, Kyiv KUNMING, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- Chinese paleontologists have discovered what is potentially the earliest fossil evidence linking adult dinosaurs with nests. They have reported that the eggshells may have been similar to leather, a finding that would deepen our understanding of dinosaur reproduction. The study, published in National Science Review, said that fossils of an Early Jurassic dinosaur species had been found in a layer of purple, silty mudstone in Guizhou, southwest China. The find comprised five clutches of embryo-filled eggs and at least three adult skeletons that lived approximately 190 million years ago. The specimens that are from a sauropodmorph family have been named Qianlong shouhu, literally meaning "a dragon in Guizhou that protects its embryos." Sauropodmorphs were a group of medium to large-sized, plant-eating, "lizard-hipped" dinosaurs with long necks and tails, and they were some of the largest animals to ever walk on the earth. The research team included members from Yunnan University, China University of Geosciences in Wuhan, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guizhou Provincial Museum and Pingba Institute of Cultural Relics Administration in Anshun. Together, they examined the eggshells using multiple techniques. They found that Qianlong produced eggs that are relatively large, and have a relatively thick calcareous layer compared with other early-diverging sauropodmorph dinosaurs. The preserved Qianlong egg clutches vary in size, with the smallest clutch containing three eggs and the largest containing 16, and most of the eggs would have been rounded to elliptical, according to the study. Their analysis indicated that dinosaurs had eggs that were distinct from those of other reptilian groups, as they were moderately elongated and thin-shelled. These Early Jurassic fossils provide strong evidence for the theory that the earliest dinosaur eggs would have had leathery shells. To test this hypothesis, the paleontologists assembled an egg database from 210 fossilized and extant reptilian species -- the largest database of reptile eggs to date and represent all major reptilian clades. The similar ossification levels of the Qianlong embryos suggest Qianlong practiced synchronous breeding and hatching strategy at the unearthed colonial nesting site. "Like modern turtles, they might have come out of their shells at the same time -- a strategy that would have aided their escape from predators," said Han Fenglu, the paper's first author, who works at the China University of Geosciences in Wuhan. Also, the adult-embryo limb ratios indicate that a 6-meter-long adult individual of Qianlong would have walked on its hind limbs alone, but young individual would likely have used all four. The team's findings are significant to the understanding of the reproductive biology of reptiles, and particularly that of dinosaurs, according to the researchers. Southwest China is home to a rich collection of early dinosaur fossils. The skeleton of Lufengosaurus huenei, a herbivorous dinosaur that existed in the Early Jurassic period, was excavated in southwest China in 1938. It initialized China's systematic and professional dinosaur research and led to the discovery of one of the world's largest and most significant dinosaur fossil sites spanning the early and middle epochs of the Jurassic period. MOGADISHU, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- Floods caused by heavy rains that started early October in Somalia have killed 50 people and displaced more than a half million others, the country's national disaster agency said. Somalia Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA) said the torrential rains have also caused landslides and flash floods in other parts of Somalia, destroying crops and livestock. "The floods in the country have killed 50 people and displaced more than half a million citizens," SoDMA Commissioner Mohamed Moalim told journalists in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, Thursday evening. Moalim said the agency has dispatched a relief cargo plane to Bardhere district in southern Somalia to help victims of floods amid United Nations warnings that widespread displacement, increased humanitarian needs and further destruction of property are expected. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said that 1.24 million people have already been affected by heavy rains and flooding, and more are expected. The UN and its partners estimate that 1.6 million people could be affected by flooding in the current deyr (October to December) rainy season, and 1.5 million hectares of farmland could be destroyed. Increased rainfall is forecast due to a concurrence of El Nino conditions and a positive Indian Ocean Dipole phenomenon. According to a flood advisory released Monday by Somalia Water and Land Information Management, which was managed by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, flooding was reported along the entire Juba River with increasing magnitude at Bardhere and downstream at Saakow and Bualle. Along the Shabelle River, flooding was reported with increasing magnitude at Beledweyne and moderate magnitude at Balcad. The UN projects a flood event of a magnitude statistically likely only once in 100 years, with significant anticipated humanitarian impacts. The OCHA said that while all possible preparatory measures are being pursued, a flood of this magnitude can only be mitigated and not prevented. Turkmen Forensic Laboratory Receives International Accreditation for the First Time with UNODC Support The Central Forensics Bureau of Turkmenistan has recently received international accreditation in line with the main standard of the International Standardization Organization (ISO) for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories (17025). The accreditation relates specifically to the analysis of alcohol in human blood and is a formal recognition of the competence demonstrated by the Turkmen laboratory in terms of forensic quality management and ability to produce valid results. The accreditation follows the completion of a technical assistance initiative implemented by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) with financial support from the US State Departments Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL). The project followed a comprehensive approach to strengthen forensic services in Turkmenistan. Based on an initial needs assessment conducted in 2019, UNODC rolled out a package of interventions to develop forensic policies, introduce a new forensic quality management system and train forensic experts. Roll out of a new forensic quality management system Project activities covered the two main providers of forensic services in Turkmenistan, namely the Center for Criminological Research under the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Central Forensic Bureau under the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry. To achieve alignment with ISO requirements, UNODC provided expert support to the Central Forensic Bureau in developing and facilitating the roll-out of a new management system for quality assurance. In total, 27 standard operating procedures and 85 checklists were developed to guide the entire work process of the Bureau and ensure the quality and integrity of laboratory examinations. New skills for Turkmen forensic experts During a period of 2 years from 2020 to 2022, over 40 Turkmen forensic experts, including 14 women, passed an intensive training program, comprised of 6 training sessions to enhance their professional expertise and skills in managing evidence and crime scenes, ensuring quality, integrity and impartiality while carrying out laboratory tests and routine work in line with the ISO/IEC 17025 requirements. Topics covered by the training program included validation of methods, reading and interpretation of the equipment metrics, use of control charts in laboratory tests and estimation of measurement uncertainty, risk management and corrective actions, internal audits and management review. As a result of the training program, Turkmenistan now has a pool of skilled forensic experts able to conduct forensic analysis in line with the new quality management system. Training materials produced by the project continue to be used during regular on-the-job training. Calibration, certified reference materials and proficiency testing To strengthen and ensure the validity and accuracy of the Central Forensic Bureaus laboratory examinations, UNODC supported the Bureau to acquire certified reference materials and get its laboratory glassware and measurement devices calibrated by an accredited, foreign calibration laboratory. This enabled the Bureau to obtain consistent and precise data during tests and successfully pass proficiency testing exercises focused on the determination of alcohol and drugs in human fluids. From 2020 to 2022, the Central Forensic Bureau took part in five rounds of UNODCs International Collaborative Exercises (ICE), and two rounds of proficiency testing exercises provided by Collaborative Testing Services (USA) and LGC Standards (UK). Accreditation under ISO/IEC 17025:2017 UNODC supported the development and implementation of an action plan to prepare the Central Forensic Bureau for accreditation. With the support of an international expert, the project conducted an audit of the Central Forensic Bureau to assess its compliance with the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025:2017. The Central Forensic Bureau developed 2 methods to analyze alcohol in human fluids (blood), based on which it then sought accreditation. With UNODC support, in March 2023 the Kyrgyz Center for Accreditation visited the Central Forensic Bureau to carry out the necessary assessment of the laboratory procedures, personnel and technical capacity. After the assessment, the Bureau undertook the necessary corrective actions recommended by the Kyrgyz Center for Accreditation. This included the calibration of laboratory scales and gas chromatograph. When the process was successfully completed in October 2023, the Central Forensic Bureau received the accreditation certificate, thus becoming the first Turkmen laboratory to achieve full compliance with ISO standards. For more details on UNODCs work to strengthen forensic services in Turkmenistan, please read the final report on the implementation of the UNODC/INL project, available here. *** For more information, contact Vasilina Brazhko Communications and Pr Specialist at the UNODC criminal justice programme in central Asia at +996775987817 WhatsApp vasilina.brazhko [at]un.org UNODC celebrates community resilience in Borno State Tweet The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), through its STRIVE Juvenile project, joined hands with the Borno State Government to celebrate the inspiring achievements of young people and communities in promoting peace and protecting children from conflict at an exciting event held on November 16, 2023, in Maiduguri. Participants witnessed UNODC handing over three Community Dialogue Structures to the Borno State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development and National Orientation Agency. The Community Dialogue Structures bring together selected STRIVE Juvenile Youth Peace Champions who have been trained and mentored by UNODC - and Community Leaders to facilitate crucial dialogue and conflict resolution.Together, they form a formidable alliance in our journey towards a harmonious and united Borno State noted Hajiya Zainab Jidda, State Director, National Orientation Agency. The handover ceremony marked a significant milestone in UNODCs work to empower communities to achieve the vision of Governor Zulums Borno Model by promoting a culture of peace and resilience. Amidst this adversity, we have witnessed an indomitable spirit of resilience and determination among the young minds of Borno. They have proven themselves to be the torchbearers of hope, eager to bring about positive change and sow the seeds of peace. statedZuwaira Gambo, Honorable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development. The event also saw the launch of a short video documentary, Stories of Resilience, directed by young local filmmaker Musa Gwary. The film reveals seldom-told stories of hope glimpsed through the shadows of Boko Harams violence; and showcases the influential contribution that STRIVE Juvenile Youth Peace Champions are making in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council and Jere Local Government Areas in Borno. It is a call to action that will raise awareness; mobilize community support; and foster transformative actions. An exhibition of photographs, produced by STRIVE Juvenile in partnership with the Borno State Art and Culture Council, concluded the event, providing attendees with a visual narrative that echoed the resilience and strength demonstrated by the people of Borno State. The UNODC project, STRIVE Juvenile: Preventing and Responding to Violence against Children by Terrorist and Violent Extremist Groups is funded by the European Union and works to develop and implement comprehensive national responses to prevent and counter terrorism and violent extremism affecting children, in full respect of human rights, gender equality and international law. UNODC remains dedicated to supporting Nigeria implement the Borno Model; provide a secure and peaceful environment for children; and counter the effects of terrorism. Follow @UNODC_Nigeria Hong Kong, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 17th Nov, 2023) Shares in Chinese e-commerce titan Alibaba tanked more than seven percent at the Hong Kong open Friday after the firm's surprise decision to call off part of its high-profile restructuring because of the US-China chip war. In a move that shocked investors, the Hangzhou-based tech giant said Thursday that US curbs on exports of advanced chips had forced it to call off the spinoff of its cloud computing arm. The firm's stock dived 7.13 percent soon after the starting bell in Hong Kong, tracking a collapse in its New York-listed shares. Washington has moved to bar the shipment to China of powerful chips, including those from California-based Nvidia, which are crucial to the development of artificial intelligence, on national security grounds. In one of its most wide-ranging restructurings, Alibaba said in March it planned to split the vast group into six distinct entities that would be able to separately pursue funding through public listings. But on Thursday, it called off the creation of its Cloud Intelligence arm in light of "the recent expansion of US restrictions on export of advanced computing chips". "We believe that a full spin-off of Cloud Intelligence Group may not achieve the intended effect of shareholder value enhancement," the company said in its earnings release. "Accordingly, we have decided to not proceed with a full spin-off, and instead we will focus on developing a sustainable growth model for Cloud Intelligence Group under the fluid circumstances," Alibaba said. Alibaba is a key player in China's expansive digital economy and the operator of a major online shopping platform. ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 17th Nov, 2023) Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa has reconstituted the National Judicial Automation Committee (NJAC) to improve the efficiency of judiciary. The committee, headed be headed by Justice Mansoor Ali Shah of the Supreme Court, would comprise Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar of the SC, besides judges of high courts and the Federal Shariat Court, a press release on Friday said. The NJAC will work towards the digitalization of the court's processes and records, introduce mobile applications for better access to justice and improve case management. The committee aims to automate and integrate the judiciary and also introduce artificial intelligence (AI) in the legal processes and research. It will prepare a national plan based on technology and AI to improve the efficiency of service delivery of the judiciary. "Justice Shah believes that the justice sector in Pakistan should take advantage of the new developments in technology. The world has moved from the age of the Industrial Revolution to the Era of Technological Transformation, and the justice sector in Pakistan needs to invest in state-of-the-art digital infrastructure, modernized training programmes, and robust measures for better administration of justice," the press release said. "Justice Mazhar thinks that the digitization of the justice sector is only the beginning of the transformative change they envision for the legal system. As they move forward, they remain committed to continually enhancing their digital capabilities, further improving access to justice, and ensuring a transparent and efficient legal process for all," it added. Justice Shah was a Judge and later Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court. During his tenure, he established a Resource Center and launched a distinctive automation project that resulted in the successful deployment of Case Flow Management System. Similarly, Justice Mazhar took several initiatives to equip the High Court of Sindh with IT technology. The NJAC is a sub-committee of the National Judicial Policy Making Committee (NJPMC) which is an apex body responsible for improving the performance of the administration of justice, harmonizing the judicial processes and standards, and ensuring a skilled and efficient judiciary. The NJPMC Chairman is CJP Qazi Faez Isa. The Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan acts as the NJPMC's secretariat and and supports the NJAC in its work. ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 17th Nov, 2023) Federal Directorate of education (FDE) has directed the heads of educational institutions specifically to encourage students to actively participate in ensuring a clean and healthy environment without compromising routine academic activities. According to a notification regarding FDE guidelines on hygiene, the students are kept away from hazardous chemicals, students and staff are instructed on proper use of toilets, cleaning sinks and countertop surfaces and toilet floor after use. Given the size of our educational institutions, it is often a challenging task for custodial staff to manage cleaning and maintenance tasks alone, said Riffat Jabeen, Director Academics, Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) while talking to APP on Friday. It is common that students litter the premises by throwing waste here and there even in the presence of waste bin, she remarked. Therefore, teachers emphasize the importance of cleanliness and hygiene during their lectures. She said the Head Teachers ensure cleaning supplies like disinfectants, toilet brushes, mops and cleaning clothes. Keeping in view the importance of hygiene facilities, the Federal Government has started the Oral Hygiene Program at 423 public sector schools and colleges under the Federal Directorate of Education (FDE). Under this Program, the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training distributes Hygiene Kits among students of government educational institutions within the ICT jurisdiction. Under the Hygiene Kits program started in April 2023, as many as 100,000 kits have been distributed among students, Riffat Jabeen said. Doctors are also engaged to guide students on health and hygiene issues. But, despite her claims, there are complaints of missing facilities especially at female schools, as poor cleanliness and substandard food supplied by canteens inside the institutions and private vendors outside, was proving to be hazardous for students' health. In many cases, there is also a deficiency of bathrooms as compared to the number of students with many needing immediate repair and up-gradation as Director Monitoring FDE Malik Sohail assured to bridge this gap and claimed that these facilities would be provided sooner. Hygiene conditions are far better now than the past especially at institutions where the Principal and staff are active, he said. As most of the buildings are properly cared of, there are instances of old and worn out furniture, soggy walls with falling whitewash and dirty floors, making the rooms environment stinky. Caretaker Education Minister Madad Ali Sindhi had directed FDE to provide a detailed proposal for the maintenance of facilities. The government would provide necessary funding for up-gradation of the facilities. He also directed the FDE to regularly conduct an audit of food quality and cancel the contract of those involved in selling unhygienic food. Although the government has initiated multiple measures to promote better hygiene at educational institutions, still there are challenges like inadequate attention to hygiene concepts in the curricula, an un-conducive environment and a communication gap between teachers and parents. Therefore, the authorities must adopt a holistic approach by involving all stakeholders to promote hygiene, revise the curriculum and raise awareness among teachers, parents and students. ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 17th Nov, 2023) Pakistan and Russia have agreed to strengthen collaborative efforts to effectively combat terrorism, underscoring the mutual benefits of such cooperation, the Foreign Office said on Friday. The two sides discussed various forms of radicalization, the spread of terrorist ideologies, and the misuse of information and communication technologies for terrorist purposes, as stated by the FO in a press release. Syed Haider Shah, Additional Foreign Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan, and Sergey Vershinin, Deputy Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation co-chaired the 10th meeting of the Pakistan-Russia Joint Working Group on Combating International Terrorism and Other Challenges to Security held here on Thursday. The two sides resolved to work together in combating the financing of terrorism and in other key areas of counter-terrorism. The meeting reaffirmed the commitment of both Pakistan and Russia to continue their cooperation in the fight against terrorism. The sides recognized the importance of their partnership in maintaining regional and global security. The two sides discussed at length the global and regional terrorist threats, with a particular focus on the situations in Afghanistan, Central and South Asia, and North Africa. The dialogue underscored the complexity of the terrorism landscape and the need for continued vigilance. Both sides outlined their respective national strategies and measures in combating terrorism. Pakistan and Russia shared their experiences and best practices, highlighting the importance of national efforts in the broader fight against terrorism. The meeting was part of regular exchanges in the backdrop of Pakistan-Russia bilateral counter-terrorism cooperation. Discussions on enhancing cooperation in multilateral forums, such as the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), were particularly fruitful, the FO said. The next meeting of the Working Group will be held in 2024. (@Aneesah05582539) The death anniversary of renowned television artist Shafi Muhammad was observed on Friday. Born on September 7, 1949, Shafi Muhammad began his career as a radio presenter and took part in plays broadcast on the radio in the 1960s ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 17th Nov, 2023) The death anniversary of renowned television artist Shafi Muhammad was observed on Friday. Born on September 7, 1949, Shafi Muhammad began his career as a radio presenter and took part in plays broadcast on the radio in the 1960s. He performed in over fifty drama serials and over a hundred television plays in the urdu and Sindhi languages on different television channels. He died on November 17, 2007 due to liver failure. San Francisco, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 17th Nov, 2023) US President Joe Biden reassured Asia-Pacific economies of American commitment at a summit in San Francisco Thursday and said his talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping would provide stability for the region and the whole world. "We're not going anywhere," Biden told the APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) group, which includes 21 members but lives under the shadow of US-China relations. The summit opened with a sense of relief after Biden and Xi met for the first time in a year at a sumptuous villa outside San Francisco on Wednesday, and emerged pledging to avoid the kind of dangerous rift that could upend the world economy. They agreed to restore military-to-military links and Xi promised to crack down on the production of the ingredients in China for the drug fentanyl flooding into the United States. Biden told the APEC summit that Washington was committed to the region despite Beijing's efforts to expand its influence in the region. The US president said Xi had asked him on Wednesday "why we are so engaged in the Pacific." "I said it's because we're a Pacific nation. Because of us, there's been peace and security in the region, allowing you to grow. He didn't disagree," said Biden. Biden however said the US and China were now committed to diplomacy to avoid "surprises or bad misunderstandings" -- even if the two sides remain as far apart as ever on Taiwan, the US-backed democratic island claimed by China. "A stable relationship between the world's two largest economies is not merely good for those two economies but for the world," he said. With the main summit starting in San Francisco, the focus broadened to the hugely dynamic area stretching from the coasts of Canada to Chile and across to Australia, China and Russia. Biden said the talks over the next two days would focus on issues including artificial intelligence, climate resilience and supply chains, adding that the "challenges before us today are unlike those faced by previous groups of APEC leaders." Even while insisting that the United States has no intention of "decoupling" -- cutting supply chains and effectively ending cooperation -- with China, the Biden administration is busily trying to strengthen alliances with countries in the APEC region worried about Beijing's expansionist policies. A big plank in that platform is the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) -- a loose trade pact meant to bind together the United States and like-minded democracies such as Australia and South Korea. However, the IPEF has already hit barriers due to US domestic political opposition. Speaking to reporters, Deputy National Security Advisor for International Economic Affairs Mike Pyle said the deal was not dead. "President Biden will make it clear that the United States will continue to engage both diplomatically and economically in this critical region," he said. "Most trade deals take years to complete." The summit will come with several sideline bilaterals. Mexico and China kicked off their talks on Thursday, a meeting Mexico's foreign minister this week described as "very important." Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who frequently shuns international meets, will huddle with Biden on Friday, where the two men are expected to address fentanyl, some of which comes through Mexico on its way into the United States. Biden, for his part, said on Wednesday that despite his talks with Xi, he still considers the communist leader a "dictator" -- a remark that drew fire from the Chinese government. Xi however received a warm reception at a dinner in San Francisco on Wednesday with hundreds of US business leaders, who rose to their feet and clapped as he entered and gave him several rounds of applause. The Chinese leader hinted at the dinner that he may deploy a form of soft, even cuddly power to improve ties with the United States -- pandas. The US will soon be without any of the popular big bears after three were sent back from Washington this year. Xi said China was considering a new batch as "envoys of friendship between the Chinese and American people." BEIJING, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 17th Nov, 2023) The 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), the country's national political advisory body, held its 11th Chairperson's Council meeting in Beijing on Friday. Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, presided over the meeting and delivered remarks. Wang called for continuous efforts to promote ethnic unity, rally people's support, and pool political advisors' wisdom and strength in improving people's lives. He also urged national political advisors to address important environmental issues, take an active part in promoting cross-Strait integration and advise on the development of the financial sector. The meeting also heard reports on the supervision work done in 2023 and how proposals raised at the first session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee were handled. This photo taken on Nov. 16, 2023 shows the opening ceremony of the Seventh Silk Road International Exposition and the Investment and Trade Forum for Cooperation between East and West China, in Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province. The event kicked off in Xi'an on Thursday, with over twenty important meetings and forums in the schedule, and a total of six exhibition areas to fully showcase the achievements accomplished under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). (Xinhua/Shao Rui) Visitors view exhibits at the booth of south China's Hong Kong during the Seventh Silk Road International Exposition in Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, on Nov. 16, 2023. The event kicked off in Xi'an on Thursday, with over twenty important meetings and forums in the schedule, and a total of six exhibition areas to fully showcase the achievements accomplished under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). (Xinhua/Shao Rui) Visitors view an aero-engine during the Seventh Silk Road International Exposition in Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, on Nov. 16, 2023. The event kicked off in Xi'an on Thursday, with over twenty important meetings and forums in the schedule, and a total of six exhibition areas to fully showcase the achievements accomplished under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). (Xinhua/Shao Rui) Visitors select food products at the booth of Indonesia during the Seventh Silk Road International Exposition in Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, on Nov. 16, 2023. The event kicked off in Xi'an on Thursday, with over twenty important meetings and forums in the schedule, and a total of six exhibition areas to fully showcase the achievements accomplished under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). (Xinhua/Shao Rui) Visitors view handicraft products at the booth of Uzbekistan during the Seventh Silk Road International Exposition in Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, on Nov. 16, 2023. The event kicked off in Xi'an on Thursday, with over twenty important meetings and forums in the schedule, and a total of six exhibition areas to fully showcase the achievements accomplished under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). (Xinhua/Shao Rui) Visitors view exhibits during the Seventh Silk Road International Exposition in Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, on Nov. 16, 2023. The event kicked off in Xi'an on Thursday, with over twenty important meetings and forums in the schedule, and a total of six exhibition areas to fully showcase the achievements accomplished under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). (Xinhua/Shao Rui) A visitor tastes beverage product at the booth of Azerbaijan during the Seventh Silk Road International Exposition in Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, on Nov. 16, 2023. The event kicked off in Xi'an on Thursday, with over twenty important meetings and forums in the schedule, and a total of six exhibition areas to fully showcase the achievements accomplished under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). (Xinhua/Shao Rui) This photo taken on Nov. 16, 2023 shows an exterior view of the venue for the Seventh Silk Road International Exposition in Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province. The event kicked off in Xi'an on Thursday, with over twenty important meetings and forums in the schedule, and a total of six exhibition areas to fully showcase the achievements accomplished under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). (Xinhua/Shao Rui) A visitor views products at the booth of Azerbaijan during the Seventh Silk Road International Exposition in Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, on Nov. 16, 2023. The event kicked off in Xi'an on Thursday, with over twenty important meetings and forums in the schedule, and a total of six exhibition areas to fully showcase the achievements accomplished under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). (Xinhua/Shao Rui) Visitors view exhibits at the booth of southwest China's Sichuan Province during the Seventh Silk Road International Exposition in Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, on Nov. 16, 2023. The event kicked off in Xi'an on Thursday, with over twenty important meetings and forums in the schedule, and a total of six exhibition areas to fully showcase the achievements accomplished under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). (Xinhua/Shao Rui) Visitors view exhibits during the Seventh Silk Road International Exposition in Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, on Nov. 16, 2023. The event kicked off in Xi'an on Thursday, with over twenty important meetings and forums in the schedule, and a total of six exhibition areas to fully showcase the achievements accomplished under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). (Xinhua/Shao Rui) A visitor views cultural and creative products made of buttons during the Seventh Silk Road International Exposition in Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, on Nov. 16, 2023. The event kicked off in Xi'an on Thursday, with over twenty important meetings and forums in the schedule, and a total of six exhibition areas to fully showcase the achievements accomplished under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). (Xinhua/Shao Rui) Visitors view cultural and creative products at the booth of northwest China's Shaanxi Province during the Seventh Silk Road International Exposition in Xi'an City of Shaanxi, Nov. 16, 2023. The Seventh Silk Road International Exposition kicked off in Xi'an on Thursday, with six exhibition areas to fully showcase the achievements accomplished under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). (Xinhua/Shao Rui) New-energy vehicle and heavy truck products of domestic brands are exhibited during the Seventh Silk Road International Exposition in Xi'an City, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Nov. 16, 2023. The Seventh Silk Road International Exposition kicked off in Xi'an on Thursday, with six exhibition areas to fully showcase the achievements accomplished under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). (Xinhua/Shao Rui) Visitors select carpets at the booth of Iran during the Seventh Silk Road International Exposition in Xi'an City, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Nov. 16, 2023. The Seventh Silk Road International Exposition kicked off in Xi'an on Thursday, with six exhibition areas to fully showcase the achievements accomplished under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). (Xinhua/Shao Rui) Handicrafts are exhibited at the booth of Iran during the Seventh Silk Road International Exposition in Xi'an City, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Nov. 16, 2023. The Seventh Silk Road International Exposition kicked off in Xi'an on Thursday, with six exhibition areas to fully showcase the achievements accomplished under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). (Xinhua/Shao Rui) A visitor selects handicrafts at the booth of Sudan during the Seventh Silk Road International Exposition in Xi'an City, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Nov. 16, 2023. The Seventh Silk Road International Exposition kicked off in Xi'an on Thursday, with six exhibition areas to fully showcase the achievements accomplished under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). (Xinhua/Shao Rui) Visitors are seen at the booth of Uzbekistan during the Seventh Silk Road International Exposition in Xi'an City, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Nov. 16, 2023. The Seventh Silk Road International Exposition kicked off in Xi'an on Thursday, with six exhibition areas to fully showcase the achievements accomplished under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). (Xinhua/Shao Rui) Visitors view cosmetics at the booth of South Korea during the Seventh Silk Road International Exposition in Xi'an City, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Nov. 16, 2023. The Seventh Silk Road International Exposition kicked off in Xi'an on Thursday, with six exhibition areas to fully showcase the achievements accomplished under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). (Xinhua/Shao Rui) A visitor is seen at the booth of Uzbekistan during the Seventh Silk Road International Exposition in Xi'an City, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Nov. 16, 2023. The Seventh Silk Road International Exposition kicked off in Xi'an on Thursday, with six exhibition areas to fully showcase the achievements accomplished under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). (Xinhua/Shao Rui) A staff member brews civet coffee for visitors at the booth of Indonesia during the Seventh Silk Road International Exposition in Xi'an City, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Nov. 16, 2023. The Seventh Silk Road International Exposition kicked off in Xi'an on Thursday, with six exhibition areas to fully showcase the achievements accomplished under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). (Xinhua/Shao Rui) Bregana, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 17th Nov, 2023) It took Croatia years to finally enter into Europe's passport-free travel zone that promised to ease access for other European nationals travelling to the country and boost its tourism-driven economy. But less than a year since its border crossings with European Union peers were dismantled, temporary checks have been reintroduced amid a surge in illegal migration across the region. Neighbouring Slovenia re-introduced checks along its borders last month, following similar moves by Italy and other EU countries. "People ask themselves what kind of fence could stop these people who passed so many frontiers and countries," said Perica Matijevic, the head of the Krnjak municipality near Croatia's border with Bosnia that has been a hot-spot for crossings. Matijevic, who referred to a registration camp for incoming migrants that is being prepared in the area, is not alone in his weariness. Locals in the scarcely populated area complain that groups of migrants -- almost all of whom are young men -- moving through the area have only increased anxieties. "One should feel safe in his own house but migrants pass through our yards ... there were thefts, it's not pleasant," said economics student Sara Matijevic from the village of Dugi Dol, close to where the camp will open. Croatia, which guards one of EU's longest external land borders, has long been a magnet for illegal migrants hoping to enter the bloc. Over the years, the country gained an infamous reputation for fiercely patrolling its borders, leading to accusations that its authorities used violence to push back EU-bound refugees. In 2021, Zagreb was forced to admit as much following the publication of an investigation by major European media outlets that uncovered alleged systematic targeting of refugees by special units in Croatia, Greece and Romania. Migrants said little has changed. Atefa, a 29-year-old Afghan refugee who did not provide her surname for security reasons, said Croatian police treated her and eight fellow migrants "like animals". Along with forcing them to collect garbage and pouring water in their shoes, officers groped women and made obscene noises, she told AFP. "My breasts are still hurting me ... and they did all that with a smile," Atefa said from a camp in Bosnia's Bihac. Like many Afghans, Atefa left the war-torn country two years ago as the Taliban seized control following years of conflict. The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan along with a massive earthquake in Turkey and Syria in February and renewed unrest in the middle East has left many fearing that the surge in illegal migration will continue. At the Bregana-Obrezje crossing, one of Croatia's 73 former land border posts with other EU countries, travellers and residents said that the temporary checks were necessary. "I don't mind border controls ... it all goes smoothly," said Visnja Krajnovic, a retired economist from Bregana, who said she sees migrants on a daily basis in her hometown along the Slovenian border. - Stripped and beaten - Last year, nearly half of the more than 300,000 EU-bound migrants used the so-called Balkans route, the highest number since the 2015-2016 refugee crisis, according to the bloc's border surveillance agency Frontex. During the first 10 months this year nearly 100,000 migrants relied on the route with almost 63,000 -- notably Afghans, followed by Turks, Moroccans and Pakistanis -- crossing illegally into Croatia, official figures show. The number represents a 73 percent jump compared with the same period last year. This year a total of 2,559 persons reported violent pushbacks to Bosnia from Croatia, mirroring figures from 2022, according to the Danish Refugee Council. But rights groups warn that violence against refugees will likely increase as security is beefed up across Croatia's borders. For Raz Mohammad Saifi, 21, the years-long sojourn from his native Afghanistan to the Croatian border has been an arduous and sometimes violent journey that has seen him travel overland from Turkey to Bosnia. After entering Croatia, Saifi said he was assaulted by police. "When the police caught us, they stripped and searched us, took our mobile phones, money, shoes," Saifi told AFP, saying police also sicced dogs on him and others before forcing the group to cross a river back into Bosnia. Residents from the border village of Trzac gave Saifi and four others clothes and shoes before an aid group organised the men's transport to a nearby camp. Despite the beatings, Saifi has refused to give up on his dream of living in France, while stressing that he and others meant no harm to locals who remained fearful of migrants. "If I wanted to be a criminal, if I was willing to kill, I would have stayed in Afghanistan," he said. UNITED NSATINS, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 18th Nov, 2023) Fierce Israeli attacks continue raining death and destruction across Gaza from the air, sea, and on the ground, the UNs top humanitarian official told Member States on Friday, reporting that 41,000 houses have now been destroyed or severely damaged. More than 1.5 million Gazans are displaced, 18 hospitals have shut down, and hundreds of thousands are living in fear and under continuing Israeli bombardment, the Emergency Relief Coordinator and Humanitarian Affairs chief, Martin Griffiths, told an informal meeting of the UN General Assembly on the situation in ravaged Gaza. Casualties continue to mount, with the dead reportedly exceeding 11,000 people the majority of them children and women, he said. The actual total, however, is likely much higher as figures have not been updated for five days due to a collapse of communication networks in Gaza, Griffiths added. He further stated that across Gaza, but particularly in the north, food and water supplies are running perilously low, and the lack of fuel means communications and essential services like water desalination are progressively failing. In this regard, Griffiths reiterated the UNs 10-point plan setting out the necessary requirements for an effective humanitarian response. He called on UN Member States to help achieve these objectives. We are not asking for the moon. We are asking for the basic measures required to meet the essential needs of the civilian population and stem the course of this crisis, he stressed. In conclusion, Mr. Griffiths warned that for as dire as the situation is in Gaza, it could get far worse. If we do not take action now, this is a conflict that could spread its tendrils further into other parts of the Occupied Palestinian Territory and beyond, and drag the region into a conflagration with even more catastrophic consequences, he said. Natalie Boucly, Acting Deputy Commissioner-General for the UN agency assisting Palestine refugees, UNRWA, said that no part of the Gaza Strip has been spared from the bombardment. Hospitals, mosques, churches, bakeries, and over 60 UNRWA buildings and schools have been hit across Gaza, she said. Most of the agencys impacted facilities were in the middle areas and in the south, Ms. Boucly added, noting that this was where people were told to go for safety. They came to UNRWA buildings to be protected by the UN flag, she said. The UNRWA official stressed that the work of the agency has become mission impossible. We cannot fully protect people in UN premises, under the UN flag. We cannot reach people in need, including thousands still trapped in the north. We cannot provide sufficient assistance to those we can reach, she said. UNRWAs fuel stocks are almost depleted, with massive implications for the civilian population, including its 13,000 staff. Concluding her briefing, Ms. Boucly said that there is a collective responsibility on the part of the international community to ensure that the war ends now. We must remain steadfast in our determination, and I must quote from a famous text: to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, and reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, she said, recalling the preambular text from the UN Charter. Volker Turk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), voiced deep concern over the growing risk of spillover into the wider Middle East region, if the fighting continues. He also emphasized that the crisis posed another global shock to the multilateral system driving more polarization and creating deeper fractures, with terrible impact on the solutions that humanity so urgently needs. He recalled the resolution adopted by the General Assembly at its emergency special session on the crisis, which called for an immediate and sustained humanitarian truce leading to a cessation of hostilities, and the resolution adopted by the Security Council on Wednesday that called for urgent and extended humanitarian pauses and corridors throughout the Gaza Strip. Turk underscored that these resolutions must not be ignored by Israel or Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip. There must be a ceasefire on humanitarian and human rights grounds, and an end to the fighting not only to deliver urgently needed food and provide meaningful humanitarian assistance, but also to create space for a path out of this horror, he stressed. The UN rights chief also warned against rising hate speech and disinformation, which is fueling dehumanization and thwarting the search for an enduring political solution. I am very concerned about the risk of further grave violations, even potentially amounting to atrocity crimes, in light of recent statements by some in leadership positions, he said. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the UN World Health Organization (WHO), informed Member States that it is becoming harder to evaluate the functioning of the health system in Gaza. What is clear is that the health needs of the people of Gaza are growing all the time, and the health system is near collapse, he said. Only 10 of Gazas 36 hospitals are still functioning, with just 1,400 hospital beds, and many health workers have been displaced, forced to flee with their families. Heres what that means: more and more casualties, and fewer and fewer beds, health workers, medicines and supplies, said Tedros, adding that there are rising cases of respiratory and skin infections, and acute watery diarrhoea due to lack of sanitation. The head of WHO called for the immediate implementation of the Security Council resolution adopted on Wednesday, and for the parties to abide by it. We call for attacks on healthcare to stop, and for patients, health facilities, health infrastructure, and health workers as well as aid workers to be protected, he stressed. And we continue to call for an end to this conflict, to prevent further deaths of civilians and further damage to Gazas hospitals and health facilities, he said. Achim Steiner, Administrator of the UN Development Programme (UNDP), told Member States that the almost six weeks of war have created a crisis of massive scale. On top of this humanitarian catastrophe [] a development crisis of massive proportions is already unfolding, he said, warning that it could have generational implications. He presented findings from UNDPs latest assessment, which projected that if the fighting continues for a second full month, poverty could soar by 34 per cent, pushing half a million additional people into poverty. A third full month of war would see poverty increase by almost 45 per cent, expanding poverty to include over 39 per cent of the population for a total of more than 2.1 million people, he said. He also informed Member States of the impacts on the Palestinian economy, with the GDP declining by an estimated 4.3 per cent, sustaining a loss of over $857 million. With a third full month of war, the decrease of GDP would reach 12.2 percent, with losses of over $2.5 billion, he said. The UNDP head said that even with the most conservative scenario, it is estimated that the war will set back development in the State of Palestine by 11 years, with Gaza suffering a setback of 17 years. Under higher impact scenarios, the impact in Gaza would rise to 19 years and in the State of Palestine as a whole by 16 years, he said. Every additional month that this war continues will come with huge and compounding cost to all Palestinians now and in the medium term, he said, underscoring the need to step up efforts to stop the war, as a humanitarian but also as a development imperative. Israeli troops carried out building-by-building searches at Gaza's main hospital, as a new communications blackout in the territory on Friday compounded fears for Palestinian civilians trapped inside the facility Gaza Strip, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 17th Nov, 2023) Israeli troops carried out building-by-building searches at Gaza's main hospital, as a new communications blackout in the territory on Friday compounded fears for Palestinian civilians trapped inside the facility. Al-Shifa hospital has become a focal point for Israeli operations in northern Gaza since soldiers raided the complex on Wednesday, hunting for a command centre they say militant group Hamas operates there. Hamas and hospital managers deny that charge, and there has been international concern about several thousand people -- including wounded patients and premature babies -- believed to be trapped inside. Israel has vowed to eradicate Hamas in response to the group's October 7 attack, which killed 1,200 people, most of them civilians, and saw about 240 taken hostage, according to Israeli officials. Israel's air bombardment and ground operation has killed 11,500 people, including thousands of children, according to Hamas-run local authorities in Gaza. Israeli authorities have defended their operation, and the military said Thursday it found rifles, ammunition, explosives and the entrance to a tunnel shaft at Al-Shifa. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu alleged hostages may even have been held at the medical facility. "We had strong indications that they were held in the Shifa Hospital, which is one of the reasons we entered the hospital," he told "CBS Evening News". "If they were [there], they were taken out," he said. Allegations about the hospital have not been verified, and on Friday communications with the Gaza Strip were severed once again. Network provider Paltel group said all telecommunications were down because "all energy sources sustaining the network have been depleted, and fuel was not allowed in". The UN warned that the blackout would compound the misery of civilians, complicating efforts to distribute aid and possibly triggering looting of its supplies. "When you have a blackout and you cannot communicate with anyone anymore... that triggers and fuels, even more, the anxiety and the panic," said Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UN Agency for Palestinian Refugees, Relief and Works (UNRWA). - 'Immediate possibility of starvation' - Israel said its forces were searching Al-Shifa "one building at a time," and announced the discovery of the body of a woman hostage at a building nearby. "Yehudit (Weiss) was murdered by the terrorists in the Gaza Strip and we didn't manage to reach her in time," spokesman Daniel Hagari told a televised briefing. The 65-year-old was kidnapped from her home in the border kibbutz community of Beeri, one of the areas worst hit by the brutal Hamas assault. Her husband was killed in the attack, a hostage support group said, but the four of her five children at the kibbutz at the time survived. On Thursday, Jews and Arabs came together for the funeral of another casualty of the Beeri attack -- peace activist Vivian Silver, who was hailed as an "extraordinary woman". There has been little news on the fate of the hostages, Israelis and foreigners, some of them just infants, despite ongoing negotiations for the release of some in exchange for a pause in fighting. Qatar, where Hamas has political offices, and Egypt have been mediating negotiations, which Egypt's foreign minister described Thursday as "very delicate." "We are hopeful that our efforts and the efforts of others will bring about the speedy release," Sameh Shoukry said. On the ground, conditions are rapidly deteriorating for Palestinian civilians, UN agencies have warned. Over 1.5 million people have been internally displaced, and Israel's blockade of the territory means "civilians are facing the immediate possibility of starvation," World Food Programme executive director Cindy McCain said. Food and water have become "practically non-existent," the agency added, with Lazzarini describing a "deliberate attempt to strangle our operation". He described children sheltering at a UN school "pleading for a sip of water, or for a loaf of bread". - 'Settler violence' - Israel's ground operation has so far focused on the north of the Gaza Strip, though aerial bombardment and civilian deaths have continued in the south as well. So far this week it has announced the seizure of the parliament building, government offices, Hamas police headquarters and a key port. It says 51 of its troops have been killed in the fighting. Hospitals have become a particular target, with Israel saying it has found tunnels or military equipment at the Al-Shifa, Rantisi and Al-Quds facilities. Palestinian health officials said Thursday that the Al-Ahli hospital was under attack, with the Palestinian Red Crescent saying casualties in the courtyard could not be reached by medical staff because of explosions and gunfire. Washington has backed Israel's allegations that Hamas is using hospitals as command centres, while urging operations be "incredibly careful". More than half of Gaza's hospitals are no longer functional, due to either combat, damage, or shortages, and Israel's raid on Al-Shifa left extensive damage to the radiology, burns and dialysis unit, the Hamas-run health ministry said. With international concern about the conflict growing, the UN Security Council on Wednesday passed a resolution urging "urgent and extended humanitarian pauses" in fighting. But the resolution -- passed with abstentions from the United States, Britain and Russia -- was rejected by Israel as "disconnected from reality." Alongside the conflict in Gaza, there is growing concern about violence in the West Bank, where violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians has surged. In an attack claimed by Hamas, three gunmen on Thursday killed an Israeli soldier and wounded five others at a checkpoint leading into Jerusalem from the West Bank. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday urged Israel to take "urgent" action to "de-escalate tensions in the West Bank, including by confronting rising levels of settler extremist violence," the State Department said. Baghdad, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 17th Nov, 2023) Raghad Qassem searched all over Iraq's capital Baghdad for a psychologist she could talk to about her problems, before finally settling for consultations online. It was the best she could do in a state haunted by decades of conflict and trauma, where mental health is poorly treated and professionals are few and far between. The World Health Organization estimates that in a country of 43 million, there are just two mental health workers for every 100,000 Iraqis. Qassem admitted she was long oblivious to her mental health needs, and only became aware of their importance "when hitting my thirties". It was while quarantined during the Covid pandemic that she "began to recognise symptoms of depression", Qassem said. "I realised that's what I had," said the 34-year-old women's activist. She wanted to talk directly to a psychologist in Baghdad, because "when I speak I like to have the person in front of me". Many of her friends recommended that she see a doctor, but she was hesitant to do so because those who did "were treated with pills". Turning instead to the internet, she spoke to several psychologists, including a Lebanese woman with whom she was able to unravel the reasons for her unhappiness. - Demand is great - "It's because of her that I became aware of an accumulation of trauma from the war, the fear and anxiety I had in 2003 and since," she said, harking back to the US-led invasion to oust Saddam Hussein which precipitated one of the bloodiest eras in Iraqi history. The world has closely followed the war in Gaza between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas, which has claimed many thousands of lives -- but such suffering and the psychological trauma it triggers have also plagued Iraq. Ravaged by war and rocked by Islamic State group attacks, Iraq's demand for mental health professionals is great, but help is hard to come by. Baghdad's Al-Rashad psychiatric hospital receives patients suffering from serious psychological illnesses, such as schizophrenia, and offers outpatient treatment for depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. At the hospital, haggard-looking patients can be seen wandering alone through the corridors. Some have been at Al-Rashad for decades, said its director Firas al-Kadhimi. "There's a shortage of specialised doctors," he told AFP. Kadhimi's hospital has only 11 psychiatrists for its 1,425 patients, aged between 14 and 70, the director said. "I don't think there's anywhere else in the world where a doctor has to treat 150 patients in the space of 30 days," he said. Another five social workers are on staff at the facility, but they have to see 100 patients daily and sometimes do their consultations three at a time. There are however music and art workshops for patients. In a small theatre with red seats, three elderly people on stage rehearsed a skit prepared by a former hospital employee, who comes in to help. - People more receptive - Previously, it might have been difficult for an Iraqi to say, "I have a mental problem", but attitudes have become more accepting thanks to news and social media. "The number of visitors is rising in the consultation clinics," Kadhimi said. Psychologist Zeinab Abdel Razaq works with French charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF) in Baghdad. Razaq told AFP that while there may still be a mental health "stigma" in Iraq, it had "begun to decrease". "People are more receptive to psychology," she said. One patient, Zeinab Abdelwahab, said she initially came for physiotherapy and stayed for mental health care. After several months of sessions, "I noticed a radical change in my mood," said the thirty-something with a painful personal history. Her mother died, she said, her father was sick, she suffers from polio and has had several falls, fracturing her knees and pelvis. Abdelwahab recognised that her own perception of psychological care had been distorted by social beliefs. "When I came here, I realised that it is not just for crazy people," she said. "They're just people who need to speak to someone else, seeking comfort about how they feel. And with no restrictions." Kyiv, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 17th Nov, 2023) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday voiced optimism about a recent meeting between US President Joe Biden and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping. "We understand that this fact is good for us -- their meeting," Zelensky told reporters in Kyiv, after the US and Chinese leaders held talks in California where they agreed to restore military communications. China has refused to condemn Russia's invasion of Ukraine and has deepened its economic, diplomatic and military cooperation with Moscow since the start of the war in February 2022. The United States meanwhile has spearheaded the West's backing for Ukraine on the battlefield, providing multiple packages of financial and military support. A close aide to Zelensky, Mykhailo Podolyak, earlier Thursday voiced "cautious optimism" over the Xi-Biden meeting, which was clouded by the US leader's characterisation of Xi as a "dictator". The meeting "is a great signal to the world -- dialogue instead of confrontation, a new global order, rules are needed necessarily, stability and predictability," Podolyak said on social media. Zelensky said he was unable to confirm that Biden and Xi had discussed the conflict in Ukraine but told reporters that Russia's nearly two-year invasion was raised "somehow". Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Joe Biden take a walk after their talks in the Filoli Estate in the U.S. state of California, Nov. 15, 2023. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin) China's rise brings many opportunities for cooperation on global challenges, such as climate change, clean energy, global health and managing AI. by Xinhua writers Yang Shilong, Shi Chun, Wu Xiaoling SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- The United States and other Western nations must see China's development as a positive force for enhancing global growth, said Denis Simon, a distinguished fellow at the Institute for China-America Studies, on Wednesday. "Overall, by helping stabilize relations, the two leaders gave their overt blessing to re-engagement," said Simon in an email interview on the outcome of the summit between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Joe Biden at Filoli Estate, a country house approximately 40 km south of San Francisco, California. "Hopefully, this can bring an end to talk about decoupling and de-linking. And, hopefully, the two nations can further establish new levels of trust and confidence that both countries can gain from improved relations and expanded contacts, especially through people-to-people diplomacy," said Simon, who also serves as a professor of Global Business and Technology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the executive director of the Center for Innovation Policy at the Law School at Duke University. People welcome Chinese President Xi Jinping in San Francisco, the United States, Nov. 14, 2023. (Xinhua/Liu Jie) "This was a very important get together because it seems to have succeeded in lowering the temperature in terms of the prevailing tensions between the two countries," Simon said. He added that both leaders believe it "unnecessary nor inevitable that there must be conflict between our two nations. Nothing can replace these types of candid discussions." The meeting was able to build upon the successful exchange of visits that have occurred involving high-level officials such as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Simon said. "There was a positive momentum in the air, and it seems to have had positive reverberations across their discussions." Simon noticed that the Chinese president, in his remarks, reiterated that China and the United States should uphold the principle of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation. "To appreciate why President Xi has continued to emphasize these three cardinal principles, you must understand Chinese history going back to the Western incursions of the 19th century. Today, China has been able to restore its place on the world stage, and it wants to be accepted as a full-fledged member of the family of nations," said Simon. "Moreover, it is no longer a bystander on the sidelines and wants a voice in terms of the evolution of the international order. The United States must understand that the world is changing. Few could have imagined the rapidity of China's rise when the reforms and open door (reform and opening-up) were first announced," said Simon, who has over 40 years of experience studying and working in China. From 2015 to 2020, he held the post of Executive Vice Chancellor of Duke Kunshan University in Jiangsu Province. Photo taken on Nov. 14, 2022 shows the national flags of China and the United States in Bali, Indonesia. (Xinhua) Today, China is the world's second-largest economy, a major trading nation and the world's second-largest spender on R&D. Simon pointed out how China eradicated poverty for tens of millions of Chinese citizens. "Certainly ... its (China's) new stature brings with it certain important responsibilities and obligations. That understood, it is important for the United States and other Western nations to see China's development as a positive force for enhancing global growth," he said. China's rise brings many opportunities for cooperation on global challenges, such as climate change, clean energy, global health and managing AI, he said. "Reducing Chinese modernization into a zero-sum game deprives not only the United States but also the rest of the world of China's capabilities, brainpower, creativity, and resources," said Simon. "The idea of pursuing win-win outcomes is good for China, good for the United States, and good for the world." Safety-related questions have been raised following the premature ending of the first practice session for this weekends Las Vegas Grand Prix. The session was stopped after only nine minutes after the Ferrari of Carlos Sainz pulled over to the side of the Las Vegas Strip. The concrete frame of a manhole cover failed and was sucked up into the floor of Sainzs car severely damaging the chassis, with further concern building around the suspension and front of the floor. The Spaniard's race engineer, Riccardo Adami told him to stop the car and turn the engine off following the incident, which visibly lifted the car off the ground. The Alpine of Esteban Ocon also suffered because of the loose manhole cover, as the Frenchman has had to change his chassis before Free Practice 2 as he also hit the cover. As a result of everything that transpired, the much-shortened session showed an unrepresentative timesheet that will most likely be shaken up ahead of qualifying tomorrow. Results Charles Leclerc was joined in the top three by the two Haas cars of Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen who both managed to get times in just before the session was brought to a halt. Then came triple-reigning champion Max Verstappen in fourth place, followed by an ailing Ocon in fifth, and George Russells Mercedes in sixth The rest of the top ten was rounded out by the other damaged car in the field of Sainz in seventh, then AlphaTauris Yuki Tsunoda in eighth was followed by the sister Red Bull car of Sergio Perez in ninth. Valtteri Bottas completed the top ten, and there were some high rollers who couldnt break into the top half of the results page. 7-time champion Lewis Hamilton was a lowly 12th, and both McLaren cars of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri were outside the top 14 Aston Martin has continued their bad run of form of late as their pairing of Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso could only muster 16th and 19th in the FP1 session. Charles Leclerc who went fastest in the first free practice session ahead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix Photo credit: grandprix247.com Weekend Preview No drivers could really get going and stamp their authority on the brand-new street circuit, but that is probably due to the minuscule amount of running time rather than a combined lack of talent amongst the drivers. Furthermore, the quintuplet of Stroll, Piastri, Williams Alex Albon, Alonso, and the other Williams of Logan Sargeant couldnt set a representative time. This means they will have very little data to go into the rest of the weekend with, although it remains to be seen if Formula 1 will schedule more track time for the teams and drivers in the other Free Practice sessions. Should more track time be allocated, such an arrangement will surely mitigate the effects of not setting a time in a shortened session. National Assembly Working Group Talks Trade in Portugal Members of Vietnams National Assembly on a working visit to Europe this week met with key decision-makers in Portugal. Heres what they discussed and what trade looks like between Portugal and Vietnam. The Vice Chairman of the National Assembly of Vietnam Tran Thanh Man and Portugals Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Francisco Andre met in Lisbon this week to discuss trade and investment between the two nations. This was part of a tour of Europe that also included a working visit with the European Parliaments International Trade Committee in Brussels. As the European Union Vietnam Free Trade Agreeement (EVFTA) enters its fourth year in operation Vietnam and the bloc are increasingly drawing closer in matters of trade. This has seen trade between the two trade partners boom, with countries like Portugal regularly reporting increased imports from Vietnam. In fact, according to data from Vietnams General Department of Customs, two-trade between Vietnam and Portugal reach US$623 million in 2022. Of that, imports from Portugal into Vietnam totaled US$93 million and exports to Portugal from Vietnam reached US$524 million. A trade surplus in Vietnams favor of US$431 million. With this in mind, the Vietnam Briefing looks at how trade between these two nations is governed and what products they are trading most. Trade rules and regulations: Vietnam and Portugal With Portugal part of the European Union, trade between the country and Vietnam is governed by trade agreements negotiated and implemented by the EU as a whole. These include: EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) The EVFTA is an ambitious pact set to eliminate almost 99 percent of customs duties between the EU and Vietnam. This agreement is expected to increase Vietnams GDP by 4.6 percent and its exports to the EU by 42.7 percent by 2025, according to the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI). The European Commission also forecast the EUs GDP to increase by US$29.5 billion as a result of the agreement. EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) Currently in the works is the EVIPA. This agreement would help to protect European enterprises investing in Vietnam and vice-versa. However, the agreement still needs to be ratified by several European nations. With this in mind, during his visit to Portugal Tran took the opportunity to ask the President of the Assembly of Portugal, Augusto Santos Silva, to encourage other EU member states to ratify the agreement. Vietnams exports to Portugal Vietnams main exports to Portugal are telephones, mobile phones, and parts thereof; fishery products; and computers, electrical products, spare parts, and components thereof. Combined these three categories of goods are worth upwards of US$254 million. Vietnams exports to Portugal 2022 Description Value US$ Other products 230,865,042 Telephones, mobile phones, and parts thereof 174,107,778 Fishery products 43,229,116 Computers, electrical products, spare parts, and components thereof 37,107,631 Coffee 22,818,675 Plastics 7,388,391 Wood and wooden products 5,786,874 Footwear 2,813,974 Total 524,117,482 Computers, electrical products, spare parts, and components thereof Amidst US-China tensions and increased manufacturing costs in China, Vietnam, as a center for electronics manufacturing, has benefited greatlyexpanding its role in regional and global value chains. In fact, Vietnam has climbed the ranks as a key electronics exporter, from a modest 47th place in 2001 to 12th place in 2019. The country has, in particular, recorded success in the telecommunications segment. In 2022, it exported mobile phones to the tune of US$57.9 billion. This has seen electronics manufactured in the burgeoning Southeast Asian nation shipped around the world including to Portugal. Telephones, mobile phones, and parts thereof Vietnams low cost of production has made it an attractive destination for electronic device manufacturing. This is particularly important in the mobile phone industry where operating margins and competitive pricing can be crucial. As the Portuguese market for mobile phones continues to grow, there is a rising demand for high-quality and affordable devices. Vietnamese companies have recognized this trend and are exporting their products to Portugal, seizing the opportunity to expand their market reach and increase their profits. Portugals exports to Vietnam As one of the smaller countries in the European Union, Portugals exports to Vietnam have been limited. With just US$98 million worth of goods exported to Vietnam, the balance of trade, in terms of revenue, clearly favors Vietnam. That said, some Portuguese firms have found a market for their products in Vietnam. Portugals exports to Vietnam 2022 Description Value US$ Other products 98,396,940 Total 98,396,940 The future of trade between Vietnam and Portugal In 2022, two-way trade between Vietnam and Portugal reached US$524 million It was not, however, evenly distributed, with Vietnam recording a trade surplus of US$431 million. Looking ahead, following the National Assembly working groups trip to Portugal it is anticipated that trade and investment between these two nations will continue to strengthen. In light of this, Portuguese companies seeking assistance in entering the Vietnamese market are encouraged to reach out to the business advisory professionals at Dezan Shira and Associates. Show more Show less VOA CONNECT EPISODE # 305 AIR DATE: 11 17 2023 FULL SHOW TRANSCRIPT SHOW OPEN ((Open Animation)) BLOCK A ((PKG)) DATELINE DALLAS: A Reporter Remembers ((TRT: 23:49)) ((Topic Banner: Dateline Dallas: A Reporter Remembers)) ((Produced by: Steve Herman Adam Greenbaum Supervising Editor: Scott Stearns Location Videographer: Adam Greenbaum (Bethesda, Maryland) Jonathan Zizzo (Dallas, Texas) Post-production Editor: Randall Taylor Jr. Additional Film, Photography and Audio Archival material Courtesy of: Henry Hernandez Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum & Boyhood Home John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum KDKA Radio Library of Congress Lyndon Baines Johnson Presidential Library and Museum Stewart Media Archives Center/Mahoning Valley Historical Society University of Maryland Libraries Special Collections U.S. National Archives)) ((Locations: Dallas, Texas; Bethesda, Maryland)) ((Main characters: 1 male; 0 female)) ((Sub characters: 1 male; 0 female)) ((Blurb: This November 22 marks 60 years since the assassination of U.S. President John F. Kennedy. VOAs chief national correspondent, Steve Herman, speaks with Sid Davis, the White House correspondent for Westinghouse Radio on that day. Davis was in the motorcade when JFK was shot and then on Air Force One for LBJs swearing-in . Reporter remembers the day in Dallas when one president was assassinated, and another was hastily sworn in]] ((Text on screen)) DATELINE DALLAS: A Reporter Remembers The following video includes graphic images that some may find disturbing, Viewer discretion is advised. ((NATS)) ((Steve Herman VOA News)) The X marks the spot here in Dallas, Texas, where on November 22nd, 1963, President John Fitzgerald Kennedy, riding in an open car, was fatally shot in the head. Among the journalists in the press bus in the motorcade was Sid Davis, a White House correspondent for Westinghouse Radio. Ahead of the 60th anniversary of the assassination, I sat down with Davis at his home in Bethesda, Maryland, to discuss what he saw and heard on that fateful day, including being one of the people on Air Force One, to witness Vice President Lyndon Baines Johnson, hastily sworn in as president of the United States. ((Steve Herman VOA News)) First of all, Sid, tell us how did you end up as a White House correspondent? ((Sid Davis Former While House Correspondent)) I began in broadcasting working in Youngstown, Ohio. I was a student at Ohio University, and I always wanted to be on the radio if I could. ((Photo Courtesy: Mahoning Valley Historical Society)) I applied for a job at WKBN, which is the leading station in town. It's a 5,000-watt clear channel. And I started there and covered City Hall. I covered everything Youngstown had to offer, which was the mayor, city council. You name it, we had it in Youngstown. ((Steve Herman VOA News)) How did you get from Youngstown, Ohio, to the White House? ((Sid Davis Former While House Correspondent)) The fellow who gave me my job in Washington was Jim Schneider. He was a bureau chief for Westinghouse Broadcasting Company here. He hired me and invited me to Washington and said, "Your first assignment is going to be covering Nikita Khrushchev." I said, "He's the leader of the Soviet Union and I'm just coming to Washington. My first job, I'm going out with Nikita Khrushchev?" He said, "That's it. You're going to cover Nikita Khrushchev." which I did. He made a two or three-week tour across the United States. He threw a few tantrums. He threatened to go home. But it was an exciting part of my training. ((Steve Herman VOA News)) Younger people may not have heard of ((Sid Davis Former While House Correspondent)) Thats correct. ((Steve Herman VOA News)) Westinghouse Broadcasting. ((Sid Davis Former While House Correspondent)) Westinghouse Broadcasting Company was a wholly owned subsidiary of Westinghouse Electric Corporation. In 1920, Westinghouse Electric put the first radio station in America on the air. ((Photo Courtesy: KDKA Radio)) And from then on, they just kept going and building radio properties and TV properties across the country. And they always had a substantive reputation for solid news. That's what kept me there. We were very serious about the news business. ((Steve Herman VOA News)) So that was during the [President Dwight] Eisenhower administration. ((Sid Davis Former While House Correspondent)) Eisenhower was the first president I covered. I covered eight presidents overall. The president gets a briefing book prior to every news conference. The staff puts together a briefing book on everything that's going on in the world. It's up to the president to study that and know what's going on because he's going to get questions about it. But Eisenhower was notorious for not reading his briefing book. And one day, this was, I guess it was [then-Vice President Richard] Nixon was going to run for president to replace Eisenhower. And a question came up from one of the reporters in the room: "Mr. President, your vice president, Richard Nixon, wants to replace you in the White House. Can you tell us, sir, what he has done in eight years as vice president that qualifies him to replace you?" ((NATS)) ((Video Courtesy: KDKA Radio)) Well, we knew Eisenhower was in trouble when he started shuffling the papers on the podium looking for an answer. He didn't have the answer, and he kept shuffling the papers and looking around, and it became sort of funny. And then at one point, he said: ((NATS/SOT: President Eisenhower)) If you give me a week, I might think of one. I dont remember because ((Sid Davis Former While House Correspondent)) It was the worst thing he could have said. It was devastating for Nixon at the time, but it was a classic Eisenhower remark. ((Steve Herman VOA News)) You were there for the transition between Eisenhower, this majestic figure as you referred to him, and in comes John Kennedy, a very young, charismatic fellow. How did things change for the reporters between the Eisenhower and Kennedy administration? ((Sid Davis Former While House Correspondent)) Well, the Eisenhower administration, with Jim Haggerty as the press secretary, was very rigid. There's very little time for nonsense or feature stories and that sort of thing with Eisenhower. When Kennedy came in, he was an entirely different person. If he got a question at the news conference he didn't want to answer, he'd find a way to dodge it. And he got to know the names of all the reporters. And May Craig was a woman reporter at the time. She wore a straw pillbox hat, a pink hat made of straw. And she was about five feet [1.52 meters] tall. And Kennedy loved her because she was a good foil for him. When he'd stand at the podium, he called on May Craig because she added comic relief to a very serious news conference. Usually, it ended up with laughter. And that was Kennedy's charm. He was an everyday kind of person. Once in a while, coming up the driveway from Pennsylvania Avenue, you might see Kennedy out in the backyard, and he might wave to you. You didn't have that great of access to him, but you could walk over and say something through the fences: "Good morning, Mr. President", something like that. He was very friendly and forthcoming in his discussions with us. ((Steve Herman VOA News)) There was a trip scheduled in the latter part of November of 1963. ((Sid Davis Former While House Correspondent)) Going to Dallas was a serious question to all of us. We had known that the city itself was a Republican city. Texas was a Republican state. Kennedy would not have been a first choice for the people in Dallas, just overall. So, there was some concern, not only in the press corps, but there was concern among other people about whether there could be trouble in Dallas. But trouble didn't mean assassination. Trouble meant that the crowds might not be happy with him and might boo him, might disagree with him, might not turn out. We were stunned when we got to the airport at Love Field from Fort Worth that morning. The crowd at the airport was enormous. Usually it [would] be about 1,000 people or 500 people at the airport. Most of the people would be on the motorcade route down into town. The president decides he wants to walk over to the fence to all the people who came to greet him at the airport. ((NATS)) And there were thousands of people. And [first lady] Jackie [Kennedy], for the first time that I can recall, was very pleased and very happy this is happening, and walked with him holding his hand, and then they went to the railing. The crowd was behind the fence and shaking hands, walking down a quarter mile. The airport was mobbed. That was the first time we said to ourselves, the press, "This isn't Dallas, is it?" Theyre [the crowds] so enthusiastic. A lot of young people came. They got into the limousine and now we [were] headed into downtown Dallas, which was a couple of miles away. ((Steve Herman VOA News)) How far back in the motorcade are you from the presidential limousine? ((NATS)) ((Sid Davis Former While House Correspondent)) Well, it's a long motorcade because it was Dallas. And every big shot in Dallas wanted to be in the motorcade with the president. So, you had a lot of extra carsand city councilmen, the police chief, the fire chiefall these extra cars. ((NATS)) ((Video Courtesy: The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza)) The shots were so sharp and the sound effects on the streets of Dallas, thousands of people, for some reason the sound seemed to be unified in some way. At this point, I was on press bus. I got on press bus number one, and I heard the shots. Sitting next to me was Robert Pierpoint of CBS News. Bob Pierpoint was a war correspondent in Korea. He jumps out of his seat, and he shouts to the 40 of us on the bus: "That's gunfire. That's not backfires of a car. That is gunfire." And he's screaming his head off at Rory Eliot, the bus driver, to catch up with the presidential limousine. The presidential car now disappeared from the motorcade. The interesting thing was, up until the firing, the point of the gunfire, it was cheerful, it was happy. With the Kennedy campaign, there was something called, the jumpers. These were people who couldn't stand still. [As] soon as they spotted Kennedy, they were jumping, and mostly younger people, but some of the older people did it. So, we identified these people as jumpers. We had had, we even counted the numbers of jumpers and put that in our stories. And it was that kind of day. The sun was out and temperatures [were] in the 70s. It looked like nothing bad could happen that day. And the presidential limousine disappears. And the follow-up car with the Secret Service is trying to catch up with the president. Secret Service is taking the president to the hospital. We were screaming to let us out. So, we got off the bus and looked for telephones. ((NATS/SOT: Sid Davis)) ((Voice of Sid Davis)) We have only the word that the president has been shot. This is all the information we have at the present time. The presidents car, after this incident took place, just shot forward in a tremendous burst, and headed right for the hospital. It passed the Trade Mart completely by and this is the first indication we got that something serious, actually serious, had happened. TEASE Coming up ((Topic Banner)) Dateline Dallas: A Reporter Remembers BREAK ONE USAGM SHARE ((LogOn Voice Diagnosis Tech (TV/R) HEADLINE: LogOn: Could Your Voice Help Diagnose Your Next Illness? TEASER: Technology analyzing thousands of voices may play a role in the future of medicine BYLINE: Julie Taboh DATELINE: Washington PRODUCER: Julie Taboh, Adam Greenbaum SCRIPT EDITORS: Michelle Quinn, Amy R TRT: 1:54 & 2:00 [[Voice experts have long known that a person's voice can provide important information about their emotional, physical and mental health. Now a U.S. government-funded project is collecting and analyzing thousands of voices and using artificial intelligence to diagnose illnesses. VOAs Julie Taboh has more.]] ((Courtesy: Allison Long/USF Health)) ((NATS patients voice being tested)) ((NARRATOR)) Dr. Yael Bensoussan examines the vocal cords of a patient. At the University of South Florida Health Voice Center, she treats patients with a range of voice disorders, such as upper airway, voice and swallowing disorders. And lately, shes been helping to lead a new project to build a database of 30,000 human voice recordings and train computers to detect diseases through changes in the human voice. ((Radio track: She spoke with VOA via Skype.)) ((Dr. Yael Bensoussan, Voice Specialist)) ((SKYPE)) Not only to build that data, but also to develop the guidelines on how to share that data, how to collect that data, and also how to use that data for future AI [artificial intelligence] research. ((Courtesy: Weill Cornell Medicine)) ((NARRATOR)) She works with a team of 45 investigators across 12 different universities in North America as well as a startup in Europe. ((NATS - Parkinsons voice demo, Text on graphic: "Parkinson's disease")) They study voice samples to help them detect illnesses like Parkinsons disease ((NATS - Glottic cancer voice demo, Text on graphic: "Glottic cancer")) ((NARRATOR)) cancer ((NATS - Vocal fold paralysis demo, Text on graphic: "Vocal Fold Paralysis")) ((NARRATOR)) And voice disorders such as vocal fold paralysis The team also studies mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. ((Dr. Yael Bensoussan, Voice Specialist)) ((SKYPE)) So when somebody is depressed, sad, has anxiety, of course their speech changes. ((NARRATOR)) ((Courtesy: NIH)) The study is one of four data-generation projects funded by the National Institutes of Health's Bridge to Artificial Intelligence program, designed to use AI to tackle complex biomedical challenges. ((Dr. Yael Bensoussan, Voice Specialist)) ((SKYPE)) They realized that there was such a big gap between the technology that we had available, and the clinical knowledge, and what we use in clinical care in our hospitals. ((NARRATOR)) And doing it while maintaining participants privacy. [[Radio track: Grace Peng is one of the coordinators of the National Institutes of Healths Bridge2AI program. She spoke with VOA via Zoom.]] ((Grace Peng, National Institutes of Health)) ((Zoom)) We want to think about the ethics associated with collecting people's voices. And how do we keep it private? ((NARRATOR)) ((Courtesy: NIH)) The study will start enrolling participants in the coming year. ((Julie Taboh, VOA News, Washington)) BUMP IN ((ANIM)) BLOCK B ((Sid Davis Former While House Correspondent)) A Black gentleman in a white Cadillac stopped and he said: "Are you a reporter?" And I said, Yes. He said, "I can get you to the hospital. I know where he is." So, he took me to the hospital. I went to Parkland Hospital. I just got there, and I went immediately to the emergency room. And I was immediately thrown out of the emergency room. But I saw Mrs. Kennedy there. And I went over where she was standing, and she was talking to one of the doctors. And she saidshe took a piece of the president's skull out of her suit pocket, and showed it to the doctor, and she said, "Would this be of any help?" At this point, they had not announced Kennedy's death. And the doctor said, "No, Mrs. Kennedy. It would not be of any help." ((Steve Herman VOA News)) You witnessed that? ((Sid Davis Former While House Correspondent)) I heard. I heard her conversation with the doctor. And there was a priest there, Father Oscar Huber, in this group with Mrs. Kennedy and these other people standing around with the doctors. And the priest, Father Oscar Huber, said, "He's dead all right. I just gave him the last rites." ((Steve Herman VOA News)) Now, he wasn't expecting a reporter to hear that, and Mrs. Kennedy presumably was not hearing that. ((Sid Davis Former While House Correspondent)) I think Mrs. Kennedy probably had talked to enough doctors. There were a lot of doctors in there she was talking to. There was no chance he could survive it. From what I saw being in the motorcade and chasing after it, the wound was so severe. I saw Mrs. Kennedy in her beautifulshe was wearing a two-piece wool, strawberry-colored suit. She was absolutely stunning. But I could see the blood on the suit, especially on her right stocking. The blood had congealed. The stocking was soaked with blood, because his headthe president rested his head on her right sideand he bled. He was bleeding profusely from the head. The president, there were three shots fired, one shot missed. The second shot went through the back of his neck and exited through the Adams apple. The doctors told me that if that's the only wound the president suffered, he might have survived that. But the third shot took a part of the skull, and that's where the blood was coming from. And Mrs. Kennedy was trying to hold him. He slipped down on her lap practically, and she was trying to embrace him and hold him back. ((Steve Herman VOA News)) The announcement is made that Kennedy has died. ((Sid Davis Former While House Correspondent)) It only took about seven or 10 minutes. And Malcolm Kilduff, the press secretary, took over the briefing and announced that President John F. Kennedy died today at 1 o'clock p.m. He died of a bullet wound to the brain. I have no further information. At that point, all hell broke loose. And I went on the air and announced President Kennedy was dead on the basis of what Kilduff said. ((NATS)) ((Voice of Jim Schneider)) So were now going to switch you to Sid Davis at the hospital in Dallas. ((Voice of Sid Davis)) Jim, we have just had the official word from Malcolm Kilduff, the associate presidential press secretary, that President Kennedy is dead. ((Steve Herman VOA News)) How did you end up getting from Parkland Hospital out back to Love Field? ((Sid Davis Former While House Correspondent)) From the hospital, a guy named [Edwin] Jiggs Fauver, a White House Press Office transportation person, said, "You're going to be a pooler. You've got to get out of here. The president wants to put this on the air. You've got to get out of here. And Merriman Smith and Chuck Roberts, there's three of you. We have a car waiting, is a police car waiting for you outside." And they put the three of us in a police car and told the officer to get to the airplane, get to Love Field. We travelled through the streets of Dallas. I don't know how that cop, the cop did that. We went through the streets of Dallas in and out of traffic. We went over front lawns, driveways, everything, racing for Love Field. They didn't want Air Force One to leave without us. And we got to Love Field. Air Force One was gearing up. Jim Swindal, the pilot, was preparing to leave. I boarded the airplane. ((Steve Herman VOA News)) At that point, did you know what was going to happen next? ((Sid Davis Former While House Correspondent)) I followed Lyndon Johnson around the airplane as he met with staff. He held meetings right in the immediacy of Kennedy's death. He's holding meetings, talking about what we're going to do. He picks up the phone, he calls Bobby Kennedy, the president's brother, and says, I think we ought to go back to Washington. We ought to go. We ought to go back to Washington. Mrs. Kennedy agreed. She did not want the body to remain in Dallas because that would have meant an autopsy delay. She didn't want that to happen. ((Steve Herman VOA News)) Robert Caro, Johnson's biographer, describes an immediate transition with Lyndon Johnson. That Lyndon Johnson had been depressed, almost, as a vice president, had a hangdog expression. And the minute he got on Air Force One, after Kennedy was assassinated, that Johnson, even before the swearing-in, took charge. ((Sid Davis Former While House Correspondent)) He did take charge. He, the people on the plane, the Kennedy people and the Johnson people, assembled around LBJ [Lyndon Baines Johnson]. It was amidships in the airplane, down, halfway down the 707. And LBJ held court with these people. At first, Robert Kennedy said, come back to Washington. Then it was a change of heart. And LBJ stepped in and said, "We're going to take the oath in Dallas." And then, Judge Sarah Hughes, a federal judge, had been brought out to the airplane to administer the oath. ((Steve Herman VOA News)) Why do you think Johnson wanted to immediately take the oath in Dallas and not do a ceremony back in the White House? ((Sid Davis Former While House Correspondent)) Johnson was a very bright guy. He saw the problems of going back to Washington, that that would take three or four hours. Then there were members of Congress who would get involved and say, we're going to have a ceremony. We're going to do this or do that. And Johnson didn't want that. Mrs. Kennedy didn't. They wanted to have the swearing in. The only way to do that was to do it in Dallas. And that was decided to do it that way. LBJ made that decision. I heard him say: "We're going to take the oath here." And he was talking to Mrs. Kennedy. He had Mrs. Johnson beside him when he was talking to her, and then he said: "Let's get airborne." ((Steve Herman VOA News)) The swearing-in ceremony, very impromptu. Johnson insists that Mrs. Kennedy, in her bloodstained dress, stands next to him. ((Sid Davis Former While House Correspondent)) He arranged the photograph. Johnson became the arranger. Johnson just took over. ((Steve Herman VOA News)) Why did he want her in the photograph, with her bloodstained dress, right next to him when he was being sworn in? ((Sid Davis Former While House Correspondent)) I don't think the bloodstained dress bothered him. He wanted her in the picture. He called her. He put his arm around her shoulder, and he called her. At one point he called her, Darling, you stand here. Mrs. Johnson stands here. He arranged the photograph. ((Steve Herman VOA News)) Why? Why did he want her next to him? ((Sid Davis Former While House Correspondent)) Thats Lyndon Johnson. To not have had her in that photograph would have been terrible. And he knew that. He knew she had to be in that picture. And she, what she was thinking was, I've lost my husband. But she was willing to do all of the things Johnson was telling her to do. My judgment is she wanted to be in the picture. ((NATS/Video: LBJ SwearingIn)) Judge: I do solemnly swear LBJ: I do solemnly swear Judge: that I will faithfully execute LBJ: that I will faithfully execute Judge: the office of president of the United States, LBJ: the office of president of the United States, Judge: and will to the best of my ability LBJ: and will to the best of my ability Judge: preserve, LBJ: preserve, Judge: protect LBJ: protect Judge: and defend LBJ: and defend Judge: the Constitution of the United States. LBJ: the Constitution of the United States. Judge: So help me God. LBJ: So help me God. TEASE Coming up ((Topic Banner)) Dateline Dallas: A Reporter Remembers BREAK TWO USAGM ((LogOn Underwater Drones (TV, R) HEADLINE: LogOn: Underwater Drones Take Off Like Those in the Air TEASER: The discovery of the Endurance shipwreck in Antarctic waters this year has encouraged hobbyists to take up underwater drones BYLINE: Genia Dulot VIDEOGRAPHER: Genia Dulot PRODUCER: Genia Dulot SCRIPT EDITORS: Michelle Quinn TRT: 2:01 [[As they overcome the challenges of operating in water, underwater drones are becoming more available for hobbyists, researchers and public agencies. Genia Dulot reports.)) ((NARRATION)) Jesuit Robotics, a high school robotics team from Sacramento, California, has been designing remotely operated vehicles, or ROVs, for more than a decade. [[For Radio: Charlie Diaz, a member of the Jesuit Robotics team]] ((Charlie Diaz, Jesuit Robotics)) We developed the grippers ourselves, the cameras, our modularly adjustable buoyancy systems. ((BROLL: Shots of Jesuit Robotics team)) ((NARRATION)) Jesuit Robotics recently exhibited its underwater drone at a competition in Long Beach, California. Called the Manatee, this underwater drone can map shipwrecks or work on environmental projects. ((Charlie Diaz, Jesuit Robotics)) We have our custom AI detection software. Our bottom gripper helps us to restore seagrass beds. ((NARRATION)) ((Courtesy: FALKLANDS MARITIME HERITAGE TRUST, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC / AFP)) Entrancing many, the recent discovery by ROV of the Endurance, which sank in Antarctic waters in 1915. That effort cost an estimated $10 million. ROVs have been slow to take off among hobbyists, however. Several startup companies are making design changes and adding technology to make drones work better underwater and reduce costs. Blue Robotics, a Los Angeles firm, works on waterproofing underwater drone parts such as the thruster, which propels the ROV in the right direction, and has added various sensors measuring temperature, pressure and depth. [[For Radio: Rustom Jehangir is founder and CEO of Blue Robotics]] ((Rustom Jehangir, CEO Blue Robotics)) Instead of trying to protect the motor from the water, why dont we make a waterproof motor? Thats really the innovation here. ((Courtesy: Blue Robotics)) ((NARRATION)) These new underwater drones cannot go to the deep sea, but they are being used in conditions unsafe for human divers, and by hobbyists, says Fritz Stahr, an ocean technology expert. [[For Radio: Fritz Stahr, a judge at the competition, and chief technology officer at Open Ocean Robotics, a marine technology firm.]] ((Fritz Stahr, Ocean Tech Expert)) The ability for everybody or more people to be that explorer, to be that person who understands whats going on in their local environment, is really important. ((NARRATION)) Unlike aerial drones, technology has yet to solve the problem of underwater communications. For now, these drones are controlled by a tether. ((Genia Dulot for VOA News, Los Angeles)) BUMP IN ((ANIM)) BLOCK C ((Steve Herman VOA News)) You had to wait for Kennedy's body to arrive, to be loaded into the plane. But Johnson wants to fly back immediately. ((Sid Davis Former While House Correspondent)) That's right. ((Steve Herman VOA News)) You were asked to stay on the plane and fly back to Washington. But you did not. Why? ((Sid Davis Former While House Correspondent)) No, I volunteered to get off and give the pool report. There were 40-some White House correspondents that flew out there with me. And since I was the only pooler in that little group, and I had all the story, I volunteered to stay there and give the pool report to the rest of the White House correspondents. ((Steve Herman VOA News)) How did you do that? ((Sid Davis Former While House Correspondent)) White House staff assembled these 30 or 40 reporters out at the bottom of the Air Force One at the bottom of the ramp. They assembled these 30 or 40 White House correspondents. They lifted me on the top of a trunk of a car, and I gave the pool report. ((Steve Herman VOA News)) What did you say? ((Sid Davis Former While House Correspondent)) I described everything I saw that had happened. Time of death. Everything that I could report, I did. ((Video: Sid Davis atop car with reporters)) And then I took questions. And who would be the one who would ask the most questions? Now I'm anxious to file this story. I haven't filed my story yet. The New York Times reporter, he wanted to know every detail. His name is Tom Wicker, one of the best ever. And Tom says, "I need to know more. I need to know more." So, I stayed there with Tom, and I gave him the full report. And I finished that report, then I filed my story. I did not file my story until I gave the pool report. ((Photo Montage of LBJ swearing-in)) ((NATS)) ((Voice of Sid Davis)) I was among three reporters selected because of the circumstances to witness the swearing-in of President Johnson. The swearing-in ceremony took place in the presidential suite of Air Force One, the large Boeing 707 fanjet ((delete extra text)) that brought the president [Kennedy] to Dallas today. ((Steve Herman VOA News)) When did it hit you about the enormity of what you had witnessed that day? ((Sid Davis Former While House Correspondent)) Steven, you know, the White House correspondents have a reputation for the bottle. Pan American World Airways was our favorite airline. The one thing they knew all about us was what booze we drank. And going back to Washington that night, about 11 p.m., not a single one of the 50 reporters had a drink. The most unusual thing. The stewardesses turned out the lights and brought pillows so that we could sleep. We arrived in Washington about 4 or 4:30 a.m. And I went immediately to Andrews Air Force Base to see what was going on. I began preparations for the morning broadcast. And I saw Mrs. Kennedy coming to arrive at the airport, sitting with the casket in a limousine. Sitting beside her as she had her hand on the casket, I can see the red, red dress and sadness of what had taken place that day. And I wrote my first story that way, went on the air, and I quoted the words of Robert Frost. I said: The woods are lovely, dark and deep ((NATS)) ((Voice of Sid Davis)) I have promises to keep and many miles to go before I sleep. And with that, this is Sid Davis, reporting from the White House. ((Sid Davis Former While House Correspondent)) At that time, I just broke up on the air. I just couldn't hold it back. Now, there's an old rule in broadcasting, it says: If you're not sure, don't do it, don't say it, don't play it. And I violated every rule in the book. ((Steve Herman VOA News)) Sid Davis, thank you for remembering with us. ((Steve Herman VOA News)) According to the official Warren Commissions investigation of Kennedys assassination, there was no conspiracy. Lee Harvey Oswald fired three shots from a sixth-floor window of the Texas School Book Depository. Two days later, in the basement of the Dallas police station, a nightclub owner, Jack Ruby, gunned down Oswald. Since then, surveys have consistently found the majority of Americans doubt Oswald acted alone and believe there was a conspiracy. Steve Herman, VOA News, Dallas ((Credit roll: Dateline Dallas: A Reporter Remembers Produced by: Steve Herman Adam Greenbaum Supervising Editor: Scott Stearns Location Videographer: Adam Greenbaum (Bethesda, Maryland) Jonathan Zizzo (Dallas, Texas) Post-production Editor: Randall Taylor Jr. Additional Film, Photography and Audio Archival material Courtesy of: Henry Hernandez Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum & Boyhood Home John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum KDKA Radio Library of Congress Lyndon Baines Johnson Presidential Library and Museum Stewart Media Archives Center/Mahoning Valley Historical Society University of Maryland Libraries Special Collections U.S. National Archives The archival materials in this program are subject to copyright A Voice of America production 2023)) CLOSING BUMPER ((ANIM)) voanews.com/connect BREAK THREE ((PKG)) NATURE KICKER: MOOSE ((TRT: 02:00)) ((Topic Banner: Nature: Moose in Alaska)) ((Text on screen: Grazing moose in the wetlands of Homer, Alaska and moose cows taking care of their calves.)) ((Camera/Editor: Gabrielle Weiss)) BUMP IN ((ANIM)) CLOSING BUMPER ((ANIM)) voanews.com/connect SHOW ENDS Two years after Taiwan opened a representative office in Lithuania, officials from both sides stress progress in bilateral relations while analysts cite risks that the deepened engagement could be affected by domestic political shift in Lithuania. After two years of engagement with Taiwan, we have some specific agreements with Taiwanese companies and organizations, especially in the field of semiconductors, but we shouldnt neglect the risk of some changes in Lithuanias current relationship with Taiwan and China caused by domestic political shifts, Tomas Janeliunas, an international relations professor at Vilnius University, told VOA by phone. He said that while the progress in bilateral relations has largely concentrated on deepening economic and trade exchanges, the overall trend is backed by the current Lithuanian governments desire to expand cooperation with democracies. Before the parliamentary elections in 2020, the current government declared that they would like to foster relationships with democracies around the world, including expanding the relationship with Taiwan, he said. It included some economic prospects and cooperation in the field of technology, too. Over the last two years, Taiwan and Lithuania have opened trade offices in both capitals, Taipei and Vilnius, and trade between the two countries grew 50% from 2021 to 2022. One of Lithuanias leading tech companies, Teltonika, signed an agreement with Taiwan's Industrial Technology Research Institute, a government-funded institute, that would help it launch domestic semiconductor production in 2027 using Taiwanese technology. In addition, Lithuanian companies involved in specialized laser technology agreed to work with the research institute to set up the Ultrafast Laser Technology Research and Innovation Center in Southern Taiwan, focusing on medical and industrial applications. So far, the cooperation has been fruitful and brought both sides some economic successes and benefits, Karolis Zemaitis, Lithuanias deputy economic minister, told VOA in an interview in Vilnius. We are focusing on high-value-added sectors so high-tech is our main focus. This is a very equal bilateral exchange and cooperation where both sides can see some fruits and results. Apart from deepening economic ties, Taiwan and Lithuania have also increased bilateral exchanges through delegation visits and agreements to expand cooperation in such areas as scientific research and agriculture. The cooperation is based on values, Eric Huang, Taiwans representative to Lithuania, told VOA in an interview in Vilnius. For example, since [semiconductors are] such a sensitive area, I dont think we will be able to implement cooperation without political trust. It is a multilayered cooperation based on values. At the European level, one positive development that extends from Lithuanias efforts to deepen ties with Taiwan is the European Unions plan to adopt an anti-coercion instrument, a mechanism that could help the EU deal with countries that try to force changes in EU policies by restricting trade. The European Parliament approved the plan in October after China launched economic retaliation against Lithuania over the opening of the Taiwanese representative office. With Estonia expressing an interest in allowing Taiwan to open a representative office in Tallinn earlier this month, some analysts say how China responds to Estonias decision will test the effectiveness of the EUs anti-coercion instruments, which allow Brussels to respond to external coercion forcefully. We should monitor whether China will respond to the case of Estonia in a belligerent manner, Marcin Jerzewski, an analyst of EU-Taiwan relations at the European Values Center for Security Policy, told VOA by phone. The EUs reaction will be the perfect test of the sustainability of the developments that we have seen in the case of Lithuania. Despite some Lithuanian and Taiwanese officials positive views on the state of bilateral relations, there is still some skepticism about the prospect and benefits of deepening ties with Taiwan within the Lithuanian government. In September, Asta Skaisgiryte, the chief foreign policy adviser to President Gitanas Nauseda, told Lithuanian National Television and Radio that the large amount of investment that Taiwan promised when it opened the representative office in Vilnius has not materialized at the scale that Lithuania may have anticipated. Some analysts think Taiwan has not done a very good job of delivering the investment promises. The appetite for investment in Lithuania is much bigger, but so far the only big deal that has been realized is the one with Teltonika, Jerzewski told VOA. Taiwan has to do proper expectation management. Apart from domestic skepticism about the economic benefit of the relationship with Taiwan, some analysts highlight the risk of progress in the bilateral relationship between Taiwan and Lithuania being stalled by potential regime changes in Lithuania. If we look at opinion polls, the current government is not performing really well, and the Social Democrats and Lithuanian Farmers and Greens Association are becoming the parties of choice in the presidential election scheduled for May 2024, Jerzewski told VOA. These are the two parties that have shown the greatest hesitation toward deepening ties with Taiwan. Janeliunas said while some members of opposition parties have declared that they would consider changing the current direction of Lithuanias relationship with China and Taiwan, he thinks it is unlikely they would make drastic changes to Vilnius ties with Taipei if they won the presidential election next year. I dont believe they would go for a radical move like changing the name of Taiwans representative office, because the political costs of such a move would be quite high, he told VOA. When you are in opposition, you can be bold in your expressions. But when you are in office, you have to calculate all kinds of consequences. Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis said last week officials from Lithuania and China had been talking about potentially normalizing diplomatic relations after Beijing downgraded diplomatic relations with Vilnius in 2021 following the opening of the Taiwanese Representative Office in Lithuania. On November 1, Pakistans government began deporting Afghans who had been living there illegally. Hundreds of thousands of people have since crossed back into Afghanistan and are living in makeshift camps near the border. These families say they need shelter and jobs as the winter is approaching. VOA Afghan Service has the story, narrated by Elizabeth Cherneff. U.S. President Joe Biden is scheduled to meet Friday with Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, or APEC, conference in San Francisco. In a statement, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the two leaders will discuss ongoing efforts to strengthen the U.S.-Mexico bilateral relationship and address issues of shared concern. The statement said they would also discuss how to work together as partners to manage migration at our shared border and mobilize a hemispheric-wide response to this challenge. During last months U.S. Mexico High Level Security Dialogue, U.S. and Mexican officials focused heavily on the issue of fentanyl trafficking between the two nations and that is expected to be on the agenda for Fridays meeting as well. The two leaders will certainly discuss trade, as this year Mexico became the top U.S. trading partner, last year exchanging more than $860 billion in goods and services, an all-time high. The Associated Press reports Lopez Obrador said he would also use Friday's meeting to take up the case for Cuba and would urge Biden to resume a dialogue with the island nation and end U.S. sanctions. Biden met with President Xi Jinping on Wednesday and used Thursday to highlight strong economic ties between the U.S. and the other Pacific nations. The president will have one final large gathering of leaders Friday where he will formally transfer the APEC chair to Peruvian President Dina Boluarte. Some information for this report was provided by The Associated Press and Reuters. The U.S. federal government has opened civil rights investigations into seven schools, universities and a school district over allegations of antisemitism or Islamophobia since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war. The list includes three Ivy League institutions Columbia, Cornell and the University of Pennsylvania along with Wellesley College in Massachusetts, Lafayette College in Pennsylvania and Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art in New York. It also includes one K-12 system, the Maize Unified School District in Kansas. The Education Department announced the inquiries on Thursday, calling it part of President Joe Biden administration's effort to take "aggressive action" against discrimination. Schools found to have violated civil rights law can face penalties up to a total loss of federal money, although the vast majority of cases end in voluntary settlements. Schools have a legal duty to act "when students are targeted because they are or are perceived to be Jewish, Muslim, Arab, Sikh or any other ethnicity or shared ancestry," Education Secretary Miguel Cardona said in a written statement. Five of the investigations are in response to allegations of antisemitic harassment, while two are in response to allegations of anti-Muslim harassment, the department said. The agency did not disclose which schools faced which accusations. Details about individual complaints were not released. Penn and Wellesley were accused of antisemitism in federal complaints filed last week by the Brandeis Center, a Jewish legal advocacy group. In a November 9 letter to the Education Department, the center says Penn professors have made antisemitic statements in the classroom and on social media. It said many Jewish students are afraid to be on campus during pro-Palestinian rallies, and that the university has done little to support them. Penn officials said they're cooperating with the investigation. University President Liz Magill "has made clear antisemitism is vile and pernicious and has no place at Penn," the school said. "The university will continue to vigilantly combat antisemitism and all forms of hate." A separate letter from the Brandeis Center said Wellesley has failed to address antisemitism. It cites an email that some dorm advisers sent to residents saying "there should be no space, no consideration, and no support for Zionism" at Wellesley. Advisers later apologized for the message. Wellesley, a private women's college, said the federal investigation is in response to the Brandeis complaint. A statement from Wellesley denied any wrongdoing, saying it "responded quickly and decisively" to the dorm incident. Officials at Lafayette said it was unclear to them why their school was being investigated. "The College maintains a firm stance against antisemitism, Islamophobia, and hate speech of any kind. The College is cooperating and will continue to cooperate fully with the DOE in their investigation," the college said in a written statement. Maize Unified, a district of about 8,000 students outside Wichita, said it did not receive a copy of the complaint. A statement said the district "takes allegations of discrimination seriously and is committed to cooperating fully with any investigation." The schools are being investigated for possible discrimination based on shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics, which violates the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The federal law requires schools to protect students from discrimination and respond to harassment that creates a hostile environment. Anyone can file a complaint alleging such discrimination. All of the investigations were opened Wednesday or Thursday. An updated list of investigations will be released each week, the department said. Emotions over the Israel-Hamas war have been running high on many campuses around the U.S. At Columbia, for one, tensions have been escalating amid dueling demonstrations by pro-Israel activists and by Palestinian students and their allies. At Cornell, a student was arrested last month after posting threatening statements against Jewish people. Some Jewish students at Cooper Union say the school failed to protect them during an October pro-Palestine demonstration that left Jewish students sheltering in a campus library. Palestinian and Muslim students have also reported increased harassment on campuses across the country. At Columbia, students protested this week after the school suspended two pro-Palestinian groups that have come under scrutiny on U.S. campuses. "We at the Department of Education, like the nation, see the fear students and school communities experience as hate proliferates in schools," said Catherine E. Lhamon, assistant secretary of civil rights for the department. The investigations are the Biden administration's latest steps to press colleges into action. Last week the Education Department sent universities a letter reminding them of their legal obligations under the Civil Rights Act. Cardona has recently met with leaders of Muslim, Arab and Jewish groups to discuss discrimination on campuses. Along with complaints filed with the Education Department, some students have filed lawsuits alleging civil rights violations. Three Jewish students at New York University sued the school this week, saying it failed to address persistent antisemitism that has worsened since the October 7 attack in Israel by Hamas militants. Finland will erect barriers at four crossings on its border with Russia, officials said Friday, in a bid to stem an increase in migrants that Helsinki says has been orchestrated by Moscow. Finland has accused Russian authorities of funneling migrants to the crossings in retaliation for its decision to increase defense cooperation with the United States, an assertion dismissed by the Kremlin. Barriers will go up at four of the nine crossings with Russia, at Vaalimaa, Nuijamaa, Imatra and Niirala in its southeast, the Finnish Border Guard said. "Our aim is to use barrier devices to prevent entry," the Border Guard's head of international affairs, Matti Pitkaniitty, told reporters. The measures were a response to changes in Russia's border policy, he said. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Friday that Finland was making a "big mistake" by choosing a path of confrontation with Russia, state news agency TASS reported. "[One can] only express deep regret that the Finnish authorities have taken the path of destroying bilateral relations," TASS quoted Peskov as saying. Some 300 asylum seekers, mostly from Iraq, Yemen, Somalia and Syria, have arrived in Finland this week, according to the Border Guard. Nearly 100 had entered Finland from Russia by midday Friday alone, officials said. Finland shares a 1,340-kilometer (833-mile) border with Russia that also serves as the European Union's external border. Helsinki angered Moscow when it joined the NATO military alliance in April after decades of nonalignment following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. From Saturday, asylum seekers arriving via Russia will be allowed to hand in their applications at only two northern border crossings, at Salla and Vartius, Pitkaniitty said. Finland's ombudsman for nondiscrimination said Thursday Helsinki still has a duty under international treaties and EU law to allow asylum seekers to seek protection. EU border agency Frontex told Reuters it would send officers to Finland to help safeguard the frontier. "We ... are preparing to provide immediate assistance through the additional deployment of our standing corps officers," a Frontex spokesperson said in an email. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen thanked the Finnish authorities Thursday for protecting the bloc's external border. "Russia's instrumentalization of migrants is shameful," she said. BEIJING, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- How many items would one need to pack for a week-long holiday? The answer for a growing number of young Chinese travelers is nothing but a cellphone. Following an order placed on one of many online shopping platforms like Meituan by using a cellphone, the likes of a toothbrush, medicine, beer, instant noodles and other daily-use items can be delivered to the consumer in about half an hour, making up part of the scope of a popular shopping model known as instant retail or on-demand retail. "China might not be the country with the most convenience stores in per capita terms, but it's able to offer the most convenient around-the-clock shopping experience for many thanks to instant retail services," said Xiao Kun, vice president of Meituan and head of the e-commerce giant's flash shopping business, which has partnered with over 4,600 large chain retailers and 370,000 stores to offer related services. Consisting of online ordering, offline distribution and speedy delivery, instant retail has been developing fast across China as digital-savvy consumers become inclined to trade money for time due to their need for speed. "Instant retail is an evolutionary version of online shopping that has not only met consumers' demands, but also created new demands," said Pei Liang, head of the China Chain-Store & Franchise Association. "It's the iconic model of the fourth retail revolution." This emerging retail business has maintained an average annual growth rate of more than 50 percent in recent years, with its market size topping 504 billion yuan (about 70.3 billion U.S. dollars) in 2022, according to a report by the Ministry of Commerce (MOC). The report predicted that by 2025, China's instant retail market volume will be three times that of 2022. The growing market has secured investment from China's leading e-commerce players. JD.com announced in October that it will empower the digital retail transformation of more than 2 million Chinese small and medium-sized physical stores in five years. Meituan is using drones to deliver instant retail orders and estimated that its flash shopping business will exceed 400 billion yuan by 2026. Lured by access to a larger number of consumers, many mostly brick-and-mortar retail brands have embraced the new business form to cater to Chinese consumers' shifting consumption preferences. French beauty brand Sephora has launched instant retail services in all its offline stores in China. It saw a 1,243-percent surge in sales during this year's Qixi Festival, or Chinese Valentine's Day, compared with a normal day a week earlier, as many consumers placed online orders for cosmetics as festival gifts. China's online retail volume expanded 11.2 percent in the first 10 months of this year, much faster than the 6.9-percent growth of total retail sales of consumer goods. The development of instant retail will help accelerate the digital transformation of the traditional retail industry, spur spending and create more jobs, said Du Guochen, deputy director of the e-commerce research institute of the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, a think tank under the MOC. The Chinese government is promoting instant retail beyond big cities. It has unveiled plans to boost instant retail services in county-level regions and rural areas as a move to encourage consumption, a key driver of the world's second-largest economy. "Instant retail is one of the consumption bandwagons of the times, and it's driven not only by internet technologies, but also by the improvement of logistics infrastructure and per capita GDP in China," said Meituan senior vice president Wang Puzhong, who heads the company's home-delivery businesses. "In the same vein, it entails joint efforts to further push the evolution of instant retail," Wang added. The body of an Israeli hostage is recovered. South Africa recommends war crimes charges against Israel. A look at communities in the West Bank, destroyed by Jewish settlers after the start of the war. Plus, the latest from Ukraine, and a conversation about the plight of Palestinian children. U.S. President Joe Biden is under increasing pressure to rein in Israel's military campaign against Hamas, with concern mounting about the high number of Palestinian civilians killed. Meanwhile, unverified videos suggest that Israeli forces are carrying out operations at Shifa Hospital in Gaza. VOA's Senior Diplomatic Correspondent Cindy Saine reports from the U.S. State Department. Tens of thousands of Israelis who had been living abroad returned to Israel to join reserve army units and assist the war effort. Among them are hundreds of lone soldiers, Jews from around the world who previously volunteered, trained and served with the Israeli army but have no family in the country. Linda Gradstein reports for VOA from Jerusalem. Camera: Ricki Rosen. Togolese opposition parties and civil society organizations Friday denounced the incarceration for "defamation" of two journalists who had claimed on social media that a minister had around the equivalent of 600,000 euros ($650,000) stolen from his home. The DMP, a collective of opposition political parties and civil society organizations, demanded the two journalists, Loic Lawson and Anani Sossou, be freed after their postings about Minister of State Kodjo Adedze. The opposition Democratic Forces for the Republic, or FDR, party also said it "condemns with the utmost vigor this continued relentlessness of the same Minister Adedze against journalists who only do their job of providing information." Lawson, publishing director of the newspaper Flambeau des Democrates, and Sossou, an independent journalist, were sent this week to prison in Lome for "defamation and attack on the honor of the minister and incitement to revolt." The pair had said on social networks that Adedze, the minister of Urban Planning, Housing and Land Reform, had 400 million West African CFA francs stolen from his home. The minister, who had declared a burglary to the police without the amount stolen being made public, filed a complaint against them. The two journalists then retracted their statement by publishing on Facebook that "extensive investigations and sources close to the matter attest that the amount communicated was overestimated and would not reach the sum of 400 million." In Togo, social media networks are excluded from the scope of application of the law relating to the press and communication code, which came into force this year. In offenses related to social media, prosecution is based on the penal code. Joining the criticism with a statement over the arrest, the Togolese Press Authority, or PTT, one of the organizations of press owners in the West African country, "expresses its indignation and concern at the direction this affair is taking" and stressed that "deprivation of liberty should not be the rule." The journalists' rights organization Reporters Without Borders, or RSF, also called for the immediate release of the two men. We are concerned by the summons and detention of journalists in Togo," Sadibou Marong, director of RSFs sub-Saharan Africa desk, told AFP. "The signs that we see emerging show a desire by the authorities to circumvent the press law to arrest and detain journalists." For more than a decade, Indian journalist Shahina K.K. has been fighting the same legal battle. When Indian authorities first charged the journalist under an anti-terror law in 2010, such cases were rare, Shahina said. But now journalists are more regularly targeted in her home country. Fifteen years ago, or 20 years ago, it was an exception journalists being booked was an exception. Now it has become a norm, Shahina, an editor at Outlook magazine, told VOA during a trip to Washington this week. The Indian government has argued the anti-terror law, called the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, is necessary to prevent terrorism. Between 2014 and 2020, over 10,500 people were arrested under the law. Shahinas experience underscores a global trend in which governments are increasingly using the legal system to target journalists for critical reporting. I think its a global phenomenon. Its happening everywhere. And in India, also, as everybody knows, the Indian situation is going from bad to worse, said Shahina, who is based in the southern Indian city of Kochi. The global threats to media and the important work of journalists like Shahina who refuse to be silenced by legal threats or other risks were recognized Thursday by the Committee to Protect Journalists, or CPJ. The press freedom group recognized Shahina and three other journalists Nika Gvaramia from Georgia, Maria Teresa Montano from Mexico, and Ferdinand Ayite from Togo with its International Press Freedom Award at a black-tie gala in New York. Journalists are civilians. We are not targets. We are not combatants. Our pens and our cameras are not weapons of war, but tools of justice. And above all, we are human beings, CPJ president Jodie Ginsberg said during the event. The awardees visited Washington earlier this week to meet with U.S. lawmakers, civil society groups and news outlets. Ginsberg told VOA this year's honorees are linked by the legal harassment they've all faced. What unites the four awardees this year are some of the themes were seeing globally. So increased criminalization of journalists in particular, using non-speech related charges against them. Charges like breaches of national security law, for example, Ginsberg said. Ginsberg also pointed to the threats of online harassment and surveillance facing these journalists. Those risks are well known to Ayite, who is the director of the Togolese investigative newspaper LAlternative. His phone number appeared on the Pegasus Project list of journalists targeted by spyware. Surveillance is just one of many layers of harassment in Togo, Ayite told VOA, adding that administrative and judicial issues also persist. Thats the reality of Togo, Ayite said. Its a machine of repression. In March, Ayite and LAlternatives editor-in-chief Isidore Kouwonou fled Togo shortly before a local court found them guilty on insult and false news charges and sentenced them to three years in prison. Ayite now lives in exile in France, where he continues to lead LAlternative. Producing the newspaper from exile is challenging for personal and journalistic reasons, Ayite said. But with the internet, with technology, we can continue to distribute information in the country. With press freedom at risk around the world, Ginsberg said its especially important for U.S. lawmakers to hear the stories of these journalists. The United States prides itself as the home of the First Amendment, a defender of the free press, Ginsberg said. And so, its really important that U.S. lawmakers hear firsthand the kinds of threats that we are seeing worldwide, not just so that they can help protect those journalists internationally, but also so that they understand what might happen here in the United States, if we dont also defend a free press here, Ginsberg continued. With elections scheduled next year in Georgia, India and Mexico, the journalists say its all the more important to highlight the role media play. Gvaramia says next years elections will play a consequential role in the future of his country, Georgia, which is caught between the West and Russia. The founder of the pro-opposition broadcaster Mtavari Arkhi was sentenced to three-and-a-half years in prison on charges he and media advocates widely viewed as politically motivated. A presidential pardon in June freed him after 13 months. Either we have democracy on the ground, or we are Russia. There is no third option from my perspective, Gvaramia told VOA. The stakes are also high for India, Shahina said, as the country prepares for consequential elections in 2024 that follow a period of democratic backsliding, according to think tank reports. That era has been punctuated by violations against the media, including the banning of a BBC documentary that was critical of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the raid of another critical Indian outlet. Everyone who is worried about democracy, secularism and federalism in India, are deeply concerned about the upcoming election, Shahina said. Indias Washington embassy did not immediately reply to VOAs email requesting comment. In addition to their shared struggles, the awardees are united by their commitment to press freedom. Press freedom is very important for the good of society, for democracy, Ayite said. Despite the difficulties, abandoning the work is not an option. We must continue. U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping made clear before they met outside of San Francisco on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit that they would not issue a joint statement. But a comparison of their positions in written statements issued separately after the leaders met on Wednesday highlights continuing differences in four contentious areas. Taiwan China claims the self-governing island of Taiwan as its territory. The U.S. maintains a "robust" relationship with Taiwan and sells defense equipment to its military. The Chinese statement specifically mentioned Biden's promise of last November when he met Xi on the sidelines of the G20 meeting in Bali, Indonesia, not to support Taiwans independence. This position is not included in the White House statement. The Chinese statement said that Xi reiterated the principle of the Taiwan issue during the meeting and pointed out that "the Taiwan question has always been the most important and sensitive issue in China-U.S. relations. China attaches great importance to the relevant positive statements made by the U.S. during the Bali meeting." Xi asked Biden to not support Taiwan independence, "stop arming Taiwan, and support China's peaceful reunification." Xi said that "China will eventually be reunified." Biden did not directly respond to Xi's request to stop arming Taiwan in his statement. Instead, he reiterated his opposition to any party independently changing the status quo across the Taiwan Strait. Biden emphasized that the U.S. one-China policy has not changed and has been consistent across decades and administrations. Biden said in the statement, "The United States opposes any unilateral changes to the status quo from either side, that we expect cross-strait differences to be resolved by peaceful means, and that the world has an interest in peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait." The U.S. one-China policy recognizes the Chinese government as the only Chinese government but does not endorse Beijings view of Taiwan as a breakaway province. Biden also called on China to restrain its military activities around the Taiwan Strait. Ukraine and Israel After Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, and Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, the U.S. repeatedly called on China to mediate. Ukraine and Israel have publicly sought China's support. The U.S. statement said that the two leaders exchanged views on the two conflicts. Biden reiterated that the U.S., with global allies and partners, will continue to support Ukraine in resisting Russian aggression. On the Israel-Hamas conflict, Biden reiterated U.S. support for Israel's right to fight terrorism and emphasized the importance of all countries using their influence to prevent escalation and expansion of the conflict. The Chinese statement did not mention Ukraine or Israel. Last year in Bali, Xi stated that China was highly concerned about the situation in Ukraine. Trade and the economy Xi expressed dissatisfaction with U.S. containment of China's chip development, while Biden was concerned about China's "unfair trade policies, non-market economic practices and punitive actions against U.S. firms." He said that the U.S. would not set excessive restrictions on trade and investment. According to the Chinese statement, Xi said that the U.S. continues to impose restrictions on China regarding export controls, investment reviews and unilateral sanctions. He said that China drives development through innovation and that suppressing China's science and technology would curb China's high-quality development and deprive the Chinese people of their right to growth. He called on the U.S. to face up to China's concerns, lift unilateral sanctions, and provide a non-discriminatory environment for Chinese companies. The Chinese statement also quoted Biden as saying, "The U.S. and China are economically interdependent. The U.S. is happy to see China develop and prosper. It does not seek to suppress and contain China's development, nor does it seek to decouple from China." Biden emphasized that the United States will continue to take necessary actions to prevent advanced U.S. technologies from being used to undermine U.S. national security, without unduly limiting trade and investment. Human rights Many dissidents living in the U.S., including those from Hong Kong, Tibet and the Uyghur community, gathered in San Francisco during Xi's first visit to the U.S. in seven years to protest the Chinese government's suppression of human rights. According to the U.S. statement, Biden underscored the universality of human rights and the responsibility of all nations to respect their international human rights commitments. He raised concerns regarding PRC human rights abuses, including in Xinjiang, Tibet and Hong Kong. He said that resolving the cases of some U.S. citizens who are wrongfully detained or subject to exit bans in China remains a priority for him. China's statement did not mention these human rights issues. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg will visit Kosovo and Serbia next week amid soaring tensions between the Balkan neighbors, the military alliance said Friday. An armed ambush in Kosovo's volatile north in September near the border with Serbia killed a police officer, triggering one of the worst escalations in the former Serbian breakaway province, which is dominated by ethnic Albanians. Stoltenberg will head to Kosovo on Monday for talks with its prime minister and president before visiting peacekeepers from the Western military alliance deployed there. The next day he will be in Belgrade for a meeting with the Serbian president, NATO said. Animosity between Kosovo and Serbia has persisted since a war between Serbian forces and ethnic Albanian insurgents in the late 1990s that drew NATO intervention against Belgrade. Kosovo, which counts 120,000 Serbs among its 1.8 million people, declared independence from Serbia in 2008, in a move Belgrade has never recognized. Existing tensions have flared in Kosovo's north for months. Protests erupted among Kosovo's ethnic Serbs in April after the authorities installed Pristina-allied mayors after widely boycotted local elections in four Serb northern municipalities. NATO said 93 troops from its KFOR mission were injured, some seriously, in "unprovoked attacks" during the protests. The alliance deployed more personnel to Kosovo in response. Western powers including the United States and the European Union have been pressing Kosovo and Serbia to make progress on long-standing efforts to improve ties. EU leaders failed to convince the two sides to make a breakthrough at lengthy talks in Brussels last month. The moon glowed in the predawn Mongolia sky as Agvaantogtokh and his family prepared for another big move. On horseback, he rode to a well with nearly a thousand sheep and goats. Occasionally, he and his wife, Nurmaa, stopped to help struggling young ones, weak after a harsh winter. Thousands of miles away in Senegal, Amadou Altine Ndiaye's family led livestock through a sparse African savannah. Horses and donkeys pulled a four-cart caravan along dirt paths in sweltering heat. Cattle followed. The family believed the next village would be richer with vegetation. "I was born into pastoralism, and since then I've known only that," said Ndiaye, 48, a member of the Muslim Fulani ethnic group who learned the ways of herding alongside his elders. "It's a source of pride." More than 50 million people in Asia, Africa, the Middle East and elsewhere practice this way of life. As nomadic pastoralists, they keep domestic animals and move with them to seek fresh pastures often selling some livestock for meat. Although pastoralism has sustained these populations for millennia, it faces mounting pressures from deteriorating environments, shrinking rangelands, and new generations who seek a less grueling life. At the same time, pastoralism is modernizing, with groups leveraging technology. The practice has survived for so long because it is designed to adapt to a changing environment pastoralists move with animals to find fresh pasture and water, leaving behind fallow land to regrow. Experts say it's a lesson that could help those who raise livestock at larger scales adapt and reduce the impact on the environment. Pastoralists aren't only trying to outrun climate change; they're combating it. 'We need more rain' Perhaps more than any other place, Mongolia is known for pastoralism. The practice is enshrined in the nation's constitution, which calls its 80 million camels, yaks, cows, sheep, goats and horses "national wealth" protected by the state. For families like Agvaantogtokh's, pastoralism is more than a profession. It's a cultural identity that connects generations. At its heart is the human connection to animals. Agvaantogtokh and his family sell animals for meat. They also sell dairy products such as yogurt and hard cheeses. While they consider animals their property, they also see them as living beings working alongside them. Researchers say herders believe in "animal agency." Agvaantogtokh lets his livestock pick grass, flowers or herbs to eat, and find their own water. To him, fencing an animal and asking it to eat the same thing daily is like putting a person in prison. In Mongolia, weather extremes are a part of life. When Agvaantogtokh thinks about climate change, he worries about humans and livestock. Chronic drought and warming plague Mongolia. Since 1940, the government says, average temperatures have risen 2.2 degrees Celsius. Dzuds natural disasters unique to Mongolia caused by droughts and severe, snowy winters have grown harsher and more frequent. A dzud pushed Agvaantogtokh and his family to move out after a disastrous winter killed 400 of their animals. The family lives simply. They have a sink with a rubber pump to limit water use. They live in a tent called a ger, with wooden circular frames insulated with sheepskin and felt, and doors facing east to let in the morning sun. Nurmaa, who married into this way of life, uses a boiler fired with horse dung to cook and stay warm. "Year by year," she said, "I have learned a lot of things." Herding and birthing animals. Setting up camp. Cooking meals of breads, stews, milk tea and homemade wine. Surviving on the edge of the Sahara In Senegal, caravans carry the comforts of a furnished home, such as a metal bed frame and mattress, and water for people and animals. With the rainy season approaching earlier this year, Ndiaye, his son-in-law Moussa Ifra Ba and the rest of the family prepared for a 170-kilometer, 16-day trek. "The livestock are hungry, and you sometimes have trouble selling one because it is so thin," Ndiaye said. Water and plentiful grass have become harder to come by. Ba said: "Many varieties of tree have disappeared, and even our children are unaware of certain species. The best varieties of grass no longer grow in certain areas, and the most widespread grass is more like rubber: It fills the belly but doesn't nourish the animals." Meals for Ndiaye's family rarely include meat. Only when they pass through certain villages can they stock up on food vegetables, rice. Per-person meat consumption in Senegal is among the lowest in the world; rates are more than six times higher in Mongolia. Ndiaye's family doesn't sell animals regularly. Meat is mostly for special occasions: weddings, holidays. When they do, a few head of cattle can provide enough money to get married, buy rice or even emigrate. Ancient practice, new techniques To keep their practice alive, pastoralists seek ways to modernize. In Mongolia, Lkhaebum recently began using a motorbike to more easily search for horses. The family has a solar-powered battery that runs a television and washing machine, a karaoke machine, and a cellphone to keep track of weather and access Facebook groups where herders exchange information. Though modern tools promise to make things easier, many pastoralists run into obstacles. Those in Senegal, for example, often struggle to find cellphone signals. They rely mostly on older technology and methods. An important advancement in infrastructure has helped: water towers known as forages that have sprung up with government assistance. Perhaps the biggest threat to pastoralism comes from within, as the next generation chooses other paths. Nurmaa and Agvaantogtokh's 18-year-old daughter studies medicine. Their son spoke about becoming a herder in his early teens. But not anymore. "I won't regret anything if my child won't be a herder," Nurmaa said. "I would like them to do what they aspire to do." Four of Ndiaye's seven living children don't travel with their parents. Ba, 28, and his wife Houraye, 20, have a 2-year-old daughter and want to expand their family. They mused about a future in which at least one child stays in pastoralism while at least one goes to school. "I'd like my children to keep up with the changing world," Ba said. The British Defense Ministry said Friday that Russia has likely using an updated surveillance aircraft due to concerns that Ukraine could deploy combat aircraft provided by the West. The ministry, in its daily update on the Russian invasion of Ukraine, said that Russia is likely using the A-50 MAINSTAY D. The report said the newest version of the Mainstay, which was first developed in the 1980s, is able to spot adversary aircraft at longer ranges than previous models. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in his daily address Thursday that Russia has lost hope of keeping the Black Sea for itself as a springboard for aggression against other nations. Zelensky added, We will do everything to enhance this result. Meanwhile, more than 2,400 Ukrainian children have been taken to Belarus since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, according to new research published Thursday by Yale University. The findings by the Humanitarian Research Lab at the Yale School of Public Health are the most extensive yet about Belarus alleged role in Russias forced relocation of Ukrainian children. The report found that Ukrainian children, ages 6 to 17, had been transported from at least 17 cities in Ukraines Russian-occupied territory. Yale identified more than 2,000 children who were transported to the Dubrava childrens center in the Minsk region of Belarus between September 2022 and May 2023. More than 390 children were taken to another 12 facilities, the report said. Thats on top of the nearly 20,000 Ukrainian children who were forcibly taken from Ukraine to Russia since the war began, according to Kateryna Rashevska, a legal expert at the Regional Center for Human Rights in Kyiv. Ukraines war crimes prosecutors are investigating the forced transfer of Ukrainian children as potential genocide. Russian shelling across southern Ukraine's Kherson region on Thursday killed two people and wounded at least 12, local officials said. Among the victims was a 75-year-old woman who died in her apartment in the regions biggest town, which is also called Kherson, regional governor Oleksandr Prokudin said on the messaging app Telegram. Also on Thursday, the United Kingdoms top foreign diplomat, David Cameron, traveled to Ukraines Port of Odesa to pledge continued support for the Ukrainian war effort. Camerons visit is the first the former British prime minister has made since being named to his new role of foreign minister. It also marks the first time a British diplomat has traveled to the port city, a frequent target of Russian airstrikes during the war in Ukraine. Cameron said the U.K. would continue to provide whatever support was needed to Ukraine, "but above all, the military support that you need not just this year and next year but however long it takes." The visit came as Ukraine has faced significant setbacks in the war effort, including attention shifting to the Israel-Hamas war in the Middle East, the European Unions inability to provide all the munitions it promised, and political fighting in the United States threatening additional aid to Ukraine. The U.K. said its $5.7 billion of military aid to Ukraine was second only to the U.S. and that the country had trained 30,000 Ukrainian troops. "Russia thinks it can wait this war out and that the West will eventually turn its attention elsewhere," Cameron said in a statement Thursday. "This could not be further from the truth. In my first discussions with President [Volodymyr] Zelenskyy in my new role, I made clear that the U.K. and our partners will support Ukraine and its people for as long as it takes for them to achieve victory." The Ukrainian counteroffensive has seen little success, and the war appears to be reaching a stalemate, a situation that Zelenskyy has warned would create a "volcano that is sleeping but will definitely wake up." "We cannot afford any stalemate," Zelenskyy told African journalists in Kyiv on Wednesday. "If we want to end the war, we must end it. End with respect so that the whole world knows that whoever came, captured and killed, is responsible." According to the Ukrainian president, if the war becomes a stalemate, future generations of Ukrainians will have to fight, because Russia "will come again if it is not put in its place." Zelenskyys comments came two weeks after General Valery Zaluzhny, commander in chief of the Ukrainian military, told The Economist that the war had "reached the level of technology that puts us into a stalemate." Zelenskyy acknowledged that the situation on the battlefield remained very difficult but said he does not believe that the war has reached a stalemate. He emphasized that Ukraine will not negotiate with Russia until it completely withdraws from Ukrainian territory. Some information in this report came from The Associated Press and Reuters. As cultural battles involving school curriculums are being fought across the United States, some conservative politicians are suggesting funding be cut for college humanities programs. Times Higher Education reports that some elected officials favor programs that help students get higher-paying jobs, and that help states train more skilled workers. (October 2023) African countries are willing to deepen agricultural cooperation with China, especially in dealing with climate change, according to African officials at the Second Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Agriculture. Produced by Xinhua Global Service The wreckage goes on for block after devastated block. The smell is sickening. Every day, hundreds of people claw through tons of rubble with shovels and iron bars and their bare hands. They are looking for the bodies of their children. Their parents. Their neighbors. All of them killed in Israeli missile strikes. The corpses are there, somewhere in the endless acres of destruction. More than five weeks into Israel's war against Hamas, some streets are now more like graveyards. Officials in Gaza say they don't have the equipment, manpower or fuel to search properly for the living, let alone the dead. Hamas, the militant group behind the deadly October 7 attack that killed about 1,200 people in Israel, has many of its bases within Gaza's crowded neighborhoods. Israel is targeting those strongholds. But the victims are often everyday Palestinians, many of whom have yet to be found. Omar al-Darawi and his neighbors have spent weeks searching the ruins of a pair of four-story houses in central Gaza. Forty-five people lived in the homes; 32 were killed. In the first days after the attack, 27 bodies were recovered. The five still missing were al-Darawi's cousins. They include Amani, a 37-year-old stay-at-home mom who died with her husband and their four children. There's Aliaa, 28, who was taking care of her aging parents. There's another Amani, who died with her 14-year-old daughter. Her husband and their five sons survived. "The situation has become worse every day," said the 23-year-old, who was once a college journalism student. The smell has become unbearable. "We can't stop," he said. "We just want to find and bury them" before their bodies are lost in the rubble forever. More than 11,400 Palestinians have been killed, two-thirds of them women and minors, according to Palestinian health authorities. The U.N. humanitarian affairs office estimates that about 2,700 people, including 1,500 children, are missing and believed buried in the ruins. The missing have added layers of pain to Gaza's families, who are overwhelmingly Muslim. Islam calls for the dead to be buried quickly within 24 hours if possible with the shrouded bodies turned to face the holy city of Mecca. Traditionally, the body is washed by family members with soap and scented water, and prayers for forgiveness are said at the gravesite. The search is particularly difficult in northern Gaza, including Gaza City, where Israeli ground forces are battling Hamas militants. Hundreds of thousands of people have fled southward, terrified by the combat and pushed by Israeli warnings to evacuate. But even in the south, continued Israeli airstrikes and shelling mean nowhere is safe in the tiny territory. The Palestinian Civil Defense department, Gaza's primary search-and-rescue force, has had more than two dozen workers killed and over 100 injured since the war began, said Mahmoud Bassal, the department spokesman. More than half of its vehicles are now either without fuel or have been damaged by strikes, he said. In central Gaza, outside the northern combat zone, the area's civil defense director has no working heavy equipment at all, including bulldozers and cranes. "We actually don't have fuel to keep the sole bulldozer we have operating," said Rami Ali al-Aidei. At least five large bulldozers are needed just to search a series of collapsed high-rise buildings in the coastal town of Deir al-Balah, he said. This means that bodies, and the desperate people searching for them, are not the focus. "We're prioritizing areas where we think we will find survivors," said Bassal. As a result, the search for bodies often falls to relatives, or to volunteers like Bilal Abu Sama, a former freelance journalist. He ticks off a handful of Deir al-Balah's victims: 10 corpses still lost in what is left of the al-Salam Mosque; two dozen bodies missing in a destroyed home; 10 missing in another mosque attack. "Will those bodies remain under the rubble until the war ends? OK, when will the war end?" said Abu Sama, 30, describing how families dig through the wreckage without any tools. "The bodies will be decomposed. Many of them have already decomposed." On Tuesday, 28 days after an airstrike flattened his home, Izzel-Din al-Moghari found his cousin's body. Twenty-four people from his extended family lived in the home, in the Bureij refugee camp. All but three were killed. Eight are still missing. A civil defense bulldozer came three days after the strike to clear the road, then left quickly for another collapsed building. The bulldozer came again Tuesday and helped find al-Moghari's cousin. After finding his cousin, al-Moghari went back into the wreckage in search of his father and other relatives. "I am stunned," he said. "What we lived through is indescribable." Gaza has become a place where many families are denied even the comfort of a funeral. Al-Darawi, the man searching for his cousins, understands that. "Those who found their dead are lucky," he said. More than 2,400 Ukrainian children have been taken to Belarus since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, according to new research published Thursday by Yale University. The findings by the Humanitarian Research Lab at the Yale School of Public Health are the most extensive yet about Belarus alleged role in Russias forced relocation of Ukrainian children. The report found that Ukrainian children, ages 6 to 17, had been transported from at least 17 cities in Ukraines Russian-occupied territory. Yale identified more than 2,000 children who were transported to the Dubrava childrens center in the Minsk region of Belarus between September 2022 and May 2023. More than 390 children were taken to another 12 facilities, the report said. Thats on top of the nearly 20,000 Ukrainian children who were forcibly taken from Ukraine to Russia since the war began, according to Kateryna Rashevska, a legal expert at the Regional Center for Human Rights in Kyiv. Ukraines war crimes prosecutors are investigating the forced transfer of Ukrainian children as potential genocide. Meanwhile, Russian shelling on Thursday killed two people and wounded at least 12 across southern Ukraine's Kherson region, local officials said. Among the dead was a 75-year-old woman who died in her apartment in the regions biggest town, which is also called Kherson, regional governor Oleksandr Prokudin said. Eight people were injured, he said on the messaging app Telegram. Also Thursday, the United Kingdoms top foreign diplomat, David Cameron, traveled to the Port of Odesa to pledge continued support for the Ukrainian war effort. Camerons visit is the first the former British prime minister has made since being named to his new role of foreign minister. It also marks the first time a British diplomat has traveled to the port city, a common target for Russian airstrikes during Russias war in Ukraine. Cameron said the U.K. would continue to provide whatever support was needed to Ukraine, "but above all, the military support that you need not just this year and next year but however long it takes." The visit came as Ukraine faces significant setbacks in the war effort, including attention shifting to the Israel-Hamas war in the Middle East, the European Unions inability to provide all the munitions it promised, and political fighting in the United States threatening additional aid to Ukraine. The U.K. said its $5.7 billion of military aid to Ukraine was second only to the U.S. and that the country had trained 30,000 Ukrainian troops. "Russia thinks it can wait this war out and that the West will eventually turn its attention elsewhere," Cameron said in a statement Thursday. "This could not be further from the truth. In my first discussions with President [Volodymyr] Zelenskyy in my new role, I made clear that the U.K. and our partners will support Ukraine and its people for as long as it takes for them to achieve victory." The Ukrainian counteroffensive has seen little success, and the war appears to be reaching a stalemate, a situation that Zelenskyy has warned would create a "volcano that is sleeping but will definitely wake up." "We cannot afford any stalemate," Zelenskyy told African journalists in Kyiv on Wednesday. "If we want to end the war, we must end it. End with respect so that the whole world knows that whoever came, captured and killed, is responsible." According to the Ukrainian president, if the war becomes a stalemate, future generations of Ukrainians will have to fight, because Russia "will come again if it is not put in its place." Zelenskyys comments came two weeks after General Valery Zaluzhny, commander in chief of the Ukrainian military, told The Economist that the war had "reached the level of technology that puts us into a stalemate." Zelenskyy acknowledged that the situation on the battlefield remained very difficult but said he does not believe that the war has reached a stalemate. He emphasized that Ukraine will not negotiate with Russia until it completely withdraws from Ukrainian territories. Some information in this report came from The Associated Press and Reuters. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is in Germany Friday on a short visit overshadowed by the two countries' very different stances on the war between Israel and Hamas. Erdogan is holding meetings with Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Germany's largely ceremonial president, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, in Berlin. Scholz invited Erdogan to visit in May following his re-election. Turkey has long been viewed as an awkward but essential partner in Germany, which is home to more than 3 million people with Turkish roots. It's a NATO ally that also is important in efforts to control the flow of refugees and migrants to Europe, an issue on which Scholz faces intense domestic pressure, but there have been tensions in recent years over a variety of issues. This visit is overshadowed by a growing chasm between the two countries' stances on events following Hamas' Oct. 7 attack on Israel. Germany is a staunch ally of Israel and has opposed calls for a cease-fire, while pushing for aid to civilians in Gaza, advocating "humanitarian pauses" and seeking to keep open channels of communication with other countries in the region to prevent the conflict from spreading. Erdogan has taken an increasingly strident stance against Israel. On Wednesday, he called it a "terrorist state" intent on destroying Gaza along with all of its residents. He described Hamas militants as "resistance fighters" trying to protect their lands and people. Hamas is considered a terrorist organization by Israel, the United States and European Union. Those and similar comments have appalled politicians across the spectrum in Germany. Asked earlier this week about Erdogan's comments, Scholz didn't mention the Turkish leader by name but said "the accusations that are being made there against Israel are absurd." On Wednesday, Scholz told parliament that his talks with Erdogan will include a discussion of "differing views in this question, it is very important that there is clarity and that we make our own position very clear." Israel recalled its diplomats from Turkey last month after Erdogan accused Israel of committing war crimes. Turkey later also recalled its ambassador from Israel. Another possible area of tension emerged ahead of the visit. Late Thursday, Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler said Turkey plans to purchase 40 Eurofighter Typhoon jets, but Germany was impeding the sale of the warplanes produced by Germany, the U.K., Spain and Italy. Guler told members of the Turkish parliament's defense committee that Spain and the U.K. favored selling the jets to Turkey and were now working to persuade Germany. The Moscow Times, an online newspaper popular among Russia's expatriate community, was added Friday to the list of "foreign agents" by Russia's Justice Ministry. This was the latest addition in Russia's continuing crackdown on any news media and opposition critical of its war in Ukraine. The "foreign agent" designation subjects individuals and organizations to increased financial scrutiny and requires any of their public material to prominently include notice of being declared a foreign agent. The label aims at undermining the designee's credibility. It was not immediately clear how the move would affect The Moscow Times, which moved its editorial operations out of Russia in 2022 after the passage of a law imposing stiff penalties for material regarded as discrediting the Russian military and its war in Ukraine. Russia has methodically targeted people and organizations critical of the Kremlin, branding many as "foreign agents" and some as "undesirable" under a 2015 law that makes membership in such organizations a criminal offense. The Moscow Times publishes in English and in Russian, but its Russian-language site was blocked in Russia several months after the Ukraine war began. Foothold across Dnipro Ukraine's military said on social media Friday that it had gained "a foothold on several bridgeheads" on the eastern bank of the Dnipro River, near the key southern city of Kherson. Russia conceded that Ukrainian forces had claimed back some territory on the opposing bank. Ukrainian troops are trying to push Russian forces away from the Dnipro to stop them from shelling civilian areas on the Ukrainian-held west bank, the general staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces said in a report Friday. Ukraine also said Friday it has destroyed 15 Russian naval vessels and has damaged 12 others in the Black Sea since the beginning of Russia's invasion in 2022. Ukraine has forced Russia to move its naval forces to positions more difficult for Kyiv's weapons to reach, navy spokesperson Dmytro Pletenchuk said in televised comments. Russia is also suffering logistical problems, he said, because it had to move vessels to Novorossiysk and periodically to Tuapse, both ports on the eastern flank of the Black Sea southeast of Crimea and farther from Ukraine. The Associated Press and Reuters could not independently confirm battlefield claims. Russia usually does not acknowledge damage to its military assets and says it repels most Ukrainian attacks. More aid Meanwhile, EU membership talks with Ukraine are at risk, and there is no agreement in the bloc to grant Kyiv a further $54 billion (50 billion euros) in aid, a senior official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said Friday. The official said Hungary is potentially obstructing the unanimity necessary for Ukraine's EU membership talks. The proposal by the bloc's executive European Commission to revise its long-term budget to assign the funds for Ukraine through 2027 was also criticized from several sides, said the official. "Leaders were realizing it's quite expensive," said the official, who is involved in preparing a December 14-15 summit in Brussels of the EU 27 member states' national leaders. "How do we pay for this?" The downbeat comments reflect the increasing fatigue and gloomier mood setting in among Kyiv's Western backers as the war drags on. The Dutch government has earmarked $2.2 billion (2 billion euros) more in military aid for Ukraine in 2024, in what Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren said Friday was a sign of unwavering support for Kyiv's war against Russia. It is part of a wider package the Netherlands will provide to Ukraine next year that includes an initial $111 million (102 million euros) for reconstruction and humanitarian aid that will be increased during the year if needed. The latest package takes the total amount of Dutch support for Ukraine during the conflict to around $8 billion (7.5 billion euros), Ollongren said. "What's most critical for me is that we'll be providing an additional 2 billion euros in military aid next year," Ollongren told Reuters. Military conference Ukraine and the United States will hold a military industry conference in December, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. "In December of this year, a special conference involving Ukrainian and American industries, government officials and other state actors will take place everyone involved in organizing our defense," Zelenskyy said in a Friday evening address. Kyiv is ramping up efforts to produce its own weapons amid concerns that supplies from the West might be faltering. It also hopes joint ventures with international armament producers can help revive its domestic industry. Ukraine's children Officials in eastern Ukraine's Kharkiv region have begun building heavily fortified underground schools that will allow children to safely return to in-person studies as Russian airstrikes keep targeting the area. Kharkiv is frequently targeted by Russian missiles, drones and artillery, with the governor reporting Thursday that settlements in three different districts had been struck in the previous 24 hours. Two schools, each accommodating up to 500 people, are under construction and will be able to withstand direct hits, said chief regional architect Anton Korotovskykh. "These structures will be equipped with everything necessary for the learning process," he told Reuters in an interview. More than 2,400 Ukrainian children have been taken to Belarus since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, according to new research published Thursday by Yale University. The findings by the Humanitarian Research Lab at the Yale School of Public Health are the most extensive yet about Belarus' alleged role in Russia's forced relocation of Ukrainian children. The report found that Ukrainian children, ages 6 to 17, had been transported from at least 17 cities in Ukraine's Russian-occupied territory. That's on top of the nearly 20,000 Ukrainian children who were forcibly taken from Ukraine to Russia since the war began, according to Kateryna Rashevska, a legal expert at the Regional Center for Human Rights in Kyiv. Ukraine's war crimes prosecutors are investigating the forced transfer of Ukrainian children as potential genocide. Some information in this report came from The Associated Press and Reuters. The United States on Thursday targeted 10 individuals in a new round of sanctions aimed at containing Russian influence in the Western Balkans, the U.S. Treasury said. The Treasury also imposed sanctions on 20 entities, including 11 based in Russia, in line with executive orders related to the Western Balkans and Russia, according to a Treasury website. The Western Balkans-related sanctions are the latest imposed by the United States on politicians, other individuals and organizations designed to contain Russian efforts to prevent the region's integration into international institutions, the Treasury said. The sanctions freeze all property and other assets those targeted have in the United States or are controlled by U.S. citizens and generally prohibit Americans from doing business with them. Those hit with sanctions are individuals from Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and North Macedonia. They include Savo Cvijetinovic, a senior official of the political party led by Milorad Dodik, the pro-Russia leader of Republika Srpska, or R.S., the Serb-dominated half of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Dodik already is under U.S. sanctions for alleged corruption and promoting the secession of the Serb Republic. Cvijetinovic is the R.S. representative of a firm owned by a former Russian Air Force deputy chief that "facilitated the illegal transfer" of Ukrainian-made helicopter engines to Russia, the statement said. Cvijetinovic told Bosnian Serb news agency SRNA that he suspected the U.S. sanctions were politically motivated, and that the company he represented has legal business with Ukraine and Russia. He said it had supplied spare engine parts, rather than engines. Also targeted was Petar Djokic, Dodik's minister of industry, energy and mining, who signed an agreement with a Croatian counterpart to build a pipeline from Croatia to a Russia-owned refinery in the Serb Republic. Djokic's Socialist Party said in a statement that the sanctions were "the biggest strike" against the accords that ended the 1992-95 Bosnia war "and the future cooperation and dialogue" in the country. Dodik's Moscow representative, Dusko Perovic, was sanctioned for lobbying for meetings between Dodik and Russian President Vladimir Putin, serving as a go-between for the Serb Republic government and an unidentified Russian billionaire and working for two of the billionaire's firms, Treasury said. Perovic told SRNA he was not involved in any business in Russia and said that his main duty was to lobby for the R.S. and Dodik, and "if this is a sin for Americans I have no objections." The United States on Friday imposed sanctions on six people affiliated with the Iranian-backed Iraqi militia Kataeb Hezbollah, which is accused of being behind a spate of recent attacks against U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria. Included in the sanctions are the militia's foreign affairs chief, a member of its governing council, its military commander and a media spokesperson. The sanctions block access to U.S. property and bank accounts and prevent the targeted people and companies from doing business with Americans. A spate of drone attacks hit U.S. bases in Iraq as recently as Friday, as regional tensions have flared up following the bloody war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Two U.S. defense officials confirmed three additional attacks on U.S. military facilities in Iraq and Syria on Friday, bringing the total number of attacks on U.S. and coalition military facilities in Iraq and Syria to at least 60. The three bases attacked as of Friday by one-way drones were Al Harir air base in Irbil, with no casualties reported but an infrastructure damage assessment ongoing; Al Asad air base in Iraq with no injuries or infrastructure damage; and Tall Baydar, Syria, with minor injuries to one service member who was able to return to duty, one of the defense officials said. Iranian-backed militias in Iraq have threatened to attack U.S. facilities there because of American support for Israel. The Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control said Kataeb Hezbollah is supported by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Quds Force. The State Department has previously designated it as a terrorist organization. Brian E. Nelson, Treasury's undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, said the U.S. is "fully committed to security and stability in the Middle East and are steadfast in our efforts to disrupt these destabilizing activities." At least 11,470 Palestinians two-thirds of them women and minors have been killed since the war in Gaza began, according to Hamas-controlled health authorities, who do not differentiate between civilian and militant deaths. About 2,700 people are reported missing. About 1,200 people have been killed in Israel, mostly during the initial attack, and around 240 were taken captive by militants. The Spanish-language article with a Moscow dateline and a provocative headline first appeared in early August, suggesting a heist of sorts was underway in Ukraine. Why are sacred objects being transferred to the West from Ukraine? it asked, describing an effort to send Ukrainian religious relics to the United States and other countries to plunder Ukraines riches under the guise of saving them from destruction in the war between Kyiv and Moscow. But according to U.S. officials, the real ruse was the article itself, an early example of a Russian influence operation aimed at winning hearts and minds for the Russian cause across Latin America. Even the author, listed as Nadia Schwarz, may be a figment of someones imagination. I honestly don't know if that's a real name or not, a U.S. State Department official told VOA, describing the article as just a blatant falsehood. The official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss details of the Russian influence operation, said it is difficult to know whether the article gained any traction. The organization that published the article, Pressenza, does not show page views on its website. And a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, managed only 24 views. The U.S. official said the lack of attention is just proof the Russian operation is still in its early stages. It hasn't really gotten off the ground, the official said. What they would have originally done with this article, the type of amplification they would have probably liked to see the full infrastructure isn't there. And that, the official said, is why the U.S. decided to go public, issuing a statement earlier this month, describing the Russian operation in detail. The State Department described the Russian effort as an on-going, well-funded disinformation campaign spanning at least 13 countries, from Argentina and Chile in the south all the way up to Mexico in the north. The plan, according to U.S. officials, was to have Russian public relations and internet companies recruit and cultivate Latin American journalists, influencers and public opinion leaders, to seed their publications and broadcasts with content favorable to Moscow while hiding any links to the Kremlin. They've been somewhat successful in using RT [Russia Today] and Sputnik in Latin America, said State Department Global Engagement Center Special Envoy and Coordinator James Rubin. The difference here is they're trying to operate surreptitiously. They're trying to create content in Russia and launder it through Latin American journalists, Rubin told VOA. They are covertly co-opting local media and influencers to spread disinformation and propaganda. In addition to Pressenza, which is based in Italy and Ecuador, and which publishes in eight languages, including Spanish, Portuguese and English, the alleged network includes Chiles El Ciudadano news site, as well as websites serving Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela. U.S. officials said it is unclear how many of the journalists and opinion leaders are aware they are being fed Russian disinformation, though a senior State Department official told VOA, There are definitely some willing participants. Others involved in the network may be so-called useful idiots sympathetic to the Russian viewpoints but unaware that the directions are coming from Moscow. Both Pressenza and El Ciudadano deny the U.S. allegations. Pressenza is a newspaper that, over the years, has attempted to give voice to those who, with regard to these fields, oppose rearmament processes, militarization processes, and wars, Pressenzas Antonio Mazzeo was quoted as saying in the publications response earlier this week. I fear a crackdown, a restriction of freedom of expression, Mazzeo added. This is what should make any citizen worry. El Ciudadanos Oleg Yasinsky similarly rejected the U.S. accusations. Suddenly they realized that some independent journalists from a faraway country wrote something without consulting them, Yasinsky wrote, according to a Google translation of his response. Why does the State Department care about what is published in Latin America? Yasinsky added. Their media and social networks control the media space of most of the world to expose our insidious plots. Isn't that enough? But U.S. officials accuse Yasinsky, who identifies himself as a Ukrainian, as the point man for the Russian influence operation. Yasinsky is the key figure here that is really trying to orchestrate this, that is trying to build this network of potential useful idiots, the state department official told VOA, saying that he appears to be based in Chile though he has also operated from Europe. The State Departments note earlier this month said it is Yasinsky who maintains and leverages the nascent network of Spanish and Portuguese speaking journalists critical to laundering the Russian disinformation to pass it off as local news and opinion. U.S. officials though, say the content comes directly from three companies all with ties to the Kremlin: the Social Design Agency (SDA), the Institute for Internet Development, and Structura. The three companies develop topics for news articles in line with Moscows priorities, write them in Spanish and then seed them throughout their Latin American network, where local journalists and editors make sure the language has a local flavor that is more likely to be accepted by readers and, perhaps, get picked up by more mainstream news outlets. U.S. officials said some of the early efforts have even involved booking journalists or analysts on radio programs to talk about their reporting. They're trying to diffuse this information through multiple sources, the State department official said. They really want to space it out and they want to make it look organic. Like Pressenza and El Ciudadano, Russia has also dismissed the U.S. claims. The U.S. administration once again unfounded blames Russia for all sins, according to a post on the Russian embassys Telegram channel. It attributes to us the use of its favorite method interference in the internal political processes of independent states, the embassy said. The reason for this is simple: the United States is losing popularity in this region, due to neocolonial aspirations and attempts to impose its will on others. U.S. officials, however, said the reason they sounded the alarm about the influence operation is so the people targeted by the Russian linked actors can decide for themselves. We want to make sure that throughout the region that all the relevant stakeholders, the academic organizations, the think tanks, the NGOs [nongovernmental organizations], and especially the journalists themselves know about this operation so that they can judge what they see and what they read and what they hear with an understanding that the Russians may be secretly manipulating the situation, said Rubin. As the war in Gaza rages for a second month, violence of a different kind is erupting across the United States. Bias attacks against American Jews, Muslims and Arabs have risen to levels not seen in years, fueled by a conflict that often triggers strong feelings on both sides of the issue. The Anti-Defamation League, an American Jewish advocacy group, documented a staggering 832 antisemitic incidents of assault, vandalism and harassment between October 7, the day Hamas attacked Israel, and November 7. That amounts to an average of nearly 28 incidents a day and represents an increase of 315% over the same period last year. The incidents included more than 600 acts of harassment, 170 instances of vandalism, and 30 assaults, ADL said. At the same time, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), a Muslim civil rights organization, reports an "unprecedented surge in bigotry" since the war started. Between October 7 and November 4, the group received 1,283 requests for help and complaints of anti-Muslim or anti-Arab bias, an increase of 216% over an average 29-day period last year. CAIR said more than 15% of complaints fielded by its national office involved alleged hate crimes. Behind the numbers are real people. While the majority of the reported incidents don't rise to the level of hate crimes, at least two recent deaths have been tied to the conflict. On October 14, Joseph M. Czuba, a 71-year-old Illinois landlord, fatally stabbed Wadea Al-Fayoume, a 6-year-old Palestinian American boy, after seriously wounding his mother, Hanaan Shahin, in their home outside Chicago. Czuba was arrested and charged with murder and attempted murder. Then last week, Paul Kessler, a 69-year-old Jewish protester, died following an altercation at dueling pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli demonstrations in a Los Angeles suburb. Loay Alnaji, 50, a pro-Palestinian demonstrator, was arrested on Thursday in connection with Kessler's death. The vitriol and violence fueled by the Gaza war have spread to U.S. colleges and universities, heightening tensions between pro- and anti-Israel student groups. A Cornell University professor was caught on camera calling the Hamas attack on Israel "exhilarating" and "energizing." A student at the Ivy League school was later charged with making threats against Jewish students. At Drexel University in Philadelphia, a Jewish student's dorm room door was set on fire. At the University of Texas, a group of men targeted students during a Palestine Solidarity Committee meeting. And a Muslim student at Stanford University was allegedly run down by a driver making a racist remark. The Department of Education on Thursday announced new investigations into six U.S. colleges over alleged incidents of Islamophobia and antisemitism, part of the Biden administrations aggressive effort to counter the surge in anti-Muslim and anti-Jewish hate incidents. President Joe Biden, who has faced criticism from American Muslim and Arab groups for his unwavering support of the Israeli military campaign in Gaza, delivered an Oval Office address last month to denounce antisemitism and Islamophobia. "We must, without equivocation, denounce antisemitism," Biden said. "We must also, without equivocation, denounce Islamophobia." Law enforcement officials are sounding the alarm over the Israel conflicts knock-on effect. FBI Director Christopher Wray warned this month that the bureau is concerned that violent extremists both domestic and homegrown "will draw inspiration from the events in the Middle East to carry out attacks against ordinary Americans." The Israeli-Palestinian conflict often inspires hate crimes, but the ripple effect has been outsized this time, magnified by the length and intensity of the war, the polarization of public opinion and media coverage, the spread of false and inflammatory information, and the use of inciteful language by people on both sides of the issue. 'Hate spike' Brian Levin, founder of the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism and professor emeritus at California State University, San Bernardino, said the U.S. is experiencing a "generational hate spike that is likely to have a longer and more violent half-life than prior event-driven increases." "The bigoted backlash from the Israel-Hamas war is causing online invective and disinformation to skyrocket, while anti-Jewish and anti-Muslim hate crime incidents are spiking to possible decade highs," Levin said. "And in the case of anti-Jewish hate crimes, a possible record in the U.S." Nationwide data are hard to come by, but New York and Los Angeles police are reporting triple-digit increases in anti-Jewish and anti-Muslim hate crimes in the nations two largest cities. In New York, police recorded 69 anti-Jewish hate crimes in October, up from 22 last October, and eight anti-Muslim criminal acts, up from zero last year. Meanwhile, Los Angeles police reported 22 anti-Jewish hate crimes between October 6 and October 30, up from eight during the same period last year. Anti-Palestinian, anti-Arab and anti-Muslim crimes jumped to eight from one last year. Maya Berry, executive director of the Arab American Institute in Washington, said it's no surprise that the conflict has spawned attacks on Arabs and Muslims. "Historically, we've talked about something called the 'backlash effect,'" Berry said. "Events happening anywhere in the world end up having an impact domestically. We saw it during the [1973-1974] Arab embargo. We saw it in the aftermath of 9/11. And we're seeing it play out now." Levin is one of a handful of experts who have examined the link between the Israel conflict and hate crimes in the U.S. His analysis of FBI statistics dating to the early 1990s shows that anti-Jewish and anti-Muslim hate crimes tend to escalate during Israeli-Palestinian tensions. In March 1994, for example, hate crimes targeting Jews more than doubled to 147 incidents after extremist Israeli American Baruch Goldstein fatally shot 29 Palestinian worshippers at the Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron. The sharpest rise in anti-Jewish hate crimes occurred in October 2000, with the onset of the Second Intifada 204 incidents, marking an increase of 183% over October 1999. Recent years have seen significant increases during Israel-Hamas conflicts in 2006, 2014, 2018 and 2021, according to Levin's analysis. "Our data across three decades clearly show huge percentage spikes in anti-Jewish hate crime in the U.S. when there is war in the Holy Land," Levin said. Other studies corroborate Levin's finding. A recent study by political scientist Ayal Feinberg found that during weeks of Israeli military operations between 2001 and 2014, the number of antisemitic incidents rose by 24% across the U.S., while acts of antisemitic violence and intimidation increased by 33%. Over the years, the pattern has held up, Feinberg, director of the Center for Holocaust Studies and Human Rights at Gratz College in Pennsylvania, said in an interview. "I think it's critical to note that even in the United States, which many consider to be the most philosemitic country in the world, that over the last two decades there's been no factor that explains increases in antisemitism greater than when Israel is engaged in violent conflict with its neighbors," Feinberg said. The link between the Israel conflict and anti-Muslim hate crime is less clear-cut. The FBI data show double- and triple-digit monthly increases in anti-Muslim hate crimes during Israeli military operations in 2004 and 2014. But other times of tension have seen no significant increase in anti-Muslim hate crime. Instead, terrorist attacks carried out by jihadi groups have served as a primary driver of anti-Muslim hate crimes in the U.S. The terror attacks of September 11, 2001, triggered the biggest monthly spike in anti-Muslim hate crime a record 330 incidents, more than 80 times higher than previously. Though the number of incidents eventually tapered off, it never returned to pre-9/11 levels. The second-largest increase came in December 2015 after then-candidate Donald Trump called for a "total and comprehensive" ban on Muslims entering the U.S. The result was dramatic: nearly 70 attacks on Muslims for the month, up 886% from the year before. The flood of bias complaints CAIR received in the weeks after October 7 was the most since Trump's "Muslim ban" speech, the group said. The question of what motivates people to attack Muslims and Jews against the backdrop of the Israeli conflict has no simple answer. But experts agree that hate crime perpetrators often hold Muslims and Jews responsible for the actions of Hamas and Israeli military forces. "There is a lot of blame going on," said Michael Jensen, a senior researcher at the National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism at the University of Maryland. "This conflict is more complex than these simple characterizations of all Palestinians are terrorists, or all Jews are invaders systematically conducting genocide." Increasingly ubiquitous posters of Israelis taken hostage by Hamas have become a flashpoint in this scapegoating. In the days after the Hamas attack on Israel, the "kidnapped" flyers, depicting images of abducted Israelis, were pasted on trees outside a mosque in San Diego, putting the congregation on edge. "Why would you presume anyone at the Islamic Center of San Diego has anything to do with what took place there?" Berry said. Meanwhile, anti-Israel protesters have been criticized for tearing them down. Two dentists recently lost their jobs over their removal. 'Good and evil' Feinberg said age-old antisemitic stereotypes about "Jewish power" help explain why Jews are blamed for the actions of Israel. Jews are perceived to "have this greater responsibility to speak out, to prove that they are not like these other Jews or part of this powerful entity of Jews," Feinberg said. In addition to anti-Palestinian rhetoric, Muslim and Arab American advocates say the mainstream media's portrayal of the conflict as a "struggle between good and evil" has fanned the recent flame of hate directed at American Muslims and Arabs. "This dehumanizing framing impacts Muslims in America, as individuals who hold anti-Muslim prejudice frame them as terrorists," said Mobashra Tazamal, associate director of the Bridge Initiative, a research project on Islamophobia at Georgetown University in Washington. Noting the importance of public discourse, Berry of the Arab American Institute recalled how former President George W. Bush's visit to a Washington mosque following the attacks of September 11, 2001, helped reassure many Arab and Muslim Americans worried about being scapegoated for the actions of al-Qaida. "Regrettably, what we're seeing right now is different," Berry said. While the Biden administration was slow to acknowledge Palestinian suffering during the conflict, it eventually "pivoted, and thats important," Berry said. "And I think when that happened, it does contribute to public safety in a very real way, meaning people start to think, 'OK, wait. There are victims here that need to be recognized,'" Berry said. Latest developments: Israel warns Palestinians to leave four towns in southern Gaza, possibly presaging new Israeli attacks in the area. Israeli forces continue operations around Shifa Hospital in Gaza. U.S. President Joe Biden accuses Hamas of operating a command center at Shifa Hospital, which he called a "war crime." Hamas and hospital officials deny that the medical center Gaza's largest is being used for that purpose. Hamas says in a statement that the Biden administration essentially gave Israel Defense Forces a "green light" to carry out the raid, which the White House rejects. The head of the World Health Organization calls the raid "totally unacceptable." The U.N. Security Council passes a resolution calling for the immediate release of all hostages held by Hamas and "urgent and extended humanitarian pauses" in Gaza. Israel says the resolution is "detached from the reality on the ground." Israel ordered Palestinians to leave four towns in southern Gaza on Thursday, signaling a possible expansion of its war against Hamas militants into areas where Israeli officials had told people it was safe to stay. Israel dropped leaflets from aircraft overnight, telling civilians to leave the towns of Bani Shuhaila, Khuzaa, Abassan and Qarara, on the eastern edge of Khan Younis, the main southern city. "For your safety, you need to evacuate your places of residence immediately and head to known shelters," the leaflets said. "Anyone near terrorists or their facilities puts their life at risk, and every house used by terrorists will be targeted. Residents in the area said there was a heavy Israeli bombardment overnight. Hours later, the Israeli military said it had recovered the body of Yehudit Weiss, one of the 240 hostages captured by Hamas in its October 7 attack on the Jewish state. The military said it had found her body near the Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. The 65-year-old woman was the mother of five and was abducted from a kibbutz during the Hamas attack. Her husband, Shmulik Weiss, was found dead in the safe room of their home. Israeli troops continued to search the Shifa facility, which it raided on Wednesday in the belief it was a Hamas command center. Israel displayed weapons it said it found at the hospital, but Hamas said no arms were found. Israel has yet to release any evidence of the central Hamas command center that Israel has said was concealed beneath the complex. Hamas and staff at the hospital, Gaza's largest, deny the allegations. If Israel expands its military offensive in south Gaza, it threatens to worsen the already severe humanitarian crisis in the besieged territory. More than 1.5 million people have been internally displaced in Gaza, with most having fled, at Israel's directive, to the south, where food, water and electricity are in diminishing supply. 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. The Israel Defense Forces described its operation at the Shifa Hospital as "precise and targeted." Israel says Hamas used the hospital as a command center, and patients and staff there as human shields, accusations that Hamas and Gaza health officials deny. The head of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, called the IDF raid on Shifa Hospital "totally unacceptable." Tedros said Wednesday at a news conference in Geneva that "hospitals are not battlegrounds" and patients and staff in hospitals must be protected even if the facilities are being used for military purposes. U.S. President Joe Biden accused Hamas of operating a command center at Shifa Hospital, which he called a "war crime." "You have a circumstance where the first war crime is being committed by Hamas by having their headquarters, their military hidden under a hospital," Biden said Wednesday during a news conference in Woodside, California, after meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. "And that's a fact. That's what's happened." Meanwhile, the United Nations Security Council late Wednesday adopted a resolution calling for "urgent and extended humanitarian pauses" in Gaza. Twelve council members voted in favor, while none voted against and three the United States, Russia and the United Kingdom abstained. Israel's deputy permanent representative said the resolution was "detached from the reality on the ground." The resolution that passed also called for "the immediate release of all hostages held by Hamas." Negotiations are reportedly under way on a proposed deal under which Hamas would release at least 50 women and children it is holding as hostages in Gaza in exchange for Palestinian women and children held in Israeli prisons. Hamas took an estimated 240 Israeli and foreign hostages during the surprise attack it carried out in Israel on October 7. The IDF said Wednesday its forces operating at Shifa Hospital 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. 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," he said, "These are two sacred missions." Hamas said in a statement that the Biden administration essentially gave the IDF a "green light" to carry out the raid and said Biden would be "fully responsible" for the operation's results. The White House rejected Hamas' claim. National Security Council spokesperson 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 hostages being held: "Hang in there. We are coming." As its military incursion advances, Israel has rejected growing and intense international pressure to impose a cease-fire to allow for the delivery of 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. United Nations correspondent Margaret Besheer and White House bureau chief Patsy Widakuswara contributed to this report. Some information for this article came from The Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse. The URL has been copied to your clipboard The code has been copied to your clipboard. Mourners at the funeral wake of slain Citizens Coalition for Change activist Pastor Tapfumaneyi Masaya who was allegedly abducted, tortured and killed by suspected state security agents. He was campaigning ahead of the forthcoming December 9 parliamentary by-election. #zimbabwe #ccc #abduction People unload humanitarian aid from a truck at the Rafah crossing in the southern Gaza Strip, on Nov. 2, 2023. (Photo by Khaled Omar/Xinhua) by Xinhua writer Yao Bing RAFAH, Egypt, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- As the Hamas-Israel conflict dragged on into the second month, the Rafah border crossing, the only crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip, has become a "life passage" for the Gazans trapped in the besieged enclave. The crossing plays a crucial role in evacuations and the delivery of humanitarian aid after the conflict plunged Gaza's more than two million people into a humanitarian crisis. At the border crossing, Xinhua reporter saw trucks carrying relief supplies slowly crossing into Gaza from the Egyptian side of Rafah while several foreign passport holders and ambulances transporting the sick and wounded entered Egypt from Gaza. "This is the only door for passing all the items ... We started from 20 trucks daily up to 100 and more trucks now, but this number is still a drop in the ocean because the number of people who are in need is huge," Lotfy Gheith, manager of the emergency operation center of the Egyptian Red Crescent Society told reporters. A staff member transports relief supplies at Al-Arish Airport in the North Sinai Province, Egypt, Nov. 15, 2023. (Xinhua/Yao Bing) Between Oct. 21 and Nov. 13, more than 120 planes carrying relief supplies arrived in Egypt from countries in South America, Asia, and Africa, Gheith said. At the first stop of the relief supplies, Egypt's Al-Arish Airport, Xinhua reporter saw several planes carrying relief supplies landed one after another and the on-site staff and volunteers moved the supplies from the planes to the warehouse. Staff unload relief supplies from a plane at Al-Arish Airport in the North Sinai Province, Egypt, Nov. 15, 2023. (Xinhua/Yao Bing) "As soon as we receive these shipments, we will check these shipments before uploading them and making contact with the Palestinian Red Crescent to receive them on the other side," Gheith said. Since the outbreak of the conflict, Gheith and his team members, totaling about 600 people, have been working at the airport, the Rafah border crossing, and the Al-Arish Hospital. Being one of the largest medical facilities in the North Sinai Province of Egypt, the Al-Arish Hospital receives Gazan patients requiring intricate surgery and those with severe wounds. "When the patients come here, we treat them in the emergency room first, and then, depending on the severity (of their wounds), we decide whether to arrange them in the general ward or the intensive care unit," said Wagdy Amin, a doctor of the hospital. Staff transfer a patient at Al-Arish Hospital in the North Sinai Province, Egypt, Nov. 15, 2023. (Xinhua/Yao Bing) When the patients get better, Amin says, they will be moved to other hospitals, making room for other patients or injured people. Over 40 days into the conflict, more than 11,000 Palestinians in Gaza were killed, and the death toll on the Israeli side is around 1,200, the majority of whom were killed on the Oct. 7 Hamas attack that triggered the conflict. Besides massive airstrikes and ground operations, Israel has also imposed punitive measures, including a siege on the enclave, with supplies of water, electricity, fuel, and other necessities being cut off. Joaquin Phoenix said he was surprised to discover a version of Napoleon who was more like a soppy "teenager in love" than an all-conquering commander as he researched his epic new role. Ridley Scott's "Napoleon", which hits cinemas worldwide next week, features massive-scale battles across Europe. But it is also a portrait of Napoleon's complex relationship with his wife Josephine, played by Vanessa Kirby, which has been preserved in the general's often tragically pleading letters. "He was very socially awkward. I think of him as a romantic with a mathematician's brain," Phoenix told AFP in Paris. "He wanted to be heartfelt but in his letters... he seems like a teenager in love, almost plagiarising poetry. "There's something almost endearing about it -- if he wasn't also responsible for the deaths of millions of people," Phoenix added. "I imagined that he was cold and calculated as a great military strategist. What I was surprised by was the sense of humour and how child-like he was." Phoenix, 49, said he had waited more than 20 years to work with Scott again after their huge success with "Gladiator" in which he played another emperor, Commodus. But the director didn't call until "he had a story about a petit, petulant tyrant, and he said 'I've got just the guy!'" Phoenix joked. The "Joker" star refused to be drawn into any cheap comparisons between the war-mongering emperor he plays and the conflicts currently ravaging the world. "If I was in the midst of a conflict, the last thing I'd want is to hear from some actor sitting in the Bristol Hotel," he told AFP. "There's such real pain and heartache people are experiencing right now and I don't want to conflate a movie I'm in, that cost a bunch of f---ing money, with something that's happening. I feel that's just wrong." - 'Obsession and infatuation' - Kirby said the relationship between Napoleon and Josephine was fascinating but "exhausting". "I always found it amazing that this man who built an empire could write these letters," she said. "They were so inexorably drawn to each other but to me it never seemed sane, calm, healthy -- it was obsession and infatuation and power dynamics that would swing," Kirby added. The actors' research was complicated by the vastly different accounts that have come down through the centuries. "It's very hard to get a clear answer about many things," said Phoenix, who said his interest was in finding "inspiration more than information", through details like how Napoleon ate and drank. "Some of it is ridiculous -- two weeks before we were shooting, someone said, 'You know Napoleon was left-handed.' And then it took a week to disprove that," Phoenix added with a laugh. The same for Josephine. "Every book was completely different," said Kirby. "It made me feel she was an adapter... playing different parts to survive." fbe-er/fg/dhw Photo: Jimmy Kimmel Live via YouTube Congrats to Last Week Tonight for rigging an election like a champ. Oliver and company did the type of campaigning (overspending, literally a foreign interest) that Last Week Tonight usually wins Emmys decrying. But the puteketeke won Aotearoa New Zealands Bird of the Century contest this week, in no small thanks to the concerted efforts of John Oliver and HBO. The show decided to put their thumb on the scales of New Zealands bird competish. Why? Because the puteketeke looks crazy, and that must be acknowledged. We all wonder about the future of late night, but it can still shake the halls of power unseat the Kiki as Aotearoa New Zealands Biggest, Bestest Bird. But the puteketeke wasnt the only unique beast to make an entrance this week. Heres who else swanned about late night this week. 5. You Cant Say That The energy between Sutton Stracke and her long-suffering assistant (Andy Cohens words, not mine) on WWHL is incredible. Sutton reveals that her therapist is also the same one Erika Jayne went to on Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, to the gasps of Cohen and Maren Morris alike. No, Avi Gabay says forlornly. Why no? You cant say that, he mutters. It seems like pretty acceptable tea to spill, but Gabay seems certain it will ruin his Housewife. When both Stracke and Cohen push back, he gives a completely resigned Okay, and its theater. No, its theatre, with the European spelling. 4. A Closer Look Finds a New Fave Getty Image Late Night With Seth Meyerss A Closer Look segment has been eating out on one still of Rudy Giuliani for years now. Years! Good on them for finding a bit and sticking to it. But now theyve found an even weirder pic of Ron DeSantis smiling with a partially opened mouth. Sorry, Rudy. Theres a new awkward Republican unraveling before our eyes, and this one allegedly wears lifts. Theres something so wonderful about a reaction image that gets used into the ground. Like how Mikes Mic uses Olivia Wilde nodding, each use of Ron DeSantis failing to smile embiggens the piece as a whole. 3. Leslie Jones Yelling Everyone everyone! had a bit about Robert Kennedy Jr. exiting an airplane bathroom with the dogs fully on display, but Leslie Joness version of The Daily Show did it best. Leslie Joness version of The Daily Show did a lot of stuff really well this week, to be frank. (To name a few: a flirty interview with Steve Kornacki, a fun pretaped sketch, the weeks best blazer.) Jones is bringing an energizing new energy to TDS, and that energy could best be summarized as yelling. I think shes my favorite guest host because I understand what shes bringing to the show and how it would differ from previous iterations. TDS has been quippy for too long; its time for someone to just scream wildly into the abyss, okay? 2. Maria Bamford and Stephen Colbert Are the Same Kind of Broken When Maria Bamford and Stephen Colbert compare childhood dinnertime experiences? Thats praxis. The two youngest-child comics really came to grips with the childhood wounds that thrust them into comedy. At Vulture Festival 2023, Sharon Stone said that her Hamlet would differ from Jerry Saltzs Hamlet because their parental wounds were different. Everyone has trauma, but everyones trauma is unique. But Bamford and Colberts traumas are similar enough that they found a gorgeous gorgeous consanguinity. Thats a word coined by Shakespeare, btw. 1. Nathan Fielder Is Keeping It Real Nathan Fielder was pretty wack this week on Jimmy Kimmel Live! And thats what we wanted, actually. Maybe some of you sheeple could find this tiny sunglassed vibe stiff and frontin. But those people dont get what acting is. Thats the character, my brother. Fielder created an entirely new persona for late night, seemingly prompted by a pan of his performance on The Curse in the New York Times. Emma Stone did some excellent accommodating friend work in this performance piece everything you wanted Lily-Rose Depp to be in The Idol, except smoking Capri 120s. This was a king-shit one-act play on late night. Thank you Jimmy Kimmel for hosting it in your black-box theater on Hollywood Boulevard. The bright side of life. Photo: Matthew Murphy On a Broadway overrun with recycled cinematic IP flying DeLoreans, questionable adventures in cross-dressing, big red windmills, revenge shopping sprees the revival of Eric Idle and John Du Prezs Spamalot is a big, fat, raspberry-blowing bait and switch. And thats a good thing. When Spamalot (tagline: A musical lovingly ripped off from Monty Python and the Holy Grail) first rode its invisible horse into Times Square in 2005, the Hollywood-to-Broadway pipeline was already pumping (the same year gave us Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and The Color Purple), but these days, the flow of nostalgia-driven content is cloying enough to make you downright queasy. Its hard to sit in a theater where folks have paid many dollars to hear lines they remember Christopher Lloyd or Julia Roberts saying, sprinkled between mediocre songs. Given that reciting bits of Holy Grail is practically an NCAA sport, a stage adaptation would seem to be headed straight for the danger zone the place where a play becomes, not to put too fine a point on it, a dead parrot. But in its best moments, Spamalot knows its business, and thats show business, baby. Its smart move was to translate Grails cheeky meta-ness into a new medium. The movie knew it was a movie, the musical knows its a musical, and it goes coconuts to the wall to send up and celebrate that fact. In the Broadway landscape of 2023, Spamalot turns out to be oddly well positioned to lure people in with the promise of the quotably familiar, then blast them in the face with a confetti cannon full of THEATER (and literal confetti). Of course, you get all the recitable bits, too they couldnt very well not and in director-choreographer Josh Rhodess splashy production, the pleasure of those bits waxes and wanes. At first, when a couple of sentries popped up to debate swallow airspeed velocity in the turrets of Paul Tate dePoo IIIs set (a Technicolor mash-up of mostly flat scenery and hyperactive Terry Gilliamesque projections that Tate also designed), my heart sank just a bit. Was this going to be Rocky Horror the closest thing Americans have to pantomime without the crucial fun of being able to yell along and throw toast? But then it started raining kick lines, ostrich feathers, tap and tinsel, and more references than you could shake a severed arm at. (Also, people did yell, and whistle, along.) By the time Sir Galahad (a very funny Nik Walker) and the Lady of the Lake (Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer, whose voice is a 16-ton weight made of Silly Putty, massive and infinitely malleable) sailed in together on a gondola with the image of a hulking chandelier descending in the backdrop of always-popping projections I was, giddily, onboard. I mean, what are you gonna do, miss the boat? Storywise, as with Holy Grail, we dont need much to get us started. As a bespectacledandbow-tied historian (Ethan Slater) explained to us, its England in A.D. something-something plague, pestilence, Angles, Saxons, etc. Arthur, King of the Britons (James Monroe Iglehart), and his faithful servant, Patsy (Christopher Fitzgerald), are roaming the land in search of knights for Arthurs Round Table (a Set Piece Not Appearing in This Play). They manage to collect the chronically craven Sir Robin (Michael Urie), the lexically challenged Sir Lancelot (Taran Killam), the dim and flatulent Sir Bedevere (Jimmy Smagula), and the hot socialist Sir Galahad. Arthurs not picky about whom he promotes to his kings guard, and the play has fun conflating the knights with other Python creations: Robin and Lancelot begin as the Bring out yer deadshouting corpse gatherers, and Galahad, first name Dennis, was born and raised a mudslinging anarcho-syndicalist. You know the rest or if you dont, thats fine. It involves going to Camelot, questing for the Holy Grail, getting taunted by Frenchmen, finding shrubberies, and launching grenades at killer rabbits. More important, it involves a deluge of meta musical shenanigans that manage to be flagrantly winky without feeling exclusive. Kritzer makes adoring allies of the audience as she belts and yodels her way through parodies of Andrew Lloyd Webber, Dreamgirls, Celine Dion, Judy Garland, Liza Minnelli even the Elphaba battle cry. (Whatever happened to my part? she sings in the disgruntled second-act rafter-shaker Divas Lament, speaking for forgotten female leads everywhere.) There are Vegas-y extravaganzas, tap throw-downs, and nods to Chicago, West Side Story, La Cage aux Folles, and Company: And another hundred people just contracted the plague, trills Slater, here as the delicate Prince Herbert, who just wants to siiiiiiiiing. This stuff is cleverly and hospitably crafted: Even if you dont know the specific point of reference, you still get the joke. Then, wildest of all, theres You Wont Succeed on Broadway. Eventually, as Spamalot becomes the musical-theater singularity, Arthur and his knights are tasked (by the side-quest-happy Knights Who Say Ni!) with putting on a Broadway musical. As the song-and-dance-obsessed Sir Robin, Urie takes center stage to explain to Arthur that, tragically, they wont succeed on Broadway because they dont have any Jews. This probably felt waggishly irreverent in 2005, but in the fall of 2023, its a real spit-take moment. You can feel the communal intake of air in the room. I imagine Spamalots team had conversations about the worlds current parade of horrors and decided, in the spirit of Mel Brooks and Max Bialystock, to go ahead anyway. And as Urie a superlative clown with elastic in his limbs and a warbling sine wave for a voice joins the ensemble for a version of the Fiddler on the Roof bottle dance (with grails subbed for bottles, of course), its hard to be mad that they did. Its joyful, its outrageous, and in a weird, shameless way, it forces us to reckon with our own severely heightened contemporary reactions. Theres plenty of harm in the world, and this isnt part of it. The real secret of Spamalots welcoming, throw-it-all-at-the-wall spirit is that the show is what you would get if you gave a community theater a couple of million dollars. The doubling of the central cast is a big part of this ethos. Yes, the production has an inexhaustible ensemble (whose costume racks filled with Jen Caprios bonanza of sequins, feathers, and chain mail must be a mile long), but theres a certain scrappy energy in keeping Slater, Urie, Killam, Walker, and Smagula Whac-A-Mole-ing between parts, presumably leaving a trail of hats, wigs, and doublets backstage. Theyre all doing breathless quadruple duty, and their glee is evident on the stage and even in the Playbill. Please scream louder for James than for Nik Walker, reads Igleharts bio. Walkers bio notes, Sworn enemy of James Iglehart. Infinitely cooler than James Iglehart. Protect Nik from James Iglehart. This is the kind of thing you get in the program for the local production of Shrek Jr. Its stupid, its genuine, its unembarrassed, un-precious, and cheerfully un-professional, and I am here for it. Its true that theres a sugar-high quality to Spamalot: By the end, your teeth are buzzing from the sheer multitude of sparkles and crescendos. But theres also an embrace of its forms inherent absurdity that feels almost existential, and thereby true to Python. Perhaps its the sugar talking, but as a pile of plague corpses joined Patsy to sing Always Look on the Bright Side of Life (cribbed from Life of Brian because why not?), the logical conclusion of musical theater seemed clear to me: Here is this thing weve created, these pageants of absolute ridiculousness, because life is absolutely ridiculous but much darker and with less dancing and because, in the words of the comedian Dylan Moran, You should be alive as you can until youre totally dead. Spamalot is at the St. James Theatre. The Critics Newsletter Sign up to get New Yorks week in reviews. Email This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Vox Media, LLC Terms and Privacy Notice By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice and to receive email correspondence from us. Its a weird time for both stand-up comedy and reality television. Social media has radically altered both mediums, forcing its participants to be good at their respective art forms and selling themselves online. You can see it in the current war over crowd work clips and in the new Real Housewives of New York, whose talent seems more concerned with how theyll be perceived online than in making good reality television. In other words, when everything is content, nothing is art. This is all to say that Katie Thurston doing stand-up comedy is a signal of artistic collapse. But before we can talk about tonights truly distressing comedy, we must find out who Michael is taking on this date! Everyone hopes its Olivia, mostly because shes had such a rough time on the beach, but Kat just wants her gone so shell stop trying to hex her. He does, indeed, choose Olivia. (He doesnt have any other options, but Im excited for her to smooch a cutie.) She is also excited for herself and waggles her hand around in a confessional to indicate that she could be engaged soon. She starts to leave, but a producer asks if she knows Michaels name, and she admits she does not because the waves were too loud when he introduced himself. Now this is comedy Katie, take notes! Their date is a performance by some local musicians presumably employees of the resort and they seem to have a fun time dancing together. Michael says he doesnt know how to dance, but from how hes moving his hips around, he seems to know how to do something else. Olvia is also taking notice. Its what I always say: The sweetest revenge is getting dicked down so good you forget about anyone named Kat. Cut to John Henry and Kat making out on a daybed (with tongue). John Henry tells Kat about his conversation with Olivia, spinning it as weird, but theyre on the same page, and both are moving on. Kat tells us how impressed she is at John Henrys grace in the situation. Honestly, theyre both so delusional and dumb that it could work out! But I said that about Kat and Brayden, too, so who knows? Also, Kat learns that John Henry likes to mosh at heavy-metal shows (Im dying to know what bands hes seeing; he strikes me as a Slipknot guy) and is freaked out because people die! I have nothing to say about this moment; its too pure. Watching Kat is like looking at an eclipse its impossible to describe, and it also hurts a little. Meanwhile, Rachel says she feels wary of Tanner because she doesnt know whether he gave her a friendship rose or is actually into her. Uh oh, someone started expressing doubt! That means its time for a new arrival! Technically, its two new arrivals, but together, they make as much of an impression as a single man. One of them is Jordan, who brings the most self-aware moment of the episode when he says, You might remember me, you might not. I do not, but we get a helpful reminder that he was Rachels first one-on-one date, who she sent home without a rose. A night one-er from Charitys season is also here. His name is Taylor, and I think there are more words in this sentence than Taylor says in the entire episode. The man has zero rizz. (Can a young person please tell me if Im using that word correctly?) Rachel jumps up to give Jordan a hug when he gets down to the beach and says, Youre not mad at me? when he pulls her to go talk. Oh, sweetie. Im not trying to be mean to Rachel; I truly think this girl needs to learn to love herself and not base her self-worth on whether she can get engaged to someone on TV. While Rachel and Jordan talk, Eliza tells everyone that Rachel regrets sending Jordan home so soon. When are they having these conversations? Did this come up before Jordan arrived on the beach, or did we have time for girl talk between Jordans arrival and this conversation? It seems like a small difference, but I think it matters if Rachel was organically talking about Jordan to her girlfriends! Anyway, he takes her on a date. The date card says to choose someone for your mind, body, and soul. Obviously, that means tantric yoga! Were meant to believe that Jordan and Rachel stumble upon this yoga class and are invited to join, but someone tells Rachel to wear yoga pants. They do some poses together before the instructor invites them to wrap their legs around each other, and Rachel bats her eyelashes at Jordan until she gets tired of waiting for him to take the hint and just goes in for the kiss herself. I know Ive been very hard on Rachel, but I will give her this: She seems to be a pretty good kisser. Back at the beach, its time for the couples to start discussing the future. Kylee and Aven are talking baby names: They come up with Navy and Heaven. Okay, heres some advice about baby names from someone who recently went through this. Never, ever tell anyone your babys name before its attached to a baby. They should have to look at a tiny human and say they hate it. Also, making fun of baby names is so 2012, so I will simply point out that one of the options on that baby name chalkboard meme was, in fact, Nayvie. Okay, moving on. Rachel returns from her yoga date and pretty immediately talks to Tanner. This is a boring conversation, as is the follow-up where Rachel returns to Tanner after a Wells pep-talk, and they both agree they want to try this relationship out. Rachel says that this conversation is the most shes felt since being on the beach, which confirms that shes kind of a boring person. Why is she still on my TV? More boring stuff happens: Aaron asks Eliza to be his girlfriend, and Brayden pierces Tylers ear. We get a brief clip of the gang playing charades with things that are paradise-related, but it clearly didnt stir up any drama or further any storylines because we only see a couple of seconds of it. Were back to the truth box, with two notes about Peters smooth legs and one about Kat and John Henry going the distance, which Kat wrote. Finally, things pick back up when we get a note saying, Tyler, everyone knows youre not that into Mercedes. This is certainly news to me and seems to be news to Mercedes as well. Whoever wrote it obviously is looking out for me, she tells us in a confessional. Tyler should be talking to Mercedes about this immediately if only to laugh it off and reassure her its not the case, but he does not do that! Instead, he sounds like me in my performance reviews when my boss asks me my goals for the next quarter. Just like I cannot say, Do as little work as possible without getting fired, Tyler cannot say, Get paid for every episode of Paradise and maybe get to see your boobs at some point. Mercedes asks if he has his walls up after he got dumped after last years BiP, but honestly, I think this dude was just looking to get paid for making out on the beach. Its the next morning, and Kat is leading a yoga class for the men in a bikini, so she definitely flashes everyone her entire vulva while demonstrating crow pose. Im just saying that as much as these men like to accuse Kat of being a homie hopper, theyre still desperate for her attention. Oh, right, Taylor is still here. Hes waiting for a date card, but instead, Aven and Pete get a double date. Producers were clearly out of ideas with this date its a daytime dance party, but also, theyre doing games? Kylee is nervous because she likes hanging out with [her] friends and having a good time (read: she goes clubbing every night), and Aven is more of a shy boy. This should indicate to Aven that maybe theyre not going to be compatible outside of here, but instead, he tells Kylee hes falling in love with her. I predict these two will get engaged and break up before spring. Sam and Pete seem like a fun hang, though. Back at the beach, Jess and Blake finally appear to be on the same page, her inability to throw a frisbee notwithstanding. We get a very out-of-context, floating soundbite of Jess saying, Im just happy I found my person, which means some shits about to hit the fan. That shit comes in the form of Katie Thurston, former Bachelorette and Blakes ex-fiancee. Jesse very unconvincingly says that he didnt expect to see her here and lets her know Blake is on the beach. These producers think theyre slick! A former Bachelorette is not coming on the show as a cast member on week eight, and we all know that. But its not until after Katie has a very tense conversation with Blake (I dont want to recap it because Katie shouldnt even be here, but I did remember during this conversation that Katie was a pioneer of weaponized therapy-speak) she reveals shes here in her capacity as a comedian to host a Bachelor in Paradise roast! If there was any doubt about whether Katie was good at stand-up, her two attempts at jokes fizzled so hard she had to tell people they were allowed to laugh. Okay, heres the thing about a roast. It is a very, very specialized skill that requires a lot of trust between participants and self-awareness. This group has none of either. But this is a generation raised on Comedy Central who thinks a roast is just saying something mean. But because (good) comedians make what they do look effortless, lots of people dont understand just how difficult it is to write a (good) joke. At least when they do roasts on Drag Race, the contestants are professional entertainers who have help from actual comics to tighten up their jokes. These guys just have Katie Thurston. Its not a great sign for her career that her jokes are on the same level as everyone elses. Actually, Avens impression of Rachel was funnier than anything Katie said. Also, I need to know what was bleeped in Tylers joke about Mercedes. She thinks shes a Mercedes, but shes actually just a bitch is kinda funny, Im sorry. So, yes, this roast was a disaster. But it didnt need to be funny; it needed to stir up drama. And that it very much did because none of these people have a sense of humor about themselves. Rachel is really upset; Jess is too, but pretending she isnt. Well see how things come to a head with Rachel next week, but for now, were left with Blake telling Jess that he remembered how in love he was with Katie after less time together. (I get whiplash sometimes when the show off-handedly reminds us how insane its premise is like this.) Well find out how Baby Jess handles this news in two weeks, and we will definitely not forget everything that happened this season amid the Thanksgiving haze! Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Brunei's Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah in San Francisco, the United States, Nov. 16, 2023. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei) SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- China and Brunei should make joint efforts to make positive progress in joint maritime development and jointly safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea, said Chinese President Xi Jinping here Thursday. China and Brunei are friendly neighbors facing each other across the sea and good partners who trust and support each other, Xi made the remarks while meeting Brunei's Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah. Xi pointed out that since the establishment of diplomatic ties more than 30 years ago, the two countries have continuously deepened political mutual trust, actively aligned development strategies, achieved fruitful results in practical cooperation in various fields, maintained good coordination in international and regional affairs, set a good example of equal treatment and mutual benefit for big and small countries, and made positive contributions to regional peace, stability, development and prosperity. Noting that this year marks the 5th anniversary of the establishment of China-Brunei strategic cooperative partnership, Xi said China is willing to work with Brunei for high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, push for new development of bilateral relations and bring more benefits to the two peoples. Xi stressed that China supports Brunei in pursuing a development path suited to its own national conditions, welcomes increased exports of quality products from Brunei to China, encourages more Chinese enterprises to invest and conduct business in Brunei, expands practical cooperation in food security, digital economy, and green development, and conduct people-to-people and cultural exchanges in education, culture, tourism, health, and subnational areas. China and Brunei should make joint efforts to advance positive progress in joint maritime development and jointly safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea, Xi said. Noting that China attaches great importance to East Asia cooperation, Xi said China stands ready to work with Brunei and other ASEAN countries to advance regional economic integration and maintain the right direction of East Asia cooperation. For his part, Hassanal congratulated China on the successful hosting of the Asian Games in Hangzhou not long ago, saying that Brunei and China enjoy a long history of friendly exchanges, bilateral relations have maintained sound development, and exchanges and cooperation in various fields have been progressing smoothly. Noting that Brunei has always firmly adhered to the one-China policy, Hassanal said Brunei attaches great importance to developing relations with China and is willing to further strengthen cooperation in such fields as economy and trade, agriculture, fishery, and green energy, deepen people-to-people exchanges and actively promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. Hassanal also said that Brunei stands ready to further strengthen cooperation with China within the ASEAN framework, and looks forward to an early conclusion of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, and to build the South China Sea into a sea of peace and friendship through joint efforts so as to promote regional peace and security. Brunei is willing to maintain close communication with China on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and other regional issues, he added. Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Brunei's Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah in San Francisco, the United States, Nov. 16, 2023. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei) Emerald Fennells latest is either a preening, cynical film thats far less clever than it thinks it is, or a delightfully indulgent mess. Photo: MGM and Prime Video Warning: This post spoils pretty much everything about Saltburn. Much like the elite spheres of English academia, Vulture is riven with an internal divide. Ours is over Saltburn, the second film by Promising Young Womans Emerald Fennell, which mashes up Brideshead Revisited, The Talented Mr. Ripley, and some old semen-stained issues of A&F Quarterly. Since premiering at Telluride over Labor Day weekend, the movie has polarized the film community, including our own staff, half of which find the film Fennells Neon Bible; the other half think its more her Sams Town. As is our wont, weve convened a discussion group to hash it all out, featuring one hater who wont stop mentioning that hes an actual British citizen and one lover who read a lot of Harry Potter fanfic, which is basically the same thing. Nate Jones: When I was at college in the mid-aughts, I worshiped at the altar of the Ralph Lauren Rugby store on University Place, which is to say I am pretty much the target audience for Saltburn. And yet, despite the presence of actors I enjoy and plenty of eyebrow-raising set pieces, I was strangely unengaged. By the closing scenes, I found it a preening, cynical film that was far less clever than it thinks it is. But since thats close to the emerging critical consensus, my own opinion is much less interesting to me than those of the vocal pro-Saltburn contingent. Pray tell me, what do you see here that Im missing? Emily Palmer Heller: I dont disagree that its a supremely cynical film. Its mean and nasty and obnoxious. That didnt turn me off, though! I like when a movie can make me go, Oh no, dont do THAT, which I did several times during Saltburn, particularly during those set pieces. The scene where Barry Keoghans Oliver Quick rims the tub drain containing his frenemy Felix Cattons (Jacob Elordi) jizz and bathwater made my skin crawl and I liked it! I had so much fun just waiting to see how icky this movie was going to make me feel next. Im also an apologist for the Promising Young Woman ending, which I would argue intentionally leaves audiences feeling queasy about its heroines fate, so I was already coming in a little defensive. So lets talk about the ending of Saltburn. I think it was a mess but an entertaining mess. Did you really not enjoy Barry Keoghan dancing naked around a decaying old manor? The films been marketed as Fennells eat the rich satire, but she doesnt hate these foolish aristocrats; she loves them. NJ: Amazingly, I did not. The scene where Keoghan slurps the cummy bathwater, the scene where he earns his red wings going down on his crushs sister, the scene where he humps a grave for a duration that recalls Rooney Mara and that pie it all felt calculated, provocation for provocations sake. But I respected that at least it was also a little risky. The naked dance scene, however? It felt like the movie was elbowing me, going, Whoa, can you believe Im doing this? when the this is something thats been done many times before. Ex Machina was eight years ago; if youre trying to wow me by having a character break into a dance out of nowhere, its got to be pretty spectacular. With apologies to Barry Keoghans admittedly ripped bod, this one wasnt. Perhaps I was already primed for player-hating, though, as the dance comes immediately after the actual most controversial scene, when the movie pulls back the curtain to reveal that Keoghans Quick had been orchestrating the aristocratic Catton familys demise the entire time. Our hero has gotten away with multiple murders, a twist that somehow manages to be both stupid and obvious at the same time. EPH: I will defend this as not so much a twist but an inevitable conclusion that is also, yes, stupid. But in a good way! I like when a director seems to make fun of me for ever thinking their film would turn out to be something different. Roast me, Emerald! I didnt care for how Olivers plan was conveyed in a full murder-mystery-style flashback Id always rather figure things out myself, even if it takes a second watch to notice a detail but the revelation that Quick isnt a semi-justified anti-hero, just a jealous psychopath, made me cackle. Especially since weve had so many watered-down eat-the-rich stories lately (see last years lineup: The Menu, Glass Onion: A Knives Out Story, and Triangle of Sadness), I liked that this one took that theme into a warped, fun-house-mirror direction. I also just enjoy when I get to feel smart for figuring out whats happening a few minutes before it happens. I loved when Felix said he was going to take Oliver to see his mom for his birthday and, as they pull up to a nice middle-class house, I got to sit with the thought, Ohhhhh, he lied about his parents, huh? It fires off my monkey brain in a very satisfying way. The movies also got great vibes that feel so specific to 20067, which is an era that were just now starting to see in grown-up millennials nostalgic art. Jacob Elordis eyebrow ring, everyone reading Harry Potter at different points during the summer, the Arcade Fireheavy soundtrack. Its like looking back on a much cooler version of that era but also one that feels more sinister (because I wasnt rich or British in 2006). How do you feel about its merits as a mid-aughts period piece? NJ: Great vibes, beautiful vibes. Our colleague Alison Willmore declared Fennell great at montages and terrible at endings, and thats generally where I stand with her. When shes making her own Bloc Party or MGMT music video, the movie sings; it brought me back not to my actual life in 2006 but my idealized dream life (which was heavily inspired by the music videos playing in the American Eagle store I spent the summer working at). However, this gets into one of my little bugbears: A lot of the pop-culture ephemera in the film didnt come out until later in the decade. The Cattons are seen watching an August 2007 release (Superbad) on television, for example. That felt lazy, which is a kiss of death when youre also trying to be daring. If you want to set a film in the general era of indie sleaze, thats fine but dont play Flo Ridas Low and tell me its specifically 2006. Still, on the subject of positives, everything looks fantastic. Fennell and DP Linus Sandgren make every frame a striking image, and in a year where even some of the big Oscar contenders look like they were shot for TV, thats not nothing. If the movie was a coffee-table book, Id love it. And you mention the mid-film revelation that Quick is not the downtrodden working-class lad hes been posing as, just a boring middle-class normie. That was actually my favorite part the one time it felt like Fennell had something interesting to say about class. But I think thats why I think Saltburn ultimately feels confused. The films been marketed as Fennells eat the rich satire, but she doesnt hate these foolish aristocrats; she loves them. She loves their clothes, she loves their houses, she even loves their diffidence. By the end, theyre the only sympathetic characters. Which is fine a lot of people in Britain secretly feel that way. I just wish she wasnt fated to pretend. Calvin Evans, this is your life. Last week, we learned a little more about where Elizabeth came from. This time, thanks to Mads detective work and her discovery that connected her father to none other than the kind Reverend Wakely, we get a deeper dive into Calvins story. While getting a richer understanding of Calvin and more screen time with Lewis Pullman is a real win for us all, is reminding us of what we lost simply, as Calvin would put it, salt on a corroding wound? Yeah. Definitely. I hate this, and I love this. Its torture. But, like, in a good way. Before we learn just how Calvin and Wakely are connected, we first find little Calvin at the St. Lukes Boys School, the orphanage where he grew up. Hes sneaking Chemistry books during Bible Studies class, hes getting demerits for being tardy (thank goodness, right?), and hes running the underground bootleg hooch business for the head priest at St. Lukes, who is making some real bucks off his orphan labor. I know that last thing might sound made up, but it is not! It is real! And not surprisingly, Calvins great at it. Also, not surprisingly, the priest running the illegal operation is a real piece of shit. When Beau Bridges told ya hed be back arrives at St. Lukes one day, Calvin is sure he must be there for him. When Calvin asks if the man is his father here to take him home, the priest never confirms or denies if this man is Calvins family, but he does tell this sweet, impressionable kid that the man was here for him and after learning about him and seeing him, he didnt want him. The priest is definitely lying, but we dont know the full extent of those lies. He clearly wants to keep Calvin around for his lucrative booze business so did he lie to Beau Bridges about Calvin, or was Beau Bridges there for some other reason? We dont have the details yet. We do, however, know that to get Calvin to drop the subject entirely, this creep tells him that hes better off without his family, who are clearly awful, and that because of them, he is and always will be broken. Its a lie that becomes part of Calvins fabric. When we meet Calvin again, hes working at Hastings Lab and getting photos taken for his big Scientific American cover. He is wildly closed off, and his temper is on full display. Here, he demands his own solo lab and then jets off to Boston to lecture at Harvard. What might seem like your run-of-the-mill lecture becomes integral to Calvin and to this series. Sitting in the lecture hall, taking in Calvins lesson, is Curtis Wakely. Hes in divinity school but still interested in what this genius scientist has to say. Hes so interested, in fact, that he decides to write him a letter. The two, though fully aware of their differing beliefs, become pen pals. Their friendship begins with discussions of science versus the divine and passing around Darwins The Descent of Man, but soon enough, it becomes more personal. Calvin shares that he has no wife or family, that hes married to his work, and thinks its best that way. Wakely writes about his anger over his father turning to prayer instead of medicine for his gallbladder cancer. The two men help each other in simple but life-altering ways. Wakely tells Calvin that no one is best alone and that he should open himself up to unknown variables the results might surprise him. After some tragic first dates Calvin is not everyones cup of tea, and thats why we love him! he happens upon Elizabeth Zott and, thanks to Wakely (and spending time with Harriet and Charlie Sloane, who might be called couple goals should that have been a thing in the mid-twentieth century), is willing to be vulnerable. In turn, Calvin sends Wakely a bunch of research on cutting-edge treatments for gallbladder cancer, and his words and his science convince Wakelys dad to undergo treatment, saving his life. Wakelys dad comments on the coincidence in the timing of this friendship, and Wakely remarks on it to Calvin, too, telling him that if anything, this friendship that has changed them both must be evidence of the divine. They dont even know the half of it, man. While our little trip back to the before times when Calvin and Elizabeth were falling in love in labs and on ergs two inherently unsexy things, and yet? mostly runs through the highlights that we already know about, there are few new moments within their short time together. Remember how Elizabeth found an engagement ring in Calvins personal effects even though they expressly talked about marriage not being for them? We get a little closure on that. Calvin finds himself falling completely in love with Elizabeth. In a letter to Wakely, who had previously described life as science being the how and religion being the why, Calvin tells his friend that the woman hes met is both his how and [his] why and that he wants to give everything to her and be everything for her, after which I needed to hit pause and have a little lie-down. Are chemists this romantic in real life, Y/N? So full of love, Calvin wanders into the jewelry store and completely ruins the shop girls future with men by continuing to be so unbelievably romantic, if not a bit of an oversharer. In his defense, Calvin does apologize for talking so freely to a stranger. She helps him find the perfect ring, understated and yet complex. Watching Calvin become crippled with nerves as he tries to find the right time to propose is a delight, and of course, we know that once he finds out Elizabeth doesnt want to get married, he will never force it on her. The ring remains in his lab coat. He hesitates for so long because he worries that once he does, the spell might be broken, and Elizabeth might realize she is entirely too good for him. I mean, clearly, we know why this man has fears of abandonment and why, even though he is a genius in his field, he feels like hes damaged goods. Those insecurities are inescapable within his relationship with Elizabeth. He worries that if she sees any of his dark side, shell leave. His theory, however, is very much wrong. One day, with the stress of the Remsen Grant hitting him hard, a well-meaning mailroom kid delivers letters to Calvin that he had instructed Hastings to forward directly to his lawyers so they could issue cease and desist letters (thanks, Harriet!). After his Scientific American write-up, people began reaching out to him, claiming to be family and asking for money, among other things. Calvin is enraged when he sees these letters still arriving (including that one from Avery Parker), and he lashes out at the mailroom guy before ranting about no one appreciating the work hes trying to do, which is frustrating for Elizabeth to hear, and she leaves. He assumes that his worst fear has come true Elizabeth has seen him at his worst and wants no part of him. But he is wrong. Elizabeth is waiting for him at home. She loves him, and she just wants to know what the hell happened there. So, he tells her. He tells her about how his parents actually abandoned him before they died, that the letters from these grifters only rehash those wounds, and that hes glad his parents are dead. And she still loves him. Of course she does. What a real ding-dong. Calvin writes another letter to Wakely, telling him that he thinks he wanted to propose because he was compensating for not being enough, but he was wrong about a lot of things. Marriage may not be for us, but we are for each other. We are for each other. That sums up the whole damn universe, wouldnt you say? Calvin writes. I cannot believe they killed off this man! This! Man! But they do kill him off. They kill him off right after he puts a stamp on this letter and sticks it in his mailbox. We have to watch the whole thing all over again. Suddenly, the lab, the street where he ran, the river where he rowed, are all empty. Wakely responds to this letter informing Calvin that he and his family are about to move to California, so maybe they could meet in person but that letter comes back to him with a big return to sender stamp on it. Now, Wakely, who is apparently a huge Agatha Christie fan and so into mysteries that hes willing to help an odd little girl who shows up in his church with some detective work, and yet he didnt once look into what happened to Calvin or try to find his very good friends soul mate? Thats insanity. In Lessons in Chemistrys present day, Wakely arrives at the Zott house and gives them all the letters Calvin wrote to him and finally gets to put a (familiar) face to the woman Calvin spoke so highly of Calvins unknown variable. Its a nice moment. But then Mad and Elizabeth are off to St. Lukes I mean, someone needs to follow up on all these loose strings. Wouldnt you know, the same priest who destroyed Calvins sense of self is still running the place. And he remains, as ever, a real asshole. When Mad asks him about her father, Calvin Evans, he lies and tells her he doesnt remember anyone by that name and all of the files from that time were conveniently lost in a fire. Mad is smart enough to know hes not telling her the truth, but that doesnt make her any less angry. She wont give up; she knows there must be some evidence that her father was here. Elizabeth finds her daughter on the floor of the library, scouring the books for some remnant of Calvin. Friends, she finds one. On the library card tucked inside Great Expectations a novel we see Elizabeth tease Calvin about for reading so many times and then later giving to Mad to read is little Calvin Evanss name. While yes, that does give Mad the satisfaction of knowing her father lived in this very place, it gives Elizabeth something more a real lead to figuring out Calvins story. Inside the novel is a stamp that reads donated by the Remsen Foundation. Now, things like Calvin and Wakely striking up a friendship just as they need counsel from one another might be a coincidence, but this is not. And if the stamp doesnt signal that to you, perhaps that shot of Beau Bridges leaving his office at the Remsen Foundation and passing by an enshrined copy of Calvins Scientific American will do it. Theres more mystery for Mad to solve. The great Aki Kaurismaki delivers one of his most charming films with this tale of missed romantic connections. Photo: Mubi An 81-minute, dryly funny, pop-inflected romance, Aki Kaurismakis Fallen Leaves at times feels like the lightest of movies, but it also takes place against a canvas of soul-crushing gloom. Thats nothing new for the legendary Finnish director, whose characters deadpan submersion often feels like the only sane response to a cold, callous world. But this is one of his more hopeful works. Theres a smile waiting to be born in Fallen Leaves, and we can feel it coming. When we first meet Ansa (Alma Poysti), shes pricing items in a supermarket, checking their sell-by dates and tossing out the ones that have expired. Other employees go through the same motions, the repetitive work just a part of entire lives swallowed by routine. Ansa takes one expired item home every night for dinner, when she sits in her tiny flat and listens to the radio news about the war in Ukraine. Elsewhere in Helsinki, Holappa (Jussi Vatanen) works at a construction site, a trusty liquor bottle seemingly never too far out of reach. Over and over, we see the sheer waste that surrounds these characters: expired food, demolished buildings, rusted pipe fittings, scraps of metal. The devastation in Ukraine, offered through regular radio reports, feels like an extension of a world that doesnt need or want humans in it. These characters themselves seem just one step away from being discarded somewhere in this cold, industrial cityscape. Yes, its a comedy and a romance. But for most of its running time, Fallen Leaves plays out as a series of disappointments. Ansa and Holappa meet at a karaoke bar that they occasionally frequent with their workmates, a warm place festooned with classic movie posters, but from there on out its mostly missed connections. Holappa cant hold down a job because hes got a bit of an attitude; the drinking doesnt help, either. Ansa is proud, headstrong, and poor. When Holappa comes over for dinner one night, she has to go to the store and buy a second plate and a second fork. Though theyre drawn in simple lines, theres a profound longing to these characters. Kaurismakis films have always had a special connection with music, and the songs here be they karaoke performances of rock, folk, and classical tunes, or a showstopping appearance late in the film by the Finnish indie-pop duo Maustetytot (Im a prisoner here forever / Even the graveyard is by fences bound / When my earthly term is finally done / Youll just dig me deeper into the ground) reflect an unexpressed despair, a growing sense that theres got to be more to life than this. The movie and its textures speak for these people, who remain tight-lipped and stone-faced, though always on the verge of discovering something about themselves. Kaurismaki emerged in the 1980s, a dry trickster who merged the misfit cinema of Rainer Werner Fassbinder with the artful deadpan of Wenders, Jarmusch, and others. Over the years, hes stuck fervently to his aesthetic, making his distinctive films without ceding any ground to profit or fashion. The movies feel stripped down the stories are basic, the characters spare, the emotions muted but like great poems, they contain untold depths. Theres life boiling under the simple surfaces, which is both Kaurismakis aesthetic mantra and his great theme. At their best, these quiet, cool films tear you to pieces. Fallen Leaves already feels like one of his signature works. Photo-Illustration: Vulture ; Photos: Netflix The sixth season of The Crown finally reaches an inevitable point in royal history: the deaths of Princess Diana and her companion, Dodi Fayed, following a car accident in Paris. The way it handles this tragedy, particularly in fourth episode Aftermath, is so bizarre that it prompted four of our critics to convene an immediate Emergency Discussion to process it. Jen Chaney: Against all common and creative sense, episode four of the sixth and final season of The Crown features the ghosts of Princess Diana and Dodi Fayed. Following the tragic 1997 Paris car accident that led to their deaths, the Netflix regal drama posits that the spirit of Dodi appeared before his father, businessman Mohamed al-Fayed, and admonished him for his bad parenting. The Crown also asserts that the ghost of Diana manifested before Prince Charles to tell him that while he was crying over her corpse he was raw, broken, and handsome (!!) as well as Queen Elizabeth, to reassure her that she taught us what it means to be British but also that maybe its time to show that youre ready to learn, too. Im so sorry, am I watching The Crown or some weird, royal version of This Is Us? Okay, sure, these are less ghosts in the traditional sense than manifestations imagined by Mohamed, Charles, and Elizabeth as they wrestle with their grief and I know this because if the ghost of Princess Diana decided of her own volition to pay Charles a visit, I am positive it would not involve her telling him he was handsome. That doesnt make the appearances of Ghost Diana and Ghost Dodi any less bizarre. My fellow critics, I open the floor to you: On a scale of 1 to 10, how loudly did your WTF, The Crown?? alarm bells ring during these sequences? Kathryn VanArendonk: Pretty loud! My alarm bells were pretty, pretty, pretty loud. I confess that the first alarm bell went off upon discovering that episodes three and four, and four in particular, are such close retreads of the 2006 movie The Queen, which was also written by The Crown creator Peter Morgan. I could not get over the similarities between the two: the stag-hunting scene, the Balmoral-based perspectives on public mourning after Dianas death, the idea that one man needed to step in and persuade Elizabeth to address the tragedy. My assumption was that after telling that story one way, in a very well-received movie from nearly 20 years ago, Morgan would want to approach this same material from a new vantage point. I suppose not! To your point, though, Jen, after my initial dismay, I did realize that there are a few notable differences from The Queen. Chief among them: ghosts! Or visions or hallucinations? I know that I strongly dislike them, but I am still wrestling with how exactly were supposed to interpret these messages from beyond the grave. Are they ghosts, as in actual extensions of the characters speaking as themselves? Or are they meant to be figments of Charles, Elizabeth, and Mohameds respective imaginations? Jackson McHenry: I lean more toward them being figments of imagination, if only because the ghosts tend to act as expressions of the guilt, anger, and various other repressed emotions the characters all have, rather than distinct characters themselves. Which is an extension of a problem with Morgans conception of Diana in general: Hes so invested in QEII and Charles and what it means to have all this royal duty, and while Diana works for him as a symbol of someone rejecting that but still having the love of the people, he never seems to have a good angle on her personality outside of it. The Queen let him write a whole movie about Diana without Diana, and in The Crown he knows he has to deal with her as a character but isnt sure what to say. Im not opposed to a break from realism the show teeters on the edge of magical portent with all those hunting scenes, anyway but if youre going to raise the dead like this, fully commit. Those conversations are all so neat, tying little bows on all the themes for this (half) season. Ghosts should be a lot more haunting. Roxana Hadadi: Well, theyre haunting me, Jackson. Haunting me with the memory of having watched something so grotesque! Let me unclench my Arthur fist of rage to say this: The Crown has already been subpar when it comes to imagining Diana as someone with any kind of internal sense of self. Shes all pouts and impetuous decisions, shopping trips and puppy eyes at men whom The Crown tells us are unsuitable. Shes never given the same certainty as Charles has for his love of Camilla, or the same maturity as the other royals; this is a well-established issue for this show. So, too, is an innate distrust of anyone who would want to be part of the royal family. The Crown does this self-effacing, humblebrag-y thing where all the royals sort of hate their status, but the idea that anyone else could be part of their world is outlandish. That simply is not the way things are done. I say all this because I think that combination of forces is what leads to the cartoonishly racist depiction of Mo and Dodi before the ghosts even appear: These two brown men scheming to take over Dianas life and use her access to power, literally whispering about her sexual activities on the phone while shes in the next room. It would be really, really funny if it werent so insidious, and if it didnt seem to only exist so that The Crown could then imagine Diana saying of course she would never marry Dodi and of course she would come back home to where she belongs. This version of Diana is born out of The Crown both diminishing and trying to reclaim her as this untouched English rose whose death was not a result of pressure from the royals or the loneliness of them icing her out, but because a guy named Mohamed made his way into her life. Look, if Ghost Diana did exist, she would absolutely use her phantasm status to see her sons one last time, but at least The Crown knows that would be too galling. She looks very stylish as a ghost, I guess? The only person in the world to pull off a sleeveless turtleneck? KVA: Excuse you, I own at least two sleeveless turtlenecks. RH: Well, Diana is a ghost, and I am sure you are making them look very attractive in corporeal form! JC: To your point, Roxana, Dodis ghost seems to exist to solidify the idea that Mohamed was a villain, according to the show, a message that already came across loud and clear during the multiple phone calls he makes to his son from his shadowy office. Whereas Ghost Diana acts as a comfort and a guide to both Charles and Elizabeth, which is something that I simply do not buy. Its nice to believe that Charles and the queen thought highly enough of Diana to turn to her in their hour of need. But so many other moments in this show not to mention what actually happened at the time suggest they did not respect or regard her enough to give her that status, even in the privacy of their minds eyes. The Crown, perhaps in the wake of the queens death, seems to want to give viewers a security-blanket version of history, and I find it offensive to the memories of both Diana and Dodi. KVA: That security-blanket viewpoint extends to a wild reframing of Charles, whos now the king and who I suppose one might want to cast in a flattering light. But its fascinating to compare the Charles of these episodes to the Charles of The Queen. Hes essentially taken over the Tony Blair role from the film, becoming a sensitive, wounded, deep-feeling father figure who recognizes that his family is out of touch and is trying to drag them into the current era kicking and screaming. One of the most egregious non-ghost scenes in episode four comes while Charles and Anne are watching TV coverage of the gathered crowds. Charles turns to his sister and offers the most on-the-nose, overt, here is the thesis statement of this show dialogue imaginable, noting that his mother is somehow the mother of the entire nation and wondering whether maybe its a problem that shes not particularly maternal? For Ghost Diana in particular, my problem is less with her than with the shows depiction of Charles. If these episodes treated him with more skepticism, or even with a little more nuance, I think those ghost scenes could read as an indictment of his limiting idea of who she was as a person. Instead, its just Diana, coming back from the dead to call Charles handsome. JM: Im not one to not call Dominic West handsome but also, we have a fundamental over-complimentary casting problem there. I wonder how much the response to the fourth season, where Emma Corrin was so good as Diana and the British royalists seemed to get very antsy about how this show needed to be labeled as fiction, informed the seeming course corrections in the fifth and sixth seasons. The show has never been especially hard on the royals, but it used to have a bit more perspective. (Also, yeah, where is Tony Blair in all this? After all that time spent depicting John Major as sane and reasonable!) Is Peter Morgan worried about other posh Brits not sitting with him at lunch anymore? Or, as you pointed out, Kathryn, maybe Elizabeths death and Charless coronation are making him that much more shy about critiquing Charles. Either way, the ghosts of Diana and Dodi showing up for absolution really pulls the mask off this exercise. Nobody can pretend the Crown isnt comfortably on the royals side. That makes me relieved, in a way, that the show will wrap up before Harry and Meghans exit from the family. Everything in the writing of this season has proven its not a series to take on the perspectives of outsiders, and definitely not one that Id be interested in hearing more from regarding the British monarchy and race. Case in point: Everything going on with Dodis ghost. RH: On the one hand, at least Khalid Abdalla finally gets a different note to play as the spectral son. When Dodi appears before his grieving father, Abdalla gives the character more confidence, and even a sense of wryness, as he tells Mohamed that his expectations were too high. On the other hand, are the expectations Dodi is talking about just Mohamed pressuring him into a relationship with Diana, or the expectations that he could ever be accepted by British society? Theres an exchange in this scene where Mohamed asks Dodi, Why do they hate me? Is it the fate of Arabs to always be hated by the West? And Dodi replies, Dont take it personally. You shouldnt look up to the West Exalted expectations are not fair. They can never be fulfilled. Not only do I never need The Crown to explain international relations to me, I also dont need this show basically shrugging away Islamophobia for a well, the Brits are gonna Brit explanation of why Dodis death was so diminished in the press, and essentially chastising Mohamed for his desire to be successful anywhere but his birth country. The writing of this scene feels similar to how the show handles Charless and the royals confusion as to why people care so much about Diana. The Crown makes these sweeping generalizations about what Britishness is and isnt, and who it allows in and doesnt, but then refuses to comment on the rightness or wrongness of that behavior. It just is, and that to me is the series taking a stiff-upper-lip posture too seriously in matters where it should be a little more human. JC: At this stage, The Crown seems more interested in showing humanity to the royals than in considering others, including Diana and the Fayeds, with a similar level of nuance. After Queen Elizabeth died last year, Peter Morgan said that he considers The Crown a love letter, which struck me as odd because, especially in its early seasons, the series wasnt always easy on her. And appropriately so. But now I have to take him at his word. The Crown really does feel more like a love letter not just to Elizabeth personally, but to the monarchy as an institution, whether the ghosts of history agree with that or not. The Crown Aftermath Season 6 Episode 4 Editors Rating 4 stars * * * * Previous Next Previous Episode Next Episode Photo: Daniel Escale/Netflix For this episode, the biggest challenge for writer/creator Peter Morgan was always going to be avoiding a direct rehash of The Queen. Like Aftermath, the acclaimed 2006 movie, which Morgan also wrote, focused on the week immediately following Princess Dianas death. Since Queen Elizabeths behavior was well-covered territory in the film, Morgan turns his attention this time around to the other major Crown characters. Of course, some overlap is inevitable: Its impossible to dramatize the royal family in the aftermath of Dianas death and not include the publics negative reaction to the Queens decision to remain ensconced at Balmoral Castle. Aftermath also includes Imelda Staunton flawlessly re-creating the Queens eventual televised tribute to Diana, just as Helen Mirren did in The Queen 17 years ago. The toughest pill to swallow in Aftermath, however, is Prince Charles. In his attempts to provide Diana with a positive final sendoff, Morgan winds up turning her estranged ex into an idealistic hero. While there is truth to Charles being one of the most vocal advocates for a public funeral, all of a sudden hes Dianas biggest champion? At the same time, this series is called The Crown, so it does make sense for Morgan to transfer much of the pro-Diana influence from Prime Minister Tony Blair, who primarily handled them in The Queen, to Charles here. Aftermath doesnt waste any time silently delivering the bad news to the audience, the royal family, or Mohamed Al Fayed. In fact, one of the many things that sets The Crown apart from The Queen is the acknowledgment of Dodi Fayeds death and its impact on Mohamed. Theres also a lot of sobbing in this episode. I mean, were talking visceral groans, whether its Mohamed bawling over his sons corpse in a Paris morgue, or Charles loudly wailing among the Scottish Highlands. I appreciate the realism here. Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip remain completely on-brand though: At best they just look pained. Remember, as we already know, Elizabeths tear ducts tend to remain on the dry side, regardless of tragedy. Many of the family scenes are all too familiar for royal watchers: There are fights over whether Dianas body should be brought back on a royal flight; the Queen insists on keeping things normal for William and Harrys sake (read: barely acknowledge that THEIR MOTHER JUST DIED). But the scenes involving a grieving Mohamed are just pitiful: He remains delusional about Dodi and Dianas relationship, insisting to his secretary that they had a love for the ages and that their deaths will unite him with the royals and the Spencers. I am their brother in sorrow. Ooof. As he did in real life, Charles goes to Paris to claim his ex-wifes body, and its on this trip that hes convinced Diana deserves a public state funeral over the small, private one the royals and Spencers would prefer. As the hearse winds down the Parisian streets, he notices people are watching from their windows, holding flowers, and lightly applauding. People stop what theyre doing and stand to pay respect while children run alongside the procession. The world isnt ignoring her, so why is his own family? (Um, because you all treated her like dirt?) On the flight back to Britain, The Crown makes a bizarre creative decision that clearly reflects the concerted effort to not do a Queen reboot: Charles has a final conversation with an ethereal Diana, who suddenly appears (she literally says, Ta-da!), looking gorgeous, relaxed, and happy in a black sleeveless turtleneck. Look, I get that the show wanted to keep Elizabeth Debicki around as much as it could, and she does a fantastic job as Ghost Diana, but her reappearances are just plain weird. Dianas role here is to remind Charles not to let his grief cloud the truth: She thanks him for being raw and broken in the morgue (Dominic West is excellent during that scene, where Charles breaks down in tears yet again), but while he may be despondent over her death right now, he never really loved her. So it will be easier for everyone with me gone. In many ways, shes right. But there is one thing Charles gets right during this brief exchange: Diana was always the most beloved of all of us. Now that Charles is unequivocally on Team Diana, he returns to Balmoral and immediately criticizes his mother for shutting out the rest of the world and not accepting the powerful effect Diana had on the nation. He pretty much turns into the personification of the Show us you care headlines, only to be repudiated by both his parents, who call him out on his hypocrisy: The last person who should be lecturing them on how to grieve or show emotion for Diana is the person who caused her the most pain. Ouch, but fair. Charles admits that he let Diana down in life, but I will not let her down in death. Good for you, Chuck! Even if The Crown version of you is far more likable than the real-life version. Its not just Diana who has unfinished business in the mortal world, though. Following his sons funeral, Mohamed is visited by Ghost Dodi, and from the way The Crown portrays it, death has been good for him. Ghost Dodi is calmer and more confident than he ever was when he was alive; Khalid Abdalla does a tremendous job here, presenting this Dodi as an entirely different character. I dont love this plot device, but at least the audience gets the satisfaction of Dodi finally telling his father that, yeah, his exalted expectations of him were enormously unfair. The saddest part of their conversation, though, is Dodi imploring Mohamed to be honest with himself, and with the world. In reality, this didnt happen: Mohamed Al Fayed was notorious for relentlessly spewing conspiracy theories about Dodi and Diana long after their deaths. Just when it looks like things have settled down back in Scotland the Queen has agreed to a public funeral for Diana The Crown decides it needs one more dramatic beat. Oh, no! Prince William, who overhead his father bickering with Granny and Grandpa, has gone missing! (Im pretty sure this is dramatic license.) Suddenly, all the royals, dressed in their Barbour coats, tweeds, Wellington boots, newsboy caps, and walking crooks, are out searching for the future king. The William goes missing subplot is anticlimactic though: Hes a teenage boy who just lost his mother, and his family is expecting him to behave like a monarch-in-training. Who could blame him for running off? But The Crown uses this invented incident to help convince the Queen that she needs to help the nation heal. Like William, she observes, the whole country is starting to behave out of character. Maybe Charles was right after all? Charles continues to plead his case to an increasingly annoyed Princess Anne, comparing his mothers attitude toward the nation as no different than her treatment of him when he was a boy. The United Kingdom is the sick, uncomforted child, and the Queen remains cold and aloof. Charles sees her as unable to mother the nation in precisely the same way that she was unable to mother us. Hes not wrong Charles implores his mother to toss out the royal script for once in her life and consider giving the country, well, everything hes ever wanted from her: Attention, love, understanding, support, care, and empathy. Heres my issue with these demands: I read Spare it doesnt seem like Charles ever learned to take a page out of the Diana affectionate parenting playbook. Yet here he is, defending Diana for giving the people everything the Queen never did. But its going to take more than just a missing grandson and an emotionally damaged son to push Her Majesty into doing something completely out of character. As in, a supernatural visit. Ghost Diana has one last earthbound appointment, and its with the Queen. Elizabeth is still irritated with her, but in death, Dianas grown a backbone. She pushes back on the Queens criticism that she started a royal revolution, pointing out that there was no need for Elizabeth to make an enemy of [her]. (And sorry, Lillibet, but how much of a revolution did Diana really succeed in creating? If she had, maybe her son wouldnt have needed to escape from his own family.) A much wiser Diana directs her former mother-in-law to the images of mourners on the TV screen, reminding her that she, the Queen, is the one who taught so many people what it means to be British. So maybe its time for Elizabeth to demonstrate that she can learn what that means too. Mic. Drop. Suddenly, the Queen has decided to go to London to be with her subjects and to give a televised speech to the nation. And now we know the truth: It wasnt Prince Charles or Tony Blair who changed her mind. It was Ghost Diana! Once the royals arrive in London, The Crown subtly starts turning its attention onto the next generation, passing the torch from these Diana-centric episodes to the ones coming up in Part Two, where Prince William will feature more prominently. During the reenactment of Dianas funeral procession, William, always his mothers son, wants to acknowledge the person in the crowd who yelled out, God bless you, boys! Philip, walking alongside his grandson, advises him against it. Given the situation, its good, grandfatherly advice, because he knows William is about to crumble. Then William asks why these people are crying for someone they never knew. Philip: Theyre not crying for her. Theyre crying for you. Its another brutal reminder that William will be king one day, and duty will come before everything else. But since this series is still about the Queen, the episodes final scene is devoted to her. In private, away from the worlds prying eyes, The Crown suggests that she was affected by Dianas death. As she kneels by her bedside during her nightly prayers, she looks to her side. Is she hoping Ghost Diana will reappear? It sure seems that way. The question is, did Diana cause a sea change in the royal family? Somewhat. As well see in Part Two, Charles and Camilla once deemed inappropriate for not being a virgin and for being a divorcee will be allowed to marry, with Camilla becoming Queen. Plus, William and Harry, unlike their father, will receive the Queens blessing to marry non-virginal commoners. But if you ask Harry and Meghan, theyd probably say the song remains the same. Crown Jewels I know the William is missing! scenes were supposed to add to the drama, but they came off more like a Visit Scotland advertisement. Mohamed Al Fayeds creepy shrine to Diana and Dodi at Harrods was a very real thing. GRAZ, Austria, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- Chinese and Austrian officials, entrepreneurs and representatives of the academic world were brought together on Friday at the 6th China Forum held here with the aim to boost China-Europe exchanges and cooperation. Discussions at the event, which was hosted by the Confucius Institute at the University of Graz, focused on China-Europe collaboration in green energy, circular economy and digitalization. The theme of the event is "China meets Europe." Noting that this year marks the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative and the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and the European Union, Chinese Ambassador to Austria Qi Mei said in her opening address that she hopes the delegates attending the forum can provide insights for deepening China-Europe cooperation. Qi also called for more exchanges, dialogue and collaboration between Chinese and European young people. Chen Wanjie, director of the Confucius Institute at the University of Graz, expressed his hope that the event will serve as a springboard for promoting interactions and partnership between China and Europe. The bi-annual China Forum was launched by the Confucius Institute at the University of Graz in 2011. by Xinhua writer Tan Jingjing SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- The close cooperation between U.S. and Chinese business communities serves as an important force in promoting relations between the two countries, Frank Meng, chairman of Qualcomm China, told Xinhua in an interview on Thursday. "Over the past 30 years, Qualcomm has been developing in China. We have always cooperated with our Chinese partners to compete in the global market," Meng told Xinhua during APEC Leaders' Week 2023, which is held in San Francisco, the United States, from Nov. 11 to 17 with the theme of "Creating a Resilient and Sustainable Future for All." Qualcomm has always worked together with its Chinese partners to jointly grow in the global market, Meng said. "We know that we can only achieve success by supporting the success of our partners," he said. "We cherish such cooperation environment very much, and we are also working hard to continue meeting each other halfway," Meng told Xinhua. He voiced the hope to build a closely connected digital economy and more connected world through technologies. Qualcomm has maintained close cooperation with Chinese enterprises over the years to promote technological development and the launch of products in the global market. Such strategic cooperation in wireless communication has also enabled Qualcomm to lead in global competition, according to Meng. Qualcomm, a leading global company in next-generation wireless technologies headquartered in San Diego, California, entered the Chinese market in the 1990s and has been strengthening its business presence in China for nearly 30 years. Piazza Venezia bids farewell to Christmas tree. Rome's Christmas tree will move this year to Piazza del Popolo, away from its traditional location in Piazza Venezia, due to ongoing works for the Metro C subway station. The Christmas tree, a 29-m high fir from northern Italy, is due to arrive in Piazza del Popolo on 29 November, Corriere della Sera reports. The decision to relocate the festive tree, confirmed on Thursday by Rome mayor Roberto Gualtieri, follows the recent transformation of Piazza Venezia into a construction site as part of 700 million project set to last about a decade. Considering the long-term timeframe of the underground works in Piazza Venezia, it is likely that Piazza del Popolo will host Rome's Christmas tree for some years to come. Romes ambitious plans for the Metro C subway station in Piazza Veneziapic.twitter.com/6hOubqO4Nm Wanted in Rome (@wantedinrome) October 29, 2023 Traditionally the tree is illuminated by Rome's mayor on 8 December, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, a public holiday in Italy, however the switching-on time has yet to be announced by the city. Also on 8 December, the mayor switches on the Christmas lights along Via del Corso, the city's central thoroughfare which links Piazza Venezia to Piazza del Popolo. In 2018 and 2019 the American streaming giant Netflix sponsored the city's Christmas tree however since then the city has picked up the bill. In 2017 Rome's Christmas tree was christened "Spelacchio" due to the 'mangy' specimen whose threadbare branches drew negative news headlines in Italy and around the world. After the initial outrage over the tree, which was compared unfavourably to a toilet brush, Spelacchio won the hearts of Romans who festooned it with ironic messages of affection and sympathy. Many Rome residents would agree however that Spelacchio was not the city's worst Christmas tree of all time, reserving that dubious honour for the white papier-mache Christmas tree installed by former mayor Gianni Alemanno in 2011. The short-lived tree was removed within hours but not before a Rome politician captured the general mood by calling it the epitome of bad taste. Until 2015 Rome had two main Christmas trees, one in Piazza Venezia and one in front of the Colosseum. However the custom of the Colosseum tree was axed on cost-cutting grounds by former mayor Virginia Raggi. This year, the Vatican Christmas tree and Nativity Scene in St Peter's Square will be illuminated on 9 December and will remain in place until 7 January 2024. As for what the Romans will christen their Christmas tree, the Corriere suggests it will likely be nicknamed 'Spopolacchio', a play on the name of its new location. Photo Wanted in Rome. Piazza Venezia, 10 December 2020. 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? BAGHDAD, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- Two airbases housing the U.S.-led coalition forces in Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdistan region and western Iraq were attacked by drones on Friday. A statement by Kurdistan's regional Counter-Terrorism Service said a booby-trapped drone hit the Harir Airbase outside the city of Erbil, the capital of the Kurdish region, at 10:25 a.m. local time (0725 GMT). There have been no reports of casualties as the coalition forces already withdrew from the airbase on Oct. 20. An armed group named "Islamic Resistance in Iraq" claimed in an online statement that its fighters launched a drone attack on the Harir Airbase. It said the drone hit its targets without providing further details. In another online statement, the armed group said its fighters had launched two booby-trapped drones toward the Ayn al-Asad Airbase near the town of al-Baghdadi, some 190 km northwest of the capital Baghdad. The group previously claimed to have launched rocket and drone attacks on military bases housing U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria following the Israel-Hamas conflict that broke out in the Palestinian enclave of Gaza Strip in October. As the NSW Liberals prepare for their Star Wars-themed convention next weekend (remember its called A New Hope) and elect a new senator, numerous hopefuls are sharpening their pitches. Loading Former NSW transport minister Andrew Constance remains the frontrunner, and the video he circulated to delegates this week was suitably vanilla, spruiking his cabinet experience, and leadership during the Black Summer bushfires. Meanwhile, fellow moderate and former Wentworth MP Dave Sharma reckons the party can win back government if they improve their competitiveness. As a proven parliamentary, campaign and media performer, I know how to scrutinise Labor, develop policy to attract voters, and bolster our campaign resources, Sharma wrote in a candidate statement. Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size When Norman Reedus landed the part of Daryl Dixon, the younger brother of racist criminal Merle (Michael Rooker) in season one of The Walking Dead, he had no idea hed play the character for 174 episodes across 11 seasons and a dozen years. I dont think anybody knows theyre gonna have a show that lasts this long and its such a big hit, says Reedus. Its kind of lightning in a bottle when it happens, you know? I had no clue. And Im still enjoying it, which is crazy. Hes far too diplomatic to just blurt it out, but reading between the lines you get the strong sense hes enjoying it a whole lot more right now than he has for a long time. The spin-off named after and focusing on his character transfers the action to France, which surely has its appeal under any circumstances. But what has him most excited is that it has allowed him to capture that lightning in a bottle a second time. There was something unique in that first season of The Walking Dead way back in 2010 that hes been searching for ever since, he admits. Norman Reedus as Daryl Dixon. Credit: Emmanuel Guimier/AM That first group of actors, I think all of our agents were like, Are you sure you want to do this, he says, throwing back to a time when a show about zombies seemed an utterly risky proposition. But we all believed in it, we believed in [creator] Frank Darabont and Gale Anne Hurd [producer of Aliens and the Terminator movies], and [cable network] AMC had really good shows out at the time, Breaking Bad and Mad Men. Advertisement We went into it treating it as real as possible, and it had all these elements that if you didnt, it would slide into Cornyville real easy. So everybody played it real, and that first group of actors became so close, and had such respect for each other and wanted each other to do the best they could do, and it was a real sense of family right from the beginning. And I think that camaraderie between the actors and the crew set the tone that you could feel through the TV screen. However idyllic that first season of the post-apocalypse may have been, the mechanics of making a hit show soon took over as the ratings climbed past 14 million viewers per episode in the US a previously unthinkable figure for a cable show. Reedus says he and Andrew Lincoln, the English actor who played main character Rick Grimes for nine seasons and will soon appear in his own spin-off, used to read Cormac McCarthys novel The Road, which was filmed by Australian John Hillcoat, hoping to draw reference points for their own show. We thought if it would even get to season five wed have no teeth, wed be completely emaciated, wed be complete savages, he says. And then, as a television show becomes a juggernaut of a franchise and there are 12 million dolls of you and lunchboxes and pinball machines, it becomes a machine, and the machines gotta feed the machine, and its gotta get bigger in the numbers. Its insanity. Im still trying to tell this as a simple story, but you see characters and their pants are a little tighter [because theyre eating well], and theres makeup, and youre like, Wait a minute, are we doing The Road? The new series is an opportunity to flip the script on all that, he says, to strip the concept back to its core elements and tell a simple story thats very complicated. Advertisement For the first time, Reedus is a producer on the show, and that means theres much more chance of his suggestions being incorporated. He was there six months before filming started, scouting locations, casting actors, tweaking the scripts. If this show works or fails, it is in no small part down to him. (And so far, it appears to be working; AMC has already commissioned a second season.) Daryl is asked to help shepherd Laurent (Louis Puech Scigliuzzi), a young man who may or may not be the messiah, to safety in northern France. Credit: Stan Other than McCarthys harrowing post-apocalyptic masterpiece, his inspiration on the spin-off, he says, was the music of Brian Eno. Theres something about Eno using simple sounds and making them complicated that is very pure. Theres an emotional feeling there, and you just get lost in it. This kind of has that element in a weird way. Throwing Daryl in at the deep end in a country he doesnt know, with walkers who have developed new characteristics, with humans whose language he doesnt speak and whose cultural reference points he doesnt share has upped the stakes and injected a fresh sense of urgency to his situation, as he is tasked by a nun (the excellent Clemence Poesy) with guiding to safety a teenager (Louis Puech Scigliuzzi) her order believes is the messiah. Reedus and his wife, the German actress and model Diane Kruger, walk the red carpet at Cannes in May 2022. Credit: Pascal Le Segretain As for the inevitable comparisons to The Last of Us spawned by that plotline, Reedus says his show was written before the HBO series went to air, and his team of writers was more concerned with not treading on the toes of The Wolverine (in which Hugh Jackmans character is tasked with protecting a child). Reedus adds he hasnt seen The Last of Us yet, though he will watch it eventually. I havent watched anything but South Park in, like, four years, he says. Its my comfort show. I know every line to every episode of every season. I need to broaden my horizons. Advertisement Advertisement Tips & adviceGood Food recommends The food critics essential guide to shopping at Costco Theres a lot more to the warehouse retailer than roast chickens and cut-price Calvin Klein and coffins. Callan Boys 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 Ortiz anchovies. Maldon sea salt. Mutti passata. All these are in my fridge or pantry right now, and all came from Costco. Theres also a carton of Fever-Tree Tonic, way too much toum, and Le Dauphin Double Creme cheese. Live Goolwa pipis, too, DeZhuang Chongqing Noodles, and a massive bag of frozen okra I have no idea what to do with, but it was only $11 for 2.5 kilograms, so how can you not? What does Callan Boys put in his Costco trolley? Nathan Perri For a long time, I thought Costco was just like Aldi, only much bigger and sometimes cheaper, and did somebody say it sold coffins? It does, plus prescription glasses, front-load washing machines, massage chairs, scented chalk sticks, laminate flooring, herbal supplements, badminton nets, alto saxophones and Lance Franklins autobiography. The US-based chain has 15 warehouses in Australia, and since the first location opened in Docklands, Melbourne in 2009, Ive found myself shopping at Costco with increasing frequency. As the brands and fresh produce improve, its gone from a once-every-four-years novelty to monthly excursion. With so many items sold in bulk, its also the go-to any time a party needs catering. Costcos Marsden Park warehouse, 45 minutes from the Sydney CBD. Supplied Advertisement Advice for first-time Costco shoppers It costs $65 to be a store member, and you need to be a member to buy things Avoid weekends if possible, as the check-out lines can be daunting Bags arent supplied, so bring your ball of totes Most importantly go in with a game plan or risk leaving with a patio umbrella when all you wanted was hummus Stocked items and specials change weekly, but here are a few of my favourite constants from recent visits. A little greasy, but highly fruity. Dominic Lorrimer Kirkland Christmas Fruitcake, 1.7kg, $23.99 Costcos house-baked cakes and pastries vary wildly in quality. I havent tried them all and suspect the humongous apple pie and mini custard-filled doughnuts could be worth a punt but I can say that the pain au chocolates and turnovers are dry, and the madeleines, too cakey. The Portuguese tart has a beaut filling considering it costs $18 a dozen, but the pastrys texture isnt far removed from Gyprock. The new fruitcake, however, is legitimately well done (albeit a little greasy), with high levels of moisture, cherries, sultanas and currants. An almost aggressive amount of pecans, hazelnuts and walnuts holds your interest with each bite, too. Advertisement Meredith Dairy Marinated Goat Cheese, 550g, $15.99 Because I like to slather this stuff on toast like my grandmother ices finger buns, I try not to have it in the house too often. When I do buy it though, Ill buy it from Costco, which sells the big jar for $5 less than other major retailers. A cheese to come back to. Dominic Lorrimer Wookey Hole Cave Aged Traditional West Country Farmhouse Cheddar, 400g, $15.49 This could easily be a Best Costco Cheese list. Honourable mentions go to the Selected by Will Studd Le Dauphin Petit Double Creme, Maffra Mature Cheddar, Udder Delights Single Herd Triple Cream Brie, and a 15-month-old Comte. Its this cheddar I keep coming back to though, made by Ford Farm Cheesemakers in Dorset, England. Super buttery, slightly nutty, quite tangy and nicely salty. One for pairing with the fruitcake above, or a cabernet sauvignon and Christmas Vacation. Advertisement Praise be, MSG. Dominic Lorrimer Takumi Japanese Chicken Gyoza, 1.2kg, $23.99 How good is it when youre pressed for dinner-cooking time and suddenly remember Oh yeah, we have those dumplings in the freezer! Bulk-buy dumplings are about crowd-pleasing flavour rather than the finer points of pleating, and these Australian-made gyozas nail the brief. Praise be to oyster sauce, sesame oil and MSG. Recipe collection 16 ways to dress up frozen dumplings Spring Bay Australian Blue Mussels, 2kg, $14.99 Advertisement Theres a decent smorgasbord of pre-packaged fresh seafood at Costco these days, from the good (whole tropical snapper), the bad (farmed salmon) to the ugly (sorry, pre-shucked oysters which look like they were blown out of the bunyips nose). This catering pack of pot-ready sustainable mussels must be the best value though, and if you have some pasta, olive oil, capers and cream on hand, youve got a banging meal to feed six for less than $30. Mutti Passata, 6 x 700g, $19.99 Theres a lot to be said for old friends and ancient relatives getting together every summer, when tomatoes are at their peak, and making enough passata to supply red sauces for the rest of the year. Still, the convenience of buying and stashing a case of silky Mutti isnt without its merits either. The same sized jar retails for $4.80 at Coles. A big, sexy salt bucket. Supplied Maldon Sea Salt Flakes, 1.4kg, $31.99 Advertisement Six months after purchase, Im still nowhere near the bottom of this sexy salt bucket, and gosh knows Ive been using it to season everything my kitchen bench touches. (Everything except hot chips that is, which need a finer-grained table salt that will really cling to them.) Buy the same amount of Maldon in 250-gram boxes elsewhere, and expect to pay about $60. Evergreen Original Tofu Regular Firm, 2 x 900g, $7.99 Gee, this is cheap. And versatile! From mapo tofu in winter, to healthy noodle soups in summer, its just nice to have a sealed tub of the stuff around. Also, there are few more satisfying kitchen jobs than slicing blocks of tofu into smaller cubes. For mid-week meals down the track. Costco Kirkland Marinated Beef Bulgogi, $19.99 per kg Advertisement These spindly strips of chuck beef are marinated with soy sauce, garlic and pear juice, and Ill usually divide the two-kilogram tub into sandwich bags and freeze for ultra-quick dinners down the track. A healthy Tuesday night favourite with kimchi, cauliflower rice and spring onion. Worth whacking in the trolley. Dominic Lorrimer Jongga Naturally Fermented Kimchi, 1.2kg, $8.99 Speaking of fermented napa cabbage, Jongga might not be the most artisan kimchi on the market, but its still totally worth whacking in the trolley, especially at that price. I keep kimchi around for gut health and microbiome reasons, but most of it ends up in toasted cheese jaffles, which is not quite what the gastroenterologist ordered. Recipe collection 20 ways with kimchi Advertisement Diamantina Organic Beef Mince, 3 x 500g, $29.99 Kirkland is Costcos home-brand, and youll see its label on a lot of the onsite butchers meat. I cant bring myself to buy the Kirkland beef mince for $9.99 a kilogram, as that just seems too cheap, and multinational retailers should have more respect for cows. This organic beef from outback Queensland, though? Sold! Plus the bundle of three separate portions is great for freezing and grabbing a packet whenever bolognese calls. Birch & Waite Premium Burger Sauce, 1L, $13.99 A gherkin-y, mustard-y sauce of requisite tang, engineered to enhance any burger party. You can find 120-slice bulk packs of taxi cab-yellow American cheese in the same chilled aisle (for burgers, sometimes processed is best), and the Diamantina organic mince (above) can form a top-notch pattie. Bypass Costcos too-sweet brioche-style buns, however, and track down a few eight-packs of Martins Famous Potato Rolls instead. Perfect with fried chicken. Costco Advertisement Calvisius Tradition Caviar, 30g, $79.99 Of course, Costco sells caviar too. Is it the best caviar youll ever hoover off the back of your hand? Probably not, but its still the cured eggs of a white sturgeon harvested in Italy, and you get a mother-of-pearl spoon to boot. If, like me, you cant afford the super high-end gear, this is a great caviar option for topping oysters (delicious) and fried chicken (even better). Wynns Coonawarra Estate The Siding 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon, 750ml, $10.49 And I thought this was cracking value when Dan Murphys had it at $14. One of Wynns more approachable wines, theres still enough plush fruit and character to justify buying a case and having it on hand for Monday-night steaks, or whenever the neighbours drop by and dont bring a bottle of their own. If you ever wanted to start ageing wine, Wynns cabernet sauvignon is a terrific option to kick off a cellar. Just lay down a few bottles in a cool, dark space, and forget about them for the next dozen years. Best bargain bottles: 13 great wines for $20 or less Advertisement The best recipes from Australia's leading chefs straight to your inbox. Sign up An increase in COVID-19 cases across Perth will mean staff and patients in parts of Perth hospitals are required to wear masks again from Monday. Anyone in high-risk hospital clinical areas including haematology, oncology, organ transplant and renal dialysis and intensive care units will need to wear a surgical mask. Masks are back. Credit: Matt Davidson WAs Chief Health Officer Dr Andy Robertson said cases had been increasing since early September, with the Omicron XBB variant EG.5 circulating. Its an expected part of the ongoing evolution of COVID-19 in the community as peoples immunity wanes over time, he said. Two years ago, Gregory Andrews was Australias high commissioner to West Africa. On Friday, he was taken to hospital after waging a 16-day hunger strike on the lawns of Parliament House to highlight the need for urgent climate action. I dont want to die, but I do want the Australian government and [Prime Minister] Anthony Albanese to show courage, and for [Opposition Leader] Peter Dutton to stop using climate change as a political weapon for his own advantage, he said on Thursday, just a day before reporting chest pains and shortness of breath, prompting two nurses from Parliament House to call an ambulance. Gregory Andrews spent 16 days on a hunger strike in front of Parliament House to highlight the need for stronger action on climate change. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen Against the warnings of his doctor, but with the support of his wife and two adolescent children, the career bureaucrat and Indigenous man stopped eating on November 1. Drinking only water, he has lost more than eight kilograms. Andrews Australias first threatened species commissioner and the nations deputy chief climate negotiator to the United Nations started planning the hunger strike a few months ago. His despair over the impacts of global warming and weak environmental protections had spiralled into depression, and he knew he needed to do something to drive change. Im really sorry your readers were made to feel ostracised and unsafe on their trip to Byron. It is a very transient population here so dont crucify the town as locals, I like to think that NSWs North Coast is generally a place of kindness, diversity and acceptance. Thi-Anh Smith, Lennox Head, NSW Big dry Your story on the delights of Peru mentioned cruising on the Amazon River; unfortunately, at the time of my writing, that river has receded to its lowest level in 121 years and people in the area are desperate for food and supplies. John B Quinn, Avoca, Vic Chilling effect In the past 12 months Ive visited some 15 hotels, resorts, and other accommodations and on every occasion Ive discovered the ice cube tray missing or empty in the installed fridge of the visited establishment. I am a person who always likes having ice with my drink whether this be spirits or wine. But where have the ice cubes gone? On each visit this required, after a long flight or car journey, retracting my steps back to the reception or nearby bar to obtain my supply of ice, sometimes provided in an ice bucket large enough to service myself and another five rooms! It was after an eight-hour drive last week, when I stayed in a modest three-star motel, in Tenterfield, NSW that much to my delight I found an ice tray full of cubes. No anticipated walk to reception required. Perhaps other proprietors in the hospitality industry should mirror this. Doug Daly, Cammeray, NSW Zanzibar none As I lay here by the pool at my hotel in Stone Town on Unguja (Zanzibar) I have to agree with everything said in your worlds most beautiful island cover story (Traveller, October 26). This is my third trip here this year and it has everything but is unspoilt. Last trip I also ventured to Pemba Island just North of Unguja. This is even more unspoilt and well worth a visit. Tanzania is not expensive for tourists, most of whom are from Europe, and offers various types of holidays. Tacking Zanzibar on to the end of a Kilimanjaro climb and safari as I did is an essential. Daryl Walker, Taylors Hill, Vic Disturbed sleepers Well said, Janita Ryan (Traveller Letters, November 4). Twenty years ago the sleeper on the overnight train from Brisbane to Sydney was fantastic. You got to sleep, freshen up and they supplied a great breakfast well before Sydney. Now you are forced to catch a train, then a bus, then get on another train around midnight. Absolutely stupid. Brendon Fehre, Waterloo, NSW Honk if you still love Honkers Hong Kong is still a great destination, writes one Traveller reader. Credit: iStock After five thoroughly enjoyable days in Hong Kong I can attest that reports of its demise as a tourist destination are greatly exaggerated. Armed with our Octopus travel cards we spent time exploring Kowloon and Hong Kong island, eating at top-notch restaurants, walking scenic nature trails and gazing at the architectural delights of West Kowloon including the new Hong Kong Palace Museum. The city is vibrant and bustling. The only discernible change from previous visits was a lack of western tourists. Kathryn McAnalley, Elwood, Vic Fazed by Stayz Further to Mark Bergs letter (Traveller Letters, October 29), we had an apartment for six booked in Sorrento, Italy for a week in September. The booking was made and paid for in January using Stayz. Two weeks out, I received an email from the host, saying, Sorry, we cannot accommodate you. We were already in Greece, and our friends were about to leave for Italy. It was high season, and we couldnt find alternate accommodation, so had to scrap the plan and stay elsewhere. No help was forthcoming, and that was when we eventually managed to find a phone number and someone to talk to. However, we did get our money back a couple of weeks later. Mick Hamilton, Carnegie, Vic Big Basho As a Matsuo Basho fan, who has made pilgrimages to many sites connected with the poet, including some in Catherine Marshalls story on Haiku hiking (Traveller, November 28), Im very happy to report that Bashos poetic spirit is alive in Australia. English-language haiku poets engage in the craft all over the country. Echidna Tracks is a fabulous online journal publishing distinctly Australian haiku. The Fourth Australian Haiku Anthology has just been released and a second Haiku Down Under conference is planned for August, 2024. Anyone interested in knowing more about English-language haiku in Australia can visit the Australian Haiku Society website (australianhaikusociety.org). Leanne Mumford, Newtown, NSW National non-carrier Soon I predict almost every Qantas passenger will have a story to tell of lousy service. Mine is a flight from Darwin to Brisbane. The departure was delayed two hours. Okay, that can be accepted. Not acceptable though was being told, halfway through the flight and without explanation or apology, that no-ones checked-in luggage was on board. The flight attendants instructions to passengers were to fill out a forwarding address for the luggage which arrived three days later. No compensation for the inconvenience and need to buy essentials. And no penalty for the airline. The federal government really does need to improve passenger consumer protection. Simon Townsend, Suffolk Park, NSW Bridge of sighs I recently returned from the Maldives, just over 30 years since my last visit. So many changes of course, especially the new (well, 2018) road bridge that now connects the airport to Male, the capital. I found it so disappointing and alarming that this was funded by the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative. From the air, one can also see man-made islands, like those in the South China Sea, with massive trenches dug out of the coral that could easily fit a military ship. I was very grateful to be on a beautiful island to celebrate a milestone birthday, but I was even more grateful that I was once there when it was still somewhat Robinson Crusoe. Jane Stuart, Hunters Hill, NSW Tip of the week: Time to not take a stand Be sure to reserve a seat when travelling Europe by train. Credit: iStock It is absolutely necessary to reserve a seat when travelling on trains in Europe. This is especially the case with the first-class Eurail Pass as there are limited first-class seats on each train. Failure to do so may result in standing for long periods, as was our experience between Vienna and Ljubljana. The policy of optional seat reservation causes untold confusion as passengers with unreserved tickets either sit in reserved seats or pass up and down the train with their baggage looking for a seat. Donald Barker, Boronia, Vic Roll reversal You are unlikely to find a conti roll east of the Nullarbor, writes Ben Groundwater in his regular food column (Traveller, November 13). Look no further, Ben, as Roccos Deli in Yarraville, Victoria, is a hidden secret. Even better, a stand-alone dream, not hidden in strip-shopping. Sshhh. Lynne Oliver, Brunswick, Vic Island in the stream Underrated: Cockatoo Island in Sydney Harbour. Credit: iStock Sydneys historic and UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cockatoo Island is routinely overlooked when things to do are mentioned for the city (Traveller, October 4). Getting there involves a delightful ferry ride from either Circular Quay (where you go under the Harbour Bridge) or Parramatta, where you go past the Olympic site with views along the Parramatta River. The islands buildings are remnants of the shipbuilding and repair industries that were vital there during wartime, while tunnels under and through the sandstone provide a shortcut from one side of the island to the other. Theres an audio tour of the island available, but youll always want to know more. While a day trip is free you could even stay in one of the cottages or glamping tents along the shoreline for a more immersive experience. Margaret Whalen, Alexandria, NSW Instant gratification Your reader Georgie Foster (Traveller Letters, November 11) has discovered the benefit of eSIMs. These can also be purchased and installed here in Australia before departing overseas. Sydney Airport made me aware of Tripsim by SYD my wife loved landing in New York City with instant data, while mine is ready for a Western Asia trip next week. Paul Gerrard, Kellyville, NSW Helsinki: Finland will close four crossing points on its long border with Russia to stop the flow of Middle Eastern and African migrants that it accuses Moscow of ushering through in recent months. Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo and Interior Minister Mari Rantanen said the south-eastern crossing points Imatra, Niirala, Nuijamaa and Vaalimaa would be closed at midnight on Friday on the Finland-Russia land border that serves as the European Unions external frontier. Migrants arriving from Russia board a van to be transported to the Joutseno Reception Centre at the Nuijamaa border station between Russia and Finland in Lappeenranta, Finland. Credit: Lehtikuva It runs a total of 1340 kilometres, mostly through thick forests in the south, all the way to the rugged landscape in the Arctic north. There are nine crossing points, with one dedicated to rail travel only. Operations of the Russian border authorities have changed, Orpo told reporters, adding that the four crossings would remain closed until February 18. New York: TikTok is removing videos that promote Osama bin Ladens letter justifying the September 11 attacks against the US, saying that the user-generated content clearly violates its rules on not supporting any form of terrorism. We are proactively and aggressively removing this content and investigating how it got onto our platform, TikTok said in a post on X. Guess who went viral on TikTok? Osama bin Laden in 1998. Credit: AP TikTok, already facing scrutiny from US politicians over ties to China, said the videos quoting the late al-Qaeda founder were not unique to it and had also appeared on other social media websites. The terror groups then leader claimed Jews controlled American affairs, labelled AIDS a Satanic American Invention, and condemned the creation and existence of Israel. JERUSALEM, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reaffirmed that a temporary cease-fire in the Gaza Strip is possible only if "we can get our hostages back." Netanyahu made the remarks in an interview with U.S. news outlet CBS published on Thursday, during which he hailed that the ground operation conducted by Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has brought Israel closer to its target of securing the release of about 240 hostages held in Gaza. His remarks came as thousands of Israeli protesters, including hostages' family members, continued to march from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem to call for the release of Israeli captives in Gaza. They are supposed to arrive in Jerusalem on Saturday evening and rally outside the Prime Minister's Office. On the operations against Gaza's Al-Shifa Hospital, the Israeli prime minister claimed that there are "strong indications" that some of the hostages were held in the hospital, citing it as "one of the reasons we entered the hospital." Earlier in the day, the Israeli army announced that the body of an Israeli soldier kidnapped by Hamas militants during the Oct. 7 attacks was returned to Israel after being discovered in a building adjacent to Al-Shifa, Gaza's largest hospital. Insisting that the hospital is also serving as an arms cache, an accusation repeatedly denied by Hamas and the hospital administration, the IDF carried out two days of combing and searching inside the hospital. In addition, the IDF continued operations overnight in Gaza, and its fighter jets struck many targets in the Palestinian enclave. Israeli troops took control of a stronghold of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad movement, where heavy rockets were found, and stormed a school where the IDF said Hamas militants were hiding, according to an IDF statement on Friday morning. Meanwhile, rockets were launched from Gaza to Israel's Tel Aviv and surrounding cities on Friday evening, with no immediate injuries reported. On the Lebanon front, Hezbollah continued exchanges of fire with Israeli forces, causing three Israeli injuries and damage to two Lebanese military centers and over 28 houses in southern Lebanon, according to Israeli media reports and Lebanese military sources, who asked to remain anonymous. The sources said Israeli forces fired more than 175 missiles and carried out 12 air raids targeting dozens of Lebanese border towns and villages, while three batches of missiles and three drones were fired from southern Lebanon toward Israeli sites and targets. Also on Friday, Israeli National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi confirmed in a press conference that Israel has approved the transfer of two fuel trucks into Gaza every day, in a bid to maintain the operation of the sewage treatment system in Gaza and prevent the spread of disease. The decision, however, triggered outrage from Israeli politicians, including far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and opposition lawmaker Avigdor Liberman. On the same day, six trucks carrying 150,000 liters of diesel crossed the Egyptian side of the Rafah crossing, the sole point connecting Gaza with Egypt's North Sinai province, according to Egyptian media reports. Israel launched a massive attack on Gaza in retaliation for the surprise strike led by Hamas on Oct. 7, in which Hamas militants 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 12,000 Palestinians, wounded some 30,000 others in the coastal enclave, and dragged the territory into a critical humanitarian crisis. The news Palestinian medics said they are increasingly afraid for the lives of hundreds of patients and medical staff at Gazas biggest hospital, cut off from all links to the outside world for more than a day after Israeli forces entered. The body of Yehudit Weiss, one of about 240 hostages taken by Hamas gunmen when they stormed into southern Israel on October 7 has been recovered by troops in a building near Al Shifa hospital in Gaza, Israels military said. Israeli soldiers in the grounds of Al Shifa hospital in Gaza City. Credit: IDF via AP It said the body had been identified by forensic examiners and the family had been informed. From 22 to 26 October 2023, the World Customs Organization (WCO) hosted a regional workshop on SMART borders for the North of Africa, Near and Middle East (MENA) region in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, at the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) Customs Training Centre, with the financial support of Saudi Arabia. The event brought together 20 Customs officers from various countries in the region with the aim of exploring a wide range of topics and delving into the possible application of cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, internet of things (IoT), and data analytics, in the context of Customs procedures and processes. Participants were briefed by the WCO Secretariat on best practices and topics recently discussed by the WCO working bodies. These include the development of machine learning models to analyze import transaction data for risk management, the use of drones and other remotely operated vehicles for Customs control, and a pioneering pilot project to facilitate e-commerce transactions. An expert in Data & Analytics from ZATCA co-facilitated the workshop and provided an overview of the latest advances in data analytics technologies with informative hands-on training. Participants actively engaged in discussions, sharing their experiences in areas like the in-house development of machine learning models for identifying high-risk import transactions and the use of open source investigation (OSINT) tools for combating illicit trade. At the end of the workshop, WCO representatives thanked the participants for their active participation and ZATCA for hosting this workshop at its Customs Training Centre, facilitating a seamless and highly successful activity. ABUJA, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- At least six gunmen were killed during recent clearance operations by Nigerian troops in the country's northern state of Kaduna, the government said Friday. The state government said in a statement that the extensive clearance operations were recently carried out in the Birnin Gwari and Giwa local government areas but did not elaborate on the exact date. The troops had a gunfight with the gunmen, subduing them with superior firepower, the government's statement said, noting that arms and ammunition belonging to the criminals were also captured during the operations. Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna has urged the troops to "sustain the tempo and focus of operations," the statement added. A state funeral for the late former first lady Theresa Aba Kufuor is held at the forecourt of the State House in Accra, the capital of Ghana, Nov. 16, 2023. Commenced at 7 a.m. local time, the event was attended by people from all walks of life, including Ghanaian President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia. (Photo by Seth/Xinhua) ACCRA, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Ghana Thursday held a state funeral for the late former first lady Theresa Aba Kufuor at the forecourt of the State House in Accra, the capital of Ghana. Commenced at 7 a.m. local time, the event was attended by people from all walks of life, including Ghanaian President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia. At the funeral, former Ghanaian President John Agyekum Kufuor described her late wife as a solid pillar behind their marriage and his public service. "She was a woman of sacrifice, devotion, humanity, and resilience. Her commitment to our marriage has produced what our children have become today," said the former president. Various wreaths were laid by the state, the family, the children and grandchildren, and traditional rulers. Theresa Kufuor passed away in Ghana on Oct. 1 at the age of 87. A state funeral for the late former first lady Theresa Aba Kufuor is held at the forecourt of the State House in Accra, the capital of Ghana, Nov. 16, 2023. Commenced at 7 a.m. local time, the event was attended by people from all walks of life, including Ghanaian President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia. (Photo by Seth/Xinhua) MANILA, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- The World Bank on Friday said it has approved a loan of 500 million U.S. dollars to help the Philippines better handle disasters and climate threats, with a particular focus on protecting schools, health facilities, and human settlements. The multilateral lender said the line of credit was set aside so that the government could quickly draw upon it when major natural disasters or health crises hit. Approximately 60 percent of the country's total land area and at least 74 percent of Filipinos are vulnerable to multiple hazards like typhoons and landslides, the bank said, noting that about 78 percent of public schools and 96 percent of students in the Philippines are exposed and vulnerable to hazards. "The real benefit of this support is its ability to rapidly deliver crucial services, such as healthcare, shelter, and food, to those most impacted by disasters or climate events," said Ndiame Diop, World Bank country director for Brunei, Malaysia, Philippines, and Thailand. "It's about making sure the people who have the least are taken care of and can bounce back immediately after these disaster events," said Diop. The World Risk Index 2022 put the Philippines at the top spot for the most disaster-prone country in the world. The archipelago country is frequently battered by powerful typhoons which triggered flash floods and landslides, and rocked by earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The bank said natural disasters have killed around 33,000 Filipinos in the past 30 years, affecting about 120 million people. TOKYO, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- More than 10 people have been sent to hospital in Japan's western prefecture of Osaka this year after eating gummies potentially containing cannabis derivatives, the prefectural police said. The Osaka Prefectural Police told reporters on Thursday, following such incidents in the country's capital Tokyo, that more than 10 people, mostly in their 20s to 30s, have been taken to hospital so far this year with mild symptoms such as vomiting and numbness. The police are conducting tests to determine whether the gummies actually contained cannabis-linked substances. According to the prefectural police's anti-narcotics division, four men in their 20s complained of vomiting and other symptoms after eating gummies in the city of Osaka in September. One of them said the gummies were bought from someone found on social media. The police believe some or all of the ingested gummies were manufactured within the city of Osaka, warning people to be cautious and against buying such products. 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. ATMORE, Ala. (AP) An Alabama inmate convicted of killing a man during a 1993 robbery when he was a teenager was executed Thursday by lethal injection. Casey McWhorter, 49, was pronounced dead at 6:56 p.m. at a southwest Alabama prison, authorities said. McWhorter was convicted of capital murder and sentenced to death for his role in the robbery and shooting death of Edward Lee Williams, 34, on Feb. 18, 1993. Prosecutors said McWhorter, who was three months past his 18th birthday at the time of the killing, conspired with two younger teenagers, including Williams 15-year-old son, to steal money and other items from Williams home and then kill him. The jury that convicted McWhorter recommended a death sentence by a vote of 10-2, which a judge, who had the final decision, imposed, according to court records. The younger teens Edward Lee Williams Jr. and Daniel Miner, who was 16 were sentenced to life in prison, according to court records. Its kind of unfortunate that we had to wait so long for justice to be served, but its been served," the victim's brother, Bert Williams, told reporters after the execution. He added that the lethal injection provided McWhorter a peaceful death unlike the violent end his brother endured. Prison officials opened the curtain to the execution chamber at 6:30 p.m. McWhorter, who was strapped to the gurney with the intravenous lines already attached, moved slightly at the beginning of the procedure, rubbing his fingers together, but his breathing slowed until it was no longer visible. I would like to say I love my mother and family," McWhorter said in his final words. I would like to say to the victims family Im sorry. I hope you find peace. McWhorter also used his final words to take an apparent verbal jab at his executioner, the prison warden who faced domestic violence accusations decades ago, saying that, it's not lost on me that a habitual abuser of women is carrying out this procedure. Prosecutors said McWhorter and Miner went to the Williamses home with rifles and fashioned homemade silencers from a pillow and a milk jug. When the older Williams arrived home and discovered the teens, he grabbed the rifle held by Miner. They began to struggle over it, and McWhorter fired the first shot at Williams, according to a summary of the crime in court filings. Williams was shot a total of 11 times. April Williams, the victims daughter, said her father today should be spending time with his grandchildren and enjoying retirement. There is not a day that goes by that I dont think about him and how I miss him," April Williams said in a statement read by Corrections Commissioner John Q. Hamm. Casey McWhorter had several hours in that house to change his mind from taking the life of my Dad. Defense attorneys had unsuccessfully sought a stay from the U.S. Supreme Court, citing McWhorters age at the time of the crime. They argued the death sentence was unconstitutional because Alabama law does not consider a person to be a legal adult until age 19. McWhorter, who called himself a "confused kid" at the time of the slaying, said he would encourage young people going through difficult times to take a moment before making a life-altering mistake like he did. Anything that comes across them that just doesnt sit well at first, take a few seconds to think that through, he told The Associated Press in an interview last week. Because one bad choice, one stupid mistake, one dumb decision can alter your life and those that you care about forever. McWhorter maintained that he did not intend to kill Williams. Attorney General Steve Marshall said as Williams was on the ground wounded that McWhorter shot him in the head. McWhorter spent nearly 30 years on Alabamas death row, making him among the longest-serving inmates of the states 165 death row inmates. Edward Lee Williams life was taken away from him at the hands of Casey A. McWhorter, and tonight, Mr. McWhorter answered for his actions," Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey said in a statement. The Rev. Jeff Hood, a death row minister who works with an anti-death penalty group, accompanied McWhorter into the execution chamber as his spiritual adviser. It is not lost on me that he was a murderer and so are all Alabamians tonight. I pray that we will all learn to stop killing each other, Hood said in a statement. The Alabama execution occurred the same night that Texas executed a man convicted of strangling a 5-year-old girl who was taken from a Walmart store nearly 22 years ago. McWhorter was the second inmate put to death this year in Alabama after the state paused executions for several months to review procedures following a series of failed or problematic executions. James Barber, 64, was executed by lethal injection in July for the 2001 beating death of a woman. Alabama plans in January to make the nations first attempt to put an inmate to death using nitrogen gas. Nitrogen hypoxia has been authorized as an execution method in Alabama, Oklahoma and Mississippi, but no state has used it. Advertisers are fleeing social media platform X over concerns about their ads showing up next to pro-Nazi content and hate speech on the site in general, with billionaire owner Elon Musk inflaming tensions with his own posts endorsing an antisemitic conspiracy theory. IBM, NBCUniversal and its parent company Comcast said this week that they stopped advertising on X after a report said their ads were appearing alongside material praising Nazis a fresh setback as the platform formerly known as Twitter tries to win back big brands and their ad dollars, X's main source of revenue. The liberal advocacy group Media Matters said in a report Thursday that ads from Apple and Oracle also were placed next to antisemitic material on X. On Friday it said it also found ads from Amazon, NBA Mexico, NBCUniversal and others next to white nationalist hashtags. IBM has zero tolerance for hate speech and discrimination and we have immediately suspended all advertising on X while we investigate this entirely unacceptable situation," the company said in a statement. Spokespeople for Comcast and NBCUniversal confirmed on Saturday that the companies had paused their advertising on X but did not provide additional details on the decision. Media Matters said it found ads for NBCUniversal's Bravo network and its brand agency Catalyst next to antisemitic or white nationalist content. Apple, Oracle and Amazon did not immediately respond to requests seeking comment. The European Union's executive branch said separately Friday it was pausing advertising on X and other social media platforms, in part because of a surge in hate speech. Later in the day, Disney, Lionsgate and Paramount Global also said they were suspending or pausing advertising on X. Musk sparked outcry this week with his own tweets responding to a user who accused Jews of hating white people and professing indifference to antisemitism. You have said the actual truth, Musk tweeted in a reply Wednesday. Musk has faced accusations of tolerating antisemitic messages on the platform since purchasing it last year, and the content on X has gained increased scrutiny since the war between Israel and Hamas began. We condemn this abhorrent promotion of Antisemitic and racist hate in the strongest terms, which runs against our core values as Americans, White House spokesperson Andrew Bates said Friday in response to Musk's tweet. X CEO Linda Yaccarino said X's point of view has always been very clear that discrimination by everyone should STOP across the board." "I think thats something we can and should all agree on, she tweeted Thursday. Yaccarino, a former NBCUniversal executive, was hired by Musk to rebuild ties with advertisers who fled after he took over, concerned that his easing of content restrictions was allowing hateful and toxic speech to flourish and that would harm their brands. When it comes to this platform X has also been extremely clear about our efforts to combat antisemitism and discrimination. Theres no place for it anywhere in the world its ugly and wrong. Full stop," Yaccarino said. The accounts that Media Matters found posting antisemitic material will no longer be monetizable and the specific posts will be labeled sensitive media," according to a statement from X. Still, Musk decried Media Matters as an evil organization. The head of the Anti-Defamation League also hit back at Musk's tweets this week, in the latest clash between the prominent Jewish civil-rights organization and the billionaire businessman. At a time when antisemitism is exploding in America and surging around the world, it is indisputably dangerous to use ones influence to validate and promote antisemitic theories," ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt said on X. Musk also tweeted this week that he was deeply offended by ADLs messaging and any other groups who push de facto anti-white racism or anti-Asian racism or racism of any kind. The group has previously accused Musk of allowing antisemitism and hate speech to spread on the platform and amplifying the messages of neo-Nazis and white supremacists who want to ban the ADL. The European Commission, meanwhile, said its putting all of its social media ad efforts on hold because of an alarming increase in disinformation and hate speech on platforms in recent weeks. The commission, the 27-nation EU's executive arm, said it is advising its services to refrain from advertising at this stage on social media platforms where such content is present," adding that the freeze doesn't affect its official accounts on X. The EU has taken a tough stance with new rules to clean up social media platforms, and last month it made a formal request to X for information about its handling of hate speech, misinformation and violent terrorist content related to the Israel-Hamas war. X isn't alone in dealing with problematic content since the conflict. On Thursday, TikTok removed the hashtag #lettertoamerica after users on the app posted sympathetic videos about Osama bin Ladens 2002 letter justifying the terrorist attacks against Americans on 9/11 and criticizing U.S. support for Israel. The Guardian news outlet, which published the transcript of the letter that was being shared, took it down and replaced it with a statement that directed readers to a news article from 2002 that it said provided more context. The videos garnered widespread attention among X users critical of TikTok, which is owned by Beijing-based ByteDance. TikTok said the letter was not a trend on its platform and blamed an X post by journalist Yashar Ali and media coverage for drawing more engagement to the hashtag. The short-form video app has faced criticism from Republicans and others who say the platform has been failing to protect Jewish users from harassment and pushing pro-Palestinian content to viewers. TikTok has aggressively pushed back, saying its been taking down antisemitic content and doesnt manipulate its algorithm to take sides. AP Technology Writer Matt O'Brien in Providence, Rhode Island, contributed to this story. YANGON, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar authorities have seized 1 million stimulant tablets in Shan State, eastern Myanmar, according to a release from the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control (CCDAC) late Thursday. Acting on a tip-off, anti-narcotics police searched a vehicle in the state's Pinlaung Township on Nov. 9 and confiscated the drugs. An investigation reveals that the seized stimulant tablets with a street value of 500 million kyats (about 238,095 U.S. dollars) were being trafficked from Shan State to Yangon Region. Persons involved in the case have been charged under the country's Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law, and further investigation is underway, the committee said. According to the CCDAC reports, stimulant tablets were seized over the past two consecutive days in Pinlaung Township. EXETER TWP., Pa - Inside Boscov's East store in Exeter Township, colleagues, bosses, and friends gathered to surprise their longest-tenured employee. Sue Graul is beginning her 60th anniversary with the department store. "Ah, this is just ridiculous. I can't believe this, this is very unexpected," expressed Graul. A table was displayed with flowers, balloons, gifts, and plenty of desserts in honor of the milestone. "What is it about Boscov's that has made you stay here for so long?" asked 69 News Reporter Cierra Genelle. "I don't know. I've always enjoyed my job. I love my job," said Graul. "Well, I think it's very special, you know," said Jim Boscov, Chairman and CEO of Boscov's. "We really do celebrate the fact that we've had people here for 15, 20, 25 years, 30 years." Boscov said it's because of the company's culture, that employees like Sue choose to make Boscov's their home. "I think it's a family business. I think people care about people," said Boscov. Graul began her Boscov's journey as a teen working in the West store, initially as a greeter. Now she works as the admin in small appliances at the Outlet Center. "Obviously she's worked with a lot of people over the years and she has always been gracious and helpful and a storehouse of knowledge," said Boscov. As far as any future plans for retirement, "not any time soon," laughed Graul. READING, Pa. - A 37-year-old man wanted for an alleged kidnapping in Reading has been captured. Police in Amarillo, Texas, say Yusuf Scott was apprehended Sunday. Reading police say Scott broke into a home and kidnapped a woman Thursday morning. Officers responded to the 400 block of Windsor Street around 3:30 a.m. for the report of a burglary, according to a news release from the city. When officers arrived on the scene, they said the caller was checking the house camera video, "and saw that her 26-year-old daughter was taken out of the house at gunpoint," said Sgt. Melville Fegely, community response coordinator with the Reading Police Department. Fegely said just a few hours later, the woman got away from the suspect and was found on the 1700 block of Cotton Street. Officers said the victim escaped out of a back window on the third floor of a house and was running rooftops. "She actually kind of fell through a roof of an adjacent house, which means she was able to get through to someone and borrow their cell phone. When she called mom, mom called us," Fegely said. Police said the victim is doing well now but did suffer injuries. They believe Scott did formerly reside in that house. "She knows the guy. They were dating for a few months," Fegely said. "They broke up recently." Yusuf Scott, 37, was wanted for kidnapping, burglary and related crimes. The city said Scott displayed a gun during the incident. The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information relative to this incident is asked to call 911, Reading Police Department at 610-655-6116 or contact Crime Alert Berks at 877-373-9913. BERKS COUNTY, Pa. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation says its seventh project in the effort to rebuild and improve Route 422 is set to begin Monday. The project is a 1.7-mile section of roadway in Lower Pottsgrove Township, west of Porter Road at the railroad tracks up to just before the Sanatoga Interchange, and the work could affect shoppers heading to the Philadelphia Premium Outlets and the King of Prussia Mall. "We're starting this new section of 422," said Brad Rudolph with PennDOT. "It's called Section M1B project, and that's pretty much a 1.7-mile section in Lower Pottsgrove Township." Starting on Monday, west of Porter Road at the railroad tracks and all the way up to just before the Sanatoga Interchange will see work beginning. "So we'll be reconstructing that," Rudolph said. "Improving the ride quality, changing some of the clearance to improve travel below." The whole reconstruction and improvement project is expected to last five years. PennDOT is shooting for a late 2028 completion. "Once this project really gets going, probably more into December and into the new year with some major construction activities, there'll be lane closures for several construction seasons," Rudolph said. PennDOT says most of the closures will be in the overnight hours with some daytime restrictions, and crews plan to keep the public posted. "We're considering other modes of transportation that may not have been considered a long time ago when this highway was constructed," Rudolph said. "So a lot of the movements on and off the interchange are being considered." PennDOT says it'll also be adding an entirely new surface on a road that desperately needs it. "Just making it a smoother overall experience to travel that corridor," said Rudolph. The project costs nearly $84 million. PennDOT says it has improved six other sections of the Route 422 corridor in Montgomery and Chester counties since 2012. "I think anything they do to improve it, is going to be a win for commuters," said Tiffany Baldino, of Malvern. Others, though, aren't so thrilled. "I mean, I know we need improvements, but it just seems to take so long to get it done it's very frustrating especially for those who have to travel it everyday," said Regina Dicindio, of Royersford. "I feel like 422 is always under construction for the 25 years I've lived in this area," said Deborah Leuffen, of Reading. "Just one more thing you gotta add an extra 10 to 15 minutes to your travel plans," she said. HARRISBURG, Pa. - A woman from Lehigh County is among several people that were either arrested or convicted of Medicaid fraud in recent weeks. On Oct. 30, Anna Colon, of Lehigh County, was sentenced to up to two years in prison for fraudulently billing Medicaid over $300,000 for services that were never provided, according to a news release from the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office. Colon was a personal care attendant and support service professional employed by at least nine separate care agencies over a two-year period, the AG's office said. During this time, Colon submitted timekeeping records that were "blatantly false," according to the news release. Colon claimed for services when she was at home or tending to personal tasks, according to the AG's office. In some cases, she submitted well over 24 hours of work within a single 24-hour day, the AG's office said. A week later, two Philadelphia-based care providers were arrested on similar charges for claiming over $100,000 in Medicaid reimbursement for services they never performed, according to the news release. Shavon Parker, owner of CodeRed Healthcare Services and a licensed practical nurse, and Alicia Singleton, a personal care attendant, were charged on Nov. 7 with Medicaid fraud, theft by deception, criminal conspiracy, and other offenses, the AG's office said. An investigation by the Office of Attorney General and the United States Department of Health and Human Services found that in some cases, the women were reportedly treating multiple patients at the same time, according to the AG's office. Other times, the women were out of the state or even the country when they claimed to be treating patients, according to the news release. In Montgomery County, Broderick Carroll, a personal care attendant employed by three Medical Assistance agencies, turned himself in to authorities this week on Medicaid fraud charges, the AG's office said. For several months, Carroll falsely reported overlapping services at each of his agencies and was paid for services that he could not have possibly provided, according to the AG's office. In total, Carroll reported over 718 hours, for which the Medical Assistance program reimbursed in excess of $15,000, for services he never provided, the AG's office said. Many of the cases investigated and prosecuted by the Medicaid Fraud Control Section involve home health care workers overbilling, billing for services not provided, or billing for alleged services provided to multiple patients at the same time, the AG's office said. Attorney General Michelle Henry said the numerous arrests and convictions that occurred in recent weeks involved over $800,000 in Medicaid fraud. Since Oct. 30, the Office of Attorney Generals Medicaid Fraud Control Section prosecuted six cases in which the defendants defrauded Medicaid of a combined $405,900, the AG's office said. In that same time, nine people were charged in different cases for fraudulently billing Medicaid a combined $405,500, according to the AG's office's news release. The AG's office said the crimes happened across the Commonwealth, including in Beaver, Bucks, Dauphin, Lehigh, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties. These cases illustrate a common theme: we must stop individuals and companies who defraud a system designed to help Pennsylvanias eligible citizens, Attorney General Henry said. Anyone cheating the system is not only lining their own pockets, they are in effect taking services away from someone who badly needs them and that is unacceptable. The Lehigh Valley Planning Commission reviewed two big projects Thursday, a "behavioral hospital" in Northampton County and a new warehouse across the border in Lehigh County. In Hanover Township (Lehigh County), the plan is out with the old warehouse, in with a new and bigger one. "The proposed development plans include the demolition of an existing 198,167 square foot warehouse that is currently in operation and the construction of a new, larger manufacturing facility in its place," according to the LVPC staff review. The new building would cover 307,500 square feet at 795 Roble Road, a 20-acre tract of land in Lehigh Valley Industrial Park III. Warehouses may not be popular with everybody, but the area is suited for one, according to the LVPC. "This area is just south of the Airport and the new facility fits with the 7 surrounding uses," the LVPC review says. "As the area was built as an industrial park, the infrastructure exists for manufacturing and warehousing uses such as this." The commission did recommend a traffic study, and its own estimate for the site is that the bigger warehouse will generate 535 vehicle trips. Freight traffic is increasing around the airport, the LVPC review said. Its recommendations for the site include adequate parking for trucks and amenities for drivers to keep them on the site. "Truck parking is a national problem that is evident across the Lehigh Valley," the staff report says. Behavioral hospital In the other Hanover Township in Northampton County, the advisory body recommended additional sidewalks at the site of a proposed 144-bed, 95,750-square-foot hospital at the corner of Macada and Schoenersville roads. That venture by Lehigh Valley Hospital Network and Universal Health Services will cover a grassy hillside near the Westgate Mall. The commission also recommended that the developer look into sustainable features such as solar panels. Hanover Twp. planners review behavioral health hospital plan The facility, offered by Lehigh Valley Health Network and Universal Health Services, is slated for the corner of Macada and Schoenersville roads. The hospital may open in the fall of 2025, and could create 300 jobs, the two health services said at a township meeting earlier. HANOVER TWP., Pa. - Exciting news for travelers: a direct flight to a popular family destination has just been added at Lehigh Valley International Airport. Many of us know that traveling usually comes with a good amount of baggage. "You're packing a lot of things, you know, so you're prepared for whatever," Donna Hopstetter, from Bangor, said, while sitting in LVIA. All the more reason to avoid more travel than is necessary. "Whenever I travel, I do try to schedule a direct flight whenever possible," Hopstetter said. For those headed to the popular vacation destination of Orlando, it's about to get even more direct from the Lehigh Valley. Allegiant Air just announced a brand-new direct flight to Orlando International Airport, right from our backyard. "We're getting you to MCO Orlando International itself, a little bit closer to the theme park destinations," Tom Stoudt, Executive Director of the Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority, said. "I think, it really was something that the community had talked about, the airport certainly has been excited about." Travelers can already get to Sanford Orlando International Airport from here. Google Maps says from there, it's more than a 50-minute drive to Disney World and about a 45-minute drive to Universal Studios. With this new addition, it would make both attractions as short as 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the time of day. "What we've been hearing just in the local community and from the airport specifically like 'oh, man, I really wish we had a closer option like we're you know, going to Disney World,'" Wade Citro, Managing Director of Planning for Allegiant Air, said. "We certainly think it will be popular, based on some of the community response here," Stoudt said. That could mean less hassle for families, and anyone else looking to land that much closer to where they need to be. "I think that's fantastic," Hopstetter said. "Not only do a lot of families frequent that, but there's a lot of conferences held there. So I've traveled there for conferences as well." The new Orlando flights start this May, but you can already book your tickets now. Representatives with the airport tell 69 News the airport will continue to offer the Sanford Orlando flights from LVIA seven days per week. Flights to Orlando International will be just two days per week: Thursdays and Sundays. Starting Friday, Allegiant also begins flying directly from LVIA to Melbourne, Florida as well. It's an area known for Kennedy Space Center and some popular beaches. WASHINGTON (AP) The federal government has opened civil rights investigations into seven schools and universities over allegations of antisemitism or Islamophobia since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war. The list includes three Ivy League institutions Columbia, Cornell and the University of Pennsylvania along with Wellesley College in Massachusetts, Lafayette College in Pennsylvania and Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art in New York. It also includes one K-12 system, the Maize Unified School District in Kansas. The Education Department announced the inquiries on Thursday, calling it part of the Biden administrations effort to take aggressive action against discrimination. Schools found to have violated civil rights law can face penalties up to a total loss of federal money, although the vast majority of cases end in voluntary settlements. Schools have a legal duty to act when students are targeted because they are or are perceived to be Jewish, Muslim, Arab, Sikh or any other ethnicity or shared ancestry, Education Secretary Miguel Cardona said in a written statement. Five of the investigations are in response to allegations of antisemitic harassment, while two are in response to allegations of anti-Muslim harassment, the department said. The agency did not disclose which schools faced which accusations. Details about individual complaints were not released. Penn and Wellesley were accused of antisemitism in federal complaints filed last week by the Brandeis Center, a Jewish legal advocacy group. In a Nov. 9 letter to the Education Department, the center says Penn professors have made antisemitic statements in the classroom and on social media. It said many Jewish students are afraid to be on campus during pro-Palestinian rallies, and that the university has done little to support them. Penn officials said they're cooperating with the investigation. University President Liz Magill "has made clear antisemitism is vile and pernicious and has no place at Penn," the school said. "The university will continue to vigilantly combat antisemitism and all forms of hate." A separate letter from the Brandeis Center said Wellesley has failed to address antisemitism. It cites an email that some dorm advisers sent to residents saying there should be no space, no consideration, and no support for Zionism at Wellesley. Advisers later apologized for the message. Wellesley, a private women's college, said the federal investigation is in response to the Brandeis complaint. A statement from Wellesley denied any wrongdoing, saying it responded quickly and decisively to the dorm incident. The complaint against Lafayette alleges the school failed to respond to antisemitic harassment, according to a campus message from the university's president, Nicole Hurd. She said someone raised a poster with antisemitic language during a demonstration but it was quickly addressed. Maize Unified, a district of about 8,000 students outside Wichita, said it did not receive a copy of the complaint. A statement said the district "takes allegations of discrimination seriously and is committed to cooperating fully with any investigation." The schools are being investigated for possible discrimination based on shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics, which violates the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The federal law requires schools to protect students from discrimination and respond to harassment that creates a hostile environment. Anyone can file a complaint alleging such discrimination. All of the investigations were opened Wednesday or Thursday. An updated list of investigations will be released each week, the department said. Emotions over the Israel-Hamas war have been running high on many campuses around the U.S. At Columbia, for one, tensions have been escalating amid dueling demonstrations by pro-Israel activists and by Palestinian students and their allies. At Cornell, a student was arrested last month after posting threatening statements against Jewish people. Some Jewish students at Cooper Union say the school failed to protect them during an October pro-Palestine demonstration that left Jewish students sheltering in a campus library. Palestinian and Muslim students have also reported increased harassment on campuses across the country. At Columbia, students protested this week after the school suspended two pro-Palestinian groups that have come under scrutiny on U.S. campuses. We at the Department of Education, like the nation, see the fear students and school communities experience as hate proliferates in schools, said Catherine E. Lhamon, assistant secretary of civil rights for the department. The investigations are the Biden administrations latest steps to press colleges into action. Last week the Education Department sent universities a letter reminding them of their legal obligations under the Civil Rights Act. Cardona has recently met with leaders of Muslim, Arab and Jewish groups to discuss discrimination on campuses. Along with complaints filed with the Education Department, some students have filed lawsuits alleging civil rights violations. Three Jewish students at New York University sued the school this week, saying it failed to address persistent antisemitism that has worsened since the Oct. 7 incursion of Israel by Hamas militants. The Associated Press education team receives support from the Carnegie Corporation of New York. The AP is solely responsible for all content. Passengers wait in the waiting hall of Halim Station in Jakarta, Indonesia, Nov. 17, 2023. According to PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia-China (KCIC), a joint venture consortium between Indonesian and Chinese state-owned firms that constructs and runs the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway, trains have carried about 383,000 passengers on the railway since the commercial operation started, with the highest daily occupancy rate reaching 98.7 percent. (Xinhua/Xu Qin) by Nurul Fitri Ramadhani, Wang Aona JAKARTA, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- The services of the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway (HSR) in Indonesia, locally known as Whoosh, have brought lots of joy for the public in the world's fourth-largest populous nation since it was officially launched about a month ago. For 36-year-old Bagus Ahli Ramadhan, who works in Jakarta with his family living in Bandung, West Java province, the presence of the train has been a great blessing. He has canceled the plan to move his pregnant wife to live in Jakarta because now he can travel between the two cities in a very short period of time. "I usually go back to Bandung once every two weeks to visit my wife, but now taking the HSR has made it easier. After office hours I can go to Bandung, which only takes 46 minutes, then in the morning I would return to Jakarta before office hours. That's amazing," Ramadhan told Xinhua recently at the Halim station in the country's capital Jakarta. The first HSR in Indonesia as well as in Southeast Asia was officially inaugurated on Oct. 17. With a design speed of 350 km per hour, it connects Halim station in Jakarta to Tegalluar station in Bandung. According to PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia-China (KCIC), a joint venture consortium between Indonesian and Chinese state-owned firms that constructs and runs the HSR, trains have carried about 383,000 passengers on the railway since the commercial operation started, with the highest daily occupancy rate reaching 98.7 percent. The public enthusiasm was so high that KCIC needed to intensify the travel schedule up to 28 trips per weekday and 36 trips per day on weekends, from the previous 14 trips. According to KCIC, 2.3 percent of the Whoosh passengers bought first-class tickets, 4.2 percent for business-class tickets, and 93.5 percent for premium economy-class tickets. Many of the passengers took the train out of curiosity to know what it felt like to travel by a transportation mode much faster than conventional trains. Enny Nuraeni, a 49-year-old, was among thousands of Whoosh passengers at the Halim station on Thursday. Seeking a novel experience, she and her friends went directly to the Halim station after getting off duty. She described the first look of the train as sophisticated. "We took the premium economy class, but it felt like first class. The train body looked thinner than a conventional train, but inside it felt more spacious," she said, after taking photos with the train as the background as many other passengers did. Previously, Nuraeni rarely went to Bandung for vacation because going to Bandung cost her too much time. "Not to mention that the trip by train or by car was exhausting. We would have been tired even before arriving in Bandung," she said. "But now I think Bandung has become my first choice for a weekend to escape from busy Jakarta," she added. The Jakarta-Bandung HSR was expected by many to boost tourism in West Java. To further fuel the public interest, KCIC offered a number of promotions, including free entry to several famous tourist destinations in Bandung, such as Dusun Bambu, Floating Market Lembang, and the Great Asia Africa. HSR passengers only need to show their Whoosh tickets at the entrance of each destination. Also, on Thursday, Indonesia's Vice President Ma'ruf Amin took the high-speed train for a work visit in Bandung. "It felt very comfortable. I just sat for a while and then I arrived. I almost couldn't feel the traveling. We should be grateful for having this technology with us," Amin said. Passengers wait in line to check in for a train of the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway at the waiting hall of Halim Station in Jakarta, Indonesia, Nov. 17, 2023. According to PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia-China (KCIC), a joint venture consortium between Indonesian and Chinese state-owned firms that constructs and runs the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway, trains have carried about 383,000 passengers on the railway since the commercial operation started, with the highest daily occupancy rate reaching 98.7 percent. (Xinhua/Xu Qin) Passengers check in for a train of the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway at the waiting hall of Halim Station in Jakarta, Indonesia, Nov. 17, 2023. According to PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia-China (KCIC), a joint venture consortium between Indonesian and Chinese state-owned firms that constructs and runs the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway, trains have carried about 383,000 passengers on the railway since the commercial operation started, with the highest daily occupancy rate reaching 98.7 percent. (Xinhua/Xu Qin) Passengers pose for photos with a model of a high-speed train of the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway at Halim Station in Jakarta, Indonesia, Nov. 17, 2023. According to PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia-China (KCIC), a joint venture consortium between Indonesian and Chinese state-owned firms that constructs and runs the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway, trains have carried about 383,000 passengers on the railway since the commercial operation started, with the highest daily occupancy rate reaching 98.7 percent. (Xinhua/Xu Qin) KIEV, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- Ukraine will build a "dry port" in the western Zakarpattia region to boost grain exports to the European Union (EU), local authorities said Thursday. The multimodal logistics hub, Horonda Platform, to be built in the village of Horonda will be implemented by Italian investors, the Zakarpattia Regional State Administration said in a statement on Facebook. The "dry port" will include warehouses, containers for grain and sunflower oil, as well as infrastructure for reloading goods from the Ukrainian broad-gauge railway to European narrow-gauge railway lines. Kiev is striving to increase the exports of grain and other goods via alternative routes after the Black Sea grain deal collapsed. Ukraine exported about 58 million tons of grain and oilseeds in the 2022-2023 marketing year, which ended on June 30, according to the Ukrainian Grain Association. Wintrust Investments LLC bought a new stake in shares of JPMorgan Alerian MLP Index ETN (NYSEARCA:AMJ Free Report) during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm bought 27,900 shares of the exchange traded funds stock, valued at approximately $639,000. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted its stake in shares of JPMorgan Alerian MLP Index ETN by 6.2% during the 1st quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 71,317,554 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $1,582,537,000 after purchasing an additional 4,181,619 shares during the last quarter. Portside Wealth Group LLC bought a new stake in shares of JPMorgan Alerian MLP Index ETN in the 2nd quarter valued at about $5,584,000. Equitable Holdings Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of JPMorgan Alerian MLP Index ETN by 547.2% in the 4th quarter. Equitable Holdings Inc. now owns 288,050 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $6,265,000 after buying an additional 243,541 shares in the last quarter. Baird Financial Group Inc. grew its position in shares of JPMorgan Alerian MLP Index ETN by 1,248.8% in the 1st quarter. Baird Financial Group Inc. now owns 228,612 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $4,780,000 after buying an additional 211,663 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Bank of America Corp DE raised its stake in shares of JPMorgan Alerian MLP Index ETN by 18.7% during the 4th quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 1,201,689 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $261,000 after acquiring an additional 189,535 shares in the last quarter. Get JPMorgan Alerian MLP Index ETN alerts: Insider Transactions at JPMorgan Alerian MLP Index ETN In related news, General Counsel Stacey Friedman sold 4,310 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, September 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $144.86, for a total transaction of $624,346.60. Following the transaction, the general counsel now directly owns 53,425 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $7,739,145.50. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. JPMorgan Alerian MLP Index ETN Price Performance JPMorgan Alerian MLP Index ETN Dividend Announcement NYSEARCA:AMJ opened at $25.17 on Friday. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $24.69 and a 200 day moving average of $23.69. JPMorgan Alerian MLP Index ETN has a 52 week low of $20.71 and a 52 week high of $25.89. The firm also recently disclosed a dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, September 6th. Stockholders of record on Monday, August 28th were issued a dividend of $0.4101 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, August 25th. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding AMJ? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for JPMorgan Alerian MLP Index ETN (NYSEARCA:AMJ Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for JPMorgan Alerian MLP Index ETN Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for JPMorgan Alerian MLP Index ETN and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Beverly Hills Private Wealth LLC acquired a new stake in shares of The Southern Company (NYSE:SO Free Report) during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor acquired 3,468 shares of the utilities providers stock, valued at approximately $235,000. Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. AlphaCore Capital LLC acquired a new stake in Southern in the second quarter valued at approximately $441,000. Cetera Investment Advisers increased its stake in Southern by 13.6% during the 2nd quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 216,858 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $15,234,000 after purchasing an additional 25,978 shares in the last quarter. Burney Co. lifted its stake in shares of Southern by 1.5% in the second quarter. Burney Co. now owns 13,763 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $967,000 after buying an additional 207 shares in the last quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP increased its position in shares of Southern by 1.4% during the second quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 1,977,283 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $138,891,000 after acquiring an additional 27,973 shares in the last quarter. Finally, RS Crum Inc. bought a new position in Southern in the 2nd quarter valued at about $828,000. Institutional investors own 62.85% of the companys stock. Get Southern alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth SO has been the subject of several analyst reports. Bank of America raised Southern from an underperform rating to a neutral rating and increased their price objective for the stock from $67.00 to $68.00 in a research note on Wednesday, September 13th. Barclays dropped their price objective on Southern from $68.00 to $64.00 in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. Guggenheim reduced their target price on shares of Southern from $80.00 to $72.00 in a research note on Monday, October 9th. BMO Capital Markets dropped their price target on shares of Southern from $72.00 to $70.00 and set a market perform rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, August 31st. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada upped their price objective on shares of Southern from $78.00 to $80.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, September 6th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have assigned a hold rating, four have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $73.00. Insider Buying and Selling at Southern In other news, EVP Christopher Cummiskey sold 5,000 shares of Southern stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, August 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of $68.30, for a total value of $341,500.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 22,512 shares in the company, valued at $1,537,569.60. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. In other news, EVP Christopher Cummiskey sold 5,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, August 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $68.30, for a total value of $341,500.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 22,512 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,537,569.60. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, EVP Martin Bernard Davis sold 1,490 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, September 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $67.05, for a total value of $99,904.50. Following the sale, the executive vice president now owns 72,756 shares in the company, valued at $4,878,289.80. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 21,490 shares of company stock valued at $1,452,505 over the last three months. 0.28% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Southern Stock Performance NYSE:SO opened at $70.27 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $76.64 billion, a P/E ratio of 25.37, a P/E/G ratio of 4.76 and a beta of 0.55. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $67.60 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $69.46. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.59, a current ratio of 0.84 and a quick ratio of 0.63. The Southern Company has a 1 year low of $58.85 and a 1 year high of $75.80. Southern Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, December 6th. Investors of record on Monday, November 20th will be paid a $0.70 dividend. This represents a $2.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.98%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, November 17th. Southerns dividend payout ratio is currently 101.08%. About Southern (Free Report) The Southern Company, through its subsidiaries, engages in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity. It operates through three segments: Gas Distribution Operations, Gas Pipeline Investments, and Gas Marketing Services. The company also develops, constructs, acquires, owns, and manages power generation assets, including renewable energy projects and sells electricity in the wholesale market; and distributes natural gas in Illinois, Georgia, Virginia, and Tennessee, as well as provides gas marketing services, gas distribution operations, and gas pipeline investments operations. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Southern Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Southern and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Advance Auto Parts (NYSE:AAP Free Report) had its price target lowered by Wells Fargo & Company from $70.00 to $60.00 in a research report released on Monday morning, MarketBeat Ratings reports. The brokerage currently has an equal weight rating on the stock. A number of other equities research analysts have also weighed in on AAP. StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of Advance Auto Parts in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating for the company. Bank of America lowered their price target on shares of Advance Auto Parts from $75.00 to $60.00 in a report on Thursday, September 28th. Morgan Stanley lowered their price target on shares of Advance Auto Parts from $75.00 to $55.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a report on Friday, October 27th. Royal Bank of Canada decreased their price objective on shares of Advance Auto Parts from $84.00 to $70.00 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a report on Thursday, August 24th. Finally, Evercore ISI decreased their price objective on shares of Advance Auto Parts from $80.00 to $75.00 and set an in-line rating for the company in a report on Friday, September 8th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, twenty have assigned a hold rating and one has assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Advance Auto Parts presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $84.80. Get Advance Auto Parts alerts: Get Our Latest Analysis on AAP Advance Auto Parts Price Performance Advance Auto Parts stock opened at $53.42 on Monday. Advance Auto Parts has a 52-week low of $47.73 and a 52-week high of $158.22. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $54.77 and a 200-day moving average of $71.99. The firm has a market capitalization of $3.18 billion, a P/E ratio of 9.24, a PEG ratio of 1.06 and a beta of 1.14. The company has a quick ratio of 0.25, a current ratio of 1.26 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.66. Advance Auto Parts (NYSE:AAP Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 15th. The company reported ($0.82) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.44 by ($2.26). The business had revenue of $2.72 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.68 billion. Advance Auto Parts had a return on equity of 17.53% and a net margin of 3.08%. Advance Auto Partss revenue was up 2.9% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $2.84 EPS. As a group, analysts predict that Advance Auto Parts will post 4.63 EPS for the current year. Advance Auto Parts Announces Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 26th. Shareholders of record on Friday, January 12th will be paid a dividend of $0.25 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, January 11th. This represents a $1.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.87%. Advance Auto Partss payout ratio is 17.30%. Insider Buying and Selling at Advance Auto Parts In other Advance Auto Parts news, Director Eugene I. Lee, Jr. acquired 8,670 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, September 13th. The shares were bought at an average price of $57.65 per share, with a total value of $499,825.50. Following the purchase, the director now directly owns 19,430 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,120,139.50. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. 0.63% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in AAP. Clear Street Markets LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Advance Auto Parts by 245.9% during the first quarter. Clear Street Markets LLC now owns 211 shares of the companys stock worth $26,000 after purchasing an additional 150 shares during the period. UniSuper Management Pty Ltd acquired a new stake in shares of Advance Auto Parts during the second quarter worth approximately $28,000. Ameritas Advisory Services LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Advance Auto Parts during the first quarter worth approximately $29,000. UMB Bank n.a. boosted its holdings in shares of Advance Auto Parts by 508.3% during the third quarter. UMB Bank n.a. now owns 511 shares of the companys stock worth $29,000 after purchasing an additional 427 shares during the period. Finally, Covestor Ltd boosted its holdings in shares of Advance Auto Parts by 113.7% during the first quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 156 shares of the companys stock worth $32,000 after purchasing an additional 83 shares during the period. 88.75% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Advance Auto Parts Company Profile (Get Free Report) Advance Auto Parts, Inc provides automotive replacement parts, accessories, batteries, and maintenance items for domestic and imported cars, vans, sport utility vehicles, and light and heavy duty trucks. The company offers battery accessories; belts and hoses; brakes and brake pads; chassis and climate control parts; clutches and drive shafts; engines and engine parts; exhaust systems and parts; hub assemblies; ignition components and wires; radiators and cooling parts; starters and alternators; and steering and alignment parts. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Advance Auto Parts Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Advance Auto Parts and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Aeva Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:AEVA Get Free Report) saw a significant growth in short interest in October. As of October 31st, there was short interest totalling 4,250,000 shares, a growth of 13.0% from the October 15th total of 3,760,000 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 786,700 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 5.4 days. Approximately 3.8% of the shares of the stock are short sold. Aeva Technologies Stock Performance NYSE AEVA opened at $0.54 on Friday. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $0.69 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $1.00. Aeva Technologies has a twelve month low of $0.47 and a twelve month high of $2.10. Get Aeva Technologies alerts: Aeva Technologies (NYSE:AEVA Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, November 8th. The company reported ($0.15) earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of ($0.14) by ($0.01). Aeva Technologies had a negative return on equity of 51.10% and a negative net margin of 5,089.69%. The firm had revenue of $0.81 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $0.95 million. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned ($0.17) EPS. Research analysts predict that Aeva Technologies will post -0.69 EPS for the current year. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades AEVA has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. Roth Mkm restated a buy rating and set a $1.50 target price on shares of Aeva Technologies in a research report on Wednesday, September 27th. Morgan Stanley boosted their price objective on Aeva Technologies from $0.88 to $0.96 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Thursday, November 9th. Finally, Piper Sandler reaffirmed a neutral rating and issued a $2.00 target price on shares of Aeva Technologies in a research note on Wednesday, August 9th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $1.62. View Our Latest Analysis on Aeva Technologies Institutional Trading of Aeva Technologies Several institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in AEVA. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Aeva Technologies by 16.6% in the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 12,957,850 shares of the companys stock valued at $24,231,000 after acquiring an additional 1,841,986 shares during the last quarter. Two Sigma Investments LP increased its stake in Aeva Technologies by 249.7% in the 3rd quarter. Two Sigma Investments LP now owns 1,212,233 shares of the companys stock worth $2,267,000 after purchasing an additional 865,543 shares during the period. Two Sigma Advisers LP lifted its position in Aeva Technologies by 195.0% in the third quarter. Two Sigma Advisers LP now owns 575,500 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,076,000 after purchasing an additional 380,400 shares during the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. grew its holdings in shares of Aeva Technologies by 333.9% in the second quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 436,727 shares of the companys stock worth $1,366,000 after purchasing an additional 336,078 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Putnam Investments LLC bought a new position in shares of Aeva Technologies in the first quarter worth approximately $369,000. 36.25% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. About Aeva Technologies (Get Free Report) Aeva Technologies, Inc designs 4D LiDAR-on-chips in the United States, Thailand, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. The company develops its products using frequency modulated continuous wave sensing technology. It offers 4D LiDAR sensing system with embedded software for automotive, industrial, and security applications; and a silicon photonics engine and software algorithms for industrial automation and consumer device applications. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Aeva Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Aeva Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. WestRock (NYSE:WRK Get Free Report) was upgraded by equities researchers at Argus from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report issued on Friday, MarketBeat Ratings reports. Several other analysts have also recently issued reports on the stock. Wells Fargo & Company upped their price objective on shares of WestRock from $37.00 to $42.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, August 4th. StockNews.com initiated coverage on WestRock in a report on Thursday. They issued a hold rating for the company. Truist Financial lowered their price objective on WestRock from $44.00 to $40.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada upped their target price on WestRock from $38.00 to $40.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a report on Friday, November 10th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $37.57. Get WestRock alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Report on WRK WestRock Stock Down 2.9 % Shares of WRK opened at $37.58 on Friday. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $36.28 and a 200 day moving average price of $32.31. WestRock has a one year low of $26.84 and a one year high of $39.30. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.80, a quick ratio of 0.95 and a current ratio of 1.42. The stock has a market capitalization of $9.63 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -5.83, a PEG ratio of 4.84 and a beta of 1.10. 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 (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.75 by $0.06. The business had revenue of $5 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.11 billion. WestRock had a negative net margin of 8.12% and a positive return on equity of 7.52%. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 7.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $1.43 earnings per share. Equities research analysts forecast that WestRock will post 2.35 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Hedge Funds Weigh In On WestRock Several institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of WRK. OLD Point Trust & Financial Services N A acquired a new stake in shares of WestRock in the second quarter valued at $25,000. NBC Securities Inc. purchased a new stake in WestRock during the 3rd quarter worth about $27,000. Ancora Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in WestRock in the 1st quarter valued at about $29,000. Gyon Technologies Capital Management LP purchased a new position in shares of WestRock in the 4th quarter valued at about $31,000. Finally, Global Retirement Partners LLC grew its position in shares of WestRock by 203.8% during the first quarter. Global Retirement Partners LLC now owns 1,118 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $32,000 after buying an additional 750 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 85.51% of the companys stock. 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. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for WestRock Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for WestRock and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Artisan Partners Limited Partnership trimmed its holdings in HDFC Bank Limited (NYSE:HDB Free Report) by 7.4% in the second quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 1,622,251 shares of the banks stock after selling 130,085 shares during the quarter. Artisan Partners Limited Partnerships holdings in HDFC Bank were worth $113,071,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Keystone Investors PTE Ltd. bought a new stake in shares of HDFC Bank during the second quarter valued at approximately $13,459,000. Private Advisor Group LLC boosted its position in HDFC Bank by 7.6% in the 2nd quarter. Private Advisor Group LLC now owns 9,917 shares of the banks stock valued at $680,000 after buying an additional 701 shares during the last quarter. Trillium Asset Management LLC increased its stake in shares of HDFC Bank by 2.1% in the 2nd quarter. Trillium Asset Management LLC now owns 117,596 shares of the banks stock valued at $8,196,000 after buying an additional 2,388 shares during the period. Egerton Capital UK LLP lifted its stake in shares of HDFC Bank by 64.4% during the second quarter. Egerton Capital UK LLP now owns 3,859,952 shares of the banks stock valued at $269,039,000 after acquiring an additional 1,512,566 shares during the period. Finally, Citigroup Inc. boosted its holdings in HDFC Bank by 2.0% in the second quarter. Citigroup Inc. now owns 57,971 shares of the banks stock valued at $4,041,000 after acquiring an additional 1,160 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 17.24% of the companys stock. Get HDFC Bank alerts: HDFC Bank Stock Performance Shares of NYSE:HDB opened at $57.79 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $107.48 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.78, a P/E/G ratio of 1.45 and a beta of 0.78. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $59.04 and its 200 day simple moving average is $63.88. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.79, a current ratio of 0.51 and a quick ratio of 0.51. HDFC Bank Limited has a fifty-two week low of $55.95 and a fifty-two week high of $71.76. Analyst Ratings Changes HDFC Bank ( NYSE:HDB Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Monday, October 16th. The bank reported $0.80 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.45 by $0.35. The business had revenue of $8.02 billion during the quarter. HDFC Bank had a net margin of 19.47% and a return on equity of 16.81%. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that HDFC Bank Limited will post 2.78 earnings per share for the current year. HDB has been the topic of several recent research reports. StockNews.com began coverage on shares of HDFC Bank in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. The Goldman Sachs Group upgraded shares of HDFC Bank from a buy rating to a conviction-buy rating in a research report on Thursday, September 21st. Finally, TheStreet lowered HDFC Bank from a b- rating to a c rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 17th. Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on HDB About HDFC Bank (Free Report) HDFC Bank Limited provides banking and financial services to individuals and businesses in India, Bahrain, Hong Kong, and Dubai. The company operates in three segments: Wholesale Banking, Retail Banking, and Treasury Services. It accepts savings, salary, current, rural, public provident fund, pension, and demat accounts; fixed and recurring deposits; and safe deposit lockers, as well as offshore accounts and deposits, and overdrafts against fixed deposits. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding HDB? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for HDFC Bank Limited (NYSE:HDB Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for HDFC Bank Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for HDFC Bank and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Bank of Hawaii increased its stake in Kinder Morgan, Inc. (NYSE:KMI Free Report) by 10.7% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 24,291 shares of the pipeline companys stock after acquiring an additional 2,339 shares during the period. Bank of Hawaiis holdings in Kinder Morgan were worth $418,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC boosted its stake in shares of Kinder Morgan by 102,208.0% during the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 41,070,520 shares of the pipeline companys stock valued at $742,555,000 after purchasing an additional 41,030,376 shares in the last quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD boosted its position in Kinder Morgan by 1,352.5% during the 4th quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 36,803,132 shares of the pipeline companys stock valued at $665,401,000 after acquiring an additional 34,269,435 shares in the last quarter. Norges Bank purchased a new position in shares of Kinder Morgan during the 4th quarter worth approximately $256,613,000. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich raised its position in shares of Kinder Morgan by 85,155.4% in the 2nd quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 12,957,118 shares of the pipeline companys stock worth $223,122,000 after acquiring an additional 12,941,920 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Bank of Montreal Can purchased a new position in shares of Kinder Morgan in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $138,407,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 62.33% of the companys stock. Get Kinder Morgan alerts: Kinder Morgan Trading Down 0.6 % Shares of KMI opened at $16.82 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $37.39 billion, a PE ratio of 15.29, a P/E/G ratio of 5.13 and a beta of 0.97. The companys fifty day moving average is $16.71 and its 200 day moving average is $16.94. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.88, a quick ratio of 0.30 and a current ratio of 0.39. Kinder Morgan, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $15.89 and a fifty-two week high of $19.35. Kinder Morgan Announces Dividend Kinder Morgan ( NYSE:KMI Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 18th. The pipeline company reported $0.25 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.26 by ($0.01). The company had revenue of $3.91 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.64 billion. Kinder Morgan had a net margin of 15.54% and a return on equity of 7.78%. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 24.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $0.25 earnings per share. Sell-side analysts expect that Kinder Morgan, Inc. will post 1.1 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, November 15th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, October 31st were given a dividend of $0.2825 per share. This represents a $1.13 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 6.72%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, October 30th. Kinder Morgans dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 102.73%. Analyst Ratings Changes Several equities analysts have recently issued reports on the company. Royal Bank of Canada reaffirmed a sector perform rating and issued a $20.00 price target on shares of Kinder Morgan in a research report on Thursday, July 20th. Pickering Energy Partners initiated coverage on shares of Kinder Morgan in a report on Tuesday, October 3rd. They set a neutral rating on the stock. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Kinder Morgan in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating for the company. The Goldman Sachs Group initiated coverage on shares of Kinder Morgan in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a buy rating and a $20.00 price objective on the stock. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus lifted their target price on shares of Kinder Morgan from $21.00 to $22.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, August 1st. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have given a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $20.38. View Our Latest Analysis on Kinder Morgan Kinder Morgan Profile (Free Report) Kinder Morgan, Inc operates as an energy infrastructure company in North America. The company operates through four segments: Natural Gas Pipelines, Products Pipelines, Terminals, and CO2. The Natural Gas Pipelines segment owns and operates interstate and intrastate natural gas pipeline, and underground storage systems; natural gas gathering systems and natural gas processing and treating facilities; natural gas liquids fractionation facilities and transportation systems; and liquefied natural gas gasification, liquefaction, and storage facilities. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding KMI? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Kinder Morgan, Inc. (NYSE:KMI Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Kinder Morgan Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Kinder Morgan and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. LONDON, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- The National Health Service (NHS) of the United Kingdom (UK) is "crumbling before our eyes" as a result of underinvestment, a heavily critical report warned on Friday. "The physical edifice that is the NHS is quite literally crumbling before our eyes. There was nothing inevitable about this heartbreaking crisis," said Meg Hillier, chair of the Public Accounts Committee of the House of Commons which produced the report. "It can be laid squarely at the door of the decision to raid budgets reserved for maintenance and investment in favor of day-to-day spending. We are now seeing the consequences of this short-termism visited on patients and services," Hillier said. In the report, lawmakers who serve on the committee voiced concern at a lack of progress on a multi-million-dollar New Hospital Program which in 2020 committed to build 40 new hospitals by 2030. "Very little has happened from the perspective of patients since the Government's original commitment. It is highly unlikely even to construct the 32 new hospitals that it is now aiming to complete by 2030, after the commitment to build all 40 by then was abandoned," the committee's report said. The committee said it was now calling for the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) to urgently examine how the new hospital program can be made to deliver some tangible results for patients. "Underinvestment in the NHS estate has now resulted in a situation that requires urgent action," the committee's report said. Bank of Hawaii cut its holdings in Shell plc (NYSE:SHEL Free Report) by 18.2% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 15,045 shares of the energy companys stock after selling 3,347 shares during the period. Bank of Hawaiis holdings in Shell were worth $908,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in SHEL. US Bancorp DE increased its stake in shares of Shell by 0.9% in the second quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 318,115 shares of the energy companys stock worth $19,208,000 after buying an additional 2,702 shares during the period. Nwam LLC increased its position in shares of Shell by 24.5% in the second quarter. Nwam LLC now owns 10,977 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $663,000 after acquiring an additional 2,161 shares during the period. Checchi Capital Advisers LLC raised its stake in shares of Shell by 24.7% during the second quarter. Checchi Capital Advisers LLC now owns 19,917 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $1,203,000 after acquiring an additional 3,947 shares during the last quarter. Meitav Investment House Ltd. bought a new stake in shares of Shell in the second quarter worth about $1,674,000. Finally, YHB Investment Advisors Inc. increased its holdings in Shell by 24.6% during the 2nd quarter. YHB Investment Advisors Inc. now owns 65,908 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $3,980,000 after purchasing an additional 13,000 shares during the period. 9.23% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Shell alerts: Shell Stock Performance Shares of SHEL opened at $64.60 on Friday. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $65.53 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $62.27. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.37, a current ratio of 1.48 and a quick ratio of 1.17. The firm has a market capitalization of $214.67 billion, a PE ratio of 7.65, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.85 and a beta of 0.63. Shell plc has a one year low of $52.47 and a one year high of $68.74. Shell Announces Dividend Wall Street Analyst Weigh In The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, December 20th. Investors of record on Friday, November 17th will be given a dividend of $0.662 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, November 16th. This represents a $2.65 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.10%. Shells dividend payout ratio is presently 31.40%. Separately, Royal Bank of Canada cut their price objective on Shell from 28.00 to 27.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, August 11th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have given a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Shell presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $1,806.20. Read Our Latest Report on Shell Shell Company Profile (Free Report) Shell plc operates as an energy and petrochemical company Europe, Asia, Oceania, Africa, the United States, and Rest of the Americas. The company operates through Integrated Gas, Upstream, Marketing, Chemicals and Products, and Renewables and Energy Solutions segments. It explores for and extracts crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids; markets and transports oil and gas; produces gas-to-liquids fuels and other products; and operates upstream and midstream infrastructure necessary to deliver gas to market. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Shell Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Shell and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Bank of Hawaii bought a new stake in iShares Russell 3000 ETF (NYSEARCA:IWV Free Report) during the second quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The firm bought 2,684 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $683,000. Several other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of IWV. Rhumbline Advisers increased its stake in shares of iShares Russell 3000 ETF by 423.5% in the first quarter. Rhumbline Advisers now owns 26,771 shares of the companys stock worth $7,024,000 after purchasing an additional 21,657 shares during the period. BlackRock Inc. increased its position in iShares Russell 3000 ETF by 1.1% in the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 684,744 shares of the companys stock worth $179,656,000 after buying an additional 7,332 shares during the period. Raymond James Trust N.A. lifted its holdings in shares of iShares Russell 3000 ETF by 80.6% during the first quarter. Raymond James Trust N.A. now owns 1,409 shares of the companys stock worth $370,000 after buying an additional 629 shares during the last quarter. Dakota Wealth Management bought a new stake in shares of iShares Russell 3000 ETF in the first quarter valued at approximately $310,000. Finally, Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of iShares Russell 3000 ETF in the first quarter worth $219,000. Get iShares Russell 3000 ETF alerts: iShares Russell 3000 ETF Trading Down 0.0 % Shares of IWV stock opened at $256.67 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $11.58 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.53 and a beta of 1.02. iShares Russell 3000 ETF has a 1 year low of $216.20 and a 1 year high of $264.27. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $247.49 and its 200 day simple moving average is $249.21. iShares Russell 3000 ETF Company Profile iShares Russell 3000 ETF, formerly iShares Russell 3000 Index Fund (the Fund), is an exchange traded fund. The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the United States equity market, as represented by the Russell 3000 Index (the Index). Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for iShares Russell 3000 ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Russell 3000 ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Bank of Hawaii lessened its stake in shares of Quest Diagnostics Incorporated (NYSE:DGX Free Report) by 2.5% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 6,318 shares of the medical research companys stock after selling 163 shares during the period. Bank of Hawaiis holdings in Quest Diagnostics were worth $888,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in DGX. Park Place Capital Corp raised its stake in Quest Diagnostics by 73.4% in the second quarter. Park Place Capital Corp now owns 189 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $27,000 after purchasing an additional 80 shares in the last quarter. Chilton Capital Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Quest Diagnostics in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $28,000. Alaska Permanent Fund Corp bought a new stake in shares of Quest Diagnostics during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $37,000. Altshuler Shaham Ltd acquired a new stake in shares of Quest Diagnostics during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $38,000. Finally, Parkside Financial Bank & Trust increased its stake in Quest Diagnostics by 136.2% in the first quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust now owns 411 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $56,000 after acquiring an additional 237 shares during the last quarter. 87.76% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Quest Diagnostics alerts: Quest Diagnostics Price Performance DGX stock opened at $134.93 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $15.17 billion, a P/E ratio of 20.26 and a beta of 0.92. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $126.66 and a 200-day moving average price of $132.58. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.61, a quick ratio of 1.01 and a current ratio of 1.12. Quest Diagnostics Incorporated has a 52-week low of $119.59 and a 52-week high of $158.34. Quest Diagnostics Announces Dividend Quest Diagnostics ( NYSE:DGX Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, October 24th. The medical research company reported $2.22 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.19 by $0.03. The business had revenue of $2.30 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.27 billion. Quest Diagnostics had a return on equity of 15.80% and a net margin of 8.21%. Quest Diagnosticss revenue for the quarter was down 7.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the company earned $2.36 EPS. As a group, equities analysts expect that Quest Diagnostics Incorporated will post 8.71 EPS for the current year. The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, January 31st. Investors of record on Wednesday, January 17th will be given a $0.71 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, January 16th. This represents a $2.84 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.10%. Quest Diagnosticss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 42.64%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of equities research analysts have weighed in on the company. Evercore ISI reduced their target price on Quest Diagnostics from $136.00 to $130.00 in a report on Wednesday, October 11th. Citigroup reduced their price objective on Quest Diagnostics from $142.00 to $130.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, October 25th. Morgan Stanley reissued an equal weight rating and set a $145.00 target price on shares of Quest Diagnostics in a research note on Thursday, August 3rd. Piper Sandler raised their price target on shares of Quest Diagnostics from $130.00 to $140.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Monday, November 6th. Finally, TheStreet cut shares of Quest Diagnostics from a b- rating to a c rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 24th. Eight research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $145.80. Check Out Our Latest Analysis on DGX Quest Diagnostics Profile (Free Report) Quest Diagnostics Incorporated provides diagnostic testing, information, and services in the United States and internationally. The company develops and delivers diagnostic information services, such as routine testing, non-routine and advanced clinical testing, anatomic pathology testing, and other diagnostic information services. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Quest Diagnostics Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Quest Diagnostics and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BlackRock MuniHoldings California Quality Fund, Inc. (NYSE:MUC Get Free Report) announced a monthly dividend on Thursday, November 16th, Wall Street Journal reports. Investors of record on Friday, January 12th will be paid a dividend of 0.0485 per share on Thursday, February 1st. This represents a $0.58 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 5.61%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, January 11th. This is a positive change from BlackRock MuniHoldings California Quality Funds previous monthly dividend of $0.03. BlackRock MuniHoldings California Quality Fund Stock Up 2.3 % MUC opened at $10.37 on Friday. The company has a fifty day moving average of $9.74 and a two-hundred day moving average of $10.33. BlackRock MuniHoldings California Quality Fund has a fifty-two week low of $9.19 and a fifty-two week high of $11.71. Get BlackRock MuniHoldings California Quality Fund alerts: Hedge Funds Weigh In On BlackRock MuniHoldings California Quality Fund Hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the business. LPL Financial LLC increased its position in shares of BlackRock MuniHoldings California Quality Fund by 0.6% in the first quarter. LPL Financial LLC now owns 173,551 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,919,000 after buying an additional 1,116 shares in the last quarter. Stifel Financial Corp increased its holdings in BlackRock MuniHoldings California Quality Fund by 4.2% in the 2nd quarter. Stifel Financial Corp now owns 28,488 shares of the companys stock worth $309,000 after acquiring an additional 1,143 shares in the last quarter. Rockefeller Capital Management L.P. raised its position in BlackRock MuniHoldings California Quality Fund by 3.4% during the first quarter. Rockefeller Capital Management L.P. now owns 83,787 shares of the companys stock worth $926,000 after acquiring an additional 2,719 shares during the period. Cetera Investment Advisers lifted its holdings in BlackRock MuniHoldings California Quality Fund by 4.0% during the first quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 90,759 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,004,000 after purchasing an additional 3,489 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada lifted its holdings in BlackRock MuniHoldings California Quality Fund by 9.7% during the first quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 46,060 shares of the companys stock valued at $602,000 after purchasing an additional 4,071 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 25.47% of the companys stock. BlackRock MuniHoldings California Quality Fund Company Profile BlackRock MuniHoldings California Quality Fund, Inc is a closed ended fixed income mutual fund launched by BlackRock, Inc It is managed by BlackRock Advisors, LLC. The fund invests in fixed income markets. It invests primarily in a portfolio of long-term investment-grade municipal obligations, the interest on which is exempt from Federal and California income taxes. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for BlackRock MuniHoldings California Quality Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BlackRock MuniHoldings California Quality Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund (NYSE:MPA Get Free Report) announced a monthly dividend on Thursday, November 16th, Wall Street Journal reports. Shareholders of record on Friday, January 12th will be paid a dividend of 0.048 per share by the investment management company on Thursday, February 1st. This represents a $0.58 annualized dividend and a yield of 5.27%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, January 11th. This is an increase from BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Funds previous monthly dividend of $0.03. BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund Price Performance Shares of MPA stock opened at $10.93 on Friday. BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund has a twelve month low of $9.87 and a twelve month high of $11.90. The companys 50-day moving average price is $10.48 and its 200-day moving average price is $11.10. Get BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund alerts: Insiders Place Their Bets In other BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund news, major shareholder Saba Capital Management, L.P. purchased 13,680 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, November 9th. The shares were acquired at an average price of $10.57 per share, with a total value of $144,597.60. Following the purchase, the insider now directly owns 1,820,475 shares in the company, valued at approximately $19,242,420.75. The purchase was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Insiders acquired a total of 240,870 shares of company stock valued at $2,565,549 over the last quarter. 1.00% of the stock is owned by insiders. Institutional Investors Weigh In On BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund About BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund A number of hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in MPA. Captrust Financial Advisors purchased a new stake in shares of BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund during the second quarter worth $44,000. JPMorgan Chase & Co. purchased a new stake in BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund during the 4th quarter worth about $47,000. Virtu Financial LLC acquired a new stake in BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund in the 4th quarter valued at about $127,000. UBS Group AG boosted its stake in shares of BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund by 33.6% in the 4th quarter. UBS Group AG now owns 15,143 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $167,000 after buying an additional 3,810 shares during the period. Finally, Susquehanna International Group LLP acquired a new stake in BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund in the first quarter valued at approximately $186,000. 19.23% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. (Get Free Report) BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund is a closed ended fixed income mutual fund launched by BlackRock, Inc It is managed by BlackRock Advisors, LLC. The fund invests in fixed income markets. It invests primarily in long-term investment grade municipal obligations exempt from federal income taxes and Pennsylvania income taxes. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BlackRock MuniYield Quality Fund III, Inc. (NYSE:MYI Get Free Report) declared a monthly dividend on Thursday, November 16th, Wall Street Journal reports. Stockholders of record on Friday, January 12th will be given a dividend of 0.0555 per share by the investment management company on Thursday, February 1st. This represents a $0.67 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 6.35%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, January 11th. This is an increase from BlackRock MuniYield Quality Fund IIIs previous monthly dividend of $0.04. BlackRock MuniYield Quality Fund III Stock Performance Shares of MYI opened at $10.49 on Friday. BlackRock MuniYield Quality Fund III has a 52-week low of $9.32 and a 52-week high of $11.72. The business has a fifty day moving average of $9.81 and a 200 day moving average of $10.46. Get BlackRock MuniYield Quality Fund III alerts: Hedge Funds Weigh In On BlackRock MuniYield Quality Fund III A number of hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in MYI. Allianz Asset Management GmbH bought a new stake in shares of BlackRock MuniYield Quality Fund III during the first quarter valued at approximately $2,492,000. Morgan Stanley increased its holdings in BlackRock MuniYield Quality Fund III by 3.2% during the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 5,476,371 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $61,390,000 after purchasing an additional 168,900 shares during the period. Logan Stone Capital LLC bought a new stake in BlackRock MuniYield Quality Fund III during the 4th quarter valued at $1,189,000. Wells Fargo & Company MN raised its position in BlackRock MuniYield Quality Fund III by 10.0% during the 2nd quarter. Wells Fargo & Company MN now owns 865,891 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $10,096,000 after purchasing an additional 78,935 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Advisors Asset Management Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of BlackRock MuniYield Quality Fund III by 20.1% in the 1st quarter. Advisors Asset Management Inc. now owns 393,963 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $4,944,000 after buying an additional 65,848 shares during the period. 34.31% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. BlackRock MuniYield Quality Fund III Company Profile BlackRock MuniYield Quality Fund III, Inc is a closed ended fixed income mutual fund launched by BlackRock, Inc It is managed by BlackRock Advisors, LLC. The fund invests in fixed income markets. It invests primarily in a portfolio of long-term investment-grade municipal obligations exempt from federal income taxes. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for BlackRock MuniYield Quality Fund III Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BlackRock MuniYield Quality Fund III and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BlackRock New York Municipal Income Trust (NYSE:BNY Get Free Report) declared a monthly dividend on Thursday, November 16th, Wall Street Journal reports. Shareholders of record on Friday, January 12th will be paid a dividend of 0.043 per share by the financial services provider on Thursday, February 1st. This represents a $0.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 5.28%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, January 11th. BlackRock New York Municipal Income Trust Stock Up 1.3 % Shares of NYSE:BNY opened at $9.77 on Friday. BlackRock New York Municipal Income Trust has a 52 week low of $8.60 and a 52 week high of $11.35. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $9.16 and a 200-day simple moving average of $9.77. Get BlackRock New York Municipal Income Trust alerts: Institutional Investors Weigh In On BlackRock New York Municipal Income Trust Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Almitas Capital LLC acquired a new position in shares of BlackRock New York Municipal Income Trust in the 4th quarter valued at about $42,000. Belpointe Asset Management LLC purchased a new stake in BlackRock New York Municipal Income Trust during the 1st quarter worth $77,000. Bank of New York Mellon Corp acquired a new stake in BlackRock New York Municipal Income Trust in the 2nd quarter valued at $105,000. NewEdge Advisors LLC raised its position in BlackRock New York Municipal Income Trust by 17.9% in the first quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 12,500 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $152,000 after purchasing an additional 1,900 shares during the period. Finally, Envestnet Asset Management Inc. acquired a new position in shares of BlackRock New York Municipal Income Trust during the third quarter worth about $114,000. BlackRock New York Municipal Income Trust Company Profile BlackRock New York Municipal Income Trust is a closed ended fixed income mutual fund launched by BlackRock, Inc It is managed by BlackRock Advisors, LLC. The fund invests in fixed income markets. It invests primarily in the investment grade municipal bonds exempt from federal income taxes and New York State and New York City personal income taxes. See Also Receive News & Ratings for BlackRock New York Municipal Income Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BlackRock New York Municipal Income Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Bright Horizons Family Solutions Inc. (NYSE:BFAM Get Free Report) saw a significant decline in short interest in October. As of October 31st, there was short interest totalling 2,110,000 shares, a decline of 5.4% from the October 15th total of 2,230,000 shares. Currently, 3.7% of the shares of the stock are sold short. Based on an average daily volume of 405,600 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 5.2 days. Bright Horizons Family Solutions Trading Down 0.5 % BFAM opened at $86.64 on Friday. Bright Horizons Family Solutions has a fifty-two week low of $59.55 and a fifty-two week high of $98.87. The company has a market cap of $5.02 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 58.14, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.82 and a beta of 1.26. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.82, a current ratio of 0.50 and a quick ratio of 0.50. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $82.49 and a 200 day simple moving average of $88.26. Get Bright Horizons Family Solutions alerts: Insider Buying and Selling at Bright Horizons Family Solutions In other news, CEO Stephen Howard Kramer sold 15,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, August 25th. The stock was sold at an average price of $95.65, for a total value of $1,434,750.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 122,518 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $11,718,846.70. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. In other Bright Horizons Family Solutions news, COO Mary Lou Burke sold 600 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, October 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $81.22, for a total value of $48,732.00. Following the transaction, the chief operating officer now directly owns 41,153 shares in the company, valued at $3,342,446.66. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this link. Also, CEO Stephen Howard Kramer sold 15,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, August 25th. The stock was sold at an average price of $95.65, for a total transaction of $1,434,750.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 122,518 shares in the company, valued at $11,718,846.70. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last ninety days, insiders have sold 17,800 shares of company stock valued at $1,683,230. 1.28% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Institutional Trading of Bright Horizons Family Solutions Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC acquired a new position in Bright Horizons Family Solutions in the second quarter valued at about $13,020,000. Stephens Investment Management Group LLC boosted its stake in Bright Horizons Family Solutions by 9.9% during the 1st quarter. Stephens Investment Management Group LLC now owns 547,068 shares of the companys stock worth $42,119,000 after acquiring an additional 49,405 shares during the last quarter. Truist Financial Corp boosted its stake in Bright Horizons Family Solutions by 23.5% during the 2nd quarter. Truist Financial Corp now owns 87,257 shares of the companys stock worth $8,067,000 after acquiring an additional 16,601 shares during the last quarter. NewEdge Wealth LLC grew its holdings in Bright Horizons Family Solutions by 14.7% during the first quarter. NewEdge Wealth LLC now owns 22,623 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,742,000 after purchasing an additional 2,896 shares during the period. Finally, Public Employees Retirement Association of Colorado increased its stake in Bright Horizons Family Solutions by 45.0% in the second quarter. Public Employees Retirement Association of Colorado now owns 260,939 shares of the companys stock valued at $24,124,000 after purchasing an additional 81,013 shares in the last quarter. A number of equities research analysts recently weighed in on the company. UBS Group raised Bright Horizons Family Solutions from a sell rating to a neutral rating and raised their price target for the company from $82.00 to $83.00 in a report on Monday, October 23rd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased their price objective on shares of Bright Horizons Family Solutions from $104.00 to $93.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, November 2nd. Morgan Stanley boosted their target price on shares of Bright Horizons Family Solutions from $61.00 to $64.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 2nd. StockNews.com cut shares of Bright Horizons Family Solutions from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note on Friday, November 3rd. Finally, BMO Capital Markets lowered their price target on shares of Bright Horizons Family Solutions from $92.00 to $80.00 and set a market perform rating for the company in a report on Friday, November 3rd. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, five have given a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $81.75. View Our Latest Report on BFAM Bright Horizons Family Solutions Company Profile (Get Free Report) Bright Horizons Family Solutions Inc provides early education and childcare, back-up care, educational advisory, and other workplace solutions services for employers and families. The company operates through three segments: Full Service Center-Based Child Care, Back-Up Care, and Educational Advisory and Other Services. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Bright Horizons Family Solutions Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bright Horizons Family Solutions and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Brookdale Senior Living (NYSE:BKD Get Free Report) was upgraded by investment analysts at Royal Bank of Canada from a sector perform rating to an outperform rating in a research report issued on Friday, MarketBeat Ratings reports. The brokerage currently has a $9.00 target price on the stock, up from their prior target price of $7.00. Royal Bank of Canadas price objective would indicate a potential upside of 99.12% from the stocks current price. Separately, StockNews.com downgraded Brookdale Senior Living from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 24th. Get Brookdale Senior Living alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on Brookdale Senior Living Brookdale Senior Living Price Performance Institutional Inflows and Outflows Shares of NYSE:BKD opened at $4.52 on Friday. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $4.04 and its 200-day simple moving average is $3.97. The firm has a market capitalization of $850.84 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -7.93 and a beta of 1.26. Brookdale Senior Living has a 12 month low of $2.27 and a 12 month high of $4.71. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 7.39, a current ratio of 0.66 and a quick ratio of 0.66. A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of BKD. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company increased its stake in Brookdale Senior Living by 6.1% during the third quarter. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company now owns 72,147 shares of the companys stock worth $299,000 after acquiring an additional 4,161 shares during the last quarter. Royal Bank of Canada boosted its holdings in Brookdale Senior Living by 2.3% in the third quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 705,320 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,920,000 after purchasing an additional 15,581 shares during the last quarter. Schonfeld Strategic Advisors LLC grew its position in shares of Brookdale Senior Living by 69.3% during the third quarter. Schonfeld Strategic Advisors LLC now owns 22,900 shares of the companys stock worth $95,000 after buying an additional 9,377 shares in the last quarter. Gotham Asset Management LLC increased its position in shares of Brookdale Senior Living by 40.8% in the 3rd quarter. Gotham Asset Management LLC now owns 45,009 shares of the companys stock worth $186,000 after purchasing an additional 13,047 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Caxton Associates LP bought a new stake in Brookdale Senior Living in the third quarter valued at about $841,000. About Brookdale Senior Living (Get Free Report) Brookdale Senior Living Inc owns, manages, and operates senior living communities in the United States. It operates in three segments: Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care, and Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs). The Independent Living segment owns or leases communities comprising independent and assisted living units in a single community that are primarily designed for middle to upper income seniors. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Brookdale Senior Living Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Brookdale Senior Living and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Brunswick Co. (NYSE:BC 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 5,360,000 shares, a growth of 13.8% from the October 15th total of 4,710,000 shares. Currently, 7.9% of the shares of the company are sold short. Based on an average daily volume of 688,600 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 7.8 days. Insider Buying and Selling at Brunswick In related news, Director Nancy E. Cooper sold 414 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $68.57, for a total value of $28,387.98. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 21,887 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,500,791.59. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. 0.58% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Get Brunswick alerts: Hedge Funds Weigh In On Brunswick Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. SG Americas Securities LLC raised its holdings in shares of Brunswick by 94.8% during the 2nd quarter. SG Americas Securities LLC now owns 18,233 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,580,000 after purchasing an additional 8,874 shares in the last quarter. Sigma Planning Corp bought a new stake in shares of Brunswick during the 1st quarter worth about $772,000. Natixis Advisors L.P. increased its holdings in shares of Brunswick by 2.3% during the 1st quarter. Natixis Advisors L.P. now owns 25,298 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,074,000 after acquiring an additional 577 shares during the last quarter. Savant Capital LLC raised its stake in shares of Brunswick by 7.0% in the 2nd quarter. Savant Capital LLC now owns 6,501 shares of the companys stock valued at $563,000 after acquiring an additional 424 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Envestnet Asset Management Inc. lifted its holdings in Brunswick by 13.6% in the 1st quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 109,161 shares of the companys stock worth $8,951,000 after purchasing an additional 13,065 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 94.44% of the companys stock. Brunswick Price Performance NYSE BC opened at $75.61 on Friday. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $74.44 and a 200-day simple moving average of $79.81. Brunswick has a 52-week low of $66.47 and a 52-week high of $93.15. The firm has a market capitalization of $5.28 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.77 and a beta of 1.49. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.95, a current ratio of 1.47 and a quick ratio of 0.60. Brunswick (NYSE:BC Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 26th. The company reported $2.42 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.36 by $0.06. Brunswick had a net margin of 7.57% and a return on equity of 32.09%. The business had revenue of $1.59 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.66 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $2.67 EPS. Brunswicks revenue was down 6.2% on a year-over-year basis. Equities research analysts predict that Brunswick will post 9 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Brunswick Dividend Announcement The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 15th. Investors of record on Wednesday, November 22nd will be paid a $0.40 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, November 21st. This represents a $1.60 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.12%. Brunswicks payout ratio is 22.79%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of research analysts recently issued reports on BC shares. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered Brunswick from an overweight rating to a neutral rating and lowered their target price for the stock from $109.00 to $79.00 in a report on Monday, September 11th. Roth Mkm restated a buy rating and issued a $91.00 price target on shares of Brunswick in a research report on Tuesday, September 19th. Stifel Nicolaus reduced their target price on Brunswick from $102.00 to $92.00 in a report on Tuesday, September 19th. Jefferies Financial Group dropped their price target on Brunswick from $94.00 to $93.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, September 19th. Finally, Morgan Stanley cut their price objective on Brunswick from $84.00 to $77.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Friday, October 27th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $94.21. Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on BC About Brunswick (Get Free Report) Brunswick Corporation designs, manufactures, and markets recreation products worldwide. It operates through three segments: Propulsion, Parts & Accessories, and Boat. The Propulsion segment provides outboard, sterndrive, and inboard engines for independent boat builders and governments through marine dealers and distributors, specialty marine retailers, and marine service centers; and propulsion-related controls, rigging, and propellers to original equipment manufacturers and aftermarket retailers, distributors, and distribution businesses. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Brunswick Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Brunswick and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Chinese artists perform folk orchestral music, as part of the Chinese Cultural Festival in Russia, at the Alexander Theater in St. Petersburg, Russia, Nov. 16, 2023. Artists from the Folk Music Troupe of China National Opera and Dance Drama Theater brought a feast of Chinese folk orchestral music to the audience at the Alexander Theater here Thursday, demonstrating a high level of virtuosity and superb skills. (Photo by Irina Motina/Xinhua) ST. PETERSBURG, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- Artists from the Folk Music Troupe of China National Opera and Dance Drama Theater brought a feast of Chinese folk orchestral music to the audience at the Alexander Theater here Thursday, demonstrating a high level of virtuosity and superb skills. The concert, as part of the Chinese Cultural Festival in Russia, was previously performed at the Bolshoi Theater in Moscow on Monday. They were organized by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China, the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation, and the Chinese Embassy in Russia. The artists presented classic Chinese folk songs, including Jasmine Flower, or Mo Li Hua in Mandarin. The audience warmly applauded the performance and were eager for more such performances in Russian theaters. The Chinese performers showed great skills and their music was unforgettable, a local resident who gave her name as Svetlana told Xinhua, adding that she was looking forward to more Chinese performances in Russian theaters. Chinese artists perform folk orchestral music, as part of the Chinese Cultural Festival in Russia, at the Alexander Theater in St. Petersburg, Russia, Nov. 16, 2023. Artists from the Folk Music Troupe of China National Opera and Dance Drama Theater brought a feast of Chinese folk orchestral music to the audience at the Alexander Theater here Thursday, demonstrating a high level of virtuosity and superb skills. (Photo by Irina Motina/Xinhua) Burney Co. lowered its holdings in shares of UniFirst Co. (NYSE:UNF Free Report) by 21.2% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 5,985 shares of the textile makers stock after selling 1,608 shares during the quarter. Burney Co.s holdings in UniFirst were worth $928,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. Several other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the business. Versor Investments LP increased its holdings in UniFirst by 101.8% during the first quarter. Versor Investments LP now owns 3,568 shares of the textile makers stock valued at $629,000 after buying an additional 1,800 shares during the last quarter. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. raised its holdings in UniFirst by 241.1% in the 2nd quarter. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. now owns 17,354 shares of the textile makers stock worth $2,690,000 after purchasing an additional 12,266 shares during the period. Eagle Asset Management Inc. lifted its position in UniFirst by 3.6% during the first quarter. Eagle Asset Management Inc. now owns 43,197 shares of the textile makers stock valued at $7,612,000 after purchasing an additional 1,516 shares in the last quarter. Credit Suisse AG grew its holdings in UniFirst by 4.0% during the first quarter. Credit Suisse AG now owns 23,353 shares of the textile makers stock valued at $4,115,000 after purchasing an additional 904 shares during the period. Finally, Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltd purchased a new stake in UniFirst in the first quarter worth about $2,091,000. Institutional investors own 76.69% of the companys stock. Get UniFirst alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets Several equities research analysts recently issued reports on the stock. Barclays initiated coverage on shares of UniFirst in a research note on Friday, October 6th. They set an equal weight rating and a $160.00 target price on the stock. StockNews.com began coverage on UniFirst in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their target price on UniFirst from $150.00 to $160.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a research report on Thursday, October 19th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have assigned a hold rating and one has assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $177.00. Insiders Place Their Bets In other news, VP David A. Difillippo sold 6,280 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, November 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $166.26, for a total transaction of $1,044,112.80. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now directly owns 10,111 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,681,054.86. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Insiders own 1.20% of the companys stock. UniFirst Stock Down 1.5 % UNF stock opened at $171.97 on Friday. UniFirst Co. has a 52 week low of $150.50 and a 52 week high of $205.59. The firm has a market capitalization of $3.21 billion, a P/E ratio of 31.15 and a beta of 0.80. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $165.87 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $166.20. UniFirst (NYSE:UNF Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 18th. The textile maker reported $1.75 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.63 by $0.12. The company had revenue of $571.90 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $568.22 million. UniFirst had a return on equity of 5.92% and a net margin of 4.64%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 10.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $1.79 earnings per share. As a group, analysts anticipate that UniFirst Co. will post 7.69 EPS for the current year. UniFirst Increases Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 4th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, December 7th will be issued a $0.33 dividend. This represents a $1.32 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.77%. This is an increase from UniFirsts previous quarterly dividend of $0.31. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, December 6th. UniFirsts dividend payout ratio is presently 22.46%. About UniFirst (Free Report) UniFirst Corporation provides workplace uniforms and protective work wear clothing in the United States, Europe, and Canada. The company operates through U.S. and Canadian Rental and Cleaning, Manufacturing, Specialty Garments Rental and Cleaning, and First Aid segments. It designs, manufactures, personalizes, rents, cleans, delivers, and sells a range of uniforms and protective clothing, including shirts, pants, jackets, coveralls, lab coats, smocks, and aprons; and specialized protective wear, such as flame resistant and high visibility garments. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding UNF? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for UniFirst Co. (NYSE:UNF Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for UniFirst Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for UniFirst and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Cambria Investment Management L.P. lessened its stake in shares of Lennar Co. (NYSE:LEN Free Report) by 18.8% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The fund owned 4,742 shares of the construction companys stock after selling 1,100 shares during the quarter. Cambria Investment Management L.P.s holdings in Lennar were worth $594,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of LEN. FNY Investment Advisers LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Lennar during the second quarter valued at about $61,000. Money Concepts Capital Corp grew its holdings in Lennar by 494.4% during the 4th quarter. Money Concepts Capital Corp now owns 737 shares of the construction companys stock worth $67,000 after acquiring an additional 613 shares during the last quarter. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. increased its holdings in Lennar by 22.6% in the first quarter. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. now owns 717 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $75,000 after purchasing an additional 132 shares during the period. Nelson Van Denburg & Campbell Wealth Management Group LLC increased its stake in shares of Lennar by 11,037.5% in the first quarter. Nelson Van Denburg & Campbell Wealth Management Group LLC now owns 891 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $94,000 after buying an additional 883 shares during the period. Finally, Altshuler Shaham Ltd acquired a new position in shares of Lennar in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $99,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 79.87% of the companys stock. Get Lennar alerts: Lennar Trading Up 0.2 % Shares of LEN stock opened at $127.08 on Friday. Lennar Co. has a 52-week low of $82.73 and a 52-week high of $133.24. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $113.33 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $117.20. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.13, a quick ratio of 1.18 and a current ratio of 6.66. The company has a market capitalization of $36.14 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.42, a PEG ratio of 1.56 and a beta of 1.49. Lennar Dividend Announcement Lennar ( NYSE:LEN Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Friday, September 15th. The construction company reported $3.91 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $3.52 by $0.39. Lennar had a return on equity of 16.22% and a net margin of 11.66%. The company had revenue of $8.73 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $8.49 billion. During the same period last year, the business posted $5.18 earnings per share. Lennars revenue was down 2.3% on a year-over-year basis. Research analysts anticipate that Lennar Co. will post 13.59 EPS for the current fiscal year. The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, October 26th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, October 12th were given a dividend of $0.375 per share. This represents a $1.50 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.18%. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, October 11th. Lennars dividend payout ratio is currently 11.12%. Insider Transactions at Lennar In other news, Director Amy Banse acquired 920 shares of Lennar stock in a transaction on Friday, October 13th. The stock was acquired at an average cost of $108.71 per share, with a total value of $100,013.20. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director now owns 10,038 shares in the company, valued at $1,091,230.98. The acquisition was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. In other Lennar news, Director Amy Banse acquired 920 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, October 13th. The shares were acquired at an average cost of $108.71 per share, with a total value of $100,013.20. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director now directly owns 10,038 shares in the company, valued at $1,091,230.98. The purchase was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, VP David M. Collins sold 10,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, November 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $130.00, for a total transaction of $1,300,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now directly owns 37,060 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,817,800. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 20,000 shares of company stock worth $2,350,896 in the last quarter. Insiders own 9.53% of the companys stock. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of brokerages have weighed in on LEN. Wedbush reiterated a neutral rating and set a $123.00 price target on shares of Lennar in a report on Monday, September 11th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their price target on Lennar from $136.00 to $135.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, September 20th. Wells Fargo & Company raised their price objective on shares of Lennar from $123.00 to $130.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 8th. Citigroup reiterated a buy rating and set a $139.00 target price on shares of Lennar in a research report on Tuesday, September 19th. Finally, JMP Securities lifted their price target on shares of Lennar from $135.00 to $150.00 and gave the company a market outperform rating in a research note on Tuesday, September 19th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have given a hold rating and eleven have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $133.82. View Our Latest Stock Report on Lennar About Lennar (Free Report) Lennar Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a homebuilder primarily under the Lennar brand in the United States. It operates through Homebuilding East, Homebuilding Central, Homebuilding Texas, Homebuilding West, Financial Services, Multifamily, and Lennar Other segments. The company's homebuilding operations include the construction and sale of single-family attached and detached homes, as well as the purchase, development, and sale of residential land; and development, construction, and management of multifamily rental properties. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding LEN? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Lennar Co. (NYSE:LEN Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Lennar Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Lennar and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Cambria Investment Management L.P. acquired a new position in shares of Jabil Inc. (NYSE:JBL Free Report) in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor acquired 4,136 shares of the technology companys stock, valued at approximately $446,000. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in JBL. FMR LLC lifted its holdings in Jabil by 27.5% during the 1st quarter. FMR LLC now owns 8,552,930 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $754,026,000 after purchasing an additional 1,844,254 shares during the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised its stake in shares of Jabil by 71.2% in the first quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 6,232,495 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $549,457,000 after acquiring an additional 2,591,893 shares during the last quarter. State Street Corp raised its stake in shares of Jabil by 3.0% in the first quarter. State Street Corp now owns 4,454,878 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $275,000,000 after acquiring an additional 127,736 shares during the last quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP acquired a new position in shares of Jabil in the 1st quarter worth approximately $384,818,000. Finally, LSV Asset Management grew its position in Jabil by 5.8% during the 2nd quarter. LSV Asset Management now owns 4,026,017 shares of the technology companys stock worth $434,528,000 after acquiring an additional 221,458 shares during the last quarter. 92.88% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Jabil alerts: Insider Activity at Jabil In related news, CEO Kenneth S. Wilson sold 15,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, October 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $127.87, for a total transaction of $1,918,050.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 304,750 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $38,968,382.50. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. In related news, CEO Kenneth S. Wilson sold 15,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, October 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $127.87, for a total transaction of $1,918,050.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 304,750 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $38,968,382.50. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, CEO Kenneth S. Wilson sold 20,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, November 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $126.32, for a total transaction of $2,526,400.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 364,725 shares in the company, valued at $46,072,062. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last 90 days, insiders sold 314,601 shares of company stock worth $40,201,576. 2.75% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several equities analysts have issued reports on JBL shares. Stifel Nicolaus lifted their price objective on Jabil from $120.00 to $135.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Friday, September 29th. Barclays upped their price target on shares of Jabil from $134.00 to $144.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, September 29th. StockNews.com downgraded shares of Jabil from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, October 23rd. Bank of America increased their price target on shares of Jabil from $126.00 to $130.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Monday, September 25th. Finally, Argus boosted their price objective on shares of Jabil from $125.00 to $145.00 in a research report on Friday, September 29th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, six have assigned a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Jabil presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $120.00. Read Our Latest Stock Report on Jabil Jabil Price Performance JBL opened at $130.78 on Friday. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $122.73 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $108.37. The firm has a market capitalization of $16.73 billion, a PE ratio of 21.80, a P/E/G ratio of 1.28 and a beta of 1.41. Jabil Inc. has a 52 week low of $64.74 and a 52 week high of $141.38. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.00, a quick ratio of 0.75 and a current ratio of 1.16. Jabil (NYSE:JBL Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, September 28th. The technology company reported $2.45 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.32 by $0.13. The business had revenue of $8.46 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $8.54 billion. Jabil had a return on equity of 38.02% and a net margin of 2.36%. The firms revenue was down 6.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the company earned $2.25 EPS. As a group, analysts anticipate that Jabil Inc. will post 8.67 earnings per share for the current year. Jabil announced that its Board of Directors has approved a share buyback program on Thursday, September 28th that allows the company to repurchase $2.50 billion in outstanding shares. This repurchase authorization allows the technology company to reacquire up to 15.3% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares repurchase programs are usually an indication that the companys leadership believes its stock is undervalued. Jabil Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 4th. Investors of record on Wednesday, November 15th will be paid a dividend of $0.08 per share. This represents a $0.32 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.24%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, November 14th. Jabils payout ratio is 5.33%. Jabil Profile (Free Report) Jabil Inc provides manufacturing services and solutions worldwide. It operates in two segments, Electronics Manufacturing Services and Diversified Manufacturing Services. The company offers electronics design, production, and product management services; electronic circuit design services, such as application-specific integrated circuit design, firmware development, and rapid prototyping services; and designs plastic and metal enclosures that include the electro-mechanics, such as the printed circuit board assemblies (PCBA). Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding JBL? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Jabil Inc. (NYSE:JBL Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Jabil Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Jabil and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Cambria Investment Management L.P. lowered its position in shares of Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc. (NYSE:HLX Free Report) by 19.4% during the second quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 77,289 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after selling 18,656 shares during the period. Cambria Investment Management L.P. owned about 0.05% of Helix Energy Solutions Group worth $570,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. Public Employees Retirement Association of Colorado boosted its holdings in shares of Helix Energy Solutions Group by 1.0% in the first quarter. Public Employees Retirement Association of Colorado now owns 1,898,052 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $14,691,000 after acquiring an additional 19,112 shares in the last quarter. Rice Hall James & Associates LLC acquired a new position in Helix Energy Solutions Group during the 1st quarter worth approximately $1,696,000. American Century Companies Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Helix Energy Solutions Group by 45.0% in the 1st quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 1,360,166 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $10,528,000 after buying an additional 422,031 shares during the period. Los Angeles Capital Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of Helix Energy Solutions Group by 3.4% in the second quarter. Los Angeles Capital Management LLC now owns 132,001 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $974,000 after buying an additional 4,325 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Victory Capital Management Inc. grew its holdings in Helix Energy Solutions Group by 182.4% during the second quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc. now owns 214,158 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $1,580,000 after acquiring an additional 138,331 shares during the period. 98.58% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Helix Energy Solutions Group alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In HLX has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. TD Cowen upped their price target on shares of Helix Energy Solutions Group from $11.00 to $13.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Monday, July 31st. StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of Helix Energy Solutions Group in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Piper Sandler upped their price target on Helix Energy Solutions Group from $13.00 to $14.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Monday, July 31st. Finally, BTIG Research lifted their price objective on Helix Energy Solutions Group from $14.00 to $17.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, September 20th. Insider Buying and Selling In other news, Director Diana Glassman sold 6,800 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, September 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $11.41, for a total value of $77,588.00. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 27,990 shares in the company, valued at approximately $319,365.90. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Corporate insiders own 6.14% of the companys stock. Helix Energy Solutions Group Trading Down 5.7 % Shares of Helix Energy Solutions Group stock opened at $9.03 on Friday. The businesss fifty day moving average is $10.44 and its two-hundred day moving average is $8.88. Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $5.76 and a fifty-two week high of $11.88. The firm has a market cap of $1.36 billion, a PE ratio of 64.50 and a beta of 2.76. The company has a quick ratio of 1.42, a current ratio of 1.42 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.14. Helix Energy Solutions Group (NYSE:HLX Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Monday, October 23rd. The oil and gas company reported $0.19 EPS for the quarter, hitting the consensus estimate of $0.19. The firm had revenue of $395.67 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $356.41 million. Helix Energy Solutions Group had a net margin of 1.63% and a return on equity of 3.67%. Analysts anticipate that Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc. will post 0.38 earnings per share for the current year. Helix Energy Solutions Group Profile (Free Report) Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, an offshore energy services company, provides specialty services to the offshore energy industry in Brazil, the Gulf of Mexico, the East Coast of the United States, North Sea, the Asia Pacific, and West Africa regions. The company operates through Well Intervention, Robotics, Production Facilities, and Shallow Water Abandonment segments. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Helix Energy Solutions Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Helix Energy Solutions Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. StockNews.com upgraded shares of Chatham Lodging Trust (NYSE:CLDT Free Report) from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report released on Tuesday. CLDT has been the topic of a number of other research reports. Barclays cut their price objective on shares of Chatham Lodging Trust from $16.00 to $14.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, July 27th. B. Riley cut their target price on shares of Chatham Lodging Trust from $15.00 to $14.00 in a research note on Monday, August 7th. Finally, Oppenheimer lowered shares of Chatham Lodging Trust from an outperform rating to a market perform rating and set a $14.00 target price on the stock. in a research note on Thursday, July 20th. Get Chatham Lodging Trust alerts: View Our Latest Stock Report on CLDT Chatham Lodging Trust Stock Performance Chatham Lodging Trust Dividend Announcement Shares of CLDT stock opened at $10.00 on Tuesday. Chatham Lodging Trust has a 12 month low of $8.92 and a 12 month high of $14.38. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.48, a current ratio of 2.66 and a quick ratio of 2.66. The firm has a market capitalization of $488.60 million, a P/E ratio of 250.06 and a beta of 1.76. The companys fifty day moving average price is $9.68 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $9.62. The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, October 16th. Stockholders of record on Friday, September 29th were paid a $0.07 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, September 28th. This represents a $0.28 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.80%. Chatham Lodging Trusts dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 700.18%. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Chatham Lodging Trust Institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Belpointe Asset Management LLC raised its stake in Chatham Lodging Trust by 12.1% during the third quarter. Belpointe Asset Management LLC now owns 32,694 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $313,000 after acquiring an additional 3,526 shares during the period. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio raised its stake in Chatham Lodging Trust by 5.9% during the third quarter. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio now owns 94,910 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $908,000 after acquiring an additional 5,282 shares during the period. GSA Capital Partners LLP raised its stake in Chatham Lodging Trust by 105.7% during the third quarter. GSA Capital Partners LLP now owns 145,560 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $1,393,000 after acquiring an additional 74,813 shares during the period. Royal Bank of Canada raised its stake in Chatham Lodging Trust by 23.5% during the third quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 81,431 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $779,000 after acquiring an additional 15,485 shares during the period. Finally, Legal & General Group Plc raised its stake in Chatham Lodging Trust by 9.0% during the third quarter. Legal & General Group Plc now owns 132,447 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $1,268,000 after acquiring an additional 10,990 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 92.18% of the companys stock. About Chatham Lodging Trust (Get Free Report) Chatham Lodging Trust is a self-advised, publicly traded real estate investment trust (REIT) focused primarily on investing in upscale, extended-stay hotels and premium-branded, select-service hotels. The company owns 39 hotels totaling 5,915 rooms/suites in 16 states and the District of Columbia. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Chatham Lodging Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Chatham Lodging Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Checchi Capital Advisers LLC cut its stake in shares of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE:PNC Free Report) by 5.7% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 4,032 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 244 shares during the period. Checchi Capital Advisers LLCs holdings in The PNC Financial Services Group were worth $508,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Blair William & Co. IL boosted its position in The PNC Financial Services Group by 0.5% in the 1st quarter. Blair William & Co. IL now owns 16,997 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $3,135,000 after buying an additional 89 shares during the last quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers grew its stake in The PNC Financial Services Group by 12.0% during the 1st quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 16,141 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $2,977,000 after purchasing an additional 1,724 shares in the last quarter. Covestor Ltd increased its stake in shares of The PNC Financial Services Group by 68.8% in the first quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 336 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $62,000 after buying an additional 137 shares during the last quarter. West Family Investments Inc. lifted its position in shares of The PNC Financial Services Group by 9.1% during the first quarter. West Family Investments Inc. now owns 1,164 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $215,000 after purchasing an additional 97 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Ergoteles LLC lifted its stake in The PNC Financial Services Group by 137.9% during the first quarter. Ergoteles LLC now owns 21,048 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $3,882,000 after purchasing an additional 12,201 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 80.14% of the companys stock. Get The PNC Financial Services Group alerts: The PNC Financial Services Group Price Performance Shares of PNC opened at $129.41 on Friday. The businesss 50-day moving average is $119.99 and its 200-day moving average is $122.75. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.34, a current ratio of 0.82 and a quick ratio of 0.82. The company has a market capitalization of $51.55 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 8.98, a P/E/G ratio of 1.15 and a beta of 1.14. The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $109.40 and a fifty-two week high of $170.27. The PNC Financial Services Group Dividend Announcement The PNC Financial Services Group ( NYSE:PNC Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Friday, October 13th. The financial services provider reported $3.60 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $3.10 by $0.50. The business had revenue of $5.23 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.32 billion. The PNC Financial Services Group had a net margin of 20.39% and a return on equity of 12.91%. The PNC Financial Services Groups revenue for the quarter was down 5.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $3.78 earnings per share. Equities research analysts expect that The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. will post 13.86 EPS for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Sunday, November 5th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, October 17th were given a $1.55 dividend. This represents a $6.20 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.79%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, October 16th. The PNC Financial Services Groups dividend payout ratio is 43.03%. Analyst Ratings Changes PNC has been the topic of a number of research reports. HSBC started coverage on The PNC Financial Services Group in a research report on Thursday, September 7th. They set a reduce rating and a $110.00 price target on the stock. Royal Bank of Canada restated an outperform rating and issued a $140.00 target price on shares of The PNC Financial Services Group in a research report on Tuesday, October 24th. Morgan Stanley decreased their price objective on The PNC Financial Services Group from $144.00 to $142.00 and set an underweight rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, October 3rd. Bank of America raised The PNC Financial Services Group from an underperform rating to a neutral rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 10th. Finally, StockNews.com raised The PNC Financial Services Group from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Thursday, November 9th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have given a hold rating and seven have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $150.99. Check Out Our Latest Analysis on PNC About The PNC Financial Services Group (Free Report) The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc operates as a diversified financial services company in the United States. It operates through three segments: Retail Banking, Corporate & Institutional Banking, and Asset Management Group segments. The company's Retail Banking segment offers checking, savings, and money market accounts, as well as certificates of deposit; residential mortgages, home equity loans and lines of credit, auto loans, credit cards, education loans, and personal and small business loans and lines of credit; and brokerage, insurance, and investment and cash management services. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PNC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE:PNC Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for The PNC Financial Services Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for The PNC Financial Services Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Citigroup Inc. boosted its holdings in Edison International (NYSE:EIX Free Report) by 32.8% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 697,622 shares of the utilities providers stock after acquiring an additional 172,125 shares during the quarter. Citigroup Inc. owned 0.18% of Edison International worth $48,450,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other large investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in EIX. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP grew its stake in Edison International by 12.6% during the first quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 1,234,491 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $86,534,000 after buying an additional 137,840 shares during the last quarter. Aviva PLC grew its stake in Edison International by 21.5% during the first quarter. Aviva PLC now owns 151,158 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $10,596,000 after buying an additional 26,797 shares during the last quarter. Prudential PLC bought a new stake in Edison International during the first quarter worth about $688,000. Cetera Investment Advisers grew its stake in Edison International by 30.5% during the first quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 6,916 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $485,000 after buying an additional 1,617 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Vanguard Group Inc. grew its stake in Edison International by 1.7% during the first quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 44,530,226 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $3,121,569,000 after buying an additional 731,841 shares during the last quarter. 88.17% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Edison International alerts: Insider Buying and Selling In related news, SVP Caroline Choi sold 11,222 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, September 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $71.64, for a total transaction of $803,944.08. Following the sale, the senior vice president now directly owns 20,881 shares in the company, valued at $1,495,914.84. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. 1.03% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Edison International Trading Up 1.1 % EIX opened at $65.99 on Friday. The firms fifty day moving average is $65.17 and its two-hundred day moving average is $68.10. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.89, a quick ratio of 0.75 and a current ratio of 0.80. The firm has a market cap of $25.31 billion, a PE ratio of 20.56, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.75 and a beta of 0.86. Edison International has a twelve month low of $58.82 and a twelve month high of $74.92. Edison International (NYSE:EIX Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, November 1st. The utilities provider reported $1.38 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.46 by ($0.08). The firm had revenue of $4.70 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.71 billion. Edison International had a return on equity of 12.79% and a net margin of 8.75%. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 10.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $1.48 earnings per share. Equities research analysts anticipate that Edison International will post 4.71 EPS for the current year. Edison International Cuts Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, October 31st. Investors of record on Friday, September 29th were issued a dividend of $0.7375 per share. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, September 28th. This represents a $2.95 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.47%. Edison Internationals payout ratio is 91.90%. Analysts Set New Price Targets EIX has been the topic of several research analyst reports. Mizuho raised shares of Edison International from a neutral rating to a buy rating and upped their price objective for the stock from $73.00 to $75.00 in a research note on Tuesday, August 22nd. Barclays cut their price objective on shares of Edison International from $70.00 to $67.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, November 2nd. StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of Edison International in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Morgan Stanley cut their price objective on shares of Edison International from $53.00 to $52.00 and set an underweight rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, October 25th. Finally, Evercore ISI upgraded shares of Edison International from an in-line rating to an outperform rating and cut their price objective for the company from $74.00 to $68.00 in a report on Monday, October 23rd. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have assigned a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $71.33. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Edison International Edison International Company Profile (Free Report) Edison International, through its subsidiaries, generates and distributes electric power. The company supplies electricity to approximately 50,000 square mile area of southern California to residential, commercial, industrial, public authorities, agricultural, and other sectors. It also provides decarbonization and energy solutions to commercial, institutional, and industrial customers in North America and Europe. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Edison International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Edison International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Citigroup Inc. cut its holdings in Teledyne Technologies Incorporated (NYSE:TDY Free Report) by 7.9% in the second quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 105,415 shares of the scientific and technical instruments companys stock after selling 9,051 shares during the quarter. Citigroup Inc. owned 0.22% of Teledyne Technologies worth $43,337,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in TDY. Kistler Tiffany Companies LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Teledyne Technologies in the second quarter valued at approximately $25,000. TCI Wealth Advisors Inc. increased its position in shares of Teledyne Technologies by 236.4% during the first quarter. TCI Wealth Advisors Inc. now owns 74 shares of the scientific and technical instruments companys stock worth $33,000 after purchasing an additional 52 shares in the last quarter. Clear Street Markets LLC increased its position in shares of Teledyne Technologies by 91.7% during the first quarter. Clear Street Markets LLC now owns 92 shares of the scientific and technical instruments companys stock worth $41,000 after purchasing an additional 44 shares in the last quarter. Global Retirement Partners LLC increased its position in shares of Teledyne Technologies by 1,422.2% during the first quarter. Global Retirement Partners LLC now owns 137 shares of the scientific and technical instruments companys stock worth $56,000 after purchasing an additional 128 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Clearstead Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Teledyne Technologies during the first quarter worth approximately $59,000. 87.57% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Teledyne Technologies alerts: Teledyne Technologies Stock Performance Shares of Teledyne Technologies stock opened at $389.65 on Friday. Teledyne Technologies Incorporated has a 52 week low of $364.98 and a 52 week high of $448.71. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $397.48 and its 200-day simple moving average is $401.74. The firm has a market cap of $18.39 billion, a PE ratio of 23.63, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.53 and a beta of 1.02. The company has a quick ratio of 1.10, a current ratio of 1.68 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.32. Insider Buying and Selling Teledyne Technologies ( NYSE:TDY Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 25th. The scientific and technical instruments company reported $5.05 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $4.76 by $0.29. Teledyne Technologies had a return on equity of 10.86% and a net margin of 14.02%. The business had revenue of $1.40 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.43 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $4.54 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was up 2.9% on a year-over-year basis. Equities analysts forecast that Teledyne Technologies Incorporated will post 19.31 earnings per share for the current year. In related news, VP Melanie Susan Cibik sold 13,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, September 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $422.40, for a total transaction of $5,491,200.00. Following the transaction, the vice president now owns 27,305 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $11,533,632. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. In related news, VP Melanie Susan Cibik sold 13,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, September 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $422.40, for a total transaction of $5,491,200.00. Following the transaction, the vice president now owns 27,305 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $11,533,632. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, CEO Robert Mehrabian sold 45,500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, August 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $416.13, for a total value of $18,933,915.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 196,052 shares in the company, valued at approximately $81,583,118.76. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last 90 days, insiders have sold 62,717 shares of company stock valued at $26,140,340. Corporate insiders own 2.14% of the companys stock. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several brokerages recently commented on TDY. UBS Group began coverage on Teledyne Technologies in a research report on Wednesday, September 27th. They set a buy rating and a $495.00 price target for the company. StockNews.com began coverage on Teledyne Technologies in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Needham & Company LLC restated a buy rating and issued a $455.00 target price on shares of Teledyne Technologies in a report on Tuesday, October 24th. The Goldman Sachs Group upgraded Teledyne Technologies from a neutral rating to a buy rating and upped their target price for the company from $423.00 to $495.00 in a report on Monday, August 14th. Finally, BNP Paribas began coverage on Teledyne Technologies in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued an outperform rating and a $530.00 target price for the company. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Teledyne Technologies has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $503.86. Check Out Our Latest Analysis on TDY Teledyne Technologies Company Profile (Free Report) Teledyne Technologies Incorporated, together with its subsidiaries, provides enabling technologies for industrial growth markets in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, and internationally. The company's Instrumentation segment offers monitoring and control instruments for marine, environmental, industrial, and other applications, as well as electronic test and measurement equipment; and power and communications connectivity devices for distributed instrumentation systems and sensor networks. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TDY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Teledyne Technologies Incorporated (NYSE:TDY Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Teledyne Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Teledyne Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Citigroup Inc. grew its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI India ETF (BATS:INDA Free Report) by 26.6% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 1,183,677 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 248,435 shares during the quarter. Citigroup Inc. owned approximately 0.88% of iShares MSCI India ETF worth $51,727,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Bank of New York Mellon Corp lifted its position in shares of iShares MSCI India ETF by 3.1% during the 1st quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 372,165 shares of the companys stock valued at $16,587,000 after buying an additional 11,099 shares in the last quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. increased its position in shares of iShares MSCI India ETF by 5.8% during the 1st quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. now owns 12,901 shares of the companys stock valued at $575,000 after purchasing an additional 710 shares during the last quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI India ETF by 5.8% in the 1st quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC now owns 22,845 shares of the companys stock worth $1,020,000 after acquiring an additional 1,246 shares during the last quarter. BlackRock Inc. boosted its stake in shares of iShares MSCI India ETF by 3.8% during the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 15,725,497 shares of the companys stock worth $700,887,000 after purchasing an additional 579,672 shares during the period. Finally, Mather Group LLC. bought a new position in iShares MSCI India ETF during the 1st quarter valued at about $214,000. Get iShares MSCI India ETF alerts: iShares MSCI India ETF Price Performance iShares MSCI India ETF stock opened at $45.00 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $6.06 billion, a P/E ratio of 23.86 and a beta of 0.68. The companys 50-day moving average is $44.34 and its 200 day moving average is $43.51. iShares MSCI India ETF has a 1-year low of $30.57 and a 1-year high of $38.21. About iShares MSCI India ETF The iShares MSCI India ETF (INDA) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI India index, a market-cap-weighted index of the top 85% of firms in the Indian securities market. INDA was launched on Feb 2, 2012 and is managed by BlackRock. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI India ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI India ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Citigroup Inc. decreased its position in Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE:ROK Free Report) by 6.8% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 170,152 shares of the industrial products companys stock after selling 12,383 shares during the quarter. Citigroup Inc.s holdings in Rockwell Automation were worth $56,057,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Keel Point LLC raised its position in shares of Rockwell Automation by 3.1% in the second quarter. Keel Point LLC now owns 1,111 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $366,000 after buying an additional 33 shares during the last quarter. Schechter Investment Advisors LLC raised its holdings in Rockwell Automation by 4.5% in the 1st quarter. Schechter Investment Advisors LLC now owns 836 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $245,000 after acquiring an additional 36 shares during the last quarter. Dynamic Advisor Solutions LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Rockwell Automation by 3.6% during the second quarter. Dynamic Advisor Solutions LLC now owns 1,042 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $343,000 after purchasing an additional 36 shares during the last quarter. Financial Gravity Asset Management Inc. grew its position in shares of Rockwell Automation by 12.3% in the second quarter. Financial Gravity Asset Management Inc. now owns 329 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $1,872,000 after purchasing an additional 36 shares during the period. Finally, Oregon Public Employees Retirement Fund increased its stake in Rockwell Automation by 0.4% in the second quarter. Oregon Public Employees Retirement Fund now owns 8,904 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $2,933,000 after purchasing an additional 37 shares during the last quarter. 80.84% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Rockwell Automation alerts: Insiders Place Their Bets In other news, SVP Rebecca W. House sold 440 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, October 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $285.26, for a total transaction of $125,514.40. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president now directly owns 6,549 shares in the company, valued at $1,868,167.74. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In related news, VP Isaac Woods sold 113 shares of Rockwell Automation stock in a transaction on Monday, October 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $285.43, for a total value of $32,253.59. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now owns 827 shares in the company, valued at $236,050.61. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, SVP Rebecca W. House sold 440 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, October 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $285.26, for a total transaction of $125,514.40. Following the transaction, the senior vice president now directly owns 6,549 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,868,167.74. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 1,150 shares of company stock worth $311,281 in the last quarter. 0.64% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Rockwell Automation Trading Up 1.0 % Rockwell Automation Increases Dividend ROK opened at $272.78 on Friday. The firms 50 day moving average is $277.53 and its 200-day moving average is $296.20. Rockwell Automation, Inc. has a 52-week low of $248.71 and a 52-week high of $348.52. The company has a quick ratio of 1.04, a current ratio of 1.46 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.76. The firm has a market capitalization of $31.28 billion, a P/E ratio of 22.81, a P/E/G ratio of 2.05 and a beta of 1.46. The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 11th. Investors of record on Monday, November 13th will be issued a dividend of $1.25 per share. This represents a $5.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.83%. This is a positive change from Rockwell Automations previous quarterly dividend of $1.18. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, November 10th. Rockwell Automations dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 41.81%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of analysts have issued reports on the company. Morgan Stanley raised their price target on Rockwell Automation from $340.00 to $345.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 2nd. Stephens reaffirmed an equal weight rating and set a $350.00 price target on shares of Rockwell Automation in a research report on Friday, November 3rd. Bank of America decreased their price target on shares of Rockwell Automation from $375.00 to $335.00 in a report on Wednesday, August 2nd. KeyCorp initiated coverage on Rockwell Automation in a report on Monday, October 2nd. They set a sector weight rating for the company. Finally, Barclays cut their target price on Rockwell Automation from $287.00 to $270.00 in a research report on Tuesday, October 10th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, nine have assigned a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $299.20. Read Our Latest Analysis on Rockwell Automation Rockwell Automation Profile (Free Report) Rockwell Automation, Inc provides industrial automation and digital transformation solutions in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Asia Pacific, and Latin America. The company operates through three segments, Intelligent Devices, Software & Control, and Lifecycle Services. Its solutions include hardware and software products and services. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ROK? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE:ROK Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Rockwell Automation Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Rockwell Automation and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Girl Away from Home about a young Ukrainian gymnast forced to flee Russias war, premieres in NL 17 November, 07:16 PM Still from the movie Girl Away From Home (Photo:@festival.idfa.nl) "Girl Away from Home," a film directed by Denmarks Simon Lereng Wilmont and Ukraines Alisa Kovalenko, premiered at the International Documentary Film Festival (IDFA) in Amsterdam. The film tells the story of a 13-year-old girl named Nastya who flees the war. A talented rhythmic gymnast from Kyiv, Nastya and her team won a competition just weeks before Russia launched its full-scale war against Ukraine. After the invasion, Nastya is forced to flee with her grandmother to Germany, where she must rebuild her life. Video of day This is Danish director Simon Lereng Wilmont's third documentary focusing on Ukrainian children, following "The Distant Barking of Dogs" (2017) and "A House Made of Splinters," which was nominated for the 2022 Academy Award for Best Documentary. Photo: Still from the movie Girl Away From Home Alisa Kovalenko is a Ukrainian documentary film director and member of the European Film Academy. She joined the Ukrainian Volunteer Army to defend her country in the face of Russian armed aggression. Her film "We Will Not Fade Away" premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival Berlinale in Feb. 2023. The film follows the incredible journey of five teenagers from the Donbas to the Himalayas. The IDFA program also premiered "In the Rearview " by Polish director Maciek Hamela, that focuses on the evacuation of Ukrainians from war-torn regions in 2022 Hanna Badzak and Oleksandr Makhalkovich's "Motherland," which captures the 2020 protests in Minsk; and Ukraine's Oscar nominee 20 Days in Mariupol by Mstyslav Chernov. Will you support Ukraines free press? Dear reader, as all news organizations, we must balance the pressures of delivering timely, accurate, and relevant stories with requirements to fund our business operations. As a Ukrainian-based media, we also have another responsibility to amplify Ukraines voice to the world during the crucial moment of its existence as a political nation. Its the support of our readers that lets us continue doing our job. We keep our essential reporting free because we believe in our ultimate purpose: an independent, democratic Ukraine. If youre willing to support Ukraine, consider subscribing to our Patreon starting from 5$ per month. We are immensely grateful. Please help us continue fighting Russian propaganda. Truth can be hard to tell from fiction these days. Every viewpoint has its audience of backers and supporters, no matter how absurd. If conscious disinformation is reinforced by state propaganda apparatus and budget, its outcomes may become deadly. There is no solution to this, other than independent, honest, and accurate reporting. We remain committed to empowering the Ukrainian voice to push against the muck. If youre willing to stand up for the truth consider supporting us on Patreon starting from 5$ per month. Thank you very much. Will you help tell Ukraines story to the world? Twenty years ago, most people hadnt even heard of Ukraine. Today, the country is on everyones lips and everyones headlines. War pushed us on the front page. But there are many other things we do that we are proud of from music and culture to technology. We need your help to tell the world Ukrainian story of resilience, joy, and survival. If youre willing to back our effort, consider supporting us on Patreon starting from 5$ per month. We are immensely grateful. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Google News CMC Markets plc (LON:CMCX Get Free Report) declared a dividend on Thursday, November 16th, Upcoming.Co.Uk reports. Stockholders of record on Thursday, December 7th will be paid a dividend of GBX 1 ($0.01) per share on Thursday, January 11th. This represents a dividend yield of 1.05%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, December 7th. The official announcement can be viewed at this link. CMC Markets Stock Performance Shares of CMCX stock opened at GBX 94.52 ($1.16) on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.70, a quick ratio of 2.47 and a current ratio of 2.45. CMC Markets has a one year low of GBX 89.50 ($1.10) and a one year high of GBX 254 ($3.12). The companys 50-day simple moving average is GBX 100.04 and its 200-day simple moving average is GBX 134.90. The stock has a market capitalization of 264.47 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 622.67 and a beta of 0.50. Get CMC Markets alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets CMCX has been the topic of several research analyst reports. Royal Bank of Canada reduced their price target on shares of CMC Markets from GBX 250 ($3.07) to GBX 140 ($1.72) and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, September 8th. Peel Hunt cut shares of CMC Markets to an add rating and set a GBX 140 ($1.72) price target on the stock. in a research report on Tuesday, September 5th. Finally, Shore Capital reiterated a sell rating on shares of CMC Markets in a research note on Thursday. Insider Buying and Selling at CMC Markets In other news, insider Albert Soleiman purchased 312 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, November 6th. The shares were bought at an average price of GBX 96 ($1.18) per share, for a total transaction of 299.52 ($367.83). In related news, insider David Fineberg acquired 288 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, September 5th. The shares were acquired at an average price of GBX 105 ($1.29) per share, for a total transaction of 302.40 ($371.36). Also, insider Albert Soleiman acquired 312 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 6th. The shares were bought at an average price of GBX 96 ($1.18) per share, for a total transaction of 299.52 ($367.83). Over the last 90 days, insiders have bought 894 shares of company stock worth $89,886. 64.87% of the stock is owned by company insiders. CMC Markets Company Profile (Get Free Report) CMC Markets plc, together with its subsidiaries, provides online retail financial services to retail, professional, stockbroking, and institutional clients in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Canada, and internationally. The company offers its clients with the ability to trade contracts for difference and financial spread betting on a range of underlying shares, including indices, foreign currencies, commodities, and treasuries through its trading platform. See Also Receive News & Ratings for CMC Markets Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for CMC Markets and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Spire Wealth Management boosted its position in CRH plc (NYSE:CRH Free Report) by 1,672.2% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 13,061 shares of the construction companys stock after purchasing an additional 12,324 shares during the period. Spire Wealth Managements holdings in CRH were worth $728,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. Other hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased its stake in shares of CRH by 0.3% during the 1st quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 269,338 shares of the construction companys stock worth $10,790,000 after purchasing an additional 724 shares in the last quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp increased its stake in shares of CRH by 0.8% during the 1st quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 262,579 shares of the construction companys stock worth $10,519,000 after purchasing an additional 2,011 shares in the last quarter. American Century Companies Inc. purchased a new position in shares of CRH during the 1st quarter worth approximately $1,541,000. Bank of Montreal Can increased its stake in shares of CRH by 3.1% during the 1st quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 27,121 shares of the construction companys stock worth $1,113,000 after purchasing an additional 816 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Prudential Financial Inc. increased its stake in shares of CRH by 24.6% during the 1st quarter. Prudential Financial Inc. now owns 8,328 shares of the construction companys stock worth $334,000 after purchasing an additional 1,643 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 8.21% of the companys stock. Get CRH alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several research firms have commented on CRH. Citigroup lifted their target price on shares of CRH from $75.61 to $76.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, October 19th. The Goldman Sachs Group began coverage on shares of CRH in a research note on Monday, November 6th. They issued a neutral rating and a $58.00 target price for the company. Finally, StockNews.com cut shares of CRH from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research note on Monday. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, CRH presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $47.30. CRH Stock Up 0.1 % Shares of NYSE CRH opened at $59.19 on Friday. CRH plc has a 52-week low of $38.28 and a 52-week high of $61.47. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $55.95 and a 200-day moving average of $54.71. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.35, a current ratio of 1.34 and a quick ratio of 0.96. CRH Cuts Dividend The business also recently disclosed a semi-annual dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, November 22nd. Stockholders of record on Friday, October 20th will be paid a dividend of $0.25 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, October 19th. This represents a dividend yield of 0.4%. CRH Profile (Free Report) CRH plc, through its subsidiaries, manufactures and distributes building materials in Ireland and internationally. It operates through three segments: Americas Materials, Europe Materials, and Building Products. The company manufactures and supplies cement, lime, aggregates, precast, ready mixed concrete, and asphalt products; concrete masonry and hardscape products comprising pavers, kerbs, retaining walls, and related patio products; It also offers precast concrete and polymer-based products, such as underground vaults, drainage pipes and structures, utility enclosures, and modular precast structures to the water, energy, communication, transportation, and building structures markets; and construction accessories, such as engineered anchoring, fixing, and connection solutions, as well as lifting systems, formwork accessories, and other accessories used in construction applications. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CRH? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for CRH plc (NYSE:CRH Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for CRH Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for CRH and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:DLR Get Free Report) hit a new 52-week high on Wednesday . The company traded as high as $135.82 and last traded at $135.43, with a volume of 326319 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $134.30. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several equities analysts have commented on DLR shares. Scotiabank began coverage on Digital Realty Trust in a research report on Friday, October 13th. They issued a sector perform rating and a $132.00 target price for the company. Citigroup lifted their target price on shares of Digital Realty Trust from $128.00 to $136.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, August 22nd. Truist Financial boosted their target price on shares of Digital Realty Trust from $130.00 to $138.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, September 20th. Morgan Stanley dropped their price target on shares of Digital Realty Trust from $102.00 to $98.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research note on Monday, October 23rd. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada boosted their price objective on shares of Digital Realty Trust from $125.00 to $140.00 and gave the stock an outperformer rating in a research note on Monday, August 7th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have given a hold rating, three have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Digital Realty Trust has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $121.71. Get Digital Realty Trust alerts: View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Digital Realty Trust Digital Realty Trust Stock Performance Institutional Investors Weigh In On Digital Realty Trust The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.94, a current ratio of 1.11 and a quick ratio of 1.11. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $124.21 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $116.13. The firm has a market capitalization of $40.93 billion, a P/E ratio of 47.09, a P/E/G ratio of 1.91 and a beta of 0.53. A number of large investors have recently bought and sold shares of DLR. City State Bank bought a new stake in Digital Realty Trust in the 2nd quarter valued at about $25,000. First Financial Corp IN increased its holdings in shares of Digital Realty Trust by 93.9% during the second quarter. First Financial Corp IN now owns 221 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $25,000 after acquiring an additional 107 shares in the last quarter. Wolff Wiese Magana LLC raised its position in shares of Digital Realty Trust by 4,560.0% during the second quarter. Wolff Wiese Magana LLC now owns 233 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $27,000 after purchasing an additional 228 shares during the period. Operose Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of Digital Realty Trust in the 3rd quarter worth $27,000. Finally, Carolinas Wealth Consulting LLC grew its position in Digital Realty Trust by 156.1% in the 1st quarter. Carolinas Wealth Consulting LLC now owns 274 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $27,000 after purchasing an additional 167 shares during the period. 99.71% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Digital Realty Trust Company Profile (Get Free Report) Digital Realty brings companies and data together by delivering the full spectrum of data center, colocation, and interconnection solutions. PlatformDIGITAL, the company's global data center platform, provides customers with a secure data "meeting place" and a proven Pervasive Datacenter Architecture (PDx) solution methodology for powering innovation and efficiently managing Data Gravity challenges. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Digital Realty Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Digital Realty Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP boosted its holdings in Moodys Co. (NYSE:MCO Free Report) by 1.2% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 686,872 shares of the business services providers stock after purchasing an additional 8,083 shares during the quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP owned 0.37% of Moodys worth $238,832,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the business. Markel Corp raised its stake in Moodys by 0.8% in the first quarter. Markel Corp now owns 212,990 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $71,865,000 after purchasing an additional 1,750 shares in the last quarter. Raymond James Trust N.A. boosted its position in shares of Moodys by 6.8% during the 1st quarter. Raymond James Trust N.A. now owns 2,126 shares of the business services providers stock worth $717,000 after acquiring an additional 135 shares in the last quarter. Prudential PLC acquired a new stake in shares of Moodys during the 1st quarter worth approximately $1,078,000. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC increased its stake in Moodys by 8.7% in the first quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC now owns 1,980 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $668,000 after acquiring an additional 158 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Candriam Luxembourg S.C.A. raised its position in Moodys by 2.3% during the first quarter. Candriam Luxembourg S.C.A. now owns 30,994 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $10,457,000 after purchasing an additional 684 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 90.07% of the companys stock. Get Moody's alerts: Moodys Stock Performance Shares of Moodys stock opened at $353.57 on Friday. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $325.54 and a 200 day simple moving average of $330.75. Moodys Co. has a one year low of $272.70 and a one year high of $363.19. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.04, a current ratio of 1.78 and a quick ratio of 1.78. The firm has a market capitalization of $64.70 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 43.01, a PEG ratio of 2.80 and a beta of 1.28. Moodys Dividend Announcement Moodys ( NYSE:MCO Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 25th. The business services provider reported $2.43 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.35 by $0.08. Moodys had a return on equity of 55.27% and a net margin of 26.42%. The firm had revenue of $1.47 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.46 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $1.85 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was up 15.5% on a year-over-year basis. On average, research analysts anticipate that Moodys Co. will post 10.03 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 15th. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 24th will be issued a dividend of $0.77 per share. This represents a $3.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.87%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, November 22nd. Moodyss dividend payout ratio is currently 37.47%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several analysts recently weighed in on the company. Morgan Stanley dropped their price objective on Moodys from $332.00 to $318.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, October 26th. Stifel Nicolaus reduced their price target on shares of Moodys from $344.00 to $333.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, October 26th. Royal Bank of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and set a $381.00 price objective on shares of Moodys in a research report on Thursday, October 26th. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their target price on shares of Moodys from $346.00 to $365.00 in a research note on Wednesday, July 26th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut their price objective on Moodys from $390.00 to $380.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, October 18th. Six research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $351.54. Read Our Latest Research Report on Moodys Insider Transactions at Moodys In other Moodys news, CEO Robert Fauber sold 2,546 shares of Moodys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $350.76, for a total transaction of $893,034.96. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 58,099 shares in the company, valued at approximately $20,378,805.24. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. In related news, CEO Robert Fauber sold 2,546 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $350.76, for a total value of $893,034.96. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 58,099 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $20,378,805.24. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Also, SVP Richard G. Steele sold 873 shares of Moodys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $337.88, for a total transaction of $294,969.24. Following the transaction, the senior vice president now directly owns 628 shares in the company, valued at $212,188.64. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 18,903 shares of company stock valued at $6,270,468 over the last three months. Corporate insiders own 0.42% of the companys stock. Moodys Company Profile (Free Report) Moody's Corporation operates as an integrated risk assessment firm worldwide. It operates in two segments, Moody's Investors Service and Moody's Analytics. The Moody's Investors Service segment publishes credit ratings and provides assessment services on various debt obligations, programs and facilities, and entities that issue such obligations, such as various corporate, financial institution, and governmental obligations, as well as and structured finance securities. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Moody's Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Moody's and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP trimmed its position in Element Solutions Inc (NYSE:ESI Free Report) by 1.5% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 13,073,337 shares of the companys stock after selling 192,884 shares during the period. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP owned approximately 5.41% of Element Solutions worth $251,007,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the company. Parallel Advisors LLC boosted its position in Element Solutions by 47.8% during the 2nd quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC now owns 1,713 shares of the companys stock worth $33,000 after acquiring an additional 554 shares during the last quarter. Covestor Ltd boosted its holdings in Element Solutions by 32.1% during the first quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 2,845 shares of the companys stock worth $62,000 after purchasing an additional 692 shares during the last quarter. Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. bought a new position in Element Solutions in the second quarter valued at $89,000. MetLife Investment Management LLC acquired a new stake in Element Solutions in the 1st quarter valued at $101,000. Finally, Tower Research Capital LLC TRC lifted its position in Element Solutions by 318.5% during the 1st quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 5,608 shares of the companys stock worth $108,000 after buying an additional 4,268 shares in the last quarter. 91.05% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Element Solutions alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth ESI has been the subject of several analyst reports. StockNews.com started coverage on Element Solutions in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. TheStreet downgraded shares of Element Solutions from a b rating to a c rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 25th. Finally, Mizuho upped their price objective on shares of Element Solutions from $21.00 to $22.00 in a report on Friday, July 28th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have assigned a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $21.40. Element Solutions Trading Down 0.1 % Shares of Element Solutions stock opened at $20.36 on Friday. Element Solutions Inc has a 52-week low of $17.08 and a 52-week high of $21.90. The stock has a market cap of $4.92 billion, a PE ratio of 92.55, a PEG ratio of 3.51 and a beta of 1.28. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $19.13 and a 200-day moving average of $19.21. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.90, a quick ratio of 2.59 and a current ratio of 3.45. Element Solutions (NYSE:ESI Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 25th. The company reported $0.36 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.34 by $0.02. Element Solutions had a net margin of 2.30% and a return on equity of 13.15%. The firm had revenue of $599.30 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $624.50 million. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that Element Solutions Inc will post 1.29 EPS for the current year. Element Solutions Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, September 15th. Shareholders of record on Friday, September 1st were issued a $0.08 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, August 31st. This represents a $0.32 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.57%. Element Solutionss dividend payout ratio is presently 145.45%. Insider Activity In related news, Director Nichelle Maynard-Elliott sold 4,174 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, September 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $19.61, for a total value of $81,852.14. Following the transaction, the director now owns 24,789 shares in the company, valued at $486,112.29. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Corporate insiders own 7.90% of the companys stock. Element Solutions Company Profile (Free Report) Element Solutions Inc operates as a specialty chemicals company in the United States, China, and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Electronics, and Industrial & Specialty. The Electronics segment researches, formulates, and sells specialty chemicals and materials for various types of electronics hardware products. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Element Solutions Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Element Solutions and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Sun Life Financial Inc. (NYSE:SLF Free Report) (TSE:SLF) Equities researchers at Cormark raised their FY2023 earnings per share (EPS) estimates for Sun Life Financial in a research report issued to clients and investors on Tuesday, November 14th. Cormark analyst L. Persaud now anticipates that the financial services provider will post earnings of $4.51 per share for the year, up from their prior forecast of $4.49. The consensus estimate for Sun Life Financials current full-year earnings is $4.62 per share. Cormark also issued estimates for Sun Life Financials FY2024 earnings at $4.82 EPS. Get Sun Life Financial alerts: SLF has been the subject of a number of other research reports. Credit Suisse Group lowered their price objective on Sun Life Financial from $79.00 to $77.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, August 10th. StockNews.com assumed coverage on Sun Life Financial in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating for the company. Sun Life Financial Stock Down 0.4 % Shares of NYSE:SLF opened at $50.25 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $29.36 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.17, a P/E/G ratio of 1.37 and a beta of 1.01. Sun Life Financial has a 52 week low of $43.53 and a 52 week high of $53.21. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $48.20 and a 200-day simple moving average of $49.40. Sun Life Financial Cuts Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 29th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, November 29th will be given a $0.5637 dividend. This represents a $2.25 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.49%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, November 28th. Sun Life Financials payout ratio is 54.96%. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of SLF. Parallel Advisors LLC raised its stake in Sun Life Financial by 5.7% during the second quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC now owns 3,612 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $188,000 after buying an additional 196 shares in the last quarter. Clarius Group LLC raised its position in shares of Sun Life Financial by 4.3% during the 2nd quarter. Clarius Group LLC now owns 4,964 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $259,000 after purchasing an additional 203 shares during the period. Captrust Financial Advisors raised its position in shares of Sun Life Financial by 2.1% during the 4th quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors now owns 11,065 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $514,000 after purchasing an additional 230 shares during the period. HighTower Advisors LLC raised its position in shares of Sun Life Financial by 1.4% during the 1st quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC now owns 18,369 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $858,000 after purchasing an additional 258 shares during the period. Finally, Rhumbline Advisers raised its position in shares of Sun Life Financial by 9.6% during the 3rd quarter. Rhumbline Advisers now owns 3,021 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $147,000 after purchasing an additional 265 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 44.96% of the companys stock. About Sun Life Financial (Get Free Report) Sun Life Financial Inc, a financial services company, provides savings, retirement, and pension products worldwide. It offers term and permanent life, as well as personal health, dental, critical illness, long-term care, and disability insurance products. The company provides financial advice, asset management, and investments related products. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Sun Life Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Sun Life Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Haverty Furniture Companies, Inc. (NYSE:HVT Get Free Report) Director Rawson Haverty, Jr. sold 3,519 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $31.57, for a total transaction of $111,094.83. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 84,074 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,654,216.18. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Haverty Furniture Companies Stock Down 2.0 % Shares of HVT opened at $31.01 on Friday. Haverty Furniture Companies, Inc. has a twelve month low of $25.05 and a twelve month high of $38.85. The stock has a market capitalization of $504.53 million, a P/E ratio of 8.05, a P/E/G ratio of 0.77 and a beta of 1.46. The company has a 50 day moving average of $28.74 and a 200-day moving average of $29.61. Get Haverty Furniture Companies alerts: Haverty Furniture Companies Dividend Announcement The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, December 13th. Investors of record on Tuesday, November 28th will be given a $0.30 dividend. This represents a $1.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.87%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, November 27th. Haverty Furniture Companiess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 31.17%. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Haverty Furniture Companies Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in HVT. Swiss National Bank raised its holdings in Haverty Furniture Companies by 7.0% during the first quarter. Swiss National Bank now owns 38,000 shares of the companys stock worth $1,042,000 after acquiring an additional 2,500 shares in the last quarter. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. grew its stake in shares of Haverty Furniture Companies by 42.9% in the first quarter. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. now owns 16,025 shares of the companys stock valued at $439,000 after buying an additional 4,811 shares in the last quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp increased its holdings in Haverty Furniture Companies by 2.6% during the first quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 259,902 shares of the companys stock worth $7,126,000 after buying an additional 6,490 shares during the last quarter. American Century Companies Inc. raised its position in Haverty Furniture Companies by 31.5% during the first quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 63,376 shares of the companys stock worth $1,738,000 after acquiring an additional 15,192 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Citigroup Inc. lifted its stake in Haverty Furniture Companies by 9.4% in the first quarter. Citigroup Inc. now owns 19,243 shares of the companys stock valued at $528,000 after acquiring an additional 1,647 shares during the last quarter. 80.46% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. HVT has been the subject of a number of research analyst reports. StockNews.com raised shares of Haverty Furniture Companies from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, November 9th. Benchmark reaffirmed a buy rating and set a $41.00 price objective on shares of Haverty Furniture Companies in a research report on Wednesday, August 2nd. Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on HVT Haverty Furniture Companies Company Profile (Get Free Report) Haverty Furniture Companies, Inc operates as a specialty retailer of residential furniture and accessories in the United States. The company offers furniture merchandise under the Havertys brand name. It also provides custom upholstery products and eclectic looks; and mattress product lines under the Tempur-Pedic, Serta, Sealy, and Stearns and Foster names, as well as private label Skye name. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Haverty Furniture Companies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Haverty Furniture Companies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Jupiter Asset Management Ltd. lowered its holdings in Alaska Air Group, Inc. (NYSE:ALK Free Report) by 26.8% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 511,669 shares of the transportation companys stock after selling 187,797 shares during the quarter. Jupiter Asset Management Ltd. owned approximately 0.40% of Alaska Air Group worth $27,226,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other large investors have also modified their holdings of ALK. WealthPLAN Partners LLC bought a new stake in shares of Alaska Air Group in the 1st quarter valued at about $30,000. Private Trust Co. NA raised its holdings in shares of Alaska Air Group by 279.0% in the 2nd quarter. Private Trust Co. NA now owns 595 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $32,000 after purchasing an additional 438 shares in the last quarter. Covestor Ltd raised its holdings in shares of Alaska Air Group by 416.4% in the 1st quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 568 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $33,000 after purchasing an additional 458 shares in the last quarter. ING Groep NV bought a new stake in shares of Alaska Air Group in the 1st quarter valued at about $79,000. Finally, Global Retirement Partners LLC raised its holdings in shares of Alaska Air Group by 75.9% in the 1st quarter. Global Retirement Partners LLC now owns 1,858 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $81,000 after purchasing an additional 802 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 80.58% of the companys stock. Get Alaska Air Group alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes ALK has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. The Goldman Sachs Group reduced their price objective on shares of Alaska Air Group from $63.00 to $61.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, July 25th. Raymond James reduced their price objective on shares of Alaska Air Group from $58.00 to $53.00 and set a strong-buy rating for the company in a research note on Friday, October 20th. Morgan Stanley reduced their price objective on shares of Alaska Air Group from $75.00 to $70.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Monday, October 2nd. StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of Alaska Air Group in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating for the company. Finally, Susquehanna reduced their price objective on shares of Alaska Air Group from $58.00 to $41.00 and set a positive rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, October 11th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, six have issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $58.91. Alaska Air Group Trading Down 2.2 % Shares of Alaska Air Group stock opened at $36.20 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 0.72, a quick ratio of 0.69 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.79. Alaska Air Group, Inc. has a 12-month low of $30.75 and a 12-month high of $57.18. The firm has a market capitalization of $4.64 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.10, a PEG ratio of 0.82 and a beta of 1.58. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $35.23 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $43.03. Alaska Air Group (NYSE:ALK Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 19th. The transportation company reported $1.83 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.87 by ($0.04). Alaska Air Group had a net margin of 2.50% and a return on equity of 17.06%. The company had revenue of $2.84 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.87 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $2.53 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was up .4% compared to the same quarter last year. Analysts predict that Alaska Air Group, Inc. will post 4.43 EPS for the current year. Alaska Air Group Profile (Free Report) Alaska Air Group, Inc, through its subsidiaries, operated airlines. The company operates through three segments: Mainline, Regional, and Horizon. The company offers scheduled air transportation services on Boeing and Airbus jet aircraft for passengers and cargo throughout the United States, and in parts of Mexico, Costa Rica, and Belize; and for passengers across a shorter distance network within the United States and Canada. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ALK? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Alaska Air Group, Inc. (NYSE:ALK Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Alaska Air Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Alaska Air Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Kinsale Capital Group, Inc. (NYSE:KNSL Get Free Report) declared a quarterly dividend on Wednesday, November 15th, Zacks reports. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, November 29th will be given a dividend of 0.14 per share by the financial services provider on Wednesday, December 13th. This represents a $0.56 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.16%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, November 28th. Kinsale Capital Group has raised its dividend payment by an average of 17.6% annually over the last three years and has increased its dividend annually for the last 7 consecutive years. Kinsale Capital Group has a payout ratio of 3.9% meaning its dividend is sufficiently covered by earnings. Analysts expect Kinsale Capital Group to earn $14.53 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $0.56 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 3.9%. Get Kinsale Capital Group alerts: Kinsale Capital Group Price Performance Kinsale Capital Group stock opened at $352.94 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 0.14, a quick ratio of 0.14 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.20. The firm has a market capitalization of $8.18 billion, a P/E ratio of 30.22 and a beta of 0.90. The business has a 50-day moving average of $401.57 and a 200-day moving average of $373.47. Kinsale Capital Group has a 1 year low of $250.90 and a 1 year high of $457.73. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Kinsale Capital Group ( NYSE:KNSL Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Friday, October 27th. The financial services provider reported $3.31 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.93 by $0.38. Kinsale Capital Group had a net margin of 24.50% and a return on equity of 31.16%. The business had revenue of $377.79 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $362.43 million. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $1.64 EPS. Kinsale Capital Groups quarterly revenue was up 33.0% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities analysts anticipate that Kinsale Capital Group will post 11.96 EPS for the current year. KNSL has been the subject of a number of recent analyst reports. Truist Financial restated a buy rating and issued a $450.00 price objective on shares of Kinsale Capital Group in a research report on Tuesday, October 31st. StockNews.com started coverage on Kinsale Capital Group in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating for the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price objective on Kinsale Capital Group from $350.00 to $370.00 in a report on Monday, October 2nd. BMO Capital Markets lowered their target price on Kinsale Capital Group from $450.00 to $434.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Monday, October 30th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group raised their target price on shares of Kinsale Capital Group from $395.00 to $420.00 in a report on Friday, October 6th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $422.14. Read Our Latest Research Report on KNSL Insider Activity In other news, CEO Michael P. Kehoe sold 4,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, August 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $376.82, for a total value of $1,507,280.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 307,117 shares in the company, valued at approximately $115,727,827.94. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. In other Kinsale Capital Group news, CEO Michael P. Kehoe sold 4,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, August 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $376.82, for a total value of $1,507,280.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 307,117 shares in the company, valued at $115,727,827.94. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, Director Robert V. Hatcher III sold 195 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, September 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $409.02, for a total value of $79,758.90. Following the sale, the director now owns 1,086 shares in the company, valued at approximately $444,195.72. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 9,695 shares of company stock worth $3,582,859 over the last ninety days. Insiders own 6.00% of the companys stock. Institutional Trading of Kinsale Capital Group Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of KNSL. Creative Planning raised its position in shares of Kinsale Capital Group by 62.2% in the third quarter. Creative Planning now owns 2,967 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,229,000 after purchasing an additional 1,138 shares during the period. Mercer Global Advisors Inc. ADV grew its stake in Kinsale Capital Group by 26.4% in the 3rd quarter. Mercer Global Advisors Inc. ADV now owns 851 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $352,000 after buying an additional 178 shares during the last quarter. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company raised its holdings in Kinsale Capital Group by 17.5% in the 3rd quarter. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company now owns 19,240 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $7,968,000 after acquiring an additional 2,866 shares during the period. AQR Capital Management LLC lifted its position in Kinsale Capital Group by 40.9% during the third quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 2,935 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,215,000 after acquiring an additional 852 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Virginia Retirement Systems ET AL bought a new stake in shares of Kinsale Capital Group during the second quarter worth approximately $674,000. Institutional investors own 83.68% of the companys stock. About Kinsale Capital Group (Get Free Report) Kinsale Capital Group, Inc, a specialty insurance company, provides property and casualty insurance products in the United States. The company's commercial lines offerings include construction, small business, excess and general casualty, commercial property, allied health, life sciences, energy, environmental, health care, inland marine, public entity, and commercial insurance, as well as product, professional, and management liability insurance. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Kinsale Capital Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Kinsale Capital Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Meitav Investment House Ltd. bought a new stake in BP Prudhoe Bay Royalty Trust (NYSE:BPT Free Report) in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund bought 43,700 shares of the oil and gas companys stock, valued at approximately $1,525,000. Meitav Investment House Ltd. owned about 0.20% of BP Prudhoe Bay Royalty Trust at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in BPT. Northern Trust Corp acquired a new position in BP Prudhoe Bay Royalty Trust in the 2nd quarter valued at about $1,024,000. Two Sigma Investments LP purchased a new stake in BP Prudhoe Bay Royalty Trust in the 3rd quarter valued at about $472,000. BNP Paribas Arbitrage SNC grew its holdings in BP Prudhoe Bay Royalty Trust by 6,982.1% in the 1st quarter. BNP Paribas Arbitrage SNC now owns 35,127 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $268,000 after buying an additional 34,631 shares during the period. NewEdge Advisors LLC grew its holdings in BP Prudhoe Bay Royalty Trust by 239.0% in the 1st quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 41,572 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $622,000 after buying an additional 29,308 shares during the period. Finally, Cetera Advisor Networks LLC purchased a new stake in BP Prudhoe Bay Royalty Trust in the 4th quarter valued at about $291,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 4.32% of the companys stock. Get BP Prudhoe Bay Royalty Trust alerts: BP Prudhoe Bay Royalty Trust Stock Performance BPT opened at $3.35 on Friday. The business has a 50-day moving average of $5.55 and a two-hundred day moving average of $5.66. BP Prudhoe Bay Royalty Trust has a 12 month low of $3.18 and a 12 month high of $14.36. Analysts Set New Price Targets Separately, StockNews.com initiated coverage on BP Prudhoe Bay Royalty Trust in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Read Our Latest Research Report on BP Prudhoe Bay Royalty Trust About BP Prudhoe Bay Royalty Trust (Free Report) BP Prudhoe Bay Royalty Trust operates as a grantor trust in the United States. It holds overriding royalty interest in the Prudhoe Bay oil field located on the North Slope of Alaska. The Prudhoe Bay field extends approximately 12 miles by 27 miles and contains approximately 150,000 gross productive acres. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for BP Prudhoe Bay Royalty Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BP Prudhoe Bay Royalty Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Finland announces 20th aid package worth over $100 million to Ukraine 17 November, 08:12 PM Flag of Finland (Photo:Merja Partanen / Pixabay) Finland has handed over a new military aid package worth 100 million euros ($109 million) to Ukraine, the country's Defense Ministry announced on Nov. 17. Its the 20th aid package Finland has given to Ukraine, worth a total of 1.5 billion euros ($1.6 billion). Finnish President Sauli Niinisto made this decision on Nov. 17, at the request of the government. "What is at stake in Ukraine's defensive struggle is the security environment for Europe and Finland over the next decade," said Defense Minister Antti Hakkanen, adding that the country, along with its allies, remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting Ukrainians. Video of day No information about the contents of the package, the method of its delivery, or the time of arrival is disclosed for security reasons. The decision considered both the needs of Ukraine and the resources of the Finnish Defense Forces. On Oct. 11, following a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (Ramstein format), Finland announced the allocation of the 19th aid package to Ukraine, totalling almost 95 million euros ($103 million). The Finnish authorities did not disclose the contents of the package or the terms of delivery. Will you support Ukraines free press? Dear reader, as all news organizations, we must balance the pressures of delivering timely, accurate, and relevant stories with requirements to fund our business operations. As a Ukrainian-based media, we also have another responsibility to amplify Ukraines voice to the world during the crucial moment of its existence as a political nation. Its the support of our readers that lets us continue doing our job. We keep our essential reporting free because we believe in our ultimate purpose: an independent, democratic Ukraine. If youre willing to support Ukraine, consider subscribing to our Patreon starting from 5$ per month. We are immensely grateful. Please help us continue fighting Russian propaganda. Truth can be hard to tell from fiction these days. Every viewpoint has its audience of backers and supporters, no matter how absurd. If conscious disinformation is reinforced by state propaganda apparatus and budget, its outcomes may become deadly. There is no solution to this, other than independent, honest, and accurate reporting. We remain committed to empowering the Ukrainian voice to push against the muck. If youre willing to stand up for the truth consider supporting us on Patreon starting from 5$ per month. Thank you very much. Will you help tell Ukraines story to the world? Twenty years ago, most people hadnt even heard of Ukraine. Today, the country is on everyones lips and everyones headlines. War pushed us on the front page. But there are many other things we do that we are proud of from music and culture to technology. We need your help to tell the world Ukrainian story of resilience, joy, and survival. If youre willing to back our effort, consider supporting us on Patreon starting from 5$ per month. We are immensely grateful. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Google News StockNews.com upgraded shares of Meritage Homes (NYSE:MTH Free Report) from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report report published on Thursday. A number of other equities research analysts have also recently issued reports on MTH. Seaport Res Ptn raised shares of Meritage Homes from a neutral rating to a buy rating in a research note on Friday, November 3rd. UBS Group boosted their price target on shares of Meritage Homes from $155.00 to $188.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Monday, July 31st. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $136.33. Get Meritage Homes alerts: View Our Latest Stock Report on MTH Meritage Homes Trading Up 0.1 % NYSE MTH opened at $141.85 on Thursday. The companys 50-day moving average price is $123.13 and its 200-day moving average price is $130.41. The company has a current ratio of 1.82, a quick ratio of 1.82 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.23. The stock has a market cap of $5.17 billion, a PE ratio of 6.56 and a beta of 1.69. Meritage Homes has a 12 month low of $79.92 and a 12 month high of $152.55. Meritage Homes (NYSE:MTH Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 31st. The construction company reported $5.98 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $5.10 by $0.88. The business had revenue of $1.61 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.56 billion. Meritage Homes had a net margin of 12.40% and a return on equity of 19.23%. The companys revenue was up 2.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the business earned $7.10 EPS. Equities research analysts forecast that Meritage Homes will post 19.45 earnings per share for the current year. Meritage Homes Announces Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, September 29th. Investors of record on Friday, September 15th were paid a dividend of $0.27 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, September 14th. This represents a $1.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.76%. Meritage Homess payout ratio is currently 4.99%. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. increased its position in Meritage Homes by 137.5% in the 1st quarter. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. now owns 12,550 shares of the construction companys stock worth $994,000 after purchasing an additional 7,266 shares during the last quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. lifted its position in shares of Meritage Homes by 43.7% during the 1st quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. now owns 3,740 shares of the construction companys stock worth $296,000 after buying an additional 1,138 shares during the period. AlphaCrest Capital Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Meritage Homes during the 1st quarter worth approximately $464,000. Bank of Montreal Can increased its holdings in Meritage Homes by 7.0% during the 1st quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 14,632 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $1,227,000 after purchasing an additional 962 shares in the last quarter. Finally, MetLife Investment Management LLC increased its stake in shares of Meritage Homes by 49.3% in the 1st quarter. MetLife Investment Management LLC now owns 19,463 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $1,542,000 after buying an additional 6,431 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 99.48% of the companys stock. Meritage Homes Company Profile (Get Free Report) Meritage Homes Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, designs and builds single-family attached and detached homes in the United States. The company operates through two segments, Homebuilding and Financial Services. It acquires and develops land; and constructs, markets, and sells homes for first-time and first move-up buyers in Texas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Meritage Homes Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Meritage Homes and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Moors & Cabot Inc. lifted its holdings in Occidental Petroleum Co. (NYSE:OXY Free Report) by 11.8% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 26,968 shares of the oil and gas producers stock after buying an additional 2,853 shares during the period. Moors & Cabot Inc.s holdings in Occidental Petroleum were worth $1,586,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of the company. KLCM Advisors Inc. raised its stake in Occidental Petroleum by 3.3% during the second quarter. KLCM Advisors Inc. now owns 4,939 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $290,000 after purchasing an additional 160 shares during the period. Herold Advisors Inc. raised its stake in Occidental Petroleum by 4.3% during the second quarter. Herold Advisors Inc. now owns 4,205 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $247,000 after purchasing an additional 175 shares during the period. Lazard Asset Management LLC raised its stake in Occidental Petroleum by 1.5% during the first quarter. Lazard Asset Management LLC now owns 11,920 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $676,000 after purchasing an additional 180 shares during the period. Greenleaf Trust raised its stake in shares of Occidental Petroleum by 1.6% in the 1st quarter. Greenleaf Trust now owns 11,912 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $744,000 after acquiring an additional 183 shares during the period. Finally, AXA S.A. raised its stake in shares of Occidental Petroleum by 0.5% in the 1st quarter. AXA S.A. now owns 39,970 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $2,495,000 after acquiring an additional 191 shares during the period. 77.54% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Occidental Petroleum alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes A number of research firms have recently issued reports on OXY. Raymond James reduced their price target on shares of Occidental Petroleum from $80.00 to $75.00 and set a strong-buy rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, July 24th. Bank of America lifted their price objective on shares of Occidental Petroleum from $78.00 to $82.00 in a report on Wednesday, September 27th. Roth Mkm restated a neutral rating and issued a $60.00 price objective on shares of Occidental Petroleum in a report on Tuesday, September 12th. StockNews.com upgraded shares of Occidental Petroleum from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, November 8th. Finally, Wolfe Research cut shares of Occidental Petroleum from an outperform rating to a peer perform rating in a report on Friday, November 10th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, ten have given a hold rating, eight have issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Occidental Petroleum currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $71.53. Insider Buying and Selling at Occidental Petroleum In other Occidental Petroleum news, major shareholder Berkshire Hathaway Inc bought 1,040,067 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, October 25th. The stock was purchased at an average cost of $63.05 per share, for a total transaction of $65,576,224.35. Following the acquisition, the insider now owns 228,051,027 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $14,378,617,252.35. The acquisition was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. In other Occidental Petroleum news, major shareholder Petroleum Corp /De/ Occidental sold 5,100,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, September 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $25.00, for a total transaction of $127,500,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 185,181,578 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,629,539,450. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, major shareholder Berkshire Hathaway Inc purchased 1,040,067 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, October 25th. The shares were purchased at an average price of $63.05 per share, with a total value of $65,576,224.35. Following the completion of the acquisition, the insider now owns 228,051,027 shares of the companys stock, valued at $14,378,617,252.35. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. 0.31% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Occidental Petroleum Stock Down 1.6 % OXY stock opened at $60.31 on Friday. Occidental Petroleum Co. has a one year low of $55.51 and a one year high of $72.88. The stock has a market capitalization of $53.10 billion, a PE ratio of 13.20, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.68 and a beta of 1.70. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.88, a quick ratio of 0.70 and a current ratio of 0.92. The company has a fifty day moving average of $63.37 and a 200-day moving average of $61.49. Occidental Petroleum (NYSE:OXY Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, November 7th. The oil and gas producer reported $1.18 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.89 by $0.29. Occidental Petroleum had a net margin of 18.26% and a return on equity of 25.39%. The company had revenue of $7.40 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $7.05 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $2.44 EPS. The businesss revenue was down 22.1% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, analysts expect that Occidental Petroleum Co. will post 4.12 EPS for the current year. Occidental Petroleum Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, January 16th. Investors of record on Friday, December 8th will be paid a $0.18 dividend. This represents a $0.72 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.19%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, December 7th. Occidental Petroleums dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 15.75%. Occidental Petroleum Company Profile (Free Report) Occidental Petroleum Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of oil and gas properties in the United States, the Middle East, North Africa, and Latin America. It operates through three segments: Oil and Gas, Chemical, and Midstream and Marketing. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding OXY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Occidental Petroleum Co. (NYSE:OXY Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Occidental Petroleum Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Occidental Petroleum and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Morguard North American (TSE:MRG Get Free Report) announced a monthly dividend on Wednesday, November 15th, Zacks reports. Stockholders of record on Thursday, November 30th will be paid a dividend of 0.062 per share on Friday, December 15th. This represents a $0.74 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of . The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, November 29th. This is a boost from Morguard North Americans previous monthly dividend of $0.06. Morguard North American Price Performance Morguard North American has a one year low of C$13.17 and a one year high of C$16.21. Get Morguard North American alerts: Morguard North American (TSE:MRG Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 24th. The company reported C$0.70 earnings per share for the quarter. The business had revenue of C$83.65 million for the quarter. Morguard North American Company Profile Morguard North American Residential Real Estate Investment Trust (the Trust) is a real estate investment trust (REIT). The Trusts investment objectives are to generate stable and growing cash distributions on a tax-efficient basis; enhance the value of the REITs assets and maximize long-term Unit value through active asset and property management, and expand the asset base of the REIT and increase adjusted funds from operations per Unit primarily through acquisitions and improvement of its properties through targeted deployed capital expenditures. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Morguard North American Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Morguard North American and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Banpu Public (OTCMKTS:BNPJY Get Free Report) and NACCO Industries (NYSE:NC Get Free Report) are both energy companies, but which is the better stock? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their earnings, institutional ownership, profitability, analyst recommendations, risk, valuation and dividends. Institutional & Insider Ownership 34.1% of NACCO Industries shares are owned by institutional investors. 40.7% of NACCO Industries shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, hedge funds and endowments believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term. Get Banpu Public alerts: Earnings and Valuation This table compares Banpu Public and NACCO Industries gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Banpu Public N/A N/A N/A $30.22 0.17 NACCO Industries $241.72 million 1.09 $74.16 million $2.43 14.49 Dividends NACCO Industries has higher revenue and earnings than Banpu Public. Banpu Public is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than NACCO Industries, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Banpu Public pays an annual dividend of $19.25 per share and has a dividend yield of 384.9%. NACCO Industries pays an annual dividend of $0.87 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.5%. Banpu Public pays out 63.7% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. NACCO Industries pays out 35.8% 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. NACCO Industries has raised its dividend for 5 consecutive years. Analyst Ratings This is a summary of current recommendations for Banpu Public and NACCO Industries, as reported by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Banpu Public 1 0 0 0 1.00 NACCO Industries 0 0 0 0 N/A Profitability This table compares Banpu Public and NACCO Industries net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Banpu Public N/A N/A N/A NACCO Industries 8.20% 4.22% 3.18% Summary NACCO Industries beats Banpu Public on 9 of the 11 factors compared between the two stocks. About Banpu Public (Get Free Report) Banpu Public Company Limited engages in the coal mining and power businesses. The company operates various coal projects in Mongolia; thermal power plants in Thailand, Lao PDR, and China; wind farm in Vietnam; and solar farms in Japan. It provides solar rooftop solutions and installation for industries and large businesses; energy storage solutions; electric vehicle and fleet management services; consultation services on customized energy management system; and renewable energy ecosystem for clean energy. The company also involved in the power and steam production, purchase, and trading business; solar power generation; logistics; coal marketing activities; natural gas business; investment in oil and gas, power, and renewable energy; and research and development business, as well as foreign trade, minerals mining, and tourism businesses. In addition, it provides coal mining and trading; and management consultation services, as well as fuel trading services. Further, the company sells construction materials; and stores and sells electricity using battery. The company was formerly known as Ban Pu Coal Company Limited and changed its name to Banpu Public Company Limited in July 1993. Banpu Public Company Limited was founded in 1983 and is headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand. About NACCO Industries (Get Free Report) NACCO Industries, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the natural resources business. The company operates through three segments: Coal Mining, North American Mining, and Minerals Management. The Coal Mining segment operates surface coal mines under long-term contracts for power generation companies and an activated carbon producer in North Dakota, Texas, Mississippi, and Louisiana, as well as Navajo Nation in New Mexico. The North American Mining segment provides value-added contract mining and other services for producers of aggregates, activated carbon, lithium, and other industrial minerals; and contract mining services for independently owned mines and quarries in Florida, Texas, Arkansas, Indiana, Virginia, and Nebraska. The Minerals Management segment is involved in the leasing of its royalty and mineral interests to third-party exploration and production companies, and other mining companies, which grants them the rights to explore, develop, mine, produce, market, and sell gas, oil, and coal. NACCO Industries, Inc. was founded in 1913 and is headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio. Receive News & Ratings for Banpu Public Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Banpu Public and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Research analysts at Piper Sandler began coverage on shares of Perrigo (NYSE:PRGO Get Free Report) in a research note issued to investors on Friday, Marketbeat.com reports. The brokerage set an overweight rating and a $37.00 price target on the stock. Piper Sandlers price target suggests a potential upside of 26.67% from the stocks current price. A number of other brokerages have also recently weighed in on PRGO. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price target on Perrigo from $45.00 to $48.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, August 9th. StockNews.com lowered shares of Perrigo from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $44.25. Get Perrigo alerts: Get Our Latest Report on PRGO Perrigo Stock Down 3.9 % Shares of NYSE PRGO opened at $29.21 on Friday. Perrigo has a 1 year low of $26.81 and a 1 year high of $40.28. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $30.49 and its 200-day simple moving average is $33.43. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.85, a quick ratio of 1.60 and a current ratio of 2.74. The firm has a market cap of $3.96 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 584.32 and a beta of 0.87. Perrigo (NYSE:PRGO Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, November 7th. The company reported $0.64 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.61 by $0.03. Perrigo had a net margin of 0.15% and a return on equity of 6.98%. The company had revenue of $1.12 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.20 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $0.56 EPS. The companys revenue was up 2.1% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that Perrigo will post 2.55 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Insider Buying and Selling at Perrigo In other news, CFO Eduardo Guarita Bezerra acquired 5,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, November 14th. The stock was acquired at an average cost of $29.18 per share, for a total transaction of $145,900.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the chief financial officer now owns 8,428 shares in the company, valued at $245,929.04. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. In other Perrigo news, CFO Eduardo Guarita Bezerra bought 5,000 shares of Perrigo stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 14th. The stock was purchased at an average cost of $29.18 per share, for a total transaction of $145,900.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the chief financial officer now directly owns 8,428 shares of the companys stock, valued at $245,929.04. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, CEO Patrick Lockwood-Taylor purchased 11,000 shares of Perrigo stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 14th. The stock was bought at an average cost of $28.99 per share, with a total value of $318,890.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 11,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at $318,890. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. Company insiders own 0.70% of the companys stock. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Perrigo Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in PRGO. CWM LLC increased its position in Perrigo by 73.0% during the first quarter. CWM LLC now owns 699 shares of the companys stock worth $25,000 after acquiring an additional 295 shares during the period. Dark Forest Capital Management LP acquired a new stake in Perrigo in the 1st quarter valued at $31,000. Ronald Blue Trust Inc. grew its position in Perrigo by 132.3% in the third quarter. Ronald Blue Trust Inc. now owns 1,157 shares of the companys stock valued at $39,000 after acquiring an additional 659 shares during the period. Parallel Advisors LLC raised its stake in Perrigo by 434.8% during the first quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC now owns 1,214 shares of the companys stock worth $44,000 after acquiring an additional 987 shares in the last quarter. Finally, NewEdge Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Perrigo by 345.5% during the first quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 1,430 shares of the companys stock valued at $51,000 after acquiring an additional 1,109 shares during the period. 95.74% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Perrigo Company Profile (Get Free Report) Perrigo Company plc provides over-the-counter health and wellness solutions to enhance individual well-being in Ireland, the United States, France, Belgium, China, the United Kingdom, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, Australia, Greece, and Spain. It operates through Consumer Self-Care Americas and Consumer Self-Care International segments. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Perrigo Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Perrigo and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (NYSE:ANF Free Report) Analysts at Telsey Advisory Group decreased their Q1 2025 earnings per share (EPS) estimates for shares of Abercrombie & Fitch in a research report issued on Tuesday, November 14th. Telsey Advisory Group analyst D. Telsey now anticipates that the apparel retailer will post earnings per share of $0.51 for the quarter, down from their prior estimate of $0.57. Telsey Advisory Group currently has a Outperform rating and a $74.00 target price on the stock. The consensus estimate for Abercrombie & Fitchs current full-year earnings is $4.47 per share. Telsey Advisory Group also issued estimates for Abercrombie & Fitchs Q2 2025 earnings at $1.16 EPS. Get Abercrombie & Fitch alerts: Abercrombie & Fitch (NYSE:ANF Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, August 23rd. The apparel retailer reported $1.10 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.17 by $0.93. Abercrombie & Fitch had a net margin of 2.85% and a return on equity of 16.69%. The business had revenue of $935.40 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $844.07 million. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned ($0.30) EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was up 16.2% compared to the same quarter last year. Several other equities analysts have also commented on ANF. Morgan Stanley raised Abercrombie & Fitch from an underweight rating to an equal weight rating and raised their price objective for the company from $18.00 to $51.00 in a research report on Friday, August 25th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price objective on shares of Abercrombie & Fitch from $45.00 to $62.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, August 24th. TheStreet raised shares of Abercrombie & Fitch from a c rating to a b rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 23rd. UBS Group boosted their price target on Abercrombie & Fitch from $53.00 to $70.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Monday. Finally, StockNews.com raised Abercrombie & Fitch from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $53.29. View Our Latest Stock Report on ANF Abercrombie & Fitch Stock Down 1.2 % ANF stock opened at $68.97 on Friday. Abercrombie & Fitch has a fifty-two week low of $17.49 and a fifty-two week high of $71.85. The company has a market capitalization of $3.47 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 32.38 and a beta of 1.42. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $58.98 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $44.13. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.38, a quick ratio of 0.87 and a current ratio of 1.40. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Abercrombie & Fitch Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Teacher Retirement System of Texas grew its position in Abercrombie & Fitch by 100.3% during the second quarter. Teacher Retirement System of Texas now owns 36,019 shares of the apparel retailers stock valued at $1,357,000 after buying an additional 18,033 shares during the period. Russell Investments Group Ltd. increased its stake in shares of Abercrombie & Fitch by 3.4% in the 1st quarter. Russell Investments Group Ltd. now owns 108,522 shares of the apparel retailers stock worth $3,009,000 after purchasing an additional 3,597 shares in the last quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc. raised its holdings in Abercrombie & Fitch by 1.9% in the 2nd quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc. now owns 14,034 shares of the apparel retailers stock worth $529,000 after purchasing an additional 258 shares during the period. Cambria Investment Management L.P. lifted its position in Abercrombie & Fitch by 11.1% during the first quarter. Cambria Investment Management L.P. now owns 261,632 shares of the apparel retailers stock valued at $7,260,000 after purchasing an additional 26,121 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Fisher Asset Management LLC grew its holdings in Abercrombie & Fitch by 3.4% during the first quarter. Fisher Asset Management LLC now owns 1,006,883 shares of the apparel retailers stock valued at $27,941,000 after purchasing an additional 33,208 shares during the period. Insider Activity at Abercrombie & Fitch In related news, CEO Fran Horowitz sold 60,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, August 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $50.79, for a total value of $3,047,400.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 693,913 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $35,243,841.27. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In other news, CEO Fran Horowitz sold 60,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, August 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $50.79, for a total transaction of $3,047,400.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 693,913 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $35,243,841.27. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, Director Kenneth B. Robinson sold 2,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, August 24th. The shares were sold at an average price of $51.84, for a total transaction of $103,680.00. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 9,180 shares of the companys stock, valued at $475,891.20. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 260,544 shares of company stock valued at $13,236,817 over the last 90 days. Corporate insiders own 3.77% of the companys stock. Abercrombie & Fitch Company Profile (Get Free Report) Abercrombie & Fitch Co, through its subsidiaries, operates as a specialty retailer in the United States, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, the Asia-Pacific, Canada, and internationally. The company operates through two segments, Hollister and Abercrombie. It offers an assortment of apparel, personal care products, and accessories for men, women, and kids under the Hollister, Gilly Hicks, Social Tourist, Abercrombie & Fitch, and abercrombie kids brands. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Abercrombie & Fitch Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Abercrombie & Fitch and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BP Prudhoe Bay Royalty Trust (NYSE:BPT Get Free Report) was the target of a large drop in short interest in October. As of October 31st, there was short interest totalling 1,750,000 shares, a drop of 5.4% from the October 15th total of 1,850,000 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 229,300 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 7.6 days. Approximately 8.2% of the shares of the company are short sold. BP Prudhoe Bay Royalty Trust Trading Down 0.9 % Shares of BPT opened at $3.35 on Friday. BP Prudhoe Bay Royalty Trust has a one year low of $3.18 and a one year high of $14.36. The companys fifty day moving average price is $5.55 and its 200 day moving average price is $5.66. Get BP Prudhoe Bay Royalty Trust alerts: Hedge Funds Weigh In On BP Prudhoe Bay Royalty Trust A number of institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in BPT. Ameritas Advisory Services LLC bought a new position in BP Prudhoe Bay Royalty Trust in the 1st quarter worth approximately $33,000. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased its position in BP Prudhoe Bay Royalty Trust by 5,937.0% during the first quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 6,037 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $46,000 after acquiring an additional 5,937 shares during the period. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC increased its position in BP Prudhoe Bay Royalty Trust by 4,547.1% during the first quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 7,296 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $56,000 after acquiring an additional 7,139 shares during the period. BNP Paribas Arbitrage SNC acquired a new position in BP Prudhoe Bay Royalty Trust during the 3rd quarter valued at $64,000. Finally, Sheaff Brock Investment Advisors LLC bought a new stake in BP Prudhoe Bay Royalty Trust in the 2nd quarter valued at $77,000. 4.32% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Analyst Ratings Changes Separately, StockNews.com initiated coverage on BP Prudhoe Bay Royalty Trust in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating on the stock. Get Our Latest Stock Report on BP Prudhoe Bay Royalty Trust BP Prudhoe Bay Royalty Trust Company Profile (Get Free Report) BP Prudhoe Bay Royalty Trust operates as a grantor trust in the United States. It holds overriding royalty interest in the Prudhoe Bay oil field located on the North Slope of Alaska. The Prudhoe Bay field extends approximately 12 miles by 27 miles and contains approximately 150,000 gross productive acres. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for BP Prudhoe Bay Royalty Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BP Prudhoe Bay Royalty Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Sit Investment Associates Inc. raised its holdings in MFS High Income Municipal Trust (NYSE:CXE Free Report) by 16.6% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 318,557 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 45,250 shares during the period. Sit Investment Associates Inc. owned approximately 1.01% of MFS High Income Municipal Trust worth $1,109,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in CXE. Van ECK Associates Corp raised its holdings in shares of MFS High Income Municipal Trust by 1.4% in the 2nd quarter. Van ECK Associates Corp now owns 236,403 shares of the companys stock valued at $823,000 after purchasing an additional 3,326 shares in the last quarter. Truist Financial Corp raised its holdings in shares of MFS High Income Municipal Trust by 5.1% in the 1st quarter. Truist Financial Corp now owns 104,199 shares of the companys stock valued at $380,000 after purchasing an additional 5,059 shares in the last quarter. Raymond James & Associates raised its holdings in shares of MFS High Income Municipal Trust by 21.2% in the 1st quarter. Raymond James & Associates now owns 35,913 shares of the companys stock valued at $158,000 after purchasing an additional 6,281 shares in the last quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of MFS High Income Municipal Trust in the 1st quarter valued at $40,000. Finally, Townsquare Capital LLC raised its holdings in shares of MFS High Income Municipal Trust by 81.9% in the 4th quarter. Townsquare Capital LLC now owns 24,732 shares of the companys stock valued at $86,000 after purchasing an additional 11,133 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 23.60% of the companys stock. Get MFS High Income Municipal Trust alerts: MFS High Income Municipal Trust Stock Performance Shares of CXE opened at $3.36 on Friday. MFS High Income Municipal Trust has a twelve month low of $2.95 and a twelve month high of $3.81. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $3.16 and its 200-day simple moving average is $3.37. MFS High Income Municipal Trust Announces Dividend MFS High Income Municipal Trust Company Profile The company also recently disclosed a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, November 30th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, November 15th will be issued a $0.0125 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, November 14th. This represents a $0.15 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.46%. (Free Report) MFS High Income Municipal Trust is a close ended fixed income mutual fund launched and managed by Massachusetts Financial Services Company. The fund invests in the fixed income markets. It primarily invests in municipal bonds and local general obligations of various sectors, such as multifamily, hospitals, care retirement, and investor-owned utilities. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CXE? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for MFS High Income Municipal Trust (NYSE:CXE Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for MFS High Income Municipal Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for MFS High Income Municipal Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Sit Investment Associates Inc. decreased its holdings in Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:UBER Free Report) by 12.2% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 22,450 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock after selling 3,110 shares during the quarter. Sit Investment Associates Inc.s holdings in Uber Technologies were worth $969,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Ellevest Inc. lifted its position in shares of Uber Technologies by 1.5% during the 2nd quarter. Ellevest Inc. now owns 16,832 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock worth $727,000 after buying an additional 250 shares in the last quarter. Raleigh Capital Management Inc. lifted its position in shares of Uber Technologies by 66.5% during the 2nd quarter. Raleigh Capital Management Inc. now owns 651 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock worth $28,000 after buying an additional 260 shares in the last quarter. Krilogy Financial LLC lifted its position in shares of Uber Technologies by 0.5% during 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 in the last quarter. Core Alternative Capital lifted its position 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 buying an additional 265 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Virtue Capital Management LLC lifted its position in shares of Uber Technologies by 3.7% during the 2nd quarter. Virtue Capital Management LLC now owns 7,564 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock worth $330,000 after buying an additional 269 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 74.07% of the companys stock. Get Uber Technologies alerts: Insider Transactions at Uber Technologies In other Uber Technologies news, CFO Nelson Chai sold 100,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, August 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $45.05, for a total value of $4,505,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer now directly owns 291,807 shares of the companys stock, valued at $13,145,905.35. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. In other Uber Technologies news, insider Tony West sold 18,750 shares of the businesss 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 sale, the insider now directly owns 181,339 shares of the companys stock, valued at $9,320,824.60. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, CFO Nelson Chai sold 100,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, August 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $45.05, for a total transaction of $4,505,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer now directly owns 291,807 shares of the companys stock, valued at $13,145,905.35. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last ninety days, insiders sold 287,616 shares of company stock valued at $14,252,789. Insiders own 3.84% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth UBER has been the topic of several recent analyst reports. The Goldman Sachs Group lifted their target price on shares of Uber Technologies from $48.00 to $57.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, August 2nd. Wells Fargo & Company raised their price target on shares of Uber Technologies from $59.00 to $64.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, November 8th. Barclays raised their price target 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. Needham & Company LLC restated a buy rating and set a $60.00 price target on shares of Uber Technologies in a research note on Wednesday, September 27th. Finally, 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. Thirty equities 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. Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on UBER Uber Technologies Stock Performance NYSE UBER opened at $54.46 on Friday. Uber Technologies, Inc. has a 52-week low of $23.90 and a 52-week high of $54.51. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.91, a quick ratio of 1.14 and a current ratio of 1.14. The company has a market capitalization of $112.06 billion, a P/E ratio of 111.13 and a beta of 1.23. The company has a fifty day moving average of $46.29 and a 200-day moving average of $43.99. Uber Technologies 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. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Uber Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Uber Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Spire Wealth Management lifted its position in Invesco FTSE RAFI Developed Markets ex-U.S. ETF (NYSEARCA:PXF Free Report) by 4.2% during the second quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 15,442 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 620 shares during the period. Spire Wealth Managements holdings in Invesco FTSE RAFI Developed Markets ex-U.S. ETF were worth $694,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the company. Arlington Partners LLC bought a new stake in Invesco FTSE RAFI Developed Markets ex-U.S. ETF in the second quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Cambridge Trust Co. bought a new stake in shares of Invesco FTSE RAFI Developed Markets ex-U.S. ETF in the 1st quarter valued at $53,000. Chilton Capital Management LLC acquired a new stake in Invesco FTSE RAFI Developed Markets ex-U.S. ETF during the 1st quarter worth $61,000. Northwest Capital Management Inc acquired a new stake in Invesco FTSE RAFI Developed Markets ex-U.S. ETF during the 2nd quarter worth $102,000. Finally, CWM LLC lifted its holdings in Invesco FTSE RAFI Developed Markets ex-U.S. ETF by 2,409.6% during the second quarter. CWM LLC now owns 2,359 shares of the companys stock worth $106,000 after acquiring an additional 2,265 shares in the last quarter. Get Invesco FTSE RAFI Developed Markets ex-U.S. ETF alerts: Invesco FTSE RAFI Developed Markets ex-U.S. ETF Trading Down 0.2 % NYSEARCA:PXF opened at $44.46 on Friday. Invesco FTSE RAFI Developed Markets ex-U.S. ETF has a 1 year low of $40.42 and a 1 year high of $46.86. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $43.51 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $44.47. The stock has a market cap of $1.56 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.02 and a beta of 0.90. Invesco FTSE RAFI Developed Markets ex-U.S. ETF Company Profile The Invesco FTSE RAFI Developed Markets ex-U.S. ETF (PXF) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the FTSE RAFI Developed x US 1000 index. The fund tracks an index of 1,000 of the biggest companies in developed markets outside the US that are selected and weighted based on fundamental measures. PXF was launched on Jun 25, 2007 and is managed by Invesco. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PXF? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Invesco FTSE RAFI Developed Markets ex-U.S. ETF (NYSEARCA:PXF Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Invesco FTSE RAFI Developed Markets ex-U.S. ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Invesco FTSE RAFI Developed Markets ex-U.S. ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Over 2,400 Ukrainian children deported to Belarus study 17 November, 01:50 AM Children (Photo:Oleksandr Yermochenko/Reuters) More than 2,400 Ukrainian children ages six to 17 have been forcibly relocated to Belarus since the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, according to a study published by Yale University on Nov. 16. The analysis, reported by Reuters, from the Humanitarian Research Lab at the Yale School of Public Health, which is funded by the U.S. State Department, is described as the "most extensive to date" concerning Minsks role in the deportation of Ukrainian children. Over 2,000 children identified by Yale University were transferred to the Dubrava Childrens Center in Minsk Oblast between September 2022 and May 2023, with a further 392 children placed in other institutions across the country. Video of day The report suggests systematic efforts by Russia to identify, deport, and re-educate Ukrainian children have been undertaken with the cooperation of Belarus. Russia's 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, the researchers said. It also states that in Belarus, Ukrainian children are subjected to military training and "re-education." Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko "approved the use of state organizations to transport children from Ukraine to Belarus and finance their transportation," the report further notes. The exact number of children identified by the study that remain in Belarus is currently unknown. The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants on March 17 for Russian dictator Vladimir Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova for their involvement in the unlawful removal of children from Ukraine to Russia since Feb. 24, 2022. On April 27, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe adopted a resolution recognizing the forced transfer of Ukrainian children to Russia as genocide. According to the Ukrainian state platform Children of War, as of Sept. 27, at least 19,546 children have been deported or forcibly displaced by Russia. In total, according to the European Parliament, the number of Ukrainian children illegally taken to Russia could reach 16,000 to 300,000. MEPs believe that Russians began taking Ukrainian children back in 2014 when they started their military occupation of Ukraines Crimea and parts of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts. Will you support Ukraines free press? Dear reader, as all news organizations, we must balance the pressures of delivering timely, accurate, and relevant stories with requirements to fund our business operations. As a Ukrainian-based media, we also have another responsibility to amplify Ukraines voice to the world during the crucial moment of its existence as a political nation. Its the support of our readers that lets us continue doing our job. We keep our essential reporting free because we believe in our ultimate purpose: an independent, democratic Ukraine. If youre willing to support Ukraine, consider subscribing to our Patreon starting from 5$ per month. We are immensely grateful. Please help us continue fighting Russian propaganda. Truth can be hard to tell from fiction these days. Every viewpoint has its audience of backers and supporters, no matter how absurd. If conscious disinformation is reinforced by state propaganda apparatus and budget, its outcomes may become deadly. There is no solution to this, other than independent, honest, and accurate reporting. We remain committed to empowering the Ukrainian voice to push against the muck. If youre willing to stand up for the truth consider supporting us on Patreon starting from 5$ per month. Thank you very much. Will you help tell Ukraines story to the world? Twenty years ago, most people hadnt even heard of Ukraine. Today, the country is on everyones lips and everyones headlines. War pushed us on the front page. But there are many other things we do that we are proud of from music and culture to technology. We need your help to tell the world Ukrainian story of resilience, joy, and survival. If youre willing to back our effort, consider supporting us on Patreon starting from 5$ per month. We are immensely grateful. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Google News Shares of Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc. (NYSE:SHO Get Free Report) have been given an average recommendation of Reduce by the eight brokerages that are covering the company, MarketBeat.com reports. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a sell recommendation and four have assigned a hold recommendation to the company. The average 12 month target price among brokerages that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $9.67. A number of brokerages have recently weighed in on SHO. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their target price on Sunstone Hotel Investors from $8.00 to $9.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, November 8th. StockNews.com cut shares of Sunstone Hotel Investors from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report on Thursday. Wolfe Research initiated coverage on shares of Sunstone Hotel Investors in a research report on Wednesday, September 27th. They set a peer perform rating on the stock. Barclays decreased their price target on shares of Sunstone Hotel Investors from $10.00 to $9.00 and set an underweight rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, September 28th. Finally, Compass Point cut their price objective on Sunstone Hotel Investors from $10.00 to $9.00 in a research report on Tuesday, August 8th. Get Sunstone Hotel Investors alerts: Check Out Our Latest Report on SHO Institutional Investors Weigh In On Sunstone Hotel Investors Sunstone Hotel Investors Stock Performance Several hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. SG Americas Securities LLC boosted its stake in Sunstone Hotel Investors by 35.1% during the 1st quarter. SG Americas Securities LLC now owns 359,284 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $3,550,000 after purchasing an additional 93,336 shares during the last quarter. Wolverine Asset Management LLC increased its holdings in Sunstone Hotel Investors by 323.5% in the 1st quarter. Wolverine Asset Management LLC now owns 16,008 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $158,000 after buying an additional 12,228 shares in the last quarter. Mirabella Financial Services LLP bought a new stake in Sunstone Hotel Investors in the 1st quarter worth about $117,000. Diversified Trust Co purchased a new stake in shares of Sunstone Hotel Investors during the 2nd quarter valued at about $313,000. Finally, Raymond James & Associates grew its stake in shares of Sunstone Hotel Investors by 5.3% in the second quarter. Raymond James & Associates now owns 54,414 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $551,000 after acquiring an additional 2,738 shares during the period. Sunstone Hotel Investors stock opened at $9.86 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 5.26, a quick ratio of 5.26 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.45. The firm has a market cap of $2.03 billion, a P/E ratio of 24.65, a P/E/G ratio of 3.89 and a beta of 1.22. Sunstone Hotel Investors has a 1-year low of $8.60 and a 1-year high of $11.38. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $9.38 and a 200-day moving average of $9.67. Sunstone Hotel Investors Company Profile (Get Free Report Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc is a lodging real estate investment trust ("REIT") that as of the date of this release owns 15 hotels comprised of 7,735 rooms, the majority of which are operated under nationally recognized brands. Sunstone's strategy is to create long-term stakeholder value through the acquisition, active ownership and disposition of hotels considered to be Long-Term Relevant Real Estate. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Sunstone Hotel Investors Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Sunstone Hotel Investors and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Trillium Asset Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of Federal Realty Investment Trust (NYSE:FRT Free Report) by 2.1% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 15,403 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after acquiring an additional 311 shares during the period. Trillium Asset Management LLCs holdings in Federal Realty Investment Trust were worth $1,491,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Creative Planning raised its position in shares of Federal Realty Investment Trust by 55.6% during the 2nd quarter. Creative Planning now owns 5,379 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $521,000 after acquiring an additional 1,922 shares during the last quarter. NewEdge Wealth LLC increased its position in shares of Federal Realty Investment Trust by 1.7% in the 1st quarter. NewEdge Wealth LLC now owns 8,923 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $882,000 after buying an additional 146 shares in the last quarter. New Mexico Educational Retirement Board increased its position in shares of Federal Realty Investment Trust by 6.0% in the 2nd quarter. New Mexico Educational Retirement Board now owns 3,550 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $344,000 after buying an additional 200 shares in the last quarter. State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund D increased its position in shares of Federal Realty Investment Trust by 12.2% in the 2nd quarter. State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund D now owns 92,280 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $8,930,000 after buying an additional 10,000 shares in the last quarter. Finally, abrdn plc increased its position in shares of Federal Realty Investment Trust by 4.2% in the 1st quarter. abrdn plc now owns 34,284 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $3,388,000 after buying an additional 1,386 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 87.92% of the companys stock. Get Federal Realty Investment Trust alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of research firms recently commented on FRT. Bank of America lowered their price objective on shares of Federal Realty Investment Trust from $125.00 to $124.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, August 22nd. Raymond James lowered shares of Federal Realty Investment Trust from a strong-buy rating to an outperform rating and reduced their target price for the stock from $115.00 to $104.00 in a research note on Tuesday, September 5th. Mizuho lowered shares of Federal Realty Investment Trust from a buy rating to a neutral rating and reduced their target price for the stock from $105.00 to $101.00 in a research note on Monday, September 18th. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Federal Realty Investment Trust in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company reduced their target price on shares of Federal Realty Investment Trust from $103.00 to $97.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research note on Monday. Six analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Federal Realty Investment Trust has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $112.36. Federal Realty Investment Trust Trading Down 1.9 % Federal Realty Investment Trust stock opened at $92.54 on Friday. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $91.61 and a 200-day moving average of $94.61. Federal Realty Investment Trust has a one year low of $85.27 and a one year high of $115.08. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.61, a current ratio of 1.43 and a quick ratio of 1.43. The company has a market cap of $7.54 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 26.90, a P/E/G ratio of 2.55 and a beta of 1.25. Federal Realty Investment Trust Dividend Announcement The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, January 16th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, January 2nd will be paid a dividend of $1.09 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, December 29th. This represents a $4.36 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.71%. Federal Realty Investment Trusts dividend payout ratio is 126.74%. Federal Realty Investment Trust Profile (Free Report) Federal Realty is a recognized leader in the ownership, operation and redevelopment of high-quality retail-based properties located primarily in major coastal markets from Washington, DC to Boston as well as San Francisco and Los Angeles. Founded in 1962, Federal Realty's mission is to deliver long-term, sustainable growth through investing in communities where retail demand exceeds supply. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding FRT? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Federal Realty Investment Trust (NYSE:FRT Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Federal Realty Investment Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Federal Realty Investment Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Unity Software (NYSE:U Free Report) had its target price cut by The Goldman Sachs Group from $45.00 to $29.00 in a report issued on Monday, Benzinga reports. They currently have a neutral rating on the stock. U has been the subject of several other research reports. Wolfe Research cut Unity Software from an outperform rating to a peer perform rating in a research note on Monday. Stifel Nicolaus reduced their target price on shares of Unity Software from $40.00 to $28.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Friday, November 10th. Bank of America reiterated a buy rating and set a $56.00 price target on shares of Unity Software in a research note on Monday, September 25th. Wells Fargo & Company raised their price objective on shares of Unity Software from $48.00 to $54.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, August 3rd. Finally, Wedbush dropped their target price on Unity Software from $55.00 to $31.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, November 10th. Twelve investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nine have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $37.80. Get Unity Software alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on U Unity Software Trading Down 4.2 % Insiders Place Their Bets NYSE:U opened at $28.91 on Monday. The company has a quick ratio of 2.35, a current ratio of 2.35 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.83. Unity Software has a 52-week low of $22.20 and a 52-week high of $50.08. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $29.69 and its 200 day moving average price is $34.35. The company has a market capitalization of $10.99 billion, a PE ratio of -12.46 and a beta of 2.45. In related news, CMO Carol W. Carpenter sold 9,095 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, August 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $34.44, for a total value of $313,231.80. Following the transaction, the chief marketing officer now owns 376,833 shares in the company, valued at $12,978,128.52. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. In other Unity Software news, CMO Carol W. Carpenter sold 9,095 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, August 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $34.44, for a total value of $313,231.80. Following the transaction, the chief marketing officer now directly owns 376,833 shares of the companys stock, valued at $12,978,128.52. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, Director David Helgason sold 643,365 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, October 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $25.17, for a total value of $16,193,497.05. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 8,451,851 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $212,733,089.67. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 968,337 shares of company stock worth $28,155,257 over the last three months. 9.00% of the stock is owned by insiders. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Unity Software A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Front Row Advisors LLC grew its position in shares of Unity Software by 15,550.0% during the second quarter. Front Row Advisors LLC now owns 626 shares of the companys stock worth $27,000 after buying an additional 622 shares in the last quarter. Huntington National Bank increased its position in shares of Unity Software by 665.0% in the 3rd quarter. Huntington National Bank now owns 895 shares of the companys stock worth $28,000 after purchasing an additional 778 shares during the last quarter. Meitav Investment House Ltd. acquired a new stake in shares of Unity Software in the 2nd quarter valued at about $30,000. Bessemer Group Inc. bought a new position in shares of Unity Software during the first quarter worth about $33,000. Finally, Impact Partnership Wealth LLC grew its stake in Unity Software by 1,151.0% in the third quarter. Impact Partnership Wealth LLC now owns 1,251 shares of the companys stock worth $39,000 after purchasing an additional 1,151 shares in the last quarter. 64.74% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Unity Software Company Profile (Get Free Report) Unity Software Inc operates a real-time 3D development platform. Its platform provides software solutions to create, run, and monetize interactive, real-time 2D and 3D content for mobile phones, tablets, PCs, consoles, and augmented and virtual reality devices. The company offers its solutions directly through its online store and field sales operations in North America, Denmark, Finland, the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, China, Singapore, and South Korea, as well as indirectly through independent distributors and resellers worldwide. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Unity Software Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Unity Software and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. US Bancorp DE cut its holdings in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (NYSE:TSM Free Report) by 3.8% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 367,355 shares of the semiconductor companys stock after selling 14,632 shares during the quarter. US Bancorp DEs holdings in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing were worth $37,073,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in the business. Panagora Asset Management Inc. lifted its stake in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 287.3% during the first quarter. Panagora Asset Management Inc. now owns 15,150 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $1,409,000 after purchasing an additional 11,238 shares during the last quarter. Kovack Advisors Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 6.3% in the 2nd quarter. Kovack Advisors Inc. now owns 3,287 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $332,000 after purchasing an additional 195 shares during the last quarter. Claro Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $236,000. Colonial River Wealth Management LLC bought a new position in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing during the 2nd quarter worth $918,000. Finally, Diamond Hill Capital Management Inc. increased its position in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 9.5% in the second quarter. Diamond Hill Capital Management Inc. now owns 249,187 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $25,148,000 after buying an additional 21,695 shares during the period. 16.51% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing alerts: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Stock Down 0.3 % NYSE TSM opened at $98.53 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $511.02 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.72, a PEG ratio of 2.77 and a beta of 1.04. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited has a 12 month low of $72.84 and a 12 month high of $110.69. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29, a current ratio of 2.15 and a quick ratio of 1.88. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $89.96 and its 200 day simple moving average is $94.19. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Increases Dividend Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing ( NYSE:TSM Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, October 19th. The semiconductor company reported $1.29 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.16 by $0.13. The business had revenue of $17.28 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $16.90 billion. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing had a return on equity of 28.28% and a net margin of 41.42%. The companys quarterly revenue was down 10.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $1.79 EPS. Equities research analysts expect that Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited will post 4.97 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, April 11th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, March 19th will be given a $0.5415 dividend. This is an increase from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturings previous quarterly dividend of $0.47. This represents a $2.17 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.20%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, March 18th. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturings dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 26.44%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several equities analysts have recently commented on the stock. StockNews.com lowered shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday. Barclays assumed coverage on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in a research note on Monday, October 23rd. They issued an overweight rating and a $105.00 price target for the company. Susquehanna decreased their target price on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from $135.00 to $130.00 in a research report on Monday, October 9th. Finally, Needham & Company LLC reiterated a buy rating and issued a $115.00 price objective on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in a report on Friday, October 20th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and five have issued 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 $116.67. Read Our Latest Research Report on TSM Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Profile (Free Report) Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures, packages, tests, and sells integrated circuits and other semiconductor devices in Taiwan, China, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Japan, the United States, and internationally. It provides complementary metal oxide silicon wafer fabrication processes to manufacture logic, mixed-signal, radio frequency, and embedded memory semiconductors. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TSM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (NYSE:TSM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Veritable L.P. lessened its stake in shares of Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE:YUM Free Report) by 8.6% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 10,437 shares of the restaurant operators stock after selling 979 shares during the quarter. Veritable L.P.s holdings in Yum! Brands were worth $1,446,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of YUM. RB Capital Management LLC raised its position in shares of Yum! Brands by 9.7% in the first quarter. RB Capital Management LLC now owns 4,890 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $580,000 after buying an additional 431 shares during the last quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP grew its stake in Yum! Brands by 0.4% in the 1st quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 761,575 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $90,284,000 after acquiring an additional 3,024 shares during the period. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board acquired a new position in Yum! Brands in the 1st quarter valued at $664,000. Moors & Cabot Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Yum! Brands by 7.4% during the first quarter. Moors & Cabot Inc. now owns 7,530 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $893,000 after purchasing an additional 517 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. grew its position in shares of Yum! Brands by 10.8% in the first quarter. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. now owns 2,862 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $339,000 after purchasing an additional 279 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 80.17% of the companys stock. Get Yum! Brands alerts: Insider Activity at Yum! Brands In other Yum! Brands news, CEO David W. Gibbs sold 3,507 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, October 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $117.55, for a total value of $412,247.85. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 57,325 shares in the company, valued at approximately $6,738,553.75. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. In other news, CEO David W. Gibbs sold 3,507 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, October 16th. The stock was sold at an average price of $117.55, for a total transaction of $412,247.85. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 57,325 shares of the companys stock, valued at $6,738,553.75. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, CEO Mark James King sold 9,600 shares of Yum! Brands stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $126.60, for a total transaction of $1,215,360.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 8,210 shares in the company, valued at $1,039,386. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 20,638 shares of company stock worth $2,603,751 in the last ninety days. 0.31% of the stock is owned by insiders. Yum! Brands Stock Up 1.0 % Shares of YUM stock opened at $127.83 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $35.83 billion, a P/E ratio of 24.30, a PEG ratio of 1.94 and a beta of 1.04. The business has a 50 day moving average of $123.39 and a two-hundred day moving average of $130.56. Yum! Brands, Inc. has a 52 week low of $115.53 and a 52 week high of $143.24. Yum! Brands (NYSE:YUM Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 1st. The restaurant operator reported $1.44 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.26 by $0.18. Yum! Brands had a negative return on equity of 17.45% and a net margin of 21.32%. The business had revenue of $1.71 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.77 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $1.09 EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 4.1% compared to the same quarter last year. Analysts expect that Yum! Brands, Inc. will post 5.29 EPS for the current fiscal year. Yum! Brands Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 8th. Investors of record on Tuesday, November 28th will be issued a $0.605 dividend. This represents a $2.42 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.89%. Yum! Brandss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 46.01%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several equities research analysts recently issued reports on the stock. Morgan Stanley decreased their target price on shares of Yum! Brands from $155.00 to $150.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, October 11th. TD Cowen reissued an outperform rating and set a $160.00 price objective on shares of Yum! Brands in a research note on Wednesday, September 20th. Royal Bank of Canada upped their price objective on Yum! Brands from $136.00 to $139.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a report on Thursday, November 2nd. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft assumed coverage on Yum! Brands in a report on Thursday, October 19th. They issued a hold rating and a $131.00 target price on the stock. Finally, Redburn Atlantic restated a neutral rating and set a $115.00 price target on shares of Yum! Brands in a research note on Friday, October 20th. Ten analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Yum! Brands has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $145.21. Check Out Our Latest Research Report on Yum! Brands About Yum! Brands (Free Report) Yum! Brands, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, develops, operates, and franchises quick service restaurants worldwide. The company operates through four segments: the KFC Division, the Taco Bell Division, the Pizza Hut Division, and the Habit Burger Grill Division. It operates restaurants under the KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, and The Habit Burger Grill brands, which specialize in chicken, pizza, made-to-order chargrilled burgers, sandwiches, Mexican-style food categories, and other food products. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Yum! Brands Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Yum! Brands and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Whitecap Resources Inc. (TSE:WCP Get Free Report) declared a monthly dividend on Wednesday, November 15th, Zacks reports. Shareholders of record on Thursday, November 30th will be given a dividend of 0.061 per share on Friday, December 15th. This represents a $0.73 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 7.68%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, November 29th. Whitecap Resources Stock Down 1.3 % TSE WCP opened at C$9.53 on Friday. Whitecap Resources has a 1 year low of C$8.90 and a 1 year high of C$11.91. The stock has a market capitalization of C$5.78 billion, a PE ratio of 6.35, a PEG ratio of -0.33 and a beta of 2.82. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 22.40, a current ratio of 0.73 and a quick ratio of 0.67. The businesss 50-day moving average is C$10.95 and its 200 day moving average is C$10.40. Get Whitecap Resources alerts: Whitecap Resources (TSE:WCP Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 25th. The company reported C$0.25 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of C$0.35 by C($0.10). Whitecap Resources had a return on equity of 17.79% and a net margin of 26.66%. The business had revenue of C$1.03 billion during the quarter. Sell-side analysts forecast that Whitecap Resources will post 1.3262317 earnings per share for the current year. Insider Activity Wall Street Analyst Weigh In In other news, Senior Officer Thanh Chan Kang acquired 10,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, October 30th. The shares were bought at an average cost of C$10.60 per share, with a total value of C$106,000.00. In other Whitecap Resources news, Senior Officer Joel Maxwell Armstrong bought 7,000 shares of Whitecap Resources stock in a transaction on Thursday, November 16th. The stock was acquired at an average price of C$9.31 per share, with a total value of C$65,170.00. Also, Senior Officer Thanh Chan Kang purchased 10,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, October 30th. The shares were acquired at an average cost of C$10.60 per share, for a total transaction of C$106,000.00. Insiders purchased 57,000 shares of company stock worth $573,920 over the last three months. 0.75% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Several research analysts have commented on the stock. Canaccord Genuity Group upped their price objective on shares of Whitecap Resources from C$13.00 to C$15.00 in a report on Friday, October 20th. Royal Bank of Canada increased their price target on shares of Whitecap Resources from C$13.00 to C$14.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, July 27th. BMO Capital Markets lifted their price objective on Whitecap Resources from C$12.00 to C$12.50 in a research report on Monday, October 16th. Scotiabank increased their target price on Whitecap Resources from C$12.00 to C$13.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research report on Thursday, October 26th. Finally, Raymond James dropped their price target on Whitecap Resources from C$16.00 to C$15.50 and set a strong-buy rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, October 26th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, six have assigned a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus price target of C$14.77. Check Out Our Latest Report on WCP Whitecap Resources Company Profile (Get Free Report) Whitecap Resources Inc, an oil and gas company, focuses on the acquisition, development, and production of oil and gas assets in Western Canada. The company's primary areas of focus of its development programs are in Northern Alberta and British Columbia, Central Alberta, and Saskatchewan. Whitecap Resources Inc was founded in 2009 and is headquartered in Calgary, Canada. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Whitecap Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Whitecap Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wintrust Investments LLC bought a new position in Trane Technologies plc (NYSE:TT Free Report) in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund bought 3,280 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $627,000. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Acadian Asset Management LLC acquired a new stake in Trane Technologies during the first quarter worth about $178,000. Blair William & Co. IL boosted its stake in Trane Technologies by 3.0% during the first quarter. Blair William & Co. IL now owns 16,727 shares of the companys stock worth $2,554,000 after buying an additional 495 shares in the last quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC bought a new stake in Trane Technologies in the 1st quarter valued at $219,000. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its stake in shares of Trane Technologies by 0.4% in the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 18,133,851 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,769,040,000 after buying an additional 77,924 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Mackenzie Financial Corp boosted its position in shares of Trane Technologies by 3.8% during the 1st quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp now owns 956,177 shares of the companys stock valued at $146,008,000 after acquiring an additional 34,591 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 80.66% of the companys stock. Get Trane Technologies alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several research firms have recently weighed in on TT. Citigroup upped their price objective on Trane Technologies from $218.00 to $237.00 in a research note on Thursday, August 3rd. Bank of America raised Trane Technologies from an underperform rating to a neutral rating and lifted their price objective for the company from $187.00 to $210.00 in a report on Thursday, October 5th. HSBC began coverage on shares of Trane Technologies in a report on Friday, September 15th. They issued a buy rating and a $256.00 target price on the stock. Mizuho lifted their price target on shares of Trane Technologies from $185.00 to $200.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Thursday, August 3rd. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised shares of Trane Technologies from an underweight rating to a neutral rating and set a $191.00 price objective on the stock in a research note on Friday, October 6th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, nine have assigned a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Trane Technologies has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $207.31. Insider Activity at Trane Technologies In other Trane Technologies news, CEO David S. Regnery sold 17,585 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $220.00, for a total transaction of $3,868,700.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 93,081 shares in the company, valued at approximately $20,477,820. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In related news, EVP Raymond D. Pittard sold 13,144 shares of Trane Technologies stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, November 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $218.24, for a total transaction of $2,868,546.56. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 82,235 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $17,946,966.40. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, CEO David S. Regnery sold 17,585 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, November 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $220.00, for a total transaction of $3,868,700.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 93,081 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $20,477,820. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 32,366 shares of company stock worth $7,093,065 over the last ninety days. Company insiders own 0.39% of the companys stock. Trane Technologies Stock Up 0.4 % Shares of TT opened at $226.54 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $51.55 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 26.68, a PEG ratio of 1.85 and a beta of 1.01. Trane Technologies plc has a 52 week low of $162.04 and a 52 week high of $229.94. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.67, a quick ratio of 0.87 and a current ratio of 1.29. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $204.83 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $194.54. Trane Technologies (NYSE:TT Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 1st. The company reported $2.79 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.66 by $0.13. The firm had revenue of $4.95 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.80 billion. Trane Technologies had a return on equity of 31.97% and a net margin of 11.30%. The companys revenue was up 13.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the company earned $2.27 earnings per share. On average, analysts predict that Trane Technologies plc will post 9.01 earnings per share for the current year. Trane Technologies Dividend Announcement The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 29th. Investors of record on Friday, December 1st will be paid a dividend of $0.75 per share. This represents a $3.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.32%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, November 30th. Trane Technologiess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 35.34%. About Trane Technologies (Free Report) Trane Technologies plc, together with its subsidiaries, designs, manufactures, sells, and services of solutions for heating, ventilation, air conditioning, custom, and custom and transport refrigeration in Ireland and internationally. It offers air conditioners, exchangers, and handlers; airside and terminal devices; air sourced heat pumps, auxiliary power units; chillers; coils and condensers; gensets; dehumidifiers; ductless; furnaces; home automation products; humidifiers; indoor air quality assessments and related products; large and light commercial unitary products; refrigerant reclamation products; thermostats/controls; transport heater products; variable refrigerant flow products; and water source heat pumps. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Trane Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Trane Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 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. (Source: People's Daily Online) American expatriate Nicki Johnson introduces her handicrafts to children at her shop in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, Oct. 30, 2023. [Xinhua/Guo Cheng] HAIKOU, Nov. 13 (Xinhua) Nestled in the picturesque Baishamen Park in Haikou, the capital of south China's island province of Hainan, "Island Delights" is a handicraft shop with a collection of distinctive Hainan-themed handmade items and artworks, attracting a steady stream of passers-by. The owner of the shop is an American expatriate named Nicki Johnson, who is known as Xie Min among the local Chinese people. Having lived in Hainan for 18 years, she has become a passionate promoter of the local culture. Nicki's connection with China dates back to 1999, when she was a university student and volunteered as a teacher for an English camp in Guangzhou City in south China. Although her initial experience with China was brief, lasting just a few weeks, it ignited her curiosity. In 2000, she returned to China to attend an academic program at Xiamen University in east China's Fujian Province for one semester, during which she immersed herself in learning the Chinese language, history and culture. The program also afforded her the opportunity to visit various places in China, including Xi'an, Shanghai, and Beijing, offering her a captivating glimpse of the country. The experience left a lasting impression, prompting her desire to return. "China is such a huge country, and there's so much more for me to learn. I had to come back," she recalled. Consequently, she and her husband Eric decided to relocate to China. Among a few job applications, they received offers from Hainan and promptly accepted one without hesitation, she said. Upon arriving in Hainan in 2005, the couple instantly liked the tropical climate, beautiful beaches, wonderful food, friendly locals and local culture. Intrigued by these aspects, they explored different opportunities, eventually moving from Sanya to Haikou. "It was a bit of a random choice, but I think it was the right choice, and we've been very happy here," she said. For years, Nicki had undertaken various roles related to Hainan tourism. Eventually, she founded her own company three years ago, with a focus on promoting the island to the world. Her fascination with the Li brocade of the Li ethnic minority, a symbol of Hainan traditional culture, blossomed after receiving a gift from a friend many years ago. Subsequently, during her extensive travels all around the island, including many Li villages, she met people who were engaged in the manual creation of the brocade. She also got the opportunity to see the entire process, from spinning and dyeing to weaving and embroidery. "It's such hard work. It takes such a long time to finish one piece. And so I respect the people who create this beautiful art," Nicki said. "A lot of them spend their entire lives learning how to do it, and so I wanted to do something to support them," she said, explaining her encouragement to create artwork inspired by Li brocade and to promote the culture. While Nicki has always had a passion for art, it was initially just a hobby, and she had to learn from scratch when it came to Li brocade. Delving into books on Li brocade and seeking guidance from both international and local artists, she embarked on the journey of designing and crafting these handicrafts. "In Chinese, there is a saying, it is never too late to learn, and I really love that," she said. "Keep on learning something new and life will never be boring." She designed and made several different handicrafts, ranging from jewelry to souvenirs, inspired by traditional Li brocade patterns including fish, turtles and lightning, and last year, she opened a small shop. Speaking about the name of the shop, "Island Delights," Nicki noted that there are so many wonderful things about Hainan, and discovering something new on the island truly brings a sense of delight to people. "So I wanted to bring all of these different parts of Hainan culture and the beautiful art that really delighted me here in one place so that more people can also discover them," she said. The items in her shop are crafted from eco-friendly materials like coconut shells and fabric, as part of an effort to minimize the use of plastic. So far, Nicki has organized several exhibitions in collaboration with local Li brocade designers as well as artists from the United States and many other countries. "I don't want to just show my work, I want to support the whole arts community here in Hainan," she said. Construction of the Hainan Free Trade Port is now progressing in full swing. "I think it's an exciting time to be a business owner here in Hainan. Now there are more and more opportunities, and you're able to do a lot more here no matter where you come from," said Nicki, adding that she envisions an exciting future for Hainan, with more opportunities for business owners and greater global connections. "For me, Hainan is really like a second home. The longer I live here, the more I learn about the local culture, the happier I am," she said. American expatriate Nicki Johnson makes a piece of handicraft at her shop in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, Nov. 3, 2023. [Xinhua/Guo Cheng] American expatriate Nicki Johnson makes a piece of handicraft at her shop in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, Nov. 3, 2023. [Xinhua/Guo Cheng] (Source: Xinhua) People perform during a popularizing event of square dance in Huanggang, central China's Hubei Province, Sept. 8, 2023. [Photo by Du Zixuan/Xinhua] WUHAN, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) Adorned in her elegant dance costume, Wang Xiaolan, the founder of a square dance troupe in central China's Hubei Province, relishes regular practices and gatherings with her fellow dancers. "Dancing brings me a sense of achievement," the 59-year-old retiree told Xinhua. "It has enriched our lives after retirement." Over the past five years, Wang's dance group grew from 28 to 38 members, with many younger participants joining in. Currently, the troupe is led by a 22-year-old teacher. This reflects the broader trend in China, where square dancing gained popularity over a decade ago, transcending age groups and evolving into a more aesthetically-oriented form of physical exercise. Shu Ying, in her 30s, is a choreographer in Wang's troupe. "I was touched by the passion of the aunties, and I began to understand more about square dancing," she said. Noting that the standard of square dance is rising and there is a greater diversity of forms, Shu said this dance form is not solely for senior people but for anyone who loves singing and dancing. "It can serve as spiritual sustenance for people, and bring them joy, regardless of their age group." People perform a square dance for fun after dinner in a community of Jianghan District of Wuhan, capital of central China's Hubei Province, April 2, 2020. [Xinhua/Xiao Yijiu] The population of Chinese people on the mainland aged 60 or above had reached 264.02 million, including 190.64 million people aged 65 or above, or 13.5 percent of the total population, according to data from the seventh national census released in 2021. According to Gan Lu, a choreographer with China Oriental Performance Arts Group Co., Ltd, when square dancing started, its initial aim was to cater to the social and physical exercise needs of middle-aged women, particularly those between 46 and 65 years old, including retirees. While this is still the case, square dancing is gradually incorporating elements of professional dance, local opera and folk music, Gan explained. For instance, in Jingzhou City which was visited by famous poet Li Bai from the Tang Dynasty (618-907), a square dance group of 50 students performed a dance inspired by one of his famous poems. According to Zhou Jing, head of the group, the average age of the dancers was only 20. "We would like to popularize the dance form in schools and colleges to get more young people involved," she said. People perform during a popularizing event of square dance in Huanggang, central China's Hubei Province, Sept. 8, 2023. [Photo by Du Zixuan/Xinhua] In October 2020, a square dance competition was held at the Wuhan University of Bioengineering, attracting as many as 1,000 people. According to netizens, the event "rekindled their appreciation for square dancing." In a survey conducted by the Hubei Masses Art Center, about two-thirds of the respondents expressed a positive attitude towards square dance, with the strongest support coming from those born in the 1960s and 1990s. Support from local governments has played a crucial role in popularizing square dance. Governments, from the provincial level to the grassroots, have allocated special funds for training, promotion and performances of square dance. In Hubei alone, with a population exceeding 58 million, there are now over 12,000 square dance troupes, and more than 89 percent of villages have at least one square dance group. (Source: Xinhua) Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador in San Francisco, the United States, Nov. 16, 2023. [Xinhua/Rao Aimin] SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday called for expanding China-Mexico cooperation in finance, electric vehicles and other emerging industries. Xi made the remarks when meeting his Mexican counterpart, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting. He also said that the two sides should make good use of the inter-governmental cooperation mechanism and deepen cooperation in traditional areas such as infrastructure construction. The friendship between China and Mexico has grown stronger over time, Xi said, noting that last year the two countries celebrated the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties, and this year marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Mexico comprehensive strategic partnership. Xi said that at present, the strategic, complementary and mutually beneficial nature of China-Mexico relations has become increasingly prominent, and mutual understanding and support on issues concerning each other's core interests and major concerns have become firmer. China attaches great importance to China-Mexico relations and is willing to work with Mexico to enhance strategic alignment, tap cooperation potential and leverage complementary advantages to push bilateral relations to a new level, he added. The Chinese president stressed that China supports Mexico's independent development path in line with its national conditions and is willing to strengthen exchanges with Mexico in country governance. Bilateral trade volume between China and Mexico has increased by more than 7,000 times since the establishment of diplomatic relations, and highlights of cooperation in fields including railways, automobiles and new energy are abundant, he said. Xi said the two sides should deepen counternarcotics law enforcement cooperation, and actively support each other in organizing events for people-to-people exchanges such as cultural performances and exhibitions. The two sides should strengthen multilateral coordination, firmly uphold multilateralism and democracy in international relations, and safeguard international fairness and justice as well as the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries, Xi said. Noting that next year marks the 10th anniversary of the China-CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) Forum, Xi said that China is ready to work with Mexico to promote the steady and long-term development of China-Latin America relations in the new era. Xi once again expressed condolences to Lopez over the recent hurricane disaster that hit Mexico's Pacific coast. He said that China will provide assistance to Mexico in the procurement of disaster relief supplies. For his part, Lopez said both Mexico and China have splendid civilizations and the two peoples know each other well and treat each other like brothers. At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, China was the first to offer assistance, providing a large amount of precious anti-pandemic supplies to Mexico and helping the country tide over the difficulties, Lopez said. He added that after Mexico was hit by a recent severe hurricane in the Pacific Ocean, China immediately expressed sympathy and support, for which Mexico is grateful. Both Mexico and China safeguard their own independence and firmly oppose interference in other countries' internal affairs, he noted, adding that Mexico will, as always, adhere to its friendly policy towards China, firmly support each other, facilitate Chinese enterprises' investment in Mexico, and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields as well as cooperation in combating drugs production and trafficking. Lopez said that Mexico is willing to closely coordinate with China in multilateral affairs, and actively promote Latin America-China relations. Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador in San Francisco, the United States, Nov. 16, 2023. [Xinhua/Ding Lin] (Source: Xinhua) Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Peruvian President Dina Boluarte in San Francisco, the United States, Nov. 16, 2023. [Xinhua/Ding Lin] SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday called for fostering new growth engines for China-Peru cooperation in digital economy and green development. Xi made the remarks when meeting his Peruvian counterpart, Dina Boluarte, on the sidelines of the 30th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting. He also said that the two sides should synergize their development strategies, and strengthen cooperation in traditional areas such as economy, trade, energy and mineral resources. Since China and Peru established diplomatic ties more than half a century ago, the two countries have given each other understanding and support on issues concerning their respective core interests and major concerns, Xi said. Bilateral cooperation between the two sides has developed steadily, Xi said, adding that the Belt and Road cooperation, in particular, has promoted the development and revitalization of the two countries and brought benefits to the two peoples. Noting that this year marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of China-Peru comprehensive strategic partnership, Xi said the two sides should deepen political mutual trust, strengthen strategic communication, firmly support each other in pursuing a development path suited to their national conditions, and work for more achievements under the Belt and Road Initiative. Xi said that China is ready to import more high-quality Peruvian agricultural products, and to encourage Chinese enterprises to participate in major Peruvian projects in accordance with market principles. Both China and Peru have splendid civilizations and profound cultures, and the two sides should step up cooperation in education, culture, tourism, science and technology and youth exchanges, so as to set an example for exchanges and mutual learning among different civilizations, Xi said. Xi stressed that under the new circumstances, developing China-Peru relations is not only in line with the common interests of the two countries, but also of great significance to building an open world economy. China supports Peru in hosting the 2024 APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, and stands ready to engage in close communication and coordination with Peru to reap new results in APEC cooperation, making new contributions to the economic recovery and long-term development of the Asia-Pacific region and to the building of an Asia-Pacific community with a shared future, Xi said. China is ready to work with Peru to promote the continuous development of China-Latin America relations in the new era, Xi added. Noting that both Peru and China are ancient civilizations and their peoples enjoy a long history of friendly exchanges, Boluarte said that since the establishment of their comprehensive strategic partnership 10 years ago, the two sides have adhered to mutual respect and support. Peru is committed to deepening relations with China and give better play to bilateral cooperation mechanisms, continuously upgrade the level of comprehensive strategic cooperation and strengthen practical cooperation in green economy and other fields, she said, adding that Peru abides by the one-China principle and actively participates in Belt and Road cooperation. Saying Peru is ready to strengthen multilateral coordination with China, Boluarte said that Peru will take over the rotating chair of APEC next year and her country looks forward to working with China to promote inclusive and sustainable growth in the Asia-Pacific region and the development of Latin America-China relations. Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Peruvian President Dina Boluarte in San Francisco, the United States, Nov. 16, 2023. [Xinhua/Ding Lin] (Source: Xinhua) Disgraced South Carolina attorney Alex Murdaugh, who has been convicted of murdering his wife and son, entered a guilty plea November 17 to state financial charges against him. Man arrested and charged in death of Jewish protester in California after confrontation over Israel-Hamas war The former host of Reading Rainbow used to encourage kids to read books. Now hes telling adults not to ban them Parliaments overwhelming rejection of a ceasefire in Gaza Wednesday evening confirmed that no end to the war can be secured by appealing to the UKs Tory government and Labour opposition. The first vote of any kind on Israels genocidal assault, the response to the Scottish National Partys (SNP) amendment calling for a ceasefire was a resounding No, with 293 against and 125 in favour. A large portion of the Tory Partys 350 MPs were not even required to cast a vote to defeat the motion. After five weeks of mass murder of civilians, close to three quarters (142) of Labour MPs followed party leader Sir Keir Starmers order to abstain, lending their support to the Tory government and Israel. Only 56 voted for a ceasefire. Sir Keir Starmer, the leader of Britain's Labour Party makes his speech at the party's annual conference in Liverpool, England, September 27, 2022 [AP Photo/Jon Super] The motion itself was a capitulation to Israels claims of self-defence and a just war. Beginning with the ritual condemnation of Hamas, it avoided accusing Israel of committing genocide, ethnic cleansing and war crimesonly calling on the government to uphold international law and join with the international community in urgently pressing all parties to agree to an immediate ceasefire. When it came to backing Ukraine against Russia in a de facto war waged by NATO, members who voted for a ceasefire on Wednesday were prepared to support supplying weapons to the far-right forces in the Ukrainian army, sanctions intended to cripple the Russian economy and demands that Putin and his leading supporters be tried for war crimes. But their response to Israels genocidal campaign is a polite request to the fascists in Benjamin Netanyahus war cabinet to stay their hand. Not one of the Labour MPs who broke with Starmers orders in this vote has any intention of breaking with the Labour Party or waging any fight against its pro-genocide majority. Few were thinking about saving anything other than their chances of re-election. Former shadow frontbencher Jess Phillips, a proud Blairite, is the appropriate figurehead for this pathetic excuse for a rebellion. Put in power by a constituency which is 20 percent Muslim, Phillips told the BBC, I dont feel like I am rebelling against the Labour Party There is no animosity between me and Keir Starmer. I will work every single day to ensure a Labour victory. The Socialist Campaign Group of Labour MPs have no intention of challenging the Labour leadership either. They act as a left cover for a viciously right-wing, pro-war party and will never wage a political fight against Starmer, let alone break from this political cesspit. After five years in charge of the Labour Party, Jeremy Corbyn and his SCG allies handed the party back to the Blairites without a whimper. It is now further to the right than when Corbyn was elected, to the extent that its left rump can only muster less of a rebellion against Starmer than that suffered by Tony Blair over Iraq in 2003when 139 Labour MPs defied the whip. Corbyn spent his time as leader preventing any reckoning with the Blairites while allowing Labours support for NATO, nuclear weapons and military intervention against Syria. Making no defence of his closest allies falsely accused of anti-Semitism, he laid the foundations for the McCarthyite witch-hunt of opponents of Zionisms bloody slaughter of the Palestinians. He now plays the same role from the backbenches, even after Starmer kicked him out of the parliamentary party and prevented his standing again as a Labour MP. At the national demonstration on Saturday, Corbyn again did not mention Starmer by name, merely telling the hundreds of thousands gathered there to email your MP and simply say to them, A ceasefire now in Gaza would save thousands of lives. Jeremy Corbyn speaking at the London rally Without a struggle against the Tory government and its Labour partners in crime, such calls for a ceasefire are so many empty words. The Socialist Equality Party appeals to workers and young people who have waged a determined struggle in defence of the Palestinians week after week: The mass murder in Gaza cannot be stopped by appeals to parliament or efforts to pressure the Labour Party. The Tories and Labour act as a unified party of ethnic cleansing, genocide and imperialist war. Defending the Palestinians and defeating the criminal gang up between Israel, Britain and the US demands the mobilisation of the working class in Britain and internationally against all the governments and political parties of the ruling class. The working class can halt Israels assault on Gaza by making it impossible to wage it, stopping the production and shipment of arms or any material support to the Israeli army. Strikes and blockades can paralyse the war drive and create the conditions for a political general strike against war that can bring down the Tories. None of this can be accomplished without a rebellion against the leadership of the trade unions, whose pious speeches at mass demonstrations for a ceasefire cover for their refusal to mobilise their members against the war. The organisers of the protest movement, the Stop the War Coalition and Palestine Solidarity Campaign, are concealing these fundamental political truths. Labour MPs and trade union leaders are given platform to present themselves, without the slightest challenge, as the most important allies of the Palestinians and leaders of the anti-war movement. Mick Lynch and Eddie Dempsey of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union have provided the most offensive examples, speaking in support of a ceasefire while defending the participation of their own members in British imperialisms naval task force sent to support Israel. Dempsey even had the nerve to say this auxiliary fleet to the Royal Navy was there to help civilian populations and was proof of the RMTs special concern for peace. There is no time to lose. Hundreds of Palestinians are being slaughtered every day, while the US prepared for an attack on Iran that will open up a Middle Eastern front in an escalating war targeting Russia and China. The imperialist governments are meanwhile preparing savage repression of opponents of their filthy war at home, with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak discussing measures for mass arrests and the banning of protests with the police. The new leadership of the anti-war movement must be a socialist leadership. The worldwide movement against the assault on Gaza, bringing millions to the streets around the world, represent an initial eruption of mass anti-fascist, anti-imperialist and anti-capitalist sentiment. This provides the basis for a broad revival of the socialist ideas and traditions of international class struggle which the October Revolution in 1917 proved is the sole means of bringing an end to war. The Socialist Equality Party and the International Committee of the Fourth International, the world party founded by Leon Trotsky, fight to build a mass socialist anti-war movement and the new revolutionary leadership necessary for victory. Niko Tiliopoulos, a senior lecturer in psychology at the University of Sydney, was sacked on Monday, despite thousands of students and staff opposing his removal. Tiliopoulos was dismissed by email, with two hours notice, after management refused to re-schedule a meeting with him. Dr Niko Tiliopoulos [Photo: Horton Advisory] Tiliopoulos has severe respiratory and autoimmune conditions, so he cannot risk catching COVID-19, which could be life-threatening. Two doctors, including one appointed by a university review panel, made that assessment of substantial risks to his health. In response, management declared that Tiliopoulos was unfit to work because he refused to return to face-to-face work and teaching. That was despite him successfully teaching online since 2020 and receiving overwhelmingly positive reviews from students. Unless Tiliopouloss sacking is defeated, it will set a precedent that can be used throughout the tertiary education industry to victimise and sack educators who refuse, for critical health reasons, to adhere to the intensifying return to campus offensive by the employers, even as the pandemic resurges in Australia and many other countries. Tiliopoulos has worked at the University of Sydney (USYD) for 16 years, but management rejected, without reason, alternative teaching arrangements. Instead, it stated: Unfortunately, in some cases it is not possible for an employee with a disability to perform the inherent requirements of their position. This position is manifestly false. The problem is not Tiliopoulos proven capacity to teach with excellence, but managements insistence on a return to campus for commercial reasons, including to offer a campus experience to attract high-fee-paying international students. USYD announced that from July 1 this year, classes will be delivered on campus for all students. It would no longer offer remote units except for validated units or degrees. One of the validated units was one that Tiliopoulos teaches, yet management initiated measures against Tiliopoulos in February. A message from Vice-Chancellor Mark Scott asserted that staff and supervisors recognise and value the importance of in-person connection, and acknowledge that attendance at campus is a requirement. In reality, universities have been reopened as part of the murderous let it rip policies of governments around the world. For the ruling capitalist elite, returning universities to face-to-face teaching has been part of a wider drive to push workers to go back to work to continue producing profits, regardless of the health risks. The reopening of campuses has been an ongoing process since the beginning of 2022, with the full support of the two campus trade unions, the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) and the Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU). As early as November 2021, the NTEU proposed that we transition out of lockdowns and transition forward. In the current round of enterprise bargaining over the past year, the NTEU has pushed through at least 15 agreements at individual universities that contain no protections from the pandemic. For example, in the agreement at USYD, clause 213 says the university may allow flexible work arrangements, of an unspecified nature, to staff members with a disability or significant chronic condition. The crucial word is may. In refusing to allow Tiliopoulos to conduct his teaching remotely, management has not formally breached the agreement. Managements and union bureaucrats alike have justified the full return to campus for students and staff with the lie that the pandemic is over. In fact, the pandemic continues, but reporting has virtually ended. In the state of New South Wales, for example, NSW Healths November 4 health summary noted only that COVID-19 activity is at moderate levels and increasing. As the WSWS wrote in June: Effectively, what has been established is a new and highly regressive public health doctrine, where the continuous mass circulation of a deadly virus is ignored and treated as a non-event. The NTEU has a petition, I stand with Niko, which presents an NTEU facade of fighting to protect Tiliopouloss position. When the petition was presented to the vice-chancellor, it had been signed by more than 2,000 staff. The petition is entirely focussed on disability and makes no mention of the right for all staff to work remotely, disability or otherwise, during the pandemic. Moreover, the petition is a plea to the very same forces, led by Scott, who have conducted the ousting of Tiliopoulos. It calls on Scott to uphold the universitys Disability Inclusion Access Plan, intervene to protect Tiliopouloss employment and meet with the Disability at Work Network and NTEU reps about remote work policies for staff with disabilities. In the universitys Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP), Scott wrote in the foreword that the university must provide a learning and working environment which is inclusive and accessible to all our students, staff and visitors. The sacking of Tiliopoulos is in direct breach of the DIAP, which may be legally enforceable, but management has chosen to flout it. This has serious implications for all workers at USYD and other tertiary institutions. COVID and Long COVID pose a serious threat to health and lives, yet employers are insisting that staff must expose themselves to this peril. Last October, the WSWS published a video interview with Dr Pippa Yeoman, an educational ethnographer and a senior lecturer at USYD, about her ongoing struggle with Long COVID. Yeoman, a member of the Long COVID Facebook community support group, voiced her concerns about the failure of Australian governments to provide adequate support to Long COVID victims and the dangerous consequences for public health of the lifting of basic COVID safety measures. Yet the NTEU has not announced any fight to overturn Tiliopouloss dismissal. In an email to NTEU members at USYD on Tuesday, the unions branch president Nick Reimer gave no indication of any such fight. Instead, Reimer stated: We will not forget this cruelty whenever management next claim to care about staff and their wellbeing. Reimer reported that another academic, Professor Manuel Graeber, also had been sacked. Reimer said the union could not comment on any details of this termination, but noted that Graeber had made serious allegations of malfeasance against a number of the universitys senior managers. Reimer concluded: We will update members on both situations, including on what members can do in response, as soon as we are able. Given the NTEUs record, university workers cannot trust the unions to organise any struggle to defeat the sacking of Tiliopoulos and the wider threat to health and safety. Rank-and-file committees have to be formed, independent of the unions, to lead this fight. To discuss forming such committees, contact the Committee for Public Education. Email: cfpe.aus@gmail.com Facebook: facebook.com/commforpubliceducation Twitter: @CFPE_Australia As Israels genocidal war in Gaza escalates amid mass global protests, an extraordinary series of events took place last week in Brazil, fueling diplomatic tensions between the government of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (Workers Party PT) and Israel. President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva meeting Brazilians rescued from Israeli siege against Gaza [Photo: Ricardo Stuckert/@LulaOficial] This occurred as the US and its allies in the G7 directly threatened Iran with war over its support for Hamas and Hezbollah and, more importantly, its growing economic and military relations with Russia and China. Brazil and many Latin American countries have strong economic ties with China and, to a lesser extent, Russia and Iran, the latter of which recently joined Argentina and four other countries in the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) as part of the blocs bid to build a multipolar world in opposition to US hegemony. US concerns about the presence of China, Russia and Iran, as well as Hezbollah activities in Latin America, were voiced in early October, shortly after the start of Israels war on Gaza, by Gen. Laura Richardson, head of the US Southern Command. In an interview with the right-wing think tank Foundation for Defense of Democracies, General Richardson denounced Iranian warships that ... ended up making a port call in Rio de Janeiro in February and the visits to several Latin American countries in the first half of the year by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi. Adding that the region is insecure and unstable, she said, we can do better in this vulnerable time to keep out strategic competitors that have malign intentions. In this context, the Israeli government, with the full support of the US, launched a provocative diplomatic offensive aimed at destabilizing the Lula government and pressuring it to align itself with both its war against Gaza and the US war preparations against Iran. These moves came after Brazil tried to pass a resolution in October, when it chaired the UN Security Council, advocating a pause in Israels attacks in order to create a humanitarian corridor. The US vetoed the resolution, citing its failure to refer to Israels supposed right to self-defense. Throughout November, Brasilia stepped up its criticism of Israels attacks on Gaza. However, unlike the pseudo-leftist presidents of Colombia (Gustavo Petro) and Chile (Gabriel Boric), who recalled their ambassadors, Lula limited himself to equating the actions of Israel and Hamas, saying on November 13: Hamas has committed a terrorist act.... Israel is also committing various acts of terrorism by not taking into account that the children are not at war. Lula has also defended the creation of a Palestinian state, but without referring to the need for Israel to leave the territories occupied in the 1967 war. As part of the Israeli governments effort to drum up international support for its war in Gaza, its ambassador to Brazil, Daniel Zonshine, met on November 8 with far-right parliamentarians and fascistic ex-president Jair Bolsonaro in the Brazilian Congress to show alleged footage of the Hamass October 7 attack on Israel. Members of parliament aligned with the Lula government were not invited to the meeting. According to international journalist Jamil Chad, of the UOL website, Brazils Foreign Ministry considered the meeting a serious breach of protocol, an intrusion into domestic politics and a complicated relationship with a public figure who is ineligible. However, Bolsonaro is more than ineligible to run for office. In addition to being defeated in last years presidential election by Lula, he was recently indicted by a Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry as the intellectual author of an attempted coup detat on January 8, when his supporters stormed government buildings in Brasilia. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu considers Bolsonaro a close political partner. Over the four years of Bolsonaros administration (2019-2022), Brazil drew far closer to both Israel under Netanyahu and to the US under Donald Trump. Moving the Brazilian embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and recognizing Israeli sovereignty in the illegally occupied territories, the Bolsonaro government also supported the US assassination of Iranian General Qassem Suleimani. The choice of the Brazilian Congress for the meeting between the Israeli ambassador and Bolsonaro served the purposes of the Brazilian far right, Israel and the US. Parliamentarians loyal to Bolsonaro presented bills in October classifying Hamas and Hezbollah as terrorists and equating support for them with the crime of promoting Nazisman equation that Bolsonaro and the Brazilian extreme right has repeatedly made with socialism. One of the bills also states that Brazil should cut diplomatic and economic relations with their supporters, indirectly targeting Iran. Another event that has increased diplomatic tension since the beginning of the war was the delay in allowing 34 Brazilians to leave Gaza, which came only at the beginning of this week. On the same day as the meeting with Bolsonaro, the Israeli ambassador gave the first justification for this delay, claiming that the quota for leaving the Gaza Strip is determined by Egypt. This, in turn, was denied by Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira, pointing to the political reasons for Israels decision to prevent their escape. As if November 8 hadnt been turbulent enough, the Brazilian Federal Police announced on the same day the temporary arrest of two suspects allegedly linked to Hezbollah for planning terrorist attacks in Brazil against the Jewish community. According to the daily Estado de S. Paulo, The action had the collaboration of American and Israeli authorities. On X/Twitter, the Netanyahu government celebrated the arrests, writing: Brazilian security services, together with the Mossad and their partners in the Israeli security community, along with other international security agencies, thwarted a terrorist attack in Brazil, planned by the terrorist organization Hezbollah, directed and financed by Iran. In response, the Brazilian Minister of Justice, Flavio Dino, said that No representative of a foreign government can claim to anticipate the outcome of an investigation conducted by the Federal Police, which is still ongoing. In fact, in the detainees statements to the Federal Police, they denied any connection with Hezbollah. The lawyer of one of them stated that He didnt know what Hezbollah or Hamas were. In addition, a series of doubts vocalized even by Brazils own bourgeois media have emerged because of these arrests. Firstly, there are no perceivable motives for either Hezbollah or Iran to threaten a terrorist attack in Brazil. Brazil has a Lebanese community larger than Lebanons own population of 6 million. Especially since the US war on terror in the early 2000s, there have been claims of Lebanese-Brazilians being involved in money laundering and links to drug traffickingmainly in the triple border region between Brazil, Argentina and Paraguayto finance Hezbollahs activities in Lebanon. No concrete evidence has been presented to support these allegations. Secondly, it is not Hezbollahs modus operandi to carry out actions outside Lebanon, let alone terrorist attacks. Recalled as a landmark of alleged terrorist activity in Latin America, the attacks on the Israeli embassy in 1992 and on the AMIA Jewish association in 1994, both in Argentina, were not claimed by Hezbollah. Actually, its only declared activity abroad was in Syria, when it fought the Islamic State and US-backed Al Qaeda-linked militias in support of Bashar al-Assads government. Hezbollah is the direct product of the Israeli invasion of southern Lebanon in 1982. Since 1992, in the first elections after the civil war (1975-1990) in Lebanon, it has been one of the main political forces of the Lebanese parliament and has wide support among the most oppressed sections of the countrys Shia population. In 2000, Israel left southern Lebanon, but in 2006 it launched a massive invasion against the region, supported by the US, which ended in a debacle for Israel and the US. Both Washington and Israel view Hezbollah as an obstacle to their strategic interests. They want to eliminate it from Lebanon and facilitate a future US military offensive against Iran. The US considers Brazil and Latin America to be a strategic battleground in this process. While Lula condemned Israels actions in Gaza as the most brutal and inhuman violence against innocent people he had ever seen, his government has failed to issue so much as a formal protest over the provocations staged by the Israeli ambassador, much less expel him from the country. Behind this delicate diplomatic approach is the fear of upsetting relations not merely with Israel, but more importantly with its principal and indispensable patron, US imperialism. Since coming to power, Lula has advanced the claim that the government of Genocide Joe, as the American president has been denounced in many protests, represents an important factor in democratic stability in Brazil and the world. More recently, he has praised Joe Biden as the most pro-worker president in history. Significantly, the script for last weeks events in Brazil was unveiled in an article published by the Foundation for Defense of Democracies at the end of October. Entitled Hezbollahs Terror Threat In Latin America, Emanuele Ottolenghi wrote that The U.S. and Israeli governments are rightly concerned that HezbollahaIrans oldest and best-armed proxy... could create a second front in northern Israel, and it could add pressure on Israel and the US by launching terror attacks abroad. He recalled that Latin America is a region of particular concern in this respect because Hezbollah is not considered a terrorist organization in most countries. In addition to arguing that, The Biden administration should encourage more governments to sanction Hezbollah as a terror group, Ottolenghi stressed that The US government needs to be proactive and take to the offensive against Iran and Hezbollahs pervasive soft-power and hard-power operations in the region. But more importantly, Ottolenghi wrote that There is radical mobilization in favor of the Palestinian cause across the region, much of which is fomented by Iran-backed disinformation. Indeed, as part of a global mass movement against the genocide in Gaza, protests have been held weekly in Brazil and many Latin American countries. Amid the diplomatic tensions with Israel and pressure from the US to align Brazil with its war plans against Iran and China, what the Lula government and the ruling elites in Latin America fear most is that this movement will intersect with an emerging working class movement against their austerity policies and criminally negligent approach to the ongoing pandemic. As the WSWS and the International Committee of the Fourth International have insisted, the key issue is to provide the millions of people who have been taking part in weekly protests against Israels genocide with a political perspective based on the working class. As elaborated in the statement The way forward in the struggle against genocide in Gaza, this requires building a political leadership that aims at the conquest of power by the working class, the overthrow of capitalism and imperialism and the establishment of socialism on a world scale. As Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan ratchets up his rhetoric against Israel and the Turkish media writes stories about Turkeys firm stance, new revelations are emerging that trade with Israel is continuing apace. On Wednesday, at a Justice and Development Party (AKP) Parliamentary Group Meeting, Erdogan said: I am calling on Netanyahu from here. Do you have atomic bomb or not?... Israel, you have atomic bomb, nuclear bomb and you are threatening with it. We know this and your end is approaching. It does not matter what you have, you are a goner. Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Sarajevo, Bosnia, on September. 6, 2022. [AP Photo/Armin Durgut] I say clearly that Israel is a terrorist state, Erdogan said, pledging to charge Israeli officials with genocide before the Hague Court of Justice. Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahus spokesperson to the Arab world, Ofir Gendelman, quoted Netenyahus response on X/Twitter: P.M.Netanyahu: There are forces that support the terrorists. And one of them is Turkish President Erdogan, who calls Israel a terrorist state, but actually supports the terror state of Hamas. He has himself bombed Turkish villages. Were not going to take any lectures from him. In the same speech, Erdogan also criticised his NATO allies: Those who do not speak out against Israels crimes against humanity are just as much accomplices in these crimes as the perpetrators. The blood of kids killed in Gaza sticks as a stain of shame to the foreheads of those who provide arms, ammunition and intelligence support to the Israeli administration yet, none of those from the European Union or the U.S., who always talk about human rights and freedoms, can come forward and utter one single word He added, Those who allow the unscrupulous to burn the Holy Quran under the pretext of freedom of thought detain, put under arrest, and resort to every method to silence conscientious people who speak out against the massacre in Gaza. The governments conflict with its NATO and Israeli allies over genocide in Gaza reveals the Turkish bourgeoisies impossible dilemma. It is virtually impossible for the Turkish government to join the other NATO powers in supporting a genocide in Gaza and waging the war Washington is planning with Iran. On the other hand, it has the closest ties with imperialism, and has for decades asserted its foreign policy interests through NATO. The Turkish governments Gaza dilemma is reflected in its continued high volume of trade with Israel while sending humanitarian aid to the Palestinians. Erdogan said that so far 10 planeloads of material had been sent to Egypt for delivery to Gaza, and a ship carrying 666 tonnes of aid had been sent to the region. However, journalist Metin Cihan, using data from Marinetraffic, has listed the ships that have sailed from Turkey to Israel since 7 October. Cihan wrote on Twitter: #StopShipmentsToIsrael calls are not working. I just checked, 8 more ships left just yesterday. This brings the total to 259 since the attacks began... Israel is being supplied with ships full of logistics every day. Turkeys exports to Israel amount to around $6 billion. The biggest item in this figure is steel, which is critical to the arms and defence industries. There is also cooperation in the energy sector, including pipelines and oil pipelines. According to the Turkish Exporters Assembly, Turkey is the third-largest exporter to Israel after China and the United States. On the other hand, the bourgeois opposition parties are implicated in the governments hypocrisy, remaining silent on Turkeys continued trade with Israel amid the genocide. In one unusual statement, Sabri Tekir, deputy leader of the Islamist Felicity Party, was forced to criticise the government. Tekir said: Shipments are still being sent from our ports to Israel every day. These shipments include gunpowder and steel. These are all materials used in the production of weapons. There is also fuel oil, there is also food. Whatever you are looking for. So much so that Turkey is the third largest exporter to Israel. Criticising the governments symbolic boycott campaign, Tekir added: Citizens are boycotting. Some state institutions are encouraging the boycott. It is a good initiative. [But] They [the government] are multiplying their trade volume... We want the government to show even a thousandth of the sensitivity that our housewives show when shopping, not to buy their [Israeli] products. The governments ostensible boycott mainly reflects its fear of an explosion of public anger at strong trade links with Israel amid the genocide, including with mass political strikes. The Turkish governments hypocrisy is shared by most of the states of the corrupt Arab bourgeoisie. On the sidelines of the Extraordinary Joint Summit of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Arab League, statesmen met in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to discuss the Palestinian-Israeli crisis. At the Arab Leagues preparatory meeting, a proposal to impose a comprehensive embargo on Israel, similar to that imposed after the Six Day War in 1967, was rejected. The proposals, which included embargoes on articles like oil, the exclusion of Israeli aircraft from Arab airspace, the non-use of US bases and the freezing of all diplomatic and economic relations, were rejected by the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Morocco and Bahrain. Iranian President Ibrahim Reisi, who has called for an oil embargo from mid-October, presented a 10-point proposal at the Joint Summit. His proposalslike supporting Egypt in breaking the blockade of Gaza, cutting political and economic ties with Israel, declaring the Israeli army a terrorist organisation, setting up an international court to try Israeli and US leaders, and arming the people of Gazawere rejected. The Summits final resolution condemned Israel at length and appealed to the international community, while defending calls for an ethnically based two-state solution of the Palestinian question, which Israel has consistently rejected. The summit called the pro-imperialist Palestine Authority led by Mahmoud Abbas, which is hated by the Palestinian masses, the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people. Erdogan will hold talks in Germany today. He is expected to meet with President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Chancellor Olaf Scholz. It has been reported that Israels attacks on Gaza will be discussed during the talks. Erdogans statements that Hamas is not a terrorist organisation, and his criticisms of the hypocrisy of the Western states led to calls in Germany for the government to cancel the visit. The statement of Sevim Dagdelen, a former MP of the Left Party and now a member of the Alliance Sahra WagenknechtFor Reason and Justice (BSW), pointed out the pro-imperialist and pro-Zionist attitude of the pseudo-left. Dagdelen called on the German government, saying: The red carpet should not be rolled out for Erdogan, who does not see Hamas as a terrorist organisation and questions the existence of Israel. Before the talks, Scholz felt obliged to comment on Erdogans previous statements. On 10 November, Erdogan had said, those who usurped lands where the Palestinian people had lived for thousands of years, are seeking to build a state, whose history dates back 75 years at the most and whose legitimacy they have themselves made questionable with their own fascist acts. On 14 November, Scholz responded with a statement blatantly ignoring the ongoing genocide in Gaza. He declared: Israel is a democracy and a country that respects human rights and international law and acts accordingly. That is why the accusations against Israel are absurd. The Socialist Equality Party (SGP, Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei) took an important stand against Israels genocide of the population of the Gaza Strip with two public meetings over recent days. A total of 150 workers and young people took part in the meetings in Stuttgart (November 11) and Berlin (November 14), many of whom gave their own speeches and participated in the lively discussion. The lecture by Peter Schwarz, Secretary of the International Committee of the Fourth International (ICFI) and member of the International Editorial Board of the World Socialist Web Site, won a powerful response. SGP event Stop the massacre in Gaza in Berlin, November 14, 2023 What is currently taking place in the Gaza Strip is not a war but a massacre, Peter Schwarz stated at the very beginning of his lecture. In an area that is significantly smaller than Berlin and where 2.3 million people live, the Israeli army dropped bombs with an explosive force of 25,000 tons of TNT in one month. Thats the equivalent of two Hiroshima bombs. The whole area is cut off from food, water and electricity. The killing, starvation and expulsion of civilians has nothing to do with Israels self-defense and security! declared Schwarz. In the course of his lecture, Schwarz rejected the omnipresent war propaganda, which has been trivializing the crimes of the Nazi dictatorship and slandering any opposition to Israels bombing terror as antisemitic. While the German government is carrying out unprecedented rearmament, doubling the military budget and rejecting even the demand for a ceasefire, the police are acting arbitrarily and aggressively against anyone who opposes the massacre in Gaza. At the same time, Schwarz placed the events in the context of the NATO war campaign against Russia, China and Iran. The meetings in Stuttgart and Berlin took place in the midst of worldwide mass protests and demonstrations against the murderous policies of the Netanyahu government and the active political and military support it receives from the leading NATO powers. In the days before, members of the SGP and its youth organisation, the International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE), campaigned for the meetings in neighbourhoods and at demonstrations, producing a strong response. Many students and workers participated in the campaign and even distributed leaflets to friends, colleagues and neighbours. Peter Schwarz at the SGP event Stop the massacre in Gaza in Berlin, November 14, 2023 We welcome and support this mass movement, emphasized Schwarz in his lecture. The demonstrations must be expanded and politically developed. The movement in defense of the Palestinians must be brought together with the movement of the working class against war, the fight against wage cuts and social cuts, and the opposition to the ever-increasing attacks on democratic rights. You cannot subordinate the fight against war to the political maneuvres of the ruling class. The callous killing of over 10,000 people in Gaza in a few weeks is also aimed at preparing the public for even greater crimes, such as the use of atomic bombs, Schwarz explained. There is not a single wing of the ruling elitesbe it in America, in Europe or even in the Arab countriesthat seriously opposes mass murder. Schwarzs lecture in Berlin was repeatedly interrupted by spontaneous applause. The biggest applause came when he called for worldwide strikes by dockworkers, airport workers and transport workers against Israels war policies and spoke of mobilizing the entire international working class to defend the people of Gaza. He explained that this is the only policy and strategy capable of stopping the massacre. And the construction of the SGP and its international sister parties is necessary to fight for this socialist perspective. The aim of the movement cannot be to put pressure on the rulers, said Schwarz. The aim must be to disempower them. Workers governments must be formedgovernments that rely on the workers and represent their interests. This requires the overturning of capitalist private property, the expropriation and disempowerment of the billionaires, banks and large corporations. And this also requires overcoming the nation-states and national borders, which today only serve to divide and incite workers against each other. Christoph Vandreier at the SGP event Stop the massacre in Gaza in Berlin, November 14, 2023 SGP Chairman Christoph Vandreier stressed in introducing the lecture that the SGP was the only party that opposed the massacre in Gaza and German militarism. The Gaza massacre is preparing a war across the region, which is the second front in the developing Third World War. The only way to prevent such a catastrophe is to mobilize the international working class on the basis of a socialist program, he said. In the ensuing discussion, numerous participants took the floor. Meryem, who supported the SGP and IYSSE campaign in Neukolln, said, Stop the killing. We must fight back, as soon as possible. I stand behind Mr. Schwarz and Mr. Vandreier. I wish from the bottom of my heart that our community participates and that my fellow human beings here in Berlin also participate. I can no longer bear racism with the best of intentions. It does not matter what religion a person comes from. Everyone has the right to live in peace and quiet. It cannot be that you kill people because of racism or because of money. This policy is sick and criminal. Mohammed said, I am Palestinian and have been living in Germany for 27 years. Our people have been suffering for 75 years when we were exiled. In childhood, I experienced racism in Germany. We have always been seen differently or demonized and are not people for many. Its not just about Palestinians or faith. Capitalism is becoming a beast of prey, whether today in Gaza or tomorrow elsewhere. At some point, it will be your turn, as you can see here. Youre not going to have it as good as it is now. He added, The people at the top are driving the world to ruin because they always want more and more. Its all about capital. Its only a matter of time before this Ponzi scheme crashes into the abyss if we dont all stick together. On the other hand, you have to tackle this effectively, you have to organize a revolution and meetings like this. We have to respond together and pull together. Discussion at the SGP event Stop the massacre in Gaza in Berlin, November 14, 2023 When a speaker stated that he was only interested in Gaza, not capitalism and that it was inadmissible to promote the establishment of a new party, several other participants disagreed. A young female speaker noted that the Left Party, most recently with its support for Israels war campaign, had betrayed all of its previous claims to support the Palestinians. A party is needed to give the struggle a voice, she added. Wolfgang Weber, a longtime member of the SGP executive committee, recalled that the First World War could only be ended by the October Revolution under the leadership of the Bolshevik Party. The absence of such a party in Germany ultimately made Hitlers rise possible. Other speakers strongly condemned the media propaganda, the incessant war policies of the US and other imperialist powers, and announced further demonstrations and protests. Other contributions, which called for the boycott of Israeli and American goods in favour of German products or trivialised the German government as a vassal of the US, were critically taken up and rejected by Schwarz and Vandreier. Vandreier stated, We believe that workers in Germany, as well as workers in the United States and around the world, can only defend their own interests if they now side with the Palestinians and defend the rights of the Palestinians. One cannot defend the rights of the workers in a single country without fighting against the development of war, without fighting against imperialism, which worsens the situation of the workers in every single country or which again incites the workers against each other and sends them to war. SGP event Stop the massacre in Gaza in Stuttgart, November 11, 2023 In Stuttgart, one participant suggested going to the Zionists and countering them with better arguments. There was no time for a socialist solution to the crisis. Instead, it had to be a matter of penetrating into the pro-Zionist bubble, not leaving room for it and destroying it by argument. Another asked, Why is it all of a sudden that all politicians and media, without exception, stand in solidarity with Israel? Schwarz replied, The issue is not convincing the warmongers with better arguments, but the issue is social interests. All parties in the Bundestag (German parliament) defend the interests of the capitalist elites, without exception. They have sided with Israel because they want to benefit from the imperialist redivision of the world. The Trotskyist movement alone is oriented towards the working class with a long history in this regard. Schwarz explained, One hundred years ago, the Left Opposition was founded to defend Marxism against the emergence of Stalinism. Over the past 25 years, we have built the WSWS to create a counter public opinion. Today, we are calling for protests and demonstrations also in Israel itself, he continued. After the lectures, many participants signed up to support the SGPs participation in the European elections and left their contact information to participate in the fight for the construction of the International Committee of the Fourth International. Yesterday, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchezs Spanish Socialist Party (PSOE) renewed a minority coalition government with the pseudo-left Sumar coalition of Podemos and 14 other pro-austerity parties. It followed months of talks between the PSOE, Sumar and the Catalan and Basque nationalists after the right-wing Popular Party (PP) won a plurality in the July elections but failed to form a majority. Spains Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez (PSOE), second left, walks next to Podemos leader Pablo Iglesias, second right, and First Deputy Prime Minister Carmen Calvo, left, at the Moncloa Palace in Madrid, Spain, Tuesday, Jan. 14 2020 [Credit: AP Photo/Manu Fernandez] Sanchez was re-elected with 179 votes. With a 4-seat majority in the 350-seat parliament, his new government will be weak, fragmented, and dependent on external support from six parties to rule. Besides the 152 seats of PSOE and Sumar, Sanchez needed support from 7 lawmakers of the Catalan Republic Left, 6 from Together for Catalonia, 6 from the Basque-separatist Bildu, five of the Basque Nationalist Party, one of the Galician Nationalist Bloc, and one from the Canarian Coalition. Sanchez received 171 votes against, from the right-wing PP and neo-fascist Vox, the highest vote ever recorded against a standing prime minister. Had the Catalan or Basque nationalists voted against Sanchez, he would have been defeated. In return, Sanchez agreed to amnesty 400 people facing legal action over their role in Catalonias separatist movement in the past decade, and to forgive 15 billion in Catalan government debt. Among those amnestied will be Carles Puigdemont, the former regional premier of Catalonia who was deposed in 2017 after organizing an outlawed secessionist referendum. Puigdemont then fled to Belgium to avoid prosecution. Sanchez faces mounting opposition from both left and rightfrom workers and youth mounting strikes and protests against his anti-worker policies, and fascistic, anti-Catalan groups calling for a coup. Yesterday, tens of thousands of high school and university students across Spain went on strike against the genocidal war in Gaza waged by Israels fascistic Netanyahu regime and its imperialist accomplices led by the United States and the European powers, including Spains PSOE-Sumar government. In Valencia, the strike was supported by 90 percent of the students in high schools and 70 percent in universities. Expressing widely shared sentiments, one student, Leiva, told the Catalan online daily El Nacional: We ask the workers unions to call a general strike because we know that struggle is the only way. Another student, Nina, said, this conflict has made me think and see how important strikes are. It took place shortly after workers at Spains Navantia shipyard in Ferrol denounced the PSOE-Sumars dispatching of Spanish warships in a US-led battle group now patrolling off the Israeli-Gaza coast. They demanded the immediate return of the warships, which were built by Navantia, and the breaking of commercial and diplomatic ties with Israel. A week before, 1,200 dockworkers in Barcelona announced they would refuse to service any ships carrying war material to Israel. A mass strike is also underway by 40,000 workers in the major logistics hub of Guadalajara, who are demanding wage increases. The intersection of mass protests in defense of Gaza and strikes against the global cost-of-living crisis worsened by NATOs war on Russia in Ukraine shows the potential for the working class to mount its own, politically independent intervention into the world capitalist crisis. These crises will only intensify in the months ahead. The PSOE-Sumar government has pledged to impose 24 billion in social cuts and tax hikes in 2024, as the European Union finances billions in military spending on the Ukraine war with Russia and Israels war on Gaza by attacks on wages and social conditions. Sanchez for his part gave a cynical speech at the investiture, making appeals to gender and identity politics and lying through his teeth about his track record of attacks on the working class. He said, We must choose if we want to continue advancing in the dignity of work, the empowerment of women, respect for sexual diversity, the integration of migrants, and the belief that a plural society is a better society. Or if, on the contrary, we support the prophets of hate who want to lock women in kitchens, LGTBI people in closets, and immigrants in refugee camps. The previous government of Sanchez and Acting Deputy Prime Minister and Sumar leader Yolanda Diaz slashed pensions and labour law protections for workers, handed 140 billion in EU bailout funds to corporations and banks, and savagely cracked down on striking metalworkers and truck drivers. Its profits-over-lives policy on COVID-19 led to over 160,000 excess deaths. Its barbaric incarceration and oppression of migrants includes the infamous massacre of at least 100 refugees at Spains Melilla enclave. Sanchez cynically claimed to be a bulwark against the far right. In front of them, Sanchez said, there are progressive forces that will not take a step back, forces that know well the problems we face. And they are, furthermore, convinced that these problems can be overcome; and that, if we make the right decisions, Europe and the values it embodies have a bright future ahead of us and can illuminate the rest of the world with its model. In reality, Sanchez felt compelled to deploy 1,600 policemen to surround the parliament, for fear of a far-right coup. Not since Spains Transition to parliamentary rule in 1978, after the death of fascist dictator Francisco Franco, have explicit pro-coup threats been heard. For weeks, Vox leader Santiago Abascal called for patriotic resistance, calling on the army and cops to intervene. For 12 days, far-right goons, including the American demagogue Tucker Carlson, occupied the street which hosts the PSOEs headquarters in Madrid singing the fascist hymn Cara al Sol, making the fascist salute and shouting: Franco, Franco, Franco. One PSOE councilor in Cadiz was assaulted, and PSOE lawmakers were pelted with eggs yesterday as they made their way to the parliament. At the end of the investiture, PP leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo, gave Sanchez a traditional congratulatory handshake as leader of the official opposition. However, Feijoo, who has repeatedly called the election results a fraud, threateningly told Sanchez: this is a mistake. You will be the one responsible. The same security forces upon which the PSOE-Podemos government has rested for four years to assault strikers also threatened Sanchez. An association of paramilitary Guarda Civil declares themselves ready to spill even the last drop of blood in defense of the sovereignty and independence of Spain and its constitutional order. The General Council of the Judiciary accused Sanchez of abolishing the rule of law in Spain. National Court judge Garcia-Castellon suddenly brought up ludicrous charges of terrorism against Puigdemont to try to block the investiture. Top active and retired military officers are rumored to be drafting a manifesto against the PSOE-Sumar government and its amnesty of Puigdemont and other Catalan nationalists. In December 2020, hundreds of retired officers sent letters to King Felipe VI calling him, as head of the armed forces, to launch a coup against the PSOE-Podemos government. One officer proclaimed his loyalty to Franco and called for the murder of 26 million left-wing voters and their families to extirpate the cancer. These events confirm the warnings after the July elections in Spain. A PSOE-Sumar government will advance anti-working class, pro-war policies that will ultimately benefit the growth of Vox and the PP, while cynically utilizing demands for unity against the right as a political weapon against rising social and political discontent. The critical task now is uniting the growing struggles of workers and youth in Spain with their class brothers and sisters internationally in a global movement against genocide, war, fascism and the capitalist system, including its defenders such as Podemos. Israeli soldiers conduct combat operations at al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City. [AP Photo/Israel Defense Forces via AP] For weeks, Israel used its claims that the Al-Shifa hospital, Gazas largest, was being used as a military command center to justify a relentless bombardment of the hospital that killed dozens of people and prevented the wounded from entering or leaving, in a series of flagrant war crimes. Admitting that there were no hostages inside the hospital, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday, We had strong indications that they [the hostages] were held in the Shifa hospital. If they were [there], they were taken out. In an October 27 post on X, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) asserted that Al Shifa acts as the main headquarters for Hamas terrorist activity. The post was accompanied by an animation showing a sprawling complex, spanning hundreds of meters, underneath the hospital. Israels claims were reiterated multiple times by officials from the White House, Pentagon and State Department. On Tuesday, National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby asserted, 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. Biden repeated this unsubstantiated claim on Thursday, declaring, Heres the situation: You have a circumstance where the first war crime is being committed by Hamas by having their headquarters, their military hidden under a hospital. And thats a fact. Asked by a reporter to detail for us what kind of evidence the U.S. has seen that Hamas has a command center under Al-Shifa Hospital, Biden replied, No, I cant tell you. I wont tell you. On Wednesday, the IDF posted a video showing a half-dozen assault rifles, two flak jackets, and a computer which it claims were hidden behind an MRI machine at Al-Shifa. There was no attempt to explain why an MRI machine, with its powerful magnetic field, did not cause the weapons to fly across the room when it was in operation. This image taken from a video released by the Israeli Defense Forces, Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023, shows a few rifles the IDF says were found at the MRI center at Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City. [AP Photo/Israel Defense Forces via AP] Israels evidence was so flimsy that even the US government was not shameless enough to back it. In a press briefing Thursday, Al Jazeera correspondent Patty Culhane asked Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh, So youre saying that the video of a blurred laptop, flak jacket, a handful of riflesthat that backs up what youve been saying that Hamas is operating in the hospital? To this, Singh replied, Hamas usesAl-Shifa being one of themhospitals in Gaza to conduct and to operate out of and to further execute on terrorist actions. Culhane asked, Is there video to back that up? to which Singh replied, Im just going to leave it at that. Later on Thursday, after searching the hospital area for two days, the IDF claimed to have found a vehicle on the hospital grounds packed with assault rifles and an opening leading to an underground structure. In the 1980s, Israel itself undertook a renovation of the hospital, including what Haaretz noted was a large cement basement that housed the hospitals laundry and various administrative services. Since the start of Israels assault on Gaza, the World Health Organization has recorded at least 137 attacks on healthcare facilities, resulting in 521 deaths and 686 injuries, including 16 deaths and 38 injuries of health workers. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is disastrous, amid mass hunger and dehydration. Thursday marked the fifth consecutive day with no update to the death toll, which stood at over 11,078 on Friday, of whom 4,506 were said to be children and 3,027 women. The United Nations attributed the lack of reporting to the collapse of services and communications at hospitals in the north. Gazas telecommunications services were again shut down on Thursday, after providers announced that they had completely run out of fuel, and after Israel conducted strikes on communications infrastructure. For the second consecutive day, no aid trucks entered Gaza, following the collapse of humanitarian infrastructure in the country due to lack of fuel. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East said that it will no longer be able to coordinate any humanitarian aid convoys starting Friday. Israeli forces attacked the Central Petroleum Station at the northern entrance of Al Maghazi refugee camp, killing nine people and injuring dozens more. The picture of the humanitarian situation provided by the United Nations is disastrous: Active ground operations in the heart of Gaza city have continued to disrupt the movement of rescue teams and ambulances and people to obtain their essential needs, particularly food and water. Households in the western neighbourhoods of Gaza city appealed for help after their remaining food and drinking water had been depleted. Reportedly, they were unable to leave their homes because of the presence of Israeli ground troops and fighting. Multiple appeals by stranded households and family members underneath struck buildings and homes went unanswered; the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) has been unable to respond to hundreds of calls to assist and evacuate. There have been no bakeries active in northern Gaza for over ten days, and no wheat flour is available on the market. In a post on X, the World Food Program wrote, 23 bakeries on Oct 7th. 5 bakeries on Oct 17th. 1 bakery on Oct 31st. ZERO bakeries today. @WFPs last contracted bakery in #Gaza has shut down due to the lack of fuel. Today, nearly the entire population is in need of food assistance. In an article on Wednesday, indigenous academic Marcia Langton solidarised herself fully with the Israeli bombardment of Gaza, and expressed complete contempt for the Palestinians who are being mass murdered there. Langtons screed was published in the Murdoch-owned Australian, the most belligerent of all the corporate press in its legitimisation of the unfolding war crimes. Professor Marcia Langton addressing National Press Club of Australia, September 6, 2023. [Photo: Screen shot, National Press Club of Australia] Langtons position has caused a deal of surprise, shock and outrage. She was one of the chief proponents of the Labor governments failed referendum last month to enshrine an indigenous Voice to parliament in the Australian Constitution. Supporters of the Voice claimed that establishing the advisory body would help redress the crimes of colonialism, perpetrated against indigenous people. But now, Langton, one of its chief advocates, is defending the worst manifestation of neo-colonialism in the world today. In fact there is no contradiction. As the Socialist Equality Party insisted, the entire Voice referendum was a sham. One of its central aims was to further elevate an indigenous elite into the corridors of political and corporate power. Langtons article has the benefit of underscoring the utterly reactionary character of this narrow layer, whose interests are diametrically opposed to those of oppressed Aboriginal workers and youth. Langton denounced indigenous figures for having entwined two extraordinary propositionsone that is simply untrue and one that is a moral outrage. First, they claim that Indigenous Australians feel solidarity with Palestinians. To this, Langton bluntly responded: This is false; it is the view of a tiny few, if put in those words. Most of us are aware of the complexity and that there is very little comparable in our respective situations, other than our humanity. In other words, unlike the millions of people around the world mobilising against the Israeli onslaught, Langton, a wealthy and feted academic, feels no connection with the oppressed Palestinians. In fact many ordinary indigenous people, and others, have noted the parallels between the brutal dispossession of Aboriginal Australians and the ongoing attempts to displace the Palestinians. The commonalities are obvious to anyone opposed to the crimes of colonialism. The second proposition, to which Langton responded with moral outrage, is, inevitably, the refusal of some indigenous activists to condemn Hamas. I am aghast and embarrassed. They do not speak for me. As with every other piece of right-wing tabloid commentary in the Australian, Langton presented the events of October 7 as a manifestation of evil, terrorism and the like, completely unconnected to the 75-year occupation and oppression of the Palestinians. In this quasi-religious depiction, the Palestinians involved in resistance are irrational and even demonic, the militarised industrial state raining down bombs on Gaza, virtuous and acting out of the purest of motives. Of course, that argument is essentially identical to those that have been deployed against all colonised populations, including indigenous people in Australia. Colonial authorities presented the Aboriginal people as sub-human and therefore, incapable of reason. Their justifiable acts of resistance to British rule were depicted as primitive savagery. The most striking feature of Langtons article was not its indifference to the plight of Palestinians, more than 12,000 of whom have been murdered over the past month. Rather it was that Langton went further than almost any other Australian commentator in blaming the Gazan civilian population for its situation, legitimising Israels slaughter. In one of her few references to the mass killing unfolding in Gaza, Langton wrote at the beginning of her article of the innocent Palestinians who are being used as human shields by Hamas. But several paragraphs later, Langton decided that the population of Gaza was not so innocent. Langton wrote: When 44 per cent of Gazans voted for Hamas in 2006, they precipitated a series of crises, such as the Israeli imposition of siege conditions, and with Iranian military aid to Hamas, their status as human shields. That paragraph can only be described as extraordinary. In the first instance, it is worth recalling that an estimated 70 percent of Gazans are under the age of thirty, almost half are children. They had no involvement in the 2006 election; most had not even been born. But that is a minor point. Of far more note is that Langton ascribes responsibility for the entirety of the current conflict to its victims! It is the fault of the Palestinians that bombs are falling on their heads, and killing thousands of children. The decades of occupation, the mass displacement, the Israeli incursions and war crimes preceding 2006 are all erased. Langtons statement undermines and calls into question key tenets of international law developed in the aftermath of the horrors of World War II. The clear thrust of her argument is that by voting for Hamas in 2006, the residents of Gaza transformed their status from innocent civilians to something else. Human shield is a stock term of Israel to justify the bombardment of anything and everything Gazan. Gaza is one of the most densely populated areas on Earth. The aim and inevitable consequence of carpet bombing an area of 365 square kilometres (141 square miles/about 90,000 acres) is maximum death. So far, 1.5 million people from a population of 2.3 million have been displaced. Usually, when they trot out the lie about human shields, pro-war commentators shed crocodile tears about the fate of civilians supposedly used as such shields. But Langton goes one step further. She asserts that by voting for Hamas 17 years ago, the people of Gaza themselves confirmed their status as human shields, presumably in perpetuity. This is one of the most explicit and clear justifications made in the Australian press for the collective punishment of civilians, which is a war crime. Langtons position dovetails with the statements of Israeli officials that all of Gaza is fair game, because there are no civilians, they are all terrorists. The targeting of residential buildings, schools, and hospitals is in line with the aims of the Israeli government, as stated by Defence Minister Yoav Gallant: we will wipe them off the face of the earth. As the SEP warned during the referendum, one of the key aims of the Voice was to put a humane gloss on Australian capitalism, to justify its involvement in predatory US-led operations and wars, especially the preparations for conflict with China. Langton, with her diatribe, has confirmed that assessment of the pro-imperialist character of the Voice and its proponents. Langton, together with Tom Calma, another indigenous academic, co-authored a 2021 report that served as the basis of the Voice policy. In her article, Langton writes: Australians like me can do little about the disaster unfolding in the Levant except to support our government Of course the Labor government, like Langton, is full-throated in its support of Israel. That was on display late last month, when Prime Minister Anthony Albanese travelled to Washington for meetings and a state dinner hosted by President Joe Biden. Albanese and Biden came together to give the greenlight to Israels genocide, and to plot the next stages of the US-led confrontation with China. Among those at the dinner was none other than Calma, who was singled out by Biden for a brief conversation. The attitude of the indigenous elite to the events in Gaza is not a Middle Eastern question. Their venomous antipathy to oppressed Palestinians is essentially no different to their hostility to oppressed indigenous people and the working class as a whole. Langton was a vociferous supporter of the 2007 Northern Territory intervention, a police-military occupation of indigenous lands, based on lurid and concocted assertions of rampant sexual abuse in oppressed Aboriginal families. She has promoted regressive social attacks associated with the intervention, including welfare quarantining, under which the government essentially takes control of a welfare recipient's monies. Langton, like other representatives of the indigenous elite such as Noel Pearson, has enjoyed extremely close relations with mining companies. In a series of 2012 lectures, she credited these gigantic corporations and their oligarchic magnates with creating a new Aboriginal middle class. This layer has also established lucrative commercial relations with the defence industry and the Australian Defence Force. The defeat of the Voice referendum was a blow to the indigenous elite and its aspirations. The failure of the initiative was not a result of anti-Aboriginal prejudice in the population. In fact there is a mass sentiment in favour of redressing the crimes against indigenous people. Instead, the Voice was voted down because broad sections of the working class, including many Aboriginal people, did not think it would improve anything for oppressed indigenous or anyone else. There was deep distrust among the population that the Labor government, the political establishment, or the Aboriginal leaderships would enact any measures to redress the decades of oppression of Aboriginal people. The revelations of Langtons positions on the Palestinians only confirms the correctness of their suspicions. The Voice was advanced by a Labor government that has ruled for the rich and rejected calls for any substantial measures to address the worst cost-of-living crisis in decades. Langton and other indigenous elite leaders responded to the failure of the Voice with a week of silence/mourning. They ascribed the loss to rampant racism and prejudice among ordinary people. How hollow does all of that sound now that Langton is legitimising the unfolding genocide of an oppressed people, and Calma is rubbing shoulders with the criminal in the White House who is overseeing it? As the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) wage war on Gaza with the full-throated support of the US-NATO powers and Israeli officials threaten to drop a nuclear bomb on the besieged enclave, a confrontation is escalating between Iran and the imperialist powers over Tehrans expulsion of a number of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors who were monitoring its nuclear energy program. This points to the urgent necessity for the mass protests against the IDFs genocidal war in Gaza to oppose imperialist military escalation against Iran. It is increasingly likely that Washington could attack Iran and that the war in Gaza could engulf the entire Middle East. The US has already surged two aircraft carrier groups to the region, and in a very rare move recently let it be known that it has also deployed a nuclear-powered and potentially nuclear-armed submarine to the region. US officials have repeatedly threatened over the past two decades that they could launch a first strike, potentially with nuclear weapons, in order to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear bomb. An Iranian cleric holds Lebanon's militant Hezbollah group flag and posters of the late Iranian revolutionary founder Ayatollah Khomeini and Jerusalem's Dome of the Rock during a rally in front of the former U.S. Embassy in Tehran, Iran, marking 44th anniversary of the seizure of the embassy by militant Iranian students, Saturday, November 4, 2023. [AP Photo/Vahid Salemi] On Wednesday, IAEA officials complained that Iran was refusing to certify several of its inspectors, including French and German citizens, while continuing to produce highly enriched uranium. The Iranian government withdrew the inspectors accreditation as retaliation for what it called political abuses by the US, British, French and German governments. Irans stance is not only unprecedented, but unambiguously contrary to the cooperation that is required, wrote IAEA head Rafael Grossi. Grossi also pointed to the increasingly large stockpiles of highly enriched uranium that Iran has built up since 2018, when then-US President Donald Trump unilaterally cancelled the UN-backed 2015 Iranian nuclear accord and imposed devastating economic sanctions on Iran. Washington has used its domination of the world financial system to bully its European allies and much of the rest of the world to enforce these sanctions, which are themselves tantamount to an act of war. IAEA officials found in September that Iran has 128.3 kg (282.9 pounds) of uranium enriched to 60 percent. It is a relatively straightforward technical operation to turn uranium enriched to the level for weapons-grade uranium, enriched to 90 percent, that can then be used to make nuclear bombs. The IAEA indicated that on this basis Iran has sufficient uranium enriched to 60 percent to make three nuclear bombs in a few weeks, once this uranium is enriched to 90 percent. In May, IAEA officials in Iran said they had detected trace amounts of uranium that had been enriched to over 83 percent, or very near to weapons grade. Iran initially decertified the IAEA inspectors in September, after the European powers announced that they would continue to enforce a set of sanctions that were soon set to expire under terms of the 2015 Iran nuclear accord. Tehrans actions prompted a protest from the IAEA at the time. The Vienna-based UN agency issued a statement that declared, This measure, while formally permitted ... was exercised by Iran in a manner that directly and seriously affects the Agencys ability to conduct effectively its verification activities in Iran, in particular at the enrichment facilities. However, this week after the outbreak of the Israel-Gaza war in October and as questions mounted over the state of the Iranian nuclear program and uranium stockpile, the IAEA issued another statement denouncing the decertification as extreme and unjustified. The Iranian government responded by sending a letter to the IAEA on Wednesday declaring that it was within its rights to decertify the inspectors. However, it added that it was exploring possibilities to address the request made by the IAEA. Arms control officials are stressing that if Iran continues enriching uranium, there is an increasing risk that Washington and Tel Aviv will seize upon this as a pretext to attack Iran. Moreover, one of the main facilities of Irans nuclear program, a new underground processing plant under a mountain near Natanz that is over 80 meters underground, is thought to be buried deep enough to survive attacks by all conventional US bombs. This increases the danger that Washington could choose to bomb it with nuclear weapons. Completion of such a deeply buried facility risks igniting a new escalatory spiral, warned Kelsey Davenport, the director of nonproliferation policy at the Washington-based Arms Control Association. Given how close Iran is to a bomb, it has very little room to ratchet up its program without tripping U.S. and Israeli red lines. So at this point, any further escalation increases the risk of conflict. Contacted by the Associated Press in May, the Biden administration confirmed that it was prepared to attack Iran, including potentially with nuclear weapons, to prevent Iran from developing the ability to build its own nuclear bomb. We believe diplomacy is the best way to achieve that goal, but the president has also been clear that we have not removed any option from the table, the White House told AP. Washington and its European imperialist allies have never forgiven the 1979 Iranian revolution that toppled the bloody, US-backed dictatorship of the Shah of Iran. In the over 30 years of imperialist war in the Middle East since the 1991 Stalinist dissolution of the Soviet Union, Iran has found itself surrounded by US-led wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria and beyond that altogether have claimed millions of lives. And despite repeated overtures to the US, Tehran has found itself in the Pentagons crosshairs time and again. The Iranian regime has viewed its nuclear program, begun under the Shah, as a useful bargaining chip in its relationship with Washington. The Iranian governments nuclear brinkmanship does not work to develop the struggles of the working class in Iran or internationally. It is not progressive and does not deserve working class support. Indeed, polls in Iran indicate that only 33 percent of the population supports the program, up from around 10 percent before the Israeli-Gaza war. The most aggressive role in this crisis, however, is played by the imperialist powers plundering this oil-rich region. US officials, in particular, have repeatedly threatened that they would consider the most draconian actions, including genocidal acts of mass murder, to block Irans nuclear program. After having threatened to invade and occupy Iran immediately after the illegal 2003 US-led invasion and occupation of Iraq, Washington and its European allies launched a campaign denouncing Irans nuclear program and its opposition to Israel. In 2008, then-US Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton threatened to obliterate Iran. Tensions surged between the NATO imperialist powers and Iran after the NATO alliance launched a war for regime change in Syria in 2011 that continues to this day. Iran and Russia both intervened to prop up the Syrian government after Washington, London and Paris threatened to bomb Syria in 2013. After Washington cancelled the 2015 Iranian nuclear treaty, Irans nuclear program became the focus of US attempts to use control over the US dollar, the worlds main trading currency, to lock Iran out of the world financial system and crush its economy. Iran has developed closer ties with both Russia and China, especially in the recent period, which intensifies the danger that a US or NATO strike on Iran would inflame wars that have spread across not only the Middle East but the entire world. In 2021, Iran signed a 25-year, $400 billion friendship treaty with China that reportedly included a promise of mutual military assistance in case of war. Last year, Russia and Iran developed close ties for the manufacturing of drones, ammunition and other military supplies that Russia is using in its war with NATO in Ukraine. A US-led war with Iran in the 2020s, amid an emerging Third World War, would rapidly involve far more powerful forces than those that opposed Washington in Afghanistan, Iraq and other wars in the 2000s. Last month, as Washington deployed two aircraft carrier battle groups to the Middle East in response to the eruption of the Israel-Gaza war, the South China Morning Post reported that China would send its own flotilla of six warships to the Persian Gulf region. With its war with NATO in Ukraine, Moscow is also reportedly discussing providing Iran with modernized fighter jet aircraft in exchange for the drones and ammunition it is receiving from Iran. Moscow is also in negotiations with Libyan warlord Khalifa Haftar to set up a military base in the eastern Mediterranean, at the eastern Libyan city of Tobruk, from which it could conduct surveillance of Europe and European military forces in the Mediterranean. New York City Mayor Eric Adams at Manhattan's downtown heliport, Monday, Nov. 13, 2023, in New York. FBI agents seized phones and an iPad from Adams last week as part of an investigation into his campaign finances. [AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews] The deepening federal investigation into possible criminal violations in connection with the 2021 campaign of New York City mayor Eric Adams represents the greatest challenge yet for his not quite two-year-old mayoralty. It also coincides with a growing crisis of affordable housing and homelessness, along with a record influx of migrants, budget cuts and ever-mounting inequality. The allegations concern whether the right-wing Turkish government of Recep Tayyip Erdogan made donations to the Adams campaign either directly or through businessmen acting on its behalf in exchange for official favors. The FBI probe may be nearing the point where a decision is made on whether to bring criminal charges. The investigation surfaced publicly on November 2, when the authorities raided the Brooklyn home of Adams chief campaign fund-raiser, Brianna Suggs, and seized two laptops, three iPhones and a manila folder labeled Eric Adams. The mayor, who had only just arrived in Washington D.C. that morning to push for federal action to ease the recent influx of migrants into New York, heard news of the raid and took the next plane back to the city. He canceled meetings with White House officials and members of Congress, to which he had earlier attached the greatest importance. Adams later claimed that he had returned out of concern for Suggs, his 25-year-old aide, but he also admitted that he hadnt even seen or spoken to her upon his return. A few days later, on November 6, an even more unusual development took place on the streets of lower Manhattan. The mayor was stopped upon leaving an event at New York University. Two FBI agents asked Adams security detail to step aside. They entered the mayors car and seized his electronic devices, including two cellphones and an iPad, which they later returned after copying emails and texts. As observers pointed out, the FBI could have quietly and privately requested that Adams turn over his phones. The extraordinary public confrontation had to have been aimed at generating publicity, and suggested that charges were in the offing. Although neither Adams nor Suggs has been charged with wrongdoing, and the mayor claims he is cooperating fully with the investigation and has nothing to hide, he has also retained the services of the giant WilmerHale law firm. The central question of the investigation, as reported on in some detail by the New York Times, is whether Turkish officials illegally donated to the Adams campaign and whether his administration gave the Turkish authorities benefits in return. As the Times reports, 11 employees of the KSK Construction Company in Brooklyn, owned by Turkish immigrants, made campaign donations to Adams in 2021. He also received five donations from individuals connected to Bay Atlantic University, a small institution founded by a Turkish philanthropist. Other groups connected with Turkish President Erdogan also donated to the campaign. Adams has made, by his own account, at least six or seven separate trips to Turkey over the past decade or so. He has said that this is not unusual, considering his love of travel. A trip by Adams in 2015 was paid for in part by the Turkish consulate general. The consulate has cultivated close relations with Adams from his time as Brooklyn Borough President. In 2021, he had breakfast with the Turkish ambassador and with Dr. Mehmet Oz, the son of Turkish immigrants who ran unsuccessfully as the Republican candidate for the US Senate from Pennsylvania a year later. Since taking office, Adams has continued to meet with the consul general, both at City Hall and the mayors home, Gracie Mansion. Text messages leaked to the press indicate that Adams, while still Brooklyn Borough President, but certain of election only two months later as the Democratic nominee for mayor, may have pressured then-Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro to give permission for the temporary opening of the new Turkish consulate in Manhattanthe $300 million, 36-story Turkevi Centerdespite serious fire safety concerns. Permission was granted, and President Erdogan cut the ribbon only a few weeks before Adams won his election. The mayor, when questioned about this, said that his duties as borough president routinely involved issues like the official opening of new buildings and outreach to immigrant communities. He did not explain how a new high-rise in Manhattan fell under his jurisdiction, which was then limited to Brooklyn. When the Turkevi Center opened two years ago, Adams was given a guided tour. In a press conference this week, the mayor responded to persistent questions about the investigation by saying that he is fully cooperating and would follow the law. Adams and his top aides repeatedly deflected all questions, insisting that he would not interfere with an ongoing probe. Chief Counsel Lisa Zornberg declared, No one has been accused of wrongdoing in the investigation, to my knowledge, and there has been no indication that Ive seen that the mayor is a target. The Adams administration has faced a number of previous corruption charges. Several months ago, Buildings Commissioner Eric Ulrich was forced to resign after being indicted on bribery charges. The Manhattan District Attorney has also indicted six donors to Adams 2021 run for the mayoralty for allegedly violating campaign finance rules. Various observers and critics of Adams within the framework of capitalist politics have also called attention to numerous unusual aspects of his circle and of his administration. The mayor is known for appointing longstanding associates whose loyalty is unquestioned. Brianna Suggs, who started working for Adams in 2018, when she was 20 years old and had not yet graduated from Brooklyn College, is extremely close to Ingrid Lewis-Martin, who has the title of chief adviser to the mayor, and has known Adams for 40 years. The New York City mayor has already raised $2.5 million in preparation for his reelection campaign two years hence. When asked at his press conference whether he would resign if indicted, he said that was premature, and repeated his insistence that he always followed the law. The news about Adams relationship with the Turkish authorities bears an uncanny resemblance to the indictment, only a month ago, of New Jersey Democratic Senator Robert Menendez. Menendez was charged with acting as an unregistered agent of the Egyptian government. Earlier, in September, Menendez had been indicted on multiple counts of bribery. Over 30 of his Democratic colleagues in the Senate have called for his resignation, a call which he has rejected. Gold bars seized in a search of the Menendez residence last year. [Photo: US Department of Justice] As in the case of Menendez, there is no question that Adams is a corrupt representative of big business. After a 22-year career as a police officer, during which he postured as an opponent of police brutality and racism, as the head of the organization of black police officers, Adams entered politics in 2006 and won election to the state senate, then in 2013 to the largely ceremonial post of borough president in Brooklyn. In the mayoral election in 2021, Adams became the favored candidate of the corporate and financial elite from the outset of his campaign. His administration has been characterized by its ruthless defense of big business and police brutality, wrapped up in right-wing demagogy and the rhetoric of law and order. Savage budget cuts have hit education, libraries and health care. Nearly one-half of the citys population is poor or near poor, while the wealthiest sections of the upper-middle class join the multi-millionaires and billionaires in their parasitic existence. Meanwhile, like virtually all of the Democrats, Adams has joined in the support for Israeli genocide in the Gaza Strip, backing the expenditure of tens of billions of dollars for war against the working class abroad while prosecuting an economic war against the working class at home. It is not clear the extent to which the FBI probe has been triggered by the overflowing corruption scandals of the Adams administration, but it is certainly being used to keep the pressure on Adams not to deviate from his right-wing course. He has heard this message loud and clear. On Thursday afternoon, the mayor announced a massive new round of budget cuts targeting virtually every city service, including more than $1 billion over two years from public education, blaming it largely on the fiscal crisis produced by the influx of undocumented immigrants into the city. The International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE) supports school students in Australia planning to strike in opposition to Israels genocide against Gaza. School children are preparing to walk out of classrooms in MelbourneAustralias second largest citynext week. This significant and positive action must be supported and expanded by students, young people and workers across the country. Only the mobilisation of a mass movement can end the Zionist states imperialist-backed bombardment. The school strike organised by Free Palestine Melbourne on Thursday, November 23 comes amid a mass movement internationally of millions of workers and youth against Israels onslaught. Thousands of school children in the United States, Canada, Britain and elsewhere have walked out of classrooms in support of Palestinian freedom in recent weeks. The IYSSE opposes all attempts to intimidate and silence the protests by politicians and the mainstream media who parrot the Australian ruling elites support for the Zionist state. Youth are turning to social networks to overcome the corporate and state-owned media blackout of Israels war crimes and the global response of ordinary people to the bombardment. Young people around the world are horrified by what they are witnessing. The collapse of health services in Gaza means officials in the occupied territory cannot keep track of the number of dead. The death toll has likely passed 12,000about half of which are children. Israel is conducting a war on hospitals in Gaza as part of a systematic campaign of genocide. In what can only be described as war crimes, it is deliberately targeting civilian populations, including children and healthworkers. These attacks are being carried out under the framework of public declarations of genocidal intent. The interior minister of Israel proposed the expulsion of the Palestinian people from the occupied territory. Israels agriculture minister proclaimed Nakba 2023, in reference to the 1948 Nakbacatastrophe in Arabicwhich saw the ethnic cleansing of about 700,000 Palestinian Arabs during the Arab-Israeli war and the establishment of the Zionist state. The defence minister in October compared Palestinians to animals and ordered a complete siege on the Gaza Strip, blocking Palestinian access to electricity, food, fuel, medical supplies and water. During the holocaust, the greatest imperialist crime of the twentieth century, the Nazis carried out genocide against the Jewish population without the world being aware of what was taking place. Today, however, the Israeli states genocide of the Palestinian people is being witnessed by workers and youth around the world in real time through social media. And they are being moved to act against it. Israel is not acting alone. It is carrying out the program of world imperialism and would not be able to do so without the assistance of the imperialist powers including the US and Australia. The ethnic cleansing of Palestinians in the Middle East is part of broader imperialist carve up of the world which threatens a catastrophic nuclear third world war. The US and European powers are already engaged in a proxy war against nuclear-armed Russia in Ukraine. This is one prong of preparations for war against Chinathe main threat to US hegemonic rule. US President Joe Biden and Washingtons allies in the Asia-Pacific are drawing up plans for nuclear war with China. Australia is the southern anchor in these preparations, both because of its military alliance with the US, and to further the interests of the Australian ruling elite in the southern Pacific. The threat of nuclear catastrophe highlights the need for the broad opposition to the Israeli genocide against Gaza to be developed into a mass international anti-war movement. Israels genocide against Gaza and the full support given to it by the imperialist powers is intended to send a message to the global working class: colonialism is back. And the ruling elite will use any means it deems necessary, including war crimes, to advance its geo-strategic interests. The future for todays youth under capitalism is one of war, climate catastrophe and mass illness, as seen amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In every country, the ruling elite have shown their complete disregard for the lives of ordinary people in their pursuit of profit. Australias involvement in US-led war plans reveals the reason behind the frenetic attempts by the media and political establishment to silence planned student walk outs. This has included calls for students who walk out to be punished. The Victorian state Labor government of Premier Jacinta Allan, her education minister Ben Carroll and the Liberal-National Coalition have all joined hands to insist that students go to school on November 23. Allan stopped short of calling for the school strike to be banned, but her government has said it is up to the discretion of schools whether students who skip class to attend the rally will be punished. Governments in Australia are actively supporting genocide while denouncing those who dare to speak out against it. Opposition to Israels bombardment has been repeatedly branded antisemitic in the corporate media and political establishment. The aim is to intimidate and silence the mass anger that has resulted in the largest anti-war demonstrations since the 2003 protests against the illegal US-led invasion of Iraq. An education department spokesperson warned against any language likely to incite any form of racism, anti-Semitism or violence during the school strikes. The IYSSE opposes the false equivalence of hostility to Israeli occupation and genocide in Gaza with antisemitism. This fallacy relies on equating the garrison state of Israel which is actively engaged in war crimes with all Jewish people. Protests of young people against the Zionist regimes bombardment must be defended! The IYSSE calls on the mobilisation of the broadest layers of students to these walkouts. Young people in other cities and regional centres across the country should develop actions against the genocide in Gaza. Teachers must also take a stand against the calls to punish striking students. Do not submit to the threats and intimidationsdefend the democratic rights of young people to protest the assault on Gaza! Join the fight against genocide! The protests raise the fundamental political question: on what basis must this fight be taken forward? We insist that protest alone is not enough. The experience of the 2003 protests against the Iraq war is proof of this. Millions of people took to the streets internationally against the US-led war of aggression which was based on lies. But the political leadership of that movement funnelled that anger back behind safe channels within the capitalist system. In Australia, that leadershipconsisting of the capitalist Greens party and the fake left tendencies, such as Socialist Alternative and Socialist Alliancepromoted the illusion that the Australian government could be pressured into not joining Washingtons imperialist project in the Middle East. Above all, they advocated for the lesser evil of the then Labor opposition to be elevated into government. Not only did the illegal imperialist wars in Iraq and throughout the Middle East proceed, causing devastation to entire societies, but Labor remains a central plank in US-led war aims in the region. Today, the federal Labor government of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese fully backs the US-sponsored Israeli genocide in Gaza. Meanwhile, the ruling elite here and in every country are overseeing social devastation. Billions are poured into the military while working-class families are increasingly finding it impossible to survive under conditions of the worst cost-of-living crisis in a generation. Students cannot leave their futures in the hands of the capitalist warmongers! What is required is a political perspective to end the system that leads to colonialism and imperialist war: the capitalist nation-state system. The struggle against Israels occupation must be linked up with the broader struggle of workers internationally against capitalist barbarism and attacks on the living standards of the entire working class. The IYSSE calls for the unity of workers and youth internationallyacross ethnic, religious and national linesin a common struggle against capitalism. For this, a socialist revolutionary leadership based on the lessons of history must be built. Join the IYSSE today to take up this struggle. Indonesian President Joko Widodo traveled to Washington for a meeting on Monday with United States President Joe Biden. The two leaders agreed to elevate their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), the highest level of diplomatic cooperation. Widodo is also in the US to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit being held this week in San Francisco, California. President Joe Biden meets with Indonesia's President Joko Widodo in the Oval Office of the White House, Monday, Nov. 13, 2023, in Washington. [AP Photo/Andrew Harnik] The meeting provided Biden the opportunity to push his administrations confrontation with China. The US president no doubt placed ample pressure on Widodo in private to distance Jakarta from its traditional non-aligned foreign policy stance and move closer into Washingtons orbit. During a joint press conference, Biden declared that the new CSP would develop the US-Indonesian relationship across the board, affecting everything. It includes enhancing security cooperation, particularly maritime security. And it includes expanding our work together to build a secure and resilient supply chain. The two sides announced collaboration in significant sectors including semiconductors, a key product for the US military. Biden and Widodo declared that the two countries would work together to create a more resilient, secure, and sustainable global semiconductor value chain while carrying out a review of Indonesias semiconductor industry in order to develop it, ultimately to meet the needs of US imperialism. The two leaders also stated that they would elevate military ties with a new Defense Cooperation Arrangement, which includes the expansion of both bilateral and multilateral military exercises. It also includes stepped up cooperation in regards to cybersecurity and so-called counterterrorism. While avoiding direct mentions of China, the joint statement released at the meeting declared, Both leaders underscore their unwavering support for freedom of navigation in and overflight above the South China Sea and respect for sovereignty and for sovereign rights and jurisdiction of coastal states over their exclusive economic zones (EEZ) and continental shelves in accordance with the international law of the sea, as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The purpose of such a statement from Washingtons point of view is to inflame tensions in the region with what is a thinly-veiled denunciation of China. Indonesia has a territorial dispute with China around the Natuna Islands in the South China Sea. In recent years, Chinese fishing vessels have operated in waters Indonesia considers part of its EEZ around these islands where Beijing has its own claims, leading to Jakarta increasing its military presence. An EEZ stretches 200 nautical miles from a countrys coast. Washington is essentially encouraging Indonesia to take a more hardline stance against China through the signing of a bilateral Work Plan on Maritime Security Cooperation deal to prevent and counter illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing. This will raise the prospect of a clash. It is these sorts of territorial disputes in the South China Sea, once minor, that Washington has whipped up to pressure China and justify US-led war games in the region as well as operating militarily on Chinas doorstep, claiming freedom of navigation. It must also be noted that while the US demands Beijing adhere to the formers interpretation of UNCLOS, Washington refuses to adopt this UN convention. Furthermore, increased military cooperation is already underway. On October 23, senior officials from the US State and Defense Departments met senior Indonesian officials in the Foreign Affairs and Defense Ministries for their first ever 2+2 Foreign Policy and Defense Dialogue. Washingtons aim is to build a system of alliances throughout the Indo-Pacific region with the intention of economically and militarily surrounding China. This includes working to encourage members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), such as Indonesia, to move into the camp of US imperialism. Washington and Indonesia also held the 2023 Super Garuda Shield exercises from August 31 to September 13 in multiple locations across Indonesia. Additional participants included Japan, Australia, the United Kingdom, France, and Singapore. Twelve more nations attended as observers, including South Korea, New Zealand, Canada, and the Philippines, all of which the US considers key components of its war plans with China. These sorts of US-led military exercises in the region have become almost daily occurrences. Washington is also using its other alliances to pressure nations. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was in South Korea on Monday where he and his South Korean counterpart Defense Minister Sin Won-sik agreed to leverage their alliance to pressure Southeast Asian and Pacific Island nations. The two sides asserted that the Alliance seeks to play a more active role in contributing to regional security, including by bolstering defense cooperation with Southeast Asia and Pacific Island Countries to cultivate a well-networked region, which is critical to protect the values of freedom, peace, and prosperity. Washington has demonstrated preciously what it means by freedom, peace, and prosperity through its complete backing of Israels genocide of Palestinians in Gaza. For all of the talk of rule of law in the Indo-Pacific, it amounts to nothing more than a tool to demonize Beijing. And while Widodo called on Biden to support a ceasefire in Gaza, through the signing of the CSP, he made clear that the mass murder of civilians is no barrier to working with Washington. This does not mean Jakarta is rushing to join the US war drive against China, which is Indonesias largest trading partner. At the same time, Indonesia is dependent on Washington for security, with the US also being Indonesias second-largest trading partner. Jakarta is therefore attempting to balance between the two, conscious that conflict between Washington and Beijing will have a negative impact on its economy. Widodo stated in Washington that 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. This is ultimately unacceptable to Washington, which considers Indonesia a major factor in maintaining its hegemony in the region. Indonesia was the site of one of the most vicious crimes of the 20th century: the mass murder of one million workers, peasants, and Indonesian Communist Party members during the 19651966 CIA-organized coup led by Suharto. Having spilt this blood, Washington is not prepared to allow the country to go its own way. Bidens meeting with Widodo also came two days before the US president met with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the APEC summit. Rather than reduce tensions, Bidens discussions with these and other leaders have been used to ratchet up the danger of war in the Indo-Pacific. Canadas trade union-backed Liberal government has tabled legislation ostensibly aimed at prohibiting the use of scabs by federally-regulated employers during strikes or lockouts. Bill C-58 has been universally touted by the New Democratic Party (NDP)which is in a confidence-and-supply agreement with the minority Liberals that secures the Trudeau government its parliamentary majorityand by trade union leaders as an historic victory for workers rights. However, the bill is far less than meets the eye. Its presentation now has much more to do with the political theatre necessary to patch up the pro-war, pro-austerity Liberal governments tattered progressive credentials than any genuine concern for workers rights. United Steelworker (USW) Canada National Director Marty Warren flanked by Canadian Labour Congress President Bea Bruske and NDP leader Jagmeet Singh at Parliamentary Hill press conference hailing tabling of Bill C-58 [Photo: USW District 6] In March 2022, when the NDP, with the unions enthusiastic support, struck their pact with the Liberals to keep Trudeau in power through June 2025, a Liberal pledge to table anti-scab legislation by the end of 2023 was hailed by the labour bureaucrats as a major concession they had wrested from the government. In reality it was and is chicken feed. Far more significant was the NDPs vow to provide the minority Liberal government with political stability, that is a free hand in pursuing the agenda of the ruling class. This includes: Canadian imperialism playing a major role in the US/NATO war on Russia; massive increases in military spending; and public spending austerity to pay for the hundreds of billions in handouts to corporate Canada during the pandemic. Now, as working people across Canada voice their anger and revulsion at the Trudeau governments full-throated support for Israels genocide against the Palestinians in Gaza, the unions and NDP are doubling down on their alliance with the big business Liberals. In addition to the significant political considerations associated with Bill C-58s presentation, the Liberals argue that it will assist the ruling class in suppressing the class struggle, by strengthening the state-regulated collective bargaining system and giving a political shot in the arm to the pro-capitalist union apparatuses. Under conditions of a dramatic upsurge of workers struggles in Canada and internationallystruggles that have increasingly taken the form of rank-and-file rebellions against the union bureaucracythe Trudeau government, and its union and NDP allies are acutely aware that they must create new mechanisms to divert, blunt, and disarm militant struggles that could act as a catalyst for a broader working-class-led mobilization against the ruling elites class war agenda of austerity for workers and imperialist war abroad. The NDP politicians and trade union bureaucrats effusive boasts of having secured a national ban on the use of strikebreakers are, to say the least, a gross and willful exaggeration. This is true even if one leaves aside that the ban only covers a small fraction of the workforcethe roughly 350,000 workers employed in federally-regulated industries, such as transportation and telecommunication, who have union contracts. The Trudeau government has explicitly excluded from its provisions the more than 300,000 federal public servants, the largest single group of federally-regulated workers. Moreover, the legislation includes a series of loopholes to suit employers. For example, employers will have 18 months to prepare for the new rules if the legislation is passed, meaning the earliest its provisions could in come into force is in the final months of 2025. Scabs will be permitted if a strike poses threats to health and safety or could cause serious environmental or property damage. The body that will ultimately determine what constitutes a threat, the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB), has a notorious pro-employer record, allowing employers to confidently expect generous interpretations of these loopholes. During this past summers West Coast longshore strike, the CIRB served as a pliant tool of the Trudeau government and shipping companies in criminalizing job action. First, after rank-and-file dockers massively repudiated a sellout tentative agreement drafted by senior government officials and approved by the union bureaucracy, the CIRB stepped in with an emergency ruling that parroted Labour Minister Seamus ORegans incendiary claim that the resumption of the strike was illegal. Instructed by the government to ensure there was no further disruption at British Columbia ports, the CIRB ordered dockers to vote on a virtual carbon copy of the contract that had been turned down. They gagged union representatives from speaking publicly about the proposed contract and threatened them with legal action if they called for its rejection. Under Bill C-58 it will be up to the CIRB to determine if an employer is violating the ban on scabs, and, in the event it is, would be empowered to impose fines of up to $100,000 per day. The record of this unelected, anti-worker body, however, makes a mockery of the claims by union bureaucrats, Trudeau government ministers, and NDP politicians that workers will be able to count on the CIRB to meaningfully enforce its no-strikebreaker provisions. The proposed legislation actually provides a new mechanism for employers to undermine strikes and expands the states power to legally prevent workers from striking. Hitherto, essential services agreements, which employers always exploit to maintain operations, have been restricted to a handful of sectors. Bill C-58 would make them mandatory for every federally regulated collective bargaining unit, with unions only gaining the legal right to strike after they have reached an agreement with employers designating those workers who for safety reasons would continue working during a walkout. Should union and employer representatives fail to agree within 15 days of the start of bargaining on what essential services must be maintained, it will fall to the CIRB to dictate such an agreement. In addition, at any time in the course of a dispute, the Labour Minister will retain the power to refer a case to the CIRB to determine if health and safety is at risk. Another major concession to big business is that the bill allows non-union contractors to continue working during strikes, provided they do so in the same manner, to the same extent and in the same circumstances as they did before the notice for a lockout or strike was issued. Although it remains to be seen how such an exemption would be interpreted, it would in theory allow an employer to hire scabs prior to the commencement of a strike, employ them for a brief period, and keep them working to at least somewhat offset the effect of a strike. While further undermining workers right to strike, which has been eviscerated by successive governments through the use of back-to-work legislation, Bill C-58 significantly strengthens the corporatist partnership between union bureaucrats, the employers and government. This explains why the responses from the trade unions, Liberals and NDP have been so enthusiastic. Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) President Bea Bruske applauded the Liberal/NDP government alliance for authoring Bill C-58, declaring, The NDPs advocacy with workers for robust anti-scab legislation resulted in this vital piece of legislation being included in the Supply and Confidence Agreement between the NDP and the Government. The United Steelworkers began its press release by stating, The new federal anti-scab legislation marks another victory for workers coming out of the New Democrats supply and confidence agreement with the government. The Quebec Federation of Labour (FTQ) hailed the Trudeau government for its courage in standing up to the employers, while the Quebec-based Confederation of National Trade Unions described the bills tabling as an historic occasion. NDP leader Jagmeet Singh praised the advocacy of the NDP for making the bill possible, and added that he hopes it will spread across the country with more jurisdictions passing similar laws. Labour Minister ORegan hailed the bill for keeping parties focused on the [bargaining] table and providing more stability and certainty for the economy, i.e., safeguarding the profitability of corporate Canada. Bruske repeated ORegans claims that the passage of Bill C-58 would lead to less labour disruptions, fewer work stoppages and swifter negotiations. The suppression of the class struggle has been the main focus of the nationalist, pro-capitalist trade union bureaucracies over the past four decades. The globalization of production has transformed the unions from organizations that once achieved limited gains for workers within the national framework into appendages of the state and corporations tasked with enforcing concessions and managements dictates. This has taken the political form of an alliance between the union bureaucracy, Liberals, and NDP, which is decisive for the Trudeau governments enforcement of its austerity program at home and waging of imperialist war abroad. In a statement published in July, the Socialist Equality Party analyzed the Trudeau governments war on two fronts, against its great power rivals abroad and the working class at home. The statement explained, The labour bureaucrats enforced the ruling classs profits-before-lives pandemic policy that led to successive waves of mass death. They are strident supporters of the Ukraine war and rearmament. The unions and NDP have given tacit support to the far-right Ukrainian Canadian Congress-led, Trudeau government-backed campaign to smear and censor all anti-war voices. They also played a key role in the recent renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement, which was aimed at consolidating a US-dominated continental trade bloc from which American and Canadian imperialism can vie for global economic and geostrategic hegemony If the Trudeau government is waging a war on two fronts, the union and NDP leaders are its labour lieutenants. Their specific task is to contain, divert and derail mounting working class opposition. The anti-scab legislation is aimed at bolstering the anti-working class corporatist alliance between government ministers, corporate executives and union bureaucrats. In strengthening the collective bargaining system, their goal is to stifle mounting working-class opposition and contain contract disputes within state-regulated, pro-big business institutions. The urgent task facing the working class is to free itself from the political straitjacket imposed by the union bureaucracy and NDP. This imperatively demands a political struggle against the Trudeau government and the Liberal/union/NDP alliance on which it rests. This necessitates a turn to a socialist and internationalist program for the mobilization of workers in Canada alongside their class brothers and sisters in North America and throughout the world against capitalist austerity and war, and for workers power and socialism. Outside the Democratic Party headquarters in Washington D.C. on Wednesday night, Capitol Police officers rioted against some 200 protesters attempting to hold a candlelight vigil and peaceful ceasefire protest over the killing of more than 12,000 Palestinians in the US-backed Israeli genocide in Gaza. Despite the peaceful character of Wednesdays demonstration, which featured protesters singing songs and chanting, Capitol Police officers responded aggressively. When protesters with Jewish Voice for Peace, IfNotNow and the Democratic Socialists of America locked arms in front of the entrance and exit of the Democratic National Committee office building while leading Democrats were inside, the police escalated their assault. Video shows that as protesters, who were facing away from the building and not attempting to enter it, were chanting for a ceasefire, police charged them and threw at least one of them down the stairs. One protester confirmed having suffered a concussion from the police assault. In total, some 90 protesters were injured by cops, according to a statement by IfNotNow, one of the Jewish organizations that led the protest. The organization said its members were given no warning before police attacked them with pepper spray, bicycle thrusts, punches and kicks. One person reported being thrown against a wall and choked by a cop, while another reported being grabbed him by the hair and flung to the ground. In a statement issued on Twitter/(X), Capitol Police confirmed that they arrested one protester for assault, although they have yet to release any evidence of the alleged assault. Police claim that six of their officers suffered minor injuries, presumably while beating unarmed protesters. The protest coincided with a Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) fundraiser that was being held inside the building. The fundraiser included virtually the entire House Democratic leadership, including Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Minority Whip Katherine Clark and Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar. Jeffries was one of several politicians who spoke in favor of the ethnic cleansing of the Palestinian people at the March for Israel pro-genocide rally, a state-sponsored demonstration that was held the day before. In a statement issued Thursday morning by Jeffries, Clark, Aguilar and DCCC Chair Suzan DelBene, the Democratic Party leadership claimed, falsely, that protesters escalated their activity in a manner that exceeded a peaceful demonstration. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, New York- Democratic, speaks in favor of US military support to the IDF at the March for Israel rally in Washington DC, November 14, 2023. [Photo: Jewish Federation of Greater Washington] Joining the Democratic leadership in denouncing the protesters, not the police, as violent instigators was California Democratic Rep. Brad Sherman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Sherman is an over two-decade-long defender of US imperialism in Congress. In an October 14 appearance on Fox News, Sherman called for military packages to Ukraine and Israel, with the latter including advanced munitions, artillery shells and replenishment of the Iron Dome. Sherman, who was inside the Democratic Party HQ during the protest, wrote on Twitter/(X) that he was evacuated from the #DNC after pro-terrorist, anti-Israel protesters grew violent, pepper spraying police officers and attempting to break into the building. Apparently, Sherman added, these pro-Hamas demonstrators want Republicans to prevail in the next Congressional election. After lying on social media, Sherman was welcomed on CNN Wednesday night and Fox News Thursday morning, where he again slandered protesters and falsely claimed that they used pepper spray and instigated the violence with the police. Their willingness to attack police, like they did with pepper spray, is a force multiplier, Sherman said on CNN and Fox. One unnamed Democratic representative told Axios that Wednesdays protest scared me more than January 6. To compare what happened on January 6, a multi-hour assault by several thousand fascists who took over the Capitol building, to 200 peaceful protesters, most of them Jewish, protesting in front of a building calling for a ceasefire, while the politicians were wining and dining inside, is provocative and reactionary. Wednesdays protest was one of dozens that have been organized by liberal groups in the US in the last month that seek to pressure war-criminal politicians into adopting a ceasefire position by engaging in non-violent civil disobedience. While numerous protests have been held in the US and internationally, involving millions of people, politicians in capitalist democracies have ignored popular demands for a ceasefire, slandering the protesters as antisemitic and branding the demonstrations as hate marches, while funneling billions in arms to the genocidal Israeli government. Joining Democrats in slandering the mostly Jewish protesters and their allies as Hamas-supporting antisemites were several Republicans, many of whom played a central role in Trumps failed coup. Christian fascist House Speaker Mike Johnson, who, like Jeffries, participated in the Stand for Israel pro-genocide rally on Tuesday, wrote on his Twitter/(X) account that pro-Hamas protesters ... violently attacked the Democratic National Committee headquarters. I condemn this criminal activity, which injured six brave Capitol Police officers, in the strongest terms. As Americans, we must unite with one voice in steadfast support of our ally Israel. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson at the pro-genocide March for Israel rally in Washington DC, November 14, 2023. [Photo: Jewish Federation of Greater Washington] Johnson added that Congress will not be intimidated by this vile display of antisemitism. Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton called on the Biden administration to use every law-enforcement tactic against these pro-Hamas insurrectionists that it has used in the January 6 cases. Track them down, arrest them, convict them, and lock em up, the fascist Republican demanded. While Democratic and Republican politicians locked arms in supporting police violence against peaceful anti-genocide protesters, as of this writing, so-called progressives and phony socialists like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Rep. Cori Bush and Rep. Jamaal Bowman have yet to release a statement refuting the false claims of their colleagues that the protesters were violent Hamas supporters who pepper sprayed the police. This silence is not a mistake. As Israel began its carpet bombing of Gaza after October 7, leading to mass protests in New York City, Ocasio-Cortez condemned the protests as an expression of hatred and antisemitism and called for them to be shut down. It should not be so hard to shut down hatred and antisemitism where we see it, Ocasio-Cortez said. The bipartisan support for police violence against peaceful protesters underscores that the fight against ethnic cleansing and imperialist war can not be won by appealing to the capitalist parties responsible for the slaughter. The Democratic Party, which has proven unable and unwilling to defend democratic rights in America, or anywhere else, would sooner join hands with their fascistic Republican colleagues to imprison antiwar demonstrators than take up their demand for an end to the genocide and ethnic cleansing being carried out by the facistic Zionist regime of Benjamin Netanyahu. As the World Socialist Web Site noted in a November 9 statement of the International Committee of the Fourth International, published as its Perspective column, the fight against Israels genocide in Gaza must be based not on pressuring governments, but on struggle against them all. (Bloomberg) -- Alibaba Group Holding Ltd.s market value has slumped to only about half that of rival Tencent Holdings Ltd. as the formers e-commerce-centric business faces sluggish demand and intensified competition. Most Read from Bloomberg Alibaba, whose other main business line includes cloud computing, has a market capitalization of $201 billion, while Tencent, focused on social media and gaming, is valued at $384 billion, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Alibabas shares now trade around eight times forward earnings multiples, versus 16 times for Tencent. Alibaba on Thursday abruptly ended its plan to spin off its cloud unit, citing heightened US restrictions on chip sales to China. The announcement, along with lower-than-expected domestic e-commerce sales, sent the stock tumbling about 10% in Hong Kong, its largest decline this year. The divergence in the market value of the two companies also highlights some of the regulatory and macroeconomic issues that have troubled Alibaba. In recent years, China has sought to rein in the countrys tech giants, with regulators probing Alibaba affiliate Ant Group Co. and imposing a $1 billion fine on the fintech company backed by Jack Ma. Its market value had largely been higher than Tencent before the crackdown started in late 2020. Tencent earlier this week reported better-than-expected profitability across its main business lines for the third quarter. The Chinese social media operator delivered growth across divisions from gaming and advertising to fintech, driving a 10% increase in revenue. Chinas tepid consumption recovery and the heightened competition in the e-commerce space all make it harder for Alibabas business environment, said Willer Chen, a senior analyst at Forsyth Barr Asia Ltd. There were also greater regulatory concerns for Alibaba earlier that weighed on investors sentiment. Story continues (Updates Tencents market value in the second paragraph. An earlier version corrected day to Thursday in third paragraph.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. (Bloomberg) -- US President Joe Biden met Thursday with counterparts from South Korea and Japan, two top US allies, a day after his landmark summit with Chinas President Xi Jinping. Most Read from Bloomberg The gathering, on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum Thursday, offered Biden a chance to brief Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on his hours of discussion with Xi Wednesday. Xi has his own meeting with Kishida, and Biden also hosted APEC leaders for lunch as the confab continues in San Francisco. Xi and Biden Wednesday reached a handful of deals to try to address the fentanyl crisis, restore high-level military communications and open a dialogue over artificial intelligence. The US is the 2023 rotating host for events tied to the 21-member APEC group, which holds annual leaders summits along with other gatherings. (All time stamps San Francisco, GMT -8) Biden Says Worlds History Will Be Written in Asia (8:25 p.m.) Biden stressed the importance of the region to leaders at a dinner Thursday. So much of the history of the world will be written in the Asia Pacific in the coming years, he said at the event at the Legion of Honor in San Francisco. The president said the meetings Thursday broke important ground and hopes the next days sessions would be even better. -Michelle Jamrisko Biden, Japans Kishida Discussed China Diplomacy, Gaza Aid (7:30 p.m.) Biden and Kishida met to discuss global and regional security issues and to advance bilateral security and economic cooperation, according to a White House account. They discussed their respective diplomacy with China and committed to continue close coordination, it said. They also reaffirmed the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, the Korean Peninsula and the East and South China Seas, and they agreed to accelerate trilateral cooperation with South Korea. Story continues The leaders also pledged to work together on delivering aid to civilians in Gaza and to continue close diplomatic coordination to prevent the conflict from spreading. -Natalie Choy Kishida Tells Xi They Should Work for Brighter Ties (6:18 p.m.) Kishida told Xi they should work together to create a brighter future for ties between their countries, as they sat down to their first bilateral summit in a year. The meeting in San Francisco on Thursday comes a day after Biden hailed an improvement in US relations with China following his own talks with Xi. The warmer tone helped open the way for US ally Japan to pursue its own efforts to shore up relations with its biggest trade partner. The Asian neighbors have spent months wrangling over everything from semiconductors to nuclear waste, while the fate of Japanese citizens detained in China and a territorial dispute over uninhabited islands near Taiwan continue to simmer. -Isabel Reynolds OpenAI CEO Says Biggest AI Election Risks Are Unknown (6 p.m.) OpenAI Inc. Chief Executive Officer Sam Altman said artificial intelligence poses as-yet-unknown risks when it comes to elections. The dangerous thing is not really what we understand, the existing images and videos, but its all the new stuff, Altman said during a panel at APEC Thursday. The as-yet-unknown risks could include possible innovations in personalized persuasion. We dont fully understand how it will work, he said. Altman, who has been vocal about the need for government oversight of AI, said that big regulatory changes werent needed for current versions of the technology, but would be soon. -Shirin Ghaffary and Aisha Counts Blinken Downplays Viral Clip of Reaction to Bidens Dictator Remark (5:30 p.m.) US Secretary of State Antony Blinken downplayed a viral video clip of him visibly reacting when Biden reiterated his statement that Xi was a dictator during a press conference following Wednesdays summit between the two leaders. The president always speaks candidly and he speaks for all of us, Blinken said in an interview Thursday with CBS News. Its clear that we will continue to say things and continue to do things that China doesnt like, just as I assume that they will continue to do and say things that we dont like. Chinas Foreign Ministry denounced Bidens statement as irresponsible during a press briefing on Thursday, according to Reuters. Biden made a similar comment earlier this year shortly following a trip by Blinken to Beijing, also earning condemnation from Chinese leaders. -Justin Sink Biden Hails Record Time on Asia-Pacific Economic Deal (5:10 p.m.) Speaking at an event on the sidelines of the APEC summit, Biden said Thursday that negotiators from the US and 13 partner countries made record time in substantially reaching agreement on three areas of a trade and economic pact created by his administration. The US and its partners earlier Thursday announced the completion of talks on two more parts of the pact, known as the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework. This adds to a deal on supply chains announced earlier this year, though the final part of the framework on trade has become bogged down. The two pillars finished this week are on clean economy, which focuses on the transition to renewable energy and fighting climate change, and a fair economy, which includes taxation and corruption issues. It marks the most significant American economic engagement in the region since President Donald Trump pulled the US out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership in 2017, although it doesnt reduce tariffs like a traditional free-trade agreement. -Eric Martin Trudeau and Xi Have Cordial Exchange, Canada Official Says (4 p.m.) Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his Chinese counterpart exchanged a brief hello at the APEC summit, as any leaders would do, an official with Canadas government said. The official described the quick exchange as cordial. The two leaders did not have a pull-aside conversation on the sidelines of the summit, which Canadas ambassador to Japan earlier said would be a good thing. The exchange marks the first time the leaders have spoken since the G-20 summit in Bali last year, when Xi chastised Trudeau for allegedly leaking details of a prior meeting. Canadas relationship with China has been strained for years, reaching a nadir in 2018 when China detained two Canadians, Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, in apparent retaliation for Canadas arrest of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou on a US extradition warrant. -Laura Dhillon Kane Japans Kishida and South Koreas Yoon Discuss North Korea (3:20 p.m.) The leaders of Japan and South Korea met on the sidelines of the APEC summit and talked over issues of concern, including North Koreas continued nuclear and missile activities, Japans Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement. The meeting was the seventh this year and comes as the two have stepped up their military cooperation with the US. Kishida and Yoon are scheduled to appear at Stanford University on Friday to discuss issues such as clean energy and startup innovation. A Trudeau-Xi Meeting Would Be a Good Thing, Canadas McKay Says (3:05 p.m.) It would be a good thing if Trudeau had a pull-aside conversation with Xi while in San Francisco for APEC, Canadas ambassador to Japan said Thursday. Ian McKay told reporters the two leaders have a lot to discuss and there is a pathway forward for the relationship. Tensions flared earlier this year when each country expelled one of the others diplomats over allegations of Chinese interference in Canadian democracy. Wednesdays Xi-Biden summit sent a positive signal that there may be a reset in perspectives and a willingness to engage in more consistent, realistic ways, the ambassador said. The two were positioned next to each other during a family photo of APEC leaders, and Trudeau nodded in Xis direction, but no other public interactions took place. -Laura Dhillon Kane Xi Pledges Heart-Warming Steps to Attract Foreign Investors (1:25 p.m.) In a written speech published Thursday the Chinese leader pledged to take steps to improve conditions for foreign businesses and said his nation would continue to provide equal and quality services to international companies. We will also take more heart-warming measures, such as improving the policies on entry and stay of foreign nationals in China, he said. The APEC CEO summit announced earlier in the day Xi would not be able to attend the event in person, and would instead deliver written remarks. -Jacob Gu Biden Calls Global Warming an Existential Threat (12:52 p.m.) Biden told APEC leaders they needed to take responsibility for addressing global warming, which he warned was an existential threat to their economies and people. Were responsible for the largest share of global emissions, so we must also bear responsibility for the solutions while we still have time to change course, Biden said at the opening of what was billed as an informal working lunch with other leaders. The US president said the impacts of climate change were being felt the most by developing countries that had contributed the least to the problem. Biden called on world leaders to join him providing international climate financing, fight deforestation - including in the Amazon - and pledge to reduce emissions of methane and hydrofluorocarbons. -Justin Sink US Opts Against Providing Special Outfits for Group Photo (12:37 p.m.) One of the APEC summits most enduring traditions was skipped Thursday, when the US decided not to provide special outfits for world leaders gathered for the family photo. Theres a long history of leaders donning local garb - like bright silk outfits in Beijing or white barong tagalog shirts in Indonesia - for the group photo, dating back to when former President Bill Clinton offered leather bombardier jackets at the 1993 gathering. But sometimes leaders decline the offered apparel. Former President Barack Obama decided against having the assembly wear aloha shirts during the 2011 summit in Hawaii, and Japan didnt provide outfits in 1995 or 2010. For this years shot in San Francisco, leaders wore their usual conference attire. -Justin Sink Biden Tells Corporate Leaders Stable US-China Ties Benefit World (11:55 a.m.) Biden said the world expects the US and China to better manage their competition, making the case for sustained US involvement in the Asia-Pacific region. A stable relationship between the worlds two largest economies is not only good for the two economies but for the world, Biden said Thursday at the CEO session at APEC. While Biden called his discussions with Xi constructive, he acknowledged the economic tensions between the two countries, noting that we have real differences with Beijing when it comes to maintaining a fair and level playing field and protecting your intellectual property. -Michelle Jamrisko Xi Desperate for US Capital Amid Slowdown, Emanuel Says (10:13 a.m.) Xi needs US capital because of mistakes at home that have hurt Chinas economic growth, the Biden administrations outspoken ambassador to Japan, Rahm Emanuel, said. President Xi is desperate for American investment because he has made a series of economic decisions and political decisions arresting people where capital is fleeing for the US, Emanuel said on Bloomberg Television on the sidelines of APEC meetings in San Francisco. Emanuel said it was striking that Xi skipped a reception of APEC leaders in favor of a dinner where he urged leading US companies to invest. Xi got a standing ovation from CEOs who literally have their R&D, their intellectual property, stolen from them, Emanuel said. -Iain Marlow and Annmarie Hordern US Presents Global Labor Strategy With Eye on Worker Rights (9:46 a.m.) Top US officials presented the Biden administrations global labor strategy on the sidelines of APEC. Biden signed a new presidential memorandum Thursday on advancing new labor rights internationally, Blinken said at an event in San Francisco. The strategy was presented by Blinken, US Trade Representative Katherine Tai and Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su. What this does is it formally recognizes that labor rights are key to our national security and to our foreign policy, Blinken said. Tai said that in an interconnected economy, the rights of workers around the world impact workers in the United States, too. -Viktoria Dendrinou Jokowi Says Now is Time to Invest in Indonesia (9:15 a.m.) Indonesian President Joko Widodo addressed the APEC CEO summit and urged business leaders to invest in his country, saying it presented strong opportunities in green technologies. He said Indonesia is in the process of building an integrated system for electric vehicles and aims to produce 600,000 electric cars in 2030. Indonesia is your best partner for business, he said. -Jon Herskovitz Pro-Palestinian Protesters Halt Bridge Traffic During APEC (9:09 a.m.) Pro-Palestinian activists successfully halted westbound traffic on San Franciscos Bay Bridge, causing a large vehicle backup, according to the California Highway Patrol and social media posts. Law enforcement is on the scene and there is no expected time for reopening the bridge, which is a key connection between Oakland and San Francisco, an official with the California Highway Patrol said. Protesters held banners calling for a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war and an end to US military aid to Israel, according to social media posts. -Eliyahu Kamisher Elon Musk No Longer on List of APEC Speakers Thursday (8:39 a.m.) Tesla Inc. Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk is no longer on Thursdays lineup of APEC speakers, after he had been scheduled to speak in an afternoon session of the CEO summit program along with Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff to discuss the future of AI. As of Thursday morning, Musk was replaced with John Kerry, Bidens special envoy for climate. Musk had a schedule change that prevented him from joining the APEC CEO Summit 2023, the forum said. Were thankful for his offer to join the session remotely, however it was agreed among all speakers that participation would be in person. We look forward to Elon joining us at a future APEC CEO Summit. The change came hours after Musk endorsed an antisemitic post on X, the social media site he owns. Responding to an X user on Wednesday who said that its unfair to make generalizations about Jewish communities promoting hatred toward white people, Musk wrote that the person was right that this does not extend to all Jewish communities, but it is also not just limited to ADL. -Gabrielle Coppola, Tyler Kendall and Shirin Ghaffary Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Andre Storey was named Friday as the new president of Ascension Columbia St. Mary's Hospital in Milwaukee. A new president has been named for Ascension Columbia St. Mary's Hospital in Milwaukee, following an overhaul of Ascension Wisconsin's top executives this past spring. Andre Storey will become president of the hospital on Milwaukee's east side on Dec. 11, according to a news release from Ascension Wisconsin. He most recently served as chief operating officer at Memorial Hermann Cypress Hospital in Texas. Previously, he worked in leadership roles at other hospitals in Texas and Louisiana. Storey will take over for Daniel W. Jackson, now a senior vice president of Ascension who oversees the Wisconsin market. Jackson had first been hired at Ascension as president of Columbia St. Mary's in Milwaukee before he was promoted this fall to lead the entire Ascension Wisconsin system, taking over for former chief executive Bernie Sherry. Jackson has been serving on an interim basis as president of the hospital during the search for his successor. The selection of Storey comes following a shakeup in the leadership at Ascension Wisconsin this past spring, when it was announced that Sherry would be departing, along with several other top executives at the health system. Their departures came as Ascension Wisconsin was facing scrutiny for reports of staffing shortages at some of its hospitals that health care workers said were jeopardizing patient safety. In January, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported that nurses at Columbia St. Mary's in Milwaukee were being assigned more patients than they believed they could safely handle. Patients needing help reported not being able to reach nurses, or waiting many hours in the emergency department. The hospital was cited twice last year by state regulators for not having enough nurses or other staff on units. In mid-January, the hospital told staff to postpone non-emergency surgeries for a month. More: Nurses overworked, doctors disgusted, patients unattended: Inside Columbia St. Mary's Story continues The health system also was heavily criticized for closing the labor and delivery unit at Ascension St. Francis Hospital in Milwaukee last December, the only such unit on the city's south side. The decision drew a rebuke from Milwaukee Common Council members, who called on the health system to halt any more cuts to hospital services in the city. Hospital officials defended the closure to council members, pointing to the departures of the hospital's last obstetricians and saying it was safer to direct expectant mothers to other, better-equipped Ascension hospitals. Before this past spring, when the leadership overhaul took place, a single person served as president of the two Columbia St. Mary's campuses, in Milwaukee and Mequon. The role was split in the spring, and now each hospital has its own president. On Friday, two others were named by Ascension Wisconsin as presidents of other Ascension hospitals in the state. Shane Carter begins Nov. 27, 2023 as the new president of Ascension Mercy hospital in Oshkosh, following more than two decades at Advocate Aurora Health, most recently as vice president and chief nursing officer at Aurora Medical Center in Oshkosh. He previously served in different clinical and nursing roles at that facility, including as a registered nurse in the intensive care unit. Shane Carter will be president of Ascension Mercy hospital in Oshkosh, beginning Nov. 27, following more than two decades at Advocate Aurora Health, most recently as the vice president and chief nursing officer at Aurora Medical Center in Oshkosh, according to the release. Kurt Schley was named president of Ascension Elmbrook hospital in Brookfield, and will start Jan. 2, the release says. Schley most recently served as CEO of Catholic Health Initiatives (CHI) St. Alexius Health in Bismarck, North Dakota, until he resigned in February 2022. Kurt Schley was chosen as president of Ascension Elmbrook hospital in Brookfield. He most recently served as CEO of Catholic Health Initiatives (CHI) St. Alexius Health in Bismarck, North Dakota, until he resigned in February 2022. Storey, the new Columbia St. Mary's president, has a master's degree in healthcare administration from Trinity University in San Antonio and a bachelor's degree in business administration and management from Oklahoma State University. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Ascension taps new president of Columbia St. Mary's Hospital Milwaukee On Wednesday, Tesla stock took a hit after Elon Musk agreed with an antisemitic tweet from his personal account. Despite the shock and surprise many felt after reading Musks tweet, Chris Hayes, who described his agreement as shocking and repellent, has pointed out that the United States has a long history of promoting notable, powerful American figures who were rank antisemites. "Antisemitism is dangerous and enduring, even at the very highest levels of American societythere is a history of this," says @chrislhayes. "The most notorious example is actually a man who is probably the closest historical analogue to Elon Musk in many ways: Henry Ford." pic.twitter.com/1yJ8Vpc06k All In with Chris Hayes (@allinwithchris) November 17, 2023 Of the idea that Jews are coordinating this assault on whiteness, Hayes added that it is so shocking and repellent that Elon Musk, a man of the highest echelons of our society would believe antisemitic conspiracy theories such as the one he endorsed. As Hayes put it, Its a reminder that antisemitism is dangerous and enduring even at the very highest levels of American society and theres a real history of this in this country. Most notable in that history is Henry Ford, who Hayes said was the closest historical analogue to Musk and whose zealousness and viciousness with which he hated Jews have been a bit underemphasized in our collect recollection. Its not an asterisk to Henry Fords legacy, Hayes continued. Its right at center. In fact, before the rise of Adolf Hitler, Henry Ford was probably the most powerful antisemite in the world. Fords antisemitism has been well documented and preserved, often by the man himself. After buying the newspaper The Dearborn Independent in 1919, he began publishing articles in which he claimed a Jewish conspiracy was running rampant throughout the US. The newspaper was distributed throughout the country in Fords factories. Decades later in 1938, the Nazi Party awarded Ford the Grand Cross of the German Eagle. Hitler, who was inspired by Fords writings about Jews and both men referenced the The Protocols of the Elders of Zion, a 1903 heavily antisemitic text that was first published in Russia and later taught in German schools despite plenty of evidence the book was entirely fraudulent. Hayes also cautioned that while Elon Musk is not at the Henry Ford level yet, there are warning signs emanating from one of the worlds most powerful men, and from society at large. Antisemitisms on the rise, its real, its dangerous, and in the case of Elon Musk, its just staring us in the face. On Tuesday, Musk endorsed a verified account named @breakingbaht, who wrote, Jewish communities have been pushing the exact kind of dialectical hatred against whites that they claim to want people to stop using against them. They added, Im deeply disinterested in giving the tiniest shit now about western Jewish populations coming to the disturbing realization that those hordes of minorities that support flooding their country dont exactly like them too much. You want truth said to your face, there it is. Musk replied, You have said the actual truth. You have said the actual truth Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 15, 2023 The tweet Musk endorsed appears to be a reference to Great Replacement Theory, a conspiracy theory that posits Jews are attempting to eradicate white people through intermarriage and immigration. The theory has been touted by a number of people who have carried out mass shootings, including the attack at Pittsburghs Tree of Life synagogue. The post Chris Hayes Compares Elon Musk to Henry Ford After Latest Shocking and Repellent Antisemitic Comments appeared first on TheWrap. Want to know how to watch Fellow Travelers Season 1 Episode 5 online? Look no further, as we have all the streaming details right here. Set in the 1950s, the show Fellow Travelers is adapted from Thomas Mallons novel of the same name. The narrative centers on the passionate romance between Hawkins Fuller and Timothy Laughlin. As their love story unfolds, the duo becomes entwined in significant historical events in U.S. history, spanning the Vietnam War protests of the 60s, the disco hedonism of the 70s, and the AIDS pandemic of the 80s. Heres where you will be able to watch Fellow Travelers Season 1 Episode 5 online. Is Fellow Travelers Season 1 Episode 5 streaming online? Yes, you will be able to watch and stream Fellow Travelers Season 1 Episode 5 on Showtime. The executive producers of this television miniseries include Matt Bomer, Daniel Minahan, Ron Nyswaner, Robbie Rogers, and Dee Johnson. Bomer Bomer stars as Hawkins Fuller, and Jonathan Bailey stars as Tim Laughlin in this political thriller series. The other cast members include Jelani Alladin as Marcus Hooks, Linus Roache as Senator Wesley Smith, Noah J. Ricketts as Frankie Hines, Allison Williams as Lucy Smith, Will Brill as Roy Cohn, and more. How to watch Fellow Travelers Season 1 Episode 5 and stream online As Fellow Travelers Season 1 is available to watch via Showtime, you will be able to watch its episodes by signing up. You can sign up for Paramount Plus with the Showtime plan by visiting its website, filling in the required information, and completing the payment. This subscription plan costs $11.99 per month or $199.99 per year. It provides complete access to the Paramount Plus library along with complete Showtime content. The official synopsis for Fellow Travelers Season 1 reads: Decades-long chronicle of the risky, volatile, and steamy relationship between the charismatic and ambitious Hawk and the pious and idealistic Tim, two political staffers who fall in love at the height of the 1950s Lavender Scare. Through the Vietnam War protests of the 1960s, the drug-fueled disco culture of the 1970s, and the AIDS crisis of the 1980s, the two mens fiery affair only intensifies despite the constant threat of being exposed and losing everything. 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 5 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 5 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 5 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 5 days ago The post Fellow Travelers Season 1 Episode 5 Streaming: How to Watch & Stream Online appeared first on ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More. Mitchel Musso was arrested on charges of public intoxication and theft in August, though he previously told PEOPLE it was "a big misunderstanding" Jason Merritt/Getty Mitchel Musso attends the NYLON Magazine Annual May Young Hollywood Issue party in 2012. Mitchel Musso's public intoxication and theft charges have been dismissed. PEOPLE confirms that the Hannah Montana alum was cleared of his previous charges on Nov. 15. The actor issued a statement on his Instagram story Friday morning. Thank you guys for standing with me during this time, want to thank you all for listening and being there. [Sorry] couldnt talk about it. Had to wait til the truth came out. He ended the text post with a red heart and shrug emojis. PEOPLE reached out to Musso for additional comment. Related: Hannah Montana Actor Mitchel Musso Arrested for Public Intoxication, Theft Mitchel Musso/Instagram Mitchel Musso spoke on Instagram about the dismissed charges. In August, Musso, 32, was arrested in Texas on charges of public intoxication and theft. A press release obtained by PEOPLE at the time stated that there was a 911 call for a disturbance at a Rockwall hotel. Upon arrival, officers contacted the complainant who advised an individual who appeared intoxicated entered the hotel, selected a bag of chips and began eating them, the release said. When the subject was asked to pay for them, he became verbally abusive and left without rendering payment. The actor, known for the role of Oliver Oken on the Disney Channel series, spent one night in jail and was released on a $1,000 bond. Musso also had additional outstanding warrants due to a failure to display a drivers license and an expired registration, according to Fox News, adding that the actor violated a promise to appear order. Related: 'Hannah Montana' Alum Mitchel Musso Denies Being 'Intoxicated' During Public Arrest: 'A Big Misunderstanding' Speaking with PEOPLE, Musso denied the August incident. There was no theft, and I was not intoxicated," he said. "It's just been unfortunate, but it's a big misunderstanding." He recounted the incident in a different light. "This disgruntled employee, whose behavior was erratic, ripped the bag of potato chips out of my hand and started yelling at me about my attire," said Musso, who said he offered to pay for the chips. "He said, 'Get out or I'm going to call the police.' Ultimately, I said, 'Sure. Call the cops.'" Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Musso appeared on Hannah Montana for the full-series run, from 2006 through 2011. He also voiced Jeremy Johnson on the Disney Channel series Phineas and Ferb. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. Palestinian filmmaker Mohamed Jabaly, who won the best director award at documentary festival IDFA on Thursday for Life Is Beautiful, has expressed his sense of helplessness amid the rising death toll in Gaza, where he was born. On Oct. 7, Hamas a terrorist organization that has ruled Gaza since 2006 launched coordinated attacks in Israel, killing over 1,200 civilians, and taking over 240 civilian hostages. Israel responded with air strikes on Gaza and has launched a ground offensive. More than 11,500 people have been killed, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. More from Variety Jabaly told Variety: I have so much pain inside me, I dont know how I am even able to speak these words. If the whole world cant stop whats happening, to make a ceasefireits just a feeling of being trapped, said Jabaly. Even walking in the street is really difficult these days. Just knowing that [loved ones] have been under the bombs for over a month, it makes us [ask]: Can we even talk after all this? What can we share? What can we tell? In 2014, Jabaly was attending the Troms Film Festival in Norway when the borders to Gaza were closed. That exile is the basis of Life Is Beautiful, which follows the filmmakers efforts to secure residency status in Norway while also wrestling with his love for and loyalty to his homeland and his Palestinian identity. Throughout the ordeal, Jabaly said he was determined not to relinquish his Palestinian passport to Norwegian officials even though it doesnt let me go anywhere, he added with a laugh. Jabalys last documentary Ambulance played at IDFA in 2016. The film is a raw, first-person account of the 2014 war in Gaza, when the filmmaker joined an ambulance crew to document the toll of the conflict on civilians. It was a deeply personal reckoning with violence that Jabaly hoped he would never have to confront again. I made Ambulance with the hope that this is going to stop, he said. I dont want to make another film about war. I dont want to make another film about destruction and pain and blood. I just want to see people living normal lives and finding ways for a better future. Hiam Abbass and Lina Soualem in Bye Bye Tiberias. Though personal, Jabalys experience is hardly unique among Palestinians, for whom displacement has been rooted in their collective identity since 1948. Lina Soualem poignantly addresses the subject of displacement in Bye Bye Tiberias, which played in IDFAs Best of the Fests strand. The film, which is Palestines submission for the international feature Oscar race, sees the filmmaker and her mother acclaimed Palestinian actress Hiam Abbass, of HBOs Succession fame return to the familys ancestral village in modern-day Israel. The documentary weighs the consequences of Abbass decision to leave Deir Hanna, a village in Galilee not far from Lake Tiberias, to pursue her dream of becoming an actress in Europe, a choice that carried her far from the places she once knew many of which no longer exist. Bye Bye Tiberias premiered at the Venice Film Festival, and since the war began, the film has screened at Chicago, Leipzig and the BFI London Film Festival, where it won the best documentary award. Theres always this sense of guilt and helplessness that I carry with me, Soualem said of touring with her film. Its very hard to live this parallel reality. But at the same time, I try to hang onto the idea that what Im doing with the film is allowing us to have a voice, and to exist, in places where our voices are absent. Basma Al-Sharif, another Palestinian filmmaker at the festival, expressed her feelings of despair at the situation in Gaza: Its been a nightmare. My world has fallen apart. Al-Sharif added: Its very jarring to go outside and to see people going about their lives as if nothing was happening. And I guess for them nothing is happening. But its incredibly difficult to function. I cant imagine what is the world that we go back to once there is eventually a ceasefire, and what does Gaza look like, and what happens to the Palestinians. Our family home has been bombed. Everyone I knows homes have been bombed. Al-Sharif had four short films at IDFA but withdrew them due to a disagreement with the festival over its response to a Palestinian protest at the opening ceremony, when three activists burst on stage with a banner that read From the River to the Sea, Palestine Will Be Free, a slogan that is banned in several countries as it is understood to be a call for the destruction of Israel. The festival issued an apology two days later, stating: IDFA would like to clearly state that we understand that the slogan was hurtful, and sincerely apologize for how this happened. In an Instagram post, Al-Sharif, a juror of IDFAs experimental Envision competition, accused the festival of throw[ing] Palestine under the bus. Al-Sharif was born in Kuwait, but as the daughter of Palestinian parents, she was ineligible for citizenship in the Gulf state. She was raised in Paris, which she says her family fled amid rising anti-Arab sentiment in the 1990s, and emigrated to the U.S., where she studied fine arts at the University of Illinois at Chicago, crediting her nomadic existence as inspiration for her art. So many Palestinians have these really complex, multinational, international upbringings, she said, a reality that has itself become part of the collective Palestinian identity and brought with it a particular sense of unity. Best of Variety Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. A shocking video shows a white male North Carolina police officer repeatedly punching a Black woman who was being arrested for allegedly smoking weed. The incident, which was captured by a bystander, happened on Monday (Nov. 13) as four cops could be seen holding the woman down to the ground, while a fifth hit her several times. Apparently, she and another man were smoking weed in public when police approached them. According to a statement from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, the woman was hit seven times in the knees and 10 more times with a closed fist, and the man arrested with her was armed with a 9 mm handgun. One officer threw multiple strikes to the female subjects right thigh and Stop resisting was stated several times, the statement read. After several repeated verbal commands, an officer struck the female subject seven times with knee strikes and 10 closed fist strikes to the [perineal] nerve in the thigh to gain compliance. The officer was intentional about where the strikes were made. I get it. I understand the outrage, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Johnny Jennings said during a press release on Wednesday (Nov. 15). I understand the emotions that come when you look at a video that involves an officer who is punching a female who were trying to make the arrest and subdue. He revealed that the officer was removed from patrol duties while an internal investigation takes place. We have to take a close look at when is enough enough, Jennings continued. I can tell you that in the publics opinion, absolutely, the public is going to say that was excessive, and I understand that. I get it. He added, Weve seen historically, not just in Charlotte but across the country, its the mistreatment of Black and brown people throughout the country by police. And thats what people look at and causes concern. Trending Stories Thomas Bartlett Whitaker, aka Bart Whitaker, was reportedly involved in the murders of two family members that happened on December 10, 2003. His victims include his mother, Patricia Whitaker, and his 19-year-old brother, Kevin Whitaker. For his crimes, the court sentenced him to death. This verdict was reached under the Texas law of parties. However, upon his fathers request, officials changed his death sentence to life imprisonment, but this new punishment did not allow him the possibility of parole. Whitaker was supposed to be executed on February 22, 2018, at 6 p.m. at the Polunsky Unit near Livingston, Texas. His sentence commutation took place just 40 minutes before his execution. The case against Bart Whitaker will be covered in detail in the newest episode of Oxygens Final Moments. It will air on Sunday, November 19, 2023, at 7 pm ET on Oxygen. The name of this episode is The Last Celebration. The official synopsis of the episode reads, A night celebrating Bart Whitakers college graduation ends in horror when a gunman attacks him and his family, killing his mother, Tricia, and brother Kevin; as police try to unravel the tragedy, they uncover family secrets and a surprising suspect. What did Bart Whitaker do? In December 2003, Bart Whitaker hired his roommate, Chris Brashear, to take the lives of his mother, brother, and father. According to ABC News, the 23-year-old falsely announced to his family that he was going to graduate. To celebrate his achievement, the family went to a popular Cajun restaurant. By the time the family returned home, Chris Brashear was already waiting in the Whitaker to carry out the killings. In 2009, Bart Whitaker told 20/20, I wanted them dead. It was my idea. Chris Brashear reportedly shot and killed Barts mother, Patricia, and his brother, Kevin, who died within minutes of being shot. He even tried to kill Barts father, Kent. However, he survived. To divert suspicion, Bart pretended to struggle with Brashear and got shot in the arm while doing so. Moreover, when first responders arrived at the crime scene, Bart reportedly told them that the crime was committed by a black man so as to evade suspicion on Chris Brashear. Although he moved to Mexico next year and lived under a false identity, a capital murder warrant was issued against him on September 15, 2005. Following the announcement of reward, the acquaintance who assisted Bart to escape reported about the latters whereabouts to the police. After the US and Mexican authorities cooperated to arrest Bart Whitaker, he was handed over to the US government the same month, after which he was arrested for the murders of his mother and brother. The post Oxygens Final Moments: Bart Whitaker Case: What Did He Do? appeared first on ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More. This is the second time this year a dog has been found left alone in a parking lot at the Pittsburgh International Airport Allegheny County Police Department A dog found left alone tied to a pole in a parking lot at the Pittsburgh International Airport Several months after a dog was abandoned at the Pittsburgh International Airport, another canine has been found alone at the facility. On Thursday, the Allegheny County Police Department (ACPD) shared on Facebook that the agency was "alerted to a dog that was tied to a pole and appeared to be abandoned in the short-term parking garage." According to the ACPD, officers arrived at the lot on Thursday afternoon, shortly after receiving calls about the pup, and untied the dog. The dog, who WTAE identified as a Chihuahua, was found in good condition and without a microchip. "There is no excuse for leaving your pets behind," the police department added in their Facebook statement about the incident. The post also included a photo of the dog tied to the parking lot pole. After picking up the pup, the ACPD gave a social media update about the animal, sharing several photos from inside the airport of a man with a dog that appears to be the one found in the parking lot. "We are looking to identify and speak to this man in connection with the dog left behind at the airport today. At this point, we believe he was a ticketed passenger that spent time inside the airport before leaving the dog in the short-term parking garage prior to his flight," the ACPD wrote in their update. The police department concluded the post by asking any of those with information about the dog and how the pet ended up alone at the airport to contact the County Police Tip Line at 1-833-ALL-TIPS. Related: Animal Rescue Seeking Answers After Taking in Puppy Abandoned at Indianapolis Airport Unfortunately, this is not the first time the police department has dealt with such a situation. In August, the ACPD was called to the Pittsburgh airport after a dog was found alone in a stroller at the airport's short-term parking lot. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. An investigation revealed that the canine was left behind by his owner, who "intentionally abandoned the dog near short-term parking before boarding a plane to a resort destination in Mexico," according to a late August update from the ACPD. The update added that the canine was now in a loving foster home thanks to the assistance of Animal Friends, a Pittsburgh-based animal shelter. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. Jessica Lawson is charged with two counts of rape of a victim between the ages of 16 and 17 Madison County Jail Jessica Lawson A former high school teacher in Idaho was arrested at a traffic stop while a teenage boy who she is accused of raping was driving after police allege she gave him drugs and alcohol, according to multiple reports. Police say the boy was driving because the woman, Jessica Lawson, 36, was too inebriated, according to the Idaho State Journal, East Idaho News and Local News 8. Lawson is a former teacher at South Fremont High School. Court records indicate that she is charged with two counts of rape of a male child between the ages of 16 and 17, delivery of a controlled sentence and a misdemeanor count of dispensing an alcoholic beverage to a minor. Citing court records, the State Journal reports that on Nov. 6, police pulled over the teen while he was driving Lawsons car, which had a taillight out. The teen reportedly told the officer that he was driving because she was too drunk to drive, according to the court documents. Police also allege that the teen admitted to having marijuana. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. Later that day, the outlets report, police received a 911 call from the boys parents, who claimed Lawson had picked up their son around 11 p.m. the previous night and took him to her home. The teen reportedly told police that Lawson had given him alcohol and marijuana before they had sex. According to the reports, police say Lawson denied giving the boy marijuana or having sex with him. She is currently being held in custody on $250,000 bond. It is unclear if she's retained an attorney to speak on her behalf. 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. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. While A2B Australia Limited (ASX:A2B) might not be the most widely known stock at the moment, it saw a decent share price growth in the teens level on the ASX over the last few months. Less-covered, small caps sees more of an opportunity for mispricing due to the lack of information available to the public, which can be a good thing. So, could the stock still be trading at a low price relative to its actual value? Lets take a look at A2B Australias outlook and value based on the most recent financial data to see if the opportunity still exists. See our latest analysis for A2B Australia What's The Opportunity In A2B Australia? Great news for investors A2B Australia is still trading at a fairly cheap price according to my price multiple model, where I compare the company's price-to-earnings ratio to the industry average. Ive used the price-to-earnings ratio in this instance because theres not enough visibility to forecast its cash flows. The stocks ratio of 7.4x is currently well-below the industry average of 15.25x, meaning that it is trading at a cheaper price relative to its peers. Whats more interesting is that, A2B Australias share price is quite volatile, which gives us more chances to buy since the share price could sink lower (or rise higher) in the future. This is based on its high beta, which is a good indicator for how much the stock moves relative to the rest of the market. What kind of growth will A2B Australia generate? Future outlook is an important aspect when youre looking at buying a stock, especially if you are an investor looking for growth in your portfolio. Although value investors would argue that its the intrinsic value relative to the price that matter the most, a more compelling investment thesis would be high growth potential at a cheap price. However, with an extremely negative double-digit change in profit expected over the next couple of years, near-term growth is certainly not a driver of a buy decision. It seems like high uncertainty is on the cards for A2B Australia, at least in the near future. Story continues What This Means For You Are you a shareholder? Although A2B is currently trading below the industry PE ratio, the adverse prospect of negative growth brings about some degree of risk. I recommend you think about whether you want to increase your portfolio exposure to A2B, or whether diversifying into another stock may be a better move for your total risk and return. Are you a potential investor? If youve been keeping an eye on A2B for a while, but hesitant on making the leap, I recommend you dig deeper into the stock. Given its current price multiple, now is a great time to make a decision. But keep in mind the risks that come with negative growth prospects in the future. In light of this, if you'd like to do more analysis on the company, it's vital to be informed of the risks involved. Every company has risks, and we've spotted 3 warning signs for A2B Australia (of which 2 are a bit concerning!) you should know about. If you are no longer interested in A2B Australia, you can use our free platform to see our list of over 50 other stocks with a high growth potential. 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. Gary Hershorn/Getty Images Three LGBTQ+ journalists have resigned from the New York Times Magazine after publicly condemning the outlet's coverage of Israel's siege on Gaza, with an additional contributing photographer canceling a major project in solidarity. Jazmine Hughes, who has been with the Times since 2015 and won numerous national awards, including a 2023 National Magazine Award for profile writing, resigned after she was found to have violated the newsrooms policy on public protest. The Times policy states that journalists working with its news and opinion sections may not march or rally in support of public causes or movements, sign ads taking a position on public issues, or lend their names to campaigns or similar events if doing so might reasonably raise doubts about their ability or the Times ability to function as neutral observers in covering the news. (As a Vanity Fair report on Hughes resignation notes, Hughes was not a news reporter or an opinion writer.) Hughes is one of over 7,900 writers who signed an open letter by the ad hoc coalition Writers Against the War on Gaza (also known as WAWOG). We come together as writers, journalists, academics, artists, and other culture workers to express our solidarity with the people of Palestine, the open letter reads. [...] We stand firmly by Gazas people, victims of a genocidal war the United States government continues to fund and arm with military aid. The letter adds that its signatories stand in opposition to the silencing of dissent and to racist and revisionist media cycles, specifically calling out the New York Times editorial board for writing that what Israel is fighting to defend is a society that values human life and the rule of law. WAWOG also called on creatives working in cultural institutions to endorse the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israels call for a boycott of institutions representing or supporting Israel. The Washington Post reports that in an email to staffers on Friday, November 3, New York Times Magazine editor Jake Silverstein wrote that Hughes signing both the WAWOGs open letter and an open letter from last February condemning the papers anti-trans coverage was a clear violation of the Times policy on public protest. She and I discussed that her desire to stake out this kind of public position and join in public protests isnt compatible with being a journalist at The Times, and we both came to the conclusion that she should resign, Silverstein continued. Hughes wasnt the only queer writer who left the Times over the public protest policy. New York Times Magazine contributor Jamie Lauren Keiles, who also signed both of the aforementioned open letters, announced that they would no longer be working for the publication. I resigned from my contributor writing position at the Times mag earlier this week because having a formal institutional affiliation was starting to become a liability to my work, Keiles wrote in an X thread clarifying their resignation decision. Sources were increasingly asking me to answer for what they understood to be shoddy [New York Times] coverage of BLM, trans stuff, Israel. Though I love my editors and have always felt supported, I ultimately decided the institution was taking more from me than giving to me. During a joint interview with Keiles on the weekday news broadcast Democracy Now!, Hughes described the concept of journalistic objectivity as a wonderful, beautiful project for a world that does not exist. In mainstream media at large, the recent diversification of newsrooms has been a great boon to both coverage and peoples egos, she continued. But what happens when we finally have an influx of people with different identities, different experiences, and different wants in a newsroom? I signed the [WAWOG] letter not as an employee of the New York Times, but as a Black person, as a queer person, as a woman. All of those identities, all of the communities theyre [a part] of, have been awarded their rights by agitation. By protest. And I, as a person at the core of all these identities, wanted to amplify that effort. For their part, Keiles shared that they had previously been reprimanded for signing the February open letter criticizing the Times coverage of trans issues, despite not being entitled to benefits or union protections as a contingent worker. They told Democracy Now! that he resigned while anticipating a similar reprimand for signing WAWOGs open letter. [Higher-ups at the Times previously told me], You cant sign this [trans coverage] letter because it singled out the work of other writers specifically within the institution, Keiles said. And I said to that, Well, I dont work here, so I dont know what youre talking to me about. On Thursday, November 9, photographer Nan Goldin took to her Instagram stories to announce that she had canceled a project in collaboration with the New York Times Magazine because of the NYTs reporting on the war on Gaza, which shows complicity with Israel. For what they report and dont report, and how they question the veracity of anything Palestinians say. I respect the NYT journalists on the ground who are reporting the reality, Goldin continued. I mourn the dozens of Palestinian journalists who have been targeted and killed in the last weeks. As long as the people of Gaza are screaming, we need to yell louder so they can hear us, no matter who attempts to silence us. Queer U.K. Activists Hacked London Transit Ads to Support LGBTQ\+ Gazans The Queer community stands with our Palestinian siblings. We all deserve freedom, safety, and belonging. Meanwhile, New York Times Magazine poetry editor Anne Boyer resigned on November 16, elaborating on her decision to exit the publication in a Substack post shared that same day. The Israel states U.S.-backed war against the people of Gaza is not a war for anyone, Boyer wrote. [...] Its only profit is the deadly profit of oil interests and weapon manufacturers It is an ongoing war against the people of Palestine, people who have resisted through decades of occupation, forced dislocation, deprivation, surveillance, siege, imprisonment, and torture. Because our status quo is self-expression, sometimes the most effective mode of protest for artists is to refuse, Boyer continued. I cant write about poetry amidst the reasonable tones of those who aim to acclimatize us to this unreasonable suffering. No more ghoulish euphemisms. No more verbally sanitized hellscapes. No more warmongering lies. If this resignation leaves a hole in the news the size of poetry, then that is the true shape of the present. Get the best of whats queer. Sign up for Thems weekly newsletter here. Originally Appeared on them. Inupiaq author Lily Tuzroyluke's new book Sivulliq: Ancestor will be featured in the 2023 National Book Festival as part of the Great Reads from Great Places program, a list of books representing the literary heritage of each state distributed by the Library of Congress. In Sivulliq: Ancestor, the story follows an Inupiaq woman on a desperate trek to rescue her daughter from the captain of a whaling ship who has kidnapped the child to take as his own. In her writing, Tuzroyluke addresses the loss Native Americans suffered from diseases, the United States not providing any form of aid, and an influx of whaling ships destroying primary food sources. Tuzroyluke is an Inupiaq writer from Alaska and Canada. She is a graduate student at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and previously served in Tribal government in her home Native Village of Point Hope, Alaska. She currently resides in Anchorage. Tuzroyluke spoke to Native News Online about being inspired by her elders, how her Indigenous identity informs her writing, and what shes working on next. This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity. What can we expect from your book Sivulliq Ancestor? The story is based in the 1890s in Arctic Alaska. It really centers around the story of a mothers love for her children and her people. They have to take a long journey, and at the time, there was no traditional knowledge of the lands and subsistence knowledge of our ways of life. What inspired you to write this book? The people of Point Hope are always my inspiration. While I was living in Point Hope, I had the opportunity to listen to whaling captains and elders. Thats where it began because I knew I have always loved to write, and I was hoping to inspire Indigenous youth, other writers, and to connect with storytelling to share our perspective on the world. Is there anything you would like readers to take away from this book? I hope readers will gain an Indigenous perspective of the world. We have this unique way of looking at the world because of our connection to the land, ecosystems, and seasons. Hopefully, that will strike compassion and empathy with our non-Native readers at this critical time. With the climate change and extreme weather events that are happening, readers will be able to look at the Arctic and Indigenous lands in a different way. At what point did you decide to be an author? I really wanted to become a Tribal leader and work for a Tribal government in particular, which is what I went to school for and worked for the tribe in Point Hope. My son was then diagnosed with Autism, and as a single Autism mother, I knew there were not enough resources around to help him. We ended up moving to Anchorage, where there are no Tribal governments for me to work at. I knew I had my writing, I stayed focused and wrote every single day. I am grateful that I started writing, and I really credit my son for taking us on this path of where we are meant to be. What other novels do you have in the works? I am working on my next project, which will be based in British Columbia. It is a residential school story set in the 1950s. It does include child sexual violence and abuse, because those things did occur in residential schools. Many Indigenous children are the true heroes of the story. How does your Indigenous identity inform your writing? As a writer, my aim is to portray our unique way of looking at the worlds Indigenous people in general. The way we see land and its history is so much different than other peoples. It's important that we get the proper facts for our stories. With those proper facts, our stories can be very enlightening, inspiring, and really tels you the strength of our own people. 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 Veep, a political satire comedy, continued its sharp and humorous commentary on American politics in its fourth season, which premiered on HBO on April 12, 2015. Adapted from Armando Iannuccis sitcom The Thick of It, the show maintains its satirical edge as it explores the intricacies of political maneuvering. Season 4, like its predecessors, keeps viewers engaged with its witty storytelling and clever humor, ensuring an entertaining and often unpredictable portrayal of the political landscape. Heres how you can watch and stream Veep Season 4 via streaming services such as HBO Max. Is Veep Season 4 available to watch via streaming? Yes, Veep Season 4 is available to watch via streaming on HBO Max. In the fourth season, the narrative takes a compelling turn as the sitting President of the United States steps down, propelling Selina Meyer into the role of the newly sworn-in President. Faced with the challenge of retaining her newfound position and avoiding the dubious distinction of being Americas shortest-serving president, Selina is thrust into a political whirlwind. The cast features acclaimed performers such as Julia Louis-Dreyfus in the lead role as Selina Meyer, Anna Chlumsky, Tony Hale, Reid Scott, Timothy Simons, Matt Walsh, Sufe Bradshaw, Kevin Dunn, and several other talented actors. Watch Veep Season 4 streaming via HBO Max Veep Season 4 is available to watch on HBO Max. Warner Bros Discoverys streaming service, Max, offers a diverse range of both mainstream and underrated content, catering to a wide audience with varied preferences. The platform serves as a hub for numerous beloved franchises, encompassing iconic properties from DC Comics, such as Batman and Superman, to renowned universes like Lord of the Rings and the magical world of Harry Potter. You can watch the movie via Max, formerly known as HBO Max, by following these steps: Go to HBOMax.com/subscribe Click Sign Up Now Choose your plan: $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year (with ads) $15.99 per month or $149.99 per year (ad-free) $19.99 per month or $199.99 per year (ultimate ad-free) Enter your personal information and password Select Create Account Max With Ads provides the services streaming library at a Full HD resolution, allowing users to stream on up to two supported devices at once. Max Ad-Free removes the services commercials and allows streaming on two devices at once in Full HD. It also allows for 30 downloads at a time to allow users to watch content offline. On the other hand, Max Ultimate Ad-Free allows users to stream on four devices at once in a 4K Ultra HD resolution and provides Dolby Atmos audio and 100 downloads. Veeps synopsis is as follows: A look into American politics, revolving around former Senator Selina Meyer who finds being Vice President of the United States is nothing like she expected and everything everyone ever warned her about. NOTE: The streaming services listed above are subject to change. The information provided was correct at the time of writing. When The Hunger Games: Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes comes out this week, itll have some pretty big shoes to Movies Jeff Ames 7 hours ago AMC has dropped the full Monsieur Spade trailer for the forthcoming crime drama miniseries, starring Clive Owen as a retired TV Maggie Dela Paz 8 hours ago With both the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes over, the hit television series Yellowstone is officially eyeing a return to filming TV Anthony Nash 8 hours ago The Chicago Fire ambulance has lost another member. While the 12th season of Chicago Fire will mark Kara Killmers return TV Ryan Louis Mantilla 8 hours ago Read more The post Veep Season 4 Streaming: Watch & Stream Online via HBO Max appeared first on ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More. Martin, party of two? Your table is finally ready. For Disney Channel junkies of a certain age, todays date (Nov. 16, 2023) holds a very special, very unhinged meaning. When in Rome, A 2009 episode of The Suite Life on Deck, found twins Zack (Dylan Sprouse) and Cody Martin (Cole Sprouse) trying to get a reservation at a restaurant in Italy. Unfortunately, they were informed that a table wouldnt be available until 7:30 p.m. on you guessed it Nov. 16, 2023. More from TVLine But thats in 15 years! a dumbfounded Cody replied to the snooty Italian hostess, to which Zack added, What if I dont feel like Italian that day? Well, that day has finally arrived, so whether hes in the mood for Italian or not, Zack and his brother have a dinner to attend. (Disclaimer: Yes, were fully aware that the time difference in Italy means their reservation was actually several hours ago. But wed like to think that the restaurant would make an exception. It is basically a holiday, after all.) And before you ask whether the Sprouses are aware of this momentous occasion, dont worry, they couldnt ignore the date if they tried. Cole posted a screen recording of his phone to Instagram this afternoon, showing the many (hundreds?) of notifications from fans informing him that his table is ready. Dylan also posted to his story (right at 7:30 pm EST) with a photo acknowledging the countless notifications he has also received today. Disney Channel even had some fun with the very important date, posting a clip from the episode on social media with the caption Well, its about time. Hit PLAY on the video above to watch Zack and Cody put this long-awaited reservation into motion, then drop a comment below with your thoughts. Best of TVLine Get more from TVLine.com : Follow us on Twitter , Facebook , Newsletter Archaeologists in Turkey have unearthed an ornately carved 2,800-year-old elephant tusk in what may have once been an Iron Age "center of power." The ivory carving features a mythical sphinx a human head on the body of a winged lion as well as a depiction of a real lion and two tall plants that may represent the mythical "tree of life." While the artwork dates to the Iron Age, it was found in an archaeological layer over a much older city the deserted Bronze Age Hittite capital of Hattusa. According to Andreas Schachner , an archaeologist with the German Archaeological Institute who has led excavations at Hattusa since 2006, the artifact shows that the Iron Age settlement at the site was an important place, although it was established after the Hittites had abandoned the city in about 1200 B.C., during what's known as the Late Bronze Age collapse . Carved elephant ivory on a white display from the Iron Age. "It is possible to say that this place was no longer a small town but a more important place, perhaps a center of power," Schachner told the Turkish state-owned Anadolu Agency . Related: Enigmatic Anglo-Saxon ivory rings discovered in elite burials came from African elephants 4,000 miles away The artifact is about 12 inches (30 centimeters) long and 4 inches (10 cm) wide, and Schachner said it may have been part of a piece of furniture. "It was probably added as an ornament to a wooden box or furniture made of wood in its own time," he told the agency. "The work is broken on the right and left sides, and the upper and lower sides are in our original form. Therefore, it is possible to guess that it was longer." Iron Age settlement Close up of carved elephant ivory on a white display from the Iron Age. Schachner explained that the object was unique among finds at the Iron Age settlement built at the abandoned Hattusa site, which is now beside the Turkish village of Bogazkoy (also spelled Bogazkale), about 90 miles (145 kilometers) east of Ankara. RELATED STORIES Sphinx may have been built from a natural rock feature eroded by wind, study claims Ancient Egyptian pharaoh-sphinx statues unearthed at sun temple 11,000-year-old statue of giant man clutching penis unearthed in Turkey "For the first time, we are faced with a work decorated with such a dense, beautifully rendered scene," he said. "Extensive excavations have been carried out at the Iron Age levels at Bogazkoy, but we had not come across such a detailed artifact before." He added that the symbols carved into the fragment might reveal relationships between the settlement and other contemporaneous cultures. After scientific studies of the ivory carving are complete, it will go on display at the Bogazkoy Museum, Schachner said. Americans want sun and sand this holiday season and affordable flights. elvirkin/Getty Images The Caribbean is enjoying a well-deserved moment in the spotlight. The destination has the travel world buzzing with dreams of white sand beaches, clear water, and warm weather which are even more appealing as Americans hunker down and prepare for winter. A Skyscanner report that reviewed user searches between July 8, 2022, and July 8, 2023, found that of the 10 most searched destinations, six were islands. According to data shared with Travel + Leisure from Priceline, the original online travel agency, three of the most popular and affordable holiday getaways for December 2023 were to Caribbean destinations. To come up with their list of popular and affordable holiday trips, Priceline considered what destinations were trending along with the roundtrip ticket cost for travel between Dec. 1 and Dec. 31. The result provides a glimpse into the minds of U.S. travelers who are clearly looking for a December escape that includes sun and sand. Cancun, Mexico December holiday travelers cant seem to get enough of Cancun, which is located in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo on the Caribbean coast. The destination has long been known for its beaches, which are made of powder-fine sand, and the hotels, restaurants, and shops that line a long beachfront strip in the Caribbean Sea. In addition to drawing December travelers in search of warm Caribbean waters and palm-tree-lined beaches, Cancun stood out for its affordability. According to Priceline, roundtrip flights to Cancun in December average $427 making it a more affordable getaway than many domestic destinations. Nassau, Bahamas On the outer edge of the Caribbean Sea, off the southeastern coast of Florida, is a string of islands that have long been an American playground. The Bahamas, which are not technically in the Caribbean Sea, but are considered part of the Caribbean community, are home to the third largest barrier reef on Earth and a beach so pink, that it makes white-sand beaches look horribly basic. It helps that the capital city of Nassau is a direct, 1-hour flight from Miami, making the destination as accessible as it is beautiful. The Priceline data ranked Nassau as the second most popular and affordable December holiday destination for 2023, with round-trip flights to the destination averaging $453. Aruba, Aruba Aruba is located in the southern reaches of the Caribbean Sea, off the coast of Venezuela. It isnt as easy for U.S. travelers to get to, but upon arrival it offers something unique: a welcoming culture that has become world-renowned, giving Aruba the nickname One Happy Island. Beyond the islands welcoming vibes, travelers rave about its beaches, which are impeccably clean and lined with jade ocean water. According to Priceline, average roundtrip flights to Aruba this December are $455. Thats a wildly low cost when you consider how far south the tiny island is. Cost Saving Tips for Holiday Travel 2023 There are a few things to keep in mind when booking your flights to these Caribbean destinations or any destination around the world over the holidays. If youre traveling for the Christmas holiday and are traveling internationally, departing on Dec. 19 can help you save 11 percent on airfare. Returning between Dec. 26 and Dec. 29 can help you save an additional 25 percent. If you want the lowest flight cost and want to avoid traveling on what are expected to be the busiest travel days dont book your flights for Dec. 22 or Dec. 31. For more Travel & Leisure news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Travel & Leisure. The capital of the Czech Republic, Prague is a magical European city. Known as the City of a Hundred Spires, its history runs back centuries into the days of the Vikings and medieval times. The rich culture serves as a backdrop for tourists visiting from all over the world as a true European gem. Here are six cultural experiences to have before departing from Prague. Prague Astronomical Clock Photo credit: Diego F. Parra The Prague Astronomical Clock is a wonder you dont want to miss when visiting the European city. Its visible from the Old Town Square and stands as a symbol of national pride. The clock consists of different puppet-like images popping up as time passes. It was originally built in 1410 and has undergone many restorations since being built 600 years ago. However, it still displays the 12 apostles in motion, an astronomical desk, and a calendar. Other imagery graces the clock as well as the hours pass by, making it an ancient wonder in Prague. Lennon Wall A display of street art history in Prague, the Lennon Wall pays homage to the great musician John Lennon. The colorful wall is located on Velkoprevorske Namesti across the street from the French Embassy. Fans and music lovers from around the world visit the mural to honor the Beatles member. Back in the day, the wall was the site of many protests and peace movements. Today, tourists can pay a local photographer to capture their photo in front of the iconic wall. The Dancing House Photo credit: Bahar Ayans Inspired by two famous dancers, the Dancing House is an architectural wonder in Prague. It was constructed between 1992 and 1996. Renowned architect Vlado Milunic and designer Frank O. Gehry were brought in to create the leaning structure. The design intends to resemble dancers Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire swaying together in unison. The building houses many things for tourists to explore including a hotel, a luxury restaurant, incredible views, and art galleries. Museum Of Senses Photo credit: Soheb Zaidi The Museum of Senses is a witty attraction in Prague where theres always more there than what meets the eye. Its full of exhibits that challenge and test the senses of its visitors. The museum is a unique adventure. Its perfect for those visiting Prague as a family or for adults who want to dive back into their childhood imagination. There are plenty of creative stations, mirror rooms, and Vortex tunnels to explore at the Museum of Senses. The Dejvice Farmers Market A great way to get a taste of local life in Prague is by visiting the Dejvice Farmers Market. Its one of the largest farmers markets in the city and a staple for locals looking for seasonal goods and high-quality foods. Many Czech farmers and artisan vendors set up shop at the market every Saturday. Travelers can check out the market between March and December every year. Bone Church In Kutna Hora Photo credit: Portuguese Gravity One of Pragues most fascinating structures is the Sedlec Ossuary also known as the Bone Church. This oddly unique chapel is located in Kutna Hora. Although normal on the outside, the churchs interior contains art constructed of bones from over 40,000 deceased humans. Dont worry, the remains here belonged to individuals who desired their final resting place to be in this holy church. Theres a giant chandelier made of bones and an array of bone structures throughout the ossuary. First responders in Alaska air-lifted a hiker to the hospital yesterday after he was mauled by a brown bear on the Kenai Peninsula. According to a press release issued by the Alaska State Troopers , the sow brown bear attacked the man when he accidentally ended up between her cub and her cub. Troopers arrived around 11:45 a.m., the press release states, and an officer from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) assisted in their rescue efforts. The man was hiking a trail along Skilak Lake, a glacial-fed lake that lies between the towns of Soldotna and Coopers Landing. He was with a companion during the attack, but that person escaped uninjured, the Alaska Daily News reports . Skilak Lake sits within the nearly 2 million-acre Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. According to the USFWS website, the area is internationally famous for its coastal brown bear hunting, and it's popular with moose hunters. The lake itself is an important nursery for sockeye salmon and serves as a refuge for rainbow trout and dolly varden during winter months. Read Next: Man Loses Lower Jaw During Grizzly Bear Attack While Tracking Deer in Southwest Montana According to the Nov. 16 press release, the man is in stable condition at a local hospital. "All personnel are out of the field and the bears have departed the area," the release reads. "The Alaska Department of Fish and Game will be continuing the investigation." Down here in the contiguous United States, the start of the ski season has hit a (hopefully temporary!) delay, with several major resorts postponing their opening dates. The story in Alaska is a bit different, though. Recently, the state was hit by a massive storm, supplying eager skiers with plentiful powder turns. Here's skier Jason Scheben getting the early-season goods at Arctic Valley Ski Area, Alaska. Artic Valley doesn't plan on spinning the lifts until December 9th, but the resort opened for inbounds uphill travel last week, allowing skiers with backcountry gear to take advantage of the fresh snow. Arctic Valley is a quick 30-minute drive from downtown Anchorage, which is on track to have its snowiest November since records began. At Alyeska, the state's largest ski resort, it already looks like midwinter, which is completely absurd given the state of the rest of North America. Alyeska plans to open on November 25th, so it won't be long before all that powder's put to good use. Now, if Old Man Winter could just spread the snowy love a little further south, I'm sure many of us would be very appreciative. Fingers crossed. Don't miss another headline from POWDER! Subscribe to our newsletter and stay connected with the latest happenings in skiing. We're always on the lookout for amusing, interesting and engaging ski-related videos to feature on our channels. Whether you're a professional skier or just an amateur, we want to see your best footage and help you share it with the world. Submit your video for a chance to be featured on POWDER and our social channels. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel to watch high-quality ski videos. At a Manhattan Raising Canes, you can get a three chicken-finger combo with fries, sauce, toast, and a drink for just $12. But all of the fast-casual restaurants sales add up fast. Todd Graves, the founder of Raising Canes, is now a multibillionaire, Bloomberg reported on Thursday. His 90 percent stake in the business and the dividends hes received combine for a fortune of $7.6 billion. That makes Graves the richest person in Louisiana, where Raising Canes first launched, and the 307th-wealthiest person on the planet. More from Robb Report The original Raising Canes was opened on the campus of Louisiana State University in 1996. Back then, Graves worked at an oil refinery in California and fished for sockeye salmon in Alaska to raise funds for the restaurant. Initially, he considered calling it Sockeyes, as a nod to his background, Bloomberg noted, but he settled on a reference to his dog instead. Eventually, Raising Canes expanded to Texas, which is now its largest market. Today, there are more than 750 locations in 37 states and four Middle Eastern countries. In the year ending this past June, the company saw a whopping $3.3 billion in sales and adjusted earnings of $647 million. By the end of the decade, its hoping to have annual sales of $10 billion, according to documents reviewed by Bloomberg. Were singularly focused on chicken finger meals, co-CEO AJ Kumaran told the outlet. That focus allows us to do this better than anyone else. The restaurants success is impressive in such a crowded market. Chicken has become a more popular category in fast food and fast-casual businesses, especially with the rise of chicken sandwiches at restaurants like Chick-fil-A and Popeyes. But Raising Canes has found a way to carve out a niche, with added visibility coming from a partnership with the rapper Post Malone. Plus, Graves himself has become more prominent in pop culture. Hes recently starred in two television shows, including Restaurant Recovery. In that series, Graves helped struggling businesses rebound after a downturn during the pandemic. Raising Canes paid $8.8 million to produce the shows in 2020 and 2021, according to documents seen by Bloomberg. That personal exposure, combined with the success of Gravess chicken-finger empire, has made him a wealthy, wealthy man. Best of Robb Report Sign up for Robb Report's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. By Byron Kaye SYDNEY (Reuters) -Australia's second-largest telco, Optus, had no crisis plan when a network-wide outage left nearly half the country without phone or internet for 12 hours, an executive told parliament on Friday, acknowledging the company's defences had failed. The Singapore Telecommunications-owned company had recently war-gamed scenarios in which the routers that direct voice and internet data failed in entire states, but it never expected a nationwide shutdown because it had alternate connections built into its network. "We didn't have a plan in place for that specific scale of outage," Optus managing director of networks Lambo Kanagaratnam told a Senate hearing on the Nov. 8 failure that left much of the country unable to make payments, receive healthcare or contact emergency services for most of a day. "It was unexpected. We have high levels of redundancy and it's not something that we expect to happen," he added, using the telecommunications term for alternate routes to send data when an initial pathway fails. The comments underscore concerns about the resilience of Australia's telecommunications networks, which have been in the spotlight since a massive data breach at Optus last year exposed the personal data of 10 million Australians. Now the company faces a fresh reputational crisis after the service blackout, which it has said was triggered by a standard software upgrade at Singtel. The Australian government has already imposed tougher cyber security reporting standards on telcos, and has said it plans to introduce mandatory reporting of ransomware attacks in all sectors as part of an overhaul of the country's cyber security laws to be announced this month. Kanagaratnam told the hearing Optus never expected a total shutdown because it had filters designed to stop all 90 of the company's routers from being overloaded with data. But the filters failed, cutting the company's ability to send data on alternate routes. Story continues "The outage was a result of our defence not working as it should have," he said. "Our network should have been able to deal with the change." The length of the outage - from about 4am to 4pm local time - was because Optus had to physically reboot all 90 routers plus another 50 core network devices, he added. Optus CEO Kelly Bayer Rosmarin, asked why the company took six hours to dispel public concerns it was under a cyber attack, told the hearing "there were some strange coincidences that made us quite worried about that" because the Singtel board was in the country that day. Bayer Rosmarin said 228 calls to Australian emergency hotline Triple-0 failed to connect because of the outage, but the telco had followed up all incidents and "thankfully everybody is OK". Asked whether Optus was overly reliant on third-party contractors, Bayer Rosmarin said "it is something I do think we should look at, in terms of the right level of outsourcing and insourcing". Singtel has said that although Optus experienced an outage after its software upgrade, the upgrade itself was not the cause. ($1 = 1.5473 Australian dollars) (Reporting by Byron Kaye; Editing by Gerry Doyle) In late August, the designers Ester Manas and Balthazar Delepierre were married in the countryside just outside of their home in Brussels, Belgium, surrounded by close family and friends. It was a sweet and intimate affair, one that the couple say felt like a blending of their two families but also a reunion of old friends. Manas and Delepierretogether for 11 years and business partners for nearly fiveare the duo behind Manass namesake womenswear brand, which over the past two seasons of Paris Fashion Week has had one of the most talked-about shows, thanks to its wildly cool, authentically size-inclusive designs. Now, the designers, both 30, are entering into a new phase of their relationship, expanding their label and embracing a new personal chapter at the same time. Post-wedding, Manas and Delepierre seem to have settled seamlessly into married life. This is not at all surprising: They are a couple who supported each other as students coming up through the esteemed local visual-arts school, La Cambre, and who have chosen to live where they work and work where they live. The Ester Manas logo even depicts intertwined hands. Seated together in their hybrid home-studio, which is serenely decorated in a modern style but dotted with antique bits and bobs theyve amassed from their regular visits to the nearby flea market, the pair seem almost incomprehensibly in sync in a charmingly real way. COURTESY THE DESIGNERS The signature pieces for Ester Manas have a sensibility to match, with highlights including ruched and ruffled dresses with cutouts that hug the body perfectly. Consciousness around body positivity and sustainability are the core messages of Ester Manas. For Fall 2023, 90 percent of the collection was made using deadstock fabric, and the designers have also developed their own sizing system that runs up to a 3XL and includes a one-size-fits-all category. Both dressed casually at homeManas in a tee, Delepierre in a button-downthey tell their love story in tandem with an account of how their brand came to be, which is actually a story of how they, as individuals, found their creative footing during art school. Delepierre was studying graphic design, and Manas was working toward her degree in fashion design. After a few years and several internships for the likes of Acne, Balenciaga, and Rabanne, Manas had a bit of an existential crisis during her last year in school, four months before she was set to graduate. Ester was like, Okay, maybe its time for me to really think about what I actually want to do, Delepierre remembers. Adelin Delepierre Manas goes on to explain that at that moment, it was not doing anything in fashion. I wanted to start something totally new. Delepierre chimes in, Yeah, you said you wanted to be a nurse. Ultimately, a lot of tears and long conversations led to the idea for their label, the foundations of which were formed around wanting to help other womenwomen who looked like Manas and didnt feel like they had any support from an industry whose main business focus was directed toward smaller bodies. At the time [I graduated] in 2017, it seemed like a crazy idea, she says, because it was not at all cool or widely accepted to do a label based on size inclusivity. Manass idea to create a collection for a big girl like me didnt receive the reception from her partner that she was expecting: Balthazar told me that it was the worst idea ever. Its true, Delepierre remembers. And now, every time I say something is a bad idea, we have to go for it. The brand was well received right from the get-go, especially on the fashion scene in Paris, which is not necessarily known for its size inclusivity. After receiving the Galeries Lafayette prize at the Hyeres Festival in 2018, Manas and Delepierre officially launched the business under the name Ester Manas the following year. In 2020 they were short-listed for the LVMH Prize, and in March of 2022 they held their second runway show, earning the brand rave reviews and putting it on the international fashion map. Adelin Delepierre This past March, Manas dipped a toe, fittingly, into the bridal category with a much-buzzed-about Fall 2023 collection titled For Better or Worse that opened and closed with several wedding-inspired looks, including the dress she eventually wore for her own nuptials: a long, lacy white dress with harness-esque straps and a delicate ruffled hem. Their wedding, Manas says, was like a fashion show, by which she means she was able to really do what she does best: dress the women in her lifereal womenand make them feel strong and powerful and hot. There were 30 looks in total, she says of the pieces, which were worn by her closest friends and family, including her mother, sister, and mother-in-law. Their wedding was one of the reasons why Delepierre and Manas decided to skip showing on the Spring 2024 calendar. Another was to take time to scale their business. Currently, they are hard at work on the next collection, for Fall 2024, which will be partly funded by the ANDAM Special Prize they were awarded this June and will include outerwear for the first time. It will be meant, of course, to fit every body type. They want to develop another sizing system to produce these pieces, since outerwear sizing is so precise, as well as concepts for more designs in the areas of knitwear, loungewear, and jewelry. In December, Manas and Delepierre will visit New York to celebrate the inclusion of one of their dresses in the upcoming Women Dressing Women exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Arts Costume Institute. Theyve never been to New York, and while they have a lot of work to do, theyre looking at it like a honeymoon of sorts. When asked what theyre most excited to see, Manas says she wants to check out some of the spots from Sex and the City. (She is giddy when I tell her there is a show-themed tour bus.) Delepierre is desperate for tickets to Saturday Night Live. Ever since we met, weve talked about going to New York, Manas says excitedly. They both believe in simplicity and not overthinking anything, and that rings true when it comes to their home and work space. In their house, the ground floor is occupied by an office, a photo studio, and a stockroom. On the second floor is Manas and Delepierres apartment. They say theyve gotten much better at separating work life and home life, even if its all technically under one roof. Adelin Delepierre We are just now starting to be able to not have to work on the weekends, which is a new thing for us, Delepierre explains. A few months ago, we were living and working in the same space with no real separation, and, well, now we dont do that. It was really impossible to stop, Manas agrees. But now, since weve separated the space, we have a rule that there is no work when were upstairs. When they arent busy with the brand, their routine is refreshingly normal. Manas is obsessed with cooking, so much so that shes made comments to Delepierre in the past about quitting fashion and opening a restaurant. When the topic of a possible homeware line comes up, they dont say no. In fact, they often host large dinner parties for friends; at the last one, Manas cooked for 30 people. When I suggest that Manas post cooking videos on TikTok, I can see the wheels spinning: Im really bad on social media, but maybe I need to do that, she says curiously. Courtesy the designer Adelin Delepierre Aside from food, the couple, namely Manas, have a deep love for antiquing. In fact, all of the tableware used at their wedding was handpicked by them from some favorite dealers Manas has befriended. Also, I love to negotiate, she says, laughing. While their support of each other is endearing, they are also honest about the fact that not every day is a lovefest. Its good to fight, Manas says. Delepierre, of course, cant sew anything, so hell often provide feedback or stand in as a fit model. But they say their arguments are unfiltered in a way that feeds the creative process, unlike a typical spousal spat. The constructive criticism they give to each anotherManas as the visionary designer and Delepierre as the branding and marketing brainsis important, because sometimes its when they arent in sync, when there is creative tension, that they are able to do some of their best work. But at the end of the day, says Manas, were friends first. You Might Also Like A slow third quarter for DHL amid the wider freight recession isnt stopping the German logistics giant from scaling its global distribution capabilities. DHL unveiled its newly expanded Central Asia Hub (CAH) in Hong Kong Tuesday, a week after announcing it would extend robotics to four more warehouses. More from Sourcing Journal DHL Express, the companys international shipping division, invested $3.2 billion Hong Kong dollars ($409.7 million) into the hubs expansion, with the warehouses total space increasing 50 percent to 533,000 square feet. With the buildout and the introduction of an automated material handling system, the sites peak handling capacity has increased by almost 70 percent to 125,000 shipments per hour, handling close to 20 percent of DHL Express global shipment volume. Additionally, the annual total throughput is expected to increase by 50 percent to 1.1 million tons per year when operating at full capacity. This is six times the shipment volume of when the hub was first established in 2004. The newly expanded express cargo facility handles more than 200 dedicated flights per week. To date, the total investment for Central Asia Hub has reached 562 million euros ($611.8 million) since its establishment two decades ago. The facility is one of three global DHL Express hubs worldwide, alongside sites in Cincinnati and Leipzig, Germany, and the only global hub in the Asia Pacific region. DHL Express initiated the warehouse expansion to complement the launch of the Hong Kong International Airports three-runway system, set to be completed by 2024. The hub is a four-hour flight from the Pan-Pearl River Delta region in southern China. DHL Express Asia Pacific air network operates on a multi-hub strategy, supported by four regional hubs: the Central Asia Hub in Hong Kong, North Asia Hub in Shanghai, South Asia Hub in Singapore and Bangkok Hub, linking to approximately 900 DHL Express facilities in the region. Even as global trade normalizes after the pandemic, we have seen over 30 percent growth in throughput between Asia and other continents in the first three quarters of 2023 when compared with the same period in 2019, far exceeding the pre-Covid level, said Ken Lee, CEO for Asia Pacific, DHL Express. Additionally, the strategic location of the Hub in Hong Kong opens doors to many opportunities for our customers in this region. We are confident that the expanded CAH will foster interconnectivity and underpin Asias status as a powerhouse of global growth. While DHL Express is scaling its overseas presence, the companys contract logistics division, DHL Supply Chain, is expanding its partnership with robotics technology company AutoStore beyond its nine current warehouse deployments in the U.S., Germany and Singapore. AutoStore, which specializes in automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS), is currently planning to bring its robotics technology to four more DHL warehouses in the U.S., Australia, Germany and Poland. DHL intends to construct five further facilities that will use AutoStores automated solutions in addition to those already in operation or planning. The nine existing systems effectively operate 800,000 bins across the warehouses, with the forthcoming four systems elevating the total number of bins to 1.2 million. This AS/RS technology has been developed to efficiently manage and optimize inventory using reduced space within warehouses. Its modular and scalable design makes it a preferred solution for e-commerce and businesses handling smaller products such as fashion and tech items, DHL says. DHL says the ongoing collaboration has already led to expansions at all operational sites, with more than 1,000 robots having been deployed worldwide. Markus Voss, chief operating officer and chief information officer at DHL Supply Chain, said the company will be able to drive down implementation times as they standardize the introduction of the robotics tech. AutoStores standardized and modular technology perfectly aligns with our aim to make our operations more efficient, enabling swift scalability and adaptability across various use cases and end-marketsa crucial factor for us as a third-party logistics provider, Voss said. Additionally, AutoStores network of partners is invaluable in supporting our growth strategy across multiple geographies. The upgrades across DHLs warehousing network come as the global logistics firm saw revenue decline 19.3 percent in the third quarter to 19.4 billion euros ($21 billion), while net profit for the company fell 36.5 percent to 847 million euros ($918.8 million). Last month, DHL Supply Chain revealed it would close a fulfillment center in Groveport, Ohio after one of its customers discontinued service with the company. The facility will cease operations on Dec. 31, with most layoffs having started on Oct. 31. As a result of the closure, 264 employees will be let go. Editors Note: A version of this story appeared in CNNs Meanwhile in China newsletter, a three-times-a-week update exploring what you need to know about the countrys rise and how it impacts the world. Sign up here. A golden face with patinaed turquoise eyes stares out of the darkness. Illuminated around it stand three other bronze heads some have flat tops, others round all looked over by a giant bronze statue almost 9 feet high. All have the same piercing, angular eyes. Theres something about the Faces of Sanxingdui as this collection of sculptures is being billed that feels both familiar and alien. Currently on display at the Hong Kong Palace Museum, they may appear Mayan or Aztec to the untrained eye, but these over-3,000-year-old sculptures werent unearthed anywhere near Mesoamericas ancient civilizations. They were discovered on Chinas Chengdu Plain, at an archeological dig site called Sanxingdui (which translates as three star mound). Thought to be the largest and oldest site left by the Shu kingdom, a civilization in southwestern China once only hinted at in myths and legends, Sanxingdui was not discovered until the 1920s, when a farmer stumbled across objects while digging an irrigation ditch. The site has since been found to contain the ruins of an ancient city made up of residences, sacrificial pits and tombs enclosed by high dirt walls. Archaeologists from the Sanxingdui Museum say the city was established some 4,800 to 2,800 years ago, until it was abandoned around 800 BC for unknown reasons. A gold mask is among the thousands of ancient artifacts discovered at Sanxingdui in what is, today, in China's Sichuan province. - Noemi Cassanelli/CNN The Chinese government has long promoted Sanxingdui as evidence of the countrys long, uninterrupted history with the discoveries included in history textbooks for more than a decade. And while thousands of visitors have already flocked to the groundbreaking exhibition in Hong Kong, some analysts suggest that the items are also being used to support the Chinese governments vision of national identity. The mysterious and talented Shu The Shu kingdom, which emerged in the Sichuan basin during the Bronze Age, is believed to have developed independently of the Yellow River Valley societies traditionally considered the cradle of Chinese civilization. Its inhabitants created exquisitely crafted bronze, jade, gold and ceramic objects, depicting fantastical beasts, kings, gods and shamans with bulging eyes and enlarged ears. Around 120 of the items are currently on display in Hong Kong, and its the first time many of these objects, most of which were excavated between 2019 and 2022, have been showcased outside Sichuan province. Many of the artifacts from Sanxingdui were found buried in a series of sacrificial pits. - Shen Bohan/Xinhua/Sipa USA Remarkably, the sculptures predate the Terracotta Army, a collection of earthenware statues depicting the armies of Chinas first emperor Qin Shi Huang, by at least 1,000 years. Wang Shengyu, an assistant curator at the Palace Museum told CNN said the objects are far more advanced, imaginative, and artistic than those being produced anywhere else in China at that time. You can tell that its very sculptural and very artsy, Wang told CNN at the exhibition opening, pointing to a roughly 1-foot-tall bronze figure whose fantastical, braided hair extends out to three times the height of its body and, had it not been broken, would stretch much further. You can imagine how magnificent it was. From above his nose and all the way up, it wouldve been over 1.5 meters (4.9 feet) tall, according to the fragments (archeologists) found. The end of the pigtail is on his shoulder. Little is known about the Shu kingdom other than whats been discovered on the 3.6-square-kilometer (1.4-square-mile) site outside Chengdu. There is no evidence of a written Shu language, and historical literature contains scant information about its culture other than a handful of myths and legends, including a reference to a Shu king called Can Cong whose eyes were said to have protruded perhaps explaining why so many of the 13,000 relics recovered from the site feature bulging eyes. 'Kneeling figure with a twisted head', bronze, at the Hong Kong Palace Museum in Hong Kong, China on September 26, 2023. - Noemi Cassanelli/CNN After the Shu state was conquered by the Qin dynasty in 316 BC, Shu culture was buried under the mainstream culture that later emerged on Chinas central plain, Chinese authorities wrote in a 2013 UNESCO submission seeking to have Sanxingdui and two nearby archeological sites recognized as World Heritage Sites. They are currently on UNESCOs tentative list. Since 1986, eight excavated pits at Sanxingdui have yielded giant masks of gods with bulbous, insect-like eyes and protruding ears, mythical creatures with gaping mouths and an almost 4-meter-tall (13-foot) bronze tree of life sculpture decorated with ornaments like a Christmas tree. All the items were found shattered, burned and buried, leading experts to believe the pits were used for ritual sacrifices. Some have now been painstakingly re-constructed by archaeologists. It took 10 years to reconstruct the tree, said Wang Shengyu, an assistant curator at the museum who helped curate the exhibition. That tree is not on show in Hong Kong, as it is considered too precious to send abroad, but a section of one of six others discovered and ornaments are on display at the museum, as well as a 3D holographic projection of what experts think it would have looked like its layers and branches adorned with birds, flowers, fruit, dragons, bells as well as jade and gold foil ornaments. The set are thought to have been part of a theater space. A mythical creature depicted in bronze. - Noemi Cassanelli/CNN Historical myth of a continuous civilization The exhibition places these items in the context of other ancient civilizations and includes the Shu among the many societies to have existed in the countrys 5,000-year history. According to a press release from organizers, museum and Hong Kong government officials at the opening stressed the continuity, inventiveness, unity, inclusiveness and emphasis on peace and harmony of Chinese history. Henry Tang, chairman of the governing body behind the West Kowloon Cultural District (where the Palace Museum is located) and a former candidate for Hong Kongs top leadership role, said in a statement that the district and museum are looking to promote cultural and artistic exchanges between China and the world, tell Chinas story well, and strengthen the publics cultural self-confidence. But the narrative that the Shu kingdom was innately Chinese is contentious, according to Ian Johnson, a senior fellow for China Studies at US think tank, the Council on Foreign Relations. A figure on display at the Hong Kong Palace Museum. - Noemi Cassanelli/CNN Over the past few decades, the (Chinese Communist Party) has been trying to push a historical myth that all the peoples who have ever lived inside the current borders of the Peoples Republic are Chinese, he told CNN over email. The basic idea is that the PRC (Peoples Republic of China) encompasses people who naturally belong together and therefore, from todays standpoint, form a nation. Hence any effort to have autonomy or even independence is taboo it runs against history. The Peoples Republic of China was established in 1949, and its government has often used Chinas continuous history as evidence that ethnic groups such as the Tibetans and the Uyghurs have always belonged to China. Vessels found at Sanxingdui. - Noemi Cassanelli/CNN Johnson said that there was little support for the idea that civilizations along the Yellow River had much in common with those in the Sichuan Basin. They have commonalities but are not the same just as ancient Assyrians and Phoenicians and Greeks werent the same, even if they shared certain things in common, he said, adding: sponsoring these kinds of exhibitions are popular and win the government credit. When asked to comment, the Hong Kong Palace Museum said the exhibition was curated based on academic and archaeological research and that it reinforces its mission to deepen audiences understanding of the lives and cultures of various regions and ethnic groups as well as exchanges among them in ancient China, which have contributed to the magnificence of Chinas civilization and its diversity in unity pattern of development. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com A hunter from Sedgwick, Maine found himself a bonus buck last weekend when he shot a hefty black bear that was working over a whitetail carcass. He didnt realize his luck until he approached the downed bear, which he killed with one shot from his .308. Sam Allen had been deer hunting on Nov. 4 when he kicked up a buck in the area. He took a shot but missed, which he confirmed after two hours of searching for a blood trail, he tells Outdoor Life. He left the area hoping the buck was still nearby and decided to return the following Saturday to hunt. As he worked down the same steep draw, he saw a large black bear. I was trying to go the same route I went before, so I was stopping and listening and seeing if that deer would mess up again, Allen says. I came around a corner and saw black, and I wasnt sure if it was a bear or not. Then I saw it moving, and I knew it wasnt a cub. I love bear meat, and Id take that over a deer any day. Allen shouldered his .308 Thompson and fired a 150-grain bullet. The bear dropped where it stood. I was surprised, because that was the first bear Ive ever shot that just dropped in his tracks, Allen says. Usually they run off, but I dont know if this one was so heavy that he just was done, or if I hit something good enough to end him right there. The mature buck buck serves as a useful size comparison for the black bear. Allen waited a few minutes before approaching the boar. He messaged his friend Tyler and said hed need help packing it out. When Allen eventually walked down to the bear, he realized it had been pawing at a whitetail carcass. Looking closer, he saw it wasn't just a young buck with a few spindly tines. The big 8-point had solid main beams that palmated into thick tips on the ends. Allen wondered if it might have been the buck he shot at the week prior, but after further investigation he concluded it wasnt. After hiking back out to collect some gear and a four-wheeler, Allen and three friends began the long extraction process. Allen wanted to haul the monstrous bear carcass out intact, but his friends assured him that such a move wasnt physically possible. They would have to dress the bear out and forfeit getting a live weight. Allens one razor blade on his replaceable knife snapped in half when he tried to cut into the hide, and none of the other guys brought another knife. One friend had a boxcutter, which Allen used to dress out the bear. The foursome hauled the bear up the hill on a sled, which required multiple breaks. Eventually, they got it to a four-wheeler, which Allen had hauled to the area on a 12-foot trailer hooked up to his Toyota Prius. Allen hauled a four-wheeler on a 12-foot trailer to the area with his trusty Prius. The dressed black bear tipped the scale at 332 pounds. Its not unheard of for adult boars to reach 400-plus pounds, and the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife says bears in the state can even reach 600 pounds. (Average-sized black bears are closer to 200 to 300 pounds.) A 350-pound black bear dresses out at roughly 210 pounds and produces 140-plus pounds of gut pile, according to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game . That means Allens bear likely weighed upwards of 480 pounds before they dressed it. Once Allen and his friends had extracted and weighed the black bear, Allen went back down to the scene with a game warden to investigate the deer kill. He concluded the carcass had been there for less than a week and didnt have any bullet holes, which alleviated Allen's stress that he might have killed that buck after all. The warden gave him a carcass tag and Allen took only the head out. He says he's taking it to Cassidas Taxidermy to get it mounted with the bear in a design that replicates the scene he stumbled upon. Read Next: Maine Hunter Tags One of the Biggest 8-Points in State History Im going to have the bear on top of a dirt pile with the deer head sticking out, but the bears going to be standing up on top of it with one paw up and his mouth open, as if hes guarding the pile from something," Allen says. "The guy is going to enter it in competitions. Going forward, Allen suspects he'll never have another hunting experience quite like this one. I can try to beat this, but itll be hard, he says. He emphasizes how much it means to work hard for a harvest, and that finding the bear felt more like luck than anything else. But it was pretty cool. It was really cool to have my friends there. Fox News host, Jesse Watters, is yet again facing major backlash after making an abhorrent remark on air, Newsweek reports. In a recent segment of the highly rated Fox Show, The Five, Watters left his co-hosts and viewers outraged after stating, We ended up getting rid of the dog that we got. The segment was spotlighting ways pet owners can figure out whats bothering their furry companions, Watters didnt clarify what he meant by getting rid of the dog because things didnt work out, leaving many speculating that whatever happened to the pooch may have been inhumane. Co-hosts express shock over Watters remarks While hearing Watters make controversial comments on air is nothing new to The Five co-hosts, this particular statement rubbed them the wrong way, given that they are all pet lovers. Co-host Dana Perino who welcomed a new Vizsla puppy back in 2021 after the loss of her Hungarian Vizsla, Jasper was taken aback by Watters statement, exclaiming, Oh my gosh, Jesse! Dont say you got rid of it! co-host Greg Gutfeld, who owns a Frenchie named Gus, called out the host. Jeanine Pirro, who has multiple dogs under her care, asked, Wheres my dog? Pirro and Watters once got two dogs from the same litter. Watters tried to explain that got rid is a euphemism, adding, What? Well, I think we have to level with the American people. Watters faced backlash on social media In the now-viral clip posted on the X platform on Monday, Nov. 14, by Decoding Fox News founder Juliet Jeske, X users didnt spare the host, with many terming him as evil and a dog murderer as his statement sounded as though he had the dog put down. One user wrote: JFC Jesse Watters is pure evil. He said live on air, that he got rid of his dog because it wasnt working out. The comment continued, He never said how he got rid of it. Im afraid to know. Another simply questioned: Jesse Watters what did you do to your dog!!! An animal shelter volunteer also tabled her thoughts, saying, I volunteer at a shelter. When people bring in dogs because they didnt work out its traumatizing for the dogs. An upset Jeske shared another post on the platform shortly after the clip, expressing concern over the poor pooch. Im hoping Jesse Watters will explain tomorrow that the dog he got rid of was sent back to the breeder, or shes now with a new family, the post read. I dont say this because I care about Jesse Watters. Im genuinely concerned about the dog. I dont know why he didnt explain what happened, Jeske concluded. Watters eventually bowed down to pressure, addressing what he meant during his show, Jesse Watters Primetime. I hope I was clear last night that I didnt kill my dog, he explained. Its a euphemism when you say its in a better place. He concluded by asking viewers not to take what I say so literally. The post Jesse Watters Slammed Over Getting Rid of Dog Remarks appeared first on DogTime. The Miss Universe 2023 held its national costume competition on Thursday in El Salvador, ahead of the final live show, which will stream on Roku on Saturday at 8 p.m. ET. During the preliminary phase, 86 contestants walked onstage with costumes that represented their countries and different social causes. Miss USA Noelia Voigt, who is an activist pro-immigration, celebrated the diversity of the United States with a costume inspired by American landmarks. Her look featured miniatures of the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, the Washington Monument, the White House, and a replica of the Route 66 sign. She also added flags from different countries to represent immigrants. More from Footwear News Miss USA 2023 Noelia Voigt Getty Images Voigts costume was created by Blas Simon Villalba Rivas. It was completed with a sparkling corset bodysuit covered in sequins and crystals, and a matching headpiece and over-the-knee boots. Miss Philippines Michelle Marquez Dee had one of the most viral moments of the night. Dee wore an airplane-inspired ensemble from designer Michael Barassi. Giving justice to a concept that aims to promote tourism to the country WE ARE PROUD TO SHOWCASE TO THE UNIVERSE, she wrote on Instagram. Miss Philippines Michelle Marquez Dee Getty Images Miss Brazil Maria Brechane paid homage to her countrys fauna with a costume inspired by blue macaws. But she wasnt the only one taking inspiration from birds. Miss Brazil Maria Brechane Getty Images Miss Chile Celeste Viel spread her wings in a costume inspired by the national bird of her country, the Andean condor. Miss Chile Celeste Viel Getty Images Miss Puerto Rico Karla Guilfu Acevedo took inspiration from the San Sebastian Street Festival, which that takes place in the Old San Juan, in honor of Saint Sebastian. Miss Puerto Rico Karla Guilfu Acevedo Getty Images The Miss Universe 2023 competition will take place on Saturday in El Salvador and will feature a performance by John Legend. The event culminates with RBonney Gabriel crowning the 2023 Miss Universe. See more costumes in the gallery below. Miss Universe, National Costumes, 2023, Photos Miss Universe National Costumes 2023 Photos View Gallery33 Images Launch Gallery: Miss Universe National Costumes 2023 Photos Best of Footwear News Sign up for FN's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Everything you need to know about the fruity, floral spiceincluding how to buy, store, and cook with it. Serious Eats / Amanda Suarez Pink Peppercorns Description: Small, round seeds with a pinkish red hue from Peruvian (schinus molle) and Brazilian (schinus terebinthifolius) pepper trees Flavor profile: Floral, fruity, peppery Related cuisines: Thai, Mediterranean, French, South American Storage: In a tightly sealed, non-porous jar, whole pink peppercorns will last about 18 months. In a sea of black, white, and green peppercorns, pink peppercorns know how to stand out. I first took notice of the spice in a souk in Morocco, where its bright pink hue seemed to overshadow the many earthy-colored spices surrounding it. It laid in a large pile, the vibrant spheres nestled within each other. When I reached down to grab a handful and put it up to my nose, its sharp, peppery scent mixed with rosy notes enveloped my nostrils. I knew I had landed on something special, so I purchased a small amount to take home and give it a try. It was only after discovering the spice myself that I learned its not actually a pepper, but instead a berry. It adds a bright, fruity, and floral note to anything it touchesonce you get the hang of it, youll want to use it anywhere you can. We spoke with Claire Cheneyfounder and self-proclaimed Blender-in-Chief of Curio Spice, a spice shop in Cambridge, Massachusettsto learn more about how to take advantage of this vivid, flavorful spice, as well as where it comes from and how to shop for it. What Are Pink Peppercorns? Pink peppercorns arent actually related to the other varieties were more familiar with, which come from the Piper nigrum plant. Instead, they are the ripe berries of the Peruvian (schinus molle) and Brazilian (schinus terebinthifolius) pepper trees. The peppercorns belong to the Anacardiaceae family, along with cashews, pistachios, and mangoes. In the US, the berries are considered an invasive species, so much so that Cheney notes that since they thrive in coastal environments, you can even find them on the side of the road in Florida. They have even been referred to as Florida holly. [A pink peppercorn] just so happens to be the same general size as a black peppercorn, so it kind of got this misnomer, says Cheney: While it does have a little pepperiness to it, it doesn't have the compound called pipperine, which is what gives black, green, and white peppers their heat. Serious Eats / Amanda Suarez While pink peppercorns are readily available at spice markets today, our senior culinary director, Daniel Gritzer, considers them to be more of a food (and a food trend) associated with the 80s and 90s. It was a fad ingredient that caught fire for a while thanks to its visual pop, slightly floral, and only vaguely peppery flavor, and tropical exotic vibes, he says. But then I also remember my dad telling me that they might be poisonous, which was apparently a bit of late-20th-century #fakenews that spread thanks to a panicked media frenzy. In the 1980s, two scientists discovered the plant was closely related to poison ivy, leading to an importation ban by the FDA in 1982. However, given their popularity in both French cuisine and agriculture, the island of Reunion, a French territory near Madagascar, harvested a number of peppercorns. They then used research to argue against the toxicity of the spice, and the FDA eventually reversed the ban. It is worth mentioning peppercorns are only known to be toxic in large quantities. The whole situation was similar to the freakout around the same time about MSG known as Chinese Restaurant Syndrome, says Gritzer. Clearly the attraction to foreign foods was balanced by an equally substantial (and irrational) fear of them. Pretty quickly after that, the pink peppercorn faded away, only to be found today in dated-looking tricolor peppercorn blends and bars of white chocolate. How to Buy and Store Pink Peppercorns Though you may be able to find pink peppercorns at your local grocery store, youre more likely to spot them in international markets. Due to their volatile oils, its rare to find ground pink peppercorns for sale. They are almost always sold whole and can be crushed or ground right before use. The structure of the seed itself is key, says Cheney. There's a ton of pink pepper on the market thats very shriveled looking and not as tasty. She advises looking for whole, perfect spheres with a deep pink or red color. Cheney notes that commodity level spices are often sundried, in turn destroying the structure of the berry and creating a wrinkled look with a bitter taste. Shade-dried pink peppercorns, on the other hand, will preserve the sphere and keep the volatile oils in tact, which further preserves the berrys delicate flavor. High-quality whole peppercorns can last as long as 18 months if stored in a tightly sealed, non-porous jar thats left in a cool, dark, and dry place. How to Cook With Pink Peppercorns The floral and fruity flavor of pink peppercorns works well in spice rubs for meat, poultry, and fish since it can uplift any heavy, rich notes. That fruitiness also accompanies ingredients like galangal, garlic, and lemongrass quite well, making it a great addition to many Thai curries. Since its color can add vibrancy to many dishes, Cheney recommends using it as a garnish or a last step so the color doesnt fade when cooking; however, its fruity, floral notes will still come through after being cooked. Serious Eats / Amanda Suarez The spice pairs nicely with other spices like coriander, sesame, cinnamon, and mint. They do also go well with other peppercorns, and youll often find them dotted throughout peppercorn blend grinders. Given the delicacy of the spice, when using it on its own its best to crush the peppercorns with a knife or a spice grinder instead of a pepper mill. Cheney likes to use pink peppercorns whole or crushed to garnish salads and ceviche, adding that you can use the spice quite generously compared to actual peppercorns. And when it comes to unconventional uses, she notes that it also goes well in lemony cocktails. You can make a simple syrup out of it, she says, and it provides a really beautiful color and flavor for gin cocktails. Read the original article on Serious Eats. Their second shot at love! With their long-awaited reunion at the beach, fans are wondering if Rachel and Jordan are still together from Bachelor in Paradise 2023 and if they got engaged in the BIP Season 9 finale. Keep in mind, they do have history from Rachels season of The Bachelorette. Rachel Recchia (who was on The Bachelor Season 26 and The Bachelorette Season 19) and Jordan Vandergriff (who was on The Bachelorette Season 19) are two contestants on Bachelor in Paradise Season 9. Jordan was Rachels contestant on The Bachelorette Season 19, where she sent him home on her first One-on-One date. Bachelor in Paradise is a spinoff of The Bachelor and The Bachelorette. The Bachelor franchise premiered on ABC in March 2002 with businessman Alex Michel as the first Bachelor. The show has since aired for more than 27 seasons and produced several spin-offs including The Bachelorette, Bachelor in Paradise, Bachelor Pad, The Bachelor Presents: Listen to Your Heart, and The Bachelor Winter Games. More from StyleCaster $13.99 Buy Now Bachelor in Paradise premiered in August 2014 as a reality TV dating series featuring former contestants from The Bachelor and The Bachelorette. The show starts with an uneven number of women and men from The Bachelor and The Bachelorette. Each week, theres a Rose Ceremony where either the men or women give roses to the contestants they feel the strongest connection to. The contestants who dont receive a rose are sent home. The next week, the roles are reversed, and the gender that didnt give out roses the previous week now chooses who to give a rose to and who to send home. Each week, more contestants from past seasons of The Bachelor and The Bachelorette join the show to create an uneven number between the women and men and force the contestants already there to either couple up with someone new or stay in their current relationship. Contestants are also given date cards at random to choose contestants they want to spend alone time with. Many new contestants join the show with a date card. At the end of Bachelor in Paradise, the contestants are offered an opportunity to have an overnight date with no cameras or microphones (much like Fantasy Suites on The Bachelor and The Bachelorette.) After the overnight dates is the finale, where contestants either choose to break up or get engaged. Like The Bachelor and The Bachelorette, Bachelor in Paradise also has an After the Final Rose special, where contestants reunite to hash out drama and update viewers on their relationship. But back to Rachel and Jordan. So are Rachel and Jordan still together from Bachelor in Paradise 2023 and did they get engaged in the BIP Season 9 finale? Read on for who they ended up with. Are Rachel and Jordan still together from Bachelor in Paradise? Are Rachel and Jordan still together from Bachelor in Paradise 2023? The answer is no. Rachel Recchia (The Bachelor Season 26 and The Bachelorette Season 19) and Jordan Vandergriff (The Bachelorette Season 19) are after not still together after they broke up during Bachelor in Paradise Season 9, according to Reality Steve. Reality Steve reported that Rachel self-eliminated outside of a Rose Ceremony on Bachelor in Paradise Season 9 and left the show single. Rachels self-elimination came after her breakup also came after Brayden Bowers, who was on The Bachelorette Season 20 with Charity Lawson, broke up with Rachel to be with Becca Serrano, who was on The Bachelor Season 27 with Zach Shallcross. Becca arrived on Bachelor in Paradise Season 9 with a date card and went on a date with Brayden. After Brayden chose her over Rachel, Becca self-eliminated. Rachel also self-eliminated soon after. Prior to Bachelor in Paradise Season 9, Rachel and Jordan met on The Bachelorette Season 19, where he was her contestant. Jordan was Rachels first One-on-One date on The Bachelorette Season 19, but she didnt give him a rose at the end of their date and sent him home due to a lack of spark between them. Whos Rachel from Bachelor in Paradise Season 9? Whos Rachel from Bachelor in Paradise 2023? Rachel Recchia is a 27-year-old Flight Instructor from Clermont, Florida. She was a contestant on The Bachelor Season 26 with Clayton Echard, where she was a runner-up along with Gabby Windey. Rachel and Gabby were the leads of The Bachelorette Season 19, where she got engaged to Tino Franco. Rachel and Tino broke up between The Bachelorette Season 19 finale and the After the Final Rose special after Tino cheated on Rachel and kissed someone else. Read Rachels biography for The Bachelor Season 26 ahead: Rachel is a fearless frequent flyer looking for a man who will travel the world with her. After recently earning her private pilot license, the future is nothing but sunny skies ahead for Rachel and now she is hoping to find a co-pilot that matches her sense of adventure. As a hopeless romantic, Rachel is looking for someone who is as playful, passionate and spontaneous as she is. He should be nurturing, empathetic and MUST be respectful in all facets of life to her, to family, and especially to waiters. In the end, Rachel wants to find crazy, insane love that makes sense to no one else but her and her soul mate. Rachel could live off of Flaming Hot Cheetos. Rachel cant wait to read the Harry Potter series with her kids one day. Rachel once organized a flash mob in high school. Whos Jordan from Bachelor in Paradise Season 9? Whos Jordan from Bachelor in Paradise Season 9? Jordan Vandergriff is a 28-year-old Drag Racer from Alpharette, Georgia. He was a contestant on The Bachelorette Season 19 with Gabby Windey and Rachel Recchia, where he was sent home in Week 2. Read Jordans biography for The Bachelorette Season 19 ahead: Jordan V. has got the need, the need FOR SPEED! When this professional race car driver isnt on the track going from 0 to 337mph in less than four seconds (yes, you read that right), he loves spending time with his nephews, relaxing on the lake and watching James Bond movies. Jordan V. is looking for someone who is sincere, passionate and supportive. And while he loves the hustle and bustle of his fun life, Jordan V. is very much looking to settle and start a family. This time next year, hes hoping when he crosses the finish line, his future wife is there waiting for him. So, Jordan V., start your engine. Fun Facts: Jordan V. loves sweet tea. Jordan V. says the most romantic gift you can give is a handwritten letter. Jordan V. describes his middle school haircut as the Justin Bieber. Best of StyleCaster Keith Pazour got a late start on Saturday morning as he headed to Lake Oahe from his hometown of Pierre, South Dakota. He didn't get out on the reservoir until around 8 a.m., but his timing turned out to be perfect. Just 45 minutes later, he hauled in a new state-record walleye weighing more than 17 pounds. "We'd been fishing up there for the last month and a half, and we'd been catching some real big walleye up there," Pazour tells Outdoor Life. "I couldn't find anyone to come with me that day, so I went by myself. I barely got my rods in the water set up and it hit. It was a big fish, I couldn't tell right away if it was a Northern, a catfish, or a walleye. It took about 10 minutes to get her in, and once I got her in the net and sitting on the floor, I was like 'Ho-ly crap.'" After putting the fish on his hand scale, Pazour saw it was way heavier than any of the other big walleyes he'd caught in the past. "She was banging high 17s, around 18 pounds. I knew I had to get in and get her weighed." Pazour motored back to shore and called a South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks officer to determine where the nearest certified scale was. He made the trek to South Whitlock, roughly 45 minutes from the boat launch, and got the fish weighed at a bait shop. The other patrons and employees there were blown away by the monster. "I heard a lot of 'Holy shit,'" Pazour says, laughing. Pazour's taxidermist, Tyler Erickson at Top Notch Taxidermy , called him about two hours after he caught the fish. Erickson had seen the fish on Pazour's Facebook post and wanted to make sure he'd get the chance to mount the walleye. Pazour already has a few 9.5- and 10.5-pound walleyes mounted at home that he and his kids have caught over the years. "Erin Pazour said no more fish mounts unless its a record," Pazour wrote of his wife in the post. "Jokes on her!!" The fish's certified weight came out to 17 pounds 13.92 ounces, and it measured 33 inches long, with a 22-inch girth. Those dimensions were enough to land Pazour the official South Dakota state record, which was certified on Monday. Read Next: Walleye-Stuffing Tournament Cheater Chase Cominsky Now Accused of Poaching Deer at Night That same record had been broken just three weeks earlier by North Dakota resident Aaron Schuck, who also caught his record-breaking walleye from Lake Oahe. Schuck's fish was roughly the same length but it weighed 16.5 pounds, or more than a full pound less than Pazour's. Prior to Schuck's catch, the South Dakota walleye record had stood for 21 years. Your next cocktail at 36,000 feet will now cost a little extra. Aerial Perspective Images / Getty Images We're less than a week out from some of the biggest travel days of the year. Historically, airports screen significantly more passengers on the Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Sunday after Thanksgiving than almost any other time. That's not great news if you're scheduled to travel on one of those days, and we have even worse news if you'd hoped to relax with an in-flight drink on your way from here to there. Starting Wednesday, November 15, Southwest Airlines increased the price of its in-flight alcoholic beverages by almost 30%. The Dallas-based air carrier raised the price of beer from $6 to $7, bumped its wine prices from $6 to $8, and all of its liquor whether straight or in a mixed drink went from $7 a pour to $9. The airline said its coffee, juices, soft drinks, tea, and water would still be complimentary. (The only exception is on flights that travel less than 175 miles, as water is the only available in-flight beverage.) "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. Upon review, we made the decision to implement a modest change to the pricing of our alcoholic beverages," a Southwest spokesperson said, according to Simple Flying. "We continue our focus on enhancing the Customers' experiences and remain committed to delivering nonstop Southwest Hospitality." Related: 9 In-Flight Cocktails to Mix Onboard and Dramatically Improve Your Next Flight Southwests website has been updated to reflect the new prices. As of this writing, the airlines now $9 liquor selection includes Bacardi Rum, Cazadores Tequila, Deep Eddy Vodka, Deep Eddy Lime Vodka, Jack Daniels Tennessee Whiskey, and Wild Turkey Bourbon Whiskey. Travelers on flights to Hawaii can also order Kula Toasted Coconut Rum, which is distilled and bottled in Hawaii. The wines served onboard include Carmenet Cabernet Sauvignon, Cruset Brut Sparkling Wine, Mossel Bay Chenin Blanc Chardonnay, and Stone Cellars California Rose. The airline currently serves Miller Lite and Lagunitas IPA on all of its flights of 176 miles or longer, and Hawaii-bound passengers can also ask for Kona Brewing Big Waves Golden Ale. Pineapple High Noon Hard Seltzer is also available for $9 a can, and Dogfish Heads Strawberry Vodka Lemonade is also $9. Even with these changes, Southwest remains competitive within our industry, Southwest spokesperson Tiffany Valdez told the Dallas Morning News. As of this writing, some of Southwests new prices are still slightly lower than their competitors. Both American Airlines and United charge $8 for a 12-ounce can of beer, $9 for a glass of wine or sparkling wine, and between $9 and $10 for liquor. Deltas beer selection ranges from $8 to $10 per can, its wines are $10 to $11, and its liquors are $10. The Atlanta-based airline also offers a Bloody Mary with Filthy Bloody Mary Mix ($10), a Tip Top Espresso Martini ($12), and a Tip Top Old Fashioned Cocktail ($12). You can still score at least one free drink on a Southwest flight: the airline will comp your first adult beverage on Valentines Day, St. Patricks Day, Halloween, and on its own birthday on June 18. That wont help you next week when youre handing over an extra $2 bucks, but its something to keep in mind. For more Food & Wine news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Food & Wine. The only place to get the official B. Free Franklin cancellation is at the B. Free Franklin Office located in Philadelphia. (Photo: National Park Service) Benjamin Franklins importance in American history is undisputed, but his lesser-known work as postmaster general may have laid the foundations for his later accomplishments. In fact, it is very likely that his broader renown could be thanks to his time with the Postal Service. In 1737, Franklin became the postmaster of Philadelphia, appointed by Deputy Postmaster General of America Alexander Spotswood. Control of the Postal Service remained under the British crown, since this was still almost four decades prior to U.S. independence. As the Philadelphia postmaster, Franklin had access to perks that others at the time did not. He was able to send out his own newspaper, The Pennsylvania Gazette, for free and correspond with numerous prominent figures. Stanford historian Caroline Winterer even refers to this time period as the beginning of social networks, when people around the world were able to communicate more than ever before. It was simply letters instead of tweets. This ability to more easily communicate spread Franklins ideas on both continents and could likely be the reason for much of his fame. But thats not to say that his spotlight was undeserved. Historians believe that to have been placed as the very first postmaster general of the United States, which he would eventually become, he must have had immense respect from others in office. Franklin quickly rose through the ranks from postmaster of Philadelphia to comptroller and from there successfully lobbied for the role of postmaster general after the death of Elliott Benger, who previously held the role. Franklin shared the position with William Hunter of Virginia. The Founding Father made quick work of innovating within the Postal Service. He sent riders out at night, cutting delivery time for a letter from Philadelphia to New York and a reply to under 24 hours. He also did extensive on-the-ground research of postal routes and roads to determine upgrades and the best directions for delivery. Story continues According to the U.S. Postal Service, Franklin also installed a policy from England that delivered letters that were not originally called for, meaning collected, for the cost of a penny. And, he allowed the admittance of all newspapers through the mailing service for a small fee. In the past, other postmasters general who owned newspapers would simply bar any other publication from the Postal Service. Franklin eventually worked remotely from England, but things took a turn when resistance to the crown was growing and it was clear the postmaster general leaned toward Colonist loyalty. He helped facilitate the release of letters from the British governor of Massachusetts, which showed the extent of British suppression of the Colonists. He was fired in January 1774. However, it became clear he was the glue holding the operation together when he returned to the United States without the title of postmaster general and the Postal Service started to fall apart. Other independent postal agencies began to pop up, according to the History Channel. Franklin helped create one of these independent systems that would later become the U.S. Postal Service. Some others also bid their services to become the official postal service, but Franklin was declared postmaster general by Congress as the United States was less than a year away from declaring independence. He was given a salary that would be equivalent to $33,000 today. The postmaster general established a well-oiled machine before having to leave the position after only a year to act as ambassador to France after he and the other Founding Fathers declared independence. The post How Benjamin Franklin changed the Postal Service appeared first on FreightWaves. It seems that there is no spirit that you cant put into a barrel to turn it into something just a little more interesting (except maybe vodka, that would still be pretty boring). Case in point: The team behind Ancho Reyes decided to put their chile liqueur into barrels to age it, and the result is the first new spirit to join the lineup since it launched in 2017. Ancho Reyes was co-founded by Ivan Saldana, who is also behind Casa Lumbre Spirits which includes other brands like Montelobos Mezcal, Abasolo Corn Whisky, and Contraluz, which was touted as being the first cristalino mezcal. Ancho Reyes is a liqueur made from poblano chiles grown in Puebla, Mexico that are dried in the sun for about 20 days to become ancho chiles. Those are then macerated in a neutral cane spirit for six months to create the core Ancho Reyes expression. For Ancho Reyes Barrica, however, the liqueur is put into ex-bourbon barrels for two years, so really more of a full maturation period than a finish. More from Robb Report Buy Now on Reservebar $46 According to Raul Gonzalez, global managing director for spirits at Campari Group (which owns the brand), the resulting liquid is meant for enjoying on its own as well as mixing. Ancho Reyes Barrica is a completely new type of barrel-aged liqueur that has the depth and complexity of Ancho Reyes Original but now as an elevated sipping spirit, he said in a statement. Official tasting notes describe a blend of sweet, spice, and smoke on the palate, with notes of dulce de leche, spiced vanilla, cinnamon, orange zest, and of course a dollop of chile heat. Besides enjoying it neat or over some ice, recommended serves include using it in a play on a Manhattan by swapping out the whiskey, or a version of an Old Fashioned made with agave nectar and bitters. Or you could even add a little bit of depth and spice to your Margarita with the liqueur. Ancho Reyes Barrica is available now from ReserveBar, along with Ancho Reyes Verde and Original. Buy Now on Reservebar $46 Best of Robb Report Sign up for Robb Report's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. Woman putting pressure on her shoulder due to pain If you spend a lot of time at the computer or on your phone, theres a good chance that youre no stranger to shoulder tightness, which can happen when the arms are held out in front of the body for a prolonged time. Thats why it can feel so good (or, for some, hurt so good) when you lock your arms behind your back and flex the chest outward. Shoulder pain is so common that theres a video going viral on TikTok promising to be a way to cure it. In the post, the person in the video kneels on one knee in front of a wall. With one arm extended, she uses a ball to write the alphabet. This movement, the post says, strengthens the rotator cuff, which alleviates shoulder pain. View the original article to see embedded media. Is it legit? We asked a physical therapist and a massage therapist to both weigh in, giving their thoughts. Heres what they want everyone to know before trying it at home. Related: What is Shneck Pain? What the TikTok Video Gets Rightand What It Gets Wrong The video targets the rotator cuff, which is a group of muscles and tendons surrounding the shoulder joint. The rotator cuff keeps the head of the upper arm bone firmly in the shoulder socket. Flexibility and strength exercises that target the rotator cuff can help support it and help protect against injury. Dr. Andy Overstreet, DPT, MS, CSCS, EP, a physical therapist at Teton Therapys Cheyenne clinic in Wyoming, explains that there are many different reasons why someone may have shoulder pain and its best to work with a physical therapist who can recommend exercises targeted to their individual body. That said, he says the exercise in the TikTok video is okay to try if your goal is to improve shoulder endurance and mobility, which is how long a muscle can perform. Shoulder endurance helps support all the everyday activities we do that use the shoulders. Related: Hunched Over and Dealing With Back Pain? Try These 12 Exercises for Better Posture While the exercise in the video may help with rotator cuff endurance, Dr. Overstreet says that it is not a strengthening exercise, as the caption suggests. This is not a strength exercise by definition, it is a motor control and endurance exercise. Strength training requires high-intensity effort, which does not allow for more than a few repetitions prior to failure. Writing 26 letters on the wall is not high intensity, it is low intensity and endurance-based, he says. Dr. Overstreet says the exercise may help with shoulder painor it may not. Again, it depends on the individual person and why they are experiencing pain. Related: This Is the Best Sleep Position to Avoid Neck and Back Pain How To Try the Exercise Safely at Home If you do want to try the shoulder exercise, Marie Watkinson, LMT, a licensed massage therapist and the owner and spa event director at Spa Chicks On The Go, offers up some tips on how to do it safely. First, she says it should only be done by people who are not currently experiencing shoulder pain or being treated for a shoulder or arm condition. If you are in pain, its best to work with a physical therapist who can recommend specific exercises for you. Begin by breaking the alphabet up into thirds, resting every nine letters or so, Watkinson says. As long as you are pain-free and don't have any numbness or increased symptoms, you could work up to doing three full alphabet sets. Dr. Overstreet says that, fortunately, its pretty hard to screw up this exercise. As long as you are performing this drill with a straight arm and keeping the ball on the wall, you will be doing just fine with it. It is a low-stress exercise that should not have as much concern with technique considerations, he says. However, he adds that if you are experiencing pain, the exercise should be modified with different positions to help reduce the pain and still accomplish the goal of the exercise. An Alternate Shoulder Exercise That Could Add Years to Your Mobility While you shouldn't totally rule out the TikTok shoulder exercise, Dr. Overstreet recommends a different exercise for improving your shoulder mobility in a more drastic way: the thoracic spine extension, which can help relieve tightness in the upper- and mid-back, also improving mobility. There are several ways to do a thoracic spine extension, but here is one way that doesn't involve any equipment: Sit up straight in a chair or against a wall. Make "goal posts" with your arms by bringing them out at your sides and bending at the elbow. Slowly, straighten your elbows, reaching each arm up until your arms are straight. Hold at the top for several seconds, then bring back down. Repeat 10 to 20 times. And if you have shoulder pain, its best to get advice on how to treat it from a professional, not social media. After all, its their job to help! Next up, here's how to tell if a physical therapist is legit. Sources Most gym goers know that its important to train your core, a set of mid-body muscles that play a role in nearly all of your everyday movements. However, not everyone knows that these muscles can be divided into two different sets: your outer core muscles and your deep core muscles. The outer core muscles sit closer to the surface of the skin and they help with things like spinal flexion and moving from side-to-side. Your deep core muscles help with balance and they also stabilize other muscles around them. The stability offered by the inner core is important as we age, as it helps to keep us strong, mobile and upright. Weakness of these deep core muscles can lead to issues like back pain, as it increases the pressure on your spine and supporting muscles. With this in mind, it's important to keep your deep core strong and supple, so we spoke to one of our favorite NASM-certified personal trainers to get her top five deep core exercises. Gaiam premium 5mm printed yoga mat: was $29.99 , now $19.99 at Dick's Sporting Goods Save $10 A good yoga mat should provide enough support to cushion your joints, but it shouldn't be so thick that it feels like an actual pillow. This 5mm mat hits the sweet spotit's currently discounted, as part of the Black Friday fitness sales. View Deal Deep core workout Flutter Kicks: 45 seconds x 1-3 sets Leg raises: 45 seconds x 1-3 sets Reverse crunches: 45 seconds x 1-3 sets Plank up-downs: 30 - 60 seconds x 1-3 sets Mountain Climbers: 45 seconds x 1-3 sets 1. Flutter Kicks Personal trainer Elethia Gay demonstrates flutter kicks Time: 45 seconds Sets: 1-3 Lie flat on your back, keeping your legs straight and together. Point your toes and engage your core muscles. Start kicking your legs up and down, generating power from your hips and thighs. Maintain a steady rhythm and tempo. 2. Leg raises Personal trainer Elethia Gay demonstrates leg raises Time: 45 seconds Sets: 1-3 Lie flat on your back on an exercise mat, keeping your legs straight and close together. Place your hands by your sides, palms down, for support. Slowly lift both legs off the ground, keeping them straight. Raise your legs until they are perpendicular to the ground or as high as possible. Hold the position for a count of one or two seconds. Lower your legs back down to the starting position and repeat. 3. Reverse Crunches Personal trainer Elethia Gay demonstrates reverse crunches Time: 45 seconds Sets: 1-3 Lie flat on your back with your arms by your sides. Bend your knees and place your feet flat on the ground, hip-width apart. Engage your core and lift your legs, bringing your knees towards your chest. As you lift your legs, curl your pelvis upward, using your lower abdomen muscles. Pause for a brief moment at the top of the movement. Slowly lower your legs back down, returning to the starting position. 4. Plank up-downs Personal trainer Elethia Gay demonstrates plank up-downs Time: 30-60 seconds Sets: 1-3 Start by getting into a high plank position, with your hands under your shoulders and your body in a straight line. Lower your right forearm down to the ground, followed by your left forearm, so that you are now in a forearm plank position. Push back up onto your right hand, then onto your left hand, returning to the high plank position. Repeat the sequence, but this time start by lowering your left forearm first, followed by your right forearm. Continue alternating between the high plank and forearm plank positions. Focus on maintaining proper form and control, rather than speed. 5. Mountain climbers Personal trainer Elethia Gay demonstrates mountain climbers Time: 45 seconds Sets: 1-3 Begin in a plank position, with your hands directly under your shoulders and your body in a straight line. Engage your core muscles and lift your right foot off the ground, bringing your knee toward your chest. Keep your back flat and your hips level. Quickly switch legs, bringing your right leg back to the starting position and bringing your left knee toward your chest. Continue alternating legs in a quick, running motion, while maintaining good form and keeping your core tight. Why is your deep core important? We all know how important the core is, particularly for keeping you stable and mobile as you age, but why exactly is deep core strength so important? "Our deep core stabilizers provide stability and support for our entire body. Strong deep core muscles, such as the transverse abdominis and multifidus, act like a corset around the spine, helping to protect it from excessive movement and degeneration," explains Gay. "They make everyday activities like walking, standing, and sitting simple and effortless." "As an athlete, power, balance, and coordination are a must. Think about how much power an athlete like Serena Williams gets from her strong core when she chases and swings at a ball. In addition, deep core strength is crucial for maintaining good spinal health and preventing degenerative conditions." Want more workouts for your midbody? Try these core strengthening exercises or learn how to do a dead bug. Need help finding a new exercise mat? Our guide to the best yoga mat can help When we talk of bourbon, most people will immediately have two thoughts: Rich, smoky flavors, plus the deep-rooted ties to the state of Kentucky. Yet, beneath its delightful taste lies a fascinating tale of resilience. This iconic spirit's journey is intertwined with significant moments in the history of the U.S., most notably the Whiskey Rebellion. This early uprising in the young United States not only played a pivotal role in the development of the republic, but it also had a great impact on the evolution of American whiskey, particularly bourbon. The Whiskey Rebellion, a relatively small-scale conflict over whiskey taxes, occurred from 1791 to 1794. Despite its limited size, the conflict's resolution and aftermath led to several major turning points. One of them was the integration of American whiskeys into the country's cultural heritage and the pride and identity it brought to distillers in the Appalachian and frontier regions. Without it, American spirits wouldn't enjoy the same prominence and influence they do today! Read more: The 25 Best Bourbon Brands, Ranked The Whiskey Rebellion Set The Stage For Bourbon To Become An All-American Treasure fightings during whiskey rebellion - Kean Collection/Getty Images The United States had recently won its hard-fought battle for independence just over a decade prior, but it came at a high cost in terms of both lives and money. Before the U.S. Constitution was ratified, the central government, known as the Continental Congress, couldn't impose taxes to pay off its substantial debt. This debt totaled a whopping $79 million, including war expenses and state government costs. To tackle this debt, the newly-formed government introduced the first-ever tax on a product made within the United States, focusing on "spirits distilled within the United States." This became the Excise Whiskey Tax of 1791. However, fresh out of a war sparked on the pretext of heavy taxes, many people, especially frontier farmers in western Pennsylvania, who relied on small-scale whiskey production for income, were naturally unhappy. Their dissatisfaction led to violent protests that were initially contained in Western Pennsylvania but then spread to other states around the Appalachian, such as Maryland, Virginia, the Carolinas, and Georgia. Recognizing the threat to federal authority, President George Washington took action in 1794 by leading troops to suppress the rebellion. While this action was successful, it had an unintended consequence. Many of these farmers fled to Kentucky, where whiskey tax enforcement was lenient. By 1802, the tax was repealed, but the migration had already set Kentucky on the path to becoming the capital of American whiskey that it's now known as today. The Bourbon Boom In Kentucky kentucky bourbon barrels aging - Kellyvandellen/Getty Images Following the Whiskey Rebellion and the exodus of distillers from the northern states to Kentucky, the whiskey-making business really took off here. Kentucky offered not only lower taxes on distilled spirits but also unique geographical advantages, such as mineral-rich water and ideal climatic conditions for aging whiskey. These factors solidified Kentucky's position as the bourbon capital. As distillers made their way to Kentucky, they adapted their whiskey recipes, switching from rye to corn. Kentucky's fertile land made growing corn easy, and distillers were more than happy to use corn in their mash bills instead. This shift led to the creation of a unique kind of corn-based whiskey in the state, later known as bourbon. But post-Rebellion and the scrapping of the Whiskey Tax, the government still had to find a way to make money. So, they instead slapped hefty taxes on rum and cane molasses. Back then, rum was the booze of choice for most, but once it got too expensive, people naturally turned to Kentucky whiskey due to it being a lot more affordable. The state took full advantage of the increase in demand and rose to the occasion, leveraging its convenient waterways to ship barrels of bourbon to major cities. These shipments left a lasting legacy, so much so that even though bourbon doesn't have to come from Kentucky, it's forever linked to the state and now become the de facto heart of America's bourbon industry! Read the original article on Tasting Table. CASTLE VALLEY, Utah (ABC4) The residents of Castle Valley, a small town about 16 miles northeast of Moab in southeastern Utah, are expressing their concerns after a wedding trashed a scenic area largely untouched by humans. Castle Valley Councilmember Pamela Gibson told ABC4 that a wedding in September turned into a large unpermitted reception that left furniture, garbage bags, broken glass, and leftover food scattered around the base of Castleton Tower. Goodbye, snowy Utah winters? New climate report offers dry projections Gibson said she noticed the aftermath during a morning walk from her house to the base of Castleton Tower and Adobe Mesa. She said on its best days, its a beautiful and pristine area, largely untouched by human beings and buildings. When she noticed a tent and a truck at Castleton Tower, her first thought was someone was camping. Camping is not permitted, thats the reason why it was such a shock and it really made me mad to see that, said Gibson. You know, thats not supposed to be there. As Gibson got closer, what she saw was a moving truck with workers removing furniture. Gibson said the workers clearing furniture could not tell her who had a permit for the party. They told her they were there to clean up the furniture but someone else would be removing trash. Gibson said she noticed the mess on Sunday morning. It wasnt until Tuesday that it was completely cleaned up. In the time in between, animals had torn open the garbage bags, spreading litter around the area. It was trashed for four days, which is too many because the public couldnt enjoy that, said Gibson, who admitted she was pretty upset. Who wants to look at that stuff? The Bureau of Land Management, which has jurisdiction over the land where the event was held, reportedly gave the couple permission to use the land through a Letter of Agreement. Gibson explained that BLM expected the event was going to be a small wedding of about ten people. They werent aware the event had become a full-blown reception complete with food and decoration. ABC4 reached out to the BLM and is currently awaiting a statement. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now ABC4 Breaking News Alerts Gibson and the Town of Castle Valley penned a letter to the BLM. The letter asked the BLM to require deposits and to be extremely clear with what can and cant be done during the event. If those rules are violated, the Town of Castle Valley suggests forfeiting the deposit and issuing fees. Ultimately, Gibson said the town feels Castleton Tower isnt appropriate for a reception. We dont want it to happen again. Not in this place. That one particular place, thats not a good place to have a reception, said Gibson. If someone wants to go have a little wedding because its a beautiful place, I can understand why people want to do it. Its gorgeous. But that would be something simple where you can come up in your jeep, get out and not leave any marks. Gibson wasnt sure if there would be any punishment for violating the BLMs Letter of Agreement and she doesnt hold a grudge against either the BLM or the couple that got married. She said the BLM has to deal with huge amounts of land where so many people travel and enforcement is really difficult to do. She said they have a limited budget and a limited amount of rangers, which is why she wants to get the word out to just not hold a reception on BLM land in the first place. Meanwhile, she just hopes the couple issues an apology to the BLM and the public, but she doesnt expect that to happen. LIST: Opening dates of Utah ski resorts for 2023/24 season I know that in this time of intense social media, I assume that the couple is getting trolled a lot and I dont want them to come across as evil doers. I think they got caught up in the plans and it expanded more than they thought. I would like to give them the benefit of the doubt, said Gibson. The couple could not be reached for comment. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) A man from Mexico accused of smuggling a family to Fresno after they illegally crossed the southern border was arraigned in federal court on Thursday, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. Officials say 31-year-old Cristian Ortiz Coronado, a resident of Mexico, is facing charges of kidnapping, hostage-taking, and transporting illegal aliens. Fresno PD releases Coyotes name involved in family kidnapping Coronado was originally arrested in Fresno by the citys police department on August 25 after officers learned about the migrant family kidnapping. Court documents state that Coronado was hired to deliver the family to Fresno which included a mother, her four-year-old daughter, and her nine-year-old son. He then locked the doors and would not let them leave until he was given an additional $21,000 from relatives. Federal officials say family members did not have that money and tried to stop Coronado from leaving, leading to him driving away with the mother and her nine-year-old son, leaving the four-year-old behind. Police say they were able to track down the suspect in a parking lot in Madera, and they led the suspects back to Fresno where they took them into custody. If convicted, federal prosecutors say Ortiz Coronado faces a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison and a $3 million fine. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com. With San Juan County expected to see stormy conditions this weekend for the first time since late summer, the tide finally could be turning toward cooler temperatures and more precipitation in the Four Corners, weather forecasters say. The National Weather Service office in Albuquerque have been saying for months that the onset of an El Nino weather pattern in the eastern Pacific Ocean could improve the prospects for a wet winter in the American Southwest. But with temperatures remaining persistently warmer than average, and little to no moisture falling from the sky, conditions across the region this fall have provided little affirmation of that assessment. That could start to change as soon as this weekend, said David Craft, a weather service meteorologist in Albuquerque. The storm tracks about to get more active, Craft said, noting that much of San Juan County stands to see a decent chance of rain throughout the weekend. Weve had lots of record-breaking warmth, in the Northwest Plateau, especially. San Juan County residents aren't exactly expected to get a taste of winter this weekend, but the forecast does call for a change to cooler, wetter weather over the long term. Chance of above average rainfall, snow is high this winter Craft said that while this weekends storm system is not expected to be a strong one, it likely will be only the first in a series of disturbances that should come this way in the weeks ahead. That is exactly what the long-term forecast for the area shows, he said. The 2023-24 Winter Outlook posted on the National Weather Services Albuquerque office website shows that while the chances of New Mexico as a whole seeing above-normal precipitation are only 55% for December, January and February, the situation is different for the Northwest Plateau, which includes San Juan County. That forecast model shows a 60% chance of above-normal precipitation, along with a 27% chance of normal precipitation. The chances of the region seeing below-normal precipitation are only 13%, according to the weather service. In January, Craft said, confidence is high the northwest will experience near to above-average precipitation and slightly below-average temperatures. In February, confidence is high the region will see slightly above-average precipitation and near-average temperatures. But Craft cautioned against folks reading too much into that. Its above average, but we dont necessarily know how much above average, he said. The early results likely will be very revealing, he said, noting that storm systems tend to fall into a prolonged pattern this time of year. That means if the Four Corners starts seeing significant rain or snow over the next few weeks, it likely could continue to see a good deal of moisture for the remainder of the 90-day period, he said. But the reverse also could happen, Craft said, referring to the possibility that the prevailing storm track could get pushed too far south to do the Four Corners area any good. If that happens, southern New Mexico would be the beneficiary, and the northwest would remain mostly dry. Those kinds of conditions are something San Juan County residents have been contending with for several months. Michael Anand, another National Weather Service meteorologist in Albuquerque, said only 5.52 inches of moisture had been recorded by Nov. 16 at the Four Corners Regional Airport, well off the normal pace of 6.86 inches for that date. Anand noted that, if not for an abnormally wet first quarter of this year in San Juan County, that figure likely would be much worse. Most of that fell in January, February and March, he said. In fact, more than half of it did. Conditions across San Juan County have deteriorated steadily since late spring, when the moisture stopped coming, Craft said. The U.S. Drought Monitor shows that more than 99% of the county now is locked in severe or extreme drought, the third- and second-worst categories. As little as three months ago, that figure was only a little more than 12%. Mike Easterling can be reached at 505-564-4610 or measterling@daily-times.com. Support local journalism with a digital subscription: http://bit.ly/2I6TU0e. This article originally appeared on Farmington Daily Times: What an El Nino winter could mean for San Juan County, New Mexico Gov. Ron DeSantis is falling even farther behind President Donald Trump among Republican voters in Florida. Trump is 41 percentage points ahead of DeSantis, a Florida Atlantic University/Mainstreet Research/PolCom Lab poll released Thursday found double the Trump advantage from July, when the former president was 20 points ahead of the Florida governor. The results mirror whats showing up in polls nationally and in early primary states critical in the race for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination: good for Trump and bad for DeSantis. In the FAU/Mainstreet/PolCom poll, which surveyed 946 Floridians from Oct. 27 to Nov. 11, Trump has 61% of the vote in a multi-candidate Republican field, compared to just 20% for DeSantis. In July Trump was at 50% among Florida Republicans and DeSantis had 30%. Trump has the advantage, said Kevin Wagner, an FAU political science professor. DeSantis still needs to figure out a way to reach those voters in a way that doesnt alienate them, and I dont think hes accomplished that. A challenge for DeSantis, Wagner said, is a tendency by people to align themselves with the candidate they see as most likely to win. Theres an overriding perception in Florida and elsewhere that the former president is well ahead, Wagner said. And the longer people think that, the harder it becomes to make any headway. The FAU poll found a small share of Florida Republicans are considering another alternative. Nikki Haley, a former South Carolina governor and former ambassador to the United Nations under Trump, was picked by 9% of Florida voters. In July she was the choice of 1% The poll also contains bad news for Democrats and President Joe Biden. Hed lose Florida, a finding consistent with other polling. A particularly ominous sign for Democrats: an overwhelming majority of voters in retiree-heavy Florida believe Biden is too old for the presidency while a large majority of Florida voters dont see Trump that way. The perception is that Trump is a more animated, energetic figure than Joe Biden, Wagner said. Its pretty clear at this point that even across party lines that theres a perception that age is a problem and that he might not be up to another term. And thats a narrative that (Biden) is going to have to take head on. DeSantis approval Voter approval for DeSantis performance is also slipping in the state he governs. The poll found 50% of all voters approve of his performance, with 49% disapproving. In July, 54% of Florida voters approved of his performance, with 43% disapproving. During the last four months, he went from a net positive of 11 percentage points to a net positive of 1 point. A year ago, DeSantis won a stunning reelection victory, finishing 19.4 percentage points ahead of Democrat Charlie Crist. DeSantis has been hammered by Trump for months, and more recently by Haley. And many Floridians have been complaining about being squeezed by ever increasing costs of windstorm insurance, a problem Democrats have assailed DeSantis for failing to fix. Views of the governor are largely partisan, with 91% of Democrats disapproving of his performance and 90% of Republicans approving. Independent voters are more negative than positive, with 38% approving and 58% disapproving of DeSantis performance. There is also a significant gender gap. Among men, 57% approve and 41% disapprove of DeSantis performance. Among women, 42% approve and 57% disapprove. Trump vs. Biden The findings of a November 2024 matchup between Trump and Biden and a matchup between DeSantis and Biden if the governor managed to win his partys nomination are bad news for the Democrats. Biden would lose to either. In a hypothetical Biden-Trump matchup, the former president has 49% and the current president 39%. That is unchanged from FAUs July poll. In a hypothetical Biden-DeSantis matchup, the governor has 47% to 39% for the president. Thats a slight change from July, with DeSantis fairing slightly worse in November and Biden fairing slightly better than he did in July. The Republicans have a significant advantage, greater than Trumps 3.3-point Florida win during his unsuccessful 2020 campaign for reelection. Florida awards 30 of the 270 electoral votes needed to win the presidency next year. Its unclear what kind of general election campaign will develop in Florida between Biden and the Republican nominee. Publicly, Democrats and the Biden campaign have said theyll compete in the state. Others are less certain, figuring Democrats and their donors will concentrate their resources on states that are more likely to be up for grabs. Trumps advantage is powered largely by men, 58% of whom said they would vote for him, compared to 35% for Biden. Among women, theyre effectively tied, with 42% for Biden and 40% for Trump, well within the polls margin of error. Among all voters, 10% said theyd vote for another candidate in a Biden-Trump contest. A much higher share of women (16%) than men (5%) said theyd vote for someone else. Ominous for Biden Trump, other Republicans and conservative media have repeatedly sought to portray Biden as infirm. Only recently have the Biden and DeSantis campaigns attempted to sow doubts about Trumps mental acuity. And the poll shows voters have major concerns about Bidens ability to carry out the responsibilities of his office. Even though Trump is close in age to the president, most Floridians arent concerned about the former presidents age. The poll found 67% of Floridians thought Biden is too old to hold the office, with 28% saying he isnt too old. That was the view of 80% of people aged 18 to 34, 58% of those aged 65 and older, 86% of Republicans and 72% of independents. Among Democrats, 42% said he was too old and 51% said he wasnt. There wasnt any difference between men and women on the question. The opposite was true about Trump 33% said he was too old to hold the office with 59% saying he wasnt too old. He is seen as too old by 59% of voters aged 18 to 34, 29% of those 65 and older, 51% of Democrats and 47% independents. Just 11% of Republicans said he was too old and 83% said he wasnt. I think its a pretty big drag on Joe Biden. And I think its part of whats fueling the gap between him and Trump. In one way or another, hes going to have to be able to convince voters that he can handle the job for another term, Wagner said. Three-fifths of voters correctly answered that Biden, age 80, is between 80 and 84 and that Trump, age 76, is between 75 and 79. The deep political divisions among Americans were also shown in how people assess allegations of wrongdoing. The legal proceedings against Trump he has been indicted on 91 felony counts in four criminal cases are seen as important by 52% of those surveyed, and not important by 46%. Women are more likely than men and Democrats are much more likely than Republicans to see them as important. The investigations into Biden and his son Hunter Biden, which have not so far produced evidence of presidential wrongdoing, are seen as important by 55% and not important by 44%. Men are much more likely than women and Republicans are much more likely than Democrats to see them as important. Biden approval low Bidens approval among Florida voters is significantly underwater, with just 36% approving of his performance and 62% disapproving. Strongly disapprove is especially strong among Florida voters, at 52%. Just 20% strongly approve of Bidens performance. Biden enjoys 72% approval among Democrats and 96% disapproval among Republicans. Women are slightly more positive than men, but still disapprove overall. And among the youngest voters, ages 18-34, just 1% strongly approved of Bidens performance. Trumps favorability declined Pollsters used a somewhat different question to gauge voter views of Trump. The poll found 43% of Floridians have a favorable view of Trump, and 55% have an unfavorable view. Thats a decline for Trump. In July he was rated favorably by 49% of Florida voters and unfavorably by 48%. As with Biden, there is a gender gap. 52% of men have a favorable view of Trump and 46% unfavorable. Among women, 34% have a favorable view of Trump and 65% have an unfavorable view of the former president. Among Democrats, 92% have an unfavorable view of Trump and 76% of Republicans have a favorable view of Trump. Independent voters are also more negative than positive about Trump, with 39% viewing him favorably and 58% unfavorably. Fine print The poll was conducted Oct. 27 to Nov. 11 by Mainstreet Research for Florida Atlantic Universitys PolCom Lab, which is a collaboration of the School of Communication and Multimedia Studies and Department of Political Science. The survey used text messages to reach 946 Florida adults who responded to a link to complete the survey online.The margin of error is plus or minus 3 percentage points for the full survey of Democrats, Republicans and independents. The margin of error for smaller groups, such as Republicans, Democrats, men and women, is higher because the sample sizes are smaller -------- Delaware law doesnt require Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long to release the audit performed on her campaign finances, but good government groups are hoping shell do so anyway in the interest of transparency. The internal audit was launched shortly after Hall-Long announced her bid for Delaware governor in 2024, prompted by what the lieutenant governor said were reporting issues that require attention. While Hall-Long has said the audit and the campaigns decision to openly acknowledge it was an act of transparency, she continues to decline to release the audit itself, instead suggesting that the amended campaign finance reports filed late Friday fully convey the audits results. Those reports revealed Hall-Long loaned more than $300,000 to her campaign over six years, hundreds of thousands of dollars more than the Committee to Elect Bethany Hall-Long reported in earlier filings. These campaign-related expenses were paid for with personal credit cards, and improperly reported as expenditures in previous filings, Hall-Longs campaign said. While the campaign said the expenses included television advertising, yard signs, campaign literature and consulting, the amended reports do not make clear what the reported loans were used for. The continued gap in information surrounding Hall-Longs campaign finance issues, along with a recognition that Delaware campaign finance law leaves gaps in reporting, has sparked conversations around campaign finance reform. Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long, left, and Dr. Sandra Gibney, stand outside a room at the Best Night Inn near New Castle on Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023, during an outreach event. Delaware Common Cause and the Delaware Coalition for Open Government both expressed a desire for Hall-Long to release the audit but also noted that the lieutenant governor is simply following Delaware law. CAMPAIGN LATEST: Lt. Gov. Hall-Long's gubernatorial campaign dodges questions on financial audit findings Hall-Long did not respond to multiple calls and texts for comment, and her campaign repeatedly did not respond to questions for this story. State laws on campaign finance are silent on timing and proper protocol for filing amended reports to the Department of Elections, and Delaware only requires one annual year-end report during off-election years or when a candidate isnt on the ballot. During election years, candidates on the ballot must file five reports, including the year-end report. John Flaherty, former Coalition for Open Government president and a current board member, said Hall-Long doesnt legally have to release the audit, which was initiated by the campaign and conducted by Dover-based certified public accounting firm Summit CPA. They announced that they were going to do an audit, and I would hope theyd release the results of that audit, Flaherty said. There is no harm in releasing what should be an effort to convey to the public that they have checks and balances in their campaign. They should release it in the spirit of openness and transparency. AUDIT CONCLUDES: Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long to resume fundraising after audit of campaign finances Why Hall-Long should release the audit Experts say the foundation of effective campaign finance laws is transparency and disclosure. Its not uncommon for candidates to loan money to their campaigns nor is it unheard of to use personal credit cards for campaign-related expenses, but receipts and bank statements provide the paper trail to ensure that proper accounting of those expenditures takes place, said Debbie Borie-Holtz, a public policy professor at Rutgers University. A month after announcing the audit, Hall-Longs campaign on a Thursday evening issued a statement that indicated accountants hadnt found any wrongdoings or violations. Summit CPA had found that Hall-Long and her husband, Dana Long who served as the campaign treasurer had used personal credit cards and loans for expenses that werent accurately reflected in previous reports. Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long speaks at a Delaware drug overdose community briefing and response meeting at Delaware State Police Troop 2 in Glasgow on Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2023. While reporting errors were made, Summit has determined that Bethany and her husband lent more for campaign-related expenses over the course of prior campaigns than they were reimbursed for, the Oct. 26 campaign statement reads. If the audit shows no wrongdoing, good government groups have asked what the harm is in releasing the document. Its unusual for candidates to openly admit they have issues internally like that, but once you have announced it, you would assume they would want to release (the audit) to allay any concerns their announcement may have generated, Flaherty said. Claire Snyder-Hall Common Cause Delaware Executive Director Claire Snyder-Hall said they were encouraged by Hall-Longs commitment to auditing her campaign finances because its the right thing to do. Its just our hope that she will share those results of the audit with the public right away, she said. The audit confirms the campaigns claim there is no wrongdoing, so sharing that would go a long way to rebuilding public trust. GOVERNOR'S RACE: Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long announces 2024 run for governor. To face Matt Meyer in primary Snyder-Hall added voters want to know that their hard-earned money donated to candidates are being spent on legitimate campaign expenses, which is why campaign finance laws are so important. We are glad that the lieutenant governor has amended her campaign finance reports, and we encourage continued transparency, she said. What campaign finance reforms could benefit Delaware? Delawares minimal reporting expectations are a sticking point for good government groups in the First State. I think that Delaware really does need to strengthen its campaign finance laws. Theres not enough enforcement, Snyder-Hall said. We need stiffer penalties for campaign finance violations, and we also need more frequent reporting. John Flaherty, a board member for the Delaware Coalition for Open Government, in front of the Louis L. Redding City/County Building in 2017. Flaherty, from the open government group, suggested that technology now could allow for campaign expenses and filings to be done in real-time. 2024 RACES: Who is running for office in 2024? Our updated list of Delaware candidates, announcements We think the technology is there, and there should be a running tally of expenditures and contributions for all candidates, he said. To have it once a year, we are a little bit behind in that. I think the public has a right to know. The groups also expressed a desire for the elections department to improve the campaign finance website and an interest in exploring public financing options. Got a tip? Contact Amanda Fries at afries@delawareonline.com, or by calling or texting 302-598-5507. Follow her on X at @mandy_fries. This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Why Hall-Long's campaign issues have sparked talks of elections reform A man is accused of assaulting a someone less than a day after he was mistakenly released from a Louisiana jail without the court-approved ankle monitor, authorities say. Lewis Stokes, 37, was released from the Orleans Justice Center in New Orleans just before midnight Nov. 15, according to a Nov. 16 release from the Orleans Parish Sheriffs Office. He posted bond earlier that night, and he was set to be released on the conditions that he wear an ankle monitor and remain under 24-hour house arrest, deputies said. He was arrested Oct. 30 on charges of domestic abuse battery, child endangerment and simple assault, according to deputies. However, he was released by accident without the ankle monitor. About two hours after he was released, Stokes is accused of attacking a someone at a home in Jefferson Parish, Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson said in a news conference Nov. 17. A Jefferson Parish spokesperson said the man battered a woman in the nearby parish, according to The Times-Picayune. He now faces two counts of domestic battery in Jefferson Parish, Hutson said. The person Stokes is accused of assaulting after his Nov. 15 release was not the woman he is accused of assaulting when he was originally arrested, Huston said. According to preliminary investigation, the woman Stokes assaulted after his release is thought to be the same person who bonded him out, Hutson said. Now, law enforcement agencies are searching for Stokes. The staff member involved in the incident has been formally disciplined for their negligence as it relates to this matter, Orleans deputies said in the release. Officials met to discuss the error and plan corrective action. They said they will provide additional training and update internal paperwork on ankle monitoring. Rider out on DUI probation crashes e-bike into pedestrian while drunk, Florida cops say Kayaker faked his drowning on day he faced rape charges in North Carolina, cops say Men accused of bank jugging while out on bail crash during police chase, Texas cops say Convicted bank robber robs another bank while on parole, Michigan sheriff says WOODSIDE, California, Nov 15 (Reuters) - U.S. President Joe Biden said on Wednesday he had not changed his view that Chinese President Xi Jinping was effectively a dictator, a comment likely to land with a thud in Beijing after the two leaders held straightforward summit talks after months of preparation. Biden held a solo news conference after four hours of talks with Xi on the outskirts of San Francisco. At the end of the news conference, he was asked whether he still held the view that Xi was a dictator, something he said in June. "Look, he is. He's a dictator in the sense that he's a guy who runs a country that is a communist country that's based on a form of government totally different than ours," Biden said. U.S. President Joe Biden meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of APEC summit, in Woodside Last March Xi clinched a third term as president when nearly 3,000 members of China's rubber-stamp parliament, the National People's Congress, voted unanimously for him in an election in which there was no other candidate. Xi is considered the most powerful Chinese leader since Mao Zedong, after a decade of consolidating power in policy-making and the military, and stifling media freedoms. There was no immediate reaction from the Chinese delegation, which had come to the United States to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in San Francisco. Hundreds of critics of Beijing marched through the city's downtown around noon, chanting "free Tibet" and "free Hong Kong." When Biden made a similar dictator reference in June, China called the remarks absurd and a provocation. But the spat did not prevent the two sides from holding extensive talks aimed at improving strained relations, which culminated in Wednesday's meeting. Still, Biden's opinion of the Communist Party was a topic of the Wednesday meeting. 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. (Writing by Steve Holland; Editing by Heather Timmons and Stephen Coates) After just two hours of deliberation by a jury in the trial of Kaitlin Armstrong, who was accused of shooting and killing Moriah Mo Wilson last May, the jury found her guilty. Ive never seen so much evidence in my life against one person, said Assistant District Attorney Rick Jones as he delivered his closing argument. He then reviewed all of the evidence against Armstrong. Evidence included ballistics reports, autopsy results, video from outside of the apartment that heard Wilsons screams followed by two gunshots, then a third, witnesses telling the jury how Armstrong said she wanted to kill Wilson, DNA evidence from Armstrong found on the bike, GPS data from Armstrongs Jeep (recovered after being sold the day prior to her leaving Texas for New York and then Costa Rica), and cell phone data showing Armstrong tracked Wilson on Strava. Her two escapesher flight to Costa Rica and subsequent Google searches and rhinoplastyand her escape attempt last monthwere also discussed. Over the course of the trial, 38 witnesses were called for the prosecution. You can see how the trial unfolded since October 30, 2023 in detail here. In the defenses closing argument, defense attorney Rick Cofer argues primarily that the evidence around Armstrong was circumstantial and based on assumptions, agenda and bias on the part of the investigative team. Defense Attorney Geoffrey Puryear, who took over midway through the closing statements, also appeared to reverse his opening statement where he said the defense would prove that Armstrong went to Costa Rica because she loved travel and yoga. Instead, he suggested she fled out of fear and due to stress. He compared her flight (not mentioning the use of a different passport) to Strickland going to his fathers house around the same time. The defense also pointed towards Colin Strickland several times. Alex Caprariello recapped some of their statements here: Cofer points out the lies Colin Strickland told Armstrong. Cofer calls Moriah Wilson Strickland's "special friend." The state had an interactive PowerPoint presentation for the jury to see. Cofer is relying on some notes he has in his hands. He is also speaking at a lower volume Alex Caprariello (@alcaprari23) November 16, 2023 "I would bet you every penny that I am worth that at least one of you have looked at your partner's text messages at some point. Because jealousy is a fundamentally human emotion because it is about lack of trust in a relationship." Cofer making the point that a jealous human Alex Caprariello (@alcaprari23) November 16, 2023 Defense really pointing the finger here at Colin Strickland. Saying that the problem with Strickland and Armstrong's relationship wasn't Mo Wilson, it was Colin's behavior. Alex Caprariello (@alcaprari23) November 16, 2023 The defense attorney made some awkward jokes and imitations of the police in the initial interview with Armstrong, asking Is this a joke? He then moved on to add that not guilty doesnt have to mean innocent. Theyre spirited and they tried really hard, said the Court TV commentator regarding the defense as the judge called for a 15 minute recess as a juror asked for a break. Puryear then concluded by talking about about how Austin loves salsa, that the sun rises in the east and sets in the westthings we know to be truebut that Kaitlin Armstrong is a murderer? Do we know that? Are we certain? Do we know that for sure? as his conclusion. You can watch the closing arguments here: The jury began deliberation at 12:16 PM EST, and the Court TV commentators were quick to joke that they expected deliberations to take mere minutes before coming back with a guilty verdict. In reality, the jury took just over two hours to come back with the guilty verdict. The defense requested a poll of the jurors as to Armstrong's guilt, which was completed. You Might Also Like Can local malls make a Christmas comeback? Last year, the researchers at Placer.ai reported a 7.4% year-over-year drop in visits to the Neshaminy Mall during the week of Black Friday. The company uses cell phone data to monitor shopping habits. Visits to the Willow Grove Park mall fell by 8.9% and foot traffic to the Montgomery Mall was down 18.4%, according to Placer.ai data. Now, some area malls are planning activities to drive holiday traffic. Hot cocoa will be offered and you can get a caricature image of your pet with Santa. Most will be closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas but will have extended hours during the holiday season. But will it work? Moody's Analytics said it expects middle-income and lower-income Americans to spend more time in discount stores than malls this holiday season. "This group has eaten away all its savings and is now spending more than they are bringing in, as we are seeing delinquencies on auto and credit cards rising," said Christopher Rosin, an economist at Moody's. "As this group in the lower-income level loses disposable income, they are changing where they shop and the type of stores they are pulling away from most are mid-tier stores such as Target and Walmart." Here's a look at the state of malls in Bucks County and nearby, and what special events they are offering this holiday season. More: Thanksgiving is weeks away. Heres when to get the COVID booster so youre protected More: Malls closing their doors on Thanksgiving. Who's shutting down for the holiday? Christmas at Oxford Valley Mall The 10th largest mall in Pennsylvania has gone through dizzying changes since it was first opened 1973. The Gimbel's department store became a Stern's. The Bamberger's anchor store became a Macy's. Then, the Stern's became a Sears. A Woolworth's was transformed into a food court. Now, its down to just a Macy's and JCPenney and apartments are being constructed on the site. In a recent report to investors, Simon Properties said the mall was 80% occupied and listed as its biggest draws the JCPenney, Macy's and, an United Artist Movie Theater. Oxford Valley boasted a 93% occupancy rate prior to the pandemic in 2019. A pet-photo day with Santa is scheduled Dec. 10. Holiday hours: Thanksgiving: Closed; Black Friday: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Christmas Eve: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Christmas: Closed; New Year's Eve and New Year's Day: 11: a.m. to 6 p.m. Shopping at Neshaminy Mall Opened in 1968 with Sears and a Strawbridge & Clothier, the Neshaminy Mall once boasted a white-cloth table restaurant on a promenade overlooking a fountain and a kids' clothing store with its own playground. But that's all gone, now. In Bensalem, the assessed property value of the Neshaminy Mall has dropped 42%, from $6.3 million, since 2020 to $3.6 million currently, county records show. Even before the pandemic, Brookfield stated that "the retail marketplace was struggling" and noted competition from the nearby Oxford Valley and Philadelphia Mills (formerly Franklin Mills) malls. While closed on Thanksgiving, the Neshaminy Mall will have extended hours through Dec. 25. Two nights were set aside for pet pictures with Santa. Holiday hours: Thanksgiving: Closed; Black Friday: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Christmas Eve: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Christmas: Closed; New Year's Eve and New Year's Day: TBA Montgomery Mall holiday shopping Need to get your shopping fix on the holidays? Montgomery Mall is one of the few shopping centers that will be open on most holidays this season. The mall has struggled in recent years. The Montgomery Mall was bought in 2021 by the Kohan Retail Investment Group for $55 million, court records show. It was once valued at $195 million. When it was owned by Simon Properties, that company had reported 73% of its retail space under lease, according to a 2021 10-K annual report for investors. Not a publicly traded company, Kohan is not required to file such reports, and the company did not immediately respond to requests for information about holiday events. Holiday hours: Thanksgiving: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Black Friday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Christmas Eve: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Christmas: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; New Year's Eve 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and New Year's Day: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. King of Prussia Christmas Our area's largest mall is diving into Christmas with holiday gift giving events at specific stores. Among them, the David Yurman jewelery store promises free champagne and chocolates at an event set for Nov. 18. King of Prussia boasts a 97.1% occupancy rate with some 450 stores, making it one of the largest retail centers in America. Santa will be there through Christmas Eve. Pet photos with Santa are are scheduled for Dec. 10. Holiday hours: Thanksgiving: Closed; Black Friday: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Christmas Eve: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Christmas: Closed; New Year's Eve and New Year's Day: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Willow Grove Park mall holiday events The Willow Grove Park mall has scheduled five holiday events. Outside the Macy's department store, shoppers will find a card-making table to send well wishes to children in area hospitals. Free pet-photo-with-Santa caricature days are scheduled for Nov. 27, Dec. 4 and Dec. 11. And, on Dec. 16, the mall is giving out free hot chocolate from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The mall also plans "Buy Local, Buy Black" holiday pop-up shops. Located on a former amusement park, the three-story Willow Grove Park mall has a 99.7%, according to annual investor reports submitted by it's owner, the Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust. Current anchors include Bloomingdales, Macy's, Primark, and the arcade Tilted 10. This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: With holidays here, malls hope to lure shoppers with special events Rescue underway for man believed to have fallen overboard from cruise ship Coast guards have been searching for a man who is believed to have fallen overboard from a cruise ship. The missing 30-year-old is a crew member on MSC Seascape, a 5,000-capacity ship operated by MSC Cruises. He was seen falling from a height of approximately 32 feet into the Atlantic Ocean north of Aguadilla, a city in Puerto Rico, according to the US Coast Guard. The vessel was on its way to Puerto Plata in the 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. Watchstanders coordinated the launch of a Coast Guard MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter diverted the Coast Guard cutters Joseph Napier and Joseph Doyle to the scene, the US Coast Guard said. 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. Shortly thereafter the Coast Guard cutters arrived on-scene. Emergency service personnel were able to find the three life rings in the search area but have not located the man, who was said to be wearing a white shirt and red shorts. MSC Seascape continued its sailing to the Dominican Republic after being released from the search. The Independent has contacted the cruise operator for further information. Last month, a passenger was rescued after falling overboard on a Royal Caribbean cruise shortly after the ship left Barcelona. The incident occurred aboard Symphony of the Seas on 29 October; the guest was found and rescued after the ship turned around. Data from the Cruise Lines International Association shows that, on average, 19 people per year fell overboard in the years between 2009 and 2019. Of a total 212 incidents throughout that period, only 48 passengers a total of 28.2 per cent were rescued. Vladimir Putins troops are attempting a pincer movement to encircle the eastern 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. The Russian army has also closed in on the Ukrainian-held Coke and Chemical plant in the area, which is a key tactical position to the north, it said. It comes as Ukraines forces have gained a foothold on the eastern bank of the Dnipro River in a significant step for Kyivs counteroffensive. 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. 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 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 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.) The boss of Carlsberg's Russian business and a top manager have been arrested after the Kremlin took control of the beer company in the country. Denis Sherstennikov and Anton Rogachevsky, bosses at Carlsberg's Russian subsidiary Baltika Breweries, were detained on Wednesday. It comes after Carlsberg terminated its business in Russia last month due to the state taking over Baltika in July. The pair are accused of fraud, but Carlsberg branded the allegations fake. "It is appalling that the efforts of the Russian state to justify their illegal takeover of our business in Russia has now evolved into targeting innocent employees," the company said in a statement. It added the safety of its employees, including those in Russia, "has always been our main priority" and said it would "do what we can to help the employees under these difficult circumstances". Last month, the boss of Carlsberg, Jacob Aarup-Andersen, said the Kremlin had "stolen our business in Russia". The Danish brewer was in the process of selling Baltika Breweries as it looked to leave the Russian market, before the government seized control of the company. Following the arrests, Carlsberg said: "Up until the introduction of external management by the Russian state, Baltika has acted in accordance with the law and the policies guiding all companies in the Carlsberg Group." The BBC understands that investigators alleged that Mr Sherstennikov and Mr Rogachevsky acquired intellectual property rights for the companies Carlsberg Kazakhstan and Vista BWay Co, which previously belonged to Baltika, "through deception". According to their LinkedIn profiles, Mr Sherstennikov is Baltika Breweries' chief executive and previously worked for the Carlsberg Group for eight years. Mr Rogachevsky's profile says he is the vice president legal. Investigators in St Petersburg claim the rights, which are estimated to be worth more than 295 million roubles (2.65m), enabled Baltika to supply its products to Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Mongolia and Belarus. Baltika produces some of the most recognisable beer brands in Russia, with 8,400 employees across eight plants, according to Carlsberg's website. Brands owned by the group include Kronenbourg 1664, Tuborg, Brooklyn and Somersby cider. But since the invasion of Ukraine in February last year, many Western companies have come under pressure to leave Russia and shut down operations. As Carlsberg looked to sell its Russian business, the Kremlin took control of Baltika in July under an order signed by President Vladimir Putin. Moscow introduced rules earlier this year allowing it to seize the assets of firms from "unfriendly" countries. Carlsberg announced in October that it had informed Baltika that it had terminated all of its licence agreements to produce, market and sell its products in the country, but added there would be a run-off period until 1 April 2024 while existing stock is used up. However, the BBC understands Baltika appealed to the arbitration court with a request to prohibit Carlsberg from terminating the licensing agreement. Mr Aarup-Andersen previously said the company refused to enter into a deal with the Russian government that "somehow justifies them taking over our business illegally". Additional reporting by the BBC Russian Service Thousands of Australian students have walked out of class to attend School Strike 4 Climate rallies, backed by a "sick note" from "climate doctors". Signed by three prominent scientists, it concludes: "It is my recommendation that they take a sick day to protest for a sick planet." The students called for greater climate action, as the country faces another summer with natural disasters. However some state education officials said schools will not accept the note. Penned by Dr David Karoly, Dr Nick Abel and Dr Lesley Hughes, the letter was available online for students to download. It said they were unfit to attend school because of "increased anxiety" around government inaction, "elevated stress" due to the impact of climate change, and "feelings of despair" about their future. The note is not a formal medical certificate, and education departments in New South Wales and Victoria said it will not be accepted in their schools. The Minister for Education Jason Clare also said students should not be at the Friday strike. "I want our kids to be passionate, I want our kids to care about democracy and I want our kids to care about the future, but I also want our kids at school," he said. But students who attended the protests, which were held across nine cities including Melbourne and Sydney, said the government's response demonstrated a failure to take their concerns seriously. "[They are] throwing our future under the bus by approving new coal and gas [projects] in Australia," year 10 student Joey Thompson told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation in Melbourne on Friday. In Sydney, protesters chanted "shame" outside the office of Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek. One 16-year-old, Min Park, told the Australian Associated Press she was striking because of Ms Plibersek's approval of new coal and gas projects. "She is listening to the fossil fuel lobby instead of doing her job and taking responsibility to protect the health of the planet," she said. Australia has long faced international criticism for being slow to respond to the threat posed by climate change. While the Labour government led by Anthony Albanese promised greater action to halt climate change when elected in May 2022, experts say Australia is still not keeping pace with key allies like the US and the UK. A reform of environmental protection laws which would allow ministers a broader scope of reasons to deny fossil fuel projects is one of the key changes climate experts say Australia needs to make. Originating in Sweden, School Strike 4 Climate is an international movement of students who skip classes on Friday to press for political action on climate change. The Friday rallies are the 11th held in Australia. The largest, in 2019, attracted an estimated 300,000 people across the country. They come after former diplomat and public servant Gregory Andrews was forced to end a hunger strike outside Parliament House in Canberra. Mr Andrews had refused to eat until the government declared a climate emergency, but was taken away by an ambulance on Friday morning. WASHINGTON Susan Porter remembers the shock she felt when the sheriff's deputy finally explained why he pulled her over. "He said, 'illegal use of horn' and gave me the ticket," the 69-year-old Californian recalled. "I said, 'Theres a law for that?'" Porter had been driving by a rally outside her congressman's office in 2017 and her honks were a sign of support in the same way drivers beep for a political candidate waving a sign at rush hour, or to celebrate a sports team after a game. Porter has challenged a California traffic law that bans honking other than to warn another driver all the way to the Supreme Court. Her argument: Since the dawn of the automobile, car horns have sometimes served as a form of expression. Because of that, Porter says, beeping is protected under the First Amendment. "The car horn is the sound of democracy in action," her lawyers wrote in their appeal. Though they appear to be rarely enforced, similar laws are on the books in 41 states, according to court records. A New York law bars drivers from sounding a car horn for anything other than as a "reasonable warning." Missouri admonishes drivers to use their horns "for warning purposes only." New term: The Supreme Court is getting back to work. Here are the cases to watch. Porters attorneys say such requirements defy reality. During the pandemic, to avoid bringing large crowds together for a traditional campaign rally, then-presidential candidate Joe Biden organized drive-in rallies in which he encouraged people to "honk if you want to be united again." In 2020, a convoy of truckers honked their horns outside the White House in protest as former President Donald Trump was delivering remarks in the Rose Garden. At the time, Trump described the horns interrupting his remarks as a "sign of love." Edwin Hernandez pumps his fist as passing car honks. Striking health care workers picket in front of Kaiser Permanente Medical Center in Panorama City, Calif., on Oct. 4. The Supreme Court has repeatedly ruled that speech protected by the First Amendment encompasses more than the spoken word. In a landmark 1969 decision, for example, a 7-2 majority of the justices ruled that students wearing black arm bands to protest the Vietnam War were taking part in protected speech. Seven years later, the court said that campaign contributions are a form of political speech. David Loy, legal director at the California-based First Amendment Coalition, said he was as stunned as Porter to learn about warning-only" car horn restrictions and the extent to which they exist across the country. Many of those restrictions, he said, date to the early 20th century and were enacted without much thought to First Amendment implications. Susan Porter, a California woman who has filed an appeal at the Supreme Court asserting that honking a car horn can be expressive conduct protected by the First Amendment. "This kind of expression with vehicle horns is as old as the automobile. We've been doing this for decades," said Loy, who has been working on Porter's case for years. "Who doesn't honk their horn at somebody to say 'hello' or honk at the protesters on the corner? I mean, everyone does it." California's Department of Justice and an attorney representing the San Diego County Sheriff's Department did not respond to multiple requests seeking comment. But in lower courts, the state argued the law is intended to improve traffic safety by avoiding the distraction of other drivers with unnecessary noise. "Horn honking is very loud and distracting by design, and the restriction ... has been 'nearly universally accepted as a means to reduce the incidence of vehicular accidents' for more than 100 years," the state told an appeals court in 2021, partly quoting from a lower court's earlier decision in the case. Along Rt 46 by Veterans Memorial Park supporters of President Trump encourage vehicles to honk support in 2020. A three-judge panel of the San Francisco-based U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit sided with the state in May, concluding that horn honking can be a form of expressive conduct but that California's interest in traffic safety justified the law. In a decision from two of those judges, the court wrote that there was a "common-sense inference" that the horn's "usefulness as a warning tool" would be reduced if more and more drivers use it for other purposes, like beeping at a protest. The third judge dissented. The law at issue in the Supreme Court appeal is different from noise ordinances adopted in many local communities. Those usually involve time or place restrictions barring drivers from leaning on their horns in a residential neighborhood, for instance, or in the evening. The California law Porter was ticketed for violating is categorical, meaning it applies at all times and places. If the Supreme Court agrees to decide the case, it would add to a docket full of First Amendment controversies this term. Many of those cases focus on social media and how far the government may go to regulate or control the posts on Facebook or X, formerly Twitter. And so while the court is wrestling with speech on high-tech platforms, it would also confront what a Pennsylvania State University professor recently described as one of the first electrical consumer technologies of the 20th century, if it agreed to hear the case. Andrew Row, one of the lawyers working on Porter's case, said that California officials had taken notice of the appeals court decision against Porter and had been "emboldened" by it. During the Hollywood strikes this year a sign appeared outside a studio in Burbank, California, where some workers were protesting. "Excessive horn use," the sign warned, "violates" state law. "This is not just a theoretical thing," Row said. "It's now being used by law enforcement." Supporters listen from their cars as Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden speaks at a get-out-the-vote drive-in rally at Cleveland Burke Lakefront Airport on November 02, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Supreme Court asked if beeping the horn is a First Amendment right Are the cases of Herbert Johnson and Charles Bradley Smith, from a century ago, still relevant today? The Providence Journal asked several experts on the subject to weigh in. Here's what they said. Why are the Johnson and Smith cases important today? "When we think about our progress in society, it's really important to look back on these types of cases to compare and contrast what's happening in that case and what is still happening today even 100 years later," said Megan Byrne, staff attorney with the Death Penalty Project of the American Civil Liberties Union. A newspaper photo of the courtroom during the 1931 murder trial of Herbert Johnson. Seated, from left, are Deputy Sheriff Jesse Millspaw, defendant Herbert Johnson and Johnson's lawyer, Francis L. Smith. "So I think that the most important part of this story is that Charles Bradley Smith survived, but there are still challenges that we have to manage today," said Keith Stokes, consulting historian with the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society. "We may not be lynched today, but there's still challenges." "We certainly don't see lynchings anymore, the kind of mob violence that we saw in the early 1900s," said Robin Maher, executive director of the Death Penalty Information Center, "but some people have argued that our criminal justice system and the way that it imprisons young Black men and targets them for some of the most severe punishment has just replaced the kind of mob violence that was present at the turn of the century." Is there good news in the Smith case? While Smith was nearly lynched, and then spent eight years in prison, the bottom line is that he did not die there. He got out, married and had a family. "It's remarkable that he was not lynched. It's absolutely remarkable he got out of there," said Stokes. "And the fact that he was eventually pardoned is extraordinary. I mean, all you have to do is look at similar cases anywhere else at that time in America and compare it to the Barrington case and these outcomes are the worst outcome: people are lynched or placed in jail for life." And the Smith case brought not just good news for one man and his family, said Stokes, a Black resident of Newport; it marked a watershed moment for the Black community in Newport. "Sometimes white folks will bring credit to themselves": 'Oh, we're so liberal here; we're so caring here.' "No, no, no," Stokes continued. "We, we stepped in and rescued one of our own. Julius Mitchell brilliantly got him out of Newport because he knew he wouldn't have a fair trial in Newport. And eventually they didn't let up on it. They waited for the next good Republican governor to come in and say, 'Governor, you know, time to call in that chit for that vote.'" The case is a testament to Black resilience, he said. "We always figure out a way, be it fighting slavery or fighting urban renewal or fighting lynchings and mobs. We always find a way to survive and thrive," said Stokes. "Charles Bradley Smith is probably one of the great examples of creative survival of a Black man in Rhode Island during that time. He survived, and then later thrived." Is there good news in the Johnson case? While the Herbert Johnson story ends with him dead and buried at age 19, Byrne sees one ray of hope, albeit bittersweet: Rhode Islanders tried to save Johnson's life. "The community of Barrington pulling together to make that plea to FDR is very heart-wrenching," she said. Why was Charles Bradley Smith pardoned, but Herbert Johnson left to die? "It's important to keep in mind just how political requests for clemency often can be," said Byrne. "I think the contrast to the two issues is Charles Bradley Smith is a Newporter," said Stokes. "And more importantly, he had the backing of a very well organized Black leadership group, where you have Black attorneys, civic, social, political leaders, all rallying and organizing themselves." While the call for Smith's pardon was widespread, New York Gov. Franklin Delano Roosevelt heard from relatively few on Johnson's behalf, when a group of Rhode Islanders went to Albany. "For FDR, it seemed like this external community, that wouldn't necessarily have the same voting power that would affect him, was asking for clemency, and it's hard to think that that wouldn't have an effect" said Byrne. "The political power in the cases were different in the way that one was coming from within the same state, and one was coming from outside the state." The Smith case teaches an enduring lesson: the community has the power to organize to fight injustice "We, as a community, do still have voices that can be heard, and I think it's a good lesson, because even in this situation, it's the early 1900s and so many things are unfair and we might feel so powerless, but even then, people were able to organize and make their voices heard," said Byrne. "We really need to take lessons from the power of the collective and that we as people can organize around things that are important to us to make change. Is there much difference between lynching and legal execution? Scholars have referred to capital punishment as "legal lynching." They cite both the overlapping history of the peak of lynching with the rise of capital punishment, as well as racially uneven application of the death penalty. "In some respects, capital punishment came to replace lynching as a way of controlling, subduing and restricting the activities of Black people," said Maher. "People supporting it found it's more easy to justify, and the public found it more easy to accept," said Byrne. "There was a really common refrain in public discourse at that time that we should support capital punishment and this idea that it would actually help reduce lynching and reduce the incidence of lynch mob violence." The electric chair at Sing Sing Prison in Ossining, N.Y., circa 1915. Often, especially in death-penalty cases, the system didn't spend enough time to get it right, and just as often didn't care, one way or the other, Byrne said, "During that time, the 20s, 30s, you saw a lot of speedy trials," she said. "Often the defendants had attorneys who were either under-resourced, which is still an issue today, or, back then, you also saw a lot of attorneys who were less than motivated, you saw attorneys back then who might even speak against their client and say, 'I don't really want to be defending this person.'" The justice system became more about form than substance. "And so it's kind of farcical, this idea that they were getting justice," said Byrne. "This is kind of a new version of lynching that seems very much farcical that we're going through the process, but the process doesn't look very fair." This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Why the cases of two Black RI men are relevant a century later Yakima's turkey trot is a chance to dress in silly costumes and get some exercise Where is the Most Beautiful Town in Iraq? Nestled atop a breathtaking plateau in the Kurdistan region of Iraq, the ancient town of Amedi beckons travelers with its unparalleled beauty and rich history. Known for its picturesque landscapes and enduring cultural heritage, Amedi is often hailed as the most beautiful town in Iraq, a title it wears with quiet dignity amidst the rugged mountains that cradle it. Historical Allure Meets Natural Splendor Amedi's origins trace back to antiquity, with some historians suggesting its establishment by the Assyrians. The town's strategic location, perched on a high plateau surrounded by deep gorges, has served as a natural fortress, protecting it from the ravages of time and conflict. Today, visitors are greeted by the stunning sight of historic houses and mosques that blend seamlessly with the rocky terrain, offering a glimpse into a past that has survived the test of time. A Tapestry of Cultures The beauty of Amedi is not solely in its landscapes but also in its diverse cultural tapestry. Home to Kurds, Assyrians, and Armenians, the town is a mosaic of traditions and religions, with each community contributing to the rich fabric of life here. The harmony in diversity is a testament to Iraq's multicultural heritage, and Amedi stands as a proud example of this coexistence. FAQ: Q: What makes Amedi unique? A: Amedi's unique combination of historical significance, natural beauty, and cultural diversity sets it apart as a must-visit destination in Iraq. Q: Is Amedi accessible to tourists? A: Yes, despite its remote location, Amedi is accessible to tourists who are willing to make the journey to experience its enchanting allure. (Bloomberg) President Joe Biden signed a stopgap bill to extend government funding into early 2024, averting a government shutdown for now but kicking a politically-divisive debate over federal spending into a presidential election year. Most Read from Bloomberg The White House confirmed the move in a statement early Friday morning in Washington, less than a day before existing funding would have expired. Biden in California for a summit of APEC leaders signed the legislation on Thursday, according to the statement. President Joe Biden Facing that Friday night deadline and with the House under new leadership, Congress passed an interim measure with broad bipartisan majorities earlier this week. A shutdown threatened to generate widespread political fallout in Washington. The short-term package allows lawmakers to regroup over the Thanksgiving holiday while talks continue on spending and policy agreements. But the measure sets up bitter ideological fights early next year over federal spending and emergency funding for allies Israel and Ukraine. Read more: How a government shutdown would impact your money: Student loans, Social Security, investments, and more That battle already brought the US to the brink of a debt default in the spring, caused Fitch Ratings to downgrade the nations sovereign credit rating and cost Kevin McCarthy the House speakership. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said the chamber would turn to Israel and Ukraine assistance immediately when lawmakers return from Thanksgiving. The White House initially criticized the stopgap measure, with Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre calling it a recipe for more Republican chaos and more shutdowns. But Biden came around as Democrats indicated they would not block the proposal in order to avoid an immediate funding lapse. Story continues The stopgap measure, engineered by Speaker Mike Johnson, funds some government agencies through Jan. 19 and others through Feb. 2 and lacks the Ukraine and Israel aid demanded by Biden, as well as stricter border policies sought by Republicans. The risk of a partial government shutdown in January is high because the agencies whose funding will lapse then will not trigger some of the most politically dire consequences, like cutting military pay and closing national parks. Those agencies will run out of funds in February. Johnson adopted the staggered funding deadlines and dropped the emergency aid to appease hard-line conservatives, who were nonetheless furious with his decision to pass a bill without deep spending cuts or changes to immigration law. The speaker has said he will not support another short-term funding measure. But that has done little to quell conservatives anger, indicating Republicans will need to overcome internal divisions as well as disagreements with Democrats in order to reach an agreement. Political polarization in Congress and lack of action to address the nations fiscal health sparked Moodys Investors Service to lower the USs credit-rating outlook from stable to negative, illustrating the stakes for the next budget fight. With assistance from Steven T. Dennis and Erik Wasson. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Jasper Kenzo Sundeen's reporting for the Yakima Herald-Republic is possible with support from Report for America and community members through the Yakima Valley Community Fund. For information on republishing, email news@yakimaherald.com. If you are sending a Letter To the Editor, please be sure to follow these rules: Letters have a firm 200-word limit and will be edited for grammar, clarity and accuracy. The person who signs the letter must be the author. Anonymous letters will not be considered. Letters must address the editor, not a third party. We will not print form letters, libelous letters, business promotions or personal disputes, poetry, open letters, letters espousing religious views without reference to a current issue, or letters considered in poor taste. Letters reflect the opinion of the writer. The Yakima Herald-Republic cannot verify the accuracy of all statements made in letters. Writers are limited to one published letter per calendar month. A portrait of Kit Mora is included in the traveling exhibit called Portraits in Red by Nayana LaFond Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023, at the Yakima Valley Museum in Yakima, Wash. The portraits are of Indigenous people who have been murdered, gone missing or are activists who advocate for them. FILE PHOTO: A Boeing logo is seen at the company's technology and engineering center in Sao Jose dos Campos (Reuters) - Boeing Co said on Thursday it will partner with the U.S. government in a project aimed at addressing challenges faced by Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member countries in developing and scaling use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The fuel, made out of waste such as cooking oils, municipal waste and agricultural residues, is seen as key in helping the aviation industry cut its carbon emissions. However, SAF is currently only made in small volumes and costs between three to five times the regular jet fuel. Airlines' current use of SAF represents 0.1% of global jet fuel demand. Boeing said it will work with the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration to address challenges APEC economies face including identifying availability of feedstocks for SAF and optimizing production. "Industry studies and data tell us that SAF is essential to meet aviation's net zero commitment, but we need more of it," Boeing Chief Sustainability Officer Chris Raymond said in a statement. Boeing has purchased 7.6 million gallons of SAF for its U.S. commercial airplane operations since 2022, the company said. (Reporting by Abhijith Ganapavaram in Bengaluru; Editing by Rashmi Aich) Aglomeratie la metrou de Ziua Nationala a Romaniei De 1 Decembrie, mii de bucuresteni au ales sa mearga la parada militara. Astfel ca, inca de la primele ore ale diminetii, sute de oameni, multi cu steaguri nationale, au pornit spre Arcul de Triumf. La statiile de metrou Piata Victoriei si Piata Aviatorilor s-a inregistrat o agomeratie de nedescris. [citeste mai departe] Borr Drilling Limited (NYSE:BORR) Q3 2023 Earnings Call Transcript November 16, 2023 Operator: Good day, and thank you for standing by. Welcome to the Borr Drilling Limited Third Quarter 2023 Results Presentation Webcast and Conference Call [Operator Instructions]. Please be advised that today's conference is being recorded. I would now like to hand the conference over to your first speaker today, Mr. Patrick Schorn, CEO. Please go ahead. Patrick Schorn: Thank you. Good morning. And thank you for participating in the Borr Drilling third quarter 2023 earnings call. I'm Patrick Schorn, talking to you from Bermuda. And with me here today is Magnus Vaaler, our Chief Financial Officer; and Bruno Morand, our Chief Commercial Officer. Next slide, please. First, covering the required disclaimers. I would like to remind all participants that some of the statements will be forward-looking. These matters involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in these statements. I, therefore, refer you to our latest public filings. Next slide, please. The third quarter was characterized by strong operational performance with technical utilization for the quarter above 99%, revenue increasing by 2% and our adjusted EBITDA increasing to $88.2 million, which is 5% over the second quarter's results. Our backlog quality continues to improve. Year-to-date, we have secured 12 new commitments, adding $728 million to our revenue backlog at an implied average day rate of $161,000 per day. We continue to experience positive developments in utilization in the global jack-up market, particularly for modern rigs where marketed utilization stands at approximately 94%. Dayrates have continued to appreciate as demonstrated by our latest previously announced fixtures for the Prospector 5, the Natt and the Idun. In addition, we are pleased to announce a 15 month extension for the Skald at a daily rate of $165,000 per day. The Ran and Hild have recently commenced their new contracts, bringing the operating fleet to 21 rigs. We expect Gerd to commence its new contract in early December 2023, at which point all of our 22 delivered rigs will be operating. Story continues I'm also pleased with the conclusion of our refinancing and the issuance of 1.54 billion of secured notes, with maturities in 2028 and 2030. This completes the refinancing of all our secured debt and provides the company with a solid long term capital structure. We've also announced that the Board intends to implement a regular quarterly dividend starting at $0.05 per share, which is subject to required approvals in a special general meeting to be held at the December 22, 2023. For 2024, we maintain our estimated range of adjusted EBITDA for full year '24 to be between $500 million to $550 million. Magnus will now step you through the financial details of the third quarter. Magnus Vaaler: Thank you, Patrick. We're now on the slide, key financial Q3. The Q3 2023 revenues were $191.5 million, an increase of $4 million or 2% from the second quarter. The $4 million increase comprised of an increase in dayrate revenues of $5.3 million, offset by a decrease in payable income from Mexico joint ventures of $1.3 million. So the overall increase in the revenues were primarily due to higher dayrates for our rigs. Rig operating and maintenance expenses were $85.8 million for the third quarter, a decrease of $3.7 million compared to the second quarter. The decrease is primarily a result of a decrease in amortization of deferred costs. The total financial expenses net were $50 million for the quarter, which is in line with the previous quarter. And the net income for the quarter was $0.3 million. Our adjusted EBITDA was $88.2 million, an increase of $4.2 million or 5% compared to Q2. Our free cash position at the end of Q3 was $94.4 million. Cash increased by $10.6 million in comparison to the prior quarter and is primarily a result of $34.5 million cash provided in operating activities, $9.6 million net proceeds from the sale of shares under our ATM program, $10.3 million repayment of debt and $23.4 million cash costs for additions to jack-up rigs, which is primarily activation costs for our rigs Hild and Arabia II. Then moving into the next slide. As Patrick said, we are very pleased to have completed our refinancing for all the company's secured debt now in November 2023 by the issuance of a total of $1.54 billion secured notes with a duration of five and seven years. Following this, our main debt maturities are in 2028 and 2030. The refinancing provides stable foundation for the company going forward and increased flexibility from an operational point of view and provides the possibility for distributions to our shareholders. Additionally, we have secured an $180 million senior secured facility, which includes $150 million revolving credit facility and a $30 million guarantee facility. Lastly, the delivery installment for our two remaining newbuilds, Vale and Var in 2024 are largely funded by a commitment from the shipyard of $130 million of debt per rig. With this, I would like to turn the word over to Bruno Morand, our Chief Commercial Officer. Bruno Morand: Thanks, Magnus. I'd like to provide a brief update on the jack-up market and our most recent contracting and fleet developments. Jack-up utilization levels have continued to increase since our last report. In particular, the market utilization for modern rigs has now reached 94% with a total number of contracted rigs climbing to 300. Modern rig availability continues to tighten and is now in high single digit territory, excluding regionally stranded and sanction tainted assets. Amidst this tight market, we continue to experience a marked recovery in day rate levels from modern jack-ups. I'll later provide some commentary about our most recent fixtures that illustrate that. Based on the current tenders and discussions with our customers about their future requirements, we see strong indications of an undersupplied market condition developing in the second half of 2024 and into 2025. A modern offshore drilling vessel navigating the seas with equipment mounted on its decks. Incremental demand is visible across most regions and specifically strong in Southeast Asia, India, Middle East and West Africa. But we note as well some interesting pockets of activity developing in the Mediterranean. In line with the views we have shared in our earlier presentations, shipyard order books remain at record low levels and unlikely to provide any relief to supply and demand imbalance. The remaining competitive newbuild units in China are largely expected to be absorbed by the domestic market. We believe these conditions will continue to support an increasing dayrate environment, particularly for young and high performing rigs, placing Borr Drilling in a unique position to benefit from these developments. Year-to-date, we have secured 12 new mutual contracts, LOIs and LOAs, adding $728 million in total revenues and 12.3 rig years to our backlog. This represents a weighted average day rate of $161,000 per day, which continues to be industry leading. In addition to the long term commitments previously disclosed for the rig Prospector 5 and Natt in Congo, Thor in Indonesia and Idun in Thailand, I would like to highlight new commitments recently secured for our rigs Gunnlod and Skald. The Gunnlod, which is due to complete its current contract in January '24, has now secured a binding LOA for a 120-day program in Malaysia with an undisclosed customer. This new commitment will start in direct continuation to this current contract and should maintain the rig contracted until May 2024. We have ongoing discussions with customers in the region and anticipate further commitment for the Gunnlod in the near future. The Skald has secured a 15 month extension with PTT Thailand at a rate of $165,000 per day. This extension will maintain the rig firm contracted until September 2025. I highlight that Idun and Skald are both modern rigs with extensive offline capabilities, which combined with our experienced crews, enable our customers to materially reduce their well size and cost. The recent awards by PTTEP for these rigs at market leading rates are strong testament of the superior performance and value creation enabled by our modern rig fleets. Beyond these recent awards, I would like to note that the rigs Arabia III, Hild and Ran have recently commenced new contracts, increasing our operating rig count to 21. The Gerd is in final stages of contract preparation and is expected to commence a new contract in early December. At which point, all of our delivered rigs will be operating and generating revenues for the company. For further information about our fleet, I'll refer you to the latest fleet status report made available on our company's Web site. The company's total revenue backlog currently stands at approximately $1.9 billion, at an equivalent rate of $137,000 per day. The recent contract awards secured by the company contribute to improve our backlog, both in total volume and quality. In terms of future fleet coverage, our firm contract and price options cover approximately 84% of our available days in 2024, providing strong revenue visibility for the year. With a positive the main outlook for our rigs and continue to improve rate environment, our near term revenue visibility and long term operating leverage places Borr Drilling in a unique position to benefit from this market dynamic and create significant value for our shareholders. On this note, I'd like to hand the call back over to Patrick. Patrick Schorn: Thank you, Bruno. So in conclusion, we finished Q3 with continued strong earnings and operational performance. The average dayrate of our backlog and therefore, the long term quality of our revenue is increasing by adding contracts at market leading rates. Our 22 delivered rigs are contracted with all of them operating before year end. The supply of jack-ups to the market will remain constrained as no newbuild orders are placed. The industry is depending on a finite fleet where our rigs are the youngest with excellent operational capabilities. This absence of newbuild is likely to keep the utilization in the mid-90% with dayrates continue to increase. The refinance of our 2025 debt maturity has been successfully completed with the issuance of 1.54 billion of secured notes with maturities in 2028 and 2030. This completes the refinancing of all our secured debt and provides the company with a solid long term capital structure. Lastly, we are delivering on the commitment to become a dividend distributing company with the Board intending to implement a regular quarterly dividend starting at $0.05 per share, subject to required approvals in a special general meeting to be held December 22, 2023. In closing, I'm very pleased with the results of the third quarter. The team has delivered on every front, strong operational performance and excellent effort on the refinance, preparing the company for the long term. This all combined with a business environment that looks bright for the offshore shallow water drilling business. Rest mean nothing else, but to sincerely thank our employees, customers and partners for the milestones achieved this quarter, and we will do our best to continue to deliver at the highest standard. Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to end here our prepared remarks, and we can go to Q&A. See also Bill Ackman Stock Portfolio: 7 Top Stock Picks and 20 Most Advanced Countries in Journalism. To continue reading the Q&A session, please click here. People-smugglers fired at police who pursued them by car and on foot before the two culprits were caught in a small forest in Budapest on Monday morning. The chase began when police tried to check a Ford Transit van with Hungarian license plates heading to Budapest on the M5 motorway near Inarcs, 20km southeast of Budapest. Instead of stopping, the van drove on, as one occupant fired several shots in the direction of the Pest county police patrol car. Police chased the vehicle, which was forced to stop after arriving in Budapest. The driver of the car and his accomplice ran into a nearby forest, firing further shots at the police. An officer returned the fire after a warning shot. Budapest Police cordoned off the area in the 19th District and dispatched a team of officers, canine units, investigators and forensic officers to the scene. Eventually, the two men claiming to be Iraqi citizens were caught. The van was carrying 21 illegal aliens, who identified themselves as Syrian nationals. Nobody was injured in the shooting. The two men have been arrested for human smuggling and for violence against an official. From now until the 1st of January 2024, an authentic Christmas atmosphere can be felt once again in the heart of Budapest at Szent Istvan Square by the beautiful Basilica. . Having been voted Europes Most Beautiful Christmas Market three times already, this year the market area again lives up to its reputation, with nearly a hundred local craft exhibitors, real gastro adventures, an ice-skating rink, heart-warming programmes and many more surprises. The centre of the square is dominated by a magnificent Christmas tree, almost 12 metres tall, which again sets the tone for Szent Istvan Square. The smiles and laughter of children are the best part of Christmas, and this year the Little Ones favourite is the free skating rink, open every day from 5pm for children under 14 - those who come to the square without equipment can rent skates at the rink. Authentic Hungarian craft exhibitors Experienced and long-standing ceramists, leather craftsmen and jewellers are very welcome to return, but visitors will also be able to meet new exhibitors and their products. Nearly a hundred exhibitors await visitors to the fair with beautiful, authentic creations. Local Xmas Gastronomy In addition to authentic winter flavours, there will be Hungaricums and real culinary thrills for gastronomic adventurers. In front of the Basilica, the manger of Bethlehem and the monumental Advent wreath will take their rightful place, and of course, the Advent candle-lighting ceremony will be a must have programme. Everyone can also have fun with a selfie point and a spectacular blacksmith's workshop, or the VR sleigh, which combines modern technology with the wonder of Christmas. And finally, the all time favourite: every afternoon from 5.30pm, the Basilica facade will be dazzled by a magnificent light painting show, preceded by a musical concert on Wednesday, Friday and at weekends from 5pm. You can see a detailed program here General opening times: Monday-Thursday: 11 AM 10 PM Friday-Saturday: 11 AM - 11 PM Sunday: 11 AM 10 PM Special opening times: Christmas: 24December of 2023: 11 AM - 3 PM 25-26December of 2023: 11 AM - 8 PM New Years Eve - 31 December 2023: 11 AM - 3 AM New Year's Day 1 January 2024: 11 AM - 6 PM Source: adventbazilika.hu/en The 60-year-old Albanian leader of a drug smuggling gang has been recaptured in Budapests Eighth District, the National Bureau of Investigations announced. The authorities have been conducting legal proceedings for years against the gang suspected of smuggling drugs, mostly marijuana, from the Balkans to Hungary. The ringleaders son and a number of Hungarians took part in the gangs activity. The drugs were brought by various Albanian and Kosovar couriers to dealers in Hungary. The profits were regularly taken to Serbia by the chiefs son or a Hungarian woman in close contact with them. Each shipment contained generally ten kilograms. A court sentenced the leader of the gang to seven years in prison for similar crimes and expelled him from Hungary for eight years. The man was released last summer, and subsequently went into hiding. Photo for illustration purposes only - courtesy of police.hu The fresh newsletter for the International Community in Hungary - described by readers as a "Great read each week" - is now available for your interest and use via the link below. You can see the new edition of the Xpat E-Magazine here: https://xpatloop.com/newsletters/2023/17-november.html 1. You can see a great variety of events on these days below in the loop via Xpat Calendar: E.g. Diplomatic Charity Fair, Diverse Programs for Budapest's 150 Birthday, Ballet Grand Prix. 2. Next up here's a quick heads-up about the five fresh Xpat Galleries worth checking-out + Just in case you missed it you can see a Photo Review of the recent Xpat Charity Party here. 3. Also you can see the latest Movies + Specials*, plus fresh News, Information & Inspiration: E.g. New 'Alien Policing Bill', 2,500 Teachers Quit, Inflation Falls Again, International Jazz Fest. * Exclusive Offer: Kifli.hu is offering Free Premium Membership to XpatLoop.com Readers Tap that link to know the benefits of Kifli's Premium Service + more about of this Special Offer. We hope you like what's in it for you! Best wishes from Team XpatLoop Photo of Budapest by Krenn Imre Photography Before I think about packing clothes for a trip, my children are making all sorts of plans. I usually tell them they may pack their purses, then Ill go through everything with them and discuss with them what may or not may be good items to take along. We learn as we go; who will want to go after all the missing pieces of a travel checkers game or beads that strayed while threading them? As they grow older there will be plenty of time for the likes. For now there are a lot of more travel-friendly options such as looking at books, telling stories, or our old faithful games of ABC or I see something. Hosannas imagination keeps me going. She is packing daytime and night time purses to take along on our bus ride to Iowa. I was intrigued with the homemade schoolbook she made for herself to work along the way. Packing light is my motto, I remind the children that every item that gets lugged along will need to be put away after we come home. Who relishes unpacking? The older ones enjoy packing their own clothes and if I put enough thought in ahead to make sure were well-stocked on clothes, I find it very fulfilling to pack for travel. On occasions were gone for a week, I take a Rubbermaid tote from one room to the next and stock it with each childs pajamas, the boys pants and such. The shirts and dresses are placed in a garment bag with my name sewed on it, which my parents gave to me as a teenager. Im finding that a bigger key for me is to not get stressed about clothes and all that needs to be packed and once weve hit the road, quit trying to figure out what I may have forgotten! Traveling is a highlight for all of us, that is, until we hit lots of curvy roads. Sometimes I wonder if it makes a difference that our children sometimes get carsick, since they dont drive with a vehicle much and are more used to a horse and buggy. So far they seem to be outgrowing the motion sickness which were thankful for! I do not cease to marvel over the difference of traveling with only three booster seats and only one car seat, instead of multiple babies who are too young to know where were going. But then what is more fun than to take yours babies to out-of-state family and watch them bond with one another? Oh my, why not embrace each stage as it comes? There is only one today and one opportunity to wing it, knowing that Gods got it. Tomorrow I will not need to fight todays battle again if I have given it back to Him as He unwound it minute by minute. Reminds me of a wind-up clock I was fascinated with as a girl. Isnt it amazing, this moment is only here for now, in the next breath itll be gone for good. What will I do with it? Holidays have a way of marking more time elapsing. Honestly, in some ways I dont feel like facing them minus Daniel, my beloved husband. Deep down, under the tears I know that the pain faced today is not wasted. God will use those moments of pain. I dont know how it all works, I only know who He is the One who will not leave us comfortless. This year instead of our regular family gathering we look forward to visiting Daniels widowed cousin Mandy, and her family in Seymour, Iowa. This past summer some of us had attended her husbands funeral, now it just seems right to go spend more time together. The day before Thanksgiving Daniels siblings from Danville, Ohio plan to travel to Indiana where well meet them, then travel the remaining six hours together by bus. Thanksgiving Day will Lord willing be spent with Mandy, her siblings, parents, and five precious children. Friday we hope to work on things around the house including making firewood for them to use for heating the house this winter. Lastly, Ill share this broccoli casserole recipe Daniel used 13 years ago for my twenty-first birthday. Though he was never so fond of cooked broccoli he kindly made it for me. At suppertime he admitted it really was better than he thought it would be. Corn flake chicken and a cheese cake finished of the birthday meal. Those moments have passed; now in 13 years from now what will have become of the moments we now call today? Broccoli Casserole 2 pounds fresh broccoli, chopped 1 can cream of mushroom soup 12 cup mayo 1 cup shredded cheese 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 cup crushed snack crackers 1. Wash broccoli and place in a heavy sauce pan. 2. Steam 6-8 minutes until crispy- tender. 3. Place in a casserole dish. 4. In a bowl combine soup, mayo, cheese, and lemon juice. 5. Pour over broccoli. 6. Sprinkle cracker crumbs on top. 7. Bake uncovered 20-30 minutes until heated through. Contact Rose Hood-Buss at 402-471-8526 and rose@hublincoln.org or Lindsey Drake at ldrake@hublincoln.org Becky, 18, is a high school senior who is graduating a semester early and will be attending Southeast Community College in the spring. She has been supporting herself by working while also attending high school. She does not have family in the state and comes from a non-traditional support system. She lives with her sister, but will be required to move before the holidays. She would like some things to make her new place a home, clothing items and some hygiene products. Lotion, socks (small or medium) sweatpants (medium or large; preferably gray, black, or neutral colors), feminine hygiene products, a blanket, and school supplies (notebooks, colored highlighters, pens). Georgia, 21, is mom to a 5-year-old boy. Georgia has completed training to obtain her CNA, so she can find employment and housing, as they are currently homeless. She plans to return to school. She loves to write and wants to be a published author of books that can help and inspire people who are struggling. Georgia and her son would like gift cards to Target or Walmart to help with food and clothes, as well as books. Augustine, 18, has been navigating the GED path and is close to finishing. He has set goals to obtain his GED and go to trade school. He is moving into his own place and could use household items, cleaning supplies, a vacuum cleaner, laundry baskets and gift cards. Gabby, 19, is a high school senior who will graduate this year. She is also a mom to two little boys (ages 3 & 1) and works as much as she can. She juggles most of this on her own, with little support from her mom and little transportation She is moving into a place of her own and needs household items. The boys could use winter clothes, coats, hats, and gloves (3T & 18M). Gabby could also use winter clothes, a coat (size small), and Uber gift cards. Keeley, 17, recently moved to Lincoln and is a mom to 3-year-old twin boys. She is going to high school and working two jobs. She is staying with an aunt until she graduates. She plans to pursue a cosmetologist license along with a business degree, as she loves to do hair. She and the boys could benefit from winter clothes (4T & medium in womens). She would like gift cards to Mid K Hair and Wigs and the boys would like Paw Patrol toys and books. LIMASSOL, CYPRUS / ACCESSWIRE / November 17, 2023 / Dubai will once again affirm its role as a nexus for global trade and finance by hosting the BrokersView Expo Dubai 2024. The event is set to welcome a confluence of industry leaders, innovators, decision-makers, and investors who are actively shaping the contours of global trading and fintech. BrokersView.com , the esteemed broker review platform with over 120,000 registered users, is the orchestrator behind this seminal event. The platform's reach encompasses more than 20,000 licensed brokers and draws in excess of 300,000 monthly active users, cementing its position as a trusted hub for the trading community. Key Details Time: April 2024 Location: Dubai Nature: Financial and Fintech Expo Who Should Attend The expo invites participation from: Traders and investors looking to discover new market opportunities and strategies. Industry leaders and experts in forex and fintech desiring to present new ideas and innovations. Forex and fintech enterprises aiming to enhance brand visibility and pursue global business expansion, including brokers and providers of cutting-edge services such as payment gateways, hosting solutions, licensing support, liquidity services, white label solutions, trading platforms, and risk management tools. The event promises a wealth of opportunities for exhibitors to demonstrate their leading-edge products and services to a targeted audience, encouraging fruitful business interactions and potential partnerships. Simultaneously, it offers attendees the chance to engage with a curated selection of industry trailblazers, expanding their network, and staying abreast of the latest industry innovations. A spokesperson for BrokersView.com conveyed, "The BrokersView Expo Dubai 2024 embodies a key initiative for forward-thinking engagement within the financial and fintech sectors, providing a pivotal arena for knowledge exchange, innovation, and professional growth." Story continues Registration and Further Information The BrokersView Expo Dubai 2024 is an event not to be overlooked by those eager to contribute to and benefit from the next wave of financial innovation. To learn more or to register for the event,please visit the official website https://www.brokersview.com/brokersview-uae-expo-2024 , or reach out to the organizing committee via business@brokersview.com . For further information about the BrokersView Expo Dubai 2024 or to register, interested parties are encouraged to visit the official website or contact the organizers directly through the provided email address. About BrokersView Expo The BrokersView Expo Dubai 2024 is envisaged as a cornerstone for fostering perfect face-to-face networking opportunities for professionals in the finance and fintech sectors. Set for April 2024 in Dubai, the expo is dedicated to traders and investors seeking fresh opportunities in the financial markets, industry experts aiming to showcase new ideas, and forex and fintech companies wishing to amplify their global brand presence. These companies include an array of service providers offering innovative solutions ranging from payment gateways and hosting solutions to trading platforms and risk management tools. Media Contact Organization: Brokersview Contact Person: Sarah Website: https://www.brokersview.com/ Email: business@brokersview.com City: Limassol Country: Cyprus SOURCE: Brokersview View source version on accesswire.com: https://www.accesswire.com/804568/brokersview-expo-dubai-2024-connecting-global-trading-and-fintech-communities-for-success New Delhi: In a bid to strengthen its artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, OpenAI is going all-in to attract top talent from tech giants like Meta and Google, offering staggering salaries of up to Rs 83 crore per annum. The aim is to entice the best minds in the industry, particularly researchers and tech experts, to contribute to the development of OpenAI's advanced AI chatbot. Reports indicate that OpenAI has successfully recruited at least 93 individuals who were previously employed by Google and Meta. The company, in its pursuit of top-tier talent, has posted job listings for research engineers with an annual salary range of Rs 2 crore to Rs 3.8 crore. (Also Read: Festive Treat From Infosys! Employees To Receive 80% Average Variable Pay In November) Additionally, attractive equity packages and benefits contribute to an overall compensation of Rs 83 crore per year. (Also Read: A Look Inside Delhi's Jaw-Dropping Mansions Owned By Biz Tycoons - In Pics) Jan Leike, OpenAI's Head of Super Alignment, shared in a podcast that the company is actively hiring research engineers, scientists, and managers. He emphasized the importance of finding passionate candidates committed to making AI safer. During a visit to India earlier this year, Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, expressed eagerness to welcome talented IT professionals from the country. Altman highlighted that a Ph.D. is not a prerequisite, stating, "Many of our best researchers are undergraduates or are college dropouts. You certainly do not need a Ph.D. to do great work. OpenAI will welcome you on the basis of talent, and we are certainly a good fit for undergrads." Atty Eleti, a software engineer at OpenAI, provided insight into the hiring process, stating that interested individuals can reach out directly by sending an email to the CEO. Eleti encouraged showcasing skills through Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), building remarkable products, contributing to open-source resources, and reaching out to sam@openai.com to explore job opportunities. Chhath Puja, a significant Hindu festival dedicated to the Sun God, is celebrated with great fervor and devotion in various parts of India, particularly in the states of Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh. The festival spans four days and involves elaborate rituals, including the offering of various Prasad items to the deity. These offerings hold cultural and religious significance, symbolizing gratitude and seeking blessings for well-being. The Prasad items offered during Chhath Puja are not just culinary delights but carry deep cultural and spiritual significance. They symbolize the devotion, purity, and gratitude of the devotees towards the Sun God, making the festival a vibrant celebration of faith and tradition. Also read: Chhath Puja 2023: Four-Day Puja Starts Today; Significance, Dos And Don'ts - All You Need To Know 7 Prasad Items You Must Have In Chhath Puja Thali 1. Thekua: One of the essential Prasad items during Chhath Puja is Thekua, a sweet snack made with wheat flour, jaggery, and ghee. Devotees prepare intricately designed Thekuas, offering them to the Sun God as a symbol of their reverence and dedication. The preparation of Thekua involves deep-frying the dough, resulting in a crispy and flavorful delicacy. 2. Gur (Jaggery): Gur, or jaggery, holds a prominent place in Chhath Puja offerings. It is often used as a sweetening agent in various dishes prepared for the festival. The natural sweetness of jaggery is believed to symbolize the pure and unadulterated devotion of the devotees towards the Sun God. 3. Fruits: Offering fresh fruits is a common practice during Chhath Puja. Devotees present a variety of fruits such as bananas, sugarcane, and coconuts as a gesture of offering the best of nature to the Sun God. The fruits symbolize purity, health, and prosperity. 4. Rasiya: Rasiya, a traditional drink made from sugarcane juice, is prepared and offered during Chhath Puja. It serves as a refreshing beverage for the devotees, symbolizing the essence of sweetness and purity in their devotion to the Sun God. 5. Kheer: Kheer, a rice pudding cooked with milk and sugar, is a popular Prasad item during Chhath Puja. Devotees prepare this creamy and delectable dish as an offering, symbolizing the auspiciousness of the occasion and expressing their gratitude for the Sun God's blessings. 6. Rice and Daal: Simple yet essential, rice and daal (lentils) form a part of the Prasad offered during Chhath Puja. Devotees prepare these staple foods with utmost purity and offer them to the Sun God as a symbol of sustenance and gratitude for the bounties of nature. 7. Sweets: Various sweets, including ladoos and pedas, find a place in Chhath Puja offerings. These sweets, made from ingredients like gram flour, sugar, and ghee, are considered symbols of joy and celebration, enhancing the festive spirit of the occasion. Chhath Prasad Thali: Devotees often present a complete thali (plate) of Prasad items to the Sun God. This thali typically includes Thekua, fruits, sweets, rice, daal, and other traditional offerings, creating a wholesome representation of their devotion and gratitude. (This article is intended for your general information only. Zee News does not vouch for its accuracy or reliability.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi today condemned the civilian casualties in the Israel-Hamas war. Speaking at the inaugural session of the 2nd Voice of Global South Summit, PM Modi emphasised the importance of restraint and dialogue as the cornerstones of conflict resolution. He said that the West Asia region is facing challenges and the way forward should be dialogue and diplomacy. "We all are seeing that new challenges are emerging from the events in the West Asia region. India has condemned the terrorist attack in Israel on October 7....We have exercised restraint as well. We have given emphasis on dialogue and diplomacy. We also strongly condemn the deaths of civilians in the conflict between Israel and Hamas," said PM Modi. The Prime Minister said that India sent humanitarian aid to the people of Palestine after talking to President Mahmoud Abbas. PM Modi added that the countries of the Global South should unite for the greater global good. Prime Minister Modi has said that while the global south has always existed geographically it is getting a voice for the first time due to joint efforts. "Geographically, the Global South has always existed, but it is getting a voice for the first time, and this is because of the joint efforts. We are more than 100 countries but our priorities are similar," said Modi. The 2nd VOGSS (Voice of Global South Summit) would focus on sharing with countries of the Global South the key outcomes achieved in various G20 meetings over the course of India's Presidency. The challenges posed by global developments are also likely to be discussed. The term "Global South" encompasses a group of nations primarily located in the Southern Hemisphere across Asia, Africa, and South America. These countries exhibit diverse levels of economic development. Mumbai: A tumultuous clash broke out between factions loyal to Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Uddhav Thackeray at the memorial of Shiv Sena founder Bala Saheb Thackeray in Shivaji Park, Dadar on Friday. The incident occurred after Chief Minister Shinde paid homage to the late leader on the 11th death anniversary. Hundreds of supporters from the Eknath Shinde and Uddhav Thackeray-led factions had gathered at Shivaji Park to pay their respects to the Shiv Sena supremo. Tensions escalated when UBT party workers, aligned with Uddhav Thackeray, began protesting and raising slogans against Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. #UPDATE | Case registered at Shivaji Park Police Station against 50-60 unidentified people in connection with the scuffle between supporters of the Eknath Shinde faction and the Uddhav Thackeray faction. No arrests have been made yet. Further investigation is being done under the https://t.co/pkbe31kap9 ANI (@ANI) November 17, 2023 Verbal altercations swiftly escalated into a physical scuffle as party workers from both factions confronted each other. Shiv Sena workers asserted their claim to the party, while Uddhav Thackeray supporters chanted slogans of "traitors go back." Leaders from the Shinde faction, including Sheetal Mhatre and Kiran Pawaskar, condemned the unruly behaviour, accusing UBT workers of disrupting the solemn occasion. They expressed dismay over the vandalism of memorial poles. UBT leader Anil Desai and former cabinet minister Anil Parab were observed trying to control their party workers and pacify the angered crowd. Desai emphasized the peaceful observance of the day and criticized those attempting to create drama. Speaking to the media, Desai said, Every year, we come here on November 17 to pay tribute to Balasaheb Thackeray. We have observed this day very peacefully and we will also observe it on Friday. Those who just want to do drama wont be allowed to do so. We request police to vacate the place as these people entered a memorial and were loitering around after paying tributes. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, addressing the media, condemned the disruption and emphasized the importance of maintaining law and order. He accused UBT leaders of attempting to disturb peace after his departure from the memorial. Maintaining law and order is everyones responsibility. I pay homage at Thackeray memorial a day earlier to ensure there is no law and order problem. I condemn the attempt to disrupt peace. After I left, Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders Anil Desai and Anil Parab came with supporters and shouted slogans against me. An unnecessary attempt was made to disrupt peace, CM Shinde said. As the factions clashed, police intervened to restore order. A case has been registered at Shivaji Park Police Station against 50-60 unidentified individuals involved in the scuffle. No arrests have been made, and further investigation is underway under relevant sections of the IPC and Bombay Police Act. The clash underscores the tensions within the Shiv Sena, marking a turbulent chapter in the legacy of Balasaheb Thackeray. New Delhi: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed a monetary penalty on Axis Bank for violating several norms. The Central Bank added that the action is based on the deficiencies in regulatory compliance and is not intended to pronounce upon the validity of any transaction or agreement entered into by the bank with its customers. "RBI has, by an order dated November 02, 2023, imposed a monetary penalty of 90.92 Lakh (Rupees Ninety lakh and ninety-two thousand only) on Axis Bank Ltd. (the bank) for non-compliance with certain directions issued by RBI on Reserve Bank of India (Know Your Customer (KYC)) Directions, 2016, Loans and Advances Statutory and Other Restrictions, Guidelines on Managing Risks and Code of Conduct in Outsourcing of Financial Services by banks and Code of Conduct for Opening and Operating Current Accounts. This penalty has been imposed in exercise of powers vested in RBI conferred under the provisions of Section 47 A (1) (c) read with Section 46 (4) (i) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949," the central bank said. The Statutory Inspection for Supervisory Evaluation (ISE 2022) of the bank was conducted by RBI with reference to its financial position as on March 31, 2022, RBI said in its release. "A scrutiny was also conducted by RBI involving an account. The examination of the Risk Assessment Report/Inspection Report pertaining to ISE 2022, Scrutiny Report and all related correspondence in that regard, revealed, inter alia, that the bank (i) failed to preserve records pertaining to the identification of customers and their address in certain cases, (ii) made persistent calls to some of the customers, (iii) failed to ensure appropriate behaviour of recovery agents with some of the delinquent borrowers and (iv) failed to ensure a tape recording of the content/text of the calls made by the recovery agents to some of the customers and (v) did not obtain declarations from the customer at the time of opening of current accounts," RBI added. Consequently the central bank issued a notice to the bank advising it to show cause as to why penalty should not be imposed on it for failure to comply with the directions issued by RBI, as stated therein. "After considering the banks reply to the notice, oral submissions made during the personal hearing and additional submissions made by it, RBI came to the conclusion that the aforementioned charge of non-compliance was substantiated and warranted imposition of monetary penalty," RBI said. Hyderabad: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday unveiled a comprehensive election manifesto for the upcoming assembly polls in Telangana, promising six guarantees under the banner of 'Abhaya Hastham.' Here are the key highlights: - Congress President Shri @kharge launches the party's manifesto for the upcoming Telangana elections. Just as we fulfilled all our promises in Karnataka, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh & Chhattisgarh, we are similarly committed to fulfilling our promises to the people of Telangana. pic.twitter.com/xYcniw4nNv Congress (@INCIndia) November 17, 2023 1. Mahalakshmi Scheme - Empowering Women In a significant move, the Congress pledges to provide Rs 2,500 monthly financial assistance to women under the 'Mahalakshmi' scheme. Additionally, women will benefit from affordable gas cylinders priced at Rs 500 and free travel on TSRTC buses across the state. 2. Rythu Bharosa - Agricultural Support The party commits to offering financial assistance of Rs 15,000 per acre to farmers and tenant farmers. Agricultural labourers will receive Rs 12,000 annually, and a bonus of Rs 500 per quintal for paddy, ensuring comprehensive support under 'Rythu Bharosa.' 3. Gruha Jyothi - Powering Homes If Congress secures victory, it promises 200 units of free electricity for all households through the 'Gruha Jyothi' initiative, enhancing the living standards of the people. 4. Indiramma Indlu - Housing For All Under this scheme, families without a house will receive a house site, coupled with Rs 5 lakh financial assistance for construction, reinforcing the commitment to housing for all. 5. Yuva Vikasam - Education Empowerment 'Yuva Vikasam' ensures students' financial well-being with a Rs 5 lakh assistance card for college fees, emphasizing the party's dedication to youth development. 6. Cheyutha - Social Security In a move to provide social security, a monthly pension of Rs 4,000 will be extended to various groups, including senior citizens, widows, disabled individuals, beedi workers, and more. Health insurance of Rs 10 lakh is also on the agenda. While launching the party's manifesto, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge expressed confidence that these guarantees would help the people of Telangana realize their dreams. He emphasized the party's commitment to social justice, economic empowerment, and progress, vowing not to let the sacrifices of the Telangana movement go in vain. The manifesto launch coincided with ongoing polling in Madhya Pradesh, where Congress reaffirmed its commitment to fulfilling promises, citing successful implementations in Karnataka, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh. With Telangana Assembly elections scheduled for November 30, voters will decide the fate of political parties. The results, along with those from four other states, will be announced on December 3. In the 2018 Assembly election, the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) secured a significant victory, winning 88 out of 119 seats, while Congress secured 19 seats. Stay tuned for more updates on this crucial electoral battle in Telangana. TEL AVIV: In a surprising turn of events, a 2002 letter written by Al Qaeda founder Osama bin Laden to Americans has resurfaced on TikTok, gaining attention amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. The essay, originally written to justify the 9/11 terror attacks, has sparked controversy as some TikTok users endorse its message. TikTok Bans Promotion of Bin Laden's Letter TikTok has taken a stand against the promotion of Bin Laden's letter, announcing a prohibition on videos promoting its content, according to Reuters. White House Condemns Letter The White House also strongly condemned the sharing of Bin Laden's letter, especially in the aftermath of the October 7 massacre carried out by Hamas, resulting in the death of Israelis. White House Deputy Press Secretary Andrew Bates emphasized that there is never a justification for spreading the repugnant and antisemitic lies contained in the letter. Bin Laden's Opposition To US Policies The letter, originally published by The Guardian in 2002, outlined Bin Laden's opposition to US policies, government, and society, with a particular focus on military actions in the Middle East. It also defended the civilian casualties on September 11. Bin Laden's Stance On Israel, Jews A significant portion of the letter is devoted to Bin Laden's opposition to Israel and Jews. He labelled the creation of Israel as one of the greatest crimes, asserting that it must be erased. He disputed the historical right of Jews to Palestine and propagated antisemitic stereotypes about Jewish control over the economy, media, and policies. The second half of the letter outlined Bin Laden's vision of a world governed by Islamic law, condemning American society and perpetuating age-old antisemitic stereotypes about Jewish influence. The letter concluded with a threat, warning of dire consequences if Americans refuse to heed Bin Laden's advice. He ominously predicted a loss in the Crusade initiated by then-President Bush. Pro-Israel users on social media responded swiftly, ridiculing those in America supporting Bin Laden's ideology. The letter also covered various moral issues, including drugs, sex, gambling, and environmental policy, with Bin Laden accusing America of spreading AIDS as a "Satanic American Invention." After nearly a decade as the world's most wanted man, Osama Bin Laden was tracked down and killed by US special forces in Pakistan's Abbottabad in May 2011. New Delhi: The excitement surrounding the upcoming film Animal has been soaring ever since its announcement, and it's only intensified with the first glimpse of the film's lead pair, Rashmika Mandanna and Ranbir Kapoor. Fans have taken to social media to express their admiration for the duo, hailing them as the hottest on-screen pair. Ranbir Kapoor and Rashmika Mandanna stole the show at the first promotional event for their eagerly awaited movie, 'Animal', which took place in Hyderabad. Upon seeing the dynamic duo at the 'Unstoppable with NBK Limited Edition event, fans went wild with excitement, praising them as the #RaRa couple. Rashmika Mandanna, known for her infectious charm and bubbly personality, brings fresh energy to the screen, while Ranbir Kapoor, a seasoned actor with a captivating screen presence, adds depth and intensity to their pairing. Their contrasting personalities and undeniable chemistry have captured the hearts of fans, who are eagerly anticipating their on-screen romance in 'Animal'. The palpable excitement among the audience foretells the soaring anticipation for the onscreen chemistry between Rashmika Mandanna and Ranbir Kapoor in what promises to be a blockbuster film. The #RaRa fever is spreading fast, setting the stage for a cinematic spectacle with 'Animal' at its epicentre. Taking to social media, netizens showered love saying: One wrote Her Signature heart pose with Ranbir Whoever works with her rhey learns this @iamRashmika #RashmikaMandanna Her Signature heart pose with Ranbir Whoever work with her rhey learn this @iamRashmika #RashmikaMandanna pic.twitter.com/vsc9Dtkefd SecretRashmika's Fan (@Seacretfan) November 14, 2023 Another writes Cuties @iamRashmika #RanbirKapoor Hottest onscreen duo Right now A fan writes Akhir Animal ki promotion start hui @iamRashmik A fan writes Ranbir Rashmika #RanbirKapoor #RashmikaMandanna #Rashmika #Animal #UnstoppablewithNBK Actress Angels (@actressangels) November 14, 2023 With the promotions for 'Animal' in full swing, Rashmika and Ranbir's public appearances have further solidified their status as the 'hottest on-screen pair'. Their interactions, filled with laughter and mutual admiration, have only amplified the anticipation for their on-screen chemistry. Fans are eagerly awaiting the release of 'Animal' to witness the magic of Rashmika Mandanna and Ranbir Kapoor on the big screen. Their undeniable chemistry and contrasting personalities promise to deliver a captivating cinematic experience that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression. The duos adorable chemistry has already garnered a lot of love from the audiences in the teaser and the songs Hua Main and Satranga. The film is all set to hit the silver screens on December 1st and will be released in Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam, Tamil, and Kannada languages. Key Insights Given the large stake in the stock by institutions, CACI International's stock price might be vulnerable to their trading decisions A total of 13 investors have a majority stake in the company with 51% ownership Recent sales by insiders Every investor in CACI International Inc (NYSE:CACI) should be aware of the most powerful shareholder groups. With 88% 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 CACI International. View our latest analysis for CACI International What Does The Institutional Ownership Tell Us About CACI International? 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 CACI International. This can indicate that the company has a certain degree of credibility in the investment community. However, it is best to be wary of relying on the supposed validation that comes with institutional investors. They too, get it wrong sometimes. 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 CACI International's earnings history below. Of course, the future is what really matters. Investors should note that institutions actually own more than half the company, so they can collectively wield significant power. CACI International is not owned by hedge funds. The Vanguard Group, Inc. is currently the largest shareholder, with 10% of shares outstanding. In comparison, the second and third largest shareholders hold about 9.6% and 6.5% of the stock. Story continues Looking at the shareholder registry, we can see that 51% of the ownership is controlled by the top 13 shareholders, meaning that no single shareholder has a majority interest in the ownership. While it makes sense to study institutional ownership data for a company, it also makes sense to study analyst sentiments to know which way the wind is blowing. There are plenty of analysts covering the stock, so it might be worth seeing what they are forecasting, too. Insider Ownership Of CACI International 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. Most consider insider ownership a positive because it can indicate the board is well aligned with other shareholders. However, on some occasions too much power is concentrated within this group. We can report that insiders do own shares in CACI International Inc. It is a pretty big company, so it is generally a positive to see some potentially meaningful alignment. In this case, they own around US$93m worth of shares (at current prices). Most would say this shows alignment of interests between shareholders and the board. Still, it might be worth checking if those insiders have been selling. General Public Ownership The general public, who are usually individual investors, hold a 11% stake in CACI International. While this size of ownership may not be enough to sway a policy decision in their favour, they can still make a collective impact on company policies. Next Steps: I find it very interesting to look at who exactly owns a company. But to truly gain insight, we need to consider other information, too. For instance, we've identified 1 warning sign for CACI International that you should be aware of. 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. RAIPUR: An Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) jawan was killed in an IED blast carried out by Naxalites in Gariaband amid polling for the second phase of the assembly elections in Chhattisgarh on Friday. The slain ITBP jawan has been identified as Head Constable Joginder Singh. The incident took place near Bade Gobra village when a polling team, escorted by security personnel, was returning after conducting voting, a senior police official said. ITBP jawan killed in blast triggered by Naxalites in Chhattisgarh's Gariaband district amid polling for assembly elections Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 17, 2023 Sharing more details, he added after the Naxalites triggered the IED blast, reinforcement was rushed to the spot. IG Raipur Range Arif Sheikh said that the blast was carried out when the polling party were returning from the polling station. "IED blast was carried out by the Naxals targeting the polling party when they were returning from Bade Gobra polling station. ITBP head constable Joginder Singh died in the blast. The polling party and EVM machine reached Gariaband safely.," IG Raipur Range Arif Sheikh said. Chhattisgarh recorded 68.15 per cent voter turnout till 5 pm in the second phase of state Assembly polls on Friday, according to the Election Commission. Ambikapur recorded a voter turnout of 65.05 percent whereas Bharatpur Sonhat recorded 67.94 percent. Bilaspur recorded 56.28. Till 5 pm, the maximum voter turnout has been recorded in the Kurud constituency with 82.60 per cent, as per the Election Commission. The election body stated that that history has been created as for the first time, all the polling booths in the Raipur North Assembly Constituency in Chhattisgarh were staffed and managed completely by women polling personnel. The second phase of polling in Chhattisgarh, to its 90-seat Assembly on November 17, began in 70 Assembly constituencies spread over 22 districts in the State. The timing for polling is from 8 am to 5 pm except for nine polling booths in the Naxal-affected Bindranawagarh seat in Rajim district, where voting was held from 7 am to 3 pm. A total of 958 candidates are in the fray across the 70 seats for which polling is being held currently. Over 18,800 polling stations have been set up for the second phase of polling. Congress and BJP are engaged in a fierce fight with both parties seeking to outdo each other in terms of poll promises. The polls, coming nearly six months ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, are crucial for both the BJP and Congress for various reasons. The counting of votes for the five states including Rajasthan, Telangana and Mizoram will be done on December 3. Srinagar: In a major anti-terror operation, security forces gunned down five terrorists belonging to the Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) outfit in Kulgam district of South Kashmir on Friday, official sources said. The encounter, which started on Thursday afternoon, continued till Friday morning, as the terrorists were hiding in two different locations. The security forces have not yet recovered the bodies of the slain terrorists, as the operation is still going on. Meanwhile, in another operation, security forces foiled an infiltration attempt by terrorists across the Line of Control (LoC) in Uri sector on Wednesday. Two terrorists, including a top commander of LeT, Bashir Ahmed Malik, were killed in the gunfight. Malik was responsible for facilitating the infiltration of several terrorists from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) to Jammu and Kashmir, and his elimination is a major setback for the terror network across the LoC, the army said. The army launched Operation Kali in Uri sector on Wednesday, based on specific intelligence about the possible infiltration of terrorists. The security forces ambushed the terrorists when they were crossing the LoC, and engaged them in a heavy exchange of fire. One terrorist was killed in the initial contact, while the other was neutralized after a search operation in the area. The security forces recovered two AK series rifles, two pistols, four Chinese hand grenades, ammunition, medicines, eatables, Pakistani currency and a Pakistani national identity card from the slain terrorists. The army said that the operation was carried out in adverse weather and difficult terrain conditions, and praised the coordination and synergy between the army and the Jammu and Kashmir Police. The army also said that it will continue to thwart any attempts by the terrorists to disturb the peace and security in the state. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today launched a blistering attack on the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Addressing a party workers' meeting in Delhi, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said that the BJP and Modi cannot defeat AAP in the national capital. Kejriwal said that the way Aam Aadmi Party is growing, one day it will be on top of the nation, ahead of the BJP and the Congress. "Since AAP is growing fast, so it is natural that big conspiracies are being made against AAP. BJP and PM Modi realised that they couldn't win against AAP in Delhi as they lost assembly elections in 2014, 2015 and 2020. They lost the MCD election. So it was confirmed that they cannot win against AAP in Delhi by any means," said Kejriwal adding that the BJP and the central government hatched a conspiracy of 'Liquor policy scam'. Kejriwal claimed that the real liquor scam is happening in Gujarat. "Actual Liquor scam is happening in Gujarat. So many people have died here. Even a liquor scam took place in Haryana. When a hearing took place in the Supreme Court, the judge repeatedly the CBI to furnish even one piece of proof, but the CBI, and ED could not furnish any proof. The judge said the case would not hold even for two minutes," said Kejriwal. #WATCH | Delhi CM and AAP Convener Arvind Kejriwal says, " Since AAP is growing fast, so it is natural that big conspiracies are being made against AAP. BJP and PM Modi released that they can't win against AAP in Delhi...so they made a conspiracy ' Liquor policy scam'. Actual pic.twitter.com/WnIiwfBB4s November 17, 2023 The Delhi Chief Minister further alleged that the alleged liquor scam is fake and a conspiracy of the BJP. "They hatched a fake liquor scam and arrested our leaders like Manish Sisodia, Sanjay Singh, Satyender Jain and Vijay Nair and now they're going to arrest me. Their intention is to topple the AAP government and Narendra Modi ji wants to form a government in Delhi this way, they know they can't defeat us through elections. I want to tell Narendra Modi ji that you cannot defeat us in this life and you will have to take another birth to defeat us in Delhi," said Kejriwal. Kejriwal's attack on the BJP came days after the Enforcement Directorate issued a summon to him to appear before the agency in the alleged liquor scam case. The Archaeological Survey of India was to submit the Gyanvapi survey report to a court today in a sealed envelope. However, the government body sought more time from the court to finalize and submit the report. An advocate representing the ASI said the representation of the scientific investigation conducted in the Gyanvapi complex from August 4 to November 3 has not yet been received and due to this reason, the advocate requested an additional 15 days' time from the court. According to the report, the report will be submitted to the court after more than three months of the survey done by the ASI team. Over 50 officials were part of the ASI team doing the survey. Over 300 evidence including broken idols and signs were found during the survey. The report is likely to be submitted around 2pm. The Hindu side has claimed that the Gyanvapi Mosque is part of the Kashi Viswanath temple and thus they are allowed to perform puja there. However, the Muslim side has rejected the claims. Watch This Report Earlier this month, the Supreme Court refused to interfere with the order passed by the Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court, Justice Pritinker Diwaker, transferring the case relating to the Kashi Vishwanath temple-Gyanvapi Mosque dispute to another bench from a single-judge bench. In September, Hindu side advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, had informed that a new request was filed in the Varanasi district court aimed at transferring the ownership of the basement of the Gyanvapi complex, currently under the control of the Vyas family, to the District Magistrate. The 'tahkhana' (basement) under the possession of the Vyas family is situated in the southern section of the Gyanvapi mosque. The Vyas family of Varanasi continues to possess one of the four basements of the complex which were surveyed by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). In 1991, the Vyas family filed a case demanding the handover of the Gyanvapi mosque structure to Hindus, claiming that except for the upper structure, where namaz is offered and the domes, the entire structure still stands on the Lord Visheshwar temple. Uttarakhand Tunnel Rescue Updates: The rescue operations at the Uttarakhand tunnel to save the 40 trapped workers have entered the sixth day today. Since the November 12 collapse, the rescue workers have been facing a stiff challenge to make way to the workers trapped inside as rubble keeps falling and undoing the advances made. Meanwhile, the workers who ended up seeing the darkness instead of Diwali's light are starting at uncertainty and are bound to face physical and mental challenges due to the accident. Medical professionals have stressed the importance of thorough rehabilitation for the workers who were trapped, expressing concerns that the extended period of confinement might require extensive mental and physical recovery procedures. Meanwhile, another drilling machine is being airlifed from Indore. "We have reached 24 metres inside which is a good situation. We are trying to reach the other end as soon as possible...We are airlifting another machine from Indore, it will reach here tomorrow morning," said NHIDCL Tunnel Project Director Anshu Manish Khalko. He further said that the situation is very fragile and equilibrium needs to be maintained. "But when it seems that nature is fragile, there might be more vibrations, where equilibrium needs to be maintained, the situation is very fragile. The morale of the people also needs to be maintained... The food and water supply and the psychological state of the stuck workers are well... They are being talked to by psychological experts... All of them are fit physically and mentally..." he said. Meanwhile, the International Tunnelling and underground space association has offered assistance to the Indian rescue team engaged in the evacuation operation of 44 labourers trapped after a tunnel collapse in Uttarkashi. Uttarkashi SP Arpan Yaduvanshi said that four pipes have been weilded and work is underway round the clock. "If there are no hindrances by the debris, we will be able to make the tunnel and rescue them at the earliest...We can't give you a deadline as to when will the operation be complete but the technical workers are working hard round the clock and this will conclude at the earliest. All of them will be rescued...," he said. According to latest update, drilling upto a depth of 25 metre has been completed after which the machine hit a metal part inside. Efforts are being made to cut through the metal using a gas cutter and the drilling work has been halted for the timebeing. #UPDATE | Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand: Morning visuals of Silkyara Tunnel. 4 pipes have been laid after removing the debris through the Ogar machine. After removing the debris, about 70 meters of pipe will have to be laid, and then the process of evacuating the workers will begin. pic.twitter.com/CWWIB2KrvU ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) November 17, 2023 The collapse of a section of the Silkyara Tunnel on November 12 led to the entrapment of 40 construction workers amid the rubble. Specialized rescue teams from Thailand and Norway, including the team renowned for their successful rescue of children trapped in a Thailand cave back in 2018, have united efforts to support the ongoing rescue mission. According to the latest update, the technicians are drilling the hole with the Auger machine and so far, they have drilled over 24 metres into the debris. The Auger drilling machine is known for its effectiveness and strength. It is anticipated to carve through 70 meters of rock, a significant portion of which collapsed from the roof during the rescue operation, within an estimated time frame of 12 to 15 hours. If there are no further hurdles, the workers may be taken out either by the end of the day today or early tomorrow. Colonel Deepak Patil, heading the rescue operations for the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), mentioned, "Union Minister General VK Singh (Retd) visited the site and interacted with the labourers. He provided assurance, which was well received by the labourers." Patil also highlighted that drilling activities have recommenced, significantly accelerating the pace of the rescue operations. Rajouri: In a major crackdown on Pakistan-backed terror groups, the Indian Army and Jammu-Kashmir Police on Friday jointly launched a massive operation following encounters that resulted in the elimination of five terrorists in Kulgam and one in Rajouri. The joint operation is a result of a coordinated effort between the Indian Army, Rajouri Police, and paramilitary forces in Behrot, Budhal in the Rajouri district following the encounter. The operation was triggered when security forces, acting on specific intelligence, approached a targeted house, prompting terrorists to open fire. "In the ensuing operation, one terrorist was killed," confirmed J&K Police. The identity of the deceased is under verification. Subsequently, a substantial cache of arms, including 1 AK 47, 3 magazines, 3 grenades, and 1 pouch, was recovered from the site. The area remains cordoned off as a meticulous search operation progresses. Kulgam Encounter: 5 LeT Terrorists Killed A separate cordon-and-search operation in Nehama village, Kulgam, led to an intense 18-hour gun battle with Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) terrorists. The operation, initiated based on credible intelligence, witnessed a tight cordon around the suspected area. Sharing more details, South Kashmir DIG Rayees said, "Contact was established with terrorists of the Lashkar-e-Taiba who were hiding in some residential houses... In the encounter, 5 terrorists of the proscribed terror outfit, Lashkar-e-Taiba, were neutralised... The recoveries in the operation include. 4 AK series rifles, 2 pistols, 4 grenades and other arms and ammunition... This operation is a big success because these terrorists have been in a no. of attacks on minorities..." Inspector General of Police, Kashmir Zone, V K Birdi also later confirmed the demise of five LeT terrorists, identified as Sameer Ahmad Sheikh (PAFF), Yasir Bilal Bhat, Danish Ahmad Thokar, Hanzullah Yaqoob Shah, and Ubaid Ahmad Padder (all TRF). Drone footage aided in locating the bodies of the slain terrorists. The operation faced a temporary suspension overnight as the security forces maintained their position around the targeted area. Renewed gunfire erupted at Samno in Nehama, Kulgam, leading to a blaze in the house where the terrorists were hiding. This compelled the militants to emerge from their hideout. The neutralized terrorists had affiliations with PAFF and TRF, both considered shadow outfits of the Lashkar. Sameer Ahmad Sheikh had joined militant ranks in 2021, while others had enlisted either last year or this year. In this significant crackdown against terrorism, the security forces have not only eliminated immediate threats but also disrupted potential future attacks. The recovery of a substantial weapons cache underscores the gravity of the situation, emphasizing the ongoing commitment to safeguarding peace and stability in the region. Get ready for the much-awaited 72nd annual Miss Universe pageant, happening soon in El Salvador on November 18. Anticipation is mounting as contestants from 90 countries compete for the prestigious title, aiming to succeed R'Bonney Gabriel from the United States. The selection process involves personal statements, in-depth interviews, and presentations in evening gowns and swimwear. TV presenters Jeannie Mai Jenkins and Maria Menounos, along with former Miss Universe Olivia Culpo, will host the esteemed pageant. Elevating the glamour, the event will showcase a live musical performance by the legendary 12-time Grammy winner John Legend. Anticipation will be high as the next global beauty queen is crowned on this thrilling night of talent and glamour. Where Will Miss Universe 2023 Be Held? Miss Universe 2023 will be hosted in San Salvador, El Salvador, at the Jose Adolfo Pineda Arena, chosen as the venue for this year's event, accommodating up to 13,000 attendees. Also read: Strengthening Relationship: 8 Tips To Improve Understanding With Your Partner Miss Universe 2023: When And Where To Watch The national costume competition is scheduled for November 16 at 9:00 p.m. EST, following the preliminary competition on November 15 at 8:00 p.m. EST. This year's unique collaboration with Live Bash means you can catch both competitions via livestream. In the US, Telemundo will broadcast it in Spanish, and The Roku Channel will provide streaming access. Indian viewers can watch the final competition on Miss Universe's YouTube channel and X account, starting at 6:30 am on November 19, according to Indian Standard Time. Who Is Representing India In Miss Universe 2023? Shweta Sharda, a 22-year-old model and dancer from Chandigarh, is set to represent India in the 72nd Miss Universe contest after winning the 2023 Miss Diva Universe title. Having moved to Mumbai at the age of sixteen with her mother, Shweta completed her undergraduate studies at the Indira Gandhi National Open University. Her journey includes participation in well-known TV reality shows such as Dance Deewane, Dance Plus, and Dance India Dance. Additionally, she has been signed as a choreographer for Jhalak Dikhlaja. How Is Miss Universe 2023 Different? This edition holds special significance, symbolizing groundbreaking changes in the organization's history. It underscores a dedication to progress and inclusivity, with Maria Camila Avella Montanez and Michelle Cohn of Colombia and Guatemala respectively breaking barriers as the first mothers and married women to compete in the pageant. Their involvement signifies a noteworthy change, disrupting stereotypes and redefining the notion of a Miss Universe contestant. Additionally, Rikkie Valerie Kolle from the Netherlands and Marina Machete from Portugal are poised to make history as the second and third trans women to participate in Miss Universe, following Angela Ponce's precedent in 2018. Adding to the historic moments is Pakistan's inaugural entry into the Miss Universe pageant, with Erica Robin representing the country. New Delhi: Music sensation King is currently basking in the adoration of fans across the country, recently experienced a remarkable testimony to his unwavering fan base. Following an unforgettable encounter with the artiste, a dedicated fan, fuelled by boundless admiration, took an extraordinary step to express her love and appreciation for the young musician. This extraordinary display of devotion materialized in the form of a permanent tribute a meticulously crafted tattoo replicating King's distinctive autograph, now adorning the fan's skin. This profound gesture goes above and beyond, illustrating the deep connection shared between King and his fans, affectionately referred to as 'Kings Clan.' It stands as a living testament to the enduring impact the artist's work has on individuals. King, celebrated for chart-topping hits such as "Maan Meri Jaan," "Tu Aake Dekhle," and the latest sensation, "Tu Jaana Na Piya," has carved a special place in the hearts of millions. His unique ability to resonate with diverse audiences is mirrored in the diverse cities he is set to enchant on his ongoing India tour, including Kolkata, Delhi, Pune, Lucknow, and more. New Delhi: Over the years Yash has become a formidable force, captivating audiences not only in India but across the globe. His journey from regional acclaim to pan India superstardom is a reflection of his extraordinary talent and unique charisma that resonates universally. During the latest episode of the renowned talk show, Koffee With Karan, the spotlight turned to Yash's global appeal. During the rapid fire round when Kareena Kapoor Khan was asked, "Which south actor would you like to be paired uo with? Prabhas, Ram Charan, Vijay Deverakonda, Allu Arjun and Yash" she expressed her desire to collaborate with the southern sensation and she promptly responded with "Yash," proudly declaring herself a 'KGF girl.' Yash's presence on the international stage has transcended geographical boundaries, making him a sought-after figure in the film industry. His meteoric rise, coupled with endorsements from industry peers like Kareena Kapoor Khan, reinforces his status as a true global icon. Yash has etched his name as a formidable talent with global appeal. He is not just a superstar; he is an icon who has united audiences from diverse backgrounds and cultures, proving that talent and authenticity are universal languages that transcend boundaries and create lasting legacies. Targeting Cookies These cookies may be set through our site by our advertising partners. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant adverts on other sites. They are also used to limit the number of times you see an advert as well as help measure the effectiveness of an advertising campaign. They do not store directly personal information, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. If you do not allow these cookies, you will experience less targeted advertising. Warren Buffett (left) and Charlie Munger. Eric Francis/Getty Images Warren Buffett is facing scrutiny after ProPublica reported on his personal stock trades. Charlie Munger dismissed the idea that Warren Buffett would enrich himself over his shareholders. Buffett cares far more about Berkshire Hathaway than his own fortune, his business partner said. Warren Buffett is in the rare and uncomfortable position of having his ethics questioned following ProPublica's report on his personal stock trades, but Charlie Munger delivered an impassioned defense of his business partner to CNBC this week. "I don't think there's the slightest chance that Warren Buffett is doing something that's deeply evil to make money for himself," said the 99-year-old vice-chairman of Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway conglomerate. "He cares more about what happens to Berkshire than he cares what happens to his own money," Munger continued, pointing to Buffett's pledge to donate virtually all of his wealth to good causes. Since 2006 the investor has gifted more than half of his Berkshire stock which makes up more than 99% of his net worth to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and four of his family's foundations. The idea that Buffett enriched himself at the expense of his shareholders is "not a plausible argument," Munger said. "It's one more ridiculous thing that's said about Berkshire." CNBC's Becky Quick, who interviewed Munger, pointed out that he hadn't read the ProPublica story. ProPublica, citing leaked IRS tax returns from 2000 to 2019, raised questions about Buffett's personal portfolio. It accused him of selling Wells Fargo, Walmart, and Johnson & Johnson shares worth a combined $80 million around the same time that Berkshire was buying or selling those three stocks. The investigative-journalism nonprofit said the trades appeared to break the rules that Buffett himself imposed at Berkshire. Employees with inside knowledge of what the company is trading or plans to trade are barred from buying or selling those securities. Story continues ProPublica also pointed out that Buffett has publicly said he avoids having securities in his personal portfolio that Berkshire holds or has in its sights, to avoid any potential conflicts of interest. Buffett personally sold nearly $500 million worth of shares in the roughly 20-year period, and disposed of bonds worth much more, the outlet said. Read the original article on Business Insider New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed concern about the growing threat of 'Deep Fake' videos in the country, amplified by the rise of Artificial Intelligence. Modi emphasized the need for the media to educate people about this danger. His statement comes in the wake of a controversy and significant outrage online over deepfake videos featuring South Indian actress Rashmika Mandanna and Katrina Kaif. "I came across a video where I was depicted singing a Garba song. There are numerous similar videos circulating online," stated PM Modi, expressing his growing concern about the significant threat posed by Deepfake technology. He emphasized the potential for this technology to cause substantial problems for all of us. Deepfake technology utilizes Artificial Intelligence to modify or manipulate real videos seamlessly, making it challenging to distinguish them from authentic ones. Unfortunately, some individuals with malicious intentions are using this technology to tarnish the reputation of celebrities or ordinary people by creating and sharing deepfake videos online to achieve their goals. For instance, there was a viral video where the face of Rashmika Mandanna was digitally placed on the body of a British Indian actress entering a lift. While all aspects of the video appeared genuine, the manipulated face caused the controversy. Earlier, Union minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar responded on the deepfake videos and said they are more dangerous and damaging form of misinformation. He even directed social media intermediaries to ensure that they have legal obligations to remove such content from the platform under the IT act. Next Door Pediatrics, a Children's Wisconsin clinic at 2561 N. 29th St. in Milwaukee's Metcalfe Park neighborhood, plans to stop offering pediatric primary care services in December. The news has come as a shock to area parents who take their children there. Faith leaders, activists and parents are calling on Children's Wisconsin to keep open a primary care office in Milwaukee's Metcalfe Park neighborhood that is slated to close next month that they say is vital to detecting and preventing lead poisoning in children. Next Door Pediatrics, 2561 N. 29th St., will continue to provide dental services, but is preparing to halt primary care services in December and transfer those patients to other Children's Wisconsin clinics, the health system confirmed last month. The clinic is located in a part of the city where lead poisoning is rampant. In some areas within a one-mile radius of the clinic, as many as one in four young children who were tested for lead poisoning had high levels of lead in their system, according to data reported to the state Department of Health Services. Community members worry that if the primary care office closes, the lead problem will only get worse, in a community that needs lead testing and lead poisoning prevention the most. "In terms of Children's commitment to reducing lead poisoning, this clinic is really critical," said Dennis Jacobsen, a retired pastor and now a member of Hephatha Lutheran Church. "Since the pandemic, lead testing has been down," said Richard Diaz, of the Coalition on Lead Emergency, or COLE. "We fear that Childrens leaving will create even greater disparities to access to care or even access to testing." In a statement, Children's Wisconsin said it is committed to making sure all kids at risk of lead exposure in Milwaukee are tested. Mother says doctor at the clinic spotted son's lead exposure Deanna Branch, whose son Aidan was hospitalized twice for lead exposure, credits the clinic and one of its pediatricians, Dr. Lisa Chowdhury, with finally detecting high levels of lead in Aidan's blood when he was 2 years old. Before his diagnosis, Branch suspected something was wrong because Aidan was having mood swings and outbursts. Story continues "My son's first pediatrician kept telling me, 'It's just terrible two's,' " Branch said. She went to Next Door Pediatrics, for a second opinion. There, she said, Chowdhury listened to her concerns and got her son tested for lead exposure. The results showed Aidan had dangerously high levels of lead in his blood 40 micrograms per deciliter so much that he had to be hospitalized. Federals standards now consider anything above 3.5 micrograms per deciliter an elevated level of lead and possibly unsafe. Deanna Branch holds a photo of her son, who was hospitalized twice for lead exposure, during the news conference with Vice President Kamala Harris Monday, January 24, 2022 at the Wisconsin Regional Training Partnership/ BIG STEP at 3841 W. Wisconsin Ave. in Milwaukee, Wis. Harris was joined by Michael Regan, the Environmental Protection Agency Administrator, and two top Wisconsin Democrats, U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin and U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore. Harris was promoting the $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure law and focus on the push to replace lead pipes in Milwaukee and across the country. Branch says the clinic and Chowdhury are responsible for the recovery of Aidan, who is now 10 years old, and for helping her other children get treated for lead exposure or avoid it entirely. "The fact that this clinic is closing down, it just makes no sense to me, and it's going to really hurt us," Branch said at a protest outside of the clinic late last month. "For Dr. Lisa (Chowdhury) to make Aidan feel comfortable, a child that has been constantly poked for lead, to make him feel excited and comfortable to go to a clinic, that says a lot about the kind of person she is. We need more doctors in the community like her." Before her son's ordeal, Branch didn't know much about lead exposure, much less how to prevent it in her children. Now, she is an activist focusing on lead exposure, who was invited to this year's State of the Union address as President Joe Biden's guest, where he sought to highlight his administration's efforts to replace the nation's lead service lines over the next decade. Next closest Children's clinic is three miles away Branch and members of the Coalition on Lead Emergency met with Children's Wisconsin officials on Friday to discuss the planned closure of the primary care office. Diannia Merriett, a board member of COLE who was at the meeting, was not encouraged by what she heard. She said COLE would continue to push for the clinic to remain open. The next closest Children's Wisconsin clinic is Midtown Pediatrics in northwest Milwaukee, about three miles away. Patients may have to travel even further than Midtown if their pediatrician is moved to a different Children's clinic, such as Forest Home Pediatrics on the south side or River Glen Pediatrics in Glendale. If people don't have a car, even three miles is a long way away, Merriett said. "What are they going to do if they have to get on the bus with four kids to get to a doctor's appointment, especially with winter coming?" she said. Brenna Durkin, whose baby is a patient at the clinic, believes if the primary care office closes, more children will miss appointments and go without necessary health care. "Children's Wisconsin is creating a gaping hole that kids are going to fall through by doing this," she said. Early detection is key to reducing impact of lead exposure Early detection of lead in the blood is key to reducing long-term effects of lead exposure, the federal Centers of Disease Control and Prevention says. The state of Wisconsin recommends that all children in Milwaukee be screened for lead exposure at least three times before their third birthday. Not all pediatricians are diligent about testing young children for lead exposure, said Diaz, of COLE. But he said Children's and the pediatricians at Next Door clinic have put a strong emphasis on testing for lead. "If they try to close this clinic, this is going to put this community in a very, very rough situation," he said. Many children in Wisconsin missed their recommended blood lead testing during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, and blood lead testing still occurs less frequently than before the pandemic, according to the state health department. Fewer than 70,000 children in Wisconsin were tested for lead in 2022, compared to about 85,000 in 2019, according to state data. Children's Wisconsin has said it is closing the primary care office at Next Door Pediatrics because of space and size constraints that do not allow us to consistently deliver the services our patients require. But several parents of patients with whom the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel spoke were not convinced by Children's Wisconsin's explanation and said it didn't make sense to them. Durkin, who was at last month's protest outside the clinic, said if the clinic wasn't big enough or didn't have the space to do everything Children's wants, the answer should not be to close it entirely. "Why not support this clinic more instead of closing it?" she said. "I think that theyre doing it because of money," she added. The Next Door clinic, which serves mostly patients on Medicaid or without insurance, operates at a loss, according to a nonprofit tax filing for Children's Medical Group, which is part of Children's Wisconsin and operates the system's more than 20 primary care offices. The filing says Children's Wisconsin makes up for the loss with money from the hospital system or with gifts made to the hospital foundation. Medicaid pays hospitals and other health care providers lower reimbursement rates than private insurance. Overall, Children's Medical Group reported losing about $20.8 million in 2022, when expenses outstripped its revenues of $78.9 million, according to annual financial statements. In a statement, Children's said "in no way was this a financial decision." "Well over 50 percent of our patients every year receive some form of Medicaid coverage and we are long-time advocates for keeping Medicaid strong for Wisconsin families," the statement, sent by spokesperson Ashley Janzen, said. "We are continuing the lease on the clinic, all our providers and staff are staying with Childrens, and we hope every patient family stays as well." Next Door clinic highlighted by Children's In the recent past, Children's has spotlighted the Next Door clinic's work, putting it on display in a 60 Minutes segment last year and highlighting the clinic's work to improve adolescent mental health. Along with the Midtown Pediatrics clinic in Milwaukee's northwest side, the Next Door clinic also is highlighted in the nonprofit tax filing for its work in underserved areas. "These clinics provide primary care services including preventive care, physicals, immunizations and treatment for illnesses to areas that previously did not have pediatric practices available to attend to the community's needs," the filing, from 2021, says. The Next Door clinic is one of only four primary care offices that Children's Wisconsin operates in the city of Milwaukee, in an area designated as having a shortage of primary care providers. Children's has more than a dozen other primary care clinics located in Milwaukee suburbs including Brookfield, Fox Point, Franklin, Greenfield, Mequon, New Berlin and Oak Creek. This story has been updated with a statement from Children's Wisconsin. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Group urges Children's to keep open clinic key to preventing lead poisoning (Bloomberg) -- Alphabet Inc. Chief Executive Officer Sundar Pichai said he expects China to be at the forefront of artificial intelligence, and said its important for the US to collaborate with the Asian nation on both regulation and innovation. Most Read from Bloomberg The scale of AI work in China is just astounding to see, Pichai said at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation conference in San Francisco, in an on-stage interview by Bloombergs Emily Chang. In some ways, China is going to be at the forefront of AI and thats a given. Thats going to require a strong working relationship, he added. No way you make progress over the long term without China and the US deeply talking to each other on something like AI, he said, drawing on his experience prioritizing the technology at Google. It has got to be an integral part of the process. Executives from Microsoft Corp., Citigroup Inc., Tesla Inc. and other large multinationals are meeting this week with Chinese President Xi Jinping and other Asian leaders, as well as US President Joe Biden. Pichai compared the need for global collaboration on AI safety to the importance of working together on climate change. If something goes wrong with AI technology in one country, it goes wrong for everyone on the internet, he explained. The CEO also talked about Googles yet-to-be-released Gemini, a large language model trained on massive data sets that will be competitive with other state of the art models to answer prompts with natural language responses. The CEO said that right now the company is focused on getting the 1.0 version of Gemini out as soon as possible, before releasing more technically complex versions. Story continues I am extraordinarily excited for innovation coming ahead, he said. We built the company for this moment. (Adds comments on Google innovation in the final paragraph) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Analysts need to adjust to China's new economic model. Pictured: Shanghai. (Photo: Shutterstock/atiger) NEW YORK Chinas economy has played a central role in ocean shipping for two decades, driving goods exports aboard container ships, fuel imports aboard tankers, and imports of iron ore, coal and grain aboard bulkers. Whenever the global economy flagged over the years, there was China, jumping in with stimulus, saving the day for shipowners. Now, the era of rapid Chinese economic growth and large-scale government intervention is over, according to Leland Miller, founder and CEO of China Beige Book, a provider of independent data on China. During a presentation at the Marine Money Ship Finance Forum in New York City on Thursday, and in a subsequent interview with FreightWaves, Miller explained why shippings owners, investors and analysts need to recalibrate their thinking on China. He further predicted that relations between China and the U.S. will continue to deteriorate. You can have a Xi-Biden summit and you can have a bunch of pandas come back this way from China, but thats not going to stop what is happening, he warned the day after Americas and Chinas presidents met in San Francisco. Miller told FreightWaves that he believes markets are heavily underpricing the risk of an eventual war between the U.S. and China, a scenario with enormous consequences for ocean shipping. Sentiment missed the mark in both directions The markets are notoriously bipolar on China. Just look at 2023, said Miller. At the beginning of the year, coming out of COVID, everybody was absolutely sure there was going to be a rally and huge economic growth, and of course that didnt happen. Then the markets flipped in the other direction and by this summer, we were dealing with questions on whether China was collapsing and whether the property market could create a Lehman moment for China. Of course China is not collapsing. It is amazing how sentiment went from extreme optimism to extreme pessimism and none of it was based on what was actually happening in the economy, he said. Story continues What was actually happening in the economy was much more nuanced. There was a sequential recovery in everything but the property it was better than 2022, and that economic activity was much weaker than expected but not cataclysmic. The markets are just getting around to this conclusion months later, he said. Numerous shipping stocks have followed the same basic pattern as China sentiment this year: rising sharply in January and February on expectations of a post-COVID reopening boost from China, then falling back starting in March after it became clear that the China boost wasnt coming. They are not going to push the stimulus button Chinas much-weaker-than-expected recovery has fueled months of speculation that the central government will pull the trigger on large-scale stimulus, spending its way out of low growth as it has in the past and indirectly subsidizing shipowners yet again. Shipping analysts continue to highlight stimulus potential. We are optimistic that Chinese infrastructure stimulus spending and further efforts to stabilize the property market will result in stable Chinese iron ore demand in the coming quarters, wrote Deutsche Bank analyst Amit Mehrotra on Wednesday. According to Miller, There seems to be this belief that Xi Jinping sits in a room and theres a button that says stimulus on it and hes just sort of circling around that button. And maybe he doesnt do it today or tomorrow but its only a matter of time before he hits that button. Because for the last 20 years, what has China taught us? That they like high levels of growth and theyre eventually going to jam that button down and everythings going to be OK. They are not going to push that stimulus button, asserted Miller. Xi Jinping is no longer worried about high levels of growth. The Chinese economic growth model we were taught to track for the past 20 years is over. Lower structural demand for dry bulk commodities The old model was for high growth, juiced by credit-fueled development in the property sector growth for growths sake. The new model, he said, focuses on slower but healthier growth, making China stronger from within, and distributing wealth more broadly. Its not that growth is suddenly going to die, but it does mean that the economic growth model we grew up with is over. Analysts of China have been much too bearish cyclically [i.e., recent fears of a collapse] but far, far too bullish structurally. The Communist Party realizes it cant take non-productive property development down too quickly, as property traditionally accounts for 25% of the economy. Therefore, it is culling weaker developers by allowing them to fail, then intervening with new credit before a contagion effect ensues. It is a gradual cull the herd and ventilate process to reduce propertys importance to the economy, which Miller believes will take over a decade to complete. What this means for commodities and metals is that Chinas model focused on build, build, build is gone, but that doesnt mean the property sector is going to disappear and a country with 1.4 billion people doesnt need to build stuff. Container exports, auto exports, crude imports Meanwhile, containerized goods export data tracked by China Beige Book have gotten really weak to the U.S. and pretty weak to Europe, but exports to Asia have held up quite well. Chinas ability to export a lot to its Asian neighbors has continued to ramp up but its ability to keep up high levels of exports to the West is greatly diminished. When you look at the political environment, U.S.-China relations are getting uglier and uglier, Miller added. I think the trajectory of the relationship does not just get worse but much worse in the coming years. I would expect more tensions and more export controls. A lot of the companies we work with are diversifying away from a complete reliance on Chinese markets and supply chains. Miller told FreightWaves that Chinas now-booming automotive exports will be the next big trade flash point. The car exports are going to be the story of the next five years, the next chapter that is about to begin, because the EU and U.S. are going to move to ring-fence their markets from the Chinese. Its going to become another trade war, he opined. FreightWaves also asked Miller about the surprisingly high volumes of crude oil China has imported this year, seemingly at odds with its weak post-COVID economic recovery. Why are crude imports so much higher if the economy is doing this? First of all, the economy was never as bad as people thought it was. Its not collapsing. The property sector is not doing well but the rest of the economy is doing better, so you should expect more crude oil [imports], he said. The second thing is that China has done a lot of strategic buying crude bought at discounts, filling up inventories because theyre worried in terms of the Taiwan stuff. Is this sort of the end of that and will it be tapering off now? Maybe. If this continues for another six to 12 months, then well be scratching our heads. War odds much, much higher than markets imply FreightWaves also spoke with Miller about the risk of a future war between China and the U.S. over Taiwan. A common perspective from shipowners speaking at conferences is that such an event would be so calamitous that they cant plan for it. There is also the view that fallout for both China and the U.S, would be so severe that it would be a case of mutually assured economic destruction, and thus, a deterrent to war. I do not agree with that, said Miller. I think the odds of something happening before the end of the decade are much, much higher than the markets are giving credit for. The market understanding of this that its way too damaging so its not going to happen is just wrong. If you play economist war games, you can come to the conclusion that it would cost too much financially and theres no way theyll do it [invade Taiwan]. One problem with that conclusion is that Xi Jinping does not play economic game theory, and we dont know what hes going through domestically and with his military. The other problem is that to China, Taiwan is like Texas is to the U.S. If Texas was being pulled by somebody else, we would go to war, the consequences be damned. Click for more articles by Greg Miller Related articles: The post China and global trade: Why stimulus is MIA and risks are rising appeared first on FreightWaves. Rocket Lab USA, a California-based maker of space satellite launch vehicles, plans to open a production plant in a former Lockheed Martin facility in Middle River and hire up to 65 people in the next two years. The cavernous plant on Eastern Boulevard in Baltimore County was left vacant after Lockheed Martin moved production of its vertical launch missile systems and other U.S. Navy warship equipment to a plant in New Jersey, a move it announced in early 2021 that led to the loss of 465 jobs. On Friday, Rocket Lab officials announced its planned Space Structures Complex in the 113,000-square-foot building it plans to renovate, continuing a history of more than 90 years of aerospace manufacturing at the site. The growing company, which will make its own rocket products as well as heavily-in-demand satellites for commercial and defense customers, becomes the second tenant at the Lockheed Martin site. Another facility is leased to ST Engineering, a Singapore-based global aerospace and engineering company that acquired the neighboring Middle River Aircraft Systems in 2019 for $506 million. Today we start an exciting new chapter for Rocket Lab and for Maryland, said Adam Spice, Rocket Labs chief financial officer, at Fridays event marking the companys expansion in Maryland. The company plans to develop and make carbon composite spacecraft buses, structural panels, satellite dispensers, aerostructures and heat shields, launch vehicle structures and more at the new plant. The site also will develop and supply carbon composite structures needed for Rocket Labs new medium-lift vehicle, Neutron. The company already makes a launch vehicle called the Electron, touted as the worlds first carbon composite orbital launch vehicle. It also makes spacecraft buses, including the Photon Lunar spacecraft, which delivered the CAPSTONE satellite to the moons orbit for NASA last year. During Fridays event, county and federal elected officials touted the significance of continuing decades of aerospace manufacturing in Middle River, where Lockheed Martin predecessor, the Glenn L. Martin Co., began building aircraft in 1929. Planned work at the site will boost jobs and the economy for both the county and state. But just as importantly, officials said, it will contribute to the nations efforts to remain globally competitive in new technologies in the satellite and space industries. Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (center) jokingly offers to cut the ribbon with his teeth as it proved too tough for ceremonial scissors. Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski Jr. (left), Rocket Lab CFO Adam Spice and Sen. Ben Cardin were also participating in the announcement of a new aerospace lab opening in Middle River at the former Lockheed Martin plant. The California-based maker of space satellite launch vehicles plans to open the production plant and hire up to 65 people in the next two years. Were in competition as to whether the free world will control the growth of that technology or whether autocratic states will control that future, said U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin, a Maryland Democrat who spoke along with U.S. Rep. C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger and Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski Jr. That couldnt be more clear in space, Cardin said. Will we control space or will we lose that edge to autocratic countries? Peter Beck, Rocket Lab founder and CEO, called the expansion a natural progression for the companys space system business. The company was attracted to the Middle River site in part because of the proximity to its operations in Virginia, including a growing assembly, integration and test complex at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport and production for the Electron and Neutron rockets at NASAs Wallops Flight Facility on the Eastern Shore. Rocket Lab CFO Adam Spice stands in the former Lockheed Martin plant in Middle River where his company plans to open the production plant and hire up to 65 people in the next two years. Spice said Friday that the company searched all along the Eastern seaboard for a production facility that would be large enough to accommodate its equipment and had access to water. Jobs at the new plant will include composite technicians, production engineers, manufacturing and supply chain positions, and others. Rocket Lab already had a presence in Maryland, operating a manufacturing facility for satellite separation systems in Silver Spring. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore praised Rocket Labs expansion to the Baltimore region as a step toward expanding the states space industry. Renovating this significant Baltimore County site and creating dozens of new jobs will stimulate opportunity for the region, Moore said in a news release. The state is giving Rocket Lab a $1.56 million loan through the Department of Commerces Advantage Maryland program to help with project costs. Rocket Lab also is eligible for various incentives and tax credits tied to job creation. The aviation and aerospace industry has a long history in Middle River. Glenn L. Martin Aircraft once employed tens of thousands of workers there, and during World War II, employment grew from 3,500 workers to a peak of 53,000. The company produced thousands of aircraft and bombers, including the workhorse B-26 Marauder. The company merged with American-Marietta Corp. to form Martin Marietta in 1961 and began producing missiles, space hardware and guidance systems. Employees built the Titan II rocket in the 1960s. It ultimately merged with Lockheed in 1995 to form Lockheed Martin. Rocket Lab was founded in 2006 by a New Zealand entrepreneur who thought there might be a market for a low-cost rocket to put small satellites into orbit. The company moved to the U.S. in 2013. It will continue its current manufacturing for launch vehicles and spacecraft at facilities in Long Beach, California, where its headquartered; Albuquerque, New Mexico; and Auckland and Warkworth, New Zealand. The Electron launch vehicle is the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket, the company said. It has delivered 171 satellites to orbit for commercial and government partners, including NASA, the U.S. Air Force and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. The companys new reusable launch vehicle, Neutron, is designed for the constellation deployment of multiple satellites and interplanetary missions. Rocket Lab said its technology has been used in more than 700 space missions, including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Psyche Mission, Artemis I, Mars Ingenuity helicopter and the U.S. Space Forces missile warning satellites. Rocket Labs transformative investment, in the Middle River site will propel the future not just for Baltimore County but also our state and country, Olszewski said. It really is cool when you think about what is going to be happening on this site, a new generation of aerospace projects that will continue to have us dream big and think about whats possible, the county executive said. Editors Note: Sign up for CNNs Meanwhile in China newsletter which explores what you need to know about the countrys rise and how it impacts the world. China is willing to be a partner and a friend of the United States, Chinese leader Xi Jinping told American business leaders in San Francisco on Wednesday, as he sought to court US businesses amid a decline in foreign investment in China. In a speech evoking decades of shared history and laden with symbols of warm US-China ties, Xi told a dinner event on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum that the most fundamental question shaping bilateral relations is whether they the countries are rivals or partners. If we regard each other as the biggest rival, the most significant geopolitical challenge and an ever-pressing threat, it will inevitably lead to wrong policies, wrong actions and wrong results, Xi told an audience that included Apple CEO Tim Cook and Tesla CEO Elon Musk. China is willing to be a partner and friend of the United States, he added. Xi was given a standing ovation by the executives. His speech came a few hours after he held extensive talks with US President Joe Biden, where the two leaders made positive steps in stabilizing rocky relations between the worlds top two economies. Hosted by the US-China Business Council and the National Committee on US-China Relations, the evening offered Xi a chance to appeal directly to American executives, who have grown increasingly wary of Chinas economic slowdown and Xis tightening grip on the economy, including a widening national security crackdown that has spooked foreign businesses. In his speech, Xi struck a conciliatory tone, saying China and US should not engage in a zero-sum game, in which one wins at the expense of the other. China has never bet on the United States to lose, has never intervened in US internal affairs and does not intend to challenge or replace the US. China is happy to see a confident, open and prosperous US, Xi said. Story continues Similarly, he said, the US should welcome a peaceful, stable and prosperous China. Xi dedicated a significant part of his speech to highlighting long-standing relations between the American and Chinese people and the important role they played in fostering diplomatic relations. He reached deep into history to name check the Flying Tigers a group of American pilots who helped China fight Japan during World War II. He also cited his own unforgettable experience staying with an American family in Iowa during his first trip to the US nearly four decades ago. To me, they are America, he said of his host family. Xi recalled entering the US on that trip through San Fransisco, which he said formed his first impression of America. The then 31-year-old also posed for a photo in front of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, a picture he says he has kept to this day. This morning President Biden dug (the photo) out from somewhere and showed it to me, he said to a ripple of laughter in the room. In an effort to foster personal ties between the two countries, China will invite 50,000 young Americans to visit China for exchanges and studies over the next five years, Xi said. We need to build more bridges and pave more roads for people-to-people exchanges, instead of erecting various obstacles and creating a chilling effect, Xi said. Economic challenges Dexter Roberts, director of China affairs at the Mansfield Center at the University of Montana, said Xis overtly friendly tone was a reflection of Chinas economic troubles. Chinas economy enjoyed a solid start to 2023 after emerging from three years of Covid restrictions, but the recovery fizzled out in the second quarter. It is now grappling with mounting challenges, ranging from weak consumer spending and a deepening property crisis to a slump in foreign investment. Earlier this month, a gauge of foreign direct investment into China slipped into the red for the first time since 1998, underscoring the countrys failure to stem capital outflows. This isnt a good time, given the state of the economy, to have hostile relations with American businesses and with the United States, said Roberts. When the economy goes south, top Chinese leaders start to say: We want to work with foreign businesses and our own private companies. Liu Dongshu, an assistant professor focusing on Chinese politics at the City University of Hong Kong, said China needs to signal its willingness to open amid its economic woes. China wants to have a better diplomatic, international environment to boost (business) confidence, Liu said. This is why China wants to shift its narrative a little bit and wants to be nicer and have a warmer tone and attitude, to signal that China is still a good place to invest, he said. While rising geopolitical tensions are partly to blame for the exodus of capital, with the US imposing investment restrictions on Chinas high-tech sector, foreign companies and investors have also grown wary of increasing risks within the country, including the possibility of raids and detentions. Under Xi, China has further expanded the scope of its anti-espionage law, raided US consultancy and due-diligence firms and detained executives in the name of national security, sending a chill through the foreign business community. Meanwhile, an intensifying regulatory crackdown has also shaken the Chinese business community, where more than a dozen top executives from sectors including technology, finance and real estate have gone missing, faced detention or been subjected to corruption probes this year. Fred Hu, founder and CEO of Primavera Capital Group, told the Bloomberg New Economy Forum in Singapore last week that Chinese entrepreneurs are lying low, or lying flat. This sense of insecurity, in my observation, in the Chinese entrepreneur community, is really I have not seen it like this since 1978, Hu said, referring to the year China embarked on a path of reform and opening in the aftermath of the Cultural Revolution. The single biggest priority in my mind is legal reform, is really to establish true rule of law that is essential for the healthy function of (a) modern market economy, which China is, he said, stressing the importance of protecting entrepreneurs from arbitrary political interference and worse, even prosecution. If China really commits to rule of law and market reforms, I do think the confidence will slowly but surely come back, then the animal spirit will be rekindled, he added. CNNs Simone McCarthy and Michelle Toh contributed reporting. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Chinas President Xi Jinping, fresh off his meeting with President Biden this week, was greeted with applause at a dinner in San Francisco with Americas biggest CEOs topping the guest list. Apple CEO Tim Cook, Teslas Elon Musk, BlackRocks Larry Fink and FedEx CEO Rajesh Subramaniam were among the executives in attendance, along with high level executives from Boeing and Honeywell, as well as Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo. Some business leaders reportedly shelled out nearly $40,000 to dine with Xi as highlighted by Rep. Mike Gallager (R-WI) via X who made his first trip to the U.S. in over six years to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. Critics say the event is a win for China and not the U.S, economy. "Xi Jinping faces the worst economic environment in probably 40 years, and thats why you see him coming over to court U.S. CEOs" said Mary Kissel, executive vice president, Stephens Inc., during an interview on FOX Business Network. "I think this is a propaganda coup for him and I dont think it has any economic significance at all" she said. ELON MUSK ACCUSES ADL OF SPREADING ANTI-WHITE HATRED READ ON THE FOX BUSINESS APP Chinas economy has been slowing since around 2012 when annual GDP neared 8%. Stripping out the COVID-19 slide and rebound, growth in 2023 is expected to rise 5.4%, according to the International Monetary Fund. Kissel also warned about Chinas infractions, including Xis support of Russia against Ukraine, Iran, human rights violations against the Uyghurs, military sparing with Taiwan and years of intellectual property theft. Despite the backlash, the U.S.-China Business Council and the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations, co-hosts of the meeting, defended the event. "We were honored to host President Xi consistent with our longstanding tradition of co-hosting events for visiting leaders from China. These events give people from both countries the opportunity to hear directly from Chinese and US government leaders. Constructive communication leads to a more stable and productive US-China relationship and is in the best interest of both countries and the global community" the two said in a joint statement. Story continues The iShares MSCI China ETF, with $6.8 billion in assets, is down 9% this year, while the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust, which mirrors the U.S. stock market, is up over 17% through Thursday. FOX Business Networks Edward Lawrence contributed to this report. Original article source: China's Xi scores 'propaganda coup' with US CEOs Indonesia President Joko Widodo announced the National Cervical Cancer Elimination Plan through Joint Statement with President Joe Biden WASHINGTON, Nov. 16, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Crowell & Moring International worked closely with the Indonesian Ministry of Health to develop a comprehensive plan to eliminate cervical cancer, one of the leading types of cancer-related death among women. The Republic of Indonesia announced the National Cervical Cancer Elimination Plan for Indonesia (2023-2030), earlier this week in a joint statement released by President Joe Biden and Indonesian President Joko Widodo as the two leaders marked a historic new phase of bilateral cooperation and friendship. (PRNewsfoto/Crowell & Moring LLP) Both leaders reiterated their shared commitment to fighting infectious diseases. Biden announced that the United States welcomes and supports Indonesia's Declaration on Cervical Cancer Elimination through the National Cervical Cancer Elimination Plan (2023 to 2030) and the two governments reiterated their shared intent to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health threat. "Indonesia is leading by example and setting an ambitious mark for how partners can collaborate to end this devastating disease," said Sejal Mistry, director at Crowell & Moring International, "We congratulate Indonesia on this life-saving health initiative and look forward to building our partnership with the Indonesian Ministry of Health to develop the comprehensive plan to end cervical cancer in Indonesia." Earlier this week, CMI moderated a panel discussion to launch the Elimination Plan and to reinforce commitments to cervical cancer elimination in Indonesia and all APEC economies. The Indonesian Minister of Health, Budi Gunadi Sadikin, emphasized unity for a future where cervical cancer is no longer a public health concern, affecting women and their families irrespective of socioeconomic background. In Indonesia, over 103 million women face the risk of cervical cancer, with approximately 36,000 new cases annually and around 21,000 deaths in 2020. Story continues The plan builds upon Indonesia's progress towards the World Health Organization's global strategy for cervical cancer elimination and the APEC Cervical Cancer Roadmap, an initiative which CMI proudly led. Meeting the WHO "90-70-90" targets could potentially save over 1 million Indonesian women by 2070. The ambitious plan goes further, targeting 90% HPV vaccination of both girls and boys, 75% screening with HPV-DNA testing for women aged 30-69, and 90% treatment for pre-cancer and invasive cancer by 2030. Minister Budi reiterated, "In our fight against cervical cancer, we must collaborate. Collectively, we can equip women with the tools they need to fend off this devastating disease. Let our collaboration and determination make cervical cancer preventable, inexpensive, and manageable for every woman." CMI is an active partner to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in the battle against cervical cancer throughout the region, kicking off the initiative a decade ago. Indonesia's Elimination Plan represents a critical step forward in the efforts to combat cervical cancer and protect the health of Indonesian women and girls. Since the start of the initiative, APEC has played a vital role in promoting innovative collaborations for cervical cancer prevention and control, culminating in the development of the APEC Cervical Cancer Roadmap. CMI continues to engage APEC and its members to implement the Roadmap both regionally and domestically by facilitating the sharing of best practices, fostering cross-sector collaboration, and conducting a comprehensive assessment of each APEC economy's progress towards elimination. Collective commitment to cervical cancer elimination was further strengthened during the 3rd Senior Officials Meeting in Seattle this year when CMI, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the Thai Ministry of Public Health hosted Minister Budi, ministers of three other APEC Economies, and senior representatives from eight other economies in a dinner dialogue. This Friday is Cervical Cancer Elimination Day of Action, marking three years of the WHO Global Strategy to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem. Indonesia's National Cervical Cancer Elimination Plan will positively impact the health and lives of all Indonesians, and serves as a model for other nations to commit to cervical cancer elimination. About Crowell & Moring International LLC We advise the world's leading companies and partner with globally-recognized institutions and organizations to shape policy outcomes with governments and within the premier international and multilateral forums. Working with our clients to immerse ourselves in their issues, we create targeted engagement strategies leveraging international policy-making organizations and building innovative partnerships from the ground up and apply our geopolitical, government relations, and policy expertise to deliver the business results they seek. Media Contact: Email: prteam@crowell.com Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cmi-supports-launch-of-plan-to-end-cervical-cancer-in-indonesia-301991438.html SOURCE Crowell & Moring International SpaceX Elon Musk: a problem for the U.S. government and society (Britta Pedersen / Associated Press) The question of how you solve a problem like Elon Musk has crossed the line from an amusing little parlor game to an issue with serious implications for anyone doing business with him, including major corporations and the U.S. government. Little that Musk says or does escapes popular notice, but a tweet he posted Wednesday on X, the platform he owns which was formerly known as Twitter, is in a category all his own. Musk replied to a user's antisemitic tweet accusing Jewish communities of "pushing the exact kind of ...hatred against whites that they claim to want people to stop using against them." The user went on to accuse "western Jewish populations" of supporting the flooding of the U.S. by "hordes of minorities." Musk's reply was: "You have said the actual truth." Within hours, his tweet had attracted more than 6 million views. Monitors of far-right tenets recognize this one as the "great replacement theory." It holds that Jews are behind a movement to import nonwhite immigrants in order to diminish the political standing of the white majority. The American Jewish Committee, in a tweet of its own, called it "the deadliest antisemitic conspiracy theory in modern U.S. history." You have said the actual truth. Elon Musk endorses an openly antisemitic tweet A white nationalist and Nazi claim, it was the theme of the antisemitic "unite the right" rally in Charlottesville, Va., in 2017 and the motivation behind the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting in 2018, in which 11 worshipers were shot to death. The perpetrator of the synagogue terror attack, Robert Bowers, has been sentenced to death. This is not the first time that Musk has purveyed antisemitism on X. In September, he accused the Anti-Defamation League of destroying much of the value of X by pressuring advertisers to abandon the platform. The ADL, because they are so aggressive in their demands to ban social media accounts for even minor infractions, are ironically the biggest generators of anti-Semitism on this platform, Musk tweeted. Story continues He was responding to a tweet quoting the far-right conspiracy-monger Alex Jones calling the Anti-Defamation League the most pro-Hitler organization Ive ever seen. Musk asserted that the ADL is somehow complicit in creating the very thing they complain about! Read more: Column: Elon Musk comes around to blaming the Jews Musk's decimation of the content-moderation team at X has opened the gates to a torrent of antisemitic, racist and hate speech of all varieties at the platform. Linda Yaccarino, the former television executive whom Musk appointed CEO of X in May, has claimed in tweets and other public statements that the platform is acting aggressively against hate speech. "Xs point of view has always been very clear that discrimination by everyone should STOP across the board," Yaccarino tweeted Thursday as the uproar over Musk's tweet was mounting. "X has also been extremely clear about our efforts to combat antisemitism and discrimination. There's no place for it anywhere in the world it's ugly and wrong. Full stop." Plainly, her effort to tamp down X's reputation as a haven for hate speech assuming it genuinely exists has failed. Whether it can be taken seriously as long as it is explicitly undermined by the owner of X is doubtful. On Thursday, IBM announced that it was suspending its advertising on X indefinitely. The company's action came the day after the watchdog organization Media Matters for America documented that its ads had appeared on X next to Nazi content. Apple also withdrew its advertising, according to Axios. So has the film studio Lions Gate Entertainment. Ads for numerous other prominent companies, including Comcast's NBCUniversal and Oracle, have also appeared next to hateful content, according to Media Matters. Comcast has said it is investigating the report; as of this writing, Oracle has been silent. The European Commission also said its services would halt paid advertising on X and other social media platforms. "We have seen an alarming increase in disinformation and hate speech on several social media platforms in recent weeks, an EC spokesman said, naming X specifically, according to Variety. We have therefore advised services to refrain from advertising at this stage on concerned social media platforms, where we have concerns that such content appears in an inappropriate context and thus affects the effectiveness of our communication and our messages. The X account pages of EC agencies will remain accessible for official communications, the spokesman said. Following the latest Musk tweet, a group of more than 160 Jewish community leaders called on "Disney, Apple, Amazon, and other large advertisers to stop funding X through their ad spend," and for Apple and Google to remove X from their app stores. "Make no mistake," the leaders stated: "Elon Musk is not only powerful because of his own riches. It is because these companies and leaders empower him. In so doing, they are participants in mainstreaming hate that leads to murders." Musk's amplification of antisemitism also poses a problem for the U.S. government and thus for American taxpayers generally. SpaceX, a private company he controls, is a major partner holding contracts from the Defense Department and NASA. Musk's behavior raises the question of whether any company he leads can be an appropriate government contractor. At a press briefing in August, Pentagon spokesman Patrick S. Ryder dodged that question. Read more: Column: Scientists used to love Twitter. Thanks to Elon Musk, they're giving up on it Asked whether the Defense Department would review Musk's security clearances, Ryder said, "We have well-developed processes and procedures to look at things like contracts and services that [are] person-independent personality-independent....We'll continue to conduct business with a wide variety of partners in industry, and I'll just leave it at that." Musk's behavior presents a quandary for the government agencies because their outsourcing of crucial services and infrastructure to commercial companies such as SpaceX leaves them with few practical alternatives. NASA, for example, recently signed a $5-billion contract for 14 astronaut missions to the International Space Station through 2030. The government's ability to act in response to expressions of sympathy with white supremacist and Nazi thinking is unclear. Government regulations dating back to the 1980s list several grounds for "debarment" that is, banning companies from bidding on contracts and suspension of existing contracts. These include committing fraud or other criminal offenses related to obtaining or performing the contract, antitrust violations, and "embezzlement, theft, forgery, bribery, making false statements, tax evasion, or other similar offenses." None of these clearly applies to Musk's tweets. The regulations, however, also incorporate a catch-all provision applying to indications of "a lack of business integrity or business honesty that seriously and directly affects the present responsibility of a Government contractor or subcontractor." Presumably, Musk's federal contract supervisors would have to make the case that his amplification of antisemitic and white supremacist thinking falls into that category. The government has been grappling with the behavior of Musk in connection with its SpaceX contracts. In August, the Department of Justice sued the company for discriminating against legal asylum seekers and refugees in hiring, a violation of U.S. law. Earlier this month, a federal judge in Texas blocked the lawsuit, agreeing with SpaceX's position that administrative law judges such as the one who would hear the case did not have the constitutional authority to do so. The Defense Department also tangled with Musk over his claim to have unilaterally shut down or blocked Ukraine's access to SpaceX's Starlink broadband internet service. That action conflicted with U.S. interests in the region; the Pentagon later said it would buy Starlink's terminals and service for Ukraine, taking them out of SpaceX's hands. None of this leaves the government entirely bereft of leverage over Musk. SpaceX will be dependent on government contracts for years, if not decades. Nothing mandates that the Pentagon and NASA fund the company or treat it as a suitable bidder in the future, as long as it's associated with Musk. That's especially true now that he has shown himself to be more than a mere embarrassment to anyone doing business with him. He's a social virus. His promotion of antisemitism risks fomenting violence that could cost innocent lives. He has made clear his thoughts and beliefs, which occupy the darkest reaches of inhumanity. It's time to start hacking away at his influence. Get the latest from Michael Hiltzik Commentary on economics and more from a Pulitzer Prize winner. Sign me up. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Key Insights The projected fair value for ComfortDelGro is S$2.30 based on 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity ComfortDelGro is estimated to be 42% undervalued based on current share price of S$1.33 Our fair value estimate is 53% higher than ComfortDelGro's analyst price target of S$1.50 How far off is ComfortDelGro Corporation Limited (SGX:C52) from its intrinsic value? Using the most recent financial data, we'll take a look at whether the stock is fairly priced by projecting its future cash flows and then discounting them to today's value. The Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model is the tool we will apply to do this. Models like these may appear beyond the comprehension of a lay person, but they're fairly easy to follow. We generally believe that a company's value is the present value of all of the cash it will generate in the future. However, a DCF is just one valuation metric among many, and it is not without flaws. For those who are keen learners of equity analysis, the Simply Wall St analysis model here may be something of interest to you. Check out our latest analysis for ComfortDelGro The Model We're using the 2-stage growth model, which simply means we take in account two stages of company's growth. In the initial period the company may have a higher growth rate and the second stage is usually assumed to have a stable growth rate. To start off with, we need to estimate the next ten years of cash flows. Where possible we use analyst estimates, but when these aren't available we extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the last estimate or reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years. Generally we assume that a dollar today is more valuable than a dollar in the future, and so the sum of these future cash flows is then discounted to today's value: Story continues 10-year free cash flow (FCF) forecast 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 Levered FCF (SGD, Millions) S$280.4m S$279.2m S$280.2m S$282.5m S$285.9m S$290.0m S$294.7m S$299.8m S$305.3m S$311.1m Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x2 Analyst x2 Est @ 0.34% Est @ 0.84% Est @ 1.20% Est @ 1.44% Est @ 1.62% Est @ 1.74% Est @ 1.82% Est @ 1.88% Present Value (SGD, Millions) Discounted @ 7.3% S$261 S$243 S$227 S$213 S$201 S$190 S$180 S$171 S$162 S$154 ("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St) Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = S$2.0b We now need to calculate the Terminal Value, which accounts for all the future cash flows after this ten year period. The Gordon Growth formula is used to calculate Terminal Value at a future annual growth rate equal to the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield of 2.0%. We discount the terminal cash flows to today's value at a cost of equity of 7.3%. Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2033 (1 + g) (r g) = S$311m (1 + 2.0%) (7.3% 2.0%) = S$6.0b Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= S$6.0b ( 1 + 7.3%)10= S$3.0b The total value, or equity value, is then the sum of the present value of the future cash flows, which in this case is S$5.0b. To get the intrinsic value per share, we divide this by the total number of shares outstanding. Relative to the current share price of S$1.3, the company appears quite good value at a 42% discount to where the stock price trades currently. 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. If you don't agree with these result, have a go at the calculation yourself and play with the assumptions. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at ComfortDelGro 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 7.3%, which is based on a levered beta of 1.053. 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 ComfortDelGro Strength Debt is not viewed as a risk. Dividends are covered by earnings and cash flows. Weakness Earnings declined over the past year. Dividend is low compared to the top 25% of dividend payers in the Transportation market. Opportunity Annual earnings are forecast to grow faster than the Singaporean market. Good value based on P/E ratio and estimated fair value. Threat Annual revenue is forecast to grow slower than the Singaporean market. Looking Ahead: Whilst important, the DCF calculation shouldn't be the only metric you look at when researching a company. It's not possible to obtain a foolproof valuation with a DCF model. Preferably you'd apply different cases and assumptions and see how they would impact the company's valuation. For example, changes in the company's cost of equity or the risk free rate can significantly impact the valuation. Can we work out why the company is trading at a discount to intrinsic value? For ComfortDelGro, we've compiled three relevant items you should explore: Risks: As an example, we've found 1 warning sign for ComfortDelGro that you need to consider before investing here. Future Earnings: How does C52'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 Singaporean 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. Community Foundation of North Florida logo. In the aftermath of Hurricane Idalia, the Community Foundation of North Florida (CFNF) activated its Disaster Relief Fund and received a $350,000 grant from the Walmart Foundation to provide disaster relief to Madison and Taylor counties. CFNF has also received contributions from other community foundations and individuals, to support its efforts to help those most impacted by the hurricane. CFNF's approach to Madison County relief efforts has been rooted in leadership support from State Representative Allison Tant, and direct engagement with community leaders, emergency management, and the FEMA Volunteer Liaisons for Madison County. This hands-on approach has allowed CFNF to gain insights into the unique challenges faced by Madison County residents. Working collaboratively with the Madison County Strong Long Term Recovery Group, a newly formed organization dedicated to community resilience, CFNF will provide tailored financial relief support. This strategic partnership ensures that assistance is aligned with the identified and evolving needs of Madison County. For Taylor County, CFNF has had leadership support from state Sen. Corey Simon, R-Tallahassee, and engaged with several community leaders, nonprofit organizations, and the FEMA Volunteer Liaisons. CFNF will work with the long-term recovery group that residents are working to establish. Short-term relief support has been provided to the Boys and Girls Club of North Central Florida (BGC). BGC received a $38,000 grant to repair fencing damage at four of its locations and a shade structure for locations that lost natural shade due to the destruction of trees on the properties. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Community Foundation of North Florida receives $350,000 grant from Walmart Decklar Resources Inc. Decklar Resources Inc. (Decklar) and its co-venturer Millenium Oil & Gas Company Limited (Millenium) announce that they have obtained necessary permits required to sell and export crude oil from the Oza Oil Field, including the approximately 8,000 bbls previously delivered to Umugini Pipeline Infrastructure Limited (UPIL) and held in storage at the Forcados export terminal tank farm as well as future exports through the Bonny Terminal. Trucking of crude oil has continued from the Oza Oil Field to the Edo Refinery and Petrochemicals Company Limited (ERPC) and the Duport Midstream Company Limited (DMCL) refinery in Edo State. Total trucked deliveries have now surpassed the 75,500 bbl mark. Decklar and Millenium have received four of the five permits required to commence exports through the Trans-Niger Pipeline (TNP) and the Bonny Export Terminal. The last remaining permit required to allow for access and injection of production from the Oza Oil Field into the TNP for transport to the Bonny Terminal is for the fiscal metering unit, which has been re-certified and tested in the field. CALGARY, Alberta, Nov. 17, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Decklar Resources Inc. (TSX-V: DKL) (OTCQX: DKLRF) (FSE: A1U1) (the Company or Decklar) and its co-venturer Millenium are pleased to announce receipt of necessary permits required to sell and export crude oil from the Oza Oil Field and to provide updates regarding crude oil trucking operations and progress re-establishing pipeline access at the Oza Oil Field in Nigeria. Sale of Crude Oil in Storage with UPIL Decklar and Millenium have obtained necessary permits required to sell and export crude oil from the Oza Oil Field, including the approximately 8,000 bbls previously delivered to UPIL and held in storage at the Forcados export terminal tank farm. Further arrangements are being made to complete the process of having the stored crude oil lifted and sold. These permits also enable the future sale and export of crude oil through the Bonny terminal. Story continues Continued Trucking and Sale of Crude Oil to Refineries Trucking of oil from the Oza Oil Field has continued to the ERPC facility and to the DMCL refinery, both located in Edo State, Nigeria. Delivery of a total of over 75,500 bbls has been completed to date, with over 60,000 bbls delivered to ERPC and over 15,000 bbls delivered to DMCL. Progress to Re-Establish Pipeline Access Decklar and Millenium have completed re-certification of fiscal metering equipment and continue to await the final permit and approval from Nigerian government agencies to allow for access and production into the TNP. The TNP flows into the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC) operated Bonny export terminal and was reopened in April 2023. The TNP had been shut down for over one year due to damage, vandalism and high line losses. Efforts and support from the Nigerian government are credited to a great degree for the resumption of operations. Sanmi Famuyide, CEO of Decklar Resources, said, We are very pleased to have received the export permit that will now enable Decklar and Millenium to export and sell the crude oil we have in storage at the Forcados terminal and to export crude oil shortly after we start delivering through the TNP and Bonny terminal. This is a significant milestone, and it is expected that the Company will soon be realizing its first export sales proceeds. For further information: Sanmi Famuyide Chief Executive Officer Telephone: +234 703 332 2265 Email: sanmi@decklarresources.com David Halpin Chief Financial Officer Telephone: +1 403 816 3029 Email: david.halpin@decklarresources.com Investor Relations: info@decklarresources.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Language Certain statements made and information contained herein constitute "forward-looking information" (within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation), including, but not limited to, statements regarding: obtaining necessary permits and agreements to allow access and production into pipelines, the timing for payment of crude oil sales, the final execution of necessary agreements to sell additional crude oil, and the maintaining of stable crude oil production. All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical facts, are forward-looking statements. Such statements and information (together, "forward looking statements") relate to future events or the Company's future performance, business prospects or opportunities. There is no certainty that definitive agreements in respect of the Transaction will be entered into, or that any conditions precedent contained therein will be satisfied on terms satisfactory to the parties or at all. All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking statements. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as "seek", "anticipate", "plan", "continue", "estimate", "expect, "may", "will", "project", "predict", "potential", "targeting", "intend", "could", "might", "should", "believe" and similar expressions) are not statements of historical fact and may be "forward-looking statements". Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. The Company believes that the expectations reflected in those forward-looking statements are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking statements should not be unduly relied upon. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable laws. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties relating to, among other things, changes in oil prices, results of exploration and development activities, uninsured risks, regulatory changes, defects in title, availability of materials and equipment, timeliness of government or other regulatory approvals, actual performance of facilities, availability of financing on reasonable terms, availability of third party service providers, equipment and processes relative to specifications and expectations and unanticipated environmental impacts on operations. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The Company provides 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. The Company does not assume the obligation to revise or update these forward-looking statements after the date of this document or to revise them to reflect the occurrence of future unanticipated events, except as may be required under applicable securities laws. Truth Socials parent company has lost $31.6m (25.5m) since it was set up in early 2021 - Dada Ruvic/Reuters Donald Trumps social network is facing substantial doubt over its future as it seeks to renegotiate debt repayments, according to US filings. Trump Media and Technology Group (TMTG), the parent company of Truth Social, has lost $31.6m (25.5m) since it was set up in early 2021, according to Digital World Acquisition Corp, a US shell company planning to take TMTG public. It recorded a loss of $59.1m in 2021 and a profit of $50.5m the following year, but lost $23m in the first half of 2023. In that period, it has taken in $5.9m in revenue. Digital World said in US stock market filings: TMTGs independent registered public accounting firm has indicated that TMTGs financial condition raises substantial doubt as to its ability to continue as a going concern. According to the filings, the company has borrowed almost $38m to fund the launch of Truth Social, a Twitter alternative with whom Mr Trump has an exclusive posting deal. It had $2.4m in cash at the end of June. It is seeking to extend repayment deadlines in order to complete a delayed merger with Digital World that would take the company onto the US stock market. The merger has been delayed amid questions from US regulators. Digital World said: As of June 30, 2023, and December 31, 2022, management has substantial doubt that TMTG will have sufficient funds to meet its liabilities as they fall due, including liabilities related to promissory notes previously issued by TMTG. It said that TMTG management was currently in discussions with certain existing noteholders regarding options for extending their notes respective maturity dates, and is working to raise funds through the issuance of TMTG convertible notes. It added that TMTG believes that it may be difficult to raise additional funds through traditional financing sources in the absence of material progress toward completing its merger with Digital World, but said that completing the deal would be sufficient to pay debts and continue operating. Story continues Mr Trump announced Truth Social in 2021, after being replaced as president and after being banned from Twitter for posts related to the January 6 assault. Although he has since been restored to Twitter under Elon Musks ownership, he has had an exclusivity deal requiring him to post on Truth Social first. That deal ended in June, although Mr Trump has verbally confirmed he will continue to abide by it, according to the filings. He has continued to post on Truth Social, only tweeting once: after his arrest in Georgia in August. Digital Worlds investors extended a deadline for completing the deal by 12 months in September Alongside the filing, Digital World submitted merger documents which it and TMTG said were a step towards completing the deal. Digital World chief executive Eric Swider said: it was a crucial milestone in our journey towards the potential merger with TMTG. Devin Nunes, TMTGs chief executive, said: We believe that today marks a monumental milestone toward completing the business combination, and we look forward to working with the SEC to bring this deal to a close as quickly as possible. Truth Social later said that the mainstream media had responded to the news by launching a momentous smear campaign against Truth Social and that it had demanded retractions. CORRECTION: An earlier version of this article based on wires copy, reported that TMTG had lost $50m last year and as a result, had lost $73m since Truth Social was launched in 2022. This was incorrect. In fact, TMTG recorded a profit of $50m in 2022. We are happy to correct the record. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. Key Insights Institutions' substantial holdings in Agnico Eagle Mines implies that they have significant influence over the company's share price A total of 25 investors have a majority stake in the company with 47% ownership Analyst forecasts along with ownership data serve to give a strong idea about prospects for a business To get a sense of who is truly in control of Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (NYSE:AEM), it is important to understand the ownership structure of the business. With 75% 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. And things are looking up for institutional investors after the company gained US$831m in market cap last week. One-year return to shareholders is currently 5.5% and last weeks gain was the icing on the cake. Let's delve deeper into each type of owner of Agnico Eagle Mines, beginning with the chart below. View our latest analysis for Agnico Eagle Mines What Does The Institutional Ownership Tell Us About Agnico Eagle Mines? 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. Agnico Eagle Mines 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. 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 Agnico Eagle Mines' historic earnings and revenue below, but keep in mind there's always more to the story. Story continues Investors should note that institutions actually own more than half the company, so they can collectively wield significant power. Agnico Eagle Mines is not owned by hedge funds. Looking at our data, we can see that the largest shareholder is BlackRock, Inc. with 6.3% of shares outstanding. In comparison, the second and third largest shareholders hold about 4.2% and 3.5% of the stock. On studying our ownership data, we found that 25 of the top shareholders collectively own less than 50% of the share register, implying that no single individual has a majority interest. While it makes sense to study institutional ownership data for a company, it also makes sense to study analyst sentiments to know which way the wind is blowing. There are plenty of analysts covering the stock, so it might be worth seeing what they are forecasting, too. Insider Ownership Of Agnico Eagle Mines While the precise definition of an insider can be subjective, almost everyone considers board members to be insiders. Management ultimately answers to the board. However, it is not uncommon for managers to be executive board members, especially if they are a founder or the CEO. Most consider insider ownership a positive because it can indicate the board is well aligned with other shareholders. However, on some occasions too much power is concentrated within this group. Our data suggests that insiders own under 1% of Agnico Eagle Mines Limited in their own names. As it is a large company, we'd only expect insiders to own a small percentage of it. But it's worth noting that they own US$34m worth of shares. In this sort of situation, it can be more interesting to see if those insiders have been buying or selling. General Public Ownership The general public-- including retail investors -- own 25% stake in the company, and hence can't easily be ignored. This size of ownership, while considerable, may not be enough to change company policy if the decision is not in sync with other large shareholders. Next Steps: While it is well worth considering the different groups that own a company, there are other factors that are even more important. To that end, you should learn about the 4 warning signs we've spotted with Agnico Eagle Mines (including 1 which is a bit concerning) . Ultimately the future is most important. You can access this free report on analyst forecasts for the company. NB: Figures in this article are calculated using data from the last twelve months, which refer to the 12-month period ending on the last date of the month the financial statement is dated. This may not be consistent with full year annual report figures. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Company Logo Dublin, Nov. 17, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Clinical Practice - Patient Perspective" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The report examines the patient perspective on the use of AI in healthcare settings in the US, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK, Japan, Brazil, Canada, India, and Mexico. Key takeaways from this report include: Younger patients were more confident that they understand artificial intelligence (AI) compared to older generations. Lack of in-person interaction was the number one patient concern associated with physicians using AI in clinical practice. Faster healthcare delivery and mitigation of healthcare staff shortages were selected as the main benefits associated with AI use in clinical practice. Patients familiar with AI were more convinced that AI could improve patients' care. Most patients felt more comfortable with physicians using AI to automate administrative tasks compared to directing patient care. Patents who were familiar with AI were more comfortable visiting healthcare practices that were using this technology. Physicians who had previous AI experience were more positive about patients being comfortable with the use of AI to support clinical decisions. AI implementation can improve patient monitoring technologies that are already used in healthcare. Despite being a relatively new technology, AI has been touted as a key driver of future healthcare innovation. AI is poised to improve healthcare in several ways, including streamlining clinical workflow, alleviating staff shortages, and enhancing patient diagnoses and treatment. While AI has enormous potential to disrupt clinical practice, and is expected to become a part of healthcare delivery processes, it is essential to ensure that it is safe, ethical to use, and that both physicians and patients have trust in AI. Scope This report combines information obtained from secondary sources and primary research with patients suffering from conditions such as heart diseases, diabetes, multiple sclerosis (MS), cancer, chronic respiratory conditions, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriasis, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The patient survey was fielded between July-August 2023. The interviews and surveys with physicians and KOLs were conducted during March-June 2023. Study objectives Story continues Assess patients' comfort level with physicians' using AI. Capture patients' opinions on AI use in clinical setting. Identify the processes within clinical practice that AI can improve the most. Explore the perceived advantages and disadvantages of AI. Compare patients' and physicians' opinions on the use of AI. Use Cases AI Tasked with a Challenge to Identify Breast Cancer AI Helps to Organize Electronic Healthcare Records AI's Bid on Tackling and Easing NHS Pressure Revolutionizing Public Health Management with Big Data and AI AI Proves to Be Helpful in Diabetic Care Reasons to Buy This report combines information obtained from secondary sources and primary research with patients, healthcare industry professionals, key opinion leaders (KOLs), and physicians from different therapy areas. It assesses the current use of AI in clinical practice. Captures physicians' and patients' opinions on the use of AI. Identifies the processes within clinical practice that AI can improve the most - according to both patients and physicians. Explores patients comfort level with visiting healthcare practices that use AI. Includes AI case studies. Key Topics Covered: 1 Executive Summary 2 Study Design 2.1 Objectives and Design 2.2 Respondent Mix 2.3 Respondent Profiles 3 Patient Perception of AI 3.1 Patient Familiarity Level with AI 3.2 Patient Concerns Associated with HCPs Using AI - by Geography 3.3 Perceived Benefits of AI - by Geography 3.4 Patients' Agreement Level with AI Improving Care 3.5 Patients' Agreement Level with AI Improving Care - by Geography 4 Patient Comfort with AI 4.1 Patient Comfort Level with Physicians Using AI 4.2 Patient Comfort Level with Physicians Using AI - by Geography 4.3 Patient Comfort with Visiting Practice that Uses AI 4.4 Patient Comfort with Visiting Practice that Uses AI - by Condition 5 Comfort with AI: Patients vs. Physicians 5.1 Physician Comfort Level with Using AI 5.2 Physician and Patients Comfort Level with Using AI 5.3 Physician Comfort Level with Using AI 6 Digital Health, Telemedicine, and AI 6.1 Patient Use of Digital and Connected Devices 6.2 Patient Use of Telemedicine 7 Use Cases 7.1 AI Tasked with a Challenge to Identify Breast Cancer 7.2 AI Helps to Organize Electronic Healthcare Records 7.3 AI's Bid on Tackling and Easing NHS Pressure 7.4 Revolutionizing Public Health Management with Big Data and AI 7.5 AI Proves to Be Helpful in Diabetic Care 8 Summary of Key Findings A selection of companies mentioned in this report includes Brunei's Ministry of Health Cedars-Sinai DreaMed Dyad EVYD Lunit National Health Service Teton.ai US Food and Drug Administration Vantage Health For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/az8tgk 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. CONTACT: CONTACT: ResearchAndMarkets.com Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@researchandmarkets.com 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 APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting kicks off in San Francisco with focus on sustainable future 05:14, November 17, 2023 By Tan Jingjing, Yang Shilong, Wu Xiaoling ( Xinhua SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- The 30th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting kicked off in San Francisco, the United States, on Thursday with an aim to build a more interconnected, innovative, and inclusive APEC region. The meeting, held in Moscone Center in downtown San Francisco, was chaired by U.S. President Joe Biden. "Our world stands at an inflection point where the decisions we make now going to determine the course of the world, not just a few of our countries, for the next several decades of consequence," Biden said in his opening remarks. "Every economy has seen signs of what is to come if we don't act," he said, citing droughts, floods, seas rising, temperatures rising and more unpredictable weather patterns. "We're responsible for the largest share of global emissions, so we must also bear responsibility for the solutions while we still have time to change course," Biden noted. He said climate security, energy security and food security are all related. Only by working together, can countries make real progress and meet the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, Biden said. This year, the world is on track to meet to climate finance pledge "that we made under the Paris Agreement of 100 billion U.S. dollars collectively," Biden said. As part of the Paris Agreement, the world's wealthier countries reaffirmed their commitment to mobilize at least 100 billion U.S. dollars of climate financing annually to help developing countries to adapt to climate change, invest in renewable energies and achieve low-carbon development. But getting there is a work in progress. Biden called on APEC economies to take strong national actions to address climate change. "With the right commitments from every economy here, we can limit warming, we can build new energy futures and leave no one behind," Biden said. The leaders' meeting, scheduled for Thursday and Friday, gathered political and business leaders from 21 APEC member economies. The meeting is the highlight of the APEC Leaders' Week, held in San Francisco from Nov. 11 to 17 with the theme of "Creating a Resilient and Sustainable Future for All." During the week, leaders, ministers and officials held discussions on APEC's work across a wide range of policy areas including trade and investment facilitation, the digital economy, clean energy and climate, health, gender equity and equality as well as anti-corruption and food security. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the first-ever leaders' meeting that took place in 1993, when then host country -- the United States -- upgraded the APEC meeting mechanism from the ministerial level to the level of an informal leaders' meeting. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Bethesda novelist Alice McDermott is on the hunt for sparkly loaded things, little golden question marks with wings that hover tantalizingly before her minds eye. Theres only one sure way to pin them down, by trapping them beneath her pen and then letting the crazy energy of everything the author doesnt understand pull her hand across the page. One of these mysterious little juggernauts is at the heart of Absolution, McDermotts ninth and possibly finest novel, which is set among the community of military wives in 1963 Saigon two years before the U.S. first sent combat troops to Vietnam. In this case, the unanswered question that gripped the 70-year-old authors imagination is how that all-American doll, Barbie, came to be wearing a white ao dai, the Vietnamese national dress. In 2019, McDermott was chatting at a party with one of those former military wives. The woman mentioned that while she and her husband were in Vietnam in the early 1960s, her friends sold native outfits for Barbie dolls. That sparked a memory from McDermotts childhood of being sent with her doll on a play date to New Yorks Long Island in the early 1960s. The other childs Barbie was wearing an ao dai that young Alice coveted. How in the world did that little outfit that was mentioned by this woman in 2019 at a cocktail party inside the Beltway end up on Long Island in this girls Barbie collection? the author wondered. So, I thought, Well, Im just going to have to make up an origin story.' But Absolution is about much more than doll clothes. Like all of McDermotts novels, it wrestles with intractable moral questions of good and evil, but framed as intimate human stories. Along with Marilynne Robinson, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of the Gilead series of novels, McDermott is one of the few contemporary fiction writers to write deeply and seriously about religious faith. Though their biographies are different (Robinson is a Calvinist Protestant, and her novels are set in Iowa), in the novels of both authors, their characters spiritual beliefs are the constant hum of background noise against which the plot is set. Like swimmers battling an undertow, the characters are pulled between the demands of their consciences and the compromises of modern life. Absolution tells the story of Tricia, an Irish Catholic girl from Yonkers who is sent to Vietnam with her engineer husband, Peter in 1963. The couple is immediately drawn into the American expatriate world of poolside parties and charity fundraisers and charming thank-you notes written on powder blue stationary. At one of these parties, Tricia meets Charlene, a force of nature, who quickly draws the younger and more naive woman into her orbit. Charlene concocts a plan to manufacture and sell ao dais for the newly-popular Barbie dolls to raise money to buy toys for hospitalized Vietnamese children suffering from war injuries. Later the women set about tailoring custom clothing for the residents of a leper colony. Among other things, Absolution examines the self-serving motivations of charitable impulses but also whether there might not be a real benefit derived from applying Band-Aids to the worlds unconquerable sorrow and pain. The book examines the negative consequences that can result from an excess of moral certitude, but also poses the opposite question, whether an over-abundance of empathy for others can interfere with forward movement. If you have too much moral uncertainty about what it means to do good, then you dont do anything, McDermott said. You can get paralyzed and end up taking no action whatsoever. These are precisely the kind of sparkly, loaded questions that tend to catch the eyes of prize judges; four of McDermotts previous novels were semifinalists or finalists for The National Book Award or the Pulitzer Prize for fiction, while a fifth, Charming Billy picked up both the National Book Award and the American Book Award in 1988. In addition to her novels, McDermott was a mainstay of The Writing Seminars at Johns Hopkins University for nearly a quarter of a century, from 1996 until she retired in 2019. She frequently is described as an Irish Catholic writer; many of McDermotts stories feature the nuns and gas station attendants and shoe store salesmen and lapsed seminarians who were her neighbors in her hometown of New York. At first glance, Absolutions setting in Vietnam seems a departure from the pattern. But the novel takes place during a period when two Roman Catholic leaders were making global headlines: the United States President John F. Kennedy and Vietnams controversial dictator, Ngo Dinh Diem. It was a moment in time when the CIA really was referred to in a tongue-in-cheek way as the Catholic Intelligence Agency,' McDermott said. Bill Donovan started the CIA, and they were recruiting Catholics as agents, because the Vaticans injunction to defeat Communism was very serious. In some ways I dont know if I could have told this story without Irish Catholicism, she said. Though McDermott originally hoped to visit Saigon while researching Absolution, her travel plans were disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Eventually, she realized that the Vietnam she was looking for, the era of 1960s Saigon, no longer existed. This cover image released by Farrar, Straus and Giroux shows Absolution by Alice McDermott. (Farrar, Straus and Giroux via AP) Instead, she read everything she could find about the war-torn Asian nation: novels, histories, journalism. Particularly influential was Graham Greenes The Quiet American, a spot-on critique written in 1955 of Americas dangerous and growing involvement in Vietnam. He was so prescient, McDermott said. He saw the catastrophe that was about to happen. But one thing that struck me was that all the women in his book were so uninteresting. At one point in The Quiet American, the journalist character is in a milk bar. He sees two young American women finishing their ice cream, and he thinks about how clean and uncomplicated they look. I thought, No, they arent uncomplicated. Young American women working in Saigon in the 1950s were actually really interesting people. Why didnt he talk to them?' Absolution is McDermotts response. Charlene, complicated and ethically ambiguous, is arguably among the great characters of contemporary literature. It is she who comes up with a functional working definition of virtue: Leading a moral life means refusing to look away from suffering. The author peoples Absolution with two guardian angel characters who protect the worlds most vulnerable inhabitants, and a devil who attempts to lure humans into mortal sin by draining away their desire to do good. McDermott imagines the Prince of Darkness as a physician who graphically describes the horror of a slaughter field he stumbles across a story that leaves his listeners, as she put it, completely devoid of hope in his presence. His message, McDermott said, is Be smart, be reasonable. The innocents are going to suffer. Get over it. Take care of your own families.' At one point in the novel, the devil and a guardian angel drive off together in a jeep. The author notes that it is tempting though ultimately impossible to imagine what they would have had to say to one another. Absolution was published Oct. 31 by Farrar, Straus and Giroux. 336 pages, $28. Montana Aerospace AG (VTX:AERO) shares have had a really impressive month, gaining 39% after a shaky period beforehand. Taking a wider view, although not as strong as the last month, the full year gain of 19% is also fairly reasonable. Even after such a large jump in price, Montana Aerospace's price-to-sales (or "P/S") ratio of 0.6x might still make it look like a buy right now compared to the Aerospace & Defense industry in Switzerland, where around half of the companies have P/S ratios above 1.5x and even P/S above 4x are quite common. 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 Montana Aerospace How Montana Aerospace Has Been Performing Recent times have been advantageous for Montana Aerospace as its revenues have been rising faster than most other companies. Perhaps the market is expecting future revenue performance to dive, which has kept the P/S suppressed. 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. Keen to find out how analysts think Montana Aerospace's future stacks up against the industry? In that case, our free report is a great place to start. Is There Any Revenue Growth Forecasted For Montana Aerospace? There's an inherent assumption that a company should underperform the industry for P/S ratios like Montana Aerospace's to be considered reasonable. If we review the last year of revenue growth, the company posted a terrific increase of 26%. The strong recent performance means it was also able to grow revenue by 120% in total over the last three years. Therefore, it's fair to say the revenue growth recently has been superb for the company. Shifting to the future, estimates from the three analysts covering the company suggest revenue should grow by 10% per year over the next three years. Meanwhile, the rest of the industry is forecast to expand by 11% per year, which is not materially different. Story continues With this information, we find it odd that Montana Aerospace is trading at a P/S lower than the industry. Apparently some shareholders are doubtful of the forecasts and have been accepting lower selling prices. What We Can Learn From Montana Aerospace's P/S? The latest share price surge wasn't enough to lift Montana Aerospace's P/S close to the industry median. Typically, we'd caution against reading too much into price-to-sales ratios when settling on investment decisions, though it can reveal plenty about what other market participants think about the company. We've seen that Montana Aerospace currently trades on a lower than expected P/S since its forecast growth is in line with the wider industry. Despite average revenue growth estimates, there could be some unobserved threats keeping the P/S low. At least the risk of a price drop looks to be subdued, but investors seem to think future revenue could see some volatility. You always need to take note of risks, for example - Montana Aerospace has 1 warning sign we think you should be aware of. Of course, profitable companies with a history of great earnings growth are generally safer bets. So you may wish to see this free collection of other companies that have reasonable P/E ratios and have grown earnings strongly. 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. Allied Analytics LLP The growth of the global industrial valves market is driven by growth in demand for automation in control industrial valves, surge in investments in the oil and gas industry in North America, and growth of the food & beverage processing industry in developing countries. Wilmington, Delaware, Nov. 17, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "Industrial Valves Market by Material type (Cast iron, Steel, Alloy based, and Others), by Valve type (Ball valves, Butterfly valves, Gate valves, Globe valves, Plug valves, Check valves, and Diaphragm valves), by Application (Oil and Power, Water and wastewater, Chemical, Food and beverage, and Others): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2022-2031". According to the report, the global industrial valves market generated $65.0 billion in 2021 and is estimated to hit $110.5 billion by 2031, registering a CAGR of 5.3% from 2022 to 2031. Request Sample PDF: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/2545 Drivers, Restraints, and Opportunities- The growth of the global industrial valves market is driven by growth in demand for automation in control industrial valves, surge in investments in the oil and gas industry in North America, and growth of the food & beverage processing industry in developing countries. On the other hand, the increased tariff on raw materials hampers the growth of the market. Nevertheless, advancements in technology are expected to offer new growth opportunities for the market. The globe valve segment held the largest market share during the forecast period- Based on valve type, the globe valve segment accounted for the major share in 2021, garnering around one-fifths of the global industrial valves market revenue. The butterfly valve segment, on the other hand, is anticipated to witness the highest CAGR of 5.8% throughout the forecast period, owing to its cost effectiveness and operational efficiency. Story continues Buy This Research Report (219 Pages PDF with Insights, Charts, Tables, Figures): https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/checkout-final/9fffd4889940d43f149c2079ad14fafc The steel segment is expected to maintain its lead trail during the forecast period - Based on material type, the steel segment dominated with the largest market share in 2021, holding over two-fifths of the global industrial valves market revenue. The alloy based segment is expected to portray the fastest CAGR of 5.9% during the forecast period, due to long durability & corrosive resistance of alloy valves. The oil & power segment is expected to lead the market during the forecast period- Based on application, the food & beverage segment is likely to showcase the fastest CAGR of 5.9% throughout the forecast period. This is attributed to the growth of food & beverage industry in Asia-Pacific. The oil & power segment, however, contributed to over two-fifths of the global industrial valves market share in 2021, and is estimated to rule the roost by 2031. Asia-Pacific generated the major share in 2021- Based on region, the Asia-Pacific region garnered the major share in 2021, generating nearly two-fifths of the global industrial valves market. LAMEA, on the other hand, is expecetd to manifest the fastest CAGR of 5.6% during the forecast period, attributed to rapid growth of manufacturing industry in Asia-Pacific. Inquire Before Buying: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/2545 Leading Market Players- Crane Fluidchem Valves (India) Pvt. Ltd Fluidline Valves Co. Pvt. Ltd. Forbes Marshall Gemini Valve Avcon Controls Pvt. Ltd. Bohmer GmbH EG Valves Manufacturing Co., Ltd. Emerson Electric Co. Flow Control Technology Valve Powell Valves Sap Industries Ltd Schlumberger Limited Sirca International S.p.A. The Weir Group plc Tianjin City Binhaihuayi Valve Co., Ltd. Davis Valve Flowserve Corp. Global Valve & Controls Goodwin International IMI plc Jag Valves KLINGER Holding Metso Corporation Microfinish Valves & Pumps Newmans Valve LLC Virgo Engineers Inc Walworth Anything Flows LLC The report analyzes these key players in the global industrial valves market. The report offers a detailed analysis of changing market trends, top segments, key investment pockets, value chains, regional landscapes, and competitive scenarios. Trending Reports in Valves Industry (Book Now with 10% Discount): Pilot Operated Pressure Relief Valves Market - Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032 Double Block & Bleed Valves Market - Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032 Thermostatic Radiator Valve Market - Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032 Continuous Aerosol Valve Market - Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032 Fan Coil Unit Valve Market - Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032 About us: Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Wilmington, Delaware. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions." AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain. We are in professional corporate relations with various companies, and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Allied Market Research CEO Pawan Kumar is instrumental in inspiring and encouraging everyone associated with the company to maintain high quality of data and help clients in every way possible to achieve success. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry. Contact us: United States 1209 Orange Street, Corporation Trust Center, Wilmington, New Castle, Delaware 19801 USA. Int'l: +1-503-894-6022 Toll Free: +1-800-792-5285 Fax: +1-800-792-5285 help@alliedmarketresearch.com Follow Us on | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube Overwhelming Employer Demand For AI Skills In New GMAC Survey Employers are reaching out to signal a desire for those with AI skills In October, the Graduate Business Roundtable published a survey showing that 74% of business schools have integrated generative artificial intelligence into their curricula. But earlier this year came the reason why: The Graduate Management Admission Council found as part of its big annual survey of employers that 74% are looking for tech skills in new hires and that they specifically want them to be proficient in AI and machine learning. GMACs annual Corporate Recruiters Survey comports exactly with the later finding by GBC Roundtable, formerly known as MBA Roundtable, a global association of B-schools whose mission is to advance graduate business education through curricular and co-curricular innovation. It also fits with the conclusions of a CarringtonCrisp report in March that showed that prospective MBA applicants around the globe want to lean in to capitalize on the perplexing wonders and plethora of unknowns presented by the newly popular technology. And GMACs survey lines up with what B-schools and Poets&Quants reporting has been indicating for years: AI is the big thing in B-schools right now, and for the foreseeable future. OTHER TECH SKILLS IN DEMAND, TOO In GBC Roundtables October survey, 68 B-schools, primarily located in the United States, were represented by 72 faculty and professionals who responded to questions about generative AI and the B-school curriculum. Just as three of four employers told GMAC that they want to hire those with AI skills, GBC Roundtable found that three of four (74%) report their B-school already teaches generative AI as subject matter in the curriculum today. For now, however, generative AI usage in the business school is limited: Only 15% say that it is significantly or fully taught as subject matter within the B-school curriculum, while one in five (19%) report dedicated courses for generative AI subject matter. Story continues GMACs Corporate Recruiters Survey came from over 1,000 surveys conducted between January and March 2023, with 34 nationalities represented. The full report was released in June. It focuses on future workplace skills employers see as growing in demand, and how global trends impact hiring decisions. Over half of the sample of employers came from Fortune 500 companies. Those looking to hire tech-focused grads made clear to GMAC that AI and machine learning are vital competencies to have. But proficiency in generative AI that is, AI capable of generating text, images, and other media is not the only technical or technological skill employers are seeking, GMAC found: Surpassing even the demand for AI, 80% of companies are seeking candidates with expertise in Web3, blockchain, and virtual reality skills; three-quarters of these companies emphasize the importance of skill in operating cloud-based technology. MULTILINGUALISM, ACTIVE LISTENING & CROSS-CULTURAL COMPETENCIES PRIZED Surveyed employers also highlighted communication, data analysis, and strategy expertise as the most essential skills for graduates and they expect to find these skills even more essential as time passes and global connectivity grows. Multilingualism, active listening, and cross-cultural competence were also valued skills for surveyed employers, particularly those in the tech and consulting industries, as they look ahead to the next five years. Regionally, employers in Western Europe and the Middle East had specific concerns regarding cross-cultural competence and nonverbal communication skills; employers in the United States, by contrast, were more critical of graduates essential communication skills: active listening, negotiating, and conflict resolution. U.S. employers also expressed lower confidence with how equipped graduates were in technology, software, and programming skills, GMAC writes, which 62% of the sample overall found to become even more important over the next five years. We are witnessing a significant transformation in the hiring landscape, with a clear shift towards the prioritization of cutting-edge technologies in recruitment, says Nalisha Patel, Europe regional director at GMAC, in a November 15 news release highlighting the findings of the survey. As technology continues to shape the future workplace, it not only changes how we work, what skills we need to be successful, but also it impacts with who we work with too. Read GMACs Corporate Recruiters Survey here. DONT MISS ITS HERE: HOW B-SCHOOLS HAVE STEADILY & CAUTIOUSLY INTEGRATED AI INTO THEIR CURRICULA and AI CERTIFICATES & SPECIALIZATIONS FOR MBAs The post GMAC Survey Confirms Overwhelming Employer Demand For AI Skills appeared first on Poets&Quants. Google's iPager ad Apple has promised to adopt RCS in 2024, and Google welcomes the company's contribution despite not adopting its encrypted extension for the standard. The Rich Communications Services messaging standard will finally come to iPhone later in 2024, but Apple won't be using Google's end-to-end encrypted extension. Despite that, Google has shared a message of welcome for Apple. Google shared a statement with AppleInsider: "Everyone deserves to communicate with each other in ways that are modern and secure, no matter what phone they have. Thats why we have worked closely with the mobile industry to accelerate the adoption of RCS, and we're happy to see Apple take their first step today by coming on board to embrace RCS. We welcome Apple's participation in our ongoing work with GSMA to evolve RCS and make messaging more equitable and secure, and look forward to working with them to implement this on iOS in a way that works well for everyone." Google has clearly won the battle after bashing Apple repeatedly for sticking to SMS as an alternative to iMessage. Now that Apple is working with the GSMA to enhance RCS, Google has everything to win. Apple says it intends to work with the GSMA to add encryption to the RCS Universal Profile -- something Google hasn't been able to do in all its years sponsoring the standard. Instead, Google had to create an extension of RCS that only works with Google Messages to enable end-to-end encryption. As Google said, Apple joining in the work on RCS will be a win for all users. Apple's involvement will likely be the lifeline the Google-backed standard needs, saving it from the ever-increasing Google graveyard. Grupo Aval Acciones y Valores S.A. (NYSE:AVAL) Q3 2023 Earnings Call Transcript November 16, 2023 Operator: Welcome to Grupo Aval's Third Quarter 2023 Consolidated Results Conference call. My name is Krista and I will be your operator for today's call. Grupo Aval Acciones y Valores S.A., Grupo Aval, is an issuer of securities in Colombia and in the United States SEC. As such, it is subject to compliance with securities regulations in Colombia and applicable US securities regulation. Grupo Aval is also subject to the inspection and supervision of Superintendency of Finance as holding company of the Aval financial conglomerate. The consolidated financial information included in this document is presented in accordance with the IFRS as currently issued by the IASB. Details of the calculations of non-IFRS measures such as ROAA and ROAE, among others, are explained when required in this report. A view of high-rises against an open sky, alluding to the commercial banking products & services offered by the company. Banco de Bogota executed a spin-off of a 75% equity stake in BAC Holding's International Corp, BHI, to its shareholders and Grupo Aval subsequently spin off its equity interest to its shareholders on March 29th, 2022. On December 19th, 2022, Banco de Bogota sold 20.89% of the outstanding investment of BHI through a tender offer. As of December 31st, 2022, Banco de Bogota held 4.11% of BHI. This investment is reflected as an investment at fair value through other comprehensive income. Following the sale, the equity method recognized under the share of profit of equity accounted investees, net of tax equity method between April and November was reclassified to discontinued operations. For comparability purposes of this presentation, we have reclassified BHI's equity method for the second and third quarter of 2022 to net income from discontinued operations. Banco de Bogota's remaining 4.11% interest in BHI was disposed of in March 2023. The report includes forward looking statements. In some cases, you can identify these forward-looking statements by words such as may, will, should, expect, plans, anticipates, believes, estimates, predicts, potential or continue or the negative of these words and other comparable words. Actual results and events may differ materially from those anticipated herein as a consequence of change -- changes in general, economic and business conditions, changes in interest and currency rates and other risk factors described from time to time in our filings with the Registro Nacional de Valores y Emisores and the SEC. Recipients of this documents are responsible to the assessment and use of the information provided herein. Story continues Matters described in this presentation and our knowledge of them may change extensively and materially over time, but we expressly disclaim any obligation to review, update or correct the information provided in this report, including any forward-looking statements, and do not intend to provide any update for such material developments prior to our next earnings report. The content of this document and its figures included herein are intended to provide a summary of the subjects discussed rather than a comprehensive description. When applicable, in this document, we refer to billions as thousands of millions. At this time, all participants are in a listen only mode. Later, we will conduct a question-and-answer session. I will now turn the call over to Mr. Luis Carlos Sarmiento Gutierrez, Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Luis Carlos Sarmiento Gutierrez, you may begin. See also 13 Cheap Monthly Dividend Stocks to Buy and 20 Most Valuable Brazilian Companies Heading into 2024. To continue reading the Q&A session, please click here. Thomas De Wever / Getty Images Booking travel online can be smooth when everything goes according to plan. However, there are instances where flights get canceled or airline disruptions lead to issues. You may have support with figuring out how to get your money back depending on how you booked your travel. However, what happens when you book your travel through Costco and a flight gets canceled? Vacation Season: 10 Essentials You Should Buy at Dollar Tree for Your Next Trip Find Out: How To Get Cash Back on Your Everyday Purchases According to this case document in the Elliott Report, a Costco Travel customer requested a refund for a canceled flight only to have Costco refer her back to the airline. The Costco Travel customer had one of her flights get canceled on the last leg of an extended trip. Since the family needed to get home, she booked flights with another airline, and it has been a challenging time trying to get a refund. The written correspondence has only led to the customer being stuck trying to figure out how to get a refund. Heres a look at what happens to your money if you book travel through Costco and a flight gets canceled. Sponsored: New Chase checking customers enjoy a $200 bonus when you open a Chase Total Checking account and set up direct deposit. What To Know About Booking Travel Through Costco While many view Costco as simply the place where you buy meat or toilet paper in bulk, you can also plan your next trip with the warehouse club. Costco Travel allows you to book vacation packages, hotels, cruises and rental cars. The platform offers buyer-curated vacations to places like Hawaii, Mexico, the Caribbean and more. Costco has become popular for its cruises and car rental services. You have to be a Costco member to enjoy the perks and savings. However, its important to note that Costco Travel doesnt sell individual flights, as the platform focuses on vacation packages. A flight happens to be included with your package, along with the hotel or resort. Costco Travel is limited by the terms and conditions of the airlines that they work with, since theyre a reseller. If there are any issues with an airline, you may have to work with them directly instead of trying to get Costco involved. Story continues Im a Travel Agent: 7 Costliest Mistakes People Make When Planning Vacations What Are Your Options for a Canceled Flight Through Costco? Costco doesnt typically offer refunds for flight cancellations, even when things are totally out of your control, commented Brittany Mendez, a travel expert and CMO of Florida Panhandle. The best they do and what they did for me the time I had a flight canceled is typically offer to rebook you on a new flight. If your flight gets canceled through Costco Travel, you have a few options: Contact the airline. Even though you booked your travel through Costco, it was the airline that canceled the flight, so you have to work with them directly to have the situation resolved. Try to rebook the flight with the same airline. Your best bet is to try to get the airline to put you on the next flight or a similar flight, since the cancellation was from their end. See if your credit card can assist. Depending on the type of credit card that you used, you could have additional protection or support in terms of trying to land a refund on a canceled flight. However, its important to remember that if your flight gets canceled and you promptly book a new flight, it may be a hassle to try to get a refund. Mendez concluded with, There are definitely pros and cons to Costco Travel, and how they handle cancellations or itinerary changes is typically one of the cons. While you can save money by booking through third parties, you have to remember that there could be communication issues when a flight gets canceled or something else doesnt go as planned on your trip. Costcos Refund Policy When you book any kind of travel, youre going to want to know about the refund policy. In the terms and conditions of Costco Travel, heres what the wording is around canceled flights: Cancellation of the flight(s) portion of your package may be nonrefundable and nontransferable. In some cases, the value on the cancelled airline tickets may be used to rebook future air travel at a later date. Airline fees may apply on a rebooked ticket. The rebooked ticket must be on the same airline and must be used by the same traveler whose name was on the original ticket. Travel must be completed within one year of the date that the original ticket was issued. Other restrictions may apply. Reading through the fine print is essential, because you need to be aware of your options so that you know how to respond to any issues. If the fine print states that a flight is nonrefundable, then youre going to have to work with the airline to try to get rebooked on another flight with them instead of purchasing a new ticket with a different airline. Closing Thoughts When you book a vacation, its crucial that you understand what kind of protection you have. This is why its often recommended that you purchase travel insurance or use your credit card for additional assurance. If a flight gets canceled, youre going to want to contact the airline first before you book a new flight. More From GOBankingRates This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: What Happens to Your Money If You Book Travel Through Costco and a Flight Gets Canceled? Dr. Rashad Richey Joins Multinational Law Firm Multi-media giant and professor completes law school while simultaneously finishing his Ph.D. in quantum physics ATLANTA, GA / ACCESSWIRE / November 16, 2023 / Dr. Rashad Richey announced today that he will be joining the International Law Group of Human & Civil Rights Attorneys, P.C., also known as The Fairness Firm, with affiliate offices in France, Spain, Canada, and Cape Town, South Africa. The international law firm will bolster its Atlanta-based team by adding Richey as its new Director of Global Legal Operations. Well-known as a multi-media giant and university professor, Richey continues to inspire others by completing his Juris Doctor degree while maintaining his popular daily television opinion news show, Indisputable with Dr. Rashad Richey' on the TYT Network, and the award-winning Rashad Richey Morning Show'on News & Talk 1380-WAOK & V-103 FM (HD3). "Completing my law degree can be attributed to nothing less than faith, dedication, and the support of countless individuals who believed in my mission and vision to always pursue truth and advocacy for others," said Dr. Rashad Richey. "I am honored to join a firm that is deeply committed to the issues I have championed throughout my career, and I look forward to making an impact both here and abroad." In his role, Richey will coordinate with The Fairness Firm's affiliated international law firms, navigate policy issues, and provide senior-level strategic approaches for complex civil and human rights matters. "The Fairness Firm is thrilled to have Dr. Richey join our team of international advocate lawyers," said Attorney Erica Wilson. "A brilliant strategic legal scholar, Richey will be an invaluable asset to our clients." In addition to his television and radio programs, Richey is the weekend host for the Dr. Rashad Richey Review on SiriusXM Urban View Channel 126, and his podcast, 'Indisputable' is in the top 5% of most listened-to podcasts in America according to The L.A. Monitor. Despite his busy schedule, Richey completed his law degree. That journey started in 2020 at Atlanta John Marshall Law School in Atlanta, Georgia. He eventually transferred to Birmingham School of Law for its unique, adult-centered weekend law school program that allows students to take the same classes as weekday students but consolidated into Saturdays. According to Richey, even though the drive to Birmingham, Alabama, every Friday night for roughly two years was taxing, he persevered, knowing the Saturday schedule was much more congruent to his demanding on-air and business executive demands. Story continues At the same time, Richey was also enrolled in the Ph.D. in Quantum Physics research program at Paris Graduate School. During his studies, Richey experienced a breakthrough with his lab team during the preliminary research phase, which showed promising signs that his quantum-based research and technique for neurological brain enhancement may reverse symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, which has no known cure. Richey was granted provisional patent status by the United States Patent & Trade Office for both of his inventions, the Neurological Brain Entrainment Device and the Bilateral Neuronic Hemispheric Harmonization Brain Entrainment Device. Recognizing the continued challenge of directing clinical trials and pursuing both degrees simultaneously, Richey ultimately transferred to the Renaissance University law program. The French and English-speaking university has a cooperative agreement with the Faculty of Law at the University of Montreal and also boasts multiple international partnerships including a framework cooperation agreement with University Rennes 2 in France, a partnership with the Federal University of Rondonia in Brazil, and Madison International Institute & Business School in the United Kingdom to name a few. Richey was able to transfer his previous law courses and completed the remaining credits required as of November 2023. Graduates with qualifying law degrees from internationally accredited and government-recognized universities can sit for the bar in 49 states with varying protocols per state. Additionally, Richey holds multiple advance degrees, including a PhD in political sciences, a Doctor of Law in International Immigration Law, an MBA, a Master of Laws in Humanitarian Law, a Master of Science in Applied Physics & Quantum Mechanics, and a Master of Science in Neuroscience. Dr. Richey has been appointed to various executive-level policy rolesd, and currently serves as a Senior Policy Advisor to The Carter Center, an international peacekeeping NGO founded by former United States President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn. He also dully serves as Chairman of the Georgia Council of International Visitors, a United States Department of State-funded agency dedicated to international diplomacy, cultural awareness, and educational exchanges, making him the first African-American to lead the organization. An active scholar, his lectures include the University of Michigan, Reinhardt University, Mercer University, Morehouse School of Medicine, and the University of West GA. He is a Visiting Scholar at Clark Atlanta University, a Professor of Business at Morris Brown College, both are noted HBCUs and serves internationally as the Professor of Physics and Department Chair at Paris Graduate School in Paris, France. A recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award' from Clark Atlanta University and the youngest inductee into the National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, Oprah Winfrey, and US Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall are all honored past recipients, Richey serves as President of Rolling Out, the largest urban media company of its kind in America. He has been recognized by American presidents, local governments, and NGOs for his leadership and philanthropy. Overcoming street life as a teen, he founded The Rashad Richey Foundation, Inc. to organize mentoring opportunities for gang-affected and gang-affiliated youth. Richey serves on the board for Piedmont Atlanta Hospital and is a member of the American Bar Association, International Bar Association, Delta Theta Phi Law Fraternity, American Society of International Law, International Behavioral Neuroscience Society, National Association of Black Physicists, American Association of University Professors, National Association of Black Journalists, and the Atlanta NAACP. ### CONTACT: Chris Smith Chris.smith@audacy.com SOURCE: Richey Media Group View source version on accesswire.com: https://www.accesswire.com/804793/host-of-indisputable-dr-rashad-richey-finishes-law-school-joins-multinational-law-firm (Bloomberg) -- International Business Machines Corp. suspended its advertising on X, the social media platform formerly called Twitter, after the technology companys ads were found by a watchdog group near pro-Nazi posts. Most Read from Bloomberg Media Matters released a report Thursday showing ads for IBM, Apple Inc., Oracle Corp., Comcast Corp.s Xfinity brand and the Bravo television network, which is owned by Comcasts NBCUniversal, running on the social network next to pro-Nazi posts. IBM has zero tolerance for hate speech and discrimination and we have immediately suspended all advertising on X while we investigate this entirely unacceptable situation, a company spokesperson said in an email, noting that it was responding to the situation reported by Media Matters. Comcast is looking into the matter, a spokesperson said. Apple and Oracle didnt immediately respond to requests for comment. IBMs decision was reported earlier by the Financial Times. Elon Musk, the billionaire owner of X, on Wednesday endorsed an antisemitic post on the service. Responding to an X user on Wednesday who said that its unfair to make generalizations about Jewish communities promoting hatred toward white people, Musk wrote that the person was right that this does not extend to all Jewish communities, but it is also not just limited to ADL. --With assistance from Todd Shields and Mark Gurman. (Updates with comments from Comcast spokesperson in the fourth paragraph.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. (Bloomberg) -- Indonesia plans to introduce nickel tracing and push local producers to reach global mining standards to help the country move closer to securing a critical minerals deal with the US. Most Read from Bloomberg Each ton of nickel ore sales will be tracked using the SIMBARA portal starting next quarter, Septian Hario Seto, a deputy at the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment, said in an interview. Top producers will also be encouraged to get certifications from global entities like The Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance, he added. International certification will ensure the companies environmental, social and governance practices are recognized, said Seto, who oversees investment coordination and mining at the ministry. It is for our own interest, regardless of the deal with the US, he added. Indonesia is seeking a critical minerals agreement with the US to help realize President Joko Widodos goal of building an entire electric-vehicle supply chain onshore by taking advantage of the countrys nickel riches. Jokowi, as the leader is known, met with US President Joe Biden earlier this week and agreed to continue efforts to potentially reach such a deal. Efforts to trace metals to ensure compliance with environmental and labor standards are also being attempted for tin and cobalt. However, traceability is likely to be very difficult to implement and monitor and would also require buy-in from miners and refiners who would have to bear the extra costs. Indonesias mining and metals processing industry is also responsible for much of the countrys emissions. Story continues Chinese Dominance Billions of dollars in investments have poured into the country to refine its nickel into batteries. But the industry is dominated by Chinese companies, placing Indonesian products at risk of being left out of US and European markets. There are signs that US and European companies are catching up, however. Ford Motor Co. took a stake in an Indonesia battery-nickel plant being built by Vale SA and Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt Co., while BASF SE and Eramet SA are planning to spend $2.6 billion building a nickel-cobalt refinery in the country. The Southeast Asian nation has taken steps to improve its labor and environmental standards. Earlier this year, the government sent teams to survey smelters across the archipelago to ensure they comply with existing rules, after deadly clashes and accidents plagued several facilities. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Recent filings with the SEC have revealed that Christopher Randall, EVP, COMM. & SPECIALTY BANKING at National Bank Holdings Corp (NYSE:NBHC), has sold 4,000 shares of the company's stock on November 15, 2023. This transaction has caught the attention of investors and analysts, as insider activity can often provide valuable insights into a company's prospects and valuation. Who is Christopher Randall at National Bank Holdings Corp? Christopher Randall serves as the Executive Vice President of Commercial and Specialty Banking at National Bank Holdings Corp. In his role, Randall is responsible for overseeing the bank's commercial lending and specialty finance groups. His position gives him a deep understanding of the bank's operations and financial health, making his trading activities particularly noteworthy to investors. National Bank Holdings Corp's Business Description National Bank Holdings Corp is a bank holding company that operates through its subsidiary, NBH Bank. The company primarily focuses on providing banking products and services to both commercial and consumer clients. With a network of banking centers located in key markets, National Bank Holdings Corp offers a range of services, including commercial and personal banking solutions, treasury management, and wealth management services. The company's commitment to personalized service and community banking principles has established it as a reputable institution in the financial sector. Analysis of Insider Buy/Sell and Relationship with Stock Price Insider trading patterns can provide valuable clues about a company's future. Over the past year, Christopher Randall has sold a total of 4,000 shares and has not made any purchases. This one-sided activity could suggest that insiders may perceive the stock as being fully valued or may be taking profits off the table. When examining the broader insider transaction history for National Bank Holdings Corp, we see a trend of more insider selling than buying over the past year, with 4 insider sells and no insider buys. This pattern of insider selling could be interpreted in several ways, but it often indicates that insiders might believe the stock's current price reflects its fair value or that they see limited upside potential in the near term. Story continues On the day of Randall's recent sale, shares of National Bank Holdings Corp were trading at $34.25, giving the company a market cap of $1.263 billion. The price-earnings ratio stood at 10.17, which is higher than the industry median of 8.49 but lower than the company's historical median price-earnings ratio. This suggests that while the stock may be trading at a premium compared to its industry peers, it is still below its historical valuation levels. Considering the price-to-GF-Value ratio of 0.79, National Bank Holdings Corp appears to be modestly undervalued based on its GF Value of $43.43. The GF Value is an intrinsic value estimate that takes into account historical trading multiples, a GuruFocus adjustment factor, and future business performance estimates. This valuation metric indicates that the stock may have room for price appreciation, despite the recent insider selling activity. Insider Sell Alert: EVP Christopher Randall Sells 4,000 Shares of National Bank Holdings Corp (NBHC) The insider trend image above provides a visual representation of the insider selling and buying patterns over time. The absence of insider purchases in the past year, coupled with consistent selling, could be a signal for investors to consider when evaluating the stock's potential. Insider Sell Alert: EVP Christopher Randall Sells 4,000 Shares of National Bank Holdings Corp (NBHC) The GF Value image further illustrates the stock's current valuation in relation to its intrinsic value estimate. With the stock trading below its GF Value, investors might view this as an opportunity to acquire shares at a discount, assuming the company's fundamentals remain strong. Conclusion Insider trading activity, such as the recent sale by EVP Christopher Randall, is always of interest to the market. While insider selling can have various motivations, it is essential for investors to consider the context of the company's valuation, industry performance, and overall market conditions. In the case of National Bank Holdings Corp, the modest undervaluation based on the GF Value suggests that the stock may still be attractive for long-term investors, despite the recent insider sell-off. As always, investors should conduct their due diligence and consider insider trading as one of many factors in their investment decision-making process. 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. Four Baltimore Police officers fired three dozen rounds at a man who shot at police while fleeing in Southwest Baltimore earlier this month, authorities said Friday as they released body camera footage of the fatal shooting. The police fatally shot Hunter Jessup, 27, on Nov. 7 in the Millhill neighborhood. The Independent Investigations Division of the Maryland Attorney Generals Office, which reviews all fatal police shootings, last week identified the officers who fired their weapons as William Healy, Brittany Routh, Justin Oliva and Brandon Columbo. Video from the four officers shows them pursuing Jessup, who was wearing a gray sweatshirt and sweatpants, as he ran on the sidewalk. He turned around and aimed what police called a handgun with an extended magazine as officers repeatedly yelled for him to drop his weapon. Deputy Commissioner Brian Nadeau said Jessup shot at officers, creating a bullet hole on a parked car that appears in the footage. The Independent Investigations Division said in a news release last week that ballistics evidence was consistent with him firing his gun. Officers fired about 36 rounds at Jessup, Nadeau said, but its unclear how many hit him. Asked when police are trained to fire, Police Commissioner Richard Worley said it would be the moment Jessup turned. I cant speak for the officers but being an officer, as soon as he turns to me with his weapon and he points that weapon at me, that means hes going to try to kill me or shoot me and I would shoot right back at him, Worley said. He said officers in such scenarios are taught to shoot to incapacitate. The encounter began when two teams from the Southwest District Action Team, each composed of three officers, spotted two people on the sidewalk near Brunswick and St. Benedict streets at about 12:30 p.m., Nadeau said. Officers in one car asked the men to lift up their shirts to show if they were armed. Its an area where weve had a lot of violence in the past, Worley said of the neighborhood. Footage from an officer sitting in the backseat shows one man lifting his hoodie to show his waistband. Nadeau said when Jessup lifted his shirt, police saw a bulge, a moment not captured on video. When officers got out of the car, Jessup ran, Nadeau said. Some officers pursued Jessup on foot as he ran onto the 2600 block of Wilkens Avenue, while a car with its sirens on turned and followed him onto Wilkens Avenue, the videos show. Footage from Routh shows her getting out of the car and running toward Jessup from the front as he holds a gun in one hand. She tried to grab him, but missed, and he ran past her. As Routh falls to the ground, Jessup turned toward Healy in the street behind him, and raised a gun. We do know he shot because we can see he shot, said Nadeau, referring to the hole that appears in a parked car. Police said Friday that the gun they recovered was a Glock 23 with an extended magazine, and that casings on the ground matched rounds found inside its chamber. Officials said the gun, composed of parts of various guns put together, still is being tested. The videos show Jessup falling to the sidewalk amid the sounds of rapid gunfire, as multiple officers ordered him drop it, drop it. Officers approached him on the ground and kicked the gun away from his body. Jessup was initially still conscious and alert, Nadeau said, but then passed out. Police began administering aid after about a minute and a half and applied a tourniquet, he said. Police spokesperson Lindsey Eldridge said Friday that officers called for a medic at 12:34 p.m. and an ambulance arrived at 12:39 p.m. She could not immediately provide the time the ambulance left the scene but confirmed an officer was taken to the hospital in a police car. On Oct. 1, under a new law, the attorney generals office gained the authority to prosecute police in fatal shootings, in-custody deaths or deaths following police pursuits. Previously, the state unit investigated fatalities, but local prosecutors decided whether or not to bring charges against officers. Relatives and friends said Jessup was a stand up guy who lived in the area and was about to become a first-time father. Members of the departments District Action Teams, specialized squads of officers who wear police vests, and can be assigned to patrol or make violent crime arrests, have fired their weapons in two other police shootings this year. The teams also play a role in the citys Group Violence Reduction Strategy, although police have said officers were not involved in those activities on Nov. 7. In June, Baltimore officers shot and killed Darryl Gamble, 40, in East Baltimore. Gamble fired at police, according to body camera footage, then officers fired about 40 rounds. Two of the officers who fired were assigned to the Eastern District Action Team and two were Southeast District officers, the attorney generals office said. Another officer was part of a Southeast/East Side Initiative. Earlier this year, Officer Cedric Elleby shot and injured a 17-year-old in Shipley Hill less than a mile from the scene of the Nov. 7 shooting. Elleby, a District Action Team member, walked up to the teen because he believed he was armed, then chased him after he fled. The officer could be heard in body-camera footage telling the teen to drop his gun before he shot him from behind. Quaker Chemical Corporation (NYSE:KWR), is not the largest company out there, but it saw a significant share price rise of over 20% in the past couple of months on the NYSE. With many analysts covering the mid-cap stock, we may expect any price-sensitive announcements have already been factored into the stocks share price. But what if there is still an opportunity to buy? Today I will analyse the most recent data on Quaker Chemicals outlook and valuation to see if the opportunity still exists. See our latest analysis for Quaker Chemical What's The Opportunity In Quaker Chemical? The stock seems fairly valued at the moment according to my valuation model. Its trading around 12.39% above my intrinsic value, which means if you buy Quaker Chemical today, youd be paying a relatively reasonable price for it. And if you believe that the stock is really worth $153.50, theres only an insignificant downside when the price falls to its real value. So, is there another chance to buy low in the future? Given that Quaker Chemicals share is fairly volatile (i.e. its price movements are magnified relative to the rest of the market) this could mean the price can sink lower, giving us an opportunity to buy later on. This is based on its high beta, which is a good indicator for share price volatility. Can we expect growth from Quaker Chemical? Investors looking for growth in their portfolio may want to consider the prospects of a company before buying its shares. Buying a great company with a robust outlook at a cheap price is always a good investment, so lets also take a look at the company's future expectations. With profit expected to more than double over the next couple of years, the future seems bright for Quaker Chemical. It looks like higher cash flow is on the cards for the stock, which should feed into a higher share valuation. What This Means For You Are you a shareholder? KWRs optimistic future growth appears to have been factored into the current share price, with shares trading around its fair value. However, there are also other important factors which we havent considered today, such as the financial strength of the company. Have these factors changed since the last time you looked at the stock? Will you have enough conviction to buy should the price fluctuates below the true value? Story continues Are you a potential investor? If youve been keeping tabs on KWR, now may not be the most advantageous time to buy, given it is trading around its fair value. However, the positive outlook is encouraging for the company, which means its worth diving deeper into other factors such as the strength of its balance sheet, in order to take advantage of the next price drop. If you want to dive deeper into Quaker Chemical, you'd also look into what risks it is currently facing. Every company has risks, and we've spotted 3 warning signs for Quaker Chemical you should know about. If you are no longer interested in Quaker Chemical, you can use our free platform to see our list of over 50 other stocks with a high growth potential. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Key Insights The projected fair value for Regis Healthcare is AU$5.44 based on 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity Regis Healthcare's AU$2.77 share price signals that it might be 49% undervalued Analyst price target for REG is AU$2.87 which is 47% below our fair value estimate In this article we are going to estimate the intrinsic value of Regis Healthcare Limited (ASX:REG) by estimating the company's future cash flows and discounting them to their present value. This will be done using the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model. Models like these may appear beyond the comprehension of a lay person, but they're fairly easy to follow. We would caution that there are many ways of valuing a company and, like the DCF, each technique has advantages and disadvantages in certain scenarios. If you still have some burning questions about this type of valuation, take a look at the Simply Wall St analysis model. Check out our latest analysis for Regis Healthcare The Model We're using the 2-stage growth model, which simply means we take in account two stages of company's growth. In the initial period the company may have a higher growth rate and the second stage is usually assumed to have a stable growth rate. To start off with, we need to estimate the next ten years of cash flows. Where possible we use analyst estimates, but when these aren't available we extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the last estimate or reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years. A DCF is all about the idea that a dollar in the future is less valuable than a dollar today, so we discount the value of these future cash flows to their estimated value in today's dollars: 10-year free cash flow (FCF) estimate 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 Levered FCF (A$, Millions) AU$78.0m AU$78.7m AU$129.0m AU$74.0m AU$78.0m AU$75.0m AU$73.5m AU$72.9m AU$72.9m AU$73.4m Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x1 Analyst x3 Analyst x3 Analyst x1 Analyst x1 Est @ -3.82% Est @ -2.05% Est @ -0.81% Est @ 0.06% Est @ 0.66% Present Value (A$, Millions) Discounted @ 6.1% AU$73.5 AU$69.9 AU$108 AU$58.4 AU$58.1 AU$52.6 AU$48.6 AU$45.5 AU$42.9 AU$40.7 ("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St) Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = AU$598m Story continues The second stage is also known as Terminal Value, this is the business's cash flow after the first stage. For a number of reasons a very conservative growth rate is used that cannot exceed that of a country's GDP growth. In this case we have used the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield (2.1%) to estimate future growth. In the same way as with the 10-year 'growth' period, we discount future cash flows to today's value, using a cost of equity of 6.1%. Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2033 (1 + g) (r g) = AU$73m (1 + 2.1%) (6.1% 2.1%) = AU$1.9b Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= AU$1.9b ( 1 + 6.1%)10= AU$1.0b The total value is the sum of cash flows for the next ten years plus the discounted terminal value, which results in the Total Equity Value, which in this case is AU$1.6b. In the final step we divide the equity value by the number of shares outstanding. Compared to the current share price of AU$2.8, the company appears quite undervalued at a 49% discount to where the stock price trades currently. Remember though, that this is just an approximate valuation, and like any complex formula - garbage in, garbage out. dcf Important Assumptions The calculation above is very dependent on two assumptions. The first is the discount rate and the other is the cash flows. Part of investing is coming up with your own evaluation of a company's future performance, so try the calculation yourself and check your own assumptions. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at Regis Healthcare as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 6.1%, which is based on a levered beta of 0.800. Beta is a measure of a stock's volatility, compared to the market as a whole. We get our beta from the industry average beta of globally comparable companies, with an imposed limit between 0.8 and 2.0, which is a reasonable range for a stable business. SWOT Analysis for Regis Healthcare Strength Debt is not viewed as a risk. Weakness Dividend is low compared to the top 25% of dividend payers in the Healthcare market. Opportunity Forecast to reduce losses next year. Has sufficient cash runway for more than 3 years based on current free cash flows. Trading below our estimate of fair value by more than 20%. Threat Paying a dividend but company is unprofitable. Looking Ahead: Although the valuation of a company is important, it is only one of many factors that you need to assess for a company. It's not possible to obtain a foolproof valuation with a DCF model. Instead the best use for a DCF model is to test certain assumptions and theories to see if they would lead to the company being undervalued or overvalued. If a company grows at a different rate, or if its cost of equity or risk free rate changes sharply, the output can look very different. What is the reason for the share price sitting below the intrinsic value? For Regis Healthcare, there are three important aspects you should further research: Risks: Take risks, for example - Regis Healthcare has 1 warning sign we think you should be aware of. Future Earnings: How does REG's growth rate compare to its peers and the wider market? Dig deeper into the analyst consensus number for the upcoming years by interacting with our free analyst growth expectation chart. Other High Quality Alternatives: Do you like a good all-rounder? Explore our interactive list of high quality stocks to get an idea of what else is out there you may be missing! PS. Simply Wall St updates its DCF calculation for every Australian stock every day, so if you want to find the intrinsic value of any other stock just search here. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. The freight market is experiencing a severe recession. (Photo: Jim Allen/FreightWaves) Since launching in 2017, FreightWaves team of award-winning reporters has covered the good and bad news and events in the transportation and logistics industries. In those years, the freight transportation market has enjoyed prosperous times and periods of pain and misery. The freight market undergoes boom-and-bust cycles, like all commoditized industries. FreightWaves SONAR correctly predicted the start of a drop in the freight market in March 2022. Since then, the overcapacity spurred by the pandemic has caused freight-hauling rates to drop to 2019 levels or worse. For the past 18-plus months, there have simply been too many trucks for too little freight. However, the impact has gone beyond U.S. trucking fleets and freight brokerages. The problems are not confined to the United States or just trucking. Ocean carriers, railroads, air cargo carriers and freight forwarders around the world have been impacted as well. No one at FreightWaves enjoys reporting bad news. One of my followers on X recently commented, Everything you post/repost or talk about is doom and gloom. I challenge you to say/find something positive about the economy pertaining to the trucking industry. I would love to do so. Unfortunately, the good news in freight, transportation and logistics has been sparse. Severe recession in the freight market After the market began to prove FreightWaves SONARs downturn prediction, some analysts and industry experts said the freight slowdown was a reversion to the mean. Unfortunately, it is not. We are in one of the worst downturns in freight market history, caused by a massive buildup of capacity, and its going to take time to burn it all off. Simply put, the freight market is experiencing a severe recession. FreightWaves has an obligation to report that news. Since early in 2022, many companies have gone out of business or severely cut back by letting employees go. Some of those companies were household names in the industry, such as Yellow Corp. and Convoy. Many others were much smaller, not known perhaps beyond their headquarters location. Nonetheless, the bankruptcies, closures and layoffs have piled up, and the financial and human losses have taken a toll. Story continues The following synopses are some of the articles that FreightWaves has published in the past year that illustrate the poor freight economy. The full articles can be read by following the links; ongoing coverage of the state of freight can be found here on FreightWaves.com. Bankruptcies and shutdowns Nov. 6: A court ordered liquidation of Twin Express, a Minnesota trucking company with 76 employees, as FreightWaves Clarissa Hawes reported. The 35-year-old company defaulted on a $19 million dollar loan. Oct. 23: After its founder embezzled $25 million to purchase a G-550 jet and a $5 million mansion in Texas, Goldman Sachs-backed Slync wound down operations and hopes to sell its proprietary technology, as Hawes reported. Oct. 22: Fort Worth-based SEL Supply Chain Solutions shut down, Hawes reported. Closure of the freight brokerage that at one time had $65 million in revenue left 125 employees out of work. Oct. 19: Convoy, a venture capital-backed digital freight brokerage, shut down, as FreightWaves John Kingston reported. Valued at $3.8 billion, the perfect storm of the freight recession coupled with tighter capital markets was blamed for the companys failure. Oct. 19: A third-generation, family-owned trucking company and brokerage, Certified Freight Logistics, ceased operations after 95 years, as FreightWaves Hawes reported. Layoffs impacted 157 workers, including 101 linehaul and local truck drivers. The wind-down of the Santa Maria, California-based company was expected to be completed by Nov. 18. Oct. 12: Meadow Lark Transport, a 40-year-old Montana trucking company and freight brokerage that previously generated $200 million in revenue, shuttered operations, Hawes reported. The company had 273 drivers and 337 power units at the time of its closure, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. FMCSA data states the companys brokerage authority was involuntarily revoked on Aug. 15 and its contract carrier authority was slated to be canceled on Oct. 28. Sept. 29: Grand Rapids, Michigan-based Titan Transportation Services Inc. abruptly ceased operations on Sept. 29, as Hawes reported. Owner-operators said on Oct. 11 that the company, doing business as Sunset Logistics, still hadnt refunded their $1,000 in escrow or maintenance account funds. Sept. 25: An 85-year-old Indiana-based trucking and logistics company and its affiliates filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection less than nine months after it was acquired by private-equity firm Transport Acquisitions, as FreightWaves Hawes reported. Founded in 1938, Otwell, Indiana-based Elmer Buchta Trucking, which offered bulk, dry van and pneumatic trucking services, had 100 drivers and more than 230 power units, according to federal data. Aug. 31: U.S. Postal Service contractor Matheson Flight Extenders filed paperwork stating that it planned to eliminate 305 jobs and close its sorting facility in Chicopee, Massachusetts, by the end of October, Hawes reported. That brought to about 1,000 the total job cuts it announced in the days around that time. Two other sorting facilities in Georgia and Maryland were also closed. Aug. 7: Yellow Corp. filed for bankruptcy, leaving 30,000 employees out of work, as FreightWaves Todd Maiden reported. This number included approximately 22,500 members of the Teamsters union. The bankruptcy marked the end of the 99-year-old LTL company. Aug. 7: FreightWaves Eric Kulisch reported Western Global Airlines, which operates chartered cargo jets for the U.S. military and other customers, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and announced it will restructure. The company has nearly $500 million in debt. A bankruptcy restructuring has been expected for weeks because of collapsing revenues, a heavy debt load and the decision by credit rating agencies to pull their coverage because of the companys lack of financial transparency. Bloomberg previously reported that Estero, Florida-based Western Global Airlines was arranging debtor-in-possession financing to support ongoing operations under a court-approved bankruptcy plan. July 25: After experiencing record sales growth during the COVID-19 pandemic, digital freight brokerage Surge Transportation filed for bankruptcy protection, as FreightWaves Hawes reported. The company said it was unprepared for the abrupt decline in product demand and soaring shipping costs that rocked the transportation industry. July 17: Georgia-based trucking company Big J Express LLC, which reported a significant drop in revenue this year compared with the previous two years, filed for bankruptcy liquidation, Hawes reported. The company, which obtained its operating authority in 2014, had 37 drivers and the same number of power units and hauled general freight. Headquartered in Norcross, Georgia, Big J Express filed its petition in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Georgia. June 29: Cargo airline Amerijet laid off more than a dozen employees as the freight recession drags on, FreightWaves Kulisch reported. The airline said the move was necessary to protect its bottom line as revenues sag and costs rise. June 28: Ameritrans Express filed a bankruptcy petition in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, as Hawes reported. Owner Frederick Amankwaahe waited almost four months before filing the Chapter 11 petition seeking to reorganize his company. Ameritrans provided transportation and delivery services as a contractor for the Postal Service. Its former employees are owed millions in unpaid wages. June 28: More than 60 small trucking companies are collectively owed millions of dollars after Transplus Freight System Inc. (Transplus), a Mississippi-based logistics firm, filed for bankruptcy liquidation in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Mississippi. FreightWaves Hawes reported the story. June 27: Ailing commercial electric pickup truck maker Lordstown Motors filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. It also put itself up for sale and sued former partner Foxconn, alleging fraud and failure by Foxconn to live up to its financial commitments. June 16: Tiger Cool Express, a refrigerated rail shipping and logistics company, abruptly halted operations amid financial troubles. The company reportedly fell behind on loan payments. FreightWaves Hawes reported the story. May 26: Peace Equipment LLC, headquartered in Edcouch, Texas, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, citing rising operating costs and reduced income in the trucking industry. The company, which has been operating since 2016, has 38 drivers and 27 power units and hauls general freight, fresh produce and refrigerated food throughout the U.S. Hawes reported the story. March 24: Soler & Soler Hauling, a Miami-based trucking company, filed for bankruptcy protection. The companys bankruptcy petition cited negative cash flow as well as high fuel and operating costs as factors for the bankruptcy. FreightWaves Hawes reported the story. March 22: Hawes reported that trucking company Flagship Transport abruptly ceased operations, leaving more than 450 truck drivers without jobs after they were not paid for weeks. Flagship Transport was a logistics holding company headquartered in Medley, Florida. March 7: FreightWorks Transport shut down after losing its top customer. The North Carolina-based trucking company laid off over 200 employees, including 140 drivers. FreightWaves Hawes reported the story. Late November 2022: Art Mulder & Sons, a family-owned trucking company that had been in business for more than 50 years, ceased operations. The Holland, Michigan-based company specialized in refrigerated LTL freight. Hawes reported the story. Nov. 26, 2022: Family-owned Mid Continent Trucking, a Denison, Iowa-based refrigerated carrier in business for 24 years, ceased operations. Co-owner Brian Wickersham said, I would rather be able to pay my employees while I still have the money than wait until I dont have it and then have to tell my employees that I cant pay them. FreightWaves Hawes reported the story. Nov. 16, 2022: Freon Logistics, a Bakersfield, California-based trucking company, filed for bankruptcy. It provided truckload, less-than-truckload, intermodal, repair and maintenance, and warehousing services. Freon Logistics employed about 500 people, including truck drivers, administrative personnel and others, according to court records. Many employees claimed they were owed back pay. Hawes reported the story. Sept. 30, 2022: Two trucking companies that contracted with the Postal Service to haul mail filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. McClellan Trucking Inc. filed its petition in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania on Sept. 28, five days after the companys parent company, Duran Transfer Inc., filed for bankruptcy protection on Sept. 23. The petitions state both companies are based at the same address in Waterford, Pennsylvania. The companies had been in business for more than 30 years and employed 23 people. FreightWaves Hawes reported the story. July 6, 2022: Vermont-based LTL carrier LandAir, which focused on hauling hazardous materials, ceased operations. The private equity-owned trucking company had 135 drivers and 148 power units at 11 service centers in the U.S., as well as two service centers in Toronto and Ottawa, Ontario. The 54-year-old company serviced the Northeast and parts of Canada. Originally called Allied Air Freight, the company was founded by Fred Spencer in 1968. Hawes reported the story. May 6, 2022: Family-owned Rooney Trucking Inc., headquartered in Polo, Missouri, ceased operations and filed Chapter 7 bankruptcy. The company contracted with the Postal Service to haul mail. Attorney Ryan Blay stated, Fuel and labor expenses were certainly issues that affected Rooney Trucking Inc. The bigger issue, though, was the decision by the U.S. Postal Service to take away some routes and cancel certain contracts. The business couldnt function profitably with a restricted income stream. This was the biggest factor in deciding to declare bankruptcy for the company. FreightWaves Hawes reported the story. April 26, 2022: Sullivan, Illinois-based Marvin Keller Trucking filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, citing a jury award of $10 million in December 2021. The bankruptcy petition, filed in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Central District of Illinois, stated the bankruptcy filing was necessary to avoid irreparable and immediate harm to the carriers operations. The company also noted higher fuel costs and other market conditions as reasons for the filing. Hawes reported the story. Layoffs Nov. 16: Vehicle life cycle management software provider Solera Holdings Inc. conducted a round of layoffs via Teams on Nov. 13. According to an update on Layoff.com, West Lake, Texas-based Solera released 44 members of its U.S.-based billing team and now all of their billing is done in Mexico. FreightWaves Grace Sharkey reported the story. Nov. 15: Trucking company 10 Roads Express laid off 66 workers at its facility in Fort Worth, citing the cancellation of postal contracts. The layoffs, which occurred Oct. 16, affected 55 truck drivers, four dispatchers and seven mechanics, according to a recent filing with the Texas Workforce Commission. FreightWaves Noi Mahoney reported the story. Nov. 8: Hyliion Holdings gives up its electric powertrain business to focus exclusively on its generator technology and cutting 175 jobs in the process. Nov. 4: Approximately 65 employees of Pittsburgh-based Elite Transit Solutions were laid off. This was the second round of job cuts the freight brokerage has experienced over the past month; about 20 employees were let go on Oct. 20. Hawes reported the story. Nov. 6: Nearly 200 senior pilots at UPS accepted the companys voluntary severance package, and regional passenger airline PSA Airlines is trying to recruit them to close a crew shortage. The head count reduction at UPS Airlines is much more limited than one envisioned at rival FedEx Express, where management has acknowledged it has more than 700 excess pilots and recently urged flight crews to quit for the same type of offer at PSA Airlines, an American Airlines subsidiary that operates in the eastern United States. FreightWaves Kulisch reported the story. Nov. 3: Maersk announced plans to lay off 10,000 workers over the next year in light of worsening market conditions. The company has already conducted 6,500 of the layoffs, but those were unannounced. FreightWaves Greg Miller reported the story. Oct. 13: Flexport laid off 600 workers. Flexport implemented a 20% workforce reduction as the freight forwarder moved to plug financial losses and become more nimble. Kulisch reported the story. Sept. 29: Following a sale of BNSF Logistics brokerage unit to J.B. Hunt, an undisclosed number of employees were laid off. FreightWaves Joanna Marsh reported the story. Sept. 27: Seattle-based logistics provider Flexe conducted its second round of layoffs in 14 months and fired 33% of the company about 400 workers. FreightWaves Mahoney reported the story. Sept. 12: GXO Logistics laid off 92 workers at a Texas distribution center. The contract supply chain solutions provider is ceasing operations at a distribution center in Wilmer, Texas. Mahoney reported the story. Sept. 1: Coyote Logistics laid off an unspecified number of employees. FreightWaves Rachel Premack reported the story. Aug. 31: Union Pacific furloughed at least 94 employees due to a drop in rail traffic. The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, a union, said Union Pacific was planning to store hundreds of locomotives as demand for rail traffic has dropped. FreightWaves Marsh reported the story. Aug. 24: Nationwide moving and storage company WayForth laid off hundreds of employees and shuttered operations in eight states in an effort to stay afloat, as FreightWaves Hawes reported. The companys CEO said the layoffs and reorganization were the result of a downturn in its business, which focuses on moving and storage services for seniors. The company planned to slash its workforce from about 500 employees to 50; laid off employees did not receive any severance packages. The company is exiting markets in Connecticut, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Texas. FreightWaves Mahoney reported the story. Aug. 4: FedEx Corp., the nationwide parcel delivery giant, said it was eliminating 280 of 806 jobs at a facility in Fort Worth, Texas, after losing a customer. Mahoney reported the story. July 11: Freightos laid off 13% of employees as its revenue weakened. The digital freight marketplace also downgraded its 2023 guidance. FreightWaves Kulisch reported the story. June 29: Cargo airline Amerijet laid off more than a dozen workers. FreightWaves Kulisch reported the story. June 1: Venture capital-backed trucking technology provider CloudTrucks laid off an undisclosed number of employees. However, a source close to the company claimed that 40% of the CloudTrucks team was let go. Like many FreightTech companies that have laid off workers in recent months, CloudTrucks blamed the declining freight market for the job cuts. The company had raised nearly $142 million since its founding in 2019. FreightWaves Hawes reported the story. May 19: DHL Supply Chain and GXO Logistics laid off 80 workers in Texas, citing a loss of customers. FreightWaves Mahoney reported the story. May 19: Coyote Logistics announced more layoffs; this round comes after a reported 200 job cuts in February. May 11: U.S. Xpress laid off 150 staff members and reported a significant loss to the Securities and Exchange Commission. Knight-Swift acquired U.S. Xpress effective July 1. FreightWaves Kingston reported the story. May 9: Freight broker Lipsey Logistics cited a weak freight market as the reason for layoffs. A source familiar with the layoffs said an estimated 20 jobs were cut. FreightWaves Hawes reported the story. April 21: Flock Freight laid off 45 people 8% of its workforce in a second round of firings. More than 60 workers were fired in December 2022. Hawes reported the story. March 8: Global logistics giant Ceva Logistics cut 142 jobs at two of its facilities in Mount Juliet, Tennessee, effective April 22. Prior to the firings there were about 700 employees at the facilities. FreightWaves Hawes reported the story. Feb. 16: Convoy laid off an undisclosed number of employees and closed its Atlanta office. (Convoy ultimately closed in October 2023.) FreightWaves Sharkey reported the story. Jan. 23: Uber Freight cut about 150 jobs 3% of its workforce. All the job losses were in its digital brokerage operations. FreightWaves Kingston reported the story. Jan. 18: Logistics giant Ryder laid off 800 workers in Texas. Ryder said the cutback was due to a customers changing business needs. FreightWaves Mahoney reported the story. Jan. 13: Electric truck manufacturer Nikola filed a layoff notice for employees of the former Romeo Power battery-making plant in California, affecting up to 400 workers. Nikola is transferring battery pack manufacturing to Arizona. FreightWaves Alan Adler reported the story. Jan. 11: Flexport laid off about 20% of its employees. Its leadership said they would cut workers because the company had increasingly automated key systems and forecast decreased freight volumes. FreightWaves Kulisch reported the story. Jan. 3: Wells Fargo Bank filed a petition to force United Furniture Industries into Chapter 7 bankruptcy after UFIs abrupt decision to cease operations two days before Thanksgiving 2022, as FreightWaves Hawes reported. Dec. 12, 2022: Fleet management solutions provider Motive laid off about 240 workers (6% of its workforce), blaming slowing demand. FreightWaves Mahoney reported the story. Dec. 12, 2022: Auto manufacturer Stellantis announced plans to close an Illinois automobile factory in February 2023, terminating 1,350 workers. The company blamed rising electric vehicle costs for the shutdown. Mahoney reported the story. Nov. 9, 2022: Freight brokerage giant C.H. Robinson laid off about 650 employees amid weaker-than-expected financial results in the third quarter of 2022. Oct. 29, 2022: Trucking payments platform AtoB laid off 30% of its employees, citing external economic headwinds. FreightWaves Mahoney reported the story. July 8, 2022: Logistics provider GXO announced it was closing a Milwaukee facility, laying off 144 workers. Mahoney reported the story. July 8, 2022: LandAirs 450 employees were terminated, some via Zoom video call. Former workers and drivers said the management ran the LTL carrier into the ground. FreightWaves Hawes reported the story. June 21, 2022: Logistics company DB Schenker announced 130 employees would be laid off at its Fort Worth facility after it lost a Kraft Heinz contract. FreightWaves Mahoney reported the story. June 10, 2022: Global logistics provider Neovia cut 98 jobs at its Tannersville, Pennsylvania, facility. FreightWaves Hawes reported the story. April 14, 2022: Logistics giants Geodis and Ceva filed paperwork for hundreds of job cuts in Ohio. Geodis, headquartered in France, announced that it would close all business operations at its facility in Columbus, eliminating 302 jobs by the end of September 2022. Ceva Logistics, which is owned by French container carrier CMA CGM, said it would close a portion of the Groveport facility, located near Columbus, by Sept. 30. Hawes reported the story. Did we miss any entries? Email media@freightwaves.com. The post Layoffs and bankruptcies pile up in logistics amid shocking downturn appeared first on FreightWaves. Key Insights Fabasoft's estimated fair value is 24.28 based on 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity With 20.60 share price, Fabasoft appears to be trading close to its estimated fair value Industry average discount to fair value of 18% suggests Fabasoft's peers are currently trading at a higher discount How far off is Fabasoft AG (ETR:FAA) from its intrinsic value? Using the most recent financial data, we'll take a look at whether the stock is fairly priced by taking the expected future cash flows and discounting them to their present value. The Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model is the tool we will apply to do this. It may sound complicated, but actually it is quite simple! 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. If you want to learn more about discounted cash flow, the rationale behind this calculation can be read in detail in the Simply Wall St analysis model. View our latest analysis for Fabasoft The Model We're using the 2-stage growth model, which simply means we take in account two stages of company's growth. In the initial period the company may have a higher growth rate and the second stage is usually assumed to have a stable growth rate. To begin with, we have to get estimates of the next ten years of cash flows. Where possible we use analyst estimates, but when these aren't available we extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the last estimate or reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years. A DCF is all about the idea that a dollar in the future is less valuable than a dollar today, so we need to discount the sum of these future cash flows to arrive at a present value estimate: Story continues 10-year free cash flow (FCF) estimate 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 Levered FCF (, Millions) 11.1m 10.6m 12.2m 13.4m 14.3m 15.0m 15.5m 15.9m 16.2m 16.5m Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x1 Analyst x2 Analyst x2 Est @ 9.49% Est @ 6.78% Est @ 4.88% Est @ 3.56% Est @ 2.63% Est @ 1.98% Est @ 1.52% Present Value (, Millions) Discounted @ 6.0% 10.5 9.4 10.2 10.6 10.7 10.5 10.3 10.0 9.6 9.2 ("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St) Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = 101m We now need to calculate the Terminal Value, which accounts for all the future cash flows after this ten year period. For a number of reasons a very conservative growth rate is used that cannot exceed that of a country's GDP growth. In this case we have used the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield (0.5%) to estimate future growth. In the same way as with the 10-year 'growth' period, we discount future cash flows to today's value, using a cost of equity of 6.0%. Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2033 (1 + g) (r g) = 16m (1 + 0.5%) (6.0% 0.5%) = 298m Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= 298m ( 1 + 6.0%)10= 166m The total value, or equity value, is then the sum of the present value of the future cash flows, which in this case is 267m. To get the intrinsic value per share, we divide this by the total number of shares outstanding. Compared to the current share price of 20.6, the company appears about fair value at a 15% discount to where the stock price trades currently. Remember though, that this is just an approximate valuation, and like any complex formula - garbage in, garbage out. dcf Important Assumptions We would point out that the most important inputs to a discounted cash flow are the discount rate and of course the actual cash flows. If you don't agree with these result, have a go at the calculation yourself and play with the assumptions. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at Fabasoft as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 6.0%, which is based on a levered beta of 0.989. 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 Fabasoft Strength Earnings growth over the past year exceeded its 5-year average. Currently debt free. Weakness Earnings growth over the past year underperformed the Software industry. Dividend is low compared to the top 25% of dividend payers in the Software market. Opportunity Annual earnings are forecast to grow faster than the German market. Current share price is below our estimate of fair value. Threat Dividends are not covered by cash flow. Looking Ahead: Although the valuation of a company is important, it is only one of many factors that you need to assess for a company. It's not possible to obtain a foolproof valuation with a DCF model. Preferably you'd apply different cases and assumptions and see how they would impact the company's valuation. If a company grows at a different rate, or if its cost of equity or risk free rate changes sharply, the output can look very different. For Fabasoft, we've compiled three additional elements you should consider: Risks: For instance, we've identified 1 warning sign for Fabasoft that you should be aware of. Future Earnings: How does FAA's growth rate compare to its peers and the wider market? Dig deeper into the analyst consensus number for the upcoming years by interacting with our free analyst growth expectation chart. Other High Quality Alternatives: Do you like a good all-rounder? Explore our interactive list of high quality stocks to get an idea of what else is out there you may be missing! PS. Simply Wall St updates its DCF calculation for every 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. Key Insights Using the Dividend Discount Model, Foley Wines fair value estimate is NZ$1.00 Foley Wines' NZ$1.17 share price indicates it is trading at similar levels as its fair value estimate The average discount for Foley Wines' competitorsis currently 41% Today we'll do a simple run through of a valuation method used to estimate the attractiveness of Foley Wines Limited (NZSE:FWL) as an investment opportunity by taking the forecast future cash flows of the company and discounting them back to today's value. We will take advantage of the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model for this purpose. It may sound complicated, but actually it is quite simple! Remember though, that there are many ways to estimate a company's value, and a DCF is just one method. If you want to learn more about discounted cash flow, the rationale behind this calculation can be read in detail in the Simply Wall St analysis model. See our latest analysis for Foley Wines Step By Step Through The Calculation We have to calculate the value of Foley Wines slightly differently to other stocks because it is a beverage company. In this approach dividends per share (DPS) are used, as free cash flow is difficult to estimate and often not reported by analysts. This often underestimates the value of a stock, but it can still be good as a comparison to competitors. We use the Gordon Growth Model, which assumes dividend will grow into perpetuity at a rate that can be sustained. The dividend is expected to grow at an annual growth rate equal to the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield of 2.4%. We then discount this figure to today's value at a cost of equity of 6.4%. Relative to the current share price of NZ$1.2, the company appears around fair value at the time of writing. Remember though, that this is just an approximate valuation, and like any complex formula - garbage in, garbage out. Value Per Share = Expected Dividend Per Share / (Discount Rate - Perpetual Growth Rate) Story continues = NZ$0.04 / (6.4% 2.4%) = NZ$1.0 dcf The Assumptions The calculation above is very dependent on two assumptions. The first is the discount rate and the other is the cash flows. 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 Foley Wines as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 6.4%, which is based on a levered beta of 0.800. Beta is a measure of a stock's volatility, compared to the market as a whole. We get our beta from the industry average beta of globally comparable companies, with an imposed limit between 0.8 and 2.0, which is a reasonable range for a stable business. SWOT Analysis for Foley Wines Strength Earnings growth over the past year exceeded the industry. Debt is well covered by earnings. Weakness Earnings growth over the past year is below its 5-year average. Dividend is low compared to the top 25% of dividend payers in the Beverage market. Current share price is above our estimate of fair value. Opportunity FWL's financial characteristics indicate limited near-term opportunities for shareholders. Lack of analyst coverage makes it difficult to determine FWL's earnings prospects. Threat Debt is not well covered by operating cash flow. Paying a dividend but company has no free cash flows. Looking Ahead: Although the valuation of a company is important, it shouldn't be the only metric you look at when researching a company. DCF models are not the be-all and end-all of investment valuation. Instead the best use for a DCF model is to test certain assumptions and theories to see if they would lead to the company being undervalued or overvalued. If a company grows at a different rate, or if its cost of equity or risk free rate changes sharply, the output can look very different. For Foley Wines, there are three pertinent aspects you should explore: Risks: You should be aware of the 3 warning signs for Foley Wines (1 makes us a bit uncomfortable!) we've uncovered before considering an investment in the company. 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! Other Environmentally-Friendly Companies: Concerned about the environment and think consumers will buy eco-friendly products more and more? Browse through our interactive list of companies that are thinking about a greener future to discover some stocks you may not have thought of! PS. Simply Wall St updates its DCF calculation for every New Zealander 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. Key Insights Using the 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity, Medinex fair value estimate is S$0.20 Current share price of S$0.21 suggests Medinex is potentially trading close to its fair value The average discount for Medinex's competitorsis currently 13% In this article we are going to estimate the intrinsic value of Medinex Limited (Catalist:OTX) by projecting its future cash flows and then discounting them to today's value. We will use the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model on this occasion. It may sound complicated, but actually it is quite simple! 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. If you want to learn more about discounted cash flow, the rationale behind this calculation can be read in detail in the Simply Wall St analysis model. View our latest analysis for Medinex The Calculation We're using the 2-stage growth model, which simply means we take in account two stages of company's growth. In the initial period the company may have a higher growth rate and the second stage is usually assumed to have a stable growth rate. To start off with, we need to estimate the next ten years of cash flows. Seeing as no analyst estimates of free cash flow are available to us, we have extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the company's last reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years. A DCF is all about the idea that a dollar in the future is less valuable than a dollar today, and so the sum of these future cash flows is then discounted to today's value: 10-year free cash flow (FCF) forecast 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 Levered FCF (SGD, Millions) S$1.37m S$1.27m S$1.21m S$1.17m S$1.16m S$1.16m S$1.16m S$1.17m S$1.18m S$1.20m Growth Rate Estimate Source Est @ -11.76% Est @ -7.63% Est @ -4.73% Est @ -2.71% Est @ -1.29% Est @ -0.30% Est @ 0.40% Est @ 0.88% Est @ 1.23% Est @ 1.46% Present Value (SGD, Millions) Discounted @ 6.0% S$1.3 S$1.1 S$1.0 S$0.9 S$0.9 S$0.8 S$0.8 S$0.7 S$0.7 S$0.7 ("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St) Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = S$8.9m Story continues After calculating the present value of future cash flows in the initial 10-year period, we need to calculate the Terminal Value, which accounts for all future cash flows beyond the first stage. The Gordon Growth formula is used to calculate Terminal Value at a future annual growth rate equal to the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield of 2.0%. We discount the terminal cash flows to today's value at a cost of equity of 6.0%. Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2033 (1 + g) (r g) = S$1.2m (1 + 2.0%) (6.0% 2.0%) = S$31m Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= S$31m ( 1 + 6.0%)10= S$17m The total value, or equity value, is then the sum of the present value of the future cash flows, which in this case is S$26m. In the final step we divide the equity value by the number of shares outstanding. Relative to the current share price of S$0.2, the company appears around fair value at the time of writing. The assumptions in any calculation have a big impact on the valuation, so it is better to view this as a rough estimate, not precise down to the last cent. dcf The 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 Medinex as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 6.0%, which is based on a levered beta of 0.800. Beta is a measure of a stock's volatility, compared to the market as a whole. We get our beta from the industry average beta of globally comparable companies, with an imposed limit between 0.8 and 2.0, which is a reasonable range for a stable business. SWOT Analysis for Medinex Strength Earnings growth over the past year exceeded the industry. Debt is not viewed as a risk. Dividend is in the top 25% of dividend payers in the market. Weakness Current share price is above our estimate of fair value. Opportunity OTX's financial characteristics indicate limited near-term opportunities for shareholders. Lack of analyst coverage makes it difficult to determine OTX's earnings prospects. Threat Dividends are not covered by earnings and cashflows. Moving On: Although the valuation of a company is important, it is only one of many factors that you need to assess for a company. It's not possible to obtain a foolproof valuation with a DCF model. Rather it should be seen as a guide to "what assumptions need to be true for this stock to be under/overvalued?" If a company grows at a different rate, or if its cost of equity or risk free rate changes sharply, the output can look very different. For Medinex, we've put together three additional elements you should further research: PS. Simply Wall St updates its DCF calculation for every Singaporean 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. A small modular reactor model by Rolls-Royce, which is one of six companies competing for Great British Nuclear funding - Rolls-Royce Foreign companies that sell mini nuclear reactors to Britain should be forced to use local suppliers to build them here in a boost for industry, a group of MPs has said. A report by the all-party parliamentary group (APPG) on nuclear energy today urges the Government to require developers to use domestic supply chains when building small modular reactors (SMRs). This would mean even foreign SMR designs are effectively made by British industry, thereby helping to revitalise the countrys sovereign capabilities and creating jobs. Ian Liddell-Grainger, Tory MP for Bridgwater and West Somerset, and chairman of the APPG, said: Ramping up nuclear capacity to the levels needed for energy security and net zero will require a monumental effort from government and industry. We must seize this opportunity so we can deliver on clean power, energy security and good, green jobs for our country. The Government has set a target of generating about 24 gigawatts of power, or one quarter of Britains electricity needs, from nuclear by 2050. That is equivalent to the output of as many as eight reactors. At present, only two are under construction at the Hinkley Point C power station in Somerset, with another two planned in the Sizewell C scheme in Suffolk. Another project could be built at Wylfa, in Anglesey. One of the two nuclear reactors being built at Hinkley Point C nuclear power station - Daniel Leal/AFP Meanwhile, almost all of the countrys existing reactors except those at Sizewell B are scheduled to come offline by the end of this decade. SMRs are seen as advantageous because they could in theory be factory-produced in sections and then assembled on site, saving time and money compared to bigger projects. Great British Nuclear, the public body set up to prepare the ground for mini reactors, has shortlisted six companies in a competition for funding, including Derby-based Rolls-Royce and others from abroad such as General Electric, EDF, NuScale and Westinghouse. MPs on the APPG said that regardless of which companies succeed in the selection process, ministers should impose conditions on development that maximise the UK content of any new nuclear programme. Story continues They argued that the SMR programme could be used to help rebuild the UKs domestic nuclear manufacturing capabilities, taking inspiration from a strategy used by South Korea. The APPG report said: The UK could once make reactor pressure vessels, coolant circulators, boilers and turbines for nuclear power stations. We cannot do any of that today, but we could again. To justify the major investment in plant and equipment required, the UK Government must insist that UK content is maximised and then place orders to facilitate that. They pointed to the UKs existing nuclear fuel supply chain as one way British manufacturers could become involved early in the process. The Ministry of Defence-owned Sheffield Forgemasters could also become a supplier of reactor pressure vessels. The APPG report pointed to the example of South Korea, which since the 1970s has built up its domestic nuclear power industry by ordering American, French and Canadian reactor designs and then collaborating to develop its own local skills and technologies. South Korea also ensured that it continued to build so that skills and supply chains were retained over time and greater efficiencies could be achieved through repeat-use of designs, MPs added. It suggests that Great British Nuclear should eventually standardise the best SMR design, helping to concentrate investment and ramp up development. A Department for Energy Security and Net Zero spokesman said: Great British Nuclear will help us achieve our ambition to provide up to a quarter of the UKs electricity from homegrown nuclear energy by 2050, boosting our energy security, reducing dependence on volatile fossil fuel imports and generating around 6bn for the UK economy. We will consult later this year on a proposed way forward for determining how new nuclear developments might be located, including the potential for SMR and other advanced nuclear technologies. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. The US's crude oil supply jumped 3.6 million barrels last week, according to EIA data. imaginima/Getty Images Oil prices plummeted on Thursday as traders took in higher US inventories and waning demand in China. The US crude inventories jumped by 3.6 million barrels last week, the EIA said Wednesday. Meanwhile, China's oil refineries saw output slump, stoking concerns about waning fuel demand. Oil prices plummeted on Thursday, thanks to a recent boost in US crude inventories and concerns that demand in China will continue to soften. Brent crude, the international benchmark, slid 3.7% to $78.15 a barrel. Meanwhile, West Texas Intermediate crude tumbled 4.1% to $73.50 a barrel. On Wednesday, the Energy Information Administration said US crude inventories jumped by 3.6 million barrels last week, about double the 1.8 million-barrel increase expected in a Reuters analyst poll. Meanwhile, US oil production continued to hover around a record 13.2 million barrels a day, the EIA said. Markets also remain concerned over the outlook for China's crude demand amid a host of economic problems. The nation's refining output slumped 2.8% in October to just 15.1 million barrels a day, according to China's National Bureau of Statistics. The recent slide in oil prices reverses much of the rally in the back-end of summer, when Saudi Arabia and Russia vowed to cut their crude production through the end of the year. OPEC+ leaders have been attempting to bolster crude prices for months, with Saudi Arabia's energy chief recently denouncing speculators in the energy market who could be artificially lowering crude prices. Still, some Wall Street forecasters remain bullish on oil into 2024, citing a long-running trend of underinvestment in the industry that will make it difficult to boost supplies in the future. Crude and other commodities are likely headed for a "supercycle," according to Goldman Sachs, which sees Brent prices heading back up to $100 a barrel in 2024. Read the original article on Business Insider The hefty $124 million sale of a prominent South Waterfront property is the one of the most expensive real estate deals in the Knoxville area in recent memory. It's also the latest example in a string of large real estate deals as investors are betting big on the developing area. One Riverwalk, an apartment complex at 221 E. Blount Ave., was sold by Southeastern, a Georgia-based developer, to California-based real estate investment group Passco Companies on Oct. 31, according to Knox County property records. The company was drawn to the property for its "unbelievable setting" overlooking the Tennessee River and visibility from downtown, Colin Gillis, senior vice president of acquisitions for Passco, told Knox News in an emailed statement. The company was emboldened by the success it has seen with two other apartment complexes it owns in Knoxville: Tapestry Turkey Creek and Trustwell Living of West Knoxville. This is by far the company's largest investment in Knoxville. Passco, which has a Southeast headquarters in Atlanta, purchased Tapestry for over $41.5 million in October 2019 and Trustwell for $49.5 million in December 2022. "One Riverwalk is a one-of-a-kind generational opportunity to own what is arguably one of the best assets in one of the best locations in the state of Tennessee," Gillis wrote in the email. One Riverwalk has 303 luxury apartments across two buildings on 3.35 acres. One Riverwalk apartments sits along the Tennessee River just across from downtown. Knoxville waterfront properties selling like hotcakes Knox County Register of Deeds Nick McBride said the $124 million purchase is one of the largest he's seen and one of the largest in recent memory. Passco's purchase doesn't include much land, McBride said, as the apartment buildings take up most of the property. What's so surprising about the deal, McBride said, is the price per unit: nearly $410,000 per apartment. "I am shocked every week at some transfer," McBride said. McBride said sky-high property sales aren't going away. Story continues 303 Flats apartments just down the road at 303 W. Blount Ave. sold for almost $57 million in May. These big deals extend across the region. McBride wasn't surprised when Warner Bros. Discovery got $35 million for the sale of its Knoxville campus to Apex Bank in March. Even more impressive, he said, is that Apex Bank sold two-thirds of the property for $31 million to Maryville-based fashion company Altar'd State, which is moving its headquarters to Knoxville later this year. The South Waterfront strip of land is a hotspot for development, from new apartment buildings coming up to discussions of building a $70 million pedestrian bridge to the redevelopment of Kerns Bakery into Kerns Food Hall, expected to open in December. Other major purchases in the area include: In January, Vols View Residences purchased almost 6 acres at 451 W. Blount Ave. for $8 million for a 348-apartment complex called Livano Knoxville. In September, Knoxville's Community Development Corporation and University of Tennessee at Knoxville partnered to purchase nearly 7 acres of property at 2323 W. Blount Ave. for $9 million. As of February, UT's vision for the site includes parking and student housing. The former Baptist Hospital building property was purchased by Knoxville Student Property for $4.75 million last April, with plans for a 205-unit apartment building. A consulting company in a study funded by the city of Knoxville and East Tennessee Realtors identified Knoxville's South Waterfront as a prime area for more development, including hotels and a statement attraction, similar to the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga. What's next for One Riverwalk apartments? If you're a resident of One Riverwalk, Passco said not to expect any major changes. It will retain the onsite management team from property management company Greystar, according to Gillis. Passco intendeds to make some improvements to the property, starting with a dog park in an underutilized area. One Riverwalk has one- and two-bedroom apartments, with rates ranging from $1,848 to $3,093, according to Greystar's website. Silas Sloan is the growth and development reporter. Email silas.sloan@knoxnews.com. Twitter @silasloan. Instagram @knox.growth. Support strong local journalism by subscribing at knoxnews.com/subscribe. This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Knoxville apartments One Riverwalk sold on South Waterfront Nonprofit online watchdog the Center for Countering Digital Hate on Thursday hit back at Elon Musks X in a motion to dismiss the social media companys August lawsuit. X Corp., the parent company of the platform formerly known as Twitter, accused the Center for Countering Digital Hate of deliberately trying to drive away Xs advertisers by publishing reports critical of the platforms response to hateful content. Xs lawsuit specifically claims that CCDH violated Twitters terms of service, and federal hacking laws, by scraping data from the companys platform and by encouraging an unnamed individual to improperly collect information about Twitter that it had provided to a third-party brand monitoring provider. CCDH claims that Xs lawsuit is riddled with legal deficiencies and attempts to punish the nonprofit for its First Amendment protected speech, according to its Thursday filing in the Northern District Court of California. At its core, X Corp.s grievance is not that the CCDH Defendants gathered public data in violation of obscure (and largely imagined) contract terms, but that they criticized X Corp. (forcefully) to the public, the filing states. X and a lawyer representing the company did not immediately respond to a request for comment on CCDHs Thursday filing. After Musk acquired the social media platform just over a year ago, CCDH in addition to other researchers and online safety groups released a series of reports criticizing the companys handling of hate speech, including evidence, for example, that anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric had jumped under Musks leadership and that the platform was monetizing some previously banned but then reinstated accounts that were spreading hateful content. In a blog post from X after filing its lawsuit, the company said the suit was intended to promote free expression and that it rejects all claims made by the CCDH. Musk has blamed CCDH and other watchdog groups for Xs decline in advertising revenue. The billionaire in September accused the Anti-Defamation League of being the reason that the companys ad revenue remained down 60%, despite efforts by X to promote new brand safety controls for advertisers. In its complaint against CCDH, X alleges it has lost at least tens of millions of dollars in advertising revenue. Story continues However, after Musks takeover, some advertisers raised concerns about mass layoffs that affected their contacts within the company or general uncertainty about the platforms future; other brands have paused spending after their ads ran alongside hateful content. The X owner himself has also been a controversial flashpoint on the platform last month, in a post that was later deleted, Musk encouraged users to keep up with the Israel-Hamas war by following an account known for spreading misinformation. Just this week, Musk agreed with an antisemitic post on X, endorsing the claim that Jewish communities push hatred against Whites. CCDH CEO Imran Ahmed told CNN that the groups response to Xs lawsuit is meant to show that we arent cowed by this. Ironically, he doesnt want a free marketplace of ideas about what he claims is his free marketplace of ideas, Ahmed said. CCDHs research held up a mirror to Elon Musks increasingly toxic and ugly platform, and rather than doing the right thing and tackle the hate and lies which are disfiguring X, Mr. Musk chose instead to sue the mirror, he added. In addition to its motion to dismiss, CCDHs filing also includes a motion to strike most of Xs claims under Californias anti-SLAPP law, which could require X to prove it is likely to succeed in its claim before the case can move forward and could allow for expedited dismissal if Xs lawsuit is found to be related to CCDHs protected speech. Among the allegations in X Corp.s complaint, the company accuses CCDH of breach of contract for allegedly violating the platforms Terms of Service by scraping X to obtain data for a report. CCDH said in its motion to dismiss that the group, in fact, used the platforms own search function to collect publicly available information. CCDH in its filing also notes that despite Xs allegations that the groups research has cost the platform ad dollars, the company has not asserted a defamation claim. Understandably so, since it cannot allege that the CCDH Defendants said anything knowingly false, nor does it wish to invite discovery on the truth about the content on its platform, the groups Thursday filing states. Instead, X Corp. has ginned up baseless claims purporting to take issue with how the CCDH Defendants gathered data that formed the basis for their research. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Writing for the New York Times, Shane Goldmacher described the results of a recent Times/Siena poll this way: Discontent pulsates throughout the Times/Siena poll, with a majority of voters saying [President Joe] Bidens policies have personally hurt them. The survey also reveals the extent to which the multiracial and multigenerational coalition that elected Mr. Biden is fraying. Demographic groups that backed Mr. Biden by landslide margins in 2020 are now far more closely contested, as two-thirds of the electorate sees the country moving in the wrong direction. According to the poll, Biden is leaking support among Blacks, young people and Hispanics. Unlike other polls that painted a similarly dire picture for the president, no one, except for maybe the president himself, is suggesting this poll is an outlier. Things are not going well for Biden. American consumers are reminded of higher prices every time they shop for groceries or eat in a restaurant. Interest and mortgage rates are at a near 25-year high, crime continues to plague cities from coast-to-coast and the country is as fractured as ever. The southern border remains a mess. As things stand now, even referring to it as a border is a stretch. Were now paying for two wars overseas, with events in the Middle East threatening to spin out of control at any moment. Biden is on the right side of both wars, but that is not translating into any electoral advantage for the president. Further, Americans are getting an unvarnished look at the hate the left has cultivated on college campuses for years. Whether you think Biden is responsible for any of this is beside the point. Americans are looking around and they dont like what they see. Even David Axlerod, who was a senior adviser to President Barack Obama, seems to think its time for Biden to step aside to allow another Democrat to become the partys nominee. The handwriting is on the wall for Biden, but the president either cant see it, or has decided to ignore it. The Sienna/Times poll shows former President Donald Trump leading Biden in a head-to-head contest in nearly every battleground state. Democrats have only themselves to blame. The more Democrats throw at the former president two impeachments, 90-something criminal indictments, a never-ending stream of talking heads bemoaning the end of democracy and a mainstream media fully vested in Trumps demise the more they create the impression of a coordinated attack on a political opponent. That has cast the former president not as a reprobate politician, but as national martyr. But Trumps current favorable position in the polls is not so much an indication of his strength as it is Bidens weakness. Bidens manifest cognitive decline and the poor state of affairs both at home and abroad means Daffy Duck could probably give him a run for his money. Making things worse for Biden, he is now being crucified from the left by congressional dullards like Rashida Talib and hoards of clueless, hate-filled children chanting in the streets, accusing the president of the United States of genocide. According to a recent survey by Lake Research Partners, a respected Democratic pollster, two-thirds of Muslim Democrats in Michigan now say they will vote for someone other than Biden and would consider supporting a third-party candidate. Still, Republicans would do well not to count their electoral chickens a year before the presidential election. I remember a lot of confident predictions about a red wave not too long ago. There might be millions of people who love Trump, but there are even more who hate him with equal vigor, and for many of them, that hate approaches a neurotic obsession. The only reason Biden is president today is because tens of millions of people were highly motivated to vote against Trump. When push comes to shove, if their only other choice next November is Trump, I suspect many Americans will again hold their noses and pull the lever for Biden. Further, the recent off-year election results in Virginia and elsewhere demonstrated just how potent abortion will be as an issue driving Democrats to the polls. Expect Democrats to proudly proclaim they are the party of abortion. Of course, theyll be careful to avoid mentioning anything about the procedure, or what exactly takes place when a woman has an abortion. Instead, theyll use poll-tested euphemisms abortion advocates commonly employ when talking about the issue. Actually, if Biden accepted that he will not be re-elected to a second term, it would free him, perhaps for the first time in his political life, to act in accordance with his principles provided he has any rather than having political considerations being his primary concern. In other words, Biden would be free to do what he thinks is right and in the best interest of the country rather than having to pander to the far-left, or do only whats in the best interest of the Democratic Party. What a novel idea. Chris Roemer is a retired banker and educator who resides in Finksburg. He can be contacted at chrisroemer1960@gmail.com (Bloomberg) -- Drillers in the US shale patch are again trying to rebound from slumping activity, this time expanding the oil-rig count by the widest margin in nine months. Most Read from Bloomberg The number of US rigs drilling for oil rose by 6 to 500, the biggest weekly jump since late February, according to data released by Baker Hughes Co. on Friday. The boost was led by explorers in the Permian Basin of West Texas and New Mexico, where four oil rigs were added. Thats the biggest increase in the region since mid-March. Drilling-rig activity has shown signs of coming to life in the recent past, only to drop to new lows this year. Views from the biggest onshore rig contractors during the latest round of earnings calls indicated that a bottom in activity should emerge and that drilling growth should return in the final three months of the year. Oil output from the Permian Basin is set to expand through the end of this year, according to a report this week from the US Energy Information Administration. Its a more bullish forecast from the government agency compared with a month earlier. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. (Bloomberg) -- Vegan butter and cheese company Miyokos Creamery is raising $12 million and preparing for a potential sale of the business, according to documents viewed by Bloomberg News. Most Read from Bloomberg The Petaluma, California-based company is executing a financial stabilization plan in an attempt to place itself on a path to profitability and open doors to a range of strategic alternatives, including selling the business, Chief Executive Officer Stuart Kronauge told shareholders in a Nov. 10 letter. The company has run at large deficits for many years, she wrote. Kronauge was named CEO in August, following a tumultuous period at the company that included the ouster of its founder and original CEO, Miyoko Schinner. Sales of the companys nut-based imitation dairy products doubled between 2019 and 2021, reaching more than $40 million, the letter shows, but they fell in 2022 to about $33 million and were around $25 million through Sept. 30, 2023. The company and Kronauge didnt respond to requests for comment. In the letter, Kronauge blamed the slowdown on challenges in both the plant-based market and the larger economy. While a broad nondairy-cheese category tracked by market-research firm Circana has seen slowing sales since a pandemic-era peak in 2020, the smaller category of specialty nondairy cheese, which includes some of Miyokos products, grew 67% in 2021 and 16% in 2022. Kronauge noted the recent closing of the companys Petaluma manufacturing plant and said more opportunities to control costs lay ahead. We also plan to continue discussions with potential strategic partners that could result in new partnerships or the sale of the business, she wrote. This plan requires an immediate injection of capital into the business. Story continues Miyokos raised $52 million in new funding in August 2021. Current investors CULT, GroundForce and Obvious Ventures have already invested $1.5 million and agreed to put in as much as $12 million, but the company is also urging all shareholders to invest. Those who dont will see their current stock holdings downgraded, the letter says, without certain liquidation preference and voting rights that they currently have. Billy Bramblett, Miyokos original chief operations officer, a former board member and a current shareholder, isnt pleased with the companys proposition. I believe that directors of a corporation have a fiduciary duty to protect the value of the shares and investment of those shareholders whose class(es) of stock they represent, and certainly in relation to what may be their own holding, Bramblett told Bloomberg via email. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Generally, when a single insider buys stock, it is usually not a big deal. However, when several insiders are buying, like in the case of Secure Trust Bank PLC (LON:STB), it sends a favourable message to the company's shareholders. While insider transactions are not the most important thing when it comes to long-term investing, logic dictates you should pay some attention to whether insiders are buying or selling shares. See our latest analysis for Secure Trust Bank The Last 12 Months Of Insider Transactions At Secure Trust Bank In the last twelve months, the biggest single purchase by an insider was when CEO & Director David McCreadie bought UK101k worth of shares at a price of UK5.90 per share. That implies that an insider found the current price of UK6.26 per share to be enticing. That means they have been optimistic about the company in the past, though they may have changed their mind. We do always like to see insider buying, but it is worth noting if those purchases were made at well below today's share price, as the discount to value may have narrowed with the rising price. The good news for Secure Trust Bank share holders is that insiders were buying at near the current price. While Secure Trust Bank insiders bought shares during the last year, they didn't sell. You can see a visual depiction of insider transactions (by companies and individuals) over the last 12 months, below. By clicking on the graph below, you can see the precise details of each insider transaction! There are always plenty of stocks that insiders are buying. So if that suits your style you could check each stock one by one or you could take a look at this free list of companies. (Hint: insiders have been buying them). Insider Ownership Of Secure Trust Bank Looking at the total insider shareholdings in a company can help to inform your view of whether they are well aligned with common shareholders. Usually, the higher the insider ownership, the more likely it is that insiders will be incentivised to build the company for the long term. Our information indicates that Secure Trust Bank insiders own about UK404k worth of shares. This level of insider ownership is notably low, and not very encouraging. Story continues What Might The Insider Transactions At Secure Trust Bank Tell Us? The fact that there have been no Secure Trust Bank insider transactions recently certainly doesn't bother us. On a brighter note, the transactions over the last year are encouraging. We'd like to see bigger individual holdings. However, we don't see anything to make us think Secure Trust Bank insiders are doubting the company. In addition to knowing about insider transactions going on, it's beneficial to identify the risks facing Secure Trust Bank. At Simply Wall St, we found 1 warning sign for Secure Trust Bank that deserve your attention before buying any shares. But note: Secure Trust Bank may not be the best stock to buy. So take a peek at this free list of interesting companies with high ROE and low debt. For the purposes of this article, insiders are those individuals who report their transactions to the relevant regulatory body. We currently account for open market transactions and private dispositions of direct interests only, but not derivative transactions or indirect interests. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Unionized firefighters are waiting to receive cash stipends to make up for Disney perks ended by Gov. Ron DeSantis tourism oversight district. About 200 unionized employees more than half of the districts workforce havent gotten the $3,000 stipend because of a disagreement with the district over the benefits value, said Jon Shirey, president of the districts firefighters union. We have had one bargaining session over the stipend, but it went nowhere, he said. The deadlock comes as administrator Glen Gilzean touts increased employee morale at the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District made possible through his open door policy and additional benefits. More than 40 of the districts roughly 370 employees have resigned or retired since the state seized control in February. The districts board approved the stipend at their meeting in September. Under the current contract, the district cannot provide additional benefits without renegotiating the contract, said Alexei Woltornist, a district spokesman. Contract negotiations are currently underway, and we cannot comment further at this time. DeSantis tourism district replaces Disney perks with $3,000 stipend Union officials estimated the value of the Disney passes and discounts to be at least $5,000. The Disney perks program covered theme park entry for employees, their spouses and three guests, an employee familiar with the benefit said. The program also included discounts at Disney restaurants and hotels. DeSantis hand-picked tourism oversight board took aim at the perk, calling it an unethical arrangement that exclusively benefited Disney over other businesses. But the board faced a backlash from some employees who said the theme park passes were a key factor in their decision to work there. At this months meeting, Gilzean said employees would get two additional paid holidays Veterans Day and the day before Thanksgiving when outlining his efforts to boost employee morale. Those days are also subject to bargaining, so union members arent presently eligible for those paid holidays, Shirey said. Story continues The Reedy Creek Professional Firefighters, the union led by Shirey, endorsed DeSantis re-election bid with the districts future still in question. Formerly known as Reedy Creek, the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District provides fire protection and other government services to Disney World. Union officials praised DeSantis when he appointed the new board earlier this year. Shirey accused the previous Disney-friendly board and management of neglecting public safety by not addressing staffing and equipment shortages. The new administration approved a union contract in July, ending about five years of negotiations and answering the governors calls to boost the pay of Disney Worlds emergency workers. Starting pay for a firefighter/paramedic will increase from $55,000 to $66,000 as part of the three-year agreement. At their November meeting, board members approved a separate union contract covering battalion chiefs and captains that includes a 13% wage adjustment in 2024 and a 5% adjustment in 2025 and 2026. Lighting-and-Home-Furnishings Retailer Debuts First-Ever Location in North Carolina PORTLAND, Ore., November 17, 2023--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Rejuvenation, a portfolio brand of Williams-Sonoma, Inc. (NYSE: WSM), the worlds largest digital-first, design-led and sustainable home retailer, announced today, the opening of a new store in Cary, North Carolina. Located in the Fenton Shopping Center, the new Rejuvenation store is the 12th retail location for the Portland, Oregon-based lighting, hardware, and home furnishings company, and the first location in the state of North Carolina. In addition to showcasing Rejuvenations thoughtfully crafted assortment of furniture, textiles, and one-of-a-kind vintage finds, the new 5,900 square-foot store will showcase more than 240 light fixtures and 40 collections of hardware designed for cabinets, doors, windows, and outdoor spaces. Rejuvenation store associates will be available to provide design and lighting expertise to customers visiting the Cary, NC store which also offers complimentary interior design services. "Rejuvenation is thrilled to continue to expand our retail footprint to North Carolina," said Aujsha Taylor, Senior Vice President of Rejuvenation. "Our stores are inspiring showrooms full of our curated lighting, hardware and furniture collections all carefully crafted to elevate our customers residential and commercial design projects." Rejuvenation Cary is located at 20 Fenton Main Street, Suite 190, Cary, NC 27511. For more information about the new location, please visit: rejuvenation.com/cary. ABOUT REJUVENATION Rejuvenation was founded in 1977 in Portland, Ore. as an architectural salvage, lighting, and hardware restoration shop. Today, the company is the premier provider of timeless designs for all areas of the home and every home improvement projectwith a range that includes customizable lighting assembled to order at the companys Portland factory, solid brass cabinet hardware, solid wood furniture, handcrafted rugs, and more. A member of the Williams-Sonoma, Inc. (NYSE:WSM) family of brands, Rejuvenation offers complimentary in-home, in-store, or virtual design consultations and sells products on the companys website at www.rejuvenation.com, and at its twelve retail stores in Portland, Seattle, Los Angeles, Berkeley, San Diego, Atlanta, Chicago, New York City, Costa Mesa, Houston, Edina and Cary. Story continues ABOUT WILLIAMS-SONOMA, INC. Williams-Sonoma, Inc. is the worlds largest digital-first, design-led, and sustainable home retailer. The companys products, representing distinct merchandise strategies Williams Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, Pottery Barn Teen, West Elm, Williams Sonoma Home, Rejuvenation, Mark and Graham, and GreenRow are marketed through e-commerce websites, direct-mail catalogs, and retail stores. These brands are also part of The Key Rewards, our loyalty and credit card program that offers members exclusive benefits across the Williams-Sonoma family of brands. We operate in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom, offer international shipping to customers worldwide, and have unaffiliated franchisees that operate stores in the Middle East, the Philippines, Mexico, South Korea, and India, as well as e-commerce websites in certain locations. We are also proud to be a leader in our industry with our Environmental, Social, and Governance ("ESG") efforts. Our company is Good By Design weve deeply ingrained sustainability into our business. From our factories to your home, were united in a shared purpose to care for our people and our planet. WSM-PR View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231117027681/en/ Contacts Negina Pirzad Rejuvenation RejuvenationPR@WSGC.com Mark Kolbe/Getty Images Russia exported nearly all its oil at a price above the G7's price cap in October, Bloomberg reported. Western sanctions seem to be having a diminishing impact on Moscow's ability to fund its war in Ukraine. Russia sold oil at an average of $79.40 a barrel at the point of export, the report said. Russia was able to almost completely avoid the price cap on its oil exports in October, as the attempt by G7 countries to throttle Moscow's war revenue proves tricky to enforce. In October, oil coming out of Russia's major ports sold for an average price of $79.40 per barrel, and 99% of Moscow's oil exports were sold above the price cap, according to a Bloomberg report and KSE Institute research. The G7 introduced the price cap last December in a bid to both limit Russia's ability to fund its war in Ukraine and keep crude flowing on global markets. The sanctions are meant to prohibit G7 nations from providing insurance and shipping services for any oil that is sold above the $60-a-barrel threshold. However, Russia has been able to circumvent much of the West's sanctions by turning to fleets of shadow tankers to help boost the country's oil revenue in recent months. In October, the KSE Institute said roughly 30% of all seaborne crude was shipped with coverage from G7 and European Union nations, or were tied to other services from the West. "This points to widespread violations of the price cap regime in the form of 'attestations fraud'," the researchers said, per Bloomberg. "This means that oil traders and brokers are likely providing falsified pricing information to G7/EU service providers." The price cap could be enforced better and ultimately made more effective if policymakers ramped up penalties for firms or nations that violated the price cap, the KSE Institute said. The group is part of the Kyiv School of Economics, which has previously advocated for more stringent enforcement of sanctions on Russia. Story continues Before Vladimir Putin launched the "special military operation" in Ukraine last February, Russia was the 11th largest economy in the world. It accounted for nearly 40% of the EU's natural gas imports and about 25% of its crude oil. Now, much of Russia's economic data is impossible to verify, and experts are skeptical whether its war-time economy is surviving as well as Putin and other officials claim. Brent crude, the international oil benchmark, tumbled more than 5% on Thursday to trade at $77 a barrel. Read the original article on Business Insider (Bloomberg) -- The wests sanctions on Russian oil exports are failing to deprive the Kremlin of revenue to fund its war in Ukraine, meaning the measures are not succeeding in one of their principal objectives. Most Read from Bloomberg Whether in dollars or rubles, net or gross, Russian Finance Ministry data show that the money flooding into government coffers has been grinding higher for months now. The figures beg the question as to whether Group of Seven nations, especially the US and Europe, will need to take more aggressive action if they really want to deprive Moscow of petrodollars. Their key tool for curbing that funding was a price cap that prevented western firms from helping in the transport of Russian oil if it cost more than $60 a barrel. But one study this week showed that almost every seaborne cargo breached the threshold last month. Gross revenues from three main tax sources of petrodollars nearly doubled between April and October, coming to more than $13 billion last month, Bloomberg calculations based on the Finance Ministrys data show. The October earnings exceeded those for any single month in 2021, before the invasion of Ukraine caused unprecedented volatility to the nations exports. Even after deducting sizable subsidy payments to the countrys oil refining industry, which jumped to $2 billion - $3 billion in August and September, a surge is clear. In October, the Russian refiners didnt receive any subsidies for domestic fuel supplies, which contributed to a substantial jump in Russias net oil earnings for the month. A spokesperson for the US Treasury Department said that while the first phase of the price cap focused on reducing the amount of revenue Russia gains from its oil sales, the second phase of the measure will focus on increasing the costs Russia has to pay to keep its fleet of tankers running. Story continues To do that, the department has begun to sanction shipping companies and vessels it says have transported oil sold above the cap and started to look for ways to increase the costs to Russia for using its shadow fleet. Initial Blow In December last year, the European Union all but halted seaborne purchases of Russian oil and simultaneously joined others in the G-7 in imposing a price cap on the countrys exports. While the initial blow led to a $25-billion deficit in the Russian budget at the start of the year, the effects have faded dramatically. To counteract the wests restrictions, Russia pivoted away from western shipping and services. It has done so by using a vast shadow fleet of tankers that have unclear ownership and insurance status. Privately, European Union officials acknowledge that the price cap isnt working well. Back in September, US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen admitted the approach was losing its sting. Ruble Revenue For the Russian government, what matters is revenue and expenditure in ruble terms. That dictates how easily the country can fund its budgetary expenses, including massive military spending because of the war with Ukraine, and swelling social obligations before presidential elections in March. And there, the news is no better for the west. The three main levies are an oil output tax, an export duty on crude and fuels, and a profit-based tax that partly replaced a production tax for some fields. Revenue from those rose to 1.2 trillion rubles in October, the highest since April 2022. It also exceeded any single month in 2021. The increase in Russias revenues comes as the price of the nations barrels has been growing both in absolute terms and relative to the international Brent benchmark. A sharp depreciation of the ruble in the recent months also helped boost revenues from oil sales denominated in foreign currencies. The G-7s price cap prohibited western firms from providing shipping, insurance and other services for Russian oil sold above $60 a barrel. In early 2022, the discount of the nations crude to Brent widened to a historic high of more than $34 per barrel, according to data from Russias Finance Ministry. Diminishing Discount As customers particularly in China and India became accustomed to using the shadow fleet, the discounts between Russias flagship grade Urals and international prices narrowed. It is now closer to $10 a barrel, with Russia expecting the gap to narrow further by about $5. As part of its pivot toward trying to boost Russias costs, the US Treasury recently sanctioned five tankers for breaching the price cap. It has also written to ship-management companies asking them for information regarding about 100 tankers that moved Russian oil. Its not clear if the measures will do anything to dim the shadow-fleet trade in oil. The European Union is also trying to make it harder for tankers that are beneficially owned by Europeans to be sold into the shadow fleet. That could ensnare parts of the Greek fleet, even if large numbers of vessels have already switched over. Almost 30% of Russian oil shipments had some sort of involvement of a G-7 entity in October, according to data compiled the KSE Institute, which is part of a Ukrainian organization thats pushing for stiffer sanctions on Moscow. According to a detailed analysis of exports, almost all Russian seaborne cargoes were bought above the cap in October, the institute said. There are still pressures on Russia too. In a move to cut the budget expenditure and keep more petrodollars, the Russian government tried to halve its subsidy payments to refineries but faced pushback from the industry. Full-size payouts have been reinstated from October and the refiners will start receiving them from November, which will continue to put pressure on Russias net oil revenues, affecting the Kremlins financial flexibility. The US and its allies also argue that their sanctions have had a broader impact on Russia. The Kremlin spent billions of dollars on its fleet, insurance and the overall alternative ecosystem to sell oil without G7 involvement, according to a US Treasury statement last month. The costs associated with this avoidance keep stacking up, the Treasurys Eric Van Nostrand said. So far, the G-7 has no plans to change the cap, with the European Union considering stricter monitoring of the existing threshold as the alliance is working on the 12th package of sanctions against Russia. --With assistance from Alberto Nardelli, Julian Lee and Daniel Flatley. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. When a single insider purchases stock, it is typically not a major deal. However, when multiple insiders purchase stock, like in Time Finance plc's (LON:TIME) instance, it's good news for shareholders. While insider transactions are not the most important thing when it comes to long-term investing, we would consider it foolish to ignore insider transactions altogether. See our latest analysis for Time Finance The Last 12 Months Of Insider Transactions At Time Finance While no particular insider transaction stood out, we can still look at the overall trading. In the last twelve months Time Finance insiders were buying shares, but not selling. You can see a visual depiction of insider transactions (by companies and individuals) over the last 12 months, below. By clicking on the graph below, you can see the precise details of each insider transaction! There are 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. Time Finance Insiders Bought Stock Recently Over the last quarter, Time Finance insiders have spent a meaningful amount on shares. Overall, five insiders shelled out UK77k for shares in the company -- and none sold. This is a positive in our book as it implies some confidence. Insider Ownership Looking at the total insider shareholdings in a company can help to inform your view of whether they are well aligned with common shareholders. I reckon it's a good sign if insiders own a significant number of shares in the company. Insiders own 14% of Time Finance shares, worth about UK4.1m, according to our data. We do note, however, it is possible insiders have an indirect interest through a private company or other corporate structure. We do generally prefer see higher levels of insider ownership. So What Do The Time Finance Insider Transactions Indicate? The recent insider purchases are heartening. We also take confidence from the longer term picture of insider transactions. While the overall levels of insider ownership are below what we'd like to see, the history of transactions imply that Time Finance insiders are reasonably well aligned, and optimistic for the future. So while it's helpful to know what insiders are doing in terms of buying or selling, it's also helpful to know the risks that a particular company is facing. For example - Time Finance has 1 warning sign we think you should be aware of. Story continues But note: Time Finance may not be the best stock to buy. So take a peek at this free list of interesting companies with high ROE and low debt. For the purposes of this article, insiders are those individuals who report their transactions to the relevant regulatory body. We currently account for open market transactions and private dispositions of direct interests only, but not derivative transactions or indirect interests. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Ideally, your overall portfolio should beat the market average. But in any portfolio, there will be mixed results between individual stocks. At this point some shareholders may be questioning their investment in Isetan (Singapore) Limited (SGX:I15), since the last five years saw the share price fall 20%. 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. See our latest analysis for Isetan (Singapore) 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...' 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. Isetan (Singapore) became profitable within the last five years. That would generally be considered a positive, so we are surprised to see the share price is down. Other metrics might give us a better handle on how its value is changing over time. Arguably, the revenue drop of 9.6% a year for half a decade suggests that the company can't grow in the long term. That could explain the weak share price. You can see below how earnings and revenue have changed over time (discover the exact values by clicking on the image). Take a more thorough look at Isetan (Singapore)'s financial health with this free report on its balance sheet. What About The Total Shareholder Return (TSR)? Investors should note that there's a difference between Isetan (Singapore)'s total shareholder return (TSR) and its share price change, which we've covered above. Arguably the TSR is a more complete return calculation because it accounts for the value of dividends (as if they were reinvested), along with the hypothetical value of any discounted capital that have been offered to shareholders. Its history of dividend payouts mean that Isetan (Singapore)'s TSR, which was a 17% drop over the last 5 years, was not as bad as the share price return. Story continues A Different Perspective We regret to report that Isetan (Singapore) shareholders are down 6.4% for the year. Unfortunately, that's worse than the broader market decline of 0.4%. However, it could simply be that the share price has been impacted by broader market jitters. It might be worth keeping an eye on the fundamentals, in case there's a good opportunity. Regrettably, last year's performance caps off a bad run, with the shareholders facing a total loss of 3% per year over five years. Generally speaking long term share price weakness can be a bad sign, though contrarian investors might want to research the stock in hope of a turnaround. While it is well worth considering the different impacts that market conditions can have on the share price, there are other factors that are even more important. For instance, we've identified 4 warning signs for Isetan (Singapore) (1 is concerning) that you should be aware of. If you would prefer to check out another company -- one with potentially superior financials -- then do not miss this free list of companies that have proven they can grow earnings. Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on Singaporean exchanges. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Deployment of solar PV and energy storage system will enable the university to green up to 21 per cent of its total energy consumption by 2024. Further deployment of GETTM Control, a micro-climate building intelligence system, after the successful pilot at one building at the university campus achieved 40 per cent energy savings while improving occupant comfort by 14 per cent SINGAPORE and BANGKOK, Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Rangsit University (RSU) is set for green transformation at its main campus in Mueang Pathum Thani District, Greater Bangkok. SP Group (SP), a utilities group and sustainable energy solutions provider in Singapore and the Asia Pacific, is partnering RSU, a leading private university in Thailand, to transform this space into a smart, low-carbon campus. SP will deploy a comprehensive suite of integrated and sustainable energy solutions across the campus. These include solar photovoltaic (PV) deployment with a centralised energy management and storage system, and harnessing SP's GETTM (Green Energy Tech) a smart building intelligence system that maximises building energy efficiency and enhances occupant comfort. When completed in 2024, these solutions will enable the university to green up to 21 per cent of its total energy consumption and lower its carbon emissions by 1,400 tonnes annually. Associate Professor Dr. Thammasak Rujirayanyong, Assistant to the President for Building and Environment, Rangsit University (left) with Mr. Brandon Chia, Managing Director (Southeast Asia & Australia), Sustainable Energy Solutions, SP Group (right) at the signing ceremony between Rangsit University and SP Group to empower the Universitys green transformation. To further this green partnership, SP and RSU will conduct a feasibility study to implement more integrated sustainable energy solutions across the campus. These include a district cooling system to provide energy-efficient air-conditioning, increasing the scale of solar PV and energy storage systems deployment, and further expanding the integration of the GETTM suite of digital energy management tools that leverage smart insights to optimise energy efficiency, enhance occupant experience, and advance sustainability efforts. As part of the partnership, SP will install a 2-Megawatt Peak (MWp) of rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) across nine buildings on the campus, and a floating solar PV system on one of the university's ponds. To maximise the accessibility of solar energy across the campus, SP will also be installing an Energy Storage System (ESS) that enables on-demand supply of solar energy. The combined solar PV system is expected to generate 2,749 Megawatt-hour annually. Story continues When the system is completed, RSU's Facility and Environmental Management Office (Building 13) will be 100 per cent powered by solar energy and will be the first building in a Thailand university campus to aim for net-zero status. SP will also expand its deployment of GETTM Control, a micro-climate building intelligence system that maximises energy-efficiency of the building's air-conditioning, to two additional buildings Building 12/1 and Building 11 following a successful pilot deployment. Over a two-month period, the pilot helped to achieve 40 per cent energy savings for two levels on building 12/1 and Building 11 and improved occupant comfort by 14 per cent. The solution utilises Artificial Intelligence and Internet of Things to optimise and regulate air-conditioning, by taking into consideration factors like occupancy and ambient weather conditions to optimise air-flow to evenly cool areas. "Buildings like offices, factories, hospitals and university campuses have unique operational and energy demands. Our expertise in delivering customised, end-to-end integrated energy services will enable buildings to maximise the benefits of diverse energy resources, optimise efficiency and achieve significant environmental benefits including reduction of carbon emissions. We are very pleased to partner Rangsit University on its ambitious sustainability journey, and look forward to joining hands with more developments to drive the decarbonisation of Thailand's urban built environment," said Mr. Brandon Chia, Managing Director (Southeast Asia & Australia), Sustainable Energy Solutions, SP Group. "Climate change affects everyone, including educational institutions like us. There is an urgent need to enhance our buildings' energy efficiency and develop sustainability goals to support Thailand's targets of reducing the amount of greenhouse gas emissions," said Associate Professor Dr. Thammasak Rujirayanyong, Assistant to the President for Building and Environment, Rangsit University. "We selected SP Group based on the efficacy of their track record, and they have impressed with their commitment and thoroughness. I hope that RSU's successful implementation of SP's integrated energy solutions will serve as an example for other education institutions to follow suit." Rangsit University has set a target to become a smart, low carbon campus as part of its commitment to environmental stewardship and social responsibility, including carbon neutrality, sustainable infrastructure, and sustainable transportation. SP Group has been supporting the green energy transition of customers in Thailand since 2022. It has over 40MWp of solar projects in operation and under construction; and secured a pipeline of over 100MWp of other solar projects across Thailand. Key partners include Malee Group, Asia Composite Material, Compact International and SAICO, who have leveraged SP's strong engineering expertise, regional experience, and operational excellence to embark on their green energy transition. SP recently announced its first district cooling project in Thailand, at Government Complex Centre Zone C, as part of its joint venture with Banpu NEXT. When completed in 2024, the district cooling system will operate a total cooling capacity of up to 14,000 Refrigeration Tons (RT) and enable the facility to save approximately 40 million baht (USD $1.12 million) per year on electricity costs, achieve 20 per cent in energy savings and reduce carbon emissions by up to 3,000 tonnes annually. About SP Group SP Group is a leading utilities group in the Asia Pacific, empowering the future of energy with low-carbon, smart energy solutions for its customers. It owns and operates electricity and gas transmission and distribution businesses in Singapore and Australia, as well as sustainable energy solutions in Singapore, China, Thailand, and Vietnam. As Singapore's national grid operator, about 1.6 million industrial, commercial, and residential customers benefit from its world-class transmission, distribution, and market support services. These networks are amongst the most reliable and cost-effective worldwide. Beyond traditional utilities services, SP Group provides a suite of sustainable and renewable energy solutions such as microgrids, cooling and heating systems for business districts and residential townships, solar energy solutions, electric vehicle fast-charging stations and digital energy solutions for customers in Singapore and the region. For more information, please visit www.spgroup.com or follow us on Facebook at spgrp.sg/Facebook, LinkedIn at spgrp.sg/LinkedIn and Instagram at spgrp.sg/Instagram. SP Group (PRNewsfoto/SP Group) Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/sp-groups-integrated-energy-solutions-to-power-rangsit-universitys-green-energy-transformation-301991571.html SOURCE SP Group Usually when the U.S. Army Chemical Materials Activity Recovered Chemical Materiel Directorate (CMA RCMD) receives a call to assess an item of interest, there is a good chance a chemical warfare agent is involved. However, in the past several months, CMA RCMD, which is based at Aberdeen Proving Ground, has been supporting the National Park Service in partnership with Idaho National Laboratory to help in the identification of an extremely rare fossil. The National Park Service website describes Fossil Butte National Monument in southwestern Wyoming as Americas aquarium in stone. Fossilized fish, birds, reptiles and mammals that once populated the area in and around a large freshwater lake during the early Eocene epoch 52 million years ago are notable for both abundance and exceptional detail of preservation. Park Manager Arvid Aase explained the reason for the exceptional preservation is that the lake had a layer of low-oxygen saltwater and a microbial mat at the bottom. When dead creatures sank to the lake bottom, the mat grew over them and held them in place. While being saline at the bottom, it was fresh at the top where things were living, so freshwater microbes werent down there to decompose the [dead creatures], and nothing was living down there to scavenge on them, Aase said. It was that unique combination of conditions that allowed the fossils to be created in great abundance and very well preserved. Aase estimates fossil hunters collect about 100,000 well-preserved fossils each year from private quarries outside the park. And thats not counting the broken ones, he adds. Although most of the collected fossils are fish, searchers do occasionally uncover a fossilized mammal. The Fossil Butte National Monument Museum recently acquired a fossil from a private collection, first unearthed in the late 1980s. Aase said the original collector damaged the fossilized Hyopsodus wortmani as they were preparing it, resulting in little interest from other collectors. Though it was missing both front forearms, it was still the most complete fossil of its kind, so the museum acquired it. About five years ago, searchers dug up the fossil of a hyaenodontid, a family of carnivorous mammals that evolved and then went extinct. Aase, who is also the museum curator, described the fossil as a small, tree-climbing mammal the size of a squirrel with long fingers and a long tail. Though this is the most complete specimen of a hyaenodontid fossil, so little is known of this still-uncertain species that once fully prepared, the museum may make history in discovering an entirely new species. It is missing its hip and both hind limbs, which fossil hunters overlooked during digging the previous year. As the original fossil owners began preparing it, they realized the animal was lying on its back. So, theyre preparing the lower part of the skull and the belly of the critter, and thats the least interesting part of the vertebra. And one hand is hidden behind the head, Aase said. Aase and his team were at a crossroads. If they tried to chip away the back side of the fossil to reveal the hand, they might damage what was there. Luckily, the museum had a working relationship with Idaho National Laboratory, whose scientists previously used high-resolution X-ray microscopy to produce fossil images. Aase hoped the laboratory could help reveal hidden details of these fossils. The most promising technology had an unlikely partner in this mystery the U.S. Army. The Chemical Materials Activity Recovered Chemical Materiel Directorate provides centralized management and direction to the Department of Defense for safe and environmentally compliant assessment and destruction of recovered chemical warfare materiel. When an item of concern is recovered, RCMD deploys its proven assessment technologies to determine whether the munition contains chemical agent or is explosively configured without opening the item. The first step in this process involves digital radiography and computed tomography, more commonly known as the DRCT. Developed in partnership with Idaho National Laboratory, DRCT uses X-ray technology to vertically scan a recovered munition on a rotating platform, producing a high-quality 2D or 3D digital image of its interior, or cross-section. This determines whether a liquid fill is present, as well as the items explosive potential, without opening the munition, greatly reducing risk to emergency responders and the public. The DRCT could analyze the fossil as it does potential recovered chemical warfare materiel, to reveal its true nature. Aase said a scan of the Hyopsodus wortmani would allow them to see details of the unprepared surface imbedded in the rock, but the purpose of the fossil scan is twofold: to see details of the covered portions; and to determine whether preparation of the specimen should be halted, and instead flipped to prepare it from the other side. How well preserved is the hand tucked below the head? The X-ray microscopy Idaho National Laboratory experts provided was not a suitable candidate for the hyaenodontid fossil. First of all, the sample in the rock was too big, but also because the fossil itself was big, it was too thick for our X-rays to really penetrate through and get good data, said Bill Chuirazzi, a research scientist at the laboratory. Chuirazzi then approached his colleague, Zack Thompson, a physicist whose work supports the DRCT technology the same one the Army uses to assess recovered munitions. A fellow history buff, Kelso Horne, director of the Army Chemical Materials Activity and treaty implementing agent for the Chemical Weapons Convention, said he is excited the Chemical Materials Activity can help the National Park Service while also serving the Army. Usually, the operations and technology we support means looking back in time to understand the conditions and parameters that a munition at an Army range might hold, Horne said. However, when we were presented with an opportunity by our partners at Idaho National Laboratory to use prehistoric data to improve our systems and possibly make history well, that was one we needed to take. Computed tomography systems come in all shapes and sizes, but the system used by CMA RCMD is designed to look through the metal shell of a munition, as well as the thick stainless-steel container in which it is safely stored similar to the fossil in the rock. Thompson added that CMA RCMD granted permission for its DRCT system to be used in the fossil analysis, with the understanding that any technological advances they may achieve would be handed over to the Army in its modernization efforts. Part of what we can do with the data is not just image a fossil for the Park Service to do a solid for them, but also develop a low-projection computed-tomography algorithm that CMA RCMD can use to assess recovered chemical weapons, he said. Once Idaho National Laboratory had the Armys permission, they still needed to devise a way to hold the fossil without damaging it during the painstaking imaging process. Brian Gross, a design engineer at the laboratory, used photos and measurements provided by Aase and 3D printing to create a custom holder for the fossil. Brian designed a 3D-printed holder that fit the unique fossil like a glove, and it plugged right into Zacks system and held this thing in place, Chuirazzi said, though only Aase was permitted to handle the fossil, a testament to its rarity. Thompson said he had to Frankenstein a DRCT system for the fossil imaging, using a modular set-up consisting of a flat panel X-ray detector and mount like the Army uses to assess recovered munitions, and an X-ray generator with a smaller focal spot to theoretically achieve sharper imaging. While the set-up took only about two hours, it was the imaging itself that was far more labor intensive than a standard Army assessment operation. When the Army uses the DRCT system to see inside a recovered munition, operators set up the scan, press a button, and the rotation stage spins, capturing 20 to 30 high-quality X-ray images of the munition and its contents. During the fossil imaging process, Thompson had software programs open on two separate computers one to control the rotation of the fossil by half-degree increments, and the other to capture each image. Zack had to manually click and capture every image. So, when we were taking hundreds of images, it was really two days of me just talking to Zack, so we didnt fall asleep, and him just taking the data, said Chuirazzi. The modular DRCT system Thompson assembled captured 787 2D radiograph images of the Hyopsodus wortmani fossil and 683 images of the smaller hyaenodontid fossils. The next challenge was to figure out how to reconstruct those 2D images into a 3D volume, so Chuirazzi introduced another laboratory colleague to the project. Rahul Reddy Kancharla is a post-doctoral researcher at the laboratory whose doctoratal studies involved limited-angle reconstruction creating detailed imaging from a limited number of X-ray angles. Kancharla is now developing an algorithm to reconstruct 2D fossil images into a 3D volume to validate his codes for the National Park Service. The actual rendering of 3D images is still weeks, possibly months away, but if successful, he will then turn over the codes to Thompson and Chuirazzi for potential Army applications. Aase has high hopes for the technological possibilities that could bring a species of the past into the present not only for visitors to the museum but the paleontological world. If the scanning is good enough quality, we can actually get a 3D cast of this critter and hand it to a kid, Aase said. Although the Recovered Chemical Materiel Directorate does not require 3D images for all recovered munitions to determine their contents, the technology may have applications for Army operations in the future. These research and development partnerships with national laboratories like Idaho National Laboratory ensure CMA RCMD will continue as the Armys leader in the development of safe, proven, non-intrusive technologies to assess and destroy chemical warfare materiel. None of this could have been accomplished without the right subject matters in the right place and our decades-long partnership with Idaho National Laboratory, Horne said. Only through partnership and expertise could we serve our nations priorities and advance paleontological finds, as well as our Army technology. Transparency Market Research As the aging population and number of diseases increase, the demand for syringes in Europe is expected to increase. Wilmington, Delaware, United States, Nov. 17, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Transparency Market Research Inc. - The syringes market was worth US$ 4 billion in Europe in 2021. From 2022 to 2031, it is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.6%. The market for syringes in Europe is estimated to reach US$ 6.9 billion by 2031. COVID-19 has increased global pandemic preparedness. A rapid and effective response to future health crises can be ensured by stockpiling essential medical supplies, such as syringes. Traditional needle-based injections can be replaced with needle-free injection technologies. For delivery of medication with these systems, jet injectors or microneedles are often used. Infections and needlestick injuries can be reduced with the use of smart syringes. Injection processes can be monitored and controlled with electronic components or retractable needles. A growing interest in biodegradable and sustainable materials is being expressed in developing syringes and medical devices. Self-administered injections are made easier with autoinjectors. In treating autoimmune diseases, these devices are often used to deliver specific medications. Personalized drug delivery systems have become increasingly important with advances in precision medicine. Enhanced efficacy and reduction in side effects can be achieved by customizing the dosage of medications and delivery methods to the individual patient's characteristics. Download Sample of the Report: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=84826 Data tracking and monitoring features are being incorporated into some syringe technologies. Patients and healthcare providers can benefit from better medication management by integrating digital health platforms. The use of nanotechnology in drug delivery mechanisms is being explored. In addition to enhancing targeted delivery, nano-sized particles and structures may lead to improved therapeutic outcomes. Story continues 3D printing technology can create more customizable and intricate designs for medical devices, including syringes. Developing solutions tailored to patients can be made easier this way. Key Findings of Market Report Innovation and technology are expected to increase demand for smart syringes in Europe. Rising demand for diagnostics and various laboratories drives demand for syringes in Europe. Increasing concern over disease spread will lead to an increase in demand for disposable syringes. Plastic syringes are expected to expand in demand in the near future. Based on end-user segments like hospitals and clinics will drive syringe demand with a greater number of patients. Global Syringes Market: Growth Drivers COVID-19 and other infectious diseases have caused the demand for syringes to rise. A growing number of vaccine campaigns and routine immunizations are boosting the syringe market. Chronic diseases like diabetes are becoming more prevalent around the world. As a result, syringes have become less common for administering injectable medications, including insulin. Enhanced needlestick safety, easy-to-use designs, and drug-compatible materials can drive syringe technology innovation. As a result of these advancements, drug delivery has become safer and more efficient. Medical devices, including syringes, are in high demand as global healthcare expenditures rise. Investments in healthcare infrastructure are increasing in developing countries, contributing to market growth. Syringe demand is largely driven by an expanding market for biologics and biosimilars. In addition to treating cancer and autoimmune diseases, these products are also used in other conditions. The quality and safety of medical devices, including syringes, is strictly regulated. Industry innovation and quality improvements can be driven by compliance with these regulations. Get Exclusive Discount on Syringes Market at: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=D&rep_id=84826 Global Syringes Market: Regional Landscape Syringes are expected to be the most popular in Europe. Healthcare expenditures in Europe have increased over the past few years. Demand for syringes in the market is expected to increase as investments are made in healthcare infrastructures. Europe's aging population is contributing to an increase in syringe consumption. As the population ages, vaccinations and medications are administered increasingly. Innovation and technological advancements in syringes are in high demand. Both healthcare professionals and patients can benefit from auto-injectors and pre-filled syringes. Global Syringes Market: Key Players Syringes are a consolidated market, with a few major vendors controlling most of the market. Research & development is a top priority for key firms, especially those involved in environmental protection. Mergers & acquisitions and expanding product portfolios are key strategies key players adopt. Baxter International Inc. B. Braun Melsungen AG Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD) Cardinal Health Gerresheimer AG Medtronic plc Nipro Corporation Gerresheimer AG SCHOTT AG ICU Medical Inc. Terumo Corporation Teleflex Incorporated Vitrex Medical A/S (CTI Group Key Developments In October 2023, ClorDiSys Solutions, Inc., headquartered in Branchburg, NJ, hosted its first European conference on Prefilled Syringes and Injection Devices, where chlorine dioxide gas technology was demonstrated. As a result of the health and environmental concerns associated with ethylene oxide gas, Pure CDTM has now been introduced into Europe. In November 2023, Alvotech, the world's largest biotech company that develops and manufactures biosimilars, The JAMP Pharma Group ("JAMP Pharma"), announced that Health Canada granted AVT04 marketing authorization as an Alvotech biosimilar. There will be a marketing campaign for AVT04, marketed under the name JamtekiTMThere will be a marketing campaign for AVT04, marketed under the name JamtekiTM. Global Syringes Market: Segmentation Product Type General Purpose Syringe Specialized Syringes Insulin Others Smart Syringes Application Therapeutics Diagnostics Immunization Others Usage Disposable Conventional Syringe Safety Syringes Reusable Material Plastic PP LDPE HDPE Others Glass End-user Hospitals & Clinics Independent Diagnostic Laboratories Blood Banks Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology Companies Veterinary Facilities Others Countries Germany United Kingdom France Spain Italy Russia & CIS Buy this Premium Research Report @ https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/checkout.php?rep_id=84826